In his address to the National Rifle Association Friday, President Donald Trump did not mention schools or school shootings.

This may come as a surprise to some because Trump, the first sitting president to address the gun-rights group since Ronald Reagan, previously made a campaign pledge to end gun-free school zones on day one.

Approaching the 100th day of his presidency, that pledge remains unfulfilled. And, should Trump decide to carry out his promise, it would require cooperation from Congress to change existing laws on guns in schools.

You know what a gun-free zone is for a sicko? Thats bait, Trump told a Vermont campaign crowd last year , the same day President Barack Obama was speaking at a town hall event on gun violence.

My colleague Andrew Ujifusa wrote at the time:

Trump, who is leading national polls for the GOP presidential nomination, said that he would get rid of gun-free zones for schools on his first day as president. But he can't do that on his own. The federal Gun-Free School Zones Act was signed into law by former President George H.W. Bush in 1990 after being introduced by former Sen. Joe Biden, a Democrat, who is now the vice president. The key provision of the law is that it prohibits an individual from knowingly possessing and discharging a firearm on school grounds or within 1,000 feet of school grounds, with certain exceptions. As a law signed by a president after being passed by Congress, the Gun-Free School Zones Act cannot be undone by executive order."

During her contentious confirmation hearings, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos became a target for late-night comedians and internet commentary when she was asked by Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat, if guns have any place in schools. DeVos said that decision is best be left to state and local decisionmakers.

DeVos referred to a school in rural Wyoming that had been mentioned earlier in the hearing. Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., had noted this school had a special fence to protect it from grizzly bears.

I think there I would imagine that theres a gun in the school to protect from potential grizzlies, she said.

In response to a separate question from Murphy, she said she would support Trump if he moved forward with his push to end gun-free zones.

Loosening restrictions on concealed carry in schools at the state and federal levels has been a recent focus of the NRA. And Trumps and DeVos remarks stirred concern among educators who oppose such actions. As I wrote recently, educators have organized since Trumps election to speak against state bills that would allow for armed teachers and school staff or remove restrictions on concealed carry in schools and on college campuses. Heres an Education Week video from one of those educators, a Montana principal who survived a school shooting.

Photo: Drug and gun-free school zone signs in Phoenix, Ariz. --Matt York/AP-File

Related reading on guns in schools and school shootings:

Follow @evieblad on Twitter or subscribe to Rules for Engagement to get blog posts delivered directly to your inbox.
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, one of America's best-known and most provocative pundits on the political right, said on Wednesday that she no longer intended to defy university officials by addressing UC Berkeley students on campus this week.

Coulter left open the possibility of paying a visit to her supporters at the school, long a bastion of liberal student activism and a center of the Free Speech Movement protests of the 1960s.

Campus police Captain Alex Yao said his department would maintain "a highly visible presence," pointing to continued threats of violent protests bysupporters and opponents. Berkeley city police also issued a notice that local law enforcement was on alert for any protests that turned unruly.

"Berkeley police and allied agencies are working cooperatively to ensure the safety of attendees while arresting those who commit violence or other crimes," the notice said.

As of noon, a peaceful crowd of roughly 100 people, some carrying American flags, some wearing helmets, had congregated in downtown Berkeley at a public square ahead of demonstrations expected later in the day. About a dozen police officers stood nearby, batons and helmets dangling from their belts.

So far, the demonstrations appear peaceful, though two people were reportedly placed under arrest. Calls for dispersing the crowd came around 3:30 p.m., due to a nearby high school ending their class.

"We're here for peace," said David Fry, a resident of Tacoma, Washington, and head of the American Freedom Motorcycle Association. "I expect free speech to happen."

Campus and local authorities said they were taking the potential for lawlessness seriously following several episodes of politically fueled disturbances.

In February, protesters opposed to an appearance by Milo Yiopoulos, then a senior editor for the conservative Breitbart News website, set fires, broke windows and clashed with police on campus, prompting cancellation of his speech.

And in March and again in April, opposing groups from the far-right and far-left skirmished violently near campus.

UC Berkeley Chancellor Nicholas Dirks cited all three incidents in explaining why the school balked at's original plans to speak on campus on Thursday.

University officials said organizers erred by invitingwithout notifying campus officials in advance, as is required of all student groups, and by failing to submit to a "security assessment" to determine a suitable venue for the event. UC Berkeley officials denied thatwas unwelcome because of her politics.

After initially barring aspeech for Thursday, university officials proposed moving the event to next Tuesday.said she could not make it then and accused the school of trying to limit her audience by choosing a date that fell in a study week ahead of final exams.

then insisted she would go through with her speech on Thursday, despite university objections. But she changed her mind after student organizers withdrew their invitation, though they vowed to press ahead with a lawsuit filed on Tuesday accusing UC Berkeley of suppressing freedom of speech.
The call was made by Professor Stephen Adei, the Dean of Arts and Sciences at Ashesi University College at a conference organised by alumni of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

The conference in Ho is under the theme; Re-engineering funding of tertiary education in Ghana; The role of the Alumni.

"He said the IGFs have become the backbone for many universities and 'government must be interested in what the IGF is used for and [does not need to take it away] from the universities'", the Ghana News Agency reports.

Prof. Stephen Adei holds a PhD (International Economics, University of Sydney), MSc (Strathclyde), B.Sc. (Legon), Bachelor of Divinity (London), Masters in Theology (UNISA), and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (FCIMG).
The president threw the challenge to the university's administrators in a speech read on his behalf by the Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed.

The centre's role would include conflict management training and the detection of early warning signs to prevent acts of violence.

Established in 1992, the University of Development Studies is the major centre for learning in northern Ghana, with satellites campuses in Ghana's three northernmost regions.

Parts of northern Ghana, including major towns such as Bawku, Bimbilla and Yendi, continue to experience sporadic violence leading to the loss of many lives and property and the stalling of development in that part of the country.
The judge, Hassan Ishaq, who gave the ruling, also granted the accused a surety in like sum, who must have a means of livelihood.

In addition, he said the surety should deposit his/her drivers licence or national identity card with the courts registrar.

Ayuba, a welder, who lives in Karu in the FCT, is facing a theft charge.

He pleaded not guilty.

Earlier, Police Prosecutor Mamud Ismail told the court that the complainant, Olatundun Kazzeem reported the incident at Karu Police Station on April 26.

He said the complainant had parked his vehicle opposite his office at Karu, and forgot his Blackberry phone in the vehicle.

In the afternoon when he complainant remembered and went to pick the phone, he discovered that it had been stolen.

It was discovered through the office CCTV footage that the accused opened the vehicle with another key and stole the phone.

The offence contravened Section 79 of the Penal Code, Laws of the Federation.
She also bemoaned Ghanas legal regime as doing little to combat the number one enemy in the movie industry.

Mrs Andani was speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during the official media launch of the 2017 GMAA Annual Movie Awards held at Accra on Tuesday.

Piracy is everywhere, even in advanced countries where security software applications are available to fight. It is something every country is fighting against, she said.

Film associations in Ghana have remained committed to directing efforts to reduce piracy in the country but they need the support from the legal system to propel the move, she added.
Gambia's new leader was in Ghana to hold bilateral talks with President Akufo-Addo.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral and economic relations between their respective countries for the mutual benefit of their citizens.

Ghana's former Foreign Minister Hannah Tettheh noticed the diplomatic gaffe and flagged it on Twitter.

She tweeted: "Protocol must have been distracted. I hope next time our flag is turned right."

Mr Barrow won the last elections in The Gambia, beating Yahya Jammeh who had ruled the country for 22 years.
In a suit, the government said: the Chief Executive Officer, Director, (Executive), Managing Director of Engineers & Planners Company Limited, did fail to pay to the Trust, Social Security Contribution to wit : GHC 668,754. 75.

According to the suit, between the period of February 2015 to July 2015, June to August 2016, and October 2016, Ibrahim Mahama, brother of former president Mahama, failed to pay the SSNIT contributions of his workers.

It said: as required by the law, the National Pensions Act of 2008, Act 766, the employer is expected to pay social security on behalf of the employees at the end of every month but inspections conducted by officers of the Trust into the pay books of the accused persons establishment revealed that between the period of February 2015 to July 2015, June 2016, to August 2016, and October 2016, revealed an unpaid Social Security Contributions of GHC 668,754.75.

In addition, the suit noted that the amount attracted a penalty of GHC 387,709.31, bringing the total indebtedness of the accused to GHC 1,056,464.06 contrary to section 83(1) (d) of the National Pensions Act, 2008 (Acts 766) as amended by section 7 of the National Pensions (Amenment) Act 2014, (Act 883)."

In 2014, The 2004 presidential candidate of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP) and owner of Gocrest Security Company, George Aggudey, was handed three months jail sentence by an Accra Circuit Court.

He was sentenced over the non-payment of his workers' Social Security and National Insurance Trust contributions, amounting to over GH2.6 million.
They are accused of capitalising on their diplomatic passport to commit illegal immigration actions by helping relatives and associate overstay in the UK.

Consequently, a 10-year travel ban to the UK has been slapped on them.

But lawyers for the embattled former MP have signed a letter to the UK High Commission denying he travelled on a diplomatic passport.

In respect of the period in question, my client travelled to the UK with a normal Ghanaian passport with passport number H1050729, and not a diplomatic passport. My client was granted two years UK visa from 14/9/12 to 14/9/14 with visa number 011164422," the letter said.

Mr George is accused of helping his daughter overstay in the UK by the High Commission.

But according to his lawyers, The purpose of the visit to the UK by the client and his 37-year-old daughter was a private one. My client returned as scheduled. His daughter, who is an adult failed to return as scheduled. My client cannot in any way be blamed because his adult daughter overstayed her Entry Permit into the UK.




Please post & distribute.

April 28, 2017. South American nations dont trust the US. US forces inside Venezuela promote foreign intervention and overthrow of governments. The Organization of American States (OAS), facilitates control of Latin America and the Caribbean. So Canada acts on behalf of the US to interfere in Venezuelas sovereign will and refusal to come under imperial dictates. Canada acts on behalf of the financial oligarchs in Canada, US and all of the Americas.

The OAS is run out of Washington DC. Canada requested the special meeting with OAS, which has 34 members, to force a regime change in Venezuelas in the name of democracy and human rights.





The Bolivia Ambassador, Chair of this session, denounced the attempted coup for not consulting or providing an agenda. It failed.

Canada Ambassador Jennifer Lotem then organized an internal institutional coup, by disempowering the Chair, Vice chairs and setting aside OAS rules and procedures.

The designated Coup Chair declared the resolution was adopted by consensus, though most members were not there. The US threatened Venezuela to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbours, on the basis of fraudulent accusations.

On April 6, The Trudeau government called an emergency briefing to immediately force the regime to step down, without giving Venezuela any notice or a voice.





US imperialists and oligarchs, constantly attack the Bolivarian revolution achievements. They are being deprived of power by Venezuela.

On April 19 over a million marched in Caracas and elsewhere to defend the countrys sovereignty and Bolivarian revolution against foreign international violence and destabilization. Spanish colonial rule was overthrown 207 years ago.

President Trump supports the coup, is fearful of their economic improvements, concerned about the failure of the US backed overthrow and about acknowledgement of indigenous land and resource rights.

The US goal is to destabilize and control all of Central and South America and the Caribbean. OAS members are intimidated into backing the attempted coup through political interference, trickery, blackmail and economic and military threats.





OAS is falling apart. Venezuelans opposed US attempts to take over their country.

The people support institutional revolution. The Trudeau government defends Canadian corporations that brutally violate human rights to steal indigenous land and resources. This is the corporations band and tribal system that has been oppressing us for 500 years. Today millions of children go to bed hungry in US and Canada. Se-wa-ri-hoh-kten!

Mikal Ico sings a song of courage:





Mohawk Nation News kahentinetha2@yahoo.com for more news, to donate and sign up for MNN newsletters, go to mohawknationnews.com More stories at MNN Archives. Address: Box 991, Kahnawake [Quebec, Canada] J0L 1B0 or original Mohawk music visit https://soundcloud.com/thahoketoteh

http://bsnorrell.blogspot.ca/2017/04/zapatistas-moises-capitalist-world-is.html CAPITALIST MOISES IS A WALLED PLANTATION Censored News-Zapatistas

































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He told the Tertiary Education Institution Network (TEIN) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that leaders often preach anti-corruption and integrity but turn around to do the worse when elected into office.

He said: Our Country has serious issues to do with leadership and I mean leadership at all levels which needs to be tackled and very quickly. Bad leaders have misled the people to become corrupt in every sphere of national life.

Leaders have preached anti-corruption and integrity at every turn but some have turned round and done all manner of things to the very high moral ground they seek to uphold.

Poor leadership and widespread poverty is beginning to erode moral and social values in our society.

Smith, who contested the Abuakwa North Constituency in the last election, decried the effect of corruption on the poor and the socioeconomic growth of Ghana.

Corruption is bad for our socioeconomic growth, corruption is denying the majority of the people real progress. People are being robbed of the life they might have had, he said, adding that: Corruption is denying people justice from law enforcement officials. Corruption is hurting the poorest most but in the end it is a great threat to the national interest of the country.

Victor Smith is among the 17 people rumoured to be interested in contesting for the flagbearership race of the NDC.

The former diplomat gave thumps up to president Nana Akufo Addos pledge to establish the office of independent prosecutor.
The nominee, Alhaji Alidu Seidu, failed to secure two-thirds of the vote cast.

He had seven of the 15 Assembly Members voting for him while eight voted against him.

The vote also meant that he fell short of getting 50 percent of the vote cast to trigger a second round of voting.

The president would have to re-nominate him for another voting to take place or nominate a new person for the position.

The rejection of the Mr Seidu follows a nationwide resistance to some of the president's nominee for MMDCEs.
READ MORE: NPP youth demonstrate over DCE nominee

He told Accra-based Class FM: "The people who think that I, Daniel Bugri Naabu, will take money to recommend to the President of the Republic of Ghana to appoint a DCE, I pity them They are cockroaches, human beings will not think like that."

Boasting, Mr Nabu said he was able to reject a bribe of GHC300,000 cash and cars offered by former President John Mahama to churn out false allegations against then candidate Nana Akufo-Addo, wondering why he would accept a meagre GHC100,000 from a woman who works as an accountant at the Yendi Government Hospital.

Mrs Seidu's appointment has sparked agitation in the district. The agitators say she is not a native of the town.

On Wednesday when she was appointed, they vandalised properties at the partys office and burnt lorry tyres to register their displeaure.

According to Mr Nabu, he did not influence the president to appoint Hajia Ayishetu Seidu as the MCE of Savelugu.

He noted that his duty was to submit the names of persons who were interested in the position to the president for consideration.

My duty is to file names and submit to the president and the president is the only person who can appoint. I have no power, he added.
Reading through Jon Benjamins letter however, one cannot help but notice a rather regrettable colonial mindset, he said.

He added: Quite clearly, to Mr. Jon Benjamin, issuing visas to Ghanaian MPs is such a great favour and a reward for good group behaviour. Therefore, because three sitting MPs may have misconducted themselves, all 275 MPs must now face the Head Masters (if not the colonial Governors) wrath and sanctions. Such utter disrespect for our Parliament and our country regardless is most unacceptable.

He further accused Mr Benjamin of overstepping his "boundaries" by lecturing "Our Speaker, our President through his Secretary, our Chief of Staff and our Foreign Minister on how diplomatic passports ought to be used and retrieved."

Ablakwa made the statement after the UK High Commissioner Jon Benjamin wrote a letter to the Speaker of Parliament citing three sitting members of parliament and a former member of parliament in an alleged visa fraud using their diplomatic passports.

According to the commission, the MPs used an unauthorised person (a goro boy) and their diplomatic passports to apply for visas for some individuals who travelled to the United Kingdom and did not return as stipulated by their visas.

READ MORE:UK blacklists 3 serving lawmakers over visa fraud
"We're moving awfully well. We're getting a lot of things done," Trump said Friday. "We are, I don't think there's ever been anything like this. It's a false standard, 100 days, but I have to tell you, I don't think anybody has done what we've been able to do in 100 days, so we're very happy."

Political scientist David Jones agrees with that sentiment.

"It's not fair to judge presidents by their first 100 days," Jones told Business Insider. "It's both been a media narrative, and candidates themselves have fed into that, talking about what they're going to do during that first 100 days."

But many of his critics insist that he came up short based on his own campaign promises in a wild 100 days that featured the resignation of his national security adviser, the failure of a major push to overhaul America's healthcare system, and an aggressive foreign policy that featured a missile strike on Syrian government targets.

Trump set out an ambitious agenda for his first 100 days  The Associated Press identified 38 specific promises Trump made in his 100-day "contract" with voters, only 10 of which he fulfilled.

Trump's accomplishments mostly came through executive orders rather than legislation, the AP noted. Though Trump had identified legislation he'd fight to pass in his first 100 days, none of it has come to pass.

Here's the AP's overview of all of Trump's 100-day promises and which he's followed through on:

Energy and the environment

Lift President Barack Obama's roadblocks on the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines.

Done. Keystone XL is revived and construction of the Dakota Access is completed.

Lift restrictions on mining coal and drilling for oil and natural gas.

Done. has unraveled a number of Obama-era restrictions and initiated a review of the Clean Power Plan, which aimed to restrict greenhouse gas emissions at coal-fired power plants.

Cancel payments to UN climate change programs and pull out of the Paris climate accord.

Nope. has yet to make a decision on Paris. His aides are torn.

Economy and trade

Pass a tax overhaul witha plan that would reduce rates dramatically both for corporations and the middle class.

Nowhere close. has scrapped the tax plan he campaigned on, and his administration's new package is in its early stages, not only missing the first but likely to miss a new August deadline set by Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin. Some details may emerge this week.

Designate China a currency manipulator, setting the stage for possible trade penalties.

Abandoned. says he doesn't want to punish China when it is cooperating in a response to North Korean provocations. He also says China has stopped manipulating its currency for unfair trade advantage. But China was moving away from that behavior well before he took office. Also set aside: repeated vows to slap high tariffs on Chinese imports.

Announce his intention to renegotiate or withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Backtracked, in essence. A draft of his administration's plan for NAFTA proposes only a mild rewrite. But in his AP interview, he threatened anew to terminate the deal if his goals are not met in a renegotiation.

Direct his commerce secretary and trade representative to identify all foreign trading abuses that unfairly hurt American workers.

Done. has initiated plenty of studies over the past .

Slap a 35 percent tariff on goods from companies that ship production abroad. Force companies like Apple and Nabisco to make their products in the US.

Nope.

Embark on a massive $1 trillion effort to rebuild the country's infrastructure, including airports, roads and bridges.

Not yet.

Security, defense, and immigration

Immediately suspend the Syrian refugee program.

tried, but the first version of his travel ban was blocked by the courts. A revised version dropped references to Syrian refugees entirely. That was blocked, too. And he has yet to mention another campaign pledge: to deport Syrian refugees already settled in the US.

Inform his generals they have 30 days to submit a new plan for defeating the Islamic State terrorist group.

did indeed order up a plan. It's unclear what it is since it has yet to be made public.

Suspend immigration from "terror-prone regions" where he says vetting is too difficult.

effort to bar immigration temporarily from some Muslim-majority countries has been stymied by courts.

Implement "extreme" immigration vetting techniques.

In progress. The Homeland Security Department is considering a number of measures, like asking for visitors' phone contacts and social media passwords.

Build an "impenetrable physical wall" along the length of the southern border, and make Mexico pay for it.

The government has been soliciting bids and test sections could be built as soon as this summer. Mexico is not paying for this work.

End federal funding to "sanctuary cities"  places where local officials are considered by Washington to be insufficiently cooperative in arresting or detaining people in the country illegally.

The Justice Department has threatened to do so, but there are legal limits.

Immediately deport the estimated 2 million "criminal aliens" living in the country, including gang members, in joint operations with local, state, and federal law enforcement.

Deportations have not increased. Arrests of people in the US illegally are up and illegal border crossings are significantly down.

Cancel visas for foreign countries that won't take back criminals deported by the US.

There's been no discussion of this yet.

"Immediately terminate President Obama's two illegal executive amnesties," one of which allows young people brought into the country as children to stay and work.

has made no effort to end the program, even though it would take a single phone call. In fact, he told AP these young people can "rest easy" and not fear deportation.

Government and the swamp

Ask agency and department heads to identify job-killing regulations for elimination.

Done.

Propose a constitutional amendment to impose term limits on all members of Congress.

Nope.

"Drain the swamp."

On his pledge to curb the power of special interests, has so far used an executive order to prohibit political appointees from lobbying the government for five years after serving in his administration and to ban outgoing officials from representing foreign governments. But he's discontinuing the Obama-era practice of releasing White House visitor logs, restoring a shroud over what special interests are getting in his gates. He's also issued at least one waiver to his lobbying ban, allowing a White House budget adviser to go advocate for a business trade group

Impose a hiring freeze on federal employees, excluding military and public safety staffers.

This was one of first actions. But the freeze has since been lifted.

Require that two regulations be eliminated for each new one imposed.

signed an order requiring agencies to identify two existing regulations for every new one imposed  though there is nothing in the order that requires the two to be eliminated.

Foreign affairs

End the strategy of nation-building and regime change.

foreign policy posture is still in its early stages, though he has already intervened in Syria and has escalated rhetoric against North Korea.

Move the US Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

The administration says it is studying the issue.

Negotiate the release of all US prisoners held in Iran, even before taking office. Renegotiate or leave the Iran nuclear deal.

No prisoners have been released. The administration is studying the nuclear deal and told AP "it's possible" the US will withdraw.

Create a safe zone in Syria for refugees, paid for by the Gulf states.

Not yet.

Healthcare, courts, and guns

"My first day in office, I'm going to ask Congress to put a bill on my desk getting rid of this disastrous law and replacing it with reforms that expand choice, freedom, affordability. You're going to have such great health care at a tiny fraction of the cost."

The bill to replace "Obamacare" was pulled from Congress because it lacked enough support. He will try again with a revised plan.

Begin selecting a new Supreme Court judge to fill the court's vacancy.

Done. nominated Neil Gorsuch and the Senate approved him.

Eliminate gun-free zones in schools and on military bases.
But what is it like for the more than 10,000 people who actually work at the company, which Microsoft bought for $26 billion in 2016?

Last summer, we decided to find out by visiting LinkedIn's Manhattan office, which is located in the iconic Empire State Building in the heart of New York City.

Here's what we saw and learned:

When we arrived at the office on a rainy Friday morning in October, we took one of the building's famous Art Deco elevators up to the 25th floor. Though LinkedIn is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, the company has 30 offices around the world. In total, 700 employees work in their Empire State Building location.

We waited for our tour guides in LinkedIn's colorful reception area, which has books and a coffee station for employees and visitors.

The company first moved into the Empire State Building in 2011. It's since taken over five and a half floors  22, 23, half of 24, 25, 26 and 28  of the building. Design firm IA Interior Architects worked on the 24th, 26th, and 28th floors.

A few minutes after arriving, we were greeted by corporate communications manager Lindsay Kniffin, workplace manager Katie Campofelice, and learning and employee experience manager Nawal Fakhoury.

One of our first stops was the office movie theater, where employees can watch films or battle it out in FIFA competitions.

Walking out of the theater, we passed by a high-tech vending machine. Employees can access all sorts of work-related gadgets  like keyboards and chargers  with their LinkedIn employee badge.

Next we headed to the kitchen. LinkedIn employees enjoy free, catered breakfasts and lunches every day. The company also offers spontaneous treats, like pop-up poke bars and cookie decorating stations.

We visited LinkedIn on a what they call an "InDay"  a monthly event that offers LinkedIn employees the chance to participate in different activities and team-building exercises. Here, a group of workers are enjoying an intense game of "Lost Cities."

"Our InDays really allow employees to pause, step away from their desks, and engage with LinkedIn life," Fakhoury says.

For the event, LinkedIn brought in a HTC Vive headset and employees got to play Tilt Brush, a game which allows users to paint in a 3D space.

Throughout the tour, we encountered some other cool perks  like a pool table, foosball tables, and a karaoke machine. Apparently, karaoke battles between LinkedIn offices  fought out over video chats  can get pretty competitive. "What we really want to do is get people together from different departments and different teams to form relationships," Campofelice says. "We're really creating a more collaborative environment."

Next, we visited the 28th floor. The elevator doors opened to a bright blue, almost futuristic central lobby. It was one of the most striking locations of all. "We wanted people to feel like they're arriving at a destination," Campofelice says.

After passing through the blue hall, we entered a reception area with a wall displaying LinkedIn's principles. "From the moment you step into this space, our values are on the wall," Campofelice told Business Insider.

When it comes to conference room names, each floor has a different theme, including New York City street names and former SNL cast members.

The main office space features an open layout. LinkedIn's workspace is malleable, featuring panels that employees can slide and adjust.

Employees frequently move around between their desks and favorite spots around the office ...

... like this one ...

... and this one.

This lounge area is one particular hot spot. We were surprised to find a fireplace here. It burns gas, so there's no smoke to worry about.

If you really want a quiet space, you can come to the office's library. The shelves are filled with books that employees brought from home.

As we left the library, we came across this colorful mural  one of many we encountered throughout our tour.

Other fun art we spotted: the wall of pets. Employees aren't permitted to bring animals to work due to the building's policy. As a result, the workplace team at LinkedIn's Manhattan office established a pet wall, featuring photos of workers' furry friends.

We also visited a "flashback" wall. Keeping with LinkedIn's focus on careers, employees submitted their baby photos, along with blurbs about what they wanted to be when they grew up.

One of the most intriguing spots in the office was this mysterious wall, which is decorated with 133 rotary phones. Picking up and hanging up the correct phone will give you access to the room behind the wall  but only LinkedIn employees know which one.

Inside, there's a speakeasy. It's a popular spot for get togethers like baby showers and surprise birthday parties. Here, LinkedIn also hosts "Beers for My Peers" every Thursday night. The program encourages everyone in the office to swing by the speakeasy, where new hires act as bartenders. "What we'll do to really officially bring them into LinkedIn's culture  and, of course, give them 200 new friends in under 60 minutes  is we'll actually have them be the ones serving the beer and wine. That way they can meet new people, build new relationships, and get introduced to LinkedIn's awesome culture," Fakhoury told Business Insider.

One interesting design feature: the office has a ribbon of blue millwork that runs throughout the 28th floor, connecting various amenity zones. According to our tour guide, this reflects the office's focus on connectivity.

One of our very last stops was the gym. Employees don't have to leave the building to exercise. The office gym offers boot camp, barre, yoga, and group fitness classes. According to Kniffin, the perks are all about rewarding hard work and providing employees with a comfortable environment.

We concluded our tour back on the 25th floor, where we recapped what we saw with the tour guides. "We really believe that a workplace is the physical embodiment of a culture," Campofelice told Business Insider.

Can't get enough of the Manhattan LinkedIn office? Check out Business Insider's Facebook Live tour of the space as well.
Per the filing (emphasis ours), Google's parent company has been leasing space to a new entity that's tied to Sergey Brin, the Google cofounder who is now the President of Alphabet:

"In December 2015, we entered into an agreement to license a portion of our hangar space at the Airfield to LTA Research & Exploration LLC (LTA), which is owned by an entity affiliated with Sergey Brin. From the beginning of 2016 through April 19, 2017, we charged LTA approximately $131,000. "

Bloomberg broke the news earlier this week that Brin had been working on a blimp project at Moffett Field. "LTA" is a common acronym for "Lighter Than Air", a type of aircraft filled with gas that floats rather than flies.

The company's CEO, identified by Bloomberg as Alan Weston, had originally posted his title as "CEO at ltare" on LinkedIn before deleting his post. "Ltare" is likely an acronym for LTA Research and Exploration. A quick LinkedIn search also reveals a smattering of aerospace engineers and interns that say they work for LTA Research & Exploration. California business registration records show the company was first incorporated in December 2014.
The accused, Aladeito Okuwatosin, 18; Coker Moses, 20; Ajimuda Samuel, 28; Segun Ogunlana, 18; Olalekan Olajide, 28, and Joshua Abraham, 19, reside at Oworonshoki, Lagos.

They are standing trial on a four-count charge of conspiracy, assault, membership of an unlawful society and armed robbery.

The Prosecutor, Cpl. Ibijoke Akinpelu, told court that the accused committed the offences on April 15 at about 10.30 p.m. at Agbara Jesu Street, Oworonshoki.

Akinpelu said that the accused, who were suspected to be members of an unlawful society, robbed two persons, Ugochuchwu Mesiko and Adefisayo Tosin of their phones and cash, valued at N120, 000.

She said that the accused assaulted Mesiko with a machete, causing him grievous body harm.

According to Akinpelu, the offences contravene Sections 41, 243, 297 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, Mrs A .F. Adeeyo, granted each of the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with one surety each in like sum.
During Friday nights show, Mohammed was asked: Which country makes the best Jollof rice.

One can only imagine the shock Nigerians received when he responded with Ill have to say Senegal.

Quest jumped in on the shocking response, taken unawares himself, he asked, "Senegal?! I hear a shock across the country, I hear a sigh across the country. Minister, thank you very much, he added.

However, in a series of tweets, Quest has said that Mohammed misheard the question that was asked.

He tweeted, He thought I asked, who first created jollof rice  hence his (correct) answer Senegal."

Prior to his tweet, Twitter NG had a field day dragging and is still dragging the minister for his statement.
News / National

by Simbarashe Sithole

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One person reportedly died this morning when a vehicle, Toyota Noel, they were travelling in was involved in an accident along Guruve-Mudhindo highway near Chifamba high school in Mashonaland Central.According to eyewitnesses who spoke to Bulawayo24.com, the white Toyota Noel had 10 passengers on board.The driver has been identified as Kamhunga.Details about the accident are still sketchy.More to follow...Eyewitnesses can update Bulawayo24.com via email or WhatsApp.editor@bulawayo24.com+447496478384
Ambode made the call while declaring open the 2017 Biennial Convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Lagos.

He commended the NGE for its contributions to the growth of journalism in the nation and its choice of Lagos, the hub of journalism for the event, especially as the state turns 50.

My request and message to you today is to embrace partnership as an option for the growth and development of the country.

We may serve in different arms of the society, but we all share a common goal which is to make our country better.

One of the major responsibilities of the Media is to advance the cause of good governance.

 Whilst free media is at the heart of true democracy, our focus should be how the Media can more effectively support this agenda," he said.

Ambode tasked the media to lend the needed support in bringing government`s noble efforts to public consciousness.

With your vital partnership, we are hopeful that other governments can borrow a leaf from the Lagos Model and replicate same in their respective domains, to promote good governance to the greater benefit of humanity, he said.

The governor said that government was conscious of the fact that it had a duty to guarantee every Lagosian maximum benefits of democracy dividends.

This requires innovativeness, selflessness, diligence and prudent management of available human and material resources which we have deployed, in order to improve the well-being of our people, he said.

He also said that government would continue to initiate and execute programmes aimed at making the state the investment haven and tourism destination of Africa.

He commended the NGE for its efforts in stimulating awareness and addressing issues relevant to the growth and development of journalism and the nation.He said explained that a Ministry of Wealth Creation was set up to create policies aimed at addressing unemployment through the state entrepreneurship Trust Fund.
There are speculations that the President is very sick and therefore, cannot run the affairs of a nation as complex as Nigeria.

Another school of thought alleges that the so called cabal are taking advantage of Buhari's illness to solidify the North's hold on power.

Prof. Wole Soyinka recently called on Buhari to tell Nigerians the true state of his health, describing the President as a public property.

Speaking on the issue, Reno Omokri the former new media aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, in Vanguard, described Buhari as a ghost President.

Omokri said "For the better part of this week, Nigeria has been having much to do about the royal snub from the Oba of Lagos to the Ooni of Ife. Such outrage, such consternation against Oba Rilwan Akiolu. The venom vented on him on social media and in real life were as though he had committed some unpardonable sin.

"We are angry with an Oba who refused to shake an Ooni, but not at a President who refused to shake his own female ministers on religious grounds but did not remember religion when he shook hands with the Queen of England, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and Iara Oshiomhole.

You can see that hypocrisy, rather than corruption is the main problem of Nigeria. A nation that sympathizes with a stars husband for attempted suicide and charges a destitute woman with attempted suicide.

No wonder our Presidential Villa had been turned to a retirement home! Strewth! As a people, we are easily distracted, easily carried away. We are excitable, with hyperactive nerves, quick to run away after fancies while the issues that are at the heart of our survival as a people are left untreated.

While we were tearing our hair over what might just have been an oversight on the part of the Oba of Lagos, the minister of Information, the eponymously named Lai Mohammed, announced to a distracted nation that President Muhammadu Buhari, who had just missed his third Executive Council of the Federation meeting, would be working from home!

This is the same Lai Mohammed who in December 21, 2009 called for his predecessor, the late Professor Dora Akinyuli, to give daily updates on President Yaraduas health. Speaking as the Publicity Secretary for the now defunct Action Congress, Lai said: It is clear to discerning Nigerians that those pretending to speak authoritatively on the Presidents health are deceiving the public, since they are neither well informed on the issue nor competent to speak on it. Therefore, a daily briefing by the Minister of Information, based on authentic details provided by the Presidents doctors, should start forthwith. As we have said many times, the health of the President, as a public figure can no longer be of interest only to his family and friends. Nigerians have a right to know.

This is the same Lai who told us in January that the President was in perfect good health. Now we know that his health is so good that he has to work from home! And to add insult to injury, just two days before Lai told us that the President would now work from home, Chief John Odigie Oyegun was hugging the headlines calling for a second term for the stay-at-home President! Really!

We only see the man every Friday, yet instead of praying for his recovery Oyegun is scheming for his second term! That is how they deceived Abacha and Yaradua to cling onto power instead of tending to their health.

What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his soul? This is a man that we only see on Friday at Mosque. The man has more or less become a ghost President!

A ghost President, with ghost achievements fighting ghost workers with an EFCC that goes after ghost monies in apartments owned by ghosts. This is what President Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling All Progressive Congress have reduced Nigeria to!

It is hypocritical for a government that fights ghost workers to have a ghost President. If the President is sick let him hand over to the more than able Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo! If you think it is harsh to ask the President to hand over to Osinbajo then ask him if he did not give the same advice to Yaradua in 2010!

Precisely on March 10, 2010, President Muhammadu Buhari called for the impeachment of Yaradua because his health condition prevented him from performing his duties. For three weeks our President has not attended council meeting.

For three weeks the only time we see him is at Mosque. Would he have tolerated this from Yaradua? From President Muhammadu Buharis residence in Aso Rock to his office takes a five minute walk.

I have walked that route myself. I know what I am taking about. I have been in his official residence and I have been in his office. His office and his residence are connected by a corridor.

If he cannot make it to the office despite the close proximity between his office and his residence, it suggests he may need something more than resting at home. Remember what Obasanjo said on January 20, 2010, If you take up an assignment, a job-elected, appointed whatever it is, and then your health starts to fail and you will not be able to deliver to satisfy yourself and to satisfy the people you are supposed to serve, then there is a path of honour and the path of morality. There is path of honour and the path of morality.

At 93, President Robert Mugabe does not work from home. Even Pope Benedict XVI, whose home was his office, resigned in 2013 when his health could not handle the demands of the papacy. It is not about age. It is about capacity.

President Muhammadu Buhari said the same thing about Yaradua. What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. Again, President Buhari, if you cant cope, temporarily hand over to Osinbajo! It does not have to be permanent. Go and take care of yourself.

Aso Rock is a Presidential Villa not a retirement home! What moral justification does the Head of Service or any authority have to query any civil servant for absenteeism going by this recent development?

I urge any civil servant who is being queried or has been sacked for absenteeism to sue the Federal Government. If President Muhammadu Buhari can work from home and still collect full salary, why cant other federal workers?

If the man with the most vital job can do his job from home, why cant civil servants with less vital duties follow suit? And you can imagine that only this week, the State House correspondent of the Punch Newspapers was banished from Aso Rock Presidential Villa by President Muhammadu Buharis Chief Security Officer because of a story on the Presidents health.

Now we know what the fuss was all about! And the excuse given by the Presidency that they were unaware of the CSOs action only raises more questions than it answers. The worst thing the Nigerian Presidency could do in the case of the The Punch Newspapers reporter that was expelled from Aso Rock Villa by President Muhammadu Buharis Chief Security Officer is to admit that they were not informed before the actions.

If the Presidency was not informed about this action done in the Presidencys name then it begs the question, who is ruling Nigeria? Who is exercising the executive powers of the President? Is the tail now wagging the dog? Is this a deja vu of the Yaradua situation?

No wonder Babachir asked who is the Presidency. We did not know what he meant! From the way things now stand, I just have to ask that between Nnamdi Kanu and President Muhammadu Buhari, who is actually in prison and who is actually free?

At least we see Kanu in court. How often do we see Buhari? Nnamdi Kanu speaks with authority, can we say the same of an unrepentant blamer who blames everyone but himself for the misfortune of his administration?

Nnamdi Kanu has no NTA or a Liar Mohammed yet his words affect more headlines than those who do, proving that leadership is not by position! Yet somebody thinks Nnamdi Kanu is in prison and President Buhari is free!

I laugh in Igbo and Fufulde! And to think that Joe Igbokwe, the Publicity Secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the APC had the guts to say that the Igbo are not interested in Nnamdi Kanus cause! If Joe Igbokwe really thinks the Igbo are not interested in Nnamdi Kanus cause, let him go and say so in Onitsha Market and see if he survives.

It is easy to stay in Lagos and say such nonsense, but I have a word of advice for Igbokwe: No matter how much a slave rejects his fathers name, his master will still not include his own name in his will.

Hypocrisy has almost become a national pastime under this APC administration. It is not surprising. What more can one expect from a government that was conceived in propaganda and delivered in deceit?

Take the hypocrisy in the case of Mrs. Titilayo Momoh, the failed suicide who attempted the act on the Third Mainland Bridge. Now she has been charged to court. I do not understand the point of charging failed suicides to court for attempted suicide. Do we want to drive them to succeed at suicide?

Failed suicide need counselling, support and understanding. Stress, pressures of life and disappointments drove them to suicide. By charging them to court we are only adding more stress, pressure and disappointment to their life, further pushing them to suicide.

This is an archaic law that is against the principles of natural justice and needs to be taken off our statute books. A government that does not care if Fulani herdsmen kill us has the guts to charge a woman for attempted suicide!

Are they angry she cheated Fulani herdsmen off her life? This is a travesty of justice! They have not charged the killers of pastor Eunice Elisha who was killed in Kubwa, fifteen minutes from Aso Rock Villa.

They have not charged the killers of pastor Eunice Elisha who was beheaded in Kano in broad daylight. They have not charged the killers of Southern Kaduna minorities. But it is Mrs. Titilayo Momoh who is overburdened by a debt she cannot pay that they can try for attempted suicide.

What a hypocritical action! When Tiwa Savages husband, Tunji Tee Billz Balogun, attempted suicide, nobody charged him for attempted suicide and rightly so. So why charge Mrs. Titilayo Momoh with attempted suicide?

Does Nigeria have one law for the rich and famous and another for the poor and unknown? This woman attempted suicide because the economy collapsed and her business was in ruins leaving her in debt.

Let us not fight the symptoms and leave the disease. If the government wants to deter suicide then they should fix the economy instead of trying Mrs. Momoh.
The Force Spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood, told newsmen in Abuja that the arrested suspects included a Kogi local government sole administrator and his orderly.

Moshood said that items recovered included one Hyundai Ambulance bus allegedly used in conveying the attackers, five AK 47 rifles, One Beretta pistol and two locally made single barrel shot guns.

Others were 25 expended shells of 7.62 mm ammunition, 13 expended shells of 9mm ammunition and 12 expended shells of gauge cartridge.

Moshood said that the firearms had been sent for ballistic expert examination, test and analysis at the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department in Lagos.

He said that following the attack on Melaye, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris swiftly deployed Police Special Tactical Squad (STS) team to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to the police spokesman, the suspects used the telephone of the Sole Administrators orderly in planning the failed assassination on Melaye.

ALSO READ: Police arrest Ijumu LG boss over alleged assassination attempt on Dino Melaye

Moshood said one of the suspects had confessed to the crime and admitted to have been sent by the sole administrator.

He was arrested with a serious criminal link to other active members of the gang, said the Force spokesman.
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According to Daily Post, GEJ said this in a book by Segun Adeniyi, ThisDay Board of Editors Chairman, titled: Against the Run of play: How an incumbent President was defeated in Nigeria.

In the book the ex-President reportedly said You can make a political promise and change your mind, so long as it is within the law.

I had made a proposition for a single term of seven years.

That was the context in which I spoke in Addis Ababa that if the idea was accepted, I would not run again.

It was not in the context of a second term of four years.
Gov. Samuel Ortom, who disclosed this on Friday in Makurdi, during a meeting with organised labour, said that the committee would work out what was involved and work toward settling it.

He said that the committee would be headed by the Deputy Governor, Mr Benson Abounu, with the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Tony Ijohor, Commissioner for Justice, Mr Mike Gusah and some members of the State Executive Council as members.

Other members include the Chairman, Benue chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Godwin Anya and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Ordue Tartenger.

Other are the Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council I, II and III, Mr Philip Nongo, and the Chairman, National Union of Local Government Employees, Mr Terungwa Igbe.

Ortom said that civil servants were the engine room of government, and stressed the need to clear the backlog of salaries so as to motivate them to put in their best.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya said this in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday.

He said an armed reconnaissance mission was subsequently conducted using the NAFs EC-135 helicopter.

During the armed reconnaissance, NAF crew discovered a 60 metre long oil storage facility filled with stolen oil products, an illegal oil barge and some canoes with drums containing stolen oil products.

The storage facility, oil barge and canoes were successfully attacked by NAF helicopter and set ablaze, he said.

The Director, however, explained that the aim for destroying the illegal oil storage facility was to make oil theft and illegal oil bunkering unprofitable to those involved in such activities.
Nigige said also saluted workers for their resilience, despite the harsh economic conditions in the country.

According to The Nation, he said The Federal Government is not unaware of the economic challenges facing Nigerian workers in the public, the private and informal sector of the economy. We appreciate your resilience and hope for better days ahead.

May I use this occasion to appreciate Nigerian workers for their contributions to national development, unequivocal solidarity to the Change Agenda and the fight against corruption of the present administration under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mr. President is committed to the enhancement of workers welfare, through programmes like the Federal Integrated Staff Housing Scheme (FISH), creation of enabling environment to stimulate the economy with the aim of improving the social-economic wellbeing of Nigeria in all sectors of the economy.

As we celebrate today, I urge Nigerian workers not to relent in their support to the Change Agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari.
NDRC also gave the Federal Government 14 days to inaugurate a committee that will negotiate with elders from the oil rich region.

According to the militants, the government should make the development of Oloibiri a priority, just like the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Crude oil was first discovered in commercial quantity in Oloibiri, which is currently located in Ogbia LGA, Bayelsa State in 1959.

The militants said The federal government should as a matter of urgency constitute a federal government delegation to liaise with PANDEF to start implementing all demands.

Oloibiri should be a priority of development like the Federal Capital Territory because that is the first place oil was discovered in commercial quantity in 1959, but after sucking the oil dry, the community called Oloibiri is in shambles. No Niger Delta youth of this 21st century that happens to visit Oloibiri would accept the current reality of things in the Niger Delta.

The Vice President that is saddled with the affairs of the Niger Delta should immediately call SPDC to order as it would annoy you to note how SPDC is enslaving Odoh family (the host family to Opomu West drilling location, since 1971 to date, a dime has not been given to the owners of the land for the destruction of their ancestral fishing lake).

This issue should be addressed immediately as Akologben, Brass creek manifold and Benisede/Akonu/Tunu gas pipeline would be our first casualty.

The good and peace- loving people of Gbaramatu kingdom have suffered too much and are currently under siege, and we, the NDRC and the 21st century agitators will not accept this type of inhuman treatment meted out on the people of Gbaramatu kingdom.

It will not be accepted any more where they are now subjected to raising their hands before getting to their community. How can the federal government justify the presence of four military house boats surrounding Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu kingdom? Army houseboats, Navy houseboats, Air force houseboats and Joint Task Force houseboats. The federal government should immediately withdraw all military personnel and houseboats from Gbaramatu kingdom

The lack of funds to properly address and implement the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, which has seen amnesty beneficiaries sent back from their various institutions of study overseas would not be accepted any longer.

The UNEP report implementation was just a ploy to persuade the people of Ogoni and fool the international community that the Federal Government is fully committed to solving the Niger Delta question, their main aim is to suck the oil dry as was done in Oloibiri.

The Niger Delta Revolutionary Crusaders and these 21st century agitators will make sure that all oil wells are shut down as was done in Ogoni land.

We urge the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who is now saddled with the affairs of the Niger Delta to use his integrity as a true leader to save this situation because the Niger Delta youths of this 21st century would no longer be fooled anymore.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Visiting Namibian President Hage Geingob yesterday implored African governments and the private sector to aggressively champion industrialisation in their economies and curb over-reliance on raw commodity exports.In his address to mark the official opening of the 58th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo, President Geingob said the challenges facing the continent and rising youth unemployment could only be addressed by harnessing regional linkages and pursuing a robust regional industrialisation agenda anchored on value addition and beneficiation.He bemoaned the low intra-regional trade and reliance on imports from developed economies, which he blamed for the continued use of economic models that serve colonial interests."Trade between African governments has generally been low," said President Giengob."This is so because our trading patterns have been aligned to service the requirements of former colonial powers and partly because many African countries essentially produce similar goods, mainly agricultural and mineral commodities," he said."Little or no beneficiation takes place in many of our countries and the bulk of finished goods are imported from Europe and Asia. This must change. There is not a single advanced economy in the world today that did not go through the industrialisation process."African economies will be no different. To address burning challenges, in particular rising youth unemployment, we will have to expand our industrial base and manufacturing capabilities."President Geingob expressed optimism that Zimbabwe's economy was poised to register robust growth on the back of good rains and the anticipated bumper harvest, which lays a solid foundation for growth in other processing sectors and attainment of food security. He said agricultural exhibitions at the ZITF demonstrated that the country was the bread basket of the region."Zimbabwe, as the bread basket of SADC, is poised to reap a bumper harvest this year," he said."From what I have seen before we came here and touring the stands, particularly the agricultural sector, I must state that Zimbabwe is indeed the bread basket of SADC. This positive outlook should bolster our hopes and encourage our business people to get ready to capitalise on the opportunity represented by this development."Similarly, President Geingob said, the Namibian economy was recovering, presenting opportunities for trade and investment with Zimbabwe.While Namibia recorded trade in goods worth about $13 billion in 2016, President Geingob said his country's trade with Zimbabwe in the same period was only $24 million."This low level of trade presents a huge opportunity for the two countries," he said.President Geingob commended President Mugabe for taking the lead in advocating for an industrialised Africa.He said it was under President Mugabe's able leadership as chairman of SADC that the regional industrialisation policy and implementation framework was adopted in 2015.Zimbabwe has already domesticated the value addition policy under Zim-Asset."We must work hard to ensure that this important roadmap does not collect dust on the shelf, but is implemented with a sense of urgency," said President Geingob.He stressed the need for regional economies to work together to derive economies of scale and high levels of competitiveness, which could not be attained at individual country level.President Geingob called on Africa states to embrace regional economic integration, break regional barriers to trade and specialise on unique competitive advantages to create regional value chains that can compete globally.He called for easy labour mobility."It is only through the unhindered movement in Africa that one day we will harness the full industrial capacity and capability of the economy," said President Geingob.He said Namibia had started working on enhancing ease of movement by abolishing visa requirements for all Africans holding diplomatic official passports and that ordinary travellers who seek visas were able to get them upon arrival.To address economic inequality in the country, he said his government had adopted a programme code named "Harambee Prosperity Plan", which aims to fast track implementation of empowerment programmes.President Geingob challenged the private sector to lead economic development processes, saying the role of governments was to only provide a conducive macro-economic environment."It is up to the private sector to identify opportunities and turn those into viable businesses. You, the private sector, are the ultimate creators of wealth," he said.President Geingob warned businesses against seeking super or excessive profits, saying such an approach was not sustainable in the long run.He commended Zimbabwe's efforts to reform the easy of doing business to attract investment and urged the private sector to take advantage of the process, as well as utilise platforms like ZITF to cultivate, cooperate and further business gains."Together, Namibia, Zimbabwe and the rest of Africa can harness increased opportunities for industrial development. If we pull together with the private sector as Africa, we can make it," said President Geingob.The official opening of the fair was attended by President Mugabe, several Government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the business community and the general public.
The Rivers Governor said that the IGP has received directives to silence or kill him by all means.

Wike also told newsmen that Idris and his team want to plant weapons in his apartment in Abuja.

Wike also said that the police had finalised plans to get a search warrant from a court to enable them carry out their plan legally.

He said the plan of the IGP and his men is to spread fake news about him in the media, adding that they did not tell the court that the house they want to raid belongs to the Rivers state Governor.

Wike also said All attempt is being made so that they will go and plant either AK47 or one million dollars in the governors house. They can even plant costly wrist watches as a propaganda tool.

I said I have to let Nigerians know that this is not the way to go about in democracy. Rather, this is an attempt to truncate democracy. That someone differs on issues does not mean you have to go after the persons life.

Nigerians should be aware that should they raid my house in Abuja and claim they found anything, it is incorrect. I have not been going to Abuja, but I will be in Abuja to wait for them to see how they plan to plant guns in my house.

I want to reiterate, the Inspector-General of Police is after my life.

Our democracy cannot survive if we continue with this line of action. If the Inspector-General of Police wants to play partisan politics, let him remove his uniform and join us in the arena. He should not continue to wear uniform and do the bidding of politicians like a stooge.
Adesina said the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal and the former boss of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayo Oke will not be left out either.

President Buhari set up a panel headed by the Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo to look into the allegations of corruption levelled against Lawal.

The panel is also expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the discovery of funds reportedly belonging to the NIA in an apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos state.

Speaking further, Adesina said If it (investigation by the EFCC) gets to that point it will be done but it seems not to have got to that point now.

After the panel concludes its work and there is anything for the EFCC to look at, I am sure it will be done.

The government believes that setting up an investigation at this time is right and government has the mandate of the people. It will not satisfy everybody but it does not matter.

You will never win with some Nigerians, they will always find faults but then, government has been elected and government is in place to do certain things and government would do what it believes to be right at any given time.
Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air force, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

Adesanya said the artillery piece was concealed under a tree and sighted by a NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft while on daytime patrol in the Sambisa general area.

He said that about seven insurgents were also observed to be moving out from under the tree.

The crew on board the ISR platform therefore, immediately called for air strikes by NAF combat platforms.

Following the alert, one Alpha Jet and one F-7Ni fighter aircraft were scrambled for air interdiction on the artillery piece.

The Alpha Jet and F-7Ni strikes were observed to have hit the target. Thereafter, the Alpha Jet strafed the area with rockets and the location of the artillery piece was completely engulfed in an inferno.

Subsequently, Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) footage by a NAF ISR aircraft revealed that the strikes were successful as the artillery piece was neutralised, Adesanya said.

He stated that with the successful attacks, attempts by the remnants of the insurgents to reinforce their capability with the artillery piece was thwarted.
He said that the upcoming governorship election in Kaduna state will be based solely on merit and not affiliation to President Buhari.

According to Daily Post, he said Well, as for 2019, it is still far away. What is on the ground now is for us to deliver on the promises and pledges we have made as elected officials.

So I have heard such a call, and I will answer that call at the right time. I may decide to seek to return to the Senate, I may decide to vie for the governorship of Kaduna State, and I may decide not to vie for any of the positions again, it all depends on the feeling from my people of what they think I should be able to overcome.

The 2019 election is not going to be like 2015 election; under 2015 election, many people won election by virtue of their allegiance to Buhari, but by 2019, everyone will answer his own fathers name.

We are advocating for people to go and vote for their conscience, and not to vote for anybody because of Buhari.

Even if Buhari is going to contest election, vote for Buhari alone, and each and every one of us who wants to contest, we have to put him on the scale whether that person is capable, whether that person has performed, whether that person will truly serve after voting him into power.

So 2019 is going to be a year in which everyone is going to stand in the dock to be tried by the voters. So 2019 is not an election time, it is a trial time, and truly it is a judgment time for our conduct while in office.
A block affecting all language editions of the website in Turkey was detected from 0500 GMT after an administrative order by the Turkish authorities, the Turkey Blocks monitoring group, which watches internet restrictions in the country, said in a statement.

Residents in Istanbul were Saturday morning unable to access any pages of Wikipedia without using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), AFP correspondents said.

"The loss of availability is consistent with internet filters used to censor content in the country," Turkey Blocks said.

The BTK confirmed the ban in a statement but gave no details.

"After technical analysis and legal consideration based on the Law Nr. 5651, an administrative measure has been taken for this website wikipedia.org," it said.

'Temporary security measures'

No reason was given for the order to block Wikipedia. Other websites, including leading social media, appeared to be working normally.

Turkey Blocks said the restriction was in place with multiple Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

Turkey has become notorious over the last years for temporarily blocking access to popular sites, including Facebook and Twitter, in the wake of major events such as mass protests or terror attacks.

Savvy internet users frequently resort to the use of VPNs to get around these bans although there have been complaints that the use of VPNs has now also started to be blocked.

The government says such measures are always temporary and needed for national security but critics see them as another restriction on civil liberties under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In November 2016, Turkey imposed major temporary restrictions lasting for several hours on messaging service WhatsApp as well as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other sites following the controversial arrests of pro-Kurdish MPs.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim then acknowledged that "from time to time for security reasons we can use such measures... These are temporary measures. Once the danger is passed, everything returns to normal."

The move to block Wikipedia caused an uproar on social media in Turkey with users angrily denouncing the decision to restrict access to one of the world's most popular websites.

Some speculated the decision may have been prompted by deeply unflattering updates by critical users to Erdogan's Wikipedia profile after he won the April 16 referendum on enhancing his powers.

Pro-government bloggers said at one point after April 16 Erdogan had been described as a "dictator" on his main Wikipedia profile.
Ahead of the summit Duterte said the Philippines and other nations were helpless to stop Chinese artificial island building in areas they claimed, so there was no point protesting against it at diplomatic events such as Saturday's summit.

"It cannot be an issue anymore. It's already there. What would be the purpose also of discussing it if you cannot do anything," Duterte told reporters on Thursday.

China has been turning reefs and shoals in areas of the sea claimed by the Philippines and other nations into artificial islands, and installing military facilities there.

The United States has criticised the construction work, warning against militarisation in the waterway where $5 trillion in annual trade passes.

ASEAN members Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei also claim parts of the sea, but China insists it has sovereign rights over nearly all of it, even waters approaching its neighbours' coasts.

The Philippines, under previous president Benigno Aquino, had lobbied hard at ASEAN summits for the bloc to voice its strong opposition to the Chinese expansionism, and official statements at those events often reflected that.

Aquino also filed a case at a UN-backed tribunal asking it to reject China's claims and artificial island building.

The tribunal last year ruled largely in the Philippines' favour. But the ruling came after Duterte, who favours much closer ties with China, took power.

China win

Duterte steadfastly refused to use the verdict to pressure China, instead pursuing warmer relations and billions of dollars' worth of trade and aid.

Duterte's chairman's statement, which is meant to reflect the views of all ASEAN leaders, will not mention the international tribunal ruling nor China directly, according to a draft obtained by AFP.

"We shared the serious concerns expressed by some leaders over recent developments and escalation of activities in the area which may further raise tensions and erode trust and confidence in the region," the draft statement said.

China, through its ambassador to Manila, had this week been heavily lobbying Duterte to weaken it further, and drop any reference to international law, delegates and diplomats told AFP.

China had been calling for ASEAN to remove a reference to "respect for legal and diplomatic processes", the diplomats said, adding Duterte was likely to acquiesce.

"The lobbying is quite intense. They (China) want it further watered down," one diplomat told AFP.

Filipino diplomats said the phrase was important because "legal and diplomatic processes" encompassed the entire process of the filing of the case in the tribunal until its resolution.

"In diplomatic terms it can also refer to the tribunal ruling," another diplomat said.

Filipino diplomats had fought hard for its inclusion in the previous statement as a compromise to mentioning the ruling.

An excerpt of an updated copy of the chairman's statement showed the key wording had been dropped, replaced with: "respect for the full supremacy of the law".

The ASEAN leaders are due to begin talks at 10:30 am (0230 GMT) and will conclude with a dinner in the evening.

The event is also being closely watched for how Duterte, who has shocked with curse-laden tirades against the United States and other critics of his deadly drug war, handles hosting his first major diplomatic event.

Duterte's drug war, which has claimed thousands of lives and led to warnings by rights groups about a possible crime against humanity, has been widely condemned in the West.
"The illegal drug trade is massive but it is not impregnable," Duterte said in a speech to open an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders summit.

"With political will and cooperation, it can be dismantled. It can be destroyed before it destroys our societies."

Duterte urged the leaders to be "resolute in realising a drug-free ASEAN".

Duterte was elected last year largely on a law-and-order platform in which he promised to eradicate illegal drugs in the Philippines by killing tens of thousands of people.

His pledge proved wildly popular with millions of Filipinos looking for a quick solution to crime and corruption.

Since Duterte took office 10 months ago, police have reported killing 2,724 people as part of his anti-drug campaign.

Many thousands of others have been killed by shadowy vigilantes, according to rights groups.

A Filipino lawyer filed a complaint this week against Duterte at the International Criminal Court, accusing him of "mass murder" and alleging that as many as 8,000 people had died in the drug war.

Duterte has relentlessly railed against criticism of his drug war, which Amnesty International and other rights groups have warned may amount to a crime against humanity.

He said last year he would be "happy to slaughter" millions of addicts in his quest to stop the Philippines from becoming a narco-state, and repeatedly insisted human rights should not stand in the way of eradicating drugs.

'Do not interfere'

In his speech to ASEAN leaders, Duterte highlighted the bloc's tradition of "non-interference".

He did this while talking about relations with the United States and the European Union, which have expressed concern about alleged extrajudicial killings in his drug war.

"Dialogue relations can be made more productive, constructive if the valued principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of the ASEAN member-states is observed," Duterte said.

Duterte had last year branded then US president Barack Obama a "son of a whore" for criticising the drug war, and more recently called European lawmakers "crazies" for issuing a statement condemning the killings.

Observers said in the lead-up to the summit that ASEAN leaders were unlikely to criticise Duterte, with Human Rights Watch calling the bloc "a club of cosy dictators or rights abusers".

Among the heads of undemocratic regimes in Manila were Thai military junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha, Cambodia's Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge cadre, and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei.

Some ASEAN leaders expressed support for Duterte and his drug war.

"We also share your country's concerns on the devastating effects of drugs upon society and I understand your personal resolve in combating it," Bolkiah said as Duterte hosted him at the presidential palace on Thursday.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, whose government has executed drug traffickers, expressed his personal affection for Duterte because they had "so much in common".

"I believe that you and I are not fancy people. I believe that you and I are driven by healthy common sense and by love for our people," Widodo said on Friday.
They say talks on a future trade deal with Britain can only start once London agrees divorce terms on citizens' rights, its exit bill and Northern Ireland.

"Guidelines adopted unanimously. EU27 firm and fair political mandate for the Brexit talks is ready," EU President Donald Tusk said on Twitter, shortly after the summit began.

Leaders adopted the guidelines, unchanged, within one minute, an EU source said.

Tusk earlier said leaders "need to remain united as the EU 27" but said it was "also in Britain's interest" if unity boosted the chances of a swift Brexit deal.

May this week accused the EU of ganging up on London, in a war of words with German Chancellor Angela Merkel who said Britain had "illusions" about the talks.

Brexit has offered the EU a fresh chance at unity after years of bitter internal divisions over the euro and migration, although many still fear they could fall out during the talks.

'Cost for Britain'

French President Francois Hollande said as he arrived that "the aim of the summit is unity", adding that "there will inevitably be a price and a cost for Britain."

Merkel said the EU wants "good relations" with Britain but added that "we also want to defend, at 27, our common interests -- so far we have done extremely well."

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, said the bloc had a "clear line" on the talks. "But this unity is not directed against Britain, I think that it is also in its interest," he said.

The EU 27 have considerably toughened the guidelines since Tusk first unveiled them a month ago, with Brussels also drawing up a detailed list of citizens' rights.

Tusk said this issue -- the fate of three million EU citizens living in Britain and one million Britons on the continent -- "must be number-one priority for EU and the UK."

Officials hope for agreement on this by the end of the year.

In a further move that will rile London, the EU is also set to back automatic membership for Northern Ireland if it reunifies with Ireland, and call for Spain to have a say over any deal that affects Gibraltar.

The leaders will also discuss for the first time the spoils of Brexit -- the relocation of EU medical and banking agencies that are currently based in London.

The EU guidelines say that only when "sufficient progress" has been made on divorce issues can these trade talks begin, with sources saying they hope to do that by the end of the year.

EU leaders were discussing how to define this progress after approving the guidelines at the summit, EU officials said.

'Theresa's Brexit'

While the EU says citizens' rights is a priority, the most touchy issue of all is likely to be Britain's exit bill.

This is estimated at around 60 billion euros ($65 million), which mainly covers financial commitments made by the bloc while Britain was a member.

jpegMpeg4-1280x720The bill is politically toxic for Britain but also risks causing divisions among EU states as they debate how to plug any holes in the EU's budget.

May's decision to call a general election in Britain on June 8, in a bid to shore up her mandate and strengthen her negotiating position, has only stiffened their resolve.

The elections are "an internal problem she wants to resolve in the Conservative party, to have not a hard Brexit or a soft Brexit, but Theresa's Brexit," said Luxembourg's prime minister Xavier Bettel.
News / National

by Staff reporter

THE First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe has hailed the command agriculture programme for boosting the country's economy and creating jobs for locals.Dr Mugabe toured the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) yesterday and said she was impressed with the commitment shown by exhibitors.She was accompanied by Namibia's First Lady Mrs Monica Geingos, Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko's wife Mrs Laurinda Mphoko, the Minister of Industry and Commerce Dr Mike Bimha and his deputy Chiratidzo Mabuwa, the Minister of State for Bulawayo provincial affairs Nomthandazo Moyo and her daughter Mrs Bona Mugabe Chikore.Speaking after the tour, Dr Mugabe said the Government had done well by introducing Command Agriculture as it would go a long way in improving food security and boosting the economy."I'm impressed with all these efforts and I would like to urge the peoples of Zimbabwe to continue working hard. We have the required resources to grow sufficient food for ourselves. I'm proud of Zimbabweans because they work hard and they're not cry babies. I believe that one day we'll make it and become the bread basket of Africa again," said Dr Mugabe."I can see things have really changed from last year and the attendance is overwhelming. If Zimbabweans continue with this determination we'll certainly win."I can see the winning ways that people are putting in place in terms of manufacturing and boosting production in the agricultural sector. With the Command Agriculture programme in place, we're assured of a bumper harvest this year," said Dr Mugabe.She commended Cairns Foods, which had become defunct, for reviving its operations. "I personally went to Cashel Valley in Manicaland province to ensure that we resuscitate the production of their products. I'm happy that they're now back on the market and producing various products. A number of their products, which had disappeared are back on the shelves."I'm delighted that the Ministry of Industry and Commerce is financially supporting the manufacturing industry to revive the economy. It's not just about selling products but creation of employment," said Dr Mugabe.Mrs Geingos said she was impressed with the high quality of locally manufactured goods exhibited at the ZITF."This shows that the import substitution policy is working. What's clear to us is that Zimbabweans are enterprising, innovative and resilient people," she said.The First Ladies visited among other stands; Cairns Foods, Datlabs, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, the National University of Science and Technology, Alpha Omega Dairy and the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, where the deputy Minister Dr Godfrey Gandawa highlighted some of their programmes.They also visited Unilever, Tanganda Tea Company, Botswana, ZimTrade, South Africa, Namibia and the Command Agriculture stands. At the Zanu-PF stand, the First Ladies met the party's secretary for administration Ignatius Chombo and the Minister of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development Nyasha Chikwinya.They also met War Welfare Services for War Veterans, War Collaborators, Former Political Detainees and Restrictees Minister Rtd Col Tshinga Dube and his Permanent Secretary Brigadier General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi.Roman Catholic Sisters from the Missionary Sisters of Precious Blood, who are housed within the Zanu-PF stand, welcomed First Ladies and their delegation with a song.
Trinity Cathedral to note 150th, 175th years

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Davenport this year is celebrating its 175th year as an congregation and 150th year for the cathedral. Next weekend, the public is invited for an open house and tours of the historic church.

It is 2-4 p.m. Sunday, May 7, at 121 W. 12th St., Davenport. Refreshments will be served, and organizers have arranged a display of artifacts. Several church members will be on hand to lead cathedral tours.

Do you want to help Haiti?

Vineyard Church in Davenport has joined a trip to help the people of Haiti in a foreign mission set for one week in the Caribbean country. The trip to Gonaives, Haiti, is in partnership with other local churches.

An informational session on the mission trip is required and is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Sunday, April 30, or Sunday, May 7, at the Vineyard Annex, 2402 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport. The actual trip is Sept. 15-23 and costs $1,750 per person, paid in advance. Participants must be 18 years old or older, unless accompanied by parent or guardian. For more information, go to mshaiti.org.

Candlelight healing service at St. John's

A Candlelight Healing Service, open to the public, is 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 7, at St. John's United Methodist Church, 109 E. 14th St., Davenport. This session will focus on the healing power of Holy Communion and anointing prayers. For information, call St. John's at 563-324-5278.

Jews for Jesus presentation at First Baptist

First Baptist Church, 1401 N. Perry St., Davenport, will host the Jews for Jesus agency at the 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. services on Sunday, May 7.

"Jewish Roots of the Pentecost" is the theme. The organization was founded by Moishe Rosen, now deceased, who believed Jesus is the Messiah of Israel who saved the world. It has branches nationally and internationally, including in Chicago, and 127 volunteer chapters. Jews for Jesus representatives will take questions after the program. For more information, call 563-323-2765.

Book reading 'Come to Peace' May 8

The Humility of Mary Center, 820 W. Central Park Ave., Davenport, will host Isa Guddiardi, director, Foundation of the Sacred Stream, at 7 p.m. Monday, May 8. The book, "Come to Peace," is a form of conflict resolution. A free will offering will be taken. To register, call 563-336-8414 or email olpretreat@gmail.com.
Rock Island County officials held an official groundbreaking Friday for the new Justice Center Annex that will house four new courtrooms, as well as offices for the Circuit Clerk, States Attorney and Court Administrator.

Construction on the $28 million project began earlier this month and is expected to be completed by the fall of 2018.

With the new annex on its way up, attention has turned to what to do with the 121-year-old courthouse that was built in 1896, and remodeled in 1958.

Former Rock Island County Sheriffs Capt. Richard Fisher, who is now chair of the Rock Island County Public Building Commission, said it is up to the county to decide what to do with the building, but, in his estimation, it is in complete disrepair.

Its beyond any type of fixing, Fisher said.

In the 121 years that the courthouse has been standing, Fisher said he does not know if a plan has existed to bring it up to the standards of the day and keep it there.

The Sheriffs Office is the custodian of the courthouse, he said. Thats the law. Every time the Sheriff or his Captain, such as myself, would approach the board with needs for the courthouse, they would tell us, Well fix that someday. Well, someday is here.

I started with the Sheriffs Office in 1969 and it was falling apart then, Fisher said, adding that all of the maintenance done on the building was little more than a Band-Aid.

The Public Building Commission is not allowed by law to take on more than one project at a time, he added. So, the only thing the commission could do with the building is tear it down.

Rock Island County States Attorney John McGehee said the Justice Center expansion has long been necessary both for security reasons and so the county will meet the Illinois Supreme Courts rules on the size, dimensions and layout of courtrooms.

But what is to be done with the old building is up in the air, he added.

Its a tired old building and doesnt show Rock Island County in the best light, McGehee said.

The outside could be shined up, he added. When you look at the granite from the outside it looks wonderful. But its the inside thats the problem. We had a fire in the States Attorneys Office a few months ago. It was an electrical fire and the wires started to burn. We had to clear out. It was several hours before we could get back to work.

That building is also full of asbestos, so that will need to be remediated, he said.

McGehee added that he will not get on the buildings elevator unless he has his cell phone so he can call someone if it breaks down between floors. If Im there on a weekend doing work, I dont get on the elevator at all, he said.

Still, if the county board can come up with a plan to save the historic building, McGehee said hed give his support.

Rock Island County Board member Richard Brunk, of Moline, who is chair of the boards finance committee, said he would love to see the old building saved and used.

Im a preservationist, Brunk said. I love all things old. Thats why I live in a 120-year-old house. So, I would like to see the courthouse saved and refurbished in some way.

One of the county board members recently mentioned ideas of either a public-private partnership, or some type of small business incubator program on the first floor. Certainly, the county cant refurbish it as a courthouse, as structurally it will not allow for dimensions of the courtrooms laid down by the state Supreme Court. But it could be turned into offices, either for the county or private business.

The potential is there, Brunk said. The money is not.

Theres no money to put into the old courthouse at this point, he said. Any ideas that come forward will have to have some kind of revenue stream.

Brunk said that the county should ask the Rock Island County Historical Society or Rock Island Historic Preservation if they know of any grants for which the county could apply.

With some type of revenue stream, maybe renovations could start with the roof and then the building could be refurbished one floor or one section at a time over time.

Board member Drue Mielke, of Coal Valley, said hes been asking what is to become of the old courthouse ever since talk of a new courthouse began.

Simply deeding it over to the Public Building Commission to tear down is not an option, as that would circumvent the will of the people.

Mielke said the public deserves to give input on whats to become of the building.

I want to keep it, he said. I think most of the county board wants to keep it. But can we?

The so-called deferred maintenance of the building that was done over the years has a more direct name, Mielke said. Its called neglect. Its called moving money elsewhere.

I know this is really pie in the sky, but Id like to see a dome put back on it, maybe a fake dome or something, Mielke said. Old Main is the same age, so it can be done, he said of Augustana Colleges building that was dedicated in 1883 and underwent a $13 million interior refurbishment that was completed in 2012. The exterior of Old Main was restored in 2011.

Maybe its a damaged good, Mielke said of the old courthouse, but that doesnt mean you tear it down.

Board member Don Johnston has long argued that the old courthouse could be refurbished just like Old Main was.

Theres nothing that cant be fixed, Johnston said. Theres no reason why we can gut the old courthouse and redo the inside like they did Old Main.

Johnston, along with Mielke, still isn't happy about how the Justice Center Annex plan came into being, nor are either happy about how the money is being spent.

Were spending $28 million for a few courtrooms, Johnston said, adding that hes worried there will be problems that will send the bill beyond the budgeted $28 million.

I would like to see the courthouse turned into office space for the county, he said. From what I understand, the county office building is in as bad shape, if not worse shape, than the courthouse.

Brunk said the board will be seeking public input on what to do with the old courthouse.

We want to hear ideas, but the ideas must be feasible, he said. Unfortunately, it all comes down to those dollar signs.
The Rev. Steven Biegler is preparing to take on a new adventure in Wyoming as bishop of the Diocese of Cheyenne.

Pope Francis appointed Biegler the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Cheyenne. Biegler currently serves as the Vicar General and pastor of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rapid City.

A farewell open house for Biegler will be May 7, and the public is welcome. Biegler will be preaching at all masses at the Cathedral May 6 and 7, he said.

His Episcopal Ordination and Installation will take place on June 5 in Cheyenne. Bieglers ordination and installation will be live-streamed at Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rapid City.

You dont know youre being considered until (youre notified). Its a nice compliment to your gifts and how youve served, Biegler said of his appointment.

Im looking forward to Wyoming. Its bigger but it has a lot of similarities. Its rural, much like western South Dakota, and some of the culture is the same. I feel very comfortable in terms of stepping into a different place but not a different culture, Biegler said. I am excited about ministry and being with people and growing with them in that journey of faith.

Biegler envisions his work as a bishop much like being the captain of a ship, overseeing peoples duties and coordinating the work, he said. He is looking forward to learning about the Diocese of Cheyenne and the good work already taking place.

Thats been the way Ive thought of priesthood in general, he said. You help others (see and) use their gifts.

Years of ministry in larger and smaller communities in South Dakota have prepared him well for his move to Wyoming, Biegler said.

I really feel blessed with this variety of experiences, he said.

The South Dakota natives career in ministry has taken him around the state to Bonesteel, Fairfax, Ponca Creek, McLaughlin, McIntosh, Bullhead, Wakpala, Watauga, Hermosa and Piedmont.

He has been in the Rapid City area for 10 years, where he has previously served as chaplain for the Rapid City Catholic Schools and chaplain for the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Newman Center.

He has been the Vicar General and pastor at the Cathedral for the past year. Biegler said what he will miss and remember most are the people he has gotten to know.

Wherever I go, I always enjoy the people and the relationships. As a priest, we have very deep conversations with people (through counseling or confessions), Biegler said.

Biegler has particularly enjoyed the success of the cathedrals Mercy Nights outreach events, which church staff members worked together to organize.

Its a new thing we tried. People could come and be prayed over. We had priests available for communion. People could just come and sit in church and listen to prayerful music, Biegler said. Its a way for people to reconnect who maybe have been disconnected or who may not have any church affiliation.

The Mercy Nights drew an incredibly positive response and were attended by about 500 people, Biegler said, and he hopes the Mercy Nights will continue after he leaves. More importantly, the events met a deep need Biegler sees in the community.

Pope Francis said the church is a field hospital. If we dont meet people and attend to their wounds first, we cant talk to them about doctrinal matters or higher level things that are important. We need to attend to their brokenness, suffering and immediate struggles first, he said.
SIOUX FALLS | A man accused of livestreaming himself brandishing weapons and making threats outside an anti-Islam event is back in custody.

Authorities say 45-year-old Ehab Abdulmutta Jaber of Sioux Falls, was arrested again on a drug charge after testing positive for methamphetamine, a violation of his bond.

Jaber was charged earlier with making terroristic threats and possessing meth after allegedly making a Facebook video after he was kicked out of an April 9 event called "Sabotaging America: Islam's March Toward Supremacy."

He posted bond Tuesday and was required to undergo drug testing.

Authorities say the nature and severity of the charges warranted Jaber's new arrest. Attorney General Marty Jackley says stronger bond conditions are needed for Jaber.

The Lincoln County Public Defender's Office, which is representing Jaber, had no comment.
United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff - Appellee, v. KHALID A. SHALHOUB, Defendant - Appellant. No. 16-10533 Decided: April 28, 2017

Before WILLIAM PRYOR and MARTIN, Circuit Judges, and DUFFEY,* District Judge.

This appeal presents the questions whether the denial of a motion for special appearance of counsel to seek the dismissal of an indictment on the ground that the defendant is a fugitive from justice is an immediately appealable collateral order and, if not, whether we should issue a writ of mandamus to compel a ruling on the motion to dismiss the indictment without requiring the defendant to appear. In 1997, a grand jury indicted Khalid Shalhoub on one count of international parental kidnapping, 18 U.S.C.  1204. Shalhoub lives in Saudi Arabia and has never been arrested. In 2015, he moved to have his attorneys specially appear to seek dismissal of the indictment, which the district court denied on the ground that the fugitive disentitlement doctrine prohibits Shalhoub from calling upon the resources of the court without submitting to its jurisdiction. Shalhoub appealed and, alternatively, petitioned for a writ of mandamus. We dismiss his interlocutory appeal for lack of jurisdiction because the order denying his motion is not appealable under the collateral order doctrine. We also deny his petition for a writ of mandamus because Shalhoub has an adequate means to obtain reliefappearance in the district courtand cannot establish that his right to mandamus is clear and indisputable.

I. BACKGROUND

Khalid Shalhoub, a citizen and resident of Saudi Arabia, married Miriam Hernandez in Miami in 1985. They divorced four years later. A Florida court granted Shalhoub and Hernandez full shared parental responsibility over their only child, Yasmeen, and the court designated Hernandez as the primary residential parent.

In 1997, a grand jury in the Southern District of Florida indicted Shalhoub on one count of parental kidnapping in violation of the International Parental Kidnapping Crime Act, which makes it a crime to remove[ ] a child from the United States  with intent to obstruct the lawful exercise of parental rights. 18 U.S.C.  1204(a). The indictment alleged that Shalhoub removed Yasmeen from the United States to Saudi Arabia with [the] intent to obstruct the lawful exercise of the parental rights of Miriam Hernandez. Although a magistrate judge issued a warrant for Shalhoub's arrest the day he was indicted, Shalhoub has not been arrested, and the district court listed him a fugitive from justice.

In 2015, Shalhoub moved to allow his counsel to appear specially and seek dismissal of the indictment. Shalhoub argued that the indictment lacked factual specificity; that the International Parental Kidnapping Crime Act contravenes the laws of Saudi Arabia where the alleged kidnapping occurred; that the Southern District of Florida is an improper venue; that comity cautions against prosecuting conduct that occurred in another country; and that the prosecution violates Shalhoub's right to a speedy trial. He also argued that the district court should not invoke the doctrine that disentitles [a fugitive] to call upon the resources of [a c]ourt for determination of his claims. Molinaro v. New Jersey, 396 U.S. 365, 366 (1970). Shalhoub asserted that he is not a fugitive from justice because he was living in Saudi Arabia when he was indicted and did not flee the United States. He also argued that application of the fugitive disentitlement doctrine violates his right to due process because the district court labelled him a fugitive without an opportunity to be heard.

The district court denied Shalhoub's motion without prejudice to his right to appear and seek dismissal of his indictment. The district court explained that the fugitive disentitlement doctrine barred Shalhoub's motion because, although Shalhoub was living abroad when indicted, Shalhoub constructively fle[d] by not deciding to return to the United States. United States v. Barnette, 129 F.3d 1179, 1184 (11th Cir. 1997). The district court also ruled that Shalhoub's right to due process had not been violated and declined to exercise its discretion to circumvent application of the doctrine. Shalhoub appealed and, in the alternative, petitioned for a writ of mandamus.

II. STANDARDS OF REVIEW

We review de novo whether we have jurisdiction to decide an interlocutory appeal. Doe No. 1 v. United States, 749 F.3d 999, 1003 (11th Cir. 2014). Because a writ of mandamus is an action against the district court judge, the remedy is a drastic one that only exceptional circumstances, amounting to a judicial usurpation of power, will justify. In re Coffman, 766 F.3d 1246, 1248 (11th Cir. 2014) (citation and internal quotation marks omitted) (alteration adopted). We will issue a writ only if a petitioner establishes that he has no other adequate means to attain the relief he desires and that his right to the issuance of the writ is clear and indisputable. Id. (internal quotation marks omitted) (alteration adopted). We also must be satisfied that the writ is appropriate under the circumstances. Id. (citation and internal quotation marks omitted).

III. DISCUSSION

The fugitive disentitlement doctrine permits a district court to sanction or enter judgment against parties on the basis of their fugitive status. Magluta v. Samples, 162 F.3d 662, 664 (11th Cir. 1998). This doctrine accounts for the difficulty of enforcement against one not willing to subject himself to the court's authority, the inequity of allowing [a] fugitive to use the resources of the courts only if the outcome is an aid to him, and the need to avoid prejudice to the nonfugitive party. Barnette, 129 F.3d at 1183. It also discourage[s]  flights from justice, id., and protects the dignity of the courts, Ortega-Rodriguez v. United States, 507 U.S. 234, 24142, 246 (1993).

Shalhoub argues that application of the doctrine to his motion was error. He requests that we reverse and remand for the district court to rule on the merits of his motion. As an alternative to appellate review, Shalhoub petitions for a writ of mandamus to compel the district court to rule on the merits of his motion.

We divide our discussion in two parts. First, we explain that we lack appellate jurisdiction because the order denying Shalhoub's motion is not immediately appealable under either the collateral order doctrine or the doctrine of marginal finality. Second, we deny Shalhoub's petition for a writ of mandamus because he has an adequate means to obtain reliefappearance in the district courtand his right to the writ is not clear and indisputable.

A. We Lack Appellate Jurisdiction over Shalhoub's Appeal.

Courts of appeals have jurisdiction over final decisions of the district courts of the United States. 28 U.S.C.  1291. The final judgment rule prohibits appellate review of a pretrial order in a criminal case until conviction and imposition of sentence. Flanagan v. United States, 465 U.S. 259, 263 (1984). We apply the final judgment rule with utmost strictness in criminal cases, id. at 265, unless the challenged order falls within the collateral order doctrine, which permits appellate review of an interlocutory order that (1) conclusively determine[s] the disputed question, (2) resolve [s] an important issue completely separate from the merits of the action, and (3) is effectively unreviewable on appeal from a final judgment. Id. (internal quotation marks and citation omitted).

Although neither convicted nor sentenced, Shalhoub argues that we have jurisdiction under the collateral order doctrine. We disagree. We cannot expand the collateral order doctrine to permit our intermediate review of the denial of Shalhoub's motion.

The only kinds of pretrial orders in criminal cases that the Supreme Court has stated are important enough to fall within this narrow exception to the final judgment rule implicate an asserted right the legal and practical value of which would be destroyed if it were not vindicated before trial. Id. at 26567 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). For example, a defendant may immediately appeal the denial of a motion to dismiss an indictment, which contests the legality of prosecution on the basis of double jeopardy, because the defendant challenges the very authority of the Government to hale him into court to face trial on the charge against him. Abney v. United States, 431 U.S. 651, 659 (1977). Likewise, the denial of a motion to dismiss an indictment on the basis that the Speech or Debate clause of the Constitution, U.S. Const. Art. I,  6, cl. 1, bars the prosecution is immediately appealable because the motion asserts a right not to be questioned for acts done in either House [of Congress]. Helstoski v. Meanor, 442 U.S. 500, 506 (1979) (citation omitted). Both double jeopardy and the Speech or Debate clause implicate a right not to be tried. Flanagan, 465 U.S. at 267. The only other order that the Supreme Court has said is immediately appealable under the collateral order doctrine is an order denying a motion to reduce excessive bail, Stack v. Boyle, 342 U.S. 1, 6 (1951), because [t]he issue is finally resolved and is independent of the issues to be tried, and the order becomes moot if review awaits conviction and sentence. Flanagan, 465 U.S. at 266.

The Supreme Court has refused to apply the collateral order doctrine to review the denial of motions alleging violations of grand jury secrecy, Midland Asphalt Corp. v. United States, 489 U.S. 794, 801 (1989), and the right to a speedy trial, United States v. MacDonald, 435 U.S. 850, 857 (1978), vindictive prosecution, United States v. Hollywood Motor Car Co., 458 U.S. 263, 264 (1982), and insufficient evidence, Abney, 431 U.S. at 663. Although important, these matters involve rights that do not rest[ ] upon an explicit statutory or constitutional guarantee that trial will not occur, Midland Asphalt, 489 U.S. at 801, and they are in no danger of becoming moot upon conviction and sentence. Flanagan, 465 U.S. at 266. In other words, absent the assertion of a right not to be tried or the assertion of a right akin to the right against excessive bail, a defendant must accept the burdens of trial and sentencing before he obtains appellate review of an adverse ruling. See Van Cauwenberghe v. Biard, 486 U.S. 517, 524 (1988) ([L]itigants must abide by the district court's judgments, and suffer the concomitant burden of a trial, until the end of proceedings before gaining appellate review.).

Shalhoub's appeal does not fall within the limited scope of the collateral order doctrine. The denial of Shalhoub's motion for counsel to appear specially implicates neither a right not to be tried, Flanagan, 465 U.S. at 26667, nor a right like that against excessive bail. Although Shalhoub asserts that the denial of his motion implicates a panoply of rightsdue process, the presumption against extraterritorial application of American law, proper venue, and factual sufficiency in an indictmentnone of them rest[ ] upon an explicit statutory or constitutional guarantee that trial will not occur. Midland Asphalt, 489 U.S. at 801. And the weight of these rights cannot overcome the policy against the exercise of jurisdiction over intermediate orders. Cf. Lauro Lines S.R.L. v. Chasser, 490 U.S. 495, 503 (1989) (Scalia, J., concurring) (explaining that jurisdictional limitations established by Congress or by international treaty are not sufficiently important to overcome the policies militating against interlocutory appeals.).

The denial of Shalhoub's motion is not akin to an order fixing bail, which is entirely independent of the issues to be tried, Stack, 342 U.S. at 12 (Jackson, J., concurring). The right against excessive bail is a constitutional right, U.S. Const. Amend. VIII, that protects a defendant against bail set higher than reasonably necessary to ensure the defendant's presence at trial, Stack, 342 U.S. at 5 (majority opinion). By contrast, so long as he refuses to appear in court, Shalhoub has no right to avoid being labelled a fugitive.

Shalhoub counters that a district court must satisfy the constitutional guarantee of due process before it labels him a fugitive, but we disagree. The constitutional guarantee of due process did not entitle Shalhoub to any procedural protections before the district court labelled him a fugitive. See Allen v. Georgia, 166 U.S. 138, 141 (1897) (upholding against due process attack a dismissal of the appeal of an escaped prisoner on fugitive disentitlement grounds); Clark v. James, 794 F.2d 595, 598 (11th Cir. 1986) ([T]here is no constitutional right to notice and hearing prior to dismissal, even when the escapee is captured before dismissal.); Joensen v. Wainwright, 615 F.2d 1077, 1079 (5th Cir. 1980) ([A]n escapee  who was at large and unavailable for hearing or receipt of notice at the time of dismissal,  has no constitutional right to notice and hearing.). And even if we were to accept Shalhoub's argument that labelling him a fugitive implicates a constitutionally-protected interest in a person's good name, [w]here a person's good name  is at stake, due process requires only notice and an opportunity to be heard, Wisconsin v. Constantineau, 400 U.S. 433, 437 (1971), which the district court offered Shalhoub and continues to offer him. A fugitive has no more of a freestanding right not to be labelled a fugitive, than a criminal defendant has a freestanding right not to be labelled a defendant. Although the determination that Shalhoub is a fugitive is likely unreviewable after final judgment, Shalhoub enjoys a right to appear in court, to defend himself against the indictment, and to clear his name if he prevails.

Shalhoub urges this Court to follow a recent decision of the Seventh Circuit that held that the denial of a motion to dismiss an indictment was an immediately appealable order, United States v. Bokhari, 757 F.3d 664 (7th Cir. 2014), but that decision is distinguishable. The Seventh Circuit reasoned that the motion implicated a right not to be tried because a foreign court had refused to extradite the defendant. Id. at 66970. Bokhari, a dual citizen of Pakistan and the United States, was indicted for fraud. Id. at 666. Because Bokhari lived in Pakistan at the time of the indictment, the United States sought extradition, but a Pakistani court denied the request. Id. Bokhari then filed a motion to dismiss the indictment, which the district court denied. Id. at 667. The Seventh Circuit held that the order was immediately appealable because the district court conclusively determined whether to defer to the Pakistani court, Bokhari suffered prejudice as a result of the indictment, and Bokhari asserted a right not to be tried on the ground that international comity required deference to the decision of the Pakistani court. Id. at 66970. The Seventh Circuit emphasized that [t]his is a rare case. Id. at 670. [I]f Bokhari ever does set foot in this country, either through extradition or free will, his comity argument would essentially vanish. Id. Unlike Bokhari, Shalhoub asserts no alleged right not to be tried. He instead argues that being labelled a fugitive implicates other rightsfor example, due process, the presumption against the extraterritorial application of American law, and the right to a speedy trialthe denial of which is insufficient to support our intermediate review. Will v. Hallock, 546 U.S. 345, 352 (2006) (The importance of the right asserted [is] a significant part of [the] collateral order doctrine. (citation and internal quotation marks omitted)). And we need not decide whether we agree with the Seventh Circuit that the decision of a foreign court not to extradite a defendant implicates a right not to be tried.

Shalhoub argues that we can exercise jurisdiction over his appeal under an alternative doctrine, marginal finality, but we disagree. An order that presents a question of marginal finality fundamental to the further conduct of the case is immediately appealable, Gillespie v. U.S. Steel Corp., 379 U.S. 148, 152, 154 (1964), but the Supreme Court has since limited that doctrine to the unique facts of [Gillespie], Coopers & Lybrand v. Livesay, 437 U.S. 463, 477 n.30 (1978), which are distinguishable from this appeal, see Gillespie, 379 U.S. at 14951 (addressing whether the Jones Act provided the exclusive remedy for the alleged wrongful death of a deceased seaman). And we have explained that it is inconsistent for a litigant to assert that we have appellate jurisdiction under the collateral order doctrine, which requires the issue resolved to be completely separate from the merits, and the marginal finality doctrine, which addresses the review of intermediate issues fundamental to the further conduct of the case.  See Atl. Fed. Sav. & Loan Ass'n of Ft. Lauderdale v. Blythe Eastman Paine Webber, Inc., 890 F.2d 371, 377 (11th Cir. 1989) (citation omitted). We decline to exercise appellate jurisdiction on the basis of marginal finality.

B. We Deny the Petition for a Writ of Mandamus.

The All Writs Act permits us to issue a writ of mandamus to compel a district court to perform a particular duty within its jurisdiction. 28 U.S.C.  1651(a); see also Fed. R. App. Proc. 21; Cheney v. U.S. Dist. Court for D.C., 542 U.S. 367, 380 (2004). The writ is a  drastic and extraordinary remedy, Cheney, 542 U.S. at 380 (citations omitted), that is available only to confine an inferior court to a lawful exercise of its prescribed jurisdiction or to compel it to exercise its authority when it is its duty to do so, Allied Chem. Corp. v. Daiflon, Inc., 449 U.S. 33, 35 (1980) (quoting Will v. United States, 389 U.S. 90, 95 (1967)). [O]nly exceptional circumstances amounting to a judicial usurpation of power or a clear abuse of discretion will justify the invocation of this extraordinary remedy. Cheney, 542 U.S. at 380 (internal quotation marks and citations omitted).

A petition must satisfy three conditions before we may grant a writ of mandamus:

First, the party seeking issuance of the writ must have no other adequate means to attain the relief he desiresa condition designed to ensure that the writ will not be used as a substitute for the regular appeals process. Second, the petitioner must satisfy the burden of showing that his right to issuance of the writ is clear and indisputable. Third, even if the first two prerequisites have been met, the issuing court, in the exercise of its discretion, must be satisfied that the writ is appropriate under the circumstances.

Id. at 38081 (citations and internal quotation marks omitted) (alterations adopted). Shalhoub argues that his petition satisfies all three conditions for a writ of mandamus. We disagree.

Shalhoub fails to establish that he has no adequate means to challenge the indictment. Shalhoub argues that he is under no obligation to travel to the United States and his indictment will pend indefinitely unless we compel the district court to rule on his motion. The indictment has been pending against Shalhoub for nearly twenty years. At any time during this long interval he had only to show up in  district court to challenge the indictment. See In re Kashamu, 769 F.3d 490, 493 (7th Cir. 2014). That he does not want to submit himself to the jurisdiction of the federal courts does not make the legal remedies available to challenge his indictment inadequate.

Shalhoub also fails to identify any clear abuse of discretion by the district court. Cheney, 542 U.S. at 380 (citation omitted). Shalhoub argues that he has a right to the writ because he is not a fugitive and that the district court erred when it applied the doctrine of constructive flight to him, but we have held that a defendant need not leave the jurisdiction for the doctrine of fugitive disentitlement to apply. Barnette, 129 F.3d at 1184. [W]hile legally outside the jurisdiction[, the defendant] may constructively flee by deciding not to return. Id. Shalhoub asserts that Barnette is distinguishable because he was in his home country when the grand jury returned his indictment unlike the defendant in Barnette. But whether Shalhoub was in Saudi Arabia when the grand jury indicted him is beside the point. Like the defendant in Barnette, Shalhoub knew of the indictment and refused to surrender himself to th[e] jurisdiction of the court, id., electing instead not to travel outside of Saudi Arabia to avoid apprehension. The district court did not clearly abuse its discretion when it applied the doctrine of constructive flight to Shalhoub.

Nor has Shalhoub established a clear and indisputable right to the writ. Shalhoub argues that labeling [him] a fugitive without a hearing or evidentiary showing violates due process, because the fugitive label constitutes a stigmatizing statement. But, as explained earlier, the constitutional guarantee of due process did not entitle Shalhoub to any procedural protections before the district court labelled him a fugitive. See Allen, 166 U.S. at 141; Clark, 794 F.2d at 598; Joensen, 615 F.2d at 1079. A fugitive is someone who has been offered process and refuses it. Fugitive, Black's Law Dictionary (10th ed. 2014) (A criminal suspect or a witness in a criminal case who flees, evades, or escapes arrest, prosecution, imprisonment, service of process, or the giving of testimony, esp. by fleeing the jurisdiction or by hiding.). The guarantee of due process is not violated whenever a defendant dislikes the process offered.

Shalhoub argues that his right to the writ is clear and indisputable because the International Parental Kidnapping Crime Act cannot apply  extraterritorially to conduct that occurred within Saudi Arabia in compliance with Saudi law, but we disagree. Although we ordinarily operate under the presumption that a statute does not apply extraterritorially, United States v. Perez-Herrera, 610 F.2d 289, 290 (5th Cir. 1980), it makes no sense to say that the International Parental Kidnapping Crime Actwhich makes it a crime to remove[ ] a child from the United States  or retain[ ] a child  outside the United States, 18 U.S.C.  1204(a)does not apply to conduct that occurs in another country. United States v. MacAllister, 160 F.3d 1304, 1307 (11th Cir. 1998) ([W]e ask whether the language [of the statute] gives any indication of a congressional purpose to extend its coverage beyond places over which the United States has sovereignty or has some measure of legislative control. (emphasis added) (citation and internal quotation marks omitted)). The plain text of the Act extends the force of federal law to conduct that occurs without or beyond the limits of the United Statesthat is, extraterritorially. Outside, Webster's New International Dictionary 1735 (2d ed. 1961).

Nor does Shalhoub have a clear and indisputable right to mandamus on the ground that venue is improper in the Southern District of Florida. Venue lies in any district in which [an] offense was begun, continued, or completed. 18 U.S.C.  3237(a). The indictment contains enough information to suggest that the crime commenced in the Southern District of Florida where Shalhoub's ex-wife lived before their daughter was removed from the United States. And Shalhoub once resided in the Southern District of Florida. Contra United States v. Clenney, 434 F.3d 78 (5th Cir. 2005) (holding that venue did not lie in the Northern District of Texas because the defendant had never set foot in the Northern District). In any event, a motion to dismiss an indictment for improper venue is not the kind of compelling question that justifies issuance of the writ. See United States v. Martin, 620 F.2d 237, 239 (10th Cir. 1980).

Shalhoub exhorts us to follow In re Hijazi, 589 F.3d 401 (7th Cir. 2009), in which the court granted a writ of mandamus to a defendant who lived outside of the United States and sought to dismiss an indictment through a special appearance of his counsel. Shalhoub argues that his petition is identical to the petition in Hijazi. Shalhoub argues that, like the petitioner in Hijazi, he is under no obligation to travel to the United States, he has suffered prejudice by not being able to travel, and his claims could not be remedied by the regular appeals process. Id. at 407. We reject this argument.

Unlike the petitioner in Hijazi, Shalhoub cites no refusal by the Saudi Government to extradite him, and he has significant contacts with the United States. Id. at 40714. Notwithstanding what the Seventh Circuit has stated on this issue, see id. at 407 (explaining that although Hijazi could show[ ] up in court to challenge the indictment, Hijazi ha[d] [a] right to stay [in Kuwait], and in that way, to refuse to cooperate with the U.S. proceeding), we submit that Shalhoub has an adequate remedy: appearance in the district court.

We are not satisfied that the writ is appropriate under the circumstances. Cheney, 542. U.S. at 381. Shalhoub's petition does not raise the kinds of significant questions necessary for issuance of the writ. Id. (explaining that separation of powers is the kind of significant question that the writ could be used to address). If Shalhoub wants to the challenge the indictment, he need only submit himself to the jurisdiction of the district court.

IV. CONCLUSION

We DISMISS Shalhoub's appeal for lack of appellate jurisdiction, and we DENY his petition for a writ of mandamus.

WILLIAM PRYOR, Circuit Judge:
A U.S. magistrate judge ruled Friday that an elderly Rapid City couple may resume living together but may not discuss their criminal case.

Robert Larry Lytle, 82, and Fredretta Eason, 76, have been under a no-contact order since January, when both were charged with crimes in an alleged conspiracy to disobey a 2015 court order. The order required Lytle to stop making and selling his QLaser medical devices, which he claimed could treat hundreds of medical conditions.

By the time of that court order, Lytle had already sold 20,000 devices for more than $16 million, according to court records, despite lacking clearance for most of the devices from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. After the court order was issued, Lytle allegedly conspired with business associates to defy the order and secretly sell more laser devices.

Lytle and one of his associates, 62-year-old Canadian resident Irina Kossovskaia, are each charged with mail fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy, contempt and obstruction of government proceedings. Eason, who is Lytle's longtime live-in girlfriend, is charged with criminal contempt. Another Lytle associate, 38-year-old Ronald Weir of Rapid City, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing. All are on conditional release from custody.

On Friday, a government prosecutor took no position on a motion by Lytle, which was joined by Eason, to modify the terms of their release and allow them to resume cohabiting. Judge Daneta Wollmann granted the motion but ordered Lytle and Eason to refrain from discussing their case while living together. Wollmann also kept a no-contact order in place between the couple and Kossovskaia.
PIERRE | The state Department of Environment and Natural Resources issued the latest version of its general water pollution control permit for concentrated animal feeding operations throughout South Dakota last week.

DENR Secretary Steve Pirner approved the revised permit March 10. That set a 30-day clock running for interveners to challenge the revised permits conditions in state circuit court.

However, no one appealed during the window of time.

Since the secretarys final findings were not appealed, the general water pollution control permit for concentrated animal feeding operations is reissued and in effect, the department said in a news release on April 21.

The 2016 version of the permit covers producers that confine and feed large numbers of animals. The department refers to it as the 2016 permit although it was issued in 2017.

The large CAFOs are at least: 700 dairy cows; 1,000 beef cattle; 2,500 swine weighing at least 55 pounds; 10,000 swine weighing less than 55 pounds; 500 horses; 10,000 sheep; 55,000 turkeys; or 30,000 geese.

Chicken and large duck CAFOs range from 5,000 to 125,000 animals, depending on the type of operation and whether they use liquid or solid manure containment systems.

There are 429 producers licensed as CAFOs in South Dakota. Producers have one to four years to apply for coverage by the 2016 version of the CAFO permit, depending upon when they are scheduled for re-approval.

DENR will send letters to all permitted operations with information about the process and deadlines for applying, according to Kent Woodmansey, administrator for DENRs feedlot permit program.

CAFOs covered under the 2003 general permit will retain coverage until they are approved under the 2016 version of the general permit, according to DENR officials.

The latest version of the state permit prohibits manure discharges. The federal permit that is available allows manure discharges under limited conditions.

DENR issued its first CAFO permit covering new and expanding swine operations in 1997. The department broadened the permit in 1998 to cover new and expanding operations for other animals.

DENR combined the two types of permits in 2003 and required coverage for all existing CAFOs.

As of last October, there were 426 CAFOs with coverage by the general permit. Three CAFOs had individual permits. Together they have more than 1.3 million acres in approved nutrient management plans in South Dakota.
Weve just passed President Trumps 100-day mark. While that is a relatively short amount of time, it is an opportunity to reflect on the progress so far.

A lot has changed since President Trump moved into the White House. For one, were seeing the legislation conservatives have long fought for become law. Already, Ive helped pass 29 bills that President Trump has signed  the most for a presidents first 100 days since Truman was elected.

While President Obama used his executive authorities to expand governments influence over our lives, President Trump has worked with me and other members of Congress to return power to the American people. For instance, nearly half of the new laws peeled back harmful Obama-era regulations. Under the previous administration, new regulations promised to increase household costs by thousands of dollars. But through the work weve done this year alone, families and businesses are expected to save $67 billion. This is a new era.

Weve done much of this through the Congressional Review Act. While this provision has been used successfully only one time before, Ive now helped pass more than a dozen Congressional Review Act resolutions that have landed on President Trumps desk and earned his signature.

In some cases, these regulatory repeals have provided relief for small businesses, energy workers, and retirees. In others, weve protected the most vulnerable among us: the unborn. One provision in particular gave states the ability to defund abortion providers, like Planned Parenthood. With President Trumps signature in mid-April, its now the law of the land. This, along with the successful confirmation of Justice Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court, has offered long-awaited victories for the pro-life movement.

Ive also been pleased to see some of the efforts that have come directly from the White House. In a state like South Dakota, families earning less than $50,000 per year already spend one-fifth of their after-tax income on energy. Along with other measures, Ive supported the Keystone Pipelines construction to help drive these costs down and promote greater energy independence. But the Obama administration vetoed our efforts. I was thrilled, however, to see President Trump pick up the mantle and approve the pipelines construction.

And much more is in the works.

Weve gotten further on tax reform in the last few months than others have gotten in the last 30 years. While we continue to debate smaller details, Congress and the White House are united behind a few key principles: folks ought to be paying less, the tax code needs to be made simpler, and we have to incentivize growth again.

Weve also made more progress on health care reform in 100 days than President Obama made in 400 days. I remain committed to repealing Obamacare and replacing it with a plan that gives you more freedom and flexibility.

As all this is taking place, weve been able to strengthen Americas global posture and better secure our borders. In fact, in President Trumps first month alone, illegal border crossings decreased by 40 percent, according to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.

Once again, were only 100 days in and already weve seen the tides change. Were seeing power flow away from Washington, navigating its way back to the people  where it should have been all along.
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United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit. RALPH SUNY, Appellant v. COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA; THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY OF THE COUNTY OF DELAWARE; THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA No. 14-3517 Decided: April 28, 2017

Before: SMITH, Chief Judge, McKEE and SHWARTZ, Circuit Judges.

OPINION*

Ralph Suny appeals the order of the District Court denying the habeas corpus petition he filed pursuant to 28 U.S.C.  2254. He contends that his trial counsel was ineffective for two reasons: (1) counsel failed to object to a jury instruction that did not explain that a person can be guilty of a single conspiracy to commit multiple crimes, and (2) counsel failed to adequately investigate alibi witness testimony. For the reasons that follow, we will affirm.

I 1

Ralph Suny was charged in Pennsylvania state court with eight counts of burglary, and eight counts of conspiracy to commit burglary and related offenses. The charges arise from a total of eight home invasions that occurred between August and September of 2003.

At trial, the judge gave jury instructions explaining the elements of conspiracy in general, but did not explain that a person can be guilty of a single conspiracy to commit multiple crimes. Suny's counsel did not request any such instruction and did not object to the instruction that was given. The jury convicted Suny of one count of first degree burglary, one count of second degree burglary, three counts of conspiracy to commit burglary, and one count of driving under the influence.

After sentencing, Suny moved for a new trial. After he was appointed new counsel, Suny claimed, among other things, that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to investigate and present the alibi witness testimony of his mother and aunt. The trial court held a hearing on that motion and heard Suny's family's testimony as well as that of both of Suny's trial attorneys. The court concluded that Suny's mother and aunt's claims that Suny's attorneys ignored their alibi information and failed to adequately investigate lacked credibility. Rather, the court credited Suny's attorneys' testimony that they conducted a thorough investigation of any potential alibi testimony, and that Suny's mother and aunt never made the attorneys aware of their potential alibi evidence. Based on these findings, the court concluded that trial counsel was unaware of the existence of the proffered alibi testimony, and cannot be found ineffective for failing to call these witnesses.

Suny appealed to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. His claims there included the ineffectiveness of trial counsel for failing to present alibi testimony. The Superior Court rejected Suny's claims, concluding that because the record contained ample factual support for the trial court's conclusion that Suny's attorneys had done a thorough investigation into alibi witness testimony, there [was] no basis upon which [the] Court [could] disturb the findings of the trial court that [the attorneys] had not been ineffective in failing to produce alibi testimony. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court denied Suny's request for appeal.

Thereafter, Suny filed a pro se petition for post-conviction relief pursuant to Pennsylvania's Post Conviction Relief Act (PCRA), alleging thirteen errors. Among the errors listed, Suny claimed that the jury instruction on conspiracy was faulty under state law. Suny also generally claimed that his counsel was ineffective. However, he did not explicitly present the claim that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to object to the conspiracy charge. The closest Suny got to articulating the ineffectiveness claim he now argues is a statement in his PCRA brief that he was eligible for relief due to [i]neffective assistance of counsel which, in the circumstances of the particular case, so undermined the truth-determining process that no reliable adjudication of guilt or innocence could have taken place. Suny went on to state that appellate counsel failed to appeal issues to the highest courts, referencing Part A and B of his PCRA brief. Part A of Suny's brief, entitled ALL ISSUES, included an outline of his claim that the jury instructions were deficient for failure to include an explanation of single conspiracy and stated that appellate counsel failed to argue illegal conviction of MULTIPLE CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY CHARGES.

Suny's appointed PCRA counsel moved to withdraw because he concluded that Suny's claims lacked merit. In PCRA counsel's no merit letter, he outlined the issues in Suny's PCRA brief but did not articulate Suny's current claim of ineffective assistance of counsel for failure to object to the instruction. The PCRA court granted the motion to withdraw and dismissed Suny's petition without a hearing.

Suny appealed. This time, however, he did clearly articulate his ineffective assistance claim based on the allegedly faulty conspiracy instruction. The Superior Court affirmed the PCRA court's dismissal of Suny's petition, holding that his ineffective assistance claim was waived under Pennsylvania law because Suny failed to raise it in his brief or PCRA petition. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court denied Suny's petition for allowance of appeal.

Suny then filed a pro se petition for habeas relief, raising seven constitutional claims, all of which were rejected by the District Court. We granted a certificate of appealability on five issues, two of which Suny withdrew in his reply brief. Thus the following issues articulated in the certificate of appealability remain before us: (1) whether the trial court erred in failing to instruct the jury that it could find him guilty for a single conspiracy even though multiple conspiracies were charged, (2) whether trial and appellate counsel were ineffective for failing to request the instruction or challenge its absence, and (3) whether trial counsel was ineffective for failing to investigate and present the alibi witness testimony of Suny's mother and aunt. Because the record supports the trial court's finding that Suny did not inform his trial counsel of potential alibi witnesses, we need only discuss that claim briefly. We will address the first two claims together as they raise the same issue.

II

Suny's appeal is governed by the Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (AEDPA). Under AEDPA, a federal court may not grant a writ of habeas corpus unless the petitioner has exhausted the remedies available in the courts of the State. To do so, the petitioner must fairly present all federal claims to the highest state court before bringing them in federal court. If claims are fairly presentedand therefore exhausted in state courtfederal courts may grant habeas relief only if a state court's adjudication resulted in a decision that was contrary to, or involved an unreasonable application of, clearly established Federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court of the United States[,] or resulted in a decision that was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the State court proceeding.

Even if a petitioner asserted a claim in state court, however, a federal court may not review it on the merits where a state court's denial of relief rests on a violation of a state procedural rule, provided that the state rule is independent of the federal question and adequate to support the judgment. Such claims are procedurally defaulted, and we are unable to review them unless the petitioner can show cause and prejudice to excuse the default.

Under this framework, we first consider whether Suny is procedurally barred from pursuing his claim that trial counsel was ineffective for failing to contemporaneously object to the trial court's conspiracy instruction.

A

Suny argues that the evidence in his case supported a jury finding of a single conspiracy rather than multiple conspiracies. Put another way, Suny argues that the jury could have found based on the evidence that the burglaries were conducted pursuant to a single agreement to commit multiple burglaries instead of multiple agreements to commit each burglary. Had the jury found that Suny had agreed only to a single conspiracy, his sentence may well have been less than he received. Moreover, there is evidence to support such a finding: The three burglaries that led to Suny's only convictions were committed by the same conspirators, and took place only three nights apart and within a half mile of each other. Suny therefore claims that under Pennsylvania law, he was entitled to an instruction that informed the jury that he could be convicted of a single conspiracy had his counsel requested one. Thus, according to Suny, he was prejudiced under the Strickland v. Washington standard by his trial counsel's failure to object to the instruction as given. However, we are unable to consider the merits of Suny's ineffective assistance of trial counsel claim because he waived it in state court.

Pennsylvania law requires that a defendant convicted at trial present any ineffective assistance of counsel claims in his or her initial PCRA petitionor else the claims are waived. All PCRA claims must be explicitly raised in the petition to avoid such a waiver. Suny argues that he did adequately raise his ineffective assistance claim that he pursues herespecifically, that his trial counsel was deficient for failing to object to the jury instructions on conspiracy. First, Suny notes that he indicated on his petition that he was entitled to relief, in part, because of [i]neffective assistance of counsel which, in the circumstances of the particular case, so undermined the truth determining process that no reliable adjudication of guilt or innocence could have taken place. Second, Suny notes that he wrote that appellate counsel failed to appeal issues to the highest courts, referencing Parts A and B of his brief. Part A of Suny's brief, entitled ALL ISSUES, argued, among other things, that the jury instructions were deficient because they failed to include an explanation of single conspiracy. Thus, Suny argues, he adequately raised the issue he claims here and it was not waived.

However, even affording Suny the liberal construction afforded to all pro se litigants, the extremely general and overbroad statements in his PCRA petition and brief do not come close to providing the necessary factual and legal underpinnings to present the specific ineffectiveness claim he argues here. Accordingly, Suny's petition was not sufficiently clear to allow his appointed PCRA counsel or the PCRA court to understand that he was raising the ineffectiveness claim argued here. Suny's counsel only outlined his claim that appellate counselnot trial counselwas deficient for failing to pursue the state law claim on appeal. The PCRA court responded only to the argument that appellate counsel was ineffective. The Superior Court affirmed, holding that neither Appellant's PCRA petition nor his brief makes any claim of ineffectiveness for [counsel's] failure to [object to the jury conspiracy charge], nor of post trial counsel's failure to raise the issue of trial counsel's omission on appeal. Accordingly, both claims are waived. In sum, Suny's failure to adequately raise this issue before the PCRA court precluded him from raising it subsequently on appeal before the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Consequently, the claim was dismissed on procedural grounds and not considered on its merits.

Such a dismissal on the state procedural grounds constitutes an independent and adequate state ground upon which to uphold a petitioner's conviction. As discussed above, procedurally defaulted claims that rest on independent and adequate state grounds are ordinarily unreviewable on federal collateral review.

Suny argues that the state court misapplied state procedural rules and incorrectly concluded that his claim was waived. However, federal courts generally will not consider whether the state court properly applied its own default rule to the petitioner's facts. In any event, we agree with the Superior Court that under Pennsylvania law, Suny's PCRA brief did not adequately raise the ineffective assistance claim he now attempts to raise and he therefore waived the claim. Therefore, Suny's ineffective assistance claim based on counsel's failure to object to the conspiracy jury instruction is procedurally defaulted and the merits of the claim are unreviewable here.

B

Next, Suny argues that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to adequately investigate and present alibi witness testimony. We agree with the District Court that there was nothing unreasonable in the state courts' treatment of this claim. Both the Court of Common Pleas and Superior Court reasonably found, after a careful review of the evidence, that Suny's attorneys' testimony was more credible than Suny's family's claims that counsel ignored their potential alibi testimony. Therefore, under the Strickland standard, the state courts reasonably concluded that Suny's counsel's investigation was adequate and that the choice not to elicit Suny's family's unhelpful testimony at trial was not ineffective assistance.

III

For the reasons set forth above, we will affirm the judgment of the District Court denying a writ of habeas corpus.

FOOTNOTES

. Because we write primarily for the parties who are familiar with this case, we set forth only those facts necessary to our conclusion.

. J.A. at 9293; Commonwealth v. Suny (Suny I), Nos. 6903-03, 6906-03, 6915-03, slip op. at 2223 (Del. Cty. Com. Pl. June 27, 2005).

. J.A. at 8696; Suny I, slip op. at 1626.

. J.A. 96; Suny I, slip op. at 26.

. J.A. at 11921; Commonwealth v. Suny (Suny II), 915 A.2d 151 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2006) (unpublished table decision).

. Commonwealth v. Suny (Suny III), 927 A.2d 624 (Pa. 2007).

. J.A. at 128.

. J.A. at 129.

. J.A. at 142.

. See Commonwealth v. Turner, 544 A.2d 927 (Pa. 1988).

. Commonwealth v. Suny (Suny IV), Nos. 6903-03, 6906-03, 6915-03, slip op. 198, 198 (Del. Cty. Com. Pl. June 23, 2008).

. J.A. at 148 (Was the attorney ineffective for not raising the issue of multiple conspiracy vs. single conspiracy[?]).

. J.A. at 15556; Commonwealth v. Suny (Suny V), 987 A.2d 825 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2009) (unpublished table decision).

. Commonwealth v. Suny (Suny VI), 15 A.3d 67 (Pa. 2011).

. Suny v. Pennsylvania (Suny VII), No. CIV.A. 12-1469, 2014 WL 772439, at *1 (E.D. Pa. Feb. 27, 2014).

. Reply Br. at 11 n.2.

. The District Court had jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C.  2241 and 2254. We have appellate jurisdiction to review the certified issues under 28 U.S.C.  2253. Because the District Court held no evidentiary hearing, our review is plenary. Simmons v. Beard, 590 F.3d 223, 231 (3d Cir. 2009).

. 28 U.S.C.  2254(b)(1)(A).

. Stevens v. Del. Corr. Ctr., 295 F.3d 361, 369 (3d Cir. 2002); 28 U.S.C.  2254(b).

. 28 U.S.C.  2254(d); see also Harrington v. Richter, 562 U.S. 86, 10002 (2011).

. Nara v. Frank, 488 F.3d 187, 199 (3d Cir. 2007).

. United States v. Frady, 456 U.S. 152, 16768 (1982).

. We take no position as to whether Suny was entitled to such an instruction under Pennsylvania law as federal habeas corpus relief does not lie for errors of state law. Lewis v. Jeffers, 497 U.S. 764, 780 (1991). Thus, our inquiry here is limited to whether Suny is entitled to relief based on his claim that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to request such an instruction.

. See Commonwealth v. Andrews, 768 A.2d 309, 316 (Pa. 2001); 18 Pa. Stat. and Cons. Stat. Ann.  903(c) (If a person conspires to commit a number of crimes, he is guilty of only one conspiracy so long as such multiple crimes are the object of the same agreement or continuous conspiratorial relationship.).

. 466 U.S. 668 (1984).

. To the extent that Suny seeks to recast his state law claim for relief as a constitutional due process claim, See Appellant's Br. at 28, Reply Br. at 78, this claim is also procedurally defaulted and unreviewable for the same reasons as Suny's ineffective assistance of trial counsel claim.

. Commonwealth v. Grant, 813 A.2d 726, 738 (Pa. 2002).

. Pa. R. Crim. P. 902(B) (Each ground relied upon in support of the relief requested shall be stated in the petition. Failure to state such a ground in the petition shall preclude the defendant from raising that ground in any proceeding for post-conviction collateral relief.); Pa. R.A.P. 302(a) (Issues not raised in the lower court are waived and cannot be raised for the first time on appeal.). See also 42 Pa. Stat. and Cons. Stat. Ann.  9543 (To be eligible for [post-conviction] relief , petitioner must plead and prove by a preponderance of the evidence  [t]hat the conviction or sentence resulted from one or more of the following:  Ineffective assistance of counsel which, in the circumstances of the particular case, so undermined the truth-determining process that no reliable adjudication of guilt or innocence could have taken place. (emphasis added)).

. Appellant's Br. at 32; J.A. at 128.

. Appellant's Br. at 32; J.A. at 129.

. J.A. at 129, 142.

. Mala v. Crown Bay Marina, Inc., 704 F.3d 239, 244 (3d Cir. 2013).

. See id. at 245.

. Suny IV, slip op. at 20102.

. J.A. at 156.

. A state procedural rule is independent if it is separate from the federal issue. That requirement is met here. Cabrera v. Barbo, 175 F.3d 307, 313 (3d Cir. 1999). A state procedural rule is adequate if it was firmly established and regularly followed at the time of the alleged procedural default. Ford v. Georgia, 498 U.S. 411, 424 (1991). This requirement is also met here. Based on Rule of Criminal Procedure 902(B) and Rule of Appellate Procedure 302(a), Pennsylvania courts routinely decline to consider on appeal an argument that was not explicitly raised in the PCRA petition. See, e.g., Commonwealth v. Bond, 819 A.2d 33, 39 (Pa. 2002); Commonwealth v. Bracey, 795 A.2d 935, 940 n.4 (Pa. 2001).

. Coleman v. Thompson, 501 U.S. 722, 731 (1991).

. Estelle v. McGuire, 502 U.S. 62, 6768 (1991) ([I]t is not the province of a federal habeas court to reexamine state-court determinations on state-law questions.). See also Sharpe v. Bell, 593 F.3d 372, 377 (4th Cir. 2010) (A federal habeas court does not have license to question a state court's finding of procedural default or to question whether the state court properly applied its own law. (internal citation and quotation marks omitted)); Poland v. Stewart, 169 F.3d 573, 584 (9th Cir. 1999) (Federal habeas courts lack jurisdiction, however, to review state court applications of state procedural rules.); Schleeper v. Groose, 36 F.3d 735, 737 (8th Cir. 1994) ([A] state's misapplication of its own procedural rule is not cause for default.); Barksdale v. Lane, 957 F.2d 379, 38384 (7th Cir. 1992) ([A] federal court sitting in habeas corpus is required to respect a state court's finding of waiver or procedural default under state law. Federal courts do not sit to correct errors made by state courts in the interpretation and application of state law.); Richardson v. Thigpen, 883 F.2d 895, 898 (11th Cir. 1989), cert. denied, 492 U.S. 934 (1989) ([Petitioner] argues that the state misapplied its own procedural default rules; this does not constitute cause within the meaning of Strickland.).

. See Bond, 819 A.2d at 3940 (holding that boilerplate and bald allegation[s] of ineffective assistance of counsel tacked on to waived claims of trial court error were insufficient to avoid waiving the claims); Bracey, 795 A.2d at 940 n.4 (concluding that a PCRA petition that tack[ed] a on sentence that trial and appellate counsel were ineffective for failing to raise and/or properly litigate the underlying claims was an undeveloped argument, which fail[ed] to meaningfully discuss and apply the standard governing the review of ineffectiveness claims and therefore the petitioner [did] not satisfy [his] burden of establishing that he is entitled to any relief).

. We note that under the Supreme Court's recent case, Martinez v. Ryan, 566 U.S. 1 (2012), ineffective assistance of trial counsel claims procedurally defaulted under state law may be reviewable on habeas if the prisoner's collateral review counsel is found to have been ineffective for failing to raise them. Id. at 14. However, Suny has not argued that his appointed PCRA counsel was ineffective and we therefore do not consider Martinez's application here.

. Suny VII, 2014 WL 772439, at *18.

. Suny I, slip op. at 1426; Suny II, slip op. at 1012.

McKEE, Circuit Judge.
The presidential executive order to review 24 national monuments for potential resizing or elimination has drawn heated response from voices across the West.

President Donald Trumps order tells Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to review all monument designations larger than 100,000 acres made since 1996 to restore trust between local communities and Washington and (root) out abuses of power by previous administrations, according to an email statement from Zinke on Wednesday.

While the order, issued Tuesday, does not strip any monument's designation, Zinke said in his statement that it would redirect the Interior Department to manage federal lands in accordance to traditional multiple-use philosophy.

In the Trump Administration, we listen and then we act, Zinke said in the email. For years, the people of Utah and other rural communities have voiced concern and opposition to some monument designations. But too often in recent history, exiting presidents make designations despite those concerns. And the acreage is increasing.

Zinke specifically mentioned Clintons 1996 Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and President Barack Obamas 2016 Bears Ears National Monument as examples of overreach. The order also affects Montanas 377,346-acre Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument established by President Bill Clinton in 2001.

Theres more to this decision than meets the eye, Missoula-based Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Conservation Director John Gale said in an email. Neither sportsmen nor other public lands users would stand in the way of an objective attempt to ensure the integrity of recent monument designations. Yet the administrations announcement could create unintended consequences that jeopardize important fish and wildlife habitat on public lands and invite unproductive dialogues that distract us from enhancing management of our public lands and waters.

Indiana University environmental law professor Robert Fischman noted that the Antiquities Act gives a president the power to designate a national monument, but stands silent on disestablishment. So while Trump can order reviews of borders and management, he said only Congress has authority to erase a monument.

I think what is happening here is that President Trump wants to make a big show of ordering a review (for which he needs no executive order) to appease opponents of monuments and parks, Fischman wrote in an email. Then, he can do nothing but make some suggestions to Congress. Revoking monument designations would undermine much of Trumps popular support.

Congress has altered and disestablished parks, Fischman continued. The presidents have altered monument boundaries. None were done with the kind of fanfare we are seeing today. I think that suggests that Trump is acting for the fanfare and not for the disestablishment/revocation agenda.

Myron Ebell, director of the Competitive Enterprise Institute Center for Energy and Environment, praised the executive order as a counter-move to other presidents massive land grabs.

Presidents at least since Bill Clinton have misused the Antiquities Act of 1906 to lock up millions of acres of federal lands, Ebell wrote in an email. Some of these National Monument designations have had devastating effects on the people living near them. Jobs in resource industries have been destroyed, access for recreation and hunting has been eliminated, and environmental degradation has resulted from replacing active land management with de facto wilderness non-management.

The Bozeman-based Headwaters Economics research organization in 2014 studied the economic performance of 17 national monuments larger than 10,000 acres in 11 Western states created since 1982. It found local communities at all 17 locations maintained or grew in population, employment, personal income and per-capita income. It found no evidence that designating those monuments prevented economic growth.

The study included Grand Staircase Escalante and Upper Missouri Breaks, but was done before Bears Ears.

Judging by the president's comments today, it's clear that he and his allies in Congress want to cripple, if not destroy, the Antiquities Act, an essential pillar of our public lands legacy, says Montana Wilderness Association Conservation Director John Todd, who spent 10 seasons guiding people through the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.

Coincidentally, two members of the House and one senator reintroduced one of the most sweeping wilderness designation bills to Congress on Wednesday. Known as the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act, it would enroll about 23 million acres of federal roadless lands as wilderness in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Oregon and Washington. Additionally, it would designate about 1,800 miles of rivers and streams as federal Wild and Scenic Rivers.

Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Arizona and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-Rhode Island submitted the companion bills in both chambers.

Supporters claimed the bill would save taxpayers $245 million over 10 years by eliminating subsidized development in wilderness study and recommended wilderness areas, while creating 2,300 new jobs for restoring lands to wilderness character. Critics of the bill, which has been introduced numerous times but never received a vote, argue it has no support among the affected state congressional delegations.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - When John Duffy built his Georgian Revival mansion in 1908, he made sure his love of music was an integral part of his new home.

Duffy installed a full pipe organ designed to fill the mansion with music from pipe chambers built beneath the floors of grand entrance hall. He later added an "echo chamber" beneath the walnut-paneled library.

Widely known as a vocalist with the Schubert Male Chorus of Grand Rapids, Duffy at one time hosted the National Organ Convention at his home.

While the organ has not been played in years, it's still operable from the console in the front music room. A large compressor in the basement remains to push the air through the hundreds of pipes ranging from piccolo stems to wooden bass tubes that drop deep into the basement floor.

Listed for $1.2 million by Griffin Properties, the Heritage Hill mansion also includes an elevator, an in-ground swimming pool and carriage house with a four-stall garage and a one-bedroom apartment above it.

Like the original organ, much of the stately red-brick mansion has been preserved, even though it served as a four-unit apartment house in the late 20th Century before it was brought back to single-family status.

The formal entrance still has its original tile floor and locker-style closets for guest coats. The entrance hall has its original quarter-sawn oak flooring - with the exception of the large brass grates that cover the organ pipes in the floor below.

The front music room houses the organ console but also has enough room for a grand piano. The living room includes a paper roll player machine that can play the organ when there is no one at the keyboard.

The music room and living room lead to a large sun room with the home's original green glazed tile flooring - one of two sun rooms in the mansion. French doors lead to a sun porch that overlooks the in-ground swimming pool in the back yard.

Behind the living room and its fireplace, there's a walnut-paneled library that Duffy added to the home in 1912. The room was originally built by craftsman in Chicago before it was disassembled and brought to Grand Rapids for reassembly.

The formal dining room on the other side of the entrance is trimmed in rich mahogany panels that extend above the windows.

Beyond the dining room, the kitchen has been updated in cherry cabinetry with a granite island and high-end appliances. Vestiges of its 110-year-old provenance can be found in the old telephone intercom hanging on the wall.

Behind the kitchen, a laundry, mudroom and bathroom were installed in the wing that Duffy added to complement his library addition.

On the second floor, the master suite was recently updated by converting the sleeping porch above the library into a skylit bathroom and walk-in closet with built-in cabinetry.

Each of the three second-loor bedrooms have their own full bathrooms and walk-in closets - a rarity in homes built more than 100 years ago.

On the third floor, servant's quarters have been updated to meet a modern family life. One of the three bedrooms has been converted into an exercise room while the living room has been converted into a television room with an adjoining kitchenette.

All of the home's windows have been converted from the original to vinyl-clad insulated installations - a conversion that occurred before wooden windows became a requirement in the Heritage Hill Historic District.

Although the basement has not been finished, it remains one of the home's most fascinating areas. Besides the two organ pipe rooms and the giant compressor for the organ pipes, the basement features two storage areas behind metal vault doors.

The landscaped grounds on the .64-acre lot are expansive for Heritage Hill and include a koi pond and 10-foot-deep swimming pool whose heating and filtration system was updated in 2015.

The heated carriage house has enough space for four vehicles on the ground floor and an apartment on the second floor that could serve as a guest house.

This is one in a series of articles we have published about High-End Homes in West Michigan. Here are similar articles we have published recently:
Guwahati: Eminent economist, educationist and northeast India's most popular quiz master Dr Dilip Kumar Baruah passed away on 28 April morning in a Guwahati based private hospital. The former principal of premier institution Cotton College was suffering from illness for few weeks.

Professor Baruah, 73, who had a brilliant academic career, completed his post graduate from Delhi University in Economics and joined the century old college to finally elevated to the post of principal. An author by passion, Prof Baruah was more popular as a quiz master and he regularly joined in television debates on various relevant

issues. He also served as a member of the 7th Pay Commission constituted by Assam government.

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma condoled the death of Prof Baruah. In a condolence message, Sonowal stated that the contributions of late Baruah as an academician and economist would always remain memorable in the minds of the people of Assam. He also expressed his deepest sympathies with the bereaved family.
Guwahati : Security forces had apprehended a hardcore NSCN (K) militant in Arunachal Pradesh's Longding district on Friday, officials said.

Kohima based Defence PRO Colonel Chiranjeet Konwer said that, following intelligence input the Khonsa Battalion of Assam Rifles undertook an operation at Kunsa village in Longding district and apprehended a hardcore NSCN (K) militant identified as self styled Lance Corporal Manlak Pansa who was terrorizing people for extortion.

Security personnel had recovered one point 22mm pistol with five live rounds in possession from him.

Security forces has been carrying out aggressive operations in the South Arunachal Pradesh and this apprehension has struck a blow to the extortion activities being carried out by the underground cadres of the group in the area.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  A North Korean mid-range ballistic missile apparently failed shortly after launch Saturday, South Korea and the United States said, the third test-fire flop just this month but a clear message of defiance as a U.S. supercarrier conducts drills in nearby waters.

North Korean ballistic missile tests are banned by the United Nations because they're seen as part of the North's push for a nuclear-tipped missile that can hit the U.S. mainland. The latest test came as U.S. officials pivoted from a hard line to diplomacy at the U.N. in an effort to address what may be Washington's most pressing foreign policy challenge.

President Donald Trump said on Twitter, "North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!" He did not answer reporters' questions about the missile launch upon returning to the White House from a day trip to Atlanta.

North Korea didn't immediately comment on the launch, though its state media on Saturday reiterated the country's goal of being able to strike the continental U.S.

The timing of the North's test was striking: Only hours earlier the U.N. Security Council held a ministerial meeting on Pyongyang's escalating weapons program. North Korean officials boycotted the meeting, which was chaired by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that the missile flew for several minutes and reached a maximum height of 71 kilometers (44 miles) before it apparently failed.

It didn't immediately provide an estimate on how far the missile flew, but a U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, said it was likely a medium-range KN-17 ballistic missile. It broke up a few minutes after the launch.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, speaking after a meeting of Japan's National Security Council, said the missile is believed to have traveled about 50 kilometers (30 miles) and fallen on an inland part of North Korea.

Analysts say the KN-17 is a new Scud-type missile developed by North Korea. The North fired the same type of missile April 16, just a day after a massive military parade where it showed off its expanding missile arsenal, but U.S. officials called that launch a failure.

Some analysts say a missile the North test fired April 5, which U.S. officials identified as a Scud variant, also might have been a KN-17. U.S. officials said that missile spun out of control and crashed into the sea.

Moon Seong Mook, a South Korean analyst and former military official, says that the North would gain valuable knowledge even from failed launches as it continues to improve its technologies for missiles. The South Korean and Japanese assessments about Saturday's launch indicate that the North fired the missile from a higher-than-normal angle to prevent it from flying too far, he said.

"They could be testing a variety of things, such as the thrust of the rocket engine or the separation of stages," Moon said. "A failure is a failure, but that doesn't mean the launch was meaningless."

The two earlier launches were conducted from an eastern coastal area, but the missile Saturday was fired in the west, from an area near Pukchang, just north of the capital, Pyongyang.

South Korea's Foreign Ministry denounced the launch as an "obvious" violation of United Nations resolutions and the latest display of North Korea's "belligerence and recklessness."

"We sternly warn that the North Korean government will continue to face a variety of strong punitive measures issued by the U.N. Security Council and others if it continues to reject denuclearization and play with fire in front of the world," the ministry said.

The North routinely test-fires a variety of ballistic missiles, despite U.N. prohibitions, as part of its weapons development. While shorter-range missiles are somewhat routine, there is strong outside worry about each longer-range North Korean ballistic test.

Saturday's launch comes at a point of particularly high tension. Trump has sent a nuclear-powered submarine and the USS Carl Vinson aircraft supercarrier to Korean waters, and North Korea this week conducted large-scale, live-fire exercises on its eastern coast. The U.S. and South Korea also started installing a missile defense system that is supposed to be partially operational within days.

On Friday, the United States and China offered starkly different strategies for addressing North Korea's escalating nuclear threat as Tillerson demanded full enforcement of economic sanctions on Pyongyang and urged new penalties. Stepping back from suggestions of U.S. military action, he even offered aid to North Korea if it ends its nuclear weapons program.

The range of Tillerson's suggestions, which over a span of 24 hours also included restarting negotiations, reflected America's failure to halt North Korea's nuclear advances despite decades of U.S.-led sanctions, military threats and stop-and-go rounds of diplomatic engagement. As the North approaches the capability to hit the U.S. mainland with a nuclear-tipped missile, the Trump administration feels it is running out of time.

Chairing a ministerial meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Friday, Tillerson declared that "failing to act now on the most pressing security issue in the world may bring catastrophic consequences."

His ideas included a ban on North Korean coal imports and preventing its overseas guest laborers, a critical source of government revenue, from sending money home. And he warned of unilateral U.S. moves against international firms conducting banned business with Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs, which could ensnare banks in China, the North's primary trade partner.

Yet illustrating the international gulf over how best to tackle North Korea, several foreign ministers on the 15-member council expressed fears of a conflict on the Korean Peninsula, which was divided between the American-backed South and communist North even before the 1950-53 Korean War. The conflict ended with no formal peace treaty. And while danger always has lurked, tensions have escalated dramatically as the North's young leader, Kim Jong Un, has expanded a nuclear arsenal his government says is needed to avert a U.S. invasion.

No voice at Friday's session was more important than that of China, a conduit for 90 percent of North Korea's commerce and a country Trump is pinning hopes on for a peaceful resolution to the nuclear crisis. Trump, who recently hosted President Xi Jinping for a Florida summit, has sometimes praised the Chinese leader for a newfound cooperation to crack down on North Korea and sometimes threatened a go-it-alone U.S. approach if Xi fails to deliver.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China would adhere to past U.N. resolutions and wants a denuclearized peninsula. But he spelled out no further punitive steps his government might consider, despite Tillerson's assertions in an interview hours ahead of the council meeting that Beijing would impose sanctions of its own if North Korea conducts another nuclear test.

Wang put forward a familiar Chinese idea to ease tensions: North Korea suspending its nuclear and missile activities if the U.S. and South Korea stop military exercises in the region. Washington and Seoul reject the idea.

Tillerson said the U.S. does not seek regime change in North Korea, and he signaled American openness to holding direct negotiations with Pyongyang. The U.S. also could resume aid to North Korea once it "begins to dismantle its nuclear weapons and missile technology programs," he said. Since 1995, he added, Washington has provided more than $1.3 billion to the impoverished country.

But the prospects for any more U.S. money going there appeared bleak. Even negotiations don't seem likely.

Tillerson said the North must take "concrete steps" to reduce its weapons threat before talks could occur. Six-nation nuclear negotiations with North Korea stalled in 2009. The Obama administration sought to resurrect them in 2012, but a deal to provide food aid in exchange for a nuclear freeze soon collapsed.

"In a nutshell, (North Korea) has already declared not to attend any type of talks which would discuss its nuclear abandonment, nuclear disbandment," Kim In Ryong, North Korea's deputy U.N. ambassador, told The Associated Press. His government declined to attend Friday's council meeting.
KHAJURA, BANKE: At least 60 houses built under thatched roof were gutted after a massive fire broke out at Chhitaipurwa of Holiya in Duduwa Rural Municipality-1 of Banke district on Friday night.

The fire was taken under control with help of the Armed Police Force (APF) and the locals, according to the Banke District Police Office (DPO).

What caused the fire is yet to be ascertained, police said.

Damages and Loss are yet to be evaluated, the DPO informed.

Nepal Red Cross Society, Banke, is set to hold an assessment of the damages and losses incurred in the fire.

Just six days days ago, three children of single family were killed in the fire incident in the Rural Municipality.
Jacobin - 4 April 2017

Recent regional elections in India handed Modias BJP important new majorities. How can it be stopped?

One can hardly overstate the significance of the Bharatiya Janata Partyas (BJP) remarkable showing in Indiaas recent state assembly elections in Manipur, Goa, Punjab, Uttrakhand, and Uttar Pradesh (UP), whose results were announced on March 11. Already the central point of political reference in the country and the only party with a genuinely national presence, the BJP made a qualitative leap forward. Its growing influence threatens to transform India into an authoritarian, Hindutva-ized polity and to strip the countryas institutions of democracy.

While the BJPas victory in UP will be the main focus in what follows, the partyas performance elsewhere cannot be ignored. The election results show its growing hegemony over the country as a whole, which will not only allow it to enact its Hindu-nationalist agenda but also help it further centralize power. In the face of BJP advances, Indiaas progressive forces a ranging from the mainstream, anti-BJP parties to its Communist formations a must work together to change the national discourse and protect democracy nationwide.

New Territories, New Challengers

The BJPas breakthrough in the northeast a a region that its main rivals, the Indian National Congress (INC), has long dominated a represents the partyas second-most important long-term gain. The INC could once cite this area as evidence that it had the widest geographical spread, but, thanks to the BJPas strong performance in Manipur, Modias call for a aCongress-freea country has taken on greater resonance.

Modias general election victory in 2014 helped him propel his party into governance in two of the seven northeast states for the first time. In Manipur, the BJP has now jumped from next to nothing to controlling a third of the assembly with twenty-one seats out of sixty. With the help of local parties, desperate to curry favor with Modi, the BJP has formed the government outmaneuvering the INC and its twenty-eight seats.

This comes after the BJPas strong performance in last Aprilas assembly elections in Assam, the most populated of the seven northeast states. There, it won sixty out the total of 126 seats; with the fourteen seats controlled by the regional Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), Modias party established a comfortable governing majority.

In nearby Arunachal Pradesh, the INC won forty-three out of sixty seats in the 2014 assembly elections, but, by late 2016 a after farcical rounds of mass defections a forty-two of those legislative assembly members moved over to the Peopleas Party of Arunachal (PPA), which promptly joined the BJP-led Northeast Democratic Alliance (NEDA) to form the government. Again, the lure of handouts from the central government was too tempting to resist.

Outside its northeastern stronghold, the INC defeated the BJP in Goa a taking seventeen seats to its rivalas thirteen a but secured only 29.4 percent of vote. (The BJP took 32.5 percent.) Here again, the BJP has formed and leads the coalition government, testifying once more to the INCas declining appeal. In both Manipur and Goa, pliant, BJP-appointed governors skirted constitutional proprieties to secure these outcomes for their benefactor.

INC did secure a comfortable majority in Punjab, where it won seventy-seven out of the total 117 seats, pushing the new Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) into second place. The greatly discredited leading coalition of the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which caters to the majority Sikh community with an upper-caste bias, took eighteen seats.

This result represents a major loss for the AAP, which had anticipated either being the largest party or even securing an absolute majority. In 2014, it won four seats in the Lok Sabha, Indiaas lower house. A year later, it formed the local government in Delhi and invested a major grassroots effort to prepare for these assembly elections.

Had the AAP achieved a majority, it would have appeared as the INCas most likely successor a a bourgeois, centrist force that could attract the widest cross section of the Indian electorate. Further, the win would have made the young party the only one besides the BJP with expanding popularity and geographic reach. Its results in Goa, however, dashed these expectations.

The AAP had reasonably high hopes of making a mark in that state, but it ended with only 6.3 percent of the vote (which was almost half the percentage tally of those voters who pressed the aNone of the Abovea button rather than choose any party) and no legislative seats.This reveals that, even with widespread disillusionment, the AAP couldnat seriously connect to local needs and issues.

As a result of this loss, it will struggle to construct an effective national challenge to the BJP. Now it is marking time, leaning on its performance as the leading party in Delhi and as the main opposition in Punjab to determine whether it can grow or whether, like other upstart parties, it will fade away.

We can easily identify the AAPas fatal flaw: at a moment when politics is moving steadily to the right, it would not seriously challenge the BJPas Hindutva agenda. Hoping to avoid the issue altogether, the AAP instead focused on safer, public-service campaigns that cut across class, caste, religious, and regional lines, revealing that it will neither emulate nor confront the Hindutva platform. The AAP, in fact, has no distinctive ideology and offers no alternative to the BJPas nationalist discourse. Indeed, it sometimes even bends to its rivalas agenda. AAP may be able to win over the non-BJP partiesa voters, but it cannot make a serious dent in the leading partyas base, which is expanding because of a not despite a its Hindutva ideology.

In the northern province of Uttrakhand, where the INC held just one more seat than the BJP, the former lost twenty-one seats (leaving it with only eleven), and the BJP gained twenty-six, giving it fifty-seven seats and a clear majority. In UP, the BJP took 312 seats out of 403, giving it another super majority. Even in the context of Indiaas first-past-the-post system, these results are extraordinary.

For the last three decades, UPas demographics have largely determined electoral outcomes, but this seems to be changing. Here, two major communities a the Dalits, which make up about 20 percent of the population, and Muslims, which make up over 19 percentado not support the BJP. Despite this, Modias party has won large majorities in the past two elections.

In the 2014 general elections, MayawatiasBahujanSamajParty (BSP) obtained 20 percent of the vote, and the BJP took 42 percent. Yet her party won no seats, and Modias bagged seventy-one out of the total eighty. This year, Mayawatias vote share went up to 22.2 percent, but she secured only nineteen seats. The Samajwadi Party (SP), which enjoys support from the Yadav and Muslim communities, also fared dismally, taking forty-seven seats on a vote of 21.8 percent.

Of course, uneven demographics partially explain these results. The BSPas 20 percent represents an average across the state. In some areas, it would not have reached even double digits while, in majority Dalit regions, it likely took around 40 percent, give or take. Nevertheless, the surprising results have raised concerns about the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) that India has used since 2004.

No other democracy has relied on this system so repeatedly or extensively. Indeed, most advanced democracies have rejected its use because the machines do not leave a paper trail to ensure accurate results. It is not surprising, then, that Mayawati publicly accused the BJP of manipulating the system. Her partyas general secretary also wrote a formal letter of complaint to the election commission (EC).

Indeed, a team comprised of three experts from India, Netherlands, and the United States has studied the EVMs, and their documentary reveals how easily the machines can be tampered with. Further, in April 2014, evidence that one machine could only record BJP votes went public. On this occasion, the INC complained, but when it last won the general elections in 2009, the opposition parties a including the BJP a registered their concerns about the system. Since it took the 2014 general election, Modias party has been silent about the issue.

While there is surely great potential for voter fraud across India, exit polls in UP a which skirt the issue of EVMs completely a all predicted that the BJP would win somewhere between 180 and 280 seats. We must then analyze how Modias party won and what its victory means for the country and the future.

Uttar Pradesh, Why and How?

The 2014 general elections marked the first time since independence that the majority party in the Lok Sabha did not have a single Muslim MP. In the 2017 UP elections, the BJP did not put up a single Muslim candidate. Modias message is clear: the BJP does not care about the Muslim vote, proving that it, unlike all the other parties, refuses to play the politics of appeasement.

The BJPas victory in UP raises a number of questions. Considering the stateas population is 20 percent Muslim a and that both the SP and BSP courted these votes a how did the Hindu nationalists secure victory? Do Muslims vote en bloc? Did they in fact vote for the BJP in substantial numbers, as party leaders like Amit Shah and others have claimed?

Put simply, Shah is incorrect. Given his partyas Hindutva ideology, its leadershipas venomous attitude toward Muslims, and the brutal history of both communal riots and individually targeted assaults carried out by the BJPas affiliates, like the Rashtriya Swayemsevak Sangh (RSS), Muslims as a group oppose the BJP. That said, the Muslim community does not have a consolidated strategic vote, which the BJPas success in these areas makes evident.

The Hindustan Times analyzed forty-two of the seventy-three constituencies where the population is over 30 percent Muslim and found that the BJP won thirty-one. (The SP took ten and the BSP only one.) Besides voting against the BJP, Muslims pick their candidates like everyone else: class, caste, and local concerns shape their preferences.

In states with a two-horse race between Congress and BJP, Congress wins the Muslim vote. In states where neither the BJP nor Congress has power, the Muslim vote splits among other regional parties. In states with three or more major parties like UP, the votes are spread between Congress, SP, and BSP.

Here, region, class, and caste play a decisive role. For example, more poor Pasmanda Muslims support the BSP than the SP. Likewise, the Yadav community, officially classified as an aotherwise backward castea (OBC), prefers the SP, and the Jatav community, which belongs to the Dalit caste, largely votes for the BSP. In the 2012 assembly elections, the Yadav and Jatav communities offered more consolidated support for their parties than Muslim and Brahmin voters. Two years later, however, Brahmins and Muslims were more consolidated than the Yadavs and Jatavs. In areas where riots have taken place, the Muslim vote understandably comes together more tightly.

Fortunately, UP did not have a repeat of the 2013 riots, but the BJP nevertheless played the ethnic card in its campaign. It did so on various registers, ranging from Modias more masked a but still clearly abusive arhetoric to many of the partyas candidates more naked hate speeches. These tactics should have forced the EC to disqualify the candidates, but it did not.

When it comes to caste, the RSS/BJP and cohort organizations had to operate differently. Given that the Yadav OBCs constitute a loyal SP block, that the Jatavs go for the BSP, and that Muslims would never vote for the BJP, the party had to win as much as possible of the remaining 60 percent of the electorate, which is comprised of Brahmins and other upper castes (around 25percent), non-Yadav OBCs (around 30 percent), and non-Jatav Dalits.

The BJPas strategy depended on the nationas rapidly changing economics and ideology. Uneven capitalist development, accelerated by the neoliberal turn, has combined with the communications revolution to begin to unify the country. Fewer and fewer Indians rely on the agricultural sector for employment, turning instead to the low-paid and insecure non-farm rural and urban labor markets. Migration to major cities and to larger towns in the rural areas has created new links between rural and urban life, confronting citizens with the connection between economics and politics.

Voters now recognize the central governmentas power to shape life in the provinces, the inequalities within and across states and regions, the ever starker contrasts between the rich and the poor, and the corrupt processes that have helped create this situation. Life becomes more precarious for many while others are making steady progress, creating class and caste resentment. Meanwhile, a nationalist identity is developing alongside more local and traditional forms of collective identification.

In India, the emotional content and practical thrust of nationalism is very much under construction. Here the numerous organizations that make up the Hindu-nationalist Sangh Parivar have been incredibly effective: the BJP has taken up residence in the halls of state and central government while the rest of the Sanghas organizations have integrated themselves throughout civil society. The Sangh built its power on a longer process that cultivated a sense of belonging to a broader cross-caste religious community among Hindus.

This growing sense of nationalist identification does not necessarily oppose more local forms of identification. Rather, in UP and elsewhere, the national and the local have started to meld. This change is by no means permanent, but only particular forms of struggle can move politics in a more progressive direction. Indeed, the caste reservation systems, which guaranteed representation in government and civil society for historically oppressed groups like Dalits and the OBCsa lower layers, acted for a time as barriers to the advance of the BJP/RSS. Not anymore.

On the one hand, the BJP/RSS has largely accepted the principle of reservations. On the other hand, the profound limitations of this, the strongest form of affirmative action, have now been laid bare. Reservations can only exist for a small minority within the reserved ranks, and its application has disproportionately favored the children of those who already used the system to climb the social ladder. The system no longer meets the needs of those left behind. At the same time, it has created frustration among the higher rural castes as they watched their fortunes erode thanks to rising production costs, declining inherited land holdings, and so on.

Now, upper-caste OBCs and even some forward castes demand reservations for themselves and scapegoat those whom the system was designed to favor. There is the absence of enough decently paid jobs throughout urban India, and the countryas utterly inadequate health, social security, and educational services means that huge numbers cannot be lifted out of poverty. The turn to religious forms of consolation a a global development a is an unsurprising response to the forms of alienation that the neoliberal order imposes everywhere.

It is in this fertile soil that the BJPas leaders have been diligently planting their message. They accuse the parties that oppose them a the protectors of the Hindu faith a of trying to appease Muslims. What about the Hindus? Then they point out that the BSP favors the Jatavs and the SP favors the Yadavs. What about the rest of the Dalits and OBCs?

When it comes to Muslims, the Sangh Parivar plays its nationalist card, emphasizing the rising danger presented by homegrown Muslim terrorism and by Pakistan. Indian Muslims, they presume, sympathize with the enemy by virtue of religious affiliation. Indeed, Modi did not hesitate to imply, without any evidence, that a railway accident in UP was the work of foreigners.

If there had once been widespread indifference toward the plight of Muslims, now resentment and even hostility has grown. As a result, a majority religious community has come to believe that it is the victim. This gives the BJP more latitude to deploy its Muslim-baiting agenda, both regionally and nationally.

Finally, we must take two other factors into account. Alongside the Hindutva narrative a ably spread by a powerful grassroots network of cadres that is unmatched by any other collection of party organizations a the BJP has repeatedly claimed that the Modi regime brought about rapid economic development. In truth, the partyas overall record, both in central government and in BJP-ruled states, is quite unremarkable when compared to public requirements, to non-BJP ruled states, and to Congressas record. But Modi understands that short-term perceptions now have greater weight than actual performance.

Secondly, the greater influence of media on politics has paved the way for a new kind of personalized populism, allowing for a seemingly more direct relationship between the supreme leader and the public. This bypasses representative institutions because the public feels that its concerns are reaching the very top. The supreme leader can thereby centralize more power through both representative institutions and internal party structures.

In UP, the BJP refused to name a chief ministerial candidate, relying on Modi to lead the campaign. Never before has any prime minister taken so much time off from central responsibilities. He and BJP president Amit Shah are therefore taking credit for the UP victory, making them effectively unassailable from internal criticism at least until the next general election. This constitutes a shift within the Sangh in the favor of the Modi/Shah-controlled BJP. Even RSS cadres are extending greater loyalty to Modi personally. The RSS leadership, already wary of concentrating power in the prime ministeras hands, will not like this development.

Finally, Modi appears to voters as an incorruptible politician. His poor OBC background a a first for Indiaas prime minister a further boosts his popularity. Over time, this highly exaggerated self-projection might lead to a dramatic popular disillusionment, but if the short-term gains are important enough a as they are in UP a the long-term benefits are also considerable.

For example, Modi believed that the demonetization gamble would win him huge public support. Despite the fact that it imposed substantial socioeconomic distress on a wide scale, the strategy has succeeded. Modi came across as a single-minded warrior against the rich and their ill-gotten wealth. The assembly election results in UP and elsewhere underline that Modi won the battle of perceptions. Those who suffered as a result of demonetization believed they were making a honorable sacrifice for the greater public good. Modi effectively welded class resentment to nationalist fervor.

The Sanghas Next Moves

This victory now makes many courses of action that once seemed distant more feasible. Most importantly, of course, Modi and the BJP are now the frontrunners for the next general elections, which are due in mid-2019. Assembly elections in Gujarat (currently held by the BJP) and Himachal Pradesh (held by the INC) will take place in NovemberaDecember 2017. The BJP will pull out all stops to win these, particularly Modias home state of Gujarat, where the main contender is once again the Congress. In NovemberaDecember 2018, elections are due in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh (MP), and Chhattisgarh, all three ruled by BJP administrations. Modi may call for general elections around that time.

The central government has already put out floaters to assess support for synchronizing the central and state elections. The BJP no doubt feels this change would play to its advantage everywhere and set a precedent for future elections. Adopting synchronized elections, however, would reduce the political diversity that has marked the Indian polity since the late 1960s,which have made it much more difficult for a single party to dominate the whole country.

In July, an electoral college a consisting of MPs from both houses of parliament and MLAs from the state assemblies a will choose a new president. The BJPas gains in the state assemblies almost certainly guarantee that they will get to pick the president.

In 2020, seats in Indiaas upper house, the Rajya Sabha, will be up for election, and its composition will depend on how well parties do in the next general elections. The BJP wants to ensure that it holds a two-thirds majority in both houses, which will put it in a position to carry out major constitutional amendments. Should this happen, it may move toward a system of governance more centered on the president.

The Sangh has its own policy ambitions, many of them religious in nature. In UP, it will likely build the Ram Mandir, which it wants to place on a site where a mosque was destroyed in 1992. The plan has been held in abeyance by the Supreme Court since then, but the BJP/RSS might start construction after making a deal with the puppet Muslim religious organization in the disputed area. Such a deal would give them legal justification. The temple would concretize the Sanghas claims that India is not only a Hindu nation but in fact a Hindu state in all but name. The surprise announcement that Yogi Adityanath a a godman turned politician (with criminal cases lodged against him) and hitherto seena s occupying the extreme afringea among Hinutva fanatics a I the clearest signal that the temple issue will be upfront for the 2019 general elections.

The Sangh will also push for outlawing triple talaq within the Muslim community. All progressive sections of society, including many Muslim women, will support this plan. Much trickier would be trying to establish a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), although the Sangh has long called for one. Any genuinely non-discriminatory UCC would have to address the patriarchal characteristics of existing Hindu inheritance and tax laws as well as marriage customs. This explains why, for all their tirades against Muslim law, the Sangh has never put forward a draft UCC for public discussion. We can also expect mobilizations and proposals to ban the sale of beef and its transport nationwide. Yogi Adityanath has already announced the closure of aillegala abattoirs in UP, which has encouraged physical assaults on Muslim-run businesses as well as sending a political message that Hindutva concerns on various fronts will be strongly advanced.

Existing efforts to carry out education reform will be enhanced at both the central level and in states ruled by the BJP. Already, the Sangh has revised curricula and hired new personnel in hopes of changing the terms of intellectual discourse. Since 2014, central universities have faced systematic assaults, including physical violence. Most recently, the students and faculty in Delhi University, the countryas largest, have seen an attack on freedom of speech and of association in the name of preventing supposedly antinational discourse and organization. Self-censorship and fear of physical reprisals have become widespread among dissenters, critics, and even neutral parties.

Labor reforms that give more power to employers to set wage and working conditions have already been introduced, and many more are on the way, further pushing the economy in a neoliberal direction.

The BJP will also become more aggressive in the Kashmir Valley, and they will likely escalate their attempt to finish off the Naxalites in Central India, irrespective of the collateral damage inflicted on local tribes. This is no campaign to win over hearts and minds.

The government will also accelerate the effort to make holding a Unique Identification Document necessary if not compulsory for all citizens. Given the absence of meaningful safeguards against invasion of privacy, this will start transforming India into a strong surveillance state. The Sangh has always wanted this outcome so that it can better monitor the behavior not only of its principal enemies a Muslims and the Left a but also of those it considers opponents of the Hindutva project.

Higher levels of the judiciary have shown some resistance to the Modi regime, but they will not remain immune to the shifting balances of forces in society at large.

The Opposition

The election results predict a bleak future in which opposition parties and marginalized sections of society will be forced to survive. Among Muslims, the search for self-protection could go in two directions: many will decide to declare loyalty to the BJP, while others will become more attracted to radicalized Islam. While counterproductive, we cannot dismiss this development as inconceivable.

Meanwhile, membership in Sangh organizations will grow. Greater ideological agreement will account for some of this, but straightforward money-making and career-enhancing reasons will also swell the groupas membership. Certainly, the Sanghas more dedicated foot soldiers will have greater freedom of action.

A number of factors will shape the responses of the political parties that rule non-BJP states. First, they will have to assess their confidence in their future prospects. The BJP made it clear immediately after the election that it would target the 120 LokSabha seats in the states where it has yet to gain a foothold, which include West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the remaining states of the northeast.

Further, these opposition parties will have to determine how much they depend on central largesse to pursue policies that will strengthen their base. Their historical relationship with the BJP and their ambitions for the future will play an important role as well. Some have been content to remain purely regional forces and therefore are more open to reaching a modus vivendi with the BJP, while others have wanted to expand their presence and influence, which would demand some kind of confrontation.

The Congress, the BSP, the SP, and the mainstream left parties a the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI (M), the Communist Party of India (CPI),and the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation (CPI-ML) a all have, for differing reasons, no choice but to come out in strong opposition to the BJP. Even the AAP may do so.

These forces could become the building blocks for a national opposition, but there are reasons to doubt that they can cooperate with each other, let alone bring in other allies. For one, they have regional rivalries. Furthermore, the elections have sparked serious internal tensions within the INC, SP, and BSP. The SP might split, while we can expect calls for leadership change in the other two parties. In all three, members will likely defect to join the BJP. Fear of a common opponent without a unifying platform does not offer much promise for a strong coalition.

The mainstream left faces another kind of crisis. The CPI-ML is the smallest party, with no parliamentary representation. It has an active student base in Delhi and parts of Bihar, but the other two parties do not take it seriously. The CPI and CPI (M) now have two kinds of members: those with little or no ideological commitment who will shift loyalties if material or political gains are available, and more ideologically committed members who now suffer from low morale. While no longer confident in their partiesa vision, they want to be active on the ground. If the leadership can guide them, they will engage seriously in grassroots struggles.

We now face not merely an interlude of BJP dominance; we must recognize that the party a and the Sangh more generally a has established a certain level of hegemony that is still expanding. The more immediate effort to defeat Modias party in the upcoming elections must be integrated into a long-term strategy to establish a more humane and progressive consensus.

The Modi regimeas neoliberal policies cannot provide the development that the prime minister promised. Undernourishment and malnourishment will remain at unacceptably high levels, calling into question his claims that absolute poverty is declining. As it is, the government measures this poverty level through household income surveys that do not include the cost of most basic requirements like education, health care, housing, and social security. Modi cannot meet, either quantitatively or qualitatively, the two needs that are the most demanded a decent jobs and public healthcare. Income inequality is rising rapidly, creating increasing frustration. These failures guarantee mass discontent, but how will this anger and frustration be channeled politically?

Party-level politics to defeat the BJP in the forthcoming elections will undoubtedly be pursued with very uncertain outcomes. To the extent that the Left and other progressive forces can contribute to this effort, fine. But we must also begin to construct a broader anti-neoliberal platform from which a newly rejuvenated left can emerge. Where this invigorated resistance comes from is a separate discussion.

For now, Iall propose five concrete areas around which the mainstream left and other progressive organizations can build anti-BJP momentum.

Fight for rural employment

Modi has called the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) wasteful and proposed diminishing its scope of operation. Unable to completely repeal it, he had to retain its promise of 100 days of annual employment at guaranteed wages for all those demanding work.

He has not fulfilled this promise, and corruption among the officials assigned to oversee its implementation remains widespread. Since the scheme was democratically enacted, the situation offers a perfect opportunity for mainstream left parties a which have both the material and human resources a to intervene. They should audit its implementation and mobilize the beneficiaries to make sure its provisions are carried out. This engagement would directly connect the Left with the poor and downtrodden, win their support, and geographically extend its base.

Today, a few progressive civil society groups and local movements perform what little auditing is done. They would surely welcome an infusion of effort, which would also regenerate activism and enthusiasm among grassroots workers and cadres.

Build coalitions with social movements

A host of progressive movements, which by their very nature oppose the Sanghas ethnic orientation and development plans, would benefit from Left engagement. These organizations operate all over the country. Some work on specific issues, others on the concerns of particular sections of the population, including tribal groups, lower castes, women, fisherfolk, and those displaced by dams and other big infrastructure projects.

The Left has the capacity, even without the support of the other non-BJP parties, to bring these movements together andcoordinate their struggles. Over time, this network could develop a common platform that all its constituents would own. This would represent a major political breakthrough with national resonance.

Engage with Dalit activists

The Dalit question remains fundamental. The reservation policiesa dead end means that more young Dalit leaders recognize the need to go beyond the old politics of recognition and move toward redistribution. To do so, they will need to strike wider alliances with other lower castes, with deprived classes, with besieged minorities (religious and tribal), and with left and progressive forces. The rising popularity of Jignesh Mevani, a young Dalit lawyer in Gujarat who has called for land reform for Dalits (many of whom are landless workers),reflects this new reality.

The Left has many opportunities and openings to explore. But, since even the ordinary cadres of these parties are steeped in caste practices, the leadership must model how to make connections that transform the interactions between their members and those of Dalit organizations.

Preserve civil liberties

The Left can unite with other non-BJP parties around protecting civil liberties. Repeated, large-scale extra-parliamentary agitations will matter more here than any legislative opposition. Drafting a joint Charter of Rights through public discussion would be one way to start.

Further, this coalition could attack one of the BJPas weakest points. Like most right-wing and far-right neoliberal forces, the Hindu nationalist party has depoliticized the notion of human flourishing by presenting marketed pleasures as the route to self-fulfillment. This brings the principle of lifestyle freedoms a such as sexual orientation and partnership choices a with it. Growing numbers of educated, young Indians of both genders believe in sexual freedom, and it could become the basis for strong resistance to the Sanghas alove jihadsa a their crude attempt to portray young Muslim males as sexual predators. The opposition can highlight not so much the Muslim-Hindu interface but simply the right to love for all, including for gays and lesbians.

The media features many liberal commentators who oppose these restrictive laws, but no party has felt comfortable enough to support, let alone plan, street protests around these issues. A pro-love movement would rile Hindutva forces and find support even among the educated, young voters otherwise sympathetic to the BJP and its affiliates.

Further, womenas political activity is growing, as reflected in their rising turnout at elections. Progressive forces should capture this momentum. Women have always participated in struggles around everyday problems of livelihood. The mobile revolution has made it easier for women to organize around gendered issues a all the more reason for the Left to focus on such concerns.

Change the discourse

Finally, the terms of public discourse will not change unless a counter-hegemonic strategy challenges what now prevails. There must be a continuing battle of ideas. In fact, the intellectual challenge to the BJP and Sangh has often seemed more successful than the political one.

Certainly, the Sangh understands the importance of this terrain, which is why it has fought to transform education, but left, liberal, feminist, and Dalit students have organized demonstrations and confronted the Sangh. To be sure, the battle of ideas will never be the decisive lever that brings about a hegemonic shift, but it will play an important role. Without gaining ground here, electoral and political defeats for the BJP a no matter how severe a will not produce a more just national consensus.

A New Consensus

Struggles on the terrain of discourse should take up four broad themes: a more humane nationalism, a more democratic India, a greater commitment to social justice, and a wholesale rejection of neoliberalism.

For all of nationalismas limitations and its inherently two-faced character, the left must challenge the Hindutva version with its own. The nation state remains the principal political unit in which ordinary people feel politically empowered; they are at least the legitimizers, if not the exercisers, of power. Opposition forces must present a secular and democratic vision of the nation to oppose the Sanghas exclusivist and authoritarian Hindu nationalism.

Indeed, secularism is a necessary but not sufficient condition for democracy. Seeing that no country is as culturally diverse as India, there is no reason to believe that a particular Hindu order lies at the heart of Indian identity. The Leftas central message has to be that there are different ways of being and feeling Indian, which can only happen once all citizensa cultures, languages, and religions are respected and their material needs and concerns impartially addressed. Only then can India construct a nationalism that gets its strength from its humaneness and democracy.

Indeed, Hindutva ideology poses a serious threat to democracy. The Left must find ways to stop this erosion and to further strengthen Indian institutions. Here two issues must come to fore: first, we must reject any attempt by this or future governments to synchronize elections. Almost all the non-BJP parties should be able to agree on this and mobilize against it because they fear losing any electoral ground. But this is a narrow and self-serving reason.

More fundamentally, synchronization will erode Indian federalismas distinctive nature and thereby weaken the nationas democracy. Unlike in the United States, the distribution of powers between the federal and state governments favors centralized power, making the potential for authoritarianism greater. State legislatures and judiciaries do not have the same freedom in India as they do in the United States to counter, for example, Trumpas white nationalist agenda.

To further strengthen democracy, the opposition parties should support replacing first-past-the-post polling with proportional representation. The non-BJP parties will need to be convinced, as doing so will lessen their chances of winning majority rule in the provinces. But because the fear of overall domination by the BJP at both the provincial and central levels is growing, some parties might come around. Regardless, making this change will establish a crucial institutional barrier to Hindutva political domination.

By any standard of basic democratic principles, the first-past-the-post system is a disgrace. The main argument for it has been that it provides stability of rule. Not only is this not itself an indisputable virtue, but there is little evidence to support this claim. The Indian experience has shown that the system does not necessarily produce a two- or three-party system. Further, coalition governments in India and elsewhere can and do enjoy stable power.

Ending first-past-the-post would require a constitutional amendment, with two-thirds of both houses in support a something that is far from todayas reality. But the time has come to begin serious public discussion about it and about ways to strengthen the democratic character of the polity.

Third, India needs much greater social justice. Here the issue of caste is paramount. While continuing to defend different forms of affirmative action, we must now fight to empower the lower castes and to completely destroy the caste system.

Here again, a strong momentum to achieve this would strike a body blow to the forces of Hindutva, which must retain a Brahminized version of the religion. Howsoever loosely accommodative this Brahminism might be, it would remain fundamentally inimical to Ambedkaras project and hopes.

The project would start with a constitutional amendment outlawing caste itself, refusing to be satisfied with the existing clause that only bans discrimination. This provision endorses the belief that a non-discriminatory caste system is possible and would be acceptable a an absurdity that has never been sufficiently attacked. Modi and the Sangh are trying to appropriate Ambedkaras legacy, and they should not be allowed to get away with this.

Lastly, the Left must oppose the neoliberal policy framework, arguing as forcefully as possible that it has proven to be a comprehensive failure on economic, social, political, and ecological grounds. Simply, it does not address basic needs; it has already created and will continue to create unacceptable levels of income inequality, an affront to the principle of basic dignity for all. Equal basic liberties without equal basic sufficiencies hollows out democracy, while growing economic disparities result in plutocratsa rising influence in the corridors of political power.

Ecologically, the single-minded obsession with achieving and sustaining the highest possible average growth rates spells disaster. Steadily retreating natural forest cover, expanding desertification, declining water table levels, soil erosion, phosphate poisoning, greater air pollution, and diminishing biodiversity are all processes in motion.

If avoiding these future disasters through an alternative development path to that of neoliberal capitalism remains in doubt, the necessity of fighting for one has never been clearer.

Achin Vanaik is a former professor of international relations and global politics at the University of Delhi and founding member of the Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace (CNDP), India.
The Telegraph, April 29 , 2017

Politics and Play - Ramachandra Guha

I spent the first half of April 2017 in the United States, speaking at universities on the East and West Coasts. At each place, I had been preceded by identical mails from the working president (external) of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, warning my hosts about the kind of Indian they had invited. "Based on my experience in reading him, and also viewing some of his talks," wrote this VHP man about me, "he has nearly no empathy for the country that has educated him, as well as provides him with the necessary means of living."

"Given the background of Mr Guha," the gentleman from the VHP continued, "I would like to suggest that he is an incompetent interlocutor as far as India is concerned." As evidence of my utter lack of competence, the VHP man adduced comments on a particular tweet of mine, "nearly all of them negative" (that these came from his own end of the political spectrum, and were very likely orchestrated as such attacks are now known to be, was left unstated).

I knew this particular gentleman well, for he had written many anxious mails to me in the past. Despairing of converting me from my anti- Hindutva views, he now sought to warn Western universities against being poisoned by my noxious misrepresentations of the Motherland. He wanted to offer these universities an alternative and authentic point of view, so as to keep them "informed about what is really happening in India".

This VHP leader was naAve, in thinking that a great modern university would endorse his view that abusive tweets were enough to negate the books and research papers that a scholar had published. However, while he was merely chastising me with words, his fellow VHP activists were lynching an innocent man in Alwar, the latest in a series of attacks by the armies of gau gundas that have gathered strength in the past weeks and months. Reading the news from home, I was horrified by the attack, and even more so by the way it had been legitimized by the ruling parivar in Rajasthan and beyond. The home minister of Rajasthan suggested that those who lynched Pehlu Khan had the right ideas but perhaps not the right methods. The chief minister of Rajasthan, having stayed silent on such lynchings in her neighbourhood and under her watch for a long time, tweeted sympathies for the victim of a terror attack in distant Stockholm. A so-called sadhvi of the Rashtriya Mahila Gau Rakshak Dal called ostentatiously on one of the murderers and compared him to a modern-day Bhagat Singh.

The lynching was truly awful. Following the commentary on social media, what struck me was how the Hindutvawadis who dominate this sphere were outraged not by the act or its apologists, but by the New York Times having reported the incident under the sober, factual, headline: "Hindu Cow Vigilantes in Rajasthan, India, beat Muslim to death". The report itself contained this sober, factual, paragraph: "Cow protection groups, known as gau rakshaks, have proliferated in recent years, since the Bharatiya Janata Party of Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power. These vigilante groups have carried out violent attacks on Muslims and, more rarely, low-caste Hindus suspected of slaughtering cows."

The headline and the report led to a storm of outrage on Twitter. There was a particular complaint - that the newspaper should not have mentioned the religious identity of the perpetrators or of the victim. And there was a general complaint - that the New York Times itself was run by known leftist malcontents with a long history of denigrating India, and this latest report was part of an old and continuing campaign to deny our Great Nation its rightful place at the Centre of World History. It was strange, as well as deeply saddening, to see my fellow Indians become so outraged about a factual piece of reporting, on the grounds that it defamed the country. Where was their humanity, their sense of proportion? Why did they feel so much more strongly about an American newspaper report than about the lynching of a fellow Indian?

The patriotism on display in India nowadays has a peculiarly paranoid side to it. Mother India is apparently too fragile to take criticism from Indians in India, Indians abroad, or foreigners. The clumsy attempts by the VHP leader to warn US universities against this writer, and the shrieks of outrage against the New York Times on Indian social media, are both manifestations of this paranoid patriotism. That these were not isolated incidents, but part of a general pattern, was clear when, a week after the tragic murder by gau gundas of Pehlu Khan, the Press Trust of India reported that Prasar Bharati intended to set up a "high-tech digital platform" to "challenge the anti-India narrative in foreign media and to report events from the countrys perspective to global audiences".

The rationale for this new media platform was outlined by Prasar Bharatis chairman, A. Surya Prakash. "India is the fastest growing economy and there have been extraordinary steps taken in the area of governance," said Surya Prakash: "These can act as a template for many governments. But the western media portrays a picture as if it is a conflict zone which is absolutely bogus. We need to set it right."

According to the PTI report, this sarkari media platform would originally be in English, but would soon add Spanish and Chinese streams too. It aimed to have as many as 100 million viewers by the fifth year of operation. Apart from news and reports, the platform would feature quizzes and talent shows. The annual operating costs were estimated at Rs 75 crore. The details of the new scheme were impressive - every aspect of this new, proudly swadeshi, platform had been thought of, except the name. Why not All Modi Media, for did we not, in a previous age of paranoid patriotism, have our own All Indi[r]a Radio?

Patriotism is a noble idea, that needs to be rescued from the vindictive bigots of the VHP and the sarkari apologists of Prasar Bharati. A self-aware, self-conscious and self-confident patriot would take just pride in the achievements this country has made in nurturing a democratic ethos and in reducing mass poverty, while being fully aware of the defects that still mar our republic, such as the corruption and corrosion of public institutions, the continuing attacks on Dalits and women, and the persistence of sectarian violence. That is the open-minded, reflective, self-critical patriotism that Tagore and Gandhi bequeathed us.

Surya Prakash of Prasar Bharati tells us that to see India as a conflict zone is "absolutely bogus". One mornings paper, printed in Bengaluru not New York, tells me that there is continuing violence in Kashmir, that 25 CRPF soldiers have been killed by Naxalites in Chhattisgarh, and that there have been fresh incidents of the lynching of innocent Indians by gau gundas in Delhi and in Jammu (where the victims included a nine-year-old girl).

To be sure, large parts of India are at peace; but other parts remain prone to violence and conflict. There is progress in some parts of the republic, as when girls previously withdrawn from school at puberty now go to college; and regression in other parts of the republic, as when a mere 7 per cent turn out to vote in a part of India that Indians insist is wholly part of the nation. The job of the scholar and reporter is to write and speak about both the progress and the regression. The job of the patriot is to heal the wounds within, not to deny that they exist at all.
Dawn, 29 April 2017

THE mental state of men ready and poised to kill has long fascinated scientists. The Nobel Prize winning ethologist, Konrad Lorenz, says such persons experience the aHoly Shivera (called heiliger Schauer in German) just moments before performing the deed. In his famous book On Aggression, Lorenz describes it as a tingling of the spine prior to performing a heroic act in defence of their communities.

This feeling, he says, is akin to the pre-human reflex that raises hair on an animalas back as it zeroes in for the kill. He writes: aA shiver runs down the back and along the outside of both arms. All obstacles become unimportant a instinctive inhibitions against hurting or killing disappear a Men enjoy the feeling of absolute righteousness even as they commit atrocities.a

While they stripped naked and beat their colleague Mashal Khan with sticks and bricks, the 20-25 students of the Mardan university enjoyed precisely this feeling of righteousness. They said Khan had posted content disrespectful of Islam on his Facebook page and so they took it upon themselves to punish him. Finally, one student took out his pistol and shot him dead. Hundreds of others watched approvingly and, with their smartphone cameras, video-recorded the killing for distribution on their Facebook pages. A meeting of this self-congratulatory group resolved to hide the identity of the shooter.

Much of the Pakistani public, tacitly or openly, endorses violent punishment of suspected blasphemers.

Khan had blasphemed! Until this was finally shown to be false, no proper funeral was possible in his home village. Sympathy messages from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and opposition leaders such as Bilawal Bhutto came only after it had been established that Khan performed namaz fairly regularly.

Significantly, no protests of significance followed. University campuses were silent and meetings discussing the murder were disallowed. A demonstration at the Islamabad Press Club drew about 450, a miniscule figure against the estimated 200,000 who attended Mumtaz Qadrias last rites.

This suggests that much of the Pakistani public, whether tacitly or openly, endorses violent punishment of suspected blasphemers. Why? How did so many Pakistanis become bloodthirsty vigilantes? Evening TV talk shows a at least those I have either seen or participated in a circle around two basic explanations.

One, favoured by the liberal-minded, blames the blasphemy law and implicitly demands its repeal (an explicit call would endanger oneas life). The other, voiced by the religiously orthodox, says vigilantism occurs only because our courts act too slowly against accused blasphemers.

Both claims are not just wrong, they are farcical. Subsequent to Khanas killing, at least two other incidents show that gut reactions a not what some law says a is really what counts. In one, three armed burqa-clad sisters shot dead a man near Sialkot who had been accused of committing blasphemy 13 years ago. In the other, a visibly mentally ill man in Chitral uttered remarks inside a mosque and escaped lynching only upon the imamas intervention. The mob subsequently burned the imamas car. Heiliger Schauer!

While searching for a real explanation, letas first note that religiously charged mobs are also in motion across the border. As more people flock to mandirs or masjids, the outcomes are strikingly similar. In an India that is now rapidly Hinduising, crowds are cheering enraged gau rakshaks who smash the skulls of Muslims suspected of consuming or transporting cows. In fact India has its own Khan a Pehlu Khan.

Accused of cattle-smuggling, Pehlu Khan was lynched and killed by cow vigilantes earlier this month before a cheering crowd in Alwar, with the episode also video-recorded. Minister Gulab Chand Kataria declared that Khan belonged to a family of cow smugglers and he had no reason to feel sorry. Now that cow slaughter has been hyped as the most heinous of crimes, no law passed in India can reverse vigilantism.

Vigilantism is best explained by evolutionary biology and sociology. A fundamental principle there says only actions and thoughts that help strengthen group identity are well received, others are not. In common with our ape ancestors, we humans instinctively band together in groups because strength lies in unity. The benefits of group membership are immense a access to social networks, enhanced trust, recognition, etc. Of course, as in a club, membership carries a price tag. Punishing cow-eaters or blasphemers (even alleged ones will do) can be part payment. You become a real hero by slaying a villain a ie someone who challenges your groupas ethos. Your membership dues are also payable by defending or eulogising heroes.

Celebration of such aheroesa precedes Qadri. The 19-year old illiterate who killed Raj Pal, the Hindu publisher of a controversial book on the Prophet (PBUH), was subsequently executed by the British but the youth was held in the highest esteem. Ghazi Ilm Din is venerated by a mausoleum over his grave in Lahore. An 8th grade KP textbook chapter eulogising him tells us that Ilm Dinas body remained fresh days after the execution.

In recent times, backed by the formidable power of the state, Hindu India and Islamic Pakistan have vigorously injected religion into both politics and society. The result is their rapid re-tribalisation through ameme transmissiona of primal values. A concept invented by the evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, the meme is a apiece of thoughta transferrable from person to person by imitation. Like computer viruses, memes can jump from mind to mind.

Memes containing notions of religious or cultural superiority have been acut-and-pasteda into millions of young minds. Consequently, more than ever before, todayas youth uncritically accepts the inherent morality of their particular group, engages in self-censorship, rationalises the groupas decisions, and engages in moral policing.

Groupthink and deadly memes caused the lynching and murder of the two Khans. Is a defence against such viral afflictions ever possible? Can the subcontinent move away from its barbaric present to a civilised future? One can so hope. After all, like fleas, memes and thought packages can jump from person to person. But they donat bite everybody! A robust defence can be built by educating people into the spirit of critical inquiry, helping them become individuals rather than groupies, and encouraging them to introspect. A sense of humour, and maybe poetry, would also help.

The writer teaches physics in Lahore and Islamabad.
The New York Times, April 24, 2017

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh making a surprise inspection at the Hazratganj police station last month in Lucknow, India. Credit Deepak Gupta/Hindustan Times, via Getty Images

NEW DELHI a On a recent evening I was watching the video of a news feature a Hindi language television network broadcast about Yogi Adityanath, who was elected chief minister of Indiaas most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, last month. The frame shows a man with a shaved head cloaked in saffron, the color of Hindu monasticism, sitting on a saffron-backed armchair. A voiceover described the scene: aWhoever comes before him sits at his feet, but he makes sure every supplicant goes away satisfied; he does not discriminate.a

Until he became chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Adityanath, 45, was primarily known as a firebrand Hindu leader who had created a volunteer force, the Hindu Yuva Vahini, or Vehicle for Hindu Youth, a group repeatedly accused of stoking and participating in religious violence. The best chronicled of such incidents took place in 2007 in Gorakhpur, Mr. Adityanathas hometown, in eastern Uttar Pradesh. After the death of a Hindu youth in clashes between Hindus and Muslims on the day of the Shia festival of Moharram, Mr. Adityanath publicly addressed his men: aIn times to come, if one Hindu is killed, we wonat go to the police. Instead we will make sure we will kill 10 Muslims.a He was arrested and kept in custody for 15 days after his men destroyed a roadside Sufi shrine and violated prohibitory orders.

Some rather craven sections of the Indian press have been at work to build a softer public persona for Mr. Adityanath since he assumed office. A report in one of Indiaas largest-selling English language newspapers spoke of his pets: the calves Gauri, Ganga, Narmada and Yamuna, and the dog Raja. The paper described how Mr. Adityanathas pets have become restive in his absence as they await a move to his official residence. A journalist working for a major television network, who claims to specialize in reporting conflict, tweeted Mr. Adityanathas visit to his cowshed: aSeveral calves ran to Yogi Adityanath as he reached and gave them Gur (jaggery) and their feed.a Photo essays of Mr. Adityanath and his calves were published by numerous newspapers.

Mr. Adityanath rose to power because of his association with the Gorakhnath sect, a 1,000-year-old Hindu sect with its headquarters in Gorakhpur. Mr. Adityanath is the current head of the sect. In 1998, when Mr. Adityanath was 26, he was designated as the religious and political successor to Mahant Avaidyanath, the previous head of the sect. Mr. Avaidynath joined the Bharatiya Janata Party and was elected to the Indian Parliament three times as its candidate from Gorakhpur from 1989 to 1998. He had already been elected to the Parliament once in the 1970s from another Hindu party. Mr. Adityanath succeeded him to the Indian Parliament in 1998 and became head of the sect after Mr. Avaidyanathas death in 2014.

The Gorakhnath sectas overt involvement with the politics of the Hindu right began in 1935 when Digvijai Nath, an orphan who had been brought to the sect at age 8, came to lead it. In 1939, Mr. Nath joined the Hindu Mahasabha, a body formed in 1909 to safeguard the interest of aall Hindus.a Initially, its leadership included senior members of the Congress, but this changed when Vir Savarkar, an early-20th-century Hindu radical thinker, took over.

After the assassination of Mohandas Gandhi, Digvijai Nath, along with Mr. Savarkar, was arrested for a speech he had given three days before calling for Mr. Gandhias murder. They were let off on grounds of insufficient evidence to connect them to the assassination. A year after his release from jail, Mr. Nath told a newspaper that if his party attained power, ait would deprive the Muslims of the right to vote for five to 10 years

Mr. Adityanth, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister and the new poster boy of Hindu nationalism, has inherited this worldview. These exclusionary ideas sit well with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who led the B.J.P. campaign in the Uttar Pradesh elections. The campaign combined a pitch that promised economic development with a divisive message that targeted the Muslim minority. Muslims constitute 20 percent of the stateas population. Mr. Modias party did not field a single Muslim candidate; it won 313 of the 403 seats in the state legislature.

Most Indian analysts saw the divisiveness of the campaign as a ploy to win the elections so that Mr. Modi could get on with the job of governance with a strengthened mandate. But the selection of Mr. Adityanath is a reminder of the willful blindness on the part of the Indian commentariat to the essential nature of Mr. Modias party.

The choice had much to do with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, or National Volunteers Association (R.S.S.), the parent body of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The R.S.S., which was founded in 1925, is unambiguous about its aim of transforming India into a Hindu nation, where Indiaas non-Hindu minorities would have a secondary status. The R.S.S. has branches across India where members dressed in khaki and white practice calisthenics and imbibe lessons on the greatness of Hindu India. It keeps no count of membership, but along with its affiliated organizations, the R.S.S. affects almost every aspect of Indian society.

Through the early years of the rise of the B.J.P., the R.S.S. preferred to remain in the background, but there were enough indications of its influence. Today the R.S.S. plays a far more overt role in the party. Almost all of the B.J.P.as prominent leaders have their roots in the R.S.S., including Mr. Modi, who spent over two decades in the organization before moving to the B.J.P.

A year before the 2014 elections, it was by no means clear that Mr. Modi would lead the B.J.P. campaign. In 2002, as chief minister, he had done little to prevent Hindu mobs, mostly led by people affiliated with the R.S.S., from attacking Muslims after the deaths of 58 Hindu pilgrims in a train fire allegedly set off by Muslims. Senior leaders from his party felt a more moderate figure might better help cement alliances. It was only when the R.S.S. backed his candidacy that he was selected.

Given this context, it makes little sense to see Mr. Modi or Mr. Adityanath as independent phenomena. Their rhetoric about Muslims is rooted in the Hindutva worldview, which drives the R.S.S.

It is no coincidence that since Mr. Modias election in 2014, cow-protection vigilantes associated with the R.S.S. have targeted Muslims for eating beef. Mr. Adityanathas first executive action as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh has been to ban meat slaughterhouses largely owned by Muslims a most are illegal not for any fault of their own but because previous governments have never implemented norms.

To see such incidents in India as anachronistic aberrations in an emerging nation is to miss the point. Economic progress is only the means to ensure the R.S.S. can implement its vision through the instruments of power, and that vision is a Hindu nation.

Hartosh Singh Bal, the author of aWaters Close Over Us: A Journey Along the Narmada,a is the political editor of The Caravan magazine.

Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook and Twitter, and sign up for the Opinion Today newsletter.

A version of this op-ed appears in print on April 25, 2017, on Page A13, in The International New York Times.
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The Chattanooga Public Library will host the fourth annual Chattanooga Zine Fest, a festival of independently produced and published books, zines, comics, and other small publishing works, on Saturday, May 13 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on the 4th Floor of the Librarys downtown branch.

"Chattanooga Zine Fest 2017 will feature some of regions best zine makers, cartoon artists, print makers and authors," officials said. "The fest not only offers the public an opportunity to purchase and peruse original independently produced works directly from the artists, but will also highlight work with public readings and making activities inside the Chattanooga Zine Library, also located on the 4th Floor."

For information about Chattanooga Zine Fest and the Chattanooga Zine Library, call 423-643-7753 or visit chattlibrary.org. The event is free and open to the public.
The Academy Awards reminded actress/writer Jeanne Marie Spicuzza about what could be. After all, her screenplay Breath of God was a semi-finalist in the Academy sponsored Nicholl Fellowship, a prestigious competition that found sourced screenplays for films such as Arlington Road and Aqueelah and the Bea. Having just finished shooting her second feature length film, Night Rain, in January, which aims for release later in 2017, Spicuzza is set to make Breath of God as a European co-production, eyeing a start date in 2018.

For her Masters degree in philosophy at one of the top two programs in the U.S., Spicuzza had spent seven years researching the life and work of Hildegard von Bingen, even traveling to Bingen, Germany, for that purpose, and made Hildegard, who was a composer, philosopher, author, herbalist and leader during the Middle Ages, the subject of her Masters thesis.

I was so inspired by what Hildegard accomplished, and during a time when women were denied formal education, said Spicuzza. Spicuzzas graduate advisor Fabrizio Mondadori cautioned that her proposed subject would not be accepted. Hildegard would not be considered traditional philosophy.

No women prior, indeed, could have fallen under the category of traditional by any means. Spicuzza explains.

Spicuzza quit her Masters program and moved to Hollywood with the screenplay called Breath of God: The True Story of Hildegard von Bingen in tow. Executives seemed impressed but nonplussed, so she entered the screenplay in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting. It became a semifinalist, and ranked in the top 7%. It was blessed by Pope John Paul II and was conferred high honors by the Vatican Division of Arts and Culture. David Lynch called it a great project.

After CAA turned the project down, she was advised to pursue another project, a dramedy titled Making Angels, also based on a screenplay she had written. It caught the interest of director Julie Dash. They began pitching it, securing interest from several distributors and top talent, but were ultimately unable to secure full financing. It was about then that Spicuzza became the target of cyberstalkers and was mutilated by her former therapist and another woman while under hypnosis.

After six months of suffering from severe PTSD, and with an active related lawsuit, she wrote an essay inspired by her experience with therapist abuse. She was encouraged to write a new screenplay, The Scarapist that ultimately became her first motion picture.

The Scarapist enjoyed a limited theatrical release, which led to its release On Demand in three countries last year. The film also screened at the 2016 Berlinale European Film Market, and won the award for Best Picture from the Verein Deutscher Kritiker Und Filmemacher, or VDKUF.

Spicuzza and her company, Seasons & a Muse, ran a successful crowdfunding campaign for her second feature, a true crime thriller titled Night Rain, on Indiegogo, which is currently InDemand at https://igg.me/at/nightrainmovie.

The night after the Oscars, February 27, Spicuzza was invited as a special guest to an Oscar After Party, sponsored by members of the Italian film community. The evening included a wine tasting, poetry reading and fashion show where her Night Rain co-stars Adam Lesar, Clarissa Thibeaux, and Thessa Mloe were featured as models. Thus, Breath of God has found new life, as Spicuzza used the after-party to launch into talks with investors, distributors and talent about her favorite passion project.

So, there it is, full circle. The straight path is often composed of a delicious symphony of crooked and cumbersome lines. According to Spicuzza, Its art, and its living. Just dont give up. Ever.
It would appear that Satan is pulling double shifts over in Italy as the demand for exorcisms is on the rise. Bad news for him is that he has crappy taste in choosing a location to do it in as he chose to set up shop in the heart of Catholicism. There you have a slew of Catholic priests looking to chew bubble gum and vanquish Satan. And they're all out of Gum. Welcome to the world of exorcism in Federica Di Giacomo's documentary Libera Nos (Deliver Us).

Claims of Satanic possession are increasing around the world. In meeting the demands of those desperately seeking help, the Catholic Church responds with the solution theyve employed for centuries: exorcisms. A new wave of exorcist priests is being trained, while veteran Sicilian priest Father Cataldo maintains his stern, diligent practice of the controversial method. His weekly mass is filled with those seeking a cure for the demons they feel they have within them. They cling to the power of their faith as the ultimate source of inner peace but whatever the root of their anguish, its evident many are suffering. Its here that you start to see the true cost of deliverance. As priests attempt to cast Satan back down, the business of exorcism continues to rise. HotDocs film page

Uncork'd and Indiecan will be releasing Libera Nos in the U.S. and Canada respectively and a new trailer is out before the film has its Canadian Premiere here in Toronto at HotDocs. The first screening is tomorrow night, Saturday April 29th at Scotiabank, followed by screenings on May 1st and 7th at TIFF Lightbox.
Wally's Friends non-profit spay/neuter organization, will start offering transport services once again in Walker County.Pet owners in Walker County can now schedule an appointment for their dog or cat to be picked up at the Walker County Civic Center campus by the Agriculture building, transported to the clinic for surgery, and then returned the next day. The next transport takes place Monday. Appointments can be made by calling 423-877-9966 and are required to use this service.Walker County Animal Shelter Director Alison Smith says, "We're really grateful Wally's Friends is set up to transport in North Georgia once again.Their presence will help reduce the overpopulation of pets in our community. The intake numbers at the shelter should dramatically decrease with the partnership Wally's Friends provides."Each Wally's Friends transport can carry 20 to 45 animals, depending on their size. Spay services run $60 for dogs and $48 for cats. Neuter services cost $55 for dogs and $40 for cats. A flat $5 roundtrip fee will be charged for transport. Wally's Friends offers additional services, including vaccines and nail trimming, for a nominal fee.
Theres a hint of Indiana Jones adventure in Gold, but its only a hint.

Thats because director Stephen Gaghan wants to tell another story  about a man who risks a lot and loses plenty  investing in Indonesian gold.

Matthew McConaughey, who gained plenty of weight, shaved his head and dared to look ugly, plays Kenny Wells, a man living on the edge of life.

When he latches onto the idea of gold in Indonesia, he finds a geologist (Edgar Ramirez) who makes the operation fly. Together, they hit a lode of sorts and begin selling pieces of it to folks back home.

Going from scrapper to millionaire affects plenty of people around him and draws attention from Wall Street investors. They want to get in on the action, but dont know what it is Wells wants.

Sooner than you can call it, hes a victim of their machinations. He and his friend figure an out clause and appear to fool the experts.

Scam artist? Patsy? Entrepreneur? Its hard to determine what he is  even when McConaughey is left to his own devices. The actor puts so much into the performance its a shame it doesnt add up to more. Moments with Bryce Dallas Howard (as his girlfriend Kay) have potential; scenes with Ramirez suggest something Oscar Isaac might have done.

Corey Stoll and Craig T. Nelson help his cause, too, but Gold has a tarnished look, a hasty form of editing.

Even those warts-and-all moments have loose threads, calling attention to their shabbiness, not McConaugheys fearlessness.

When he faces down a tiger (as a way to show his determination), Gold should pop. Instead, it just looks like a scene designed to be shown on talk shows.

While this isnt the real story (there are plenty of fudged facts), it is part of a genre that has lured everyone from Leonardo DiCaprio (Wolf of Wall Street) to Michael Douglas (Wall Street).

McConaughey belongs in the conversation. He just should have insisted on better partners.
SIOUX CITY | When backpacks went on sale in January, word spread among Junior League of Sioux City members via text message.

The ladies headed to a local big-box store, where they filled five shopping carts with book bags printed with the likes of Minnie Mouse, Finding Nemo and SpongeBob.

With the help of community donations, the service organization didn't just meet Iowa KidsNet's need for 60 backpacks for foster children, the group doubled it.

On Monday, representatives from Iowa KidsNet will pick up 120 backpacks neatly arranged in rows that stretch across a wall in a meeting room at the Junior League headquarters on West Seventh Street. Each bag contains a pair of pajamas, socks, underwear, toiletries, a book and a toy or stuffed animal, depending on the child's age.

"One of the dentist's offices gave us toothbrushes," said project chair Nadine Meis. "Different ladies have different connections. We all kind of reached out to who we could."

In 2014, 140 children were referred into foster care in Woodbury County, which was more than the number of foster families in the county, 93, at that time, according to Iowa KidsNet, a statewide collaboration of agencies working to create safe, permanent connections between children and families through foster care, adoption and reunification with birth families.

Bambi Schrader, state recruitment supervisor for Iowa KidsNet, said the goal is to place a child within a 20-mile radius of their home to facilitate reunification with their birth parents. But that's not always possible as there is a shortage of foster parents in both larger cities and small towns across the state.

Foster families who provide urgent care take in children who can't stay with their families because of drug use or other issues that have compromised their safety. Schrader said these children arrive at their foster homes within hours of removal with just the clothing on their backs.

"A home has to be found quickly," she said. "They can't bring much with them. Usually they come with just a small amount of stuff."

After representatives from Iowa KidsNet gave a presentation to the Junior League of Sioux City about the need for foster families in the state, Rhonda Henry, a member of the organization from Dakota Dunes, said the sheer number of children in need of foster families had a strong effect on many of the women.

"That really hit home with a lot of us. We didn't realize how many people it affected," she said.

Each year, the Junior League of Sioux City selects deserving community organizations for community impact projects from a pool of applicants. Funds are raised through various campaigns, with the main fundraiser being sales from the Discovery Shop, the Junior League's Thrift Store at 316 W. Seventh St.

In the fall, the Junior League of Sioux City, which has about 50 active members, decided to tackle the backpack project. Members divided up into teams based on the ages of the children in need. One team, Meis said, donated 28 pairs of pajamas.

In November, the women held a backpack drive. In December, they worked their lists of contacts to gather more clothing, toiletries and toys. In January, they shopped for more backpacks with images of children who would use them running through their heads. Feb. 2, it was time to fill the bags at their headquarters.

"We literally had ladies sitting on the floor every couple feet," Meis said. "It was very organized chaos."

Each backpack has a tag that states that the backpack was "lovingly packed" by the members of Junior League.

"Some of the kids do go back to their families. This is just something they can take with them," Meis said. "It's always theirs."

Over the years, Schrader said, individuals and organizations have donated items to Iowa KidsNet ranging from hair brushes to quilts to diapers. She said having these basic necessities on hand not only benefits the children, but the foster families who will be caring for them. Schrader said foster parents might not have the ability to run to the store in the middle of the night to purchase clothing and toiletries for newly arrived children.

"It's such a blessing to have these things for families," she said.

Individuals interested in donating to Iowa KidsNet can contact Angela Reed at 712-435-9283.
SIOUX CITY | A Sioux City man who was fired upon by a Sergeant Bluff police officer won't serve prison time for his conviction on assault and gun charges, but will remain in custody to face a federal firearms violation.

District Judge John Ackerman on Friday sentenced John McPherson, 47, to 191 days in jail on misdemeanor charges of carrying a dangerous weapon and assault on a peace officer. Ackerman gave McPherson credit for the 191 days already served, saying that if McPherson were given the maximum three-year prison sentence, he'd likely be released soon after arriving and being processed at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center in Oakdale.

A Woodbury County District Court jury found McPherson guilty at the conclusion of a one-day trial earlier this month.

McPherson has been indicted in U.S. District Court in Sioux City on one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. According to the indictment, McPherson has a 1997 conviction in California for assault with a deadly weapon. McPherson will remain in custody as the federal case proceeds. No hearings have been scheduled.

Officers called to the Bridge Mobile Home Park in the 100 block of Eighth Street in Sergeant Bluff on Oct. 20 to serve an arrest warrant on someone else encountered McPherson, who was sleeping in the driver's seat of a parked Jeep.

An officer body cam video of the incident shows a Sergeant Bluff police officer approaching McPherson's vehicle and knocking on the windows before firing a single shot through the front driver's side window. Police say McPherson made movements with his hands toward his waistline.

The shot did not strike McPherson. In the video, the officer can be seen removing McPherson from the vehicle and forcing him to the ground before finding a loaded .45-caliber handgun in the waistband of his pants.

He was charged with assault as a result of a scuffle with officers while being interviewed later in the day.
The Georgia Department of Labors (GDOL) LaFayette Career Center will help ResCare HomeCare, Inc., a nursing and residential care company, recruit as many as 10 certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to work in Catoosa and Walker counties.

The recruitment will be held on Thursday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the career center located at 200 West Villanow St. in Lafayette.

All applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid drivers license. They must also have a high school diploma, or a General Education Diploma (GED), and have completed a recognized home-care-aide training program, or have at least six months of experience as an aide.

Applicants are encouraged to bring a resume and dress appropriately to improve their opportunities for employment.

For more information about the jobs, or to apply online, visit employgeorgia.com to create an account and upload, or prepare, a resume. Having an Employ Georgia account expedites the interview process.

For more information about the recruitment, contact the GDOLs LaFayette Career Center at (706) 638-5525. The career center is open to serve the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
SIOUX CITY | A judge's ruling upholding a state agency's order to remove automated traffic enforcement cameras in three Iowa cities will for now have little, if any, effect on Sioux City cameras that also were ordered to be shut off.

The Iowa Department of Transportation will instead let the legal process play out before enforcing its order that Sioux City's two Interstate 29 speed cameras and two red-light cameras at the intersection of Lewis Boulevard and Outer Drive be removed.

"At this point, we're just in a holding pattern. From our perspective, nothing's changed," said Steve Gent, IDOT director of traffic and safety.

A judge in Polk County District Court on Tuesday upheld a 2015 IDOT order to remove certain traffic cameras in Cedar Rapids, Muscatine and Des Moines. Those cities subsequently filed a lawsuit challenging the IDOT's order, saying the state agency lacked the authority to regulate how city police officers enforce speed regulations.

The IDOT had also ordered the removal of five traffic cameras in Sioux City, but agreed not to enforce its order until a resolution was reached in the Polk County lawsuit, which mirrored many of the same issues Sioux City had raised about the IDOT's removal order.

Assistant city attorney Justin Vondrak said he had not yet read the ruling and could not say how it might affect Sioux City's challenge to the IDOT's rules.

"We still obviously have our suit that's been put on hold pending the outcome of this suit," Vondrak said.

The city has filed an administrative appeal of the IDOT's rules, a case that has been on hold while the Polk County lawsuit was pending.

Also in a holding pattern is a separate city petition to the IDOT seeking a declaratory order on the legality or illegality of the IDOT's traffic camera rules, which the agency enacted in February 2014 in order to gain oversight on cameras placed on state roads to make sure they are being used to increase traffic safety, not just generate ticket revenues.

The cameras have generated millions of dollars in revenues for the city, which has used the money for public safety projects. In fiscal year 2015, the city took in $446,000 from the red-light cameras and $510,000 from the I-29 speed cameras.

If the IDOT upholds the rules, the city would have exhausted the administrative appeals process and could proceed with a lawsuit it filed in Woodbury County District Court seeking to have the rules thrown out. That case has been on hold while the city pursues the administrative appeal.

The city began installing red-light cameras in 2009 and eventually operated 11 cameras at nine intersections, plus the two speeding cameras on I-29. The city's main justification for installing the cameras was to increase safety and reduce crashes.

Under the IDOT's rules governing automated traffic cameras, cities with the cameras must file an annual report to make a case why the cameras should remain.

In 2015, the IDOT ordered the I-29 speed cameras be removed, saying that it was unclear what effect the cameras have had on crash numbers. It also ordered red-light cameras at two intersections be removed because accidents at those intersections had increased.

The IDOT ruled that red-light cameras at Gordon Drive intersections at Fairmount and South Palmetto streets could remain because crashes at those intersections had decreased. A fifth camera at Gordon Drive and Nebraska Street also was ordered to be removed. It was taken down in 2014 during widening of Gordon Drive and has not been reinstalled.

The other six red-light cameras are on city streets and not subject to IDOT guidelines.
SIOUX CITY | Nineteen months to go, and getting cheaper.

With the remaining work down to two construction years, the finish of the decades-long quest to expand U.S. Highway 20 in Northwest Iowa is drawing closer.

Contractors are in the final stages of a project to widen the remaining 40 miles of two-lane highway to four lanes between Moville and Early by late 2018.

"There is a change that we see every week out there. We are very pleased to see the progress that is being made on Highway 20," Iowa Department of Transportation Traffic Planner Dakin Schultz said.

However, the construction expenses look to fall much below the $286 million estimate set by the IDOT two years ago. Schultz said all the contracts have been set following a bidding process, and the current projected cost is $215 million, or roughly a 25 percent reduction.

Schultz said there could be some increases for unexpected work encountered in existing construction contracts, and some upcoming final contracts that involve non-construction work such as erosion control remain to be set, so "it will likely go up some."

Still, the current pricing of $215 million, "is great news," Schultz said.

The big work for 2017 covers three counties, where bridge decks are being poured with cement, old lanes are scoured away, grading is flattening out land and then paving of new lanes completes the process. There currently is a detour that reroutes traffic to county roads to the north to better handle Highway 20 work east of Galva.

Six decades to improve 300 miles

In Iowa, Highway 20 covers roughly 300 miles from Sioux City to Dubuque. The push to turn the east-west road into a four-lane expressway is nearly 60 years in the making. The first portion to be widened to four lanes was between Moville and Sioux City. That occurred in 1958, with a few miles near Dubuque following in 1959. After that, eastern and central parts were converted to four lanes long before the remaining segments in western Iowa were finally addressed.

Correctionville Mayor Nathan Heilman grew up in nearby Ida Grove and attended Odebolt-Arthur High School, when he first started driving Highway 20, commuting to Sioux City for work.

"In the late 1990s, I was hoping it would eventually get done, especially after seeing sections to the east get done," Heilman said.

The Iowa Transportation Commission in June 2015 approved a five-year plan to finish Highway 20 between Early and Moville. That action marked the first time a four-laning completion date was set.

By the time the project is done, some hills will be carved down and some old curves taken out. Schultz said 12 million cubic yards of dirt will be taken away.

Heilman said the work has proceeded well, even if some of the construction inconveniences people for periods along the route.

"It is going to be great when it is done, great for travelers, great for local economies," Heilman said.

The existing cost estimates for the $286 million include $138.1 million for 17 miles in Ida County in 2016, $80 million for 11 miles in Sac County in 2017 and $68.3 million for 12 miles in Woodbury County to be done by 2018.

The construction activities on Highway 20 never completely ended over the 2016-17 winter, but things ramped up starting in mid-March.

"There is going to be a lot of grading and paving this year," Schultz said.

In Woodbury County for the year ahead, the two lanes of the prior Highway 20 road will be ripped out, and a three-mile eastbound section just west of Correctionville will be paved. That three-mile stretch late in the year will be one of the initial spots with four lanes to open to drivers within the 40-mile segment, Schultz said.

"That is amazing. It will give people a chance to see what it is like to have a stretch of that done," Heilman said.

East of Correctionville, to Holstein, new eastbound lanes will be paved and westbound lanes will be graded. Also in Ida County, from Holstein to Galva, the westbound lanes will be paved, eastbound lanes will be graded and two bridges over the Maple River will be built.

In Sac County, toward Early, westbound lanes will be graded and paved this year.

Then in 2018, the project will wrap with a final flourish of grading and paving, with the work primarily involving westbound lanes in eastern Woodbury and Ida counties and eastbound lanes in Ida and Sac counties.

As for the sole detour, the route takes motorists about six miles out of their way, north through the towns of Galva, pop. 434, and Schaller, pop. 772.

"I haven't many concerns or complaints," Schultz said of the detour.

For eastbound motorists, it follows Ida County Road M25 north to Galva, then east on Ida/Sac county road D15 to U.S. Highway 71, which is about three miles north of U.S. 20 and the town of Early. At Early, eastbound traffic links up with a four-lane Highway 20 that runs to the state's eastern border.
HUBBARD, Neb. | An 18-year-old woman had to be extricated from her vehicle after she collided with a semi in Dakota County Friday afternoon.

The crash took place around 3:45 p.m. in the area of mile marker 64 on Highway 35, east of Hubbard.

The SUV was traveling eastbound and came upon a curve and struck a westbound semi. The SUV suffered heavy front end damage and ended up in the ditch of oncoming traffic.

Sgt. Penny Epting with the Dakota County Sheriff's Office said the Jaws of Life had to be used to free the woman from the vehicle.

She was transported to a hospital for what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries at 4:45 p.m., Epting said.

A young juvenile was in the vehicle with her but was uninjured.

The driver of the semi was uninjured as well.

The Nebraska State Patrol assisted the sheriff's office at the scene of the accident.

While crews worked to clear the roadway, traffic was slowed down for more than an hour.
DES MOINES | As people across the country prepare for a day of demonstration designed to show what life would be like without immigrants, families in Iowas immigrant community are preparing for that literal possibility.

Arrests and deportations of immigrants living in the U.S. without documentation have increased in the roughly three-month tenure of President Donald Trump, who made stronger enforcement of the countrys immigration laws a centerpiece of his campaign.

That increase has led immigrants in the country without documentation to live with a heightened sense of fear, according to leaders in Iowas Latino community, the largest minority population in the state at roughly 6 percent, according to census data.

I can only speak for the Latino immigrants and the undocumented, and there is a lot of fear, a lot of apprehension and uncertainty. There are things that are happening now as a result of this current administration, and its got them in fear, said Michael Reyes of Davenport, who is the state director of Iowas chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC. Theyre in survival mode as it is. Theyre just trying to put food on the table and get their kids educated, but now the deportations are disrupting their families. Theyre splitting families up.

Former President Barack Obama implemented programs that added protections to some undocumented immigrants, but his administration also deported more than 2.5 million people, more than any other administration in U.S. history, according to federal data.

Immigration arrests are up roughly a third under Trump, who took office in January, and arrests of immigrants with no criminal records have roughly doubled, according to recent federal data analyzed by The Washington Post and USA Today.

Joe Enriquez Henry, a national vice president for the Midwest for LULAC, said that under the Trump administration, he has observed a surge in immigration arrests in Iowa, particularly in central Iowa.

There is a lot of concern here in central Iowa, Henry said. We do see a spike in arrests happening here and across the Midwest.

A national Day Without Immigrants is planned for Monday. Latino leaders in Iowa said demonstrations are planned in Des Moines and Cedar Falls. Similar demonstrations were held in February, shortly after Trump took office. The goal is to highlight immigrants contributions to the country.

Meantime, Iowa families with undocumented immigrants are preparing for the possibility that those individuals could be arrested, detained and deported at any time.

Latino leaders said fundraisers are being held to help families pay for legal costs and bail or to help families that lose a family member to deportation pay for things such as rent, groceries or other necessities. And programs have been introduced to educate undocumented immigrants on their rights and help families prepare for someone's potential deportation by, for example, establishing power of attorney or determining what would happen to children left behind by a deported parent.

The things that are going on within the community, its almost sad when theyre planning their possible or potential deportation, what are they going to do with their children, theyre looking at powers of attorney with their neighbors and friends, Reyes said. These are all things that you and I would never think of or could never contemplate. ...

I couldnt be making plans to leave my children. Just the thought of that, its heartbreaking.

But not all leaders in Iowas Latino immigrant community think things are so bleak.

Monica Reyes co-founded DREAM Iowa, which advocates on behalf of immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children, some of whom are shielded from immigration by an Obama-era program called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA.

Reyes, who is a so-called DREAMer with DACA protections, graduated from the University of Northern Iowa and works as a mortgage lender for a Des Moines credit union that specializes in selling mortgages to undocumented immigrants.

Reyes, whose mother is undocumented, said she thinks Iowas Latino immigrant community was in shock and a state of fear after the November election and during Trumps first few weeks in office, but she said she thinks that fear has subsided and a sense of normalcy has returned to the community. She said she noticed initially undocumented Latinos were afraid to be seen in public. But that has decreased as time has passed, she said.

All of a sudden, the fear level just skyrocketed, said Monica Reyes, who is not related to Michael Reyes. Now, I feel like its gotten back to normal.

Monica Reyes said although the Trump administration may be stepping up deportations, it has not yet repealed the Obama-era programs.

Nothings changed. I still have DACA, and my mom is still undocumented. Nothings changed, she said. For the majority of people, and I said this right after the election, most people have nothing to worry about. I think a lot of people are in this bucket of this unaffected group: still nothing better (in terms of federal immigration policy), but nothing worse.

But the Trump administration has arrested more undocumented immigrants without criminal histories than did the Obama administration. And the Trump administration has given some mixed signals; recently Trump said DREAMers should not fear deportation, but shortly after, a DREAMer in California previously protected by DACA was deported to Mexico.

It was the first such deportation, according to USA Today.

Theres a lack of clarity, and its making clear that anything could happen at any point in time, Henry said. Young people who were classified as DACA dont even feel comfortable. Its a scary situation.

And yet Monica Reyes remains optimistic. She said she is hopeful the Trump administrations focus on immigration policy and the resulting national debate over the issue will lead to tangible results in the form of federal immigration reform, and she thinks Latinos will have a voice in that conversation.

Meantime, she said she is encouraged by the actions being taken to support families with undocumented Latino immigrants who fear they will be affected by a deportation.

Families facing deportation and separation now have a community that is supportive and wants to help out, Monica Reyes said. People are just really stepping in and wanting to help out, and that is really awesome.
Judith Cathey, graduating senior at UTC, was awarded the American History Scholarship given by The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Tennessee. Miss Cathey is from Morrison. She is graduating with a B.A. in History and is planning to continue her studies in graduate school. Her thesis was RMS Titanic: Creating an American Obsession. Dr. William Kuby was her advisor.

Ms. Cathey was an intern with Chattanooga Organized for Action and worked on the Peoples History of Chattanooga project.



Dr. John C. Swanson, department head and professor of History, assisted the Colonial Dames in selecting this outstanding applicant.


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Le Collectif Cheikh Yassine a organise un certain nombre dactivites et de festivites pour les enfants de Gaza sous le theme  La joie des enfants de Gaza pour lAid . Ces activites ont commence le premier jour de lAid et continue jusquau 4eme jour de lAid dans la bande de Gaza.



Plusieurs activites, ont ete organisees parmi lesquelles : des competitions recompensees par des prix, des jeux, des animations et des chants presentes par un groupe ainsi que des distributions de cadeaux et daides financieres.




Members of the Judge David Campbell Chapter attended the 112th State Conference of the Tennessee Daughters of the American Revolution Societys in Franklin, Tn., this past weekend.

Members attending were Regent Susan Lindsey, 2nd Vice Regent Stacy Kehoe, Registrar Susan Thomas; Chaplain Meegan Burton, Outstanding Junior Jennifer Thomas, 2nd Vice Regent elect Marie Wingate, Nancy Larson and Dolores Wolfe. Ms. Thomas is currently a National Vice President General of the Society.

During the Friday night opening ceremony Maxwell Ramsey of Knoxville was honored with the Historic Preservation Medal for his work with the Cherokee Indians in securing native land in Tennessee, his work with the Trail of Tears Association, and his work with TVA. Mr. Ramsey had been awarded the medal in February at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum where his friends and associates were able to celebrate the occasion with him.

On Saturday night at the Chapter Regents Banquet, Susan Lindsey was named the 2016 Outstanding Regent of the Year for the Tennessee Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. This award reflects the work that the Judge David Campbell Chapter accomplished under her leadership in 2016. She was recognized for the work the chapter did in distributing Flags of the United States to school children, members reading to students during Read Across American, an increase in membership growth and serving meals to the homeless and veterans at the Chattanooga Kitchen, along with numerous other chapter activities.
Equestrian Canada announced today it has added Peggy Hambly of Guelph, Ont. as its President, effective April 27, 2017.

Hambly has become the first female President in the history of Equestrian Canada following the resignation of previous President, Jorge Bernhard of Clarksburg, Ont.

Bernhard submitted his resignation as EC President on April 23, 2017, but will continue to support EC as a Director on the Board.

The role of EC President demands and deserves a significant time commitment, and due to personal commitments and new business obligations, I am no longer able to devote the time and effort required to fulfill these responsibilities, explained Bernhard, who first joined the EC Board as a Director in 2015 and was elected President in April 2016 during the EC Annual Convention in Montreal, QC.

Bernhard continued, It has been a privilege to serve as President of Equestrian Canada. I would like to thank the Board for their support during these changing, challenging, yet productive times at EC. I also wish to thank Eva Havaris, the EC staff and those in the community who supported me during my time as EC President. I look forward to continuing to serve EC and the equestrian community in my capacity as a member of the Board.

In his term as EC President, and moving forward in his return to a Director position, Bernhard applies vital knowledge and experience in the areas of business and sport. A long-time sponsor of Canadian eventing athletes, Bernhard has been an active supporter of the sport of eventing for over 15 years. Professionally, he has operated an international metal trading business for more than 20 years, bringing a diverse range of multinational business acumen to the EC Board.

Recognizing Bernhards contributions, EC CEO Eva Havaris stated, On behalf of the EC Board and staff, I would like to thank Jorge for his leadership during a very challenging time for EC as an organization. For the past year, Jorge has been instrumental in helping EC through a time of transition and renewal.

Havaris also spoke to the introduction of Hambly as EC President. I am thrilled to welcome Peggy Hambly as EC President. The EC Board and the federation as a whole have been fortunate to benefit from Peggys depth of experience, involvement and dedication to the equestrian industry for many years, and to have her become ECs first female President is a well-deserved honour. Peggy understands the many nuances of the federation and the community as a whole, and her history of involvement and commitment to the fundamentals embodied by ECs new By-laws and governance model will be invaluable to EC moving forward.

Peggy has been connected to EC for nearly 30 years, and is the current owner and operator of her familys Glenarden Farms, which specializes in raising, training and competing eventing horses. She is also an FEI 1/2* Technical Delegate and Level 3 National Technical Delegate. A long-time volunteer within the equestrian community, Peggy is a former member of the Horse Trials Canada Board of Directors, and Past President of the Ontario Horse Trials Association. She first joined the EC Board of Directors in 2014.

I'm extremely excited to be the very first female President of Equestrian Canada, said Hambly. Id like to start out by giving my sincere gratitude and respect to Jorge Bernhard for his tireless work over the past year to help EC move along the path to a stronger and more efficient governance model. Now it is time to honour the progress of the federation by pulling together and completing the governance changes that we collectively created and started implementing more than two years ago. By working together through collaboration and communication we can finish with a solid, unified, and strong federation. We have a few challenges left for sure, but I truly believe our glass is 3/4 full now. We can do this and be proud.

For more information on the EC Board of Directors, click here.

(Equestrian.ca)
Isis-affiliated fighters apologised after launching an attack on Israeli soldiers, the countrys former defence minister has claimed.

Moshe Yaalon was reportedly referring to an incident when a group linked to Isis in the Syrian Golan Heights exchanged fire with Israeli forces last November.

The area is a rocky plateau in southwestern Syria, which was partly seized by Israel during the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed in a move never recognised by the international community.

There was one case recently where Daesh [Isis] opened fire and apologised, Mr Yaalon said speaking at an event in the northern city of Alufa, during which he was was being interviewed about Israels policy on Syria.

After a short gun battle, the Israeli military attacked Syrian jihadist group Khalid ibn al-Walid with airstrikes and tank fire, killing four of them, The Times of Israel reports.

This was the first direct clash between Israeli forces and Isis militants after the terror group opened fire on a military patrol on the Israeli side, a military spokesman said at the time.

Khalid ibn al-Walid, which affiliated itself with Isis in May 2016, seized territory including a large town and several villages on the Syrian border with Israel in a surprise attack on moderate rebel forces in February this year.

A spokesperson for Mr Yaalon refused to elaborate on how Isis expressed its apology to Israel after the attack and the Israel Defense Forces also refused to comment.

According to the first Western journalists, who have entered Isis' territories and survived, Israel is the only country in the world the Islamic group fears because it believes its army is too strong to face.
The unmissable ear-to-ear smile on National MP Mark Mitchells face said it all.

With Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller as his guide, the newly appointed Minister of Defence and Rodney MP was in town to learn what makes us tick as part of a tour of the electorate on Friday.

During his tour the two MPs visited companies Dominion Salt and HR Concrete, with Mark saying he thoroughly enjoyed learning about each business, the successes theyve achieved to date and what made them both leaders in their respective industries.

But it was plain to see a special meet and greet with members of the Tauranga Police Dog team which Todd had organised was something Mark had been especially looking forward to.

Prior to becoming a politician Mark was a member of the Armed Offenders Squad and a police dog handler who served in Rotorua, Taupo, Gisborne and Auckland during his 14 year career.

I used to serve in Gisborne and actually had a lot to do with the Bay of Plenty division and some strong links to the region.

There are times when I miss the job. I thoroughly enjoyed my policing career; the people you work with, the camaraderie, the challenges it provides, and of course the public service side of it. But while there are times I miss it, Im thoroughly enjoying what Im doing now.

But the million dollar question is: Whos easier to deal with  canines or MPs?

Canines, without a doubt, Mark says laughing.

Earlier this month Commissioner Mike Bush announced details of the governments $503 million Safer Communities investment package which includes deploying 69 new frontline officers to the Bay and the creation of a specialised taskforce targeting organised crime to be based in Tauranga.

Mark says this latest investment into policing both here in the Bay and around the country is extremely pleasing.

Theres been huge investment over the last five or six years in terms of technology to allow police to do their job more efficiently and effectively, but theres also got to be investment in numbers as well.

So it was a very welcome announcement, very positive, and I know the Bay is going to benefit from the 69 new officers.
photo by David Lang photo by David Lang photo by David Lang Previous Next

The Tennessee Aquarium toasted the many achievements of its first 25 years during Spring!, a one-of-a-kind dinner and social gathering which took place on the Walnut Street Bridge.

Click here for video by David Lang.


When I first went to see the popular Japanese pop group Berryz Kobo at Sakura-Con in 2011, I have been extremely enamored with Seattles premiere convention. Theres a fantastic array of Japanese culture, video games, cosplay, and much more. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Sakura-Con and my overall experience with the convention has not declined. Sakura-Con manages to keep the excitement level high while having an overall relaxing experience. This is not to say that there was a lack of activities and events. The guest list included some well known voice actors and artists throughout the industry, both overseas and local, and of course the Japanese pop sensation Miliyah, as a musical act.

This years Sakura-Con hosted some fantastic booths that not only offered exclusive collectibles and chances at free giveaways, but also a look at some of the real art used to make anime. The Good Smile booth was like walking through a museum of amazing collectibles from Touken Ranbu -ONLINE- to unreleased prototypes of Fullmetal Alchemist Nendoroid figures. Con-goers were able to get up close and personal with the authentic puppets used in the hit TV series Thunderbolt Fantasy on display. Like the Good Smile booth, the Aniplex USA booth was an impressive museum of anime art, and character cut-outs and cosplayers from the popular mobile game Fate Grand Order. Overall the exhibit hall was very easy to navigate there was plenty of space between the isles and felt less claustrophobic compared to bigger cons like Fanime or Anime Expo. Perhaps this could be also attributed to the fact that Artist Alley was relocated to a different building entirely this year as well.

There were also several big announcements made at Sakura-Con panels this past weekend. Aniplex of America made an exclusive announcement regarding their plans for an official English release of smartphone RPG Fate/Grand Order this summer. Gen Urobuchi, the talented writer and PC game maker from Nitroplus, announced that the previously revealed second season of Thunderbolt Fantasy will premiere in 2018. A separate project titled Thunderbolt Fantasy Shoshi Ikken was also revealed. Funimation announced the English dub cast for the anime Yamada-Kun and the Seven Witches. Yen Press had a big slate to licenses to announce at this weekend's Sakura-Con, including several hot reincarnation fantasy light novel series, including Saga Of Tanya the Evil, plus more Sword Art Online. Crunchyroll announced plans to Stream The Reflection, an anime from Stan Lee, Studio Deen and Hiroshi Nagahama

Throughout the event, I managed to attend two panels one with video game publisher Sekai Project and the other with Japanese anime publisher, Aniplex of America. I enjoyed seeing the staff well organized keeping the crowds at bay, making sure no one lined up before the designated queue times. My sole complaint about the convention was the lack of musical guests. This year Sakura-con hosted only Miliyah as a musical guest, and while her concert was nothing but short of amazing, it felt a bit lackluster compared to the previous years.

Overall I personally enjoyed Sakura-con. It is one of my favorite cons with a mellow atmosphere but with the same velocity of excitement as Anime Expo and has once again seemingly improved their guest list with a great variety of Japanese and English artists. I am looking forward to next year's convention to see if they can top that.



https://t-ono.net/convention-news/sakura-con-2017-impression.html#sigProId551d79c27e View the embedded image gallery online at:

Photos: Dawn Lam, Ken Dubois
Play at the new site will be free and first come, first served through the...
Kelso High School junior Kali Tokuoka has known since she was 11 that she wanted to join the military. She comes from a military background: Three uncles had served in both the Army and the Navy.

What she didnt know until she enlisted recently is that she would make history when she joined. When Kali, 17, begins basic training next summer, shell be the first woman recruited from the Longview-Kelso area to enlist in a combat role with the Army.

But when she approached local army recruiters Sgt. Norman Smith and Sgt. Cody Ledbetter, she still wasnt sure what job she wanted.

With a natural aptitude for science and math, Kali, a 3.7 GPA student, finally settled on the position of fire control specialist: She will be responsible for operating the data systems for artillery and multiple launch rockets, recording firing data from combat and providing fire support for infantry and tank units during combat.

The artillery specialist position was one of many combat positions within the U.S. Army that was not open to women until last year. The Pentagon announced in December 2015 that it would overturn its combat exclusion policy that banned women from combat roles, despite the fact that many women in the military had seen combat in Iraq and Afghanistan despite being assigned non-combat roles.

It was estimated that this decision opened approximately 220,000 military jobs to women.

Im a little nervous but I think I can do it, Kali said Thusday. I feel like Ill struggle a little bit through basic (training), but I feel like its made for that.

Sgt. Ledbetter and Sgt. Smith assured that Kali would be ready for the challenge.

Shes very quiet, but during physical fitness (training) you can tell, Ledbetter said. It comes out. And you can just  not judging a book by its cover  but she impresses us big time. Shes going to be very successful.

Smith agreed that the recruiters at the Longview-Kelso center had been waiting to see who the first female would be.

Shes breaking ground on a lot of fronts, Smith said.

While Kalis mother, Trina Brown, attended her swearing-in ceremony Thursday in Vancouver to support her daughters decision, she said shes still nervous.

Thats the thing that scares me. Shell be out in the field if theres ever a war, Brown said. And I think theres going to be another (war) with the president we have now.

Kali also has two siblings, a 14-year-old sister and an 8-year-old brother. Kali said her sister wasnt thrilled with her decision.

She doesnt want me to leave, Kali said.

Brown said she went through the same nerves with her brothers who served. Browns brother, Tommy, was in the Navy during the Gulf War.

Ive been through this with two brothers. (Tommy) worked in the boiler room on a ship, Brown said. If his ship ever got bombed, he would have been dead.

When Kali graduates from high school in June next year, shell have about two weeks before she leaves for basic training and job training at Fort Sill, Okla. Born and raised in Cowlitz County, Kali said shes never been farther away from home than Hawaii.

Basic training will last for nine weeks, Sgt. Ledbetter said, and then Kali will continue on to job training.

All my life I was told that I couldnt do things like that because shes a woman, Kali said. So its kind of something to prove to myself.
About me I'm Avi Green

From Jerusalem, Israel

I was born in Pennsylvania in 1974, and moved to Israel in 1983. I also enjoyed reading a lot of comics when I was young, the first being Fantastic Four. I maintain a strong belief in the public's right to knowledge and accuracy in facts. I like to think of myself as a conservative-style version of Clark Kent. I don't expect to be perfect at the job, but I do my best. My profile

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After 27 Years On Mag Mile, Crate & Barrel To Be Replaced By Huge Starbucks Roastery

By Stephen Gossett in News on Apr 26, 2017 2:47PM



Starbucks Roastery (Photo: Business Wire)

It's official. After nearly three decades on the Magnificent Mile, the Crate & Barrel flagship store will be sailing out, to be replaced by a ginormous Starbucks Roastery.

The Roasterya massive operation that will span the building's four levels and 43,000 square feetwill be a spectacle showcase for on-site production and consumption, spotlighting assorted brewing methods plus the coffee giant's upscale-aiming Reserve line. You can expect a coffee bar and food from Italian baker Rocco Princi. Executive Chairman Howard Schultz described it as "the Willy Wonka of coffee," to the Tribune. The newfangled java blowout will open at the Mag Mile location (at the southwest corner of Michigan and Eerie) in 2019, the company announced on Wednesday.

As for Crate & Barrel, the Chicagoland-based retailer's future on the Mile has long been in doubt. Suspicion was cast anew last week after the Tribune reported that Starbucks had designs on the massive Michigan Avenue space. It took some time for the Chicago-founded, Northbrook-based home-goods staple to recover from the recession; and retail experts had floated that the building's owner could get more from its lease than what Crate had been paying. Terms of the Starbucks lease were not released.

Interestingly enough, Crate & Barrel co-founder George Segal actually owns the iconic building, which was built in 1990, back when he still owned the company. (He sold majority stake in 1998, and the German company Otto Group became full owner in 2011). According to the Trib, Schultz had brought Segal to Seattle to show off the first Roastery sometime after Segal sold Crate. Even after his saleand what sounds like subsequent wooingSegal made a return-of-sorts to Crate, providing counsel amid leadership turmoil in 2014.

Crate & Barrel did not immediately return a request for comment, but reps told the Tribune that there are no plans to open another Chicago store nor leave it's other location within the city, in Lincoln Park, near North and Clybourn. It's not clear if employees will be offered re-location options.

The Roastery will be Starbucks' third in the States. The Seattle spot opened in 2014, and a New York City Roastery is set to open next year.

"Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, so we took our time to find an incredible space to match the unprecedented coffee experience our premium Roastery will offer," Schultz said in a release. "To be located on one of the best-known retail streets in the world is a proud moment for all of us and we cant wait to bring Chicago and the world a coffee experience worthy of their most premier real estate.


EU Chief Tusk stresses citizen`s rights in Brexit talks

European Council President Donald Tusk speaks with the media as he arrives for an EU summit at the Europa building in Brussels on Saturday.

AP, Brussels :

European Union Council President Donald Tusk said Saturday that Britain will face a united bloc of 27 EU nations in its divorce negotiations and warned that any demands from Prime Minister Theresa May will be dealt with "firmly."

Tusk's remarks came before he chairs a summit of 27 EU leaders in Brussels to finalize the cornerstones of their negotiating stance after May triggered two years of exit talks on March 29. The negotiations themselves are to start shortly after snap elections in Britain on June 8.

Tusk insisted that there can be no discussions on a future relationship before some key issues like how much Britain owes the bloc are sufficiently agreed, and he said that the welfare of citizens and families living in each other's nations will be the priority once the talks start.

All sides "need solid guarantees for all citizens and their families who will be affected by Brexit on both sides. This must be the No. 1 priority," Tusk said Some 3 million citizens from the 27 nations live in Britain while up to 2 million Britons live on the continent, all facing uncertainly on such issues as welfare and employment.

Tusk said that sustained unity of the 27 will help May since she will have political certainty throughout the talks.

"Our unity is also in the U.K.'s interest," he said. "I feel strong support from all the EU institutions, including the European Parliament, as well as all the 27 member states. I know this is something unique and I am confident it will not change."

Over the past years, the bloc has often been bitterly divided over issues like the financial crisis and how to deal with hundreds of thousands of migrants entering the bloc. At their summit, the leaders are set to acknowledge that Northern Ireland could join the bloc in the future if its people vote to unite with EU member state Ireland.

Two European officials said a statement on the issue is likely to be added to the minutes of the summit, to be held without May. The officials asked not to be identified because the summit of 27 leaders still was being prepared.

Future relations between Ireland and Britain, including how the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland would work with the U.K. outside the bloc, have emerged as a key problem to be addressed during the Brexit talks.

Tusk said the EU wanted solid guarantees for all citizens and their families who will be affected by Brexit in Britain and in the EU-a total of around five million people.

"This must be the number one priority for the EU and the UK. The Commision has already prepared a precise and detailed list of citizens' rights we want to protect," he said. Tusk said this position had strong support from all EU institutions and the 27 governments.
MAGURA: Bangladesh Poura Officers and Employees Association, observed sit-in -programme demanding their arrear salaries and pension from government fund on Wednesday.
Homeo medicine can ensure better medicare support to hapless people

Principal Dr. Abdul Karim addressing a discussion meeting in observance of the Homeopathy Day arranged by BHMA Lohagara Unit in South Chittagong recently as Chief Guest recently.

ChittagongBureau :

In observance of the birth anniversary of the inventor of Homeo medicine Dr. Samuel Haneyman, Homeopathy Day followed by physicians get together, discussions meeting was held at Lohagara upzila in Chittagong arranged by Bangladesh Homeopathic Medical Association , Lohagara unit on April 24 last with President of the Lohagara unit Dr. Abedur Rahman in the chair. Publisher and Chief Editor of Homeo Chetona Journal Principal Dr. Abdul Karim graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

The visiting internationally reputed Indian Homeo Physician and Secretary General of World Homeopathy Research and Publication Parishad Dr. Bijoy Banu Dutta attended the discussions on Dr. Haneymann as guest of honour. President of Chittagong unit of BHMA Dr Md. Samiuddin was the principal speaker in it.

The speakers in the discussions said following the invention of homeopathic medicine by great Sumuel Hanemann, the hapless and poor are expecting better treatment in the expensive medicare age, BHMA, Chittagong Unit General Secretary Dr. Shamsuddin, Principal Dr. Mofizur Rahman, Executive Member of National Social Welfare Parishad Md. Arman Babu, Dr. Sadhan Mitra were present in it as special guest.

Dr. Abedur Rahman delivered address of welcome on the occasion. Dr. Sirajul Islam read out the life story of the Dr Hanemann and article on his achievements in homeopathy system of medicines.

Among others, Dr. Md. Jalaluddin, Dr. Syed Mohiuddin, Dr Abdul Hamid, Dr. Kamal Hossain, Dr. Shahin Akhter spoke on the occasion duly moderated by the secretary of Lohagara unit Dr. Akhter Ahmed, a BHMA Chittagong unit sources said.


Impose transparency in garment supply chain

Helene Mambourg :

Poor working conditions and workers' rights violations are a distinguishing feature of the garment industry. Indeed, over the last few decades, they have been a pervasive part of this industry's operations across the globe. In addition, the garment industry is characterised by complex and opaque chains of production and responsibility which include many actors at different levels playing a role in production. The lack of public data on the garment supply chain has been a strong barrier to the improvement of working conditions and to securing respect for human rights.

When the Rana Plaza building collapsed on 24 April 2013, identifying the companies that were sourcing from one of the five Rana Plaza factories was crucial in establishing responsibility. This ultimately enabled the delivery of compensation to the injured survivors and killed workers' families. However, neither the European Union nor its member states were able to provide such information. This was in sharp contrast to the United States of America and Canada, where labour organisations could identify the companies sourcing from Rana Plaza within hours, due to the existence of detailed import databases. The only way to identify the European companies linked to the disaster was to search through the rubble for labels.

This must change.

On 27 April, the report of the DEVE Committee on the flagship Union initiative for the clothing sector (2016/2140(INI)) will be put to a vote of MEPs. This report requests that the Commission draws up legislative proposals with the aim of imposing minimal rules on clothing companies including transparency of the supply chains and respect for human rights.

In support of the DEVE report, a coalition of 77 human rights organisations (among international organizations: Clean Clothes Campaign, Human Rights Watch, IndustriALL Europe, and the International Trade Union Confederation) is calling upon the European Commission to require that companies disclose, on a regular basis, the names, addresses and contact details of all production units and processing facilities in their supply chain. This includes, when applicable, the parent company of the business at the site.

According to this coalition, the time has come for the European Commission to develop a smart mix of rules that will include binding regulation on human rights due diligence, in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP) and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment and Footwear Sector. Moreover, several member states - among them the Netherlands, Germany and France - are developing initiatives aimed at making the management of the garment supply more responsible. The coalition is calling on the EU to strengthen these initiatives and make them more effective through enforcement mechanisms at the EU level.

At the very least, supply chains must be made transparent so that a garment company can be linked to the different parts of its supply chain.

While most companies are still reluctant to disclose where their products are made, some of them have voluntarily disclosed supply chain information. This clearly indicates that disclosure does not harm companies' competitive position. Instead, it can have an added value in managing the supply chain in a responsible and sustainable manner. Indeed, supply chain transparency empowers companies in their capacity to identify, assess, mitigate and provide a remedy for the actual or potential adverse human rights impact, as required under the UNGP. It allows stakeholders, such as garment workers, unions, NGOs or shareholders, to be active in the company's due diligence process. Furthermore, it enables companies to demonstrate that they respect their duty to carry out human rights due diligence.

And let me quote Jean-Marc Caudron (achACT/Clean Clothes Campaign Belgium), speaking on behalf of the coalition: "The European Union - as the biggest consumer market in the world - is extremely well-placed to level the playing field. The EU can achieve this by requiring that garment companies in its internal market carry out a strong human rights due diligence. The European Union should also create supportive enforcement mechanisms for existing or emerging initiatives. The widespread labour and human rights violations in the garment supply chains make it a moral duty for the EU to act."



(Helene Mambourg is responsible for communications and campaigning with achACT (Actions Consommateurs Travailleur.)
C`nawabganj dead militants buried

Staff Reporter :

The four unclaimed bodies of the militants who were killed during the Operation Eagle Hunt in Shibaganj upazila were buried under police supervision at Chapainawabganj's Municipal graveyard early Saturday.

Abul Kalam alias Abu's family did not receive his body and the other three deceased could not be identified, prompting police to conduct the burials, said Sadar Police Station Officer-in-charge (OC) Saber Reza.

Meanwhile, Police have filed a case accusing four persons, including Sumaiya, wife of saline militant Abu, said the district's Superintendent of Police (SP) Mujahidul Islam.

"Shibganj Police Station Sub-Inspector (SI) Abdus Salam filed the case with the Police station in this connection on Saturday.

"Sumaiya was brought out of the hideout on Thursday after suffering a gunshot wound. She is currently undergoing treatment at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital under the watch of Police," the SP said.

The neo-JMB' functionary Abul Kalam alias Abu was killed by bullets while his three associates died in explosions during the operation at the militant den of Shibnagar Trimohoni in Shibganj upazila, said Dr Shafiqul Islam, one of the physicians who conducted autopsy at the Sadar Hospital.

There were marks of bullets in the chest and back of Abu, the doctor said.

Besides, Monirul Islam, Chief of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of Police, said, "One of the three unidentified militants found dead at Chapainawabganj den, might be a "Neo-JMB member" who escaped a police raid at a Jhenidah hideout a few days ago.

Police believed one of the dead is a neo-JMB leader Abdullah. Explosives had been recovered during a raid at Abdullah's home in Jhenaidah, he said.

Sumaiya revealed that two of the deceased came from Jhenaidah during an interrogation, the CTTC unit chief said this while talking to reporters at a press briefing in Dhaka Metropolitan Police media centre on Saturday.

"But the identity will be confirmed after his DNA test," he added

"Many of the bomb making materials can be found in the open market," he said. "But the materials are not very powerful."

The explosives found at the Chapainawabganj hideout were kept for a future operation, said Monirul Islam.

"We are investigating their source of funds through Bangladesh Bank," said Monirul," the CTTC unit chief said.

"We have noticed the involvement of some individuals and political parties, but we cannot disclose it now. The matter must be considered on a case-to-case basis," he said.

Militants also raised funds by selling their possessions or by working jobs, he said. Some having close ties might have sent funds from abroad.

"Sometimes we find that JMB members are involved with counterfeit currency. These counterfeits are made in specific countries which produce fake currencies of other countries, especially Indian currency," he added.


Meat traders threaten work abstention from 1st Ramzan

Reza Mahmud :

Meat traders have threatened to work abstention from 1st Ramzan if their demands are not met within 15 days.

Raising an allegation that leasees of Gabtoli cattle market collect additional toll from meat traders, the leaders of Dhaka Meat Traders Association demanded the government's intervention to stop such toll collection.

"We will announce on Sunday a work abstention from the first day of the holy Ramzan, if the authority does not meet our demands within 15 days," Rabiul Alam, the association's Secretary General, told The New Nation yesterday.

He said the government and the Dhaka North City Corporation should protect the traders from giving extra money. He also demanded that the authority must set up a permanent cattle market in the Dhaka South City Corporation area and some quality slaughterhouses in the city.

Alam said they convened a press conference today (Sunday) at Dhaka Reporters Unity at Segunbagicha in the morning from where they will announce their agitation programme.

He also said according to the government's decision the leasees collected a Tk 50 tax per cow, Tk 70 per buffalo and Tk 15 per goat. But now the government increased the taxes.

As per the enhanced rate of such taxes, the meat traders will have to pay Tk 100 per cow, Tk 150 per buffalo and Tk 35 per goat.

When contacted, some meat traders said they are selling beef at an enhanced rate just to recover the loses because of the extortions.

They also said the hide price has fallen due to the relocation of tanneries from Hazaribagh to Savar.

Alam also said there are five thousand meat traders in the city. But after hiking beef price, meat sales have sharply fallen. As a result, three thousand meat shops have been closed.

The leader also said earlier the government fixed the beef and mutton prices before the holy Ramzan. But since last year the government has not fixed the price.

Meanwhile, the DNCC Chief Executive Officer Aminul Islam said they have collected a list of meat traders in the city. The lease holders of Gabtoli cattle markets are collecting the fixed taxes from the traders.

But Rabiul Alam alleged that the DNCC prepared the list without consulting with them.

Earlier, the association enforced a weeklong strike from February 13 to February 18 to press home their demand.
DCCI proposes 7 pc uniform VAT instead of 15 pc

Staff Reporter :

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has made a set of proposals for reform in the upcoming national budget.

The proposals include doubling the infrastructure allocation, 7 percent uniform VAT instead of 15 percent, cutting corporate tax rates and increasing the individual taxpayers ceilings.

Placing the proposals for reforms in the national budget for fiscal year 2017-18 at a press conference on Saturday, DCCI president Abul Kashen Khan proposed inclusion of DCCI representatives in the executive committees of One Stop Service, Bangladesh Industrial Development (BIDA), Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority and Bangladesh Export Procession Zones Authority (BEPZA).

He also proposed formation of a project monitoring platform styled "National Infrastructure Development and Monitoring Advisory Authority (NIDMAA)" under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Modality.

Besides, the DCCI president placed a list of key areas of priority (KAP) and said decentralization of Dhaka, multi-modal transportation with priority on rail and river transportation, development of Dhaka -Chittagong economic corridor, strengthening Energy and power Sector, increase of private infrastructure investment and development of skilled manpower should be under the KAP.

In the proposals Abul Kashem Khan said infrastructure investment should be increased to 5 percent of GDP from current level of 2.87 percent and the investment will boost the economy and contribute to new investment and functioning business activity resulting more resource mobilization.

Fast track projects deal with only 10 projects but the allocation and number of fast track projects need enhancement, he said.

He further said that uniform VAT should be seven percent instead of 15 percent as stipulated in the new VAT and Supplementary Act 2012 and eligible businesses should be provided with ECR machine free of cost by the government.

About the ceiling for individual taxpayers, the DCCI chief proposed Taka 3.50 lakh from the existing amount of Taka 2.50 lakh for individuals, Taka 4.0 lakh from Taka 3.0 lakh for women and senior taxpayers of 65 years and above, Taka 4.50 lakh from Taka 3.75 lakh for disable persons and Taka 4.75 lakh from Taka 4.25 lakh for war-wounded freedom fighters.

Education allowance for child, he proposed introducing of tax rebate as admissible expense on education spending for child. Admissible expense limit on child education should be maximum Taka 1,20,000 for two children, and Tk. 60,000 for each child.
RMP AC found dead in officers` mess

Staff Reporter :

An Assistant Commissioner (AC) of Police was found dead sitting on a sofa with a string tied around his neck at Police Officers Mess Hall in Rajshahi city on Saturday morning.

The body was recovered in the presence of the deceased's father in the Srirampur area of the city in the afternoon and it was sent to Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital (RMCH) in the afternoon.

The deceased has been identified as Sabbir Ahmed Sarfaraj, posted at Rajpara Zone of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP). He used to live with wife at Bhadra Padma residential area and hailed from Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj district.

He was the son of Obaidullah Haque, former RMP Commissioner and ex-Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Rajshahi Range. His mother Fatema Begum was General Manger of Rajshahi Krishi Unnnayan Bank (RKUB), Police said.

RMP spokesman and Senior Assistant Commissioner Iftekhar Alam, said "Safaraj was seen sitting motionless on a sofa in the officers' mess with a thin nylon cord tied

(Picture on back page ) around his throat. The other end was tied to the window grill. The door was locked. His colleagues saw him through the window and reported to the mess authorities. Initial investigation suggested that Sabbir committed suicide."

The police official was unable to confirm if such a case of suicide had been reported before.

Shabbir was a 31st batch member of the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) cadre, the AC said.

After primary investigation, Professor Anamul Haque of Forensic Department of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) said that Shabbir had tied the rope around his neck after which he pushed away the sofa he was sitting on and died.

"Initially the death appears to be suicide since the door was locked from inside. However, we cannot confirm anything before the autopsy," the professor said.

He said, "The RMP police commissioner has asked me to arrive at the crime scene on Saturday evening to do the inquest in front of the father of the deceased."
Osmani struggled to ensure people's rights

Staff Reporter :

Speakers at a function on Saturday said that General Muhammad Ataul Gani Osmani had played an important role to ensure people's rights and build a democratic society.

They added that General Osmani, who was the Commander-in-Chief of the Bangladesh Forces during the 1971 War of Independence, had played an important role to make the country free from the Pakistani occupation.

He also struggled to build a democratic society and ensure people's rights till the death. But the young generation does not know this history, they said.

They also branded General Osmani as a true, patriot and courageous person.

The speakers made these remarks at a documentary film exhibition programme titled "Liberation War Hero General Osmani" held in the Studio of the Deepto Television in the capital.

Bangabir General Osmani Memorial Trust and Deepto Television jointly organised the programme.

Iqbal Bahar Chowdhury, who produced the film, presented it in the programme while Secretary of Bangabir General Osmani Memorial Trust Baset Osmani gave the welcome speech.

Former Adviser to the Caretaker Government Barrister Mainul Hosein, founder of Gonoshasthya Kendra Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, Educationist Kazi Madina, Chairman of Deepto Television Kazi Jahedul Hasan, Professor Parvin Hasan and Khadiza spoke on the occasion.

Major Rafiqul Islam Bir Uttom, Major General (Rtd) Azizur Rahman, Managing Director of United Airways Tasbirul Ahmed Choudhury, Vice-Chairman of Bangabir General Osmani Memorial Trust Mostafizur Rahman Osmani, Former Foreign Secretary Mufleh R Osmani, among others, were present at the function.

Barrister Mainul Hosein said, "General Osmani was a patriot. He was not greedy. He had struggled for the people's right and democracy."

"General Osmani knew that he was not fit to continue a political party, but he was not silent. He worked for the people. He also wrote to establish democracy in the country. He also struggled for the democracy even after the Liberation War," said Barrister Mainul Hosein.

He added: "Osmani played an important role to build a democratic society and took many courageous steps. Even he told Bangabandhu that he wanted to see Bangabandhu as bhai (Brother) not Khan. He believed in democracy."

Barrister Mainul Hosein thanked the Bangabir General Osmani Memorial Trust and Deepto Television for arranging the programme.

Iqbal Bahar Chowdhury said General Osmani was the hero of the Liberation War. "He always wanted democracy and struggled for that throughout his life."

"I worked for two years to make the documentary film. It is my responsibility to complete the documentary. I worked to spread the ideology and philosophy of General Osmani among the young generation," he said.

Iqbal Bahar Chowdhury expressed his gratefulness to the organisers for their excellent cooperation.

Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury said, "It was difficult to achieve independence without the contribution of General Osmani. But unfortunately he was absent during the contract signing ceremony of Independence. He was deprived; even no one invited him to attend the programme.

"Osmani had no good relations with the Indian forces. He never tolerated the exaggeration of the Indian forces. Even he wanted that they had not the right to stay in the country after the Independence. And India did not take it positively," Zafrullah Chowdhury said.

Kazi Jahedul Hasan said it would be a valuable document on General Osmani. "We will work more on his life and activities," he said.

Kazi Madina said the young generation does know about General Osmani. She also urged the government to observe his death and birth anniversaries every year.


Twenty men of Sundarbans robber gangs surrender

UNB, Patuakhali :

Twenty five members of two robber gangs-Alif Bahini and Kabiraj Bahini-surrendered to Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in presence of Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan in the district town on Saturday.

Nineteen members of Alif Bahini, including its chief Alif alias Doyal, and six members of Kabiraj Bahini, including its head Yunus Ali Mollah alias Kabiraj, along with 31 various firearms and 1110 rounds of ammunition


Schools Will Not Close Early, Rahm Vows, Despite Judge's Ruling Against CPS

By Emma G. Gallegos in News on Apr 28, 2017 10:20PM



An evergreen sign in Chicago (Photo by EMENFUCKOS via the Chicagoist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)

Despite a judge's ruling that sided with the state against the Chicago Public Schools, classes within the cash-strapped district will not end early this year, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced on Friday. Still, how exactly the district will be funded remains unclear.

"Kids in the city of Chicago will be in school until the end of the year," Emanuel said.

Chicago Public Schools will be open through the end of the year as scheduled. Students and teachers will be in class where they belong.  ChicagosMayor (@ChicagosMayor) April 28, 2017

Emanuel was sharply critical of the judges decisioneven as he and CPS CEO Forrest Claypool championed the court's recognition that Illinois' school funding system is broken. "The judge acknowledged that the funding is inequitable," Emanuel said. The mayor said that he'll continue to work to find all possible resources.

The ruling had opened up the possibility that schools could close nearly three weeks early.

Judge Franklin Valderrama tossed out a lawsuit brought by CPS against Illinois that asked the courts to rethink the way Illinois funds its schools, according to the Tribune.

Valderrama sounded sympathetic to CPS's woes if not the case they brought before him.

"The Court is not oblivious to the fiscal challenges confronting CPS," Valderrama wrote, according to the Trib. "To say that the State's current scheme of funding public education is broken is to state the obvious. Plaintiffs' Complaint, however, as constituted is not the vehicle to redress this inequity."

Valderrama said the schools didn't prove their case and noted that even if CPS won their case it could have unintended consequences, like freezing the state funding they so badly need. He threw the suit out but said the district can bring an amended complaint by May 26.

The suit claimed that the way the Illinois funds its schools is discriminatory, penalizing Chicago schools and, by extension, its minority students. The suit cites Brown v. the Board of Education, arguing that CPS shouldn't be receiving only 15% of state funding while serving 20% of the state's students. CPS students are majority black and latino, while students outside the city are predominantly white.

CPS is looking for ways to fund a pension gap. If they don't find that money from the state, the district had said it could shut down schools on June 1 instead of June 20 this year and that summer school (for everyone but special ed students) could get cancelled.

There was confusion on Friday afternoon immediately after the decision about what exactly the ruling would mean, even among CPS officials.

"We obviously heard what he had to say, but we want to read that opinion carefully," CEO Forrest Claypool told reporters following the ruling, according to the Tribune. "We have a lot of conversations that we need to have with our attorneys, as well as our financial experts  and right now, we are going to meet with them. We are also going to meet with the mayor's counsel and financial experts, and once we've done so, then we'll have more to say."

But as the clock counts down, it seems less likely that there will be a timely legal resolution. WBEZ says, "CPS lawyers could appeal, but that process likely would drag out well after the school year ends."

Meanwhile, parents were angry with the ruling:

A group of livid parents are emotional about ruling. Huge concerns about what will happen to kids in month of June with violence now  WBEZeducation (@WBEZeducation) April 28, 2017 "We can't keep going to funerals and dressing in black for our kids" -an upset parent with kids in cps on west side.  WBEZeducation (@WBEZeducation) April 28, 2017

Gov. Rauner applauded the judge's decision in a statement: "With this distraction behind us, we can move forward on working with the General Assembly to fix our state's school funding formula."
C'nawabganj hideout was a storehouse for militants

bdnews24.com :

The house raided during 'Operation Eagle Hunt' in Chapainawabganj's Shibganj was used for storing weapons and explosives, say police.

On Thursday police had said firearms and a suicide vest had been found at the house in Trimohoni village.

Explosions and exchange of gunfire was reported from near the house after the start of the operation on Wednesday and continued into

Thursday morning, said police. Police have been unable to identify three of the four dead bodies found after the raid.

"The explosives found at the Chapainawabganj militant hideout look as if they have been brought in from abroad," said Counter-terrorism Unit Chief Monirul Islam told a press conference on Saturday.

"We believe Neo-JMB was using the hideout as a storehouse." Operation Eagle Hunt was the most successful of the recent raids, the detective official. There were no casualties among the security forces and a woman and a child had been brought out from the hideout alive.

Two of the deceased committed suicide, believes Monirul. The other two may have been killed by police fire.

One of the deceased has been identified as local resident Rafiqul Alam Abu, hose wife Sumaiya and child were recovered alive. Police believe one of the three remaining dead is Neo-JMB leader Abdullah. Explosives had been recovered during a raid on Abdullah's home in Jhenaidah on April 22.

Sumaiya revealed two of those killed had come from Jhenaidah during an interrogation, said Monirul.

He believes Abdullah and his companions had gone from Jhenaidah to the Chapainawabganj hideout with explosives.

"Many of the bomb making materials can be found on the open market," he said. "But the materials are not too powerful. They would be needed in vast quantities if they were to have much destructive power."

The explosives at the Chapainawabganj hideout were kept ready for a future operation, said Monirul.

Four undetonated bombs, alongside a suicide vest, had been found, he said. Spice vendor Abu, 30, had been converted to militancy by his wife, claimed Monirul. Both Abu and his wife's families were involved with Jamaat-e Islami, said Monirul. Investigation into income sources Police do not have a clear idea of how the militants were being financed. "We are investigating their source of funds through Bangladesh Bank," said Monirul. "We have noticed the involvement some individuals and political parties, but we cannot speak of it yet. The matter must be considered on a case-to-case basis."

Militants also raised funds by selling their possessions or by working, he said. Some with close ties to the organisation send funds from abroad. "Sometimes we find that JMB members are involved with counterfeit currency. These counterfeits are made in specific countries which produce fake currencies of other countries, specially Indian currency."

India has long blamed Pakistan for producing huge quantities of counterfeit Indian currency as part of its economic warfare .

"We have received information about the involvement of various organisations from time to time. Several officials from embassies in Bangladesh have been withdrawn over this."

Though Monirul did not name Pakistan, his suggestion was clear. A member of the country's consulate in Bangladesh had been recalled after allegations of militant ties. Government ministers have also spoken of the country's support for militancy.


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Photos: 20+ Of Our Favorite Signs From The Massive Climate March

By Stephen Gossett in News on Apr 29, 2017 8:22PM



The conditions weren't ideal, but that was also kind of the point.

Several hundreds, if not thousands, of people braved the rainy, nasty weather on Saturday afternoon in Chicago to demonstrate against the environmental policies of President Donald Trump's administration and call for a commitment from Gov. Bruce Rauner to responsible clean energy and jobs.

The People's Climate Marchwhich arrived just one week after the massive March for Science, which fell on Earth Daysaw a huge wave of demonstrators rally in support of stronger conservationist federal policies and against climate-change denialists within the Trump administration, such as Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt.

The EPA, in fact, removed multiple pages from the official agency website relating to climate change and climate science just one day ahead of the march, according to The Hillfurther underscoring what opponents view as an attack on climate study.

Protesters gathered at Federal Plaza at around noon. They soon flooded downtown streets as the march made its way to Trump Towerthe de facto focal point of the anti-Trump protests that are now common sights. Chants and signs ranged from the no-nonsense ("Reject Greed") to the whimsical ("Stop destroying the Earth, it's where i get my tacos").

Among other calls, organizers also rallied for a commitment to 100% clean, renewable energy from state lawmakers; availability of clean-energy jobs to all people; and a divestment of Illinois funds from corporations and banks that fund the Dakota Access Pipeline and the Keystone Pipeline.

The rallywhich also coincided with Trump's 100th day in office, a traditional measuring-stick date for presidentswas one of hundreds planned around the country. The sister rallies supported what was perhaps the most high-profile and well-attended march, in Washington D.C., which reportedly saw several tens of thousands brave high temps to rally in the nation's capital.

Environmentalists have slammed the Trump administration for a variety of rollback positions, including proposing a budget that would slash EPA funds by nearly one third, lining the environmental agencies with people connected to fossil-fuel industries and attempting to pull back guidelines for power-plant emissions.
MARION  In her capacity as a prosecutor for the Williamson County States Attorneys Office, Lisa Irvin is exposed to some of the most destructive elements of society  those that violently take from those around them.

Thats a whole part of child abuse or sexual assault, the power is taken away from the victim, Irvin said. "Thats what a perp does. But what I do is make sure that the victims have a voice. And by giving them a say in what happens I give them back some power.

Irvin said she started out in life wanting to be either a forensic pathologist, or a lawyer.

I wanted to solve crimes, she said. But my mom said she didnt want me to be a police officer, so I went to law school.

After graduating from Southern Illinois University with a degree in English, she attended Saint Louis University for her Juris Doctor.

I came out of law school wanting to be a prosecutor, and wanting to work for the State she said.

Thursday marked the completion of Irvins 30th year of service to Williamson County, but at the beginning, she said, she learned from the best.

Chuck Garnati was the best mentor in the world," she said. "I learned so much from him. He allowed me to learn, to go to conferences, to go to seminars, to be part of different groups and organizations, so that I could be on the cutting edge of our field.

Irvin said the current Williamson County States Attorney, Brandon Zanotti, has continued that tradition.

I am trained in child death investigations, part of a task force, and do two trainings a year Irvin said. So if there is a child death anywhere in the state I can get called in. I am also part of a DCFS child death review team which reviews deaths of children. I attend as many trainings as I can to keep up on the law because they keep changing it.

She said Zanotti has given her a lot of responsibilities and has let her continue to run her docket the way she sees fit. Hes doing a great job and has not let politics get in the way of serving the people. Irvin said.

According to Irvin, 30 years ago there were not many women prosecutors, especially ones that prosecuted sexual assault and murder cases.

I was the only woman up here for the longest time, she said. Our chief criminal judge at the time wasnt used to a female prosecutor being in the courtroom. It took him awhile to get used to me, because I would just tell it like it was.

Her 30-year career has included some landmark cases, including the very first conviction for the criminal transmission of the AIDS virus in the state of Illinois.

A typical week for Irvin begins Monday when she prosecutes criminal cases, specifically sexual assaults on children, sexual assaults on adults, violations of law which encompasses non-registration by convicted sexual offenders, and murder cases. On Tuesday she works with juvenile delinquencies. Thursdays she prosecutes abuse and neglect cases. Thats the day I make kids cry, she says, as sometimes they are removed from their parents as a result of that abuse or neglect.

Wednesdays and Fridays are the days Irvin tries to catch up on the reports which are stacked in rows on the sides of her desk. But her non-court schedule really is determined by the needs of the victims she helps, she said.

When I get a case in, Irvin said, usually the case has been through an advocacy center where the victim has been interviewed. After a police officer brings over the reports, I review the file and watch the video. Before I file a case, I call the victim in with their non-offending parents or grandparents, or whoever has custody, and I talk to them.

Irvin said that if they decide to go to trial, she will bring the victim to visit the courtroom where they are allowed to sit in the chair where they will testify. I try to develop a rapport with the victim and get them used to the situation and some of the questions they will face while in the courtroom. We go over the difference between what is a truth and what is a lie. I try to get them comfortable enough with the situation and with me that they feel safe enough to testify.

Irvin will also meet outside the courthouse if that is better for the victims. I might go to their house, we might go to McDonald's, or they might come up here on a weekend. I do my best to tailor my schedule to the needs of the victims. Irvin said.

Irvin explained that the process of bringing perpetrators to justice and restoring power to the victims is a multi-layered process.

Many people question the sentences they see, especially in child sexual abuse cases. People will say how come that person only got that much time? But what the public needs to realize, Irvin said, is that when deals are made between the prosecution and the defense, that parents and the children are always consulted.

When I meet with them, I always ask what do you want me to do? What do you want to have happen? What is your primary goal?

Many times, Irvin said, the parents or guardians are shocked that if the case goes to trial, the victim will have to testify, regardless of their age, and that in most cases, that parent or guardian will not be allowed in the courtroom.

Parents will say I dont want my child to testify. And I say well, thats not going to happen. Irvin continued. So when the victim is very young, we come up with something that the parents can live with. When the victim is older, maybe 11 years of age and up, I consult more closely with the victim. They are the ones I need to make sure feel vindicated.

After the victim states their needs, Irvin works to find the best possible solution to those needs.

I dont draw the deals we cut out of nothing, she said. I tell the parent or the victim, what I think the potential sentence is, and ask them to tell me what they can live with. I let them know what I think we can get out of the defense if they choose to go to trial. If they are willing to come forward and testify, that determines one course of action. If they are not, then I work out something and make an offer based on that situation.

Irvin says that many times older victims just want the feeling of embarrassment to be lifted. Often, when a deal is cut without going to trial, it is so the victim can hear confession from the perpetrator.

If we have to go to trial, we go to trial. Irvin said. And if you look at my history you will see that I am not afraid to go to trial  I actually thrive when I go to trial  but sometimes the victim just needs to hear that admission of guilt.

But when she does go to trial, Irvin says she does the best she can to prepare the victim for the experience.

Irvin related that in working with older victims she tells them are going to have to go into detail and explain what actually happened. They will be talked to in front of a defendant, and in front of a jury. They will be cross examined by the defense attorney.

I try to tell them the angle of what I think the defense attorney is going to go after so they have some idea of what is going to come at them, Irvin said.

One of the things the defense has up its sleeve is time. Irvin continued. The longer the trial goes on, the harder it is for the victims. They dont want to remember the pain and the embarrassment. One of the defense attorneys biggest weapons is drawing it out. There was an attorney around here whose motto was you never go to trial, and you never go to jail and they tried to drag out the cases and out-wait the victims until they were willing to acquiesce to what they want.

Irvin said she does her best to stop that, because that is extending harassment of the victim.

But I work with what Ive got Irvin said. Ultimately, the victim is the most important person, and I try not to hurt them any more than I have to."

In the face of the parade of horror stories Irvin is exposed to on a daily basis she tries to greet each day and the next victim with a good spirit.

Nobody will volunteer to do my docket, Ill tell you that. But I work hard and I rely on my faith. I know that if I do the best I can, and put forth the best effort, the rest is in Gods hands, she said. If I do my best, and I do nothing to hurt the victim, and thats the objective, then I have done my job.

Irvin also said that she lets all of her emotions come out in closing arguments.

Brandon Zanotti, the Williamson County States Attorney general said he has seen her try cases and has tried cases alongside her.

She has an incredibly analytic and quick mind, which allows her to think through difficult arguments rapidly, effectively, and many times with great ingenuity. Zanotti said. She has an almost preternatural ability to see through all facets of both our argument and the defense argument, which makes for an outstanding trial attorney.

Zanotti says Irvin is also able to keep her cool during the tense moments which occur often during a trial. And in closing argument, he said she is able to deliver emotional powerhouse arguments for our victims, which she does well as she feels and understands the agony these children are going through. Getting justice for these children is Lisa's primary goal from start to finish in a case. All in all, you're not going to find a better prosecutor who cares more about abused children than Lisa Irvin.

Betty Caraway, the Assistant Juvenile Advocate and Witness Coordinator, who has worked as Irvins right-hand-woman for years, echoed Zanottis sentiments.

Lisa is very professional and very thorough, and she has a huge heart," Caraway said. "She is incredibly caring toward the victims and their families. And she doesnt give herself enough credit. I have seen her get angry and I have seen her cry because the law only allows her to do so much for the victims and their families. But she follows it through to the end.
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China's central government-administered state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have pledged to continue to cut production overcapacity in some industrial sectors, aiming to reduce steel capacity by 5.95 million tonnes and coal by 24.73 million tonnes.

"Detailed plans have been made by central SOEs," said an insider who prefers to remain anonymous.

For example, China Huaneng Group, a power company, is considering cutting 9.14 million tonnes of coal production capacity by the end of 2018 while dealing with 16 of the group's "zombie companies."

China Poly Group Corporation, a state-run conglomerate, has vowed to close inefficient coal mines and reorganize 39 of its subordinate companies to improve profits.

The latest efforts by the central SOEs will reinforce their achievements made in 2016 in reducing overcapacity.

Last year, the central SOEs eliminated steel production capacity by more than 10.19 million tonnes and coal capacity by over 34.97 million tonnes, both beating annual targets.

The capacity cut drive by central SOEs is only a part of China's bigger picture in slashing overcapacity.

The country aims to curtail steel production capacity by around 50 million tonnes and coal by at least 150 million tonnes this year, a key part of the country's supply-side reform.

To improve its growth quality and efficiency, China began its supply-side structural reform in 2015 to cut overcapacity, reduce inventory, deleverage, lower costs and strengthen weak links.

"China's SOE reform is an important link in pushing forward supply-side structural reform," said Li Jin, chief researcher with the China Enterprise Research Institute.

Realizing the significance of SOEs to the country's sustainable growth, China launched a series of reforms including cutting capacity, managing "zombie companies," cutting excessive layers of hierarchy and calling for innovation among these firms.

Overcapacity, poor corporate governance, and low labor productivity had dragged down profits of China's SOEs, which deteriorated in 2015.

In 2016, China's central SOEs cut 2,730 subsidiary legal entities and saved 4.91 billion yuan in management costs, according to the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, the SOE watchdog.

Thanks in part to the efforts, China's central SOEs saw profits rise slightly. Growth last year picked up from a 5.6-percent decrease in 2015.

In 2016, central SOEs made total profits of 1.23 trillion yuan (around 178 billion U.S. dollars), up 0.5 percent year on year, according to the SOE watchdog.

This year, China pledged in its annual government work report to deepen SOE reform, promising measures such as introducing a mixed-ownership system and more efforts to make SOEs leaner, healthier, and perform better.

China has 102 centrally administered SOEs, which manage the bulk of the country's state assets.

The improving figures of the SOEs contributed to the country's broader economy, which has shown more signs of stabilizing since the second half of 2016, with indicators including factory prices and industrial profits seeing significant improvements.
A Herrin man was arrested Friday on charges that included six counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, according to Franklin County Sheriff's Office.

Joseph A. Ryker, 26, was arrested at noon Friday on the Rend Lake Community College campus. In addition to six counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, Ryker was charged with one count of indecent solicitation of a child and one count of grooming. The victim is a 15-year-old high school student.
MOUNT VERNON  Funding is likely the first problem many in Illinois think of when discussing service agencies, given the 668 days the state has gone without a comprehensive budget.

As previously reported by The Southern, Illinois has been required by law to pay 100 percent of the contract it signed with child-welfare agencies such as the Department of Child and Family Services and Lutheran Social Services, however, that contract has not been renegotiated in almost a decade, forcing such agencies to dip into other areas of their budgets to make up basic housing costs related to foster care.

That issue is relatively new, but likely one of the biggest problems facing the foster system is not  there simply are not enough beds for children in need.

We end up driving our kids all the way up to Chicago to Aunt Marthas, to a shelter, Robin Hopper, licensing and resource supervisor for LSSIs Marion office, said. She said its a problem not just for older kids, but foster children of all ages, which she said is indicative of how big the problem really is.

You expect not to find these homes for your teenagers that have behavioral issues, but when you cant find a home for babies, youve got problems, Hopper said.

We need local homes, Linda Reiss, associate director of the southern region for LSSI, said.

Long distances between children in foster care and their legal guardians can throw a wrench in parent-child bonding while a child may be in foster care temporarily.

Efforts are also underway to overhaul the way the foster system works in the state.

Hope Carbonaro, immersion site director for the DCFS in Mount Vernon, said the Immersion Site Program, piloted last year, aims to shake up the system statewide and bring the focus on the core areas of DCFS mission. It aims to improve safety, permanency, stability and well-being for the children in the departments care, Carbonaro said.

It does this in a variety of ways, primarily by removing some red tape, she said. She said they often ask themselves one question: How can we get some of the layers of bureaucracy out of our way so that we can just really focus on whats best for children? In Mount Vernon, this has translated to eliminating or combining some paperwork.

Carbonaro also said the immersion sites are working with Sparrow Family Services to use new flexible funding. Instead of trying to retrofit a familys problem to a given list of solutions, Carbonaro said this new program allows DCFS to mold aid to a familys needs.

Now we have that flexibility that will allow us to develop a child and family team, look specifically at that case and the needs of that family with the familys voice actually being in the forefront of that planning session, she said.

She said through the immersion site model, she is working with various agencies to expand crisis stabilization and therapeutic mentoring as well as bringing in a new foster parent mentoring program.

Carbonaro said this all works because through the immersion site model, they are decentralizing foster care to some extent, giving more authority to regions and local offices, which increases flexibility. This is key, she said, to the organization being successful.

Weve got to be willing to listen to people, Carbonaro said.

She said at the moment, there are four pilot locations for the program, making up about 11 percent of the total area DCFS serves. She said two of these locations are in Southern Illinois  one in Mount Vernon, the other in St. Clair County. She said it is their goal to have the program go statewide in 2019.

At the very heart of all of this, though, are the families and individuals who open their homes to kids in need.

People think you go into foster care to make money, Michelle Hutchison, a foster parent from Buncombe, said. This is far from the truth in her eyes. If you treat your kids like they are your kids youre in the hole every month, she added.

She said the rewards come from other places  seeing kids succeed and grow into healthy adults, and giving them a place to call home.

Carbonaro said this is the side more people need to see. There are hardships involved with being a foster parent, but there are bright spots, too, she said. She said hopefully with the new Immersion Site Program and through institutional changes being made, more people can start to see this. Again, this leads her to ask herself a question.
The first phase of a Coca-Cola production base went into operation Friday in north China's Hebei Province.

Currently, a five-hectare area has four production lines and an annual production capacity of 100 million unit cases (one unit case is 5.678 litres). Once the entire project is completed, it will be able to make 250 million unit cases annually.

The base, covering more than 13 hectares, is located in Hebei's Xianghe County and has joint investment totalling 350 million yuan (51 million U.S. dollars) from COFCO Coca-Cola Beverages and Tianjin Bohai Light Industry Group. After completion, it will have nine production lines and is expected to meet demand in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region for the next 15 years.

This is the second COFCO bottling factory in Hebei and its biggest investment.

China is Coca-Cola's third biggest market worldwide, and COFCO became its first bottling partner after the company returned to China in 1979.
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Chinese police solved 430 cases involving counterfeiting, purchasing and selling fake IDs or "hukou" household registration documents in a three-year campaign.

A total of 702 people and 249 police officers were punished for their involvement, according to a statement released after a national public security meeting on hukou management on Thursday.

Of the police employees, 70 were removed from their posts and 69 held criminally liable.

The nationwide campaign to deal with incorrect, fake or duplicate ID information and the corruption behind it began in 2014.

Police have nullified nearly 3.1 million duplicate hukou records and corrected about 11 million items of wrong personal information in the past three years, said the statement.

Hukou is China's household registration and administration system, which is linked to citizens' ID cards and personal records. It ties access to basic social welfare and public services to one's place of residence, and hukou benefits differ based on the region, creating a demand for counterfeits.

As Chinese cities restrict property purchases to prevent housing bubbles, demand has grown for fake IDs.

Vice Public Security Minister Huang Ming said police departments across the country should control the hukou system, help migrant workers obtain permanent urban residence, and bring the unregistered population into the hukou system.
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By Trend





The foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and the Argentine Republic held political consultations in Ashgabat, the press service of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry reported.

The delegation of Argentina was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Gustavo Rodolfo Zlauvinen, according to the report.

Issues of mutual interest were on the agenda of bilateral political consultations. In particular, the sides discussed the possibilities of development of cooperation in the political, trade-economic, energy spheres, as well as the issues of building up cooperation in the field of infrastructure.

The interest of the parties in the development of transport cooperation was noted. The sides discussed the issues of creating various transport routes. The parties expressed their commitment to cooperation in the fields of food safety and energy security, and put forward proposals for developing cooperation in the field of agriculture.

Then a ceremony of signing bilateral documents between Turkmenistan and the Argentine Republic took place.

A memorandum of understanding on political consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship of the Argentine Republic and the agreement between the government of Turkmenistan and the government of the Argentine Republic on the exchange of information on tax issues were signed.

Within the framework of the visit to Turkmenistan, the delegation of Argentina was received by Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov.

During the meeting, the sides paid attention to the development of relations in the political-diplomatic and trade-economic spheres, establishment of close contacts in the cultural and humanitarian spheres, in particular in the sphere of education, sport and tourism.

Issues related to the possibility of establishing direct contacts and deepening cooperation between the business circles of the two countries through joint events were also discussed.
Meet award-winning artisans and buy their products at Kerala Arts and Crafts Village
A divisive federal rule for Wyomingites experienced a setback Friday when a federal appeals court agreed to postpone a ruling on lawsuits that challenge Obama-era limits on carbon emissions.

The limits are part of the Clean Power Plan, a centerpiece of President Barack Obamas efforts to reduce emissions from existing power plants. The plan was challenged by a coalition of states and industry groups that profit or benefit from the continued burning of coal, the dirtiest of fossil fuels.

The Environmental Protection Agency asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to put the legal fight on hold after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to roll back the plan. Trump has called climate change a hoax, disputing the overwhelming consensus of scientists that the world is warming and that man-made carbon emissions are primarily to blame.

Wyoming is divided on the regulations, with many advocates hoping it will survive the new administration. For others, coal is the foundation of their community. It is an outsized contributor to the states economy.

Fridays order from the court agreed to postpone the case for 60 days and asks the parties for guidance on whether the rule should be sent back to the EPA to potentially be revised or repealed.

While not final, the postponement is a letdown to environmentalists who vehemently opposed the request for delay. They have urged the court to rule on the merits of the case, despite the change in administration.

We are in a race against time to address the climate crisis, said Vickie Patton, a lawyer for the Environmental Defense Fund. Climate progress and clean energy cannot be stopped by the litigation tactics of polluters.

Wyomings delegation applauded the courts move Friday. Sen. John Barrasso said the courts order was a win for Wyomings energy workers.

The so-called Clean Power Plan would shut down American power plants and increase energy costs for families, he said in a statement. This decision gives President Trumps administration time to reverse this damaging Obama-era regulation.

But the states environmental advocates say the merits of the Clean Power Plant in combating climate change supersede state or federal politics.

These emissions are unhealthy, for individual people and mostly for the climate change effects, which I believe in thoroughly, said Bob LeResche, a member of the Powder River Basin Resource Council. Im a scientist myself and 98 percent of us believe this is happening, and its a big problem.

Many in Wyoming see rules like the CPP as economic blows to the state, but thats not true, LeResche said.

Whats hurting the Wyoming economy is not the environmental regulations at all, he said. Its the market. Its the price of natural gas. Its the huge growing popularity of renewable energy sources. ...The environmental regulations are just an easy target to complain about.

LeResche said he was taking the legal delay in stride as court cases are known to drag on.

The Supreme Court last year blocked the plan from taking effect while the appeals court considered whether it was legal. Ten judges on the court of appeals in Washington heard arguments in the case last year and could have issued a ruling at any time.

Todays decision by the court is a positive step toward protecting West Virginia coal miners and those who depend upon their success, said West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, who was among those who challenged the rules. The court recognized the landscape has changed and that a decision on the merits is not appropriate at this time.

The Clean Power Plan sought to reduce carbon emissions from existing power plants by about one-third by 2030, a goal in line with the United States commitment under the global climate treaty signed by nearly 200 countries in Paris in 2015. About two dozen mostly coal-friendly states and more than 100 companies sued to stop the measure, calling it an unconstitutional power grab. Opponents claim the plan will kill jobs, slash demand for coal and increase electricity prices.

Trump has pledged to reverse decades of decline in a U.S. coal industry under threat from such cleaner sources of energy as natural gas, wind turbines and solar farms. He has also said he plans to renegotiate the Paris accord.

In a second order issued Friday, the appeals court in Washington also postponed consideration of a separate case challenging an EPA rule capping greenhouse gas emissions from new or renovated power plants.

Under a prior Supreme Court ruling, EPA is required to regulate carbon emissions. But Trumps appointees could seek to greatly dial back the level of reductions mandated under the Obama-era plan.

Jonathan Adler, a Case Western Reserve University law professor, said the order gives the Trump administration a chance to show it is moving forward with its own regulations to replace the current plan. He noted that the appeals court is requiring the EPA to submit status reports on its progress every 30 days.

The court doesnt want to rule on something that doesnt have to be ruled upon, Adler said. At the same time, the court doesnt want to let the agency shirk its obligations, either.

Star-Tribune energy reporter Heather Richards contributed to this report.
So when they butt-stroked me to the head from an AK-47 and I was bleeding down the side of my face and they threw me back in the cell I could
A man sat on his barstool in jeans, a T-shirt and a pink tutu. A security guard walked through in a matching tutu. Men and women trickled through the bar in the fluffy tulle skirts Friday night at Butchs Bar in Evansville.

Bartenders in tutus paused with customers to move their hands overhead and sing the song YMCA. Upstairs tutus, feather boas and people in plain clothes twirled on the dance floor together.

A woman tied a red tutu around Ryan Evans waist near a pool table downstairs. It matched a red feather boa that he wore when it wasnt being passed around a group of bikers and other customers trying it on throughout the evening.

Sissy is my hero! Evans called out, referring to a well-known cross-dresser in the state.

Butchs joined bars across the Equality State in Live and Let Tutu events with a free drink for anyone wearing a tutu.

The events are in response to U.S. Sen. Mike Enzis recent comments at Greybull High School when asked about improving the lives of members of the LGBT community in Wyoming.

I know a guy that wears a tutu and goes to the bars on Friday night and is always surprised that he gets in fights, Enzi said. Well, he kind of asks for it a little bit. Thats the way he winds up with that kind of problem.

The senator apologized after criticism across the state and country, and said he was trying to argue that decency cant be legislated. He also apologized to cross-dresser Larry Sissy Goodwin.

Gage Williams, whose parents own Butchs Bar, founded LGBTQ advocacy group Out in Wyoming. He organized Fridays event and was pleased with the turnout and support.

Butchs has a reputation for being a rough biker bar, but he didnt expect any problems.

Other Out in Wyoming events have been well-received, and a longtime patron whos a cross-dresser has always been welcome there, he said.

Its so refreshing, Williams said. You know, Ive dealt with hateful people all my life. I guess my biggest thing is that you dont expect it here. Were in a small little bar in Evansville, and its amazing is what it is. Im so genuinely proud of all of Butchs patrons for welcoming us here and letting us have a good time and take over the bar with our events. They come out to have a good time, we come out to have a good time; everyone comes out to have a good time together.

Ashlie Schmidt owns Butchs Bar with her husband, John. Her father, Butch Lewis, owned the bar before that. The couple was was happy to host the tutu night.

Having a gay son, a mother is worried about people picking on him and him going anywhere and something happening to him, Schmidt said. Butchs has always been about nobodys better than anybody else here, she said.

Athne Machdane didnt wear a tutu, but arrived in a long dress and handmade silver headband and jewelry. Machdane has been living outwardly as non-binary pangender for 12 years, and prefers to be referred to with the pronoun they, Machdane said.

I was very offended. I felt threatened. I felt demeaned. I felt as if (Sen. Enzi) would not honor my basic human dignity, they said about Enzis comments. I figured my best statement is through action  that Im going to come out, that Im going to engage the community in a positive and constructive fashion, Machdane said. Im not going to be afraid. Im not going to hide and Im going to hold this state up to its motto. We are the Equality State. It is incumbent upon all of our citizens to uphold that motto.

For more information or to find other events throughout the state, visit Wyoming Equalitys website at http://bit.ly/2oTphMI.
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 Flash

The White House said Friday that President Donald Trump is aware of the latest missile test conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

White House spokesman Sean Spicer said in a statement that the president has been briefed on the test.

Pyongyang test-fired a ballistic missile which coincides with a UN Security Council ministerial level meeting to discuss the nuclear activities of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The ballistic missile was fired from a site near Bukchang in South Pyeongan Province in the northeastern direction at about 5:30 a.m local time (20:30 GMT Friday), but it was estimated to have failed as it exploded shortly after liftoff, the news agency quoted the Joint Chiefs of Staff as saying.

A U.S. military assessment found the main part of the missile landed approximately 35 kilometers from Bukchang airfield, the official said.
RIVERTON  Fremont County officials say they considered but have decided not to require permits for landowners who want to rent out their property to campers during the solar eclipse in August.

County planner Steve Baumann says there is no feasible way to require landowners to get such permits.

Fremont County is in prime viewing territory for the Aug. 21 eclipse. Local officials estimate 10,000 people will travel to the area for the event.

Just east of Fremont County, Natrona County will require landowners to get permits to host campers during the eclipse.
Two semesters of blood, sweat and tears came to fruition on Friday as University of Arizona students in the McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship program put their ideas on the line in a Shark Tank-like contest.

Startup teams competed for a total of $40,000 in prizes at the McGuire New Venture Competition, a rapid-fire pitch competition and interactive trade show that featured 19 teams made up of 90 students.

A team specializing in energy management through indoor horticulture called Specteros left the day on top, taking home the grand prize of $10,000 along with the Connect Coworking Award, the StageXchange Award, and the Microsoft Social Impact Award, which combined are valued at $21,300.

Attendees at the event included Karl and Stevie Eller, the namesakes of the business school, as well as investors, community members, high school students and students in the Eller College of Management.

Among the judges were past graduates of the program who have gone on to be successful entrepreneurs, the director of retail sales at Intel, and Christopher McGuire, the namesake of the entrepreneurship center and program.

For those who helped make the competition happen, the event means a lot more than just a contest for cash.

Our focus with the students is not so much whether or not they launch a business, the focus is really whether or not weve empowered them with the right mindset to be able to do things and also the skill sets to do them, said Remy Arteaga, director of the McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship.

McGuire said the New Venture Competition and Showcase is a key university program that has gained a lot of attention across the country.

The U.S. News and World Report ranked the McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship third among public undergraduate entrepreneurship programs. Arteaga believes the competition is just one of the things contributing to that ranking.

For the university, its a great way to form community, so everybody comes together, he said. In an area like this you want to have a very entrepreneurial community, and a place like Tucson has a very burgeoning one, one thats really on the cusp. We have a great university, and were building a lot of the entrepreneurial stuff around the university.

As for the winning team, the feeling of being recognized and rewarded for something it invested two full semesters on is a sensation the teams four members had trouble putting into words.
As the new director of the University of Arizonas McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship, Remy Arteaga was handed the keys to a business-startup program that already ranks near the top of its field.

Arteaga sees plenty of opportunities to help the Eller College of Managements acclaimed business startup program fly higher.

Since taking the helm in December, hes been working to widen McGuires scope with course offerings across campus and new social-impact business offerings, while forging relationships with local startup groups.

We want to be even greater than we are now, said Arteaga, a serial entrepreneur, teacher and author who headed entrepreneurship programs at Stanford University and the University of Colorado before joining McGuire.

Weve ranked really well, I want us rank even higher, and I think Tucson is a great place to be able to pull that off  its really unique, he said.

In a wide-ranging interview with the Star, Arteaga talked about his plans for McGuire, his ideas for collaboration and his entrepreneurship philosophy:

On plotting McGuires growth

One of Arteagas first charges was to study McGuires existing programs and set new measures for success and goals to realign the center for growth.

New metrics have been set, budgets have been aligned with programs and new strategies will be developed by the end of June, Arteaga said.

That will show what were trying to do with metrics and achieve target, so at the end of the year I can give you an impact report to say how much weve spent and what we got from that expenditure. Its great for us and its great for our donors, because if the cost of the impact is too high we can decide to shift our efforts elsewhere.

On offering McGuire courses across campus

Since his arrival, Arteaga has spearheaded an effort to gauge demand for entrepreneurship instruction among various colleges and strategies to extend those course offerings across campus. Working with Eller College Dean Paulo Goes and others, he has chaired a committee preparing a report on potential college partnerships to expose diverse student groups to entrepreneurship principles.

Were opening up all our course offerings to the rest of campus and having one of those (McGuire) tracks they could go to and take classes and get a certificate. Were working on the minor right now, hopefully it will be approved in the fall but the certificate has been approved, so we can begin to issue those. 

It became clear there was a huge demand, which backed up what Paulo felt.  The report is, we need to meet students where they are and create these entrepreneurial pathways.

On new social-impact offerings

McGuire announced earlier this month that computer software giant Microsoft Corp., had become the centers social impact partner, providing funding for events supporting the new social-impact course offerings, including a $5,000 Social Impact Prize awarded Friday as part of McGuires annual New Venture Competition.

Microsoft, which has had a longtime relationship with Eller, also will let students help develop the companys local social-impact projects as part of a class.

Now weve added a new area called social impact, and under that we have social innovation and economic development. And within that we have five courses for social innovation, where someone could get a certificate, and they take social entrepreneurship and nonprofit leadership. And thats completely new, a couple of months after I got here. There had been discussions before I got here, and the dean asked if it makes sense to have social impact under McGuire and I said it absolutely does.

On other McGuire

growth opportunities

Ive been doing a lot of research in terms of the segmentation of students.  Theres two segments I think are really interesting that maybe havent been addressed. One is the professional working student, and the other might be retirees, because people are retiring younger and living longer, and they dont really want to retire they want to start their own business. There are different government programs out there, sometimes they are hit and miss, and a lot of times theyre learning more methodology and skills than the (entrepreneurial) mindset.

On his philosophy

on entrepreneurship

Our philosophy, something I was able to bring that Im a firm believer in, is that you first have to create the mindset and then you deal with the skill set. And a lot of entrepreneurship programs around the country and around the world, they focus on the skill set, the methodologies like lean startup and the Business Model Canvas.

To me, thats analogous to getting a do-it-yourself book on how to wire up a fixture, and then being asked to wire up a factory.  If you dont have the fundamental mindset and the understanding of the principles, the second you face something youve never seen before youre kind of stumped. And I think students become disheartened because they cant figure it out.

On collaboration

Arteaga said hes already reached out to the local business startup ecosystem, including Startup Tucson and the local investor group Desert Angels, and plans to collaborate closely with all local entrepreneurship groups. On campus, hes working closely with Tech Launch Arizona, the UAs technology commercialization arm.

Its being a coordinated, collaborative partner, that is my mantra. My door is always open, I havent turned anybody away. But we cant do everything, we have to be focused on what we are good at. As long as we can focus on that and partner with somebody else and what theyre good at, then I think we have a good shot.

On what attracted

him to the UA

Arteaga stepped down as director of Stanford Universitys successful Latino entrepreneurship programs last October after building the program for nearly two years.

Exploring the UA job, Arteaga said he was immediately impressed by Dean Goes and the Eller College staff, and their passion for McGuires mission, felt at home in Tucson as soon as he arrived and saw a community on the verge of becoming a hot spot for entrepreneurship.

It had all the elements. Ive studied entrepreneurial communities a lot and have been in a number of them, so I saw all the elements for a burgeoning entrepreneurship community  the downtown is being revitalized, the startup community is growing with Connect (CoWorking) and Startup Tucson. And I saw at the school the message of growth in entrepreneurship, so all those things came together.

On a Latino-focused

program at McGuire

Arteaga helped create the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative and headed a related nonprofit, the Latino Business Action Network. The Stanford program took off, with startups incubated under the programs raising $21 million in just its first four months and graduating 240 entrepreneurs through its leadership program.

But Arteaga said he isnt looking to recreate the Stanford initiative here.

I dont think its necessary. The Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, theyre doing a tremendous job in the region and also the Arizona Hispanic Chamber which does the DATOS conference (on the states Hispanic market) every year.
Arizonas natural beauty is not lost on the young photographers in the state. Their skills and persistence were rewarded in the 2017 Adventures in Nature photography contest for ages 13-18. Its sponsored by the Nature Conservancy, Arizona Highways Magazine and Cox Communications. The top 10 finishers share in more than $10,000 in prize money. There were 1,343 entries this year.

First-place winner Griffin Roeger, who won $5,000, watched horses along the Salt River for a few hours before capturing two horses challenging each other. He took the photo with a Canon Rebel and a telephoto lens. They didnt mind us at all, he said of the wild horses. He was floating down the Salt on inner tubes with his father and friends. Ive gone a couple of times, he said, so he had seen horses before.

Roeger, a senior at Campo Verde High School in Gilbert, is in his fourth year of photography classes. This year, hes concentrating on nature photography.

Braden Matsuzawa used Canon EOS Rebel T3i with a 55-250mm lens to capture his close-up of a green caterpillar, which won him second place and $2,500. I hadnt worked with insects prior to this photograph, he wrote. We were having a field day. ... It was near the end of class that someone had picked up a stick with the caterpillar hanging on to it. People were crowding around and taking pictures, but I managed to get the perfect angle to capture the caterpillar. Braden said it is the only macro photo hes ever taken.

Matsuzawa is a junior at Canyon del Oro High School in Tucson. I love photography and it brings me solace and joy, but Im uncertain whether or not I want to pursue it further, he wrote.

Damian Galasso used the still photo feature on the familys Canon video camcorder to capture a lightning strike during an eerie, forbidding storm for the third-place win and $1,000. He wisely took cover while taking the video. In a couple minutes, there were several flashes of lightning over the saguaro, he said. The bird just sat there (atop the saguaro) and I got my lightning photo. He replayed the video and used a still-capture feature to create the still image.

Galasso, 14, is homeschooled in Tucson. He hopes to use the contest prize money to buy his own camera.

The Adventures in Nature was started in Tucson and has expanded statewide. It typically opens for entries in January and closes in early April.
Human-caused climate change was at least partly to blame and probably mostly to blame for Tucsons record-setting March heat, says a researcher with expertise in this field.

At the Stars request, researcher Geert Jan van Oldenborgh of the Netherlands analyzed possible factors for explaining Tucsons March temperatures, which averaged nearly 8 degrees above normal overall when daytime highs and nighttime lows are accounted for.

He concluded that long-term temperature trends point almost certainly to human-caused greenhouse-gas emissions as a factor. The unresolved question, he said, is how big of a factor they are.

That longer-term increase was more than 7 degrees Fahrenheit in average high temperatures since about 1950, said van Oldenborgh. Hes a senior researcher for the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, the countrys equivalent of the U.S.s National Weather Service.

That is a much faster increase than has occurred globally, he said.

Van Oldenborghs analysis illustrates a new trend in climate-change research: showing that human-produced greenhouse-gas emissions cause extreme weather events. For a long time, many climate scientists said its not possible to attribute such events to long-term climate change. But a U.S. National Academy of Sciences study released last summer concluded that such attribution is possible if done in a scientifically valid manner.

Van Oldenborghs analysis wasnt a formal, peer-reviewed study. But, I can tell you unequivocally that he used methodologies that the National Academy of Sciences committee agreed were appropriate, said Kathy Jacobs, a University of Arizona specialist in climate change adaptation who, like van Oldenborgh, sat on the academy committee that produced the 2016 report.

She said evidence of global warming is incredibly clear across Southern Arizona, and it is undoubtedly a contributing factor in the heat wave in March.

Jacobs, who led the publication of the federal governments 2014 National Climate Assessment, now directs the UAs Center for Climate Adaptation and Solutions.

7 degrees warmer since 1950

Tucsons March weather was very warm both by day and at night. But high daytime temperatures were a bigger factor, National Weather Service records show.

The months average high temperature of 83.2 degrees was 9.1 degrees hotter than normal. It was the warmest on record for March. The average low of 52.4 degrees was 6.2 degrees above normal and was the second warmest on record for March. The weather service has kept records here since 1895.

More strikingly, March 2017 had 15 consecutive days where the high reached at least 85 degrees. Thats two days more than the previous record for such temperatures, set in March 1989.

The temperature was at least 91 degrees for nine consecutive days this March, compared to the previous record of four, in 2015. The high hit 94 degrees for three straight days this March, compared to the previous record of two, in 2007.

In his analysis, van Oldenborgh found that a clear upward trend in the March high temperatures started in the middle 1970s. The mean high temperature has grown by about 4 degrees Celsius, or 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit, since around 1950. That first raised a suspicion in him that perhaps other forces besides global warming were playing a role, he said.

Whenever there is extreme weather, the question is raised whether it was due to external influences such as greenhouse gases or variations of solar activity, van Oldenborgh said. Local influences such as irrigation, urban effects and the decreasing snow cover in the mountains in March can also play a role.

Extreme weather always has a large element of chance due to the random weather, but the external factors may have shifted the odds, said van Oldenborgh, who has collaborated with other scientists in publishing 16 papers on the extreme weather-climate change connection since 2012 and has submitted eight more for publication. Most recently, he and other scientists affiliated with a group called World Weather Attribution published a study saying climate change tripled the likelihood of Februarys unusual warmth nationally that made it the second-warmest February on record in the United States.

Tucson warming faster

than surrounding cities

Looking across Southern and Central Arizona high temperatures for March, van Oldenborgh found they seem to be warming across the region but that Tucsons temperatures are rising faster than in nearby cities Casa Grande and Willcox.

The urban heat-island effect often accounts for differing temperatures between larger and smaller cities. But van Oldenborgh said he tried to account for such differences by focusing his analysis on daytime high temperatures, not nighttime lows that are most commonly affected by the heat island effect.

He then looked at two computer models that simulated this citys long-term temperature trends and potential impacts on those temperatures.

One, of higher resolution, showed that March high temperatures have risen at a point near Tucson at about 2.5 times the rate the global average temperature has risen since about 1950, he said. The model shows that is the local effect of global warming, he said.

Without the impacts of human-caused forces, there is no trend, Oldenborgh concluded. Solar and volcanic forces cant explain this regions warming; nor can decade-long temperature variability produced by the ocean, he said.

But a second set of climate models, used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2013, showed that Tucson has received on average less long-term warming than shown by the first model.

The second model also contained a large uncertainty as to the cause of the lesser warming, meaning that some of the cause could have been natural, year-to-year temperature variability, van Oldenborgh said.

He said he believes the higher-resolution computer model pointing mostly to climate change as a driving factor is more reliable for the purpose of this analysis. He said he believes the IPCC models probably underestimate the long-term temperature trend.
The cost to battle the Sawmill Fire in Southern Arizona is now $4.26 million. The blaze is 61 percent contained.

Overcast skies on Friday helped the efforts of 800 fire personnel working to keep the fire from the community of J-6 Ranch, near Benson, said Michelle Fidler, a spokeswoman for the top-level Type 1 management team overseeing the operation.

Thus far, the blaze has burned about 47,000 acres. It began Sunday near Box Canyon about 10 miles southeast of Green Valley. A Border Patrol agent who was engaged in recreational shooting is being investigated as the fire's cause, authorities said. The agent reported the fire immediately after it began, they said.

The blaze has swept across the Santa Rita Mountains and into ranching grasslands dotted with mesquites south of Interstate 10 and west of Benson.

There have been no reports of burned structures or injuries, officials said.

"There was no significant growth today," said Fidler on Friday, adding that the fire is active in the Apache Wash area. "We have not seen a change in the perimeter."

However, no aircraft worked the fire Friday because of the windy conditions with gusts up to 45 mph. "The wind did not hinder our efforts because it was cooler and the overcast helped moderate the fire behavior," Fidler said.

The fire remains 7 miles from the J-6 Ranch community and families are under pre-evacuation notices. Firefighters worked in the area Friday and were providing structural assessments. "They were there and ready if they needed to provide protection," said Fidler.

On Thursday, officials with the Cochise and Pima counties' sheriff's departments assured residents at an informational meeting that if the fire moved closer and evacuations were ordered, deputies would direct traffic and physically knock on doors to make sure families received the word to leave.

Rain Valley residents were allowed to return to their homes Friday afternoon, but do remain under pre-evacuation notices. The communities of Hilton Ranch is also under pre-evacuation notice.

A storm was passing through the area headed to New Mexico, the National Weather Service reported. Officials said windy conditions are also expected Saturday.

Ground crews worked to secure the fire's perimeters, and focused on mopping up burned areas. "This is hard work because firefighters have to get on their hands and knees and get into the ash with their hands and make sure there are no hotspots or sparks smoldering that could carry fire across the line. They have to make sure the ground is cold to the touch," explained Fidler.

This work was being done on the western flanks for the most part, and crews also worked on the east and north side of the blaze.

Officials reopened Arizona 83 through the burn area Thursday after the highway had been closed south of Interstate 10 to near Sonoita since Monday.
 Flash

Chinese and Bulgarian officials here on Friday voiced their hope to boost cooperation in tourism, promising to make full use of the unique resources of the two countries.

At the opening of the conference "EU-China Tourism Year 2018: New investment opportunities for the tourism sector in Bulgaria, Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Zhang Haizhou said "Today's seminar reflects the strong desire of Bulgarian side to tap its potential, improve its services, and expand its market in tourism so as to attract more Chinese tourists."

He said Bulgaria "has rich, unique tourism resources, and the Bulgarian government attaches great importance to the development of the tourism industry."

At the same time, China, as a country of 5,000 years of civilizations, has rich resources in tourism, including world cultural and natural heritages and beautiful sceneries, the ambassador said.

Travelling to China will bring huge profits to Bulgarian tourism enterprises, he said, adding "The Chinese side sincerely welcomes more Bulgarian friends to China."

Meanwhile, Bulgarian Minister of Tourism Nikolina Angelkova said "I believe that Bulgaria has a huge potential to receive Chinese tourists."

Creating joint tourism products by European countries was one of the ways to attract more Chinese tourists, Angelkova said.

Bulgaria would improve visa policy, and examine possibilities for direct flights to and from China, she said.

"The event today signals that Bulgaria is looking at the Chinese market, which is distant but promising," said Teodora Marinska, head of Finance and Public policies at the European Travel Commission (ETC), which organized the conference jointly with Andrey Novakov, Member of the European Parliament, and Bulgarian-Chinese Business Development Association.

Tourism is one of the sectors that continue to grow even during crisis and continue to create jobs, she said.

In July 2016, the European Commission's President Jean-Claude Juncker and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang declared 2018 the EU-China Tourism Year in a bid to increase tourism between China and the EU, and help stimulate European enterprises to set foot on the booming tourism market in China and to allow more Chinese investments in Europe.

Last year, the number of tourists from China to Europe reached 5.13 million, however, only 10,000 Chinese tourists visited Bulgaria in 2016, according the Chinese ambassador.

He believed insufficient publicity, difficulties in visa application, and inconvenient traffic between China and Bulgaria were the factors behind the slow growth of tourism between the two countries. he said.
Southern Arizonas largest physician group is calling on Northwest Healthcare and UnitedHealthcare to do the ethical and moral thing and reach a truce for the sake of patients.

If the impasse is not bridged, where will these folks go  the emergency room or walk-in clinic? asked Pima County Medical Society President Dr. Susan Kolata.

Monday is the deadline for contract negotiations, and a stalemate continued as of Friday afternoon.

The contract dispute threatens to leave thousands of Tucson-area residents with UnitedHealthcare unable to use any Northwest Healthcare facility, including its primary-care physicians, urgent-care facilities and its two hospitals  Oro Valley Hospital and Northwest Medical Center, except for emergencies.

We remain committed to reaching an agreement with Northwest Healthcare that preserves access to the important care Northwest provides in the Tucson community, UnitedHealthcare officials said in a prepared statement.

Dave Allazetta, Arizona Health Plan CEO for UnitedHealthcare, was in Tucson on Thursday and made an in-person proposal to Northwest Healthcare CEO Kevin Stockton as they met for an hour, UnitedHealthcare officials confirmed. But there was still no word on an agreement.

A contract termination would affect UnitedHealthcares Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and commercial plans (but not MediGap plans). UnitedHealth officials say they have a transition-of-care plan in case the contract isnt resolved.

Patients receiving ongoing treatment for special conditions, or women in their third trimester of pregnancy, may be eligible for continuation of care benefits.

Officials with Northwest Healthcare, which is owned by Tennessee-based Community Health Systems, said late Friday that negotiations would continue and they were hopeful for a resolution.

Unthinkable

Pima County Medical Societys Kolata said both sides need to set aside their difference and focus on people. To do otherwise would be unthinkable, wrong, she said.

While ERs and walk-in clinics play their part in providing care, they are no substitute for the doctor who has literally cared for them for years and even decades and have become more than the occasional patient but friends, she said.

Pima County Medical Society board member and past president Dr. Tim Fagan said he cannot recall the organization ever before publicly weighing in on an insurance contract negotiation. But he characterized the situation as critical  hes seen estimates that between 20 and 40 percent of patients served by Northwest Medical Center and Oro Valley Hospital are covered by UnitedHealthcare.

Were talking about tens of thousands of patients. We already have a shortage of primary-care doctors and other specialties in the Tucson area, he said. Some people will have to wait six months to a year to establish care with other physicians.

Not only could patients be affected, but a failure to resolve the contract has the potential to overburden other hospitals and systems in the Tucson area, he said.

11th-hour truce

While such disputes often get settled at the 11th hour, San Diego-based health strategist Nathan S. Kaufman of Kaufman Strategic Advisors says hes seen results go both ways. Kaufman has helped negotiate managed-care contracts, usually on behalf of hospitals, for decades.

It depends on the relative power of each side. The research shows that health plans will pay providers as much as a 300 percent difference. And the determination of how much they get paid is how bad the health plan needs those providers in their network, he said.

What we say is if you are geographically indispensable, the probability is that you will be able to get a better rate and an easier negotiation than if you are not. If you are geographically indispensable, you usually settle at the eleventh hour.

Some patients, especially seniors and people with chronic illnesses on the northwest side, could make the argument that Northwests facilities meet a geographical need. Those patients, including older residents of Marana and Oro Valley, are contemplating a future where they have to get multiple new doctors and drive a longer distance to get care their insurance will cover.

Both sides of the dispute have written newspaper op-eds, as well as letters to patients. Northwest Healthcare said it sent out more than 60,000 letters to UnitedHealthcare patients who had used a Northwest facility in the last year. It also set up a website called Stand Up to United Az.

The dispute appears similar to one that occurred in late 2015 with BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona and the Southern Arizona Carondelet Health Network, but it is potentially more dire for patients.

The UnitedHealthcare/Northwest standoff is occurring mid-year and not during open enrollment, so patients dont have an opportunity to change their insurance plan, like they did in the BlueCross BlueShield/Carondelet disagreement, which was settled at the last minute.

Incongruous statements

Its difficult to pinpoint the main issue in the dispute as both sides have distinctly different portrayals of what they are arguing about.

Northwest says UnitedHealthcare wants a 25 percent reduction in reimbursement for the services that Northwest provides.

UnitedHealthcare officials say the hospital system is demanding a 27 percent rate increase for employer-sponsored and individual health plans over the next three years.

And UnitedHealthcare also says Northwest Healthcare is refusing to agree to a value-based model of reimbursement based on quality measures like mortality and readmissions. They say other hospitals in town have all agreed to that model.

In response, Northwest officials have said they participate in quality-based programs with all other major insurers.

The only power you have in a negotiation is the power of public opinion. So if the people who are United beneficiaries say they arent going to sign up next year because of what you did to my hospital, then United might cave, said Kaufman, the health-care consultant.

If United says the hospital is unreasonable and they feel comfortable that they can move the patients someplace else, then it would have to be the hospital that caves.
PHOENIX  Just a year after settling one education funding lawsuit, state lawmakers face a new one, this one over what challengers say is their failure to build and properly maintain public schools.

The lawsuit, set to be filed Monday, is based on claims the Legislature is effectively ignoring a 1994 ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court that said it is illegal to have taxpayers in each school district solely responsible for school construction. The net effect, the justices said, was to create an unequal and unconstitutional system of rich and poor districts.

After several failed attempts, lawmakers finally approved a plan that was supposed to have the state pick up the responsibility. But the schools that are filing suit contend the Legislature has not provided adequate funds in years.

Chuck Essigs of the Arizona Association of School Business Officials estimates the state has shorted schools more than $2 billion since 2009.

Those cuts have never been restored, said Heidi Vega, spokeswoman for the Arizona School Boards Association.

State leaders have ignored this obligation far too long, Vega continued. They have lost this fight once and it is time to step up and adequately fund public schools according to the law.

The result, according to school officials, has been to throw the financial burden back on local districts whose voters have had to borrow money for what should be a state responsibility  precisely the situation the Supreme Court found unconstitutional in 1994.

Gubernatorial press aide Daniel Scarpinato said his boss is focused now on getting approval for a new state budget and had no immediate comment.

But Duceys budget in prior years has never fully funded the formula that is supposed to pay for construction and repairs. And even with an improving economy, the governor proposes just $17 million for the coming budget year for school capital needs.

Under the system in place before 1994, school districts raised and borrowed money for new construction and repairs through local property taxes.

That year the high court said doing so created illegal disparities between rich districts and poor ones. The justices declared the funding system illegal but refused to impose their own solution, directing lawmakers to come up with a cure.

In 1996, the Legislature agreed to put $100 million into a special fund that could be tapped by poor districts for construction needs. Lawmakers also agreed to provide another $30 million a year for nine more years.

The Supreme Court found that plan flawed, too, saying it still did not meet the constitutional requirement for a general and uniform school system.

Lawmakers eventually created the School Facilities Board, which was supposed to pick up every districts construction needs.

But a new source of revenue to fund the potential $300 million annual price tag was never identified, and instead the cost was absorbed into the general fund.

That, however, worked only when the economy was good and revenues were increasing. When the Great Recession hit and state tax collections tanked, one of the casualties was money for the facilities board.

The result has been that local districts that need schools or major repairs but cant wait for a state grant again have to turn to their local voters for bond approval. That brings the funding system back to what the state Supreme Court previously found illegal.

The schools and groups that are filing suit are not the only ones who have noticed the lack of funding.

Earlier this week, state schools chief Diane Douglas proposed boosting the current 0.6 of-a-cent state sales tax for education to a full penny. While $300 million of that would go each year to teacher salaries, Douglas said $100 million annually would help address the unmet capital needs.

Among the plaintiffs is the Arizona Education Association. President Joe Thomas said it would be nice if lawmakers agreed to a settlement rather than dragging the case through the courts, as what happened decades ago. Weve got district schools that need this money, he said.
For two years, crossing guard Kathy Engdahl has brightened the mornings of motorists and school children at South Camino Seco and East Kenyon Drive with her friendly smile and enthusiastic wave.

That friendliness and dedication to getting children across the street safely is why she was named the 2017 Pima County AAA crossing guard of the year at a surprise assembly at Harold Steele Elementary School on Friday morning.

AAA Arizona started searching for the 10th annual award winner at the beginning of the school year. The organization received hundreds of nominations from people describing why their schools crossing guard should receive the title.

Engdahls nominators praised the fact that she knows most students by name and really keeps an eye on them.

She takes her job seriously to get the kids to their destination safely while trying to add a little something positive to their day, one nominator wrote.

Kathy takes the mundane and brings smiles to the kids. She dresses up to fit the occasion, ranging from Halloween to Easter to Valentines Day to Christmas, another said.

The schools principal, Lisa Thomas, said being a crossing guard at that location is a high anxiety job because of how busy the street is, and requires somebody to be really aware.

And she does it with a smile on her face, Thomas said. And shes often the first school personnel member the kids face in the morning and its nice that they feel welcome and taken care of.

When the announcement was made to an auditorium full of cheering children and staff, Engdahl covered her face in surprise.

Until that moment, Engdahl had no idea why the school was keeping her there longer than her shift.

The title came with a plaque, a $500 gift card for Engdahl and a $500 gift card for the Tucson Unified school.

This was just so overwhelming, Engdahl said. Its great.

She became a crossing guard after retirement, as did her husband who works at Henry Elementary.

We kind of got bored a little bit, so we decided to try something, Engdahl said.

I just love the kids. I really do, she added. And you know, waving at people that go by, if we can give them a smile, its awesome. Its just a great feeling.
Key votes ahead

In the week of May 1, both chambers will attempt to pass a bill that would fund government operations for the remaining five months of fiscal 2017. The House may also vote on a bill to dismantle the Affordable Care Act.
Perhaps you have never considered a Dutch baby, and what it can do for your life. It does not cry or poop, and it does not make little babble noises in another language.

A Dutch baby fills your belly with sweet lemon sugar, and looks hella cool when it comes to the table in a big cast iron pan. It is a pancake, a trendy one that was actually invented in Seattle. And it's really damn good.

We ordered this sweet temptation by chance. The menu at Teaspoon, 7053 N. Oracle Road, is filled with these kind of hashtag-able things: acai bowls, creative Bennies, hollowed bread with eggs in the center, etc. We only later learned what the restaurant's real specialty is: a contemporary take on the Hong Kong bubble waffle.

Hong Kong bubble waffle A post shared by Sean (@baronsabato) on Apr 22, 2017 at 1:12pm PDT

Bubble waffles are an Asian street food that's popular in Chinatowns of New York, where co-owners Teresa Cheung Valencia and Mary Grzegorski are from. The two sisters developed the menu together, drawing from their multicultural family backgrounds. (Teresa's husband is Mexican and Mary's husband is Polish.) This is their first restaurant together, although the Cheung family owns several restaurants including the Hana Tokyo in the Tucson Spectrum mall.

Instead of twisting it into a paper cone, the Hong Kong bubble waffle comes out on a plate adorned with English clotted cream and fresh strawberries. This was Mary's invention, she does the baked goods.

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Teresa does the savories. For example, this trendy egg in a mason jar she calls the Egg Parfait.

The idea comes from the buzzy Los Angeles food stall Eggslut, inside downtown's Grand Central Market. Despite the name's connotations, the dish is actually a rather rich cup of soft "coddled" eggs atop a layer of pureed potatoes. (The eggs are literally steamed inside the mason jar before they come to the table.) Teresa took this up a notch by first boiling the potatoes in milk, similar to the way they might prepare them in Peru. She tops medley with thick chunks of bacon.

"I call myself a mockingbird. I can taste something and I'll reinvent it," she said. This describes much of her menu. Lots of small little hip things, that you'll want to share ...

Teresa also takes credit for designing the restaurant space, filling the former Bluefin seafood bistro with muted colors and cutesy drawable chalkboards. By contrast, the patio is light and airy: perfect for a tipsy summer morning.

Perhaps I've buried the lede. BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS. They're $20, or $28 with a menu item included. That is all I have to say ... Good luck my friends, the Internet awaits you!
Help India!

By Siddhant Mohan, TwoCircles.net

The decision of Jamia Millia Islamia to confer honorary doctorate degree to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has not gone down well with a number of its students and alumni.

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The step has been taken with regards to Erdogans visit to India and JMI as well, where he is likely to announce some bilateral academic relations between Jamia and Turkey. The welcome and doctorate ceremony is planned for May 1, 2017.

As for now, Jamia is the only institution which offers courses in Turkish languages. Dr. Mujib Alam, Coordinator of Turkish Language and Literature Program, welcomed the Turkish president and said, The visit of the president will be very fruitful for the education sector and other sectors, so that further collaborations may be made between India and Turkey in future.

However, the step to confer doctorate to Erdogan has not gone down well with alumni and students of the university.

Shuddhabrata Sengupta, a JMI alumnus, and social activist wrote on his Facebook timeline, As a Jamia Millia Islamia alumnus, I am ashamed to see my university grant an honor to a cheap, fascist scumbag like Erdogan. He is destroying Turkish universities, and stifling political, intellectual and cultural life in Turkey and pursuing a war on Kurdish people, that is comparable to the brutal assault on Kashmiri people by the Indian state.

It further reads, JMI might as well garland Modi, Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath while theyre at it, and confer posthumous honors on Saddam Hussain, the erstwhile Shah of Iran, Zia Ul Haq, Yahya Khan, Hafez Al Assad, Ruhollah Khomeini, Enver Hoxha and every other hangman head of state with a Muslim sounding name. Disgusting.

While making the remark Beyond disgusting, Sengupta further wrote, Oh wait, I forgot that they named their library after the King of Saudi Arabia. Beyond disgusting. I hope the students and faculty of JMI make this process of sucking up to yet another tyrant simply because he is Muslim deeply difficult and embarrassing.

Sengupta has also started a petition named Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi, Must Not Honor Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Change.org.

Notably, the Turkish president is widely considered as Fascist in his approach of working under various circumstances. The condition of Press has severely declined during Erdogans regime as President as well as Prime Minister. His government is known for cracking down on newspapers.

Moreover, Erdogan rules in a way that his critics call him a throne bearer rather than a democratically-elected president. Erdogan has openly challenged constitution court and said he did neither respect nor accept the constitutional court ruling.

Erdogan regime in Turkey is also accused of funding of IS fighters, a charge that Turkey denies. Also, Turkey government is accused of military crackdown on ethnic Kurdish towns and neighborhoods in the east of the country which has led to massive bloodshed in past couple of years. When academicians of the country signed the petition and asked to end the violence or Kurdish people, they were arrested from their homes in broad daylight.

Mahtab Alam, a journalist, JMI alumnus and activist, writes on his facebook, Jamia is conferring an honorary doctorate to Recep Tayyip Erdogan. I wont be surprised if tomorrow its Narendra Modis turn. With likes of Talat Ahmad at the helm of affairs, nothing is impossible.

JMI campus is also filled with protest against the universitys recent move to confer Erdogan. The protest has gathered support from student leaders and activists from JNU and DU as well.
Help India!

By TCN News

Delhi: Campus Chorus, a student magazine started by the students of Jamia Millia Islamia, launched its quarterly issue on Friday in the campus premises.

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Afshan Khan, the Editor of the magazine and the host, welcomed the guests and audience and thanked them for their presence.

Editor, TwoCircles.net Hindi, Afroz Alam Sahil was the Chief Guest of the event. Afshan Khan said the reason to invite Sahil was to ensure that he gives a clearer picture of ground reporting. She said, Sahil is from our generation and he belongs to Jamia. I am sure that people here will learn a lot from him, Khan added.

Sahil addressed the audience by narrating a few incidents from his professional career, which inspired the students to write and express their views and thoughts. Responding to a question on medias bias, Sahil said, There is no doubt that todays media is biased and they are also promoting and imposing a particular ideology which fulfils their economic interest. How many of you have read the criticism of big corporate groups in a daily newspaper? They along with the government run a huge chunk of news that you read and watch every day. He also discussed mechanisms to cross check facts and truth behind medias portrayal of a particular issue.

Dr. Krishnaswamy Dara, Assistant Professor of Department of political science, JMI congratulated the students at the campus at the launch. During his speech, he explained how the media uses the rhetoric of nationalism and patriotism and diverts from the much more serious and important issues. He said that Media keeps an eye on what the public wants to hear and watch and what can make an appeal to them. Therefore, the audience is also responsible for the misuse of information to some extent.

The closing moments saw Amanullah, the chief editor of the magazine, talk about the journey of the new edition of the magazine. He appreciated the efforts of Afshan Khan and Suyan (Editor), Afsa Junaid (sub editor), Quazi Noorul (marketing executive) and Mohd. Kaif (Advertisement manager) for their tireless efforts. He talked about the vision of the magazine to reach the maximum number of people within the university and outsideHe talked about the reason behind including the Islamic section in the magazine along with editorial, story section, poetry, and campus news. He said, our aim is not to teach you lessons on heaven and hell but we want to highlight the aspects of Islam which have been completely ignored and even negatively manipulated by the media.
Help India!

TCN News

New Delhi: Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) launched a nationwide campaign with the slogan Unite against the Politics of Terror at Bangalore and vowed to create awareness about various anti-people and anti-constitutional moves by the present dispensation aiming at political benefits at the behest of the peace and harmony in the society. The month long campaigns conclusion program PEOPLES PROTEST has been conducted on April 29, 2017 at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi which has been attended by a massive audience and addressed by prominent activists and socio-political leaders.

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General Secretary Elyas Thumbe welcomed the guests and slammed the Prime Minister Modi for his inaction over cow vigilantes on innocent poor Muslims and Dalits on the pretext of cow protection. He termed Gau Rakshaks as Gau Raakshas (Cow Daemons) who are brutally murdering human beings in the name of cows.

SDPI Vice President Adv. Sharfuddin in his address said, Its time to face the challenges being posed by the fascist dispensation at the Center and there is a need to come forward for sacrifice in the interest of harmony and integrity of the country. Anarchy is unrestrained everywhere since the BJPs takeover of the throne in New Delhi.

Sharfuddin slammed the Modi-led NDA government for rampant communal violence across the country. Party vice president came down on police system who further victimize the victims by filing FIRs against them rather than initiating action against the perpetrators of violence.

Sharfuddin criticized Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh for supporting the divide and rule formula of British during the freedom movement, said for Muslims, India is home and secularism is principle.

Popular Front of India Chairman E Abubacker in his address to the audience said, PM Modi and the Sangh Parivar, who had played no role in our freedom movement have become Desh Premis and Kejriwal and other minority leaders who raise voice against the anti-people and anti-constitutional moves of Sangh Parivar become Deshdrohis.

SDPI National President A Sayeed in his address to gathering at Jantar Mantar, charged that the country is in the hands of narrow minded people. Looking at the fear and insecurity spread everywhere due to one or the other unwarranted communal incidents in different part of the country, it seems the rule of law is silent against the perpetrators of violence in the name of culture, belief, cow slaughter, etc.

Talking about peoples constitutional responsibilities of people, Sayeed urged, People have to realize that politics is not confined just to the exercise of voting power in election, rather they have to adopt democratic activities and protect their rights.

Navaid Hamid, president at All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat said, Efforts are being exerted to crush the democracy and undermine secularism by the present dispensation led by Sangh Parivar. We all have to join hands and come together if at all we want to save our country.

Senior Congress leader Manishankar Iyer said, Justice is everyones right and the minorities here are not being given the justice they deserve. What we see here is that, though being of the same nationality, Mohan Bhagwat is on the wrong way and we are in the right path. The call for unity should be attended to by all in the interest of our country.

Republican Party of India (RPI) convener Ashok Bharti said, We Dalits are not in confusion and are in belief that the present era is of fascism and we all need to unite to restore the democracy in our country.

Lokraj Sangathan President Srinivasan Raghavan said, The fascists assault is not just on a particular community but the entire country. We all should believe in Ek Par Hamla; Sab Par Hamla (An attack on one is attack on all) and should gear up to face the challenges of fascism and defeat it politically.

Some of the other prominent dignitaries who participated in the event are JDU leader KC Tyagi, Former Chairman Delhi Minority Commission Kamal Faruqui, Ambedkar Samaj Partys President Tej Singh, NCHRO President Prof. P Koya, Campus Front President Shueb, Dr. Zafarul Islam Khan, Veteran Legal Activist Adv. Ashok Agarwal, Kavita Krishnan, Dr. Anees Ahmed, Tarique Saddiqui, Tasleem Rehmani, A.C Michael, Fr. John Dayal, Activist R.P Pandey, social activist Ravi Nair, renowned poet Anwar Faridi, Veteran Journalist Anil Sinha, Supreme Advocate ND Pancholi and others.
Help India!

By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has alleged Indian government of silence and denial over the violence unleashed by cow vigilantes across the nation in the past couple of years.

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The criticism from HRW comes two days after the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) alleged that 10 of the 29 Indian states are suffering from severe religious rights violation, and blamed Hindu nationalist groups for the situation.

Indian authorities should promptly investigate and prosecute self-appointed cow protectors who have committed brutal attacks against Muslims and Dalits over rumors that they sold, bought, or killed cows for beef, HRW said.

Acknowledging the link between Hindutva groups and the BJP, the report added, Instead of taking prompt legal action against the vigilantes, many linked to extremist Hindu groups affiliated with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the police, too often, have filed complaints against the assault victims, their relatives, and associates under laws banning cow slaughter.

Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director of HRW said, Self-appointed cow protectors driven by irresponsible populism are killing people and terrorizing minority communities.

The government should condemn this violence and take prompt action against those responsible for these attacks or face allegations of complicity, she added.

The report explains major violent incidents which are somehow related to protection of cows. Citing Mohd. Akhlaqs lynching to Pehlu Khans lynching, HRW said, BJP leaders have attempted to portray the majority Hindu population as victims, whipping up fear of Muslim men who they say kidnap, rape, or lure Hindu women into relationships as part of a plot to make India into a Muslim-majority country.

HRWs report also takes a considerable note of atrocities against the Dalit community.The report cited untouchability as one of the major reasons behind such incidents Self-appointed cow protectors are increasingly conducting raids and attacks, claiming the police dont take adequate action against those slaughtering cows. There have been numerous incidents in which they have allegedly assaulted, harassed, threatened, and extorted money from Muslims and Dalits. Dalits, so-called untouchables, are equally vulnerable as they traditionally carry out jobs to dispose of cattle carcasses and skin them for commercial purposes, the report said.

Ganguly said, The mild admonitions from BJP leaders when Muslims and Dalits are lynched over cows send a message that the BJP supports this violence, the report added.
Fungifree AB: The first Biofungicide

The first Biofungicide made at UNAM was created from an asylum foliage of mango foliage, which can be used to replace chemical synthesis products in agriculture, without toxicity problems. Scientists from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) developed and patented Fungifree AB, which allows the control of Anthracnose (disease in plants) in mango orchards and other crops.

UNAM: How Biofungicide was created?

Researcher Leobardo Serrano Carreon explained that the Biofungicide was created from a bacterium isolated from mango foliage, which can be used to replace the chemical synthesis products used in agriculture without toxicity problems.

The patent protects the technology of production and use of a formulation based on a bacterium Bacillus subtilis, a phytopathogenic fungal antagonist microorganism. This means that it causes diseases in some plants of commercial importance and this bacterium, which is the active principle of this biofungicide, can support and stimulate the rapid growth of the plant.

Biofungicide: Named as Fungifree AB

Fungifree AB has a whole series of mechanisms that allow it to attack pests in the main and also stimulates the defense and growth of the plant. In addition to having efficient results in mango plants, the register covers 20 different crops, so it has been verified that it is able to antagonise this type of disease in mango, avocado and papaya; Is also able to avoid diseases in citrus.

Serrano Carreon said that it is seeking to expand the use of rust control in coffee, so that the possibilities are being evaluated and hope that in the very near future this may be one of the applications of the Biofungicide.

The areas where Fungifree AB is most consumed are Chiapas and the Pacific coast, because there is more affectation for this type of disease, due to the tropical climate that is lived.

UNAM: Another project is on the go

In parallel to this project, the scientist explained that they are already developing a technique of image analysis, with the objective of evaluating the damage caused by Anthracnose in mango crops; This advance technique allows to keep a quantifiable record of the surface of the fruit that is affected by this disease.

The biofungicide "Fungifree ABMR", created by researchers Enrique Galindo Fentanes and Leobardo Serrano Carreon at the Institute of Biotechnology (IBt) of UNAM, to avoid Anthracnose in mangoes, was recognised by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture IICA) as one of the three main biotechnological achievements in Latin America developed in 2012.
Luckily, US intelligence reports that Kim Jong-uns latest missile test was not successful. But that doesnt matter, because its the principle of the thing. North Korea is a close client of China. Obviously its a bit of a problem child, but Chinese President Xi Jinping took Kim Jong-un under his wing in a way and trusted that he would be open to reason. Turns out Xi was wrong.

Xi warned Kim that if he continued with his missile tests (in an attempt to create an intercontinental missile that he could fire at, say, Baltimore and blow the hell out of it from safe on his home turf), China would be taking punitive measures against him.

Now, Kim has gone ahead and tested another missile, so its like a big slap in the face for Xi, who trusted Kim to do as he was told (big mistake).

Trump has intervened

US President Donald Trump, who claims to be a close friend of Xi but thats debatable but the US and China are definitely getting along again at least, has come forward to denounce North Korea (again), saying that Kim has disrespected China with his latest missile launch.

Its worth mentioning that today is Trumps 100th day as President, which has been considered a milestone since Franklin D. Roosevelts impressive first 100 days in the Oval Office. Trump focused heavily on all the stuff hed do in his first hundred days on the campaign trail, but hes softened on it now that the milestone has arrived and he hasnt done anywhere near all of that stuff.

So, on his 100th day, hes not even talking about America or the implications on US national security presented by this missile test. Instead, his main focus is on his buddy over in China and how this affects him and how galling and offensive and cheeky this move is from Kim.

Lets be honest, Kim couldve held off on the ballistic missile test for just a couple of days while he waits for the heat to die down from the rising tensions between himself and the alliance of Trump and Xi.

He knows Trump has an itchy trigger after his strike on Syria after President Assads chemical attack on his own people so he should be more worried, not to mention what punitive measures from China might entail.

US pushing for tougher sanctions on North Korea

The United States government and the Trump administration are determined to enforce tougher sanctions on Kim Jong-un and his regime in North Korea.

Trump took to Twitter to condemn Kim for his actions, claiming that Pyongyangs missile launch is disrespectful to China and its Presidents wishes.

Trump wrote that Kim has disrespected the wishes of China as well as that of its highly respected President, Xi, whom Trump still maintains hes good friends with, by launching a missile  though unsuccessfully, Trump added. And then, a funny little note at the end, Trump signed off his tweet by saying, Bad! as if Kim Jong-un was a dog whod piddled on the rug, not a ruthless dictator whod tested a ballistic weapon in an attempt to wipe out his country.

Rex Tillerson has involved himself again

Rex Tillerson, the US Secretary of State, has warned that the fact that the combined forces of the United States and China putting pressure on Kim have failed to stop him from launching missiles could lead to catastrophic consequences. Thats catastrophic consequences, as in global nuclear war that turns the world into Chernobyl and leaves us all with extra limbs and radiation poisoning or dead.

China and Russia have each separately warned the Trump administration in Washington against threatening Kim with military action, since we dont know what the hell Kim is capable of and he clearly doesnt care about what the UN tells him is okay and will just do whatever he wants regardless of how it makes us feel. According to Tillerson, the North Korea crisis is the most pressing security issue in the world and our political forces must act on it.
China got serious with Kim Jong-un and told him that if he didnt stop testing ballistic missiles in a ploy to have the most dangerous arsenal of weapons on Earth at his disposal, then they would be taking punitive measures against him. But then he went ahead and tested one anyway, calling Chinese President Xi Jinpings bluff. Well have to wait and see what China does next, but for now, Japan and Russia are on Xis side, as well as his buddy US President Donald Trump, who has called out Kim for disrespecting Xi and his nation of China.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has come forward with a statement

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has joined the discussion, and the criticism of Kim Jong-un, speaking today at a press conference in London. He says Kims missile tests are totally unacceptable and cant be tolerated because they violate the UN resolution. Furthermore, he worries that these tests pose a serious threat to Japan. He reminded the press that North Korea has gone ahead with this launch, even though its been given strong warnings by the international community, and that it is absolutely not acceptable and that he and his people strongly condemn such acts as they pose a grave threat to our country.

Russia has also come forward against Kims missile launch.

However, they warn Trump that military force is not the answer to this problem, as that would only complicate things further. The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Gennady Gatilov, said that using force would be completely unacceptable.
Marine Le Pen is already fighting a losing battle. With the second round of the French presidential election coming up, opinion polls have already all but ruled her out of victory. In a poll taken by the Telegraph newspaper, it predicted Le Pen would win 39.8% per cent of the vote, compared to 60.2% of her rival, Emmanuel Macron. It is as a result of this that things just needed to go her way as she attempts to claw back support. But it has not. It was revealed yesterday by the Express newspaper that the National Front Party (Le Pen's party) have been accused of "defrauding" the European Parliament of at least 5 million euros.

The effect

Although the party has denied the allegations, what will it do to her chances of winning the election? The thing is about scandals, it is irrelevant if true or not. What is relevant are the words 'scandal' and 'National Front' that will be reported. That is all that the electorate will be thinking about. Scandals can kill political campaigns and it seems like this will happen again.

What will be?

Le Pen was already, as I said, onto a losing battle. With all her rivals effectively ganging up on her to ensure that she is not elected, what this recent revelation will do is remove any doubt that existed before of her winning the election. It is a shame for her, but I do not think there will be any tears shed by the rest. Although it is not mathematically over, Le Pen has now another mountain to climb. We shall see what happens.
Hilde Kate Lysiak is the editor and publisher of the Orange Street News, reportedly the only local newspaper for the people of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. Since launching the publication in 2014, Hilde has written stories about vandalism, crime, local businesses and last year she even covered a murder. And while these are all stories that are ordinarily published in local newspapers, theres something extraordinary about Hilde. Shes 10 years old.

Young editor with a big dream

However, Hilde now has her eyes set on something bigger than the goings-on in her community- she wants to interview the President of the United States.

President Donald Trump is due to visit Harrisburg, Pennsylvania this weekend and Hilde, supported by people from all over the world, is trying to request a sit-down with him.

In a video addressed to the man himself, Hilde says that this reporter isnt interested in a kid interview. I may be young, but if you take a minute to watch one of the hundreds of stories Ive posted on the Orange Street News youll see that Im a serious and fair reporter.

Hilde is right. She may be young, but her maturity and confidence shine through as she tells Trump: You have no reason to be nervous about an interview with me, Mr. President. I wont try to do that 'gotcha thing.' My questions will focus on how your policies will help the issues facing Selinsgrove.

No response yet from the White House

Despite contacting several different White House staff members, Hilde is yet to receive a response from anybody.

I dont think a reporter should ever give their questions ahead of time. Then it becomes a press release, she says when asked what she would ask the President. I can tell you that I do want to talk to him about what he would do about crime, businesses leaving my town, and what he could do to help the drug problem in Selinsgrove.

Hilde got her first taste of the news industry from her father, Matthew Lysiak, who used to take her to the newsroom of the New York Daily News when he was a journalist there.

He helped her launch the Orange Street News, but Hilde is also assisted by her 13-year-old sister Isabel (known as Izzy), a columnist for the paper. Besides this, Hilde has complete creative control.

I just love reporting. It is a lot of fun, she says. I feel like every day I wake up and can go out and solve mysteries. I also think I've made some real changes in my town.

But some people disagree with Hildes dedication to her work.

"You should see some of my emails, she says. It doesn't make me feel anything, honestly. I don't think much about these people.I think a lot of the people in charge of my town liked the way things used to be in Selinsgrove before the Orange Street News. There was no one to cover the scandals and the vandalism. No one talked about the drug problem. So, I think there will be people doing whatever they can to get me to stop. I'm not going to stop. So, if anything these people only make me want to get to the truth harder.

Much of the outrage came after Hilde stumbled upon a murder that had taken place in her local community.

I was reporting on a chocolate stroll in Selinsgrove when I got a tip from one of my sources.

I went straight to the scene and began door knocking, she says. I was the only reporter at the scene for two hours. I'm proud of my reporting on that story.

Hilde broke the story, with a headline titled: EXCLUSIVE: MURDER ON NINTH STREET! but later received a barrage of criticism from people who believed she should be playing with dolls and having tea parties, rather than reporting. Selinsgroves mayor even dubbed the Orange Street News sensationalist trash.

But Hilde didnt let this get her down, posting a response video in which she says: If you want me to stop covering news then you get off your computer and do something about the news. There. Is that cute enough for you?

Last year, Hilde met 19-year-old Pakistani activist and Nobel Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai, who she called a "real" inspiration.

"She made me think about how lucky I am to live in a country where a girl like me can live my dream.

And that is what Hilde plans to do

She wants to continue working on the Orange Street News and hopes that other children will follow her and act on their dreams too. I meet other kids all the time who are a lot smarter than I am. But for whatever reason they just don't think they can do amazing things, she says. All it takes is for them to really see themselves for who they are.

I think adults are a lot to blame for putting kids in these boxes of what they can and can't do. Adults always tell kids they can do anything they want, but their actions often say something else. I still have a lot to learn. All kids do. I know that. But seriously, sometimes the best thing that adults can do is to just get out of the way.

You can view Hildes work at orangestreetnews.com
Rhetoric is something that all politicians use and engage with. It is used to make a statement, to prepare somebody or simply to deter others from doing something. But how does it compare with reality and the need to govern or to make changes for the better? Let us investigate.

The US

There are numerous examples of individuals or even nation-states using rhetoric to their advantage. One key example is that of US President Donald Trump. As reported by the BBC, Trump made a number of promises in his election campaign. He promised to "repeal and replace Obamacare".

He claimed that he would "build a wall along the US-Mexican border", which "Mexico would pay for it". He called NAFTA a "disaster", and would ban "all Muslims entering the US". He said himself that it would be a "total and complete" shutdown. He stated that he wanted to leave NATO, calling it "obsolete" and pledged to call China a "currency manipulator". There was also the call to move the US embassy in Tel Aviv to its capital, Jerusalem.

North Korea and Iran

There are other examples too. North Korea for one continually uses words or statements to deter others and to make a point. As the United States have stepped up their criticism of North Korea, the so called 'rogue state' has responded that, as reported in the Telegraph newspaper, that there will be an "imminent" war against the US if provoked.

Furthermore, North Korea's deputy UN ambassador stated in response to US attempts to impose military threats and sanctions as a "wild dream". Even last year, in the face of pressure, North Korea threatened to launch an "all-out offensive and "indiscriminate nuclear strike" against the US and South Korea as a result, according to the CNBC website.

A further example can be found in Iran too. As the Independent reported, not only did its Supreme Leader claim that "the Zionist regime will not be in existence in 25 years" but that the Israeli government was a "cancerous tumor" that should be confronted.

The difference in office

However, what is truly clear is the immense difference between saying something and actually doing it.

Let us look at Donald Trump again as our key example. He wanted to build the wall with Mexico paying for it but now stated that the US will have to "pay up front" and find a solution later. He opposed NATO but now says "it's no longer obsolete". He promised action on China as a currency manipulator but then conceded China in actual fact have not been "currency manipulators". He wanted to remove Obamacare but after widespread criticism had to back down. He pledged to move the US embassy to Jerusalem but has now cooled that idea. What is clear is the difference between being on the outside and being on the inside. I understand his desire to make a noise, to ruffle feathers and to gain support.

He promised a lot which resonated with a lot of voters but his lack of political experience seems to be shining through. Did he not realise or anticipate the structures of American politics. The partisan nature of Congress, the need to please all parties and the public and to do good that is in the national interest. He is learning as he goes along and that worries me. It is very difficult for a right-wing leader to succeed on right-wing policies. We live in a time where compromise and moderation are the key.

The reality

It is not doubt that rhetoric is important. It is used by the likes of North Korea and Iran to deter, to show off their strength and to be seen as handling the pressure from around them.

Iran has been doing this to Israel for years. But as I stated, which also concerns North Korea, the difference between saying something and actually doing it are two very different things. Despite the provocative missile testing by North Korea, I truly believe that neither they nor Iran actually want a war. Nobody does. But in threatening war if provoked sends out a message to those who threaten them. Words can be powerful, but it is all about taking action instead.
North Korea have tested another missile in their dictator Kim Jong-uns attempt to create one that could reach a major US city, because he cant just fly over and drop because hed be shot down instantly so hes been getting creative, but so far, no luck. The Military forces of South Korea, Kims very own Ned Flanders, announced that the missile test happened in South Pyeongan Province in the Bukchang area early this morning.

Speaking to Reuters, a source within the US government said that from what they could tell from their intelligence (which is pretty good intelligence), the test was not a success.

According to the US Pacific Command, who are stationed in North Korean waters after US President Donald Trump sent them there, the missile launch was confined purely between the borders of North Korea. But thats not the point. The point is, Kim was told to stop testing missiles, not to stop testing missiles outside North Korea. Anyway, Commander Dave Benham of the US Pacific Command made a statement about the launch.

The launch took place at 10:33am Hawaii time, says Benham

Commander Benham said that his guys detected what we assess was a North Korean missile launch at 10:33am Hawaii time, and that it took place near the Pukchang airfield. He also confirmed that the weapon launched did not leave North Korean territory. So, there you have it.
In the seventies, one actor stood up to the superstar Amitabh Bachchan. He was Vinod Khanna, a Punjabi to the core, who regaled audiences with his macho looks and roles. Khanna, however, lost interest in acting and drifted away. For some time he was a follower of Acharya Rajneesh, but he soon drifted away from him. He returned to Mumbai (Bombay) and began his second stint as an actor.

Politics interested him and he joined the BJP. He justified the faith of the BJP by winning the Gurdaspur parliamentary seat 4 times in a row. He was also given a minister's post by AB Vajpayee.

Khanna lived his life to the hilt. He was admitted to the Leelawati hospital for dehydration but was diagnosed with bladder cancer. He didn't survive long after that. It was a sad end to a life that promised much

Khanna a versatile man

Khanna will be remembered for his roles in films. He acted against all the Top stars including Amitabh. People loved him for his down to earth and action-packed roles. He was a versatile actor.

Two marriages

Vinod had a roving eye. He married twice with some rumored love affairs. He divorced his wife Geetanjali from who had 2 sons in 1985. Subsequently, he married Kavita Daftary a girl 20 years his junior. He has a son and daughter from her

Successful MP

Khanna was a successful MP.

The fact that he won4 times at the hustings is proof enough. But during the last election when Narendra Modi became PM he seemed to have lost his clout.

Khanna belonged to a business family. They migrated to Mumbai after 1947 from Peshawar, now in Pakistan and settled in Delhi. Khanna, however, loved acting and joined films with the support of his mother.

He got a big break in the film " mere apne". He did not look back after that. But at a time when he was nearing the top rung of the ladder, he lost interest in films and became a follower of Rajneesh.

146 films

Khanna still occasionally acted in films. He gave a wonderful performance along with Salman Khan in" Dabangg." But his heyday in acting was the seventies when he churned out many a hit.

Khanna acted in 146 films from the time of his debut in 1968 in the film " Man ka meet." He shared the screen with Amitabh in many films and was his peer. His last film was "Dilwale" in which he had a role along with veteran actor Kabir Bedi

Last

Khanna's funeral was well attended and Amitabh was one of the pallbearers. Film star Dharmendra was shocked and wept profusely. Khanna lived a full life. He covered the entire gamut of life from acting to a disciple of Osho and finally as a Member Of Parliament and also a minister. The BJP will miss him as well as thousands of his fans from the seventies who swear by him.
The war of words between Donald Trump and the mainstream media has only increased since Election Day and it doesn't look to be slowing down anytime soon. After being bothered by yet another article in the New York Times, the president lashed out on social media.

Trump on NYT

Ever since the early days of his campaign for president, Donald Trump has not been on the same page as the majority of the news media. Over the course of his year and a half on the campaign trail, the former host of "The Apprentice" has engaged in a heated feud with various reporters and journalists, who he refers to as "terrible" and "the most dishonest people" he's ever met.

In the weeks leading up to the election, Trump accused the media of "rigging" the contest against him, and has only increased his attacks since being sworn into office. The president has made a habit of labeling any reports he disagrees with as "fake news," while giving certain media outlets unflattering nicknames. One of those nicknames is "failing," which he applies to the New York Times. As seen on his Twitter feed on March 30, the president is not holding back his thoughts about the newspaper and wants to take his criticism to the next level.

The failing @nytimes has disgraced the media world. Gotten me wrong for two solid years. Change libel laws? https://t.co/QIqLgvYLLi  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 30, 2017

As seen on the president's Twitter account on Thursday morning, Donald Trump is not done with his attacks on the media, most notably the New York Times.

After re-posting an op-ed from the New York Post that was critical of the New York Times, the billionaire real estate mogul decided to add his own message, while hinting at potential legal action in the future through a change in the libel laws. "The failing @nytimes has disgraced the media world. Gotten me wrong for two solid years," Trump tweeted out, before adding, "Change libel laws?"

Moving forward

While Donald Trump might be thinking of a potential lawsuit against one of the most respected news outlets in the world, it's unlikely that he would have a leg to stand on when it comes to the issue at hand.

The president and his administration have been accused, on more than one occasion, of pushing falsehoods to back up their agenda, which Presidential Counsel Kellyanne Conway once described as "alternative facts."
The biggest story to dominate American politics since the election revolves around what impact Russia had on the 2016 presidential election, and the campaign of Donald Trump. After even more news was uncovered in relation to the scandal, the White House did their best to shift the narrative.

Spicer's media clash

Ever since the election of Donald Trump, speculation has increased on an almost daily basis about what role Russia had on helping the new president into the White House. Earlier this months, the Washington Post revealed that current Attorney General Jeff Sessions had been in contact with the ambassador to Russia at least twice during the election.

In an attempt to deflect from the report, Trump took to his Twitter account and pushed the baseless conspiracy theory that former President Barack Obama wiretapped his office at Trump Tower. No evidence has been released to back up the allegation, though House Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes told the president in private that someone could have bugged his office at some point, but did rule out that Obama was the culprit. Nunes broke protocol by bypassing the Intel Committee and going directly to Trump, which was a topic of debate during the March 30 press briefing at the White House.

On Thursday, the New York Times reported that the Devin Nunes' claim of Trump Tower being wiretapped came from two sources in the White House, despite the administration denying that could be the case over the last week.

CBS News reporter Major Garrett pressed the issue with the White House Press Secretary, while quoting a previous Sean Spicer statement in the process from when he denied that the White House was involved with the Nunes story.

Revelation that White House officials helped provide reports to Devin Nunes will likely fuel criticism over his role https://t.co/6MvfIIeBTB  The New York Times (@nytimes) March 30, 2017

"Your obsession with who talked to whom and when is not the answer," Sean Spicer said, while adding, "you continue to look at it from a backwards prism." The confrontation continued, with the press secretary becoming obviously frustrated.

'Please Don't Put Words in My Mouth': Spicer and Major Garrett Clash Over Nunes Reports https://t.co/jlXcCUB0N5 (VIDEO) pic.twitter.com/VVb7iNGUKZ  Mediaite (@Mediaite) March 30, 2017

Double denial

"You told us you're willing to look into and ask questions about the process and provide us answers," Major Garrett said. In response, Sean Spicer fired back, stating, "Please dont put words in my mouth...I never said I would provide you answers." As of press time, neither Donald Trump nor Devin Nunes has not offered a response to the report in question.
The United States witnessed a series of dramatic crimes this week. However, nothing seems to be more jaw-dropping on the East Coast than the dilemma that escalated in Delaware on Wednesday. State law enforcement fatally shot the suspect responsible for the deadly assault that occurred on a state trooper in the region. Different police organizations encompassed an evacuated area in the city of Middletown where the man locked himself inside his living quarters in the development of Brick Mill Farm. Police confirmed the suspect's name as Burgon Sealy.

The 26-year-old fled the scene of the shooting at a Local corner store in Bear, Delaware.

Sealy shot trooper at the Wawa

Early Wednesday morning, Officer Stephen Ballard watched what police said was a Dodge Charger they found suspicious after it sat in a Wawa parking garage for a very long time. The trooper, who was in full uniform, approached the car and asked the people inside it to present proper identification.

Ballard then walked over to the passengers side and requested that Sealy remove himself from the vehicle. Delaware police reported that a fight broke out between the two and thats when Sealy took out his gun and fired shots at Ballard as he tried to hide behind another vehicle parked in the parking lot.

When the officer fell, Sealy proceeded to shoot a few rounds into him. Emergency response teams treated Ballard at the scene of the Crime then took him to a local hospital. He passed away from his wounds shortly after. He was only 32-years-old.

During a news conference yesterday evening, authorities stated that Sealy reached out to his family to tell them that he shot a state trooper.

The relatives he spoke with then proceeded to contact local police, who followed Sealy to his home.

The suspect's demise

Before the scene even escalated, police figured out how to break open his windows with explosive devices but didnt go into the mans house immediately. They said that they wanted to connect with Sealy so he could surrender himself voluntarily.

In a report filed by the state authorities, the suspect shot at them early on at approximately 4:00 a.m. local time. No one at the time suffered any deadly wounds. The Odessa Fire Company evacuated all inhabitants located within the region and briefly housed them in their facility as the series of events unfolded.

Sealy left his home shortly after 9:00 a.m. EST and attempted to attack police. Thats when law enforcement proceeded to shoot him. Sealy died on the scene a few minutes later.
While Donald Trump has been forced to deal with many issues over his first 100 days in the White House, no problem has plagued him as much as the growing scandal involving Russia. In a new interview, the president has decided to deflect part of the blame onto his predecessor.

Trump on Obama

During the 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump was hit early on about the allegations that he was in cahoots with Russia. As expected, both the former host of "The Apprentice" and the Kremlin have denied any wrongdoing, despite the overwhelming evidence that says otherwise.

Various reports over the last two years have linked Trump or his associates to some kind of questionable activity in Russia, including former campaign manager Paul Manafort whose financial ties became public and led to his resignation last summer. With the president also refusing to release his tax returns, even more questions have been raised, as the White House recently confirmed that Trump's financial information will not be made public anytime soon. In addition, the White House has been caught with several former and current advisers being in contact with the Russians during and since the election, including former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. In an interview with Fox News that will be shown on April 28, Trump put the blame of Flynn's actions on Barack Obama.

Trump blames Obama for Mike Flynn in Fox News interview airing tonight: report https://t.co/n6mVMYtTiI pic.twitter.com/r0JoIVRRl2  Raw Story (@RawStory) April 28, 2017

During the aforementioned interview with Fox News, Donald Trump refused to take responsibility for his selection of Michael Flynn as National Security Adviser turning into a disaster.

After saying he felt "badly" for Flynn having to resign, Trump quickly shifted the blame onto the previous administration. "He was approved by the Obama administration at the highest level," Trump said. "When they said we didnt vet, well, I guess Obama didnt vet," he continued.

"When he came into our administration, for a short period of time, he came and he was already approved by the Obama administration," Donald Trump went on to say, putting emphasis on the fact that Michael Flynn was only on the job for a few weeks.

While this was the case, the billionaire real estate mogul neglected to note that during his time in the Obama White House, Flynn was forced out in 2014.

Moving forward

As Donald Trump continues to blame others for the scandal with Russia, his interview with Fox News comes within 24 hours of critical remarks made by Barack Obama. As first reported by CNN, Obama spoke at a private event on Thursday night, trolling the billionaire real estate mogul in the process by pointing out that the Affordable Care Act has a high approval rating than the president.
After the news broke that North Korea fired off yet another ballistic missile, all eyes then shifted to how Donald Trump would response. In typical fashion, the president gave his thoughts on social media.

Global reaction

During the 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump was quick to hit back a various world leaders, with the lone exception being Vladimir Putin of Russia. When it came to North Korea and Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, the former host of "The Apprentice" was also careful in how he reacted. Trump never fully condemned the controversial leader, and often made comments that left many scratching their heads, like praising Kim for killing members of his own family.

Over the last month, tensions have increased between the United States and several foreign countries due to Trump's recent actions. Earlier this month, Trump ordered nearly 60 tomahawk cruise missiles to strike an airbase in Syria after Bashar al-Assad used chemical weapons on his own people. Just a week later and the Commander In Chief dropped the "Mother Of All Bombs" on a tunnel in Afghanistan that was being used by the Islamic State (ISIS). Since then, North Korea has used the United States' recent military actions as an excuse to continue their weapons program, which as CNN reported, took the next step on Friday. As seen on his Twitter account on April 28, Trump was pleased with the results.

North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 28, 2017

According to CNN, North Korea launched a ballistic missile, but it failed to exit the country's own territory. Reports out of South Korea also confirmed that the test was yet another failure of the North Korean military.

US official now says North Korea's test missile exploded over land and did not reach the Sea of Japan/East Sea https://t.co/lL1KSbCYkw  CNN (@CNN) April 28, 2017

Trump's response

Once North Korea's missile launch was deemed unsuccessful, Donald Trump took to Twitter to voice his opinion, and troll the country in the process. "North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today," Trump wrote on Twitter, before adding, "Bad!" As part of another sign that he is softening his stance on China, Trump offered high praise to Chinese President Xi Jinping, despite critics citing his previous campaign rhetoric against him.

Twitter reaction

In response to Donald Trump's tweet, social media users didn't hold back their thoughts and quickly responded to the commander in chief. "They're not going to stop because you said they've been bad on Twitter," writer Mark Pygas tweeted out.

@realDonaldTrump You might actually be the first President since North Korea was created to actually fall for their warmongering.  Jules Suzdaltsev (@jules_su) April 28, 2017

@realDonaldTrump I can't believe World War III is going to be started by a pussy grabbin Putin colludin charlatan with a Twitter account.  david nuzzy nussbaum (@theNuzzy) April 28, 2017

@realDonaldTrump They're not going to stop because you said they've been bad on Twitter.  Mark Pygas (@MarkPygas) April 28, 2017

"Wait a second, Sir - aren't you the same guy who blamed China for pranking us on global warming?" author Joe Papp added. "Oh, Donald. That's exactly how a 6-year old would explain it. Remember, even when you're mad and in over your head, to sound Presidenty," TV writer Bess Kalb tweeted out.
Claude Sejour, 48, was found in his familys Hollywood, Fla. home Wednesday after a neighbor dialed 911. Alvaro Garcia had heard screaming coming from the home. On arrival police found Sejour, with blood on his clothing and his body.

As reported by the International Business Times, after searching the house, police discovered the lifeless body of his wife, 40-year-old Marie Carmel Joseph, lying dead on a bed with the couples four children close by. She had been beaten to death with a pipe wrench in front of the children.

According to the police report, Joseph had suffered severe trauma to her left cheek, right eye, forehead and the top of her head.

The report also stated there was blood on the wall above her head. Police also found the weapon  a red pipe wrench found to have traces of blood.

Police: Florida man fatally beats pregnant wife with pipe wrench: HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (AP)  Police say a 48-year-old Florida man used a pipe pic.twitter.com/yZmCkAD3Fy  ChristiansenJeffry (@ChristiansenJe3) April 28, 2017

Neighbor found the dead mother and her children

According to Garcia, after hearing the screaming emanating from the home, he went inside and found the eldest of the four children, a 17-year-old girl, trying to wake her mother by shaking her. He said he immediately checked her pulse, but Joseph was already dead. He added that the couples three other children, a four-year-old, 12-year-old and 14-year-old were still inside the home at the time.

Sejour also dialed 911 to report his own crime

As reported by the Miami Herald, shortly prior to Garcias 911 call, Sejour also dialed 911 to tell the dispatcher he was planning on killing his wife. He then told the dispatcher that he had already killed her and that he would be waiting outside the house.

First-degree murder charge for Florida man

Police arrested Sejour and took him to the police station, where he reportedly asked for a Haitian Creole interpreter, saying this was his first language. Sejour reportedly told police that he did kill his wife and that he is not crazy. He had allegedly attacked his wife just before 11 pm when she reportedly put her lover on speaker phone, who proceeded to tell Sejour that the baby was not his.

He told police that his wife had disrespected him.

According to the police report, Sejour believed his wife was not caring for him and their children as she should, adding that he didnt mean to kill her, but was angry about the fact that she was pregnant by another man.

Having confessed to the killing of his wife, Sejour was jailed at Broward County Main Jail without bail on a charge of first-degree murder. Sejour has no previous criminal record. The couples four children are reportedly staying with relatives.
President Donald Trump gathered the Senate (upper house of parliament) to the White House two days ago to discuss a confidential crusade about the crisis with North Korea from its administration - but the senators were not too impressed. "I was not sure I would have organized today's briefing, but I appreciate it - you know, they've put together a great team," diplomatic senator Bob Corker from the Republican Party said.

The White House did not explain its policy towards North Korea

The prominent Republican senator and frequent critic of President Trump John Mccain told CNN that "he did not hear anything new because he was already heavily frustrated earlier." He added that this was "a very serious situation, as he already knew before he went there."

An unnamed Republican senator complained to the Washington Post journalist that the White House "did not offer any clear answers about its policy towards North Korea and their testing of intercontinental ballistic missiles." Other senators, especially those from the Democratic Party, were even more engaged in criticism.

"I was still confused why the entire Senate had to be brought to the White House instead of doing it here," Senator Richard Blumenthal said, referring to the Capitol on which the Senate and Congress were located.

Play for the public

"It seemed to me that it was a play for the public. I seriously think that all of this information could be gathered by reading newspapers," democratic senator Tammy Duckworth commented. Senator Chris Coons also said that "no military options were presented to them," although the briefing was "nauseating." Senator John Martin told the New York Times that Trump also participated in a briefing conducted by Defense Minister James Mattis, Foreign Minister Rex Tillerson, Chief of Joint Military Command Joseph Dunford, and Director of the National Intelligence Society Dan Coats.

Senator Chris Murphy, named the briefing as "an opportunity for Trump's administration to show that it is serious", CNN writes.

Donald Trump said that a major conflict with North Korea is a possibility due to its nuclear and missile program, but he said he would prefer a diplomatic solution to the dispute.

"There is a possibility of a big, big conflict with North Korea.

Absolutely," Trump said in an interview wit Reuters. However, he added that he wanted to calm the crisis that had burdened several US presidents. He also said that he and his administration started preparing a series of new economic sanctions, but that the military option was not excluded. "We would like to solve the matter diplomatically, but it is very difficult," Trump said.
The United States practice launched a Boeing-made rocket amid increasing pressures with North Korea over their governments atomic program. The Minuteman Iii is an ICBM equipped for conveying nuclear bombs. Originally constructed during the 1970s, it started off priced as $7 million. Today, its price tag stands at $40 million. The Air Force upgraded the missile over the years, including its framework systems. The Vandenberg Air Force Base directed the rocket launch in California. It sent the nuclear warhead approximately 4,200 miles to a test location somewhere near the Marshall Islands.

The U.S., THAAD, and North Korea

Colonel John Moss said the dispatch served as a vital demonstration of what The United States is capable of in their nuclear abilities. He mentioned that American missile tests are imperative to approving the viability and availability of the nations operational atomic frameworks.

A few days ago, the U.S. started introducing a hostile rocket battery in South Korea to safeguard against dangers from North Korea. In a declaration meant for congressional staff, U.S. Pacific Command Admiral Harry Harris addressed this new collaboration and that it entails. The THAAD framework, initially produced by Lockheed Martin, anticipates its operation in South Korea within the next few days.

As the world awaits, the U.S. Navy has already sent a strike assembly towards the Korean peninsula via their USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier.

American plans for battle amid congressional discussion

The Pentagon is the primary source conducting this whole operation. Their move comes after the White House scheduled a Senate briefing expecting to discuss their issues with North Korea next week.

The leaders of the conference are as follows:

Rex Tillerson, State Secretary

James Mattis, Defense Secretary

Dan Coats, Director of National Intelligence

General Joseph Dunford, executive of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Senator Mitch McConnell requested for Trumps political cabinet to continuously inform all congressional staff of any updates surrounding this future meeting.

He also issued a statement during a White House press conference. He stated that Kim Jong-Un is no longer predictable in how he chooses to escalate certain situations in North Korea. In every aspect, his administration stopped making the same derogatory moves that lured the United States into a transaction that concentrated on concessions. He believes Kim seems willing to risk any objection handed to him by the United Nations by engaging in his nuclear testing programs.

North Korea's becoming a severe atomic risk and a unique intercontinental challenge when it comes to Donald Trump. The president pledged to keep North Korea from having the ability to strike America with one of their nuclear rockets. Foreign policy specialists say Kim Jong-Un could have nuclear weapons ready for war in the city of Pyongyang by 2020.
Whether you voted for him or not, Donald Trump is our president. Since Franklin Roosevelt's time, the first 100 Days of a presidency have been closely monitored. From his campaigning to the presidency, Trump has succeeded to be controversial. According to Gallup.com, his most recent approval rating was 41%. This was an increase from his lowest point at 35% in March. Unfortunately for him, he has had one of the lowest approval rates for a new president in history. Let's take a look at some of his biggest issues that he tackled thus far including immigration, Foreign Relations, and appointing government officials.

Immigration

The harsh reality is that Trump has been very verbal about his disdain for immigrants. One of his first executive orders was to ban immigrants from 7 Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. This was eventually dismissed by a 9th Circuit Court judge. Despite this, the social impact that it left for many immigrants and minorities could not be taken away.

Another aspect of immigration that President Trump is working diligently to do, is building a border wall along Mexico. The controversy with this is who is going to pay for it? Mexico has been adamant to the fact they will not pay for it. The reality of it looks as though American citizens will be using tax dollars to do so.

This was after constant reassurance from the president that Mexico will pay for the wall. Is someone giving false promises?

Foreign relations

Social media has made light of the situation by stating that every day that we are not bombed by North Korea is a good day. The sad thing is, this statement has some truth behind it. Trump has had a confrontational approach to handling foreign affairs.

For example, when Syria had a gas attack, our nation's response was to retaliate by bombing their forces. This approach for getting involved with other nations in this regard is highly questionable.

Government officials

The most controversial cabinet appointment was Betsy DeVos for secretary of education. Many individuals and government officials felt that this was a poor choice, due to her lack of experience in education.

DeVos has never attended public school in her life. She has no educational career background. Yet, she is supposed to make policies that impact public schools and education for the nation.

Another controversial pick was Supreme Court justice, Neil Gorsuch. Nearly all Democrats voted in opposition of him. However, Republicans used a tactic called the "nuclear option" which does not require a majority vote for cabinet nominees.

There are plenty more factors associated with Trump's progress as president. One hundred days may not be enough to determine his performance. However, whether you like him or not, you have the chance to make your voice heard again in 2020's election.
Credit where credit is due: President Trumps tax plan is only one page long and yet contains volumes worth of dumb ideas. And theres fierce competition for which part is dumbest.

Maybe its White House economic adviser Gary Cohns peculiar claim that reducing the number of tax brackets is how you simplify the tax code. The complicated part of doing your taxes is figuring out what counts as income and whats deductible, not looking up the tax rate afterward in a table.

Maybe its the bullet point that promises to eliminate targeted tax breaks that mainly benefit the wealthiest taxpayers, immediately followed by three bullet points pledging tax breaks that would almost exclusively benefit the wealthiest taxpayers.

Maybe its Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchins declaration that the plan will pay for itself, even though similar versions of Trumps tax plan were projected to cost trillions of dollars.

Maybe its the suggestion that we need a multitrillion-dollar, deficit-financed tax cut  a.k.a. stimulus  when unemployment is 4.5 percent.

But probably the dumbest part of this entire presentation was the proposal to more than halve the tax rate on pass-through income.

This is the loopholiest of loopholes. It would further enrich the rich, unleash a major tax-sheltering bonanza, and impoverish Medicare and Social Security.

It also is unlikely to do anything to kick-start economic growth, as Kansas learned the hard way.

For those unfamiliar, pass-through income refers to business income that gets paid at individual income tax rates rather than corporate ones. Income earned by partnerships, sole proprietorships and S-corporations  the vast majority of all companies  falls into this category.

Lots of people, including White House officials, associate pass-through entities with small businesses. But plenty of ginormous companies get taxed this way, including hedge funds, big law firms, publicly traded partnerships and even  coincidentally?  the Trump Organization. In fact, according to the Treasury Department, more than 80 cents of every dollar earned by pass-throughs come from big firms (defined as companies with more than $10 million in income).

Because taxes on pass-through income are paid at the individual level at individual rates, the top rate for such income today is generally 39.6 percent. Trumps plan would lower the rate for all pass-through income to 15 percent.

This would be a huge giveaway to the rich, despite Mnuchins earlier promises that the rich wouldnt get a tax cut. Two-thirds of pass-through income is earned by the top 1 percent of Americans, according to researchers at the Treasury Department, the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Chicago.

Among those many rich beneficiaries, by the way, are people who use the carried interest loophole, a preferential tax rate associated with Wall Streeters that Trump loves to say hes closing. The income these private equity and hedge-fund partners receive, after all, is pass-through income; Trump would let them trade one juicy tax break for an even juicier one.

More important, if income from pass-through entities is taxed at less than half the top rate for personal income, thats a huge incentive for millions of people who are currently employees to start calling themselves companies  for example, to become a sole-proprietor consultancy. A Tax Policy Center analysis of an earlier version of Trumps plan assumed that about half of high-wage workers would eventually become pass-through entities.

And self-incorporating (or self-LLC-ing) would allow people to reduce not just their income taxes. It would also let them shave down their payroll tax obligations, which fund Medicare and Social Security. Thats because once they turn themselves into a personal holding company, they could shift more of their pay from wage and salary income to corporate profits.

That sound you hear is the nations tax attorneys licking their lips.

Maybe you dont care about all the rich people who stand to benefit from this, because you believe cutting taxes on pass-through income will spur job creation and economic growth.

Kansas already tested this hypothesis, though, and is paying dearly for it.

In 2012, the state undertook a huge suite of tax cuts, including eliminating taxes on pass-through income. That overhaul, too, was supposed to pay for itself.

Instead, many more people took advantage of the loophole than expected, the state economy and tax receipts slowed to a crawl, and a gaping budget hole forced legislators to close schools early. The states credit rating has been downgraded multiple times.

Our laboratories of democracy have already proven what a daft, damaging idea this pass-through proposal is. Yet the White House pushes it still. The only question is whether its being kept alive by ideologues or incompetents.
The LA Times informs us that a bill to impose a government-run, single-payer healthcare system in California is proceeding through the state legislature with the relentlessness of an asteroid on collision course with Earth. Not much drama exists over whether the bill will pass or not. Liberal Democrats have huge majorities in both houses of the California state legislature, and Governor Jerry Brown is likely eager to sign such a bill. Not even the fact that a method to pay for such a massive takeover of health care in the most populous state of the union is going to stop things or even appreciably slow things down.

The only drama is how soon and in what manner will health care in California be destroyed.

State lawmakers are visiting Canada, whose government-run health care system is plagued by long wait times for procedures, many far beyond what are medically sensible. These problems are apparently being waived away since California politicians are confident that their socialized medicine system will run much smoother. Thus far, no one has gone to great britain, where the National Health Service oversees hospitals that are cesspools of squalor where patients have to suffer at the hands of unsympathetic, overworked staff. No one dares to pay close attention, at least in public, to how the elderly are denied health care in Great Britain to free scarce resources for younger and more curable.

No one will take any notice of the one nationwide government-run health system in the United States, the Veterans Administration system where those who served to protect our freedom are abused, placed on secret waiting lists, and driven to suicide out or despair.

That is the future California can now expect. The wealthy and well connected will still get top of the line healthcare, even if they have to engage in medical tourism to places like Texas.

Everyone else will be pretty much out of luck unless they have the cash and live close to the border of another state where health care will still be available. Everyone else should get ready for long wait times, shortages of procedures and drugs, and premature death and needless suffering. The exodus of the middle class from California, already ravaged by artificially inflated housing costs, will accelerate.

Doctors will head for the exits, not willing to work under what is likely to be madcap state rules and regulations. Businesses will continue to decamp to more friendly environments such as Texas and Florida.

Inevitably the collapse of the system, bankruptcy, and chaos, will ensue. If the scenario seems far-fetched, look at Venezuela, once one of the prosperous countries in South America, now sliding into anarchy. And the good people of California will have done it to themselves,
Ok, so we recently got the new, official spoiler scoopers for the new "Grey's Anatomy" episode 19 of season 13 from the ABC press crew, and they sound quite serious and interesting as Stephanie is going to make a huge mistake with one of the patience! We'll also be seeing Maggie accept a huge surgery assignment, but the rest of the doctors don't think she's quite ready for something this huge, and more.

It's "What's Inside"

They also revealed that the producers decided that: "What's Inside" should be the title for this one. According to their official description, it turns out that we're going to see Maggie get presented with a big case at some point, and it's going to involve completing a surgery that's a very huge deal.

Unfortunately for her, she's going to catch a lot of doubt heat from the rest of the doctors, because they're going to be really worried that she might not be the right person for this giant undertaking. What will this huge surgery entail? Will Maggie actually go through with it? If so, will she be able to get it done without a hitch? Those are the burning questions for this situation.

A big screw up

Next, we learn that we're going to see Stephanie in action in this last storyline reveal. It sounds like she's not going to be doing too well as they tell us that she's going to end up, making a big mistake ,at some point, while trying to treat one of Grey's Sloan's own. Who is this person she's treating?

How bad will this mistake actually be.

Unfortunately, they didn't elaborate further than that, so it looks like we'll have to wait for this episode to actually air to get the answers to those burning questions. However, we might see some extra details in the new promo clip that's expected to release, tonight, after episode 18 finishes up, so be sure to look for that.

We've got Tia Napolitano as the person who wrote this script, and Nzingha Stewart directed it.

Alright, that's going to wrap it up for this week's official synopsis reveal. Additionally, we can confirm that episode 19 is, indeed, due to show up next Thursday night, April 6th, 2017 at 7pm central time on ABC. Stay tuned.
There has been a lot of talk lately that Todd Chrisley owed the government a lot of money. Now the reality star is finally speaking out about these rumors, and honestly, he is laughing them off. The thing is Todd is saying it isn't true, but he is also saying that his lawyer is hard at work, so something is going on at least. There have been several reports about this, but Todd has been staying quiet until now.

What did Todd Chrisley reveal?

While at LAX on Thursday, Todd Chrisley spoke to reports about what is going on. The reports have been that Todd owes the money to the State Of Georgia.

WSB-TV in Atlanta originally reported that it had been years since Todd and his wife Julie had paid taxes to the state of Georgia.

When TMZ got the chance to interview Todd Chrisley, he talked to them about the taxes and didn't hold back. Todd knew about the reports and asked them if they believed everything that they report. Todd said that they are not true and that people love to write a story because his name sells a story. He even told TMZ that is why they were out there talking to him now. Todd Chrisley doesn't mind the attention at all, though. It has to help the ratings on their show "Chrisley Knows Best" on USA.

Todd even told them that they have the story wrong. He explained that he has homes in four states.

He has one in Georgia, Nashville, Florida and one where they were at in LA. He said he doesn't need to settle it because it is not true, but he has attornies that work with it all. They could be trying to do something about the fake stories, but Todd Chrisley didn't go on to explain what is keeping his attornies so busy but did say that they need to make a living.

Everyone is curious what he means, but at that point Todd was doing talking to TMZ and ready to get a car and leave.

Did you believe the rumors that Todd Chrisley owed $800K in taxes? Do you think that he is telling the truth? Sound off in the comments section below on your thoughts, and don't miss new episodes of "Chrisley Knows Best" on USA.
Yesterday at a TED talk in Vancouver, an inventor from the UK demonstrated a prototype of a Human Flight suit. Richard Browning is the mastermind behind the invention and has worked on the fully functioning human flight suit for the past few years of his life. The so-called Iron Man suit is a type of jet-pack, able to fly for up to 10 minutes straight. Its caused quite a buzz among local media, catching the attention of both the government and the military.

Innovation vs. ambition

Browning has been working on this suit for the past few years of his life.

It all started out with him taking a washing machine, and attaching it to a small, low-powered, jet engine. Once he saw the type of force it created, he worked on perfecting the propulsion and slowly adding more to it. Eventually, he ended up with the prototype he has now: 4 engines attached to his arms, and 2 on his lower back. The total points of propulsion allow him to easily stabilize, and maintain, his flight all while hovering in the air.

Attention-grabbing potential

The invention caught the eye of the military, partly due to Browning's status as a veteran. For the most part, the military has thought human flight suits were an impossibility, but due to this unveiled prototype, they are now researching the matter further, with Browning's cooperation and collaboration.

Investors have also become significantly interested in Browning's invention. So much discussion revolves around the suit and its potential uses whether they be for private, or public. While mass production of the suit is unlikely, it does the beg the question: what will happen to this suit?

Precautions and safety first

Browning is undoubtedly proud of his work and hopes his invention will prove beneficial to make mankind's oldest dream of human flight a reality.

The suit is able to fly up to speeds of 200 mph at an altitude of more than 1,000 feet, but for safety reasons, Browning keeps his flights slow and low, only a foot or two off the ground. Because of Browning's service in the military, he is in peak physical condition, and he claims the suit is physically daunting to keep in control.

So, upgrades and works on the machine still need to be made, and that's if the suit were ever to be mass-produced.

Until then, the suit will remain a hope and a mystery to those marveling in its spectacles. Browning's suit does say one thing for sure: human flight is possible.
The first London-Yiwu cargo train carrying British products arrives at Yiwu West Station in Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 29, 2017.[Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING -- The first freight train traveling from Britain back to China reached its destination in eastern China's Yiwu city on Saturday after a 19 day journey, according to the China Railway Corporation (CRC).

The trans-continental freight train, loaded with 32 containers, mainly carrying maternity products and soft drinks, departed from London on April 10.

Having traveled more than 12,000 kilometers, it passed through seven countries before reaching the Chinese manufacturing and trade hub where small goods such as homeware, garments and souvenirs are made.

London is the 15th city in Europe added to China-Europe freight train services. The first Chinese freight train arrived in London in January.

The China-Britain freight service paves a safe and efficient trade route by land, strengthening bilateral trade ties and better serving the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, according to the CRC.

China now has express freight services to 28 European cities. Since March 2011, more than 3,500 trips have been made. The figure should rise to 5,000 by 2020.
 Courtesy of spiritofamerica - Fotolia.com



Taking the three and half mile long Cliff Walk is one of the best ways to see Newport from a unique perspective. The walk runs along the eastern shore of the city and offers magnificent views of the shoreline and the architectural history of the city's gilded age as you pass by luxurious villas nestled on the cliffs.

The walk is easy for the most part, and wildflowers and rocks of different colors showing the area's interesting geological history surround the path. Some parts of the southern end of the trail are fairly rough, passing only a few feet from the sudden drop of more than 70 feet. As the edge is hidden by wild bushes, hikers have to be very careful to stay on the path. The walk starts at the western end of Easton's and ends at several major city streets.





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If you love unique architecture, scenic views, art, music and great food, the city of Vancouver in British Columbia should definitely be on your must-visit list. Visitors enjoy great shopping, romantic restaurants, wedding venues, and more. Stroll along the waters edge in Stanley Park, visit the Museum of Vancouver, see rare marine animals at Vancouver Aquarium and explore Vancouvers vibrant neighborhoods, including Gastow, Granville Island and Yaletown. Best Things to Do in Vancouver, British Columbia with kids include English Bay Beach, the Vancouver Maritime Museum and the Rocky Mountaineer Train.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1. Stanley Park  Courtesy of ronniechua - Fotolia.com

Vancouver residents adore Stanley Park. It is the citys largest urban park and a national historic site that serves as a rich, verdant oasis in the center of the city and is one of the top Vancouver BC attractions. Its 400 hectares of space has features typically found in just about any West Coast habitat. In one stroll, you will go through the rainforest, by the sea, through the mountains, and along the seawall. Its a place where you can enjoy solitude, watch birds, admire sweeping trees, or play on the beach or on the tennis or golf court. You will also see Native American totem poles scattered around the park as well as many other art pieces that complement the art nature has created in the form of the thematic gardens. Take a mini train or a horse carriage to make your exploration even more pleasant. The park is also home to the Canadas largest aquarium, but youll need another day to see it; its an absolute delight that should not be rushed.

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2. The Seawall in Vancouver  Courtesy of alpegor - Fotolia.com

When the weather is nice, the citizens of Vancouver go out, and many end up at the Seawall, the world's longest waterfront path and one of the best things to do in Vancouver. The Seawall is a long uninterrupted path that runs the length of the Vancouver waterfront from the Vancouver Convention Centre all the way to Spanish Banks Park. Along the way, you will pass Burrard Inlet (Coal Harbour), Stanley Park, False Creek, a section that overlooks Granville Island, and finally end up at Kitsilano Beach Park. You can take a walk, go for a jog, or bring a bike or roller skates, and have some fun in the fresh air, enjoying spectacular views of the city throughout the trip. It will take you two to three hours to walk around Stanley Park alone, so come prepared; bring snacks and drinks, and probably an umbrella as well, considering the weather in Vancouver.

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3. Museum of Vancouver  Museum of Vancouver

The Museum of Vancouver, located on Chestnut Street in Vanier Park, is the oldest museum in Vancouver and the largest civic museum in Canada. Formerly known as the Vancouver Museum, it was founded in 1894 by the Art, Historical, and Scientific Association of Vancouver, and is devoted to Vancouver-related exhibitions and programs. The Vancouver Museum became the Museum of Vancouver in 2009, and its permanent collection of over 65,000 items recounts stories of Vancouver from the early 1900s through the late 1970s. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also displays compelling temporary exhibits. The museums home was built in 1967 and includes a planetarium. 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Phone: 604-736-4431



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4. Gastown, Vancouver, British Columbia  Courtesy of Sinidex - Fotolia.com



Vancouver is comprised of colorful and lively neighborhoods, but Gastown, a neighborhood as old as Canada, stands out. The first building erected in Gastown was a saloon in 1867, and the area continued to be pretty rough and tumble even after it was incorporated into the city of Vancouver in 1886. It wasnt until the 1960s that the city residents realized they were in possession of a historical treasure that simply couldnt be demolished. At that moment, the revival of Gastown began. Today, it is one of the most vibrant, hip, and popular neighborhoods in Vancouver. Youll find a fun mix of new and old and casual and upscale; the neighborhood is both a tourist attraction and the place where many feel at home. You can stop by Jules Bistro for piano night, the Pourhouse for Sunday Jazz, or to the Salt Tasting Room for tapas and good Spanish wine. Youll always find something to do in Gastown. #210 - 318 Homer St., Vancouver, British Columbia, Phone: 604-683-5650

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5. Vancouver Aquarium  Courtesy of denyskuvaiev - Fotolia.com



The Vancouver Aquarium is first and foremost a center for marine conservation, research, and animal rehabilitation, but it is also one of the most popular attractions in Vancouver. The Aquarium is the largest in Canada and one of the largest in North America. It covers over 100,000 square feet and is home to more than 50,000 animals. Depending on their origin and habitat, animals are displayed in a number of fascinating galleries. If you are wondering what to do in Vancouver with kids, this is a great place to visit. Many animals such as dolphins and whales can be seen in live shows and some can be visited during feeding time. Visiting the Vancouver Aquarium is fun for the entire family, and the kids are guaranteed to love it. If they happen to ask, tell them that they do not catch whales to put them in the aquarium. They bring them in if they are hurt or need help, or they transfer them from another aquarium. 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, British Columbia, Phone: 604-659-3474

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6. Granville Island  Courtesy of Sam Spiro - Fotolia.com



They call Granville Island Vancouvers Town Square. If you took all the essential elements of Vancouver, condensed them, and put them in one area, you would end up with something like this unique urban oasis. It reflects the citys multicultural, multiethnic vibe and is incredibly exciting and fun. Take a stroll around the area and try to take it all in: waterfront restaurants, galleries, theatres, studios, shops, cafes, and the market, which is one of the most popular features of the island. Check out the produce that grows in the area, see what the fishermen caught in their nets that day, pick some flowers for your darling, grab something to eat, or simply relax by the water and watch the world go by. Take the kids to the Adventure Zone or the Water Park, catch a show, visit the brewery, or rent a boat and go out on the water. On the way back, take the colorful Aquabus and enjoy a 25-minutes tour of False Creek, which will allow you to see the city from a fresh perspective.

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7. Vancouver Heritage Foundation Tours  Vancouver Heritage Foundation

The Vancouver Heritage Foundation takes the conservation of Vancouvers culture very seriously. They provide walks, tours, talks, special events, and grants to ensure that the citys heritage is properly recognized and celebrated. By taking a tour of one of the registered historic buildings or landmarks, you not only enjoy visiting a piece of Vancouver history, but you contribute to the citys survival. The tours change yearly, so be sure to check the schedule. Try the Heritage House Tour, a Mid-Century Modern House Tour, or the Laneway House Tour. You should also keep an eye out for upcoming special events such as City Drinks: An Evening in Shaughnessy, which takes place at Disher House, built in 1912 and attributed to the Architect Paul Phipps. Should you ever decide to move to Vancouver and buy one of the heritage houses, the Foundation has grants available for their restoration. 402 - 510 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Phone: 604-264-9642



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8. Vancouver Foodie Tours  Courtesy of Mat Hayward - Fotolia.com

No matter how much of an enthusiastic foodie you are, there is no way you can navigate all the culturally and ethnically diverse cuisine a city like Vancouver has to offer by yourself  you need local foodies to take you around and show you all the best places. Thats where Vancouver Foodie Tours step in. Even they do not claim to be able to show you absolutely everything, but they do their best to come close, and the results dont disappoint. You have three options: Guilty Pleasures Gourmet Tour, a three-hour walking tour that includes 14 tastings, eight stories, and four courses, Granville Island Market Tour, which lasts for two hours and includes 20 tastings and ten stories, and Worlds Best Food Truck Tour, a two-hours tour of four courses, five tastings, and nine stories. 877-804-9220



9. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden  Courtesy of Volodymyr Kyrylyuk - Fotolia.com

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is one of the most beautiful and most peaceful spots in Vancouvers bustling Chinatown. The garden was the first traditional Chinese garden created outside of China and was designed to resemble the home of a Ming Dynasty scholar. Named by the father of modern China Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, the garden is designed like a mosaic of surprising horticultural elements, and cannot all be seen at once. Take a stroll along narrow winding paths, through intricate moongates, under the lacy branches of willows, passing by ponds full of gold fish. The best way to really see and understand the philosophy behind the gardens design is with the help of a 92-year-old Chinese guide Julian Law, who is himself a part of the gardens magic. 578 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K2, Canada, Phone: 604-662-3207

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10. VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver, British Columbia  Courtesy of Lijuan Guo - Fotolia.com

As you enter VanDusen Botanical Garden through its whimsical visitors center, youll find it hard to believe that it used to be a golf course. Today, you can stroll through 22 hectares of carefully maintained, elegant landscapes, and go from one ecosystem to another, from the Mediterranean to Louisiana and from the Himalayas to the Pacific coast. The garden is also home to a number of celebrated sculptures from renowned artists such as Bill Reid and David Marshall. The best way to enjoy the garden is to stroll through it aimlessly and leisurely. If you are the organized type, however, you can take advantage of the regular guided tours. The garden is always organizing courses of all kinds, from art and photography to gardening, ecology, and botany. To keep the garden in its exquisite shape, 16,000 volunteers dedicate their time and energy to its upkeep. 5251 Oak Street, at West 37th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, Phone: 604-257-8335



11. Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver, British Columbia  Courtesy of ronniechua - Fotolia.com

Queen Elizabeth Park is a horticulturalists dream. Start your journey with the resplendent Bloedel Conservatory, which features a tropical retreat full of flowers, trees, and free-flying birds. Just outside of the Conservatory is Henry Moores magnificent sculpture Knife Edge - Two Piece surrounded by the famous Dancing Water fountain and meandering walkways. A former quarry is now home to the thriving Quarry Garden, which has enormous specimen trees, perennials, shrubs, bulbs, and annuals, all of which have bright and vibrant colors. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty by the cool stream or listen to the peaceful sound of the waterfall. Dont miss the Arboretum, which has more than 1,500 trees from all over Canada. If you happen to visit during rose season, the Rose Garden will take your breath away. Before leaving the park, remember to take some pictures, because the view is out of this world.

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12. English Bay Beach  Courtesy of lukas555 - Fotolia.com

You can see English Bay Beach while strolling along the Seawall; taking a walk on the fine sand or cooling off in the sea are just a couple of activities that will tempt you along the way. Its a fun and lively place where there is usually some kind of beach volleyball tournament going on. On New Years Day, the beach serves as the starting point for the annual plunge of the Polar Bears Swim Club into the freezing waters. During the warmer months, you can rent a kayak or enjoy the slide from the large swimming deck.



13. Vancouver Brewery Tours, Vancouver, BC  Courtesy of ivanmollov - Fotolia

The craft beer culture of Vancouver is thriving. There are all kinds breweries, both big and small. The city naturally has pubs, bars, and restaurants that sell various varieties of beer, and it is rife with bottle makers and label designers, as well as journalists who follow their developments. And, of course, there are tourists who want to see and sample it all. Vancouver Brewery Tour guides will drive you around in their comfortable 14-seat vans, which will provide transportation not only for you but also for the beer you buy along the way  they even have built-in coolers! Each tour lasts between three to four hours and will take you through three breweries. You will get to meet the brewers, watch the brewing process, and taste the results. They will even give you a mug on the way out. 425 - 2008 Pine St., Vancouver, British Columbia, Phone: 604-318-2280



14. Nitobe Memorial Garden  Courtesy of robertuzhbt89 - Fotolia.com

Come to Nitobe Garden in the spring to see the cherry blossoms, in the summer to see the irises, and in the autumn to see the maples. Throughout the rest of the year, come to admire a tranquil Koi pond, stone lanterns, bubbling streams, and magnificent waterfalls. And, of course, be sure to visit the teahouse and take part in the traditional tea ceremony. As you stroll through the garden, you will feel a compelling sense of serenity. Every tree, blade of grass, pebble, or flower is in perfect balance with the surroundings, which is what makes visiting Japanese gardens such an experience. And Nitobe is as authentic as you can get outside of the islands of Japan. The garden is a memorial to the great Japanese agriculturist and philosopher Inazo Nitobe, whose goal was to be a bridge across the Pacific. Through the garden, which celebrates Japanese art and culture, he has achieved his goal. UBC Botanical Garden and Centre for Plant Research, 6804 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver, British Columbia, Phone: 604-822-3928



15. Gastown  detailblick-foto/stock.adobe.com



Stretching north of downtown Vancouver from Main Street to Richards and east to Gastown is Vancouvers oldest and liveliest neighborhood. It still has its independent spirit and retained much of its historic charm with beautiful Victorian homes that now house unique fashion shops, decor boutiques, modern galleries, and some of the best eateries in Vancouver. Gastown is a great place for exploring on foot and is equally popular with tourists and stylish locals. Take a stroll along cobblestoned Water Street with its picture-perfect old buildings, vintage lampposts, and the famous Steam Clock. At the end of Water Street you can see a statue of Gassy Jack Deighton, who started it all.

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16. Vancouver Lookout  Vancouver Lookout



Located on Hastings Street in downtown Seattle, the Vancouver Lookout Tower sits on top of the Harbour Centre business building. The Harbour Centre building and the Vancouver Lookout Tower combine to make this one of the tallest buildings in the city. One of the most prominent landmarks of Vancouver, the viewing deck offers 360 panoramic views of the city and outlying areas. Officially opened in 1977 by astronaut Neil Armstrong, visitors reach the tower via glass elevators that go from the street level to the top in about 40 seconds. The tower gives educational tours and ESL tours and is available to rent for special events like weddings. 555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Phone: 604-689-0421 More places to visit: 23 Best Things to Do in Toronto.



17. Eye of the Wind, Vancouver, BC, Canada  Courtesy of Lijuan Guo - Fotolia



Since 2010, visitors to Grouse Mountain have been able to experience the thrill of The Eye of the Wind, located on Nancy Greene Way on the Peak of Vancouver, is an attraction that features a clear glass viewing area at the top of a wind turbine. From the glass enclosed viewing area, visitors are able to stand within nine feet of the rotating blade, and they can also take advantage of outstanding 360 panoramic views of the area. The Eye of the Wind is not just a fun attraction; it is an educational experience that allows visitors to learn about wind energy. It also has the Sustainability in Motion program, which is geared towards teaching youth about the environment and alternate forms of energy.

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18. Breathe Spa, Vancouver, BC  Breathe Spa



Breathe Spa is centrally located in the lower level of the magnificent and historic Rogers Building in the heart of the Vancouver business district. White marble steps lead from the entrance of the spa into the cool, serene, interior steeped in history and exuding an aura of relaxation. Breathe Spa is the best place to go in Vancouver for a unique and totally personalized facial treatment and a bit of pampering you wont find anywhere else. There are only five treatment rooms, but they are spacious and very elegant, each with a chandelier on the ceiling. The staff is both knowledgeable and attentive and the products they use are top of the line: the Swiss range of products Methode Physiodermie and the Italian certified organic Sacred Nature. For the ultimate escape, try the hour-long Hawaiian Organic Body Scrub and the Malie organic Lemongras and Lilikoi and Plumeria Body Mist. 464 Granville St, Vancouver, British Columbia, Phone: 604-688-4769



19. Bloedel Floral Conservatory, Vancouver, British Columbia  Courtesy of lkorotova - Fotolia



Located on Cambie Street at the top of Queen Elizabeth Park, the Bloedel Floral Conservatory is a domed conservatory that displays tropical birds and plants. The temperature-controlled conservatory is home to more than 500 exotic flowers and plants as well as over 200 free-flying birds such as African parrots, Chinese pheasants, and macaws. Opened in 1966, the conservatory has since been designated as a heritage building. It is made up of three climate zones including the Desert Zone, the Subtropical Rainforest Habitat, and the Tropical Rainforest Habitat. The Jewel Box of Lights, the Walk in the Tropics, orchid shows, and sculptures are some of the exhibits and events that take place at the conservatory. 4600 Cambie Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Phone: 604-873-7000

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20. Science World, Vancouver, BC, Canada  Courtesy of Lijuan Guo - Fotolia.com



Science World at Telus World of Science is a science center located on Quebec Street at the end of False Creek. The center, formerly called the Expo Centre during Expo 86, has many permanent displays along with interactive exhibits. It contains galleries, a 400 seat OMNIMAX theater, a science theater, and a science store. The center runs several education programs such as On the Road, a program that takes science into communities and schools; and the Super Science Club where teachers from Science World hold after-school programs in city schools. The center also offers classes, camps, and camp-ins, and hosts birthday parties. 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Phone: 604-443-7440



21. UBC Botanical Garden and Centre for Plant Research  Courtesy of eqroy - Fotolia.com



Located on Marine Drive, the UBC Botanical Garden and Centre for Plant Research is the oldest university botanical garden in Canada. The Botanical Garden was founded in 1916 and today consists of 110 acres. In 2002, the UBC Centre for Plant Research joined with the UBC Botanical Garden, both of which are a part of UBCs Faculty of Science. The Botanical Garden is home to more than 8,000 different kinds of plants and contains many different kinds of gardens such as an alpine garden, an Asian garden, and a food garden, among others. The garden also includes the compelling Nitobe Memorial Garden. Lectures, tours, and workshops are held at the Botanical Garden, and an apple festival and a tea ceremony are some of the events that take place there. 6804 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver, British Columbia, Phone: 604-822-3928



22. Robson Street  Courtesy of olegmayorov - Fotolia.com



Robson Street is a popular dining and shopping street and fashion district in downtown Vancouver that runs from Burrard Street to Jervis. Robson Street was one of the first streets in Vancouver and was named after John Robson, a former premier of British Columbia. After the arrival of many German immigrants after World War II, Robson Street became known as Robsonstrasse. There are 150 shops along three blocks of Robson Street, with everything from small boutiques to big-name stores, as well as places to eat and drink  there are coffee shops, ethnic restaurants, fine dining, sports bars, and more. Vehicle enthusiasts will appreciate the many rare cars and motorcycles cruise on the street during summer weekends. Robson Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Phone: 604-669-8132

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23. Wild Whales Vancouver  Courtesy of schaef - Fotolia.com Wild Whales Vancouver is a company that offers tours along the Pacific Coast where guests see many kinds of wildlife including, of course, whales. The tours depart from Granville Island in the downtown area of Vancouver. Wild Whales Vancouver uses three boats, Orca Maru, Pod Pilot, and Quick Change 11, all of which are safe, have been certified, and have a bathroom on board. They also have equipment that allows guests to hear the sounds of the whales under the water. Typical animals seen during the tours include birds, dolphins, killer whales, and sea lions, though there are others. Tours last between three and seven hours, because the guides want to make sure that guests have the chance to see the wildlife. 1806 Mast Tower Road, Vancouver, British Columbia, Phone: 604-699-2011



24. Yaletown, Vancouver, British Columbia  Courtesy of Volodymyr Kyrylyuk - Fotolia.com Bordered by False Creek, Homer Street, and Robson Street, Yaletown is a neighborhood in downtown Vancouver. In earlier years, Yaletown was an industrial area with rail yards and warehouses. One of the most important urban regeneration projects in North America, Yaletown has since been transformed into a vibrant neighborhood with loft-style apartments, marinas, parks, and renovated historic buildings. There are many fantastic bars, boutique shops, and restaurants in Yaletown, ensuring the area is always bustling with activity. Some of the attractions include the No. 2 Engine 374 Museum at the Roundhouse and the famous Seawall Walkway and Bike Path. Yaletown also hosts events like a farmers market, musical performances, art work exhibitions, and Pet-A-Palooza.



25. Vancouver Maritime Museum, Vancouver, BC, Canada  Courtesy of Lijuan Guo - Fotolia.com Located on Ogden Avenue in Vanier Park, the Vancouver Maritime Museum is a museum that showcases the nautical history of Vancouver, British Columbia, and the Canadian Arctic regions. Established in 1959, the museum was originally a centennial project. Today, the two main vessels in the museums collection are the St. Roch and the RV Ben Franklin, a 1968 manned deep submergence vessel. The St. Roch is a 1928 Royal Canadian Mounted Police schooner that was used to explore the arctic area. The museums galleries feature many model ships including a fine bone china model of Vengeur du People, an 1800 French warship. There is also a library, maritime art, and the Childrens Maritime Discovery Centre. 1905 Ogden Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, Phone: 604-257-8300



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Museum of Anthropology

The Museum of Anthropology, a part of the University of British Colombia, is the museum of world arts and cultures, but its main focus is on the British Columbia First Nations. The museum building is an architectural masterpiece in and of itself, and its the perfect home for the magnificent collection of First Nations art.

The magical journey begins at the Great Hall with giant totem poles and continues on the Bill Reid Rotunda with its iconic sculpture The Raven and the First Men. Multiversity galleries hold over 10,000 objects from all over the world. The Audain Gallery is the place to visit if you want to see the museums latest visiting exhibition.

Many of the museums totems are located outside, so take a stroll through the park overlooking the ocean with the mountains in the background and appreciate the spirit of the peoples who lived in the area for millennia.

Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia, 6393 N.W. Marine Drive, Vancouver, British Columbia, Phone: 604-827-5932

The Rocky Mountaineer Train

Its official: a ride on The Rocky Mountaineer Train should be on everyones Bucket List, because its one of those things you just have to do. During this trip, youll experience the most spectacular, luxurious, and comfortable train ride in the world. They have five rail routes available, and whichever you choose, youre guaranteed to have the experience of your life.

The train only travels during the day, so that you wont miss a single waterfall, bold eagle, or a deep gorge. It is the most wonderful way to see one of the most majestic sights in the world  the Canadian Rockies. And while you are enjoying the landscape, you can enjoy gourmet food, drink excellent wine, and be pampered like a king (or queen).

Suite 101 - 369 Terminal Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, Phone: 604-606-7200

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From beautiful green spaces to a diverse selection of museums, weddings venues, tours, free attractions, parks, and restaurants, Charlotte is a fun city to visit year-round. Discover the Mint Museum, the oldest art museum in North Carolina, tour the 150,000-square-foot NASCAR Hall of Fame, and watch a theater performance. ImaginOn is one of the best things to do in Charlotte, NC with kids. You may also enjoy visiting one of the nearby beaches or waterfalls.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1. Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary, Charlotte, NC  Courtesy of Mariusz Blach - Fotolia.com

Founded in 1927 by Elizabeth and Edwin Clarkson and later donated to the Wing Haven Foundation, the Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful public garden and bird sanctuary that is open year-round. The well-kept gardens were designed to resemble a Cross of Lorraine, with shorter perpendicular paths crossing a longer central path, and are home to a wealth of ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowers as well as pools, fountains, sculptures and a beautifully preserved English sundial dating back to 1705. The gardens also feature a poem by Japanese pacifist Toyohiko Kagawa and a statue of Saint Fiacre, the patron saint of gardeners. If you are looking for fun things to do in Charlotte NC with kids, the Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful place to visit. 248 Ridgewood Ave, Charlotte, North Carolina 28209, Phone: 704-331-0664

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2. Things to Do in Charlotte, NC: The Mint Museum  The Mint Museum

The internationally-renowned Mint Museum is at the forefront of Charlottes arts and culture scene, inspiring creativity through an unrivaled collection of art. The Mint is the oldest art museum in North Carolina and home to a globally significant collection of works and ground-breaking exhibitions housed in two locations in the city: Mint Museum Uptown and Mint Museum Randolph. Mint Museum Randolph is located in the original branch of the United States Mint and has incredible collections of European and African art, ancient American art, ceramics and decorative arts, and fashion. Mint Museum Uptown features outstanding collections of American, European, and contemporary art as well as a world-renowned craft and design exhibition. The Mint Museum offers guided tours of the permanent collections in both buildings and special exhibits and presentations throughout the year. If you are wondering what to do in Charlotte, North Carolina with kids on a rainy day, this is a great place to visit. 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28207, Phone: 704-337-2000

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3. NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte, North Carolina  NASCAR Hall of Fame

Located in Uptown Charlotte, the NASCAR Hall of Fame documents, celebrates and honors the history and heritage of NASCAR. One of the citys most popular attractions, the 150,000-square-foot state-of-the-art venue features a variety of interactive exhibits, informative displays, and hands-on presentations about the cars, the races, and the fans. The modern, 278-seat High Octane Theater plays an exciting informational film about the history of NASCAR. More video, innovative graphics, and rotating displays greet visitors in the Great Hall. Induction ceremonies take place in the outdoor ceremonial plaza. Glory Road is lined with historic cars while Race Week is an interactive area which provides a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation a NASCAR team goes through before race day. The Hall of Fames racing simulators are a popular attraction where visitors can take the drivers seat and experience racing first-hand. 400 East Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, Phone: 704-654-4400



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4. Carolinas Aviation Museum, Charlotte, North Carolina  Courtesy of Ogovorka - Fotolia.com



The Carolinas Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International Airport is dedicated to educating visitors about the importance of aviation to society. Founded by Floyd and Lois Wilson in 1992, the museum aims to preserve aviation heritage with a collection of more than 50 stationary aircraft and smaller historic aviation-related items. The museum also boasts an array of still-operational historic aircraft such as the B-17, B-24, B-29 and Berlin Airlift C-54. The Carolinas Aviation Museum is home to an extensive research library - the 9,000-volume Dolph Overton Aviation Library-- and the Bat Cave Storage and Restoration Facility. The museum also presents a variety of educational exhibits, programs, and activities and resources for classroom learning. More: North Carolina destinations, beaches and lighthouses 4672 First Flight Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina 28208, Phone: 704-997-3770

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5. Discovery Place, Charlotte, NC  Discovery Place



Discovery Place is dedicated to promoting exploration of the natural world and is one of the top family attractions in Charlotte NC. The centers wealth of outstanding exhibits and dynamic displays inform, challenge, and engage audiences of all ages. One of the leading hands-on science centers in the country, Discovery Place also operates the Charlotte Nature Museum next to Freedom Park. At the Nature Museum, visitors can get close to nature by observing live animals including free-flying butterflies and other insects. Another satellite of Discovery Place is the newly-opened Discovery Place KIDS museum in Huntersville. Discovery Place KIDS provides a rich and rewarding play experience that engages childrens imaginations and inspires learning. 301 N Tryon St., Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, Phone: 704-372-6261

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6. Feast Food Tours, Charlotte, North Carolina  Courtesy of jgolby - Fotolia.com



Owned and operated by Kristi Martin, FEAST Food Tours is a culinary events company that runs walking food tours around some of Charlottes best restaurants and eateries. Feast Food Tours takes visitors all over the city, from the Historic South End and Plaza Midwood to the artistic district of NoDa and the stylish and chic Uptown. Visitors will get to see some of the citys best restaurants, meet the chefs behind the culinary masterpieces and taste some of their delicious fare. Tours will also delve into the history and culture of each neighborhood and discuss how each eatery supports the community through locally sourced ingredients and sustainable food. Feast Food Tours also offers private tours. Visitors planning to take a tour should wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes (Phone: 980-258-9992).

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7. ImaginOn, Charlotte, North Carolina  ImaginOn

ImaginOn is a childrens library and theater that brings stories to life. Inspiring, encouraging, and educating children, the center is home to two state-of-the-art theaters, a multimedia production studio, a dedicated library for kids under 11, and a teen-only library. The center also features four multi-use classrooms and an interactive exhibit space. Library services at ImaginOn and drop-in program participation are free of charge; however, tickets are required for the shows and pre-registration is required for childrens theatre classes and some library programs. 300 East Seventh St., Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, Phone: 704-416-4600



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8. Sea Level NC, Charlotte, North Carolina  Sea Level NC

Sea Level NC is one of Charlotte's premiere seafood restaurants, opened in 2016 within the city's Hearst Tower by noted restaurateur Paul Manley. The restaurant is North Carolina's only destination for farm-to-fork oysters on the half shell, serving up a full menu of fare focusing on non-threatened species catches from regional farms and coastal fishers. Diners can enjoy a wide variety of Southern seafood favorites, including delectable entrees such as Thai-fried grilled salmon, fried North Carolina catfish, and squid chow chow with sweet and spicy sauce or shareable platters of Maine mussels or Calabash shrimp. At lunch, diners can choose from lighter coastal fare favorites such as catfish reubens, shrimp po'boys, and classic lobster rolls. An extensive regional draft beer list is offered, along with refreshing cocktails and mocktails perfect for enjoying on the restaurant's low-key outdoor patio. 129 E 5th St, Charlotte, NC 28202, Phone: 704-412-2616



9. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Charlotte, North Carolina  Courtesy of digidreamgrafix - Fotolia.com

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, located inside the Levine Center for the Arts, is dedicated to modern art. Housed in a beautiful 36,500-square-foot space designed by Mario Botta, the museum features a collection of more than 1,400 artworks. The downtown museum is named after the family of Andreas Bechtler, who assembled the collection of works by famous artists such as Leger, Matisse, Degas, Warhol, Miro, Picasso, and Le Corbusier. Visitors are welcomed to the museum by the awe-inspiring, 17-foot Firebird (Le Grand Oiseau de Feu sur lArche) by artist Niki de Saint Phalle, made of over seven thousand mirror mosaics. 420 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, Phone: 704-353-9200

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10. Blumenthal Performing Arts, Charlotte, North Carolina  Courtesy of mountaira - Fotolia.com

Blumenthal Performing Arts is the heart of Charlottes performing arts scene and is home to such outstanding organizations as the Charlotte Ballet and Symphony, the Community School of the Arts, and Opera Carolina. The Blumenthal has six theaters under its management. The Booth Playhouse, the Belk Theater, and Stage Door Theater are in the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center building while the Duke Power Theater and McGlohon Theater are both in Spirit Square. The Knight Theater is also under Blumenthal management, and the company presents additional performances at the Ovens Auditorium. If you are looking for romantic date night ideas in Charlotte, look up the Blumenthal Performing Arts schedule. The Blumenthal provides performing arts courses, classes, and events throughout the year. 130 North Tryon ST., Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, Phone: 704-372-1000



11. Charlotte NC Tours  Courtesy of Alexey Rotanov - Fotolia.com

Charlotte NC Tours is a full-service tour company that offers a variety of adventures from walking, cycling and Segway tours to ghost tours, family reunion adventures and relocation tours for those new to the city. The tours are guided by friendly staff with a broad knowledge of Charlotte and its rich history. Theyre a fun way to see the city and will leave you feeling like a local by the end.Charlotte NC Tours has suitable vehicles, from vans to buses, for groups of every size. The company also offers bicycle rentals and customized tours for special events such as team building and birthday celebrations (Phone: 704-962-4548).

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12. Tin Kitchen Food Trucks, Charlotte, North Carolina  Tin Kitchen Food Trucks

Tin Kitchen Food Trucks have been familiar sight around Charlotte since 2010. Calling themselves the freestyle gourmet food truck, they serve unique and original sliders, tacos, and quesadillas made of fresh, seasonal local ingredients. Try their chicken tinga with pulled chicken simmered slowly in tomatoes, onions, and chipotles served with salsa verde, queso fresco, and scallions. The menu changes often depending on the season and the chefs new ideas. The food is prepared in a communal kitchen shared with other food trucks and vendors, then loaded on one of their shiny silver trucks to make the people of Charlottes various neighborhoods happy. Tin Kitchen is also a reputable caterer providing delicious food for any size party, from backyard birthdays to corporate events. Third Ward, Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, Phone: 704-750-0477



13. The Charlotte Museum of History , Charlotte, North Carolina  The Charlotte Museum of History

The Charlotte Museum of History consists of several historic structures on a wooded eight-acre campus in east Charlotte. The oldest of these structures is the Hezekiah Alexander House, a 5,000-square-foot rock house built circa 1774. The Alexander House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest surviving house in Mecklenburg County. It features a reproduction log kitchen, barn, and reconstructed two-story springhouse. The museums exhibits span three galleries and document the history and heritage of Charlotte and Mecklenburg from the 18th to 20th centuries. Guided tours of the museum are held daily and special tours for groups can be arranged. 3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina 28215, Phone: 704-568-1774 More trip ideas: Best Things To Do in Charleston, SC



14. Levine Museum of the New South, Charlotte, North Carolina  Levine Museum of the New South

Charlottes Levine Museum of the New South aims to encourage a deeper understanding of the past: to teach visitors how history has shaped the present and how it affects the future.The museum's permanent exhibit is called "Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers: Charlotte and the Carolina Piedmont in the New South" and features excellent displays that reflect the regions history. Other exhibits include an authentic African-American hospital, a tenant farmers house, a cotton mill and millhouse, and a Civil Rights Era lunch counter. The exhibits serve to educate visitors on local history and culture. 200 E 7th St, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, Phone: 704-333-1887 Family vacation ideas: Top 10 Things to Do in San Francisco with Kids



15. RuRus Tacos & Tequila, Charlotte, North Carolina  RuRus Tacos & Tequila



Ru Rus is Charlottes elegant, sophisticated version of a taqueria, filled with art and antiques, a serene oasis both inside and outside on a magnificent patio surrounding the cool fountain. It is located in the beautiful historic Reynolds-Gourmajenko House, handsomely renovated with iron gates, rough-hewn woodwork, and beautiful touches everywhere. The food matches its lovely surroundings. There are nine variations on tacos in soft, tender, house-made flour tortillas filled with simple, wholesome fillings such as grilled chicken, salsa and smoked aioli, or the slightly less Mexican Korean barbecue flavored skirt steak with red cabbage. There is a whole range of margaritas, all sorts of other cocktails, and a number of local beers on draft. 715 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207, Phone: 704-332-7933

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16. Things to Do Near Me: Carowinds  Carowinds



Carowinds is a fun family destination. This huge amusement park offers almost 60 breath-taking rides, live entertainment and a brilliant Water Park, all in the same complex. The highlight of any visit is doubtlessly the thrilling Fury 325 roller coaster, but riding the Fury is just the tip of the iceberg. Once you have come back down to earth you can look forward to dozens of other rides in categories suitable for all ages. The Carolina Harbor Water Park offers hours of fun in the sun with wave pools, giant water slides and a 3-acre area for younger visitors. Combination passes are available. 300 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273, 704-588-2600



17. Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina: Chef Alyssa's Kitchen  Chef Alyssa's Kitchen



At Chef Alyssas Kitchen, cooking novices can learn the basics, more experienced cooks can enhance their culinary skills, and anyone can have a great time cooking, eating, drinking and making new friends. Run by Alyssa Gorelick and Andrew Wilen, Chef Alyssas Kitchen is located in South End and offers healthy sustainable cooking lessons for everyone. Classes are designed to be fun and informative. Students learn how to cook based on seasonally available ingredients, and ultimately how to live a healthier life. Chef Alyssas Kitchen offers five levels of classes, from beginner classes to advanced courses for professional chefs looking to hone their already-mastered skills. Chef Alyssas Kitchen also hosts private events and functions such as team-building, corporate events, and birthday parties. 4001 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217, Phone: 704-817-7568 Fun destinations: Southwest Vacations, waterfalls near Charlotte

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18. UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, Charlotte, North Carolina  Courtesy of Hendrik Schwartz - Fotolia.com



UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens serve as an educational resource for the university and the public. The gardens consist of three distinct areas: the 7-acre Van Landingham Glen, the 3-acre Susie Harwood Garden, and the McMillan Greenhouse complex. All of the areas are well-maintained and have unique varieties of plants, shrubs and trees, from native wildflowers in the Glen and ornamental plants in the Harwood Garden to lush tropical flora in the greenhouse. The Botanical Gardens offer a wealth of classes, and workshops and guided group tours, as well as plant sales, membership, volunteer opportunities, and plant society meetings. UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens are one of the best Charlotte attractions for garden lovers. 9090 Craver Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262, 704-687-0721



19. Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina: Stoke  Stoke



With a bright, open kitchen at its heart, Stoke is an upscale, spacious eatery with high ceilings, located in uptown Charlottes Marriott City Center. This all-day restaurant offers contemporary American cuisine ranging from wood-fired meats to oysters, charcuterie boards, and salads. Try their simple but perfect flat iron steak with salsa criolla and avocado. All the ingredients are seasonal and regional, the flavors are exquisite, and the atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. Try the chicken biscuit with pimiento cheese, maple syrup, and bacon; it is a meal in itself. They have 25 revolving regional craft beers on tap and interesting and original cocktails with a spotlight on a specialty teas and fruit-infused cocktails. 100 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202, Phone: 704-353-6005 More weekend and day trips: Best Family Vacation Ideas in North Carolina and Romantic Weekend Getaways in North Carolina.

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20. Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina: Sharon Square  Sharon Square



Snuggled between Whole Foods and the SunTrust Banks regional headquarters, Sharon Square is a mixed-use, walkable community in Charlottes South Park that combines a range of residences, businesses, first-class dining, shops, cafes, and bars and is modern, attractive, and easily accessible. Some of the best Charlottes restaurants are located on the Sharon Square  Dogwood Southern Table, and Oak Steakhouse. There is also the Denise Antonacci Salon, the gourmet pet shop Woof Gang Bakery, Design Gaps, a drive-through Starbucks, and much more. Solis Sharon Square offers a range of upscale apartments with superb amenities such as a modern fitness center, a resort-style pool with a sundeck, a games room, and courtyards.



21. Things to Do in Charlotte, NC: Legion Brewing Company  Legion Brewing Company



Legion Brewing is a popular brewery, pub, and restaurant on Commonwealth Avenue near the lake that attracts a loyal following with its great IPAs, many other styles of beer, excellent pub grub, and wonderful social atmosphere. The spacious dining room is made warm and cozy with reclaimed wood, and the back room has a balcony from which you can watch your favorite beer being made. With plenty of board games, TVs for following your favorite team, and occasional live music, Legion Brewing is a fun spot to enjoy with friends or family and even the family dog. It can get noisy, but it is worth it. 1906 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205, Phone: 844-467-5683



22. Things to Do Near Me: Latin American Contemporary Art Projects  Latin American Contemporary Art Projects



Latin American Contemporary Art (LaCa) Projects is an exciting new platform for presenting Latin American art and culture and encouraging dialogues between artists. Located in the heart of the revitalized FreeMoreWest neighborhood, LaCa Projects works to develop Latin American Contemporary Art by exhibiting influential and thought-provoking works by emerging and mid-career artists. The museum features a permanent gallery exhibiting the work of local artists and another gallery which hosts a variety of exhibitions by established Latin American artists throughout the year. Visitors can watch artists at work in their studios and tour the galleries. 1429 Bryant Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28208, Phone: 704-837-1688 More places to visit: 25 Best Things to Do in Minneapolis

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23. Things to Do in Charlotte, NC: Growlers Pourhouse  Growlers Pourhouse Growlers Pourhouse is a popular neighborhood pub in Charlotte with exposed bricks, a nice and friendly atmosphere, and 14 rotating beers on tap. Most beers come from several neighborhood breweries such as NoDa Brewing and Birdsong Brewing. The large wooden bar and communal tables are often packed and the atmosphere is lively, especially on days when the big game is on one of the many large TVs. There are complimentary bowls of popcorn and one of the most popular offers on the pubs menu is a plate of raw oysters on the half shell. There are also house-made sausages and brats and other popular pub grub. 3120 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205, Phone: 704-910-6566



24. Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina: Hendrick Motorsports  Hendrick Motorsports Hendrick Motorsports is a NASCAR championship-winning team and race car center located in Concord, just one mile from the Charlotte Motor Speedway. NASCAR fans can visit the campus at no cost during regular hours of operation and explore the state-of-the-art facilities, which feature the Hendrick Motorsports Museum and the Team Store. Hendrick Motorsports has earned a record 11 car owner championships in NASCARs premier division, the Sprint Cup Series, since 1984. The museum documents this successful history with photography exhibits. The Hendrick Motorsports extends its operating hours on race weekends, during which time visitors can watch the preparations for a big race. Public events such as autograph sessions occur regularly, and autographed merchandise can be purchased from the Team Store. 4400 Papa Joe Hendrick Blvd, Charlotte, North Carolina 28262, Phone: 704-455-3400



25. Charlotte Roller Derby  Crin/stock.adobe.com Charlotte Roller Derby is a skater-owned and operated non-profit organization involving multiple roller derby teams and programs made up of individuals of all ages and backgrounds. As well as training up and playing in bouts against other teams in the Women's Flat Track Derby Association leagues, Charlotte Roller Derby also aims to enrich and inspire the local community through various events and programs, as well as by donating profits and proceeds to local charities and good causes in Charlotte. If youd like to attend a roller derby bout and cheer on the teams of the Charlotte Roller Derby, its very easy and affordable to do so. You can check out the full bout calendar on the official site for Charlotte Roller Derby and buy tickets to individual events for you, your family, and your friends. charlotterollerderby.org



25 Best Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina

More ideas:

Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina: Lake Norman

Just 15 miles from Charlotte, Lake Norman is a beautiful man-made lake that offers a wealth of leisure activities for visitors. The lake was created by Duke Energy in 1963 and is still the largest man-made lake in the Carolinas. Lake Norman and the surrounding towns of Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville offer shopping, golfing, fishing, and a variety of water activities.

The lake is 34 miles long and features numerous attractions such as the Cowans Ford Dam and the Marshall Steam Station. Cornelius is a tranquil, pleasant lakeside town. Huntersville is packed with historical and cultural sites, including the historic homesteads Rural Hill and Latta Plantation, as well as shopping and entertainment. Davidson has excellent hiking and biking trails.

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A few days ago we entered into the new month of Iyar. Here's my favorite teaching about the month of Iyar: its name is an acronym for something beautiful. Torah teaches that after the children of Israel crossed through the Sea of Reeds and reached the far shore, they sang and danced -- and then, once they began their journey in the wilderness, they became afraid. What if there were no potable water for them to drink? What if there weren't enough to nourish them in life's journey?

So God instructed Moshe to throw a piece of wood into a stagnant pond, and the water became sweet. And then God offered one of Torah's most beautiful reassurances, saying "I am YHVH your healer." That's the phrase we can see hidden in the name of the month Iyar:    / I am God, your healer.

In the words of my friend and teacher Rabbi Yael Levy of A Way In:

Iyar is an acronym for this promise the Divine Mystery has made to us: I am your healer. On lifes journeys you will face the seas of struggle, celebration, fear and joy, and whatever comes, I am there to heal and guide you. (Exodus 15:26)

She continues:

Iyar is a month of second chances because the full moon of Iyar provides the opportunity to make up for something that has been missed. During Temple times, it was considered essential for a persons spiritual and material wellbeing to compete a sacrificial offering for Passover. If circumstances kept someone from someone from making this offering, he/she was given another opportunity to do so on the 15th day of the month of Iyar. Iyar says it is never too late -- no matter what situation we find ourselves in, no matter how far away we have traveled from our intentions or goals, it is possible to find our way back.

Every life contains missteps and missed opportunities -- times when we look back and realize we wish we'd chosen differently. If only I had reached out to that person then, instead of staying silent. If only I had walked through that door, instead of staying outside. If only I had said "I love you" while I still could. If only, if only.

Part of what it means to me to say that God is our healer is to say that God accompanies us into our second chances. I don't have a time turner; I can't actually go back in time to undo my mistakes, so that I could do then what I wish now that I had done. But Rabbi Levy points out that just as our ancestors were given the opportunity to offer the Pesach sacrifice late, we too can find opportunities to make up for where we missed the mark... and I think that's one way that God can help us to find healing.

Illness and healing are major themes in this week's Torah portion, Tazria-Metzora. Torah's ancient paradigm of tamei and tahor, impure and pure -- or charged-up with the energy of life and death, and absent that psycho-spiritual "electricity" -- may not speak to us. But part of what I relearn from this Torah portion each year is that when one is sick, whether physically or emotionally or spiritually, one may feel exiled from the community. Cut off and isolated. "Outside the camp" in an existential sense: alone even when surrounded by other human beings.

And in those times God comes to us and reminds us    -- I am God, your healer. I am the One Who is with you in sickness and in health, the One Who accompanies you even when you feel most existentially alone.

When we are sick and feel isolated, the One Who Accompanies is with us. And when we are sick at heart because of the places where we missed the mark, the One Who Accompanies is with us too. May this month of Iyar be a time when our second chances gleam bright before us, so we can find healing in making amends, and making new choices, and remembering that -- as Rabbi Levy teaches -- no matter how far we've strayed from where we meant to be, it's never too late to find our way back.

This is the d'var Torah I offered at CBI this morning. (Cross-posted to my From the Rabbi blog.)
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home US Federal agents raid Dallas headquarters of Benny Hinn Ministries

IRS agents and inspectors with the U.S. Postal Service conducted a raid on the headquarters of Benny Hinn Ministries in the Dallas-Fort Worth suburb of Grapevine, Texas on Wednesday morning.

Around 40 to 50 federal agents were reportedly involved in the search that started around 9:00 a.m. U.S. Postal Service inspectors and IRS criminal investigators returned on Thursday to continue searching the offices of the ministry, according to NBC 5.

The agents at the scene did not disclose the nature of the investigation, but they said their unit is primarily responsible for investigating Title 26, which is tax evasion and general fraud against the government.

Investigators noted that most of the employees went home, and Hinn himself was not at the office. A schedule posted on the ministry's website indicated that Hinn is in Paris, France.

Hinn, who is known for his "Miracle Crusades" and his energetic preaching style, was one of the six well-known televangelists who were investigated by the Senate Finance Committee beginning in 2007.

The inquiry raised questions about the personal use of church-owned planes, luxury homes and credit cards by pastors and their families. There were also concerns about the lack of oversight of finances by boards, which were often filled by Hinn's relatives and friends.

The committee cleared Hinn and the other televangelists of any official wrongdoing after more than three years of investigation.

At that time, Hinn maintained that he complied with tax regulations for nonprofits and that he had made changes to how he ran his ministry and set compensation after the investigation.

The pastor is considered to be a "prosperity gospel" preacher and has been repeatedly criticized for living extravagantly.

In a 2009 interview with ABC's Nightline, Hinn responded to the criticism, saying the Holy 'Spirit gives him the "anointing" to heal diseases like cancer. He revealed at the time that his salary was more than $500,000, but he did not give an exact figure.

Following Wednesday's raid, the ministry issued a statement, saying it will fully cooperate with the IRS' investigation.

"As has been widely reported, Benny Hinn Ministries is cooperating fully with the governmental entities that are reviewing certain operations of the Church," the ministry stated in a Facebook post.

"The ministry has undergone intense scrutiny over the years, and we remain confident that there will again be a positive and speedy outcome in the days ahead," it added.
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HA NOI  Around 300 firms will present Thailands internationally recognised brands to Vietnamese consumers at Top Thai Brands 2017, a trade fair to be organised in HCM City from May 11 to 14.

The fair, held jointly by the Thai commerce ministrys department of international trade promotion and the Thai Consulate-General in HCM City, aims to boost the connection between enterprises in both countries, facilitating their search for agents, distributors and franchisees.

Through the fair, both nations hope to enhance trade and investment co-operation, while providing a platform for businesses to widen their networks and further develop strategic partnerships.

Top Thai Brands 2017 offers opportunities for industries such as food and beverages, home appliances, automobile and motor spare parts, cosmetics and healthcare, as well as service sectors such as education, tourism and business franchising.  VNS
HA NOI - Start-up businesses that focus on green growth will have the opportunity to receive funding and access to comprehensive business development support services from the Viet Nam Climate Innovation Centre (VCIC).

The announcement was made by Pham uc Nghiem, VCICs deputy director at the launch of a contest named Proof of Concept, sponsored by the World Bank and Ministry of Science and Technology, held in Ha Noi on Friday.

Specifically, start-ups would receive funds amounting to US$75,000 for the development, deployment or extension of a product or service, he said.

In addition, sponsored businesses will also receive VCICs counseling from the initial stage to the market development phase.

Innovative products, services, or business models can be included in VCICs second contest in the following categories: effective energy, sustainable agriculture, water management and purification, renewable energy technologies, technology information and other technologies related to climate change.

"This is an opportunity for start-up projects to reduce the impact of climate change on the environment, as well as an opportunity to showcase the potential of Vietnamese companies in the field of technology to cope with climate change," Nghiem said.

"These companies are in the best position to provide innovative solutions to fight climate change, because they know better than anyone else about the difficulties, challenges and potential of the locality. It will help them come up with good ideas to improve the local economy and create more jobs," he added.

Climate change is increasingly attracting the interest of the international community.

As one of the five countries most vulnerable to climate change, the Vietnamese Government has been implementing a number of policy and action programmes to strengthen national capacities to adapt and respond effectively to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emission.

The Ministry of Science and Technology expects that VCIC will create the foundation to help businesses identify business models and commercialise their products to cope with climate change.

VCIC will also organise seminars to call for ideas in Ha Noi, a Nang and HCM City to provide more information for businesses who want to join the contest, Nghiem said.

At least 18 enterprises received funding from VCIC in the first contest in 2016.

Their projects included a car sharing solution to save costs and help passengers access transportation services, an automatic unbaked brick molding chain and bio-produce for agriculture.  VNS
HCM CITY  Vietnamese food exporters have been urged to improve production so that products can meet new regulations set by importing countries, experts have said.

Non-compliance with food safety regulations is the largest barrier to entry, said Rick Gilmore, chairman of the Global Food Safety Forum, at a seminar on Global Food Safety Trends and Solutions to Expand Export Markets for Vietnamese Enterprises held in HCM City on Wednesday.

Under the 2014 Farm Bill in the US, which went into effect in March last year, in the 18-month transitional period (March 1, 2016  September 1, 2017), the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will begin using an interim re-inspection strategy.

Imported Siluriformes (catfish) fish and fish product shipments will be selected for re-inspection and subjected to species and residue testing at least once each quarter.

Viet Nam and other countries have submitted documentation to FSIS showing that they have laws and other legal measures in place that regulate the growing and processing of Siluriformes fish for human food and that ensure compliance with the Food and Drug Administrations regulatory requirements.

A list of facilities approved to export Siluriformes fish from Viet Nam has also been submitted.

The regulations will be fully enforced starting from September 1, 2017, when all imported shipments of Siluriformes fish/fish products to the US will be required to be presented for re-inspection to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Foreign countries seeking to continue to export such products to the US must submit adequate documentation showing the equivalence of their Siluriformes inspection systems with that of the US, he said.

The time to comply with new regulations is now, he said.

Nguyen Thi Hong Minh, former Deputy Minister of Fisheries, said there were provisions in the regulations that were not reasonable for Viet Nam.

For instance, a regulation requires Vietnamese processors to transport fish from fishing ponds to processing plants by road as it is done in the US.

In Viet Nam, which is endowed with abundant rivers, the transportation is mainly made by boat with enough water containers on board to allow fish to move until they reach processing plants.

Minh said that enterprises had made great efforts to meet the environment and quality requirements set by many countries.

Vu Kim Hanh, chairwoman of the High Quality Vietnamese Goods Business Association, said that exports to the US had become more difficult.

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, which took effect last year, was the most sweeping reform of US food safety laws in more than 70 years.

The law ensures a safe US food supply by shifting the focus from responding to preventing contamination. It switched from the inspection of imported goods in the US to inspection in production chains in countries exporting food to the US.

"Food safety regulations under the FSMA are now more strict, with more inspections and higher standards. This has caused difficulties for Vietnamese exports, especially since last June, when the law took effect," she said.

Other countries that Viet Nam exports to, including Canada, the EU and Australia, are expected to have similar laws, according to Hanh.

Vietnamese firms still lack knowledge about the USs Food Safety Modernisation Act and European Food Safety Authority regulations.

To expedite exports, Vietnamese firms should learn more about regulations set by importing countries to ensure that they meet requirements, she added.

Delegates at the seminar called on local firms to increase the use of organic farming practices in agricultural production, animal breeding and aquaculture.

Nguyen Lam Vien, chairman and general director of Vinamit JSC, said that organic certification would open the door for Vietnamese goods to export to choosy markets like North America, Japan and the EU.  VNS
ONG NAI  The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the ong Nais administration on Thursday discussed measures to rescue the southern provinces pig-farming industry following the precipitous drop in the prices of live pigs.

The province has around 1.7 million pigs waiting to enter the market even as the price of live pigs has declined to a record low of VN22,000-24,000 (US$0.97-1.1) per kilogramme, Phan Minh Bau, deputy director of the province Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said.

The price has gone down nearly VN30,000 since last year, he said.

China has stopped buying live pigs from Viet Nam since last November, and it is hurting farmers since they had relied greatly on that market.

While pig breeders lose VN7,000-11,000 per kilogramme, customers fork out VN80,000 for a kilogramme of pork at wet markets and VN100,000 at supermarkets.

Bau blamed this on intermediaries, processors and distributors, saying that between leaving farms and reaching customers pig prices increase by VN44,000-64,000 per kilogramme.

Nguyen Tri Cong, chairman of the ong Nai Livestock Association, said authorities should allow qualified co-operatives to slaughter pigs and sell them directly to workers at industrial parks at 40 per cent lower prices.

It would still be profitable if pork is sold at VN40,000-50,000, he said.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Vu Van Tam welcomed the suggestion and promised his ministry would work with its Chinese counterpart to resume exports to the neighbouring country.

On the same day, Agriculture Minister Nguyen Xuan Cuong sent a communication to all cities and provinces that calls on them to persuade pig slaughterhouses and processors to keep buying pigs and keep them in cold storage or process the meat.

He has called on companies making pig feed and veterinary medicines to reduce their prices to help farmers in this time of difficulty.

The ministry called on local authorities to strengthen links between farmers, co-operatives and enterprises.

Firms and co-operatives should play key roles in monitoring product quality and food safety, and ensure demand for and supply of animal husbandry products are balanced.VNS
HCM CITY  The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has launched a logo design contest for Vietnamese rice trademark, aimed at promoting the reputation of the countrys rice.

Entries for the contest can be submitted from April 26 to June 26. The winner will be announced between September and October this year.According to MARD Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam, the logo must reflect the culture, history and tradition of Viet Nams rice production, while showing the quality and commitment of the country to rice products with the national trademark. The contest is part of activities to realise the project to develop Viet Nams rice brand to 2020 with a vision to 2030, which was approved by the Prime Minister two years ago.

MARD would choose several enterprises to use the logo and register intellectual property protection of the Vietnamese rice trademark, Nam said. He underscored that "the building of Vietnamese rice trademark is significant in defining the value and image of Vietnamese rice products; enhancing awareness of domestic and foreign producers, importers, distributors and consumers on Vietnamese rice, thus expanding the market; and increasing added value and competitiveness of Vietnamese rice". The first prize is worth VN100 million (US$4,400), while four consolidation prizes are VN15 million ($660) each. Details of the contest are available on MARDs website www.mard.gov.vn and the Department of Agricultural Products Processing and Developments website www.chebien.gov.vn.  VNS
Vietcombank (VCB) shareholders approved the lenders plan to issue an additional 360 million shares, equivalent to 10 per cent of its capital, to expand its charter capital to almost VN39.6 trillion (US$1.74 billion).  Photo cafef.vn

HA NOI Vietcombank (VCB) shareholders approved the lenders plan to issue an additional 360 million shares, equivalent to 10 per cent of its capital, to expand its charter capital to almost VN39.6 trillion (US$1.74 billion).

The shares will be sold either to the public or offered to no more than 10 investors (including existing shareholders) in a private placement in late 2017 or next year.

The selling price will not be lower than the price chosen by a valuation institution and its closing price on the HCM Stock Exchange on the trading day preceding the issuing date.

Vietcombank plans to use about VN3 trillion of the proceeds from the issuance to expand lending and other business activities, as well as fund possible mergers and acquisitions (M&As).

At the banks annual shareholders meeting on Friday, its chairman Nghiem Xuan Thanh said M&As would be a long-term strategy and should ensure that Vietcombank expands its network and accesses new markets.

Regarding this criteria, Thanh said Vietcombank has not yet found suitable partners.

Vietcombank has two major stakeholders, of which the State Bank of Vietnam owns 77.11 per cent and Mizuho Bank 15 per cent. Mizuho is the only foreign strategic investor of Vietcombank.

In August last year, Vietcombank and Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC signed an agreement for GIC to acquire a 7.73 per cent stake, equivalent to 305.8 million new shares in the banks planned private placement of nearly 360 million new share issue.

The transaction, subject to approval by the Prime Minister and the State Bank of Viet Nam, has not taken place as by the end of last year GICs offer was considerably lower than market value. Thanh said Vietcombank would re-negotiate with GIC for a better price.

Vietcombank is the most expensive bank on the stock exchange with a share price ranging around VN35,000 ($1.54) a share. It is also the biggest listed lender with market capitalisation at VN126.3 trillion ($5.6 billion) on Friday.

Divestment from other banks

Vietcombank holds capital in five other credit institutions, three more than allowed by the State Bank of Viet Nam.

Chairman Nghiem Xuan Thanh said the bank would divest from the banks in which its stakes were not high, including Orient Commercial Joint Stock bank (5.07 per cent), SaigonBank (4.3 per cent) and Cement Finance Joint Stock Company (10.9 per cent) for a combined value of about VN300 billion.

Vietcombank sought to offload stakes in these institutions last year but failed due to low market liquidity.

The lender plans to retain its holding in Military Bank (7.16 per cent) given the banks positive performance and stable dividend payout. However, it will seek the central banks approval to divest 8.19 per cent of capital from Eximbank (EIB).

Vietcombanks shareholders also approved the 2017 business targets, including growing pre-tax profit by 8 per cent year-on-year to VN9.2 trillion and increasing total assets 11 per cent to VN874.6 trillion.

The dividend rate will remain at 8 per cent this year.

The bank expects to expand its credit outstanding by 15 per cent to VN547.1 trillion, total capitalisation up 14 per cent to VN684.8 trillion and keep the bad debt ratio below 2 per cent.

In the first quarter of this year, the bank reported pre-tax profits of nearly VN2.65 trillion, up 15 per cent year-on-year. Last year, it earned pre-tax profits of over VN8.5 trillion, up 25 per cent year-on-year.  VNS
HA TINH  A year after it caused mass fish deaths by discharging untreated waste directly into the sea, an inspection has found Formosa having addressed 52 of 53 environmental violations.

The inspection was carried out yesterday by a task force led by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Minister Tran Hong Ha.

The one violation still to be corrected by the Hung Nghiep Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Company (FHS) is that it has not installed a coke dry quenching (CDQ) system, the inspection found.

The company said it has already ordered two CDQ systems from Japan, and that the installation will be completed by June 2019.

The CDQ process is said to be a more environment-friendly and energy-efficient one compared to conventional coke wet quenching. CDQ releases less dust, gas emissions and especially, no contaminated wastewater.

In the meantime, Formosa has constructed a wastewater treatment station with an automatic quality monitoring system.

It includes a bio-waste treatment plant and one to treat sewage. It has also installed an automatic air quality monitoring system in its chimneys.

Minister Ha also visited the companys 10-hectare waste stablisation ponds, which are said to be a cost-effective method that uses microbes or heat from sunlight to deal with contaminants and pollutants. The manmade pond, scheduled for completion by the end of this June, is considered a highly important element of pollution management.

Later, meeting with leaders of Ha Tinh Province and the company, Ha agreed with the assessment reports and noted the companys efforts to mitigate the environmental disaster it had caused.

He emphasised that in order to effectively prevent further environmental disasters, frequent technological inspections and assessments need to be done scrupulously, and the monitoring systems must be active round the clock.

He urged further research and study into efficient re-use of solid waste and called for the development of a proper response protocol for environmental accidents.

The quality of air and water in the companys vicinity should also be monitored regularly, the Minister said.

Formosa was found guilty of discharging untreated toxic waste into the ocean, causing mass fish deaths in four central coastal provinces last year.

The pollution destroyed the livelihoods of around 260,000 local residents who depended on the sea to make a living.

The company had made a public apology, agreed on a compensation package of US$500 million and promised to restore the marine environment. VNS
HA NOI  Japanese manga comic fans are in for a treat at the ongoing exhibition at Viet Nam Fine Art Museum in Ha Noi.

The exhibition Manga Hokusai Manga: Approaching the Masters Compendium from the Perspective of Contemporary Comics introduces similarities and differences between contemporary Japanese manga and Hokusai Manga, a collection of sketches by artist Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849).

Today, more than 200 years after the first volume of Hokusai Manga was published, the rich visual expressions created by Hokusai and other artists of the era continue to captivate viewers.

The Hokusai Manga is block-printed in black, grey, and pale flesh and was published from 1814 to 1878 in 15 stitched-bound volumes. It consists of 4,000 images and some 800 story pages.

With regard to Hokusai and his manga, the Japan Foundations exhibition does not take an art-historical perspective, instead approaching the Hokusai Manga from the perspective of contemporary Japanese comics, focusing on genre, pictorial storytelling and participatory culture.

Instead of aiming at a historical verification of influences, the exhibition invites viewers to ponder their own notions about manga by comparing works from different periods.

The exhibition consists of manga panels by Hokusai and contemporary artists displayed on folding screens, books, videos, and a group of new works by seven contemporary manga artists based on the theme of Hokusai and his manga.

Hokusai gained renown in Europe and North America in the late 19th century beginning with his Manga. Broadening the scope of ukiyo-e (pictures of the floating world), he depicted courtesans and stage actors, published landscapes series, illustrated entertaining narratives, and even held painting performances.

His most well-known and popular work is The Great Wave, released as the 21st print of his series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugakusanjurokkei, 1830-33). Depicted from an extremely low point of view, a giant wave enters the picture moving from left to right. The image itself was extraordinary in its time in regard to both the sea as subject matter and the use of the newly imported colour Berlin, or Prussian, Blue.

The series second print has Mt. Fuji framed by the roofs and gate of a then highly popular department store near Edo castle. Pilgrims climbing Mt. Fuji and worshipping at its crater rim are the subject of the print thought to be the final of the series.

Seven contemporary manga artists created work especially for the exhibition. They are divided into two groups. Some engage with formal aspects of the Hokusai Manga, while others show a deep fascination with their creator and the time-transcending dimension of his stance towards picturing anything and everything.

Nishijima Daisuke is one of the artists. He produces graphic narratives that combine a cute, almost fan-service-like look with geopolitical issues such as the American War in Viet Nam, as in his long-running series ien Bien Phu since 2006.

In the original artwork entitled La Mer he created for this exhibition, he deployed both his pictorial and musical skills: a character from his manga series A Kindly World hovers on a vertical scroll, with accompanying piano music, composed and performed by the artist himself and reportedly inspired by Claude Debussys La Mer and the fact that Hokusais Great Wave adorned the first edition of its sheets in 1905.

Other artists include Ichikawa Haruko with Summer Fields (2015); Okadaya Tetuzoh with Thats All For Now (2015); Yokoyama Yuichi with Giant Elephant (2015); Shiriagari Kotobuki with Funny Faces (2015); Igarashi Daisuke with A Person Who Draws the World (2015) and Kyo Machiko with Innocent Toys (2015).

All contributing artists are experienced authors of longer or shorter graphic narratives that are first serialised in manga magazines and later republished in bound volumes.

Manga Hokusai Manga: Approaching the Masters Compendium from the Perspective of Contemporary Comics exhibition was held in Rome, Italy in February 2016 and in Dublin, Ireland in March 2017.

The exhibition will run until May 2 at 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Ha Noi and will be held in Museum of HCM City, 92 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1 from May 12 to 26.  VNS
HA NOI  Despite nearly 7,000km separating Azerbaijan and Viet Nam, the two countries share several cultural similarities, said experts at a recent conference entitled The Parallels of Azerbaijani and Vietnamese Cultures.

The annual conference, now in its third year, was held on Friday by the Azerbaijani History and Culture Research Centre in Viet Nam, and the Azerbaijan Embassy.

Most of the Vietnamese experts taking part in the event studied in Azerbaijan and have beautiful memories of the country.

We have been holding this conference already three years in a row, however this year it is particularly meaningful, because, this year, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Viet Nam. Despite establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992, friendship relations between Azerbaijani and Vietnamese people have a long-standing history and most of the attendees of todays event are the witnesses of these relations, said Anar Imanov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Viet Nam at the conference.

Today Azerbaijan and Viet Nam have left behind many difficulties, overcame them successfully and both have become leading countries in their regions. Both countries promote their culture and traditions not only in the national level, but also internationally, he added.

This year, the conference focuses mostly on similarities between the two countries in music and folk dancing.

Le Anh Tuan, director of the Viet Nam Academy of Music said that the two countries have very rich and diverse folk music with various traditional music instruments.

Azerbaijani music is the musical tradition of the Azeri people. It builds on folk traditions that reach back nearly 1,000 years.

The folk music of the two countries is rich in meaning and human values. Its very important that the two countries promote music exchanges, Tuan said.

Peoples Artist Ung Duy Thinh, Vice Chairman of the Viet Nam Dancing Artist Association, also said that he found similarities in the folk dances of the two countries.

He discovered several ancient dances that are similar in the two countries.

For example, the collective performance of the Yalli dance in Azerbaizan is very similar to the xoe vong dance of the Thai ethnic group in northwest Viet Nam. They both originated from the peasants working daily life and are performed with the joy of a community, he said.

Participants at the conference said that even though the two countries were not large, they had thousands of years of history, and were resilient during wars against foreign invaders.

Multiculturalism, for both countries, has been the way to peace and stability.

The two countries set up close relations in 1959 when President Ho Chi Minh visited Azerbaijan. The President wanted oil-savvy Azerbaijan to help Viet Nam train cadres in this sector.

Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Viet Nam were established on September 23, 1992. Azerbaijan opened its embassy in Viet Nam in 2013.  VNS
The Standing Committee of the National Assembly yesterday discussed the Law on the Prevention of alcohols harm, during which they said the law should adequately assess the cultural and economics factors of alcohol abuse. VNA/VNS Photo The Duyet

HA NOI  The Standing Committee of the National Assembly yesterday discussed the Law on the Prevention of alcohols harm, during which they said the law should adequately assess the cultural and economics factors of alcohol abuse.

When presenting the report on the Health Legislative Program 2018 at the Sixth Plenary Session, the National Assemblys Committee for Social Affairs yesterday in Ha Noi, deputy health minister Pham Le Tuan claimed Viet Nam ranked first in the world in consuming alcoholic beverages. A 2010 World Health Organisation study ranked the country 94th in per capita consumption.

He also said alcohol is the direct cause of more than 30 diseases and the fifth leading cause of death and disability globally. In addition to the impact on health, the abuse of alcohol is also a cause of violence, social disorder and traffic accidents.

Thus, the minister has developed the Law on the Prevention of alcohols harms, which would prohibit officials, employees and workers from using alcohol during working hours or breaks. It also prohibits the use of means of transport after drinking and prohibits the advertisement of alcohol.

Commenting on the draft law, deputy Nguyen Anh Tri said that it was not fair to view alcohol as a harmful product, adding that making alcohol is a long-lasting traditions of many villages in Viet Nam.

Tri said the law should prevent fake and poisonous alcohol and the abuse of alcohol.

Alcohol is not harmful itself but the abuse of it brings about bad effects, Tri said, adding that the law must look at its effect on the economic standing of people who earn their living by making alcohol.

Health Minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, meanwhile, said that the World Health Organisation has been warning about the harm of alcohol to health, therefore it was essential to build a law to control the abuse of alcohol. She also stressed that human health should be more important than economic factors.

The Ministry of Health also presented and received many comments on the Law on Population regarding the number of children couples should have, safe abortion laws and congenital disease screening.VNS


MANILA- Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with his Malaysian counterpart, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday after arriving in Manila for the 30th ASEAN summit.

The two leaders expressed their pleasure at the development of the strategic partnership between the two countries and agreed to foster multifaceted co-operation.

They also committed to expand bilateral trade to US$20 billion in 2020 from US$11 billion.

At Phucs request, Najib Razak said Malaysia would foster co-operation in food production for Muslim people and consider hiring more Vietnamese workers in areas where there is demand for such labour.

He also pledged that legal proceedings against Vietnamese citizen oan Thi Huong would be conducted in a fair and legal manner.

On the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement (TPP) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), he said: "We agree that RCEP negotiations should be continued until it is finalised. Apart from that, 11 other TPP countries are discussing alternatives to the TPP."

The two leaders also agreed to maintain consultation and close collaboration on building a united ASEAN and promoting the role of ASEAN in tackling regional issues, especially the East Sea issue.

The two sides stressed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, maritime safety and aviation and agreed that disputes should be resolved through peaceful means, on the basis of respect for international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They said they would also work closely towards a legally binding Code of Conduct for all involved parties in the South China Sea.

Prime Minister Phuc also met with Myanmar state counselor Aung San Suu Kyi yesterday.

Suu Kyi said she was inspired by Viet Nam achievements in building and developing the country.

The two leaders agreed that Viet Nam and Myanmar should push negotiations toward the signing of agreements in trade, investment and national defence.

Suu Kyi said Myanmar would create all favourable conditions for Viet Nams investment and trade activities in the country.

Phuc and Suu Ky also agreed on the need to resolve disputes through peaceful means based on international law as also an early finalisation of a Code of Conduct for the East Sea.

On the same day, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with the staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in Manila, where he told the staff about the socio-economic situation at home, saying that the Party and the State would continue to take measures to stabilise the macro-economy, promote economic growth, accelerate the administrative reforms and improve the investment climate towards increasing national competitiveness and attracting more investment.

He expressed his hope that the overseas Vietnamese community in the Philippines would better integrate into the local society, follow the host countrys laws and contribute to strengthening the friendship and co-operative relations between Viet Nam and the Philippines.-VNS
MANILA  The 30th Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) opened in Manila, the Philippines today with leaders of 10 ASEAN member nations looking to strengthen connectivity and promote the bloc as a global player.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc led the Vietnamese delegation to the event, the first summit in the year the Philippines holds the chair of the grouping.

In his opening remarks, Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte highlighted the significance of this year - a milestone year for ASEAN as the bloc marks its 50th anniversary of establishment.

Duterte underlined the core priorities of the Philippines chairmanship, which are building a people-oriented and people-centred ASEAN, maintaining a peaceful and stable region, cooperating in maritime security and advancing inclusive and innovative-led growth, promoting ASEANs resiliency, and promoting ASEAN as a model for regionalism and as a global player.

He then chaired the summit plenary that focused its discussion on how to strengthen ASEAN connectivity and effectively implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the master plans for the ASEAN Community pillars.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc voiced support for the priorities for cooperation initiated by the Philippines as this years chair, saying they are practical, reflecting the need for connectivity within the bloc and promoting ASEAN as a global player.

Phuc hailed the progress in implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and said the grouping should give priority to building a people-oriented and people-centred ASEAN, enhancing the effectiveness of ASEAN operations and promoting intra-group cooperation and regional connectivity.

He underlined that to win support of people across the region in building the ASEAN Community, the bloc needed to pay more attention to people-connected projects, provide more cross-border career opportunities and promote cultural exchanges and tourism, so that the people could benefit more from the integration process within ASEAN.

Phuc noted the fact that there had been rapid growth in trade between ASEAN and its partners but trade within ASEAN had barely budged over the past few years. Therefore, it was necessary to accelerate intra-bloc cooperation in order to take full advantage of the 620-million-people market, he added.

The Vietnamese government leader urged the quick finalisation of an action plan for the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) development strategy for 2016-2025, as SMEs accounted for over 90 percent of the number of firms in Southeast Asia. More resources should be allocated for startups and innovative projects together with support for them to access funding and markets.

Viet Nam would partner with Thailand to take a leading role in improving productivity and promoting technology, creativity and innovation.

ASEAN leaders later attended the ASEAN Summits retreat and dialogues with the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and ASEAN Youth.-VNS
MANILA ASEAN member states need to uphold their responsibility and the communitys spirit, especially a common stance on international and regional issues, towards increasing the blocs position in the international arena, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc told a retreat meeting in the framework of the 30th ASEAN Summit in Manila, the Philippines.

He urged ASEAN to lead the way in abiding by international law and basic principles of international relations, in line with its goal to build a rule-based community.

The Vietnamese Government leader also called for more efforts from the group to improve the effectiveness of cooperation with its partners and intra-bloc dialogue mechanisms, with a focus on result-oriented activities.

In his speech, PM Phuc shared the common concern about recent developments in the international and regional situation, which left multi-dimensional impacts on ASEAN and each member nations.

He stressed that the challenges are also an opportunity for ASEAN to prove its capacity and central role in addressing regional issues.

The PM also expressed concern about the escalation of tension in the Korean Peninsula, the East Sea, the East China Sea, and recent terrorist attacks in European countries, while applauding joint efforts of ASEAN in tackling both traditional and non-conventional security challenges.

ASEAN should promote the basic principles and common stance on solving disputes by peaceful measures in line with international law, especially the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS 1982).

He call on parties to exercise restraint, not to use or threat to use force, and respect legal and diplomatic processes, while fully and strictly implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and working towards an early formulation of an effective and feasible Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), contributing to maintaining peace, stability, security, aviation and navigation safety in the waters.

ASEAN leaders welcomed the progresses in the relations between ASEAN and its outside partners, reflected in the outcomes of the implementation of Action Plans between ASEAN and its Dialogue partners.

They noted that more regional nations and organisations wished to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN, and the blocs role in ASEAN-established mechanisms was valued and respected.

The leaders gave instructions on the organisation of activities celebrating important anniversaries with the blocs key partners, such as the 40th anniversary of cooperative relations with the US, Canada, EU, and the 25th anniversary of ASEAN  India relations. They said the celebrations would be opportunities to create new impetuses for the relations between ASEAN and its partners.

The meeting underlined the importance of maintaining the central role of ASEAN in the forming regional structure, improving the efficiency of ASEAN-led regional cooperation mechanisms and forums, and enhancing the blocs capability in addressing global and regional issues.

Regarding regional and international situation, the ASEAN leaders expressed their concerns over the complicated developments, such as the tension related to the Korean Peninsula, militarisation activities in the East Sea, and spreading terrorism threats.

They agreed on the need for ASEAN to develop a strong common voice and bring into play its role, thus contributing to the joint efforts to maintain peace, security and stability in the region and the world.

The ASEAN nations leaders welcomed the timely issue of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Joint Statement on the blocs stance on the tension in the Korean Peninsula, calling on all parties concerned to exercise self-restraint in order to de-escalate the situation and resume negotiations.

They also reiterated the need to push for the completion of a framework for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea by mid-year, creating the conditions for the early formulation of an effective COC.

After the meeting, ASEAN leaders met with representatives from the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), and young representatives from ASEAN member countries.

They encouraged the involvement of all walks of life to promote cooperation, sustainable growth within the bloc and to improve competitiveness for the blocs member states.

They emphasized the commitment that ASEAN will make more endeavour to create connection among people and Governments, thus reaching consensus and support for the intra-bloc cooperation, and promote mutual understanding among member nations people, towards a law-governed, people-oriented and people-centred ASEAN Community.

ASEAN leaders then signed the ASEAN Declaration on the role of the civil service as the catalyst to achieve the ASEAN Community Vision 2025. VNA
HA NOI  The management of imported frozen food, especially tracking its origin, is a headache for Ha Nois food quality supervision force, the Ha Noi Moi (New Ha Noi) reported.

Phi Thanh Hai, deputy head of Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Division under Ha Nois Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the biggest difficulty was to track the origin of frozen food and produce because an imported batch of goods weighing 10 to 20 tonnes is divided into packages of one to two tonnes and sold to traders at wholesale markets for consumption. The majority of traders fail to provide the foods certificate of origin, making food safety check difficult.

The division checked stocks of Thao Nguyen Xanh (Green Grassland) Food Joint Stock Company, which provides frozen poultry and cattle meat. The inspectors found that the meat products were stored mixed together without name brands. The company was also unable to show documents tracking the origin of buffalo meat and pig cartilage, Hai confirmed the information with the Viet Nam News.

The citys Department of Agriculture and Rural Development checked vegetable stocks of Ha Noi Safe Vegetables Joint Stock Company and found 80 litres of vinegar and 10kg of thin-top mushroom of unclear origin, he said.

According to company director Le Van Tu the dry food produced by the company is sold to wholesale markets where traders are only concerned about prices. The food is produced by farmers, but due to small-scale household agriculture, farmers have not paid attention to brand building and product stamps.

A study conducted by the Ha Noi Moi newspaper showed the majority of frozen food stocks in the city do not meet technical standards, nor have private rooms to store each category of goods.

Deputy director of Ha Nois Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Nguyen Huy ang, urged relevant sectors and local authorities to tighten control over preservation conditions of frozen food stocks.

Violating food companies will be asked to put stamps on the products and clarify the production location. Dry and frozen food must be stocked separately, he said. The company must also check the quality of infrastructure and equipment used to preserve food and produce.

After being reminded, the companies must invest in rectifying the problems or be subjected to penalties, ang said.

He said that at the same time, authorised agencies would raise traders awareness of selling food of clear origin and call on consumers to buy products with clear production and expiry dates.

Lawmakers seek solutions

Food safety management is a headache not only for Ha Noi authorities, but also a prolonged pressing issue for the whole country, which not only affects local lives but also has impacts on negotiations and signing of commercial contracts and exports, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan said.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, there are nearly 30,000 small-scale slaughter houses nationwide, most of which do not have business licences and hygienic conditions.

Among 54,700 inspected farming households using pesticides, more than 9,000 were found violating regulations.

According to the health minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, "some localities even do not allocate funds for food inspection. Many lack human resources and money.

Addressing the National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee deputies last week, Tien proposed that the NA allocate funds to solve the problems.

Other deputies argued that Criminal Code has specific regulations charging food safety violators with one to 15 years in prison, depending on levels of violations.

However, law enforcement has not been effective.

Deputy Minister of Public Security, Senior Lieutenant General Le Quy Vuong, said that over the past five years, among more than 13,000 food safety violations, 8,000 cases were handled. But only more than 90 cases were prosecuted, including one involving alcohol production resulting in the death of four people. Data shows the difficulty in providing evidence to charge food violators.

Another obstacle was assessing food and consumer health. For example, a person might consume poisonous food but the effects would not be immediately evident, making assessment of the source difficult, he said.  VNS
Xuan Huong

HCM CITY  Nguyen Huu Phuoc of Hamlet 9 in My Loc Commune in Vinh Long Province, grows organic rice on 7,000sq.m of land.

I switched to organic farming last year and this is my third crop.

Phuoc is among 74 farmers in My Loc growing organic rice as part of a pilot project that aims to bring consumers safer quality products and enable sustainable agricultural production.

Viet Nam is among the top five rice exporters in the world, and the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta accounts for 90 per cent of the exports.

But rice cultivation in the delta, which also produces more than half of the countrys rice, is largely done in small fields with excessive chemicals and fertilisers.

The problem is being addressed effectively by the pilot project that has brought together many small farmers who pool their lands and achieve economies of scale, Le Van Chien, chairman of the My Loc Commune Peoples Committee, said.

The project, implemented by the Saigon Union of Trading Co-operatives (Saigon Co.op), the local administration, Tan Tien Agricultural Co-operative and some companies, began with the 2016 summer-autumn rice crop on an area of 44.3ha with 74 farmers, he said.

Duong Van Thanh, director of the co-operative, said farmers initially faced difficulties in shifting to organic farming.

Besides, productivity was down. But with Saigon Co.op pledging to buy all the rice at higher than normal prices, farmers felt more secure, he said.

Nguyen Van Phinh of Hamlet 11 in My Loc Commune, said all 22 farmers in his hamlet complied strictly with the methods outlined by technical staff.

Productivity has been low in the initial stages, but we accept it.

Chien said: Compliance with organic farming methods not only provides safe products to consumers, but also helps water sources and seafood species to gradually recover.

Farmers health is protected too as they do not have to come in contact with harmful plant protection chemicals.

Organic farming is also more beneficial to the soil.

Confirming the environmental benefits of organic farming, Prof Dr Pham Van Kim, a former lecturer at Can Tho University, said "aquatic species brought in by the floods could not survive in rice fields in the past, but after two to three organic crops, some species can now be found".

"This offers long-term and sustainable value to the eco-system, especially agriculture," he said.

Expansion

Thanh said demand for organic rice was increasing both in the domestic market and abroad, but its cultivation remains modest.

Despite facing difficulties such as low productivity, high costs and silted irrigation systems, the co-operative plans to expand the area under organic rice, he said.

Thanh and other farmers in the project agreed that to persuade more farmers to switch, closer links need to be created between farmers, businesses, scientists and the Government, especially farmers and businesses, to reduce costs and improve productivity, and improve farmers profit.

They also wanted the prices of organic fertilisers to be reduced.

According to Le Thi Tu Anh, chairwoman of GAP Agriculture JSC, all the fertilisers supplied to farmers involved in the project are imported from the US and supplied at a 21 per cent discount.

When farmers persevere with organic farming, the fertility of the soil would improve, meaning costs, especially of fertilisers, would reduce and productivity and profit would go up, she said.

Instead of growing three rice crops, the local government and farmers are considering other models like two rice crops and aquaculture and two rice crops and one crop of other produce like maize, soya bean, sesame, or vegetables to regenerate the soil.

Tran Van Ron, the Vinh Long Province Party Secretary, said: Based on the initial results of the project, the province would continue to expand the scale of the project.

It would instruct My Loc Commune authorities and Tan Tien Agricultural Co-operative to bring in more farmers and step up propaganda to ensure the farmers do comply with the agreed farming techniques.

Pham Trung Kien, deputy general director of Saigon Co.op, said the project was part of his companys master plan to integrate itself deeply into the rice value chain to bring consumers safer quality products at reasonable prices.

Saigon Co.op promises long-term participation in the project and support to farmers to enable the project to expand further, which will enable sustainable agricultural production for both consumers and producers.  VNS
A NANG  Vietnam News Agency (VNA) inaugurated a new information service centre of the Central and Central Highlands region in the city of a Nang yesterday after three years of construction.

The 14-storey building, on 2,348sq.m, was built with total investment of VN194 billion (US$9.2 million) from the State budget

The centre will provide working space for VNAs representative offices and branches for news coverage in 11 central and central highlands provinces and cities from Quang Tri to Khanh Hoa.

The debut of the centre also marked the 42nd anniversary of the Liberation Day (April 30th) and May Day.

VNAs information service centre of the Central and Central Highlands region, which was established in 1959 with the first correspondents from the VNA in the region, was awarded the Labour Order, First Class in 2012.  VNS
WATERLOO  Attendees at Fridays forum on Iowas new firearms law were given three minutes to ask questions. That was not nearly enough time for Waterloos Joyce Wilder.

Some of her questions were practical: Can the law be reversed? Are guns allowed on school grounds during extra-curricular events?

Others drew laughter: Can you stand your ground with a police officer? Do you have to wait for someone breaking into your house to actually enter before shooting them?

Wilder was dead serious. There is a lot of confusion about the new law, particularly its stand-your-ground provisions.

It should have been thought out more, Wilder said later. Its scary. Its a scary situation.

The more than 50 people who showed up to the forum mostly shared Wilders concerns.

The panel included Democratic state Reps. Ras Smith, Timi Brown-Powers, Bob Kressig, Waterloo Polices Aaron McClelland and Black Hawk County Attorney Brian Williams. They also shared concerns about the law.

The panelists noted state law known as the castle doctrine already allowed Iowans to defend home and business.

Stand your ground expands the law so you do not have to retreat if you feel threatened, and you are justified in using force deadly if you reasonably perceive you are under threat, even if that perception is wrong.

Many panelists noted the lack of clarity in the laws many provisions.

Only two of about 18 people who asked questions spoke in support of the law. One of them, sporting a Cedar Valley Militia sweatshirt, spoke in defense of the stand-your-ground provision, arguing it only impacts people who legally possess firearms and doesnt address race.

But Smith, a first-term lawmaker from Waterloo, said statistics show a white male shooting a black man is significantly more likely to be found justified with a stand-your-ground defense than when the situation is reversed.

Smith and several others noted concerns about the perception of fear and how black men frequently are perceived as threats.

Robert Henderson, a Waterloo resident, offered testimony about how perceptions can be incorrect. He recalled an incident during a snowstorm some 15 years ago when he tried to help a white woman whose car was stuck, but she was so scared I felt sorry for her.

He was the first of three African-American men who shared stories about being perceived as threats by white women when they were trying to offer assistance or simply walking into a store. Henderson compared the new law to the wild, wild west.

This is just insanity, Henderson said to applause. I have spent more than three decades trying to convince people to resolve conflict by the least violent means possible, and now we have put a law in place that speaks to the quick and the dead, and the use of fire power, its just madness. Its a complete contradiction of everything that weve tried to instill and get young people to relate to.

Several people asked about collecting data on the laws impact. Smith said a request for a minority impact statement was denied as the bill was debated, but said data still will be collected.

McClelland said evidence from other states does show an increase in homicides after stand-your-ground laws have been enacted.

Many other questions dealt with the possibility of undoing the law. Legislators said it can be amended, but it would likely only happen under a new Legislature. Several people commented about paying attention to the 2018 election.

The event was organized so voters could hear first-hand from legislators who debated the bill and those who will enforce the law.

One of the organizers, Krystal Madlock, said more events will be held to discuss issues from the 2017 legislative session, but none are scheduled yet.
WATERLOO -- The Apostolic Pentecostal Church, 1645 Downing Ave., will host an Old-Fashioned Sunday on April 30.

Services will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a get-together on the grounds. Burgers and hot dogs will be provided, but people are asked to bring side dishes, chips or desserts to share. "Old-fashioned dress is encouraged.

Church to host spring revival

WATERLOO -- Union Missionary Baptist Church, 209 Jackson St., will host the annual spring revival at 7 p.m. nightly May 1 through 4.

Guest speaker is evangelist Dr. Fernando Bernard Mitchell of Mendenhall, Miss. The event is open to the public.

For more information, call the church at 235-1213. The Rev. Marvin D. Jenkins is the pastor.

ASPIRE to host fundraiser May 6

WATERLOO -- ASPIRE Therapeutic Riding Program will host its 17th anniversary of "Trotting Towards the Future" on May 6 at the Isle Casino Hotel, 777 Isle of Capris Blvd.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. This year's event is the "Frozen" theme. There will be silent and live auctions, hor d'oeuvres buffet and live music by Milk and Honey.

For more information go to www.aspiretrp.org.
The incumbent and a Paducah attorney win their way to the bench
By West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 28, 2017 | 10:23 AM | MCCRACKEN COUNTY, KY

A local attorney has been arrested on multiple counts of theft, and police say more charges are possible.

The McCracken County Sheriff's Office says deputies began investigating after they got information that 43-year-old James Grant King had failed to pay collected settlement money to his clients.

Detectives said a couple who had been involved in an accident hired King in February of 2016. King was to negotiate a settlement agreement with Nationwide Insurance. Within six weeks of being hired, police say King had settled both claims, collecting a combined $93,000 without consulting with his clients to seek their approval on the amounts being settled.

According to police, King failed to notify his clients that he had settled and collected with Nationwide. Police said the clients only found out after they began investigating why the case had not been settled. After being told by Nationwide that the case had been settled, King was confronted. He reportedly told his clients the paperwork must have been misplaced and the money was still sitting in escrow.

The clients, not believing this, filed a criminal complaint with the sheriffs department. Through the investigation, detectives were able to view Kings escrow account statements, which showed he deposited the combined $93,000 in March and April of 2016. A few weeks later, police say all the money had been removed from the account.

Police said transaction records showed approximately half the money went to King himself, with the rest being written for payroll, personal expenses, and what is believed to be other clients that he may have owed money. Detectives were unable to locate any records where the clients in this case received any money or where any medical bills associated from the accident had been paid.

King was arrested Thursday on two counts of theft by failure to make required disposition of property $10,000 or more.



Detectives said another of King's former clients contacted them on Friday. The man told them he was involved in an accident in April 2015 and hired King to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company. After not hearing anything for over a year, the victim checked with the insurance company and was told the case had been settled last May for $17,500. The victim told police he hadnt received any payment to date from King.



Detectives later learned King had deposited a settlement check of $17,500 made out to King Law and the victim on May 6. The victim did not get any of that money, and detectives were able to show that King had spent it.



King was charged with another count of theft over $10,000.



The Sheriffs Department says it is investigating several other complaints King, and more charges possible.



King's arraignment is set for Monday.
Advertisement

By West Kentucky Star Staff

Apr. 28, 2017 | PADUCAH, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 28, 2017 | 04:32 PM | PADUCAH, KY

A Paducah man has been arrested after police say he called a black man a racial slur and made threats with a gun at a local gas station.



The Paducah Police Department says the victim told officers he was pulling into a gas station on Lone Oak Road on April 11. He said he had music playing in his car, and a man next to him called him a racial slur and told him to "turn up his music so the rest of the [racial slur] can hear it.



The victim said the man then followed him into the gas station and continued to harass him, pointing out that he had a gun on his hip. He called 911 after the man left and provided a description of the truck, including a partial license plate and the fact that there was a Confederate flag on to the vehicle.



An officer reviewed surveillance video and recognized the man as 63-year-old Terry Rodgers. A vehicle registered to Rodgers matched the description of the one provided by the victim.



Officers arrested Rodgers Wednesday morning on charges of second-degree disorderly conduct, menacing and harassment. He was booked into McCracken County Regional Jail.
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Sharon Lerner in The Intercept:

The hardest part of reversing the warming of the planet may be convincing climate change skeptics of the need to do so. Although scientists who study the issue overwhelming agree that the earth is undergoing rapid and profound climate changes due to the burning of fossil fuels, a minority of the public remains stubbornly resistant to that fact. With temperatures rising and ice caps melting  and that small minority in control of both Congress and the White House  there seems no project more urgent than persuading climate deniers to reconsider their views. So we reached out to Jerry Taylor, whose job as president of the Niskanen Center involves turning climate skeptics into climate activists.

It might seem like an impossible transition, except that Taylor, who used to be staff director for the energy and environment task force at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and vice president of the Cato Institute, made it himself.

Sharon Lerner: What did you think when you first encountered the concept of climate change back in the 1990s?

Jerry Taylor: From 1991 through 2000, I was a pretty good warrior on that front. I was absolutely convinced of the case for skepticism with regard to climate science and of the excessive costs of doing much about it even if it were a problem. I used to write skeptic talking points for a living.

SL: What was your turning point?

JT: It started in the early 2000s. I was one of the climate skeptics who do battle on TV and I was doing a show with Joe Romm. On air, I said that, back in 1988, when climate scientist James Hansen testified in front of the Senate, he predicted wed see a tremendous amount of warming. I argued itd been more than a decade and we could now see by looking at the temperature record that he wasnt accurate. After we got done with the program and were back in green room, getting the makeup taken off, Joe said to me, Did you even read that testimony youve just talked about? And when I told him it had been a while, he said Im daring you to go back and double check this. He told me that some of Hansens projections were spot on. So I went back to my office and I re-read Hansons testimony. And Joe was correct. So I then I talked to the climate skeptics who had made this argument to me, and it turns out they had done so with full knowledge they were being misleading.

SL: So that was it? You changed your mind?

JT: It was more gradual.

More here.
From The Guardian:

Terry Eagleton

As a 24-year-old Cambridge academic, I was lucky enough to be involved in the writing of the May Day Manifesto of 1967. It was a genuinely collaborative project among a range of leftwing intellectuals of the day, a bunch of whom descended on Raymond Williamss cottage outside Cambridge to cobble together a powerful indictment of Harold Wilsons Labour government. EP Thompson scribbled away in one corner of the living room, Stuart Hall discussed neocolonialism in another, while Ralph Miliband phoned in from the LSE. The general air was one of tweeds and pipe smoke. There were no women, a fact that even the most dedicated militant of the day would not have found in the least strange. It would be hard to muster such an impressive bunch of socialist minds today. The intellectual left is thinner on the ground than it was. We have lost almost all the leading figures of that historical moment  though lost them to death rather than to apathy or apostasy. The political climate of the time offered more opportunities for the left as well. One year after the manifesto was published, student revolt swept across Europe, while the United States was plunged into the twin crises of civil rights and the Vietnam war. Today across the Atlantic, the lunatics have taken over the asylum.

Tariq Ali

The mantra of privatisation as the only possible solution to the crisis is still invoked regularly by elite opinion makers almost everywhere. That this dogmatic obsession is wrecking living conditions seems to have little impact on our rulers. Health services are under siege by private companies with politicians on their payrolls. A rational solution exists but is blocked by the dictatorship of capital. To take one example: the NHS in Britain. Its short-sighted to think that this can only be funded by more taxes. The postwar politicians who created the NHS missed out on an important corollary: a state-owned pharmaceutical industry that would stop the grotesque profits of big pharma from crippling a nationalised health service. It has worked well in some parts of the south. Why doesnt the north follow suit? It would help to drastically reduce the costs of public medicine. For this to happen the cancer of privatisation needs to be rooted out.

More here.
With no Democratic challenger, Johnson secures third term in House

Republican U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson won reelection for his third term representing South Dakotas only U.S. House district.
Flooring America of Western North Carolina is hosting a Home Makeover Sale, which saves customers money on select Tigressa carpet and Baroque Flooring vinyl and hardwood products. This flooring store in Hendersonville, NC, can give shoppers up to $500 off their purchase.

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Flooring Canada Kelowna is hosting the Home Makeover Sale starting on May 4 and ending on June 25. During this event, instant rebates on select hard surface floors are available from Baroque Flooring and carpets from Tigressa; special financing offers are also available.

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Model turned actress Preeti Jain who claimed that filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar raped her repeatedly for three years and that he had promised her a role in his film but backed out later. Madhur denied the charges of rape and criminal intimidation and submitted that the victim was trying to use arm-twisting tactics to get a role in his film. The ugly war began then; the actress filed complaint and knocked legal doors. Single lady with old father (now he is no more) went pillar to post for seeking justice. On the other side, Madhur is a director with well resourced and have good connection, who can afford to stand tall against all odds.

The saga went on for many years. Finally, she is being sentenced to three years in jail after found guilty of plotting to kill Bhandarkar. The sentence has been suspended by four weeks and she has been granted bail.

She is alleged to have given a contract to kill Bhandarkar. Naresh Pardeshi, member of the Gawli gang, who was allegedly, paid Rs. 70, 000 as part of a deal is still in custody. Jain was earlier arrested in 2005 by the city police on the charge of hiring Pardeshi. She approached Pardeshi a year after she had filed a rape case against Bhandarkar. Now, court has also sentenced Pardeshi and Shivram Das  to three years on charges of conspiracy, aiding and abetting crime. Two other aides from Uttar Pradesh were acquitted for lack of evidence.

According to the chargesheet record, Jain supposedly paid Rs. 70,000 to the gangsters for killing the filmmaker. However, as the task was not completed, she asked for refund of her money. The issue reached Gawli, who then sent his men to alert the police. In this entire story, there was no witness but only the gangster. She failed to prove herself innocent. The case came to limelight when Gawli (now in jail) was an MLA, wrote to then Deputy CM R.R. Patil and the Mumbai police about the conspiracy. The police suspect the trail leads to Gawli himself, that he used Pardeshia struggling jobless youthas a front till it was convenient. They have copies of telephone records and conversations between Gawli and Preeti, and between Pardeshi and Preeti. Pardeshi used some of the supari money to rent a flat for his family in south-central Mumbai. The cops recovered Bhandarkars photograph with his phone number from the flat but believe Pardeshi was too new to underworld machinations to carry out a contract killing. Gawli has disassociated himself from Pardeshi, unwilling to acknowledge that the latter was active in his Akhil Bharatiya Sena till recently. Preeti admitted to meeting Gawli only because she believed he could raise the rape issue in the assembly.

Mumbai police already interrogated and put her through lie detector and brain-mapping tests in Bangalore. The reports were in favour of Jain, she got bail in 2005. However, the police are now trying to establish if the trail to Gawli can be proved. Gawli was arrested on extortion charges and issuing death threats to another former aide.

After the case came to light, Mr. Bhandarkar has been given protection by the police. Gawli has not been questioned in the case yet. Its been almost 14 long years, she got arrested gone through hell and then again got bail, and even today she is subjected to all legal melancholy. This has become never ending story for her. Meanwhile Bhandarkar delivered hit films, got married extended family and enjoying support from politicians to the celebs.

Bhandarkar, used to work as Ram Gopal Vermas assistant and later shot to fame with his film on bar dancers, Chandni Bar.

Righteousness is always partial towards women and not as lenient or feeble in punishment or judgement as would be expected to women. If the case would be on man instead of women for plotting the murder, then he would definitely get rid of it because man know to manipulate the case or received minimum punishment. A single woman who came to glamour industry to make her career lost in couch. Though the intimacy was mutual, one wanted body to fulfill his lust whereas other wanted a chance in film to fulfill her dream. That was give and take relationship but one walked away from it, betraying other with no responsibility or guilt. The girl sought different medium of publicity. She went legal, claiming it was rape. At the end the entire plot went haywire, with many twists and turns. The victim remained at par battling everyday a new challenge and the couch master has become larger than life.

When judiciary, authority, society, circumstances and fate goes against one person, no matter how innocent or guilty he or she is. time becomes ruthless for him or her.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@afternoonvoice.com)
Update: Thanks to commenter Kim for letting us know the article is no longer live on the site.



By Anne Dachel:



Bryant Archway is the student newspaper of Bryant University in Smithfield, RI.

I noticed that the "mission" of Bryant University is to inspire students to "become innovative leaders...attuned to the needs of industry and society." Well, this article clearly aligns them with INDUSTRY...the drug industry.

It's clear, when reading A STUDENT NEWSPAPER, that the future of journalism is bleak and so is the future of everything else. Reporter Harrison Garrett is majoring in Applied Economics with a double minor in Political Science and Finance. He is also the Student Government Treasurer and the Chair of the Ways and Means Commission. Somewhere along the line he didn't learn to RESEARCH THE SOURCE in his story.

Garrett is either extremely naive (and can't image that CDC/WHO et al. have anything other than the interests of our children in mind when they vouch for the safety of vaccines), or else he's fine with lots of agencies and organizations with extensive money ties to the vaccine industry.

ANYTIME a news story on Robert Kennedy, Jr. and vaccines is published WITHOUT THE WORD MERCURY, it's a fraud. Garrett doesn't know what he's talking about OR ELSE ...he's trying to cover up Kennedy's real argument. Regardless, this is junk journalism.

You'll notice that NO ONE attacking Robert Kennedy EVER claims that they've actually read his book, Thimerosal, Let the Science Speak. What are they teaching at Bryant anyway? Write what you're told, check nothing.

April 28, 2017, Bryant Archway: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is no champion of science

By Harrison Garrett

Last month, Bryant University welcomed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to speak about issues ranging from capitalism to climate change. Advocates for environmental preservation, including Mr. Kennedy himself, are generally seen as the pro-science coalition. They tend to be the ones who support their position with mainstream scientific findings. The opposition? Theyre often seen as dismissive of this same science. Like most environmental activists, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is fond of citing this mainstream climate science in order to establish a consensus about the threat of climate change. And yes, there is a consensus that the planet is warming, and that human activity is contributing to it. 97 percent of climate scientists agree on this.








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Mahatma Gandhi is believed to have said: "that in an age of Empire and Military Might, the powerless had power and that force of arms would not forever prevail against force of spirit". Father of the Indian nation is also believed to have struggled to free his nation from bondage and occupation. However, many world over believe that Fuhrer Hitler was mainly responsible for helping India get its independence. Hitler had to lose his mind to start the world war resulting in a huge economic setback for United Kingdom leaving Prime Minister Clement Attlee no option but to leave India in haste.

Visualising a ray coming out of Kashmir, Gandhi eventually reached Srinagar on August 01, 1947 and went on for a call at Jammu on August 5. Gandhi spent much time with Begum Jehanara Abdullah, had talks with Maharaja Hari Singh and Pandit Ram Chand Kak Prime Minister of Maharaja Hari Singhs government. Gandhi on a special mission was to take over the responsibility of roping in nationalists Maharaja and his Prime Minister as both did not see eye to eye with Pandit Nehru. Maharaja even stopped Nehru from entering Kashmir at Kohala and kept him in custody at least for three days. The curtains were drawn for the drama enacted providing finishing touches offered by the Mahatma.

Describing Mahatma Gandhi, Thomas C. Mountain on March 20, 2006 had this to say" In India, supposedly the worlds largest democracy, the leadership of the rapidly growing Dalit movement has nothing good to say about Mohandas K. Gandhi. To be honest, Gandhi is actually one of the most hated Indian leaders in the hierarchy of those considered enemies of India's Dalits or untouchables by the leadership of Indias Dalits".

Mahatma Gandhi managed to convince Maharaja Hari Singh to concede the Nehru backed demand of Kashmiri leader Sheikh Abdullah for installing a democratic government; a demand having no relevance keeping in view the changing political scene of the entire Indian sub-continent. A naive Sheikh was hoodwinked with false verbal promise of Independent State of Kashmir with a precondition that popular leader Abdullah must strive for a status of a democratic and secular State by ousting despotic Maharaja. Thus, Sheikh Abdullah was taken for ride by his only friend in India Pandit Nehru who stabbed him in the back followed by prison sentences in various Indian jails to die in oblivion.

It is argued that historically Maharaja Hari Singh was a Nationalist and wanted to maintain the independent status of his State of Kashmir. Political pundits believe that Sheikh Abdullah should have supported Maharaja instead, to allow him carry on with running the government and support Maharajas clever ploy to sign the standstill agreements with India and newly created nation of Pakistan. The anarchic political situation unfolding in the sub-continent would have left Kashmir untouched by India and Pakistan as both had multiple problems to worry about.

The question of tribal invasion would not arise if the Kashmiri leadership on the other side of Kashmir controlled now by Pakistan would not panic and act without involving Pakistan army. Indian conspiracy to pull the wool over Sheikh Abdullah with a clear intent to annex Kashmir, keeping in view the newly created Pakistan struggling to get on the feet and survive, paid dividends. India made its calculations but failed to realize the commitments made while accepting the partition of the country and chose to backtrack on promises made to Sheikh and on international level by dragging the issue using one pretext or another.

Campbell Johnson in his (page 117) writes "Both Nehru and Gandhi have been very anxious that Maharaja of Kashmir should make no declaration of independence. To clear this anxiety Gandhi visited Kashmir by the end of July 1947. The windows of his car were shattered in Baramulla, where an angry crowd protested his visit. Nevertheless, he was to go ahead and obtain a cure for his and Nehrus anxiety: a guarantee of Maharajas accession to India. But the Union of India has been taking a lively interest in the subject and indications are that the Hindu Maharaja of Kashmir, Sir Hari Singh, has lately been much influenced by representations made by Gandhi who visited Kashmir three months ago and by other congress leaders."

The Times, London, October 25th, 1947 in its report records "After his visit, the Prime Minister of Kashmir, Ram Chand Kak, who was not inclined towards India was replaced by Raja Janak Singh and then by the Indian loyalist, Mehr Chand Mahajan. The British officers in the Kashmir Army and Police were dismissed including the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of the General Staff. It is interesting that after all this lobbying; the Maharaja still did not sign the instrument of accession".

To his followers, he was a saint. To the British bureaucrats, he was a conniving politician, a bogus Messiah whose non-violent crusade always ended in violence and whose fast unto death always stopped short of deaths door. Even a man as kind hearted as Wavell, detested him as a malevolent old politician, shrewd, obstinate, domineering, double tongued; with little true saintliness in him. (Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre - Freedom at Midnight) However, Albert Einstein is quoted to have said the future generation will scarcely believe that such a man in flesh and blood had tread on this earth.

M. K. Gandhi, pioneer and perfect in Satyagraha, played a very shadowy role in the politics of Kashmir. He was successful in preventing the Maharaja of Kashmir from declaring independence and thus paved the way for a forceful accession of Kashmir. The events of the summer of 1947 reveal astonishing facts about Gandhi and thus his role in the present conflict of Kashmir, a conflict that has the potential of sparking a nuclear war between India and Pakistan.

Columnist Swaminathan Aiyar of New Delhi wrote in the Times of India "We promised Kashmiris a plebiscite six decades ago. Let us hold one now, and give them three choices: independence, union with Pakistan, and union with India. Let Kashmiris decide the outcome, not the politicians and armies of India and Pakistan."
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Construction continues at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Facility in Fairfield County. A deal to keep work going was reached Friday, April 28, 2017.
April 28, 2017

If the Egyptian government wants to combat the spread of radical religious ideology, it would do well to return to its Muslim roots. At a conference held at the headquarters of the Azamiyah Order in Cairo on April 21, which Al-Monitor attended, presenters argued that Sufi Islam is the authentic expression of Egypts Muslims.

The conference emphasized the brotherly bond between Muslims and Christians, following the Palm Sunday bombings on April 9. But Sufis are singled out as infidels by the Islamic State (IS), too.

I have told President [Abdel Fattah] al-Sisi to take care of the Sufi leaders, Sheikh Alaa Abu al-Azayem told Al-Monitor. We are the ones who stand against terrorism, fighting not with weapons but ideas.

Sufism is widely considered the default setting for Egypts Muslim community, and tombs of popular Sufi saints dot the landscape up and down the Nile. Moulids  celebrations of the birthdays of prominent saints  attract millions of devotees every year.

As with other religious communities, official statistics are not available. Estimates of formal affiliation in Egypt range from 15% to 20%, but few dispute Sufisms overall decline.

Abu al-Azayem traces the decline to the fight against Islam and Muslims waged by late President Gamal Abdel Nasser. Alongside the process that banned the Muslim Brotherhood in 1954 and brought Al-Azhar under state control in 1961, Sufis also became marginalized.

Late President Anwar Sadat reversed this process, however, and in loosening the reins for political Islam gave space also to the Sufis. The Supreme Council for Sufi Orders was created in 1976, with its headquarters near Al-Hussein Mosque in Cairo. According to Abu al-Azayem, 30,000 Egyptian pounds ($75,000 at the time) was allotted to issue a Sufi magazine called Islamic Sufism (Al-Tasawwuf al-Islami). Yet the patronage was not to continue, and the allotment for the monthly publication remains the same today (now worth only $1,600).

But beyond the plea to promote Sufism, the conference made no demands on the government. Instead, Sadats own nephew was the one to lead the charge in describing the moral changes necessary for society.

There is no exit from our problems unless we learn to fear God and pursue righteousness, said Mohamed Anwar al-Sadat, the liberal former parliamentarian expelled for criticizing the body on Feb. 27. He noted the important role of the security services in combatting terrorism and urged equal application of the law on all citizens. But the marginalization of Sufism mirrors another disturbing trend.

Our morals have declined considerably, he said. We have to return to the spirit of belonging and loyalty that existed in the previous era.

Sheikh Abdel Halim al-Azami, the secretary-general for the World Federation of Sufi Orders, founded in Paris in 2013, argues that Sufism has the necessary tools for the  yet unsuccessful  effort to unite worldwide.

Why is Sufism the solution for the crisis we are in? he asked during the conference. The simplest answer is that Sufism is morality. Sufis have been a support for every country they exist in, he said, noting especially how Sufism spread Islam without violence in Southeast Asia. We never hear about Sufi extremists or terrorists, he said. We are the people of love and tolerance.

Such virtues are nurtured best in the family, said Sheikh Abdel Latif al-Gohary of the Gohariya Order. Extremists look and pray just like we do, he said, but will then go and kill an innocent person. The decline in family solidarity is to blame, as the extremist spirit that anathematizes a fellow Muslim divides where there should be a bond of love.

if we neglect our children, we may find our son growing his beard, calling his father an infidel and joining some sort of extremist group, Azami said. In fact this happened to my neighbor.

Fatima Naoot, a liberal writer whose three-year sentence for blasphemy was reduced to a suspended six-month sentence in November 2016, also urged social change. She noted how language can inadvertently offend as it prioritizes one faith over another. When condemning the Palm Sunday church bombings, for example, some ordinary Muslims interviewed repeated the common phrase, without thinking, that "the blood of every Muslim is sacred.

She told Al-Monitor, We dont mean anything by this, but we should change it.

Mostafa Yaseen, the deputy editor-in-chief of the Egyptian religious weekly newspaper Aqidati, has covered the Sufi file for 25 years. He told Al-Monitor that beyond the 15 orders in attendance, the conference included a wide segment of Egyptian society.

Sufis do not aspire to position or power, so they are qualified to speak against terrorism and religious extremism, he said. It is able to treat religious differences because it emphasizes love and acceptance of the other.

Yet alongside the emphasis on love and social solidarity exists a theme of rejection as well. Naoot called extremists enemies of life. Azami spoke of political Islamists  those who say Islam is the solution  treating religion not as an end in itself, but as a means to power. And Goharys reference to a long beard was a thinly veiled swipe at Salafist Muslims.

Security expert Gen. Galal Gharibs remarks at the conference explained the twin message. We will not succeed against terrorism through dialogue, conferences or convincing the extremist to reform his ideology  with this we will fail, he said. We must build our society through education and rid every Muslim Brother from the institutions of the state.

When asked what specifically the government could do to promote Sufism, Sheikh Abdel Khaliq al-Shabrawy of the Shabrawiya Order redirected. Sisi is aided by God, his apostle, and the people of Egypt in the fight against those who wish to divide our country, he told al-Monitor. We need America to stop supporting the terrorist Muslim Brotherhood and designate them as such.

Yaseen emphasized the mutual animosity between groups. Salafists consider Sufis to be infidels, so you cannot open a dialogue with those who reject you, he said. Meanwhile the Muslim Brotherhood plays with both Salafists and Sufis as it judges where its interests lie. And in any case the law considers them a terrorist organization.

Sufism may well be a tool to spread the values of love and tolerance in a polarized society, but Egyptian Sufis also view their politics through the lens of existential crisis. As affected citizens, they can hardly do otherwise.
April 28, 2017

Turkey's airstrikes on Kurdish regions in Syria and Iraq recently raised many an eyebrow around the globe. They left world leaders wondering if there will be more strikes and, if so, how the escalation will unfold. This article is a sequel to Amberin Zamans piece on April 25 that reflected the viewpoints of the United States, the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) and Baghdad. This will focus on the perspectives of Ankara and Moscow, Ankara's strategic calculations behind the attacks and Moscows position on the events.

Early April 25, the Turkish air force carried out simultaneous air attacks on Iraqs Sinjar region and on Mount Karachok near the northern Syrian town of al-Malikiyah. Thirty F-16 aircraft taking off from Malatya air base used 2,000-pound bombs equipped with GBU 10 Paveway II laser guidance to attack Yazidi Sinjar Resistance Units (YBS) forces at Sinjar and strike the command-control facilities, radio link station and media center in northern Syria belonging to the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG). The YPG is affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which Turkey considers a terrorist group.

Without doubt, the field situation in northern Syria has heated up. We have to note the serious clashes between the YPG and the Turkish army in the areas of Tal Rifaat, Tal Jibrin, Qari Baba, Derbisi and Maranez, and remember that Turkey has been pounding areas across the border constantly with 155 mm howitzers. On April 26, YPG militants fired anti-tank guided missiles four times and mortars several times at Turkish army border outposts at Hatay, Kilis and Mardin. Two Turkish soldiers were wounded, and two Turkish tanks and some other vehicles were damaged. These clashes are causing much concern, as they could grow into all-out battles.

The April 25 attack was Turkey's first simultaneous, coordinated, major air operation against PKK-linked targets in Iraq and Syria. While announcing the operation, Ankara officials did not feel the need to blame any attack from the other side as a pretext. The first statement by Chief of General Staff Hulusi Akar was clear: Operations will continue as long as the threat prevails. We are assessing the situation and will decide accordingly.

Ankaras undeclared intention appears to be creating situations on the ground to probe the intentions and seriousness of the United States in cooperating with PKK-linked Kurdish armed groups in northern Syria and Iraq. Ankara wanted to test the waters with the United States in the lead-up to the much-awaited May 16 meeting scheduled between Presidents Donald Trump and Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey will decide what it wants from that meeting based on the United States' reaction to Turkey's air attacks.

The official statement of the Turkish high command emphasized that the PKK-linked groups in Iraq and Syria have been smuggling into Turkey sophisticated weapons systems such as anti-tank guided missiles and shoulder-launched missiles, and significant amounts of military-grade explosives. Turkey has noted increasing use of these items in attacks inside its borders. The Turkish military is taking seriously PKK claims that its affiliated groups in northern Syria blew up the police building in Diyarbakir by digging a tunnel under it and planting explosives. Officials believe the groups smuggled in the 700 kilograms (1,543 pounds) of TNT-type explosives used in the April 11 attack.

Turkey's air attacks on April 25 were accompanied by a well-organized, intensive public relations effort designed for domestic public consumption. Turkish media was flooded with photos of Akar and air force commander Abidin Unal at the operations headquarters directing the attacks, and photographs taken by F-16s during the actual attack. The public was being told that the Turkish Armed Forces are recovering from the July 15 coup attempt and all is going well in the revamped Turkish security sector.

Will such operations continue? The answer will be determined by reactions of first the United States and then Russia.

I had earlier written that I wasnt expecting a Turkish ground operation at Sinjar west of the Euphrates River, where Russia has air superiority, or east of the river, where the United States controls the air space. But I had noted that a Turkish ground operation with or without the participation of allied Kurdish peshmerga forces in the mountainous regions of Avasin-Basyan, Zap and Hakurk along the Turkey-Iraq border was possible because of the relatively low interest of the United States and Russia in those areas.

I also expect that if the United States and Russia declare a no-fly zone over northern Syria and Sinjar and enforce it with air patrols, Turkey will continue with its air attacks against critical facilities of PKK-linked groups in Syria and Iraq, after giving short notice to the United States and Russia.

In that case, it will be interesting to watch US planes taking off from Incirlik Air Base in Turkey in attempts to prevent Turkish airplanes from entering the no-fly zone. If the no-fly zone over Syria and Iraq is also applied to Turkish planes, can Turkey retaliate by closing its airspace to coalition planes? That is a critical question.

Russias reaction to the Turkish air attacks was interesting. Political science expert Kerim Has of Moscow State University told Al-Monitor Russia did not rush to express its reaction. The first reason for the slow reaction was the Russian expectation of even more stress in US-Turkey relations. When you hear the statements from Ankara and Washington, Russia was vindicated. Deteriorating ties between the United States and Turkey because of the YPG issue, which could expedite Turkey's possible NATO exit, is a strategic gain for Moscow. A short-term gain may be apparent after Erdogan and [Russian President Vladimir] Putin meet May 3, strengthening Russias hand in the Syria issue. The second reason for Russias slow reaction is this: Moscow wanted to augment the dependence of PYD/YPG on Russia.

That explains why the first reaction from the Russian Foreign Ministry, two days after the Turkish attacks, was strongly worded, calling the actions "unacceptable."

Has says there are two critical points in the Russian official reaction: First is the criticism of Turkey for carrying out air attacks without the permission of the sovereign states of Iraq and Syria. The second point is that Russia considers PYD/YPG forces to be truly fighting terror organizations. In this case, Moscows vision of the PYD and the YPG overlaps with that of Washington. Russias first strong backing of PYD/YPG forces so openly in an official statement could well be a signal that the groups may count on more protection from Moscow. Has pointed to Russia's increased military presence in YPG-held Afrin, a common stand between the United States and Russia to thwart Turkey's desire to take Kurdish-controlled Manbij, and Turkeys ending of its stymied Operation Euphrates Shield.

Even if there are divergences in other issues, the United States and Russia are moving toward a much more concrete and serious convergence of interests. Russia may well give a green light to the no-fly-zone proposals over northern Syria that it had been rejecting, he concluded.

Ankara is now awaiting Washingtons next move while Russia is preparing for the May 3 meeting between Putin and Erdogan, which will be followed by the Trump-Erdogan meeting May 16. The month of May promises to be an animated one in the Ankara-Washington-Moscow triangle.
April 28, 2017

On April 22, the Russian Federation Council  the upper chamber of the Russian parliament  stated that Moscow could supply Damascus with air defense systems on a priority basis. However, no specifics were provided. A day before the statement was issued, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad noted that Syria and Russia were holding talks on new arms deliveries, including air defense systems.

As early as April 7 (shortly after the US airstrike on Syrias Shayrat air base in retaliation for Syrias alleged use of chemical weapons on its own people), Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov told the media that Russia would soon help strengthen Syrias defense systems to shield the infrastructure.

If approached critically, the statements can be taken with a grain of salt. Bolstering Syrias air defense doesnt benefit Russia. Rather, Russia should use the threat of US airstrikes to pressure Damascus and Tehran to work toward a political solution and should also take advantage of Syrias dispersed aircraft to control the Syrian air force. At the same time, Russia's military and pundits refuse to recognize that Tehran, by becoming involved in the battles for Wadi Barada and East Ghouta, derailed the struggling negotiations in Astana, Kazakhstan, under the far-fetched pretext that it was fighting Jabhat Fatah al-Sham in places where the group doesnt even operate or has very few soldiers. That action provoked moderate opposition groups to join jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, so that Syria's pro-government forces would release their grip on opposition enclaves outside Damascus.

However, it is hard to say what lessons the Kremlin has drawn from the results of Tehrans actions. In a bid to impose "equal-footing dialogue" on Washington, Moscow has repeatedly changed its stance on Syria regarding both Russias military presence and the Syrian opposition. In October, Russian journalists reported on a possible dispatch to Syria of a Pantsir-S1, a short-range air-defense system designed to protect strategic military and civil targets. Under the pretext of the potential for American strikes, Moscow may expand its previously "behind-the-scenes" steps to strengthen the military infrastructure.

Any information about additional troops or the militarys use of Syrias infrastructure is labeled media hype. Russian and American commanders prefer not to disclose details about their boots on the ground, and they deny any rumors or reports. In 2015, in his comments on the deployment of a Russian task force at Shayrat, Konashenkov emphasized "the absence of any operational need to establish additional military bases in Syria, whatever couch strategists predicted. Yet satellite imagery has repeatedly confirmed Russia is using Shayrat as a stage airfield.

Russias military presence in Syria goes beyond Khmeimim air base and Tartus naval base. Despite the international medias and experts current keen interest in Khmeimim air base at Latakia, the countrys deployment of Iskander-M short-range ballistic missiles there remains uncorroborated. However, there have been sightings of Iskander transporter erector launcher vehicles.

While some Russian experts are quick to highlight the sub-strategic and deterrent role of the missiles, especially given Turkeys unpredictability, others are disposed to link the Iskander with a new modified combat support vehicle known by the Russian acronym MOBD. Although July 2016 commercial photos of the air base revealed two Iskander-M launch and transport vehicles at the site, the evidence is inexplicably overlooked.

Moreover, Russias activity at the Kuweires air base in Aleppo, recaptured by Syria's army in November 2015 and fully reopened in March 2017, stays under the radar. In early January 2016, rumors about increased Russian military presence at the airport and deployment of air defense forces started to circulate. Those reports were substantiated in July 2016. When comparing satellite pictures of different years, analysts saw both the prepared ground for installing S-200 launchers and their deployment in the northwestern part of the airport.

Russian specialists undoubtedly had rendered assistance, since the sophisticated systems were deployed in Homs and south of Damascus decades ago, back in Soviet times. Moreover, they cannot be redeployed elsewhere, given their concrete bases and the length of some cables, exceeding a kilometer. The Pantsir-S1 air defense systems were also detected at the site. However, it still remains a mystery whether MiG-31 supersonic interceptor aircraft, able to fire long-range missiles, were deployed at the Kuweires base to patrol the area. An Al-Monitor source indicated that photos of the fighters were actually taken at the Kuweires base rather than at Khmeimim, and their redeployment was needed to improve the Russian air defense system.

The presence of Russian artillery units, special operations forces, military police and fighters from the private Wagner military group in other provinces does not imply that they are constantly based in an area. Russian military experts engage in combat for tactical purposes, and in most cases they train recruits and retrain the soldiers of the fifth corps of the Syrian army. They also deliver humanitarian aid and negotiate with the opposition. Al-Monitor has been informed that since the conflict between the pro-government Syrian forces and the Kurds erupted in August 2016, the Russian military has been acting as peacekeepers. Since then, Moscow has maintained a reconnaissance mission in Qamishli.

The Russian Aerospace Defense Forces and their effectiveness are extensively covered in the media, but helicopter activity at Kuweires, Shayrat and Tiyas air bases remains obscure. The tasks carried out by helicopter units include protection of the Khmeimim military base and support of Russian troops and Syrian pro-government forces as they combat Islamic State (IS) militants.

To complete the operation to retake the IS stronghold of Raqqa, the United States is building up its military presence and developing new airfields in Syria. It remains to be seen how many airfields will be built and how long they will remain, but the view in Russia is that after the provinces of Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor are liberated by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) coalition, the United States will be reluctant to abandon its military infrastructure in Syrian Kurdistan. In fact, that infrastructure would enable Americans to remain in the heart of the region and to annoy Erdogan by responding symmetrically to his threats of restricting US use of Incirlik Air Base.

Formally, the US military states that it uses the facilities in northern Syria only to deliver and handle the cargo dispatched to its anti-IS allies. However, at least two tactical missiles are known to have been launched against IS units with the high mobility artillery rocket system deployed in Kobani. The United States has two facilities in this area. One is on the territory of the former Lafarge plant, where AH-64 Apache, Black Hawk and CH-47 helicopters have been detected, and a new one with a landing strip is being constructed about 20 miles south of Kobani. Apart from Manbij, where US military forces halted the advance of the pro-Turkish Free Syrian Army in late February, Americans and their NATO allies use Ayn Issa facilities to train SDF fighters, as well as the Abu Hajar airport in the Rmelan area. US engineers are rebuilding the Taqba air base freed from IS in late March, transforming it into the Qayyarah-2, a logistics center similar to the Qayyarah base in Iraq.

Although the external players, in particular the United States and Russia, officially deny Syria is being divided into de facto zones of influence, the separate use of the military facilities testifies to the opposite. However, if the parties manage to channel the conflict onto a political track, Russian and US troops may act as guarantors of the Syrian-style Dayton Agreement.
Alabama Launchpad April 27, 2017

The University of South Alabama and the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce host the 2017 Alabama Launchpad Competition at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center on Thursday, April 27, 2017, in Mobile, Ala. From left, representatives of Wyndy, G Mommas Cookies and Maho Shades show off their cash grants.

(Mike Kittrell)

Here are the top business stories on AL.com for Friday, April 28, 2017. Follow all of Alabama's business news here anytime.

Three startup teams split shares of almost $250,000 following the finale of the Alabama Launchpad Startup Competition Thursday in Mobile.

Frontier Spinning Mills is planning a $6 million expansion of its Wetumpka plant, according to a news release from the Alabama Department of Commerce. The expansion will add 18 jobs and warehouse space.

Business and state officials are wrapping up a tour of bioscience sites in Denmark today with meetings in Copenhagen.

Oxford's Fire Department is getting nearly $25,000 from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation toward outfitting a fire engine.

More than 100 jobs will be up for grabs next week during a public career fair at Virginia College in Huntsville. The free hiring event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 4 on 2021 Drake Ave. S.W.
The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals on Friday affirmed the conviction of a Birmingham man sentenced to death for the 2010 stabbing deaths of his great aunt and two cousins.

But the court ordered the trial judge to further expand in writing the reasons for the death sentence.

Dontae Callen was sentenced Aug. 20, 2013 for his capital murder conviction in the Oct. 29, 2010 stabbing deaths of his great aunt, Bernice Kelly, 59, and his cousins Quortes Kelly, 33, and Aaliyah Budgess, 12, and setting fires in the apartment after the slayings.

Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Laura Petro sentenced Callen after a jury voted 11-1 to recommend he be sentenced to death.

Dr. Gary Simmons, a forensic pathologist with the Jefferson County Coroner's Office, testified that Bernice Kelly had been stabbed 18 times in her upper body; Quortes Kelly had been stabbed 33 times in his upper body; and Aaliyah Budgess had been stabbed 25 times to her neck and head.

The appeals court stated in its order Friday that the trial judge should have expanded on her written findings of fact concerning two of the three aggravating circumstances.

The appeals court stated that "by remanding this case to the circuit court, we do not wish to be understood as implying that [the murders were] not especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel when compared to other capital murders."

Defense attorneys Ron Thrasher and Don Colee had argued for the judge to override the jury's recommendation for the death penalty at the sentencing. Among their arguments were that Callen hadn't been in trouble before, that he has a low IQ, he was only six weeks past his 18th birthday when the slayings happened, and that he didn't have a stable home life, bouncing around among family as a child and teen - including awhile with Bernice Kelly.
Before the sun has barely peaked above the horizon, Joe Davis once again crosses the faded red and black tiled JC Penney sign that adorns the floor on the outside of his cafe.

After a morning of washing dishes and baking his famous banana bread, 8 a.m. comes around. He flicks a switch connected to an electronic 'open' sign, informing the people of Andalusia in Covington County that Joe's Barista will be open for at least another day.

"Times have been hard," said Davis, 66, as he places fresh chicken in a Ziploc bag that will later be dinner for him and his girlfriend. "But businesses like this typically take three or so years to start making money. I think we'll make it if Trump can continue his smart policies."



Despite putting his hope in America's newest president, there's no getting away from the warning signs that Davis sees each time he looks outside the windows of his fledgling cafe. Up and down the street, the faded storefront signs and shuttered windows stand as a monument to Andalusia's former glories, but also tell that familiar story of dashed dreams. Brooks Hardware is deserted. Its neighbor, Thrifty Stores, is just a series of darkened windows. Some businesses appear to be open from the outside, but the faded white envelopes of unopened mail piling up in the doorways tell a different story.

As Donald Trump completes his first 100 days of being in the Oval Office Saturday, the plethora of vacant lots and empty storefronts have come into sharp focus for the people living in the seat of Covington County. Here, Trump took a little over 83 percent of the vote - the highest of any presidential candidate since Richard Nixon nabbed 85.3 percent in 1972.

People here hope that the former New York real estate billionaire's America First policies can bring about sustained economic prosperity, replacing jobs lost during the last recession and even those that were wiped out in the aftermath of the BP oil spill.

And while you may not have visited Andalusia, a small city of around 9,000 people, you know this place well. You have traveled through similar towns in every corner of the country, you have marveled at their domineering beaux-arts style courthouses, seen the prominently-placed attorneys' offices and those cute sandwich shops around the main square. And you've also seen a fair share of closed stores in those towns too.



And yet it is here inside the businesses and on the streets of Andalusia, where fears about employment and the local economy are being lived as much as discussed, you will still find optimism about what the future holds.

They want Joe's Barista to survive.

Lost and Found

"I remember when Obama banned some types of drilling out in the Gulf," said Justin Roos, an offshore oil worker who also fixes up old cars at a hobby shop in downtown Andalusia. "There were people all over this city selling their stuff, losing their homes. It was as bad as the recession for us."

"But since Trump lifted the ban on oil drilling in the Gulf, I've seen and heard about a lot of people getting their old jobs back and turning their lives around," added Roos.

For Roos, hard times in Andalusia have also seen his dreams put on hold. He and his brother had hoped one day to open a business fixing up and customizing old cars, but quickly saw that there wasn't enough money in the city to make it worthwhile. "We were scared that the economy would collapse and then we'd be the ones losing our homes and worrying about how we'd put food on the table."

Still, Roos, 36, has hope that his business idea might work out someday. He continues to haul cars into the hobby shop, which is wholly owned by his business partner Brandon Smith. Out front on a grass verge about five feet from the track and just across the street from the long abandoned rail station, Roos has placed the skeleton of a 1948 Chevrolet pickup truck.

"Yard art," he explained.

To the rear of the hobby shop, two classic Volkswagen Beatles sit side-by-side under overhanging trees. And another dozen or so cars fill the remaining space, including rusted out vehicles made by Ford, Dodge and Chevrolet. Most are remnants from a more prosperous time in American manufacturing. "You could make a good wage back then," said Roos, as he complained about those in the county that would rather take welfare than get a job.

While it's unlikely that Trump will be able to turn back the clock on automobile manufacturing jobs in the U.S., his campaign policies do promise to stop jobs leaving the country and help strengthen those that are already here. Efforts to follow through on those promises began Wednesday when the Trump administration announced a whole series of tax relief for corporations and small businesses. And by Thursday he'd promised to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which enables free trade between signatories, including Canada and Mexico.

This allowed U.S. businesses to take advantage of lower wages in Mexico, for example, while still being able to transport goods into the country without paying cross-border tariffs. While that meant cheaper goods for U.S. consumers, it also saw jobs leave the country in droves. Trump promises to stop that exodus.

The unemployment rate in Andalusia is currently at 7.6 percent, higher than Covington County's 7 percent. Alabama's unemployment rate it currently 6.1 percent, while the national unemployment rate is 4.7 percent, according to Alabama Department of Labour statistics.

Trains don't stop here anymore

Even the road on which Davis's cafe is situated, Three Notch Street, is a reminder of the city's more glorious past. The street shares its name with that of a locomotive company that took over Andalusia's previously abandoned railway, which last had its heyday back in the 1980s, bringing coal, chemicals and plastics to factories in and around the city. The line operated between 1984 and 1987, and survives today as rundown two-mile stretch of rail that still occasionally sees trains slice through the heart of the city, clattering along the track just 200 ft from the cafe.



A few empty businesses along from Roos' place, you'll find florist Alan Cotton, 62, who's been running his business in the exact same place for about 25 years.

He doesn't remember the last time a train stopped at the boarded-up station across the street.



The outside of his store stands in complete contrast with its surroundings. Colorful flowers and plants reflect off the pitch black windows of the now closed Whistle Stop Cafe. Almost every business on the street is closed.

Cotton explains that while 2016 had been one of his slowest ever, 2017 was looking much better already, allowing him to keep the doors open. "I'm not sure if it is consumer confidence created by Trump or not, but I'd like to think he has something to do with it."

And studies released ahead of Trump's 100 days in office appear to agree with Cotton's hunch. Americans are feeling far less anxiety now that the month before the election, according to a recently released Marketplace-Edison research poll. Edison's economic anxiety index went down from 36 in October 2016 to 32 this April, with Americans indicating they are less worried about paying their mortgage or rent, and saving for retirement.

That said, Cotton points out that a call center, one of the biggest employers in the county, closed in March. He doesn't blame that on Trump, though, but rather the high taxes imposed on U.S. businesses by his predecessor. "I think we are still on the up and up with Trump," he said.

But it's not all business for Cotton. The high cost of health care has been a real worry until very recently, he said.

"Obamacare had been really hard on us, but my wife's retirement kicked in and we got much cheaper health insurance," said Cotton, who added that healthcare for both of them had gone from $1000 before the Affordable Care Act to about $2000. "I'm pleased that we seem to be on the verge of getting rid of it. I'm sure that'll put some extra money in people's pockets and that will be good for me, good for the community, I'm sure."

Despite having fewer concerns, 82 percent of Americans still worry about the increasing cost of health care, according to the study.

Back at Joe's Barista, which is situated next to what was once Andalusia's Opera House, some regulars pass through for an early lunch, choosing Davis' famous three quarter-pounder burger and one of his girlfriend's famous salads. During a quiet moment away from the kitchen, Davis says that he's nearly closed the place a few times since opening two-and-a-half years ago.

"I get worried about the bills just like everyone else, I lose sleep just like everyone else," he said, looking exhausted after another day at the grill.

As the lunchtime rush comes to an end, Davis piles up the last of the dishes. He'll do those in the morning after he's put the banana bread in the oven, and after he crosses that faded red and black tiled JC Penney sign at least one more time.



This article was updated 4/30/2017 to include city, county, state and national unemployment statistics.
Alabama's leaders have led it into a swamp, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle says, and if he's elected governor in 2018, he'll lead the state out. "We need to make this state a better place," he said Friday. "Somebody's got to step up and do it."

Battle, who was elected to his third term as Huntsville mayor in 2016 and is running as a Republican, announced his candidacy Thursday. He said in an interview that he can take statewide the process that has made his city Alabama's fastest-growing urban area.

The goals of that process, he said, are "how to add jobs, how to add better paying jobs, how to bring back some leadership, how to get people to have confidence in this state again, because over the past year people have lost confidence."

It's done by having an end game, a way to get there and clear results, Battle said. "You have to explain it time and time again," he said, "but when we do that, people start to understand there's a system in place, and this is what we're trying to do."

'In a quagmire'

Battle said Alabama has "been in a quagmire." He cited state Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, who was suspended and resigned from office; House Speaker Mike Hubbard, a convicted felon; and former Gov. Robert Bentley, who resigned after a sex scandal.

"All those actions make people lose confidence in their government," Battle said. "We need to turn that around."

Battle's administration has lured thousands of new jobs to Huntsville and Madison County. "What's going on in Montgomery" has cost Alabama jobs, he said.

"There have been some who have looked and said, 'Maybe it's not time for us to get into that,'" Battle said of prospects. "They moved somewhere else. I can't give you names, but I will guarantee you that if you look and compare us to other places, that's happening."

Asked what he can do given Alabama is strapped for money and voters don't like new taxes, Battle said he faced a similar situation during his first term in Huntsville. America was in a recession and money was tight, he said.

"The first thing you have to do is freeze hiring, and you have to cut outside agency spending by 10 percent, which we did," he said. "We did all the things to make ourselves fiscally responsible. You've got to be fiscally responsible."

Slowly and surely

You don't fix every problem the first year, Battle said, "but slowly and surely, you take your challenges and turn them into opportunities and move forward. We'll take it challenge by challenge by challenge. I'll tell you I don't know all the answers, but I but I know the people to ask."

"You help them with infrastructure," Battle said of Alabama's cities. "Look at the industry around the inner sections of I-75 in Georgia versus the industry around the intersections or cloverleafs of I-65 in Alabama. In Georgia, they have distribution centers, restaurants, hotels, employment centers because it's a 3-, 6-, eight-lane interstate. In Alabama, we've got a four-lane that's over capacity. Every once in a while we have that slowdown that we always have in Calera.... We have to have a transportation system that supports our cities."

Mobile just won a new Walmart international distribution center, Battle said. Goods will arrive by ship and be trucked to other distribution centers and eventually stores.

"What does that do to I-65, which is already over capacity, when we add all those trucks to I-65?" he asked. "What does it do to I-10 where Mobile already has a problem? We've got to take on those challenges."

'Buy-in by the public'

He did the same thing with Huntsville roads, Battle said. "We went from place to place and held news conferences at every one and talked about the need for roads and how that was important. By the time we got finished, the public realized we needed to do this, this was something important. There was buy-in by the public. We've got to do the same thing in the state."

Battle said Huntsville voters can be assured that the city's momentum will continue if he goes to Montgomery. He noted he wouldn't be sworn in until 2019 - "a long time." The city's capital plan, road improvements and downtown development push are working, he said.

"The hard part's been done, and we're ready to move forward," Battle said. "It's going to take five- to 10 years to build out, and I feel very good about where Huntsville is now."

Battle also said he won't "back up an inch" on trumpeting Huntsville's success even when much of it is based on federal spending at Redstone Arsenal and NASA.

"Missile defense is going to be done somewhere in the U.S.," Battle said, "and if it's done in Huntsville, Ala., it's done cheaper than anywhere it will ever be done in the United States. We save the federal government money."

"If you look at the last successes we've had," Battle said, "Remington, 2,000 jobs, not Redstone Arsenal; Polaris, 2,000 jobs, not Redstone Arsenal; GE Aviation, 300 jobs, not Redstone Arsenal; Aerojet, 700 jobs, not Redstone Arsenal. You go down the list. We've had success because we have had a strategy that has kept us moving."

(Updated April 30 to insert that Battle is running as a Republican.)
Thousands of people across the U.S. marched in rain, snow and sweltering heat Saturday to demand action on climate change -- mass protests that coincided with President Donald Trump's 100th day in office and took aim at his agenda for rolling back environmental protections.

At the marquee event, the Peoples Climate March in Washington, D.C., tens of thousands of demonstrators made their way down Pennsylvania Avenue on their way to encircle the White House as temperatures soared into the 90s.

Organizers said about 300 sister marches or rallies were being held around the country, including in Seattle, Boston and San Francisco. A wet spring snow fell in Denver, where several hundred activists posed in the shape of a giant thermometer for a photograph and a dozen people rode stationary bikes to power the loudspeakers. In Chicago, a rain-soaked crowd of thousands headed from the city's federal plaza to Trump Tower.

"We are here because there is no Planet B," the Rev. Mariama White-Hammond of Bethel AME Church told a rally in Boston.

The demonstrations came one week after supporters of science gathered in 600 cities around the globe, alarmed by political and public rejection of established research on topics including climate change and the safety of vaccines.

Participants Saturday said they object to Trump's rollback of restrictions on mining, oil drilling and greenhouse gas emissions at coal-fired power plants, among other things. Trump has called climate change a hoax, disputing the overwhelming consensus of scientists that the world is warming and that man-made carbon emissions are primarily to blame.

Among those attending the Chicago rally were members of the union representing Environmental Protection Agency employees. Trump has proposed cutting the EPA's budget by almost one-third, eliminating more than 3,000 jobs.

John O'Grady, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Council 238, called the march "a chance to speak out in unity against this administration" and its "ridiculous gutting of the EPA budget and staffing."

More than 2,000 people gathered at the Maine State House in Augusta. Speakers included a lobsterman, a solar company owner and members of the Penobscot Nation tribe.

"I've seen firsthand the impacts of climate change to not only the Gulf of Maine, but also to our evolving fisheries, and to the coastal communities that depend upon them," said lobsterman Richard Nelson of Friendship, Maine.

People in the crowd spoke about the importance of addressing climate change to industries such as renewable energy, forestry, farming and seafood. Saharlah Farah, a 16-year old immigrant from Somalia who lives in Portland, talked about how climate change could have a bigger toll on marginalized groups that have less financial resources.

"But I see untapped power here today," she said.

A demonstration stretched for several blocks in downtown Tampa, Florida, where marchers said they were concerned about the threat rising seas pose to the city.

People gathered on the Boston Common carried signs with slogans such as "Dump Trump." Handmade signs at Seattle's march included the general -- "Love Life" -- and the specific -- "Don't Kill Otters."

Some of the marches drew big-name attendees, including former Vice President Al Gore and actor Leonardo DiCaprio in the nation's capital. In Montpelier, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders called the marches part of a fight for the future of the planet.

"Honored to join Indigenous leaders and native peoples as they fight for climate justice," DiCaprio tweeted.
President Donald Trump announced Friday that he will appoint Charmaine Yoest, one of the nation's most prominent anti-abortion activists, to a high-level post in the Health and Human Services department.

Yoest, a former Reagan administration official who until last year was president of Americans United for Life, will serve as assistant secretary of public affairs. In that position, she will help develop a communications strategy for the sprawling agency that includes Medicaid, Medicare, the Affordable Care Act and family planning programs.

During her nearly eight years at the helm of AUL, the organization was pivotal in pushing Republican-led states to enact restrictions on abortion in the name of women's safety. The organization developed model legislation to require women to undergo ultrasounds before obtaining the procedure and to cut off government funding to Planned Parenthood, among other actions.

Yoest was one of Trump's most outspoken supporters during the 2016 presidential campaign, helping to shore up his reputation with social conservatives. She serves as a senior fellow at American Values, a conservative nonprofit that opposes abortion rights and supports "traditional marriage."

The appointment was greeted with cheers from anti-abortion groups, which praised the choice as evidence that Trump was making good on his promise to promote pro-life causes, despite previously supporting abortion rights.

In a statement, Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List, called Yoest one of the movement's most powerful communicators and lauded her "groundbreaking efforts to advance pro-life, pro-woman legislation at the state level."

"This is a new era for the pro-life movement and our fight to protect unborn children and their mothers from the horror of abortion," Dannenfelser said.

Abortion rights groups expressed concern in equal measure.

"Charmaine Yoest has spoken at length about her desire to ban abortion in this country and has spent her career working to abolish women's most basic constitutional right to bodily autonomy," Ilyse Hogue, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, said in a statement.

Yoest, a breast cancer survivor and mother of five who lives in Virginia, holds a Ph.D. in government from the University of Virginia. She has been an outspoken proponent of the view that abortion is harmful to women and that regulations on abortion clinics are necessary to protect women's safety.

Abortion-rights groups have accused Yoest of using those points to conceal her ultimate agenda: to undermine women's access to abortion. Based on AUL's model bills, states have imposed such strict regulations that abortion clinics in Texas and elsewhere have closed. The organization also has championed laws requiring that aborted fetuses be buried or cremated rather than disposed of like medical waste.

In an interview with The Washington Post last year, Yoest said her belief that abortion is wrong does not preclude her from also caring about women. Those who accuse her of feigning support for women are trying to muzzle her movement, she said.

"Why could we not care about how women are being hurt in abortion clinics and still be pro-life?" she asked. "It's designed to shut our voices down."

Author information: Sandhya Somashekhar is the social change reporter for the Washington Post.
Compensation to relatives of victims of state-sponsored acts of terrorism comes from fines on sanctions violators.

Economic sanctions have often been seen as a crude political tool with varying effectiveness in bending the will of governments, whether it was Cuba, North Korea or apartheid South Africa.

But the continuing US sanctions against Iran have given some measure of personal satisfaction to dozens of American families who have begun to receive cash payments as compensation for the loss or maiming of loved ones in what the US has judged to be state-sponsored acts of terrorism.

Among the recipients are the 53 Americans taken hostage in 1979 and held at their embassy in Tehran for 444 days.

More than $1bn has been disbursed from a fund established by Congress.





The money comes from nearly $9bn in penalties and fines the US government imposed on French Bank BNP Paribas for moving Sudanese, Iranian and Cuban deposits through the financial system in violation of American sanctions.

The fund is expected to add to its coffers when Chinese telecom maker ZTE Corporation pays out more than $1bn in settling another sanctions case.

Edith Bartleys fight for compensation dates from the bombing of the US embassy in Nairobi, Kenya 23 years ago.

More than 200 people were killed and at least 4,000 injured in that suicide blast and a nearly simultaneous attack on the embassy in Tanzania.

The dead included Ediths father, the American consul in Nairobi, and her brother.

Families took a huge emotional hit but also a financial hit, she told Al Jazeera. Families over the years had huge medical bills for emotional and psychiatric support. There were a lot of kids who were young when it happened and theyve had a tough time.

To be eligible for the cash award, each claimant to the fund  whether a US national or not  must first win a final judgment in a US court that a state sponsor of terrorism was responsible for their loss.

READ MORE: Iran hits back at US with reciprocal sanctions

Those killed by a non-state group like al-Qaeda or ISIL do not qualify.

Nevertheless, before several al-Qaeda conspirators were convicted of the East Africa bombings, the US 9/11 Commission found that Iran lent support to al-Qaeda prior to its 2001 attacks on New York and Washington, DC.

Beirut bombings

The 1983 attack on the US embassy in Beirut, which killed 63 people including 17 Americans, was ascribed to the Iran-funded Islamic Jihad group.

A US judge later determined that it was carried out by Hezbollah with the approval and financing of senior Iranian officials.

That bombing, said Stuart Newberger, a lawyer for the claimants, was the model for al-Qaeda in how it carried out the Nairobi bombing and that was the connection to Iran.





Iran has not contested the 2016 judgment, which found it liable for more than $7bn in damages for providing aid to al-Qaeda by allowing its members to travel through its territory.

Thats because there had been no feasible means of collecting the money.

But it has challenged rulings that its central bank must give up $2.1bn in frozen assets held by Citibank to the victims of a separate Lebanon bombing in 1983, which killed 241 American military personnel.

Congress has also lifted the legal barriers to suing the Saudi government and its royal family.

The families of more than 800 victims of the 2001 attacks on American soil allege that alter egos of the government helped some of the al-Qaeda plotters.

Whether Saudi entities ever become the subject of US sanctions  and potential contributors to the victims compensation fund  is a question the Trump administration may have to ponder.
As the United States marks 100 days since President Donald Trump assumed office, analysts say his sporadic policies in the Middle East have only made the region a more volatile place.

During his election campaign, Trump systematically sold himself as an isolationist, vowing to invest US resources domestically rather than in the Middle East. But his actions in his first 100 days as president have proved otherwise.





His policies on immigration from the region to the US, the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS), and peace efforts between Palestine and Israel, have only mired the US deeper into Middle East conflicts.

Far from an isolationist, as many of his supporters believed him to be, Trump has quickly proven that he remains intent to continue long-standing US military engagement in the Middle East, Abdullah Al-Arian, an assistant professor of history at Georgetown University in Qatar, told Al Jazeera.

On one of the major conflicts plaguing the Middle East  Syria  Trump promised to become less militarily involved and instead focus on the fight against ISIL. Instead, he sent 59 missiles to a Syrian airbase following a suspected chemical attack in the country.

READ MORE: Envisioning Donald Trumps Middle East

His lack of consistency, analysts say, renders his foreign policy in the region ambiguous and unpredictable. Trump appears to have an even lower threshold for the use of force than the Obama administration did, much of it reflecting domestic pressures rather than strategic considerations, said Al-Arian.

Mahjoob Zweiri, a Doha-based professor of contemporary Arab politics, said the US attack on the Syrian airbase shows that the US is more proactive. But then again, it was not followed up by any action, politically or militarily.

And while Trump hinted he would cut funding to the armed opposition fighters in Syria battling President Bashar al-Assads forces, he has not taken steps to do so.

ISIL

Although Trump did not offer a clear plan for defeating ISIL during his campaign period, statements advocating to bomb the sh*t out of the groups oil operations have underscored his pledge to eradicate the group.

Back in 2016, Trump said that it would take 30,000 US troops to defeat ISIL in the Middle East. Last month, the US announced it would send an additional several hundred armed marines to Syria.

Recently, Trump granted the Pentagon more flexibility to make troop-level decisions in Syria and Iraq.

Still, it is challenging to predict Trumps moves in these two countries, said Al-Arian, as decisions are made on a rash and impulsive basis.

OPINION: Trumps lack of strategy on Syria is dangerous

According to Al-Arian, since Trump does not come from the US political establishment, his thinking about these questions does not reflect a deep understanding of the geopolitical context nor of the basic mechanics of how American foreign policy works.

Muslim ban

Overturned twice in judicial courts across the US, one of the most controversial moves of Trumps presidency so far was the executive order that temporarily halted nationals of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the country.

The travel ban, or Muslim ban, fulfilled a key component of Trumps campaign rhetoric, according to Al-Arian.

In a video that circulated on social media during the campaign, Trump said: Refugees are pouring into our great country from Syria. We dont even know who they are. They could be [ISIL]. They could be anybody.





Also during the election campaign, Trump said there would be a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.

[The travel ban] was intended largely for domestic consumption, particularly among his more xenophobic and nationalist supporters who believe in excluding whole swaths of people from the US, said Al-Arian.

OPINION: All international laws Trumps Muslim ban is breaking

Although the travel ban saw much backlash inside the US, resulting in mass protests that spread across various cities, for many of the affected populations, the ban confirmed a long-held belief that the US war on terror is in reality a war on Islam, Al-Arian said.

Egypt

Earlier this month, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi travelled to Washington on the first diplomatic trip to the US made since he took office back in 2014. Relations between the two countries had soured over the past few years amid Sisis crackdown on opponents and Egypts human rights abuses.

Analysts say the recently improved relationship is an interest-based rather than values-based approach.

Sarah Yerkes, a fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told Al Jazeera that it is not in the US interest to manage a countrys civil society. But Egypts anti-NGO law has direct consequences for the US because several Americans have been jailed or tried in absentia as a result of Sisis crackdown on civil society.

Attempting to paint the release of Egyptian-American Aya Hijazi, who was detained for nearly three years in Egypt over accusations related to running a foundation dedicated to helping street children, as a solo effort is a false pretext, said Yerkes.

OPINION: Sisis visit to the US  The hopes and the reality

I think it is important to remember that the Obama administration, and several US and international NGOs, had also spent years fighting for Ayas release, she said. Trump and Sisi are likely to have a far more transactional relationship.

Egypt has been negotiating billions of dollars in aid from various lenders to help revive an economy hit by political turmoil since the 2011 uprising.

Sooner rather than later, Sisi will want to see something tangible coming out of this relationship, such as increased military aid or the US designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terror organisation. If nothing materialises, the relationship may very well chill, said Yerkes.

Iran

US-Iranian relations have also shifted under the Trump administration.

Zweiri, an expert on Iranian affairs, noted that Trump was a vocal critic of the Iran nuclear deal even before he won the presidential race, pledging to change and review much of its content.

During a 2016 speech, Trump described the deal as catastrophic, pledging to dismantle it if elected president.

READ MORE: Is Trump leading the US on a warpath with Iran?

The US will find holes in the deal to capitalise on  and pressure Iran, Zweiri told Al Jazeera. We did not have strong statements towards Iran until [US Secretary of State] Rex Tillerson accused Iran of supporting terrorism.





He believes that this narrative will persist in the lead-up to the Iranian presidential elections, scheduled to take place on May 19.

Trump is pushing Iran to be more radicalised, which is working because of how they perceive Americans, Zweiri said, referring to rhetoric used by Iranian leaders to rebuke US policies and sanctions. Well see more of such statements as we move forwards in the Iranian presidential race.

Asked what to expect of US-Iranian relations moving forward, Zweiri noted that it will depend on Irans ties with Russia.

We should definitely expect more sanctions from the US side to economically isolate Iran further, he said. Relations will rely on the results of the Iranian presidential elections, and if Iran is to collaborate with Russia. If it does, it wont give a damn about the US.

But if Irans relations with Russia deteriorate, it will do what it has done in the past: consider going back to strengthen ties with the European states as a backup to tackle US pressure.

Palestine/Israel

During his election campaign, Trump promised to strengthen ties with the traditional US ally, Israel. He vowed that the days of treating Israel like a second-class citizen will end on day one of his presidency.

Though he did not deliver on some of the promises he made to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trumps attitude towards the Jewish state has been markedly warmer than Obamas.

Since Trump took office, Israel sanctioned the building of 3,000 more illegal settlement homes in the occupied Palestinian territories. It also decided to build the first new settlement in the West Bank in 20 years, and approved a law that allows the outright theft of Palestinian land.

READ MORE: US-Israel relations  Is Trump backing down?

Trump has drastically dialled down criticism of the illegal Jewish settlements and dropped the US commitment to the two-state solution as the only option for peace in Palestine and Israel. He has also promised to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Alaa Tartir, programme director of Al-Shabaka, the Palestinian Policy Network, said that through Trumps unconditional support for Israel, he is keeping [Israel] immune to international law and safe from any accountability mechanisms, and continuing to deny Palestinian human rights.

Trumps summit with Netanyahu in the White House, the proposal to relocate the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, the position that Israels illegal settlement building on occupied lands is not necessarily an obstacle to peace, and the signals for a regional approach that would redefine the negotiations to Israels benefit, are just a few illustrations why the plans of this US administration cannot be trusted, and must be resisted, Tartir added.
The grisly attacks on UN employees in Afghanistan reflect underlying and mounting grievances that are being ignored.

News of the vicious murder of seven United Nations employees in Mazar-i Sharif has outraged and bewildered Western observers as well many Afghans.

Thousands of protesters had attended Friday prayers and heard the preacher of the celebrated Blue Mosque condemn the burning of the Quran half a world away at Pastor Terry Jones Dove World Outreach Centre in Gainesville, Florida.

Agitated protesters then streamed into the streets, and a sizable group laid siege to the UN compound. The attackers beat, shot, and stabbed the staff and, according to initial reports, may have attempted to behead two of the victims.

The tragedy surprised most observers because it took place far from the Taliban heartland in a province thought to be among the most secure areas of Afghanistan and in an ethnically and religiously diverse city that had been in 1998 the site of a bloody Taliban massacre.

Why had so many Afghans in this anti-Taliban stronghold turned against the UN, a symbol of solidarity with the Afghan people, and why had they reportedly demonstrated with the slogans Death to America and Death to Israel?

Speculation about Taliban infiltration of last Fridays demonstrations only deepened the mystery. But it was not limited to Mazar-i Sharif.

For five straight days Afghans have taken to the streets in Kandahar, Jalalabad, and Kabul to voice similar sentiments. Reports of the killing on Wednesday of an Afghan woman by a British military vehicle in a traffic accident in Kabul have heightened tensions there.

If accounts of the beheadings are true, the appropriation of this hallmark tactic of al-Qaeda by residents of Mazar-i Sharif would signal an extraordinary shift in Afghan politics.

Yet, in seeking to make sense of this horrific act, not everyone has registered surprise. Critics of Islam have interpreted it as familiar proof of the intolerance of the Muslim faith.

For many war sceptics, this event has raised further questions about the character of the Afghan people who, like president Hamid Karzai, have figured more and more frequently since 2008 in American debates as shaky  and ungrateful  partners.

Indeed some commentators quickly pointed the finger at Karzai for drawing attention to the Quran burning, an event that had received relatively little press coverage.

Western media reports of corruption at the Kabul Bank, officials grandiose villas in Dubai, drug use among army recruits, and rampant violence against women and paedophilia have displaced romantic images of valiant Afghans in the early post-Taliban era.

A more sober reading of the violence in Mazar-i Sharif and elsewhere should lead us instead to a very different understanding of the state of Afghan politics.

Washington has tended to reduce the Afghan political landscape to an archaic world of tribal loyalties and patronage networks. Yet the protest in Mazar-i Sharif demonstrates that other ideas animate Afghan politics, modern ideas that cant be dismissed as the mad ravings of obscurantist mullahs.

A broader context is crucial to understanding this violence. Since at least 2004 Afghan towns and cities have provided the setting for dozens of mass demonstrations.

Few of these protests have made it into the Western press, but a review of the Afghan media and the WikiLeaks logs reveals a dramatic pattern of nationalist political mobilisation in hamlets, towns, and cities across the country.

Protesters have taken up diverse causes, though the mosque has rarely been the rallying point as it appears to have been in Mazar-i Sharif.

Voicing condemnation of the US and Karzai, most gatherings have emerged as spontaneous, and mostly peaceful, responses to reports of civilian casualties  as in last months demonstrations in Kabul  as well as to detentions, and slights against Islam.

This last category has been quite expansive, reflecting an Afghan public that is more integrated than ever before into global circuits of ideas.

Not just the Danish cartoon controversy  which prompted violent rioting in 2006  but also news of fighting between Israelis and Palestinians, has brought Afghans out into the streets on a number of occasions in expressions of wider Muslim solidarity.

Connecting Afghans to the rest of the world via radio, TV, the internet, and print, the expansion of Afghan media is only one part of the story.

The other is mounting frustration with foreign domination of Afghan politics, a dynamic that more and more Afghans interpret through a framework with a deep history in popular memory: from parliament to the streets of Kabul, Mazar-i Sharif, Herat, Kandahar and Jalalabad, calls for the safeguarding of national sovereignty against foreign interference now transcend political rivalries and join varied factions against the US and its allies.

Even the Taliban have shifted their rhetoric in response. Denouncing collaboration with coalition forces, Taliban media outlets cast their cause as a popular resistance movement on behalf of all Afghans.

They present themselves as the pure and uncorrupted leaders of a national tradition of jihad. Promising liberation from an oppressive occupation and corrupt government, their nationalist message echoes the protests of parliamentarians and aggrieved villagers and townspeople alike.

The tragedy of Mazar-i Sharif tells us less about the essential nature of Islam or of the Afghan people than it does about the potential for a nationalist mobilisation that could dramatically broaden the war in Afghanistan.

If Washington does not hasten its efforts to negotiate a peace agreement and establish a viable mechanism to share power more broadly among Afghan political factions, the US may face a far deadlier struggle against foes drawing inspiration from the last centurys history of anti-colonial politics.

The international community has badly misjudged the impatience of many Afghans who see their protests as the latest chapter in a very modern, and universal, story of the defence of nation and faith against colonial rule.

Robert D Crews is co-editor of The Taliban and the Crisis of Afghanistan (Harvard University Press) and director of the Centre for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies at Stanford University, where he also teaches in the Department of History.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
I was in Brussels recently with other Syrian civil society representatives to meet with EU and UN officials to reinforce our key demands on protection, accountability, humanitarian access and especially the need for a meaningful inclusion of civil society in the Syrian political process.

Our discussions were overshadowed by the heinous chemical attacks in Khan Sheikhoun, that resulted in the death of many civilians, including innocent women and children. The attack illustrated once again the urgent need for the protection of civilians if we are to see the end of a conflict that has gone on for too long.

Thats why when the US launched retaliatory strikes against the Syrian regime for the use of chemical weapons, we Syrians celebrated.

Nobody wants to ask for foreign intervention against its own country. But the US response was a long overdue international first step to protect Syrian lives. To be truly effective, the US action must now turn into a comprehensive mechanism to protect civilians not only from chemical attacks but also from all indiscriminate attacks against civilians that remain the biggest killer of civilians in Syria. Europe has a key role to play in this effort. European member states are well placed to work closely with the US to stem the violence across Syria and create the conditions for a genuine political solution.

OPINION:Implications for a Syrian transition under Assad

Each day without the prospects of a viable political solution, the greater the threat of violence, instability, displacement, and extremism for Syria and the West. This is why solving the Syrian crisis is in the interest of Europe. Syria has triggered an epic refugee crisis that Europe has to manage at great costs. And Syria has spawned a dangerous terror threat that has already affected many European capitals as recently shown in the tremendous terrorist attacks in London and Stockholm.

The US decision to hold the Assad regime to account for the chemical attack has the potential to pave the way to a political transition in Syria. It can change  and has already changed  the calculations of the Assad regime. (Regime airstrikes against civilians dropped soon after the US action. This shows how the regime can respond when faced with credible international action.)

The prospects of protection will also create the necessary space on the ground to allow moderate voices and civilian structures to counter extremists. As I say, Europe has a key role to play in this effort.

Working towards a political transition





First, European states should work with the US to deter all indiscriminate attacks against civilians. If civilians are seriously protected this will compel the regime to engage substantively in the Geneva process and will set the stage for a political transition.

Europe is also positioned to apply pressure on Assad and its allies. As a human rights defender, I urge Europe to use its economic powers to sanction Iranian and Russian individuals who are complicit in the Assad regimes war crimes.

Thirdly, Europe needs to lead the accountability effort. As a former detainee, I can tell you that I  just like millions of Syrians who have fled Syria  will not return home unless credible measures are put in place to hold war criminals to account.

The current lack of justice only helps the extremist narrative. We need to address this head on. This is not about revenge. This is about finding a path forward where all Syrians can heal and have trust in a sustainable political settlement.

Finally, Europe should insist that no reconstruction aid would be given without a guarantee of a political transition. Otherwise, Europe will end up financing the Assad regime itself and will risk aiding and abetting his vicious war crimes.

OPINION: Will Assad ever be tried for his crimes?

I understand none of these options are easy. But they are not impossible if Europe shows political will. The real work on Syrias future begins after a political transition, when Syrians are tasked with rebuilding a war-torn society. We know many questions will need to be addressed for stability to hold. What will be done to reintegrate displaced people? How will we address terrorism? How will we rebuild Syrias destroyed infrastructure? What instruments are necessary for democracy to work?

The international community must hear and respond to the concerns of the Syrian civil society. by

For Syrian civil society, these challenges are not new. We have been working on these questions and doing the hard work for six years. We risk our lives to build a Syria that is free, democratic, and inclusive. Many, like myself, have spent years in prison for these efforts, enduring torture, physical abuse and even starvation. Too many more have brutally been killed in the process. Still, we will not give up.

That is why Syrian civil society members are among the best placed to help create sustainable peace. It is the activists, humanitarians, human rights defenders and educators who will be key to reconstruction, solving the refugee crisis, and combating extremism. We are ready to do whatever it takes to establish a free, democratic and stable Syria.

But to do so the international community must hear and respond to the concerns of the Syrian civil society. We are not a nice to have, but a fabric of Syrias present and future. Together, Europe and Syrias civil society can still chart a course for Syrias future. But first we need your help to stop the bombs and make justice prevail.

Mazen Darwish, President of the Syrian Centre for Media and Freedom of Expression, is a Syrian lawyer, activist, and former political prisoner. He has received numerous international awards for his work on freedom of the press, including being named as a World Press Freedom Hero by the International Press Institute.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
When terrorists targeted Coptic Churches on Palm Sunday, the infamous news outlet Breitbart shared the news on its Facebook page with the caption: When will Muslims stop murdering Christians?

Islamophobic outlets and individuals feast upon such attacks against minorities in Muslim-majority countries: They say they prove that Muslims hate us and that Islam is a violent religion.





Political leaders across the world have exploited and nourished such sentiments and have found that doing so is a winning strategy. French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who now has a chance of becoming the next French president, once said that no other religion [Islam] is causing problems. She has also claimed that Pope Francis pro-migration comments are a form of political interference.

Against the backdrop of rising Islamophobia, Pope Francis has been calling for openness and interreligious understanding  an important gesture, regardless of what one makes of the Catholic Churchs teachings and practices. Francis choice of rhetoric is noteworthy, especially in light of the controversy stirred by his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI, whose remarks on Islam in his 2006 speech in Germany were heavily criticised by Muslim leaders across the world.

The popes visit to Egypt takes on a special significance in the aftermath of the recent attacks on Christians in the region, but also given what he represents in the debate about Islam in the West and the world, and its relation to violence and terrorism.

A strong voice against Islamophobia

The pope has stood up against the essentialist positions of some politicians and clergymen on protecting Christianity and Christian values. He said: When I hear talk of the Christian roots of Europe, I sometimes dread the tone, which can seem triumphalist or even vengeful. It then takes on colonialist overtones.

Throughout the years of his papacy, Francis has been a consistent voice of reason and decency when tackling Europes migration issues. While Donald Trump and European leaders have been calling for building walls, Francis made sure to mention, on more than one occasion, that those who build walls and not bridges are not Christian. He also said that its hypocrisy to call yourself a Christian and chase away a refugee or someone seeking help.

OPINION: Holy Week for Egypts Copts will never be the same

When some European and US politicians started to call for religious tests and only admitting Christian refugees, Francis welcomed Muslim refugees in the Vatican and included Muslims in the washing-of-the-feet ceremony on Holy Thursday. He also reminded Christians that Jesus himself was a refugee.

When others warned about the threats to Europes identity, Francis unequivocally said that migrants do not pose a threat but rather constitute an opportunity to grow. In his address to the US Congress in September 2015, he said: We are not fearful of foreigners, because most of us were once foreigners  We must not be taken aback by their numbers, but rather view them as persons, seeing their faces and listening to their stories, trying to respond as best we can to their situation.

And when the discussion in certain circles becomes whether Islam is a religion of peace or violence, Francis has repeatedly stressed that terrorism has no religion. As he mentioned in his speech to the Egyptian authorities on the first day of his visit to Egypt, it is our duty to dismantle deadly ideas and extremist ideologies, while upholding the incompatibility of true faith and violence, of God and acts of murder.

At Al-Azhar University on the same day, he said that no act of violence can be perpetrated in the name of God, for it would profane his Name.

Therefore, when Francis visits the Arab world and addresses Muslim-majority societies, he brings with him the best of Christianity and a Muslim-friendly demeanour, defying images of the Christian Other or the Crusader or the proselytising missionary.

Safeguarding religious and individual freedoms

Pope Francis has not joined various Western political figures blaming Islam for ISIL and terrorism. But he also has not remained silent on the discrimination and violence minorities have suffered both in the West and in the East. While distancing religion from terrorism, he always mentions the need to protect religious and individual freedoms in order to counter the spread of extremist ideology.

He reiterated this point during his visit to Cairo calling for unconditional respect for inalienable human rights such as equality among all citizens, religious freedom and freedom of expression, without any distinction.





Simply put, fighting Islamophobia and hate crimes against Muslims and Arabs goes necessarily hand-in-hand with fighting religious discrimination, intolerance and human rights abuses in Muslim-majority societies.

Consequently, affirming that terrorism has no religion does not absolve those who spread religious hatred or those who commit human rights abuses while claiming to be fighting terrorism. Pope Francis discourse on terrorism serves as an important reminder that minorities rights should be protected alongside the freedoms and rights of other individuals and groups in society. One should not come at the expense of the other.

There needs to be critical introspection, especially in countries like Egypt where Copts have historically been victims of structural and state-sanctioned inequality.

Moreover, Egypts dismal human rights record should be of concern to the majority and the minority, as Human Rights Watch warned that human rights in Egypt have deteriorated far beyond the repression that existed before the countrys 2011 uprising. Coptic Bishop Macarius similarly told Reuters that security solutions never succeeded alone. No state in the world should be a police state, either here or elsewhere. Emergency all the time makes people nervous.

As he addressed President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and other Egyptian officials, Pope Francis spoke of how Egypt should at the same time build peace and fight terror. However, any approach to peace and counterterrorism which does not deal with religious freedom of minorities as well as abuses of human rights by both government and non-state actors would be unsuccessful. It is as simplistic as the view that the solution to Egypt and the Arab worlds problems lies with strongmen who blatantly disregard human rights in the name of a war on terror or the protection of minorities.

Halim Shebaya is a Beirut-based analyst. He teaches in the School of Arts and Sciences at the Lebanese American University. He holds an MDiv in Theology (NEST), MA in Middle Eastern Studies (SOAS), and an LLM in Public International Law (Nottingham).

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
US rights group asks UN to pressure Egypt to free Mahmoud Hussein as Egyptian authorities extend his detention.

A US-based advocacy group has filed a petition with the United Nations demanding the immediate release of Al Jazeera journalist Mahmoud Hussein as Egyptian authorities extended his detention for another 45 days.

The Robert F Kennedy Human Rights organisation filed a petition for relief on Saturday with the UNs Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, citing the violation of Husseins basic rights and challenging the unsubstantiated preliminary charges levied against him.

This regime has embarked on a systematic crackdown on civil society, and Egypt has become one of the most dangerous places on Earth to be a journalist, said Kerry Kennedy, president of the organisation.





Hussein, an Egyptian based in Qatar, was stopped, questioned, and arrested by Egyptian authorities in December 2016 after travelling to Cairo for a holiday.

Since then, his detention has been renewed six times. The latest renewal was made on Saturday for another 45-day period.

Hussein is accused of incitement against state institutions and broadcasting false news with the aim of spreading chaos.

He was held in solitary confinement for 89 consecutive days and has been, to date, detained without formal charges for 130 days.

Husseins daughter, Zahra, said earlier this month that he suffers from harsh and inhumane conditions that have led to a deterioration in his health and caused him shortness of breath.

She said the problems began during his 89 days in solitary confinement in a small cell in Tora prison without heat, water, or electricity.

Robert F Kennedy Human Rights recently filed a similar petition demanding the release of activist Aya Hijazi, an Egyptian-American charity worker who was released from an Egyptian prison earlier this month after spending three years in detention.

OPINION: Zahra Mahmoud Hussein  100 days without my father

Human rights and media organisations have denounced Husseins detention and called for his immediate release.

Al Jazeera has demanded that Egypt unconditionally release Hussein and condemned the continued renewal of his detention.

The network says it holds the Egyptian authorities responsible for Husseins safety and wellbeing, rejects the allegations against him, and condemns those who forced him into false confessions made on video.

The UN has called on Egypt to comply with its commitment to protect freedom of expression.





In January, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general, said: We appeal for this case to be resolved in accordance with Egypts own international obligations to protect freedom of expression and freedom of opinion.

Over the past few years, Egyptian authorities have arrested several Al Jazeera employees, raising concerns over media freedom in the country.

In May, a Cairo court sentenced a former editor-in-chief of Al Jazeera Arabic, Ibrahim Helal, to death, charging him in absentia with endangering national security.

Al Jazeeras Baher Mohamed, Mohamed Fahmy, and Peter Greste  along with seven colleagues outside the country  were accused of spreading false news during their coverage of the aftermath of the military overthrow of then-president Mohamed Morsi in 2013, the year they were taken into custody.

Mohamed and Fahmy spent 437 days in jail before being released. Greste spent more than a year in prison.

The judge who sentenced the journalists said they were brought together by the devil to destabilise the country.

Hussein joined Al Jazeera in Egypt in 2011. He moved to the networks headquarters in Doha in 2013.
Developments on Korean Peninsula and South China Sea dispute set to dominate agenda of conference in Philippine capital.

Southeast Asian leaders are meeting in the Philippines for a day-long meeting where tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the South China Sea are expected to be high on the agenda.

The 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was expected on Saturday to urge North Korea to immediately cease all actions that violate its international obligations and contravene United Nations Security Council resolutions, according to a draft of the chairmans statement to be issued at the end of the meeting.

Tensions have surged in the region in recent weeks in the wake of a series of North Korean missile tests and rhetoric from US President Donald Trumps administration on the countrys weapons programme.





The United States has deployed a naval strike group to the Korean Peninsula amid signs the North could be preparing for a sixth nuclear test, and US officials have said all options are on the table.

The actions of [North Korea] have resulted in an escalation of tensions that can affect peace and stability in the entire region, the ASEAN statement said.

Al Jazeeras Jamela Alindogan, reporting from the Philippine capital Manila, said unless the situation with North Korea develops, there will not be further communiques from ASEAN leaders as many of the leaders were saddled with their own problems.

ASEAN is known mainly for its timidity. It has always described itself as a platform for stability, and this is especially the case this time around when world powers are jostling for power.

Another topic expected to be discussed at the summit is Chinas role in the region.

In the chairmans statement, the leaders also called on countries with claims to the South China Sea to avoid actions such as land reclamation and militarisation that may further complicate the situation.

OPINION: Can China afford to challenge the United States?

China has nearly completed construction on three man-made islands to the consternation of other Asian claimant governments and the US.

The artificial islands have been built with runways, towers, radars and, more recently, weapons systems.

The US has previously criticised what it called Chinas militarisation of its maritime outposts, and stressed the need for freedom of navigation by conducting periodic air and naval patrols near them.





We took note of the serious concerns expressed by some leaders over the recent developments and escalation of activities in the area, which may further raise tensions and erode trust and confidence in the region, the chairmans statement said.

In the run-up to the conference, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said the Philippines and other nations were helpless to stop Chinese artificial island-building in areas they claimed, so there was no point in discussing it at the summit.

Dutertes position as chairman this year is also a major test since hes known as being impatient and petulant with the rituals of diplomacy, Al Jazeeras Alindogan said.

It remains to be seen what he will say at the chairmans statement, but we are not expecting world leaders to be speaking against his war on drugs, the complaint against him at the International Criminal Court, especially because of the timidity of ASEAN from within.

Dutertes drug war, which has claimed thousands of lives and led to warnings by rights groups about a possible crime against humanity, has been widely condemned in the West.

But he has enjoyed support from some of his Southeast Asian guests this week, including Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday if Ankara and Washington were to join forces they could turn the Syrian city of Raqqa into a graveyard for the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Erdogan also suggested he could launch cross-border operations against Kurdish rebels at any time, just days after the Turkish military carried out air strikes in Syria and Iraq, drawing concern from the United States.

America, the coalition, and Turkey can join hands and turn Raqqa into a graveyard for [ISIL], Erdogan told a business summit in Istanbul.





They [ISIL] will look for a place to hide.

Erdogans comments come in advance of a meeting with US President Donald Trump on May 16  their first face-to-face summit since the real estate mogul and reality TV star took office in January.

Ankara is hopeful about a relationship with Washington under Trump after ties frayed in the final years of Barack Obamas administration, which limited cooperation between the NATO allies.

The two countries have bitterly disagreed over the role of the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) in Syria.

Turkey views the YPG as the Syrian extension of the Kurdish PKK group, which has waged a deadly rebellion against the Turkish state since 1984.

But the US is concerned that Turkeys military operations in Syria are more focused on preventing Syrian Kurds from forming an autonomous region in northern Syria, along Turkeys border, which could embolden Turkeys own Kurdish minority.

WATCH: Recep Tayyip Erdogan  Barack Obama deceived Turkey over PKK

Erdogan said he would present Trump at their meeting next month with documents proving YPGs links to the PKK, which is designated a terrorist group by Ankara and Washington.

We are telling American friends not to take a terror group along with them, the Turkish leader said.

On Wednesday, Turkey carried out several air strikes in Syria and Iraq against separatist Kurdish rebels and their allies, drawing the wrath of US officials who accused Ankara of lacklustre coordination.

The strikes in the Sinjar area of northern Iraq were against positions held by the Yazidi Protection Units, a militia supported by the PKK.

We launched strikes against Sinjar and the other place [in Syria] and killed 210 to 220 terrorists there. Why? You cannot play with this nation, Erdogan said.

READ MORE: Syrias civil war explained from the beginning

He hinted at future operations against YPG and PKK in Iraq and Syria.

We know very well what to do when the right time comes. We can turn up abruptly one night, he said, quoting a line from a well-known Turkish song.

Northern Syria is one of the most complicated battlefields of the multi-sided Syrian war, with ISIL now being fought there by the Syrian army, Turkey and its rebel allies, and an alliance of US-backed Syrian militias.
Controversial commander returns from self-imposed exile after his group signed a peace deal with the government.

Laghman, Afghanistan  Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, leader of Hezb-i-Islami, has made an appearance at a small gathering of members of the armed group in eastern Afghanistan after years of self-imposed exile.

The controversial commander, accused of war crimes, was one of the most influential leaders in the fight against Soviet forces in the 1980s.

The meeting on Friday came after Hekmatyars group signed a peace deal with President Ashraf Ghanis government in September.

The accord gave Hekmatyar amnesty for past offences and granted him future political rights.

About 50 people gathered to meet Hekmatyar at a government-owned guesthouse, waiting for hours to meet him.

As Hekmatyar arrived, supporters chanted slogans of Long live Hezb-i-Islami and God is great.

I have been counting days to see him for the past two decades, but today I was able to hug him after years of separation, Naik-Amin, who attended the gathering, told Al Jazeera.

We know some groups will not come to terms with us and our steps to make changes for the betterment of the country and will hinder our peace process, but if we stand united, we can make this country worth living in and no innocent lives will be lost any more.

OPINION: Afghans must support peace deal with Hekmatyar

The peace deal has been criticised by many Afghans and rights groups, who accuse Hezb-i-Islami of human rights violations during the Afghan civil war in the 1990s.

Hekmatyar is scheduled to make his first public appearance in 20 years and address the nation on Saturday in Laghman province, Hekmatyars spokesperson, Hashmatullah Arshad, said.

Weve made positive steps towards peace. It is not easy to make peace in this country. Everyone has picked up a gun here, but that is not the way. Fighting is easy, but making peace is difficult, Arshad told Al Jazeera at the gathering.

Large billboards have been erected by Hekmatyars supporters across the country welcoming him back and supporting his peace accord with the government.

Hekmatyar founded Hezb-i-Islami in the mid-1970s. He briefly accepted the position of prime minister in an administration following the collapse of a Soviet-backed government in 1992.

Hekmatyar was designated as a terrorist by the US state department in 2003, but in February, the UN Security Council lifted sanctions on him, which paved his way to return to Afghanistan.
At first public gathering in 20 years, controversial Afghan leader calls on fighters to come to the negotiating table.

Laghman, Afghanistan  Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the leader of Afghanistans Hezb-i-Islami, has called on the Taliban to come to the negotiating table in his first public appearance in 20 years.

At least 200 people welcomed Hekmatyar on Saturday in Afghanistans eastern Laghman province, where he had been conducting meetings with members of his team for the past two days.

Ask the militants who are they fighting with? The government? The people  the innocent people of Afghanistan? Hekmatyar said at the public gathering.





If you lay down your guns and come forward, I will be the first one to call you my brother. To the Taliban, [I say] come forward, lets talk about peace and prosperity, and join us in this peace process in Afghanistan.

Hekmatyar is expected to make a speech in the coming days in Kabul, where many Afghans have mixed feelings about his return.

Large posters of Hekmatyar and his group members were seen lying torn on streets.

Dwelling on the past events will bring nothing to this country. If we hold on to what he did in the past, we will never move forward, Zakariya Safari, who was present at the gathering, said.

But at the same time, we cannot be sure whether Hekmatyars return will bring any peace to the country because it is not as easy as it sounds.

Kabul citizens, whom #Hekmatyar massacred in 1990s, display anger&fun thru arts, as sawage leader expected in d scarred city soon. pic.twitter.com/pP52wEiOVM  Naseh (@Mann_Naseh) April 28, 2017

It will require many groups and individuals who have different ideologies and beliefs to come to one solution. It does not seem that easy to me.

Hekmatyar founded Hezb-i-Islami in the mid-1970s. He briefly accepted the position of prime minister in an administration following the collapse of a Soviet-backed government in 1992.

Hekmatyar was designated as a terrorist by the US state department in 2003, but in February, the UN Security Council lifted sanctions on him, which paved the way for his to return to Afghanistan.
First batch of nearly 300-strong Marine Corps contingent arrives in southern Afghan province as part of Trumps policy.

US soldiers from the Marine Corps have returned to Afghanistans Helmand province nearly three years after the US-led NATO forces ended combat mission in the country.

Commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan General John Nicholson attended a handover ceremony on Saturday marking the return of the elite force, the first American soldiers to be deployed in Afghanistan since 2014, an AFP news agency photographer said.

Part of a troop rotation, they will arrive in stages, eventually numbering some 300 who will take part in NATOs train, assist and advise mission.



This is Taliban Country

The deployment to Helmand came a day after a resurgent Taliban announced the launch of their so-called Spring Offensive.

The decision to boost forces was first announced in January after Donald Trump took over as the new president of the US. He is seeking to craft a new strategy in Afghanistan.

Earlier this months, the US dropped the mother of all bombs in the Achin district of Nangarhar province, close to the border with Pakistan.

The Pentagon said it targeted a series of caves and bunkers used by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIL) group, whose influence has grown in recent years.

Trump has criticised his predecessor Barack Obamas Afghanistan policy.

Helmand for years was the centrepiece of the US and British military intervention in Afghanistan.

The Taliban effectively controls or contests 10 of Helmands 14 districts, aided by a huge opium harvest.

Civilians displaced

About 30,000 people fled fighting in the province last year, mostly fleeing to provincial capital Lashkar Gah, with the city at times practically besieged.

The roads from neighbouring districts are heavily mined by the Taliban.

The US has about 8,400 troops in Afghanistan with about another 5,000 from NATO allies.

Nicholson has called for a few thousand more to help break the stalemate against the fighters.



Afghanistan: Taliban At The Gates

James Mattis, the US defence secretary, gave warning of another tough year in Afghanistan when he visited Kabul this week as part of consultations on the Trump administrations review of Afghan policy.

Most US forces in Afghanistan are taking part in NATOs training mission, seeking to boost Afghan forces who have been straining to beat back the Taliban since international forces ended their combat mission in 2014.

Afghanistan has seen intensified Taliban attacks across the country, leaving Afghan forces  already beset by killings, desertions, and vacuums in leadership and morale  stretched on multiple fronts.

They have faced high casualties, up 35 percent in 2016 with 6,800 soldiers and police killed, according to a US watchdog.

Last week the Taliban delivered a painful blow, with its fighters dressed in Afghan army uniforms killing at least 135 young recruits at a base near northern Mazar-i-Sharif city, according to official figures  though multiple sources have said the death toll is much higher.

The attack is believed to be the deadliest by the Taliban on a military target since they were driven from power in 2001. The group threatened more in the statement announcing their Spring Offensive on Friday.
Karachi, Pakistan  Pakistans military has rejected Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs decision to fire a top foreign policy adviser over his alleged connections to an article published last year that suggested there was a rift between civilian and military leaders on how to tackle militancy.

Sharif fired adviser Tariq Fatemi and ordered action against senior bureaucrat Rao Tehsin Ali on Saturday, said a statement from his office, adding that he was acting on the recommendations of an inquiry commission that probed the leaks, which formed the basis of the original newspaper report.

That report, published in the Dawn newspaper in October last year, suggested the civilian government had criticised the military for protecting certain armed groups operating in Pakistan, and sought a free hand to go after them. The military, the report said, had agreed to allow such action to be taken.

READ MORE: Pakistan  Cyril Almeida of Dawn on Exit Control List

The prime minister also referred the case of the journalist who wrote the story and editor of Dawn to the All Pakistan Newspapers Society, an industry body, for necessary disciplinary action to be taken against them.

In a rare public contradiction of the civilian governments orders, top military spokesman Major-General Asif Ghafoor said the military rejected the prime ministers orders.

Notification on Dawn Leak is incomplete and not in line with recommendations by the Inquiry Board. Notification is rejected, he said.

Notification on Dawn Leak is incomplete and not in line with recommendations by the Inquiry Board. Notification is rejected.  DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) April 29, 2017

According to Pakistans constitution, the armed forces are under the command and control of the elected civilian government. The militarys press wing did not respond when asked by Al Jazeera what its rejection of the prime ministers orders entailed.

Pakistans powerful military has ruled over the country for roughly half of its 69 years since independence from the British, and maintains tight control over security and parts of foreign policy.

The inquiry commission formed to probe the leaks that were the basis of the original story included members of the militarys intelligence agencies, as well as from civilian law enforcement and a retired judge.

Following the militarys rejection, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan addressed the media in Islamabad, saying further action on the issue was possible. He implied the prime ministers notification was leaked to the media before his ministry had a chance to act.

Al Jazeera received the prime ministers notification through the PM Offices official press release channel, through which all routine statements are sent to journalists.

National security rift

In October, the prime minister also fired then-information minister Pervaiz Rashid in connection with the leak.

In an unprecedented move, Cyril Almeida, the reporter who broke the story, was barred from leaving the country shortly after the storys publication, which both the government and military had rejected as a fabrication.

His report centred on a conversation that reportedly took place during a secret October 3 meeting of the countrys national security leadership, including the prime minister and the head of the Inter Services Intelligence.

READ MORE: Pakistan: Cyril Almeida removed from exit control list

The conflict in the meeting, Almeida reported, centred on the approach towards armed groups such as Jaish-e-Muhammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba, which target Indian security forces in Kashmir and elsewhere.

Dawn, Pakistans most widely read English language newspaper, stood by the story despite the government and military declaring it to be a fabrication.

While Saturdays notification from the PMs office did not recommend specific action against Almeida or Dawn editor Zaffar Abbas, it did ask the All Pakistan Newspapers Society to develop a code of conduct for the print media, especially when dealing with issues relating to security of Pakistan, and to ensure that stories on issues of national importance and security are published by abiding to basic journalistic and editorial norms.

Follow Asad Hashim on Twitter: @AsadHashim
Rodrigo Duterte says North Korean leader Kim wants to finish everything and drag us all down in a nuclear war.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday urged the United States to show restraint after North Koreas latest missile test and to avoid playing into the hands of leader Kim Jong-un, who wants to end the world.

Tensions between the US and the North have risen sharply in recent weeks as a series of North Korean missile tests have prompted dire warnings from President Donald Trumps administration about curtailing its nuclear weapons programme.

US officials have repeatedly warned all options are on the table  including military strikes  to curb the Norths nuclear ambitions.

READ MORE: North Korea carries out missile test in defiance of UN

The US has deployed an American naval strike group  the USS Carl Vinson  off the Korean peninsula. North Korea has responded by threatening to sink the aircraft carrier and launch nuclear attacks on the US regional allies South Korea and Japan.





The notoriously blunt Duterte said the Southeast Asia region was extremely worried about tensions between the United States and North Korea, and said one misstep would be a catastrophe and Asia would be the first victim of a nuclear war.

The United States, Japan, South Korea and China, he said, were sparring with a man who was excited about the prospect of firing missiles.

Duterte is current chairman of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and was to speak by telephone to US President Donald Trump later on Saturday. He said he would urge Trump not to get into a confrontation with Kim.

There seems to be two countries playing with their toys and those toys are not really to entertain, he told a news conference after the ASEAN summit in Manila, referring to Washington and Pyongyang.

You know that they are playing with somebody who relishes letting go of missiles and everything. I would not want to go into his [Kims] mind because I really do not know whats inside but hes putting Mother Earth, the planet to an edge.

North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile on Saturday shortly after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned that failure to curb Pyongyangs nuclear and ballistic missile programmes could lead to catastrophic consequences.

US and South Korean officials said the test appeared to have failed, in what would be the Norths fourth straight unsuccessful missile test since March.

READ MORE: North Korea  US has now gone seriously mad

The USS Carl Vinson, meanwhile, began a joint military drill with the South Korean navy on Saturday.

Immediately after the aircraft carrier arrived in the Sea of Japan, South Korea and the US strike forces launched a drill from 6:00pm [09:00GMT], a defence ministry spokesman told AFP news agency.





The drill aimed to verify the allies capability to track and intercept enemy ballistic missiles, he said. He declined to clarify how long the drill would last, but Yonhap news agency said it was expected to continue until some time next week.

The manoeuvres will also include a live-fire exercise and anti-submarine exercises, the spokesman added.

Duterte said it was incumbent upon the United States as the responsible country to not rise to Kims provocations. He said he was sure Trump had cautioned his military not to allow the situation to spiral out of control.

Who am I to say that you should stop? But I would say Mr President, please see to it that there is no war because my region will suffer immensely,' Duterte said.

I will just communicate to [Trump], just let him play  do not play into his hands.

He added: The guy [Kim] simply wants to end the world, that is why he is very happy. He is always smiling. But he really wants to finish everything and he wants to drag us all down.
More than 100 arrested in St Petersburg at demonstration against Vladimir Putins expected candidacy in 2018.

More than 100 activists were arrested in St Petersburg on Saturday as hundreds of Russians turned out to protest against President Vladimir Putins expected candidacy in elections next year.

Demonstrators rallied across several cities under the slogan Were sick of him.

The protests were called by the Open Russia movement founded by Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky.

About 200 people gathered in central St Petersburg, according to AFP news agency. OVD-Info, which monitors political repression, said more than 110 protesters were hauled away by riot police.

Police officers ended the actions  of 100 people who continued to trouble the public order, St Petersburg police said, without confirming if they had been arrested.

READ MORE: Russias new protest generation

Putin, 64, has not announced whether he plans to run for president again. He has dominated Russian politics for 17 years and enjoys high popularity ratings.

Putin is an usurper. He has to finally go, said one of the protesters, 35-year-old Anton Danilov, in St Petersburg.

Everything is bad. Education, health  everything has been destroyed. I want changes, said Galina Abramova, 57.





In Moscow, a similar sized rally remained peaceful as activists lined up under the gaze of riot police to hand over handwritten appeals for Putin to stand down from running in 2018.

I dont want Putin to stand in the next elections, said Anna Bazarova, a 16-year-old student queuing up to hand in her petition. Our main problem is that we cant change those in power.

Police said 250 people showed up in Moscow, the Interfax news agency reported, while Maria Baronova, an Open Russia activist, said at least 500 people had handed over a petition.

OVD-Info reported more arrests in other cities, including 20 in Tula and 14 in Kemerovo.

READ MORE: Profile  Alexei Navalny, opposition leader

Saturdays protests came after opposition leader Alexei Navalny organised the largest unauthorised rally of recent years in Moscow on March 26. Police detained about 1,000 people, including Navalny.

Authorities have stepped up pressure on Khodorkovskys Open Russia in recent days.

The General Prosecutors Office ruled on Wednesday that the activity of its British arm was undesirable and accused it and other organisations of trying to discredit the election.

On Thursday, police searched Open Russias Moscow offices. Activists said they confiscated 100,000 blank appeal forms that the foundation had intended to distribute to people encouraging them to call for Putin to quit.
Since Trumps inauguration on January 20, many demonstrations have been held over immigration, abortion and science.

Protesters marched in Washington on a second consecutive Saturday to challenge President Donald Trumps stance on the environment and call on him to stand by policies to stop climate change championed by his predecessor.

Thousands of people gathered for the afternoon march from the lawn of the US Capitol to the White House, an event that coincides with the completion of Trumps first 100 days in office and the end of the traditional honeymoon period for a new president.

The Peoples Climate March rivaled last weekends March for Science in size. Protesters sounded many of the same themes at both events.

You can just see the number of people here, tens of thousands of people. Theyve come from all over the country, Al Jazeeras Andy Gallacher said, reporting from Washington DC. The organisers say this movement is just beginning.





Carrying signs emblazoned with slogans such as Planet over profits, demonstrators on Saturday said they were angered by the prospect of Trump carrying through on his vow to roll back protections put in place by his predecessors.

Were going to rise up and let them know that were sick and tired of seeing our children die of asthma, said Reverend Leo Woodberry of Florence, South Carolina, who spoke during a press conference before the march.

Were sick and tired of seeing people with cancer because of coal ash ponds. Were sick and tired of seeing sea-level rise.

Trumps administration is considering withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, which more than 190 countries, including the United States, signed in hopes of curbing global warming. Trump has also proposed deep cuts for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In his campaign, Trump called climate change a hoax. Last month he kept a promise to the coal industry by undoing climate-change rules put in place by his predecessor, Barack Obama.

READ MORE: March for Science: Rallies from Washington DC to Berlin

Tom McGettrick, 57, an electrical engineer who drove up from the Florida Keys to attend the march, said his main concern is the weakening of the EPA.

Forty years of environmental protection has done wonders for the environment, especially in the Midwest, said McGettrick, who spent most of his life in Michigan.

When I was a teenager and went to Lake Erie, it was one of the most polluted bodies of water in the country, he said. Now when you go to Lake Erie its really beautiful.

Saturdays march was part of an effort to build support for candidates with strong environmental records in the run-up to next years midterm elections and the 2020 presidential race, organisers said.

Were using this as a tactic to advance the strategy of building enough power to win on climate over the course of the long haul, said Paul Getsos, national coordinator for the Peoples Climate Movement. Sponsors of Saturdays events included labour unions, the Sierra Club, and civil rights groups.

WATCH: The politics of climate change in the United States

As a side theme, marchers will protest Trumps crackdown on undocumented immigrants and other issues championed by the maverick Republican billionaire.

Since Trumps inauguration on January 20, there have been national protests focused on issues ranging from abortion rights to immigration and science policy.

Myron Ebell, a climate change sceptic at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a libertarian think-tank, said the march would have little impact on the administration.

The real decisions are made in this country in elections, and we have now a president and a House and a Senate that are determined to pursue a pro-energy agenda, he said by telephone.

Environmental activists believe public opinion is on their side. A Gallup poll this month showed 59 percent of Americans agreed environmental protection should take priority over increased US energy production.

Trump representatives had no immediate comment on the protest.
Turkey has blocked Wikipedia  the online encyclopedia  for articles and comments that suggested the country was in cooperation with terror groups.

Turkish officials had been in contact with the website various times and requested the content in question be removed, state-run Anadolu Agency quoted the Ministry of Transport, Maritime and Communications as saying.

The report said the site refused to remove the content in question, however.

Wikipedia has started acting as part of the circles who carry out a smear campaign against Turkey in the international arena, rather than being cooperative in fight against terror, ministry officials were quoted as saying.

The website tried to show Turkey at the same level and in cooperation with terror groups, the report said.

A block affecting all language editions of Wikipedia in Turkey was detected at about 05:00 GMT after an administrative order by Turkish authorities, the Turkey Blocks monitoring group, which watches internet restrictions in the country, said in a statement.

Wikipedias founder vowed on Saturday to stand with Turks after the encyclopedia ban.

Access to information is a fundamental human right, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales said on his Twitter feed. Turkish people I will always stand with you to fight for this right.

Q&A: Turkeys battle with the internet

Other websites, including leading social media, appeared to be working normally.

Turkey has over the past few years temporarily blocked access to popular sites  including Facebook, YouTube and Twitter  in the wake of major events such as mass protests or bomb attacks.

In March 2014, YouTube was banned for several months in Turkey after the site was used to broadcast purported footage of a security meeting on Syria.

In the summer of 2013, severe restrictions were imposed on social media during mass anti-government protests.

Reports of block on VPNs

Savvy internet users frequently resort to the use of VPNs to get around these bans, although there have been complaints that these too have also started to be blocked.

The government says such measures are always temporary and are needed for national security reasons, but critics see the blocks as further restrictions on civil liberties under the rule of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

READ MORE: New internet law in Turkey sparks outrage

In November 2016, Turkey imposed temporary restrictions lasting several hours on the messaging service WhatsApp as well as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other sites following the controversial arrests of pro-Kurdish MPs.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim then acknowledged that from time to time for security reasons we can use such measures  These are temporary measures. Once the danger is passed, everything returns to normal.

The move to block Wikipedia caused an uproar on social media in Turkey as users angrily denounced the decision to restrict access to one of the worlds most popular websites.
After 100 days of steering the worlds biggest economy, there is some evidence to suggest that US President Donald Trump is having to adapt to economic reality.

Trump stated in a tweet that the 100 days milestone is a ridiculous standard. But analysts and journalists look at the first 100 days because this is usually the best time for a president to push through new legislation.

So what has actually happened over the past three months?

On the eve of the 100 day deadline, Trump announced what he described as the biggest tax cuts in US history. But he didnt say how he would pay for them. His administration says the plan will simplify the US tax system by reducing the number of tax brackets and cutting the corporate tax rate by more than half. Diane Eastabrook reports from Washington, DC.

What about the other big campaign promises?

What we've seen is an administration on a steep learning curve in terms of trade policy and what they actually can do. by Fredrik Erixon, director, ECIPE

Trump vowed to get rid of bad trade deals, as evidenced by his pulling out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. But since then his tone has softened.

At the presidents summit with Chinas Xi Jinping, the two leaders seemed eager to avoid a trade war and Trump decided not to formally label China as a currency manipulator.

Hes also decided not to pull out of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) but instead, he wants to negotiate with Mexico and Canada.

So what about building a wall and getting Mexico to pay for it? Democrats say they wont authorise funding for it. So Trump didnt force a government shutdown over it.

Commenting on where Trump stands on global free trade, Fredrik Erixon, director of the European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE), says what weve seen is an administration on a steep learning curve in terms of trade policy and what they actually can do.

My expectation is were probably going to see a Reagan-type trade policy that we had in the 1980s that combined some positive gradual liberalisation with use of a lot of defensive policy instruments like anti-dumping tariffs, etc, that hes planning to put on Canadian lumber now.

Trumps campaign rhetoric differs from the current economic reality.

I have no idea what happens inside the head of President Trump, but he, like everyone else will be confronted with a political and economic reality which is that if he wants to behave in a protectionist manner against others  they will do the same against him and thats going to hurt US economy quite substantially, and I think thats what theyve learned over the past 100 days, explains Erixon.

Also on this episode of Counting the Cost:

Chinas shadow banking: A big crackdown on whats known as the shadow banking system has been causing turbulence in the Chinese stock markets. Shadow banking is high-risk lending that has grown over the years. It has been described as a ticking time bomb with the potential to rock the Chinese economy. These financial products are being sold with little regulation and oversight, but the government wants to change that. Catherine Yeung, the Investment Director for Hong Kong-based Fidelity International, explains whats at stake.

China-Pakistan Silk Road: China is investing billions of dollars on road and rail networks in Pakistan. The aim is to open up new trade opportunities across Asia and into Europe in a modern version of the old Silk Road. But its not an easy task, as construction workers face attacks from separatist fighters in the countrys largest province. Kamal Hyder reports from Gwadar, Balochistan.

Wikipedias WikiTribune venture: One of the founders of the online encyclopaedia Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales, is turning his hand to the news business. Wales has announced WikiTribune, an online publication that will pair professional journalists with volunteer contributors as a response to the explosion of fake news. Technology editor Tarek Bazley reports.

Indias alcohol ban: Its now illegal to sell alcohol within 500 metres of Indias state and national highways, a move thats driving some bar owners to extreme measures. Andrew Chappelle reports.
As the French media rally around Macron, how will Marine Le Pen tweak her media strategy? Plus, Podemos challenge.

On The Listening Post this week: As the French media rally around centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron, how will the far-right Marine Le Pen tweak her media strategy? Plus, Podemos vs the Spanish media.

France votes: The media effect

The far-right Marine Le Pen is within striking distance of the French presidency. Did the French media help get her this far and how do they cover her now?

Contributors:

Scott Sayare, Paris-based journalist

Nadia Henni-Moulai, journalist and founder of MeltingBook

Wallerand de Saint-Just, member, National Front

Daniel Schneidermann, journalist and media analyst

On our radar

 A new constitution, but the same old problems for journalists in Turkey. At least nine arrests since the referendum vote.

 Difficulties of covering Boko Haram; a journalist in Cameroon gets 10 years in jail for alleged collaboration with the armed group.

 Ecuadors media regulator fines several news outlets for not publishing a story.

Podemos vs the Spanish media

The left-wing party Podemos may be popular in Spain, but its no thanks to the media there. We take a look at the partys communications strategy and what its up against in the Spanish media.

Contributors:

Juan Carlos Monedero, cofounder of Podemos

Enric Marin, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona

Bieito Rubido, editor-in-chief, ABC

David Alandete, managing editor, El Pais
Hes ruled Uganda for 31 years. With five presidential terms in office, Yoweri Museveni is surrounded by controversies related to freedom of speech, human rights, allegations of nepotism, and even the killing of Ugandan citizens.

But President Museveni claims Uganda is one of the most democratic countries in the world and that he is leading his people out of poverty and to an even better future.

At 72, though, hes three years away from the constitutional age limit to serve as president. But there is already speculation he will try to change that limit so he can get around it.

As he visited the State of Qatar, Yoweri Museveni, the president of Uganda, talked to Al Jazeera.

Democracy means you elect the people you like. We had elections about one year ago and my party won 62 percent of the vote. That does not show that the people of Uganda are fed up of our party because they have voted for us five times. by Yoweri Museveni, president of Uganda

Al Jazeera: Human Rights Watch, in its latest report, criticised Ugandas governments dealings in terms of human rights. Suppression of free speech, putting dissidents in jail  we have the case of Stella Nyanzi who is still in jail just because she expressed herself. We also have the opposition leader who has been in jail several times. We have the government cracking down on opponents and preventing people from rallying freely. By law, more than five people should have the consent and agreement of the police before they can express themselves in the street.

Yoweri Museveni: Uganda is one of the most democratic countries in the world. In terms of free speech, we have something like 250 private radios, which say whatever they want. We have so many television stations, private  I dont know how many you have here in Qatar, private ones  maybe you can tell me. I only see Al Jazeera. But for us, we have so many. The empowerment of women  many women compared to other countries  in leadership.

Al Jazeera: Why is activist Stella Nyanzi still in jail just because she expressed herself?

Museveni: If you are an activist and you commit an offence, because with human rights you must also speak of the rights of others, you cannot trample on the rights of others, and you say it is my right to abuse other people, to insult other people  no. Rights go with responsibilities  if you know anything about democracy.

Al Jazeera: More than just jail and cracking down on dissent, we have bloodshed in Uganda. In western Uganda, in Rwenzururu, just a few months ago, more than 100 people were killed by security forces who attacked a traditional cultural kingdom in the area, saying that that place had terrorists inside. What do you say to this?

Museveni: That issue is in court and according to our law, when something is in court I am not allowed to comment. The court will tell us whether those people were arrested for nothing or not.

Al Jazeera: We are talking about those who were killed, not those who are in court.

Museveni: Yes, even those who were killed. Were they killed for no reason  we shall find out from the court. It is in the court now. We call it the principle of sub judice. If I start saying they were wrong, they were this, they were that  then Im interfering with the court. What I can tell you is since the matter is in the court, bring all your cameras, come to the court and film what they say. I invite you.

Al Jazeera: But we here, and the international audience of Al Jazeera, want to know what happened and we wont be in court to see it. We want you, Mr President, to explain to us why you sent your troops to that area, to Kasese, to kill more than 100 people.

Museveni: Because they were breaking the law.

Al Jazeera: In what way? They were just guarding the palace [home of Omusinga Mumbere, king of the cultural institution] and they didnt have any weapons.

Museveni: In Uganda, weve got many kings. They are not guarded by militias. They are guarded by the national army.

Al Jazeera: According to our facts, those people were killed and the king was persecuted because they were opposed to the president in the election. Because they are not pro-the ruling government.

Museveni: Not at all, and there are so many [opposed to the ruling government]. If they opposed the president, then what was the militia doing? Do political parties have militias?

Al Jazeera: Mr President, it seems that Ugandans are a little fed up with you because we are reading a lot of reports about this Facebook revolution. People are trying to go to the streets even though they are prevented and they are afraid, of course, of the security forces. They want to create something like the Arab Spring in Uganda. They are fed up because it has been more than three decades of your leadership and term after term after term, it is only one man ruling the country and the world around Uganda has changed. All presidents around Uganda have gone. Do you agree with me that there is a little bit of fatigue with your leadership?

Museveni: Have you heard of something called democracy? Democracy means you elect the people you like. We had elections about one year ago and my party won 62 percent of the vote. That does not show that the people of Uganda are fed up of our party because they have voted for us five times.

Al Jazeera: According to some reports, you have demanded to be given the right to choose the next leader of Uganda. You were unsuccessful.

Museveni: No. I cannot demand that. The people are there. The people have been electing me, in spite of Al Jazeera.

Al Jazeera: Are you going to run for another term?

Museveni: We follow our Constitution.

Al Jazeera: There are reports that you are about to change the Constitution so that you can run for another term. Is that going to happen?

Museveni: I cannot change the Constitution because I do not have that power.

Al Jazeera: Reports also say that you are now preparing your own son, who is now highly elevated in the army and hes your special adviser on certain issues. Your wife is also a minister  she sits next to you on the cabinet. Reports are you are preparing one of the two to become the next president of Uganda. What do you say to this?

Museveni: Why should I prepare them? The people of Uganda will choose the one they want.

Al Jazeera: People in your family are very close to you right now, closer than anybody else. There are reports that you are focusing on your own relatives and this is nepotism  giving them higher seats in the government. Isnt that nepotism, Mr President?

Museveni: Thats not nepotism. The few members of my family that are involved, I involve on their own merit. My wife, against my advice, stood for election and had the biggest majority in the whole country  because the population appreciate what I have done.

You can talk to Al Jazeera, too. Join our Twitter conversation as we talk to world leaders and alternative voices shaping our times. You can also share your views and keep up to date with our latest interviews on Facebook.
Dr Marc Lamont Hill is an award-winning journalist and author and is the Steve Charles Professor of Media, Cities, and Solutions at Temple University. Hill is known for his work addressing the intersections of race, justice, politics and culture. His latest best-selling book is We Still Here: Pandemics, Policing, Protest and Possibility which follows on the success of Nobody: Casualties of Americas War on the Vulnerable from Flint to Ferguson. Hill has received numerous prestigious awards from the US National Association of Black Journalists, GLAAD, and the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.
Muslim reformer Zuhdi Jasser has recently attacked leaders of the anti-Jihad movement in America. He equated them with jihadists when he called them the derogatory word, alt-jihadists, meaning that Americans who speak and write against the evils of Islamic jihad and sharia are just as bad as jihadists. Jasser attacked by name freedom fighters like Stephen Kirby, John Guandolo, Diana West, Clare Lopez, Andrew Bostom, Robert Spender and Pamela Geller.

Jasser claims that he coined the word alt-jihadists but in fact Arab media beat him to it when they equated vocal anti-jihad leaders with jihadists. To silence critics of jihad and Islam, Muslim media have habitually come down hard on critics of jihad and Islam and treated them worse than terrorists.

Traditionally, Arab media placed terrorists on a pedestal and called anyone who discouraged jihad apostates. But after 9/11, when the evils of Islamic jihad became clear to the world, Arab media was caught in a quagmire; it could no longer openly applaud jihadists who were the heroes of Muslim society. They had to blame critics of jihad who were exposing Islams dirty little secret. Thus Arab media started a campaign to equate critics of Islam, sharia and jihad with terrorists.

In 2007 a horrific article was written against Wafa Sultan and myself in the cover of a prominent Egyptian magazine Rose El Yousef, in which we were both condemned as apostates who are just as bad as Muslim terrorists, Taliban leaders and the blind Sheikh, Omar Abdel-Rahman, who caused the 1993 world trade center bombing. Note that the Egyptian magazine did not place a photo of Usama Bin Laden, because he was popular among many Muslims.

The article which was entitled American Style Islam had Sultan and myself together with three well known Islamists and terrorists wrapped in an American flag that insinuated that America was responsible for creating both terrorists and apostates. The message to the average Arab reader was that Islam had nothing to do with all this worldwide fear of Islam and that America is allowing apostates to speak out against the peaceful Islam. The article warned Muslims against listening or reading such claims coming from America regarding Islam and that all this evil by terrorists is a creation of America.

Articles like that in Arab media were also aimed at scaring and silencing both Sultan and myself. Death threats became a daily part of our life that we had to put up with as price for speaking out to warn America. The progressive Left in America even believed Arab media and joined them in branding us Islamophobes.

I have always respected what Zuhdi Jasser was trying to do and avoided contradicting him in public, even though I do not believe that Islam is reformable. I have kept my opinion to myself regarding the false hope Muslim reformers are giving to the Americans regarding Islam. But when Jasser attacked leaders of the anti-jihad movement in America I decided to speak out.

Jasser knows that Arab media calls him apostate and Islamophobe for his efforts to reform Islam and for his attacks on jihad and sharia. Islam by its nature is considered perfect and unchangeable and any attempt to reform it is considered apostasy.

The majority of Muslims and Arab media have shunned Zuhdi Jasser as an apostate and an Islamophobe. Some of Jassers Muslim supporters whom I know personally are in fact apostates, but are trying to help in any way to reform Islam.

Below is an article in Arab media in which critics of Islam, reformers and apostates are all called traitor Islamophobles and guess who was included in this attack? Yes Zuhdi Jasser, Walid Shoebat, Walid Fares and myself.

I am not sure what is Jassers motivation in attacking leaders of the counter-jihad movement in America, but my guess is that Jasser wishes to get on the good side of Islamic leaders and media in the hope they will start accepting him as Muslim.

Jassers reformation movement and criticism of Islam, sharia and jihad have mostly brought Jasser rejection and isolation from the Islamic community. Jassers movement, however, have succeeded in convincing US media that there is good and reformable Islam. The West is desperately trying to find that good Islam and Jasser is an eloquent representative of that who meets that need in the West.

But suddenly Jasser discovered that all he has was approval from Western media, but total rejection by the Islamic community, and he had to start appealing to Islam. The seeming solution was to throw a bone to the Muslim community by attacking leaders of the counter-jihad movement. But I refuse to stand by watching the reputation of honorable Americans being smeared in order for the Muslim community to approve of Jasser. I also do not think that this will work, because Jasser has gone too far in his criticism of sharia and jihad and he will not be able to take that back.

The reform Islam movement is nothing new and Muslims have attempted to reform Islam for fourteen hundred years and always failed. Leaders of such movements were often beheaded for apostasy. Jihad and sharia are foundational principles of Islam and no mincing of words will change that. That in addition to lying, deception and terror as approved Islamic tools to stay in control, could never help any reform movement to build on. How can anyone build on a foundation of lies and violence? But the so-called reformers tell us they can and that keeps American media happy and that is all that counts.

Nonie Darwish Author Wholly Different; why I chose Biblical Values over Islamic Values
Last November, there was a political shake-up in France. In the Republican primary, Francois Fillon unexpectedly defeated both former president Nicolas Sarkozy, under whom he served as prime minister, and veteran politician and former P.M. Alain Juppe.

As the British Financial Times put it:

The French left is unpopular and in disarray, so it is generally assumed that the winning center-right candidate will confront Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Front in the second round of the presidential election next May.

The recently rebranded Parti republicain has traditionally represented France's center-right.

FT continued:

In the space of a few weeks, Mr. Fillon has transformed himself from an also-ran whose political views seemed irrelevant to France's future to a formidable campaigner who has possibly the best chance to enter the Elysee Palace as the next president.

In January, the Economist quoted Laurent Bouvet of Versailles University saying, "The left is a mess."

The political scientist, himself a socialist, predicted that only 40% of voters would consider backing any left-leaning candidate. "If the leftist contenders split their share of the vote close to evenly, none has a chance of winning 20-25%."

So how is it that in Sunday's primary election, the "unpopular" left and its centrist offshoot, Emmanuel Macron, until recently economics minister in Francois Hollande's Socialist government, won half the vote (49.95%)? This is even more surprising, given that Hollande has the lowest popularity rating in the history of the Fifth Republic at 4%.

The French left employed a winning combination by dressing up the 39-year-old inexperienced leftist in centrist clothing, along with a campaign of character assassination against Francois Fillon.

Then in early this month, after a winning presidential debate performance, Jean-Luc Melenchon, another former Socialist party member now heading a new radical left-wing party, Unsubmissive France, unexpectedly shot up in the polls.

Melenchon, 65, has been active in French politics since the 1968 youth rebellion. He, like Bernie Sanders, promised a new generation of disenchanted young an economically rosy but financially unachievable future.

In the end, there were three leftist candidates: the two former members of the Socialist party, and Benoit Hamon, who represented that party. The traditional center-left party crashed on Sunday, with Hamon receiving just 6.36% of the vote.

On the right were Marine Le Pen, who had transformed her father's racist and anti-Semitic National Front into a viable party, and Francois Fillon.

Fillon was the most experienced candidate and had the most workable economic program to cut France's bureaucracy and encourage investment. Unlike the extreme candidates, Le Pen on the right and Melenchon on the left, he believes that France should remain in the European Union but that the Schengen (border) Agreement should be revised. Yet he was not afraid to call Europe's greatest security risk by name in his recently published book, Conquering Islamic Totalitarianism. He favors limiting immigration.

So how did the left bring down the original frontrunner?

Francois Fillon, the 63-year-old Catholic traditionalist married to the same woman for 37 years, was labeled a corrupt old-school elitist politician. In late January, he was accused by the leftist newspaper Le Canard Enchaine, of employing his wife and two of his children as parliamentary assistants, a nepotistic benefit permitted by French law. Fillon apologized for having taken advantage of this arrangement, but he claimed that they had really worked.

A video released of Fillon's English-born wife, Penelope, being interviewed by the Telegraph was damning. She stated that "I have never been actually his assistant or anything like that. I don't deal with his communication." A lawyer by trade, she added that the she had helped him informally during his campaigns and sometimes from their country home.

In an unprecedented move, the French judiciary charged the couple with several counts of embezzlement, making Fillon the first major candidate in the history of the Fifth Republic to seek the presidency while under formal investigation. The candidate accused President Francois Hollande of conspiring to torpedo his campaign.

The Financial Times had opined during the Republicain primary that "France needs its best qualified, most trustworthy center-right politician to keep out Ms Le Pen."

Fillon, now painted as dishonest, was quickly replaced in the polls by Emmanuel Macron, "the centrist candidate," as being the most likely to face Le Pen in the runoff.

But is Macron, who came in first in Sunday's primary and is expected to handily defeat Le Pen in the runoff on May 7, really a centrist? An economist by trade, he is more pro-business than many Socialist Party members. There is no doubt, however, that he remains culturally on the left. A quick comparison between Macron's words and those of the now defeated and dishonored Fillon, who came in third, illustrates what France has lost.

On French Culture and Multiculturalism:

Fillon (author's translation): Progress has always had at its origin a heritage, a sum of knowledge, and a know-how, which allow the future centuries to take root. France must renew its pride in its history and in its roots.

Macron: There is no French culture. There is a culture in France, and it is diverse.

On Immigration:

Fillon: We have six million unemployed and nearly nine million poor people. Immigration must be firmly controlled and reduced to a strict minimum.

Macron: [German chancellor Angela] Merkel and German society exemplified our common European values. They saved our collective dignity by accepting, accommodating, and educating distressed refugees.

On Cultural Integration:

Fillon: France is generous, but it is not a mosaic and a territory without limits. It is one nation that has a right to choose who can join it and a right that foreigners accept its rules and customs.

Macron: I want to help with Muslim integration. If you follow the line of Marine Le Pen, you create a civil war.

On Islam:

Fillon: I want strict administrative control over the Muslim faith[.] ... Any movement claiming Salafism and the Muslim Brotherhood will be dissolved.

Macron: What poses a problem is not Islam, but certain behaviors that are said to be religious and then imposed on persons who practice that religion.

Francois Fillon perhaps sinned by misusing public funds, but he should have been considered innocent until proven guilty. Instead, this traditional Catholic was martyred when telling the truth about France's future if it continues down its current path. He offered real solutions while retaining the country's republicain values. Most important among them is the reconstitution of the traditional family if France is to survive the demographic onslaught posed by both recent immigration and the high birth rate of French Muslims.

"I will put the family back at the heart of all public policy," vowed Fillon, the father of five.

By contrast, Emmanuel Macron married his high school teacher, 24 years his senior. In the U.S., the romance, which began when he was 15, would have landed her in jail. Instead, the 64-year-old Brigitte is likely to become France's first lady.

When Macron's parents found out about the liaison, they begged the teacher to end it, telling the married mother of three (author's translation), "You already have your life; Emmanuel will never have children." They then asked her to stay away from their adolescent son until he reached eighteen. Brigitte, old enough to be his mother, replied emotionally, "Je ne peux rien vous promettre." I can promise you nothing.

Emmanuel Macron may promise the French a new "centrist" way, but he will continue the left's path to demographic and cultural destruction.

Quel dommage! What a shame!

The author is a "self-made multiculturalist" who has lived and worked in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. He blogs at The Multicultural Conservative: Conservative by Nature  Multicultural by Choice.
Dr. Billy Graham has noted that, bad politicians are elected by good people who dont vote.

In Georgias Sixth Congressional District special election last week, 57 percent of registered voters stayed home. The race repeatedly made national news because it was possible that a Democrat could be elected to that seat for the first time since 1979. In an advertising blitz for the candidates, outside groups poured over $14 million into the contest, and the Democrat, Jon Ossoff, spent a record-breaking $8.3 million on his campaign.

All that, and just 43 percent of the voters were motivated enough to cast a ballot -- non-voters won in a landslide. In fact, non-voters always win.

In 2012, despite a photo-finish presidential election, hot button issues at stake, and an estimated $6 billion spent on campaigning, voter turnout dropped from 57 percent of eligible citizens voting in 2008 to an estimated 55 percent. Only 63 percent of eligible voters are even registered. And a side note: off-year elections statistics are worse. Just 36 percent of the voting-eligible population cast ballots in 2014  the lowest in 70 years. Since 2002, the average voter participation in off-year elections has hovered at 39 percent.

As a percentage of all eligible voters, Hillary Clinton received 28 percent (65,845,063 votes) compared to Donald Trumps 27 percent (62,980,160 votes). If Did Not Vote was a political party, they would have won in a walk: 44 percent of all voters (102,731,399) stayed home.

Only eight states and Washington, D.C. had high enough voter turnout to assure that one of the candidates on the ballot won more votes than people who did not bother to vote: Iowa and Wisconsin for Trump, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and D.C. for Clinton. Non-voters swept up the rest of the country.

Surveys by Northwestern Universitys Non-Voters in America reveal that in terms of ideology, 15 percent of non-voters are liberal, 27 percent moderate, and 21 percent self-identified as conservative. Using that equation, about 44 million non-voters considered themselves moderates or conservatives in 2012. Liberal Barack Obama scored five million more votes than the middle-of-the-road candidate Mitt Romney.

In the 2016 New Hampshire U.S. Senate contest, the Democrat nominee bested the Republican incumbent by fewer than 1,000 votes (.14 percent), but more than 135,000 voters stayed home. For the first time since 1988, Pennsylvania voted for a Republican presidential candidate despite a Democratic voter registration advantage of nearly a million people. Donald Trump won Pennsylvania by a 0.70 percent margin (44,292 votes), however about ten million (10,000,000) registered voters did not show up on Election Day. Incumbent Republican Senator Pat Toomey eked out a win by just 100,000 votes in the same election.

Northwestern Universitys Non-Voters in America project classifies non-voters into several groups including too busy and pessimists; 27 percent of non-voters were pessimists who were turned off by their limited choices and did not vote. According to a Non-Voters in America study, Pessimists earned their label because, compared with other non-voters, they are more likely to think the country is on the wrong track and are more likely to dislike both the political candidates and the government more generally.

Non-Voters in America also found that active faithfuls, self-identified evangelicals, make up about 11 percent of the non-voting public. They are the most mistrustful of government and have a very low opinion of politicians. Non-Voters in Americas study concluded that, politically, they lean conservative and are very knowledgeable about how government and politics work. They are also high news consumers. If the non-voting active faithfuls were targeted in the Bible Belt state of Georgia, the results would likely have been much different.

One of the founding tenets of the United States is that the government derives its authority from the consent of the governed. So why the chasm between tens of millions of non-voters and political campaigns? Simple: when voters are presented with impotent and insipid candidates over and over again, they feel disenfranchised, cynical, and apathetic. Non-voters clobber candidates left and right.

According to a December 2016 Pew Research Center report on non-voters, about 26 percent said they didnt like any of the candidates. However, inspirational candidates with innovative platforms -- think Ross Perot, Ron Paul, and Bernie Sanders -- always excite the electorate. Better candidates mean more voters.

One more factor: according to an ABC News/Washington Post survey, 48 percent of respondents said they would prefer a third-party candidate to run. An Associated Press/University of Chicago poll revealed that 71 percent of millennials want an alternative to the Republican and Democrat nominees. More choices mean more voters.

Michigan State political scientist Corwin Smidt has observed, Weve seen a huge increase in technology and the ability to turn out the vote. In terms of a cost-benefit analysis, the parties and candidates see that its much easier to turn out people who agree with them than it is to change someones mind.

Question: are conservative candidates raising the bridge to capture likely prospects among non-voters or trying to lower the river looking for converts?

Peter B. Gemma is an award-winning freelance writer whose articles have appeared in TheDailyCaller.com, the Washington Examiner, and Military History.
Yesterday, President Trump signed an executive order requiring a review of the large national monuments that have been created over the last 21 years. The president ran on a platform of reducing regulations to promote jobs and economic growth, but he inherited vast areas -- nearly a billion acres in total -- that have been shut off from productive use under the Antiquities Act.

His predecessor, Barack Obama, was the king of Antiquities Act abuse, designating more monuments covering more area than any prior president. He tripled the total area restricted, adding more than 500 million acres in new and expanded monuments. Most of this area was locked up during the last year of Obama's presidency, once he was no longer accountable to voters.

There's a reason presidents designate "midnight" monuments at the end of their terms: they can be extremely controversial when people depend on the use of areas being closed off to support their families.

Take Bears Ears National Monument. In the final weeks of his presidency, President Obama declared 1.35 million acres in Utah off-limits, over the objections of the governor, Utah's congressional delegation, and local governments. Shortly before, a poll found that only 19% of Utahans supported the monument. The unilateral decision also derailed a legislative compromise that had been in the works for years.

The controversy has led to calls for President Trump to reverse the damage done by his predecessor under the Antiquities Act. According to a recent American Enterprise Institute paper authored by Todd Gaziano and law professor John Yoo, President Trump may revoke or substantially shrink controversial monuments under the Antiquities Act.

The suggestion that some of these controversial monuments may be reconsidered has caused alarm among environmental groups, who routinely lobby for more and more monuments. They blithely assumed that these decisions were permanent and insist that they must be because no president has previously revoked a monument.

On one level, the argument that the president has this authority is obvious. Suppose, for instance, that a monument was created to protect an artifact that has since been excavated and taken to a museum, removing the monument's justification. Or imagine a president designates a monument to protect what he later learns was a hoax. What sense would it make to forever forbid the use of federal lands in such circumstances? And what if a president declares a monument that violates the Antiquities Act? Are subsequent Presidents forever bound by that illegal action? Of course not.

There are many reasons to question some of President Obamas monument designations. The Antiquities Act, as its name suggests, was adopted in 1906 to allow the president to act quickly to protect Indian and other historic artifacts threatened by looting. But today, presidents declare monuments based on fish, trees, and vistas. The statute also limits monuments to lands owned or controlled by the Federal government but several huge monuments have been designated on the oceans. Finally, the statute requires monuments to be confined to the smallest area compatible with protecting it, yet they routinely exceed a million acres.

The president can undo or shrink a monument if he believes it's in the nation's best interests.

Environmental groups opposing the presidents power to revoke monuments principally argue that this power would be inconsistent with the Antiquities Acts preservation purpose. Of course, a statutes purpose is in the eye of the beholder and any such argument should be met with skepticism. People conveniently tend to see a statutes purpose as adopting their political preferences.

Opponents of the president's authority to undo a monument ignore that the Antiquities Act never requires the creation of a monument in any circumstances. It restricts the president's power to designate monuments, to be sure. But, within these limits, the statute leaves the decision to create a monument to the president's discretion. He may consider the impact of a monument on jobs, economic growth, and anything else he wishes.

If the Antiquities Act allows presidents to decide against creating a monument based on these factors, how can it be contrary to the statute's purpose to use the same factors in deciding to undo or shrink a monument? It cannot be. When presidents have this sort of open-ended discretion to act, they have the same discretion to reconsider even where, as here, they are acting pursuant to power delegated by Congress.

For instance, when a statute delegates to the president or an agency he oversees the power to adopt discretionary regulations, the same discretion applies to the repeal or reform of those regulations. Discretionary regulations are only immune to future president's reconsideration in the rare circumstances where Congress expressly states that it should be so.

Congress has given no indication that that president's open-ended discretion to create a monument (or not) does not also authorize the president to exercise the same discretion for undoing or shrinking monuments.

Consistent with this background rule, several presidents have shrunk existing monuments, sometimes dramatically, even though the statute does not expressly authorize them to do so. In the first few years after the statute was enacted, President William Taft created the Navajo National Monument only to later shrink it by almost 90 percent. A quarter of the presidents elected since the Antiquities Act was enacted have used their power to reduce the size of monuments without anyone challenging those actions.

President Trump has an opportunity to reconsider whether any of the more than 500 million acres President Obama locked up could be better put to creating jobs and economic growth. If he does, he could provide relief to rural voters. And he can create the political momentum for Congress to finally reform the Antiquities Act so that those areas that truly need permanent protection can receive it while preventing future presidents from abusing their power against the needs of people's.

Jonathan Wood is an attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation and represents several fishing organizations in a challenge to the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument.
Italy is romance. Caruso's ghost sings in the corridors of narrow streets. Each meal is an adventure for the palate. Tourists travel the seven seas to recapture the past of Michelangelo, Leonardo, Signorile, Bernini. Italy is the reservoir of Western culture.

That said, Italy is declining  like the Colossus of Rhodes, it is sinking into the Mediterranean. The tourists come in droves, and like locusts, they can cover a city. But the tourists and natives only look through the rearview mirror. Contemporary Italy is bankrupt and kept afloat by the panjandrums at the E.U. The northern half of the country works; the southern half lives on the dole. Sardinia is an island comprising retirees with only one manufacturing plant on it.

Five Star, the movement to withdraw from the E.U., is led by a comedian  some would say a perfect example of Italian politics. The growing migrant population is another issue. North Africans have poured into the country at an unprecedented rate. No one could tell me how many reside in the country because residency is based on obtaining records, an often impossible task.

So Italian hip-hoppers, supported by government largess, wearing Michael Jordan tee-shirts, enjoy the benefits of the country but give little in return. It is the anti-migrant sentiment that fuels an exit from the E.U.

The once majestic Italian family sitting around a dining table with Grandma and Grandpa is nonexistent. Italians have one of the lowest birth rates in the world, and 85 percent of them who have children have "only children." Italy is on the path to demographic suicide.

Still, the charm of yesteryear remains as a form of faded glory. On a recent trip to Amalfi, I went to the world-famous Lunar hotel. In its time, dignitaries from around the globe visited. Mussolini stayed there, as did Tennessee Williams, Gore Vidal, and Richard Wagner. Humphrey Bogart and Gina Lollabridgida filmed Beat the Devil on the premises. The courtyard offers bowls of flowers and memories of the past. But this is not a 21st-century hotel like those in Singapore. The plumbing is failing and the paint peeling. Rooms are large but dank. In so many ways, the Lunar hotel captures Italy. Breathtaking, and nostalgic, a time-goes-by classic.

How Italy rights the ship of state is not clear. It doesn't produce the products that satisfy global demands. Unemployment for the 20-to-40 set is near Depression levels. Young college graduates with ambition head for London, Paris, or New York. There are civil service positions and opportunities in the tourist trade, but government work does nothing for economic growth, and tourist jobs pay poorly. There are those who contend that Italy could make it if a secessionist movement had the north break with the south. Politically, this is a nonstarter.

So Italy will limp along, an album of civilizational glory, until it cannot walk at all. For the West, that will be a moment of despair. For those with a memory, Italy will survive; for the existentialists, it will be a myth  the story of a place long ago.

Herbert London is president of the London Center for Policy Research.
Elections have consequences, as President Obama used to enjoy saying. Under President Obama, the Department of Labor in 2013 allowed a serious abuse of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) workplace inspections, turning them into legally sanctioned recruiting and intelligence-gathering (not to mention trespassing) missions for labor unions  even in non-union workplaces. This change in rules that have the force of law was accomplished by issuing a memo from one bureaucrat, not through any formal rule-making process with checks and balances, much less legislation.

For this reason, it was challenged in court by the Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF), representing the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB). The PLF explains:

The union walk-around rule allowed union officials to participate in OSHA workplace inspections  even for businesses that are not unionized and regardless of any technical or other relevant expertise the representative may (or may not) have had. As the PLF/NFIB lawsuit drove home, this revolutionary distortion of the inspection process was illegal because it was imposed by one OSHA official's edict  through a letter called the "Fairfax Memo"  rather than through the extended notice and comment process that federal law requires for new regulations. Moreover, the rule violated OSHA's existing regulations, by introducing union officials into inspection teams, whether or not they had the required health and safety expertise.

When a federal judge in December refused a motion to dismiss the case, NFIB v. OSHA, brought against the rule, the way was open for the Trump administration to withdraw the Fairfax Memo and end the abuse. That has just happened, within the first hundred days of the Trump presidency.

"The withdrawal of the walk-around rule is a victory for the integrity of the OSHA inspection process," said PLF Senior Attorney Joshua Thompson. "The rule perverted and hijacked health and safety reviews by allowing them to become a vehicle for proselytizing and recruitment by organized labor. PLF was proud to join with NFIB to challenge  and help end  this illegal attack on the rights of non-union businesses and their employees." "With the withdrawal of the walk-around rule, the rule of law has been affirmed," said PLF Senior Attorney Damien Schiff. "This agenda-driven, union-promoting mandate was imposed not through an orderly process of broad-based deliberations and public input, but by one official's arbitrary fiat. Freedom cannot survive if citizens are subject to raw bureaucratic power, with unelected administrators able to impose any edicts they like, unaccountable to anyone but themselves." "The new Department of Labor memorandum is a clear win for small businesses," said NFIB President and CEO Juanita Duggan. "The 2013 memo gave unions a pathway to intimidate small business owners. Congress never intended that OSHA should open the door to unionization efforts. The Obama administration was on thin legal ground with their order, and we applaud the Trump administration for properly recognizing the rights of small business owners." ... "The walk-around rule essentially provided cover for what amounted to trespassing by union officials," said Thompson. "It gave union organizers the power to intrude on private workplaces and button-hole non-union employees, by deputizing these officials as government inspectors. Our lawsuit highlighted this subversion of the process, and the court recognized the weight of our claims by rejecting the government's efforts to dismiss them."

The private-sector unions that have been delighted with President Trump's buy American/hire American policies will just have to get along without this illegal boon granted them by an Obama administration abuse.
French electors have sent a message to traditional political parties: we can get along very well without you. Instead, the country in the second round of voting on May 7, 2017 for president of France has a choice between two outsiders, one a Europhile, the other a Eurosceptic, battling for the prize. Some desperate citizens pondering the choice wonder who would the 15th century Joan of Arc support as the personification of France as General Charles de Gaulle had done fifty years ago. For whom will they vote or will they abstain?

In the first round of voting on April 23, 2017, France witnessed the emergence, familiar in some European elections in Hungary, Poland, Denmark, and to some extent in the UK and the US, of two issues. One was registration of discontent with the existing establishment, elites, globalization, and immigration, and emphasis on nationalism. The other is perception that the era of ideological politics may be over.

The striking phenomenon in the complex result of April 23, with 27% voting for left candidates, 48% for right wing candidates, and others unclassified, is the break with French traditional voting as the vote for mainstream party candidates was reduced to only a quarter of the total. The traditional mainstream left and right candidates had won 56% of the vote in the first round of the presidential election in 2012. In 2017 the mainstream conservative Francois Fillon (Les Republicains) got 19.9%, while the Socialist Leo Hamon got only 6.3%. The energetic far left populist Jean-Luc Melanchon ( Les Insoumis or Unsubmissive Free) got 19.6%, and did well in the Paris banlieue of Seine-Saint-Denis.

The outsiders in April 2017 got 45% between them. The result was particularly disappointing for the French Socialist Party that was reformed at the Epinay Congress in June 1971 by integrating left wing republican groups , leading to the ascendancy of the French left for almost a quarter of a century.

The choice for electors is therefore between Emmanuel Macron, the pro-business, socially liberal, Europeanist, the man who has never held elected office and formed his own political party, who got 24% of the vote, and Marine Le Pen, the president of the far right Front National (FN) who got 21.3%. The conventional wisdom is that Macron will win since none of the unsuccessful candidates have urged support for Le Pen on May 7. Recognizing this, to broaden her support, Le Pen stepped down as president of FN to portray herself as a patriotic candidate for all the French, above partisan considerations.

But Le Pen did not help her cause by the choice of an interim replacement as leader of the party. First the nominee was Jean-Francois Jalkh , a vice president of the party, who in an interview in 2005 had questioned the historical fact of the use of Zyklon B gas by Nazi Germany to exterminate Jews. He aggravated the situation by denying he had made the comment that from a technical point of view it is impossible to use Zyklon in mass exterminations since it takes several days to decontaminate a space where the gas has been used. He is reported to have said the use of gas chambers by Nazi Germany was "technically impossible." He also attended a mass in a Paris church for Marshal Petain, head of the Vichy regime. After criticism, he turned down the role as party leader. In his place, another FN vice president Steve Briois, mayor of Henin-Beaumont has been chosen. The party still suffers from issues of democratic hygiene.

Though the US and French presidential elections are not exactly comparable, it is noticeable that, in similar fashion to the voting for Donald Trump, major cities did not vote for Le Pen: she obtained 5% in Paris, 8% in Bordeaux, 9% in Lyon. She won a number of Departments, (regions) gaining much of the working class vote, but not the urban, well educated, pro-European, areas.

Le Pen had done better than she did in 2012, by 1.2 million more votes, but less well than her party had done in recent years when the FN obtained 25.2% in Departmental elections, and 27.3% in regional elections. Apparently, she did not benefit from revulsion against the terrorist attack in the Champs Elysees , the heart of Paris, three days before the first round, when one policeman was killed and three others injured. ISIS acknowledged responsibility.

Le Pen immediately denounced Islamism as "a monstrous totalitarian ideology that has declared war on our nation, on reason, on civilization." She called once again for border checks, arresting all suspects on France's terror watch list, deporting foreign suspects, and ending French citizenship for dual nationals. She adheres to her program: priority for French nationals in jobs, housing, and welfare; reduce or end immigration; tax foreign workers and imports, and full sovereignty for France.

There is another interesting parallel with the 2016 US presidential election. Allegations have been made, though so far none proved, that Russia interfered by supporting Donald Trump. The Macron camp has banned two Russian news outlets, Sputnik news agency, and RT TV channel from his events , because he claims they are undermining his campaign by issuing propaganda, fake news, and false information against him. They may be responsible for the allegations that Macron is a puppet of US political and financial elites, and for rumors of a gay relationship. Not coincidentally, Le Pen was received by President Putin in the Kremlin in March 2017.

To general surprise, Emmanuel Macron, an attractive 39 year old, personable and empathetic, from an upper middle class professional family, emerged as a formidable candidate. He was not completely unknown having been a former banker working for Rothschild Bank in Paris, and serving for about a year and a half as a senior advisor and economic minister in the Hollande administration. But he was not yet a familiar or popular figure, nor did he have a natural constituency to support him. He refers to himself as neither left nor right nor as a centrist, but as someone of the left open to ideas of the right. He is politically untested and formed his own group En Marche! (let's go), and appeared as a pro-Europeanist.

Macron's main advantage has been luck in his opponents. The more well-known Francois Fillon, the leading conservative candidate at one point, lost strength because of the accusations against him of embezzling parliamentary funds by paying his wife for fake jobs at which she did little or nothing. Melenchon, a somewhat more jovial version of Britain's Jeremy Corbyn, is pro-Palestinian. Both the Socialist and the Republican vote collapsed. President Hollande decided not to run again for president, and the moderate Alain Juppe was defeated in the primary race of the conservatives.

Macrons political opinions were and are still not well known, and he has quoted Albert Camus, the task of our generation is preventing the world from coming undone. But his unusual marital situation received considerable attention. As a 15 year old he fell in love with his married school drama teacher, twenty years older. Now 39, Macron is married to the 64 year old Brigitte, a former French literature and Latin teacher who worked in Jesuit schools.

What is important is that Macron, if elected President, will be the youngest French leader since Napoleon. Without a substantial political party to support him, he will have a legislative problem, though he has stated that if elected his group will run candidates at the next parliamentary National Assembly election in June 2017 for all the 577 constituencies.

The choice may be difficult for some electors on May 7, but one group of electors, French Jews, has a clear choice, even though a small number voted for Le Pen, as 13% had done in 2012. Le Pen has been trying to disassociate herself from the antisemitism prevalent among some members of her party, especially her father Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of her party. Still, her comments on the Holocaust, her called for banning of wearing the kippah, and other religious objects, in public, and her proposal that French nationals cannot have an Israeli passport suggest her disassociation may be more politically strategic than moral principle.

However, the Jewish predicament remains though anxiety has slightly improved. The numbers of Jews leaving France for Israel has declined. In 2016 it was 5,000 compared with 8,000 in 2015, and 7,000 in 2014. The indiscriminate terrorist attacks in various parts of France and in Paris suggest that Jews are not the only group targeted. Jews are in as much danger in the Galeries Lafayettes as in the area in which Hyper Cacher, the kosher grocery store attacked by terrorists in January 2015, is located. Nevertheless, for Jews Macron is part of the republican front, not a candidate of hate.
"From Oakland to Greece, f--- the police!" Such was the clever rhyme protesters used at Heather Mac Donald's recent speech at Claremont McKenna College, where total costs for four years of schooling exceed a quarter million dollars. Looking at the videos of these little girls (here used inclusively to embrace cis, trans, bi, or indeterminate hominids), I wonder what they would do should their Audi be stolen. Surely, they could not report it to the police? Would they report to their safe space, "equipped with cookies, coloring books, bubbles, Play-Doh, calming music, pillows, blankets"? Wait, that's Brown University. (Notice that teddy bears are not included. I suppose that would be animalist appropriation. After all, the Council for Promotion of Bruins' Rights has not granted permission for use of ursine simulacra to soothe postpubescent angst.)

This all puts me in mind of Jack London. At the beginning of the twentieth century, he was the most popular and highest paid author in America. London was a dedicated socialist: in addition to The Call of the Wild and White Fang, he wrote The Iron Heel and The War of the Classes. He used his earnings to purchase 1,000 acres in Sonoma County, California and had a four-story, 15,000-square-foot stone mansion built (which burned down just before he was to move in). The house alone cost over $2 million in 2017 dollars.

A letter London wrote to his workers is rich with unintended irony: "The overall tone of the letter is that these working class stiffs were determined to do as little as possible and steal from him. In fact, the very first rule involves how 'lost' tools will be charged to the employee. Hero of the working man!" As historian Kevin Starr wrote, "[h]e liked the show of managerial power, but not grinding attention to detail[.] ... London's workers laughed at his efforts to play big-time rancher [and considered] the operation a rich man's hobby."

Mark Twain summed up London's beliefs and practice nicely: "It would serve this man London right to have the working class get control of things. He would have to call out the militia to collect his royalties." We can only pray that the snowflakes of Claremont McKenna College and other seats of "higher" education do not find out what it is like to live in a country without police.

Henry Percy is the nom de guerre of a writer in Arizona. He may be reached at saler.50d[at]gmail.com.
Our legislature in Texas took a big step forward in reminding everyone that it's about the rule of law, not immigration.

It went down along party lines:

After more than 16 hours of debate, the Texas House of Representatives early Thursday morning tentatively gave a nod to the latest version of a Senate bill that would ban "sanctuary" jurisdictions in Texas. The 93-54 vote fell along party lines and came after one of the slowest moving but most emotional legislative days at the state Capitol. The vote came at 3 a.m. after state Rep. Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton, successfully made what some Democratic members called an unprecedented motion to group all of the remaining amendments  more than 100  and record them as failed. He said he made that suggestion so members wouldn't be forced to pull their amendments. The motion passed 114 to 29, with about a third of Democrats approving the measure.

It's a shame that an issue about enforcing the law should go down along partisan lines, but that's reality.

Nevertheless, the Democrats are completely tone-deaf on this issue.

They have invested themselves in the sanctuary city movement. It is a huge political mistake, as we saw recently in a Pew Poll:

An overwhelming majority of Americans believe that cities that arrest illegal immigrants for crimes should be required to turn them over to federal authorities. The poll shows that President Trump has broad public support in his effort to crack down on sanctuary cities. A survey from HarvardHarris Poll provided exclusively to The Hill found that 80 percent of voters say local authorities should have to comply with the law by reporting to federal agents the illegal immigrants they come into contact with.

That 80% means there are a lot of Democrats joining in.

Since election night, the Democratic Party has gone mad. First, they spent all of their ammunition fighting Neil Gorsuch and lost the 60-vote option in the U.S. Senate. Second, they've now joined cities violating federal law.

Madness, madness, madness!

Did any Democrat hear the one about when to stop digging?

P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk), (YouTube) and follow me on Twitter.
Does it get more disgusting than this? As millions  and I mean millions and millions  of Venezuelans march to protest the horrors of socialism  and the New York Times notes that the very poor, whom socialists claim to champion, are among them  a band of the usual suspects among Chavista shills in the U.K. are suddenly all concerned about a "coup." In a group letter to the Guardian (naturally), they write:

We note the growing concern across Latin America that elements of the right wing within Venezuela have called again for the ousting of the elected president, Nicolas Maduro  including overt calls on the military to oust the president  before the constitutional end of his term (Editorial, 26 April). This follows the US decision to renew sanctions against Venezuela. With Donald Trump attacking Venezuela during his election campaign, there is great concern that he may step up intervention aimed at regime change. We call for respect for Venezuela's national sovereignty and an end to such interventions. John Pilger, Richard Gott, Andy de la Tour, Michael Mansfield QC, John Hendy QC, Judith Amanthis, Dr Julie Hearn, Dr Hazel Marsh, Professor Frank Land, Salma Yaqoob

What a bunch of jackasses. The opinions of the millions who marched don't matter to them, nor does the loss of democracy that is propelling the marches in this country upset this bunch. There they sit, safely ensconced in London, where they don't have to live with this, complaining about a potential coup. The lack of food doesn't bother them, the ruined hospitals don't register, and the fact that the country is awash in crime and the country's leaders are verifiable drug dealers goes right through them.

But a coup! Now, that's different. That's to be feared. Chavista "revolucion" must be preserved at all costs, because, well...socialism. The left still clings to its socialist dreamscape, no matter what the reality. Never mind that this whole Rubicon of a coup possibility was crossed long ago, when the Chavista thugs lost all legitimacy as elected leaders by seizing power. Howling about a coup in these circumstances rings pretty hollow after the statement millions and millions of Venezuelans made last week.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is readying a rule that would give school districts more time to change their school lunch nutrition standards to meet goals created under the Obama administration.

The program established under the direction of Michelle Obama forced school districts to adopt low-salt, low-sugar menus, penalizing them if they couldn't meet the standards.

The Packer:

School meals are on the early agenda for new Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, and it's likely some of the nutrition standards put into place during the Obama administration will be a choice and not a mandate. Whether servings of fresh fruits and vegetables will be affected is unknown. On May 1, Perdue and Sen. Pat Roberts plan to visit a grade school in Leesburg, Va., to announce an interim USDA rule on providing flexibility in meeting nutrition standards for school meals. In an April 28 notice to media on the visit, the USDA did not reveal specifics on the rule, which is the first step in changing the nutrition standards. On April 6, Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., wrote a letter to USDA Acting Deputy Secretary Michael Young, stating that USDA school nutrition standards issued in 2012 and 2016 have limited the flexibility of school foodservice providers. That resulted in declining participation in the program, increased food waste in school cafeterias and created confusion about what foods can be used in fund raisers and extracurricular activities, according to the letter. In July 2012, the USDA increased requirements for fruits and vegetables served in school lunches from one-half to three-fourths of a cup (combined) per day to the new requirement of three-fourths to one cup of vegetables plus one-half to one cup of fruit per day. Even though the USDA allows for schools to apply for a waiver from some aspects of the standards, Roberts urged the USDA in his April 6 letter to "act administratively and provide immediate relief from certain egregious aspects of the standards, particularly in regards to the approaching sodium limits and the dairy and whole grain requirements."

Delaying the adoption of these standards is the first step toward creating intelligent policy on school lunches. What made Michelle Obama's program so ridiculous is that it put school districts in a straitjacket, forcing them to adopt menus that were unpalatable and not accepted by kids. This resulted in lower participation rates and a massive increase in food that was thrown away.

There are other, less draconian ways to make school lunches more nutritious while enticing kids to eat more fruit and vegetables. It starts with allowing schools a lot more flexibility in determining what kids should be eating. They know what their kids eat and what they won't eat. Giving that power back to school districts would be a first step toward fixing what Michelle Obama and her nutrition Nazis broke.
The childish antics of those allegedly pursuing greater insight into political science, the history of art, geology, and literature at Yale University by symbolically refusing to eat until they are hungry makes one wonder if a Yale University child psychiatrist experienced in dealing with the "terrible twos" temper tantrums should be called in.

As Roger Kimball has discovered, these behavioral two-year-olds "already get free tuition, free health care, and a $30,000 stipend." Their mommies and daddies couldn't treat them better.

These adult children will be lucky to command that benefit package once they leave the comfortable Yale womb and venture forth into the real world  provided it is not another unreal, otherworldly university (h/t: Fausta Rodriguez Wertz).

While gazing at their faux scholarly navels, these symbolic fasters looked the other way  or even worse, agreed  while Yale University un-symbolically awarded their Gandhi Peace Prize to an avowed terrorist, murderer, and bigot, Omar Barghouti. No Berkeley-style riots and destruction against a man who preaches and endorses and even practices horror.

Yale University and these hollow, mindless big children deserve each other.
Israel rapidly is becoming too valuable to the world to "wipe off the map," in the words of the Iranian mullahs. And for members of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which seeks to strangle the Jewish State with economic impediments, there could actually be a serious personal cost to following through on their proclaimed tactics.

There is bad news, especially for those Jew-haters who find their blood pressure rising with each Israeli success story, whether it be the massive offshore gas fields making Israel into a petro-power, the change in Sunni Arab politics brought about by Shia Iran's expansionism, or the endless stream of technological and business innovations streaming from Israeli geniuses.

Israel21C reports that "renowned Israeli serial entrepreneur/inventor Yossi Gross of Rainbow Medical" has invented a "minimally invasive solution, called MobiusHD," to hypertension, a condition that afflicts 75 million Americans, by modulating blood pressure.

Image of blood-pressure cuff by Chompoo Suriyo/Shutterstock.com

The MobiusHD device is implanted inside the carotid artery, where it amplifies the signals sent to the artery's baroreceptor nerves, prompting these nerves to alert the brain continuously that the patient's blood pressure is very high. The brain responds by signaling the blood vessels to dilate, which reduces blood pressure.

This lifesaver has enormous potential, and Gross has enlisted another medical innovator, Bob Stern, who built:

... one of the largest stroke treatment companies in the world, Micrus Endovascular (MEND), acquired by Johnson & Johnson in 2010 for half a billion dollars. Two months later, he heard from renowned Israeli serial entrepreneur/inventor Yossi Gross of Rainbow Medical. Gross invited Stern to Herzliya to examine his implantable invention for treating drug-resistant hypertension (high blood pressure). Hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular events including stroke, which occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced.

The reception of this marvelous innovation has been commensurate with its potential:

MobiusHD was awarded the European Union's CE Mark in December 2015, and in February 2017 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its participation in the Expedited Access Pathway (EAP) program. Pre-market clinical trials to evaluate the ongoing safety and performance of the device are taking place in the United States and Europe.

Now is the time for BDS supporters among the 75 million Americans suffering from hypertension to sign pledges never to use this device, or any other Israeli medical innovation.

We can get along fine without them.

Hat tip: Clarice Feldman
Connie Brandenburger looks out the back window of her home at a creek running with clear water that her kids enjoy fishing in, a scene she wants to continue seeing if the Keystone XL pipeline through Nebraska is built in the years ahead.

The proposed pipeline route goes past our house, said Brandenburger, who first heard the news a few years ago when her children were checking online to see if the route would skirt their property 1 1/2 miles west of Silver Creek north of U.S. Highway 30.

Since then, Brandenburger has kept an eye on the issues that stirred a nine-year debate on TransCanadas proposed 1,179-mile, 36-inch diameter crude oil pipeline starting in Hardisty, Alberta, and extending to Steele City in southern Nebraska.

The route travels from the oil sands of Alberta, Canada, to the U.S. Gulf Coast and includes a 275-mile stretch across Nebraska that skirts several area communities, including Albion, St. Edward, Genoa, Fullerton, Silver Creek, Stromsburg and York.

Brandenburger was one of the voices on a recent road tour through those communities seeking local opinion of the proposed route, the same route state regulators and then-Gov. Dave Heineman OKd in 2013.

The Silver Creek woman, who was getting ready to meet the lunch rush in her part-time job at Great Plains Cafe in St. Edward, subscribes to what seems to be the prevailing outlook along the pipeline route  it will spark economic activity, add tax payments to local coffers and operate similar to infrastructure already crisscrossing the state.

And like others who can be found during stops along highways 91, 39 and 81, Brandenburger wants to ensure that if the proposed state-of-the-art pipeline springs leaks, close monitoring by TransCanada employees will make for a quick response with cleanup efforts.

Its an issue of particular interest to Brandenburger, who also works as a nurse in St. Edward, grew up along the Loup River and continues to be an avid outdoorswoman, busy spending time with her children fishing, bow-fishing, hunting, camping and riding all-terrain vehicles along the river.

I worry if it breaks, there needs to be a quick fix to it, Brandenburger said. An oil spill has lasting effects and I dont want it to be a risk to me and my kids.

Brandenburger will accept the outcome of the state permitting process currently underway.

Im pretty sure were not going to be able to stop it, she said. If it comes, we deal with it, thats what I tell my kids.

The Nebraska Public Service Commission has scheduled a Wednesday hearing at the Holthus Convention Center in York to seek public input. The five-member commission is tasked with reviewing and approving the Nebraska portion of the route for the $8 billion pipeline project.

The commission will meet Aug. 7-11 in Lincoln to hear arguments and evidence on the state pipeline application.

Other voices on the recent Telegram listening tour didnt really echo the opposition to the pipeline that has sprung from some environmental groups, landowners and Native Americans.

I dont hear much discussion about it, said Gil Spiegel, a retired law enforcement officer who gathers daily at an Albion Sinclair station to share coffee and current affairs with a group of friends.

It seems like theyve got it pretty well figured, but if (it does leak) they better get right on it and get it fixed," Spiegel said.

The underground pipeline is proposed to run about 5 miles east of the Boone County community with a population of 1,650.

Larry Gray, an Albion-area trucker and farmer, said a majority of landowners along the proposed route favor the pipeline proposal and have accepted one-time easement payments to allow the project to cross their land.

It doesnt bother Gray.

Weve got a lot of older pipelines around that people dont realize are there, Gray said.

Stan Satrrill is hopeful TransCanada sticks to its vows that safety and respect for the environment will guide its work.

I hope it works just fine, said the retired fertilizer dealer. I certainly wouldnt want it to leak.

Satrrill said the one issue with the pipeline that he is critical of is that much of the oil will be shipped to foreign countries.

I dont understand that, shipping it out, he said.

The Albion Chamber of Commerce hasn't taken a position on the pipeline, but Chamber Vice President Lori Krohn said the lines are clearly drawn among supporters and critics.

"Some people are definitely for it and some are definitely against it," she said, adding that chamber officials don't expect a lasting impact from an influx of construction workers but do hope they spend money shopping locally in restaurants, grocery stores and motels.

In St. Edward, a community of just under 800 residents, a group of eight men were around a table at a local convenience store. They declined to comment for the record, but were happy to lob a couple of jabs at the pipeline approval process.

I went to a public meeting and asked if they could shift the (proposed route) 200 or 300 feet east onto my place, joked a St. Edward-area farmer who wouldnt give his name.

Id like to get a fence fixed, he said, alluding to TransCanadas cash payments for easements.

A tablemate joined in.

They all cashed the checks, didnt they? the second man said with a laugh, adding that support for the pipeline is strong among area landowners.

Silver Creeks Mike Cave is standing on middle ground when it comes to the pros and cons of the pipeline project. He sees the benefits of bolstering local economies and energy security and the ramifications if a spill contaminates the underground aquifer.

I sympathize with both sides, said the owner of Silver Creek Insurance Agency. Both sides stand on solid ground.

If approved, Cave said the pipeline will create a lot of construction jobs along the route, but few permanent jobs when it begins operating.

But he also knows TransCanadas completed Keystone pipeline that runs between Columbus and Schuyler south through Saunders and Seward counties has left barely a trace for passersby to see when traveling along Highway 92.

Theres no indication its even there except the new pavement where it crosses (under) the highway, he said.

The pipeline proposal calls for a digital monitoring system, Cave said, that should keep any possible leaks at a minimal level. Most crude oil is now moved by rail, which poses more risk to the environment, he said.

"A pipeline is safer than a train," Cave said. "Train derailments happen way more often than pipeline spills."

The taxes paid to governmental entities may be the most long-lasting benefit to local communities, he said.

"It could increase the tax base in Merrick County."
Even with its starting quarterback out, Nebraska had every opportunity to take control. A bigger, stronger and better-coached team might have done just that. Somewhere, someone may be taking notes.
COLUMBUS  Samuel Garay Rosales couldnt wait to get his day going.

He woke up early Saturday morning excited for what awaited  getting a specialized tricycle during a fitting and assessment at Columbus Wellness Center.

The 7-year-old with cerebral palsy came prepared with a bike helmet featuring Lightning McQueen from the movie Cars that was recently purchased at a thrift shop.

For the past five years, people with disabilities have had the chance to get an AmTryke bike or tricycle purchased with money raised by the annual We Can Run, Walk and Roll event organized by Columbus Community Hospital.

Grand Island-based Bikes and Trykes of Central Nebraska brings the adaptable AmTrykes to Wiggles and Giggles Therapy for Kids, where people who arent able to use a standard bike can test the equipment.

Prior to Saturday, 26 bikes and tricycles were given to people in Columbus and the surrounding area. Fittings are used to find the best AmTryke for a person who might struggle with lower- or upper-body weakness or balance problems. The bikes and tricycles can be adjusted and help a person build strength.

Garay Rosales tested one of the tricycles while riding around the track inside the Columbus Family YMCA at the wellness center. His mother Maria Rosales watched with a smile.

We are really emotional about it, she said through interpreter Jessica Froehner.

Rosales said her son was born in El Salvador weighing just 2 pounds. Despite receiving therapy since he was 6 months old, she was told he wouldn't be able to walk. His legs were twisted.

The family came to America four years ago so Garay Rosales could receive better physical and occupational therapy. He is now able to walk and recently started to ride a therapy tricycle at Wiggles and Giggles. After the fitting, he will be getting a tricycle of his own.

Rosales said having a bike for her son will allow the family, which also includes Garay Rosales dad, Jose Garay, to go on walks together. Before, they often ended up carrying their son during trips to the park because his legs would start to hurt.

Garay Rosales, a student at Lost Creek Elementary School, is already looking forward to when he can ride beside his parents.

He told me, Today we can go to the park and I can ride my bike and you can run, Rosales said.

AmTrykes can be modified as a child grows. That is why Rachel Siffring brought her son, Braxton, to the fitting.

The 9-year-old got an AmTryke four years ago and needed the brakes checked and height adjusted.

He loves it. We live out in the country and when we go out as a family, he rides his bike and we walk, Siffring said.

Her son has autism and cant ride a standard bike. Siffring said having an AmTryke has helped him build up his strength and stamina so he can run the mile with the rest of his class while attending school at Shelby-Rising City.

When the weather is nice, the Siffring family, who live between Surprise and Rising City, often head outside together and Braxton is able to go along on his trike.

Its so nice because we wouldnt be able to exercise and go for walks as a family because walking that far would be too much for him. He feels like he can keep up with us," Siffring said. "Sometimes he goes so fast that I have to run to catch up."

The next We Can Run, Walk and Roll event will be held 10 a.m. Oct. 7 in Columbus. Anyone can take part in a 5K or 1-mile event. Registration is open until Sept. 30 and printable registration forms are available online at www.columbushosp.org.
COLUMBUS  James Hake arrived in Vietnam in February 1969. He left that May.

I went to Vietnam and back before my 21st birthday, he said.

Although his service was brief, it was certainly memorable.

Hake received his draft notice in 1968  on his wedding day.

I didnt even open it, he said. I gave it to my dad and said, Keep this until we get back from the honeymoon.

When he first arrived in Vietnam he was part of a U.S. Army transportation unit that stocked artillery and other supplies. After a few months, he was transferred to the 9th Infantry Division where he served as an assistant to the units radio commander.

You dont get a sense of whats going on until you get into the field, he said. And then its a whole different ballgame.

Six days into that assignment his unit came under a nighttime rocket attack. One exploded close-by, hitting a friend in the stomach. The shrapnel took out Hakes right eye and some small pieces, about the size of a pencil eraser, are still lodged in his brain today.

It hasnt been a major issue for me, the local man said. The VA didnt recognize I had shrapnel in my brain until three years ago.

Hake doesnt remember the three weeks after the attack, but learned he was hauled by helicopter to a field hospital, then a hospital in Saigon.

He was eventually sent to Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado. After a few months he was medically retired and sent home on Nov. 13, 1969.

Friday the 13th, he said. My lucky day.

Hake received a Purple Heart for his service. But he's had some mixed feelings about his time in Vietnam.

I made a lot of really good friends  still really good friends. But the military didnt mean a lot to me, he said. It happened so fast I didnt absorb it.

As for the war in Vietnam, Hake said he was bitter about it for a long time. Then, when the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, he read an article in the Washington Post that changed his mind.

It was about how the Vietnam War and veterans of Vietnam promoted freedom worldwide, not just in Vietnam, he said. There had to be some good that came out of it.

Hake was part of a long-term study on traumatic brain injury at the National Institute of Health. Every six or seven years hed go to Washington, D.C., to participate in the study, so hes very familiar with the city and its monuments.

Once he visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial with a blind veteran who felt the name of a friend on the wall.

That amazed me, Hake said. It took the wind out of my sail.

Hake will return to D.C. on Monday as part of the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Flight. He has mixed emotions about the trip.

I dont really know what to expect, he said.
Enterprising entrepreneurs out there might want to invest in a fleet of tractor backhoes and partial ownership of a limestone quarry, because it's starting to look like bunker-digging time in America. The threat of nuclear war is spiking like the needle of a meat thermometer on a lava-flow.

It won't be long before all the Marts; K, Wal, Quickie and the rest, start advertising red, white and blue specials on duct tape and plastic wrap. Survivalist sales. Civilization closeouts. Mankind markdowns.

Various parts of the country are reacting differently. In the South, they're hoarding grits and preserving tomatoes while California stockpiles imported cases of organic, heirloom, artisanal, gluten-free cannellini beans from the northwest district of the Tuscany region. California bunkers have hardwood floors and a view.

While President Trump is busy dropping healthy payloads of big-D democracy on various Mideast miscreants, North Korea's Kim Jong Un has started to kick demilitarized sand in our face, sticking out his nuclear tongue and wagging thumbs in his ears. It might not even be his own thumbs. It could be his uncle's thumbs.

It's 1950 all over again. A brand new serving of the old Cold War with a little kimchi on the side. The difference being the sequel is destined be televised in color and not a single General MacArthur can be found. This time both combatants are overseen by Mad Dogs.

We should have known the Beloved Leader would flip out, having been recently supplanted atop the prestigious "World's Wackiest Leader with the Weirdest Hair" list. An award that had been in his family for generations. That was the Kim legacy. Poor little chubby Korean kid had one thing going for him, and Trump took it away.

It's interesting to note the two have a lot more in common than worst commander-in-chief haircuts in history. They also have rabid-mammal with cut-paw temperaments. Complicated family relationships. A penchant for rearranging cabinets on a whim. Although removal from the North Korean circle of influence does tend be a tad more permanent.

The Pentagon might be taking the whole thing more seriously if Pyongyang were to develop a delivery system more efficient than a team of musk oxen. Their missiles have a disquieting habit of blowing up on the launch pad like Pop Tarts in a malfunctioning toaster during a power surge.

But the jeopardy is legitimate enough to have spurred Vice President Mike Pence to rattle a few sabers on the south end of the DMZ, where he pronounced the US was about to abandon its "failed policy of strategic patience." Which sounds suspiciously like "straighten up and fly right or someone's going to bed without dinner. Again."

President Trump even reversed a campaign pledge to label China a currency manipulator in hopes that North Korea's adult neighbor to the northeast will keep on eye on the local juvenile delinquent and apply the appropriate economic spanking if necessary. With a leather belt studded with ivory.

After all, China has a vested interest in seeing that nothing happens to us, since we owe them trillions of dollars. It's a smart dealer that keeps his best junkie from getting beaten up. It's all so very exciting that every day without a mushroom cloud should be considered a victory. Although, some might call that a bit too exciting.
In the opening chapter of the book "I Am a Man: Chief Standing Bears Journey for Justice," author Joe Starita vividly describes the heroic, harrowing story of Standing Bear and the forced relocation of his Ponca Tribe from their Nebraska homeland to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). The degradation and disease endured by the Ponca in extreme conditions makes for a heart-wrenching saga. Along the way, tribal elders die, children die  Standing Bears own children die. And just think: merely walking this route today, even under kinder skies, is no easy task.

The most famous parts of Chief Standing Bears life merit retelling. In the 1800s, the Ponca tribe, which had settled in the Niobrara River valley in northeast Nebraska, was pressured by the United States government to relocate to Indian Territory. In 1877, not wanting to subject his people to a brutal confrontation with the government, Standing Bear led them on a forced march to the new and inhospitable land. Starvation and illnesses killed nearly a third of the tribe, including Standing Bear's daughter Prairie Flower, and, later, his son Bear Shield.

In the winter of 1878, Standing Bear fulfilled a promise he made to Bear Shield: returning to bury him in his homeland in the Niobrara River valley. When Standing Bear reached the Omaha Reservation, where the people welcomed him as one of their own, during this return journey, the United States Army arrested him for leaving Indian Territory without permission. His plight attracted the attention of the Omaha Daily Herald, the predecessor of todays Omaha World-Herald, during his pre-trial imprisonment at Fort Omaha. At the conclusion of the two-day trial, Standing Bear raised his hand and said:

"That hand is not the color of yours, but if I pierce it, I shall feel pain. If you pierce your hand, you will feel pain. The blood that will flow from mine will be the same color as yours. I am a man. God made us both."

By expressing the ideal of the inherent dignity and rights of all people, regardless of color or ethnicity, Standing Bear convinced U.S. District Court Judge Elmer S. Dundy, in an unprecedented move, to rule that an Indian is a person within the meaning of habeas corpus. Standing Bear had won his right, and the right of all Native Americans, to be recognized as "persons" under the law. That such a glaring injustice could exist is almost unimaginable to us today. The Ponca chief had prevailed in one of the most important civil rights court cases in the history of our nation.

Many years later, blind and in declining health, attorney Andrew J. Poppleton, who worked pro bono on behalf of the Ponca Chief, reflected on his final court plea for Standing Bear: I cannot recall any two hours' work of my life with which I feel better satisfied.

In Congress, we continue to recognize Standing Bears remarkable life and achievement on behalf of his people. The House of Representatives passed legislation in the past two congresses to start a process for declaring a historic trail in his memory. In addition, I am in conversation with the Department of the Interior regarding the best way to realize the potential of this project.

From Saturday to May 11, many persons will follow Chief Standing Bear's footsteps on the Ponca Remembrance Walk. Present-day Ponca elders will begin the trek from Niobrara to south of Beatrice, retracing an epic journey that set an initial marker for justice and the possibility of a more humane future for Native Americans and all people.

If you are interested in joining the Ponca Remembrance Walk or for more information, please visit this site, http://sgiz.mobi/s3/Ponca-Remembrance-Walk-Registration-Site


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YEREVAN, APRIL 29, ARMENPRESS. By the initiative of Mayor of Yerevan Taron Margaryan, over 1700 parents of soldiers got a chance to visit their sons serving in the bordering military units, the Municipality told Armenpress.

Before the departure, Mayor Taron Margaryan and Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan wished good luck to parents.

It is worth mentioning that thanks to this initiative launched since 2013, more than 9000 Yerevan parents of soldiers had already had a chance to visit their sons and get acquainted with their service conditions.

Within the list of various initiatives we implement, the programs aimed at strengthening army-society ties are strictly important. This traditional program that we carry out jointly with the Defense Ministry of Armenia and the Defense Army of Artsakh, received quite a positive reaction both within our public and the armed forces commanding staff, the Mayor said and thanked the Defense Ministry, the Artskah Defense Army, as well as the Mayor of Stepanakert who assist the program implementation, as well as he thanked the Traffic Police, all healthcare sector workers who accompany the parents of soldiers during the entire trip.

In his turn Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan attached importance to the implementation of such program which is first of all very important for soldiers serving in the frontline who after meeting with their parents become more confident and courageous.

I want to thank the Yerevan Municipality for regularly carrying out this initiative. Our policy is to maximally provide a chance to soldiers during their service to meet with their family members. The Defense Ministry tries to find numerous such kind of opportunities, and the Yerevan Municipality, Mayor Taron Margaryan are consistently carry out the program which gives many positive results, Vigen Sargsyan said.

Mayor Margaryan once again assured that the Municipality will continue to stand together with the parents of soldiers.
YEREVAN, APRIL 29, ARMENPRESS. Turkeys government has made a decision to block access to the Wikipedia online free encyclopedia, Hurriyet reported.

According to reports, the Turkish side has long been negotiating with the Wikipedia representatives.

Despite the calls from official Ankara to remove the articles from the website where Turkey is associated with terrorism and cooperates with terror groups, no response was received from the Wikipedia leadership.
YEREVAN, APRIL 29, ARMENPRESS. Baghanis village of Armenias Tavush province has been subjected to the most intensive shelling by the Azerbaijani forces during the year, Baghanis community leader Narek Sahakyan told Armenpress.

The shelling took place in the evening of April 28, at 21:00-23:00, the night was quiet. There are material damages, such as roofs, windows, a car: thanks God, we have no human losses and wounded. Currently we are engaged in our daily activities, he said.

He informed that as before, this time as well the community established a respective committee which will deal with damage compensation issues.

Clarifications are being made and the amount of damages is being presented. Till now, the governorate, the government have properly compensated for such incidents, there is no complaint. At the moment, it is tasked to calculate the amount of damages, Narek Sahakyan said.
The country has been undergoing a financial crisis for most of the past year and had to get a $5.5 billion IMF bailout in February. So the Mongolian government can no longer afford its portion of the expense of a visit by the full Philadelphia Orchestra (which would have been the first U.S. orchestra ever to perform there). A reduced contingent of musicians might travel to Mongolia, though even that isnt certain. David Patrick Stearns has details.
Companies spend 2 per cent of their average net profit of past three years mandated by Companies Act.

New Delhi: Bajaj Group patriarch Rahul Bajaj has asked the government to clarify whether the Indian firms spending two per cent of their profits on corporate social responsibility, as mandated by the new company law, should get tax exemption on it.

Citing the conflicts in the tax laws, the veteran industry leader today said that when the companies spend money on charitable trust or donate to institutions as the Prime Minister Relief Fund, then they get exemptions but CSR spending is taxed.

"Today you spend money on R&D and you get 130 to 150 per cent write off. You give money into the PM Relief Fund, you will get 100 per cent write off. On various thing, you donate you get write off. Will you give it to the same organisation for CSR. You said that you would not get. There is contradiction in terms. It's not clear at all," Bajaj said.

However, he also said: "We do not want any exemption and incentive but there is a clearcut anomaly there." According to Bajaj, who is now involved with few NGOs and charitable organisations as member of the board of trustees and chairman, CSR is also like a philanthropy and "anomaly has to be clarified by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and the Ministry of Finance".

The Companies Act of 2013 has made it mandatory on the corporates to spend 2 per cent of their average net profit of the past three years on corporate social responsibility-driven activities.

"It is for CII to consider whether they deem fit it to refer the concerned relevant committee to make it to the government and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Finance Ministry also," Bajaj said while addressing the annual session of industry body CII here.

According to him, if a company spends on charitable work through CSR, then the end recipient get the amount after tax is paid. "I know people who are associated with outstanding organisation including Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi, I know how difficult for him to get money," he said.

Thermax Chairperson Meher Pudumjee said that there was a need to think beyond CSR activities involving public private participation. Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Co CMD Jamshyd N Godrej said that there is no short of cause for spending on social works.

According to Godrej, there is need to think beyond the traditional philanthropy leveraging intellectual, financial and human capital. Infosys co-founder S Gopalakrishnan said more funds (as part of CSR and philanthropy) needs to be channelled into research in various areas.

Kris, as Gopalakrishnan is popularly called, has donated USD 1.8 million to Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) for brain research. He has also committed funding in a brain research centre at the Indian Institute of Science and set up three chairs at the Centre for Computational Brain Research, IIT Madras.
Police said the SUV mounted the pavement while trying to avoid an approaching car from a nearby lane.

Mumbai: Popular model and TV prime timehost, Sonika Chauhan was killed while actor Bikram Chattopadhya was seriously injured when the SUV in which they were travelling met with an accident in south Kolkata today.

Police said the SUV mounted the pavement while trying to avoid an approaching car from a nearby lane and partially tilted on one side at around 4:30 am near Rashbehari Avenue crossing.

Bikram and Sonika, who were on the driver's seat and front seat respectively, were brought out from the mangled car by locals and rushed to a private hospital, police said.

While Sonika was declared dead, Bikram was admitted to the hospital, police said.

A pall of gloom descended as the news of the mishap spread and many Bengali film actors including Dev rushed to the hospital on E M Bypass.

A director friend said Bikram was stable but in ICU. Sonika, a popular face in city and Mumbai modelling circuit, had also been hosting a prime time show on a national channel.

Bikram, whose last film Khoj had been screened in several film festivals, had also acted in 'Elar Char Adhyay' and 'Ami Ar Amar Girlfriends'.
Raj Kundra however rubbished the allegations levelled against him and his wife.

Mumbai: The Bhiwandi police will soon send notices to Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra and her husband businessman Raj Kundra to appear personally in the police station to record their statements in a cheating case being probed against them.

Thanes Kongaon police station has registered a case of cheating against five persons, including Ms Shetty, Mr Kundra for allegedly cheating a bedsheet supplier, Bhalotiya Exports Ltd, to the tune of `24.12 lakh. The complainant had allegedly that he supplied the bedsheets after receiving online orders from the accused persons firm but never received the payments for the deliveries.

The police registered the case under sections related to criminal breach of trust and cheating of the Indian Penal Code. Deputy commissioner of police Manoj Patil said, We will send them notice to appear for further investigation. Right now our officers are collaborating all the information about the crime.

Mr Kundra however rubbished the allegations levelled against him and his wife. He said the vendor is misusing his connections in various stations. This is a civil matter and an abuse of the law. We have tight contracts signed. On the contrary, the vendor owes us money for not fulfilling orders. Best deal company is, unfortunately, being wound up due to the business failing and we are following the laws of the land to close the various matters properly. Its sad that my wifes name is dragged to create media hype. She was a non-executive, who had nothing to do with the daily running of the business, Mr Kundra said.

The police said the complainant, Mr Ravi Bhalotiya claimed that Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, founded by Mr Kundra and Ms Shetty took commission for the deliveries of bedsheets that were made based on the receipt of the orders. The non-payment of dues are for the period from August-November 2015 and from May-August 2016.

Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd directors Uday Kothari, Darshit Shah and Vedant Bali are the other people who are accused of cheating, officials said.
The greatest accomplishment of this scene is however not emotional but aesthetic.

Rating:

Voices of: Demi Lovato, Rainn Wilson, Joe Manganiello, Jack McBrayer

Director: Kelly Asbury

She is just a lump of clay, observes one of the various smurfs. Above all, this is a method of emphasis: the other smurfs have  led in this by the most senior among them  spent the last few minutes in complete denial. They are in collective, complete disbelief over the death of a character  and refuse, therefore, to mourn her. The declaration seems to, however, push them over an emotional threshold  just a lump of clay  and it is then that they are able to achieve, so to say, a catharsis. The greatest accomplishment of this scene is however not emotional (the trajectory is entirely standard: disbelief, acknowledgement, catharsis) but aesthetic.

When the line is uttered, the camera hovers over the lump for a second, two seconds and documents, well, nothing at all. Lifeless on the ground, entirely stationary, is an abstraction. An irregular shape  a blue, three-dimensional one  belongs not to a photorealistic, entirely typical Hollywood animation film but an experimental demonstration produced by an independent AI studio in Japan. The self-reflexiveness of this image must not be lost: in a film where each character/detail originates essentially from a lifeless, shapeless mass of colour  which is sculpted, modelled, rendered through digital processes  death means a return to the original, seed form. As a response to the statement, the seniormost smurf launches into a celebration, She may not have been a pure smurf, but she had qualities which were the most smurf out of us all. This is instructive too, for in a film that is entirely about appearances (smurfs are, after all, characters defined by a distinctive appearance), this is contemplation, instead, of a spirit.

It is a spirit that is the cause of the films events too  most things happen in Smurfs: The Lost Village not because they are inevitable, but because the lead characters  the smurfs  are characters driven by their impulses. They are curious, and therefore, cross over the wall into the forbidden forest, where one of them is abducted to be taken to Gargamel, the prototypical evil wizard. Later, their bravery causes them to attempt a rescue: this sets off another series of chases, misadventures, battles, etc. Ultimately, they are tribal, so they invest themselves in protecting each other  and an eponymous village of those like them  from the design of the wizard (a most impotent villain, a failure, even his cat mocks him).

Smurfs: The Lost Village exists in its present form as an approximation of a mid-20th century Belgium comic phenomena by American pop culture. This means the characters at the heart of it are entirely vacuous, meaningless ciphers, identifiable only due to a distinctive appearance. This is a clever strategy, for it allows the films writers to render the film  much like various other animated titles of the last few years (Angry Birds, Hotel Transylvania)  a parable, a political allegory, a narrative that is useful only not for what it is, but what it could mean. The central group at the heart of it  the smurfs themselves  are for instance, a persecuted minority the key to whose survival is not a direct fight against their oppressor (who is a loser), but in the ability to trust each other, and then as a consequence, in their ability to organise.

Location of meaning is however a parlour game  its essence. Smurfs: The Lost Village is noticeable only for how it reveres convention. Just a lump of clay, declares the character and I would have thought, It is really possible? Is it possible that an animated childrens film produced by Hollywood in 2017 acknowledges the event of death?

This is not an invalid enquiry too, for this tradition of filmmaking did result in both Bambi and in The Lion King. A minute, two minutes later, the lump of clay is modelled and rendered into the shape of the original character. She breaks into a dance and all ends merrily.

The writer is programmer, Lightcube Film Society
Stone-pelting goes beyond social networking and alleged funding from across the border.

Srinagar: Earlier this month, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir banned Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and 19 other social media platforms for one month on the premise that their misuse by forces inimical to peace is responsible for spreading the stone-pelting mayhem in the Valley.

But the move is useless as snapping Internet services 28 times during law and order crises in the past five years failed to stop more and more youth from joining stone-pelting brigades.

The gag has termed ill-conceived and idiotic by the Opposition which also took a jibe at some BJP leaders, including former defence minister Manohar Parrikar, who had in the backdrop of foreign funding charges claimed that PM Narendra Modis demonetisation move stopped stone-pelting in Kashmir.

But social media has been seized as a tool to voice political sentiments by many Kashmiris in or outside the Valley. Also, there have been a fewer instances of it being used for spreading rumours and falsehood about happenings within the state but the law-enforcing agencies quickly acted against those behind mischiefs.

Stone-pelting goes beyond social networking and alleged funding from across the border. It is rooted in the political dilemma of its Muslim population and a corollary of the failures and broken promises of successive governments.

Kani Jung as the stone-pelting pastime of Kashmiri youth is known here and literally means stone war sparks off even at slightest provocations.

The presence of security forces in large numbers even in narrow and dark alleys is enough to bring hordes of young boys out to attack them. Critics say that if there are no uniformed men in sight, the Valleys youth will find nothing around for display of their anger. However, officials justify such enormous presence of security forces saying this has been necessitated to keep miscreants and other trouble-makers away.

Though women participation in stone-pelting pursuit is not a new phenomenon but dates back to the 1960s and 1970s when the Valley had, on several occasions, plunged into turmoil over varied issues, the manifold participation of them in Kani Jung, is a worrying trend.

Some officials and mainstream politicians too have publicly said that it is time to put their heads together to solve the problem amicably. The home ministry has come up with the idea of raising an all-women force to deal with stone-pelting by females. But Kashmir watchers say that administrative and military measures have failed in the past and will certainly not do any good now. The answer to the predicament lies in political engagement of its alienated population and can bear fruit only if and when all those who matter in Kashmir politics are brought around the negotiating table and not just those who have been reduced into bit players in existing scenario.
A. Chella Kumar has been made in-charge of Congress matters in Goa, replacing veteran leader Digvijaya Singh.

New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh was on Saturday removed as party's general secretary in-charge of poll-bound Karnataka and Goa after its fiasco in government formation in the coastal state.

Initiating a reshuffle within the party, Congress president Sonia Gandhi appointed K C Venugopal as its general secretary in-charge for Karnataka along with four secretaries.

She also elevated Congress secretary A Chella Kumar as in-charge of Goa, replacing Singh.

As Congress's Goa unit in-charge, Singh had failed to form a government there despite the party winning 17 out of the total 40 seats, while the BJP retained power after getting

only 13 seats.

The inaction on the part of Singh evoked widespread criticism within the party, which accused the BJP of creating "artificial majority" to form its government.
All the accused will soon be summoned by the ED for questioning for suspected money-laundering.

Kolkata: After the Central Bureau of Investigation, another Central agency  the Enforcement Directorate  has initiated a money-laundering case against the dozen-odd senior Trinamul Congress leaders accused in the Narada sting operation case, in a double blow to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjees party. A top serving IPS officer was also booked in the case.

Sources said the ED registered its case at its Kolkata branch office at the CGO Complex in Salt Lake on April 18, a day after the CBI initiated its FIR in the same case against the 13 accused on the directions of the Calcutta high court. Sources revealed that those booked in the CBI case were also named in the ED case on the basis of the CBIs FIR.

The politicians booked by the ED are six Trinamul MPs  Sougata Roy, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Sultan Ahmed, Prasun Banerjee, Aparupa Poddar and Mukul Roy; four Trinamul ministers  Sovan Chatterjee, also Kolkatas mayor, Subrata Mukherjee, Shubhendu Adhikari, caught in the sting when he was an MP, and Firhad Hakim; as well as party MLA Iqbal Ahmed, a brother of MP Iqbal Ahmed, and Saradha chit fund scam accused Madan Mitra, a former Trinamul MLA and minister, sources said.

The accused IPS officer is S.M.H. Meerza, of the states 2005 batch, now posted as commanding officer of the West Bengal Armed Police special strike force at Barrackpore, North 24-Parganas. The 13 accused were booked under Section 4 (money-laundering) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, sources said, adding that the Central agency may later add more sections if required.

All the accused will soon be summoned by the ED for questioning for suspected money-laundering. The ED will probe what the accused did with the money after being caught accepting cash bribes for favours in the sting. It has already started collecting details of all their assets, properties and bank transactions over the past four years from the income-tax authorities.

The ED also plans to collect the sting footage and other devices and documents from the CBI during its investigations, the sources added.

The Trinamul Congress, already under pressure after the CBI case, is yet to react officially to the ED move. Out of the accused, only Ms Poddar has moved the Calcutta high court challenging the CBIs FIR, in which she was booked along with the others.

Dashing her hopes, Justice Joymalya Bagchi rejected her plea on Friday and directed her to cooperate with the CBI in its investigation. He also ordered the CBI to submit its case diary at the high court on May 10, and instructed the agency to explain the grounds on which the Trinamul MP was booked in the FIR.
Soon after the attack, protests by locals were held in nearby villages of Panzgam and Kralapora.

Army personnel pay tribute to Capt. Ayush Yadav and two other soldiers who laid down their lives while fighting militants in Kupwara.

Srinagar: The Army on Friday paid glowing tribute with full military honours to Captain Ayush Yadav and two other soldiers who laid down their lives while fighting militants during a fidayeen attack at their camp in Jammu and Kashmirs frontier district of Kupwara a day earlier.

Homage was paid to the valour and sacrifice of Capt. Yadav, Subedar Bhoop Singh Gurjar and Naik Botta Venkata Ramana in a solemn ceremony held at Badami Bagh Cantonment, the headquarters of Armys 15 (Chinar) Corps, defence spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said.

Twenty-six-year-old Capt. Yadav, the only son of a UP police inspector, was a native of Kanpur. Subedar Gurjar, 46, was a resident of Kherla Bujore village of Dausa district in Rajasthan and Naik Ramana, 38, that of Arivanipallam village in Vizag district of Andhra Pradesh.

They were killed in a pre-dawn fidayeen attack at the artillery headquarters of the 155 Field Regiment at Panzgam, about 80 km northwest of here, on Thursday. Five other soldiers were injured whereas two militants were shot dead by Naik Rishi Kumar even after he had been hit by a bullet in the head.

The third militant involved in the attack escaped and the Army has launched a massive search operation in the area to get him dead or alive, officials said.

Soon after the attack, protests by locals were held in nearby villages of Panzgam and Kralapora. The Army opened fire at the protesters who were demanding the corpses of slain militants, killing one person. Ten others were injured in the firing and during the clashes.

The defence spokesman said that joined by the officials from civil administration and other security forces, the Chinar Corps Commander Lt. Gen. J.S. Sandhu paid tributes to the slain soldiers in Fridays ceremony.

The young officer Captain Ayush Yadav defied his 25 years of age and had established himself amongst his comrades as a spirited and daring soldier. The 46-years-old martyr Subedar Bhoop Singh had joined the Army in 1992 and is proudly remembered by his comrades as a highly professional soldier and a true patriot. A true son of soil, Naik Botta Venkata Ramana, 38, had earned the respect of a warrior and was a friend to all, a statement issued by the Army here said.

While Capt. Yadav is survived by his parents, Subedar Singh has left behind his wife and two children and Naik Ramana his wife and two children wailing and waiting.

Their mortal remains are being flown to their native places for last rites with full military honours, Col Kalia said. He quoted Lt. Gen, Sandhu saying that that Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families and remains committed to their dignity and well being.
Bhatnagar will have a tenure of little less than three-years as he is scheduled to retire in December, 2019.

R.R. Bhatnagar (R) takes over the charge as the new Director General of CRPF in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Days after the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) lost 25 of its men in a deadly Naxal ambush in Chhattisgarh, a full-time director-general took charge of the paramilitary force on Friday.

Senior IPS officer R.R. Bhatnagar, 57, reached the CRPF headquarters at Lodhi Road and took charge after he was accorded the ceremonial guard of honour. The government had issued orders for appointing Mr Bhatnagar, a 1983-batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, as the new full-time DG of the force on April 26.

The post had been lying vacant for close to two months since K. Durga Prasad retired on February 28. Mr Bhatnagar was till now serving as the chief of Narcotics Control Bureau.

The new chief was handed over charge by the acting CRPF DG Sudeep Lakhtakia. Mr Bhatnagar will have a tenure of little less than three-years as he is scheduled to retire in December, 2019.

Immediately after assuming charge, Mr Bhatnagar held a meeting with senior officials on the recent Naxal attacks in Chhattisgarh. While 25 CRPF personnel were killed in Sukma earlier this week, 12 were eliminated in a Naxal ambush in the same region on March 11. The Union home ministry has already directed CRPF to launch a massive offensive against the top leadership of Naxals.

In addition to the Maoist, Mr Bhatnagar as head of the country largest paramilitary force will also have to deal with security challenges in the Kashmir Valley where CRPF is being targeted by stone-pelters.

Even senior CRPF officials admitted that both Naxal and Kashmir violence remain the biggest challenge for the security force in addition to performing routine law and order duties in different parts of the country.
Yogi Adityanath also stated that the state government would provide electricity to the district headquarters 24 hours a day.

Taking a jibe at all the ministers who objected on the red beacon ban, Adityanath stated that whoever doesn't respect the law could leave Uttar Pradesh. (Photo: PTI)

Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh): Seemingly impressed with the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) performance in the recently-concluded Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) polls, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday gave a new connotation to the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and asserted that the MCD polls proved that it stood for 'Every Vote Modi'.

"The citizens of Delhi in the recent MCD polls have proved that EVM stands for 'Every Vote Modi'," said Yogi Adityanath, addressing party workers in Gorakhpur.

Further taking a jibe at all the ministers who objected on the red beacon ban, Adityanath stated that whoever doesn't respect the law could leave Uttar Pradesh.

"We had urged earlier too that people who do not respect the law can leave Uttar Pradesh. There has been a transformation in the law and order situation in the State and this will continue in future too. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has put a full stop to the VVIP culture in the country and everyone should respect that and abide by it," Adityanath said.

Yogi Adityanath also stated that the state government would provide electricity to the district headquarters 24 hours a day.

He said that the party workers would cooperate for the change, which would be visible everywhere.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Adityanath laid the foundation for several schemes.

This is Yogi's second tour to Gorakhpur since he became the Chief Minister.
PM calls for eradication of outdated practices.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Muslims on Saturday not to view the issue of triple talaq from a political perspective, in his latest push for a ban on the contentious practice on grounds of gender equality and justice.

While the sensitive issue is quickly getting politicised, the PM expressed confidence that enlightened members of the Muslim community would lead efforts to end the practice.

Indias Supreme Court is hearing petitions for a ban on triple talaq. The next hearing will be on May 11.

Speaking at a function to mark the Basava Jayanti celebrations in honour of Kannada philosopher Basaveswara, Mr Modi referred to the 12th century reformers movement against regressive practices to speak about triple talaq.

His comments come against the backdrop of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) promising reforms while resisting government interference in Sharia, that governs matters such as marriage and inheritance.

I appeal to you not to view the triple talaq issue from a political perspective. Come out and find a solution. That solution will have its own majesty and generations will remember you, Mr Modi said.

The push for a ban also looks to win support from Muslim women and chip away at an important bloc of voters that views Mr Modi with suspicion.

Mr Modi said he hoped that powerful people would emerge and help eradicate outdated practices and evolve modern systems.

He called upon Indian Muslims to lead not just those from the community in the country, but to show the path of modernity to Muslims worldwide.

That is the kind of power and energy this land gives to all of us, he said to a thunderous applause.

The PM spoke about womens empowerment, equality and good governance, as preached and practised by Basaveswara.

Mr Modi said, I am sure enlightened people will also emerge from among Muslims and come forward to end this practice, liberating our Muslim daughters and mothers from the scourge. I am sure enlightened Muslims will take this responsibility upon themselves.

Earlier this month, the AIMPLB said that it would end triple talaq within 18 months, but demanded no interference from the government. The non-governmental body that oversees the application of Muslim personal law also claims to have received support on triple talaq from 3.5 crore Muslim women.

The event assumes significance in view of the 2018 Assembly elections in Karnataka, where Lingayats are a formidable community. Basaveswara, also known as Basavanna, is their most powerful icon.

The PM used the platform, hosted by the Basava Society, to repeat his governments message of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas and said people had to progress without discrimination.

The function was also attended by Union minister Ananth Kumar and Karnataka BJP chief B.S. Yeddyurappa.
The Organiser editorial asked whether Mufti has the courage to resolve the crisis in the Valley.

New Delhi: All is not well between the ruling allies in Jammu and Kashmir. In its latest edition, RSS mouthpiece Organiser has questioned chief minister Mehbooba Muftis intention to resolve the ongoing crisis in the state, and sources in the BJP say that this is what is making the alliance more and more unstable with each passing day.

There have been more than just murmurs about strained relations between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party recently. Some reports have, in fact, suggested that certain PDP leaders are in touch with the BJP to muster support to continue the alliance without Mehbooba Mufti.

The Organiser editorial asked whether Ms Mufti has the courage to resolve the crisis in the Valley, or if she will follow the path of flip-flop as the Abdullahs did.

Talking about undermining the security forces by pseudo intellectuals, the editorial maintains that it is the duty of the state government to give voice and space to that silent majority which want to join the path of peace and progress.

The RSS mouthpiece then makes it clear that to give voice and space to the silent majority, the state government has to have the courage and conviction to deliver and take the necessary support from the armed forces and police machinery to deal with the frenzied mobs on the streets.

Despite the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ms Mufti, a section of BJP leaders talk of undercurrents within the coalition. Some BJP leaders say that the state government led by Ms Mufti is not acting strongly to quell the agitations (read stone-pelters) and that its reluctance to take action against those targeting the security forces was emboldening the culprits.

Suspecting a conspiracy behind the poor turn out in the recent by-elections, the RSS mouthpiece asks: Where are those 70 per cent who cast their vote in the 2014 elections despite the call of boycott from the separatists? Why has the number come down to 7 per cent? Is it just a reaction against the present government in the state or is there something serious which the silent majority is not able to convey?

The RSS and the BJP are convinced that a majority of Kashimiris want peace, but are being forced to remain silent by the agitationists.

Claiming that Pakistan is behind the present unrest, the RSS yet again pushed for abrogation of Article 370.

The editorial claimed that illegal infiltrators were helped by both, Article 370 and Article 35A. Legal framework created by Article 370 and Article 35A give undue advantage to the illegal infiltrators, it stated. Article 35A enables the state Assembly to define permanent residents, and grant them special rights and privileges.

Though the RSS mouthpiece questioned Ms Muftis intentions, and sources in BJP say that both the saffroniters and PDP leaders are aware that the alliance is getting unstable with each passing day, they felt that imposing Governors rule would hit both the parties hard at this juncture.

A senior BJP leader, however, said that if the Centre is forced to impose Governors rule, it would hit the PDP more than it will impact the BJP.

He said that it is in the PDPs interest to find a way to stay with us and run the government, with or without Mufti.
Adityanath added there has been a transformation in law and order situation in the state.

Lucknow: UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath said on Saturday that EVM now meant Every Vote for Modi and this had been proved in the recent civic polls in Delhi.

The chief minister was addressing party workers in Gorakhpur when he took a jibe at Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and said, Some people blame the EVMs for their own failure. They are not willing to accept the fact that people of the country are supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi because he is taking the country to new heights.

He said that the Prime Minister had put an end to VIP culture by doing away with red beacon lights on VIP cars. The red flashing beacon on cars is being considered as a status symbol enjoyed mostly by politicians and bureaucrats.

Mr Adityanath added there has been a transformation in law and order situation in the state. He promised to continue his campaign on the issue in the future and said, We had urged that people who do not respect the law can leave UP and who do not mend their way will be dealt strictly with.

Listing the achievements of his government in the past 40 days, the chief minister said that he was working for the benefit of farmers and the youth and promised that the results would be evident very soon.

He promised 24 hour power supply by October 2018 and called upon people to check power theft in their areas.

The chief minister said that the loan waiver scheme had benefited 86 lakh farmers and the government would take more steps for the agriculture sector.
Earlier, the party staged a protest rally at Itanagar against renaming of six places in the state by China.

Itanagar: China's claim on Arunachal Pradesh is baseless as it is an integral part of India, state BJP President Tapir Gao said on Saturday.

"China's claim is baseless. India has no boundary with China but with Tibet since China forcibly occupied Tibet in 1959 and they want to expand their boundary upto Arunachal which will not be accepted by the people of the state", Gao told reporters in Itanagar.

Earlier, the party staged a protest rally at Itanagar against renaming of six places in the state by China.

They submitted a memorandum to Governor PB Acharya.
Vadra took to Facebook and simply wrote, "truth shall prevail", attaching the picture of a news article batting for his innocence.

New Delhi: Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra on Saturday responded to the Dhingra Commission report's allegations, saying "truth shall prevail".

Vadra took to Facebook and simply wrote, "truth shall prevail", attaching the picture of a news article batting for his innocence.

According to reports, Vadra made unlawful profits of Rs. 50.5 crore from a land deal in Haryana in 2008, concluded Justice SN Dhingra.

The Dhingra Commission, set up in 2015 by the Manohar Lal Government, was looking into the grant of licenses for change in land in Gurgaon. Robert Vadra's company, Skylight Hospitality, was also under the scanner.

On Friday, the Bharatiya Janata Pradesh (BJP) asserted that the grand old party was looting India.

"Probably, the Gandhi family considers the whole of this country as their property and were trying to loot this country. That's the reason as to why they have lost the political land," BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said.

"We have seen the case of Skylight hospitality, a company of Robert Vadra which had been amassed through wrong land deals in Haryana. The case is also going on. Now we have to come to know about land deals of Priyanka Gandhi. She had also been profiting from land deals," he added.

However, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi defended Vadra and said he had not received any notice or summon from the Dhingra Commission.

"It is to commit the contempt of court if you publish the content of Dhingra report," Singhvi added

"Probably, the Gandhi family considers the whole of this country as their property and were trying to loot this country. That's the reason as to why they have lost the political land," BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said.

"We have seen the case of Sky light hospitality, a company of Robert Vadra which had been amassed through wrong land deals in Haryana. The case is also going on. Now we have to come to know about land deals of Priyanka Gandhi. She had also been profiting from land deals," he added.

Vadra's wife Priyanka Gandhi also rebuffed any relation between the property she purchased in Haryana with alleged illegal acquired funds and her husband Robert Vadra's finances or Skylight Hospitality.

"Six years prior to the purported 'land deal involving Skylight Hospitality' on April 28, 2006, Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra purchased 40 Kanal 00 Marla (= 5.0 acres) of agricultural land in Village Amipur, Tehsil Faridabad, District Faridabad in Haryana," a press release from Priyanka's office stated.

It further said that the land was purchased for a total purchase price of Rs. 15,00,000 paid for entirely by cheque, which is the equivalent of Rs. 3,00,000 per acre.

Earlier in the day, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy took a dig at the Congress over their allegation that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) party leaked the Dhingra Commission report, saying that the latter must guilty otherwise would have demanded to make the report public themselves.

Swamy said, "It is a public matter. So, the Congress party must be feeling guilty, otherwise they would have demanded to make the report public."
More than 3.50 lakh volunteers would be assisting the BJP in its expansion plan.

New Delhi: As part of his roadmap for BJPs expansion and strengthening organisational base, party president Amit Shah is beginning his vistrit pravas yojana or nationwide tour from Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. Mr Shah will visit each state and the tour will last for 95 days.

Meanwhile, Kalahandi in Odisha could be the next stop for Mr Shah as part of his stay in five states under another campaign, Deendayal Upadhyay Vistarak Yojana. West Bengal, Odisha, Gujarat, Lakshwadweep and Telangana are the five states where Mr Shah will visit as part of the Vistarak Yojana.

Also, a team of more than 3.50 lakh volunteers would be assisting the BJP leadership in its expansion plan, out of which 600 will work with the BJP till the counting for the 2019 General elections are over. Out of these 600, one each will be deputed in one of the parliamentary constituency and will assist in ideological and organisational expansion of the BJP.

During his pravas yojana, Mr Shah will review organisational issues including implementation of central schemes, documentation and libraries, election management, party journals and publications, social media management and will also address issues that have been troubling the state unit. Mr Shahs focus will also be on 120 parliamentary seats which the BJP had lost in 2014. Depending on population and electoral significance, Mr shah would spend one to three days in each state during his nation wide tour.

We have also set a target of (winning) 120 seats where we had lost in 2014. My tour will focus on taking stock of our organisational strength, and further expansion of ideology and electoral appeal across the country, Mr Shah said. He however, said 120 seats do not include those won by other NDA constituents after reports that some NDA allies had expressed concerns.
The streets were thronged with BJP supporters and party flags were waved as Shah's convoy passed through the streets.

Jammu: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Amit Shah was accorded a grand welcome in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, where he landed on a two-day visit as part of his national 'Vistaar Yatra'.

The streets were thronged with BJP supporters and party flags were waved as Shah's convoy passed through the streets after he landed at the airport on Saturday.

Shah is on a 95-day all-India tour from Saturday during which he will strategise on ways to win the 2019 Lok Sabha election, with focus on clinching 120 seats where the party had lost in 2014.

Shah will spend one to three days in each states. The tour will focus on taking stock of the party's organisational strength and further expansion of electoral appeal across the country.

Shah is particularly focusing on states like West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana and Kerala.

The BJP had managed to win just 4 Lok Sabha seats out of the 102 in these states in the 2014 election.

The BJP Chief's voyage will end by 25th September, the 101th birth anniversary of Jana Sangh ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyay.

Apart from his 95-day tour, Shah has also chosen five states where he will spend three days each. His recent visit to West Bengal was part of the programme.

Besides West Bengal, he will visit Odisha, Telangana, Lakshadweep and the poll-bound Gujarat.

Shah has also hinted at a reshuffle in the organisation as several office-bearers are now serving as ministers in the Uttar Pradesh government.
The Congress high command has also been under pressure from Karnatakas state unit to drop Mr Singh.

New Delhi: The Congress on Saturday dropped its powerful leader Digvijay Singh as in-charge of Goa  where the party failed to come to power despite emerging as the single-largest party  and Karnataka where the party hopes to retain power in next years elections.

Mr Singh, who remains in charge of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, said he was happy that a new team was finally being picked by party vice-president Rahul Gandhi. I enjoyed working with Congress leaders and workers in Goa and Karnataka. Convey my gratitude for all their support. I am loyal to the party and the Nehru-Gandhi family and owe my position to them, he tweeted.

Known for his proximity to the party high command, Mr Singh faced criticism after the Goa debacle, with state unit chief Luizinho Faleiro blaming him for the partys inability to form government.

Mr Faleiro claimed that the Congress had the support of 21 MLAs needed to form government, but Mr Singh waited for the governors invite to stake claim. Mr Singh became a target of ridicule within the Congress after former defence minister Manohar Parrikar, who took over as Goa CM, thanked him for doing nothing in Goa.

The Congress high command has also been under pressure from Karnatakas state unit to drop Mr Singh. Lok Sabha MP K.C. Venugopal replaced Mr Singh in Karnataka. For Goa, the Congress appointed Tamil Nadus A. Chelakumar considered close to the Sonia Gandhi camp.
It is interesting that danseuse Sonal Mansingh uses these words to describe dance.

I was a plump little eight-year-old when my mother took me to a neighbourhood home to try my hand at Bharatnatyam. She said it would be fun! Well, far from it, I felt overwhelmed by the technicality of the aramandi, the basic posture in Bharatnatyam, to say nothing of adavu, the initial dance steps, and the mudras, or hand gestures that sought to convey a meaning. It must be quite clear to you by now that I left the class within a week, blaming it on Tamil! I said I didnt understand it. Hey, I was eight. That was my first tryst with a dance form.

Today, as I reminisce about that class, I feel it could have done me a world of good. It could have provided me an outlet to cast off the pressures and mundanity of daily life  the commute, the work and the deadlines. At the end of the day I just want to let go of the stiffness in my body, mind and attitude.

Geeta Chandran

It is interesting that danseuse Sonal Mansingh uses these words to describe dance. My thoughts exactly!

In 1982, Unesco decided on April 29 as the date to celebrate International Dance Day. This Saturday, the world celebrates the movements 35th anniversary.

On this occasion, I asked the masters of different forms of dance their thoughts on the significance of the day, and more importantly, dance itself. As I talked to them, I got more curious about what drew them towards practicing dance as a full-time profession, their ideas on the different forms and what dance means to them. If this has piqued your attention, then read on.

Kaushalya Reddy

Meher Malik started the Banjara School of Dance in Hauz Khas Village and assumed fan following and love for belly dancing through her performance on the popular reality show Indias Got Talent. When I asked her what dance meant to her, she gave me breezy yet intimate insight:

Dance is a language of the body. Celebrating that freedom in you. It is that expression of being free. Dance celebrates your body.

And here I was, a naive eight year-old thinking it was a handful! If only, I understood that dance was a language in itself

It is an art form where one can express oneself without saying anything and connect with others too.

Kaushalya Reddy, who completes the celebrated trio of Kuchipudi with Raja and Radha Reddy, says dance is everything for me... its my soul, my oxygen.

My world revolves around dance. This is where I belong, she adds.

For Geeta Chandran, the celebrated Bharatnatyam exponent, says dance is a way of life.

Ballroom dance practitioner Sandip Soparrkar believes that dance is intrinsic to life. In fact, he believes that dance isnt just a medium of expression or a mere stress buster, rather it is a way of life from the time we are born.

Sandip Sopparkar with Jesse Randhawa

Our first cry is in a certain pattern of movement. The blood in our body dances in a certain movement. Our heart beats in a certain taal Soparrkar trails off. Dance creates life and brings life so to me dance is life, and those who look at it as a mere stress buster, medium of expression or mode of weight loss are only looking at dance in a superficial manner, he adds.

Somehow, Mansingh always makes it more relatable. The whole idea she says is to move with music and joy.



But what is it that makes these luminaries choose dance as a profession? Apart from being food for the soul, what makes dance so lucrative?

Chandran says she pursues dance as a profession because it enables her to pass on her knowledge to her students. And she is grateful for that opportunity.

Reddy believes dance is a good way to channelise ones energy. Today, kids take up classical dance, because parents want them to pursue serious art. It makes one level-headed and confident as one connects with history, mythology as well as our traditions. It keeps you rooted. It takes a lot of concentration, focus and discipline, she adds.

It is interesting how a form of art that is considered so liberating is at the same time so demanding on your faculties. It requires rapt attention and practice, as Reddy says.

And to think it is also a release. Dance provides an opportunity to explore and express myriad emotions: anger, sadness, love, romance, disappointment, and even frustration.



Talking to these stalwarts made me wonder if there was any one form that they could suggest for starters. The simplest, the easiest, wherein I could let go and just be. The responses were an eye opener for me. I understood that dance transcends forms:

You do a Zumba, Jazz or Bharatnatyam, you should know the grammar of style  the feel with which you do it. Theres good dancing and not so good dancing, but no dance form is better or worse, Chandra says clearing the air on what dance means.

According to Malik dance has: theres space for everybody... Theres space for people who are interested in contemporary fluid flowing movement.

Still, this doesnt clarify whether dance is about the form or form is secondary to dance.

Artists need to come to a level where we reach to the dance as a whole and not in its different departments and compartments... it doesnt matter what dance forms we do; a dancer is always a dancer, Soparrkar says.

Malik opens up the scope of the discussion a little further by saying that some people are interested in organic, earthy dance forms like African. There are women who want to celebrate their own sensuality theres belly dancing and then theres classical dance where people want to keep their roots alive.

It seems dance, like the postures and expressions on display, is fluid. It is open to how one wants to interpret it. Dance lends itself to the practitioners purpose. To some its tradition. To others, its liberating. Some unwind and yet others feel rooted and find focus in dance.

Fascinating!

If dance is all of these, and more, then isnt it about time we made it more popular? How do we make dance a part of peoples lives in India?

In the West, theres a concept of social dancing where you see people well into in their 80s and 90s taking tango and ballroom dance classes. How do we make that happen in India?

Chandran is curating the World Dance Day celebration, a two-day event, for Natya Vriksha and India International Centre, on International Dance Day, that will feature performances as well workshops on dance. Hopefully, this could popularise dance in Delhi for starters.

When one dances, one feels trupti or satisfaction. You connect with yourself with the divine and with the audience. To promote dance, we need to have ticketed shows, Reddy says.

Mansingh believes dance is an essential part of life in India. We have folk dances, but in urban societies we are neither there nor here... In remote villages in Gujarat, men dance. But in cities, men have this stiffness. It is time we shed this ego and flow with life, she adds.

Sopparkar tries to cajole people to go for the experience: Dance has the power to enhance and enrich ones life in a way you never thought it would, he says.

But what about those who have two left feet?!

Chandran comes to the rescue with this piece of advice: Those who dont dance should become rasik  one who truly enjoys a good dance recital. To unwind by watching others dance is akin to having an affair with dance, she signs off.

In its many forms, from freestyle, classical, folk, ballet and ballroom, to fluid forms like contemporary, waltz and ballet; and fierce ones like hip-hop, jazz, b-buoying, tutting, krumping and popping-locking; dance is truly colourful.

More so when it comes to Indian classical dance forms that adhere to the Natyashastra like Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi and Odissi. The romance and passion of the Rumba, the Bachata and Salsa is also equally intoxicating. The beats of a dhol could compel you to break into a Bhangra, gidda, garba or bihu

So, this International Dance Day, lets shed our inhibitions, turn on the music and dance!

And those who still find it difficult to do so, can swing and sing along with Bob Marley to:

Forget your sorrows and dance

Forget your troubles and dance

Forget your sickness and dance

Forget your weakness and dance
The 25 artistically decorated locations around the village will turn into reader hotspots with a display of books

Bhilar village located near picturesque hill station Panchagani will see this state government initiative being inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on May 4. (Photo: Pixabay)

Mumbai: A hamlet in Satara district of Maharashtra, popular for its strawberries is all set to embrace the tag of India's first 'village of books', a concept inspired by Britain's Hay-on-Wye, a Welsh town known for its book stores and literature festivals.

Bhilar village located near picturesque hill station Panchagani will see this state government initiative being inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on May 4. Led by Education minister Vinod Tawde, this project was undertaken by the Marathi Bhasha department wherein 25 artistically decorated locations around the village will turn into reader hot spots with display of books ranging from literature, poetry, religion, women and children, history, environment, folk literature, biographies and autobiographies to festival specials.

"Around 15,000 books (in Marathi) would be made available in the village premises. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will inaugurate the initiative 'pustakanche gaon' on May 4," Tawde told reporters here yesterday. Also, the state has provided several facilities such as chairs, tables, decorated umbrellas and glass cupboards to local villagers to help them enhance the reading experience of literary connoisseurs visiting there, he said.

The state government had announced its plans to launch such a book village and literary festivals concept in Maharashtra two years back on February 27, 2015 - Marathi Language Day."Now we are opening it to all who have a love for

language and literature. All these books are going to be available free of cost to the readers," Tawde said.

Anybody can pick up a book of his/her choice, read for as long as they want and keep it back for others, he said.The minister said that the government is also planning to hold literary festivals in the village in the summers since a lot of tourists visit Panchgani and neighbouring destinations for vacationing during this time.

These festivals will comprise talk with authors, poets, reading sessions, presentation of essays, teaching workshops, exhibitions etc where people can participate freely, he added.
We get celebrities to give their take on a current issue each week and lend their perspective to a much-discussed topic.

Now every time Facebook questions Whats on your mind?, Delhi University students can tell it best. As a part of Delhi Universitys English Department draft curriculum for the upcoming academic years, students may have the option to study Facebook Post Writing. As a part of the skill enhancement courses (SEC), students will also be taught to write blogs, cover letters and proof reading.

We talk to social commentators, celebrities and professors about what they think of the universitys proposal to include Facebook posts as literary writing, who they think will be opting for this course, and in an age when social media as a course exists, should Facebook be specifically taught? Should social media writing be a part of academia at all?

Including Social media in the curriculum is taking things a little too far

Khyrunnisa, author

I dont think social media writing should be included in academia. Sudents do not need to be taught that as a paper. Social media is a platform where one can openly express their personal thoughts.ff as something positive, but now, with fake news on the rise, I feel the platform is being abused. On the other hand, maybe being taught to be responsible when it comes to using social media is a good thing, but I dont think of it as being a part of the curriculum taught in educational institutions, which is taking things too far. There should be some sense of responsibility associated with social media, but this responsibility should come from a more personal level.

Why not let facebook be a place for fun posts

Amish Tripathi, author

Facebook is a fun platform where people can connect with their peers. Writing Facebook posts was supposed to be engaging yet fun, but who needs guidance for that? Moreover, posts like these are supposed to reflect what someone thinks naturally, not what is taught to them over a period of time as a proper course. Why not let Facebook be a place for fun posts and not some serious, heavy literary content? I am not convinced that for one to express their thoughts on Facebook, they need to be a part of some course like the one Delhi University is planning to conduct.

We should embrace this

Anand Neelakantan, author

A story can be told in any medium. So why not of Facebook, Instagram or Twitter? It still remains a story. What we now know as a novel, is hardly 150 to 200 years old. Especially in Indian languages, it is only 100 years old. But, we have been telling stories before even language was born. Storytelling devices have changed but the stories remain same. The medium doesnt matter. People have been telling stories with puppets, through plays, opera, drama. In fact, social media is something that has liberated knowledge. I think we should embrace this change.

We are implying that there is a standard to cater to

Sahana Das, professor, Mount Carmel College, Bangalore

If we are looking at Facebook as a medium of interpersonal communication that is private and a chat forum, then each post is in the unique style of that person. The minute we make it an academic module, we are basically implying that there is a standard to cater to. Imposing a personality on individual styles  how can that be? But, if we look at Facebook as a social media marketing tool, then what is being taught is social media marketing and how to suit students to fit it into that format. For many people, Facebook is a personal forum, meant only for them and their friends. So, how can anybody teach that? And, who are we teach that?

The tech savvy generation may opt for a course like this

Aditi Mathur Kumar, author

I dont think it is a good idea. What is the idea behind a course like this? But, I think a lot of the young generation may opt for it solely because it is a tech savvy age-group  they know what goes viral and they also know how to make something viral. Social media courses that other universities offer have a lot to do with marketing and very little to do with creative writing. It will be better to know the nuances of the course DU is offering.

Social media platforms are where people engage than traditional platforms

Devadas Rajaram, Mobile Journalism Trainer at Asian College of Journalism

I think social media skills should be part of the pedagogy for students. Its skill we cant ignore in the post-truth world we live in. It has added significance in India, where 60 per cent of the population is under 35 and Facebook has a large audience.

Brexit and Trump win are pointers and earning signs on how important social media skills are for a democracy. News literacy and basic social media verification skills are more important than social media writing skill. It should not be confined to Facebook alone. Twitter also should be a part of basic literacy considering its increasingly becoming a powerful means of communication for politicians, influencers and opinion makers. Media literacy is an integral part of education at all levels as social media platforms are where people are more engaged than any other traditional civic platforms.
Earlier this week, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet had decided to cancel 15 public holidays in educational institutions.

New Delhi: Delhi government will emulate Uttar Pradesh in cancelling public holidays on birth and death anniversary of eminent personalities. Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, on Friday, lauded the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh for scrapping 15 such public holidays.

Mr Sisodia announced the decision on Twitter and said that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government was always open to learning from such good initiatives of other states. The Delhi government will cancel holidays on birth or death anniversary of eminent personalities. I have issued instruction to the chief secretary in this regard, he said on Twitter.

Earlier this week, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet had decided to cancel 15 public holidays in educational institutions.

The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a good initiative in this matter. We should always be ready to learn from other states, Mr Sisodia said.

In a written communication to chief secretary M.M. Kutty, Mr Sisodia has directed him to examine such holidays in the Delhi governments offices and schools and prepare a list of the holidays that can be done away with.

As per the Delhi governments notification, there are around 13 holidays marking birth/death anniversary in 2017. Of these, six are gazetted holidays and seven are restricted. All offices remain closed on a gazetted holiday, whereas the Delhi governments employees can avail only two restricted holidays in a year. Instead, students in schools and colleges would now be taught about the great personalities on these days, he said.

In a series of tweets, Mr Sisodia also mentioned the Delhi governments initiatives  establishment of mohalla clinics and the decision to not using red beacon lights  which are being praised across the country.

We have noticed that good practices adopted by the Delhi government in the last two years have been, partially or fully, adopted by other state governments as well as the Central government. Establishment of mohalla clinics in many states in one such example, the deputy chief minister said in the written communication to Mr Kutty. The former Secretary-General of United Nations (UN), Kofi Annan, has also commended the Delhi governments flagship mohalla clinic project, which is aimed at providing free primary healthcare to city residents closer to home.

Another significant example is the Central governments decision to ban the red beacon lights atop VIP/VVIP vehicles. We can say with pride that the Delhi government was the first to ban red beacons. No minister has ever used red beacons on his vehicles since this (AAP) government came to power, Mr Sisodia said.
The miscreants, who managed to sneak inside the house, ransacked it.

The police said that the theft took place on Wednesday noon in North Delhis Burari police station limits.

New Delhi: A day after the house belonging to a Delhi University professor was looted, burglars struck at a government bank employees house in a similar fashion and made away with cash amounting to Rs 1 lakh and three gold pendants along with other valuables. The miscreants, who managed to sneak inside the house, ransacked it.

The police said that the theft took place on Wednesday noon in North Delhis Burari police station limits. The complainant is Ramanand Saraswati, a resident of West Block Sant Nagar. Probe reveals that at the time of incident no one was present in the house. Mr Saraswati had left for the bank around 9.30 am after locking the house. However, little did he know that he will hear the news of theft.

The incident came to light around 2.30 pm when one of his neighbours called him and informed him about the alleged burglary. Hearing the news, he immediately rushed to his place only to find it broken into.

The miscreants broke the front door lock and gained access into the house. They then ransacked it before breaking open the almirah kept inside the room and made away with Rs 1 lakh, three gold pendants, and silver ornaments.

The police was informed, who visited the spot along with sniffer squad and forensic experts.

According to them it was a handiwork of three to four men. They are also verifying the CCTV footage.
The police received a call about the incident around 8.30 pm when people saw blood oozing from the floor above.

New Delhi: A 34-year-old man allegedly committed suicide after shooting his wife in Rohini, the police said on Friday.

No suicide note has been found yet even though the police suspect that it was some sort of a pact between the couple.

The police received a call about the incident around 8.30 pm when people saw blood oozing from the floor above.

Before the police reached the spot, locals managed to break open the door and rushed Hemlata to a hospital where her condition is said to be critical.

Her husband, Tilkraj, was found with bullet injuries to the left side of his chest. He had already died.

The couple didn't have children and mostly kept to themselves. Police is probing the reason for the step. It is suspected that the couple might have been facing financial problems.
Police trying to identify suspects seen in the CCTV footage.

The police is tracing the movement of these men by checking footage of the stations where they could have boarded the train.

New Delhi: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has submitted the internal probe report of the porn clip incident to the police, identifying three young men as suspects. The incident took place on April 9 at Rajiv Chowk Metro Station. The police is tracing the movement of these men by checking footage of the stations where they could have boarded the train.

The probe report has been submitted to the police, a Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) spokesperson said. The police is trying to identify the suspects seen in the CCTV footage which formed the basis of the investigation, the official said.

Another official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the police was scanning CCTV footage installed at the entrances of the Metro stations as well as those captured by the platform cameras to identify the suspects.

The pornographic video clip was played on one of the screens of a giant video wall, a grid of 12 LED screens, at Rajiv Chowk, a major interchange station, on April 9.

A video of the incident, recorded and shared by passengers who were present at the spot, had gone viral soon after, leaving the metro authorities embarrassed. A probe was launched on April 15.

A Delhi police official said, We have received the footage from the DMRC and it is being examined. In the footage, some suspects are visible but the Metro authorities havent pinpointed any particular person. We will be speaking to them in detail and try to get more details.

Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, located at Connaught Place in central Delhi, falls on the busy intersection of Blue Line and Yellow Line of the Metro network, and receives heavy footfall.
BJP chief says CM in habit of making mistakes, seeking apology.

New Delhi: After his Aam Aadmi Party suffered a string of electoral defeats, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday admitted that the party had made mistakes and said there was need to introspect and course correct.

Based on his interactions with volunteers and voters in the last two days, the Delhi chief minister said it was clear that it was time to go back to the drawing board and added that there was need for action and not excuses. His remarks on Twitter were a departure from his shrill campaign, blaming rigged electronic voting machines (EVMs) for the recent electoral blows.

The AAPs defeat in the civic polls has come on top of exceedingly poor show in the recent Punjab and Goa elections. In last weeks election, the AAP came second, managing only 48 of the 272 seats. The BJP, which held all three corporations of Delhi for the last 10 years, swept the elections; results for which were declared on Wednesday.

In the last two days, I spoke to many volunteers and voters. The reality is obvious. Yes, we made mistakes but we will introspect and course correct. Time to go back to the drawing board. To not evolve will be silly, Mr Kejriwal said in the screenshot of the note he posted on Twitter.

Following the recent poll debacle, Mr Kejriwal has been facing criticism from his party colleagues.

Some of the senior AAP leaders, including Kumar Vishwas and Lok Sabha MP Bhagwant Mann, have suggested the party to desist from holding EVMs as the sole reason for its drubbings. In fact, Mr Vishwas recently attributed the partys poor show in the Delhi civic polls to lack of intra-party democracy and its failure to reach out to voters and volunteers.

There has been a communication gap between volunteers and the party leadership. We should first decide whom did we start our fight with. (Is it) corruption, the Congress, Narendra Modi or the EVMs, Mr Vishwas, a prominent AAP leader, had said in an interview to a TV news channel.

As the party went into a huddle, senior AAP leaders have come to the conclusion that the time is not right to compete against the growing stature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But this didnt stop Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari from taking a jibe at Mr Kejriwal. He said that the Delhi chief minister has a record of wilfully committing mistakes and then seeking an apology.

If you look back, whether it was fighting the Lok Sabha elections or forming a government in Delhi for 49 days, he has been knowingly committing mistakes and pulling the stunt of apologising, Mr Tiwari said on Saturday.

Earlier on Thursday, the AAPs Political Affairs Committee (PAC) held over four-hour long meeting. The partys apex decision-making body concluded that its rejection in the April 23 civic polls was partly due to the BJPs gigantic electoral victory in the neighbouring Uttar Pradesh last month. There, too, it was Mr Modi whose appeal was unmatchable.

In his TV interview, Mr Vishwas had said that the Delhi chief minister should not have attacked Mr Modi over the surgical strikes. Last September, Mr Kejriwal had questioned the surgical strikes on terrorist camps PoK. In fact, going a step further, he had even asked proof of the same.

Meanwhile, Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari on Saturday said chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has a record of wilfully committing mistakes and then seeking an apology.

His remarks came after Mr Kejriwal admitted that his Aam Aadmi Party made mistakes.
It comes in the wake of several incidents of doctors being assaulted by irate relatives of patients reported from across India.

New Delhi: More than 75 per cent doctors in India have faced some form of violence at work, revealed a recent ongoing study by the Indian Medical Association. It comes in the wake of several incidents of doctors being assaulted by irate relatives of patients reported from across India, including the national capital.

Research reveals that attacks on medical professionals generally peak during visiting hours or during and after emergency medical interventions, or after the patient has undergone surgery.

For more than a decade now, violence against medical professionals has been happening, but it is only in the past few years that the issue has reached alarming proportions, manifesting in the form of severe abuse or physical assaults on doctors, nurses, and hospital staff. It is not a one off incident; cases have been reported from almost all parts of the country India, year-after-year, said Prof A.K. Agarwal, Dean, IIHMR.

He was speaking at a symposium on violence against Medical professionals in India, organised by Academy of Hospital Administration (AHA) and Indian Medical Association (IMA).

Last month, many resident doctors across major government hospitals in Delhi went on a one-day mass casual leave in support of their counterparts in Maharashtra, demanding better security in government hospitals. To send their point across, many doctors at AIIMS also wore bike helmets to work. Today, lack of trust between doctors and patients is a matter of grave concern. Lack of soft skills and humane approach on the part of medical professionals often adds to the problem. In many of the cases, it culminates in violence, said Dr Agarwal.

Some of the topics discussed throughout the day included genesis of violence in hospitals, magnitude of the problem, hospital safety protocol formulation, violence prevention planning, risk analysis of violence against healthcare workers in emergency settings, and so on. Dr K.K. Agarwal, national president of IMA, said that vulnerable areas inside the hospital, like emergency settings and ICUs, need to be identified and paid special attention to. He also asked the doctor community to introspect its own behaviour and accountability.
The Uttar Pradesh ATS in a joint operation with the Maharashtra ATS recently nabbed Ahmed in Mumbra.

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad is investigating suspected IS operative Nazim Ahmeds activities in Saudi Arabia when he was there working as a plumber. The Uttar Pradesh ATS in a joint operation with the Maharashtra ATS recently nabbed Ahmed in Mumbra. The state ATS suspects that Ahmed was already influenced by ISIS and jihadi ideologies before going there and might have met some like-minded persons there about who it seeks to gather information.

On Wednesday, sources in the state ATS revealed that Nazim was in Makka in Saudi Arabia working as a plumber. He had allegedly gone there on a work permit in 2015 and in 2016 was arrested after changing jobs. He was allegedly arrested for not having valid documents to be issued a work permit and deported after being jailed for 18 days. Nazim was arrested from Mumbra on April 20 for allegedly heading a countrywide terror module. He was one of the five in an operation spear headed by Uttar Pradesh ATS and assisted by Maharashtra ATS.

Sources in the ATS revealed that after learning that Nazim had been arrested in Saudi Arabia, they are now trying to find whether he actually went there for employment. We are looking into his activities when he was staying in Saudi Arabia. We will look into the backgrounds of the people who he stayed with and met while working there, the source said. The source added that Jihadis had influenced Nazim after coming across their work on social networking sites. We want to find out whether he met any such elements when working in KSA. We also will find out whether he was influenced further or whether he influenced some people to become a Jihadi, he said.

The ATS officials suspect that Nazim, who was said to be recruiting people and planning some terror activity in Maharashtra, may have been working for the banned terror organisation Islamic State. It is not yet clear whether he had been asked to work for them or he was planning an act independently, the source said.
CM hints at merger, says it would strengthen network of financial institutions for 30L farmers.

Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday hinted that the government is mulling over merging loss-making district co-operative banks with the state co-operative bank. He said the move would strengthen the network of financial institutions to bring about 30 lakh farmers within institutional credit. In a review meeting held ahead of the Kharif season, the CM instructed officials about better distribution of crop loans and making available farm ponds and storage facilities for the farmers.

There are 10 to 12 district co-operative banks reeling in distress, which need strengthening. But overall, district co-operative banks have better infrastructure in rural areas. The commercial and national banks, with higher capital adequacy, and district co-operative banks, with better rural infrastructure, may collaborate to strengthen and spread the network to bring 30 lakh farmers within institutional credit, Mr Fadnavis said in the meeting. About nine banks  Solapur, Beed, Osmanabad, Nanded, Jalna, Parbhani, Buldana, Wardha and Nagpur co-operative banks  are in an abysmal shape at present.

The chief minister asked for the setting up of a sub- committee lead by the additional finance secretary, secretary of agriculture, co-operative, water conservation, Nabard chief regional officer and Reserve Bank of India representatives to work out model to optimise the network to incorporate every farmers within institutional credit so that every farmer should get crop loans.

Mr Fadnavis placed emphasis on group farming, which can help the farmers increase production. Agriculture universities and other departments must come together for studying and planning crop patterns and guide farmers from time to time. Our target for this year is to increase the productivity of crops. Each district must take up this mission and plan on a crop-wise basis. We need to focus more on group farming, a cluster-based approach and also on creating water structures in next two months, he said. The government has also allotted funds for group farming in this years budget.

The CM has also asked officials to focus on the food processing and storage facilities. We are praying for a good monsoon but at the same time, we have to be prepared and ready with a mitigation plan in anticipation of any kind of situation. The India Meteorological Department has predicted good monsoons this year. I urge all district officials and guardian ministers to maximise infrastructure work to optimise the rain water storage. The Jalyukta Shivar and farm ponds works should be completed in the next two months, he said.
However students have alleged that the administration wants to censor their activities.

Pune: Students of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) would now be required to inform the administration 48 hours in advance about the films they are going to screen in the Classroom Theatre on weekends. This new rule comes in the backdrop of a conflict between the FTII and its students over commemorating Dr B.R. Ambedkar, wherein the administration alleged that students had not sought permission to screen films and hold guest lectures.

Earlier, students could seek permission only a few hours in advance to screen a film on weekends. However, this rule will not apply during weekdays.

Dr Amit Tyagi, dean of FTII, said, Now onwards students need to inform us 48 hours before screening of the movie on weekends. Many a times, there is no faculty or administration at campus on weekends. That is one reason why we have taken the decision.

However students have alleged that the administration wants to censor their activities. Robin Joy, president of FTII students association, said, We are also asked to brief in advance about what kind of films we are going to screen. Basically, administration wants to censor all our activities. This has been happening since the students strike opposing selection of Gajendra Chauhan in 2015. Earlier, there were not many restrictions. He also added, Classroom Theatre is students space and administration cannot ban our activities here.

Refuting charges of censorship, Mr Tyagi said, There are no restrictions on students over what type of films to be screened. The only rule is porn films cannot be screened. The campus has students of all ideologies ranging from extreme left to right and they keep screening films or organise activities according to their ideologies. Upon being contacted by this newspaper, FTII director, Bhupendra Khainthola refused to talk.
The incident took place on Thursday at the house of one of the accused in Dwarlipada of Ambernath.

Thane: Thane police on Saturday arrested two persons working as drivers with the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) for allegedly raping a homemaker, police said.

"The duo called the woman to their home under the pretext of returning her money towards loan and raped her in turns. While the first one raped her the second one videographed the act on his cell phone and then the other one followed the same," police inspector MG Waghmare of Hill Line police station said.

The duo threatened to kill her and making the video viral on social media if she reported the act to anyone, said the official.

The incident took place on Thursday at the house of one of the accused in Dwarlipada of Ambernath, police added.

Police have given the names of the two accused as Sunil More (35) and Arvind Kumbhar (40).

They have been booked under section 376 (rape) of the IPC, said police.
Eman weighed around 500 kg when she was brought to Saifee Hospital in Mumbai in February.

Mumbai: Saifee Hospital authorities have filed a police complaint against Egyptian national Shaimaa Selim for obstructing the medical treatment of her sister Eman Ahmed, who was admitted for weight loss, police said on Friday.

Eman weighed around 500 kg when she was brought to Saifee Hospital in Mumbai in February.

A complaint has been filed at VP Road police station by the authorities of Saifee Hospital.

"Hospital authorities filed a written complaint with us against Shaimaa yesterday. She had tried to put water in Eman's mouth, despite being told that she must be fed by tube only," a police official said.

Nurses, who were on duty during the incident tried to stop her but, she allegedly pushed them, the official said.

After the incident, the doctors treating Eman filed a case against Shaimaa, he said.

"We have received a complaint from Saifee hospital. But, we have not registered any offence against her," Sanjay Kamble, senior police inspector of VP Road police station, said.

"Shaimaa had tried to put water in Eman's mouth. She is her sister and her act can not be termed as an offence," said another official.

Shaimaa and the Saifee hospital management have been locked in a bitter tussle after the former alleged that the doctors treating Eman have made "false claims" about her weight loss and "complete recovery" in a video released recently.

The hospital administration dismissed allegations made by Shaimaa, saying, she was criticising doctors because her family doesn't want to get Eman discharged and wanted to extend her stay at the hospital in south Mumbai.
Egyptian likely to be shifted on Monday or Tuesday; Tests being done on Eman.

Mumbai: Privately-run Saifee Hospital has started the procedure for moving Egyptian national Eman Ahmed, once said to be the worlds heaviest woman, from Mumbai to Abu Dhabi for treatment. Doctors at Saifee have already initiated the required tests, including blood, lipid profile and others ahead of the patients transfer. Sources within the hospital said Ms Ahmed (36) would be moved out by Monday or Tuesday.

The hospital has said that unlike her arrival, her departure will be in a proper ambulance as she is not as heavy as she was when admitted.

Saifee Hospital is waiting for the assessment reports of Ms Ahmed from the four doctors and three management officials of Abu Dhabi-based group VPS Healthcare, who came on Wednesday to crosscheck Ms Ahmeds health reports.

VPS Healthcare is the group that owns the Burjeel Hospital that Eman will be shifted to, in Abu Dhabi.

Emans sister Shaimaa Selim (32) has alleged that the doctors treating Eman have made false claims about her actual weight loss and complete recovery. Talking to The Asian Age, Ms Selim said,  I am taking my sister to Abu Dhabi, because doctors there have promised to make Eman walk. Even Dr (Mufazzal) Lakdawala had promised the same, but he didnt fulfil it and is now even denying that he ever said so.

However, Dr Lakdawala has refuted the allegations, and said he had promised that Ms Ahmed would be able to sit and her weight would be reduced, which he has fulfilled. Dr Lakdawala, in a veiled reference to the Ms Selims allegations, said We believed Shaimaa when she approached us and we measured Emans weight on March 2, it was 378 kg. My promise was of weight reduction and making her sit, which has been fulfilled from my end. I cannot do much regarding her seizures problems as it is a neurological disorder.

She had suffered a paralytic attack in Egypt, which caused her to lose mobility in her right hand and legs, she is unable to move them too. After strenuous efforts from our physiotherapist, she started moving her limbs. Is this not progress? asked Dr.Lakdawala.
He also gave the charity an undisclosed sum to in order to support the project.

New York: His Holiness Pope Francis has rented a private beach near Rome in order to help a charity group people with disabilities enjoy the sea and sands.

The group 'Work of Love' has rented a portion of the Little Madonna beach since 2012 and has set up boardwalks, ramps and water vehicles to provide access to those in wheelchairs and are also battling other problems which make it difficult to spend the day at a beach.

Monseigneur Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, told CNN that the Pope Francis gave the charity an undisclosed sum to "support the project that helps disabled youth and in particular to cover the cost of the annual rent for the beach known as the Little Madonna."

The charity group was more than thrilled to have received the news of the donation with "enthusiasm and astonishment." The Rev. Massimo Consolaro, the priest in charge of the group, told CNN that hundreds of people with disabilities use the beach every year, and the numbers are rising.

Work of Love created the space -- about 17 miles south of Rome -- to be a "beach without architectural or mental barriers, where everyone can enjoy the sea together," the group said on its website.
To get over the bar of the Kesvananda Bharti judgment, the 42nd Amendment was enacted into law by Parliament in 1976.

Earlier this week was the 44th anniversary of the most seminal event in Indian jurisprudence. On April 24, 1973, the basic structure doctrine of the Indian Constitution was midwifed into life by the largest-ever bench of the Supreme Court of India to be constituted till date.

A doctrine conceptualised by the Supreme Court to restrain the constituent powers of Parliament, with regard to which articles of the Constitution the supreme legislative body in India could amend and which were beyond the scope of its ability to amend, delete or add.

A bench of 13 judges of the Supreme Court by a majority of seven judges to six, decided that the Constitution could not be amended in a manner that distorted its basic structure. Intriguingly, 12 of the 13 judges didnt say a word about the basic structure, in their pronouncements. While six ruled that there were implied limitations on the amending power of Article 368 of the Constitution, and the other six held that the power was unlimited. The law of the basic structure came from the pen of one judge, Hans Raj Khanna, and which was adopted by the court through a judicial order entitled the View of the Majority, a document in the form of a order of the court signed only by nine judges out of 13 on the bench.

An unfortunate fallout of the judgment was the supersession of Justices Amar Nath Grover, Jayanti Manilal Shelat and Kawdoor Sadananda Hegde because they had batted on the side of the basic structure. A.N. Ray, who was fourth in the order of seniority, was made the Chief Justice of India.

The question of the legitimacy of the basic structure doctrine was raised immediately thereafter, and critics refused to recognise the order signed only by nine of the 13 judges to be the law laid down by the court.

By a quirk of fate the doctrine got further legitimacy after the Allahabad high court set aside the election of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the then government amended the Constitution to introduce the 39th Amendment, by which the election of the Prime Minister and some other high dignitaries could not be called into question before a court of law.

When the amendment was challenged before the Supreme Court on the ground that it violated the basic structure of the Constitution, the then attorney-general conceded the doctrine. The amendment was struck down on the basis of the basic structure doctrine. Soon thereafter, an aborted attempt was made to review the basic structure doctrine but after two days the review bench, again of 13 judges, was dissolved abruptly, never to reconvene. Thus, the basic structure doctrine got consecrated as the holy grail of jurisprudence.

One can only wonder what would have happened if the attorney-general had not conceded the doctrine, but challenged its very existence during the 39th Amendment to the Constitution, specially since the entire court at that point had only one judge who had subscribed to the doctrine, namely Justice Khanna.

To get over the bar of the Kesvananda Bharti judgment, the 42nd Amendment was enacted into law by Parliament in 1976. It added to the amending power of Article 368 of the Constitution Clause 5, which read For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that there shall be no limitation whatever on the constituent power of Parliament to amend by way of addition, variation or repeal the provisions of the Constitution under this article. Evidently, the language employed by the draftsman of this clause had a single agenda  to declare that the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution was unlimited and unfettered.

Since its discovery by Justice Khannas pen, the basic structure doctrine has been employed five times to strike constitutional amendments down  the 39th Amendment tailored to insulate the Prime Ministers and other high constitutional dignitaries election from legal challenge, the refusal to the vital right of judicial review in the cases of Minerva Mills, Kihoto Hollohon and L. Chandra Kumar. More recently, the court struck down what is popularly referred to as the National Judicial Commission Amendment because it fell foul of the independence of the judiciary, a basic feature of the Constitution.

What started as a struggle between the court and the government on property rights expanded into a battle for the soul of the Constitution. It became a confrontation between the judiciary and the legislature that the Constitution not be so altered that it loses its fundamental identity.

The Kesvananda Bharti case happened at a point in time when many of the eminences in the current Central government were apprehensive of India becoming a one-party state  a fear that turned out to be unfounded. However, in a reversal of fortune the spectre of totalitarianism, fear of intolerance and India morphing into a one-party state hangs low over this country from the very ones for whom Kesvananda Bharti had come as a sigh of relief in 1973.

As institutions are openly being subverted from within and without, as fundamental freedoms of thought, expression, worship are sought to be bludgeoned into conformity, as culinary choices are now the staple of lynching, mobocracy and vigilantism, as substantial sections of the so-called free media are behaving like pet performing poodles of the rulers and as even the legitimacy of democratic outcomes is the subject matter of substantive skepticism, if not outright derision, one cannot help but salute those nine wise men specially Chief Justice Sikri, who devised the instrument of the order of the majority and breathed life into a Constitutional fiat called basic structure. Should we say  may God bless them? It may just be the only safeguard left to protect, preserve and uphold the founding vision of India if the Opposition does a humpty-dumpty on the nation.
The point is that a system of awarding party tickets to candidates for elections is fundamentally undemocratic.

A federal polity is perverted if it is run by centralised political parties. A Constitution establishes a mere skeleton of the polity. It is politics that provide the flesh and blood. The newly-elected Congress chief minister of Punjab, Captain Amarinder Singh, spoke not a day too soon when he said on March 13 that the time has come to pick up regional leaders in these national parties and build political campaign(s) around (those) who can challenge regional parties. He was referring to the Akali Dal. However, he also said, As far as selection of the state Cabinet is concerned, that decision will also be taken by Rahul Gandhi.

Little did he realise that this makes a mockery of both parliamentary democracy and federalism. The prerogative of selection of Cabinet ministers belongs exclusively to the chief minister and to none else.

The Congress, led by Indira Gandhi, wrecked internal democratic governance within the party and systematically undermined the autonomy of chief ministers. There is some background to this. In 1937, Congress ministries were formed in many states, led by leaders of stature. But the central leadership exercised what Sir Reginald Coupland called unitarian control.

A wrong precedent was set: the Congress high command had shown that, however loose the federal tie, however wide the autonomy of the provinces in law, the intentions of the Constitution could, in fact, be contravened and a federal system converted, by unconstitutional but nonetheless effective means, into something like a unitary system by making the provincial governments and legislatures directly responsible to the high command and only indirectly to the people. It weakened to some extent  or would have done so if it had lasted longer  the power of responsible government to fulfil its primary purpose.

The status of the chief minister since Independence accurately reflects the quality of Indias parliamentary democracy and of its party system; specifically, the procedures that the parties follow in awarding party tickets to candidates in Assembly elections. If legislators are handpicked by the central leadership of the party with an eye to retaining control over the chief ministership, then the person elected cannot possibly aspire to be his own man. This stark political reality of highly centralised political parties warps the working of a federal Constitution. The parliamentary board of the Congress functioned as umpire in state politics. There were three broad patterns. If the legislature party was united, it was free to elect its leader. A divided party was given guidance. If one faction was dominant, its leader was not elected until after the Centres preference was shown. A broad-based cabinet was imposed as the price of central support. In the third case of an even split, informal soundings were taken and the favourite got elected. Indira Gandhi and her son sedulously disrupted it to augment their own power. In 1972, central ministers were sent down as readymade chief ministers.

The Janata Party era saw a different spectacle. The Bharatiya Lok Dal, led by Charan Singh, and the Bharatiya Jana Sangh constituents struck a deal parcelling out some states and got their nominees elected as leaders in seven states. The point is that a system of awarding party tickets to candidates for elections is fundamentally undemocratic.

Organisational elections are not held. A party cabal controlling the party purse awards tickets to favourites, unless the states leader has clout enough to get his men in. In the UK, it is the constituency party that has a powerful say in a candidates selection.

Indira Gandhi saw to it that the chief minister did not become powerful. She would prescribe the composition of the cabinet  to keep it divided. Her umpireship was thus assured. Under the norms of parliamentary democracy and federalism, a state government is responsible to the legislature.

The basic policy is laid down by the national party. It is the chief minister who decides how to implement it. He decides on whom to include in his Cabinet and when to advise the governor to dissolve the house.

This ensures his freedom from central control. It is necessary that he should also have a say in the award of party tickets.

It is not the high command but the legislature party that should elect the leader. How can a centrally appointed chief minister stand up to the Centre to assert the states rights?

So much for national parties. Regional parties have no problems with central leadership. Their chief becomes chief minister. Since 1989, more than one Central government rested on support from regional parties, who were members of the coalition and stipulated conditions  the tail wagging the dog.

By arrangement with Dawn
The Australian Federal Court ordered more than 20 Australian ISPs to block KAT across a number of domains.

Kickass Torrents which was taken down by the US govt last year, is in the spotlight again. It seems that Australia is also getting ready to bid a final goodbye to the website. Kickass Torrents will be blocked across all parts of Australia by the end of the month.

The Australian Federal Court ordered more than 20 Australian ISPs to block KAT across a number of domains. This is the result of a case that started back in May 2016, when music labels such as Sony, Warner Music and Universal stood against the well known torrent website.

The ISPs have 15 business days to take all the required measures to block the website from using DNS blocking. The order will be active for the next three years, meaning the users in Australia wont be able to access Kickass Torrents until the order expires. There are chances that the music labels will extend the order after that.

One of the main issues that comes with this type of blockades is that the site can move at any time and can be accessed once it is restored. The order only covers a certain domain, and ISPs have to work to block that exact address. Since sites can easily change domains, especially torrent sites which are forced to do this more often than most, people can gain access quite easily.

The fight against these pirate websites seems to be an uphill battle with no real success. There are several proxy site alternatives available out there such as VPN solutions to bypass the blockade altogether.
Qualcomm slashed its current-quarter profit and revenue forecasts, amid an escalating legal battle between the chipmaker and Apple Inc.

The payments made by Apple to its contract manufacturers are, in turn, owed by the contractors to Qualcomm in royalties, according to the chipmaker's licensing business model.

Qualcomm Inc slashed its current-quarter profit and revenue forecasts on Friday, amid an escalating legal battle between the chipmaker and Apple Inc. Apple said it had decided to withhold royalty payments to its contract manufacturers until the dispute is resolved in court.

The payments made by Apple to its contract manufacturers are, in turn, owed by the contractors to Qualcomm in royalties, according to the chipmaker's licensing business model. The iPhone maker sued Qualcomm in January, accusing it of overcharging for chips and refusing to pay some $1 billion in promised rebates.

Qualcomm, the largest maker of chips used in smartphones, is a major supplier to Apple and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd for modem chips that connect phones to wireless networks. The two companies together accounted for 40 percent of Qualcomm's revenue in its latest fiscal year.

"Without an agreed-upon rate to determine how much is owed, we have suspended payments until the correct amount can be determined by the court," an Apple spokesman said on Friday.

Apple also noted it had been trying to reach a licensing agreement with Qualcomm for more than five years, but said Qualcomm had refused to negotiate "fair terms".

"Apple has now unilaterally declared the contract terms unacceptable; the same terms that have applied to iPhones and cellular-enabled iPads for a decade," Don Rosenberg, Qualcomm's general counsel, said in a statement.

Qualcomm said it will not receive royalties from Apple's contract manufacturers for sales during the quarter ended March 31, and that its forecast for the third fiscal quarter now excludes that revenue.

"Even if one believed this was a worst case scenario (for Qualcomm), we struggle to see a resolution anytime soon as the parties entrench," Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon said.

"We suspect this is going to continue to get uglier," he added.

Qualcomm now expects revenue of $4.8 billion-$5.6 billion for its third fiscal quarter, down from the $5.3 billion-$6.1 billion it had previously expected. The company lowered its forecast for current-quarter adjusted profit to 75-85 cents per share, from 90 cents-$1.15 per share.

"(Apple's) contract manufacturers may make some form of partial payment, but initial indications are that any payment would likely be insignificant," Qualcomm said.

Through Thursday, Qualcomm's shares had fallen 17 percent since Apple's lawsuit. The stock  the worst performer this year on the Philadelphia semiconductor index  was down 0.7 percent at $52.86 in midday trading.
YouTube's inability to keep big-brand ads off unsavory videos is threatening to transform a rising star in into a problem child.

Alphabet's first-quarter results, released Thursday, provided few clues. Major advertisers didn't start pulling their money from YouTube until the three-month period was nearly over.

YouTube's inability to keep big-brand ads off unsavory videos is threatening to transform a rising star in Google's digital family into a problem child. It's not yet clear whether a recent ad boycott of YouTube will be short-lived or the start of a long-term shift away from the video service  one that could undercut Google's growth and that of its corporate parent, Alphabet Inc.

Alphabet's first-quarter results, released Thursday, provided few clues. Major advertisers didn't start pulling their money from YouTube until the three-month period was nearly over.

The company's earnings rose 29 percent to $5.4 billion while revenue climbed 22 percent to $24.8 billion. Shares surged nearly 5 percent, to $933, in Thursday's extended trading.

CLOUD OVER YOUTUBE

But the fallout from the YouTube boycott is likely to be felt through the rest of this year. Skittish advertisers have curtailed their spending until they are convinced Google can prevent their brands from appearing next to extremist clips promoting hate and violence.

"There is no entity in the world that is more risk averse than a senior marketing person," says Larry Chiagouris, a marketing professor at Pace University in New York. "They don't want to go with a media choice that presents problems for a brand, and they don't have to because they have many other choices."

Google CEO Sundar Pichai told analysts during a Thursday review of the first quarter that the company has had "thousands and thousands" of conversations with advertisers as YouTube takes steps to protect their brands. "We are evolving overall to a better place," Pichai said.

At another point, he assured analysts that YouTube is still experiencing "extraordinary" growth without providing specifics.

Even if YouTube continues to lose advertisers, it won't leave a huge dent in Alphabet's earnings. That's because marketers are expected to keep feeding the company's golden goose  Google's dominant search engine. Ads appearing alongside the billions of search results Google churns out each day still generate most of Alphabet's revenue even as it expands into other fields.

But ad spending has been accelerating at a rapid pace on YouTube over the past two years as brands sought to connect with its audience of more than 1 billion people. Now it looks like things might taper off.

TAKING THE GLOSS OFF

Before the boycott began, YouTube's ad revenue after subtracting commissions was expected to rise 26 percent this year to $7 billion, based on estimates from the research firm eMarketer. Alphabet doesn't disclose YouTube's finances.

Advertisers began to flee YouTube last month, after The Times in London and other media outlets turned up evidence that their brands were appearing alongside clips promoting terrorism and racism.

The findings alerted advertisers that YouTube didn't have adequate technology or staffing to shield brands from some of the appalling material that gets posted on a site that receives 400 hours of video per minute.

"This is an ostrich situation where the ostrich just pulled its head out of the sand," says Harry Kargman, CEO of Kargo, which helps manage ad campaigns on mobile devices.

FLIGHT OF THE BRANDS

At one point, about 250 advertisers were boycotting YouTube. (Some also stepped back from a related system that Google operates to place commercials next to videos on outside websites.) The list included big-spending marketers such as PepsiCo, Wal-Mart Stores, Starbucks, AT&T, Verizon, Johnson & Johnson, and Volkswagen.

It's unclear how many, if any, of those have returned to YouTube since Google promised to hire more human reviewers and upgrade its technology to keep ads away from repugnant videos.

Both Verizon and AT&T, two companies that are trying to expand their own digital ad networks to compete with Google, told The Associated Press that they are still boycotting YouTube. FX Networks confirmed that it isn't advertising on YouTube either. Several other boycotting marketers contacted by AP didn't respond.

TEMPORARY HIT OR PERMANENT SCAR?

Even if advertisers return, Kargman predicted they are unlikely to spend as much as they once did. "It's going to be a slow burn as brands quietly shift their spending away," he said. "There are now questions about the quality of video on YouTube in the long term."

Investors, however, apparently aren't too worried so far. YouTube's financial contributions remain a fairly small part of a company expected to generate $87 billion in revenue this year, after subtracting ad commissions.

RBC Capital Markets analyst Mark Mahaney estimates the reduced spending on YouTube and Google's ad network for video on third-party sites could reduce Alphabet's net revenue by $300 million, to $1.5 billion, this year. Some of that spending could shift to Facebook, Mahaney said, although the social network is facing its own challenges trying to block live videos of violence that appall viewers and advertisers alike.
Khan, a resident of Decatur in Georgia, was sentenced to five years, seven months in federal prison after being convicted.

Khan's sentence would be followed by three years of supervised release (File Photo) (Representational Image)

Washington: An Indian-American man has lost his US citizenship after being sentenced to over five years in prison for conspiring to illegally distribute male enhancement pills imported from China, Justice Department said on Friday.

Ismail Ali Khan, 29, was also convicted and sentenced for falsely stating in his application to become a naturalised US citizen that he had never committed a crime.

He now faces deportation to India. Khan, a resident of Decatur in Georgia, was sentenced to five years, seven months in federal prison after being convicted of conspiring to import illegally and distribute male enhancement pills that contained the drug found in Viagra, the US Department of Justice, Attorney's office, Northern District of Georgia said in a statement.

His sentence would be followed by three years of supervised release, it said. At the sentencing hearing, Judge Steve C Jones ordered that Khan's status as a naturalised US citizen be revoked and his certificate of naturalisation was declared void.

Judge Jones also ordered that Khan be immediately deported to India once he completes his prison term. At that time, supervised release will not be enforced.

Khan was found guilty by a jury on February 13. "This defendant endangered the health of countless individuals by illegally importing and distributing drugs that can be obtained in the US only with a prescription written by a licensed, medical professional," said US Attorney John Horn.

"The defendant became a naturalised US citizen by giving a false statement about his criminal history, while he was engaged in this illicit drug scheme," Horn said.

Justin Green, Special Agent in Charge, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Criminal Investigations, Miami Field Office said FDA remains committed to pursuing those who endanger the US public health by distributing fraudulent and potentially dangerous products.

The defendant and others imported from China male enhancement pills and distributed the pills throughout the US, Horn said.

These pills contained the same drug that is the active ingredient in Viagra. If the pills had been properly labelled, the FDA and US Customs and Border Protection would have stopped them from entering the US because Viagra is available in this country only when prescribed by a licensed physician and dispensed by a pharmacist, Horn said.

In order to evade import restrictions, the defendant and his co-conspirators directed their suppliers to mislabel the boxes containing the pills to make it appear that the boxes contained items that can be legally imported into the US, such as beauty products, pottery, coffee and tea, the Justice Department said in a statement.

They received the illegally imported pills at multiple addresses in Atlanta. They rented storage units at different locations where they repackaged the pills for distribution to wholesale and retail locations in the Atlanta area and throughout the US, the statement said.

In order to evade detection by law enforcement authorities, they moved their illegal operations regularly, used aliases, false addresses and fake business names, and misrepresented the nature of their business when renting storage units and mailboxes, it said.

Over the course of a conspiracy that lasted from early 2011 until May 2014, Khan and his co-conspirators illegally imported and distributed more than USD 1.5 million worth of illegal drugs that came from China.

On August 12, 2013, while this drug conspiracy was ongoing, Khan submitted an application to citizenship and Immigration Services to become a naturalised United States citizen.
Pentagon spokesman said, about 50 US special forces, 40 Afghan commandos were choppered in close to the compound used by IS Afghan leader.

Washington: US and Afghan troops likely killed the leader of the Islamic State group's Afghanistan affiliate in a raid this week, the Pentagon has said.

US officials also said they have opened a probe into whether two US Army Rangers killed in the assault had been struck by friendly fire. The raid, which occurred overnight Wednesday-Thursday in Nangarhar province, targeted Abdul Hasib, whom the Pentagon called the IS leader in Afghanistan.

"The thought is we got him, but we are not certain," Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis on Friday said. Davis said about 50 US special forces and 40 Afghan commandos had been choppered in to the Mohmand Valley late Wednesday near the compound used by Hasib. His group is affiliated with IS in Iraq and Syria, and the US military calls it Islamic State-Khorasan, or ISIS-K.

The troops' arrival was met with immediate and ferocious opposition, and early on the two Rangers, sergeants Joshua Rodgers and Cameron Thomas, were shot and killed. "We are investigating the circumstances of the combat deaths of the two Army Rangers in the beginning of what was an intense three-hour fire fight," Davis said.

"It is possible the Rangers were struck by friendly fire." A formal probe was underway to determine whether the bullets came from US, Afghan or jihadist gunfire. One other US commando was wounded in the raid. "Within a few minutes of landing, our combined force came under intense fire from multiple directions and well-prepared fighting positions," US Forces-Afghanistan said in a statement.

"Nevertheless, our forces successfully closed on the enemy, killed several high-level ISIS-K leaders and upwards of 35 fighters." US-Forces Afghanistan said that if confirmed, the death of the Hasib and his associates would "significantly degrade ISIS-K operations in Afghanistan and help reach our goal of destroying them in 2017."

The compound was located near the tunnel complex where the US military on April 13 unleashed the "Mother Of All Bombs"  a GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast device that the Pentagon said was the biggest non nuclear weapon it had ever used in combat. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis paid tribute to the two dead Rangers.

"Fighting alongside their Afghan partners, Josh and Cameron proved themselves willing to go into danger and impose a brutal cost on enemies in their path," Mattis said in a statement. "Our nation owes them an irredeemable debt, and we give our deepest condolences to their families."

The Pentagon estimates about 1,000 IS fighters remain in Afghanistan. The jihadists established a foothold there in early 2015 and their numbers now are about half what they were at their peak, the Pentagon says.
The man must serve 85 per cent of the 100-year sentence before he is eligible for parole.

Rainey was found guilty this year of breaking into the now 89-year-old woman's apartment on January 1, 2015 and then sexually assaulting her at gunpoint. (Photo: Screengrab)

New York: A 23-year-old man has been sentenced to 100 years in prison for sexually assaulting and robbing an octogenarian widow at gunpoint in the US state of Illinois.

Tevin Rainey, who hails from Bolingbrook village in the southwest suburb of Chicago, was sentenced last week by DuPage County Judge Brian Telander.

Rainey was found guilty this year of breaking into the now 89-year-old woman's apartment on January 1, 2015 and then sexually assaulting her at gunpoint in Westmont, some 40 kilometres west of Chicago, before forcing her to drive to an

ATM to withdraw money.

Telander sentenced Rainey to 60 years on a count of aggravated criminal sexual assault, and then gave him a consecutive 40-year sentence for armed robbery with a firearm, 'Chicago Tribune' reported.

A follow-up hearing in the case will be held on Thursday. Rainey's defence attorneys expect to file a motion to reconsider his sentence.

He already has been turned over to the Illinois Department of Corrections and is not expected at next week's proceeding.

He must serve 85 per cent of the 100-year sentence before he is eligible for parole.

His victim declined to testify at the sentencing hearing, but her clear and credible trial testimony was a critical component of the prosecution case, said Assistant State's

Attorney Mike Pawl.

"To be able to testify about something so unimaginably horrible with such grace and dignity was a tribute and a testament to her," Pawl said.

The woman said at trial that she could not positively identify Rainey as her attacker, but other key details of her testimony were corroborated by evidence gathered by investigators, Pawl said.

Rainey argued at trial that an acquaintance was the actual attacker, but authorities said they found both Rainey's and victim's DNA on the gun used that night, the report said.
Sharif's ruling PML party scoffs at predictions such as Khan's, maintaining that the premier will remain in power until his term ends.

Amid chants of "Go, Nawaz! Go!", Imran Khan told his supporters that Sharif will resign soon. (Photo: AP)

Islamabad: Thousands of supporters of Pakistan's popular opposition leader Imran Khan have rallied in the capital Islamabad to call for the resignation of the country's prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, over his alleged corruption.

Saturdays rally came a week after Pakistan's Supreme Court, acting on a petition submitted by Khan, asked investigators to complete a probe into corruption allegations against Sharif within two months.

Amid chants of "Go, Nawaz! Go!" Khan told his supporters that Sharif will resign soon. However, Sharif's ruling Pakistan Muslim League party typically scoffs at predictions such as Khan's, maintaining that the premier will remain in power until 2018 when his term ends.

The PML says an April 20 court decision has exonerated Sharif.
Hostel boarders have also been told to keep 'proper and reasonable distance' between their beds (at least two feet).

The IIUI has seven female hostel blocks which provide accommodation for about 2,500 students. (Photo: Representational/Pixabay)

Islamabad: In what can be termed as a bizarre move, a well known university in Pakistan has banned "bed sharing" in girls' hostels.

According to media reports, the 37-year-old International Islamic University (IIU) has issued a notification in which it said any girl found sharing her bed with friends/sisters (sleeping, sitting in one blanket/bedspread) would be fined heavily.

Hostel boarders have also been told to keep 'proper and reasonable distance' between their beds (at least two feet).

The notification was issued by the university's Assistant Director Provost Office Nadia Malik.

One media report said that the notification has stirred a strong debate on social media because it was specifically issued for girls' hostels, when the fact was that several students are illegally residing in the boys' hostels of the university.

The IIUI has seven female hostel blocks which provide accommodation for about 2,500 students.

The IIUI administration has gone on record to say that the university has space constraints and found some of the girl students using their allotted beds to accommodate their relatives and friends.

It said the notification was aimed at addressing space management and administrative issues, but what seems to be at the heart of the problem is gender-specific language used in the notification.
Jaish al-Islam said its opponents had provoked the clashes by harassing reinforcements headed for Qabun, a front with regime forces.

Smoke billows following a reported air strike in rebel-held parts of Jobar on the eastern outskirts of Damascus, on March 19. (Photo: AFP/Mohammed EYAD)

Damascus (Syria): The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the clashes pitted the Saudi-backed Jaish al-Islam against Fateh al-Sham, Al-Qaedas former branch in Syria, and Faylaq al-Rahman, which is backed by Qatar and Turkey.

Fierce clashes between jihadists and Islamist rebels near Damascus left at least 40 dead and 70 wounded on Friday, a monitoring group said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the clashes pitted the Saudi-backed rebel faction Jaish al-Islam (Army of Islam) against Fateh al-Sham, Al-Qaedas former branch in Syria, and Faylaq al-Rahman, which is backed by Qatar and Turkey.

There were at least 15 dead among the ranks of Jaish al-Islam and 23 among its adversaries as well as two civilians, the Britain-based Observatory said.

Another 70 were wounded.

Jaish al-Islam said its opponents had provoked the clashes by harassing reinforcements headed for Qabun, east of the Syrian capital, a front with regime forces.

Faylaq al-Rahman denied the allegation.

In May 2016, more than 300 people were killed in a battle between the two sides.
Leaders adopted the guidelines, unchanged, within one minute, an EU source said.

The 27 leaders quickly agreed on the negotiating guidelines as they met without Britain for the first time since Prime Minister Theresa May triggered the divorce process a month ago. (Photo: AP)

Brussels (Belgium): European Union leaders unanimously adopted their Brexit strategy at a special summit in Brussels on Saturday, in a show of unity ahead of two years of tough talks with Britain.

The 27 leaders quickly agreed on the negotiating guidelines as they met without Britain for the first time since Prime Minister Theresa May triggered the divorce process a month ago.

They say talks on a future trade deal with Britain can only start once London agrees divorce terms on citizens' rights, its exit bill and Northern Ireland.

"Guidelines adopted unanimously. EU 27 firm and fair political mandate for the Brexit talks is ready," EU President Donald Tusk said on Twitter, shortly after the summit began.

Leaders adopted the guidelines, unchanged, within one minute, an EU source said.

Tusk earlier said leaders "need to remain united as the EU 27" but said it was "also in Britain's interest" if unity boosted the chances of a swift Brexit deal.

May this week accused the EU of ganging up on London, in a war of words with German Chancellor Angela Merkel who said Britain had "illusions" about the talks.

Brexit has offered the EU a fresh chance at unity after years of bitter internal divisions over the euro and migration, although many still fear they could fall out during the talks.

French President Francois Hollande said as he arrived that "the aim of the summit is unity", adding that "there will inevitably be a price and a cost for Britain."

Merkel said the EU wants "good relations" with Britain but added that "we also want to defend, at 27, our common interests -- so far we have done extremely well."

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, said the bloc had a "clear line" on the talks. "But this unity is not directed against Britain, I think that it is also in its interest," he said.

The EU 27 have considerably toughened the guidelines since Tusk first unveiled them a month ago, with Brussels also drawing up a detailed list of citizens' rights.

Tusk said this issue -- the fate of three million EU citizens living in Britain and one million Britons on the continent -- "must be number-one priority for EU and the UK."

Officials hope for agreement on this by the end of the year.

In a further move that will rile London, the EU is also set to back automatic membership for Northern Ireland if it reunifies with Ireland, and call for Spain to have a say over any deal that affects Gibraltar.

The leaders will also discuss for the first time the spoils of Brexit -- the relocation of EU medical and banking agencies that are currently based in London.

The EU guidelines say that only when "sufficient progress" has been made on divorce issues can these trade talks begin, with sources saying they hope to do that by the end of the year.

EU leaders were discussing how to define this progress after approving the guidelines at the summit, EU officials said.

While the EU says citizens' rights is a priority, the most touchy issue of all is likely to be Britain's exit bill.

This is estimated at around 60 billion euros ( 65 million), which mainly covers financial commitments made by the bloc while Britain was a member.

The bill is politically toxic for Britain but also risks causing divisions among EU states as they debate how to plug any holes in the EU's budget.

May's decision to call a general election in Britain on June 8, in a bid to shore up her mandate and strengthen her negotiating position, has only stiffened their resolve.

The elections are "an internal problem she wants to resolve in the Conservative party, to have not a hard Brexit or a soft Brexit, but Theresa's Brexit," said Luxembourg's prime minister Xavier Bettel.

Actual Brexit talks are not expected to begin until after the British election, although the EU is set to give an official mandate to Barnier on May 22.
Hamid also said that Pakistan has used the Gilgit province and imposed war upon their people while India never occupied any of their land.

Brussels [Belgium]: Asserting that India has never committed any atrocities on the people of Gilgit or forcefully occupied its land like Pakistan, senior leader from Gilgit-Baltistan, Abdul Hamid Khan stated that if a referendum was to take place then the people from the disputed territory would choose New Delhi over Islamabad for governance any given day.

He further said that Pakistan must follow United Nation resolutions, withdraw its forces from Gilgit province and let a referendum take place under the world body's supervision.

"I think if referendum happens people will vote for India as it has never committed any atrocities against our people," Khan, chairman of Balawaristan National Front (BNF) said.

He further said that Pakistan has used the Gilgit province and imposed war upon their people while India never occupied any of their land.

The remark comes close on the heels of Pakistan's Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Riaz Hussain Pirzada forming a committee headed by Advisor of Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz in order to declare Gilgit-Baltistan as its fifth province.

However, India has flatly rejected this move claiming that Gilgit-Baltistan is an integral part of its territory.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had said the Parliament has already passed a resolution declaring the entire Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of India.

"One should not doubt the intention and policies of the NDA Government with regard to Jammu and Kashmir," she added.

The area is significant to both Pakistan and China as the multi-billion CPEC passes through the region.
President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that as many as 220 militants had been killed in recent strikes elsewhere in northern Iraq.

Erdogan considers the Syrian-Kurdish fighters to be a terrorist group and is concerned their advances in northern Syrian could fuel the Kurdish insurgency at home. (Photo: Representational Image/AP)

Turkey's military said it killed 14 members of the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in air strikes in northern Iraq on Saturday, as Ankara steps up a push against the group and their affiliates in Iraq and Syria.

Turkey has intensified attacks on the PKK in northern Iraq and its Syrian-Kurdish affiliate, the YPG, in northern Syria.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that as many as 220 militants had been killed in recent strikes elsewhere in northern Iraq.

Six militants were killed around the area of Sinat-Haftan and eight in the countryside around Adiyaman in two separate air strikes in northern Iraq on Saturday morning, the military said in a statement.

The PKK, which has carried out a three-decade insurgency against the Turkish state, has camps in the mountains of northern Iraq.

Both the United States and Turkey consider it a terrorist organization.

However, the NATO allies disagree on the Syrian-Kurdish YPG, which the United States sees as a useful partner in the fight against Islamic State in Syria.

Erdogan considers the Syrian-Kurdish fighters to be a terrorist group and is concerned their advances in northern Syrian could fuel the Kurdish insurgency at home.

He is expected to raise the issue when he meets with US President Donald Trump next month.

"We tell our American friends not to take terrorists with them," Erdogan said in comments broadcast live on network NTV.

He reiterated his position that he does not want the United States to use the YPG in the fight to take Raqqa, Islamic State's de facto capital in Syria.

"America, coalition forces and Turkey can join hands and Raqqa will turn into a graveyard for Daesh," he said, using an Arabic name for Islamic State.

He said some 210-220 militants had been killed in recent air strikes elsewhere in northern Iraq.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson repeated Washington's threat that US military options were

The launch comes with tensions high on the Korean peninsula (Representational Image/ AP)

Seoul: North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile on Friday in apparent defiance of a US push for tougher international sanctions to curb the Asian country's nuclear threat.

"North Korea fired an unidentified missile from a site in the vicinity of Bukchang in Pyeongannam-do (South Pyeongan Province) early this morning," the South Korean news agency Yonhap reported, adding that the missile "is estimated to have failed."

A US defence official confirmed North Korea had fired a missile. The launch comes with tensions high on the Korean peninsula, with US President Donald Trump warning of the risk of a "major conflict."

It came just hours after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson addressed the UN Security Council for the first time, called for a global campaign of pressure on Pyongyang -- with China playing a major role -- to halt its nuclear and

ballistic missile programs.

"Failing to act now on the most pressing security issue in the world may bring catastrophic consequences," he warned. He repeated Washington's threat that US military options were "on the table."

Tillerson said China had "unique" leverage over its communist ally and neighbour. But Beijing pushed back, arguing that it was unrealistic to expect one country to solve the conflict.

"The use of force does not solve differences and will only lead to bigger disasters," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the council.

His country, he said, should not be "a focal point of the problem on the peninsula" and stressed that "the key to solving the nuclear issue on the peninsula does not lie in the hands of the Chinese side."

Russia joined China in saying a military response would be disastrous and appealing for a return to talks and de-escalation.

Military action was "completely unacceptable," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov told the council. A miscalculation could have "frightening consequences," he warned.

But Tillerson argued that diplomacy had to be backed with credible muscle. "Diplomatic and financial levers of power will be backed up by willingness to counteract North Korean aggression with military action, if necessary," he said.

"The threat of a North Korean nuclear attack on Seoul or Tokyo is real, and it is likely only a matter of time before North Korea develops the capability to strike the US mainland."

Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un are locked in an ever-tighter spiral of threat, counter-threat, and escalating military preparedness.

The US is deploying a naval strike group led by an aircraft carrier to the Korean peninsula, and a missile- defense system called Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) will be operational "within days," according to officials.

North Korea meanwhile said it has conducted its biggest ever artillery drill and threatened to "bury at sea" the US aircraft carrier. Speculation has mounted it could soon carry out a sixth nuclear test.

The meeting of the top UN body yesterday laid bare major differences among key powers over the way to address the North Korea crisis.

Over the past 11 years, the Security Council has imposed six sets of sanctions on Pyongyang -- two adopted last year -- to significantly ramp up pressure and deny Kim's regime the hard currency revenue needed for his military programs.

But UN sanctions experts have repeatedly told the council the measures have had little impact because they have been poorly implemented. Tillerson called on all countries to downgrade or sever diplomatic relations with North Korea and impose targeted sanctions on entities and individuals supporting its missile

and nuclear program.

The United States is ready to impose sanctions on third countries where companies or individuals are found to have helped North Korea's military programs, he said. China instead wants Pyongyang to freeze its military programs in exchange for a halt to US-South Korean annual drills.

"Now is the time to seriously consider talks," said Wang. But Tillerson was blunt in saying it was up to North Korea to take the first concrete steps.

"We will not negotiate our way back to the negotiating table," he said. "We will not reward their bad behaviour with talks."

The United States, Russia and China took part in six-party talks on North Korea's denuclearization from 2003 to 2009, along with Japan, South Korea and Pyongyang.
Trial held behind closed doors. He is one of the lawyers and rights activists arrested in July 2015. During his imprisonment Li suffered torture. In the absence of offenses during his detention, he will not have to sever the sentence.

Beijing (AsiaNews) - A Chinese court has sentenced an important lawyer for Protestant Christian human rights to three years in jail, accused of subversion of state power. The court announced yesterday that the sentence is subject to a four-year suspended sentence.

Li Heping is one of the lawyers and rights activists arrested in July 2015, in a campaign of repression carried out by the Chinese authorities, called "709". Of an estimated 300 arrested, many of whom are Christians, he is among the four still in detention.

During the period of imprisonment, Li suffered physical and psychological torture. In the past, he provided legal assistance to dissidents, victims of forced evictions, and followers of Falun Gong that was banned from Beijing.

The court ruled that in the absence of offenses during his detention, Li will not have to serve the sentence, although he had already been arrested for almost two years. According to a statement by the Tianjin court yesterday, at the end of the trial, Li reportedly expressed gratitude and regret to the group of judges, prosecutors and the defending board.

By virtue of this "remorse", the court stated that the activist lawyer could ask for conditional release. The statement, published online, explained that the trial was conducted without coverage because the case involved state secrets.

Judicial authorities say that since 2008 Li Heping had repeatedly used the Internet and interviews with foreign media to discredit or attack state power and the Chinese legal system. He was also accused of having used foreign funds to intervene in high-profile legal cases and colluding with "illegal religious activists", associates lawyers and other unspecified people, in order to foster Chinese citizens dissatisfaction with the institutions.
They will be integrated into elementary school curriculum from 2018 to teach children "how to behave with others" and to reflect on their choices.

Tokyo (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Doraemon, Anpanman's superhero and also the young Chibi Maruko-chan are among the Japanese comic book characters enrolled to teach children how to distinguish between right and wrong in a fun way.

These "manga" characters - comics in Japan - appear in the textbooks of elementary school ethical education.

The latest version of the texts for the 2018 curriculum will appear in schools in April of the same year after the Minister of Education released them on March 24. In it, the purpose is to help children reflect on the their life choices through their favorite characters, now a reference model.

A section titled "Nobita ni mabao" (learning with Nobita) in the Nihon Bunyou Shuppan ethics books uses the main characters of the Doraemon comic, a story about a child and his friend and helper, a robot cat from the future that gives the manga its title.

Nobita is a 10-year-old child who is "not good at either studies or sports, and is generally wrong about everything he does," but for the authors of the book he "has some fantastic features": although "good at nothing "in fact, he immediately rises above adversity, is kind to everyone and has a hearty affection. The book invites children to think about how Nobita lives and how children want to live in the future.

Doraemon's characters appear in other educational texts produced by Kobunshoin Publishing Co., Kosaido Akatsuki Co. and Tokyo Shoseki Co.

The first of these also includes a section called "Chibi Maruko-chan to Kangaeyo!" (Think Chibi Maruko-chan!) The textbook, with suggestions on how to make friends and talk to others, is trying to fight bullying, a problem often faced by Japanese manga.

Other textbooks have included authors' life stories: Fujiko Fujio, author of Doraemon; Osamu Tezuka, creator of Astro Boy; The mangaka artist (manga designer) Tetsuya Chiba, author of Rocky Joe; The illustrator of Anpanman, Takashi Yanase, and others.
by Mathias Hariyadi

Citizens want to express their admiration. Each day thousands go to the town hall. The area in front of the palace flooded with signposts and floral decorations. Radical Islamist group's initiatives against the Christian governor continue. On 9 May the verdict of the blasphemy trial. Ahok: "Disliked and hated because of my faith and my ideas."

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Thousands of Indonesians are expressing their affection and gratitude to governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama and his deputy Djarot Saiful Hidayat for their work in the Grand Jakarta (DKI Jakarta).

On April 19, Ahok failed to win the second round of the most intense and controversial elections in the country's history, defeated by rival Anies Baswedan. Since then, many of his supporters have expressed their admiration for the Christian governor, who will leave his post in October. For so many Indonesians, he is the symbol of courageous and clean administration dedicated to the development of the city and to the improvement of the people's well-being.

In recent days, Jakarta City Hall has become a tourist attraction. Since April 27, every day, thousands of people from all over the country travel to the government building. As the governor performs his duties, they wait patiently for their turn to meet and take pictures with Ahok. The large number of people visiting the office has prompted security personnel to create a set of rules for those wishing to send their greetings to the governor. Visitors are required to take a number, stand in a row and mark their hands after taking pictures, to prevent them from reuniting with the queue.

Since April 25, the area in front of the palace has been flooded with flowers and decorations sent by citizens as a sign of solidarity with the outgoing administration. On April 27, the numbers rose rapidly to more than 2,000 and forced the authorities to transfer many of them to the Monas National Monument in downtown Jakarta.

While on the one hand the public affection of Ahok has increased, on the other hand, the initiatives of radical Islamist groups against him do not stop. Yesterday, Jakarta police deployed 4,600 agents in the wake of a demonstration of Islamists. They demand that the Jakarta court condemn the Christian Governor, in the manipulated blasphemy case that has been dragging on for months. The 1,500 participants attending the rally, organized by the National Movement to Safeguard the Indonesian Ulema Council's Fatwa (Gnpf-Mui) extremist movement, marched throughthe streets of Jakarta from the Istiqlal Mosque to the tribunal.

The verdict of the trial is scheduled for May 9th. During the last hearing of April 25, Ahok declared himself victim of an orchestrated case of defamation. He told the judges that, as governor, he worked only to improve people's well-being. "I will continue to help the poor and needy, though defamed and hated because of my faith and my ideas. I will continue to serve [the citizens] with love, "Ahok told the court.
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A Tampa grandmother is celebrating a personal milestone -- graduating from college.

Debra Morris, 60, graduating from Hillsborough Community College

Morris said she went back to school to set example

Morris will deliver a commencement speech

Debra Morris, 60, will graduate from Hillsborough Community College on May 5. It's an accomplishment four decades in the making.



Like many in her generation, Morris didn't go straight to college after high school. She enrolled in a technical school, she got a job and then raised a family instead.



But four years ago, Morris decided to go to Hillsborough Community College for an associate degree. She said she did it for her grandchildren.



"We believe in setting an example," said Morris. "We teach by example, and how could I tell my grandchildren you need to go further, you need to work harder and I wasn't?"



"I felt like I wasn't living up to the words I was preaching," she said. "So you have to practice what you preach."



Morris won't just be walking on stage and collecting a diploma on Graduation Day. She's set to deliver a commencement speech.



"It's going to be a big emotional moment," Morris said. "I'll cry a lot."



After graduating from HCC, Morris said she will continue her education at University of South Florida.


The Clearwater Police Department held their first-ever document shredding and pill collection event Saturday, April 29, at Westfield Countryside Mall.

Document shredding/pill collection event today in Clearwater

Today is also National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

The events are normally held separately during the year, but to better serve Clearwater residents, the agency decided to combine them into one event.

The event offered free shredding services for personal documents and also accepted old and unwanted prescription medication.



Residents were able to bring personal papers, mail, or any other documents they wanted to shred to help cut down on identity theft.

The prescription medications dropped off will be turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for proper disposal.

The event ran from 8 a.m.  3 p.m. in the parking lot near L.A. Fitness.
Puerto Rico, which seeks additional federal Medicaid monies, has become a point of conversation as lawmakers negotiate a long-term government spending package, reports The Wall Street Journal.

Here are five things to know.

1. Puerto Rico received a $6.4 billion Medicaid grant from the government allocated for fiscal years 2011-2019. But the U.S. territory, which faces possible bankruptcy, is slated to use the remainder of those funds by the end of 2017, according to the report. HHS projects Puerto Rico needs $900 million to fund its Medicaid program through the middle of next year, according to WSJ. Lack of additional funding would result in loss of health coverage for approximately 1 million residents, reports USA Today.

2. Leaders on both sides of the aisle agreed incremental assistance should be provided to Puerto Rico, unnamed sources told WSJ.

3. However, President Donald Trump responded Wednesday on Twitter, saying, "Democrats are trying to bail out insurance companies from disastrous #ObamaCare, and Puerto Rico with your tax dollars. Sad!"

He mentioned Puerto Rico again Thursday, tweeting, "The Democrats want to shut government if we don't bail out Puerto Rico and give billions to their insurance companies for OCare failure. NO!"

4. The president's tweets come as lawmakers work on a long-term government spending package. On Friday, Congress prevented a government shutdown by approving a short-term spending measure, reports The New York Times. Lawmakers now have a one-week extension for negotiations on a long-term spending plan.
HIMSS Analytics established a new set of criteria for its EMR Adoption Model, set to take effect Jan. 18, 2018.

The eight-stage EMR Adoption Model measures the degree to which a hospital or health system utilizes its EMR functions. The last time HIMSS Analytics updated its EMR Adoption Model criteria was in 2014, HIMSS Analytics Global Vice President John Daniels told Becker's Hospital Review in an interview.

The new model contains a major focus on cybersecurity, with privacy and security standards integrated into Stage 2 through Stage 7. To meet Stage 2 criteria, organizations must now establish policies regarding device encryption, mobile security and antivirus software, among other standards.

Another update involves moving digital imaging criteria into Stage 1, since "pretty much every organization has a digital [picture archiving and communication system] capability for radiology and cardiology," says Mr. Daniels. In the current EMR Adoption Model, digital imaging for radiology is a requirement to reach Stage 5 and digital imaging for cardiology is a requirement to reach Stage 7.

In 2018, HIMSS Analytics will also ask hospitals and health systems vying for Stage 7 designation about two more benchmarks: anesthesia information systems and smart infusion pumps. However, healthcare organizations will not be scored on these two additions.

"We're looking at these capabilities, but we're not scoring them," Mr. Daniels says. "We're letting the industry know, at some point in the future, these will become Stage 7 requirements. We want to make sure we give the industry plenty of time to begin to plan for and implement these capabilities."
Anthony Yeung, MD, of Phoenix-based Desert institute for Spine Care, recently published an article in the Journal of Spine discussing spine care deliver under healthcare reform in the United States.

"If the current healthcare system in the USA remains the law of the land, healthcare of the future will be on life support," Dr. Yeung wrote to begin. "The free market may be the last chance for the entitlement mentality to survive. New regulations and politics will play a key role."

Within the article, Dr. Yeung examines several trends in the healthcare industry moving toward value-based care and evidence-based medicine. He calls on medical professionals providing expertise to politicians and regulators to understand their biases and rely on evidence-based medicine in their guidance.

His additional points include:

 The need to focus surgical treatment on the pain source.

 Minimally invasive spine surgery performed in the ASC.

 Competition for the providers on the free market.

 Support for a "warranty program" on the free market.

 Multidisciplinary groups entering into at-risk contracts.

He recommended ASCs partner with surgical recovery centers for patients with more complex procedures instead of relying on hospitalizations. He also placed emphasis on patients taking more responsibility for their care.

"Patients must be able and willing to pay for their care when not covered by their insurance plans," he wrote. "Insurance companies will have to pay for conditions covered by the plans that their consumers pay for when the above conditions are met, but accept a different type of rationing based on cost."
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The family owners of luxury Swiss watchmaker Breitling have sold a significant stake in the company to private equity giant CVC Capital.

Europe's largest private equity group has snapped up an 80% slice of the firm, whose watches are worn by the likes of Hollywood star John Travolta.

The move will see Theodore Schneider - the son of Ernest Schneider who bought the company in 1979 - take a 20% stake as part of the deal.

Mr Schneider, who took the helm from his father in the 1990s, said he was "convinced" CVC could "elevate Breitling to the next level".

"CVC's expertise, track record and international network will help unlock Breitling's full potential," he added.

Breitling, which was founded by Leon Breitling in 1884, employs around 900 people at its two manufacturing sites and headquarters in Switzerland.

Swiss watchmakers such as Breitling have seen sales come under pressure as they grapple with a slowdown across China and Hong Kong.

Daniel Pindur, CVC's senior managing director, said the luxury brand had "significant growth potential".

"Using our network and expertise, CVC will work to make this global, iconic brand even more renowned and help shape the future of one of Switzerland's last independent watch manufacturers," he added.

"Specifically, we see significant growth potential for Breitling in both existing and new geographies by driving the digitisation of the marketing and distribution channels in the company, helping to enrich the product and customer experience."

Speculation had been mounting over Breitling's future following the death of Ernest Schneider in May 2015.
European Council president Donald Tusk met with Prime Minister Theresa May in Number 10 this week

European Council president Donald Tusk arrives for an EU summit at the Europa building in Brussels (AP)

A picture taken in Brussels on April 29, 2017 shows a general view of the round table meeting of EU heads of state. AFP/Getty Images

European leaders have endorsed a joint negotiating position on Brexit.

The 27 remaining members states formally agreed their talks strategy at a special European Council meeting in Brussels.

Council president Donald Tusk tweeted the outcome of their discussions, saying: "Guidelines adopted unanimously. EU 27 firm and fair political mandate for the Brexit talks is ready."

Speaking as he arrived at the summit earlier, Mr Tusk said: "We need to remain united as the EU 27. It is only then that we will be able to conclude the negotiations, which means that our unity is also in the UK's interest.

"As for now I feel strong support from all the EU institutions, including the European Parliament, as well as all the 27 members states.

"I know this is something unique, but I am confident that it will not change," he added.

With much of the ground work having been done ahead of the summit, leaders took minutes to endorse the joint approach.

Guidelines adopted unanimously. EU27 firm and fair political mandate for the #Brexit talks is ready. #EUCO  Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) April 29, 2017

The guidelines remained essentially unchanged from the draft proposals published by Mr Tusk last month.

Full text of the draft guidelines can be read here.

Central to that is the "phased" approach, with EU leaders insisting the shape of a future trading relationship can only be considered when progress is made on the terms of the UK's departure.

Expand Close EU commission President Jean-Claude Juncker arrives at a special EU leaders' meeting of the European Council to adopt the guidelines for the Brexit talks, in Brussels on April 29, 2017. AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp EU commission President Jean-Claude Juncker arrives at a special EU leaders' meeting of the European Council to adopt the guidelines for the Brexit talks, in Brussels on April 29, 2017. AFP/Getty Images

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Mr Tusk said it was vital for the 27 to remain united.

"It is only then that we will be able to conclude the negotiations which means that our unity is also in the UK's interest," he said.

"As for now I feel strong support from all the EU institutions, including the European Parliament, as well as all the 27 member states.

"I know this is something unique, but I am confident that it will not change."

Earlier in the week, German chancellor Angela Merkel said it appeared the UK was under the "illusion" that it could retain EU benefits once it departed the bloc.

Asked if he agreed with Mrs Merkel's analysis, EU Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker told reporters in Brussels: "That's my impression, yes."

Mr Tusk has insisted "sufficient progress" must be made on disentangling the UK from its ties and obligations to the EU before discussions can turn to the post-Brexit relations.

Key issues in the first phase are the size of the disputed "divorce bill" the UK will need to stump up on departure - estimated by EU officials at around 50 billion - and addressing uncertainty over the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and British expats residing on the continent.

Mr Tusk has also signalled a desire to resolve the thorny problem of the Irish border - and how to avoid customs and immigrant checkpoints on the politically sensitive frontier - before moving negotiations to the second stage.

Entering the summit meeting, Irish premier Enda Kenny said his fellow EU leaders were aware of the "difficulties" Ireland faced due to Brexit.

"You are aware that Ireland has prepared assiduously and very well for this over the last 18 months and our priorities are reflected in the document from the European Parliament and from the European Council," he said.

Arriving at the landmark Europa building for the summit, Mr Tusk had said: "We all want a close and strong future relationship with the UK - there is absolutely no question about that.

"But before discussing our future we have to sort out our past, and we will handle it with genuine care, but fairly.

"This I think is the only possible way to move forward.

"We also need solid guarantees for all citizens and their families who will be affected by Brexit on both sides.

"This must be the number one priority for the EU and the UK.

"And the Commission has already prepared a precise and detailed list of citizens' rights we want to protect."

Aside from dealing with the present day Irish border, the European Council is set to provisionally agree its approach if the day came when the people of Northern Ireland voted to end partition and join a united Ireland.

While not part of the Brexit negotiating guidelines, a statement to the minutes of Saturday's summit is expected to reflect that, in such circumstances, Northern Ireland would automatically assume the EU membership already held by the Republic of Ireland, rather than having to reapply.

However, those minutes will only be formally adopted at the next EU council meeting next month.

Comparison between draft and final framework

A comparison between the draft EU negotiating guidelines and the final framework adopted at the European Council summit show only a small number of amendments.

In terms of identifying the key issues in phase one of the talks, the guidelines now list securing protections for EU citizens ahead of disentangling the UK from its obligations (i.e. settling the exit bill). In the draft paper it was the other way round.

That may not prove significant, although in his pre-summit comments European Council president Donald Tusk said resolving uncertainty around citizens' rights was the EU and UK's "number one priority".

In regard to the financial settlement, the final guidelines provide more detail on the "obligations and liabilities" the UK will be asked to cover.

It lists issues resulting from the MFF (the EU's long term spending plan) as well as "those related to the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Development Fund (EDF) and the European Central Bank (ECB)".

The paragraph listing the other areas of potential future co-operation, aside from trade, has added "foreign policy" to security, defence and the fight against terrorism and international crime.

A paragraph has also been inserted stressing that any future UK-EU relationship should "safeguard financial stability in the Union and respect its regulatory and supervisory regime and standards and their application".

In recent weeks debate has flared around whether a free trade deal would include the financial services industry and, if it did, whether City of London institutions would still be bound by Brussels oversight.

The paragraph on the Irish border has made clear the EU's support of the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement relates to "all its parts".

Some structures agreed in what is an international accord between the UK and Republic of Ireland were based on EU law and the UK will now face pressure to ensure post-Brexit laws in Northern Ireland do not undermine the terms of the peace deal.

One of the more controversial elements of Mr Tusk's draft guidelines in March was a suggested veto for Spain on any future UK/EU agreements that involved Gibraltar.

There has been no change to the wording of that paragraph.
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adam has said the EU negotiating guidelines and the final framework adopted at the European Council summit on Saturday do not go far enough.

Here is his statement in full.

We welcome the provision for the North to seamlessly resume full EU status following a successful Irish Unity Referendum. However, It is disappointing and deeply concerning that even at the first hurdle the Irish government has fallen short. The EU Council guidelines fail to go far enough. They do not even match those agreed by the EU Parliament. If the Irish government fails to secure a better deal for Ireland during the actual negotiations, the implications for the economy and Good Friday Agreement will be profound."

The Good Friday Agreement provided for a pathway to Irish Unity. We welcome that this provision has been reflected in the discussions to allow the North to seamlessly resume full status with the EU following of a successful Irish Unity referendum. In the Dail next week we will be asking the Taoiseach to set out how this will be achieved. Alongside this, it is time for the Irish government to set out the criteria and context against which they will judge it is time to support the calling of a referendum on Irish unity.

Todays extraordinary meeting of the European Council was very important for Ireland, north and south. There was a high level of media spin that the Irish government would deliver in the national interest. It is disappointing and deeply concerning that even at the first hurdle that the Irish government has once again fallen short. The European Council guidelines should have gone considerably further. There is support for Ireland in Europe and the Taoiseach has failed to harness it.

There is widespread recognition across the EU of the unique and special circumstances faced by Ireland as a result of Brexit. There is also widespread support for the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement. A stronger approach from the Irish government, could have achieved far more today. There is now a huge amount to do in the coming negotiations.

"The Taoiseach cannot do the lifting for the British Government. He has to stand up for Irelands national interest and put this before any other consideration.

The best way to secure Irelands future is through designated special status for the North within the EU. This can still be achieved, if this objective becomes a priority for An Taoiseach. The government needs to discuss with our EU partners; how all of Ireland can remain members of the Single Market and the Common Travel area, how EU funding streams can continue to be accessed, how the rights of Irish citizens in the north will be delivered, how trading arrangements, north and south and between Ireland and Britain are protected. And critically how the Good Friday Agreement is preserved in all its parts, because that is how we will continue to advance the peace process.

Sinn Fein remains committed to securing designated special status for the North within the EU. We will continue with our diplomatic offensive and engage with all relevant parties and actors in Ireland and in the EU to bring it about.
Head teachers whose schools have had question marks raised over their sustainability in a new regional plan published by the Education Authority say their loss would be "devastating" for their communities

Head teachers whose schools have had question marks raised over their sustainability in a new regional plan published by the Education Authority say their loss would be "devastating" for their communities.

The head teachers spoke out after the publication of the EA's Providing Pathways Strategic Area Plan for School Provision 2017-2020, which revealed that more than 30 schools across Northern Ireland could close or merge, subject to consultation.

The document, created in conjunction with the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) and other sectoral support bodies, states that the "status quo cannot be maintained" and contains action plans for schools across the 11 local government districts.

It reveals that in 2016, 36% of Northern Ireland's 827 primary schools had fewer than 105 pupils, and that more than 220 schools are running at budget deficits.

The EA is also predicting that school budget deficits will increase. Based on the position of school budgets at March 31, 2016 there are currently 175 primary schools and 47 post-primary schools with a budget deficit.

Principal of St Macnisius Primary School in Tannaghmore, Maire Darragh, said that she had no idea that the sustainability of her school would be questioned in the report.

"We are the only Irish-medium school in the Antrim area and there is a high demand for Irish-medium schools here," she said.

"We have a unique situation at the minute as we were an English-medium school and we are now transitioning with the end goal of becoming an Irish-medium school. Instead of putting question marks over us, the EA should embrace the fact we are offering something no one else in the area can. This school has been in the area for decades and it would be devastating for the community if it was closed."

Michael Gormley, principal of St Patrick's College in Dungiven, which the report has also identified as having an issue with sustainability, said he felt his school was being penalised for being "small and successful".

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He said: "In September 2017 more than 50 new Year 8 pupils will be on our roll. In total we have just shy of 300 pupils at the school. We are the only English-medium post-primary school in Dungiven, so there is no option for us to merge. We have consistently run an acceptable surplus (currently 4.5%) in our budget whilst at the same time producing examination results well above the Northern Ireland average. This Year 65% of our leavers achieved 5 or more GCSE grades at A*-C, including GCSE maths and English. If the decision has been taken purely on the size of the enrolment, then it is a very sad day for this part of Ireland to be punished, by the State, for having the temerity to be small and successful.

"It is a worrying time for parents and teachers, and has come at a time of high pressure when students are getting ready for exams."

EA director of education John Collings said that the aim of the strategy was "to ensure that we have a network of sustainable schools for Northern Ireland that are of the right type, of the right size, and in the right place".

He added: "Our goal is to enhance the quality of education provision and to raise standards for all children and young people in Northern Ireland. We want to ensure that all pupils are taught in good, sustainable schools that can effectively meet their educational needs as well as providing a range of opportunities for development in other ways.

"We have too many schools for the size of our population, particularly at primary school level. Providing Pathways aims to stimulate discussion and dialogue and to facilitate the development of creative and innovative solutions to shared challenges.

"We must maximise the use of the schools' estate through sharing and co-operation, to ensure that the educational experiences of our young people are the best they can be. This will also help reduce duplication and ensure efficient use of resources."

Under the spotlight

Antrim & newtownabbey

St Macnisius PS, Tannaghmore

Ards and North Down

Movilla High School, Newtownards

St Columbas College, Portaferry

Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon

Drumsallen PS, Armagh

Brownlow Controlled Integrated College, Craigavon

Belfast

Christian Brothers School, Glen Road

Corpus Christi College, Ard Na Va Road

St Roses Dominican College, Beechmount Avenue

St Louises Comprehensive College, Falls Road

Causeway Coast & Glens

Bellarena PS, Limavady

St Patricks College, Dungiven

Derry and Strabane

Altishane PS, Strabane

Loughash PS, Strabane

St Josephs PS, Strabane

St Patricks PS, Strabane

Erganagh PS, Castlederg

St Brigids PS, Gortin, Omagh

Fermanagh and Omagh

Magheralough PS, Trillick

St Matthews PS, Dungannon

St Johns Business and

Enterprise College, Omagh

St Marys High School, Belleek

Mid Ulster

Aughnacloy PS, Aughnacloy

Lisfearty PS, Dungannon

Churchtown PS, Cookstown

Culnady PS, Maghera

St Brigids PS, Augher

St Josephs PS, Caledon

Mid & east antrim

Kirkinriola PS, Ballymena

Newry, Mourne and Down

Annsborough Controlled Integrated PS, Castlewellan

Castlewellan PS, Castlewellan

Blackwater Integrated College, Downpatrick

The High School, Ballynahinch

St Columbans College, Kilkeel

St Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel
A disabled man has told of his relief after winning a legal fight against British Airways over the loss and damage of his wheelchair during a family holiday to the US.

In what was a modern day David and Goliath-style battle, Michael Holden from Saintfield represented himself against the international airline giant in a case that was finally settled in Downpatrick court this week.

Michael (45), a company director and disability rights campaigner, had refused an 11th hour attempt by British Airways' legal team for a financial settlement without admitting liability on the eve of the court hearing.

The company had denied they were responsible for the loss and damage of his wheelchair during a flight home from the US last year.

However, in court on Wednesday they admitted liability and agreed to pay compensation to cover costs.

Michael, who has Motor Neurone Disease, was awarded an MBE by the Queen in the New Year's Honours list for services to the disabled community in Northern Ireland and travels to Buckingham Palace next month to receive his award.

He is a member of several organisations including the Belfast Centre for Independent Living, the European Network for Independent Living in Brussels as well as being deputy chairman of a patient working group at the Royal College of GPs here in Northern Ireland.

A keen traveller, he also set up the website Trip-Ability, which is a version of TripAdvisor for disabled travellers and which now attracts online visitors from all over the world.

He insisted his case was about respect and not financial compensation, adding: "I wasn't interested in the money, I want the disabled world to be aware that the courts either supported or condemned the behaviour of airlines and the way they treat passengers with disabilities.

"Hopefully it will give others the confidence to take to task the airlines and their industry to challenge the poor customer service or at least give them the opportunity to seek a judicial review of the judgment.

"When given a court date, there are strict instructions for all evidence being used by either side to be shared with the court and with the other side at least 10 days before the court hearing.

"I did that but received nothing from BA. It was only on Tuesday night before the court hearing on Wednesday that emails began to flow from their solicitors at around 10.10pm.

"They made a financial offer but without accepting liability and with a gagging clause preventing me from speaking about it, which I turned down flatly. It wasn't about money, but about respect."

The next morning in court the company accepted that it was responsible for the loss and damage of Michael's wheelchair and a settlement was agreed.

The case arose when Michael's wheelchair went missing during a flight from Orlando to London last summer after a holiday with his wife Jennifer (45) and children Georgia (14) and Noah (11).

A regular long-haul passenger with British Airways, Michael, who is a director with the company PK Shutters, was horrified by the way the company responded to the loss of his wheelchair, which turned up destroyed a few days after his holiday.

He explained: "Going out there was no problem and coming home we flew from Orlando to London and the disability assistance was there. It was in London where it all fell apart.

"When travelling with a wheelchair you have to book assistance at the time of booking your holiday as your wheelchair is taken off you at the door of the plane and there is another wheelchair on board to take you to your seat. Your wheelchair is then put in the hold and it is the first thing that the baggage handlers see when the plane lands and they take it off and bring it to the bridge.

"When we arrived at Gatwick I was told that there was a problem and BA had booked the wrong type of assistance and I might have to wait a few minutes.

"Forty minutes later I was still waiting because they couldn't find my wheelchair."

Eventually Michael was taken off the plane and left in the airport in a wheelchair he couldn't push himself with his wife, two children and all of their luggage.

Aer Lingus was the carrier who flew the family on the final leg of their journey from London to Dublin.

They stepped in to help try and locate Michael's wheelchair and also arranged for him to be transported from the airport to his car in the long stay car park.

He added: "I got a phone call the next day from a lady at Aer Lingus who was clearly upset saying they had been given my wheelchair by BA but it was in pieces.

"She said she was very upset by it and wanted to warn me so that I wasn't shocked when it was delivered to me.

"I contacted BA who basically told me it wasn't their problem. Even though Aer Lingus were not responsible for losing or damaging my chair they decided to replace it."

Michael was measured for a new chair which cost over 4,000 and took 12 weeks to make. In the meantime, he had to hire a chair.

When he asked British Airways to cover the cost of the hire they refused, prompting him to take the matter to court.

He added: "BA was just not interested and their customer service was shocking.

"I felt I had no option but to ask a judge to decide whether I was being unreasonable or BA was being unreasonable."

Michael said winning his case against British Airways was a victory not just for disabled people, but for anyone coming up against the might of a big company.

"I had no legal team, it was just me against them and their team of solicitors and often these large companies use large solicitor firms to try and grind people down," he added.

"My case shows that when it comes to smaller cases the judicial system is here to be fair and give us a chance to fight without it costing us a fortune. I was able to do it all myself."

A British Airways spokesperson said: "We have apologised to our customer for the damage caused to his wheelchair, and we're glad the matter has now been resolved."
A 25-year-old man has appeared in court in the Republic charged with funding terrorism.

Hasan Bal, who is originally from the UK and had been living in Waterford city, was remanded in custody after a brief hearing at Waterford District Court.

He is charged with providing funds for a terrorist organisation on October 2, 2015 and attempting to provide funds on October 23, 2015.

The court was told Bal made no reply when both charges were put to him. Judge Kevin Staunton was told there was no issue when he asked if there were any "language difficulties" with Bal.

Bal was arrested on Thursday in Waterford and charged with the two offences under the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005.

His solicitor Pat Newell told the court that he was applying for legal aid and that he was reserving his position on a bail application until the case is back before the court on Tuesday.

A woman arrested on Thursday in Waterford as part of the same investigation was released without charge, with a file being prepared for the DPP.
An EU declaration that Northern Ireland could resume EU membership in the event of a united Ireland is "hugely important" but it does not bring a border poll any closer, the Taoiseach has said.

Enda Kenny said the move dispelled any doubt and uncertainty that had been created as a result of the Brexit vote.

However, he made clear he does not believe the conditions for calling a vote on unity currently exist.

Under the terms of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, an incumbent Northern Ireland secretary can call a border poll in the region if he or she believes there has been a significant shift in public opinion in favour of unity.

Mr Kenny pressed for a statement on the EU's stance in the event of unification to be attached to the minutes of Saturday's European Council summit.

The request was accepted and the position will be formally adopted at the next council meeting in June. The statement is not part of the EU Council's agreed negotiating framework on Brexit.

"Let me be clear, this is not about triggering any mechanism (for a vote)," Mr Kenny said after the summit.

"I have been very consistent in my view that the conditions for a referendum do not currently exist.

"But acknowledging the principle of the potential within the Good Friday Agreement (for unification) is hugely important."

The statement to the minutes confirms that Northern Ireland would automatically assume the EU membership already held by the Republic of Ireland in the event of unification, rather than having to reapply.

Precedent already exists in the case of East Germany becoming part of the EU after reunification with West Germany.

Mr Kenny said: "The declaration about unity contained in the potential of the Good Friday Agreement is hugely important in order to dispel any doubt or uncertainty.

"The only new thing here is Brexit and it is important to provide reassurance that it does not undermine any provision of the Good Friday Agreement and that if the provision on unity by peaceful means and by consent and democratic means is invoked at some time in the future EU membership is assured and it is now unanimously accepted by the European Council to endorse that legal base."

Irish republicans claim Brexit has been a game-changer in respect of public opinion, and cite the recent Stormont Assembly election, in which unionists lost their majority for the first time, as evidence of the required shift in views.

Unionists rubbish this assertion and insist opposition to Brexit should not be interpreted as support for a united Ireland.

Mr Kenny was in Belgium as speculation about his own political future continued at home.

He has been under increasing pressure to make public when he intends to step down as Taoiseach and leader of his Fine Gael party.

Mr Kenny addressed the issue only briefly as he spoke to the media after the summit.

"As for me, I'll be talking to my party soon," he said.
The people of Gibraltar would resist any attempt by Spain to further its 'stale' claim, said the territory's chief minister

The countrys chief minister Fabian Picardo says the stipulation is discriminatory and unfair.

Gibraltar has reacted angrily to the European Unions continuing insistence that Spain should be given a veto over its inclusion in any post-Brexit trade deal with the UK.

Chief minister Fabian Picardo said the stipulation in the EUs final negotiating guidelines that Spain, which also claims sovereignty over the British territory, must agree to its inclusion in any future trade agreement was discriminatory and unfair.

He said the people of Gibraltar would resist any attempt by Spain to further its stale claim of the Rock, as EU leaders at a summit in Brussels agreed their final position for exit talks with the UK.

Mr Picardo said: No one in Gibraltar will be surprised that former draft clause 22 (now clause 24) has been retained by the European Council at the express insistence of Spains right-wing Partido Popular government.

The treatment proposed for Gibraltar by clause 24 of the guidelines is discriminatory and unfair. It flies in the face of the principle of sincere cooperation which the EU is committed to and which it repeats elsewhere in the guidelines.

The people of Gibraltar are clear and united in not accepting any attempts by the Spanish government to advance its stale sovereignty claim.

That will not stop us from continuing to seek dialogue with our neighbour, but never on matters which impinge on sovereignty, jurisdiction or control.

Gibraltar is leaving the European Union with the United Kingdom. Our future beyond the EU will be a prosperous and international one in respect of which the Spanish government will have no say or veto.

The inclusion in the final EU text comes after Prime Minister Theresa May has insisted that Gibraltars status will not be up for discussion during exit talks.

Its initial inclusion in European Council president Donald Tusks draft negotiation guidelines 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 territory.
Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made the statements after meeting with Theresa May on Friday.

Japans prime minister has said he will continue to trust the UKs economy after Brexit has taken place, as he states that maintaining an open Europe is a matter of concern to the world.

Shinzo Abe also said Kim Jong Uns continued launches were a clear challenge against the international community, hours after new ballistic missile tests were carried out by North Korea.

Mr Abe made the statements at central Londons Dorchester Hotel following a meeting with Theresa May at Chequers on Friday.

After talks at her country retreat, Mrs May hailed Japan as our closest Asian security partner and an important economic ally, as she noted that 1,000 Japanese companies including Honda, Hitachi and Mitsubishi employ 14,000 people in Britain.

Pressed on whether he was worried about the Governments stance of a hard Brexit, he said through a translator: With regard to the Brexit negotiations, maintaining an open Europe is a matter of concern to the world.

Japan, along with the UK and the EU, will continue to play the role of the standard bearers of free trade, he said.

Mr Abe said it is his expectation that stakeholders and investors from outside the EU will be able to have clear future prospects following Brexit.

With regards to strengthening Japan and UK trade relations following the split, he added: I continue to trust the UKs economy after its separation from the EU.

As I share the view with Prime Minister May yesterday, in order to maintain and strengthen Japans economic relations with the UK after its separation from the EU, we would like to continue with the expectation of opinions with the UK concerning how Japan and UK economic relations should be.

On Saturday, Pyongyang fired a test missile, which is understood to have failed, despite global calls and pressure to curb their nuclear and ballistic missiles development programme.

After their meeting on Friday, Mrs May said Japan and the UK stand steadfast in our condemnation of such destabilising activity and said the nuclear and missile tests are a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

She said they will continue with international partners to maintain pressure on North Korea and work towards a peaceful solution to rising tensions in the region and across the world.

At the press conference on Saturday, Mr Abe said that despite strong warnings from the international community, North Korea carried out its ballistic missile launch  of which there have been more than 20 over the last year.

It is a grave threat to our country, this is absolutely not acceptable. We strongly condemn such acts, he said.
Prime Minister Theresa May on the election campaign trail in the village of Crathes, Aberdeenshire ( Jane Barlow/PA)

The PM asked voters to strengthen her hand in the Brexit negotiations.

Theresa May urged Scottish voters to stand up against SNP separatists and again pitched her strong and stable leadership after being accused by Jeremy Corbyn of relying on simple slogans.

The Prime Minister made sought to capitalise on growing Tory support north of the border, where the party has only one MP, saying she would ensure Scotland and the UK flourish together.

In the village of Crathes, Aberdeenshire, where several journalists complained of a lack of mobile signal, Mrs May reiterated her call for voters to back her to strengthen her hand in Brexit negotiations.

It came after Mr Corbyn accused her of slipping into a presidential bunker mentality, reliant on sound bites and squeezing dissent.

Scotlands First Minister Nicola Sturgeon reacted to Mrs Mays foray north by urging voters not to allow the nation to be dragged back by an increasingly hard-line right wing Tory Government in Westminster.

But Mrs Mays visit underlined the size of the victory she thinks is within her grasp, with the Tories now the leading unionist party north of the border, according to polls.

Making a direct plea to Scottish voters who oppose independence, the PM said: We want to ensure that we build a more secure and united nation.

That means taking action against the extremists who would divide us and standing up against the separatists who want to break up our country.

Mrs May added: My commitment is clear that if you strengthen my hand in those Brexit negotiations, I will work to ensure that Scotland and the UK flourish together.

Mrs May spoke after Mr Corbyn addressed supporters in the Labour stronghold of Whitechapel, east London, in his most personal speech of the campaign so far.

He compared Mrs May to Tony Blair, whose premiership he said showed what can go wrong if leaders go unchallenged because his Labour government bought into Conservative ideas about the economy that left Britain with no defence against the financial crisis.

The Labour leader said Mrs May is insecure because she wants more power, while he would empower others as PM.

He said: While it might not be the stuff of sound bites, I have always believed in standing firm and empowering others to make up their minds and come on board when they are ready.

It is the mindset that serves the many, not the few.

Tim Farron used a visit to Liberal Democrat-held Leeds North West to urge voters to back his party because Britain desperately needs the strong opposition that Mr Corbyn is failing to provide.

He said: You do not need to agree with me or with us on absolutely everything, we can differ on some points, but we can agree on one thing  and that is Britain desperately needs that strong and decent opposition and only the Liberal Democrats can be it.
George HW Bush, pictured in February, has been discharged from hospital (Eric Gay/AP)

Former US president George HW Bush has been released from hospital after treatment for pneumonia and chronic bronchitis.

His spokesman Jim McGrath said Mr Bush is "pleased to be home spending time with family and friends" and is "grateful for the outstanding care provided by his doctors and nurses" during his two-week stay in hospital.

The 92-year-old had been admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital on April 14 for treatment of a persistent cough and was later diagnosed with pneumonia.

After the pneumonia was treated, he remained in hospital as doctors dealt with a case of chronic bronchitis - a constant irritation of the lining of tubes that carry air to the lungs.

His doctors said chronic bronchitis is a condition more prevalent with age and can aggravate the symptoms of pneumonia.

Mr McGrath said Mr Bush will continue receiving treatment for bronchitis at home, but this should not affect the 41st president's plans to travel to his home in Kennebunkport, Maine, where he and his 91-year-old wife Barbara spend their summers.

Mr Bush and his wife live in Houston during the winter.

Mr Bush, who served as president from 1989 to 1993, was also treated in hospital for 16 days in January for pneumonia. During that hospital stay, which included time in intensive care, doctors inserted a breathing tube and connected him to a ventilator.

He was taken to hospital in 2015 in Maine after falling at home and breaking a bone in his neck. In December 2014, he was treated for a shortness of breath during a week-long stay in hospital, and he spent Christmas 2012 in intensive care for a bronchitis-related cough and other issues.

Mr Bush has a form of Parkinson's disease and uses a motorised scooter or a wheelchair for mobility. Despite his loss of mobility, he celebrated his 90th birthday by making a tandem parachute jump in Kennebunkport.

Last summer, Mr Bush led a group of 40 wounded warriors on a fishing trip at the helm of his speedboat, three days after his 92nd birthday celebration.

After his release from his hospital stay in January, he participated in the coin flip at the Super Bowl in Houston.

AP
North Korea has test-fired an unidentified missile, the South Korean military said.

According to South Korea's joint chiefs of staff it was test-fired from the western part of its country,

There were no other immediate details, including what type of missile was used.

North Korea routinely test-fires a variety of ballistic missiles, despite United Nations prohibitions, as part of its push to develop a long-range ballistic missile capable of hitting US shores.

While shorter-range missiles are somewhat routine, there is strong outside worry about each longer range North Korean ballistic test.

The launch comes at a point of particularly high tension. US president Donald Trump has taken a hard line with Pyongyang and sent a US aircraft supercarrier to Korean waters.
Almost exactly a quarter of a century ago, I wrote a story which was headlined: 'Exodus: a story of Christians'. It told the tragedy of those people of the faith who were fleeing the lands of the forefathers.

I interviewed the only hermit left in Lebanon, in a cave in the north of the country, and he said to me: "I am the only hermit left in all the Middle East." His eyes creased in happiness when I acknowledged his unique theological condition. "I will never leave Lebanon," he said. "No Christian should leave the Holy Land. Those who have left will come back."

He exuded faith: childlike, passionate, precise, untrammelled by contradiction or facts. And he was wrong.

As I wrote at the time - from Iraq, from the West Bank, from Lebanon and from Egypt, "probably" (that was my word then) from Syria, too - the Christians were leaving.

A community of 14 million people, the inheritors of the original, Eastern Church of Christ, were draining away from lands now inhabited by up to 160 million Muslims.

Today, the Copts of Egypt alone may be as many as 15 million, but make up only 10% of the population. Under attack from Islamists, they are leaving for the West in huge numbers - one reason the Pope landed in Egypt yesterday in the hope (a plaintive one, I fear) that Christians and Muslims can take violence out of religion.

We pretend to care very much for these Christians, of course. (Indeed, we care so much that even the new American President, Donald Trump, was too frightened to call the 1915 slaughter of one-and-a-half million Armenian Christians a genocide this week.)

I was much moved some two years ago, in the little Syrian town of Qamishleh, by the local priests and bishops of the Maronite (Catholic), Armenian and Orthodox Churches, who pleaded with me to stop suggesting that the Christians should seek sanctuary in the West.

If they went to Canada, or the US, or Europe, they said, they will become part of a secular world, in which they would lose their faith. This should not be the fate of the Christians of the Middle East.

But, after 44 Christian Copts were killed in two church bombings in Egypt this month, can they stay? When Christian Copts are murdered in Sinai, can they stay? When Isis in Iraq tells them to convert or die, can they stay?

By 1999, only 10% of the people of Jerusalem were Christian. Just 30% of Nazareth's population of 172,000 were Christian.

In the British mandate of Palestine, the Christian population was 9.6% of the population. By 1999, it was 2.9%. Meanwhile, 35% of the Christians of the West Bank and Gaza left between 1967 and 1999. And Christianity is meant to be one of the world's great religions.

I have long debated with Middle Eastern people whether this all goes back to the Crusades. In 1996, I had a long conversation with an Egyptian Muslim, Heba Raouf Ezzat, and this is what she said: "We are a different culture. We are a different civilisation. And usually, people think of those who are different as weird, as strange, as sometimes puzzling, sometimes as the 'opponent'. So I think this is the first thing.

"You had a long history of colonial relations with our region and there was always this conflictual relation that we were 'the enemy' - especially during the Crusades - and I think that the Crusades is the key word. This is a history which you can't just throw out of the window. This is a history that was there, blood was shed.

"Through the centuries, both sides - actually, not only you, but we as well - started making our own myths regarding 'the enemy' ... and it lasted for two centuries or so and you can't just forget it, or think it's not important, or it's a very minor issue. There is history and both cultures do have history. And people just don't forget."

But, I said to Ezzat, we had Richard the Lionheart and she had Salahedin "and you won".

She would not accept this. "And we were defeated later by different people and with different tools," she replied. "I'm not the person who would say 'Oh we should overcome this'. I think people do have their differences. And it's important to look and analyse and try to see why people have their differences and how they can run these differences through time and in different situations. But I think that both sides are responsible for this."

What will the Pope say to that? Or to the Grand Imam of al-Azhar in Cairo, Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb? Will they be up to the task of self-incrimination?

I recall reading some years ago Amin Maalouf's wonderful book, The Crusades Through Arab Eyes, wherein he recorded how the Crusaders, on their way to Jerusalem, stooped to cannibalism. They ate some of the Muslim dead after a pitched battle in a city in Syria. And the name of that city was Homs.

What can I say? Read the book.
No one can doubt Arlene Foster's unionist credentials. As she made clear in her speech in Scotland last night, she is unionist not merely by choice but because it is in her DNA.

She is also an ardent royalist and feels that her position as the leader of unionism in Northern Ireland makes her ideally placed to be a cheerleader for the Union.

Given the personal and party political pressure she has been under in recent months - the RHI scandal and the success of Sinn Fein in the Assembly elections in March - this was a remarkably confident speech. Rather than reacting to events as unionism is prone to do, she sets out the case for the Union in the most positive terms.

While it is a speech that would go down well with unionist audiences in Northern Ireland, Mrs Foster showed courage in going to Scotland to press her case at a time when the overwhelmingly dominant Scottish Nationalist Party continues to seek a second referendum on independence there. Mrs Foster is trying to persuade the Scots that their future, like that of the people of Northern Ireland, is best served in retaining the Union. For, as she points out, the demand for Scottish independence is a greater threat to the Union, at least in the short to medium-term, than demands for a border poll.

Although the speech was obviously penned before the EU made it clear that if Irish unity is ever achieved, then this part of the island would automatically be readmitted - a message that must encourage those who pursue unity - Mrs Foster is only too aware of the threats to the Union and wants to rally those who wish to see the UK remain as a single entity.

Her speech would not have seemed out of place had it been delivered by Theresa May, who wants the UK to deliver an agreed bargaining position to the EU when the Brexit negotiations begin in earnest. That it should come from someone living in the most westerly constituency in the UK shows the strength of the Union's bonds, and Mrs Foster delivers a compelling case for the continuation of the United Kingdom.
The predictions are endless.

The end of the world was supposed to happen during the 2012 Maya Apocalypse. Harold Camping, a Christian radio broadcaster, predicted the end of the world as many as 12 times over the course of his life. In the 1800s, a religious leader named William Miller predicted that the world would end and Christ would return in 1843. Christians in 17th-century Europe feared the end would come in the year 1666 because of the years association with the Biblical number of the Beast.

Well, were still here. Every single one of these predictions was wrong. And yet several of these predictions drew close to 100,000 followersand that was before the age of Twitter! Theres just something about the end that fascinates people.

Historically, it has been the Christian community that has been the most enamored with the apocalypse, and a long line of religious leaders have proclaimed the importance of recognizing that the end is coming. That end is, after all, alluded to over and over in the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New. Early Christians believed that Christ would return within their lifetimes, and that prediction has been revised over and over ever since.

So why the obsession? For many Christians, it comes down to concern. The urgency was that the Rapture could happen at any time, says San Francisco-based church information manager, Melisa Blankenship. For some, the feeling that, at any moment, all the worlds unsaved might lose their chance at Heaven can be terrifying.

But consider this: for Christians, the end of the world doesnt matter. Not one whit. And in fact, giving this idea too much importance in your life might just be holding you back from being the best believerand personyou can be.

Its time to stop talking about the end. Lets find out why.

It Leaves You Hopeless

In the Bible, the essence of most any passage talking about the end of the world is positivityChrist is returning, all of creation will be restored, and all evil will be defeated, once and for all. This is a message that focuses on hope, redemption, and new beginnings rather than endings.

But for many, the end is the focus. This breeds hopelessness. This breeds despair. This breeds a sense that nothing really matters.

It also breeds anxiety. Imagine the weight of thinking that you know that the world is going to end very soon, that it could happen at any moment, that everyone and everything you love might be swept away in an instant. That is a burden few could bear.

An intense focus on the end of the world is extremely unhealthy. If we are to dwell on Christs return, we need to dwell on the positive.

Rememberin Revelation 21, God says that I am making everything new! He goes on to proclaim that He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

We should be celebrating the beautiful world God has in store for us rather than focusing on the passage of the old order. It is there you will find hope.

It Changes You in a Bad Way

That hopelessness that comes from focusing on the apocalypse doesnt just burden youit changes you, too.

Our actions flow from our thoughts, and so if youre overly focused on the impending end of the world, its going to affect how you live your life.

If youre going to be more focused on escaping this world, and not focused enough on improve it, as well as the lives of the people who inhabit it. After all, if you think the world isnt going to be around in a few years, what good is charity? What good is environmentalism? In the end, what good is anything that is of this world? This brand of thinking leads to a callous attitude.

Instead, we need to do as Paul instructsSince everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and Godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

And what does living Godly lives look like? Well, look to Christ for that. He aided the poor, healed the sick, and loved people through instruction and correction.

We should do the same, and let God be the main influence on our behavior, not the apocalypse.

It Discredits You

Finally, there is one aspect of end-times-obsession that many Christians overlook.

It discredits the Church.

Every time a Christian religious leader has set a hard date on the apocalypse, theyve been wrong, and every time theyve been wrong, the world sniggered at the Church.

Were here to be ambassadors for God, and that means conducting ourselves in a way that brings Him glory, not disdain. Standing on street corners and handing out fiery predictions isnt the way to bring others to God.

Its not even good psychology. You cant draw someone into a group with negativityif you want to reach nonbelievers, focus on the positive. Focus on the goodness of God, on the redemption, on the renewal, on the community and love that can be found within the Church.

Dont discredit the Church by focusing on the end. Bring glory to God by focusing on His goodness.

A Waste of Time and Words

Mark 13:32 reads, But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

In other words, even Jesus doesnt know when Jesus is coming back.

Let that sink in. No one can ever know when the end comes, save for God, Himself. And when we try to predict it, when we obsess over it and talk about it and preach it, we warp the positive message of redemption that God has for us.

So dont worry about the end. Live for the now. Strive to develop all of the fruits of the spirit love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. And let these things guide your life.

Remember, God is a God of new beginnings. It doesnt do to dwell upon the end.

Wesley Baines is a graduate student at Regent University's School of Divinity, and a freelance writer working in the fields of spirituality, self-help, and religion. He is also a former editor at Beliefnet.com. You can catch more of his work at www.wesleybaines.com.
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For Immediate Release, April 28, 2017 Contact: Elise Bennett, (727) 755-6950, ebennett@biologicaldiversity.org New York State Proposes End to Commercial Terrapin Harvest Coastal Turtles Threatened by Habitat Loss, Entanglement in Fishing Gear, Harvest Pressure ALBANY, N.Y. In response to advocacy from the Center for Biological Diversity, turtle experts and other conservation organizations, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation today proposed a rule to end commercial harvest of diamondback terrapins. If the rule is finalized, New York will join nearly every other state in the terrapin's range in putting an end to the unsustainable practice. I'm so pleased to see New York take this critical step toward protecting diamondback terrapins, said Elise Bennett, a Center attorney dedicated to protecting rare reptiles and amphibians. The deck is stacked against terrapins, but taking trapping off the table may give these turtles a fighting chance. Diamondback terrapins, which are found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, are the only North American turtles that live exclusively along coasts, where fresh water meets the sea. Terrapins play a key role in coastal ecosystems because they eat salt marsh periwinkle snails, which can become overpopulated and devour the marsh grasses that protect shorelines and sustain wildlife. But the terrapins are struggling against threats from habitat loss, entanglement in fishing gear, vehicle strikes, pollution and overcollection. In December 2016 more than 60 scientists signed a letter in support of a proposed rule to end the commercial harvest of the terrapins, explaining that the practice harms terrapins' precarious populations. New York currently allows trappers with diamondback terrapin licenses to take unlimited numbers of terrapins during a nine-month open season from August through April. The proposed rule would close the open season on terrapins and add them to a list of native turtles that may not be harvested. Diamondback terrapins are exceptional treasures, more precious than their namesake gems, said Bennett. So it's important to safeguard these turtles for future generations. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is accepting public comments on today's proposal until June 9. The final rule would become effective May 5, 2018.


C-CAMP, Indias premier life sciences technology and innovation hub launched a SEED fund in partnership with the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). C-CAMP, Indias premier life sciences technology and innovation hub launched a SEED fund in partnership with the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).

The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms  C-CAMP, Indias premier life sciences technology and innovation hub (www.ccamp.res.in), launched a SEED fund in partnership with the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). The scheme which is called Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development (SEED) is mainly aimed at providing capital assistance to start-ups with novel, innovative & disruptive technologies in all sectors of Life sciences including healthcare, med tech, agriculture, bio-energy, industrial products & processes, nutraceuticals etc. The fund will enable these start-ups to graduate to a level where they will be able to raise private investments from angel investors and venture capitalist. The C-CAMP bio-incubator has in the last few years emerged as a thriving hub for innovation and a vibrant ecosystem, where it has supported over 70 innovative biotech-life science start-ups through early stage seed funding, bio-incubation and mentorship and is now excited to further help start-ups bridge the gap and raise follow-on private funding.

C-CAMP Director and COO, Dr. Taslimarif Saiyed said C-CAMP Director and COO, Dr. Taslimarif Saiyed said Early-stage start-ups with risky ideas critically need fund support before they mature to be supported by VCs or even Angel Investors. This equity-linked seed Fund is positioned to support these early stage innovation-based start-ups based on their technology and also business proposition. In coming two-three years, C-CAMP aims to support a good pool of start-ups and help them graduate them towards next-level, further fostering Biotech/Lifescience/Agri focused entrepreneurship across India.
WASHINGTON, US: Google has announced changes to how it delivers and ranks internet searches, the latest effort by the tech giant to weed out "fake news" and offensive content.

The new initiative includes tweaks to the algorithm used by Google to deliver search results while offering users more options to flag inappropriate content, including for "autocomplete," or the suggestions Google makes while someone is typing a search query.

"Our algorithms help identify reliable sources from the hundreds of billions of pages in our index," Google vice president of engineering Ben Gomes said in a blog post.

"However, it's become very apparent that a small set of queries in our daily traffic (around 0.25%), have been returning offensive or clearly misleading content, which is not what people are looking for."

Gomes said that Google is seeking to crack down on "new ways that people try to game the system."

Most high profile issue

"The most high profile of these issues is the phenomenon of 'fake news,' where content on the web has contributed to the spread of blatantly misleading, low quality, offensive or downright false information," he wrote.

"While this problem is different from issues in the past, our goal remains the same -- to provide people with access to relevant information from the most reliable sources available."

Both Google and Facebook have taken steps in recent months to curb the spread of hoaxes and misinformation amid concerns these may have influenced voters in the 2016 US election. Both firms have sought to cut off ad revenues to websites that promote false news but have acknowledged they need to do more.

Gomes said the latest effort is part of an ongoing process and includes "real people who assess the quality of Google's search results" and provide feedback. The tweak in search ranking aims "to help surface more authoritative pages and demote low-quality content," he added.

Aiming to avert incidents

Gomes said the effort aims to avert incidents that gained notoriety last year such as the high ranking of a website which claimed the Holocaust did not happen.

Additionally, Google will make it easier for users to flag inappropriate "autocomplete" suggestions and "snippets" of website after some past embarrassments.

"The content that appears in these features is generated algorithmically and is a reflection of what people are searching for and what's available on the web," Gomes said.

"This can sometimes lead to results that are unexpected, inaccurate or offensive"

Gomes said the new system enables users to "inform us directly if you find sensitive or unhelpful content."

"We plan to use this feedback to help improve our algorithms," he added.

Source: AFP
Nigeria recently began a fresh effort to ascertain its climate change obligations under the Paris Agreement - a global action plan to put the world on track by limiting global warming to below 2C. However, for its programmes to succeed transparency is crucial.

This means the programmes must manage and publish information on actions and processes so that its accessible, timely and accurate. This in turn builds trust and ownership between those that control the finances and with the communities who are directly affected by climate change initiatives.

I did a study on community experiences in Nigerias Cross River State with an ongoing climate fund project called Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+). It supports national governments in sustainable land uses and better stewardship of forest resources among the people, particularly those who live on the forest edge. Its one of many vehicles being used to distribute climate finance.

I found that by including everyone in the process, climate change projects were more likely to be effective and sustainable. If they didnt, communities become suspicious and wont engage with the conservation efforts.

Safeguarding forests and livelihoods

One important initiative of REDD+ is its social safeguard scheme which directly targets forest-edge communities.

It provides monetary compensation (carbon credits) for restrictions imposed on income they couldve derived from the forest  this includes forgoing their rights to emit certain amounts of carbon dioxide (eg. from cutting down trees or burning wood for fuel) from their livelihood activities which depend heavily on forest resources.

This is where issues of transparency occur. REDD+ funds flow from the United Nations to the government. They are then held in a trust on behalf of the forest communities. Disbursement is usually done through a specialised local agency or ministry. In most countries, the local agency is usually the ministry or a special commission in charge of forest. The agency works with representatives of the forest communities known as the Forest Community Association.

Initial results suggest communities arent confident that the project will provide them with benefits  in terms of carbon credits or the provision of alternative livelihoods.

Apprehensive communities

The source of apprehension was a lack of inclusion. They werent actively engaged with REDD+ officials and didnt have access to information. This fuelled the rumour mill within forest communities and led to allegations of bad practices within the REDD+ focal office.

Experiences elsewhere show there may be reason to worry. In Kenya, 80% of respondents in an assessment done on the corruption risks in the project expressed concern that funds would be misused by the central government and others involved.

So, what can be done to improve transparency?

Firstly, communication around projects should include all those affected.

In Nigeria, for example, workshops organised by institutions that manage climate funds tend to invite those who are seen as educated. Theres the assumption that information would trickle down to the communities on the ground - such as forest communities. Unfortunately this isnt the reality in most of the project sites.

The result is that the rest of the community feels alienated and less motivated to join in conservation efforts. Hence, people continue in their usual practice of illegal logging and other forest extraction activities.

Secondly, theres a need for constant updates between authorities and communities.

For example, mistrust is compounded when authorities dont explain the reasons for delays in distributing project benefits, which had always been the high point of the REDD+ sensitisation campaign among the people. In addition, it reflects a lack of consideration towards the communities. Most are living in conditions of poverty in rural areas and are being asked to abandon their forest livelihoods without fulfilling promises on the alternatives promised.

Without trusting the process or the alternative income that carbon credits provide, communities will continue to plunder forests, rendering the climate interventions ineffective.

Recipients of climate finance also have a responsibility to improve their communication. They should be proactive in producing detailed reports on how they are spending funds entrusted to them. This has not been done sufficiently yet. This too increases mistrust.

While initiatives like REDD+ have transparency guidelines, my experience in Nigeria was that its difficult to follow up on whether local agencies or country focal offices are following them. It was difficult to access information, which will be problematic for reporting on progress.

External evaluators could be of use in these instances. It could prompt caution among project officials knowing that their activities are being monitored and ensure they follow guidelines more carefully  particularly when dealing with communities.
After more than a year and a half of court preparation, Earthlife Africa, Johannesburg (ELA-JHB) and the Southern African Faith Communities' Environment Institute (SAFCEI) have blocked the unlawful and unconstitutional actions of the South African government in its nuclear deal.

The judges ruled that the secret tabling of the intergovernmental agreements (IGA) with Russia, USA and Korean are unconstitutional and unlawful and that they be set aside. They also ruled that the decisions made (section 34 determinations) to procure nuclear are unlawful and unconstitutional and that they be set aside. The government and Eskoms proposed procurement of nuclear energy was ruled unlawful and unconstitutional and was set aside, and any existing requests for proposals from nuclear energy providers have also been set aside, meaning they are made null and void.

Unlawful and unconstitutional

The judgement means that there is no decision in terms of the relevant empowering statute that new nuclear generation capacity is needed and should be procured. The Russian agreement has been declared unlawful and unconstitutional for its tabling.

Before any nuclear procurement can proceed, the minster of energy (in concurrence with Nersa) will be required to make a new determination in accordance with a lawful process that is transparent and includes public participation. This will necessarily require disclosure of relevant information that to date has been kept from the public, including critical information on costs and affordability, says Adrian Pole, legal representative for ELA-JHB and Safcei.

Government to pay costs

The government has to pay the costs of the court case as well as the other legal costs incurred by Safcei and ELA-JHB. And the judges declared that the governments decision (section 34 determination) must have public participation as a part of its procurement process, and that Eskom as the procurer has been set aside, which means Eskom cannot go ahead with the nuclear procurement.

In future the minister and/or the national energy regulator (Nersa) would be required to conduct public participation before making any new decisions.

Holding the government to account

Safcei and ELA-JHB based their case on the South African Constitution, which states that when it comes to far-reaching decisions, such as the nuclear deal, which would alter the future of our country, government is legally required to debate in parliament and do a thorough, transparent and meaningful public consultation, says Safcei spokesperson, Liz McDaid.

The organisations and citizens who are motivated by a demand for a just energy transition to sustainable energy are planning to launch an even bigger campaign soon to ensure this judgement is only the start of people holding the government to account on its energy deals, adds Makoma Lekalakala of ELA-JHB.

A lot has happened in the two months since the final arguments were heard in the nuclear court case in February 2017. The Presidents late-night cabinet reshuffle at the end of March has spurred countrywide marches and a vote of no confidence is looming. Many more discrepancies have since been reported, with the nuclear deal being in the spotlight in the latest crises in political leadership.
First book village in the country to come up in Maharashtra

Published: April 29, 2017

From May 4, Bhilar, a tiny hamlet in Satara district of Maharashtra is all set to become Indias first book village. The concept of book village is inspired by Britains Hay-on-Wye, which is a Welsh town located in the United Kingdom, famous for its bookstores and literature festivals.

Under this initiative, tourists and locals can come and read books, magazines, newspapers stacked at 25 artistically decorated locations around the village. The books on wide-ranging subjects and 15,000 books in Marathi would be made available on these premises. Some of the books that will be available for the readers are very rare and out of publication, including novels, reference books about Maharashtra and Marathi culture written by prominent authors. To make sure that the books are returned by the tourists, tourists will be made to pay a nominal deposit.

Bhilar has been chosen as already it attracts a number of tourists who throng the village to taste the locally produced strawberries. The state government has chosen Bhilar to further promote tourism and the Marathi language.

Bhilar

Bhilar is a small village located near picturesque hill station Panchagani in Satara district of Maharashtra. The village is popular for its strawberries . Near the village exists the British-era hill station of Mahabaleshwar. Bhilar produces nearly 100 tonnes of strawberry every year. Around 90% of the villages population of around 10,000 is involved in strawberry farming.

Hay-on-Wye

Hay-on-Wye is a village located in Wales of the UK. It is the worlds largest second-hand book centre. In 1972, a person named Richard Booth established a second-hand bookstore in an abandoned fire station and subsequently many followed, making Hay-on-Wye a book paradise. Today there exists around 30 bookstores catering to the needs of the villages population of 1,500 people. Every year, the village hosts the Hay Festival , one of the worlds top literary festivals. Recently, the village also made news when a note written by author Enid Blyton was discovered in one of the villages bookstore.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2017

Category: Places in News Current Affairs

Topics: Maharashtra  National

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Government launches Test and Treat policy for HIV

Published: April 29, 2017

Union Health Minister JP Nadda has launched the Test and Treat policy for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) patients. As per this new policy, anyone who is tested and found positive will get the necessary treatment free of cost. Anyone found positive will be provided with ART (Anti- Retroviral Therapy) irrespective of his CD count. The scheme will be a centrally sponsored scheme. All men, women, adolescents and children who have been diagnosed positively can benefit under this new policy.

HIV destroys the CD4 T cells in the human body and weakens the immunity levels. A person who has CD4 cell count below 200 is considered to be at significant risk of developing serious illnesses. Before the announcement of this new policy, the government was providing free treatment to people with a count of 400 and below.

Government initiatives

The government is set to soon launch a National Strategic Plan for HIV for the next seven years, which will be significant for ending AIDS. Recently, the government also passed the long-pending HIV/AIDS Act. The HIV/AIDS Act has the key provisions such as the prohibition of discrimination, informed consent, non-disclosure of HIV status, anti-retroviral therapy and opportunistic infection management, protection of property of affected children, safe working environment and provision for the appointment of ombudsman in every state.

In India, around 21 lakh people are estimated to have HIV. Out of them, only about 14 lakh people have been identified yet. To identify the remaining cases, the government has revised national HIV testing guidelines. Recently, the treatment provided by about 1,600 ART and Link ART sites have crossed the 1 million people mark making the country the second in the world to have such large number of people on free lifelong treatment.

AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus. It is also known as human T-lymphotropic virus-III (HTLV-III), lymphadenopathy-associated virus (LAV), and AIDS-associated retrovirus (ARV). Transmission of HIV involves anal, vaginal or oral sex, blood transfusion, contaminated hypodermic needles, an exchange between mother and baby during pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other exposure to one of the above bodily fluids.



Month: Current Affairs - April, 2017

Topics: Government Schemes  Ministry of Health and Family Welfare  National

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Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/04/2017 (2020 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

At 24, the number of fatal workplace injuries and occupational diseases recorded this past year in Manitoba indicates that things have levelled off.

While its a positive that the number of fatalities hasnt increased in recent years, Manitoba Federation of Labour president Kevin Rebeck said plainly that the status quo is not good enough.

Twenty-four people died, he said after the National Day of Mourning ceremony at Brandons Ukrainian Reading Hall on Friday afternoon.

Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun) Brandon and District Labour Council president Jan Chaboyer speaks during the National Day of Mourning ceremony in remembrance of workers killed on the job at the Ukrainian Reading Hall in Brandon on Friday.

After repeating this number of fatalities for impact, he added, More needs to be done.

There needs to be a cultural shift wherein employees come to realize that its OK to refuse unsafe work, he said.

Its OK to say that things need to be addressed, and that youre not a wimp and shouldnt suck it up, he said, adding that this lack of understanding is of particular relevance among younger people new to the workforce who want to prove theyll go above and beyond for their employer.

Summarizing many young workers mentality, he said; If their boss says Climb up this ladder, it doesnt matter if youre secured, you say Yes, sir. How high should I climb?

Its OK to ask questions if youre not sure, and if something doesnt seem all right it probably isnt, he said.

Fridays solemn ceremony found the names of all of this years 24 fatalities read aloud alongside their cause of death.

The stabbing death of Winnipeg Transit driver Irvine Jubal Fraser, 58, has received the most publicity in recent weeks, and was paid special attention during Winnipegs National Day of Mourning Ceremony.

Far too often, employees, particularly in the public services, face violence in the workplace, Rebeck said.

Bus drivers, health-care workers and those in the education system are kicked, bitten and spat on, Rebeck listed, clarifying, Its not part of their job, and nobodys paid to be hit unless theyre a boxer.

This is but one of many negative trends and concerns that needs addressing if we hope to see the number of fatal workplace injuries and occupational diseases begin to drop off rather than just stabilize.

Brandon and District Labour Council president Jan Chaboyer said that they continually deal with situations wherein workers benefits are unduly denied, which can affect their health and well-being.

Rebeck also cited ongoing efforts to have the provincial government introduce an asbestos registry for provincially-owned buildings as important, with several of the names listed on Friday those of people who died as a result of asbestos-related disease.

Once the province comes on board, he hopes to see municipalities and school divisions follow suit.

Fort Rouge NDP MLA Wab Kinew, a declared party leadership candidate, carries his own concerns as it relates to the future of workplace safety.

After taking in Fridays ceremony in Brandon, he expressed a pessimism as it relates to the Progressive Conservatives willingness to improve working conditions in the province.

Their two-for-one rule when it comes to introducing new business regulations, wherein for every new one introduced two must be removed, is worrisome, he said, noting that red tape the provincial government has been targeting can be in place for good reason.

 tclarke@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @TylerClarkeMB
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/04/2017 (2020 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Mondays council meeting will begin with a presentation from the Brandon Environmental Committee on the topic of the emerald ash borer.

The invasive beetle, native to parts of Asia, kills ash trees. It has been slowly spreading in North America, and last year was detected in Thunder Bay, Ont. The presentation will educate the public on what protective measures are being implemented.

Next on the agenda is a presentation from Joe Roberts, founder of The Push for Change, a campaign to end youth homelessness. He is stopping in Brandon as part of his cross-country tour.

Lois MacDonald of Brandon Riverbank Inc. will provide an update to council on the plans for Festival Park, the inaugural capital development project of the Back to the River Master Plan. Phase 1 includes the construction of an outdoor amphitheatre and celebration space.

Later in the meeting, council will consider a loan of up to $1 million to accelerate the completion of the Festival Park project.

Also on the agenda is a proposed three-year agreement with Brandon Police Association, a bid for two Ford Police Interceptor utility vehicles at a cost of approximately $106,000, and citizen appointments for the Brandon Downtown Development Corporation.

Council meets on Monday at 7 p.m. at Brandon City Hall.

 The Brandon Sun
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Two men were sent to hospital Friday morning with non-life-threatening-injuries following a collision north of Carberry.

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North Korea once again test-fires ballistic missile

Published: April 29, 2017

North Korea has test-fired a ballistic missile defying global pressure and warnings from the United States and its main ally, China. The test was conducted from the Pukchang region present in the north of the North Korean capital, Pyongyang. However, according to the US and South Korean officials, the test has failed and it is North Koreas fourth successive unsuccessful missile test since March. The missile launched is expected to be a medium-range weapon known as a KN-17 and appears to have disintegrated within minutes of taking off.

Global Response

South Korea has said that the launch was a clear violation of UN resolutions and warned North Korea of tougher UN sanctions. Earlier, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had warned North Korea of catastrophic consequences if it fails to curb its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. Japan has condemned the test as unacceptable.

Background

North Korea has been conducting missile and nuclear weapons-related tests at an unprecedented level since the beginning of this year. In February, it successfully launched a new intermediate-range ballistic missile that is capable of carrying a nuclear weapon. Similarly, it also successfully tested ballistic missiles on March 6. But since then it has caused a series of failed missile tests. The reasons behind the failed tests are largely unknown.

It is said that North Korea has made some progress in developing intermediate-range and submarine-launched missiles. Even North Koreas sole major ally, China is not able to convince the former to abandon its missile and nuclear weapons development plans.

Implications

In a show of force, the United States could conduct new naval drills and deploy more ships and aircraft in the region. It has already sent the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group to waters off the Korean peninsula. Already, the USS Michigan, a nuclear submarine has been docked in South Korea.

In addition, the US could also speed up its plans for new sanctions. However, such sanctions have done very little to prevent North Korea from pursuing its ballistic missiles and nuclear arms programme.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2017

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Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/04/2017 (2020 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Were you surprised this week when U.S. President Donald Trump started a trade war with Canada in a unilateral decision to impose a 24 per cent tariff on Canadian softwood lumber imports? Or that Conservative leadership hopeful Kevin OLeary quit the race? Or that the first Trump tax proposal was full of holes and nonsense?

It was quite a week.

While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau showed up Trump with his masculine handshake (and flirted with the First Daughter) a few short months ago, the reality is Canadians still dance to the Yankee trade tune. So it was this week when Trump announced a new tariff in the decades-old quarrel over softwood lumber.

CP U.S. President Donald Trump, accompanied by Vice President Mike Pence, left, and Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin, right, speaks before signing an Executive Order on "Improving Accountability and Whistleblower Protection" at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Thursday, April 27, 2017, in Washington.

To overly simplify the issue, consider most American lumber is harvested from private lands while Canadian lumber is from government lands. Thus, it is the contention of Americans that Canadians enjoy a significant pricing advantage. (This column limits me from sharing the entire history of the trade disputes, so my apologies for its brevity.)

The U.S is a lumber importer and needs our exports. This is a battle over pricing. Moreover, this latest tariff originated during the Obama administration, although it was imposed this week.

Trump has used his bully pulpit to go after Canada despite Trudeaus charm offensive. In doing so, we have learned about Trumps governing style  toadying and submitting to bullying reinforces his behaviour.

Surprisingly, the poor mans Trump, Kevin OLeary, saw the light this week and left the race for the Conservative leadership. In doing so, he endorsed Maxine Bernier, the co-leader in the race so far. Was this a face-saving move by Mr. Wonderful? My sense is he discovered the Canadian electoral system to be less flexible than that in his American home.

The commitments of Canadian political life, if successful, would have hampered OLearys business empire significantly. (As one suspects it will eventually impact Trumps.)

Further, the Tory system with multiple ballots would have prevented OLeary from an easy victory. In his departure announcement, he essentially noted his inability to win due to the complicated second ballot process. Its not really all that tricky, but it allowed him to depart and save face.

It is this columnists hunch OLeary saw the long-term writing on the wall  even a victory would be a defeat. That is, Trudeau isnt going away any time soon. Moreover, the financial limitations of his new career would hamper OLeary in his business dealings. So rather than move from Boston back to Canada, sit in the Opposition benches across from Trudeau for the next four or eight years, Mr. Wonderful correctly analyzed he would be better served by getting out while the getting is good.

CP Conservative Party leadership candidate Maxime Bernier (left) shakes hands with Kevin O'Leary at a news conference in Toronto, Wednesday, April 26, 2017, after it was announced that O'Leary had quit the leadership race and thrown his support behind Bernier.

Could it be that the paucity of candidates for the leadership of Manitobas NDP tell us a similar story? Given that political newbie Wab Kinew is the only candidate for the job, and no one else is on the horizon, could it be that his fellow Dippers see no victory on their radar screens? It would be reasonable to infer from this lack of interest that few are interested in spending the future battling against Premier Brian Pallister. Despite his complete lack of electoral promises and his fiscal cuts, he remains fixed in the polls. Are voters exhausted by the NDP after almost two decades in office? Could it be a desire for fiscal prudence? My sense is the complete lack of push-back against an unexciting budget affirms this analysis.

Finally, the Trump tax proposals outlined this week once again show us the simplicity of his thoughts. His thin-skinned temperament desires the cheers of a public hungry for tax cuts. His corporate tax cuts reflect a true understanding of his desire to take care of himself and his wealthy friends. The complete lack of offsetting revenue increases show up the reality  a deficit and resulting debt that will blow up in future years.

In one act, you gained a complete understanding of who Trump is and what he wants  money for himself and friends and you to pay for it.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/04/2017 (2020 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Venezuela announced this week that the country has decided to leave the Organization of American States (OAS). Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister Delcy Rodriguez made it official on Wednesday on national television.

The reasons the minister argued are that foreign governments that are also members of OAS are trying to interfere in Venezuelan affairs by siding with the opposition in the latest wave of protests in the country.

In the OAS, we announced that if these intrusive, arbitrary, illicit, misdirected and rude actions were to persist against the sovereignty of our country, we would immediately proceed to denounce the letter of OAS and to initiate the definite withdrawal of Venezuela form this regional organization, Rodriguez said.

CP Demonstrators who are against the Venezuelan government chant outside of the Organization of American States (OAS) during the special meeting of the Permanent Council, in Washington, Monday, April 3, 2017, to consider the recent events in Venezuela.

Venezuela has been suffering the latest wave of protest that demands President Nicolas Maduro leave office, similar to the hundreds of protests that the socialist government has endured since gaining office in 1998.

OAS was created as a political entity with practical goals in mind during the peak of the Cold War in the American continent. The United States and 20 Latin American nations signed the charter establishing the Organization of American States on April 30, 1948.

The OAS was established just a year after the Rio Pact was signed in 1947. The pact set up a defensive military alliance between the U.S. and the nations of Latin America. Among other things, the Latin American delegates wanted a political institution to deal with fear that the U.S., intent on its anti-communist crusade, might engage in unilateral interventions against suspected Latin American governments.

For these Latin American countries, the key article states that, No state or group of states has the right to intervene, directly or indirectly, for any reason whatever, in the internal or external affairs of any other State.

The United States reasons for funding and joining OAS were different: this North American country insisted that the charter include a statement condemning international communism or any totalitarianism as irreconcilable with the tradition of the American countries. The goal for U.S. was then to serve as a bulwark against communist penetration of the Western Hemisphere.

The OAS continues to function, though the end of the Cold War has dramatically lessened its importance in intra-hemispheric affairs.

The OAS has never truly functioned as either the U.S. or the Latin American members had hoped. For the U.S., the OAS proved a disappointment since the other member states did not seem to share its Cold War zeal.

In a number of cases, the OAS refused to give its approval of direct action to remove what the United States felt were communist threats. In other cases, such as the U.S. intervention in the Dominican Republic in 1965, the OAS gave only questionable and timid support after the fact.

Latin American member states have also been disappointed in the OAS constantly and every time that the U.S. has tried to overthrow leftist Latin American governments or governments that have decided to stop ferocious U.S. economical policies for Latin America.

Some specific examples are the case of the overthrow of the government of Guatemala in 1954, the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in Cuba in 1961, the intervention in the Dominican Republic in 1965, and other examples of the unilateral use of force by the U.S.

In that sense, the OAS was as good as the United Nations when the U.S. decided to attack Iraq under false presumptions of Iraq having weapons of mass destruction. The UN opposed to the war and U.S. still attacked the Persian Gulf country.

Its important to also remember the last coup in Latin America occurred on June 28, 2009, when the Honduran army ousted democratically elected President Manuel Zelaya and sent him into exile.

On July 5, 2009, OAS member states voted unanimously to suspend Honduras from the organization. But this meant absolutely nothing. It achieved zero results in terms of help for the troubled country, re-establishing democracy, or sanctions for the de facto government installed in Honduras.

That government, led by Roberto Micheletti governed the country for the rest of the electoral period and then called questionable and controlled elections, finally getting its own candidate to win. Zelaya was not only exiled but prohibited from participating in elections again.

In that sense, the decision of the Venezuelan government to leave the Organization of American States is correct. It is a political institution created during the Cold War with two different goals in mind that were never actually achieved, and is useless today. It costs millions of dollars to be part of it and to send delegates and staff to participate of the institution. In practice, it achieves nothing when political turmoil hits the continent.

The question is why is Venezuela the only country leaving the organization?

 Jaime Chinchilla is part of Brandons Latin American community and a member of the popular Son Latino Band. His column appears monthly.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/04/2017 (2020 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

April 19 marked the one-year anniversary of the provincial election that brought to a crashing end 17 years of NDP government in Manitoba.

The PCs came to power largely on a promise of real change for Manitoba, and an end to the former tax and spend ways of the NDP. While short on specifics (with the exception of a one per cent cut to the PST), the Tories instead focused their campaign on the broad themes of trust and the economy.

Throughout the election, Brian Pallister and his team repeatedly reminded voters that the NDP could not be trusted with running the economy and that Manitobans could not afford to risk another four more years of NDP mismanagement. Time and again, we were reminded of all the misdeeds of the New Democrats and their record of failure in virtually every policy sector.

In so doing, the Conservatives borrowed a page from the NDP election handbook by running a classic fear campaign. Instead of stoking panic about hidden Tory agendas and privatization, however, this time the alarm bell was raised on the stark future the province would undoubtedly face if we continued down the same path of the NDP.

And clearly, the Conservatives simple message of broken trust, broken government resonated with Manitobans, as voters rewarded them with a record 40 seats and 53 per cent of the popular vote. If the ballot box is always right, voters were unequivocal that they wanted the kinds of real change promised by the Pallister team.

In the year since the Conservatives took office, we continue to hear much of the same messaging that dominated their election campaign.

As recently as last week, when he delivered the State of the Province address at the Keystone Centre, Premier Pallister devoted a good portion of his speech to attacks on the previous NDP government. While short on specifics on what they planned to do, the premier instead focused on the massive mess that his government inherited from the NDP and the foundational issues that first had to be addressed before the Tories could begin to move forward on important projects for the province.

This is similar language to what the premier said on the one-year anniversary of his partys win, when he spoke of the cleanup job faced by his government after 17 years of uncontrolled spending and waste by the NDP.

We also saw the Conservatives take a similar tack in the last provincial budget. While budgets are a time for governments to set a clear direction of where they want to go, and how they plan to get there in terms of expenditures, policies and priorities, the PC budget was somewhat lacklustre in this regard. After all the rhetoric, the promises of real change and the fear talk of what would happen if we didnt hit the reset button on the provincial economy, what was actually delivered in the budget was a bit of a letdown.

For sure, the budget promises of $1.6 billion for much-needed infrastructure is welcome news, as is the modest spending increases in health and education (notably compared to the significant cuts we have seen in Saskatchewan). Similarly, there is something to be said for a slow and steady approach in governance, notably in a province like Manitoba that is not used to boom-and-bust economic cycles.

And, at the same time, the blame game that the Tories have been engaging in over the past year  where everything that has gone wrong in Manitoba can be laid squarely at the feet of the NDP  is nothing unusual, as incumbent governments of all political stripes like to point the finger at their predecessors.

The former administration was particularly guilty of this, as the New Democrats continued to raise the spectre of Gary Filmon and his supposed evils throughout the entire duration of their near 17 years in office.

But you can only continue to do this for so long, as indeed the Tories themselves liked to remind the Selinger government. Sooner or later, governments need to stop blaming the other guys and stand or fall on their own merits, on the commitments that they have made to voters and the degree to which they follow through on these commitments.

On April 19, 2016, the Progressive Conservatives made a serious promise to Manitobans that they would deliver real change for the province. Now that their first year has come to a close, they will need to start making good on that promise.

 Kelly Saunders is an associate professor with the Department of Political Science at Brandon University.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/04/2017 (2020 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

So, hes out.

And nobody is in a state of shock.

Kevin OLearys withdrawal from the federal Conservative partys leadership race is no more surprising than that time he and his fellow Dragons Den panellists offered a collective Im out to a couple of skateboarders looking for investors in an aerosol spray-on pants business.

It was ridiculous, destined to fail and one of many laughable moments in the popular CBC series that launched Mr. OLeary to television stardom in 2006 and afforded him the level of celebrity that made it possible to step into the Tory contest without ever having spent a day in politics.

And like that poorly planned pitch to the TV Dragons, OLearys brief flirtation with becoming the Conservatives next prime ministerial hopeful can only be seen as having been doomed from the moment he stepped into the political den. Now that hes out, one is left wondering what in the name of John Diefenbakers ghost made him consider a foray into Canadian politics in the first place.

From the outset of his candidacy, Mr. OLeary never seemed to be taking the leadership effort seriously. He skipped French-language debates, citing procedural irritations rather than owning up to his lack of aptitude in one of Canadas two official languages. He didnt attend a rally in Winnipeg, blaming a cancelled flight out of Toronto before being forced to admit that hed simply missed it.

He just didnt seem to be in it to win it  if, by win it, one means becoming party leader and then the leader of the nation. What Mr. OLeary did seem to be in it for was the opportunity to engage in frequent verbal sparring in a very public arena in an effort to reinforce and expand the bombastic reality-TV bad-boy brand he has worked so hard to cultivate.

Mr. OLeary said his decision to withdraw was based on the realization that he might win the leadership but, absent the necessary support in Quebec, would likely lose the next federal election for his party.

That may be, but it also isnt all that difficult to embrace the notion that this was simply an exercise in self-promotion that became too elaborate for its own good.

Was an earnest desire to make Canada better driving his political ambitions, or was Mr. OLeary simply inspired by seeing a higher-level reality-TV villain parlay his unscripted celebrity and contrarian persona into an attention-grabbing and highly effective political ascent?

If it could work in America, why not quaint little Canada?

Mr. OLeary, who now resides mostly in the U.S., did refuse to move back to Canada during his leadership bid and had balked at the notion of leaving his beloved Boston even if he had managed to earn the Conservatives nod.

On this count alone, Mr. OLeary would have been a public-relations disaster for the Tories, who  during the 2011 federal election campaign  made a full-contact sport out of slamming Liberal leader Michael Ignatieffs period of U.S. residency.

So its probably best that Mr. OLeary has opted out, leaving things to more experienced and decidedly more committed Conservatives. Besides, what a drag it would have been to have to move out of a high-end Boston brownstone and into that musty old dump on Sussex Drive.

 Winnipeg Free Press
Dublin Chamber has welcomed Dublin City Council's decision to alter plans to ban private cars completely from Eden Quay.

The Chamber said it was pleased to see that the council appeared to have listened to the deep concerns of the business community over the changes, which would have seen the north quay restricted to public transport and taxis.

It is now proposed to allow one lane of general traffic through from Bachelor's Walk to Eden Quay and on to Dublin Port.

The Chamber's Graeme McQueen said everyone knows that changes are needed to accommodate Luas works, but said the city centre still had to operate smoothly.

"There was little contingency within the plan for where the cars were actually were going to go (if Eden Quay were closed to cars) In a city like Dublin, we need much better planning than that," he said.
Many dream of spending a lazy afternoon walking the back streets of Paris, sitting outside a small patisserie and indulging a croissant while sipping a cafe au lait - all the while imagining the sweet confections being created by the stores pastry chef in the small kitchen behind the counter.

A Farmington High School graduate brings a little bit of France to St. Louis and the opportunity for such an experience.

Nathaniel Reid, a member of the class of 1998, and world-renowned chef, opened Nathaniel Reid Bakery in Kirkwood, located at 11243 Manchester Rd. eight months ago.

This has always been a dream of mine, Reid said. Ever since I was in culinary school, I wanted to have my own bakery/pastry shop, something like this. I worked everywhere I did to get the experience I needed to open my own place.

But Reids journey from Farmington to Kirkwood was not without some twist and curves along the way. In fact, his career choice wasnt always to be a chef. He originally wanted to be a biologist. But, an experience during his first year at the University of Missouri-Columbia set him on a much "sweeter" path.

I always thought I was going to be a biologist or some type of scientist, Reid said. But during my freshman year in college I took an internship at a state park and I didnt like it at all. We did a lot of sitting at a desk in an office and I knew I didnt want to do that.

After a little soul searching and with a suggestion from his mother, Reid discovered his calling. That calling came from an interest he had growing up.

I had to figure out what I was going to do, Reid said. It was my mom who suggested I do something with cooking. For some reason, when she said it, I knew that this is what I need to do.

Reid found himself changing his major to Hotel and Restaurant Management, quitting his job as server to become a dishwasher to get into the kitchen and thus starting his culinary career.

After college, Reid left for Paris to attend the famous Le Cordon Bleu culinary school to become a chef.

It was pretty interesting, Reid said. It was kind of like being dropped off in the jungle. I had this heightened sense of awareness. Everything was completely different, and I really didnt even have a place to stay. I wound up staying on this guys couch for about a month before getting a job as a private chef.

Once back in the United States, Reids career did not quite start off like he planned. It seems a position he was offered while still in school did not come through.

I found myself back in Farmington pouring concrete with my dad for four months, in a job he never wanted me to do, Reid said. I think he wanted something better for me, so I started sending out resumes all over the place.

Reid would eventually found himself working in Las Vegas at the Ritz Carlton, before taking a position with the legendary Chef Joel Robuchon. Robuchon is a French chef and restaurateur who was given the titled "Chef of the Century" by the guide Gault Millau in 1989, and also awarded the Meilleur Ouvrier de France in cuisine.

Reid would find success of his own in his career. He was winner of the U.S. Pastry Competition and named Pastry Chef of the Year in New York City in 2010, named one of the Top 10 Pastry Chefs in America by Dessert Professional Magazine in June 2012, and placed first with the Best Chocolate/Confection U.S.A. at the Pastryscoop.com Golden Scoop Awards in 2009. Later that year, he would place third at the International Patisserie Grand Prix as a member of Team U.S.A.

Even though Reid would find himself becoming more and more successful, his dream was still to return to St. Louis, open his bakery and put down roots close to his family.

My wife and I decided we wanted to be by family, so St. Louis was the best place, Reid said. I worked everywhere I did to get the best experience, so I could someday have something like Nathaniel Reid Bakery.

Open now for a little more than eight months, Reid finds himself in a remarkable place - extremely happy with the success of his bakery that offers just a bit more than a typical French bakery would offer.

In France, their bakeries offer more breads, Reid said. But here, this is my own playground where I can use all of my experience. We have some savory items, some sweet times, some bakery type items and some confectionary type items. Bakery is kind of catch all term we use here.

In addition, Reid offers various salads and sandwiches on bread he makes in his own kitchen along with everything else - including the salad dressings and the jams.

I just wanted to bring what I wanted here in one place, Reid said. Its nice to have a good breakfast and a great cup of coffee, get a sandwich for lunch or a cake for a celebration. We really have something for everyone.

When Reid opened his bakery, he said it had been an amazing adventure. With the help of his family - especially his father, Dennis - a bakery with everything Reid envisioned was constructed.

It was amazing, emotional and a dream come true, Reid said. Seeing my dream come true in St. Louis with my family was epic.

When it comes to the success of his bakery, Reid also gives credit where credit is due.

We have been open for eight months, and it has been amazing, Reid said. We have gotten so much support from the community. We try every day to do something special, something really nice. We feel really rewarded and blessed.

To experience something better than a French bakery on a quiet Paris street, Nathaniel Reid Bakery is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For more information about the bakery or Reid, visit www.chefnathanielreid.com or call 314-858-1019.
Reduction in trade and impacts on tourism top the list of concerns for Irish businesses ahead of Brexit.

'Chambers Ireland' who represent traders across the country say they are working to identify risks and articulate concerns of their members.
Update 4.20pm: Enda Kenny has said that a declaration by European leaders today on Irish unity in the context of Brexit is hugely important to dispel doubts over the importance of the Good Friday Agreement

But the Taoiseach also insisted he was not trying to "trigger" a referendum in the North on reunification and that conditions for such a vote did not exist at the moment.

Enda Kenny says he is pleased with outcome of #EUCO meeting. A clear recognition of Irish situation, he says pic.twitter.com/LRArH2GaZv  Juno McEnroe (@Junomaco) April 29, 2017

Speaking in Brussels at a press conference following a meeting of the EU 27 leaders, he also said that discussion on Brexit would soon move on to trade. But the matters of citizenship, Britain's divorce bill and the relocation of European agencies must be dealt with first

However, the biggest win at the summit was what has now become known as the 'Kenny text', a statement agreed by leaders which leaves the door open on the North rejoining the EU automatically.

The special declaration allows the North rejoin the EU after Brexit in the event of a vote for Irish reunification.

The Good Friday Agreement allows a referendum on reuniting Ireland where it is believed a majority in the North favour this. EU leaders though agreed that such a move would allow the North rejoin the EU automatically.

Mr Kenny was emphatic about how important this was legally:

If the provision of unity by peaceful means and by consent and democratic means is invoked at some time in the future, EU membership is assured and is now unanimously accepted by the European Council, to endorse that legal base.

He also said discussions would quickly move on to the framework around the future relationship between Britain and the EU once sufficient progress was made on its withdrawal from the bloc, in relation to the divorce bill and citizenship issues.

Kenny days statement on unity in Ireland is not about triggering a referendum. Conditions for one dont exist at the moment, he says #iestaff pic.twitter.com/dwpUcS1ifM  Juno McEnroe (@Junomaco) April 29, 2017

But despite suggestions Britain may be asked to pay 60bn for leaving the bloc, Mr Kenny said no figures were agreed at the summit.

There was no discussion about figures, there was agreement in respect of modalities and principles to be adopted. He also said that, despite a united front among leader today, that talks going forward would not always be calm.

Update 1.12pm: EU leaders have unanimously agreed on guidelines for two years of Brexit talks.

As expected #Brexit guidelines agreed call for 'flexible' solutions with island of Ireland, inc. aim to avoid hard border #iestaff #EUCO pic.twitter.com/zkwn35PeqI  Juno McEnroe (@Junomaco) April 29, 2017

They have been meeting in Brussels, without Theresa May, to discuss their negotiating strategy.

European Council president Donald Tusk has tweeted to say a "firm and fair" political mandate is ready.

Guidelines adopted unanimously. EU27 firm and fair political mandate for the #Brexit talks is ready. #EUCO  Charles Michel (@eucopresident) April 29, 2017

Donald Tusk's spokesman told Juno McEnroe, Political Correspondent, Brussels, that a statement on a United Ireland that was submitted today will not be adopted until the June summit.

Donald Tusk spokesman tells Irish Examiner statement on United Ireland at #EUCO ,submitted today,but not adopted until June summit #iestaff  Juno McEnroe (@Junomaco) April 29, 2017

Update 12.20: Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said that European leaders understand Irelands difficulties as he arrived for the special EU summit to agree the ground rules on Britains divorce from the EU, writes Juno McEnroe, Political Correspondent, Brussels.

In advance of an expected special statement on the North by leaders, Mr Kenny said the government had been working hard on aspects of the negotiations for over a year.

Our priorities are reflected in the document from the European Parliament and the European Council. So we look forward in the afternoon to having agreement on the draft document which sets out what our priorities are.

He said that Irelands difficulties were understood by European leaders at the summit.

Arriving after an earlier meeting of EU counterparts at a meeting European Peoples Party, Mr Kenny made it clear that all aspects of Irelands needs and concerns with Brexit were with the EU Council.

The 27 EU leaders today are expected to approve a special statement supporting a declaration that the North would rejoin the EU after Brexit in the event of a vote for Irish reunification.

The basis for the declaration is after the governments campaign to have the Good Friday Agreement formally recognised in the negotiations and Irelands unique position.

Ahead of todays summit in Brussels, EU council president Donald Tusk has endorsed the special statement and told EU leaders that Britain must settle issues such as people, money and Ireland before any talks on a post-Brexit deal begin.

Earlier: In what is expected to be Enda Kennys last EU summit today, the Taoiseach will move to leave in place an option to keep the North in the EU after Brexit if there is a vote for a united Ireland, writes Juno McEnroe, Political Correspondent, Brussels.

This is the first summit without the British since their decision to leave the EU.

Mr Kenny said before flying on Friday that hard work had brought Ireland to this place to help Irelands priorities including the economy, the common travel area and the peace process.

European leaders today are set to give unanimous support to a special declaration that the North would rejoin the EU after Brexit in the event of a vote for Irish reunification.

EU leaders will also present a united and tough front ahead of formal negotiations getting underway with the British, including a demand for London to pay an estimated 60bn divorce bill.

Diplomats will ask the 27 leaders of the post-Brexit union to recognise a special clause, separate from the divorce guidelines.

Mr Kenny will discuss the United Ireland statement at the security-tight summit, where leaders will also formally agree the ground rules to negotiate Britains exit over the next two years.

The basis for the declaration is after the governments campaign to have the Good Friday Agreement formally recognised in the negotiations and Irelands unique position.

Mr Kenny has referred publicly a number of times to a German precedent on this.

Germany was reunited after the Berlin Wall came down and East Germany then went on to become a member of the EU.

The statement that the 27 leaders are expected to agree later today says:

The European Council acknowledges that the Good Friday Agreement expressly provides for an agreed mechanism whereby a United Ireland may be brought about through peaceful and democratic means; and, in this regard, the European Council acknowledges that, in accordance with international law, the entire territory of such a united Ireland would thus be part of the European Union.

A working lunch for the leaders here today is also expected to include talks on the relocation of the EU medical and banking agencies, currently based in London. Ireland is bidding to relocate the European Medical Agency to Dublin.

One of the other pressing issues for leaders will be a discussion on the fate of the estimated 3 million Europeans living in Britain and the one million British living on the continent.
A man arrested in Waterford after a crackdown on suspected links to terrorism terrorism will appear in Waterford District Court today.

He was taken into custody along with a woman yesterday on the outskirts of the city centre after a rented property was searched.
The Magdalene Survivors Together group says the Minister for Health is totally out of touch with the majority of people in Ireland over the new National Maternity Hospital.

They say the proposed 'gifting' of the new hospital to the Sisters of Charity has angered many women who passed through the religious order's institutions in the past.
by Patrick Flynn

An Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to the US has returned to the airport after making a U-turn over the North Atlantic.

Its understood the crew of Aer Lingus flight EI-123 declared a medical emergency about 90 minutes after departure.

Flight 123 departed Dublin shortly before midday and was bound for Chicago, when cabin crew staff became aware there was a passenger in difficulty.

The crew of the Airbus A330-300 turned around south of Iceland requesting clearance to return to Dublin.

Its understood that a doctor on board jumped into action and assessed the passenger before a decision was made to turn back.

The flight crew requested that emergency medical services be available to board the aircraft as soon as possible after they reached the terminal.

When the crew confirmed they would be making an overweight landing, airport fire services were placed on standby as a precaution.

The flight landed safely at 3.35pm and was met by fire crews who checked to ensure whether the aircrafts braking system had overheated after touch down.

Once the crew confirmed that all indications in the cockpit were within limits, the aircraft taxied to the terminal were paramedics were waiting to treat the patient.

It wasnt immediately clear whether the flight would continue its journey this afternoon
The 4th Annual Camp Valor Outdoors Spring Fishing Classic Fishing Tournament and Skeet Shoot took place this week and it wrapped up Friday with a trap and skeet shoot.

Camp Valor Outdoors Founder/Executive Director Major John T. Schwent, Jr., USMC (Ret.) said they hold events like this to reach out to veterans who may not get out and enjoy the outdoors like they should.

The veteran suicide rate is 22 a day  and thats just the ones they know about, said Schwent. Thats the reasons for programs like ours, to reconnect them with other warriors doing outdoor stuff..."

Schwent said they try to provide some resources. He said a VA study also showed that 65 percent of that number of suicides, the warriors were not using the VA. He stressed that raised another whole level of questions.

Why arent they in the VA? Well, they all have stories about how the VA is falling short, said Schwent. Also, 60 percent of these suicides are Vietnam era and first Gulf era, see, a lot of people think its Iraq and Afghanistan, but thats only about 30 percent.

Schwent said its why organizations like his, the VFW and American Legions, all non-profits who dont have a payroll, are trying to help veterans and their families. He said its important to support these types of programs.

Everything has gone great with this years event, said Schwent. We had the meet and greet on Wednesday at the VFW in Farmington for lunch and we had some fishing gear to give all the warriors. A storm came in about 15 minutes after we got to S Bar F Scout Ranch and we had to take shelter.

Schwent said there were 60 mph winds, hail and rain, so instead of having six hours of fishing, they only got about an hour and half in that day.

The next day we had a wonderful tournament, there were eight fishing teams and the winning team caught 26 pounds of fish, said Schwent. It was six bass and 20 crappie. There was also some pretty big fish caught, more than past years. We had four-pounders, several five-pounders and the biggest fish caught was a bass that weighed six pounds eight ounces. It was a big monster bass. We put a picture on our Facebook page.

He said they had their fish fry Thursday night at the VFW and there must have been 100 people there. He said a lot of community members and sponsors came out. Holiday Inn Express gave a great room rate and the Boy Scouts of America helped them out, he said.

Also the VFW, American Legion and the DAV have been wonderful, said Schwent. The auxiliaries have been preparing breakfast for us in the morning and I think the guys have gained five pounds over the last few days. We had 11 veterans total in this year, six of them are Vietnam era and there were four Purple Heart recipients, Bronze Star/Silver Star recipients.

Schwent said for the guys, getting to learn how to fish, and putting a little competitive edge on the day made it fun.

We gave prizes, had a couple of trophies and gave a $50 gift card from Cabelas for the biggest fish, said Schwent. It was really good and we look forward to this every year. These warriors from all over the country are signing up and wanting to come out to participate. We love coming to St. Francois County every year.

Schwent said a lot of the veterans didn't shoot a lot of shotguns in the military, so most of them are learning the shotgun sports.

That is why we are doing both the skeet and trap, so they can get a feel for what both of those are like, explained Schwent. There are a lot of local folks who are veterans and local shooters who are shooting with the guys and teaching us the finer points on how to play this game.

Schwent said they were loving it and it was raising their interest on wanting to get into skeet and trap shooting. He said it would get them out of the house to have fun with some other folks.

I thought we were going to get rained out this morning, but God has blessed us, Schwent said Friday. Hes opened up the skies, the sun is out and we are staying dry.

Iraq Army Veteran Jeremy Troester, of Warrensburg, said this was his second time participating in the Camp Valor Wounded Warrior event and he said it is an awesome experience.

Its a good chance to meet other people with similar backgrounds, said Troester. Ive shot before, but enver trap and skeet, its pretty fun and exciting. I have hit some of the clay birds. I would recommend this to other veterans. Everything is taken care of and you just show up. You just get to meet some really great people. Everybody is nice and friendly and its just a good time.

Iraq Army Veteran Rob Rinkenberger, of Pevely, participated in the event for his first time and he is amazed that Schwent started this all by himself.

There is no paid staff members. I have been to other organization, but this is hands-down the most fun Ive had, said Rinkenberger. I had a really good time fishing. Its not something I normally do, so it was really exciting.

Rinkenberger added that he only shot trap and skeet one time before. He said he wouldnt go out and do something like this with other people, because he gets really nervous around people he doesnt know.

For the most part I am comfortable out here today, said Rinkenberger. The hardest part is leaving the house really. Its making up your mind to do it. Once you get there, you realize it was worth whatever struggle you might be going through to get there.

Rinkenberger said he has met some great people and gained some great resources while participating in the Camp Valor event.

Desloge Police Chief James Bullock said they had 20 shooters all together this year and it ran smoothly and everyone did well.

I think all the wounded warriors enjoyed the event and all of the participants that were there, the gun club members and volunteers, they all appeared to be enjoying it, said Bullock. There were a lot of people who worked to help make this thing come together, not just for the trap and skeet shoot, but for the event as a whole.

Camp Valor Outdoors is a non-profit organization whose mission is to recognize and honor wounded veterans and their families with the opportunity to participate in competitive outdoor activities with dignity and respect while assisting them with the skills and motivation to overcome their injuries. They work with the Boy Scouts of America, the Lead Belt Gun Club, Military Mama Network, UPVETS and local VFW, DAV, American Legion and AMVETS organizations for three days of outdoor fun and competition.

Check out www.campvaloroutdoors.org for more information and like them on Facebook to find out how you can get more involved in helping wounded veterans here in Missouri.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a 48-year-old man who was stabbed to death on a bus.

Archie Sheppard, from Neasden, north-west London, was subject to a "violent and sustained attack" on the top deck of a Route 189 bus before being discovered by a passenger.

Police and paramedics were called to the bus in Gloucester Place, Marylebone, at 12.10am on Friday but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Saturday detectives arrested a 38-year-old man in Mulgrave Road, Fulham, south west London, on suspicion of murder.

He was also detained on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon after being found with a knife.

Scotland Yard appealed for help in searching for a white male seen with Mr Sheppard shortly before he boarded the bus in Brent Cross, north London, at 11.13pm on Thursday.

The attacker then fled the bus as it reached Gloucester Place and the junction with Montagu Place, heading in the direction of Marble Arch, police said.

Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh, said: "Whilst we have made an arrest this evening this is just the beginning for my investigation. We are now appealing to those who knew Archie Sheppard in whatever capacity to come forward.

"It is important that we establish and get a clearer picture as to who Mr Sheppard was and the lifestyle he was leading, in particular anyone who was with him on Thursday, 27 April and anyone who stayed at his home in Neasden.

"I am also making a fresh appeal for information and witnesses to come forward. A number of people have assisted us with our inquiry but there are still a number of witnesses that have yet to come forward and I believe that they could hold vital information that could help with progressing this investigation."

A post-mortem examination was due to take place on Saturday and Mr Sheppard's next of kin have been informed.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or the events leading up to the murder has been asked to contact the incident room on 020 8785 8099 or via Twitter @MetCC.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the crimestoppers-uk.org website.
South Korea's navy has begun joint exercises with US ships, including the supercarrier USS Carl Vinson, in a show of force amid the growing threat posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes.

The drills began hours after South Korean and US officials said they detected what they presumed was a failed missile launch from an area near the North Korean capital, Pyongyang.

The South Korean navy said the drill is aimed at "deterring North Korea's provocations and displaying the firm alliance between the United States and South Korea".

The USS Carl Vinson also participated in annual springtime drills between United States and South Korea in March.

North Korean ballistic missile tests are banned by the United Nations because they are seen as part of the North's push for a nuclear-tipped missile which can strike the US mainland.

The latest test came as US officials pivoted from a hard line to diplomacy at the UN in an effort to address what may be Washington's most pressing foreign policy challenge.

US president Donald Trump said on Twitter: "North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!"

North Korea's state media has reiterated the country's goal of developing a nuclear missile capable of reaching the US.

The Rodong Sinmun newspaper also said the North revealed two types of new intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in an April 15 military parade honouring its late state founder, Kim Il Sung, the grandfather of current ruler Kim Jong Un.

The parade featured previously unseen large rocket canisters and launcher trucks.

It said: "The large territory that is the United States has been entirely exposed to our pre-emptive nuclear strike means."

Referring to the United States sending the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to Korean waters, the newspaper said that "rendering aircraft carriers useless is not even a problem" for its military.

The newspaper said the North displayed three types of ICBMs during the parade, including two new types that were inside the canisters.

Analysts say the North's existing liquid-fuel ICBMS, including the KN-08 and KN-14, are potentially capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, although the North has never flight tested them.

Norwegian foreign minister Borge Brende said Saturday on Twitter that "new missile test violates SC (Security Council) resolution. Urgent need for common action to reduce tension."

Norway, which is not a current member of the Security Council, is a founding member of the United Nations and has always considered the body as a cornerstone in its foreign policy.

In Japan, one of Tokyo's major subways systems shut down all lines for 10 minutes early on Saturday after receiving warning of a North Korean missile launch.

Tokyo Metro official Hiroshi Takizawa said the temporary suspension affected 13,000 passengers.

Service was halted on all nine lines at 6.07am. It resumed at 6.17am after it was clear there was no threat to Japan.

Mr Takizawa said it is the first time service had been stopped in response to a missile launch. Train service is generally suspended in Japan immediately after large earthquakes. Tokyo Metro decided earlier this month to stop for missile launch warnings as well.

AP
For almost 45 years, a group of volunteers at the Canberra Hospital's Auxiliary Shop have been supporting patients, staff and visitors and raising at least $4.8 million for much-needed equipment, staff development and research.

But when ACT Health started plans for a major redevelopment of the hospital's main foyer, it seems no-one at the auxiliary, a volunteer-led charity, was consulted before the plans were drawn up.

Former secretary of the Canberra Hospital Auxiliary Ruth Morschel resigned from the position in February after ACT Health moved and rearranged their shop without consultation. Credit:Rohan Thomson

The lack of consultation led to two auxiliary committee members, secretary Ruth Morschel and minutes secretary Elaine Wise, resigning in frustration earlier this year after the auxiliary raised the issue with ACT Health in October.

Mrs Morschel and Wise said they had heard about the changes through a third party, but had to approach the health directorate before being given any specifics about the impacts on the auxiliary.
A 23-year-old Narrabundah man charged with stealing a car and breaking into another was on bail at the time of the alleged offences, a court has heard.

Jermaine Goolagong faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Saturday in relation to three charges, including stealing a car, intentionally damaging property and stealing belongings.

No pleas were entered.

Police allege the man stole a silver Ford Territory from a home in Griffith on March 1. The stolen car was found alight in Narrabundah about 7.55am the following day, police said.

It is alleged the offender also broke into a car in Deakin on March 1, smashing the window, from which he stole a handbag, licence, phone and watch.
Here are a dozen things we have learned in President Donald Trump's first 100 days.

1. Trump has had the worst beginning of any president since, oh, perhaps William Henry Harrison (who died a month after his inauguration). Trump has had no legislative triumphs, and he has by far the lowest public approval of any new president in polling history. Large majorities say he is not honest, does not keep promises and does not care about ordinary people.

2. Trump distinguishes himself in one area: incompetence. The debacle of the travel ban was followed by the collapse of the Republican health care bill, and I doubt we'll ever see passage of a tax reform package, a health bill or even a major infrastructure spending bill. Trump has made no trips abroad (at this juncture, Barack Obama had visited nine countries), and he has fewer than half as many nominees confirmed for senior positions as Obama did at this point.

3. New presidents typically grow into the job, but Trump remains a bully and a charlatan. In my career, I've never known a national politician as mendacious, ill informed, bombastic and dangerous as Trump. His tweets are as immature as ever, and The Washington Post calculates that he has issued 452 false or misleading claims since assuming office, churning them out at a rate of more than one every six hours around the clock (no wonder he seems so busy!).
When the University of Wollongong rang to discuss the academic robes I'd be wearing to receive my honorary doctorate they requested my head measurement. "Well, it was much smaller before you asked me that question!" I confessed.

Receiving an honorary doctorate from UOW is one of the most thrilling experiences of my life, mainly because I left school at 16. The only examination I've ever passed is my cervical smear test. I'm an autodidact. Obviously, it's a word I taught myself. Consequently, I've always been more of an imminent than an eminent intellectual.

Kathy Lette receiving her honorary doctorate at the University of Wollongong this month. Credit:Robert Peet

But not any more! My excitement is so great that, post-ceremony, I've welded that academic hat to my cranium. I've worn it shopping, bush walking and while jogging along Cronulla Beach, where I grew up. I think I'll get the hat waterproofed so that I can wear it when boogie-boarding to really flaunt the fact that this ex-surfie girl now surfs her brain-waves.

Dropping out of education at such a young age means that, despite having written 14 best-sellers published in 17 languages, I've had to endure a lot of condescension from the literary elite. Many of these snobs have been at university for so long they've got ivy growing up the backs of their legs. They seem to have majored in Advanced Smugness.
"When I first went to China [in the early 2000s], everybody wanted Hermes and Louis Vuitton bags," Greenfield says. "But by the time I went back everyone could have it, so it wasn't special anymore. So now the way they distinguish themselves is to emulate the [Western] aristocracy."

"If you have a Louis Vuitton bag, there are thousands of those bags," added Ho. "But if you have a horse in an Hermes saddle, it defines you in a different way."

Isn't that the thing about status? It's not really about what you have, but having the right stuff at the right time. Or the stuff that nobody else has. Or the stuff that only signals to those in the know, the ones that you want to impress  and also perhaps the ones that you never will.

In the fashion and luxury world, it's being on the inside. It's knowing that you're not really wearing a tracksuit but you're wearing Vetements (pronounced vet-mohn, by the way) aka high fashion hoodies that cost more than $1000. You've got the Dior kitten heels that are wait-listed around the world before kitten heels made a comeback, and know how to track down a Birkin bag (that you wear casually, to the gym say, and not like it's precious). You know when logos are in (Gucci!) and out (Celine!) and you never, ever get flustered and flub the name of the luxury good that you're buying.

But is there not something anti-status about caring so much about status? It's like trying to give yourself a nickname, or caring too much about your Instagram grid  it's deeply uncool to try to be cool. And anyway, if you've got enough money to buy all the luxury goods in the world, should you really give a fig if you pronounce it wrong?
DEAR HARRIETTE: My son has been growing out his hair recently. I don't mind long hair as long as it is well-kept, but his high school has contacted me saying he is breaching the rules of the dress code by having hair longer than shoulder-length. My son is not confrontational, but he wants to keep his hair. Should I fight the school or have "Kyle" succumb to the rules? -- Long Hair Don't Care, Bedford, Mississippi

DEAR LONG HAIR DON'T CARE: It is unlikely that you can get your son's school to change the rules around hair. This does not necessarily mean that your son has to cut his hair, though. Get creative. Many men wear their hair in buns these days. This is a perfect solution for him when he is at school. The so-called "man bun" is so popular it just got added to the dictionary.

Have your son agree that he will always wear his hair in a bun that does not fall out when he is at school. In the evenings, on weekends and whenever he is not at school, let him know he should feel free to wear it however he likes. If the school balks at the bun, you and your son should point out that you are following the rules. Ask them to respect that.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My ex and I co-parent our children, and we constantly get questioned by our family about the nature of our relationship. We have not been together for over two years, but our friendly discourse always causes my siblings to ask me if "Dale" and I are back together. I could see us reuniting one day, but for now I know we do better apart.

Does everyone deserve to know the details of our relationship? We are rocky enough as it is without family getting involved. -- Tired of Rumors, Cincinnati

DEAR TIRED OF RUMORS: Talk to Dale about how you want to handle the questions from family and friends. Agree on a strategy that protects your children and each other, and stick to that. I would recommend that you agree not to talk about your personal relationship with them at all. When they ask if you are getting back together, push back and tell them that what you are doing is parenting your children. You both are mature adults who love your children unconditionally, and you have committed to figuring out how to care for them so that they will be happy and healthy.

When people make comments about how well you two look together or how they can envision you being a couple again, you can thank them for their positive comments and leave it at that. Do not feel the need to explain yourself or your rapport with your ex. Should the day come that the two of you decide to test the waters again, do so discreetly until you are sure of what you want to do. Keeping folks out of your business may create space to rekindle something very special.

Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106
Complaints about the spread of illegal brothels have jumped by more than a third in Sydney since recommendations to improve industry regulations were blocked by the NSW government last year.

Fairfax Media can reveal that since a proposed licensing system and specialist police unit were rejected in May 2016, the City of Sydney has witnessed a 37 per cent increase in reports from disgruntled businesses and members of the public, triggering 80 separate investigations that can take up to two years to complete. One of those involves an alleged illegal sex establishment located less than 100 metres from St Andrew's Cathedral School in Sydney's CBD.

The Star Massage parlour in Sussex Street. Credit:James Brickwood

The head of the NSW Police Sex Crimes Squad recently warned a NSW Parliamentary inquiry into human trafficking that exploited overseas workers were slipping through the cracks because there was now no way to identify  or stop  underground brothels.

"The industry should be regulated and if someone wants to operate as a prostitute they should be licensed," Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett told the hearing.
Cini Walker, the mother of four-year-old Chase Walker-Steven who was at the centre of an Amber Alert on Friday, has issued a call to arms for her supporters to stand up against the Queensland health system.

The Logan family was released from a New South Wales hospital on Friday night, after being found by police during the late afternoon in Newcastle, ending a search that stretched more than 24 hours.

Jacinda "Cini" Walker has called on supporters to stand up against the Queensland health system during a Facebook live video update on Saturday. Credit:Facebook

After spending a significant amount of time in hospitals with her son, who suffers from a disability, Ms Walker said she feels "let down" by the health system and encouraged supporters to take action in a Facebook live video posted on Saturday.

"People weren't stepping up and the wrong people were trying to do the wrong thing  they just don't care about our children," she said.
A man has been charged with murder, after a woman was stabbed to death at a home in Stafford Heights.

Police were called to a property on Remick Street about 9.20am where the found the 69-year-old woman dead inside the house.

Police on the scene at Remick Street, Stafford Heights where the body of a woman in her 60s was found. Credit:Tammy Law

It is alleged the woman had multiple stab wounds.
Toxic firefighting foam may have spilled into a creek north of Brisbane within a month of similar foam leaking into the Brisbane River.

The spill of 550 litres of liquid at Narangba in Moreton Bay was considered minor in comparison to the earlier spill at Brisbane airport, the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection said in a statement on Saturday.

A transport container of a firefighting foam with a poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) ruptured at a Toxfree waste disposal site and flowed into a drain upstream from Lagoon Creek.

The department said early tests didn't suggest the foam had contaminated the creek but further testing was under way.
South Bank was a sea of red lanterns on Saturday as part of a three-day festival celebrating the birth of Buddha.

The Buddha Birth Day Festival, run by the Buddhist Light International Association Queensland alongside with the Chung Tian Buddhist Temple in Logan, is in it's 21st year at South Bank.

People taking part in the Buddha bathing ceremony at the Buddha Birth Day Festival at South Bank. Credit:Tammy Law

Tens of thousands are expected to attend the festival, which runs from April 28 to April 30, and about 1000 volunteers will help run the event.

One of the festival's main attractions is the Buddha bathing ceremony at South Bank Piazza.
Gunshot homicides and injuries have reached a level not seen since the worst of Melbourne's infamous gangland wars.

Data obtained from Victoria's Coroner and hospitals shows someone is being killed every month and injured every 10 days by gunfire across the state as the government and law enforcement agencies struggle to contain an outbreak of violence between organised crime gangs.

The number of deaths and woundings is now on par or higher than during the worst years of Melbourne's ''Underbelly War'' between drug kingpin Carl Williams and the Moran family and Carlton Crew from 1999 to 2006.

The official figures do not include potentially dozens of drive-by shootings targeting homes, businesses and vehicles that have occurred where there were no recorded casualties.
A group of men have chased, punched and kicked two men in a terrifying assault at McDonald's fast food outlet in Caroline Springs.

Police said the violent assault began in the customer service area of the Police Close restaurant about 7.50pm on Friday night, before the two men were chased behind the counter and into the kitchen area.

The two men were chased behind the counter and into the kitchen area, where the assault continued. Credit:Georgia Matts

Inside the kitchen, the victims, aged 21 and 18, were repeatedly punched and kicked by the group before the offenders ran from the store onto the Caroline Springs Boulevard.

An Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said paramedics were called to the scene just after 8pm and the two victims were take to the Sunshine Hospital in a stable condition with bruises, grazes and rib pain.
The heartbroken brother of an Albanvale man found dead near Lake Eppalock has expressed his grief after a man was charged with his murder.

David Whimpey's body was found at a property in central Victoria after an extensive search by police on Monday.

David Whimpey's body was found near Lake Eppalock.

He was last seen near a hotel on the Old Calder Highway in Keilor about 2am on October 24 last year.

His younger brother, Daniel Whimpey, shared his pain in an emotional tribute on Facebook.
Berlin: German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday that she and President Donald Trump have built a "good working relationship" even though the two had frosty exchanges last year that raised fears of damage to the pivotal US-German partnership.

"President Trump and I have developed a good working relationship, which doesn't rule out having different points of view," Merkel told the RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND) group of newspapers.

"When we talk with each other, for instance, it's about developing a common strategy for the Ukraine conflict or the horrible war in Syria. It's also about the fight against terror or the disastrous humanitarian situation in Yemen  all these conflicts are at the doorstep of Europe.

"If we want to resolve these problems, if we want to help people, we need strong involvement from the United States," Merkel said.
US President Donald Trump speaks at the National Rifle Association Leadership Forum in Atlanta on Friday. Credit:AP In remarks before Trump spoke, NRA chief lobbyist Chris Cox recalled the group's endorsement at its convention last year, saying Trump was "the most proudly Second Amendment nominee in American history". "On Election Day, NRA members and gun owners stormed to the polls in an act of sheer defiance of the elites," Cox said. "And on Inauguration Day, our candidate became our President." Sherry Hughes watches on a television from the exhibition hall as President Donald Trump speaks at the NRA event. Credit:AP Addressing the group on Friday, Trump hailed his first Supreme Court pick, Justice Neil Gorsuch, who was embraced by the NRA, as well as several of his Cabinet selections.

He called Jeff Sessions "a pro-Second Amendment, tough-on-crime attorney general" and touted a decision by his interior secretary, Ryan Zinke, to overturn a federal ban on hunting with lead ammunition in national parks and wildlife refuges. NRA's Chris Cox introduces President Donald Trump at the a Leadership Forum on Friday. Credit:Atlanta Journal-Constitution/AP While making general promises to stand with the NRA moving forward, Trump made no mention of two of the group's leading priorities in Congress. In the months ahead, the NRA will be looking for Trump to put the weight of his office behind a bill that would make concealed-carry permits valid across state lines. Trump endorsed the concept during the campaign, likening it to the portability of driver's licences. John, left, and Joe Windle, of Baltimore, watch Trump speak on Friday. Credit:AP

Also high on the NRA's agenda is the Hearing Protection Act, which would remove federal registration and identification requirements for those seeking gun silencers. That measure has been touted by the President's son, Donald Trump Jr, an avid hunter, who also attended Friday's conference. Left unmentioned Friday also was an NRA victory earlier in the Trump administration: His signing of legislation that repealed an Obama-era regulation designed to protect certain mentally ill people from purchasing firearms. Demonstrators hold signs during a protest outside the National Rifle Association annual convention where President Donald Trump was to speak. Credit:AP In addition to speaking about gun rights, Trump laced his speech with familiar rhetoric and promises from the campaign trail. He warned of the dangers of "radical Islamic terrorists", called for "putting American first" and pledged to continue a crackdown on illegal immigration. Trump also played up his promise to build a wall on the US border with Mexico, an initiative dealt a setback in recent budget negotiations over keeping the government open.

Demonstrators take part in a "die-in" protest against the NRA's annual convention in Atlanta on Friday. Credit:AP "We will build the wall," Trump said. "You need that wall to stop the human trafficking, to stop the drugs, to stop the wrong people." Trump's speech brought a rebuke from Gabrielle Giffords, a former Democratic congresswoman who survived a 2012 assassination attempt and has become an outspoken gun control advocate. "We need a president who is serious about finding solutions that will save lives and address the gun violence crisis that's plaguing our nation," she said. "Unfortunately, that's not the president we saw on stage this afternoon in Atlanta." Trump's appearance at the gun group's massive national convention recalled the triumphant moment a year earlier, when the NRA endorsed him sooner than it had any other candidate in a US presidential election.

He had run on a pro-gun rights agenda, telling the audience at the 2016 NRA convention, held in Louisville, that "crooked Hillary is the most anti-gun, anti-Second Amendment candidate ever to run for office," referencing his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. This year's convention drew thousands of Trump voters and NRA members from the southern and Midwestern United States. Members of the crowd - almost exclusively white and mostly male - voiced strong support for the President and his agenda, even as they acknowledged some of his efforts remain in limbo. Gun owners urged the President to push for their agenda with Congress. "We know that they've got those bigger issues going on right now," said Jon Spears, 37, from Somerset, Kentucky. "We understand that. We're not unreasonable. I just want to hear that they are going to support us down the road." Like many attendees, Ed Valentine, 67, a resident of the Atlanta suburbs, celebrated the pick of Gorsuch for the Supreme Court. "I hope [he's good]," said Valentine, president of a small environmental engineering firm in the Atlanta suburbs. "You don't know until they get in there."

He also praised Trump's performance in office so far. "Though he could refine his style a little bit!" Valentine said, laughing. Trump got mostly glowing reviews from conference attendees after his speech. "I'm hoarse," said Cathy Boswell of Acworth, Georgia. Her husband, Mike, laughed, saying his hands were sore from clapping. "He always delivers," Cathy Boswell said. "He doesn't hold anything back, and that's why we love Donald Trump," Mike agreed. "I thought it was amazing," said Jody Looper, 46, a stay-at-home mum from Mount Juliet, Tennessee. "It's so nice to have a constitutional president again."

A large anti-NRA protest featuring Democrat John Lewis, of Georgia, was scheduled here for Saturday. But on Friday, dozens of protesters still gathered at nearby Woodruff Park in downtown Atlanta, chanting and holding signs that read "Tiny Bloody Hands". At one point, the group laid down in the grass to represent people killed by gun violence every year, a demonstration they called a "die-in". Another group gathered outside Atlanta's private Capital City Club, where Trump arrived after his speech to hold a fundraiser for Republican congressional candidate Karen Handel. As Trump's motorcade pulled up, the crowd booed, chanted and beat drums. Handel finished second in the April 18 special election to Democrat Jon Ossoff; the two will face each other in a run-off on June 20. The race, to replace Republican Tom Price, now Trump's health and human services secretary, is being closely watched nationally as a test of how Trump is affecting down-ballot races. Loading
Last week when the weather reports started to come in, we all feared for the worst ... and then the worst happened.

Heavy rains, flash floods and rivers cresting at record levels devastated homes, farms and small businesses in southeast and south central Missouri.

In the aftermath of the storms, I met with local mayors, police chiefs, fire departments, emergency management directors and first responders to hear about the flooding in their communities.

These folks showed me some of the hardest hit areas and we discussed the assistance they needed. We talked about their ongoing disaster response, harrowing swift water rescues, and the work they are doing to get relief to Missouri families.

As I met with people affected by the flooding, I saw downtown main streets and community centers under water and more farms, homes and small businesses destroyed than I can count, but I also saw hope.

With each and every conversation, I heard countless stories of Missourians working together to help their communities recover from this incredible storm.

When I got to West Plains, they were still reeling from a massive flash flood that roared through their town, destroying dozens of homes and businesses. They had a record 14.5 inches of rain in under 36 hours that led to emergency crews rescuing nearly 100 people.

But the next day, West Plains residents put on their boots and gloves, and got to work. Even with school cancelled, a huge group of high school students came out to show their pride and clean up the damage to their school and football field.

I was proud to see the next generation rising up and caring for their town.

In Van Buren, the Current River was more than eight feet over its previous record high. It was devastating to see more than half of the town under water.

Over 100 homes and 30 businesses were destroyed, but the spirit of the community was not. Everyone I spoke with was strong and optimistic, and I am confident they will come back from this disaster even stronger than before.

I met with emergency management and elected officials in Poplar Bluff and learned that they were in for a long week of flood fighting.

On Monday, Clearwater Lake was completely full and utilizing its emergency spillway. The Missouri Army National Guard along with many local volunteers filled thousands of sandbags to shore up the levees and make sure critical spots held up through the flood.

As first responders, volunteers and the National Guardsmen worked to fight flooding, local restaurants and members of the community donated food and supplies to serve more than 2,500 meals.

I know what youre going through feels overwhelming and unreal right now, but Missourians are strong and we will get through this disaster together.

Whether you're in Thomasville, Eminence, Ellington, Gainesville, Doniphan, Steelville, Houston, Cape Girardeau, Ste. Genevieve, Greenville or any other area that has been severely impacted by this flood, I am here for you.

We have a long road ahead of us, but Missourians are resilient. Together we will work to recover and rebuild our communities.
Mumbai: Indian activists who rely on social media to share information in times of tension are being frustrated by a wave of internet shutdowns, with 22 sites closed in Kashmir this week alone.

The clampdown in India  only Iraq closes as many sites each year  has hit doctors who treat rural patients via WhatsApp, and silenced journalists covering street protests.

Kashmiri students browse the internet on their mobile phones at a restaurant in Srinagar, Indian-controlled Kashmir, on Wednesday. Credit:AP

"It impacts crisis response and fuels rumours that can trigger further violence," said Ramanjit Singh Chima at Access Now, an advocacy group that is backing a global #KeepitOn campaign against the wave of internet shutdowns.

"At the same time, it prevents journalists from freely reporting, and citizens from sharing information." Chima said a whole new way of information sharing was hit by the clampdown, citing examples of ordinary people offering shelter to their peers or relief agencies sourcing information from the ground during terror attacks and disasters.
What to do in Pennsylvania if you made an error on your mail-in ballot
Of course Donald Trump over-promised for his first 100 days. What presidential candidate hasn't?

During last year's campaign, Trump spoke frequently of all the things he would do almost immediately upon entering the Oval Office. He'd repeal Obamacare, reform the tax code, destroy ISIS, build a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border, fix the nation's roads and bridges, take care of veterans, deport criminal illegal immigrants, and much, much more.

By the last weeks of the campaign, Trump actually dialed back some of his promises. On October 22, he traveled to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to announce his "Contract with the American Voter," which formalized his pledges for the first 100 days.

The "Contract" was a single piece of paper. The front listed 18 actions Trump would take under his executive authority as president, and the back listed ten pieces of legislation he would introduce in Congress.

Now, three months into the Trump administration, the front and the back of the Contract are two very different stories.

On the executive action front, Trump has kept a significant number of his promises:

-- Candidate Trump promised to "begin the process" of selecting a Supreme Court Justice to replace Antonin Scalia. As president, Trump did just that, and Neil Gorsuch is now on the Court.

-- Candidate Trump promised to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. As president, he did it.

-- Candidate Trump promised to require that "for every new federal regulation, two existing regulations must be eliminated." As president, he did it.

-- Candidate Trump promised to "lift the Obama-Clinton roadblocks" on the Keystone Pipeline and other infrastructure projects. As president, he did it.

-- Candidate Trump promised to "begin removing the more than two million criminal illegal immigrants" in the U.S. As president, he did it.

On other issues, Trump has kept front-page promises, but with decidedly mixed results. The most significant of those is his pledge to "suspend immigration from terror-prone regions." Trump has done it -- twice -- only to see his executive orders tied up in the courts. His first try was botched, while the second try will likely survive judicial scrutiny.

Trump also promised to "cancel all federal funding" for so-called sanctuary cities. He has begun to do so -- the Justice Department is beginning to threaten to withdraw some grant money -- but the promise was overbroad and will likely never be fully kept.

In addition, Trump promised to impose a "five-year ban on White House and Congressional officials becoming lobbyists after they leave government service." He kept the pledge for White House officials but does not have the authority to tell Congress what to do -- so again, a partially kept, but originally overbroad promise.

Some promises Trump has openly chosen to break. He promised to "direct the Secretary of the Treasury to label China a currency manipulator." Now, he says he will not do so if China is helping the U.S. solve the so-far-intractable North Korea problem.

The net result of Trump's promises involving executive authority is that he has done well when it comes to keeping the Contract. Indeed, the two biggest successes of Trump's first 100 days are on the front page of the Contract: the Gorsuch nomination and Trump's immigration executive order tightening controls at the Mexico border. "We've seen a dramatic reduction in illegal migration across the southwest border," Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said Friday. "In fact, March apprehensions were 30 percent lower than February apprehensions -- and 64 percent lower than the same time next year."

That is a solid success by any measure.

But the back page of the Contract is a different story. Unlike many of his speeches, Trump was careful not to promise legislative success. "I will work with Congress to introduce the following broader legislative measures and fight for their passage with the first 100 days of my administration," he said in the Contract.

But Trump has not even introduced promised legislation like the American Energy and Infrastructure Act, or the School Choice and Education Opportunity Act, or the Affordable Childcare and Eldercare Act, or others on the 10-point list.

The president, mostly following the lead of House Republicans, has taken a shot -- and failed -- at repealing and replacing Obamacare. To the extent that that work continues -- a vote in the House could be just a few weeks away -- he can be said to be working on keeping that promise. And Trump has pledged to bring out some sort of tax proposal this week -- not an actual tax reform bill, but movement closer to the goal of reforming the tax code. So on the two biggest items on the back page of the Contract, by the time the actual 100-day mark arrives next Saturday, Trump will be able to say he's making progress.

But the fact is, on the whole, Trump failed to keep the back page promises of the Contract in his first 100 days.

On the other hand, the president has been a crucial part of a determined effort by Capitol Hill Republicans to use the Congressional Review Act to abolish rules put in place by the Obama administration. Trump has signed 12 such bills into law voiding Obama rules on energy, firearms, federal labor contracts, local control of education, and other topics.

The bottom line is that Trump has been a 100-day success when it comes to exercising the executive powers of the presidency. He has done a great deal of what he said he would do, and promises to do more.
Everything you need to know for election day in Burlington County

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Indias robust consumption story has prompted several firms to target a larger share of consumers wallet. As Indians put demonetisation behind them and the economy gears up for the Goods & Services Tax regime, from retail to electricals to manufacturing are looking at a bigger foray into .
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Due to the latest generic-generic drugs push by the prime minister, pharmaceutical majors are likely to put recruitment of fresh field sales personnel on hold, at least for the moment.
Indias biggest FDI project, a mega steel plant worth $12 billion proposed by South Korean maker in Odisha, has finally been consigned to history. Putting at rest every speculation and flip-flop by the steel giant, the state government has slammed the door on the project it once termed an international commitment.
in the state, especially the ones without captive iron ore assets, are peeved with the steep prices of iron ore offered by the state controlled Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) through long-term linkage.
The Delhi High Court's Friday judgment clearing the Tata-Docomo transaction will have a far-reaching impact on similar cases where foreign investors are ooking to exit Indian joint ventures -- the cases where an overseas arbitration court has given an award in favour of a foreign investor.
has acquired destination management business of Kuoni, a move which marks its big foray into the inbound travel segment and gives it a pricing advantage over its competition.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Saturday arrested four in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district during a search operation.

The arrest comes days after the deadly Sukma attack where 25 CRPF personnel were killed in an encounter with .

The attack took place on personnel of the CRPF's 74th Battalion on Monday as they were assisting the local population in road building and clearing activity in the district.

A high-level meeting on anti-naxal operation was also held on Friday which was chaired by Special Director-General (anti-naxal operation) D M Awasthi.

Inspector General Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Bastar Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Dantewada Superintendent of Police (SP) and District Magistrate were also present in the meeting.

Taking cognizance of the Sukma attack, the government earlier assured action against the perpetrators of the 'cold-blooded murder' while stating that the Centre, if required, would review and also revise the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) strategy.

However, the opposition is critical of the central government after the recent Naxal attack in Sukma and also questioned the policy of the Centre to tackle such attacks.

"Last heard 'demonetisation' was the Govt's strategy to neutralise Naxalism. I hope the 'revised' strategy has a little more purpose and impact," said the Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi.

Echoing same, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi asserted that the Centre has no policy to handle Naxalism.

"Government has been proved incapable of tackling the situation, adding that for last two months DG CRPF post is vacant," Owaisi told ANI.
With the the US, UK and Australia tightening measures to curb immigration, Indian institutes have seen a spurt in applications this year.
The Supreme Court on Friday said it will ask the government not to use pellet guns in Jammu and Kashmir if there was no violence, no stone throwing and students return to classes.

Asking leaders of the J&K High Court Bar Association to come forward with "positive suggestions" to diffuse the situation, Chief Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar, Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul said in such a situation they would ask the government not to use pellet guns.
The Karnataka government is all geared up to allocate Rs 10 crore for agriculture innovation in May.

"The government has been and will assist in agri-space with series A and B funding by connecting them to investors," IT and Tourism Minister Priyank Kharge said at the ' Trade Fair For Organics and Millets 2017' in Bengaluru.

A budget of Rs 10 crore has been allocated for agriculture innovation which will be allocated in May to selected startups, he said.

The government had funded as much as Rs 2.5 crore to eight startups in tourism space recently, the minister said.

Kharge said Karnataka is the only state that has a Proof of Concept (Idea2POC) Grant Scheme, under which the government aims to issue upto Rs 50 lakh as part of its multi-sectoral startup policy and work with various stakeholders to create ideation and incubation sectors.

He also said startups in tier-II cities are also being funded by the state by registering with the startup cell.

Agriculture Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said Karnataka is the only state which supports startups with a dedicated agri-fund and also provides food processing funding, in case a company is not eligible for innovation funding.
Pakistan's Foreign Office has kept mum on the timing and the motive behind the visit of Indian steel tycoon Sajjan Jindal to the country to meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif this week, even as his "secret" visit echoed at the Assembly.

Jindal, who is said to be Prime Minister Narendra Modi's and Sharif's mutual friend and considered a sort of back- channel contact, briefly visited Pakistan on Wednesday, the day when High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale filed an appeal with the Foreign Office against Kulbhushan Jadhav's death sentence.

The appeal was submitted on behalf of Jadhav's mother in which she had sought the federal government's intervention for the release of her son.

Jindal was taken by helicopter to Murree, where he met Prime Minister Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz. His trip led to speculation that a move for the revival of bilateral dialogue could be afoot, the Dawn reported.

Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, who was leading the FO team at the Assembly's Foreign Affairs Committee meeting yesterday, was asked about the Jindal's visit and when she could not respond to queries, committee chairman Awais Leghari brought the discussion to an end, the paper said.

Jindal's trip is also being linked to the fast deteriorating situation in Kashmir, which some think has pushed Modi's government to consider talking to Pakistan.

Jindal in the past facilitated a secret meeting between Sharif and Modi in Kathmandu on the sidelines of a SAARC summit in 2014. The meeting had then helped save the summit that seemed to be headed for failure and a last-minute deal to create a regional electricity grid was clinched.

In 2015, Jindal was in Lahore on the occasion of Modi's surprise visit to greet Sharif on his birthday and attend his granddaughter's wedding.

"Why is the government quiet over Jindal's visit?" asked PPP's Nafeesa Shah during the committee's meeting.

There was no formal press statement by the PM Office on Jindal's meeting with Sharif even though it regularly issues press releases on the prime minister's engagements with business delegations.

Maryam, however, confirmed the trip in a tweet as she rejected its description as "secret" by some of the media outlets.

"Jindal is an old friend of the Prime Minister. Nothing 'secret' about the meeting & should not be blown out of proportion," she had tweeted after the issue hit headlines a day after the Indian businessman toured Pakistan.

Pakistan Tehreek Insaf's Shireen Mazari questioned as to how Jindal visited Murree when his visa was restricted for Islamabad and Lahore only.

"If Jindal had come on a private visit, why did FO officials receive him?" Ms Mazari further asked.
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Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law on Saturday responded to the Dhingra Commission report's allegations, saying "truth shall prevail"

Vadra took to Facebook and simply wrote, "truth shall prevail", which attaching the picture of a news article batting for his innocence.

According to reports, Vadra made unlawful profits of Rs 50.5 crore from a land deal in Haryana in 2008, concluded Justice S N Dhingra.

The Dhingra Commission, set up in 2015 by the Manohar Lal Government, was looking into the grant of licenses for change in land in Gurgaon. Robert Vadra's company, Skylight Hospitality, was also under the scanner.

On Friday, the Bharatiya Janata Pradesh (BJP) asserted that the grand old party was looting India.

"Probably, the Gandhi family considers the whole of this country as their property and were trying to loot this country. That's the reason as to why they have lost the political land," BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told ANI.

"We have seen the case of Skylight hospitality, a company of which had been amassed through wrong land deals in Haryana. The case is also going on. Now we have to come to know about land deals of Priyanka Gandhi. She had also been profiting from land deals," he added.

However, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi defended Vadra and said he had not received any notice or summon from the Dhingra Commission.

"It is to commit the contempt of court if you publish the content of Dhingra report," Singhvi added

"Probably, the Gandhi family considers the whole of this country as their property and were trying to loot this country. That's the reason as to why they have lost the political land," BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told ANI.

"We have seen the case of Sky light hospitality, a company of which had been amassed through wrong land deals in Haryana. The case is also going on. Now we have to come to know about land deals of Priyanka Gandhi. She had also been profiting from land deals," he added.

Vadra's wife Priyanka Gandhi also rebuffed any relation between the property she purchased in Haryana with alleged illegal acquired funds and her husband Robert Vadra's finances or Skylight Hospitality.

"Six years prior to the purported 'land deal involving Skylight Hospitality' on April 28, 2006, Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra purchased 40 Kanal 00 Marla (= 5.0 acres) of agricultural land in Village Amipur, Tehsil Faridabad, District Faridabad in Haryana," a press release from Priyanka's office stated.

It further said that the land was purchased for a total purchase price of Rs 15,00,000 paid for entirely by cheque, which is the equivalent of Rs 3,00,000 per acre.

Earlier in the day, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy took a dig at the Congress over their allegation that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) party leaked the Dhingra Commission report, saying that the latter must guilty otherwise would have demanded to make the report public themselves.

Swamy told ANI, "There is nothing criminal as it is a public matter. So, therefore the Congress party must be feeling guilty, otherwise they would have demanded to make the report public.
After normalising for a while in the January-March quarter, cash-handling activity has declined by at least 12-15 per cent and is under pressure in April, say cash management companies who blame the situation on a severe cash crunch in the system. Due to this, at least 9-10 per cent automated teller machines (ATMs) in the country remain consistently dry, cash management companies say.
Leading a major trade delegation to India, Ivan Scalfarotto, Italian Deputy Minister of Economic Development, tells Subhayan Chakraborty that while the food processing and infrastructure sectors are major draws for Italian investors, ease of doing business remains an issue.
Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM ADC, Chief of the Air Staff, IAF visited Air Force Station Agra on 28 Apr 17. During the visit the CAS flew in the AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) as part of forces participating in the ongoing War gaming Exercise of Western Air Command Exercise Trishul". It was an exemplary demonstration of potency of the IAF with real time war like scenario in terms of Large Force Engagement of Air Superiority Fighters and Combat Enablers available in the arsenal of the IAF participating in a dense Electronic Warfare environment. .

.

AB/MKR
It was fitting that President Trump closed out his first 100 days in another bumbling attack on Obamacare, trying and failing to jam a bill through the House this week that had no chance of passing the Senate, just to create the illusion of action.
A suicide car bomb attack on a traffic police compound in central Baghdad killed at least four people and wounded six, security and medical sources have said.

The blast took place in Karrada, a neighbourhood of the Iraqi capital that has been repeatedly targeted in recent years.

Interior ministry spokesman Saad Maan yesterday said in a statement that the attack was carried out by a suicide car bomber and "killed four people, including a police lieutenant colonel."



Medical and police sources said at least another six people were wounded in the blast, which lit up the sky in the usually busy neighbourhood but struck a relatively quiet side street shortly before 11:00 PM (2000 GMT).

One of the deadliest bombings to hit Karrada occurred in July 2016, when a suicide truck bomb explosion set teeming shopping arcades ablaze and killed more than 320 people.

Nearly all suicide attacks are claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group, which is defending its last major Iraqi bastion of Mosul against a massive operation launched by security forces last October.
The moneymaking machines at the core of Amazon, Microsoft and Alphabet, the parent company of Google, are notably different. But the respective kings of online retailing, software and internet search should all credit a relatively new line of business for lifting their financial results.
The hundredth day of an American presidents term traditionally marks the end of the honeymoon period  a time to take stock of early achievements, launch new legislation, and set a new direction. But the score card for Donald Trumps first 100 days doesnt read well, and the direction for the next four years is looking so new as to radically contradict the premise of his campaign.
Saturday marks President Trumps 100th day in office. We asked readers on Facebook how his presidency has changed them and received more than 900 comments on the Opinion Facebook page, and more than 800 replies on the main Times account. Here are some of the responses.
US and Afghan troops likely killed the leader of the group's Afghanistan affiliate in a raid this week, the Pentagon has said.

US officials also said they have opened a probe into whether two US Army Rangers killed in the assault had been struck by friendly fire.

The raid, which occurred overnight Wednesday-Thursday in Nangarhar province, targeted Abdul Hasib, whom the Pentagon called the IS leader in Afghanistan.

"The thought is we got him, but we are not certain," Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis yesterday said.

Davis said about 50 US special forces and 40 Afghan commandos had been choppered into the Mohmand Valley late Wednesday near the compound used by Hasib.

His group is affiliated with IS in Iraq and Syria, and the US military calls it Islamic State-Khorasan, or ISIS-K.

The troops' arrival was met with immediate and ferocious opposition, and early on the two Rangers, sergeants Joshua Rodgers and Cameron Thomas were shot and killed.

"We are investigating the circumstances of the combat deaths of the two Army Rangers in the beginning of what was an intense three-hour firefight," Davis said.

"It is possible the Rangers were struck by friendly fire."

A formal probe was underway to determine whether the bullets came from the US, Afghan or jihadist gunfire.

One other US commando was wounded in the raid.

"Within a few minutes of landing, our combined force came under intense fire from multiple directions and well-prepared fighting positions," US Forces-Afghanistan said in a statement.

"Nevertheless, our forces successfully closed on the enemy, killed several high-level ISIS-K leaders and upwards of 35 fighters."

US-Forces Afghanistan said that if confirmed, the death of the Hasib and his associates would "significantly degrade ISIS-K operations in Afghanistan and help reach our goal of destroying them in 2017."

The compound was located near the tunnel complex where the US military on April 13 unleashed the "Mother Of All Bombs" -- a GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast device that the Pentagon said was the biggest non-nuclear weapon it had ever used in combat.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis paid tribute to the two dead Rangers.

"Fighting alongside their Afghan partners, Josh and Cameron proved themselves willing to go into danger and impose a brutal cost on enemies in their path," Mattis said in a statement.

"Our nation owes them an irredeemable debt, and we give our deepest condolences to their families."

The Pentagon estimates about 1,000 IS fighters remain in Afghanistan.

The jihadists established a foothold there in early 2015 and their numbers now are about half what they were at their peak, the Pentagon says.
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday a major conflict with North Korea is possible in the standoff over its nuclear and missile programmes, but he would prefer a diplomatic outcome to the dispute. There is a chance that we could end up having a major, major conflict with North Korea. Absolutely, Trump told Reuters in an Oval Office interview ahead of his 100th day in office on Saturday. Nonetheless, Trump said he wanted to peacefully resolve a crisis that has bedeviled multiple US presidents, a path that he and his administration are emphasising by preparing a variety of new economic sanctions while not taking the military option off the table.
Amid speculations that Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation (FETO) in India could cause friction during talks between visiting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, analysts have suggested that Turkey could use the issue of FETA as a bargaining chip with India, in return for supporting New Delhi's entry into the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) group.

According to senior Syrian journalist Dr. Waiel Awwad, Erdogan who now enjoys extended executive powers post the referendum, will call the shots in Turkey as his goal is to fight the Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation (FETO) across the world.

"This is one of the main (aim of) Erdogan, to fight the Fethullah organisation and institutions around the world and he has to show the world that he is the man who pulls the shot. There may be some kind of evidence presented by the Turkish President to the Indian side (on presence of in India). The Turkish President could start using it as a barraging chip to India. He has his own interests in having good relations with India," Dr. Awwad told ANI.

Last year, following a failed military coup, Turkey had urged India to root out the presence of Fethullah Gulen's supporters and sympathisers in India, as Ankara held the U.S. based Turkish preacher Muhammed Fethullah Gulen responsible for the coup.

India had at the time demanded concrete evidence about FETO's presence in the country to act against it.

FETO, a name given to Gulen's movement by the Turkish government, is a trans-national Islamic civic society movement inspired by his teachings. The Turkish Justice and Development Party government, which was once an ally of Gulen, has designated the movement as a terrorist organisation.

Dr. Awwad further said that recently, there has been a change in Turkey's tone over the issue of NSG as strong economic relations with India are in favour of Ankara which is opening up its economy and needs investments in infrastructure.

"On NSG, recently we have noted a change of tone of the Turkish government towards this issue. With the economic relationships, with the pragmatic steps they are taking, we may see some kind of change of heart with President Erdogan, who will have a more clear understanding of the Indian position post the visit."

"There will be a discussion on increasing the economic ties because Turkey is opening its market they need investment in infrastructure, which will play a major role (in bilateral negotiations).

Also, Turkey is seeking to boost its tourist industry, which is the main source of its income. Good relations with India will certainly give a fillip to it, he added.

Dr. Awwad further highlighted the pressure from other nations that are favouring India for its entry to the NSG, something that Erdogan won't ignore.

As Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to kick-off his first visit to India starting April 30- his first foreign outing after winning the recent referendum that extended his powers - to discuss terror, trade, nuclear issues. However, all eyes will remain on the issues of India's entry to the NSG group and Ankara's stand on Kashmir.

Though Ankara hasn't categorically opposed New Delhi's admission to the elite NSG- 48-nation grouping that controls the export of technology and materials used to generate nuclear power and make an atomic weapon.

Turkey has been insisting on "criteria-based approach" instead of giving unqualified support to India.

Even though India has been pushing hard for the membership it has failed due to objections from countries like China and New Zealand.

On the Kashmir issue, Turkey has traditionally been seen as supportive of Pakistan.

Also, India hosting Turkey right after hosting Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades will be a tricky balancing act for New Delhi.

Turkey and Cyprus are engaged in territorial disputes and during his visit, President Anastasiades sought India's help to reunify the northern and southern parts of the country.
Pyongyang has fired a ballistic missile but it did not leave North Korean territory, the US military's Pacific Command has said.

"US Pacific Command detected what we assess was a launch at 10:33 am Hawaii time ... The ballistic missile launch occurred near the Pukchang airfield," PACOM spokesman Commander Dave Benham said in a statement.

"The missile did not leave North Korean territory."

He added that the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) determined the missile did not pose a threat to North America.

The White House said President Donald Trump has been informed of the missile launch.

The South Korean news agency Yonhap said the missile, which was launched early Saturday local time, failed within seconds of launch.
Are you suffering from chronic intestinal disorders? Blame your body's immune system for that.

According to a new research, it has been discovered that too much much of oncogene Bcl-3 leads to chronic intestinal diseases. The study also reveals that how it throws the immune system off-balance.

The research found that chronic intestinal disorders such as ulcerative colitis and crohn's disease are caused by the body's own immune defense system. Sufferers frequently experience episodic symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps, and diarrhea.

Researchers are still trying to identify the precise underlying origins of these problems.

"With the help of our cooperation partners, we were able to demonstrate that the level of the Bcl-3 protein, which also plays a role in the development of various cancerous diseases, is elevated in the intestinal tract of colitis patients and is indeed a trigger of the disease," said Dr. Nadine Hovelmeyer, head of the work group at the Mainz-based Institute for Molecular Medicine.

According to the study, Bcl-3 develops its effect on intestinal through interaction with the so-called regulatory T-cells (Tregs). Their main task is to prevent overreaction of the immune system and to develop a level of tolerance towards the body they serve.

"We were able to demonstrate that Bcl-3 suppresses the activation of Tregs by preventing the necessary genes from being read. Bcl-3 interacts with the transcription factor p50, which is otherwise responsible for activation, and blocks it," shared Dr. Elke Glasmacher, head of the team at the Institute for Diabetes and Obesity in Munich.

Dr. Sonja Reissig, lead author of the publication and research associate at Mainz University Medical Center noted, "Consequentially, the regulatory T-cells remain passive, the immune system is no longer regulated, and inflammatory processes begin to take place. Experiments using various models have revealed that elevated quantities of Bcl-3 cause certain cells to migrate to the intestines, where they trigger a severe inflammatory response."

Dr. Hovelmeyer concluded by saying, "The results represent a major contribution towards our understanding of chronic intestinal inflammation and hopefully over the long-term will help us discover aspects that we can target with new therapies."

While, her colleague Professor Ari Waisman, Director of the Institute for Molecular Medicine at the Mainz University Medical Center stated, "We are currently focusing on the search for new active agents that will prevent the interaction between Bcl-3 and p50, thus maintaining normal Treg functionality."

The study was published in journal Nature Communications.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Saturday presided over a meeting with other saffron leaders and held discussions over how to make peace in the Valley during his two-day visit as a part of his 'Vistaar Yatra'.

Speaking to the media, BJP leader Ravindra Raina said that Amit Shah discussed many issues relating to peace in the State and the growth of the party.

"This meeting is a grand occasion for us; the motive of this meeting is to expand the party in every state. In the meeting, Amit Shah discussed many issues relating to the State and the party. Working on the agenda and bringing peace in the State is his priority. All anti-elements in the State, who are trying to create havoc, will be penalised," said Raina.

BJP leader Lal Singh, who also attended the meeting, stated that with peoples' support, all saffron leaders would perform well.

"This party is doing well and will keep doing well with people's support. With this support, all saffron leaders will also perform well," said Singh.

Resonating a similar view, BJP leader Avinash Rai Khanna added that Amit Shah's presence would strengthen their base in the State.

"This meeting will boost up our fighting spirit. Amit Shah's presence will strengthen our base in the state. We are working on how to inform people about our good work and the new agenda," said Khanna.

BJP leader Anil Jain also said that the party was doing good work since the Independence.

"The BJP's rule in the country proves how strong and huge it is. The party has been doing good work since the Independence. The secret for our success is we work as a team," said Jain.

Earlier this day, Amit Shah arrived in Jammu on a two-day visit as part of his 'Vistaar Yatra'.

The streets were thronged with BJP supporters and party flags were waved as Shah's convoy made way to the city.

Shah is on a 95-day all-India tour beginning today, during which he will strategise on ways to win the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, with focus on clinching 120 seats where the party had lost in 2014.

Shah will spend one to three days in each states. The tour will focus on taking stock of the party's organisational strength and further expansion of electoral appeal across the country.

Shah is particularly focusing on states like West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana and Kerala.

The BJP had managed to win just four Lok Sabha seats out of the 102 in these states in the 2014 elections.

The BJP Chief's voyage will end by September 25, the 101st birth anniversary of Jana Sangh ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyay.

Apart from his 95-day tour, Shah has also chosen five states where he will spend three days each. His recent visit to West Bengal was part of the programme.

Besides West Bengal, he will visit Odisha, Telangana, Lakshadweep and the poll-bound Gujarat.

Shah has also hinted at a reshuffle in the organisation as several office-bearers are now serving as ministers in the Uttar Pradesh Government.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday got support from some of his party leaders.

Delhi Labour Minister Gopal Rai and Punjab's Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Sukhpal Singh Khaira came out in support of Kejriwal, who on Saturday morning tweeted about 'correcting the mistakes' after the party's debacle in Delhi's civic polls.

Rai told ANI that Kejriwal's is right when he admitted that there were some mistakes which need correction and introspection.

He said the AAP is looking into every aspect to ascertain the party's poor performance in Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) elections.

"We are working towards bring positive changes in our party as our all leaders are worried about the situation of the party, and discussions are being held with party workers and volunteers," said Rai.

Sukhpal Singh Khaira, AAP MLA of Bholath, appreciated that Arvind Kejriwal had admitted that some mistakes were committed by the party.

Maintaining that the AAP is a different party, Khaira said that Kejriwal would take corrective measures.

He urged the Election Commission to clear confusion on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) tampering "as Kejriwal has done lot of research on EVMs and then levelled allegations of tampering".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Saturday asserted that if India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader TTV Dinakaran's is involved in the bribery then it must be investigated and the law must take its course.

"The matter must be investigated and if Dinakaran is involved in hawala, then the law must take its course, but it shouldn't be linked with Election Commission, it has nothing to do with it," Swamy told ANI.

Swamy added that it is a bit difficult to understand that how the bribery case has been linked with that of the Election Commission as these are two different cases.

"I am still not able to understand this case. Was their bribery of the Election Commission? If so how did the Election Commission decide against Sasikala and Dinakaran's plea at the time she was the general secretary of the party and he was the Deputy General Secretary. I can understand if there would have been a case if the symbol would have been given," Swamy told ANI.

He further asserted that the bribery and the hawala are two different cases and shouldn't be mixed together.

"The election commission anyway gave a wrong decision in my opinion. When all the MLAs are with Sasikala how can they freeze the symbol just because Pannerselvam with one MLA claimed it," he said.

Earlier on Friday, a Delhi Court sent alleged middleman Sukesh Chandrashekhar to judicial custody till May 12 and Hawala operator Naresh Jain in connection with a bribery case to police remand till April 30.

The Delhi Police alleged that Jain helped Sukesh in money transfer.

Ousted Dinakaran's house was searched on Thrusday and an informal interrogation was done with his wife, Joint Commissioner of Police, Delhi confirmed to ANI.

Dinakaran had reportedly, through Chandrashekhar, sought the 'Two Leaves' symbol of the AIADMK by allegedly trying to bribe an Election Commission official.

The Crime Branch recovered approximately Rs. 1.3 crore and two luxury cars, a BMW and a Mercedes from Chandrashekhar.

Chandrasekhar was picked up from the Hyatt hotel and was produced at the residence of Special Judge Poonam Chaudhry, who allowed the Delhi Police's plea to interrogate the accused for eight days.

Dinakaran was cross examined along with his 'friend' Mallikarjuna and P.A. Janardhanan, sources stated.

During his third day of interrogation by the Crime Branch of the Delhi Police yesterday, Dinakaran finally accepted that he met Chandrashekhar, the man alleged to be the middleman in his bribery dealing with the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Dinakaran, sources say, initially refused to have known Sukesh. He later accepted meeting him when Sukesh himself gave the details of his meeting with the former.

However, Dinakaran maintained that he did not pay any money to Sukesh.

Following this, the Delhi Police Crime Branch team visited Chennai, even as a Delhi Court granted five-day police custody to Dinakaran.

Dinakaran had earlier moved a bail application in a Delhi Court.

He was produced before the Tis Hazari Court.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Social activist from Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday welcomed the Central Government's decision of ruling out dialogues with separatist leaders who talks of 'Azaadi' and freedom.

Social activist from Jammu and Kashmir, Sushil Pandit, while speaking to ANI, emphasized that the central government's realisation must be celebrated by the nation.

"It is a welcoming realisation from the centre and the entire nation must celebrate it," said Pandit.

Earlier on Friday, reacting to the Supreme Court orders, wherein it asked the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association (JKHCBA) to take to various stakeholders and consider their opinion in connection with the plea against the use of pellet guns in the state, the Centre categorically said that it would not talk to the separatist leaders and those who talk of 'Azaadi' and freedom.

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, top law officer, representing the Centre, made this statement to the apex court.

JKHCBA was also asked to assure the top court that no stone pelting would be committed in the future, if they wanted prohibition against the use of pellet guns.

The apex court had earlier asked the Centre to consider effective means, other than use of pellet guns to quell stone pelting mobs in Jammu and Kashmir, as it concerns life and death.

The Kashmir High Court Bar Association (KHBA) had earlier alleged that the pellet guns were being 'misused'.

The case was filed in the wake of the several lives lost during last year unrest in the Kashmir Valley.

Around 78 people lost their lives and over 100 people were injured, several critically, in Jammu and Kashmir last year, due to the use of pellet guns, JKHCBA claimed in its petition.

The division bench of the Supreme Court had, in December last year, admitted the petition for hearing and directed the Central Government to submit the report of the team of experts, constituted on the use of pellet guns, before the court.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to the Muslim community to find proper solution for Triple Talaq, the Congress rebuffed his assertion dubbing it as 'insignificant' while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly backed him saying that the saffron party is consistently working for the dignity of every Indian.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is consistently working for the dignity of every Indian. When it comes to the triple talaq issue, it is not a political issue. It has to be seen as the benchmark for women's right in terms of Constitutional rights of equality before law," BJP leader Nalin Kohli told ANI.

On the contrary, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge dubbed Prime Minister's assertion as insignificant adding that he made the statement eyeing upcoming elections in Karnataka.

"Prime Minister Modi made the statement eyeing upcoming elections in Karnataka. He has been doing this and will also continue to do in future. He is following the ideology of RSS. His speech does not hold any significance," Kharge told ANI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day appealed to the Muslim community to find proper solution to end the controversial practice of triple talaq.

Addressing the Basva festival, Prime Minister Modi told media, "I believe people from Muslim community would come up to solve the issue of triple talaq and act as savior to the Muslim women in this crucial period."

He went on to say that there should be no discrimination in the country, adding that 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' is the motto of his government and it will fulfill promises made to the people without any discrimination.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Slamming the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the alleged leak of Dhingra commission report in the Robert Vadra case, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Saturday stated that the grand old party had proof against the BJP leaders and their relatives, but never used it to harass them.

"We had a proof of a number of leaders. We also had a proof of their relatives, but we never harassed them. We knew which businessman is the supporter of the BJP, but the Congress never raided those parties. This is the political vendetta of the worst order. We cannot believe they can go so low," said Azad.

Earlier in the day, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra responded to the Dhingra Commission report's allegations, saying "truth shall prevail."

Vadra took to Facebook and simply wrote, "truth shall prevail", even as he attached the picture of a news article batting for his innocence.

According to reports, Vadra made unlawful profits of Rs. 50.5 crore from a land deal in Haryana in 2008, concluded Justice S.N. Dhingra.

The Dhingra Commission, set up in 2015 by the Manohar Lal Government, was looking into the grant of licenses for change in land in Gurgaon. Robert Vadra's company, Skylight Hospitality, was also under the scanner.

On Friday, the Bharatiya Janata Pradesh (BJP) asserted that the grand old party was looting India.

"Probably, the Gandhi family considers the whole of this country as their property and were trying to loot this country. That's the reason as to why they have lost the political land," BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told ANI.

"We have seen the case of Skylight hospitality, a company of Robert Vadra which had been amassed through wrong land deals in Haryana. The case is also going on. Now we have to come to know about land deals of Priyanka Gandhi. She had also been profitting from land deals," he added.

However, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi defended Vadra and said he had not received any notice or summon from the Dhingra Commission.

"It is to commit the contempt of court if you publish the content of Dhingra report," Singhvi added

Vadra's wife Priyanka Gandhi also rebuffed any relation between the property she purchased in Haryana with alleged illegal acquired funds and her husband Robert Vadra's finances or Skylight Hospitality.

"Six years prior to the purported 'land deal involving Skylight Hospitality' on April 28, 2006, Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra purchased 40 Kanal 00 Marla (= 5.0 acres) of agricultural land in Village Amipur, Tehsil Faridabad, District Faridabad in Haryana," a press release from Priyanka's office stated.

It further said that the land was purchased for a total purchase price of Rs. 15, 00,000 paid for entirely by cheque, which is the equivalent of Rs. 3, 00,000 per acre.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Following the Centre's stand of not initiating talks with separatists demanding 'azaadi', defence expert Qamar Agha on Saturday said the government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has made it clear that it will not negotiate with the Hurriyat Conference organisations.

Agha further said that the previous governments tried to talk to the Separatists but all their efforts went in vain, adding that Hurriyat in itself is a problem.

"The Centre has made its stand categorically clear to the Supreme Court that the government of India led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not negotiate with Hurriyat Conference organisations or the group or organisations that are a part of the Hurriyat. Besides this, they also believe that the Hurriyat has no solution, but it's a part of the problem. So, why to negotiate with it? The previous governments talked to them but nothing came out," Agha told ANI.

Meanwhile, senior journalist Rahul Jalali said that dialogue process has not been ruled out and it will continue with those who want to pursue it within the framework of the constitution.

"This has been the constant stand of every central government which has been there in Delhi, including this that you cannot officially talk to anyone who does not believe in the Indian Constitution. The same has been made clear by the Central Government in the Supreme Court also. It is obvious that India is not going to talk on 'azaadi'," Jalali told ANI.

Earlier yesterday, the Centre told the Supreme Court that it would not talk to the separatist leaders, who demand 'azaadi' (freedom).

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, top law officer representing the Centre, made this statement while the apex court was hearing a petition filed by Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association (JKHCBA) to take to various stakeholders and consider their opinion in connection with the plea against the use of pellet guns in the state.

Earlier in the day, the court asked the association leaders to get names of the people, who can hold talks with the Centre for the resolution of the present situation in the state.

JKHCBA was also asked to assure the top court that no stone pelting would be committed in the future if they wanted prohibition against the use of pellet guns.

The apex court had earlier asked the Centre to consider effective means other than use of pellet guns to quell stone pelting mobs in Jammu and Kashmir as it concerns life and death.

The Kashmir High Court Bar Association (KHBA) had earlier alleged that the pellet guns were being 'misused'.

The case was filed in the wake of the several lives lost during last year unrest in the Kashmir Valley.

Around 78 people lost their lives and over 100 people were injured, several critically, in Jammu and Kashmir last year due to the use of pellet guns, JKHCBA claimed in its petition.

The division bench of the Supreme Court had, in December last year, admitted the petition for hearing and directed the Central Government to submit the report of the team of experts constituted on the use of pellet guns before the court.

Earlier in July 2016, the Centre constituted a team to recommend suitable replacement for the pellet guns.

A seven-member expert committee set up for exploring other possible alternatives to pellet guns as non-lethal weapons submitted its report to Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi in August.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The former driver of late chief minister Jayalalithaa and also the prime suspect of case, C. Kanagaraj was killed on Friday in a road accident in Attur near Salem district in Tamil Nadu.

The second accused in the case and a close friend of Kankaraj, Sayan was critically injured while his wife and child died in another road accident in Kerala's Thrissur district.

The police report stated that that second road accident might have been a suicide act.

Kanagaraj met with an accident when he was on his way to a relative's house in Sakthi Nagar in Thalaivasal, on a two-wheeler on the Salem-Ulundurpet Highway.

Meanwhile, Sayan who has suffered serious injuries was taken to a nearby private hospital in a critical condition and later shifted to the Coimbatore Government Medical College.

A case has been registered a case under Sections 279 (rash driving on a pubic way) and 304A (causing death by negligence) of IPC against the car driver in the Attur Police Station.

The accused driver is being interrogated by the police.The post mortem is to be conducted in the afternoon.

TN Congress Chief S. Thirunavukkarasar on Saturday suggested that these types of properties can be taken over the state government.

"The property was bought by the Jayalalithaa when she was in film industry. So, that can made a memorial house of Jayalalithaa and then it can be open to a general public," Thirunavukkarasar told ANI.

Talking about the accident, the Tamil Nadu Congress chief said the accident case should be properly investigated either by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or by the retired judge of High Court. So, that truth can be told to the general public.

On April 24, a security guard at late Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa's Kodanad estate was allegedly killed by the duo.

The ooty police headed by S.P. Murali Ramba held three persons, Santosh, Satish and Deepak in connection with the murder of guard Om Bahadur.

The incident comes in the wake of the raging power struggle in the state between the two factions of the ruling party - All India Anna Munnetra Dravida Kazhagam (AIADMK) - one led by Chief Minister E. Palanisamy and the other by former chief minister O. Panneerselvam.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) general secretary Ram Madhav on Saturday said the Centre wouldn't hold talks with separatists who use Kashmiris as 'guinea pigs in their reprehensible politics of violence and separatism.'

"The separatists have only one motto: One dead body a day, so that they can play sentimental politics over the dead bodies. The security forces and the government on the other hand try their best to ensure that the ill-intentions of the separatists don't succeed," Madhav posted on the social media.

Madhav, who is the party in-charge of Jammu and Kashmir, said the government and the security forces were executing a difficult job of mainlining peace in the Valley with a commendable effort.

The BJP leader's remarks came a day after the Centre told the Supreme Court that it wouldn't hold talks with separatist leaders who demanded 'azadi'.

The Centre's remark came as the apex court was hearing a plea filed by the Jammu and Kashmir Bar Association against the use of pellet guns. The Association wants the Centre to hold talks with Hurriyat leaders.

The top court said that it would tell the security forces and the police to suspend the use of pellet guns if the petitioner gives an undertaking that there would be no stone pelting.

The BJP leader added that the armed forces had very few pellet guns and were used in rare situations only.

"Even where used they are deemed less lethal than normal guns and bullets. Even there the forces are trained to maintain maximum restraint and use other methods to control violence," he said.

Kashmir has been witnessing increasing incidence of stone pelting incident following the April 9 bypolls to the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency which was held amidst conflict.

Mere 7.14 percent polling was recorded.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
President Donald Trump on Friday condemned the ballistic missile launched by North Korea, saying that it has disrespected the wishes of China.

" disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!" Trump tweeted.

North Korea's attempt to launch a ballistic missile in the early hours of Saturday morning, apparently failed, reported a local South Korean Agency citing South Korea's military.

As per the agency, neither the type of missile, nor the distance travelled is yet known.

Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urged the community to increase pressure on North Korea, saying that failing to do so would bring 'catastrophic consequences'.

He also called on for new sanctions to pressure Pyongyang to dismantle its nuclear program.

"All options for responding to future provocations must remain on the table. Diplomatic and financial leverage or power will be backed up by willingness to counteract North Korean aggression with military action, if necessary," he said while chairing a special meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

On April 16, North Korea's attempt to launch a missile on its east coast had apparently failed.

CNN quoted a South Korean defense official as saying that the missile launch was carried out from North Korea's Sinpo region in South Hamgyong Province.

Earlier, a ballistic missile was also test fired by from the same site.

South Korean and U.S. intelligence officials are trying to determine the type of missile used by for this launch.

US Pacific Command said it tracked a missile launch which blew up almost immediately.

The attempts comes a day after North Korea begun a vast military parade to celebrate the birth of its founding father, Kim Il-sung, and warned that it was prepared to take the "toughest" action unless the United States ended its "military hysteria", The Guardian reported.
Putting a stamp on India's efforts to develop, for the first time, a primitive Adivasi girl has passed matriculation examination.

While terming her achievement as a matter of pride for Odisha, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan felicitated Monika Mankdia and wished her success.

"Mankdia community lives in Sukinda block of Jajhpur district in Odisha. As per primary information, for the first time a girl from that community has passed matriculation. Girl's father Ramdas Mankdia is a daily wage labourer. First time from such background, a girl has passed matriculation. We felicitated her and honoured her. We want Monika to pursue higher education. It is a matter of pride for Odisha. Everybody wishes her for a successful life," Pradhan told the media here.

Social activist Geetanjali Mahant said that others will derive inspiration from Monika and would exercise their rights, thereby marking their foot in the main society.

"In Jajhpur, Monika is the first girl from the primitive adivasi community to become matriculate. The people, who have been alien to their education rights, will be inspired by this girl and will be able to become a part of the main society. The government's health, education facilities have not reached them," Mahant told ANI.

There are only 3,000 Makdia Adivasis spread in nine districts of Odisha.

Let's hope Monika sets an example for others to follow and inspires more children from her community to mark their names in the field of education.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In what can be termed as a bizarre move, a well known university in Pakistan has banned "bed sharing" in girls' hostels.

According to media reports, the 37-year-old International Islamic University (IIU) has issued a notification in which it said any girl found sharing her bed with friends/sisters (sleeping, sitting in one blanket/bedspread) would be fined heavily.

Hostel boarders have also been told to keep 'proper and reasonable distance' between their beds (at least two feet).

The notification was issued by the university's Assistant Director Provost Office Nadia Malik.

One media report said that the notification has stirred a strong debate on social media because it was specifically issued for girls' hostels, when the fact was that several students are illegally residing in the boys' hostels of the university.

The IIUI has seven female hostel blocks which provide accommodation for about 2,500 students.

The IIUI administration has gone on record to say that the university has space constraints and found some of the girl students using their allotted beds to accommodate their relatives and friends.

It said the notification was aimed at addressing space management and administrative issues, but what seems to be at the heart of the problem is gender-specific language used in the notification.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Lashing out at Pakistan's government for failing to prevent terror attacks against Iran from its soil, Chairman of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Alaeddin Boroujerdi said that the neighboring country has become a "safe haven" for terrorist cells.

Boroujerdi, who was on a visit to the southeastern province of Sistan and Balouchestan, expressed his condolences over the death of 10 Iranian border guards in a recent terrorist attack that was launched from inside Pakistan.

"Given that terror cells' safe haven is located inside Pakistan and they (terrorists) cross the Islamic Republic of Iran's borders from there, undoubtedly, the Pakistani government is responsible for the bitter incident and other similar cases," Tasnim News Agency quoted Boroujerdi, as saying.

Asserting that Pakistan practically lacked the ability to control its borders, the parliamentarian said that it was the right of Iranian forces to take the necessary actions and respond to such attacks.

Pakistan's relations with Iran have nosedived after the recent killing of ten Iranian border guards at Mirjaveh on the Sistan-Baluchistan border by the Pakistan-based Sunni terror outfit, Jaish al-Adl or "The Army of Justice".

Tehran's move to summon Pakistan Ambassador to Iran, Asif Durrani and ask Islamabad to act "seriously and decisively" to detain and punish the (Jaish al-Adl) terrorists is in itself a pointer to the deterioration in relation, following the killing of the Iranian Border guards.

In a letter to Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said that given the warm and friendly ties with Pakistan, he was extremely disheartened to see militants using Pakistani soil to launch their attacks on people in Iran.

His anguish and anger over the killing of border guards was reflected in the statement that Iran "is very disheartened that it is repeatedly transgressed upon from Pakistani soil by armed bandits and terrorist hirelings."

He added, "Iran's soil has never been abused against any of its neighbours, including Pakistan."

Iranian police said the guards were killed by long-range guns and called on Islamabad to assume ultimate responsibility for the crime.

The Sistan-Baluchistan province in south-east Iran has long been plagued by drug smuggling gangs and separatist militants. The population of the province is predominantly Sunni Muslim, while the majority of Iranians are Shias.

The Jaish al-Adl is a Sunni militant group that has carried out several attacks on Iranian security forces with the aim of highlighting what they say is discrimination against Sunni Muslims and the Baluch ethnic group in the province.

In the last four years, this was the third instance of the militant group claiming responsibility for an attack.

It may be recalled that in October 2013, 14 Iranian border guards were killed. A further eight were killed in April 2015.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's relations with Iran have nosedived after the recent killing of ten Iranian border guards at Mirjaveh on the Sistan-Baluchistan border by the Pakistan-based Sunni terror outfit, Jaish al-Adl or "The Army of Justice".

Tehran's move to summon Pakistan Ambassador to Iran, Asif Durrani and ask Islamabad to act "seriously and decisively" to detain and punish the (Jaish al-Adl) terrorists, is in itself a pointer to the deterioration in relations following the killing of the Iranian Border guards.

According to The Guardian, the Iran Foreign Ministry's protest was strong and vociferous enough for Ambassador Durrani to offer his condolences and sympathy over the tragedy that took place on April 26, and to give an undertaking that he would flag Irans concerns as soon as possible with the Government of Pakistan.

Tehran was categorical to say, "Unfortunately, Pakistan's borders with us (Iran) are the least safe ones, while we have tried to provide utmost safety on our borders with Pakistan. We expect the Pakistani side to act on previous promises by not allowing such incidents to happen from Pakistans borders and soil."

In a letter to Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said that given the warm and friendly ties with Pakistan, he was extremely disheartened to see militants using Pakistani soil to launch their attacks on people in Iran.

His anguish and anger over the killing of border guards was reflected in the statement, Iran "is very disheartened that it is repeatedly transgressed upon from Pakistani soil by armed bandits and terrorist hirelings."

He added, "Irans soil has never been abused against any of its neighbors, including Pakistan."

He warned that targeting the Muslim worlds unity through proxy warfare to promote underdevelopment, insecurity and poverty in the region would be countered very strongly and effectively.

The Iranian leadership, according to a Press TV Iran report was viewing the killing of the ten Iranian border guards and injuries to two others as a desperate measure that would not go unanswered.

The Tasnim news agency reported earlier this week that the militant group Jaish al-Adl, or "The Army of Justice", had claimed responsibility for the killing of ten Iranian border guards in an ambush at Zero Point.

Iranian police said the guards were killed by long-range guns and called on Islamabad to assume ultimate responsibility for the crime.

The Sistan-Baluchistan province in south-east Iran has long been plagued by drug smuggling gangs and separatist militants. The population of the province is predominantly Sunni Muslim, while the majority of Iranians are Shias.

The Jaish al-Adl is a Sunni militant group that has carried out several attacks on Iranian security forces with the aim of highlighting what they say is discrimination against Sunni Muslims and the Baluch ethnic group in the province.

In the last four years, this was the third instance of the militant group claiming responsibility for an attack.

It may be recalled that in October 2013, 14 Iranian border guards were killed. A further eight were killed in April 2015.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
His Holiness Pope Francis has rented a private beach near Rome in order to help a charity group people with disabilities enjoy the sea and sands.

The group 'Work of Love' has rented a portion of the Little Madonna beach since 2012 and has set up boardwalks, ramps and water vehicles to provide access to those in wheelchairs and are also battling other problems which make it difficult to spend the day at a beach.

Monseigneur Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, told CNN that the Pope Francis gave the charity an undisclosed sum to "support the project that helps disabled youth and in particular to cover the cost of the annual rent for the beach known as the Little Madonna."

The charity group was more than thrilled to have received the news of the donation with "enthusiasm and astonishment."

The Rev. Massimo Consolaro, the priest in charge of the group, told CNN that hundreds of people with disabilities use the beach every year, and the numbers are rising.

Work of Love created the space -- about 17 miles south of Rome -- to be a "beach without architectural or mental barriers, where everyone can enjoy the sea together," the group said on its website.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday approved the recommendations of the Dawn leaks inquiry committee to remove Tariq Fatemi as Advisor on Foreign Affairs.

Fatemi was removed over his alleged role in the Dawn leaks controversy.

"Allocation of portfolio of Foreign Affairs to Syed Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, shall be withdrawn," ARY News quoted a letter from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), as saying.

According to a notification from the PMO, action will also be taken on the findings of the report against Rao Tehseen Ali, the Principal Information Officer at the Foreign Office.

The notification added that the role of the editor of Dawn Newspaper, Zaffar Abbas, and reporter Cyril Almeida will be referred to the All Pakistan Newspaper Association (APNS) for necessary disciplinary action.

APNS has also been asked to develop a code of conduct for the print media, especially when dealing with issues relating to national security, and to ensure that stories are published by abiding to basic journalistic and editorial norms, the notification said.

The government had set up an inquiry committee headed by former Lahore High Court Judge Amir Raza with representatives of the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Military Intelligence (MI) to probe the controversy surrounding a report by Dawn about a key meeting on national security.

The inquiry committee report held Fatemi primarily responsible for leaking minutes of the key meeting to the newspaper without due permission.

Interior Ministry Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan presented the final report of the inquiry committee to Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday.

The Dawn leaks report pertains to Dawn staffer Cyril Almeida's story 'Act against militants or face international isolation, civilians tell military' published on October 6 last year, which came under fire as it was suggested that there was an alleged rift between the country's powerful military and the civilian government for its failure to act against the non-state actors.

The report described what transpired in a high-level meeting in which the civil leadership allegedly criticised the military's policies on militancy.

The government repeatedly rebutted the story as 'false and fabricated' while the military leadership went on to call it a 'breach of national security'.

The Pakistan Government also sacked Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid after preliminary investigations established a 'lapse' on his part vis-a-vis publication of the controversial story.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Conference leader Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said highlighting the death of three army soldiers in Kupwara was aimed at spreading hatred against Muslims.

"The noise is not so much about 25 CRPF jawans getting killed in Chhattisgarh, rather, the noise is about three army men killed in Kupwara.They are beating the drum to increase hatred towards Muslims, please keep this in mind," Abdullah said.

"Now a days, new tricks are being played, be careful. This is not an attack on particular sect of people, but on all of us," he added.

Criticising the Centre for banning the Internet and other social media, the former Jamm and Kashmir chief minister said, "I called on the government and told them don't take such types of measures. They are mistaken that the by imposing ban, conditions will improve. The situations will not improve until and unless talks are not held with all. They think they can suppress us with force. The more they try to suppress it, the more fire it will create," he said.

Three armed soldiers, including a captain, were killed on Thursday during an ecounter with terrorists in the Panzgam camp in Kupwara district.

In the gunfight, Captain Ayush Yadav, Subedar Bhoop Singh Gujjar and Naik B Venkata Ramanna were the ones killed.

Five other soldiers were injured and are undergoing treatment at the army's 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Amid speculations that FETO in India could cause friction during talks between visiting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, analysts have suggested that Turkey could use the issue of Fethullah Gulen-linked educational institutions as a bargaining chip with India, in return of supporting New Delhi's entry into the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) group.

According to senior Syrian journalist Dr. Waiel Awwad, Erdogan who now enjoys extended executive powers post the referendum, will call the shots in Turkey as his goal is to fight the Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation (FETO) across the world.

"This is one of the main (aim of) Erdogan, to fight the Fethullah organisation and institutions around the world and he has to show the world that he is the man who pulls the shot. There may be some kind of evidence presented by the Turkish President to the Indian side (on presence of FETO in India). The Turkish President could start using it as a barraging chip to India. He has his own interests in having good relations with India," Dr. Awwad told ANI.

Last year, following a failed military coup, Turkey had urged India to root out the presence of Fethullah Gulen's supporters and sympathizers in India, as Ankara held the U.S. based Turkish preacher Muhammed Fethullah Gulen responsible for the coup.

India had at the time demanded concrete evidence about FETO's presence in the country to act against it.

FETO, a name given to Gulen's movement by the Turkish government, is a trans- Islamic civic society movement inspired by his teachings. The Turkish Justice and Development Party government, which was once an ally of Gulen, has designated the movement as a terrorist organisation.

Dr. Awwad further said that recently, there has been a change in Turkey's tone over the issue of NSG as strong economic relations with India are in favour of Ankara which is opening up its economy and needs investments in infrastructure.

"On NSG, recently we have noted a change of tone of the Turkish government towards this issue. With the economic relationships, with the pragmatic steps they are taking, we may see some kind of change of heart with President Erdogan, who will have a more clear understanding of the Indian position post the visit."

"There will be discussion on increasing the economic ties because Turkey is opening its market they need investment in infrastructure, which will play a major role (in bilateral negotiations).

Also, Turkey is seeking to boost its tourist industry, which is the main source of its income. Good relations with India will certainly give a fillip to it, he added.

Dr. Awwad further highlighted the pressure from other nations that are favouring India for its entry to the NSG, something that Erdogan won't ignore.

As Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to kick-off his first visit to India starting April 30- his first foreign outing after winning the recent referendum that extended his powers - to discuss terror, trade, nuclear issues. However, all eyes will remain on the issues of India's entry to the NSG group and Ankara's stand on Kashmir.

Though Ankara hasn't categorically opposed New Delhi's admission to the elite NSG- 48-nation grouping that controls the export of technology and materials used to generate nuclear power and make atomic weapon.

Turkey has been insisting on "criteria-based approach" instead of giving unqualified support to India.

Even though India has been pushing hard for the membership it has failed due to objections from countries like China and New Zealand.

On the Kashmir issue, Turkey has traditionally been seen as supportive of Pakistan.

Also, India hosting Turkey right after hosting Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades will be a tricky balancing act for New Delhi.

Turkey and Cyprus are engaged in territorial disputes and during his visit President Anastasiades sought India's help to reunify the northern and southern parts of the country.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan has said that the U.S officials are considering a further deployment of around 5,000 additional troops, even though the new administration's strategy for Afghanistan has not yet been finalised.

"General (John) Nicholson has made his recommendations to his chain of command and that is currently being discussed in Washington. We think it is reasonable to expect a decision from them sometime in the next month or so," Tolo News quoted Captain Bill Salvin, spokesman for Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan.

The Resolute Support said that unlike former U.S president Barack Obama's administration, the new administration would refrain from specifying a deadline for the withdrawal of its forces from Afghanistan.

"Ultimately that will be decided in Washington what General Nicholson has asked for is a few thousands more troops so he can conduct his train, advise and assist mission below the core level and below the police zone level. So we essentially can train more people simultaneously and ultimately help meet the four-year road-map that president Ghani has laid out," Salvin added.

Meanwhile, Taliban announced the launch of their offensive yesterday under the name of "Operation Mansouri" and vowed more attacks across the country.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The annual Urs Mubarak of Hazrat Sheikh Dawood Sahib (RA) popularly known as Batmol Sahib (RA) was celebrated with traditional fervor at his residence in Batmaloo area of Srinagar.

Scores of people from different parts of the Kashmir came to celebrate the Urs Mubarak.

In this celebration, the devotees, including women and children, paid obeisance and offered special prayers at the shrine which resounded with recitations of verses of Holy Quran.

The Ulema and Imams threw a detailed light on the life, religious services and teachings and spiritual strength of the revered Islamic scholar and saint who had devoted his whole life to the service to and preaching of Islam.

Sufis, all over the world, have made their mark in history for serving the humanity in general and the destitute, poor and needy ones in particular.

As per the legends, Srinagar used to be frequently hit by famines.

"But Batamaloo sahib started praying and used to cook food in a big vessel which would be enough to feed scores of people who would throng to the area," says a historian.

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Dozens of Palestinians were injured in the clash erupted between the Israeli forces and Palestinians demonstrating in support of jailed hunger striker, in the occupied West Bank on Friday, Anadolu news agency reported, citing a Palestinian Red Crescent.

"Ten Palestinians were hurt by rubber bullets and live ammunition in clashes that erupted in several areas near Ramallah," the agency said quoting the Palestinian Red Crescent.

"Seven other Palestinians were injured in clashes that occurred in the West Bank cities of Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus and Qalqiliya," it added.

As per reports, at least 50 Palestinian demonstrators had suffered asphyxia due excessive teargas inhalation.

The incident took place when a score of Palestinians from across the West Bank staged marches and demonstrations here to support hundred of jailed Palestinians is on hunger strike for the past 11 days.

The protests, which were organized by the National Committee to Support the Hunger Strike, included representatives of several Palestinian factions.

As per Palestinian figures, Israel is currently holding more than 6,500 Palestinians which includs 57 women and 300 children.

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Seemingly impressed with the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) performance in the recently-concluded the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) polls, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday gave a new connotation to the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and asserted that the MCD polls proved that it stood for 'Every Vote Modi'.

"The citizens of Delhi in the recent MCD polls have proved that EVM stands for 'Every Vote Modi'," said Yogi Adityanath, addressing party workers in Gorakhpur.

Further taking a jibe at all the ministers who objected on the red beacon ban, Adityanath stated that whoever didn't respect the law could leave Uttar Pradesh.

"We had urged earlier too that people who do not respect the law can leave Uttar Pradesh. There has been a transformation in the law and order situation in the State and this will continue in the future too. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has put a full stop to the VVIP culture in the country and everyone should respect that and abide by it," Adityanath said.

Yogi Adityanath also stated that the state government would provide electricity to the district headquarters 24 hours a day. He said that the workers would cooperate for the change, which would be visible everywhere.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Adityanath laid the foundation for several schemes. This is the second tour of Yogi's to Gorakhpur visit since he became the Chief Minister.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale the island of Mindanao in the Philippines on Saturday morning, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.

The quake struck offshore near Glan town in Sarangani province at a depth of 10 km around 4.23 AM, 68 km south of the city of General Santos, Xinhua news agency quoted the USGS as saying.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology chief Renato Solidum said that residents near coastal areas in the region should be wary of possible tsunami waves.

However, no tsunami warning was raised after the quake.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or casualties.
Italian authorities on Friday opened an investigation against US online retailing giant for allegedly evading 130 million euros ($141 million) in taxes between 2011-2015.

The investigation is at least the third in Italy against a big US digital company that Italian tax officials targeted in major tax probe, Xinhua news agency reported.

In January, Italian officials opened an investigation alleging that search engine company Google owed at least 224 million euros, a charge the company denied.

In late 2015, computer and mobile device giant Apple settled a tax suit for 318 million euros, the largest single tax settlement ever in Italy.

In the case, tax authorities filed the paperwork with prosecutors in Milan, alleging that Amazon's tax payments on a revenue of around 2.5 billion euros between 2011 and 2015 was too low.

officials in Italy did not immediately comment on the probe, but in 2016 the company denied any wrongdoing when reports of a potential tax investigation in Italy emerged.

Amazon was founded in 1994, and the company has operated its own Italy-only site since 2010. Since 2013, the Italy site has been the country's largest online retailer.
Canada will allow Brazil, Bulgaria and Romania's citizens to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport, a ministry statement has said.

Starting May 1, those citizens of these countries who have held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or who currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa would be eligible to apply for the eTA, the Canadian Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship said on Friday.

They would not need a visitor visa, to travel to Canada by air, Xinhua news agency reported.

However, those who do not meet these criteria or were travelling to Canada by car, bus, train, or boat would still need a visitor visa.

"This initiative will make it easier for eligible travellers to come to Canada and to transit through a Canadian airport. It will also encourage them to make repeat visits."

"The end result will be more travel and tourism and more economic benefits for Canadians," said Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Ahmed Hussen.

The Ministry also said Canada was to lift the visa requirements for all Romanian and Bulgarian citizens on December 1, 2017.

At that point, the citizens from these two countries' would no longer need a visa to travel to Canada. However, similar to other visa-exempt travellers, they would need an eTA to board their flight to Canada.

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, cannot apply for an eTA and would need a valid Canadian passport to fly to Canada.

Permanent residents of Canada were also not eligible to apply for an eTA, and, as usual, must show their permanent resident card or a permanent resident travel document when travelling to Canada.--IANS

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The Congress on Saturday replaced as general secretary in-charge of poll-bound Karnataka as well as Goa, where the party failed to form government despite emerging as the largest single party.

The charge of Karnataka has been given to party MP K C Venugopal, who has been appointed a general secretary. A Chella Kumar has been named AICC in charge of Goa.

A press release issued by the party said that four party secretaries - Manickam Tagore, P C Vishnunadh, Madhu Yashki Goud and Sake Sailjanath - will assist Venugopal.

"Congress President Sonia Gandhi has assigned the task of looking after Karnataka and Goa affairs to new AICC teams," the Congress release said.

Elections will be held to the Karnataka assembly in the first half of next year. The Congress is in power in the state.

The release said that party secretary Amit Deshmukh will assist Chella Kumar.

The Congress failed to form the government in Goa despite emerging as the largest single party. Elections to the Goa assembly were held earlier this year and the BJP formed the government with help of smaller parties.
Amid opposition accusations of tampering of electronic voting machines (EVMs) to favour the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Saturday the Delhi civic polls had proved that the EVM stands for "Every Vote for Modi".

At a meeting of party workers in Gorakhpur, his parliamentary constituency since 1998, the Chief Minister said EVM for him meant - 'Every Vote for Modi'.

Questioning the opposition over the allegations that EVMs were compromised, Yogi wondered how those very people who had been elected in the past through EVMs were now questioning its reliability.

The Delhi Municipal Corporation election results have proved that for the people EVMs mean "Every Vote for Modi", he said.

He also said that EVMs were tamper proof and if anyone would try to manipulate it, it will shut down on its own.

On his second trip to Gorakhpur since he took over as Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath also warned criminals to leave the state or face consequences. During his two-day visit the Chief Minister will review the law and order in the division and also kick-start 10 projects.
Four school children were injured here on Saturday when a low intensity bomb exploded in a government-run middle school, police said.

Senior Superintendent of Police Manu Maharaj said four students of the Urdu Middle School in Marwari colony of Khajenkala in Bihar were injured in the blast.

"Prima facie it appears to be the work of anti-social elements. A crude bomb was kept on the roof of the school building. While playing, some students touched it triggering the explosion," Maharaj said.

Police have begun a probe into the incident.

All four injured admitted in a hospital were said to be out of danger.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday handed over a Pakistani teen who had crossed into Indian territory inadvertently in the Abohar sector in Punjab, a BSF official said.

The Pakistani national, Razak, aged around 15, hailing from Kasur district in Pakistan, was apprehended by BSF troopers on Friday in the operation area of Border Out Post (BoP) Sowar Wali, in Abohar sector.

BSF deputy inspector general R.S. Kataria said the Pakistani teenager had inadvertently crossed the International Boundary (IB) and entered inside Indian territory and reached near the border security fence.

"The Pakistan Rangers were contacted today and the apprehended Pakistani national was handed over to them being an inadvertent border crosser on humanitarian grounds," the spokesman added.

This year (2017), the BSF has handed over seven Pakistani inadvertent border crossers to the Pakistan Rangers.

--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 give Rs 350 million to descendants of freedom fighters in the next five years under the new 'Muktijodha scholarship scheme for Bangladesh, Indian High Commissioner Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said.

He was speaking at a scholarship award ceremony in Chittagong on Saturday, bdnews24 reported.

The Muktijodha Scholarship Scheme was started by India in 2006 for descendants of the 1971 freedom fighters. Up to now, more than 10,000 scholarships worth Tk150 million have been disbursed.

This year, scholarships have been awarded to 600 undergraduate students. Of them, 48 were from Chittagong.

Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina's visit to India announced that another 10,000 students will receive scholarships under the new Muktijodha scholarship scheme.

All freedom fighters are now eligible for five years multiple entry Indian visa and 100 of them will be provided free medical treatment in Indian hospitals every year.

Shringla said under the new scheme, students at the higher secondary level will get a onetime grant of Tk 20,000 and those at the undergraduate level will get Tk 50,000.

He said the initiatives announced by Modi reflect "our continued solidarity with the valiant Muktijodhas", the daily reported.

"You have fought shoulder to shoulder with Indian troops in 1971 and continue to be our eternal friends. May Almighty bless you all with good health, prosperity and happiness," he told the freedom fighters gathered at the ceremony.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mosharraf Hossain was also present.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Former Union Minister Ram Shankar Katheria, who has stirred controveries in the past with his remarks, is likely to be the Bharatiya Janata Party's next Uttar Pradesh chief, informed sources said.

Sources in the BJP told IANS that Katheria's name is learnt to have been finalised after consultations with Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), the ideological mentor of the party.

They said that RSS General Secretary Bhaiyaji Joshi and Joint General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale held discussions with BJP's Uttar Pradesh in-charge Om Mathur on the new BJP state chief, and Katheria's name was later suggested to BJP chief Amit Shah.

Katheria is a Dalit from Braj area of western Uttar Pradesh and would fit well in caste equations, party sources said.

Asked about appointment of the new UP BJP chief, a top BJP leader said: "It will be decided soon."

Sources said the name of the new BJP state chief could be announced as part of wider reshuffle in the party in line with the party's "one person, one position" principle.

Party secretaries Shrikant Sharma and Siddharth Nath Singh are now ministers in the Uttar Pradesh government as is Dara Singh Chauhan, who headed the party's OBC (Other Backward Castes) morcha. Dinesh Sharma continues to be national vice-president of the party besides being Deputy Chief Minister in the Yogi Adityanath government.

The reshuffle in the party could be linked to possible expansion of the Union Cabinet as former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar is now Chief Minister of Goa. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is holding additional charge of the Defence Ministry.

Keshav Prasad Maurya, another Deputy Chief Minister in Uttar Pradesh, continues to be the chief of the party in the state. The BJP scored a handsome win in the state in the recent assembly polls and party leaders have said that their target now is the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The BJP is keen on taking various communities along and the new appointments are expected to reflect the party's attempts to strike a balance in terms of caste representation.

While Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath is a Rajput, Dinesh Sharma a Brahmin and Maurya an OBC face of the party. Also, while Yogi Adiyanath is from eastern Uttar Pradesh, both Sharma and Maurya are from central part of the state.

Sources said that the party is keen to appoint a Dalit leader at a senior position in the organisation after formation of government in the state.

Katheria was dropped from the union council of ministers in July last year after a string of controversial remarks.

Addressing a gathering at Lucknow University, Katheria had said there would be "saffronisation of education and the country".

"Whatever is good for the country will be done, be it saffronisation or Sanghwaad (propagation of RSS ideology)," he had said.

Katheria had also made controversial remarks after murder of a VHP worker in Agra last year. He had subsequently clarified on his comments.

After being dropped from the ministry, Katheria had told IANS that the party will enlist his services in organisational affairs.

Katheria worked as a pracharak of the RSS in Agra for 13 years and has written books on Dalit issues.

Katheria had also earlier been a national general secretary of the BJP.

--IANS

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British TV personality and glamour model Katie Price has revealed that she wants to star as a judge on "Strictly Come Dancing"

It was recently claimed that Shirley Ballas, who has made guest appearances on "Dancing With The Stars" is the favourite to take Len's place on the panel, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

A source told The Sun: "Shirley had by far the best screen test and was a natural."

"Producers want her to replace Len because of her wealth of experience both in the dance world and already being a judge on the telly. This has become( [the BBC's) biggest talent job vacancy," the source added.

However, Shirley will need to fight off some stiff competition if she wants to be in with the chance of securing the gig as she wasn't the only one who had try outs at the Elstree studios.

"Strictly Come Dancing" will return to screens on BBC One in September.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Kerrville, TX (78028)

Today

Cloudy early with partial sunshine expected late. Slight chance of a rain shower. High near 80F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low 63F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.
French Front National (FN) presidential candidate Marine Le Pen announced on Saturday that she would appoint defeated first-round candidate Nicolas Dupont-Aignan as her Prime Minister if she is elected President.

Le Pen, 48, spoke in Paris at a joint press conference with Dupont-Aignan, 56, leader of the Debout la France (Arise France) movement, the sixth most-voted political formation during the April 23 presidential first round, with 1.7 million votes.

At said press conference both leaders formalised a national pact whereby if Le Pen wins the May 7 elections, Dupont-Aignan will be appointed Le Pen's Prime Minister.

Dupont-Aignan is a former member of the right-centre party Les Republicains.

This is the first time the FN has entered such an alliance as Le Pen's party has been traditionally shunned by the rest of the French political spectrum as a xenophobic and antidemocratic party, Efe news reported.

"Nicolas Dupont-Aignan is a sincere and demanding patriot. He has shown his willingness to abandon the comfort zone" said Le Pen.

According to polls, Le Pen has 40 per cent of the intended vote versus the 60 per cent estimate favourable to Emmanuel Macron, who is also supported by the French traditional republican (centre-right) and socialist parties.

Dupont-Aignan, mayor of the Commune of Yerres, a southeastern suburb of Paris, admitted differences with Le Pen, mainly in economic matters (euro and import taxes) but also said that they have many affinities such as a mutual love of France.

"I invite all French to join us in saving our country. This movement is growing" said Dupont-Aignan.

According to Le Pen, there will be increasing support towards her candidacy, which is foccused in halting globalisation, terrorism, and crime.

Le Pen obtained 7.6 million (21.42 per cent) votes in the first round of presidential poll versus Macron's 8.6 million (23.86 per cent).

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Three days after the Aam Aadmi Party's defeat in the Delhi civic polls, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday accepted that he has made "mistakes" and said the party will introspect and "course correct".

"In the last two days, I spoke to many volunteers and voters. The reality is obvious. Yes, we made mistakes but we will introspect and course correct," Kejriwal tweeted.

"Time to go back to the drawing board. To not evolve would be silly. We owe that to the voters and volunteers. We owe that to ourselves," he said.

The AAP leader said that action was needed to be taken and "not excuses".

"It's time to get back to work. And even if we slip from time to time, the key is to find the reserves to hold and pull ourselves up. The people deserve nothing less. The only thing constant is change."

The BJP on Wednesday swept all the three municipal bodies of Delhi, returning a tally of 181 of the total 270 seats. AAP managed 48 and Congress 30 wards.

The AAP's defeat comes more than two years after the Delhi assembly elections when it had humbled the BJP, winning 67 of the 70 seats.

However, the Bharatiya Janata Party's Delhi President Manoj Tiwari described it as "a new drama."

"Kejriwal had done it earlier also," Tiwari said giving the example of his stepping down after 49 days of his first time government from December 2013 to February 2014.

He said people will understand his tendency of "changing colours like a chameleon".

--IANS

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A man was shot dead in the Rohini Courts complex on Saturday while being brought for court hearing, police said.

"Rajesh, a notorious criminal, has been shot dead outside Rohini Court by Mohit, resident of Jhajjar district Haryana, while he was being brought by Haryana Police," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rishi Pal said.

The police has arrested Mohit.

Rajesh was arrested in a murder case in December 2016 and was undergoing judicial custody in Haryana.

--IANS

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Ghaziabad's new District Magistrate Ministi S. and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) H.N. Singh took charge of their posts on Saturday.

Ministi, a 2003 batch IAS officer, told media persons that her focus would be to strengthen society by educating children and improving the work culture through transparency.

Singh, a 2006 batch IPS officer who has earlier served in in the Anti-Terrorism Squad at Noida and SSP of of Rai Bareli and Kanpur, meanwhile told the media that he needs their support to serve the people, especially the downtrodden.

--IANS

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North Korea on Saturday launched a ballistic missile that blew up over land, a spokesman for the US Pacific Command said.

The missile didn't leave North Korean territory, CNN quoted US Navy Commander Dave Benham as saying.

A US military assessment found the main part of the missile landed approximately 35 kilometres (22 miles) from Pukchang airfield, a US official told CNN.

"North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!," US President Donald Trump tweeted.

South Korean officials said the test likely was a failure.

"We are analysing additional information," the nation's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. "Our military is maintaining a thorough defence posture while keeping a close eye on the possibility of North Korea's further provocations."

White House officials said Trump was briefed as Air Force One returned to Maryland from Atlanta, where Trump earlier addressed a meeting of the National Rifle Association.

The test-fired missile probably was a medium-range ballistic missile called a KN-17, the US official said. The KN-17 is a land-based solid-fuel missile fired from a mobile launcher.

North Korean state media did not report on Saturday's launch, as is customary in the case of an unsuccessful test.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The much-talked about pact on the Kathmandu-Kerung rail project, a cross-border rail network between Nepal and China, is in the final stage of signature, said Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Krishna Bahadur Mahara.

Speaking at a programme organised by the China Study Centre and the Nepal Institute for Strategic Centre on "One Belt One Road Initiative and South Asia" in the capital on Friday, Mahara said Nepal would sign the pact with China.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' had assured the Chinese side that Nepal would sign an agreement to extend the rail network from Kerung to Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lumbni, he said.

"As per the PM's proposal, we are making preparations to sign the agreement with China soon," Mahara said.

While it is uncertain whether Nepal would be part of "One Belt One Road" (OBOR), Mahara, who is set to lead Nepal at the OBOR conference in Beijing next month, said that Nepal wanted to take advantage of the plan, reported the Kathmandu Post.

"We have taken it as an opportunity to expand economic cooperation," he said, adding, "Nepal is at a final stage to sign the initiative to which the government has accorded the highest priority."

"We are sure a country like Nepal will be helped by this initiative which is expected to bring together many countries, including those in South Asia," Mahara said.

Though top Nepali officials, including Prachanda, have been insisting on Nepal's participation at the OBOR conference, sources privy to the development said negotiations and consultations with the Chinese side are underway and no concrete decision has been made yet, the daily reported.

During his recent visit to China, the Prime Minister had assured the Chinese leaders that Nepal would be the signatory of the initiative by April 20.

But Nepal could not meet the deadline because a text for the agreement was not ready, said an official.

--IANS

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Press freedom in the US and across the world is at its lowest point in 13 years, according to a new report by the watchdog group Freedom House.

The group makes its annual analysis based on the legal, political and economic environment for journalists in the prior year, reports CNN.

This year's report issued on Friday changed the US' press freedom rating by two points, from 21 to 23 -- its worst rating in more than a decade.

The group attributes this to a worsening political environment, the rise and polarisation of partisan outlets and an increase in Russian-sponsored propaganda related to the 2016 presidential election.

US President Donald Trump's open disparagement of the press, both as a candidate and since taking office, also contributed to the diminished score, according to the report.

"No US president in recent memory has shown greater contempt for the press than Trump in his first months in office," the report noted.

"Trump's attacks mirror initial actions in other countries where freedom subsequently suffered far more drastic restrictions and interference," CNN quoted the report as saying.

However, the US is categorszed as having a free press in the latest findings, and its constitutional protections were applauded.

"The US enjoys lively, aggressive, and diverse media, and some of the strongest legal protections for reporting and expression anywhere in the world."

Globally, the 2017 report found that only 31 per cent of countries have a free press, which the group defines as "a environment where coverage of political news is robust, the safety of journalists is guaranteed, state intrusion in media affairs is minimal, and the press is not subject to onerous legal or economic pressures."

Norway, Sweden, Finland, Belgium and Denmark had the most press freedom; North Korea, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Crimea and Eritrea had the least.

--IANS

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Rajya Sabha's Deputy Leader of Opposition Anand Sharma on Saturday said ruling and opposition parties are like two wheels of a chariot, necessary to run democracy, a statement said.

Addressing the valedictory session of the annual session of business chamber Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here, he also said that legislative scrutiny of the bills is necessary to ensure good policies and good laws, a CII statement said.

Illustrating this with the example of the Goods and Service Tax, Sharma said that the reform has become a reality because of the support of the opposition parties.

Sharing his views on the theme of the session "Future of Globalisation: Can India Lead?", he said it is important to look at how India was engaging with the world and vice-versa.

The former Union Minister also noted that India's reform process has been robust, and has not seen any major reversals in spite of changes in parties.

--IANS

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Urging Muslims to not take the issue of "into the realm of politics", Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that given India's "great tradition", he is sure that solution to issues like it will come from within the Muslim community only.

"Looking at the great tradition of Indian culture, I feel optimistic, and a hope runs within me, that powerful persons come from within this society itself who challenge and destroy the archaic laws and develop modern institutions," Modi said here while speaking on the occasion of Basava Jayanti.

"I am sure from the Muslim community too, such reformers will come forward and would fight against the injustices being faced by Muslim daughters and would find a way out," he added.

Modi observed that over the centuries several evils crept into the Indian society, but interestingly the resolution to fight against those evils also came from within the society itself.

He cited the examples of Lord Basaveshwara, who had envisioned a democratic arrangement several centuries ago, and that of 19th century social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy who fought for the rights of widows.

He said our land has been blessed with great individuals who have transformed society. "There would be Muslims from India who would have the capacity to guide Muslims across the world. Such is the beauty of this soil.

"And there will be people in the Muslim society who would come forward to save our mothers and sisters from triple talaq," he added.

The Prime Minister appealed to the Mulsim community to not let the matter of go into "realm of politics".

"You (Muslims) come forward, find a solution. That solution would be lasting, and would empower the generations to come," he said.

Modi said that his motto is "Sabka sath, sabka vikas" whioch entails that there should not be any discrimination of any sorts. "By taking everybody along, and with the help of all, it is possible to achieve the goal of 'development for all'," he said.
Vice President Hamid Ansari on Saturday said that some countries come up with legal technicalities as an excuse to try to avoid committing themselves in the fight against terror.

He was speaking to reporters onboard the aircraft while returning to India after a five-day state visit to Armenia and Poland.

Responding to a question on adopting the Comprehensive Convention on International (CCIT), the Vice President noted that every country is facing the problem of in a lesser or greater degree and understands the problem.

Referring to his time as the Permanent Representative of India to United Nations in New York in 1994, when India's proposal on CCIT was stuck due to differences in perception on defining a terrorist, he said that while reaching an international agreement, all kinds of legal problems come up and those who do not want it to make progress, come up with legal technicalities.

It is an excuse on part of some countries to try to avoid committing themselves, he added.

To a question on image of India in foreign countries, the Vice President said that India's image outside, or image within the country is on different planes and multiple images are a fact of life.

He said that Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is sending Mars mission, launching satellites of other countries and Indian IT professionals are present all over the world, but along with it, there is poverty and inequality.

"But despite all this, it is also the fact that we have been able, for seven decades, to run a democratic system on a monumental scale," he added.

About his trip, the Vice President said that both Armenia and Poland are friendly countries.

He said with Poland, "the biggest economy of Central Europe, India focused on three areas of interest -- clean coal mining technology, agricultural products and techniques and defence cooperation".

The Vice President said that he has suggested to the Polish leadership that the country join the Make in India Programme and instead of being a seller only, they could become an India-based seller, which would give them a much additional advantages.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The state executive of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will meet here on May 1, party secretary Salil Bishnoi said on Saturday.

The two-day meet, which is the first after the party romped home to power in the assembly elections earlier this year after a 14-year exile, will be inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

He will address the state office bearers in which party related matters and resolutions will be taken up. The two-day meeting of the state working committee will conclude with the closing address of the BJP's national President Amit Shah on May 2.

Along with members of the working committee, union and state ministers and permanent invitee members will be present in the meeting.

--IANS

md/ruwa/bg

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A third youth from Kerala who ran away to join the Islamic State terror group in Afghanistan has been killed there, police said on Saturday.

According to information received here, Yahya alias Bastian, who was in his late 20s, is reported to have been killed in Afghanistan, said the Kerala Police's intelligence wing.

A top intelligence official told IANS that this information was received on the mobile of a relative of another person who was part of a group now in Afghanistan.

"We have got this information from a person residing here and the death pertains to a man who hails from Palakkad district. Other details are not known," said the official.

Yahiya alias Bastian along with his wife, his brother and his wife, who have all been reported missing, hail from Palakkad and had converted to Islam.

The four were part of a 21-strong group from Kerala who reached Afghanistan.

With this death, this is the third Keralite who left the state last year and reached Afghanistan to be killed.

Early this month, Muhammed, said to be in his 20s, was reported to have been killed along with 36 IS militants who were killed after the US struck the terror group's position in eastern Afghanistan with a massive GBU-43 bomb, also known as the "mother of all bombs".

In February this year, information reached the relatives of 26-year-old Hafeesudin that he had been killed in a drone attack.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan last year had informed the state assembly that 21 people, including children, were missing - 17 persons from Kasargode district and four from Palakkad.

--IANS

sg/vd

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Two villagers in Manipur's Churachandpur district were killed in cross-fire when militants ambushed security personnel near the international border on Saturday, police said.

The militants also kidnapped four workers from the spot in Behang, a tribal village.

The security personnel were escorting a water tanker for the camp. The militants opened fire at the security personnel who retaliated. The two tribal villagers were strolling there when they were caught in the cross-fire.

Additional forces have been rushed from the district headquarters. However there is no report of any arrest so far.

Police said that one IED had been exploded there on Friday. However there was no casualty.

--IANS

il/rn

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Two villagers in Manipur's Churachandpur district were killed in cross-fire when militants ambushed security personnel near the international border on Saturday, police said.

The militants also kidnapped four workers from the spot in Behang, a tribal village.

According to the police, the security personnel, escorting a water tanker for the camp, were fired upon by the militants and retaliated. The two tribal villagers were strolling there when they were caught in the cross-fire.

Additional forces have been rushed from the district headquarters. However there is no report of any arrest so far.

Police said that one IED had been exploded there on Friday. However there was no casualty.

A defence ministry spokesman said in Kolkata that 10- 15 militants, suspected to be members of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), attacked the General Reserve Engineering Force (GREF) water bowser.

The spokesman said the two deceased were unarmed labourers working on Imphal-Tiddim road.

The incident happened around 8.35 a.m. near Border Pillar 41 along the India-Myammar border.

The militants detonated three Improvised Explosive Devices and then used 'lathods' (single shot grenade launchers) and fired from automatic weapons.

"It is estimated that 60-65 rounds were fired by the terrorists. The terrorists are suspected to have fled across the border," the spokesman said.

--IANS

ssp/vd

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Five days after the Supreme Court ordered the Kerala government to re-instate T.P. Senkumar as the state police chief, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has yet to take action in the matter and is learnt to have sought fresh legal advice from experts.

On Saturday, Senkumar told reporters in the state capital that he was not unduly worried as his counsel will take "appropriate action at the appropriate time".

He declined to confirm reports that his counsel is set to approach the Supreme Court on Monday to bring to their attention that the state government has not acted.

Vijayan, who Saturday arrived at Kochi to take part in a party meeting, ducked media queries on the delay in Senkumar's reinstatement.

On Monday, the Supreme Court ordered the Kerala government to restore Senkumar as the Director General of Police after noting that his removal in May last year was "arbitrary".

Vijayan, who is also the Home Minister and is known to be a tough customer, was presented a report from the Law Secretary P.G. Harindranath, who has recommended that Senkumar should be appointed without further delay. But he is learnt to have sought fresh legal advice from other experts.

The Vijayan government removed Senkumar in 2016 after a public outcry over alleged mishandling of a temple fire tragedy and a murder case, which the Supreme Court negated and ordered for the reinstatement.

Senkumar is to retire from service on June 30.

Kaleesheweran Raj, a legal expert, told the media that the state government is inviting trouble by delaying obeying the apex court's directive.

--IANS

sg/rn

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After the resounding victories of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the UP assembly elections and Delhi municipal elections, the party increasingly appears to be politically invincible.

The three parties which offered some resistance to it in 2014 -- the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha and Trinamool Congress in West Bengal -- are not in the pink of health today.

The AIADMK has all but collapsed after former Chief Minister Jayalalitha's death, the BJD has suffered serious reverses in the local polls and is feeling distinctly nervous while the Trinamool Congress has shot itself in the foot by its rather too soft a policy towards the Muslims, thereby alienating the Bengali middle-class Hindus, while several of its prominent personalities have become embroiled in scams.

Among the supposedly all-India parties, the fact that the Congress has fallen back on Sonia Gandhi to reach out to the regional leaders for an anti- alliance shows that the party's attempts to prop up Rahul Gandhi haven't succeeded. It will not be easy for Sonia Gandhi, who is clearly not as fit and energetic as before, to take up the kind of role which she played to bring the non- parties together in 2004.

Those who worsted the in 2015, like Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi and Nitish Kumar in Bihar, have also suffered a decline, especially the former.

It is not surprising, therefore, that the BJP is now eying the east and the northeast as its new areas of conquest. The alacrity with which Congress MLAs in various states are joining the BJP shows that they regard their former adversary as a greener pasture for political and personal advancement.

It is not that the BJP doesn't face problems. For one, it has become a virtual one-man party with its dependence on Narendra Modi for success in even municipal elections. The party does not have a second line of defence if only because Modi has kept previously prominent party members like Arun Shourie and Yashwant Sinha, not to mention veterans like L.K. Advani, well outside the organisation.

For another, the economy has not been picking up in a manner which will sustain hope about the success of Modi's development agenda. The prime minister, therefore, has been speaking more about a pro-poor thrust a la Indira Gandhi than about rapid growth.

For a third, the government appears to be at a loss as to ways to deal with both external and internal threats posed by the Pakistan-based fidayeens (suicide bombers) and the Maoists, mainly in western and central India.

Even then, what evidently keeps the BJP going is Modi's popularity which has made him the most dominant person in today's politics, as Congress leader P. Chidambaram has said. Apart from the Prime Minister's seemingly boundless energy and rhetorical skills, his advantage is that there is no one in the opposition camp who can match his wide appeal.

Not only that, his adversaries have undermined themselves by self-defeating moves as when Sonia Gandhi stalled the Manmohan Singh government's forward march on the economic front by opting for extravagant populist measures, thereby handing over her own government's development agenda on a platter to Modi. As Chidambaram ruefully admitted later, the government should not have taken "the foot off the accelerator of reforms".

Similarly, Kejriwal came to power with the assurance of providing a clean government as promised by his one-time mentor, Anna Hazare, who pleaded for the setting up of a Lokpal, an anti-corruption ombudsman. But Kejriwal's own internal ombudsman, Admiral L. Ramdas, had to leave the Aam Admi Party (AAP) for questioning the Chief minister's authoritarian style, which also led to the ouster of the latter's former allies, Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan.

By the time Kejriwal had concluded the purge of his own party, it was clear that governance, whether a clean one or not, was not his primary objective, but an insatiable craving for power. Once this obsession became clear, it was obvious that his party's days were numbered since the aam admi or the common man after whom the outfit was named had seen through his pretensions. The AAP's defeat in Delhi was only to be expected, therefore, after its setbacks in Punjab and Goa.

Like Kejriwal, Nitish Kumar, too, has failed to live up to the expectations that he had aroused during his earlier stint as Chief Minister when he succeeded in ridding Bihar of the lawlessness -- or the jungle raj, as it was called -- which was rampant during the tenures of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders Laloo Prasad Yadav and his wife, Rabri Devi.

But now, as an ally of Laloo Prasad while Rabri Devi is calling for her son, Tejaswi, to be elevated from Deputy Chief Minister to Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar's focus is somehow to hold on to power.

So, who will stop the BJP? Not only is there no one in sight, but there is little chance of the opposition parties being able to put together an anti-BJP combine because of their fractious internal relations.

Besides, they lack a forward-looking economic agenda which appeals to the young as Modi's Make In India, Digital India, start-ups and other programmes do.
Would the central government's assertion that talks to improve the situation in can only be held with mainstream political parties -- and not separatists -- have a positive impact in the Valley?

Unlikely, given past experience. And the current political stalemate might unfortunately continue.

In its submission before the Supreme Court on Friday, the Union government ruled out talks with those who challenge the state's accession to India.

The apex court has also disposed off a petition filed by the Bar Association that said the Centre was doing little to improve the ground situation in the Valley. The Court asked the association to do its bit by coming up with suggestions that would help improve the situation.

The opposition National Conference (NC) has slammed the decision against engaging the separatists in a dialogue. An NC statement said the announcement was the last nail in the agenda of the alliance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the allies that rule Jammu and .

The agenda of alliance, signed by the PDP and the BJP, had stated that talks would be held with every stakeholder in Kashmir to bring permanent peace to the state.

A high-level security-cum-development review meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on April 27 spoke of the Rs 80,000 crore ($12.5 billion) package to the state announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting was informed that Rs 19,000 crore of this had already been released.

Deployment of additional forces, handling of students' protests, tackling militancy and other related aspects of the deteriorating situation in the Valley were also discussed threadbare in the meeting.

Whenever trouble erupts in Kashmir, voices become shriller for dialogue and reconciliation.

During the 2010 unrest, when Omar Abdullah headed the NC-Congress coalition in the state, two Round Table Conferences of all political parties were held at the behest of then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Some 120 civilian protesters died in that unrest.

Trouble again erupted last July following the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani in a gunfight with the security forces. It was only the setting in of winter that finally broke the bloody cycle of violence in which 94 civilian protesters lost their lives in clashes with the security forces.

That bout of violence also brought senior leaders of all national political parties to the Valley to help find ways to end the face-off.

The moot point is that talks with those accepting the state's accession with India are always welcome, but these have not been beneficial -- beyond a point -- so far.

"The trouble lies on the other side of the political spectrum in Kashmir. The separatists have claimed a huge victory because of the extremely low voter turnout during the (recently-held) parliamentary by-election in Srinagar.

"Violence marred those elections, but it was basically the anger of the people that they stayed away from the voting process," said a senior NC leader who did not want to be named.

PDP insiders argue that an outright rejection of talks with all stakeholders, including the separatists, would further shrink the mainstream political space.

"Talking only to those who do not dispute the accession is a monologue and not a dialogue. How will it address the entire issue, which is not merely a law-and-order issue," a senior PDP leader asked.

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who met the Prime Minister in Delhi earlier this week, told reporters immediately after that unless talks are also held with the separatists, the situation might never improve in Kashmir.

She even invoked Atal Bihari Vajpayee's doctrine of dialogue within the ambit of "Insaniyat, Jamhooriyat and Kashmiriyat" (Humanity, Democracy, Kashmiri ethos).

Meanwhile, the PDP has requested that the May 25 Parliamentary by-poll in Anantnag be further deferred. The Election Commission has asked the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to provide 74,000 paramilitary forces to ensure the safe conduct of the by-poll.

All these developments have placed Mehbooba Mufti in a highly unenviable position.

"The PDP had emerged as an alternative to the NC in mainstream politics of Jammu and Kashmir. Today, the space for not only the PDP, but for all mainstream parties, has shrunk alarmingly," said another NC leader.

Whither is Kashmir headed today?

Well, the murder of Pulwama PDP district president Abdul Gani Dar by militants, was condoled by the party in the winter capital Jammu and not in the slain leader's village in Pulwama.

Isn't that ominous?

(Sheikh Qayoom can be contacted at sheikh.abdul@ians.in)

--IANS

sq/vm/sac

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has renamed Teen Murti Chowk Haifa Chowk after the city in Israel. Sadly, few know what Haifa is and why it should be remembered. Former Finance, Defence and Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh is indisposed but he would have been the first to applaud  and explain. On September 23 every year, the Indian Army celebrates Haifa Day and its own part in winning that battle (for Haifa) for the Allied Powers in World War I. Next year, the Army will celebrate 100 years of the battle.
Asserting that the final battle against the will be fought in Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Raman Singh today said his government will not sit idle till there was peaceful development in the Bastar region.

He was replying to a discussion over adjournment motion notice in Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly on the recent Maoist attack in the state's Sukma district in which 25 CRPF jawans were killed.

The main opposition Congress had sought the discussion.

In his reply, the Chief Minister said, "The final battle against Naxalism in the country will be fought in Chhattisgarh. Anti-Naxal operations will continue in Bastar and the state government will not rest till there is peaceful development in Bastar for the betterment of the people."



"Maoists fear development. They do not like development of facilities like roads, bridges, health and education, but despite all odds the state government is working to ensure every kind of development in Bastar," he said.

"The incident in Burakpal in Sukma is definitely very painful as we have lost our brave soldiers," Singh said.

"The state government's policy against Naxalism is very clear. First, there is no compromise with terrorism and Naxalism. We will continue the fight to save democracy," he said.

"The construction of 57-kilometre long road connecting Sukma-Doranpal-Jagargunda is being carried out in collaboration with Central and state security forces. Our soldiers have achieved martyrdom while protecting the roads being built in Bastar zone....I would like to bow down to their martyrdom," the CM said.

"In the last one year in Bastar region, we have completed the construction of 200 km of roads. About 2000 km of roads are being built there. Police and security forces, including CRPF, ITBP, Cobra battalion, are working hard to protect the workers who are constructing the roads," he added.

The CM got emotional when he mentioned the Naxal attacks inJiramValley and Tadmetla in the past.

Earlier, moving the adjournment notice, Congress Legislative Party Leader TS Singhdeo and other party MLAs said that contrary to government's claims of elimination of Maoist problem in Bastar, the rebels were executing deadly attacks frequently.

Police intelligence machinery had collapsed and launched two attacks within 46 days which clearly showed police were not doing enough, Singhdeo added.

Meanwhile, the Congress members staged a walk-out from the House over a comment of BJP MLA Shivratan Sharma about the opposition party. However, they returned after Sharma concluded his speech.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Saturday took a dig at the Congress over their allegation that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) party leaked the Dhingra Commission report, saying that the latter must guilty otherwise would have demanded to make the report public themselves.

Swamy told ANI, "There is nothing criminal as it is a public matter. So, therefore the Congress party must be feeling guilty, otherwise they would have demanded to make the report public."

"We should see the facts in the report rather seeing that is it a leak or not. We have created the whistleblower act to unearth these kinds of facts," he added.

Earlier, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi had asserted that Vadra had not received any notice or summons from the Dhingra Commission.

"It is contempt of court if you publish the content of Dhingra report," Singhvi added.

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra on Saturday responded to Dhingra Commission report's allegations that stated Vadra reaped unlawful profits through land deals in Faridabad. Vadra took to Facebook and simply wrote, "truth shall prevail."

According to reports, Vadra made unlawful profits of Rs 50.5 crore from a land deal in Haryana in 2008, concluded Justice S N Dhingra.

The Dhingra Commission, set up in 2015 by the Manohar Lal Government, was looking into the grant of licenses for change in land in Gurgaon. Robert Vadra's company, Skylight Hospitality, was also under the scanner.

On Friday, the Bharatiya Janata Pradesh (BJP) asserted that the grand old party was looting India.

"Probably, the Gandhi family considers the whole of this country as their property and were trying to loot this country. That's the reason as to why they have lost the political land," BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told ANI.

"We have seen the case of Skylight hospitality, a company of Robert Vadra which had been amassed through wrong land deals in Haryana. The case is also going on. Now we have to come to know about land deals of Priyanka Gandhi. She had also been profiting from land deals," he added.

However, Priyanka Gandhi rebuffed any relation between the property she purchased in Haryana with alleged illegal acquired funds and her husband Robert Vadra's finances or Skylight Hospitality.

"Six years prior to the purported 'land deal involving Skylight Hospitality' on April 28, 2006, Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra purchased 40 Kanal 00 Marla (5.0 acres) of agricultural land in Village Amipur, Tehsil Faridabad, District Faridabad in Haryana," a press release from Priyanka's office stated.

It further said that the land was purchased for a total purchase price of Rs. 15,00,000 paid for entirely by cheque, which is the equivalent of Rs. 3,00,000 per acre.
Seven people were killed and six others were injuries in four separate road accidents in Sirmaur and Shimla districts of Himachal Pradesh during last 24 hours.

Three persons were killed when their hatchback car rolled into a deep gorge near Haripur Dhar village, about 100 km from Nahan today, police said.

The occupants of the car were on their way to village Kulag from village Korag in Sangrah tehsil of Sirmaur to attend a wedding.

There were four occupants in the car and one of them received multiple injuries who was admitted to Dr Y S Parmar Medical college, Nahan.

Rajesh (24), resident of village Jarwa, and Kapil (27) resident of village Kulag, were killed on the spot, while injured Baldev Singh [35] succumbed to his injuries at the hospital in Nahan, said P L Joshi, the station house officer at Sangrah police station.

In another incident, two persons were killed on the spot while four others, including a woman and three children, suffered injuries after their car rolled 200 metres down into a gorge near Devidhar on Shimla-Mandi road.

Sources said the driver of the vehicle lost control while negotiating a sharp curve, causing the accident.

Six persons were travelling in the ill-fated car, police officials said.

The injured were hospitalised, they said.

In the third incident, which occurred at village Sainwala on Nahan-Kala Amb road, a girl was killed after being hit by a speeding truck, a police official said.

Her brother, a student of class XII, also suffered injuries in the accident, the official said, adding that the truck driver fled the scene with the vehicle.

The boy is hospitalised, said Yogender Singh, the station house officer of Kala Amb police station.

One person was killed on the spot and another critically injured when their car rolled into a Khad near bus stand in village Bhajond, on Renuka-Sataun road, late last night, about 60 km from here.

Police said the deceased has been identified as Dinesh (21), a local resident, while injured Manoj was rushed to a medical facility in Paonta area.

A case has been registered in this regard by Paonta police.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Seven new government medical colleges would be set up in Odisha to tide over shortage of doctors in the state, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said here today.

The new medical colleges would be established at Koraput, Mayurbhanj, Puri, Bolangir, Balasore, Kalahandi and Keonjhar, Patnaik said while addressing the annual conference of Odisha Medical Services Association.

While admission in the new medical colleges at Koraput and Mayurbhanj would be made this year, effort was on to admit students in other colleges next year, he said.

As many as 837 new doctors were expected to be recruited in the state soon through Odisha Public Service Commission, said the chief minister.

In addition to the seven medical colleges, Health Minister Pradeep Kumar Amat said, two hospitals were expected to be set up by central PSUs.

"We hope the shortage of doctors in the state will be met when all these colleges start functioning," Amat said.

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Raising questions about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav said today that when petrol can be stolen with the help of a chip, there also were possibilities of misuse of the machines used during polls.

"When petrol can be stolen with the help of a remote through a chip without having any internet connection then through EVMs too. Need to stop the wrong use of technology," Yadav tweeted.

He was referring to the state police yesterday raiding seven petrol pumps here which were allegedly using remote- controlled electronic chip in fuel dispensing machines to dupe unsuspecting consumers.

The Election Commission (EC) has rubbished any allegations of misuse of the EVMs.

Akhilesh, whose party was drubbed by the BJP in the UP Assembly elections, had earlier also claimed that the EVMs cannot be relied upon and demanded that future elections be conducted through ballot papers.

"When will EVMs develop a snag no one can tell ... When will the software fail ... Machines cannot be relied upon. We do not have faith in EVMs," Akhilesh had told persons in Lucknow.

BSP supremo Mayawati had also alleged misuse of EVMs in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections blaming it for her party's poor showing.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An Asian Universities Alliance was established here today with an aim to enhance cooperation and communication among 15 member varsities, including one from India.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong attended the inaugural meeting, and stressed the significance of the alliance in deepening regional cooperation in Asia.

She said she expected the alliance to build a bridge between people from different cultures, while serving as a platform for international cooperation with the wisdom of Asia.

"It will make a big difference to the prosperity and the cultural exchange within the region," Liu said.

The alliance was proposed in March 2016 by Tsinghua University, where the meeting was held.

Over 400 principals, teachers and students of the 15 founding member universities from 14 countries and regions also attended, state-run Xinhua agency reported.

The alliance aims to enhance cooperation and communication among Asian universities, and play a role in solving regional and global issues.

Other than the Indian Institute of Technology-Mumbai (IIT-Mumbai), the founding members include Tsinghua University, Peking University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, South Korea's National University of Seoul, Japan's Tokyo University, Thailand's Chulalongkorn University, Myanmar's Yangon University, Malaysia's University of Malaya, National University of Singapore, University of Indonesia, Sri Lanka's University of Colombo, UAE University, King Saudi University and Kazakhstan's Nazarbayev University.

"Higher education should not have only one voice. Western education is also successful but I do believe that there are Eastern educational philosophy and heritage that deserves to be cherished also," Tsinghua University President Qiu Yong said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bajaj Group patriarch Rahul Bajaj has asked the government to clarify whether the Indian firms spending two per cent of their profits on corporate social responsibility, as mandated by the new company law, should get tax exemption on it.

Citing the conflicts in the tax laws, the veteran industry leader today said that when the companies spend money on charitable trust or donate to institutions as the Prime Minister Relief Fund, then they get exemptions but CSR spending is taxed.

"Today you spend money on R&D and you get 130 to 150 per cent write off. You give money into the PM Relief Fund, you will get 100 per cent write off. On various thing, you donate you get write off. Will you give it to the same organisation for CSR. You said that you would not get. There is contradiction in terms. It's not clear at all," Bajaj said.

However, he also said: "We do not want any exemption and incentive but there is a clearcut anomaly there."



According to Bajaj, who is now involved with few NGOs and charitable organisations as member of the board of trustees and chairman, CSR is also like a philanthropy and "anomaly has to be clarified by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and the Ministry of Finance".

The Companies Act of 2013 has made it mandatory on the corporates to spend 2 per cent of their average net profit of the past three years on corporate social responsibility-driven activities.

"It is for CII to consider whether they deem fit it to refer the concerned relevant committee to make it to the government and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Finance Ministry also," Bajaj said while addressing the annual session of industry body CII here.

According to him, if a company spends on charitable work through CSR, then the end recipient get the amount after tax is paid. "I know people who are associated with outstanding organisation including Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi, I know how difficult for him to get money," he said.

Thermax Chairperson Meher Pudumjee said that there was a need to think beyond CSR activities involving public private participation.

Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Co CMD Jamshyd N Godrej said that there is no short of cause for spending on social works.

According to Godrej, there is need to think beyond the traditional philanthropy leveraging intellectual, financial and human capital.

Infosys co-founder S Gopalakrishnan said more funds (as part of CSR and philanthropy) needs to be channelled into research in various areas.

Kris, as Gopalakrishnan is popularly called, has donated USD 1.8 million to Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) for brain research.

He has also committed funding in a brain research centre at the Indian Institute of Science and set up three chairs at the Centre for Computational Brain Research, IIT Madras.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An American woman who was arrested while on a business trip in China and later convicted of spying has been deported to the United States.

Jeff Gillis says his wife, Phan "Sandy" Phan-Gillis, got on a flight to Los Angeles last evening. The couple planned to stay in LA a few days to visit relatives before returning to their Houston home.

It was on Tuesday when Phan-Gillis was sentenced by Chinese authorities to three-and-a-half years in prison. But the sentence was seen as an indication that she soon could be allowed to return home.

She had faced an uncertain fate since March 2015, when she disappeared from her group travelling in southern China. She was later accused of espionage.

Phan-Gillis is a US citizen of Chinese descent.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Nepal and China are set to sign the much-talked about deal for a cross-border rail network, Deputy Prime Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara has said.

Mahara said the agreement for the proposed rail network between the Nepalese capital Kathmandu, which stands at an elevation of nearly 1,400 metres above sea level, and Kerung, a bordering town of China, would be signed soon.

He was speaking at a programme organised by the China Study Centre and the Nepal Institute for Strategic Centre on the ambitious 'One Belt, One Road Initiative and South Asia' here yesterday.

Nepal's Prime Minister Prachanda had assured China that Nepal would sign an agreement to extend the rail network from Kerung to Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lumbini, said Mahara, who is also the Minister for Finance.

"As per the PM's proposal, we are making preparations to sign the agreement with China soon," he was quoted as saying by the Kathmandu Post newspaper.

While it is uncertain yet whether Nepal would be part of the OBOR, Mahara, who is set to lead Nepal at an OBOR conference in Beijing next month, said Nepal wanted to take advantage of the plan.

"We have taken it as an opportunity to expand economic cooperation," he said, "Nepal is at final stage to sign the initiative to which the government has accorded the highest priority.

"We are sure a country like Nepal will be helped by this initiative which is expected to bring together many countries, including those in South Asia."



Though top Nepali officials, including the prime minister, have been insisting on Nepal's participation at the OBOR conference, sources privy to the development told the daily that negotiations and consultations with the Chinese side was underway and no concrete decision has been made yet.

During his recent visit to China, Prachanda had assured Chinese leaders that Nepal would be the signatory of the initiative by April 20. But Nepal could not meet the deadline because a text for the agreement was not ready, the report cited an unnamed official as saying.

During the programme, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong highlighted the advantages of OBOR while urging the Asian nations to become the part of the event where representatives of over 150 countries are expected.

"It will fulfil the development appetite of South Asian nations," Yu said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A presumed US drone strike in south Yemen today killed three suspected members of Al-Qaeda, a Yemeni security official said.

The strike targeted a car in which the suspects were travelling in the Rawda region of Shabwa province, according to the official who did not want to be identified.

Since President Donald Trump took office in January, the United States has intensified its air war against Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, regarded by Washington as the most dangerous branch of the extremist group.

The Pentagon said on April 3 that it had carried out more than 70 strikes against jihadist targets in Yemen since February 28.

Al-Qaeda has taken advantage of the chaos caused by more than two years of civil war to expand its presence in Yemen.

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European Union leaders unanimously adopted their Brexit strategy at a special summit in Brussels today, in a show of unity ahead of two years of tough talks with Britain.

The 27 leaders quickly agreed on the negotiating guidelines as they met without Britain for the first time since Prime Minister Theresa May triggered the divorce process a month ago.

They say talks on a future trade deal with Britain can only start once London agrees divorce terms on citizens' rights, its exit bill and Northern Ireland.

"Guidelines adopted unanimously. EU27 firm and fair political mandate for the Brexit talks is ready," EU President Donald Tusk said on Twitter, shortly after the summit began.

Leaders adopted the guidelines, unchanged, within one minute, an EU source said.

Tusk earlier said leaders "need to remain united as the EU 27" but said it was "also in Britain's interest" if unity boosted the chances of a swift Brexit deal.

May this week accused the EU of ganging up on London, in a war of words with German Chancellor Angela Merkel who said Britain had "illusions" about the talks.

Brexit has offered the EU a fresh chance at unity after years of bitter internal divisions over the euro and migration, although many still fear they could fall out during the talks.

French President Francois Hollande said as he arrived that "the aim of the summit is unity", adding that "there will inevitably be a price and a cost for Britain."



Merkel said the EU wants "good relations" with Britain but added that "we also want to defend, at 27, our common interests -- so far we have done extremely well."



The EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, said the bloc had a "clear line" on the talks. "But this unity is not directed against Britain, I think that it is also in its interest," he said.

The EU 27 have considerably toughened the guidelines since Tusk first unveiled them a month ago, with Brussels also drawing up a detailed list of citizens' rights.

Tusk said this issue -- the fate of three million EU citizens living in Britain and one million Britons on the continent -- "must be number-one priority for EU and the UK."



Officials hope for agreement on this by the end of the year.

In a further move that will rile London, the EU is also set to back automatic membership for Northern Ireland if it reunifies with Ireland, and call for Spain to have a say over any deal that affects Gibraltar.

The leaders will also discuss for the first time the spoils of Brexit -- the relocation of EU medical and banking agencies that are currently based in London.

The EU guidelines say that only when "sufficient progress" has been made on divorce issues can these trade talks begin, with sources saying they hope to do that by the end of the year.

EU leaders were discussing how to define this progress after approving the guidelines at the summit, EU officials said.

While the EU says citizens' rights is a priority, the most touchy issue of all is likely to be Britain's exit bill.

This is estimated at around 60 billion euros ($65 million), which mainly covers financial commitments made by the bloc while Britain was a member.

The bill is politically toxic for Britain but also risks causing divisions among EU states as they debate how to plug any holes in the EU's budget.

May's decision to call a general election in Britain on June 8, in a bid to shore up her mandate and strengthen her negotiating position, has only stiffened their resolve.

The elections are "an internal problem she wants to resolve in the Conservative party, to have not a hard Brexit or a soft Brexit, but Theresa's Brexit," said Luxembourg's prime minister Xavier Bettel.

Actual Brexit talks are not expected to begin until after the British election, although the EU is set to give an official mandate to Barnier on May 22.

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The EU's top officials will seek a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a NATO summit next month amid mounting tensions with Ankara, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said today.

EU President Donald Tusk made the announcement to 27 European Union leaders holding a special meeting -- without Britain -- on Brexit, Merkel told reporters.

She said Tusk "told us today that he was going to ask for a meeting with President Erdogan, along with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, during the NATO summit" in Brussels on May 25.

"Mr Tusk indicated he was going to consult us about this subject beforehand, which I welcome," the German leader said.

Erdogan, whose country is a key NATO member bordering the Middle East, is due to attend the 28-nation NATO summit, which is also set to welcome US President Donald Trump for the first time.

Merkel told the German parliament on Thursday that both German-Turkish and European-Turkish ties had been "severely hit" in the last few weeks as Erdogan continued his crackdown after a failed coup attempt last July.

Merkel highlighted Ankara's arrest and treatment of German newspaper correspondent Deniz Yucel, saying it was "incompatible with a constitutional state".

Merkel also voiced concerns that the April 16 referendum on expanding Erdogan's powers was not held under fair conditions.

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European Union leaders unanimously adopted a "firm and fair" Brexit strategy at a special summit today, in a show of unity ahead of two years of tough talks with Britain.

The 27 leaders agreed the negotiating guidelines within minutes and applauded as they met in Brussels without Britain -- for the first time since Prime Minister Theresa May triggered the divorce a month ago.

They say talks on a future trade deal with Britain can only start once London agrees divorce terms on citizens' rights, its exit bill and the border in Northern Ireland.

EU President Donald Tusk hailed the "outstanding unity" among the leaders, saying it was a "firm and fair political mandate" for the Brexit negotiations.

"After four minutes we were ready, it's very promising," Tusk told a conference, adding it was the "first time in our history" the notoriously divided club had moved so quickly.

European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker said May had repeatedly urged him to be "patient" when they had dinner in London this week, but said Britain now needed to get serious about the talks.

"I have the impression sometimes that our British friends, not all of them, do underestimate the technical difficulties we have to face."



Brexit has offered the EU a fresh chance at unity after years of bitter internal divisions over the euro and migration.

May's decision to call a general election in Britain on June 8, in a bid to shore up her mandate and strengthen her negotiating position, has stiffened their resolve.

The British premier this week accused the EU of ganging up on London, in a war of words with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who said Britain had "illusions" about the talks.

But Merkel insisted that "no one is allied" against London and that the EU was merely protecting its interests in the wake of Britain's historic vote to leave last June.

Merkel said the 27 leaders had given a round of applause after "very quickly" adopting the guidelines.

French President Francois Hollande meanwhile praised their common position and said there would "inevitably be a price and a cost for Britain."



The EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, insisted the unity was "not directed against Britain" and that it was in London's interests for a quicker deal.

The EU 27 have considerably toughened the guidelines since Tusk first unveiled them a month ago.

Tusk said citizens' rights -- the fate of three million EU nationals living in Britain and one million Britons on the continent -- was the "number-one priority."



The former Polish premier urged a "serious British response", adding: "I want to assure you that as soon as Britain gives real guarantees for our citizens, we will find a solution rapidly."



The guidelines say that trade talks can begin only when EU leaders unanimously decide "sufficient progress" has been made on divorce issues.

Merkel said Barnier told the leaders he hoped for agreement on the divorce phase by autumn, so the talks can move onto a trade deal.

However, Britain says it wants to discuss the divorce and a trade deal in parallel.

In a further move that will rile London, the EU 27 also backed automatic membership for Northern Ireland if it reunifies with Ireland, and called for Spain to have a say over any deal that affects Gibraltar.

They discussed for the first time the spoils of Brexit -- the relocation of EU medical and banking agencies currently based in London.

While the EU says citizens' rights is a priority, the most touchy issue of all is likely to be Britain's exit bill.

This is estimated at around 60 billion euros ($65 million), which mainly covers financial commitments made by the bloc while Britain was a member.

The bill is politically toxic for Britain, though it also risks causing divisions among EU states as they debate how to plug any holes in the EU's budget.

Actual Brexit negotiations are not expected to begin until after the British election, although the EU is set to give an official mandate to Barnier on May 22.

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Former Union minister Ashwani Kumar has been selected by Japan for this year's Spring Imperial Decorations, for his contribution to strengthening of bilateral ties and promotion of friendship between the two countries.

The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, the highest category of decorations among the Orders of the Rising Sun, is conferred in recognition of distinguished accomplishments of individuals.

"The Presentation Ceremony for the Investiture of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun will be held at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on May 9, when the foreign recipients will be given an audience with His Majesty the Emperor of Japan," the Japanese Embassy here said today.

The former minister for law and justice in the government of ex-prime minister Manmohan Singh will attend the presentation ceremony to receive the decoration, it said.

"Kumar served as the Special Envoy of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Japan on the occasion of the visit of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan to India in December, 2013, and significantly contributed to the success of the visit," the embassy said in a statement.

He was the Accompanying Minister to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe when he visited India in 2007, and was Chairman of FICCI India-Japan Forum of Parliamentarians established during the visit of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to India in 2005.

"Kumar has also been contributing to the promotion of Japan-India relations in the field of Science and Technology, as Council member of the STS Forum," it said.

Noted industrialist Ratan Tata was one of the other Indian recipients of the Decoration in the past, it said.

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Haryana government has decided to take strict action against chit fund companies which fail to get themselves registered under the Haryana Protection of Interests of Depositors in Financial Establishment Act, 2013.

This was disclosed by P Raghavendra Rao, the additional chief secretary, finance and planning department, at a video conference held with all commissioners, additional deputy commissioners and officers in the offices of lead district managers and other departments, here today.

Rao directed the officers concerned to initiate strict against those chit fund companies which lure depositors by offering interest on deposits and other benefits and later disappear with the money overnight.

Officers of the Police Department were told to initiate legal action against such companies.

"Strict action will also be taken against companies which violate the rules of the Act," he added.

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The Madras High Court has come to the rescue of 38 rural students aspiring for medical seats, who submitted their applications for NEET exams, a week prior to the last date but could not remit the examination fees online due to non-receipt of a One Time Password.

The CBSE is directed to accept the fees from the petitioners with respect to their application forms as registered online through RTGS (Real-time gross settlement systems) on or before May 2, Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana said.

"On receipt of the fees, the CBSE is directed to generate the hall ticket and issue the same to them to enable them to sit for the NEET exams," the judge said.

The judge lauded the initiative taken by the CBSE in conducting the examination throughout the country online but said the issue of better connectivity has to be addressed or provisions made for an alternative method for situations like the present case.

A group of students had gone gone to the same internet centre to make their application form online. Though they were successful till the stage of applying and getting it registered, they were unsuccessful in completing the procedure by paying the required fees, the judge said.

"These candidates are from different pockets of the districts in Tamil Nadu. The low internet speed and power outage are the perennial problems faced even in the metropolitan cities. Therefore, no malafides can be imputed to these candidates who could not remit the fees online in the absence of any alternate mode," the judge said while disposing of a petition from M.Mugunthan and 37 others.

According to petitioners, students in the rural parts of Tamil Nadu had to wait till the last date expecting the policy announcement from the state government for exemption from appearance in the test as was done last year.

Since, no such announcement came, most of them were forced to apply online almost on the last date with a result that due to connectivity issues, they were unable to make the payment of the fees.

Their failure to make the payment of fee within the stipulated date viz March 1 was neither willful nor wanton. The situation occurred only because of the fact that people living in the rural areas do not have access to computer and were not proficient in handling of computer, they said.

They had to depend on third parties and in view of the problems arising due to power connectivity and non-receipt of OTP resulted in non-payment of the fee, they added.

The judge said in an identical situation in a batch of cases, the court by an order dated April 20 disposed of the same by issuing a positive direction to the CBSE to consider their request to receive the payment for NEET-UG-2017 examination fees in any other manner suitable to it and the order was upheld by a division bench.

Therefore, the CBSE can consider the plea of these aspiring students also in at least accepting their fee remittance to complete the application form which would enable them to sit for the examination, the judge said.

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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban told concerned allies in the EU's powerful centre-right political group that he will quickly meet EU rights demands over a controversial education law, the group said today.

Orban was summoned to a meeting with top officials from the European People's Party (EPP) over the law that could force the closure of a Budapest university founded by US billionaire George Soros.

The European Commission on Wednesday launched legal action against Hungary over the issue, giving the government one month to comply or face being taken to court.

"Prime Minister Viktor Orban pledged in the EPP council to follow and carry out all the demands of the European Commission within the timeframe set by the commission," said Siegfried Muresan, a spokesman for EPP president Joseph Daul.

However, Orban told the Hungarian state newswire MTI through his spokesman Bertalan Havasi that the university should not "enjoy special privileges" even if his government is ready to cooperate with the commission and does not wish to close the institution.

"The rules in Hungary must apply in the same way to everyone," Havasi said.

EPP chief Daul said in a statement that the party "sent a clear message to Prime Minister Orban and to his member party, Fidesz, that we will not accept that any basic freedoms are restricted or that the rule of law is disregarded.

"The EPP demanded from Fidesz and from the Hungarian authorities that they take all necessary steps to comply with the commission's request. Prime Minister Orban has reassured the EPP that Hungary will act accordingly."



The powerful EPP -- which is associated with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker -- insisted that the Central European University remain open and that all action against it be withdrawn.

The commission, the executive of the 28-nation EU, on Wednesday launched so-called infringement action against Hungary over the law targeting the university, alleging breaches of fundamental EU free-market laws.

Hungary can be taken to the European Court of Justice if it fails to comply and the court could impose stiff financial penalties.

The EPP said it also told the Orban government it was "unacceptable" for it to post questionnaires titled "Let's stop Brussels!" to households nationwide asking them how to deal with EU policies that Budapest says threaten their independence.

The EU is also concerned about legislation due to go to the Hungarian parliament in May which would force NGOs receiving more than 7.2 million forints (around 23,000 euros) annually from abroad to "register" with the authorities.

Orban's cabinet chief Antal Rogan told Hungarian public television that "Orban made clear during the meeting that we believe that no legal modification threatens the presence of the Soros-founded CEU operation in Hungary."



Orban added that the university's "freedom of education and scientific research is ensured" and that "the university can launch its new academic year," Rogan said.

In Budapest, the CEU said "it welcomes the EPP's clear defence of academic freedom and support" for the university.

"We call on the Hungarian government to initiate discussions immediately with the relevant US authorities...To conclude an agreement that guarantees CEU's right to remain in Budapest as a free institution," it said in a statement.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed Cyprus' support to India's bid for membership of the 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades also reaffirmed support for the "enhancement of the representative character" of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with India as a permanent member in the expanded body.

He also emphasised on making the UNSC "more effective, efficient and representative of the contemporary geopolitical challenges".

The two leaders also supported forward movement on the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on UNSC reform and reiterated their commitment to make continuous efforts to move towards text-based negotiations.

"Both leaders underlined their shared interest in strengthening global non-proliferation objectives. In this context, Prime Minister Modi appreciated the support of Cyprus to India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

"India's membership will enable it to contribute further to global non-proliferation objectives," a joint statement released by the ministry of external affairs said.

The two sides exchanged views on developments in their respective regions and on international issues of common concern, most notably the fight against international terrorism, it said.

They also discussed ways to reinforce measures to stem the financing of terrorism and disrupt the revenue stream towards terrorist groups, the statement said.

During their delegation-level talks yesterday, Modi and Anastasiades had strongly pitched for decisive action against states supporting, sheltering and sustaining "violence factories" in their regions.

"The two sides welcomed the recent adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2347 (2017), aiming to combat the unlawful destruction of cultural heritage, religious sites and artifacts, and the smuggling of cultural property by terrorist groups during armed conflict," the statement added.

Both countries also shared the view that the successful conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), proposed by India at the UN, remains a priority and will be a decisive step to further strengthen the global normative framework that will support vigorous international action against terrorism.

Anastasiades is on a five-day visit to India which concludes today.

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Italian police have detained six suspected neo-Nazis accused of agitating violence against foreigners.

agency ANSA today reported that the six are accused of inciting racial and ethnic discrimination and violence. They were detained in La Spezia in Liguria.

Video released by the Carabinieri shows neo-Nazi and neo-Fascist propaganda, knives and explosive-making instructions seized from a camper hidden in the woods.

The six are believed to belong to a cell whose members were wiretapped calling for violence against foreigners. They also are believed to have painted swastikas on a regional office of the centre-left Democratic Party and to have set fire to bins where the Caritas charity collects used clothing for the needy.

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Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe today urged Britain and the European Union to secure a "smooth and transparent" separation, saying that open trade in Europe was "a matter of concern to the world".

Abe met with British Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday, assuring her that he "continued to trust the UK economy after separation from the European Union," he told a press conference in London today.

But he warned that "all the stakeholders, including investors from countries outside the region" needed to have "clear future prospects" in a post-Brexit Britain.

More than 1,000 Japanese companies do business in Britain, employing some 140,000 local people, and Japan's direct investment in the country has topped 10 trillion yen (USD 96 billion) to date.

Japan has already warned that businesses with their European headquarters in the UK may decide to transfer their head-office function to continental Europe if EU laws cease to be applicable in the UK after its withdrawal.

Japan's major automakers have so far backed the British economy with Toyota announcing a 240 million pounds investment in a car assembly plant while Nissan gave the green light to new investments at its plant in northeast England.

The announcements raised questions about what assurances they had been offered by the British government.

EU president Donald Tusk said yesterday that Britain must first settle the divorce issues of "people, money and Ireland" before any talks on a post-Brexit trade deal.

Abe said he was worried about Britain suddenly leaving the bloc.

"Maintaining an open Europe is a matter of concern to the world," he said. "If the rules change overnight, there will be a concern about a possible confusion arising.

"I highly regard that the UK attaches importance to a smooth and transparent process including setting a transition period," he told the London press conference.

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Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today inaugurated an Indo-Dutch demonstration- cum-experimental orchard here and called for minimising the gap between laboratories and fields by sharing the research findings with farmers regularly.

The chief minister planted the sapling of an apple tree to symbolically throw open the demonstration orchard at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology SKUAST, an official spokesman said.

Vice-Chancellor Nazeer Ahmad informed the chief minister that 111 major and minor research projects are underway at the campus and 32 new projects worth Rs 18.93 crore are being started.

The university has released 12 new strains of high yielding varieties of rice, maize, wheat and other crops besides extending the cultivation of Mushkbudji (a fragrant variety of rice) to Budgam, Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara districts and rearing of Pashmina goat to Gurez and Sonamarg, the spokesman said.

Later, the chief minister visited the Residue and Quality Analysis and Pesticide Residue Analysis laboratories of the university and witnessed the activities going on there.

Mehbooba asked the university administration to minimise the gap between laboratories and fields and share the research findings with the farmers regularly through more and more extension activities, the spokesman said.

The chief minister also laid foundation of a hostel block for girl students. The three-storey building would be built at a cost of Rs 5.30 crore and on completion is expected to house around 70 students.

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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today met students and teachers of G B Pant Engineering College and promised that they would get a campus in 23 acres of land and also assured action against corrupt officials.

In the 20-minute meeting at Kejriwal's residence in Civil Lines, assistant professor Joshil K Abraham apprised him of irregularities by officials of Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology-Delhi (IIIT-D) and DTTE to get their illegal construction plans approved.

Following the move, Abraham ended his 25-day-long hunger strike, a statement released by the protesting students of the college said.

"Kejriwal assured action against corrupt officials and construction of campus in 23 acres for G B Pant Government Engineering College," the statement said.

It said the chief minister will also go to the college next week after a meeting with the officials involved in the matter.

Swaraj Abhiyan president Prashant Bhushan had on Thursday accused the AAP government and the previous Congress dispensation of failing to provide basic facilities to students of the college even 10 years after it was set up.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi had on April 19 met Abraham at the AIIMS where he was forcefully admitted by the police.

Ever since it was set up 10 years ago, the college is functioning in an abandoned hostel block of GB Pant Polytechnic despite the government having inaugurated it in a big way.

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Mali has extended a state of emergency by six months until October 31, a source in the parliament told AFP today, as the west African nation battles a jihadist insurgency.

An MPs meeting yesterday "voted unanimously" to extend the state of emergency, according to this source.

The measure has been renewed several times since jihadists stormed the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako in November 2015, killing 20 people in an attack claimed by Al-Qaeda's regional branch.

The decree, which was due to expire today, hands extra powers to security forces and restricts public gatherings.

The country's troubled north has witnessed a spate of jihadist strikes despite the emergency.

Last month, armed men killed five soldiers and injured 10 others in an attack on an army post in the tense Timbuktu region.

The last time the government extended the measure, it said the "security situation in Mali and in the sub-region is still characterised by the continued threat of terrorism and serious attacks on people and their belongings".

Mali's north fell under the control of jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda in 2012 who hijacked an ethnic Tuareg-led rebel uprising, though the Islamists were largely ousted by a French-led military operation in January 2013.

But jihadists continue to roam the country's north and centre, mounting attacks on civilians and the army, as well as on French and UN forces still stationed there.

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The Congress today accused the Modi government of being "anti-farmer", saying it will strongly oppose any move to tax farmers in the country.

Congress senior spokesperson Ghulam Nabi Azad alleged the NDA government at the Centre was testing waters on its proposal to tax farmers by using officials and bodies to stir the debate on the issue.

He said his party will launch an agitation across the country to oppose imposition of any more taxes on the country's farmers who have already been under stress.

The Congress general secretary alleged that farmers of the country have paid "the biggest price" by electing a BJP government, which has failed to fulfil any of the promises made to them ahead of elections.

Azad said recent statements have been made by Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian and Niti Aayog member Bibek Debroy to tax farmers and it looks like the government is going ahead with the proposal.

"It seems this government is all set to impose such a tax. This is being deliberately raised by government functionaries to test the waters," he said.

"The Congress rejects this proposition of taxing farmers and bringing agricultural income into the tax ambit. We will oppose this idea tooth and nail and will take on the government on every available public forum," he said.

He said the Indian farmer is already burdened by debt, subsidy cuts and high indirect taxes and asked why the BJP government wants to increase their miseries by imposing another tax on them.

He alleged since the past 35 months, the BJP government has taken several anti-farmer steps, which includes "betrayal" of Prime Minister Modi's solemn promise of 'MSP +50 pc profit' by waiving of import duty on food grains in order to benefit "his businessmen friends".

He said this year's Economic Survey advocated to levy taxation on agriculture and now important government functionaries were advocating that agricultural income should be brought under tax ambit.

"The complete apathy and insensitivity of the BJP government which is trying to impose tax on farmers through the backdoor is exposed by the fact that even though Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tried to contradict Debroy's proposal, the CEA wholeheartedly supports taxing farmers," he alleged.

Azad asked the prime minister and the finance minister on when the levy of excise duty and taxes on diesel which affected farmers the most would be removed.

"Farmers already are heavily taxed indirectly. Why does the BJP want an additional tax on their income now? The prime minister and the finance minister should answer this question," he said.

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The Odisha government today formally announced that it has cancelled the land allotted to South Korean steel major Posco for setting up a mega steel facility near Paradip.

"The state-owned Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) has informed Posco-India in a letter that the land allotted to it has been cancelled as the land was not utilised even three years after the allotment," Industries Minister Debi Prasad Mishra told reporters.

The minister said that Posco had also defaulted on land dues worth Rs 54 crore for which IDCO held back transfer of balance land to the company.

Earlier, Posco had informed IDCO in a letter about its failure to start work on the proposed 12-mtpa steel plant project near Paradip and requested the Odisha government to take back the acquired land.

The development came a day after JSW chief Sajan Jindal met Odisha Chief Secretary A P Padhi and said that Posco's site could be a location for his company to set up a 10 mtpa greenfield steel mill.

In a letter to Posco India, IDCO said about its decision to cancel allotment of 1,880 acres of land handed over to the company for the steel project.

The state government had acquired 578 acres of non-forest land and 1,301 acres of forest land at Kujang and Erasama tehsil in Jagatsinghpur district for the purpose of setting up Posco project at an investment of Rs 52,000 crore.

Mishra said that the state industries department had acquired 2,700 acres of land for the Posco project. Out of which, 1,800 acre was handed over to the company while the remaining land was in the possession of the state government.

On June 22, 2005, Posco India had signed an MoU with the Odisha government to set up a 12 mtpa steel plant at an investment of Rs 52,000 crore near Paradip. Though the tenure of the MoU ended in 2010, it was renewed again.

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Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan today defended a meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Indian tycoon Sajjan Jindal, saying it was not an "unpatriotic" gesture on the part of the Pakistani leader.

"Everybody know my views about India but I would say that the Prime Minister was not unpatriotic when he met the Indian (businessman). He is very much patriotic," Khan said while responding to questions during a press conference in Karachi.

Elaborating his anti-India sentiments, Khan said he was the only cabinet minister who refused to go to Lahore in 1999 to receive then visiting Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The meeting of Jindal earlier this week with Sharif has created storm as opposition and a slew of "experts" have been criticizing Sharif for hosting the Indian steel tycoon.

Jindal, who is said to be Sharif's and Narendra Modi's mutual friend and considered a sort of back-channel contact, briefly visited Pakistan on Wednesday.

He was taken by helicopter to Murree, where he met Prime Minister Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz. His trip led to speculation that a move for revival of bilateral dialogue could be afoot.

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Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das today urged his Bihar counterpart Nitish Kumar to assist in the renovation of Patna-based 'Albert Ekka P V C Param Veer Chakra Memorial Complex'.

In a letter to Kumar, Das drew the attention of retired colonel V K Singh, who had drawn Das' attention in this connection, according to a press release.

In his letter, Das wrote that when Ekka posthumously got the Paramveer Chakra for his bravery during 1971 Indo-Pak war during undivided Bihar he was the only Paramveer Chakra of the eastern zone.

The complex situated in Patna was inaugurated by the then Finance Minister and now President Pranab Mukherjee in 1984, Das wrote.

There was immediate necessary of renovation and reconstruction of the complex and with the assistance of Bihar it would not only honour the martyrs but also relations between the two states would further deepen, he said.

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Beleaguered Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today faced a crisis when Pakistan's powerful army rejected his move to sack top aide Tariq Fatemi and demanded full implementation of recommendations by a committee which probed a story on a rift between the army and the government.

The Sharif government was quick to go in damage control mode after confrontation with the army over a "notification" and announced that "real notification" to implement the recommendation of probe was yet to be issued.

Difference came to fore between army and government after the military, in an unusual move, rejected the "notification" by the government to sack special foreign affairs assistant Fatemi by Prime Minister Sharif following the findings of a probe committee.

"Notification on Dawn Leak is incomplete and not in line with recommendations by the Inquiry Board. Notification is rejected," army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said in terse statement on Twitter.

Minutes later, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan in veiled criticism of the hasty reaction by the army said, "Twitter reactions were highly dangerous for the country."



"There are several issues of great importance and it's unfortunate that they are being dealt with through tweets. State institutions don't communicate with each other through tweets," Khan said.

He asserted that no notification was issued as yet.

"What is being referred as notification by PM House is for the interior ministry which will issue a detailed proper notification to implement the recommendation of the probe. And I reiterate that no one would be spared and the findings will be implemented in letter and spirit," he said.

He, however, wondered why a storm was created when there was no basis for it.

"It was only a reference issued in lieu of the briefing given to the prime minister," the minister told reporters at a press conference in Karachi.

He said the interior ministry would issue a notification in line with the recommendations of the inquiry board.

His statement was believed to be an effort to deflect the criticism by experts and Opposition after the army rejected the letter by the Prime Minister to sack Fatemi.

Khan also criticised the confessional recorded statement of former Taliban spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan issued by the army this week. "It is not only immoral but illegal to run such statements," he said.

Earlier, Sharif approved the committee's recommendation to remove Fatemi after he was found guilty of "leaking" information to the media about a high-level security meet.

In October, a columnist for Dawn newspaper wrote a front-page story about a rift between civilian and military leaderships over militant groups that operate from Pakistan but engage in proxy war against India and Afghanistan.

The army took strong exception to the Dawn story and relations between army and the civil government deteriorated.

The PML-N government was forced to remove then information minister Pervaiz Rasheed but a probe was also initiated at the demand of army to fix the responsibility. The report was submitted to the prime minister this week.

According to the inquiry report, Fatemi was primarily responsible for leaking the report of the key meeting, and Sharif took action against him.

Analysts have termed the cropping of differences as detrimental to the civil-military relationship.

"The government should move fast to address the grievances of the army and fully implement the findings of the report," former Air Marshal Shehzad Chaudhry told Geo TV.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Floral tributes were paid to an Army jawan, who was killed in Jammu and Kashmir, in a terrorist attack.

On April 27, three heavily-armed terrorists stormed an army camp in Kupwara district of Kashmir, killing a Captain and two other soldiers before two of the assailants were gunned down in a fierce 35-minute encounter.

In the gunfight, Captain Ayush Yadav, Subedar Bhoop Singh Gujjar and Naik B Venkata Ramanna were killed.

The mortal remains of Ramanna were brought to the Naval Air station INS Dega here late last night from Jammu, a Defence release said today.

Military honour and wreath laying ceremony was conducted at INS Dega by Admin Commandant, Station HQs (Army) Visakhapatnam Colonel B Parkhe and Commanding Officer INS Dega Captain SA Joglekar, it added.

The funeral of Ramanna was held at Marripalem today with military honour with ceremonial guard from Navy and Police in attendance, it said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Turkey today blocked all access inside the country to the online encyclopedia Wikipedia reportedly for articles claiming links between Ankara and terror groups, the latest restriction on a popular website to hit Turkish users.

Turkey's Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) said it had implemented the ban against Wikipedia.Org, without making clear the reason for the move.

Turkish state media said the ban was imposed because Wikipedia had failed to remove content promoting terror and accusing Turkey of cooperation with various terror groups.

There was no indication as to when the ban might be removed, with a formal court order expected to follow in the coming days.

Reacting to the ban, Wikipedia's founder Jimmy Wales wrote on Twitter: "Access to information is a fundamental human right. Turkish people, I will always stand with you to fight for this right."



A block affecting all language editions of the website in Turkey was detected from 0500 GMT after an administrative order by the Turkish authorities, according to the Turkey Blocks monitoring group, which follows internet restrictions in the country.

Residents in Istanbul were unable to access any pages of Wikipedia this morning without using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), AFP correspondents said.

"The loss of availability is consistent with internet filters used to censor content in the country," Turkey Blocks said.

The BTK confirmed the ban in a statement but gave no details.

"After technical analysis and legal consideration based on Law No. 5651, an administrative measure has been taken for this website Wikipedia.Org," it said.

Law 5651, passed in 2014 by parliament, bolstered the BTK's control over the internet and was seen at the time by freedom of expression activists as an erosion of online liberties.

The incident quickly spawned its own separate Wikipedia entry -- "Wikipedia blocked in Turkey".

Quoting Turkey's transport and communications ministry, the state-run Anadolu agency said the ban was imposed because Wikipedia had failed to take down content purporting to show Turkey "on the same level as and cooperating with" terror groups.

It said Turkey had kept in contact with Wikipedia but the site had failed to remove the content in question.

Should the content be removed, the order would be lifted and access restored, it said.

No further details were given but Turkey has long taken a hard line against what it calls "terror propaganda" in favour of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Critics of Turkey, including Kurdish militants, have accused Ankara of occasionally collaborating with jihadists in Syria, a claim fiercely rejected by the government.

Turkey has become notorious over the last years for temporarily blocking access to popular sites, including Facebook and Twitter, in the wake of major events such as mass protests or terror attacks.

In March 2014, YouTube was banned for several months in Turkey after the site was used to broadcast purported footage of a security meeting on Syria.

In the summer of 2013, severe restrictions were imposed on social media during huge protests against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was prime minister at the time.

Savvy internet users frequently resort to the use of VPNs to get around these bans, though there have been reports that the use of VPNs has also started to be blocked.

The government says such measures are always temporary and needed for national security but critics see them as another restriction on civil liberties under Erdogan.

In November 2016, Turkey imposed restrictions lasting several hours on the messaging service WhatsApp as well as on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other sites following the controversial arrests of pro-Kurdish MPs.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim acknowledged at the time that "from time to time for security reasons we can use such measures.... These are temporary measures. Once the danger is passed, everything returns to normal."



Amid uproar on social media over the latest ban, there was also speculation the decision may also have been prompted by deeply unflattering updates to Erdogan's Wikipedia profile after he won the April 16 referendum on enhancing his powers.

The government insists that the new presidential system -- largely due to come into force in 2019 -- will improve efficiency, but critics fear it will lead to a one-man rule.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Two persons were killed and one other suffered burns today after their tractor came in contact with a live wire at Jini village in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, police said.

The three were working on the tractor in fields when it came in contact with a live wire, they said.

Sandeep Jumar and Jugal Kishore died of electrocution on the spot while one was injured and taken to SMS hospital in Jaipur.

The bodies were handed over to family members after postmortem, police said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Two Iranians were shot dead in Istanbul by masked individuals who opened fire on their vehicle, reports said.

The two -- identified only as S.K. And M.M. -- were travelling in a luxury car in the upscale Maslak area on the European side of the city when a jeep blocked their path, the Dogan agency said yesterday.

The attackers got out of their vehicle and opened fire, it said.

S.K. Died of his wounds on the spot while M.M. Later died in hospital. The attackers fled the scene, the report said.

There was no immediate information in the Turkish reports on the full identity of those killed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An undertrial in a murder case was today shot dead outside the Rohini district court here.

The alleged assailant was apprehended from the spot.

Rajesh was arrested by the Haryana Police in a murder case in December 2016, DCP (Rohini) Rishi Pal said, adding he was listed as a "bad character" in Bawana police station of the city.

He was brought to Rohini to be produced before the court by personnel of the Haryana Police, He was in judicial custody in the neighbouring state since he was arrested on the charge of murder.

The accused, Mohit, belongs to Jhajjar district of Haryana, the DCP said.

Police are probing the incident and the reason behind the murder is yet to be ascertained.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
US Marines returned to Afghanistan's volatile Helmand today, where American troops faced heated fighting until NATO's combat mission ended in 2014, as embattled Afghan security forces struggle to beat back the resurgent Taliban.

The deployment of some 300 Marines to the poppy-growing southern province came one day after the militants announced the launch of their "spring offensive", and as the Trump administration seeks to craft a new strategy on Afghanistan.

Commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan General John Nicholson attended a handover ceremony marking the return of the prestigious force, the first Marines in Afghanistan since 2014, an AFP photographer said.

Part of a regular troop rotation announced in January under the Obama administration, they will arrive in stages, eventually numbering some 300 who will take part in NATO's train, assist and advise mission.

Helmand for years was the centrepiece of the US and British military intervention in Afghanistan -- only for it to slip deeper into a quagmire of instability.

"In those days, Afghan security forces were tiny and just got started," Brigadier General Roger Turner told AFP. "With the leadership in place now they...Are poised to do much better."



The Taliban effectively control or contest 10 of Helmand's 14 districts, blighted by a huge opium harvest that helps fund the insurgency.

Around 30,000 people fled fighting in the province in 2016, mostly seeking refuge in provincial capital Lashkar Gah, with the city at times practically besieged.

The US has some 8,400 troops in Afghanistan with about another 5,000 from NATO allies, mostly taking part in the training mission.

Pentagon chief Jim Mattis warned of "another tough year" in Afghanistan when he visited Kabul this week as part of the Trump administration's review of the Afghan policy. Nicholson has called for a few thousand more troops to help break the "stalemate".

Mirza Mohammad Yarmand, a retired Afghan general based in Kabul, was optimistic.

"If the Afghan forces and the US Marines jointly fight the phenomenon of terrorism in southern Helmand, we will have tangible results," he told AFP.

But former Marine James Clark, who served twice in Helmand and now writes for military website Task & Purpose, called the deployment "half-measures".

"What lasting gains can our small military presence accomplish in Afghanistan that we couldn't achieve during the height of the troop surge?" he told AFP.

The Helmand ceremony came as one of Afghanistan's most notorious warlords, ex-prime minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, returned to public life today after more than 20 years in exile.

Hekmatyar, white-bearded and clad in his trademark black turban, called on the Taliban to lay down their weapons and join a "caravan of peace" as he spoke at a rally in Laghman province.

Known widely as the "Butcher of Kabul", Hekmatyar is chiefly remembered for his role in the bloody civil war of the 1990s, in which he stands accused of killing thousands of people in the capital Kabul. He is set to return there tomorrow.

His comeback following a landmark peace agreement with President Ashraf Ghani in September has been hugely controversial in Afghanistan, sparking revulsion from human rights groups and residents of the capital.

Afghanistan has seen intensified Taliban attacks across the country, leaving Afghan forces -- already beset by killings, desertions, and vacuums in leadership and morale -- stretched on multiple fronts and facing soaring casualties.

Last week, the Taliban delivered a stinging blow as militants dressed in Afghan army uniforms slaughtered at least 135 young recruits at a northern base, according to official figures -- though multiple sources say the death toll is much higher.

The Marines were among the first US forces sent to Afghanistan after the 2001 terror attacks in the United States.

Several thousands were deployed in Helmand, the deadliest province for US and British forces, where they engaged in a bitter combat with the Taliban insurgency.

The US is also targeting Islamic State's affiliate in Afghanistan, earlier this month dropping its largest non- nuclear bomb on the jihadist group's hideouts.

Two US troops were killed on Wednesday while fighting IS militants near the blast-site in eastern Nangarhar province in an incident potentially involving friendly fire, the Pentagon has said, adding an investigation has been launched.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
After delivering a warning to North Korea that "all options" for responding to its future provocation are on the table, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and discussed cooperation in dealing with the "challenge" of the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

Tillerson met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang after chairing a high-level session at the UN Security Council on North Korea here yesterday.

The meeting came just hours before North Korea test-fired another ballistic missile but it "failed" to go beyond its territory.

The Chinese state-run Xinhua agency said in a report that two sides agreed the current situation on the Korean Peninsula poses a challenge.

"All parties have reiterated the goal of denuclearisation and have promised to strictly implement relevant Security Council resolutions and to resolve the issue through peaceful dialogue and negotiation so as to ease tensions as soon as possible," the agency said.

Tillerson, chairing the UNSC meeting as President of the Council, had asserted that Washington's goal is "not regime change" in the isolated country nor does it "desire to threaten the North Korean people or destabilise the Asia Pacific region."



He, however, warned that no options are off the table in dealing with the nuclear threat posed by North Korea.

Tillerson told the Chinese Foreign Minister that the two sides have launched cooperation in a constructive way on international and regional issues including the nuclear issue of the Korean Peninsula, by which the United States is encouraged.

"The United States is looking forward to working with China to hold high-level dialogues in various areas, enhance communication, strengthen cooperation and confront challenges," the agency quoted Tillerson as saying.

Wang said the historical meeting between Chinese PresidentXi Jinpingand US President Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida was a complete success, with relations between Washingon and Beijing achieving a smooth transition with a good start.

This was a positive sign that the two sides are willing to cooperate for the well-being of the two peoples and to jointly contribute to world peace, Wang said.

Wang noted that close communication between leaders of the two countries plays an important and leading role in the development of bilateral ties.

In this regard, the two sides need to cooperate closely to make preparations for Trump's state visit to China this year, he added.

Noting that China and the United Stateshave established four high-level dialogue mechanisms, Wang said that the two sides should move forward to reach more consensuses and manage differences well so as to ensure the healthy and stable development of bilateral ties.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
There are certain questions that you just cannot wait to get an answer to. Would the US actually launch an attack on North Korea? Would the Bharatiya Janata Party win the 2019 general elections? Why did Katappa kill Baahubali?

The last question might sound funny, but the way the crowd has thronged theaters across the country to find answer makes it seem like the most important question of the 21st century? Am I stretching it too far? Well, the numbers speak for themselves.



Read Also: Baahubali 2 collections beat Salman Khan's Sultan, Aamir Khan's Dangal on day one



With a massive release on 6,500 screens in India, and counters flashing the 'Housefull' board since Friday for Baahubali: The Conclusion, is seen raking in over 200 crores in less than 2 days.

Latest media reports suggest that the film has already grossed over 100 crores.

Film's producer Karan Johar also tweeted, "UNTHINKABLE and UNIMAGINABLE HIGHEST EVER DAY 1.data being tabulated ..will take a while!!! Watch this space for the number! #Baahubali."

UNTHINKABLE and UNIMAGINABLE HIGHEST EVER DAY 1....data being tabulated ..will take a while!!! Watch this space for the number! #Baahubali pic.twitter.com/hzEFf6mxIk Karan Johar (@karanjohar) April 29, 2017 Baahubali 2's maximum business is reportedly from Andhra Pradesh while Tamil Nadu is so far is the "weakest region". Early morning shows in Tamil Nadu were cancelled over non-payment issue and it was conditionally released only after 11 am. According to film trade analyst Taran Adarsh, "Reports pouring in from across the country: #Baahubali2 is a GAME CHANGER Sea of people outside theatres House Full boards are back!" Ramesh Bala tweeted, "A True Indian Epic Movie of International Standards. Screenplay, Acting, Emotions, Action Seqs & Music - Outstanding." Reports pouring in from across the country: #Baahubali2 is a GAME CHANGER... Sea of people outside theatres... House Full boards are back! taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) April 28, 2017 Even the Mumbai police could not help getting bitten by the Bahubali bug. They tweeted saying 'Why don't people follow traffic rules?' While the first one is answered in the Prabhas, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah and Rana Daggubati starrer, the second one can be answered only by you! #BahubaliOfTrafficDiscipline. And the second, can be answered only by you! #BahubaliOfTrafficDiscipline pic.twitter.com/5JpIvDOFiq Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) April 28, 2017

The magnum opus has already earned Rs 43.25 crore from the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on its opening day of its release.

Starring Prabhas, Anushka Shetty, Rana Daggubati and Sathyaraj in lead roles, the film has already been released on 2,500 screen outside India.

Here is a look at the estimates of pre-sale rights:

Satellite Sales (Hindi): Rs 50 crore

Satellite Sales (Tamil +Telugu+ Malayalam): Rs 25-30 crore

Music (all languages): Rs 25-30 crore

Theatrical rights (Hindi): Rs 65 crore

Theatrical Rights (Telugu): Rs 130 crore

Theatrical Rights (Karnataka): Rs 45 crore

Theatrical Rights (Kerala): Rs 8 crore
"There are issues like IT security and there have been considerations in the past that said that maybe who worked outside the office were overlooked for management positions," he said.
"Most Catholic lay people are very competent in their daily lives but somehow either expect less of themselves in their Church life or assume that their competencies and participation can only ever be utilised in limited and controlled ways. These days need to come to an end."
Since 1982, International Dance Day has encouraged the world to "explore the art of dance" and Ausdance ACT is serving it up to Canberrans on a platter. The organisation is using International Dance Day to launch a week of dance workshops, performances, interactives and films for Australian Dance Week.
As a relief to the new settlers who had already succumbed to indoor heating, however, long-term climate data shows the arbitrary marker of the cold season is often warmer than the days that precede it.
The decision could mark the beginning of the end of the religious group's five-year search for a site on which to build a permanent place of worship, which was beset with arguments over the suitability of land in two other suburbs.
"I think the best thing universities can do to prevent these kinds of incidents on campus is to encourage education and the awareness of the Holocaust more broadly, through not only commemorations, but public forums, discussions and the continued education of students who study such topics."
"It's a bit of a wait and see, we are hopeful that there's some sort of organisation that we can tap into for the next financial year," she said.
"Thankfully he managed to get on a passing tanker and I was able to meet him in South Africa, but my mum couldn't join him because it was an all-male tanker, so she only had half-an-hour to say goodbye, not knowing whether she'll see him again."
"They had the biggest reward for the bushrangers on their head. They were probably responsible for the murder of at least five police. Compared to the Kelly gang they shot more people."
Millennial Moms Review: 2022 Acura MDX is pretty close to the perfect family car

I dont know if perfect is attainable, especially considering weve got the world of options when it comes to modern vehicles. Were spoiled and, as such, we have very specific needs and wants. Driving-wise, the 2022 Acura MDX is one of my favourite ...
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.
Blog Hinangai

While there is much discussion in Guam about the economic benefits of increasing the islands military presence, the damages/dangers that they represent are rarely mentioned. This blog, a supplement to the Peace and Justice for Guam Petition, is meant to counter that by providing information about the US military in Guam, with the hopes of steering policy away from a dangerous unilateralist course to more sustainable notions of regional development and a strengthening international solidarity.
A super low-mileage 1967 Corvette which is in like-new condition, will soon head to the auction block.



Described as a stunning vault-find, the Corvette was purchased by Vietnam veteran Keith Litavsky who rarely drove the car. The two-time Purple Heart recipient passed away from cancer in 1993 and left the Vette to his son Matt.

Given that the car was Litavskys pride and joy, he kept it in climate-controlled storage and refused to drive it in the rain or park it in the sun. Litavsky reportedly went as far as resting the car on carpeted jacks to take pressure off the tires and springs when it was parked in the garage.

The Corvette has 8,533 miles on the odometer as well as its original powertrain which consists of a 427 V8 engine paired to a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission. The car also comes with its original window sticker, radio tag, and owners manual. Buyers will also receive extensive handwritten maintenance logs that include diaries of its use by Litavsky, including notes on RPM and running condition.

The Corvette will go under the hammer on May 20th at Dana Mecums 30th Original Spring Classic Auction in Indianapolis.

Video

Photo Gallery
Acura introduced the CDX crossover at Auto China 2016 and now it appears the company is considering offering the model in the United States.



Speaking with Wards Auto, Acuras US Vice President and General Manager said the CDX interests a lot of our people so the companys research and development team is looking into the possibility of bring the model to America. However, Jon Ikeda cautioned its not that simple as the CDX was designed primarily for the Chinese market and the United States has different regulatory standards.

If the math works out, the CDX would compete against a growing number of small luxury crossover including the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Infiniti QX30, and Mercedes GLA. The model would also have to face several upcoming models including the Cadillac XT4 and Lexus UX.

The Acura CDX is based on the same platform that underpins the Honda HR-V and is smaller than the RDX. It is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 182 PS and 240 Nm of torque. The engine is connected to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and an all-wheel drive system.

The CDX is built at the companys ZengCheng plant in Guangzhou and is priced from 229,800 RMB ($33,316).

Photo Gallery
I was in Waikiki, Hawaii, recently. But not for pleasure. I was there out of obligation, fulfilling my parental duty to visit my son and his husband, who live there. Ill admit, though, that I was getting some pleasure, looking out from the balcony of the 19 th floor studio apartment I had rented. Across the street there were none of the high-rise buildings that block the view from most Waikiki balconies. Instead, there was a large, lush park. Beyond it I could see Diamond Head and the endless blue of the Pacific.





Then curiosity took over. Why such a large open space where the real estate is so fabulously valuable? And why, in the middle of that park, a set of buildings that were only two stories high, while all around the buildings rose to 30, 40, 50 stories?





Google soon gave me the answers. The park is military property, protected from commercial developers. And those two-story buildings are military, too. They house something with the innocent-sounding name, The Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. It has a non-warfighting mission, according to its website : to build capacities and communities of interest by educating, connecting, and empowering security practitioners to advance Asia-Pacific security. Sounds pretty benign.

But then a little YouTube video tucked away in a corner of that website caught my eye, provocatively titled The Struggle for Dominance without Fighting  It gave me a presentation by Dr. Mohan Malik, Professor of Asian Security at the Center. He informed me in a matter-of-fact, academic manner that the U.S.-led order is coming under challenge in the Pacific. China wants to subvert overwhelming US military power.





The professor did not use the word war. I suppose that word would be a bit awkward when talking about an adversary that holds over a trillion dollars worth of our bonds. But if it looks like a war, sounds like a war, and acts like a war, why not just call it a war?





This is not a war with weapons of the traditional kind, the ones that shoot bullets or explode, the professor explained. But its war nonetheless, being fought every day in many arenas, such as international financial institutions and economic organizations, foreign aid, telecommunications systems, ocean beds, outer space, cyberspace, as well as political maneuvering for control of the South China Sea, Tibet, and other lands on Chinas rim.





We are at war with China. Who knew? Apparently, the Pentagon knew. So did all the security practitioners from friendly nations in the Asia-Pacific region who come to Waikiki to learn the arts of this new kind of war. The rest of us may not yet have gotten the memo.





Now every time I looked out at Diamond Head and the Pacific from my balcony I saw those two-story buildings reminding me that we are already at war with China. Thoreau once said, The remembrance of my government spoils my walk. I had to say, The remembrance of my government spoils my view.





Still, at least the war is not an old-fashioned bullets and bombs war  bombs that, in a U.S.-China war, might well be nuclear. So I felt a bit reassured that this war is what we used to call a cold war, though that term is also now avoided out of deference to all those bonds of ours that the Chinese hold, I suppose.





I felt more reassured recalling experts like Stephen Pinker, who say that the long-term trend of history is leading us away from old-fashioned war, where millions were killed by bullets and bombs. At least there was a bit of comfort there.





My limited sense of comfort did not last long, though. It ended when I read The Violent American Century : War and Terror Since World War Two. Thats a new book by John Dower, the preeminent historian of Americas last war against a dominant power in the Pacific, our World War II battle against Japan, which started just a few miles away from my troubled Waikiki vacation spot.





Now Dower has written a book tracing the aftermath of World War II, especially in the US, up to the present day. Its a small book; you can read it in one evening. But dont expect to sleep well that night. Because its densely packed with disturbing facts and figures that directly challenge those supposed experts who confidently tell us that murderous wars are becoming a relic of the past.





No, Dower says, the war and killing and suffering goes on, from 1946 to today, at a disturbingly steady pace. And he leaves little hope that it will end any time soon. His explicit aim is to refute the optimists who see lethal conflict on the wane.





Woven through his thick collection of evidence are implicit arguments that cast a frightening shadow on our cold (so far) war with China.





Since World War II, the US governments commitment to overwhelming military might has not declined. On the contrary, it has steadily grown. It was only in the 1990s that the Pentagon declared its determination to have full spectrum dominance in every conflict, forever  a doctrine that is still in force. So the US has been building an ever-expanding and modernizing military machine, preparing to unleash constantly higher levels of lethal violence.





And, as Dower shows, each use of that machine plants seeds of greater violence in the future. But it typically comes in unexpected ways. Victory over Japan, for example, unleashed both the cold war and the civil war in Vietnam. The combination of the two later brought the disaster of US intervention in Vietnam.





It was our defeat in Vietnam, in turn, that triggered the bellicose Reaganite reaction. Reagan showed how tough we were by defeating the Soviets in Afghanistan, using U.S.-trained and armed Muslim mujahadeen, who later formed the core of Al Qaeda and now the Islamic State.

But the seeds of our violent conflicts, and how we planted them, go unseen by the general public at the time. The conflict is always blamed on the enemy who wants to do us some evil  like, for example, challenging the U.S.-led order and subverting overwhelming US military power? That was often given as a reason to wage four decades of cold war against the communist bloc, including mainland China.





We cannot predict what particular justifications might some day be given for a hot war with China. But we can predict that those reasons will be based more in fantasy than empirical reality. That, too, is a pattern Dower traces, from our early nuclear buildup against a fantasized Soviet nuclear threat, to our support for dictators in Latin America against fantasized Soviet-controlled revolutionaries, to our war against Iraq for its fantasized nuclear arsenal and links to the 9/11 attack.





Most dangerous of all, Dower suggests, is the fantasy that we are safe now because the era of massive war is over. Not only does that fantasy keep us blind to the reality of growing threats of war. It also fuels the belief in the wisdom, virtue, and firepower of US peacekeeping, meaning that, even if it comes to old-fashioned war, America is always trying merely to make the world a better place. Dower reminds us that we first fought Iraq in 1991 in the name of building a new world order.





Now, as then, we are barraged by true believers telling us that we have a right to control the world because our goals are somehow morally purer than our adversaries, that we are always on the side of the angels, always the innocent victim of some evil enemy. The mystique of exceptional virtue, Dower concludes, does not accommodate serious consideration of irresponsibility, provocation, intoxication with brute force, paranoia, hubris, reckless and criminal actions, or even criminal negligence on the part of the United States, even though all of these are evident enough in the historical record since 1945.





The Pentagons professors (and no doubt its war planners) at least admit that its all about keeping US dominance in far-flung regions of the world. They are so-called realists, assuming that nations will always want more power and that powerful nations will always vie with each other for control of the world  by any means necessary.





Combine that view with the Pentagons ever-growing means (Dower wrote his book before Donald Trump asked for another $54 billion for the Pentagon) and Chinas own realists, calling for their nation to play its rightful role as a world power, and you have a recipe for a lot more sleepless nights.





I dont mean to say that a hot war with China is inevitable. Not at all. John Dower does not mean to say that either. But he does want to remind us that hot wars of immense violence are still all too possible. At least one other prominent historian, Graham Allison, has publicly argued that a US hot war with China is a very real and frightening possibility. Eternal vigilance is still the price not only of liberty but of peace.





Meanwhile, the next time I visit my son and his husband in Waikiki, Ill be glad to have my balcony staring at 50 floors of balconies across the street.





Ira Chernus is Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder and author of the book, American Nonviolence: The History of an Idea. Reprinted from CommonDreams with permission.




Automakers announce production milestones all the time. Some we take notice of, like when Lamborghini produces its thousandth super-what-have-you. The Skoda Superb, somewhat less so.

But a million vehicles is a million vehicles. And thats one heck of a milestone, no matter what the car.



The Superb, for those (Americans) who live in markets where Skoda doesnt compete, is the Czech brands flagship model. Its basically a Volkswagen Passat, only bigger, with more space, different sheetmetal, and a typically lower sticker price all the same.

The name first appeared in 1934 on the Skoda 640 Superb. Its 2.5-liter inline-six was good for all of 55 horsepower, but the model encompassed some innovative features, like a driveshaft shaft running through a tube frame, and an advanced independent suspension.

Skoda only made 200 of those, so theyd hardly represent a drop in the bucket in the grand scheme of production numbers. The real count, though, started in 2001 with the arrival of the first-generation Superb as we know it.

That original model yielded 136,100 vehicles before it was replaced by the MkII Superb, which saw an impressive 618,500 units produced between 2008 and 2015. Now two years since its introduction, Skoda has already made 250,000 of the third-generation model we know today. Add those up and were already past one million, which is pretty darn impressive, no matter which way you look at it.

Its still not the brands most successful model, though: that falls to the smaller Octavia, which had already topped six million made as of last year.

The millionth Superb, in case youre wondering, was a sedan specd in top-of-the-line Laurin & Klement trim, named after the two men (both named Vaclav if you can believe it) who founded the company 121 years ago.

If you told them then that their company would be producing motor cars by the million over a century later, theyd likely have scarcely believed it.

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Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Residents joined emergency responders, city staff and local dignitaries at the memorial tree at Penticton's McClaren Park Arena on Friday, to mark a solemn occasion.

The National Day of Mourning is held each year on April 28 across Canada.

"This gathering is a time for us to remember and honour those workers who have died, or been injured, in the workplace," Katherine Cook, unit chair for CUPE 608, told those in attendance.

In 2015, there was 852 workplace deaths recorded across the country.

"But for me and I think for many of us, as important as these numbers are, I think it is at least as important for us to remember that every single one of those numbers which makes up the statistics we quote actually represents a real life lost or changed forever," she said

In Penticton, on the same day, an employee at Skaha Ford lost their life after being crushed between two cars.

Others in attendance also remembered and honoured lost workers.

Councillor Andre Martin read a proclamation from the city, while election candidates Tarik Sayeed and Dan Ashton also spoke.

Lynn Kelsey of the Canadian Labour Congress asked the federal government to do more to enforce laws holding employers criminally responsible for workplace death and injury.
Photo: CTV

A grocery store encounter between Christy Clark and a woman who clearly does not support the BC Liberals is gaining traction on social media with the hashtag #IamLinda.

Linda gave Clark a piece of her mind at a campaign stop in North Vancouver on Thursday.

"Hi Christy, I'm Linda," she said. "I would never vote for you."

"You don't have to. That's why we live in a democracy," Clark replied, cutting her off and walking away.

"Thank goodness," the woman said.

Max Cameron, a political science professor at the University of British Columbia, said Clark did the right thing.

"There's not a lot to be gained at engaging in a conversation with somebody who's not about to change their mind," he told CTV.

 with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: Colin Dacre

Castanet News has learned the identity of the victim in this weeks fatal shooting in Penticton.

Randal Toews, 52, died after being shot at an apartment complex at 988 Creston Ave. on Wednesday.

Witnesses heard loud banging and yelling, I know you're in here, prior to a gunshot.

The suspect in the shooting was released the following day without charge.

Castanet learned Toews' identity through a high school classmate.

Toews has a lengthy and violent criminal record, most recently pleading guilty to publicly assaulting his girlfriend and another man, eventually being sentenced to 127 days in jail.

During that trial, court heard that Toews was attempting to get help at Discovery House in Penticton for alcohol abuse.

He leaves behind three children.
Photo: CSRD

A temporary detour has opened around a washout that destroyed part of Eagle Bay Road on Shuswap Lake.

The Ministry of Transportation said Friday afternoon the detour at the 6000 block of Eagle Bay Road will remain open 24 hours a day until further notice.

The detour allows for single-lane, alternating traffic only. It is open to passenger cars and light-duty trucks only. Heavy trucks and vehicles towing trailers are not permitted.

Minor delays up to 30 minutes should be expected, and the ministry requests that only locals use the temporary detour.

Caution is advised in the area.
Photo: Contributed

Mom's Pantry and Jim & Leonie brand 3" Unsweetened Tart Shells and 9" Unbaked Pie Lids is being recalled from the marketplace due to possible E. coli O121 contamination.

Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.
Photo: Contributed

Three men convicted in connection with the theft of $18 million worth of maple syrup in Quebec were sentenced on Friday to between two and eight years.

Superior Court Justice Raymond Pronovost sentenced Richard Vallieres to eight years in prison, confiscated $606,500 from him and fined him another $9.4 million.

Vallieres, who was convicted of theft, fraud and receiving stolen goods, will have to pay back the money over a 10-year period or risk having his sentence increased by six years.

The other two men, Raymond Vallieres and Etienne St-Pierre, were each sentenced to jail terms of two years minus one day, to be served in the community, as well as three years probation.

Raymond Vallieres will be required to pay $9,840 within one year, or go to jail for six months, while St-Pierre must pay $1.3 million over 15 years or be imprisoned for five years.

A fourth man charged in the case, Jean Lord, was acquitted.

The sentencing proceedings took place in a courtroom in Trois-Rivieres, Que., 140 kilometres northeast of Montreal.

Jurors found the three men guilty last November in connection with the theft of 2,700 tons of syrup worth $18 million from a warehouse in Quebec between August 2011 and July 2012.

The case made international headlines after the sweet stuff was reported missing following a routine inventory check at a warehouse in Saint-Louis-de-Blandford, Que.

An investigation was launched after the barrels of syrup were found to have been drained and replaced with water.

Officers from the RCMP, the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement helped Quebec police in the investigation.
Photo: National Geographic

The Grand Canyon National Park says a body that was found on Friday is likely of a 14-year-old hiker who went missing nearly two weeks ago while in the bottom of the canyon during a family trip.

Jackson Standefer of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was crossing a creek on April 15 when he and his step-grandmother, LouAnn Merrell, lost their footing and were swept away.

Park rangers spent days searching with a helicopter, ground crew, drone and motorized inflatable boat. The search was scaled back last week.

The park says the body was found by a commercial river trip. It was transported by helicopter to the Coconino County Medical Examiner, which will confirm identification.

Standefer was an eighth-grade student at The McCallie School, an all-boys boarding institution in Chattanooga.

School spokesman James Tanner said Friday the school had no comment because it had just learned of the news. But Tanner said Standefer was active in outdoors programs, crew team and a youth Christian group.

Mark McOmie, Standefer's uncle, also said the family was waiting to comment until the body was formally identified. He described his nephew as a loving and well-loved boy who was always smiling.

LouAnn Merrell, the wife of Merrell Boot Co. co-founder Randy Merrell, has not been found. Merrell is from Utah.

The two went missing during a hike from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to an area known as Tapeats Creek. They were on a trip with Standefer's mother and LouAnn's husband, Randy.

Tapeats Creek is in a remote area of the Grand Canyon that isn't frequented as often as other popular areas.

Experienced hikers say it's an arduous hike down the canyon that ends in stunning and unique views of the canyon.
Photo: Kevin Rothwell

From axe throwing to a hang glider simulator and a huge community garage sale, Lumby and area residents shook off the winter cobwebs with a Lumby and District Chamber of Commerce-sponsored multi event day on Saturday.

The event featured a community and business showcase, along with a tourist-in-your-own-town tour and a community garage sale and vendor market.

They werent doing it annually because they didnt think they could draw the crowds, but obviously from the turnout its going well, there is lots of traffic and garage sales everywhere, said Mayor Kevin Acton while checking out the displays.

The next big event for the Monashee village will be Lumby Days June 9, 10 and 11 th .
Really? Why? I would somehow be LESS dead if I'm shot in the head by an American citizen than if i was shot in the head by a crazed sheep rancher from Australia here in the U.S. on vacation?

What...The...****???
imaginethat said: Wait, didn't we hear almost the same script in 2002? And, what does South Korea think about war on the peninsula?



I sure am glad we have Trump rather than Hillary "WWIII" Clinton at the helm. Click to expand...

If SK is willing to take the risk of Seoul being in the immediate crosshairs of any military conflict, and A true multi-national force goes in with the blessing of China, OK, but the US getting involved more or less on our own again ... I am tired of my country being at war. Click to expand...

See, this is why the term "Deep State" is growing on the internet, and becoming one of the top search terms. Hillary was already making the war whoops during the campaign on every possible conflict/while Trump was pretending to be a nationalist/non-interventionist. Not that I believed him, but I understand why a lot of people who have become alarmed about the increasing risks of nuclear war..increasing bellicosity of US politicians(both sides) and MSM...like CNN especially(please, give us a war to cover!) were arguing that Trump was the lesser of two evils on war and the risks of more wars. But even I was surprised at how quickly and how badly Trump has caved to the Neocons. But, would much of anything been different under a Clinton regime? Other than she would push for a full out war in Syria or Ukraine, I can't think of anything!Who's to know if South Korea is willing? You certainly won't find out on the Neocon agitprop site:Stratfor! Which btw is the reason why whistleblower-Barret Brown has been returned to a jail cell before he had a chance to do an interview on PBS.There are demonstrations going on in Seoul and some other SK cities because the citizens are essentially hostages in this drama and have no say on how events will play out in their own country.They have just impeached a president, and the interim government has already violated the rules by approving the placement of this THAAD system with no vote in the parliament. Worth noting also that South Korean governments have no effective control over their own military forces, because whenever there are skirmishes on the DMZ, the US takes over, and in a protracted war with the North, the commander of US Forces is also in full control of the ROK Forces.So, if Trump and the usual merry band of generals and arms merchants are rolling the dice...assuming that they can strike first and destroy North Korea completely before they launch nukes, do a massive artillery bombardment or get their army into South Korea, they better hope they win that bet! Because if the consequences are merely the complete annihilation of both North and South Korea, the BLOWBACK is going to be enormous!It didn't make the news in the west it seems, but yesterday Kim Jong Un got a good one in when Israeli minister - Avigdor Lieberman went leaning in with his chin and declared the US can't make any compromises allowing NK to keep any nukes. Kim responded that NK is not at war or invaded any neighboring nations, while Israel occupies land taken in war, has killed thousands, interferes in Syria..bombing and even supporting Islamist "freedomfighters," and has a secret stash of nukes that go unchallenged by all the world governing bodies from the UN on down!My question on the Korean tensions is still why hasn't a serious effort been made to end the Korean War and sign a final peace agreement that would allow North Korea the chance to spend its resources on non-military pursuits.
For nearly 12 years the Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center has occupied a rare niche in the community.

The center, at 128 NW Ninth Street on the extreme east end of the Oregon State University campus, offers language classes, citizenship training, tutoring and other cultural and educational programs.

We really care about this building, said Dee Curwen, the centers coordinator since its inception. There is nothing else really like this in Oregon. This is a special place.

The building, however, is on land owned by the university, which in January announced plans to use the space in the Lower Campus area between Madison and Monroe avenues and Ninth and 11th streets to build housing for upper-division students.

The literacy center's lease on the spacious 1910-era house runs through March 2018. The center pays OSU $1 per year in rent. The university has given the center a September deadline should center officials choose to move the building itself to another location.

There is a strong possibility that the Multicultural Literacy Center will have to move from that location, said Steve Clark, OSUs vice president for marketing and university relations. We also strongly understand the importance of a nonprofit providing literacy services, particularly given the universitys changing enrollment and diversity. We are very supportive of the Multicultural Literacy Center.

Clark said the university will continue to work with the center on possible alternative locations on campus with the same lease terms.

The issue has become more visible in recent weeks. Community backers of the center have testified during the community comments section of the past two Corvallis City Council meetings.

In addition, meetings have taken place involving the university, city officials and the Central Park Neighborhood Association.

The neighborhood association "has not yet taken a position on whether to get involved in the CMLCs future, nor on support for a particular solution, said Courtney Cloyd, president of the association.

Possible approaches, Cloyd said, would be to work with the center on finding an easily accessible off-campus location or to urge OSU to issue a new 10-year lease as a gesture of good-will  in support of its interests in being an open, inclusive community.

Corvallis Mayor Biff Traber and Ward 1 Councilor Penny York met with center officials and urged them, Traber said, to consider alternatives to simply insisting on staying in place.

York, during the April 3 council appearance of center backer Genevieve Prentice, said she was very concerned' about the issue. But she also noted that adding student housing is something weve been encouraging (OSU) to do.

At the April 17 meeting Prentice spoke again and was joined by Sebastian Wayne and Joan Gross, an OSU anthropology professor. In addition, more than 20 people in the audience stood in a show of support for the center.

Its an amazing resource for the city of Corvallis, Gross said. Can this be adequately communicated so that plans to raze or move the building can be halted?

Buzzing with activity

On a recent Wednesday, the center was buzzing with activity. Corvallis School District officials were on hand to work with the center on assessments of kindergartners and their families.

We love the Multicultural Literacy Center, said Marcianne Koetje, an equity coordinator with the district. Its great having a place where our families can come and feel so welcome. Its a great way to build connectedness and ensure students are successful.

The building also is home to the Fiesta Mexicana 4-H dance group and Casa Latinos Unidos de Benton County.

We complement each other on services, said Yazmin Brambila of Casa Latinos Unidos.

The center also offers citizenship training: A woman from Mongolia recently became the 32nd person (from 14 different countries) to become a U.S. citizen through the center's programs.

Elsewhere in the center, an English language class was being taught by Annie Recker to students whose native languages include Farsi, Arabic and Spanish. The message with this days lesson clearly involves coping skills: Among the phrases being worked on are "get a speeding ticket," "run out of gas" and "have a flat tire."

There is more than 3,000 square feet of space in the house, with room after room devoted to conversation spaces, cultural kits, music, meditation and child care for families involved in the kindergarten assessments. In addition, the walls are covered with textiles that are part of an exhibit that runs through May 31.

What happens here depends on what you would like to do, Curwen said.

Curwen and the center staff and volunteers would like to stay where they are. Curwen noted that the location is in a perfect transition space between the university and the city. Its close to transportation and other services.

But, she added, "were working to explore other possibilities," while noting that moving the building would require finding a piece of open land. And affording a piece of land would be a difficult challenge for a nonprofit accustomed to paying $1 per month in rent.

There is no way you can replace so many of these things, but we have to be practical," she said.

But she admitted to a bias: "Im not objective about this space at all.
Though perhaps best known as Facebook's No. 2 executive, Sheryl Sandberg is also a mentor, a mother, a billionaire and an author. When her husband Dave Goldberg died suddenly in 2015 while they were vacationing in Mexico, she added "widow" to the list.

"The grief felt like a void, like it was sucking me in and pushing on me, pulling me in and I couldn't even see or breathe," she said in an interview with The Associated Press. "People who have been through things like this told me it gets better. And I really didn't believe them.  I want other people going through things to believe it does get better."

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Her new book  "Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience and Finding Joy," written with psychologist Adam Grant  chronicles the devastating loss, her grief and how she emerged from it with a new perspective on life. A humbled follow-up to her first book, "Lean In," it's also a how-to, drawing from studies and the experiences of others to describe techniques for building strength and resilience and ways to support those going through hard times.

It quickly became the No. 1 best seller on Amazon on Monday, the day it was published.

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Sandberg also uses the new book to address what she now sees as shortcomings in the career advice she offered women in "Lean In." Surveying the world as a wealthy corporate executive rendered her oblivious to the circumstances faced by less fortunate women, she acknowledged. Not everyone can lean in; not everyone wants to.

"I didn't get it," she wrote. "I didn't get how hard it is to succeed at work when you are overwhelmed at home."

The first months

The most affecting parts of the book recount not just Sandberg's grief, but that of her children. When she had to tell them that their father died. When, arriving at the cemetery for his funeral, they "got out of the car and fell to the ground, unable to take another step. I lay on the grass, holding them as they wailed," unable to protect them from their sorrow.

It did get better, though slowly. Sandberg returned to work at Facebook in a haze, unable to summon her previous self-confidence.

"I couldn't understand when friends didn't ask me how I was. I felt invisible, as if I was standing in front of them but they couldn't see me," she wrote, adding later, that by staying silent in such situations "we often isolate friends, family and co-workers."

At Facebook, Sandberg has long been an advocate of "bringing your whole self to work," meaning a willingness to share your personal life with co-workers. But this can get tricky when it comes to facing trauma. Sandberg found it difficult, and even considered carrying around a stuffed pachyderm to encourage co-workers and even friends to talk about the "elephant in the room."

Picking up the pieces

Then one day, about a month after Goldberg died, she decided to post on Facebook about her grief, her gratitude toward her friends, and her related tumultuous feelings  for instance, coming to believe she would never again feel real joy. She wrote it out, not planning to share it publicly. After some more thought, she decided it couldn't possibly make things worse.

The change was immediate. Friends, co-workers and strangers  many of whom had dealt with loss themselves  began reaching out. It helped, Sandberg wrote. The post has been shared more than 400,000 times and has some 74,000 comments. It opened up a conversation.

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"I know it almost sounds silly because I certainly work at Facebook and I know what Facebook's mission is," she said. "But experiencing it for myself was a very ... deep experience."

Talking about these things, as difficult as it might be, can be a lifeline. As is getting help at work, something Sandberg acknowledged not everyone can. Facebook has recently extended its bereavement policies to allow employees more time off after the death of a loved one. But Sandberg says supporting people once they are back at work  including reminding them that their contributions are needed and welcome  is just as important.

"Death is not the only kind of adversity that summons up the elephant," Sandberg wrote in the book. "Anything that reminds us of the possibility of loss can leave us at a loss for words. Financial difficulties. Divorce. Unemployment. Rape. Addiction. Incarceration. Illness."

Building strength

A few weeks after she lost her husband, Sandberg was talking with a friend, making plans for someone to fill in for a father-child activity. Crying, she told the friend "But I want Dave." He put his arm around her and said, "Option A is not available. So let's just kick the s--- out of Option B."

Sandberg said she believes strongly in pre-traumatic growth  people's ability to build up resilience before something bad happens so that they are able to deal with it better. She has peppered the book with anecdotes and studies about resilience, from the story of Malala Yousafzai, the 19-year-old Pakistani activist and Nobel Peace laureate, to that of the survivors of a 1972 plane crash in the Andes described in the book (and movie) "Alive."

"Tragedy does not have to be personal, pervasive or permanent, but resilience can be," she wrote. "We can build it and carry it with us throughout our lives."
A man who died a day after being shot in the Lawndale neighborhood was identified by authorities two days later.

Fontaine L. Sanders, 19, was pronounced dead at 2:59 p.m. at Mount Sinai Hospital on Tuesday, April 11, a day after he was shot in the 4300 block of West 15th Street, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. Sanders died from a gunshot wound to the head, the office determined following an autopsy Thursday, April 14, when his identity was released.

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Sanders and another man, age 20, were shot about noon on Monday, April 10, police said. The shooter got out of a vehicle and fired shots, hitting the 19-year-old in the head, critically wounding him.

He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition, police said. The 20-year-old was shot in the arm and was in good condition at Stroger Hospital, police said.

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No one was in custody.
The timing was strange. After chef Jason McLeod won two Michelin stars at Ria last November, shocking the Chicago dining scene but mostly himself, McLeod unexpectedly left the restaurant three months later. The Elysian Hotels press release noted his departure with a curiously-brief acknowledgment: McLeod has decided to pursue other opportunities and is no longer with the Elysians culinary team. He disappeared from public view, and attempts to contact McLeod proved unsuccessful. Conspiracy theorists had a field day.

Now, McLeod has surfaced in San Diego, consulting for La Valencia Hotel in the tony resort town of La Jolla. And let it be known: theres no conspiracy theories about his sudden exit from Chicago. The split was completely amicable and of his own accord. He will concede that the timing was, indeed, strange.

Heres the real story: McLeod was working in San Diego when he was approached about opening Ria as executive chef. (Charlie Trotter was to have headed the restaurant space at the Elysian, but plans fell through.) At first he turned it down  he was quite content with 70-degree Southern California winters  but McLeod was drawn to the challenge of cooking in a major city. McLeod launched Ria and sister-restaurant Balsan in April 2009, where he soon hired chef de cuisine Danny Grant (he worked at North Pond with Bruce Sherman). The two immediately established themselves as big-time players in Chicagos fine dining scene.

Then the Michelin Guide arrived last November and Ria was awarded two stars  as many as Charlie Trotters and Avenues. The restaurant staff was floored. Having worked at Marco Pierre Whites London restaurants, McLeods understood the pressures European chefs place on themselves to achieve those coveted stars.



McLeod told The Stew in November: I dont know if Michelin is grasped [in North America] like it is in Europe. In Europe, its life changing for the chefs. Book deals, appearances, other restaurants, its everything ... and the pressures that go with it.

But McLeod, 40, thought about leaving Ria before the Michelin Guide was released. Despite the creative control he was given at Ria, he dreamed of opening his own restaurant. Mostly, Chicago never felt like home  McLeod and his wife Jana are West Coast natives, he from Vancouver Island, B.C., her familys down Interstate-5 from Portland.

So when the restaurant took its sabbatical in January, McLeod gave his notice. McLeod thought about moving to Seattle  equidistant from Portland and Vancouver  but settled on San Diego, where he and his wife met.

Ive been really fortunate to live in Chicago, and never did I feel that emptiness as when I left, McLeod said.

For the time being, hes under contract with The Mediterranean Grill at La Valencia Hotel, designing its menu. Hes in the process of looking for his own restaurant space, and hes keeping accounts of his search on a

he co-authors with his sister Karlin.

So for the record: the split from Ria was amicable. I was never treated poorly, always well. They [Elysian Hotel partners Mary Beth Malone, David Pisor and Mario Tricoci] were very good to me, very good to my family. Ria was really a special place for me. Dannys one of the most talented cooks Ive ever worked for. So it was definitely a tough decision, packing up at the pinnacle of your career and go back to a place where its not quite the same. I miss Chicago dearly. But Im excited about the move here, and I just feel the times right.
Chef Diana Davila talks about her antojos ("lively, shareable plates meant to be nostalgic dishes, things you're always going to crave") at Mi Tocaya in Logan Square. (Sean Leidigh/WGN) (Chicago Tribune)

The first time I had Diana Davila's food, she was the chef at an Oak Forest restaurant (owned by her parents) with the uninspiring name Hacienda Jalapenos. Her cooking was polished and sophisticated  indeed, a bit more sophisticated than the market would bear back then  but "cooking down" to her audience wasn't Davila's style, even as a 21-year-old.

Fast-forward a dozen years, and Davila was in Andersonville at Cantina 1910, a short-lived restaurant that probably deserved a better fate. I was on the verge of reviewing that place, quite positively despite a rather erratic front-of-the-house operation, when Davila abruptly resigned her post. (She still doesn't discuss the why of that departure, but it wasn't happy.)

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I would have sung the praises of her passionate cooking then. I'm happy to do so now.

Davila now hangs out in Logan Square, answering to nobody as chef and owner of Mi Tocaya Antojeria, which opened in mid-March. An antojeria is a small-plate cafe serving antojitos, or "little cravings," and cravings, says Davila, are what her cooking is all about.

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 16 The components of Veracruzana sauce are turned into a condiment for sweetbreads milanesa. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune)

"Any menu I've ever done has been about 'what am I craving, what do I feel like eating?'" she said. "My cooking is based on memory, things that I've always loved. Like that moment is 'Ratatouille' when one bite immediately transports you. How magical that can be."

Mi Tocaya seats only 38 (that figure includes the bar, which for all intents and purposes is a dining counter) in a pleasantly cramped space filled with local art, including a dramatic "tree of life" mural painted by Jason Brammer. As might be expected, the 6-week-old restaurant is still finding its way; though the menu is short, its two largest plates  the beefy caldo de res and the lamb barbacoa  remain unavailable, though Davila vowed to get the caldo to her tables by this weekend.

"I have to dedicate the time to get (the dishes) right," said Davila, who, like any first-time chef/owner, is multitasking like crazy. "It's like when you buy a house; it takes time to fill it up with all the things that are going to be a reflection of you."

What the menu already reflects is pretty impressive. There are only four tacos on the menu, but the generously portioned, single-tortilla tacos are as enjoyable to savor as they are daunting to eat politely. (These definitely are lean-in, guard-your-shirt dishes.) There's a fine steak-and-chorizo campechano taco, and occasionally one starring batter-fried striped bass, but the vegetarian "milpa" taco is especially enjoyable. A milpa is a farm that rotates complementary crops  corn, squash, beans, chiles  and Davila combines them (charred squash, toasted chile, beans and corn crema) into a lovely composition.

Peanut butter y lengua is rich in flavor and beautifully composed, topped with cooked red onions for color and crunch. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune)

The most intriguing dish, however, is also Davila's chef-iest. It bears the provocative name "peanut butter y lengua," and consists of crisped cubes of braised beef tongue in a complex and delicious sauce of peanuts, cured tomato and chile de arbol, accented with bay and cilantro leaves. Rich in flavor and beautifully composed, topped with cooked red onions that provide color contrast to the vivid orange-red sauce, this is as much a must-order dish as anything dubbed "peanut butter and tongue" can ever be.

Give the ceviche aguachile points for looks, the chopped shrimp and vegetables placed over a smear of avocado puree and topped with black picaditas, squid-ink masa disks that function as sopes, only thinner. Dab a picadita in avocado, spoon on a little ceviche and enjoy. The guacamole, reliable as always, arrives a little dressy, thanks to a dusting of black ash made from serrano peppers.

Tradition exists on the Mi Tocaya menu, though it's not immediately apparent. There's a mussels dish that's essentially a seafood-inflected pozole soup, and the fideos secos (toasted noodles) swim in a murky broth that would pass for sopa Azteca, though the chef prefers "salsa Azteca." Either way, the salsa/broth is thin enough that careless slurping will ensure a trip to the dry cleaner. The featured fish  so far, Davila has employed tuna, fluke, ono and wild bass  is smothered in so much mole verde (undeniably tasty) that guests could play "name that protein" at the table.

Veracruzana sauce is inextricably linked to fish, particularly snapper, but Davila takes that sauce  or, rather, a low-liquid version of same  and turns it into a condiment for sweetbreads milanesa. I'm a sucker for sweetbreads anyway, but this version  particularly in the way it matches a customary Mexican preparation to a decidedly noncustomary protein, with a little Italian idiom for good measure  just became one of my favorites.

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Davila loves cheese and reckons that her audience does too; accordingly, well-charred lengths of longaniza sausage are draped over rajas (cooked poblano strips) and queso fundido, an umami-rich preparation. Her fanciful stew of cactus paddles (nopales figure prominently in the decor and the restaurant's logo) includes corn, squash and fried cheese curds, in a sort of Mexico-meets-Wisconsin mashup. Call it Mad Mex, or Mexican poutine, but the flavors merge nicely, even though the textures (the corn is attached to the cob and the squash in my dish was barely cooked) do not.

Desserts at present consist only of flan de queso and a very good tres leches cake topped with chocolate ganache. Beverages include a handful of inexpensive wines (uniformly priced at $9/glass and $29/bottle), a few beers (mostly Mexican imports) and some cute cocktails, including a couple of margaritas (I liked the elderflower margarita, and I didn't think I would) and a reposado and mezcal take on an Old Fashioned.

Bustling service is friendly and informative, and if occasionally a dish arrives without the implement needed to taste or share it, said implement usually arrives in a minute. When warm weather arrives for keeps (well, until September), the outdoor patio will virtually double Mi Tocaya's seating, which will present the staffers with new, and potentially quite profitable, challenges. For now, the principal challenge is finding parking in this densely populated neighborhood.

Phil Vettel is a Tribune critic.

pvettel@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @PhilVettel

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Mi Tocaya Antojeria

2800 N. Logan Blvd.

872-315-3947

www.mitocaya.com

Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. >

Tribune rating: Two stars

Open: Dinner Tuesday to Saturday

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Prices: Tacos $4, antojitos $8-$13, large plates $24.

Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V

Reservations: Strongly recommended

Noise: Conversation-challenged

Ratings key: Four stars, outstanding; three stars, excellent; two stars, very good; one star, good; no stars, unsatisfactory. The reviewer makes every effort to remain anonymous. Meals are paid for by the Tribune.






Many popular Mexican street foods  tortillas, esquites, pozole  are based on corn, a crop originally cultivated by ancient peoples around what is now Oaxaca, Mexico.

Pierde Almas Ancestral Corn Whiskey is distilled from native corn grown in that Mexican state. Thirty-five of the approximately 60 distinct varieties of native corn still thrive in Oaxaca, and Pierde Almas has a goal of promoting biological and cultural diversity by ensuring the survival of these indigenous species.

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Pierde Almas whiskey is unaged hooch, exhibiting greener, more herbaceous flavors than the analogous moonshine of the rural U.S., and you can taste the corn. Jonathan Barbieri, an artist and owner of Pierde Almas, says that when Mexicans try his whiskey, they ask 'What's that aroma? It's so familiar!' I say, 'It's your childhood, the smell of tortillas ballooning up over a wood fire on a hot comal.'"

Sierra Norte Single Barrel Whiskey, made with native black corn from Oaxaca, is another brand to look for. Aged in wood, this whiskey is dark with buttery, caramel-like vanilla flavors. Both brands have been introduced within the past year in the U.S.

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Ancestral corns used by Pierde Almas and Sierra Norte are very different from the corn grown in the U.S. Jay Schroeder, who previously managed the bar at Logan Square's Mezcaleria Las Flores, explains, "In the U.S., when we think of corn, we think of sweet corn. In Mexico, the vast majority of corn is field corn, closely related to the ancient plants from which all corn came. Over hundreds of years of human domestication, several different varieties emerged. Many of these are different colors, such as deep purple or rusty red."

Schroeder has mixed emotions about the cultivation of these native types of corn for whiskey. "The idea behind both Pierde Almas and Sierra Norte is coming from a good place," he said. "The idea is to promote the growth of ancestral corn varietals," but he added, "Selling corn for whiskey production is replacing growing corn for subsistence."

Barbieri explains that his whiskey company "was founded on the premise that if we could create a demand for native corn grown by small farmers, we might  fortify and defend the rich biodiversity and heritage in the face of mono-cropping and  the wind-driven pollen of genetically modified strains that threaten to destroy this great, 6,500-year-old patrimony."

Neither of the whiskey brands has the distribution in the U.S. of the agave-based spirits tequila and mezcal riding a popularity wave. But if you find them, and after you've tasted them alone, go for a cocktail next. Jeff Walters, spirits director for Lena Brava and other Rick Bayless restaurants, makes what he calls "a kind of Mexican Old Fashioned" with two parts Pierde Almas, one part Ancho Reyes Verde, a recently released chile liqueur from the Mexican state of Puebla, and a dash of orange bitters. Each spirit mellows the other, so you taste corn and chile: They grow together; they go together.

David Hammond is a freelance writer.






Police issued an alert Saturday warning of several vehicular hijackings that happened Friday on the North and Near West sides.

In the carjackings, victims had their vehicle taken at gunpoint or stolen while their car was running, unlocked and unoccupied, Chicago police said.

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The spree started at 9:45 a.m. Friday in the 800 block of North Michigan Avenue. About 10:20 a.m., another car was taken in the 1700 block of Wabansia Avenue.

Five more vehicles were taken shortly after the Wabansia carjacking:

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 At 11:19 a.m. in the 700 block of West Hubbard Street.

 At 2:46 p.m. in the 3500 block of North Clark Street.

 At 6:45 p.m. in the 1900 block of North Lincoln Avenue.

 At 7:05 p.m. in the 700 block of North Armour Street.

 At 9:05 p.m. in the 1300 block of North Bosworth Avenue.

Anyone with information on the robberies should contact detectives at 312-744-8263.
Former Chicago police Sgt. Ronald Watts, right, leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Oct. 9, 2013, after being sentenced to 22 months in prison. Watts was accused of stealing thousands of dollars from a purported drug courier who turned out to be an informant for the FBI in an undercover sting. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune)

Two more men have come forward to argue their convictions should be tossed because a gang of cops tied to disgraced former Chicago police Sgt. Ronald Watts allegedly framed them for crimes they didn't commit.

William Carter, 31, and Anthony McDaniels, 49, are the most recent to file paperwork alleging that Watts' crew arrested them on bogus charges while the allegedly corrupt officers ran a protection racket at a now-shuttered public housing complex on the South Side.

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"You're actually taking life from these people, putting them up in these cages," said Carter, who is free after four years behind bars on drug charges that he said are phony.

The Cook County state's attorney's Conviction Integrity Unit reviews all cases brought to its attention, including those connected to Watts, officials said when asked for comment.

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Attorneys said Watts-related cases could number in the dozens.

Three other people have had their Watts-related convictions vacated, attorneys said. One, Lionel White, filed suit against the city this month after his conviction was tossed last year.

"There was really a pattern of the way they preyed," said Joel Flaxman, Carter's attorney.

The motion to vacate Carter's conviction, filed this week, alleges that Watts' crew targeted him because he had filed formal complaints against them. In response, they arrested him on drug charges that were "completely false," the motion states.

Attorneys for McDaniels filed a petition this month with similar allegations.

"They were routinely framing people in retaliation ... they were framing people who wouldn't cooperate, like Anthony McDaniels," said Josh Tepfer, McDaniels' attorney.

McDaniels was arrested in 2008 and is currently serving his ninth year of a 12-year sentence.

A handwritten affidavit signed by McDaniels maintains that members of Watts' team pinned a gun on him when he refused to give them money or drugs.

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"We can make this go away if you give us something," McDaniels describes one officer, Kallatt Mohammed, telling him.

He was convicted on the weapons-related charges, based largely on the officers' testimony.

Some members of Watts' team are still on the force. Watts himself pleaded guilty in 2013 to stealing thousands of dollars from a supposed drug runner who in fact was an FBI informant.

Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. >

Mohammed, who is named in both McDaniels' petition and Carter's motion, pleaded guilty the summer before, saying that he and Watts had habitually shaken down drug dealers in exchange for protection.

Carter and McDaniels both have court dates in May as their challenges make their way through the legal system.

In the meantime, their attorneys said, the state's attorney's office could decide at any point to drop its support of the cases and clear the path toward tossing their convictions.

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Carter is optimistic about his chances.

"I see nothing but sunshine," he said. "If you want sunshine, it's only right that you stand the rain."

mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @crepeau
Residents and neighbors light candles at a memorial for Sema'j Crosby, 1, at the front door of the house where she was found dead, in the 300 block of Louis Road on April 27, 2017, in Joliet. Sema'j was reported missing Tuesday and was found dead inside the home about midnight Thursday. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)

The body of a 1-year-old girl who was found dead under suspicious circumstances will be buried Friday, a funeral home director said.

The family of Semaj Crosby on Saturday made arrangements with Minor-Morris Funeral Home owner and Joliet City Council member Terry Morris.

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A visitation is to be held beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, and a service will commence at 11 a.m. at Prayer Tower Ministries church at 500 Stryker Ave. in Joliet, Morris said. Burial is to immediately follow at Elmhurst Cemetery in Joliet. Services will be open to the public.

Morris said the cemetery is donating a gravesite to the family. "It's been a lot of outpouring of people donating services or money to the family," he said.

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Crosby's body was found early Thursday with "no visible signs of blunt force trauma or physical injury" that would have helped determine the cause of her death, officials said Friday. The 17-month-old's body was found under a couch inside the girl's home in the 300 block of Louis Road, which was in "very deplorable" condition and often inhabited by "squatters," according to authorities. The girl was pronounced dead at the scene.

Area residents and neighbors pray for 17-month-old Semaj Crosby outside the house where she was found dead, in the 300 block of Louis Road Thursday, April 27, 2017, in Joliet. Semaj was reported missing Tuesday and was found dead inside the home about midnight Thursday. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune)

The cause of death is "pending further studies," the coroner's office said Thursday after an autopsy. The cause will be determined based on police investigation reports, further studies and final toxicology results, which could take several weeks, the office said.

An attorney for Semaj's mother said Friday that the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services had taken custody of one of the mother's two surviving children. A second child is with that child's biological father, according to attorney Neil Patel.

Authorities did not release additional information about the investigation Saturday.

This article has been updated to reflect Semaj Crosby's correct age.
Someone driving a stolen car and fleeing an area where police responded to a shots-fired call crashed into another car, killing its 18-year-old driver and injuring his 20-year-old passenger, police said.

Police saw the car fleeing the area of 127th and Halsted streets as they arrived to a shots-fired call about 8:45 p.m. Friday, according to a release from the Chicago Police Department.

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That car fled west and ran a red light before hitting a Toyota Camry a couple of blocks away, at 127th and Throop streets. The Camry then hit a 2003 Saturn. It's not clear whether police tried to curb the stolen car before the crash.

The Camry's driver died, and his 20-year-old passenger was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center with injuries said to be not life-threatening.

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The 18-year-old later was identified by the medical examiner's office as Tevin Jones-Rogers of the 8100 block of South Throop Avenue. Jones-Rogers was a junior at Perspectives Charter Schools in the Gresham neighborhood.

Police said one person was in custody, though it's not clear whether they're seeking others from the stolen car. No other injuries were reported.

Check back for more information.
One man is dead following a disturbance call in Brownsville Thursday night.

According to the report, Linn County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a 9-1-1 call at 9:46 p.m. in the 36000 block of Mountain Home Drive. Acting on information that there was "a male at the location that appeared to be on drugs and was out of control," deputies found Gregory Scott Sims, 54, laying on top of Robert Grant Kline, 63, the man reported to be out of control.

Kline was unconscious with no pulse when Sims got off of him. Deputies immediately called for an ambulance and performed CPR on Kline until both the Brownsville Fire Department and Lebanon Fire Department arrived.

Kline was declared dead at the scene.

The Linn County Sheriff's Office and the Linn County Major Crimes Team is investigating the incident. No arrests have been made.

The team consists of officers, troopers and investigators from the Albany Police Department, Lebanon Police Department, Sweet Home Police Department, Oregon State Police and the Linn County District Attorney.
Spectators watch as demonstrators march south on State Street while participating in the Peoples Climate March in downtown Chicago on April 29, 2017. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

For the third consecutive weekend, thousands of protesters packed into the Loop to demonstrate against the agenda, policies and issues supported by President Donald Trump.

Following protests calling for Trump to release his income tax returns and what activists call his attacks on science and facts, people braved a near-constant rainfall and chill in Federal Plaza on Saturday to decry the ecological policies of Trump's administration, which coincided with Trump's 100th day in office. Those policies include proposed cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency, which organizers and speakers said would jeopardize clean air and water for millions of Americans.

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Though the rally and march focused on climate change, protesters used the gathering to attack what they called Trump's rollback of rights and protections affecting health care, racial and ethnic minorities, women and the LGBTQ communities.

The march was one of at least 370 climate-related events taking place in cities across the U.S., according to organizers.

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In his budget proposal released last month, Trump suggested $2.6 billion in spending and job cuts at the EPA, as well as the dismantling of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which cleans up toxic messes, restores fish to specified areas and combats invasive species.

"And then they have the gall to say they're going to guarantee us clean air and clean water," John O'Grady, a speaker, told the crowd. "I say baloney!" he said to hoots and catcalls.

Carrying homemade signs and placards, activists and union members huddled together in the plaza, listening to speakers in the rain before marching north to the riverwalk just across the river from Trump Tower, which has served as an unofficial gathering point for anti-Trump protests. The crowd swelled to more than 2,000 as marchers streamed north down the middle of State Street, chanting and waving to shoppers.

City officials could not immediately provide a crowd estimate. Chicago police ushered the peaceful protesters through downtown as onlookers gathered to snap cellphone pictures and video.

Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. >

Organizers and speakers called on demonstrators and spectators to push members of Congress away from Trump's environmental policies, while also poking fun at his so-called lack of accomplishments during his first 100 days as president. Many political observers call a president's first 100 days the time when they wield their strongest influence, though others dismiss the importance of the milestone, saying changes to how Congress works have made the benchmark overstated.

While many of the participants were connected to activist and union organizations, Evanston resident Jill Franklin  who said she wasn't affiliated with any groups  said she attended the rally because of deep concerns she's had about Trump and environmental moves since he took office.

Pacing in the rainy Federal Plaza, Franklin held high her cardboard-backed sign reading "Planet Before Profit," calling the president's support of fossil fuels over newer fuel sources "misguided."

"There's no reason we can't make jobs and save the Earth at the same time," she said, standing on the wet granite tile on Dearborn Street. She added that she was heartened by the big turnout for climate change, even if Saturday's climate wasn't exactly cooperating with protesters.

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"People in Illinois and the Chicago area are serious about standing up for our planet, our health, our animals, our ecosystems, and a little rain isn't going to stop us from voicing our concerns."

wlee@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @MidNoirCowboy
LEXINGTON, Ky.  A man armed with a machete asked about the political affiliations of people at a university coffee shop Friday morning before injuring two females in central Kentucky, a witness said.

The assailant at Transylvania University was armed with a machete and knives and is thought to be a former student, Lexington police Sgt. Jervis Middleton told the Lexington Herald-Leader.

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Police in a news release later identified the arrested man as 19-year-old Mitchell W. Adkins of Cincinnati. He was charged with first- and fourth-degree assault and three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment.

Student Tristan Reynolds told the newspaper he saw the man enter the coffee shop.

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"A guy came in, banged something, a hatchet or an ax, on the table and said 'the day of reckoning has come,'" Reynolds said. "He asked somebody what their political affiliation was, they said 'Republican' and the guy said 'you are safe.' And then I realized what was going on and started getting people out."

"We started to scatter and then very, very quickly, campus security was getting everybody sheltered and secure," Reynolds said.

Police said the two victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries. One was taken to a hospital and the other was treated at the scene.

Middleton said later in an email that the hospitalized victim was hit by the suspect's edged weapon and received lacerations and that the other victim was struck with the blunt end of the weapon. The suspect had self-inflicted injuries.

The hospitalized victim was "safe and her family is with her at UK Hospital," Transylvania University President Seamus Carey said.

Campus security officers were able to quickly subdue the assailant, which prevented further injury, Lexington Police Chief Mark Barnard said. Police said he was taken to a hospital with self-inflicted injuries.

The university canceled classes for the day.

Transylvania is a private liberal arts college founded in 1780 as the 16th college in the U.S. and has an enrollment of 1,050, according to the university's website.
ISTANBUL  Access to Wikipedia, the ubiquitous online encyclopedia, has been blocked in Turkey for content presenting the country as supporting terror.



Turkey's official news agency, quoting the Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications, said Saturday the site was blocked for "becoming an information source acting with groups conducting a smear campaign against Turkey in the international arena."



Turkey Blocks, an internet censorship monitor, said users in Turkey have been unable to access all language editions of Wikipedia since 8 a.m. local time on Saturday. "The loss of availability is consistent with internet filters used to censor content in the country," the monitor said.



The site has been blocked under a provisional administrative measure without a court order but Turkey Blocks said an order is expected in the coming days. The measure has been implemented by the country's Information and Communication Technologies Authority.



Anadolu news agency said officials have warned Wikipedia to remove content likening Turkey to terror groups but the site "persistently" did not.



The agency says Turkey demanded Wikipedia to open an office in the country, act in line with international law and abide by court decisions and not be part of "blackout operation against Turkey."



If these demands are met and the content removed, the site would be reopened, according to Anadolu.



Opposition lawmakers have criticized the move. Republican People's Party parliamentarians Eren Erdem tweeted the ban puts "Turkey in line with North Korea" and Baris Yarkadas called it "censorship and a violation of the right to access information."



Turkey's status is listed as "not free" on the 2016 Freedom on the Net index by independent rights watchdog Freedom House. It says over 111,000 websites were blocked as of May last year.



When attempting to access Wikipedia without the use of a virtual private network (VPN), connections time out and browsers alert "this site can't be reached."



Wikipedia, a collaborative online reference work, is ranked among the 10 most popular websites.
LINN COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

Assaulting an officer  Casey Rae McDowell, 28, was charged with assaulting a public safety officer, strangulation, resisting arrest, possession of methamphetamine, felon in possession of a restricted weapon, and giving false information to a peace officer for a citation or arrest on a warrant. The restricted weapon was brass knuckles, according to the charging document. McDowell was contacted in Sweet Home at about 4:34 a.m. on Friday after police received a report of suspicious people on bicycles with flashlights and a suspicious van in the 600 block of Ironwood Street, according to police logs. He also had a warrant for probation violation. The state filed a notice of intent to seek an enhanced sentence in the case, citing that the defendant tried to use a weapon against a law enforcement officer.

Marijuana charges  Heather Marie Richner, 36, was charged with delivery of marijuana, delivery of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, endangering the welfare of a minor and possession of methamphetamine. The crimes allegedly occurred on or between Jan. 1 and April 12, and the delivery was made to a child under 18, according to court paperwork. That state filed a notice of intent to seek an enhanced sentence, citing that Richner was on probation or post-prison supervision for a similar offense.

Weapon charges  Monte Dale Lee, 45, was charged with unlawful use of a weapon, menacing and unlawful possession of firearms. The crimes allegedly occurred on Friday.

Domestic assault  Brady Richard Lawrence, 50, was charged with third-degree assault (domestic violence). The crime allegedly occurred on Thursday.

Vehicle theft  Jesse Athal James, 31, was charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle in a case that originated on Jan. 3. He also was charged with two instances of probation violation.
* 1. The swingy places - where are they, and who do they swing to? * I touched on this in an earlier post in breaking down the Assembly districts that have...

1 day ago
Why these young voters in Pueblo want to get more youth involved in voting
Former vice mayor of Shanghai Ai Baojun was sentenced to 17 years in prison for bribery and embezzlement of public funds by a court in east China's Fujian Province on Friday.

Personal assets worth 5.8 million yuan (US$841,421) held by Ai, a former member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Shanghai Municipal Committee, were confiscated, according to a statement from Zhangzhou Intermediate People's Court in Fujian.

The court ruled that his illicit gains through bribe-taking shall be turned over to the state treasury and those through embezzlement returned to Baosteel Group and to the Shanghai municipal government.

Ai was found to have accepted bribes worth more than 43.2 million yuan while holding a series of offices in Shanghai between 2000 and 2014.

The court said Ai abused his positions as vice general manager of Baosteel Group and vice mayor of Shanghai to embezzle public assets worth more than 7.5 million yuan from 2001 to 2009.

Ai had been given relatively lenient treatment as he cooperated with investigators, surrendered all his illicit gains, admitted his guilt and repented.
The International Department of the CPC Central Committee held a promotion meeting in Beijing on April 27 to share Yunnan's poverty alleviation measures with visiting foreign parties, ambassadors and diplomats.

Under the theme "targeted poverty alleviation -- no ethnic group shall be left behind," the promotion meeting took Yunnan's poverty alleviation experience as an example to introduce President Xi Jinping's new vision, thinking and strategies on China's governance.

Yunnan Province in Southwest China is one of China's undeveloped provinces with many ethnic minorities.

Song Tao, minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, said the practice of Yunnan Province in eradicating poverty is a good example of China's anti-poverty drive and proves that the targeted poverty reduction strategies outlined by President Xi Jinping is key to achieving poverty targets.

After the 18th National Party Congressthe party pledged to wipe out poverty by 2020. A total of 55.64 million people were lifted out of poverty between 2013 and 2016.

"The CPC would like to share the experience in poverty reduction with the international community and help neighboring and developing countries explore their own paths of poverty alleviation," he added.

Chen Hao, secretary of the CPC Yunnan provincial committee, revealed that the 8 million people living in poverty in the southwestern province in 2012, more than 4.4 million had improved their situation by the end of 2016.

Mark van den Boogaard, senior policy adviser for the United Nations Development Programme, and Javier Miranda, president of Broad Front in Uruguay, have recently returned from a research trip to Yunnan. They said that they were impressed by Yunnan's success in fighting poverty.

Mark said, "I was impressed by two things. One is the CPC's comprehensive guidance and the other is the joint efforts of society in the poverty alleviation work."

Foreign guests who have visited China for many times hailed China's anti-poverty drive, saying it has set a good example for the world and the CPC's efforts to lift millions of people out of poverty is unprecedented.
There's no doubt now that Nepal will join the China-promoted Belt and Road Initiative, despite Indian unhappiness, as a means of escaping its status as a Least Developed Country.

It's now certain Nepal will be signing up to the Belt and Road (B&R) Initiative during an implementation summit to be held in China from May 14.

A high-level Nepali delegation, most probably led by Finance Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara, will be taking part in the Beijing meeting. Groundwork for a signing took place during Prime Minister Prachanda's recent China visit where he pledged Nepal's participation in the B&R Initiative for gains in economic advancement and better connectivity.

The prime minister reportedly wishes to take advantage of the giant strategic project mainly in terms of road connectivity that would link Nepal with the outside world through a railway coming from Lhasa to Nepal's major towns including Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lumbini  the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Nepal needs a reliable international forum

Nepal gained WTO membership in 2004, having been an IMF member since 1961. With the beginning of economic liberalization and rapid globalization in recent years, Nepal has received immense international loans and grants, plus other assistance, but has failed to advance as expected due to poor governance and other factors.

Nepal and China have enjoyed an unparalleled relationship for centuries, but this did not stop the present Kathmandu government from being hesitate about the B&R proposal because of India's lukewarm response to the Chinese initiative.

India, in fact, was not happy with other South Asian nations for joining the B&R Initiative and thus becoming detached from Indo-centric policies. Due to its geo-political strategic location between the two giants, Nepal wants India to join the B&R without any inhibitions.

The B&R would offer tremendous opportunities for tourism promotion as Nepal could emerge as a transit country once China and India are connected by good transportation links. It could become a hub for millions of Hindu tourists intending to visit Kailash and Mansarovar and Chinese nationals visiting Lumbini, a key Buddhist site, and north India.

It could also gain from increased income from freight, insurance and banking business as well as cultural tourism. Most importantly, Nepal will get alternative routes via China to central Asia and Europe for exporting its produces to reduce its chronic trade deficit.

Following its participation in the B&R, Nepal would have strong network opportunities for supply of goods and services. Nepal aims to boost its trade and earn foreign currency by exporting ginger, cardamom, soap, noodles, zinc sheets, woolen items, Pashmina, readymade garments, medicinal herbs, Nepali papers, handicrafts in as high as 65 member countries that are along the Belt and Road routes.

In regard to foreign direct investment (FDI), it would welcome big investment in hydropower, hotel and hospitality development, the aviation sector, mining, and so on. The Chinese FDI commitment has now surpassed India for the first time in Nepal's history.

Nepal would join the B&R as a partner of economic development as well as beneficiary of the regional development scheme and is trying to seek some advantages from the mammoth Chinese economic development, especially in improving its dilapidated infrastructure as well as tapping the potential for technology transfer.

The B&R vision document goes well beyond infrastructure, envisioning closer coordination of economic development policies, harmonization of technical standards for infrastructure, removal of investment and trade barriers, establishment of free trade areas, financial cooperation and "people to people bonds" involving cultural and academic exchanges, personnel exchanges and cooperation, media cooperation, youth and women exchanges, and volunteer services.

All these are attractive to Nepal as it seeks to graduate Nepal from being the Least Developed Country and become a middle-income country prior to 2030.

Mahendra Subedi is a Kathmandu-based journalist writing commentaries on international relations, labor migration and few other social issues.
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China on Friday criticized a U.S. organization's report on religious freedom in the country and asked the organization to discard prejudice.

The recent United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) annual report recommended the U.S. government keep China on the list of "countries of particular concern".

The Chinese government protects the religious freedom of its citizens in line with laws, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a daily press briefing.

"It is obvious and indisputable that the Chinese people of all ethnic groups have fully enjoyed freedom in terms of religious belief," Geng said.

USCIRF is politically prejudiced against China, ignores its progress in the area of religion and issues inaccurate reports on its religious policies year after year, Geng said.

"The commission should respect the facts, discard its bias and stop interfering in China's internal affairs," he added.
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People protest during a nationwide general strike in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on April 28, 2017. Brazil's transportation, schools and businesses were brought to a halt on Friday as Brazilian unions launched a full-scale strike nationwide to protest the government's proposed austerity measures. (Xinhua/Rahel Patrasso)

A massive nationwide general strike on Friday to protest the government's proposed austerity measures disrupted flights to and from Brazil's two largest cities, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Airport workers occupied the main entryway to the Congonhas airport in southern Sao Paulo, blocking those arriving or departing, and leading to flight delays or cancellations.

Some airlines also canceled flights prior to the strike, knowing the general work stoppage would make it difficult for passengers to reach the airport.

At the Guarulhos International Airport, also in Sao Paulo, no flights were canceled, though delays plagued scheduled flights, and at the Santos Dumont airport in Rio protests blocked access to passengers.

Brazil's largest unions called for the strike to protest draconian measures to lower the public deficit, including raising the retirement age and slashing government welfare programs.

Pilots and onboard crews originally planned to join the strike, but changed their minds after government authorities indicated they would exempt them from the labor reforms.

But workers belonging to some 92 different unions, including in the areas of healthcare, security, public transit and the penitentiary system, joined the work stoppage.

Despite obvious mass participation in the general strike -- with stores and business closed, and public transit stopped, Brazil's mainstream media appeared to downplay the scale of the protest, providing little coverage of the day's events, or focused only on isolated violent clashes and other negative aspects.

Brazil's former President and political leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva described the strike as "a complete success."

In an interview with Red Brasil Actual radio, Lula said "the unionized movement and the Brazilians are making history. People stayed at home. That is a clear sign that people decided to strike against the suppression of their rights."

He noted the government of President Michel Temer claimed the country's economic situation would improve with ex-president Dilma Rousseff out of the way, but that has not happened.

Temer helped impeach Rousseff for allegedly mismanaging fiscal affairs.

"Destroying (people's) rights does not improve anyone's life," said Lula, calling on the government to stop targeting pensions and social welfare programs as a way to grow the economy.
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U.S. Congress on Friday approved a stopgap funding bill to avert government shutdown and leave lawmakers another week to work out spending details through Sept. 30.

The Senate passed the stopgap bill by voice vote without opposition after the House earlier approved it by a vote of 382-30.

The bill prevents a government shutdown, as the current funding will expire on Friday night.

It will keep the government open until the end of May 5, and give lawmakers more time to reach agreement on a larger bill that will provide funding for the rest of the current fiscal year which ends Sept. 30.

"It (the bill) will carry us through next week so that a bipartisan final agreement can be reached and so that members will have time to review the legislation before we take it up," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said.

Lawmakers still have disagreements over issues, including extension on healthcare for miners, help for Puerto Rico, environmental and financial regulations, as well as border security spending.
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A total of five people have died in the terrorist attack here on April 7, with the last victim, a teacher and politician from Trollhattan on the Swedish west coast, succumbing to her wounds on Friday.

In the attack, a man hijacked a truck and drove it down one of Stockholm's busiest pedestrian streets, killing four other people and injuring 15. Rakhmat Akilov, a Uzbek man living in Sweden illegally after his asylum application was rejected, was arrested the same evening in a suburb north of Stockholm.

The latest victim is named Marie Kide, and is a 66-year-old teacher and Green Party politician, Swedish public television broadcaster SVT reported Friday.

"We can confirm that our colleague and politician has died. We have known for a while that it was very serious. This came as no shock even though it is terribly tragic," Peter Asp, head of information for the Municipality of Trollhattan, told SVT.
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At least one person was killed and three others were injured in a shootout on Friday morning in the heart of Mexico City's downtown area, local media reported.

The incident was the result of a botched robbery, the city's Attorney General's Office (PGJDF) said in a Twitter post, adding that police "have arrested two men suspected in the robbery of a business."

One of the assailants was killed and another was wounded after "investigating agents" tried to prevent the robbery, the PGJDF said.

The shootout occurred around 10:45 a.m. local time at a busy street in downtown of the capital city.

According to one online regional daily, Tabasco Hoy, the fatal victim was a member of a criminal ring that extorts money from local businesses in exchange for protection, tried to rob the business and were confronted by police.
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Italian investigators have busted a fundamentalist terrorist cell based in Germany and operating in Italy, state police said in a statement Friday.

The cell, made up of 11 militants aged 20-30 and adhering to the Salafist sect of Islam, was "ready to carry out terrorist attacks," the statement said.

One suspect, a Congolese national aged 27, has been arrested on charges of conspiracy to carry out international terrorist acts, according to the Italian interior ministry.

The Congolese suspect had been a guest at a refugee center in Italy, had been radicalized, and was "willing to carry out terrorist attacks and to sacrifice his own life," police said.

The suspect also issued instructions to fellow cell member as to how to camouflage themselves within mainstream society by removing all physical indications of their religious beliefs, such as beards and certain kinds of clothing.

Investigators added the suspect has ties to slain Tunisian terrorist Anis Amri, who drove a hijacked lorry at high speed into a crowded Christmas market in Berlin on December 19 last year, killing 12 people and injuring dozens more.
 Flash

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson (3rd L F) speaks during a ministerial meeting of the UN Security Council on the nuclear issue of the Korean Peninsular, at the UN headquarters in New York April 28, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)



The UN Security Council held a special meeting on Friday to discuss the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will brief the ministerial meeting, which is chaired by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council this month.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and foreign ministers or vice foreign ministers of Britain, Russia, Senegal and Japan, attended the meeting.

All the 15 members of the Security Council, as planned, will address the Security Council focusing on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula and the implementation of relevant UN resolutions.

The U.S. presidency received a request from the Republic of Korea (ROK) to participate and its representative will speak after the 15 council members.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) conducted a hydrogen bomb test and a nuclear warhead explosion test in Jan. 6 and Sept. 9 of 2016, respectively. The Security Council adopted resolutions on March 2 and Nov. 30 of 2016, respectively, demanding that the DPRK abandon its nuclear weapon and missile programs and imposing sanctions on it.
Li Heping (right) meets with U.S.

Representative Chris Smith.

(Photo: ChinaAid)

ChinaAid

(TianjinApril 28, 2017) During a secretive trial in Chinas northern Tianjin municipality, the Communist Party convicted a renowned Christian human rights lawyer of subversion of state power today and attempted to bait his wife into captivity.

After nearly two years of arbitrary imprisonment, a Chinese court ruled that human rights attorney Li Heping was guilty of subversion of state power on April 28 and sentenced him to three years in prison with a four-year suspension and deprived him of political rights for four years. This means he is expected to be released home but could be re-arrested if the government deems in violation of terms. However, the Communist Party will often re-arrest individuals serving suspended sentences for arbitrary infringements, such as accepting interviews with foreign media. According to ChinaAid founder and president Bob Fu, Li could face more than five years of close government monitoring.

Additionally, Li was coerced by the government to contact his wife, Wang Qiaoling, and encourage her to travel to Tianjin to collect him so that she could be apprehended once she arrived. Wang informed Li that she feared losing her freedom and told him that if he had truly been released he should come Beijing, where they live. Li said that he understood, and the call was disconnected.

At time of writing, officials have not released Li.

Li was initially taken from his home on July 10, 2015, during a nationwide roundup of human rights lawyers colloquially termed the 709 case as the raids began on July 9 or 7/09. During the first six months of his imprisonment, he was tortured using various methods, including electric batons and fainted several times.

ChinaAid exposes abuses such as those suffered by Li Heping and his family in order to stand in solidarity with persecuted Christians and promote religious freedom, human rights, and rule of law.

ChinaAid Media Team

Cell: (432) 553-1080 | Office: 1+ (888) 889-7757 | Other: (432) 689-6985

Email: [email protected]

For more information, click here
Autism is a developmental disorder of the brain that affects a person's ability to communicate with others. People with autism are known to struggle with social interaction, speech or self-care. It is estimated that at least 10 million people have autism in China. Among them, about two million are under the age of 14. Every year, nearly 200,000 children are diagnosed with autism. "Children of the Stars" is a phrase in China used to describe autistic children.



Wu Liangsheng, 42, a professional specializing in youth autism treatment at the Beijing Stars and Rain Teaching Institute, has devoted 20 years of his career and helped more than 4,000 autistic children communicate with the world. Love, patience, responsibility and science are four key words that sum up Wu's philosophy on treatment methods of autism over the past two decades.

Wu Liangsheng, 42, director of the youth department at the Beijing Stars and Rain Teaching Institute, the first non-governmental educational organization in China dedicated to serving children with autism, talks about his story in Beijing on April 20. [Photo by Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]

Love: Treat children as family

When Wu first joined the Beijing Stars and Rain Teaching Institute, the first non-governmental educational organization in China dedicated to serving children with autism, he was only 21 years old. "The school closed at 4:30 pm, and I would go to students' homes after class and offer free tutoring," Wu said. "The only thought in my brain was to help them, the students, and the parents."

In 1999, there was a student with a behavioral problem. He refused to cooperate, especially with his mother present, so teachers had to send his mother home and look after him themselves, Wu said.

"He was a picky-eater," Wu said with a grin. "He wanted to eat pork and preserved egg congee for breakfast. Our class started at 8:30 am, and there was no time for me to prepare such a complicated meal for him, so I decided to cook the meat and congee the night before, and heated the congee the next morning."

Wu, at the time a newlywed, said his wife felt a little bit "jealous" and complained that she was ignored, as Wu never asked her what she wanted to eat in the morning.

At first the boy called him Mr Wu, and one day the words "Daddy Wu" slipped from his mouth, Wu recalled.

"He was the first student who called me 'Dad'. The moniker later spread, but he was the first one," Wu recalled emotionally.
Chen Hao, Party chief of Yunnan province, delivers a speech at a promotion meeting on April 27, 2017. [Photo/idcpc.gov.cn]

Chinese President Xi Jinping's ideas and strategies to govern the country, especially those targeting poverty alleviation, have greatly benefited ethnic groups in southwestern China's Yunnan province, new figures show.

Of the 8 million people living in poverty in the southwestern province in 2012, more than 4.4 million had improved their situation by the end of 2016, Yunnan Party chief Chen Hao said on Thursday.

Chen released the figures at a promotion meeting hosted by the International Department of the CPC Central Committee in Beijing where Yunnan's poverty alleviation measures were shared with visiting foreign parties, ambassadors and diplomats.

Bordering Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam, the population of Yunnan is 43 million, of which 25 ethnic minorities make up over 15 million. It has vast mountainous areas identified as key targets for poverty alleviation.

President Xi has made a solemn commitment that by 2020 China builds a moderately prosperous society in an all-round way with all poor, rural populations to be lifted out of poverty and impoverished areas of all counties are removed.

When Xi visited the quake-hit and poverty-stricken areas in the province in 2015, he pledged that "in building a moderately prosperous society in an all-round way, no ethnic group shall be left behind."

Chen said that the CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee has learned and followed Xi's calls to support the development of ethnic minorities while unifying ethnic groups as part of the poverty alleviation campaign.

The measures include emphasizing strong leadership, enhancing overall planning, implementing tailored measures and increasing funding, according to Chen.

Help from ministries and national committees, eastern cities and provinces such as Shanghai and Guangdong, as well as some enterprises, institutions and social organizations have been instrumental in poverty alleviation.

A responsibility system of leading cadres level-by-level from province, city, county, township to village has been well established in the poverty alleviation campaign, Chen said.

Tong Zhiyun, Party chief of Nujiang Lisu autonomous prefecture, listed some detailed measures, such as building traffic infrastructure, power and water conservancy facilities, cultivating industries, building homes and providing training.

To address the various factors that cause poverty, Zhai Yulong, Party chief of Zhenxiong county in Zhaotong city, said that tailored measures were undertaken, such as "vocational education to solve the poverty caused by people's minds."

Liu Kaiming, Party chief of Pojiao village in Lincang city, said that he had remembered every villager's situation and spoke of a recent visit to three villagers who are migrant workers in Beijing.

Yunshan village in Lancang county has started planting potatoes in recent years, local villager Jiang Yulan said. The move has seen villagers' income jump to 10 times what they make from planting corn.

"Yunnan's practices have shown that firm determination and strong political leadership are crucial (in poverty alleviation)," Javier Miranda, president of Broad Front in Uruguay, said at the promotion meeting after a recent visit to Yunnan.

Mark van den Boogaard, senior policy advisor from Global Cooperation of UNDP, said that he was impressed by the CPC's comprehensive guidance and the joint efforts of society in the poverty alleviation work.

Yunnan has proved the poverty alleviation model used by the CPC with Chinese characteristics is gaining great achievements, Song Tao, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, said.

The CPC would like to exchange experiences in poverty alleviation with foreign parties and people, contributing wisdom and strength to global governance, Song said.
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About one-tenth of China's population is expected to travel over the holiday long weekend, official data showed Friday.

About 130 million trips are expected to be made during the International Labor Day holiday from April 29 to May 1, up 11 percent year on year, according to data from the China National Tourism Administration.

Domestic tourism could take in 78 billion yuan (11.3 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue over the weekend, up 13 percent year on year.

Previous surveys showed that over half of Chinese people planned to travel during the upcoming holiday and in May, most of them preferring suburban areas and nearby provinces.

When it comes to traveling overseas, Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam were the top destinations, the survey showed.
ZHENGZHOU -- Chinese livestreams have broadcast everything from dating to putting on makeup. Now the craze has entered schools and is raising concerns about privacy and child safety.

On Shuidi Zhibo, a livestreaming platform, more than 200 videos show students attending classes, taking exams or playing during breaks.

These videos were recorded on various campuses around the country ranging from kindergartens to senior high schools.

"Someone is playing with a mobile phone," said one comment under a video with more than 34,000 viewers.

"The boy in the last row is napping," another comment followed.

One of the most watched videos was recorded at No. 1 Senior High School in the city of Yuzhou, central China's Henan Province. Principal Wen Mingjian told Xinhua that the school purchased webcams after requests from parents and teachers, to encourage better behavior and prevent bullying.

"Most of our students are left-behind children. Webcams allow their parents to see they are attending school," said Cheng Yafeng, a teacher.

Shi Shuangyan, a migrant worker in Beijing, said he liked to watch his child in class thousands of miles away. However, he opposes livestreaming of the videos, suggesting that they should only be seen by teachers and parents.

Video surveillance is common in Chinese schools, but mainly for security and exam monitoring.

In recent years, livestreaming has turned many ordinary people into overnight celebrities. China has more than 300 livestreaming platforms and more than 340 million people have watched live videos. With such a big market, can anything be broadcast online? The answer is obviously no.

Livestreaming in schools has raised concerns about students' mental health, privacy and safety.

Many students see livestreaming as an violation of their rights. A student from Yuzhou No. 1 Senior High School said: "I hate it. It makes us feel like animals in a zoo."

In a recent survey by iQiyi, an online video platform, around 67 percent of 19,637 interviewees were opposed to livestreaming of classes.

"Publishing videos involving minors, without their consent, invades their privacy," said Yao Weiyao, deputy director of the juvenile protection committee of the All-China Lawyers Association.

In addition to privacy concerns, critics also worry that catching students' every movement on camera may jeopardize their mental health and even their safety.

"It may increase stress on students and is likely to damage their relationships with their parents. No one wants to be monitored all the time," said Zhao Yueling, deputy head of Henan institute of mental health.

Zhao added that parents should consider the effect on their children.

Police in Zhengzhou have suggested schools stop putting pictures of children online as many crimes targeting minors are caused by availability of such information.

Yuzhou No. 1 Senior High School stopped livestreaming after media reports provoked public criticism.

To protect the privacy of minors, Shuidi Zhibo published a statement on its website in late March, advising schools to choose "kindergarten sharing mode" on webcams.

"If teachers choose this mode, only specific groups like parents can watch," the statement said.
BEIJING -- Picking one's nose is widely considered to be a bad habit and frowned upon. Not to mention eating snot!

But nose-picking is pretty common, particularly among children -- we either grow out of the habit by adulthood or do it privately.

However, a recent study shows that those little boogers can benefit human bodies in many ways.

The study was published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, a government-funded national resource for molecular biology information in the United States.

A direct connection has been found between eating snot and better teeth because boogers are made of mucus, known as salivary mucin, which prevents bacteria from clasping onto your teeth together.

As a result, researchers who conducted the research are now looking into ways to create synthetic mucus that can be made into chewing gum or toothpaste.

Yummy! The fictional Bertie Bott's booger-flavored beans in the Harry Potter film series may soon become a reality.

Not only can eating your snot guarantee you better teeth, but it can also enable you to live a happier and healthier life.

"People who like to dig up there are better in tune with their bodies," said Austrian lung specialist Friedrich Bischinger, suggesting that society should get rid of the social stigma surrounding picking one's nose and encourage children to do so more often.

"Eating the dry remains of what you pull out is a great way of strengthening the body's immune system. Medically it makes great sense and is a perfectly natural thing to do," Bischinger said.

"In terms of the immune system, the nose is a filter in which a great deal of bacteria are collected, and when this mixture arrives in the intestines it works just like a medicine," he said.
Fu displays her tapestry to tourists. Her intricate embroidery work and one of her dragon-themed double-sided tapestries. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"Busy, tired but happy every day," is how Fu Xiuying describes her life. From the Li ethnic group on Hainan Island, Fu has won fame both at home and abroad for her double-sided Li brocade embroidery, weaving artworks using highly refined techniques that span 3,000 years.

Fu, 52, is entering the busiest period of her life since she was named in 2010 by Hainan authorities as a representative inheritor of double-sided brocade. UNESCO listed the brocade in its first endangered cultural heritage group in 2009. At the time there were only five masters of the brocade in China.

During the three-day Li new year holiday in late March, Fu received orders worth more than 110,000 yuan ($16,000), enough to keep her busy for the year.

And more orders are coming in, as the traditional Li brocadeoften described as a rare living fossilis used from everyday artifacts to high-end commodities highly valued by world-wide collectors.

She also teaches brocade techniques in a number of schools, universities and training centers in Li villages. The Li were the earliest settlers on the island and they were the first cotton growers in China.

Li women hold a special place in the country's textile industry development for their spinning, coloring, design and weaving and embroidering.

Despite her busy schedule, Fu relishes the opportunity to look after her 18-month-old granddaughter Ding Dang, and enjoys weaving her artwork under her watchful eye.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (middle, front) speaks during a ministerial meeting of the UN Security Council on the nuclear issue of the Korean Peninsular, at the UN headquarters in New York April 28, 2017.[Photo/Xinhua]

UNITED NATIONS - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday stressed two directions in dealing with the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, at the UN Security Council Ministerial Meeting on the Non-Proliferation/the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Addressing the meeting, Wang said that "we must stay committed to the goal of denuclearization."

"All parties should comprehensively understand and fully implement DPRK-related Security Council resolutions," he said.

The foreign minister said that denuclearization is the basic precondition for long-term peace and stability on the peninsula and "what we must accomplish to safeguard the international nuclear non-proliferation regime."

The Security Council held a special meeting Friday to discuss the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres briefed the meeting, which was chaired by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council this month.

Wang and foreign ministers or vice foreign ministers of Britain, Russia, Senegal and Japan, attended the meeting.

"The continued escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula in the recent period has caused widespread concerns and worries of the international community," said Wang.

"If the issue of the Peninsula fails to be put under effective control and in the case of unexpected events, the situation is highly likely to take a drastic turn for the worse and spiral out of control," he added.

All the 15 members of the Security Council addressed the Security Council focusing on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula and the implementation of relevant UN resolutions.

South Korean media said that on Saturday morning, the DPRK testfired a mid-range ballistic missile that apparently failed shortly after launch.

At the UN Security Council special meeting, Wang stressed in his address the significance of continued commitment to dialogue and negotiation on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

"We must stay committed to the path of dialogue and negotiation," the Chinese foreign minister said.

"The use of force does not resolve differences, and will only lead to bigger disasters," Wang noted, adding that "as the only way out, dialogue and negotiation also represent the sensible choice for all parties."

"Our past experience of resolving the nuclear issue on the Peninsula shows, whenever dialogue and negotiation were ongoing, the situation on the Peninsula would maintain basic stability and efforts toward denuclearization could make progress," said the minister.

He recalled the five years between 2003 and 2007 when the parties were engaged in dialogue and negotiation, and three joint documents were adopted, noting "In particular, the September 19th Joint Statement in 2005 set out the roadmap for the DPRK's abandonment of all nuclear programs and the realization of peace on the Peninsula."

"Even today, the Joint Statement still carries major positive significance, and has been reaffirmed and acknowledged by all DPRK-related resolutions of the Security Council," Wang said.

Noting that China is not a focal point of the problem on the Peninsula, Wang noted that "the key to solving the nuclear issue on the Peninsula does not lie in the hands of the Chinese side."

"China has over the years made unremitting efforts and played a unique role in promoting a negotiated solution of the issue," said Wang, adding that "it was through China's efforts and the support of all parties that the Three-Party Talks on the Peninsula nuclear issue was expanded to the Six-Party Talks."

"Under the current circumstances, China is still prepared to work with all parties to make new contributions to the resolution of the nuclear issue on the Peninsula," the minister stressed.

In his address to the meeting, Guterres warned that armed conflict in Northeast Asia "would have global ramifications."

"We must act now to prevent conflict and achieve sustainable peace," he told the open meeting.

Guterres condemned "in the strongest terms" the repeated violations of the relevant Security Council resolutions by the DPRK.

Echoing the UN chief, the Chinese foreign minister said that "we urge the DPRK to stop its nuclear and missile development activities, come back to its commitment of denuclearization and honor its denuclearization obligations."

The minister also called on all parties to remain calm and exercise restraint and avoid provocative rhetoric or actions that would lead to miscalculation.

Tillerson opened the meeting with a statement calling on all member states to enforce the existing sanctions, halt or downgrade diplomatic relations with the DPRK, and increase the country's isolation with new sanctions and with a tightening of existing measures.

He said that all options would remain on the table to counter the DPRK action with military action if necessary.

On Saturday, the DPRK test-fired a ballistic missile, which exploded shortly after liftoff, according to Yonhap news agency of the Republic of Korea.

It conducted a hydrogen bomb test and a nuclear warhead explosion test on Jan. 6 and Sept. 9 of 2016, respectively. The Security Council adopted resolutions on March 2 and Nov. 30 of 2016, respectively, demanding that the DPRK abandon its nuclear weapon and missile programs and imposing sanctions on it.
European Heads of State meet during a EU summit in Brussels, Belgium April 29, 2017.[Photo/Agencies]

BRUSSELS - European Union leaders unanimously and rapidly agreed on guidelines for the bloc's negotiations with Britain over its withdrawal from the bloc, summit chair Donald Tusk said on Saturday.

"Guidelines adopted unanimously. EU27 firm and fair political mandate for the Brexit talks is ready," Tusk said in a tweet not long after the summit of EU leaders began.

Officials said the approval took about a minute and was followed by applause from the leaders.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker also issued a tweet saying: "Unity in action."

The EU's Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, is expected to launch talks with Britain on its withdrawal from the EU in June, after Britain's parliamentary election.

Reuters
(Photo : Pakistan Air Force) Two-seat JF-17B of the Pakistan Air Force.

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China has unveiled the JF-17B, a dual-seat fighter trainer version of the original CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder it co-developed for the Pakistan Air Force. The Chinese version of the JF-17 is called the CAC FC-1 Xiaolong.



JF-17 stands for Joint Fighter-17 while the designation FC-1 Xiaolong means Fighter China-1 Fierce Dragon.



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The Pakistan Air Force plans to deploy the JF-17B this year in the ground attack and trainer roles. Pakistan is capable of manufacturing 25 JF-17s a year.



JF-17 is a lightweight, single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft developed jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC)



JF-17B made its maiden flight on April 27 in southwest Sichuan province.



AVIC said JF-17B was also developed to meet the requirements of international customers and the global market. It said the plane can be used for training in peacetime and can also be used in combat missions during wartime.



AVIC said the debut flight symbolized a major milestone in the development of the JF-17 aircraft series.



Yang Wei, chief designer of the JF-17B, said the JF-17B dual-seat aircraft brings a new force to JF-17 family and will increase JF-17 series' competitiveness in world markets.



AVIC said the JF-17B has achieved a balance among performance, quality, cost and market needs. It said that the JF-17B received overseas orders during its development stage.



In September 2016, Pakistan and China took their jointly developed CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder, otherwise known as FC-1 Xiaolong in China, on a marketing tour in South Africa to push the fighter to African governments.



This third generation fighter is currently only in service with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), having been a made exclusively for Pakistan.



The JF-17, which is the export version of the FC-1, can be used in air-to-air combat missions and also has strong ground attack capabilities. It's a light weight, third-generation fighter capable of all-weather missions



The project that led to the JF-17 began in 1998 when China and Pakistan signed an agreement for joint development and production of the fighter. The maiden flight of the No. 01 prototype fighter was successfully conducted on August 25, 2003. The first fighters were delivered to the PAF in March 2007.



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Tagschina, JF-17B, CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder, CAC FC-1 Xiaolong, Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Chengdu Aircraft Corporation
(Photo : PLARF) Chinese DF-31 ICBMs on their mobile launchers.

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China and Russia are together accusing the United States of building a global anti-missile system, which includes THAAD in Asia and the NATO Missile Defense System in Europe that eliminates their ability to launch surprise nuclear missile attacks on the U.S. and its allies while enabling a massive second nuclear strike by the U.S.



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Maj. Gen. Cai Jun, deputy director of Combat Operation Bureau under the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission (CMC), claimed the development of a global anti-missile system will inevitably worsen the international security environment.



Gen. Cai, who leveled this accusation at the Moscow Conference on International Security a few days ago, alleges the U.S. and other countries that unilaterally strengthen the global deployment of the anti-missile system "only want to seek absolute unilateral military superiority."



America's push for military superiority will further aggravate regional tensions; lead to local confrontation and ultimately destroy global and regional strategic stability, according to Gen. Cai.



He reiterated China firmly opposes the deployment of THAAD. He claims the real reason the U.S. wants the THAAD system in South Korea is to make way for its global anti-missile system, and to build a blockade of China and Russia's Asia-Pacific anti-missile defenses, so as to weaken the strategic capacity of China and Russia.



Gen. Cai said China and Russia will take further measures to safeguard their security interests and regional strategic balance.



Lt. Gen. Viktor Poznihir, first deputy chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, alleges the deployment of anti-missile systems in the U.S., Europe and Asia-Pacific by the U.S. will undermine the balance of strategic forces; reduce the threshold of the use of nuclear weapons; threaten the safety of space activities and trigger a new arms race.



He also said the deployment of anti-missile systems to deal with nuclear threats from Iran and North Korea endangers China and Russia's strategic security.



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Tagschina, Russia, United States, global anti-missile system, THAAD, NATO Missile Defense System, Maj. Gen. Cai Jun, military superiority, Lt. Gen. Viktor Poznihir
(Photo : Russian Navy) Scale model of Russia's canceled Lider-class destroyer.

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The Russian Navy will bear the brunt of huge budget cuts as the Russian Armed Forces finds itself short of money to spend on its multi-billion dollar modernization programs on account of the massive deceleration in Russia's economy caused by financial sanctions imposed by the European Union and the United States.



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The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (VSRF) wants a $536 billion budget for the next seven years but Russian experts seriously doubt VSRF will receive all of this because of the economic crisis crippling Russia's economy.



This debilitating crisis, which was imposed by the EU and the U.S. to punish Russia for illegally annexing Crimea in March 2014, caused Russia's GDP to plummet by 50 percent from 2014 to 2016, according to western experts.



NATO said the sanctions "are generally assessed to have helped exacerbate the macroeconomic challenges it (Russia) was already facing, notably the rapid and pronounced fall in oil prices that started in the last months of 2014."



Russian military experts said the cash crisis will hit the navy particularly hard, which means the navy will get fewer new warships and submarines. As a result, the navy has to prioritize its procurement targets so no new warships will introduced in foreseeable future, said Dmitry Litovkin, a military analyst.



"Most likely, Russia will have to abandon the Project 23560 Lider-class destroyer program and postpone until the 2030s construction of the Shtorm (Project 23000E) aircraft carrier, which is expected to carry around 90 fighters, including the naval version of the fifth-generation fighter," said Litovkin.



The cash crunch will also seriously delay the mass production of Russia's only stealth fighter, the Sukhoi T-50.



"The government did not have the money to procure 50 of these (T-50) aircraft as envisaged before the current crisis, so the order will be for a smaller number," said Andrey Frolov, editor-in-chief of Eksport Vooruzheniy (Arms Export) magazine.



Russian military experts says the economic crisis will also affect the development and production of other big ticket weapons such as new intercontinental ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles.



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TagsRussian Navy, financial sanctions, European Union, United States, Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, NATO, Lider-class destroyer, Shtorm
(Photo : Sea Launch) Ocean Odyssey, the floating launch pad of Sea Launch, with a rocket ready to launch. Sea Launch Commander is in the background.

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Russia plans to compete in the low cost launch market against SpaceX by resurrecting the bankrupt firm Sea Launch, the original low cost launch provider, now owned by the Russian government through S7 Airlines or PJSC Siberia Airlines, Russia's largest domestic airline.



Sea Launch Co. LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2009, and after emerging from bankruptcy in 2010 was acquired by the Russian government through a bevy of private Russian firms.



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Sea Launch mothballed its ships and put operations on long-term hiatus in 2014 following Russia's military intervention in Ukraine.



Sea Launch was able to undercut its competition by launching its rockets from a specially designed floating launch pad positioned at the Pacific Ocean along the Equator. This launch pad was the self-propelled platform, Ocean Odyssey, while launch operations were controlled from another ship, the Sea Launch Commander.



The sea-based launch system means rockets can be fired from the optimum position on the Earth's surface along the Equator, considerably increasing payload capacity and reducing launch costs compared to land-based systems.



Russian state-owned media says a new medium-class carrier rocket will be developed by S. P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia or RSC Energia to compete against SpaceX's Falcon 9 orbital launch vehicle with a reusable first stage.



"RSC Energia proposes the development of a new medium-class launch vehicle for launches from Baikonur and Vostochny cosmodromes, as well as from the Sea Launch," said RSC General Director Vladimir Solntsev.



"The development of a preliminary design (of the rocket) is under way. The new launch vehicle will be well suited for launches from the Sea Launch, and, of course, it will be competitive with the US-made Falcon rocket."



Falcon 9 v1.2 (Falcon 9 Full Thrust) can lift payloads of up to 22,800 kilograms to low Earth orbit, and up to 8,300 kilograms to geostationary transfer orbit, according to SpaceX.



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TagsRussia, SpaceX, low cost launch market, S7 Airlines, Sea Launch Co. LLC, Sea Launch, rsc energia, Vladimir Solntsev
As the United Methodist Church (UMC) is considering whether it will change its stance on homosexuality, Korean American clergy and lay members discussed how they have been dealing with that very issue during the annual Korean Association of United Methodists (KAUM) Annual Convocation, which is taking place from April 24 to 27 in Los Angeles.

Currently, the UMC does not formally accept homosexuality. Under the denomination's bylaws, known as the Book of Discipline, ordination of those in same-sex relationships is forbidden, and clergy are prohibited from conducting same-sex marriages.

The denomination was set to discuss and decide whether it will change its stance in 2016 at its last General Conference, a gathering of almost 1,000 delegates that usually convenes every four years and one that is the highest decision-making body in the UMC. Instead, the conference opted to postpone the decision and formed a 32-member commission called the Commission on a Way Forward, solely dedicated to exploring the UMC's Book of Discipline, deliberating what options would be best for the UMC, and giving recommendations to the UMC's Council of Bishops.

A special General Conference will convene in February of 2019, at which time delegates will only discuss the issue of homosexuality, and act on a report given by the UMC's Council of Bishops.

(Photo : Christianity Daily) Korean American clergy in the United Methodist Church gathered from all over the nation for the Korean Association of United Methodists Annual Convocation, which is taking place in Los Angeles from April 24 to 27.

The KAUM Annual Convocation, themed 'Building a Community in the Promised Land,' featured a session on Tuesday morning with a four-member panel discussing the various stances that the UMC could decide to take, and the ways that the panelists and the members of their churches have been discussing, or not discussing, the issue of homosexuality.

"This has become an issue that, even if we wanted to avoid it, we can no longer avoid," said Paul Hak-Soon Chang, the executive director of the United Methodist Council on Korean Ministries, who was the first panelist to speak. "Eventually, the denomination must make a decision."

Many of the panelists, all of whom are pastors, said some members of their congregations have approached them first, asking what their positions are on homosexuality.

Samuel Hong, the senior pastor of Korean United Methodist Church of Santa Clara Valley, said he openly shared the current situation in the denomination during Sunday announcements.

Hong said he is taking a careful approach, and told his congregation that "even if we make our decision after the UMC makes its decision, it won't be too late."

The issue compelled some members of Chicago Life United Methodist Church, led by Mi-Sook Park, to take a strong stance first, eventually leading Park to host an open forum on the topic.

"I openly asked them, 'Who thinks homosexuality is a sin? Who doesn't think so?' And we had a time of open discussion," Park said. But in her congregation, most, if not all, of the members believe that practicing homosexuality is a sin, she said.

Kwang Tae Kim, the president of KAUM, said the panel discussion focused on homosexuality this year because of its potential impact on Korean churches.

"The issue of homosexuality may affect Korean churches the most," Kim said, "and we must consider what strategy we will take moving forward."

Meanwhile, the Commission on a Way Forward includes one Korean American member, Myungrae Kim Lee, who was present at the KAUM convocation. Lee said the commission has been working hard to seek the best outcome.

"Such a diverse crowd of people have come together, but it has been so hard to reach a consensus," Lee said of the commission meetings. Since the commission was formed, it has met three times.

Lee added that, as an Asian living in the U.S., she has been aiming to voice the concerns of minority ethnic groups living within America, and urging the commission to "consider the importance of the ethnic churches in the U.S." As an international denomination, the UMC has annual conferences abroad, including in the Philippines, Europe, and Africa.

The convocation is taking place at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport and at Los Angeles United Methodist Church, and features worship sessions, plenary sessions, and small group sessions on topics such as pastoring in cross-cultural contexts, women in ministry, and ministering to youth and young adults.

    press@cdaily.co.kr



- Copyright ,    

#UMC
As the 14th annual North Korea Freedom Week has been taking place in Washington, D.C., a World Congress of North Korean Defectors convened at the National Press Club on April 27, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, during which speakers agreed that having a consistent inflow of information into North Korea is the most effective path toward freedom in North Korea and a peaceful reunification in the Korean peninsula.

The session featured experts in the field, including Dr. Katy Oh, Dr. Tara O, and Greg Scarlatoiu; defectors, including Kwang-Il Huh, Jeong-Hun Choi, Sang-Hak Park; and ambassador Jung-Hoon Lee.

In relation to freedom in North Korea, Jung-Hoon Lee emphasized the need to understand that North Korea is a nation in which information is strictly blocked, and to take an approach with that understanding. Experts must seek avenues through which information could be communicated and received by the North Korean people, such as North Korea's radio broadcasts.

Weve confirmed multiple times that through a consistent inflow of information, the state of affairs within the country has undergone much change, said Jeong-Hun Choi and Sang-Hak Park, who are both defectors and North Korean human rights activists. Specifically, disseminating flyers and using the loudspeakers, to which Kim Jong Un has been responding sensitively, have been significant in bringing about change, they said.

Up until now, there have been many people rallying and standing up for freedom in North Korea, but this is the time that actual action must be carried out for change in North Korea, they continued. For practical action steps to bring about change within North Korea, such as using the North Korean radio broadcasts, we ask for more proactive interest, and we also need the help of the U.S. and South Korean governments.

Speakers also pointed out that in order for a substantive and peaceful reunification to occur, the Kim Jong Un dictatorship must change, and that Kim would never give up nuclear weapons.

Regarding what preparations should be made for reunification, and how the North Korean people could be re-educated, Katy Oh pointed to focusing on re-educating members of the military. Some 4 percent of the North Korean population are in the military, she said, and the organization of the military could be used proactively to explain economics, banks, and other aspects that they would need to adjust to in Korean society to those within the military.

Greg Scarlatiou emphasized that Kim Jong Un is in actuality a god-like figure to the North Korean people, and that in order for the North Korean people to be able to understand the reality of the North Korean government up until now, Kim Jong Un must be referred to the International Criminal Court.

Tara O, who was in Germany when East and West Germany was reunified, said that the interactions between the civilians allowed for a quicker integration among the residents of the East and West. Similarly, O said, interactions between generations and between those in the North and South must occur proactively and voluntarily.

North Korea Freedom Week began on April 26, and will conclude on April 30.

This article has been translated. For the original in Korean, visit kr.christianitydaily.com.
Death in America:

Selections from the Zadig & Voltaire Collection

From the founder and creative director of cutting-edge luxury fashion label Zadig & Voltaire, a collection in which art meets music and fashion  with highlights from the Post-War and Contemporary Art sales in New York

The New York artist Steven Parrino came of age, he said, when the word on painting was that, Painting is dead. I saw this as an interesting place for painting and this death-painting thing led to a sex-and-death painting thing that became an existence thing. Death in America #1 (2003) is a prime example of his twisting, contorted canvases and exemplifies Parrinos iconoclastic approach to painting. It also sets the tone for Death in America: Selections from the Zadig & Voltaire Collection, an extraordinary selection of works existing at a crossroads of art, music and fashion.

Zadig & Voltaire, known for its effortlessly cool brand of Parisian rock chic, shares the rebellious vision of many of the artists in the collection. Although their artistic missions are diverse, a sense of radical creative (re)vision applies to the tough, pioneering Minimalism of Donald Judd and Dan Flavin, as it does to the prankster sensibilities of Urs Fischer and Maurizio Cattelan, or indeed the irreverent post-painting of Joe Bradley and Sterling Ruby  who, like Parrino, have both had stints as punk musicians. As founder Thierry Gillier and his wife, creative director Cecilia Bonstrom, are well aware, confronting traditional taste can unlock exciting new avenues of expression. Their label, which even has its own music imprint, offers a vision of classic simplicity infused with a rock-and-roll spirit thats in sync with their lifestyle, philosophy and art collection.

Open a larger version of this image Zadig & Voltaire founder Thierry Gillier and his wife Cecilia Bonstrom with (behind) Latifa Echakhch (b. 1974), Tambour 102', 2012. India ink on canvas. Diameter: 68 in (173 cm). Estimate: $60,000-80,000. This work is offered in the Post-War and Contemporary Art Afternoon Session on 18 May at Christies in New York

Born in Troyes, France, Thierry Gillier is a descendant of Andre Gillier, co-founder of the sportswear label Lacoste. From a young age, he was surrounded by his familys collection of art. They were always collecting mostly 17th- and 18th-century French art, the designer says, and always had books of Picasso, Braque or Kandinsky around.

The rebellious Gilliers artistic leanings were at odds with his familys more traditional inclinations. I was very upset by Picasso, he muses, because it seemed so easy So of course I wanted to outdo him. Thats kind of the story of my life, you know: if he can do it, I can do it.

In the 1980s, Gillier began to study painting at New Yorks Bard College, only to be thrown out for being too wild. After graduating from the schools film programme, he honed his creative eye at Parsons School of Design before relocating to Paris. This wide-ranging visual education feeds into Zadig & Voltaires fashion as much as the collections international constellation of artists. Parrino called his works misshaped canvases, in direct response to the shaped canvases of the 1960s. Minimalism and its manifold legacies are themes that run throughout the collection, from the serene beauty of Robert Rymans white paintings to the enigmatic pictorial endgame of Christopher Wools Untitled (1989).

Open a larger version of this image Inside the Gilliers Paris home, featuring Pablo Picasso, Buste de femme, 1970, and Steven Parrino (1958-2005), Death in America #1, 2003, offered in the Post-War and Contemporary Art Evening Sale on 17 May at Christies New York

Underscored by a strong showing of appropriation art from Richard Prince and Sherrie Levine, the collection pays sharp attention to how images and themes can evolve and be refashioned over time. Elsewhere, Zadigs more riotous edge is reflected in works such as Andy Warhols confrontational Untitled (1977), or Rashid Johnsons Pound-For-Pound (2011), which powerfully explores black identity in America with visceral splashes of soap and wax on mirrored tiles.

Open a larger version of this image Gillier residence, Paris. Franz West (1947-2012), Untitled, 2011. Styrodur, steel, epoxy resin, glass fibre mats, synthetic resin, lacquer and metal base. 89 x 237 x 61 in (226 x 603 x 155 cm). Estimate: $600,000-800,000. This work is offered in the Post-War and Contemporary Art Afternoon Session on 18 May at Christies in New York
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When her mother found Molly Matheson dead in an apartment near Texas Christian University, it sent chills through the Fort Worth community.

But, police were able to end the speculation about what happened to the 22-year-old on Friday, announcing the arrest of 23-year-old Reginald "Reggie" Kimbro of Dallas.
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Two decades ago in Houston if you wanted to watch "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" it meant staying up until 2:40 a.m. or setting a VCR to watch it later.

So, this week in 1997 O'Brien came to Houston to investigate just why that was, in the middle of a muggy Bayou City night. Think of it as a precursor to comedian Dave Attell's "Insomniac" episode shot in Houston just four years later.

BILL WHO?: Late-night talk-show hosts you've already forgotten

Since O'Brien took over the "Late Night" reins from David Letterman in 1993 his show had, of course, aired right after Jay Leno's "The Tonight Show" at 12:30 a.m. eastern time in most major markets,

In Houston O'Brien wasn't seen until 2:40 a.m., long after most potential viewers were sleep. Rumor was ratings for the show weren't as good as episodes of "The Jenny Jones Show," "Ricki Lake," "Access Hollywood," and a rerun of KPRC-TV's 10 p.m. newscast, all of which aired before Conan. Those who watched him nightly were either bartenders, stuck in a guard shack, or unemployed.

O'Brien and company drove around Houston to ask people still awake if they even knew who he was. Staff at a bail bonds office, a maintenance worker, strippers, Rice University kids, and hotel guests were all included. Most were clueless as to who he was.

FUNDRAISING: Watch Conan O'Brien hit the streets of Mexico City to raise money for President Trump's border wall

Finally O'Brien can be seen watching his own show on one of the Diamond Vision screens at the Astrodome, which he had all to himself.

O'Brien got that cherry slot behind Leno in Houston, eight years later, in 2005. By this time his show had caught on across the country and he wasn't the (literal) redheaded stepchild of late-night TV.

These days fans still see O'Brien and his sidekick Andy Richter nightly Monday through on TBS' "Conan" which airs at the sensible time of 10 p.m.
Hundreds of people gathered at Clinton Park on Houston's east side Saturday to protest climate change and promote environmentally focused policies on President Donald Trump's 100th day in office.

The demonstrators called for Environmental Protection Agency funding, continued participation in the Paris climate agreement and greater investments in alternative forms of energy and transportation. Many carried signs targeting climate change deniers and members of the Trump administration who have questioned that science.
Two firefighters were injured Friday night after responding to a north Houston apartment fire, according to the Houston Fire Department.

Houston firefighters responded to the apartment fire around 9 p.m. near Northborough Drive and Rushcreek Drive, finding heavy flames coming from six vacant units. The two-alarm blaze was eventually brought under control, but six apartment units were affected, according to HFD.
On the last Sunday in November, I found myself strolling around the peaceful fishing village of Urk, one of the most charming and isolated corners of the Netherlands. My presence here at the northern notch of the Dutch Bible Belt - 50 minutes and a world away from Amsterdam - originated in the most incongruous of places: Twitter.

Due to my self-aggrandizing tendency to brand my own writings with #urk, a sobriquet derived from my last name, I began to build an audience on this former isle in the Flevoland province. Some locals even started to reach out to me through the social media platform with amused curiosity. I wanted to explore the nuances of this conservative settlement - which largely preserves its old-time virtues by dint of its remoteness - and get a taste of the Holland of yesteryear. And I wondered if, by virtue of my name and my openness, I could be accepted as an honorary Urker.

I tweeted about Urk and followed denizens and businesses alike to invite some rapport with those in the village. But as I embarked upon this newfangled travel experiment, I wondered: Would I be Urked upon arrival, or would the locals be irked?

Enter Anneke van Urk, a 56-year-old who was the most enthusiastic Urker in my correspondence. She became a sort of Dutch guru, fairy godmother and cultural concierge. Through her, I learned that the world is more welcoming than you might think. And that social media, despite its bad rap for being impersonal, can be a great way to make personal connections in faraway places. After I booked my trip, Anneke invited me to the house she has shared for 37 years with her husband, Bert, for her family's Sunday huddle.

"Be prepared," she warned. "It will be busy."

The day of my visit, her friend Kees de Visser, a local doctor who grew up on Urk, was kind enough to fetch me at the Lelystad train station and take me on a walking tour of the city.

Filled with stout, orange-roofed houses, Urk is dominated by Dutch Reformed congregations. There are 19 churches for its 20,000 residents; Sunday is dedicated to worship and family, with only a couple of pubs open for business.

As de Visser (yes, his last name translates as "the Fisherman") and I walked around the wharf, which was lousy with personal sailboats and small fishing vessels, we saw some denizens dressed in all black. The most religious of locals typically go to church at 10 a.m. Sundays and head home for tea, followed by a meal and a siesta to pass the time until a second round of church at 4 p.m. If the men in the family work as fishermen, as 35 percent of Urkers do, they'll head out to sea at midnight and return Friday evening.

We walked toward the waterfront - where nonreligious bikers and speed walkers, the local joke goes, worship at "the Church of the Seagull" - and saw the Ommelebommelestien, a stone sticking out of the water off the coast in the IJsselmeer, the lake where, legend has it, mothers-to-be can row out with a midwife and pay two cents for a son or one cent for a daughter.

The rich folk tradition in Urk stems from its long history. In 966, the first writings about Urk appeared when Holy Roman Emperor Otto I referred to "Urch," an island in the Zuiderzee. But Urk's island existence ended last century: In 1939, the government finished the Afsluitdijk, the causeway that closed the gap between the North Sea and the Zuiderzee. The Zuiderzee became the IJsselmeer, with salt water turning to fresh, and connected Urk to Noordoostpolder and the rest of the Netherlands.

The government expected Urkers to move and end the fishing trade, but the locals are a stubborn bunch. They sailed through the sluice of the Afsluitdijk and continued fishing on the North Sea, where they still fish today. With fishermen, processors, auctions and exporters, Urk has one of the largest seafood economies in Europe.

The freshness of the seafood will spoil you, and in this off-the-beaten-path locale, you won't be elbow-to-elbow with Americans and Britons. For those looking to experience the excitement of one of the largest fish markets in Europe, it's essential to see the fast-paced fishmonger auctions. Afterward, visitors can savor the moment with some freshly baked scholfilletje, fillet of plaice. (It's a flatfish similar to trout.)

The watery tradition that I observed is soon to become famous for a different reason: Christopher Nolan's "Dunkirk," coming out in July, was filmed in Urk and on the IJsselmeer last July. Urk's beauty, its calm waters, and Dutch subsidies attracted location scouts, and so even Hollywood is putting this lesser-traveled place on the map. In fact, Ben van Urk, Anneke's 35-year-old son, is an extra in the movie.

De Visser and I continued our constitutional, past the 1786 Kerkje aan de Zee (Church on the Sea), rebuilt from the remains of a church constructed around 1600 that was later swallowed by the sea, and the Vissersmonument, a statue and surrounding memorial plaques dedicated to the fishermen lost at sea. I was struck by the pleasantness and quietude of Sunday on Urk, the inhabitants greeting each other in their meanderings and the homey chimney smoke piping through the village.

Wandering the small connections between the main streets, we slithered through the old village with its jumble of lanes, glops (alleys) and ginkies (passageways). Most streets in the old village do have names, but they are hardly used. The Urkers prefer the name "wijk" (quarters), of which the old village is divided into eight. Visitors can take an official Ginkiestocht, for five euros a pop, to tour the fairy-tale streets and the harbor, while the Old Hall museum pays tribute to the thousand-year history of Urk with its fishcentric economy, and its unique dialect and manner of dress.

In late afternoon, we arrived at Anneke's abode, a capacious gingerbread-house-style structure. She greeted me, this stranger from the wilds of the Internet, as an old friend - with a hug, chocolates and a pot of tea. Soon thereafter, just as she warned, we entered into a full-on party. Her husband, five of her kids and their partners, and four of her grandchildren all gathered for a Sunday meal - a "plankert" of meats and cheeses, delicious baked salmon, warm smoked salmon, a vegetable medley and a dessert mousse of Speculoos paste and a pear poached in port wine with cinnamon.

As each person entered, I was greeted with an "Euj," the guttural and familiar Urker alternative to "pleased to meet you." On Urk, one does not shake hands, except with a stranger. I tried to ingratiate myself with them further by noting that besides the Urk present in my last name, I'm such an Urker that even my initials (R.K.U.) are an anagram of Urk.

I am of Russian Jewish extraction, I explained, and "Urken" is an exceedingly uncommon name in the United States - such that basically the few dozen folks with the last name are related to me. Given the rarity of our name, the existence of Urk has a certain mystical allure.

There has been something of a rite of passage for men on my father's side of the family in visiting Urk. Well, at least my uncle and father passed through Urk separately in the 1970s on trips to Amsterdam. But they barely scratched the surface. I desired a more authentic immersion than my relatives and thanks to social media, I got it.

This year, I have a particular interest in going to the Azores and Jersey, the island in the English Channel.

I'm just now getting set to start my Twitter campaign.

- - -

Urken is a writer based in New York. His website is rosskennethurken.com; find him on Twitter at #urk.
Wednesday

Services Cooperative Association: Houston CrossRoads Business Building Breakfast. 7:15-8:30 a.m., Corner Bakery Cafe, 9311-H Katy Freeway.

Speaker: Rosa Lemaire.

Topic: Having a clear vision.

Cost: $25-$35.Information: Jerry Cooper, 832-452-8537.

Energy Valuation Conference: Co-hosted by the Houston TSCPA Foundation and the Houston Chapter of the American Society of Appraisers. 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch, 1801 Allen Parkway.

Cost: $250-$275.

Registration: 713-622-7733 or www.houstoncpa.org.Saturday

American Women's Society of CPAs: May mini seminar. 8:30 a.m., Four Oaks Plaza Conference Center, 1330 Post Oak Blvd.

Cost: $40 members; $55 non-members.

Topics: April Day, WBEA, will present "Planning for Self-Care in 2017." Jennifer Battle, MHMRA HelpLine director, will present "Creating and Maintaining Mentally Healthy Workplaces."

Registration: www.awscpahouston.org.
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A federal judge in Houston Friday issued a scathing denouncement of Harris County's cash bail system, saying it is fundamentally unfair to detain indigent people arrested for low-level offenses simply because they can't afford to pay bail.

In a 193-page ruling released Friday, Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal ordered the county to begin releasing indigent inmates as early as May 15 without posting cash bail while they are awaiting trial on misdemeanor offenses.

CONTESTED: Federal fight over Harris County bail system heats up in court

"Liberty is precious to Americans and any deprivation must be scrutinized," the order states, citing a comment from Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht.

The ruling - a temporary action that will stay in place until the lawsuit is resolved - will not apply to those charged with felonies, or those who are being detained on other charges or holds.

First Assistant County Attorney Robert Soard said late Friday that officials are reviewing the orders.

"No decision has been made at this time concerning an appeal of the preliminary injunction," he said.

BAIL BATTLE: Harris County to provide public defenders at bail hearings

District Attorney Kim Ogg and County Commissioner Rodney Ellis - both of whom filed statements of support with the court for the lawsuit - praised the ruling.

"This is a watershed moment in Harris County criminal-justice history," Ogg said in a statement late Friday. "From now on, people can't be held in jail awaiting trial on low-level offenses, just because they are too poor to make bail. ... We welcome the ruling and will comply fully with it."

Ellis said he was pleased with the ruling.

"Harris County's bail system is unconstitutionally discriminatory and morally indefensible  and we now have a federal court ruling telling us so," Ellis said in an email. "It's time for us to fix a broken justice system that favors the privileged and punishes the poor for being poor."

The ruling came five weeks came after a lengthy, high-profile hearing in which more than a dozen witnesses took the stand, including several judges and Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

Monetary bonds have been used for generations across the country to ensure people arrested by police return for court dates, and several jurisdictions around the country have begun to rethink how bail should be set.

HEATED: Harris County commissioners exchange words over bail bond lawsuit

The ruling came five weeks came after a lengthy hearing in which more than a dozen witnesses took the stand, including several judges and Gonzalez.

The lawsuit was filed last year by two civil rights group - Texas Fair Defense Project and Civil Rights Corps - and local law firm Susman Godfrey law firm on behalf of Maranda Odonnell, a single mother who was held for two days on a charge of driving without a valid license because she couldn't afford the $2,500 bail.

The suit names top county officials and a string of judges and hearing officers. Similar lawsuits filed on behalf of two other people were merged into the case in August.

The ruling notes that the case is "difficult and complex," and is among many similar cases filed across the country challenging bail practices.

The order notes that the judge reviewed "many hours of footage" from 2,300 recordings of misdemeanor probable cause hearings that were placed into evidence. The ruling cites two videos as being "illustrative" of the problems face by misdemeanor defendants.

In one case, a man whose criminal history was wrongly calculated by the hearing officer eventually pleaded guilty to gain release. In another, the hearing officer laughed and made a "wisecrack" that he felt better that the man was returning to jail.

The ruling also cites reports showing that of the 50,000 people arrested in Harris County on Class A or Class B misdemeanors in 2015, fewer than 10 percent were released on unsecured personal bonds.

She concluded that even if hearing officers were not acting deliberately, the county had been using money bail as a form of preventive detention.

Gonzalez, through a spokesman, said his office would immediately begin looking into how to implement the order. The sheriff also filed court papers indicating he supports an end to costly bail for indigent defendants.

The ruling drew praise from others pushing for change to the bail system.

"It's my hope this decision and decisions like it will eradicate the notion of wealth-based detention from our legal system," said Alec Karakatsanis, of the Civil Rights Corp.

Neal Manne, a managing partner at Susman Godfrey, which is donating its services, said the judge recognized the crushing impact that cash bail can have on poor people.

"We showed in effect the money bail system was being used to achieve something the Texas Constitution does not permit," Manne said.

Christina Swarns, head of litigation for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund in New York, likewise praised the ruling.

"One's punishment should fit their crime, not their bank account," Swarns said. "Harris County's bail practices unlawfully create a cycle of poverty for those who cannot afford the cost of their freedom."

Tarsha Jackson, the criminal justice director for the Texas Organizing Project, urged the county to not challenge the ruling.

"Harris County would do right to accept the judge's ruling and not appeal. Unfortunately, we expect an appeal," Jackson said.

The judge indicated Friday she would rule on the legality of the current system before July 1.

Harris County has already spent more than $2 million fighting the lawsuit, and recently hired an additional attorney to help with appeals.

Soard said the county had retained veteran D.C. appellate lawyer Charles Cooper to represent the interests of 15 county criminal court of law judges who oppose the lawsuit.

Cooper will advise whether the judges should appeal the ruling. The remaining court of law judge testified at the injunction hearing that although he is a defendant in the lawsuit, he supports changing the way bail is issued.

The remaining defendants for the county have appellate counsel from the firms who will review the question of an appeal, he said.
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In the matter of a couple of days, Austin police went from preparing to mourn the passing of a fellow officer to issuing a warrant for his arrest.

That swing, said Austin Police Association President Ken Casaday, has disappointed and angered fellow police officers who initially took part in the search for 29-year-old Coleman "Cole" Martin.

He was trying to scam the system, Casaday told KXAN-TV. His friends on the department and all of the officers are very disappointed with his actions.

Martin, 29, now stands accused of faking his own suicide and vanishing into Mexico last week. There's a warrant for his arrest on a misdemeanor charge.

Police say Martin was under "emotional distress" when his wife called 911 on April 25 and reported that he was suicidal.

Investigators with the Amistad National Recreation Area told KTBC-TV that they recovered Martin's vehicle near the Amistad Reservoir on April 26.

FIRST WORDS: Houston nurse falsely accused of killing husband speaks out

Along with the keys, officers found Martin's wallet with no U.S. currency, a few personal items, and and an empty box for an inflatable raft. Martin's passport was not found within the vehicle.

A search didn't turn up Martin's remains, but investigators found an inflatable raft on shore a few miles from Martin's car.

During the investigation, detectives found that Martin's email account had been accessed about five hours after he sent the suicide note to his wife. The IP address which accessed the email account was in Mexico.

A woman in what investigators called a "close relationship" with Martin said she had evidence that Martin was alive and that the entire event was an effort to stage his own death.

DISMISSED: Charges dropped against doctor accused of child molestation

In an email to the woman, detectives said, Martin described who he intentionally staged the scene with his vehicle by the Amistad Reservoir and rode a bike about 8 miles to a convenience store.

Surveillance footage from a gas station in Del Rio of Martin using the store clerk's cell phone to call a taxi.

Based on the new developments, Austin Police charged Martin with false alarm or report, a Class A Misdemeanor. Anyone with information about Martin's whereabouts may call the Austin Police Department at (512)974-5250 or 911.

Scroll through the gallery above to see other missing persons cases in Texas
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The Fyre Festival, a multi-day Bahamas "luxury" music event organized by rapper Ja Rule and entrepreneur Billy McFarland and geared towards very affluent young people, has been "postponed" following a completely disastrous first day Thursday.

Guests to the event, who reportedly paid between $4,000 and $12,000 for their tickets, were promised a "premium" experience. They were to be flown to the festival on a "custom VIP-configured Boeing 737 aircraft." However, upon arriving to the Exuma Cays in the Bahamas the day before the event was to start, they found something quite different.

Tents  likened to "disaster relief" refuges  weren't set up, garbage was scattered around, and festival-goers had difficulty finding staff and security guards. It only got worse from there.

Suitcases were thrown from the backs of pickup trucks and feral dogs roamed the grounds. Though they were promised meals prepared by a "celebrity chef," what they received was a couple slices of cheese and two pieces of sliced bread in a Styrofoam box.

Shortly thereafter, the musical acts, which included GOOD Music artists Disclosure, Migos, Major Lazer, and more, began to drop out. Blink-182 was one of the first to issue a statement.

"Regrettably, and after much careful and difficult consideration, we want to let you know that we won't be performing at Fyre Fest in the Bahamas this weekend and next weekend," the band wrote in a tweet. "We're not confident that we would have what we need to give you the quality of performances we always give fans."

The island quickly became overcapacity, and chaos broke out, leading hordes of people to rush back to the Bahamas airport.

"Due to circumstances out of our control, the physical infrastructure was not in place on time and we are unable to fulfill on that vision safely and enjoyably for our guests," the organizers, Fyre Media, said in a statement Friday. "The festival is being postponed until we can further assess if and when we are able to create the high-quality experience we envisioned."

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism also issued a statement Friday morning, apologizing for the way the events unfolded (on Thursday).

"The event organizers assured us that all measures were taken to ensure a safe and successful event," the agency wrote, "but clearly they did not have the capacity to execute an event of this scale."

According to Rolling Stone, organizers have promised refunds, but as of yet haven't offered further information as to how unsatisfied guests can request them.

The situation is ongoing.

Alyssa Pereira is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at apereira@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @alyspereira.


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Though she was a bit of a cycling novice, Keri Guillory threw herself into training for this year's BP MS-150 ride.

Soon, the 48-year-old mother of two was riding dozens of miles every weekend with her husband, growing stronger, getting ready for the annual Houston-to-Austin ride.

"Train hard enough, and I'll get you across the finish line," 53-year-old Michael Guillory told her.

He will keep that promise Sunday as he carries her ashes across the finish line in a small, tawny wooden box strapped to the back of his bike.

An oncoming blue Dodge Stratus plowed into the couple on a training ride in Waller County last month, killing her and injuring him. The driver, who also struck and killed 37-year-old Craig R. Tippit and nearly ran over a fourth cyclist, faces murder charges.

As he lay recuperating in a the hospital, Guillory vowed to carry out his promise. The entire family agreed.

"We have to make sure her ashes go across the finish line," said Blake Eberhardt, Keri Guillory's 25-year-old son.

"It was just a given," added his younger brother, Cody.

Guillory, a burly drill-bit maker who works for Baker-Hughes, lived in Louisiana before meeting Keri and moving to the Houston area. After the two started dating, he eventually asked her sons' permission in 2007 to marry Keri, who worked in shipping logistics. They lived north of Houston and attended Northside Christian Church.

"She was a joy to be around," he said. He still wears the green bracelet participants received more than a month ago at the start of the Waller ride that cost his wife her life.

One of the reasons they'd started biking more was to get in better shape and keep up with her toddler grandson, Peyton, who she doted on.

They'd planned to ride on the Baker Hughes team, he said. The two were among more than 9,000 riders who signed up this year to participate in the ride, which raises money to fight multiple sclerosis.

On Saturday, he arrived at Tully Stadium in west Houston with Guillory's two sons and her brother. Hundreds of cyclists in technicolor spandex crowded into the starting area as loudspeakers blared.

It was the kind of scene that would have delighted Keri, said Gregg Blanchard, her younger brother.

"She would probably be taking selfies with everyone," he said.

News of the deaths had rippled through Houston's cycling community in March, and on Saturday, memories of the tragedy were still fresh.

"It's always been a fear of mine, but I always thought of it as a ridiculous anxiety," said Corrie Bowling, who was riding with St. Arnold's Brewery's team. "But when things like this happen, it just reinforces it."

"When we heard about the riders who were hit, we were devastated," said Ted Banaglorioso, a five-time MS-150 veteran riding among a crew of orange-spandex clad emergency medical technicians.

"That could be us too. That's how we feel every time there's an accident."

Gray clouds filled the sky. A stiff wind blew through the early morning air. Around 6:45 a.m., the riders started rolling out. After about 30 minutes, once most of them had passed by, Guillory walked over to his wife's bike. He strapped a small tawny, wooden box bearing his wife's ashes to the back of the new pink Granite Peaks Roadmaster.

He wore her cycling bib number  2440  and a white T-shirt with her name and a drawing of a bicycle between two angel wings.

Guillory, his step-sons and his brother-in-law lined up at the starting line, before a Fort Bend County Sheriff's deputy rushed over, hugged him, and started weeping.

"It's OK, it's OK," he said, as he embraced Capt. Cheryl Hillegeist, who worked the day of the crash.

She frequently saw the couple on group rides. They had passed her just minutes before, she said, recalling cheering them on.

The she got a call a rider had been hit. She rushed to the scene, to find Guillory bleeding in a ditch on the side of the road, willing his dying wife to hang on.

"They had such a strong family bond," she said, choking up. "We were both telling her, 'Hang on, just hang on.'"

Guillory wouldn't be biking most of the route. He is still recovering from the injuries he'd suffered that day  he broke three bones in his left arm and hand, and has a still-raw laceration just above his left knee that has not yet completely healed.

But he and his relatives planned to journey along the ride route, camping in LaGrange on Saturday night with the rest of the Baker Hughes team. On Sunday morning, they will release balloons in honor of Keri.

Then they would drive to Austin ahead of the bulk of the riders, and fulfill their promise to Keri, to carry her across the finish line.

"I know it's going to be hard," he said. "In Austin, especially. She'll be with me, but not really with me."
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A Houston businesswoman who was detained in China as she accompanied city officials on a routine business trip in 2015 was deported back to the United States and arrived in Los Angeles late Friday, her husband said.

Sandy Phan-Gillis was in good health, Jeff Gillis said, and relieved to be home after a terrifying two-year ordeal that had the Chinese government accuse her of espionage, which carries a possible death sentence by execution.

"Sandy is overjoyed to be reunited with friends and family, and sends out her thanks to the many people who worked tirelessly for her release," her husband said in a statement. "Many of Sandy's friends and family members have been crying tears of joy throughout the day."

Jeff Gillis said he and Sandy are going to spend a few days in L.A. so she can spend time with her family there.

The 57-year-old was arrested in March 2015 while leading a trade delegation including Houston's former mayor pro-tem Ed Gonzalez. The group was passing through an immigration control connecting mainland China with Macau, when she suddenly disappeared.

Her imprisonment was a source of tension between Washington and Beijing, and her return came as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi met to discuss North Korea's nuclear ambitions, an important issue for both countries. Her release was seen as a sign of improving relations.

The case had stalled for two years until Tillerson reportedly raised it again in March. Tuesday, a Chinese judge sentenced Phan-Gillis to three and a half years in prison on espionage charges, an unusually light sentence, making it seem likely she could be credited for having served most of it.

The Chinese Consulate in Houston didn't respond Friday to a request for comment and neither did the U.S. State Department. Phan-Gillis' lawyer, David Zhang, didn't return an email.

Her homecoming marks the end of a bizarre saga that worried many Americans in China and reflected an increased aggression to go after people Beijing suspects of harming its interests. But it does little to answer why China thought she was a spy at all.

A Vietnamese refugee of Chinese descent, Phan-Gillis spent decades forging strong partnerships with the communist country, leading delegations to China and hosting Chinese groups in Houston. She founded the city's Chinese New Year festival.

But to Chinese authorities, Phan-Gillis was a spy, going to Nanning, the capital of the Guangxi region in southern China, in 1996 to conduct espionage, according to an indictment. Beijing accused her of recruiting Chinese citizens to spy for foreign agencies and spying herself in 1997 and 1998.

Jeff Gillis repeatedly maintained his wife's innocence, saying that her passport shows that she did not visit China at all in 1996.
In case anybody didn't know that Texas U.S. Rep. Randy Weber was conservative, his tearful request for God's forgiveness removed all doubt.

Weber, R-Alvin, took the podium at the annual "Washington - A Man of Prayer" event in the nation's capitol in Wednesday, April 26, 2017.

While some 20 other members of Congress spoke during the 90 minute gathering to lead the group i prayer, Weber's moment in the sun became notable for the tone and nature of the comments.

While choking up repeatedly, Weber modified the Lord's prayer to say thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth here in the halls of Congress.

SPEAKING OUT: Houston joins other cities in climate march on Trump's 100th day

It didn't stop there, though. Weber then proceeded to ask God's forgiveness for the legalization of same-sex marriage and abortion. He threw in the removal of Bibles from public classrooms for good measure.

"Oh, Lord, forgive us. Father, we think were so smart, we have replaced your word and your precepts with drug-sniffing dogs, with metal detectors, with uniformed police officers in our schools," Weber said.

The one thing Weber didn't do was apologize for the word "God" not appearing in the U.S. Constitution.

Scroll through the gallery above to see the long history Texas has with the issue of abortion
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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SS Rajamoulis next film, what is it? For now, he might be thoroughly enjoying the sweat-out success of Baahubali 2 but as a director, he has to move on and already got plans in mind about his next project.

While rumor mills are loud on Jakkanna to do a small budgeted project or Mahabharatha or a Hindi movie and gaga, what we heard from reliable industry sources is Allu Arjun will be the Rajamoulis next hero.

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Yes, long back nearly five years ago SS Rajamouli took advance remuneration from top producer DVV Danayya to direct a film on their Universal Media banner and a story was also finalized with Allu Arjun as hero.

As and when Jakkanna went busy on Baahubali two parts dedicatedly, Danayya did not disturb. As Baahubali humongous result is before our eyes, Rajamouli seems to have decided to fulfill a long lasting commitment made to Danayya, Bunny by accepting this as his upcoming assignment.

Meanwhile, Rajamouli and his family will leave to Bhutan for a long de-stressing vacation soon. Once he enters back in Hyderabad, rest of the details and call sheets adjustment are to be sorted out. Combo of Bunny and Jakkanna can be mind blowing for sure.
I am a retired newspaperman. I am 69 and live in Poca, WV, with my wife of 45 years, Lou Ann. We grew up in Cleveland. Three kids. Grandfather.

More on who I am is here.

Report all errors to DonSurber@GMail.com
It's that time again! Jim Cramer rang the lightning round bell, which means he gave his take on caller favorite stocks at rapid speed:

Halliburton Company : "I'm not going to give up on Halliburton. I liked that quarter very much. The chart's bad. People are really giving up on all the oils. I'll take some Halliburton if it gets to $42, $43. I think that's a good price."

Royal Dutch Shell : "No, I thought they took on a bridge too far with that last acquisition. That's why I prefer Chevron , which had a pretty decent quarter today."

Bank of the Internet USA : "I don't know. Too much risk there, my friend. I'd rather own JPMorgan . I think that's a little more, let's just say, strong."

Boingo Wireless Inc. : "No, no. Look, I mean, I know I work for this company, but if you go through the Wi-Fi part of the Comcast call, I mean, it's just so positive. Comcast is not expensive, gigantic cash flow growth  that's where you're going to go."

Agilent Technologies : "Oh my, I like Agilent so much. I like the quarter. You can win two ways here: you can win on an acquisition or you can win on earnings. That's how good that quarter was. Terrific."

Cray Inc. : "High-performance computing. Boy, I'll tell you, that thing's been kicking around forever. You know, I think it's OK. I have no real edge on Cray."

Disclosure: Comcast is the owner of NBCUniversal, the parent company of CNBC and CNBC.com.

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Wracked by civil war, terrorism and political instability, Libya is now grappling with the resurgence of a pernicious old problem: an active slave trade that sees countless migrants forced into a life of exploitation and abuse.

On a yearly basis, thousands of desperate African refugees attempt to make their way to Europe, fleeing instability in their home countries, but many end up exploited by modern-day slave traders. According to an April report by the UN Migration Agency, North Africans are held in parking lots and private prisons in the oil-rich country, and eventually sold on the black market for only hundreds of dollars.

"We talk to returning migrants every day and we hear this stories every day  stories of exploitation, psychological, physical and sexual abuse," Giuseppe Loprete, Niger-based chief of mission of the UN International Organization for Migration, told CNBC recently.

For thousands of migrants paying to be smuggled out of North Africa, Libya remains the only route to Europe, and is a "black hole" where many disappear into exploitation, he said, adding: "The situation is only getting worse."

The going price for kidnapped migrants ranges from $200 to $500 in Libya, according to survivors who have returned to the IOM's transit center. In the last few months, the organization has arranged for the repatriation of 1,500 migrants back to their homes, which include Nigeria, Senegal and Gambia.

Libya is a gateway to Italy from Africa, with an estimated 25,000 migrants having crossed the Mediterranean Sea this year. Although Italy has taken measures to stem the flow of migrants from Libya, IOM data suggest crossings are on pace to challenge the nearly 182,000 migrants who landed in Italy last year.

"Migrants who go to Libya while trying to get to Europe, have no idea of the torture archipelago that awaits them just over the border," Leonard Doyle, chief IOM spokesman in Geneva, said in a recent statement. African migrants "become commodities to be bought, sold and discarded when they have no more value," he added.

'Terrible situation'
Is any of our information truly private?

Last month, President Donald Trump signed a bill repealing Obama-era regulations that would have required internet services providers like Verizon and Comcast to get consent before collecting, using and selling users' web-browsing data.

Also, WikiLeaks recently leaked documents revealing that the CIA has the ability to conduct surveillance through devices like smartphones and smart TVs. And of course, cybercriminals may hack into your computer or phone in order to try to steal your identity.

Taking steps to protect your privacy can help you take ownership of your information, says Steve Weisman, a Bentley University professor who has written several books on scams and identity theft.

"I don't have a problem with opting in for certain information sharing. I even want to get certain kinds of targeted advertising. But I want to control, I want to be the one to make that decision," he said.

Set tight privacy settings

"People just aren't aware of how much personal information is being taken and regularly used in fashions that invade their privacy," Weisman said. "It's not as bad as you think, it's actually quite worse."

Sites most of us use regularly, like Facebook , Google and YouTube, already collect our data. "Every time you click 'like' on a Facebook page, Facebook is gathering that information and getting a profile on us that they're able to sell. There's nothing free on the free internet," says Weisman.

Take advantage of the privacy settings on these sites. The settings can sometimes be tricky to navigate, so set aside some time to go through them. Weisman advises making the security settings as strong as the site will let you.

Use a secure browser

Internet service providers are able to potentially gather much more information than individual sites, which Weisman finds concerning. "Unless we're using secure browsers, they're going to be able to access a lot more information about everything we're doing online," he said.

Secure browsers, like Tor, exist for users who want to remain anonymous. Tor prevents people from tracking your location or the sites you visit. "Tor gets a lot of flack because Tor has been used by criminals," Weisman said. "But individuals seeking to use the internet privately can also use Tor, and there are other secure browsers that maintain your privacy, and they're not difficult to use."

One downside? Using a secure browser can slow down your internet connection.

Use a virtual private network

Virtual private networks create a secure, encrypted connection between your computer and a server operated by the VPN. Using VPNs can help protect against mass data collection and cyberattacks.

"It will maintain your privacy online, keep you from being hacked, and the websites you go to also will not be able to see where the connection is coming from," Weisman said. Using a VPN is especially helpful when connected to public Wi-Fi networks, like in hotels and coffee shops. However, be aware that VPN speed and connectivity can be spottier than traditional connections. Also, VPNs can be pricey. While there are free VPNs, you tend to get what you pay for, and they may not be as secure as paid VPNs.

Be smart about your passwords

You should ideally have a unique password for each of your online accounts. This can sound daunting, so Weisman recommends starting out with a base password that has capital letters, lower-case letters and symbols, and changing the end of each password.

Another strategy is to use a password manager like Dashlane, LastPass or 1Password. Password managers generate strong passwords, sync them across your devices, and store them for you so you don't have to remember each individual password. You only have to remember one master password to get into the applications.

Emmanuel Schalit, CEO of Dashlane, says his company has never had a major security breach, and that Dashlane has built an infrastructure that secures your information by ensuring your master password is not stored on any of their servers. "We at Dashlane don't have access to it, it can't be stolen from us, or we can't be forced by a government to give it because we don't have it. It's only in your head," he said.

To people who are reluctant to put all their eggs in one basket, Schalit has this analogy: "Would you rather your money in the form of bank notes [be] in 17 places in your house, or would you rather put it in the bank?" If you're going to use a password manager, make sure to pick a complex master password and make sure to never share it with anyone or send it in an email.

Be careful with your security questions

Be sure not to pick security questions that can be easily researched. "When Sarah Palin's email was hacked, her security question was, where did I meet my husband? And the answer was Wasilla High School. And the hacker just went to Wikipedia," said Weisman. Better yet  just make it up. You don't have to answer the question honestly  it just needs to be something you'll remember.

"When you're setting up your security question 'what is your mother's maiden name,' say 'my mother's maiden name was fire truck,'" said Weisman.

Keep your devices secure

In light of the WikiLeaks revelation that the CIA has the ability to hack into smart TVs and smartphones, it's important to be smart about security.

"The biggest thing is to keep yourself from not being the low hanging fruit," Weisman said. These devices are not only vulnerable to the government, but to cybercriminals who want access to your devices in order to steal your identity, install ransomware, or extort money from you. Ransomware is a type of computer virus that blocks access to a computer, server or mobile device, and encrypts the data stored on that device. The victim is forced to pay to unlock the data. Last year, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles paid around $17,000 to unlock its computer network after becoming infected with ransomware.

"It's connected to the Internet, it's vulnerable," said Weisman. Install security software, and make sure that it's updated as soon as new updates come out to protect your devices against the latest forms of malware. Also, make sure your router has the latest security updates and that you've changed the default password to a unique password. This is especially important as the internet of things concept grows and more people have devices like smart toys, security cameras and smart refrigerators connected to their routers.

Making the effort to check your routers, install new browsers, and set new passwords can be time consuming, but after you spend the time, it's a "one and done," Weisman said. "Once you've set these systems in place, they pretty much take care of themselves."

Disclosure: Comcast is the owner of NBCUniversal, the parent company of CNBC and CNBC.com.

CNBC's "American Greed" looks at the dark side of the American Dream.
Congress' failure to reach a 2017 spending bill brought fresh headaches for major defense contractors who say uncertainty over Pentagon funding hurts their planning and could have consequences for military readiness.

"There's a lot of frustration and uncertainty associated with the fact that we're now entering our eighth month of continuing resolution," said David Melcher, CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association, which represents more than 300 companies in the aerospace and defense industry.

Melcher said the defense industry depends on budgets to help them gauge how they're going to manage production and handle new programs that have been awarded by the Pentagon.

Experts say Friday's passage of another short-term spending bill, a continuing resolution known as a CR, may keep the government open for another week, but the damage is already done.

Indeed, he said an acquisition official for the U.S. Army disclosed this week that the development of a helicopter engine replacement for the Apache helicopter was put on hold since there's no funding for the development work.

"All it would take to fix this is passing a budget," he said.

The CR holds spending to prior-year enacted levels for the budget and stops any new programs that were previously not funded.

"Nobody would run a business this way," said Melcher, a retired Army lieutenant general who worked in the Pentagon and later ran an aerospace/defense business. "One has to wonder why we run our nation's security apparatus this way."

The CEOs of the nation's top defense contractors also vented this week on first-quarter earnings calls about the budget mess. Still, they remain generally upbeat about the outlook for U.S. defense spending and foreign military sales.

"We're in, at this point, one of the longest-running CRs that I can remember, which is unfortunate," said Wesley Bush, Northrop Grumman's CEO on Wednesday.

Added Bush, "It certainly does impact the timing of the customer's ability to get out there and actually make source selection decisions."

Earlier this week, all five of the prime defense contractors reported first-quarter earnings that beat analysts' estimates. Northrop also increased its full-year 2017 earnings per share guidance range, but Lockheed Martin trimmed its EPS range.

Lockheed CEO Marillyn Hewson spent a good portion of her earnings call Tuesday talking about the company's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and its "unprecedented abilities." She noted that she expects about half of the orders made during the next five years to come from the international marketplace.

In fact, Lockheed Martin won a $1.38 billion contract related to its F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, according to a Pentagon announcement made late Friday.

While the company doesn't expect the CR to affect the F-35 program, Hewson expressed displeasure with the continued extension of the CR. "We feel a further lack of budget clarity could have longer-term consequences for our armed forces and our industry."

Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg echoed that sentiment during his own conference call.

"We're in the marketplace to compete, and we have opportunities, especially if the U.S. defense budget continues to strengthen," Muilenburg said. "But I will put that caveat on it: We need to see a long-term, stable, strong defense budget in the U.S."

Still, Muilenburg said the company is "seeing the potential for fiscal year 2017 funding increases on numerous Boeing programs, including the Apache, the F-18 Super Hornet, P-8 Poseidon and the V-22 Osprey. International demand for our offerings remains high as well, in particular for rotorcraft, commercial derivatives, fighters, satellites and services."

On Wednesday, Boeing reported earnings were above industry analysts' consensus, but its top-line disappointed. Boeing's defense, space and security division posted lower sales, and commercial aircraft deliveries declined from a year ago.

Muilenburg also talked up the potential for the company's foreign military sales, which include selling Chinooks to Saudi Arabia, Apaches to the United Arab Emirates and P-8 Poseidon aircraft to Norway.

"International interest in our fighters also continues to be strong, with the government of Canada releasing a letter of request for the sale of 18 F-18 Super Hornets," the Boeing CEO said. He also cited possible fighter sales to Qatar and Kuwait.
If at first you don't succeed, try again  but next time do it stateside.

The organizers of Fyre Festival are now pledging to overhaul the failed event and try again next year. Pledging to "make this right," the talent management group that heavily promoted the failed luxury concert in the Bahamas continues to deal with the chaos that erupted Friday.

In a statement released on Saturday, Fyre Festival's organizers explained how the high-end concert  which cost participants thousands of dollars to attend  went awry. Once party-goers arrived in the Bahamas, all of the promised luxury accommodations, chart-topping artists, celebrities and even food were nowhere to be found.

Instead, stranded, tired and hungry revelers found nightmarish conditions that went wildly viral on social media on Friday.

"The team was overwhelmed. The airport was jam-packed. The buses couldn't handle the load," Fyre said in its statement. "And the wind from rough weather took down half of the tents on the morning our guests were scheduled to arrive. This is an unacceptable guest experience and the Fyre team takes full responsibility for the issues that occurred."

Tweet

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Fyre Media, co-founded by rapper Ja Rule (real name is Jeffrey Atkins) and tech entrepreneur Billy McFarland, put the festival together. Artists including Blink 182, Migos, Lil Yachty, Matoma, Claptone, and Le Youth were scheduled to perform. As the internet ridiculed the event's outcome on Friday, Atkins issued an apologetic statement and insisted it wasn't a scam.

"Not one thing that was promised on the website was delivered," Shivi Kumar, a 33 year-old attendee who paid $3,500 for the festival, told The New York Times in an interview. She described a raucous scene with little organization, and even less resources.

"People were stealing beds out of other tents, " The Times reported Kumar as saying. "It was just chaos. Nobody ever came in to check us in to our accommodations, if you can call it that, so they had no idea who was there and who wasn't."

In its statement on Saturday, Fyre said they "...had no other options this morning, so we began the process of getting guests quickly and safely back to Miami, which continues now," while promising full refunds for every attendee. "Our top priority as a company is to ensure the comfort and safe return home of all of our guests."

Yet Fyre insisted that it would rise from the ashes of this experience, saying that various venues, bands and other individuals had reached out "and said they'd do anything to make this festival a reality and how they wanted to help."

They added: "People were rooting for us after the worst day we've ever had as a company. After speaking with our potential partners, we have decided to add more seasoned event experts to the 2018 Fyre Festival, which will take place at a United States beach venue."

CNBC's Michelle Castillo contributed to this article.
China's semi-official Global Times newspaper criticized an ongoing "game of chicken" between North Korea and Washington but also knocked Pyongyang's tech talents.

Early Saturday, the reclusive communist nation launched yet another missile, presumably in a new display of force amid a verbal war of words with President Donald Trump. However, the missile exploded seconds after liftoff, and officials said the failed test involved a short-range, non-nuclear missile able to hit Seoul but not Japan.

"The test's failure shows that the country's missile technology is not mature, and that the missile-launching vehicle paraded on the Day of the Sun not long ago may have only been a mock-up," the English-language Chinese publication said in a commentary.

Moreover, it contends North Korea's missile tests are not just for research and development purposes but part of "an outdated confrontational mentality" demonstrated by the hermit regime.

"Missile tests are North Korea's way of expressing its dissatisfaction, and the most recent test is a typical example," the paper said. "Pyongyang also attempts to use missile tests to boost North Korean public morale, and they're often held during the country's key anniversaries."

North Korea launched a ballistic missile early Saturday local time in the vicinity of Pukchang airfield, the U.S. Pacific Command said in a statement. South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported the missile apparently exploded soon after liftoff.

The Chinese paper noted Pyongyang attempted missile tests that had failed previously, and suggested the North's intercontinental ballistic missile threat to the U.S. was not immediate.

"If North Korea's test continue to fail, this will not enhance its deterrence, and may instead cause contempt from the U.S., Japan and South Korea. Washington would think Pyongyang is far from possessing missiles that could reach U.S. soil."

At the same time, the paper said "both Washington and Pyongyang are playing a game of chicken, and their moves and messages are difficult to interpret."

The publication also called on Beijing to "require the U.S. to ease its military threat against Pyongyang and show that it's willing to peacefully resolve the Korean Peninsula issue, and not threaten the survival of Pyongyang's regime."
When it comes to criticism, Ray Dalio wants you to give it to him straight.

Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, is an advocate of what he calls "radical transparency" in the workplace and spoke openly about the method he utilizes with his 1,500 employees during a presentation this week at TED2017 in Vancouver.

Chip Cutter, LinkedIn managing editor, describes Dalio's tactics:

The idea is that honesty  however brutal  makes for a more effective, meritocratic work environment, one in which the best ideas surface and rigorous debate can flourish. This corporate culture is controversial; all meetings get recorded on video and can be reviewed by anyone internally, a practice some allege leads to an atmosphere of fear and distrust. But from the stage at the TED conference in Vancouver, Dalio said it was an idea he wanted to spread.

Dalio illustrates his points and describes how to employ this communication style by sharing company emails and videos, including a particularly scathing message he received from employee Jim Haskel after a meeting:

Ray - you deserve a "D-" for your performance today in the meeting ... you did not prepare at all because there is no way you could have and been that disorganized. In the future, I/we would ask you to take some time and prepare and maybe even I should come up and start talking to you to get you warmed up or something but we can't let this happen again. If you in any way think my view is wrong, please ask the others or we can talk about it.

Far from embarrassed or irritated, Dalio was so pleased with Haskel's candor that he circulated the email internally and then shared it with 1,800 audience members at TED.

"Isn't that great?" he asked the crowd. "That's great. It's great because I need feedback like that. And it's great because if I don't let Jim and people like Jim express their points of view, our relationship wouldn't be the same."

Dalio isn't the only executive who likes to hear the unvarnished truth. Google co-founder Larry Page is said to welcome brutal feedback in the service of arriving at the best possible solution, according to Kim Scott, a former Google exec and author of "Radical Candor." Serial entrepreneur and investor Marcus Lemonis looks for employees who'll tell him flat out that a business concept is terrible.
Jack Ma (R), founder and executive chairman of Alibaba Group, and at the time President-elect Donald Trump pose for the media after their meeting at Trump Tower on January 9, 2017.

The first few weeks of Donald Trump's presidency were flooded with jobs announcements with a common theme: bringing jobs back to America.

Now, 100 days into the Trump administration, where are those jobs? What positions have been filled and which companies have followed up with real hiring?

While some companies were eager to provide big, tweetable numbers a few months ago, progress has been a little slower. For example:

IBM. Shortly after the election and before Trump's inauguration, IBM CEO Ginni Rometty said the company would hire 25,000 "new collar" jobs in the next four years in the US (6,000 of them this year).

The company told CNBC this week that they've hired 120 people in their Columbia, Missouri Client Innovation Center and 200 veterans since the start of the year. To stay on track, IBM will have to fill more than 5,500 new employees in the U.S. in the remaining 8 months of the year.

Amazon. In January, Amazon touted plans to hire 100 thousand "new, full-time, full-benefit jobs" across the nation over the next 18 months.

Since then, Amazon has posted 7 press releases with job creation in the headline (as many as it posted in all of 2016).

Amazon's Director of Talent Acquisition, Sean Kelley, said "Since January, we've hired thousands of full-time, full benefit employees in the U.S." He added, "We're excited to hire tens of thousands more full-time and part-time employees over the next few months."

Amazon, though, declined to provide a specific number of hires so far and and the big 100 thousand jobs number is in line with Amazon's hiring trajectory over the last few years.

Softbank. It hasn't just been American companies. Who could forget Softbank's Masayoshi Son's visit to Trump Tower in December where he pledged to invest $50 billion in the U.S. and create 50 thousand jobs?

At the time, many noted that the announcement was not new, and Softbank could be angling for benefits (i.e. regulatory approval for one of the largest telecom mergers in recent history) and a friendly environment for tech investments in the US.

Still, OneWeb founder Greg Wyler told CNBC that Trump played a key role in encouraging Softbank to invest in U.S. businesses like his own, which is aiming to bring internet connectivity to everybody through satellites. He said the company would create 3,000 "high-tech, highly skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs."

We asked the company for an update and they sent photos of construction on a new manufacturing facility in Florida, but did not provide any details on how many of the 3,000 positions have been filled.

Alibaba. Jack Ma, founder of Chinese ecommerce giant Alibaba, also gave Trump a very tweetable jobs figurehe pledged to create 1 million jobs in the U.S. over 5 years through cross-border e-commerce sales to China.

Last week, he announced a small business summit, "Gateway 17", to take place this June in Detroita first step toward fulfilling that promise.
WASHINGTON  In a meeting at the White House with business leaders two weeks into his presidency, Donald J. Trump turned to Jamie Dimon, the chief executive of JPMorgan Chase.

Aren't the Chinese manipulating their currency? Mr. Trump asked, according to two people who were there.

"No, Mr. President, they're not," Mr. Dimon replied. "I think they're trying to be responsible."

Others at the meeting, including the former Boeing chief W. James McNerney, agreed. Their advice echoed arguments by members of Mr. Trump's staff and cabinet that he should abandon his campaign pledge to punish China over its currency.

Read more from The New York Times:

The making of a legacy: First steps in the Trump era

How Trump has reshaped the presidency, and how it's changed him, too

Fact-checking president Trump through his first 100 days

Mr. Trump was listening. Two months later, facing a strengthened United States dollar and the need for Chinese support against a pugilistic North Korea, he reversed his position.

The meeting with Mr. Dimon and other corporate executives was just one of dozens of sessions Mr. Trump has convened with top businesspeople since becoming president. Nearly 300 executives have visited the White House this year, according to a New York Times tabulation, an open-door policy that is a sharp break with the Obama administration and puts corporate chieftains on par with senior lawmakers in the pecking order of who has influence in Washington.

Frank and occasionally confrontational, the conversations have become a defining feature of Mr. Trump's young presidency, inspiring policy debates and in some instances 180-degree shifts by the president, according to White House officials and executives who have participated in the discussions.

And while some Democrats and other critics complain business leaders are being granted unfettered access to Mr. Trump  who ran as a businessman planning to apply executive principles to Washington's problems  the White House is unapologetic. The relationship-building is acting as a welcome substitute for a lack of legislative accomplishments, and presidential aides suggest the rapport positions Mr. Trump for future success.

"The whole idea is, do something with all of this communication and feedback," said Chris Liddell, the president's assistant for strategic initiatives and a former chief financial officer at Microsoft and General Motors. "And some of that happened in the first hundred days, but we're really setting ourselves up for the next thousand days."

Many executives said that they were rarely given face time with President Barack Obama, and that even when they were, they sensed he wasn't fully engaged. "The feedback from the Obama White House was, 'We'll listen to what you have to say, but we know what we're doing,'" said Kathryn Wylde, president and chief executive of the Partnership for New York City, a business group.

The parade of chief executives has included familiar Republican faces, like Stephen Schwarzman of Blackstone and Jack Welch, the former chairman and chief executive of General Electric.

But it has also included Democrats. Larry Fink, the chief of BlackRock, was a potential Treasury secretary had Hillary Clinton won the presidency; on Friday, he blasted the administration's approach to immigration and cast doubt on the economic models underpinning its proposed tax cuts, saying, "There is a lot of uncertainty due to the new administration."

Eric Schmidt, the executive chairman of Google's parent company, Alphabet, was a Clinton supporter who predicted in January that Mr. Trump would do "evil things" as president. And Charles Phillips, chief executive of the software company Infor, sat on Mr. Obama's Economic Recovery Advisory Board.

"As he's shaping his view, he is kind of learning a lot of things," Mr. Phillips said of Mr. Trump. "So this is a good time, in this first six months, to go in there."

Alcoa's chief executive, Roy Harvey, experienced that firsthand on Thursday, as he watched Mr. Trump sign a memorandum directing the Commerce Department to investigate the effects of aluminum imports on national security.

"We appreciate the support of the administration to try to make a level playing field," Mr. Harvey said.

Mr. Trump's dialogue with business leaders has at times been freewheeling, and at times focused on topics that were first dissected in small sessions with staff or cabinet members. At the gatherings, some executives, who have been cowed by the president's itchy Twitter finger and tendency to take quick offense to perceived slights, have found Mr. Trump open to disagreement.

At the meeting when the Chinese currency was discussed, Elon Musk, the South African-born chief of Tesla and SpaceX, attacked a newly signed executive order banning travel and immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries. Not only did Mr. Trump welcome the criticism, said the people who were present, he calmly defended his position, noting that public-opinion polls supported his viewpoint before sharing the floor with John F. Kelly, the Homeland Security secretary.

Some business leaders have parlayed their White House access into support for specific causes. In a TED talk on Friday, Mr. Musk said, "I've used the meetings I've had to argue in favor of immigration and climate change," according to a Twitter post published by the organization. Mr. Schwarzman of Blackstone encouraged Mr. Trump to soften his hard-line stance on deporting so-called Dreamers  the young, undocumented foreigners living in the United States.

Late last year, IBM's chief executive, Ginni Rometty, wrote a letter to the president-elect, urging him to expand vocational job-training programs. That idea, which she later repeated directly to the president at the White House, was integral to a meeting Mr. Trump called with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and several multinational companies. Mr. Phillips of Infor also raised the subject of job training.

"Because of these conversations, it really became a significant focus of the administration," said Reed Cordish, assistant to the president for intergovernmental and technology initiatives.

Executives are hoping the White House will support putting federal education grants toward skills-training programs rather than just traditional college. So far, however, the administration hasn't taken a public stance on the legislative efforts to do so.

Mr. Trump's unofficial business cabinet was handpicked, in many cases, by influential companies and trade associations. On the president's first full weekday in office, he welcomed a dozen industrial executives who had been convened by Andrew Liveris, head of the Dow Chemical Company. A senior staff member at the Retail Industry Leaders Association put together a panel of executives drawn from her group's ranks.

Mr. Schwarzman recruited a range of business leaders, economists and policy experts for the president's strategic and policy forum, which regularly meets at the White House and has emerged as the most elite outside counsel.

To be invited to the policy forum, there were a few criteria, according to someone who was briefed on the selection process: Be an expert in your field who is respected by Mr. Schwarzman, be a United States citizen and don't be vetoed by Mr. Trump.

The task of dealing day to day with the chief executives falls largely to Mr. Liddell, a New Zealander by birth, and Mr. Cordish, a Baltimore real estate scion, who share a cramped office in the West Wing. It is decorated with a laminated United States map and a full-page ad, ripped from The Wall Street Journal, that thanks Mr. Trump for agreeing to reconsider fuel-economy standards. It was purchased by auto trade groups.

During a recent interview, Mr. Liddell and Mr. Cordish were upbeat. Since the White House "listening groups" began, Mr. Cordish said, they've been barraged with ideas from executives and trade groups for deregulation, job creation and the streamlining of services.

In a meeting in early April, a group of 50 or so chief executives involved with the Partnership for New York City proposed adding public housing to Mr. Trump's infrastructure initiative. The idea was recirculated at another trade group meeting about a week later, suggesting that the White House was seriously considering it.

Some of the infrastructure changes under consideration would improve the government's own inner workings, including at the White House itself. "A lot of technology here is 20 years out of date," Mr. Liddell said.

But even with all the access, some chief executives are frustrated with what they describe as well-intentioned but so far fruitless talk  and a public environment that can be leery of any cooperation with the Trump administration.

Robert Hoopes, a consultant who advises nonprofit groups and large companies and has done work for prominent Democrats, including former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., said executives were making a careful calculation when they traveled to Pennsylvania Avenue. If the topic for discussion is core to your business, Mr. Hoopes said, "you want to be a part of that conversation." But if the session is peripheral or unrelated to your business, he said, the "risk calibration" is very different.

Two dozen trade-group officials and chief executives, some of them suggested as potential interview subjects by the White House, either refused to speak for this article or didn't respond to messages. Others declined to be quoted on the record, citing the toxic environment and the potential fallout among the public and their own employees for being regarded as an ally of Mr. Trump.

"Usually, when a campaign is over, things settle down and people feel they can work with the president without having a backlash," Ms. Wylde of the Partnership for New York City said. "In this case, there continue to be divisive forces that don't want that to happen." C.E.O.s, she said, "feel pressure from all sides."

NYTimes' Landon Thomas Jr. contributed reporting from Chicago. Kitty Bennett contributed research.
Voters chose from six different designs for the 2018 joint issue 2 coin, with two designs provided by artists in each of the three Baltic states. The five designs that did not win are shown here.

The winning design for a joint circulating 2 coin in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania presents the Baltic states coats of arms on sashes that join in a single braid, resembling plaited hair and representing the three sister nations common past, present, and future.

The three Baltic states will make euro coinage history in 2018.

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania will issue a common circulating commemorative 2 coin celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Latvian and Estonian states and the 100th anniversary of the re-establishment of Lithuanian statehood.

The design depicts the Baltic sisters by their coats of arms, on separate sashes that then join into a single braid, resembling plaited hair and representing the three nations shared history  a common past, present, and future.

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The design was chosen in an online vote held from March 21 to April 5, with 14,302 votes from around the world coming from every continent except Antarctica.

In total, 4,277 votes were cast for the winning design, the first coin design created by the young Lithuanian designer Justas Petrulis.

Six potential designs, two from each country, were available for consideration on the voting website.

This is the first 2 commemorative coin with a design chosen jointly by the population of the three Baltic states. Previous joint circulating commemorative 2 coin programs have involved all eurozone nations.

Each of the three Baltic countries will issue the chosen design, with the only difference being the name of issuer. The coin will be valid across all nations of the eurozone.

A press release from Latvijas Bank states: This coin will remind the population of the Baltic States and elsewhere in the euro area of the determination of the Baltic nations to defend their independence. At the same time, the coin is a testimony of the unity of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia and their readiness to cooperate for the sake of their independence and freedom.

Voters became eligible for a drawing to win one of 100 special souvenir packs containing three Brilliant Uncirculated coins (one coin from each country). Drawing winners names will be published on the website (where terms and conditions of the drawing are now available). Winners will receive their prizes in early 2018 when the coins are issued.

Each year, each nation using the euro may issue up to two 2 circulation coins of a special or commemorative design, as well as mint another commemorative coin in a joint program of several euro area countries, provided such a program is organized.

The 2 coin weighs 8.5 grams and measures 25.75 millimeters in diameter.

The other design options

The other design options featured various symbols playing on the theme of Baltic unity.

One option depicts a woven folk sash, a symbol unifying the Baltic states. It is often used to celebrate special anniversaries.

Another design resembles a sun; the lettering of the names of the three nations, along with a numeral 100, form the rays. It is said to wish the Baltic states a bright and sunny future.

Another design option represents the three Baltic states by three hands that together symbolically hold and protect freedom. The design is reminiscent of a vortex, spinning clockwise.

In one design, three pine canopies follow the border contours of the Baltic states, while the trees trunks vary in thickness according to the population of each country.

Another design option features the three Baltic states as three branches of the Tree of Light. The tree symbolizes the strength, toughness, and will of the Baltic nations, according to the website.
Rebel: How to overthrow the emerging oligarchy, by Douglas Carswell.

Many of the best politicians and journalists contain within their characters a strong vein of naivety. Douglas Carswell certainly does.

In his new book, Rebel: How to overthrow the emerging oligarchy, he gets outraged by all sorts of things which a more worldly-wise observer might greet with a shrug, as being inseparable from the conduct of human affairs.

He is especially infuriated by the emergence of what he calls a new oligarchy, which calls the shots politically, and indeed fixes the politics in order to become disgustingly rich. These parasites exploit and in the end smother the productive parts of a nation:

Every year in Davos, Switzerland, thousands of officials, supranational executives and corporate bigwigs get together at the World Economic Forum, a week-long schmooze fest. They listen to each other give talks. They recycle one anothers cliches as easily as they swap business cards, and generally pat each other on the back for being so well connected and clever. Public policy in many Western states is increasingly made for, by and on behalf of the kind of people who go to Davos.

We can all agree that Davos Man is a tiresomely self-satisfied figure, who spends much of his life in aeroplanes, is cut off from the ordinary people over whom he flies, and has the effrontery to preach universal benevolence while lining his own pockets.

These wretched, jet-lagged citizens of the world do not, however, have a monopoly on cliche. In Carswells book, consensus is cosy, opportunism is shallow, arrogance is patronising and pessimism is unrelenting.

But as he journeys like Candide through the political landscape, Carswell has the merit, seldom found in a practising politician, of expressing with a considerable degree of honesty his horror at what he finds.

He does not actually offer us a character sketch of Nigel Farage, or relate the full horror of serving under him. This is not an autobiography, and ranges over the Roman, Venetian and Dutch Republics in a frantic hunt for the secrets of success and failure.

But Carswells own experience of moving from the Conservatives to UKIP and back again clearly informs some of his most useful conclusions. He admits that populist movements set up to overthrow the Establishment soon start to ape its worst features, and degenerate into personality cults:

The trouble is that the New Radical parties suffer from the same conceits as any other. The start-up parties, like UKIP or the Five Star Movement, have an unfortunate habit of becoming mini-me versions of the larger ones. They, too, are run by small cliques. They are dominated by domineering leaders, who  just like all the others  are supposed to be the answer to everything.

Before long, the New Radicals become so disreputable they help to prop up the very Establishment they had intended to replace:

The anti-oligarchs often end up justifying oligarchy  and there is precisely such a danger today. The very odiousness of some New Radicals makes Davos Man  otherwise insufferable  attractive. In Greece, the folly of Syriza and Yanis Varoufakis made the Troika seem rather sensible. Suddenly, having unelected technocrats writing the budget, instead of elected politicians, felt like a better deal.

As Carswell says of these movements, Tragically, many are led by charlatans  a line which recalls Peter Cooks remark, Tragically, I was an only twin.

So what is to be done? This question, posed in 1901 by Lenin, is posed by Carswell too, who goes on:

The answer to the problem of party politics is not to create another party. Its to do politics without one. No cliques or plutocrats. No insiders pretending to be outsiders.

According to Carswell, new technology at last makes this possible. He touches on how he used this with success in Clacton, and says:

Digital means disintermediation; from news reporting to investing, book-keeping to booking a taxi, digital takes out the middle man. In a world of networks and hyper-connectiveness, collective action very much happens, but without top-down direction and the pretext for parasitism that that has always provided.

Taking out the middle man is what the Protestant reformers promised to do, and Carswell is in his way a very Protestant figure. You can have your own direct link with political truth, unmediated by a corrupt and self-serving hierarchy.

It is a seductive idea, but takes no account of how the world actually works. Every society which has ever existed has been governed by an oligarchy. Here is Ronald Syme in his great work, The Roman Revolution:

In all ages, whatever the form and name of government, be it monarchy, republic, or democracy, an oligarchy lurks behind the facade; and Roman history, Republican or Imperial, is the history of the governing class. The marshals, diplomats, and financiers of the Revolution may be discerned again in the Republic of Augustus as the ministers and agents of power, the same men but in different garb. They are the government of the New State.

The political question is how the oligarchy, acting as oligarchs will in the name of the people, is to be restrained from despotic acts of violence and expropriation. Carswell touches on this question when he asks why the American and French Revolutions took such different courses, a question which occurred also to Thomas Paine, who experienced both uprisings:

Even Paine eventually recognised that the French revolt was nothing like the rebellion in America. Once a staunch supporter of the French uprising, he came to describe Napoleon, who had spoken the language of liberation and rights as he invaded neighbours and imposed new princelings, as a charlatan.

Oh dear, another of those charlatans, seizing control of the new order and wrecking everything. But why has the United States survived and prospered for over two centuries with only one constitution, and without a Napoleon?

For the purpose of this argument, I propose that Donald Trump is not a second Napoleon, however much he may wish to be. He will not be able to overthrow the constitution.

The answer surely lies in the different attitudes to tradition found among the American and the French revolutionaries. The former were profoundly conservative: they wanted to build on what already existed, including Magna Carta and the common law, and through the separation of powers to prevent despotism.

The Americans have, in their President, an elected monarch, but a monarch who cannot place himself above the law.

In Paris, the aim was to make a completely fresh start. The very tombs of the French kings were dug up and desecrated. No effectual checks were placed on despotism, and soon, in the name of the people, the Terror began.

Edmund Burke, who had striven to persuade his fellow parliamentarians to conciliate the Americans, understood, even before the Terror started, that France was on a disastrous course, which no man of common prudence could approve.

Carswell does not mention Burke. Nor does he mention Michael Oakeshott. And once Carswell arrives at Westminster, as an elected member of our own oligarchy, he soon becomes disillusioned:

It was easy to leave the Conservative Party once I realised I was not a conservative I started to sense that Westminster is a cartel. Parliament has become pointless. Things have been rigged so that no matter who you vote for, public policy is not made by anyone properly accountable to the public.

Go into any saloon bar in the country and you will find similar sentiments expressed in rather pithier language. But these words could have been said at almost any time in our history.

Carswell is excited by history, includes chunks of it in his book, and may one day be looked back upon as one of those who, by placing the Conservative Party under intense pressure, precipitated the referendum and hence a mighty blow in favour of our historic constitution.

But he is too naive and cloth-eared to have written a good book about these events. His reactions are strangely unhistorical. Pundits now openly question democracy, he laments at one point, and says these are the kind of arguments that nineteenth-century Tory peers once used to oppose the extension of the franchise  the sort of retort a Guardian columnist might consider adequate.

He never gets to grips with the perennial question of how democracy is to be saved from degenerating into mob rule. The answer lies in the defence and adaptation of traditional institutions, including traditional political parties,so that no one part of the oligarchy can dominate and tyrannise the others. But that is a conservative answer, and Carswell is determined to be a rebel.


Its missions monitoring attacks on freedom of information worldwide, denouncing any such attacks in the media, act in cooperation with governments to fight

RWB finds US and Britain slipping by two places to 43rd and 40th positions respectively, while Norway comes out top of the index with the world's freest media, and North Korea taking bottom place.

Published every year since 2002, the World Press Freedom Index is claimed to an important advocacy tool based on the principle of emulation between states. Because it is well known, its influence over governments is growing, many heads of state and government fear its annual publication, it adds.

According ot RWB, The index ranks 180 countries according to the level of freedom available to journalists. It is a snapshot of the media freedom situation based on an evaluation of pluralism, independence of the media, quality of legislative framework and safety of journalists in each country.

However, it clarifies, the RWB does not rank public policies even if governments obviously have a major impact on their countrys ranking. Nor is it an indicator of the quality of journalism in each country. RWB has two primary spheres of activity: one is focused on Internet censorship and the new media , and the other on providing material, financial and psychological assistance to journalists assigned to dangerous areas.Its missions monitoring attacks on freedom of information worldwide, denouncing any such attacks in the media, act in cooperation with governments to fight censorship and laws aimed at restricting freedom of information, and assist morally and financially persecuted journalists, as well as their families.RWB finds US and Britain slipping by two places to 43rd and 40th positions respectively, while Norway comes out top of the index with the world's freest media, and North Korea taking bottom place.Published every year since 2002, the World Press Freedom Index is claimed to an important advocacy tool based on the principle of emulation between states. Because it is well known, its influence over governments is growing, many heads of state and government fear its annual publication, it adds.According ot RWB, The index ranks 180 countries according to the level of freedom available to journalists. It is a snapshot of the media freedom situation based on an evaluation of pluralism, independence of the media, quality of legislative framework and safety of journalists in each country.However, it clarifies, the RWB does not rank public policies even if governments obviously have a major impact on their countrys ranking. Nor is it an indicator of the quality of journalism in each country.

Ranking India 136th in World Press Freedom Index (WPFI), the prestigious international non-profit, non-government organization Reporters, Without Borders (RWB) has directly blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modis politics for the country deteriorating its ranking by three points in a year. Pointing out that there is a threat from Modis nationalism to press freedom in India, RWB says, With Hindu nationalists trying to purge all manifestations of anti-national thought from the national debate, self-censorship is growing in the mainstream media.According to RWB, Journalists are increasingly the targets of online smear campaigns by the most radical nationalists, who vilify them and even threaten physical reprisals. Prosecutions are also used to gag journalists who are overly critical of the government, with some prosecutors invoking Section 124a of the penal code, under which sedition is punishable by life imprisonment.While RWB, which has the status of consultants with the United Nations and is headquartered in Paris, says, no journalist has so far been convicted of sedition, it nevertheless notes, But the threat encourages self-censorship.RWB especially underlines, The government has also introduced new foreign funding regulations to limit international influence. Coverage of regions that the authorities regard as sensitive, such as Kashmir, continues to be very difficult, and there are no protective mechanisms.Pointing out that on the first day of a wave of protests in Kashmir in July 2016, the Internet was cut by the military and was often interrupted thereafter to prevent communication between protesters and prevent coverage by the media and citizen journalists, RWB says, Journalists working for local media outlets are often the targets of violence by soldiers acting with the central governments tacit consent.The only consolation for India is, Pakistan ranks 139th, just about three points worse than India, though what should be worrying India is, it has improved its ranking by eight points in a year. Among other neighbours, Bangladesh ranks 146th, Nepal 110th, Sri Lanka 141st, and China, which has a Communist controlled government, 176th  one of the worst in the world.
WASHINGTON  Metro-North Railroad and its love-hate relationship with a daily ridership of 290,000 became Ground Zero for rail safety in the Obama era, after a series of high-profile mishaps left commuters baffled and apprehensive.

The route was bumpy, but Obamas Federal Railroad Administration pushed an ambitious program of safety measures that included Positive Train Control, constraints on oil-laden tanker cars, and a two-crew-member minimum on all trains.

Now, some or all of that might change, as the Trump administration looks to unshackle business from what it considers to be overly burdensome regulation.

Im concerned about whether there continues to be a balanced approached to ensuring rail safety and efficiency, said Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D-Conn., who sits on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. We should be able to walk and chew gum at the same time.

But after 100 days, the Trump administrations commitment to railroad safety is open to question. Case in point: The March 2016 FRA rule that all trains, passenger and freight, have two crew members aboard at all times.

In its first days, the Trump administration closed off the pipeline of Obama rules about to be implemented. That included the crew-member minimum, which was about to be published in the Federal Register and, in effect, enacted.

After Trumps Office of Management and Budget brought the curtain down on pending Obama rules, the Department of Transportation withdrew the two-person minimum, an OMB spokesman confirmed. Now it is officially listed as pending. Federal and congressional sources say it has been effectively shelved, with one describing it as in limbo.

The rule emerged from a pair of freight train wrecks in 2013. One involved a single crew member operating a train of 72 tanker cars filled with Bakken crude oil from North Dakota.

The lone engineer left the train on a downhill without fully securing the brakes, resulting in a seven-mile runaway that derailed in Lac Megantic, Quebec, near the Canadian border with Maine. The pileup ignited the oil, sending fireballs into the air that killed 47 and decimated the town.

The Trump administrations sidetracking of the rule is not expected to have much impact on Metro-North, which already has at least two crew members on every train  an engineer and a conductor. In the wake of the 2013 derailment at Spuyten Duyvil in the Bronx  the result of a dozing engineer  Metro-North required two crew members in the cab until it could rewire signals at sharp curves and bridges to halt trains speeding excessively.

After the fix (which included moveable bridges in Cos Cob, South Norwalk, Westport, Bridgeport, Milford, Bridgeport and Stratford), the commuter line went back to one person in the cab in March 2014.

But despite its strategic place, most freight trains transiting the Northeast Corridor bypass Connecticut because freight is not allowed through the tunnels under the Hudson River into Manhattan. Such freight must go north to the classification yard in Selkirk, N.Y., south of Albany, before transiting the Hudson.

Freight does, however, move through the state to serve local industries and businesses. Engineers in Connecticut thus face the same fatigue issues that make the operation of increasingly complex train engines a challenge.

The routes are long, the cargo can be hazardous, and danger of mishap can be measured in human fatalities and millions in costs, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who is on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Crew size is a matter of safety, and Im very concerned about this rule being sidelined or derailed completely.

The dead-ending of the two-crewperson rule is a victory for the AAR, which argued that even though virtually all freight trains have more than one crew member, rail lines want the flexibility to go to one-person crews once Positive Train Control becomes fully operational by 2020.

But Connecticuts Democratic congressional delegation and rail safety advocates fear the railroads will continue to slow-walk installation of PTC, which got its congressionally imposed deadline of 2015 moved up to 2018 with extensions possible to 2020.

PTC is a satellite-ground relay system designed to automatically halt trains that are speeding excessively. Safety experts say it would have averted the Spuyten Duyvil derailment as well as the 2015 Amtrak crash in Philadelphia that cost eight lives.

But progress has been slow. Metro-Norths parent, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, got dinged in the latest FRA report card last month for doing little to install PTC  notwithstanding a $1 billion FRA loan.

MTA has brushed the criticism aside, insisting it is making progress.

We remain on track to complete PTC by December 2018, said MTA spokesman Aaron Donovan.

The rail industry overall says its fully with the PTC program, and that railroads will invest as much as $10 billion to install PTC components along 60,000 miles of track and 25,000 passenger and freight locomotives.

But safety advocates wonder if Trumps anti-regulatory fervor will embolden the industry to seek more delay, especially if it cuts into rail revenues.

I know where Trump is coming from on regulation, but this is not an encumbrance to normal railroad operations, said Jim Cameron, a local passenger-rail advocate and author of a weekly column, Getting There, that appears in Hearst Connecticut Media publications.

While some regulations may be modified to improve the flow of goods, no regulation should be dropped if doing so would compromise safety, Cameron said. I think Trump understands that, or at least I would hope thats the case. But I cant say it with confidence, because Im not inside his brain.

dan@hearstdc.com; @danfreedma
Cubas Minister of Economy presents Guidelines for the 2018 Plan

After a brief evaluation of the behavior of the Economy Plan during the first quarter of this year, Ricardo Cabrisas, Cubas Minister of Economy and Planning, presented the proposal of guidelines for the elaboration of the Plan of the Economy and the Budget of the State for 2018, in which it was considered to consolidate and guarantee the continuity and sustainability of what was approved in the 2017 Plan.

He said that priority will be given to the "support for production levels and investments associated with exports, development and infrastructure programs and the demands of tourism; food production and import; increasing production of construction materials and agricultural inputs; and guaranteeing education, health and basic services to the population.

Cabrisas stressed the need for the 2018 Plan to be distinguished by the search for coherent and sustainable solutions, with the purpose of forming a plan to ensure growth, maintaining macroeconomic balances, continuity of main development programs and a slight advance in the process of transformation of the country's economic structure.

In this sense, the essential premise lies in the ability to meet production and service commitments, with efficient savings and readjustment of expenditure indicators below the 2017 Plan.

Finally, it was reiterated that the making of the 2018 Plan must be done objectively, staying within the resources available to the country. (acn)
Cuba suffers Losses Due to Irregularities in Foreign Trade

The issue of economic damages caused to the country by irregularities in foreign trade operations returned to the agenda of the meeting of the Council of Ministers, this time with problems reported or identified during 2016.

Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz, Cubas Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, presented several examples of the effects caused by delays in the claims made for missing cargo arriving in the country, breaches of quality parameters and problems in contracts signed in import and export operations.

Regarding the damages related to internal transportation and ports, he said that the damage caused by the stay of containers in port and the delay in the unloading of the ships continue.

Malmierca reaffirmed the importance of continuing to carry out actions to increase training of personnel involved in these operations and increase the control of compliance with current regulations.

In this sense, he pointed out that in the face of this type of problems we must find the causes that originate them, for which it is urgent to improve the working methods.(acn)
DAPHNE BRAMHAMVancouver SunApril 25, 2017CRANBROOK, B.C.  Winston Blackmore already had 12 wives and 46 children and he didnt seem to have any intention of stopping there.Thats when his first and only legal wife, Jane Blackmore, confronted him.I did go to him and ask where are you taking this, she testified Tuesday in B.C. Supreme Court where Blackmore is facing a single count of polygamy.I told him I am feeling a heavy responsibility for the number of children we have and the number of women in this family that need care and support. I just felt a huge weight of responsibility for children and for them to get what they needed.When her husband told her he was doing Gods work, Jane said she replied: Im sorry I believe in a God that wouldnt ask you to do something that was impossible.Winston insisted that he would lose his position as bishop if he didnt accept all the wives being assigned to him by the prophet of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.I thought that was not a bad idea, Jane said tartly during her testimony. But he was unhappy with my confrontation.Winston Blackmore, 60, is alleged to now have had 24 wives and hes said to have 145 children.James Oler, 53, who is also being tried on one count of polygamy, has had five wives. Its not clear how many children. Oler is Janes half-brother.As a plural wife, sister-wife and midwife, Jane has a unique perspective on the fundamentalist Mormon community known as Bountiful, which she left in 2003. She divorced Winston two years later.She testified that she was present for three of Blackmores marriages including the day that he married two sisters. One young woman had come to Canada with her sister from the mother community of Short Creek on the Utah-Arizona border knowing that she was to marry Winston.But after the ceremony, FLDS prophet Rulon Jeffs asked whether her sister was with her. When told that she was, Jane said that Jeffs told the witnesses present, The Lord has just inspired me that she also should be married to Winston.And, a few minutes later, the sister was.Jane was also a witness when Winston married another young American woman. It was the same day that their oldest daughter was married. Winstons new bride and his daughters groom were sister and brother.Jane said she expected that her husband would have multiple wives since it is a core principle of fundamentalist Mormon belief. Without plural or celestial wives, not only can men not hold the FLDSs highest positions, the FLDS dont believe that righteous men will be able to become a God in their own right in the hereafter.In her testimony, Jane confirmed that all of the women listed on the two mens indictments were their plural or celestial wives.During her daylong testimony and cross-examination, Jane said she had attended the births of at least one child of each of Olers five wives  either as a nurse at Creston Valley hospital or as the busy midwife of Bountiful, where she delivered an average of 50 babies a year.Earlier in the trial, birth certificates of one child for each of the women named on the two mens indictments were entered as evidence. Their fathers names are on those documents.Also in evidence are church marriage records that give the date and place as well as who officiated and who witnessed the ceremonies along with churchs personal records for Blackmore and some of his wives and for Oler and all of his wives.The records indicated that two of Blackmores wives were only 15 when they were married and nearly half were under 18. At least two of Olers wives were under 18, according to Jane Blackmore.But the wives ages arent relevant. The men are only be prosecuted for having multiple wives.Also not relevant is the religious nature of the alleged marriages even though a great deal of court time has been devoted to the FLDS teaching. Neither Blackmore nor Oler will argue that it is their religious right to have multiple wives.In fact, Oler doesnt have legal counsel and isnt expected to put up any defence at all.Blackmore does have a lawyer, but his lawyer did not give notice that the constitutional validity of the Criminal Codes polygamy section would be challenged.The trial continues with the prosecution now expected to shift its focus to Oler.dbramham@postmedia.comtwitter.com/daphnebramham
Mr Snow was eager to explain hed been in the U.S. during the election campaign, and therefore was something of an expert

A few months ago, I took part in a public debate alongside Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow. The topic discussed was Donald Trumps surprise victory in the American presidential election.

Mr Snow had strong views and was eager to explain that hed been in the U.S. for three weeks during the election campaign, and therefore was something of an expert.

He said: With the exception of major centres  Los Angeles, Washington, New York and of course San Francisco  Im afraid to say that Americans are mainly racist. Thats what they are.

This struck me as a very dangerous assumption. Surely it would have been impossible for him to make a proper assessment of the views of more than 300 million people  particularly in such a short time.

It was obvious that the openly Left-wing Mr Snows opinion was purely based on the liberal metropolitan consensus of people such as himself who are cocooned in their own world.

It is a viewpoint which is invariably contemptuous of the attitudes of the vast silent majority  and at worst is arrogantly undemocratic.

I recalled this episode the other day when Lib Dem leader Tim Farron was sneeringly attacked by similar metropolitan intellectuals over his views, as a Christian, about whether homosexuality is a sin.

Typical was Mr Snows Channel 4 colleague Cathy Newman who grilled Mr Farron in a way you would expect someone to be treated if they were facing prosecution for genocide and crimes against humanity.

Mr Farron was grilled in a Channel 4 news interview in a way you would expect someone to be treated if they were facing prosecution for genocide and crimes against humanity

This followed Mr Farrons refusal to make clear his position, merely saying that he would not make theological announcements.

Comedian David Baddiel had joined the fray, saying the Lib Dem leader was a fundamentalist Christian homophobe. The undisputed fact is that Mr Farron is a Christian who is inspired by his beliefs and who attends church every week.

He is definitely not one of those politicians who cynically uses his faith to try to buy votes.

For example, Tony Blair, who was said to have sought authorisation from God to take this country to war in Iraq. Nor is he like David Cameron, who joked about his religious beliefs, saying his faith comes and goes like the fluctuating radio signal for Magic FM in the Chilterns.

LAST OF THE BRAVE I wish to take this opportunity to acclaim 16 MPs; the only ones standing in the General Election of the 155 who voted against the invasion of Iraq. For Labour, they include Diane Abbott; Kevin Brennan; Karen Buck; Richard Burden; Jeremy Corbyn; John Cryer; Paul Flynn; Roger Godsiff; Fabian Hamilton; Kate Hoey; Ian Lucas; Alan Whitehead. For the Tories: Richard Bacon, Kenneth Clarke; Edward Leigh; Andrew Murrison. Whatever else one thinks of them, they had the moral compass not to be bullied into approving a calamitous decision for the UK which still affects our lives today. Advertisement

The fact is that Mr Farrons Christian beliefs have not made it easy for him in politics  particularly leading a party with liberal policies on social issues.

For example, he abstained in the parliamentary vote for same-sex marriage in 2013.

Now, to his critics, its almost as if his Christian faith is a crime. How very revealing this is of their own unprincipled mindset. To them, anyone with strong religious beliefs deserves contempt.

Yes, Mr Farron can be criticised for lacking the guile of his predecessor, Nick Clegg, or the languid charm of his partys much-missed former leader Charles Kennedy.

But to Mr Farrons great credit, he refused to be bullied by his enemies  and for that, even though I have liberal views on homosexuality and support gay marriage, I am starting to feel sympathy and warmth for him.

As commentator Peter Williams noted in the Catholic Herald, if Mr Farron was a revisionist Christian, with sexual ethical beliefs indistinguishable from the metropolitan secular consensus, he would have escaped persecution.

But, not wishing to give ground to his opponents, Mr Farron tried to hold out and refused to say whether he thought homosexuality was a sin.

Eventually, however  doubtless under pressure from advisers  he felt obliged to clarify that he thinks being gay is not a sin.

Sadly, I believe he was a victim of what  for want of a more elegant phrase  is the paradox of liberal fascism.

In a nutshell, this covers people such as Jon Snow who are noisy advocates for freedom of opinion  just so long as everyone holds the same opinion as them!

It is a shame that Mr Farron did not continue to stand up to this pernicious culture.

He ought to have had the guts to say that his religious beliefs are a private matter.

That said, it is impossible for a politician to keep private their views on those great issues of public morality  such as abortion, euthanasia, divorce and homosexuality. For, as MPs, they vote to pass laws concerning these subjects which govern the way the rest of us live.

But the truth is that Parliament has a long tradition of leaving these matters to personal conscience. For example, in the Seventies, the Liberal Party leader David Steel was responsible for making abortion easier. The law was approved on a free vote in the Commons.

There is another worrying aspect to this nasty hounding of Mr Farron.

Many MPs are Catholics  belonging to a Church which is seen by some as treating women as second-class class citizens because it refuses to allow them to become priests. Yet I have never seen them targeted in the same way as Mr Farron.

This unsavoury debate proves just how far we have moved on as a society from the days when our greatest politicians were all men and women with deep religious beliefs.

For example, there was Liberal leader William Gladstone. And, too, Margaret Thatcher, who was mocked by the metropolitan chattering class for her unfashionable Methodist upbringing.

I fear that one of the reasons we no longer have giants of this calibre is the poisonous and destructive insistence on a narrow conformity of belief.
Fanatical Brexit Tory Steve Baker was left with egg on his face at a lunch for businessmen from his Wycombe constituency after they asked him to bring his arch foe  Remain MP Anna Soubry  with him.

Baker was left squirming as the businessmen told Soubry that they agreed a hard Brexit favoured by their MP was bonkers and urged her: Keep it up, Anna.

Fanatical Brexit Tory Steve Baker was left with egg on his face at a lunch for businessmen from his Wycombe constituency after they asked him to bring his arch foe  Remain MP Anna Soubry  with him

John Prescotts son David was humiliatingly rejected on Friday by local Labour leaders when they chose another candidate to succeed Alan Johnson in Hull West  Prescott seniors heartland.

In the past, Dave has blamed a smear over an alleged row outside a female Labour officials home for such setbacks.

As he is so keen to make it to Parliament, Dog has a socialist solution: make his old mans peerage hereditary.

Age is no barrier for the British Macron

Move over Emmanuel Macron  its not just handsome would-be French presidents who can prove age is no object to finding your life partner.

Two days after the election, Tory MP Kevin Foster, 38, will marry 65-year-old Hazel Noonan  the age gap between them is even bigger than the 25 years between Macron and wife Brigitte.

Two days after the election, Tory MP Kevin Foster, 38, will marry 65-year-old Hazel Noonan  the age gap between them is even bigger than the 25 years between Macron and wife Brigitte

But as Kevin says: Whats a few years when love conquers all. Or Lamour triomphe de tout, as Macron might say.

So embarrassed were Commons chiefs to discover that the gym at Westminster was offering Botox to MPs, they quickly moved to axe the cosmetic nurse service. Says a spokesman: At no times were Botox treatments actually carried out on the parliamentary estate. Thats a denial Dog will just have to take at face value

Farron's smirking gun

The row over Tim Farrons beliefs on gay sex  the evangelical Christian prevaricated for days before saying it wasnt a sin  is not the first time the Lib Dem leader has been embroiled in a rumpus over the issue.

As a Newcastle University student in the early 1990s, he was accused of laughing at homophobic jokes during student debates

As a Newcastle University student in the early 1990s, he was accused of laughing at homophobic jokes during student debates.

He replied: I am not a right-on tokenistic android  I cant help smirking at a joke, even if it is vile.

Ex-Army hero Captain Leo Docherty, picked by the Tories to fight Aldershot, quit the Forces in a blaze of publicity in 2006 after condemning its grotesquely clumsy performance in Afghanistan. Docherty then cycled from the UK to Jerusalem and rode on horseback to Kabul. Crumpets in the Commons tearoom will seem dull by comparison.

Black Rod David Leakey has incurred the wrath of peers by revealing in The House magazine how some of them may even be a bit on the spectrum. Labour veteran George Foulkes fumed: You cant make jokes about autism. Hes got to apologise. Pals of Black Rod  the senior official in the Lords  insist he meant no offence.
Upcoming Netflix film The Swimmers (pictured, right) tells the real-life story of two sisters who were forced to flee Syria after the civil war broke out - before one went onto become an Olympian. Sarah, now 26, and Yusra Mardini, now 24,(pictured, left) left their home in Damascus in August 2015, four years after the conflict started in March 2011, in a bid to reach Europe. They planned to fly to Istanbul, before travelling to Greece via sea, then on land to Germany. But the journey nearly ended in tragedy when the motor on the dinghy they took across the Aegean Sea stalled, leaving its 18 occupants in peril. The sisters realised that the boat, which was designed to carry only seven people, couldn't take the weight of everyone onboard, and so they jumped into the icy waters. After making their way to Germany, and finding a swimming coach, Yusra took part in the Rio 2016 games (pictured, inset) as part of the newly formed refugee team. Now Netflix has immortalised their story in its film directed by Bafta winner Sally El Hosaini, and executive produced by Stephen Daldry.
As a baby, Billy Caldwell was so desperately unwell that doctors declared he wouldn't see his first birthday. Born with a severe form of epilepsy and learning disabilities, he has cheated death thousands of times.

Billy, now aged 11, suffers from particularly vicious seizures which cannot be controlled by medication. But after years of ineffective treatment and  at its worst  suffering up to 100 fits a day, his condition is finally under control.

Last week, Billy became the first Briton to be prescribed medical marijuana on the NHS. The liquid cannabis oil  a natural plant extract  has led to him not suffering a single seizure in three months. What makes his story even more unusual is that the medication is not licensed for prescription here due to its links with narcotic cannabis.

The landmark case is likely to pave the way for more epilepsy sufferers to demand such treatment. Indeed, Billy's GP has called for the Government to open the debate and back further research into medical use of cannabis.

Billy Caldwell (pictured with his mother Charlotte) suffers from particularly vicious seizures which cannot be controlled by medication

DESPERATE SEARCH FOR HELP

Billy, from Castlederg, Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland, was originally prescribed cannabis oil in the US after his desperate mother Charlotte took him to a world-renowned paediatric epilepsy specialist in California. Medical use of marijuana has been legal there since 1996.

Dr Douglas Nordli, co-director of the Neurosciences Institute at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), formulated a comprehensive care plan and spent several weeks perfecting the correct dose for Billy.

The results were remarkable. 'He went from having 25 seizures a month to about eight  and he's not had one for three months,' says Charlotte.

But back home a few weeks later, and with promises of help from local doctors falling flat and Billy's supply of cannabis oil running out, she was terrified for her son's health. In desperation, she begged her GP for help.

Realising the 'unique and unusual' situation, Dr Brendan O'Hare agreed to write a repeat prescription  and a pharmaceutical firm in Dublin supplied the medication.

As a result Charlotte, 49, who is Billy's full-time carer, will be able to collect the drug from her local pharmacist. Billy takes two types of cannabis oil. The first is cannabidiol (CBD), a derivative of cannabis which the UK watchdog, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), allows doctors to prescribe.

But he also has an oil containing the compound tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), which, when exposed to heat, forms the psychoactive component of cannabis.

THCA is, strictly speaking, illegal in the UK. It is categorised as a Class B drug alongside amphetamines and barbiturates. However, when given in medicinal form  and not burned  THCA does not have the narcotic effect that smoking cannabis has.

Epilepsy, which affects more than 500,000 Britons, is a fault in the electrical activity of the brain. Experts believe compounds in cannabis help to control seizures, although it is not yet fully understood why this happens. Billy has four 0.6ml doses of both flavourless liquids a day, administered under his tongue with a syringe. Although Charlotte claims that Billy's British neurologists 'gave up on him', she is careful to point out that 'his treatment has been medically supervised the whole way along'.

This is the mixture of blackcurrant juice and cannabis oil (left) used to medicate 11-year-old Billy while a poster was created to promote their fundraising efforts (right)

She first took her son to the US when he was two, after becoming exasperated that NHS doctors were unable to control his seizures, and that they simply offered him powerful morphine because 'he wasn't going to survive'.

Unwilling to accept this, Charlotte searched the internet to find the best specialist in the world. She discovered Dr Nordli, who has written more than 70 studies into treatment of epilepsy.

Billy was prescribed medication that brought his condition under control and he was seizure-free between 2007 until late last year, when Charlotte woke up one morning to find him having a fit in bed.

She immediately contacted Dr Nordli again and began fundraising, setting up a Facebook group to seek sponsorship.

In November she flew back to California with Billy where the specialist suggested prescribing him cannabis oil. Charlotte says: 'I wasn't shocked. I'd read about it online as a treatment they were using in America. I've never taken cannabis and never would. But this is a medicine, and I was willing to try anything. I knew that the next seizure Billy had could kill him. When Billy has a fit, he starts to struggle to breathe, his eyes become wide and he looks like he's staring, and he nods his head. It doesn't seem dramatic but every one damages his brain.'

After Billy suffered another severe seizure, Dr Nordli put him into medically induced coma for five days to save him from further brain damage.

As Billy recovered, Dr Nordli added THCA to his regime and set about the painstaking process of adjusting the dose. Too high a dose can actually trigger seizures. It is for this reason that treatment must be supervised by medical professionals. But, to everyone's relief, it worked. 'That massive seizure was the last one he had,' says Charlotte. 'Finally, something was working.'

THE MOUNTING EVIDENCE

After three months in LA, Billy was stable enough to return home. Charlotte was given a two-month supply of THCA cannabis oil, which she declared to customs on arrival in Dublin. She says: 'I walked up to them and told them what was in my bag. I showed them the documentation from the hospital that showed it was for medical use. They waved me through.'

She adds: 'I went to our GP at Easter and begged him for help. Billy's medication was running out, and he agreed to prescribe it.'

A LANDMARK CASE... BUT WE NEED MORE RESEARCH By Dr Ellie Cannon This is a landmark first case of using medical marijuana in the UK under medical supervision. The regulatory body, the MHRA, has approved the prescription of drugs containing cannabidiol for medical purposes, and the GP who prescribed this did so as a one-off. The GP felt he was prescribing this in the best interests of the patient. We make decisions like this with other unlicensed medications: it is the responsibility of one doctor acting for one patient to make this judgment call. I have used the same call myself with patients who have been prescribed medicines abroad that are not used here, where there is a good history that they have worked and have been safe. What could be groundbreaking about this case is the impact now on marijuana use in terms of legislation and research. We still do not know how cannabis oil can have this positive effect: this is only one case but may be held as evidence to push forward research and usage. Campaigners believe there are too many obstacles to looking at cannabis use properly. Lobbyists on both sides have polarised the debate. It is seen as either a miracle cure or a dangerous drug. Cases such as this illustrate that we need to look for the middle ground, and explore research, safe use and the potential to benefit patients. Advertisement

Dr O'Hare stresses that he prescribed the oil to Billy on ethical grounds  and because the dose had been set by a specialist, Dr Nordli. 'I couldn't stand by and risk him suffering fits because his medication had run out. The way I see it is that I prescribe diamorphine, which is essentially pure heroin, to terminally ill patients because it helps their pain. This is a similar scenario. We really to have a debate on this matter and get political approval, as many patients could benefit.'

Billy's THCA oil has been sourced by pharmaceutical start-up GreenLight Medicines. It is working with University College Dublin and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland on exploring the 'full potential of cannabis and cannabinoids as a medicine'.

GreenLight chief executive Dr James Linden claims there is 'increasing evidence' that cannabinoids are an 'effective form of treatment' for many illnesses, including MS, arthritis, epilepsy and cancer.

In Billy's case, GreenLight acted as an intermediary, finding 'a medical cannabis company in Canada, approved by their health service' which agreed to send new medication to Charlotte. Although THCA is a controlled substance, because Billy has been prescribed it by the NHS, this is entirely legal, they claim.

A large trial carried out across 11 US epilepsy centres, published in the Lancet Neurology journal in 2015, found that 214 patients who received cannabis oil for 12 weeks saw their seizures decrease by an average of 54 per cent. All the patients had epilepsy that did not respond to currently available treatments.

Last year, a cross-party group of MPs and peers led an inquiry into the drug's potential to help patients. The group took evidence from more than 600 patients and medical professionals and commissioned a consultant neurologist, Professor Mike Barnes, to review published research on the drug's potential to alleviate medical problems.

He found 'good evidence' that cannabis can help with chronic pain, muscle spasms often associated with MS, the management of anxiety, and nausea and vomiting, particularly when caused as a side effect of chemotherapy.

'I'VE GOT MY BOY BACK'

In December, an Irish government Bill was passed to make cannabis, including THCA, available in Ireland for medicinal use. However, there are no such plans at this time to follow suit in England  barring specific request from scientists undertaking research.

Experts warn the success of cannabis oil varies from patient to patient. 'It will not be a miracle cure for everyone,' says Dr Colin Doherty, consultant neurologist at St James's Hospital in Dublin.

'Ten per cent will see their seizures go away, 35 per cent will see an improvement, and the rest will experience no improvement.

'There is also no widespread data on its safety. But it is a useful addition to the armoury in fighting epilepsy. The jury is also still out on whether adding THCA is necessary.'

But Charlotte has no doubt about the huge benefit the medication has had on Billy. 'This treatment has given Billy back to me,' she says. 'He's been more than 90 days without a seizure now. We don't know what will happen in the future  he isn't cured. But it is incredible that the illness is being kept at bay by this little bottle of oil.'
A 'wonder drug' that boosts survival in women battling genetic breast and ovarian cancer may also be a lifeline for men with advanced prostate cancer, according to new research.

The latest findings from clinical trials could give further hope to many of the 46,000 men in the UK diagnosed each year with the disease. The condition affects the walnut-sized gland that sits under the bladder and accounts for more than 11,000 deaths a year in the UK.

Last year American comedy actor Ben Stiller, 51, revealed he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014. The Zoolander star underwent surgery, a prostatectomy, and is now cancer-free.

Other high-profile sufferers include actors Robert De Niro, 73, and Sir Ian McKellen, 77. Musician Frank Zappa died of the disease in 1993, aged 53.

Ben Stiller, 51, (pictured with his wife Christine Taylor) revealed he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014

In the trial, led by researchers from the world-renowned Institute of Cancer Research and the Royal Marsden Hospital, men were given the pioneering cancer inhibitor drug olaparib.

Those selected had stopped responding to chemotherapy and hormone therapy treatment, which are the established ways of tackling the disease.

Olaparib was previously hailed a 'wonder drug' in newspaper reports after women with the BRCA gene mutation who developed aggressive ovarian and breast cancer survived for longer than expected while taking it.

Researchers found that women who were given the drug after undergoing chemotherapy survived an average 11 months longer than might be expected. Some lived for a further five years.

In 2015, olaparib gained approval for use in ovarian cancer patients in Europe and the US.

The drug works by stopping mutated cancerous cells repairing themselves. It does this by stopping the supply of a protein called PARP-1 that is vital if the damaged DNA in the cells need mending. Because the drug cuts off this protein source, the cancer cells die, dramatically slowing for a time the progress of the disease.

So far, the results from the trial with men recruited in 2014 have been very encouraging, experts say.

The first part of the study showed that up to 30 per cent of the men who had cancer as a result of the DNA failing to repair cells responded well to the drug.

In the second phase, which is due to end later this year, 88 men with advanced prostate cancer have been taking olaparib tablets twice a day. All the participants have blood tests every four weeks and CT scans every three months to check if the cancer has spread.

Olaparib was previously hailed a 'wonder drug' after women with the BRCA gene mutation who developed aggressive ovarian and breast cancer survived for longer than expected

Professor Johann de Bono, of the Institute of Cancer Research, is overseeing the trial that has been funded by various charities including Prostate Cancer UK. Prof de Bono says: 'What these latest trials have shown us is huge.

'For the first time we have used tumour genomics, the sequencing of the DNA in a cancer cell, to alter the type of care we can give each patient based on their own particular type of prostate cancer.

'It's much more personalised, in the same way that treatment for breast cancer has been for more than a decade. It's a big shift and has taken treatment for prostate cancer treatment out of the dark ages in many ways. We're starting a third trial later this year. It wouldn't surprise if all these trials we have done in the UK mean that in the next two or three years we have approval for this drug to treat prostate cancer.'

Retired building company manager Douglas Baker is currently taking 400mg of olaparib twice a day as part of the trial. 'When my consultant asked if I'd be interested in this new trial, I jumped at the chance,' says Mr Baker, 73, from Lambourn, Berkshire.

'I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004. I was 60, and regularly started getting up during the night to use the bathroom. My wife Sue urged me to see my GP. I later had a biopsy that found I had it.'

MR Baker has undergone several treatments including radiotherapy and cryotherapy, when very cold temperatures are used to kill off the cancer, as well as chemotherapy and hormone therapy. But by the end of 2015 there were signs that the disease was no longer responding to treatment. By then, the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes and liver.

'I think my doctors had run out of ways to treat me until this new drug came along,' he says.

After screening established that Mr Baker was suitable for the clinical trial, he began taking olaparib in February last year. He says: 'I've been taking the pills ever since and the results have been absolutely amazing. The tumours have shrunk significantly and I've had no side effects. My consultant can hardly believe it.

'When I ask how long I'll be on it, my doctor tells me as long as they keep working. I know they have given me many more years which my family really appreciate. I hope what they have discovered by trying this drug out on me will help lots of other men too.'

Mr Baker is a supporter of Prostate Cancer UK. To find out more, visit prostatecanceruk.org.

Breathing easy, the patients who beat lung infection

By Paul Dinsdale for the Mail on Sunday

Scientists have discovered a new way to beat antibiotic-resistant infections  by depleting patients' own immune system.

British researchers have successfully treated patients with resistant bronchiectasis, a debilitating lung disease, by removing antibodies from the bloodstream.

They believe that an excess of certain antibodies  proteins produced by white blood cells which can neutralise bacteria and viruses  can damage the body's ability to respond to some diseases. Two patients in the study are believed to be the first successful cases using this technique to beat infections. Teams from Birmingham and Newcastle universities identified a 64-year-old man and a 69-year-old woman who were both suffering chronic chest infections resistant to many antibiotics.

British researchers have successfully treated patients with resistant bronchiectasis, a debilitating lung disease (stock photo)

The woman had previously been given 14 different drugs which had shown no benefits, but the new treatment led to a significant improvement in her condition. Both patients were able to leave hospital and return home, with the benefits continuing for months. They then returned for more treatment.

Bronchiectasis leads to permanent enlargement of the airways in the lung and affects more than 300,000 patients in the UK. Symptoms can include a chronic cough, shortness of breath and coughing up blood. The disease often affects those patients beyond the age at which lung transplantation is possible.

Professor Ian Henderson, who led the study, said: 'Perhaps counter-intuitively, we decided to remove a particular antibody and the outcomes were wholly positive.'
Grieving parents have accused NHS doctors of a cover-up after their baby daughter was given a fatal drug overdose.

Sophie Burgess was just 11 months old when she died at St Peters Hospital in Chertsey, Surrey, after receiving almost eight times the recommended dose of a powerful anti-seizure drug.

But evidence allegedly vanished from the side ward where she died, while pages of medical notes from her records went missing, according to the family.

Meanwhile, her heartbroken parents Gareth and Emma were investigated by police.

Just hours after losing their daughter, their house was declared a crime scene and forensic officers seized Sophies bedding and toys in case they later became relevant.

The Burgesses believe police were called to cover failings at the hospital  and say they have been fighting tooth and nail to find the truth.

Little Sophie Burgess was only 11 months old when she died at St Peters Hospital in Chertsey, Surrey, after receiving almost eight times the recommended dose of a powerful anti-seizure drug

Happier days: Sophie Burgess pictured as a newborn with her parents Emma and Gareth Burgess. The grieving parents have accused NHS doctors of a cover-up

Their barrister, Clodagh Bradley QC, accused Syrian-trained Dr Lojein Hatahet and Dr Fiona MacCarthy, a paediatric consultant, of the cover-up.

She said: They are giving accounts that contradict medical records, they contradict witnesses and they have something to lose  criminal charges potentially being brought against them.

The allegations were made at a pre-inquest review on Thursday, ahead of a full hearing in June. Sophie was given the overdose of anti-epileptic drug phenytoin after being rushed to A&E following a seizure on June 16 last year.

Miss Bradley said Dr MacCarthy, who had prescribed the drug, called police after Sophie died and added: Our concern is whether someone who knew they had made a serious error was trying to deflect attention from the medical management, which led to a loss of evidence.

St Peter's Hospital, Chertsey, Surrey where 11-month-old Sophie Burgess died after doctors at gave her a massive overdose of the powerful anti-seizure drug phenytoin

Dr Fiona MacCarthy (pictured left) is a Paediatric Consultant at Ashford & St Peter's Hospital Hospitals Foundation Trust. She had prescribed the drug which Dr Lojeion Hatahet (pictured right) administered after which little Sophie Burgess died

Mr Burgess, 45, a graphic artist, told The Mail on Sunday of the heartbreaking moment Dr Hatahet injected his daughter. He said: Sophie started to be sick. I tried to turn her over but I couldnt because Dr Hatahet was standing over her and just carried on injecting her.

Sophie started to cough and splutter, her eyes were fluttering and she was going rigid. She looked like a rabbit in the headlights. I felt completely powerless. That morning she had called me Dada for the first time. Now she was looking at me with this frightened expression. I will never forget it. She must have been in so much pain.

Emma and Gareth Burgess from Chertsey, Surrey whose dauhter Sophie Burgess died aged 11 months after doctors at St Peter's Hospital gave her a massive overdose of phenytoin

Medics tried for an hour to resuscitate her but to no avail. An initial post-mortem concluded Sophie died from cardiac arrest, but when toxicology results came back several weeks later, the overdose was revealed.

An NHS report said Sophie had 7.65 times the recommended dose of phenytoin in her blood.

Mrs Burgess, 40, who works in marketing for drugs companies, said: I strongly believe its a drug Sophie should never have had, and they gave her a massive amount.

The doctors declined to comment, while a spokesman said the hospital offered sincere sympathies to Sophie Burgesss family, alongside our apologies for her tragic death.
MONDAY, APRIL 17

I was enjoying a nice day at the Easter races in Plumpton, East Sussex, when three guys approached me, almost breathless with wide-eyed excitement.

Hi, Piers! one of them exclaimed. Any chance of a photo, mate?

I smiled benevolently, exuding the slightly smug air of an experienced celebrity when confronted by starstruck members of the public. Of course!

Piers has a rare more moment of agreement with Madonna... on the subject of wine

My right arm then began to spontaneously extend, ready to wrap itself around these fortunate fans.

At which point, the same young man whod greeted me with such enthusiastic tones abruptly handed me his camera, and stood back to pose with his two mates.

Make it a good one Piers, yeah?

Theyd done me up like a kipper, much to the amusement of my family standing nearby. I took the photo, though.

I wasnt going to let these impertinent little toe-rags walk away thinking me graceless as well as gullible.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19

A video was released this morning that featured Lady Gaga opening up about her battle with post-traumatic stress disorder to Prince William via FaceTime on their laptops. I nearly choked on my porridge when I saw it.

Ms Gaga and I had a Twitter exchange four months ago when I questioned her claim to be suffering from PTSD following an alleged assault she says happened to her many years ago but which she never reported and, until recently, while promoting an album, had never mentioned.

I would love to talk to you about my PTSD, she said.

OK, I replied, lets do an interview and you can tell me why Im wrong to be sceptical. Reckon you can handle me?

Yes, Mr Morgan, she retorted, I can handle you. Surprised you would question that. Was that the first question of our interview?

Yes! I said. We have a deal. Ill get my people to contact your people.

I then made the fatal mistake of deploying British humour, which rarely transfers well across the Atlantic to hyper-sensitive US celebrities.

Should be a fascinating debate, I tweeted. Ill press my meat suit.

This was a reference to the infamous dress made from raw beef she wore to the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. Her Ladyship was not amused.

If you continue to shame me in the process of kindly agreeing to an interview with you, Ill do the interview with someone else, she snapped.

Today I discovered she was deadly serious about this threat and had indeed done the interview with someone else: the future King of England. Either that or Prince William used his palace pulling power to muscle in on my exclusive in an act known to the world of journalism as byline banditry.

FRIDAY, APRIL 21

Im in New York to finish off my new five-part Killer Women series for ITV.

Today I interviewed a highly intelligent and successful woman who brutally stabbed her lovers girlfriend to death, then tried to murder her husband too so she could be with the lover. She is also believed to have tried to gas to death an earlier husband.

Shes one of the most dangerous people Ive encountered in 40 years as a police officer, said one of the detectives who finally nailed her. An absolute psychopath.

My interviewee arrived from her cell, escorted by armed guards, and took her seat.

Hi, Piers, its Good Friday! she chuckled demonically. Ironic, right?

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

The Government has rejected a bid to make it illegal for employers to force female staff to wear high heels.

I got into hot water recently for suggesting that if bosses can request I wear a suit, tie and full make-up every day for Good Morning Britain, then whats the big deal about some women being asked to wear heels as part of a similar uniform? This prompted a storm of protest from ladies furious at being subjected to such barbaric cruelty.

Theyre diabolical instruments of flesh-ravaging torture and we should never be made to wear them at work! was the general consensus.

By coincidence, an interview was published in The Times today with Joanna Coles, a high-powered British magazine chief in America and the very embodiment of lean-in feminism.

It featured an extraordinary photo of her pounding away on a treadmill under her stand-up desk, as she worked on her computer, while wearing four-inch STILETTOS.

I could walk for hours in them on this thing, she boasted.

And indeed she does, apparently at a steady pace of 1.8mph. Now, either Ms Coles is the worlds biggest masochist, or the sisterhood may need to rethink its Worse than Guantanamo Bay position on heels at work.

SUNDAY, APRIL 23

On the subject of gender rights, actress Anna Chancellor  who played Duckface in Four Weddings And A Funeral  is unhappy with me for criticising the Womens March.

What did Piers Morgan call us? she asked.  Rabid feminists?! Poor Piers seems to have problems of his own. Maybe hes worried women dont fancy him. Ouch.

Would it be ungallant to point out that it wasnt me who was jilted twice by Hugh Grant in FWAAF?

MONDAY, APRIL 24

Hell hath frozen over. Ive finally found a point of agreement with the unendingly ghastly Madonna. Ill go broke before I drink bad wine, shes revealed.

Reminds me of my dads two excellent pearls of wisdom: Always be polite to policemen and always drink the best French wine you can afford.
The Exterminating Angel

Royal Opera House,

Covent Garden

Until May 8

Rating:

The hugely talented composer/conductor Thomas Ades has been obsessed with the surrealist Luis Bunuels 1962 film The Exterminating Angel since his teenage years.

He and the writer/director Tom Cairns have been working on the libretto for this opera, which was premiered at Salzburg last summer, since 2009.

There is much to admire here, especially in the orchestral music, where Adess virtuosity allows him to escape definition, with music that is rooted in the past, including allusions to the waltzes of Johann Strauss. But it is also modernist, minimalist  with the imaginative use of repetition  and lyrical, with melodic cells that make a considerable impact.

The Exterminating Angel (there isnt one, by the way, but there are sheep and a bear  dont ask) has been lavishly funded, so the large cast is full of stars and is, of course, a tribute to Adess pulling power

Anne Sofie von Otter as Leonora; Sir John Tomlinson

Its so clever it makes ENOs recent The Winters Tale seem musically plodding and unimaginative. But is this an opera that will catch on the way that Adess two previous ones have done?

His early Powder Her Face (1995), about the scandal-ridden life of Margaret, Duchess of Argyll, has been produced more than 200 times worldwide.

The Tempest (2004) has been seen quite widely in Europe, and in New York, and the recording won a Grammy.

This one, I fear, will not do so well because Adess obsession with Bunuels film means he lacks objectivity. He never seems to have asked himself how all this will go down with people who havent even seen the film (like me!).

The opera is about the dinner party from hell that ends up like Lord Of The Flies (with which Bunuel himself was obsessed). I suspect people arent really engaged by all this; the characters are so brittle and unsympathetic, youre left thinking that the sooner this lot die, the better.

IT'S A FACT Iconic film director Bunuel was a cinematic showman even as a teenager. He used to project shadows on a screen using a magic lantern and a sheet. Advertisement

Much of the music, especially for the sopranos, lies too high for comfortable listening. Nothing vocal really enchanted me, but plenty in the orchestra did. To the point that I almost feel Adess Bunuel obsession could best have been written out in a purely orchestral piece.

The Exterminating Angel (there isnt one, by the way, but there are sheep and a bear  dont ask) has been lavishly funded, so the large cast is full of stars and is, of course, a tribute to Adess pulling power.

Sir Thomas Allen is a conductor, Sir John Tomlinson a doctor. Anne Sofie von Otter is the half-crazed Leonora, Amanda Echalaz the hostess Lucia, given some extraordinarily difficult music. Theres even a role for the countertenor Iestyn Davies.

Anne Sofie von Otter and Audrey Luna

Amanda Echalaz

But nothing they do resonates with me as much as, say, the haunting sounds of the ondes Martenot, or the extraordinary use of bells throughout.

Ades says: Bells are a form of eternity appearing in the river of time, an expression of the unchanging.

Typical of the thought that has gone into this brilliant but flawed piece.

Murray Perahia: The Awards Collection

Sony (15 CDs)

Out now

Rating:

The celebrated American pianist Murray Perahia, a long-term London resident, was 70 this month. And his equally long-term record label Sony celebrates this milestone stylishly with a handily priced (about 35) 15-CD Awards Collection box containing recordings that have won major honours, including a Gramophone Award here in Britain or a Grammy in the States.

The first album featured here, from 1982, is a coupling of two Mozart rarities, the Concertos Nos 15 & 16, where Perahia also directs the English Chamber Orchestra.

The last one, from 2010, has almost 80 minutes of the piano music of Brahms. In between, among other joys, theres Beethovens Concertos 3 & 4, two albums of Chopin, including both sets of Etudes and seven Bach albums.

The Bach CDs testify to Perahias lifelong enthusiasm for playing Bach on his Steinway. They include performances only a pianist of his stature could bring off, such as seven Bach keyboard concertos (which would have been written for harpsichord or clavichord) played on a concert grand and, even rarer, the Brandenburg Concerto No 5, ditto.

Perahia had to retire from the concert platform for a couple of seasons with finger problems and used the time to perfect his understanding of Bach. The fruits of all this work form the centrepiece of a set of recordings as distinguished as anything that any post-war pianist has produced.
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2 Cert: 12A 2hrs 16mins

Rating:

I love Guardians Of The Galaxy. Its fast become one of my favourite Marvel Comics franchises. I love the cheesy Seventies pop, its exuberant silliness and the fact that one of its characters  Groot  is essentially a tree.

But even having caught up with the hugely engaging 2014 original recently, Id struggle to summarise what happened first time around, at least once this motley band of space-brothers  and one space-sister  came together and decided to rush around the galaxy doing something good, something bad or perhaps a bit of both.

However, if pushed, Id say Ronan, the main baddie, was dead, poor Groot had been heroically reduced to a cutting, and Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), our disco-dancing, Walkman-wearing hero, had discovered that there were serious doubts about his parentage.

The narrative heart of Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2 is the doubts surrounding our disco-dancing hero, Peter Quill's (Chris Pratt, above), parentage

His late mother was definitely from Earth but his father as the new film gets under way, Peter is holding on to the idea that his father was David Hasselhoff of Knight Rider fame. See what I mean about exuberant silliness?

It is the last point  Peters parentage, not The Hoff  that provides the narrative heart of this eagerly anticipated sequel, which turns out to be every bit as chaotic, complicated and fun as the original.

From the opening moment we squint at the screen, as the action flashes back to 1980 and we think Hang on, isnt that a young-looking Kurt Russell?, weve got a fair idea of where we might be heading.

The explanation for why Gamora (Zoe Saldana, left) is flesh and blood while her sister Nebula (Karen Gillan, right) is a cyborg is one of the more moving parts of the film

Yes, Russell, who has already breathed fresh life into the Fast And Furious franchise, is here to weave his grizzled, grey-maned old magic on the Guardians and, from his timely entrance to save them from surely certain death, he does so very well. My name is Ego, he says with a quiet, bearded grin, and I am your father, Peter. Hmm, anyone else think having a dad called Ego might not be entirely a good idea?

Russell and Pratt are beautifully cast  peas from the same laid-back, wisecracking, vaguely-surfer-dude pod, albeit peas a generation apart.

Their scenes together are some of the best in a film once again directed and co-written by James Gunn, who has made the franchise his own.

Peter's reunion with his father is the main news, but the Guardians also find themselves on the run after Rocket (above, voiced by Bradley Cooper) steals some valuable batteries

And yes, it really is a franchise now, with a third film already in the pipeline, when, presumably, Sylvester Stallone  who graces this one but briefly  will play a bigger part.

So what happens this time around? Well, obviously Peter being reunited with his father is the headline news, but that all happens while the Guardians are busy escaping the golden-skinned citizens of the Sovereign, whom theyve upset because Rocket (the genetically engineered raccoon character voiced by Bradley Cooper  do keep up) has relieved them of some particularly valuable batteries.

Ayesha, the female leader of the Sovereign, is played by Elizabeth Debicki, who made such an impact on TVs The Night Manager and doesnt go unnoticed here.

The very funny Drax (played by former wrestler Dave Bautista, above with Pratt) is doubtful about the state of Peter's relationship with Gamora, a running joke throughout the film

Not by Peter, anyway, who is forced to apologise for his roving eye to his green-skinned, still-not-quite-girlfriend, Gamora (Zoe Saldana).

So what exactly is the state of their relationship? The very funny Drax (played by former wrestler Dave Bautista) is doubtful. There are two types of people in the universe  those who dance and those who dont.

IT'S A FACT Director James Gunn has said that he wanted David Bowie to play a cameo role in the movie - before the Starman's death early last year. Advertisement

Weve known Peter is a dancer from the opening scenes of the first film, but Drax is convinced the warrior-minded Gamora is not. Ah, but is he right when hes wrong about so much else?

Either way, she and Peter spend a lot of time here speaking about the unspoken thing between them, a running joke, which  like so much in Guardians Of The Galaxy  is as clever as it is silly and is almost as enjoyable as the one about the meaning of metaphor. And, yes, franchise fans will be pleased to know, that does get another outing here.

At two-and-a-quarter hours, the film is ultimately a little too long and convoluted for its own good and loses traction as Egos true identity and divine plan are revealed.

For a while it just seems to become an endless series of spectacular visual effects.

Kurt Russell (above) as Peter's father, Ego (yes, really) is beautifully cast with him and Pratt peas from the same laid-back, wisecracking, vaguely-surfer-dude pod

But Gunn is learning as he goes and is certainly better at balancing all the silliness and fun with some proper darker moments. The explanation for why Gamora is flesh and blood while her sister Nebula (Doctor Who star Karen Gillan) is a cyborg is both shocking and moving.

He even has the confidence to finish the film on an emotional down-note, as we bid a tear-jerking farewell to ah, that would be telling. But you only take that sort of risk when youre positive you can deliver more fun in the next instalment.

Gunn is clearly sure he can, and I am too.

SECOND SCREEN

The Promise (12A)

Rating:

Lady Macbeth (15)

Rating:

Charlotte Le Bon (above with Christian Bale) lights up every scene she is in in The Promise

Turkey has been much in the news of late, giving a fresh and frankly alarming edge to The Promise, an initially romantic-looking but ultimately harrowing drama set against the Armenian genocide of the First World War, when, as the Ottoman Empire crumbled, 1.5 million Armenians were massacred by Ottoman Turks.

The period-evoking visual effects arent always great and the whole thing is delivered in heavily accented English, but Oscar Isaac is solid as the Armenian medical student who arrives in cosmopolitan, pre-war Constantinople only to find himself torn between the bewitching Ana (Charlotte Le Bon, lighting up every scene she is in) and the trusting fiancee he left behind in his home village.

But as war breaks out, being torn between two lovers  not to mention having to share one with an American journalist (Christian Bale)  is the least of his problems in a film that shows director Terry George, who more than a dozen years ago brought us the emotionally searing Hotel Rwanda, hasnt lost his eye for an important story or his talent for telling it.

William Oldroyds new film  his debut feature, in fact  may be called Lady Macbeth but for the opening half-hour it seems more like a cross between Lady Chatterleys Lover and Wuthering Heights as the newly married but instantly rejected Katherine (Florence Pugh) finds the customary consolation in the arms of her husbands ruggedly handsome new groomsman, Sebastian (Cosmo Jarvis).

And quite right too, we initially think, as she drifts unhappily around a house that is as cold and unwelcoming as her cruel husband.

On their wedding night he orders his young bride to strip, surveys her  and then, having presumably found her wanting in some unexplained way  turns his back.

With a father-in-law (Christopher Fairbank) whos even worse than his son and a maid, Anna (Naomi Ackie), too frightened to be a friend, why shouldnt the poor lonely girl  marooned somewhere in a desolate Victorian north-east  take a lover?

The clue is all in the title. Katherine, you see, is no hapless victim.

Its a tough old watch with performances that are good rather than great and with what, at first, appears to be fashionable ethnically blind casting eventually giving way to racist undercurrents that stir the already murky moral waters.




The Supreme Court said Kashmiri students should stop throwing stones at security forces and 'return to colleges and schools', in its first-ever intervention in bringing peace to the violence-racked valley.

'Education is empowerment, and only education will deliver them from widespread unemployment and anger spilling out on the streets,' said Justice S K Kaul, who was part of the three-judge bench hearing a plea filed by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association against the rampant use of pellet guns by security forces.

Chief Justice JS Khehar asked the association to respond to issues raised by the Centre that defended the use of pellet guns to quell stone-pelting mobs in the Valley, and said that the lawyers' body cannot take sides.

Kashmiri students shout slogans as they throw pieces of bricks and stones towards Indian policemen

Authorities have been under attack from activists over the use of pellet guns that wreaked havoc during protests in Kashmir last year, blinding and injuring hundreds.

The court had already asked the Centre to consider other 'effective' means to control riotous mobs as it 'concerns life and death'.

The apex court sought the association's response after the Centre explained the circumstances under which security forces use measures like pellet guns.

The court even said that it was ready to set the stage for talks between stakeholders and influential public voices in Kashmir and the Centre.

But as the 'first step forward', the court insisted that the Association should persuade the stakeholders to file undertakings in court that they will abstain from violence.

Once these undertakings are filed  tentatively on May 9  the court will ask the government to pull back security forces for at least 15 days as peace is negotiated.

The Supreme Court asked the 'stakeholders' in Kashmir to 'take two steps back', as a resolution could be initiated only if no stones are hurled and no pellets are fired on the streets of the Valley.

The association countered that security forces entered schools and universities and beat up students.

'If they beat up students then students will be on the streets. Throwing stones is a reaction. The Centre has stopped talking to the people of Kashmir. People want uninterrupted, unconditional and sincere dialogue,' the association's lawyer said.

On negotiations Attorney general Mukul Rohatgi, who appeared for the Centre, made it clear that the government would come to the negotiating table only if the recognised parties participate in the dialogue and not separatist elements.

The A-G rubbished the association's claim that the Centre was not coming forward for discussion and dialogue to resolve the crisis.

Rohatgi said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti recently held a meeting to discuss the volatile situation in the Valley, and ways to ensure peace.

Kashmiri students throw stones and bricks at Indian government forces

The apex court was in agreement with Rohatgi and said all those whom the law does not prevent, can meet and come out with suggestions, as the situation is not very palpable.

Rohatgi read out the part of the affidavit in which the association has raised questions about accession of Kashmir and giving a political colour to the matter by mentioning names of some separatist leaders who were under house arrest.

'The case of the bar here is different but he (lawyer for bar) talks about Geelani and separatists. What is this going on? Ten times he says release them,' the A-G said.

The bench said that both the parties have to take a joint step, but the first step has to come from the lawyers' body that has approached the court.

The apex court was hearing an appeal filed by the association against the HC order seeking a stay on the use of pellet guns as a large number of people had been killed or injured due to their use.

The association was insisting that there should be a unilateral declaration of ceasefire, withdrawal of security forces, revocation of AFSPA and stoppage of using pellet guns.

During the last hearing on April 10, the Centre had told the Supreme Court that it was exploring a crowd control option that is akin to rubber bullets but not as lethal as pellet guns that are being used currently by security forces as a last resort to quell violence in the Valley.

Vohra to meet Modi to discuss Kashmir issue

By Gaurav Sawant

Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra has been called to Delhi for consultations on the prevailing condition in Kashmir valley and the road ahead.

Vohra will also be meeting national security advisor Ajit Doval and Home minister Rajnath Singh.

There will be extensive discussions on the current law and order situation in the Valley.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra (left) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The fallout of the by-elections in Srinagar and the PDP's request to postpone it in Anantnag will also be discussed in a series of meetings scheduled in both North and South Block, sources told India Today.

A meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also on the cards.

'Apart from the macro picture, there is a focus on south Kashmir and concentration of terrorists in one particular belt of south and central Kashmir. Anti-terror operations and an effective mechanism to deal with stone pelting will also figure in the dialogue,' sources added.

During her recent visit to Delhi, J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti hoped the Centre will initiate dialogue with all stakeholders but on Saturday, attorney general Mukul Rohatgi made it clear in the Supreme Court that the Centre was open to dialogue with all recognised political parties in the state  ruling out any dialogue with separatists.

The Centre continues to remain firm in its position on the use of pellet guns. On Saturday, it got a shot in the arm when the Supreme Court told petitioners J&K Bar Association that it will pass an order to ban use of pellet guns if the latter gives an undertaking that there will be no stone pelting.

This has been the contention of the Centre  restoration of law and order before initiation of dialogue with all political stakeholders who believe in the Constitution of India.

'The entire country is on one page  stone pelting is illegal and will not be tolerated. This message has to percolate down to the pelters in the Valley. In the recent army recruitment drive, the applications far outnumbered the vacancies. While additional India Reserve Battalions are being raised for youth, including one for women, the discussion will also include additional steps that need to be taken to wean away the youth from stone pelting and being disenchanted with democracy,' said an official.

The Centre has frowned upon the state's inability to crack down on stone pelters, terrorists roaming with impunity and more worryingly, anti-national elements burning down schools across the Valley.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issues assurances that electronic voting machines (EVMs) were tamper-proof and secure.

The commission intends to use Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in all coming elections to bring in more transparency and boost the confidence of people in the electoral process.

'We will soon hold an all-party meeting in which they will be told how it is not possible to tamper with EVMs, as per our administrative and technical safeguard system,' chief election commissioner Nasim Zaidi told reporters in Chandigarh.

Polling officials carry Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) after the end of the last phase of polling during Uttar Pradesh state assembly election

He was responding to questions about allegations levelled by various political parties against EVMs.

Recently 16 opposition parties had urged ECI to revert to a ballot system, claiming the faith of people in EVMs has been eroded.

Zaidi also said the ECI is planning to hold a challenge for which the time frame is being worked out.

Members of the election staff sit in a room filled with electronic voting machines (EVM) at a distribution centre

The electoral body is planning to throw an open challenge, asking anyone to try hacking its EVMs to dispel doubts of any misuse, it is learnt.

The CEC also said that the ECI had placed an order for the supply of VVPAT machines for use in elections.

'For VVPAT, we have got all the funds. We have placed an order for the supply of 1.5 million VVPAT with two PSUs Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronic Corporation of India (ECI),' informed Zaidi.

By September next year around 1.5 million VVPAT machines will be ready.

A woman looks at the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) before casting her vote inside a booth

'The commission's objective is to use VVPATs in all coming elections,' he said. 'India will perhaps be the first country where VVPAT will be used 100 per cent at all the poling stations. It will boost voters' confidence and bring more transparency in the election process,' he added.

Zaidi said that an awareness campaign will be launched to create awareness about the benefits of VVPAT.

VVPAT generates a receipt allowing voters to verify that the the vote went in favour of the candidate against whose name the button was pressed on the EVM.

After the Assembly elections earlier this year in UP, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab and Manipur, many political parties raised their voice against the use of EVMs.
Just three days after winning a massive mandate in the civic poll, the BJP has come up with a plan to make Delhi's streets garbage-free within four months.

Understanding the target will be impossible without the co-operation of sanitation workers, the party is planning to introduce several welfare measures for them.

The party has asked the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to address the financial and personal needs of nearly 100,000 street cleaners.

Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari has told municipal commissioners to motivate sanitation workers by involving their families through cultural events and get-togethers.

Garbage disposal had become a bone of contention between the AAP led state government and the BJP led Centre and civic bodies

Apart from their financial needs, personal grievances should also be addressed.

Tiwari, who is also the BJP MP from North East Delhi, held a meeting with municipal commissioners of North and East Delhi civic bodies late on Friday evening and laid out the party's agenda.

The commissioner of South Delhi Municipal Corporation was not present in the meeting as he is travelling abroad. He stressed the need to motivate sanitation workers who often suffer because of a delay in paying their salary.

'MCD officials have to be sympathetic to sanitation workers. Their families, particularly children, have to be included in the process,' Tiwari told the commissioners.

A senior Delhi BJP leader said a committee could also be formed to look into the welfare of sanitation workers.

The committee will interact with workers and their families to understand their grievances and accordingly suggest measures.

Manoj Tiwari, Delhi BJP chief

Officials have been told to ensure proper education to their children and also address personal problems faced by them.

The committee could be formed immediately after the first sitting of the House in the three civic bodies where newly elected councillors would be administered oath and Mayors elected.

Sources said the three corporations will also keep sanitation workers on top on the priority list in salary disbursal.

'To achieve the target of garbage and mosquito-free Delhi in four months, it is important to motivate sanitation workers. Their interests have to be given utmost priority,' Tiwari was quoted as saying.

The move comes in the wake of the BJP's promise of addressing Delhi's sanitation woes in four months.

Immediately after the poll results, Tiwari had announced that garbage removal and crackdown on corrupt officials would be the key focus.

Earlier, the top BJP leadership had indicated that it could find an alternate way to route central funds to MCDs without interference of the Delhi government.

This is aimed at timely release of funds so that salaries of employees don't get stuck.

Notably, garbage disposal in the Capital had become a bone of contention between the AAP-led Delhi government and BJP-led Centre and MCDs.

Sanitation staff had stopped work over unpaid salaries but the AAP government refused to release money, saying the MCDs were allotted plenty of funds.

The Delhi HC later directed the state to pay up.
Poultry farms in Haryana are pumping birds with steroids and antibiotics and stuffing them into into cruelly small cages, a Mail Today investigation has revealed.

Experts say the chicken you eat from these places, especially the broiler variant, is often pumped with large amounts of antibiotics and eating the meat can make a consumer resistant to drugs and leave him or her vulnerable to diseases.

An investigation by Mail Today into the poultry business in Haryana's Sonipat, Panipat and Karnal districts exposed the unethical practices indulged in by certain farm owners for profit.

The birds are tightly packed in cages, meaning the threat of infection always looms

'Our hatchery division produces 15,000 chicks every day and as soon as they are hatched, they are injected with antibiotic drugs to make them infection free,' Sehrawat, manager of a poultry farm in Karnal, says on camera.

Since the birds are tightly packed in cages, the threat of infection always looms.

This necessitates the use of antibiotics to promote growth. 'We have to grow them at a rapid pace. So we use steroids for overall physical growth,' said Sehrawat.

'Antibiotics such as enrofloxacin and sulfonamides are used recklessly in the Indian poultry industry'

With rampant use, the drugs find their way into the chicken we eat as well as the ecosystem, leading to the spread of drug resistant bacteria in human beings, experts say.

'Antibiotics such as enrofloxacin and sulfonamides are used recklessly in the Indian poultry industry to treat infections that arise due to the unhygienic and overcrowded establishments they are maintained in,' said Dr Amulya VR, a veterinarian based in Hyderabad.

Nearly 70 per cent of antibiotics vital for fighting infections in humans are sold for use in meat and dairy production and medical researchers have concerns that overuse of those drugs may diminish their effectiveness in fighting disease in humans.

In fact, the United Nations has asked India to urgently address the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance in the country due to indiscriminate use of antibiotics.

'While the government is regulating the use of antibiotics in humans, it remains unorganised in the livestock sector,' said Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, head and neck cancer surgeon at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.

Birds are pumped with antibiotics and steroids to promote growth

'Consuming antibiotic-resistance-laden livestock can influence the bacterial flora of the human body and create the bacterial strain that is resistant to. So if you have infection  in the lungs, blood or stomach  it could become incurable. The steroids can lead to suppression of immunity and pileup extra kilos.'

A study conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) on broiler chicken about three years ago found that 40 per cent of the samples were contaminated with antibiotic residue.

The six most common antibiotics used in the poultry business are oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline and doxycycline (from class tetracyclines); enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin (from fluoroquinolones); and neomycin, an aminoglycoside.

'The prime reason for misuse is that the conditions in which the chicken are raised are largely unsanitary, leading to high infection and mortality rates. For commercial reasons, the farmers would like to avoid such a scenario,' said Amit Khurana, programme manager, food safety and toxins at CSE.

'Another reason is to fatten the broiler without much feed.'

Along with concerns over human health comes the issue of animal cruelty.

The Mail Today investigation has found that the hens in the Haryana poultry farms are kept in tiny metal 'battery cages', violating standards specified in the the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

The birds are injected with growth hormones and impregnated forcefully, and some roosters are even crushed alive, as they are regarded as less profitable.

It takes around 40 days for a chick to grow into a hen weighing around 1.5kgs to 2kgs and deliver eggs. Sunil, the manager of a farm in Gharauda in Karnal said that they use 12 kinds of 'powders' made of chemical and biological substances including gelatin in the feed to make the chicken deliver eggs faster.

'We mix these powders in the prescribed ratio with the food grain. Once the hens consume it they will be ready to deliver eggs in the next 16 to 20 hours. A normal hen can deliver two to three eggs in 24 hours,' said Sunil. Ambika Nijjar, animal rights activist and lawyer, describing the process of artificial insemination.

'They first spread the legs of a rooster and pinch the sperm out. They then spread the legs of the female, open the vagina and insert the semen with a dropper. It is a very painful process for both, and in almost every bird we inspected, we found that they had swollen and infected genitalia.'

The total egg production in the country for the year 2016-17 was 29.09 billion according to the Integrated Sample Survey, with Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal and Haryana being the top five egg producing states.

When the egg you eat is not so rich

You may be proud of eating eggs 'Sunday ho ya Monday', but the plight of the hens that lay them is far from healthy - in fact it is outright cruel, say experts.

Millions of hens are currently living in disease-ridden environments across the country in complete violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and posing grave threat to human health.

When the chicks hatch, they are segregated for meat and egg production.

In the latter category, only female chicks get to live.

Birds would start to peck each other an even exhibit cannibalistic behaviour in the cramped space - so their beaks are chopped off

As a result, crores of them are killed annually on electrified kill plates or a purpose- built macerator, where they are ground up alive.

Meanwhile, the female baby chicks are sent to commercial hatcheries where they are bred under heat lamps until they are able to maintain their own body temperature.

At about 16 weeks most hens are transferred into small, barren wire cages called 'battery cages'.

Four to six hens are crammed into a single with an approximate size of 623.7 sq cm, despite the Bureau of Indian Standards' recommended space for each hen being 450 sq cm per bird.

Over the course of two years the hens consume so much artificial substances in the form of antibiotics and steroids that their egg yielding capacity begins to decline.

When their capacity reaches at 40 per cent, they are transferred for slaughtering.

The average life span of a hen is around 10 to 12 years.

'These hens are confined to cages for the rest of their lives, where they cannot spread their wings, turn around, or nest before giving birth, which is cruel and completely illegal,' said NG Jayasimha, a former member of the Animal Welfare Board of India and managing director of Humane Society International/India.

'They are not able to express their natural behavior, such as dust-bathing, perching, roosting etc leading to imbalances in the lipid levels of the feathers, major structural and mechanical problems the skeletal long bones, frustration and distress without an outlet for the natural instincts.'

Being confined to this kind of 'concentration camp', the birds often start injurious feather pecking or harming each other via cannibalistic behaviour in order to get out.

To prevent this, the beaks are cut off or de-beaking is done at a young age using a heated blade, which can cause tissue damage, nerve injury, open wounds, bleeding and chronic pain because it is most often improperly done.

Professional bird experts or ornithologists have also found that the squawking sound from these hatcheries are actually distress calls because they are in pain or discomfort throughout.

However, the health concerns for human beings also looms large, especially for young children and old people who are the most vulnerable.

Dr Chetana Mirle, Director of Farm Animals at Humane Society International explains, 'A number of studies conducted in the European Union show that there are higher incidence of salmonella bacteria in caged facilities than cage free facilities, which can lead to food poisoning. Even if you wash the egg you are still at risk of getting it.'

She adds, 'These are very crowded facilities, and because a very large number of birds are in very close confinement to one another, their immune systems are weak. This means the birds are less healthy, putting human communities at risk  especially those who live near these farms that emit a lot of odour and house a large number of flies and insects.'
In less than two months, Brits heading off on holiday won't be charged any extra to use their mobile in Europe.

New rules issuing from Europe mean that after 15 June, roaming charges won't apply in the EU. While this may not last beyond Brexit, it means this summer families automatically avoid eye-watering fees for calls, texts and data use on their travels within the EU.

Contrast this with travelling to the USA for just two weeks and you could clock up a bill of up to 3,022 - more than the price for a family holiday to Florida.

Rome: Using your mobile in Europe won't cost any extra this summer

According to new research from uSwitch, almost a quarter of us have returned home to a shock mobile bill, and those who do, hand over an average 52 to their network for using a mobile on holiday.

Some 17 per cent have racked up charges over 75 and 10 per cent have been stung with roaming bills over 100.

WHAT WOULD IT TAKE TO CLOCK UP A 3K PHONE BILL? The average roaming bill is of course much less than the possible 3,022 households could pay their network after a two week trip to the USA. To earn this sky-high bill users would have to opt out of their network's roaming cap and use their mobile fairly regularly. According to uSwitch it would require three five minute calls to the UK, receiving two five minute calls, listening to a two minute voicemail, and sending 10 text messages to clock up charges of 25.43 per day in the USA. The average 190.45 spend on data each day would require the following over the course of a week. Read 20 standard emails plus 10 with attachments, surf the web for two hours, stream music for an hour, download five songs and one app, spend 30 minutes video chatting and upload 50 photos to social media.

Forgetting to switch off your data roaming is what catches nearly a third of us out.

Similarly 27 per cent make the mistake of presuming Wifi is on and therefore run up their bills.

As many as 16 per cent pay over the odds when forced to use their mobile in an emergency.

Don't forget to use flight mode or disable your voicemail, this pushes up the cost for 9 and 8 per cent of holidaymakers respectively.

Wherever you are travelling the most important step is to find out what your network charges, what it offers in terms of roaming packages, and whether there are any spending caps.

Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at uSwitch.com, says: 'Theres good reason to be wary of roaming charges this summer. With a single MB of data  enough for just four minutes of web browsing  costing up to 8 in the USA, its well worth looking into roaming deals before you travel.'

Below we have rounded up the top six holiday destinations around the globe, and found out what you will be charged for using your mobile this summer.

In Europe

Travellers have seen the cost of using their mobiles in Europe fall over recent years thanks to a gradual reduction in the cap on fees operators are allowed to charge, enforced by the EU parliament.

According to uSwitch figures, more than a third of people wrongly believe they wont pay anything for using their phone in other EU countries now.

However currently the maximum charge networks can apply on top of domestic prices, excluding VAT are as follows:

Outgoing voice calls 0.05 (4p) per minute

Incoming voice calls: 0.01 (1p) per minute

Outgoing texts: 0.02 (2p) each

Data: (0.05 (4p) per Mb

From 15 June these fees will be abolished completely, meaning calls, texts and data used abroad, within the EU, will be included in customers existing contract allowances.

While it's great news for British holidaymakers now, once we leave the EU in 2019 we will no longer benefit from these EU regulations.

Unless a separate deal is made, pricing decisions will be left to phone operators themselves, sparking fears that costs could rise dramatically.

While there are no answers yet to what will happen after we leave the EU, those concerned about rising fees from 2019 could consider a Brexit-friendly tariff.

Three Mobile, Vodafone, and Carphone Warehouse's iD all have deals which offer free roaming in a handful of countries including popular European and worldwide holiday destinations. You can read more about these here.

ROAMING BUNDLES: A WORD OF WARNING It could be worth checking with your provider to see what they can offer, but be careful as it can opt you out of helpful bill caps. Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at uSwitch.com, explains: 'One word of warning. If you buy a roaming add-on from a network you may automatically opt out of the data-roaming cap of 50 that networks apply to protect you from high bills. 'Ask your network if this is the case. Keep an eye on your usage even when buying one of these, because activity once spent could cause your bill to rocket towards the 50 cap - an effective solution in the EU where per MB costs are often pennies, but ineffective against the sky-high costs of data elsewhere.'

The Big Apple: The USA is the most popular holiday destination for Brits outside of Europe

The USA

The USA is the most popular destination for Brits heading abroad outside of Europe, according to uSwitch data.

According to the comparison site, making a call to the UK from across the pond costs an average 89p per minute and sending one text message typically sets holidaymakers back 28p.

The worst offender for bill shock however is data use, costing a whopping 2.89 per MB of data  which gives around four minutes of web browsing.

COST OF USING YOUR MOBILE IN THE USA EE iD iD (Takeaway) O2 Tesco Mobile Three (Essential) Three (Advanced) Vodafone Making calls to UK mobiles (per min) 1.00 1.40 0.00 1.10 89p 1.40 0.00 1.35 Receiving calls (per min) 1.00 1.25 0.00 90p 89p 99p 0.00 1.00 Sending 1 SMS text message 40p 35p 0.00 40p 40p 35p 0.00 35p Voicemail (per min) 1.00 1.40 0.00 1.10 89p 1.40 0.00 1.35 Data (per MB) N/A 25p 0.00 6 8 3 0.00 3 a MB up to 5MB, then 15 for each 5MB Roaming add-ons for USA (per day) Unlimited calls & texts for 5 and 500MB for 4

N/A Call, texts & data included Unlimited data, 120 minutes and texts for 4.99 N/A N/A No extra charges as part of Feel At Home Pay 5 to use your contract allowances Source: uSwitch,com. Correct as of 13 April 2017

The Rockies: Families pay as much as 5 per minute to call UK mobiles from Canada

Canada

Families heading to Canada could pay as much as 5 per minute to call a UK mobile with iD, compared to just 89p with Tesco Mobile.

Again switching on your mobile data while travelling could be an expensive mistake.

The average price per MB of data charged by five of the largest networks is a whopping 6.20, according to uSwitch research.

COST OF USING YOUR MOBILE IN CANADA Network EE iD O2 Tesco Mobile Three Vodafone Making calls to UK mobiles (per min) 1.00 5.00 1.10 89p 1.40 1.35 Receiving calls (per min) 1.00 1.25 90p 89p 99p 1.00 Sending 1 SMS text message 40p 1.00 40p 40p 35p 35p Voicemail (per min) 1.00 5.00 1.10 89p 1.40 1.35 Data (per MB) N/A 8.00 6 8 6 3 a MB up to 5MB, then 15 for each 5MB Roaming add-ons for Canada (per day) Unlimited calls & texts each day for 5 and 500MB for 4 N/A Unlimited data, 120 minutes and texts for 4.99- N/A N/A Pay 5 to use your contract allowances Source: uSwitch,com. Correct as of 13 April 2017

Kangaroos: Don't get caught on the hop by roaming charges

Australia

The cost of using your smartphone in Australia is surprisingly slightly less than when travelling in Canada or USA.

Both iD Takeaway, and Threes Advanced bundle come with no extra charges. Making calls to UK mobiles costs between 80p and 1.40 per minute with the major mobile providers.

The cost of surfing the web however varies dramatically according to which network you are signed up.

Carphone Warehouse owned iD, charges just 25p for every MB of data used while Tesco Mobile charges the most at 8, and offers no bolt on deals either.

COST OF USING YOUR MOBILE IN AUSTRALIA EE iD iD (Takeaway) O2 Tesco Mobile Three (Essential) Three (Advanced) Vodafone Making calls to UK mobiles (per min) 1.00 1.40 0.00 80p 89p 1.40 0.00 80p Receiving calls (per min) 1.00 1.25 0.00 80p 89p 99p 0.00 75p Sending 1 SMS text message 40p 35p 0.00 40p 40p 35p 0.00 35p Voicemail (per min) 1.00 1.40 0.00 80p 89p 1.40 0.00 1.35 Data (per MB) N/A 25p 0.00 6 8 3 0.00 3 a MB up to 5MB, then 15 for each 5MB Roaming add-ons for Australia (per day) Unlimited calls & texts for 5 and 500MB for 5 N/A Call, texts & data included Unlimited data, 120 minutes and texts for 4.99 N/A N/A No extra charges as part of Feel At Home Pay 5 to use your contract allowances Source: uSwitch.com. Correct as of 13 April 2017

Clear skies: Don't let roaming fees catch you out while on holiday

Turkey

While Vodafone customers signed up to its new Roam Free service are charged nothing extra to call, text or go online while in Turkey, those with EE, iD, O2 and Three could end up with hefty bills for using their mobile while in the country.

Customers not signed up to Vodafones Roam Free deal, have the smallest roaming charges - handing over an extra 24.5p per minute to make calls to UK mobiles, 8.1p per text and 45.9p per MB.

Tesco Mobile follows fairly close behind when it comes to calls and texts at 69p, but slaps customers with hefty charges for internet use at 8 per MB.

COST OF USING YOUR MOBILE IN TURKEY Network EE iD O2 Tesco Mobile Three Vodafone ( without inclusive roaming) Vodafone (with inclusive roaming) Making calls to UK mobiles (per min) 1.50 2.00 1.50 69p 1.40 24.5p 0.00 Receiving calls (per min) 1.50 2.00 1.25 69p 99p 7.1p 0.00 Sending 1 SMS text message 40p 50p 40p 40p 35p 8.1p 0.00 Voicemail (per min) 1.50 2.00 1.50 69p 1.40 24.5p 0.00 Data (per MB) N/A 1.25 6 8 3 45.9p 0.00 Roaming add-ons for Turkey (per day) Unlimited calls & texts for 5 and 500MB for 5 N/A Unlimited data, 120 minutes and 120 texts for 3.99 N/A N/A Pay 3 to use your contract allowances Free as part of Roam Free Source: uSwitch.com. Correct as of 13 April 2017

Taj Mahal: Calls when travelling to India will cost you between 1.50 and 2 per minute

India

The fifth most popular destination for Brits to head on holiday outside of Europe is India.

Calls from the popular holiday destination come with some of highest charges, networks charging those without an overseas add-on between 1.50 and 2 per minute with similar charges for accessing your voicemail too.

When it comes to using your mobile to browse the web, update your social media or access your email, the prices between networks differ drastically.

The cheapest deal is from iD and costs 1.25 for every MB used, while Tesco Mobile charges the most at 8 for the same amount.

The best value add-on for the region is offered by Vodafone which charges 5-a-day to use your mobile as normal as part of its new Roam Further deal.
Pie king: Greggs Chairman Ian Durant has been offered the role at DFS

MUSICAL CHAIRS Ian Durant, chairman of Greggs and Capital & Counties Properties, has been appointed to the same role at DFS, replacing Richard Baker, who announced his departure in December after nearly seven years at the furniture firm.

MONEY MAN Business broadband provider Toople has signed up former TalkTalk Business finance director Geoffrey Wilson as its part-time chief financial officer.

Wilson will hold the role until a permanent replacement is hired.

PIZZA POST Newsagent operator McColl's has appointed Pizza Hut chief executive Jens Hofma as an independent non-executive director.

Hofma, 50, will join McColl's audit, remuneration, and nomination committees.

DIAMOND BACK Shareholders have overwhelmingly backed a 15.5million takeover of City stockbroker Panmure Gordon by disgraced ex-Barclays boss Bob Diamond, with 99.9 per cent of votes cast supporting it. The stock fell 0.6 per cent, or 0.56p, to 98p.

DRIVEN HIGHER Car insurer Hastings has raised premiums following a legal change that forces it to give seriously injured crash victims more compensation.

Its revenues hit 164.5million in the first three months of 2017, up 24 per cent on a year earlier. Shares climbed 1.7 per cent, or 5p, to 302.3p.

BANK LIFT Swiss bank UBS made a 1.3billion profit in the first quarter, up 72 per cent on a year earlier thanks to the improving global economy.

DRINK UP Sales of Brockmans gin hit an all-time high last year, with revenue jumping nearly 90 per cent during 2016 to 5.4million.

The Lancashire distiller entered 11 new markets, including South Korea, Indonesia, Peru and Finland.

6.5m DEAL Business funding company Renaissance Asset Finance has been bought by Arbuthnot Banking Group for up to 6.5million, depending on its future profits.

Arbuthnot shares fell 0.8 per cent, or 12.5p, to 1550p.
Almost 2billion was wiped off Barclays shares as chief executive Jes Staley fought to keep his job over a whistleblower scandal.

Shares dropped more than 5 per cent as Staley desperately tried to draw a line under the crisis in which he had sought to uncover the identity of a staff member who criticised him.

The share plunge came as investors became jittery over disappointing profits that overshadowed a promise to create 2,000 jobs.

Staley did little to calm nerves when he refused to say if the bank had an emergency plan in place should he be ousted.

Whistleblower: Barclays's American boss Jes Staley tried to uncover the identity of a staff member who criticised him

The 60-year-old American was incensed when anonymous letters criticised his hiring of senior banker Tim Main, who had suffered health problems when they worked together at JP Morgan.

He ordered his security team to find out where the notes were from in a search supported by a US law enforcement agency.

This broke rules protecting anonymous tipsters  triggering an investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Staley faced public questions over the scandal for the first time yesterday as Barclays unveiled its financial results for the first quarter of 2017.

He said: 'What I can say right now is limited. As I've said, I made a mistake. I was trying to protect a vulnerable colleague but I should have left the organisation to handle it.'

The furore has cast doubt on Staley's future at Barclays after a strong start since he took the reins around 18 months ago.

It has prompted calls for his resignation from campaigners, disquiet from shareholders and gossip across the City.

If Staley is forced out he would be the third Barclays boss in a row to leave under a cloud.

His predecessor Antony Jenkins was sacked by chairman John McFarlane over Barclays' performance, and before that Bob Diamond quit in disgrace over the Libor rate-rigging scandal.

The bank is braced for a stormy annual meeting next month, when Staley will face re-election to the board by investors. He is likely to win the vote but some investors are expected to rebel.

Consultancy ISS, which advises on ballots, has recommended abstention to shareholders.

Yesterday, Staley said he had unanimous support from his board and had not offered his resignation. However, he declined to comment when asked if he had a message for shareholders and whether there were contingency plans to replace him if the FCA forced him to stand down.

The case is the regulator's most high-profile probe ever into a bank chief, and it is likely to face accusations of collusion unless it takes a harsh line.

Barclays profits rose to 1.7billion in the first three months of 2017, more than double the amount a year earlier. This excluded a one-off 884million hit to the value of the lender's African business, which it is selling.

Staley also announced the bank was creating 2,000 technology jobs as it seeks to boost its IT operation. Shares fell 5.2 per cent, or 11.7p, to 212.25p.
Exactly what killed an alleged home invader who died after being chased from a house in is still unclear more than a year after a chef was charged with his murder.

Ben Batterham, 34, is accused of murdering convicted rapist Ricky Slater after disturbing him inside his home in Hamilton, in Newcastle - north of Sydney, on Easter Saturday last year.

Police allege Batterham caught Slater, a 34-year-old father of three, after a 365-metre chase, then restrained him with a 'choke hold' and punched him several times in the head.

An initial post-mortem examination suggested the direct cause of Slater's death to be a lack of oxygen to the brain, but what caused that lack of oxygen is still being debated.

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Ricky Slater, who lost consciousness during a struggle following an alleged home invasion, reportedly died after suffering a lack of oxygen to the brain

Ben Batterham (pictured) has been charged with murdering Ricky Slater, after allegedly disturbing him burgling his home

Ricky Slater reportedly suffered several cardiac arrests before his death in Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital

A committal hearing set to take place in coming weeks will focus on the cause of Slater's death, with the Crown and defence not agreeing how he died.

Each side will produce reports from a forensic pathologist and a neurologist as well as toxicology evidence to put before a magistrate who will decide whether or not Batterham faces a murder trial.

'There's been no definite determination about the cause of death,' one of those close to the case told Daily Mail Australia.

Another said: 'Nobody knows with precision what killed him.'

Batterham had been celebrating his upcoming 33rd birthday with a friend on March 26 last year when Slater allegedly entered his home about 3.20am.

Slater, an ice user with convictions for rape and assault, had been released from prison about three months earlier, having successfully appealed against a four-year jail term for aggravated break and enter and fraud offences.

He was allegedly carrying drugs and knives when he entered Batterham's home.

Police say once inside the house Slater made his way to Batterham's seven-month-old daughter's nursery and stole his fiancee Monique Cameron's handbag. Ms Cameron and the daughter were not at home.

Batterham confronted Slater, who fled out the side door, then chased him for about 365 metres along several streets. Batterham fell during the pursuit.

Ricky Slater in John Hunter Hospital where he died about eight hours after a confrontation with Ben Batterham

Ricky Slater's mother Beryl Dickson told Daily Mail Australia last year her son had an ice problem 'four or five years ago'

Ricky Slater (pictured), who died after a confrontation with Ben Batterham, weighed 118kg at the time of his death

Once Batterham caught Slater he allegedly put an arm around his neck, restrained him in a prone position with a 'choke hold', and repeatedly punched him in the head.

When police arrived Slater was unconscious and CPR was commenced. He was taken by ambulance to John Hunter Hospital without regaining consciousness. His condition continued to deteriorate and he died at 11.23am.

Initial findings suggested a fatal lack of oxygen to Slater's brain was caused by Slater suffering several cardiac arrests. What caused those cardiac arrests will be an issue at the committal hearing.

Among factors to be considered will be Slater's drug use, any pre-existing medical conditions and his weight. He was 178cm tall and weighed 118kg at the time of his death.



Ben Batterham (pictured) was arrested and charged with murder after Ricky Slater died in hospital

Chef Ben Batterham suffered facial injuries during his chase and confrontation with burglar Ricky Slater

Accused killer Ben Batterham says Ricky Slater bit him (pictured) during their struggle

Ben Batterham says he was bitten (pictured) while trying to detain Ricky Slater, who he had chased from his home

Battherman, who suffered cuts and bruises during his scuffle with Slater, as well as at least one bite wound, had also been taken to hospital by ambulance.

He was originally charged with recklessly inflicting grevious bodily harm but that charge was upgraded to murder when he presented himself to police about 5pm on the day Slater died.

Batterham spent six weeks in custody at Cessnock Correctional Centre.

His counsel, Winston Terracini, SC, told a bail application at Newcastle Local Court on May 6 last year his client had been the victim of a 'home invasion' and said the Crown case was 'extraordinarily weak'.

Ricky Slater had convictions for rape, drug possession and break and enter and had recently been released from jail

Beryl Dickson (pictured) says her son Ricky Slater was murdered by Ben Batterham and that Slater would not have been given bail if their roles were reversed

While on bail, Ben Batterham has been living at an address disclosed only to the court

Mr Terracini said at the time 'very rarely do cases like this come before a court - these cases are very rare, almost verging on the unique'. He said it was 'almost impossible' his client would be found guilty of murder.

John Sfinas, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said initial post mortem examination results suggested Slater's death was caused by a hypoxic injury - lack of oxygen to the brain.

Mr Sfinas said that injury could be linked to Batterham having had his forearm across Slater's neck. Post mortem results had not been finalised at the time but were hoped to be available within two months, the court heard.

In granting bail, magistrate Robert Stone said self-defence could be raised on Batterham's behalf and Slater's cause of death was likely to be contested.

'These are matters that will need to be considered by a jury of the accused's peers,' Mr Stone said.

The exclusive Newcastle Club (pictured) has kept Ben Batterham on staff as a chef while he is on bail

Ben Batterham (pictured) has been on bail charged with Ricky Slater's murder for 12 months

'Provocation is, in my opinion, a live issue.

'A stranger found in your home at 3.20am in the morning with your partner's handbag in his hand, having come from the child's nursery are in my assessment very relevant to a jury's deliberations as to a charge of murder.'

Mr Sfinas unsuccessfully sought a suppression order on Slater's criminal history and the names and addresses of Crown witnesses, noting more than 120,000 citizens had signed a petition calling for Batterham to be freed.

Mr Stone granted Batterham bail on May 10, saying he did not agree the Crown had a strong case.

He ordered Batterham's parents lodge $200,000 surety, he not use drugs or alcohol, he report daily to police, not apply for a passport or leave NSW and live at an address known to the court.

Slater's mother Beryl Dickson yelled out in court: 'He murdered my son. You are giving him bail. Look what you done.'

Ben Batterham's home at Hamilton, in Newcastle, at the time of his arrest for Ricky Slater's murder

The Batterham house after major venovations undertaken after Ben Batterham was charged with murder

Ben Batterham had been drinking with a friend in the lounge room (pictured) of his home when Ricky Slater walked into the house

Granted bail, Batterham resumed his job as a chef at the exclusive Newcastle Club.

When the matter was mentioned on August 17 last year, Newcastle Local Court heard the Crown and defence were still awaiting results of a post mortem examination, toxicology reports and an expert's report 'as to the issue of causation'.

Batterham's case was again mentioned in Newcastle Local Court on April 12, when magistrate Ian Cheetham was told the brief of evidence had been completed but Slater's cause of death was still an issue.

Mr Cheetham heard there was 'a common position between the parties that the matter would proceed by way of a committal hearing for the issue of causation'.

The case is back in Newcastle Local Court on May 17.
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They're the breathtaking images which capture the touching moment humans and marine creatures come face-to-face in the deep blue sea.

David Edgar, from Manly on Sydney's Northern Beaches, snaps stunning portraits of freedivers swimming just inches from manta rays and humpback whales.

Mr Edgar told Daily Mail Australia he took the plunge into freediving and underwater photography when his partner, Alice, noticed awe-inspiring images of people swimming alongside humpbacks on Instagram about three years ago.

He describes himself as a 'serious amateur' photographer, combining his work in the financial industry by day with his love of marine life.

David Edgar captured this mesmerising image of his partner Alice getting up-close-and-personal with a manta ray at Nusa Penida, Indonesia

This stunning image shows a juvenile humpback whale just below the surface of the water in Tongatapu, Tonga, in the Pacific Islands

Mr Edgar's partner Alice looks on as a humpback whale glides away after a touching close encounter in Vava'u, Tonga

His striking snaps are taken at various international coastal locations, from Indonesia, for the manta rays, to Tonga, for the humpback whales.

Mr Edgar uses a mirror less camera encased in a waterproof shell to document his partner's - and other freedivers' - interactions with the majestic creatures.

He said the benefit of freediving - where divers hold their breath for on average two to three minutes while under water before heading back to the surface - meant they were unobtrusive.

The humpbacks and manta rays are always ready to welcome the divers, who generally hover around the 10 to 15 metre mark below the water's surface.

'They're as curious of us as were are of them, particularly the baby humpbacks,' Mr Edgar said.

The manta rays are particularly inquisitive.

A freediver is seen closing in on three humpback whales just below the surface of water on the island of Tongatapu, Tonga

Just moments after a freediver breaks the water's surface in Tonga, he finds a majestic humpback whale in close proximity

'They're very different creatures,' he said. 'They're almost indifferent to our presence so you can get very close.'

Mr Edgar uploads his images to his Instagram page and website where they are met with pure amazement.

He and his partner now have their sights set on another type of marine mammal.

'The pinnacle for me is very much killer whales,' Mr Edgar said.

'We're going to photograph killer whales in Norway in January next year in the middle of the Arctic winter.'

Mr Edgar said he also tries at least one a week to capture the abundance of marine life in Cabbage Tree Bay, near his home in Manly, while he heads overseas about two to three times a year.
An Indian husband and his pregnant wife have claimed they were subjected to a racist tirade by a woman at Luna Park in front of their four-year-old daughter after they asked if they could sit next to her.

Utsav Patel, 33, filmed the rant during a night out at Sydney's famous theme park on Saturday with his 15-week pregnant wife and daughter and was shocked as the woman began shrieking, 'f*** India'.

The video shows the woman allegedly refuse to move off the park bench as she swears and repeatedly tells the family to 'go away'.

The woman (pictured) was filmed swearing and sticking her finger up after she refusing to move from the bench

Mr Patel captured footage of the woman (pictured) asking to family to 'go away' as she yelled racist insults

Mr Patel and his young family visited Luna Park on April 22 and filmed the 'racist' tirade at 9pm after his pregnant wife wanted a seat as she waited for them to finish a ride.

The footage shows the woman swear at the young family as she says 'f*** India' several times.

When asked why, the woman then said: 'Because I don't like them. Go f*** yourself... get out of here man. Go, go, go.'

'What's security going to do? I can say whatever I like, get f***ed,' the woman continued.

Mr Patel then told the woman that was not the right way to treat people, and she responded with an insulting mimic of his Indian accent.

When Mr Patel's wife attempted to sit down on the bench despite the offensive tirade, the woman continues to tell her to 'go' before shrieking: 'What are you recording? What the f***?'

NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia they have made contact with Mr Patel and are investigating.

Luna Park management told Daily Mail Australia they have been 'dealing with the individual personally' following the incident.

The footage shows the woman, who wore a crimson jumper, swear at the young family as she said 'F***India' several times

Utsav Patel (pictured) was disgusted when the woman launched into the expletive-laden racist rant in front of his wife and young daughter

Mr Patel said the incident shocked him and his family who were enjoying a night out at the amusement park.

'I wanted to take my daughter into ride and my wife wanted to seat down as she is 15 weeks pregnant and no other space was available,' Mr Patel told Daily Mail Australia.

'We saw a lady seating on a bench with her legs on it, so we asked her politely if my wife can sit there.'

The women allegedly refused to let the man's wife sit down and then launched into a foul-mouthed rant.

'There were many families around who were watching this incident and she kept using swear words to me and my wife,' Mr Patel said.

Mr Patel said he then alerted staff at Luna Park and showed them video evidence of the verbal attack.

'This incident happened in front of my four-year-old daughter and pregnant wife, they both were speechless for few hours. We hope this doesn't happen to anyone else,' he said.
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For Melbourne photographer Shayne Hood taking photos is not just a hobby or a side project to working with homeless youth and the music industry.

Instead he credits photography for helping to save his life.

After being diagnosed with catatonic depression at a young age, and later anxiety and panic disorder, Hood, 35, told Daily Mail Australia photography helped him through some of his toughest periods.

While he began producing short films and photograph on a more prolific scale in the past few years under the name Johnny Brixton, he became involved in photography and writing during a tumultuous childhood in Melbourne's eastern suburbs.

Melbourne photographer Shayne Hood, aka Johnny Brixton, has spoken about how photography has helped his battle with depression and anxiety and panic disorder. This photograph, taken in Melbourne, is titled 'Undefeated'

Hood, who goes by the name Johnny Brixton in his photography and film work, became involved in photography and writing during a tumultuous childhood in Melbourne's eastern suburbs. Pictured is a photograph he took in San Francisco

Hood got involved with a gang when he was about 16 and spent hours hanging out at Ringwood station people watching - commuters, drug deals and the general goings on in the area. This photo, taken in San Francicsco is titled 'The Heist'

'My family broke up when I was at a young age, I was probably 10 years old when my dad came out as being homosexual,' Hood said.

'That somewhat tore the family apart but even then I wasn't that judgmental about it, as a child I was quite close to my dad and it didn't bother me.

'I guess after that my mum basically got into another relationship and [their relationship was difficult]... that kind of led me astray.'

Hood got involved in a gang when he was about 16 and spent hours hanging out at Ringwood station people watching - commuters, drug deals and the general goings on in the area.

He said that's when he first got an eye for photography, when he was hanging out on the street in an environment that he described 'felt more like home'. This photograph, taken in San Francicsco is titled 'Brother, don't stay'

When describing what life was like during his teenage years Hood said: 'Fortunately I didnt go to juvenile detention but a lot of my friends did - there were lots of fights and robberies. This photograph, taken in Melbourne, is titled 'Freedom to Obey'

After working in a variety of jobs he spent 10 years working in the music industry, before starting a role in youth work. For his first project he filmed his father at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinic in Dandenong, Victoria in 2012. Pictured is a photograph taken in San Francicso

That was when he first got an eye for photography, when he was hanging out on the street in an environment he said 'felt more like home'.

'Fortunately I didn't go to juvenile detention but a lot of my friends did - there were lots of fights and robberies,' Hood said.

'If I'm going to be really honest, I only contributed to it to an extent, I was more the kid that was lost and found I had a family there. Home life was just not good at all, so to go home it wasn't really a great environment.'

After working in a variety of jobs he described as 'where fun goes to die' including in a workwear store, as a baker and as a mortgage clerk, he spent time working in the music industry before starting a role in youth work.

One of the first times he used a camera was in 2012 when he visited his father who was in a drug rehabilitation clinic at the time in Dandenong, south-east of Melbourne.

'I put my camera on the shelf [in his room] and he [Dad] asked me to shave his head, so I shaved his head and that was the first thing I filmed.'

He turned the footage into a short film that he released a few years later exposing his father's sexuality.

After he released a short film on his father, he made more short films and did some photography on the side before friends pushed him to go further with his work. Pictured is a photograph from San Francisco

Hood said: 'Photography is great, it's not like it makes me feel better, I dont feel happy after taking photos it's more Im able to really direct that energy. This photograph taken in San Francisco is titled 'I'm a ghost in my own skin'

When describing how photography helps him he said: 'I can direct that energy into something and once I do that it takes the heavy weight off and takes the burden off.' This photograph taken in Melbourne is titled 'Choice'

From there, he made more short films and did some photography on the side before friends pushed him to go further with his work.

'Photography is great, it's not like it makes me feel better, I dont feel happy after taking photos its more Im able to really direct that energy,' he explained.

'I can direct that energy into something and once I do that it takes the heavy weight off and takes the burden off.

'I can feel really terrible on some of the days Im taking photos and thats probably communicated in my exhibition - all the photos were taken when I was in that state.'

Hood described how he was inspired to shoot in black and white by 80s and 90s punk and skate photographs.

'The black and white really resonated with me - the contrast between the two colours - so that was one of the biggest things stylistically and also I think its an emotional and spiritual thing that I'm attracted to black and white more than colour.'

'I can feel really terrible on some of the days Im taking photos and thats probably communicated in my exhibition  all the photos were taken when I was in that state,' he said. Pictured is a photograph taken in Melbourne

Hood explained that he was inspired to shoot in black and white by 80s and 90s punk and skate photographs. Pictured is a photograph shot in Melbourne

'The black and white really resonated with me- the contrast between the two colours - so that was one of the biggest things stylistically and also I think its an emotional and spiritual thing that Im attracted to black and white more than colour,' he said. Pictured is a street shot from San Francisco

Hood said that for him, photography isn't the cure but it takes away some of the burden of mental health issues. This photograph titled 'If I Don't Die Today' was shot in Melbourne

A selection of photographs he took over a two-year period in Melbourne and San Francisco are on display in Melbourne next month.

He said that for him, photography is not the cure but it takes away some of the burden of mental health issues.

'That's what I want to communicate, that you can get this relief through lots of things. It could be sport, writing, or painting,' Hood said.

'The biggest part for me is living past that day, if I have a project then I'm actually aiming for something for the future.'

Despite his challenging childhood, Hood said he does not regret the time he spent on the streets.

'I still have a lot of friends from that environment and some have been able to get out of it and build lives for themselves,' he said.

'I also have friends in jail, heavily into drugs and also a lot have passed away so one of the biggest things for me is that I do this for the people I grew up with that didnt have the opportunity to do it.'

Comfort in Chaos opens at Easey's Gallery in Collingwood on May 18 and runs until June 1.

Hood said: 'That's what I want to communicate, that you can get this relief through lots of things. It could be sport, writing, or painting. Pictured is a photograph taken in San Francisco titled 'Three Indians'

'The biggest part for me is living past that day, if I have a project then Im actually aiming for something for the future,' he said. This photograph, taken in Melbourne is titled 'We start a war within our minds, like we were justified'

Despite his challenging childhood, Mr Hood said he doesnt regret the time he spent on the streets. This image titled 'My Cross' was taken in Melbourne

'I still have a lot of friends from that environment (the streets) and some have been able to get out of it and build lives for themselves. This image of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is titled 'The Good Life'

'I also have friends in jail, heavily into drugs and also a lot have passed away so one of the biggest things for me is that I do this for the people I grew up with that didnt have the opportunity to do it,' he said. This photo is titled 'East of Heaven'

Hood now works as a youth working, helping youth in Melbourne rebuild their lives with education. He manages a caseload of young adults who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. This photograph titled 'I Swear I Left My Dreams Here'

When describing his photography in Melbourne and San Francisco he said: I went through some pretty rough areas but when youre feeling like that you get a weird courage to talk to people you might not usually'. Pictured is a photo from San Francisco
Google CEO Sundar Pichai earned a whopping $200million last year for running the internet company.

Most of the pay consisted of Alphabet Inc. stock that the company valued at $198.7million in securities documents filed Friday for the Mountain View, California company.

Alphabet gave the award to Pichai, 44, in January 2016, a few months after he succeeded Larry Page as Google's CEO. Pichai still reports to Page, a Google co-founder who is now Alphabet's CEO.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai earned $198.7million in 2016, mostly in Alphabet stock

Page limits his annual pay to $1 because he already has an estimated fortune of $41 billion.

The stock that Pichai received will vest in quarterly increments through January 2020. Alphabet's profit rose 29 per cent to $5.43billion, a performance that analysts called exceptional for a company so large.

Pichai also received a $650,000 salary last year in addition to personal security services and air travel valued at $372,000.

In 2015, he received a total compensation of $100.7 million according to MarketWatch.

Google commanded 60.6 per cent of the worldwide search ad market in 2016 and is expected to command 61.6 per cent in 2017

Google is expected to command a 61.6 per cent share of the search ad market worldwide in 2017, up from 60.6 per cent in 2016, according to research firm eMarketer.

Mobile ads command lower prices than desktop ads, but growing volume is more than making up the difference, analyst James Wang of ARK Investment Management told Reuters.

'Our great properties - like Search, Maps, YouTube and Google Play -- are the "prime time" for the mobile world, where people are actively engaged and interested,' Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai said during a call with analysts.

Google's revenue rose 22.2 per cent to $24.75bn from $20.26bn in the quarter ended March 31.
A 33-year-old woman has remained upbeat despite dislocating her neck twice in the past five years from sneezing and laughing.

Melbourne mother-of-two Monique Jeffries baffled doctors back in 2012 when she sneezed and dislocated her neck for the first time.

Five years on she has shocked medical experts again and undergone the same treatment after she laughed and dislocated her neck.

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Monique Jeffries, 33, has dislocated her neck twice in five years after sneezing in 2012 and more recently laughing

Mrs Jeffries after having a halo plate inserted into her skull after dislocating her neck

'We were just making some jokes and whatnot about my neck because it's pretty funny about it happening the first time. And I kind of threw my head back in laughter and it went straight away,' Mrs Jeffries told A Current Affair.

'We had a few scares when I couldn't squeeze the paramedics hand and I couldn't feel a few things, and lots of pins and needles.'

Mrs Jeffries underwent surgery for both occasions requiring a halo vest screwed into her skull without pain relief.

She was unable to move around for up to six weeks and was forced to take months off work - placing financial pressure on the young family.

The Director of Orthopaedic Surgery Susan Liew at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital described the incidents as 'freaky circumstances'.

In light of the horrible circumstances Mrs Jeffries has put on a brave face for her daughter and counts her self as one of the lucky ones.

The strong-willed mother has even allowed her friends and colleagues to make the occasional joke at her account.
A charity supported by Jeremy Corbyn hosted an anti-Semitic speaker who has accused Jews of exploiting the Holocaust and called Zionism 'parallel to Nazism'.

Tom Suarez promoted his book on Israel at an event in Portsmouth organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, of which the Labour leader is a patron.

The talk was meant to be held at another venue but had to be moved to a new location after a 'concerned' local Tory MP spoke to the police.

Tom Suarez (left) promoted his book on Israel at an event in Portsmouth organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, of which the Labour leader (right) is a patron

Mr Suarez, a professional violinist, rose to notoriety after an hour-long rant on Jews and Zionism to SOAS Palestine Society on November 3, 2016

The Campaign Against Antisemitism condemned the campaign group for allowing Mr Suarez to speak and called on Mr Corbyn to 'sever his links' with it.

Mr Suarez, a professional violinist, rose to notoriety after an hour-long rant on Jews and Zionism to SOAS Palestine Society on November 3, 2016.

He branded Zionism 'fascist' and claimed its leaders encouraged antisemitism in Germany to force Jews to move to Palestine.

Speaking about 'the Jewish state', he said: 'Crammed into those three words are all of Jewry, Judaism, Jewish history, culture, persecution, and most cynical and exploitative of all, the Holocaust.'

The Israeli Embassy condemned him for promoting 'racist conspiracy theories' and the Charity Commission ticked off the students' union for 'mismanagement'.

Mr Suarez was due to talk about his book, The State of Terror, at the Portsmouth Friends Centre on Thursday April 27.

But the talk actually took place at another location, Buckland Community Centre, after Mrs Drummond contacted Hampshire Police.

There is no suggestion either venue knew about Mr Suarez's background or sympathised with his views.

The event was meant to be held at another venue but had to be moved to a new location after a 'concerned' local Tory MP, Flick Drummond, spoke to the police

The MP for Portsmouth South told MailOnline: 'I was concerned about this man talking in the city so I contacted Hampshire Police to inform them of what I knew about the timings and location.'

A police spokesman confirmed officers had spoken to the event organisers but said they 'could not comment on the reasons why the event was cancelled'.

Gideon Falter, Chairman of Campaign Against Antisemitism, told MailOnline: 'Tom Suarez previously spoke at SOAS where he made comments which breached the International Definition of Antisemitism.

'His message is one of hatred and he should be shunned for his repulsive views.

'It comes as no surprise whatsoever that instead of rejecting him, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign has embraced him and organised events at which he speaks.

'Our own investigation into antisemitism within the Palestine Solidarity Campaign found extensive evidence of antisemitism and tolerance of antisemitism.

'This should be enough for its prominent patrons, including Jeremy Corbyn, to sever their links with the organisation.'

Mr Suarez's Portsmouth talk was also promoted on the website of the Europal Forum, whose founder, Zaher Birawi, has met Mr Corbyn on numerous occasions

A spokesperson for the Labour leader said: 'Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party have consistently spoken out against and condemned all forms of antisemitism, which is why we set up the Chakrabarti inquiry into antisemitism and the Party is implementing its findings.'

Penny Mordaunt, MP for Portsmouth North, said: 'We must have a zero tolerance antisemitism and not hesitate to condemn and challenge it, and I hope all our community leaders and politicians will do that.'

Mr Suarez's Portsmouth talk was also promoted on the website of the Europal Forum, whose founder, Zaher Birawi, has met Mr Corbyn on numerous occasions.

'ZIONISM WAS PARALLEL TO NAZISM': THOMAS SUAREZ AT SOAS IN 2016 Here are some quotes from his speech at SOAS on November 3. 'Zionists are so terrified of daylight on their cult, that there are moves afoot to outlaw any derogatory reference of the word.' 'The fascist nature of the Zionist enterprise was apparent to US intelligence, British intelligence and Jewish informants.' 'Zionism was a parallel movement to Nazism' '[Zionists] conspired to try and increase antisemitism in order to force Jews to Palestine' On 'the Jewish State' 'Crammed into those three words are all of Jewry, Judaism, Jewish history, culture, persecution, and most cynical and exploitative of all, the Holocaust.' Advertisement

Mr Birawi is also chairman of the Palestinian Return Centre.

Last year, the organisation organised a meeting at the House of Lords at which a participant said Hitler had been 'antagonised' into killing Jews by a rabbi.

MailOnline has contacted the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and the Europal Forum for comment.

Labour has long sought to fend off accusations of antisemitism.

The party was criticised earlier this month when Ken Livingstone was allowed to remain a member despite claiming Hitler supported Zionism.

The Jewish Labour Movement said in a statement: 'One year suspension is insufficient for a party the claims zero tolerance on antisemitism.

'This is a betrayal of our Party's values. One year suspension allows for a revolving door for repeat offenders.'

A spokesman for PSC said that the controversial comments were made by Mr Suarez at a SOAS in 2016 and not at a PSC event and do not reflect the organisations views.

He added: 'It has been suggested that Suarezs remarks describing Zionism as fascist and racist are antisemitic because they fall foul of the IHRA definition of antisemitism.

'However, a recent legal opinion by prominent human rights lawyer Hugh Thomlinson QC has made clear that describing the state of Israel as a racist endeavour cannot properly be described as antisemitic - for any comment to be so defined it must also demonstrate a hatred of Jews.

'Sir Stephen Sedley, retired Court of Appeal judge and visiting professor at Oxford university has also endorsed this legal opinion.

'He has expressed concern about threats to freedom expression arising from attempts to misuse the IHRA definition to suppress criticism of the policies of the Israeli government.

Finally, Gideon Falter has levelled the serious accusation of antisemitism at the PSC as an institution.

'The evidence he refers to is in fact a small number of comments left on our Facebook page by members of the public  a page that has nearly 500k likes and a peak reach of 1.5 million.

'The PSC has a policy of removing these comments and banning offenders when they are picked up by moderators. If racist comments left on a social media page by members of the public are the yardstick we are going to measure an institution by, many organisations are going to run afoul of this  not least some popular news websites.

We are crystal clear on this issue  antisemitism is not tolerated by our organisation.

'Palestinian human rights are our only concern, and will continue to be our only concern until such time that there is a just peace that respects the rights and dignity of both Palestinians and Israelis.'
A security guard has been hospitalised after being punched in the head and knocked unconscious in a brawl outside a Hillsong church in Sydney.

Police allege the brawl took place about 9.45pm on Friday on the corner of Danks Street and Morehead Street in Waterloo.

Police were told a group of young men were walking towards Redfern Station when they became involved in an argument with another group of unknown men.

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A security guard has been hospitalised after being punched in the head and knocked unconscious in a brawl outside a Hillsong church in Sydney

When an 18-year-old man was allegedly hit in the face, a security guard - who was with the first group - intervened and was knocked unconscious after being punched in the head.

A third man, aged 21, was also assaulted before the second group left the scene, police say.

The 33-year-old security guard was taken to St Vincent's Hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

Officers from Redfern Local Area Command established a crime scene and have spoken with witnesses.

No arrests have been made and inquiries are continuing.

Police are asking anyone information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police allege the brawl took place about 9.45pm on Friday night on the corner of Danks Street and Morehead Street in Waterloo

Police were told a group of young men were walking towards Redfern Station when they became involved in an argument with another group of unknown men
Madeleine McCann has been missing since she vanished during a family holiday to Pria de Luz in Portugal in 2007

Investigators hunting for Madeleine McCann were so convinced they had found her that a plane had its engine running in preparation to collect the missing girl.

It is one of two heartbreakingly near-misses in the first 12 months after her 2007 disappearance that her parents had to endure, their media spokesman has revealed.

Clarence Mitchell, who has been heavily involved throughout the last decade, told how a blonde, English-speaking girl was located in Morocco, with other details leading detectives to a near-certain assumption it was Maddie.

Writing in the Telegraph, he said: 'All the information coming back to us suggested heavily that it could be Madeleine, so much so that an aircraft was put on stand-by, with its engines running, waiting to fly to pick her up.

'Kate and Gerry sat tight. They had learned by that stage to be sceptical, not to give in to natural hope only for it to be dashed. They preferred to wait until the Moroccan authorities had checked it out. And when they did, it became clear she was not Madeleine.'

It is one of two heartbreakingly near-misses in the first 12 months after her 2007 disappearance that her parents had to endure

McCann family spokesman Clarence Mitchell has spoken out (pictured holding artist's renderings of a one-time suspect seen in the Praia da Luz)

The other incident came a few months previously, when Mr Mitchell continuously received phone calls at 3am revealing that Maddie was at a farm, which matched a very distinct description, but again turned out to be a false lead.

Mr Mitchell had been working with the McCanns full-time after initially serving as an adviser to them while working at the Foreign Office.

The former BBC journalist previously covered Princess Diana's death as a royal correspondent and stood as the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Brighton.

He set up his own communications consultancy last year.

Toys left by well-wishers at the War Memorial in Rothley. Madeleines untouched bedroom is piled high with a decades worth of unopened birthday and Christmas presents  a symbol of the couples unwavering conviction their eldest daughter could come home one day

Madeleine vanished from the family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in Portugal on May 3, 2007, when she was three years old  with her mother Kate saying the 10th anniversary is a 'horrible marker of time, stolen time'.

But former Scotland Yard detective chief inspector Mick Neville has revealed that Facebook's cutting-edge facial recognition software could help find Maddie, who would now be 14 years old.

When Facebook users upload an image the social media platform maps facial features and 'recognises' other users - making tagging easier.

A retired police detective has claimed that Madeleine McCann could be found using facial recognition technology on Facebook

Mr Neville, a forensics expert, believes the state of the art technology could be used to trace Maddie because of a distinctive blemish in her right eye.

Earlier this week British detectives working on the Madeleine McCann case said they are still pursuing 'critical' leads as the 10th anniversary of her disappearance approaches.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said there are 'significant investigative avenues' that are of 'great interest' to both the UK and Portuguese teams.

Officers have sifted through some 40,000 documents and looked at more than 600 individuals since 2011 with Mr Rowley confirming that four people considered as possible suspects in 2013 have been ruled out.

Kate and her husband Gerry McCann, of Rothley, Leicestershire, have always vowed to never give up hope of finding their daughter.

Asked if police were any closer to solving the case than they were six years ago when the UK investigation was launched, Mr Rowley said: 'I know we have a significant line of inquiry which is worth pursuing, and because it's worth pursuing it could provide an answer, but until we've gone through it I won't know whether we are going to get there or not.

'Ourselves and the Portuguese are doing a critical piece of work and we don't want to spoil it by putting titbits of information out publicly.'

Pictured: Madeleine as a three-year-old, left, and, right, what police said she could have looked like as a nine-year-old

The disappearance of three-year-old Madeleine McCann from her familys rented two-bedroom holiday apartment at the Ocean Club sparked one of the most baffling mysteries of modern times

Mr Rowley said they are no longer the subject of further investigation and have been ruled out of the inquiry. Meanwhile, police working on the case continue to receive information on a daily basis.

He described the possibility of a 'burglary gone wrong' as a 'sensible hypothesis' which has not been 'entirely ruled out'.

The senior officer was asked about the theory of a sex predator being responsible for Madeleine's disappearance.

The McCanns have found different ways to cope with their daughter's disappearance. Kate finds comfort in daily work-outs at the gym, while Gerry has thrown himself into his work

Mr Rowley said: 'That's been one key line of inquiry. The reality is in the modern world in any urban area if you cast your net widely you will find a whole pattern of offences.

'You will find sex offenders who live nearby. And those coincidences need to be sifted out, what's a coincidence and what may be linked to the investigation that you are currently doing.

'Offences which may be linked have to be looked at and either ruled in or ruled out.'

Mr Rowley said there was still a 'lot unknown' in the case, adding: 'All the different hypotheses have to remain open.'
New parents choosing a name for their child are often spoiled for choice.

And unusual baby names are on the rise as more traditional monikers take a backseat in favour of peculiar ones such as Prince, Princess, Malibu or even Swastika.

The controversial name Swastika - which is a religious symbol in Hinduism - has been signed off on the birth certificates of 14 children in NSW - despite its association with the Nazi regime.

Mothers and fathers have been given the green light from the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages to give their children the strange first names.

The religious name Swastika derives from the sacred Hindu symbol (pictured) and is an esteemed name in Hinduism despite the Nazi connotations

MOST UNUSUAL NAMES IN NSW Swastika Peter Pan Danger Mate Malibu Porsche Prince Princess Advertisement

Naming Legislation can stop parents from giving their child a fanciful or downright terrible first name such as Lucifer, Majesty, Doctor Who or Christ.

But the Hindu name Swastika, which is steeped in religious meaning, has not made it on the banned list - however names such as Archbishop, Doctor, President, Professor, Sir, Lady, Governor and Lord are vetoed by the registry.

The name King is only permitted as a middle name in Australia, but is a very popular first name in Chinese culture as it means 'gold'.

Parents are encouraged to choose unique and well-meaning names for their offspring, but the registry can step in if the name can cause problems for the child down the line.

To protect children against careless or harmful names, the government has set out rules for registering baby names in Australia.

The rules state that a childs name must not be obscene or offensive or contrary to public interest, be short and easy to write and to not include symbols without phonetic significance or use numerals.

Experts have warned parents that highly peculiar names can negatively impact a child's reputation and leave them with a 'social disability'.

Meanwhile, the most popular baby name for a girl in NSW this year was Olivia, while the name Oliver is the most common first name for a baby boy.

Naming Legislation can stop parents from giving their child a fanciful or downright terrible first name such as Lucifer, Majesty or Christ (stock image)
A man wanted over a fatal stabbing has been named by police as Shaun Falkiner, with detectives urging him to give himself up.

An arrest warrant for murder has been issued for the 26-year-old after father-of-three Alexander Watts was fatally stabbed in front of horrified shoppers.

The 25-year-old victim was stabbed outside the Elizabeth shopping centre in Adelaide's north on Thursday evening, shortly before 7pm.

Mr Watts was treated at the scene by security officers and paramedics before being taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where he died.

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Father-of-three Alexander Watts (pictured) was fatally stabbed in front of horrified shoppers outside the Elizabeth shopping centre in Adelaide 's north on Thursday evening

Superintendent Des Bray says he has 'no doubt' that authorities will eventually track down Falkiner.

'I would encourage any of Shaun's friends, the people that care about Shaun, to make contact with him and arrange for Shaun to come in and speak with police,' he said on Friday.

'It's important he comes in. It's not going to go away. There is security vision of the incident.

'It's not worth running away. It's not worth doing anything that might result in anyone else getting hurt.'

Police allege Falkiner was seen fleeing the scene of the stabbing at the Elizabeth Shopping Centre on Thursday during late-night trading.

The victim, from Blakeview, was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in a critical condition after being stabbed in the chest, but subsequently died of his injuries.

A woman, believed to be in a relationship with Falkiner, was also seen leaving the scene, pushing an infant in a pram.

Supt Bray said police had been in contact with the woman but she had yet to present herself at a police station.

He said it was hoped Falkiner's surrender could be done in a controlled manner and it would be best if he came forward.

'He was a very nice person, always looking out for his family and friends. He will never be forgotten,' a friend said

Floral tributes are pictured for the 25-year-old father who died in the Adelaide stabbing

But until that time, the wanted man should be considered dangerous, he said.

'He has allegedly stabbed somebody last night and a warrant has been issued for murder,' Supt Bray said

'People who stab people are dangerous, that's the fact of the matter.

'While he remains at large, he is dangerous.'

Supt Bray said it was believed Falkiner and Mr Watts knew each other and had been involved in an altercation earlier in the night.

The shopping centre traded as normal on Friday with people placing floral tributes at the scene of the stabbing.

Mr Watts was treated at the scene by security officers and paramedics before being taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where he died

Witness Will Collins said he 'heard screams' and described the incident as 'definitely scary' and 'absolutely crazy'

Witness Will Collins told 9 News there were police officers 'everywhere' and roads were blocked off during late night shopping as the incident unfolded.

'It was definitely scary,' the witness said.

'I heard screams. It was absolutely crazy.'

A relative of the victim told 9 News the man 'was a loving father of three young children'.

A friend told Daily Mail Australia he would never be forgotten.

'He was a very nice person, always looking out for his family and friends. He will never be forgotten,' the friend said.

Police are seeking any images or footage recorded on mobile phones by witnesses

Another friend said the victim would be missed by man.

'You have been given your wings to fly now so go and fly high mate you will be missed by many.'

The suspect is described as being of caucasian appearance, aged in his late 20s, between 170 and 180cm tall with short brown hair and blue eyes.

'We are appealing for any witnesses who were in the area  either on foot or in vehicles  who have not yet spoken to police to make contact with police by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,' Superintendent Bray said.

'We are also seeking any images or footage recorded on mobile phones,' he said. 'Anyone who has such phone footage is also asked to get in touch with police via Crime Stoppers.


Your evening glass of wine and love of Radio 2 might be regarded by some as a pleasure of middle-age. But have you ever considered the two might be related?

For scientists say presenters on the BBC station regularly discuss alcohol in a way which could encourage heavy drinking.

DJs frequently mentioned wine, beer and spirits in the context of partying, socialising and having a good time. Many references involved reading out listeners alcohol-related tweets and emails.

A new study suggests that radio personalities on stations such as BBC Radio 2 could be encouraging heavy drinking thanks to regularly discussing alcohol during shows

But the negative health effects of drinking were rarely highlighted, the study found.

Researchers from Northumbria University, which carried out the study, warned stations such as Radio 2, which has 15million listeners, could be unwittingly encouraging the buying and drinking of alcohol among the older listeners who make up most of their audience.

A recent survey revealed that middle-aged women in the UK are drinking three times the maximum 14 units a week, while men aged 55 to 64 drink more in a week than any other age group.

The team investigated how frequently booze was mentioned on the airwaves, choosing three commercial stations with mostly middle-aged or older audiences, plus non-commercial BBC Radio 2.

The results, published in the Journal of Public Health, show a total of 151 references to alcohol.

The programmes on Radio 2  Steve Wright in the Afternoon and Simon Mayos Drivetime  made almost one in three of them.

The BBC station had a total of 49 alcohol-related discussions, with some lasting as long as 30 seconds. Meanwhile, adverts accounted for almost all of those on the commercial stations.

A recent survey revealed that middle-aged women in the UK are drinking three times the maximum 14 units a week, while men aged 55 to 64 drink more in a week than any other age group

Wine was mentioned the most  almost a third of mentions  while one in four were of beer or cider.

Researcher Katie Haighton, associate professor of public health and wellbeing at Northumbria University, said: On Radio 2, the greatest proportion of references to alcohol came from presenters reading out listeners social media messages.

And drunkenness was mentioned more on Radio 2 than on commercial stations.

Alcohol consumption is often portrayed as the norm without negative consequences, and just 5 per cent of references on all stations were about sensible drinking.

The results, published in the Journal of Public Health, show a total of 151 references to alcohol. The programmes on Radio 2  Steve Wright in the Afternoon and Simon Mayos Drivetime  made almost one in three of them

The experts stressed that the findings did not prove that stations like Radio 2 were causing heavier drinking in the middle-aged.

But they warned repeated positive mentions were normalising chronic boozing.

Simon Mayo said, for example, on April 3, 2015, in response to a listener: Well, heres the answer to your dinner menu dilemma  pizza and beer, thats what you have to do because thats what we said this time a week ago.

A BBC spokesman said: Radio 2 presenters adhere to the BBCs editorial guidelines at all times.
Jeremy Corbyns supporters have been selling sickening anti-military propaganda labelling soldiers professional murderers.

A spoof Army recruitment leaflet that joked about free prosthetic limbs! was available at a rally next to where the party was signing up new members.

It makes fun of those who have lost loved ones, including the line: For your parents, a free coffin filled to the brim with assorted pieces of soldier in their own gravy.

A spoof Army recruitment leaflet that joked about free prosthetic limbs! was available at a rally next to where the party was signing up new members

It also mocks the Royal British Legion and shows a cartoon of an injured sailor who has lost his arms and has a disfigured face.

The sale of the offensive booklet at a festival organised by supporters of Mr Corbyn comes as the Labour leader is criticised for his threat to scrap the countrys Trident nuclear deterrent.

The 20-page booklet entitled Join the Army: Like Prison But With More Fighting was on sale for 2 at the Take Back Control festival in East London last Saturday.

The event, organised by an offshoot of Mr Corbyns Momentum support group, was put on to bring together local activists to the benefit of Labours campaigning capacity.

Piles of Join Labour forms and a party banner were on the table next to the stall where the anti-military booklet was sold.

On a page entitled Become a professional murderer. Sign up today, the booklet says military recruits will: Learn the latest murdering techniques from our skilled instructors.

It makes fun of those who have lost loved ones, including the line: For your parents, a free coffin filled to the brim with assorted pieces of soldier in their own gravy'

It warns: Caution: Although every effort will be taken to ensure your safety, professional murdering remains a high-risk activity and may result in your own personal murder or accidental death.

A list of mock military medals shows honours labelled: Threw a grenade really far, Strangled a man, Blew up a thing, Burnt a dog, Dug a hole, and Died in a hole. It adds: Collect points and medal tokens for your best murders. Why go to prison for murder when you can get paid for it instead?

The Royal British Legions poppy logo is shown stained with blood with the words: From this year the poppy is to be replaced with the venus flytrap due to it being a more accurate symbol of war: It smells of death, devours the innocent and consumes flesh.

A picture of a skull in an Army helmet is captioned: Did somebody say career prospects?

Another cartoon shows a soldier saying: Nothing quite beats the excitement of lying in a ditch crying for my mother, covered in bits of my best friends brain.

It continues: The Royal Navys primary purpose is blowing the teeth, arms and legs off child pirates and drug people.

The booklet was produced by artist Darren Cullen, who has repeatedly tweeted his support for Mr Corbyns election campaign during the past week.

On his website, he describes his comic as: An absurd and potentially offensive satire on military recruitment and the false promises that come with life (and death) in the Army.

Former Army officer and Tory MP Johnny Mercer said: Its outrageous that Jeremy Corbyns personal campaign group are shamelessly mocking the members of our brave Armed Forces.

A collation of chaos led by Jeremy Corbyn would undermine our Armed Forces and refuse to authorise drone strikes on confirmed ISIS terrorists.

Joe Todd, of Momentum offshoot The World Transformed, which organised the event, said: Darren Cullens work on the Armed Forces was done in collaboration with Veterans for Peace who are ex-military service personnel.

Im sure youd agree that we should support ex-soldiers sharing their experiences.
Couples getting divorced are risking jail by spying on each other's emails or opening one another's post, lawyers warned yesterday.

They said one in five husbands and wives admit using methods such as logging on to the others computer or bugging to find evidence of hidden wealth, which could win them a bigger share of the spoils in court.

Divorcees sometimes get away with it because judges usually only question the source of the information if a settlement is contested, the report from Hall Brown family law firm said.

Couples getting divorced are risking jail by spying on each other's emails or opening one another's post, lawyers warned yesterday

But anyone caught spying or intercepting post risks a much-reduced payoff or, in the worst case, a two-year jail sentence under the Investigatory Powers Act.

Lawyer Laura Guillon said: In just over 20 per cent of all the cases that we deal with, clients admit opening their partners mail, logging on to their computer or rifling through business files left in the attic of the marital home while searching for details which they feel might help their case on divorce. Invariably, they profess ignorance when we point out that they are not allowed to do anything of the sort.

She added: Some will even express amazement that it is not permitted. In their minds, they are doing nothing wrong by opening post which has been delivered to their home, including items that they may have opened prior to their separation.

We have to remind them in the strongest terms that documentation which they uncover has to be sent to their spouse, cannot be seen by us and cannot be copied. For nearly 20 years divorce courts did allow use of confidential information or documents taken without a spouses knowledge.

One in five husbands and wives admit using methods such as logging on to the others computer or bugging to find evidence of hidden wealth, which could win them a bigger share of the spoils in court

The Hildebrand rules, named after a divorce in 1992 that set the precedent, drew the line only at documents stolen by force or illegally intercepted but the rules swept away in 2010. Miss Guillon said yesterday that if a wife or husband behaves lawfully and avoids spying the duty is then on the other spouse to disclose that information in the proper way.

She added: That individuals going through a divorce are still engaging in activity which was outlawed seven years ago and could even see them jailed is, I believe, a real cause for concern.

Former breakfast TV presenter Anthea Turner is one of the best-known divorcees to have turned to spying to on her husband as their marriage broke up.

In her book How To Survive Divorce, to be published next month, she explains how in 2013 she acted on her suspicion that husband Grant Bovey was cheating on her.

Miss Turner wrote: I became a regular Miss Marple, logging on to the computer to check journeys he made, credit cards hed used and text messages hed sent.

Grant had no idea I could even do these things. As far as he was concerned, I was a technophobe, unable to carry out the simplest tasks on a computer.
The Queen frowns on members of the royal firm meddling in politics, but her nephew David Armstrong-Jones (pictured), the 2nd Earl of Snowdon, is refusing to toe the party line

The Queen frowns on members of the royal firm meddling in politics, but her nephew David Armstrong-Jones, the 2nd Earl of Snowdon, is refusing to toe the party line.

After making millions fitting out oligarchs yachts, I can reveal the top-drawer furniture-maker is bidding to become the first member of the Royal Family to stand for Parliament.

Earlier this week, Lord Snowdon  known by his professional name of David Linley  applied to be added to the parliamentary Register of Hereditary Peers, indicating he is willing to be elected to the Lords when the next by-election takes place.

A spokesman for the Lords says: If David Linley wishes to stand to become a member of the House of Lords during a by-election, he would be eligible to.

The Westminster ambitions of Lord Snowdon are a radical departure from royal protocol. The Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, the Duke of Kent and the Earl of Wessex all waived their right to remain in the Lords when Tony Blair culled the number of hereditary peers in 1999.

The Duke of Edinburgh also stepped down. But Lord Snowdon, who is 18th in line to throne, risks becoming embroiled in controversy if he contributes to political debates.

His father, the first Earl of Snowdon, ceased to be a member of the Royal Family following his divorce from Princess Margaret in 1978.

But he clung on to his seat in the Lords by accepting a life peerage in 1999, despite outrage over his poor contribution to debates.

The Palace distanced itself from the earl at the time, saying the decision was a matter for him.

When Lord Snowdon, born Antony Armstrong-Jones, died in January aged 86, David Armstrong-Jones inherited the earldom, but not his fathers seat on the red benches.

His application to join the Register of Hereditary Peers means he could be voted in to the Lords in the next by-election, which will be held when one of the current 92 hereditary peers dies or retires.

Linley, 55, was once a committee member of the Conservative Partys fundraising Black and White Ball, but his views on the Brexit debate are not known.

A spokesman for Lord Snowdon says: We have nothing to add.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who labelled Jeremy Corbyn a a mutton-headed mugwump, finds himself under attack from his brother-in-law Ivo Dawnay.

We must all stop being so rude to each other, says Dawnay, who is married to Boriss sister, Rachel.

Especially the politicians. Now Mr Corbyn may (or may not) be good at his job, but if the answer is that he isnt, surely we should be sympathetic rather than rubbing his nose in his own inadequacies.

Lady Alice has muddy good fun

The Duke of Rutlands gregarious daughters appear to be battling it out for the spotlight.

On the same day that his eldest, 23-year-old Lady Violet, was unveiled as the cover star of the new issue of Tatler wearing a racy pink swimsuit, her sister Lady Alice shared a picture of herself in a state of undress.

Covering up in a small pink towel, the brunette posted this picture online of herself and her boyfriend, Bryan Ferrys son, Otis, 34, from their holiday in Mexico

Covering up in a small pink towel, the brunette posted this picture online of herself and her boyfriend, Bryan Ferrys son, Otis, 34, from their holiday in Mexico.

They had just enjoyed an outdoor mud bath for her 22nd birthday. [Thanks] for the birthday messages, she captions the image. Its been a pretty muddy start to 22.

Joanna Lumley may be absolutely fabulous, but her eating habits leave a lot to be desired, according to comedian Eddie Izzard.

There is a theory that you should always eat a piece of dirt with your food, he says.

The wonderful Joanna Lumley told me that. We worked together on the film The Cats Meow, directed by Peter Bogdanovich, and when we were filming in Greece she told me this story that her mother or grandmother had always told her to do this.

Cara shaves her blonde locks and dons a pink wig!

When Cara Delevingne stepped back from modelling because shed been bitten by the acting bug, she got more than she bargained for. The actress posted a picture online from the Toronto set of her new film, Life In A Year, showing a quilt with the warning: Do not sit. Bed bugs inside.

Cara, 24, is suffering for her art. This week, she shaved off her long blonde hair to play a teenager with a terminal illness, and is now covering up her bald head with a pink wig.

Oh, the glamour.

When Cara Delevingne stepped back from modelling because shed been bitten by the acting bug, she got more than she bargained for

McKenna to wed Kate - again

Multi-millionaire TV hypnotist Paul McKenna is still so traumatised after being sued by his ex-girlfriend Clare Staples that a year after his wedding to his blonde PA Kate Davey he is set to marry her all over again  with a traditional church ceremony,

Last time it was a quickie Las Vegas-type thing, barefoot on a Barbados beach with hardly any guests, but this time I want the English country wedding with all our loved ones  and Simon Cowell as my best man, he declared at Spectator Lifes Fifth Birthday party at Belgravias Hari Hotel.

What happened with Clare changed me and upset me so much I needed security. It was a reaction to marry my best friend, whom I happen to love, it was such a shock after all the years I knew Clare, so I wanted stability. But now I yearn for a traditional wedding.
Reginald ('Reggie') Kimbro, 23, has been arrested in connection to the strangulation death of Molly Matheson, 22

An arrest has been made in the murder of 22-year-old Molly Matheson, who was found strangled in her apartment near Texas Christian University campus.

Reginald Kimbro, 23, has been arrested on Friday and is being held on $500,000 bond, reportedNBC DFW.

Matheson was discovered by her mother Tracy in her garage apartment in Fort Worth on the 2600 block of Waits Avenue on April 10.

She was not a student at TCU but was renting an apartment in a home nearby, and was discovered by her mother in the bathroom.

Matheson's parents released a statement saying that the suspect was someone the victim 'sort of' knew, according to WFAA.

Matheson was found in the bathroom of her apartment in Fort Worth by her mother, Tracy, in April 10; police say there was no sign of forced entry

According to Kimbro's Facebook page, he lives in Plano and studied marketing at the University of Arkansas.

Matheson also went to the University of Arkansas until she withdrew in 2015, said the outlet.

However, The Dallas News reported that the University of Arkansas had no record of him being a student there.

Matheson's parents released a statement saying that their daughter 'sort of' knew Kimbro - the two may have gone to the University of Arkansas at the same time

Matheson dropped out of the University of Arkansas in 2015 - Kimbro's Facebook page says he studied there, however, The Dallas News reports that the school has no record of his attendance

Kimbro was arrested at his father's home in Dallas.

'This has been an overwhelmingly trying time for our family and we are confident that justice will be served for Molly,' they said.

'It's good to know there's some clarity, some closure,' said a student.

Kimbro's Facebook page says he lives in Plano, Texas; police say he was arrested at his father's home in Dallas

Tributes have begun to pour in for the former sorority member of Alpha Delta Phi, who has been described as 'funny, kind, and wise beyond her years.'

She graduated from Keller Timber Creek High School in Winter Park, Florida.

Kaylie Kovach wrote on Facebook: 'I'm so sick over finding out that I lost another friend from high school! What is our world coming to!?'

She added: 'You were such a beautiful soul Molly Matheson. Hope you are having fun in Heaven. Prayers for the entire family and friends.'

She was discovered unconscious by her mother Tracy in her home on the 2600 block of Waits Avenue in Fort Worth

Molly was not a student at TCU but was renting a garage apartment in a home nearby, and was discovered in the bathroom

The murder has shaken the community in Fort Worth.

Elise Vidaurri, who lives nearby, said Molly's death sparks concerns for her own safety as well.

She said: 'Last night, I was just praying that it was a mistake or an accident,' Vidaurri said. 'And then to find out it was a crime, a violent crime, is unsettling.'

'Until we find whoever did this, I think a lot of people will be on edge,' Vadaurri continued.

'There's a lot of young females and families who live over here.'
Two friends who left cats and dogs in animal mess reaching 'inches high' at their home without food or water in their filthy home.

RSPCA and police raided the properties of Catherine Allsagar and Malcolm Ogden in Accrington after a 'disturbing' picture was sent to the authorities of a dead dog at Ogden's home.

Officers executed a warrant at his house and found it was 'disgusting' with 'horrendous smells, rubbish, faeces and urine', Burnley Magistrates' Court heard.

Catherine Allsagar and Malcolm Ogden pictured covering their faces as they leave Burnley Magistrates' Court

Officers executed a warrant at his house and found it was 'disgusting' with 'horrendous smells, rubbish, faeces and urine'

Chris Wyatt, prosecuting, said there was a 'trail of faeces from the front door to Ogden's car' and that four dogs were found inside in an 'awful state'.

The court heard that cat litter trays were filled with faeces which had 'turned white' and that dog faeces 'inches high' were strewn on the floor.

The dogs also had no access to water and the bathroom was 'covered in faeces and smelled horrendous'.

Mr Wyatt said the RSPCA were later alerted by concerned Manchester Dog's Home staff after five dead cats had been taken for cremation by Allsagar.

The court heard that the cats smelt of urine and had lesions on their paws, legs and belly.

Cat litter trays were filled with faeces which had 'turned white' and that dog faeces 'inches high' were strewn on the floor

Another of Allsagar's cats had also been taken to a veterinary practice for treatment after it was 'screaming in pain because there was something wrong with its joints'.

The RSPCA executed a warrant at Allsagar's then home on October 19 last year and found urine and faeces on the floor and a 'strong smell of ammonia'.

Mr Wyatt said 10 cats and six dogs found inside with two of the dogs left in crates and another four dogs loose in the kitchen.

One of the dogs was drinking urine off the floor and numerous fly-strips were found with dead flies, the court heard.

Two of the dogs who were found to be living in the squalid conditions with Allsagar and Ogden

The court was told that one of the cats had puncture wounds and another had swelling to the right side of the jaw.

When Ogden was arrested and interviewed he admitted the dead dog on the picture was his and said that two of the four dogs living with him were Allsagar's.

He said he also had to live in those conditions and was 'trying to clean the house'.

Allsagar told officers that she had sent the picture of the dead dog and had taken one of her cats to the vets after it developed a high temperature.

Ogden, 58, of Accrington, Lancashire, pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to ensure the needs of an animal.

Ogden, 58, of Accrington, pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to ensure the needs of an animal

Allsagar, 37, also from Accrington, pleaded guilty to five counts of failing to ensure the needs of an animal and two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals.

Ben Leech, defending, requested the sentence be adjourned so pre-sentence reports could be prepared for both defendants.

He told the court that Ogden is currently subject to a 12-month community order with supervision for a previous offence and is 'doing well on the order'.

However he said the defendant is deemed unsuitable for further supervision by the probation service due to ill-health.

The court heard how there were also 'serious and significant concerns about his ability to look after himself'.

Mr Leech told the court: 'He is living on a temporary basis with Allsagar who is acting as his carer. It's a situation that cannot carry on for very much longer.'

The court heard that Allsagar is of previous good character.

Mr Leech said: 'It's somewhat alarming that she faces the more significant charges.'

Magistrates adjourned sentence to Blackburn Magistrates Court on May 25 and warned that they could 'not rule out custody'.
Donald Trump has some regrets. I like to drive. I cant drive any more, he told the Reuters news agency this week. The presidency, he said, had been a harder job than he had realised and his tone became regretful, even wistful: I loved my former life...

And yet with each passing week, his bitter opponents (of whom there are many) are having to come to terms with the fact that Mr Trump, although he may have regrets about taking the damned job, is revelling in it.

His madcap, jumping- jack-flash of a presidency is going from . . . well, not exactly strength to strength  that would be stretching reality  but its still going somewhere, and in some respects it is going rather well.

Donald Trump has some regrets. I like to drive. I cant drive any more, he told the Reuters news agency this week

Of course, as with any president, the reality of trying to deliver on noisy campaign promises soon becomes apparent when you arrive in the Oval Office.

The most famous, perhaps, was Trumps promise to build a wall along the entire length of the border with Mexico. For that reason, in political terms it feels like a must-do project if he is to retain credibility among those who voted for him. Yet in reality the project is almost overwhelmingly difficult to undertake.

When I visited Texas recently, I went to the Big Bend area  a million square acres of nothing much except dust and brush around the tiny border town of Presidio. Here you see the challenge facing Trump and his builders.

This is no Manhattan skyscraper project of the kind with which he is associated. This is moonscape. Moonscape and river and mountain and desert. For 2,000 miles.

There are already fences in places. But some of this terrain is simply wildly inhospitable, and the idea of building a wall feels barmy. The locals point out that during violent storms the river floods, so the wall will have to have gaps for the water to flow.

A wall with holes. It may well be that Congress will refuse the money to build it, though Trump has rather vaguely insisted the Mexicans themselves will have to pay for it.

So, as he marks 100 days of his presidency today, this totem of Trumpism still hangs there as a promise, but nothing more.

The presidency, he said, had been a harder job than he had realised and his tone became regretful, even wistful: I loved my former life...

His healthcare reforms to the last administrations so-called Obamacare insurance programme have also completely failed to lift off and had to be abandoned. That is a Trump promise very much stuck in the mud.

He is also trying to get a huge tax cut out of the blocks at the moment, but with no certainty of success.

The same is true of the spending he promised on better roads, airports and wifi networks. Talk has not been matched by action.

If you have been to America recently, you will have noticed that much of the place is  to use the word Trump himself used in his inaugural speech  carnage. Its broken. Rusted. Sad.

It is no coincidence that the customer service of the American airlines  which has been in the news of late  is so bad. Even when you dont get hauled off an overbooked flight by violent security staff, the experience of flying in America is uniformly miserable and everyone hates it.

On the ground, the airports are elderly and creaking. Links between airports and cities are solid with traffic.

Public transport is slow and inconvenient: bridges are literally falling down, eaten away by the elements and ignored by generations of feckless local politicians. It feels old-fashioned. Americans who visit Singapore or Dubai come back chastened.

So what became of the Trump promise to fix the infrastructure? Well, nothing much. You see, the Trump takeover of the Republican party was fine for last years presidential election, but it was never going to be a complete overthrow.

The Republicans who call the shots in Congress care deeply about a little thing called the national debt. Actually: its a very big thing; $19 trillion and rising.

Trump  the property tycoon, the wheeler-dealer, the flirter with bankruptcy  does not, in his heart of hearts, give a jot. But they do, which is why they are not willing to sanction untrammelled spending. He might get his tax cut, but it will need to be balanced by less spending, and that is not Trumpism.

As the President is discovering the hard way, under the U.S. system the most powerful man in the world can spend nothing and raise nothing without Congress letting him.

His madcap, jumping- jack-flash of a presidency is going from . . . well, not exactly strength to strength  that would be stretching reality  but its still going somewhere, and in some respects it is going rather well

But cheer up, Trumpists. All is not lost. To judge this man by totting up a tally of early achievements is to miss the point of him. His was always going to be a white-knuckle ride of a presidency.

In those terms, the first 100 days have proved wholly in keeping with the expectations of his core supporters. They want Donald to be Donald.

They still revel in the sometimes bizarre language, the sense of devil-may-care recklessness. Even the big promises, not really kept, have not rubbed away the lustre. Polls suggest Trumps core supporters still love him  around 80 per cent of Republican voters from 2016 are happy with their man. And provided he does not morph into just another Washington politician, they are likely to stay with him.

That is because they voted to make a statement against the elite, not to see a list ticked off. They took him seriously, but not literally.

Apart from the wall, there is little that The Donald really must do to convince these folks that he is fighting their corner. His fans look at him or read his tweets and viscerally they still think he gets them.

The big question about Trump which the first 100 days utterly fail to answer is the extent to which he is planning everything he does, or just making it up as he goes along. His choice of General Michael Flynn to be his National Security Adviser felt reckless: Flynn was a Russia fan with a conspiracy mentality.

Before the election, Flynn tweeted an article alleging proof that Hillary Clinton was involved in money laundering and child sex trafficking.

Wild stuff. Imagine an international crisis rapidly unfolding, and the 3am call for decisive action with Donald still groggy and General Flynn calling the shots . . .

But we dont have to imagine it any more. Trump got rid of Flynn after less than a month in the job. And Steve Bannon, another man from the fringes of politics, a self-confessed fan of chaos, also lost his role on the U.S. National Security Council.

But cheer up, Trumpists. All is not lost. To judge this man by totting up a tally of early achievements is to miss the point of him. His was always going to be a white-knuckle ride of a presidency

The Trump team is now a steady and experienced group of former soldiers and businesspeople. Their eyes do not swivel.

But does he have a policy? Has he managed to set out the Trump vision in a way that friends and foes can see and appreciate? Is there some fiendish plan, some giddy logic to the Trump worldview that has seen him, in the past few days alone, declare war on Canada (OK, only a trade war, but . . .) and peace with China?

Well, perhaps. The reaction on Twitter to the Canada trade sanctions was predictably hostile and sneering; why was this buffoon damaging relations along one of the most peaceful borders in the world?

But look again: among those welcoming tough talk on dairy products and lumber was Chuck Schumer, the leader of the Democrats in the Senate. It turns out that people in U.S. border states have been quietly annoyed with the Canadians for years. Some are rather pleased to see them taken to task now. Likewise  with so much more at stake  there is the relationship with North Korea. Even Max Baucus, who used to be Barack Obamas ambassador to China, told me the other day that his former bosss strategic patience with Pyongyang had failed. We were too patient, he admitted. Which means they didnt respond to threats with a massive show of force and verbal threats of their own, as Trumps America has in recent days.

Trump has never been accused of being too patient. And there are plenty of Americans who see his unpredictability as an asset against the North Koreans, who are used to playing the crazy card in the form of their bellicose leader Kim Jong-un. Against Trump, it doesnt seem quite so effective. Trump can trump your craziness with some of his own.

Of course if he gets North Korea wrong, and a devastating war breaks out, we will all face the most awful of consequences.

But if the threat from Pyongyang is neutralised by American resolve; well, Barack Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 for considerably less.

As for Syria, again the unpredictability of Trump is a new and, some argue, a potentially useful factor.

By blasting a Syrian army air base to rubble in response to a sarin gas attack allegedly carried out by President Assads regime, he has proved that  unlike Obama  he is prepared to act.

That will have served to make Assad, and his allies in Moscow, think twice. It should worry them, and thats a good thing.

I suspect the real answer is that Donald Trump is not in charge of his diplomatic and security policy, and does not really want to be.

His eyes must glaze over when earnest staffers show him just how complicated the fight for Islamic States Syrian capital of Raqqa will be, or the situation regarding Turkey and the Kurds.

The Trump team is now a steady and experienced group of former soldiers and businesspeople. Their eyes do not swivel

What seems to be emerging is that Trumps foreign policy is in the hands of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, widely respected National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly and CIA Director Mike Pompeo.

They were described the other day by a veteran Washington watcher as a strong, self-confident group. Add to that Defence Secretary James Mad Dog Mattis, who is no mad dog and quite the opposite. Mattis thinks military power is used too often and that diplomacy is better.

If he needs to kill you, he will kill you, but Mattis does not want to kill anyone. Yes: Donald Trumps Pentagon chief is a believer in jaw-jaw before war-war. We didnt see that coming, either.

So how is the Trump form of diplomacy going? A meeting with the Chinese President  at Trumps Florida estate  seems to have been a relative success, but his biggest weapon, diplomatically at least, has been deployed only once so far, on a test operation in Germany.

Ivanka Trump, the Presidents daughter, went to Berlin and appeared on a stage with Angela Merkel and the cerebral International Monetary Fund boss Christine Lagarde. She wont take questions, people sneered. But she did. She wont like the abuse, they said. But she seemed pretty unfazed when people booed.

Afterwards, Mrs Merkel said: Im very glad that you braved this trip to Germany. This was a real endorsement.

The Trump team will have seen it as a big success. Donald hates anyone else getting the attention and limelight  but he might make an exception for his daughter. Where next for her? Beijing? Pyongyang? Moscow?

Back on the home front, there is one area of domestic policy which is without doubt Trumps biggest achievement. That is his appointment to Americas all-powerful Supreme Court of a judge named Neil Gorsuch. He is a conservative who restores a conservative majority on the Court.

This is crucial because in America the Supreme Court has the last word in shaping the nations legal and social framework. Thus the appointment of Gorsuch guarantees that liberal Americans will be frustrated if they try to change the way the U.S. tackles the major issues of national life over the next generation.

This is a very evident and profound way in which the President is changing his country  which is why so many Ordinary Joes I talked to in Texas recently were genuinely enthused by the appointment.

If there is a real Trump weak spot, 100 days into this rollercoaster ride, it is still the temperament of the man himself. There is something quite breathtakingly narcissistic about him. All Presidents are bit odd. To look in the mirror and see a President of the United States staring back is, well, not the sign of a normal mind. But Trump takes the sense of personal superiority to new heights.

The other day he was talking about his TV ratings (again) and compared them with the news shows on the day of the September 11 attacks. It was gut-wrenchingly inappropriate. James Gilligan, a professor of psychiatry, told a conference at Yale University: Ive worked with murderers and rapists. I can recognise dangerousness from a mile away. You dont have to be an expert to know how dangerous this man is.

Will Trump crash and burn  and if he does, will he take us all with him? Nothing about this presidency is stable. Nothing predictable. And there are 1,361 days to go, assuming he isnt impeached and doesnt resign in the meantime.

So buckle up, because even the man driving the worlds most powerful country doesnt know where hes heading.
The youngest member of the infamous Bali Nine drug ring has spoken out about his agony on the second anniversary of the deaths of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran.

Michael Czugaj was only 19 when he was arrested and thrown into a Balinese prison cell after he was found with 1.75kg of heroin strapped to his body at Denpasar Airport in 2005.

He was sentenced to life behind bars and the now 31-year-old was locked in Kerobokan Prison where fellow drug mules Chan and Sukumaran spent their last days.

Michael Czugaj (pictured) was sentenced to life in prison after he was found trafficking heroin in 2005

The now 31-year-old (pictured) spent over a decade in Kerobokan Prison but was transferred to a remote jail in East Java in 2016

Czugaj has held onto a glimmer of hope in the crowded, sweaty prison that he may be able to return home to Australia one day.

'I had many dark periods over the years and they helped me took me under their wing,' Czugaj told Fairfax Media.

'I miss them. I want to live and I want to get home... for them and for myself.'

The former drug trafficker also laments that 'it could have been him' when he speaks about the brutal execution of the two Bali Nine members.

Chan and Sukumaran were labelled as 'model prisoners' after their decade behind bars was spent running art classes, counselling other inmates and - for Chan - preaching Christianity.

Australian officials fought hard to bring the reformed drug smugglers back home and begged Indonesian government for clemency, but their pleas fell on deaf ears.

Czugaj lodged an appeal for a more lenient sentence a year after he was arrested, and his jail term was reduced to 20 years on April 26, 2006.

But the promise of freedom was short-lived after the ruling was overturned and his original life sentence was reinstated five months later.

Andrew Chan (pictured) was executed by firing squad on April 29, 2015 for his role in the Bali Nine

Australian Bali 9 member Myuran Sukumaran (pictured) poses with his artwork in Kerobokan jail on February 7, 2013 in Denpasar, Bali - he was executed alongside Chan in 2015

Czugaj (pictured in 2005) lodged an appeal for a more lenient sentence a year after he was arrested, and his jail term was reduced to 20 years on April 26, 2006. But it was overturned and his life sentence was reinstated five months later

The former apprentice glazier was a keen surfer when he lived in Queensland - but Czugaj hasn't seen Australian beaches for over 12 years.

Like any typical adult man, the Brisbane-native dreams of having a wife and children.

Czugaj has also spoken about the trauma of being forcibly transferred from Kerobokan to a jail in East Java in 2016, a year after the execution.

At the time Kerobokan prison authorities alleged he was moved after being found with less than a gram of 'sabu sabu' or ice.

But the jail that received him in East Java said that was not the case, and it was reported he was transferred due to prison overcrowding.

Sukumaran (pictured) was a co-ring leader of the Bali Nine heroin trafficking operation and was sentenced to death by firing squad

Funeral services for Chan and Sukumaran were held in Australia in 2015 after their execution

Kerobokan has a long and notorious history of violence, rioting and corruption, and it has housed notable prisoners such as Schapelle Corby and the Bali Bombers.

But Czugaj claims his time there was almost like a holiday compared the cramped, squalid cells in East Java.

'I have good days and bad days. It is hard to sleep as it is very hot and sometimes there are 15 to a room,' he said.

Czugaj's fellow inmates include terrorists, gang members and murderers - people the convicted drug trafficker rubs shoulders with every day.

April 29 marks the two year anniversary of Chan and Sukumaran's death, and earlier this month marked the official arrest of the Bali Nine in 2005.
Torville Jones will tonight wow the judges on Britains Got Talent, under the stage name Tokio Myers

A pianist who witnessed his headmaster being murdered will tonight wow the judges on Britains Got Talent.

Torville Jones was just 11 when he saw his head teacher, Philip Lawrence, being fatally stabbed by a gang member outside the gates of St George's High School in Maida Vale.

He had been practicing the piano when the tragic incident occurred in 1995, and only avoided being caught up in the fracas himself because a teacher rushed him to safety.

To this day, he can still recall seeing father-of-four Mr Lawrence  who had stepped in to help a 13-year-old pupil  collapse on the floor with blood everywhere.

Now 32, Mr Jones  who goes by the stage name Tokio Myers  is bidding to launch a solo music career through the ITV talent show, and will dedicate his moving audition to the teacher who saved him.

Recalling the afternoon of 8 December 1995, he said: I was in my first year at secondary school, aged 11, and was in the music room after school hours. Out of nowhere the door gets kicked open and Mr Morgan comes in and drags me off the piano stool.

As I leave the music room I see the headmaster coming into the atrium area and collapsing onto the floor, with blood everywhere. Mr Morgan was trying to shelter me, and he took me to a safe place and then just said Go. Ever since that day I have thought that me and him have had some bond.

Far from going down a path of gangs and jail like many of his peers, Mr Jones channelled his energy into playing the piano and became a successful session pianist after leaving university.

He later joined the band Mr Hudson and the Library, which supported acts including Amy Winehouse, Sting, The Police and Kanye West, but he is now hoping to have individual success.

Undated file photo of Headmaster Philip Lawrence (left) who was murdered by Learco Chindam (right)

Mr Jones (far left) was part of the band Mr Hudson and the Library, which supported acts including Amy Winehouse, Sting, The Police and Kanye West

In tonights audition, he performs a medley of Claude Debussys Clair de Lune and Ed Sheerans Bloodstream for the four judges Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and David Walliams.

Speaking about the audition, he said that he turned round midway through his performance and saw the judges standing up and smiling.

Mr Jones grew up on a rough council estate and said that, were it not for the focus that playing the piano gave him, he could have probably ended up in gangs, or dead or in jail.

Britains Got Talent airs tonight at 8pm on ITV.
A giant rabbit that mysteriously died in the care of United Airlines was accidentally shut in a freezer by bungling staff, it has been revealed.

Black-furred Simon - expected to outgrow his 4ft 4 father to become the largest rabbit in the world - was alive when he was taken off the plane from London Heathrow but died at a holding facility at Chicago O'Hare Airport.

But now an airport worker has revealed that the pet was placed in temperatures of 0 to 2 degrees celsius by mistake, causing it to freeze to death.

Big future: Had he lived, Simon (pictured) was expected to outgrow the world's biggest rabbit - his 4ft 4in father Darius

Annette Edwards claims Simon was 'fit as a fiddle' and was in perfect health when he was checked by a vet three hours before his flight

The source told The Sun: 'The rabbit arrived fine but there was some sort of mistake and he was locked inside a freezer overnight.

'Everyone thought he was just having a nap or something.

'Nobody realised it needed to be taken out.'

Former Playboy model Annette Edwards said a vet had checked Simon shortly before he was placed on the United flight on Wednesday last week and he 'was fit as a fiddle'.

But a united spokesman denied the claims, saying: 'That assertion is completely false. Simon was cared for at the PetSafe kennel facility which is kept at room temperature (on average 70F).

'He arrived at Chicago OHare airport in apparent good condition at 10:25 am (local time). He was seen by a representative of the kennel facility moving about within his crate about 11:00am.

'Shortly thereafter, a kennel representative noticed Simon was motionless and determined that he passed away.'

Mrs Edwards, pictured with Simon's father Darius (right) and his wife Honey, said that Simon had been in rude health before the flight

The incident is the latest embarrassment to hit United after it sparked global outcry when a passenger was dragged off an overbooked plane earlier this month.

United said the rabbit was moving around in his crate and appeared healthy when taken off the plane in Chicago, waiting to be put on another flight to Kansas City.

The incident comes just weeks after the besieged airline hit the headlines when a doctor was dragged off a plane by stewards at Chicago O'Hare Airport

About half an hour later, at the company-run pet facility, Simon seemed to be asleep.

Shortly after that, a pet facility employee opened the cage and found the rabbit dead. The spokesman said the airline was reviewing its handling of the animal.

'We won't know the cause of death, because we offered to perform a necropsy free of charge - that's standard procedure - but the customer didn't want us to perform a necropsy, and we understand,' he said.

The spokesman added that the airline offered compensation to the breeder but would not disclose the amount.

Bryan Bergdale, a farmland investment manager, said he bought the rabbit for his boss, who had hoped to show him at the Iowa State Fair.

He had driven from the Des Moines area to Kansas City and was nearing the airport last Thursday when United called with the bad news.

At first, he didn't believe it. 'We'd built a pen and had toys all ready. It's sort of a sad deal,' he said.

Mr Bergdale, 29, said he had tracked down the breeder and bought the rabbit for his boss, Steve Bruere, who owns a farm real estate company in the Des Moines suburb of Clive.

Annette Edwards, 65, of Stoulton, Worcestershire, wants the corpse of the ten-month-old 3ft giant rabbit Simon (whose father Darius, pictured, is the world's biggest rabbit) returned to her

Mr Bergdale said the rabbit cost 415 and the shipping was 1,400. He said the United representative didn't say anything about compensating him for the loss.

'We're still in the mourning process,' he said. 'We're not quite sure what we're going to do.'

United had the second-highest level of animal deaths and injuries of any US airline last year, or 2.11 per 10,000 animals transported, according to the Department of Transportation.

Only Hawaiian Airlines was worse at 3.99, the result of three deaths among the 7,518 animals it transported.

United transported 109,149 animals last year, second only to Alaska Airlines with 112,281. United reported nine deaths and 14 injuries, the highest figures for each category among US carriers. Alaska reported two deaths and one injury.

United said it works to protect the safety of animals through its PetSafe program, which is staffed 24 hours a day and allows pet owners to track their animals from point of origin to destination.

'Travel can be stressful for animals,' the spokesman said, adding that the carrier has plenty of tips for those who do decide to ship their animals.

Had he lived Simon was expected to outgrow the world's biggest rabbit - his 4ft 4in father Darius.

Simon's new owner is expected to sue because he paid 2,000 for Simon's flight, 85 vet bill and 300 for Simon himself.

United is already working to repair its battered image after a passenger who refused to give up his seat on an overbooked flight was forcibly dragged from a plane at O'Hare Airport.

Airport security officers removed David Dao, a 69-year-old from Kentucky, from the United Express flight. Images of his bloodied face were widely circulated online.

Mr Munoz was widely faulted for his early responses to the situation. He first blamed Dr Dao but later apologised repeatedly for United's handling of the situation.

Two weeks earlier, United was criticised after a gate agent stopped two young girls from boarding a flight because they were wearing leggings.

The airline said leggings violate the dress code of the United Pass programme, a benefit for employees and their dependants.

The airline said Mr Munoz would not automatically become chairman of the carrier's parent company, United Continental Holdings, next year as originally planned.
They all have extensive TV experience and CVs packed with world dance titles.

Now three dancing queens are competing for one of the most sought-after jobs in showbiz: a Strictly Come Dancing judge.

Former Strictly pro Karen Hardy, Queen of Latin Shirley Ballas and Irelands Dancing with the Stars judge Loraine Barry have emerged as the frontrunners to fill Len Goodmans spot.

Miss Hardy, 46, is already known to fans from her own time on the show, as well as being a firm fixture on spin-off show It Takes Two.

The trio took part in secret auditions at Elstree Studios last week, with show insiders claiming Miss Ballas, 56  who judged the US Dancing with the Stars in 2009  was the strongest of the three.

Shirley Ballas is a major contender for the coveted role on Strictly Come Dancing. Could Queen of Latin become 'Queen of Strictly' too?

Irelands Dancing with the Stars judge Loraine Barry has emerged as a frontrunners to fill Len Goodmans spot on Strictly Come Dancing

Karen Hardy is tipped as a major contender for the role. She is a former pro on the show and is pictured here with Mark Ramprakash in the BBC's new series of Strictly Come Dancing

But the Mail can reveal the international Latin champion was allegedly involved in a bust-up with former Strictly pro Kristina Rihanoff at a party in 2015, which could hinder her chances.

It came after Miss Ballas ex-husband Corky left her for Miss Rihanoff after becoming her dance teacher in 2003. Miss Rihanoff, 39, is currently with former Strictly partner, ex-rugby ace Ben Cohen, with whom she had a daughter last year.

Producers of the hit BBC show are said to be extremely keen to fill Goodmans with a female judge, to sit alongside Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood.

However, four men remain in contention: Strictly pros Anton du Beke and Brendan Cole, ex-ballroom dancer and Miss Barrys co-judge Brian Redmond and Strictly choreographer Jason Gilkison. An insider said: Producers are extremely keen to fill Lens spot with a female judge, and Shirley, Karen and Loraine have all really impressed in the screen test.

But no one has been offered the job yet, and BBC bosses are likely to think long and hard about who is the best fit. A BBC spokesman said: This is speculation. As yet no-one has been offered the role.

BBC Breakfast host Dan Walker is reportedly the number one target for Strictly bosses this year, with sources saying they are desperate to sign him as a contestant. The 40-year-old previously said its not for me, but talks are said to be ongoing.
Muslim activist Yassmin Abdel-Magied who recently came under fire for her 'disrespectful' Anzac Day comments went on a government-funded book tour of the Middle East which cost taxpayers more than $11,000.

The book tour in late 2016 took the ABC broadcaster to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, the West Bank, Israel, Egypt and Sudan and was paid for by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, The Australian reported.

The department has confirmed the Middle East visit cost $11,485, including Ms Abdel-Magied's travel at $3246.20, accommodation for $4605.87 and $3632.93 for 'incidentals'.

Activist Yassmin Abdel-Magied (pictured on her book tour last November) went on a government-funded book tour of the Middle East which cost taxpayers more than $11,000

The department confirmed the Muslim activist did not condemn practices like female genital mutilation and the death penalty during the tour for her book, 'Yassmin's Story'

The department also confirmed that the Muslim activist did not condemn practices like female genital mutilation and the death penalty during the tour for her book, 'Yassmin's Story'.

In Sudan, one of the countries she visited, 90 per cent of women are impacted by genital mutilation, while forced marriage and polygamy for men is recognised.

Promoting her book about being an Australian Sudanese-born woman who wears a hijab, she blogged last November about her upcoming tour trip.

'I'm incredibly honoured to be hosted by the Australian Embassies... I'll be visiting a number of countries, and although not all stops have public events I will do my best to make time to meet people inshallah,' she wrote.

From the United Arab Emirates capital of Abu Dhabi she posted: 'Among meeting some amazing women in government and seeing the grand mosque, had the opportunity to address almost 200 female engineers ... Hopefully it has an impact inshallah!'

In the United Arab Emirates, women need permission from a male relative to remarry.

Ms Abdel-Magied posing for the camera outside media company Al Jazeera HQ while on tour

In Sudan, one of the countries she visited on her book tour, 90 per cent of women are impacted by genital mutilation, while forced marriage and polygamy for men is recognised

A spokesperson previously told Daily Mail Australia: 'Yassmin Abdel-Magied visited a number of countries in the Middle East to promote Australia as an open, innovative, democratic and diverse nation

Yassmin Abdel-Magied was slammed for posting to Facebook: 'Lest we forget (Manus, Nauru, Syria, Palestine)'

Federal MP One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and 2GB host Alan Jones called for the Muslim activist to be sacked from her role at the ABC following the post

A spokesperson previously told Daily Mail Australia: 'Yassmin Abdel-Magied visited a number of countries in the Middle East to promote Australia as an open, innovative, democratic and diverse nation.

'She met youth representatives, scientists, entrepreneurs, women's groups and others. DFAT posts in the Middle East funded the visit from existing budgets.'

Ms Abdel-Magied was slammed after she wrote 'Lest we forget (Manus, Nauru, Syria, Palestine)' on Anzac Day in a now deleted post.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and 2GB host Alan Jones were among a chorus of politicians calling for the Muslim activist to be either sacked or reprimanded from her role at the ABC.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said Ms Abdel-Magied's comment was a 'disgrace,' and accused her of making 'political mileage,' while federal MP George Christensen called on the ABC to sack her.

But the network defended the activist, saying: 'Her views and opinions in that capacity are her own and do not represent those of the ABC'.

Ms Abdel-Magied has apologised for the post.
Police are hoping to find Reilly Scarbrough (left) after finding his sister Acelynn Wester (right) and Bethany Jo Wester dead Tuesday

Arkansas police are searching for a nine-year-old boy after his mother, little sister and great-uncle were found murdered.

The body of two-year-old Acelynn Wester was found in a heavily wooded area near the town of Cove in far western Arkansas on Friday.

She was discovered near where her mother, 43-year-old Bethany Jo Wester, was found dead Tuesday in a creek, according to Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer. Police were called to the area after receiving reports of a 'suspicious' object.

The girl's nine-year-old brother, Reilly Scarbrough, is still missing. Officers from eight agencies are searching for him. The Mena, Arkansas children hadn't been seen since at least April 22.

'Somebody knows where he's at. Someone has information,' Sawyer said. 'We need to find Reilly. We're going on the premise Reilly is alive.'

The children's great-uncle was found dead Thursday at his home in a nearby town.

Bethany Jo Wester (left with Acelynn) was found first in the woods Friday. Reilly Scarbrough (right) was discovered on Saturday

The deaths are being investigated as homicides, said Sawyer, who choked back tears at a news conference late Friday as he promised to 'seek justice for the families' of the victims.

Brian Bliss Travis, 37, was arrested Wednesday for unrelated drug charges

The sheriff declined to say how the three were killed or name any possible suspects or motives in the deaths. The sheriff also didn't provide information on where the children's other relatives, including a father, might be.

Authorities first discovered the body of the children's mother. Her uncle, 66-year-old Steven Payne, was found dead Thursday in the western Arkansas town of Hatfield.

Earlier Friday, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children described the children as being 'in immediate danger' because they hadn't been seen in at least six days.

'With their mother being found dead and their uncle being found dead, that ups the criticalness of the case,' said Rebecca Kovar, the senior program manager at the national nonprofit. 'The longer a child is missing, the more critical the situation becomes.'

Bethany's live-in boyfriend Brian Bliss Travis, 37, was arrested Wednesday for unrelated drug charges according to the Arkansas Times.
A blue sparkling wine has uncorked a full-bodied row in Italy  where purists say it is an insult to national tradition

A blue sparkling wine has uncorked a full-bodied row in Italy  where purists say it is an insult to national tradition.

Blumond  a mix of curacao, peach and prosecco  is already sold in countries such as China and America for 16 a bottle.

Now bosses at Tuscan firm Fratelli Saraceni want to bring it to their native country, with plans to launch it in Sicily next month. However critics say the 7 per cent alcohol proof is below the 10 per cent required for it to be called wine.

But some are scoffing at the idea and say that Blumond will have to be labelled as an aromatised cocktail, a long drink or aperitif.

Critics say that the seven per cent alcohol proof is below the 10 per cent required by Italian law for it to be called wine.

Then there is the colour which offends the sensibilities of Italys most famous winemakers.

Wladimiro Gobbo, a member of Italys Sommelier Association said that Blumond is simply an insult to our wine tradition.

He said: Its embarrassing. These are not wines but coloured liquids, dumb-downed hybrids with a watered-down percentage of alcohol.

Fabio Lantieri de Paratico, co-founder of the consortium that protects Franciacorta, Italys niche bubbly, added: These do not belong to our world. Theyre just whims and trends that come and go.

In the next month Fratelli Saraceni plan to move the blue wine into showy Sicily, renowned for its lavish, 24 hour-long weddings that call for extravagant bottles such as Blumond.

By the end of the year they aim to conquer also Rome and Milan, the big cities where mindsets open to innovative twists and an international clientele could turn out to be an explosive cocktail of success.

Fratelli Saraceni say that Blumond, which costs 20 euros (16) a bottle, is perfect as a wedding aperitif served before the main course.

Wladimiro Gobbo, a member of Italys Sommelier Association said that Blumond is simply an insult to our wine tradition (file photo)

Matteo Saraceni, a member of the family behind Fratelli Saraceni, said that the drink was named after the Blumond blue diamond and that it should be used for those one-in-a-lifetime experiences that require an extravagant bubbly.

He said: Anglo-Saxon drinkers are more open to innovation and particular twists than Italians, they like to experiment. They love celebrating key events and have a soft spot for wedding concept.

Fratelli Saraceni has already released a bright orange coloured drink called Volare which is a blend of sweet pink grapefruit and Pinot Grigio targeted at women.

Another drink is called Mario which is a bright yellow Sparkling Lemoncello made with Prosecco and Sicilian premium lemons.

So far Blumond has been a success in countries like China where people have drunk it at weddings.

Last year 675,000 worth of Blumond was sold in the US and in the first quarter of this year 151,000 was sold in Australia.

If the Italians do not go for Blumond then Britain may do - Fratelli Saraceni are in talks to begin selling it for weddings and special occasions in the UK.

They have also approached the luxury department store Harrods, the company said.

UK customers can already order the wine online.
A 15-year-old girl has been missing for three days after she was last spotted walking along a Melbourne street with an unknown man.

Lily Peech was last seen on the morning of April 26 walking along Balaclava Road, Caufield North accompanied by the unidentified male.

The teenager has not returned home to her family in Sandringham, south-east of Melbourne, since April 22.

Lily Peech (pictured) was last seen walking along a Melbourne road with an unknown man

Lily has been described as being 165cm tall, having a slim build and with long straight brown hair.

An outpouring of support begging Lily to return home has been posted onto social media and friends and family have pleaded with the young girl to let everyone know she is okay.

'Hey Lily Peech please go home or at least let your folks know you're okay,' one person wrote on Victoria Police's Facebook page.

'Lily every problem can be solved - it's just when you are so young you don't realise that,' another said.

Police have expressed concerns for Lily's welfare due to her age and the length of time she has been missing.

She is known to frequent the Sandringham and central Melbourne areas.
Anthony Mundine has defended comments he made on Friday during a program claiming his words were taken out of context and says he is fervently opposed to violence against women.

The professional Muslim boxer took to Facebook on Friday night and claimed he was 'totally against any violence against woman period' and called claims he condoned violence 'disturbing and bulls***'.

Mundine was defending comments he made on Mark Latham's Outsiders program this week to discuss his perspective on Islam, and what it means to be a Muslim.

Scroll down to see video

Mundine (centre) sat down with Mark Latham (right) and Ben Fordham (left) in the most recent installment of Mr Latham's Outsiders program this week to discuss his perspective on Islam

Anthony Mundine posted this comment on his Facebook page claiming his words were taken out of context

'To the bulls*** that's out there that I said you can beat a woman as long as you don't cause injury is the most disturbing and bulls*** thing I've seen,' Mundine wrote on his Facebook page.

'I'm totally against any violence against woman period. Watch the whole interview I defend woman always these people trying to get headlines and slander my name will get there's [sic].'

In the YouTube video which was posted online on Wednesday, Mundine said men could beat their wives as long as it did not cause 'any injury or any bruising'.

'You know the Arab toothbrush, little stick? That is a beating, but you cannot harm the lady, cause any injury or any bruising,' he said.

'God created two creatures different, different in stature and different roles to play in society. For me all the answers are in the Quran, the holy Quran.'

When asked by journalist Ben Fordham if he thought Islam was feminist, the famed boxer said he did.

Mr Latham questioned Mundine and asked whether he thought beating women was 'feminist'

'Yassmin Abdel-Magied made a comment on Q&A couple of weeks ago where she said Islam is the most feminist religion, tell me as a Muslim man whether or not that sits true with you,' Mr Fordham said.

'Yeah for me it does,' Mundine said.

Mr Latham questioned the boxer and asked whether he thought beating women was 'feminist'.

'Isn't the Quran a worry? It teaches followers that men are in charge of women and good women are obedient, that doesn't sound very feminist,' the former politician said.

'It goes on to say, for women that might disobey its recommended to admonish them, leave them alone in their sleeping places and to beat them.'

Mundine defended the holy book and said the word 'beat' was not correctly translated from Arabic to English.

'That word "beat", in the Arabic language, it isn't really "beat",' he said.

Mundine used a pen and tapped Mr Latham's arm to enact what 'beating' meant in the Quran

'With the toothbrush, that's the beating, DV [domestic violence] is totally unacceptable.'

Mundine appeared to backtrack and say all physical violence was condemned in Islam.

'It doesn't promote physicality - that's the whole point you cannot beat your woman or anybody by beating them physically,' the boxer said.

Controversial Muslim activist Yassmin Abdel-Magied, 25, came under fire in February when she said Islam was a feminist religion.

During an appearance on the ABC's Q&A program, Ms Abdel-Magied said it was 'all about fairness and equality'.

She was publicly condemned for her opinion.

Controversial Muslim activist Yassmin Abdel-Magied, 25, came under fire in February when she said Islam was a feminist religion

During an appearance on the ABC's Q&A program, Ms Abdel-Magied said Islam was 'all about fairness and equality'

Two Muslim women made headlines in April when they demonstrated how men were allowed to hit their wives with a 'sivaak'.

Sydney primary school teacher Reem Allouche told the women's arm of hardline political group Hizb ut-Tahrir that men are permitted to hit women with sticks.

During the 30-minute discussion at a meeting in Sydney's west, Ms Allouche and fellow panellist Atika Latifi - who are both wearing headscarves - describe how beating women is a 'symbolic act'.

At one point they demonstrated how to use a small stick called a 'sivaak' to hit 'disobedient' women.

Speaking with Mr Latham (right) and Mr Fordham (left) this week, Mundine (centre) said all Indigenous people were Muslim

Mundine also said his religion together with his heritage as an Aboriginal person meant he did not agree with homosexuality

When Mr Latham asked Mundine if he thought the Quran should be 'modernised' to make the scripture more clear to prevent people from taking the scripture literally, he disagreed.

'It's not backward, the author is God, it cannot be backward. Allah knows his creatures better than anybody, he's the author,' he said.

Mundine converted to Islam in 1999 and has been outspoken about his faith since.

Speaking with Mr Latham and Mr Fordham this week, Mundine said all Indigenous Australians were Muslim.

'It turns out we're all Muslims somebody that submits to the one creator, no partners, that's what a Muslim is,' he said.

'We were already Muslims as Aboriginals.'

Mundine also said his religion together with his heritage as an Aboriginal person meant he did not agree with homosexuality.

'I believe it should be forbidden,' he said.

'Along with all things that poison our society like alcohol and drugs.'

But Mundine said his belief did not prevent him from having gay friends.

'Some of my best mates are gay, that's their life, that's their prerogative, but for me as an indigenous man, in our culture, our faith, it's forbidden,' he said.

Mr Latham's chat with Mundine and Ben Fordham was the fourth installment of his program called Mark Latham's Outsiders.

Mr Latham has been fiercely criticised for the program because it is in direct competition with his former employer Sky News which relaunched its program Outsiders without him.

Mr Latham was publicly sacked from Sky News in March following a number of controversies.

Australian boxer Anthony Mundine arrives to fight in a cruiserweight bout with Danny Green at Adelaide Oval on February 3, 2017
A man has been charged with murder following the stabbing death of his wife on Saturday morning.

The man, 68, called police to the family home on a 'quiet suburban street' in Stafford Heights in Brisbane's north at 9.20am.

When police arrived they found his 69-year-old wife dead.

The couple's daughter is over seas but has been notified of her mother's death.

Scroll down for video

Police are investigating the death of a woman in Brisbane's north

Earlier acting inspector Catherine Jones said the man, who is currently speaking with police, called 000 at 9.20am to report the deadly attack.

She also revealed the couple were the only two people at home when police arrived.

A shocked neighbour spoke to the Brisbane times about the stabbing - labeling the street 'quiet' and 'nice'.

'The majority of people who live here are retirees,' he said.

'Everyone in this street knows everyone, and this kind of thing doesn't happen here.'

Police are treating the mother's death as a homicide.
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The historic estate Elaine located in the luxurious Point Piper suburb has been purchased for over $70 million by 37-year-old Australian billionaire Scott Farquhar.

The sale of the extravagant mansion broke the national house price record after it sold on Friday, having previously been owned by the Fairfax family since 1891.

New owner Scott Farquhar has significantly climbed the property ladder since buying his first home in 2006 for $1.41 million - a two-bedroom home in Prymont where he currently resides.

Estate Elaine in Sydney's lavish Point Piper sold for over $70 million to Australian billionaire Scott Farquhar

The 37-year-old (pictured) new home owner is the co-founder of software company Altassian that he started off $10,000 credit card debt

Sold late Friday the luxurious property had been in the Fairfax family since 1891 and was an 'emotional day'

Mr Farquhar co-founded the software company Atlassian with his university friend Mike Cannon-Brookes in 2002 using $10,000 in credit card debt.

The business duo made their first entry onto the BRW Young Rich List in 2007 and nine years later, in 2016, topped the list with a combined net worth of $4.6 billion.

Today their software is utilised by more than 51,000 large and small organizations including NASA, Tesla and SpaceX as customers and employ's over 950 staff.

'We're thrilled with the purchase and honoured to take over the Elaine estate in its entirety from the Fairfax family,' Mr Farquhar told Domain.

Having first appeared on the BRW Young Rich List in 2007 Scott Farquhar and business partner Mike Cannon-Brookes topped the rich list in 2016 with a combined wealth of $4.6 billion

The property was sold by agent Ken Jacobs who also sold James Packer's former mansion for $70 million

Boasting a vast 6986-square-metre estate the Seven Shillings Beach home set a new national price record

History of Scott Farquhar fortune: Farquhar was born in 1979 in Sydney He graduated from the University of New South Wales, with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science In 2002 Farquhar and university mate Mike Cannon-Brookes founded Altassian with a start-up of $10,000 of credit card debt The same year the duo released their first product - Jira, a project and issue tracker. In 2004 they released Confluence, a collaboration network that allows users work together on projects, co-create content and share documents. In 2004 Canon and Farquhar were awarded Australian IT Professional of the Year In 2006 the pair won the Australian Entrepreneur of the Year award In July 2010, Atlassian raised $60 million in venture capital from Accel Partners In 2013 his net worth was estimated $A250 million By 2016 his net worth soared to an estimated $1.75bn according to Forbes Today has a net worth of $2.4 billion Advertisement

'It would have been a great loss to see this rare property sold to developers and carved up. When we heard of the plans, we just couldn't let this beautiful piece of Australian history be turned into a development site.'

Mr Farquhar and his wife, Kim Jackson, are looking forward to raising their family in a place that holds a great sense of nostalgia with the property having been home to generations of an iconic Australian family, he said.

Former owner John Breher Fairfax said the sale was an 'emotional day'.

'I sold a home that has been in the Fairfax family since 1891. I am delighted it is being purchased in one line by an Australian family,' he said.

The sale of the 1863-built mansion ends 126 years of Fairfax ownership after the home was bought by Geoffrey Evan Fairfax in 1891 for 2100.

Members of the Fairfax family were renowned media moguls who established Fairfax media who own a significant portion of radio, online and print media across Australia and New Zealand.

Mr Fairfax sold the last of his stake in Fairfax media, 9.7 per cent, for $189 million in 2011.

In September 2013, after no one from his family had lived in the property for over 20 years, he announced his decision to sell the cherished property.

Boasting a beautiful harbour view and situated on Seven Shillings Beach, listing agent Ken Jacobs, of Christie's international also sold the property that held the previous number one house price record.

Mr Jacobs sold the Vaucluse mansion La Mer, on behalf of James and Erica Packer, to Chau Chak Wing - a Chinese businessman - for $70 million in 2015.

The sales comes after three years on the market and is renowned as one of the most 'significant' properties in Australia.



New owner Scott Farquhar bought his first home in 2006 for $1.41 million - a two-bedroom home in Prymont where he currently resides.

Mr Farquhar said he and wife, Kim Jackson, are looking forward to raising their family in a home that holds a great sense of nostalgia to it
An autistic teen who won an essay contest has been denied his prize, apparently because of his autism.

Niko Boskovic of Portland, Oregon, won the North Portland's Peninsula Odd Fellows Lodge contest with his essay on the history of the Ukraine, according to Oregon Live.

Niko, who lost his ability to speak and was diagnosed with autism at age three, was set to join 300 other winners for the annual United Nations Pilgrimage for Youth, which brings teens to historic areas of the US and Canada and teaches them about the United Nations.

Niko Boskovic of Portland, Oregon, won the North Portland's Peninsula Odd Fellows Lodge contest with his essay on the history of the Ukraine

Niko lost his ability to speak at age three but he communicates with a letter board and is fully integrated into his public high school

But things took an unwelcome turn when Niko's mother, Loreta, emailed to tell Charles Cloud, the Odd Fellows jurisdictional chairman for Oregon, that she would be accompanying her son as he's autistic and nonverbal, and needs a letter board to communicate.

She thought she should go with him to support his ability to communicate effectively with the letter board.

By using the Rapid Prompting Method and a letter board, Niko learned to communicate. His teachers at his public school evaluated him as 'talented and gifted.'

Loreta was shocked when she said she eventually got an email back pulling the offer of the UN trip for Niko.

The UN Pilgrimage for Youth's board said that chaperones weren't allowed on the tour and that the group was unprepared to take on the responsibility of caring for Niko during his trip, according to the outlet.

Niko is a tireless advocate of the disabled and goes to a public school

'We were told they don't have the staff and knowledge to be accountable for someone with a disability,' Cloud said he was told.

David Scheer, lodge secretary, said he fought for Niko to be included. And Loreta made it clear she would pay for her own part of the trip herself.

'All of us banded together to challenge the decision,' he told the outlet. 'We got nowhere. They refunded our money, and they've refused to talk with us.'

He said the decision was 'ridiculous' and that he's often taken kids with disabilities on field trips. 'They were never a problem,' he said.

Niko is an advocate for those with disabilities and he received this letter from Obama in 2015

'He's fully integrated in [his] school,' his mother told the outlet. 'His freshman year, he focused almost exclusively on academics.'

Niko runs a website dedicated to promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities.

'Not being able to speak is not the same as not having anything to say,' it says on his website.

Niko's parented contacted Gordon C. Magella, an attorney with Disability Rights Oregon.

'I have never seen something so blatant with no explanation,' he said of the program board's decision not to include Niko. 'I have worked on some cases where there's a plausible excuse, or a practical reason. But not here.'

Niko and his supporters, which includes the lodge's local chapter, hope to get Niko into the contest again next year.

'Hopefully, we can get them straightened out next year. The reaction of the Oregon lodges has been in Niko's favor. Our lodge voted to not take part in this program again until they put in a guarantee that there won't be discrimination based on a disability,' said Scheer.
President Trump dismissed the idea that he hasn't had legislative success in his first 100 days in office, claiming 28 bills have been passed.

Despite noted setbacks, including his failure to replace Obamacare, the President said he doesn't think 'anybody' has accomplished what his administration has in 100 days, while simultaneously calling the milestone a 'false standard.'

Although there has been no major legislation passed, Trump told Fox News's Martha MacCallum in an exclusive interview: 'First of all, we had 28 bills.'

The 28 laws, which don't include the myriad executive orders he has signed, include two that name Veterans Affairs clinics in honor of people, 13 that repeal Obama-era rules and five related to personnel matters, including a waiver that allowed James Mattis to become Defense Secretary.

Trump's assessment of his own first 100 days in office was that he'd gotten more done than 'anybody'

Watch the latest video at <a href="//video.foxnews.com">video.foxnews.com</a>

During the interview, President Trump touted bonding with Chinese President Xi Jinping to help with North Korea, saying he hopes he can 'pull it off' when it comes to reigning in Kim Jong Un, who test-launched another ballistic missile, which reportedly broke up mid-flight and failed.

'We'll see what happens,' he said.

Adm. Harry Harris Jr., commander of U.S. Pacific Command, said relations with the nation are at the worst he's ever seen and there is 'no doubt' in his mind that Kim Jong Un intends to fulfill his pursuit of a nuclear-tipped missile capable of striking the United States, according to CBS News.

Trump also said he was proud of the confirmation of Justice Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court saying, 'I think hell be a great one.'

As for the failed replacement for ObamaCare, he still claims the healthcare marketplace is over.

He touted the 28 bills that had been signed into legislation and his strengthening ties with China

'ObamaCare is exploding. ObamaCare is dead - essentially, ObamaCare is dead, it's not going to make it,' he said.

He said he was 'disappointed' that Republicans didn't have a better plan in place.

'I was disappointed that they didn't have more in line by the time I walked in,' he said. As for a replacement, he said 'I believe they're going to get it done,' and predicted it could happen as early as next week.

As for his sweeping tax cut plan, he said that most of it would benefit small business and 'the biggest of all beneficiaries are middle-income people who have really been hurt.'

Trump gave an exclusive interview to Fox News' Martha MacCallum

Most tax experts have said the plan will mostly benefit the richest Americans.

'The only Americans who are very clear winners under the new system are the wealthiest,' Edward D, Kleinbard, a law professor at the University of Southern California and former chief of staff of Congresss Joint Committee on Taxation, which estimates the revenue effects of tax proposals, told the New York Times.

Trump said in his first 100 days, he has 'created great foundations in terms of relationships with China and with Japan and with many, many other countries.'

In the first 100 days, Trump met with 16 foreign leaders, had 17 meetings with business leaders, had 21 cabinet nominees confirmed, and signed 28 bills into law.

Fox also noted that the Twitter-happy president had 'tweeted 485 times.'

'I get things done. I've always been a closer,' Trump said.

On Thursday, the president caused a stir by telling Reuters that he 'loved' his old life and thought the job of being president would be 'easier.'
Correspondents' dinner host Hasan Minhaj was asked by the event's organizers not to make fun of Donald Trump, a source claimed.

The Daily Show star, who has been an outspoken critic of Trump's policies, was told not to mock the president because he is 'so thin skinned', said the insider who was at Minhaj's gig at the Village Underground in Manhattan on Thursday.

'It was a polite request because Trump is so thin-skinned,' the source told Page Six.

The president of the White House Correspondents' Association, Jeff Mason, denied he asked Minhaj to lay off Trump because he was too sensitive.

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Correspondents' dinner host Hasan Minhaj (left) was asked by the event's organizers not to make fun of Donald Trump (right), a source claimed

But did say he wanted a fair event - not just 'someone to roast the president in absentia'.

'It's a very different dinner without the president there,' he explained. 'We will be focused on the First Amendment and journalism and the importance of a free press. That doesn't mean there can't be some jokes about the president, but just that there should be some jokes on the press.'

Mason previously explained to MSNBC's Morning Joe that he has chosen Minhaj, despite his past criticism of the president, because he 'brings comedy chops, but he also brings heart  and I think that we're going to see that at this dinner.'

Minhaj, who is widely known as the 'Muslim correspondent' on Comedy Central's The Daily Show, will be the headline act for this year's White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington, DC, on Saturday.

The dinner has traditionally been a festive occasion that attracts heavyweights from the media, Washington power brokers, and Hollywood celebrities. Then-President Barack Obama (right) is seen with comedian Joel McHale (left) at the 2014 dinner

Past headline acts at the event include comedians Jimmy Kimmel (seen left in 2012) and Cecily Strong (seen right in 2015)

For the first time in more than 30 years, the event will not be attended by the sitting president.

Trump has taken a more adversarial tone in his attitude toward the press since his successful campaign for the presidency, and has repeatedly accused some mainstream media outlets of being 'fake news'.

The dinner has traditionally been a festive occasion that attracts heavyweights from the media and the class of Washington power brokers as well as Hollywood celebrities.

With Trump boycotting this year's event, the dinner will now be held under the banner of fighting for the First Amendment  particularly in light of the administration's anti-media posture.

In a statement, Minhaj said 'it is a tremendous honor to be a part of such a historic event even though the president has chosen not to attend this year. SAD!'

'Now more than ever it is vital that we honor the First Amendment and the freedom of the press,' he said.

Minhaj, a native of California, is the son of Muslim parents from India who immigrated to the United States.

The Trump administration has made immigration from Muslim countries a hot-button political issue after imposing a travel ban from countries in the Middle East and Africa.

Minhaj has been an outspoken critic of Trump's policies.

Hasan Minhaj (seen above performing in Atlanta in 2016), a comedian best known for his work as a correspondent on Comedy Central's The Daily Show, will be the headline act for this year's White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington, DC

When Trump's first travel ban was announced in late January, Minhaj recalled flying into Kennedy Airport in New York on the day it was implemented, according to Slate.

'Usually, being a Muslim at an airport sucks,' he said. 'But this weekend, it was like I was Weeknd [] Literally three white people ran up to me to thank me for being Muslim.'

Just look at what hes done at the airport: White women were turning their scarves into hijabs,' he said. 'Muslims were publically praying, and people were cheering them on!

'Congratulations, Mr. President. Mission accomplished.'

In years past, CNN, a frequent target of Trump, would invite celebrities to the dinner. This year, it will bring journalism students.

Also, unlike in years past, there won't be any after-party hosted by the likes of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker.

Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, the two reporters who broke the Watergate story, will hand out awards to journalists.
Tech mogul Billy McFarland, 25, who partnered with Ja Rule, is blaming the chaotic conditions on a freak storm that hit the island

One of the men behind the disastrous Fyre Festival has apologized to ticket holders but also blamed a freak storm for the mayhem.

Tech entrepreneur Billy McFarland, 25, who organized the event with Ja Rule, explained the storm which hit the island in the Bahamas caused the festival's ultimate downfall.

He said that it burst water pipes and soaked 'half of the tents' on site.

'It's no exaggeration to say this is the worst day of my life,' McFarland told the New York Post.

'We need to take things in order and make sure everything is alright then take care of next year and make sure it's better'.

A full statement, released on Friday, said they weren't ready for what happened, and that there was not sufficient infrastructure to support such an event, according to the LA Times.

They also said that all festival-goers will be refunded in full, and that they will be in touch directly with guests.

Additionally, all guests from this year's festival will be invited as VIP guests for next year's festival.

Revellers were seen boarding planes back to Miami having arrived to find 'chaos' at the festival site

However, despite the chaos at this year's festival Billy McFarland and Ja Rule (pictured together left and right) have already started planning for next year's event, and have said that they are postponing the Bahamas beach party until 2018

The pair released a full statement Friday that said that they weren't ready for what happened, and that there was not sufficient infrastructure to support such an event. Pictured is the reality of the Fyre Festival, a barren field littered with trash greeted festival goers expecting a week of luxury

However, despite the chaos at this year's festival the pair have already started planning for next year's event, and have said that they are postponing the Bahamas beach party until 2018.

McFarland told the Post that next year's event would be held in the states, and that guests would be admitted for free with a dollar donation given to the Bahamian Red Cross for each attendee.

However, he also insists that things posted on social media about the festival's chaos were either an exaggeration or simply made up.

The photo of the sad-looking cheese sandwich, for example, he claims was not even taken at the festival.

McFarland also said that there was plenty of food and water that was being given out for free at all times.

The Bahamas festival backed by a host of A-list models and with packages costing up to 10,000 ($13,000) has descended into chaos amid reports guests have been stranded at an unfinished site overrun by feral dogs. Models (left to right) Elsa Hosk, Emily Ratajkowski, Bella Hadid, Lais Ribeiro, Gizele Oliveira and Rose Bertram were invited to the island in December 'to give feedback' on the festival launch

On arrival, revellers found half-built tents, unopened boxes, piles of rubbish and an empty 'concierge' hut

While the website promised 'chef-curated culinary pop ups' one reveler posted a picture of a basic cheese sandwich served out of a polystyrene box. McFarland claimed that this picture was fake and not actually taken at the festival

Following the claims that celebrities like Bella Hadid were warned of the madness ahead of time, he said that it was not just the A-listers who were contacted.

He explained that anyone who had a ticket was phoned if they were not already on the island and told to stay away late on Thursday when madness ensued.

Next year, he said, they would need more experience and more staff to help support festival-goers.

The Bahamas festival backed by a host of A-list models and with packages costing up to $13,000 has descended into chaos amid reports guests have been stranded at an unfinished site overrun by feral dogs.

FYRE FESTIVAL ORGANIZERS FULL EXPLANATION AND APOLOGY 'Today was a very challenging day for all of us. But we would like to fully explain what happened. 'Billy McFarland and Ja Rule started a partnership over a mutual interest in technology, the ocean, and rap music. This unique combination of interests led them to the idea that, through their combined passions, they could create a new type of music festival and experience on a remote island. 'They simply weren't ready for what happened next, or how big this thing would get. They started by making a website and launching a viral campaign. Ja helped book talent, and they had hundreds of local Bahamians join in the effort. Suddenly, they found themselves transforming a small island and trying to build a festival. Thousands of people wanted to come. They were excited, but then the roadblocks started popping up. 'As amazing as the islands are, the infrastructure for a festival of this magnitude needed to be built from the ground up. So, we decided to literally attempt to build a city. We set up water and waste management, brought an ambulance from New York, and chartered 737 planes to shuttle our guests via 12 flights a day from Miami. We thought we were ready, but then everyone arrived. 'The team was overwhelmed. The airport was jam-packed. The buses couldn't handle the load. And the wind from rough weather took down half of the tents on the morning our guests were scheduled to arrive. This is an unacceptable guest experience and the Fyre team takes full responsibility for the issues that occurred. 'Everyone was very concerned for our guests. They needed a place to sleep and everyone did their absolute best to rebuild. We took everyone to the beach and built as many tents and beds as fast as possible, but as more guests arrived, we were simply in over our heads. Ultimately, we didn't think security could keep up, so we had to postpone the festival. The response to the postponement was immediate and intense. We had no other options this morning, so we began the process of getting guests quickly and safely back to Miami, which continues now. Our top priority as a company is to ensure the comfort and safe return home of all of our guests. 'Then something amazing happened: venues, bands, and people started contacting us and said they'd do anything to make this festival a reality and how they wanted to help. The support from the musical community has been overwhelming and we couldn't be more humbled or inspired by this experience. People were rooting for us after the worst day we've ever had as a company. After speaking with our potential partners, we have decided to add more seasoned event experts to the 2018 Fyre Festival, which will take place at a United States beach venue. 'All festival-goers this year will be refunded in full. We will be working on refunds over the next few days and will be in touch directly with guests with more details. Also, all guests from this year will have free VIP passes to next year's festival. 'We're grateful for the Bahamian Government and The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism for their assistance during this challenging time  their efforts have been exemplary. We want to thank the people of the Bahamas for their support and for graciously allowing us the privilege of visiting their islands. We apologize for any inconvenience the past 24 hours has caused and we look forward to making a considerable donation to the Bahamas Red Cross Society as part of our initiatives. We need to make this right. And once we make this right, then we will put on the dream festival we sought to have since the inception of Fyre. 'Thank you for all your continued patience and understanding. We apologize for what all of our guests and staff went through over the last 24 hours and will work tirelessly to make this right.' Advertisement

The boutique Fyre Festival, due to start Friday and run over two weekends, was billed as a 'cultural moment created from an alchemic blend of music, art, and food'.

But on arrival revelers reported finding half-built tents, rat droppings, dogs wandering around the site, mountains of rubbish and thugs looting alcohol.

Cell phone footage caught a flight attendant reading a statement to passengers who had already boarded a flight to the tropical destination, letting them know they weren't going anywhere.

'Due to overcapacity on the island we need to cancel the flights to ensure the safety of our guests,' the flight attendant read over the on-board speaker. 'Fyre will reach out to every passenger individually to sort details. Phone (401) 753-3973.'

NOT MY FAULT: Rapper Ja Rule claims Fyre Fest, which he organized, was not a scam

Cell phone footage caught a flight attendant reading a statement to passengers who had boarded a flight letting them know they were not heading to Fyre Festival in the Bahamas from Miami International Airport on Thursday

The few people in view on the plane took the news calmly, possibly because they may have already heard what a fiasco the festival had turned out to be for those who did make it to the planned site.

Ticket prices ranged from $400 for a day pass to more than $12,750 for a VIP package including flights from Miami, ocean view accommodation in a 'rustic tent' and four festival passes.

A performance line-up over two weekends boasted the likes of Pusha T, Tyga, Blink 182, Major Lazer, Skepta and Disclosure.

But Thursday night Blink 182 pulled out of the event. The band said in a message to fans: 'Regrettably and after much careful consideration, we want to let you know that we won't be performing at Fyre Fest in the Bahamas this weekend and next weekend.

Model Bella Hadid was among the models who promoted the event, which was due to take place this weekend and next weekend

Guests arrived to a disorganised mess which bore no relation to their Coachella-tinged festival dreams. Some guests paid $13,000 for a trashy unfinished site and canceled performances

Many guests were stranded on the island after the festival was suddenly cancelled. Some 'revellers' complained about lack of food and accommodation when they arrived on site

'We're not confident that we would have what we need to give you the quality of performances we always give our fans.'

One Twitter user described the festival as 'Rich Kids of Instagram meets Lord of the Flies'.

Friday afternoon, the festival had replaced its website - earlier showing models posing on the beach and glamorous revellers dancing into the night - with a short statement.

'Fyre Festival set out to provide a once-in-a-lifetime musical experience on the Islands of the Exumas,' it said.

The festival's homepage features a host of top models including Emily Ratajkowski (left), Bella Hadid, Alessandra Ambrosio, Hailey Baldwin and Joan Smalls relaxing on the beach and swimming through crystal clear waters. Elsa Hosk is pictured, right

The boutique Fyre Festival, due to start today and run over two weekends and promoted by A-list models (pictured), was billed as a 'cultural moment created from an alchemic blend of music, art, and food' with revellers flown in by a 'VIP configured Boeing 737'

Revellers reported being lured into buying tickets by the promotional material, which included A-list models on jet-skis and palm-fringed beaches

'Due to circumstances out of our control, the physical infrastructure was not in place on time and we are unable to fulfill on that vision safely and enjoyably for our guests.

'At this time, we are working tirelessly to get flights scheduled and get everyone off of Great Exuma and home safely as quickly as we can. We ask that guests currently on-island do not make their own arrangements to get to the airport as we are coordinating those plans.

'We are working to place everyone on complimentary charters back to Miami today; this process has commenced and the safety and comfort of our guests is our top priority.

'The festival is being postponed until we can further assess if and when we are able to create the high- quality experience we envisioned.

WHO IS BILLY MCFARLAND? The 25-year-old tech entrepreneur from Short Hills, New Jersey, is the son of two real-estate developers. He launched his first startup at the age of 13, and dropped out of Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, to launch Spling, a content-sharing website. He went on to start Magnises, marketed as an members club with the promise of glitzy perks like a driver, yacht parties, and a West Village townhouse (the landlord later sued McFarland claiming he damaged the space). In a 2014 interview with the New York Post, McFarland said Magnises was 'Latin for absolutely nothing,' adding: 'The name is made up, but it sounds grand, doesnt it?' The black metal membership card, meant to signal status and exclusivity, acted as a credit card, even though it simply transferred the data from a pre-existing card onto its magnetic strip. The company later transitioned to a concierge app that helped book reservations to restaurants of the moment or tickets to highly sought-after events. Three years after Magnises launched, members began demanding refunds, claiming the service didn't follow through on its promises. A former member who spoke to Business Insider on the condition of anonymity purchased tickets to Beyonce and Adele concerts, along with the sold-out Broadway hit Hamilton using the app. Just before each event, a representative would issue an apology explaining the tickets were no longer available, the former member said. 'According to accounts from several Magnises members, the startup will often try to placate those affected by cancellations by offering them tickets to future events,' the unflattering Business Insider profile read. McFarland seems to be taking the same strategy with the botched Fyre Festival, promising guests with VIP tickets to next year's event. Advertisement

The festival's website included maps of the camping ground and event area, tabbed up to show its 'concierge' 'art installation' and stage

Ticket prices ranged from $400 for a day pass to $12,780 for a VIP package including flights from Miami, ocean view accommodation in a 'rustic tent' and four festival passes

Luxury: Guests were given the option of staying on a range of yachts with packages costing more than $100,000

'We ask for everyone's patience and cooperation during this difficult time as we work as quickly and safely as we can to remedy this unforeseeable situation. We will continue to provide regular updates via email to our guests and via our official social media channels as they become available.'

Last year it was reported that the festival was due to include activities ranging from yoga on the beach, water trampolines and seabobbing to a $1 million real treasure hunt.

According to Elle, models Elsa Hosk, Emily Ratajkowski, Bella Hadid, Lais Ribeiro, Gizele Oliveira and Rose Bertram were among those invited to the island in December for photo shoots and to 'give feed-back' for the festival launch.

MailOnline has attempted to contact Fyre Festival for further comment.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism offered its 'heartfelt apologies' to those affected and said it was doing what it could to help people back to the airport.

Revelers anticipating luxury were expected to stay in these flimsy tents akin to trashbags

'Worse than a refugee camp' One festival-goer mocked the flimsy tents at Fyre Fest

NOT A SCAM: People started claiming the 'luxury' sell on the festival was a way to swindle people out of money; Ja Rule took to Twitter to deny this

'We are extremely disappointed in the way the events unfolded yesterday with the Fyre Festival,' said the statement.

'We offer a heartfelt apology to all who travelled to our country for this event. Tourism is our number one industry and it is our aim to deliver world class experiences and events.

'Hundreds of visitors to Exuma were met with total disorganisation and chaos. The organisers of Fyre recently asked the Minister of Tourism for support for their private event.

'The Ministry of Tourism is not an official sponsor of Fyre Festival. Given the magnitude of this undertaking, the MOT lent its support as we do with all international events.

'We offered advice and assisted with communications with other government agencies. The event organisers assured us that all measures were taken to ensure a safe and successful event but clearly they did not have the capacity to execute an event of this scale.

One Twitter user, Lamaan, posted a picture of a row of white tents in the darkness along with the message: 'Stuck at #fyrefestival trying to leave for the last 8 hours. barely any food or water or security or electricity'

Festival-goers were promised luxury accommodation with packages costing up to $12,780. Pictures show security lockers at the site which one reveller said did not have any locks

Pictures emerged online of the 'luxury food court' with people sitting on folding chairs next to a school bus

Festival-goers were pictured waiting around for news in darkness. Organizers said there had been some 'growing pains'

'A team of Ministry of Tourism representatives is on the island to assist with the organisation of a safe return of all Fyre Festival visitors.

'It is our hope that the Fyre Festival visitors would consider returning to the Islands of the Bahamas in the future to truly experience all of our beauty.'

Dozens of revellers have been sharing their experiences online.

One person, who has already demanded a refund, said: 'Megan, Tobi and I get on our bus to go to what we think will be the ultimate glamping experience - king sized beds, solar powered lightbulbs, furniture, etc.

'What actually happened is that we go to a semi-constructed tent, a tiny stage and a huge line of very worried looking people who needed to check in to find their bags.'

A Twitter account believed to belong to the Fyre Festival said this afternoon that the event had been 'fully postponed'
A man who worked at a jewelry store was wearing the right jewelry on an evening of a terrifying robbery - a watch that stopped a bullet.

When three masked robbers burst into Sam's Jewelry Emporium on East Exchange Street in Akron, Ohio just before 8:00pm Thursday, the employees dove for the floor.

The masked men smashed a display case with a hammer and grabbed tens of thousands of dollars worth of high-end Swiss watches before shooting a bullet and running out of the door, according to Fox 8 Cleveland.

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Attack: The masked men opened fire when they burst in

The three masked robbers ran into Sam's Jewelry Emporium in Akron and smashed a display case, grabbing tens of thousands of dollars worth of high-end watches

Eduardo Escudero shows off the remains of his uncles watch after the robbery

All it took was 12 seconds.

But that bullet hit employee Eduardo Escudero's uncle. 'I don't know if he thought my uncle had a gun, but he just ended up just randomly shooting at him and then my uncle ended up getting shot,' Escudero told the outlet.

Escudero said while his uncle yelled for help, the rest of the employees waited ten or fifteen seconds, to make sure that the armed men were gone.

The men were only in the store for 12 seconds before they fired a bullet and ran off, striking an employee

Then they rushed to the uncle and saw his had a gash in his forearm. Escudero also noticed something incredible - his uncle's watch was completely smashed, blown apart from the force of the bullet.

'Maybe God was looking after him; if it didn't hit the watch, who knows if it would've hit anything else or, you know, how big of damage it would have done to his hand,' he said.

While the robbers were masked, Escudero remained hopeful they will be caught.

He said the jewelry store has been in business since 1972 and this is their first time being robbed.
A parachutist is in a critical condition after missing his landing spot while parachuting in regional Victoria.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia paramedics were called to Village Avenue in Traralgon, south-east of Melbourne, about 1.15pm on Saturday.

The 38-year-old man was treated at the scene and airlifted to Royal Melbourne Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A parachutist is in a critical condition in hospital in Melbourne after missing his landing spot while parachuting in regional Victoria. He is pictured on a stretcher

Police said the Eltham man missed his drop zone and landed in a concrete culvert.

The man's parachute is believed to have deployed correctly when he set out.

Police said the investigation into the incident was ongoing.
The suspected terrorist who was arrested with a bag of knives near Parliament was a ladies man who loved to drink and thought of himself as 'player', according to a former school friend.

A classmate of Khalid Mohamed Omar Ali, 27, said he would preach about living a pure life while practicing the opposite.

Markaiu Mason, 27, who used to play truant with Ali at Northumberland Park Community School in Tottenham, said: 'He had sex with quite a few of the girls.'

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Ladies man: A classmate of Khalid Mohamed Omar Ali (pictured), 27, said he would preach about living a pure life while practicing the opposite

'He'd preach a lot about how to live a pure life. But he was a ladies' man. He'd drink and had loads of girlfriends.'

Mr Mason told The Sun: 'We'd drink whisky. He'd sometimes get bullied by older kids. But in our year group he ruled the roost.'

At school Ali was 'popular, charismatic and 'super smart'.

Mr Mason said: 'He was in the highest classes with me in most of our joint sessions at school.'

But as Ali became a teenager, his attitude changed. He would often have 'heated discussions' about religion and started 'preaching more'.

Mr Mason said: 'I could see that he was starting to slowly change... his attitudes were starting to change and he was becoming more religious and I thought there's something not quite right here.'

Another former friend yesterday revealed the suspected jihadi had spent several years in Afghanistan.

Mr Mason, a school friend of Ali, said he was a 'ladies man'

Somali-born Ali travelled to the war-torn country after being refused permission to stay in the Gaza Strip by the territory's government, run by Hamas which is on the EU's terrorism blacklist.

Ali went to Afghanistan without telling his family, and had little contact with friends at home until he returned to the UK late last year.

He was also on a ship raided by Israeli soldiers as it challenged a naval blockade of the Gaza Strip in 2010.

The electrician, who followed the hardline Wahabi Islamic doctrine, was arrested on Thursday with a rucksack 'full of knives' on Whitehall, close to Parliament.

Officers were lying in wait for the suspect, whose movements were being tracked by a joint police and MI5 operation after they were tipped off by his family.

Yesterday as police searched his family's 400,000 terraced home in Edmonton, North London, details emerged of a 'charismatic' and academically gifted boy who became increasingly obsessed by hardline religious views in his teens.

Ali was on board the Mavi Marmara, part of a flotilla which was challenging an Israeli naval blockade of the Gaza Strip when it was intercepted by the Israeli Defence Forces in May 2010. Nine Turkish activists were killed in the raid.

Later that year he took part in an aid mission to Gaza called Road 2 Hope, which made headlines on the BBC after a Greek naval captain briefly held the group hostage in a dispute over money.

Khaid Ali was tackled to the floor in Whitehall and at least three knives were seen strewn across the floor

Another member of the aid mission said last night: 'Khalid stood out from the crowd. He was very loud and confident and always talking about fighting for Muslims who were oppressed. He had this zeal about him.'

Photos of him during the ten-week trip to the self-governing Palestinian territory show him making a one-fingered salute and wearing the Palestinian flag as a headscarf.

The source said: 'There were about 100 people in the convoy. They used to talk about the non-Muslims taking part really badly. They came from all over the country and I didn't know what they were like until I was with them.

'Khalid had this Saudi Wahabi ideology. It was all fundamentalism and jihad and the romance of it. He was like a coiled spring who referred to non-Muslims as 'dirty kuffars' (non-believers).'

When the group arrived in Gaza, Ali disappeared and only met up with the group as they prepared to leave a few days later after dropping off clothes, medicines and other items.

Police say he was detained after a stop and search in an 'ongoing operation'. Ali is now being questioned

'He was very vague about where he'd been but he had a brother who was working there, as a medic I think, and I think he was with him,' he added.

'His plan was not to come back but the government wouldn't let him stay. They said that if anything happened to him they would be held responsible.'

Footage taken when the group met at Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire before setting off shows Ali sitting behind the wheel of a support van.

He says: 'For all the brothers who stayed behind... you're going to see us in action, doing our thing all day long, as usual... taking it to the limits. You feel me? One love.'

At least three knives were seen laying on the floor after a team of officers swooped and tackled Ali to the ground

The group were due to have a reunion in London in January 2011 after their return but Ali failed to attend. They later discovered he had gone to Afghanistan.

The friend said: 'I heard his mother didn't know where he was and was worried sick. She didn't know he'd gone to Afghanistan. No one heard from him for years and I thought he was dead. Then, last November, he was back.

'When I saw him on the news on Thursday, I recognised him straight away, although he's put a bit of weight on. He's got that same smirk.'

Scotland Yard said the Whitehall suspect was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and the 'commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terror'.
Two pints of beer are better than paracetamol for pain relief and can cut discomfort by a quarter, a study has shown.

Medical researchers said blood alcohol content of approximately .08 per cent produced 'a small elevation of pain threshold' and a 'moderate to large reduction in pain intensity ratings'.

They added: 'Findings suggest that alcohol is an effective analgesic that delivers clinically-relevant reductions in ratings of pain intensity, which could explain alcohol misuse in those with persistent pain despite its potential consequences for long-term health.'

Two pints of beer are better than paracetamol for pain relief and can cut discomfort by a quarter

The analysis, published in The Journal of Pain, observed 18 studies involving 404 participants who were experiencing chronic pain.

The studies provided alcohol versus no-alcohol comparisons for 13 tests of pain threshold.

Now the experts are planning to find out if alcohol either lowers anxiety of pain, which then reduces the perception of discomfort, or if it numbs the sensation of pain by affecting the brain receptors.

Dr Trevor Thompson, who headed the study at London's Greenwich University, told The Sun: '[Alcohol] can be compared to opioid drugs such as codeine and the effect is more powerful than paracetamol.

Dr Trevor Thompson, who headed the study at London's Greenwich University, said: 'If we can make a drug without the harmful side- effects then we could have something that is potentially better than what is out there at the moment'

'If we can make a drug without the harmful side- effects then we could have something that is potentially better than what is out there at the moment.'

But Rosanna O'Connor, director of Alcohol and Drugs at Public Health England, added: 'Drinking too much will cause you more problems in the long run. It's better to see your GP.'
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Revellers made the most of their upcoming three-day weekend and partied into the early hours of this morning.

Photographers in Liverpool and Manchester captured the thousands of party goers who descended on the city centre pubs and clubs to celebrate the May Day bank holiday.

While in Birmingham boozed-up film fans enjoyed a pub crawl dressed as their favourite Disney character for the second week in a row.

Some 400 people took part in the themed crawl down the city's famous Broad Street bar strip.

Merry men and women were seen propping each other up, giving each other piggy backs and dancing in the street.

Men and women were seen propping each other up, giving each other piggy backs and dancing in the streets of Liverpool as they celebrated their extra day off

Some patient policemen stopped for a chat and posed for photos with a high-spirited hen party in cowboy themed fancy dress

In Birmingham boozed-up film fans enjoyed a pub crawl dressed as their favourite Disney character for the second week in a row

Left: 'Woody' adjusts himself during a Disney themed Pub Crawl in Birmingham's Broad Street. Right: Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee out for the night

Girls braved the cold weather and donned mini skirts and skimpy tops to enjoy a night of dancing and drinking

Hundreds of people started the May Day Bank Holiday weekend in typical British fashion, with a big and boozy night out

Police officers were out in force to ensure the busy night of drinking went as smoothly as possible

Some 400 people all dressed in different Disney themed outfits enjoying themselves on the famous bar strip. Alice in Wonderland almost loses her footing (left) and Minnie Mouse enjoys a drink in the street (right)

Hen and stag parties posed for photos and chatted with patient police officers who were out in force to ensure the night went as smoothly as possible.

Others were pictured putting on amorous displays of affection as they enjoyed a post-club kebab following the night of heavy drinking.

However, while most enjoyed their booze-fuelled antics, it all became a bit too much for some. Several revellers were seen slumped in the streets, throwing up or getting into altercations with police.

Clubbers were out in the city centres until the early hours as they made the most of one of the busiest nights of the year.

Left: Cinderella looks peaceful in middle of a busy street in Birmingham. Right: A tired parrot being held up by a man dressed as Pirate Jack Sparrow

Revellers definitely made the most of their upcoming three-day weekend. Pictured: A worse for wear couple in Liverpool city centre hold each other up as police officers look on

Clubbers were out in Liverpool until the early hours as they made the most of one of the busiest drinking nights of the year

However, while many enjoyed their booze-fuelled antics, it all became a bit too much for some who had overindulged a little

Several revellers were seen slumped on the streets, throwing up or getting into altercations with each other or police

Fancy dress was a popular choice of attire for the evening. Pictured left, a woman dressed as Tinker Bell helps prop up her friend and, right, a woman in very high heels catches a lift with a male friend

As the night and free-flowing alcohol took their toll, some revellers started to lose their footing, taking a tumble onto the pavement
The Russian army has been putting one of the world's biggest military robots through its paces, acting as a further reminder of Russia's increasing military strength.

The Vikhr remote-controlled tank was being tested on a military testing ground at a classified location in Russia.

The clips shows the unmanned tank traveling through a dusty path, navigating through stretches of water and then firing into the distance from its machine gun, all without a human in sight.

Unmanned: Despite being controlled remotely the 'Robot Tank' retains the ability to traverse rugged terrain and fire rounds from a machine gun

Huge: The tank features a 30 mm automatic gun and six anti-tank guided missiles

The huge machine is 6.7 metres (22 feet) long, stands 3.3 metres (10.8 feet) tall and weighs about 14.7 tonnes.

The state-of-the-art robot features a 30 mm automatic gun and six anti-tank guided missiles. It can also be equipped with machine guns or a flamethrower.

It is operated remotely by a driver who can see where it is going through a camera link up, as well as the wider picture via a drone.

The robot can be operated from a distance and can manoeuvre its way across a variety of terrains.

It is capable of travelling at speeds up to 60 kph (37 mph) on dry land and 10 kph (6.2 mph) through water.

The Vikhr can lock onto a target and can follow it, while repeatedly firing, until it is completely destroyed.

The video of the huge robot tackling an assault course, that also included hills, is proving popular with viewers after being posted online.

Outlay: Russia boosted its military spending to $69.2 billion in 2016 and is now only behind the US and China in terms of its defense budget

Robust: The robot can be operated from a distance and can manoeuvre its way across a variety of terrains

Rugged: It is capable of travelling at speeds up to 60 kph (37 mph) on dry land and 10 kph (6.2 mph) through water

Fire: The Vikhr can lock onto a target and can follow it, while repeatedly firing

Netizen 'Azx Rack' said: 'Looks freaking powerful. Love it, hope it has a great future.'

And 'ttx777' added: 'Pretty impressive how well it moves considering the incredible weight. Finally the guys in charge of planning and manufacturing have managed to wow us.'

Vikhr was reportedly developed by the Russian Ministry of Defence's Main Research and Testing Centre for Robotics.

The news comes as a report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), released last week, revealed that Russia boosted its military spending to $69.2 billion in 2016.

The 5.9% increase means Russia is only behind the United States and China in the ranking of top military spenders.
Home security footage has captured the moment a drunk driver careens his pick-up truck into a neighbour's home.

Rubin Perez can be seen speeding across a busy intersection before losing control of his car.

It bursts through the small fence in his neighbour's property and flips on its side before coming to stop in a cloud of smoke.

After around half a minute a man can be seen running from an adjacent property.

He tries to find a way to get Perez out, before using tools from the back of the truck to pry open the windscreen.

Perez finally manages to get out of the truck - but he then immediately stumbles off into the bushes.

The accident happened in the city of Des Moines, Iowa.

The pick-up smashes threw a small fence right into the front of the house, landing on its side

One of Perez's family comes to rescue him from his steaming truck

44-year-old Perez had allegedly been drinking and got into a fight with his son before speeding off, WHOTV reported.

Police say the damage to the house could cost $10,000 to repair - which is no comfort to owners Terry and Kim McGregor.

They said that none of Perez's family had come by to say sorry, despite the fact that they've lived in the neighbourhood for more than ten years.

The family member uses tools from the back of the pick-up to pry open the windscreen

After causing $10,000 worth of damage, Perez stumbles off into the bushes

However the couple are thankful that the damage wasn't any worse.

Terry said: 'The car was smoking, so could you imagine if it would have burnt up, maybe we would have lost this whole porch , and the house probably.'

Police are still seeking Perez.
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Travellers at Indonesia's new airport terminal can expect swift customer service with assistants getting around on rollerblades.

Terminal 3 at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten will be open for international flights on Monday.

Pictures released on Saturday show airport assistants zipping around the terminal floor on rollerblades, a tranquil park, and the latest technology passenger scanners.

Travellers at Indonesia's new airport terminal can expect swift customer service with assistants getting around on rollerblades

Keep on rollin': An airport assistant zips around Terminal 3 on rollerblades

Pictures released on Saturday show airport assistants zipping around the terminal floor on rollerblades, a tranquil park (pictured), and the latest technology passenger scanners

Indonesia's new airport terminal: Six gates have been prepared for Garuda Indonesia flights

Fly away: The first flight is scheduled to fly on May 1 at 6.10am to Singapore, shifting all of Garuda's flights from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3

A journalist tries out a body scanner in Terminal 3 of the Soekarno-Hatta airport

Six gates have been prepared for Garuda Indonesia flights.

The first flight is scheduled to fly on May 1 at 6.10am to Singapore, shifting all of Garuda's flights from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3, The Jakarta Post reported.

'We will only open the main building of the terminal for the international flights. That's why it will be only for Garuda Indonesia aircraft,' said a spokesperson for the airport on Tuesday.

All other international carriers will fly from the airport following the construction of Pier 1 and Pier 2, expected to be competed in August.

The new terminal has 65 immigration counters and 30 auto-gates in both the departure and arrival areas.

It will also feature 17 parking stands for planes and a hanger to house three large planes, such as the Airbus A380.

Hands up! The latest technology will be used at Indonesia's newest airport terminal

Hows the serenity? Employees take a rest inside Terminal 3 of the Soekarno-Hatta airport in Tangerang

The new terminal has 65 immigration counters and 30 auto-gates in both the departure and arrival areas

Terminal 3 at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten will be open for international flights on Monday

All other international carriers will fly from the airport following the construction of Pier 1 and Pier 2, expected to be competed in August
Theresa May has appealed to Scots to help her 'strengthen the Union' by electing a clutch of Scottish Conservative MPs on June 8.

In her first campaign visit north of the border since calling the snap poll, Mrs May told activists every vote for her would help block a second independence referendum.

She joined the Scottish Conservative leader door knocking in the afternoon, in the hope of winning votes on the doorsteps of Banchory.

A rattled Nicola Sturgeon earlier insisted the election fight was only about constraining Mrs May's power in Westminster - just days after banging the drum for independence.

Theresa May campaigns on the streets with Ruth Davidson, as the Conservatives hope to sweep up some new MPs north of the border

Mrs May sported a pair of leopard print boots to trample the streets as she handed out leaflets and spoke to voters with Ms Davidson

Polls suggest Mrs May could be set to win constituencies in Scotland last held by the Tories decades ago, ending a 30-year rout that began under Margaret Thatcher and saw the party hold no seats at all for many year.

Speaking in nationalist Aberdeenshire, Mrs May told activists only her Government could hold the country together.

In a bid to defy claims she is afraid of meeting ordinary people, Mrs May hit the streets in her home constituency of Maidenhead this morning for a rare public walk about.

But doing so on her own patch will only fuel critics claims she is not campaigning in public.

Theresa May took her campaign to Scotland today (pictured) as she campaigned in Aberdeenshire. Polls suggest she could make historic gains north of the border

Mrs May is hoping to add to the Tories one seat in Scotland on June 8. She campaigned near Aberdeen today (pictured)

Mrs May said 'every vote for me and my team' meant 'strong and stable leadership' from her

The PM said: 'My message to the people of Scotland today is clear: if you vote for me it will strengthen my hand in the Brexit negotiations.

'It will strengthen the union, strengthen the economy and together the UK and Scotland will flourish.

'Because when Scotland is flourishing, the rest of the United Kingdom is flourishing too.'

Returning to already familiar campaign themes, Mrs May insisted 'every vote for me and my team means strong and strong and stable leadership'.

Mrs May said voters across the UK had a clear choice at the election between her administration and a 'coalition of chaos'.

She also claimed the opposition parties are lining up to 'prop up' Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

She said: 'Every SNP MP elected to Westminster puts Jeremy Corbyn one step closer to Downing Street.'

'That's what's on offer of course, because the other parties, they're lining up to prop up Jeremy Corbyn.

'We see it from the Liberal Democrats and we see it from Nicola Sturgeon's Scottish National Party.

'They want to disrupt our Brexit negotiations, undermine the task ahead, stop us from taking Britain forward.

'Every SNP MP who is elected to Westminster puts a step closer Jeremy Corbyn getting into Downing Street.

'They want to disrupt our Brexit negotiations by disrupting this election. And make no mistake, it could happen.'

In a bid to play down her record breaking polling leads, Mrs May turned a joke of Mr Corbyn against him to remind her activists the Labour leader had been a 200-1 outsider when he first stood to be leader of the Opposition.

A rattled Nicola Sturgeon (pictured in Glasgow today) had earlier insisted the election was about constraining the power of Theresa May

The SNP leader had previously argued that the election was a chance to secure a new mandate for a second independence referendum

The rally comes as a new poll shows Tory support in Scotland is booming as unionist voters see the Conservatives as the most credible option to oppose the SNP.

A YouGov poll of Scottish voters released on Friday suggested the Tories are the leading unionist party north of the border, up 13 points on 28 per cent, behind the SNP on 41 per cent but ahead of Labour on 18 per cent and the Lib Dems on 7 per cent.

This puts the Tories on course to pick up seven seats in Scotland  bringing their total up to eight.

Scotland: How the polls have changed from 7 May 2015 to April 28 2017

Theresa May yesterday reiterated that she won't allow a second Scottish referendum  even if the nationalists win a majority.

She said she will block any attempt to hold a vote on breaking up Britain unless there is clear evidence the Scottish people want one.

And she rejected Nicola Sturgeon's claim that the Government's position will 'crumble' if the SNP wins the most seats in Scotland in the General Election.

Her comments came as a poll showed most Scots do not want another referendum and 55 per cent would still back No if there was a rerun of the 2014 vote.

She told the Scottish Daily Mail: 'Now is the worst possible time for the SNP to be demanding a second independence referendum.

'We should be working together right now, not pulling apart, and putting all our energies into making sure we get the right deal [with Brussels] for the UK  and that means the right deal for Scotland.

Theresa May (pictured today on the streets of Maidenhead), will travel to Scotland to drum up support for the Conservatives ahead of the June 8 General Election

Mrs May made an attempt to defy claims she is frightened of the voters by hitting the streets of Maidenhead this morning - but only doing so in her home constituency will do little to satisfy her critics

The PM will dismiss Nicola Sturgeon's calls for a second independence referendum

'I think talking about an independence referendum would disrupt our negotiations and I think it would weaken my hand.'

The Prime Minister is widely tipped to lead the Tories to their biggest election victory north of the border for 25 years.

Mrs May will be introduced at the rally by Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson.

Angus Robertson, Ms Sturgeon's Westminster deputy, is among those predicted to lose their seat in what would be a humiliating defeat for his party.
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Donald Tusk today demanded a 'serious' offer from Britain on guaranteeing the rights of European citizens before Brexit trade talks can begin as the EU agreed its opening gambit for the negotiations.

Mr Tusk hailed the 'unity' of the remaining 27 EU members after they adopted negotiating guidelines in just four minutes, saying it was a 'firm and fair political mandate' for the Brexit negotiations, and set out their demands on migrants, Gibraltar and border controls in Northern Ireland.

The EU Council President warned Theresa May there was a detailed list of rights that must be guaranteed to EU citizens and warned any EU state could veto the start of talks about the future relationship if they were unhappy.

At a joint press conference, EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he had a document ready on 25 citizens' rights but warned if Britain haggles, it will take up a 'huge amount of time' in the two-year Brexit process.

Mrs May's hopes of parallel talks on the divorce and the future trade deal now appear to have been killed off. Today's agreement will put huge pressure on summits in the autumn to reach agreements that allow progress to be made.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel tonight warned it was 'natural' the EU would speak with one voice but insisted unity did not mean Britain would be punished.

Europe's most powerful leader had set the tone for today's historic agreement after warning Brexiteers were 'delusional' if the thought they could could get a better deal out of the EU than inside the bloc.

On the campaign trail today, the Prime Minister Theresa May repeated her familiar refrain that every vote for her on June 8 will give her a stronger hand in the negotiations - but she did not comment specifically on today's events.

Brexit Secretary David Davis warned there were some people on both sides seeking to undermine the negotiations but said he approached the talks with 'goodwill and sincere cooperation'.

Scroll down for video

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (arriving at the Europa building in Brussels) tonight warned it was 'natural' the EU would speak with one voice but insisted unity did not mean Britain would be punished

Donald Tusk (right) today demanded a 'serious' offer from Britain on guaranteeing the rights of European citizens before Brexit trade talks can begin as the EU agreed its opening gambit for the negotiations. Pictured left, French President Francois Hollande

Mrs May's (pictured at a campaign rally in Aberdeen) hopes of parallel talks on the divorce and the future trade deal now appear to have been killed off

At an historic press conference following the agreement of the EU's negotiating guidelines (pictured) EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (left) and EU Council President Donald Tusk (right) heralded the near unprecedented unity of the remaining EU members, who took just four minutes to agree their Brexit tactics

Mr Tusk (pictured during today's press conference) said Britain must make a 'serious' offer on citizens' rights before it can have any hope of moving to the main trade talks

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (pictured left at a post-summit press conference and right during the talks today) has warned some in Britain remain delusional about the prospect of the talks

While the summit was underway in Brussels, Mrs May was on the campaign trail Aberdeenshire (pictured) insisting every vote for her would strengthen her hand in the negotiations

Jean-Claude Juncker (left) and Donald Tusk embrace each other at the summit today after tough talk about Brexit, in which the most powerful men in Brussels offered Britain stern warnings

Mr Tusk said 'sufficient progress' must be made on citizens' rights, the Brexit settlement bill and the Irish border before trade talks can be begun.

He warned: 'It will be for EU leaders to decide if sufficient progress has been made.'

GIBRALTAR FURY AT EU DEMANDING SPANISH VETO Gibraltar has reacted angrily to the European Union's continuing insistence that Spain should be given a veto over its inclusion in any post-Brexit trade deal with the UK. Chief minister Fabian Picardo said the stipulation in the EU's final negotiating guidelines that Spain, which also claims sovereignty over the British territory, must agree to its inclusion in any future trade agreement was discriminatory and unfair. He said the people of Gibraltar would resist any attempt by Spain to further its stale claim of the Rock, as EU leaders at a summit in Brussels agreed their final position for exit talks with the UK. Mr Picardo said: 'No one in Gibraltar will be surprised that former draft clause 22 (now clause 24) has been retained by the European Council at the express insistence of Spain's right-wing Partido Popular government. 'The treatment proposed for Gibraltar by clause 24 of the guidelines is discriminatory and unfair.' Advertisement

Mr Juncker told the press conference: 'I have the impression some times that our British friends underestimate the technical difficulties we have to face.

'The single question of citizens' rights, in fact 25 different questions, which have to be solved. This will take time.

'This will take a huge amount of time - although as a Commission and Michel Barnier we have already prepared a text that could be adopted immediately if our British friends would be ready to sign it

'That will probably not happen.'

Mrs Merkel played down suggestions the EU was working against Britain.

She said: 'That we the 27 are allied and speak in one voice is the most normal thing in the world. But that hardly means that we are allied against someone.'

After the agreement was struck, the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier said: 'We are ready. We are together.'

Brexit Secretary Mr Davis said: 'Both sides are clear - we want these negotiations to be conducted in the spirit of goodwill, sincere cooperation and with the aim of establishing a close partnership between the UK and the EU going forward.

'But there is no doubt that these negotiations are the most complex the UK has faced in our lifetimes. They will be tough and, at times even confrontational. There are already people in Europe who oppose these aims and people at home trying to undermine them.

'That is why it is so important that the UK has the right leadership in place. The British people face an important choice on 8 June - strong and stable leadership under Theresa May, or Jeremy Corbyn at the head of a weak and divided coalition of chaos.'

Irish PM Enda Kenny (left) and Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern (right) were in Brussels for the summit today as EU leaders defined their opening gambit for the Brexit talks

EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (pictured arriving for the summit today) is set to drive a hard bargain on the rights of EU citizens

Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel (left to right) speak during the special EU leaders' meeting at the Europa building

EU's High representative for foreign affairs and security policy Federica Mogherini answers journalists' questions today

Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydto (center) arrives for an EU summit at the Europa building in Brussels

RIGHTS FOR EU CITIZENS COMES BEFORE BREXIT 'DIVORCE BILL' Draft EU negotiating guidelines and the final framework now list securing protections for EU citizens ahead of disentangling the UK from its obligations. In the draft paper it was the other way round. That may not prove significant, although in his pre-summit comments European Council president Donald Tusk said resolving uncertainty around citizens' rights was the EU and UK's 'number one priority'. Advertisement

The British premier this week accused the EU of ganging up on London, in a war of words with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who said Britain had 'illusions' about the talks.

But Merkel insisted that 'no one is allied' against London and that the EU was merely protecting its interests in the wake of Britain's historic vote to leave last June.

Merkel said the 27 leaders had given a round of applause after 'very quickly' adopting the guidelines.

French President Francois Hollande meanwhile praised their common position and said there would 'inevitably be a price and a cost for Britain.'

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, insisted the unity was 'not directed against Britain' and that it was in London's interests for a quicker deal.

Arriving at the talks in Brussels earlier today, Mr Tusk was unrepentant in his demand for a 'phased' approach to the two year talks in defiance of Britain's wishes.

And he revealed he has a 'list' of rights currently held by EU citizens that must be protected in Britain after Brexit.

As EU leaders continued to discuss Brexit issues, a spokesman for Mr Tusk confirmed there had been no changes to the draft guidelines.

'The guidelines are exactly as you have already seen them and there are no changes to the draft guidelines, they have been now adopted.'

EU Council President Donald Tusk (pictured arriving at the EU Council today) is standing by his claim the past must be resolved before Britain can agree a future trading arrangement

The agreement at the European Council today (pictured is Angela Merekel talking to Maltese premier Joseph Muscat) was reached in moments in a rare signal of EU unity

The guidelines agreed today set the rules by which chief negotiator Michel Barnier (pictured at today's EU Council) will tackle the detailed talks. He declared after the agreement 'we are ready'

France's President Francois Hollande (left with EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Mr Barnier) agreed the summit conclusions as one of his final acts

German Chancellor Angela Merkel seen arriving in her car for a special European Summit in Brussels earlier today

The latest draft provoked claims Brussels was meddling in the future of Northern Ireland after it made clear the province would be welcomed back to the EU if it ever joined a united Ireland.

The build up to today's summit was dominated by a warning from German chancellor Angela Merkel that some in Britain have a 'delusion' that Britain's arrangements outside Europe would be better than inside.

As he arrived in Brussels today, Mr Tusk said: 'We all want a close and strong future relationship with the UK - there is absolutely no question about that.

'But before discussing our future we have to sort out our past, and we will handle it with genuine care, but fairly.

'This I think is the only possible way to move forward.

'We also need solid guarantees for all citizens and their families who will be affected by Brexit on both sides.

'This must be the number one priority for the EU and the UK.

'And the Commission has already prepared a precise and detailed list of citizens' rights we want to protect.'

Donald Tusk, the president of the European Council talks to the press prior to the European Summit

Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydto and Luxembourg's Prime minister Xavier Bettel were both seen arriving to take part in the EU leaders summit today

German Chancellor Angela Merkel speaks to the media as she arrives for the special European summit

Mr Tusk has also signalled a desire to resolve the thorny problem of the Irish border - and how to avoid customs and immigrant checkpoints on the politically sensitive frontier - before moving negotiations to the second stage.

Aside from dealing with the present day border, the European Council may also address its approach if the day came when the people of Northern Ireland voted to end partition and join a united Ireland.

EU leaders are ultimately expected to agree that, in such circumstances, Northern Ireland would automatically assume the EU membership already held by the Republic of Ireland, rather than having to reapply.

One of the more controversial elements of Mr Tusk's draft guidelines in March was a suggested veto for Spain on any future UK/EU agreements that involved Gibraltar.

IRISH PREMIER REJECTS BORDER POLL An EU declaration that Northern Ireland could resume EU membership in the event of a united Ireland is 'hugely important' but it does not bring a border poll any closer, the Irish premier has said. Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the move dispelled any doubt and uncertainty that had been created as a result of the Brexit vote. However, he made clear he does not believe the conditions for calling a vote on unity currently exist. Under the terms of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, an incumbent Northern Ireland secretary can call a border poll in the region if he or she believes there has been a significant shift in public opinion in favour of unity. Mr Kenny pressed for a statement on the EU's stance in the event of unification to be attached to the minutes of Saturday's European Council summit. The request was accepted and the position will be formally adopted at the next council meeting in June. The statement is not part of the EU Council's agreed negotiating framework on Brexit. 'Let me be clear, this is not about triggering any mechanism (for a vote),' Mr Kenny said after the summit. Advertisement

Another recent issue of contention is whether a free trade deal would include the financial services industry and, if it did, whether City of London institutions would still be bound by Brussels oversight.

Former Northern Ireland first minister Lord Trimble said there was no need to include a passage on the possibility of a united Ireland, saying it would only 'stir up nationalist feeling'.

The former Ulster Unionist leader told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'From the point of view of the Irish there is no need to introduce this, it's actually playing games with nationalist feelings and I wonder why the Irish government is doing this and why Europe is going along with it.'

He went on: 'Stirring up nationalist feeling is not necessarily a wise thing to do, but what I would like to do is to focus on the real issue, and the real issue in terms of the border is tariffs.'

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said Saturday that Spain had no 'red lines' on Gibraltar after EU leaders granted Madrid a veto over any future deal with Britain that would involve the territory.

'There are no red lines or lines of any other colour' on Gibraltar, Rajoy said at a news conference after 27 European Union leaders met without Britain to adopt their negotiating position for Brexit talks.

The EU 27 guidelines state that 'no agreement' after Brexit between the EU and Britain could apply to Gibraltar without a bilateral agreement between Madrid and London.

Britain has expressed alarm over the clause and British Prime Minister Theresa May has insisted she will 'never' allow Gibraltar to slip from British control.

In a statement, Gibraltar's leader Fabian Picardo said the treatment called for in the clause 'is discriminatory and unfair' and goes against 'the principle of sincere cooperation which the EU is committed to.'

Gibraltar, he said, stood 'clear and united' against any Spanish government attempts to 'advance its stale sovereignty claim' even if the British outcrop will continue seeking dialogue with Spain.

'Our future beyond the EU will be a prosperous and international one in respect of which the Spanish government will have no say or veto,' Picardo said.

With a population of just over 32,000, Gibraltar has been a British overseas territory since 1713 but Spain has long laid claim to it. Some 10,000 people cross from Spain to Gibraltar to work every day.

Authorities in Gibraltar fear Spain is trying to take advantage of Brexit to impose its control over the territory.

One former leader in May's Conservative party said the dust-up invoked the memory of the Falklands War against Argentina.

Gibraltarians voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU in last June's Brexit referendum, but they still appear set on remaining British after the vote.

Prime Minister Theresa May on the election campaign trail in the village of Crathes, Aberdeenshire earlier today
A man was charged with murder after his wife was stabbed to death in their suburban home on Saturday morning.

Brian Kenny, 68, called triple-0 himself at about 9.20am to say his wife of many years Mauryeen, 69, had been killed by multiple stab wounds.

Police found Ms Kenny dead when they arrived at the quiet suburban street in Stafford Heights, Brisbane, and arrested her husband.

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Brian Kenny, 68, was charged with murder after he called triple-0 himself to say his wife of many years

Mauryeen Kenny, 69, was stabbed to death in their Brisbane home on Saturday

The retired man was seen on Seven News sitting calmly at the front of the home before being helped to his feet by officers and led away to a police car.

The alleged murder was just months after their only daughter was married to her childhood sweetheart on the Sunshine Coast.

Kenny was seen in a wedding highlights video walking her down the aisle before she married and moved to Chicago, USA.

Kenny's brother Robert also died on October 31 last year.

The couple's daughter has been notified of her mother's death, police said.

Police found Ms Kenny (pictured) dead when they arrived at the quiet suburban street in Stafford Heights, Brisbane, and arrested her husband

The retired man was seen sitting calmly at the front of the home talking to police after calling them in himself

After sitting with officers for a while he was helped to his feet and led away to a police car

Acting inspector Catherine Jones said Kenny was speaking with police and the couple were the only ones home at the time of the incident.

Police were treating Ms Kenny's death as a homicide and charged her husband with murder. He will face court on Monday morning.

Officers had never been called to the Kenny home before but neighbours said they previously heard them arguing and told them to keep it down.

The alleged murder was just months after their only daughter was married and Kenny was seen in a wedding highlights video walking her down the aisle (pictured)

Police are investigating the death of a woman in Brisbane's north

A shocked neighbour spoke to the Brisbane Times about the stabbing - labeling the street 'quiet' and 'nice'.

'The majority of people who live here are retirees,' he said.

'Everyone in this street knows everyone, and this kind of thing doesn't happen here.'
Tom Hardy and Kate Winslet are tipped to play Sergeant Blackman and his wife in a Hollywood film about Marine A's battle.

Alexander Blackman, 42, who served 1,277 days behind bars, was freed after wife Claire campaigned tirelessly on his behalf.

Lawer Jonathan Goldberg QC could be played by Al Pacino and has spent time in Hollywood discussing film opportunities.

Tom Hardy and Kate Winslet could star in a film about Sergeant Blackman and his wife's campaign to set him free. Hardy is no stranger to military roles and started his career as Private John Jomec in HBO epic Band of Brothers

Kate Winslet is tipped to play Claire Blackman, Marine A's devoted wife who campaigned tirelessly to appeal against his life sentence. Last month they won a stunning legal victory at the Appeal Court which dramatically slashed Sergeant Blackman's sentence

He said on Sky News: 'I was out there [Hollywood] two weeks ago to discuss it - there's talk even of Kate Winslet to play Claire and Tom Hardy playing him and Al Pacino playing me, can you believe it.'

He also told the Telegraph: 'Once they are fully decompressed I will meet them and we will discuss the interesting meeting I just had in Hollywood at the invitation of a famous producer from which it is clear that a major movie could be in the offing if they wish it.'

Sergeant Blackman was jailed for life in 2013 after he shot a Taliban fighter in Afghanistan.

He was released in the early hours of yesterday morning after his wife's successful campaigning.

Lawyer Jonathan Goldberg QC could be played by Al Pacino and has spent time in Hollywood discussing film opportunities. He said: 'I was out there two weeks ago to discuss it'

Sealed with a hug from his wife in a million, Alexander Blackman finally savoured freedom yesterday. He said: 'Suddenly I can sleep when I want, eat when I want, go for a walk'

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, he said: She is a wife in a million. Other inmates often said how lucky I was to have her fighting so hard for me.

'I dont think there is anybody who has witnessed the effort she has gone to who will doubt how she feels about me, and thats beyond words really.

Daily Mail readers raised 810,000 to fund a fresh legal challenge against Sergeant Blackman's sentence. He has been released on licence from HMP Erlestoke Prison in Wiltshire, half way through his revised sentence

'You just cant imagine anyone cares for you that much.

I also want to thank the Daily Mails readers with all my heart. Without their amazing support, I would still be behind bars.

'Suddenly I can sleep when I want, eat when I want, go for a walk... this freedom of choice over basic things is going to take some getting used to.

Daily Mail readers raised 810,000 to fund a fresh legal challenge and last month he won a stunning victory at the Appeal Court which dramatically slashed his sentence.

He has now been released on licence from HMP Erlestoke Prison in Wiltshire, half way through his revised jail term.

Hollywood hard man Tom Hardy has played a number of military roles in his career.

In 2001, he played Private John Janovec in HBO epic Band of Brothers and is set to star in Christopher Nolan's Second World War film Dunkirk.
A Tory MP has signed an election pact with Ukip after announcing he agrees with many of the party's policies, including the controversial burka ban.

Ukip will not contest Philip Hollobone's Kettering seat after the MP, who enjoyed a 12,590 majority at the last general election, said he shared the party opinions on Brexit, HS2 and foreign aid.

As part of the pact Mr Hollobone agreed to meet with Ukip members 'every three months' to discuss the progress of Brexit, reported The Telegraph.

Tory MP Philip Hollobone (pictured) has signed an election pact with Ukip after announcing he agrees with many of the party's policies

The deal was brokered by Jonathan Bullock, who was the Kettering Ukip candidate in 2015.

He said: 'We came to the conclusion that if Philip is prepared to sign our policies, he is our candidate in all but name.'

Mr Hollobone is also an outspoken critic of the burka and in 2010 attempted to steer legislation through the Commons to regulate the wearing of some 'facial coverings'.

At the time he said that he thought it was 'inappropriate' to cover the face in public and described the traditional Muslim dress as 'offensive' and 'against the British way of life'.

The MP, who enjoyed a 12,590 majority at the last general election, said he shared the party's opinions on Brexit, HS2, foreign aid and the controversial burka ban

Paul Nuttall, who will stand in Boston and Skegness, has announced he will not field candidates against true Brexit-backing MPs.

He said he decided to take up the tactic to help 'stop remainers' ousting Brexit voters on June 8.

He denied claims that Ukip will only field 100 candidates at the upcoming election, and insisted the party would fight tooth and nail for seats.

Today the Ukip leader announced he will stand in Boston, the most Eurosceptic seat in the country

Ukip confirmed it would step aside in Kettering to give Tory MP Philip Hollobone an easier run.

And they will not put up a candidate against the Brexit-backing Labour MP for Vauxhall, Kate Hoey.

Mr Nuttall told the Birmingham Mail: 'If there is a Brexiteer with a slender majority and there is the opportunity that they will lose the seat to a remainer, then the UKIP branch will indeed be asked if it is a good idea to stand aside.

'We are talking tens of seats, not hundreds.'

He added: 'Someone like David Nuttal in Bury North. I think it would be counterproductive if UKIP stood and stopped David Nuttall from being re-elected, or indeed someone like Kate Hoey.'

The comments came after he formally officially launched the party's election campaign.

The event in central London was briefly disrupted by protesters who managed to get inside the venue and shouted condemnation about Ukip's attitude to Muslims.

Ukip will also not field a candidate in Vauxhall in south London against Labour Brexiteer Kate Hoey

Taking to the stage after they had been ejected, Mr Nuttall insisted Brexit was a job 'half done' and declared 'we are only half way through the war'.

Accusing Mrs May of 'flagrant opportunism' in calling a snap election, he insisted the Ukip would fight it with 'vigour'.

'We also believe that a whopping Conservative majority will only serve to put Brexit in peril,' he said.

'Hordes of Tory lobby fodder will allow the Prime Minister to backslide safe in the knowledge that she has the votes banked.

'We are not convinced that the Prime Minister, who campaigned to Remain in the referendum, will get the deal the British people want.

'She is already beginning to backslide on immigration, with the Government now telling us that immigration will run at today's level for the next decade.

'She has said nothing to guarantee our waters and protect our fishermen and she will not rule out paying a huge divorce bill once we have left the European Union.'

Stating that his party will fight to put Ukip MPs into the House of Commons, he said: 'Anyone hoping that Ukip is going to fade away from the political scene is going to be bitterly disappointed over the next few weeks and, I predict, confounded over the next few years.

At the launch in London today, Mr Nuttal dismissed claims that Ukip will only field 100 candidates on June 8 - but admitted that it would stand aside in seats where there was already a strong Brexiteer in the running

'We have a great opportunity in this election because it is an election on Ukip's turf. It is a Brexit election.'

Setting out details of what will be in Ukip's 'bold and radical' manifesto, Mr Nuttall said the party would be fighting for 'the kind of Brexit people voted for', involving regaining control of borders, freedom to strike trade deals and a refusal to pay any 'divorce bill' to the EU.

Ukip will promise to cut the foreign aid budget and plough the proceeds into the NHS, with a commitment to keep the health service in public hands and free at the point of delivery.

The party will campaign for an English Parliament, the abolition of the House of Lords and the scrapping of the first-past-the-post voting system in favour of proportional votes for Westminster elections.

And it will tackle the 'repulsive' practice of female genital mutilation and insist that people must not cover their faces in public places - effectively a ban on Muslim women wearing the burka.

Mr Hollobone welcomed the news that Ukip would not be standing against him.

'I share Kettering UKIP's desire for a clean Brexit and am delighted that they will not be running a candidate against me,' he said.

'We all worked hard together for Brexit, being jointly committed to this as being in the best long term interests of the country. 'As this has become a Brexit election, I pay tribute to Jonathan Bullock and Kettering UKIP's integrity in making this decision.'

The event in central London today was briefly disrupted by protesters who managed to get inside the venue and shouted condemnation about Ukip's attitude to Muslims

Ukip officials struggled to eject the protesters before Mr Nuttall took to the stage today
Next time you're stuck in traffic complaining about your commute remember it could be a lot worse.

You could have a 5,000 pound rhino charging at you.

Terrifying footage has emerged showing the huge horned beast rampaging down a street in southern Nepal town of Hetauda.

Two unfortunate motorcyclists can be seen fleeing the beast in front of it, while screams and panicked shouts can be heard in the background.

A crowd of curious onlookers can be seen following the beast at a distance.

One person was reportedly killed and three others wounded in the attack. It is unclear whether or not the rhinoceros survived.

The greater one-horned rhino was nearly driven to extinction in the early 20th century but rigorous conservation efforts have seen its numbers bounce back.

The 5,000 pound beast charges down the street at a motorcycle, who speeds away

A crowd of worried onlookers can be heard screaming and shouting in the background

Anti poaching efforts have also helped boost their numbers. In Nepal's Chitwan National Park there are 1,100 soldiers patrolling 24/7 to deter poachers.

There are now 3,555 rhinos scattered throughout north east India and Nepal.

However there have been several incidences of rhinos rampaging through small Nepali towns - partly due to urban expansion.
PC Graeme Thornhill has been sacked from Nottinghamshire Police

A police officer who sprayed a father with CS gas as he rushed his sickle cell anaemia-suffering son to hospital has been sacked.

PC Graeme Thornhill, 34, also beat the terrified father across the thighs with a police baton and kicked him as he lay face-down on a grass verge.

Yesterday, he was found guilty of gross misconduct for using 'excessive and disproportionate force' and dismissed from his job as a Nottinghamshire police officer.

During the hearing, the victim accused the former officer of being racist, which PC Thornhill denied, although the ethnicity of the father was not revealed.

A panel held at Nottinghamshire Police headquarters heard how the victim was taking his son to Queen's Medical Centre, Nottinghamshire, at around 1am on November 26, 2014.

The boy, who suffers from sickle cell anaemia - a serious condition where red blood cells can't carry sufficient oxygen - was experiencing 'excruciating pain'.

The father, who has not been named, was driving on Western Boulevard, Nottinghamshire, when PC Thornhill pulled him over for 'erratic driving'.

The panel heard how, despite changing lanes, the victim stayed within the speed limit.

The victim said his pleas to let him take his son to hospital 'seemed to go on deaf ears.'

He added he stopped driving as soon as he noticed the police car.

He said: 'I was quite relieved at the time that it was police. I immediately got out of the car to advise them I've got a sick child in the car and that I need to get to hospital.

'I walked up towards the police car. Two police officers were out of the car coming towards me. I said I've got my son who I need to get to hospital with a crisis.

'I got back in the vehicle. I went to close the door to continue my journey and PC Thornhill pulled the door out of my hands so I wasn't able to close it.

'I then asked him: "Am I under arrest?" and he said: "No you're not", and started shouting: "Get out of the car". I said you can see I need to take my son to hospital, he's got a serious medical condition and it's life-threatening.

'It seemed to go on deaf ears. I asked him again: "Am I under arrest" and he proceeded to grab the right arm of my jacket.

'I started to get out of the car. The police officer then proceeded to spray me in the face with CS gas or pepper spray.

'Before I knew it, I could feel blows which could only be a baton or truncheon of the police officer on myself.'

Speaking at the disciplinary hearing, which lasted four days, the officer claimed that the victim was aggressive and failed to show a driving licence.

The victim admitted that he had refused to give the officer his name, and that he had refused to get out the car three times before the CS gas was used.

The father was making his way to the Queen's Medical Centre Hospital in Nottingham when the incident occured

PC Thornhill said: 'Throughout he demonstrated behaviour and mannerisms that posed a risk to our safety and his self and any other members of the public that came into the vicinity and he required controlling.'

He said that he sprayed the CS gas in the victim's face, and took 'three swings at him' with his baton, as he feared for his own safety.

He added: 'The first bounced off him. I thought he was made of steel but it is clear now I think it hit the steering wheel.

'I shouted get out now as I struck him but he did absolutely nothing.

'My goal was to strike him, his hands to come over to the source of pain and pull him out of the vehicle. I struck him a third time and he was still in the car.

'It was the one thing I did not want to do, but I had run out of options, so I had to reach inside the vehicle and grab hold of him.'

The officer then hit him again when he was lying face down on a grass verge, in order to get both the victim's hands out to apply handcuffs.

PC Thornhill, who has served with Nottinghamshire Police for 12 years, admitted that he had never noticed the child in the backseat, and claims that the man only made it clear that hospital treatment was needed after he had been handcuffed.

However, PC Claire Reeves, who was with him at the time, told the panel she heard the man mention sickle cell anemia and noticed the child in the car.

She also claimed that the victim was 'aggressive and unreasonable'.

Speaking after the hearing, PC Thornhill admitted that he is considering appealing against his dismissal to the Police (Discipline) Appeals Tribunal.

He also said he may complain to the Independent Complaints Commission.

He said: 'I have 12 years of exemplary, dedicated service to the people of Nottinghamshire, and a proven history of adopting a constantly proactive presence to keep our streets safe.

'I am disappointed by the findings of the panel, which appeared directly contrary to all of the hard, factual evidence laid before them.

'I maintained the police values of honesty and integrity throughout the hearing, and incredibly, I received criticism for the extent and detail of the evidence which I provided.

'I am incredibly concerned about the effect this outcome is already beginning to have on the service the public receive from officers from Nottinghamshire Police, who are upset and demoralised by the result and the lack of attention paid to the evidence presented.

'The personal safety of police officers and the necessary, lawful justification for their actions has now been proven to be of little importance in the context of complaints made against them, by those with whom they interact on a daily basis.

'If I was confronted with the same behaviour today I would not have changed (the way I acted).'

Detective superintendent Paul Murphy, the head of the Professional Standards Directorate of Nottinghamshire Police, said: 'The question of reasonable use of force is one faced by frontline police officers every day.

'Officers are rightly equipped with the personal protective equipment to do their job as safely as possible.

'I have confidence in the ability of operational officers to make reasonable quick time decisions to minimise risk.

'PC Thornhill lacked the skills to communicate effectively with a stressed and anxious member of the public through dialogue.

'We have had to work hard to regain the trust of those directly affected by this incident. PC Thornhill's actions are a discredit to the force and his colleagues who work to keep our communities safe.'
A Spanish ship has entered Gibraltar waters for the third time.

The P78 Cazadora, from the Spanish navy's Descubierta Class, deliberately entered the northern side of the Bay of Gibraltar at around 9am this morning.

The ship has now left the waters.

The news comes just two weeks after the Royal Navy HMS Scimitar intercepted the Infanta Cristina off the Gibraltar coast.

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A Spanish ship has entered Gibraltar waters for the third time in six weeks. The P78 Cazadora entered from the northern side of the Bay of Gibraltar

It is unknown if the ship has been chased out. The news comes just two weeks after the Royal Navy HMS Scimitar intercepted the Infanta Cristina off the Gibraltar coast

A UK Government Spokesperson said: 'The Royal Navy challenges all unlawful maritime incursions into British Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW)  and did so again on this occasion.

'We back this up by making formal diplomatic protests to the Spanish government.

'We take these actions to defend our sovereignty over British Gibraltar Territorial Water.'

The HMS Scimitar has chased away the Infanta Cristina twice this month - on April 4 and April 13.

Even though it is the first time the P78 Cazadora has entered Gibraltar waters since the dispute over Article 50, it has done so before.

Disputes between Gibraltar and Spain over the waters are frequent but the latest comes after the territory became involved in Britain's exit from the European Union.

After Article 50 was triggered by Theresa May on March 29, Spain renewed calls to reclaim 'The Rock', despite overwhelming opposition from the people of Gibraltar.

The application of any EU-UK trade deal to Gibraltar had to be agreed between Britain and Spain, according to an EU draft position published earlier this month.

May issued a statement saying London was 'steadfast' in its commitment to the territory.

Disputes between Gibraltar and Spain over the waters are frequent but the latest comes after the territory took centre stage in the wrangling over Britain's exit from the European Union

May issued a statement saying London was 'steadfast' in its commitment to the territory. Former Conservative leader Michael Howard said the Prime Minister would be willing to go to war to protect the territory

At the start of April, former Conservative Leader Michael Howard backed Mrs May by saying she would be prepared to go to war to defend the territory.

Yesterday, Gibraltar's chief minister Fabian Picardo said he is confident the Prime Minister will support the territory.

He said: 'The next prime minister of the United Kingdom ... will continue to stand by the people of Gibraltar and continue to ensure that the sovereignty of Gibraltar is secure.

Spanish ships enter Gibraltar waters frequently when tensions between Britain and France escalate. The P78 Cazadora entered Gibraltar waters in October 2013

'The British people would judge very harshly a prime minister or any other minister in the British cabinet who at the last minute lets down the people of Gibraltar'.

During tensions between Britain and Spain in October 2013, the ship entered the territory's waters.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon told the BBC's Andrew Marr: 'Were going to look after Gibraltar.

Yesterday, Gibraltar's chief minister Fabian Picardo said the Prime Minister would do all they could to protect the territory. He said: 'The next prime minister of the United Kingdom ... will continue to stand by the people of Gibraltar'

'Gibraltar is going to be protected all the way because the sovereignty cannot be changed without the agreement of the people of Gibraltar.'

Donald Tusk has also proposed a veto for Spain over any decisions that affect Gibraltar.

Gibraltar was captured by Britain in 1704 and ceded to Britain in 1713 under the treaty.

In a 2002 referendum, Gibraltarians rejected by 98 percent a proposal for joint British-Spanish sovereignty.
The moments leading up to a criminal dumping two illegal handguns in a wheelie bin in a bid to smuggle them to a 'serious' London gang were captured on CCTV.

Kawayne Roberts walked the guns wrapped in newspaper through Bristol on October 5 last year and then dumped them in a bin before going to meet Kerelle Carl Raymond-Nicholson.

The gang member had arrived in Bristol that day from London to pick up the weapons.

Kawayne Roberts carries the shoe box in a bag containing the handguns through Bristol

Kawayne Roberts (left) walked the guns wrapped in newspaper through Bristol on October 5 last year and then dumped them in a bin before going to meet Kerelle Carl Raymond-Nicholson (right)

The pair spent 90 minutes walking around Bristol. Unknown to them police officers had been watching and had already seized the guns.

When Kawayne Roberts, 22, and Carl Raymond-Nicholson, 21, went to pick up the guns in Bristol city centre, detectives were in lying wait.

On Friday Roberts, Raymond-Nicholson and two other men, Kavell Gayle, 22, and Oladele Adeniran, 25, were jailed for their part in trying to smuggle the guns to other gangsters.

Another conspirator, Kiaran Greenwood, had his sentencing delayed until a later date.

CCTV caught Roberts dumping the guns in a bin before going to meet Kerelle Carl Raymond-Nicholson (pictured together)

On Friday Roberts, Raymond-Nicholson and two other men, Kavell Gayle, 22, and Oladele Adeniran, 25, (left) were jailed for their part in trying to smuggle the guns to other gangsters. Another conspirator, Kiaran Greenwood (right), had his sentencing delayed until a later date

The men were sentenced at Bristol Crown Court for conspiring to possess the guns with intent to cause fear of unlawful violence between September and October last year.

All were involved in the plot, believed to have been orchestrated by two prison inmates, to move the two guns from Bristol to London.

Judge Michael Longman said: '[This was a] particularly serious offence involving handguns.

'The purpose of this conspiracy was to move what were in fact two dangerous and potentially-lethal weapons into the hands of serious criminals.'

Greenwood, 29, and Adeniran, 25, from London, were cell mates in Lewes Prison in Sussex when they began the conspiracy.

Kawayne Roberts walked the guns wrapped in newspaper through Bristol on October 5 last year and then dumped them in a bin before going to meet Kerelle Carl Raymond-Nicholson

The gang member had arrived in Bristol that day from London to pick up the weapons (pictured)

Judge Longman said Greenwood was either the owner of the weapons or knew of their whereabouts, and the pair decided to transport the guns to London.

Using an illegal phone belonging to Adeniran, the three other men were drafted in.

Roberts was jailed for three years and six months for his role in the gun conspiracy and a further six months for possession of a machete and driving with no insurance or licence in a previous incident.

Judge Longman said: 'You agreed to help move these guns on behalf of others. It's submitted that you were a cog, rather than a mastermind.

'You were an important part of the machine that would not have worked without you.'

Raymond-Nicholson was jailed for three years and seven months for his role as the man tasked with moving the guns from Bristol to London.

The handguns were found by police in a shoe box wrapped in copies of the Bristol Post and dumped in a bin

The men were sentenced at Bristol Crown Court for conspiring to possess the guns with intent to cause fear of unlawful violence between September and October last year

The court heard that Raymond-Nicholson had never been involved in any crime before and that his family were shocked when he was arrested.

Kavell Gayle was jailed for four years. The judge said he had looked after the guns at his home but later decided he did not want to keep them and they were removed.

Oladele Adeniran was jailed for eight years after the judge said he believed he was the gun buyer.

Gayle, Raymond-Nicholson and Roberts all admitted the offence but Adeniran was convicted by a jury.

Kiaran Greenwood's sentencing was delayed until a later date.
A security exercise ended in tragedy when a Colombian corrections officer was run over by a bus in front of hundreds of students.

German Andrade was taking part in a drill to show how to respond to an attack on a prison transfer.

He plays the part of a wounded officer, and falls to the ground as fellow officers rush to cover around him, responding to 'gunfire'.

But as the bus meant to evacuate the group pulls up it runs over Andrade, who's still lying wounded on the ground.

Hundreds of students watched as the gruesome spectacle unfolded.

Andrade, a 19-year veteran of Colombia's prison service was rushed to hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Local media reported he was at the school so he could reach the rank of lieutenant.

The exercise was designed to show students how to safely transfer a wanted prisoner

But a fake 'attack' breaks out and German Andrade has to lie 'injured' on the ground

Colombia's National Penitentiary and Prison Institute confirmed the incident had taken place and said an investigation was underway.

In a statement they added: 'It's important to note that these type of theoretical and practical exercises form part of the required curriculum.'

Colombia's Correction's Officer Union said they were mourning the loss of German Andrade.

The prison bus appears to evacuate him but doesn't see Andrade and runs over him

Hundreds of corrections officer students look on in horror as the incident unfolds before them

They said they hoped the investigation would establish how exactly the bizarre accident happened.

They added: 'We give our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and work colleagues.'
Jeremy Corbyn hit the campaign trail with his wife Laura Alvarez today as he made a personal plea to young voters to stand up and be counted on June 8.

Ms Alvarez, who is rarely seen in public with her husband, applauded Mr Corbyn's speech at a rally in east London.

She was sat with actress Maxine Peake for the event in Bethnal Green and Bow at which the Labour leader tried to persuade young voters not to let 'apathy and resignation' hand power back to the PM.

In a speech billed as his most personal yet, Mr Corbyn said his 30 years in politics had proven to him a new form of power was needed.

He claimed Mrs May's call for as many votes as possible to help her with Brexit was a sign of 'weakness' and insisted if he pulls off an improbable win he will hand power to the people.

Mr Corbyn appears on track for one of Labour's worst ever defeats and while he campaigned in safe territory today, Mrs May is bidding to win over voters in Scotland.

Mexican-born Ms Alvarez is Mr Corbyn's third wife. She appeared at his first campaign event last week and turned up to Labour's autumn conference last year but she is not expected to play a major role in the campaign.

Jeremy Cobrbyn (pictured making his speech today) campaigned in East London today, visiting Bethnal Green and Bow, which Labour won by 24,000 last time

Jeremy Corbyn's wife Laura Alvarez Jeremy Corbyn's wife Laura Alvarez sat with actress Maxine Peake (pictured right) for Labour campaign event in Bethnal Green and Bow

Ms Alvarez, who is rarely seen in public with her husband, applauded Mr Corbyn's speech at a rally in east London

Mr Corbyn highlighted figures showing 2.4 million young people missing from the electoral register and a turnout rate of just 40 per cent among 18 to 24 year olds, who he told to 'claim your future'.

Mr Corbyn said: 'The Conservatives are more than happy with this state of affairs.

'Apathy and resignation will secure them seats on election day.

'It's not that our young people don't have the energy and talent to succeed. Our country is full of potential.

'But something hangs on people's lips - though it typically goes unspoken. It's the unheard story of why so many of us are scaling back our hopes and dreams in favour of just getting by.

'It's the reason why this country is unable to unleash its potential.

'Because as families, communities - entire regions - we are all being held back.

'Don't let the Conservatives hold you back.

'Don't let the Conservatives hold Britain back.

'Quite simply, only the Labour Party can deliver a Britain for the many, not the few.'

Mrs May's event in Leeds East on Thursday was held in a constituency the Tory Party has never won.

Labour won a huge majority there in 2015 but the constituency backed Brexit by 63 per cent.

The Prime Minister was condemned by the current MP, shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon, for making her speech surrounded by Tory activists instead of local people invited from the area.

In his speech Mr Corbyn (pictured making his address today) warned apathy could hand the Tories power on June 8

Mr Corbyn made what was billed as a deeply personal speech on the campaign trail today as he reflected on his 30 years as a campaigner

The Labour leader was on safe ground at today's speech, held in one of Labour's safest constituencies anywhere in Britain

Mr Corbyn (pictured arriving for his speech today) said the Conservatives were holding Britain back in a personal stump speech in east London

Mr Corbyn also accused the Conservatives of preparing to deliver a 'Brexit for the few' which will only benefit the super-rich and big corporations.

He said the Tories' 'friends and backers' have a 'get out of jail free card' and will benefit from Theresa May's plans to hand tax cuts to the rich while at the same time she erodes workers' rights and environmental protections enshrined in EU law.

'This General Election, more than any I have previously fought, will define our times,' he is expected to say.

'Make no mistake, a Brexit for the few is now brewing.

'One where any money saved is handed out as tax cuts to the super-rich and their corporations.

'Where new trade deals with the US and elsewhere are used to drive down our working conditions, and environmental and food standards.

'Do you think personal prospects of the Conservatives' friends and backers will suffer following the kind of Brexit they want to see? Do you think their lives will get harder as wages slide and jobs become even less secure?

'Unlikely, I think you'll agree. And that's because the Conservatives' backers can afford to opt out when things go wrong. They've been doing it for decades.

'In truth, they always have a get out of jail free card while this Government is at the controls.'

Theresa May took her campaign to Leeds on Thursday night and is due to campaign in Scotland later. She greeted voters on the streets of her home constituency this morning (pictured)

Mrs May's public campaigning will be seen as an attempt to halt criticism her entire campaign is being carried on in tightly controlled private rallies

Conservative Party chairman Sir Patrick McLoughlin said: 'At this election there is a very clear choice on the ballot paper.

'Do you want Theresa May to protect Britain's interests through Brexit and beyond - or the weak, floundering and nonsensical Jeremy Corbyn who doesn't even have the confidence of three quarters of his own MPs?

'Only Theresa May can offer the strong and stable leadership our country needs with 27 EU countries lining up to oppose us.

'Jeremy Corbyn - propped up by Lib Dems and SNP - would bring grave uncertainty and risk to our growing economy. Ordinary working people will be the ones who pay the price with higher taxes, more debt and fewer jobs.

'There is only one way of being sure of getting the strong and stable leadership we need at this serious moment for our country - and that's by voting for Theresa May and her local Conservative candidates on June 8.'
French presidential hopeful Emmanuel Macron stood alongside a survivor of a horrific Nazi massacre to lay flowers at the scene of the atrocity.

Campaigning alongside his wife, Brigitte Trogneux, Macron visited Oradour sur Glane, where 642 people were massacred by the Nazis in 1944.

He laid flowers at the scene of the killings alongside survivor Robert Hebras.

The massacre was carried out on June 10 1944 by officers from the Waffen-SS.



Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Trogneux on the campaign trail in Oradour sur Glane today

Macron (right) and Robert Hebras (left), one of the survivors of the Oradour-sur-Glane massacre, place flowers at ruins in the village

Macron at the municipal cemetery, in Oradour-sur-Glane France, in front of the grave memorial to the inhabitants exterminated by The Waffen-SS at Oradour-sur-Glane during the Second World War

Macron pictured speaking the mayor of Oradour-sur-Glane, Philippe Lacroix (left) and alongside his wife (right)

Emmanuel Macron, flanked by mayor of Poiitiers Alain Claeys, shakes hand with a voter on today's visit to a farmer's market

The French presidential hopeful argued that leaving the EU would spell the end for French farming

THE MASSACRE AT ORADOUR-SUR-GLANE: 642 KILLED BY THE SS Oradour-sur-Glane was the site of the atrocity on June 10 1944, when 642 inhabitants including women and children were rounded up and executed by Waffen-SS officers. The massacre was carried out after Nazi leaders were told an SS officer was being held captive in the village. French President Charles de Gaule ordered that the original village be maintained as a permanent memorial to those killed in the atrocity. French President Charles de Gaule ordered that the original village be maintained as a permanent memorial to those killed in the atrocity People living in the village were rounded up into barns and shot with machine guns by Nazi officers Survivors recounted that victims were shot in their legs, and when they were unable to move the Nazis covered them with fuel and set the barns in which they had been shot alight. In 1953, 20 soldiers were convicted for their roles in the massacre, but five years later all were free. Advertisement

Macron is hunting for votes in rural areas where his far-right opponent has made recent inroads.

Speaking to farmers today, he defended French membership of the EU, saying leaving the bloc and its agricultural aid program would spell the end of the nation's farming.

France's membership of the EU would be called into question if Le Pen wins the presidency.

Macron made the comments at a farmers' market in the central town of Poitiers, where grain farmers complained of low-price competition from other EU countries, and vegetable farmers reported that getting loans to upgrade their equipment was difficult.

He was given a friendly welcome and was met with cries of 'good luck' from shoppers'.

But one person, a baker from the nearby town of Usseau, refused to shake his hand.

Macron, seen stroking a horse in Poitiers, is hoping to address a surge in support for Marine Le Pen in rural ares

The candidate has said he will intervene if mobile phone operators fail to install high-speed fibre optic and phone networks 'everywhere'

Le Pen has sought to appeal to people who feel left behind in rural areas, focusing on issues such as difficult access to public services, mobile phone connections and other modern conveniences.

However, in a radio interview on Saturday, the centrist Macron said that, if elected, his government would intervene directly if mobile operators fail within 18 months to install high-speed fibre optic and phone networks 'everywhere'.

'I will give them 18 months to finish these deployments, be it fibre optic or 3G/4G," he said.

Former French presidential election candidate for the right-wing Debout la France (DLF) party Nicolas Dupont-Aignan (left), flanked by French presidential election candidate for the far-right Front National (FN) party Marine Le Pen, gestures as he speaks during a joint statement at FN headquarters in Paris

Le Pen said her new campaign ally, Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, would be her prime minister if she is elected next Sunday

'If at the end of these 18 months, they have not fulfilled their responsibility, the state will substitute itself in their place to do this, within the framework of the investment plan I've decided.'

The statement was made on the day Le Pen said her new campaign ally, Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, would be her prime minister if she is elected next Sunday.

Speaking at a news conference alongside Dupont-Aignan, Le Pen said they she and the conservative will defend what now becomes their shared program 'hand-in-hand'.

Dupont-Aignan got nearly 1.7 million votes in the April 23 first-round ballot - 4.7 percent of the total.

Le Pen celebrated his backing as the creation of 'a great patriotic and republican alliance'.

He said: 'It's a historic day because we are putting France's interests before personal or partisan ones.'
Japanese prime minister Sinzo Abe, pictured during his London visit, has branded North Korea a 'grave threat' after a failed missile test closed down the Tokyo subway

The Japanese prime minister branded North Korea a 'grave threat' during his visit to London, after a missile test closed down the Tokyo subway.

Shinzo Abe called the failed test 'absolutely unacceptable' and a 'grave threat to our country', as he spoke at the end of his three-day visit to Russia and Britain.

One of Tokyo's major subways systems shut down all lines for 10 minutes after receiving warning of a North Korean missile launch.

Tokyo Metro official Hiroshi Takizawa says the temporary suspension affected 13,000 passengers this morning.

Service was halted on all nine lines at 6:07 am and was resumed at 6:17 am after it was clear there was no threat to Japan.

Takizawa said it was the first time service had been stopped in response to a missile launch.

Train services are generally suspended in Japan immediately after large earthquakes.

The transport shutdown came after a North Korean missile test failed this morning.

The ballistic missile was fired to the northeast around 5:30 a.m. from the Pukchang area, north of Pyongyang, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga.

All nine lines of Tokyo's subway system were suspended for ten minutes after recieving warning of a North Korean missile launch. The suspended service affected 13,000 people

It was the first time a service had been stopped in response to a missile launch. Trains are generally suspended after large airports

The trains were suspended after North Korea failed this morning. The service returned to normal when it became clear that there was no threat to Tokyo

A ballistic missile was fired to the northeast around 5:30 a.m. from the Pukchang area, north of Pyongyang. The missile is believed to have failed and was condemned by the U.N security council

He said firing a missile would be 'a clear violation of U.N. security council resolutions.'

He added that Japan 'cannot accept repeated provocation by North Korea' and had 'lodged a strong protest against North Korea.'

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff says the missile flew for several minutes and reached a maximum height of 44 miles before it failed.

South Korea says it's still analyzing what type of missile the North fired.

The missile reached a height of 44 miles before it failed and fell back to earth, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. North Korea have reiterated their goal to acquire a nuclear capability capable of reaching the United States

After their meeting on Friday, Theresa May said Japan and the UK 'stand steadfast in our condemnation of such destabilising activity' and said the nuclear and missile tests are a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

She said they will continue with international partners to maintain pressure on North Korea and work towards a peaceful solution to rising tensions in the region and across the world.'

Mr Abe said: 'Now is the time for nations who share basic values to unite. The international community must display solidarity,' he added, stressing that he and Mrs May share this 'strong resolve'.

Following what he hopes will be a 'smooth and successful Brexit', Mr Abe said: 'It is my strong hope that a global United Kingdom will play a proactive role in addressing the various challenges which the international community is faced with.'

Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende said Saturday on Twitter that 'new missile test violates SC (Security Council) resolution. Urgent need for common action to reduce tension.'

Norway, which is not a current member of the Security Council, is a founding member of the United Nations and has always considered the body as a cornerstone in its foreign policy.

France's U.N. ambassador says the U.N. Security Council is 'mobilized' and unanimous on the need to denuclearize North Korea.

The U.N. Security Council is 'mobilized' and unanimous on the need to denuclearize North Korea, according to France's U.N. ambassador. Pictured, file photo of North Korean ballistic missile

Francois Delattre said while there were 'nuances' on policy to be worked out among council members, there is unanimity on the need for North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons.

North Korea's state media has reiterated the country's goal of developing a nuclear missile capable of reaching the continental United States.

The Rodong Sinmun newspaper said today that the North revealed two types of new intercontinental ballistic missiles in an April 15 military parade honoring its late state founder, Kim Il Sung, the grandfather of current ruler Kim Jong Un.

The parade featured previously unseen large rocket canisters and launcher trucks.

Francois Delattre said here is unanimity on the need for North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons. Pictured, a file photo of North Korean ballistic rockets

It said: 'The large territory that is the United States has been entirely exposed to our pre-emptive nuclear strike means.'

Referring to the United States sending the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to Korean waters, the newspaper said that 'rendering aircraft carriers useless is not even a problem' for its military.

The newspaper says that the North displayed three types of ICBMs during the parade, including two new types that were inside the canisters.

Analysts say the North's existing liquid-fuel ICBMS, including the KN-08 and KN-14, are potentially capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, although the North has never flight tested them.

Mr Abe also extended his 'heartfelt condolences' to the victims of the London terror atrocity in Westminster bridge last month, carried out by Khalid Masood.

He said he condemns such 'atrocious and despicable' acts.

'Japan will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the UK and the international community to continue our battle against terrorism,' he said.
An ISIS supporter who posted videos on Instagram calling for terror attacks on Christians has been jailed for four years.

Akeem Samuels, 22, openly promoted Islamic State and mocked the 49 victims of the Orlando terror attack who were shot dead at a gay nightclub in June.

He also posed as Osama bin Laden in a bulletproof vest and posted horrific images of decapitated bodies.

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Akeem Samuels, 22, openly promoted Islamic State and mocked the 49 victims of the Orlando terror attack who were shot dead at a gay nightclub in June

He threatened non-Muslim users with a picture of a hooded man and the message: 'We are your worst nightmare kuffar [unbelievers]'.

Samuels was arrested in August last year after counter-terrorism officers spotted some of the extremist messages while monitoring social media.

Samuels, who came to the UK from Jamaica as a child and converted to Islam in his teens, later admitted encouraging terrorism and stirring up hatred on Instagram between 31 December 2015 and 14 August 2016.

The Common Serjeant of London, judge Richard Marks QC, told him: 'The more support an organisation such as ISIS gets the more dangerous it will be and the further it will be prepared to go in furthering its aims and objectives.

'That is why offending such as this is so serious and why there needs to be a deterrent element to the sentence.

'This defendant posted a variety of communications intending they should encourage others to prepare or instigate acts of terrorism.

'The homicidal loathing of homosexual men by IS is well known and I am sure the posting of this message [about the Orlando attacks] was clearly intended to foment that irrational hatred.

He also posed as Osama bin Laden (pictured in Afghanistan before he was killed) in a bulletproof vest

'It is absolutely clear he held and still holds entrenched jihadi views. He offers not one word of apology or contrition.'

The court heard Samuels used a Virtual Private Network in an attempt to hide his IP address and identity while making the postings, which were open to anyone to view.

In December 2015 he posted a picture of a hooded mad with an ISIS flag covering the face and the message 'We are your worst nightmare kuffar'.

Another image showed a picture of a forearm being cut with a knife and the message: 'Shi'ism - cut it out before it spreads'.

In January 2016 he posted screenshots of proclamations by the leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Soon after the Orlando massacre by Omar Mateen on 12 June last year, Samuels posted a video recording featuring his own voice saying in a mocking voice: 'All these hypocrites have started to come out "he's not from my religion, Islam doesn't practice that, Islam doesn't say you shoot gay people".

A man lays down 50 roses to honor victims of the shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando during a vigil at New York's Stonewall Inn

'The gays got punished by Sharia, killed, thrown off buildings by Sharia.'

Prosecutor Robin Sellers said: 'This is referring to the Orlando shootings at the gay nightclub and is this defendant suggesting that those who decry these shootings "not in my name" were in fact hypocrites because they were not adhering to Sharia law.'

Samuels also posted a fatwa by extremist Anwar al-Awlaki and a picture of knives with the claim that they were 'sharp enough to cut coconuts' - a derogatory term for a person who is black on the outside but white on the inside.

Two days before his arrest he posted a picture of a man holding the Islamic flag in his right hand with one finger of his left hand raised in an ISIS salute, and the message: 'I give the judgement that their warriors should be killed and their women and children should be taken as prisoners.'

One of the last posts before his arrests contained a silhouette of four people with machine guns and the message: 'Fight those who do not believe in Allah.'

People hold candles during an evening memorial service for the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shootings on June 13, 2016

The prosecutor said: 'This was clear encouragement when you look at it in the context of other material.'

Among the images found on his phone and laptop included a mock beheading of President Obama, the ISIS flag in Westminster and pictures of beheaded men.

One picture showed Samuels copying the pose of Osama Bin Laden in one of his famous photos.

Samuels has previous convictions for battery, possession of heroin and possession of cannabis between April 2009 and May 2010.

The court heard he was unemployed at the time of his arrest and spent most of his time online.

Samuels, of Proctor House in Picton Street, Camberwell, southeast London, admitted seven charges of encouraging terrorism and two counts of distributing material to stir up hatred on the grounds of religion or sexual orientation.
The sedative midazolam is supposed to prevent condemned prisoners from suffering while they die, but opponents say several problematic executions involving the drug are evidence that it does not work consistently.

They raised new concerns after an execution Thursday in Arkansas left the prisoner convulsing and pressing against his restraints.

The drug, normally a surgical sedative, was first used by Florida in 2013 as part of that state's lethal injection protocol after drugmakers began clamping down on the use of other drugs such as sodium thiopental or pentobarbital. Midazolam has also been used in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Ohio and Oklahoma.

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The sedative midazolam has been used in problematic executions described by witnesses

Associated Press reporters who have witnessed problematic executions that involved midazolam describe what they saw:

DENNIS McGUIRE: Executed January 16, 2014, in Ohio. Witnessed by AP writer Andrew Welsh-Huggins.

After Dennis McGuire appeared to lapse into unconsciousness, he began gasping and snorting. His stomach rose and fell, and his mouth opened and shut repeatedly for portions of the first 16 minutes.

Dennis McGuire (pictured) was executed with the use of midazolam on January 16, 2014. McGuire began gasping and snorting during his execution that lasted 26 minutes

He then lay motionless for about 10 minutes, after which he was declared dead. It was unclear to those present, including an AP reporter, if McGuire was experiencing pain. But it was clearly one of the most unorthodox-looking executions in state history.

His 26-minute execution remains the longest since Ohio resumed putting inmates to death in 1999.

The execution was unusual to begin with because of the state's ongoing difficulty finding drugs. Ohio had run out of pentobarbital, which it used successfully as a single, lethal dose for several executions in the past few years.

For McGuire, the state planned on a two-drug combination of midazolam, a sedative, and hydromorphone, a painkiller. This method had never been used anywhere in the US for executions. McGuire had been sentenced to die for raping and fatally stabbing a pregnant newlywed in 1989.

Beforehand, expert witnesses for lawyers challenging the procedure warned that McGuire could experience what's known as 'air hunger', which could cause him to suffer 'agony and terror' while struggling to catch his breath.

Ohio has not carried out an execution since. The federal courts are currently weighing the state's new, three-drug protocol, which begins with midazolam.

CLAYTON LOCKETT: Executed April 29, 2014, in Oklahoma. Witnessed by AP writer Sean Murphy.

Clayton Lockett's execution left the inmate writhing and clenching his teeth inside the death chamber at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. His movements led prison officials to halt the proceedings before his eventual death about 43 minutes after the procedure began.

In what was originally scheduled to be a double execution, Lockett, 38, was declared unconscious 10 minutes after receiving the midazolam, the first of the state's new three-drug lethal injection. Three minutes later, though, he began breathing heavily, writhing, clenching his teeth and straining to lift his head off the pillow.

Clayton Lockett's execution on April 29, 2014, left him writhing and clenching his teeth on the gurney inside the death chamber

The blinds were lowered to prevent those in the viewing gallery from watching what was happening in the death chamber. It was the first time Oklahoma used midazolam as the first element in its execution drug combination. Other states had used it before. Florida administers 500 milligrams of midazolam as part of its three-drug combination. Oklahoma used 100 milligrams.

An investigation later revealed that a single intravenous line in Lockett's groin was improperly set and covered with a sheet, resulting in some of the lethal drugs leaking onto the floor and being injected into Lockett's tissue instead of directly into his bloodstream.

The state resumed executions in January 2015 with the lethal injection of Charles Warner and was just moments away from executing another inmate, Richard Glossip, in September 2015 when it was determined the wrong drug was delivered to the prison for Glossip's execution. An inquiry later revealed the same wrong drug was used to execute Charles Warner.

A moratorium on executions has been in place in Oklahoma since October 2015 while the state develops new execution protocols. Meanwhile, 15 death row inmates have exhausted their appeals and are awaiting execution dates.

JOSEPH WOOD: Executed on July 23, 2014, in Arizona. Witnessed by AP writer Astrid Galvan.

Joseph Rudolph Wood gasped for air, snorted and his belly inflated and deflated during the nearly two hours it took for him to die when the state of Arizona executed him.

Joseph Wood (pictured) gasped for air, snorted and his stomach inflated and deflated during the nearly two hours it took for him to die on July 23, 2014, in Arizona

Wood, a convicted double-murderer, was given a combination of midazolam and hydromorphone. Execution officials administered 14 additional doses of the two-drug combination before Wood was declared dead nearly two hours later.

Witnesses watched the entire execution, and Wood could often be heard snorting throughout, even when the microphone was off.

Wood's attorneys tried to stop the execution as it was taking place but were unable to. They said the execution was botched, a claim the state of Arizona denies. The state says it followed the proper protocols but that the two-drug combination did not go as intended.

Still, Arizona has since changed its execution protocols, agreeing in December to no longer use midazolam in executions. The agreement settled part of an ongoing lawsuit challenging the way executions are carried out in Arizona.

The state has put all executions on hold until that lawsuit is fully resolved, meaning Arizona has not carried out the death penalty since Wood's execution nearly three years ago.

RONALD BERT SMITH JR: Executed December 8, 2016, in Alabama. Witnessed by AP writer Kim Chandler.

The execution of Ronald Bert Smith Jr required two consciousness tests as the inmate heaved and coughed 13 minutes into the lethal injection.

Ronald Bert Smith Jr was executed on December 8, 2016. Smith coughed repeatedly and his chest heaved for at least 13 minutes during the execution in Alabama

Smith clenched his fists and raised his head off the pillow at the beginning of the execution in which midazolam was administered. For the next 13 minutes, he had regular loud coughing, and his chest heaved.

A corrections office gave Smith a consciousness test by brushing his eyelashes and then pinching his left arm. During the test, Smith moved his arm. After Smith began to settle, a second consciousness test was given, and he appeared to move his right arm slightly after the second test.

The meaning of those movements has been disputed by Smith's lawyers, who argued that he was never filly anesthetized. The state Department of Corrections said protocol was followed and there was no outward sign of suffering.

Alabama's next execution is scheduled for May.

JACK JONES: Executed April 24 in Arkansas. Witnessed by AP writer Andrew DeMillo.

During Jack Jones' (pictured) 14-minute execution on April 24, his chest rose and fell intermittently for the first several minutes

Condemned killer Jack Jones' 14-minute execution began after he delivered a two-minute statement and the microphone in the death chamber was turned off.

Jones' lips moved for about a minute, but nothing was audible from where an AP reporter was seated. Prison officials said Jones was speaking to the Department of Correction director when his lips were moving.

Jones' chest rose and fell intermittently for the first several minutes, and a prison official several times touched Jones' face and put a tongue depressor in the inmate's mouth.

At least four witnesses testified that they saw Jones' mouth open and close about five minutes into his execution. Attorneys for Marcel Williams, the second inmate scheduled to die that night, said that movement proved Jones' execution was torturous and inhumane. A federal judge disagreed and allowed Williams' execution to proceed.

The deaths on April 24 were the nation's first double execution in nearly 17 years.

KENNETH WILLIAMS: Executed April 27 in Arkansas. Witnessed by AP writer Kelly Kissel.

About three minutes into Kenneth Williams' execution, his chest leaped forward against the leather restraint that secured him to the stainless steel gurney. Another followed, then another.

Kenneth Williams was executed on April 27 in Arkansas. During the execution, Williams' chest leaped forward against the leather restraint that secured him to the gurney

In all, 15 came in quick succession, followed by five more at a slower pace. The entire episode took about 20 seconds. Witnesses in an adjoining room could hear something through a glass wall.

Heavy breathing - a striving for air - followed for the next three minutes. A coroner pronounced Kenneth Williams dead 13 minutes after the execution began.

A prison spokesman later told assembled media that Williams' body shook for about 10 seconds after being given midazolam.

The next morning, Governor Asa Hutchinson said at a news conference that Arkansas Department of Correction Director Wendy Kelley had described Williams' movement as 'coughing without noise'.

The Arkansas Department of Correction executed four people over eight days because the state's supply of midazolam was about to expire.
Greece's former finance minister claims he was warned by Germany that austerity policies would cripple his country - but he was forced to agree to them anyway.

In his new memoir, Yanis Varoufakis claims German finance minister Wolfgang Schauble candidly admitted to him that he would not have endorsed an EU-ordered austerity plan.

Varoufakis claimed Schauble told him: 'It's bad for your people.'

Yanis Varoufakis claims German finance minister Wolfgang Schauble candidly admitted to him that he would not have endorsed an EU-ordered austerity plan

The former Greek finance minister claims to have secretly recorded his conversations with top figures, and says his experience showed how far Germany was willing to go to protect the single currency.

During one of these conversations, he said former US president Barack Obama agreed that 'austerity sucks', but said he could do nothing to influence Germany.

German finance minister Wolfgang Schauble admitted the deal was 'bad' for Greek people, Varoufakis claims

In his new book, The Telegraph reports, the former Greek finance minister claims Germany blocked a Chinese rescue deal for Greece.

He also warned British Prime Minister Theresa May not to expect the EU to play fair during Brexit negotiations.

He told The Telegraph: 'My advice to Theresa May is to avoid negotiation at all costs. If she doesn't do that she will fall into the trap of Alexis Tsipras (former Greek prime minister), and it will end in capitulation'.

He ttempted to re-negotiate Greece's relationship with the EU, but found his actions simply provoked the anger of European leaders.

His new book is named Adults in the Room: My Battle with Europe's Deep Establishment.

In one exchange he said he asked Schauble whether he would sign up to the EU's austerity measures, to which his German counterpart responded: 'As a patriot, no. It's bad for your people.'
Donald Trump has hit out at North Korea saying Kim Jong Un 'disrespected' China following its latest failed nuclear missile launch.

US and South Korean officials said the North Korean mid-range ballistic missiles apparently failed shortly after launch in the early hours of Saturday morning.

It is the third test-fire flop just this month but a clear message of defiance as a US supercarrier conducts drills in nearby waters.

'North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!' Trump tweeted early Saturday morning.

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Trump hit out at North Korea saying Kim Jong Un 'disrespected' China and its 'highly respected' President Xi Jinping (above on April 7) following its latest failed missile launch

Trump did not answer reporters' questions about the missile launch upon returning to the White House from a day trip to Atlanta late Friday.

North Korea didn't immediately comment on the launch, though its state media on Saturday reiterated the country's goal of being able to strike the continental US. The failure would be a huge embarrassment to leader Kim Jong-un who has a history of humiliating military misfires.

Only hours earlier the United Nations Security Council held a ministerial meeting on Pyongyang's escalating weapons program. North Korean officials boycotted the meeting, which was chaired by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

It comes as the US super aircraft carrier warship, the USS Carl Vinson, was spotted sailing north of Nagasaki, Japan on Saturday local time as a show of force following the failed missile launch.

A US official said the ballistic missile, thought to be a mid-range KN-17, blew up over land before it ever reached its target of the Sea of Japan, landing around 22 miles from Pukchang airfield.

It flew for several minutes and reached a maximum height of 44 miles before it apparently failed.

The launch comes just hours after the country announced it was 'on the brink of nuclear war' as the United States stages military drills with South Korea.

The USS Carl Vinson is heading towards North Korea after Kim Jong Un carried out yet another failed missile launch

The launch comes just hours after the country announced it was 'on the brink of nuclear war'. Pictured above, North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un

North Korea has carried out yet another failed missile launch, according to the Pentagon. Pictured, a file photo released on 24 April 2016 by North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows an 'underwater test-fire of strategic submarine ballistic missile in North Korea

Earlier this week, Jong-un's army showed they were ready for war as they fired rockets and torpedoes at mock enemy warships during North Korea's 'largest ever' live-fire artillery drills on Tuesday.

Hundreds of tanks were lined up along the eastern coastal town of Wonsan in a show of military strength to celebrate 85 years since the North Korean army was created. Then on Wednesday, South Korea conducted joint military live-fire drills with the US at Seungjin fire training field in Pocheon, South Korea, near the border with North Korea.

Saturday's action by Jong un is only likely to escalate the increasingly tense relations between the US and North Korea.

Earlier Friday, North Korea's KCNA state news agency blamed America for pushing the situation to 'the brink of nuclear war' while Jong unlabeled the United States a 'blackmailing gangster' holding North Korea at 'knifepoint' by supporting its enemies and imposing economic sanctions.

On Thursday, President Trump warned a 'major, major conflict' with North Korea was possible over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, while China said the situation on the Korean peninsula could escalate or slip out of control.

President Donald Trump (pictured on Friday returning to the White House) said he wants to resolve the crisis in North Korea peacefully but a military option was not off the table

A PAC-3 Patriot missile unit is deployed against the North Korea's missile firing at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo, Saturday, April 29, after the test fire

Trump said he wanted to resolve the crisis peacefully, possibly through the use of new economic sanctions, although a military option was not off the table.

'There is a chance that we could end up having a major, major conflict with North Korea,' Trump said in an interview at the Oval Office.

'We'd love to solve things diplomatically but it's very difficult,' he said, describing North Korea as his biggest global challenge.'

Today's launch is thought to have been a more medium-range ballistic missile, the sold-fuel KN-17 fired from a mobile launcher, according to US officials. It broke up a couple minutes after the launch, and the pieces fell into the Sea of Japan.

Analysts say the KN-17 is a new Scud-type missile developed by North Korea. The North also test-fired the missile earlier this month; U.S. officials called that launch a failure.

North Korea routinely test-fires a variety of ballistic missiles, despite U.N. prohibitions, as part of its weapons development. While shorter-range missiles are somewhat routine, there is strong outside worry about each longer-range North Korean ballistic test.

US supercarrier, the USS Carl Vinson, is heading towards North Korean shores to conduct drills in nearby waters as an act of defiance after the country's missile testing

The efforts are the latest in long line of failed missile launches by North Korea - at least nine since Trump's inauguration in January.

Earlier this month, the country attempted to fire a missile, which had just been unveiled as a game-changer' intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) in a show of military might - only for the weapon to blow up four or five seconds after being launched.

THE USS CARL VINSON The USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) is the Navy's third Nimitz-class supercarrier. It is named after Georgian Congressman Carl Vinson in honor of his support of the US Navy including his Two-Ocean Navy Act of 1940, which provided for the huge shipbuilding effort in World War II. Since its launch in 1980, the ship has been deployed in Operation Desert Strike, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Southern Watch, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Most notably, Carl Vinson was the location from which the body of Osama bin Laden was buried at sea in 2011. The supercarrier also hosted the first NCAA basketball game on an aircraft carrier on Veterans Day, 2011. Advertisement

The South Korean defense ministry said it had detected the failed launch from Sinpo - where North Korea's biggest submarine base is located. It was 'presumed to be a new ICBM' as it was longer than the existing KN-08 or KN-14 missiles.

Defense secretary James Mattis said Donald Trump was 'aware' of the launch which took place just as Vice President landed in South Korea ahead of his 10-day Asia tour.

North Korea had another failed missile launch in mid-March, when the missile exploded within seconds of being launched, US officials say.

North Korea is banned from any missile or nuclear launched by the United Nations but that has not stopped it carrying out repeated tests as it attempts to improve its nuclear technology.

Friday's launch, or Saturday local time, landed near Pukchang, just north of Pyongyang, which isn't far from where the North earlier this year tested new midrange solid-fuel missiles. The launch raised concerns because they could be quickly fired from land-based mobile launchers and are harder to detect before launch.

North Korea has also test-fired from inland a powerful liquid-fuel midrange missile, which outside experts call the Musudan and which has the potential to reach U.S. military bases in Guam.

Leader Kim Jong-Un saluted his military from the top of a private car as they drove through the demonstration

More than 300 large-calibre artillery pieces were fired in the drill on Wednesday, called a 'Combined Fire Demonstration'

The exercises involved submarine torpedo-attacks on mock enemy warships, causing huge explosion

It was not clear how far the ballistic missile traveled, but a US government source told Reuters the test-fire had failed. Pictured, an undated picture released by KCNA on March 7 showing the launch of four ballistic missiles

An undated file photo made available by the North Korean Central News Agency on 07 March 2017, that shows four projectiles during a ballistic rocket launching drill of Hwasong artillery units of the Strategic Force of the Korean People's Army (KPA) at an undisclosed location

North Korea, technically still at war with the South after their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a treaty, regularly threatens to destroy the United States and says it will pursue its nuclear and missile programs to counter perceived US aggression.

But tensions between the North and United States have recently escalated with both North and South Korea conducting military exercises.

Trump took an initial hard line with Pyongyang and sent a nuclear-powered submarine and the USS Carl Vinson aircraft supercarrier to Korean waters. His diplomats have since pivoted and are now taking a softer tone.

Meanwhile, North Korean state news agency blamed the US for the increasingly strained relationship, saying: 'By staging the largest-ever aggressive joint military drills against the DPRK for the past two months after bringing all sorts of nuclear strategic assets to south Korea.' DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The agency continued: 'No one in the world welcomes a gangster blackmailing the owner with a dagger.

The US has looked to China, North Korea's biggest ally to interject in the situation.

Before meeting Chinese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the beginning of the month, Trump said if China did not intervene in North Korea, the US would 'take care of it'.

But Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said this week there was a danger that the situation on the Korean peninsula could escalate or slip out of control.

On Friday the United States and China offered starkly different strategies for addressing North Korea's escalating nuclear threat as Trump's top diplomat demanded full enforcement of economic sanctions on Pyongyang and urged new penalties. Stepping back from suggestions of U. S. military action, he even offered aid to North Korea if it ends its nuclear weapons program.

Earlier this month, North Korea unveiled 'game-changer' ballistic missiles during a display of the country's military might. This launch was also a failure

Two of the missiles thought to be dubbed North Korea's 'game changing' weapons are paraded through Kim Il-Sung square on April 15. Those same missiles exploded within seconds of being launched

The range of Tillerson's suggestions, which over a span of 24 hours also included restarting negotiations, reflected America's failure to halt North Korea's nuclear advances despite decades of U.S.-led sanctions, military threats and stop-and-go rounds of diplomatic engagement. As the North approaches the capability to hit the U.S. mainland with a nuclear-tipped missile, the Trump administration feels it is running out of time.

Chairing a ministerial meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Friday, Tillerson declared that 'failing to act now on the most pressing security issue in the world may bring catastrophic consequences.'

Tillerson said all options 'must remain the table,' while emphasizing the need for diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea.

His ideas included a ban on North Korean coal imports and preventing its overseas guest laborers, a critical source of government revenue, from sending money home. And he warned of unilateral U.S. moves against international firms conducting banned businesses with Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs, which could ensnare banks in China, the North's primary trade partner.

'We must have full and complete compliance by every country,' Tillerson said.

Yet illustrating the international gulf over how best to tackle North Korea, several foreign ministers on the 15-member council expressed fears of a conflict on the Korean Peninsula, which was divided between the American-backed South and communist North even before the 1950-53 Korean War. The conflict ended with no formal peace treaty. And while danger always has lurked, tensions have escalated dramatically as the North's young leader, Kim Jong Un, has expanded a nuclear arsenal his government says is needed to avert a U.S. invasion.

No voice at Friday's session was more important than that of China, a conduit for 90 percent of North Korea's commerce and a country Trump is pinning hopes on for a peaceful resolution to the nuclear crisis. Trump, who recently hosted President Xi Jinping for a Florida summit, has sometimes praised the Chinese leader for a newfound cooperation to crack down on North Korea and sometimes threatened a go-it-alone U.S. approach if Xi fails to deliver.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China would adhere to past U.N. resolutions and wants a denuclearized peninsula. But he spelled out no further punitive steps his government might consider, despite Tillerson's assertions in an interview hours ahead of the council meeting that Beijing would impose sanctions of its own if North Korea conducts another nuclear test.

North Korea's ballistic missiles being displayed during a military parade in Pyongyang marking the 105th anniversary of the birth of late North Korean leader and the nation's founder Kim Il-Sung earlier this month

Wang put forward a familiar Chinese idea to ease tensions: North Korea suspending its nuclear and missile activities, if the U.S. and South Korea stop military exercises in the region. Washington and Seoul reject the idea.

Amid signs of a possible North Korean nuclear test, the U.S. recently sent a group of warships led by an aircraft carrier to waters off of the Korean Peninsula. North Korea this week conducted large-scale, live-fire exercises on its eastern coast. The U.S. and South Korea also started installing a missile defense system that is supposed to be partially operational within days.

Tillerson said the US does not seek regime change in North Korea, and he signaled American openness to holding direct negotiations with Pyongyang. The US also could resume aid to North Korea once it 'begins to dismantle its nuclear weapons and missile technology programs,' he said. Since 1995, he added, Washington has provided more than $1.3 billion to the impoverished country.

But the prospects for any more U.S. money going there appeared bleak. Even negotiations don't seem likely.

Tillerson said the North must take 'concrete steps' to reduce its weapons threat before talks could occur. Six-nation nuclear negotiations with North Korea stalled in 2008. The Obama administration sought to resurrect them in 2012, but a deal to provide food aid in exchange for a nuclear freeze soon collapsed.

'In a nutshell, (North Korea) has already declared not to attend any type of talks which would discuss its nuclear abandonment, nuclear disbandment,' Kim In Ryong, North Korea's deputy U.N ambassador, told The Associated Press. His government declined to attend Friday's council meeting.

The intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), which Pyongyang claim could travel thousands of miles, have increased concerns that the secretive state is preparing for a possible attack on Washington after they were paraded during the country's Day of the Sun celebrations on April 15.

The two new kinds of ICBM were enclosed in canister launchers mounted on the back of transporter erector launcher trucks as they were paraded in front of crowds during today's festivities.

Pyongyang has yet to formally announce it has an operational ICBM but experts believe they the new rockets could be liquid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missiles, or an early prototype.

Submarine-launched ballistic missiles were also among the military hardware on show for the first time.
An acid attack survivor has married her sweetheart after he stood by her throughout treatment, while her family disowned her.

Kavita Baruni, 26, from Lucknow, in Uttar Pradesh, northern India, married love of her life Nitesh Verma, 27, after she was savagely attacked by a man she rejected.

Even though her family turned her back on her as she fought to bring her attackers to justice, Nitesh remained by her side.

The pair wed on April 17 surrounded by close friends and the medical team who helped her recover.

Acid attack survivor Kavita Baruni, 26, from Lucknow, in Uttar Pradesh, northern India, married her sweetheart Nitesh Verma, 27, after her family disowned her. Nitesh encouraged her to take her attacker to court after the acid melted her face, scalp, shoulder and hands

She was attacked by two boys in June 2012 after she rejected the advances of her neighbour Saif, 25. Kavita's parents told her if she was going to take her attacker to court, she could not live with them. Pictured, Kavita after she was attacked

She said: It was the best day of my life. Ive never felt so blessed. I married the man I have always loved and theres no better feeling than that.

My attacker believed my life was ruined and no one would marry me but my husband never left my side and supported me throughout. I cannot ever thank him enough.

Kavita met Nitesh in 2011 when the pair worked in an office together and they soon became partners.

Kavita met Nitesh in 2011 when the pair worked in an office together and they soon became partners. He encouraged her to speak out against her attackers

One of Kavitas neighbours, Saif, 25, got jealous and the office worker was attacked by two men in June 2012.

Kavita was taken to a local government hospital where doctors confirmed the acid had melted away parts of her face, scalp, shoulders and hands.

She said: I was devastated. It was a very dark time for me. I felt I had lost everything, even the hope to live. I remember the excruciating pain, but also the realisation that I had changed. I didnt look like me anymore.

I started believing nobody would accept me, I distanced myself from Nitesh, I didnt want anyone near me. But Nitesh refused to leave my side.

'During many difficult days he would still visit and spend his evenings and weekends with me. When I was down hed encourage me to fight.

Kavita reported her attackers to police after Nitesh encouraged her to speak out.

She said: Nitesh made me fight for my rights and to get justice.

He made me realise I should not allow anyone to get away with this. I became determined to see my attackers behind bars.

But Kavita's parents wanted her to stay inside and protect the familys reputation.

She said: My parents actually threw me out. The more I tried to get justice the more they were embarrassed of me.

'They said I should not step out anywhere, otherwise Ill give the family a bad name in society, and theyll be even more embarrassed.

Saif was arrested in July 2012 and spent eight months in jail until he was released on bail. Kavita said her attacker used to threaten her when she would see him. She had three surgeries to reconstruct her face

Her parents told Kavita if she took the case to court then she should leave the house.

She said: They told me to either die or leave the house. Im glad I chose the latter.

'My husband has supported me always and he supported me with this decision also. I really do not know where Id be without him.

Niteshs family was also apprehensive about accepting Kavita into the family due to her condition, but she was soon welcomed in.

Saif was arrested in July 2012 and spent eight months in jail until he was released on bail.

Plastic surgeon Dr Vivek Kumar Saxena offered to treat her for free. He reconstructed her eyebrows, hairline and eyes from 2013 to 2015. Kavita married Nitesh on April 17

After he was released I used to still see him, she said. He used to threaten me. Told me to take back the case or hed do it again but I wasnt scared of him. Nitesh got a lawyer for me and I fought for my rights.

Kavita has had three surgeries to correct her facial disfigurements. Dr Vivek Kumar Saxena, a plastic surgeon, at Diva Clinic, in Lucknow, managed to transform her face after meeting in 2013.

He said: Her face was badly damaged when I first met her, her eyebrows were gone and shed lost her female hairline. And she was very depressed. Financially she was very poor so I offered surgery free of cost.

I did three operations on her. One in 2013 to reconstruct her eyebrows, second in 2014 to reconstruct her hairline and the third in 2015 to repair her eyes.

'Slowly I watched her confidence build. Her smile finally came back.

When Kavita married Nitesh she missed the presence of her parents and felt a level of sadness they were not there to share her special day, even though her brother turned up.

I still miss them, she said. I wish I had their blessings in life but I have no regrets about my decision.

Kavita is awaiting a date for an appearance at India's Supreme Court where she will face Saif again. She struggled to find people to help with the wedding as salons refused to do her make-up

Kavita struggled to find people to help her with her wedding initially. No make-up artist would do her make-up and salons refused to offer her any wedding packages.

It was hard for me to focus on looking beautiful for my wedding. My face has changed so much but I wanted to look the best I could.

'I eventually got ready at a beauty parlour, but so many rejected me. It was very hard to hear. But I looked good in the end.

Ive started a new life now. But I want to encourage more women to stand up and fight for their rights.

'Many victims like me feel they want to die. That they can never marry. But we are not the criminals. We are the victim.

'We should not hide. We need to stand up for our rightseven if it means going against our family.

Its been four months since Kavita last faced her attacker in court.

She is now awaiting a date for an appearance at Indias Supreme Court where she will face Saif again.
A man has been arrested over the fatal stabbing of a father-of-three outside an Adelaide shopping centre.

Shaun Falkiner, 26, was arrested at a Findon property on Saturday afternoon and is expected to be charged with murder, SA Police say in a statement.

As police hunted for the killer on Saturday tensions boiled over at a makeshift memorial site.

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A manhunt was launched following the death of Alexander Watts, 25, (pictured) outside the Elizabeth Shopping Centre on Thursday night

Father-of-three Alexander Watts (pictured) was fatally stabbed in front of horrified shoppers outside the Elizabeth shopping centre in Adelaide 's north on Thursday evening

A two day manhunt was launched following the death of Mr Watts outside the Elizabeth Shopping Centre on Thursday night.

Mr Watts was treated at the scene by security officers and paramedics before being taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where he died.

Police searched properties across Adelaide and in the Riverland and Barossa Valley searching for the alleged killer.

Officers are also examining a white Holden Commodore found on Friday afternoon.

Police still want anyone who was near or travelling on bus number 441 near the yellow entrance at the Elizabeth Shopping Centre at about 6.49pm on Thursday to come forward.

Police allege Falkiner was seen fleeing the scene of the stabbing at the Elizabeth Shopping Centre on Thursday during late-night trading.

The victim, from Blakeview, was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in a critical condition after being stabbed in the chest, but subsequently died of his injuries.

Just before 3pm shouting and a scuffle broke out between and man and a woman, but security soon took control of the fracas

A small group of mourners, including the partner of Mr Watts, gathered to assemble flowers and cards at about 2pm

A woman, believed to be in a relationship with Falkiner, was also seen leaving the scene, pushing an infant in a pram.

'He has allegedly stabbed somebody last night and a warrant has been issued for murder, Superintendent Des Bray said on Friday.

'People who stab people are dangerous, that's the fact of the matter.

Supt Bray said it was believed Falkiner and Mr Watts knew each other and had been involved in an altercation earlier in the night.

The shopping centre traded as normal on Friday with people placing floral tributes at the scene of the stabbing.

But on Saturday a scuffle broke out at the makeshift memorial.

A small group of mourners, including the partner of Mr Watts, gathered to assemble flowers and cards at about 2pm.

Just before 3pm shouting and a scuffle broke out between and man and a woman, but security soon took control of the fracas.

Floral tributes are pictured for the 25-year-old father who died in the Adelaide stabbing
A dog walker was left vomiting, suffering from diarrhoea and in 'horrendous' pain after being bitten by a snake.

Gilly Thomas was out walking her dog on April 22 when she was bitten by what is believed to be an adder.

Ms Thomas said: 'I was walking the dog, not oblivious to my surroundings,and then I stopped to see where the dog was. That's when I was bitten.

'The effects started pretty quickly. My foot and my lips swelled up and I called 999. Two firefighters came first and then a paramedic.'

Ms Thomas was rushed to Morriston Hospital and given anti-venom before spending two nights in hospital.

The registered nurse said that she has experienced 'horrendous' pain, diarrhoea and vomiting since the bite.

It's the latest in a spate of incidents involving adders has led an animal expert and a veterinary surgery to issue warnings for people to be vigilant.

Ms Thomas' foot swelled up after the bite, and she says she was left in 'horrendous' pain

Reptile specialist and broadcaster Dr Rhys Jones said adders were peaceful creatures and would only bite humans in very rare circumstances.

The Cardiff University lecturer said: 'They are one of the two native snakes that we have in Wales.

'Its numbers are in decline - the loss of their habitat is the main reason.There are fewer and fewer places where they can live.'

Adders are poisonous, but peaceful and will only bite in rare circumstances

Dr Jones added: 'It is their last resort to attack someone or something.'Their main prey is voles or mice and they catch them as they go past and it just strikes.

'It normally just sits still - it's an ambush predator.'Most people who get bitten by them do not even see the snake but 99.9% of the time they will just sit there as you walk by.

'They normally bite people if they accidentally step on them.'

Adders rely on their surroundings to body heat and can often be found basking in the sunshine as the temperatures increase.

If you are bitten by a snake dial 999 immediately or visit your nearest hospital

The NHS say that immediately after being bitten by a snake you should remain calm and not panic as most in the UK are not serious and very rarely deadly.

They say that you should try to remember the shape, size and colour of the snake and keep the part of your body that's been bitten as still as possible to prevent the venom spreading around your body.

After being bitten dial 999 immediately to ask for an ambulance or go straight to the nearest accident and emergency.
Austin Police officer Coleman Martin (pictured), 29, may have staged his own death and fled to the interior of Mexico

A married Austin Police officer, who has been missing since April 25, may have staged his own death and then contacted a woman he had a 'close relationship' with to tell her he is alive in Mexico, officials said.

Coleman Martin's whereabouts remain unknown, but an unidentified woman told police that he recently sent her an email to tell her that his plan for a staged death had been successful.

For this, Martin has been charged with a false alarm or report, a Class A Misdemeanor.

When Martin went missing on April 25, Austin Police said he was under 'emotional distress', based on an interview with his wife, Jaclyn Williams, ABC News reports.

Williams called police on April 25 to report that her husband was suicidal.

Martin had told her that morning he had been depressed for the past two days over family issues and needed to leave to 'clear his head'.

Later that day, Martin texted Williams a photograph of a handwritten note stating he was going to drown himself in a lake near the US-Mexico border. He also left a card at their home saying he needed some time to himself, Fox 7 reports.

Williams has not seen or heard from her husband since.

Police discovered that Martin withdrew $300 from the couple's joint bank account and purchased gas that morning. He then bought a raft at a sporting goods store in Austin, received $50 cash back, and purchased food at Wendy's.

He bought rope and concrete blocks from a Home Depot.

Police found Martin's unlocked vehicle with the keys inside near Lake Amistad on April 26

The Texas Department of Public Safety stopped Martin near Uvalde, Texas, that evening and he told the trooper that he was going to Mexico on vacation.

The next morning, officials with the Amistad National Recreation Area found Martin's unlocked vehicle with the keys inside near Lake Amistad with the same 'suicide note' he sent his wife on one of the seats.

Officers found Martin's wallet, a few personal items and an empty box for an inflatable raft.

During their search for Martin, officials found a raft with his date of birth, 'date of death' as April 25 and his wife's initials on the shore a few miles away from his vehicle.

Remnants of a concrete block and scrape marks were found on the side of the raft that indicated that a block had been pushed over the side.

A cross was also discovered drawn in the mud at the entry to the water.

Vultures are seen on the international boundary at Amistad Reservoir bridge on the US-Mexico border, near where Martin is said to have ridden his bike about eight miles to a convenience store to call a cab

Martin allegedly sent an email to a woman to tell her that his plan for a staged death had been successful

Officials also discovered during the investigation that Martin had purchased an HP tablet at a Best Buy in Austin that was equipped with WiFi capability. Investigators have not found the tablet.

This is when police learned that Martin had a 'close relationship' with the unidentified woman. She told them she had evidence that he rode his bike about eight miles from the Amistad Reservoir to a convenience store.

In an email Martin allegedly sent her, he describes how he threw the bike in the dumpster behind the convenience store and took a taxi to the US-Mexico border crossing.

Once in Mexico, Martin took a bus to the country's interior, it is claimed. Surveillance footage from a gas station in Del Rio, Texas, shows him using the store clerk's cell phone to order a taxi at 10.56pm on April 25.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Martin is asked to call the Austin Police Department at (512)974-5250 or 911.
Students at Australian universities are due to fork out at least 25 per cent extra on top of their current fees as well as other changes to student loans when the government releases its Federal Budget next month.

The income threshold in which students become eligible to repay their student loans could also be dropped, forcing graduates to pay back debts sooner.

The current threshold stands at $55,000, with graduates earning over that amount made to repay their student loans in affordable instalments.

A loan fee will also be implemented, forcing undergraduates into further debt.

The new plan will also make students cover a higher percentage of universities outgoings, which currently sits at 40 per cent, The Australian reports.

Students, like the ones here pictured at Sydney University, could face a significant increase to their student fees when the Federal Budget is announced next month

Graduate unemployment rates are rising in Australia, which could deter many potential students

Such widespread changes will surely come as a shock to prospective students wanting to move into higher education.

Labor's education spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek says Australian students are worried about the costs of university and it was already an issue for some wanting to go to university.

'The idea that Australia wouldn't be investing in its young people, because university students are too frightened to incur this debt, is really a tragedy,' she told reporters in Sydney.

One recent University of Technology Sydney business graduate told Daily Mail Australia she believes such changes would prove pivotal in the next generations' decision whether to go to university.

'With how competitive the job market is at the minute, these financial changes on top are going to put a lot of people off going to university,' Georgia Barron said.

'I'm yet to find a job in my field, and being burdened with this debt the question you've got to ask is 'is it really worth it?'' the 23-year-old added.

With fees expected to rise, are all the costs involved with going to university worth it in the end?

Education Minister Simon Birmingham recently expressed that he still thought it was 'not unreasonable' for students and taxpayers to foot the costs of universities on a more even level.

Australian Conservatives senator Cory Bernardi says the latest changes to university fees sound good in theory yet is worried too many graduates will be unable to find employment.

'My concern is saddling people with debts for degrees that aren't delivering outcomes for them or jobs for them is unwise,' he told the 9 News on Saturday.

Graduate unemployment rates have risen from 1.9% in 2016 to a worrying 4.1% this year.

University vice-chancellors will meet on Monday in Canberra to discuss the upcoming changes.
A Melbourne man is in custody for allegedly threatening his family after he became enraged because he couldn't find his beer, a court has heard.

The man, who can't be named for legal reasons, appeared before Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Saturday after he was arrested at a home in Watsonia North overnight.

'He did not find the beer and went upstairs to ask his sister, nephew and mother. The accused became enraged and verbally abused his family,' Constable Matthew Clifford told the court.

A man is in custody for threatening his family after he couldn't find his beer (stock picture)

The man had arranged for a friend to deliver the beer at his mother's home on Friday afternoon.

But his family had diverted the beer to another address out of concern about his alcohol consumption.

Police say the man then went to his sister's home and demanded she hand over the beer.

'He arrived at her address demanding his beer,' Constable Clifford said.

'He repeatedly banged his head on the front door of the residence.'

The man, who cannot be named, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court

Hours before the incident, the man allegedly told his mother he would kill her and everyone else in the family.

'I'm going to kill you and all of the family, and destroy everything that is yours,' he allegedly told her.

'I'm going to set everyone in the family on fire.'

After the beer incident, his mother became concerned her son would carry out the threats and rang police, who advised her to leave the house for her own safety.

'The threats he made are serious,' Constable Clifford said.
This is the dramatic moment a pilot managed to land his stricken plane safely, shooting sparks all over the runway.

The twin-engined private plane, which had four people on board, was flying from Belize in Central America to Tampa, Florida.

Shortly after take-off the pilot was told that one of wheels on the plane's landing gear had fallen off.

However, the fault didn't affect the plane's ability to fly, so the it continued on from Belize to Sarasota-Bradenton airport in Florida, WFLA reported.

Before landing the pilot did a flyby over the airfield so that controllers could visually confirm the plane had lost a wheel.

He then proceeded to circle, dumping fuel - which would have dangerously increased the chance of a fire or explosion.

The landing went as smoothly as possible, but eventually the plane spun out and violently lurched to the left, coming to a stop on the grass next to the tarmac.

The plane shot off sparks as the metal rail from an undercarriage slid against the tarmac

Eventually the plane lost its balance and tumbled on to the grass

However, the plane looks almost completely undamaged and the three passengers and pilot can be seen emerging.

They are all shaken but unharmed - and one even brings his luggage with him.

The passengers all say thank you to the pilot, shaking his hand and hugging him.

No one was injured during the incident.

The private plane was a an Israel Aircraft Industries 1124, a model first introduced in 1963.
Nicola Sturgeon today insisted the general election is about opposing the Tories in Westminster - just three days after drumming up support for a second independence referendum.

The First Minister said voters must back the SNP as the only party which can stop Scotland being 'dragged back by the Tories'.

Addressing party activists in the east end of Glasgow, she avoided direct talk of independence.

But just three days ago she was riding a motorbike plastered with Yes stickers in Stirling as she revved up her campaign for a second referendum.

Make your mind up: A contrary Nicola Sturgeon today insisted the general election was not about independence just three days after drumming up support for a second referendum

Critics suggest Ms Sturgeon's apparent priority of opposing the Tories is a facade to gain votes - her only aim is to break up the Union.

Scottish Lib Dem general election campaign chair, Alex Cole-Hamilton, said: 'It's clear the SNP are in abject disarray - today's position that independence is not what this election is about contrasts with her Yes bike road trip in Stirling.

'The First Minister's position is changing more frequently than the traffic lights on Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street.'

And Conservative candidate for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk John Lamont said: 'The SNP is clearly rattled.

'People across Scotland are fed up of its constant sabre-rattling on independence.

'That's why they're turning to the Scottish Conservatives, the only party serious about keeping Scotland part of a strong UK.'

The First Minister insisted voters must back the SNP because it is the only party which can effectively oppose the Tories in the House of Commons

Sturgeon said voters must stop Scotland being 'dragged back by the Tories' who must not be given a 'free hand to do whatever they want to Scotland' on June 8

Speaking today, Ms Sturgeon said the council elections on May 4 would offer the SNP a chance to remove the 'dead, suffocating hand of Labour' from the city chambers and replace it with a 'vibrant, dynamic, ambitious city government.'

She said: 'A few weeks later in the General Election on June 8 we must make sure that Scotland's voice is heard and it is heard loudly and clearly.

'Make no mistake, this General Election really matters to the future of our country.

'It will determine whether Scotland continues to move forward or is dragged back by the Tories and it will ensure that the decisions about the future of our country, whatever that turns out to be, is taken here by the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish people, not by an increasingly hard-line right wing Tory government at Westminster.'

Sturgeon avoided all talk of independence when addressing party activists in the east end of Glasgow

Just three days ago she was riding a motorbike plastered with Yes stickers in Stirling as she revved up her campaign for a second referendum

She added: 'Theresa May has already told us what this General Election is about for her. It is about removing opposition and strengthening her hand to do whatever she wants.

'Let us make sure that on June 8 we send a loud message from Scotland that we are not prepared to give a Conservative government a free hand to do whatever it wants to Scotland.'

She contrasted what the Conservatives and SNP have done, saying the SNP is building at least 50,000 new houses while the Tories introduced the Bedroom Tax, and that the SNP is expanding free childcare while the Tories are removing tax credits from working families.

The SNP leader said it is 'abundantly obvious' that Labour will not win the General Election, and does not have what it takes to be an effective opposition.

Ms Sturgeon said that only voting SNP will ensure that Scotland's voice is heard.

She told activists: 'An SNP vote will deliver strong voices for Scotland. An SNP vote will also make sure that we back our Scottish parliament against a Conservative government that wants to undermine our Scottish parliament.

Critics suggest Ms Sturgeon's apparent priority of opposing the Tories is a facade to gain votes - her her only aim is to break up the Union

'It will make sure that the future of our country is decided here in Scotland, not by a Tory government at Westminster.

'A vote for the SNP will make sure that the Tories do not get away with silencing all opposition as they want to do.

'A vote for the SNP will make sure that there continues to be real and effective opposition in the House of Commons.'

She added: 'If Scotland wants to make sure the Tories cannot simply do what they want in Scotland, if we want to make sure there are voices of strong opposition to the Conservatives in Westminster, then the only way to deliver that is with a strong, resounding vote for the SNP in every part of Scotland on June 8.'

Ruth Davidson criticises Sturgeon for 'weaponising' Brexit

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon made a basic error in trying to 'weaponise Brexit', Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has said.

The MSP said that Ms Sturgeon also made a 'huge mistake' in pretending that a remain vote is a 'proxy for independence'.

The Tory also agreed that nationalism is seen to be 'on the wane'.

She told LBC Radio: 'I think that Nicola Sturgeon has made a couple of very basic errors and I think the first one that she did was to try and weaponise Brexit and showed that all she cares about is independence because there are lots of issues that Brexit throws up but none of them are answered by splitting up the UK which is Scotland's biggest market, closest ally and greatest friend.

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon made a basic error in trying to 'weaponise Brexit', Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has said

'And I think the second issue that she has done which she has made a huge mistake on is trying to pretend that everybody who voted remain, that remain vote is somehow a proxy for independence.

'Now there are plenty of people like me who voted remain who campaigned quite hard for remain, who are absolutely furious that she's trying to pretend that I would somehow say that that vote meant we should break up the United Kingdom when it meant nothing of the sort. She's suffered a really strong backlash about that.'

Asked whether nationalism is seen to be on the wane, she said: 'I think it is.'

She added: 'I think in Scotland to have a general election in 2015 that was just six months after such a seismic thing as the referendum, of course that question was one of the biggest questions in there and I think that you will see in this election quite a big amount of movement in the polls and in the vote.'

A poll published on Friday suggested the Conservatives are on course to win seven seats from the SNP in the General Election.
Morgan Joyce Varn, 24, shot to internet fame this week after her mugshot went viral following an arrest in South Carolina

A young woman shot to internet fame this week when her mugshot went viral following an arrest in South Carolina.

Morgan Joyce Varn, 24, can be seen displaying her numerous face tattoos, and more terrifying, her blacked out eyes.

Her photo has drummed up a huge response on social media, with one news site declaring it the mugshot that will 'haunt your dreams'.

The explanation for the glassy opaqueness of her eyes is likely that she's had the whites of her eyeballs tattooed.

Varn was arrested on charges of kidnapping, robbery and property damages earlier this week in Indian Land.

Police said they were familiar with Varn, as deputies in nearby York County helped deliver her baby, a girl named Nala, in 2015.

According to the York Herald, Varn's water broke and she began going into labor without enough time to get to the hospital, and was aided by Deputies John Stagner and Blake Haynes.

'Thank God for these cops who were there for us,' Varn said at the time.

Police said they were familiar with Varn, as deputies in nearby York County helped deliver her baby, a girl named Nala, in 2015

This week, Varn and Jonathan Mikael Robinson, 23, allegedly robbed a man of his phone and money, who then called police, the Charlotte Observer reported.

Varn and Robinson reportedly refused to leave the townhome on Sandal Brook Road and threatened to shoot the occupants inside, forcing officers to bring in a SWAT team.

Varn and Jonathan Mikael Robinson, 23, allegedly robbed a man of his phone and money, who then called police

Varn reportedly told police: ''I'm not coming out, and unless you have a search warrant you are not coming in, so go away!'

The victim said that he knew Varn, and that she had invited him over to her townhome before stealing his belongings. He also said she threatened him with an ashtray.

After a standoff that lasted for several hours, the pair were arrested and charged. Police also found a handgun in the home that had been reported as stolen in a car break-in earlier this year.

'We had three people and a pistol inside that home and for hours and did everything we could to get them to come out,' Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile said.

'When they didn't, we had to go in and get them. Fortunately, no weapons were discharged and nobody was hurt.'

Both Varn and Robinson remain in jail without bond.
This is the heartwarming moment a brave motorcyclist rescued a kitten who used up all its nine lives on the middle of a highway.

Footage shows the man putting his own life on the line by walking into peak-hour traffic to bundle up the cat on the Lion Rock Tunnel Road in Hong Kong.

The man, named Kwok Kin Wai, shot to social media stardom after going above and beyond the call of duty by then finding the kitten a new home.

Dash Cam footage shows the moment the man walked in front of traffic to rescue a cat from a Hong Kong highway

Mr Kwok, a firefighter, said in a Facebook post he felt obliged to rescue the death-defying cat after it caught his eye on the packed highway.

'I said to myself that I could get hit by a car and killed if I went back to get it. But as I kept driving, I couldn't bear to be so heartless, so I stopped. If I hadn't, I'm pretty sure it would have been hit by a car.'

He used the traction of the post to seek a home for the ginger cat, and within one hour a new owner was found.

'A cat owner living here in Cheung Chau is going to give it a loving family. So many people reached out to me to look after it,'

He later posted an image showing himself handing the kitten over to its new owner.

The original post has clocked up some 47,000 likes and comments of support have poured in from far afield.

The man, named Kwok Kin Wai, later posted an image showing himself handing the kitten over to its new owner

Mr Kwok said the cat caught his eye on the packed highway and he felt obliged to rush to its rescue.

He has been hailed a hero and met with a wave of support on social media
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Cosplay loving Muslim girls were given the chance to dress up as some of their favourite anime, video game and movie characters while still using the hijab.

The event, dubbed Japan Otaku Matsuri, is being held in Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur over this weekend at the Summit USJ convention centre.

The event, the first of its kind in Malaysia, is aimed at giving a platform to hijab-wearing Muslim 'cosplayers' in the predominantly Islamic country.

According to the programme of events there will be cosplay workshops, a panel who judge the best dressed attendee and a 60 second solo singing competition. Close to 500 are expected to take part over the two day period, according to the event's Facebook page.

Girls, one dressed as an armed demon and the other as a sailor, pose for the cameras at the event. Japan Otaku Matsuri organizers said there will be special areas for photography and plenty of opportunities to meet others cosplayers at the two day event

One girl used the opportunity to dress up as a Power Ranger complete with sword and helmet. Another sports fearsome looking armory for her attempt

This youngster was perhaps the most femininely dressed of attendees pictured here, coming as an anime princess. However her counterpart looked ferocious in an outfit Dracula would be proud of
An Indiana woman with a life-threatening heart condition found an anonymous note on her vehicle that insulted her for parking in a grocery store's handicap space.

Emily Frye, who received a handicap placard two years ago from her cardiologist and had it hanging on her mirror, parked in a designated spot at a Kroger on Thompson Road in Indianapolis on Tuesday afternoon.

When she returned to her vehicle with her four-year-old daughter they found an expletive-laden note on the windshield accusing her of taking a spot she did not deserve.

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Emily Frye (pictured), who has a life-threatening heart condition, found an anonymous note on her vehicle that insulted her for parking in a Kroger's handicap spot in Indianapolis

The expletive-laden note (pictured) Frye found on her vehicle's windshield read: 'Wow! You ARE just f***ing lazy!! Taking a handicap spot!'

The note read: 'Wow! You ARE just f***ing lazy!! Taking a handicap spot!'

Frye wrote in a Facebook post that although she looks like a healthy 28-year-old, she has been diagnosed with a life-threatening condition.

'My life has been turned upside down,' Frye wrote on Facebook. 'My family's life has been permanently effected. These episodes can and have happened at the most random times, sometimes while I'm simply walking, so I promise you I've more than earned a handicapped spot.'

Frye said she has a heart condition that causes tachycardia, where the heart beats faster, leading to serious complications that can be triggered by physical activity.

Frye wrote in a Facebook post that although she looks like a healthy 28-year-old, she has been diagnosed with a heart condition, the symptoms of which can be triggered by physical activity

Frye (pictured), the mother of two who is five months pregnant with her third child, said she became aware of her heart condition in 2015 when she passed out behind the wheel of her car

The mother-of-two who is five months pregnant with her third child said she became aware of her condition in 2015 when she passed out behind the wheel. She has been hospitalized four times since then, IndyStar reports.

Faye said the fainting spells have subsided thanks to medication and an electronic heart defibrillator implanted in her chest.

Although Faye said she still has heart problems, her doctors told her she can drive.

'In this day and age, it does not have to be someone not walking. There are a number of disabilities that are just as dangerous and a grocery trip is not a small thing,' Frye told WTHR 13.

Frye's reaction to the note had an effect on her daughter, who ripped it up the next day.

Pulmonary or cardiovascular disabilities qualify for a handicapped placard in Indiana, according to the state's bureau of motor vehicles.

'I've often worried about what people might think when they see me parking in one of the spots,' Faye wrote. 'I realize there are people who abuse these spaces and placards but unless you know that's 100 per cent the case, keep your mind open and your mouth shut.'
Michelle Obama's healthy school lunches could be on the chopping block with the Trump administration expected to announce new measures as early as Monday to ease the program's regulations.

The US Department of Agriculture announced on Friday that its secretary Sonny Perdue is set to introduce new standards that will give schools more flexibility in relation to the National School Lunch Program.

It is not yet clear how the rules will change school lunches or the regulations.

The health eating program was spearheaded by Michelle Obama to curb child obesity. She is pictured above eating lunch with students at Virginia's Parklawn Elementary School in 2012

The announcement will take place at the Catoctin Elementary School in Leesburg, Virginia, where Perdue and Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) will eat lunch with the students, The Hill reports.

Republicans have long held concerns about the school lunch program, which was spearheaded by the former First Lady to establish new healthy eating standards and curb childhood obesity.

But the more nutritious meals, which required more fruit, vegetables and whole grains, have not always been popular with schoolchildren.

The regulations pushed by Mrs Obama led to the sarcastic hashtag #ThanksMichelleObama flooding the internet with unimpressed students sharing photos of their lunch.

Some pictures shared as recently as last week show piles of mushy lunches, small portions and the kind of fare that left some saying even 'prisoners eat better food.'

The more nutritious meals have not always popular with schoolchildren with many using the hashtag #ThanksMichelleObama to share photos of their lunch

Concerns have also been raised in the past by conservative Republicans over the cost of the program and they have attempted to introduce rules to allow schools to opt out of the initiative completely.

Last year, Roberts and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mi) unsuccessfully tried to loosen some of the program's requirements and give schools an extra two years to cut school lunch's sodium levels.

Health advocates, including the American Heart Association, have spoken out in support of the health eating program following revelations the regulations could change under Trump's administration.

The AHA CEO Nancy Brown said 99 per cent of schools were complying with the healthy eating program.

'Improving children's health should be a top priority for the USDA, and serving more nutritious foods in schools is a clear-cut way to accomplish this goal,' Brown said.

'Rather than altering the current path forward, we hope the agency focuses more on providing technical assistance that can help schools get across the finish line, if they haven't done so already.'
Kelly Landry hopes a recording of the fight that broke up her marriage with celebrity accountant Anthony Bell will get her a permanent restraining order against him, it has been reported.

The former Getaway presenter recorded a three-minute audio file and took photos of bruises allegedly sustained in the altercation, during which Bell grabbed her phone, The Sunday Telegraph reported.

The sensational bust-up between 'accountant to the stars' Mr Bell and Ms Landry is set to return to court next week for five days of hearings.

Happier times: Ms Landry, is pictured with her celebrity accountant husband Mr Bell prior to their well-publicised split this year and her pregnancy

Ms Landry is seen fronting court over the matter in January after Daily Mail Australia revealed her AVO situation

Police are expected to call about eight witnesses during five days of hearings over the AVO between the pair.

Daily Mail Australia this year exclusively revealed police acting on Ms Landry's behalf had hit her celebrity accountant husband with an interim violence order.

Mr Bell denies wrongdoing.

She told police that during the November 18 incident her right arm slammed into a wall in their $12.5 million Watsons Bay mansion's bedroom.

She later filed a police report and applied for an interim apprehended violence order, which Mr Bell consented to without admissions.

Ms Landry's lawyers told her estranged husband's defence they would attempt to enter the recording and photos with other new evidence this week, the Telegraph reported.

Mr Bell arrives at Downing Centre for a court appearance last month accompanied by his mother

Kelly Landry opened up about her battle with her heart condition in an interview on Friday

The argument began after the couple had dinner with friends multi-millionaire hotelier Peter Calligeros and wife Sacha at Catalina restaurant in Rose Bay.

According to Ms Landry's police statement, Mr Bell then drove off and left her to walk home, and became 'abusive' when she finally arrived.

Police are expected to call about eight witnesses during five days of hearings over the AVO between the pair.

Mr Bell's lawyers were expected to call 10 witnesses of their own, according to the Telegraph.

The star witness is expected to be the couple's nanny, who will be called by the defence at some point during the hearing in the Downing Centre Local Court.

She is pictured here during one point in her second pregnancy where she spent four 'lonely' months in hospital after suffering the early signs of heart failure

Bruising is pictured here on her arm following a blood transfusion while suffering from her heart condition

Ms Landry opened up about her revealed her wrenching battle with heart disease, days before the AVO hearing was due to begin.

She told Daily Mail Australia she spent four 'lonely' months of pregnancy with her second daughter in hospital after suffering the early signs of heart failure.

The mother-of-two said that during one point in her illness: 'I was afraid to go to sleep at night because I (was) afraid that I wouldn't wake up'.

During an interview with the Channel Seven on Friday, Ms Landry revealed she felt as if she was 'breathing through a straw' while pregnant with one of her daughters.

In video shown to the court, a woman wearing dark sunglasses was seen peering into Ms Landry's home

'I went into early stages of heart failure... 'I was hospitalised at 20 weeks for the remainder of my pregnancy.

'And to get through a day was one of the most challenging things and I was very determined to get my youngest daughter to 37 weeks so she could be born at term and have as much opportunity as she can in life.'

There have been sensational twists and turns in the days since, with Ms Landry at one point alleging that strange people had been seen loitering outside her home.

One of these was reportedly a 'large' woman with a scarf covering her head.

CCTV footage tendered by police apparently showed the woman 'in disguise' gazing inside Ms Landry's Watsons Bay home - shortly after a black Aston Martin motored by.

But Mr Bell denied in court that it was even his car - and refuted, when asked by his solicitor, any suggestion that he had dressed up as a woman.

Sources close to Ms Landry said they expected Mr Bell's lawyers to try and paint her in a 'really bad light'.
Western Australia Police have released composite images of two men they want to speak to following a sex attack on a woman in the southern Perth suburb of Secret Harbour on April 20.

The 30-year-old woman was sitting on a bench within La Palma Square around 6.10pm when she made her way along Sicily Green and down the footpath leading to Carmague Green.

It was at this point two men approached her and forced her to the ground while they indecently assaulted her.

A released composite image of a man WA police would like to speak to regarding a sexual attack in Secret Harbour

A released composite image of a man WA police would like to speak to regarding a sexual attack in Secret Harbour

The two men ran off when hearing someone approaching along the path.

One man is described as being around 35-years-old, fair skinned, approximately 190cms tall with a slim build, light blue eyes and scruffy blonde hair that is short on the sides and back.

He was wearing a white t-shirt with a blue square pattern on it.

The other man is described as also being around 35-years-old, dark skinned, approximately 165cms tall with a solid build, black curly medium length hair and brown eyes.

The attacked woman had been sat in La Palma Square before she made her way along Sicily Green

He was wearing a white t-shirt, knee length denim shorts and black sandals.

Sex Assault Squad detectives are eager to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of the incident between 6pm and 7pm who may have seen the men.

Anyone with information regarding this matter is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or report the information online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au.
Archie Sheppard, 48, from Neasden, north-west London, was knifed to death on the top deck of a Route 189 bus

A man who was murdered in a 'violent and sustained attack' on a London bus has been named.

Archie Sheppard, 48, from Neasden, north-west London, was knifed to death on the top deck of a Route 189 bus in Marylebone on Friday.

His lifeless body was discovered by a fellow passenger.

The attacker fled the bus as it reached its stop and ran in the direction of Marble Arch, police said.

Emergency services were called to the bus in Gloucester Place at 12.10am, but Mr Sheppard was pronounced dead at the scene.

Scotland Yard appealed for help in searching for a white man seen with Mr Sheppard shortly before he boarded the bus in Brent Cross, north London, at 11.13pm on Thursday.

Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh, said: 'Our inquiries so far have established that Mr Sheppard and the man we are seeking to trace were seen talking together while waiting at the bus station.

'They both boarded a Route 189 bus and made their way to the upper deck where they sat separately.

'We are exploring the possibility that Mr Sheppard may have known his attacker and it is vital that anyone who saw the two men talking prior to boarding the bus contacts us.

Emergency services were called to the bus (pictured) in Gloucester Place at 12.10am, but Mr Sheppard was pronounced dead at the scene

'Approximately 40 minutes into the journey, Mr Sheppard was subjected to a violent and sustained attack.'

A post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place on Saturday and Mr Sheppard's next of kin have been informed.

Several witnesses are helping police, although no arrests have been made and police appealed to anyone who was on the bus to contact them.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or the events leading up to the murder has been asked to contact the incident room on 020 8785 8099.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the crimestoppers-uk.org website.
An Ohio family says they learned just 20 minutes before dinner this week that a planned mystery guest would be Facebook founder and billionaire Mark Zuckerberg.

Zuckerberg dined Friday evening with the Moore family in Newton Falls, about 55 miles southeast of Cleveland, The Vindicator of Youngstown reported.

The multi-billionaire brought a meal of chicken, fish and cannolis for desert with him.

Zuckerberg had asked his staff to find Democrats who voted for President Donald Trump in November.

The family says not all the dinner chat was political.

Daniel Moore says he and his wife, Lisa, talked about their work with an orphanage in Uganda and that Zuckerberg says he's now planning a fundraiser to benefit the orphans.

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An Ohio family says they learned just 20 minutes before dinner this week that a planned mystery guest would be Facebook founder and billionaire Mark Zuckerberg (seen above in the center)

Daniel Moore (left with Zuckerberg) says he and his wife, Lisa, talked about their work with an orphanage in Uganda and that Zuckerberg says he's now planning a fundraiser to benefit the orphans

Zuckerberg reportedly had asked his staff to find Democrats who voted for President Donald Trump in November. He is seen above posing for a photograph with the Moores

'He is such an inspiring young man and solution oriented social entrepreneur,' Moore gushed on Facebook. 'His initiatives are going to have a huge impact and improve the quality of life for millions of people'

'What a privilege and blessing for our family to have dinner with Facebook founder, billionaire, philanthropist Mark Zuckerberg,' Moore posted on his Facebook account.

'He is such an inspiring young man and solution oriented social entrepreneur. His initiatives are going to have a huge impact and improve the quality of life for millions of people.'

Zuckerberg announced on Facebook in January that he was challenging himself to visit people in all 50 states.

'I knew we were having a mystery guest, and that was about it,' Moore said. 'It was completely incredible.'

The more they got to know Zuckerberg, Moore said, the more they came to like him.

'He cares very much about family and about community,' Moore said. 'And hes taking steps to do a lot of very positive things with his money.'

On Saturday, Zuckerberg spent time in South Bend, Indiana, with Mayor Pete Buttigieg, one of America's youngest mayors and a veteran of the war in Afghanistan

The social media pioneer also met on Saturday with people recovering from opioid addiction in Dayton, Ohio

On Friday, Zuckerberg visited with Muslim college students in Dearborn, Michigan, a Detroit suburb populated largely by immigrants from the Middle East. Zuckerberg says in a Facebook post that he talked about their struggles in dealing with anti-Muslim animus

Zuckerberg has said he is keen to meet people who have struggled to reap benefits from the technological revolution and globalization.

'We got to know a very cool guy,' Moore said. 'Just down-to-earth and real easy to talk to.'

Earlier on Friday, Zuckerberg visited with Muslim college students in Dearborn, Michigan, a Detroit suburb populated largely by immigrants from the Middle East.

Zuckerberg says in a Facebook post that he talked about their struggles in dealing with anti-Muslim animus.

On Thursday, he kicked off his tour of the Midwestern state with a stop at Ford Rouge Plant.

The trip marks his first visit to the Great Lakes state.

Zuckerberg started by joining workers on the assembly line of new Ford F-150 trucks.

On Saturday, Zuckerberg spent time in South Bend, Indiana, with Mayor Pete Buttigieg, one of America's youngest mayors and a veteran of the war in Afghanistan.

Buttigieg is also considered one of the rising stars of the Democratic Party.

The social media pioneer also met on Saturday with people recovering from opioid addiction in Dayton, Ohio.

Zuckerberg's meet-and-greet tour has fueled speculation that he is laying the groundwork for a possible run for the presidency in 2020, according to The Atlantic.

But the billionaire, whose net worth has been estimated to be around $62.8billion by Forbes, told BuzzFeed that he has no plans to run for president.
Richard Miech (pictured), the study's lead author, and his team found that going to college may increase a person's risk of using marijuana because they don't think it'll harm their health

Going to college may increase a person's risk of using marijuana as the legalization of recreational use in eight states and Washington, DC, has led to lax attitudes about the drug, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Public Health.

Marijuana use among US college students is at a 38-year high, the study found.

'We have been expecting marijuana use to increase among young adults,' lead author Richard Miech told Reuters Health in an email.

Young adults today as compared to those of the past are less likely to hold the belief that occasional marijuana use will negatively affect their health, said Miech, a researcher at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

'We've seen again and again that when this belief trends down then marijuana use increases, and, conversely, that when this belief trends up then marijuana use declines,' Miech said.

Here fans of marijuana cheer during Denver's annual 4-20 festival in 2015 - when 51 per cent of college students reported trying the drug. That number has steadily increased since 1977

Miech and his colleagues think the recent string of US states having legalized recreational use of marijuana accounts in part for the declining proportion of young adults who believe that occasional marijuana use is harmful to health.

'It is likely that at least some young adults interpret this wave of legalization as a signal that marijuana use is safe and state-sanctioned,' he said.

To see how that is affecting recreational use among young people, the team analyzed data from annual surveys of more than 50,000 adults and adolescents.

The surveys have been ongoing since 1975, and are funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Miech said.

They focused on participants who were 19 to 22 years old between 1977 and 2015 and had never used marijuana before their senior year in high school. That was around 64 per cent of participants.

Among college students, the proportion that started using marijuana ranged from 13 per cent to 17 per cent between 1977 and 2012, then those numbers crept up to 31 per cent in 2013, 41 per cent in 2014 - and 51 per cent in 2015.

'We found that marijuana initiation did increase among young adults age 19-22 since 2013, but only among those in college. There was no change in levels of marijuana initiation among 19-22 year-olds who were not in college,' Miech said.

Miech, a researcher at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor (above), said there was no change in levels of marijuana initiation among 19-22 year-olds who were not in college

Miech added that college students are 50 per cent more likely to become marijuana users than their peers who are not enrolled in college.

The college environment appears to promote substance use, perhaps in part because of the lack of parental supervision, lots of free time and a party culture, Miech said.

'For what it's worth, higher levels of substance use in college is also seen with binge drinking: youth age 19-22 are much more likely to binge drink if they are in college as compared to their age peers who are not in college,' Miech said.

Parents should know the majority of young adults who attend college do not initiate marijuana use, Miech added, but the number is increasing.

'There are many reasons why college students might try or use marijuana,' said Christine Lee, director of the Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors at the University of Washington in Seattle, who wasnt involved in the study.

'We surveyed incoming first-year college students on why they tried or use marijuana ... For some, experimentation was a motivator. Young adults might just want to try it and see what it is about. For others, they might use marijuana for reasons such as for social bonding, relaxation, boredom, to fit in, or to enjoy the feeling,' Lee said by email.

It would be helpful to begin to identify whether there are high-risk periods for marijuana initiation such as the first six weeks of college, as the study authors suggest, or specific events such as 21st birthdays, particularly for students living in states where recreational marijuana use is legal for those 21 and over.

'If we can identify certain risk periods, it would be easier for colleges to target resources and prevention activities to those times,' Lee said.
This is the incredible moment nine killer whales attack and quickly kill a weak mother grey whale and her calf.

Stunned whale watchers witnessed the slaughter in Monterey Bay, California on Wednesday.

Killer whales memorize the migratory patterns of grey whales and hunt their prey for hours.

This unfortunate grey whale was likely on her way to find cooler water in Mexico.

The marine mammals have been on quite the killing spree. This pack of nine orcas alone have been spotted feasting four times in the past eight days.

Nancy Black, a marine biologist with Monterey Bay Whale Watch told SFGate the killer whales of Monterey have been ferocious as of late, killing more prey than usual.

She said: 'This was almost a record for how quick the killer whales attacked the mother and calf.'

Stunned whale watchers with Monterey Bay Whale Watch witnessed the killer whale attack

Nine orcas circle a grey whale and her calf as people on tour with Monterey Bay Whale Watch look on. Several other killer whales join in on the attack.

They grey whale appears skinnier than the average grey whale making her easy prey. She tries to protect her calf, but the orcas prevail.

It only takes four minutes for the whales to complete the kills. It usually takes about 20 minutes for a killing according to Black.

The pack of nine orcas have been spotted hunting four times in the past eight days
A female North Korean soldier looks out from behind a barded wire fence around a camp on the North Korean river banks

Lim Hye-jin still shivers at the memory of two brothers who managed to escape briefly from her massive concentration camp in the mountains of North Korea. Seven family members were killed on the spot in revenge. Scores more prisoners were savagely beaten as collective punishment for the breakout.

Several weeks later, guards and inmates were ordered to gather as the pair  their bodies battered from torture  were dragged back behind the barbed wire. They had been caught in China and returned to the repressive regime.

'The two brothers were beheaded in front of everyone,' said Lim. 'They called everyone to watch as a warning not to flee. The other prisoners then had to throw stones at them.'

The scene left Lim, then 20, so traumatised she could not eat for days. Yet it was just one of many terrible incidents she saw during seven years as a camp guard, including routine killings, torture and rape of political prisoners declared enemies of the state.

One woman was stripped naked, then casually set on fire after annoying a guard during interrogation. 'They do not see them as human beings, just as animals,' said Lim.

Now Lim  who ended up in prison herself after being caught trading in China  has spoken exclusively about her experiences, offering a unique insight into the horrors of North Korea's forced labour camps holding an estimated 200,000 people.

Her revelations come as tensions continue to rise on the Korean peninsula. US President Donald Trump is pressing China to act over its cruel neighbour with warnings of possible 'major conflict' if the stand-off over North Korea's attempts to develop nuclear weapons is not resolved through diplomacy.

Lim is the first female guard to talk openly about her experiences.

'We were manipulated not to feel any sympathy for prisoners,' she said. 'We were told they had committed terrible crimes. Now I know they were normal people so I feel very guilty.'

Few have escaped these hidden hellholes, modelled on Stalin's gulags and compared to those run by the Nazis. Even children are incarcerated for life, along with parents and grandparents, under rules that punish three generations for perceived dissidence.

One defector told me he was the only one of 5,000 children to escape his camp, which held close to 50,000 people. Many prisoners are stunted and deformed by hunger and back-breaking labour in freezing forests and deep mines. Former inmates told me of living in fear of constant beatings, of injured people dumped to die in the snow, of hundreds sealed beneath ground after mining accidents, of rotting corpses piled beside huts, of catching snakes to survive deadly starvation.

This is a rare photograph of some of the prisoners who ended up inside one of the camps in North Korea

Satellite evidence suggests some of these barbaric units have grown since Kim Jong Un took over the family dictatorship six years ago, although their existence is denied.

Camp 12, a fenced-off farm growing corn and peppers near the Chinese border, was where Lim first began working, aged 17. Inmates included high-ranking officials who had fallen out of favour with the regime.

Guards, brought up in a system that deifies the Kim dynasty, were given brainwashing sessions twice a week and told not to see prisoners as humans. 'Even if a guard was driving and ran over a child, there would not be real punishment,' she said.

Most inmates at the two camps where she worked were women and children. 'If men were healthy they would be sent to the mines where they were used as disposable labour. Many died. They were also made to psychologically suffer.'

One survivor told me of frequent accidents in quarries and mines as exhausted inmates worked round the clock. 'On one occasion, 300 people lost their lives in a gas explosion. The guards just closed off the tunnels with others trapped inside to stop the fires and gas spreading.'

Hundreds are also alleged to have died hollowing out huge tunnels in Mount Mantap for the testing of nuclear weapons and then clearing the contaminated sites afterwards.

Lim said male guards abused women in camps by having what they called 'affairs' with them. 'It was basically rape because prisoners did not have the right to say no.'

If women became pregnant, they had to have abortions or were killed by lethal injection, and if pregnancy was too advanced, babies were beaten to death or buried alive.

Camps have 'reward marriages', in which model prisoners are given a mate selected by camp chiefs as an incentive to work hard. Men and women are otherwise kept apart.

This is a satellite image of Camp 12, a fenced-off farm growing corn and peppers near the Chinese border, and was where Lim first began working, aged 17

Prisoners work seven days a week, are woken at 5am and spend up to 16 hours slaving away in fields and factories before evening 're-education' sessions at which they might be made to memorise official edicts. Failure means being kept awake all night. Inspections take place three times a day to check no one has fled through three rings of barbed wire surrounding the camps and anyone out of their dormitory at night is shot.

Lim said even after death, prisoners were denied humanity. 'All the bodies were piled up to one side. There was no respect, no funeral process. After a week the corpses would be burned.'

Wearing ragged ex-army uniforms and sandals made from tyres, inmates suffer starvation, surviving on meagre rations of corn and salt. Yet anyone caught taking food from fields or orchards faces a lethal beating or being locked in an underground cell too small to stand in.

'When I arrived it was like a scene from a horror movie,' said Kang Chol Hwan, sent to Yodok concentration camp aged nine after his grandfather was accused of sedition. 'I once watched a film about Auschwitz and I could relate so much to the situation.' He was always hungry during a decade in the camp. Many inmates die from malnutrition in the first few months. 'We were never given protein so we would catch snakes, rats, even insects.'

Kang spoke of ceaseless fear during his incarceration, with beatings commonplace. Once he had to watch a group of people being hanged, then guards made them throw stones at the dangling dead. 'They left the bodies so crows came and ate the flesh,' he added.

Almost all the inmates are locked up following arbitrary arrest, with many having no idea what 'crime' they or their relatives have committed. Offences have included leaving dust on a picture of the 'supreme leader', holding a religious service and listening to foreign radio.

Jung Gwang Il spent three years in Yodok after being arrested for alleged spying. He was so badly tortured even before entry he could only crawl in on his hands and knees, having lost half his body weight after months held in stress positions. 'It was a living hell. All the people were suffering from malnutrition. They did not look like human beings,' he said. Jung, 54, said any sense of solidarity was crushed from prisoners ordered to inform on fellow inmates or face savage punishment. 'People believe that once you show sympathy towards others, it will bite you back,' he said. 'I saw a kid who looked so weak I suggested he went to a special area for people in a bad situation. He told a guard. I got beaten up so badly with a thick stick I nearly died. The guard asked me who was I to make decisions for others?'

During winter his 400-strong group worked in forests but, all too often, the tired and hungry prisoners moved too slowly to avoid falling trees chopped down for lumber. 'The guards just laughed as people were crushed.'

Since the ground was frozen and work could not stop, corpses were thrown in a big pile. 'Some were not dead. At night when I went to the toilet, I heard their moaning. These injured people froze to death.'

This gruesome heap grew until the ground thawed in spring. 'It was like a huge pile of garbage. They were all rotten,' said Jung, who now smuggles films and human-rights information back into the state that betrayed him so badly. He remains deeply traumatised, despite defecting more than a decade ago.

Noh Hui Chang, one of the most senior defectors this century, said: 'All citizens are aware of the camps. This is a regime of fear, everyone is so scared of what might happen.'

Noh, former head of the ruling party's youth wing, fled in 2014 after his close ally  and Kim Jong Un's uncle  was killed by the new leader. During our discussion, he cried after revealing that his wife, children and brothers were sent to a camp after his escape.

Ahn Myung-Chul, who worked as a guard in four different camps, said: 'Those who die are the lucky ones. This is modern-day slavery, torturing people over decades.'

Satellite evidence suggests some of these barbaric units have grown since Kim Jong Un (pictured) took over the family dictatorship six years ago

For his first three years, brainwashed and believing the propaganda, Ahn beat inmates and used them as targets for martial arts practice. Then one day he was bored and talked to a prisoner, suddenly discovering they were innocent people.

He said some guards enjoyed torture. One day his boss killed an elderly prisoner in a brick factory by smashing a metal bar on his head. 'He was never punished for this.'

Guards could even advance their ambitions though murder. 'One man dragged two men and three women to the fences, then shot them claiming he'd caught them escaping. He was rewarded with admission to a top university.'

In atonement for past misdeeds, Ahn now campaigns against these camps, including the one holding his mother and sister. 'I wish I did not know the details but I know how they will be doing,' he said sadly.

Three years ago the United Nations condemned North Korea's camps as crimes against humanity and without parallel on the planet, yet even now there is no reliable footage from camps the size of cities. Ahn worked at one that is 30 miles long and 25 miles wide.

'Their size is matched only by the cruelty,' said Thor Halvorssen, of the Human Rights Foundation, which assists defectors. 'Not since the concentration camps of the Nazis and gulags of Stalin has humanity seen such a meticulously organised system to punish and dehumanise a population.'

Today the middle-aged Lim lives in Seoul, just 35 miles but a world away from the despotic regime that held her in its rigid grip.

She defected 15 years ago after a short spell in prison, deciding to flee when forced to parade naked before male guards.

She fears the camps have become even worse since she left and is angry at the system she served once with such loyalty.

'I feel so betrayed by leaders who lied to us,' she said. 'We were told not to see these people as humans. Now I feel traumatised.'
Bella Hadid wore head-to-toe denim in New York City on Saturday one day after the disastrous Fyre Festival she promoted was called off.

The 20-year-old wore a faded bustier-stitched top, along with matching jeans and a jacket hours after she celebrated her arrival in New York with a brief Instagram story.

Bella was pictured lounging in Miami, Florida, on Friday while the festival she promoted descended into chaos.

Revelers arrived at the Exumas Islands in the Bahamas, only to find half-built tents, rat droppings, dogs wandering the site, and mountains of trash, while others were left stranded at the airport.

If she was concerned about her name being connected to one of the most poorly executed festivals in living music memory, Bella did not appear concerned as she took a dip in a white bikini.

Bella Hadid wore head to toe denim in New York City on Saturday one day after the disastrous Fyre Festival she promoted was called off

The 20-year-old wore a faded bustier-stitched top, along with matching jeans and a jacket hours after she celebrated her arrival in New York with a brief Instagram story

Bella cheered on the tarmac as she landed in New York with her friend Fanny Bourdette-Donon

Bella cheered on the tarmac as she landed in New York with her friend Fanny Bourdette-Donon in a story she posted on Instagram.

She stepped out on Saturday flashing a demure smile after she was caught in a firestorm over the disastrous event.

Fyre Festival, scheduled to start on Friday and run over two weekends, was billed as a 'cultural moment created from an alchemic blend of music, art, and food'.

But revelers shared photos of half-built tents and port-a-potties upon their arrival, showing the festival grounds were a far cry from the luxurious image Bella and a spate of other A-list models promoted in December.

According to Elle, Bella, along with models Elsa Hosk, Emily Ratajkowski, Lais Ribeiro, Gizele Oliveira and Rose Bertram were invited to the island in December to offer up feedback for the festival launch - and share photoshoots of their glamorous vacation on social media.

The Bahamas festival backed by a host of A-list models and with packages costing up to 10,000 ($13,000) descended into chaos. Models (left to right) Elsa Hosk, Emily Ratajkowski, Bella Hadid, Lais Ribeiro, Gizele Oliveira and Rose Bertram were invited to the island in December 'to give feedback' on the festival launch

The boutique Fyre Festival was billed as a 'cultural moment created from an alchemic blend of music, art, and food' with revelers flown in by a 'VIP configured Boeing 737'

Paying guests were told they could expect to stay in 'modern, eco-friendly, geodesic domes' while the super-rich had the option of upgrading to hire yachts for more than $100,000.

But those who expected to be pampered with luxurious VIP service likened the 'cabanas' accommodation to disaster zone relief tents.

Others reported seeing piles of trash and an empty 'concierge' hut in front of unopened boxes. Pictures emerged online of the 'luxury food court' with people sitting on folding chairs next to a school bus.

Organizers released a full statement Friday that said that they weren't ready for what happened, and that there was not sufficient infrastructure to support such an event

Luxury? Guests were expected to stay in unfinished rooms on the dirty campgrounds

Festival-goers were promised luxury accommodation, with some packages costing more than $10k. Pictures show security lockers at the site which one reveller said did not have any locks

Some festival-goers were left stranded at the Exuma International Airport after opting to return home having seen the festival site.

A Twitter user described the festival as 'Rich Kids of Instagram meets Lord of the Flies', while Ja Rule, one of the organizers, declared 'NOT MY FAULT'.

Tech entrepreneur Billy McFarland, 25, blamed a storm for the mayhem, and tried to redirect the attention to next year's efforts.

They also said all guests will be refunded in full, and invited as VIP guests for next year's festival.
Pritesh Ladwa, 29, received 98,000 to plant a forest on at the former Orgreave colliery site in but failed to do so. The entrepreneur from Birmingham has been jailed for 27 months for fraud

A fraudster who took almost 100,000 to start a forest but didn't plant a single tree has lost his appeal against a 27-month jail sentence.

Pritesh Ladwa, 29, lived a champagne lifestyle and has been pictured at glamorous locations around the world on social media.

Pictures on his Facebook page, where he is listed as the CEO or director of several companies, show him sipping champagne and holding up a sign saying 'Wine o'clock'.

Ladwa, who describes himself as an 'entrepreneur, traveler and bon vivant' on the site, also posed up for pictures with wearing sunglasses and smiling on a yacht in Hawaii, swimming with a dolphin and standing in front of a waterfall in Iceland.

The self-styled entrepreneur was handed a 98,000 grant to start a community forest at the former Orgreave colliery site in Waverley, South Yorkshire.

But he was rumbled when two officers from the Forestry Commission visited the land and found no trees.

Ladwa, who describes himself as an 'entrepreneur, traveler and bon vivant' was rumbled when two officers from the Forestry Commission visited the land and found no trees. The fraudster had asked Lord Justice Gross at London's Criminal Appeal Court to reduce his sentence, claiming that it was overly harsh

Ladwa, of Yardley, Birmingham, was convicted of fraud after a trial and was jailed for 27 months at Birmingham Crown Court in November last year.

The fraudster had asked Lord Justice Gross at London's Criminal Appeal Court to reduce his sentence, claiming that it was overly harsh.

Rejecting the appeal, the judge, who sat alongside Mrs Justice Jefford and Judge David Aubrey QC, said: 'This was a serious fraud.

'He has not performed the project.

'The truth of the matter was that he had made either no attempt to do so, or almost no attempt to do so.

'He was quite adept at making excuses.

'The guideline was rightly applied by the judge and the offence in question correctly categorised.

'This was serious dishonesty and he could claim no credit for a guilty plea. We are not attracted to these submissions.'

Ladwa won the grant from the English Woodland Grant Scheme which is run by the Forestry Commission to create new woods for the public to enjoy.

Rejecting the appeal, the judge, who sat alongside Mrs Justice Jefford and Judge David Aubrey QC, said: 'This was a serious fraud. 'He has not performed the project. 'The truth of the matter was that he had made either no attempt to do so, or almost no attempt to do so'

The fraudster said the work had been done in March 2014 but later claimed the site had been targeted by vandals.

Ladwa was rumbled when two officers from the Forestry Commission visited the land and found no trees.

During his original trial, he claimed that he had planted some trees with a friend and said migrant workers had been paid cash-in-hand to plant the rest, a claim that was rejected by the prosecution.
Original cast-members Roseanne Barr, John Goodman and Sara Gilbert have all agreed to be a part of the Roseanne reboot.

Multiple networks are bidding for the new version of the nineties' classic, including the show's original network ABC.

Netflix is also reportedly looking to produce the show following the reboots of Full House, Arrested Development and Gilmore Girls.

Roseanne aired from 1988 to 1997, but the reboot will reportedly only be eight episodes

According to Deadline, Roseanne will be produced by Tom Werner, Barr, Gilbert Bruce Helford and Whitney Cummings.

Producers want all the major players including Gilbert's boyfriend in the show, Johnny Galecki of The Big Bang Theory, to make appearances.

Unlike the original series which ran for nine seasons from 1988 to 1997, the reboot will only be eight episodes.

Sara Gilbert, Roseanne Barr and John Goodman have all reportedly agreed to the reboot

The series followed the lives of the Conners, a working-class family, in the fictional Lanford, Illinois.

Deadline reports ABC is especially keen on bringing the series back in an effort to represent everyday Americans.

The main cast members have teased the idea of a reboot in the past. In 2009, Barr wrote on her blog the potential future of some of the major characters.

In it, she wrote, Roseanne and Jackie open the first medical marijuana dispensary in Lanford, Illinois, and pay off the mortgage before the house is foreclosed on.

About the other major characters, she wrote: 'D.J. gets published, Mark dies in Iraq, David leaves Darlene for a woman half his age, Darlene meets a woman and they have a test tube baby, Becky works at Walmart.'
Since the first undocumented aliens made their way across the Bering Land Bridge to enter North America more than 12,000 years ago, our precious land has been plagued by immigration problems. Within just a few years, prehistorically speaking, families of the Spirit Cave Man, the Kennewick Man and the Wizards Beach Man found their way into our land. The Spirit Cave Man settled here in the Great Basin just a few miles east of Fallon. He and the others mentioned above created quite a stir with the local natives because not only did they not have valid passports, they were Caucasian, a race of people totally alien to the region.

Absence of a written history has kept us from knowing about the many other instances of illegal entry by foreigners into America until the Vikings sneaked ashore along the northeastern seaboard hoping to take part in the local grape harvest in the 1300s.

In 1492, Christopher Columbus, an undocumented Italian sailor, stole ashore on an island in the Caribbean and claimed the entire Western Hemisphere for the King and Queen of Spain. He and his wetback crew did not first go to Ellis Island to apply for citizenship papers as they should, but rather they set about to ravage the land as illegal aliens are known to do. In my studies of Columbus and his men, I have never found where he ever set foot on the mainland continent of North America, and yet he is credited with discovering America. Before returning to their native land, Columbus and his men took advantage of the local medical system and refused to pay any taxes. They demanded gold, tobacco and prisoners to take back to Spain, and before they left, they gave all the natives syphilis and tuberculosis.

When the white man first encountered the Indians, they found the natives lived a peaceful life where the men hunted and fished all the time, the women did all the work and no one paid any taxes. The white men then set out to improve on the situation by civilizing these savages and teaching them how they should live. Within a few years, the Indians were either at war, enslaved, drunk or dead from smallpox.

The Indians, as Columbus called the people he found in the Caribbean, were not from India at all. He called them that because he thought he had landed in the East Indies off the coast of India. At any rate, the name stuck, and since then, so far as most people are concerned, they are called Indians. Some politically correct do-gooders have come up with the name Native Americans when speaking about Indians. Indians are no more or no less native American than I am. All our ancestors all came here from someplace else. My grandfather was born here in Dayton. My father was born in Nevada, and I was born in Nevada. We all are native Americans. A more suitable name for the Indians living here would have been American Indians. What would have been wrong with that?

Because there was no protective fence and because border patrol agents were seldom seen for the next 500 years, the illegals fairly flooded the land with all sorts of human vermin. Many of the illegals became quite successful and sent vast sums of wealth back to their families living in comparative squalor back home. European elite considered it their right to enslave the red native savages to work in the mines of South America. Eventually, black men from Africa found free passage to the Caribbean to harvest sugar cane and to the southern United States to harvest cotton. Unlike some others, these people were not just undocumented workers. Their owners had plenty of documentation in the form of bills of sale to document these people, not to mention the manifests of the slave ships that brought them here.

The Comstock was not without its immigration problems. Before silver was discovered in the 1850s, about 200 Chinese illegals descended upon Dayton, where they attempted to join the gold seekers panning their way up Gold Canyon. For a while, what is now Dayton became known as Chinatown due to this population of Chinese. These Mongols were not at all accepted by the other miners and prospectors.

The Miners Union was able to keep the cheap illegal laborers from working the mines, but hundreds of them were employed to build the railroads. No one seemed to have any problem with allowing them to do that type of work if it kept them out of the mines. The State of Nevada went one step further in 1879, after most of the major railroads had been constructed. In that year, a law was passed (NRS 338.120) that prohibited employment of Chinese or Mongolians on all public works projects.

The immigration problems we are having in this country today are just a reflection of what has happened throughout our history. The more things change, the more they seem to stay the same. Governments are no more able to come to grips with this problem today than they were 500 years ago. There is likely to be peace in the Middle East before we are able to stop illegal immigration in our own country. Just the thought of all this leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Before you know it, illegal aliens will be coming to abduct all the good-looking people. Most of you will be safe. I am just writing this to say goodbye.
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Actor Leonardo DiCaprio joined thousands of climate change protesters in Washington DC to mark President Donald Trump's 100th day in office.

Large crowds gathered on Pennsylvania Avenue for the People's Climate March, an event that saw about 300 coinciding protests around the country, according to organizers.

The mercury rose to around 90F in DC, and protesters brought their own water bottles and sunscreen as they warned about the dangers of global warming.

Holding signs that read 'There is no planet B', and 'Make Earth Great Again', the protesters say they're objecting to the president's rollback of restrictions on mining, oil drilling and greenhouse gas emissions at coal-fired power plants, among other things.

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Actor Leonardo DiCaprio joined thousands of climate change protesters in Washington DC to mark President Donald Trump's hundredth day in office

The actor, known for his environmental activism, held a sign that read 'Climate change is real' while marching alongside indigenous people from North and South America

Large crowds gathered on Pennsylvania Avenue for the People's Climate March, an event that saw about 300 coinciding protests around the country, according to organizers

The mercury rose to around 90F in DC, and protesters brought their own water bottles and sunscreen as they warned about the dangers of global warming

Pictured left, protesters with signs that read 'POTUS' hot air not helping. Sad.' while men with cartoon suns hanging on their backs held a 'resist' banner

Pictured left, a protester dressed as Trump, ready to strike Earth with a golf club. And right, a banner in front of the US Capitol declaring 'We are the guardians of the future'

Participants say they're objecting to Trump's rollback of restrictions on mining, oil drilling and greenhouse gas emissions at coal-fired power plants, among other things

The protests were coordinated to coincide with Trump's hundredth day in office. The People's Climate March first kicked off in 2014 and has now grown to become a global event

Demonstrators in Washington started their march near the Capitol and slowly made their way to the White House. Pictured, one participant in a Trump paper mache head spewing what appears to be fiery air at the earth

While many of the signs delivered ominous messages, the mood at the march in DC was upbeat and jovial, with

In a reference to Maya Angelou's famous poem, one protester held a sign that read: 'Like the sea level we rise'

In Augusta, Maine, more than 2,000 protesters gathered outside the statehouse, where a lobsterman, a solar company owner and members of the Penobscot Nation tribe spoke. Pictured, protesters in DC

Demonstrators in Washington started their march near the Capitol and slowly made their way to the White House.

DiCaprio, known for his environmental activism, marched alongside people indigenous to both North and South America while carrying a sign that read: 'Climate change is real'.

He tweeted on Saturday: 'Honored to join Indigenous leaders and native peoples as they fight for climate justice. Join me in standing with them.

Model Christie Brinkley also joined a march in the Hamptons, where she wore a flower headpiece and held a sign that read: 'Let's make everyday a good air day'.

Model Christie Brinkley also joined a corresponding march in the Hamptons, where she wore a flower headpiece and held a sign that read: 'Let's make everyday a good air day'

Brinkley wrote on her Instagram account: 'The Past 100 Days has mobilized a passionate and committed group of people who ARE RISING to the occasion.. standing up for our planet, our beautiful Mother Earth and all her sentient beings!'

In Augusta, Maine, more than 2,000 protesters outside the statehouse said they wanted to draw attention to the damage climate change can cause marginalized communities.

Speakers included a lobsterman, a solar company owner and members of the Penobscot Nation tribe.

'I've seen firsthand the impacts of climate change to not only the Gulf of Maine, but also to our evolving fisheries, and to the coastal communities that depend upon them,' said lobsterman Richard Nelson, of Friendship, Maine.

People in the crowd spoke about the importance of addressing climate change to industries such as renewable energy, forestry, farming and seafood.

Saharlah Farah, a 16-year old immigrant from Somalia who lives in Portland, addressed the ways in which climate change could have a bigger toll on marginalized groups that have less financial resources.

'But I see untapped power here today,' she said.

In Tampa, Florida, a demonstration stretched for several blocks, Marchers said they were concerned about the threat rising seas pose to the city.

Meanwhile, in Boston, a crowd gathered in public park in downtown. Marchers carried signs with slogans such as 'Dump Trump.'

In Boston, a crowd gathered in park in downtown. Marchers carried signs with slogans such as 'Dump Trump'

On Friday, a federal appeals court postponed a ruling on lawsuits challenging provisions of former President Barack Obama's plan to reduce emissions from power plants. Pictured, the protest in Boston

On Friday, a federal appeals court postponed a ruling on lawsuits challenging provisions of former President Barack Obama's plan to reduce emissions from power plants.

The Environmental Protection Agency sought to put the legal fight on hold after Trump signed an executive order to roll back the plan.

The EPA also announced on Friday it would revamp its website, and information about climate change has already been taken down.

A message was left on the page that said: 'We are currently updating our website to reflect EPA's priorities under the leadership of President Trump and Administrator Pruitt.'

And it remains to be seen whether Trump will make good on his campaign promise to withdraw from the 2015 Paris climate accord signed on by 200 nations.

The president has previously claimed climate change is a hoax, although it was reported in early December First Daughter Ivanka wants to back the issue.

She met with former Vice President Al Gore, who won the Nobel Prize for his climate change work.

In Chicago, crowds braved the rain to march from Federal Plaza to Trump Tower. The EPA has already taken down information about climate change from its website

Pictured, protesters in Chicago keeping dry. Left, a sign that reads: 'Cherish me! Protect me! Save me! Preserve me! and right, an umbrella adorned with inflatable globes

It remains to be seen whether Trump will make good on his campaign promise to withdraw from the 2015 Paris climate accord signed on by 200 nations

'It's no secret that Ivanka Trump is very committed to having a climate policy that makes sense for our country and for our world,' Gore told MSNBC's Chris Hayes after a meeting with Ivanka and her father.

'That was certainly evident in the conversation that I had with her before the conversation with the president-elect,' Gore said. 'I appreciate the fact that she's very concerned about this.'

Donald Trump has claimed that climate change is a hoax. Chief of Staff Reince Priebus has said that the president still believes that 'most of it is a bunch of bunk.'

A general protest of Trump titled 'The 100 Days of Protest' took place in New York City, which also attracted pro-Trump counter protesters
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An enormous landslide engulfed part of a village in Kyrgyzstan killing 24 people, including nine children.

The earth slip entombed the inhabitants of six houses when it hit the village of Ayu in the Osh region at around 6:40am local time, Kyrgyzstan officials said in a statement.

Pictures capture the devastating after effects of a landslide in Kyrgyzstan which engulfed part of a village killing 24 people, including nine children. Over 250 rescue workers including medics and soldiers were at the scene

'All 24 citizens of Kyrgzystan, nine of them children, died under the landslide in the south of the country,' ministry spokeswoman Elmira Sheripova said.

Over 250 rescue workers including medics and soldiers were at the scene.

Emergencies minister Kubatbek Boronov flew to the site on the orders of President Almazbek Atambayev to take 'all possible measures' to help to families of the dead, according to a statement on the president's website.

Emergencies minister Kubatbek Boronov flew to the site on the orders of President Almazbek Atambayev to take 'all possible measures' to help to families of the dead, according to a statement on the president's website

Hours later, a second landslide hit a neighbouring village burying three houses. There were however no casualties, the ministry said.

In an emotional address published on the presidential YouTube channel, Mr Atambayev pleaded with villagers to take government advice and leave their homes to resettle elsewhere during extreme weather conditions.

He said: 'The biggest pain in all the trouble that has befallen us is that two or three days ago our compatriots living there did not listen to the specialists and refused to resettle,' said Atambayev, who announced Sunday as a day of national mourning.

'I appeal to my compatriots. A person's life, especially the life of a child, is much more precious than any property, any livestock. You cannot put any sort of property above life.'

He added: 'I'm addressing all my compatriots who don't want to leave dangerous zones: Fear God! Listen to the experts and follow their advice.'

Prime Minister Sooronbai Jeenbekov visited Ayu village after the landslide and said the government would provide 'all necessary assistance'.

In an emotional address published on the presidential YouTube channel, Mr Atambayev pleaded with villagers to take government advice and leave their homes to resettle elsewhere during extreme weather conditions. He said: 'I appeal to my compatriots. A person's life, especially the life of a child, is much more precious than any property, any livestock. You cannot put any sort of property above life.'

'We profoundly understand that this is our shared tragedy,' he said in comments issued by the government's press service.

The emergencies ministry said its chief Boronov was in charge of organising the evacuation of 40 families living close to the disaster zone and housing them in tents, given the risk of further landslides.

District official Alisher Bakyshev told local media that residents had been ordered to leave by the emergencies ministry in March due to the risk of landslides and 34 families had left their homes - but some later returned.

The emergencies ministry said its chief Boronov was in charge of organising the evacuation of 40 families living close to the disaster zone and housing them in tents, given the risk of further landslides. The landslide is the second tragedy to strike the ex-Soviet country of six million people since the beginning of the year

The landslide is the second tragedy to strike the ex-Soviet country of six million people since the beginning of the year.

In January a Turkish cargo plane crashed into a village close to the country's main airport, killing 39 people.

Ninety-five percent of Kyrgyzstan's territory is mountainous. A landslide in the country's south in 2004 killed 33 people.
A military plane has crashed in Cuba reportedly killing everyone on board.

The Antonov An-26 aircraft owned by Cuban airline AeroGaviota came down near the western province of Pinar Del Rio just 50 miles from the capital Havana.

The area where the plane came down is known as Las Lomas de San Cristobal that is 'difficult to access by land'.

Reports suggest that eight people on board died in the crash.

The plane that crashed was an Antonov An-26 aircraft owned by Cuban airline AeroGaviota, similar to this one (stock photo)

The turboprop plane is thought to have taken off from the country's Baracoa Airport which regularly offers domestic flights.

The Cuban News Agency reported: 'The eight military personnel on board, including the crew, died.

'A commission of the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces is investigating the causes of the accident.'

In 2002 four Britons were among 16 people who died when a light aircraft crashed in Cuba.

The plane, an Antonov AN-2 operated by the state airline Aerotaxi, went down near the city of Santa Clara, about 160 miles east of the capital Havana.

The aircraft had been on a round-trip from Cienfuegos on Cuba's southern coast and the island resort of Cayo Coco, in the north.
Fans of Take Me Out have paid tribute to one of the show's hopefuls while watching the date he went on before his sudden death.

Last week, show host Paddy McGuinness dedicated the episode to Charlie Watkins, who came down the lift in the hope of securing a date.

Charlie is believed to have killed himself since the show was filmed, but his family gave permission for both the episodes he appeared in to air.

Take Me Out sent Charlie and his date Jo-Tara to a water park and the beach for their first date

Jo-Tara goes in for a hug as the pair go on to the next part of their date in the Isle of Fernandos

Charlie, left, said he couldn't have thought of a 'more awesomer' first date with Jo-Tara, right who he matched with on the show

Tonight, viewers watched his date on the Isle of Fernandos, and were left in tears.

One wrote: 'So sad for Charlie & his family. Often those who make others smile are struggling the most. Hope you found peace.'

Another posted: 'Very sad watching Charlie on Take Me Out - looked such a nice bloke. It is so important to talk if u don't feel right.'

Paddy McGuinness also paid further tribute to a Take Me Out contestant who died after appearing on the show.

Fans of the show tweeted about the tragedy, and commented on how sad his death was, and how lovely he had seemed

Paddy McGuinness introduces the pair's date on the show, and later tweeted that the show featured a 'smashing lad' enjoying his date

Charlie and Jo-Tara enjoyed an unusual first date, shooting down slides in a water park before going to the beach

The comedian wrote: 'Hope you love tonight's @takemeoutuk especially Charlie's friends & family. We get to see a smashing lad enjoying himself on his date.'

Watkins was shown travelling to the programme's romance spot, the Isle of Fernandos, with contestant Jo-Tara who he had won a date with in the previous episode.

The 22-year-old visited a beach and a water park and said: 'I couldn't think of an awesomer first date.'

He also described the trip as 'definitely the best first date I've ever had', while Jo-Tara admitted to the cameras that she fancied him.

Charlie appeared on the show for the first time last week, and host Paddy McGuinness paid tribute on twitter

He won a date with Jo-Tara and the pair headed to the Isle of Fernandos for their first date

Friends and family shared pictures on social media of Charlie, and paid tribute to the tragic 22-year-old

Before last week's episode aired, McGuinness tweeted: 'Tonight's Take Me Out is in memory of Charlie. A fantastic lad who I'm sure will be greatly missed by his wonderful friends & family. RIP.'

The presenter usually shares his views on Twitter throughout each episode but did not post any updates during the programmes featuring Watkins.

A spokesman for the family told MailOnline: 'We have lost a very special young man who sadly never recovered from the tragic loss of his mother when he was only 9 years old.

'Tragically this is another example of the mental health issues suffered by young people today as highlighted by the Heads Together campaign supported by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.'

Charlie had called the date the 'best first date ever' after being persuaded to apply for the show when he didn't meet 'the one' at university

Before he took his own life, he posted on Facebook about finding love.

Having completed his exams in June, he posted on Facebook: 'My one regret is not finding that one woman for me to spend the rest of my life with.

'With this in mind I would love for you guys to send me any suggestions for potential girls that would like to become Mrs Charles Watkins.

'Comment below and I shall pick the lucky girl! ;p xxxxx'

A few weeks later, Charlie would post a picture of his Take Me Out application form, adding: 'I am a man of my word!;)....I have finally been convinced haha #takemeout'

The student's twin brother Harry Watkins posted an image of the pair to Facebook and wrote: 'Words cannot express my feelings, but I feel this picture sums us up perfectly.'

Another friend Craig Greaves added: 'Words can't describe how wonderful this man was.

'Charlie Watkins may have been the biggest idiot to everyone who knew him but he was also everyone's closest friend. His smile, charm and demeanour lit up the room.

'He made my time with the University of York Lacrosse Club fun, approachable and damn right stupid but I know for one he wouldn't want it any other way!

'The world has lost a great person this week and we have lost a dear friend. Watch over us Chazman.'

In Charlie's death announcement, published in the Telegraph, it was revealed he had previously lost his mother.

The family said: 'Charlie beloved son to Tim and the late Sarah Watkins and twin brother to Harry, tragically taken from us on Monday 13 March.'
An American solider has been killed in an explosion outside the northern Iraqi city of Mosul.

The Pentagon said the US service member died of wounds caused by an explosive device on Saturday.

The solider has not been identified and a statement from Operation Inherent Resolve gave no other details.

The Pentagon confirmed a US service member died of wounds caused by an explosive device on Saturday outside the northern Iraqi city of Mosul (file photo)

The incident comes just days after two other Americans were killed in a raid in eastern Afghanistan.

Army Ranger sergeants Joshua Rodgers, 22, of Illinois, and Cameron Thomas, 23, of Ohio, were killed in action in the Achin District of Nangarhar during an operation against ISIS Khorasan, the terror group's affiliate in Afghanistan.

The two were flown from the scene but later died. Another soldier was wounded, although the injuries are not considered life threatening.

'We are investigating the circumstances of the combat deaths of the two Army Rangers in the beginning of what was an intense three-hour firefight,' Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said.

'It is possible the Rangers were struck by friendly fire.'

Army Ranger sergeants Joshua Rodgers, 22 (left), and Cameron Thomas, 23 (right), died in a raid on Wednesday in eastern Afghanistan

Vice President Mike Pence stands with his hand over his heart as U.S. Army soldiers carry the flag-draped transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Army Ranger Sgt. Joshua P. Rodgers at Dover Air Force Base on April 28 in Delaware

News of the latest casualty on Saturday came as President Donald Trump marked his first 100 days in office.

During last year's presidential election campaign, Trump vowed to give priority to destroying Islamic State, which operates mostly in Syria and Iraq.

The Mosul operation against the Islamic State group started just over six months ago.

The Pentagon has acknowledged more than 100 US special operations forces are operating with Iraqi units, with hundreds more playing a support role in staging bases farther from the front lines.

There are now more US forces in Iraq than any time since the 2011 US withdrawal, marking an intensifying war as Iraqi forces and the US-led coalition work to push the Islamic State out of the last pockets of territory it controls in Iraq.

The United Nations estimates that more than half a million civilians have fled Mosul since the offensive on the country's second city began.

The jihadists are expected to make a bloody last stand in Mosul's Old City, where an estimated 400,000 civilians remain trapped.
The daughter of author Amy Krouse Rosenthal, who died of ovarian cancer ten days after penning a touching essay about her husband that went viral, wrote a heartfelt essay of her own about how she is carrying on her mother's legacy.

Paris Rosenthal described in the essay she wrote for TODAY how she was by Amy's side every day in the two months before her mother's death.

It was during this time that the 20-year-old became an 'integral part' of her mother's 1,2,3 Project on Instagram.

Scroll down for video

Paris Rosenthal (left) described in the essay she wrote for TODAY how she was by Amy Krouse Rosenthal's (right) side every day in the two months before her mother's death

'As Amys health started to decline, I became a more integral part of the 1,2,3 Project,' wrote Paris. 'I helped her solidify which concept to post that day. I helped draw out the ideas when her handwriting failed her. I helped take the photos to post when her energy was limited. I was honored to be moms helper, to say the least.'

Amy started the project on Instagram, sharing a 1,2,3 list at 1.23pm daily for 123 days.

She made it to day 61. Paris will complete the list, sharing 'a photo that represents something about Amy Krouse Rosenthal' for the next 62 days.

'I will acknowledge my mom, Amy Krouse Rosenthal, in some way everyday for the rest of my life, and this is the first step of my journey in doing so,' Paris wrote on Instagram.

Paris' first post was of a doll in a window, and she said it represented her mother wearing her favorite button dress, and holding a yellow umbrella, which became a symbol of Amy before her death.

'I was home alone, staring out the window, which happened to be the windowsill in which a mini version of Amy wearing a button dress, holding a yellow umbrella, made out of yarn rested,' wrote Paris.

Author Amy Krouse Rosenthal's daughter Paris (left) said she will continue the project her mother started of posting something every day at 1:23pm. The project is on Instagram

Paris will post something every day that honors her mother - in one post she had side by side pictures of herself and her mother at the same age and looking very similar

Paris' first post was a doll made of sticks and fabric made by artist Danny Mansmith

'Our home is a place where symbols of Amy are omnipresent. No longer able to touch or see my mom anymore, this moment wholeheartedly ignited something within me. I must continue this project, but with my own twist,' she added.

Paris said the doll was made of sticks and fabric remnants by artist Danny Mansmith.

Since then, Paris has posted 22 more days of the project, including a photo of one of Amy's favorite phrases, 'always trust magic', and another of her mother 'in her element' signing copies of her book.

Amy had written 50 children's books by the time her essay in the Modern Love section of the New York Times about her husband Jason Brian Rosenthal's many attributes went viral and it brought her a new legion of fans.

The Chicago author wrote it on her death bed and died 10 days later.

In the essay, Amy explained all of the reasons why a woman might want to marry her husband to whom she'd been married for three decades. She was diagnosed with cancer two years ago.

Amy Krouse Rosenthal, 51 (left), wrote a heartbreaking essay about her husband of 26 years, Jason, 52 (right), in the New York Times. She died ten days later

Amy revealed how wonderful and 'dreamy' her soon-to-be widower is and encouraged women to marry him

Amy made it to day 61 of the 123 days she wanted to post her project (above, her last post)

The Rosenthals had three children. From left to right: Daughter Paris, son Miles, Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Jason Rosenthal and son Justin

'If you're looking for a dreamy, let's-go-for-it travel companion, Jason is your man,' Amy pitched.

'He also has an affinity for tiny things: taster spoons, little jars, a mini-sculpture of a couple sitting on a bench, which he presented to me as a reminder of how our family began.'

Her 'incredibly handsome' husband is a lawyer and excellent cook who paints in his spare time, she wrote.

She described him as an 'absolutely wonderful father' to their three children Justin, 24, Miles, 22, and Paris, 20.

Before adding: 'I'm going to miss looking at that face of his.'
Nearly ten years has passed since three-year-old Madeline McCann went missing while on holiday with her family in Portugal.

As officers still trying to piece together the events surrounding her disappearance, detectives will be constantly reminding themselves of what happened that night.

She was reported missing at 10.14pm on May 3 2007, which makes the three hours from 8.30pm and 11.30pm a crucial window in the investigation.

Looking back at the evening that sparked a ten-year, 11million probe, we look at what happened on the last night Maddie was seen.

Medeleine McCann (left) went missing in 2007 and her parents made a press statement from the villa in the Algarve where she disappeared from (right)

8.30pm  The McCanns go for dinner

Kate read a bedtime story to Maddie and her younger twin siblings, Sean and Amelie at their apartment in the Ocean Club complex in Praia Da Luz, before the couple went to dinner 100 yards away with friends.

They joined friends Matt and Rachel Oldfield, Jane Tanner and Russell OBrien, for a Spanish meal within the complex, and they had all left their children in their apartments. Mr OBrien left to check on his children just before nine, and three more friends joined shortly afterwards, David and Fiona Payne and Dianne Webster. The group became known as the Tapas Nine as the investigation into Maddies disappearance gripped the world. The group went to dinner in the same place every night and checked on the children every half an hour.

Gerry McCann left to check on the children at around 9.05pm, saw them asleep in their beds and cots, left the door ajar and returned to the bar.

Portuguese police, including the lead officer in charge of the hunt for Madeleine McCann, in the complex from where Madeleine went missing

Jane Tanner left around ten minutes later and made a sighting that seemed innocuous at the time but went on to dominate police inquiries for years. Police thought the child in light pink pyjamas  similar to Maddies  being carried by a man with long hair could be crucial, but in 2013 Scotland Yard finally ruled it out as a piece of evidence, revealing that it was almost certain that the man was an unconnected British tourist.

Mr Oldfield went to check on the McCanns and his own children at 9.30pm. He listened at the McCann childrens door to see if they were making any noise but did not go into the room. Mr Oldfield's failure to check inside the bedroom may have cost vital time in the search for the little girl. Kate went up to check half an hour later and found that Maddie was missing. None of the McCanns friends have ever spoken about the events that took place that night.

The group were eating within the Ocean Club resort in Praia da Luz, where they were staying, and they met in the restaurant every night

10pm  Madeleine is missing

Kate McCann said the draft slammed the door shut as she went into the room, and she noticed that Madeleine was missing when she opened it. Shocked to discover she wasnt in her own bed, at first she wondered if her daughter had got into her parents bed. She told Crimewatch in 2014 that she then saw the window up and the shutters open. Witnesses then recalled her running back down the restaurant, saying Theyve taken her, theyve taken her. The couple said that they knew she was missing because her favourite teddy bear, a Cuddle Cat teddy that she took everywhere, remained on the bed. The McCanns then began desperately searching the complex, according to a nanny who looked after Maddie several times on holiday. She described Kate as crying and almost catatonic. The group were even asked to check bins to see if her body was inside, she recalled.

Kate described how she went into the bedroom where Maddie had been sleeping and realised that she was not there, before running down the stairs, saying 'They've taken her'

The couple said that they knew she was missing because her favourite teddy bear, a Cuddle Cat teddy that she took everywhere, remained on the bed

10.14  Police are called

The ten-year police investigation began at 10.14pm, and there were mistakes made from the outset. Reports from witnesses vary but most say it took officers more than an hour to arrive. There was more than an hour of questioning through the local Policia Judiciaria translator, but the area was not treated as a crime scene. Around 20 people were allowed to wander in and out freely inside what one former officer later dubbed the worst preserved crime scene he had ever seen. Roadblocks were not installed until nearly 12 hours after she was reported missing. Spanish border controls were not informed until the next morning, giving a potential kidnapper more than enough time to flee the country. The border is just three hours away.

Linked with the mystery is 44-year-old Robert Murat, the British ex-pat businessman who acted as a translator for Portuguese police in the early days of their investigation before being made an arguido  an official police suspect  less than two weeks later.
President Donald Trump isn't happy with news outlets for being critical his first 100 days in office.

The president tweeted hours before the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania rally Saturday: 'Mainstream (FAKE) media refuses to state our long list of achievements, including 28 legislative signings, strong borders & great optimism!'

The first 100 days are often seen as a test of how effective a president will be for the rest of their term.

President Trump blasted the '(FAKE) media' for being critical of his first 100 days in office

Trump touted '28 legislative signings, strong borders & great optimism' for his first 100 days

The president has actually signed 29 bills into law, according to Business Insider. This is twice as many as President Obama, four times as many as President Bush and seven more bills than President Clinton.

But, the bills signed under President Trump's administration in the first 100 days were 79,000 words total versus the bills President Obama signed which amounted to 1,100,00 words. Business Insider notes bills undoing laws from previous administrations are usually fewer words.

One 'legislative signing' Trump promised on the campaign trail that did not come to fruition was a bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

But as far as executive orders, President Trump signed 30 executive orders compared to Obama who signed 19, Clinton who signed 11 and Clinton who signed 13.

But one executive order clearly overshadowed the rest of Trump's. The order that became simply known as the 'travel ban' affecting Muslim majority countries, was blocked in court multiple times.

Several of his executive orders were rollbacks of laws enacted during the Obama years focusing on energy and trade.

As far as strong borders, the president has enforced laws that encourage deportations more vigorously than his predecessor.

When it comes to Americans and 'great optimism,' Trump may have a point in the regards to the way Americans perceive the economy.

February, a Harvard-Harris poll revealed most Americans feel optimistic about the economy according to The Hill. Of those surveyed, 61 per cent said they viewed the economy as strong.

However, a report from the Department of Commerce showed gross domestic product only grew 0.7 per cent the first quarter. The president also has lowest approval rating at his first 100 days of any president in modern history.

Trump was preparing his supporters for media backlash regarding his success earlier in April citing the 'ridiculous standard'.

He said on Twitter: 'No matter how much I accomplish during the ridiculous standard of the first 100 days, & it has been a lot (including S.C.), media will kill!'
A top-secret British spy plane was tracked using a 2.99 mobile phone app as it flew on a daring mission to eavesdrop on Vladimir Putins air defences.

The 650 million RAF aircraft, called Rivet Joint, could be seen at 27,000ft as it tried to gather intelligence about a heavily defended Russian base on the Baltic Sea.

A minute-by-minute record of the highly classified mission to study the Kaliningrad naval air base was watched by hundreds of thousands of people on the internet, and details were shared on Twitter.

A top-secret British spy plane was tracked using a 2.99 mobile phone app as it flew on a daring mission to eavesdrop on Vladimir Putins air defences (Stock photo)

Radar pictures on social media suggested the RAF jet flew to within 60 miles of the Russian base at 478 knots, accompanied by American spy planes and F-35A stealth jets.

The joint UK-US operation, launched last Tuesday, came at a time of high tension between President Putin and Nato and just days after British troops began manoeuvres in Estonia intended to prevent a Russian invasion.

Last night, former Air Commodore Graham Pitchfork warned that websites such as Flightradar24.com and Planefinder.net had made it almost impossible for the RAF to maintain operational secrecy.

He said: Theres not much these clever geeks cant watch and share with the world. The speed of transfer of the information and the ease with which it is shared is remarkable.

I find it slightly odd that these people want to track our military spy planes everywhere, but there you go.

It is right that the issue is highlighted but I fear were going to have to live with it. The 146-ton Rivet Joint and her 27-strong crew took off from RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire on Tuesday morning. The 136ft-long aircraft was later seen crossing the North Sea and flying over Denmark.

Open Secret: The 650 million aircraft was tracked near a naval air base

Plane-spotters logged the aircrafts speed, direction of travel and flight number as she approached the Russian coast.

Security experts said the plan was for Rivet Joint to fly behind the F-35As and respond electronically to any attempt by the Russians to track the F-35As.

Justin Bronk of the Royal United Services Institute think tank explained: Rivet Joint takes a very sensitive reading of Russian air defences, such as their search radars. It is very useful for the UK and US to know the sorts of patterns that the Russians frequency-agile radars operate with.

The UK and US aircraft were most likely trying to provoke a response, because usually the Russians wouldnt broadcast their highest end radar waveforms for Britain and the US to collect and analyse.

The Mail on Sunday has previously revealed how, using the Flightradar24 app and mobile phones, terrorists could have tracked Prince Williams air ambulance helicopter

Mr Bronk said Rivet Joints position was revealed by its transponders which can only be turned off in a war zone.

European airspace is extremely crowded so there is a limit to what it can do silently, he added. Transponders record an aircrafts position using GPS satellites, then broadcast the information to ground stations monitored by the likes of Flightradar24.

Defence sources said the RAF is mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation to ensure that in peacetime its aircraft comply with safety procedures, including the use of transponders.

The Mail on Sunday has previously revealed how, using the Flightradar24 app and mobile phones, terrorists could have tracked Prince Williams air ambulance helicopter.

Last night, a Ministry of Defence spokesman said: The RAF has a wide variety of cutting-edge intelligence-gathering capabilities, which may be used in association with our allies, to obtain vital intelligence across the globe. As a matter of policy we do not comment on speculation on operational or intelligence matters.
Tina Rothery denies knowing it was her voice used on an anti-fracking film

Police are investigating an appalling film that compares officers protecting a shale gas site to Nazi SS guards who murdered millions of Jews in the Holocaust.

The video created by environmentalists intercuts footage of anti-fracking protesters confronting police with scenes from the Oscar-winning film Schindlers List.

In one of the most offensive scenes, the filmmakers use a clip in which a young Jewish woman is shot in the head by an SS officer. The womans final words are dubbed over with the voice of anti-fracking protester and Green Party Election candidate Tina Rothery, who says: I am acting in the self-defence of my community.

The video, entitled Tinas List, was uploaded to an anti-fracking website at the beginning of April.

It features footage of a protest earlier this year outside a fracking site at Fylde, near Blackpool in Lancashire, in which demonstrators shout shame on you at the police.

The video has since been taken down after complaints from members of the public.

Last night, police confirmed they were looking into it, with critics saying the filmmakers should be investigated for hate crimes.

Marie van der Zyl, vice-president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said: This video beggars belief. The comparisons made to Nazis and the concentration camps belittle the memory of those who were murdered in the Holocaust.

Unacceptable: Disturbing footage of concentration camp prisoners from the Oscar-winning film Schindler's List, above, is used in with a new voiceover by anti-fracking campaigner Tiny Rothery

Offensive: Shocking scenes featuring vicious guards from Schindler's List are intercut with film showing police outside a controversial racking site in Lancashire where they face almost daily demonstrations

Monster: Ralph Fiennes, right, as brutal camp commandant Amon Goeth, known as the Butcher of Plaszow, is shown in the anti-fracking ilm ordering the death of a woman prisoner who is them seen being shot through the head

No matter the campaign, no matter the issue, the use of Nazi imagery is utterly unacceptable.

Clive Grunshaw, the Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: I find this appalling and offensive. Police officers are there doing their job, keeping the people of Lancashire safe. They are caught in the middle between the protesters and the business. I think it is disgraceful they are facing this sort of intimidation and abuse.

Ms Rothery, who stood as the Green candidate against former Chancellor George Osborne in Tatton for the 2015 General Election, confirmed yesterday that a recording of her voice had been used. But the campaigner, whose supporters include actress Emma Thompson and fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, said she had not been aware of the film until it appeared on the Frack- Free York Facebook page and had nothing to do with making it.

The 54-year-old grandmother, who is standing for the Greens in Blackpool and Fylde, refused to criticise those behind the film, but said: It is not something I would do in a million years. I wouldnt refer to something as important in our history as the events of the Holocaust in the light of anything else.

I think that there are no comparisons to what happened there. I respect that the police have a job to play in society. What I dont respect is the role they are being forced to play in Lancashire where they are being used to escort trucks into a community that has said no to fracking.

The growth of fracking, a method of extracting gas and oil from shale rock using a high-pressure water mixture, has sparked demonstrations across the country by environmentalists who fear it could trigger small earthquakes and cause health problems.

The film shows a group of banner-waving protesters outside security fences around fields off Preston New Road, where leading fracking company Cuadrilla was given permission to drill for shale gas by Communities Secretary Sajid Javid in October. The site is the first in the UK to employ horizontal drilling, a technique said to extract more gas from the shale rock.

The Governments decision provoked fury among anti-fracking groups and local campaigners as permission had originally been refused by Lancashire Country Council. There have since been almost daily demonstrations.

The anti-fracking film begins with footage of a dozen or so police officers confronting the demonstrators before cutting to the Schindlers List concentration camp in Poland where prisoners are lined up by SS guards to the haunting soundtrack of the 1993 epic.

It then shows protesters screaming at the police as lorries drive at the site, with one saying you should be ashamed to be a police officer and another accusing them of condoning activity that could endanger children.

The voices of the demonstrators are then dubbed over more footage from the Steven Spielberg film, which tells the story of a German businessman who saves the lives of hundreds of Jews by employing them in his factories.

The video was removed from the site after about a week, but not before Ms Allanson had complained to police, saying it should be viewed as a hate crime

The film shows a group of banner-waving protesters outside security fences around fields off Preston New Road

The anti-fracking video shows brutal camp commandant Amon Goeth known as the Butcher of Plaszow and played by Ralph Fiennes, ordering one of his officers to shoot a woman prisoner. A screen grab taken by fracking supporter Lorraine Allanson shows the film was posted on the Facebook page on April 5 by York-based activist and photographer Dave Marris, who commented on the social media site: I made this because I am disgusted with the police tactics being used against the peaceful people trying to protest at Cuadrillas Preston New Road site.

The video was removed from the site after about a week, but not before Ms Allanson had complained to police, saying it should be viewed as a hate crime.

Mr Marris, speaking at his home near York yesterday, confirmed he had made the video, but added: I cant see anything offensive on there. It is up to people to draw their own conclusions. However, writer and broadcaster Rabbi Jonathan Romain said: Whatever ones views of fracking it is not genocide  in fact it is a million miles from genocide. Using the Holocaust in this way not only demeans the Holocaust but undermines the case of the protesters.

Jonathan Sacerdoti, a leading campaigner against anti-Semitism, said: Anyone who needs to go to these absurd lengths to get noticed clearly has no faith in the merits of their own arguments.

Cuadrilla declined to comment last night, but chief executive Francis Egan recently complained about intimidation and harassment by irresponsible activists.

Additional reporting: Robert Verkaik
ELKO  Donald Trump Jr. arrived in Elko on Feb. 22, 2016 for a campaign rally at the convention center, but first he sat down with the Elko Daily Free Press for an exclusive interview.

ON RURAL ISSUES:

You know for me, coming up to this part of the state is probably where I prefer to be than Las Vegas. Im a big outdoorsman. Im a fisherman, Im a hunter, those things mean a lot to me. Flying in Im just thinking of where all the elk are right now ...

Speaking of his father, he said, Hes a businessman so he obviously understands industry. He understands what is up here in terms of mining and what that means. While hes built in Clark County and in Las Vegas, he does get how the whole world works. I mean, hes the only guy thats actually contributed anything to the Nevada economy of all of the candidates.

ON THE PROPOSED 20-YEAR MINING CLAIMS BAN:

I think he would certainly be against that, Trump Jr. said. You can see the way hes talked, and very openly, about fracking and what we need to do to be energy independent, and I think the same would go for our mineral rights and natural resources. You know, when Chinas going around hoarding all of the worlds precious metals ... hed be very much for making sure that stays in American industry, that we stay viable, that we take advantage of the resources that we have. And I think you can do that in balance with preserving public lands, and making sure that sportsmen and hunters and fishermen and all of these assets, those things can work together.

If you look at Utah  and some of the other states have done this  you know potash mines that some of the people wanted to fight against are now some of the best reclaimed lands for the elk herds and the sheep herds. ... So there is a way to have the best of both worlds; to maintain that kind of independence, to keep those industries going and working while also being environmentally conscious and protecting herds.

ON FRACKING AND LOW OIL PRICES:

I think oil will eventually go back up, right? I think there is a plot  and part of this is outside of the United States  to keep those kind of prices down, because as the U.S., which is a big consumer, obviously, of that kind of energy was starting to become independent its very easy to drop the prices, increase production, flood the market, lower those numbers so that those companies and those smaller companies that are investing in that sort of innovative technology and fracking, they cant cover it.

Oil for the Saudis is profitable at 10 bucks a barrel. For fracking and something where you have a lot more technology involved its going to be a lot more, a lot higher oil price to have it break even.

I think itll come back. I think that as the technology continues to evolve we have to stay on it, and eventually youll make that as cheap as it would be to drill conventional oil.

TRANSFER OF FEDERAL LAND:

He doesnt oppose sending it to the states. What he opposes is it becoming something other than for the benefit of the public. He wants to make sure that people like yourselves, your children, your grandchildren can continue to use those lands in an open setting. He doesnt want it to go to the states and say Well Im going to sell it now to a big corporation and were going to develop tens of thousands of acres into something other than what is designed.

... Certain states do a better job, certainly, than the federal government has been doing. And he said the federal lands that are federal lands have been managed terribly. You know theyve been taken over by invasive species, they are not able to sustain the same populations in terms of herds, both of game and/or of grazing, so you have sort of a dichotomy there.

What he does want to do, though, is make sure those lands dont become privatized, sold off to the highest bidder  you know to developers, whatever, and then all of a sudden you wake up in a few years and people ... dont have the access to use those kind of lands for their intended purpose and recreation.

ON TRANSFERING CONTROL OF TRUMP ENTERPRISES:

Hes been very candid about that. I mean frankly I think the reason he didnt run in 2008 and in 2012 when you see he was very frustrated and visibly so and very vocal about it, was he does have tens of thousands of people that he actually employs, himself, unlike everyone else who talks about all of the jobs theyve created and meanwhile they dont actually employ anyone  they are playing with other peoples money. Hes done that, hes done that for a long time. Those people have given him 10, 20 years of dedicated service. He wasnt willing to walk away from that then, when I was the oldest ... and I was 33. I wasnt ready to run a company like that, you know. Now Im 38, my brother and sister, theyve all been in the business now for over a decade. We get it, we understand it, and so he can step away fully knowing that the people who have been so loyal to him over all of those years that they are actually well taken care of. ... Now ... he can step away freely knowing the company is in good hands.

ON STRAIGHT TALK AND IMMIGRATION:

The one thing that hes done that no other politician has done is, hell actually speak his mind. Hell say what hes thinking. Hell address a problem that everyone knows is a problem but politicians arent willing to talk about as problems because, you know, theres a .02 percent of an electorate that says well, thats really annoying ...

We have to think about the big picture. We have to think about the average American, the hard-working American citizen whos basically being neglected. I mean theres people in this country that would rather give illegal immigrants more rights and more privileges and more benefits from the country than our own veterans who cant even get health care when they come back after losing limbs and almost sacrificing their lives for this country.

And he doesnt think thats fair. He wants to make America Americas priority, not the rest of the world. We have to worry about ourself first, and then we can take care of others, once we have surpluses, once we get rid of the 20 trillion in debt thats going to drown ... probably us but especially our children and the next generation. ... We cant keep giving money to people who hate us, who fundamentally hate our way of life ... would love to see us dead. You know we do everything we can to take care of them and to make sure they are not offended and we cant even take care of our own people, and its ridiculous.

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING A GLOBAL BUSINESSMAN AND A POLITICAL LEADER:

No. Ive seen him do deals for the last 35 years all over the world. Hes gotten along with everyone. What I think is laughable is a system whereby politicians who actually have never done any of these things, theyll sit on a committee where you know theyre one of 300 people talking about an issue, and they say they have this great foreign policy experience and this great diplomatic experience; meanwhile theyve done absolutely nothing. Theyve never had anything at stake, meaning their own money, their own capital. ... They are doing whatever their special interests tell them. So, someone like him, my father, whos done deals all over the world, gotten along with people from all different kinds of backgrounds, has done this for 35 years  he can bring that to this country.

... There should be more people like him doing this for our country and for our citizens. Enough with the politicians. And I think that message is resonating well, which is why hes been so popular, even though he has been a politician for all of three months.
They were introduced to make life a little easier for parents struggling to cope with young children and bags of shopping in busy supermarket car parks.

But in the latest example of Britains shameful parking practices, selfish drivers without youngsters on board are routinely hogging parent and child spots.

Earlier this month, The Mail on Sunday revealed how thousands of callous motorists caught fraudulently using disabled parking permits are being named and shamed by councils. Now, it seems the abuse is just as rife in supermarket parent and child parking bays.

No child: Scores of shoppers were caught by MoS reporters abusing the 'parent and child' parking spaces at Sainsburys in Charlton, South East London. The latest example of Britain's dodgy parking practices. This driver said she wanted a larger space for her new car

Culprits may argue its not exactly the crime of the century, but their behaviour leaves families fuming and could even put young children at risk in busy car parks.

Although stores claim to keep an eye out for offenders, the MoS monitored designated bays  normally wider, with a protected walkway for safety  at various supermarkets and watched as scores of discourteous drivers made use of them.

The bays are intended for parents with babies, toddlers and primary school-aged children, generally under 12. Those abusing the system could technically receive a fine from the supermarket or its car-park contractor  but the numbers we found offending suggest they are not too worried about being punished. At a Sainsburys in Charlton, South-East London, our reporter spotted more than 30 shoppers abusing the well-signed parent and child spaces in a single day, among them businessmen in expensive cars, as well as couples clearly flouting the rules.

Couple: At a Sainsburys in Charlton, South-East London, our reporter spotted more than 30 shoppers abusing the well-signed parent and child spaces in a single day, among them businessmen in expensive cars, as well as couples clearly flouting the rules

One motorist in a brand-new Volvo pulled into a parent and child bay, reclined his seat and slept for half an hour with the engine running. In another brazen example, a lone shopper gestured towards nappies he had bought to justify parking in the bay. Last night, angry family campaigners called on supermarket bosses to enforce stricter punishments and name and shame abusers of the system.

Netmums editor-in-chief Anne-Marie OLeary said: Parent and child parking bays are a godsend to parents. Anyone who abuses them is being incredibly selfish.

Claire Paye, a spokesman for pressure group Mothers At Home Matter, said: These bays tend to have protective walkways, which is so much safer than trying to walk through a busy car park. Rob Parkinson, chief executive of Home-Start, a charity that supports young families, said: Wider parking spaces for families and people with disabilities are really important.

'Not a problem': This driver argued 'the kids are at school this time'

But in Charlton, one offending shopper with his wife said: At this time of day, I dont think its a problem. All the kids are at school and there are loads of free places.

A woman driving a Kia, doing her weekly shop, said: I used to have a small hatchback so I would go in the normal spaces. But I have a larger car now and its quite expensive so I dont want it getting damaged. When I arrived there were lots of other free spaces. If that wasnt the case, I would happily go and park elsewhere.

A shopper in a BMW accepted he was in the wrong. Ive got to hold my hands up, he said. Ive learnt my lesson and wont do it again.

Hands up: 'I've learned my lesson' admitted this driver of a BMW saloon

Mother-of-two Marianne Walsh, 36, a regular user of the Charlton Sainsburys, said: Its usually businessmen in expensive cars who cant be bothered to walk the extra few yards. There were similar scenes at Morrisons and Asda stores in Kent, where yet more drivers showed disregard for designated spaces.

Last night, Sainsburys and Asda insisted most customers were considerate of motorists with children but warned they would slap discourteous drivers with parking charge notices if they were caught abusing the system.

A Morrisons spokesman said: On the whole, our customers use the parent and child bays responsibly.
The Royal Marines have launched a last-ditch bid to save HMS Ocean from being sold off to a foreign navy next year  leaving Britain incapable of mounting any major amphibious warfare operations.

The commandos are fighting an internal battle within the Royal Navy to save the UKs only helicopter carrier, which could soon be part of the Brazilian fleet.

The Royal Marines havee launched a last gasp bid to save HMS Ocean from being sold off to a foreign navy next year. The commandos are fighting an internal battle within the Navy to save the vessel

They want the Navy to keep HMS Ocean  the subject of a recent three-part Channel 4 documentary  because the vessel is designed to support amphibious landing operations.

It took part in the start of the Iraq War in 2003 and served in Libya in 2011.

The sale of the 28,000-ton vessel would mean the Royal Marines could not launch any major amphibious assaults until 2023, when the new aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales enters service.

Last night, the bid to save HMS Ocean was backed by former First Sea Lord Admiral Lord West, who said: Selling the ship is a major error and the Royal Marines are very aware of that.

The Ministry of Defence said: A number of options are being considered for the future of Ocean. It is too soon in the process to discuss what those options might be.
Ukip's Shneur Odze, pictured, is in the race to become the Mayor of Manchester - but he secretly met a 25-year-old office worker through a bondage and sadomasochism website

A married rabbi standing for Ukip in the mayoral elections has been having an affair with a woman he met on a bondage website.

Shneur Odze, 36, who faces former Labour Cabinet Minister Andy Burnham in the race to become the Mayor of Manchester, is accused of playing out a disturbing sexual fantasy with the young woman.

Odze, who The Mail on Sunday revealed earlier this month had burned a bible and posted the pictures of the event on social media, met the 25-year-old office worker through a bondage and sadomasochism website.

The rabbi has previously refused to shake hands with female political opponents on religious grounds.

But according to the woman he met on the bondage site, he:

Bizarrely posed as a Roman Catholic priest in his online profile, styling himself His Worshipful and The Right Reverend;

Indulged in disturbing sexual role play games;

Bombarded her with sexually explicit text messages and begged her to join him in a threesome with another woman he had met online;

Sent sexually explicit texts on the Sabbath;

Told her his name was Simon, and never revealed who he really was, or that he was married.

The revelations will be a further blow to Ukips floundering General Election campaign under new leader Paul Nuttall.

Since last summers Brexit vote, and the departure of former leader Nigel Farage, Ukips core voters have flocked back to the Conservatives.

The woman, who we are calling Cassie, told The Mail on Sunday that she was contacted by the rabbi, who has four daughters, last November via Fetlife.com.

The site has been described as like Facebook, but run by the kinky community.

In a profile headed His Worshipful, Odze borrowed a stock image of a handsome young priest reading a prayer book and announced: I have been into various aspects of BDSM for a number of years now, alibi [sic] more off than on. Over that time I have tried a great deal and enjoyed even more.

He added: Its about a voyage of self-discovery, fulfilling that inner void, living for the moment He signed off: The Right Reverend.

Mr Odze, pictured right, a former law student, is a confidant of former party leader Nigel Farage, pictured left

Cassie, who describes herself as submissive, said Odze drove from his home in Salford to her flat in York for their first encounter.

He told me in a text to open the communal door and the one to my flat. When he came in, he put my wrists and ankles in plastic handcuffs and blindfolded me, she claimed. He also hit me across the buttocks for all the times Id forgotten to call him Sir.

What happened thereafter will be inexplicable to most people, but Cassie offers her own explanation.

She said her condition had been described to her by doctors as compulsive self-destructive sexual behaviour.

She and Odze had consensual sex, and despite her misgivings about him, she agreed to meet him on three further occasions: twice at her flat, and once in nearby Harrogate, where they had sex in his car.

Cassie said she discovered Odzes real identity when she googled his mobile phone number which took her to his Ukip Facebook page.

She claimed he appeared to be possessive and controlling from the first time they met. To a certain degree, this was part of our role-playing, she said.

I had to call him Sir every time I spoke to him, which was fine, although it got ridiculous after a while. If I was being good he would address me as angel, but if I questioned him or answered back, he would call me a whore, b**** or c***.

Mr Odze bizarrely posed as a Roman Catholic priest in his online profile, styling himself His Worshipful and The Right Reverend

In a profile headed His Worshipful, Odze borrowed a stock image of a handsome young priest reading a prayer book and announced: I have been into various aspects of BDSM for a number of years now, alibi [sic] more off than on'

He told me from the start that he wanted our relationship to be exclusive, which I was fine with, but then he kept pestering me to have a threesome.

In another, seen by The Mail on Sunday he referred to having a threesome and Cassie responded: Thank you Sir but the two of us should be fine if youre happy with a single bed but a threesome wouldnt work. x.

Cassie said she was shocked when she saw that Odze was presenting an image of himself as a happily married pillar of the community.

He had lied to me, by telling me he wasnt married and hes lying to the people he wants to represent by pretending to be something hes not. It is hypocritical, she said.

In 2014, when he stood for Ukip to be an MEP, Odze refused to shake the hands of rival female candidates on religious grounds.

In the same year, after former Minister for Civil Society, Brooks Newmark, sent explicit texts to a person he thought was a young woman, Odze was forthright in his denunciation.

The woman, who we are calling Cassie, told The Mail on Sunday that she was contacted by the rabbi, who has four daughters, last November via Fetlife.com (stock photo)

He tweeted: Whilst I feel sorry for Brooks Newmarks family. To get the privacy they so deserve & he so craves, Ive one sure tip, simply resign!

Odze was a Conservative councillor in London before marrying Chava Kessler, who stood unsuccessfully as a Tory candidate in Bury in 2004.

The rabbi tweeted the images of a burning book after saying he had found a missionary bible  which has anti-Semitic connotations  at his synagogue. He later apologised for any offence and removed the photos from Twitter.

A former law student, he is a confidant of Mr Farage and Mr Nuttall. When confronted about the latest allegations last night, Rabbi Odze opened the front door of his terraced home in Salford to say: Its my sabbath, Ive just got out of bed. You can call my agent.

The Mail on Sunday then made it clear that the allegations concerned your activities on Fetlife and your relationship with a 25-year-old woman. He replied: Ive no idea what youre talking about.

A Ukip spokesman said: This is a personal matter for Mr Odze. He has broken no law, and therefore we have no comment to make.
Theresa May was yesterday warned that there was no such thing as a 'free lunch' as EU leaders set uncompromising terms for Brexit.

The leaders, meeting without Mrs May for the first time since she triggered Article 50, burst into applause after taking just four minutes to approve guidelines for the UK's 'orderly withdrawal' from the EU.

European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker took a swipe at Mrs May, accusing her of 'underestimating' the complexity of the process.

'No conspiracy': Angela Merkel, flanked by aides, in Brussels yesterday

But Mrs May hit back by making clear she would not be bullied by Brussels, while Brexit Secretary David Davis warned the EU not to stand in the way of a deal.

Meeting in Brussels, the EU leaders agreed that Britain will be handed a 'divorce bill' for as much as 50 billion, which it says the UK owes. Britain will also have to promise to secure the rights of the three million EU citizens in the country and promise not to build a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic, while Spain also gets a controversial veto on any deal affecting Gibraltar.

One by one, the leaders lined up to hammer home the costs of Brexit, with outgoing French president Francois Hollande warning that 'there will inevitably be a price and a cost for Britain, it's the choice they made'.

German finance minister Wolfgang Schauble bluntly declared: 'There is no free lunch. Britons must know that.'

German finance minister Wolfgang Schauble bluntly declared: 'There is no free lunch. Britons must know that'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel acknowledged that a big Election win for Mrs May would give her a 'very credible platform' in the negotiations

Mr Juncker also spoke of the talks he held with Mrs May in London on Wednesday, saying that every time he asked questions about the British strategy she responded: 'Be patient and be ambitious.'

He added: 'I have the impression sometimes that our British friends, not all of them, do underestimate the technical difficulties we have to face.' In regard to EU nationals living in the UK, he said: 'We have already prepared a text which could be adopted immediately if our British friends would be willing to sign it, but that probably won't happen.'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was more emollient, saying there was 'no conspiracy against the British'. She also acknowledged that a big Election win for Mrs May would give her a 'very credible platform' in the negotiations.

Donald Tusk (right) today demanded a 'serious' offer from Britain on guaranteeing the rights of European citizens before Brexit trade talks can begin as the EU agreed its opening gambit for the negotiations. Pictured left, French President Francois Hollande

Mrs May's (pictured at a campaign rally in Aberdeen) hopes of parallel talks on the divorce and the future trade deal now appear to have been killed off

At an historic press conference following the agreement of the EU's negotiating guidelines (pictured) EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (left) and EU Council President Donald Tusk (right) heralded the near unprecedented unity of the remaining EU members, who took just four minutes to agree their Brexit tactics

Mrs May, on an Election campaign visit to Scotland yesterday, renewed her appeal for a 'strong mandate' to 'strengthen our negotiating hand' with the EU.

Mr Davis, warning that the negotiations would be complex, added: 'They will be tough and, at times even confrontational. There are already people in Europe who oppose these aims and people at home trying to undermine them'.

The EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, also ruled out any negotiations with London over a post- Brexit trade deal until 'sufficient progress' had been made on the initial demands from Brussels.

EU diplomats say their British counterparts have softened their stance since Mrs May's initially claimed that 'no deal' was better than a 'bad deal'. One EU source provocatively described the readiness to compromise as 'surrender'.

In his remarks, President Hollande said: 'Europe knows how to defend its interests, and that Britain will have a less good position outside the EU than in the EU'.

But unlike Ms Merkel, he said the UK Election would not affect the EU stance.

The guidelines agreed today set the rules by which chief negotiator Michel Barnier (pictured at today's EU Council) will tackle the detailed talks. He declared after the agreement 'we are ready'

Give us brave and bloody-minded MPs  not Theresa May's rubber-stamping, one-party Parliament

By Gina Miller for the Mail on Sunday

Of all British virtues, perhaps the greatest is our capacity for vigorous non-violent debate.

For centuries, we have valued the ability to argue and discuss about the issues that matter to our country without fear.

But in the ten months since the Brexit vote, it feels as if the nation itself has sustained a wound which is yet to heal.

Theresa May says she called the general election to bring Westminster in line with the country, which she claimed was coming together over the divisive issue.

The Prime Minister said the vote would give her a chance to unite Parliament and a mandate to negotiate a Brexit deal that could fundamentally change Britain and our relationship with our European neighbours.

Theresa May says she called the general election to bring Westminster in line with the country, which she claimed was coming together over the divisive issue

But many people throughout the United Kingdom are not as convinced that her Government has the ability to deliver the best deal for Britain.

Many of us, no matter how we voted in the referendum, still feel bruised by the ongoing argument and anxious about the future.

When the team I am spearheading launched the Best for Britain campaign last week - to back candidates in the General Election who support a proper Parliamentary vote on Brexit, including rejecting any deal which leaves the country worse off - we were confident we would have a measure of support from people around the country.

But prepared as we were, I have to admit to being overwhelmed by the number of people who pledged support for our campaign.

In just a week, over 10,000 people put their hands in their pocket and donated their hard-earned money, with more offering their time and expertise as volunteers.

Many sent messages backing the campaign, but also expressing their worry for the future: one woman told us she was 'frightened and heartbroken'.

And again and again, we heard from people who felt frustrated by their representation in Parliament - or lack of it.

For people up and down the country , Westminster has never felt further away from their daily lives.

The Prime Minister ploughs on, but seems disengaged from the public.

Her 'lockdown' approach - rejecting the involvement of Parliament in Brexit negotiations, refusing to allow any discussion of details, sidelining or getting rid of staff who disagree with her and failing to take the British people into her confidence  is leading to greater divisions.

And her refusal to take part in TV election debates only exacerbates this sense of a detached leader.

By following suit, Jeremy Corbyn has only furthered the idea that our politicians are talking only to themselves instead of a country in need of care.

British people are crying out for a Parliament that represents them in a meaningful way. Mrs May has called for unity at Westminster, but who wants a one-party Parliament, existing only to rubberstamp the whims of the executive?

Parliament must not be an echo chamber. There needs to be division, debate, questioning and balance. These things are the hallmark of a healthy democracy but at the moment Westminster seems a decidedly unhealthy place.

British people are crying out for a Parliament that represents them in a meaningful way

Our campaign goal is to support Parliamentary candidates who will stand up to the Government.

We will back individuals who will operate with independent minds and a sense of duty not just to the party line, but to their constituents and the country.

We need MPs who are brave and bloody-minded, insisting on their role in the future of the country. The issues at stake in the Brexit negotiations will last much longer than the election cycle. If it appears that the consequences of the Brexit vote are not as bad as warned, that is only because the consequences simply haven't kicked in yet.

And we won't know what those consequences will be until we see what deal Mrs May returns with. At the moment, candidates and voters are being told simply to put their faith in the Prime Minister and her negotiators. But blind faith is not natural justice. We all have a right to read a contract before we sign it.

'A minister,' John Wilkes noted, 'is the servant of the public, and accountable to them.'

With that accountability comes a duty to do what's right.

If May pushes Brexit through without making peace with the country, without recognizing the truths that we all know, then she will perpetuate a great wrong, and Britain will remain wounded for generations.

The country must be allowed to heal.

A robust Parliament is the first step on the road to recovery.
The battle to protect press freedom has received Royal backing from Prince Andrew.

The Duke of York defended British journalists and urged them to keep doing what you do despite his often turbulent relationship with newspapers and broadcasters.

The Duke was at the Press Club Awards to collect the top honour, Londoner of the Year, on behalf of the Queen. He told his audience of senior journalists and editors at the Corinthia Hotel, Whitehall: Even though we [the Royals] get criticised, keep doing what you do.

Accolade: The Duke of York with the Queen's award in Whitehall, where he spoke up for press freedom

The Prince also praised the press for the role it plays in democracy.

His rollercoaster relationship with the media dates back to his marriage to Sarah Ferguson, which ended in divorce after a number of embarrassing stories and photographs of her sunbathing topless while having her toes sucked by American financial advisor John Bryan.

The Duke has also been criticised for his over-use of taxpayer-funded flights, which has earned him the nickname Air Miles Andy.

The patron of more than 200 charities and organisations, Prince Andrew devotes much of his time to promoting the awareness of British science, technology and engineering expertise.

He was Britains trade envoy from 2001 to 2011 and founded Pitch at the Palace, an annual event at which budding entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to investors.

In giving the Londoner of the Year award to the Queen, the judges called her an icon of our city.
The Jimmy John's cashier who kept his cool while being robbed at gunpoint by a customer said that the man seemed like a total rookie.

Speaking to BBC, Tuker Murray, who is the assistant general manager at the Kansas City, Missouri shop said that he never feared for his life, and there was nothing intimidating about the robber.

The sandwich shop located on 3900 Broadway in Kansas City, Missouri, was held up around 9pm on Wednesday by a man wearing a light blue sweatshirt who police later identified as Terry Rayford.

Speaking to BBC , Tuker Murray (L), who is the assistant general manager at the Kansas City, Missouri shop said that he never feared for his life, and there was nothing intimidating about the robber who police later identified as Terry Rayford (R)

Murray referred to the robbery, which had him staring down the barrel of the handgun, as 'amateur hour' and called the alleged robber a 'b****'

Murray referred to the robbery, which had him staring down the barrel of the handgun, as 'amateur hour' and called the alleged robber a 'b****'.

'I wasn't really worried about it to be honest,' he told the site. 'He didn't seem that intimidating I guess. I just wasn't that scared.

Murray told TMZ that the suspect, 54, ordered a roast beef sandwich with chips and asked about cheese options.

He said that he wanted every bit of what was in the register, and that he gave it all to him, but that he was surprised when a detective told him he had committed a string of robberies, because it was 'amateur hour'.

Murray said that Rayford then: 'proceeded to try to rob me like a b****'

He said that he wanted every bit of what was in the register, and that he gave it all to him, but that he was surprised when a detective told him he had committed a string of robberies, because it was 'amateur hour'

The sandwich shop located on 3900 Broadway in Kansas City, Missouri, was held up around 9pm on Wednesday by a man wearing a light blue sweatshirt who was later identified by police as Terry Rayford

Murray said that Rayford then: 'proceeded to try to rob me like a b****'.

Rayford allegedly got away with $280 from the register, and according to Fox 4 KC was on parole in Missouri for armed robbery and is accused of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, he also told police that he had been committing robberies to pay off a crack cocaine debt, and that this was not his first.

The suspect faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
The young son of an Islamic State terrorist has been filmed by his father making threats to kill Australians.

Khaled Sharrouf's son Humzeh, eight, was captured on camera wearing a suicide vest and at times with a Glock pistol, automatic machine gun and knife in hand in the terrifying video.

The boy was asked by his off-camera father 'How do you kill a non-Muslim?' and 'How do you kill an Australian?', The Daily Telegraph reported.

Humzeh, the eight-year-old son of Khaled Sharrouf, an Australian Islamic State terrorist, has been filmed by his father making threats to kill Australians, while holding weapons (pictured)

Sharrouf (pictured) was heard off-camera asking his son 'How do you kill a non-Muslim?' and 'How do you kill an Australian?'

Humzeh responds by showing his father how he would kill a person and can also be heard heaping praise on Islamic State.

The video is believed to have been filmed only recently by Sharrouf, who is fighting for Islamic State in the Middle East.

The eight-year-old is the youngest of Sharrouf's five children, all of whom left Australia with their late mother, Tara Nettleton, in 2013 to join their father overseas.

Counter-terrorism authorities said they were aware of the chilling video.

Khaled Sharrouf is pictured here at right in a past photo with three of his children, all of whom are holding weapons

A disturbing photo Sharrouf posted in 2014 of one of his five children, who was aged seven at the time, holding up a severed head

New South Wales police said an investigation into the disturbing footage was now underway.

'The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team [JCTT] is aware of a video emanating from the Middle East depicting a minor making threats in the name of ISIS,' a NSW Police spokesman said.

Earlier this year, Sharrouf was stripped of his Australian citizenship.

Sharrouf also posted a photo at the same time of himself holding up a severed head
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Washington's once-glitzy 'nerd prom' was briefly upstaged Saturday as comedians and Hollywood stars gathered for jokes and jests about President Donald Trump for a tongue-in-cheek event to counter the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner.

Late-night TV star Samantha Bee pulled in celebrities for the first 'Not the White House Correspondents' Dinner.'

Bee's show, a comedic tribute to American news organizations, featured actor Will Ferrell and other guests roasting Trump and his allies.

Scroll down for video

Samantha Bee is pictured speaking onstage at her 'Not the White House Correspondents' Dinner at DAR Constitution Hall on April 29 in Washington DC

Will Ferrell performed for attendees as George W Bush. The comedian had previously portrayed Bush on 'Saturday Night Live'

Ferrell-as-Bush told the crowd he was happy to be known as the 'second' worst president after current-president Donald Trump

The Bush impersonator said: 'I needed eight years, a catastrophic flood, a war built on a lie and an economic disaster. The new guy only needed a hundred days. I come in second, and Im fine by that'

Proceeds from Bee's gala will be donated to nonprofit group the Committee to Protect Journalists. The taped show will be broadcast on TBS at 10pm

Pictured standing at the gala, left to right, are CNN producer Noah Gray, CNN Senior White House Correspondent Jim Acosta, CNN National Correspondent Suzanne Malveaux and CNN Anchor Jake Tapper. Pictured sitting, left to right, are CNN Senior Producer Teddy Davis, CNN Anchor Don Lemon, CNN Senior Washington Correspondent Brianna Keilar and CNN Chief Political Correspondent Dana Bash

Ferrell revived his iconic impression of George W Bush, who in the comedian's monologue is happy about being the 'second' worst president now, the Hollywood Reporter reports.

Ferrell-as-Bush said: 'I needed eight years, a catastrophic flood, a war built on a lie and an economic disaster. The new guy only needed a hundred days.

'I come in second, and Im fine by that.'

Bush served two terms, during which he was criticized for the government's response Hurricane Katrina, which ravaged New Orleans in 2005, for his initiation of the Iraq War after claiming that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction, and for the Great Recession of 2008.

The Bush impersonator said, regarding Trump: 'The new guy has thin skin. He's what you'd call a snowflake.'

Ferrell also mocked Fox News, which has seen controversy in the past year over sexual harassment allegations against former CEO Roger Ailes and former host Bill O'Reilly.

He said, regarding declining profits in journalism: 'You should do what theyre doing over at Fox and Friends: dressing up as women and children and stealing the lifeboats.'

Documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, 'Heroes' actress Ali Larter and 'Angie Tribeca' actor Hayes MacArthur are pictured at the Not the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Larter and MacArthur are married

Wolf Blitzer (left) and Chris Matthews attend the 2017 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner

Retta, who portrayed Donna Meagle on NBC's 'Parks and Recreation,' is pictured attending the gala

Indie musicians Tegan Rain Quin and Sara Keirsten Quin, popularly known as Tegan and Sara, attended the gala

Ferrell also brought out a portrait of Trump, complete with a violently orange face, a nod to the paintings Bush has published as part of his 'Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chiefs Tribute to Americas Warriors' book released earlier this year.

Ferrell ended his Bush monologue by advising the audience to 'eat a salad,' perhaps a reference to Trump's penchant for well-done steaks doused in ketchup.

Guests at Bee's gala included Alysia Reiner of 'Orange Is the New Black,' Retta of 'Parks and Recreation' and Matt Walsh of 'Veep.'

Walsh, who played press secretary Mike McClintock on the HBO political comedy 'Veep,' said: 'Administrations have been hostile to the media before. But this one is particularly isolating, or singling out, the retailers of media that they like.'

Meanwhile, White House reporters launched a hard-hitting attack on Donald Trump Saturday at their annual dinner - which the president pointedly snubbed.

The president of the White House Correspondents Association, Jeff Mason, used the get-together in the Washington Hilton to strongly criticize a president who has made his 100 days power an opportunity to attack the media.

Mason said: 'We are not fake news. We are not failing New York publications and we are not the enemy of the American people.'

'Orange Is the New Black' actress Alysia Reiner 'Top Chef' host Padma Lakshmi attend the gala, which was held on the same day as the actual White House Correspondents' Dinner

'Arrested Development' actress Alia Shawkat also attended. Donald Trump became the first president to not attend a Correspondents' Dinner since Ronald Reagan, who did not attend in 1981 due to an assassination attempt

The star power of the real correspondents' dinner took a hit this year when Trump declined to attend, the first president since Ronald Reagan in 1981 to skip it.

In Reagan's case, he was recovering from an assassination attempt.

Trump did his own counter-programming, scheduling a rally Saturday night in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to mark his 100th day in office.

The absence of the president himself at the WHCA dinner or even officials from the administration seemed to diminish attendance by big names in film, television and sports.

Barack Obama's humorous remarks had become a highlight at the dinner.

Last year, for Obama's final appearance, the crowd included Will Smith, Emma Watson, Kerry Washington, Helen Mirren and model Kendall Jenner.

For years, the event offered Washington's press corps an opportunity to wear black tie and stunning gowns while mixing with celebrities.

With Trump out, organizers put the focus on the First Amendment and the role of the press in democracy.

The scheduled headliners were Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, set to present journalism awards.

Woodward told The Washington Post the two planned to speak about 'the First Amendment and the importance of aggressive but fair reporting.'

The dinner still booked a master of ceremonies: Hasan Minhaj of 'The Daily Show.'

Broadcast coverage was to begin at 9:30 p.m. on C-SPAN, followed by Bee's event airing on TBS at 10 p.m.

'Stranger Things' actor Matthew Modine attended the Saturday afternoon event. Regarding her event, Bee said: 'For God's sake, we could not do our show if things were more restricted. So, boy, nobody needs press freedom more than we do'

Actress and writer Robin Thede also attended the gala. Regarding the White House Correspondents' Dinner held Saturday evening, WHCA president Jeff Mason said: 'Based on the tension that has existed in the relationship and some of the things he has said about the press. We were preparing for a different dinner either way'

Mason said this year would have been different even if Trump had attended, 'based on the tension that has existed in the relationship and some of the things he has said about the press. We were preparing for a different dinner either way.'

Trump has called the media 'fake' and 'dishonest' and even 'the enemy of the people.'

In an emailed fundraising appeal before leaving for Pennsylvania, Trump cited among the accomplishments over his first 100 days, 'We fought back against the media's lies.'

Mason promised that Minhaj would use his comedy chops, without 'roasting the president in absentia.'

'People don't want to come to a dinner and feel bored or preached at. Hopefully neither of those things will happen,' Mason said.

Bee, who hosts TBS' weekly show 'Full Frontal,' said she cared deeply about the press.

'For God's sake, we could not do our show if things were more restricted.

'So, boy, nobody needs press freedom more than we do,' she told The Associated Press in an interview.

Bee's taped show singled out the Committee to Protect Journalists, the nonprofit group that will receive proceeds from the show.

The show humorously assailed topics like 'alternative facts,' a remark once made by Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway that drew heavy criticism.

The official WHCA dinner began in 1921.

Most people trace the development of the celebrity guests to 1987, when Baltimore Sun reporter Michael Kelly brought Fawn Hall, the secretary at the center of the Iran-Contra affair.
Sometime over the next fortnight, Kate McCann will go shopping for a 14th birthday present for her missing daughter Madeleine.

Her unfailing belief that Madeleine might be found alive finds expression in many deeds, but this intensely poignant expedition, endured every year, stands alone.

Kate, 49, says: I obviously have to think about what age she is and [choose] something that, whenever we find her, will still be appropriate. Theres a lot of thought that goes into it. But I couldnt not shes still our daughter, shell always be our daughter.

Scroll down for video

This is the smile from Kate and Gerry McCann as, ten years after her disappearance, they discuss the possibility of seeing their daughter again

Kate's face lighting up as they talk about seeing Madeleine again, although she describes the approaching ten-year anniversary of her disappearance as 'a horrible marker of time

Whatever Kate chooses will be carefully wrapped and added to the other birthday and Christmas gifts accumulating behind the closed door of her daughters bedroom at the family home in Rothley, Leicestershire.

On Wednesday it will be exactly ten years since Madeleine, then aged three, vanished without trace from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal.

In an interview to mark the anniversary  a horrible marker of time  Kate and her husband Gerry spoke of doing whatever it takes for as long as it takes to find her, and of how their hope of being reunited with Madeleine burns as strong as it did a decade ago. At times, particularly when recalling poignant moments, pain registers across the faces of the couple  a reminder of their anguished demeanour when they faced TV cameras in the aftermath of Madeleines disappearance.

But overall they seem more composed, perhaps more accepting of their situation.

Kate and Gerry believe that Madeleine, pictured when she went missing in 2007, will one day be re-united with them

Occasionally, when contemplating a reunion with their daughter, Kates face  framed by a new hairstyle  breaks into a smile.

Kate says the decade they have lost, however, feels stolen. It was, she adds, time we should have had with Madeleine. We should have been a family of five for all that time.

Noticeably less tense, the couple also discuss how their lives have acquired a new normality in which they no longer spend every waking hour engaged in some aspect of the search.

Following Madeleines disappearance, Kate, a former GP, didnt want to let her twins, Sean and Amelie  now aged 12  out of my sight. But she reveals that she has finally taken the big step to return to work  back in medicine but in a different area to my general practice.

She says: Ultimately you have to keep going  and especially when you have got other children involved. Some of that is subconscious, I think  your mind and body just take over to a certain extent.

But if you cant change something immediately, you have to go with it and do the best that you can. And I think thats what we have tried to do one of our goals, obviously ultimately finding Madeleine, was to ensure that Sean and Amelie have a very normal, happy and fulfilling life, and well do everything that we can to ensure that.

Pictured: Madeleine as a three-year-old, left, and, right, what police said she could have looked like as a nine-year-old. She is now 13

British police officers lifting a manhole cover and checking inside with a camera, next to an area of wasteland near where she went missing

PRIME SUSPECT 'IS A WOMAN,' SCOTLAND YARD SOURCE CLAIMS The prime suspect in the case of Madeline McCann's disappearance is a woman, sources close to Scotland Yard have revealed. The source says the woman was spotted near the Algarve apartments she was staying in on the night that she disappeared. Police have allegedly been searching for her for months and described her whereabouts as 'a significant line of inquiry'. The source told The Sunday Express, the source said: 'Detectives have scoured Europe looking for this woman who is thought to be the key to solving the entire case.' The news comes as Maleleine's father, Gerry McCann, revealed that he clings to the expert view that her age at the time she was allegedly kidnapped makes it less likely that whoever took her intended to kill her. Speaking as the 10th anniversary of her disappearance approaches, he highlighted the expert opinion that the younger that at the time a child is taken, the more likely theyve been taken to be kept. Advertisement

Gerry, 48, a cardiologist, says: At some point youve got to realise that time is not frozen, and I think both of us realise that we owed it to the twins to make sure that their life is as fulfilling as they deserve.

Now that the twins are beginning to use the internet, the couple have had to warn them about the distressing comments about Madeleine posted online.

And occasionally they allow themselves to imagine how they would react to seeing Madeleine again. I try not to go there too often, to be honest  its one of those real bittersweet kind of thoughts, says Kate.

Ten years is a long time, but ultimately were mum and dad, shes our daughter, shes got a brother and sister, grandparents and lots of family and friends. So it would be absolutely fine, it would be beyond words, really.

Her husband talks of how the decision five years ago by the Metropolitan Police to investigate the case took the pressure off them as a family.

After the initial Portuguese investigation closed, essentially, no one else was actually doing anything proactively to try to find Madeleine, says Gerry.

Every parent could understand that what you want, and what we have aspired to, is to have all reasonable lines of inquiry followed to a logical conclusion.

Toys left by well-wishers at the War Memorial in Rothley. Madeleines untouched bedroom is piled high with a decades worth of unopened birthday and Christmas presents  a symbol of the couples unwavering conviction their eldest daughter could come home one day

searching a patch of scrubland just outside the town of Praia da Luz as they hunted for evidence again in 2014, yet more hope for her family

Gerry and Kate, carrying Madeleine's favourite Cuddle Cat in her hand, were faced with the sudden shock of their daughter disappearing in 2007 (pictured)

The couple, being interviewed by Fiona Bruce (pictured) ahead of the ten-year anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance, said they are now 'looking forward' for the sake of their twins

The couple have been buoyed by the advances made by Met detectives, though they decline to share details of the investigation.

Kate says: My hope for Madeleine being out there is no less than it was almost ten years ago. I mean, apart from those first 48 hours, nothing has actually changed since then. I think the difficult thing has always been how will we find her, because youre relying on the police doing everything they can, and youre relying on somebody with information coming forward.

Echoing her sentiments, Gerry says it was devastating not to have found Madeleine but adds: We are still looking forward, I think thats the most important thing  we still hope. He says he clings to the view of experts that the younger that at the time a child is taken, the more likely theyve been taken to be kept.

There have been many unbelievable cases, he says, in which victims have been held for years.

The McCanns also vowed to continue a legal battle against former detective Goncalo Amaral (pictured), who wrote a widely discredited book alleging Madeleine died as a result of an accident and her death had been covered up by her parents

You think, How could that have happened? and that is probably what is going to happen with Madeleines case as well, that people will go, Thats incredible, how did that happen?  Every possible theory has been investigated: that Madeleine was abducted by a paedophile or child traffickers, that she was killed during a bungled burglary or that she simply wandered out of the apartment and died in an accident.

But despite being the subject of one of the biggest missing person investigations of all time, no trace of the little girl, who was about to turn four, has ever been found. There have been innumerable leads and countless false sightings, and the McCanns press spokesman Clarence Mitchell revealed yesterday there were times when the couple genuinely believed they were close to finding Madeleine.

IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA COMMENTS ON 12-YEAR-OLD TWINS The McCanns said they had been as open as they could be with their 12-year-old twins about distressing comments posted online. Cardiologist Gerry McCann told the BBC: 'I don't want to dwell on the negative aspects too long, but I think in this era of 'fake news' it is extremely topical and I think people just need to think twice before what they write.' Describing how he protects the twins from the issue, Mr McCann added: 'We have been as open with them as we can. 'We have told them about things and that people are writing things that are simply just untrue and they need to be aware of that.' The couple also commented on the impact of social media criticism of them, urging people to think twice before posting hurtful comments. Mr McCann said of online abuse directed at the family: 'I'm sure it is a very small minority of people who spend their time doing it, but it has totally inhibited what we do. 'Personally, we don't use social media, although we have used it in Madeleine's campaign. 'But for our twins who are growing up in an era where mobile technology is used all the time, we don't want them not to be able to use it in the same way that their peers do.' But Mr McCann stressed: 'I think we've seen the worst and the best of human nature. And our personal experience, rather than on the internet, has been overwhelmingly seeing the better side of human nature. 'And I think we need to remember that, actually. We've had fantastic support over the last 10 years. And because there's a lot of media attention now around the 10th anniversary, we are starting to see that again.' Advertisement

On one occasion, in 2007, after reports that a blonde-haired, English-speaking girl was living in a village in Morocco, he said an aircraft was put on standby, with its engines running, waiting to pick her up.

During their interview the couple also speak of life before Madeleine disappeared, when they felt they had managed to achieve our little perfect nuclear family of five.

Gerry says: We had that for a short period then your vision is altered and you have to adapt. And unfortunately for us, a new normality is a family of four.

The couple dismiss criticism of the 11 million cost of the Mets inquiry as unfair.

Gerry says: I know its a single missing child, but there are millions of British tourists that go to the Algarve, year-on-year, and essentially youve got a British subject who was the subject of a crime.

There were other crimes that came to light following Madeleines abduction that involved British tourists, so I think prosecuting it [the investigation] to a reasonable end is what you would expect.

And his wife adds: I used to feel really embarrassed when people used to say about the amount of money, but then you realise that other big cases, like Stephen Lawrence, cost a huge amount of money.

I guess the one thing, because you always do feel guilty as the parent of a missing child, is that other families havent had the publicity and the money.

The positive is that it has brought the whole issue of missing children to the forefront and I think people have benefited in different ways.

The McCanns also vowed to continue a legal battle against former detective Goncalo Amaral, who wrote a widely discredited book alleging Madeleine died as a result of an accident and her death had been covered up by her parents.

Asked how they will mark the anniversary itself, Kate says: I think its just that number, that ten-year mark, which makes it more significant  that is a reminder of how much time has gone by and obviously tens a big number.

I think well get by as we have any other year, really well be surrounded by family and friends, you know. Obviously well be there remembering Madeleine, as we always have.

Kate admits she feels 'guilty' that other parents with missing children have not had the same resources or publicity, while Gerry says it is 'unfair' to criticise 11million spent on probe

Madeleine's father says it is 'unfair' to criticise the amount of money spent on the 11million investigation, while her mother admits she feels 'guilty' that other parents are not so lucky.

Gerry McCann said anyone whose child had been abducted while on holiday abroad would think it 'reasonable' everything that could be done to find their loved one was being done.

Last month the Home Office confirmed 85,000 was being given to the UK-based Metropolitan Police inquiry to cover operational costs from April to September.

Madeleine's father says it is 'unfair' to criticise the amount of money spent on the 11million investigation, while her mother admits she feels 'guilty' that other parents are not so lucky

In all, more than 11 million has been spent on the inquiry so far.

During an interview marking the 10th anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance from her Portuguese holiday apartment, Mr McCann said it was right to bring resources to bear to investigate criminal acts against Britons abroad.

He said: 'I think some of that criticism is really quite unfair actually, because I know it's a single missing child, but there are millions of British tourists that go to the Algarve, year-on-year, and essentially you've got a British subject who was the subject of a crime.

Around 30 British detectives were working on the UK side of the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine (pictured)

'There were other crimes that came to light following Madeleine's abduction, that involved British tourists, so I think prosecuting it (the investigation) to a reasonable end is what you would expect.'

He added: 'Others within law enforcement have made it very clear, this type of stranger abduction is exceptionally rare actually and we need to put it into perspective and it's partly why Madeleine's case is attracting so much attention, thrown in with many other ingredients, but this type of abduction is exceptionally rare.'

Kate added: I used to feel really embarrassed when people used to say about the amount of money, but then you realise that other big cases, like Stephen Lawrence, cost a huge amount of money.

I guess the one thing, because you always do feel guilty as the parent of a missing child, is that other families havent had the publicity and the money.

The positive is that it has brought the whole issue of missing children to the forefront and I think people have benefited in different ways.

Around 30 British detectives were working on the UK side of the investigation into Madeleine's disappearance, known as Operation Grange, when it was established in 2011.

The team has now been scaled back to four detectives.

Officers have sifted through some 40,000 documents and looked at more than 600 individuals since 2011.

Gerry McCann vows to continue fighting 'incomprehensible' judgement in favour of Portuguese detective who claimed Madeleine's parents covered up her death

Goncalo Amaral, 57, claimed in his book that Madeleine died at the house in Praia da Luz and Kate and Gerry covered it up

Madeleine McCann's father has vowed to continue the court battle against the Portuguese detective who claimed Madeleine's parents covered up her death.

Goncalo Amaral, 57, claimed in his book The Truth Of The Lie that Madeleine died at the McCann's holiday house in Praia da Luz and Kate and Gerry covered it up.

The McCanns won a libel case against Amaral in 2015, and he was ordered to pay them 250,000 euros (209,000) each in damages.

But this was overturned on appeal and that decision upheld in another court this April, meaning Amaral is now able to sue the McCanns for damages potentially totalling tens of thousands of pounds.

During the interview conducted ahead of Wednesday's 10th anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance, BBC presenter Fiona Bruce asked the McCanns: 'One of the police officers in Portugal has been a thorn in your side for many years, he was thrown off the investigation but then he wrote a book ... and you fought it through the courts.

'At the moment you've lost and he's won. Is this the end for you now, are you going to continue to fight him?'

Mr McCann replied: 'I think the short answer is we have to because the last judgment I think is terrible.

'I think it's also important to say that when we lodged the action was eight years ago, and the circumstances were very different, where we felt there was real damage being done to the search for Madeleine at that time, particularly in Portugal.'

Mr McCann added that it was important to challenge Mr Amaral in the European courts on behalf of the wider family, including his children.

Agreeing that Mr Amaral's claims needed to be challenged, Mrs McCann said: 'I find it all incomprehensible to be honest

'It has been very upsetting, and it has caused a lot of frustration and anger which is a real negative emotion.'

Spotted in Morocco and found on a farm: Family spokesman reveals the two heartbreaking close calls when Kate and Gerry thought Madeleine was coming home during a decade of torture

Investigators hunting for Madeleine McCann were so convinced they had found her that a plane had its engine running in preparation to collect the missing girl.

It is one of two heartbreakingly near-misses in the first 12 months after her 2007 disappearance that her parents had to endure, their media spokesman has revealed.

Clarence Mitchell, who has been heavily involved throughout the last decade, told how a blonde, English-speaking girl was located in Morocco, with other details leading detectives to a near-certain assumption it was Madeleine.

Writing in the Telegraph, he said: 'All the information coming back to us suggested heavily that it could be Madeleine, so much so that an aircraft was put on stand-by, with its engines running, waiting to fly to pick her up.

McCann family spokesman Clarence Mitchell (pictured holding artist's renderings of a one-time suspect seen in the Praia da Luz) has spoken out about her disappearance

DOUBLE-GLAZING MULTI-MILLIONAIRE PAID FOR PRIVATE JET The private jet put on standby with the engine running to pick up the young girl detectives thought was Madeleine was funded by double-glazing multi-millionaire Brian Kennedy. Father-of-five Kennedy, who made 63million by selling Everest in 2003, did not know the couple but agreed to cover the costs of 'Team McCann' because he was touched by their plight. He paid for the plane after an English-speaking girl matching Madeleine description was found in Morocco 12 months after her disappearance. Kennedy, the former owner of English Premiership rugby team Sale Sharks, and his son had vowed to do 'whatever we can' for the family, which also involved covering legal fees for the family, The Sun reports. Advertisement

'Kate and Gerry sat tight. They had learned by that stage to be sceptical, not to give in to natural hope only for it to be dashed. They preferred to wait until the Moroccan authorities had checked it out. And when they did, it became clear she was not Madeleine.'

The other incident came a few months previously, when Mr Mitchell continuously received phone calls at 3am revealing that Madeleine was at a farm, which matched a very distinct description, but again turned out to be a false lead.

Mr Mitchell had been working with the McCanns full-time after initially serving as an adviser to them while working at the Foreign Office.

The former BBC journalist previously covered Princess Diana's death as a royal correspondent and stood as the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Brighton.

He set up his own communications consultancy last year and continues to work with the McCanns.

It is one of two heartbreakingly near-misses in the first 12 months after her 2007 disappearance that her parents had to endure

Madeleine vanished from the family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in Portugal on May 3, 2007, when she was three years old  with her mother Kate saying the 10th anniversary is a 'horrible marker of time, stolen time'.

But former Scotland Yard detective chief inspector Mick Neville has revealed that Facebook's cutting-edge facial recognition software could help find Madeleine, who would now be 14 years old.

When Facebook users upload an image the social media platform maps facial features and 'recognises' other users - making tagging easier.

A retired police detective has claimed that Madeleine McCann could be found using facial recognition technology on Facebook

Mr Neville, a forensics expert, believes the state of the art technology could be used to trace Madeleine because of a distinctive blemish in her right eye.

Earlier this week British detectives working on the Madeleine McCann case said they are still pursuing 'critical' leads as the 10th anniversary of her disappearance approaches.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said there are 'significant investigative avenues' that are of 'great interest' to both the UK and Portuguese teams.

Officers have sifted through some 40,000 documents and looked at more than 600 individuals since 2011 with Mr Rowley confirming that four people considered as possible suspects in 2013 have been ruled out.

Kate and her husband Gerry McCann, of Rothley, Leicestershire, have always vowed to never give up hope of finding their daughter.

Asked if police were any closer to solving the case than they were six years ago when the UK investigation was launched, Mr Rowley said: 'I know we have a significant line of inquiry which is worth pursuing, and because it's worth pursuing it could provide an answer, but until we've gone through it I won't know whether we are going to get there or not.

'Ourselves and the Portuguese are doing a critical piece of work and we don't want to spoil it by putting titbits of information out publicly.'

The disappearance of three-year-old Madeleine McCann from her familys rented two-bedroom holiday apartment at the Ocean Club sparked one of the most baffling mysteries of modern times

Mr Rowley said they are no longer the subject of further investigation and have been ruled out of the inquiry. Meanwhile, police working on the case continue to receive information on a daily basis.

He described the possibility of a 'burglary gone wrong' as a 'sensible hypothesis' which has not been 'entirely ruled out'.

The senior officer was asked about the theory of a sex predator being responsible for Madeleine's disappearance.

Mr Rowley said: 'That's been one key line of inquiry. The reality is in the modern world in any urban area if you cast your net widely you will find a whole pattern of offences.

'You will find sex offenders who live nearby. And those coincidences need to be sifted out, what's a coincidence and what may be linked to the investigation that you are currently doing.

'Offences which may be linked have to be looked at and either ruled in or ruled out.'

Mr Rowley said there was still a 'lot unknown' in the case, adding: 'All the different hypotheses have to remain open.'

The fateful three hours: From when the Tapas Nine went to dinner to Kate finding Madeleine missing, everything that happened on the night she disappeared

Nearly ten years has passed since three-year-old Madeline McCann went missing while on holiday with her family in Portugal.

As officers still trying to piece together the events surrounding her disappearance, detectives will be constantly reminding themselves of what happened that night.

She was reported missing at 10.14pm on May 3 2007, which makes the three hours from 8.30pm and 11.30pm a crucial window in the investigation.

Looking back at the evening that sparked a ten-year, 11million probe, we look at what happened on the last night Madeleine was seen.

Medeleine McCann (left) went missing in 2007 and her parents made a press statement from the villa in the Algarve where she disappeared from (right)

The group were eating within the Ocean Club resort in Praia da Luz, where they were staying, and they met in the restaurant every night

8.30pm  The McCanns go for dinner

Kate read a bedtime story to Madeleine and her younger twin sisters Sean and Amelie at their apartment in the Ocean Club complex in Praia Da Luz, before the couple went to dinner 100 yards away with friends.

They joined friends Matt and Rachel Oldfield, Jane Tanner and Russell OBrien, for a Spanish meal within the complex, and they had all left their children in their apartments. Mr OBrien left to check on his children just before nine, and three more friends joined shortly afterwards, David and Fiona Payne and Dianne Webster. The group became known as the Tapas Nine as the investigation into Madeleine's disappearance gripped the world. The group went to dinner in the same place every night and checked on the children every half an hour.

Gerry McCann left to check on the children at around 9.05pm, saw them asleep in their beds and cots, left the door ajar and returned to the bar.

Portuguese police, including the lead officer in charge of the hunt for Madeleine McCann, in the complex from where Madeleine went missing

Jane Tanner left around ten minutes later and made a sighting that seemed innocuous at the time but went on to dominate police inquiries for years. Police thought the child in light pink pyjamas  similar to Madeleines  being carried by a man with long hair could be crucial, but in 2013 Scotland Yard finally ruled it out as a piece of evidence, revealing that it was almost certain that the man was an unconnected British tourist.

Kate checked the apartment after dinner at around 10pm and found her daughter Madeleine (pictured) was missing

Mr Oldfield went to check on the McCanns and his own children at 9.30pm. He listened at the McCann childrens door to see if they were making any noise but did not go into the room. Mr Oldfield's failure to check inside the bedroom may have cost vital time in the search for the little girl. Kate went up to check half an hour later and found that Madeleine was missing. None of the McCanns friends have ever spoken about the events that took place that night.

10pm  Madeleine is missing

Kate McCann said the draft slammed the door shut as she went into the room, and she noticed that Madeleine was missing when she opened it. Shocked to discover she wasnt in her own bed, at first she wondered if her daughter had got into her parents bed. She told Crimewatch in 2014 that she then saw the window up and the shutters open. Witnesses then recalled her running back down the restaurant, saying Theyve taken her, theyve taken her. The couple said that they knew she was missing because her favourite teddy bear, a Cuddle Cat teddy that she took everywhere, remained on the bed. The McCanns then began desperately searching the complex, according to a nanny who looked after Madeleine several times on holiday. She described Kate as crying and almost catatonic. The group were even asked to check bins to see if her body was inside, she recalled.

Kate described how she went into the bedroom where Madeleine had been sleeping and realised that she was not there, before running down the stairs, saying 'They've taken her'

The couple said that they knew she was missing because her favourite teddy bear, a Cuddle Cat teddy that she took everywhere, remained on the bed

10.14  Police are called

The ten-year police investigation began at 10.14pm, and there were mistakes made from the outset. Reports from witnesses vary but most say it took officers more than an hour to arrive. There was more than an hour of questioning through the local Policia Judiciaria translator, but the area was not treated as a crime scene. Around 20 people were allowed to wander in and out freely inside what one former officer later dubbed the worst preserved crime scene he had ever seen. Roadblocks were not installed until nearly 12 hours after she was reported missing. Spanish border controls were not informed until the next morning, giving a potential kidnapper more than enough time to flee the country. The border is just three hours away.

Linked with the mystery is 44-year-old Robert Murat, the British ex-pat businessman who acted as a translator for Portuguese police in the early days of their investigation before being made an arguido  an official police suspect  less than two weeks later.
A man has been arrested after barricading himself indoors armed with a knife and gun forcing an entire suburb in Brisbane to be locked down.

Several streets in Windsor in Brisbane's north were shut on Sunday after police were called to to the complex on Newmarket Rd at around 4am after receiving a noise complaint.

The 42-year-old man who was alone in the unit was arrested shortly after 8am, Sunday.

An entire suburb in Brisbane has been locked down by police after reports a man has barricaded himself indoors with a knife and gun

An exclusion zone was created spanning Newmarket Road and Green Terrace to Nicholas Street, Lutwytche Road South, north to Eildon Road, west to the corner of Prospect Road and Cox Road and south to Newmarket Road

No one was injured in the incident.

Police said the exclusion zone had been lifted and all roads are now open.

Several streets in Windsor in Brisbane's north were shut on Sunday after police were called to to the complex on Newmarket Rd at around 4am after receiving a noise complaint
ELKO  Nevada has already missed out on $41 million in 911 grants and will miss out on the upcoming $115 million offered by the federal government because the state doesnt have a 911 coordinator.

And if the Legislature passes Senate Bill 176, Nevada may never be eligible for a dime of these or future federal 911 funds.

In September 2009, the 911 Enhanced Grant Program awarded about $41 million to 30 states and territories to help agencies upgrade their systems. The grants were authorized under a congressional act from 2004. The E911 Grant Program was funded from the proceeds of an analog spectrum auction conducted by the Federal Communications Commission.

Congress reauthorized this grant program in 2012, and it has more than $100 million available for 911 systems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and National Telecommunications and Information Administration are in the process of drafting the grant regulations. States will be able to apply for these funds in the fall of this year. Grants will be awarded in 2018.

However, once again Nevada wont be eligible to apply for funding because it doesnt have a statewide 911 coordinator.

Elko County has an antiquated 911 system, but it is in the process of trying to upgrade it. Businesses and individuals in the community already raised more than $200,000 to improve the system. Last fall, commissioners passed a 25-cent surcharge to pay for ongoing costs.

If the county had access to the federal 911 grants it would have a potential for reimbursement of money spent to upgrade the system. The federal funds can pay for administrative and training costs, and consultant fees, but the largest portion goes toward capital improvements for hardware and software upgrades.

Bill Hance, who is a member of the Elko Central Dispatch Administrative Authority and Elko County Enhanced 911 boards, said the dispatches will need capital improvements because they dont have the trunking functionality to take in the enhanced (911) right now.

Our center, literally, is the same thing that you will get on your telephone at home, he said. So if you block your outgoing calls, your caller ID, they (the dispatchers) dont see it. When you dial 911, it call forwards to a 738-xxxx number and comes in.

Trying to get Next Generation 911 into Elko County will depend on Frontier or the other telephone companies, Hance said. The telephone and wireless companies also must have the equipment to handle Next Gen, which uses internet protocols.

To qualify for federal funding, a state or territory is required to apply on behalf of all eligible entities within its jurisdiction and submit a plan detailing timetables and proposed projects and activities for the implementation and operation of either Phase II E911 services or migration to an IP-based network infrastructure, according to the Enhanced 911 Grant Program report. The second round of grants, which states can apply for this fall, will most likely have the same requirement.

Nevada still lacks a statewide 911 coordinator despite a June 2016 report that recommended hiring one. The report, produced by the Nevada Public Safety Communications Committee, stated a coordinator is needed.

It stated counties are unable to support significant changes in the delivery of Enhanced and NG911. The state is ineligible to receive federal funding and some systems are manufactured discontinued. Current 911 systems are at risk of being incompatible with new technology and there is no state support during an outage or process to track outages.

Nevada Department of Public Safety Director Jim Wright said he would be willing to have a statewide 911 coordinator, but he doesnt have the means to put it in his budget.

The 911 committee was appointed by the governor and he didnt feel it was the groups place to sponsor a fee increase to pay for the coordinator.

Knowing that we were heading into a legislative session, my recommendation to them was to go forth and try to get a legislator to bring a bill forward to deal with this, Wright said.

He couldnt put a coordinator in his budget because it had already been closed out.

I said we would be more than happy to provide that position, but I needed funding for it, Wright said.

Hance said a 911 coordinator doesnt benefit the state government because the state doesnt handle emergency calls.

If you look at the 911 function in Nevada, it all goes to the PSAPs at the county level or the city level or like ours where its multi-jurisdictional, he said. California does it quite differently. The landline 911 goes to the jurisdiction. The cellphone 911 goes to the California Highway Patrol and then gets rerouted.

Since more 911 calls come in through cellphones today, this system may have changed some, Hance said.

The biggest problem that we had, is Elko County as a whole, we pushed it off for too many years, he said. We should have been pushing for improvements in 1995. Weve never helped ourselves, but the state also held us back by not being able to do the surcharge in the rural counties, up until 2012.

Before 2012, only counties with more than 100,000 in population could put a surcharge on phone bills. All the other counties had to create an ordinance and it would be a tax rather than a surcharge.

The Legislature is contemplating changing the 911 surcharge again this year. SB 176 would require all officers who routinely interact with the public to wear a body camera and the state would require recordings be retained a minimum of 15 days. To pay for the cameras, the state would allow counties to raise the 911 surcharge to $1.

If passed, this bill could keep Nevada ineligible for funds even if it has a statewide 911 coordinator. National Emergency Number Association CEO Brian Fontes wrote a letter to state Sen. David Parks to warn him of the possibility.

Arizona was awarded about $627,000 in federal grants to improve its 911 system, but when its state government passed legislation to transfer 911 surcharge funds to the Arizona General Fund, it became ineligible and had to pay back the funds it was given.

Fontes told the Free Press he is not against body cameras, but legislation that would allow counties to use 911 funds for non-911 purposes raises all sorts of red flags.

Communities across the country, Nevada included, need to upgrade their equipment to at least E911, or Next Gen 911 would be the preferable upgrade, he said. So do you take money away at a time when the upgrades need to be made; seems to be extraordinarily unfortunate. It can harm the public and certainly straps 911 systems to antiquated technology.

U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson and Amy Klobuchar are working on draft legislation for the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act of 2017. If it gets through Congress, even more money will be made available to states to improve their 911 systems.

Fontes congratulated Elko County officials and residents for making an effort to upgrade the 911 system.

I appreciate it and particularly where they are actually willing to put money toward that effort, he said. They should be congratulated. Ultimately its going to better serve the public that resides within Elko County and the large population that drives through Elko County.
Border guards at Heathrow Airport have been secretly told not to waste their time interrogating potential illegal immigrants  because terrorists from Europe pose a greater threat.

A leaked memo, seen by The Mail on Sunday, reveals that extremists arriving from the Continent are the number one priority.

It comes as huge numbers of foreign fighters, including Britons fleeing the crumbling Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, attempt to return to the EU via Turkey.

Heathrow Airport, where border guards have been told not to worry about quizzing potential illegal immigrants as the threat of extremists is number one priority

The danger posed by terrorists trying to fly into Britain has been spelt out to Border Force guards at Heathrow by Nick Jariwalla, deputy director of Border Security Command at the airport, in a recent message titled Protecting The Public.

He said that staff must change how they work to really focus on the terror threat. He wrote: We are not sufficiently focused on the threat from passengers seeking to enter on EU documents [which do not require visas].

This is the number one thing that colleagues from the security services talk to me about.

The Home Office insisted 100 per cent of scheduled passengers are checked when arriving in the UK. Above: Heathrow

Mr Jariwalla said that visa holders already had permission to come to Britain so duplicating the work of visa officers was a poor use of our time.

He added: We must recognise that every minute you spend with a potential doubtful visitor is a minute less you have to spend on passengers who might have more sinister intent.

The Home Office insisted 100 per cent of scheduled passengers are checked when arriving in the UK and visa holders are subject to extensive mandatory checks.
Maverick archaeologist Graham Hancock insists that a highly evolved human civilisation was wiped out by a global catastrophe around 13,000 years ago

Suppose all the wildest theories and historical conspiracies of novelist Dan Brown were proven true. And the mind-reading, spoon-bending claims of Israeli psychic Uri Geller all turned out to be real as well.

That wouldnt be half as extraordinary as the announcement in an obscure scientific journal this month that vindicated 20 years of maverick research and best-selling books by the eccentric archaeologist Graham Hancock.

His insistence that a highly evolved human civilisation was wiped out by a global catastrophe, remembered now only in myths and Biblical accounts such as the story of Noah and The Flood, has been mocked and dismissed by mainstream experts since he first spoke out in the mid-Nineties.

His latest book, Magicians Of The Gods, presented findings from all over the world as he argued that a mini Ice Age had swept the planet around 13,000 years ago, following a comet strike that caused devastating earthquakes and tsunamis.

Some of his most convincing, if rather arcane, evidence was discovered at a dig in Turkey known as Gobekli Tepe  which literally means Potbelly Hill. At this site close to the Syrian border, said Hancock, was found the most ancient work of monumental architecture on Earth.

Twice as old as Stonehenge, its engineering was far more skilled. Astronomical carvings and inscriptions on the stones served as aids for prehistoric stargazers, but also told stories. And one was of a comet that fell from the heavens, all but wiping out the human race.

Despite the painstaking construction of the book, which argues each point exhaustively, Hancock was met with the usual hoots of derision when Magicians Of The Gods appeared in 2015.

His latest book, Magicians Of The Gods, presented findings from all over the world as he argued that a mini Ice Age had swept the planet around 13,000 years ago, following a comet strike that caused devastating earthquakes and tsunamis

He was derided as a fantasist, a deluded amateur, and much merriment was poked at his long-held belief that hallucinogenic drugs are intellectual stimulants. This nonsense was archaeology for trippy hippies, laughed Hancocks detractors.

So when research appeared last week that vindicated many of his claims and proved that this lone voice had been right for 20 years, perhaps it isnt surprising that the announcement was as low-key as humanly possible. The carvings at Gobekli Tepe do indeed describe a comet strike, in 10,950BC, said some staid and very serious experts from the University of Edinburghs School of Engineering. Their report appeared as a paper in the little-known International Journal of Mediterranean Archaeology and Archaeometry, published by the University of the Aegean.

But the obscurity of the source cannot mask the scale of the scientific back-tracking. Hancocks claims sound like a Hollywood disaster movie, a sci-fi epic and a detective thriller all rolled into one. His theories encompass the meaning of the pyramids and the future destruction of the planet.

If more conventional archaeologists are going to start agreeing with him, that amounts to a seismic shift of direction.

As the Telegraph newspaper report into the new scientific findings noted: The idea had been originally put forward by author Graham Hancock in his book Magicians Of The Gods.

What hasnt changed is the starting point for all these theories. Just after 11,000BC, experts have long agreed, when the Earth was gradually emerging from the last Ice Age, a cataclysmic event caused sudden, shocking climate change. This ushered in a big chill known as the Younger Dryas, which lasted about 1,500 years.

Scientists had numerous theories to explain this but, in Magicians Of The Gods, Hancock argued that we had all the proof we needed: more than 200 ancient myths, belonging to tribes from the Arctic to the Equator, telling of an advanced human civilisation destroyed by flood and fire.

Added to this was compelling physical evidence, in the form of giant boulders, platinum deposits and tiny diamonds found across North America  the detritus of a colossal impact.

There was only one explanation, said Hancock, and it matched the account carved into the limestone pillars at Gobekli Tepe . . . an account now verified by the team at Edinburgh University.

Our planet was hit by a comet. A blazing asteroid plunged out of the firmament and struck with the force of several thousand nuclear bombs bursting simultaneously. It wiped out many larger animal species, including the woolly mammoth and the sloth bear, and it almost destroyed humanity. Some people did survive, including the ancestors of the Ojibwa tribe of the Canadian grasslands, who still tell the story of the Long-Tailed Heavenly Climbing Star which swept out of the sky to scorch the earth. Their myths relate that it left behind a different world.

After that, survival was hard work. The weather was colder than before.

As Edinburghs Dr Martin Sweatman puts it: One of the pillars at Gobekli Tepe seems to have served as a memorial to this devastating event  probably the worst day in history since the end of the Ice Age.

Part of the Gobekli carving shows a headless man, a graphic symbol of human carnage.

Some of his most convincing, if rather arcane, evidence was discovered at a dig in Turkey known as Gobekli Tepe  which literally means Potbelly Hill. At this site close to the Syrian border, said Hancock, was found the most ancient work of monumental architecture on Earth

The key finding was a series of animal carvings on a pillar known as the Vulture Stone, which represent constellations of stars as well as the comet itself. The stars were not represented as we would see them in the sky today, but as they were in 10,950BC  enabling the scientists to point with certainty to the date of the comet strike.

This means that when the Gobekli stones were made, around 9,000BC (that is, approximately 11,000 years ago), the sculptors had the astronomical know-how to backdate the constellations, shifting their pattern by a couple of millennia. And they were working with information that had been passed down over 2,000 years.

That shows spectacular sophistication. Yet according to common wisdom, humans were savages at this time, hunter-gatherers no more advanced than cavemen, without any knowledge of engineering or mathematics.

Most archaeologists struggle to explain how such a primitive culture could have built Gobekli Tepe. Now that the notion of a comet strike is beyond dispute, the thinking is that abundant wild crops of wheat and barley were wiped out by plunging temperatures.

Nomadic tribes were forced to combine, sharing their knowledge and co-operating to survive as they developed techniques to grow enough food to survive.

Despite the painstaking construction of the book, which argues each point exhaustively, Hancock was met with the usual hoots of derision when Magicians Of The Gods appeared in 2015

But as Hancock points out, this would have been an all-consuming challenge for people used to living in small, roaming groups. The switch from hunting to agriculture, and from mobile tent villages to settlements, would demand every ounce of energy, diplomacy and ingenuity our ancestors could muster.

How would they find the time to invent complex maths, plot the heavens, master architecture and learn intricate stone-working? All those skills and more were needed to build Gobekli Tepe.

Stonehenge, which was built around 5,000 years ago, consists of rough-hewn slabs. It is ingenious, but compared to Gobekli Tepe its like a parish church beside Chartres Cathedral.

For 20 years, Hancock has insisted that there is only one explanation for this explosive intellectual evolution. All that knowledge already existed. Earlier investigators, such as the Swiss author Erich von Daniken, proposed that Earth was visited by extra-terrestrial pioneers, aliens who brought intergalactic gifts of technology. Hancocks theory is much more plausible: he believes a human civilisation predated the comet strike, one at least as advanced as the Romans.

We dont know what language they spoke, nor how they recorded their knowledge. But unless a band of refugee hunters in Turkey 11,000 years ago suddenly cracked every major branch of human learning, all at the same time, that elder civilisation must have existed.

Sci-fi author Arthur C. Clarke famously said that, any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. And the knowledge that survivors of the comet possessed must have seemed like pure sorcery to the ordinary nomad.

Perhaps thats why, even now, we humans have an instinctive urge to believe in magic and feel sure it must have existed during some golden age  because to our ancient forebears, magic was a very real phenomenon.

The possessors of that inexplicable power, the ones Hancock calls the Magicians Of The Gods, must have worked out how to share their knowledge without giving away their tricks.

For 20 years, Hancock has insisted that there is only one explanation for this explosive intellectual evolution. All that knowledge already existed. Earlier investigators, such as the Swiss author Erich von Daniken, proposed that Earth was visited by extra-terrestrial pioneers, aliens who brought intergalactic gifts of technology

Post-apocalypse, they would have been fighting to survive in a very dangerous world. It seems likely that they posed as wizards, using showmanship to heighten the impact of their secrets. Carvings discovered at sites as far-flung as Bolivia, Mexico, Turkey and Iraq depict human figures in fish-like robes, wearing garments patterned with scales.

The mythical Oannes of Mesopotamia, for instance, had the whole body of a fish, but underneath the head of the fish there was another head, a human one. It had a human voice.

Oannes was accompanied by seven sages, who taught chemistry, medicine, stone-cutting and metal-working.

At the Temple of Horus in the Egyptian city of Edfu, ancient inscriptions also tell of seven sages. They were the last survivors of a sacred place, the mansions of the gods, whose home world had been destroyed by flood and fire. These sages had escaped death only because they were at sea when the catastrophe struck.

According to Arab traditions, the wisdom of these sages was stored in the pyramids of Giza, built to be a library for their books of knowledge. These included technologies that sound modern even to our ears: [Military] Arms which did not rust, and glass which might be bent but not broken.

All of this, the ideas that Hancock has been popularising since he published Fingerprints Of The Gods in 1996, has always seemed improbable to the conventional scientific community, which tended to dismiss his claims en masse.

With the discovery that the cornerstone of his theories was right, his other speculation is suddenly much less far-fetched.

But there is one aspect of his studies that is still too controversial to be given credence by mainstream scholars. And if hes right about it, nothing else matters. The comet, the magicians, the messages across the millennia will all be irrelevant.

Hancocks theory is much more plausible: he believes a human civilisation predated the comet strike, one at least as advanced as the Romans

Hancock believes the Gobekli stones not only describe an ancient cosmic collision, but predict another.

He thinks that what hit Earth in 10,950BC was actually a massive piece of debris in the Taurid meteor stream, a belt containing millions of space rocks.

Hidden within that belt, according to astrophysicists, is an unexploded bomb of a planetoid, a superheated rock like an orbiting hand grenade.

Sealed inside its thin crust is a boiling mass of tar, building up pressure until it detonates. Thousands of white-hot boulders, a mile or more across, will be set spinning through the meteor stream . . . but we cannot say for certain when that will occur.

Many of these asteroids could be three times the size of the one that hit our planet 65 million years ago, wiping out the dinosaurs.

If one of those strikes, it could quite literally bring about the end of the world. And we are due to cross the Taurid meteor stream in 13 years, around 2030.

For many observers, the leap that Hancock makes from imaginative interpretation of solid evidence, to doom-laden predictions of global obliteration, is just too extreme. It is, quite literally, unthinkable.

But thanks to the Gobekli Tepe findings, mainstream science is being forced to get its head round the Hancock hypothesis.

Maybe its time to give more credence to all his theories . . . before its too late.

The Magicians Of The Gods: The Forgotten Wisdom Of Earths Lost Civilisation, by Graham Hancock (Coronet).
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About 12 miles from Jakarta on the island of Java in Indonesia lies Bantar Gebang  the largest open landfill site in south-east Asia.

And home to around 3,000 families. Some of the children that call this frightful place home were even born there.

Their lives have been documented in a series of shocking images by 36-year-old photographer Alexandre Sattler from Colmar, France. He visited the dump  which receives 9,000 tonnes of rubbish a day - because he was interested in discovering more about Indonesias waste problem.

About 12 miles from Jakarta on the island of Java in Indonesia lies Bantar Gebang  the largest open landfill site in south-east Asia. And home to around 3,000 families

Shocking: Some of the children that call this frightful place home were even born there

Their heart-breaking lives have been documented by 36-year-old French photographer Alexandre Sattler

Sattler discovered that families there use the landfill as a way of making a living, foraging in the grime for items they can re-sell. They live under make-shift shelters

Sattler said that the living conditions were terrible and that the families lived 'in a world of filth'

What he found profoundly shocked him.

He discovered that families there use the landfill as a way of making a living, foraging in the grime for items they can re-sell.

Sattler called it a world of filth.

He told MailOnline Travel: When I arrived in Bantar Gebang I saw many families living there. The most shocking thing is that what some consider a waste, becomes a resource for others. The scale of inequality is striking and shocking. Fruit and vegetables thrown away by some, become a source of food for others.

The living conditions are terrible: smells, bacteria, insalubrity families and their children live there in shelters without access to medical care and drinking water.

The adults at the landfill, Sattler told MailOnline Travel, seemed resigned to their fate

The site is infested with flies, which continually buzz around the humans that scavenge for items to sell

Children were living in the middle of rubbish, playing in garbage.

Some, he said, walked around in bare feet. Injuries are not uncommon as the ground is littered with sharp objects.

Parents showed me their sons open foot wound  I felt helpless, he said.

Amazingly, he said, some of the children seemed happy and carefree  but he suspects only because they have no points of reference for how their lives could be better.

He said: The children have taught me that even in the worst situations, joy exists. I saw children playing, cheerful and happy to share time with me, to show me their shelter, toys and introduce me to their parents.

Not being able to compare themselves with children living beyond those mountains of waste, they seem fine.

This man has shoes, but many on the landfill walk around in the grime barefooted

The site receives around 9,000 tonnes of rubbish every day. The huge trucks that bring it in are dwarfed by the mountains of waste once they arrive

Residents of the landfill collect food that has been discarded by those living in Jakarta

The adults, however, werent so buoyant.

Sattler said: 'The adults seemed to be more resigned and show little emotion. They seem to adapt to their situation but without really accepting it. I was touched by their friendliness and their welcoming attitude.

One former resident of the landfill, Resa Boenard, is doing her best to improve conditions there.

She was one of the lucky ones - able to attend a secondary school outside the landfill.

But she's returned to teach the people of Bantar Gebang how to climb their way out of poverty.

Amazingly, many of the children at the landfill are happy and carefree. But Sattler believes that this is because they have no point of reference for how their lives could be better

One former resident of the landfill, Resa Boenard (not pictured), is doing her best to improve conditions there. She was one of the lucky ones - able to attend a secondary school outside the landfill. But she's returned to teach the people of Bantar Gebang how to climb their way out of poverty

Along with British friend John Devlin she set-up an organisation called BGBJ, which stands for 'the seeds of Bantar Gebang'.

It has opened a hostel and community hub on the landfill, where the educational efforts are focussed. It believes that the children, or 'seeds', can be nurtured and taught to flourish in the outside world.

Sattler says that everyone can help, though.

He said: The problem is global, and waste is everywhere. One solution would be to rethink our lifestyles and consumption, to find a way to reduce our waste by producing less wealth. In order to help families living in Bantar Gebang, contact local associations that help families directly by improving their living conditions (water, hygiene, food), and by allowing children to go to school.
Many of the worlds biggest theme parks are launching new rides this summer.

Some will satisfy even the biggest adrenaline junkies. Others feature our favourite characters from the big screen.

Heres our pick of the best...

Splashes and scares: The Krakatau Aqua Coaster opens at Universal Orlando on May 25

Volcanic mystery

The Krakatau Aqua Coaster at Volcano Bay, Universal Orlando, is dark and guaranteed to get you very wet.

Board a four-person canoe and slip upward through mists and into the mysterious depths of the volcano. Youll twist and turn before suddenly emerging with a plunge through a shimmering waterfall.

Thrill factor: 5/5

Details: Entry to Universal Orlando (universalorlando.co.uk) costs 241 per adult and 232 per child aged three to nine for a 14-day, three-park explorer ticket. Launches May 25.

Space voyage

Go on an adventure with all your favourite superheroes, as Disney California Adventure Park launches Guardians Of The Galaxy  Mission: BREAKOUT!

Choose an awesome encounter with Star-Lord, Black Widow, Spider-Man, Hawkeye or Captain America and be blasted straight into the action, with all-new visual and audio effects and music inspired by the popular film soundtracks.

Thrill factor: 3/5

Details: Disneyland Resort California (disneyland.disney.go.com) costs 244 per adult for a three-day park-hopper ticket and 235 per child aged three to ten. Launches May 27.

Soar point: Glide in chairlift-style machines at Voletarium, Europes largest 'flying theatre'

Flying free

Have you ever dreamt of flying as free as a bird? Well, now you can in Voletarium, Europes largest flying theatre.

Glide through the air in chairlift-style flying machines across 15 European destinations  and actually feel the water on your face and the wind in your hair. A truly unforgettable experience.

Thrill factor: 4/5

Details: Europa Park (europapark.de) in Germany costs 34 per person or 62 for a two-day ticket. Launches in June.

G-Force Factor

Calling all speed freaks. Ferrari Land at Spains PortAventura has just opened its vertical accelerator ride Red Force. It reaches speeds of up to 112mph in just five seconds and is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping.

Its now Europes fastest and tallest rollercoaster, making it a ride not to be missed.

Thrill factor: 5/5

Details: Ferrari World (portaventuraworld.com) costs 40 per adult and 34 per child for a one-day, one-park ticket. Three-day park tickets cost from 67 per adult and 55 per child. Open now.

Ferrari Land at Spains PortAventura has just opened its vertical accelerator ride Red Force

Bricking it

Coming face-to-face with a killer shark is sure to be a thrill. And at Submarine Adventure, youll go on an underwater journey like no other.

Climb on board your yellow submarine and cruise past an underwater Lego world, complete with ancient ruins. Youll come face-to-face with more than 60 varieties of fish, sharks and rays. Perfect for the younger ones.

Thrill factor: 3/5

Details: Legoland Dubai (legoland.com/dubai) costs from 48. Open now.

Eerie illusions

Its so dark and scary that only those aged 13 and over can ride it. Derren Browns Ghost Train is the ground-breaking psychological attraction which launched in 2016 and merges grand illusion, live action and virtual reality with special effects on a terrifying train ride.

This year, have an even more intense journey with the new Rise Of The Demon sequence.

Thrill factor: 4/5

Details: One-day entry to Thorpe Park (thorpepark.com) costs from 29.99 per person when booked online, five days in advance. Open now.

Rebel adventure

Prepare yourself for even more intergalactic excitement with Star Tours  The Adventures Continue.

Rebels of all ages board a Starspeeder 1000 and take off on a thrilling 3D voyage to star systems and war-torn worlds  from Jakku and Hoth to Tatooine and even the dreaded Death Star.

Loaded with state-of-the-art technology and more than 70 mission combinations, this is a ride to enthral even the most experienced of Jedis.

Thrill factor: 4/5

Details: Disneyland Paris (disneylandparis.co.uk) costs from 60 per adult and 55 per child for a one-day, two-park ticket. Open now.
A group of schoolchildren is picnicking on the riverbank as we slip upstream from Windsor Bridge in our bubble-top cruise boat, Melody.

We are sitting at tables with damask cloths, silver cutlery and buckets of champagne, examining our menus for a six-course dinner.

The students raise their glasses in mock deference and we acknowledge them grandly in return. They get to their feet, waving and roaring with approval.

Bobbing along: Enjoy views of Windsor Castle on Bateaux Windsor's new dinner cruise

Bateaux Windsor has just introduced three-hour cruises carrying 40 diners from Windsor to Bray and back.

They also do trips for afternoon teas and lunches. Previously they have operated from Westminster, sailing upstream to Richmond and down to Greenwich, a more complicated business because of the tides.

The dinner cruise to Bray is a more sedate affair. The young waiters, mostly university students, wear white gloves, but they dont look nearly as serene as the Queens swans that paddle in pairs beside our ship.

Having been at school near Slough, I once built a canoe and entered the 125 mile Devizes to Westminster canoe race, so I know the River Thames and its moods quite well.

This race is usually won by paratroopers who do it non-stop, but we took food and drinks which added to our burden when we carried the canoe on dry stretches between locks in the Kennet and Avon Canal.

What a pleasure it is, in contrast, to be pampered by Bateaux Windsor with roasted cauliflower soup as we pass Windsor Racecourse, smoked mackerel near Boveney Lock, slow-cooked featherblade steak near Monkey Island.

Delicious: Dishes James tried included roasted cauliflower soup as the boat passed Windsor Racecourse, smoked mackerel near Boveney Lock and slow-cooked steak near Monkey Island

Then downstream with bitter chocolate praline, Cornish brie, coffee and petits fours, accompanied by red and white wines plus port. All on a brilliantly sunny evening.

This stretch of river used to be filled with Etonians struggling with their sculling boats like fledgling ducklings, dodging the cabin cruisers and power boats.

These days the boys do their jolly boating on Dorney Lake, the 2012 Olympics rowing venue. Not nearly so character forming.

The Queen enjoys motoring in her bubble-top Rolls-Royce so that she can see her subjects and they can see her. Now Windsor has a bubble-top riverbus.

Lets hope the good people enjoyed seeing us dining on their river as much as we enjoyed seeing them.
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Frankly, it was with some consternation that we stood at the foot of the Hollywood Hills with our daughters, aged 16 and 18.

Back home, it can be challenging enough to get them to run a simple errand upstairs. So what chance of us hiking up to the iconic Hollywood sign overlooking Los Angeles in the scorching summer sun?

We neednt have worried. The digital age can have its advantages when there is a picture to be taken and posted back to friends within seconds.

Flight of fancy: Highway One makes for a dream of a journey - with landmarks such as the Bixby Creek Bridge lighting the way

As we trekked upwards, the sense of urgency of our usually lethargic girls took us by surprise. Then a man dressed as Darth Vader sped past us on a set of motorised roller blades.

And so began our two-week family road trip travelling up the Californian coast from Los Angeles to San Francisco.

Our first base was Santa Monica. Five nights there allowed us ample time to relax on the beach, sample the seafood and explore more of LA.

That included an obligatory trip to Universal Studios where, thanks to us having Front of Line passes, we did not have to queue for long. It brought out the children inside us older ones.

My favourite attractions were the Walking Dead (prepare to jump out of your skin as you walk through a post-apocalyptic world), Revenge Of The Mummy (a thrilling ride that catapults you through Ancient Egypt up to 45 mph) and Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey.

California is geared towards the tourist industry. The customer always comes first. That was no more evident than at Universal Studios.

Onwards: The Wrights drove north from Santa Monica, and through Malibu (pictured), which boasts 27 miles of scenic beach

The guide who took us on a tour of the film sets had probably done it hundreds of times before, but you would not sense this from his wonderful attitude.

As we drove north to Santa Barbara, we stopped at Malibu, the preserve of stars such as Halle Berry, Jennifer Aniston, Tom Hanks et al. Our arrival coincided with the Old Spanish Days Fiesta, celebrating the citys heritage.

The streets were bursting with music, dancing and authentic cuisine. There was also an opportunity to join in the tradition of cascarones  cracking a confetti-filled egg on a friend or relatives head.

Malibu is the lavish preserve of stars including Halle Berry

Had it not been for the fiesta, which dates back nearly 100 years, we may not have properly appreciated Santa Barbaras history. The parade through the streets was a joyous occasion.

From there, we travelled about 300 miles north to San Francisco on the Pacific Coast Highway, one of the most beautiful drives in the world with its unspoilt beaches and amazing rock formations, particularly along the Big Sur coast between Carmel and San Simeon.

Some of the vistas will be familiar to readers watching the TV series Big Little Lies starring Nicole Kidman.

My only regret was that we were not in a red Ford Mustang Convertible for the true Californian experience.

In San Francisco, the weather was warm, rather than hot  ideal for walking. And we did plenty of that as we explored the city from our hotel near Fishermans Wharf.

One exception was when we hopped on a bus to visit possibly the biggest vinyl record store in California  Amoeba, in the hippie district of Haight-Ashbury.

Afterwards, as I took a picture of my eldest daughter, two completely naked men walked into shot. But peace, man, we were in the feel the love district of San Francisco.

So we sneakily put a suitably censored picture on social media as a reminder of a momentous family holiday.
Rating:

Orestone Manor is a proper family business. Which lends itself to a game of spot-whos-related-to-whom during a stay here on the once-posh English Riviera near Torquay, Devon.

The big boss is Neil DAllen, assisted by his wife, Catherine. Their son, Craig, is front of house and daughter-in-law, Laura, is in charge of reception.

The result? A well-oiled machine but one thats resolutely stuck in its old-fashioned ways.

Stately: Orestone Manor in Devon is a family-run hotel built in 1830 - and it feels a little dated

We have a lie-in on Sunday morning and dont make it down to breakfast until 9.56am, whereupon a stern Latvian waitress tells us weve got four minutes to order  and she means it.

Only one table remains laid for breakfast and its the exact same one we were given for dinner. I suspect we would eat at that table every day even if we were booked in for a month.

The atmosphere feels pinched. We want to throw open the windows and let in some fresh ideas.

Ideally, if there was some money in the kitty, we would ditch the faded swirly-whirly carpets on the stairs, redesign the dingy conservatory, and cut back on the cheap clutter.

Our room is in the eaves of the house (built in 1830 by John Callcott Horsley, the painter who designed the first commercial Christmas card), with wonderful views of Lyme Bay.

The walls are lemon, the bathroom pokey, but were as snug as a bug in the proverbial rug.

Plus points: The hotel boasts lovely views over Lyme Bay, and the food is splendid

Theres something of an old peoples home about this place, says my wife.

I know what she means. But few old peoples homes would offer a shrimp martini cocktail, followed by perfectly cooked fillet steaks accompanied by mushrooms the size of saucers.

The food is so good that we hardly notice the drab decor. Not until our just-in-time breakfast that is  with the sealed windows, derisory jars of cereal sitting on a plastic tablecloth and overly-loud muzak.

Overall, we feel liberated on leaving Orestone Manor. And that is not a good sign.
Theres a slug next to your head, my walking partner observed, rather too gleefully, I thought.

Grouchily, I clambered upright. At just after 4am, the prospect of a slug crawling through my hair was the only thing that could have got me perpendicular from my recumbent position in a layby on the Nolton Haven to Druidston coast road.

The tarmac was gritty on my back, but 12 miles into a night walk along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, those few moments lying with my burning feet up on my rucksack had felt blissful  or at least the nearest I was going to get to it before enjoying a hot breakfast at our destination, still a few miles away at the YHA hostel at Broad Haven.

Louise, pictured gearing up for her hike, set off from Caerfai at 10pm and took the Pembrokeshire Coast Path for 16 miles

You cant call a taxi at that time of night, so I ate a morale-boosting chocolate biscuit, hoiked my rucksack back on and tried not to whimper as we continued our southward plod, the waves of St Brides Bay crashing in the dark to our right, dawn still just a promise over the fields to our left.

Walking the coastal path at night had been my idea. Earlier in the year at the bus stop in the Pembrokeshire village of Marloes, wed met a man who had just walked 24 miles under a full moon, all the way from St Davids.

A tall, rangy bloke in his 60s, Guy from British Columbia told us hed wandered the vast beach at Newgale in the moonlight, stripped off for a quick swim, scoffed a midnight feast on a clifftop and turned in for a kip in his bivvy bag before carrying on south.

He experienced that coastal path very differently from the way most people ever will, and I was determined to emulate his journey, if not his distance. Sixteen miles, I reckoned, was far enough. Id never walked more than 12 in daylight.

Moonbeams had obligingly sparkled silver on the sea as we set off at 10pm just above the beach at Caerfai. Once our night vision settled, the cool light lit our way enough for us not to need torches for the nearly four-mile stretch to the fishing village of Solva.

It was dawn by the time she reached Broad Haven (pictured)

A couple of choughs called fleetingly. A few oil tankers shone bright electric lights out of the darkness as they waited to offload at Milford Haven. The wind picked up, waves roared into stony coves and sandy inlets, and the predicted showers held off. It was all going swimmingly.

Then the half-moon turned yellow, then orange, then disappeared altogether. We were entirely dependent on our torches to alert us to the sheer drops to our right.

It got darker. We missed the path at one point and had to pick an uncertain way across a field of surprised cows, and another planted with triffid- like brassicas.

The worst moment came at 3.10am, huddled by the bins next to Sands Cafe in Newgale. We were rapidly chilled to the bone by a wind that was whipping the waves noisily in to shore. I somehow didnt fancy that moonlit skinny dip.

The next stretch, till the first pale light of dawn a couple of hours later, was the hardest walking Ive ever done, feet buzzing and legs cramping.

But as narrow yellow streaks of light turned apricot, then pink, then suddenly gave way to a dump of rain as we descended into Broad Haven, I felt very pleased to have met Guy at that bus stop, and to have had, well, two-thirds of his experience walking through the highs and lows of night on the very westernmost edge of Wales.
Its set to be one of this years biggest family blockbuster films, and now Disney is offering special Beauty And The Beast cruises for a chance to visit the sights that inspired the famous story.

The River Rhine cruise will take in France, Holland, Germany and Switzerland, with excursions to medieval villages full of cobbled lanes and half-timbered houses that look just like the backdrops to the film. Youll expect to bump into Belle or Gaston around every corner.

Disneys all-inclusive eight-day river cruises use the upmarket boats normally operated by AmaWaterways.

Disney is offering special Beauty And The Beast cruises for a chance to visit the sights that inspired the famous story, including the village of Riquewihr in north-eastern France (pictured)

One of the main attractions will be a tour of Riquewihr in north-eastern France, the historic village that was the inspiration for French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuves original 1740 tale.

There will be six Beauty sailings in 2018 which will also include visits to German fairytale locations the Black Forest and Heidelberg Castle.

Expect on-board film screenings and themed dinners, too. Adult fare starts at about 3,500. For details, go to tinyurl.com/l8vty32.

If you cant wait that long for a floating Beauty And The Beast experience, Disneys own Disney Dream cruise ship will be staging the first ocean-going live musical stage show of the story from November 6 this year on its itineraries in the Caribbean. Expect Disneys renowned Broadway-style quality. Visit disneycruise.disney.go.com.

There will be six sailings in 2018 in an ode to the family blockbuster movie (pictured)

Disneys announcement followed news that this years Star Trek cruise on the NCL Norwegian Pearl was a complete sellout. It was another example of modern travellers appetite for film-themed cruises. The Star Trek cruise organisers quickly arranged two repeat cruises for January 2018. Book quickly  this years cruise sold out in just two months. Captain James Kirk, or actor William Shatner, was the star figure on board this years trip. Next years six-day cruises from Miami on the 2,400-passenger Norwegian Jade will feature Mr Sulu, actor George Takei. Single cabins are from 1,740pp. Go to startrekthecruise.com.

If your heroes are of a more sporting nature, Princess Cruises has just announced big-name speakers on Crown Princess sailing from Southampton between April and September this summer. Celebrity speakers include former Tottenham football boss Harry Redknapp, former England cricketers Graham Gooch and Mike Gatting, snooker player John Virgo and goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Prices start at 799pp for seven nights. Visit princess.com/holiday.
Earlier this month, she released a new book about what happens after a woman gives birth.

And on Friday, Kelly Rowland looked marvelous during a visit to CBS Studios in New York to discuss her latest piece of published work.

The 36-year-old The Voice Australia judge was spring-time ready in an abstract, colorful blouse.

Book promo! On Friday, Kelly Rowland, 36, looked marvelous during a visit to CBS Studios in New York

The brunette beauty paired her top with skinny jeans and layered a camel trench coat over her look.

Kelly's ensemble was complete with black strap shoes and minimal jewelry.

On November 4, 2014, Kelly gave birth to her first child, whom she shares with husband Tim.

Looking beautiful! The Voice UK judge was spring-time ready in an abstract, colourful blouse

Following the arrival of Titan, two, Kelly authored a book about what happens after a woman gives birth called, Whoa, Baby!: A Guide for New Moms Who Feel Overwhelmed and Freaked Out (and Wonder What the #*$& Just Happened).

In an interview with In Style, the former Destiny's Child member discussed her new project, and how it's not a book about parenting.

'It came about because I actually needed a book like this. I remember going to speak to my doctorI had, literally, no exaggeration, seven to eight questions for her a day after I had my son,' she said.

Kelly says she asked her doctor, whom collaborated on the project with, if there were any books that focused on what happens after pregnancy.

Expert advice Following the arrival of Titan Witherspoon, two, Kelly, along with several professionals, authored a book about what happens after a woman gives birth

Best advertisement: Her former Destiny's Child members Michelle Williams, 36, and Beyonce, 35, promoted the mom-of-one's new project

'...I remember asking Dr. [Tristan] Bickman, who I actually collaborated with on the book, "There's nothing out?" She said, "No, someone should write a book. My patients have more questions about what happens after [pregnancy] than before." I said, "Oh, we're gonna write that book."'

Kelly clarified that the book was not a how-to on motherhood.

'..I'm so excitedit's a post-pregnancy book. It's not about motherhood. I'm still learning about motherhood, in all honesty.

'We're very transparent in this book. I talk about everything under the sun: what happens emotionally, physically, spiritually, mentally. I have doctors and different people that specialize in their field: trainers, physical therapists, psychotherapists, stylists, because I am a little vainI wanted to look cute after I had my kid, but I didn't know what to wear. I didn't know how to dress my body,' she admitted.
Armenia: EU and Armenia Hold annual Dialogue on Human Rights

Todays Shushi, Occupied and Cleared of Armenians, is a Real Example of Turkish-Azerbaijani Policy of Ethnic Cleansing of Artsakh

Ookla, the the global leader in internet testing and analysis has awarded Ucom

Sweden will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union

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

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There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur

EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol  Armenia and Azerbaijan  to do so without delay

An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan".

UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT

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

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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
They're the former The Block contestants who caused controversy when their latest redevelopment landed them in court.

But after selling that home for nearly $3M, Darren and Deanne Jolly are ready to renovate again, having just picked up the keys to a charming country cottage on the Mornington Peninsula.

The new home, purchased for a whopping $1.88million, is reported to have 'enormous potential' according to The Daily Telegraph.

Ready to refurbish! Former The Block contestants Darren and Deanne Jolly are ready to renovate again, having just picked up the keys to a charming country cottage on the Mornington Peninsula

The four-bedroom home is said to feature a wraparound porch, 3.5m high ceilings and two original fireplaces, according to the publication.

Positioned in Sorrento on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, the cottage reportedly overlooks the blissful waters of Port Phillips Bay.

'There is enormous potential to renovate and create a truly exceptional period home or rebuild to capture stunning water views from across the road,' marketing claimed.

Planning ahead: The couple posted an update regarding their new plans on Instagram last Sunday, showing off ideas for the master bedroom alongside a pair of concept photos

The couple posted an update regarding their new plans on Instagram last Sunday, showing off ideas for the master bedroom alongside a pair of concept photos.

They excitedly captioned the moment 'Sunday funday. Brunch and finalising plans for our next project... so excited, keys on Thursday'.

The plans come from Merrylees Architecture, who were tagged in the post, and show off a spacious bedroom suite, complete with terrace, day bed, and expansive bathroom.

Style: The four-bedroom home the duo will tackle is said to feature a wraparound porch, 3.5m high ceilings and two original fireplaces, according to The Daily Telegraph

Back into it: Earlier in the year the couple announced their dream on Instagram, explaining their reasons for being 'a little quiet lately'

Two weeks earlier the couple had announced their dream, explaining their reasons for being 'a little quiet lately'.

'After a looong settlement period, we finally get the keys to our next project in 2 weeks and can't wait to share everything we have planned with you! (sic),' the post began.

Continuing on, they said: 'Get ready for beach house inspo, caravan reno's, current projects and finally our website will go live very soon. So much goodness coming your way!'

Busy:The couple told fans to expect information on: 'beach house inspo, caravan reno's, current projects and finally our website' in the coming weeks

Fans flocked to the comment section to offer their support for the idea, saying it couldn't come soon enough.

'Congratulations, can't wait to see what you have created', one user wrote.

While another person added: 'I can't wait to see house number 2!! It'll be fabulous'.

Standing by them: Fans flocked to the comment section to offer their support for the idea, saying it couldn't come soon enough

Fixing and flipping: The couple shot to fame after starring in Channel Nine's hit building show The Block in season nine, where they tied in fourth position after pocketing just $10,000 for their efforts

The couple shot to fame after starring in Channel Nine's hit building show The Block in season nine, where they tied in fourth position after pocketing just $10,000 for their efforts.

Not content to settle for defeat, the couple gave it another go and returned in 2015 for the tenth season, going on to win the show and take $1million in prize money.

Their luxurious South Yarra apartment, which featured an airy kitchen and large outdoor courtyard, sold for an astonishing $2.29 million, coming in at $835,000 above reserve price.
She is used to parading the catwalk in skimpy luxury lingerie as a Victoria's Secret Angel.

But Romee Strijd made a very different appearance in a delicate wedding dress from the Pronovias 2017 collection during the last day of Barcelona Bridal Week on Friday.

The Dutch beauty, 21, looked ravishing in the plunging beaded creation as she floated down the runway in the Spanish city.

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Ravishing bride: Romee Strijd looked spectacular in the plunging beaded Pronovias wedding dress as she floated down the runway during Barcelona Bridal Week on Friday

The exquisite gown was designed with a delicate mesh underlay showing off Romee's incredibly pert bust and flawless tanned decolletage.

The wedding dress featured flapper-style silver beading which swayed in the breeze as she floated down the outside catwalk.

The ethereal ensemble managed to be both fairy tale-esque and semi sheer, offering a tantalising glimpse of the Alexander McQueen model's long, lithe legs.

Enchanting: The wedding dress, which was designed with a nude mesh underlay and silver beading, showed off Romee's incredibly pert bust and flawless tanned decolletage

Romee tottered in a pair of towering platformed white satin peep toe heels which made the stunner appear even more statuesque.

Her flowing honey-coloured locks were teased into waves and gently pinned back, allowing strands to fall free and frame her symmetrical face.

The model's natural beauty took centre stage as she sported restrained make up with just a hint of bronzer, a touch of lip balm and a flick of mascara accentuating her genetically blessed looks.

Romee later posed with her fellow models, who donned more traditional wedding gowns, at the end of the spell binding show.

Where are the grooms? Romee posed with her fellow models, who donned more traditional wedding gowns, at the end of the spell binding show

Jubilant: French designer Herve Moreau raised his hands in triumph as he took a bow

Barcelona Bridal Week is a must-visit event for the fashion pack. The city has a long tradition of creating wedding gowns, thanks to local designers including Pronovias and Rosa Clara.

The event attracts close to 300 labels from almost 90 different countries, making it one of the biggest shows in the world dedicated to bridal fashions.

Despite Romee's delicate appearance at the show, she was quick to flaunt the body that saw her recruited to the exclusive Victoria's Secret Angels crew.

The same day as her bridal debut, she treated her three million Instagram followers to a saucy selfie where she donned just a stylish hooded top and tiny black thong.

The blonde model shot the camera an alluring glance as she showed off her pert derriere in the mirror selfie.
Although she doesn't have her own tots, Oprah Winfrey celebrated Bring Your Child to Work Day by inviting kids of all sizes to the OWN network offices Thursday.

During the day, the talk show hostess was tickled pink when she learned that although she's a household name, not everybody knows who she is.

After asking a visiting tike 'What's my name?', the 63-year-old was surprised when she learned the little one didn't have a clue.

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Kids say the darndest things! Oprah got a good laugh on Thursday when she met the child of an employee who had no clue who the TV hostess was. She shared the funny moment on Instagram

Taking to Instagram, the silly video shows a dressed down Ms. Winfrey talking to a kid, about 10 or 11 in age.

'So it's kid's day...Your dad works here, right?' asks the O Magazine founder, which the OWN employee offspring responds to with a nod.

Oprah then gets playful and tries to make a wager with the child, asking 'For $10 - What's my name? 10 seconds'

The youngster looks back at Oprah unsure as she counts down -- much to the delight of the celebrity.

Who me? The Mississippi native was surprised to learn that not everyone knows who she is

The Mississippi native gives the child a hint, telling them that the name 'starts with an O.'

'How many O names are there?!' exclaims Oprah after a few seconds, 'Come on!' she continues, having a good laugh at herself.

'Oprah!' says the star, then repeating her name several times slowly just to make sure it sank in, 'O-prah, O-prah. Oh. Oh!'

The video's caption seemed to sum up the star's attitude perfectly, writing, 'Hard to impress kids these days,' while adding the tag '#OWNKidsDay.'

Betting words! After asking if the little one's parent worked there, the 67-year-old media mogul bet him $10 if he could tell Oprah her name

Oh well! After offering several hints to no avail, Oprah conceded and gave the child a high five

The talk show icon is busy around town promoting her new film The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks, the fascinating story of a cancer ridden woman whose cells become essential to history making medicine.

Oprah, who also executive produced the film, plays Deborah Lacks - Henrietta's daughter whose point of view drives the narrative.

The film also stars Australian actress Rose Byrne, who plays journalist and author Rebecca Skloot.

The Immortal Lie Of Henrietta Lacks is out now, available through HBO.
She struts around in tight ensembles as the star of Fifty Shades of Grey.

But Dakota Johnson decided to play it comfortable as she donned baggy jeans and a loose shirt on Friday.

The 27-year-old actress looked casual chic and ready for spring as she grabbed a coffee in the Big Apple.

Comfy fit: Dakota Johnson, 27, decided to play it comfortable as she donned baggy jeans and a loose shirt in NYC on Friday

The starlet miraculously showcased her svelte physique even in the baggy denim.

She tucked a simple white blouse into the pants.

The actress rocked a pair of Gucci loafers that had high heels.

She left her gorgeous locks long and loose and parted in the middle.

Starlet: The starlet miraculously showcased her svelte physique even in the baggy denim

Fifty Shades Of Grey, released in 2015, was Dakota's first starring role.

And it was a brave choice given the risque nature of the story in which she plays Anastasia Steele the naive young object of bondage-obsessed billionaire Christian, played by Jamie Dornan.

Based on E.L. James' erotic bestsellers, their story continued in Fifty Shades Darker, released on February 10 this year.

High step: The actress rocked a pair of Gucci loafers that had high heels

And it will reach its climax with Fifty Shades Freed, due out on February 9, 2018.

Meanwhile, Dakota also has Suspira in post-production, co-starring Tilda Swinton and Chloe Grace Moretz.

She stars as a young dancer who travels to Berlin to train with a prestigious troupe that harbors a dark secret in the fantasy horror story that has yet to set a release date.
She posed up a storm at the Keeping Up With The Kardashians 10 year anniversary party on Thursday.

And one day later, Khloe Kardashian swapped her low-cut black ensemble for a burgundy and black active wear set in Westlake, California.

The 32-year-old highlighted her famous Kardashian curves in the fitted capris, adding a matching sweater with a bright red Givenchy purse.

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Keeping it casual: Khloe Kardashian swapped her low-cut black ensemble for a burgundy and black active wear set while leaving a studio in Westlake, CA on Friday

Khloe was spotted with her older sister Kourtney Kardashian, 38; the siblings were seen leaving a studio together.

The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star flaunted her ample derriere and her toned legs in Nicky Kay, an Australian fitness apparel company.

Khloe rocked Nicky Kay's GoalDigger Sweatpants with the brand's ImSoFierce sweatshirt.

The statuesque star carried a $2,290 Givenchy Anigona Leather satchel while hitting the pavement in $295 Givenchy slides.

Bootyful view: The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star flaunted her ample derriere and her toned legs in Nicky Kay, an Australian fitness apparel company

She's got style: The 32-year-old highlighted her famous Kardashian curves in the fitted capris, adding a matching sweater with a bright red Givenchy purse

Khloe rocked long blonde locks with a natural wave and chose to shield her eyes with large aviator sunglasses.

Kourtney, who recently returned from a girls trip to Mexico, showed off her tan in a nude bodysuit with flared jeans.

On Thursday, Khloe was joined by sisters Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, as well as Kendall and Kylie Jenner and mom Kris Jenner for the Keeping Up With The Kardashians 10-year-old anniversary party.

Flawless: Khloe rocked long blonde locks with a natural wave and chose to shield her eyes with large aviator sunglasses

Fancy fitness look: Khloe rocked Nicky Kay's GoalDigger Sweatpants with the brand's ImSoFierce sweatshirt

Low key: The statuesque star carried a $2,290 Givenchy Antigona Leather satchel while hitting the pavement in $295 Givenchy slides

Looking good: Kourtney Kardashian, who recently returned from a girls trip to Mexico, showed off her tan in a nude bodysuit with flared jeans

The bash had a photo booth, where Khloe and Kylie posed for a risque snap; Kylie, 19, was snapped as she pretended to lick her older sister's chest.

Khloe looked incredible in her cleavage baring look, which featured spaghetti straps and lace up detailing.

On Thursday, the E! star shared a snap of herself in the latest pair of Good American jeans; Khloe is a co-founder of the successful jeans brand with Emma Grede.

She flashed her flat stomach in the fishnet and ripped jeans piece, adding a crop top and red lipstick.

Family is always first: On Thursday, Khloe was joined by sisters Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, as well as Kendall and Kylie Jenner and mom Kris Jenner for the Keeping Up With The Kardashians 10-year-old anniversary bash

Having fun: The bash had a photo booth, where Khloe and Kylie posed for a risque snap; Kylie, 19, was snapped as she pretended to lick her older sister's chest

Pretty sisters: Khloe also struck a pose with Kendall during their bash
She's set to tie the knot to her Love Island beau next year.

And Olivia Buckland ensured she made the most of her time as a 'single' lady as she enjoyed a night out in London on Friday.

The reality star, 23, turned heads in a sheer ensemble, showing off her bra as she hit Cafe De Paris.

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Put your hands up! Olivia Buckland ensured she made the most of her time as a 'single' lady as she enjoyed a night out in London on Friday

Squeezing her assets into a white bra, she put her curves on display in a sheer nude blouse.

The cropped top revealed her slender tattooed waist, and she teamed it with a fitted lace-up pencil skirt.

Adding a sleeveless cape and patent killer heels, she showed off her ink-covered pins.

Sizzling: The reality star, 23, turned heads in a sheer ensemble, showing off her bra as she hit Cafe De Paris

And going for lashings of mascara, bold brows and a touch of highlighter, she completed her look with soft golden curls.

Meanwhile Olivia recently revealed she and fiancee Alex Bowen have set a date for the ITVBe show's first-ever wedding.

She revealed she and her scaffolder beau, 24, will tied the knot in September 2018, with Love Island's host Caroline Flack, 37, as a guest and Olivia's best pal from the series, winner Cara De La Hoyde, 26, bridesmaid.

Speaking to this week's issue of Closer magazine, Olivia revealed that she wants 'party animal' Caroline to come - despite the TV presenter being accused by viewers of being flirty with Alex in the 2016 show's finale.

Turning heads: The cropped top revealed her slender tattooed waist, and she teamed it with a fitted lace-up pencil skirt

Toned: The cropped top revealed her slender tattooed waist, and she teamed it with a fitted lace-up pencil skirt

Olivia said: 'Caroline Flack needs to come to the wedding! She's a real party animal so we need her there. We're inviting all the Love Island producers too, as they made it happen.'

The reality star did not mention whether fellow Love Islander Zara Holland, 21 - who slept with Alex on his first night in the villa, resulting in her losing her Miss Great Britain crown - would be on the guest list.

Olivia revealed she has started planning her dream day with former co-star and best pal Cara De La Hoyde - who won Love Island in 2016 alongside Nathan Massey, before confirming their split last week.

Olivia also divulged that Cara is set to be a bridesmaid on the big day, telling Closer: 'Of course Cara is going to be my bridesmaid.'

Made up: Going for lashings of mascara, bold brows and a touch of highlighter, she completed her look with soft golden curl

Olivia is keeping tight-lipped about details of the wedding, but admitted that it will be in the UK so the pair's friends and family don't miss out, and they will plan a 'fab honeymoon abroad' after.

Olivia and Alex announced their engagement during a New Year's Eve break in December, despite only being a couple for five months.

Hunky scaffolder and fitness model Alex ignored claims that the couple were only a "showmance" and popped the question after whisking Olivia away to a romantic trip to New York.

Olivia spoke excitedly about her upcoming nuptials, saying: 'I'm loving being engaged and calling him my fiance. I can't believe we're going to be husband and wife!

'I'm not worried it will change anything - we're meant to be together.'

A match made in reality heaven: Love Island's Olivia (pictured last week) has now revealed she and fiancee Alex Bowen have set a date for the ITVBe show's first-ever wedding

Despite coming in second place to Nathan and Cara, the couple won over the hearts of the nation.

Alex popped the question to the blonde beauty on a romantic trip to New York in December 2016 after just five months of dating.

She told MailOnline: 'We have said we want kids eventually. We just want to enjoy our time together, we have a lot to do, experiences to have, holidays to take.

'It will be nice but maybe not in the next seven years. I'm still a baby anyway. I would never let my kids watch Love Island!

'There's not as much controversy in sex on TV as there used to be. But I won't be showing my kids Love Island. Maybe keep it secret from them for quite a while.'
She plays a simple girl from Indiana on the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

But on Friday, Ellie Kemper was anything but plain at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York.

The 36-year-old actress made an elegant appearance in a embroidered dress by Reem Acra at the premiere of the Netflix hit's third season.

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Not a plain jane! Ellie Kemper was beautiful at the premiere of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Friday

The Office alum's beautiful sleeveless dress was adorned with colorful flowers scattered down the bodice and into a wide skirt.

Adding a hint of drama to her ensemble, the Kansas City native sported dark eyes and scarlet lipstick that matched a handsome ruby ring on her finger.

Ellie's signature locks were styled in curls, skimming her shoulders.

Red hot! The comedienne's signature red locks were styled in buoyant curls which she complimented with scarlet lips

Garden girl: The Kansas City native wore a sleeveless frock with embroidered flowers scattered down the bodice and into a wide skirt

The premiere was joined by the legendary Diane Keaton, who at 71 looked both chic and youthful.

The Annie Hall actress wore a long white dress which she combined with a hat and strappy platform heels.

Polka dotted tights and a matching spotted scarf added Diane's typically quirky touch to the look.

A Hollywood royal: Diane Keaton stopped by the Tribeca Film Festival event

Dot's the ticket! The Annie Hall actress donned a flowy white frock which she dressed up with polka dotted accessories

Costar Tituss Burgess looked handsome in all black, spicing things up on bottom with a pair of hip silver sneakers.

It looked like Jane Krakowski had plucked a look straight from her Unbreakable character Jacqueline's closet, donning a sultry LBD with plunging neckline.

Sara Chase, who plays Kimmy's former co-captive Cyndee, dazzled in a sequined frock paired with pointy golden heels and a matching clutch.

The thespians: Ellie caught up with castmates Jane Krakowski (left), Tituss Burgess (center right), and Carol Kane (far right) at the Tribeca debut

Chic costars: Tituss Burgess spiced up an all black outfit with silver shoes while costar Jane Krakowski looked like her character Jacqueline in her flirty LBD

Castmate Lauren Adams was risk taking in a plunging red jumpsuit and high ponytail.

Sol Miranda was chic in a red blouse and black skirt with flirty leg slit.

Daveed Diggs of Hamilton fame stopped by the event, looking cool in a gold lame jacket and hardware-heavy shoes.

The rapper-actor appears as Kimmy's new school friend in the upcoming season.

Gilding the lily: Sara Chase wowed in a sequined dress which she paired with gold heels

Scarlet letter! Sol Miranda was chic in a red blouse and black skirt while Lauren Adams donned an edgy red jumpsuit

Gold standard: Daveed Diggs shined in a gold lame jacket and hardware heavy sneakers

Last week a trailer of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt's third season gave fans a glimpse into the third season of Kimmy's relentless positivity and absurd comedic antics.

In season three, the former cult member continues to adjust to life in bustling New York City after living in a bunker in Indiana for most of her life.

Jon Hamm will return as bonkers cult-leader Richard Wayne Gary Wayne while it's announced Laura Dern and Maya Rudolph will also make guest appearances.

The Netflix favorite returns May 19.
She's been celebrating a romance-filled belated honeymoon in the Maldives with husband of one year Gary Clark Jr.

And on Saturday, Nicole Trunfio, 31, sported yet another raunchy outfit from the lavish vacation, daring-to-bare her ample assets in a see-through lace gown.

In the hours prior to the loved-up snap, the model documented her entire lazy day, including breathtaking vision of he luxury surrounds.

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Romantic! On Saturday, Nicole Trunfio, sported yet another raunchy outfit from her lavish Maldives honeymoon with Gary Clark Jr.

Captioning the romantic night-time snap 'dinner for two on the island,' she clutched her hunky hubby and shot a sensual stare.

Covering her modesty in nothing but a tiny two-piece bikini, Nicole flaunted her side-profile in the low-light snap.

Looking cool and carefree beside her, Gary sported a wide-brimmed hat, exposing a bit of skin himself as he popped a few buttons on his navy shirt.

The lover's feet were met by soft white sand in the picture, with a romantic table setting behind them ready to enjoy after the mandatory couple's snap.

On closer inspection: Shortly after, the 31-yer-old gave fans an even closer look at her daring lacy outfit, pictured sitting on a rusty wooden swing

Shortly after, Nicole gave fans an even closer look at her daring lacy outfit, pictured sitting on a rusty wooden swing.

With a glass of wine in hand, even the stunning model looked impressed with her ensemble, appearing to ogle her own cleavage with a down-cast gaze.

The romantic evening was the icing on the cake for her 'epic day,' which the beauty documented in-full for followers.

After a lazy nap in a hammock suspended over crystalline water by two trees, Nicole flashed her stunning bikini and makeup free complexion in a mirror selfie.

'Epic' day: The romantic evening was the icing on the cake for her 'epic day,' which the beauty documented in-full for followers, beginning with a nap in a hammock

Get a hold of your selfie! Nicole flashed her stunning bikini and makeup free complexion in a mirror selfie

Breathtaking! Hours later, video showed traversing their simply breathtaking floating accommodation by bicycle

Nice view! Sipping what looked like a fruity cocktail, Gary pedalled beside Nicole, who spun the camera to show the rows-upon-rows of tiny wooden huts that were raised above the water

Hours later, video showed traversing their simply breathtaking floating accommodation by bicycle.

Sipping what looked like a fruity cocktail, Gary pedalled beside Nicole, who spun the camera to show the rows-upon-rows of tiny wooden huts that were raised above the water by stilts.

Flaunting her slender frame once again in the next snap, the beauty wore a plunging silk crop top and tiny cutoff denim jeans.

Completing the outfit with wide-brimmed glasses and a slouch hat, she stood in-front of a mural board made from a tree, which emerged from clear blue water below.

Silky smooth: Flaunting her slender frame once again in the next snap, the beauty wore a plunging silk crop top and tiny cutoff denim jeans

Epic end: As the sun went down, Nicole was pictured from behind, staring into the pink and orange-hued sky behind her

As the sun went down, Nicole was pictured from behind, staring into the pink and orange-hued sky behind her.

Nicole and her new husband have been busy snapping shots from their picturesque holiday since arriving earlier in the week.

The holiday marks the couple's long-overdue honeymoon, having exchanged vows last April in a lavish Palm Springs ceremony.

Jetting to the popular Maldives islands for the escape, the duo have been staying at the Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani resorts at a cost $2504 AUD a night.

Swim good: The beauty has been sharing raunchy snaps almost hourly during her lavish vacation

Long time coming: The holiday marks the couple's long-overdue honeymoon, having exchanged vows last April in a Palm Springs ceremony
It has been nearly 10 years since Keeping Up With the Kardashians began airing in 2007.

And on Friday, Kourtney Kardashian proved she's still very much a part of the family business, as she was spotted leaving a studio in Westlake, California.

Joining her for the visit was her reality co-star and sister, Khloe.

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Work trip: On Friday, Kourtney Kardashian, 38, was spotted leaving a studio in LA

The mom-of-three wore a nude color bodysuit with a matching set of pumps.

Kourtney added a pair of high-waist, trendy flared jeans to her look.

The raven-haired beauty wore her long locks down and to one side. For make-up, she chose her go-to natural glam look.

Coordinating: The mom-of-three wore a nude color bodysuit with a matching set of pumps

Risk-taking fashion: Kourtney added a pair of high-waist, trendy flared jeans to her look

Joining the Los Angeles native was sister Khloe, 32.

The pretty blonde was a stark contrast to her older sibling, dressed in a casual, Nicky Kay tracksuit.

Khloe made a statement in the bold red ensemble, which she paired with Givenchy black slides.

Keeping up her look! The raven-haired beauty wore her long locks down and to one side. For make-up, she chose her go-to natural glam

Summer weather outfit: Kourtney's bodysuit featured a low back

A family affair: Joining the Los Angeles native was sister Khloe, 32

Workout style: The pretty blonde was a stark contrast to her older sibling, dressed in a casual, Nicky Kay tracksuit

October 14, 2007 was the first air date of Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

The family recently celebrated with a show party, which is currently in its 13 season.

The family appears to have filmed a 10 anniversary special which will air on its home network, E!. The network has become hosts to many of the Kardashian's spin-off and various shows.

Noticeable look: Khloe made a statement in the bold red ensemble, which she paired with Givenchy black slides

Magic hour: Still wishing she was on vacation, Kourtney shared a shot of her enjoying a beautiful Mexico sunset, which she captioned 'cielo magico,' meaning 'magic sky'
Even if she wasn't wearing the color, a lot of people would be seeing red if they spotted Hailey Baldwin right now.

The 20-year-old strode through Soho in an all-scarlet outfit of a baggy sweatshirt and drawstring trousers.

While her top bore the word 'spandex', the loose-fit suggested otherwise.

Red alert! Hailey Baldwin strolled through Soho in scarlet on Friday... as the Fyre Festival she promoted crashed and burned in the Bahamas

Tying her long blonde back, she showed off a pair of large golden hoops and minimal make-up.

The model slung a tidy black backpack over one shoulder, and added several inches to her 5'8" frame in black lace peep toe heeled boots.

Carrying her phone and an iced coffee, she stopped for a causal chat with a guy at one stage.

If she was concerned for her peers stranded in the Bahamas after the spectacular collapse of the Fyre festival, her expression hid it well.

Lady in red: The 20-year-old strode through Soho in an all-scarlet outfit of a baggy sweatshirt and drawstring trousers

Loose women: While her top bore the word 'spandex', the loose-fit suggested otherwise

Gorgeous: Tying her long blonde back, she showed off a pair of large golden hoops and minimal make-up

The daughter of actor Steven Baldwin was among the A-list pretty faces taking flack for promoting the high-end Caribbean shindig, which fell apart even before it started.

The boutique Fyre Festival, due to start today and run over two weekends, was billed as a 'cultural moment created from an alchemic blend of music, art, and food'.

The homepage for the festival, co-organised by rapper Ja Rule, featured a host of top models including Emily Ratajkowski, Bella Hadid, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Joan Smalls relaxing on the beach and swimming through crystal clear waters.

Hold-all: The model slung a tidy black backpack over one shoulder

Amazon: She added several inches to her 5'8" frame in black lace peep toe heeled boots

Natter: Carrying her phone and an iced coffee, she stopped for a causal chat with a guy at one stage

But on arrival revelers reported finding half-built tents, rat droppings, dogs wandering around the site, mountains of trash and thugs looting alcohol.

Festival organizers said today that the event had been 'fully postponed' due to 'unforeseen and extenuating circumstances' while Bahamas tourism bosses have today offered 'heartfelt apologies'.

Many revelers say they have been left stranded at Exuma International Airport after opting to return home having seen the festival site.

As people were lampooning the disastrous festival on social media, Ja Rule took to Twitter to apologize for Fyre Fest saying it was: 'NOT A SCAM."

Under Fyre: The daughter of actor Steven Baldwin was among the A-list pretty faces - including (L-R) Elsa Hosk, Emily Ratajkowski, Bella Hadid, Lais Ribeiro, Gizele Oliveira and Rose Bertram - taking flack for promoting the high-end Caribbean shindig, which fell apart even before it started
He was rushed to hospital on Wednesday after suffering a health scare.

But on Saturday, TV legend Bert Newton, 78, was all smiles as he recovered with a visit from his adorable grandson Monty.

Wife Patti took to Instagram to share the cute snap, thanking fans for their continued support and well wishes.

Resting: On Saturday, TV legend Bert Newton, 78, was all smiles as he recovered from his recent health scare with a visit from his adorable grandson Monty

The image showed Bert relaxing in his hospital bed, as he was joined by the one-year-old.

Cuddling up to his grandfather, the delightful tot flashed a cheeky grin and even gave a wave to the camera.

Bert meanwhile looked in good spirits in his striped pyjamas, with Patti captioning the moment: 'Monty always puts a smile on his face. Thanks for all your well wishes'.

Strong love: Bert looked in good spirits as he lay in his striped pyjamas, with Patti captioning the moment: 'Monty always puts a smile on his face. Thanks for all your well wishes'

Well-wishes: Flocking to the comments section, fans offered up their support for the television presenter, hoping he would make a speedy recovery

Flocking to the comments section, fans offered up their support and well wishes for the television presenter, hoping he would make a speedy recovery.

'Love you so much Bert, stay strong,' one person wrote, while another weighed in: 'I'm sure Patti and the family are taking wonderful care of you'.

'So glad that you're recovering Bert ! Gorgeous grandson you have there,' one follower added.

Bert has been suffered a number of health scares over the last few years, since undergoing a quadruple heart bypass in 2012, including being hospitalised in March for pneumonia.

Missing the fun: It comes as Bert was unable to attend the Logie Awards on Sunday, with wife Patti instead joined by daughter Lauren as they hit the red carpet

He's gold! But Patti made sure that although Bert could not be there physically, he would be there in spirit, wearing a sequined blazer with his Gold Logie win on the back

It comes as Bert was unable to attend the Logie Awards on Sunday, with wife Patti instead joined by daughter Lauren as they hit the red carpet.

But Patti made sure that although Bert could not be there physically, he would be there in spirit, wearing a gold sequined blazer with the Good Morning Australia's Gold Logie win on the back.

'Even though Bert's not well I'm taking him to the Logies,' she wrote on Instagram.

Happily posing for a snap with Patti in her outfit before she left, Bert smiled and pointed to the picture of his more youthful self, as his wife tenderly placed her arm on his chest.
He plays the resident bad boy of Home and Away who is currently involved with policewoman Katarina Chapman.

But on Friday, George Mason was spotted in a passionate embrace with one of the soap's other leading ladies.

Enjoying some fun in the sun, the 25-year-old was seen locking lips with Penny McNamee, who plays doctor Tori Morgan, as the two filmed scenes seaside.

Steamy by the sea: On Friday, Home and Away's George Mason was spotted in a passionate embrace with one of Penny McNamee who plays doctor Tori Morgan

The intense moment saw George lean in for a kiss with the brunette beauty, clutching her neck and pulling her close.

The actor sported a plain blue t-shirt and striped blue board-shorts for the scene, with his hair tied back in Ash's trademark man-bun.

The outfit was complete with a pair of navy flip flops, which the star picked up and carried at one point.

New romance? Enjoying some fun in the sun, the 25-year-old filmed some seaside scenes with his co-star, forming part of an upcoming storyline

Embrace: The intense moment saw George lean in for a kiss with the brunette beauty, clutching her neck and pulling her close

Dressing down: George donned a pair of navy flip flops for filming, with the star picking them up and carrying them after the fiery kiss

Co-star Penny McNamee seemed equally committed to the scene, leaning into the smooch as things got steamy.

In one frame the actress caressed the hunk's chest, while in another her hands moved to his face as the two got up close and personal.

The See No Evil star got one last peck in before the scene was over too, after the pair cuddled and shared a longing glance.

Pucker up! Co-star Penny McNamee seemed equally committed to the scene, leaning into the smooch as things got steamy

Its in the eyes! In one frame the actress caressed the hunk's chest, while in another her hands moved to his face as the two kissed

Up close and personal: The See No Evil star got one last peck in before the scene was over too, after the pair cuddled and shared a longing glance

Penny was dressed to impress for the scene sporting business clothes, suggesting her character may have been taking a quick break from her role at the hospital.

The actress wore high waisted navy pants with a striped white singlet, which featured cutouts over her chest and a high collar.

They were teamed with a chunky silver bangle and gold wristwatch, with Penny slinging a brown leather tote over her shoulder.

Surprisingly, despite the sandy setting the actress was spotted in a pair of pointed high-heels, which completed the classy look.

Formal: Penny was dressed to impress for the scene sporting business clothes, suggesting her character may have been taking a quick break from her role at the hospital

Flawless: The actress wore high waisted navy pants with a striped white singlet, which featured cutouts over her chest and a high collar

The scene was in stark contrast to the characters current situations on the show, where they are seeing other people.

Ash is dating Pia Miller's character Katarina Chapman, after the pair aimed to get custody of his niece Luc.

Meanwhile Tori is with fellow physician Nate Cooper after the two reconciled in earlier episodes.

Mixing it up: The scene was in stark contrast to the characters current situations on the show, where they are seeing other people

Moving on: George's character Ash is said to be dating Pia Miller's character Katarina Chapman, while Penny's character Tori is with fellow physician Nate Cooper

However, on Thursday Pia was caught in her own sultry embrace, brushing lips with newcomer Jake Ryan.

The two were spotted getting even closer as they filmed the following day, when the two revved up the tension in a red mustang.

Jake hopped in the drivers seat, decked out in grey wash jeans, a khaki shirt and dark blazer, while Pia sat beside him in an elegant white dress.

Red hot! After being caught in her own sultry embrace on Thursday, Pia Miller and newcomer Jake Ryan filmed more scenes Friday

Raring to go: The two were spotted getting even closer as they filmed, revving up the tension in a bright red car

Strutting their stuff: Jake hopped out of the drivers seat, decked out in grey wash jeans, a khaki shirt and dark blazer, while Pia emerged from the car in an elegant white dress

The two exited the vehicle in one shot, with Pia flaunting her slender frame as she emerged.

Holding a black clutch that matched her shiny high heels, Pia's long brunette locks were styled around her face in loose curls.

As the wind picked up they were blown into the actress face, as she did her best to remain poised.

Fit and fabulous: The two exited the vehicle in one shot, with Pia flaunting her slender frame as she emerged.
If the pictures are anything to go by, the grass is always greener for AFL WAGs.

And on Friday night, the honorary queen of the WAGs Rebecca Judd and her protege Jessie Murphy (nee Habermann) certainly appeared to be living the high life as they attended the star-studded launch of Pure Scot Whisky in Melbourne.

Donning matching navy blue ensembles, the dynamic duo were spotted partying at the lavish inner-city venue Ms Collins, while joined by the likes of Bachelor alums Joni B Hodson and Sarah Mackay.

Feeling blue! AFL WAGS Bec Judd (R) and Jessie Habermann (L) both rocked navy ensembles at the star-studded Pure Scot Whisky launch on Friday

Bec, 34, appeared to share colour-palette memos with fellow AFL WAG Jessie, 27, but while the blonde bombshell wife of Marc Murphy chose to cover-up in a full-length jumpsuit, the wife of West Coast Eagles legend Chris flaunted her trim pins in a tailored skirt.

Below the ankle, the brunette beauty nestled into a pair of chunky heeled boots, while above the waist, she kept the monochrome aesthetic alive in a navy blazer.

Jessie also exposed a touch of cleavage in a one-piece that flowed all the way down to her open-toed flats.

Bachies in black: Sarah Mackay (R) donned bold red lipstick alongside a gal pal at the event

Clutching a glass of red, she accessorised with a compact black clutch.

Season three Bachelor contestant Sarah Mackay was spotted smiling with a fellow blonde gal pal at the event, her bold red lipstick and smokey eyeliner the highlight of her understated outfit.

Her wavy blonde tresses fell over her tight, collared black gown.

Side-on! Joni B was all about the side-profile, clutching her bag and jacket in one hand and a drink in the other

Fellow Sam Wood reject Joni B was all about the side-profile, clutching her bag and jacket in one hand and a drink in the other.

Behind the event was former Bachelorette star and former male model David Witko, who now works marketing for the up-market Scotch Whisky company.

He looked dapper in a tie-less black suit and white button-up, slicking his hair to one side.

Dapper Dave: Behind the event was former Bachelorette star and former male model David Witko, who now works marketing for the up-market Scotch Whisky company

Popular: Sporting a well-maintained beard, he was pictured alongside an assortment of lady friends throughout the night, even earning a cute kiss on the cheek at one point

Sporting a well-maintained beard, he was pictured alongside an assortment of lady friends throughout the night, even earning a cute kiss on the cheek at one point.

Wine Time Live host Mikey seemed to find the fact he was being pictured holding Whisky to be ironic, flashing his pearly whites in a slim grey suit and mismatched black trousers.

Top Melbourne R&B DJ Kahn boasted one of the events boldest outfits, looking down for a good time in a chest-exposing silky brown jumpsuit.

Pure Scot is the brainchild of five:am Yoghurt Entrepreneur David Prior, who bought the 200-year-old Bladnoch Distillery in Scotland in 2015.

Whisky time! Wine Time Live host Mikey seemed to find the fact he was holding Whisky to be ironic, flashing his pearly whites in a slim grey suit and mismatched black trousers.
She was last December forced to deny she was dating colourful businessman Geoffrey Edelsten.

And on Saturday Suzi Taylor, 44, was spotted getting cosy and sharing a passionate kiss with a mystery man in Sydney on Saturday.

The photos come after the buxom beauty was photographed getting close with a different man earlier this month.

Her new squeeze? The Block's Suzi Taylor shares a passionate kiss with a mystery man in Sydney

Going casual in a simple black ensemble, Suzi nursed a glass of white wine while soaking up the sunshine at a bar in the Harbourview Hotel, North Sydney.

She wore her dark locks out and sported sunglasses to shade her eyes from the sunny day.

Her male companion was also dressed simply, wearing a white T-shirt and holding his phone as he lent into to kiss Suzi.

Going casual: She wore her dark locks out and sported sunglasses to shade her eyes from the sunny day

Enjoying the day: Suzi nursed a glass of white wine while soaking up the sunshine at a bar in the Harbourview Hotel, North Sydney

The two appeared comfortable in each other's company, with the mystery man texting on his phone and Suzi calling someone as they finished their pub meals.

At one point Suzi lifted her phone up to her male companion's ear, before leaning in to kiss each other.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Suzi's representatives for comment.

Earlier this month, the former Block contestant was spotted cosying up to a different mystery man in Brisbane, kissing him on the cheek before he got into his car and drove off.

Last December Suzi declared herself very single after Geoffrey Edelsten bizarrely told News Corp the two were dating.

Phoning home? At one point Suzi lifted her phone up to her male companion's ear, before leaning in to kiss each other

Who's the guy: Daily Mail Australia has contacted Suzi's representatives for comment on her date

Suzi denied to Daily Mail Australia that the two had ever dated, saying: 'We're just friends.'

Soon after she was linked to Geoffrey it emerged she was dating real estate entrepreneur Drew Davison.

Suzi, previously posed for the cover of Penthouse magazine and once dated INXS' Michael Hutchence, also dating Channel Nine's Richard Wilkins in 2015.

She previously told news.com.au: 'He gave me access to his house and I would be there in my underwear waiting for him when he got home from work.'

'I would be there in my underwear waiting for him when he got home from work': Suzi enjoyed a two month fling with Richard Wilkins in 2015
Earlier this year, the familiar faces of The Bold and the Beautiful cast filmed 30th anniversary episodes Down Under.

And as footage emerges of some of the scenes, it appeared the long-running soap missed the mark as they took on Australian cliches.

There are plenty of cringe-worthy moments, from Jacqueline MacInnes Wood flown in for her on-screen wedding by a flying fox high-wire, to Thorsten Kaye and Katherine Kelly Lang dancing like emus on Manly's Shelly Beach.

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Bold and not so Beautiful? The popular soap took on Australian cliches, but missed the mark, as scenes for the program's 30th anniversary were filmed Down Under earlier this year

Jacqueline MacInnes Wood literally flew in for her character Steffy Forrester's wedding to Liam Spencer, played by Scott Clifton.

Sporting a contemporary lace bridal gown with sheer detailing, the stunning brunette is seen making an over-the-top entrance via a flying fox high-wire.

The bold move is reminiscent of when Hollywood heavyweight and Sydney-born star Hugh Jackman, 48, made a similar arrival for his appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, taped at the Sydney Opera House back in 2010.

Over the top? Jacqueline MacInnes Wood literally flew in for her character Steffy Forrester's wedding in front of the Sydney Opera House, via a flying fox high-wire

Copycat move: The bold move is reminiscent of when Hollywood heavyweight and Sydney-born star Hugh Jackman, 48, made a similar arrival for his appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, taped at the Sydney Opera House back in 2010

As Steffy arrives at the aisle to wed her on-off beau, Eric Forrester, played by John McCook provides a rather cringe-worthy line to his wife Quinn, played by Rena Sofer: 'Stunning architecture... and the Opera House is good too.'

While another scene saw Katherine Kelly Lang, who takes on the veteran role of Brooke Logan, and Thorsten Kaye as the newly-replaced Ridge Forrester, attempting to dance as emus on Manly's Shelly Beach.

Qantas, who flew the cast and crew into Australia with its first class cabin service, not only got plenty of mention via the star's Instagram accounts, but also featured on the long-running soap.

Cue the puns: As Steffy arrives at the aisle to wed her on-off beau, Eric Forrester, played by John McCook provides a rather cringe-worthy line to his wife Quinn, played by Rena Sofer: 'Stunning architecture...and the Opera House is good too'

Product placement: Qantas, who flew the cast and crew into Australia with its first class cabin service, not only got plenty of mention via the star's Instagram accounts, but also featured on the long-running soap

Sally Spectra, a rival fashion designer to the Forresters, is served by a Qantas air hostess, who takes on a rather bogan-sounding accent.

The scenes filmed Down Under earlier this year, will mark the program's 30th year anniversary.

Executive Producer and Head Writer Bradley Bell said of the show's visit Down Under in an official statement in January: 'This will be an epic celebration for our fans around the world. We are preparing to film the most glamorous location shoot in soap opera history.'

Upcoming: The episodes filmed Down Under will appear on Channel Ten in May

'Collaborating with Qantas, Network Ten and CBS, viewers will witness romance, high style, jaw-dropping twists, harrowing stunts and major cliffhangers, all hallmarks of The Bold And The Beautiful.'

While actor Scott Clifton, who plays Liam Spencer, previously told The Daily Telegraph earlier this year: 'There is a lot of secrecy butthere is going to be a wedding, some drama, conflict and a stunt, too, which is going to be exciting.'

The episodes filmed Down Under will appear on Channel Ten in May.

Epic claims: Executive Producer Bradley Bell said of the show's visit in an official statement: 'This will be an epic celebration for our fans around the world.' Pictured are co-stars Thorsten Kaye (left), 51, Katherine Kelly Lang (centre), 55, and Don Diamont (right), 54
She was one of the 90's most desirable faces.

And now Jaime King is making her return to the fashion world in a stylish campaign for Miu Miu.

The leggy blonde looks lovely as ever in the girly shoot, embracing pattern and texture in the Fall 2017 set titled Room 303.

Miu Miu mama! Jaime King made her return to high fashion this week, debuting the autumn 2017 campaign for Miu Miu

Shot by photographer Alasdair McLellan, Jaime makes a bold comeback to fashion in the typically eclectic Miu Miu campaign.

The blonde beauty glows, showing off her high cheekbones and picture perfect smile in the set.

Meant to look like a fun-filled girls night out, the images show Jaime and fellow models Lily Nova, Iesha Hodges, and Samantha Archibald relaxing in a luxe London hotel.

Girls' night! The blonde beauty embraces the brand's eclectic glamour in the campaign, pictured besides the beautiful Lily Nova, Iesha Hodges and Samantha Archibald in the set titled Room 303

Fierce fashionista! The Nebraska born girl wows in the shoot, donning retro-glam looks which highlight her long legs and big, blue eyes

Jaime wows in the retro-glam frocks, which combine knit textures with silk and gems for a unique spin on vintage chic.

In one shot, the blonde beauty and model Lily Nova sit in the bath together. Both stunners don retro earrings and silk heels while smiling brightly.

Another image shows Jaime donned a fur trimmed Letterman's jacket over a mustard colored dress staring at the camera with intensity.

A return to fashion is a sizable accomplishment for the corn-fed Nebraska girl, who just celebrated her 38th birthday last week on April 23.

Glitter, girls, glam: The ad - shot by photographer Alasdair McLellan - features the model-turned-actress in a set of energetic girls' night out shots

Jaime first rose to fame in the nineties for her gamine looks and big blue eyes, beginning her fashion career at the tender age of 14.

The beauty later transitioned to acting, first appearing on-screen in Pearl Harbor and then with her first leading role in Bulletproof Monk in 2011.

The five-foot-eight looker found success with the series Hart Of Dixie on The CW, where she starred as country girl Lemon Breeland for four seasons.

Although acting and modeling are fun for Jaime, her real purpose in life is being a mom. The cover girl has two kids with hubby Kyle Newman; son James, three, and Leo, almost two.
She's locked in as the next Bachelorette for season three of the Australian match-making reality show.

And Sophie Monk has revealed she's not afraid to lock lips on the show with some - or all - of her potential suitors to establish their chemistry.

The 37-year-old blonde bombshell is the highest profile Australian personality to open their quest for love to the public, and she's assured Yahoo7 she can smell the guys just in it for fame 'a mile off'.

Kiss and tell: Sophie Monk has revealed she's 'going to have to' kiss the Bachelor contestants when she stars on the reality show later this year

Speaking to the publication while outfitted in a form-fitting, sleeveless red gown at the Logies, the former Bardot songstress outlined her method for judging whether she has chemistry with any of the suitors.

'I'm going to have to [kiss them],' she said.

Addressing her motivation for joining the show, Sophie indicated she wasn't happy with the media men currently in her orbit.

Media men not apply: During an interview at the Logies, the 37-year-old added: 'I dont want someone from the industry, I want to meet someone real'

Sophie's Choice: When it comes to fame-hungry men who are only interested in boosting their profile, the actress will be quick to sort her suitors.

'I dont want someone from the industry, I want to meet someone real,' Sophie stated.

And when it comes to fame-hungry men who are only interested in boosting their profile, the actress reminded Yahoo7's interviewer that she has a choice in who to pursue and will be quick to sort her suitors.

'After all the years you can tell... you can smell em a mile off.'

'After all the years you can tell... you can smell em a mile off': The former Bardot songstress says she can easily spot fame-hungry suitors (pictured here with ex Jimmy Esebag)

'I want someone kind and fun and secure in themselves and someone that backs you like a best friend,' she added.

There are a few other deal-breakers for the busty blonde, who insists 'I'm not worried about looks.

'I want someone who has a job and whose self-esteem is good,' she told OK! Magazine no-doubt sending single Brain Surgeons and burger-flippers Australia-wide into an excitable frenzy.

Got a job? Got a chance! 'I'm not worried about looks. I want someone who has a job and whose self-esteem is good,' she also stated recently

The naughty list: Not so fast though, on the naughty list for Sophie (pictured in Sex & Death 101) is 'bulls**t' which she 'won't tolerate 'like she did in previous relationships

Not so fast though, on the naughty list for Sophie is 'bulls**t' which she 'won't tolerate 'like she did in previous relationships.

And ruling out an alarming quantity of previous contestants, men who come across as 'arrogant and insecure with a big ego' need not apply

The former radio host is enjoying her time at home on the Gold Coast before she heads to Sydney for filming, where she will live in a mansion with the contestants.
It's been a rough few days for the Zolciak-Biermann clan since son Kash was mauled by a dog last weekend.

But luckily it seems like everything is going to be alright according to mom Kim, who took to Snapchat on Friday to update concerned fans.

The usually-scantily clad 38-year-old donned a conservative black top for the announcement, and appeared to be sitting in a car.

Whew! Luckily it seems like everything is going to be alright according to Kim Zolciak, who took to Snapchat on Friday to update concerned fans about son Kash's condition

She wore large diamond stud earrings, and her blonde locks were parted in the middle and tied up.

A slick of light pink lipstick adorned her famously puffy pout.

'Just left the doctor with my nino Kashew,' she said into the camera, concluding 'all is good.'

She also shared a clip of Kash enjoying a game of Hungry Hungry Hippos.

En route: The usually scantily clad 38-year-old donned a conservative black top for the announcement, and appeared to be sitting in a car

'Here's my hand, everybody,' says the four-year-old as he plays, 'thank you!'

In addition to sharing the good news, the reality star also took to Instagram to thank her husband Kroy, aged 31.

She posted a picture which appears to be from the couple's wedding day of the as they embraced one another for a kiss.

'This has been the hardest week of my life and I've been a wreck,' she began her caption, 'Kash is on the mend and doing so much better Thank You God.'

Back to normal: She also shared a clip of Kash enjoying a game of Hungry Hungry Hippos

Throwback: She posted a picture which appears to be from the couple's wedding day of them embracing for a kiss

Then she turned to her significant other, who was reportedly instrumental in getting their little man to the hospital.

'I just can't even begin to tell you how absolutely incredible my husband has been,' she gushed.

'Every tear, every doubt, every ounce of anger, frustration, confusion and fear this man has calmed my nerves, held my hand, prayed with me, stood tall when I was crumbling and reassured me every step of the way.'

She also took the opportunity to thank her fans for their support: 'I wanted to thank ALL OF YOU for your prayers and strength.  and Kash thanks you too!!'
She recently revealed she underwent a shock 7,000 plastic surgery overhaul.

And Love Island's Malin Andersson was flaunting the results of her recent boob lift, a Brazilian bum lift and liposuction during her recent trip to Spain, slipping into a white bikini.

The 24-year-old star displayed her flat stomach and toned physique in the skimpy two-piece as she frolicked by the poolside.

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Looking good: Love Island's Malin Andersson was flaunting the results of her recent boob lift, a Brazilian bum lift and liposuction during her recent trip to Spain, slipping into a white bikini

Malin turned heads in her halterneck number, which boasted sheer panels on the straps and a matching section on the bikini briefs.

After forking out a fortune to get her dream body, the star happily showed off the results of her new, firmer figure.

She wore her glossy locks in perfect curls and highlighted her features with natural make-up, clearly reluctant to get her face wet.

Bit of all-white: Malin turned heads in her halterneck number, which boasted sheer panels on the straps and a matching section on the bikini briefs

Toned up: After forking out a fortune to get her dream body, the star happily showed off the results of her new, firmer figure

Malin soared to fame on Love Island in May last year, in the second series of the rebooted show, on which she initially found love with hunky carpenter Terry Walsh although she was booted off the programme in week four.

Leaving under the misguided illusion that she was official with her handsome co-star, Terry soon moved on with newcomer Emma-Jane Woodham with whom he enjoyed a shock dalliance which sparked a shock Ofcom investigation.

After returning to the house to confront the star, Malin went on to continue with her work as a make-up artist yet her recent body overhaul has catapulted her back into the spotlight as she is keen to flaunt her new look.

Reality star: Malin soared to fame on Love Island in May last year, in the second series of the rebooted show

Short-lived stint: She initially found love with hunky carpenter Terry Walsh although she was booted off the programme in week four

Malin previously spoke about the uplifting reasons she sought to go on Love Island as she said: 'I didnt really go on the show to be famous. I wanted to use it as a platform to help girls with confidence issues. I used to suffer with a really bad eating disorder.'

In the wake of her extensive surgeries, the Milton Keynes-born beauty told Heat magazine: 'I used to wear baggy jumpers, but now I can wear everything tight. Ill be like: "Damn! and now Im taking selfies left, right and centre.

'Im 24 years old - why should I be covering myself up all the time because Im self conscious about my body? If you look at my Instagram, there are no pictures with my boobs out or bikini shots. I absolutely hated them - even selfies in the mirror'.

She previously said: 'I didnt really go on [Love Island] to be famous. I wanted to use it as a platform to help girls with confidence issues'
He was forced to fly home on Monday night, after border officials at Heathrow Airport blocked him from entering the UK.

But Jeremy Meeks rose above the recent hiccup on Friday - by putting on a brave face and easing his woes with a spot of retail therapy in LA.

The 'hot felon', 33, displayed his impressively bulging biceps and trademark tattoos in a thin blue vest as he headed on a shopping trip in sunny Beverly Hills.

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Chilling out: Jeremy Meeks rose above his recent hiccup on Friday - by putting on a brave face and easing his woes with a spot of retail therapy in LA

The convict-turned-model showed off his muscular frame in a navy ribbed vest and ripped jeans as he headed out to browse the shops.

Pulling into thin straps, the top left his toned arms, which aided him to a modelling career, and trademark collection of tattoos on shows.

Paired with light wash jeans, which were heavily distressed down the front, the viral sensation kept casually cool as he embarked on a relaxing day back on his home turf.

Chilling: The 'hot felon', 33, displayed his impressively bulging biceps and trademark tattoos in a thin blue vest as he headed on a shopping trip in sunny Beverly Hills

Ripped: The convict-turned-model showed off his muscular frame in a navy ribbed vest and ripped jeans as he headed out to browse the shops

Trendy: Paired with light wash jeans, which were heavily distressed down the front, the viral sensation kept casually cool as he embarked on a relaxing day back on his home turf

Stepping out in co-ordinating blue trainers, Jeremy was seen looking in a number of designer stores, including Ralph Lauren and Philipp Plein - which he left with a bag of goods in hand.

Proving his swift rise to fame, the hunk was later seen posing for a number of photos with fans, before continuing with his indulgent day of shopping.

Jeremy had arrived back in his native California on Monday night - after being deported from the UK.

In no rush: Stepping out in co-ordinating blue trainers, Jeremy was seen looking in a number of designer stores, including Ralph Lauren and Philipp Plein

Success: He was seen leaving the latter with a bag of goods in hand

Famous face: Proving his swift rise to fame, the hunk was later seen posing for a number of photos with fans, before continuing with his indulgent day of shopping

Meeks, who was traveling with his wife Melissa and manager Jim Jordan, was stopped by Border Force officials on arrival at London's Heathrow Airport.

Eight hours later, he was bundled onto an American Airlines flight bound for New York's JFK Airport from where he caught a connecting flight to California and landed Tuesday morning.

Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com about the experience, he said: 'I'm very, very saddened and confused. I went down there [London] with high hopes for the experience and the UK.

Barred: Jeremy had arrived back in his native California on Monday night - after being deported from the UK

Not good: Meeks, who was traveling with his wife Melissa and manager Jim Jordan, was stopped by Border Force officials on arrival at London's Heathrow Airport (above)

'I really wanted to go there. I still don't understand quite what happened but I know there's no ill will. They're [Border Force] doing their job.'

Asked what had happened to him, Meeks, who described the incident as 'a little mix up', said: 'They just detained me and interrogated me and searched me.'

But he also said he doesn't believe the episode will put an end to his fledgling modeling career, telling DailyMail.com he planned to travel again: 'Oh of course [I'll come back from this]. Of course. God is good.'

Mugshot: Meeks shot to fame in 2014 when the Stockton Police Department posted his mugshot on their website, following his arrest for street terrorism [gang activity] and a misdemeanor charge of resisting/obstructing justice

Model: Since being released from jail in March 2016, Meeks has embarked on a career as a model and appeared on the catwalk at Phillip Plein during New York Fashion Week in February. He is seen here rehearsing for a runway show at New York Fashion Week in February

Meeks, of Stockton, California, had been set to spend this week in the British capital where he was due to take part in a series of photo shoots, according to his manager.

He and his wife had also been due to attend a launch party on Thursday night to celebrate his first cover shoot for British magazine, Man About Town.

But the visit came to an early end after he was stopped by Border Force officers on arrival in London and barred from the UK.

Photos exclusively obtained by DailyMail.com show a dejected Meeks sitting in a Border Force holding area shortly before he was escorted onto a US-bound plane.

Family: Meeks was supposed to be traveling with his wife Melissa (left) and his agent, who are still holed up in a hotel in London (pictured enjoying Christmas with family in 2016)

Poser: Meeks is seen left at this year's New York Fashion Week and right during a court appearance in Stockton, California, in June 2014

A video shot by Meeks shows the moment the California native was taken to the aircraft, accompanied by officials.

In it, an angry Meeks says: 'I'm sick of this s***. I've been denied. London don't want me here having served my time. S*** is crazy.'

His wife Melissa and manager Jordan spent five hours waiting for the felon in an airport restaurant before holing up in a London hotel last night. Both are now en route back to the US.

Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com on Monday night, Jordan said: 'We went into the UK and we went through customs [immigration] and they detained Jeremy.

UK VISA GUIDELINES Home Office rules state that all passengers trying to enter the UK must meet standard entry requirements. Paragraph 320(2) of the Immigration Rules (HC395) says border agents are required to deny passengers entry if they are: (a) currently subject to a deportation order; or (b) have been convicted of an offence for which they have been sentenced to a period of imprisonment of at least 4 years; or (c) has been convicted of an offence for which they have been sentenced to a period of imprisonment of at least 12 months but less than 4 years, unless a period of 10 years has passed since the end of the sentence; or (d) has been convicted of an offence for which they have been sentenced to a period of imprisonment of less than 12 months, unless a period of 5 years has passed since the end of the sentence. Meeks was sentenced to two years in prison in 2015 for gun possession, so would fall under section (c) of the above rules. His previous sentences for grand theft of a person in 2002, theft in 2005, and forgery in 2007 would all have been 'spent' under these rules Advertisement

'He wasn't arrested but they deported him out of the country. They wouldn't let him come into the country. He was really upset. He was police-escorted onto the plane.'

According to Jordan, he and Meeks had approached the same immigration official but while his passport was stamped, his charge was ordered to one side.

Over the next eight hours, Meeks was interviewed, fingerprinted and searched before being told he could not enter the UK and escorted onto a New York bound American Airlines flight.

Jordan claims Meeks had the correct paperwork, had obtained a work visa for the trip and was carrying a letter supplied by his parole officer.

Jordan said: 'We flew to London from Los Angeles this morning. We got there, and Jeremy and I walked up to the customs officer together.

'They stamped my passport. They looked at Jeremy's passport and they said, could you guys go sit over there. So they put us in this sectioned off section and we were sitting there for an over an hour.

'Then they came to me and asked if I could go through customs without Jeremy.'

Meeks shot to fame in 2014 when the Stockton Police Department posted his mugshot on their website, following his arrest for street terrorism [gang activity] and a misdemeanor charge of resisting/obstructing justice.

The photo promptly went viral, with internet users dubbing him 'the hottest convict ever'.

Since being released from jail in March 2016, Meeks has embarked on a career as a model and appeared on the catwalk at Phillip Plein during New York Fashion Week in February.

Lavish: Since emerging from prison in 2015 Meeks' life has been transformed. Here he poses with a $125,000 Maserati in front of his new mansion
She welcomed her second child with actor/director Mark Webber into the world in December last year.

And Australian actress Teresa Palmer was seen out-and-about in Los Angeles on Friday with baby Forest Rain Palmer and her mum Paula Sanders.

The familial trio look close as they stroll the LA streets with Teresa clutching Forest tightly to her chest in a baby carrier.

Out for a stroll: Australian-bred actress Teresa Palmer was seen out-and-about in Los Angeles on Friday with baby Forest Rain Palmer and mum Paula Sanders

Teresa's long blonde locks cascaded down her shoulders, and blew effortlessly in the Los Angeles breeze as they strolled.

She was dressed casually for the walk, choosing to wear a simple white T-shirt, a pair of three-quarter length light grey jeans and a pair of brown leather slip-on shoes.

The 31 year old chose to accessorise with a pair of dark sunglasses and the sizeable wedding bling on her ring finger.

Out and about: The familial trio look close as they walk the LA streets with Teresa clutching Forest tightly to her chest in a baby carrier

Flowing: Teresa's long blonde locks cascaded down her shoulders, and blew effortlessly in the Los Angeles breeze as they strolled.

While baby Forest Sage is safe in his baby carrier, he can be seen wearing a cute-as-a-button cap, as his cherubic legs dangle at mum's waist.

Teresa can also be seen providing extra protection from the LA sun, holding her hand over her progeny's head.

In one photo Forest's whispy blonde locks can be seen as Teresa prepared to bundle him safely into a Land Rover.

Casual and cool: She was dressed casually for the stroll, choosing to wear a simple white T-shirt, a pair of three-quarter length light grey jeans and a pair of brown leather slip-on shoes

Family time: The 31 year old chose to accessorise with a pair of dark sunglasses and the sizeable wedding bling on her ring finger

Teresa's mother Paula was also dressed casually in a white blouse with an abstract floral motif, black pants and comfortable slip-on shoes, while she carried her mobile phone clutched tightly in her hand.

The Hacksaw Ridge star began dating Mark in 2012 after she contacted him via Twitter, with the pair marrying in 2013.

They welcomed their first child Bhodi Rain into the world in 2014, with Forest Sage following in 2016.

Cute! While Forest Sage is obscured by the baby carrier in the photos, he can be seen wearing a cute-as-a-button cap, while his chubby, cherubic legs dangle at mum's waist as they stroll.

Doting mum: Teresa can also be seen providing extra protection from the LA sun, holding her hand over her progeny's head
She is one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood, so it's no surprise she was pulling off some killer looks for her new movie Red Sparrow in Vienna, Austria.

Jennifer Lawrence slipped into her character as the sexy Russian spy with ease as she sashayed across the set in show-stopping grey knee-length boots on Saturday.

The 26-year-old actress caught the adoring gaze of onlookers as she glided through the busy streets looking effortlessly beautiful.

Smooth criminal! Sexy Jennifer Lawrence pulled off killer looks in knee-high boots for Russian spy role on set for new movie Red Sparrow in Vienna on Saturday

She teamed her eye-catching boots with over sized light grey knitted tights to keep off the spring chill bite to the air, carrying a pair of gloves to match.

Wrapped up snug, The Hunger Games beauty covered her slender frame with a woolly blue coat.

The American Hustle personality tucked her long blonde tresses into the inside of her jacket, only teasing the tips.

Between filming: The 26-year-old made time to grab a Starbucks coffee as she prepared to spring herself into action

Watching: The actress caught the adoring gaze of onlookers as she glided through the busy streets looking effortlessly beautiful

Adoration: As she slipped back into the spotlight, Jessica blew a quick kiss to onlookers

Taking time between shooting, Jessica made time to grab a Starbucks coffee as she prepared to spring herself into action.

And when she slipped back into the spotlight, she blew a quick kiss to adoring onlookers.

The Oscar winner wore deftly touches of makeup which accentuated her youthful features and sensational beauty.

Glossy locks: The American Hustle personality tucked her long blonde tresses into the inside of her jacket, only teasing the tips

Wrapped up snug: The Hunger Games beauty covered her slender frame with a woolly blue coat

Earlier she was spotted on set without a touch of eyeliner or lipstick as she got to grips with her lines for the film.

The internationally renowned stunner, who has been coy about her relationship with Rachel Weisz's ex Darren Aronofsky, looked sensational dressed down in loose black knitwear when she studied her script.

Jennifer added a touch of colour with a bright blue token necklace on a dual silver chain, but otherwise toted not a single accessory.

Without trying, the talented actress showed off her slender, toned physique in the flowing top and relaxed denims.

Natural beauty: Jennifer Lawrence flaunted her fabulous skin as she went make-up free on set while filming scenes as a sexy Russian spy her new movie Red Sparrow in Vienna on Saturday

Beautiful: The internationally renowned stunner, who mesmerised legions of devoted fans with her role as Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger games, looked sensational dressed down in loose black knitwear

Jennifer, who appeared to be carrying around both a work and a personal phone, then headed off to learn lines, surrounded by cast and crew members, who were also hanging on to caffeine hits.

The Red Sparrow movie stars and crew may be in need of a boost after a gruelling filming schedule involving jetting around Europe.

Just days ago Jennifer - who plays a young intelligence officer whose dreams of becoming a prima ballerina are shattered when she breaks her leg - and her co-stars were shooting scenes in Bratislava.

Action packed: Just days ago Jennifer - who plays a young intelligence officer whose dreams of becoming a prima ballerina are shattered when she breaks her leg - and her co-stars were shooting scenes in Bratislava

The sought-after star plays Dominika Egorova, who is recruited for a secretive Russian spy agency where she is assigned to seduce a first-tour CIA agent who handles the CIA's most sensitive penetration of Russian intelligence.

The Cold War thriller is charged by trade-craft, deception and inevitably forbidden passion with Joel Edgerton's character Nathaniel Nash.

A trailer for the forthcoming spy thriller was teased at ComicCon last month, by 20th Century Fox.

Jennifer is once again working with Francis Lawrence, who directed the Hunger Games franchise, in which Jennifer took the lead as Katniss Everdeen.

Secretive: The sought-after star plays Dominika Egorova, who is recruited for a secretive Russian spy agency where she is assigned to seduce a first-tour CIA agent who handles the CIA's most sensitive penetration of Russian intelligence

Meanwhile, off-screen, Jennifer has remained schtum about her tryst with film director Darren Aronofsky.

Darren, 48, is the former partner of The Mummy star Rachel Weisz, 47, who is now married to James Bond himself, Daniel Craig.

Aronofsky, who is known for hugely successful projects including Black Swan and Requiem For A Dream, shares a child with Weisz - but the pair split back in 2010.

And rumours of a serious romance between the Harvard-educated film buff and Jennifer have intensified over the past months, despite the pair rarely being seen together in public.

Back on the big screen: For the last year, Jennifer (here in December 2016) has been keeping a low profile and developing a romance with Darren Aronofsky

'Jennifer is comfortable with an older guy because she is mature and focused,' source told People about the gaping 22-year age gap.

The two met while working together on drama Mother! which is set for release later this year.

The source continued: 'Jen has been mesmerized by his talent and brains since she started working with him.'

They are very sweet together and seem happy,' another source told the magazine. 'They hold hands. They Keep to themselves and don't seem to want a lot of attention.'
She's the former Australian swimming champion who is about to roll up her sleeves as host of the next season of the Channel 7 renovation reality show House Rules.

And Johanna Griggs has opened up about her flamboyant UK interior and design guru co-star Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, revealing that he is 'absolutely bonkers.'

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Johanna, 43, said that there is never a dull moment on set when Laurence, 52, is around.

House Rules: Johanna Griggs has opened up about her flamboyant UK interior and design guru co-star Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, revealing that he is 'absolutely bonkers.'

Live wire: Speaking to The Daily Telegraph , Johanna, 43, said that there is never a dull moment on set when Laurence, 52, is around

'Occasionally, hell push the boundaries and Ill have to say, Laurence, we have a certain timeslot here in Australia and then he rephrases it with something equally brilliant. I mean hes absolutely bonkers, but hes so good.'

And the effervescent blonde continued to gush about the Changing Rooms star.

'I love him so much. We've got two new judges and Drew [Heath] is actually quite brilliant, but it's Lawrence who really arrives...he hams it up, he's so much fun,' she said.

Tone it down, mate: 'Occasionally, hell push the boundaries and Ill have to say, Laurence, we have a certain timeslot here in Australia

Laurence, 51, will replace Sydney architect Joe Snell, and will appear alongside Wendy Moore, Carolyn Burns-McCrave and Drew Heath in the show's upcoming fifth season.

Speaking to The Herald Sun recently, Laurence offered his rather risque renovation mantra to fans, proclaiming that: 'You've got to treat your house as if you're having an affair with it. Take it out for dinner.'

'Buy it pretty things, flirt with it, really celebrate it,' he mused.

The father-of-two later continued: 'Let's go further than you've ever gone before  turn your interiors into a background for sex, for rock 'n' roll, for chocolate, for all of the things that really rock your world.'

In good company! The flamboyant Changing Rooms star will replace Sydney architect Joe Snell, and will appear alongside Wendy Moore

Saucy interiors: The father-of-two later continued: 'Let's go further than you've ever gone before  turn your interiors into a background for sex, for rock 'n' roll, for chocolate, for all of the things that really rock your world'

Comparing his judging style to the likes of Simon Cowell and Gordon Ramsay, Laurence promised to ruffle feathers with his harsh critiques.

Twins Luke and Cody Cook took out last year's competition thanks to their coastal, cabana-style haven on the Mornington Peninsula.

In a shocking twist of fate, the Queensland duo managed to sway the public vote and win the competition, despite the judges initially awarding Clare and Hagan higher points.

He won't hold back! Comparing his judging style to the likes of Simon Cowell and Gordon Ramsay, Laurence promised to ruffle feathers with his harsh critiques

Winners: Twins Luke and Cody Cook took out last year's competition thanks to their coastal, cabana-style haven on the Mornington Peninsula

Experts on board: Architect Drew Heath will also appear on the show this season

Luke's house was completely transformed by Claire and Hagan who used the brothers' love of fishing as inspiration in their outback billabong-themed backyard.

The teams were given a strict set of rules and four days to complete an area worthy of winning the House Rules Grand Final.

House Rules season five will air on Channel 7 on Sunday
She is not only a glittering star of the British acting establishment, having scooped an Oscar, seven Oliviers, four Baftas and even a Damehood in a decades-long career - Judi Dench is also a keen horsewoman who owns stakes in several racehorses.

And the 82-year-old actress oozed elegance as she spent Saturday in the parade ring at Sandown Park racecourse with her wildlife conservationist partner of more than six years, David Mills.

The iconic star, who has just accused young British actors of 'mumbling and ignoring their artistic heritage', looked regal in a smart ensemble for her big day.

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Win! Racehorse owner Judi Dench, 82, oozed elegance as she spent Saturday in the parade ring at Sandown Park with her wildlife conservationist partner, David Mills

No doubt with her money on her own horse to win, Judi watched the results with a beady eye usually reserved for James Bond when she plays her role as spy boss, M.

Wearing a smart, neutral-coloured coat and practical horse race-appropriate trousers, the renowned star showed off her sartorial skills.

Wearing boots to protect against the mud, Judi added a dramatically elegant touch to her ensemble with a multicoloured, checked cashmere scarf, which she draped over one shoulder.

The star has owned, or part owned, several horses over the past decade, including successful Peeps and Smokey Oakey.

Multifaceted: She is not only a glittering star of the British acting establishment, having scooped an Oscar, seven Oliviers, four Baftas and even a Damehood in a decades-long career - Judi Dench is also a keen horsewoman who owns stakes in several racehorses

Come on! No doubt with her money on her own horse to win, Judi watched the results with a beady eye usually reserved for James Bond when she plays her role as spy boss, M

A white shirt was just visible underneath the star's warming coat, on which was pinned a bright orange 'owner' badge, indicating Judi's status at the races.

While her long-term partner, David, also sported a badge on top of his venerable tweed two-piece suit.

The pair, who live just a few fields apart from one another in the English countryside, shared jokes with friends as they stood in the ring, before watching the spectacle.

David and Judi had a friendship which blossomed into romance after Judi agreed to officially open the red squirrel enclosure at David's British Wildlife Centre.

Happy: The pair, who live just a few fields apart from one another in the English countryside, shared jokes with friends as they stood in the ring, before watching the spectacle

Elegant: Wearing boots to protect against the mud, Judi added a dramatically elegant touch to her ensemble with a multicoloured, checked cashmere scarf, which she draped over one shoulder

'I wasn't even prepared to be ready for it,' she told The Times. 'It was very, very gradual and grown up.'

While the pair lead independent lifestyles Judi has said they share the same sense of humour.

'It's absolutely wonderful because there's somebody who makes me laugh. Isn't it lovely?', she enthused.

The Philomena actress was married to husband of thirty years, Michael Williams, but he sadly passed away in 2001 following his battle with lung cancer.

Brave: The Philomena actress was married to husband of thirty years, Michael Williams, but he sadly passed away in 2001 following his battle with lung cancer

Judi, who trained in classical theatre before winning an academy award for her role as Queen Elizabeth I, then achieving nominations for her roles in Mrs Brown, Chocolat, Iris, and more.

And the star made it clear this week that she believes today's young actors are not paying enough heed to the rigour and acting legacy of legendary British stage and screen stars like Sir John Gielgud.

Speaking at the unveiling of a blue plaque at Gielgud's former London home, according to The Guardian, Judi said: 'What is so shocking now is that young actors don't want to find out about the legacy that we left.'

Acting greats: Sir Ralph Richardson, Lord Olivier and Sir John Gielgud (L-R) are some of the legendary British stage and screen actors Dame Judi believes should not be ignored (pictured here filming television programme 'Wagner' in 1982)

The star, who believes it is important for actors to learn the history of the craft, also said she could not stand young talent mumbling on stage, slamming it as 'lazy'.

She added: 'Often I want to shout out, 'Will you say that again because I can't hear!' It is an apathy, laziness. If you're not going to be heard, then stay at home and do it in your living room.

'It doesn't require shouting, it requires learning about it and learning where your voice comes from, where your diaphragm is and how to use it.'

Not mincing her words: The star, who believes it is important for actors to learn the history of the craft, also said she could not stand young talent mumbling on stage, slamming it as 'lazy'

Sir John Gielgud was a bastion of British acting on both stage and screen between 1923 and his death, at 96, in 2000.

The plaque unveiling was also attended by Shakespearean acting veteran Sir Ian McKellen, who, like Judi, has gone on to achieve Hollywood stardom, with roles ranging from Gandalf in Lord of the Rings to Sherlock Holmes.

McKellen performed in a groundbreaking version of Othello, in which he played the villain Iago, which is used to teach the Bard to both actors and A-level English students.

Dame Judi does have a history of nurturing rising British stars, as well as slamming them for their failures.

Earlier this month Anna Friel, 40, told the Mail's Event magazine that Dame Judi helped her navigate the dazzling lights of New York when she appeared on Broadway at just 21 in Closer.

The stereotype-challenging performer said: '(Dame Judi) was on Broadway at the same time and she just called me and said she was going to take me under her wing.'

Helping other women: Earlier this month Anna Friel, 40, told the Mail's Event magazine that Dame Judi helped her navigate the dazzling lights of New York when she appeared on Broadway at just 21 in Closer

Hard hitting: British star Friel is about to star in BBC drama Broken as a single mother

Dame Judi, like her frequent co-star and friend Maggie Smith, has also previously slated the pressure on young female actors today to look perfect.

In fact, the British icon has said she walked out of her own first film audition after being told 'you have every single thing wrong with your face'.

Speaking on BBC documentary Judi Dench: All the World's Her Stage late last year, the star said: 'I went up about a film once before I'd ever made a film before and there were five big men there.

'They offered me a seat and no one said anything for a long time and then he took a cigar out of his mouth and he said Ms Dench you have every single thing wrong with your face, I got up and I walked out of the room.'
She is known for her killer body, as one of the seven original Pussycat Dolls, as well as her trendy sense of style.

And Ashley Roberts showed off both of these traits not once but twice on Saturday, as she slipped into two stylish ensembles to host a fashion show in Glasgow.

The dancer, 35, first gave a flash of her toned stomach in the pencil skirt and a frilly crop top, before swapping to a more quirky peasant-style blue dress as she posed for the crowds on the Fashion Live catwalk, at Intu Braehead shopping centre.

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Twice as nice! Ashley Roberts showed off both her killer body and trendy style not once but twice on Saturday, as she slipped into two chic ensembles to host a fashion show in Glasgow

The pop star had first looked both sexy and stylish in the gingham pencil skirt, which hugged her enviably slender frame all the way down.

Formed of a trendy black and white gingham, the garment cinched in at her middle to emphasise her petite waist, before falling into a soft frill on one side - which Ashley mirrored in her ruffled crop top.

Sporting a white bralet lined with a chunky frill trip on top, the Arizona native gave onlookers a glimpse of her impressively toned abs as she chatted to the crowds.

Check her out! The pop star had first looked both sexy and stylish in the gingham pencil skirt, which hugged her enviably slender frame all the way down

Stunning: Formed of a trendy black and white gingham, the garment cinched in at her middle to emphasise her petite waist, before falling into a soft frill on one side

Top of the crops: Formed of a trendy black and white gingham, the garment cinched in at her middle to emphasise her petite waist, before falling into a soft frill on one side

Punk chick: Ashley then kept her look demure despite the top's plunging neckline by layering a retro oversized denim jacket on top, of a grey acid-wash hue

Plunging into a deep V to saucily tease at her bust, Ashley then kept her look demure by layering a retro oversized denim jacket on top, of a grey acid-wash hue.

Showing off her trendy style from top to toe, the blonde accessorised with a statement velvet choker and matching heels - which fastened with a number of chunky buckled straps.

However wanting to show a more summery side to her style, Ashley embarked on a quick change later on as she swapped the gingham for a peasant-style frock.

Minimal: She also added a statement black choker to her neck and black heels - which fastened with a number of chunky buckled straps

Showing her stripes: However wanting to show a more summery side to her style, Ashley embarked on a quick change later on as she swapped the gingham for a peasant-style frock

The performer changed into a pastel blue shirt with statement frilled shoulders, which she layered underneath a striking pinafore.

Pulling into laser-cut straps, the frock hugged her middle with its crisp white material before extending into a vintage-style blue and white striped skirt.

Lined with a pinstriped ruffle to maintain the feminine vibe, the skirt was then made sexier by its split hem - which gave a flash of her famously long and lean pins beneath.

Old-fashioned: The performer changed into a pastel blue shirt with statement frilled shoulders, which she layered underneath a striking pinafore

Leggy lady: Lined with a pinstriped ruffle to maintain the feminine vibe, the skirt was then made sexier by its split hem - which gave a flash of her famously long and lean pins beneath

Displaying her quirky style further, Ashley paired the ensemble with a clashing pair of nude heels - secured with monochrome gingham laces, which tied at the ankle.

For both appearances, the star left her blonde bob in sexy, tousled waves, which kept the grungy hints of pink running through it on show for all to see.

The former Saturday Night Takeaway star enhanced her naturally pretty features with a smoky eye, before she effortlessly tied her look together with a sultry purple lip.

Fronting a fashion show for shoppers at Intu Braehead, Ashley was seen happily chatting and joking with her crowd - before displaying her fiercest poses on the catwalk.

Think pink: For both appearances, the star left her blonde bob in sexy, tousled waves, which kept the grungy hints of pink running through it on show for all to see

Woman of the hour: Fronting a fashion show for shoppers, Ashley was seen happily chatting and joking with her crowd - before displaying her fiercest poses on the catwalk

The dancer later brought up a number of budding fashionistas from the audience to style, and gave them a run-down of how to strut like a model - before they had a go at storming the catwalk, with glee on their faces.

Ashley has had a busy week attending a number of fashion events, including the London launch of Zakti Activewear, designed by her former band mate Kimberley Wyatt.

The blonde appears to have turned her attention to style projects in recent weeks, after departing her co-hosting role on Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway.

While she went on to reveal she had in fact been replaced by new co-host Scarlett Moffatt, Ashley admitted she had nothing but happiness for the Gogglebox star.

Like a pro: The dancer later brought up a number of budding fashionistas from the audience to style, and gave them a run-down of how to strut like a model

Having a blast: The kids then had a go at storming the runway themselves - with Ashley giving an encouraging high-five at the end

She explained of the move at the time: 'I don't really know Scarlett, I didn't watch the Jungle. But I'm sure the boys are going to have fun with her, and she'll have such a fun time.'

'I know they're all Geordies, I know they'll probably have a good time and have the same banter.

'I absolutely love and adore those boys and we've all talked. It's been a great run. I did four seasons with the boys and it's been awesome, I love them to pieces.

Affirming her departure was organised peacefully, she added: 'I've known for a little while. Everybody reached out to me and we all had a nice discussion and it was handled well.'
Ariel Winter's amassed practically a menagerie of household pets, bringing home what appears to be at least her fourth dog.

The 19-year-old Modern Family actress posed for her Snapchat Story on Friday whilst cuddling and cooing over a brand new puppy called Cash.

'Welcome to the family baby Cash' she captioned a post that also featured her boyfriend Levi Meaden, adding a heart emoji before writing: 'we love you so much!!'

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Another one! Ariel Winter posed for her Snapchat Story on Friday whilst cuddling and cooing over a brand new puppy called Cash

As the trio sat in what looked like the back of a car, Levi mimicked a dog's growling noises and Cash licked his face. Ariel, meanwhile, kissed the puppy on the head.

By the next video, Ariel and her latest household animal seemed to be home in bed, the dog clambering about near the actress' legs as she lounged.

According to People, she's got three other dogs: a German Shepherd called Chloe from a no-kill rescue, a Samoyed called Casper and a French bulldog called Rocco.

And her beau! 'Welcome to the family baby Cash' she captioned a post that also featured her boyfriend Levi Meaden, adding a heart emoji before writing: 'we love you so much!!'

She'd rung in Rocco's first birthday on her Instagram page last June, and uploaded a post there celebrating Casper's second birthday the previous month.

Ariel trod the red carpet in a glistening mini-dress at the Tribeca Film Festival last weekend, commemorating the world premiere of her latest film.

Coincidentally called Dog Years, the movie stars her opposite Burt Reynolds, who - coincidentally enough - plays an over-the-hill movie star called Vic.

Inside dog: By the next video, Ariel and her latest household animal seemed to be home in bed, the dog clambering about near the actress' legs as she lounged

Troika: According to People, she's got three other dogs: a German Shepherd called Chloe from a no-kill rescue, a French bulldog called Rocco and a Samoyed called Casper

Ariel, who plays Vic's newly hired chauffeur Lil, effervesced to Maxim in an interview published this week that 'I love Burt to pieces.'

Beforehand, as she confided, 'I didnt know much about him, Ill be honest - I wasnt allowed to watch that many movies growing up, I grew up reading - but I did a lot of research and was like, this guy is an absolute legend.'

Moreover, to her her tell it, 'Hes the most kind, genuine, talented man youll ever work with, and we just have such a connection.'

On the stump: Ariel trod the red carpet in a glistening mini-dress at the Tribeca Film Festival last weekend, commemorating the world premiere of her latest film
Her estranged husband Stephen Belafonte is still yet to disclose the exact whereabouts of his alleged secret archive of '12-15 boxes' of sex tapes.

And while Mel Brown awaits their discovery, The Daily Telegraph has revealed other Sydney women are fearful of their release.

The publication claimed a number of high-profile women were tempted into the pop star's marital bed during her lengthy working visits to Sydney from 2010 to 2014 and are now worried about the impact a potential video leak could have on their reputations and careers.

Mel B and many high-profile Sydney women are allegedly worried about potentially appearing on sex tapes leaked by Mel's estranged husband Stephen Belafonte, according to reports in The Daily Telegraph on Saturday

Where are they? Her estranged husband Stephen Belafonte is still yet to disclose the exact whereabouts of his alleged secret archive of '12-15 boxes' of sex tapes, with lawyers for Mel B last month being granted a court order barring him from releasing any sex tapes or photos of the ex-Spice Girl

Earlier this month stripper Siara Dianda, 32, came forward to claim she had a threesome with Mel B and Stephen Belafonte - following the news the couple had enjoyed a tryst with Lady Victoria Hervey.

The exotic dancer told the Sunday Mirror the night had been 'wild', before noting that she felt Mel, 41, had been 'the boss' in their relationship.

Most recently, Lady Victoria Hervey confirmed swirling rumours that she had enjoyed a threesome with the couple back in 2007.

Addressing the night they spent together, she explained to The Sun that Mel reached out to her via Instagram, adding: 'Mel said she just doesn't know if videos exist of that night but she reassured me that they are unlikely to be coming out.'

History: The pair were married in 2007 and share three daughters, Madison, 5, Phoenix, 18, and Angel, 10

'She reassured me that they are unlikely to be coming out': Lady Victoria Hervey confirmed swirling rumours that she had enjoyed a threesome with the couple back in 2007 to The Sun, adding that Mel allegedly assured her sex tapes would never be released

Last month lawyers for Mel B had been granted a court order barring her estranged husband Stephen Belafonte from releasing any sex tapes or photos of the ex-Spice Girl, but it is uncertain whether that also bars him from releasing footage of other women involved in the alleged filmed sexual encounters.

The order was issued in court after Mel, 41, claimed the nanny Belafonte allegedly got pregnant while she worked for the couple was holding the sex tapes hostage,TMZ reports.

New documents filed by Mel's lawyers claim that when she left their home after filing for divorce last month, Belafonte locked 12-15 boxes filled with his estranged wife's possession in a storage facility in Los Angeles.

The boxes contain photos of her deceased father and her Spice Girls memorabilia.

Mel B stepped out in Los Angeles on Friday as her lawyers got a court order barring her estranged husband Stephen Belafonte from releasing sex tapes or photos of the ex-Spice Girl

Belafonte has allegedly refused to reveal the location of the locker, which is being held under the name Lorraine Gilles - the German nanny accused of having an abortion following an affair with him.

'He [Stephen] has admitted to me that our former nanny, Lorraine Gilles, maintains possession and control over the media such that I could never have anyone locate the tapes so as to obtain and destroy the same,' Mel claims in the court documents.

'I believe that Lorraine Gilles and [Belafonte] are acting in concert to deprive me of my personal belongings by either destroying or disseminating said belongings.'

Mel's lawyers argued in court that Belafonte has been threatening to release the tapes to destroy her reputation and career.

The judge ordered Belafonte not to release any sexually explicit material of his estranged wife, but he has not yet ruled on Mel's request for him to turn over the location and combination of the locker held in Gilles' name.

Meanwhile Belafonte claims in court documents filed Friday that his wife blindsided him with the allegations he was trying to extort her with the sex tapes, TMZ reported on Friday night.

His lawyers say he was close to settling their court issues before Mel brought up the allegations when she surprised him with a request for a restraining order.

Mel made explosive allegations about their former nanny in court papers when she filed for divorce from the producer last month.

She claimed Belafonte got Gilles pregnant and even suggested 'all three [of them] live together' with the new baby.

The nanny was paid allegedly 'paid $300,000' to have an abortion, according to the filing.

Mel filed for divorce from her husband of 10 years last month. They are pictured above in 2015 with her daughters Angel (left) and Phoenix Chi (right) as well as their child together, Madison

Mel B claimed in court papers that the nanny Belafonte allegedly got pregnant, Lorraine Gilles, was holding the Spice Girls' sex tapes hostage in a storage locker in Los Angeles

In the papers, Mel claims that Belafonte also forced her to 'participate in sexual intercourse with him and random women.'

The former Spice Girl suggests that during their marriage, she was coerced into trysts that he secretly recorded and later used as ammunition against her, threatening to release as sex tapes 'if she tried to resist the threesomes'.

He is also alleged to have shown his wife little sympathy as her beloved father Martin lost his battle with cancer.

TMZ claim the film producer allegedly told her to 'Suck it up. If he's going to die, he's going to die.'

Lorraine Gilles, pictured with Mel's husband Stephen Belafonte, is the nanny identified in court papers submitted by the former Spice Girl as she divorces him

Mel B's lawyers argued in court that Belafonte has been threatening to release the tapes to destroy her reputation and career

Mel's appearance on the X Factor back in 2014, sparked concern among fans with Belafonte taking to Twitter to deny he was a 'wife beater'

Stephen denied his estranged wife's claims, telling TMZ on camera: 'I haven't heard these allegations. You know what my comment on this is, as this is the mother of my children?

'I'm really really distraught my brain how this is going to affect our children (sic), and the depths that she's gone to. That's it. I'm shocked at those allegations and that's what it is.

'I think someone's set me up to look like a bad guy. Obviously you saw my house got raided and nobody found anything. It's accusation after accusation. But we'll have our day in court.

Belafonte filed his official response to her divorce petition in March and has asked that she pay his lawyer's fees.

The film producer is asking for spousal support, the documents show, although no figure is stated.

The filing also reveals the former couple disagrees on their separation date - him claiming it was March 1 and she December 28.
She was reunited with boyfriend Jeremy McConnell in Ireland on Friday.

And now Stephanie Davis is said to be preparing to go away with her beau for a 'make or break' getaway following his stint in rehab.

The actress, 24, shared an Instagram snap showing off a holiday outfit on Saturday, which she captioned with the words: 'Can't wait to go away on holiday.'

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'Can't wait to go on holiday': Stephanie Davis is said to be preparing to go away with her beau for a 'make or break' getaway following his stint in rehab

It was previously reported by The Sun that Stephanie was making preparations for a romantic getaway with the father of her three-month-old son Caben-Albi after he left rehab.

The source told the newspaper: '[Stephanie] is now putting together plans for a completely private holiday to give them all some space.

'Steph hopes they will be able to reconnect once the pressure is off and they will be able to move forward as a family.'

Happy: The actress, 24, was said to have been 'excited' to see Jeremy following his stint in rehab. Stephanie posted a snap of them together with son Caben-Albi earlier this month

Preparations: Stephanie shared an Instagram snap showing off a holiday outfit on Saturday, which she captioned with the words: 'Can't wait to go away'

The former Hollyoaks star flew to Ireland in order to reunite with her boyfriend on Friday, with the reunion described as being 'very positive'.

The actress is said to have enjoyed a day with Jeremy's family, before enjoying a dinner date in the evening, The Sun reported.

A source told the newspaper: 'Theyre both getting on so well. They were so excited to see each other and it has been a very positive reunion.'

'Positive reunion': Stephanie flew to Ireland in order to reunite with Jeremy on Friday

Stephanie has also been reunited with dog Simba, the pooch the couple bought together before they split up.

She posted a snap of her cuddling up to the pooch on Instagram, captioning it with the words: 'Reunited with my second baby it's been a long time, He's all grown up now, back with his momma. Was emotional to say the least.

'It's nice when everything finally works out, maybe there are happy endings after all Hey Simba.. mummy's home'

Stephanie revealed that she was back together with boyfriend Jeremy this week, confirming on social media that the pair had sorted their differences and rekindled their passionate romance.

'Mummy's home': She has also been reunited with Simba, the dog the couple bought together before they split up

Stephanie posted a snap of them together, before writing: 'Goshhh I miss this one! The chemistry. Not long now!' (sic).'

She made the official announcement that she was in a relationship with the father of her son once again on This Morning on Monday.

But despite appearing to turn things around with Jeremy, who initially denied he was the father of their son, she still had some things to get off her chest.

Speaking on the show the Hollyoaks actress confronted presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, accusing them of not sticking up for her during an interview with reality star Jeremy earlier this year.

Rekindled romance: The actress revealed on Monday's broadcast of ITV's This Morning that she's back together with Jeremy McConnell. She's seen with their baby son Caben-Albi

Getting it off her chest: Stephanie confronted presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby on This Morning on Monday over their interview with Jeremy before his rehab stint

Explaining to viewers that she had issued Jeremy with a legal letter asking him not to discuss the DNA test, which later revealed he was indeed the father of little Caben Albi, Stephanie branded the interview 'biased'.

Addressing the issue, Phillip admitted: 'I know you were cross with me about the letter.'

Opening up, Stephanie replied: 'I'm saying this honestly but I thought you were a bit biased with what happened in that interview.'

Revealing that she was left screaming at the TV after Phillip advised Jeremy on TV not to sign the letter, she explained: 'It was out of order, but you've gotta think I had a newborn baby, I had the worst pregnancy in the world, my son was in the special care unit'.

Speaking out: The former Hollyoaks star made the appearance to 'set the record straight'

'I was dealing with this myself as I was sick of everything going on. [In hindsight] no one would sign that. But at the time I was so angry', she added as Holly looked on.

She then addressed Holly, adding: 'You know what it's like to be a mum and I felt like there was no one sticking up for me.'

Not getting pulled into the debacle, Holly, replied: 'But it was the catalyst to get you talking again.'

Steph admitted: 'I called him the next day even though I was screaming at the TV, 'Phil!'

Opening up: She spoke candidly with show hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby

Meanwhile after months of publicly going back and forth over their seemingly broken romance, Stephanie went on to reveal that she's back together with Jeremy McConnell.

The actress made the admission during an appearance as she also revealed that she's proud of her back on beau for seeking treatment for drug and alcohol abuse.

'I'm really proud of him, it's been a long time coming, it's hard for everyone to listen to but I love him and when you love someone and you're in a relationship, obviously it's on a different scale because were in the public eye and we haven't helped ourselves.

Upbeat: The screen star cut an upbeat figure during her appearance on the daytime TV show

Emotional moments: At times, she got emotional as she spoke about her boyfriend's struggles

'Jeremy has finally admitted he needed help and I cried for hours because it was a weight off my shoulders. I was watching the man I loved slowly kill himself and there was nothing I can do. I'm really really proud he's sorting his life out.'

Speaking of the public's exasperation with their previous public mudslinging, she conceded: 'We've not helped ourselves and I've not been perfect.'

Jeremy agreed to seek professional help for his drug and alcohol addiction at the beginning of April for six weeks, which has left Stephanie elated.

The couple met when they both competed on Celebrity Big Brother in January 2016 but, following a series of blazing rows over infidelity, they split five months later.

Baby: During the broadcast, she brought out the couple's three-month-old son, Caben-Albi

Pride and joy: The mother-of-one proudly gushed over the boy as he sat quietly in the studio

Smart lad: The newborn looked stylish in a black-and-white check outfit as he sat with his mum

Stephanie then found out she was pregnant but Jeremy refused to believe the baby - who is now three months old - belonged to him until he was born.

After months of tit-for-tat, it was finally revealed - three weeks after the baby was born in January this year - that Jeremy is actually little Caben-Albi's biological father.

The couple then decided to give their relationship another go for the sake of the tiny tot and, although she doesn't know what the future will hold, Stephanie believes Jeremy is the love of her life and she will continue to stand by his side.

She explained: 'We are together. I can't sit here and say it's gonna happen in a year's time, five years, 10 years, but right now we're taking it day by day. He wants to be a good dad and put the wrongs right.

One day at a time: While Stephanie revealed that she's back together with Jeremy, she cautiously added that the lovebirds are 'taking it day by day'

Daddy's boy: Stephanie gushed during the interview that little Caben-Albi 'loves his daddy'

'I love Jez, I think that's plain to see. I'm proud of him and I take my hat off to him because to admit you've got a problem and do something, that takes guts.

'Already, speaking to him is such a difference. It breaks my heart too, because the drug addiction was just the tip of the iceberg.

'All that stuff that happened had to get broken down and built back up but he wants to be a good dad to Caben and I love him, everyone deserves a second chance.'

'Plain to see': The brunette beauty said that 'it's plain to see' that she's in love with Jeremy

More tumultuous times: As well as his childhood losses, Jeremy lost his father last month and aunt shortly afterwards

Living in denial: She initially struggled to get Jeremy to seek help, because he insisted that everything was fine in his life

Stephanie believes Jeremy's problems stemmed from his childhood - during which time he lost his mother, brother and sister in the space of 15 months - and then losing his father last month and aunt shortly afterwards was the tip of the iceberg.

She said: 'I think what people don't understand with addiction, it's really really hard, people with addiction, it's either everything is great or I can't deal with this, there's no grey area.

'Jez was like, 'I've not got a problem, I know what the problem is.' You can't help someone until they want to help themselves, it was a vicious circle.'

Looking good: The actress looked stylish during her apperance on This Morning in a form-fitting all-black ensemble

Post-baby body: Showing off her sensational post-baby body, she wore a skintight catsuit

As the revealing interview came to an end, Stephanie's adorable offspring was brought out before cameras, as the actress gushed that he 'loves his daddy'.

While Jeremy is battling his demons in rehab, Stephanie has continued to show her support for him.

She recently shared a sweet throwback snap of their son and a collage of the turbulent couple to her Instagram - declaring she is 'proud' of him for 'getting on the right track', as their little boy 'needs his daddy'.

'Pride and joy': Clearly feeling in a reflective mood, Stephanie recently reminisced over the first time she laid eyes on Caben-Albi in a throwback snap of him as a newborn

The photogenic pair looked more loved-up than ever as they cuddled in the throwback shots, taken during happier times.

While they recently rekindled their romance after the birth of their son, their relationship was once again rocked when Jeremy was arrested on the grounds of assault last month - sparking his motivation to head to rehab.

Addressing their difficult few weeks, Stephanie vowed to support of her man in the caption of the post, writing defiantly: 'Proud of him for facing all of this.

'It's not been easy and one hell of a hard long road, but finally on the right track.'

Supportive: Admitting the pair were back on good terms after a fraught few weeks, she wrote beside the snap, 'Missing my best friend. Can't wait till he's home. New lease of life, fresh start'

Admitting the pair were back on good terms, she continued: 'Missing my best friend. Can't wait till he's home. New lease of life, fresh start.'

She then followed the gushing post with the motivational hashtags: '#quesera #takesgutts #cabenneedshisdaddy #proudofubaby @jeremymcconnellcooke #nolookingback'

Clearly feeling in a reflective mood, Stephanie had already reminisced over the first time she laid eyes on Caben in a throwback snap of him as a newborn earlier on Saturday.

The photo shows a tiny Caben-Albi clutching his mother's finger as he sleeps peacefully.

Better days: It was recently claimed that Stephanie wants to tie the knot with hunky Jeremy

Confusion: Fans have been left confused over the state of their relationship, as they've gone from publicly warring to gushing about each other

Fuelling speculation: Stephanie had got fans talking after sharing a photo of a diamond ring on her finger

Last month, Stephanie deined rumours she and Jeremy were engaged, as fans began to speculate after she was pictured wearing a diamond ring on her finger.

Steph responded: 'I am not engaged guys. One day' (heart emoji) This weather is amazingggg but there's too many wasps and bees about #anxietycentral'

Earlier this month, she professed her love for Jeremy and was continuing her adoring assault on social media on Easter Sunday as she shared a snap of Caben while thanking his father for his nautical-style ensemble.

The actress took to Instagram to share the sweet image while wishing her 771,000 followers a Happy Easter on her four-month-old son's behalf.

'I am not engaged': She recently denied rumours she and Jeremy are set to wed on Twitter

Adorable: She recently sent a gushing message to Jeremy, shortly before delighting her fans with her sweet snaps of Caben in which she thanked Jeremy for buying an outfit for their son

The stunning star also sent a gushing message to Jeremy, shortly before delighting her fans with her sweet snaps of Caben in which she thanked Jeremy for buying an outfit for their son.

She added a caption reading: 'Happy Easter Everyone... This is my first Easter! I got lots of eggs which my mummy is helping to eat.. hehe. I love my outfit off my daddy, it makes my eyes look extra blue! Thanks daddy! Hope you all have a great day'.

In her sweet snap the day before, Stephanie insisted she will 'stand by' her on/off boyfriend no matter what while publicly declaring her love for the Irish model in an emotional Instagram post.

She branded Jeremy a 'nightmare' in her tribute, but claimed he was 'her nightmare' as she brushed off their tumultuous past and looked ahead to their future as a couple.

'He is my soul mate and I love him': The former Hollyoaks star branded Jeremy a 'nightmare' in her tribute, but claimed he was 'her nightmare' as she brushed off their tumultuous past and looked ahead to their future as a couple

Taking to the photosharing site, Stephanie uploaded two photos of herself and Jeremy that had been taking during their time together in the CBB house. The duo are cuddling in one shot and looking adoringly at each other in the second.

Captioning her photo, Stephanie threw her support behind Jeremy - who is currently seeking treatment in rehab - and professed her undying love for the father of her child, Caben-Albi.

She penned: 'No matter what people say, no matter what people feel.. we have been though the most major ups and downs. He's been wrong, I've been wrong.. but I LOVE him.

'I met him un expectedly on cbb, but what you seen was TRUE LOVE!! When you go though that, with money and media, anyone in the industry would understand... ours was just played out in front of the nation.

'I will stand by him always and love him unconditionally': Stephanie is supporting Jeremy through his rehab stay after he voluntarily checked himself in to receive help for his issues

'He is my soul mate and I love him, you never give up on the one you love do you.... Jezz got a little lost, but who hasn't f**ked up in life??

'I know I have.... Just so happens ours is played through the media. And no we haven't been adults about it a lot, and it's been wild, but when your so in love with someone, passion gets the best of you! (sic)'

Stephanie continued: 'He's my rock my soul mate and I love him with ALL my heart!! Do you think we would put each other through this for fun?????? No... its because we match. And u seen us fall in love.

'And forever I will always love him. I'm proud [of] him! [It's] this change to get better, no matter what anyone says. I will stand by him always and love him unconditionally, he may seem a nightmare but [he's] my nightmare.

'My best friend, my everything. Words couldn't describe the love I have for him! I love u baby and so proud of you. U will make Caben proud and can't wait for us to be a family again. I LOVE you!!!! Your baby, stephanie @jeremymcconnellcooke.'

Supportive: Stephanie has insisted she is 'proud' of Jeremy for seeking treatment - his rehab stay came after he was arrested for allegedly assaulting her

'I just never handled fame': Jeremy shared a lengthy statement addressing his decision to check into rehab
Line of Duty, the crime drama that has kept eight million viewers on the edge of their seats for five weeks, reaches a thrilling conclusion tonight.

And as these pictures from the final episode of the fourth series show, the nail-biting tension will be ratcheted up until the very end.

The images suggest a tense shoot-out at the headquarters of anti-corruption unit AC12, as its boss, Superintendent Ted Hastings, played by Adrian Dunbar, brandishes a pistol and yells: Armed police!

Line of Duty, the crime drama that has kept eight million viewers on the edge of their seats for five weeks, reaches a thrilling conclusion tonight. Taking aim: Ted Hastings in a scene from tonights finale

The scene has echoes of the showdown at the end of the third series, which resulted in the death of the corrupt police officer known as The Caddy.

Fans are hoping tonights instalment will clear up other mysteries too, including what becomes of Detective Chief Inspector Roz Huntley (Thandie Newton), who will stop at nothing to cover up her own crimes.

AC12 has been trying to prove Huntleys guilt for more than a month and the unit shows no signs of letting up. Hastings warns his colleagues Steve Arnott (Martin Compston) and Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure): This is the final push  we cannot fail.

But Huntley is not going down without a fight and continues to pin the blame for her crimes on others, including her hapless lawyer husband Nick. He tells police: This is all Roz. She is trying to frame me.

Heading for a showdown: AC12s Ted Hastings, Kate Fleming and Steve Arnott in tonights Line Of Duty

Fans are desperate to discover the identity of Balaclava Man, the sexual predator who Huntley was supposed to be tracking down before she went off the rails.

And the trailer hints heavily at the discovery of another body.

The fourth series has been the most popular to date and the show has earned itself millions of new fans. The complex plot has been made even more complicated by references to a string of dead characters from past series, including The Caddy, detective Lindsay Denton and murdered property developer Jackie Laverty.

Long-standing fans of Line Of Duty, which was first screened in 2012, know that the twists and turns will continue to the last minute.

Anxious looks: Hastings and his colleague Fleming. Newcomers should expect an ending which is neither straight forward nor happy

Newcomers should expect an ending which is neither straight forward nor happy.

To make sure you enjoy every minute of the action, The Mail on Sunday has produced its own guide to what you need to know and the questions which need to be answered. But dont expect the final episode of the BBC1 series to provide a definitive ending because Line Of Duty likes to take its time.

It wasnt until series three that the identity of The Caddy became clear. So be warned: it means fans may have to wait until series five next year to discover exactly what Huntley did  and why.

COULD HILTON BE MORE ODIOUS? Surely The Caddy was set to identify ACC Derek Hilton when, just before his death, he tried to reveal the name of a bent officer beginning with H. Hilton (Paul Higgins), has tried to undermine AC12s investigations into Huntley. Surely The Caddy was set to identify ACC Derek Hilton when, just before his death, he tried to reveal the name of a bent officer beginning with H. Hilton (Paul Higgins), has tried to undermine AC12s investigations into Huntley He also managed to compromise AC12 stalwart Maneet Bindra (Maya Sondhi) into giving him confidential files which he passed on to Huntley. But be warned: corrupt officers have a knack of slipping off the hook in this show. He also managed to compromise AC12 stalwart Maneet Bindra (Maya Sondhi) into giving him confidential files which he passed on to Huntley Advertisement

WHAT IS ROZ HUNTLEY GUILTY OF?

The charge sheet against the ice-cool Roz Huntley grows longer every week and already includes murder, evidence tampering, wrongful arrest and perverting the course of justice.

Viewers have been led to believe that she killed forensics expert Tim Ifield during an altercation in his flat  and then tampered with blood samples to remove all trace of her DNA from the apartment.

The DCI also likes to frame people for crimes that she either cant solve or she herself has committed.

So far she has set up Michael Farmer and abduction victim Hana Reznikova for murder and has even placed her lawyer husband Nick (played by Lee Ingleby) under arrest

So far she has set up Michael Farmer and abduction victim Hana Reznikova for murder and has even placed her lawyer husband Nick (played by Lee Ingleby) under arrest.

But AC12 has a history of launching inquiries into corrupt officers who turn out not to be as bad as initially painted.

In previous series, the unit went gunning for Detective Inspector Lindsay Denton, played by Keeley Hawes, only to discover she was a scapegoat for the crimes of underworld figures.

Is history about to repeat itself  and could there be more to Huntley than meets the eye?

JACKIE LAVERTY... REMEMBER HER? In last weeks episode, Steve Arnott called up a picture of murder victim Jackie Laverty, and pointed out that the manner of her killing was very similar to the crimes currently under investigation. Laverty, a corrupt property developer and the mistress of high-flying DCI Tony Gates (played by Lennie James in the first series) met a gruesome end when balaclava-wearing thugs burst into her home and slit her throat with a knife. In last weeks episode, Steve Arnott called up a picture of murder victim Jackie Laverty, and pointed out that the manner of her killing was very similar to the crimes currently under investigation The body of Laverty, played by Gina McKee, above, was then dismembered and stored in a fridge, along with the knife used to kill her. Gangland boss Tommy Hunter made sure Gatess fingerprints were on the weapon and then set about blackmailing him. Advertisement

WHO IS THIS 'CADDY' CHARACTER?

AC12 boss Ted Hastings was suspended last week after a tape recording came to light which showed the dying Caddy trying to name a bent officer whose name began with H.

Newcomers to the show were left scratching their heads over the character who appears to have come out of nowhere.

The Caddy, seconded to AC12, was unmasked in the third series by Lindsay Denton  the pair are pictured above  and then silenced by a gangland hitman

The Caddy is detective Matthew Dot Cottan (Craig Parkinson) who ran a cabal of corrupt police officers on behalf of Tommy Hunter.

The Caddy, seconded to AC12, was unmasked in the third series by Lindsay Denton  the pair are pictured above  and then silenced by a gangland hitman.

WILL THE AC12 THREE SURVIVE? Actor Martin Compston, who plays DS Arnott, sent the internet into a spin when he suggested that fans should brace themselves for heartbreak this time around. No one would be surprised if Superintendent Hastings keeled over because of everything that has been thrown at him and his unit this time around. Or was Compston talking about his own character, who suffered life-changing injuries when he came face to face with Balaclava Man? Advertisement

WHO IS BALACLAVA MAN - AND WILL HE BE UNMASKED?

The smart money is currently on Jimmy Lakewell, the cocksure lawyer friend of Roz Huntley and her husband Nick, who loves to belittle AC12 and its enquiries.

He took centre stage just as the case against other suspects began to collapse.

We know Balaclava Man cant be social misfit Michael Farmer, who is behind bars for the offences, because he was set up by Huntley.

The smart money is currently on Jimmy Lakewell, the cocksure lawyer friend of Roz Huntley and her husband Nick, who loves to belittle AC12 and its enquiries

Ditto police forensics expert Tim Ifield, who had a balaclava in his possession but was dead when a thug wearing a near identical disguise attacked DS Arnott, above, leaving him with horrific injuries and confined to a wheelchair.

The only other real suspect is Nick, who was spotted close to Ifields flat on the night of his death, and was in the same building when Arnott was attacked.

But be warned: Line Of Duty likes to throw a spanner in the works and balaclava-wearing thugs also appeared in the first series of Line Of Duty. Could one of these masked men be responsible for the current spate of crimes?
There has been one golden buzzer performance so far on this year's Britain's Got Talent.

And comedian Daliso Chaponda impressed judge Amanda Holden so much that she pressed her golden buzzer following his audition on Saturday night - taking him straight through to the semi-final.

The 37-year-old, from Malawi, impressed the panel with his unique sense of humour - with jokes ranging from single life to the UK's financial crisis.

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Golden buzzer: Comedian Daliso Chaponda impressed judge Amanda Holden so much that she pressed her golden buzzer following his audition on Saturday night

Amanda pressed her golden buzzer following encouragement from the crowd, declaring that she hopes Daliso will win the whole show.

She said: 'I think you're b****y hilarious. Self-deprecating, funny, brilliant. It was laugh after laugh. I want you to win the entire series - I think you could.'

Fellow judge Alesha said her face was 'hurting from laughing', while David Walliams said that Daliso 'should be a comedy superstar'.

Funny man: The 37-year-old, from Malawi, impressed the panel with his unique sense of humour - with jokes ranging from single life to the UK's financial crisis

'Laugh after laugh': Amanda described the comedian as 'self-deprecating, funny, brilliant'

Golden ticket: She pressed her golden buzzer following encouragement from the crowd, declaring that he hoped Daliso won the whole show

Meanwhile Simon added: 'Not only do I think you're an undiscovered little star. I could see you owning your own show. What you did was so funny, and naughty and unique.'

During his stand-up routine, Daliso poked fun at the idea of the UK's 'financial crisis', saying: 'I am from Africa, I moved here 10 years ago. I heard a lot of people talking about the financial crisis. I'm from Africa - what are you talking about?

He continued: 'I have not seen one Save The UK concert. You'll have a financial crisis when this chav will have to walk five miles a day to get a bottle of WKD blue.

'You'll have a financial crisis when India starts opening call centres here.'

Undiscovered talent: Simon Cowell described his routine as 'funny, naughty and unique'

'I hope you win': Amanda said she believed that Daliso could win the entire series following his audition

Meanwhile pianist Tokio Myers also wowed judges with a spell-binding performance of Debussy's Clair De Lune and Ed Sheeran's Bloodstream.

Tokio, whose real name is Torville Jones, grew up on a council estate and witnessed the headmaster Philip Lawrence being murdered at his school in London.

Following his audition - which saw him go straight through to the next round - Simon said: 'Very clever. We've never really had an act like you on the show before. I absolutely loved that audition'.

A former X Factor hopeful also made a strong comeback on Britain's Got Talent on Saturday night - impressing judges as part of a new girl group.

Spell-binding: Pianist Tokio Myers also wowed judges with his performance of Debussy's Claire De Lune and Ed Sheeran's Bloodstream

'I absolutely loved that': Simon described his audition as 'very clever', adding 'We've never really had an act like you on the show before'

Jeanette Akua, 24, returned to perform in front of Simon Cowell again as part of four-piece The Miss Treats.

All four judges were impressed with the girl group as Jeanette - along with Lavelle, 22, Moesha, 19, and Bambi, 22- belted out Salt N Pepa's Whatta Man.

Simon recognised the former X Factor contestant - who made up one third of Miss Dynamix on the show in 2013 - straight away, asking why she had decided to audition as part of a different girl group

Girl power: The Miss Treats impressed judges with their performance of Salt N Pepa's Whatta Man on Saturday night

Former X Factor hopeful: Jeanette Akua, 24, returned to perform in front of Simon Cowell again as part of four-piece

Jeanette, 24, explained that 'the chemistry is so much better' with her new bandmates, having been together for a year.

The judges praised their performance, with Alesha Dixon saying: 'You're really likeable. That was a really strong audition.'

Simon added: 'What I loved was the chemistry, the sense of fun. Of all the groups, I think you could be the best ones we've had on Britain's Got Talent'.

Impressed: The former X Factor contestant explained that 'the chemistry is so much better' with her new bandmates, having been together for a year

He added: 'I really think there's something special here.'

Meanwhile, Amanda was left rather emotional after mother-of-three Sian Pattison impressed with a moving rendition of With You.

The 31-year-old, who said her daughter had entered her into the show, got off to a nervous start, beginning by singing Ave Maria before being stopped by Simon.

Powerful: Amanda was left rather emotional after mother-of-three Sian Pattison impressed with a moving rendition of With You

Emotional: Sian herself was left in tears following her audition, which saw her receive a Yes from all four judges

Proud daughter: She explained that her daughter had entered her into the competition

But following her emotional performance of With You, from musical Ghost, Amanda appeared to be on the verge of tears as she said: 'You're very lucky [your daughter] signed the application form for you.'

Sian herself was left in tears following her audition, which saw her receive a Yes from all four judges.

St Patrick's Junior Choir also brought a tear to their eye with their rendition of Keane's Somewhere Only We Know, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.

Moving: St Patrick's Junior Choir also brought a tear to their eye with their rendition of Keane's Somewhere Only We Know

'You sang with so much passion': The judges were impressed with their moving performance

Amanda said 'Every single of you sang with so much passion. I found it quite emotional', while Simon said 'Loved it, loved it, loved it.'

Although there have been a number of magical acts on BGT so far this series, Josephine Lee still managed to stand out with her mesmerising audition on Saturday.

The judges praised her 'beautiful' routine, which ended up with her managing to transport herself out of a wooden box before the audience's eyes.

Talented: Although there have been a number of magical acts on BGT so far this series, Josephine Lee still managed to stand out with her mesmerising audition on Saturday

Spell-binding: The judges praised her 'beautiful' routine, which ended up with her managing to transport herself out of a wooden box before the audience's eyes

While the prize of winning BGT may be performing in front of the Queen, the monarch made an unexpected appearance on the show on Saturday - in the form of comedy duo Rare Species.

The pair dressed up as the Queen and Prince Charles, dancing to Body Rockers' I Like The Way You Move and You've Got The Power.

The comedy act went sailing through into the next round, with David commenting 'You would only get this on this bonkers show wouldn't you'.

Drag act Sanita Laviva was the only act who failed to get through to the next round on Saturday night's show - receiving just one yes from David.

In fact, David broke his buzzer during the audition to stop Simon from pressing it to end the performance.

One is very amused! The Queen and Price Charles made an unexpected appearance on the show on Saturday - in the form of comedy duo Rare Species

Cheeky! The comedy act went sailing through into the next round, with David commenting 'You would only get this on this bonkers show wouldn't you'

Divided opinion: Drag act Sanita Laviva was the only act who failed to get through to the next round on Saturday night's show - receiving just one yes from David
While many women would be fearful of white leggings, they were certainly no challenge for Alessandra Ambrosio.

The Victoria's Secret beauty paraded her lithe pins in the skintight garment as she stepped out in Boston on Saturday.

The 36-year-old mother-of-two teamed them with a cropped sweater, which flashed her taut tummy.

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Is there anything she can't wear? Alessandra Ambrosio looked fantastic in her gym gear as she stepped out in Boston on Saturday

The Brazilian star finished the look sweeping her locks up in a youthful ponytail and donned coordinating Nike sneakers.

Alessandra shared her own snap of the look on Instagram and captioned: 'Weekend warrior #workoutsession #Boston #eastcoast'

Meanwhile it was revealed that Alessandra snacked on a scorpion on a recent trip to China.

The model has been in the Far East country on a promotional trip to open the new Victoria's Secret store in Chengdu.

Looking good: The Victoria's Secret beauty also flashed her taut tummy in a cropped sweater

Monochrome maven: The 36-year-old completed her look with a Versace backpack and coordinating Nike sneakers

On the go: The brunette beauty wore her brunette locks up in a youthful ponytail

Away from her duties as an Angel, Alessandra has been seeing the sights and enjoying the local culture and cuisine which includes dining out on a cooked arachnid.

The Brazilian beauty - who has children Anja, seven, and Noah, three, with fiance Jamie Mazur - uploaded a photo of herself chowing down on the scorpion on a stick on her Instagram account.

The accompanying caption read: 'Snack time #WheninChina (sic)'

Alessandra also used her account on the photo-sharing website to reveal what a great time she had at the opening of the lingerie specialist shop.

She wrote: 'Amazing China #vsloveschina #VSstoreopening #chengdu ... Sending love from the new @victoriassecret store in #chengdu (sic)'

Busy: Alessandra was spotted on a different outing later on in the day

Going green: She wore an olive-colored military style jacket for the occasion
From the woman who wants her fans to spend 5,000 on a T-shirt, Gwyneth Paltrow is now asking them to fork out 1,000 for lunch. The latest wheeze by Gwynnie to extract cash from people with more money than sense is to offer ludicrously expensive tickets to dine at a 'wellness summit' she is hosting in Los Angeles.

But guests aren't even guaranteed the chance to talk to the star over a bowl of kale soup or a plate of courgetti. However, she will throw in valet parking.

So generous!

From the woman who wants her fans to spend 5,000 on a T-shirt, Gwyneth Paltrow (pictured) is now asking them to fork out 1,000 for lunch

Outta Tatton... into Tesco

Former Chancellor George Osborne is a man of many talents  but even I was shocked at the suggestion that he is planning to release a rap album. Sadly, it turns out we're not going to be hearing Straight Outta Tatton from DJ Gideon (his real name). The picture that started the rumour turns out to be one of George and some fans he bumped into in his local Tesco. Credit to George  the new editor of London's Evening Standard is determined to win over his readers.
They soared to victory on last year's season of My Kitchen Rules.

So it's no surprise that Tasia and Gracia have been extremely with a slew of lucrative opportunities since winning the cooking competition.

'We've been busy with a lot of catering and private dinners,' the duo told The Daily Telegraph on Sunday.

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'We've been busy with a lot of catering and private dinners:' Tasia and Gracia have opened up about their careers after winning My Kitchen Rules last year

They added: 'Weve also launched our range of sauce, just through online for the moment.'

Hoping to follow in the sisters' footsteps will be the two Queensland teams battling it out on Sunday's season eight grand finale.

On Friday, Amy and Tyson and their competitors Valerie and Courtney opened up about why they feel they deserve to win.

'Weve also launched our range of sauce!' The sisters have also become businesswomen with their own line of peanut sauce

Speaking with Who magazine, the cooks talked about the creativity and effort they had put in throughout the series - and claimed victory would be all about the food.

Leading with their journey through the show, Amy, 30, put the focus on how her brother had grown from the an 'angry angry man' to be 'calm and measured'.

'I think the journey that Tyson had personally was massive,' she said.

Grand final time! My Kitchen Rules' top two teams - Amy and Tyson (right) and Valerie and Courtney (left) - spoke to Who magazine about their plans after the series finale on Sunday

'For us to win it would highlight that you can be creative, you can try different things and still win.'

Tyson, 26, also spoke about stepping outside their comfort zone, claiming the team 'try to push the boundaries and get a conversation going'.

He continued: 'I think that's a good representation of what MKR should be about. It should be about the food.'

Changing his tune: Amy (left) revealed how her brother Tyson (right) had developed from the an 'angry angry man' to be 'calm and measured' during his time on MKR

Creativity: Tyson claimed the foodie siblings were 'trying to push the boundaries and get a conversation going' by offering up more unusual menu options

Meanwhile, Valerie and Courtney concentrated on the effort they had put in on the show and how much they had learned in the MKR kitchen.

'We have put 100 per cent effort into this experience. We haven't held back,' 61-year-old Valerie said.

'We both love cooking and we learnt every step of the way,' she added,

'We haven't held back': Valerie (left) and Courtney (right) concentrated on the effort they had put in on the show and how much they had learned in the MKR kitchen

Giving it their all: 'We have put 100 per cent effort into this experience,' said Valerie

As for what the teams plan to do after the finale, their ideas ranged from continuing their cooking dream to travelling the world.

Tyson revealed he has started an apprenticeship in Brisbane, which will hopefully see him become a chef in the future, with sister Amy throwing her support behind him.

Meanwhile for Courtney, the prize money would help her realise her dream of travelling to India.

Future plans: As for what the teams plan to do after the finale, ideas ranged from continuing their cooking dream to travelling - and Tyson confirmed he was now an apprentice chef
He previously revealed his plans for an 'old school' proposal, when he's finally ready to pop the question.

And Lee Elliot and Georgia Love may have given fans a preview of what's to come, while attending a friend's wedding in Melbourne on Saturday.

The Bachelorette couple mimicked the bride and groom while posing at the altar hand-in-hand.

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Are they next? Lee Elliot and Georgia Love may have given fans a preview of what's to come, while attending a friend's wedding in Melbourne on Saturday

While Georgia, 29, could be seen proudly beaming under the floral archway, Lee, 35, jokingly displayed a nervous expression

'Who doesn't love a wedding,' he captioned the image.

Studio 10 panelist Georgia looked chic in a navy blue mini dress, that showed off her slender pins.

Still going strong: In another loved-up snap the couple looked smitten as they posed at the reception

Wedding bells: Goergia and Lee shared a series of wedding snaps on social media

She paired the look with black caged block heels and an elegant chain-link clutch.

Lee cut a dapper figure in a matching navy suit, with a blue shirt and tie and brown formal shoes.

In another loved-up snap the couple looked smitten as they posed at the reception.

Smitten: The wedding outing comes months after Melbourne Mechanical Plumber Lee opened up about getting engaged to the former news anchor

'We hate a wedding,' Georgia captioned.

The wedding outing comes months after Melbourne Mechanical Plumber Lee opened up about getting engaged to the former news anchor.

He previously told BW magazine that when he is in fact ready to pop the question, he will do it the 'old-school' fashion.

'I've got the right person ... I am old school ... I want to do it right,' he said.

'I will ask her dad [Chris Love] for her hand in marriage and do something special,' he continued with Georgia adding 'we certainly both want to... .'
Supporters of the Western Sahara's Polisario Front shout slogans during a demonstration outside the court in Sale on March 13, 2017

The United Nations set its sights on restarting political talks on the disputed territory of Western Sahara after the Polisario Front independence movement pulled back fighters from a tense zone.

UN military observers confirmed that the Polisario forces carried out the withdrawal from the Guerguerat area, near the Mauritanian border, on Thursday and Friday, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

"This action should improve the prospects of creating an environment... to relaunch the negotiating process with a new dynamic and a new spirit," he said.

News of the pullback came as the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing the new peace initiative and renewing the mandate of the MINURSO peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for a year.

The 450-strong MINURSO is comprised mostly of military observers monitoring the 1991 ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario.

The council had postponed the vote on the resolution drafted by the United States to allow the Polisario Front to carry out the withdrawal, as demanded in the earlier version of the draft.

France, which has friendly ties with Morocco, had insisted on a pullback from Guerguerat after Rabat withdrew its forces in February.

Addressing the Security Council, French Ambassador Francois Delattre expressed hope that the resolution would give momentum to the talks and "open a new chapter that will benefit everyone in the region."

The resolution calls on Morocco and the Algerian-backed Polisario to "show political will and work in an atmosphere propitious for dialogue in order to resume negotiations."

The council gave its "full support" for the new initiative aimed at reaching a "mutually acceptable solution" and requests that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres report on the effort within 30 days.

- Council will be watching -

Several ambassadors stressed that the push to restart talks presented an opportunity to end one of the world's most intractable conflicts and warned all sides to engage seriously.

"This council will be watching what the parties do closely," US Deputy Ambassador Michele Sison said following the resolution's adoption.

Guterres told the council this month that he plans to restart negotiations "with a new spirit" and a "new dynamic.

Morocco and the Polisario fought for control of Western Sahara from 1974 to 1991, when Rabat took over the desert territory before the signing of a UN-brokered ceasefire.

Rabat, which considers Western Sahara an integral part of Morocco, proposes autonomy for the resource-rich territory, but the Polisario Front insists on a UN referendum on independence.

One of the hurdles in the way of restarting talks was cleared when long-serving UN envoy Christopher Ross resigned last month following tensions with Morocco, which accused him of bias in favor of the Polisario.

Former German president Horst Kohler has been tipped to replace him.

The United Nations opened negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario Front in 2007 and there have been several rounds since, with the latest held outside of New York in 2012.

However, there has been little progress over resolving Western Sahara's future status.

After former UN chief Ban Ki-moon described the region's status as an "occupation," Morocco reacted furiously, expelling UN mission staff and threatening to pull out of UN peacekeeping. Most of the staff have since returned.

Guterres has spoken by phone with Morocco's King Mohamed VI and met with Polisario Front leader Brahim Ghali at UN headquarters in New York last month in a bid to revive political talks.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's behaviour at the ASEAN summit is being closely watched to see how he handles hosting his first major diplomatic event

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is on Saturday set to weaken Southeast Asian resistance to Chinese expansionism in the contested South China Sea as he hosts a regional summit, diplomats said.

Duterte is expected to release a chairman's statement at the end of the one-day Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) leaders meeting that ignores an international tribunal ruling rejecting China's sweeping claims to the strategically vital waterway.

Ahead of the summit Duterte said the Philippines and other nations were helpless to stop Chinese artificial island building in areas they claimed, so there was no point protesting against it at diplomatic events such as Saturday's summit.

"It cannot be an issue anymore. It's already there. What would be the purpose also of discussing it if you cannot do anything," Duterte told reporters on Thursday.

China has been turning reefs and shoals in areas of the sea claimed by the Philippines and other nations into artificial islands, and installing military facilities there.

The United States has criticised the construction work, warning against militarisation in the waterway where $5 trillion in annual trade passes.

ASEAN members Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei also claim parts of the sea, but China insists it has sovereign rights over nearly all of it, even waters approaching its neighbours' coasts.

The Philippines, under previous president Benigno Aquino, had lobbied hard at ASEAN summits for the bloc to voice its strong opposition to the Chinese expansionism, and official statements at those events often reflected that.

Aquino also filed a case at a UN-backed tribunal asking it to reject China's claims and artificial island building.

The tribunal last year ruled largely in the Philippines' favour. But the ruling came after Duterte, who favours much closer ties with China, took power.

- China win -

Duterte steadfastly refused to use the verdict to pressure China, instead pursuing warmer relations and billions of dollars' worth of trade and aid.

Duterte's chairman's statement, which is meant to reflect the views of all ASEAN leaders, will not mention the international tribunal ruling nor China directly, according to a draft obtained by AFP.

"We shared the serious concerns expressed by some leaders over recent developments and escalation of activities in the area which may further raise tensions and erode trust and confidence in the region," the draft statement said.

China, through its ambassador to Manila, had this week been heavily lobbying Duterte to weaken it further, and drop any reference to international law, delegates and diplomats told AFP.

China had been calling for ASEAN to remove a reference to "respect for legal and diplomatic processes", the diplomats said, adding Duterte was likely to acquiesce.

"The lobbying is quite intense. They (China) want it further watered down," one diplomat told AFP.

Filipino diplomats said the phrase was important because "legal and diplomatic processes" encompassed the entire process of the filing of the case in the tribunal until its resolution.

"In diplomatic terms it can also refer to the tribunal ruling," another diplomat said.

Filipino diplomats had fought hard for its inclusion in the previous statement as a compromise to mentioning the ruling.

An excerpt of an updated copy of the chairman's statement showed the key wording had been dropped, replaced with: "respect for the full supremacy of the law".

The ASEAN leaders are due to begin talks at 10:30 am (0230 GMT) and will conclude with a dinner in the evening.

The event is also being closely watched for how Duterte, who has shocked with curse-laden tirades against the United States and other critics of his deadly drug war, handles hosting his first major diplomatic event.

Duterte's drug war, which has claimed thousands of lives and led to warnings by rights groups about a possible crime against humanity, has been widely condemned in the West.

But he has enjoyed support from some of his Southeast Asian guests this week, including Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
The first freight train to link China directly to the UK arrived in the Chinese city of Yiwu after covering over 12,000-kms (7,500 miles), making it the second-longest route in the world

Laden with whisky and baby milk, the first freight train linking China directly to the UK arrived in the eastern Chinese city of Yiwu Saturday after a 12,000-kilometre (7,500-mile) trip, becoming the world's second-longest rail route.

The journey is the latest effort in China's drive to strengthen trade links with western Europe along a modern-day "Silk Road" route.

"The train arrived at around 9:30am (0130 GMT) to Yiwu on Saturday," the Yiwu Tianmeng Industry Company told AFP.

The world's top trading nation launched the "One Belt, One Road" strategy in 2013, and has since poured millions into constructing vast infrastructure links.

The train -- which was also carrying pharmaceuticals and machinery -- departed London on April 10 and passed through France, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan during its 20-day trip before arriving in Yiwu in eastern Zhejiang province, a major wholesale centre for small consumer goods.

The new route is longer than Russia's famous Trans-Siberian railway, but about 1,000 kilometres shorter than the record-holding China-Madrid link, which opened in 2014.

London is the 15th city to be linked to a new freight network offered by the state-run China Railway Corporation, which says its services are cheaper than air transport and quicker than shipping.

The journey should be 30 days faster than moving the goods by ship, the provincial government had said, but the pilot run took two days more than the 18 days expected.

And the train, named the East Wind, has much less carrying capacity -- just 88 shipping containers, according to the Yiwu government, compared to the 10,000 to 20,000 containers cargo ships can carry.

- 'Nothing new' -

It is unclear how much the venture cost, and some experts have questioned whether the ambitious project makes economic sense.

The 32-container train, around 600 metres (656 yards) long, was laden with whisky, soft drinks and baby products

"It is hard to say at this stage what the economic return will be, as the economic benefits will come over a long time," He Tianjie of Oxford Economics Hong Kong told AFP.

"However, the train is in some aspects more convenient and flexible. It can make multiple stops, allowing for the pick up and offloading of cargo along the way. Rail transport is also less affected by adverse weather conditions. Therefore, there may be a role for such long-haul rail links," he said.

China already has a regular direct freight train service to Germany, Europe's largest economy.

One route links the Chinese megacity of Chongqing to Duisburg, a steel-making town and one of Germany's most-important transportation and commercial hubs.

The other route links Beijing, the Chinese capital, to Hamburg, Germany's second-largest city.

Prime Minister Theresa May will visit China later this year, with talks likely to include closer trade ties for when Britain leaves the European Union, according to British officials.

"The reality is that there is nothing new here. Transcontinental rail transit has existed for over a century," said Theresa Fallon, director of the Centre for Russia, Europe, Asia Studies (CREAS) in Brussels.

The launch of the new rail route was a bid to show post-Brexit Britain that there were other trade options than neighbouring Europe, she said.

But "this train will transport to China British socks, Scotch and soda pop -- which hardly heralds a bright new age of Sino-UK trade."

Roughly 80 percent of global trade is shipped by sea as freight train services face technical and bureaucratic hurdles which vary according to country

Roughly 80 percent of global trade is shipped by sea as freight train services face technical and bureaucratic hurdles which vary according to country.

The East Wind's locomotive and carriages had to be changed en route because of the larger gauge on railways in the former Soviet Union.
While US President Donald Trump has shown a capacity to change both his tone and positions, he has struggled to convey a clearly articulated worldview

From his resounding setbacks in Congress to his stunning policy flip-flops, Donald Trump has faced a steep learning curve in his opening months at the White House.

Although the new US president has shown a capacity to change both his tone and positions, he has struggled to convey a clearly articulated worldview.

With the arrival of the symbolic milestone of 100 days in power on Saturday, a cold, hard reality is setting in for the billionaire businessman who promised supporters he would "win, win, win" for them.

At this stage of his presidency, Donald Trump is the least popular leader in modern US history -- even if his core supporters still fully back him.

The 70-year-old president, whose election victory unleashed a political shockwave around the world, is still clinging to the take-no-prisoners, unpredictable, impulsive style that made him a property mogul and reality TV star.

But the onetime anti-establishment candidate who promised to "drain the swamp" in Washington appears to have recognized -- with a mix of naivete and craftiness -- that he has one of the most difficult jobs in the world.

President Trump's 100 days in numbers

In just his first few weeks in office, Trump suffered some crippling blows. Federal courts halted his proposed travel ban and Congress failed to adopt health care reform.

"Nobody knew that health care could be so complicated," he said during his efforts to have Obamacare -- his Democratic predecessor's signature domestic policy achievement -- repealed and replaced.

And following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping about North Korea, he said that "after listening for 10 minutes, I realized it's not so easy."

- Tweets-a-plenty -

The demands and constraints of the Oval Office -- where every word uttered counts -- are quite different from the daily stump speeches Trump made on the campaign trail.

Where to turn for advice? What kind of relationship to build with Congress, even when it's controlled by his own party? How much latitude to afford the usually powerful State and Defense departments?

All of his predecessors have said it: moving into the mansion at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is a shock to the system.

Onetime anti-establishment candidate who promised to "drain the swamp," President Donald Trump seems to have recognized he has one of the most difficult jobs in the world

"There's just something about this job as president every president faces -- you know, that you think one thing going in and then the pressures of the job or the realities of the world, you know, are different than you thought," George W. Bush said recently.

Aside from his unwavering penchant for morning tweetstorms, often influenced by the ebb and flow of headlines on Fox News, Trump has already changed.

In the choice of his teams as well as in some negotiations, a sort of "presidentialization" seems to be unfolding -- albeit haltingly.

Elevated to the highest office in the United States with no prior political, diplomatic or military experience, Trump says his ever-evolving approach works.

"I do change and I am flexible, and I'm proud of that flexibility," he said shortly before authorizing air strikes against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad over what Washington says was a sarin gas attack on civilians.

On China, Russia and NATO, his about-faces have reassured some Americans to some extent, as well as some of Washington's allies.

"When a president moves from being so wrong to being so right on such important questions, the sensible response is not to carp but to celebrate, however cautiously," The Washington Post said in an editorial, reminding readers of the harsh, dark tone of Trump's inaugural address.

But his approach also includes risks.

From Syria to North Korea, what is the risk of dragging the United States into a military conflict with an unpredictable outcome, a situation Trump warned against on the campaign trail?

How would the Republican president react if a major terror attack were to happen on US soil, as it did on 9/11?

- 'Trumpism?' -

Both style and substance reveal that Donald J. Trump is an American president like no other before him.

In a disconcerting interview given to Time magazine in March, in which Trump defended his controversial, far-fetched or just plain false statements one by one, he said: "What am I going to tell you? I tend to be right."

More than three months after he took office, many of his detractors still deem comments by the novelist Philip Roth in an interview with The New Yorker in late January to be on the money.

He described a president "ignorant of government, of history, of science, of philosophy, of art, incapable of expressing or recognizing subtlety or nuance... and wielding a vocabulary of 77 words."

Trump's numerous policy pivots and resets also raise questions about the very definition of his fluid brand of "Trumpism" -- which revolves around his ubiquitous "America First" slogan, a seemingly simple idea that is nevertheless tough to explain.

The internal squabbles within the Trump White House have meanwhile not helped the president move forward with articulating his long-term vision.

Within a group that includes the ultra-conservative Steve Bannon, one thing stands out: the prime positioning of his family, especially daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner.

The successful nomination of conservative federal judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court stands as the major success of the first 100 days of the 45th president of the United States.

All too aware that he doesn't have much to show for those days, Trump lashed out with a tweet decrying the "ridiculous standard of the first 100 days" -- one his own team has repeatedly said is vital.

Now Trump -- who regularly talks about possibly running for re-election -- has more than 1,300 days ahead of him until his first term ends.
Former Afghan prime minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar's return to the political mainstream after etching a landmark peace deal with Kabul has been hugely controversial

Notorious Afghan warlord and ex-prime minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar returned to public life Saturday after more than 20 years in exile, calling on the Taliban to lay down their weapons and join a "caravan of peace".

Hekmatyar, white-bearded and clad in his trademark black turban, spoke to supporters at a gathering in Laghman province widely broadcast in Afghanistan, where his return to the political mainstream months after etching a landmark peace deal with Kabul has been hugely controversial.

"Come for God's sake, come and give up fighting which the victims of this war are Afghans," he said.

"Come and join this caravan of peace... Set your goals, and I will be with you on your good goals."

Known widely in the international press as the "Butcher of Kabul", Hekmatyar is one of the most infamous warlords of Afghanistan's history, chiefly remembered for his role in the bloody civil war of the 1990s.

But the peace deal signed with Kabul in September, Afghanistan's first such agreement since the Taliban launched their insurgency in 2001, paved the way for his political comeback after more than two decades.

Hekmatyar, who heads the now largely dormant Hezb-i-Islami militant group, is the latest in a series of controversial figures that Kabul has sought to reintegrate in the post-Taliban era by granting judicial immunity for past crimes.

The pattern has been well established by other warlords, such as General Abdul Rashid Dostum, currently the country's first vice president.

The peace agreement inked with Afghanistan's second-biggest militant group marked a symbolic victory for President Ashraf Ghani, who has struggled to revive peace talks with the more powerful Taliban.

But it has sparked revulsion from human rights groups and residents of the capital who survived the civil war.

A prominent anti-Soviet commander in the 1980s, Hekmatyar -- due to return to Kabul on Saturday -- stands accused of killing thousands of people in the city during the 1992-1996 civil war.

During his exile he was widely believed to be in hiding in Pakistan, but his group claimed he remained in Afghanistan.
Pope Francis (C) is visiting Cairo to show solidarity with the country's Christian minority after a series of deadly church bombings

Thousands of Egyptian Catholics waving the colours of the Vatican flag gathered amid tight security Saturday in a Cairo stadium where Pope Francis was to lead mass.

Crowds of pilgrims poured out of buses into the stadium in the early hours of the morning, eager to see the Argentine pontiff in the flesh for the first time.

"I'm so happy to be seeing the pope in real life," said Siham Ghali shortly after daybreak.

"It's a great honour for me and all Egyptians."

Nearby, Jihan John said she was delighted to be attending a mass led by a Catholic pope for the second time after seeing former pope John Paul II when he visited Egypt in 2000.

Francis "came to Egypt to show everybody -- the whole world -- that Egypt is safe," she said.

Policemen and republican guards, deployed in great numbers, checked cars and buses outside the stadium. Helicopters flew overhead.

The 80-year-old pontiff is visiting Cairo to show solidarity with the country's Christian minority after a series of deadly church bombings.

The Vatican said the already scheduled visit would go ahead as planned after twin church bombings killed 45 people north of Cairo on Palm Sunday earlier this month.

The attacks, as well as a December church bombing that killed 29 people, were claimed by the Islamic State group.

The jihadist group has threatened more attacks against Christians.

Dressed in his brown robes, Franciscan Father William Abdel Masseeh said the Pope's visit was "an invitation to peace" after the bombings.

"The Pope is famous for always striving for peace," he said.

Thousands gathered in the stadium's terraces and in its centre to listen to the homily of the spiritual leader of the world's almost 1.3 billion Catholics.

Egypt's Catholic community -- Coptic, Armenian, Maronite and Melkite -- is estimated at about 272,000.

Christians, who make up around 10 percent of Egypt's population of 92 million, have long complained of marginalisation in the Muslim-majority country.
The Philippines' police chief has defended the detention of a dozen people inside a closet-sized secret cell in a case that raised further alarm about abuses under President Rodrigo Duterte's deadly war on drugs

The Philippines' police chief came under fire Saturday for defending the detention of a dozen people inside a closet-sized secret cell in a case that raised further alarm about abuses under President Rodrigo Duterte's deadly war on drugs.

The men and women were found packed into the tiny cell behind a wooden cabinet at a Manila police precinct on Thursday, sparking a public outcry, a police inquiry and the suspension of the officers at the unit.

But on late Friday national police chief Ronald Dela Rosa visited the police station to defend his men's actions.

"As long as the prisoners were not tortured or extorted, it's okay with me," he told reporters.

Dela Rosa also accused the Commission on Human Rights, an independent state body which had made the discovery during an unannounced visit, of plotting to embarrass the government.

The detainees, since moved to a regular prison cell, alleged they had been held without charges for about a week and that police had demanded hefty payments in exchange for their freedom.

Dela Rosa rejected the allegations while urging the commission to conduct regular police prison visits instead of making a random one timed with an Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit that Duterte hosted Saturday.

Rights body chief Jose Gascon urged the police chief to refrain from making statements that he said would appear to condone an illegal act, such as running secret detention facilities.

"Otherwise, to do so further encourages the climate of impunity that perpetuates wrongful action because the wrongdoers are not held accountable or punished," Gascon said in a statement.

- Impunity -

"I am concerned that this may not be an isolated incident," Gascon said, adding he was taking up Dela Rosa's suggestion to undertake a "full review and audit" of all police prison facilities.

International rights monitor Human Rights Watch on Saturday also called on the Philippines to free all "unlawfully detained" suspects and abolish unofficial police lock-up cells.

"Secret jails may just be one more form of police criminality that has multiplied during the drug war," the group's deputy Asia director Phelim Kine said in a statement.

Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde has conceded that congested detention facilities are widespread.

After suspending the police officers involved, Albayalde also ordered police internal affairs service to investigate the detainees' allegations.

Duterte won last year's presidential election on a pledge to kill tens of thousands of criminals.

Police have since reported killing 2,724 people as part of Duterte's anti-drug campaign, although authorities insist the shootings have been in self defence.

Many thousands of others have been killed by shadowy vigilantes, according to rights groups.

Duterte briefly suspended all police from the crackdown in January after an official investigation found drug officers kidnapped a South Korean businessman and murdered him as part of an extortion scam.

At the time, Duterte described the police force as "corrupt to the core" and vowed it would not be allowed to prosecute the drug war until its ranks had been "cleansed".

But he redeployed police onto the drug war about a month later, without major reforms.
A member of Hamas's military wing takes part in a rally in Gaza City on December 14, 2016, marking the movement's 29th anniversary

Hamas is to unveil a new version of its controversial founding charter which called for the destruction of Israel in a bid to ease its international isolation, party officials said.

Leaders of the Islamist movement have long spoken of the more limited aim of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip without explicitly setting it out in its charter.

But after years of internal debate, the party leadership is to publish a supplementary charter at a conference in Qatar on Monday that will formally accept the idea of a state in the territories occupied by Israel in the Six-Day War of 1967.

In a sop to hardliners within the movement, the original 1988 charter will not be dropped just supplemented, and there will be no recognition of Israel, as demanded by the international community.

The new document will clearly present the objective of establishing a "sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital in the 1967 borders," a senior Hamas official told AFP.

"It does not constitute in any way a recognition of the Zionist entity," the official added.

Leading Hamas official Bassem Naim said the new document was the fruit of four years of discussion within the movement, which has fought three wars with Israel since it seized control of the Gaza Strip in 2007.

Another Hamas leader, Ahmed Yusef, told AFP the updated charter was "more moderate, more measured and would help protect us against accusations of racism, anti-Semitism and breaches of international law."

It will "differentiate between Jews as a religious community on the one hand, and the occupation and Zionist entity on the other," he said.

- 'Resistance remains' -

Hamas parades Palestinian and Islamist flags during a rally to commemorate its 29th anniversary on December 9, 2016

But hardliner Mahmud Zahar insisted there would be no change in the party's commitment to armed resistance against Israel, which has put it on the terror blacklists of the European Union and the United States.

He said the new document was "a tool for the future but it does not mean we're changing our principles".

"The resistance remains and we will fight (Israel) with all our might."

Hamas swept Palestinian parliamentary elections in 2006 but the international community refused to deal with any government in which it participated until it renounced violence and recognised Israel and past peace agreements.

The resulting deadlock led to mounting friction between Hamas and the rival Fatah movement of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas which culminated in its seizure of Gaza.

The senior Hamas official who asked not to be identified said the new charter was also intended to give a boost to reconciliation efforts between the two factions, which still run rival administrations in the West Bank and Gaza.

The new document defines the movement's goals as "political and not religious," easing its entry into the Palestine Liberation Organisation, headed by Abbas.

It describes Hamas as a "Palestinian national liberation and resistance movement with religious references," the official said.

The new charter also abandons past references to the pan-national Muslim Brotherhood, to which it was closely linked when formed.

That could ease difficult relations with the Egyptian government of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who as army chief overthrew his Islamist predecessor Mohamed Morsi in 2013 and has since led a bloody crackdown on the Brotherhood.

Gaza-based political analyst Mukhaimer Abu Saada said the charter update could bolster the Islamist movement's relations with Arab states and countries like Norway, Russia and Switzerland which have never joined the Western boycott.

But he said it was unlikely to mend Hamas's relations with the EU or the US.

Hamas "is trying to change in the eyes of the international community and the Arab world," Abu Saada said.

"It could encourage some states already interacting with Hamas to formalise their relations.

"But if it does not accept the two-state solution, the international community will not remove it from its terror lists."
Anti-IS forces advance towards RAqa

Turkey and the United States can join forces to turn the Islamic State jihadist group's de-facto capital of Raqa in Syria into a "graveyard" for the extremists, the Turkish president said on Saturday.

The Turkish government is pressuring Washington to stop backing Kurdish fighters as an ally in the fight against IS jihadists in Syria, in a dispute that has has limited cooperation between the NATO allies.

"The huge America, the coalition and Turkey can join hands and turn Raqa into a graveyard for Daesh," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told an Istanbul meeting, using an alternative name for the IS group.

"They (the jihadists) will look for a place for themselves to hide," he said.

Erdogan's comments come ahead of a meeting with President Donald Trump on May 16 in the United States, their first face-to-face summit since the American leader took office in January.

Ankara is hopeful about the future of the relationship with Washington under Trump after ties frayed in the final years of Barack Obama's administration.

Members of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces inspect a dam recaptured from jihadists near Raqa on March 27, 2017

The two countries have bitterly disagreed over the role of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in Syria.

Turkey sees the group as a terrorist group linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been waging a deadly insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984.

But for the United States, the YPG is essential in the fight against IS jihadists.

The dispute has until now held up any joint American-Turkish operation to seize Raqa and Erdogan is clearly hoping for a breakthrough at his meeting with Trump.

Turkey this month announced it had completed its half-year Euphrates Shield operation in northern Syria against jihadists and Kurdish militia, although it is keeping a presence to maintain security in towns now under control of pro-Ankara Syrian rebels.

- 'You cannot play'-

Erdogan on Saturday said he would present Trump at their meeting next month with "documents" proving the YPG's links to the PKK, which is designated as a terror group by Ankara and Washington.

"We are telling American friends not to take a terror group along with them," the Turkish leader said.

Turkey on Wednesday carried out several strikes in Syria and Iraq against separatist Kurdish rebels and their allies, drawing the wrath of US officials who accused Ankara of lacklustre coordination.

The strikes in the Sinjar area of northern Iraq were against positions held by the Yazidi Protection Units (YBS), a militia supported by the PKK.

"We launched strikes against Sinjar, and the other place (in Syria) and killed 210 to 220 terrorists there. Why? You cannot play with this nation," Erdogan said.

He hinted at future operations against the YPG and PKK in Iraq and Syria.

"We know very well what to do when the right time comes. We can turn up abruptly one night," he said, repeating a line from a well-known Turkish song.

Tensions escalated this week with cross-border clashes between Turkish forces and the YPG near the Syrian border. Turkey fired a barrage of artillery at the YPG, who returned fire with rockets on Turkish outposts on the border.
The world's first museum dedicated to China's Tiananmen Square crackdown will once again open its doors in Hong Kong after a months-long closure as the city prepares to mark the 20th anniversary of its handover to Beijing

The world's first museum dedicated to China's Tiananmen Square crackdown will once again open its doors in Hong Kong after a months-long closure as the city prepares to mark the 20th anniversary of its handover to Beijing.

The June 4th Museum closed its doors last July after organisers said they were being targeted for political reasons in the semi-autonomous city where concerns are growing that Beijing is tightening its grip.

Tenants in the commercial building which housed the museum from 2014 said the museum breached regulations that said the premises could only be used for offices.

The museum, now housed at a new temporary venue, will open to the public at a time when Hong Kong is revving up the fanfare for the 20th anniversary of its handover to China by Britain, with expectations of a high-profile visit by Chinese president Xi Jinping.

Organiser Lee Cheuk-yan told AFP this was an especially important time to reopen the museum.

"It's very important that this museum will be here to tell him (Xi) in his face that people in Hong Kong have not forgotten what had happened 28 years ago when the Communist Party decided to open fire and send in tanks against the people's aspiration for freedom," Lee said.

Chinese authorities branded the pro-democracy protests in Beijing's Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989 a "counter-revolutionary rebellion" and many on the mainland remain unaware of the crackdown.

The cramped 100 square-metre (1,100 square-foot) space will be displaying newspaper clippings, large photographs and videos of tanks rolling down the streets of Beijing during the crackdown.

The exhibit, which also displays a two-metre tall statue of the Goddess of Democracy, opens from April 30 to June 15 in the city's Shek Kip Mei residential region.

"It's very much meaningful because... it counteracts against the brainwashing by the Communist party," Lee said of the museum, which is still searching for a permanent home.

"They have the money and resources to really try to use excuses to suppress our museum, but I think we will fight on, and I think with the support of people in Hong Kong we can fight," he said.

The Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China, which runs the museum, is raising funds and hopes to find a permanent location for the displays within the next two years.

Residents told AFP it was important for Hong Kong to host the museum.

"Hong Kong is the only place in China that can act as a platform for people to comprehend this part of history," said social worker Regan Suen, 33.

Beijing has never given an official death toll for the Tiananmen crackdown, which was condemned worldwide, but independent observers tallied more than 1,000 dead.

Hong Kong enjoys freedoms unseen on the mainland, enshrined in a deal made before Britain handed it back to China in 1997. But there are growing fears those freedoms are being eroded.
Indian Hindu devotees offer prayers to Lord Balaji, known as the 'Visa God', at the Chilkur Balaji Temple in southern India

Hundreds of Indians gather daily at a 500-year-old Hindu temple in southern India where they pray for a single wish -- an increasingly elusive US visa.

The Chilkur Balaji temple dedicated to Lord Balaji -- a re-incarnation of Hindu god Vishnu -- on the outskirts of Hyderabad city, has long been a one-stop solution for prospective Indian immigrants seeking US visas, earning it the sobriquet of 'visa temple'.

But temple officials say the place has seen an increase in visitors since the election of US President Donald Trump, who this month signed an order seeking to reform the "H-1B" work visa system.

The "H-1B" visas are highly sought after by aspiring Indian immigrants but Trump's push to make the permits available only to the most-skilled or highest-paid applicants has many worried.

Software engineer Shreekanth Angirekula was among the fortunate ones, having recently secured a US visa after repeated rejections.

Indian software engineer Angirekula Sreekanth says his prayers to the Hindu deity helped him secure a US visa, shown in this picture

"It's a miracle. I couldn't get a visa for the last two years but after visiting the temple everything went off smoothly," Angirekula, 33, told AFP.

"I am not superstitious but there was definitely divine intervention," he said.

More than 100,000 devotees visit the temple every week, for visas and other reasons.

They proffer their passports and a flower before the deity as they circumambulate the inner sanctum of the temple 11 times while chanting Hindu hymns.

Once the wish is granted, worshippers must return to make 108 rounds of the sanctum.

Chief priest Ranga Rajan said devotees come from across the country in pursuit of visas.

"Same passport, same documents, same embassy and same applicant, but their visas were rejected before coming to the Lord," Rajan told AFP.

"It's all Balaji's blessings," he said, adding "it's not superstition but spiritualism".

The temple's supposedly magical powers gained repute in the 1980s after a group of engineers visited the temple to pray for visas.

They were all granted their wish, and soon, hordes of aspirants followed in their wake.

"I have applied for the visa for (my) studies and I hope Balaji will make it happen," student Raja Shekhar Reddy told AFP.

"This visit has boosted my confidence," he said.
South Sudan government forces and allied militias have denied access to -- and sometimes attacked -- aid workers and looted relief supplies.

The United Nations on Saturday called for a halt to fighting in South Sudan after the government launched a new offensive earlier this week.

South Sudanese government forces targeted a town in the north on Wednesday, displacing civilians the UN said may be headed toward the border with Sudan.

"We are disturbed by the escalation of violence and subsequent suffering of civilians in South Sudan as a result of the recent government offensive," Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said in a statement.

"We urge the government and other warring parties to cease hostilities, uphold their responsibility to protect civilians and cooperate with the United Nations and other humanitarian actors to ensure safe access to all civilians in imminent danger along the West Bank of the River Nile."

Some 50,000 people in Kodok in Upper Nile state, many of whom fled fighting six weeks ago in the town of Wau Shilluk, were at risk from the violence, the UN said earlier this week.

Famine in South Sudan

"The renewed upsurge in fighting represents a callous and blatant disregard of the pledges made during the 25 March 2017 IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) Summit to implement a ceasefire and to facilitate humanitarian access," Dujarric said, calling on all sides to return to the negotiating table.

"There can be no military solution to the crisis in South Sudan."

This week's attack was the latest in an upsurge in fighting in South Sudan since the beginning of the year that has driven tens of thousands of civilians from their homes.

After gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, the country descended into war in December 2013, leaving tens of thousands dead and more than 3.5 million people displaced.

In February, South Sudan and the United Nations formally declared a famine in parts of northern Unity State affecting 100,000 people, a disaster UN officials said was "man-made" and could have been averted.
Tunisians protest on April 29, 2017 after parliament debated a bill that would grant amnesty to businessmen accused of corruption during Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's rule

Tunisia said Saturday it had replaced two senior officials in a southeastern region, days after protesters there booed the prime minister off stage following weeks of demonstrations.

Tunisia has faced a wave of protests and strikes over joblessness, corruption and perceived marginalisation, six years since a revolution ignited by similar grievances.

Prime Minister Youssef Chahed was shouted down and forced to leave a heated town hall meeting on Thursday in Tataouine, 500 kilometres (300 miles) south of Tunis.

On Saturday, the government announced that "Mohamed Ali Barhoumi (was named) governor of Tataouine and Mohamed Cherif named sub-prefect".

Their predecessors were dismissed, as was the regional head of the National Guard, a government source told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"Other officials will follow," the source added, without elaborating.

Chahed and his delegation had announced measures to bring jobs and development to the region, which residents claim is marginalised.

Tataouine residents have long demanded more jobs and a bigger share of the revenues from oil extraction in the region.

Several ministers accompanied Chahed on Thursday to the town where the market, banks and shops were shuttered and burned tyres lay in the streets -- evidence of barricades erected during recent protests.

Dozens of protesters interrupted Chahed during a speech with cries of "Work! Freedom! National dignity!" -- a slogan from the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and sparked the Arab Spring uprisings.

In Tunis on Saturday, several hundred people demonstrated against a bill that would allow an amnesty of Ben Ali-era officials being prosecuted for corruption, in exchange for paying a fine and reimbursing any illicit gains.

"It will not pass!" chanted the mostly young protesters in the centre of the capital.

Some wore T-shirts and carried signs bearing the slogan "Manich Msamah" ("I don't forgive" in Arabic) the name of the group that organised the protest.

"No reconciliation (with the corrupt). They must first be accountable, then we can talk about reconciliation," Tayssir Jlassi, a 23-year-old student, told AFP.

President Beji Caid Essebsi backs the amnesty bill which he has said would "improve the investment climate" in Tunisia, battered by years of economic turmoil since Ben Ali's fall.

The law had been put aside last year, but reappeared this week during a parliamentary committee hearing, triggering an outcry by civil society groups.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (R) meets with Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas in the capital Cairo on April 29, 2017

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Saturday urged the United States to help restart negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, a statement from the presidency said.

The statement came after Sisi met Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas who will meet US President Donald Trump in Washington on Wednesday for talks on reviving the stagnated Middle East peace process.

Sisi said it was "important that the United States returns to play an active role in efforts to resume negotiations between the Palestinians and Israel", the statement said.

The two "agreed that the two-state solution is the only way to bring stability to the region", it added.

Sisi said a 2002 Arab peace initiative should be the basis for a comprehensive solution.

The Saudi-led initiative offered normalised relations with Israel in exchange for resolving the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

When Abbas meets Trump on Wednesday it will be the first encounter between the two men, but will follow a series of US contacts with the Palestinian leader.

Israeli-Palestinian peace talks have repeatedly run aground despite periodic US efforts to revive them, most recently by former secretary of state John Kerry.

But Abbas, who met in Ramallah recently with CIA chief Mike Pompeo and Trump's special representative Jason Greenblatt, has said Trump is "seriously considering a solution to the Palestinian issue".

Shortly after taking office, Trump alarmed Palestinians by calling into question his administration's support for a two-state solution, a bedrock of US policy.

But he has since warned Israel against "unrestrained" building of settler homes in the occupied West Bank.
A picture taken on February 18, 2016 shows a general view of the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako renovated three months after a deadly attack that left 19 people dead

Mali has extended a state of emergency by six months until October 31, a source in the parliament told AFP on Saturday, as the west African nation battles a jihadist insurgency.

MPs meeting on Friday "voted unanimously" to extend the state of emergency, according to this source.

The measure has been renewed several times since jihadists stormed the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako in November 2015, killing 20 people in an attack claimed by Al-Qaeda's regional branch.

The decree, which was due to expire Saturday, hands extra powers to security forces and restricts public gatherings.

The country's troubled north has witnessed a spate of jihadist strikes despite the emergency.

Last month, armed men killed five soldiers and injured 10 others in an attack on an army post in the tense Timbuktu region.

The last time the government extended the measure, it said the "security situation in Mali and in the sub-region is still characterised by the continued threat of terrorism and serious attacks on people and their belongings."

Mali's north fell under the control of jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda in 2012 who hijacked an ethnic Tuareg-led rebel uprising, though the Islamists were largely ousted by a French-led military operation in January 2013.

But jihadists continue to roam the country's north and centre, mounting attacks on civilians and the army, as well as on French and UN forces still stationed there.
Supporters of Iranian presidential candidate Ebrahim Raisi at a campaign rally in Tehran on April 29, 2017

Hardline Iranian presidential hopeful Ebrahim Raisi condemned President Hassan Rouhani's economic management Saturday, speaking at an election campaign rally in a packed Tehran stadium.

Addressing thousands of supporters who waved Iranian flags and held pictures of their candidate, he blamed Rouhani and foreign powers for Iran's economic woes.

"Today, 30 percent of our young people are out of jobs and unemployment is over 12 percent," Raisi said.

Iranian presidential candidate Ebrahim Raisi at a campaign rally in the capital Tehran on April 29, 2017

"Does this situation have to continue? Do we have to wait for foreigners to fix our problems?"

His supporters chanted "Raisi, we love you!" at his first major campaign rally ahead of a May 19 presidential election in which he is hoping to unseat moderate incumbent Rouhani.

"We are facing an unacceptable situation because of weak management," Raisi said.

"We can't fix our country's problems with words. We can fix our problems with firm and revolutionary management."

Raisi, a veteran judge, and Tehran's conservative mayor Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are the two main conservative candidates challenging reformists Rouhani and First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri.

"He's the most competent candidate because he is a believer, he is healthy, committed, revolutionary and thinks of the people," Seraj, a 50-year-old retiree, told AFP of Raisi.

"The priority is the economy, reinforcing national production and solving unemployment," he said, accusing Rouhani's government of being "too passive and made up of old men".

"But we thank Mr Rouhani because in his four years as president he has exposed the true face of the United States and the fact that we cannot trust it," he added.

Conservatives accuse Rouhani, who in 2015 signed a deal with world powers over Iran's nuclear programme, of being duped by the west, particularly the United States.

They argue that by retaining some sanctions, the US blocked Iran from fully normalising its economic relations with the outside world.

Raisi said he would aim to build a million homes and create a million jobs per year.

His supporters cheered loudly when he accused Rouhani's government of slowing down projects to build social housing.

Raisi said he would triple direct aid payments to the poor, currently set at $15 (14 euros) per person per month.

That would affect up to 30 million people in a country of 80 million.
Reprising his theme of "world war in parts", Pope Francis said that these were "concentrated at points that were already hot. In Korea, today, it seems that things are becoming too heated"

Pope Francis on Saturday called for negotiations to resolve tensions surrounding North Korea's nuclear ambitions.

Speaking on board the papal plane on his way back from a two-day visit to Egypt, the pontiff said there was a need for "negotiations with a view to a diplomatic solution".

"There are plenty of mediators in the world who are putting themselves forward. Norway, for example which is ready to help," he said.

Reprising his theme of "world war in parts", Pope Francis said that these were "concentrated at points that were already hot. In Korea, today, it seems that things are becoming too heated."

North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile Saturday in apparent defiance of a concerted US push for tougher international sanctions to curb Pyongyang's nuclear weapons ambitions.

The latest launch, which South Korea said was a failure, came just hours after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned the UN Security Council of "catastrophic consequences" if the international community -- most notably China -- failed to pressure the North into abandoning its weapons programme.
Demonstrators march on Pennsylvania Avenue during the People's Climate March in Washington DC, on April, 29, 2017

Tens of thousands of people marched Saturday from the US Capitol to the White House to show support for climate-change science and protest President Donald Trump's rollbacks of environmental protections.

The Peoples Climate March took place under stifling, near-record heat and on the 100th day of the billionaire climate skeptic's presidency. He was the target of many signs and banners, mocked and criticized by demonstrators of all ages.

Hollywood megastar Leonardo DiCaprio took part in the rally, walking with a group of Native Americans. "Climate change is real," read a sign he carried.

"Trump is rolling back the regulations, he is talking about pulling out of the Paris agreement(the climate accord signed in 2015), he is trying to raise up oil and coal again, even though they are on their way out, and doing all the opposite things of what's needed," mechanical engineer Robert Siegel told AFP. Siegel, who works on air-cleaning technologies, had come from New York for the march.

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio (L) marches march on Pennsylvania Avenue during the People's Climate March in Washington DC, on April, 29, 2017

Some protest signs put a twist on Trump's famous slogan "Make America Great Again." One said "Make America Cool Again," and another, "Make America Smart Again." Others pointed out the environmental costs of his frequent Florida weekends, adding that his palatial Mar-a-Lago retreat is threatened by rising sea levels.

"We are the majority, even though we are not in power right now. A majority of people agree with this march. It's a powerful minority that is stopping it," said Bill Jenkins, 65. A music teacher from Maryland, he was referring to the fact that Trump won only a minority of the popular vote in the November 8 election.

Other signs and posters called for a greener economy with greater emphasis on renewable energy sources, and warned against the danger of inaction by the Trump administration.

Protesters hold signs and chant in front of the White House during the People's Climate March in Washington, DC, on April 29, 2017

Trump has said, among other things, that climate change was a "hoax," tweeting in November that "the concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make US manufacturing non-competitive."

For Kem Morawski, a retiree living in Maryland, the objective of the march was to show "Congress that there's a lot of people out here -- their constituents -- that are concerned about climate change."

As to Trump, she added, "I am not sure we can reach him."
HOUSTON (AP) - Houston lawyer Richard "Racehorse" Haynes, famed for his flamboyant but successful trial defenses of millionaire and billionaire clients in some of Texas' most notorious murder cases, has died at age 90.

Haynes died early Friday at his home surrounded by family in the East Texas town of Trinity after years of declining health, said family spokesman Chris Tritico, a Houston criminal defense lawyer Haynes once mentored.

Initial fame came when Haynes defended wealthy Houston plastic surgeon John Hill at trial over the 1969 slaying of Hill's socialite wife, Joan Robinson Hill, whom investigators said died after eating an eclair secretly laced with E. coli bacteria.

FILE - In this 1988 file photo, attorney Richard "Racehorse" Haynes speaks at a state bar association convention, location not known. Haynes, famed for his flamboyant but successful trial defenses of millionaire and billionaire clients in some of Texas' most notorious murder cases, has died at age 90. Haynes died early Friday, April 28, 2017, at his home surrounded by family in the East Texas town of Trinity after years of declining health, said family spokesman Chris Tritico, a Houston criminal defense lawyer Haynes once mentored. (Tony Record//Star-Telegram via AP)

The 1971 trial ended in a hung jury - but Hill was gunned down in the driveway of his mansion before he could be retried. The case was the subject of Thomas Thompson's best-selling book "Blood and Money," which later was made into the 1981 film "Murder in Texas" starring Sam Elliott and Farrah Fawcett.

Haynes later represented Fort Worth oilman T. Cullen Davis, the first billionaire to be indicted for murder in the United States. Davis was accused of opening fire inside his mansion in 1976, killing his 12-year-old stepdaughter, Andrea Wilborn, and his estranged wife's boyfriend, Stan Farr. His estranged wife, Priscilla, and family friend Gus Gavrel Jr. were wounded in shootings.

The first trial ended in a mistrial because of juror misconduct. The second ended in an acquittal in 1977.

Davis was later indicted on a capital murder solicitation charge, accused of trying to arrange a hit on his estranged wife and the judge in their divorce case. Haynes won an acquittal of Davis in that case, too.

On Friday, Davis recalled Haynes' cross-examinations in his trials, how he never let up if dissatisfied with witness responses or a judge's ruling.

"I was thinking about him yesterday," Davis, now 83, told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "He wouldn't give up even when the judge tried to get him to quit asking the question, and he finally would get the answer he wanted."

Former prosecutor Jack Strickland tried the cases against Davis, with Haynes at the defense table.

"I remember how aggravated I was at him for two years running," the Fort Worth lawyer told the Star-Telegram. "He was a very formidable adversary. He was a showman. Those were the days when lawyers had a little more latitude to mouth off and try their cases in the press."
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - The Latest on Venezuela's ongoing political crisis. (all times local):

7:50 p.m.

Samuel Moncada, Venezuela's deputy minister of foreign affairs for North America, said his country is pulling out of the Organization of American States because the group has become a forum for "coercion" instead of cooperation.

Opponents of President Nicolas Maduro march to the Ramo Verde military prison in Los Teques, outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, April 28, 2017. Venezuela's opposition called for a march to the prison where opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez is serving a nearly 14-year sentence for his role leading anti-government demonstrations in 2014. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Amid protests in Caracas aimed at forcing President Nicolas Maduro from office, Venezuela gave notice Friday of its plans to withdraw from the Washington-based OAS. The notice begins a two-year exit process.

At a news conference at the Venezuelan consulate in New York, Moncada said the OAS has "degraded into an instrument of oppression" conducting a "campaign to destroy democracy in Venezuela."

He accused the United States of pressuring other, smaller countries not to stand with Venezuela in the organization.

___

7:40 p.m.

Venezuela has formally notified the Organization of American States of its intention to leave the regional body whose leader has been one of the fiercest critics of embattled President Nicolas Maduro.

Interim Ambassador Carmen Velasquez submitted a letter on Friday declaring the move to OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro in Washington.

The decision comes after a contentious meeting at the group's headquarters in which its permanent council voted in favor of holding a special session to evaluate Venezuela's crisis, adding to mounting international pressure for Maduro to schedule delayed elections and free detained political activists.

Tension have been steadily rising between Venezuela and a group of OAS members that includes the United States since Almagro issued a 75-page report in March accusing Maduro's government of systematically violating human rights and standards of democracy.
AVONDALE, Louisiana (AP) - Jonas Blixt and Cameron Smith posted a 10-under 62 in Friday's four-ball format to move into the lead at the Zurich Classic, which is in its first year of a new team format.

Blixt and Smith have a two-day total of 15-under 129 to lead by one over Patrick Reed and Patrick Cantlay. The K.J Choi-Charlie Wi and Troy Merritt-Robert Streb pairings are tied for third at 13-under.

The four-ball format has each member of a two-man team playing his own ball throughout a round, with only the best score on each hole recorded. The same format will be used Sunday. The first and third rounds have an alternate-shot format.

Teammates Jonas Blixt, left, of Sweden, and Cameron Smith, of Australia, laugh as they walk the ninth fairway during the second round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament's new two-man team format at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Friday, April 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

The change from the alternate-shot approach produced much lower scores Friday.

The Zurich Classic was a standard individual tournament until changing formats this year. This marks the PGA Tour's first official team event since the 1981 Disney Classic.

Jonas Blixt, of Sweden, chips onto the eighth green during the second round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament's new two-man team format at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Friday, April 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Jonas Blixt, of Sweden, reacts after sinking a putt for eagle on the seventh green during the second round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament's new two-man team format at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Friday, April 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
USSEAU, France (AP) - French presidential front-runner Emmanuel Macron hunted Saturday for votes in rural France where his far-right opponent, Marine Le Pen, is making inroads among country folk who feel left behind.

Back in Paris, Le Pen announced that if she wins the presidency in the May 7 runoff she would name former rival Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, her new campaign ally, as her prime minister. The move aims to secure the nearly 1.7 million votes that the anti-European Union conservative got when he was eliminated from the presidential race in the first round of balloting.

Since many Dupont-Aignan voters had already been expected to switch to Le Pen for her runoff against the centrist Macron, the alliance is unlikely to prove a massive electoral boost for her.

French centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron visits a market in Poitiers, central France, Saturday, April 29 , 2017. Macron faces far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen in a May 7 runoff election. (AP Photo/Angela Charlton)

Symbolically, however, it punctured a hole in hopes - expressed by mainstream politicians on both the left and the right - that French voters would unite against Le Pen's extremism in the runoff. That did happen in 2002, when her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, made it to the presidential runoff but lost overwhelmingly to Jacques Chirac.

At a news conference with Dupont-Aignan, Marine Le Pen celebrated his backing as the creation of "a great patriotic and republican alliance" and said they will campaign "hand-in-hand."

"It's a historic day, because we are putting France's interests before personal or partisan ones," Dupont-Aignan said.

Macron said their far-right and right-wing alliance made the campaign battle lines even clearer.

"There is a reactionary, nationalist, anti-European right-wing that has structured itself and which, today, is an important political force," he said. "Facing it is a progressive bloc that I represent, and which defends France."

Macron is not saying yet who he would name to lead his government if he is elected. In a radio interview Saturday, he merely said he has "people in mind."

Venturing into rural France to combat Le Pen's arguments that he represents just the big-city elite, the former economy minister plugged his proposals to reverse the economic and social decline in farming areas. Macron promised to modernize phone and internet connections in rural areas and vigorously defended the EU as an essential market for French farmers.

On an impromptu tour of the farmers' market in the central town of Poitiers, Macron listened to a grain farmer complain about low-price competition from other EU countries and a vegetable farmer lament about the difficulty of getting loans to upgrade farm equipment.

As the smell of goat cheeses wafted across the stalls, Macron rebuffed Le Pen's criticisms of the EU with a vigorous defense of European free trade, saying her plans to leave the bloc and its agricultural aid program would spell the end of French farming.

"Rural areas need an open, conquering France," Macron said. "Our agriculture needs Europe and openness."

Macron promised that no more schools would close in rural areas if he is elected and said his government would intervene directly if mobile operators fail within 18 months to install high-speed fiber optic and phone networks "everywhere."

Le Pen has made the plight of French farmers a theme of her campaign, citing farm closures, rural poverty and farmers' suicides.

The tidy village of Usseau, where Macron visited farmer Patrick Moron on Saturday, gave 120 of its votes, one third of the total, to Le Pen in round one, almost double the 66 votes it gave to Macron.

"We have wines, we have cheeses, we had the advantage for a long time," said Moron, a Macron supporter. "But we are no longer moving forward."

Neighboring farmer Dominique Marchand, who rotates harvests of colza, corn, wheat and sunflowers, lamented the growing scarcity of rural schools and medical facilities.

"Sometimes we have to go 30 kilometers (20 miles) to find a doctor, or drive 45 minutes to the nearest emergency room," he said. "It's getting worse and worse."

Speaking after attending an EU summit on Saturday, outgoing French President Francois Hollande warned voters that abstaining on May 7 could help Le Pen score high enough to encourage her to run again if she isn't elected this time. He said voters on both the left and the right should have no qualms about voting for the centrist Macron.

"It shouldn't even be a subject of discussion," Hollande said. "A ballot for Macron, you think of it as the ballot that keeps out the extreme right."

Abstaining from voting in the runoff, Hollande added, would just encourage Le Pen in the future. The far-right candidate came in third in the presidential race in 2012, and will end up no less than second in 2017.

"The lower she is, the less strong her ambitions can be for tomorrow," Hollande said.

Dupont-Aignan got 4.7 percent of the first-round vote on April 23 - compared to Macron's 24 percent and 21 percent for Le Pen - with a platform that described the EU as "inefficient, intrusive, anti-democratic and authoritarian." The right-winger called for the EU to be replaced by "a community of European states" with greater national powers for its members.

Le Pen's far-right National Front rejoiced over the alliance with Dupont-Aignan. Florian Philippot, a National Front vice president, told BFM television this was "a turning point in this campaign."

Still, the alliance caused splits within Dupont-Aignan's own party. It prompted the departure of vice president Dominique Jamet, who told BFM that the Le Pen-Dupont-Aignan alliance is "a couple that doesn't please me."

___

John Leicester in Paris contributed.

New campaign ally Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, left, and far-right candidate for the 2017 French presidential election Marine Le Pen attend a media conference in Paris, France, Saturday, April 29, 2017. Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen says her new campaign ally, Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, would be her prime minister if she is elected. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

French centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech during a campaign rally in Chatellerault, central France, Friday, April 28, 2017. Macron faces far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen off in a May 7 runoff election. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

French centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech during a campaign rally in Chatellerault, central France, Friday, April 28, 2017. Macron faces far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen off in a May 7 runoff election. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

French centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron visits a market in Poitiers, central France, Saturday, April 29 , 2017. Macron faces far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen in a May 7 runoff election. (AP Photo/Angela Charlton)

French centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron pets a horse as he visits a farm in Usseau, central France, Saturday, April 29 , 2017. Macron faces far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen in a May 7 runoff election. (Eric Feferberg/Pool via AP)

New campaign ally Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, left, and far-right candidate for the 2017 French presidential election Marine Le Pen sing the national anthem during media conference in Paris, France, Saturday, April 29, 2017. Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen says her new campaign ally, Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, would be her prime minister if she is elected. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

New campaign ally Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, left, and far-right candidate for the 2017 French presidential election Marine Le Pen attend a media conference in Paris, France, Saturday, April 29, 2017. Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen says her new campaign ally, Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, would be her prime minister if she is elected. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

New campaign ally Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, left, and far-right candidate for the 2017 French presidential election Marine Le Pen attend a media conference in Paris, France, Saturday, April 29, 2017. Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen says her new campaign ally, Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, would be her prime minister if she is elected. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

New campaign ally Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, left, and far-right candidate for the 2017 French presidential election Marine Le Pen sing the national anthem during media conference in Paris, France, Saturday, April 29, 2017. Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen says her new campaign ally, Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, would be her prime minister if she is elected. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

French centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron speaks to the media as he visits a farm in Usseau, central France, Saturday, April 29 , 2017. Macron faces far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen in a May 7 runoff election. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

French centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron pets a horse as he visits a farm in Usseau, central France, Saturday, April 29 , 2017. Macron faces far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen in a May 7 runoff election. (Eric Feferberg/Pool via AP)

French centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron visits a market in Poitiers, central France, Saturday, April 29 , 2017. Macron faces far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen in a May 7 runoff election. (Eric Feferberg/Pool via AP)

French centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron visits a market in Poitiers, central France, Saturday, April 29 , 2017. Macron faces far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen in a May 7 runoff election. (Eric Feferberg/Pool via AP)

French centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron visits a market in Poitiers, central France, Saturday, April 29 , 2017. Macron faces far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen in a May 7 runoff election. (Eric Feferberg/Pool via AP)

French President Francois Hollande talks to the media at a press conference after a round table meeting at an EU summit in Brussels on Saturday, April 29, 2017. EU leaders met on Saturday for the first time as the formal European Council of 27 to adopt guidelines for the upcoming Brexit negotiations. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

New campaign ally Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, left, and far-right candidate for the 2017 French presidential election Marine Le Pen shake hand as they arrived for a media conference in Paris, France, Saturday, April 29, 2017. Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen says her new campaign ally, Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, would be her prime minister if she is elected. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - The Latest on North Korea test-firing a missile (all times local):

8:38 a.m. Sunday

President Donald Trump says he believes China's president has been putting pressure on North Korea as it pursues its missile and nuclear weapons programs.

The USS Carl Vinson sails offshore Nagasaki prefecture, southern Japan Saturday, April 29, 2017. The USS Carl Vinson is heading north toward the Korean peninsula in a show of force after satellite images suggested North Korea may be preparing to conduct a nuclear test. A North Korean mid-range ballistic missile apparently failed shortly after launch Saturday, South Korea and the United States said, the third test-fire flop just this month but a clear message of defiance as a U.S. supercarrier conducts drills in nearby waters. (Kyodo News via AP)

In an interview with CBS' "Face the Nation," Trump says he won't be happy if North Korea conducts a nuclear test and that he believes Chinese President Xi Jinping won't be happy, either.

Asked if that means military action, Trump responded: "I don't know. I mean, we'll see."

The interview is set to air later Sunday in the U.S.

___

5:35 a.m. Sunday

Pope Francis is warning that "a good part of humanity" will be destroyed if tensions with North Korea escalate, and he is calling for diplomacy and a revived United Nations to take the lead in negotiating a resolution.

Francis was asked as he traveled back to Rome from Egypt on Saturday local time (Sunday morning Seoul time) about North Korean ballistic missile tests and U.S. warnings of "catastrophic" consequences if the world fails to stop them. He was asked specifically what he would tell U.S. President Donald Trump, who has sent a U.S. carrier to conduct drills near the Koreas, and other leaders to try to diffuse the tensions.

Francis says he would urge them to use diplomacy and negotiation "because it's the future of humanity."

"Today, a wider war will destroy not a small part of humanity, but a good part of humanity and culture. Everything. Everything, no? It would be terrible. I don't think humanity today could bear it," he told reporters.

___

6:45 p.m. Saturday

South Korea's navy says it has started joint exercises with U.S. ships, including the supercarrier USS Carl Vinson, which the United States dispatched to the region in a show of force amid the growing threat posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

The drills began Saturday hours after South Korean and U.S. officials said they detected what they presumed was a failed missile launch from an area near the North Korean capital, Pyongyang.

The South Korean navy says the drill is aimed at "deterring North Korea's provocations and displaying the firm alliance between the United States and South Korea."

The USS Carl Vinson also participated in annual springtime drills between United States and South Korea in March.

___

5:35 p.m.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende said Saturday on Twitter that "new missile test violates SC (Security Council) resolution. Urgent need for common action to reduce tension."

Norway, which is not a current member of the Security Council, is a founding member of the United Nations and has always considered the body as a cornerstone in its foreign policy.

___

1:05 p.m.

One of Tokyo's major subways systems says it shut down all lines for 10 minutes early Saturday after receiving warning of a North Korean missile launch.

Tokyo Metro official Hiroshi Takizawa says the temporary suspension affected 13,000 passengers.

Service was halted on all nine lines at 6:07 a.m. It resumed at 6:17 a.m. after it was clear there was no threat to Japan.

Takizawa says it was the first time service had been stopped in response to a missile launch. Train service is generally suspended in Japan immediately after large earthquakes. Tokyo Metro decided earlier this month to stop for missile launch warnings as well.

___

11:35 a.m.

North Korea's state media has reiterated the country's goal of developing a nuclear missile capable of reaching the continental United States on the same day rivals Washington and Seoul detected a failed missile launch from an area near Pyongyang.

The Rodong Sinmun newspaper also said Saturday that the North revealed two types of new intercontinental ballistic missiles in an April 15 military parade honoring its late state founder, Kim Il Sung, the grandfather of current ruler Kim Jong Un. The parade featured previously unseen large rocket canisters and launcher trucks.

It said: "The large territory that is the United States has been entirely exposed to our pre-emptive nuclear strike means."

Referring to the United States sending the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to Korean waters, the newspaper said that "rendering aircraft carriers useless is not even a problem" for its military.

The newspaper says that the North displayed three types of ICBMs during the parade, including two new types that were inside the canisters.

Analysts say the North's existing liquid-fuel ICBMS, including the KN-08 and KN-14, are potentially capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, although the North has never flight tested them.

___

10 a.m.

Japan's government spokesman says the missile launched by North Korea is believed to have traveled about 50 kilometers (30 miles) and fallen on an inland part of the country.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga (yoh-shee-hee-deh soo-gah) said the ballistic missile was fired to the northeast around 5:30 a.m. from an area in the vicinity of Pukchang, north of Pyongyang, the capital.

He spoke at a news conference following a meeting of Japan's National Security Council.

___

9:45 a.m.

France's U.N. ambassador says the U.N. Security Council is "mobilized" and unanimous on the need to denuclearize North Korea.

Francois Delattre said at the United Nations after North Korea's apparently failed missile launch Saturday that while there were "nuances" on policy to be worked out among council members, there is unanimity on the need for North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons.

North Korea fired the missile hours after the Security Council held a ministerial meeting on Pyongyang's escalating weapons program. North Korean officials boycotted the meeting, which was chaired by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Delattre says the council must be "very firm" implementing sanctions, adopting new ones if necessary and denouncing North Korea's human rights record.

___

8:50 a.m.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff says a North Korean missile flew for several minutes and reached a maximum height of 71 kilometers (44 miles) before it apparently failed Saturday.

The joint chiefs said in a statement on Saturday that the missile was fired 49 degrees northeast from an area near Pukchang, just north of the capital Pyongyang. It didn't immediately provide an estimate on how far the missile flew.

South Korea says it's still analyzing what type of missile the North fired.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, said the missile was likely a medium-range KN-17 ballistic missile and that it broke up a couple of minutes after launch.

___

8:38 a.m.

President Donald Trump says North Korea "disrespected" China with its most recent ballistic missile test.

South Korea's military said in a statement Friday afternoon that North Korea had fired the missile from an area near the capital of Pyongyang, but provided no other details.

U.S. and South Korean officials say the launch apparently failed.

Trump did not answer reporters' questions about the missile launch upon returning to the White House from a daytrip to Atlanta.

But he commented on Twitter, saying, "North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!"

___

8:30 a.m.

Japan has protested the latest missile launch by North Korea.

Japanese government spokesman Yoshihide Suga (yoh-shee-hee-deh soo-gah) said Saturday that a ballistic missile firing would be "a clear violation of U.N. security council resolutions."

He added that Japan "cannot accept repeated provocation by North Korea" and had "lodged a strong protest against North Korea."

Japan has become increasingly concerned in recent weeks about the possibility of a North Korean missile attack targeting Japan or U.S. forces stationed in Japan.

___

8:15 a.m.

Japan's public broadcaster NHK has aired footage of a U.S. aircraft carrier sailing off the coast of Nagasaki prefecture in southern Japan.

The USS Carl Vinson is heading north toward the Korean peninsula in a show of force after satellite images suggested North Korea may be preparing to conduct a nuclear test.

NHK said it shot the footage Saturday morning from a helicopter.

Nagasaki is in Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's four main islands.

The Vinson conducted joint training Friday with two Japanese destroyers and two Japanese F-15 fighter jets in waters further south off the Japanese island of Okinawa.

___

7:35 a.m.

The White House says President Donald Trump has been briefed on North Korea's most recent ballistic missile test.

South Korea's military said in a statement Friday afternoon that North Korea had fired the missile from an area around the capital of Pyongyang, but provided no other details. U.S. and South Korean officials say the launch apparently failed.

Trump returned to the White House from a trip to Atlanta shortly after the news broke. He did not answer reporters' questions about the missile launch.

Trump has threatened military action if North Korea continues its pursuit of a nuclear weapons program. He has also said he would prefer to resolve the issue through diplomacy.

__

7:12 a.m.

A U.S. official says North Korea has tested what was likely a medium-range ballistic missile.

The official says the missile broke up a couple minutes after the launch and the pieces fell into the Sea of Japan.

The official was citing an American assessment and says it appeared to be a medium-range KN-17 ballistic missile.

The official wasn't authorized to speak publicly on the matter and demanded anonymity.

-Lolita C. Baldor in Washington

___

6:23 a.m.

South Korea's foreign minister is warning that if the international community doesn't respond to North Korea's repeated provocations now, "we will only further feed the appetite of the trigger-happy regime in Pyongyang."

Yun Byung-se told a ministerial meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Friday that it should take additional punitive measures before North Korea launches more ballistic missiles or conducts a new nuclear test - not afterward.

He proposed "potent measures" including halting the export and supply of crude oil to North Korea, completely cutting off its hard currency earnings by suspending all coal imports from the country, downgrading diplomatic relations, "and seriously considering whether North Korea, a serial offender, is qualified as a member of the U.N."

Yun said South Korea's goal "is not to bring North Korea to its knees but to bring it back to the negotiating table for genuine

In this Tuesday, April 25, 2017 photo released by the U.S. Navy, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer, left, is underway alongside the Republic of Korea multirole guided-missile destroyer Wang Geon during a bilateral exercise. Wayne E. Meyer was on a scheduled western Pacific deployment with aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson. (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kelsey L. Adams/U.S. Navy via AP)

FILE - In this April 15, 2017 file photo, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waves during a military parade in Pyongyang, North Korea to celebrate the 105th birth anniversary of Kim Il Sung, the country's late founder and grandfather of current ruler Kim Jong Un. A North Korean mid-range ballistic missile apparently failed shortly after launch Saturday, April 29, South Korea and the United States said, the second such test-fire flop in recent weeks but a clear message of defiance as a U.S. supercarrier conducts drills in nearby waters. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E, File)

The USS Carl Vinson sails offshore Nagasaki prefecture, southern Japan Saturday, April 29, 2017. The USS Carl Vinson is heading north toward the Korean peninsula in a show of force after satellite images suggested North Korea may be preparing to conduct a nuclear test. A North Korean mid-range ballistic missile apparently failed shortly after launch Saturday, South Korea and the United States said, the third test-fire flop just this month but a clear message of defiance as a U.S. supercarrier conducts drills in nearby waters. (Kyodo News via AP)

The USS Carl Vinson sails offshore Nagasaki prefecture, southern Japan Saturday, April 29, 2017. The USS Carl Vinson is heading north toward the Korean peninsula in a show of force after satellite images suggested North Korea may be preparing to conduct a nuclear test. A North Korean mid-range ballistic missile apparently failed shortly after launch Saturday, South Korea and the United States said, the third test-fire flop just this month but a clear message of defiance as a U.S. supercarrier conducts drills in nearby waters. (Kyodo News via AP)

In this Wednesday, April 26, 2017 photo released by the U.S. Navy, the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, center, leads the U.S. Navy guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain, right front, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Atago-class guided-missile destroyer JS Ashigara, left front, and the JMSDF Murasame-class destroyer JS Samidare during a transit of the Philippine Sea toward the Korean Peninsula for an exercise with South Korea. (Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sean M. Castellano/U.S. Navy via AP)

A man walks past a TV news showing an image of USS aircraft carrier Carl Vinson while reporting North Korea's missile test, in Tokyo, Saturday, April 29, 2017. A North Korean mid-range ballistic missile apparently failed shortly after launch Saturday, South Korea and the United States said, the third test-fire flop just this month but a clear message of defiance as a U.S. supercarrier conducts drills in nearby waters. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)

People walk past a TV news showing an image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un while reporting North Korea's missile test, in Tokyo, Saturday, April 29, 2017. A North Korean mid-range ballistic missile apparently failed shortly after launch Saturday, South Korea and the United States said, the third test-fire flop just this month but a clear message of defiance as a U.S. supercarrier conducts drills in nearby waters. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)

A PAC-3 Patriot missile unit is deployed against the North Korea's missile firing at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo, Saturday, April 29, 2017. A North Korean mid-range ballistic missile apparently failed shortly after launch Saturday, South Korea and the United States said, the third test-fire flop just this month but a clear message of defiance as a U.S. supercarrier conducts drills in nearby waters. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)

FILE - In this Saturday, April 15, 2017, file photo, a North Korean national flag flutters as soldiers in tanks salute to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a military parade in Pyongyang, North Korea to celebrate the 105th birth anniversary of Kim Il Sung, the country's late founder and grandfather of the current ruler. A North Korean mid-range ballistic missile apparently failed shortly after launch Saturday, April 29, South Korea and the United States said, the third test-fire flop just this month but a clear message of defiance as a U.S. supercarrier conducts drills in nearby waters. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E, File)

South Korean Army K-9 self-propelled howitzers move during the annual exercise in Paju, South Korea, near the border with North Korea, Saturday, April 29, 2017. A North Korean mid-range ballistic missile apparently failed shortly after launch Saturday, South Korea and the United States said, the third test-fire flop just this month but a clear message of defiance as a U.S. supercarrier conducts drills in nearby waters. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
ISLAMABAD (AP) - Officials say a 15-member parliamentary delegation headed by the speaker of Pakistan's lower house of Parliament has traveled to Afghanistan in an effort aimed at easing tensions with Kabul.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, speaker of the National Assembly, will meet with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and other officials.

Afghan Ambassador Omar Zakhilwal welcomed the visit, saying both sides will discuss a range of issues.

The visit is being given importance because it comes weeks after relations between the two countries were strained following Pakistan's decision to close the border with Afghanistan in response to an attack on a Sufi shrine that killed 90 worshippers.

Pakistan at the time claimed an Islamic State group affiliate orchestrated the attack on Afghan soil.

Kabul denied the charge, but offered cooperation to probe the issue.
MILAN (AP) - Italian police have detained six suspected neo-Nazis accused of agitating violence against foreigners.

The news agency ANSA on Saturday reported that the six are accused of inciting racial and ethnic discrimination and violence. They were detained in La Spezia in Liguria.

Video released by the Carabinieri shows neo-Nazi and neo-Fascist propaganda, knives and explosive-making instructions seized from a camper hidden in the woods.

The six are believed to belong to a cell whose members were wiretapped calling for violence against foreigners. They also are believed to have painted swastikas on a regional office of the center-left Democratic Party and to have set fire to bins where the Caritas charity collects used clothing for the needy.
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) - The Hungarian government remained defiant Saturday over the possible closure of Budapest-based Central European University, founded by billionaire George Soros.

The issue was on the agenda during Prime Minister Viktor Orban's meeting in Brussels with leaders of the European People's Party, of which his Fidesz party is a member.

The EPP was unusually direct in its criticism of Orban over CEU, a government campaign called "Let's stop Brussels" and a draft bill targeting civic groups which receive foreign funding.

FILE - In this April 26, 2017 file photo Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks during a plenary session at the European Parliament in Brussels. The Hungarian government remains defiant over the possible closure of Budapest-based Central European University founded by billionaire George Soros. The issue was on the agenda during Orban's meeting Saturday, April 29, 2017 in Brussels with leaders of the European People's Party, of which his Fidesz party is a member. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, file)

EPP president Joseph Daul said that in light of objections by the European Commission and after consultations with Hungarian civic groups and the academic community "we have come to the conclusion that dialogue alone is not enough."

The EPP "will not accept that any basic freedoms are restricted or rule of law is disregarded," Daul said in a statement. "The EPP wants CEU to remain open, deadlines suspended and dialogue with the U.S. to begin."

Both Daul and EPP spokesman Siegfried Muresan posted messages on Twitter saying Orban said Hungary would comply with the commission's requests and EU laws.

While Orban said he was ready for cooperation with the commission, the EU executive, he indicated he was unwilling to eliminate new amendments to the law on higher education which could force CEU to stop operating as it currently does.

CEU, in Budapest since 1993, is accredited in Hungary and New York state, its graduate degrees are recognized both in Hungary and the U.S., but it has no U.S. campus. Orban says that issuing a U.S. degree without having a U.S. campus gives CEU an unfair advantage over other domestic universities.

"The existence of higher education institutions without actual activities operating as offshore mailboxes will not be permitted by Hungarian legislation in the future, either," Orban's press office said, adding that the government does not want to close the university and seeks to settle the legal dispute over the matter with the EU.

The government says it has no objections to the university issuing only Hungarian diplomas, but CEU says that would practically destroy its mission and its appeal to foreign students. CEU enrolls 1,440 students from 108 countries, including over 300 from Hungary.

If it fails to comply with the new conditions, CEU would be prevented from enrolling new students after the end of the year.

CEU thanked EPP for its "unequivocal statement of support for our academic freedom."

"We are grateful for the EPP's call to suspend the deadlines and start negotiations," said CEU Rector Michael Ignatieff. "We have called for negotiations from the beginning and we want them to reach a successful conclusion so that we can get back to work."

Orban, who briefly studied at Oxford University thanks to a Soros scholarship in 1989, says he seeks to transform Hungary into an "illiberal state" modelled on countries like Turkey and Russia. He sees an ideological foe in Soros and his "open society" ideal and blames the Hungarian-born American for supporting migration through his backing of non-governmental groups like the Hungarian Helsinki Foundation and the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union, which advocate for asylum-seekers.

The government says a draft bill on NGOs receiving more than about $25,000 a year only seeks to increase "transparency." NGOs, however, see the legislation scheduled to be passed in May as an attempt at intimidation and stigmatization.

Daul said that "NGOs are an integral part of any healthy democracy ... and they must be respected."

Still, Daul's harshest words were for Orban's anti-EU campaign, which claims bureaucrats in Brussels want Hungary to raise taxes and energy prices and take in illegal migrants.

"The EPP has also made it clear to our Hungarian partners that the blatant anti-EU rhetoric of the 'Let's stop Brussels' consultation is unacceptable," Daul said. "The constant attacks on Europe, which Fidesz has launched for years, have reached a level we cannot tolerate."

George Soros, Founder and Chairman of the Open Society Foundation, waits for the start of a meeting at EU headquarters in Brussels on Thursday, April 27, 2017. Soros was in Brussels to discuss the situation in Hungary, including legislative measures that could force the closure of the Central European University in Budapest. (Olivier Hoslet, Pool Photo via AP)
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Perhaps the largest group of mentally ill inmates in the U.S. resides in Los Angeles in one of the world's largest jail complexes.

Over the past seven years, the jail's population has spiked almost 50 percent - with nearly every inmate having both mental illness and substance abuse problems - and officials suspect the rise is due to methamphetamine use.

The Twin Towers Correctional Facility is home to about 4,000 mentally ill inmates. The increase in the number of mentally ill prisoners - about 30 percent of the county's total jail population - has led the sheriff's department to adapt its policies as deputies and clinicians work to treat people dealing with both psychiatric disorders and substance abuse.

Inmates listen during a program at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility Thursday, April 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. One of the world's largest jail complexes is located in Los Angeles and within it resides perhaps the world's largest group of inmates whose mental illness is attributed to drug abuse, mainly from highly addictive methamphetamine. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell has blamed the surge on meth use, but doctors say it's often difficult to distinguish whether the patients had underlying conditions and then started using drugs, or if their chronic drug use led to psychiatric disorders.

Chronic use of meth, a highly addictive stimulant, can cause paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations and delusions, studies have shown.

"It's causing people previously healthy to become mentally ill, and we're going to be dealing with those individuals in one way or another for the rest of their lives," McDonnell said.

Sheriff's officials say they've started training deputies specifically in dealing with mental illness and focusing on treatment instead of punishment.

"No one ever expected jails and prisons to be mental health institutions," said Kelly Harrington, the assistant sheriff in Los Angeles who oversees the county jail system. "The deputies, although they don't have specific psychiatric- or psychology-type degrees, we give them as much training as we possibly can in the short period of time we have them."

The American Civil Liberties Union routinely receives complaints from Twin Towers inmates who say they haven't been able to see doctors or psychiatrists, haven't received their medication and that their medical needs are being ignored, said Esther Lim, Jails Project director at the ACLU of Southern California.

"The jail has a history of not providing adequate medical care or mental health care," she said.

Harrington said he has heard similar complaints but noted the jail system has made significant progress in recent years to ensure inmates receive proper care. Still, he concedes, more work needs to be done.

Over the past year, the sheriff's department has rolled out new training programs that focus on de-escalating potentially violent situations and teach deputies to handle mentally ill inmates, Harrington said. They also have adopted new techniques and programs that bring the inmates out of their cells for recreational programs and therapy.

In addition, county officials have launched a program to transition mentally ill inmates with substance abuse problems to continue their treatment in community programs so they don't return to a life of crime to get quick cash to buy drugs.

On a recent afternoon at Twin Towers, inmates took part in life skills lessons, substance abuse counseling, and classes to earn a GED diploma. Some inmates met one-on-one with clinicians to discuss their progress, while others chatted with peer mentors and passed the time playing cards and checkers.

Twin Towers inmates spend nearly all of their days in contained jail blocks. Some are segregated into pods because of their crimes, sexual orientation or gender. Cages give those who are housed in high-observation units and checked every 15 minutes some time outside their cells.

On the jail's fourth floor, inmates clad in their yellow scrubs sat at small tables around their cells and had a group discussion about the harms of substance abuse. They seemed to cling to every word from teacher Edward Monteilh.

"I really want them to understand how their brain works," said Monteilh, who has led classes at the jail for about five years. "I try to explain to them how mental illness affects them, how substances affect their brains and the compound effects of the two."

Even as sheriff's officials work to implement new programs and treatment initiatives, experts say the restrictive settings often can lead mentally ill prisoners who are already more likely to break jail rules to become more symptomatic and violent.

"That kind of isolation is not going to help your psychosis in any way, shape or form," said Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, a social worker who specializes in substance abuse and addiction disorders. "They are probably walking out in a lot worse shape than they were than they went in."

And access to drugs inside the jails only makes the problem more complex. Between 2011 and 2016, the amount of meth recovered during searches inside Los Angeles county jails increased by nearly 750 percent.

Jail officials across the nation are struggling with how to deal with mentally ill inmates, including those who are also addicted to drugs.

A 2014 report by the Treatment Advocacy Center and the National Sheriffs' Association found 10 times more mentally ill inmates in America's jails and prisons than in its state hospitals. The report also showed the number of mentally ill prisoners and the severity of their conditions continued to climb.

"That cycle is feeding off itself, and we end up with what was initially a health problem as a very expensive criminal justice problem for years to come," McDonnell said.

___

Follow Michael Balsamo on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MikeBalsamo1.

A Sheriff officer stands guard over inmates during a program at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility Thursday, April 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. One of the world's largest jail complexes is located in Los Angeles and within it resides perhaps the world's largest group of inmates whose mental illness is attributed to drug abuse, mainly from highly addictive methamphetamine. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

A Sheriff officer stands guard over inmates at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility Thursday, April 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. One of the world's largest jail complexes is located in Los Angeles and within it resides perhaps the world's largest group of inmates whose mental illness is attributed to drug abuse, mainly from highly addictive methamphetamine. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

The Towers Correctional Facility is shown Thursday, April 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. One of the world's largest jail complexes is located in Los Angeles and within it resides perhaps the world's largest group of inmates whose mental illness is attributed to drug abuse, mainly from highly addictive methamphetamine. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

A Sheriff officer stands guard over inmates at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility Thursday, April 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. One of the world's largest jail complexes is located in Los Angeles and within it resides perhaps the world's largest group of inmates whose mental illness is attributed to drug abuse, mainly from highly addictive methamphetamine. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

A inmate stands on his bunk at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility Thursday, April 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. One of the world's largest jail complexes is located in Los Angeles and within it resides perhaps the world's largest group of inmates whose mental illness is attributed to drug abuse, mainly from highly addictive methamphetamine. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - A hospital says a woman injured in the crash of a Rio de Janeiro Carnival float has died.

Fifty-five-year-old Elizabeth Ferreira Joffe was one of 20 people hurt when the float of the Paraiso de Tuiuti samba school crashed into a fence, injuring spectators, revelers and journalists. Ferreira was one of the schools' directors.

She's the only known fatality of the incident.

A spokeswoman for the Hospital Quinta D'Or confirms Joffe died Saturday morning. She would not say what the cause of death was. The samba school issued a statement regretting Joffe's death.
ISTANBUL (AP) - Turkey passed two new decrees Saturday - one that expelled more than 4,000 civil servants and another that banned television dating programs.

The country's Official Gazette published the decrees Saturday evening. The first named thousands of civil servants to be dismissed, including nearly 500 academics and more than 1,000 Turkish military personnel. It also reinstated 236 people to their jobs.

The second decree, among other things, banned radio and television programs for "finding friends and spouses" by adding a clause to the article on protecting children in Turkey's media law. The shows will not be allowed to air without television content rating symbols.

Dating programs, which draw high ratings and large ad revenues, have been a hot topic this year. Petitions have called for their bans and lawmakers across the political spectrum have criticized the programs as having a negative influence on families. Government spokesman Numan Kurtulmus has described them as contrary to Turkish customs and religion.

The state of emergency that followed last summer's coup attempt has allowed the Turkish government to rule by decrees. Since then, more than 47,000 people have been arrested and 100,000 have been purged for alleged connections to terror organizations.

Turkey says U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen orchestrated the coup attempt. He denies the allegations.
IRVING, Texas (AP) - Lydia Ko has withdrawn from the LPGA tournament in Texas because of an eye infection and could lose the No. 1 ranking she has held for 79 straight weeks.

Ko was 1-over after the first two days and pulled out before Saturday's third round of the Volunteers of America Texas Shootout.

Her agent said in a statement that Ko has a swollen eye from an infection, likely caused by allergies that have been bothering her all week. A doctor advised Ko not to wear contact lenses until she got better.

Ko could be overtaken in the Rolex Rankings by No. 2 So Yeon Ryu or No. 3 Ariya Jutanugarn.

Ryu becomes No. 1 if she finishes first or second. Jutanguran started the second round a stroke behind leader Haru Nomura and becomes No. 1 if she wins.
In this day and age, the young and beautiful live and die on social media.

And it's been a sudden and ugly death for the ill-fated Fyre Festival, a multiday music, art and culture party that promised "an invitation to let loose and unplug with the likeminded" on the Bahamian island of Exuma.

The festival's rise and fall has played out in real time on YouTube and filtered through Facebook, where would-be party goers are putting their anger on display. Instead of photos of boozy good times, people have posted pictures of rows of white tents that look like "Stormtrooper helmets," blue port-a-potties near half-constructed plywood structures and limp, lifeless cheese sandwiches.

This photo provided by Jake Strang shows tents and a portable toilet set up for attendees for the Fyre Festival, Friday, April 28, 2017 in the Exuma islands, Bahamas. Organizers of the much-hyped music festival in the Bahamas canceled the weekend event at the last minute Friday after many people had already arrived and spent thousands of dollars on tickets and travel. A statement cited "circumstances out of our control," for their inability to prepare the "physical infrastructure" for the event in the largely undeveloped Exumas. (Jake Strang via AP)

Organizers canceled the event at the last minute after poor planning, disorganization and lack of accommodations. Most of the A-list acts had pulled out days before, saying they hadn't been paid.

It was supposed to be a sun-soaked experience filled with yachts, gourmet food and models. Ticket prices ranged from $500 to $12,000.

But by Saturday morning, the partygoers had decamped, many of them to hotels in Miami in hopes of salvaging a weekend. People decried the festival accommodations as being like a "disaster tent city" and a "refugee camp."

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism says it's deeply disappointed.

"Hundreds of visitors to Exuma were met with total disorganization and chaos," the tourism office wrote in a statement to the media.

Fyre Festival co-organizer Billy McFarland promised full refunds on the festival's website Saturday.

"We will be working on refunds over the next few days and will be in touch directly with guests with more details. Also, all guests from this year will have free VIP passes to next year's festival," he wrote.

The hype began months ago, marketed with slick videos on social media.

"I saw it on Instagram and booked it before the lineup was announced," said Mitch Purgason, a 25-year-old bespoke menswear designer in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Instagram ads looked especially "ridiculous" - parlance for amazing - what with models like Gigi Hadid and rapper Ja Rule. Blink-182 was supposed to perform. Photos of the impossibly blue water and the sugary sandy beach looked incredible. What's more: Wild, docile pigs lived on the beach and swam in the warm water, perfect props for a killer Instagram selfie.

Although the festival on the island chain east of Florida appeared to cater to the Millennial trust fund crowd, it was people like Purgason and 29-year-old Jake Strang of Pittsburgh who purchased early tickets - young professionals who wanted to spend a fun weekend in the tropics.

Both men paid $500 for a flight from Miami to the island along with lodging and food. Strang and seven of his friends planned the trip to coincide with a birthday. They reserved a "lodge" for eight, with four king beds and a seating area in the middle.

"Everything made it look amazing," said Strang.

The festival website promised a treasure hunt of "exceptional proportions," with more than $1 million in riches to be found on a private island.

Purgason said he was skeptical, but planned the vacation anyway.

"Worst case scenario, I figured, we're still in the Bahamas in a villa."

His first inkling something was amiss came on Thursday morning, after the first flight from Miami to Exuma. Organizers said the villas weren't ready, so they whisked the planeload of partygoers to a restaurant at a nearby resort.

It wasn't a private island at all, but food and drink were free and plenty. Cute pigs and bikini-clad girls roamed the beach. There was a DJ.

"They actually treated us pretty well," he said. "The first three hours was dope."

Jenna Conlin, 30, an advertising professional from Venice, California, said, "They were putting down bottles of tequila on every table in an attempt to make everybody happy."

Strang flew in later Thursday and wasn't so lucky.

"When we arrived, it essentially looked like a construction site. It looked like they were trying to sell lots for homes," he said.

A promoter told festival goers to find tents and waved his arm in a direction. But the tents had holes that had obviously allowed rain to come in, because the beds were wet. They were given a Styrofoam container of food: "two slices of ham, lettuce and one slice of cheese on soggy bread," Strang said.

A few lucky patrons had been relocated to resorts. Most had to find beds in the tents. Available rooms aren't easy to grab on Exuma, a small island with a population of about 7,000 that lacks the well-developed tourist infrastructure of Nassau or Freeport.

The island's hotels were already booked months in advance for a well-known regatta, wrote Robert Carron, owner of the Bahamas Tribune newspaper.

By daybreak, people were already lining up to complain, and buses began returning them to the airport. Soon, it was official: The festival was cancelled.

Word got out via social media that organizers said "circumstances out of our control" prevented them from preparing the "physical infrastructure" necessary for the event on the largely undeveloped island.

"I'm heartbroken at this moment," Ja Rule, whose real name is Jeffrey Atkins, said on Twitter. "I wanted this to be an amazing event. It was not a scam as everyone is reporting. I truly apologize as this is NOT MY FAULT."

___

Follow Tamara Lush on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tamaralush

This photo provided by Jake Strang shows mattress and tents set up for attendees of the Fyre Festival, Friday, April 28, 2017 in the Exuma islands, Bahamas. Organizers of the much-hyped music festival in the Bahamas canceled the weekend event at the last minute Friday after many people had already arrived and spent thousands of dollars on tickets and travel. A statement cited "circumstances out of our control," for their inability to prepare the "physical infrastructure" for the event in the largely undeveloped Exumas. (Jake Strang via AP)
GUATEMALA CITY (AP) - Guatemalan authorities say a 25-year-old U.S. citizen accused of driving into a crowd of protesting students killing one and injuring more than a dozen others is in custody.

The students were protesting a shortage of teachers at their school Wednesday when a car plowed into them and then fled. The damaged car was found later abandoned at a parking lot. Inside investigators found a residential access card in the suspect's name and the car was registered to his father, an evangelical pastor.

Mayra Veliz, secretary general of the Public Ministry, said Saturday in a news conference that the suspect drove over the victims and then accelerated and drove away.

Roosevelt Hospital had announced earlier Saturday that one of the victims, a 15-year-old girl, had died from her injuries.
AVONDALE, La. (AP) - Jonas Blixt of Sweden and Cameron Smith of Australia apparently are enjoying playing as teammates too much to be unsettled by wind gusts reaching 36 miles per hour.

The pair extended their bogey-free run to three rounds in the new team format at the Zurich Classic, deftly adjusting to winds that unsettled many other PGA Tour pros and posting a 4-under 68 Saturday to widen their lead to four strokes.

"It's like going back to playing as a kid," the 33-year-old Blixt said. "I don't feel like there's any stress at all out there."

Jonas Blixt, left, of Sweden, congratulates teammate Cameron Smith, of Australia, after they birdied the 18th hole during the third round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament's new two-man team format at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Saturday, April 29, 2017. The pair finished the day in the lead at 19 under par. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Alternating shots on Saturday, as teams did in the first round, the Blixt-Cameron partnership posted four birdies to improve to 19-under, building on a lead that stood at one shot through two rounds. They are the only team without a bogey.

"Feels like back in the amateur days," Smith said of playing in the first team event held on the PGA Tour since 1981, about 12 years before he was born. "It's just nice to go out there and relax and have some fun."

The Kevin Kisner-Scott Brown and Nick Watney-Charley Hoffman teams were tied for second. Also in contention are Jordan Spieth and Ryan Palmer, five shots behind - although they could have been several shots closer if not for some uncharacteristic misses of short putts by both players.

Spieth missed a 3-footer for birdie on the par-5 18th, wasting Palmer's well-executed 86-yard approach shot. Throughout the round, Spieth was among players backing away from shots when they sensed a gust building and said the wind affected putting "significantly."

"When you get a putt where the wind is blowing one way and you've got the grain the other, and the hill back with the wind, you just have no idea what that putt is going to do," Spieth said. "If it gusts or doesn't gust when you're over it, it affects the putt by an entire cup, even from 6 or 7 feet. It's really a guessing game."

So expect more guessing in the final round, which will start earlier than planned - at 6:40 a.m. - because of rain in the forecast. The format will return to "best ball," as in the second round, with each two-man team taking the best score of either player per hole.

Palmer narrowly missed par putts from within 3 feet on the second and 13th holes.

"You get winds whipping and swirling, it makes right-to-left putts break right," Palmer said. "It's tough."

Blixt and Smith didn't fail to execute many shots on the 7,425-yard TPC Louisiana course, which was carved out of cypress swamp and has a number of water hazards from which alligators took in the action, some climbing onto the course at the water's edge.

The pair quickly recovered from minor errors or bad bounces. They wound up attempting only one par putt longer than 8 feet; Blixt rolled it in from 11 feet on the fifth. Blixt also made a putt of nearly 18 feet for birdie on the third hole.

"Sometimes things, bounces, stuff like that weren't going our way, and we managed to get it up near the green and get it up and down, which kept the momentum going," Smith said.

Brian Stuard, who won the Zurich last year when it was a traditional stroke-play event, and teammate Chris Stroud were alone in fifth at 13-under.

The teams of Kelly Kraft and Kevin Tway, and Angel Cabrera and Julian Etulian, were tied for sixth at 12-under.

Seven teams were tied for eighth at 11-under, including popular Gulf Coast native Bubba Watson and teammate J.B. Holmes.

As much fun as Blixt and Smith seem to be having, the pressure could mount a bit as they try to protect their final-round lead. Each golfer takes home $1.02 million and 400 FedEXCup points. Never mind the fact that the 23-year-old Smith has never won a PGA Tour event. But Smith noted that with each team keeping the best score per hole in the final round, there's always the possibility for the veteran Blixt, who has won twice, to pick up the slack.

"I feel very comfortable going into tomorrow," Smith said. "Jonas is playing so well ... it's just like having a backup."

Charley Hoffman, right, congratulates teammate Nick Watney on the 17th green, during the third round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament's new two-man team format at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Saturday, April 29, 2017. The pair finished the day tied for second at 15 under par. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Jordan Spieth watches his putt near the hole on the ninth green during the third round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament's new two-man team format at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Saturday, April 29, 2017. Spieth and partner Ryan Palmer finished the round in fourth place at 14 under par. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Jonas Blixt of Sweden, reacts to his birdie putt the third green during the third round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament's new two-man team format at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Saturday, April 29, 2017. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Cameron Smith of Australia, left, and teammate Jonas Blixt of Sweden, walk down the second fairway during the third round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament's new two-man team format at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Saturday, April 29, 2017. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

A cameraman runs up onto the 18th fairway after taking video of three alligators lounging during the third round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Saturday, April 29, 2017. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Ryan Palmer hits onto the eighth green during the third round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament's new two-man team format at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Saturday, April 29, 2017. Palmer and teammate Jordan Spieth finished the round in fourth place at 14 under par, four strokes behind the leaders. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Patrick Reed reacts after nearly sinking a long chip shot for eagle on the 18th hole during the third round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament's new two-man team format at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Saturday, April 29, 2017. Reed and teammate Patrick Cantlay finished the day tied for eighth at 11 under par. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Terror police are continuing to question seven people, including a suspected knifeman arrested in the heart of Westminster, held after separate operations in London.

The swoops on a 27-year-old man in Whitehall and locations in north London and Kent were executed to contain threats and an active terror plot, Scotland Yard said.

One suspect, named as Khalid Mohamed Omar Ali, was arrested on suspicion of offences under the Terrorism Act and possession of offensive weapons close to Downing Street on Thursday afternoon.

The scene in Harlesden Road where a woman was shot by police. (PA)

Police recovered several knives during the intelligence-led swoop, which took place yards from the scene of last months deadly attack by Khalid Masood on Westminster Bridge.

Believed to be a British national born overseas who went to school in Tottenham, north London, Ali reportedly joined a humanitarian mission to Gaza in 2010.

Following his dramatic arrest in front of crowds of tourists, he was taken for questioning at a south London police station where he remains.

(PA)

A further six people, including a 16-year-old boy, are in custody after they were detained in an unconnected operation that saw a team of specialist firearms officers storm an address in Willesden, north London.

They were all arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of terrorist acts and taken to a south London police station for questioning.

One has been named in reports as Mohamed Amoudi, 21, a Yemeni-born British citizen who studied physics at Queen Mary University in east London.

Police at the scene in Harlesden Road. (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

A woman in her 20s who was shot during the raid is being held under police guard in hospital, where her condition was described as serious but stable. She is expected to be arrested when her condition improves.

Elite armed officers carried out a specialist entry into a terraced property in Harlesden Road shortly before 7pm on Thursday night.

Police fired CS gas into the address, which had been under observation as part of a current counter-terrorism operation.

Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu speaks to the media. (Lauren Hurley/PA)

Giving an update on the two operations, Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said on Friday: Due to these arrests that have been made yesterday, in both cases I believe that we have contained the threats that they posed.

Mr Basu said an armed entry was necessary in Willesden due to the nature of the intelligence that we were dealing with.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has been informed of the incident, as is routine for police shootings.

Spoken with the Met this morning after 2 crucial operations. Thanks to our police and security services who work tirelessly to keep us safe.  Amber Rudd (@AmberRuddUK) April 28, 2017

Home Secretary Amber Rudd praised police and security services, adding that the publics role is crucial in identifying suspicious activity and urged anyone with concerns to contact authorities.

The official threat level for international terrorism currently stands at severe, indicating that an attack is highly likely.

It was revealed last month that security services have thwarted 13 potential attacks in less than four years.
Anthony Joshua insists he is prepared to remain patient in his pursuit of victory against Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium this evening.

The IBF champion fights to establish himself as the worlds leading heavyweight and to win the WBA title last held by Tyson Fury in front of an expected 90,000-strong crowd  a post-war record for a fight in Britain.

He can also potentially end the career of the dominant heavyweight of the modern era, the 41-year-old Klitschko who on Friday weighed in at 17st 2lb 6oz. That was 10lbs lighter than Joshua and Klitschkos lightest since defeating Ruslan Chagaev in 2009.

To my supporters, I thank you for your part in my journey. God bless  pic.twitter.com/Vao15HbGfj  Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) April 26, 2017

Joshua was a career-heaviest 17st 12lbs 10oz, suggesting he plans to overpower the Ukrainian challenger on Saturday and to eventually secure a knockout.

He also remains the favourite, but while many observers believe the longer the fight progresses the more Klitschkos chances will improve, Joshua says he is willing to wait.

The 27-year-old Briton has never fought beyond the seventh round, after which his stamina could be seriously tested because of his increased weight. Klitschko also consistently grows in confidence once he has found his rhythm, but the champion instead believes his opponents age will undermine him.

Wembley is getting ready for one of the biggest fight night in boxing history. #obsessed #JoshuaKlitschko pic.twitter.com/sPsxn1JXO9  Klitschko (@Klitschko) April 28, 2017

Hell probably start fast because he wont be able to keep up the pace, Joshua said. Father Time is a genetical thing, its something no one can deny, and its just part of life. I dont think hed be able to cope in my training camp.

How Ive been taught to win is to box off the line, set it up, and then come forward, defend, and try and come forward again. So its what opportunities are there, rather than being aggressive and missing shots because Im just hungry for a knockout. I just have to create opportunities, and when they come, Ill explode then and take him on.

Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko during the weigh in. (Nick Potts/PA)

Around 2005 was the good, sharp Wladimir. Throwing more punches. Now hard work has to become smart work as you get older: hes at that stage where he has to get smart. Im more hard work than smart work, and thats why I dont mind fighting Wladimir, because I know, whichever type of fight it is, if it gets tough I will slug it out.

Around 2005 is the videos Ive chosen to watch more of. I want to prepare for the better Wladimir. Hes more precise with his punches (then). I try to watch the sharper, younger, fitter Wladimir.
Japans prime minister has said he will "continue to trust" the UKs economy after Brexit has taken place, as he states that maintaining an open Europe is a matter of concern to the world.

Shinzo Abe also said Kim Jong Uns continued launches were a clear challenge against the international community, hours after new ballistic missile tests were carried out by North Korea.

Mr Abe made the statements at central Londons Dorchester Hotel following a meeting with Theresa May at Chequers on Friday.

PM Abe at a press conference: thanked warm UK hospitality, valued summit mtgs w/ PM May & Pres Putin, & condemned NK missile lnch #AbeVisit pic.twitter.com/qtAoSCYSwx  Motosada Matano (@motomatano) April 29, 2017

After talks at her country retreat, Mrs May hailed Japan as "our closest Asian security partner" and an important economic ally, as she noted that 1,000 Japanese companies including Honda, Hitachi and Mitsubishi employ 14,000 people in Britain.

Pressed on whether he was worried about the Governments stance of a hard Brexit, he said through a translator: "With regard to the Brexit negotiations, maintaining an open Europe is a matter of concern to the world.

"Japan, along with the UK and the EU, will continue to play the role of the standard bearers of free trade," he said.

The Prime Minister met the Japanese Prime Minister @AbeShinzo at Chequers today. Read her statement: https://t.co/e4ewIYFcsr pic.twitter.com/mHzUTWS0KL  UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) April 28, 2017

Mr Abe said it is his expectation that stakeholders and investors from outside the EU will be able to have "clear future prospects" following Brexit.

With regards to strengthening Japan and UK trade relations following the split, he added: "I continue to trust the UKs economy after its separation from the EU.

"As I share the view with Prime Minister May yesterday, in order to maintain and strengthen Japans economic relations with the UK after its separation from the EU, we would like to continue with the expectation of opinions with the UK concerning how Japan and UK economic relations should be."

On Saturday, Pyongyang fired a test missile, which is understood to have failed, despite global calls and pressure to curb their nuclear and ballistic missiles development programme.

Theresa May and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

After their meeting on Friday, Mrs May said Japan and the UK stand steadfast in our condemnation of such destabilising activity and said the nuclear and missile tests are a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

She said they will continue with international partners to maintain pressure on North Korea and work towards a peaceful solution to rising tensions in the region and across the world.

At the press conference on Saturday, Mr Abe said that despite strong warnings from the international community, North Korea carried out its ballistic missile launch  of which there have been more than 20 over the last year.

Shinzo Abe

It is a grave threat to our country, this is absolutely not acceptable. We strongly condemn such acts, he said.
South Koreas navy has begun joint exercises with US ships, including the supercarrier USS Carl Vinson, in a show of force amid the growing threat posed by North Koreas nuclear and missile programmes.

The drills began hours after South Korean and US officials said they detected what they presumed was a failed missile launch from an area near the North Korean capital, Pyongyang.

The South Korean navy said the drill is aimed at deterring North Koreas provocations and displaying the firm alliance between the United States and South Korea.

The USS Carl Vinson sails offshore Nagasaki prefecture, southern Japan (Kyodo News via AP)

The USS Carl Vinson also participated in annual springtime drills between United States and South Korea in March.

North Korean ballistic missile tests are banned by the United Nations because they are seen as part of the Norths push for a nuclear-tipped missile which can strike the US mainland.

The latest test came as US officials pivoted from a hard line to diplomacy at the UN in an effort to address what may be Washingtons most pressing foreign policy challenge.

North Koreas state media has reiterated the countrys goal of developing a nuclear missile capable of reaching the US.

The Rodong Sinmun newspaper also said the North revealed two types of new intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in a military parade on April 15 honouring its late state founder, Kim Il Sung, the grandfather of current ruler Kim Jong Un.

The parade featured previously unseen large rocket canisters and launcher trucks.

It said: The large territory that is the United States has been entirely exposed to our pre-emptive nuclear strike means.

(Koji Sasahara/AP/PA)

Referring to the United States sending the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to Korean waters, the newspaper said that rendering aircraft carriers useless is not even a problem for its military.

The newspaper said the North displayed three types of ICBMs during the parade, including two new types that were inside the canisters.

Analysts say the Norths existing liquid-fuel ICBMS, including the KN-08 and KN-14, are potentially capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, although the North has never flight tested them.

Norwegian foreign minister Borge Brende said on Saturday on Twitter that new missile test violates SC (Security Council) resolution. Urgent need for common action to reduce tension.

Important debate on #DPRK in UN Security Council. New missile test violates SC resolution. Urgent need for common action to reduce tension.  Brge Brende (@borgebrende) April 29, 2017

Norway, which is not a current member of the Security Council, is a founding member of the United Nations and has always considered the body as a cornerstone in its foreign policy.

In Japan, one of Tokyos major subways systems shut down all lines for 10 minutes early on Saturday after receiving warning of a North Korean missile launch.

Tokyo Metro official Hiroshi Takizawa said the temporary suspension affected 13,000 passengers.

Service was halted on all nine lines at 6.07am. It resumed at 6.17am after it was clear there was no threat to Japan.
Lizzie Deignan revealed she used local knowledge to defy her race director and solo to victory in the Womens Tour de Yorkshire in Harrogate.

The former world champion attacked out of the breakaway with 13.5 kilometres left of the 122.5km stage from Tadcaster, but only after being told by her Boels Dolmans team to sit up and wait for a sprint finish.

The Otley rider decided she knew her way around Yorkshire a little better and pushed on, eventually winning by 55 seconds from a chasing pack led by Coryn Rivera of Team Sunweb.

The peloton passes through Tadcaster during the Women's race of the Tour de Yorkshire

That moment when you win your home race in front of a massive crowd... congratulations @lizziedeignan! #WTDY pic.twitter.com/6fVmdr2DoS  Tour de Yorkshire  (@letouryorkshire) April 29, 2017

Deignan had been out in front along with team-mate Anna van der Breggen, the Olympic and European champion, and British rider Dani King of Cylance, but a lead that had been close to two minutes had been halved with 30km to go.

The chasing group was coming pretty close and my race director said, Wait for the sprint Lizzie, youre coming back. But I thought, No, Im not waiting for the sprint, I know the roads better than you and its not coming back, Deignan said.

I took advantage of one of the little kickers and went for it.

King battled gamely to stay with her but did not have the legs after doing plenty of early work in the break, and Deignan soloed home to popular acclaim in front of huge crowds in Harrogate.

Its special and surreal, she said of the welcome she received, having had enough time in hand to soak up the final kilometre. I still cant get my head around how many people came out to support us.

After King had helped the early break pull out a lead of 90 seconds, Deignan and Van der Breggen used the only categorised climb of the day, the Cote de Lofthouse, to attack out of the peloton.

As the race splintered behind them they soon caught the break and then powered clear, with only King able to respond.

We knew that Lofthouse would be the breaking point in the race and we sent Amy Pieters up the road in the breakaway, Deignan said. Me and Anna jumped across and we knew at that point we had the race in our hands.

Van der Breggen worked tirelessly to keep up the pace and hold off the chase  and having a rider of her calibre working in a support role is testament to the superior strength of the Boels Dolman squad.

I suffered a lot today but the plan was like this and it worked out, the Dutchwoman said. We tried to make the gap as big as possible. I put in a lot of effort to do that but when the climbs were still coming I was empty but Lizzie still felt good so I told her to go and she did in an amazing way. She was so strong today.

Giorgia Bronzini of the British-registered Wiggle High5 team came home in third, with British national champion Hannah Barnes (Canyon SRAM) fifth and King making it home in 10th.

But after Deignans late attack, there was only going to be one winner.

I didnt dare believe it until that 1km to go banner, she said. It was a bit of a climb up to that, and I thought Im just getting slower and slower and theyre getting faster and faster.
Andy Murray lost a brutal battle with powerful Austrian Dominic Thiem as his run at the Barcelona Open was ended in the semi-finals.

The world number one overcame a slow start, which looked set at one stage to condemn him to a swift defeat, to drag himself back into the contest.

However, Thiem proved too strong as he clinched a 6-2 3-6 6-4 win in two hours and 15 minutes.

A day after needing a final-set tie-break to see off Albert Ramos-Vinolas in just shy of three hours, the Scot again endured another gruelling work-out.

He was outclassed in the first set, but dug in during the second as he grew into the contest and levelled the match with a single break of serve.

He was a break up and then down by one in the third as both players proved near impossible to shake off, but fourth seed Thiem prevailed to claim his third British scalp of the week after knocking out Kyle Edmund and Dan Evans.

This was Thiems first win over Murray in three attempts, but both of their previous two contests had gone to three sets and this was another scrap.

Dominic Thiem of Austria waves after defeating Andy Murray (Manu Fernandez/AP)

Murray started badly as he was broken in the first game of the match, gifting Thiem the advantage with a tame forehand into the net.

The Scott struggled to get into his stride as he dropped his serve three times in the set, Thiem ruthlessly converting three out of three break points, to his opponents one.

The Austrians fierce hitting was proving too much for Murray, playing his second tournament after his elbow injury and clearly still getting back up to speed.

The world number one faced a real battle to hold serve in the first game of the second set, but did so as it went with serve, albeit Thiems holds far more routine than his opponents.

Andy Murray reacts during his match against Dominic Thiem (Manu Fernandez/AP)

The momentum swung in the eighth game of the set, though, as Murray broke decisively for a 5-3 lead before seeing it out to level at 1-1.

Murray broke again at the start of the third set, his fourth game on the trot, but Thiem stopped the rot by breaking straight back. Murray faced break points at 3-2 down in the decider and Thiem duly moved 4-2 in front.

But the Scott had 0-30 and 15-40 in the next game and made the most of the chance to break straight back

Murray served to stay in the match at 4-5, but, when he went way long with a smash to hand Thiem a match point, the 23-year-old closed out the contest.

Andy Murray waves as he leaves the court after losing to Dominic Thiem (Manu Fernandez/AP)

In the first set, I didnt have many chances, but I started to play better in the second, said Murray on the ATP website.

It was quite windy out there and difficult to get into a rhythm. He started to hit the ball pretty hard and was pushing me back.

When the conditions are like that, its important to be the one dictating the points. I started to do a better job of that, but in that last game I missed a couple of shots I shouldnt have.
British driver Jolyon Palmer admitted he suffered only a bruised ego after crashing out of qualifying for the Russian Grand Prix.

Palmer, the 26-year-old from Horsham who is now in his second Formula One season, is in desperate need of a good performance here following a troubled start to the new season.

But he endured another miserable day which climaxed in him losing control of his Renault on the entry to turn four and ending up in the tyre barrier on the opposing side of the Sochi Autodrom track.

Jolyon Palmer crashed out of qualifying in Russia

No, just the ego, Palmer said when asked if he had obtained any bruises in the 110mph shunt. Under pressure, I committed hard, took a little bit of kerb, and that sent me into the wall.

It is not going my way but it is a long season. It wasnt going my way this time last year either. I felt quite good with the car, we were in a good place with the set-up, but it is very disappointing to put it in the wall like that.

Palmers year has so far been blighted by a combination of an unreliable car, mistakes and bad luck. He qualified a career-high 10th in Bahrain a fortnight ago only to finish last of the classified runners as he struggled for pace in the race.

Here, his Renault mechanics worked through the night to replace his chassis after an exhaust leak was detected. Then his engine failed in final practice on Saturday morning before he crashed out and failed to progress to the second phase of qualifying.

Palmer is due to start 16th, but to make matters worse his new team-mate Nico Hulkenberg, who has had no major mechanical issues this season, qualified an impressive eighth.

It is nicer to be full of confidence, get good results, and you know where you are with the car, Palmer added. But when you are on the backfoot you need a bit of a reset and a bit of something to get the confidence cycle going. At the moment that has not happened.

I am the first to admit that my performance has not been where I want it to be. I need to cut out the mistakes I have made.

I am sure that at some point the luck will turn. Like I said, this time last year, there were tough times and I dug in and finished the year with a very good second half. We are not even a quarter of a way through the year so there are plenty of races to turn it around.
Gibraltar has reacted angrily to the European Unions continuing insistence that Spain should be given a veto over its inclusion in any post-Brexit trade deal with the UK.

Chief minister Fabian Picardo said the stipulation in the EUs final negotiating guidelines that Spain, which also claims sovereignty over the British territory, must agree to its inclusion in any future trade agreement was discriminatory and unfair.

He said the people of Gibraltar would resist any attempt by Spain to further its stale claim of the Rock, as EU leaders at a summit in Brussels agreed their final position for exit talks with the UK.

The people of Gibraltar would resist any attempt by Spain to further its 'stale' claim, said the territory's chief minister

Mr Picardo said: No one in Gibraltar will be surprised that former draft clause 22 (now clause 24) has been retained by the European Council at the express insistence of Spains right-wing Partido Popular government.

The treatment proposed for Gibraltar by clause 24 of the guidelines is discriminatory and unfair. It flies in the face of the principle of sincere cooperation which the EU is committed to and which it repeats elsewhere in the guidelines.

The people of Gibraltar are clear and united in not accepting any attempts by the Spanish government to advance its stale sovereignty claim.

That will not stop us from continuing to seek dialogue with our neighbour, but never on matters which impinge on sovereignty, jurisdiction or control.

Gibraltar is leaving the European Union with the United Kingdom. Our future beyond the EU will be a prosperous and international one in respect of which the Spanish government will have no say or veto.

The inclusion in the final EU text comes after Prime Minister Theresa May has insisted that Gibraltars status will not be up for discussion during exit talks.

Its initial inclusion in European Council president Donald Tusks draft negotiation guidelines 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 territory.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a 48-year-old man who was stabbed to death on a bus.

Archie Sheppard, from Neasden, north-west London, was subject to a violent and sustained attack on the top deck of a Route 189 bus before being discovered by a passenger.

Police and paramedics were called to the bus in Gloucester Place, Marylebone, at 12.10am on Friday but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Saturday detectives arrested a 38-year-old man in Mulgrave Road, Fulham, south west London, on suspicion of murder. He was also detained on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon after being found with a knife.

A man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Archie Sheppard in # Marylebone https://t.co/vjDfogB5Jt pic.twitter.com/McOK7SCCPX  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) April 29, 2017

Scotland Yard appealed for help in searching for a white male seen with Mr Sheppard shortly before he boarded the bus in Brent Cross, north London, at 11.13pm on Thursday.

The attacker then fled the bus as it reached Gloucester Place and the junction with Montagu Place, heading in the direction of Marble Arch, police said.

Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh, said: Whilst we have made an arrest this evening this is just the beginning for my investigation. We are now appealing to those who knew Archie Sheppard in whatever capacity to come forward.

Archie Sheppard was found fatally stabbed on a London bus (PA)

It is important that we establish and get a clearer picture as to who Mr Sheppard was and the lifestyle he was leading, in particular anyone who was with him on Thursday, 27 April and anyone who stayed at his home in Neasden.

I am also making a fresh appeal for information and witnesses to come forward. A number of people have assisted us with our inquiry but there are still a number of witnesses that have yet to come forward and I believe that they could hold vital information that could help with progressing this investigation.

A post-mortem examination was due to take place on Saturday and Mr Sheppards next of kin have been informed.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or the events leading up to the murder has been asked to contact the incident room on 020 8785 8099 or via Twitter @MetCC. Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the crimestoppers-uk.org website.
BERLIN, April 28 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday defended her foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel, whose meeting with a group critical of Israel's treatment of Palestinians prompted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cancel talks.

Netanyahu said in an interview with a German newspaper he had tried to telephone Gabriel to clear the air after cancelling the talks but the visiting German foreign minister would not take his call.

Asked if Gabriel had her backing, Merkel told the RND newspaper group: "Yes, he has that. We were in close contact during his visit to Israel."

Netanyahu cancelled talks with Gabriel on Tuesday after the minister met members of "Breaking the Silence," an Israeli organisation often criticised by the Israeli government over its collection of testimonies from Israeli veterans about the army's treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank.

Merkel said she often meets civil society groups during her foreign travels, adding the dispute "changes nothing in our conviction that support for the state of Israel is part of our raison d'etat."

The dispute threatens to widen a rift between Israel and Germany over Jewish settlement building in the Israeli-occupied West Bank by Netanyahu's right-wing government.

Netanyahu, who is also Israel's foreign minister, said he had tried to patch things up with Gabriel, telling German mass-selling daily Bild on Friday: "I wanted to telephone Foreign Minister Gabriel to explain my position and to clear things up, but he would not take the call."

"I hope Gabriel meets me on his next trip to Israel rather than a radical fringe group that undermines Israel's security," he said.

"It seems Mr. Netanyahu is under big pressure over what he has done," Gabriel said on Friday in Valletta. "This is why he is appearing in German newspapers."

Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Schaefer said Israeli officials had wanted Gabriel to meet representatives of Jewish West Bank settlers as a condition for the phone conversation, something the German side could not accept.

"I do not welcome diplomats from other countries who visit Israel and meet organisations that call our soldiers war criminals. That is the reason why the meeting did not take place," Netanyahu told Bild.

He added that relations between Israel and Germany were "extraordinarily strong" and that Israelis were thankful for Germany's help in maintaining Israel's security.

Germany regards itself as one of Israel's closest allies and the cooperation and trade links are extensive. However, the legacy of the Nazi-era Holocaust, in which six million Jews were killed during World War Two, means relations are highly charged.

In March, Germany cancelled an annual meeting of German and Israeli leaders planned for May amid rising frustration in Berlin with settlement activity in the West Bank. (Reporting by Andreas Rinke and Hans-Edzard Busemann in Berlin and Tom Koerkemeier in Valletta; Writing by Paul Carrel and Joseph Nasr; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
By Girish Gupta

LOS TEQUES, Venezuela, April 28 (Reuters) - Hundreds of activists marched on Friday to the hilltop jail of Venezuela's best-known detained opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez in the latest of a month of protests against the socialist government.

Security forces blocked access to the decrepit-looking penitentiary next to a slum in Los Teques, an hour's drive from the capital Caracas, as the demonstrators shouted "Leopoldo!" and held signs reading "No To Dictatorship!"

This month's wave of protests against President Nicolas Maduro's government has led to at least 29 deaths in the worst unrest since 2014 rallies championed by Lopez, who was arrested then and convicted of instigating violence.

Venezuela's opposition is demanding elections, autonomy for the legislature where they have a majority, a humanitarian aid channel from abroad to alleviate an economic crisis, and freedom for more than 100 jailed anti-Maduro activists.

Supporters say Lopez, the U.S.-educated leader of hardline Popular Will party, and others are political prisoners who symbolize Maduro's lurch into dictatorship.

Maduro says all are behind bars for legitimate crimes, and calls Lopez, 45, a violent hothead intent on promoting a coup.

"This shows yet again the fear Nicolas Maduro has of people in the street," said Popular Will legislator Juan Mejia at the National Guard barriers outside Ramo Verde jail.

Some inhabitants of a nearby slum came out of their homes to cheer as the protesters marched by.

"We would never have marched here before because it was very dangerous and pro-Chavista," said demonstrator and marketing consultant Kailee Shima, 36, referring to the ruling "Chavista" movement named for Maduro's predecessor Hugo Chavez.

Elsewhere, relatives of imprisoned activists and supporters turned up at other jails, including the Caracas headquarters of the state intelligence service Sebin.

"We are opposite one of the dictatorship's iconic prisons where they keep dozens of political prisoners, opposite the biggest torture center in the land," said another opposition lawmaker Gaby Arellano.

Government officials accuse the opposition of inventing torture stories to sway international opinion against the Maduro government and create the conditions for a foreign intervention of the South American oil producer.

The opposition coalition, which now enjoys majority support after long being in the shadow of "Chavismo" especially during the 14-year rule of Chavez himself, is trying to keep the pressure on Maduro with daily protests. (Writing by Andrew Cawthorne; Editing by Toni Reinhold)
By Andrew Osborn

MOSCOW, April 29 (Reuters) - Hundreds of riot police deployed in central Moscow on Saturday ahead of an opposition protest calling for President Vladimir Putin not to run for what would be his fourth presidential term next year.

Putin, who has dominated Russia's political landscape for the last 17 years, has not said whether he will run in March 2018, but official pollsters give him high popularity ratings and he is widely expected to do so.

The pro-democracy Open Russia movement, founded by Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky, called on people to converge on the presidential administration in Moscow on Saturday afternoon to hand over written appeals for Putin to leave political life.

It was seeking to organise similar protest events in other cities too, including St Petersburg.

Under the slogan "We're sick of him", Open Russia is seeking to build on what the liberal opposition regarded as the success of a wave of anti-government protests last month whose geographical reach and turnout were the largest since 2012.

The authorities stepped up pressure on Open Russia ahead of Saturday with the Kremlin saying the planned protest was illegal and would be dealt with accordingly by the police.

The General Prosecutor's Office ruled on Wednesday that the activity of Open Russia's British arm was "undesirable" in Russia, accusing it and other organisations of trying to stir up trouble aimed at discrediting the presidential election.

Police on Thursday searched the Moscow offices of Open Russia's Russian branch and confiscated 100,000 blank appeal forms which the foundation had hoped to hand out to people encouraging them to call for Putin to quit.

And on Friday, REN TV, a Russian TV channel, broadcast a documentary about Open Russia activists, some of whom it accused of having criminal records, of being drug addicts, and of cultivating close links with the U.S. government.

Repeatedly showing images of Khodorkovsky, U.S. Republican Senator John McCain and U.S. financier George Soros, it suggested opposition activists were motivated by money and getting funding from shadowy foreign sponsors.

Activists dismissed the programme as a cheap stunt designed to discredit them, with at least one noting that REN TV had somehow obtained video footage stored in his mobile phone. (Additional reporting by Dmitry Solovyov; Editing by)
LONDON, April 29 (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that if the United Kingdom left the European Union with an abrupt change of rules for businesses then it could cause confusion for international firms.

The leader of the world's third largest economy said he hoped there would be a transition period to ease the United Kingdom's exit from the EU that is scheduled for March 2019.

"Japan supports a strong UK and a strong Europe," Abe told reporters at a briefing in London. Abe held talks with PM May at Chequers, the country house of the British prime minister.

"It is necessary that the firm solidarity of Europe as a whole is maintained while ensuring a smooth and successful Brexit," Abe said. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; editing by William James and Alistair Smout)
PARIS, April 29 (Reuters) - France condemned a ballistic missile test conducted on Saturday by North Korea and called for a "firm" and "determined" reaction towards Pyongyang.

"In spite of its failure, this test confirms the willingness of the North Korean regime to obtain an operational nuclear capacity and constitutes a threat to international peace and security," a spokesman with the French ministry of foreign affairs said in an emailed statement.

North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile shortly after U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned that failure to curb Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes could lead to "catastrophic consequences", sparking condemnations worldwide.

U.S. and South Korean officials said the test, from an area north of the North Korean capital, appeared to have failed, in what would be the North's fourth straight unsuccessful missile test since March. (Reporting by Matthias Blamont; Editing by Toby Chopra)
By Alastair Macdonald and Philip Blenkinsop

BRUSSELS, April 29 (Reuters) - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban told leaders of his centre-right EU political group on Saturday that he would comply with demands from Brussels to change measures branded an attack on academic freedom, the party said.

Orban himself, speaking in Hungarian to domestic television viewers, insisted he was not climbing down and said he would "negotiate" with the EU executive in the coming months and "implement the final result".

"Nobody will set conditions for Hungary," he told Hungarian reporters at a news conference on Saturday.

The apparent easing of tensions with Budapest came as EU national leaders met in Brussels to demonstrate unity ahead of Brexit negotiations. They agreed formal guidelines for those talks with Britain without further discussion.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is also part of the conservative bloc, said actions would speak louder than words.

"For me, and I believe this is also the case for the Commission, what matters are the actual results," she told a news conference after the Brussels summit.

Orban, in power since 2010, has regularly bashed the EU and is accused in Brussels along with leaders of some other ex-communist countries such as Poland, of willingly accepting EU funds, while rejecting EU values or a share of refugees. According to the European People's Party (EPP), he was in more of an appeasing mood on Saturday.

"Prime Minister Orban committed himself in the EPP council to follow and implement all the demands of the European Commission within the deadline set by the Commission," Siegfried Muresan, EPP spokesman, told reporters after Orban was grilled by fellow party leaders.

On Wednesday, the EU executive gave Budapest a month to adapt a higher education law passed on April 4, saying it was not compatible with fundamental European freedoms.

EPP President Joseph Daul, whose group has considered in the past suspending Orban's ruling Fidesz party over concerns about its respect for democratic values, said Orban had reassured the party that Hungary would comply with the Commission request.

Orban, who in common with other Eastern European leaders is anxious to show voters that they have not swapped half a century of rule from Moscow for diktat from Brussels, defended himself in the European Parliament on Wednesday.

He condemned his former ally in opposing Communist control in Hungary, Hungarian-born U.S. financier George Soros, as a "speculator". The Soros-backed Central European University in Budapest has said the new law is aimed at closing it down as part of a plan to discourage liberal thought.

"The measures in Budapest are not acceptable. Academic freedom must be guaranteed," Manfred Weber, the EPP's leader in the European Parliament, said after Saturday's meeting.

Poland also faces complaints from the EU executive that it is breaching standards which others see as fundamental to the idea of the European Union and defying the bloc's rules. (Additional reporting by Gergely Szakacs; Editing by Jan Strupczewski and Ros Russell)
BEIRUT, April 29 (Reuters) - Fighting between rebel groups in the biggest insurgent stronghold near the Syrian capital Damascus entered a second day on Saturday while government forces pressed an offensive, a war monitor said.

The clashes broke out in part of the densely-populated rural area east of Damascus known as the Eastern Ghouta, which has been besieged by government troops since 2013.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it had documented the deaths of at least 74 fighters since clashes between rebel groups broke out on Friday. It also reported civilian casualties.

Jaish al-Islam is pitted against the Failaq al-Rahman group together with fighters from an alliance with links to al-Qaeda, according to the Observatory, rebels and activists.

A Failaq al-Rahman statement on Friday said Jaish al-Islam attacked some of its positions and said the factional fighting was not in the interests of the Eastern Ghouta or the Syrian revolution.

Fighting between the groups killed hundreds of people last April before a ceasefire was agreed in Qatar in May.

The rift was exploited by Syrian government forces to capture parts of the Eastern Ghouta, whose territory shrank by about a third in the second half of last year.

Jaish al-Islam is one of the biggest Syrian rebel groups and has been the dominant faction in the Eastern Ghouta. Its leader, Zahran Alloush, was killed in an air strike in December 2015.

Jaish al-Islam said in a statement it shared the same goals as Failaq al-Rahman and called on them to contain the crisis, adding that its dispute was with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group (Liberation of the Levant Committee).

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is an alliance of factions formed in January, whose members include Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, formerly al Qaeda's Nusra Front group.

During the fighting, Syrian government and allied forces attacked the rebel-held district of Qaboun northwest of Eastern Ghouta by land and air.

The Syrian government, which is backed by Russian air power and Iranian-backed militias, launched an offensive against Qaboun and neighbouring Barza, which are believed to contain supply tunnels for the besieged enclave, in February.

Government forces advanced slightly in Qaboun on Friday, the Observatory said. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington; Editing by Janet Lawrence and John Stonestreet)
Joint Opposition MP Dinesh Gunawardena said yesterday the government had distributed houses built by the previous regime to the Meethotamulla victims even though former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa were blamed for the disaster.

He said the present government had stopped the housing project initiated by the previous government for the past two years and added that they should take the responsibility for it.

Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka responded saying the housing project initiated by the previous government was not sustainable.

"The Urban Development Authority (UDA) had faced a grave crisis to continue the project as it was planned to be a Rs. 210 billion project whereas a debenture had been issued initially, only for Rs. 10 billion.

Mr. Gunawardene said the Disaster Management Ministry had been slow to react to the calamity at Meethotamulla and asked what the Flying Squad of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) had been doing during the time.

He said there should be a stable mechanism to address the garbage crisis and added that a special legal mechanism and a central institute should be set up in this regard.

Mr. Gunawardane said the government should heed the warning of the Japanese experts with regard to the likely methane explosion at the Meethotamulla garbage dump.

The minister said there was no such threat as the methane level was below the level that could trigger an explosion. (Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)
UNP's former general secretary Tissa Attanayake said yesterday the UNP is not looking after the elephants which laboured for the party, but only serving the elephants which adorn the perahera.

He said this during a visit to the Kandy Mawilmada Watapuluwa Bodhi Malu Viharaya to pay homage to the Temple's Chief Incumbent the Ven. Mahaupadya Udawatte Nanda Thera.

Mr. Attanayake said as a life-long UNPer he was concerned about the members who had been ignored by the party.

I am staying away from politics for a while but will return to politics in a big way in the near future. I will have to decide on what I should do if I am invited to re-join the UNP. Keeping me away permanently does not hold good for the UNP. It is not me but the people who are raising their voices in support, he said.

He said that 12,000 members who were trained as organizers at the polling stations have been overlooked, and the plight of the local councillors was no better.

Mr. Attanayake said the UNP should have a plan for 2020 in case a common candidate is nominated with the support of the UNP because the result would be unpredictable.

On being asked about his future plans on entering politics, he said it was the time now to be silent. However, he said that the UNP members are curious as to whether he would return to politics and pointed out that even the Mahanayakes have expressed concern over the vacuum in the political leadership. (J.A.L. Jayasinghe)
After making a pitch for an observer status during this years Malabar trilateral naval exercises scheduled to be held in July, Australia has indicated that it is keen to have a logistics support agreement with India on the lines of the one concluded with the US. This comes at a time when there is a lot of hue and cry in India about Australia scrapping its skilled visa programme  the employer-sponsored temporary work visas, popularly known as the 457 visa.

While the Malcolm Turnbull government may have taken a short-sighted approach in its engagement with India by moving ahead with its new visa restrictions, New Delhi would be equally short-sighted if it just focuses on this issue at the expanse of larger issues in regional balance of power.

Transition

The current transition of power in the Asia-Pacific region, underlined by Americas relative decline and Chinas growing power has significant implications for most Asian states. Though the uncertainty around the future of international politics, norms and institutions does impinge upon all members of the international society, the Asian states find themselves at the forefront of this transition.

For them the current transition of power is not only an ideological contest over the form and nature of the international political system but is also inextricably linked to their own national security imperatives in a number of ways. India, Japan and Australia are at the centre of this strategic flux in the Indo-Pacific.

The level of strategic convergence between Delhi and Tokyo can be gauged from the fact that India, in 2014, invited the Japanese navy to participate in the annual Malabar exercises with the US navy in the Pacific waters, reviving an earlier practice of joint India-US-Japan trilateral exercises. This was a significant move considering the fact that India had earlier capitulated to Chinas reservations when the naval forces of India, US, Australia, Singapore and Japan had conducted joint exercises in the Bay of Bengal in September 2007.

After China made its displeasure clear, India refused to be a part of these exercises from 2008. With the coming of the Modi government, Japans participation in Malabar has been institutionalised. Both Japan and the US have repeatedly expressed their desire to expand the scope of the Malabar exercise.

The vision document, signed by PM Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe in September 2014, called out for regularisation of bilateral maritime exercises as well as to Japans continued participation in India.

During the seventh round of the trilateral strategic dialogue between the three countries held in Honolulu in June 2015, India agreed to Tokyos participation in the 2015 series of Malabar exercises. India and Japan have an institutionalised trilateral strategic dialogue partnership with the United States. Initiated in 2011, maintaining a balance of power in the Asian-Pacific as well as maritime security in Indo-Pacific waters became an important element of this dialogue.

Dialogue

A similar dialogue exists between the US, Japan, and Australia. Under Modi, such security trilateralism in Asia has received not only new momentum but also is being expanded to incorporate other regional powers: in June 2015, India, Australia and Japan held their first ever high-level dialogue in New Delhi. These trilateral initiatives have a serious potential to transform into a quad of democracies in the Indo-Pacific region.

The roots of this potential partnership were laid in late 2004 when navies from the US, India, Japan and Australia collaborated in tsunami relief operations all across the Indian Ocean. Japan has been the most vocal supporter of such an initiative. In 2007, Abe, in his earlier stint as Prime Minister, lobbied for Asias democracies to come together.

This was also actively supported by the US. Such an initiative resulted in a five-nation naval exercise in Bay of Bengal in September 2007 codenamed Malabar 07-02. However, perceiving a possible ganging-up of Asias democracies, China issued demarches to New Delhi and Canberra, causing this initiative to lose steam, since both Australia and New Delhi felt it unwise to provoke Beijing. However, as China becomes more aggressive in the region, there are signs that India and Australia may be warming up to the idea again.

Assault

India and Australia are wary of Chinas assault on maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region. These common concerns have strengthened the need for greater maritime cooperation between the two nations and the two have started conducting joint naval combat exercises. During Modis visit to Australia, a security framework agreement was signed by the two countries, further underscoring the importance of defence cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.

Photo: DailyO

India and Australia are leading powers in the Indian Ocean region. The two countries are also at the helm of Indian Ocean Regional Association (IORA), a formal grouping consisting of the Indian Ocean Littoral States. Australia is also a permanent member of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium which brings together the local navies of the Indian Ocean region. However, the extent of their regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean can also be ascertained by their annual trilateral dialogues with countries like Japan and Indonesia.

The need of the hour is to push for greater engagement with such likeminded nations. Australia has been long keen on joining the Malabar exercises along with the US and Japan. India should favourably consider this request as the idea of an Indo-Pacific democratic quad needs resurrection at the earliest.
Grandma stopped eating properly two and a half weeks ago. This was around the time I returned to Singapore from Colorado, the US.

I have spent the past fortnight unpacking my cartons, having shipped them from India. In the boxes lie the various flotsam from my nomadic lifestyle  an iridescent orange lamp which brings to mind the one that the genie wafted out from in the film Aladdin; a deer sculpture which I had picked up on the cheap from a street somewhere in Berlin - its style reminiscent of the Scythians craftsmanship - sweeping antlers arched behind its sloping back; various chess sets from across the globe, marking some of the countries where I had studied, worked or holidayed in: Egypt, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Morocco, Russia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Vietnam.

I rediscovered my beloved Praktica MTL 3 camera manufactured in then East Germany, probably a play thing of my fathers. I was inseparable from it in my teens. I now own a Leica.

Every box was like a Kinder Chocolate surprise: I crowed over long-lost items, reunited with offerings of love and friendship from over the years. I had stored several boxes at my brothers place before acquiring my current pad, and lived on 23kg (50.7 lbs) of check-in luggage while training in Colorado and Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic this past winter, separated from my belongings which were then enroute from Delhi to Singapore. I had lived in India for some five years. It was a relief to finally have all my things in one place.

The author (on the right) with her middle brother at their home. Photo: Eirliani Abdul Rahman

It is a funny thing, memory. I flip through old school report books  to read what my teachers had written about me. Old letters. To see whether things were as I had remembered them. And photographs, piles of photographs.

One evening at dinner, my youngest brother casually mentioned to me that the reason why my parents had taken so many photographs of my middle brother and I when we were little was because they were not certain that he would survive his kidney operation. I was then nine and he was eight. My face must have reflected my shock because my youngest brother said, You didnt know?

I did not know.

Another afternoon, my mother and I sat down and pored through her album collection. In my living room, I now had an entire display of picture frames with photos of my middle brother and me as infants and toddlers. But there was not a single one of my youngest brother.

As my parents grew older, they spent less time on play and taking photographs of us, with the consequence that my youngest brother had fewer photographs, compared to the two of us. So Mama and I spent a couple of hours selecting a few pictures to be given to him, and several that I could put up in my own apartment.

The author as a toddler. Photo: Eirliani Abdul Rahman

Grandma took care of my middle brother and me over the weekends when my parents had errands to run. After my youngest brother was born, eight years after me, this became more frequent. But because she was always busy entertaining visitors, and taking care of her grandchildren  there were at least four of us there at any one point - Grandma never had the time for photographs. I realise now, with Grandma in the last years of her life, that I dont have one with her alone. Usually, it is group photos that you could spot Grandma in, beaming in wedding pictures and at festive gatherings.

My grandmothers name is Kenek but thanks to a mistake by a British scribe, her name was transcribed as Keyneck, a source of constant amusement for my brothers and me in our youth. We call her Nenek, Malay for grandmother.

Nenek is purportedly of royal lineage, from the house of Solo on the island of Java, Indonesia. I do not know much about her childhood, save that she had helped raise step sisters who were much younger than her. She is diminutive in size, and prefers to be in the background.

In 1964, when racial riots took place in pre-independence Singapore, Nenek took to protecting her Chinese best friend by telling other Malays  if they were walking through a predominantly Malay neighbourhood - that her friend was Malay. Her Chinese best friend returned the favour whenever they walked in a Chinese area.

They both spoke Hokkien  a Chinese dialect - and Malay, and my grandmother is very fair, so it was not difficult to keep up the facade. My grandmother also spoke Japanese, harking back to the time Singapore was under Japanese occupation.

The author (on the right) with her cousin at her grandparents' home. Photo: Eirliani Abdul Rahman

Nenek bore six children, my mother being the third child and the second daughter. My mothers family was probably unusual at the time with my grandparents being both multi lingual. My grandfather spoke Malay, English and Japanese. Theirs was the first home in the neighbourhood to own a television set. My mother remembered kids clambering to watch the telly from outside the windows.

Nenek used to busy herself in the kitchen, delighting in making treats for us grandchildren such as epok-epok (fried curry puffs), pisang goreng (fried banana) or jemput-jemput (fried banana dumplings). My middle brother and I would eat ridiculously copious amounts, running in and out of the kitchen as Nenek prepared yet another batch.

Jangan lari (dont run)! she would shout after us, concerned. We would giggle, ignoring her.

It was bliss. My cousins, my brother and I would watch TV or play games. She was always somewhere in the background: watchful, never interfering.

-------

I visited my grandmother last Sunday. She had shrunk, doll-sized, curled up in a fetal position, her fair skin drawn tightly over her high cheek bones. Her cheeks were ruddy, her hair as white as I had remembered them. My aunt, my mothers youngest sister, was rubbing in some lotion gently as Neneks skin felt itchy.

Gatal, she would say mournfully, repeatedly, in Malay. It meant itchy.

Yes, Mother, my mother and her sister would say, to soothe her. Her skin seemed fine. Nenek no longer recognised any one of us.

I held her right hand and brought it to my nose in a ritual called salam in Malay culture, meant to honour our elders. Nenek, its Lin, I said, using my pet name. Nenek looked bewildered.

At one point, my aunt started crying.

I cant bear to see her like this, she said. I wanted to reach out and comfort my aunt. She was, and still is, my favourite aunt, but I didnt.

Neneks younger step sister was there too. The latter had brought along her daughter and son-in-law. When it was time for her to leave, she kissed Neneks hand gently, trying to hold back her tears. She half-whispered to my youngest brother who was standing close by, She took care of us when we were young.

We nodded.

Fighting harder to hold back her tears, she turned back to Nenek, while gently caressing her face, Well return, ok? Dont you worry, we will return.

------

Today, I returned to see Nenek again. My favourite aunt had raised the alarm this afternoon, having found her having great difficulty speaking, and a weak pulse. I arrived with my parents, my mother preternaturally calm. I half-wondered to myself how I would be if it was my mother.

I sat next to her bed, alone, my aunts and mother busy elsewhere.

Nenek? Its Lin.

I whispered some prayers, and Grandma suddenly seemed alert, looking straight at me. She held my hands in both of hers.

Turning my face away from Nenek, I yelled, Aunty? Aunty!! Nenek is alert again.

My aunt bustled to my side: Yes, yes, shes OK now.

Apparently, Nenek had had low blood sugar levels, a situation easily ameliorated by giving her milk which she was able to consume.

The mood is perceptibly lighter now. Cousins  and their children whom I had not yet met  and our respective parents mingled, chatted.

When it was my turn to leave, Nenek seemed to sense this, holding my right hand again. Bye, she said in English. Switching to Malay, she added, Terima kasih (thank you). And then brought my hand to her nose in the time honoured tradition. I was stunned. My oldest aunt watched in quiet fascination, just across the bed from me.

Mama, I said. Nenek just said goodbye, and did the salam to me.

Yes, Mother just salam-ed Lin! My oldest aunt echoed.

My mother and her sisters, looked on from the foot of the bed. They did not say anything.
PetroChina Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in a range of petroleum related products, services, and activities in Mainland China and internationally. It operates through Exploration and Production, Refining and Chemicals, Marketing, and Natural Gas and Pipeline segments. The Exploration and Production segment engages in the exploration, development, production, and marketing of crude oil and natural gas. The Refining and Chemicals segment refines crude oil and petroleum products; and produces and markets primary petrochemical products, derivative petrochemical products, and other chemical products. The Marketing segment is involved in marketing of refined products and trading business. The Natural Gas and Pipeline segment engages in the transmission of natural gas, crude oil, and refined products; and sale of natural gas. As of December 31, 2021, the company had a total length of 26,076 km, including 17,329 km of natural gas pipelines, 7,340 km of crude oil pipelines, and 1,407 km of refined product pipelines. The company is also involved in the exploration, development, and production of oil sands and coalbed methane; trading of crude oil and petrochemical products; storage, chemical engineering, storage facilities, service station, and transportation facilities and related businesses; and production and sales of basic and derivative chemical, and other chemical products. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People's Republic of China. PetroChina Company Limited is a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation.
The following companies are subsidiares of Cummins: Anvl, Apollo FC Holdings Ltd., Atlantis Acquisitionco Canada Corporation, Atlantis Holdco UK Limited, Brammo, CIFC Worldwide Partner C.V., CMI Africa Holdings BV, CMI CGT Holdings LLC, CMI Canada Financing Ltd., CMI Canada LP, CMI Foreign Holdings B.V., CMI Global Equity Holdings B.V., CMI Global Equity Holdings C.V., CMI Global Holdings B.V., CMI Global Partner 2 C.V., CMI Global Partners B.V., CMI Group Holdings B.V., CMI Group Holdings Cooperatief U.A., CMI International Finance Partner 1 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 2 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 3 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 4 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 5 LLC, CMI Mexico LLC, CMI Netherlands Holdings B.V., CMI PGI Holdings LLC, CMI PGI International Holdings LLC, CMI Turkish Holdings B.V., CMI UK Finance LP, CMI UK Financing LP, Cherry Island Renewable Energy LLC, Consolidated Diesel Company, Consolidated Diesel Inc., Consolidated Diesel of North Carolina Inc., Cummins (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Cummins (Xiangyang) Machining Co. Ltd., Cummins Africa Middle East (Pty) Ltd., Cummins Afrique de l'Ouest, Cummins Americas Inc., Cummins Angola Lda., Cummins Argentina-Servicios Mineros S.A., Cummins Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Cummins Aust Technologies Pty. Ltd., Cummins BLR LLC, Cummins Battery Systems North America LLC, Cummins Belgium N.V., Cummins Botswana (Pty.) Ltd., Cummins Brasil Ltda., Cummins Burkina Faso SARL, Cummins CDC Holding Inc., Cummins CV Member LLC, Cummins Canada ULC, Cummins Caribbean LLC, Cummins Center of Excellence Singapore Pte. Ltd., Cummins Centroamerica Holding S.de R.L., Cummins Child Development Center Inc., Cummins Colombia S.A.S., Cummins Comercializadora S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Corporation, Cummins Cote d'Ivoire SARL, Cummins Czech Republic s.r.o., Cummins Deutschland GmbH, Cummins Diesel International Ltd., Cummins Distribution Holdco Inc., Cummins EMEA Holdings Limited, Cummins East Asia Research & Development Co. Ltd., Cummins Eastern Marine Inc., Cummins Electrified Power Europe Ltd., Cummins Electrified Power NA Inc., Cummins Emission Solutions (China) Co. Ltd., Cummins Emission Solutions Inc., Cummins Empresas Filantropicas, Cummins Energetica Ltda., Cummins Engine (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Cummins Engine (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cummins Engine (Shanghai) Trading & Services Co. Ltd., Cummins Engine Holding Company Inc., Cummins Engine IP Inc., Cummins Engine Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Cummins Engine Venture Corporation, Cummins Enterprise LLC, Cummins Filtration (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cummins Filtration GmbH, Cummins Filtration IP Inc., Cummins Filtration Inc., Cummins Filtration International Corp., Cummins Filtration Ltd., Cummins Filtration SARL, Cummins Filtration Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cummins Filtros Ltda., Cummins Franchise Holdco LLC, Cummins Fuel Systems (Wuhan) Co. Ltd., Cummins Generator Technologies (China) Co. 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Ltd., Cummins LLC Member Inc., Cummins Ltd., Cummins Maroc SARL, Cummins Middle East FZE, Cummins Mining Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Mobility Services Inc., Cummins Mongolia Investment LLC, Cummins Mozambique Ltda., Cummins NV, Cummins Namibia Engine Sales and Service PTY LTD, Cummins Natural Gas Engines Inc., Cummins New Zealand Limited, Cummins Nigeria Ltd., Cummins Norte de Colombia S.A.S., Cummins North Africa Regional Office SARL, Cummins Norway AS, Cummins PGI Holdings Ltd., Cummins Power Generation (China) Co. Ltd., Cummins Power Generation (S) Pte. Ltd., Cummins Power Generation (U.K.) Limited, Cummins Power Generation Deutschland GmbH, Cummins Power Generation Inc., Cummins Power Generation Limited, Cummins PowerGen IP Inc., Cummins Research and Technology India Private Ltd., Cummins Romania Srl, Cummins S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Sales and Service Korea Co. 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(U.K.), Newage Machine Tools Ltd., OOO Cummins, Petbow Limited, Power Group International (Overseas Holdings) B.V., Power Group International (Overseas Holdings) Ltd., Power Group International Ltd., Quickstart Energy Projects SpA, Shanghai Cummins Trade Co. Ltd., TOO Cummins, Taiwan Cummins Sales & Services Co. Ltd., Worldwide Partner CV Member LLC, Wuxi Cummins Turbo Technologies Co. Ltd., Wuxi New Energy Automotive Technologies Co. Ltd., and ZED Connect Inc..

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Fortis Inc. operates as an electric and gas utility company in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean countries. It generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 438,000 retail customers in southeastern Arizona; and 100,000 retail customers in Arizona's Mohave and Santa Cruz counties with an aggregate capacity of 3,485 megawatts (MW), including 53 MW of solar capacity and 252 MV of wind capacity. The company also sells wholesale electricity to other entities in the western United States; owns gas-fired and hydroelectric generating capacity totaling 65 MW; and distributes natural gas to approximately 1,065,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in British Columbia, Canada. In addition, it owns and operates the electricity distribution system that serves approximately 577,000 customers in southern and central Alberta; owns 4 hydroelectric generating facilities with a combined capacity of 225 MW; and provides operation, maintenance, and management services to five hydroelectric generating facilities. Further, the company distributes electricity in the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador with an installed generating capacity of 143 MW; and on Prince Edward Island with a generating capacity of 130 MW. Additionally, it provides integrated electric utility service to approximately 68,000 customers in Ontario; approximately 272,000 customers in Newfoundland and Labrador; approximately 32,000 customers on Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; and approximately 16,000 customers on certain islands in Turks and Caicos. The company also holds long-term contracted generation assets in Belize consisting of 3 hydroelectric generating facilities with a combined capacity of 51 MW; and the Aitken Creek natural gas storage facility. It also owns and operates approximately 90,200 circuit Kilometers (km) of distribution lines; and approximately 50,500 km of natural gas pipelines. Fortis Inc. was founded in 1885 and is headquartered in St. John's, Canada.
The following companies are subsidiares of American International Group: AGC Life Insurance Company, AIG APAC HOLDINGS PTE. LTD., AIG Aerospace Insurance Services Inc., AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte. Ltd., AIG Asset Management (Europe) Limited, AIG Asset Management (U.S.) LLC, AIG Assurance Company, AIG Australia Limited, AIG Brazil Holding I LLC, AIG CIS Investments LLC, AIG Canada Holdings Inc., AIG Capital Corporation, AIG Capital Services Inc., AIG Claims Inc., AIG Credit Management LLC, AIG Egypt Insurance Company S.A.E., AIG Employee Services Inc., AIG Europe Holdings S.a.r.l, AIG Europe S.A., AIG Federal Savings Bank, AIG Financial Products Corp., AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd., AIG Global Asset Management Holdings Corp., AIG Global Operations Inc., AIG Global Real Estate Investment Corp., AIG Global Reinsurance Operations, AIG Holdings Europe Limited, AIG Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited, AIG Insurance Company China Limited, AIG Insurance Company JSC, AIG Insurance Company of Canada, AIG Insurance Company-Puerto Rico, AIG Insurance Hong Kong Limited, AIG Insurance Management Services Inc., AIG Insurance New Zealand Limited, AIG International Holdings GmbH, AIG Investments UK Limited, AIG Israel Insurance Company Ltd, AIG Japan Holdings Kabushiki Kaisha, AIG Kenya Insurance Company Limited, AIG Korea Inc., AIG Latin America I.I., AIG Latin America Investments S.L., AIG Lebanon SAL, AIG Life Holdings Inc., AIG Life Limited, AIG Life South Africa Limited, AIG Life of Bermuda Ltd., AIG MEA Holdings Limited, AIG MEA Limited, AIG Malaysia Insurance Berhad, AIG Markets Inc., AIG Matched Funding Corp., AIG PC Global Services Inc., AIG Philippines Insurance Inc., AIG Property Casualty Company, AIG Property Casualty Inc., AIG Property Casualty International LLC, AIG Property Casualty U.S. Inc., AIG Re-Takaful (L) Berhad, AIG Resseguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Mexico S.A. de C.V., AIG South Africa Limited, AIG Specialty Insurance Company, AIG Technologies Inc., AIG Travel Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., AIG Travel Assist Inc., AIG Travel Assist Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., AIG Travel EMEA Limited, AIG Travel Inc., AIG Uganda Limited, AIG Vietnam Insurance Company Limited, AIG WarrantyGuard Inc., AIG-FP Pinestead Holdings Corp., AIG-Metropolitana Cia. de Seguros y Reaseguros S.A., AIGGRE Europe Real Estate Fund I GP S.a r.l., AIGGRE Europe Real Estate Fund II GP S.a r.l., AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund I GP LLC, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund II GP LLC, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund III GP LP, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund IV GP LLC, AIU Insurance Company, AM Holdings LLC, Ageas Protect, AlphaCat Managers Ltd., American General Corporation, American General Life Insurance Company, American Home Assurance Co. Ltd., American Home Assurance Company, American International Group UK Limited, American International Realty LLC, American International Reinsurance Company Ltd., American International Underwriters del Ecuador-Holding S.A. en Liquidacion S.A., Arthur J. Glatfelter Agency Inc., Blackboard Insurance Company, Blackboard Specialty Insurance Company, Blackboard U.S. Holdings Inc., C.A. de Seguros American International, Commerce and Industry Insurance Company, Crop Risk Services Inc., Eaglestone Reinsurance Company, Ellipse, Franklin Life Insurance Company, Fuji Fire and Marine, Glatfelter Insurance Group, Glatfelter Underwriting Services Inc., Globe and Rutgers Insurance Group, Grand Isle SAC Limited, Granite State Insurance Company, Illinois National Insurance Co., Inversiones Segucasai C.A., Johannesburg Insurance Holdings (Proprietary) Limited, Laya Healthcare Limited, Lexington Insurance Company, Lexington Specialty Insurance Agency Inc., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh Pa., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Vermont, New Hampshire Insurance Company, PCG 2019 Corporate Member Limited, PT AIG Insurance Indonesia, Pine Street Real Estate Holdings Corp., Risk Specialists Companies Insurance Agency Inc., SAFG Capital LLC, SAFG Retirement Services Inc., Service Net Warranty LLC, Stratford Insurance Company, SunAmerica Asset Management LLC, Talbot Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Ltd., The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York, The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company, Travel Guard, Travel Guard Group Canada Inc./Groupe Garde Voyage du Canada Inc., Travel Guard Group Inc., Tudor Insurance Company, VALIC Financial Advisors Inc., Valic Retirement Services Company, Validus Holdings, Validus Holdings (UK) Ltd., Validus Holdings Ltd., Validus Reinsurance (Switzerland) Ltd, Validus Reinsurance Ltd., Validus Ventures Ltd., Volunteer Firemen's Insurance Services Inc., and Western World Insurance Company.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Becton, Dickinson and: Accuri Cytometers, Accuri Cytometers Inc., Alverix Inc, Alverix Inc., Atto Bioscience Inc, BD Holding S. de R.L. de C.V., BD Infection Prevention BV, BD Kiestra BV, BD Kiestra Total Lab Automation, BD Rapid Diagnostic (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., BD San Luis Potosi S.A. de C.V., BD Switzerland Sarl, BD Ventures LLC, BD West Africa Limited, BDX INO LLC, Bard (Thailand) Limited, Bard ASDI Inc., Bard Access Systems Inc., Bard Acquisition Sub Inc., Bard Australia Pty. Limited, Bard Benelux N.V., Bard Brachytherapy Inc., Bard Brasil Industria e Comercio de Produtos Para a Saude Ltda., Bard Canada Inc., Bard Chile S.p.A., Bard Czech Republic s.r.o., Bard Devices Inc., Bard Dublin ITC Limited, Bard EMEA Finance Center Sp.z o.o., Bard European Distribution Center N.V., Bard Finance B.V. & Co. 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Limited, CareFusion 213 LLC, CareFusion 2200 Inc., CareFusion 2201 Inc., CareFusion 302 LLC, CareFusion 303 Inc., CareFusion Asia (HK) Limited, CareFusion Corporation, CareFusion Corporation., CareFusion D.R. 203 Ltd., CareFusion France 309 S.A.S., CareFusion Israel 330 Ltd., CareFusion Italy 312 S.p.A., CareFusion Manufacturing LLC, CareFusion Mexico 215 S.A. de C.V., CareFusion Netherlands 328 B.V., CareFusion Netherlands 503 B.V., CareFusion Netherlands 504 B.V., CareFusion Netherlands Financing 283 C.V., CareFusion Resources LLC, CareFusion S.A. 319 (Proprietary) Limited, CareFusion Solutions LLC, CareFusion U.K. 244 Limited, CareFusion U.K. 305 Limited, CareFusion U.K. 306 Limited, Carmel Pharma AB, Carmel Pharma Inc, Cato Software Solutions, Cell Analysis Systems Inc, Cellular Research, Cellular Research Inc., Clearstream Technologies Group Limited, Clearstream Technologies Limited, Clontech Laboratories Inc, Corporativo BD de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Critical Device Corporation, Cubex, Cytognos, Cytopeia Inc, DLD (Bermuda) Ltd., DVL Acquisition Sub Inc., Davol Inc., Davol International Limited, Davol Surgical Innovations S.A. de C.V., Difco Laboratories Incorporated, Distribuidora BD Mexico S.A. de C.V., Dutch American Manufacturers (D.A.M.) B.V., Dymax Corporation, Embo Medical Limited, Enturia de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Enturican Inc., FJ International Inc., FlowCardia Inc., FlowCardia LLC, FlowJo LLC, Franklin Lakes Enterprises L.L.C., GSL Solutions, Gamer Lasertechnik GmbH, GenCell Biosystems, GenCell Biosystems Ltd., GeneOhm Sciences Canada ULC, GeneOhm Sciences Inc, Gentest Corporation, Gesco International Inc., Gesco International LLC, Glentech Inc, HandyLab Inc, HandyLab Inc., IBD Holdings LLC, Iontophoretics Corporation, JoHome LLC, Kabushiki Kaisha Medicon (Medicon Inc.), Liberator Health and Education Services Inc., Liberator Health and Wellness Inc., Liberator Medical Holdings Inc., Liberator Medical Supply Inc., Limited Liability Company Bard Rus, Loma Vista Medical Inc., Loma Vista Medical LLC, Luther Medical Products Inc, Lutonix Inc., Med-Design Corporation, Med-Design Investment Holdings Inc., Med-Safe Systems Inc, Med-Safe Systems Inc., MedChem Products Inc., Medafor Inc., Medegen LLC, Medinservice.com Inc., Medivance Inc., NAT Diagnostics Inc., NAT Diagnostics Inc., NOW Medical Distribution Inc., NOW Medical Distribution LLC, Navarre Biomedical LLC, Navarre Biomedical Ltd., Neomend Inc., Nippon Becton Dickinson Company Ltd., Omega Biosystems Incorporated, P.R.C. (Isialys) Societe a responsabilitie limitee, PT Becton Dickinson Indonesia, PharMingen, PharMingen., Plasso Technology Ltd, PreAnalytiX GmbH, Pristine Access Technologies Inc., ProSeed Inc., Procesos para Esterilizacion S.A. de C.V., Productos Bard de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Productos Para el Cuidado de la Salud S.A. de C.V., Puls Medical Devices AS LC, PureWick Corporation, Roberts Laboratories Inc., Rochester Medical Corporation, Rochester Medical Ltd., Saf-T-Med Inc, Safety Syringes Inc., Scanwell Health Inc., Sendal S.L.U., SenoRx Inc., SenoRx LLC, Shield Healthcare Centers Inc., Sirigen Group Limited, Sirigen II Limited, Sirigen Inc., Sistemas Medicos ALARIS S.A. de C.V., Specialized Cooperative Corporation, Specialized Health Products Inc., Specialized Health Products International Inc., Specialized Health Products International LLC, Staged Diabetes Management LLC, Straub Medical AG, Straub Medical AG, Surgical Site Solutions Inc., TVA Medical Inc, TVA Medical Inc., Tepha Inc, Tepha Inc., Tissuemed Ltd., Tri-County Medical & Ostomy Supplies Inc., TriPath Imaging Inc., Tru-Fit Marketing Corporation, Vas-Cath Incorporated, Vascular Pathways Inc., Velano Vascular, Velano Vascular Inc., Venclose Inc., Venetec International Inc., Venetec International LLC, Visitec, Y-Med Inc., Y-Med LLC, and ZebraSci Inc..

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Today, after nearly 30 years, I come to the end of my journalism career.

Although I still plan to write an occasional piece for The Daily Progress, this will be my last official feature story. As a person who has made my living with words, I know of none that can convey how blessed I feel to have had this extraordinary job.

A few years after I started writing for The Daily Progress, I got a telephone call from a woman who wouldnt identify herself. She said she was confined to her bed, and she probably didnt have long to live. The reason for the call was to thank me.

I was told by our anonymous reader that taped to the walls around her bed were stories I had written. The stories, she said, took her to places she could no longer go.

My mystery lady telephoned me a few more times to remark about stories she particularly liked. Although her calls ended long ago, her spirit served as a constant reminder for me of the writing technique of show, dont tell.

My goal was always to take you, our readers, to the places I visited, and introduce you to the people I met. And, oh, the places we have gone.

You have been with me when that retired airline pilot flying a World War I biplane tried unsuccessfully to make me yell uncle as he barrel-rolled us across the sky. We were together at operating tables as surgeons harvested, and later transplanted, livers into their human patients.

We have sipped coffee at kitchen tables, talked about complicated matters in University of Virginia laboratories and experienced adventures most people will never get a chance to do. They call what I have done participatory journalism, and it suited me to a T.

When I was hired as a feature story writer for The Daily Progress in June 1987, I didnt think I was destined to homestead the place. The owner at the time, Tom Worrell, hired me after he read my book, The Dying Place. The idea was that Id work here until I finished my second book.

It didnt take me long to realize that I had found my lifes calling. That understanding would be constantly reaffirmed as Id do things like tag along with one of the last door-to-door Fuller Brush men.

I cherish the memory of the last walk I took with Irene Valentine along her beloved Park Street. And I can never forget how Carol Troxell, the late owner of New Dominion Bookshop, hated to be interviewed, but always gave in when I asked.

And what a gift it was to see the joy on Richard Wingfields face as he showed me how he made spudnuts. I met him at his Spudnut Coffee Shop at 3 in the morning, and he was still smiling and hard at it when I left hours later.

When former Charlottesville police chief John deK. Bowen instituted a mounted patrol unit, I was invited to ride along. After my horse-riding abilities were checked out, I was issued a uniform and a spirited horse named Chico to ride.

When Chico decided he wanted to gallop along a grassy, highway dividing strip, and I demurred because of the traffic, he got rather frisky. Some guy driving by yelled, Ride em, cowboy. Chico didnt throw me, but I was holding onto everything I could reach.

I rode with the horse patrol unit several times, but no outing was more memorable than the one that took us to the UVa Grounds. It was after midnight when we rode by the Rotunda, and the only things heard were the clop of hooves on bricks and the faint squeak of leather.

That was one of the most mystical moments of my life. After we left the Grounds, I gave deK a look to silently ask him if he had felt what I had felt. His smile told me he had.

This job has given me the opportunity to tell you about friends I lost during the Vietnam War. Thanks to my computer screen, nobody saw the tears that often would well up in my eyes when I wrote those pieces.

Because of my service in Vietnam, combat veterans opened up to me in ways they might not have otherwise. When the movie Saving Private Ryan came out in 1998, I invited a number of local men who had participated in D-Day to see the film and give me their take on it.

After the horrendous opening scene of the beach landing, Carroll E. Mike Harris leaned toward me and whispered, Geez, Dave, I dont remember it being that bad. Thirty-five days after the landing, Mike lost an arm during the fighting around St. Lo.

During my time at The Progress, I had the privilege of writing stories for the 50th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the D-Day invasion. I was sitting at Ed Jeziorskis kitchen table when he told me about parachuting into Normandy on that fateful night.

Ed had been a paratrooper with Company C, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. A Catholic, he told me about going to confession the day before the invasion.

I dont know if it was the best confession I ever made in my life, or even the straightest, Ed had said. I do know that all the things I wanted Father Verret to hear I unloaded, and some of the things I still held back.

Carl Chubby Proffitt was always my main source for any questions I had about the invasion. When he died a couple of years ago, he was the last of my D-Day guys.

My job gave me the opportunity to observe Bob Fords reunion with the Huey helicopter he had flown during the Vietnam War. When he saw it decades later, all he could say was, Ill be doggone.

Like many of the combat veterans Ive interviewed through the years, that helicopter has become a close friend of mine. The first thing I do is give it a pat and a kiss when I visit the Vietnam War Foundation & Museum near Ruckersville, where its housed.

This job gave me the chance to become friends with Rebecca Fuller McGinness, who died in 2000 at the age of 107. During my last visit to her home, she asked me how old I was.

With a tone of mild despair in my voice, I told her I was about to turn 50. Oh, to be 50 again, Rebecca said wistfully.

In 1994, Dolly Garrison was responsible for me starting a Christmas tradition that for years had me canvassing Charlottesville to find the best-decorated homes in town. When I started my annual tour, Chesapeake Street was one of the most decorated. On my final trip, only one house on that street was bedecked with colored lights.

Chubby and his wife, Olive, lived on Chesapeake Street, and I always stopped by to say hello when I was making my yuletide rounds. On my last visit before Olive died, she gave me one of her precious Snowbabies figurines.

On another occasion, I had to ask the owners of a nicely decorated home on Locust Avenue for the address. When I identified myself, I was invited inside to partake of their annual crab cake dinner.

Through the years, Ive made friends with people, as well as buildings and places. Timberlake Drugs, New Dominion Bookshop and the Paramount Theater come to mind.

The first time I was in the Paramount, it had a couple of feet of water by the stage, and it was literally falling apart. Im thankful to have been able to chronicle how it went from ruin to being one of the most beautiful theaters in the nation.

Although I could rave about the comfort food and drinks on the menu at Timberlakes lunch counter and soda fountain, its the warm smiles found there that mean the most to me. And I dont know if I will ever get used to going into my favorite bookstore and not seeing Carol, and laughing when she would introduce me to customers as our famous writer.

John Grisham is truly a famous writer, and he has never failed to make time for me. During the last interview I did with him, I thanked him for going far out of his way to make it happen.

Have I ever denied you anything, David? he asked, a smile on his face. No, John, you havent, and Ill never forget your thoughtfulness.

Neither will I forget the thoughtfulness of other celebrities, such as Yoko Ono, Vanessa Redgrave and Robert Goulet. I had a telephone interview set up with Yoko pertaining to an exhibit of her late husbands artwork that was being shown here.

Just before the interview, Yoko was unexpectedly called back to London. I was surprised, and grateful, when she telephoned me from London, and we chatted for nearly an hour.

Vanessa was kind enough to send me a copy of a reproduction of a booklet that was given out to American GIs during World War II, informing them about English customs and culture. After Robert and I became acquainted, he gave me his personal telephone number so we could stay in touch. I received a Christmas card every year from him and his wife until 2007, when he died.

It was because of this job that I became friends with the great guitarist Danny Gatton and Marion Keisker.

I once asked Danny how much he practiced. Practice is for rookies, he said.

In 1953, Marion was working as an assistant to Sam Phillips at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee. On July 18 that year, Elvis Presley came in and paid $3.25 to record two songs for his mother.

Ms. Keisker was perhaps the first person to realize Presleys commercial potential, and she was instrumental in helping to launch his singing career.

I had been at The Progress less than two months when I was working on a story pertaining to the 10th anniversary of his death.

I desperately needed to talk with someone who had known Presley personally, so I called directory assistance in Memphis, and got Marions number. Miracle of miracles, she answered  and didnt hang up when I identified myself.

Among the many insights Marion gave me about Presley was how he had cried backstage and said he would never perform again after his less-than-auspicious debut at the Grand Ole Opry. By the time they dropped the Hillbilly Cat off at his home, she had convinced him that the Opry crowd hadnt understood what he was about, but they would.

We had been talking for a good while before Marion told me that in her entire life she had only done two interviews about Elvis. And I dont know why Im talking with you now, she said.

After I sent Marion a copy of the story, she wrote me a beautiful letter. Along with her words was a photograph of herself holding a rose. She died on Dec. 29, 1989.

Yes, this has been a wonderful job, but its time for me to finish my second book. Although I cant find the words to convey what you and this job have meant to me, there are two words I would like to leave you with.

Thank You.
They sailed the seas, rode the rails and hit the roads, bringing shades, shoes and stereos. Now theyre serving beer, cooking burgers and growing broccoli.

Building with cargo containers, those steel boxes that carry goods on ships, trains and trucks, has become high tone, with everything from small homes to large hotels being designed with containers in mind.

Repurposed containers are creeping into Central Virginia, as well. In Crozet, Pro Re Nata Brewery has constructed a tasting complex with retired containers.

Federal Realty recently announced it will allow Freight Farms, a Boston-based company that retrofits shipping containers into agricultural businesses and sells them to farmers, to plant a few containers at its Barracks Road and 29th Place properties.

Checkers & Rallys, the company behind two fast food chains seeking franchisees in the Charlottesville area, offers the option of building restaurants out of repurposed containers.

There are many reasons the cargo boxes, known as intermodal containers, are becoming a popular building material.

They are designed to carry heavy loads and to stack on top of each other. They resist harsh environments. They are built in standard widths, heights and lengths. They are easily transported because they conform to standard shipping platforms. They can cost as little as $1,000 used or $6,000 new.

There are also disadvantages.

Steel conducts heat and cold so containers need more insulation than most brick, block or wood structures. Without proper sealing and insulation, condensation will cause the metal to rust.

Cranes are needed to put the containers in place, they need to be welded together and cuts in the walls or roof of containers, such as for a window, actually weaken the structural integrity.

That makes containers problematic for those building homes. An individual container makes for an awkward living space as added insulation makes for a long, narrow box with a ceiling of less than eight feet. Building a home with traditional materials often costs as much or less than using containers.

But for commercial projects, the containers make more sense.

It was something that hadnt been done before in the area, said Brian Combs, Pro Re Natas general manager. People are putting breweries into old industrial centers and thats a cool thing. Here in our area, a lot of buildings have a Thomas Jefferson-design look and we thought wed be different.

Caroline Katsiroubas, of Freight Farms, said the farming containers are used to create agri-businesses with owners selling their produce to local restaurants and at markets.

We use old refrigerated units because they have better insulation. They have to be properly prepared for life as a farm, she said. We just make the units. Its what the farmers do with them thats so cool

The containers require some retrofitting for farming. They are carefully cleansed, insulated and fitted with heating control equipment and a self-contained watering system that takes moisture from air and returns it to the plants inside.

The big problem with the growing pods is finding property on which to place them. Thats where Federal Realty comes in.

With container farms, everything works well but our farmers often get stuck on where to find the land to place them, Katsiroubas said. With Federal Realty, the farmers dont have to worry whether property will be available. And Federal Realty lets them know the costs up front.

For Federal Realty, placing the container farms on their properties is actually a good use of space. The containers can often be placed behind buildings and in out-of-the-way areas normally used for loading.

Most of the units are business-to-business meaning they provide fresh vegetables and produce to other businesses, said Mike Kelleher, vice president of specialty leasing for Federal Realty. Because they sell business-to-business, they dont need to be located in a place with a lot of foot traffic to attract business. That means they can be placed in other areas of the shopping center rather than in parking spaces customers may use.

Combs said the containers were relatively inexpensive, they were readily available and were fairly easy to turn into an outdoor venue despite requiring the services of a skilled welder and cranes to put the double-decker venue in place.

The whole bottom section is air conditioned and heated and insulated and works very well for private events, he said. The upper level is open and has a great sort of bayou vibe with the frogs in the nearby ponds.

Checkers & Rallys officials say the containers work for their company because the fast food firm has redesigned its restaurants without dining rooms, focusing on drive-thru and walk-up customers.

By redefining what we look like, were able to redesign our options, said John Palumbo, director of franchise development for Checkers & Rallys. The container building is one of the options we offer for franchisees. Its good to be able to build a green, environmentally friendly building thats not too expensive. Where we build them depends on the area, the franchisee, as well as the ability of the community zoning code to accept such a building.

Palumbo noted that the company quickly adopted pre-manufactured modular restaurants as well as the containers.

Were able to do it for two reasons. Our building footprint is smaller than most, with no dining room and a drive-thru, he said. The modular units become more cost effective than stick buildings. Were small enough that we can fit on the right size property.

Its really become quite a trend because the containers are everywhere and they need to be used, Katsiroubas said. The idea came to our founders around 2009. They had been installing agricultural locations on rooftops and greenhouses when the idea came to build and retrofit containers that could be placed anywhere with access to water and electricity while repurposing the containers.

For the farming containers, the biggest problem is that the small agribusiness pods dont fit into most zoning ordinances. It often takes time for governments to figure out exactly what rules apply.

The first reaction is often, what is it? Then its trying to figure out what regulations apply to it, Kelleher said. After thats sorted out, though, its met with enthusiasm. Its a farming business where theres no drought, no frost, no bugs. What could be better?
How government observes holidays continues to evolve in the region.

Beginning next fiscal year, the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library will be open on Thomas Jeffersons birthday and closed for a paid staff holiday on Veterans Day.

The change comes after a staff survey showed a strong preference for observing Veterans Day over Jeffersons birthday. According to JMRL Director John Halliday, of 72 responses, 92 percent were in favor of the change.

The library previously was closed on Veterans Day for a staff in-service day, which will now be moved to early December.

The library staffs support of the change was in response to public comments, Halliday said. Many library users, especially at libraries outside Charlottesville, expressed surprise the library was closed on Thomas Jeffersons birthday. Also, some library patrons said they thought it was disrespectful to not observe Veterans Day.

The city of Charlottesville and Albemarle County are the only local government offices in the state that close on April 13 for Jeffersons birthday. JMRL also has branches in Greene, Louisa and Nelson counties.

The new holiday schedule was approved by the librarys board at its April meeting.

The board periodically has discussed paid staff vacations over the last decade.

The board added Jeffersons birthday, Columbus Day and the day after Thanksgiving as paid holidays in 2009, increasing the number of paid holidays to 12.

The board added the days off to show appreciation for staff, who did not get raises in the following fiscal year.

At the time, the boards personnel committee, which recommended adding the holidays, said it would reconsider the holidays the following year, hoping the budget would include raises.

Board trustee Gary Grant, who was on the personnel committee in 2009, was the only board member who voted against changing the paid holidays for FY18.

I wouldve liked a separate vote to say, OK, lets remove the Thomas Jefferson holiday, and I wouldve been all for that, Grant said. Im not against Veterans Day either, but  when we gave them Thomas Jeffersons birthday as a holiday years ago, the deal was, when we were able to get back to giving raises, we would take away that holiday.

Grant pointed that out to the board in 2014 before it approved the FY15 schedule of library closings. According to meeting minutes from that year, he argued that federal offices have 10 holidays, but JMRL has 12, and he asked if two days should be deducted that year because a 3 percent raise was planned.

No changes were made that year.

***

Federal, state and local government employees all get a similar number of paid holidays, but some get additional specific holidays.

JMRL and Albemarle currently have 12 paid holidays, according to human resource policies, while Charlottesville has 11.

Depending when the Christmas holiday falls, city workers might get an additional day off, said city spokeswoman Miriam Dickler.

In 2015, the city passed an ordinance to remove Lee-Jackson Day from its list of official holidays, and added Veterans Day. Albemarle followed suit in 2016. JMRL did not recognize Lee-Jackson Day beginning in fiscal year 2000, after the state separated Lee-Jackson-King Day.

Virginia state code recognizes 12 holidays, including Lee-Jackson Day and Columbus Day. Charlottesville and Albemarle do not recognize Columbus Day as a paid holiday.

While Grant said that he is not opposed to keeping a paid holiday to stay equal to peer public libraries, he would like to see Columbus Day removed from JMRLs closings.

***

My objection is, youve got factual proof that Columbus, basically, was not the first discoverer of the New World, Grant said. He was a bigot, a racist, a misogynist, an enslaver and a trafficker in females to Spanish men. That, to me, should not be recognized as a national holiday under his name and we shouldnt be giving our wonderful library employees a day off when, in a sense, were vicariously saying by giving that day off, that its OK to approve of Columbus Day, when he really was a vile man.

Another trustee, Peter McIntosh, voted to approve the JMRL schedule of closings for FY18, but after the vote agreed with Grant about Columbus Day.

I would hope that next year, maybe the year after, after my tenure ends, that we could get rid of Columbus Day as a relic of a past history of this country that we should not be proud of, and we celebrate it, so were telling people were proud of it, he said.

Garys recitation is pretty clear, that it is not something that we should be proud of, and were struggling with those things on the [Robert E.] Lee statue and [Thomas Stonewall] Jackson statue and everything like that, and we shouldnt, as the library board, absolve ourselves of also coming to grips with the issue of what do we celebrate and how does that teach us and the children that we bring through the library system what is good.
WASHINGTON  Heres how area members of Congress voted on major issues in the week ending April 28.

House

One-week stopgap spending. Voting 382 for and 30 against, the House on April 28 approved legislation (HJ Res 99) that would fund government operations from April 29 through May 5 at an annualized level of nearly $1.1 trillion. This was the third continuing resolution, or stopgap spending measure, that the Republican majority has passed to fund the government in the budget year that began in October 2016.

A yes vote was to send the Senate a measure to keep federal agencies from shutting down at midnight.

Voting no: Tom Garrett, R-5th.

Not voting: Dave Brat, R-7th.

Presidential control of U.S. Copyright Office. Voting 378 for and 48 against, the House on April 26 passed a bipartisan bill (HR 1695) that would shift control of the U.S. Copyright Office from the Library of Congress to the White House. The bill would make the register of copyrights a presidential appointee subject to Senate confirmation, changing a procedure dating to 1897 in which the librarian of Congress appoints the register to serve indefinitely without the consent of the Senate. The register would have a 10-year term but could be removed by the president at any time. Otherwise, the office would continue to function as part of the legislative branch. Backers said the bill would to enable a moribund office to better adapt to technological changes in the music, cinema and publishing industries. Critics called the bill a solution in search of a problem that would politicize the securing of intellectual property rights. The bill was in the works long before Donald Trumps election as president.

A yes vote was to send the bill to the Senate.

Voting yes: Garrett, Brat.

Disclosure of Trump tax returns. Voting 234 for and 191 against, the House on April 26 blocked a parliamentary attempt by Democrats to force floor debate on a bill now in committee that would require sitting presidents and major-party presidential candidates to publicly release their personal tax returns for the three preceding years. Candidate Donald Trump vowed to release his returns following what he said was an ongoing IRS audit. But President Trump has become the first White House occupant in nearly 50 years to withhold his returns from the public.

A yes vote was to quash a Democratic bid for floor debate on a bill concerning the presidents tax returns.

Voting yes: Garrett, Brat.

Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, public information. By a unanimous vote of 425 for and none against, the House on April 27 passed a bill (HR 1694) that would subject the units known as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to Freedom of Information Act requests so long as they remain in a federal conservatorship. These government-owned companies, which exist to provide liquidity to the housing market, have been surviving on taxpayer bailouts since September 2008. This bill would enable real estate and banking interests and others to gain access to reams of sensitive data on housing markets that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac now treat as proprietary.

A yes vote was to send the bill to the Senate.

Voting yes: Garrett, Brat.

Congressional oversight of President Trump. Voting 230 for and 193 against, the House on April 27 blocked a Democratic attempt to force floor debate on a measure now in committee that would begin congressional oversight of ethics and conflict-of-interest issues involving President Trump. In part, the measure would require public disclosure of official visitor logs at the White House and Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort; a public accounting of the General Services Administration finding that Trumps company has not violated its lease to operate the Trump International Hotel in Washington; disclosures on ethics waivers for administration officials; and probes of any conflicts between his presidential acts and business activities in Russia and elsewhere. The vote occurred during debate on H Res 280.

A yes vote was to block a bid by Democrats for floor debate on a measure targeting President Trump.

Voting yes: Garrett, Brat.

Senate

Rosenstein for deputy attorney general. Voting 94 for and six against, the Senate on April 25 confirmed Rod J. Rosenstein, 52, as deputy attorney general, second in charge of the Department of Justice. He had served as U.S. attorney for the District of Maryland since 2005. With Attorney General Jeff Sessions having recused himself from investigations of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, Rosenstein will take charge of that portfolio.

A yes vote was to confirm Rosenstein.

Voting yes: Mark R. Warner (D); Tim Kaine (D).

Acosta for labor secretary. Voting 60 for and 38 against, the Senate on April 27 confirmed R. Alexander Acosta, 48, dean of the Florida International University College of Law, as the 27th U.S. secretary of labor and the first Hispanic member of the Trump Cabinet. Acosta served under President George W. Bush as assistant attorney general for civil rights, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida and on the National Labor Relations Board. He drew Democratic criticism over an inspector generals finding that as head of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, he violated federal law by using political and ideological tests in hiring career civil servants.

A yes vote was to confirm Acosta.

Voting yes: Warner.

Voting no: Kaine.

Perdue for agriculture secretary. The Senate on April 24 confirmed, 87 for and 11 against, Sonny Perdue as the 31st U.S. secretary of agriculture. Perdue, 70, was governor of Georgia from 2003-2011.

A yes vote was to confirm Perdue.

Voting yes: Warner, Kaine.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) visits Laos (Photo:VNA)



The Pasaxon and PathetLao newspapers posted the full text of the Joint Statement between Vietnam and Laos and affirmed the visit has been successful with the signing of nine important cooperation documents.

Notably were the agreement between Vietnams Ministry of Transport and Laos Ministry of Public Works and Transport on the joint management and utilization of Vung Ang port to pave the way for Laos to access sea routes, and another agreement between the two ministries on building a railway connecting Vientiane  Thakhek  Mu Gia  Tan Ap  and Vung Ang.

According to the Lao newspapers, the two PMs launched the Vietnam-Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year 2017 and agreed to host activities in celebration of the 55th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 40th anniversary of signing the Vietnam  Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.

The Vientiane Times on April 27th-28th run two stories titled Major deals signed as Vietnam PM visits and Vietnamese PMs visit spurs further cooperation, highlighting the significant outcomes of the visit, especially the signing of a number of agreements worth hundreds of millions of USD.

The PathetLao on April 28th ran a story saying the visit of PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc means to reiterate the consistent viewpoint of the two countries Parties, governments and peoples to nurture the close-knit ties between Vietnam and Laos, which were founded by Presidents Ho Chi Minh, Kaysone Phomvihane and Suphanouvong.

The New Vientiane newspaper on April 27th carried an article saying Lao Party General Secretary and President Bounnhang Volachith highly values the first official visit to Laos by Nguyen Xuan Phuc on his position as Vietnamese PM, which helped strengthen and deepen the relations between the two countries Parties and States.

The Lao National Television also reported the outcomes of the visit./.
Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (R) and Emmanuel Lenain,

Director for Asia and Oceania at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development (Photo: VNA)



In his meeting with Lenain in Hanoi on April 28th, Son lauded the positive progress of the Vietnam-France relationship in all fields since the two countries set up a strategic partnership in 2013, while expressing his delight at the fruitful outcomes of bilateral political consultations.

He highly evaluated achievements in economic cooperation between the two countries over the past years, expecting that their economic ties would see new breakthroughs, especially in technology transfer and sustainable development in infrastructure, renewable energy, aerospace, satellite, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, food industry, environment, and urban development.

On the occasion, the Deputy FM welcomed Frances participation in Vietnam Foodexpo 2017 in Ho Chi Minh in November as a honourary guest.

For his part, Lenain praised Vietnams role in Southeast Asian and affirmed that the French Government considers Vietnam as a prioritised partner in the region.

He said France supports Vietnams efforts in strengthening comprehensive relations with the European Union (EU) and will work closely with Vietnam to speed up the signing of the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

At the meeting, the two officials spoke highly of the close and effective cooperation between the two ministries and agreed to organise the next strategic security and defence dialogue between the two foreign ministries and defence ministries in France in 2018.

They also agreed to implement specific cooperation plans to make bilateral ties more practical and effective in celebration of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 5th anniversary of strategic partnership in 2018.

The two sides also pledged to continue coordinating together closely and support each other at multilateral forums, especially at the UN and within the framework of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and ASEAN-EU cooperation.

Regarding the East Sea issue, both sides affirmed their respect for the law-based principle in seas and oceans, reiterated their commitments to maintaining aviation and navigation freedom, and stressed the need to settle disputes in the East Sea through peaceful measures, including diplomatic and legal processes on the basis of observing international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS).

Earlier on the same day, Director of the Foreign Ministrys Department for Europe Le Dung and Emmanuel Lenain co-chaired a Vietnam-France political consultation./.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (Source: VNA)



During the meeting with Philippine Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, the two officials spoke highly of the time-honoured and close cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines.

They agreed to promote high-level visits as well as a ministerial-level meeting of the Joint Committee for Bilateral Cooperation this year, and enhance cooperation in marine issues, including fighting piracy.

Meeting with Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman, the two ministers discussed measures to boost bilateral ties and speed up the organisation of the sixth session of the Vietnam-Malaysia Joint Committee for Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation as well as the implementation of already signed agreements.

Minh urged Malaysia to fairly judge the case related to Vietnamese citizen Doan Thi Huong and ensure her legitimate interests.

While meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, the two sides agreed to increase high-level visits and accelerate negotiations on the demarcation of the exclusive economic zones in waters, where the two nations already demarcated the continental shelves.

They consented to effectively implement the outcomes of the seventh session of the Vietnam-Indonesia Joint Committee for Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation in a bid to reach USD10 billion in two-way trade value by 2018.

The sides also agreed to enhance cooperation to maintain ASEANs central role and unity as well as peace and stability in the East Sea. They stressed the need to continue working together closely in ASEAN to finalise a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) and ensure its effective enforcement./.
Google's 44-year-old India-born CEO Sundar Pichai received nearly USD 200 million in compensation last year, double the amount he got in 2015.

Pichai received a salary of USD 650,000 last year, slightly less than the USD 652,500 he earned in 2015.

But the long-time Google employee, who was named CEO during the company's re-organisation in August 2015, received a stock award of USD 198.7 million in 2016, roughly double his 2015 stock award of USD 99.8 million.

The company's compensation committee attributed the lavish pay to Pichai's promotion to CEO and "numerous successful product launches", the CNN reported.

Larry Page, Google's co-founder and previous CEO, shifted his focus to growing new businesses under the Alphabet umbrella.

Under Pichai, Google has boosted sales from its core advertising and YouTube business, while also investing in machine learning, hardware and cloud computing, the report said.

In 2016, Google unveiled new smartphones, a virtual reality headset, a router, and a voice controlled smart speaker.

These efforts have started to pay off for the company.

Google's "other revenues", a category that includes hardware and cloud services, hit nearly USD 3.1 billion in the most recent quarter, a gain of about 50 percent from the same quarter a year earlier.

Alphabet's stock has soared this year, pushing it above a USD 600 billion market cap this week for the first time, the report said.
New Delhi: As the US under President Donald Trump turns more protectionist, telecom czar Sunil Bharti Mittal on Friday asked if India should say no to Facebook and Google just because it has similar homegrown apps.

Not overly concerned about protectionism as his business is "rooted in the domestic market", Mittal highlighted that it is unfair that movement of Indian workers gets restricted, while foreign firms make huge profits in India.

"If you come to a situation where skilled workers which actually drive your economy back home are going to be denied (entry) or Indian companies are forced to pay a particular salary just to become uncompetitive in those countries, I think that becomes an affirmative action against the companies that want to do trade there," he said.

He was responding to a question on how he would react if Bharti Airtel was not allowed to operate in certain geographies. Citing examples of tech firms like Google, Facebook and WhatsApp that have millions of users in India, Mittal questioned if these companies should be allowed to operate in India even as similar homegrown apps are already there in the country.

"You can't have (a situation) that on one hand and you have 200 million customers on Facebook, 150 million on WhatsApp, 100 million people on Google... Would we say we don't want FaceBook (and) Google to operate in India, we have homegrown apps," the Bharti Airtel Chairman said.

Mittal said India is a big market for technology companies given the huge consumer base. Over the past few weeks, countries like the US, Singapore and Australia have taken steps to tighten their work visa norms. This could potentially impact the operating costs for Indian IT companies that send employees to work on client sites using visas.
New Delhi: Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha today exuded confidence that India's growing data consumption will lead to revival of the debt-laden industry, but asserted that the government will not hesitate to intervene, if needed.

"There is nothing to worry... The sector has seen ups and downs... in 2000 also, there was a similar situation," Sinha told reporters here. The minister pointed out that the telecom market in India - the world's second largest in terms of the subscriber base - has the lowest telecom tariffs.

"We have a huge subscriber base... the way the data requirements are expanding, I am sure that in coming days, the financial health... the telecom service providers will recover... and, if needed, the government will certainly intervene at the right stage," he added.

Noting that the telecom operators were under a heavy debt burden, the minister said his task is to balance the interest of consumers as well as that of the telcos. "I am not minister of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (the state owned telecom corporation) only. I am the minister of telecom, so I have to take care of telecom operators also.

They are under heavy debt," he said. He expressed satisfaction that the consumers had benefited from cheaper tariffs and the competition in the sector. "I have to take care of the government revenue and consumer interest also. I cannot stand on one side," he made it clear.

The minister expressed hope that the Cabinet nod for the second phase of the rural broadband project - Bharat Net - will come soon. The second phase entails broadband connectivity for the remaining 1.5 lakh gram panchayats by December 2018.

Meanwhile, a tripartite memorandum of understanding was signed today between Bharat Broadband Network Limited, Department of Posts and BSNL for providing broadband connectivity to post offices in rural areas.

The MoU, signed in the presence of the minister, will provide broadband connectivity to about 1.3 lakh post offices in rural areas and 25,000 sub-post offices, thus taking high speed connectivity to rural masses.
Mumbai: Delhi High Court on Friday turned down the Reserve Bank of India's intervention petition opposing an agreement India's Tata Sons and Japanese telecom major NTT DoCoMo reached over payment of $1.7 billion arbitral award.

A report in Business Standard says there are a number of similar cases where foreign investors are considering to withdraw their funds from the country as they have won arbitral awards in their favour from an arbitration court outside India.

The report adds that Foreign Exchange Management Act forced these investors to hang on and barred them from pulling out their money from country. FEMA does not allow a stake or share buyback at predetermined valuations.

DoCoMo too had taken up the matter with London Court of International Arbitration and subsequently won the $1.7 billion arbitral award. Earlier, the Japanese company had failed to reach an agreement with Tata Sons through mutual talks.

RBI had objected to both Tata and DoCoMo clinching a consent deal and told the court that the pact violated provisions of Foreign Exchange Management Act as a foreign investor can't sell his stake to bigger partner after it withdrew from joint venture.

Under the agreement, Tata Sons has agreed to buy back 26.5 per cent stake from NTT DoCoMo and in return will trigger the process of transfer of money to Japanese firm. Tata Sons was looking for a buyer for the stake but failed.
Ahmedaba: The Gujarat High Court today issued notice to the Centre, the Gujarat government and others on a petition alleging that nationalised banks were "arbitrarily" collecting excess premium under a central scheme.

Congress MLA Harshad Ribadiya along with eight farmers approached the high court alleging that nationalised banks are collecting excess premium and various other charges illegally on the crop insurance taken under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

Justice R M Chhaya also issued notice to the district collector of Junagadh and the State Bank of India's (SBI) Junagadh branch and posted the matter for further hearing on June 16.

In the petition, Ribadiya and the farmers accused nationalised banks, who work under the aegis of the SBI to implement the crop insurance scheme, of charging excess premium and deducting it directly from the bank accounts of farmers without their knowledge.

Ribadiya represents Dhari seat of Amreli district while other petitioners are from neighbouring Junagadh district. Since crop insurance has been made mandatory for taking agricultural loan, Ribadiya claimed that under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna, premium has been charged even when the the farmers have not taken any loan from the bank.

The maximum premium to be charged for Rabi crop is 1.5 per cent while for kharif, it is 2 per cent. Thus, someone who takes a loan of Rs 1 lakh for kharif season, need to pay a premium of Rs 2,000 while the interest on loan comes to Rs 4,000 at 4 per cent, said the petition.

Petitioners alleged that there are instances wherein banks have collected almost double the actual chargeable amount of Rs 6,000. In some cases, banks even deducted the premium for a crop which was not even harvested by the farmer, alleges the petition.

It further alleged that banks are arbitrarily deducting money in the name of processing fees and inspection fees. In all, the petition alleged that as against the actual deductible amount of around Rs 6000 to Rs 7000 for a loan of Rs 1 lakh, banks are charging a hefty sum of Rs 15,000 to Rs 22,000.
New Delhi: Turning the tables on IndiaInc, NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Arvind Panagariya today said the industry is not discharging its responsibility of creating jobs.

"What is industry doing for job creation Government makes policies ... I don't see single industrialist starting a factory to produce apparel. "Why China exports USD 175 billion worth apparel we export only USD 17 billion worth of apparel.

I think there is some responsibility on part of industrialists too," he said at when asked if the government has failed to create jobs. Panagariya also said the industry, if facing any problem, should approach the government for removal of policy barriers.

"No industrialist came and told me that I want to invest in apparel industry and please remove barriers ... I understand you go for profit, naturally you will go for profit." he said, adding that the industry must contribute its bit in creating jobs.

The NITI Aayog vice-chairman further said India needs to focus on domestic policies to step up its share in global trade to 4-5 per cent from the current 1.7 per cent and not get perturbed by what is happening in the US.

"What matters more is what we do in India", he said. The global merchandise export is USD 16-17 trillion and there should be an effort to raise India's pie, irrespective of increase or decrease in global trade, he said.

Panagariya said policy changes are happening at the level of Centre and states too should be pushed to bring reforms. He also noted that reform in food processing sector is very low. Panagariya also said most states still have not provided legal framework to APMC Act.

He mentioned that the Cabinet has accepted the recommendation for privatisation of 20 PSUs sent by NITI Aayog and it is only a matter of time when the process of ownership change would start.

"Already, the closure of sick PSUs have started happening based on the suggestion made by the Aayog," he said. Panagariya also observed that the strident attitude demonstrated by the US is showing signs of change and hopefully there would be a turnaround in the approach of advanced economies in favour of openness.

He said that he was not in agreement with the view that greater use of robotics and artificial intelligence should be a source of worry for India. "Our labour force, employed in mass manufacturing industries such as clothing and leather sector, has the capability to do a much better job than robots. "With conducive policies and business environment, India would continue to be in the reckoning," Panagariya said.
Hyderabad: Rubbishing claims of taxes being levied on agricultural income, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya stated that there has been no such proposal put forth by the chamber.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi is looking to double the income of farmers by 2022. At a time like this, there is no question of taxing agricultural income," Panagariya told ANI.

"More than 80 percent of the poorer sections of society live in villages and are completely dependent on agriculture as a means of their livelihood. We have not proposed any tax on them. We have only drafted a three-year agenda, which is available on our website," he added.

Earlier at a press conference, Bibek Debroy, a member of NITI Aayog had proposed to levy tax on agricultural income.

Following his statement, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley categorically denied the same, adding the Centre has no power to impose tax on agricultural income.

Supporting his stance, Minister of State for Finance Santosh Kumar Gangwar on Thursday asserted that there was never any intimation of a tax to be imposed on profits recovered from agricultural activities.
Didi has sought to expand overseas with an investment into taxi-booking app Grab last year, following closely on the heels of a tie-up with Lyft.

Shanghai: China's ride-hailing leader Didi Chuxing said Friday it had raised more than $5.5 billion in new financing amid reports that the fund injection makes it the most valuable start-up in Asia with a worth over $50 billion. Beijing based-Didi, which claims nearly 90 per cent of Chinas ride-hailing market after buying rival Uber's assets in the country last year, said it would use the money to support its global strategy and continued investments in AI-based tech.

Didis valuation makes it tops in Asia and number two in the world after Ubers $68 billion, according to rankings by The Wall Street Journal. The fresh funding moves Didi past Xiaomi, which was at $46 billion. The WSJs rankings were based on companies that are privately held, have raised money in the past four years and have at least one venture-capital firm as an investor. Didis statement did not give details on who provided the fresh funds, but Bloomberg News, quoting people familiar with the situation, said the investors include SoftBank Group, China Merchants Bank, and an arm of Chinas Bank of Communications.

Didi already lists among its investors Apple, Alibaba and Tencent. China legalised ride-hailing services in July last year and is the worlds largest market, fuelled by hundreds of millions of mobile-savvy Chinese millennials.
New Delhi: Union finance minister Arun Jaitley on Friday asked industry to pass on the benefit of lower taxes under GST to consumers saying profit is not a bad word, unjust enrichment is. Profit is not a bad word. But unfair enrichment is. And therefore the benefit of reduction in taxation is a benefit that consumers are entitled to. And thats not a principle that can be seriously contested, he said at the CII annual conference.

However, finance minister assured the industry that there will be no surprise when GST rates will be announced by the GST Council. We are now in final stages of fixing tariffs for different commodities. The formula under which it is being done has also been explained and therefore nobody is going to be taken by surprise, its not going to be very significantly different (from present), said Mr Jaitley.

GST law passed by the Parliament has proposed setting up an anti-profiteering body to see that benefits of tax cuts under GST are passed on to consumers. Some in the industry have been peeved at the provision of anti-profiteering in the GST bill calling in retrograde. The GST Council is meeting in Srinagar next month to decide which product will be taxed at what rate under the new indirect tax proposed to be rolled out from July 1. The Council has decided four rates of 5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent and 28 per cent.

Besides this there will be surcharge on some luxury and sin products for five years to fund compensation to states for any loss of revenue due to GST.

Finance minister said that abolition of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) is in the final lap and this will set the stage for more reforms in the FDI policy. I am now in the final stages of doing away with the FIPB because 90 per cent of the investment in India comes under the automatic route. So for the balance 10 per cent, do we need multiple forums to give approval or (do) we need just one forum in one ministry? he said.
Stating that the richest one per cent of the population owns 53 per cent of the total wealth in India, a UN body has called for an alternative model of development that could address income disparities and lift millions of people out of poverty.

MUMBAI: Stating that the richest one per cent of the population owns 53 per cent of the total wealth in India, a UN body has called for an alternative model of development that could address income disparities and lift millions of people out of poverty,a key necessity for long-term sustainable growth. The current model of development is not moving fast enough. India still struggles with extreme poverty, persistent inequality among and across regions and groups of people and rising gender inequality.

In terms of wealth inequality, India is second only to Russia, where the richest 1 per cent own 53 per cent of the countrys wealth, the report titled Better Business Better World said. The report was released at a two-day event of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) that has identified 17 sustainable development goals. In India alone, our research shows that by 2030, the 60 largest opportunities created by achieving the Global Goals could generate business revenues and savings worth more than $1 trillion, out of the global prize of $12 trillion. Pursuing these opportunities could also create nearly 72 million new jobs in India by 2030, the report said.

To address the income disparity, the UN agency said India needs a different economic model  one that is not only low-carbon and environmentally sustainable, but that also recognises poverty, inequality and lack of financial access as new market opportunities for smart, progressive, profit-oriented companies. Zero hunger and poverty, good health and well being, quality education, clean water and sanitation, affordable clean energy, industry innovation and infrastructure and responsible consumption and production are some of the global goals identified for sustained development.

Noting that extreme poverty and income disparities could make it hard for businesses to invest in India with confidence, the report said only sustainable development would open up new opportunities and potential efficiency gains that would drive innovations and enhance reputation. The global goals can only be delivered with the help of strong private sector engagement. Companies around the globe are thriving by being sustainable, and delivering attractive returns to shareholders. And some Indian businesses have already started taking the goals as serious signals of future policy and market direction, it said. The report added that 140 Indian firms have already signed up to the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact, a guide to sustainable business behaviour for companies around the world.




PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc meets staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in the Philippines (Source: VNA)



The Prime Minister made the call during his April 28th meeting with the Embassy staff and representatives of the overseas Vietnamese community in the Philippines during his stay in Manila to attend the 30th ASEAN Summit.

He highlighted the significance of the Summit, saying that it kicks off a wide range of official activities of the ASEAN 2017, when the bloc marks its 50th anniversary.

The event also presents opportunities for the bloc to expand cooperatives ties with other dialogue partners, the Prime Minister said.

The PM briefed participants about the socio-economic situation at home, saying that the Party, the State will continue to take measures to stabilise the macro economy, promote economic growth, accelerate the administrative procedure reform, improve investment climate to raise the national competitive capability and lure more investment.

He expressed his hope that the overseas Vietnamese community in the Philippines will better integrate into the local society, follow the host countrys law and contribute to strengthening the friendship and cooperative relations between Vietnam and the Philippines./.
Mumbai: On Friday, model Preeti Jain was found guilty of plotting to murder National Award-winning director Madhur Bhandarkar and sentenced to three years of imprisonment, whom she had accused of raping her 16 times from 1999 to 2004. A Mumbai sessions court has fined Preeti 10,000 rupees for the same.

Her request for bail, however, was granted by the court and the aforementioned sentence has been suspended for four weeks.

Preeti has been convicted of paying Naresh Pardeshi, an aide of ganster Arun Gawli, to eliminate Bhandarkar in 2005, a year after the model lodged an FIR against the filmmaker accusing him of raping her.

Pardeshi and his accomplice Shivram Das have also been found guilty of helping her and sentenced to three years behind bars.

In court the prosecution said that Preeti had paid a sum of 75, 000 rupees to Pardeshi but asked for the money back when her job was not done. Upon learning about the deal, Arun Gawli alerted the police.

The court had cancelled Preetis case against Bhandarkar in 2012 after she said she was dropping the charges.

In her complaint, the model had accused the filmmaker of exploiting her sexually after promising her a role in his films. In her statement to police, she said Bhandarkar had raped her 16 times between 1999 and 2004.

Within a year, the police got to know about Preeti wanting to eliminate Bhandarkar and had hired a contract killer. During the trail, the court examined a total of 51 witnesses including Bhandarkar.

On April 28, a day after Preeti Jain was convicted, Madhur Bhandarkar tweeted a cryptic message on his Twitter handle, which read: Some things are better left unsaid! Some things are better left as they are. Life moves on, so have I.
Mumbai: Varun Dhawan has always remained tight-lipped about his relationship with Natasha Dalal; but as we say a picture is worth a thousand words and looks like our Bollywood celebrities ardently follow this idiom.

Theyve also made several public appearances as a pair, at parties like Shahid Kapoors birthday bash and Anil Kapoors 60th birthday in London.

On 24th April, Varun celebrated his 30th birthday with family and friends in London, where he is busy shooting for his upcoming film Judwaa 2. His dad David Dhawan is directing the film.

Along with family, rumoured girlfriend Natasha Dalal too seemed to be an integral part of the celebration.

She was seen holding a placard, which read, 'Happy Birthday Varun Dhawan.'





Varun and Natashas adoration towards each other is known by all.

Whereas, in an interview recently with a leading daily, Varun spoke about Natasha and him being touted as the new lovebirds. He said, "This is all very childish. But its fine; it doesnt bother me. I have been a little disconnected of late because my focus is on whats important (work). Once I am free, I will enjoy then (smiles)."

When asked if marriage was on his mind, Varun revealed, "No, it has still not started crossing my mind."

Judwaa 2 is a sequel to 1997 classic comedy film Judwaa which featured Salman Khan with Karisma Kapoor and Rambha.
Stories of Sushant Singh Rajputs high-handed behaviour have been doing the rounds for some time now. Recently, at a press conference the Raabta actor lost his cool with a senior journalist who asked him about Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian national arrested in Pakistan, over charges of terrorism and spying.

This week it was reported that Sushant, who was out on a midnight drive in his new car, was chased down by fans who requested him for a selfie. Sushant apparently refused and got his buildings security to rough up the fans.

A close friend of Sushant rubbishes these rumours, First of all, Sushant would never behave like this with his fans. Secondly, why should he be expected to entertain fans at odd hours? Or for that matter answer political questions at a trailer release?

Dismissing the midnight brawl with fans as a figment of the reporters imagination Sushant says, It is really sad. I can understand that certain sections of the media wont give me the pleasure by acknowledging the work that Im doing. But to regularly come up with such disgusting tripe just to pull you down is uncalled for.

Sushant says that his reputation is being deliberately damaged. Published lies acquire a sense of authenticity and authority. It is easy for the public to believe that a comparatively new actor is arrogant. Its sad to see some people stoop so low.
Mumbai: Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett is all set to return to stage with the theatrical adaptation of ' All about Eve'.

According to Hollywood Reporter, the 47-year-old-actress will return to London stage to take on the role of Margo Channing in a new theatrical adaptation of Joseph L. Mankiewicz's 1950 film 'All About Eve'.

Recently, the ' Carol' star made her Broadway debut in ' The Present', opposite Richard Roxburgh.

Sonia Friedman Productions and Fox Stage Productions will bring the classic backstage drama to the West End in spring 2018.

The story focuses on Margo, a celebrated star of the New York stage who allows fawning acolyte Eve Harrington, played by Anne Baxter in the movie, to get close to her, only to regret it later when Eve proves a supreme opportunist.

Belgian director and a Tony award winner Ivo van Hove will stage the production, for which exact dates and additional casting are to be announced.

The 1950 movie which was nominated for 14 Oscars went on to win six, including Best Picture.

'All About Eve' was previously adapted for the stage as a musical, ' Applause,' which bowed on Broadway in 1970 with Lauren Bacall as Margo.
Actress Radikaa Sarathkumar has been put in a spot by online trolls and meme pages for a testimonial commercial that was telecast more than a decade ago. A video of the actress campaigning for Coca-Cola has resurfaced now and she has received a lot of backlash for promoting the drink. For the past couple of days, Radikaa has been scrutinised for a decision that she took years ago. When DC contacted her, the actress said, It was in 2005, I did the commercial and it was received well back then. Aamir Khan did the Hindi version, while I was roped in for the Tamil version. Everyone thinks that they have the right to opinion and new media is the platform for it. Im sure a few jobless people are behind this. When I think that a few people feel the commercial has been shot recently, I just cant believe it. It is the height of stupidity!

Radikaa also put forth the point that actors are easy targets online. Usually, I dont react to such trolls and I dont read them. When this issue was brought to my notice, I wanted to clear the air  hence I tweeted about it. Popular actors are easy targets these days. I understand the sentiments of people, but it doesnt make any sense to dig out a video that is more than 10 years old, she opines.

Following the jallikattu protests in January this year, there has been a lot of anger towards several beverage companies for drawing water from the Thamirabharani river. In 2004, there were allegations against Coca-Cola that claimed the drink was unsafe for consumption.
Hyderabad: Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali was the most searched topic on Google on Friday. S.S. Rajamoulis Baahubali 2- The Conclusion seems to have been the top-most thing on everyones mind as the movie hit silver screens across the country.

The first was the Baahubali-Kattappa betrayal plot, then came Bhallala Deva (Rana Daggubati) marrying Anushka Shetty and third was the review of the film.

The first installment of the magnum opus was released on July 10, 2015, and left fans with one question: Why did Katta-ppa kill Baahubali? This is probably the first time when the craze for a sequel has been so high.

The Google Trends page of interest by regions shows more searches about the movie from Vijayawada, Vishakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad over the last 90 days. Why Kattappa killed Baahubali crossed 200 per cent of the search limit. The search was so high that in the statistical table breakout was mentioned instead of a percentage.

The trailer of the sequel was released in March 2017 and broke records. In a few hours, the search for Prabhas-starrer Baahubali: The Beginning full movie free download picked up pace online.
More than 130 interviews were conducted, each lasting an hour. About 400 photographs were collected and dozens of family trees drawn up. It was not easy for Anitha Devi Pillai and Dr Puva Arumugam to write From KeralaTo Singapore: Voices from the Singapore Malayalee community. Anitha, a fourth generation Singapore Malayalee, who has published several articles on the topic, had found in her research that theres little documentation on the migration and evolution of Singapore Malayalees. Malayalees are the second largest Indian community in Singapore and members of the community have made important contributions in the evolution of modern Singapore. So this book is as much an account of the Singapore-Malayalee community as well as an account of Singapores history, Anitha writes in an email interview.

Anitha has a PhD in Applied Linguists and is teacher educator by profession. Her co-author is a Singapore born Indian playwright and poet with a PhD in Theatre and Cultural Studies. Discoveries the two had made while documenting stories of hundreds would continue even after the book got published. For instance, I find out that my interviewees are related to one another or that someones aunts or uncles picture has been included. As a minority group within the minority Indian race, it is a tightly knit community, Anitha says. One of her interviewees recalled that she used her knowledge of Malayalam to learn Malay. Shed found several similarities between the two languages.

The book cover.

Although they were a small community, Malayalam was one of the languages used in a banner announcing a strike by Singapore Factory and Shop Workers Union in 1955. Potential political candidates delivered speeches in Malayalam as well in the early 1950s. The community also boasts of having the only Malayalam daily newspaper outside of Kerala in the 1930s called Kerala Bandhu. The paper stopped operations in 1977. By then it was known as Malaysia Malayalee. Anitha could pour out scores of these community anecdotes. Like how it set up several libraries to serve the needs of the bachelors, who had moved to Singapore such as Naval Base Kerala Library and Udaya Library. Perhaps my favorite anecdote and discovery in researching on Singapore Malayalees was that after Singapore obtained her independence, they launched their first definitive series of stamps. The theme chosen was Masks, Dances and Musical Instruments. The stamps reflected the culture of the three main communities, Chinese, Malayand Indians.

The two stamps that depicted the Indian community were one on Kathakali mask and the other a Bharathanatyam dancer, modelled after Mrs Shanta Bhaskaran, from Kerala. Despite being a minority community within the minority Indian race, we must have played a significant role to be featured in the first definitive series of stamps launched by Singapore in 1968, soon after independence. Anithas research had shown her that people identify themselves as Malayalee in different ways. Some may not speak the language, but identify closely with the culture. Anitha herself cant read or write in Malayalam but she speaks the language with ease. She grew up watching a lot of Malayalam plays, when there was limited access to movies and songs. That changed with cable television and other advances in technology. The growing migrant community has actively created more opportunities for the youth to keep the language alive. The story of Singapore should not just be told by the government. It is everybodys story, said Prof. Tommy Koh, ambassador at large, who launched the book.
The post has now gone viral with over 18,000 shares on Facebook and 65,000 reactions with many people agreeing with her on the issue. (Photo: Facebook)

Most parents emphasize a lot on studies and homework so that they are sure their childs future is going be secure. However, a mother in Montreal has had enough of the homework aspect and wrote a letter to the school stating that her daughter wouldnt do homework anymore and for a very important reason, it has now gone viral.

According to a media report, mother and writer Bunmi Laditan had had enough of the homework that her daughter was doing. The mother of 10-year-old Maya told the childs school that her daughter would stop doing homework from now on. She further added that she has seen her daughter get stressed, get chest pains, wake up early and even dreading to go to school in general.

Bunmi says that while homework is important it is also necessary that the child receives an all-around development which can certainly not take place with the current amount of stress. She also said that she might consider homes-schooling her daughter if the school decides to punish her. The post has now gone viral with over 18,000 shares on Facebook and 65,000 reactions with many people agreeing with her on the issue.
Supreme Court order FIR against UP minister Gayatri Prajapati in rape case. (Photo: File)

Allahabad: Additional Sessions Judge Om Prakash Mishra who granted bail to the rape accused Samajwadi Party leader and former minister Gayatri Prajapati was suspended on Friday.

The court has also ordered a departmental inquiry against the judge.

According to reports, Justice Sudhir Agarwal will conduct the probe against the judge. The news was confirmed by Registrar general D.K. Singh.

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on Friday stayed the bail given to Prajapati in a rape case by a local court.

Prajapati, who was arrested in connection with a case of an alleged sexual assault of a minor girl, was released from the district jail in Lucknow earlier on Wednesday.

Prajapati was earlier granted bail by a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court, Lucknow.

Two associates of Prajapati were also given bail. The court asked them to furnish two sureties of Rs one lakh each and a personal bond of same amount as a condition of bail.

Prajapati was arrested on March 15 from the Aashiyana area in Lucknow by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF).

The Samajwadi Party leader, who was also accused of allegedly raping the girl's mother, evaded his arrest for nearly a month before he was arrested.

Earlier in February, a police complaint had been filed against the former minister and six others in the case following the Supreme Court's order.

The Uttar Pradesh Police had also filed a non- bailable warrant against the former minister and six others for the same.
CHENNAI: The stalemate in the merger talks between the two factions of the AIADMK continued, with the AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma) insisting on their conditions for talks and the ruling AIADMK (Amma) charging the other group with speaking in different voices. Former minister Mafoi K. Pandiarajan of AIADMK (PTA) reiterated that the talks could not begin till the conditions of his group is met. He said Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palanisami should order a CBI probe into the death of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. Besides, the family of AIADMK (Amma) general secretary V.K. Sasikala should be ousted from the party.

However, law minister C.Ve. Shamugam said the rival group is speaking in different voices, in an indirect allegation of differences between the leaders of the group headed by former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam. He said while Panneerselvam is coming out with an opinion one day, former minister K.P. Munusamy is contradicting him. Besides, Pandiarajan too expressing another opinion. As far we are concerned, we are clear. We want the party to be merged. We are ready even if we are called for talks now. There is no problem in the world that cannot be solved by negotiations. They should come for talks, he said.

AIADMK MP R. Vaithilingam, who is heading the AIADMK (Amma) committee said The circumstances are conducive for talks. The negotiations will begin soon. We are waiting for their reply. There will be no split in the party in future. Adding to the confusion, party spokesperson Nanjil Sampath claimed that AIADMK deputy general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran has the support of 87 MLAs and nothing will happen without his consent. He has been arrested on a false case. Delhi has conspired to prevent his political growth. The removal of Sasikala's poster in the party office is an historical injustice. However, I will be happy if the party merged after talks.
Chennai: AIADMK (Amma) leader TTV Dinakaran is being brought back to Delhi by Delhi Police Crime Branch on Saturday, for questioning in AIADMK symbol alleged bribery case.

Earlier today, the Delhi Police has questioned several men suspected to have been linked to the money trail in the Election Commission bribery case in which Dhinakaran was arrested.

After bringing Dhinakaran from Delhi and conducting searches at his residence in Chennai, the Crime Branch police personnel also grilled some others who allegedly had knowledge about the money transaction, the police sources said.

Dhinakaran was arrested on April 25 for allegedly attempting to bribe an unidentified EC official to get the undivided AIADMK's 'two leaves' election symbol for his faction.

The police had earlier arrested Sukesh Chandrasekar, who had allegedly struck a deal for Rs 50 crore to help the AIADMK (Amma) faction keep the two leaves symbol, and seized Rs 1.3 crore from him.

A Delhi court had remanded Dhinakaran to five days' police custody following which he was brought in Chennai. The Delhi police after questioning the suspects asked some of them to appear again at the Central Government Office Complex, 'Rajaji Bhawan,' at Besant Nagar in Chennai, they said.

Besides, the police team visited various areas, including Adambakkam and Kolapakkam in Chennai, to question some persons, whose identity has not been disclosed.

Sources said that evidence was being gathered to sequence the Chennai-Delhi money trail, its alleged link to Dhinakaran, and how cash was routed through alleged hawala operators including Faisal and Naresh.

The latter was arrested on Friday. Besides the physical aspect involving the transfer, the source of the money, proof of cash transfer, and related transactions were being looked into.

With the arrest of Naresh, it was now only about "joining the dots" and the Delhi Police was trying to conclude the probe ahead of producing Dhinakaran before a court in the national capital when his five day custody ends, the sources added.

Dhinakaran continued to be housed in the Central Government Guest House in Rajaji Bhawan and was being confronted with the "developments" in the case, the police said.

The Delhi Police team declined to comment on the progress in the case. A security blanket has been thrown around the Rajaji Bhawan complex with a posse of police personnel led by an assistant police commissioner guarding the entry points to the guest house.

Journalists were not allowed to enter inside. Naresh was detained at the Delhi Airport for involvement in "illegal transfer" of money to Chandrasekhar by Dhinakaran.
Meanwhile, the repair of the nearby Nrupathunga Road and rerouting of much of its traffic through the park has delayed the installation of two of its gates.

Bengaluru: Its been two years since a woman was raped in Cubbon Park in the heart of the city, but little has changed in terms of its security. Shockingly, since the contract of the old batch of security guards expired two years ago, no fresh batch has been appointed , leaving the park completely unguarded, except for 10 CCTV cameras installed at various spots. Also two of its nine entrances have no gates, leaving the park wide open to all sorts of unsavoury elements.

Although a year ago, tenders were called for a fresh batch of security guards and a 100 CCTV cameras were announced for the park, its security remains as lax as ever, complains Mr Umesh Kumar, advocate and president of the Walkers' Association.

"Tenders were floated for security guards , but we don't see any around the park and only two of the CCTV cameras seem to be working near the Central Library and Maharaja statue. Wouldn't it make more sense to have the cameras at the gates? " he asks.

The walkers would also like to see a wall, similar to the one around Lalbagh, built around Cubbon Park. " Even if it's not a brick wall, there should be high fencing like around the Vidhana Soudha and the High Court," Mr Umesh insists.

Meanwhile, the repair of the nearby Nrupathunga Road and rerouting of much of its traffic through the park has delayed the installation of two of its gates.

It was in August/ September 2016 that the gates of the park at Hudson Circle and the High Court side were removed. In December 2016 deputy director of the park, Mahantesh Murgod, had assured that they would be ready in four months, but there is no sign of them yet.

"The gate on the High Court side is 40 to 60 per cent ready. We were not able to finish work on it due to the increased traffic. We have not yet started work on the Hudson Circle gate and will do so after Nrupathunga Road is repaired," Mr. Mahantesh said when contacted.

Asked about the lack of security guards, he promised they would be appointed in a week. But he dismissed the need for a compound wall.

"The park needs to be kept open, so everything is visible from the outside. A compound wall will not help improve security," he maintained.

Fault lines
Sukesh Chandrasekhar, the middleman arrested for allegedly striking a deal of Rs 50 crore to help the AIADMK faction keep the 'Two Leaves' poll symbol. (Photo: PTI)

Chennai: A special court for CBI cases on Friday issued 'Prisoners Transit' warrant against 28-year old conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar in connection with a case registered against for cheating a nationalised bank four years ago. Sukesh has also been accused in an attempt to bribe Election commission officials to get the 'Two Leaves' symbol for the Sasikala faction of AIADMK led by TTV Dhinakaran.

The CBI registered a case against Sukesh Chandrasekhar in May 2014 on charge of cheating the nationalised bank. Posing as an additional secretary, Government of Karnataka, Sukesh assured M. Balasubramanian, MD of M/s Future Techniks Private Limited, Chennai of sanctioning a tender for the supply of sanitary napkins to the government. In return, he sought bribe from Balasubramanian for issuing tender to the company.

CBI alleged Sukesh committed offences in collusion with Jagadeesha, the then Chief Manager of Canara Bank, Ambattur SME branch and Balasubramanian. Jagadeesha violated bank guidelines by permitting excessive drawls to the tune of Rs. 15.07 crore from the account of Future Techniks Ltd during 2012 and 2013. The funds were transferred to other accounts of the company in various banks at Mumbai.

When the matter came up for hearing before XI Additional Judge for Special Court for CBI Cases K.Venkatasamy, the prosecution submitted that Delhi police arrested Sukesh recently. Sukesh led Dhinakaran to believe that the Election Commission could be influenced over the 'Two Leaves' decision with a bribe of Rs 50-60 crore. He was in possession of Rs 1.30 crore at the time of his arrest from Hyatt hotel in Delhi recently. After the arrest of Sukesh, the Delhi police arrested TTV Dhinakaran and others.

The prosecution said Sukesh failed to appear before the court repeatedly in connection with the case pending before the court. Hence, the CBI sought the court to issue Prisoners Transit warrant enabling him to appear before the court to conduct the trial.

The judge ordered PT warrant and directed the personnel to produce him before the court on June 9.
Malappuram: For the past six months, cancer patients at the Government Medical College in Manjeri are being given chemotherapy on the corridor of a general ward under infectious conditions while several beds lie unused in many wards at the same hospital.

The four-bed corridor ward is used by an average of eight cancer patients daily. They undergo chemotherapy in between the paediatric and dermatology isolation wards where the chances of infection are high.

According to medical norms, chemotherapy should be given in disinfected rooms. The oncology department ward in the medical college which caters to around 30 patients a day was shut and facilities crippled by authorities six months ago as part of a reshuffling of facilities at the college. The oncology department, which has two doctors and provides chemotherapy and costly cancer medicine free of cost, was part the general hospital for the last seven years until it was upgraded into Medical College four years ago.

After several attempts to catch the attention of the concerned authorities and legislators to this pathetic condition at the hospital went in vain, the doctor in charge of the department of the radiotherapy at the hospital wrote a letter to the director of health services demanding immediate action. However, nothing has done. There was a 10-bed ward for the patients who undergo chemotherapy at the hospital until six months ago. Now, the patients have to wait for long while the four beds at the corridor are being occupied by others for the chemotherapy, says Dr Sajithra, Junior Consultant at the department.

The Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA) has also intervened in the issue. We have apprised the Director of Health Services about the pathetic situation at the Manjeri Medical College and sought action to resolve the issues immediately. All the concerned authorities, including local legislators who made big promises earlier, have ignored the issue, says Dr K.A. Rauf, state general secretary of the KGMOA. In a last ditch effort, the doctors have decided to meet the health minister K.K Shylaja who would reach the Medical College on Saturday for a programme.

Meanwhile, the Medical College administration has said that the issue of the corridor ward would be resolved soon.

We have decided to seek permission to make use of at least 10 beds of another unused ward and it will be provided to the cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy, said Dr K.V. Nandakumar, the superintendent of the MCH.
Chennai: Like the lazy swinging pendulum, Friday found the changing moods of the merger negotiators in the rival AIADMK camps pointing towards gloom.

There was all-round exuberance and optimism less than 24 hours ago as seniors in both the groups predicted smooth sailing, but the smiles suddenly evaporated post-dawn.

S Semmalai from the OPS camp held a meeting of his Salem district functionaries to discuss the merger.

Most of the members who attended opposed the merger, demanding to know why we have to join hands with them (Edappadi group) when our camp is getting stronger and the people are with us, said Semmalai. We will convey this to our leader (OPS) but we will abide by his decision.

The Salem session struck out harshly at the rival camp, even passing a resolution accusing Chief Minister Edappadi Palanisamy and company of orchestrating the merger drama at the behest of Sasikala and her clan only to safeguard their ill-gotten wealth.

Semmalais meeting also reiterated the two pre-conditions for starting the negotiations  ejection of the Sasikala clan from the party and asking the Centre to order CBI probe into Jayalalithaas death. Edappadis finance minister D. Jayakumar, a member of his talk-team, said the OPS camp had not responded to the positive initiatives taken by the ruling camp.

Our team leader R. Vaithilingam spoke to their team leader K. P. Munusamy over phone and told him we are all set for the talks. They said they would come but have not made any more towards that, he told Deccan Chronicle. We want the talks to be held in a transparent manner. They (OPS) must realise that if we procrastinate, our rivals (DMK) will take advantage and that could hurt the party founded by MGR and protected by Amma, said Jayakumar, who has been a strong critic of OPS and his group all these days.

Whats the point in making such futile claims, of being ready for talks, when they continue to ignore our two basic demands? asked OPSs chief spokesman Munusamy.

The mood in the OPS camp, insiders say, is one of anger and despair at the continued influence wielded by Sasikala-Dhinakaran clan over the Edappadi group, despite the tough time the two leaders are facing at the hands of law enforcers.

As if to lend credence to such distrust, Dhinakaran-loyalist Nanjil Sampath came out with his signature punchline during the humid day, declaring there would be no merger talks unless OPS and Mafoi Pandiarajan are thrown out.
Chennai: The Delhi Police has questioned several men suspected to have been linked to the money trail in the Election Commission bribery case in which AIADMK (Amma) leader TTV Dhinakaran was arrested.

After bringing Dhinakaran from Delhi and conducting searches at his residence in Chennai, the Crime Branch police personnel also grilled some others who allegedly had knowledge about the money transaction, the police sources said.

Dhinakaran was arrested on April 25 for allegedly attempting to bribe an unidentified EC official to get the undivided AIADMK's 'two leaves' election symbol for his faction.

The police had earlier arrested Sukesh Chandrasekar, who had allegedly struck a deal for Rs 50 crore to help the AIADMK (Amma) faction keep the two leaves symbol, and seized Rs 1.3 crore from him.

A Delhi court had remanded Dhinakaran to five days' police custody following which he was brought in Chennai. The Delhi police after questioning the suspects asked some of them to appear again at the Central Government Office Complex, 'Rajaji Bhawan,' at Besant Nagar in Chennai, they said.

Besides, the police team visited various areas, including Adambakkam and Kolapakkam in Chennai, to question some persons, whose identity has not been disclosed.

Sources said that evidence was being gathered to sequence the Chennai-Delhi money trail, its alleged link to Dhinakaran, and how cash was routed through alleged hawala operators including Faisal and Naresh.

The latter was arrested on Friday. Besides the physical aspect involving the transfer, the source of the money, proof of cash transfer, and related transactions were being looked into.

With the arrest of Naresh, it was now only about "joining the dots" and the Delhi Police was trying to conclude the probe ahead of producing Dhinakaran before a court in the national capital when his five day custody ends, the sources added.

Dhinakaran continued to be housed in the Central Government Guest House in Rajaji Bhawan and was being confronted with the "developments" in the case, the police said.

The Delhi Police team declined to comment on the progress in the case. A security blanket has been thrown around the Rajaji Bhawan complex with a posse of police personnel led by an assistant police commissioner guarding the entry points to the guest house.

Journalists were not allowed to enter inside. Naresh was detained at the Delhi Airport for involvement in "illegal transfer" of money to Chandrasekhar by Dhinakaran.
Kolkata: Calcutta High Court judge Justice Karnan on Friday deferred the hearing of his case against seven Supreme Court judges, including Chief Justice of India JS Khehar, said a report.

However, Karnan, against whom the CJI has issued a contempt notice, also directed the Air Control Authority in New Delhi not to permit the seven judges to fly abroad till the case is disposed off, since their offence involves caste discrimination against him.

Earlier this month, Karnan had directed the 7 judges to appear before him on Friday.

But in his fresh order on Friday, Karnan said, Today the above mentioned accused 1 to 8 are called absent hence their matter is re-posted to 01. 05. 2017 (Monday) to enable their reappearance. In the meantime, this court directs the Air Control Authority (referring to the Airports Authority of India) New Delhi, not to permit the said accused 1 to 8 from going abroad until the disposal of this crucial issue, since the nature of the offence, that is caste discrimination, is not only a heinous crime but also a very cruel atrocious act of heinous crime, and is punishable as per the Constitution.

Karnan thus also included an eighth judge in his order, the identity of whom is not known.

Bizarrely, Karnan then claimed that the reason for his order directing airport officials to prevent the judges from flying abroad was, if the accused are permitted to travel abroad, there is the probability of the virus of caste discrimination spreading in the said country by such perpetrators.

In February, the Supreme Court had issued a contempt notice to Karnan for degrading the judicial institution after Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi called for contempt proceedings against him for scurrilous letters against sitting and retired judges of the High Courts and Supreme Court.

Justice Karnan had written to the Prime Minister and accused several retired and sitting judges of corruption. Following the apex court order, Karnan 'summoned' 7 Supreme Court judges including the CJI to his 'residential court', and accused them of caste discrimination.
PM Narendra Modi speaking on the occasion of Basava Jayanti at Vigyan Bhawan. (Photo: ANI Twitter)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that Muslims should not view the issue of triple talaq through a political prism.

Speaking on the occasion of Basava Jayanti at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi, the PM expressed confidence that enlightened individuals from the Muslim community would come forward to help women facing triple talaq find a way out.

Modi vowed to fight against the suffering of Muslim daughters in the country and added that the government would work towards finding a solution to triple talaq.

Modi also said that the history of India is not just about defeat, slavery and poverty. India gave the message of good governance, non violence and Satyagraha, Modi claimed.

At the event, the 66-year-old PM unveiled translated volumes of Vachana, penned by 12th-century social reformer Basavanna, whose birth anniversary is being celebrated today. He also released volumes of the works of other saints, translated into 23 Indian languages.

Modi also appealed to people to make a 'tweet bank' of Lord Basaveshwara's quotations, saying that every year people of different ages participate in tweet competitions at different levels.
Captain Ayush's parents were inconsolable when the body of the hero reached his home at Defence Colony from the mortuary of the Army Hospital. (Photo: ANI/Twitter)

Kanpur: Captain Ayush Yadav, who laid down his life fighting terrorists in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, received a fitting farewell where his near and dear ones joined the nation in bidding him adieu.

The body of the young officer gave carried to the cremation spot in a spectacular convoy, thronged by his admirers and those who did not know him- all together to see him off one last time.

A marching band lead the convoy which was followed by Army trucks and scores of people chanting slogans and shedding tears.

Captain Ayush's parents were inconsolable when the body of the hero reached his home at Defence Colony from the mortuary of the Army Hospital.

As soon as the news spread that Captain Ayush's body has reached; relatives, friends and neighbours thronged Kupwara hero's home to pay their homage.

When Captain Ayush's body was being taken on the final journey to the cremation ground with full state honours, thousands of people were assembled on both sides of the road. Many bikers held Indian Tricolour flags in their hands who participated in Captain Ayush's final journey.

As the army jawans carried the body of Captain Ayush in a coffin, people chanted slogans: "Jab tak suraj, chaand rahega, Ayush tera naam rahega (Ayush your name will remain as long as the sun and moon will shine)'; Ayush tera yeh balidan, nahin bhoolega Hindustan (Ayush, India will never forget your sacrifice); Bharat Mata Ki Jai (Long live Mother India).

Not only were Captain Ayushs parents inconsolable, but many others had tearful eyes. Thousands of people continued to raise slogans in memory of the hero, till the fire turned his body into ashes.

Twenty-four-year-old Captain Yadav was unmarried and was the only son of his parents. His father Arun Kant Yadav had recounted whenever he used to tell Ayush, please get married before my retirement, and he used to say - have you nothing else to talk about?

When his son was martyred, Arun Kant had demanded the government to change its Kashmir policy as what had happened to Ayush should not happen to anyone else's child.

Captain Ayush Yadav had spoken to his father for the last time hours before he was killed by terrorists who attacked his unit before dawn on Thursday and opened fire.

Earlier, the army paid floral tributes to three of its personnel- Captain Ayush Yadav, JCO Bhoop Singh Gujjar Dussa and Naik Venkat Raman - at the headquarters of the 15 Corps in Srinagar on Thursday.
On April 21, it was reported that 36-year-old Egyptian Eman Ahmed, who was the heaviest woman in the world at 500-plus kg until a few months ago, had lost 250 kg in two months after undergoing surgery. (Photo: Save Eman blog)

Mumbai: Saifee Hospital authorities have filed a police complaint against Egyptian national Shaimaa Selim for obstructing the medical treatment of her sister Eman Ahmed, who was admitted for weight loss, police said on Saturday.

Eman weighed around 500 kg when she was brought to Saifee Hospital in Mumbai in February. A complaint has been filed at VP Road police station by the authorities of Saifee Hospital.

"Hospital authorities filed a written complaint with us against Shaimaa on Friday. She had tried to put water in Eman's mouth, despite being told that she must be fed by tube only," a police official said.

Nurses, who were on duty during the incident tried to stop her but, she allegedly pushed them, the official said. After the incident, the doctors treating Eman filed a case against Shaimaa, he said.

"We have received a complaint from Saifee hospital. But, we have not registered any offence against her," Sanjay Kamble, senior police inspector of VP Road police station, said.

"Shaimaa had tried to put water in Eman's mouth. She is her sister and her act cannot be termed as an offence," said another official.

Shaimaa and the Saifee hospital management have been locked in a bitter tussle after the former alleged that the doctors treating Eman have made "false claims" about her weight loss and "complete recovery" in a video released recently.

The hospital administration dismissed allegations made by Shaimaa, saying, she was criticising doctors because her family doesn't want to get Eman discharged and wanted to extend her stay at the hospital in south Mumbai.
While pointing out that there would be no land constraints in execution of the project from Nagavara to the airport, the minister revealed that yet another option for Metro connectivity to the KIAL via Hennur, Bagalur and Begur was also being explored.

Bengaluru: Metro connectivity from Nagavara to the Kempegowda International Airport has been almost finalised and is only awaiting the Chief Minister's approval, according to Bengaluru Development Minister, K. J. George Speaking exclusively to Deccan Chronicle, he said the Metro Rail would have two or three stops enroute on this line depending upon the ridership and the convenience of air passengers. The trains would be equipped to carry luggage on the lines of the Delhi Metro Rail, he explained.

While pointing out that there would be no land constraints in execution of the project from Nagavara to the airport, the minister revealed that yet another option for Metro connectivity to the KIAL via Hennur, Bagalur and Begur was also being explored.

The BMRCL had in all identified nine Metro corridors for KIA connectivity and chose the most feasible one running for a distance of 29. 1 kms on the Nagavara-Hebbal-Yelahanka-Trumpet interchange -Airport route. With underground Metro connectivity planned from Bannerghatta Road to Nagavara with an interchange at the MG Road Metro station, the new line to the airport is expected to come in very handy.
From the captain's residence, the mortal remains were taken to Sidhnath Ghat in a truck where he was cremated with full military honours. (ANI Twitter)

Kanpur: The mortal remains of Captain Ayush Yadav, who was killed in a terrorist attack at an army camp in Kashmir's Kupwara district, were consigned to flames here with full military honours today.

The body was taken to Yadav's house in Jajmau Defence Colony in Kanpur from the mortuary of the 7 Air Force Hospital around 7.30 AM, ADM K P Singh said.

People paid their tributes to the martyr at his house.

From the captain's residence, the mortal remains were taken to Sidhnath Ghat in a truck where he was cremated with full military honours, Singh said.

Capt Yadav had joined the service some three years ago.

Three heavily-armed terrorists had stormed an army camp in Kupwara district of Kashmir on Thursday, killing Yadav and two other soldiers before two of the assailants were gunned down in a fierce 35-minute encounter.
Bengaluru: Social Welfare Minister H. Anjaneya said there would be no grand celebration of the fourth anniversary of the Congress government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on May 13 in view of the severe drought across the state.

Talking to reporters here on Friday, he said that the state was reeling under an unprecedented drought. Since the government had given priority to providing fodder and water to animals and jobs to rural people, the celebrations would be restricted to distribution of benefits to the poor and needy. On the anniversary, the Chief Minister would distribute government benefits available from various departments in Chitradurga.
Mattanur: Its 24 by 7 at Moorkanparambu, Mattannur in Kannur. Hundreds of workers are on a mission mode at the site of Kannur international airport project in a bid to meet the scheduled deadline for opening in September, set by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan recently. One may wonder whether they will be able to meet the deadline, but the authorities are hopeful.

Around 90 per cent of the works have been completed, Kannur International Airport Limited (KIAL) managing director V. Thulasidas told DC. We shall apply for aerodrome license to the director-general of civil aviation (DGCA) on May 1. The documents to apply for the DGCA clearance are getting ready.

The airport is scheduled to have a 4,000-metre runway in the final phase and it will have 3,050 for the first phase. The structure of the main terminal building is over. The work is at progress at the safety area of the runway. Aprons, air traffic control (ATC) building, the aerobridge and other essential landmarks that help the site to identify itself as an airport is fast taking shape.

An apron to park 20 aircraft at a time has been set up according to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) norms. Another apron having the parking space for 60 aircraft is planned in the later stage.

As many as 15 international airline companies took part in the first discussion held with KIAL authorities and air routes for Jet Airways (to Abu Dhabi) and GoAir (to Dammam), daily once, have already been allotted.

KIAL is expected to cater to NRIs and facilitate export of perishable cargo. It also expects passenger inflow from Coorg in Karnataka which is only 90 km far.

The government has already acquired 2,000 acres for the airport project which was initiated in 1996 when E.K Nayanar was the Chief Minister with the active support of then Union minister for civil aviation C.M Ibrahim, a Kannur native. The foundation stone of the project was laid on December 17, 2010. With a runway of 4,000 metre, KIAL will become the fourth airport in the country with biggest runway after New Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. It could facilitate the landing of big flights such as Boeing 777-300ER and Boeing 707 Jumbo jet.

The total project cost is Rs 1,892 crore for the first phase of which Rs 1000 crore was mobilized through equity. The state government holds 35 per cent equity in the holding company while PSUs hold 25 per cent and Airport Authority of India (AAI) 10 per cent. The private sector private sector holds 30 per cent. According to sources, NRI entrepreneur M.A. Yusuff Ali and his son-in-law Dr Shamsheer V.P. have the highest number of shares among the private equity holders.
New Delhi: Citing examples of 'triple talaq' and the practice of 'marrying four wives' in Islam, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Saturday described Swamy Prasad Maurya's comments on Muslim women as 'correct', asserting that there is no gender equality and women have third class status in Islamic religion.

Swamy told ANI, "There is no doubt that in Islamic practice and preaching women have been given second or third class status. Triple talaq, marrying four wives tradition are examples of that."

Terming Swamy Prasad Maurya as 'correct', Swamy said "Islam religion permits men to commit atrocities against women."

"Maulanas may disguise the fact but this is the reality of Muslim religion," he added.

On Friday, Yogi Adityanath's cabinet minister Maurya made a controversial statement saying, "Muslim men resort to triple talaq to quench their 'lust' by changing wives".

The statement came when Maurya was present at BJP leader Jitendra Pal's residence in Uttar Pradesh's Basti, for a personal event on Friday.

The minister also added that BJP is standing shoulder to shoulder with Muslim women on the issue of triple talaq, but claimed that "Muslim personal law board has no provision on the issue".

"Muslim men leave women to die on the streets with her children,"said Maurya.

Claiming that Maurya has humiliated Muslim women across the nation with his statement, the All India Muslim Women's Personal Law Board (AIMWPLB) on Saturday demanded the former's resignation.

AIMWPLB President, Shaista Amber told ANI, "Where on the one hand, Muslim women are fighting for their injustice, Cabinet Ministers like Swamy Prasad Maurya are making such obnoxious statements. He should be given strict punishment and should be sacked from his post. I would appeal to Yogi ji to sent Maurya to a mental asylum."

"This is disturbing. They don't know Islam at all. If he won't apologize, I will go to the Supreme Court against him if needed," she added.
The state governments assertion that farmers did not commit suicide due to drought led to shock among the farmers who opined that the Tamil Nadu governments stand would deny them the possibility of drought relief from the centre.

Chennai: The state governments assertion that farmers did not commit suicide due to drought led to shock among the farmers who opined that the Tamil Nadu governments stand would deny them the possibility of drought relief from the centre.

The leaders of farmers associations said the affidavit by the state government in the Supreme Court that farmers had died of illness and old age did not reflect the ground reality in the state.

The farmers said hundreds of farmers had committed suicide since the crops had failed and they were unable to pay their debts.

Ayyakannu, leader of Association for National South Indian Rivers Linking said Not a drop of water from the Cauvery had reached Tamil Nadu and farmers who depended on Cauvery for irrigation were unable to cultivate their land. The southwest monsoon as well as the northeast monsoon had failed and not a single crop had been harvested in the delta districts.

He alleged that the state government had sought drought relief from the centre citing the deaths of farmers and the severe drought, but it had given a different version to the Supreme Court. The state governments stand would prevent the farmers from getting drought relief. Farmers bodies pointed out that the state government had sought about Rs 39,000 crore for drought relief, but the centre had given only about Rs 2,200 crores which could not meet their demands for relief.

They recalled that the Supreme Court which was hearing the Tamil Nadu governments demand for Cauvery water constituted a committee of experts to visit the delta districts and submit a report to it. When the committee visited Tamil Nadu on January 17, the state officials had concealed the suicides of farmers, the farmers representatives said.The state governments stand did not help the cause of Tamil Nadu farmers to get Cavuery water or drought relief. The farmers in the state are demanding Rs 25,000 per acre as drought relief, but the state government had announced Rs 5,465 per acre as relief.

The farmers throughout the state are also seeking the waiver of crop loans by the nationalised banks to stop the suicides of farmers. The UPA government had waived Rs 7,000 crore of farm loans for Tamil Nadu farmers alone and the National Front government under former Prime Minister V.P. Singh had taken a similar step. The farmers also complained that they had not received the crop insurance from the state government till now.
Hyderabad: My mother told me that she got married when she was 14 years old and asked me not to worry. But I was worried. My friends would join new schools next year, and I would be stuck in my husband's house, helping my mother-in-law in the kitchen, said Beena (name changed), 14, a child bride rescued by Childline officials from Hayathnagar.

Another child bride rescued from Shamshabad was just 13 years old and her worry was that she would not be able to play with her friends any more. As a married woman I will have to fulfill a wifes duties and I heard elders saying it was not easy, she said.

Most child brides are extremely anxious about their future; they have little choice but to obey their parents. When a marriage proposal comes at such an early age, child brides don't know what they can do: Seek help from outsiders (Childline, police, child rights activist etc) to escape or obey their parents so that they don't lose their family. A 15-year-old child bride rescued from Rajendranagar recalled her ordeal.

My parents fixed my wedding date just two weeks after they started searching for a match. They did not even ask me if I liked the man. Six days before the wedding, I cried and told my mother that I did not want to get married. She tried to convince me about my future prospects but started crying when I did not relent," she said. The mother said it would be difficult for the family to save a huge dowry in the future.

I gave up but the next two days were extremely difficult for me. The thought of dropping out of school and getting married to a stranger killed me. I informed one of my classmates, who immediately alerted Childline, said the girl, who is now completing her Class 10 education. After her rescue, officials of Child Welfare Committee convinced her parents to send her back to school and not to get her married until she completed her studies.

While many rescued children are put at up at girls homes in city, others are sent back to their family after obtaining assurances from the parents that they will not be pushed into marriage. Child Welfare Commi-ttee chairperson V. Padmavathi said: Majority of children want to be rescued from early marriages. There were instances in which child brides directly contacted us, seeking help as they wanted to continue their education.
New Delhi: Admitting that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had made mistakes in the past, Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said that the party would introspect and course correct after the drubbing in the MCD polls.

In an early morning tweet, Kejriwal, who held a meeting of AAP cabinet ministers, councillors and MLAs after the MCD loss, said yes, we made mistakes.

The Delhi CM said that he had spoken to many workers and volunteers, and that reality is obvious.

Stating that his party would go back to the drawing board, Kejriwal said this was owed to voters and volunteers.

Kejriwal, in a departure from his usual vitriolic against Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the BJP, said that the need is for action and not excuses.

Claiming that change is the only constant, Kejriwal, perhaps worried about the morale of his party workers after the crushing MCD defeat, said that the key is to find the reserves to hold and pull ourselves up.
Lucknow: The Allahabad High Court has suspended the Additional Sessions Judge Om Prakash Misra for granting bail to rape accused former SP minister, Gayatri Prajapati. The court has also ordered a departmental inquiry against the judge that will be headed by Justice Sudhir Agarwal. The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court had, on Friday, stayed the bail given to the former minister by the local court.

Putting the bail on hold until further orders on Friday, Chief Justice Dilip B. Bhosale had said, I may however observe that the manner in which the learned judge has shown the haste in releasing the accused on bail ignoring the nature of offence allegedly committed by the respondent accused and the fact that the crime came to be registered against these accused by virtue of the order of the Supreme Court dated 17/2/2017, I have my reservations about the bonafides/intention of the learned judge who is about to retire on 30/4/2017.

The former minister, accused of raping a woman and attempting to rape her minor daughter, was granted bail by special judge of POCSO court Om Prakash Misra on Tuesday.

400 officers transferred

Meanwhile, the Allahabad High Court has transferred close to 400 judicial officers, nearly half of them of the Additional District and Sessions Judge rank, in a major reshuffle in the lower judiciary in Uttar Pradesh. The transferred judicial officers include 199 ADJs posted in regular courts and another eight posted at fast track courts.
Srinagar: BJP national president Amit Shah held wide-ranging talks with its leadership in Jammu and Kashmir and other relevant people including prominent citizens and civil society leaders in Jammu on Saturday.

The exercise would continue on Sunday before Shah who is on a two-day visit of Jammu leaves for the next leg of his 95-day countrywide tour during which he will strategise on ways to win the 2019 Lok Sabha election, with focus on clinching 120 seats where the party had lost in 2014.

The BJP president had had separate meetings with the party legislators and members of the Jammu High Court Bar Association, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu and prominent citizens to get feedback on the prevailing political situation and various other important issues. He also closeted with the 5-member core group of the BJPs state unit and was scheduled to hold one-on-one meetings with some party ministers in the PDP-BJP government.

These meetings took place in the backdrop of unending turbulence in the Kashmir Valley, the situation prevailing in the border-belt of Jammu region, the issue of permanent settlement of erstwhile West Pakistan refugees and tensions set off by the demand of local groups that Rohingya and Bangladeshi Muslim refugees living in shacks in and around the winter capital be banished.

Mr. Shah is reported to have assured the State party leadership that all these issues and those which remain unsettled or crept up recently with ally PDP would be resolved as quickly as possible but in a non-confrontational way keeping in view interests of the party and the country.

The issues on which the allies have publicly differed with each other and created real or false fissures in their relations included the ways of dealing with the protests and stone-pelting incidents in the Valley. It was said that the BJP favours stern action against 'stone-pelters' whereas PDP wants applying 'healing touch' in the Valley to win over its alienated youth. The PDP leadership had reportedly conveyed to its BJP counterparts that 'controversial' statements from BJP camp like a ministers asking for treating the stone-pelting youth only with bullets were making matters worse for it in Valley.

It is also an open secret now that the BJP wants equal share in proposed reshuffle in the ministry and change of some portfolios. The PDP had accused BJP of violating 'coalition dharma' and resented the way the latter behaved during a recently held election of new members to the State Legislative Council. The PDP had expressed resentment over the BJPs taking three seats in MLC polls despite commitment of sharing two each. The BJP denied the charge of manipulation in the election and said that an independent lawmaker from Ladakh who was supporting the PDP eventually voted in favour of a BJP candidate on his own.

It was amid reports of differences between coalition partners over various issues that BJPs national general secretary Ram Madhav held a meeting with PDP leader and States finance minister, Haseeb A. Drabu in Jammu on April 21. Drabu had acted as the PDPs chief negotiator over the government formation with the BJP whereas Madhav is known as the man behind meticulously stitching dream alliance between ideologically divergent parties in 2015. However, Madhav had on his return to Delhi strongly denied there was any discord between the coalition partners.

The sources in the BJP, however, said that some of its leaders and also party rank and file are adamant to get equal and suitable share in the government and want the Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti be pressurized to go in for early expansion/ reshuffle of her Council of Ministers. The ministerial aspirants waiting to get a berth include the BJPs State unit president Sat Sharma and Speaker of the Assembly Kavinder Gupta. On the other hand, there are complaints of corruption and no-performance against a couple of existing ministers from the BJP and the party leadership is under tremendous pressure from within to show them the door and replace them with deserving people. If Gupta is made a minister, the PDP may ask for picking up the next Speaker from its team.

Shah earlier arrived to a rousing reception by the party leaders and workers including minister and legislators in Jammu. The activists of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) took out a bike rally and escorted him to the State Guest House where he held meetings with party men and others. The streets were thronged with BJP supporters and party flags were waved as Shah's convoy passed through the streets after he landed at the airport.

Madhav and MP Avinash Rai Khanna are accompanied the party president. The party sources said that Shah issued certain guidelines and discussed how the party organisation would be strengthened. They said that he told those who met him that Kashmir Valley like rest of the State is an integral part of the country and that the BJP is with its people. He assured them that PDP-BJP government is focusing on the development of all the three regions of the State, while Centre was aware of the Kashmir tensions and has framed strategy to deal with it.

During his yatra, Shah is particularly focusing on states like West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana and Kerala. The BJP had won just 4 Lok Sabha seats out of the 102 in these states in the 2014 elections. His voyage will end by September 25, coinciding with the 101th birth anniversary of Jana Sangh ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyay.
Ukraine now can ask Latvia to return of EUR 50 mln of Yanukovych gang's money

The ruling of Kramatorsk Court to confiscate the funds of ex-President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych's entourage gives grounds to Ukraine to apply to Latvia for the return of EUR 50 million, Prosecutor General of Ukraine Yuriy Lutsenko has said.

"This money is mentioned in the judgment of the Kramatorsk Court, so now we have an opportunity to ask Latvia state to fully or partially return this money to the Ukrainian budget within the framework of the international convention," he said at a briefing in Kyiv on Friday.

As reported, on September 13, Latvia recovered to the national budget EUR50 million of funds of the former Ukrainian high-ranking officials arrested within the fight against money laundering, the LSM local media has reported with reference to the investigation of the De Facto program.

The media reports in autumn 2014 Prosecutor General of Ukraine Vitaliy Yarema announced that $49.3 million of former Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Arbuzov in Latvian banks and $32 million and CHF72 million on the accounts of businessman and politician Yuriy Ivaniuschenko were arrested.

In addition, De Facto found out that the investigation into the case in Latvia is continuing, but neither Arbuzov, nor Ivaniuschenko, nor Serhiy Kurchenko figure among the suspects. There are no suspects in the criminal proceedings conducted by the Latvian police.

The publication noted the Latvian law enforcement agencies have not received the information they need from Ukrainian colleagues.

On September 16, Deputy Prosecutor General of Ukraine Yevhen Yenin and Prosecutor General of Latvia Eriks Kalnmeiers discussed the way of returning former Ukrainian officials' criminal assets, confiscated by Latvian authorities, to Ukraine.
New Delhi: In keeping with changing military needs, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been asked by its chief to maintain a state of combat readiness for a possible 10-day war with Pakistan and a possible 15-day conflict with China. The necessary instructions were issued during an IAF commanders conference held in New Delhi last week.

Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa has directed the IAF commanders to prepare for short duration but intense wars of 10 days in case of Pakistan and 15 days with China to maintain razor-sharp operational preparedness and enhanced combat effectiveness, a high-level source told this newspaper.

Accordingly, the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection has been asked to ascertain preparedness of all operational units to keep personnel and aircraft combat-ready with fully stocked-up weapons, missiles and alert radar systems.
BSF personnel handing over a 15-year-old Pakistani national Razak to Pakistani Rangers from Border Out Post Sowar Wali in Abohar sector on Saturday. Razak had inadvertently entered into India. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: In keeping with changing military needs, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been asked by its chief to maintain a state of combat readiness for a possible 10-day war with Pakistan.

The Directorate of Air Staff Inspection (DASI) is the IAFs inspecting body that assesses the tactical and operational level of IAF aircraft to ascertain if they are capable of meeting wartime requirements besides also rating the performance of IAF pilots and squadrons.

Besides the traditional IAF role of counter-air, strategic-air (including space) and counter-surface operations that formed the three elements of air strategy, combat-enabling operations have now come to form the fourth pillar of air operations.

It is well accepted that possible future wars between India and its neigbours wont be long and protracted because of the looming nuclear threat and the possibility that more countries will be sucked into such a war in case it is prolonged.

The Joint Doctrine of the Armed Forces  2017, a document released by the Indian military on Tuesday, also says that the character of future wars is likely to be ambiguous, uncertain, short, swift, lethal, intense, precise, non-linear, unstructured, unpredictable, and hybrid.

As a result, the IAFs role too is changing due to the availability and deadly potential of cruise missiles like the Brahmos, long operational endurance of its combat fleet and much faster aircraft like the Su-30s, MiG-29s and Mirage-2000s.

For example, the Su-30 flies at about 2,100 kmph, with a range of 3,000 km and a capability to be airborne for more than 3.5 hours, making it technically possible to fly deep into Tibet, then to Pakistan, curve along the Arabian Sea seeking naval targets before touching down in airbases in central India or in Northeast India.

According to official sources, the IAF role has changed also because modern aerial platforms and weapons allow a commander to conduct independent, parallel operations with, or in support of surface and maritime operations both within and outside the battle space. But, certain factors also cramp the IAFs fighting capability.

The current fleet strength of about 33 fighter squadrons or about 600 aircraft is far less than the required strength of at least 42 squadrons or about 790 fighter aircraft, as per officials.
Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and president of opposition National Conference (NC) Farooq Abdullah on Saturday accused the government of spreading hatred against Muslims by hamming up the recent terror attack at an Army camp in frontier Kupwara district.

This government has an ulterior motive to spread hatred against Muslims. Twenty-six CRPF jawans were killed in the Naxal attack at Sukma but they are more troubled by the attack in Kupwara where three jawans were killed, he said. He alleged the Kupwara incident was being overplayed and the people of Kashmir being painted in bad light in order to cater to their own constituencies. He said, This perhaps is their new tactic to spread anti Kashmir, anti Muslim hatred among Indians.

Abdullah who was speaking at a party workers meeting here while comparing the airtime dedicated to two recent encounters at Kupwara and Sukma on many news channels said, Media is doing a great disservice to Kashmir and its people by showing disturbing visuals on their prime time shows. This will inevitably stop people from coming to Kashmir this summer. He alleged, They want to finish our tourism and I see that they are working overtime in installing fear among potential tourists.

He asked the people of the State irrespective of their religion, creed, caste to unite and defeat the forces hell-bent in destroying the communal amity among different regions and religions. He asserted that the need of the hour is to defeat those forces which are openly espousing hatred and sowing the seeds of communal discord in the State. He said, I call upon all those who want to see a prosperous J&K and believe in brotherhood to come forward and reject the politics of communal polarization that has taken deep roots throughout the country.

He reiterated his demand that meaningful and result-oriented dialogue should be immediately resumed between New Delhi and Islamabad and also between New Delhi and stakeholders within Kashmir to find a lasting and just solution to the Kashmir issue. He asserted, You cannot freeze the political issue while our children are being robbed of their future.Both New Delhi and Islamabad owe us a responsibility to resolve this issue as per the sentiments and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir  first and foremost. He added, A continued failure by the two neighbours to resolve the Kashmir Issue has inflicted unimaginable pain and misery on the people of Kashmir, especially its youth.

He further said, New Delhi should rise above ideological politics as statesmanship was the need of the hour and stop stereotyping Kashmiris within the narrow contours of a regressive nationalism versus anti-national narrative. The political problem in Kashmir is far too complex for such broad stroke definitions and merits an open-ended, well-intentioned political engagement with all stakeholders including the leadership of the Hurriyat Conference.

Condemning the recent spate of excesses against youth in the Valley, the NC leader who was recently elected to Lok Sabha in a by-poll said, It is high time that this government understand that the policy of repression unleashed on our youngsters and students will result in further alienation among the youth. It has not worked in past and will surely not work now and not in future. He said that the sensible thing was to do away with anti-youth posturing and policies and accused the Mehbooba Mufti government of brining us to the precipice of turmoil and unrest.
New Delhi: Senior Congress leader DigvijaySingh was today removed as party's general secretary in-charge of poll-bound Karnataka and Goa after its fiasco in government formation in the coastal state.

Initiating a reshuffle within the party, Congress president Sonia Gandhi appointed K C Venugopal as its general secretary in-charge for Karnataka along with four secretaries.

She also elevated Congress secretary A Chella Kumar as in charge of Goa, replacing Singh.

As Congress's Goa unit in-charge, Singh had failed to form a government there despite the party winning 17 out of the total 40 seats, while the BJP retained power after getting only 13 seats.

The inaction on the part of Singh evoked widespread criticism within the party, which accused the BJP of creating "artificial majority" to form its government.
Gorakhpur: Showering praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh chief minister said that the recent Delhi civic polls results have shown that EVM stands for Every Vote Modi, referring to the recent charges against the polling machines.

Addressing his party workers at his bastion Gorakhpur, Adityanath also vowed that law-breakers will be reprimanded strictly in the state.

We had urged earlier too. People who do not respect the law can leave UP and who don't will be dealt strictly with, he stated.

There has been a transformation in law and order situation in UP and this will continue in the future too (sic), he added. The comments come in the wake of a recent crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses in the state and increasing cow vigilantism across the country.

Also praising Modi for his ban on red beacon lights, Adityanath claimed that the prime minister is putting an end to VIP culture in the country. Modi had earlier issued an order restricting central government officials and ministers from using red beacon vehicles.
Bengaluru: With its first base, south of the Vindhyas showing signs of crumbling, the BJP top brass has started brainstorming on Thursday's meeting of the rebels, but party sources ruled out any immediate action against rebel leader K.S.

Eshwarappa or BJP state president B.S. Yeddyurappa for that matter.

Knowing quite well that Karnataka politics rests on the powder keg of caste, BJP national president Amit Shah, may let the situation simmer for now with Yeddyurappa remaining the CM face for 2018 and Eshwarappa continuing as Opposition leader in the Council. But those who know of the ways of the BJP, said nothing would be forgotten and Yeddyurappa could be at the receiving end after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. And Eshwarappa, who, enjoys no great clout in the party, could be increasingly sidelined.

Mr Shah also knows that the Lingayat community of Yeddyurappa is no longer a reliable vote bank that backs him unquestioningly, which became evident from the Gundlupet and Nanjangud poll results, where the huge Lingayat population ensured that it was Congress candidates that won by huge margins.

The party may look towards the backward classes, SCs, STs and even Vokkaligas to firm up a formidable caste combination. The BJP is also wary of piggybacking on one community like the Lingayats - a factor, Yeddyurappa has hitherto used to his advantage to project himself as the indisputable BJP mascot.

Yeddyurappa, meanwhile has rushed to Delhi to apprise the central leadership about the situation post the 'Save organisation meeting' on Thursday.
Kochi: The High Court has observed that power minister M.M. Manis speech is serious and sought views of the state government and the police chief on his alleged comments against women.

Whats happening in the state? the division bench asked while considering a petition for a directive to the state police chief to probe Mr Manis alleged use of abusive language against women and his threatening of civil servants.

Has the state police chief not seen this, the court queried, while disposing of the petition filed by Mr George Vattukulam of Thrissur.

The court directed Mr Vattukulam to file a complaint at the police station concerned. The petitioner, however, contended that no action would be taken on his complaint because Mr Mani was a minister.

The state government submitted that on examination, the speech CD did not reveal any remark outraging the modesty of women.

The ministers remarks were against media persons. To which the court said that they are also human beings and have the very same fundamental rights.

The petitioner alleged that Mr Mani had outraged the modesty and used abusive language against more than 10,000 women, who participated in the historic struggle.

Mr Mani had earlier insulted a woman principal at Painavu Government Polytechnic by using abusive language but later apologised, the petition said.

The Minister was a habitual offender and regularly used abusive language and lewd remarks against women. The petitioner also accused Mr Mani of using abusive language against efficient civil service officers.
Indore: Bhartiya Janata Party general secretary Kailash Vijaywargiya on Saturday asked why those who had returned awards to protest against intolerance were silent over the death of 25 CRPF jawans in Chhattisgarh, and called for "unmasking" of Naxal sympathisers.

"Why are the people who had returned their awards (to protest against intolerance, in 2015) are silent? Where are they now?" he said, speaking to reporters here.

"Where do the human rights activists disappear when the Naxals kill 25 jawans?" he asked.

"There is a need to unmask the people who, in the name of human rights, have sympathy for Naxals and terrorists," the former Madhya Pradesh minister said.

It was worrying that a section of society had drifted on the path of violence in Chhattisgarh and Jammu and Kashmir, he said, adding that social activists should make the people aware of perils of terrorism.

This will help the government crack down on terrorism and Naxalism, he said.
One of the reasons for the BJPs victory in the Delhi municipal elections was its willingness to dump incumbent councillors. A massive 267 of the partys 272 candidates in 2012 were changed. A majority had, of course, won the previous election. It was not as if all of them had done poorly as councillors. Some had creditable records but suffered due to the impatient mood of the capital  known to have a volatile electoral history, prone to dramatic swings  and the general perception that the BJP-run councils had severely underperformed. In removing the 2012 candidates, the BJP achieved two things. First, it negated the anti-incumbency sentiment to quite a degree and facilitated a narrative whereby it asked voters to select not indifferent to poor local representatives but a national sentiment in favour of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Second, it achieved a generational shift in Delhi politics, a process that had been unduly delayed since 2008, when the party old guard nominated Vijay Kumar Malhotra (born 1931) as the chief ministerial candidate for the Assembly election. That nomination had a cascading effect. It meant veterans of a similar generation dominated the 2008 campaign, rather than gently retired into the night. Consequently, the best of the municipal councillors couldnt graduate to MLA status, and new faces, among younger party workers, couldnt be placed in municipal politics. The long-term legacy of the 2008 campaign was felt as recently as 2015, when the Aam Aadmi Party thrashed the BJP in the Assembly election.

It left the party extremely factionalised: 70- and 80-somethings were hanging on tightly and seeking comfortable berths for their children as part of a pension plan; 50- and 60-somethings were the cheated generation of the Delhi BJP, having never been allowed a free hand, described as youth leaders into their mid-40s and then suddenly finding themselves too old; 40-somethings and younger party workers were itching to get into the big league, in a city driven by youth and aspirational voters. After the debacle of 2015, Amit Shah, as president of the BJP, began an overhaul of the partys Delhi unit. The recent set of municipal elections was a milestone in this journey, but much ground remains to be covered. The quest is on for a chief ministerial candidate and for a new generation of acceptable Punjabi leaders, to match the partys thrust towards the Purbaiyya (Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh) voters as well as Jat and Gujjar voters, among other communities that make up Delhi. The search is for a face (or faces) that can reflect identity loyalties but still rise above them and represent the post-identity urges of a metropolis. The route to the next Assembly election is still being charted. While Delhi politics has its own dynamics, as does politics anywhere, in any city, any state, any region, there is one lesson from the municipal elections that can become a template for the 2019 Lok Sabha election. A substantial if not wholesale change of sitting candidates and legislators has been attempted by Mr Modi in Gujarat more than once, in Assembly as well as local-bodies elections. It was part of his strategy to convert an electoral contest into a referendum on his chief ministry and an affirmation of faith in him personally, and in his individual integrity.

The formula was experimented with in Delhi, and Mr Modis party celebrated its success. Some people may have worried though: BJP members in the Lok Sabha. How many of the 282 elected in 2014 are going to be re-nominated and how many are going to get a Delhi-style guillotine treatment? Especially in Uttar Pradesh which sent 71 BJP members to the Lok Sabha three years ago, there are already rumours of a majority of current MPs not being given tickets for 2019. Those who won because a wave election carried them to Parliament, and have done little since to be regarded as deserving constituency MPs, will have a reason for concern. In Bihar too, a few high-profile MPs look appropriate for retirement. The 2014 campaign was a pulsating and historic one but its essential architecture was unorthodox. Mr Modi had little control of the party bureaucracy or organisation in Delhi. The incremental campaign and support systems he brought in had to be superimposed on an existing but underprepared infrastructure or gently introduced to complement it. Consequently, when it came to candidate selection, Mr Modi had to compromise and give in to others in many cases.

In all of those senses, 2019 will be different. Mr Modi and Amit Shah are in complete charge and, following the big win in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, should be in position to have their say. This will result in individual MPs with a poor track record being dropped. It will also mean that some of the gimmicky exercises of 2014 will be avoided. Back then, there were constituencies where film stars were given a free ride to Parliament by the Modi juggernaut, even as low-profile but long-time and dedicated party workers were not blooded in mass politics. Finally, Mr Modi will have the opportunity of finding suitable people from outside conventional politics and having them fight relatively safer Lok Sabha seats so that he can use them in an executive role  not as lateral-entrant technocrats or Rajya Sabha inductees but as democratically elected members of the Lower House. Here too, some existing MPs may have to yield place. As such, two years from now, the Delhi model is certain to leave its impact on national politics.
Donald Trumps first one hundred days in office  the marker was reached on Saturday  was on everyones radar because this President was seen as unpredictable and the least un-presidential of all American chiefs, and yet he has coasted along as a sharp right-winger, but not quite the right wing ogre many dreaded he would be. It is early days yet for a better evaluation, but the man does not seem to be on course to be zany zany. To be sure, Mr Trump has made one mistake after another, the most significant being on the issue of immigration from seven Muslim countries on which his executive orders were thrown out by the American justice system, and the stinging defeat his attempts suffered to replace Obamacare, the health policy. On balance, however, he appears to be slowly moving in the direction of middle ground on issues that matter to America and its traditional allies.

Eventually, he has discomfited Moscow, doing an about-turn, and calmed nerves in the US. He has also downgraded the white supremacist fanatic who had initially been appointed as the Presidents key adviser and conscience-keeper. He has sent out his scouts  vice-president Mike Pence, secretary of state Rex Tillerson and defence secretary James Mattis  to Nato allies in Europe, to friendly nations in the Far East, and to take positions in the UN on the question of the North Korea missile and nuclear threat that needed to be taken, signalling that he was not about to abandon the international theatre. The President has also sucked up to China in the same way as his predecessors, but is also pressuring the Chinese to live up to assurances of checking Pyongyang from crossing red-lines. In economic policy, the maverick leader seems gung-ho about cutting corporate tax to 15 per cent and cut personal income tax too.

These could earn him political capital at home, but divert US capital away from the emerging economies like India. On the whole, Mr Trump seems more of a transactional figure than his recent predecessors. This can catch India short. While the American leader is demanding that his allies pay for the security or trade benefits that they get on account of American policy, he could make similar demands of New Delhi. For one, will India back the US positions in Afghanistan, specially when Washington is not about to change its fundamental equation with Islamabad? India may also be asked to sign up fast on the US foundational defence agreements. Doing these wont be wise, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon find out.
Norway has decided to assign EUR 180,000 to the NATO trust fund to provide Ukraine with assistance in social and professional adaptation of servicemen transferred to the reserve, Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende said.

Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze met with the Norwegian foreign minister during her visit to Norway. During the meeting Brende confirmed the allocation of financial and technical assistance to Ukraine by Norway, the amount of which this year will total $25 million, the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine reported on Friday.

"Following the meeting with the deputy prime minister, Borge Brende announced that a decision has just been made to allocate EUR 180,000 to the NATO trust fund for social and professional adaptation of servicemen who are retired or transferred to the reserve," the deputy premier's press service said.

In addition, Klympush-Tsintsadze met with the state secretary of the Norwegian Ministry of Defense ystein Bo.
In the United States, the worlds most advanced nation, there has been a strange issue that is being discussed. It is being written about in books, and there are talks on it (which one can access on YouTube), but there is yet no action on it, though this is expected soon. The issue is that of artificial intelligence becoming smarter than man. To us in India this does not seem like something to think about much. Computers are to us devices that we have control over. Our laptop or mobile phone is to us a tool and our servant. It is not our master. However in America, some of the smartest people working on technology are thinking about and discussing what will happen when artificial intelligence, meaning computer programs, overtakes man in the ability to think. They are thinking about this for two reasons. The first is that there is an agreement on what intelligence means. There is no magic to the way that the human mind works. Thinking can be explained in scientific and biological terms that is quite precise. Intelligence is information and the ability to know what to do with it. In the last 20 years, and particularly in the last three, computers have become very good at intelligence.

To give the most basic example, America has today self-driving cars and it is being predicted that a fully independent car is no more than two years away. Meaning you can get into your car and go to sleep or read a newspaper while you are driven to your destination. This is a car that can do all the functions we can do  start the engine, shift the gears, brake when needed, speed up when required  but also do things we cannot. It can detect dangers front, back and side at a level humans cannot. It can optimise driving speed for best fuel consumption. It can be connected to a network of cars and know about conditions up and down the road for hundreds of kilometres. And this, as I said, is just a basic example of what computer intelligence can already do. And artificial intelligence will continue to improve, and improve fast. Why? Because we humans have many problems that we need technology to solve. From finding cures for diseases to developing business systems. Everything in the modern world currently requires the use of computer intelligence and this is not going to change. The other aspect that people are beginning to accept is that man will not be able to keep pace with this explosion of intelligence. Why? Because our brain is of fixed size and can contain only a limited amount of cerebral cortex and the supporting material that gives us the ability to remember and think. Computer intelligence can have no such limitations. It is possible to build a computer the size of a large building.

The question is why would someone want to build that large or powerful a device when it is clear that there are dangers we have not anticipated. And the answer is that technological progress is how the worlds companies and the worlds armies compete with one another. And so this race, which was began some time ago, will continue without pause. Corporations and militaries will keep building smarter and more capable and more intelligent computers and computer programs. And this intelligence will have to be given autonomy because man will not be able to keep up with it. Twenty years ago this year, a computer defeated the worlds best chess player, Garry Kasparov. In the two decades since, computers have become many, many more times smarter. The estimate is that in the next 25 years or so, we will have intelligence in computers that will exceed mans in every way. At this point, computer intelligence will be able to improve itself faster than man can. And then the speed of improvement will be explosive. Computers process information much faster than us and they are not limited by the bio-chemical process as the human being is. We have no idea, absolutely zero idea, of what sort of progress this super-intelligence will be able to make after it arrives. The speculation is that artificial intelligence will not be malevolent, meaning deliberately wishing to harm us, but it will treat us as we treat insects. It will ignore us while it goes about perfecting itself. This, then, is what people in America are thinking about. And it is a subject that even we will not be able to ignore for too long.
With social media, especially Facebook, increasing its integration into each persons daily life, things are to get worse in future if these issues are not taken care by the social media company.

Google and Facebook were recently targeted for failing to curb fake news that was being promoted on their respective services. Soon, the two tech giants put all their forces ahead to do something on the matter and are working harder to have algorithms in place to make sure the fake news are now filtered and checked for facts. However, if you are using Facebook pretty often, you will see that though the fake news issue seems almost negligible, another issue seems to be on the rise.

Facebook users are witnessing a few too many ads shown up on their timeline or whilst browsing through general posts. The company has decided to rope in some money and create revenue by inserting advertisements in between posts, but we have noticed a huge issue here.

While most ads are based on app installations and promotions from respective app stores, we found a few too many ads coming in from online shopping websites. However, on closely monitoring the ads, we found that the shopping ads that are being promoted to the front are not from genuine sellers. They have a fly-by-night website, and are selling fake stuff on Facebook. The ads are very appealing and the discounts and offers on the ads are impossible to resist.

As an example, some ads come from genuine websites such as GearBest Shopping, Google suite, Time Doctor training, and a lot more. However, we did find a few too many fake shopping websites which are luring online, waiting for people to click and buy. If you happened to see similar ads that claim to sell goods for really cheap and look too good to be true, make sure you check the comments on it. Check with friends before you fall for it.

As an experiment, we hit on one such ad by Zoniic for a supposedly promising deal which claimed that we could buy an original Xiaomi 20000mAh Mi Power bank for just Rs 999 and additionally get a 128GB Samsung micro SD card free with it. The total deal would cost more than Rs 5,000, but the ad was announcing it for just Rs 999. We went ahead to buy the so-called-genuine products for a steal deal and placed an order with an additional shipping charges of Rs 99. The product was well dispatched within time, with tracking numbers and messages sent across on the packages transit with the courier to our mobile number and email address. The product reached us after two weeks and after we opened it, we found that the products were a total fake, which would not even cost half the price of what we paid for.

The power bank and storage card were a genuine fake, a counterfeit. While the powerbank looks almost identical to the original, the micro SD card had almost fake written all over it. and to our surprise, the SD card was also broken in the packaging itself.

We wrote back to the company via email with no response. The customer care email address is a Gmail address. We tried calling the helpline number, which does not exist. In short  we were duped. However, we did this deliberately to find out if the claims by many on the ads comments were genuine. We confirm that the ad was fake and so was the shopping website and deal.

The Zoniic shopping website looks so great, genuine to the design core that no one would suspect. Even the shopping currency shows options to buy in British Pounds, US dollars and Indian Rupee. The website features branded shoes, gadgets and a lot more for deals so amazing that anyone would fall for it. However, if you are already duped, expect no response or refund in return.

The best part  if you check out the Cancellation And Refund Policy section on their website, they boldly state We supply products of lot and quality of the product may get be changes.. We donot accept any kinds of Returns / Refund. In Liquadation sale we dont guarantee about the quality of product ,color & as the products are @ the lowest price & so the quality of product will be according to the low.

No replacement is provided for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) products bought in Deal/Offers. Products might differ from description incase of OEM products OR assorted product, the website continued.

If you have dealt with the website, or are trying to claim your money back, dont waste your time; head to a consumer court instead. If you just struck a deal, rush to cancel your order and pray that your money gets refunded.

Similar ads are showing up on Facebook and many are not from India too with prices mentioned in US Dollars. Beware on what you are clicking.

With social media, especially Facebook, increasing its integration into each persons daily life, things are to get worse in future if these issues are not taken care by the social media company. Facebook is used by billions and with people using the social media platform on a daily basis, many are bound to be duped by ads like these. At the end, the fake shopping websites will make the most of it till they exist. Once they shut down after complaints and reports, they will start a new one with another name and run the same scams again.

Its time that Facebook, Google, Twitter and other such tech giants, who are showcasing advertisements in their services, take up the matter before it is too late. While we have seen many cases where tech giants are sued by consumers for fake promotions, we could see an outburst of the same in this area.

As for now, we advise all those who are using the internet to be careful on what they click and share. Make sure you are not spending your money by shopping online on websites that are unknown. Shop with known websites that have been around for a long time. Report fake websites to the authorities and services which are promoting them.

Beware: Clicking on ads with striking deals can even be a phishing scam. Clicking on the ad could take you to a phishing website or even inject your computer or smartphone with viruses, malware, adware or even ransomeware.

We wish we had a service similar, to Truecaller, for advertisements, shopping websites, phishing websites and alike that can alert us in advance if the website is fake, or dangerous. If there can be one, users who fell prey to them could flag them as spam, fake or dangerous.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.
Houston: A 45-year-old Indian-American has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for defrauding a bank and stealing more than USD 484,000 from his employer.

Kiran Andhavarapu pleaded guilty on February 9 and was sentenced on Thursday, according to a statement by the US the US Attorney for the Southern District of Texas.

Andhavarapu, who was living in Conroe in Texas, was sentenced to 20 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release for stealing more than USD 484,000 from Weatherford and its subsidiary EProduction Solutions.

The FBI conducted the investigation. US District Judge Keith P Ellison, who accepted the guilty plea, said Andhavarapu abused a position of trust as a financial controller which facilitated his commission of the crime.

He stole from his employer by opening bank accounts in the name of 'EProduction Solutions' and listing himself as the owner and sole proprietor of the business.

Andhavarapu then stole refund cheques made out to and belonging to his employer and deposited them in the accounts he had created.

As part of his plea, Andhavarapu admitted he stole a total of USD 484,873. He will remain in custody pending transfer to a US Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined at a later date, the statement said.
The compound was located near the tunnel complex where the US military on April 13 unleashed the "Mother Of All Bombs" (File Photo)

Washington: US and Afghan troops likely killed the leader of the Islamic State group's Afghanistan affiliate in a raid this week, the Pentagon has said.

US officials also said they have opened a probe into whether two US Army Rangers killed in the assault had been struck by friendly fire.

The raid, which occurred overnight Wednesday-Thursday in Nangarhar province, targeted Abdul Hasib, whom the Pentagon called the IS leader in Afghanistan.

"The thought is we got him, but we are not certain," Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis on Friday said.

Davis said about 50 US special forces and 40 Afghan commandos had been choppered in to the Mohmand Valley late Wednesday near the compound used by Hasib.

His group is affiliated with IS in Iraq and Syria, and the US military calls it Islamic State-Khorasan, or ISIS-K.

The troops' arrival was met with immediate and ferocious opposition, and early on the two Rangers, sergeants Joshua Rodgers and Cameron Thomas, were shot and killed.

"We are investigating the circumstances of the combat deaths of the two Army Rangers in the beginning of what was an intense three-hour firefight," Davis said.

"It is possible the Rangers were struck by friendlyfire."

A formal probe was underway to determine whether the bullets came from US, Afghan or jihadist gunfire. One other US commando was wounded in the raid.

"Within a few minutes of landing, our combined force came under intense fire from multiple directions and well-prepared fighting positions," US Forces-Afghanistan said in a statement.

"Nevertheless, our forces successfully closed on the enemy, killed several high-level ISIS-K leaders and upwards of 35 fighters."

US-Forces Afghanistan said that if confirmed, the death of the Hasib and his associates would "significantly degrade ISIS-K operations in Afghanistan and help reach our goal of destroying them in 2017."

The compound was located near the tunnel complex where the US military on April 13 unleashed the "Mother Of All Bombs" -- a GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast device that the Pentagon said was the biggest non-nuclear weapon it had ever used in combat.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis paid tribute to the two dead Rangers. "Fighting alongside their Afghan partners, Josh and Cameron proved themselves willing to go into danger and impose a brutal cost on enemies in their path," Mattis said in a statement.

"Our nation owes them an irredeemable debt, and we give our deepest condolences to their families." The Pentagon estimates about 1,000 IS fighters remain in Afghanistan.

The jihadists established a foothold there in early 2015 and their numbers now are about half what they were at their peak, the Pentagon says.
New York: The death sentence of an Indian techie has been affirmed by Pennsylvania's high court in the 2012 murders of a 10-month old baby and her grandmother following a botched kidnapping plot to pay for his gambling.

Raghunandan Yandamuri was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder after two days of jury deliberation following a month-and-a-half-long trial in October 2012.

He was sentenced to death in 2015 for the killings of 10-month old Saanvi Venna and her 61-year-old grandmother Satayrathi Venna.

Yandamuri was a technology professional from India and knew the baby's parents.

A report in WRAL.com said Pennsylvania's high court affirmed the death sentence yesterday for Yandamuri, who had carried out a botched kidnapping plot to pay for his gambling habits.

Though Yandamuri has been sentenced to death, there is a statewide moratorium on executions in Pennsylvania.

The investigation into the murders began when police were called to an apartment complex in Pennsylvania for a report that a woman had been killed and child was missing.

Police soon learned from the dead woman's son that his daughter was missing and he had found a ransom note at the scene of the crime demanding USD 50,000 for his daughter's life.

The ransom note had used nicknames for the baby's parents that only very few people knew. Investigators soon found Yandamuri, who admitted after several hours of questioning to the killings.

He then told police he had put the body of Saanvi Venna in the sauna of the apartments after she died.

Yandamuri told investigators he panicked and the deaths were accidental. He had served as his own lawyer and at trial said he was pressured into confessing.
Seoul: North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile on Friday in apparent defiance of a US push for tougher international sanctions to curb the Asian country's nuclear

threat.

"North Korea fired an unidentified missile from a site in the vicinity of Bukchang in Pyeongannam-do (South Pyeongan Province) early this morning," the South Korean news agency Yonhap reported, adding that the missile "is estimated to have failed."

A US defence official confirmed North Korea had fired a missile. The launch comes with tensions high on the Korean peninsula, with US President Donald Trump warning of the risk of a "major conflict."

It came just hours after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson addressed the UN Security Council for the first time, called for a global campaign of pressure on Pyongyang -- with China playing a major role -- to halt its nuclear and

ballistic missile programs.

"Failing to act now on the most pressing security issue in the world may bring catastrophic consequences," he warned. He repeated Washington's threat that US military options were "on the table."

Tillerson said China had "unique" leverage over its communist ally and neighbour. But Beijing pushed back, arguing that it was unrealistic to expect one country to solve the conflict.

"The use of force does not solve differences and will only lead to bigger disasters," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the council.

His country, he said, should not be "a focal point of the problem on the peninsula" and stressed that "the key to solving the nuclear issue on the peninsula does not lie in the hands of the Chinese side."

Russia joined China in saying a military response would be disastrous and appealing for a return to talks and de-escalation.

Military action was "completely unacceptable," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov told the council. A miscalculation could have "frightening consequences," he warned.

But Tillerson argued that diplomacy had to be backed with credible muscle. "Diplomatic and financial levers of power will be backed up by willingness to counteract North Korean aggression with military action, if necessary," he said.

"The threat of a North Korean nuclear attack on Seoul or Tokyo is real, and it is likely only a matter of time before North Korea develops the capability to strike the US mainland."

Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un are locked in an ever-tighter spiral of threat, counter-threat, and escalating military preparedness.

The US is deploying a naval strike group led by an aircraft carrier to the Korean peninsula, and a missile- defense system called Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) will be operational "within days," according to officials.

North Korea meanwhile said it has conducted its biggest ever artillery drill and threatened to "bury at sea" the US aircraft carrier. Speculation has mounted it could soon carry out a sixth nuclear test.

The meeting of the top UN body yesterday laid bare major differences among key powers over the way to address the North Korea crisis.

Over the past 11 years, the Security Council has imposed six sets of sanctions on Pyongyang -- two adopted last year -- to significantly ramp up pressure and deny Kim's regime the hard currency revenue needed for his military programs.

But UN sanctions experts have repeatedly told the council the measures have had little impact because they have been poorly implemented. Tillerson called on all countries to downgrade or sever diplomatic relations with North Korea and impose targeted sanctions on entities and individuals supporting its missile

and nuclear program.

The United States is ready to impose sanctions on third countries where companies or individuals are found to have helped North Korea's military programs, he said. China instead wants Pyongyang to freeze its military programs in exchange for a halt to US-South Korean annual drills.

"Now is the time to seriously consider talks," said Wang. But Tillerson was blunt in saying it was up to North Korea to take the first concrete steps.

"We will not negotiate our way back to the negotiating table," he said. "We will not reward their bad behaviour with talks."

The United States, Russia and China took part in six-party talks on North Korea's denuclearization from 2003 to 2009, along with Japan, South Korea and Pyongyang.
Sydney: In an apparent racial attack, an unidentified woman hurled expletives against an Indian man, who was accompanied by his 15-weeks pregnant wife and 4-year-old daughter.

According to report in a Daily Mail, Utsav Patel, 33, was racially abused over a seat on a bench in Sydney on April 22.

Patel, who had come to spent the night at Luna Park said that despite his requesting the woman for a seat next to her, she attacked the couple verbally.

The incident took place when Patels daughter insisted on a joyride. To help his wife find a place to sit while he took his daughter on a joyride in the in overly crowded park, Patel asked the woman politely for the seat next to her. The woman, who already seemed frustrated, instead abused Patel and his family.

Patel, recorded the womans speech in a video on his mobile phone. The video shows her saying, F*** India and screaming at the Indian family to go away.

Onlookers, who were stunned with the womans behaviour, tried to intervene, but she said: Because I don't like them. Go f*** yourself... get out of here man. Go, go, go.

When the couple threatened report this incident to the authorities, she arrogantly said, What's security going to do? I can say whatever I like, get f***ed.

Patel told the woman this wasnt the right way to treat people, to which she tried to mimic him with his Indian accent.

Patel, who alerted staff at Luna Park by showing them video as evidence, stated that the authorities said they have been 'dealing with the individual personally' following the incident.

Meanwhile, New South Wales police who learned about the incident through the park management, have contacted to Patel in order to find out more about the matter.
Paris: French presidential frontrunner Emmanuel Macron's campaign has banished Russia Today and Sputnik, denying them accreditation after the candidate's team said the pro-Kremlin outlets publish misleading information.

A spokesman for Macron confirmed to AFP that the accreditation applications had been refused, a decision described as "scandalous" in Moscow by foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

Sputnik and RT (Russia Today) were created by the Kremlin for foreigners, are available in several languages and both have a French language website.

Zakharova said that the necessary requests had been made by Russia media and as "other foreign media have not faced any obstacles, we consider these prohibitory measures to be targeted and open discrimination".

In February, Macron's spokesman Benjamin Griveaux accused the Kremlin of mounting a "smear campaign" via state media against the centrist former economy minister, a staunch defender of the European Union.

Moscow has been seen as a keen backer of Macron's rival in the presidential race Marine Le Pen, who met President Vladimir Putin in a surprise visit to Moscow ahead of France's April 23 first round vote.

On Tuesday, a cyber-security research group said Macron's campaign had been targeted by a group of Russian hackers last month.



The Pawn Storm group, which has been linked to several high-profile attacks in the West, used "phishing" techniques to try to steal personal data from Macron and members of his En Marche! campaign, Japan-based Trend Micro said.

Pawn Storm, also known as APT28, is also believed to be behind the attacks last summer on the US Democratic National Committee, thought to be aimed at undermining Hillary Clinton's presidential bid.

It is widely suspected of having links to Russia's security services. Moscow has denied any involvement in seeking to influence France's election which will be settled in a second-round run-off between Macron and Le Pen on May 7.
Jaish al-Islam said its opponents had provoked the clashes by harassing reinforcements (Photo: AP)

Damascus: Fierce clashes between jihadists and Islamist rebels near Damascus left at least 40 dead and 70 wounded on Friday, a monitoring group said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the clashes pitted the Saudi-backed rebel faction Jaish al-Islam (Army of Islam) against Fateh al-Sham, Al-Qaedas former branch in Syria, and Faylaq al-Rahman, which is backed by Qatar and Turkey.

There were at least 15 dead among the ranks of Jaish al-Islam and 23 among its adversaries as well as two civilians, the Britain-based Observatory said. Another 70 were wounded.

Jaish al-Islam said its opponents had provoked the clashes by harassing reinforcements headed for Qabun, east of the Syrian capital, a front with regime forces.

Faylaq al-Rahman denied the allegation. In May 2016, more than 300 people were killed in a battle between the two sides.
Erdogan considers the Syrian-Kurdish fighters to be a terrorist group and is concerned their advances in northern Syrian could fuel the Kurdish insurgency at home. (Photo: Representational/AP)

Turkey's military said it killed 14 members of the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in air strikes in northern Iraq on Saturday, as Ankara steps up a push against the group and their affiliates in Iraq and Syria.

Turkey has intensified attacks on the PKK in northern Iraq and its Syrian-Kurdish affiliate, the YPG, in northern Syria.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that as many as 220 militants had been killed in recent strikes elsewhere in northern Iraq.

Six militants were killed around the area of Sinat-Haftan and eight in the countryside around Adiyaman in two separate air strikes in northern Iraq on Saturday morning, the military said in a statement.

The PKK, which has carried out a three-decade insurgency against the Turkish state, has camps in the mountains of northern Iraq.

Both the United States and Turkey consider it a terrorist organization.

However, the NATO allies disagree on the Syrian-Kurdish YPG, which the United States sees as a useful partner in the fight against Islamic State in Syria.

Erdogan considers the Syrian-Kurdish fighters to be a terrorist group and is concerned their advances in northern Syrian could fuel the Kurdish insurgency at home.

He is expected to raise the issue when he meets with US President Donald Trump next month.

"We tell our American friends not to take terrorists with them," Erdogan said in comments broadcast live on network NTV.

He reiterated his position that he does not want the United States to use the YPG in the fight to take Raqqa, Islamic State's de facto capital in Syria.

"America, coalition forces and Turkey can join hands and Raqqa will turn into a graveyard for Daesh," he said, using an Arabic name for Islamic State.

He said some 210-220 militants had been killed in recent air strikes elsewhere in northern Iraq.
From the beginning of the day until 18:00 on Friday, militants in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) zone 31 times opened fire on the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, two Ukrainian servicemen were killed, five more were injured, the ATO headquarters reported.

"The Russian-occupation troops continue shelling the positions of the ATO forces. Since the beginning of the day, the enemy has fired 31 times on the strongholds of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," the press center of the ATO headquarters said in a summary on Facebook on Friday evening.

According to the headquarters, two Ukrainian servicemen were killed, five more were injured.
The IIUI has seven female hostel blocks which provide accommodation for about 2,500 students. (Photo: Representational/Pixabay)

Islamabad: In what can be termed as a bizarre move, a well known university in Pakistan has banned "bed sharing" in girls' hostels.

According to media reports, the 37-year-old International Islamic University (IIU) has issued a notification in which it said any girl found sharing her bed with friends/sisters (sleeping, sitting in one blanket/bedspread) would be fined heavily.

Hostel boarders have also been told to keep 'proper and reasonable distance' between their beds (at least two feet).

The notification was issued by the university's Assistant Director Provost Office Nadia Malik.

One media report said that the notification has stirred a strong debate on social media because it was specifically issued for girls' hostels, when the fact was that several students are illegally residing in the boys' hostels of the university.

The IIUI has seven female hostel blocks which provide accommodation for about 2,500 students.

The IIUI administration has gone on record to say that the university has space constraints and found some of the girl students using their allotted beds to accommodate their relatives and friends.

It said the notification was aimed at addressing space management and administrative issues, but what seems to be at the heart of the problem is gender-specific language used in the notification.
Chinas first freight train linking the Communist nation directly to the UK on Saturday arrived in the eastern Chinese city of Yiwu after a 12,000-kilometre trip, the worlds second-longest rail route.

London is the 15th city in Europe added to China-Europe freight train services. The first Chinese freight train arrived in London in January. The UK-China freight service paves a safe and efficient trade route by land, strengthening bilateral trade ties and better serving the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, the CRC said.

China now has express freight services to 28 European cities. Since March 2011, over 3,500 trips have been made. The figure should rise to 5,000 by 2020, Xinhua reported. Meanwhile, railway authorities of China, Belarus, Germany, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Poland and Russia have signed an agreement to deepen cooperation on China-Europe freight rail services, the China Railway Corporation said.

The agreement serves the Belt and Road Initiative, expands the market share of rail freight between Asia and Europe, and drives economic development and trade cooperation for counties along the route. The countries will jointly push for better railway infrastructure for a safe, smooth, fast, convenient and competitive rail route, according to the agreement.

Information technology will boost train speed and unified service. Information sharing platforms will be built to ensure transport safety. The countries will expand the rail services to more areas with faster customs clearance. A joint work team and expert team will be formed to solve problems.

The China-Europe freight train service was launched in 2011 and grown rapidly with high efficiency. It has become an important part of the Belt and Road Initiative. A total of 3,557 freight trains have run so far, with services reaching 27 Chinese cities and 28 cities in 11 countries in Europe.


Sending a tough warning to North Korea, the US yesterday said the policy of strategic patience was over and no options were off the table in dealing with the nuclear threat posed by Pyongyang. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson at a UN Security Council meeting on North Korea said yesterday that Washington's goal was "not regime change" in the isolated country nor does it "desire to threaten the North Korean people or destabilise the Asia Pacific region".



"The policy of strategic patience is over. Additional patience will only mean acceptance of a nuclear North Korea. The more we bide our time, the sooner we will run out of it," Tillerson said while chairing the meeting as the President of the Council. Military options for dealing with the North were still "on the table", Tillerson had warned. The US is deploying a naval strike group led by an aircraft carrier to the Korean peninsula, and a missile- defence system called Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD).



North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile but it failed to go beyond its territory, the US said today, as Pyonyang's defiant move amid repeated warnings from Washington ratcheted up tensions in the Korean Peninsula."The US Pacific Command detected what we assess was a North Korean missile launch at 10:33 AM Hawaii time, April 28. The ballistic missile launch occurred near the Pukchang airfield," Dave Benham, United States Pacific Command spokesman, said in a statement. "The missile did not leave (the) North Korean territory," Benham said. Responding to the development, US President Donald Trump slammed North Korea for the provocative move."North Korea disrespected the wishes of China and its highly respected President (Xi Jinping) when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!" Trump said in a tweet last night, hours after North Korea carried out yet another missile test. The North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) determined the missile launch from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America, Benham said."US Pacific Command stands behind our steadfast commitment to the security of our allies in the Republic of Korea and Japan," he said. According to reports, the missile was likely a medium- range KN-17 ballistic missile. The North Korea missile test came a day after the Trump administration praised China and its President Xi for having prevailed over Pyongyang in not carrying out either a nuclear test or a missile test.
Violence rocked the Allahabad University campus here after the arrest of four students for allegedly disrupting a meeting and violating prohibitory orders. A group of students, led by office bearers of the students' union surrounded the university's guest house in the noon, where the executive council meeting was underway and shouted slogans demanding action against alleged financial irregularities in the institute, SSP Shalabh Mathur said.



"Prohibitory orders had been clamped in the area a few days back in view of unrest caused by a drive to evict unlawful occupants from university hostels following an order of the Allahabad High Court. "Upon receiving information that a large number of students had gathered at the guest house without permission, a police party rushed to the spot. Most of the agitators ran away but four of them were arrested," the SSP said.



The students resented the arrests and despite efforts to explain that the same were made on account of violation of prohibitory orders, some of them turned violent and allegedly hurled stones at the police personnel, damaging a number of vehicles parked nearby and smashing window panes, Mathur said.



They allegedly torched a bus parked near a hostel and set fire to a pile of old tyres on one of the roads, bringing traffic to a standstill. The agitators were chased away with the help of the Rapid Action Force and the Provincial Armed Constabulary, the officer said. "The situation is now under control," he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called upon reformers within the Muslim community to put an end to the pain suffered by some women because of the practice of triple talaq.





Invoking the teachings of 12th century philosopher and social reformer Basavanna, Modi made a strong pitch for women's empowerment and equal partnership and appealed to the Muslim community against politicising the triple talaq issue.





I would urge the Muslim community not to view the triple talaq issue through the prism of politics. Looking at the great tradition of India, my mind is filled with the hope that powerful people will emerge from the community in this country (to) eradicate outdated practices, evolve modern systems, Modi said inaugurating the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Basava Samithi.





Union Ministers Ananth Kumar, Sadanand Gowda and Ramesh Jigjinagi, senior BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa, Karnataka minister Basavraj Rayreddy, Basava Samiti President Aravind Jatti among others were present at the function organised at the Vigyan Bhawan convention centre here.





The Prime Minister's second intervention on triple talaq issue within a fortnight came as the Supreme Court is expected to being day-to-day hearing on the petitions questioning the legality of triple talaq. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yodi Adityanath had questioned the silence of some people on the triple talaq issue.





Modi also released the digital version of the transaltion of Basavanna's selected 'Vachanas' into 23 Indian languages edited by noted rationalist late M M Kalburgi, who was gunned down allegedly by fundamentalist forces two years ago. Modi made it a point to walk into the audience to meet the family members of Kalburgi.





Recalling Basavanna's teachings, the Prime Minister said India's history was not only about defeats, poverty, illiteracy and colonialism. India also gave the message of peace, good governance, non-violence and Satyagraha, he said.





Long before western scholars thought of democratic values, Lord Basaveshwara had enunciated the principles of democracy and even put it in practice, he said referring to the concept of 'Anubhav Mandapam'.





The Prime Minister also asked the Basava Samiti to launch a quiz competition on the 'Vachana' that would help spread the teaching of Basavanna to future generations.
A 23-year-old man has been sentenced to 100 years in prison for sexually assaulting and robbing an octogenarian widow at gunpoint in the US state of Illinois.



Tevin Rainey, who hails from Bolingbrook village in the southwest suburb of Chicago, was sentenced last week by DuPage County Judge Brian Telander.



Rainey was found guilty this year of breaking into the now 89-year-old woman's apartment on January 1, 2015 and then sexually assaulting her at gunpoint in Westmont, some 40 kilometres west of Chicago, before forcing her to drive to an ATM to withdraw money.



Telander sentenced Rainey to 60 years on a count of aggravated criminal sexual assault, and then gave him a consecutive 40-year sentence for armed robbery with a firearm, 'Chicago Tribune' reported.



A follow-up hearing in the case will be held on Thursday. Rainey's defence attorneys expect to file a motion to reconsider his sentence.



He already has been turned over to the Illinois Department of Corrections and is not expected at next week's proceeding.



He must serve 85 per cent of the 100-year sentence before he is eligible for parole. His victim declined to testify at the sentencing hearing, but her clear and credible trial testimony was a critical component of the prosecution case, said Assistant State's Attorney Mike Pawl.



"To be able to testify about something so unimaginably horrible with such grace and dignity was a tribute and a testament to her," Pawl said.



The woman said at trial that she could not positively identify Rainey as her attacker, but other key details of her testimony were corroborated by evidence gathered by investigators, Pawl said.



Rainey argued at trial that an acquaintance was the actual attacker, but authorities said they found both Rainey's and victim's DNA on the gun used that night, the report said.
During her visit to Norway, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze met with Norwegian Minister for EU Affairs and European Economic Area Frank Bakke-Jensen to discuss European integration, the press service of the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine reported.

"The parties announced a joint statement on launching a bilateral dialogue on European integration, which aims at exchanging and developing knowledge on how countries that are not members of the EU can participate and promote European integration. Norway will share experience and knowledge about the participating in the European Economic Area, the European Free Trade Association, the Schengen area and other European agencies," the government said on Friday.

In addition, during the meeting they discussed the significant potential for exchanging experience and deepening bilateral dialogue. To this end, the priority sectors of cooperation were identified, as well as Norway's support for Ukraine.

They also noted that this dialogue will promote bilateral trade and business opportunities.
UP cabinet minister Swami Prasad Maurya has kicked up a controversy with his remarks that triple talaq is being misused by men to satisfy their "lust".





The BJP leader drew severe flak from several quarters including Muslim leaders, who demanded an unconditional apology from him.



"These 'talaq' have no basis.... if someone only for satisfying his lust keeps changing his wives and forces his own wife and children to beg on streets... no one will call this right," Maurya, who was in Basti to participate in a function at the house of a local BJP leader, told news persons last night.



"BJP stands with Muslim women who have been given talaq unreasonably and arbitrarily... we want to help such victims get respect," he said.



The remarks come at a time when the BJP-led central government is pushing for a ban on triple talaq with Prime Minister Narendra Modi today urging Muslims not to view it from a political perspective. The PM also voiced confidence that "enlightened" members of the community will take the lead in eradicating the outdated practice.



Reacting to Maurya's comments, senior member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangimahli demanded an unconditional apology from the minister.



The AIMPLB has opposed any move to ban triple talaq, saying Muslims have the "constitutional" right to follow their personal law and it will not accept any interference in it.



President of All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board (AIMWPLB) Shaista Amber, who has been actively involved in the campaign against triple talaq, termed the minister's statement as "shameful".



"He (Maurya) should be sent to a mental asylum, as he has shattered the honour of the Muslims specially women," Amber said.



"We will also demand that our Chief Minister take action against such a minister who has insulted all women.... Human Rights Commission also needs to take note of it," she added.



The Centre has opposed the triple talaq practice in the Supreme Court citing the principles of gender justice and secularism enshrined in the Constitution.



Activists allege that the practice under which a Muslim man can give instant divorce to his wife by uttering the word 'talaq' thrice in one go has left lakhs of women destitute.
Raising questions about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav said today that when petrol can be stolen with the help of a chip, there also were possibilities of misuse of the machines used during polls.



"When petrol can be stolen with the help of a remote through a chip without having any internet connection then through EVMs too. Need to stop the wrong use of technology," Yadav tweeted. He was referring to the state police yesterday raiding seven petrol pumps here which were allegedly using remote- controlled electronic chip in fuel dispensing machines to dupe unsuspecting consumers.



The Election Commission (EC) has rubbished any allegations of misuse of the EVMs.



Akhilesh, whose party was drubbed by the BJP in the UP Assembly elections, had earlier also claimed that the EVMs cannot be relied upon and demanded that future elections be conducted through ballot papers. "When will EVMs develop a snag no one can tell ... When will the software fail ... machines cannot be relied upon. We do not have faith in EVMs," Akhilesh had told news persons in Lucknow.



BSP supremo Mayawati had also alleged misuse of EVMs in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections blaming it for her party's poor showing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed Cyprus' support to India's bid for membership of the 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).



Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades also reaffirmed support for the "enhancement of the representative character" of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with India as a permanent member in the expanded body. He also emphasised on making the UNSC "more effective, efficient and representative of the contemporary geopolitical challenges".



The two leaders also supported forward movement on the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on UNSC reform and reiterated their commitment to make continuous efforts to move towards text-based negotiations.



"Both leaders underlined their shared interest in strengthening global non-proliferation objectives. In this context, Prime Minister Modi appreciated the support of Cyprus to India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. "India's membership will enable it to contribute further to global non-proliferation objectives," a joint statement released by the ministry of external affairs said.



The two sides exchanged views on developments in their respective regions and on international issues of common concern, most notably the fight against international terrorism, it said. They also discussed ways to reinforce measures to stem the financing of terrorism and disrupt the revenue stream towards terrorist groups, the statement said.



During their delegation-level talks yesterday, Modi and Anastasiades had strongly pitched for decisive action against states supporting, sheltering and sustaining "violence factories" in their regions.



"The two sides welcomed the recent adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2347 (2017), aiming to combat the unlawful destruction of cultural heritage, religious sites and artifacts, and the smuggling of cultural property by terrorist groups during armed conflict," the statement added.



Both countries also shared the view that the successful conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), proposed by India at the UN, remains a priority and will be a decisive step to further strengthen the global normative framework that will support vigorous international action against terrorism. Anastasiades is on a five-day visit to India which concludes today.
Candidates cannot claim violation of fundamental right to equality if authorities cancel an examination due to irregularities or unfair means adopted by some of them, the Supreme Court has held.



The top court said the authority of the state to take appropriate measures to maintain the purity of any examination process is unquestionable. The government was not even obliged to seek proof of each and every fact which vitiated the examination process.



A bench of J Chelameswar and Abhay Manohar Sapre said that denying power to the state from taking appropriate remedial actions, including cancellation of the recruitment process, would neither be consistent with the demands of larger public interest nor would be conducive to the efficiency of administration.



Purity of the examination process - whether such examination process pertains to assessment of the academic accomplishment or suitability of candidates for employment under the state - is an unquestionable requirement of the rationality of any examination process. Rationality is an indispensable aspect of public administration under our Constitution, the bench said.



The court rejected the contention that if some of the candidates resorted to some malpractice, it cannot lead to the conclusion that the entire examination process was required to be cancelled, causing undue hardship to huge number of innocent candidates.



In its judgement, the court dismissed the plea made by Gohil Vishvaraj Hanubhai and others against the Gujarat govenment's decision, cancelling examination for recruitment in the revenue department to about 1500 posts. Apart from other irregularities, it was found that 127 candidates belonging to one family were placed in the provisional merit list. 178 others were found to have given same residential address.



The appellants claimed that the state government herded all the candidates together. But the court said to eliminate only wrong doers after identifying them would be a time-consuming process. The state however can take care of the disadvantage for some of those who have crossed the upper age limit, it said.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte warned Southeast Asian leaders Saturday they were facing a "massive" illegal drug menace that could destroy their societies, as he called for a united response.



Duterte, who has faced international condemnation for his own crackdown on drugs that has claimed thousands of lives, also insisted that outsiders should not interfere in Southeast Asia's affairs. "The illegal drug trade is massive but it is not impregnable," Duterte said in a speech to open an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders summit.



"With political will and cooperation, it can be dismantled. It can be destroyed before it destroys our societies."

Duterte urged the leaders to be "resolute in realising a drug-free ASEAN".



Duterte was elected last year largely on a law-and-order platform in which he promised to eradicate illegal drugs in the Philippines by killing tens of thousands of people. His pledge proved wildly popular with millions of Filipinos looking for a quick solution to crime and corruption.



Since Duterte took office 10 months ago, police have reported killing 2,724 people as part of his anti-drug campaign.

Many thousands of others have been killed by shadowy vigilantes, according to rights groups.



A Filipino lawyer filed a complaint this week against Duterte at the International Criminal Court, accusing him of "mass murder" and alleging that as many as 8,000 people had died in the drug war. Duterte has relentlessly railed against criticism of his drug war, which Amnesty International and other rights groups have warned may amount to a crime against humanity.



He said last year he would be "happy to slaughter" millions of addicts in his quest to stop the Philippines from becoming a narco-state, and repeatedly insisted human rights should not stand in the way of eradicating drugs.



In his speech to ASEAN leaders, Duterte highlighted the bloc's tradition of "non-interference". He did this while talking about relations with the United States and the European Union, which have expressed concern about alleged extrajudicial killings in his drug war.



"Dialogue relations can be made more productive, constructive if the valued principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of the ASEAN member-states is observed," Duterte said.



Duterte had last year branded then US president Barack Obama a "son of a whore" for criticising the drug war, and more recently called European lawmakers "crazies" for issuing a statement condemning the killings.



Observers said in the lead-up to the summit that ASEAN leaders were unlikely to criticise Duterte, with Human Rights Watch calling the bloc "a club of cosy dictators or rights abusers".



Among the heads of undemocratic regimes in Manila were Thai military junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha, Cambodia's Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge cadre, and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei.
The judge, who had granted bail to the rape accused ex-UP minister and Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Gayatri Prajapati, a few days back, has been suspended by the Allahabad high court.



Special judge of POCSO court Om Prakash Mishra was suspended a day before his retirement. Mishra was due to retire on Saturday.



Allahabad high court chief justice D.B.Bhosale said that the judge had shown ''haste'' in granting bail to Prajapati.



Sources said that Prajapati had filed the bail application on 24 April and the judge listed the matter for hearing the very next day. The government counsel had sought time for preparing a response but his prayer was rejected.



The high court had on Friday stayed the lower court's order granting him bail in the rape case. The court, while staying the lower court's order, listed the matter for further hearing after two weeks.



Prajapati was however not released as he was booked in two other cases. The government had moved the high court opposing the bail order.



The state government is also considering to slap the Gangster's Act on Prajapati and other accused persons, according to the sources.
The wife of Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko, Maryna, will host a morning television show "In the Rhythm of Sport" on the "Ukraine" TV channel.

The pilot of the program will be shown on May 15. The fitness program hosted by Maryna Poroshenko will be part of the "Morning with Ukraine" show which begins at 07:15, according to the channel page on Facebook.
Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen announced Saturday she would name a eurosceptic from outside her National Front party as prime minister if she wins France's presidency in the May 7 run-off.



In a bruising contest against pro-European centrist Emmanuel Macron, Le Pen is hoping to broaden her base wide enough to win the decisive second-round election, despite polls suggesting she is 20 points behind. The anti-immigration Le Pen, who wants to withdraw France from the euro, told reporters that she and Nicolas Dupont- Aignan, who lost in the election's first round with 4.7 percent of the vote, shared a "common project that we will promote together".



"We will build a national unity government that will bring together people chosen for their skills and their love of France," said Le Pen, 48. Dupont-Aignan, 56, heads the Debout la France (France Stand Up) movement and, like Le Pen, favours pulling the nation from the eurozone.



"It's an historic day because we are putting France before personal and partisan interests," said Dupont-Aignan, whose backing for Le Pen sparked the resignation of several Debout la France officials.



Appointed by the president, France's prime minister leads the government and ensures the implementation of laws.



Meanwhile, Macron was aiming to entice voters in rural central France to his pro free-trade, globalist message. "On one side, there is a reactionary, anti-European right... and on the other, a progressive movement that supports an EU that protects as well as social and economic reform," he said. "That is my candidacy."



Polls give him a commanding lead of up to 20 points over Le Pen in the run-off but show the gap narrowing slightly after Macron's sluggish start to his second-round campaigning.



Le Pen's announcement came with the National Front again fighting a furore over a senior official's reported remarks about Nazi gas chambers. ean-Francois Jalkh, who was tapped to lead the FN after Le Pen temporarily stepped down to campaign, was accused of praising the work of a convicted Holocaust denier.



"What I'm saying, and what really surprised me, in the work of a genuine negationist or revisionist... is the well- worked, rigorous nature of the argument put forward," Jalkh, 59, was quoted as saying. "We condemn this type of remark and he denies (making) them," the FN's Louis Aliot said.



Le Pen has attempted to woo new voters on either side of the political divide, telling leftists their real enemy is the free-marketeer ex-banker, and conservatives that Macron would continue the policies of the unpopular outgoing Socialists and be soft on terrorism.



In a video message Friday, she urged the near 20 percent of voters who backed eurosceptic leftist Jean-Luc Melenchon in the first round to "block" Macron, saying his pro-business programme was "diametrically opposed" to leftist ideals.



"Let's put our quarrels and divergences to one side," she said in the message, calling Macron the choice of the "oligarchy". Melenchon has refused to explicitly endorse the liberal Macron, breaking with France's "republican front" tradition of the big parties coming together to bar the FN at the gates of power.



An Odoxa poll Friday showed 40 percent of Melenchon's supporters would back Macron, 41 percent would abstain and 19 percent would vote for Le Pen.



Melenchon's spokesman Alexis Corbiere rebuffed Le Pen's advances, telling supporters: "Not one vote should go to the National Front."



Le Pen has sought to purge the FN of the anti-Semitism that was its trademark under her father, co-founder Jean-Marie Le Pen.



In 2015 she booted him out of the party for repeatedly calling the Holocaust a "detail" of history but this month was herself criticised for saying France bore no responsibility for the round-up and deportation of French Jews during the war.
Pakistan's Foreign Office has kept mum on the timing and the motive behind the visit of Indian steel tycoon Sajjan Jindal to the country to meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif this week, even as his "secret" visit echoed at the National Assembly.



Jindal, who is said to be Prime Minister Narendra Modi's and Sharif's mutual friend and considered a sort of back- channel contact, briefly visited Pakistan on Wednesday, the day when High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale filed an appeal with the Foreign Office against Kulbhushan Jadhav's death sentence.



The appeal was submitted on behalf of Jadhav's mother in which she had sought the federal governments intervention for the release of her son.



Jindal was taken by helicopter to Murree, where he met Prime Minister Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz. His trip led to speculation that a move for revival of bilateral dialogue could be afoot, the Dawn reported.



Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, who was leading the FO team at the the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs Committee meeting yesterday, was asked about the Jindal's visit and when she could not respond to queries, committee chairman Awais Leghari brought the discussion to an end, the paper said.



Jindal's trip is also being linked to the fast deteriorating situation in Kashmir, which some think has pushed Modi's government to consider talking to Pakistan.



Jindal in the past facilitated a secret meeting between Sharif and Modi in Kathmandu on the sidelines of a SAARC summit in 2014. The meeting had then helped save the summit that seemed to be headed for failure and a last-minute deal to create a regional electricity grid was clinched. In 2015, Jindal was in Lahore on the occasion of Modis surprise visit to greet Sharif on his birthday and attend his granddaughters wedding.



"Why is the government quiet over Jindal's visit?" asked PPPs Nafeesa Shah during the committees meeting.



There was no formal press statement by the PM Office on Jindal's meeting with Sharif even though it regularly issues press releases on the prime ministers engagements with business delegations.



Maryam, however, confirmed the trip in a tweet as she rejected its description as "secret" by some of the media outlets. "Jindal is an old friend of the Prime Minister. Nothing 'secret' about the meeting & should not be blown out of proportion," she had tweeted after the issue hit headlines a day after the Indian businessman toured Pakistan.



Pakistan Tehreek Insafs Shireen Mazari questioned as to how Jindal visited Murree, when his visa was restricted for Islamabad and Lahore only.



"If Jindal had come on a private visit, why did FO officials receive him? Ms Mazari further asked.
Turkey and the United States can join forces to turn the Islamic State jihadist group's de-facto capital of Raqa in Syria into a "graveyard" for the extremists, the Turkish president said today.



The Turkish government is pressuring Washington to stop backing Kurdish fighters as an ally in the fight against IS jihadists in Syria, in a dispute that has has limited cooperation between the NATO allies.



"The huge America, the coalition and Turkey can join hands and turn Raqa into a graveyard for Daesh," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told an Istanbul meeting, using an alternative name for the IS group. "They (the jihadists) will look for a place for themselves to hide," he said.



Erdogan's comments come ahead of a meeting with President Donald Trump on May 16 in the United States, their first face-to-face summit since the American leader took office in January.



Ankara is hopeful about the future of the relationship with Washington under Trump after ties frayed in the final years of Barack Obama's administration. The two countries have bitterly disagreed over the role of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in Syria.



Turkey sees the group as a terrorist group linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been waging a deadly insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984. But for the United States, the YPG is essential in the fight against IS jihadists.



The dispute has until now held up any joint American- Turkish operation to seize Raqa and Erdogan is clearly hoping for a breakthrough at his meeting with Trump.



Turkey this month announced it had completed its half- year Euphrates Shield operation in northern Syria against jihadists and Kurdish militia, although it is keeping a presence to maintain security in towns now under control of pro-Ankara Syrian rebels.



Erdogan today said he would present Trump at their meeting next month with "documents" proving the YPG's links to the PKK, which is designated as a terror group by Ankara and Washington.



"We are telling American friends not to take a terror group along with them," the Turkish leader said.



Turkey on Wednesday carried out several strikes in Syria and Iraq against separatist Kurdish rebels and their allies, drawing the wrath of US officials who accused Ankara of lacklustre coordination.



The strikes in the Sinjar area of northern Iraq were against positions held by the Yazidi Protection Units (YBS), a militia supported by the PKK.
The stalemate continued over merger talks of the two factions of ruling AIADMK with the group led by Chief Minister K Palaniswami stating that the time was "ripe" for parleys even as the rebel camp remained firm on its demands.



AIADMK (Amma) led by Palaniswami accused the O Panneerselvam faction of "refusing" to come for talks. On the other hand, the AIADMK Puratchi Thalaivi Amma faction maintained that discussions "will happen" only after its demands, including a CBI probe into former chief minister J Jayalalithaa's death, were met.



Apparently peeved at the 'delay' in commencement of talks, state Finance Minister D Jayakumar told reporters that the time was "ripe for talks." "But they (Panneerselvam camp) are refusing to come to the table," he said, adding that the discussions will be "transparent".



Sticking to their stand for commencement of merger talks, Panneerselvam aide and Rajya Sabha member V Maithreyan reiterated the Puratchi Thalaivi Amma faction's demand for the state government recommending a CBI probe into Jayalalithaa's death, besides removal of party chief V K Sasikala and members of her family from the party.



"Only if these demands are met, the talks will happen. We are clear on that," he said.



The two groups have been expressing their willingness to sit across the table and discuss the proposed merger since they set up their respective seven-member committees for the purpose last week. However, the talks have not commenced so far.



The Palaniswami camp had revolted against the party leadership on April 18 and resolved to keep Sasikala and her family, including her nephew and deputy T T V Dhinakaran, away from the AIADMK.



Dhinakaran, AIADMK (Amma) Deputy General Secretary, was later arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe an unidentified Election Commission official to secure the 'Two Leaves' symbol of the undivided party (prior to the R K Nagar assembly byelection.)



The April 12 byelection was subsequently countermanded over use of money to lure voters. Hopes of an early start of talks had received a boost on Wednesday when the banners of Sasikala at the AIADMK office here were pulled down, a move welcomed by the Panneerselvam group.
A day after Centre made it clear that there will no talks with Kashmiri separatists, the opposition Congress reminded Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti of her promise to step down in case New Delhi refuses to talk to all stakeholders.



The Central government has given its decision on the topic and it is upto the Chief Minister to decide what to do next. She had recently announced she would resign in case the dialogue will not be held, State Congress chief G A Mir told Deccan Herald.



He said that it is up to the political conscious of Mehbooba to decide future course of action. She must keep her word by stepping down as government of India recorded its statement in writing in the apex court, Mir said.



The Centre informed the Supreme Court on Friday that a dialogue to restore normalcy in Kashmir was possible with the legally recognised stakeholders or political parties only. The union government made its stand clear and reiterated that there will not be any talks with separatists or those raising slogans of "accession or Azadi" in Jammu and Kashmir.



National Conference General Secretary, Ali Muhammad Sagar said the government of India must not play politics and hold dialogue with the separatist leaders as they are also having an opinion. He said that previous central governments, including the BJP, had held dialogues with separatists.



Closing channels to resolve the issue by not talking with the separatists is a wrong move. The chief Minister had recently said that the Prime Minister assured her that the talks will be initiated but after Centres statement (in the apex court), I am unable to understand who is lying, he said.



Sagar said closing the dialogite option will further alienate the people. The government is playing politics over the bodies of the soldiers, which is not good. The focus of the government must remain on resolving the issue through a peaceful dialogue with all the stakeholders, he said.



Senior CPM leader and MLA Kulgam, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said that holding talks with voices of dissent is the essence of democracy. Expressing dismay and surprise over the stand taken by Attorney General of India in the apex court, he said, New Delhis stand that it will talk only when there is peace is similar to a doctor asking a patient to get well first and then he will treat him. Hearing the voices of dissent and holding dialogue with them is the only option.
For many it presented a shocking contrast. Accused of killing his wife, independent UP legislator Aman Mani Tripathi, who is currently out on bail, shocked many, when he was seen on stage at a function in Gorakhpur on Saturday where Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath was making a speech.



Ironically Adityanath in his speech issued a stern warning to criminal elements and asked them to leave the state else they would be put in jail.



Tripathi, who was elected as an independent nominee from Nautanwan assembly seat in Maharajganj district in the recently concluded assembly polls, was blessed by Adityanath, when the former touched the chief minister's feet at the function organised at Gorakhpur University.



Tripathi, who is an accused in the alleged killing of his wife Sarah, is currently out on bail. The murder is being probed by the CBI.



Tripathi had, soon after winning the polls, visited the Gorakhnath Temple and paid obeisance there. He had also met Adityanath after the latter assumed charge of the state triggering speculations that he could join the BJP in the near future.



The independent MLA had already pledged his support to the BJP government. Tripathi had put up a large number of hoardings in Gorakhpur town welcoming Adityanath on his visit to the city on Saturday. The hoardings also carried picture of prime minister Narendra Modi.



Tripathi's father Amar Mani Tripathi, a former UP minister, has been serving life sentence in jail after being convicted for killing poetess Madhumita Shukla. Mani's mother has also been serving life sentence in the same case.



Sources in the BJP said that Tripathi had approached the state saffron party leaders for joining the party.
The US aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson, today kicked off a joint drill with the South Korean navy, officials said, as tensions rose over North Korea's latest test-fire of a ballistic missile.



"Immediately after the aircraft carrier arrived in the Sea of Japan, South Korea and the US strike forces launched a drill from 6:00 pm (0900 GMT) today," a defence ministry spokesman told AFP.



The drill came hours after the North launched a ballistic missile in apparent defiance of a concerted US push for tougher international sanctions to curb Pyongyang's nuclear weapons ambitions.



The drill aimed to verify the allies' capability to track and intercept enemy ballistic missiles, the spokesman said. He declined to clarify how long the drill would last, but Yonhap news agency said it was expected to continue until sometime next week.

The drill will also include a live-fire exercise and anti-submarine manoeuvres, the spokesman added.



It would mark the USS Carl Vinson's second operation in South Korean waters in less than two months amid heightened military tensions in Korea. In March, the aircraft carrier carried out annual joint drills. Earlier this week, the US carrier had joint drills with Japan's naval forces.



North Korea's state media has said the North's military is capable of sinking the aircraft carrier with a single strike.

The latest missile launch, which South Korea said was a failure, came after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned the UN Security Council of "catastrophic consequences" if the international community -- most notably China -- failed to pressure the North into abandoning its weapons programme.



Military options for dealing with the North were still "on the table", Tillerson warned in his first address to the UN body.

The launch ratchets up tensions on the Korean peninsula, with Washington and Pyongyang locked in an ever-tighter spiral of threat, counter-threat and escalating military preparedness.



US President Donald Trump, who has warned of a "major conflict" with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un's regime, said the latest test was a pointed snub to China -- the North's main ally and economic lifeline.



"North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!" Trump tweeted.
Hundreds of Russian opposition supporters turned out today to protest against President Vladimir Putin's expected candidacy in elections set for 2018, with police detaining dozens of activists in the second- largest city of Saint Petersburg.



Protests in several cities were called by the Open Russia movement founded by arch-Putin foe and former oil magnate Mikhail Khodorkovsky.



They were held under the slogan "We're sick of him" -- referring to Putin. About 30 to 50 protesters were hauled away by riot police in a crackdown in Saint Petersburg after around 200 people gathered for an unauthorised demonstration, an AFP journalist witnessed.



Open Russia put the figure of detentions at about 50 people, while OVD-Info, which monitors detentions of political activists, said more than 125 were detained. Police have not yet issued numbers.



"Putin is an usurper. He has to finally go. We're sick of him," said one of the protesters, 35-year-old Anton Danilov.



"Everything is bad. Education, health -- everything has been destroyed. I want changes," said Galina Abramova, 57.



A similarly sized protest in Moscow remained peaceful as activists gathered at the offices of Putin's administration and handed in petitions against his expected candidacy in 2018. "I don't want Putin to stand in the next elections," said Anna Bazarova, a 16-year-old student queuing up to hand in her petition.



"Our main problem is that we can't change those in power," she said.



She added that many of her friends had opted not to attend, fearing detention by the police.

Riot police stood guard as officers used loudspeakers to warn protesters: "Citizens, your action has not been agreed by the authorities."



One of the organisers, Yakov Yermakov, handed out forms for people to fill out with complaints to Putin. "Our president has already been in power 17 years. We think that's too long. Our country isn't developing," he said.



The protests came after opposition leader Alexei Navalny organised the largest unauthorised rally of recent years in Moscow on March 26. Police detained around 1,000 people, including Navalny.



Navalny has announced his plan to stand for president in 2018 and has galvanised the splintered opposition movement with a powerful online campaign including videos exposing corrupt officials. He has called for another protest on June 12.



The main figurehead of Saturday's protests, Khodorkovsky, remains a highly controversial figure in Russia. The former oligarch and founder of the Yukos oil company spent a decade in prison and now lives in Britain.



His Open Russia movement has been targeted by the authorities recently with police raiding its Moscow offices this week.
Their hands twirled, the bracelets tinkled, and the anklets jingled as their feet in silk slippers stomped on the ground. Young women glided by in ghagras and cholis, gracefully moving to the Ta Dhin Dhin Ta. Nothing particularly remarkable, only that these young women performing all happened to be Kyrgyz, and the place  Bishkek, the countrys capital city. Not a place where you would expect to find young girls and women so effortlessly do kathak, Bollywood and other Indian dances.



But what is little-known in India is the craze that Kyrgyz men and women  of all ages  have for India, Bollywood in particular. Kiosks and shops are dominated by Bollywood CDs. And on the streets, one is invariably asked after Bollywood stars. And hence this craze for Indian dances and music. And one woman, in particular, is helping cater to this increasing appetite for Indian art forms. Thats Sakshi Kumar.



Sakshi is petite and pretty, but it is when she takes the stage that she is both electrifying and magnetic. Her mudras tell a tale of their own, but it is her eyes that draw ones attention, as most agreed when they watched her perform at a roadshow recently organised by the Indian Embassy in Bishkek. She drew the greatest round of applause. I love dance, and I am so glad when people like my performance, she says later. In some ways, she seems to be unaware of the service she is doing to her country, taking its ancient art form into the heart of Central Asia.



A love she has been relentlessly pursuing since the age of eight, Sakshi has been dancing for all of 20 years now. I trained under Guru Pt. Jai Kishan Maharaj, in Kathak Kendra at Delhi, she explains. She also holds an MBA degree, and among her many achievements has been receiving the Girnar Ratna Award last year, and performing for visiting US president Barack Obama, also last year.



For the love of dance



The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) took her to Bishkek, and her task at the Indian Embassy there was to conduct kathak classes. And here she has been for the past seven months. Even though she does not speak either Kyrgyz or Russian, the affection and warmth of the people have sustained her.



My experience here has been lovely. The Kyrgyz people are very warm and are in love with the Indian culture. They mainly relate India with Bollywood, and that proved a formidable challenge in an unexpected way. Sakshi had to show that Indian culture had deep roots, going much beyond Bollywood. People on the streets call me Anandi, sing a Bollywood song, or call out Mithun Chakraborty or Raj Kapoor or Akshay Kumar, as they try to tell me that they know India, she explains.



She teaches at the embassy, where she has started a certificate course in kathak, given the huge demand for Indian dances. She also teaches at the National Kyrgyz Library and at a special dance school for school children (between 10-15 years) called Balajaan. Her students include dentists, cartographers, students, housewives, bankers, and also a few Indians who have gone to study in Bishkek, and range from 17-year-olds to those above 50 years of age!



For this task, she has been allotted only two years by ICCR. Learning classical dance takes time, she explains, And I have to sustain their interest. Bollywood is fast, glamorous. But here is where Sakshis talent comes to her rescue. Her students watch spellbound when she performs, her eyes speak even as her feet move, her expressions change in a flash.



Breaking language barriers



Kathak and Kyrgyz traditional dances do have a few similarities. And the make-up and clothes are close to the Bollywood dream that most Kyrgyz girls and women have. And that, in turn, keeps them motivated. After all, she has more than 50 students. And then, as she says, Dance, in itself, is a language that melts all barriers. And this was nowhere truer than with her young students at Balajaan. The students here spoke no English, and Sakshi did not have an interpreter. But she was able to teach her students the taal system, which they picked up within a month.



Today, they know the teen taal with proper words like Dhan Dhin Dhin Dha, and they read and do full tukda, tihai. For Sakshi, this has been deeply satisfying. And all her students love her! At the end of a 10-day childrens dance camp in the town of Cholpon Ata, where students from across Kyrgyzstan had gathered, almost all of them began crying while bidding Sakshi farewell. She admits that this kind of bonding also helps her. Her identity, both as an Indian and as a dancer, has seamlessly blended and enabled her to reach out to the Kyrgyz people, establish friendships, and foster mutual trust and respect.



Her students also love India and almost all of them want to visit India. They often perform at functions held in the Indian Embassy in Bishkek, and also in festivals in the city. Sakshi is now working on sending some of them to India to perform in the festival of Kyrgyzstan here.



Apart from teaching her students, Sakshi often lectures and makes presentations on kathak in different institutions in Kyrgystan. She also performs with her group to disseminate information on Indian dance traditions. This young teacher now wants to overcome the language barrier and has enrolled herself for Russian classes. For me, it is very satisfying to see the level that my students have reached within this short time. Communicating directly with them will enable me to inform them of the intricacies of classical dance. So, I decided to learn Russian, she states.


Minister for Temporary Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons Vadym Chernysh has said Ukraine will not stop supplying water to the uncontrolled territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions for humanitarian reasons.

"From the humanitarian point of view, Ukraine cannot do it and won't do it. Generally speaking, all this time Ukraine has been supporting the functioning of this [water supply] system, which provides for our citizens on both sides of the [demarcation] line," he said on Channel 5 on Thursday, answering the question about the possibility of halting the water supply to uncontrolled territories.

Chernysh noted that previously about 90% of the water of the water supplying enterprise went to the uncontrolled territory. Now this share has decreased to 70%.

At the same time, the minister stressed that the company, which orders supplies to uncontrolled territories from the Water of Donbas municipal enterprise, works in the Ukrainian legal field.

As reported, on April 26 at a meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group on the settlement of the situation in Donbas in Minsk, the parties expressed their readiness to pay off their arrears and resume water supplies to the uncontrolled territories of Donbas.
Keventers, a brand name synonymous with milkshake in India, has made a comeback and how! Ever since its reemergence in New Delhi in 2015, the company has expanded its network to 100 outlets, with the latest one finding its home in Bengaluru.



In an interaction with DH, Keventers Partner and COO Aman Arora said, Bengaluru already has five outlets. The sixth one will be the countrys 100th outlet. It is a significant launch because the city has become the best performing market in the country for us.



Brand acceptance in Bengaluru has been high owing to the cosmopolitan culture here. Spending habits and the zeal for experience here, have worked well for the brand. In fact, Bengaluru achieved returns on investment in the first four months itself, said Sohrab Sitaram, CEO and Director of Keventers. Encouraged by consumer response, the company plans extensive expansion in South India. We intend to set up more outlets in Bengaluru and Chennai. While the climatic conditions in these cities are supportive, consumer reponse has alse been overwhelming, said Sitaram.



By 2018, the company plans to set up 200 outlets across the globe. While it has already set foot in Nepal, expansion into Dubai and Sharjah is underway, and African markets including Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya are also in the pipeline. The plan is to set up 25 outlets across Dubai and Sharjah in the next one year. Further, the launch in Nairobi will happen within a month, and other African markets will follow, said Arora.



The company is waiting on USFDA approvals to enter the US market, where it will venture through its franchise model. As per plans, we should be getting approvals in the next two to three months, and then the setting up of outlets will take two months. So, we will launch in San Francisco by this year end, said Sitaram.



While the global expansion strategy is set to catapult Keventers revenues multi-fold this year, the company witnessed robust growth in FY2016-17 at Rs 29 crore compared with Rs 4 crore in FY2015-16.



Arora attributes the success of the brand to its simplicity. Across outlets, we offer a humble menu of approximately 24 milkshake options. Some five classic flavours and some new ones to appeal to generation Y. It is based on quality and presentation that the brand has become aspirational across demographies, he said.



The company is set to launch its ice cream brand this year, which will come with its own unique identity. Keventers also aspires to venture into milk distribution this year, starting from Delhi.


The Archaeological Survey of India is building a new line of steps for devotees opting for doli or palanquin service to climb Vindhyagiri at Shravanabelagola during Bahubali Mahamastakabhisheka in February 2018.



The steps are being built at a cost of Rs 42 lakh. The works got a boost after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched various development works at Shravanabelagola for the Mahamastakabhisheka. Works have since been expedited so as to complete it on time.



Jain Mutt Seer Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji said that with the number of devotees increasing every year, more than three lakh people are expected to visit the shrine everyday during Mahamastakabhisheka.



The huge rush hinders movement of those who carry devotees on doli. As permission for setting up a rope car was denied due to various reasons, a new line of steps are being built, he said.



The Muzrai department has since been executing the plan of constructing a separate pathway comprising 400 steps for those who prefer palanquin service to climb the hill and have already completed sculpting 242 steps in the last three months.



The monolith statue of Bahubali atop Vindhyagiri at Shravanabelagola attracts hordes of tourists every year. More than one crore people are expected to visit the shrine during the Mahamastakabhisheka and arrangements are being made to ensure that devotees are not inconvenienced.



The hill already has steps at three places for those who climb it on foot and the ongoing construction will be the fourth one. There are two separate line of steps for devotees to climb and get down on the north side of the hill. The new line of steps are close to the existing line and workmen from Tamil Nadu are working to complete it. Another line of steps are located on the Western-end which is used once in 12 years during the Mahamastakabhisheka.



Labourers Velu and Pandu said a team of 10 people work from 6 am to 6 pm every day and 242 steps have been constructed and the remaining works will be completed within two months.



The first line of steps at Vindhyagiri was built in the year 1910 during the first Mahamastakabhisheka of the 20th century while the second row of steps was built in 1967 on the West side and used only during the Mahamastakabhisheka time and the third line was constructed in 1981 during Sahasrabidha Mahamastakabhisheka.

DH News Service


Chief Minister Siddaramaiah issuing an official notification ensuring that all government offices are adorned with portraits of 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara has been well received.



During a programme organised to mark Basaveshwara Jayanti in the city on Saturday, writer and Jnanpith awardee Chandrashekara Kambara and BJP MP Pratap Simha lauded the decision.



The programme was organised by the district administration, Akhila Bharata Veerashiva Mahasabha and Basava Balagagala Okkutta at Kalamandira here.



During the celebrations, Kambara said that Vachanas are not stories but are based on life experiences.

Basavanna reached out to the common people with the help of vachanas. It is the right decision of the Chief Minister to have the portraits of the stalwart in government offices, he said.



Supporting the move, Simha said that Basavannas contributions are vast and difficult to put down in words as it is incomparable. People who were mired in superstitions gained much enlightenment from Basavanna. The state governments initiative to adorn his portraits in government offices is admirable, said the MP.



Siddaramaiah announced the move during a ceremony to thank the people of Gundlupet and Nanjangud Assembly constituency for voting Congress to power in the recently held byelections. Siddaramaiah said that, Basavanna strived for equality in the society and stressed on human values. Hence, it has been decided to have the portrait of Basavanna.



Highlighting the significance of vachanas, Kambara said, the book Speaking of Siva by A K Ramanujan, which comprises vachanas of Basavanna, Devara Dasimayya, Mahadeviyakka, and Allama Prabhu, is a part of the curriculum in 120 universities across the world. Even now, many universities have chapters on vachanas. Vachanas were developed in the form of scripts in the 19th century after the advent of the British in India. Christian missionaries described Kannada as a classical language long back, after seeing the wonderful thoughts in vachanas. Vachanakaras brought laurels to Kannada language, Kambara said.



President of Basava Balaga Okkutta Lokesh expressed his displeasure over the government employees as only a few of them were present. He urged the district administration to take measures in this regard.



Books Parashu Puttali written by Maleyuru Guruswamy, Basava Bimba authored by Nandish Hanche and Basavannanavara 108 Vachanagala Vyakyanasahita of D N Nagendrappa were released on the occasion.



Suttur seer Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami, Mayor M J Ravikumar, MP R Dhruvanarayan, MLAs G T Devegowda, M K Somashekar, Vasu, Mysore Paints and Varnish Ltd (MPVL) Chairman H A Venkatesh and others were also present.



In Chamarajanagar district too, Basaveshwara Jayanti was celebrated in a grand fashion.

DH News Service
Governor Vajubhai Vala is understood to have taken objection to the state governments proposal to constitute a centralised committee to clear recruitments in all universities in the state.



The government had proposed amendments to the Karnataka State Universities Act, 2000 by constituting a committee for recruiting both teaching and non-teaching staff in all universities.



At present, the recruitments are made by individual universities. The government had proposed the centralised committee in the wake of reports of irregularities in recruitments in some universities.



A section of vice chancellors had opposed the governments proposal and a petition had been submitted to the governor, who is also the chancellor of state universities, seeking his intervention.



The governors office, in a letter to Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy, is learnt to have advised that the government drop the move as it is detrimental to autonomy of universities.




Central Crime Branch sleuths on Saturday arrested two Nigerians for selling banned substances and recovered 700 grams of cocaine, 2 grams of MDMA (a psychoactive drug), four LSD papers (psychedelic drug), two bikes and four cellphones, all worth Rs 1.25 lakh, from them.



Both the suspects  Chukwunonso (42) and Frank Oneyedikachi (34)  are residents of Yelahanka.

On a tip-off, the sleuths raided a house at Kondappa Layout, Sharadamma Extension on Kogilu Main Road in Yelahanka, and arrested the two.



Fake address proofs

The two are overstaying in the country. They had used fake address proofs to obtain SIM cards. They had been arrested by the police in the past for similar offences. They were out on bail. The Yelahanka police have registered a case.

DH News Service
A group D employee of the Forest Department is accused of blackmailing and extorting money from a woman stenographer employed with the Health and Family Welfare Department.



The woman, in a complaint to the Vidhana Soudha police, said P Krishna (52), the Forest Department employee, and her former hostel mate, Sumalatha Devan (27), had been torturing her since 2013.

Krishna knew that Sumalatha had once stayed with the woman. He persuaded her to take the victims nude pictures.



Krishna showed the pictures to the victim and started blackmailing her. He asked her to have sex with his friends or else he would leak the nude pictures online. But she refused to accede to the demand. He, however, succeeded in extorting cash and a gold chain from her. The woman said Krishna often abused her and threatened to kill her if she told her family about it. Acting on the complaint, police arrested Krishna but he was released on bail. Sumalatha is absconding.


The High Court of Karnataka stayed the proceedings against Emerald Haven Estates Ltd accused of encroaching upon a tiger reserve.



The forest department had issued a notice to the company saying that Bedaguli Coffee Estate owned by it had encroached upon 327.1 acres of land inside the Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple (BRT) Wildlife Sanctuary.



Hearing the petition, a division bench comprising Chief Justice S K Mukherjee and Justice P S Dinesh Kumar restrained the forest department and the assistant conservator of forest, Chamarajnagar from interfering in the petitioners plantation activities.



Besides cultivating coffee, the estate also grows pepper and certain seasonal fruits and has between 300 and 400 workers.



The petitioner had moved the court earlier too challenging the chief conservator of forests (CCF) notice asking them to vacate the tiger reserve area as their activity was not compatible with the reserve forest area meant for wildlife. However, a division bench, in its order, had said the CCF cannot pass an order as it is the jurisdiction of the Forest Settlement Officer and that the forest officers have no jurisdiction to determine the rights.



The forest department, however, informed the court that the coffee plantation itself is an encroachment upon forest land and that the company does not have any documents to prove its ownership.
The Karnataka State Pourakarmikas Association has termed the state government's plan to send 1,000 pourakarmikas to Singapore a sheer waste of money and has asked the government to instead focus on regularising contract workers.



Association president A Jayram told DH that they plan to write to the government asking it to withdraw its plan. Instead, use the same funds to provide better facilities to pourakarmikas, he said.



He said, The CM announced revision of pourakarmikas wages many months ago. It, however, has not been implemented even in a single BBMP ward. Few pourakarmikas understand English. What is the use of sending them there when they are not treated properly here?



The association said most of the pourakarmikas are still not provided basic facilities like masks, brooms and rest rooms.



The government plans to send 1,000 pourakarmikas from all corporations in the state. BBMP plans to send one pourakarmika from each of the 198 wards to make them learn civic responsibilities.



Lalithamma, a pourakarmika from the east zone said that while they are being provided mid-day meals, they are forced to have their food standing on the streets.



We are not provided rest rooms or toilets. We have to lift garbage with bare hands since no gloves are provided. We will benefit more if the government focuses on this instead of arranging a trip to an unknown place, she added.



While BBMP Commissioner N Manjunath Prasad was unavailable for comment, Mayor G Padmavathi said she is yet to get all the details on the proposed trip.


The Delhi Polices crime branch on Saturday concluded its Chennai leg of the probe in the Election Commission bribery case involving AIADMK (Amma) party leader T T V Dhinakaran.



It later left for the national capital with Dhinakaran.



Winding up three days of questioning several suspects and conducting searches at the residences of Dhinakaran and his friend Mallikarjun, the police left for Delhi along with the duo by an evening flight.

The Delhi Police had questioned about a dozen people in connection with the case after bringing Dhinakaran and Mallikarjun here on April 27.



Those suspected to have been linked with the money trail in the bribery case and others who had knowledge about the transaction were questioned, police sources said.



Dhinakaran was arrested on April 25 in Delhi following four days of questioning for attempting to bribe an unidentified EC official to get the undivided AIADMKs two leaves election symbol for his faction.



Police had earlier arrested Sukesh Chandrasekar, who had reportedly struck a deal for Rs 50 crore to help the AIADMK (Amma) faction acquire the party symbol, and seized Rs 1.30 crore from him.



A Delhi court had granted five days police custody of Dhinakaran following which he was brought here.

Police sources said the probe will continue, but declined to comment if any documents had been seized.

At the airport, when some journalists asked Dhinakaran if he felt a false case had been lodged against him, he nodded his head in concurrence.



Meanwhile, airport officials said the Delhi Police personnel were not allowed to board the plane in the afternoon as they were carrying pistols and had not taken permission for the same.



Later, a declaration was made about the firearms and the requisite permission was taken, they added.


Tension prevailed for a while at Bilva Hospital in Vyalikaval on Saturday after fire broke out in the second floor of the hospital building.



Six patients and nine hospital staff were safely evacuated from the second floor. Preliminary investigation indicated electric-short circuit caused the accident, said the Vyalikaval police.The incident occurred around 5.45 am in the laboratory of the hospital at Palace Guttahalli. Thick smoke followed by flames engulfed the second floor completely and it spread to the third floor.



Four fire tenders with over 30 firemen and the Vyalikaval police began the operation to douse the fire around 6 am. They had difficulty in shifting three patients through the door. They broke open window panes to evacuate them. The fire was completely doused by 8 am. Furniture and equipment used for medical tests were destroyed.



Hospital authorities said the six patients were being treated for minor ailments. Dhananjaya, a head constable, collapsed due to suffocation caused by the smoke. He was taken to a nearby hospital and discharged by afternoon.



DCP (Central) Chandragupta said the police and fire personnel were conducting an inspection to ascertain the cause of the fire. Forensic science laboratory experts have collected samples for tests, he said.



Flames shock residents



In another incident, residents of Bandepalya on Hosur main road gathered near Bandepalya junction after noticing flames from below the ground around 2 pm.



A fire tender was rushed to the spot. Police said there were leaks from the gas pipes that were laid on Thursday and the gas may have caught fire due to the scorching sun.



The fire was put out by 2.20 pm, they said.
The European Union has launched a EUR 6 million 'Support to Police Reform in Ukraine' (SPRU) project to strengthen community policing in 20 police cities in Ukraine and to introduce a new model for public order policing.

"To improve the relationship between the police and public and support community policing efforts, reception areas of the 20 police stations selected for the project will be refurbished and up to 15 vehicles donated. Working with EUAM, the project will also provide training to promote leadership for senior and mid-level police managers as well as training in other areas such as stress management The project aims to support a new Ukrainian model for public order policing based on the Scandinavian approach. Up to 420 police officers will receive training, with 60 of these expected to become trainers in their own right," the EU Delegation in Ukraine said in a statement posted on its website on Friday.

This project is aimed at strengthening community policing in 20 police districts in mid-sized towns in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Lviv regions and support the reform of public order policing in Ukraine.

According to the delegation, it builds on activities already delivered by the EU Advisory Mission Ukraine (EUAM) and will be implemented  over 18 months  by the Swedish police and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), with the support of EUAM.
Leader of the Opposition in the Council K S Eshwarappa on Saturday demanded that state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa apologise to BJP national general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh for holding the latter responsible for the dissidence in the party.



Speaking to reporters at his residence here, he said Yeddyurappas remarks against Santhosh hurt the workers of the RSS, which is the backbone of the party. The former chief minister must apologise not only to Santhosh but also to all workers of RSS. When Yeddyurappa floated KJP by quitting BJP, it was Santhosh and others who worked to rebuild the party in the state, he said.



Considering his organisation skills, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah took him to the national-level. RSS workers strive to give political power to us. It is not fair on the part of Yeddyurappa to make such remarks. Yeddyurappa is still under the control of a few persons, like in the KJP. The former chief minister should shun his ego for the welfare of the party. He said BJP was not a private limited company. There is a practice of discussing all issues with leaders and workers.



Yeddyurappa should know this and stop taking unilateral decisions. He must take everyone together, he said.



The state unit president is the chief ministerial candidate and there is no second thought about it. But Yeddyurappa should change his style of functioning, Eshwarappa said. He said Amit Shah had directed Yeddyurappa in Delhi on January 27 to convene a meet to end the rift in the party. A four-member committee was also formed. But so far, no meeting of the panel has been convened. Eshwarappa made it clear there was no ego in this matter.


After battling the charge of imposing Hindi on non-Hindi speaking states, the Centre has now sought to douse the Opposition parties ire over allegations of attempting to derail excavations at the Keezhadi archaeological site in Tamil Nadu.



Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Mahesh Sharma and Union Minister of State for Commerce Nirmala Sitharaman visited the site following a row over the transfer of a superintending archaeologist, who oversaw two phases of the project.



Earlier this month, in a sudden development Amarnath Ramakrishna, who belongs to the Archaeological Survey of Indias Bengaluru office, was transferred to Guwahati in Assam.



This came a few months after the excavations at Keezhadi were halted due to lack of funds. Sharma went to the site on Friday to deny there were plans to stop excavation at Keezhadi, saying there has been rewarding results from the site, dating back to 2nd century BC.



Rs 40 lakh released

Referring to opposition from some sections to the transfer of the official overseeing the excavation process, Sharma said the Centre has released Rs 40 lakh to ensure that the excavation work does not face any problem and another official, hailing from Tamil Nadu, had been appointed in his place. It is not a matter of individuals, it is a matter of institution. I am the minister today and I may not be the minister tomorrow. But that does not mean that the government or the ministrys work will stop, he said.



Sharma said, I just want to put an end to all queries and confusion by saying that this excavation is important to our ministry, Archaeological Survey of India and the Government of India, he said.

Sharma said the excavation had been planned for five years and that two years have already passed.



Hindutva discomfort

The Opposition parties have accused the central government of attempting to derail the excavations at Keezhadi since Hindutva groups are uncomfortable with its findings.



They claimed the excavations have shown that an advanced and secular Tamil civilisation  independent of the Hindu tradition  may have existed in the South during the Sangam era.



Denying the charges, Sharma said, There has been very rewarding results of this excavation. We have got reports that there was a civilisation and culture over here, in these areas, even in 2nd century BC. So thats a matter of pride for all of us.

DH News Service


Senior Uttar Pradesh Minister Swami Prasad Maurya kicked up a row after he remarked that Muslims resort to triple talaq to satisfy their lust.



Apni havas puri karne ke liye patniya badalte hain (to satisfy their lust they change wives), Maurya said, speaking to reporters in Basti town, about 200 km from here, on Friday evening.



They (Muslims) leave their wives and children to beg on the streets. No one will approve of such things, the BJP leader added.



He said the BJP is committed to supporting Muslim women on the issue of triple talaq. Mauryas remarks evoked sharp reactions from Muslim leaders.



All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board chairperson Shaista Amber demanded that Maurya be sacked from the Cabinet. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath should sack Maurya and send him to some psychiatry centre for treatment, Shaista said.



Senior SP leader Azam Khan also lashed out at Maurya and said the remarks were reflective of his cheap mentality.



State BJP leaders sought to distance themselves from Mauryas remarks on triple talaq and said it was not the official stand of the saffron party.



Our stand is clear. We are against this practice and we are with our Muslim sisters, a senior state BJP leader said here on Saturday.



Congress lashes out at BJP

With the prime minister urging an end to politicisation of the triple talaq issue, the Congress on Saturday asked BJP to stop creating a vote bank by dividing Muslim women and their husbands, DHNS reports from New Delhi.



Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad accused the BJP of politicising the issue by frequently raising it, at a time when educated Muslims are thinking of reforms. Azad also rejected claims that triple talaq was a common practice and said that it was against Islam and the Quran.



Azad, the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, said no Muslim believes in triple talaq and the practice is adhered to as per the holy book in which certain norms and time-frame have been laid.




Prime Minister Narendra Modis Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas mantra is set to be the central theme of New Delhis renewed push to support development projects in the neighbouring countries.



With China seeking to expand its geopolitical influence in South Asia, India is likely to step up its development assistance to neighbours in the coming months.



The government is internally focused on Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas for taking development across India and to all Indians, but also wants to take it beyond our borders, Gopal Baglay, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, told reporters here.



Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas visit to New Delhi earlier this month saw India pledging a soft-loan of almost Rs 32,000 crore for the neighbouring country.



It is the single biggest soft-loan New Delhi has pledged for any foreign country at one go. The two governments have already identified as many as 17 development projects to be taken up across Bangladesh with credit line from India.



New Delhi also hosted Nepals president Vidya Devi Bhandari this month and reaffirmed its commitment to support development projects, especially the cross-border connectivity projects.



A meeting between Modi and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in New Delhi this week was followed by signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in economic projects. India also offered a joint venture to develop and operate an oil storage facility of World War II vintage at Trincomalee in eastern Sri Lanka.



Building connectivity

When we are cooperating with our neighbours, building connectivity and taking development cooperation projects, working for a better future and shared prosperity, it takes the Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas naturally to our neighbourhood first and foremost and of course rest of the world whoever wish to partner with us, Baglay said.

DH News Service
Three days after the Jammu and Kashmir government banned social networking sites to calm tensions, 3G and 4G internet services were restored in the Valley on Saturday.



The government had banned high-speed internet connectivity in Kashmir following widespread students protests on April 15.



The decision had not augured well with the business and traders community in Kashmir who claimed of incurring losses, as they were unable to make online transaction and carry out other business activities which require internet.



The Valleys apex business body Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry had urged the government to not suspend internet at the whiff of air.



However, ban on 22 social networking sites, including Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp, remains enforced. The ban was enforced after several videos depicting the abuse of Kashmiris by security forces went viral.



Asked to explain the logic behind suspension of the internet, a senior police officer said that the main purpose of the blockade was to stop the spiral of protests and violence.



Pakistani elements get to work when there is a situation which can be exploited. We feared that protests might increase and go out of control. So we decided to snap internet, he said.

DH News Service
A day after the Centre made it clear that there will be no talks with the separatists in Kashmir, the Opposition Congress reminded Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti of her promise to step down in case New Delhi refuses to talk to all stakeholders.



The Centre has made its decision and it is up to the chief minister to decide what to do next. She had promised to resign in case the dialogue is not held, state Congress chief G A Mir told DH.



Now that the Centre has recorded its statement in writing in the apex court, it is up to Mehboobas conscience to decide the future course of action, he said.



The Centre informed the Supreme Court on Friday that a dialogue to restore normalcy in Kashmir will only be held with legally recognised stakeholders and political parties.



Making its stand clear, the Union government had said that there will not be any talks with the separatists or those raising slogans such as accession or Azadi.



Can have opinions

National Conference general secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar said the government of India must not play politics when it comes to holding dialogue with the separatist leaders, as they too can have opinions.

He said that former central governments, including the previous BJP government, had held dialogues with separatists.



Who is lying?

The chief minister recently said the prime minister had assured that talks will be initiated, but after the Centres recent statement, I am unable to tell who is lying, he said.



Sagar said not conducting dialogue will further alienate people. The government is playing politics over the bodies of the soldiers, which is not good. The focus of the government must remain on resolving the issue through a peaceful dialogue with all the stakeholders, he said.



Part of democracy

Senior CPM leader and Kulgam MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said that holding talks with dissenting citizens is the very essence of democracy.



Expressing dismay and surprise at the stand taken by the attorney general in the apex court, he said, New Delhis stand that it will talk only when there is peace is similar to a doctor telling a patient that treatment will only be provided if he gets well first. Hearing out the dissenters and holding dialogue is the only option.
Following a controversy that broke out over his land deals in Haryana, Robert Vadra on Saturday said that truth shall prevail in response to allegations against him.



He said so on his Facebook page, attaching a news report with the headline No plot was transferred by Omkareshwar to Skylight.



The Congress came out in support of Vadra, who is Congress president Sonia Gandhis son-in-law, over the leakage of the Dhingra Commission report, saying it would do whatever possible in the matter. We will fight, AICC general secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters here.



This is political vendetta of the worst order. This is the limit. How can the government go so low, Azad asked, adding that the Congress, when in power, never victimised its political opponents.



Did not do it to BJP

The Congress party ruled for decades. And we knew the business houses that were funding the BJP. But the Congress governments, right from the time of (former prime minister) Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, never harassed or raided those who were funding the BJP, he said.



The Dhingra Commission, which probed the grant of licences for change in land use in four villages of Gurugram, including the licence that was granted to Vadras Skylight Hospitality Private Ltd, had pointed out irregularities in its report submitted to the Haryana government in August.



Media reports

Some media firms on Friday had said that the Dhingra Commission has concluded that Vadra made unlawful profits of Rs 50.5 crore from a land deal in Haryana in 2008, without spending any money at all.



DH News Service


The government on Saturday sent notices to about two lakh inoperative companies, ordering them to terminate operations and de-register from the ministry of corporate affairs.



The move comes after the authorities found that the companies had not filed tax returns for several years. The income tax authorities and Enforcement Directorate suspect the involvement of some of them in laundering money.



Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adia, who heads a task force set up by the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) to monitor shell companies, said on Saturday eight to nine lakh registered companies had not been filing annual returns.



A total of 1.5 million companies are registered with the ministry. Of them, six lakh are filling income tax returns. The rest could potentially be laundering money, he said.



Adai said trade-based money laundering was coming to light these days, as in the Rs 6,000-crore Bank of Baroda case.



The ED had, in the first week of April, carried out searches at 100 locations across 16 states, exposing at least 1,000 of them.



The searches were conducted on shell companies related to YSR Congress leader Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, NCP leader Chaggan Bhujbal, and Yadav Singh, former chief engineer of Noida, among others.



The ED had then said its searches had exposed a Mumbai operator running 700 shell companies with 20 dummy directors, which converted Rs 46.7 crore for Chaggan Bhujbal.



The PMOs directions came after it emerged that Rs 1,238 crore has been deposited in cash in such entities in November-December 2016, soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced demonetisation of high-denomination notes.



Besides, 559 beneficiaries had reportedly laundered money to the extent of Rs 3,900 crore. Officials said the crackdown was intended to prevent misuse of the companies for money laundering and tax evasion.



The PMO wants the authorities to red-flag shell companies, and compile a data base of such companies and their directors, with information collected from various agencies.



The data base will also capture Aadhaar numbers of individual directors in the companies.



Among the punitive actions to be taken against deviant shell companies are freezing of bank accounts, striking off of names and invocation of the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act of 2016.



Crackdown to prevent misuse of companies

Many launder money and are linked to politicians

A Mumbai realtor was running 200 such companies
The Allahabad High Court on Friday suspended the judge who had a few days ago granted bail to rape-accused SP leader Gayatri Prasad Prajapati.



Special judge of the Pocso court Om Prakash Mishra was suspended a day before his retirement. Chief Justice D B Bhosale said Mishra had shown haste in granting bail to the former Uttar Pradesh minister.



Sources said Prajapati had filed the bail application on April 24 and the judge listed the matter for hearing the next day. The government counsel sought time for preparing a response, but it was rejected.



The high court had on Friday stayed the lower courts order granting bail to Prajapati. He, however, was not released as he was booked in two other cases. The government had then moved the high court opposing the bail order. Prajapati was booked on a SC directive, and an FIR was lodged on February 17 against him and six others for gang-raping a woman and attempting to molest her minor daughter.


Dropping his confrontationist stance, Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday admitted his party has committed mistakes and would go back to the drawing board for course correction.



Kejriwals statement came after interactions with several volunteers and voters, who apparently found it difficult to accept the AAPs stand of blaming EVMs for the electoral loss in Delhi and elsewhere. In the past two days, I spoke to many volunteers and voters. The reality is obvious.



Yes, we made mistakes, but we will introspect and course-correct. Time to go back to the drawing board, he said after several party MLAs, leaders and well-wishers questioned the leadership over the strategies that went awry, leading to the rout in the Delhi civic elections.



He said it would be silly for the party to not evolve.



The AAP had polled 54.34% of the total votes cast in the 2015 Assembly elections, sweeping 67 of the 70 constituencies.



However, in the recent civic polls, their vote share more than halved to 26.23% as the party finished a distant second to the winner BJP. Need is action and not excuses, Kejriwal said, amid growing clamour in the party to desist from raking up the issue of EVMs being tampered with to favour the BJP, a charge rubbished by the Election Commission.



The remarks are part of a brief written statement, shared by the AAP chief on Twitter, three days after the party was defeated by the BJP in the Delhi municipal polls.



Its time to get back to work. And even if we slip from time to time, the key is to find the reserves to hold and pull ourselves up. People deserve nothing less. The only thing that is constant is change, he added.



The bickering within the AAP continued with senior leader Sanjay Singh hitting out at Kumar Vishwas, a member of the partys political affairs committee, for airing his views in the media. Singh said Vishwas could have raised the issue within the party.



Vishwas had questioned the AAPs stand on issues such as surgical strikes, blaming EVMs for the poll debacle and the communication gap between the party, its volunteers and voters.


Two Ukrainian servicemen were killed, six were wounded in the Anti-Terrorist Operation zone on Friday, the Defense Ministry's spokesman, Andriy Lysenko, said.

"As a result of active hostilities, two Ukrainian servicemen were killed and six others were wounded," he said at a briefing in Kyiv on Saturday.

Lysenko said that in Krasnohorivka one serviceman was killed, and four were injured, with one being in a very serious condition. Another soldier was killed near Pavlopil as a car was blown up on an explosive device. One serviceman was wounded in Zaitseve and one in Verkhniotortetsk in enemy shelling.

The Defense Ministry spokesman also stressed that the situation in the ATO zone had escalated on Friday evening in all areas.

Earlier, the press center of the ATO headquarters reported that on Friday militants fired on the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine 70 times, as a result of which two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and six were wounded.
BJP national general secretary P Muralidhar Rao on Saturday began gathering information about the ongoing feud between senior party leaders B S Yeddyurappa and K S Eshwarappa.Sent by BJP national president Amit Shah to assess the situation in Karnataka, Rao landed in Bengaluru in the evening.



He immediately called state office-bearers to the BJP headquarters in Malleswaram and held one-on-one discussions. Rao, in charge of party affairs in Karnataka, will submit his report to Shah sometime next week.



What triggered bout

According to sources, Rao wanted to know what triggered the fresh bout between BJP state president Yeddyurappa and party leader Eshwarappa, so soon after Shah had come up with a patch-up formula in January. Some functionaries close to Yeddyurappa said Eshwarappas tirades were casting a shadow on the partys prospects in the Assembly elections coming up in a year.



Others endorsed Eshwarappas view that Yeddyurappa was taking unilateral decisions. Rao sought their views on Yeddyurappas charge that BJP national joint general secretary (Organisation) B L Santhosh was masterminding the rift.



On Sunday, Rao is slated to meet functionaries appointed to various morchas. We will resolve all issues, Rao told reporters, but declined to answer any queries.



Among those who got individual time with Rao were R Ashoka, Ayanur Manjunath, C M Udasi, B Sriramulu, Ravi Subramanya, D S Veeraiah, Bharathi Shetty and Belur Gopalakrishna.



Eshwarappa has been critical of Yeddyurappas style of functioning and has blamed him for bringing down the morale of party workers.



MLAs in the Yeddyurappa camp want Eshwarappa to step down as the leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council. They say he has been misusing his position to carry out a campaign against the state party chief.



BSY meets Rao

Yeddyurappa, who arrived in Bengaluru from Delhi on Saturday, met Rao late in the evening. He later left for Shivamogga.



In Delhi, Yeddyurappa had tried to meet general secretary (Organisation) Ram Lal and brief him about Eshwarappas rebellion. However, the meeting did not take place. Yeddyurappa has already sent a report to the central leadership about the rebel convention organised by Eshwarappa earlier this week.



Go ahead to drop 2 vice presidents?

In a late-night development, Muralidhar Rao is said to have given the go ahead to drop party vice presidents M B Bhanuprakash and Nirmal Kumar Surana from the list of state office-bearers.



Bhanuprakash and Surana had participated in the convention at Palace Grounds in the city and had spoken against Yeddyurappa. Party sources said BJP co-spokesperson G Madhusudhan and Raitha Morcha vice president M P Renukacharya have been divested of their posts for making comments against BJP national joint general secretary (Organisation) B L Santhosh.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called upon reformers within the Muslim community to put an end to the practice of triple talaq.



Modi made a strong pitch for womens empowerment and equal partnership, and appealed to the Muslim community against politicising the triple talaq issue.



I would urge the Muslim community not to allow this issue (triple talaq) to go into the realm of politics, Modi said at the inaugural function of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Basava Samithi on Basava Jayanthi. Looking at the great tradition of India, my mind is filled with hope that powerful people will emerge from the community in this country (to) eradicate outdated practices and evolve modern systems, the prime minister said.



These enlightened Muslims from India hold the power to show the path to Muslims across the world. This is the strength of this land...You come forward, find solutions to the problem and the satisfaction you would get from those solutions will be different. The future generations will feel empowered, Modi said.



The prime ministers second intervention on the triple talaq issue comes even as the Supreme Court is set to begin from May 11 daily hearings on triple talaq.



Recently, at the BJP national executive in Bhubaneswar, Modi had asked party leaders to treat triple talaq as social exploitation of Muslim women and not as a campaign against Islam.



Modi also released a digital version of the translation of Basavannas selected Vachanas into 23 Indian languages, edited by noted rationalist the late M M Kalburgi, who was gunned down reportedly by fundamentalists two years ago.



Modi made it a point to walk into the audience to meet the family members of Kalburgi. Recalling Basavannas teachings, the prime minister said Indias history was not only about defeats, poverty, illiteracy and colonialism.



India also gave the message of peace, good governance, non-violence and Satyagraha, he said.

DH News Service



Second intervention within a fortnight

Urges Muslims to fight ills faced by their daughters

Asks them to set example to Muslims across the world


An explosion occurred near the patrol of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) at the 'LPR' checkpoint, and another patrol has heard a shot from small arms on the territory of the 'LPR'.

The latest report by OSCE SMM posted on Saturday says on April 28, a patrol consisting of six members and two armored vehicles was positioned at an 'LPR'-checkpoint approximately 1.5km south-west of 'LPR'-controlled Molodizhne (63km north-west of Luhansk), speaking with an armed 'LPR' member.

"At 12:17, the patrol members were proceeding to their vehicles to depart the area when the same 'LPR' member began waving his hand at the SMM, indicating that the patrol should depart quickly. At 12:20, from inside their vehicles, the SMM heard an explosion assessed as an airburst about 50-100m north-west," the report reads.

At the same time, the SMM saw a cloud of black smoke rising above the mentioned location; no impact was observed from the distance.

The SMM could not assess the cause of the explosion. The SMM immediately left the area and returned safely to its base in 'LPR'-controlled Kadiyivka (formerly Stakhanov, 50km west of Luhansk).

In addition, on April 28, a separate SMM patrol consisting of five members and two armored vehicles was positioned at an observation post about 50m west of an 'LPR' position located 1 km north-west of 'LPR'-controlled Kruta Hora (16 km north-west of Luhansk). At about 10:35, while all SMM patrol members were outside of their vehicles, the patrol heard a shot of small-arms fire approximately 40-50 m south. The SMM could not determine the type of weapon or the direction in which it was fired. The SMM left the area immediately and returned safely to its base in Luhansk city.

In both cases, the SMM notified the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination and requested it to follow up.

The press center of the ATO headquarters regards such incidents as the continuation of provocations by militants towards the representatives of the OSCE SMM.

At the same time, the headquarters said that at the time indicated, the Ukrainian side observed the ceasefire.
By Nathan Rott and Merrit Kennedy

27 April 2017 (NPR)  President Trump signed an executive order Friday that aims to expand offshore drilling for oil and gas, in a move welcomed by the oil and gas industry and greeted with alarm by environmental groups. Renewed offshore energy production will reduce the cost of energy, create countless new jobs, and make America more secure and far more energy independent, Trump said before signing the document. He said previous restrictions on exploration and production deprive the U.S. of potentially thousands and thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in wealth. The order directs Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to review a five-year plan in which President Obama banned drilling in parts of the Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic Oceans. Zinke told reporters Thursday night that will be a long process, and a complex one, acknowledging that not all areas have oil or gas, and not all coastal communities want offshore drilling. But Zinke said revenue from offshore leasing had dropped by $15 billion during the Obama administration, with some of that due to the dropping price of oil, but not all of it. He added that 94 percent of the nations outer continental shelf is currently off limits for development of any kind. The oil and gas industry is enthusiastic about todays executive order. In a statement, Jack Gerard of the American Petroleum Institute said expanding drilling in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico in particular could create thousands of jobs and provide billions of dollars in government revenue. Along the Atlantic coast, though, more than 100 cities and towns have passed resolutions against offshore drilling. In Kure Beach, N.C., Mayor Emilie Swearingen said tourism is the second largest industry in the state. We dont want the devastation from an oil spill, she said. Its not whether it would happen, but when it would happen. George Edwardson, president of the Inupiat Community of the Arctic Slope, said his council may consider filing suit at some point to challenge an expansion of offshore drilling. Most of our food comes from the ocean, he said. [more]
Interpol has dismissed Russia's request to post an international search alert for former Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said.

"I would like to state with pleasure and respect that in accordance with its protocol, Interpol, as an adequate and reputable international organization, has taken my letter into account and dismissed Russia's absurd request," the minister said on Facebook.

As reporter, Russia requested Interpol to issue an international search notice for Yatsenyuk. Avakov, in turn, wrote a letter to Interpol on the groundlessness of the Russian side's accusations.

"The Russian Investigative Committee has evidence of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yatsenyuk's involvement in at least two armed clashes, which took place in the Grozny city's Minutka Square on December 31, 1994, and in February 1995, as well as in tortures and shooting of the Russian Armed Forces' servicemen held prisoners in the Oktyabrsky district in Grozny on January 7, 1995," the Russian Investigative Committee said earlier on Saturday.

"Yatsenyuk was put on international wanted lists on charges of committing extremely serious crimes, in addition, the Russian Investigative Committee prepared files, which have already been submitted to Interpol," Svetlana Petrenko, the spokesperson for the Russian Investigative Committee, told reporters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades on Friday strongly pitched for decisive action against states supporting, sheltering and sustaining ''violence factories'' in their regions. During talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visiting Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades also sought India's help in their reunification efforts as it enjoys friendly ties with Turkey that has proved to be a stumbling block in its process. Anastasiades, who arrived in Mumbai on 25 April on a five-day visit, on Friday held delegation level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Indian prime minister will be hosting Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan tomorrow. India and Cyprus also signed four agreements, including for air services. ''I had the opportunity of briefing PM Modi on the latest developments in the negotiations for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, outlining the challenges we face and the stumbling blocks that inhibit further progress,'' Anastasiades said. Turkey does not recognise Cyprus, as a result of which the political reunification of the Mediterranean island is on hold. ''I am aware of your initiative to resolve the Cyprus issue. You have led from the front in trying to bring a new era of peace, development and security. Not just for Cyprus, but for the whole region. We wish you every success in your efforts,'' said Modi. At the bilateral talks on Friday, Cyprus supported India's idea of an early reform of the security council. Modi urged Cyprus to enhance business and economic ties with India and said industries and companies from both countries can create greater trade links. Modi said he had detailed discussions with the visiting Cyprus President covering the full range of bilateral relationship and also exchanged perspectives on important global and regional issues of mutual concern. Cyprus is the 8th largest investor in India and hence the two countries have close economic ties. Last year, the two countries revised their Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement. India and Cyprus have called for a global legal framework, particularly through early conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, as part of a concerted global effort to end the menace of terrorism. The two countries also agreed that there is an urgent need for all countries to decisively act against those states who generate, support, shelter and sustain these factories of violence in our regions Given its location, Cyprus appreciated the threat that terrorism poses to the global peace and stability. India itself has been battling cross border terrorism for decades. Cyprus also said it shares with India the common objective of bringing about an early reform of the United Nations Security Council. ''Both of us believe that a reformed Security Council, reflective of the world as it is, and not as it was, is necessary to address the range of complex challenges facing the world today,'' Modi said.










China will fully fund the $8-billion Karachi-Peshawar railway line in Pakistan to ensure the smooth completion of the key project, which was earlier to be partly funded by the Asian Development Bank.

"China strongly argued that two-sourced financing would create problems and the project would suffer," Pakistan minister for planning and development Ahsan Iqbal told reporters on Friday.

The project was originally planned to be partly funded by the Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Dawn reported.

The minister said he would not comment on whether the ministry of railways has so far resisted the Chinese request for fears of monopoly, but said the entire financing would now come from China.

He said the ADB would be accommodated in some other projects, such as those under the Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation programme.

Under the original plan, the ADB was to provide $ 3.5-billion for the 1,700-km-long line, considered the backbone of the country's logistics connecting two major ports with the rest of the country for transporting goods and passengers.

The minister said the Chinese government wanted that the project financing should be kept single-sourced.

Pakistan and China are expected to sign a formal agreement in this regard next month.


Germany's lawmakers have approved a partial ban on the full-face burqa or Islamic veil for public servants and a package of security measures aimed at preventing extremist attacks. The new laws follow several jihadist attacks, including a truck rampage through a Berlin Christmas market last year that claimed 12 lives, and come ahead of the September elections (See: Islamist terror is biggest threat to Germany: Merkel ) The new law on facial coverings falls short of a total ban in public places demanded by right-wing parties, like that in effect in neighbouring France since 2011. The move comes after Chancellor Angela Merkel called in December for a ban on full-face Muslim veils "wherever legally possible". There are five months to go before a federal election, and her conservatives lost some support to the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) during the migrant crisis. The prohibition will apply to public servants - including election officials, military and judicial staff - performing their duties. "The state has a duty to present itself in an ideologically and religiously neutral manner," says the text of the law passed by the lower house on Thursday evening. Germany has since 2015 taken in more than one million migrants and refugees, most from predominantly Muslim countries. This has stoked a xenophobic backlash and boosted the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany party, which has attempted to link the influx to a heightened threat of terrorism. Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said the social integration of immigrants requires "that we make clear and communicate our values and the limits of our tolerance to other cultures". The ban on full facial coverings allows exceptions - for example, for health workers protecting themselves against infections or police officers concealing their identity. People can also be required to remove facial coverings in order to match them with their identity papers. New security measures also include the use of electronic ankle bracelets, if approved by a judge, for people deemed a security threat, in federal police cases - such as known Islamic radicals considered potentially violent by security services. Another law paves the way for national and state police forces to pool their data in a new integrated IT system. Under another new measure, Germany will implement European Union rules on the exchange of flight passenger data to counter terrorism and serious crime. And physical attacks on police, emergency services and military personnel on duty will in future be punished more severely, with up to five years' jail. The reforms follow the 19 December truck attack in Berlin claimed by the Islamic State group. The suspect, 24-year-old Tunisian national Anis Amri, was shot dead four days later by Italian police. The Amri case sparked public anger after it emerged he had already been in the crosshairs of security services and should long ago have been sent back to Tunisia, which for months refused to take him. National and state police and security services had monitored Amri for months, knowing that he had used multiple identities and addresses and had been in contact with radical Islamists.








Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi(C, front) addresses a United Nations Security Council ministerial session on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsular at the UN headquarters in New York, April 28, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, April 28 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Friday that two directions must be stuck to while dealing with the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

"We must stay committed to the goal of denuclearization," Wang said while addressing the UN Security Council Ministerial Meeting on Non-proliferation and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

"All parties should comprehensively understand and fully implement DPRK-related Security Council resolutions," he said.

"Denuclearization is the basic precondition for long-term peace and stability on the Peninsula and what we must accomplish to safeguard the international nuclear non-proliferation regime," Wang said.

The Security Council held a special meeting on Friday to discuss the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres briefed the meeting, which was chaired by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, as the United States holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council this month.

Wang and foreign ministers or vice foreign ministers of Britain, Russia, Senegal and Japan, attended the meeting.

"The continued escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula in the recent period has caused widespread concerns and worries of the international community," said Wang.

"If the issue of the Peninsula fails to be put under effective control and in the case of unexpected events, the situation is highly likely to take a drastic turn for the worse and spiral out of control," he added.

All the 15 members of the Security Council addressed the meeting focusing on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula and the implementation of relevant UN resolutions.

Wang said,"We must stay committed to the path of dialogue and negotiation."

"The use of force does not resolve differences, and will only lead to bigger disasters," he noted, adding that "as the only way out, dialogue and negotiation also represent the sensible choice for all parties."

"Our past experience of resolving the nuclear issue on the peninsula shows, whenever dialogue and negotiation were ongoing, the situation on the peninsula would maintain basic stability and efforts toward denuclearization could make progress," said the minister.

He recalled the period between 2003 and 2007 when the parties were engaged in dialogue and negotiation, and three joint documents were adopted.

"In particular, the September 19th Joint Statement in 2005 set out the roadmap for the DPRK's abandonment of all nuclear programs and the realization of peace on the peninsula," he said.

"Even today, the Joint Statement still carries major positive significance, and has been reaffirmed and acknowledged by all DPRK-related resolutions of the Security Council," Wang said.

On Saturday, the DPRK test-fired a ballistic missile, which exploded shortly after liftoff, according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency.

The country conducted a hydrogen bomb test and a nuclear warhead explosion test on Jan. 6 and Sept. 9 in 2016, respectively. The Security Council adopted resolutions on March 2 and Nov. 30 of 2016, respectively, demanding the DPRK abandon its nuclear weapon and missile programs and imposing sanctions on it.
The first freight train to link China directly to the United Kingdom arrived in the eastern Chinese city of Yiwu today after leaving London on 10 April and covering over 12,000 km, making it the second-longest route in the world. The train is the latest effort in China's drive to strengthen trade links with Western Europe along its new 'Silk Road' route. The world's top trading nation launched the "One Belt, One Road" strategy in 2013, and has since poured millions into constructing vast infrastructure links. The train - loaded with whisky, baby milk, pharmaceuticals and machinery - passed through France, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan during its 20-day trip before arriving in Yiwu in eastern Zhejiang province, a major wholesale centre for small consumer goods. The new route is longer than Russia's famous Trans-Siberian railway, but about 1,000 kilometres shorter than the record-holding China-Madrid link, which opened in 2014. London is the 15th city to be linked to a new freight network offered by the state-run China Railway Corporation, which says its services are cheaper than air transport and quicker than shipping. The journey should be 30 days faster than moving the goods by ship, the provincial government had said, but the pilot run took two days more than the 18 days expected. And the train, named the East Wind, has limited carrying capacity - just 88 shipping containers, according to the Yiwu government, compared to the 10,000 to 20,000 containers cargo ships can carry. It is unclear how much the venture cost, and some experts have questioned whether the ambitious project makes economic sense. "It is hard to say at this stage what the economic return will be, as the economic benefits will come over a long time," He Tianjie of Oxford Economics Hong Kong told AFP. "However, the train is in some aspects more convenient and flexible. It can make multiple stops, allowing for the pickup and offloading of cargo along the way. Rail transport is also less affected by adverse weather conditions. Therefore, there may be a role for such long-haul rail links," he said. China already has a regular direct freight train service to Germany, Europe's largest economy. One route links the Chinese megacity of Chongqing to Duisburg, a steel-making town and one of Germany's most-important transportation and commercial hubs. The other route links Beijing, the Chinese capital, to Hamburg, Germany's second-largest city. Roughly 80 per cent of global trade is shipped by sea as freight train services face technical and bureaucratic hurdles which vary according to country. The East Wind's locomotive and carriages had to be changed en route because of the larger gauge of railways in the former Soviet Union. Prime Minister Theresa May will visit China later this year, with talks likely to include closer trade ties for when Britain leaves the European Union, according to British officials.








US regulator gives conditional nod for $3.15 bn Emerson Electric-Pentair deal

The US regulator yesterday approved Emerson Electric Co's proposed acquisition of Switzerland-based valves and controls business of British industrial valve manufacturer Pentair Plc, subject to conditions.

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approved the deal subject to Emerson Electric selling Pentair's switchbox business to Stamford, Connecticut-based Crane Co.

Emerson and Pentair are manufacturers of industrial valves and control products, including switchboxes, which are widely used in the oil and gas, chemical, petrochemical, power, and other industries. Switchboxes are devices used to monitor and control valves that regulate the flow of liquids and gases in industrial facilities.

According to the FTC, the proposed acquisition would combine the two leading manufacturers of switchboxes in the US, which together control about 60 per cent of the US market.

''These market share numbers may underestimate the likelihood of anticompetitive effects to switchbox customers that would otherwise result from this transaction,'' the FTC said in a statement.

Switchboxes perform a critical safety function, so brand reputation and product reliability are very important to customers. Emerson's TopWorx and Pentair's Westlock switchboxes are the most widely-used brands nationwide and, for many customers, the only acceptable brands of switchboxes.

Under the terms of the consent agreement, 10 days post closing of the deal, Emerson Electric must divest Westlock Controls Corp, the Pentair subsidiary that designs, manufactures, and sells switchboxes, to Crane Co.

The order requires Emerson to provide Crane all of Westlock's production facilities, intellectual property, confidential business information, and the option to hire Westlock employees.

In August 2016, Emerson Electric agreed to buy the valves and controls business of Pentair for $3.15 billion in cash (See: Emerson Electric to buy valves and controls business of Pentair Plc for $3.15 bn)

Based in in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, Pentair Valves & Controls is a global leader in providing valve solutions for customers through its product brands like Anderson-Greenwood, Crosby, Vanessa, Keystone and Biffi.

It has a large global installed base in chemical, petrochemical, oil and gas, power, mining and other process industries.

The unit generates annual revenue of $1.84 billion and employs nearly 7,500 people globally.
Two Donegal men have pleaded guilty to offences connected to an attack on an Orange hall and a Presbyterian church in east Donegal two and a half years ago.

Damien Murray (35) of 26 Admiran Park, Stranorlar, pleaded guilty at Letterkenny Circuit Court of arson at Convoy Thiepval Memorial Loyal Orange Lodge 1005 on October 3rd, 2014.

Eamon McGill (33) of Macmeenstown, Convoy pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to a church door at Convoy Presbyterian Church, Letterkenny Road, Convoy.

Counsel for the State, Patricia McLaughlin, said a nolle prosequi will be entered on the criminal damage charge against Murray and on the arson charge against McGill.

Both men were released on bail to appear for selecting at the December sitting of the court.

Murray was ordered to sign on twice a week at Ballybofey Garda Station.

Probation reports were ordered for both accused and a medical and psychological report was ordered for Murray.

Counsel for McGill said the damage caused in his case was less in value and he was trying to be in a position to bring a reasonable sum of money to court to make restitution.

A previous court hearing heard that more than 240,000 of damage was caused to the hall in the attack.
A two-vehicle crash claimed the life of a 10-year-old Eufaula youth Friday night.

Eufaula Police reported a 1994 two-door Honda Acura driven by a 34-year-old female from Abbeville was north bound on Eufaula Avenue when it crossed the center median and struck a 2011 Dodge Caliber traveling south. A 25-year-old Georgetown, Georgia woman, the only occupant, drove the Dodge.

The deceased youth was a passenger in the Honda and was pronounced dead at Medical Center Barbour. There were five other occupants in the Honda and all received injuries, the most severe was flown to a Dothan hospital. Their conditions are unknown at this time.

According to an obituary on Dothans Southern Memorial Funeral Homes website and other social media reports, the child who was killed in the accident was 10-year-old Malaya Alise Peterson of Eufaula.

The crash is under investigation by the Eufaula Police Departments Traffic Homicide Unit.
Its a scene you could have observed at an elementary school field day 20 years ago  kids running relays, competing in a tug-of-war and exploring playground equipment at Kelly Springs Elementary School.

Look a little more closely, and youll see a few differences from the traditional field day. There are inflatables for kids to bounce on out front, there are Zumba classes going on inside and a few parents are stopping by computers to fill out surveys.

Wanda Dismukes, principal of Kelly Springs, said that field day is a tradition that students look forward to each year, but todays field day might not be exactly what adults may remember. Activities are a little more organized with students rotating through in shifts. Theres also some downtime for students inside.

We used to be outside all day, but now we find it better to have some activity and some down time, she said.

Dismukes said field day helps encourage exercise and also is an opportunity to get parents to visit the school.

Anytime we can get parents here and get them involved its a double plus, she said.

Dismukes said field day, which typically falls after standardized testing, is a good reward for students whove just had a week of grueling evaluations.

Its something they look forward to every year, she said. They really like the competitive events like tug-of-war and the relays.

Edgar Alantar, a Kelly Springs parent, said that he tries to attend field day every year.

This is my last kid here at Kelly Springs, so I like to come when I can and participate and let her know that I support her, he said.

Kylee Brown, a second-grader at Kelly Springs, said she enjoyed the break from school work.

You can get on inflatables and do fun stuff, she said.

Kailyanna Mitchell, also a second-grader, said she was proud of her classs performance in the tug-of-war.

We won twice, she said.
(Xinhua) 09:26, April 29, 2017

SEOUL, April 29 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Saturday test-fired a ballistic missile, which exploded after liftoff, according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency.

The ballistic missile was fired from a site near Bukchang in South Pyeongan Province in the northeastern direction at about 5:30 a.m local time (2030 GMT Friday), but it was estimated to have failed as it exploded shortly after liftoff, the news agency quoted the Joint Chiefs of Staff as saying.

The military said more information including the missile type and flight distance was still being analyzed.
Former senior official sentenced to 15 years for graft

(Xinhua) 09:49, April 29, 2017

BEIJING, April 28 -- Bai Xueshan, former vice chair of the government of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for accepting bribes.

Bai was also fined 3.5 million yuan (around 507,760 U.S. dollars), and his illicit gains shall be turned over to the state treasury, said the Xi'an Intermediate People's Court in Shaanxi Province.

The court found Bai took advantage of his various posts to offer assistance to entities and individuals in land-related procedures, project approvals and contracting and adjustment of positions.

In return, Bai accepted bribes worth about 38.87 million yuan, the court said.

The court decided to be lenient as Bai pleaded guilty, expressed remorse, returned his illegal gains and offered information about other crimes.
(Xinhua) 09:49, April 29, 2017

ROME, April 28 -- Over 90 representatives from Rome-based United Nations (UN) agencies, civil society, academia, and the diplomatic corps joined a poverty reduction seminar in the Italian capital Friday.

The seminar on "Global Partnerships for Poverty Reduction" was hosted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese government.

Participants discussed how to increase awareness and knowledge on the role of agencies like Italian Development Cooperation, the International Poverty Reduction Center in China (IPRCC), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in poverty reduction at country, regional and international level.

Pietro Sebastiani, Director General for Development Cooperation at Italian Foreign Ministry, said the world has come a long way in reducing poverty, "but if we want to achieve complete poverty eradication, the needs of those who are more marginalized need to be addressed in a concerted effort".

"That means that each of us plays a major role in making that goal achievable. Making every citizen whether in the public or private sector responsible for eradicating poverty," he said.

Tan Weiping, IPRCC deputy director-general, said China is tackling poverty in a systematic and well-structured way. He said China has already achieved zero hunger "but we are interested in learning how to address malnutrition".

"We as IPRCC are happy to be working with FAO and IFAD in developing and implementing together initiatives that contribute to the achievement of poverty reduction goal," he said.

According to Tan, China just signed a 5 million U.S. dollar agreement with IFAD for South-to-South cooperation.

"We are also looking forward to establishing new channels of cooperation with the Italian Agency of Cooperation and Development and with the Italian Government," Tan added.

China Internet Information Center (CIIC) Vice President, Li Fugen, emphasized the important role of ICTs in reducing poverty, in particular in remote areas by offering innovative solutions for trading goods and giving access to information to everyone.

IFAD Director of Global Engagement, Knowledge and Strategy Division, Ashwani Mutthoo, said IFAD is contributing to increasing knowledge sharing not only on past experiences but on innovative solutions that can contribute to overcoming the present challenges that several member countries are facing.

"There are still almost 800 million people living in poverty and that three-quarters of those people are living in rural areas. So addressing rural poverty and making sure that no one, near or far, is left behind is essential to achieve the eradication of poverty," Mutthoo said.
(Xinhua) 10:43, April 29, 2017

SOFIA, April 28 -- Chinese and Bulgarian officials here on Friday voiced their hope to boost cooperation in tourism, promising to make full use of the unique resources of the two countries.

At the opening of the conference "EU-China Tourism Year 2018: New investment opportunities for the tourism sector in Bulgaria, Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Zhang Haizhou said "Today's seminar reflects the strong desire of Bulgarian side to tap its potential, improve its services, and expand its market in tourism so as to attract more Chinese tourists."

He said Bulgaria "has rich, unique tourism resources, and the Bulgarian government attaches great importance to the development of the tourism industry."

At the same time, China, as a country of 5,000 years of civilizations, has rich resources in tourism, including world cultural and natural heritages and beautiful sceneries, the ambassador said.

Travelling to China will bring huge profits to Bulgarian tourism enterprises, he said, adding "The Chinese side sincerely welcomes more Bulgarian friends to China."

Meanwhile, Bulgarian Minister of Tourism Nikolina Angelkova said "I believe that Bulgaria has a huge potential to receive Chinese tourists."

Creating joint tourism products by European countries was one of the ways to attract more Chinese tourists, Angelkova said.

Bulgaria would improve visa policy, and examine possibilities for direct flights to and from China, she said.

"The event today signals that Bulgaria is looking at the Chinese market, which is distant but promising," said Teodora Marinska, head of Finance and Public policies at the European Travel Commission (ETC), which organized the conference jointly with Andrey Novakov, Member of the European Parliament, and Bulgarian-Chinese Business Development Association.

Tourism is one of the sectors that continue to grow even during crisis and continue to create jobs, she said.

In July 2016, the European Commission's President Jean-Claude Juncker and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang declared 2018 the EU-China Tourism Year in a bid to increase tourism between China and the EU, and help stimulate European enterprises to set foot on the booming tourism market in China and to allow more Chinese investments in Europe.

Last year, the number of tourists from China to Europe reached 5.13 million, however, only 10,000 Chinese tourists visited Bulgaria in 2016, according the Chinese ambassador.

He believed insufficient publicity, difficulties in visa application, and inconvenient traffic between China and Bulgaria were the factors behind the slow growth of tourism between the two countries. he said.
By Eric Pooley

President Trump said recently that the tradition of rating a new presidents first 100 days is ridiculous. The White House then created a web page devoted to rating his first 100 days.

Its further proof, if anyone needed it, that the defining feature of this presidents first 100 days is noise. Every day brings some piercing new alarm, making it hard to separate the momentarily disturbing from the truly damaging. But this is essentialespecially for the environment.

While the president has flip-flopped on some signature issues, hes been totally consistent about dismantling protections for public health, clean air and clean water. So lets take a closer look at what hes done so far, and what it will mean for our health and our world.

Here are the four worst actions Trump took during his first 100 daysand one thats very good:

1. Hired Scott Pruitt

Trumps choice of leader for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) built his career by attacking the agency and its clean air and water rules.

Pruitt is beginning to staff the EPA with Beltway insiders who have made their living lobbying for weaker pollution rules on behalf of industry.

For example, it has been widely reported that Andrew Wheeler may be named as Pruitts top deputy. Wheeler is now a lobbyist for Murray Energy, a coal mining conglomerate that is demanding an end to the rule that limits mercury pollution.

In fact, a recent analysis by Columbia University Law School showed that more than one quarter of the administrations appointees so far to environmental, energy and natural resource agencies have close ties to the fossil fuel industry. The likely result: Thousands of decisions over the next four years made by those more interested in protecting polluters than public health.

That will leave a toxic legacy of more disease and premature death.

2. Undermined Chemical Safety

Last year, a bipartisan Congress overwhelmingly passed the Lautenberg Act, a new chemical safety law that, after four decades of a broken system that flooded our stores and homes with dangerous or untested chemicals, finally constructed a strong chemical safety net.

But now the EPA has to finish writing the rules to implement it. For that, Pruitt has chosen Nancy Beck, an insider straight from the main chemical industry trade association who even within the last few weeks lobbied the agency on these very rules.

If those new rules give industry everything it wants, well have blown a historic chance to restore public trust and market confidence in the products consumers buy for household use. Our health would continue to be at riskand undoing the damage would take years.

3. Asked to Slash the Federal Budget

The administrations budget proposal would cut the EPA by almost a thirdmore than any other agencyeven though its budget is tiny to begin with.

Out of every $10 the federal government spends, only two cents go to the EPA. These cuts arent being done to save money. Theyre part of an ideological crusade the public doesnt support.

If the EPA budget is cut this way, the loss of experts and institutional knowledge will reverberate for years. Detailed plans obtained by the Washington Post show that Trump and Pruitt want to cut a quarter of the workforce and abolish 56 programs with impacts from the Chesapeake Bay to Puget Sound.

Together, this will lead to more asthma attacks, more health problems for the elderly and a more dangerous future.

4. Moved to Roll Back Protections from Dirty Energy

Pruitt is now trying to gut many of the same the rules and safeguards he sued to stop as Oklahomas attorney general. They limit the amount of arsenic and acid gases power plants can emit, reduce smog that causes respiratory problems and cut carbon pollution that causes climate change.

He has signaled hostility to the Mercury and Air Toxics Rule, despite the fact that virtually all power plants are already in compliance. The EPA chief and Trump have also taken aim at the Clean Power Plan, Americas first limits on carbon pollution from power plants, without any strategy to replace it.

The energy market is moving toward cleaner energy, but slowing that process means losing clean tech jobs to other countries and a bigger cleanup for our childrens generation.

5. Fueled Environmental Activism

This is the positive legacy of the Trump administration: Americans who used to take clean air and water for granted are waking up to the danger.

Membership in environmental groups is skyrocketingthe biggest question we get these days is, What can I do? as women and men from all walks of life are reclaiming environmentalism as a mainstream American value.

Thousands will take to the streets in Washington and other cities on Saturday for the Peoples Climate March. Just as a blossoming environmental awareness in the early 1970s led to some of the bedrock laws we rely on today, I believe the great awakening of 2017 will echo for years to come.

If we work together and make our voices heard, we can limit the worst of the damage Trump intends to inflict.

Eric Pooley is a senior vice president at Environmental Defense Fund and author of The Climate War.
(Xinhua) 11:03, April 29, 2017

BAKU, April 28 -- Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan Wei Jianhua said here on Friday China-proposed One Belt One Road initiative is expected to contribute to economic relations between the two countries, helping boost Azerbaijan-China volume of trade.

In a speech on China-Azerbaijan relations at Baku State University, Wei notably addressed economic relations between China and Azerbaijan. He said Azerbaijan supported the Silk Road Economic Belt initiative and has great potential to become a valuable partner in this project.

He also briefed about China's new development, the difficulties and challenges that China is facing and the new progress and the future prospects of China--Azerbaijan relations in economic area.

The Ambassador praised the activity of the Chinese department of the Baku State University, adding that there are two Confucius institutes functioning in Azerbaijan and interest in the Chinese language is rapidly growing.

China and Azerbaijan are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic ties this year. China was among the first countries to recognize the independence of Azerbaijan and establish diplomatic ties with it after the collapse of the former Soviet Union in 1991.
Considered to be the Ten Best UFO Photos Ever Taken I am sure that we could add more pictures to this list but these are considered ten o...
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.




Strategically, Hamas remains as committed as ever to its objective of destroying Israel and toppling the Fatah-run Palestinian Authority in the process. Tactically, however, Hamas exhibits pragmatism and won't rush into wars with Israel when conditions are ill suited.



Hamas looks at the long run, and remains convinced that it can eradicate Israel, even if it takes decades or centuries. Yet it would prefer to bide its time, and build up its force until the next clash while working to decrease its acute regional isolation. For this to happen, Hamas needs to avoid plunging Gaza into a new war any time soon. Yet it remains far from clear that it will be able to do this.
(Xinhua) 11:09, April 29, 2017

MANILA, April 29 -- The 30th summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will kick off here on Saturday.

The following are some basic facts about the 10-member regional organization.

ASEAN was established on Aug. 8, 1967, in Bangkok by the five original member countries, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Brunei joined in 1984, Vietnam in 1995, Laos and Myanmar in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999.

ASEAN has a combined population of approximately 629 million people, accounting for 8.8 percent of the world's total. In 2016, the bloc's combined GDPhad grown to more than 2.4 trillion U.S. dollars, the 6th largest economy in the world.

The ASEAN Declaration states that the aims and purposes of the Association are: (1) to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region and (2) to promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among countries in the region and adherence to the principles of the United NationsCharter.

On Dec. 31, 2015, the ASEAN Community was formally established comprising three pillars - ASEAN Security Community, ASEAN Economic Community and ASEAN Socio- Cultural Community, marking another milestone in ASEAN's history.

The highest decision-making body of ASEAN is the Meeting of the ASEAN Heads of State and Government. The ASEAN summit is convened every year.
An article posted by Royal Danish Embassy in China that Denmark is now facing the Oyster Invasion has recently gone viral online in China. The clever marketing campaign has attracted many food enthusiasts in China to offer a helping hand internationally to overcome this crisis. While at the same time, Denmark seized the opportunity to reveal the idea of exports to China. It is known that a well-known supermarket in China has already contacted the embassy to talk about the trade.

Besides the oysters in Denmark, the carps in the U.S., the crayfish on the beaches of New Zealand and the mitten crabs in Germany have also attracted the food enthusiasts in China. In a commentary published on April 29, 2017, the Peoples Daily points out that the governments of these countries are actually aware of the importance of turning trash into treasure, as well as turning ecological crisis into export opportunities. With the economic globalization and informatization, economic complementarity is no longer a vague and general concept but a tangible factor that can easily penetrate into our lives and gradually change our lives through internet.

The exporting countries should also turn themselves into selling mentality. Especially in the fierce overseas competition, they should thoroughly consider the proportion of quarantine requirements, agricultural protection, trade barriers, etc. to the cost in order to gain the popularity among Chinese consumers. What the consumers expect is not to have oysters in a Michelin-starred restaurant, but to enjoy them by a barbecue stall.
(Xinhua) 11:13, April 29, 2017

SHENZHEN, April 28 -- Si Xianmin, former general manager of China Southern Airlines, a major airline company in China, was sentenced to ten years and a half in prison on Friday at a court in south China's Shenzhen for accepting bribes.

Prosecutors accused Si of taking advantage of his positions to seek benefits for others and of accepting money and assets worth more than 7.89 million yuan (nearly 1.14 million U.S. dollars) between 2005 and 2014.

The case was tried at the Intermediate People's Court of Shenzhen in south China's Guangdong Province.

According to the court, Si shall be given a lighter punishment according to the law as he pled guilty to his crimes, expressed remorse during the trial, and had confessed some of his bribery before public prosecution.
(Xinhua) 11:16, April 29, 2017

MACAO, April 28 -- China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang's forthcoming insepction of the Macao Special Asministative Region (SAR) early next month is highly expected, Chief Executive of the Macao SAR Chui Sai On said Friday afternoon.

Zhang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, is scheduled to inspect Macao from May 8 to May 10.

During his stay in Macao, Zhang is expected to deliver speeches, meet people from all walks of life and listen to their opinions, Chui told the reporters after attending the ceremony marking the International Labor Day.

The chief executive will make work report to the top legislator and brief him on Macao's development situation, Chui said.

Chui also expressed his gratitude to the central government for its long-term support for Macao and adoption of guidelines on promoting Macao's economic development.
Jeff Goldblum, the Hollywood actor who is currently set to appear as the Grandmaster in "Thor: Ragnarok" later this year, has been tapped to return in the much-awaited dinosaur movie sequel "Jurassic World 2."

The Hollywood Reporter has exclusively confirmed that Goldblum will reprise his role as the know-it-all mathematician, Dr. Ian Malcolm, from the original 1993 movie "Jurassic Park" and its 1997 sequel, "The Lost World: Jurassic Park." Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard will also return to "Jurassic World 2" as Owen and Claire, respectively.

"Jurassic World 2" producer Frank Marshall, meanwhile, has expressed his enthusiasm for the return of Goldblum's character in the franchise. "I'm excited to have him back," he said during a brief conversation with Slash Film. "The world has changed a lot since Ian Malcolm went to Jurassic Park and we need his point of view now more than ever. He told us about chaos theory, he was right."

Unfortunately, Universal Pictures has yet to release the official synopsis for the sequel. But reports believe "Jurassic World 2" will tackle the issues of animal cruelty and exploitation.

Fans of the new franchise can also expect the next film installment to be "more suspenseful and scary," according to "Jurassic World" director and co-writer, Colin Trevorrow, Digital Spy reported last year. "It's just the way it's designed; it's the way the story plays out," he added.

Meanwhile, Universal Pictures has released a new promotional photo for "Jurassic World 2." The image, which was posted on Instagram earlier in March, hints the introduction of a new character - a young girl named Lucy. She was seen standing in a museum in front of a dinosaur skeleton, specifically a triceratops' head. The name of who will play the part, unfortunately, has yet to be revealed.

"Jurassic World 2" production is already underway. The film sequel is set to premiere in cinemas on June 22, 2018.
On 20 May 2011, Mamata Banerjee, leader of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), created history when she became the chief minister of West Bengal. Prior to the TMCs accession to power, West Bengal had been ruled continuously for three and half decades by the Left Front (LF), a coalition of moderate left-wing parties dominated by the Communist Party of India (Marxist)CPI(M). The long reign of the LF was remarkable because no other political formation had ruled for such a length of time in any Indian state. Moreover, throughout its long stay in power, the LF was hegemonic, that is, opposition parties did not have a realistic chance of winning elections.

The core instrument of this hegemony was the extraordinarily dense party organisation of the CPI(M), which penetrated into each and every aspect of life in rural West Bengal, where the majority of the population of the state lives.1 This point is important because it is this attribute that not only distinguished the LF regime from other state-level party regimes in India, but also from subnational party regimes in other democraciesthe Christian Democratic Partys lengthy dominance in southern Italy being a rare exception. Though less rare, hegemonic party regimes are also infrequent at the national level in countries that are not formally one-party statesthe Republican Peoples Party (RPP) in Turkey, the Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI) in Mexico, the Kuomintang (KMT) in Taiwan, the Peoples Action Party in Singapore, and the Barisan Nasional in Malaysiaare a handful of past and present examples. Indeed, the very idea of party hegemony, whether at the national or subnational level, is an anathema for even the most minimalist definitions of democracy as a system that allows for alternation in power(Przeworski 1999).
Written by ACM





*Brussels/EPP Summit/Angelo Marcopolo/- Replying to an "Eurofora"s Question on the "Hot" Topical Issue of the unfolding French Presidential Election, Crucial for All Europe, the ChristianDemocrat/EPP Parties' President, Joseph Daul, simply Stressed, exceptionaly Tight-Lipped and Enigmatic, that : - "I Wait for the Vote of May 7", 2017.



The main-stream Center-Right "Republican" Party in France, has recently shown notorious signs of various Evolving Contradictions and "Hot" Debates between its Leaders, Members and/or Popular Supporters, Fans and/or Sympathizers, after the Unexpected Results of the 1st Round of these 2017 Presidential Elections, with Many Calling to Vote Emmanuel Macron, (a former Counselor and Minister of Out-going Socialist President Hollande, who hastily made his own makeshift Movement only recently), but several Urging, Instead, to do Anything Else (f.ex., Vote "Blanc" or Abstain, etc) Except from Voting for Marine Le Pen the Former Head of the Controversial Rightist "National Front" Party, (f.ex. Young Laurent Wauquiez, former Minister and now Head of Region, etc), Others Simply prefering to Leave Citizens Free to Decide themselves, (f.ex. the Popular "Manif pour tous" BioEthical Movement,etc), while Some Called even to Vote for Marine Le Pen, (who just Left the "FN" Party's chair), adding, inter alia, also to Neo-Gaullist Dupont-Aignan's declared Support to MLP, Today, (andhe may become Prime Minister, if she won).



The Socialists have Notoriously Exploited a provoked Division of the Right, between the MainStream Center-Right, and the Controversial "FN"s Rightists, since a Long Time ago, already from former Socialist President Mitterand's era during the 1980s, also in the 2012 Presidential, until now.



But, Recently, in the Diferend Circumstances of some Other European Countries, several MainStream Center-Right Parties have already Started to Forge Governemental Coalitions with previously Controversial Rightist Parties, f.ex. in Norway, Denmark, possibly Finland, etc., as well as, by a Coincidence, this very Same Week also in Bulgaria, where ChristianDemocrat/EPP f. Prime Minister Boris Boykov is even due to Chair the EU from January 2018...



French Polls' Estimations for the Final, 2nd Round of the Presidential Elections, on May 7, are, at least for the Moment, quite Sketsy and/or Contradictory, (mainly showing still a Macron's Victory, but also a Fast Growing Popular Support for Marine Le Pen, etc), considering also the UnExpected and Totaly UnPrecedented character of this New Situation.



A Final Decision of Leftist Melenchon's 19 % Supporters, who are Mostly Critical against Macron, is expected for Next Monday.

-----------------------------





Interestingly, Daul was Speaking at the very Conclusion of EPP's Summit of Heads of State/Government and Party Leaders, in Brussels, ahead of Today's EU's 28 Summit.

(../..)







***





("DraftNews", as initialy Send to "Eurofora" Subscribers/Donors, earlier. A more accurate, full Final Version, might be Published asap).





***














Written by ACM



*Brussels/Angelo Marcopolo/- Experienced vice-President of EU Commission, in charge of Energy and Climate, Maros Sefcovic, replying to an "Eurofora" Question, Today, in Brussels, on the currently unfolding Projects for Gas Findings and Direct Transports to Europe, in EU Member Cyprus, in cooperation with Israel, Egypt, etc., stressed that, in his view, they are "Important" for Europe, and "Developing Well" :



- "They could Become a Second Norway !", the competent EU Commission's vice-President stressed to "Eurofora" in this regard, pointing, for South-Eastern Mediterranean, to the notoriously Most Important European Oil-Gas field at the Northern Sea, which is, however, reportedly, becoming more and more Limited, recently, Obliging the EU to Search also Other, New Sources.



Recently, at the Beginning of April 2017, a preliminary stage for the related "East-MED" Pipeline and Sea Transport Project was Officialy Inaugurated, with the Participation of Energy Ministers from Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Israel, etc., at Haifa, and is due to reach a Decisive point at around 2022.



+ Sefcovic also told "Eurofora" that even anOther Deep Sea Energy Resources inside EU areas is currently Prepared in Romania's Black Sea exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Its Completion would require, however, the "Modernisation" of the Romanian Energy Transport System, he added.








- "Europe must be liberated from this undermining "wooden talk" of a "unique thought" which hampers democratic debates", stressed incoming EU Chairman, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, speaking to Journalists after his official meeting with EU Commission's President, Jose Barroso, at Elysee Palace in Paris



- "It's precisely because there are not enough Debates, that EU hasn't managed yet to make it clear to European citizens what is really at stake", he added, in an obvious reference to the latest Irish "No" in 2008, after a long series of similar, unprecedented events, from the 1st Majority Abstention to EU Parliament's Elections in 1999, repeated in 2004, to the Dutch and French "No" in 2005, etc.





In fact, "there is no time to lose for Europe, and that's why we decided to start the French EU Presidency right away, from the first day", he explained, on France's exceptional choice to schedule the usual meeting with EU Commission from the 1st day of the 1st month, instead of the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th or even 10th or 11th, as it had been done by others in the Past..



- "This is not an easy period, but we shall act with determination, while also listening to Citizens' views", he promised.



Sarkozy's move came shortly before his opening Speech, next week in EU Parliament in Strasbourg, for the first Public Debate on the Priorities of the French EU Presidency (July - December 2008), and that's one of the reasons for which he significantly opened his EU Council's Chairmanship by welcoming at Elysee palace EU Parliament's President, German MEP Hans Gert Poettering at first..



The incoming EU Chairman was replying to Press Questions about rumours that controversial British EU Commissioner on Trade, Mandelson, was alone to drop an invitation to have a working Diner at Elysee palace, together with all other EU Commissioners and the French Government, only because he would have been upset for some critical points made earlier by President Sarkozy in defense of European Agriculture vis-a-vis its Foreign competitors.



But, as smiling Sarkozy played down Mandelson's reported refusal to debate, saying that he had to visit Marseille for a Ministerial meeting on Trade the next morning, and that "all our British friends are always welcome to taste a nice diner" in France, perhaps at another occasion..



- "It's urgent to win anew the trust of the People" : Lately, "the European ideal lost its momentum. Since several years, whenever Citizens are questioned on Europe, they react with reserves : They even have .. a tendency to reply "NO".. After this 3rd "No" of a People in some years, there is an Urgency to convince", added French Prime Minister Francois Fillon, after a meeting earlier the same day of all Ministers with EU Commissioners, followed by an interview with Barroso



"According to recent Polls, only 30% of French people believe that the European construction is a source of hope. It's only a poll, but we all now quite well, that, since 2005, it's dangerous to neglect these alarming signals, as it would be dangerous to treat with contempt the Irish "No", Fillon warned.



"We all have a common duty to prove to the European Citizens who have doubts, that EU is more useful, more necessary, than ever" : And "that EU can take decisions needed in order to respond to European or Global challenges", the Prime Minister concluded.



- "We believe, together with President Sarkozy, that EU should open debates on all issues of direct, concrete interest to Citizens", confirmed later to EuroFora the Head of France's governing party (UMP), Patrick Devedjan, after his speech to the European People's party (EPP) Study Days in Paris (2 - 4 July 2008).



He didn't deny that one of them is Turkey : - "Public Opinion in France is very much unfavorable to Turkey's EU bid, and President Sarkozy has said that several times", he told EuroFora.



From European Central Bank's controversial policies on Euro's value, to EU Enlargement Strategy, etc., issues of obvious importance to EU Citizens will be plenty, next week in EU Parliament in Strasbourg, before President Sarkozy launches the debates on EU 2008 French chairmanship's priorities on Thursday.




Written by ACM

*Strasbourg/CoE+Sciences Po/Angelo Marcopolo/- Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos, who is also a Paris-Educated University Professor of Public Administration Law, speaking to "Eurofora" in reply to relevant Questions through a Threefold Move accross COE's PanEuropean Assembly, Strasbourg University's "Political Science Forum", and a Reception at Ambassador Stelios Perrakis (another former Professor) Residence, Today, carefuly but clearly Welcomed the Idea that EU Citizens' current needs and aspirations include not only Social, but also Participatory Rights, in Public Decision-making processes, to be added to traditional, Core Human Rights :





To put it in a nutshell, in substance, President Pavlopoulos made a 3 Points Presentation at a landmark Speech in the Parliamentary Assembly of the CoE (PACE), Focusing on the Importance of parliamentary Democracy for People's Lives, when it works right :



(1) In fact, Democracy emerges from Human Rights, which, therefore, have a Double Importance, also as a "Checks and Balances" Mechanism vis a vis Power, including Independent Courts, in order to implement them. (2) Citizens' Rights should be Protected not only vis a vis the State, but also vis a vis Other Powerful Actors who can seriously affect People's Lives and Society at large, including Private ones, f.ex. Economic Powers, etc. (3) Therefore, it is Important, particularly in Recent History, to enhance also "Social Rights". and make them Work Efficiently in the foreseable Future, both for Social Cohesion and Solidarity, as well as because, Otherwise, even Core, Classical Human Rights and Democracy, could Not be Fully Working in Real Practice, neither develop their Full Potential nowadays.







+ This unfolded, Later-on, through his Speech to Strasbourg University's "Political Sciences' Forum" about "European Values", extending to include also "Legitimation" and "Ideologic Foundations" of European Democracy, as well as the current Need to "ReVive its Sources", and "Review" even the European Institutions' relevant Mechanisms, in order to catch up with some Delays towards an Harmonious European Integration, and bring them closer to EU Citizens.



- On Both these Two Occasions, Speaking Later with "Eurofora", President Pavlopoulos said that he had, personaly, "Followed Closely" f.ex. also the recent, April s2017 French Presidential Elections' main Debates, (notoriously Crucial also for All Europe), and, inter alia, found Interesting also the, a priori, Strange Fact that Many People proved to be much More Attracted by Citizens' EmPowrement in the way that a State of Elected Democracy really functions, as, f.ex., the Atypical "Left" of Melenchon succesfully proposed, astonishingly Prefering that Even to the Money that had been Promissed by "Socialists" such as former Prime Minister Valls and (even More) the main PS Presidential Candidate Hamon, in the form of a kind of "Universal Revenue", or of "Permanent, Stable Employment for all", advocated by Leftist Candidate Poutou, etc., whose Electoral Results were, Comparatively, Less important, by Far, as "Eurofora" noted.



- In this regard, President Pavlopoulos agreed that it would be Important for Today's European Democracies to also try to Develop the full Potential of European Citizens' so-called "Participatory" Rights in Public Administration's Decision-Making process, particularly regarding Measures which can seriously Affect their Lives and/or Society at large, f.ex. by Using all the set of various Converging Legal Mechanisms, most of whom already exist, in one way or another, including, f.ex., inter alia, also : "Ultra Vires" (or "Recours pour Exces de Pouvoir", etc) for the Judicial Control of Administrative Acts' Legality, "Contradictory Procedures" ("Audi alteram pars"), all Public Administrations' Legal Obligation to Motivate,vis a vis a "General Interest" their acts ruled by Administrative Law, Judges' Monitoring on the "Sufficiency of the Motivation" of such Administrative Acts, the Reality, Legality and/or Accuracy of the "Facts" evoked by a Public Administration in order to Motivate its Decisions, their "Proportionality" and/or eventual "Manifest Errors of Appreciation", but also "Abuse of Power", ("Detournement de Pouvoir"), etc.



Indeed, taken All Together, such modern Legal Mechanisms could Help Develop a kind of elementary "Dialogue" between the Public Institutions and European Citizens, at least during the Process of Taking Important Decisions which can Seriously Affect People's Lives and/or Society at large, as "Eurofora"s co-Founder has been Advocating for Decades, (including even by Legal Research presented in Public at Strasbourg's University, since the Earkly 1980ies, and chosen by the Faculty of Law in order to be Proposed for a Prize destinated to PhD. Thesis). In this regard, President Pavlopoulos appeared also, a priori Positive vis a vis unfolding yet attempts to Prepare some special relevant Events at the Univesity of Strasbourg (probably in Cooperation within the Franco-Germano-Swiss "European Camps" founded on 2016: See relevant "Eurofora"'s NewsReports, f.ex. at ... + ... , etc), from 2018, (about which we spoke also with Experienced University Professor Florence Benoit, both in the Recent Past, and at .Today's occasion).



- But, Most of all, President Pavlopoulos told "Eurofora" that he found, a priori, very Positive and Promissing, the Recent Initiative of CoE's "Venice Commission" (a prestigious PanEuropean body of Top Legal Experts for "Democracy through Law and Human Rights"), to Publish and Promote a coherent Set of Legal "Benchmarks" for the "Pevention of Abuse" in case of Public Administation's "Discretionary Powers", (which, by a Timely "Coincidence", goes also in the Same Direction as EU Ombudsman's quite srecently anounced Criteria for a "Good Administration", after Lisbon Treaty's and Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms" Started to Enter into Force). (See, f.ex., among others, also : http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/eucoeabdcitizensinpublicdecisionmaking.html ).

On these Occasions, "Eurofora" also spoke about it with Experienced CoE's "Venice Commission's Director, Thomas Markert himself, Later-on Today.

By the way, Professor Pavlopoulos, a former important JHA Minister (as UK's current PM Theresa May, or Germany's Wolfgang Schauble, etc), and Government Spokesman for the ChristianDemocrat/EPP Government of Costas Caramanlis, (2004-2009), was proposed by the current Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras (Left) as President of the Republic, in Agreement with the Center Right, and was Elected by the Greek Parliament with an exceptionaly Big Majority, as a rare, nowadays, exceptional Mark of National Unity of that EU Member Country

(../..)





***





("DraftNews", as initialy Send to "Eurofora" Subscribers/Donors, earlier. A more accurate, full Final Version, might be Published asap).





***






(Xinhua) 11:21, April 29, 2017

Spokesperson Geng Shuang (Source: fmprc.gov.cn)

BEIJING, April 28 -- China hopes Friday's open ministerial meeting on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, to be held by the UN Security Council, will send a positive and balanced message to the outside world.

"If the meeting simply focuses on sanctions and building up pressure, it will be losing a rare opportunity, causing more confrontation, and hampering efforts to restart talks," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said Friday at a daily press briefing.

Geng said that China is ready to join the discussions and exchange opinion to seek a solution to the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

He stressed that the onus to resolve the issue is not on the Chinese side, in response to some calls on China to take tougher stance towards the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

"China is neither the focus of the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue nor the party escalating tensions. China does not hold the key to solving the issue," Geng said, calling for collective wisdom and joint efforts from all sides.

China has already proposed the widely supported "dual-track" approach of denuclearizing the peninsula and the "suspension for suspension" proposal to defuse the looming crisis.

"Of course, we have always held an open altitude and all parties are welcome to offer their own constructive opinions and solutions," Geng said.

China hopes the all sides of the Korean nuclear issue can play their roles, shoulder their due responsibilities, and work together to solve the issue and realize peace and stability in northeast Asia.
Sorry i have to repost this. Hi. Just want to ask what websites i can find apartments for rent in toronto, ontario. I already looked in google but just wondering if there are specific sites or app for better searching. Thanks
1) Your application was cancelled because of a law that said that if a decision on the application hadn't been made by 29/03/12 then said application would be terminated (cancelled).



As no decision had been made on your application as of March 29, 2012, it (your 2005 application) was thrown out by the GoC therefore it cannot be considered to be approved or refused and you can safely answer 'No', as far as Canada is concerned - however, if you have been refused a visa for any country other than Canada (and, of course, India), then you must answer 'yes' - we do not know your immigration history but you must declare all visa refusals as failure to disclose could result in the refusal of a visa... this is a standard question that is asked by the immigration department of most governments - I was asked this by the UK government when I applied to enter the UK to marry my husband and again when I applied for PR status in the UK.



2) Again, as far as Canada is concerned, you are safe to answer 'No,' but if you have been refused a visa for any other country than Canada, then you must answer 'yes.'
You will hemorrhage cash, you have no GCC experience, banking jobs (and jobs everywhere) are being cut, bank mergers are commonplace because the banks are cutting their costs.But hey, ignore the people who have been here for 10+ years, you newbies know it all - as can also be seen by the replies re visass.If you have a Canadian passport you can do visa runs every 38 days for years, but with no cash coming in and no job you'll be lucky to last 3 months before you go home broke.
You'll be fine. Getting a permanent job offer in writing doesn't mean you have accepted it as that is where you would be in breach of the WHV.

So long as you stay as you are on the WHV and you don't breach any of the terms / conditions you'll be fine.

One issue may be timing....ie you can only work for maximum 12 months on a WHV but Resident Visa process may take up to that long even with you in NZ and with a permanent job offer and remember you'll have all the other evidence to collect and medicals/police reports....all takes time.

It may be a wise move to get off the WHV and apply for a temporary work visa - eg Essential Skills etc instead so you can live and work here and are not as restricted. This will also give you a bit more time to apply for the Resident Visa.

You'll still have to do the medicals and police reports but processing is a matter of weeks and not several months and the outcome being you may be able to live and work here for up to 5 years giving you plenty time to work out the Resident visa application.
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San Antonio entrepreneur Bill Cox said President Donald Trumps tax plan would allow him to buy new equipment and hire more people at his manufacturing plant on the Northeast Side.

Wed have more money to invest in technology, said Cox, who owns and runs Cox Manufacturing. The factory makes small precision parts for the auto, medical, firearm, military and commercial industries. Technology is the key to raising productivity. Were investing heavily in technology already, but theres only so much cash flow we have to invest.

The tax plan would allow us to expand quicker.

Trumps tax proposal, released Wednesday, would give many small-business owners a hefty tax cut  reducing taxes from as high as 39.6 percent for small businesses and 35 percent for large corporations like Exxon Mobil Corp. to 15 percent for both.

It would eliminate deductions for state and local income taxes, which would hurt people along the coasts in cities like New York who pay some of the highest taxes in the nation. Most itemized deductions would be eliminated, but the standard deduction would be doubled. The one-page summary was scant on details, so its difficult to gauge the full impact. But small-business owners such as Cox and San Antonio restaurateur Louis Barrios applauded the first draft of a plan that no doubt will go through multiple revisions before being enacted, if at all.

It will do wonders for small businesses like ours, said Barrios, CEO and president of Los Barrios Enterprises, which employs 220 people at three San Antonio restaurants: Los Barrios, La Hacienda de Los Barrios and Violas Ventanas.

When restaurants hire first-time employees, that is spurring the economy. When you are talking about helping small business, you are talking about restaurants, Barrios said.

The proposal received resounding approval from the National Federation of Independent Business, a lobbying group in Washington, D.C., that represents 350,000 small and independent companies.

Its fantastic, said Will Newton, executive director of NFIB Texas. It relieves the tax burdens of small-business owners who are half of GDP (the gross domestic product) and are half of the hiring.

San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Ramiro Cavazos said he believes the tax cut would allow small-business owners to expand their businesses, and hire more workers or pay them more.

Tax breaks are usually targeted at Fortune 500 companies and other large corporations, but small-business owners have lower profit margins and are the livelihood of the San Antonio economy, Cavazos said. Small-business owners pay their employees first, then taxes, then themselves. Federal taxes are a big part of the burden.

The tax cuts, however, arent cheap, and many say they could drag on the economy by increasing the deficit. Without more details, budget analysts say its difficult to put a price tag on the cuts. Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, estimated the cuts would cost between $3 trillion and $7 trillion over 10 years.

If the tax cuts are enacted as proposed, NFIB members said they would use the extra cash to reinvest in their companies, in construction, in new technologies, Newton said. It will serve to stimulate the economy and create more revenue for the federal government.

Thats a big cornerstone of the Trump proposal.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the cuts would pay for themselves with increased commercial activity and revenue. Mnuchin estimated that the changes would hike U.S. growth to about 3 percent per year, higher than the 1.6 percent GDP growth in 2016.

But Jim Oliver, a San Antonio tax accountant at the Calvetti Ferguson accounting firm, said some people believe a 5 percent GDP growth rate would be necessary to replenish the lost federal revenue from the tax cuts.

It has the potential to expand the economy  but theres no way for people to know what effect will have until it is implemented, Oliver said.

Former four-term San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros, a small-business owner himself, agreed.

I am aware of the argument that higher productivity will increase revenues, but the 4 to 5 percent economic growth rate that would be required is a higher rate than weve seen in decades, said Cisneros. He owns investment management and urban housing development firm CityView and served as U.S. housing secretary under President Bill Clinton.

San Antonio-based CitiView employees 40 people. He also employs 80 people as part owner of a bond-financing company based in New York City, Seibert Cisneros Shank & Co.

My real estate colleagues who have analyzed this tell me that the real estate industry will do very well with a 15 percent tax rate, but that is looking through my business lens, Cisneros said. My public background tells me, in the final analysis, that with the size of federal budget deficit, the intent on building a (U.S.-Mexico border) wall and increased funding for the military, that the tax cut cannot be justified, Cisneros said.

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.

With any legislative proposal, Cisneros and others cautioned that the devil is always in the details and the proposal now on the table will likely look vastly different from what gets voted on by Congress.

This is a long way from being done. It will not be 15 percent if and when a bill is approved, Cisneros said.

This is a rushed proposal to meet a 100-day deadline (of the Trump administration), to get something on the record. The Republicans in Congress are talking about tax reform, not just tax cuts. The tax reform discussion will be much more complex. There will be a lot of back and forth on the impact on industries.

Other details still need to be worked out, like structuring taxes for professional business services and partnerships to ensure high-paid lawyer and doctor groups dont take advantage of lower rates, Mnuchin said.

It comes down to how they will do it for physicians, lawyers and other professional services, Oliver said.

He explained that some sticky situations must be dealt with because it can be difficult to define the difference between compensation and business income in professional services.

Oliver gave the example of business owners who have sold their businesses but remain minority owners and no longer put in much time at the company.

Do they get wrapped up in that and pay the higher rates? I dont know, Oliver said.

Oliver said plenty of uncertainty surrounds the tax reforms.

Small-business owners will say they will be happy with the tax cuts, but Ill have to see how this works in real life,  Oliver said.

dhendricks@express-news.net
(Xinhua) 11:23, April 29, 2017

KATHMANDU, April 28 -- Experts on Friday stressed on strong partnership between China and South Asia under the framework of China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative so as to achieve regional economic integration, prosperity, stability and create a win-win situation.

They made the remarks during a one-day seminar entitled "One Belt, One Road and South Asia" organized here by the China Study Centre.

Addressing the program, Bangladeshi expert Humayun Kabir said China and South Asian countries can find a common ground to collaborate under the Belt and Road Initiative.

"This is the era of mutual interdependence between various countries of the world. I believe that cooperation between China and South Asian region under the framework will help achieve regional economic integration, prosperity and stability by creating a win-win situation," he said.

Former Nepali Foreign Secretary Madhuraman Acharya said "The concept of the Belt and Road Initiative has brought up several new opportunities in connectivity and economic integration between China and South Asia."

Acharya said the Belt and Road Initiative has become a matter of geopolitical significance to countries in South Asia including Nepal.

Sundar Nath Bhattarai, acting chairman of the China Study Centre, said countries in South Asia and China will spare no efforts to expand mutual and inclusive cooperation.

Luxman Siriwardena, an expert from Sri Lanka, said the Belt and Road Initiative will facilitate global trade by developing infrastructures.

"As a pioneer member, Sri Lankan political leadership and policy makers strongly believe that the Belt and Road Initiative will undoubtedly contribute to the long-term socio-economic development of the country," he said.

Siriwardena said the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road will have a direct effect on Sri Lanka's trade, investment and tourism resulting in substantial contribution to the nation's economy.

Addressing the function as the chief guest, Nepali Deputy Prime Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara said the Belt and Road Initiative will benefit the entire South Asian region including Nepal.

"Nepal wants to become a part of the Belt and Road Initiative and reap benefit from this," he said.

Dr. Dai Yonghong, director of the Institute of South Asia Studies at the Sichuan University of China, said China wants active participation of all countries from South Asia region in the Belt and Road Initiative.

"The Belt and Road (Initiative) is a very good proposal for all countries around the world including South Asian countries. Cooperation between China and South Asian countries will be beneficial for the peoples of the entire region through regional economic integration," he said, adding that the concept is open and inclusive.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong said the Belt and Road Initiative is the most important public product that China provides to the world.

"China welcomes the South Asian countries to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative and promote policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people to people bonds as their five major goals with the principle of wide consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits," said the ambassador.

The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by China in 2013, aims at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes.
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A joint venture involving a Texas Medical Center-based startup, a San Antonio company and a Houston company that specializes in indoor vertical farming is bidding for one of the first licenses to dispense medical marijuana in the state.

Approval would make the business group a pioneer in the production of low-THC cannabis under a program that was authorized by the Texas Legislature two years ago but has yet to launch. Though significantly smaller in scope than legalization statutes in other states, the initiative would at least give Texas a toehold in what is expected to be a $20 billion industry within the next three years.

The group led by Houston-based engineering and procurement firm Indoor Harvest is among 43 statewide seeking a license to produce a specific strain of cannabis for sale to patients of intractable epilepsy who have a doctors prescription. The Department of Public Safety has until Sunday to grant provisional approval for dispensary licenses.

In preparation, Indoor Harvest is planning to acquire Alamo CBD  the San Antonio company is the actual applicant for the state license. CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is the compound found in the marijuana plant that is believed to have therapeutic benefits for some medical conditions.

Were looking at this from a pharmaceutical point of view, said Chad Sykes, chief innovation officer for Indoor Harvest, currently best known for vertical farming projects to supply higher-end restaurants with organically grown fruits and vegetables.

The initial phase of the proposed $5 million cannabis project would entail opening facilities in Wilson County, east of San Antonio. Indoor Harvest would provide the high-pressure aeroponic technology that Alamo would use to grow the marijuana plants in a 54,000-square-foot facility without the need for fertilizer or pesticides. Patients could have their prescriptions filled at a 3,600-square-foot dispensary next door. Alamo CBD applied for the license in March.

Indoor Harvest and Alamo feel their chances of getting one of the licenses are bolstered because they are partnering with Vyripharm Biopharmaceuticals, which is housed in the Medical Centers incubator for emerging biotech companies, for a strong research component.

Vyripharm would take a portion of the cultivated cannabis, and its researchers would assess the health benefits of the plants chemicals through a patented testing method that tracks where the drug metabolizes in the body and how its effects can differ between individuals, said Elias Jackson, the companys president of research and development.

Such methodology would fill in a major gap in the national medical cannabis industry. Currently, most evidence in the U.S. on the health benefits of the cannabis chemicals is anecdotal rather than scientific, said Franklin Snyder, a Texas A&M law professor who studies cannabis policies.

All studies done that are worth anything are currently coming from overseas, he said.

The lack of concrete data in the U.S. can be attributed to the Drug Enforcement Administrations continued classification of marijuana as a Schedule I drug, along with such notoriously abused narcotics as heroin and LSD. Even though 29 states have legalized some form of medical cannabis, the federal law has deterred broader participation in the market.

For the last 50 years, the University of Mississippi has been the only institution permitted by the DEA to grow cannabis for research purposes. National and regional leaders in the legalized cannabis industry say the universitys product lacks the quality needed for scientific research.

The DEAs reasoning behind limiting registered growers to one entity was that at the time, the national demand for research on cannabis medicinal properties was low.

Yet research groups now value the legal cannabis market at $7 billion as of last year and predict it will grow to $20 billion by 2020.

The market value has grown thanks in part to more individual investors and small banking institutions such as credit unions and state banks agreeing to finance legal cannabis businesses.

In August, the DEA agreed to expand the number of registered growers that can provide cannabis for research. Should Alamo secure a Texas license, and thereby be acquired by Indoor Harvest, the Houston-based company would apply to join the DEAs registry, with Vyripharm being a key recipient of the product.

Though interest is growing in the cannabis industry, just 22 organizations have applied for the DEA registry so far, the agency said. And mainstream banks and major investors continue to opt out for fear of federal retaliation. Even Indoor Harvest, upon acquiring Alamo, will create a separate Harvest Group to continue its vertical farming business to appease investors.

The states Compassionate Use Program, signed into law two years ago by Gov. Greg Abbott, put the Department of Public Safety  a law enforcement agency  in charge of vetting license applicants and mandated that it grant a minimum of three licenses by September.

The deadline for provisional approval is Sunday. After that, DPS inspectors will make site visits before granting final approval.

On Friday, the agency said it had received 43 applications, but it declined to provide any further information about the applicants or where they are based.

Demitri Downing, founder and director of the Southwest Cannabis Conference and Expo, said the narrow scope of the law passed in Texas likely restricted the number of applicants. The expo, which has been held twice in Dallas-Fort Worth, said the number of exhibitors declined for the second event after people had a chance to review the Compassionate Use Program.

Downing said many exhibitors felt DPS would limit the state to three licenses  in effect making the legal minimum the effective maximum  and decided their chances at a slot were low.

Yet he and others have hopes that the Texas program will expand in the coming years once the first licensees are able to impress state legislators and DPS officers in how they serve the community.

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.

Medical marijuana is here to stay, Downing said.

Scott Bier, CEO of Green Well, another Texas company seeking one of the first state dispensary licenses, estimates about 146,000 Texans would benefit from cannabis-based medication. The current state program should address the needs of that population, he said. He also predicts more scientific research on cannabis health properties to come out in the next five to 10 years.

Still, others criticized Texas limited approach. For example, the National Cannabis Industry Association does not even categorize Texas as having legalized medical cannabis because of the narrow scope of its law, deputy director Taylor West said.

Snyder, the Texas A&M legal expert, said the originally proposed bill took a broader open-market approach to legalizing medical dispensaries in the state. But the bill Abbott signed was far more conservative, allowing a single chemical strain of cannabis to be developed for a single group of patients, those with intractable epilepsy.

He agreed that DPS might consider three dispensaries a maximum.

Three dispensaries in a state the size of half of Europe is not a way to get to kids who need this medication regularly, Snyder said.

ileana.najarro@chron.com

twitter.com/IleanaNajarro
Americas working class is falling further behind.

The rich-poor gap  the difference in annual income between households in the top 20 percent and those in the bottom 20 percent  ballooned by $29,200 to $189,600 between 2010 and 2015, based on Bloomberg calculations using U.S. Census Bureau data.

Computers and robots are taking over many types of tasks, shoving aside some workers while boosting the productivity of specialized employees, contributing to the gap.

Technological developments have increasingly replaced low- and mid-skilled jobs while complementing higher-skilled jobs, said Chad Sparber, an associate professor and chairman of the economics department at Colgate University.

This shift is predicted to continue. Thirty-eight percent of U.S. jobs could be at high risk of automation by the early 2030s, according to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. The most exposed industries include retail and wholesale trade, transportation and storage, and manufacturing, with less-educated workers facing the biggest challenges.

Companies use of temporary and part-time employees to cut costs also may be widening the disparity, with wage growth failing to keep up with rising residential and basic necessity expenses. As the divide grows, hardships increase for the bottom 20 percent. Affordable housing, for example, is in short supply nationwide, forcing workers to find shelter further from their jobs and endure lengthier and costlier commutes. Rental costs rose nationally by 3.9 percent in March from a year earlier, according to the Labor Department.

High-tech hubs were among the five metropolitan statistical areas where the gap between the highest- and lowest-income households expanded the most: two in California, San Francisco and San Jose, as well as Austin and Seattle.

The fifth is Fairfield County in southwestern Connecticut. The majority of full-time, year-round employees in the high-income communities there, including Old Greenwich and Darien, work in sectors such as finance, insurance, and scientific and technical services. Almost half the employees in lower-income cities, including Bridgeport, have jobs in retail, manufacturing, construction, administration and waste services.

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.

Bloomberg also calculated the change in the gap between the super rich (the top 5 percent) and the middle class (the middle 20 percent). It grew by $58,800, with Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Des Moines, Iowa, among the metro areas with the biggest changes.

Western Michigan has benefited from investment in industries including information technology, specialized manufacturing and life sciences, according to The Right Place, a private, nonprofit economic development organization. The Iowa metro area is a finance hub, with an insurance sector that has expanded more than 11 percent in the past 15 years, the Iowa Economic Development Authority said.

The gap even widened within the middle class, with the span between lower and upper household incomes at the 30th and 80th percentiles growing by $9,000.

Companies are doubling down on cost cuts and streamlining their operations, said Chris Rupkey, chief financial economist at MUFG Union Bank in New York. Workers at the bottom have not seen as much improvement as those at the very top of society.
REYNOSA, Mexico  Residents in this border city quickly took refuge indoors as the familiar echo of gunbattles and odor of burning vehicles hung in the early-morning air.

When the dust settled last Saturday, the top drug trafficker of this city across the border from McAllen lay dead. Soon after the gunfight, the routine of daily life returned to what passes for normal here, even if the psychic toll lingers.

Fear, 19-year-old college student Umberto Mar Huerta said in describing his emotional state during the latest spasm of drug gang violence. Youre not even safe in your home.

In the early hours, federal forces clashed with Juan Julian Loisa Salinas, best known as Comandante Toro, the local Gulf Cartel boss. As the battle got underway, Huerta was headed to the store for milk when he came across a narco blockade.

You wonder what could happen when you leave the house, Huerta said. If something does happen and your family doesnt answer the phone, you begin to panic.

It is a familiar sentiment in a city that has become efficient at sweeping away the remnants of violence. Yet a burned-out convenience store and black smudges on the pavement left behind by narco blockades stand as reminders of the gunbattles that raged fiercely.

Theories of what led to Salinas demise litter the streets like the bullet casings that were still strewn across the pavement days after the battle. The most commonly held opinion suggests that Salinas was responsible for the killings of state police officers and that orders from Mexico City were sent up to bring his reign as plaza boss to an abrupt end.

About the same time that Salinas was killed, federal forces killed Francisco Pancho Carreon, leader of the rival Zetas Cartel, in the state capital of Ciudad Victoria. Their deaths capped a bloody weekend across Mexico, where drug gang violence has surged this year. Authorities say Salinas and Carreon were to blame for recent violence in Tamaulipas state.

In March, the tally of homicides across Mexico reached 2,020, ranking as the deadliest month since the summer of 2011, government data shows.

In Reynosa, balaclava-clad armed state police patrol the city alongside heavily armed marines. When the mechanical thumping of helicopter blades is heard in the distance, locals instinctively sense impending danger.

It seems a grave situation because were seeing scenes like Saturday early morning, said Carlos Alberto Garcia Gonzalez, president of the Tamaulipas state congress and a member of the conservative National Action Party. So is it grave? Yes, its grave.

When gunfire breaks out, desperate messages spread across social media, a place of relative safety where most in the community go for information on criminal activity to navigate around situations of risk. For the recent battle, there were images of dozens of vehicles set ablaze and at least one convenience store on fire. The day after the battle, messages on social media described the city as burned and devastated.

However, as with most information offered by government officials regarding organized crime, facts are meager. Officially, only two people died amid the hail of bullets April 22. The unofficial word on social networks put the death toll at 65 or higher.

This is part of the failed strategy  lack of coordination  disaster in Mexicos leadership at all levels of government, said Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, an associate professor at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley whose work focuses on crime and trafficking in Mexico. You saw this coming. Toro was marked. Its part of the strategy for control of the plaza.

According to an intelligence report leaked to local media, men loyal to Salinas have threatened to seek retribution against marines for the death of their slain leader. An encrypted message intercepted by naval intelligence revealed the deployment of assassins to Reynosa and Ciudad Victoria, prompting calls for reinforced vigilance.

Days after Salinas and Carreon were killed, marines shot a 45-year-old man at a time of heightened tensions. His pickup had made a loud sound, which the marines mistook for a firearm. Authorities said the mans injury is not life-threatening.

Reynosa Mayor Maki Ortiz Dominguez sought to soothe concerns after the city advised its residents not to go out unless absolutely necessary, especially at night, but she also described a city that has long suffered the hell of drug-fueled violence.

What we want, Ortiz said, is to have no more violence, and to have peace.

The insecurity surely wont die with Salinas. Yet the years of persistent violence has forced residents to cope with the permanence of fear in their lives.

A local doctor, who asked to remain anonymous for her safety, recalled the terror of being taken from her car at gunpoint in 2015. She said her mind went blank, her mouth dry and her body numb. The episode lasted no longer than a few minutes, but the debilitating trauma stretched on for months.

She sought counseling and eventually learned to carry on whenever the city succumbs to bursts of violence. Still, her eyes well up with tears when she thinks back to that day when she was held up.

Its a fear that you cant imagine, the doctor said. It could happen again, but I feel I will manage better.

anelsen@express-news.net

Twitter: @amnelsen
Facing strong opposition from veterans, the chairman of the Texas House Higher Education Committee backed away from his bill that would have significantly restricted their access to free college tuition.

When I filed this bill, it started off as a bill that was going way too far in addressing a problem that we didnt have enough information on, state Rep. J. M. Lozano, R-Kingsville, conceded late Thursday.

Initially, HB 3766 would have required veterans to serve at least four years in the military to be eligible for the Hazlewood program, which pays for tuition and most fees at public institutions of higher education for up to 150 hours. Currently, veterans need to have served a minimum of only 181 days to be eligible. The bill also would have required veterans to take advantage of the program no later than 15 years after the veterans honorable discharge. Currently, there is no time limit. Imposing a time limit could affect the legacy part of the Hazlewood program, which allows qualified veterans to assign unused hours to their children.

Those limitations raised the ire of many veterans, who told Lozano what they thought in no uncertain terms.

Lozano, who is in his fourth legislative session, said this is the first time hes offered a bill that was incredibly contentious from the start.

I learned something Ill never forget, he said. Ill readily admit that we dont know everything and we learn every single day.

When he presented the bill at the hearing, Lozano offered a committee substitute that eliminated the two controversial limitations and instead put in a requirement that veterans complete the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for the Hazlewood program. It also would transfer the programs administration from the Texas Veterans Commission to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The proposal aimed to bring savings to universities as they face a rising cost to fund the program, totaling $169 million in tuition revenue in 2014.

But the changes still upset veterans, who lined up to testify against the committee substitute, too.

Dan West, who spent 12 years in the U.S Marine Corps, said there is a trust issue between the veterans and some state agencies. He disagreed with putting the program under the Higher Education Coordinating Board.

We trust Texas Veterans Commission because its run by veterans. I got post traumatic stress disorder, he said. You get me on the phone with someone that doesnt know how to handle someone when they get agitated, you got no customer service. (The Texas Veterans Commision) hires veterans who understand the guys theyre dealing with.

Lozano said transitioning the program to the board would help the state collect data for future legislation and assess the amount of service time of Hazlewood program recipients.

That didnt sell John McKinney, legislative chair for the Department of Texas of the American Legion. He said he has worked 40 years in veterans programs, and that the best way to help veterans is to avoid the bureaucracy of state agencies.

I discovered that if you have veterans helping veterans, it was a win win for the state and the veterans, McKinney said.

Disappointed by the reaction, Lozano decided to withdraw his committee substitute at the end of the hearing and said he would consider creating another substitute that would address the veterans concerns.

We came up with a bill that honestly doesnt even touch Hazlewood at all, Lozano said, referring to the substitute he presented Thursday night. I owe them (veterans) everything. When I realized so many people would testify against this committee substitute, it broke my heart.

elutz@express-news.net
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus and the police chiefs of five other major Texas cities signed a letter Friday expressing united opposition to the sanctuary cities bill approved by the state House of Representatives this week.

The letter shows that its not one chief or two chiefs that are opposed to this legislation  its all of us, in every large city across the state, McManus said later Friday.

This is not a political issue for police chiefs. Its a practical issue that will affect public safety.

The proposed legislation, formally known as Senate Bill 4, calls for local police departments to take a greater role in enforcing federal immigration laws. The police chiefs letter, addressed to various media outlets, warns that immigration enforcement is a federal obligation and argues that any state efforts to tackle the issue will be ineffective.

Those who joined McManus in signing the letter were the police chiefs in Austin, Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston. The letter also was signed by the Texas Police Chiefs Associations general counsel and executive director.

If SB 4 becomes law, local governments in Texas could no longer prohibit their law enforcement officers from asking people in custody about their immigration status. The measure would effectively reverse San Antonios current policy, which forbids police officers from asking such questions.

In a statement last month, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott described an urgent need to ban sanctuary cities across Texas, noting such policies put the lives of our citizens at risk.

The police chiefs letter Friday said that broad mandates like SB 4 will further strain the relationship between local law enforcement and diverse communities. That division will lead to more crimes against immigrants and in the broader communities, they predicted.

The chiefs also argued SB 4  which they described as political pandering  will create an unfunded mandate for local police departments if it becomes law.

At a time of strained law enforcement budgets and critically low jail space, narrowing the focus to violent criminals, human traffickers and members of organized crime syndicates is critical, the chiefs letter stated. Requiring local law enforcement to prioritize immigration efforts without adequate funding or increased support ... will hinder an agencys ability to focus its limited resources on the unique needs of the community it serves.

The Texas House and Texas Senate must agree on identical language for the bill before sending it to the governor.

pohare@express-news.net
Over the past week, several people have asked me if I think Ivy Taylors campaign will be hurt by the controversy surrounding her recent broken people comment.

It would be easy to say yes.

After all, Taylor had to spend the first week of early voting trying to extinguish a rapidly spreading media brush fire, which, at last glance, had reached the pages of the Washington Post and the website of Time Magazine.

The mayor had to reassure voters that when she told the audience at an April 3 nonprofit forum that the biggest systemic cause of local poverty is broken people who are not in relationship with their Creator, she didnt mean to suggest that poor people were to blame for their own economic struggles.

The onslaught of negative publicity has shaken up a campaign that had been running pretty smoothly for Taylor. For most of the past four months, she was able to maintain an above-the-fray demeanor while her two chief opponents, Ron Nirenberg and Manuel Medina, slugged it out for a shot at facing her in a runoff. Now her record, her priorities, her values, are coming under renewed scrutiny.

The national attention has done no favors to Taylors image outside the city limits of San Antonio. But, of course, no one outside the city limits of San Antonio has a vote in this election. With that in mind, its not at all clear that Taylors election prospects have been damaged by the controversy.

Keep in mind that most of the people angered by what Taylor said already disliked her.

Theyve never forgiven her for her 2013 vote against a nondiscrimination ordinance which extended civil-rights protections to members of the LGBT community.

They resent the fact that she defended her vote two years later (at a Cornerstone Church faith forum) by saying it had been a waste of time for city leaders to even debate the issue.

They regard her as Poison Ivy: either a heartless hater or someone who cynically panders to the religious right.

Those individuals made up their minds about Taylor long before her broken people controversy. So she didnt lose any votes there.

On the other hand, some North Side conservatives who backed Taylor in 2015 had cooled on her over the past two years. A telling moment came last fall when Taylor issued a public criticism of police officers who violated city policy by wearing Donald Trump caps while on duty, after Trump offered the caps as gifts during a fundraising stop in S.A.

Many Trump loyalists took to social media to blast Taylor, and say that they would never vote for her again. In fact, the schizophrenic nature of Medinas mayoral campaign has been based on a sense that Taylors North Side support was soft. As a result, Medina, the Bexar County Democratic Party chairman, has gone out of his way to form an unlikely alliance with tea-party Republicans such as Jeff Judson and George Rodriguez.

Conservatives initially rallied behind Taylor in 2015, not so much because of what she believed or what she had done as mayor. They supported her because they hated the progressives who hated Taylor. It became a classic case of the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

The current ruckus over Taylors remarks about poverty has not only intensified progressive hostility toward the mayor, it also has made her more sympathetic to Christian conservatives and members of the faith community (including some voters in her old East Side council district).

In the end, its likely that Taylors broken people moment, for all the bad publicity it has brought her, will merely galvanize voting preferences that already existed in the San Antonio electorate.

Taylor is also helped by the fact that the lone mayoral candidate who is making an issue out of the controversy is Medina. The Democratic Party boss, who did not attend the April 3 mayoral forum, has called on Taylor to apologize. Medinas new tea-party friends, however, wont necessarily agree with him on this issue, and many of his fellow Democrats have soured on him.

Ron Nirenberg, the one candidate with a clear appeal to progressives, did not criticize Taylor at the forum, and has remained quiet about the broken people issue over the past week.

That leaves Taylor looking like the same embattled, divisive figure who won the 2015 mayoral election - with the same coalition that got her there.

ggarcia@express-news.net
(Xinhua) 11:24, April 29, 2017

BEIJING, April 28 -- Chinese police caught over 4,200 suspects for theft of personal information in 2016, with over 1,800 cases solved, according to the Ministry of Public Security (MPS).

The police also managed to track more than 30 billion stolen personal information items last year, while nearly 100 of the suspects were hackers.

The leakage of personal information is against the country's Civil Law, as Article 111 of the law states that the personal information of citizens shall be protected by law.

Leaking personal information has become a public nuisance in China and a crack down is necessary, said Wang Liming, a civil law expert with the China Law Society.

On a number of occasions, suspects have sent fraudulent messages to phone numbers obtained via websites that leaked the personal information of their customers.

Xu Yuyu, a high school graduate in Linyi of east China's Shandong Province, died of cardiac arrest in August 2016 after losing 9,900 yuan (1,440 U.S. dollars) of her university tuition fees to telecom fraudsters.

The case aroused shock and anger among Chinese people, drawing attention to the protection of personal information.
Megan McKenna's ex-boyfriend Jordan Davies and his fellow reality star Joshua Ritchie have been arrested.

Megan McKenna

The pair - who both appeared in MTV's 'Ex On The Beach' - were spotted wearing handcuffs and being led away by police in Birmingham on Friday (29.04.17), Mirror Online reports.

Their pal, 'Geordie Shore's Sarah Goodhart, was with them but was not arrested and revealed she went to the police station to try to help.

She tweeted: "F***in absolute joke this. Just been to the station with @JordanWeekender and @ritchie_joshua poor b******s still in there!! Fuming (sic)."

The reason for the arrest has not yet been revealed.

Meanwhile, Megan previously lashed out at her ex-boyfriend Jordan for proposing to her on national television when they were together.

The reality TV star admitted she was fuming when the hunk dropped down to one knee and pulled out a sparkler during their second stint on 'Ex on the Beach'.

She explained: "I was angry (he proposed) on camera, I wish he didn't do it, I think it's embarrassing. He embarrassed me.

"He lied to me about the ring price for a start... He makes me out to be bad all the time but he needs to realise he's a liar."

The former couple - who met when they first appeared on the dating show in 2015 - split later that year and the brunette beauty says she has since done everything to block the hunk out of her life.

She said: "I actually blocked Jordan on everything when we broke up because he wasn't a very good boy."
European Union (EU) rules are needed to oblige textile and clothing suppliers to respect workers rights, said the Members of European Parliament (MEPs) in a resolution. Textile workers around the world, many of whom are young women and children, suffer long working hours, low wages, uncertainty, violence and hazardous conditions, noted the MEPs.

In an effort to push the 'flagship initiative' aimed at preventing tragedies like the April 2013 Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh, MEPs suggested a series of measures. The EU Commission should table a legislative proposal for a binding due diligence system, based on OECD guidelines and similar to those for the so-called blood minerals, that covers the whole supply chain.

The EU should ensure that textile exporting countries with preferential access to the EU market comply with obligations and produce sustainable textiles, while member states should promote workers' rights in their relations with partner countries. The members also suggested making the 'social impact of production' visible on clothes that can help bring about lasting change, and helping EU institutions to set a good example in their public procurement of textiles.

European Union (EU) rules are needed to oblige textile and clothing suppliers to respect workers' rights, said the Members of European Parliament (MEPs) in a resolution. Textile workers around the world, many of whom are young women and children, suffer long working hours, low wages, uncertainty, violence and hazardous conditions, noted the MEPs.#

"We cannot turn a blind eye, if our clothes are made at the cost of vast human suffering. Only binding rules could guarantee that products sold on European markets do not violate the dignity and the rights of millions of workers. The EU has the means to act and we ask the Commission to do so. said rapporteur Lola Sanchez Caldentey (GUE/NGL, ES).

The resolution was adopted by 505 votes against 49 with 57 abstentions. (KD)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
When Big B Met Vinod Khanna For The First Time

"I first saw him entering the Ajanta Arts office in Bandra, of Sunil Dutt, where I was making my way to seek a job .. a most good looking handsome young man .. a body in elegant frame .. a swagger in his walk."

When Vinod Khanna Saw Big B

Big B further wrote, "A gentle smile as he looked towards me .. it was 1969 .. he was working in the Ajanta Arts film, Man ka Meet'. I was struggling to get a role, any role, anywhere."

Vinod Khanna Is A Big Star: Big B

"On return from the location his continued connect with me .. he a big star .. but always most humble with selfless concern for others .. the rides he would take me on, in his recently acquired Beetle VolksWagen, yellow in color."

Big B Used To Call Vinod Khannas Wife Gitly

"His generosity in smuggling me into the only Disco Club in the city at the Taj, where he was a member, and I not even remotely in any state to become one."

"His marriage to Geetanjali, whom he and we all fondly called Gitly .. the birth of his sons, Rahul and Akshay, whom he often brought on to the sets of AAA."

When Big B's Stunt Went Horrible Wrong & Left Vinod Khanna Injured

"That guilt ridden incident when I had to fling a glass in a scene towards him and it accidentally hitting his chin, cutting him open right through to his teeth."

When Big B Kept Apologizing To Vinod Khanna

"The remorse regret and guilt within me to date for that unforgiving accident.. rushing him to his doctor, late at night, getting stitched up, driving with him to his house to settle him in and to just keep apologising for this horrific accidental slip."

Big B Recalls Yet Another Horrific Incident Of Vinod Khanna

"That incident at a restaurant in SoBo, where someone made a snide remark, and he took him on, getting knifed in the arm during the scuffle, but being victorious ," wrote Amitabh Bachchan in his blog.

When Vinod Khannas Father Passed Away..

Recalling Vinod Khanna's father demise, Big B wrote, "The sudden passing of his Father soon after our work together in Reshma" I being with him in his hour of grief."

Big Bs Special Moments With Vinod Khanna

"The amazing chemistry of the several historic films that we did together .. an association that was so loveable and considerate .. spending time in each others make up rooms, sharing our lunch, just biding time and talking of all kinds of talk.

"The late shoot pack ups and the beyond midnight drives to Juhu Beach, to just sit with our directors and he to have a drink, and I mine ( I used to in those days )"

Big Bs Fun Moments With Vinod Khanna

Big B further wrote, "The jigs we would invent on set.. Impromptu songs .. when 5 Librans working together in the same film at the same scene would break into - Shammi Kapoor ji, Amjad, Kader Khan, Vinod and I - our little ditty, on the sets of ManMohan Desai's Parvarish"

We are crazy Librans .. **%#@!! up this film" .. !!!

"And the uproarious laughter that followed each shot that we gave together."

When Big B Met Vinod Khanna In Los Angeles

"And then one day his sudden decision to the following of Rajneesh .. his passion and the strength of his belief .. his sincerity in his following, right to California where Rajneesh had shifted.

"I met him in Los Angeles during this period on a stray visit, and he spent hours at a common friend's place explaining to me what the movement meant not just to him, but to the World in general," wrote Big B.
Soldiers of Lixin Police Station of Xigaze Frontier Troop examine likelihood of geological disaster in Zham Town, Xigaze Prefecture, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, April 25, 2017. Zham, once the largest border trade port of Tibet region, is now an empty town. Bordering Nepal, the town was devastated during the 8.1-magnitude earthquake on April 25, 2015. More than 4,250 people were evacuated from Zham four days after the massive earthquake as its geological structure was remarkably changed with possible secondary disasters. Before the earthquake, Zham port cleared about 90 percent of land-borne trade between China and Nepal. (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun)
Deepika Padukone looks stunning in her new song from Raabta and is making waves with her sizzling hot looks while sporting a black dress. The song shows Deepika in a new avatar and people have absolutely loved it!

It is reported that Deepika travelled for 22 hours changing 3 connecting flights just to reach Budapest from the US to shoot the song. She did it all because of her friendship! Yes, Deepika is a close friend of Dinesh Vijan, with whom she worked in Love Aajkal and Cocktail, and the duo have been good friends since then.

Now when Dinesh asked her to do a cameo role in Raabta, she said yes, and also said that she'd do a song as well, as a bonus. Now isn't that sweet of Deepika to help her friend in such a lovely way? So Deepika was then in the US for the shoot of xXx sequel and she flew for a full 22 hours changing 3 flights to reach Budapest and shot the song in one single night.
Post his fight with Sunil Grover, Kapil Sharma is in news for wrong reasons, and his show The Kapil Sharma Show has become a target. TKSS recently completed 100 episodes and Kapil also gave a Thank You speech.

The buzz is that Kapil was instructed by Sony to thank Sunil Grover, Chandan Prabhakar, Ali Asgar and Sugandha Mishra and mention their names in his speech. But, Kapil was in no mood to agree to their demand and apparently changed the script at the last moment! Read on...

Kapil's Thank You Speech It has to be recalled that in his Thank You speech Kapil said, "I would also like to thank my current team and the ones who are not with us today." By saying team members who are not with them today' he indicated at Sunil Grover, Chandan Prabhakar and Ali Asgar! Sunil Not Returning To TKSS Sunil Grover is not in mood to return to the show. In an interview to Spotboye, Sunil Grover said that going back to TKSS is not in his mind. Was Sunil Hurt As Kapil Didn't Mention His Name On 100th Episode? When asked if he was hurt as Kapil didn't mention his name in the Thanksgiving in the 100th episode, Sunil was cool about it and said it doesn't make any difference. Sunil Has Not Time To Watch TKSS? He said, "Frankly I didn't see the 100th episode, but what difference does it make if he didn't take my name? I was an integral part of the show, wasn't I? Why thank me? Mera bhi toh show tha woh." Sunil Realised That It Was Not His Show! When Sunil was asked if he felt that the show was his as much as Kapil's, Sunil said, "No, I am not saying that. In fact, I realised it much later that it was not my show." Sunil Is In Touch With Others Who Left TKSS When asked if others who had left the show (Chandan and Ali) are talking with him, Sunil said, "Jobless people will talk to each other na? Yes, we do talk."

Sunil also said that he is so busy that he hasn't been watching the show after he left. He has just seen a few promos.

Sunil also remained silent when he was asked if he would work with Kapil in future on any other venture. This shows how much Sunil was hurt with the fight.

But, when asked about the fight, instead of explaining what happened between them, he just said, "The situation is such that I can't even believe certain things that have happened. Everything happened so sudden. It was like an emergency landing."

Sunil has been approached for new work, but he says that he hasn't decided on anything yet.

After Sunil and others' exit from TKSS, the show has dropped down on the TRP charts. It is said that Kapil has also been given an ultimatum from the channel to improve the ratings.

Also, recently, a source said that TKSS' TRPs are down because of IPL and the show is not getting axed.

For the uninitiated, Kapil assaulted his co-actor Sunil Grover and misbehaved with his childhood friend Chandan Prabhakar, when they were returning from Melbourne and Sydney, after finishing a stage show. Apparently, Kapil was drunk during the fight.
The team of Mumbai police has arrested a youth from Kurkheda in Maharashtra, who was allegedly harassing the television actress Sonarika Bhadoria. Apparently, the accused was sending vulgar messages and calling her continuously.

It is also said that the threatened to commit suicide if the actress don't agree to marry him.. A complaint was registered in Kurar police station by Bhadoria in February.



Sonarika was quoted by DNA as saying, "He was repeatedly messaging me and calling me since 7-8 months. I was fed up and scared by seeing his messages."

She added, "When I blocked his number he used other numbers to contact me. He used at least 25 numbers to contact me."

The actress also said, "When I switched off my phone for few days, he started calling my relatives and father. Initially, I ignored but in February I approached the police and filed a complaint."

According to the police, the accused (Swapnil Sahare, 23), is a student of First-year Bachelors of Arts in Kurkheda's college. He is from a poor family. He fell in love with Sonarika and wanted to marry her.

Sonarika Bhadoria is known for the role of Goddess Parvati and Adi Shakti on the popular show, Devon Ke Dev Mahadev. She was also seen on the show Tum Dena Saath Mera in which she played the role of Abhilasha. The actress has also done a few Telugu movies.
DUBLIN, April 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Spectroscopy Market 2017-2021" report to their offering.

The global spectroscopy market to grow at a CAGR of 6.89% during the period 2017-2021.

The report, Global Spectroscopy 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.

One trend in market is increasing demand for cloud-based spectroscopy. Next generation spectroscopy is cloud-based spectroscopy. The techniques involve the use of scanners, smartphones, and cloud-based data for analysis of the samples. For instance, Tellspec has developed a solution for cloud-based spectroscopy. The firm has developed a handheld food scanner that connects to a smartphone as well as a cloud-based database to inform the user about the level of allergens, chemicals, nutrients, calories, and the ingredients present in any food item. Tellspec's food scanner technology is based on near infrared spectroscopy and uses Texas Instruments' digital light processing (DLP) chip. Tellspec has developed its own algorithm and detection engine using a combination of bioinformatics, chemometrics, and machine learning and has patented this technology.

According to the report, one driver in market is increased focus on drug development in healthcare industry. The pharmaceutical industry is growing industry. The global R&D expenditure on the pharmaceutical industry is increasing year-over-year. Spectrometers are used extensively in the R&D in the pharmaceutical industry for testing and new drug discovery. This will drive the demand for spectrometer across the globe. There is an increased focus by the pharmaceutical industry to meet the international standards such as ISO and Six Sigma certifications.

This will help the firms to improve their operational efficiency by improving the quality. This will help the pharmaceutical firms achieve fast time to market for their new products. There is an increased demand for spectrometers for the analysis of drugs and biomolecules in the life sciences sector. In the pharmaceutical industry, spectrometers are used for a wide range of applications like in proteomics and human genome analysis.

Key vendors

Danaher

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Agilent Technologies

PerkinElmer

Bruker

Shimadzu Corporation

Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation

Joel

Other prominent vendors

FOSS

GBC Scientific Equipment

JASCO

Metal Power

Rigaku Corporation

WATERS

Key Topics Covered:

PART 01: Executive summary

PART 02: Scope of the report

PART 03: Research Methodology

PART 04: Introduction

PART 05: Market landscape

PART 06: Market segmentation by application

PART 07: Market segmentation by technology

PART 08: Geographical segmentation

PART 09: Key leading countries

PART 10: Decision framework

PART 11: Drivers and challenges

PART 12: Market trends

PART 13: Vendor landscape

PART 14: Key vendor analysis

PART 15: Appendix

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/dwhv98/global

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716
Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Bactericides Market Insights, Opportunity Analysis, Market Shares and Forecast, 2017 2023" report to their offering.

The global Bactericide market is estimated to register robust growth in 2016-2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period.

The Bactericide market is segmented on the basis of type, mode of application, crop type, form and geography. The mode of application type is further bifurcated into foliar spray, soil treatment and others. The crop type segment is further segmented into cereals grains, fruits vegetables, oilseeds pulses and other crop types. The cereals and grains sub segment of crop type was the largest segment in 2015.

The rising need of food security to meet the demand of a growing population is the major factor which is imparting huge growth in the global bactericide market. A number of key players such as Bayer Crop Science AG, BASF SE, Adama Agricultural Solutions Ltd., Syngenta AG, Nufarm Limited, FMC Corporation, E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, MG2 Nippon Soda Co. Ltd. are investing a huge amount for the development of innovative technology and solutions which contribute in the development of new applications of the Bactericide market.

Market Determinants

Market Drivers

Rise in Crop Production

Rising Need of Food Security for Growing Population

Changes in Farming Technologies and Techniques

Rising Cases of Bacterial Infections in Crops

Market Restraints

Increasing Incidences of Environmental Toxicology

Detrimental Impact of Overdose of Bactericide

Market Opportunities

Growing Demand in Emerging Regions

Integrated Management Methods for Bacterial Plant Pathogens

Market Challenges

Strict Government Regulations

Lengthy Development Period for New Products

Key Topics Covered:

1. Introduction

2. Market Overview

3. Market Determinants

4. Market Segmentation

5. Competitive Landscape

6. Global Bactericide Market by Region

7. Company Profiles

Adama Agricultural Solutions Ltd.

American Vanguard Corporation

Aries Agro Ltd.

BASF SE

Bayer Crop Science AG

Biostadt India Limited

Certis

E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company

FMC Corporation

MG2 Nippon Soda Co. Ltd.

Nufarm Limited

PI Industries

Sharda Crop

Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd.

Syngenta AG

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/t2km58/global.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170428006122/en/

Contacts:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com

For EST Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Related Topics: Agrochemicals and Fertilizers
NEW ORLEANS, LA--(Marketwired - April 28, 2017) - Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, the former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until June 20, 2017 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Ocwen Financial Corporation (NYSE: OCN), if they purchased the Company's securities between May 11, 2015 and April 19, 2017, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

What You May Do

If you purchased securities of Ocwen and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, call toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or email KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com). If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by June 20, 2017.

About the Lawsuit

Ocwen and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On April 20, 2017, the Associated Press reported that the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Florida Attorney General had filed suit against Ocwen based on a myriad of failures by the Company to meet obligations to its customers over many years, resulting in increased borrowing expenses and even illegal foreclosures. Further, financial regulators in over 20 other states have issued cease-and-desist and license revocation orders against Ocwen alleging faulty escrow management and other licensing issues.

On this news, the price of Ocwen's shares plummeted.

About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

KSF, whose partners include the Former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is a law firm focused on securities, antitrust and consumer class actions, along with merger & acquisition and breach of fiduciary litigation against publicly traded companies on behalf of shareholders. The firm has offices in New York, California and Louisiana.

To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.

Contact:

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Lewis Kahn

Managing Partner

lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com

1-877-515-1850

206 Covington St.

Madisonville, LA 70447
Satispay, a Milan, Italy-based fintech startup, raised 14m in its latest funding round.

The round, still open and with a final target of 16m, brings total funding to date to 22.5m and launches the valuation of the company close to 50m.

According to local reports, backers include existing shareholder Iccrea Banca and other undisclosed investors.

Co-founded by Alberto Dalmasso, CEO, Dario Brignone, IT & Organization, and Samuele Pinta, COO, Satispay provides a mobile payment system that allows people to pay on stores and friends from their smartphone. The service, completely free, can be used by anyone above 18 years old with an Italian bank account or prepaid card with an Italian IBAN code.

The app is available for iPhone, Android and Windows Phone.

FinSMEs

29/04/2017
Houston: Google's 44-year-old India-born CEO Sundar Pichai received nearly $200 million in compensation last year, double the amount he got in 2015.

Pichai received a salary of $650,000 last year, slightly less than the $652,500 he earned in 2015.

But the long-time Google employee, who was named CEO during the company's re-organisation in August 2015, received a stock award of $198.7 million in 2016, roughly double his 2015 stock award of $99.8 million.

The company's compensation committee attributed the lavish pay to Pichai's promotion to CEO and "numerous successful product launches", the CNN reported.

Larry Page, Google's co-founder and previous CEO, shifted his focus to growing new businesses under the Alphabet umbrella.

Under Pichai, Google has boosted sales from its core advertising and YouTube business, while is also investing in machine learning, hardware and cloud computing, the report said.

In 2016, Google unveiled new smartphones, a virtual reality headset, a router, and a voice controlled smart speaker.

These efforts have started to pay off for the company.

Google's "other revenues", a category that includes hardware and cloud services, hit nearly $3.1 billion in the most recent quarter, a gain of about 50 percent from the same quarter a year earlier.

Alphabet's stock has soared this year, pushing it above a $600 billion market cap this week for the first time, the report said.
Migrant workers have a meal at a construction site in Yuncheng city, north China's Shanxi Province, April 28, 2017. Over 600 migrant workers from southwest Sichuan province gathered together to celebrate the upcoming Labor Day holiday.(Xinhua/Cao Yang)
Baahubali 2: The Conclusion is more prequel than sequel, because initially the story traces the origins of Baahubalis father, who was originally meant to be the King of Mahishmati.

This is also the love-story between Amarendra Baahubali played by Prabhas and Devasena played by Anushka Shetty, who is mother of Mahendra Baahubali which is again Prabhas in a dual role.

First and foremost the question of the millenium: Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali has been answered, which I know will take you to the cinema no matter what. But apart from this answer, there is a lot more that Baahubali 2 has got to offer.

The plot here is very simple and is based on the idea of good over evil. Along with taking you on an emotional ride, Baahubali is a visual extravaganza with CGI and VFX that grabs you in your seat.

SS Rajamouli, for his vision and ambition is undoubtedly, one of the best directors we have in the nation right now.

The cast is more than perfect. Prabhas as Senior and Junior Baahubali portrays the perfect symbol of heroism and strength, while Rana creates tension and manages to hold the screen together as the evil king.

As the queen mother, Ramya Krishnan is powerful and strong. While Anushka Sharma aces her performance as Devasena, her character is a disappointment who starts as a strong warrior only to be reduced to someone who has to be protected. Tamannah Bhatia who plays Avanthika was a powerful character in Part 1 has been reduced to nothing with zero dialogues in the entire movie.

While the movie is grand, beautiful and has it's emotions in the right place, the disappointing bit is the climax. While this is fictional and mythological, it cannot be taken for granted with illogical stunts in place.

Visuals of men flying from outside the kingdom to the inside by bending a palm tree and then leaving it, and also landing on their feet without a scratch, is beyond my threshold of forgiveness.

The climax also has a long drawn scene where Prabhas and Rana takes off their vests in the middle of the fight, shows off their beautifully oiled upper body and this leads to a scene where Rana is sitting on top of Prabhas, the former clawing the latter while remaining the same position for an uncomfortably long time.

Baahubali 2: The Conclusion is a milestone for Indian cinema, but would have faired better with properly defined female leads and a well written, much shorter climax.

I'm going with 3 stars.
In terms of opening, Bahubali 2 (also spelt as Baahubali 2: The Conclusion) is Rajinikanth-esque. There are few comparisons for the kind of hype, excitement, frenzy and yes, even milk abhishekam that this spectacle around the story of Amarendra Baahubali is witnessing. The revenge drama set in the Kingdom of Mahishmati has shown that what Salman, Aamir, Shah Rukh and Rajini 'Khan' do, SS Rajamouli can do better. For the past month, the director and his two male heroes, Prabhas and Rana Daggubati, have been driving the movie promotion blitzkrieg.

But peel off the layers of visual grandeur, go beyond the "Why Kattappa killed Baahubali'" question and the clash of the protagonist Mahendra Baahubali and the antagonist Bhallaladeva in the climax, and you realise Bahubali 2 is much more about three women. And that is what gives the movie character.

For those who understand and follow Telugu and to an extent, Tamil cinema, this is classical old cinema format that ensures three elements  a strong woman character, romance and comedy  are present in a script. And with Rajamouli and his father, scriptwriter Vijayendra Prasad's fascination for high octane verbal duels, it is the clash between two of the women characters that sets up Bahubali 2.

To me, Ramya Krishnan as Sivagami and Anushka Shetty as Devasena define Baahubali 2. As was already explained in the first part, Sivagami is the reigning queen because her husband Bijjaladeva is handicapped and therefore is seen as unfit to rule the kingdom of Mahishmati. But Bijjaladeva played by the versatile Nasser doesn't have just a bad hand. The character inspired by the cunning Shakuni of the Mahabharata, Bijjaladeva is the poison to son Bhallaladeva's already envious mind.

Unlike the father and son Baahubalis who are all white and Bhallaladeva who is all black, Rajamouli paints Sivagami in several shades of grey. He focuses on her motherly instinct by her willingness to breastfeed the two babies, only one of who is biologically her son, and bring up both boys together. Amarendra Baahubali's mother passed away at childbirth. She is fair when it comes to deciding who will be king and chooses the more deserving Amarendra over her own blood, despite her husband's prodding.

(Minor spoilers ahead)

But her pride is also her hubris. She is contemptuous when it comes to the manner of approaching a smaller Kuntala kingdom for princess Devasena's hand in marriage. She is insensitive in the manner in which she fails to understand a young woman's mind and heart. To make it worse, her pride is pricked when she is challenged so much so that she asks for Devasena to be imprisoned and brought before her.

Her insistence that even Amarendra will need to fall in line is what leads Mahishmati to its downfall. In that sense, Sivagami is almost Shakespearean, a King Lear like character. Her tragic flaw is to judge without thinking, with her ego driving her to issue orders, only to regret later.

Again, even though Sivagami refuses to be influenced by cunning Bijjaladeva, she is certainly blinded by motherly love, trying to please and appease son Bhallaladeva, who she is afraid she may have hurt by denying him the throne. She isn't a perfect mother because she does not realise what is going on in Bhallaladeva's mind and the plots he is weaving.

In Rajamouli's book, Devasena is Arjuna, a competitive warrior who can wield the bow and arrow with finesse. The eye of the fish for her is her sense of dignity. The fact that the Queen of Mahishmati does not recognise the need to respect her sets her on a collision course with Sivagami. Torn between the two most important women in his life and the sense of right and wrong, Amarendra chooses the right path. That it is in Devasena's company is again a commentary on how central Sivagami's character is to the entire conflict in the Baahubali story.

Bahubali 2 is set in a timeless era, though interestingly in the opening scene, there is a reference to Dandakaranya, the theatre of Maoist conflict in present-day India. But it is modern in its approach in the manner in which it deals with a subject like sexual harassment. The importance of not crossing the line with women and crossing it at your own peril is beautifully woven into the storyline. Though the barbaric instant justice that is meted out reduces the powers-that-be at Mahishmati to a kangaroo court, the fiery nature of the two women protagonists defines Amarendra Baahubali's path.

The messaging of Bahubali 2 therefore is important. It stresses that when a girl grows up with the freedom to make choices  in Devasena's case by taking archery lessons, choosing her life partner and being given the right to reject a matrimonial alliance  she can be her own person and develop into a strong personality, who doesn't break down even when chained for 25 years in the palace courtyard.

Baahubali 2 underlines that the woman alone has the right to make a choice about who will be her partner and consort and it is for others in her family to assert themselves to make sure no one takes away that right from her.

Rajamouli highlights that between a man and a woman, even if they are king and queen, it has to be an equal relationship. That the wife should not flinch from asking from her husband what she expects of him. "Get back the kingdom,'' says Devasena to Amarendra.

The third female character Avanthika, played by Tamannah has a blink and miss role in Bahubali 2 but she too is not the archetypal consort to a would-be king. She had the meaty part in Baahubali: The Beginning where she plays a tribal warrior, who can protect both herself and her clan from predators. Rajamouli's Devasena and Avanthika, in that sense are 21st century women, with a mind of their own. Who can love as well as kill. None of the three are cardboard characters, reduced to being part of the scenery.

Interestingly, even in the making of the movie, the women in Rajamouli's family are an integral part. His wife Rama is in charge of the costumes while both Rajamouli's daughter and cousin and music composer MM Keeravani's daughter are part of the ensemble Mahishmati cast.
Model Preeti Jain has been convicted on charges of conspiracy to kill filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar. She is now out on bail for Rs 15,000 and her sentence has been suspended for four weeks so she can approach the High Court.

Preeti had first come into the news for a whole other reason  and how she ended up on the other side of the law is a story that is as strange as it is, right out of a Hindi film.

In 2004, Preeti accused Madhur Bhandarkar of rape and lodged a complaint with the Versova Police where she alleged that the filmmaker had raped her 16 times between 1999 and 2004 with the promise of casting her in his films. She also alleged that he promised to marry her and produced SMS texts, where he had reportedly asked for sexual favours, as evidence.

Bhandarkar claimed that the complaint was cheating-related, not about rape. In 2011, a Mumbai court found substance in her complaint and asked Bhandarkar to face the trial. He challenged the lower court's order before the higher court, which too rejected his plea.

In 2011, the police filed a report where it stated that the claim against the filmmaker was 'maliciously false'. The court rejected this report and held there was prima facie a case against Bhandarkar.

The Bombay High Court confirmed the magisterial court's decision to continue with Bhandarkar's prosecution. In 2011, the Bombay high court asked the filmmaker to face the trial in the case. He challenged the court's order, which was later set aside by the Supreme Court.

In 2012, Supreme Court justices H L Dattu and C K Prasad passed an order quashing the ongoing criminal proceedings, noting that Preeti Jain did not want to pursue the case against Bhandarkar and that the Mumbai police had earlier called the claim false and thus given him a clean chit.

While the court case had enough twists and turns for a regular potboiler, it was a year later that things got, well weirder:

In 2005, Preeti was arrested for hiring a contract killer to murder Bhandarkar. She was to pay Rs 75,000 to Naresh Pardeshi, the associate of infamous Mumbai don Arun Gawli to kill the filmmaker. Reports suggest that the model demanded her money back because the execution failed to take place. When Gawli was made aware of this, he instructed his lawyer to file a complaint against her at the Agripada police station.

She had paid Rs 45,000 of the total amount when she was caught approaching the Akhil Bhartiya Sena to get back her money. It was reported that the weapons were obtained from Lucknow. Jain had provided a picture of Bhandarkar and his close friend Ashok Pandit, who was also a witness in the case.

The rape case was cited as one of the reasons why she wanted the filmmaker dead. After a week long probe, the police arrested her while she was on her way to the Versova Police station and detained Pardeshi. A third person, Shivram Das, was also arrested for helping to arrange the weapons and shooters.

The initial trial began at a fast-track court in Sewri, which shut down, and consequently, the case was transferred to the sessions court. She was awarded a three-year imprisonment and found guilty of conspiracy, aiding and abetting crime.

Also read on Firstpost: Preeti Jain, model who accused Madhur Bhandarkar of rape, convicted for conspiracy to kill him.
Popular model and TV host Sonika Chauhan was killed in a car accident, while her co-passenger actor Vikram Chatterjee was seriously injured. The SUV in they were travelling in met with an accident in south Kolkata today.

Police said the SUV mounted a pavement while trying to avoid an approaching car coming from a nearby lane and partially tilted on one side at around 4:30 am near Rashbehari Avenue crossing.

Vikram and Sonika, who were on the driver's seat and front seat respectively, were brought out from the mangled Toyota Corolla Atlis by locals and rushed to a private hospital, police said. While 28-year-old Sonika was declared dead, Vikram was admitted to the hospital, the police added.

A pall of gloom descended as the news of the mishap spread and many Bengali film actors including Dev rushed to the hospital on E M Bypass. A friend director said Vikram was stable but in ICU. Initially, he was released from hospital but was later re-admitted because he complained of discomfort.

Mumbai Mirror reports that the duo was returning from a party, and that neither of them had their seat belts on. The four airbags in the car did not open, and the police is investigating whether Vikram was under the influence of alcohol while driving the car.

Sonika Chauhan, a popular face in city and Mumbai modelling circuit, had also been hosting a prime time show on a national channel. Vikram, whose last film Khoj had been screened at several film festivals, had also acted in Elar Char Adhyay and Ami Ar Amar Girlfriends.

(With inputs from PTI)
By Sharanya Gopinathan

In 2013, Malayalam actress Nazriya Nazim complained about a director going behind her back to use a body double in a steamy scene (exactly what happened to Hollywood actress Amber Heard) for a Tamil film. At the time, Tamil actress Nayanthara was quick to tell Nazriya that this is an industry where glamour sells and everyone knows it, so it looks funny for actresses to complain. Meaning, chill babes. It was a distressing exchange, but it drives home, in a sickening fashion, just how par for the course sexism in the industry really is.

Until now though, it seems like it was just something that people silently accepted, no matter what they really feel about it. The abduction and sexual assault of a popular Malayalam actress in February 2017 has thrown the doors wide open to conversations on sexism and discrimination, and it feels like south Indian actresses understand that this is their moment to speak out. It could be the fact that their colleague was sexual assaulted on her way home from a shoot that struck a nerve in an it-could-have-been-me way, or more likely, it acted as the sort of the tipping point in peoples hearts and the media, like the 16 December Delhi gangrape did in the national imagination. Whatever the reason, its clear that this is a moment that south Indian actresses are using to create something really special with, and its not just for themselves.

Tamil actor Jyothika who has close to a decades experience in the Tamil film industry, has had to play her fair share of annoying roles. Industry insiders will tell you that even at the height of her stardom she was on the receiving end of institutionalised sexism on the sets. Earlier this week, when she made a series of pointed remarks at the audio launch of her new movie Magalir Mattum, it clearly came from her experience about how the industry works, and you could see how visibly eager she was to talk about it.

Addressing her remarks to male directors, she talked about the way they cast women in their movies, and asked them to portray women on screen more responsibly. The best part was when she casually slammed directors for their sheer hypocrisy saying, Physically, you wont give your heroines the kind of dresses the women in your homes would wear, but at least, mentally give them roles with some intelligence.

Uh, burn! I irrationally processed that remark in a vice versa way: that she meant male directors portray women in clothes they wouldnt dream of permitting the women in their homes to wear. But even if you dont read it like that and go by the more palatable (and reasonable) assumption that the women in directors lives have lots of agency, its still a hilariously pointed attack on male double-standards. She finished by saying that irresponsible films which portray women in dangerous ways are socially responsible for whats happening to women all over India.

Which is great. While her own experiences in the industry fuelled some of the fire in her statements, she took the moment to contextualise her experiences and observations against the backdrop of implications for women nation-wide. Its about time, of course. People have been talking about the impact that cinema contributes to rape culture for decades now, but the fact that leading actors who have a huge stake in the business are talking about it means two things: that theyve clearly had enough of it, and that the stakes for everyone are so high they dont care what the consequences are.

And the consequences of pissing off men in the south Indian film industry can be huge. Just ask popular Malayalam actresses Manju Warrier and Bhavana. Back in 2014, soon after Dileep and Manju Warrier got divorced, Bhavana said shed been unofficially banned from the Malayalam film industry because she supported Warrier in the divorce. Rumours say that subsequently, alpha-sexist Dileep vengefully ensured that she missed out on several films.

That divorce was also the source of more sexism, most of it targeted at Warrier. When the divorce was made public, the Malayalam media took the opportunity to go full-Neanderthal: Warrier was called a bad mother because her daughter chose to live with Dileep and not her, and her decision to return to the movies was lambasted as proof of how unfit a wife and mother she had always been.

So when she lent her voice to the Dalit women-led workers collective Pembilai Orumai, a day after they announced their strike against Kerala Power Minister MM Mani on 23 April (for calling them boozers who engaged in indecent activities during successful agitation for workers rights in 2013), it was clear that the sub-text was that she was done with misogynistic allegations being lobbied at women who well do anything. Her carefully worded statement on Pembilai Orumais agitation was addressed to Mani, but it could have been addressed to anyone, from Dileep to trolls to the Malayalam media in general. She said that there are some men (emphasis mine but I feel would have been hers also) who think they can just say whatever they want to women, and added that the ministers remarks were an affront to all women who try reclaiming their dignity and standing on their own feet. It really drives home how easy it is to find the commonalities in womens experiences, especially on sexism and discrimination. You listening, Dileep?

Bhavana, for her own part, has taken this moment to assert her identity and strength. On April 1, she gave an interview to the Malayalam womens magazine Vanitha making allusions to sexual assault, saying her life has seen dark events, and that she has memories that she wishes she could erase. She said she believes it was people within the film industry who acted against her, and that for the sake of all women, she wouldnt rest until theyre punished.

She also reclaimed the narrative around her experiences in a subversive way. While everyone is always happy to see a certain kind of victim (weeping and broken), Bhavana reclaimed the narrative in an interesting and surprising way: through a tea ad. She starred in one that made allusions to the events mentioned in her Vanitha interview, leading trolls on social media to imply that she would say anything for money. Bhavana, I hope, just laughed her way to the bank, because, well, give me one reason why not? When it seemed natural (to some) for news outlets to profit off of their bizarre coverage of her life, it was unexpected and empowering to see Bhavana take the reins and make what she wanted of the events in her life, and to make no attempts at being the kind of victim the media (and patriarchy) wanted to see.

The media and patriarchy, of course, want to see very specific things from women. After Malayalam actress Amala Paul divorced her film director husband in 2016 when he told her she couldnt act any more, she was trolled for posting pictures of herself on social media in what can only be described by regular people as nice, normal clothes. Trolls, however, felt that she was dressing too glamorously to suit a woman who had just gone through a divorce, whatever that means.

South Indian film industries, like trolls, have strange ideal standards for women. Actor Parvathy recently pointed out that the industry has a racism problem, like Hollywood, and that it has an intersectional effect on women. She pointed out that a woman would never get a complex role like the dark-skinned Vinayakan in Kammattipaadam, a gangster movie starring Dulquer Salmaan, because of the industrys obsession with fair-skinned women. She also referred to the sexual assault of the leading actor to say that she too had suffered sexual violence in the industry. She said she wasnt speaking out to punish the perpetrators, but so that women across the country understand that this happens all the time, and to let them know that they arent a minority.

All of these women who have spoken out since the abduction and assault of the Malayalam actress have been doing so in different ways and on different platforms, but interestingly, theyre all bound by the fact that theyre doing it for the greater good. Whether theyre speaking about sexual assault, like Bhavana and Parvathy, or casteism, like Parvathy and Manju Warrier, or sexism, like Manju Warrier and Jyothika, theyre all using their personal experiences and platforms at this crucial moment to make a larger point about all women. Its clear that the assault of the actress has created an impetus for women to come together and stand up for something much larger than themselves.

And as interesting as the different observations that the actors are making, its the timing and the vehemence with which they speak thats really opening up the moment that the Malayalam actors assault had sparked. All the statements made carry the note of long-held frustration. They sound like theyve truly had enough, and arent going to be taking any more shit from anyone. And most excitingly, they sound wonderfully self-assured in the weight of their own beliefs, experiences and identities, and damn any of the consequences. They sound like women speaking truth to power.

The Ladies Finger (TLF) is a leading online womens magazine
By Alissa de Carbonnel

| TEHRAN

TEHRAN Iran's Oil Minister said on Saturday OPEC and non-OPEC countries had given positive signals for an extension of output cuts, which Tehran would also back.The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)meets in May to discuss oil supply policy. Oil prices fell last week though they closed higher on Friday on growing hope that OPEC might agree to extend production cuts long enough to reduce a global crude glut. "During these last days we received a positive signal from OPEC members and non-OPEC contributors in this agreement for cutting the production for extending this agreement for the second half of 2017," minister Bijan Zanganeh told reporters.

Zanganeh blamed the United States for lack of foreign investment in Iran's energy sector, citing political pressure on international oil companies.

"They (U.S.) cannot stop us, anyone cannot stop our activities for developing oil and gas but ... they can reduce the acceleration of our activities," he said.Under a deal reached in 2015, Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear programme in exchange for lifting of most international sanctions imposed on the country.

But many foreign investors have continued to be put off by obstacles to doing business in Iran, including lingering unilateral U.S. sanctions. (Writing by Parisa Hafezi; editing by John Stonestreet)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Jammu: BJP National President Amit Shah on Saturday began a country-wide 95-day tour from Jammu to strategise ways to strengthen the party at the grass-roots level with an eye to win the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

The visit assumes significance in view of the deteriorating security condition in the state and tension between coalition partners  the BJP and the PDP  following certain remarks made by some BJP leaders and a minister.

Shah arrived at the Jammu airport on Saturday morning, where the ministers and party leaders received him. He was later taken to the Government Guest House in a big cavalcade in a scooter and motorcycle rally.

Jammu wore a beautiful look with thousands of flags, flowers and banners donning the roads.

Flanked by BJP leaders Ram Lal, Jitendra Singh and Anil Jain, Shah is scheduled to address a meeting of MPs, MLAs, MLCs, VCs and state office bearers at the Government Convention Centre.

He will later address a large gathering of senior citizens at the same venue.

The BJP office in a tweet said that Shah today began the 95-day long country-wide visit from Jammu and Kashmir.

The main aim of the visit was to strengthen the party at the booth-level and to spread and reach out to the last man in the last row with the prime minister's pro-poor schemes, it said.

The BJP national president will inaugurate Nanaji Deshmukh Library and e-Library tomorrow, followed by release of a book at the party headquarters in Trikuta Nagar.

At the same venue, Shah will chair a meeting of the heads of department, he said.

The BJP national president will also hold separate meetings on Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Birth Centenary Karya Vistar Yojana, Aajeevan Sehyog Needhi and Finance, IT, Social Media and Election Management.

Shah's visit also assumes prominence in view of the tension between the PDP and the BJP last week which was followed by the meetings between Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deescalate the situation.
Chandigarh: The Border Security Force on Saturday handed over a 15-year-old boy to Pakistani authorities. The intruder had crossed over to Indian territory by mistake in Punjab's Abohar sector, an official said.

Razak Mai, a resident of Kasur district in Pakistan, was apprehended by BSF troopers on Friday afternoon when he inadvertently crossed the International Boundary, BSF spokesperson RS Kataria (Punjab Frontier) said.

"The Pakistan Rangers were contacted today (Saturday) and the Pakistani national was handed over to them on humanitarian grounds," Kataria added.

In 2017, the BSF has handed over six more Pakistanis who had crossed over.
Itanagar: China's claim on Arunachal Pradesh is baseless as it is an integral part of India, state BJP President Tapir Gao said on Saturday.

"Chinas claim is baseless. India has no boundary with China but with Tibet since China forcibly occupied Tibet in 1959 and they want to expand their boundary upto Arunachal which will not be accepted by the people of the state", Gao told reporters in Itanagar.

Earlier, the party staged a protest rally here against renaming of six places in the state by China.

They submitted a memorandum to Governor PB Acharya.
New Delhi: An undertrial was shot dead outside a district court complex in New Delhi in Rohini on Saturday while being brought for a hearing, police said.

"Rajesh, a notorious criminal, has been shot dead outside Rohini Court Complex. The shooter, 19-year-old Mohit is a resident of Jhajjar district in Haryana," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rishi Pal said.

The incident occurred while Rajesh was being brought by the Haryana Police to the district court.

At around 11.30 am, Mohit fired one bullet at Rajesh's chest, who died on the spot, the police said.

The incident took place outside gate number five of the court complex.

The police has arrested Mohit. They are interrogating him to ascertain the motive.

Rajesh, 38, was arrested in a murder case in December 2016 and was in judicial custody in a Haryana jail.

He was facing trial in 16 different cases in Haryana as well as in Delhi.
(Xinhua) 14:44, April 29, 2017

LONDON, April 28 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May said Friday that Britain stands steadfast in its condemnation of the destabilizing activity of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

In statement issued through Downing Street, May said the DPRK continues to take provocative action in the Asia-Pacific region. "In the face of this belligerence we stand steadfast in our condemnation of such destabilizing activity," she said.

"Their nuclear and missile tests are a violation of United NationsSecurity Council resolutions and international obligations, and a risk to global peace and stability," she said.

May made the remarks after she held bilateral talks with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abeon Friday.

Britain and Japan will continue to work with international community to maitain pressure on DPRK and work towards a peaceful solution, May said.

May also said she updated Abe on Britain's preparations for Brexit and reiterated the determination to make sure Britain remains the best place in Europe to run businessEnditem
New Delhi: Senior IPS officer T P Senkumar, recently reinstated as the state police chief, has moved the Supreme Court seeking contempt against Kerala government and

its Chief Secretary alleging "wilful, deliberate disobedience" of its order reinstating him.

The apex court had on 24 April ordered the reinstatement of Senkumar, saying he was transferred by the ruling LDF government "unfairly" and "arbitrarily". The contempt plea, filed against Chief Secretary Nalini Netto, alleged there was a "sinister intention" behind her "resolute refusal" to implement the court's direction and sought strict punishment against her.

"It is reiterated that the contemnor (Chief Secretary) is the author of the note (to remove him from the post of the State Police Chief) dated 26 May, 2016 and therefore would be reluctant to see the Petitioner (Senkumar) receive what is due to him by virtue of this court's judgement.

"Even if the Contemnor finally implements directions, she may at all costs delay the implementation solely to frustrate the Petitioner's cause," the plea alleged.

The petition sought punishment to Netto under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1972 for disobedience of the order and referred to a case involving the Chief Secretary of Karnataka in which the top court had ordered one month imprisonment to the official for not implementing the order.

Senkumar, who is due to retire on 30 June, has also urged the court to extend his tenure as State Police Chief for the period which was illegally taken off from him.

"The petitioner was appointed as the State Police Chief on 22 May, 2015 for a period of 2 years and was removed illegally, as found by this court, on 1 June, 2016.

Therefore, going by the principles of the judgement of this court in Prakash Singh's case, the Petitioner is entitled for his remaining tenure irrespective of superannuation," the plea, filed through advocate Haris Beeran, said.

Senkumar said he came across certain media reports indicating that the state government will not act on the judgement unless its certified copy is available to it.

Earlier, while reinstating Senkumar, the top court had said no one could help 'God's own country' (Kerala's tourism tagline) if "it is bent upon making irregular or illegal

appointments to sensitive posts".

It had set aside the order of the Kerala High Court which had upheld the Central Administrative Tribunal's (CAT) decision that had not found fault with the state government's decision to transfer Senkumar from the post of the state police chief which was taken over by Lokanath Behera.

The state government's contention that Senkumar was transferred as a fallout of the events after the Puttingal Temple tragedy, in which 110 people were killed in April 2016, and the infamous Jisha murder case last May, did not cut much ice with the apex court.

The state government had told the court that Senkumar's transfer was not a punishment for the "lapse" which had led to the Puttingal fire tragedy incident but it was for how he had handled the fallout of the tragedy and the dissatisfaction among the general public on the efficiency of the police.

The apex court, however, had snubbed the Kerala government and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan by putting questions whether he would remove the police chief if his

cabinet colleagues were under investigation in any case. The Kerala government had on April 11 defended in the apex court its decision to transfer Senkumar, saying he had

protected "erring" police officials in the 2016 Puttingal temple fire tragedy in which 110 people were killed.

The court, however, brushed aside the state government's reference to Senkumar's interference in the investigation in the Puttingal Temple tragedy and said the reference was somewhat incongruous.
Five days after a watchman was found dead on J Jayalalithaa's estate at Kodanad, the former Tamil Nadu chief minister's driver has been found dead in Salem. The former driver, identified as Kanakaraj, was also a suspect in the Kodanad incident.

According to a report in The Times of India, Kanakaraj was killed in a road accident on Friday night near Attur in Salem. It is said that he was on a bike when he was hit by a speeding car.

Kanakaraj, 36, who left the Kodanad Estate in 2012, was one of the prime suspects the police was looking for, for the murder of Om Bahadur, who used to work as a security guard at the Kodanad Estate.

On Sunday night, Om Bahadur, who used to work as a watchman on the Kodanad Estate owned by Jayalalithaa, was hacked to death. Since a few windows on the property were found broken, the police was initially investigating it as a case of robbery.

Another security guard, Krishna Bahadur, sustained serious injuries. When the police questioned Krishna, he told them a gang of 10 men arrived in a car and attacked them, killing his partner.

According to The Times of India article, Kanakaraj had gone to his native village on Friday. Once there, he had consumed alcohol and was riding a bike to go to Thalaivasal, which is when a car knocked him down.

A report on India Today said that while searching the property for missing items and documents, the police found a pair of burnt gloves belonging to Krishna Bahadur. Krishna initially denied the fact that the gloves belonged to him, but later accepted. Upon investigation, the police claimed that Krishna killed Om Bahadur wearing the gloves and tried to burn them later.

The police have detained him in Kothagiri hospital where he is being treated for his wounds, and are currently questioning him, the report further added.
On 14 April, a bystander shot an unusual video clip, which showed a young man, a 24-year-old shawl weaver named Farooq Ahmad Dar, tied to the bonnet of an army jeep as it led a convoy through a poll-bound Chewa hamlet in Budgam in central Kashmir. The man was used as a human shield by soldiers against the stone-throwing protesters as a voice speaking in Hindi can be heard saying, Stone throwers will meet the same fate.

Within minutes, the video was shared on social media and as soon as the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah shared it on his Twitter handle, it became the talk of the town. Omar pushed the video from social media to national and international media, which portrayed the event differently.

Another video that travelled from social media to the mainstream Indian media was the one that showed a couple of angry boys hitting troops returning from polling stations on 9 April, while the crowd was escorting them out of the polling station. The TV channels carefully edited the video to leave out that part where some of the boys were trying to shield the troops from those who were trying to hit them. In the video, the boys can be easily seen shielding the troops and hurl abuses against the assailants but even if the mainstream media had known it, they did not translate it thereby distorting facts and misinforming people.

The other videos which could not make it to the mainstream media, included that of the death of a stone pelting boy in Ratsuna village of Beerwah in Budgam when a CRPF trooper opened fire on him from a close range. The video was apparently shot by a poll officer. In another case, a mob escorted entire polling and security forces to safety amid anti-India sloganeering.

A glut of videos depicted alleged police excesses and the sparked outrage surfaced after government restored the internet services in Kashmir, which were snapped to ensure the smooth conduct of by-polls, as government believed that it would restrict youth from mobilising and supporting stone pelting and that it would prevent spread of rumours. The ban on internet failed to render desired results as the elections ended on a bloody note wherein eight civilians lost their lives and more than 150 were wounded after security forces opened fire on the protesters.

Voter turnout was the lowest in the last 27 years. A re-poll was held on 13 April, but only 2 percent of voters showed up for that too.

Disgruntled by the selective portrayal of news events, the youth of Kashmir have taken things into their own hands and are using alternate mediums like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social networking sites to show the ground situation. They consider mainstream media especially the Indian television channels a mere propaganda tool. The people in Kashmir have used their cell phones as a weapon against everything they despise: police excesses, routine stop and search operations and anti-militancy operations. Any cell phone can capture the misconduct of the security forces, thereby embarrassing an already embattled government. The social media in Kashmir is evolving as a space for dissenting opinions and people are using it to publicise their dissent and garner support from around the world. The netizens are almost running a parallel discourse and despite the multi-pronged crackdown the alternate media seem to be threatening the foundations of the mainstream media.

Mohammad Rafi, online media manager of one of the Kashmir based e-magazines said the new media was filling the gaps created by the formal media. It has really decentralised the whole information flow. The ordinary citizens produce news themselves thus keeping all the regulations at bay. The protestors, savvy with social media, communicate among local participants as well as stimulate an international response. But I dont think alternate mediums have been able to run a parallel narrative in Kashmir, he said, I think governments decision to ban social media is based on the international events particularly Arab spring and the role played by the alternate media in different uprisings.

On 27 April the government banned nearly 22 social networking sites and applications including WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter in Kashmir as it believes these are being misused by the anti- national and anti-social elements for transmitting inflammatory messages. The ban suggests that the media discourse has now decisively moved to the social media.

But the governments move has drawn criticism from different quarters.

It is a blow to the freedom of expression and (it) not only violates the Indian Constitution but international laws. There is no solid study, which says social media foments trouble in Kashmir. The restrictions are not reasonable. Even if one buys the argument of the government that, a video which shows police excesses creates trouble, authorities cannot punish the entire population for the acts of a handful of miscreants. We already have enough laws that can be used to push the accused. The ban appears to muzzle dissenting voices which will disfigure the image of worlds largest democracy, said Rafi.

As per media reports, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed 30 instances of internet shutdowns, with ten instances in 2016. These figures are higher in Kashmir than in any other state of India. The longest period of mobile internet blackout happened after the killing of popular militant commander Burhan Wani on 8 July, 2016. The ban continued for quite a few months and postpaid mobile services were restored only in mid-November while prepaid services were restored on 30 January this year.

A Srinagar-based journalist, who wished to be not named, said that during the 2016 uprising every newspaper was sent a diktat not to carry photographs of pellet victims and protests. Mainstream media is bound to follow certain government policies, but alternate media is ubiquitous and free. People here are using social media to record the daily happenings and broadcast it. There are no editorial policies and no hidden agendas. They simply share the happenings. This alternative discourse is puncturing the propaganda of most of the Indian TV channels, he said.

As per the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, Jammu and Kashmir has the highest internet penetration with 35-lakh internet subscribers and it has the distinction of having more internet subscribers in rural areas, which is the hotbed of militancy related activities. Against the 17.2-lakh internet subscribers in urban areas, there are 18.1 lakh such subscribers living in rural areas.

When Burhan Wani, who is believed to have opened a new chapter in Kashmirs militancy, joined the Hizbul Mujahideen in 2013, internet penetration was just 5-6 percent, which has now risen to nearly 27 percent. This multi-fold increase has directly helped the militants as the majority of the youth in Kashmir share the same sentiment.

With a huge base of 980,805,242 mobile users, the internet is changing the dynamics of information flow and with cheaper data plans, every youth is a potential citizen journalist. Soon after the internet service was restored, youth bought Reliance Jio sim cards, which provided them with free internet services. Equipped with the free high-speed internet, they began to live-stream the protest. The youths are risking their lives to make people aware about the ground situation in Kashmir.

On 12 February, at Frisal in south Kashmir, a bullet hit a protestor while he was live-streaming the stone-throwing incident at the site of a gun-battle. This was for the first time, stone-pelters were live-streaming the stone-throwing incident aimed at helping the militants to escape the security forces.

On 28 March, in central Kashmirs Chadoora, 14 kilometers away from Srinagar, hundreds of youth came out to clash with the security forces to help a militant trapped in a house. Zahid Rashid Ganai, 22, tried to live stream the video of the clashes near gun battle on his Facebook profile. He was hit by a bullet in his neck and died en-route from home to hospital. When his body was being brought home in an ambulance, police officers stopped the vehicle near Lal Chowk in Srinagar and did not let it go further. One of the boys attending to the body recorded the whole episode and uploaded it on his Facebook. The video went viral within hours, evoking sharp criticism against the police action. Along with Ganai, two other boys were killed in police action near the encounter spot in Chadoora. The clashes between the youth and security forces continued for days after that encounter.

Just hundred meters away from the encounter site, Shah Adil, a 24-year techie was live streaming the whole gun-battle as he felt the mainstream media was not showing the right picture and was biased. When media misrepresents the situation, we have to take things in our hand, he said adding that Kashmiris do not need the TV channels who twist facts for the sake of the TRPs. Look at their prime time debates they are so untrue that one feels like slamming the TV. If they show facts, people will not risk their lives. We risk lives for the truth. Its also a kind of Jihad for us, he said.

He argued that by going live, people deflated the security forces excuses of stray bullets causing civilian casualties. Every time a civilian is killed they would be-fool the world by saying a stray bullet has hit him. However, people now are exposing everything themselves. It has an impact as well. The police changed their statement regarding the killing of a civilian at Chadoora. First, they said a stray bullet hit him. But after a video showing police directly shooting a protector came forth, they changed their story, Shah said.

On 1 April, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, claimed on the floor of the Lok Sabha that a new trend has emerged in Kashmir wherein social media was being used by groups based in Pakistan to provoke protest activities. I will appeal to the youth not to be misguided by Pakistan. Some social media applications like Facebook are used to gather youth at the places of encounters. Those are based in Pakistan, he said.

Police have also felt that social media was being used by the militant groups to influence youths and considered the rampant uploading of violent videos to be threat to peace regardless of the content the video was showing. A police officer, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the militant groups send audio messages to instigate youth to reach encounter sites and have posted fake videos on Facebook showing security forces committing atrocities on people. During the Chadoora encounter, we intercepted hundreds of messages which originated in the neighbouring country. The message would ask people to help the militants flee as they are their brother and are fighting to liberate them. With these social networking sites, the militants are in touch with their Over Ground Workers, who motivate youth into violence and ultimately into militancy, he said.

During a press conference on 30 March, the Director of Police, Shesh Paul Vaid said that enemies of India across the border use social networking sites to foment trouble in Kashmir. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, the DGP said that some elements misuse social media to disturb peace in the Valley. I would say this is a misuse of social media by people inimical to peace in the Valley and to our country. The moment an encounter starts, they activate around 300 WhatsApp groups, each having more than 250 members, and other social networking websites like Facebook get activated, instigating young boys to reach the encounter site and throw stones so that the terrorists escape from the spot, he said.

Some of these accounts have been traced across (the border). It is an attempt by the enemies of India to create problems. All these numbers are being monitored and we will take action against those operating them from here, he said. Forces and police take the cover of a bulletproof vehicle or a house. Youths coming to the encounter sites are committing suicide, he added.

This desperate attempt of the Kashmiri youth to get themselves heard at the international forums is challenging the mainstream narrative. The governments failure to reach out to this dejected youth has left them with no choice but to innovate a different flow of information. The experts, however, fear that imposition of an e-curfew can potentially further aggravate the situation as youth will feel chocked and pushed to the wall. As a former member of the National Security Council said once, I will prefer the youth in Kashmir to engage in protests on Facebook, rather than come out on the streets pelting stones against the security forces. With the shutting down of online spaces, people who were showing their resentment through online platforms will join their brethren on the streets, which will have far-reaching consequences for the unrest in Kashmir.
Known for its green cover, life is wilting in large swathes of the Gods Own Country under unrelenting drought. The rain god has spurned Kerala, endowed with 44 rivers and many backwaters, but the disaster is as much to do with nature as with humans. For a state that has never heard of water-rationing, it has turned into a routine and many are forced to trek long distances to quench their thirst.

Though people are finding excuses in climate change and global warming, they have conveniently ignored the self-inflicted damages. They talk about shrinking forest cover but are non-committal on key issues including protection of Western Ghats that plays a key role in breaking up rain clouds over the state, monsoons entry point in the subcontinent.

Two expert committee reports aimed at saving the fragile ecology of Western Ghats, Madhav Gadgil and Kasturirangan, are gathering dust but the government dreads to touch them fearing the wrath of people living in the fringe areas of the Western Ghats. Political parties stoke enough fire and do little to dispel fear of people. Since many settlers in fringe areas are Christians, church takes the lead in stoking fear. An impending disaster is yet to open its eyes.

It is a fact in Kerala, a section of the church tops in land-grabbing. So it is scared of expert reports intended to save the Western Ghats, said environmental activist John Peruvananthanam.

But the church stoutly denied these charges. In the name of ecological terrorism, poor farmers cant be thrown out. We respect the environment but it should not be at the expense of people, says Remigiose Inchananiyil, bishop of Thamaraserry diocese, justifying the protest.

Last year Velappan, a poor farmer in north Keralas Wayanad, was forced to sell his three cows after he was wrongly convinced that the government would impose a ceiling on the number of cows. When the controversy over Gadgil and Kasturirangan reports died down he bought five more cows, but four of them died last month for want of water.

Deprived of water, people like him face another threat from wild animals, which have started raiding their settlements in search of water, endangering their lives. It started as early as last October when large herds of elephants made human habitats their permanent dwelling. Three persons were gored to death in separate incidents in Wayanad and Idukki districts last month. Many also complained that peacocks have started roaming around their habitat.

Naked exploitation of nature  forest encroachment, tree felling, mindless quarrying, sand smuggling and poor water conservation  has taken a big toll. More than 300 illegal mining units are still working in the Western Ghat region of the state. They have the political backing and silence those who question them, Peruvanthanam told Firstpost.

The state is yet to learn a lesson from its mistakes  the panoramic hill station of Munnar is a testimony to this. All are in a race to convert the picturesque hill station into a concrete jungle.

Sriram Venkataraman, IAS officer and sub-collector, who took the land mafia head on was silenced by the government. State power minister, hailing from the area, even said he should be sent to a mental asylum. Sadly Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan even instructed his bureaucrats to consult the minister, considered close to the land mafia, before taking any decision on encroachment.

Nature never requires human beings to survive, but human beings need it desperately. There has to be a healthy co-existence between two. Sadly it is not happening here. After intense study, we have submitted a scientific agenda for discussion but it was overlooked, said VS Vijayan, bio-diversity expert and member of the Madhav Gadgil panel.

The Union government was forced to set up an expert panel under eminent ecologist Gadgil following widespread concern that the ecology of the Western Ghats, a Unesco heritage site, was under serious threat due to human incursion. In 2003, he had submitted his report. When all six states (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu), coming under the shadow of the Western Ghats, opposed the Gadgil panel recommendations, a working group was constituted under Kasturirangan, former Isro chief.

A diluted one, Kasturirangan made some changes in the zonal classification and reduced the fragile area to 37 percent from the 63 percent recommended by Gadgil. But the toned down report was also rejected by the church and people living in the periphery of the Western Ghats.

A close look at both the reports shows there was no mention about the eviction of farmers and others settled in bordering areas of forest. Rather it kept tough restrictions on mindless quarrying, deforestation and mining to save the ecologically-sensitive hotspot. And these areas cannot have buildings and constructions exceeding 20,000 sq.feet, red industries and big townships. But all failed to convince agitating residents who see it as a ploy to evict them.

Vijayan told Firstpost that both the reports had enough safeguards to protect farmers and the poor people living in the fringes of the Western Ghats. If the government has the will it can implement them by taking good points from both without hurting people.

People who are opposing the implementation of the reports are shedding crocodile tears. They are using the poor people as a shield to save large extents of land they have encroached on in the Western Ghats, he said adding that the church was the biggest culprit in this regard.

It is sad as ll eye immediate gains. Reeling under severe drought conditions, it is high time for the state to sit up and think. Otherwise it will face many such natural furies, says N Bhadusha, an activist in Wayanad.

In desperate time there are some silver linings also. In Alapuzha, people ploughed a well to retain a river that was dead for two decades. Around 700 workers toiled for 70 days to recreate the dead river. In Pookottukavu, a sleepy village in Palakkad, women took the lead in digging 186 wells in six months to tide over the crisis. Several panchayats have made rainwater harvesting facilities mandatory for new houses. The worried state has showcased a project, Haritha Keralam, to revive and recharge all water bodies.

Environmentalists believe that projects like Haritha Kerala will not salvage the situation unless the Western Ghats, which brings rain, is protected. What is the point in treating the body without head, asks Vijayan.

He said political parties were watering down their commitment to environment because of narrow political compulsions and vote bank politics. They all eye immediate gains not a long-term strategy. He said it was time for them to shed such ill-conceived notions for the larger interest of nature.

It is true, if you cant be in awe of Mother Nature something is wrong with you. It is time for Kerala to take a fresh look at the need to conserve and preserve nature. Many natural calamities can be contained to an extent if it is done, says Vijayan.

As part of an eight-part series, Firstpost is covering various aspects of the near-calamitous drought situation in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. This series includes ground reports on the ongoing water crisis in south India.

Part 1: Five states face severe water crisis made worse by the onset of summer

Part 2: Chennai slum dwellers forced to beg for water, authorities remain helpless

Part 3: Parched lands in Nagapattinam lead to distress migration

Part 4: Water crisis in Tamil Nadu is a manifestation of climate change, say experts

Part 5: As Karnataka reels under severe water crisis, residents brace unofficial rationing

Part 6: Parched rural Karnataka sees mass migration but officials stay in denial

Part 7: Kerala's efforts to revive water bodies bear fruit at grassroot level
Ludhiana: A major fire broke out at a yarn factory in Gopal Nagar locality of Basti Jodhewal in Ludhiana on Saturday, officials said.

Smoke and flames could be seen emanating from the factory from a distance soon after the incident was reported in the afternoon, fire department officials said.

Eight to 10 fire tenders of Ludhiana Municipal Corporation were pressed into service to douse the flames, they said.

No loss of life was reported, said Surjit Singh, a fire department official.

However, the goods and machinery in the factory were badly damaged, he said.

Notably, Saturday's incident comes barely three days since three labourers were burnt alive in a fire that broke out at a cotton spinning mill situated in the Industrial Area in Ludhiana.

Fire incidents have been reported on many occasions in garment factories in Ludhiana.

A year ago, three labourers were charred to death in a fire that broke out in a garment factory on Bajra road.
New Delhi: While the quantum of money involved in terror financing incidents in the country is "very, very minuscule", the damage done by such activities is significant, a top security official said on Saturday.

Advisor (technical) in the home ministry, Ashok Prasad claimed it was "much easier" for the security agencies to catch a terrorist than track his illegal money as the routeing of funds is done through various methods like hawala and also transported by some people returning from Haj pilgrimage.

He said detection of terrorist financing was akin to "catching raindrops" or like finding "a needle in a haystack".

Prasad was addressing officers of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) while delivering the keynote address on the subject 'Terrorist Financing' during the annual ED day event held in New Delhi.

"The quantum of money in terrorist financing is very, very minuscule, hence it is so difficult to detect. However, despite the small scale of such funds... It (damage to the economy) is very significant...it is the most visible threat to national and international security," the former Jammu and Kashmir DGP said.

The retired IPS officer said the funding of terror activities and routeing of funds is done through various methods like depositing money in individual accounts which can be later withdrawn by a person in another city using an ATM card or through jewellery sale and purchase.

He said such money is also transported out and brought back to the country by some people who go abroad for performing Haj, and also by misusing diplomatic channels where such funds are sent to people in embassies of countries inimical to India.

The "main channel" for terror financing is the hawala route, he said.

Hawala pertains to using the legal banking channels to send illegal funds escaping the notice of regulatory and probe agencies, and also where people are used as couriers to transfer huge amounts of funds.

He asked investigative agencies like the ED and others to work in concert with the intelligence agencies as getting a good snoop information was and is the most important part in cracking down on terror financing.

The need of the hour is to improve intelligence gathering, develop intelligence assets and analytical tools, he said, adding intelligence sharing in such instances was "rudimentary".

Prasad claimed terror financing was difficult to catch as, in a number of cases, the funds come from certain state agencies with the support of the country concerned.

Prasad said while there was "no official quantification" of money involved in terror financing in the country, he had information that a large terror group active used to get Rs 1 crore a month. He, however, did not disclose the identity of the terror outfit.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed Cyprus' support to India's bid for membership of the 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades also reaffirmed support for the "enhancement of the representative character" of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with India as a permanent member in the expanded body.

He also emphasised on making the UNSC "more effective, efficient and representative of the contemporary geopolitical challenges".

The two leaders also supported forward movement on the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on UNSC reform and reiterated their commitment to make continuous efforts to move towards text-based negotiations.

"Both leaders underlined their shared interest in strengthening global non-proliferation objectives. In this context, Prime Minister Modi appreciated the support of Cyprus to India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

"India's membership will enable it to contribute further to global non-proliferation objectives," a joint statement released by the ministry of external affairs said.

The two sides exchanged views on developments in their respective regions and on international issues of common concern, most notably the fight against international terrorism, it said.

They also discussed ways to reinforce measures to stem the financing of terrorism and disrupt the revenue stream towards terrorist groups, the statement said.

During their delegation-level talks on Friday, Modi and Anastasiades had strongly pitched for decisive action against states supporting, sheltering and sustaining "violence factories" in their regions.

"The two sides welcomed the recent adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2347 (2017), aiming to combat the unlawful destruction of cultural heritage, religious sites and artifacts, and the smuggling of cultural property by terrorist groups during armed conflict," the statement added.

Both countries also shared the view that the successful conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), proposed by India at the UN, remains a priority and will be a decisive step to further strengthen the global normative framework that will support vigorous international action against terrorism.

Anastasiades is on a five-day visit to India which concludes on Saturday.
"Remove the 'r' from chinar and what do you get?" This is the sort of cryptic reference one gets these days to what might ensue in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Already, China controls the vast Gilgit-Baltistan region in the northwest of the state, which Pakistan formally declared to be its fifth province recently.

Chinas strategic objectives with regard to the rest of the state are not entirely clear. It really is time for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to gird itself for the extremely tough and challenging diplomatic engagements over the troubled state.

UN forums

It is quite possible that the Kashmir issue will figure prominently at this years United Nations General Assembly. While India may be used to answering Pakistan with aplomb, the range of supporters for Chinas cause may prove to be another matter altogether.

China has influence in many parts of the world. This includes a large number of African nations, many of whom have been deeply upset in recent months about the treatment of African expatriates in India.

Already, photographs and videos from Kashmir have shaped strong sympathy for the cause of Kashmiri independence across the world. Leading western media platforms, including The New York Times, have weighed in strongly on the issue.

Sino-Pak axis

The government not only needs to respond with far greater sensitivity on the ground, it also needs to change its mindset with regard to its external opponent. Focusing on Pakistan as a specific country is inadequate. It is a Sino-Pak axis that stares India in the eyes.

That axis has evolved gradually over the past 54 years. Even if it was possible to avoid ostrich-like to acknowledge that in the past, it has loomed unavoidably large since last year.

Viewing the issue through the prism of religion-based antagonism has greatly damaged Indias cause. The worst part of this is that this prism is a major part of our ruling strategists equipment.

Intrusions continue

On the ground in Kashmir, there have been several straws in the wind over the the past couple of years to indicate that the issue has plugged into the unstated but the obvious Sino-Indian rivalry over future strength vis-a-vis each other.

A Chinese flag was put up by protestors in Baramulla last year. And one has occasionally come across even villagers talking of Chinese claims and interests in Kashmir.

There can be no getting away from the fact that the state is central to the CPEC project in which Chinese President Xi Jinping has invested much money and personal prestige. The Sino-Pak relationship has deepened into one of the most important ones in the emerging world.

China has periodically sent troops into India-controlled parts of the state since late 2008. India has termed these invasions as "intrusions," but there is no getting away from the fact that Chinas intentions with regard to the state are not benign. It also stopped accepting the Indian passports of residents of the state for a while in 2009.

One hears there was another "intrusion" in Chushul on 25 April. This is where Chinese troops arrived in 1962 too. The need for careful assessment and preparations have increased after Chinas angry reactions to the Dalai Lamas recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

Trio of ministries

The unfolding situation in the Kashmir Valley too must be viewed in the light of the geostrategic context.

It was already clear immediately after militant commander Burhan Wani was killed last July that the Home Ministry had failed comprehensively. It was time already then for the Defence Ministry to pull up its socks.

It has now become clear that, while the Defence Ministry needs to make very urgent preparations, it is already time for the third of the central ministries that have traditionally handled Kashmir, MEA, to also pull its act together, urgently.
Vice-President Hamid Ansari described terrorism as "pandemic", and said it affected every country and society. Every nation faced the problem of terrorism to a "greater or lesser" degree, Ansari told the media as he wound up a visit to Armenia and Poland.

"But some countries come up with legal technicalities in defining terrorism as an excuse to try to avoid committing themselves (to fighting terrorism)," he said aboard Air India One Special Aircraft on his way back to India.

Replying to a question on adopting the India-led Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), he referred to the time when he was the permanent representative of India to UN, and India had introduced a proposal on CCIT.

It was struck down because there were differences on the definition of a terrorist, he said. "Those who do not want this to make progress come up with legal technicalities," he said. "It is an excuse on part of some countries to try to avoid committing themselves," he added.

Speaking about the two-nation visit, the vice-president said it had been "productive". "Armenia and Poland are friendly countries and we were able to regenerate interest in mutual cooperation," he said.

To a question on whether India was exploring the potential of working with Armenian innovative projects, the vice-president said, "We need to see where and what the innovation is and where it will fit into our requirements."

Armenia has been making a mark in areas such as renewable energy and development of vaccines and drugs. On Poland, Ansari said Warsaw had "done its own homework" in identifying India's rising profile and becoming its major trading partner.

Poland, he pointed out, had the largest economy in Central Europe. "With the Polish president and prime minister, we were able to identify some specific areas where cooperation between these two countries is either starting or can start very soon," he said.

The two countries focused on three particular areas of interest: Clean coal mining technology, agricultural products and techniques and defence cooperation, he said. The vice-president said he had suggested that Poland join the Make in India programme. Instead of being a seller, it could become an India-based seller, which would give it additional advantages.

The Polish side reacted "very positively" to the suggestion, he said, adding that there would be "substantial progress" in the coming day when the Polish president visited India. Poland had identified some markets in Asia as priority markets, and India was one of them, he said.

Reacting to a question on India's image abroad, the vice-president said multiple images are a fact of life. In this context, he referred to India's Mars mission and launch of satellites for other countries. "A common man looks at our strengths in Information Technology. Indian IT professionals are present all over the world. We have to take note what ISRO is doing, what IT is doing and what Indian scientific research is doing," he said.

Ansari added that India, on the other hand, had to also deal with poverty and inequality. "But despite all this, we have been able to, for seven decades, run a democratic system on a monumental scale," he added.

Ansari, who reached Yerevan, the Armenian capital, on 24 April, met the top leadership of the country, including the president and the prime minister.

Three agreements were signed in cultural cooperation, youth affairs and the peaceful use of space. In Warsaw, Poland communicated to India that it supported India's permanent membership at the expanded UN Security Council.

Ansari met the Indian community in Poland and encouraged them to bring more business and investments into India. An MoU

was signed in the field of agriculture and he inaugurated a new embassy complex in Warsaw.
Kolkata: At least 10 students of a college in West Bengal were suspended for writing about love, Hindi and Bengali film songs and poems instead of answers to questions in their semester exams.

The students were from Balgurghat Law College in Malda, affiliated to the University of Gour Ganga.

"They were third-semester students at the college. They could have written wrong answers but they chose to write slang, abuses and things about love, including lines from Hindi and Bengali film songs.

"A fact-finding committee was formed to probe this and the guilty have been suspended for two years," Sanatan Das, Controller of Examinations (Additional Charge), at the varsity told IANS over phone on Saturday.

Das said the students have admitted in writing that they had written "nonsense".

Sample this: One had penned "Tu shayar hai, main teri shayari" while someone else had lamented how his girlfriend refused to listen to him.

"Usually the suspension duration is one year in case of disciplinary action but since what they had done is extremely objectionable and defeats the purpose of examinations, we extended it by a year.

"This is sheer nonsense. They can take readmission in the same course at the end of two years and appear again," Das said.

He said the results of the examination that took place last year were published in January 2017.

"Out of around 150 students, only 40 passed the exams and when the results were declared they vandalised college premises. Not only did they write nonsense to kill time, they also resorted to violence which is totally unacceptable," he said.
(Xinhua) 15:39, April 29, 2017

ZHENGZHOU, April 29 -- Chinese livestreams have broadcast everything from dating to putting on makeup. Now the craze has entered schools and is raising concerns about privacy and child safety.

On Shuidi Zhibo, a livestreaming platform, more than 200 videos show students attending classes, taking exams or playing during breaks.

These videos were recorded on various campuses around the country ranging from kindergartens to senior high schools.

"Someone is playing with a mobile phone," said one comment under a video with more than 34,000 viewers.

"The boy in the last row is napping," another comment followed.

One of the most watched videos was recorded at No. 1 Senior High School in the city of Yuzhou, central China's Henan Province. Principal Wen Mingjian told Xinhua that the school purchased webcams after requests from parents and teachers, to encourage better behavior and prevent bullying.

"Most of our students are left-behind children. Webcams allow their parents to see they are attending school," said Cheng Yafeng, a teacher.

Shi Shuangyan, a migrant worker in Beijing, said he liked to watch his child in class thousands of miles away. However, he opposes livestreaming of the videos, suggesting that they should only be seen by teachers and parents.

Video surveillance is common in Chinese schools, but mainly for security and exam monitoring.

In recent years, livestreaming has turned many ordinary people into overnight celebrities. China has more than 300 livestreaming platforms and more than 340 million people have watched live videos. With such a big market, can anything be broadcast online? The answer is obviously no.

Livestreaming in schools has raised concerns about students' mental health, privacy and safety.

Many students see livestreaming as an violation of their rights. A student from Yuzhou No. 1 Senior High School said: "I hate it. It makes us feel like animals in a zoo."

In a recent survey by iQiyi, an online video platform, around 67 percent of 19,637 interviewees were opposed to livestreaming of classes.

"Publishing videos involving minors, without their consent, invades their privacy," said Yao Weiyao, deputy director of the juvenile protection committee of the All-China Lawyers Association.

In addition to privacy concerns, critics also worry that catching students' every movement on camera may jeopardize their mental health and even their safety.

"It may increase stress on students and is likely to damage their relationships with their parents. No one wants to be monitored all the time," said Zhao Yueling, deputy head of Henan institute of mental health.

Zhao added that parents should consider the effect on their children.

Police in Zhengzhou have suggested schools stop putting pictures of children online as many crimes targeting minors are caused by availability of such information.

Yuzhou No. 1 Senior High School stopped livestreaming after media reports provoked public criticism.

To protect the privacy of minors, Shuidi Zhibo published a statement on its website in late March, advising schools to choose "kindergarten sharing mode" on webcams.

"If teachers choose this mode, only specific groups like parents can watch," the statement said.
Once upon a time (before the 1960s), the world was a lot simpler and medicines were too.

The medicines available in the market then were all branded and each manufacturer of medicine had their own way to prepare a certain drug. The law at the time in USA and Europe required that medicines should maintain the manufacturing process as per the manufacturers specification. No safety, efficacy or quality data were required to be submitted to the authorities by the manufacturer prior to marketing the drug.

The Sulfanilamide Elixir Disaster (1937), Thalidomide Tragedy (195060s) as well as contamination of various vaccines in the first half of the 20th century brought focus on the need for safety, effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis of using powerful drugs in various diseases. This concern ran parallel to the exponential rise in the development of new drugs especially new antibiotics.

In the 1960s, the USA changed its laws which then required drug manufacturers to demonstrate that a particular drug works as they claim it would before they could sell on the market. This was the birth of the modern avatar of United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) (though the body was originally established in 1906). The evidence of effectiveness demanded by the USFDA gave rise to extensive clinical trials which in turn encouraged scientific rigor through evidence based medicine (EBM). In addition to basic science research to discover new drugs, clinical trials required thousands of patients to be administered the drug to be tested and proof of efficacy of a medicine established scientifically. The results were to be submitted to the regulatory body for approval. Today costs of developing a new drug and conducting clinical trials runs into millions and sometimes billions of dollars- The Cost Of Creating A New Drug Now $5 Billion. So when a successful drug comes through this long winded and expensive process, companies try to recover the R&D costs by selling those drugs at huge profit margins before the drug patent expires (typically about 1020 years depending on the country and less than that in some countries). This is why branded drugs are expensive when a new drug comes in the market. So the high price of branded drugs comes down to market economics and the societys need for the invention of new and effective drugs. It is watered down to this simplified axiom- No profits no R&D; No R&D no new drugs discovered.

The new regulations spread to the rest of the world. Most industrialized countries accepted it and evidence based medicine became the global standard. To ensure ethical and safe clinical trials, Helsinki Declaration was drafted in 1964 which brought in new rules to follow with regard to clinical trials. The clinical trials also created a difficult entry threshold for new companies to bring new products to the market since most of the new companies couldnt afford either good quality basic science research or the ever increasing costs of clinical trials.

In 1984, USA changed its drug regulatory laws again to regulate those manufacturers who manufacture the proprietary drug after its patent had lapsed. The new laws were aimed at simplifying the process, preventing reduplication of established results and for reducing cost threshold for new entrants. These new regulations didnt require the new manufacturers to repeat the expensive clinical trials of the original molecule but instead mandated that the new companies conduct and submit Bio-equivalence (BE) and Bio-availability (BA) studies to USFDA for approval of the drugs. The USFDA was also proactively involved in the enforcement of the good manufacturing practices in the factories even before BE/BA reports were filed. This ensured that quality was maintained throughout the whole process. These rules were again readily accepted by drug regulatory authorities throughout the world. This was the birth of the generic medicines market.

Bio-equivalence studies are tests to show that a generic version of the drug works just as well as the original formerly patented drug. Bio-availability studies conducted to ensure that the available active ingredient of the drug in the body is the same that provided by the original molecule. These studies typically require only a few hundred healthy volunteers. The costs of such studies are obviously much lower than full fledged clinical trials. This is why generics are so cheap. The manufacturers dont have to spend as much as the big pharma giants to bring these new drugs to the market. It was a win-win for both the pharma companies as well as the consumers- who now had to pay less for their medicines. It seemed like an ideal solution to rising costs of healthcare but a disaster was lurking in the background waiting to show its ugly head.

The ugly side of the generic medicine manufacturing and regulation (India perspective)

The introduction of generics and its proper regulation (BE/BA reports) ensured that European and American markets received good quality generics at lower costs supplied to their population. However poor laws and regulation in developing countries ensured that corners were cut resulting in low quality generics and contaminated drugs finding their way to patients especially in countries with large populations (India &China) and even poor countries of Africa (where even recording of drug-related deaths were absent). In India, the generic manufacturing boomed in the 80s and 90s due to lax laws and socialistic tendencies of successive governments which were only bothered about reduction in drug prices but not quality of the drugs manufactured. India now is placed 4th in the global generics market but leads the race in the global burden of counterfeit medicines as 75% of all counterfeit medicines traces its roots to India followed not very closely by Egypt (7%) and China (6%). The greed for cashing in on the foreign developed markets has resulted in reputed Indian pharma giants like Ranbaxy, GVK Biohealthcare, Dr. Reddys Laboratories being proven guilty of submitting fabricated BA/BE studies to push generics into the international markets. They pleaded guilty in the courts and had to give millions of dollars in settlements.

Only this year ( April 2017) did the Indian government enact amendments to the Drug and Cosmetics Act (1940) which made it mandatory for manufacturers to submit BE/BA reports for approval of generic medicines into the market. How seriously these rules would be enforced remains to be seen. The earlier regime only required BE/BA reports for generics of those patented drugs approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) within the first four years of introduction of the innovator drug. Beyond that no generics manufacturer required to submit any BE/BA reports to sell their drugs in the markets. Only the finished drugs are sometimes submitted for testing at the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and there is no regulation ensuring of good manufacturing practices presently. Currently only 0.01% of the drugs in the Indian market are even tested. Some of the generics are not even tested on basic effectiveness so they dont even have to put in an active ingredient which gives retailers sometimes 1000% profit margins. Due to such lax rules and regulations- substandard, contaminated and sometimes toxic drugs end up even in government generic medicine supplies.

When such generics produced with dubious manufacturing processes fail to pass muster in developed countries due to their strong regulatory authorities, they end up in remote domestic markets in India and several poor African countries. These substandard or fake drugs do not cause direct drug related deaths but by increase in deaths by not curing the disease as well as increase in multi-drug resistant strains in the community. For example in Tuberculosis, if drugs with low effective doses or no active ingredient is given, it doesn't cure the disease and increases incidence of drug resistant tuberculosis in the community. The deaths caused by this is attributed to multi-drug resistant tuberculosis strains while the real culprit is the substandard medicines supplied earlier. Similarly many strains of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria develop in such countries increasing disease burden in the community as well as making such infections difficult to treat. The Delhi Superbug is the result of such inadequacies as well as rampant unhindered use of antibiotics in the country.

There are three types of drugs in the market at present.

 Branded drugs which have brand names and is marketed/advertised to doctors and hospitals by reputed established companies.

 Branded generic drugs which are also manufactured by reputed companies but are dependent on retailers/chemists to drive sales.

 Unbranded generics which are manufactured from lesser known companies and many of them indulging in bad manufacturing processes and even sometimes not putting in the active ingredient of a particular drug.

Recently the Medical Council of India (MCI) issued a directive that all registered practitioners of modern medicine should write only chemical names in their prescriptions. On its own it is not a bad move and it was intended to fix the physician- pharma nexus that is deeply entrenched in India. However with such a poor regulatory regime in India it probably does more harm than good. The authority to dispense medicines has shifted from the doctor to often unqualified employees/owners of chemist shops and alternative medicine practitioners (because they are not bound to the MCI directive and can do what they want). This in my opinion is quite a dangerous trend. I recently wrote an article about my views on this new directive.

Whether a particular drug is branded or generic, its efficacy and safety profile should be the same. Often with the intention to reduce costs of medicines, less ethical means are taken to that end. If drug regulation is poor, unethical businessmen will stop at nothing to increase their profit margins. Our focus should not only be in reducing costs of drugs but more on ensuring that quality and reliable safe drugs reach the end consumers-the patients. The Indian government could do well to understand this aspect-so poignantly described this letter to US President Franklin D Roosevelt in 1937 by a woman describing the death of her child after a toxic drug consumption:

"The first time I ever had occasion to call in a doctor for [Joan] and she was given Elixir of Sulfanilamide. All that is left to us is the caring for her little grave. Even the memory of her is mixed with sorrow for we can see her little body tossing to and fro and hear that little voice screaming with pain and it seems as though it would drive me insane. ... It is my plea that you will take steps to prevent such sales of drugs that will take little lives and leave such suffering behind and such a bleak outlook on the future as I have tonight."
It really must be written in his stars.

Chetan Bhagat is never away from the limelight  controversies, some may call it  and when hes not in it, there are others pushing him towards. Most recently, an Anvita Bajpai has alleged that he plagiarised her short story, Drawing Parallels, rendering it as a novel  One Indian Girl. It seems at casual glance that Bajpai could well be an enviable apprentice of Mr Bhagat himself. Not only do they bear the same qualifications from the same institutes, their claim to fame rests on crying hoarse over justice denied. Remember how Bhagat sulked that the makers of 3 Idiots did not giving him enough credit?

Although, it may just be crying hoarse in the case of Mr Bhagat. Or is it crying?

Now, plagiarism is a serious charge. One that in many cases is difficult to reliably establish  unless theres a blatant copy-paste that most of us did through school and college assignments. Bless the teachers whod not awakened to Wikipedia. Or Google.

Forgive me, I digress because the matter at hand seems terribly yawn-inducing. Bajpai accuses Bhagat of lifting the emotional flow of her story, and sketching an identical protagonist  a woman, feminist, non-conventional, adventurously deviant especially in matters of relationships with the opposite sex; and she settles down in her third relationship by finding a balance for her family and other aspirations.

She has carefully drawn out other parallels  which you may read here  calling it an intelligent act of plagiarism. Now, that is not an adjective many of the ivory tower intellectuals, or the self-proclaimed ones, would accord to Bhagat. (Theyre pretty envious of how easily he makes those bestseller lists, and draws the crowds at literary festivals, and hence vengeance must necessarily be meted out by them assuming a higher cerebral mantle).

Skeletally speaking though, this could be anyones story  most of us perhaps have similar emotional flows in life, and theres nothing original about the story, either in society or in the repertoire of fiction. In fact, this story should have come a decade earlier, crafted finer. So why are Bhagat and Bajpai battling over a forgettable piece of, pardon me, literature? This echoes to that episode of FRIENDS where Chandler and Ross fight over who came up with that joke, published in the Playboy incomparably, until Monica intervenes: excuse me, thats a poor joke. Where is a Monica when we need her?

I decided to investigate, hence, and where better than Facebook to begin? Bajpais Facebook bio says Im awesome. This, in my humble opinion, is exactly what Chetan Bhagat feels he is, but a receding hairline and sophisticated PR and have taught him to be cleverer with it. So he rakes up Twitter wars with distasteful statements like The rupee is asking, is there no punishment for my rapists? He follows that up with One Indian Girl, feminist therapy for all the women caught in between tradition and modernity. In between that tweet and the book that will have proved his feminist affiliation, he proclaims, I now pronounce myself the thinking womans lust object. Those with IQ < 80, plenty of six packs around. Go stare.

Just step back, and take that all in. Solid PR strategy, huh?

Further, if youve read Ms Bajpais elaborate allegation in the link above, youd surmise she doesnt care much for language, much less for using it right. She also seems pretty affronted by the idea that Chetan Bhagat, fellow alumni (and future competitor?), called her someone. But she played cool  as if it was but expected of him. Feels eerily familiar? Id say she has well learnt to use the masters tools  the apprenticeship could be certified almost successful.

If you have a twisted mind like I do, and you have a man whose reputation precedes him, then you would  should  go a few steps further in building your case. Since his protege seems well-poised, at least determined, to give him a chase, do you think she is the plan? Did Bhagat plant her to pin him back on the controversy map. Or has she usurped him  finally found a way to leverage her short (story) and self by piggybacking on Bhagats notoriety?

And you thought this day would never come.

While you take a moment to digest that, let me give you this: Bhagat may not have produced remarkable literature, but we do owe him, as a nation, as individuals, as trolls, for bringing out the wit and sarcasm we knew not we possessed. Lets be grateful.

The writer's snooty alias claims responsibility for the above stated views.
New Delhi: The Congress on Saturday termed "political vendetta" the Dhingra Commission, set up by Haryana's BJP government to probe some particular land deals in the state including those of a company of party President Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra.

It also noted that the party had during its long stint in power never harassed the financers of its political opponents including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"Whatever commission it is, this is a political vendetta of the worst order," senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said.

"The Congress party ruled for decades. And we knew the business houses that were funding the BJP. But a Congress government right from the time of (prime minister) Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, never harassed or raised those who were funding the BJP," he added.
New Delhi: The Congress on Saturday replaced Digvijaya Singh as general secretary in-charge of poll-bound Karnataka as well as Goa, where the party failed to form government despite emerging as the largest single party.

The charge of Karnataka has been given to party MP KC Venugopal, who has been appointed a general secretary. A Chella Kumar has been named AICC in-charge of Goa.

A press release issued by the party said that four party secretaries  Manickam Tagore, PC Vishnunadh, Madhu Yashki Goud and Sake Sailjanath  will assist Venugopal.

"Congress President Sonia Gandhi has assigned the task of looking after Karnataka and Goa affairs to new AICC teams," the Congress release said.

Elections will be held to the Karnataka assembly in the first half of next year. The Congress is in power in the state.

The release said that party secretary Amit Deshmukh will assist Chella Kumar.

The Congress failed to form the government in Goa despite emerging as the largest single party. Election to the Goa Assembly were held earlier this year and the BJP formed the government with help of smaller parties.
Chandigarh: The Election Commission of India (ECI) will soon call a meeting of all political parties to assure them that the electronic voting machines (EVMs) were tampering-proof and secured, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said on Saturday.

He also said that the commission intends to use Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in all coming elections to bring in more transparency and boosting the confidence of people in the electoral process. "We will soon hold an all party meeting in which they will be told how our EVMs are non-tamperable and secured as per our administrative and technical safeguard system," the CEC told reporters here.

He was responding to questions about allegations levelled by various political parties against EVMs. Recently 16 opposition parties had urged the ECI to revert to ballot system, claiming the faith of the people in EVMs had been "eroded".

Zaidi also said that the ECI is planning to "hold a challenge" for which time frame is being worked out. The electoral body is planning to throw an open challenge, asking anyone to try hacking its EVMs to dispel doubts of any misuse, it is learnt.

The CEC also said that the ECI had placed an order for the supply of VVPAT machines for use in elections. "For VVPAT, we have got all the funds. We have placed an order for the supply of 15 lakh VVPAT with two PSUs Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronic Corporation of India (ECI)," informed Zaidi.

He said it is expected that by September 2018, around 15 lakh VVPAT machines will be ready. The Commission's objective is to use VVPATs in all the coming elections, he said.

India will "perhaps" be the first country where VVPAT will be used 100 per cent at all the poling stations. It will boost voters' confidence and will bring more transparency in the election process, he added.

Zaidi said that an awareness campaign will be launched to create awareness about the benefits of VVPAT, which generates a receipt allowing voters to verify that the the vote went in favour of the candidate against whose name the button was pressed on the EVM.

After Assembly elections earlier this year in five states  Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab and Manipur  many political parties raised their voice against the use of EVMs.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was vociferous against alleging probable misuse of EVMs while BSP leader Mayawati, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had also raised question about the polling machines.
Gorakhpur: Amid Opposition accusations of tampering of electronic voting machines (EVMs) to favour the BJP, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Saturday the Delhi civic polls had proved that the EVM stands for "Every Vote for Modi".

At a meeting of party workers in Gorakhpur, his parliamentary constituency since 1998, the chief minister said EVM for him meant - 'Every Vote for Modi'.

Questioning the Opposition over the allegations that EVMs were compromised, Adityanath wondered how those very people who had been elected in the past through EVMs were now questioning its reliability.

The Delhi Municipal Corporation election results have proved that for the people EVMs mean "Every Vote for Modi", he said.

He also said that EVMs were tamper proof and if anyone would try to manipulate it, it will shut down on its own.

On his second trip to Gorakhpur since he took over as chief minister, Adityanath also warned criminals to leave the state or face consequences. During his two-day visit the chief minister will review the law and order in the division and also kick-start 10 projects.
To handbag (verb)

[WITH OBJECT] humorous, informal

(of a woman) verbally attack or crush (a person or idea) ruthlessly and forcefully.

Love her or hate her, Margaret Thatcher made one indisputable contribution to humanity during her long reign as British Prime Minister: the addition of the excellent verb to handbag. As she herself once put it, "Of course, I am obstinate in defending our liberties and our law. That is why I carry a big handbag."

Closer to home, much ink has been shed speculating about Mayawati and her handbag. While I can say nothing on the whys and wherefores of the many statues incorporating that handbag, I can say: well, why not? Do you know of a statue of MGR without his cap and sunglasses? Or Gandhi without his spectacles? Mayawati wears salwar kurtas. She cant shove notes into her blouse. Practically, she needs a handbag. Still, being a woman in a mans world, just like Mrs T., perhaps she found the handbag not so much an accessory as a weapon.

I never carry one myself. It encumbers my freedom of movement. But you rarely find spacious, double-stitched pockets in womens clothing. So I like to wear mens shirts, or esle I seek out clothes with pockets. If my husband is with me, he gets to carry my wallet, phone and lipstick. He is a feminist. He feels honoured! He likes to tell people, Anita is like the Queen (of England). She never carries money. Or he likens me to Rod Stewart, the rock star, famous for the same reason. I am flattered.

Ive seen footage and photos of Jayalalithaa thousands of times, but Ive never seen her carrying a handbag. She also, presumably, had some flunkey toting her personal items and money. When thinking of her, we recall first her coats or capes, usually made from the same material, and of the same design, as her saris. How original, unusual and thought-provoking they used to be! Why did she wear them? Of course, Jalayalithaa was assaulted, her hair pulled and sari torn, at Assembly in 1989, while the new leader of the opposition. As soon as she was elected Chief Minister, she began wearing her superwoman cape-coats. No further opportunity to pallu grab would she offer her enemies. It really was an excellent idea, for it contributed to her image as impenetrable. People believed she wore a bullet proof vest underneath. And it gave her authority by resembling a mans attire. While I wouldnt go so far as to use the inelegant term gender-less, it certainly hid her womanly curves.

Read an excerpt from Anita Sivakumaran's book The Queen: Inspired by a true story of an actress who became a chief mnister

On the other hand, the mind boggled when news emerged of her thousands of saris and footwear. When would anyone have time to wear 10,000 shoes? One might generously conclude that Jayalalithaa did not keep count of all the presents she was receiving. Even that others were receiving them on her behalf. Still, did she never pass those endless racks of shoes and wonder? Or was there something more sinister going on? Was she waging her own, one-woman arms race? Did Karunanidhis home contain a similar arsenal of black sunglasses and yellow scarves?

At the opposite end of such seeming excess, we find Mamata Banerjee, Sonia Gandhi and Aung San Suu Kyi in simple cotton garments, shorn of jewellery and frippery. They give the impression of purity, but also strength. Think Gandhi and the power of handloom cotton cloth. Donning the cloth, of course, is shorthand for representing oneself as having inscribed Gandhian values.

Westward once more, Britain has its first female Prime Minister since Mrs T., and she aint one to shy from flaunting her fashion sense. Especially when it comes to those now infamous leopard-print kitten heels. As a woman, I admire the aplomb with which Theresa May flaunts her shoes and designer clothing. And those 900 leather trousers! I understand the kind of relentless attack shed face were she not to be so adroitly turned out. But as a woman who believes the female obsession with fashion encumbers female liberty, I also find it slightly distasteful. All that expensive fashion adorning a woman whose political party has imposed financial austerity on her country for years. In fact, this goes beyond a question of gender. Few male politicians in Westminster, I suspect, wear suits at under a thousand pounds a go. The armour must be worn

So, instead, let me just consider it intriguing that these powerful women politicians have spent so much thought on what they wear or carry. Let me look for deeper meaning in their decisions to carry conspicuous items of fashion. It makes me think of the Mahabarathas Pandava brothers, each associated with a particular weapon. Yudhistra had his spear, Bhima his mace, Arjuna his bow, Nakula and Sahadeva their swords. I have read that the modern western woman treats make-up as armour. Working in a mans world, she goes to war, forever struggling against the glass ceiling. I am not part of that world. I dont go into battle in my day to day life. Surely, though, there is nowhere more aggressive and male-dominated than the world of politics. Female politicians cannot wear war-paint. Heavy make-up doesnt cut it. Instead, they must find other, more acceptable accoutrements and accessories they can transform into weapons. Clothes, shoes, handbags. Spears, bows, maces, swords.

Grown men trembled at the sight of Margaret Thatchers handbag. The little memos that emerged from it could spell doom to many a celebrated minister. Jayalalithaa, as we know, had men falling at her feet, weeping with devotion. A single, childless woman, she was the epitome of mother to millions of Tamils. Sonia Gandhi would always appear blemishless, noble and humble in her starched cotton saris. These women overcame impossible odds to master the male world of politics. I raise my lippy in salute.

Anita Sivakumaran is the author of The Queen, inspired by the true story of an actress who rose to become chief minister of an Indian state. It is published by Juggernaut Books.
BAGHDAD Four Iraqi traffic policemen were killed on Friday when a suicide car bomb blew up outside their station, close to a street where several foreign media have offices in Baghdad, a security spokesman said.

Five people were also wounded by the blast on Abu Nawas street, which runs alongside the east bank of the Tigris river, he said. The French embassy is located in the same area.

The attack was believed to have been carried out by Islamic State, the hardline Sunni group that has controlled parts of Iraq and Syria since 2014. (Reporting by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
San Francisco: An American woman convicted of espionage this week has been deported by China, a human rights group that campaigned for her release said Saturday,

removing a source of tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Sandy Phan-Gillis was detained in March 2015 at the Macau border after visiting mainland China with a trade delegation from the Texas oil capital Houston. She was accused of espionage, stealing state secrets and allegedly passing on intelligence to a third party. She was sentenced to three and a half years in prison and deportation

on Wednesday.

"Phan-Gillis was deported. She arrived in Los Angeles the same day. She was met upon arrival by her husband and members of her family," the Dui Hua group said in a statement. Her return to the US comes three weeks after Chinese President Xi Jinping met US President Donald Trump in Florida, amid a warming of ties between the two countries.

Since their first face-to-face meeting in Florida earlier this month, the two presidents "have been in constant touch with each other," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said.

Dui Hua said negotiations to secure the release of Phan- Gillis were stepped up during US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's visit to Beijing in March 2017. "Tillerson's State Department was assisted by the White House in bringing the negotiations to a successful conclusion."

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention last year denounced China's handling of the case, saying it had not observed "international norms relating to the right to a fair trial and to liberty and security".

Violations by Chinese authorities were of "such gravity as to give the deprivation of liberty of Ms Phan-Gillis an arbitrary character", it noted in a report released last July.

Phan-Gillis was held for six months at a secret location and later at a detention centre in Guangxi, where she was initially put in solitary confinement, the working group said.

Her husband Jeff Gillis had campaigned for her freedom, setting up a website "savesandy.org" which has now been taken down.

According to an archive version of the site, Phan-Gillis has family origins in southern China but was born in Vietnam. She left the country in the late 1970s as part of the

exodus of "boat people" who fled communist rule.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 29

Trend:

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani.

Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani said he witnessed incredible changes in Azerbaijan since his last visit 10 years ago. The former Qatari Prime Minister said he was impressed with the great landscaping and development processes in the capital.

Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani hailed the fact that a great number of tourists from Qatar and the region his country is located are coming to Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev touched upon the development and construction works carried out in Azerbaijan in recent years. The head of state said a large volume of investment has been made to ensure comfortable life for people.

President Ilham Aliyev highlighted large-scale works carried out in Azerbaijan, including Baku.

They exchanged views over the issues relating to the development of cooperation between the two countries in the fields of air transport, tourism, agriculture, energy, petrochemistry, and investment making.

They stressed the importance of expanding Azerbaijani-Qatari bilateral ties.
Washington: On the eve of completing 100 days in office, US President Donald Trump has said this landmark timeline has been the most successful in the country's history. In just 14 weeks, Trump said his administration has brought profound change to Washington.

To mark the first 100 days in office, Trump is set to fly to Pennsylvania to address a massive rally to celebrate the landmark occasion. "I truly believe that the first 100 days of my administration have been just about the most successful in our country's history," Trump said in his weekly radio and web address to the nation on Friday.

Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States on 20 January, and completes 100 days in office on Saturday.

In his weekly address, Trump said that during this short span of time, his administration has been successful in bringing back jobs. "Most importantly, we're bringing back jobs. You asked the people of Michigan, you asked the people of Ohio, you can ask the people of Pennsylvania. See what's happening. See the car companies come roaring back in. They don't want to leave. They want to stay here. They want a piece of the action," the 70-year-old said.

Asserting that the US was "going up" and that too at a fast pace, he said American companies were doing better. They just announced fantastic profits, all because of what has happened in this rather short period of time, Trump said. "And that's just the beginning. We're putting in a massive tax cut for the middle class and for business. It's going to have an enormous effect," he said.

Listing out some of the accomplishments of his administration, Trump said the work of his government has been to fight for the American worker, defend the rule of law, and return the power to the American people.

"Since my inauguration, economic confidence has soared  reaching higher than any time in nine years. Optimism among

manufacturers is at a record high. And small business confidence has seen its largest increase in nearly four decades," he said. "Perhaps the greatest change of all is the renewal of the American spirit. As long as we have faith in each other, and trust in God, then the sun will always shine on our very glorious republic," he said.

Trump said the most fundamental change his government has brought about was in the relationship between the people and

their government. "For too long, politicians cared more about special interests than they did about a very successful future for all Americans. They took our taxpayers' money, and sent their jobs and wealth to other countries," he said.

"Not anymore. From the first day of my administration, I have governed by a simple idea: My only allegiance is to you, our wonderful citizens. Together we are seeing that great achievements are possible when we put American people first," he said.

That is why the US has withdrawn from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Trump said. "That day was a turning point for our nation. It put the countries of this world on notice that the sellout of the American worker was over," he said.
While US President Donald Trump and his aides like to claim that he's done more in his first 100 days than other presidents have done in an entire administration, nothing could be further from the truth.

Trump, for all of his bluster, has accomplished little. Unlike most others presidents in history, Trump has no legislative accomplishment in his first 100 days. His administration has seen a series of high profile and embarrassing blunders.

His first healthcare bill, dubbed Trumpcare, was an embarrassing public debacle that died moments before it was brought to the floor of the US House. The new bill, dubbed Zombie Trumpcare by its detractors, is reportedly on life support.

His "tax plan" is a pie in the sky fantasy that has little chance of ever passing the House and the Senate. His immigration orders have been halted by the courts. His approval rating is at a historic low.

This is a staggering failure. The first 100 days of a new presidency is usually regarded as a honeymoon period through which a popular commander-in-chief can push through his big ideas. Compare that to Obama, who, in the midst of a national financial crisis, passed a stimulus plan, an auto bailout and a fair pay act.

Trump and his supporters would point to having a Supreme Court justice confirmed. That's an important win, however, Trump had little to do with it himself. He merely picked a name from a list of eminent jurists presented to him. It was left to the machinations Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell to push it through.

What Trump has done is sign 30 executive orders, higher than any of his predecessors. However, CNN's Fareed Zakaria has described these as "mostly hot air, lofty proclamations that direct some agency to 'review' a law, 'report' back to him, 'consider' some action or reaffirm some long-standing practice."

More importantly, these executive orders can be easily reversed by the next president, so they have no real lasting impact.

Let's examine his three major fails:

Fail 1: The travel ban

Trump's most notable and highly-publicised executive action: the travel ban. It was delayed  indefinitely  after a three-judge panel said the ban did not advance national security and the administration had provided no proof that any of the individuals from the seven countries banned had committed any acts of terror in the United States.

Meanwhile, the administration quietly dropped any plans to appeal and decided to came up with a revised order. Which looked a lot like the previous order. The one CNN's Fareed Zakaria described as "so poorly conceived and phrased that it got stuck in the court system and will have to be redone or abandoned."

That order too, was blocked by a judge in Hawaii. Trump has been stymied and stifled by the courts at every turn, and this looks likely to continue, despite his threats.

Fail 2: Repealing Obamacare: And replacing it with "something terrific"

This has been Trump's highest profile failure. According to President Trump, no one knew healthcare could be so complicated. However, candidate Trump sang a different tune: Calling Obamacare a disaster and promised to replace it with "something terrific". He promised to repeal Obamacare on Day 1.

According to former Republican House Speaker John Boehner, that is not going to happen. Ever. "I started laughing," said Boehner , discounting the possibility of a fast replacement. "Republicans never ever agree on health care."

The first healthcare bill, dubbed Trumpcare, died an ignominious death. Everybody hated it. Moderates hated it because it would have, according to the Congressional Budget Office, thrown 24 million Americans off the insurance rolls. Not to mention, it would have been a political catastrophe, dooming the Republicans in the 2018 mid-term elections.

Conservatives hated it because it didn't sufficiently take away coverage from the poor, the elderly and the vulnerable. Voters hated it. Doctors. Seniors. Insurance companies. The list is endless. If there was a method to poll babies in the womb, they would have probably overwhelmingly come out against it as well. It had a 17 percent approval rating.

The second iteration of Trumpcare, is reportedly dead on arrival. Moderate Republicans in the House have refused to support it after the president reportedly made concessions to the more conservative members, stripping the bill of protections for citizens with "pre-existing" conditions. In the words of House Speaker Paul Ryan, it seems that Obamacare will be, for the foreseeable future, the law of the land.

Fail 3: Building the Great Wall of Trump: And making Mexico pay for it

Trump signed an executive order authorising the building of a wall between Mexico and the United States. Just one tiny problem  the money to pay for the wall is controlled by Congress, who haven't lifted a finger  and have shown no inclination to do so.

A reading of the executive order shows it mandates nothing beyond what was already accomplished in a 2006 Secure Fence Act, which authorises construction of fencing and fortifications across the border. So, it accomplished precisely nothing.

Trump has already began to back off his demand for a wall. During the first real chance he had to push for the border wall, Trump folded to avoid a government shutdown. And Democrats are confident that they can continue to deny him the funds in the future.

As for Mexico paying for it? That promise seems to be history too.

Eventually, but at a later date so we can get started early, Mexico will be paying, in some form, for the badly needed border wall.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 23, 2017

Trump may thrive in chaotic situations, but voters don't care about anything except results. And so far, he hasn't delivered.
Brussels: EU President Donald Tusk on Saturday urged the bloc to keep a united front at a special Brexit summit in Brussels, saying it will also help Britain if they can reach a deal.

"We need to remain united as the EU 27. It is only then that we will be able to conclude the negotiations, which means that our unity is also in the UK's interest," Tusk told reporters.

"We also need solid guarantees for citizens and their families, who will be affected by Brexit on both sides. This must be number one priority for EU and the UK," he said.

This referred to the fate of three million EU citizens living in Britain and one million Britons on the continent, with officials hoping for a resolution on their status after the divorce by the end of the year.

The call for a united front comes hot on the heels of a war of words between German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Theresa May over the negotiations.

The EU 27 have considerably toughened the guidelines since Tusk first unveiled them in March, shortly after May triggered the two-year Brexit process.
Beijing: Laden with whisky and baby milk, the first freight train linking China directly to the UK arrived in the eastern Chinese city of Yiwu Saturday after a 12,000-kilometre (7,500-mile) trip, becoming the world's second-longest rail route.

The journey is the latest effort in China's drive to strengthen trade links with western Europe along a modern-day "Silk Road" route.

"The train arrived at around 9.30 am (0130 GMT) to Yiwu on Saturday," the Yiwu Tianmeng Industry Company told AFP.

The world's top trading nation launched the "One Belt, One Road" strategy in 2013, and has since poured millions into constructing vast infrastructure links.

The train  which was also carrying pharmaceuticals and machinery  departed London on 10 April and passed through France, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan during its 20-day trip before arriving in Yiwu in eastern Zhejiang province, a major wholesale centre for small consumer goods.

The new route is longer than Russia's famous Trans-Siberian railway, but about 1,000 kilometres shorter than the record-holding China-Madrid link, which opened in 2014.

London is the 15th city to be linked to a new freight network offered by the state-run China Railway Corporation, which says its services are cheaper than air transport and quicker than shipping.

The journey should be 30 days faster than moving the goods by ship, the provincial government had said, but the pilot run took two days more than the 18 days expected.

And the train, named the East Wind, has much less carrying capacity  just 88 shipping containers, according to the Yiwu government, compared to the 10,000 to 20,000 containers cargo ships can carry.

It is unclear how much the venture cost and some experts have questioned whether the ambitious project makes economic sense.

"It is hard to say at this stage what the economic return will be, as the economic benefits will come over a long time," He Tianjie of Oxford Economics Hong Kong told AFP.

"However, the train is in some aspects more convenient and flexible. It can make multiple stops, allowing for the pickup and offloading of cargo along the way. Rail transport is also less affected by adverse weather conditions. Therefore, there may be a role for such long-haul rail links," he said.

China already has a regular direct freight train service to Germany, Europe's largest economy.

One route links the Chinese megacity of Chongqing to Duisburg, a steel-making town and one of Germany's most important transportation and commercial hubs.

The other route links Beijing, the Chinese capital, to Hamburg, Germany's second-largest city.

Prime Minister Theresa May will visit China later this year, with talks likely to include closer trade ties for when Britain leaves the European Union, according to British officials.

"The reality is that there is nothing new here. Transcontinental rail transit has existed for over a century," said Theresa Fallon, director of the Centre for Russia, Europe, Asia Studies (CREAS) in Brussels.

The launch of the new rail route was a bid to show post-Brexit Britain that there were other trade options than neighbouring Europe, she said.

But "this train will transport to China British socks, Scotch and soda pop  which hardly heralds a bright new age of Sino-UK trade."

Roughly 80 percent of global trade is shipped by sea as freight train services face technical and bureaucratic hurdles which vary according to country.

The East Wind's locomotive and carriages had to be changed en route because of the larger gauge on railways in the former Soviet Union.
Usseau: French presidential front-runner Emmanuel Macron hunted on Saturday for votes in rural France where his far-right opponent, Marine Le Pen, is making inroads among country folk who feel left behind.

Back in Paris, Le Pen announced that if she wins the presidency next Sunday, she would name Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, her new campaign ally, as prime minister, aiming to secure the nearly 1.7 million votes that the anti-European Union conservative got when he was eliminated from the race in the first round of balloting.

Since many Dupont-Aignan voters had already been expected to switch to Le Pen for her second-round duel against the centrist Macron, his decision to ally himself with her was unlikely to prove a massive electoral boost for her campaign.

Symbolically, however, the new alliance punctured another hole in hopes  expressed by mainstream politicians on both the left and right  that France will unite against Le Pen's extremism in round two, as it did when her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, made the presidential runoff in 2002, losing overwhelmingly to Jacques Chirac.

At a news conference with Dupont-Aignan, Marine Le Pen celebrated his backing as the creation of "a great patriotic and republican alliance" and said they will campaign "hand-in-hand" for what now becomes their shared program.

Macron is not saying who he would name to lead his government if elected. In a radio interview on Saturday, he said he has "profiles, people in mind" for the post but again wouldn't reveal names.

Venturing into rural France to combat Le Pen's arguments that he represents the big-city elite, the former economy minister plugged his proposals to reverse the economic and social decline in farming areas. Macron promised to modernise phone and internet connections and vigorously defended the EU as an essential market for French farmers.

On an impromptu tour of the farmers' market in the central town of Poitiers, Macron listened to a grain farmer complain of low-price competition from other EU countries and a vegetable farmer's laments about the difficulty of getting loans to upgrade farming technology.

As the smell of goat cheeses wafted across the dairy stalls, he rebuffed Le Pen's criticisms of the EU with a vigorous defense of European free trade, saying her plans to leave the EU and its agricultural aid program would spell the end of French farming.

"Rural areas need an open, conquering France," Macron said in his radio interview. "Our agriculture needs Europe and openness."

He promised that no more schools would close in rural areas if he is elected and that his government would intervene directly if mobile operators fail within 18 months to install high-speed fiber optic and phone networks "everywhere."

"I will give them 18 months to finish these deployments, be it fiber optic or 3G/4G," he said. "If at the end of these 18 months, they have not fulfilled their responsibility, the state will substitute itself in their place to do this, within the framework of the investment plan I've decided."

Le Pen's National Front rejoiced over the alliance with Dupont-Aignan. Florian Philippot, a National Front vice-president speaking on BFM television, described it as "excellent news" and "a turning point in this campaign."

Still, the alliance caused splits within Dupont-Aignan's own party, "Stand up France," with the departure of a vice president, Dominique Jamet.

Jamet told BFM that that Stand up France was losing its "purity" and that the Le Pen-Dupont-Aignan alliance is "a couple that doesn't please me."
Berlin: German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel criticised Ivanka Trump's role as an adviser to her father in the White House on Saturday, describing it as a form of "nepotism".

"For me there are things that remain strange, like for example the visit of his daughter to Germany which was treated almost like a world event, while the mix of politics with family and business reminds us instead of nepotism and would be unimaginable here," he said.

Gabriel was referring to the visit to Berlin of Ivanka Trump this week to take part in a women's empowerment summit at the invitation of conservative German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

"It always bothers me when members of a family, who have never been elected, show up suddenly as official state representatives and are treated almost as if they were members of a royal family," the Social Democrat said in an interview published on Saturday with the German regional media group Funke.

Ivanka Trump, a former model who started her own fashion line, has worked for her billionaire-father Donald Trump's company and now has an office in the White House. She has been accused in the United States of benefiting from nepotism.

Commenting on the US president's first 100 days in office, Gabriel said the situation has "improved" but was "still not good".

Merkel, in an interview with the Madsack media group published Saturday, said she had "developed a good working relationship" with Trump, "which clearly does not exclude different points of view".

The two leaders have notably clashed over military spending for Nato and on trade.
Washington: US President Donald Trump has said that North Korea has "disrespected the wishes of China" by carrying out another missile test, as Pentagon confirmed it was a failed attempt by Pyongyang.

"North Korea disrespected the wishes of China and its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!" Trump said in a tweet last night, hours after North Korea carried out yet another failed missile test.

The North Korea missile test came a day after the Trump administration praised China and its President Xi Jinping for having prevailed over Pyongyang in not carrying either nuclear test or missile test.

"The US Pacific Command detected what we assess was a North Korean missile launch at 10:33 AM Hawaii time APR 28. The ballistic missile launch occurred near the Pukchang airfield," Dave Benham, PACOM spokesman said in a statement. "The missile did not leave North Korean territory," Benham said.

The North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) determined the missile launch from North Korea did not pose a

threat to North America, he said.

"US Pacific Command stands behind our steadfast commitment to the security of our allies in the Republic of Korea and Japan," Benham said.

According to reports, the missile was likely a medium-range KN-17 ballistic missile.
Seoul: North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile on Friday, in apparent defiance of a US push for tougher international sanctions to curb the Asian country's nuclear threat.

"North Korea fired an unidentified missile from a site in the vicinity of Bukchang in Pyeongannam-do (South Pyeongan Province) early Friday morning," the South Korean news agency Yonhap reported, adding that the missile "is estimated to have

failed."

A US defence official confirmed North Korea had fired a missile.

The launch comes with tensions high on the Korean peninsula, with US President Donald Trump warning of the risk of a "major conflict".

It came just hours after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson addressed the UN Security Council for the first time, called for a global campaign of pressure on Pyongyang  with China playing a major role  to halt its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. "Failing to act now on the most pressing security issue in the world may bring catastrophic consequences," he warned.

He repeated Washington's threat that US military options were "on the table". Tillerson said China had "unique" leverage over its communist ally and neighbour.

But Beijing pushed back, arguing that it was unrealistic to expect one country to solve the conflict. "The use of force does not solve differences and will only lead to bigger disasters," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the council.

His country, he said, should not be "a focal point of the problem on the peninsula" and stressed that "the key to solving the nuclear issue on the peninsula does not lie in the hands of the Chinese side".

Russia joined China in saying a military response would be disastrous and appealing for a return to talks and de-escalation. Military action was "completely unacceptable", Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov told the council. A miscalculation could have "frightening consequences", he warned.

But Tillerson argued that diplomacy had to be backed with credible muscle. "Diplomatic and financial levers of power will be backed up by willingness to counteract North Korean aggression with military action, if necessary," he said. "The threat of a North Korean nuclear attack on Seoul or Tokyo is real, and it is likely only a matter of time before North Korea develops the capability to strike the US mainland."

Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un are locked in an ever-tighter spiral of threat, counter-threat, and escalating military preparedness.

The US is deploying a naval strike group led by an aircraft carrier to the Korean peninsula, and a missile-defense system called Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) will be operational "within days", according to officials.

North Korea meanwhile said it has conducted its biggest ever artillery drill and threatened to "bury at sea" the US aircraft carrier. Speculation has mounted it could soon carry out a sixth nuclear test.

The meeting of the top UN body laid bare major differences among key powers over the way to address the North Korea crisis.

Over the past 11 years, the Security Council has imposed six sets of sanctions on Pyongyang  two adopted last year  to significantly ramp up pressure and deny Kim's regime the hard currency revenue needed for his military programmes.

But UN sanctions experts have repeatedly told the council the measures have had little impact because they have been poorly implemented.

Tillerson called on all countries to downgrade or sever diplomatic relations with North Korea and impose targeted sanctions on entities and individuals supporting its missile and nuclear programme.

The United States is ready to impose sanctions on third countries where companies or individuals are found to have helped North Korea's military programs, he said.

China instead wants Pyongyang to freeze its military programs in exchange for a halt to US-South Korean annual drills. "Now is the time to seriously consider talks," said Wang.

But Tillerson was blunt in saying it was up to North Korea to take the first concrete steps. "We will not negotiate our way back to the negotiating table," he said. "We will not reward their bad behaviour with talks."

The United States, Russia and China took part in six-party talks on North Korea's denuclearisation from 2003 to 2009, along with Japan, South Korea and Pyongyang.
London: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Saturday called North Korea's test-fire of a ballistic missile "absolutely unacceptable" and a "grave threat to our country". Speaking in London, Abe called upon the international community, in particular China, to "show solidarity" in formulating a response.

"There is a major crisis looming over the peace and prosperity of the world," he told reporters at the end of a three-day visit to Russia and Britain. "Despite strong warnings by the international community, North Korea today went through with its ballistic missile launch.

"It is a grave threat to our country, this is absolutely not acceptable, we strongly condemn such acts. "Our country will be resolute in our response," he vowed.

North Korea test-fired the missile today in apparent defiance of a concerted US push for tougher international sanctions to curb Pyongyang's nuclear weapons ambitions.

The latest launch, which South Korea said was a failure, came just hours after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned the UN Security Council of "catastrophic consequences" if the international community -- most notably China -- failed to pressure the North into abandoning its weapons programme.

Abe said G7 leaders meeting in Italy next month, "shoulder a huge responsibility" in responding to the threat. "The international community must display solidarity," he said, adding that he had agreed with Russia President Vladimir Putin on Thursday that Russia, China, Japan, US and South Korea all needed to cooperate closely on the issue.

He singled out China as being "extremely important" in resolving the crisis given its UN Security Council role and that it accounts for 90 percent of North Korea's trade.

"For the denuclearisation of North Korea, I hope China will play a constructive role in the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions. It is my high expectation that China will perform its role properly."
By Jack Kim

| SEOUL

SEOUL North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile on Saturday from a region north of its capital, but it appears to have failed, South Korea's military said, defying intense pressure from the United States and the reclusive state's main ally, China.An official at South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the launch but did not immediately have any further information. Yonhap news agency said the missile appeared to have blown up a few seconds into flight.The test came as U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned the United Nations that failure to curb North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs could lead to 'catastrophic consequences'.U.S. President Donald Trump told Reuters in an interview on Thursday a "major, major conflict" with North Korea was possible over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Trump praised Chinese leader Xi Jinping for "trying very hard" to rein in Pyongyang.But both China and Russia rebuked Washington's threat of military force at a meeting of the U.N. Security Council on the matter.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the 15-member council it was not only up to China to solve the North Korean problem."The key to solving the nuclear issue on the peninsula does not lie in the hands of the Chinese side," Wang told the council in blunt remarks that Tillerson later rebuffed.

Tensions on the Korean peninsula have been rising as North Korea celebrates a number of key anniversaries, with both sides staging major military drills.In a show of force, the United States is sending the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group to waters off the Korean peninsula, where it will join the USS Michigan, a nuclear submarine that docked in South Korea on Tuesday. South Korea's navy has said it will hold drills with the U.S. strike group. (Editing by James Dalgleish and Lincoln Feast)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Within cooperation between company BP in Azerbaijan and Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS), BP organized a field trip for 35 second-year and third-year Petroleum Engineering students to Amec-Tekfen-Azfen (ATA) fabrication yard. The trip was arranged to introduce them to construction works carried out at the ATA yard for Shah Deniz 2 project operated by BP and to extend their practical knowledge.

The trip started with safety briefing followed by presentations on the Shah Deniz 2 project delivered by Project General Manager Alistair Anderson and Start-Up Process Engineer Alistair Mair. The presentation covered the giant projects scale, timeline and milestones achieved within its implementation. As the students were informed, construction of both Shah Deniz 2 platform topsides at the ATA yard is nearly complete and commissioning is underway. The plan is to sail away these decks for offshore installation in the latter half of 2017. After the presentation, the students toured the two decks of Shah Deniz 2 being constructed at the ATA yard.

In the framework of long-term cooperation with the Baku Higher Oil School, more than 30 sessions have been delivered by BP managers and specialists, and a number of field trips have been organized to the Sangachal terminal and the ATA yard. Both field trips and lectures, which have been initiated since 2014, have become an integral part of BHOS academic calendar.
By Jack Kim and Michelle Nichols

| SEOUL/UNITED NATIONS

SEOUL/UNITED NATIONS North Korea unsuccessfully test-fired a ballistic missile on Saturday from a region north of its capital, Pyongyang, South Korea's military said, defying intense pressure from the United States and the reclusive state's main ally, China.The test came as U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned the United Nations Security Council that failure to curb North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs could lead to 'catastrophic consequences'.U.S. and South Korean officials said the test appeared to have failed, in what would be a fourth successive unsuccessful missile test since March. U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the missile was probably a medium-range missile known as a KN-17 and appears to have broken up within minutes of taking off. Tension had spiked on the Korean peninsula over concerns the North may conduct the test-launch of a long-range missile or its sixth nuclear test around the time of the April 15 anniversary of its state founder's birth or the day marking the founding of its military earlier this week.The timing of the latest launch suggests it was calculated to send a certain message as Pyongyang remains under intense attention of world powers, said Kim Dong-yub, an expert at Kyungnam University's Institute of Far Eastern Studies in Seoul.

It was planned at a complicated timing around the end of the South Korea-U.S. joint military drills, the United States talking about military options and the announcement of North Korea policies and the Security Council meeting, Kim said. South Korean and U.S. forces have been conducting annual military drills since the start of March that conclude at the end of April. In a show of force, the United States is sending the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group to waters off the Korean peninsula, where it will join the USS Michigan, a nuclear submarine that docked in South Korea on Tuesday.

U.S. President Donald Trump told Reuters in an interview on Thursday a "major, major conflict" with North Korea was possible over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Trump praised Chinese leader Xi Jinping for "trying very hard" to rein in Pyongyang.But both China and Russia rebuked Washington's threat of military force at a meeting of the U.N. Security Council on the matter on Friday.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the 15-member council it was not only up to China to solve the North Korean problem."The key to solving the nuclear issue on the peninsula does not lie in the hands of the Chinese side," Wang told the council in blunt remarks that Tillerson later rebuffed.The U.N. Security Council is likely to start discussing a statement to condemn the missile launch, said diplomats, adding that it was unlikely to be issued on Friday. The Security Council traditionally condemns all missile launches by Pyongyang."It could have happened today exactly because we had the meeting," Italian U.N. Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi, chair of the Security Council's North Korean sanctions committee, told reporters when hearing of the test. "It's illegal, it should not be done, it's another provocative action by North Korea.Neighbouring Japan said the "unacceptable" launch clearly violated U.N. resolutions and said it had lodged a strong protest with North Korea. (Additional reporting by Ju-min Park in Seoul, Idrees Ali in Washington, Malcolm Foster in Tokyo and Lesley Wroughton at the United Nations; Editing Lincoln Feast)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Lupin warns of more pricing pressure as fourth-quarter profit halves | Reuters By Zeba Siddiqui | MUMBAI MUMBAI Indian drugmaker Lupin Ltd expects to launch over 30 products in the United States this year, but warned revenue growth would remain muted due to growing pricing pressure and competition in the world's largest healthcare market."We've talked about medium single digits of price erosion in the past and I think we are now (seeing) high single digits," Managing Director Nilesh Gupta told Reuters after Lupin reported a quarterly profit that halved from a year earlier.The country's third-largest drugmaker has been working on building a pipeline of high-value complex generic drugs in the United States to offset growing competition in plain generics. But a consolidation among drug distributors has hit generic companies' ability to negotiate on prices, and price hikes have also become harder to justify amid regulatory scrutiny."Competition is increasing and (distributors) are getting more powerful than ever before," Gupta said. The company expects to launch more than 30 drugs this year, most of which would be small to medium-sized opportunities, with bigger, more lucrative launches planned for 2019, he added
With the Korean peninsula in the north-east Asia appearing to be a tinderbox, thanks to North Korea (Democratic Republic of Korea) threatening to fire a nuclear missile on the American West Coast (say Los Angeles) and the Trump administration talking of a preemptive strike against North Korea from a US Navy carrier placed nearby in the Pacific Ocean (the US has already docked a submarine in the Republic of Korea, better known as South Korea, and deployed the THAAD anti-ballistic missile defense system there), India under Modi seems to be changing its traditional stance towards North Korea.

It is becoming increasingly clear that this changed stance has got something to do with the visit of US National Security Advisor HR McMaster to India last fortnight, in course of which he met the prime minister. Arguably, it is for the first time that India has agreed to comply with the United Nations existing sanctions on North Korea and limit trade with the reclusive communist nation to limited quantities of food items and medicine. As these sanctions include prevention of direct or indirect supply, sale, transfer or export of all weaponry and related material through a member nations territories or by its nationals to North Korea, the Modi government has issued a gazette that prevents any Indian national or entity from supplying directly or otherwise any material to North Korea that augments its war-fighting capabilities.

The gazette, which was apparently issued on 21 April but made public on Friday, bans all military, police and scientific training to North Korean officials in India and threatens to expel any North Korean government representative found violating the UN sanctions.

It may be noted that North Korea has been facing a series of UN sanctions in some form or the other ever since 2006 when it went back on its promise to desist from nuclear and missile testing in lieu of massive economic assistance, including food and fuels, from the US and other western countries; it has conducted five nuclear tests since then. It is also a fact that three countries  China, Pakistan and Iran  have always come to the rescue of North Korea, thanks to the clandestine and illegal nuclear and missile business.

But, what may sound really surprising to the readers that until recently New Delhi happened to be Pyongyangs second largest trading partner! From an average total trade of barely $100 million in the middle of the 2000s, it shot up to over $1 billion in 2009. In the year 2011-12, the figure was about $800 million. The trade is overwhelmingly in India's favour, though. This figure does not include the massive food aid of soybeans, rice and wheat that India has provided since 2011 for North Koreas famine-stricken people.

But what is most noteworthy is that while every Indian was badly affected by the rising oil prices and the government-run oil companies were expressing their helplessness in view of the fluctuating price mechanism of global crude production during second term of the UPA government led by Manmohan Singh, the same oil companies were exporting diesel and other petroleum products to North Korea regularly. Of course, fuel was not supplied directly but sold through a network of traders and banks in Dubai and elsewhere. Besides, as revealed by Aljazeera last year, North Korean scientists regularly studied at the Dehradun-based Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (CSSTEAP) on subjects such as remote sensing and space technologies.

It is really difficult to fathom our governments love for North Korea all these years, unless we take into account the fact that it is a fellow non-aligned country. Way back in 1999 as the Seoul Peace Prize Scholarship Fellow and a visiting professor at Yonsei University, I had authored a book titled Nuclearisation of Divided Nations : Pakistan, India-Koreas. In this book I had highlighted how Pakistan and North Korea were helping each other  North Korea helping Pakistan in developing its missiles and in return Pakistan helping North Korea developing its nuclear weapons, with China playing the perfect role of a middleman. This is true even today; in fact relations between the two countries have become much stronger.

In my considered view, Pakistan and North Korea have been the perfect partners in blackmailing the rest of the world; they demonstrate their nuclear and missile prowess but do not go the extent of actually using them with the hope that the rest of the world, nervous with their destructive capabilities, will accede to their demands of security and economic assistance. For them, doing something is less important than appearing to be about to do something. In other words, they do what they know the best: getting everyone tied up in nervous knots.

Viewed thus, it is least likely that North Korea will really attack the United States. In any case, despite its bravado, the fact remains that North Korea has not conducted a single test of its intercontinental ballistic missiles (a series of testing is necessary before any missile, let alone an ICBM, is deployed in to the forces of a country  one must be sure of the guidance systems, the tracking capacity, the targeting technology and heat-shield material that hit the target). Likewise, it is equally unlikely that North Koreas dictator Kim Jong-un will ever agree to President Trumps demand that the peace in the Korean peninsula must be based on the commitments to make it free from nuclear weapons and missiles. As argued above, North Korea, like Pakistan, perceives its weapons and missile programmes as the best guarantees for its survival, at least that of the regime (strongly dominated by the military or force).

The only reasonable course towards peace that has got some chance of success is to ensure that the international community desists from doing anything that contributes directly or indirectly towards the augmentation of the nuclear and missile programmes of North Korea (the same is true for Pakistan). I agree here with noted defence analyst Harry J Kazianis: "If you seek to profit from helping one of the world's most rogue regimes build nuclear weapons or long-range missiles you will pay the most severe of prices  slapped with the label of international pariah. While sanctions wont solve the problem entirely, or erase the nuclear knowledge from the minds of North Koreas scientists, such measures could greatly slow the rate of technological development and raise the costs of such work for Pyongyang.

But will China listen? The answer has got implications for the overall peace and security of the Asia-Pacific, India included certainly.
Islamabad: In an unusual move, Pakistan's powerful army on Saturday "rejected" Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's decision to sack his trusted aide Tariq Fatemi for "leaking" information to the media, saying his action is "incomplete".

Sharif approved an inquiry committee's recommendation to remove Fatemi, the special assistant on foreign affairs, from his post after he was found guilty of "leaking" information to the media about a rift between Pakistan's civilian and military leaderships during a high-level security meet.

Hours after the prime minister's office issued the directive, the Inter-Services Public Relations said the army had rejected the notification, calling it 'incomplete'.

"Notification on Dawn leak is incomplete and not in line with recommendations by the inquiry board. Notification is rejected," military spokesman Major Gen Asif Ghafoor tweeted.

In October, a columnist for Dawn newspaper wrote a front-page story about a rift between civilian and military leaderships over militant groups that operate from Pakistan but engage in proxy war against India and Afghanistan.

The army took strong exception to the Dawn story and relations between the army and the civil government deteriorated.

The PML-N government was forced to remove then information minister Pervaiz Rasheed but a probe was also initiated at the demand of army to fix the responsibility. The report was submitted to the prime minister this week.

According to the inquiry report, Fatemi was primarily responsible for leaking the report of the key meeting, and Sharif took action against him.

Analysts have termed the cropping of differences as detrimental to the civil-military relationship.

"The government should move fast to address the grievances of the army and fully implement the findings of the report," former Air Marshal Shehzad Chaudhry told Geo TV.
Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday sacked his special assistant on foreign affairs Tariq Fatemi after an inquiry found him guilty of "leaking" to a newspaper vital information from a high-level security meet.

Sharif approved an inquiry committee's recommendation to remove Fatemi from his post. The inquiry committee was set up last year to probe the controversy surrounding a controversial report by daily Dawn about a key meeting on national security.

In October, a columnist for Dawn newspaper wrote a front-page story about a rift between civilian and military leaderships over militant groups that operate from Pakistan but engage in proxy war against India and Afghanistan.

The committee, headed by Justice (retd) Aamir Raza Khan, included representatives of the Intelligence Bureau, the Military Intelligence and the Inter-Services Investigation.

The report had said that political leadership had accused army in the high-level meeting to stop creating hurdles in the way of crackdown on some militant entities.

The government denied its role but the army took a strong acceptance to the story and relations between army and the civil government deteriorated.

The PML-N government was forced to remove then information minister Pervaiz Rasheed but a probe was also initiated at the demand of army to fix the responsibility. The report was submitted to the prime minister this week.

According to the inquiry report, Fatemi was primarily responsible for leaking the report of the key meeting, and Sharif took action against him.

"Allocation of portfolio of Foreign Affairs to Syed Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, shall be withdrawn, according to a letter issued by government.

Fatemi is considered as trusted aide of the prime minister and his removal is a setback for the government of Sharif who is already under pressure due to Panama case verdict.

Sharif also directed that the role of Dawn editor Zafar Abbas and reporter Cyril Almeida shall be referred to All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) for necessary disciplinary action to be taken against them, according to letter.

It said that the APNS, a representative body of print media, shall also be asked to develop a Code of Conduct for the print media especially when dealing with issues relating to security of Pakistan and to ensure that stories on issues of national importance and security are published by abiding to basic journalistic and editorial norms.

Sharif also ordered action against Rao Tehsin Ali, Principal Information Officer of the Ministry of Information, under disciplinary rules for the charges based on findings in report.

The story in Dawn said "in a blunt, orchestrated and unprecedented warning, the civilian government has informed the military leadership of a growing international isolation of Pakistan and sought consensus on several key actions by the state.

It further said that "military-led intelligence agencies are not to interfere if law enforcement acts against militant groups that are banned or until now considered off-limits for civilian action."
Islamabad: Pakistan's Foreign Office has kept mum on the timing and the motive behind the visit of Indian steel tycoon Sajjan Jindal to the country to meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif this week, even as his "secret" visit echoed at the National Assembly.

Jindal, who is said to be Prime Minister Narendra Modi's and Sharif's mutual friend and considered a sort of back-channel contact, briefly visited Pakistan on Wednesday, the day when High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale filed an appeal with the Foreign Office against Kulbhushan Jadhav's death sentence.

The appeal was submitted on behalf of Jadhav's mother in which she had sought the federal governments intervention for the release of her son.

Jindal was taken by helicopter to Murree, where he met Prime Minister Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz. His trip led to speculation that a move for revival of bilateral dialogue could be afoot, the Dawn reported.

Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, who was leading the FO team at the the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs Committee meeting yesterday, was asked about the Jindal's visit and when she could not respond to queries, committee chairman Awais Leghari brought the discussion to an end, the paper said.

Jindal's trip is also being linked to the fast deteriorating situation in Kashmir, which some think has pushed Modi's government to consider talking to Pakistan.

Jindal in the past facilitated a secret meeting between Sharif and Modi in Kathmandu on the sidelines of a SAARC summit in 2014. The meeting had then helped save the summit that seemed to be headed for failure and a last-minute deal to create a regional electricity grid was clinched.

In 2015, Jindal was in Lahore on the occasion of Modis surprise visit to greet Sharif on his birthday and attend his granddaughters wedding.

"Why is the government quiet over Jindal's visit?" asked PPPs Nafeesa Shah during the committees meeting.

There was no formal press statement by the PM Office on Jindal's meeting with Sharif even though it regularly issues press releases on the prime ministers engagements with business delegations.

Maryam, however, confirmed the trip in a tweet as she rejected its description as "secret" by some of the media outlets.

"Jindal is an old friend of the Prime Minister. Nothing 'secret' about the meeting & should not be blown out of proportion," she had tweeted after the issue hit headlines a day after the Indian businessman toured Pakistan.

Pakistan Tehreek Insafs Shireen Mazari questioned as to how Jindal visited Murree, when his visa was restricted for Islamabad and Lahore only.

"If Jindal had come on a private visit, why did FO officials receive him? Ms Mazari further asked.
Manila: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte warned Southeast Asian leaders Saturday they were facing a "massive" illegal drug menace that could destroy their

societies, as he called for a united response.

Duterte, who has faced international condemnation for his own crackdown on drugs that has claimed thousands of lives, also insisted that outsiders should not interfere in Southeast Asia's affairs.

"The illegal drug trade is massive but it is not impregnable," Duterte said in a speech to open an Association

of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) leaders summit. "With political will and cooperation, it can be

dismantled. It can be destroyed before it destroys our societies."

Duterte urged the leaders to be "resolute in realising a drug-free ASEAN". Duterte was elected last year largely on a law-and-order platform in which he promised to eradicate illegal drugs in the Philippines by killing tens of thousands of people.

His pledge proved wildly popular with millions of Filipinos looking for a quick solution to crime and

corruption.

Since Duterte took office 10 months ago, police have reported killing 2,724 people as part of his anti-drug campaign. Many thousands of others have been killed by shadowy vigilantes, according to rights groups.

A Filipino lawyer filed a complaint this week against Duterte at the International Criminal Court, accusing him of "mass murder" and alleging that as many as 8,000 people had died in the drug war.

Duterte has relentlessly railed against criticism of his drug war, which Amnesty International and other rights groups have warned may amount to a crime against humanity. He said last year he would be "happy to slaughter" millions of addicts in his quest to stop the Philippines from becoming a narco-state, and repeatedly insisted human rights should not stand in the way of eradicating drugs.

In his speech to Asean leaders, Duterte highlighted the bloc's tradition of "non-interference". He did this while talking about relations with the United States and the European Union, which have expressed concern about alleged extrajudicial killings in his drug war.

"Dialogue relations can be made more productive, constructive if the valued principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of the Asean member-states is observed,"

Duterte said.

Duterte had last year branded then US president Barack Obama a "son of a whore" for criticising the drug war, and more recently called European lawmakers "crazies" for issuing a statement condemning the killings.

Observers said in the lead-up to the summit that Asean leaders were unlikely to criticise Duterte, with Human Rights Watch calling the bloc "a club of cozy dictators or rights abusers".

Among the heads of undemocratic regimes in Manila were Thai military junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha, Cambodia's Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge cadre, and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei.
Tokyo: Tokyo's main subway system suspended its service for 10 minutes this morning, shortly after North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile. It was the first time Tokyo Metro took such a step, following the adoption of new rules this month to stop trains and check for safety in response to news of any missile launches that can potentially hit Japan, local media said.

Trains were stopped at 6:07 am local time after the launch which happened around 2030 GMT, according to national broadcaster NHK. Around 13,000 people were affected by the halt in service, Kyodo News said.

"It (subway suspension) was a decision of the operator," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a briefing. "We ask that people stay calm and stay informed. At this

time, the latest incident has absolutely no impact on Japan," he said.

North Korea test-fired the missile in apparent defiance of a concerted US push for tougher international sanctions to curb Pyongyang's nuclear weapons ambitions.

The missile launch, which apparently failed, came as Japanese people began the annual Golden Week holiday season.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called Pyongyang's move "absolutely unacceptable" and a "grave threat to our country", speaking in London at the end of a three-day visit to Russia and Britain.

The launch came just hours after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned the UN Security Council of "catastrophic consequences" if the international community - most notably China - failed to pressure the North into abandoning its weapons programme.
Istanbul: Turkey and the United States can join forces to turn the Islamic State jihadist group's de-facto capital of Raqa in Syria into a "graveyard" for the extremists, the Turkish president said Saturdy. The Turkish government is pressuring Washington to stop backing Kurdish fighters as an ally in the fight against Islamic State

jihadists in Syria, in a dispute that has has limited cooperation between the NATO allies.

"The huge America, the coalition and Turkey can join hands and turn Raqa into a graveyard for Daesh," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told an Istanbul meeting, using an alternative name for the Islamic State group. "They (the jihadists) will look for a place for themselves to hide," he said.

Erdogan's comments come ahead of a meeting with US President Donald Trump on 16 May in the United States, their first face-to-face summit since the American leader took office in January.

Ankara is hopeful about the future of the relationship with Washington under Trump after ties frayed in the final years of Barack Obama's administration. The two countries have bitterly disagreed over the role of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in Syria. Turkey sees the group as a terrorist group linked to the

outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been waging a deadly insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984.

But for the United States, the YPG is essential in the fight against Islamic State jihadists. The dispute has until now held up any joint American-Turkish operation to seize Raqa and Erdogan is clearly hoping for a breakthrough at his meeting with Trump.

Turkey this month announced it had completed its half-year Euphrates Shield operation in northern Syria against jihadists and Kurdish militia, although it is keeping a

presence to maintain security in towns now under control of pro-Ankara Syrian rebels. Erdogan said he would present Trump at their meeting next month with "documents" proving the YPG's links to the PKK, which is designated as a terror group by Ankara and Washington.

"We are telling American friends not to take a terror group along with them," the Turkish leader said. Turkey on Wednesday carried out several strikes in Syria

and Iraq against separatist Kurdish rebels and their allies, drawing the wrath of US officials who accused Ankara of lacklustre coordination. The strikes in the Sinjar area of northern Iraq were against positions held by the Yazidi Protection Units (YBS), a militia supported by the PKK.
By Michelle Nichols and Lesley Wroughton

| UNITED NATIONS

UNITED NATIONS U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned on Friday that failure to curb North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs could lead to 'catastrophic consequences,' while China and Russia rebuked Washington's threat of military force.The showdown in a meeting of the U.N. Security Council on North Korea highlighted the diplomatic challenges of resolving tensions over Pyongyang, with the Trump administration aggressively pressing Beijing to rein in its ally, and China and Russia pushing back against Washington's rhetoric.Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the 15-member council it was not only up to China to solve the North Korean problem."The key to solving the nuclear issue on the peninsula does not lie in the hands of the Chinese side," Wang told the council in blunt remarks that Tillerson later rebuffed.The ministerial meeting of the council, chaired by Tillerson, exposed old divisions between the United States and China on how to deal with North Korea. China wants talks first and action later, while the United States wants North Korea to curtail its nuclear programme before such talks start."It is necessary to put aside the debate over who should take the first step and stop arguing who is right and who is wrong," Wang told the council. "Now is the time to seriously consider resuming talks."Tillerson responded: "We will not negotiate our way back to the negotiating table with North Korea, we will not reward their violations of past resolutions, we will not reward their bad behaviour with talks."Since 2006, North Korea has been subject to U.N. sanctions aimed at impeding the development of its nuclear and missile programs. The council has strengthened sanctions following each of North Korea's five nuclear tests.North Korea chose not to make a statement and did not take part in the meeting. In Tillerson's first visit to the United Nations he scolded the Security Council for not fully enforcing sanctions against North Korea, saying if the body had acted, tensions over Pyongyang might not have escalated.

He urged the council to act before North Korea does and called on states to sever diplomatic and financial ties with Pyongyang and suspend the flow of North Korean guest workers, as well as impose bans on North Korean imports, especially coal."Failing to act now on the most pressing security issue in the world may bring catastrophic consequences," he said.The United States was not pushing for regime change and preferred a negotiated solution, but Pyongyang, for its own sake, should dismantle its nuclear and missile programs, he said."The threat of a nuclear attack on Seoul, or Tokyo, is real, and it's only a matter of time before North Korea develops the capability to strike the U.S. mainland," Tillerson said.Tillerson repeated the Trump administration's position that all options are on the table if Pyongyang persists with its nuclear and missile development, but Wang said military threats would not help.

'FRIGHTENING' CONSEQUENCES

Wang said dialogue and negotiations were the "only way out." "The use of force does not solve differences and will only lead to bigger disasters," he said.Wang and Tillerson met several hours after the council meeting and appeared to have a cordial exchange."I appreciate the constructive way that China has engaged with the United States to address the challenges on the Korean peninsula that are common to both of us," the American diplomat said.

U.S. President Donald Trump told Reuters in an interview on Thursday a "major, major conflict" with North Korea was possible over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov cautioned on Friday that the use of force would be "completely unacceptable.""The combative rhetoric coupled with reckless muscle-flexing has led to a situation where the whole world seriously is now wondering whether there's going to be a war or not," he told the council. "One ill thought-out or misinterpreted step could lead to the most frightening and lamentable consequences."Gatilov said North Korea felt threatened by regular joint U.S. and South Korean military exercises and the deployment of a U.S. aircraft carrier group to waters off the Korean peninsula.China and Russia both also repeated their opposition to the deployment of a U.S. anti-missile system in South Korea. Gatilov described it as a "destabilising effort," while Wang said it damaged trust among the parties on the North Korea issue. Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida told the council that to bring North Korea back to the table the international community "must send a strong message that provocation comes at a high price.""There is no doubt that dialogue is necessary ... however under the current situation where North Korea continues to advance its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, meaningful dialogue is clearly not possible," he said.The Trump administration is focussing its North Korea strategy on tougher economic sanctions, possibly including an oil embargo, a global ban on its airline, intercepting cargo ships and punishing Chinese banks doing business with Pyongyang, U.S. officials told Reuters earlier this month. (Editing by Frances Kerry and James Dalgleish)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 29

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

Representatives of Azerbaijan and the UAE will discuss creation of a joint venture (JV) in the agriculture sphere, Azerbaijani Deputy Economy Minister Sahil Babayev told Trend.

He didnt specify when it is planned to begin the negotiations.

"It is expected that the JV will be established in Azerbaijan and will be manufacturing agricultural products that will be sold not only in Azerbaijan and the UAE, but also in other foreign markets," Babayev said.

He noted that Azerbaijan wants to promote all non-oil products, which have export potential, in the foreign markets.

"We export our products taking into account the needs of the foreign markets, their pricing policy and quality criteria," he said. "For example, currently we choose the most competitive goods for the Kazakh market and supply these products first of all, and we will start exporting other products in the future."

"Another example is Russia, where we supply tomatoes, because this country has the highest prices for these products," Babayev added. "We cannot force our entrepreneurs to sell their goods in the markets where they will suffer losses because of low prices."
LONDON North Korea's missile tests are a threat to global peace and security and Britain will work with international partners to maintain pressure on Pyongyang, Prime Minister Theresa May said on Friday.

Speaking to television cameras alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe after a bilateral meeting at her country residence, May said the pair had agreed that North Korea was continuing to take provocative action.

"In the face of this belligerence, we stand steadfast in our condemnation of such destabilising activity," she said.

"Prime Minister Abe and I have agreed that we will continue to work with our international partners to maintain pressure on North Korea and counter the security threat posed by its illegal pursuit of nuclear weapons, and work towards a peaceful resolution." (Reporting by William Schomberg, writing by Kylie MacLellan; editing by Kate Holton)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
United Nations: Amid escalating tensions over North Korea's nuclear programme, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held talks with his American counterpart Rex

Tillerson to discuss cooperation in dealing with the "challenge" of the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

The two leaders agreed to reduce tensions in the Korean peninsula through dialogue as they met on the sidelines of a Security Council ministerial meeting. The meeting came just hours before North Korea test-fired another ballistic missile but it "failed" to go beyond its territory.

"All parties have reiterated the goal of denuclearisation and have promised to strictly implement relevant Security Council resolutions and to resolve the issue through peaceful dialogue and negotiation so as to ease tensions as soon as possible," a report on the Wang-Tillerson meeting in the Chinese state-run Xinhua news agency said.

During the meeting, Tillerson was quoted as saying that the two sides have launched cooperation in a constructive way on international and regional issue,s including the nuclear issue of the Korean Peninsula, by which the United States was encouraged.

The United States was looking forward to working with China to hold high-level dialogues in various areas, enhance communication, strengthen cooperation and confront challenges, Tillerson said.

Noting that China and the United States have established four high-level dialogue mechanisms, Wang said that the two sides should move forward to reach more consensuses and manage differences well so as to ensure the healthy and stable development of ties.

Wang said that the historical meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida this month was a "complete success".

China-US relations have thus achieved a smooth transition with a good start, a positive sign that the two sides are willing to cooperate for the well-being of the two peoples and to jointly contribute to world peace, Wang said. The two sides need to cooperate closely to make preparations for Trump's state visit to China this year, he

said.
Most Indians will not be ruining their breakfasts over the US-North Korea impasse because we feel it does not really concern us. There is an irony here: Washingtons policy has always been to project India and Pakistan as the two nuclear powers likely to move the Doomsday Clock to midnight and usher in armageddon.

America, the only country in the world to ever drop an atomic bomb in anger, might yet again place its itchy trigger finger on the trigger. After all, if you carry a black bag with nuclear codes wherever you go 24/7, one day you will inevitably use it. Consider it the Chekhov's gun principle: If in the first act you have hung a pistol on the wall, then in the following one it should be fired. Otherwise don't put it there.

If North Korea is not intimidated into coming to the bargaining table, the war of nerves between a feisty cowboy hat wearing Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un, whose hard-nosed attitude to the US has not changed a whit, sends a message to the world that it is in peril. It makes the Indo-Pak hostility seem like stuff of kindergarten.

We would all do well remove the cotton wool from the UN and get the peacekeeping body involved. Because this feud should concern us. Terribly.

Even as president Trump aggressively ups the ante by choosing this untimely moment to pick a fight with South Korea, his closest ally in the region, over the payment of $1 billion for the Theater High Altitude Area Defense ( THAAD) anti-missile system, China inches closer to Washington by expressing its concerns over Pyongyang conducting nuclear and rocket tests and not slowing down its nuclear programme.

China is in a quandary because, at the same time, it does not support the US deployment of this complex anti-ballistic missile system.

You can see the teams lining up. Russia has indicated it is hugely unhappy with the deployment of THAAD. Meanwhile, Trump's decision to threaten Seoul by indicating he will cancel the free trade agreement leaves South Korea in a bind. It is poor timing to get into a tiff with your best buddy in the region when it is on the verge of an election that might see a changing of the guard in two weeks.

The front-runner for president, Moon Jae-in, has already gone on the record as saying the new administration will take the final decision on the Trump's demand for payment, but has also hinted that friction with Trump is on the cards.

What this does: Leaves South Korea vulnerable to the machinations of North Korea, which has always wanted to bring South Korea back in to the fold.

For the Russians, this is another opportunity for Putin to feel aggrieved and see the placement of THAAD as another US attempt to monitor military movements within national borders in the region, something that even concerns China. Moscow sees the placement of THAAD as an overt attempt by Trump to expand US presence in the region.

And if all this is not enough to keep the world awake at night, consider this: The North Koreans have justified their nuclear capability (at least to themselves) by pointing to the massive US-South Korea military exercises over the past 50 days. This all out display is not sabre-rattling, says North Korea, but a deliberate attempt to bring us to the brink of a nuclear disaster. "And our nuclear arsenal is the shining treasured sword of justice." Beat that for rhetoric.

Between themselves, Trump, Putin, a watchful Xi Jingping, North Korea and South Korea, are holding the world hostage.

As things stand, there is no quick fix to the standoff.

With Pyongyang well on its way to acquire the capability to hit the United States with nuclear missiles by 2020, Trump seems at a loss for ideas. So are the rest of us.

Don't sleep too well. The Doomsday Clock is ticking.
Washington: Press freedom in the US and across the world is at its lowest point in 13 years, according to a new report by the watchdog group Freedom House.

The group makes its annual analysis based on the legal, political and economic environment for journalists in the prior year, reports CNN.

This year's report issued on Friday changed the US' press freedom rating by two points, from 21 to 23  its worst rating in more than a decade.

The group attributes this to a worsening political environment, the rise and polarisation of partisan media outlets and an increase in Russian-sponsored propaganda related to the 2016 presidential election.

US President Donald Trump's open disparagement of the press, both as a candidate and since taking office, also contributed to the diminished score, according to the report.

"No US president in recent memory has shown greater contempt for the press than Trump in his first months in office," the report noted.

"Trump's attacks mirror initial actions in other countries where media freedom subsequently suffered far more drastic restrictions and interference," CNN quoted the report as saying.

However, the US is categorised as having a free press in the latest findings, and its constitutional protections were applauded.

"The US enjoys lively, aggressive, and diverse media, and some of the strongest legal protections for reporting and expression anywhere in the world."

Globally, the 2017 report found that only 31 percent of countries have a free press, which the group defines as "a media environment where coverage of political news is robust, the safety of journalists is guaranteed, state intrusion in media affairs is minimal, and the press is not subject to onerous legal or economic pressures."

Norway, Sweden, Finland, Belgium and Denmark had the most press freedom; North Korea, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Crimea and Eritrea had the least.
Details added (first version posted at 11:51)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 29

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

It is time to create an export-import (EXIM) bank in Azerbaijan, said Ali Ihsan Genc, chairman of the Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkey and Azerbaijan Public Association (TUIB).

He made the remarks Apr. 29 at an annual general meeting of TUIB members in Baku.

The TUIB chairman noted that such a bank could help develop the non-oil sector and increase investments in the Azerbaijani economy.

The World Bank (WB) senior financial sector specialist, Angela Prigozhina, said in February that the WB is interested in the creation of a development bank in Azerbaijan.

The export-import banks are institutions aiming to carry out long-term export crediting and refinance or guarantee loans of private banks. Japan, France, the US, the Czech Republic and other countries already have EXIM banks.
The Trump administration could respond to North Korea's latest failed missile test by speeding up its plans for new U.S. sanctions against Pyongyang, including possible measures against specific North Korean and Chinese entities, a U.S. official told Reuters on Friday.

With North Korea acting in defiance of pressure from the United States and North Korea's main ally, China, Washington could also conduct new naval drills and deploy more ships and aircraft in the region as a show of force, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"It's possible that something could be sped up," the official said of the potential for imposing new unilateral sanctions on North Korea. "Something that's ready to go could be taken from the larger package and expedited."

The source said the missile launch was the kind of "provocation" that had been anticipated ahead of South Korea's May 9 election, and President Donald Trump could use the test-firing to further press China to do more to rein in North Korea. (Reporting by Matt Spetalnick and David Brunnstrom; Editing by Sandra Maler)
Protesters marched in Washington on a second consecutive Saturday to challenge President Donald Trump's stance on the environment and call on him to stand by policies to stop climate change championed by his predecessor.

Thousands of people gathered for the afternoon march from the lawn of the U.S. Capitol to the White House, an event that coincides with the completion of Trump's first 100 days in office and the end of the traditional "honeymoon" period for a new president.

The Peoples Climate March, which drew about 15,000 people, according to an estimate by a Reuters reporter, rivaled last weekend's March for Science in size. Protesters sounded many of the same themes at both events.

Carrying signs emblazoned with slogans such as "Imagine a world free a climate change," and "Planet over profits," demonstrators on Saturday said they were angered by the prospect of Trump carrying through on his vow to roll back protections put in place by his predecessors.

"We're going to rise up and let them know that we're sick and tired of seeing our children die of asthma," said Rev. Leo Woodberry of Florence, S.C., who spoke during a press conference before the march. "We're sick and tired of seeing people with cancer because of coal ash ponds. We're sick and tired of seeing sea-level rise."

Trump's administration is considering withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, which more than 190 countries including the United States signed in hopes of curbing global warming. Trump has also proposed deep cuts for the Environmental Protection Agency.

In his campaign, Trump called climate change a hoax. Last month he kept a promise to the coal industry by undoing climate-change rules put in place by his predecessor, Democrat Barack Obama.

Tom McGettrick, 57, an electrical engineer who drove up from the Florida Keys to attend the march, said his main concern is the weakening of the EPA.

"Forty years of environmental protection has done wonders for the environment, especially in the Midwest," said McGettrick, who spent most of his life in Michigan.

"When I was a teenager and went to Lake Erie, it was one of the most polluted bodies of water in the country," he said. "Now when you go to Lake Erie it's really beautiful."

The Washington event, which coincided with Trump's 100-day milestone, follows an exclusive interview with Reuters in which the president reflected wistfully at his life as a billionaire real estate developer that he left behind after his Jan. 20 inauguration.

"This is more work than in my previous life," Trump told Reuters. "I thought it would be easier."

Saturday's march was part of an effort to build support for candidates with strong environmental records in the run-up to next year's midterm elections and the 2020 presidential race, organizers said.

"We're using this as a tactic to advance the strategy of building enough power to win on climate over the course of the long haul," said Paul Getsos, national coordinator for the Peoples Climate Movement. Sponsors of Saturday's events include labor unions, the Sierra Club and civil rights groups.

As a side theme, marchers will protest Trump's crackdown on illegal immigrants and other issues championed by the maverick Republican billionaire.

Since Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, there have been national protests focused on issues ranging from abortion rights to immigration and science policy.

Myron Ebell, a climate change skeptic at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a libertarian think tank, said the march would have little impact on the administration.

"The real decisions are made in this country in elections, and we have now a president and a House and a Senate that are determined to pursue a pro-energy agenda," he said by telephone.

Environmental activists believe public opinion is on their side. A Gallup poll this month showed 59 percent of Americans agreed environmental protection should take priority over increased U.S. energy production.

Trump representatives had no immediate comment on the protest.

Dozens of "sister" marches are planned for other North America locales, from Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, to Dutch Harbor in Alaska's Aleutian Islands. Overseas, about three dozen events range from a protest in Vienna to a tree-planting event in Zambia.

(Writing by Frank McGurty; Editing by Franklin Paul)
Donald Trump entered the Oval Office with a sea of campaign promises. Arguably topping that list was a pledge to completely reform the current U.S. tax code.

It's not hard to understand why his supporters would favor tax reform. The U.S. tax code now tallies more than 10 million words, according to the Tax Foundation, with an average of 144,500 words added between 1955 and 2015. Even with the help of tax software or an accountant, preparing your taxes can be an arduous and complicated process.

Image source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Flickr.

There's also the belief that U.S. corporations are being dealt a tough hand with one of the highest corporate income tax rates in the world, 35%. This high tax rate encourages U.S. multinationals to invest overseas where corporate tax rates are lower, and it can also discourage foreign investment in the United States.

On Wednesday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn unveiled Trump's long-awaited tax plan to the public. Here are the 15 things you need to know about Trump's proposed tax reforms.

1. It narrows the number of tax brackets from seven to three

The highly anticipated change is that Trump's tax plan would significantly simplify the individual U.S. tax code. In particular, it would reduce the number of ordinary income tax brackets from seven (with a min. tax rate of 10% and a max tax rate of 39.6%) to just three (10%, 25%, and 35%). The specific dollar amounts of what each of the three ordinary tax brackets would correspond to weren't released.

If you recall, Trump had adopted the House Republican proposal during his campaign of three brackets at 12%, 25%, and 33%, so this new proposal isn't too far off.

Image source: Getty Images

2. It doubles the standard deduction

The simplification process continues with the deductions and credits offered (which we'll touch on below). Trump's tax proposal would double the standard deduction individuals and couples are privy to in order to make up for other deductions and credits that could be taken away.

Based on the $6,350 standard deduction for single filers in 2017 and the $12,700 standard deduction for couples, we're talking about an increase to $12,700 for single filers and $25,400 for couples. Another way to look at this is the first $12,700 in income for single filers and $25,400 for couples would be exempt from taxation.

However, Trump's tax plan makes no mention of retirement-based deductions given to those who contribute to a 401(k) or a Traditional IRA, meaning these tax-reducing incentives may go away.

3. Provides added tax relief for families with children

As expected, Trump's tax plan would focus on providing families with children greater tax incentives. Though the plan didn't list any specifics, the belief is that the Additional Child Tax Credit and/or Earned Income Tax Credit would be tinkered with to provide juicier refunds to families.

4. The mortgage interest deduction would be saved

Homeowners will be happy to hear that the mortgage interest deduction is expected to be saved, per the proposal. The mortgage interest deduction, which allows most homeowners to reduce their tax liability by deducting the interest they pay on their home mortgage, is one of the largest deductions for most taxpayers.

Image source: Pixabay.

5. The charitable giving deduction stays, too

In addition to the mortgage interest deduction, the charitable giving deduction is expected to stick around. This is a deduction that highly favors the wealthy since the amount of the deduction correlates with an individual's peak ordinary income tax bracket. For example, an individual whose last earned dollar is in the 33% tax bracket is able to deduct $0.33 for every $1 donated to an eligible charitable organization. Lower-income folks who are in the 10% and 15% tax brackets are only able to deduct $0.10 or $0.15 for every $1 donated.

6. Eliminates the net investment income tax

Well-to-do investors will be happy to see that Trump's tax plan would eliminate the net investment income tax (NIIT) that was originally passed as a provision with the Affordable Care Act. The NIIT is a 3.8% tax rate applied to investment income for individuals with modified adjusted gross incomes (MAGIs) above $200,000 and couples with MAGI's above $250,000.

7. Removes the estate tax

Trump's tax plan would also remove the estate tax, which is also commonly referred to as the "death tax." The exemption level for the estate tax is already pretty high: $5.49 million for an individual and nearly $11 million for a couple. Removing the estate tax would allow individuals and couples to pass along their wealth to whomever they choose without the threat of federal taxation on their assets.

8. Eliminates the Alternative Minimum Tax

An additional form of tax simplification comes with the proposed elimination of the Alternative Minimum Tax, or AMT. The AMT was put in place back in 1969 to ensure that wealthier individuals aren't able to skirt paying taxes due to the plethora of deductions and credits available to the rich. In 2017, the AMT may apply to single filers earning more than $54,300 and couples filing jointly with more than $84,500 in income.

Image source: Getty Images.

9. Lowers the corporate income tax rate to 15%

The biggest question mark that was answered with the release of this proposal is that the U.S. corporate income tax rate would be reduced from its current 35% to 15%. The belief is that corporations being able to keep more of their income will result in reinvestment and hiring, which will fuel growth in the U.S. economy and generate extra revenue to pay for these fairly steep tax deductions.

10. Allows for a special repatriation tax rate

As expected, Trump's tax plan would allow for a one-time special tax repatriation holiday for corporations that allows them to bring back their overseas cash at a lower tax rate. Estimates suggest that around $2.5 trillion in cash is currently being held overseas. The Trump administration believes that offering corporations an incentive to bring this capital back into the U.S. could fuel reinvestment, jobs growth, and merger and acquisition activity.

11. Establishes a territorial tax system

One of the more controversial proposals within Trump's tax outline is that it would create a "territorial tax system" to encourage companies to remain headquartered in the U.S. Specifically, it would exempt company earnings abroad from taxation. This proposal also seemingly leaves the door open for a border adjustment tax, which would punish companies that rely heavily on foreign imports and reward those who export their goods.

12. Pass-through entities qualify for the lower corporate tax rate

The other highly controversial proposal is that pass-through entities, such as hedge funds and partnerships, would be taxed at the corporate income-tax rate of 15% as opposed to the individual income tax rate. Some pundits have suggested that this provision might encourage individuals to reorganize their finances in order to take advantage of this tax shelter, although Mnuchin insisted on Wednesday that this won't be the case.

Image source: Getty Images.

13. Republicans will target the reconciliation process

The release of this tax proposal all but confirms that House Republicans will seek to pass this plan via the budget reconciliation process. Reconciliation allows the House and Senate to change laws that specifically impact the federal budget with a simple majority vote. The catch is that any tax law passed with reconciliation will sunset in 10 years. In other words, 10 years after the Trump tax plan passes (assuming it passes), the U.S. tax code would revert back to its current form if no new plan is passed.

14. This is just a blueprint

It's important for the American public to realize that Wednesday's tax plan release is nothing more than a "blueprint" of what's to come. It's almost a given that the tax plan that's been unveiled will face changes in the Senate, and possibly even in the House.

15. The goal: 3% growth

Finally, Steven Mnuchin noted during the unveiling of Trump's tax plan that the goal of cutting individual and corporate taxes is to generate annual GDP growth in the U.S. of 3%. Whether this will be enough to offset the reduction in federal revenue collection from these tax cuts remains to be seen.

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Saudi Arabia, like the rest of the world, has an addiction to oil. However, instead of a thirst for consuming crude to power its economy, the Middle Eastern nation's economy runs on oil money. That works out splendidly when crude prices are high but is a significant problem when prices crash as has been the case the past few years.

It's a problem that the kingdom's Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hopes to solve by selling a slice of the country's oil company, Saudi Aramco, to investors via an IPO. That would give the kingdom a cash infusion to start diversifying its economy away from crude. There's just one problem with his plan. His hope was that the IPO would value the company at around $2 trillion. However, those working on the deal are having trouble coming up with that value in the current market environment, suggesting that even $1.5 trillion would be a stretch. Given that dilemma, it's no surprise to see the country's energy minister, who also happens to be the Chairman of Saudi Aramco, hinting that Saudi Arabia would be in favor of extending OPEC's output cuts to boost oil prices since that could raise the value of the company.

Image source: Getty Images.

The $500 billion valuation gap

When bin Salam floated the $2 trillion valuation for Aramco, he did so based on some simple math. The company controls 261 billion barrels of proved oil reserves -- which is the second largest in OPEC behind Venezuela -- that he valued at the country's oil benchmark price of just $8 per barrel. However, there a couple of problems with that methodology. First, the market has long questioned Saudi's proved reserves -- its skeptical that the company has that much oil still in the ground. Second, this method isn't the way the market values oil companies. If that were the case, ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM), which is a nearly $350 billion company that has 20 billion barrels of proved oil equivalent reserves, would only be worth $160 billion. Instead, what the market values above reserves are a company's ability to turn production into cash flow.

Because the market values cash flow above all else, many see Saudi Aramco's value coming in well below the $2 trillion mark because of the tax regime in Saudi Arabia. In fact, by using more traditional valuation metrics, industry consultant Wood Mackenzie came up with a valuation of just $400 billion for the company's core business. Meanwhile, company insiders are struggling to justify a $1.5 trillion price tag even after taking into account the country's recent tax cuts that reduced the company's tax rate from 85% to 50% in an attempt at wooing investors.

Minding the gap

Saudi Arabia is shooting high on Saudi Aramco's valuation because selling a slice of the company is a key to the country's plans to get off its oil addiction. The kingdom hopes that by selling 5% of the company at a $2 trillion valuation, it would raise $100 billion in an IPO, giving it quite the war chest to begin diversifying its economy. However, if the market won't give Saudi Aramco the valuationbin Salam wants, then he would have much less cash to work with, which could hold back his ambitious strategy.

That said, he does have an ace up his sleeve so to speak in that Saudi Arabia, through its control of OPEC, still holds a lot of sway in the oil market. As such, if the country can boost oil prices, it would lift Aramco's cash flow, which would go a long way toward closing the valuation gap. That seems to be just what the country is doing by signaling to the market its willingness to support prices by extending OPEC's output cuts well past the initial six-month plan. Just recently Saudi Energy Minister/Aramco Chairman Khalid al-Falih said that "there is a consensus [to extend the cuts] building but it's not done yet." That said, the country will likely push for that consensus because it needs to drain the market's oversupply to get supply and demand back into balance, which is the ticket to higher oil prices.

Image source: Getty Images.

Driving in neutral

That said, Saudi Arabia's plans to boost oil prices haven't exactly worked as intendedthus far. That's because it has pushed prices just high enough to incentivize shale drillers to get back to work, which led to a flood of new oil that has kept crude's ceiling in the mid-$50s. That's because at $50 oil shale drillers likeEOG Resources (NYSE: EOG) can generate explosive growth due to the high returns of certain shale wells. In EOG's case, it can generate enough cash flow at $50 crude to boost oil production 18% this year. The reason EOG Resources can grow at such a fast clip is that it spent the oil market downturn focused on improving well productivity and driving down costs, which has dramatically improved cash flow and returns. We see a similar story at Devon Energy (NYSE: DVN), which has the financial capacity and incentives to spend the money to double its rig count by year-end. Those rigs should boost Devon's oil output 13% to 17% by the end of the year, putting it on pace for 20% oil growth next year.

Needless to say, Saudi Arabia is in a tight spot. If it pushes crude prices too high, then shale drillers will accelerate production growth. EOG Resources, for example, can boost its long-term oil growth rate from 15% annually at $50 crude up to 25% annually at $60 oil. That said, if the country doesn't boost the cash flow of its oil company, then it won't pull in the money it needs to fuel its ambitious diversification plan. Suffice it to say; the country has a couple trillion reasons to push for higher oil prices in the near term even if that would fuel another shale boom.

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The marijuana industry is growing like a weed. Last year, legal weed sales grew by 34%, according to cannabis research firm ArcView, and by 2021, legal sales (which includes medical and recreational pot) are expected to exceed $22 billion. Investment firm Cowen & Co. has an even more bullish forecast on legal weed, calling for $50 billion in sales by 2026. These estimates are what have revenue-hungry state governments, as well as investors, drooling with excitement.

Take Colorado as a good example. Residents in Colorado legalized recreational cannabis in 2012 along with Washington, becoming the first two states to do so. Last year, Colorado generated more than $1.3 billion in legal weed sales, two-thirds of which came from the recreational side of the equation, leading to almost $200 million in tax and licensing-fee revenue.

Image source: Getty Images.

Investors have relished in the growth as well. Most marijuana stocks have doubled or tripled in value over the past year, if not more. We've even seen a few Canadian medical marijuana producers and retailers turning a quarterly profit, which is a nice departure from the years of losses investors have been accustomed to with pot stocks.

The federal government constrains pot's potential

But the major hurdle the marijuana industry has yet to overcome is escaping its restrictive Schedule 1 status from the U.S. federal government. As a Schedule 1 drug, marijuana is recognized as having no medically beneficial qualities, and is illegal. This leaves cannabis companies to face a number of disadvantages that include having little to no access to basic banking services, and having to pay tax on their gross profits instead of net profits since they can't take normal business deductions.

Most lawmakers and investors look at the marijuana industry from a profit-loss standpoint, but there's also a human factor involved. Medical marijuana is currently approved in 28 states and Washington, D.C., and it's often prescribed to treat a host of ailments including glaucoma, epilepsy, and pain associated with cancer, to name a few. Because the U.S. doesn't have a nationwide medical marijuana program (which is something 93% of survey takers in the latest Quinnipiac poll would like to see happen), tens of millions of Americans are denied access to medical cannabis.

Image source: Getty Images.

A national medical marijuana program could save a lot of money

Yet, a recent study suggests that if a medical marijuana program existed, it would not only save lives but a sizable amount of money in the process.

As background, in July 2016, father-daughter duo David and Ashley Bradford of the University of Georgia published a study in the journal Health Affairs that examined the effect of medical cannabis on Medicare in states that had legalized medical pot. What they found was a $165.2 million reduction in prescription drug expenses for Medicare in states that had legal medical weed. Across the U.S., they estimated that nearly $500 million could be saved for Medicare if medical marijuana were legalized nationally.

In particular, the July 2016 study notes that there were 1,826 fewer doses of pain pills issued under Medicare in legal medical weed states, 562 fewer doses of anxiety meds, and 541 fewer doses of nausea pills, all based on 2013 data. The lower doses of pain pills is of particular interest because opioid overdose-related deaths totaled 20,101 in 2015, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine. Though it's possible to overdose on marijuana, too, no one has died from a pot overdose. Thus, some pundits have suggested that access to medical marijuana is a way to fight the opioid epidemic in order to save lives and reduce costs.

Image source: Getty Images.

This month, the Bradfords were at it again, releasing a brand-new study in Health Affairs that examined the impact a national medical marijuana program would have on Medicaid. The researchers examined quarterly data on all fee-for-service Medicaid prescriptions between 2007 and 2014, paying particular attention to states where medical marijuana was legal. They estimated that if a national medical marijuana law were in place in 2014, it would have resulted in $1.01 billion in savings for Medicaid.

They noted that in legal medical marijuana states under Medicaid, there was a 17% reduction in nausea prescriptions filled, a 13% decrease in depression prescriptions, and once again an 11% drop in pain medications filled.

Long story short, medical pot would save the federal government about $1.5 billion annually, based on the Bradfords' findings, if it were legalized nationally.

Two major issues with the Bradfords' thesis

While the Bradfords' study paints a pretty encouraging picture for medical pot, there are two major issues with it.

First and foremost, the $1 billion "saved" in Medicaid and the nearly $500 million "saved" from Medicare aren't going into anyone's pockets in particular. The difference is that instead of the federal government footing the bill for prescription medicines, consumers will be on the hook for the out-of-pocket costs associated with medical marijuana. As a Schedule 1 drug, no insurer is going to cover cannabis as an approved therapy, and even if it were legalized, there's no guarantee that insurers would cover the drug. This means a national marijuana program would save the federal government money by transferring about $1.5 billion in costs to consumers who choose to buy pot instead of prescription medicines.

President Trump flanked by Jeff Sessions and his wife, Mary Blackshears. Image source: President Donald J. Trump official Facebook page. Photo by Benjamin D. Applebaum.

The other issue is that the Trump administration is in seemingly no rush to consider legalizing medical marijuana. Even though Donald Trump has been in favor of patients having access to medical cannabis, having ardent weed opponent Jeff Sessions as U.S. attorney general means there's very little likelihood of a medical legalization happening anytime soon.

What's more, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) had its opportunity to reschedule or deschedule cannabis this past summer but chose to keep its current Schedule 1 categorization intact. The DEA suggested that a lack of adequate clinical benefit and risk data on pot, along with inadequate safety checks on an addictive drug, made altering its scheduling a bad idea. Petitions to reschedule a drug can take years to reach the DEA, meaning medical cannabis' chances of a rescheduling are slim at best.

Even though legal pot sales are heating up, marijuana stock investors might be wise to keep their expectations in check given the uncertain future of weed in Washington.

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French far-right presidential hopeful Marine Le Pen on Saturday chose defeated first-round candidate Nicolas Dupont-Aignan as her prime minister, a bid to attract his voters and help her to victory over centrist favourite Emmanuel Macron.

Dupont-Aignan is a nationalist whose protectionist economic policies are close to those of the National Front's Le Pen and who, like her, wants to reduce the powers of European Union institutions.

He scored 4.7 percent of votes in the first round on April 23, and announced on Friday, as widely expected, that he was backing her for the decisive May 7 second round.

The alliance could help draw in other voters from the edges of the mainstream right, but it risks alienating some of the far-left support she needs if she is to upset the odds and win France's most important election in decades.

"We will form a government of national unity that brings together people chosen for their competence and their love of France," Le Pen told a Paris news conference, sitting side-by-side with her choice for premier.

The first round elimination of two other main presidential candidates, the far-left's Jean-Luc Melenchon and conservative Francois Fillon, was greeted with relief by investors and EU partners of France, a founder of the bloc, a key member of the NATO defence alliance, and the world's fifth largest economy.

Le Pen had for months seemed sure of a second round place, even though the race was closely fought, and polls ahead of round one showed Macron with a far greater chance than Fillon of beating her next Sunday.

Melenchon, for his part, offered the prospect of a second-round choice between two candidates who would tear up international trade treaties and whose presidencies could be fatal to a European Union already weakened by Britain's departure.

Macron and Le Pen between them accounted for only 45 percent of the first round vote, and the battle is now on for the remainder.

Polls show Macron winning next Sunday with about 59-60 percent, but the momentum has been with Le Pen, who has clawed back about five percentage points over the past week.

END OF TRADITIONAL LOYALTIES

The presidential contest has blown apart traditional party loyalties. Voters now have a stark choice between a resurgent far right, once a pariah in French politics, and a man whose political movement is less than a year old and who has never held elected office.

It sets Macron's enthusiasm for the EU and call for pro-business reforms to boost growth against Le Pen's desire for France to close its borders to immigrants, unwind EU institutions and restrict imports to protect jobs.

"The May 7 election is about a European choice," said outgoing President Francois Hollande, speaking at a meeting of EU leaders in Brussels.

Macron served as Hollande's economy minister from 2014 to 2016 before turning his back on the Socialist government to prepare his own presidential bid.

Dupont-Aignan, who stood in the election for his party 'Stand up France' said he had signed an agreement on the future government with Le Pen that took into account some "modifications" of her programme. A copy of an alliance document put on social media by a TV journalist included no significant policy changes.

Dupont-Aignan is less hardline than Le Pen in some areas such as reintroduction of the death penalty, and in 2013 he said on twitter that his party "cannot align ourselves with the extreme right".

However he is seen as having hardened his position on immigration since.

The 56 year-old whose power base is in the suburban and semi-rural Essonne region south of Paris has long been sought by Le Pen as a potential ally.

His party is an offshoot of the conservative mainstream right, claiming to represent the pure 'Gaullist' tradition of post-war president Charles de Gaulle.

Macron, on a campaign trip in central France where he called politicians who do not back him "morally weak", said on Saturday the alliance between Dupont-Aignan and Le Pen clarified the choice on offer to voters.

(Additional reporting by Yves Clarisse and Ingrid Melander; Writing by Andrew Callus; Editing by Ros Russell)
One hundred days ago, when my father stood in front of the American people and took the oath of office, an American resurgence began.

After eight years of endless talk and speeches, sluggish growth at home and weakness abroad, a sense of optimism and opportunity is taking hold. In the first one hundred days of my fathers presidency, the country is witnessing something Ive been lucky enough to experience firsthand my entire lifea man of action, who keeps his promises and gets results.

This is the good news story of my fathers administration that the mainstream news media wont report because they dont understand it. My father is not a creature of Washington and hes not going to do things the way theyve always been done. He rejects business as usual because his number one priority is to make this country great again by bringing jobs, prosperity, opportunity and security back to the United States.

The first one hundred days have restored confidence in the American economy. The stock market is up, unemployment is going down, and across the board, economic indicators are showing optimism for the future and predicting growth across sectors. My fathers focus on American jobs and manufacturing has led to major announcements from companies like GM, Boeing, Carrier, and T-Mobile, all announcing they will keep jobs here and expand employment in the U.S.

Through an aggressive push using 28 Executive Orders and the 13 Congressional Review Act bills -- a record breaking number since the CRA became law -- Obama-era regulations with a $10 billion chokehold on our economy have been wiped out, easing the burden on small businesses and opening opportunities for job growth. He acted quickly to freeze regulations, and announced that for every new regulation, two regulations would have to be removed.

My father has already signed 28 bills into law, on important issues that promote women in STEM fields, increasing government transparency, and reducing the governments massive regulatory reach. Regulations that would crush family farms, shudder power plants, and raise the cost of electricity for families have all been stopped. The Wall Street Journal has noted that as president, my father is rolling back more regulations than any president in history.

This President is taking common sense actions that benefit the American people. The appointment of the eminently qualified Justice Neil Gorsuch ensures a conservative voice on our Supreme Court, restricting judicial activism. A restored focus on the rule of law has already resulted in a substantial drop in illegal border crossings, improving the security at our borders. He is lifting the restrictions on American energy, finally approving the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipeline; addressing bad trade deals to make them work for Americans; and signing executive orders that takes on steel and aluminum dumping. He is working to slash taxes to jumpstart the economy, and provide relief for the millions of American families getting crushed by increasing ObamaCare premiums. The Trump Administration is working every day to take power away from big government and faceless bureaucrats in Washington and give it back to the American people.

My fathers leadership doesnt end at Americas shores. Both our allies and our enemies are remembering what American resolve looks like. We know from the last Administration, when you draw red lines and then do nothing when theyre crossed, adversaries on the global stage will fill the void, undermining the United States and our allies. Thats what leading from behind got us, but that is all over now.

As Commander in Chief, my father took decisive action against Syrian President Bashar al Assad after he turned chemical weapons against his own people. America is confronting ISIS everywhere from the caves of Afghanistan to the city of Mosul. And the United States is finally dealing with the threat of North Korea. President Trump is committed to rebuilding the U.S. military and empowering our commanders to fight our enemies and keep Americans safe.

Hard-working, middle class Americans who spent the last eight years struggling to make ends meet while Washington ignored them finally have a champion in this White House. Weve had enough of bureaucrats and Washington insiders writing laws and regulations that benefit them and their special interest buddies but put hard working Americans out of work.

The next four years--like the last one hundred days--are going to be about keeping promises to the American people. This President is going to make the government work for all of the people of this country, not just the well-connected insiders. Jobs and prosperity will return to this country, and my father will continue to lead with the strength and conviction that I have seen him live out every day in life and in business. He will never shirk from the tough calls, because he knows how to fix the problems facing this country and ensure a better, stronger more optimistic future for all of us today and for the next generation.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 29

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Georgia wont increase the purchase of Azerbaijani gas in 2017, despite the refusal to purchase Russian gas, Georgias Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Mariam Valishvili told Trend.

Valishvili noted that in 2016, the supply of gas from Azerbaijan to Georgia increased by nearly 100-150 million cubic meters and there is no need for additional gas volumes, as the supply of the above-mentioned volume will completely meet Georgias need for gas in 2017.

Earlier, Georgias Energy Minister Kakha Kaladze said that no deals will be concluded to purchase Russian gas until late 2017 and since April 2017, Georgia will completely switch to supplying the population and enterprises with gas from Azerbaijan.

"If there is an accident, we have the opportunity to supply gas from Russia, but I dont think that commercial gas will be supplied from Russia," said Valishvili.

Azerbaijan has been the main exporter of gas to Georgia for many years. Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR and the Consortium, which is developing the Shah Deniz gas condensate field are the suppliers of gas from Azerbaijan to Georgia.

In previous years, Georgia received 10 percent of Russian gas supplies to Armenia as a transit payment. The country hasnt purchased Russian gas since 2007. In early 2017, the sides agreed on switching to cash settlements in payment for gas transit. Meanwhile, it wasnt possible to reach an agreement on commercial supply of Russian gas in Georgia.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova
One hundred days into President Trumps administration, it is becoming evident that when considering his base, the president has been more successful than many would like to give him credit for.

There have been clear shortcomings though, which many Democratic analysts like myself have been quick to address.

President Trump has accomplished many of the campaign promises he ran on in 2016, and is currently enjoying an 84 percent approval rating among Republicans in the latest Washington Post/ABC News poll. More importantly, a full 98 percent of people who voted for him in November say that they are happy with their decision.

Maintaining this level of loyal Republican support has been critical to the presidents success as his approval rating among all Americans, including Democratic voters, hovers between 40 and 50 percent.

Lets grade President Trumps first 100 days, with specific attention to his ability to successfully meet his campaign promises:

Foreign Policy: A+

President Trumps reassertion of U.S. leadership around the world was a foundational component of his campaign, and already his style of leadership has positively changed the way our global allies view the United States. In particular, the U.S. Navys Tomahawk missile strike on Syrias Shayrat Airbase in response to the Assad regimes horrific use of chemical weapons, made it clear that the president of the United States will not tolerate a red line being crossed or an appalling human rights violation to be committed on his watch.

Just one week later, President Trump authorized the use of the largest non-nuclear bomb in the USs arsenal in Afghanistan to destroy a critical network of tunnels used by ISIS, as well as large caches of weapons.

Finally, the president has shifted U.S. foreign policy goals with China. Trump chose, instead of labeling China as a currency manipulator, to work on building a partnership with them in order to address the threat of North Korea.

Trump made good on his promise that he would ensure the United States would negotiate better deals with our international partners, and both his willingness and ability to pivot on Chinas currency practices to address the North Korean threat demonstrates the presidents negotiating abilities.

Domestic Policy Agenda: C

President Trumps inability to follow through on a signature promise to immediately repeal and replace ObamaCare within the first 100 days now presents serious challenges for other aspects of the presidents policy agenda.

President Trump was unable to unite moderate Republicans and more the conservative House Freedom Caucus behind his proposed replacement plan. This plan should have been formed through bipartisan means, and instead of focusing on repeal and replace, President Trump could have put fixing ObamaCare on the table. As it stands, even with the new addition of the MacArthur amendment in the latest iteration of the American Health Care Act, it does not appear that President Trump will be able to pass an effective ObamaCare replacement in the near term.

President Trumps struggles with his domestic agenda will not end with healthcare. Democrats are not going to consider his tax plan, with the tax cuts too heavily weighted on cuts for the rich. His plan will hurt states disproportionally with high state and local taxes, and putting their social safety net at risk.

President Trumps tax plan is also indicative of how his policy prescriptions and rhetoric havent even hinted at a plan to reach out across the aisle. The upcoming infrastructure bill is an excellent opportunity for Trump to appeal to Democrats. That being said, the Democrats have to take the blame as well. Instead of constantly resisting his every move, Democrats need to article an agenda that could potentially win bipartisan support and help move this country forward.

The Supreme Court: B+

President Trump ran on the promise that if elected, he would appoint federal judges who uphold the constitution and support the Second Amendment. The nomination and appointment of Justice Neil Gorsuch has accomplished just that, and will be one of President Trumps lasting successes from his first 100 days.

Regulations, Trade and Jobs: A-

Trump promised that he would renegotiate or cancel many the United States trade agreements. Just this week, Canada and Mexico have agreed to begin renegotiating NAFTA, which from the outset has largely occurred on President Trumps terms.

Previously, President Trump also pulled out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, enacted tougher enforcement of exporters who sell products below the cost of production, and requested a comprehensive report on every possible cause of the U.S. trade deficit.

Another key campaign promise was job creation. In particular, President Trump has begun the process of cutting federal regulations and expedited the construction of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines.

Additionally, President Trump also ran the plan to crack down on companies outsourcing jobs. The president has called out corporate leaders and companies to help ensure jobs do not go to Mexico, all while negotiating with corporations to invest in new facilitates and factories in America as a vote of confidence in his administration.

Immigration: B+

The president has done exactly as he said he would do with regards to immigration. Trump has proactively tried to enact a constitutionally acceptable version of the travel ban.

More importantly, however, President Trump has worked toward reforming the H1-B visa program in order to ensure that American workers will be a prioritized over foreign workers.

Finally, Trump has held steady on his promise for a wall along the U.S. Southern border, and has initiated funding talks, as well the possibility of public-private partnerships to ensure the walls completion.
Forget the 100 day reckoning; lets give President Trump 130 days instead.

Heres why: the president is on the cusp of achieving nothing less than a once-in-a-generation tax cut that will boost the U.S. economy out of its 8-year rut and restore the nations competitiveness.

It wont pass in the next four weeks, but if Trump throws himself into selling the plan over the next month, and it catches the countrys imagination, Resisting Democrats will have to climb aboard. The buoyant stock market will continue its run, optimism will rise yet again, and Donald Trump will be well on his way to a successful presidency.

Trump himself will have to hit the campaign trail, dig out those red MAGA hats, and convince the country that this program will create jobs, boost wages, help middle-class families and put the nation on the right track. He must sell it not as a tax cut, but as a jobs bill  something the country has hungered for ever since the Great Recession. Something President Obama failed to deliver.

This is the biggest test yet for the young Trump presidency. It isnt Paul Ryans plan or Kevin Bradys plan; its the Trump tax plan. He owns it, he campaigned on it, and if he can get it done his backers will be thrilled.

It will especially please small business owners, who pay taxes today at over 50 percent in some states, and who are among Trumps most enthusiastic backers. As one participant in a recent small-biz roundtable with the president wrote in The Hill, Former President Barack Obama was an almost-daily insult for eight years, telling us the economy was doing great while business owners struggled keep their doors open. Small firms account for nearly half the nations private workforce; they need lighter regulation and a tax break; Trump is serving up both, as promised.

Oh, and by the way, if Trump succeeds in pushing through his tax plan, those deriding the White House as inept and Republicans as unable to govern will develop a sudden case of laryngitis.

Bringing the party together to cut taxes for millions wont have happened in the first 100 days. Whos counting? If significant progress is posted in the next few weeks, Trump wins.

The Tax Foundation last year analyzed Trumps tax plan, and estimated it would boost economic growth, create 5.3 million new jobs, and kick wages up by 6.5 percent. Notwithstanding the benefits that will accrue to U.S. workers, Democrats will fight Trumps tax plan tooth and nail.

They dont believe that lower taxes spur growth, even though tax cuts pushed through by John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan most definitely did. They dont want to starve the beast of the ever-expanding federal government, because they dont think that Americans are wiser about investing our money that the bureaucrats in Washington.

Adding to their hypocrisy is a new-found concern about the federal debt. Democrats complained for years that the Stimulus passed in 2009 wasnt big enough; they are fans of deficit spending  as long as it grows the swamp and not the private sector.

The battle is joined, as we saw from the next-day treatment from the media. The New York Times banner read: Tax Overhaul Would Aid Wealthiest. The paper followed up with: Trumps Plan Shifts Trillion to Wealthiest. Fact: the top 20 percent of earners in U.S. pay 84 percent of the countrys income taxes. Yes, those folks, the ones paying the lions share of our taxes, will get a break.

In numerous articles, the Grey Lady has hinted recently that Trumps tax policy is especially crafted to benefiting himself  by retaining the mortgage interest deduction, for instance. Yes, real estate developers benefit from that deduction; so do tens of millions of American homeowners. Since the current plan includes eliminating the ability to deduct state and local taxes, which would pummel wealthy New Yorkers like Trump, that particular story line was muted.

The facts are clear: the United States has one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world. Nearly every one of our major competitors has cut their corporate tax burden in recent years; we are the outliers. While it is true that businesses take advantage of numerous loopholes and pay less than the statutory rate of 35 percent (39 percent for companies operating in high-tax states), it is also true that even adjusting for deductions and carve-outs, American businesses still pay the second-highest actual rate among developed countries.

A CATO study some years ago argued that in todays interconnected world, it is workers who ultimately pay business taxes. The burden of corporate taxes in the globalized economy, senior fellows Chris Edwards and Daniel J. Mitchell wrote in Global Tax Revolution, mainly falls on average workers in the form of lower wages. If U.S. and foreign semiconductor and pharmaceutical companies are not building factories in America because of higher taxes, it is American workers who lose.

We need to do better. Donald Trump sometimes says We dont win anymore. His supporters get that. Businesses want to move out of the U.S. to take advantage of low tax rates elsewhere, but our country should press our many advantages. We are a rule of law nation, we speak English and we have vast energy resources that over time will become a significant competitive advantage. While labor rates in manufacturing, for instance, are cheaper elsewhere, automation means that wages are becoming a smaller part of total costs. If tax breaks spur investment, U.S. firms will become ever more competitive. Most important, we are still the worlds largest consumer market  right here. Why on earth wouldnt companies want to locate here? Lets make it easy for them.

The plan rolled out by the White House is an opening bid. There will be negotiations over the top rates, the repatriation on overseas-held cash and other particulars. Trump could mollify deficit hawks by eliminating the tax break on carried interest, for instance, which mainly benefits private equity and hedge fund managers. Even many industry participants think that hand-out should disappear. He also could pressure Democrats by rolling out an infrastructure plan to be seeded by the proceeds of a one-time repatriation of foreign earnings stashed overseas by U.S. companies. Thats the Art of the Deal.

But the main message is this: lowering corporate and individual rates will gin up growth, create jobs and raise wages. Astonishingly, even the prospect of this tax plan set the stock market soaring and boosted consumer and business confidence. Thats how hopeful people are, and how potent this medicine will be for our ailing economy. This is Trumps big moment; Ill give him a few more weeks.
The great American philosopher, Jeffrey Lebowski, once said, This is a very complicated case. You know, a lotta ins, a lotta outs, lotta what-have-yous.

His Dudeness wasnt talking about national security or, certainly, the strange case of General Michael Flynn. But his observation is no less relevant.

Indeed, the hysteria surrounding Flynn, President Trumps fired national security adviser, might make for an interesting sequel to The Big Lebowski. Instead of crazy German nihilists attacking El Duderino, how about Congress and the mainstream media mugging a distinguished former three-star general? The parallels are striking.

Given the myriad of accusations leveled against Flynn, here is a primer to help untangle the torturous plot and determine what laws may have been violated, if any at all.

Because it is complicated. Lotta ins, lotta outs, etcetera.

The Paid Speech

In December of 2015, Flynn traveled to Moscow to deliver a paid speech to a Kremlin-backed news organization called Russia Today. He insists he met with Pentagon officials both before and after the speech which the Defense Intelligence Agency appears to concede. Flynns lawyer, Robert Kelner, issued this statement:

DIAs letter actually confirms, in a terse section that is partly redacted, that General Flynn provided information and documents on a thumb drive to the Department of Defense concerning the RT speaking event in Moscow, including documents reflecting that he was using a speakers bureau for the event. The Department was fully aware of the trip.

It should have been obvious to the Pentagon that Flynn was getting paid. Speakers bureaus dont provide services for free speeches.

But did Flynn specify the exact amount of money he earned? It is unclear and disputed. If it is true that Flynn met with Pentagon officials and they did not object to what he was doing, that can be considered tacit, if not express, approval which is all he needed, legally, to deliver his paid speech. (See 37 USC 908)

While a strict reading of the law seems to prohibit retired military officers from taking pay from a foreign government without approval, Flynn maintains he received his speaking fee from RT, not the government itself. Therefore, his decision to advise the Pentagon was technically unnecessary.

However, even if the law is contorted such that Flynn is found in violation of the disclosure/approval rule, it is a civil violation, not a criminal one. The penalty is usually a forfeiture of the payment and, in some extreme cases, a suspension of retirement benefits for a period of time.

Security Clearance

Representatives Jason Chaffetz (R.) and Elijah Cummings (D.) who preside over the House Oversight & Government Reform Committee claim Flynn may have violated a different federal law by not fully disclosing his speech income from Russia when, later, he sought security clearance to work for President Trump as his NSA.

If true, then it might be considered a crime to knowingly falsify or conceal information in a security clearance form, punishable by a fine or up to 5 years behind bars. But people are rarely prosecuted because it is exceedingly difficult to demonstrate that the failure was knowingly. It is not a strict liability crime. The feds would have to prove specific intent. That is, Flynn tried to deliberately deceive the government. Good luck with that.

It does appear that Flynn was sloppy when it comes to paperwork. But that is normally not a crime.

And then there is the practical aspect to consider. Do prosecutors really want to criminally charge a retired three-star general for giving a speech? It seems not only excessive, but anathema to our cherished right to free speech under the First Amendment. Not to mention the right to earn a living.

The Emoluments Clause

Rep. Cummings and others claim Flynn may have violated the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution. What is that? Its the controversial, albeit obscure, provision in the Constitution which forbids office holders from accepting emoluments. Unfortunately, the Framers did not define an emolument. So, thats problem number one.

Legal scholars say it means using a government office to confer a benefit to a foreign government in exchange for money. In other words, bribery. But here, what real benefit did Flynn confer? Giving a speech hardly constitutes much of a meaningful benefit.

Moreover, the U.S. Supreme Court has said that ordinary business transactions are not emoluments. The Flynn speech sure looks like a fairly ordinary business transaction. He gave a speech and got paid for it.

Also, bribery is a transaction cloaked in secrecy. Flynn appears to have told the Pentagon all about his speech.

Problem number two is Flynn was not a government employee when he gave the speech. He was retired. Yes, the Department of Justice has interpreted the Emoluments Clause as applying to all retired military, but that opinion has never been upheld by federal courts in a way that would apply to someone like Flynn.

Just because DOJ says it applies, doesnt make it so under the law. Flynn could argue that emoluments were never intended to include former office holders or the Framers would have chosen to write it that way.

Finally, in the history of this country, no one has ever been criminally prosecuted under the Emoluments Clause. Mostly because its vague and ambiguous, but also because the clause does not identify a penalty for its violation.

Other Investigations

Flynn still faces endless questions about his conversation with Russian Ambassador, Sergey Kislyak, and whether he gave a truthful accounting of it to the FBI. Again, specific intent to deceive comes into play. If Flynn interpreted his conversation with Kislyak differently than the FBI, there is no crime of perjury or obstruction of justice.

The persistent claims that Flynn violated the Logan Act are preposterous. Passed in 1799, it prohibits private citizens from interfering in diplomatic disputes with foreign governments. But no one has ever been prosecuted under the Act, largely because its regarded as a patently unconstitutional violation of the First Amendment. Besides, Flynn was not acting as a private citizen.

While Flynns request for congressional immunity may strike some as implying guilt, we should remember that innocent people often seek immunity, too. He was likely following the sage advice of his lawyer who fears his client could become the target of overzealous prosecutors determined to conjure erroneous charges. It happens.

And so the case against Michael Flynn is, in many ways, like The Big Lebowski. Bizarre and overwrought, with a hopelessly complex plot thats ultimately unimportant. A comedy in search of a crime.

In keeping the wolves from the door, Flynn can take comfort in the wisdom of Jeffrey Lebowski: This aggression will not stand, man!

Well said, Dude.
Amnesty International is sounding the alarm bells about the increasing and terrifying wave of attacks against Christians in Egypt, just as the leader of the worlds 1.2 billion Catholic Christians, Pope Francis, is headed there in a display of solidarity with these persecuted brethren.

He will meet this week with Egypts President el-Sisi and the Grand Imam Sheik el-Tayeb in an attempt to promote peace and protection for Egypts 9 million Christians living under assault in the largest Muslim country of the Arab world.

Its a risky trip, and not just in the diplomatic sense. The Pontiff will fearlessly celebrate an open-air mass on Saturday in Cairo, despite the frequency of church bombings there.

Just in the last three weeks, ISIS has claimed responsibility for leaving 44 worshipers dead and over 100 injured in grisly attacks during Palm Sunday mass at two of Egypts historic churches, and its militants opened fire on a monastery soon thereafter.

Another bomb was discovered in a Coptic church in March before it could explode, but Decembers Bloody Sunday bomb claimed 25 lives at St. Peters in Cairo. Amnesty International has documented countless other tragic acts.

The persecution of Christians in Egypt is just a microcosm of similar persecutions across a wide swath of the globe.

In the cradle of Christianity itself, Christians themselves are nearly extinct. Over 1 million Iraqi Christians have been forced to flee their ancestral homeland or be killed, and in Syria 80 percent of the Christians are now refugees elsewhere.

In Pakistan, such violence is tragically common, such as in last years Easter Sunday suicide bombing that left 72 dead and 320 injured, most of them women and children. Dreadful oppression exists in China, North Korea, India, Indonesia, etc.

According to "Under Caesars Sword" researcher Daniel Philpott, the persecution of Christians is global in nature and particularly brutal. One year ago, the Obama administration even issued a formal declaration that there is an ongoing genocide of Christians, Yazidis, and other religious minorities in the Middle East.

Genocide. An unbearable designation, yet a year has gone by since the genocide declaration, and what is being done about it?

One Congressional leader who fought for the genocide label, Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.), refers to the scandal of silence around this persecution. He reminds us that it is even more scandalous to call it genocide and then do nothing to stop it.

This seemingly intractable problem is now in the lap of a new administration, and advocates for religious freedom have a long list of recommendations to help protect these vulnerable populations.

First among these is to quickly fill the position of Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, an appointment the Trump administration is apparently on the verge of making.

To be effective, this appointee needs to be an experienced person of stature, who will be able to navigate the State Department to get the funding and staff to make a difference.

Additional recommendations given at a recent Capitol Hill briefing sponsored by the Religious Freedom Institute is for our foreign policy to advance religious freedom as a national security priority, necessary for peace and stability. Congressman Francis Rooney (R-Fla.), a former ambassador himself, emphasized that religious freedom is the key stabilizing force in societies, and that American diplomats need training in order to export that notion.

For example, the U.S. gives in the neighborhood of $1 billion annually to Egypt in foreign aid, yet Egypts government is not adequately protecting the Coptic Christians. Surely more diplomatic pressure can be applied there.

Our persecuted brethren are in desperate need of our help. Government refugee aid flows through the United Nations, yet sadly most U.N. camps are unsafe for Christians. So, they rely on private aid organizations like the Knights of Columbus and In Defense of Christians.

The images of those Coptic Christians beheaded in orange jumpsuits on the shores of the Mediterranean may be seared in our minds, but there are literally millions of others unseen who are living in fear, have been forced from their homes, their churches looted and burned, some sold into sexual slavery to ISIS fighters, others barbarically crucified.

Pope Francis visit to Egypt this week will be a stark reminder that they need our prayers, our advocacy, and material assistance lest the scandal of silence and inaction persist.
Since January 20th my White House colleagues and I have been given more than ample opportunity to answer questions on what the new Trump administrations policies are on a slew of issues. In almost every case I start my response with the same caveat: Remember this is just week 13, or week 14 of the administration. Not month 13, or 14!

Nevertheless, the completely artificial marker of Day 100 looms large, so what do those inside the White House want our fellow Americans, our international friends -- and adversaries -- to understand about the our first magical 100 days and the presidents vision for the years ahead?

First things, first. The best way to understand anything is to start with primary sources. Unfortunately Fake news is a real phenomenon, one that is a significant problem on the left as much as on the right side of the media complex. As a result, I advise those who wish to really understand who President Donald J. Trump is, and what direction he intends to take his administration in, just to listen to the commander in chiefs own words.

In the crush of last years election campaign, the future president gave a speech on August 15th in Youngstown, Ohio. It was a speech that was almost completely missed in its significance by the commentariat and non-governmental national security elite. It was a powerful speech for what it accurately flagged as the future Presidents vision and strategic intent in the national security domain.

The message was unequivocal and set the stage for a stance wholly unlike the previous 8 years.

Instead of positing poverty or other local grievances as the cause for the terrorist violence plaguing the world, the president diagnosed the threat as one rooted in evil, promising to take action and speak out against those who oppress women, gays, and people of different faiths. This evil, to which the president gave the specific name of radical Islamic terrorism, is to be defeated, and not ameliorated or degraded, as the Obama White House had promised.

But, the way to achieve this is not interventionism. The president explicitly rejected the strategy of nation-building, stating that the Bush/Obama proclivity for regime change be it in Iraq, Libya, or elsewhere, is over -- having been proven a strategic failure.

Since that speech was made, Donald J. Trump has been sworn in as commander in chief and subsequently demonstrated he is a man of his word over the last 100 days.

Not only has his administration taken decisive action domestically to limit the mobility of jihadist terrorists, with the presidents decision to strike appropriately against both ISIS in Afghanistan and the al-Assad regime in Syria, he has signaled that the age of leading from behind, and strategic patience is over.

In fact, Vice President Pence explicitly stated the latter, most recently from the deck of the American aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan. (For those who voted for the president and who may have seen these actions as creeping neoconservative interventionism, I have just this to say: one bomb -- albeit the biggest conventional one ever made -- or a cruise missile barrage, doth not an invasion or occupation make. This is not 1991, nor is it 2003).

The 100 day mark is really an irrelevancy. The far more important question is: does a leader keep his promises and what do his actions say about how he has managed the journey from candidate to commander?

Whether you voted for him or not, President Trump has answered both questions through his actions. He has made it clear that not only did the U.S. face down the totalitarians of the last century, the global threats of Nazism and Communism, but that we will now deal forthrightly with todays totalitarians, with those who reject the norms and moral standards we deem universal, be it a terrorist group in South Asia that believes in vicious theocracy, or a secular regime in the Middle East that uses chemical weapons against the innocent.

As of January 20, 2017, the phrase red line once again has meaning. And with a team made up of strategic professionals such as General McMaster, Secretaries Mattis,Tillerson, and others, the president has made it abundantly clear: we will deal with the world as it is not as we would wish it to be, and that America will lead from the front once more.
Theres no magic to the first hundred days of a presidents administration, other than the memory  sacred to liberal progressives  of the fundamental changes to America that Franklin Roosevelt made in his first hundred days.

Roosevelt was inaugurated on March 4, 1933 (the date of inaugurations was moved to January 20 by the passage of the Twentieth Amendment in 1933). By the 104th day of his presidency, Roosevelt, aided by his advisor, Harry Hopkins (the most important of all Soviet wartime agents in the United States), had signed, among others, the Agricultural Adjustment Act, which paid farmers not to farm; the Truth-in-Securities Act; the Glass-Steagall Act; the National Industrial Recovery Act, later struck down by the Supreme Court; and bills creating the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the Home Owners Loan Corp. It may be a stretch, but not a big one, to say Roosevelt created the welfare state in a hundred days.

Liberal progressives are now hugely enjoying (and fooling) themselves at what they claim is the lack of legislation enacted during Donald Trumps first hundred days  and chastising him for getting so little done.

Of course, the less legislation there is, the happier they are, since they do, or will, oppose most of Trumps proposals, as they have opposed most of the presidents nominees to executive branch positions.

Joe Peyronnin writes in The Huffington Post that Trump has had the worst first 100 days of any modern-era president.

MSNBC analyst Jonathan Alter said, This is the worst, least successful, first 100 days since it became a concept in 1933.

Charles Blow writing in The New York Times pats himself and others on the back saying, The resistance to the travesty of Donald Trumps presidency is holding up just fine, thank you very much. (Actually, it isnt.)

The Nation ran a piece that said, The great lesson of these first 100 days is that, even when Republicans control Washington, resistance is possible.

The New Yorker even ran a piece on April 17 by John Cassidy entitled The Trump Resistance: A Progress Report. This is all catharsis for Hillarys supporters, the non-deplorables. Thats OK. Were a rich country. Everyone can have something. Hillarys supporters have Resistance as Catharsis. Trumps have Schadenfreude. Both are growth stocks.

But the catharsis is taking a toll on the political integrity of the Trump opposition. How else to explain this line from Cassidys piece: To the extent that the goal of the resistance is to make sure the checks and balances in the American political system work as intended, and to prevent the emergence of an overweening presidency, or a potential despot, it seems to be succeeding. Are The New Yorker and John Cassidy turning their backs on the way Barack Obama governed? By pen, and phone, and executive order? That (if true  and it isnt) would suggest Donald Trump has already been more successful than even his own supporters dreamed  and well before a hundred days were up.

Trump supporters need not despair at the lack of major legislation so far. The hundred-day mark is purely arbitrary. A more meaningful period is the one that starts on the day of the inauguration and goes to the beginning of Congresss summer recess (July 28, 2017). But even that is an arbitrary timeline. Trumps stated goals are to make fundamental changes in the way the country has been governed since Harry Hopkins was whispering communist nostrums into Roosevelts ear.

Despite the resistances claim that they seem to be succeeding, all is not well for them. President Trump has already, inter alia: signed 25 executive orders (the most of any first 100-day period in more than 50 years); gotten a Supreme Court nominee confirmed; instituted immigration policies that have driven illegal border crossings to a 17-year low; and removed job-killing regulations.

Adam Cohen, author of Nothing to Fear: FDRs Inner Circle and the Hundred Days That Created Modern America says, Even if there are not many major tangible accomplishments, [Trumps] administration has changed the political and cultural trajectory of the country  not as much as FDR did following Herbert Hoover, but more than the average new president does.

What President Trump hasnt accomplished, yet, is getting enacted the big ticket items he campaigned on: repealing ObamaCare, restructuring the tax code, building the wall, rebuilding the military, and deconstructing the administrative state.

But those items are hugely controversial, even among Republicans. They will take time. Fortunately, there is time. Trump still has a thousand days to go  in his first term.

The bad news for the resistance is that if the election were held (again) today, Hillary would still lose. That means Resistance-as-Catharsis will be big business for a long time to come.

But not as big as Schadenfreude.
EXCLUSIVE: Four congressional committees are demanding answers from the FBI and departments of Justice and Defense about a taxpayer-funded school that markets to the military, after a Fox News investigation exposed alleged ties between the university's leadership and the Chinese military.

The ongoing Fox News investigation has focused on the Virginia-based University of Management and Technology, its president Yanping Chen Frame and the school's academic dean, J. Davidson Frame, Chen's husband. UMT was raided by the FBI in 2012 as part of a counterintelligence investigation, but multiple sources told Fox News the case ran into roadblocks once it reached the U.S. attorney's office.

"There's not only a lot of smoke coming out of this one, there's some fires out there that need to be extinguished and some people that really have to answer the questions," House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, said.

In a letter to Defense Secretary James Mattis on April 12, Chaffetz said military service members and their personnel records remain at risk. He questioned why the Defense Department continues to fund the school with taxpayer dollars through the GI Bill and the tuition assistance program.

"There was no obligation to give this money. They didn't have to give this money. Somebody made a proactive decision to authorize this, to move forward, and then why not cut it off?" Chaffetz said.

Since the 2012 FBI raid, UMT received more than $6 million. Some $250,000 has been received by the school since Fox News aired its first report in February.

"It's a bad deal for the soldiers  it's a bad deal for the taxpayer," said former UMT employee Stephen Rhoads, a U.S.-veteran-turned-whistleblower who says he worked as an FBI informant on the case. "It absolutely disgusts me and needs to stop."

After the Fox News investigation, the Defense Department put the school under review but continues to fund it. When he worked there, Rhoads said the school got more than 250,000-$300,000 per month in taxpayer dollars.

Photos obtained by Fox News apparently show Chen wearing the uniform of a young officer in the Chinese military of the People's Liberation Army, known as the PLA, along with her family. In another undated photo, Chen appears to salute the grave of her father, Chen Bin, who was a senior general in the PLA in charge of technology and arms acquisition.

"Her father joined the Communist Party in the 1930s. He supposedly participated in the Long March and that  gives her credentials not unlike being an officer in the continental army," said Peter Mattis, a fellow with the Jamestown Foundation and leading expert on China. "The Long March," between 1934-1935, has long been referred to as a bloody pillar of the Chinese Communist Revolution which ultimately led to the creation of the People's Republic of China.

Mattis said a school like UMT would be attractive to the Chinese military.

"You get what you'd call a curated database. You're not just getting a database of a lot of Americans. You're getting a database of people who are interesting to you, people who work in the U.S. military, who have access to a sensitive technology," Mattis said. "This is valuable to China for two reasons. The first is, militaries everywhere want to know what a potential adversary might look like -- what are their capabilities, how will they act? The second is this might also serve as a vehicle for recruiting individuals."

Mattis added, "If intelligence is a numbers game and maybe one out of 100 or one out of 500 people are willing to commit treason, then the faster you can go through those numbers, the better off you are. They're looking for former officials, classmates, spouses, friends and they have no problem recruiting someone with only secondhand access to information."

Fox News has confirmed that the Naval Criminal Investigative Services (NCIS) is also investigating the UMT. Separately, multiple sources told Fox News that the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, James P. Gillis, declined to prosecute in 2014, but that may be about to change.

The FBI, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Defense Department declined to comment, citing the ongoing probe.

Chaffetz stressed his dismay with the reaction of the Department of Justice. "Just turning the other cheek on something that appears at least on the surface to be so blatant -- that begs the question, what are the 100,000-plus people at [the Department of Justice] doing?"

Fox News has an open invitation for an interview with Yanping Chen and J. Davidson Frame. They told Fox News in February they were too busy.
President Trump voiced confidence Friday about a new health care overhaul coming together as early as next week, declaring in an interview with Fox News Martha MacCallum that despite Republicans failure to pass a replacement in his first 100 days, ObamaCare is dead.

The president gave himself high marks as he reflected on the unofficial end of that honeymoon period in office. While calling the 100 days measure artificial, he touted progress in courting China to counter the North Korean threat, confirming a Supreme Court justice and making headway on his big-ticket agenda items  like health care.

The president acknowledged in the interview with The First 100 Days that hes disappointed with how congressional Republicans handled legislation like the ObamaCare replacement, an initial version of which was pulled from the House floor last month amid flagging support.

I was disappointed that they didn't have more in line by the time I walked in, Trump said.

But he said he understands the challenge for lawmakers trying to navigate what he called a very tough system, running up against Democratic obstructionists.

He noted ObamaCare itself took 17 months of brutality to get approved and, further, suggested Congress may not have a choice about approving a replacement.

ObamaCare is exploding. ObamaCare is dead -- essentially, ObamaCare is dead, it's not going to make it, he said, citing states like Tennessee where insurance companies are fleeing the exchange programs set up under ObamaCare.

Since the March meltdown on the initial bill, House Republicans have come back to the table with a new version that has garnered support from the conservative Freedom Caucus. They were unable to bring it to a vote before the end of Trumps first 100 days on Saturday, with the necessary votes still being sought, but Trump said, I believe they're going to get it done.

He added, I think maybe next week sometime. They're really coming together.

Trump said House Speaker Paul Ryan is trying very, very hard, and he has confidence in the various factions of the party coming together.

He also voiced confidence about moving forward with his newly unveiled blueprint for tax reform. We're going to lower taxes, he said, and the biggest beneficiaries are the small companies, and the biggest of all beneficiaries are middle-income people who have really been hurt.

He also said he wants to get GDP growth to 4 percent or higher.

As for his presidency to date, Trump said hes created great foundations in terms of relationships with China and with Japan and with many, many other countries  and praised China specifically for putting a lot of pressure on North Korea.

Shortly after the interview, it was confirmed that North Korea test-launched another ballistic missile. Fox News is told it broke up in flight over the Korean Peninsula and has been deemed a failure. One White House official told Fox News they were not surprised by the test, or that it failed.

Trump said he cant say whether Chinese President Xi Jinping will be able to pull it off in pressuring North Korea to change its behavior.

We'll see what happens, he said.

Trump pointed as well to the confirmation of Justice Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court as a highlight, saying, I think hell be a great one.

I could have others and we'll see what happens, but getting Justice Gorsuch was, to me, a very big thing. And it will be a very big thing in the future, he said.

The appointment of Gorsuch had conservatives cheering, though other recent policy stances  like backing off his criticism of NATO, declining to label China a currency manipulator and even launching missile strikes on a Syrian government airbase in response to a chemical weapons attack  have left observers guessing as to what the Trump doctrine truly is.

Trump told MacCallum hes not really an ideologue. He described himself as a person of common sense, noting he used to be a Democrat.

I get things done. I've always been a closer, Trump said.

He griped about archaic rules in the Senate, like those pertaining to the filibuster. Republicans effectively eliminated the filibuster for Supreme Court nominees in order to push through Gorsuch, but for now senators can still filibuster legislation  meaning they demand a 60-vote threshold.

Maybe at some point we're going to have to take those rules on, Trump said, before naming the filibuster as a problem.

Congressional Democrats put the blame squarely on Trump for shortcomings in the first 100 days. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., recently described it as a disastrous parade of broken promises to working people.

Trump has not yet notched any major legislative victories since taking office  but he pushed back on such critiques in the Fox News interview.

That's really wrong. First of all, we had 28 bills, he said.

Trump also reacted to the developing controversy behind his fired national security adviser Michael Flynn, whom House lawmakers say may have violated policies against taking foreign money without permission after he left the Obama administration. Trump suggested it was the Obama administration, not his transition team, that erred in vetting him.

I do feel badly for [Flynn]. He served the country. He was a general. But just remember, he was approved by the Obama administration at the highest level, Trump said. And when they say we didnt vet, well Obama I guess didnt vet, because he was approved at the highest level of security by the Obama administration. So when he came into our administration, for a short period of time, he came in, he was already approved by the Obama administration.

As for his personal and family life, Trump acknowledged hes now in a cocoon protected by the Secret Service at all times, lamenting that he cant drive anymore.

But he said he plans to visit New York again, something he hasnt done yet since taking the oath of office, and is glad his wife Melania and son Barron are joining him in Washington.

Asked whether one term might be enough for him, Trump said hell see.

Maybe it takes a little bit longer, but I think we're doing tremendously well. I don't think anybody has ever done this much in a hundred days, he said. But I've always said it's going to be eight years, not four years.
President Trump signed a one-week stopgap spending bill Friday night to avert a governement shutdown that Congress passed earlier in the day, giving lawmakers more time to negotiate a broader budget deal  as lawmakers also pushed off talks on a new health care package.

The spending measure passed the Senate by voice vote after clearing the House on a bipartisan 382-30 vote. It now goes to President Trump's desk.

Lawmakers had been facing a midnight deadline to pass a new funding bill. They will now continue to work on a bigger, $1 trillion budget package, under a new deadline of next Friday.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said earlier that bargainers were "very close" to an agreement. But underscoring lingering battles over environmental and financial regulations, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., continued to object to what he called "poison pill riders."

But the bipartisan budget talks had progressed more smoothly after the White House dropped a threat to withhold payments that help lower-income Americans pay their medical bills and President Trump abandoned a demand for money for a border wall with Mexico.

On the separate health care bill, House Republican leaders are still scrounging for votes from their own rank-and-file.

There is no vote planned for Friday, meaning Trump will finish his first 100 days without a major legislative accomplishment.

House Rules Committee Chairman Pete Sessions, R-Texas, said its possible they could entertain a health care bill next week. A definite maybe, he said.

Republicans have revised an earlier version to let states escape a requirement under President Barack Obama's 2010 law that insurers charge healthy and seriously ill customers the same rates. They could also be exempted from Obama's mandate that insurers cover a list of services like hospitalization and substance abuse treatment and from its prohibition against charging older customers more than triple their rates for younger ones.

The overall legislation would cut the Medicaid program for low-income people, eliminate Obama's fines for people who don't buy insurance and provide generally lower subsidies.

More than a dozen Republicans, mostly moderates, said they were opposing the legislation. Many others remained publicly uncommitted, putting party elders in a tough spot. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., wants to avoid an encore of last month's embarrassment, when he abruptly canceled a vote because of opposition from moderates and conservatives alike.

On Wednesday, conservatives in the House Freedom Caucus announced their support for the revised health legislation.

Fox News Chad Pergram and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Tehran, Iran, Apr. 29

By Mehdi Sepahvand  Trend:

The US government seized $3.5 billion assets of the Central Bank of Iran in an act that can surely be called a highway robbery, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told a conference of Iranian-European bankers, Mehr news agency reported April 29.

A Luxembourg court in March said that a 2016 verdict to freeze the assets of the $1.6 billion of CBI in the country was legal. The decision came following a legal bid by the US claiming compensation from Iran for the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks and their families over the Islamic Republics alleged role in the terror attacks.

Also in 2016 the US Supreme Court supported the statements of Congress and President Barack Obama that Iran "was financially responsible for the 1983 bombing that killed 241 Marines at their barracks in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

Iran had denied any involvement in any of the bombings. Families of the Marines and victims of other attacks that courts have linked to Iran are allowed to seize some $2 billion in assets held in New Yorks Citibank belonging to the Central Bank of Iran.

Zarif also said Irans financial market, including the money, capital, and insurance markets were the key targets of the sanctions devised by people who aimed at crippling Irans economy.

The outcome of this was the closure of places that were going to receive finance on one side, and on the other side unbridled growth of corruption that resulted from lack of transparency as Iran tried to bypass the sanctions, the minister noted.

Zarif also accused the US of failing to uphold its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and expressed hope that Irans European partners overlook minor obstacles and push for long-term gains by establishing trade ties with Tehran.
President Trump goes to Pennsylvania on Saturday to host a rally to mark his first 100 days in the White House -- acknowledging his 2016 win in the blue-leaning state and a presidency largely untethered to Washington pomp and convention.

To be sure, the rally in Harrisburg, Pa., starts at about the same time as the annual White House Correspondents Dinner, which Trump ceremoniously said he would not attend, amid his repeated accusations about fake news and a press corps eager to challenge his agenda.

From the first day of my administration, I have governed by a simple idea: My only allegiance is to you, our wonderful citizens, Trump said in his weekly, weekend address, a likely preview of what hell say at the rally.

100 DAYS OF DISRUPTION: HOW TRUMP REWROTE THE PRESIDENTIAL SCRIPT

Trump has indeed tried to deliver his message to the people, often sidestepping the conventional method of going through reporters and the mainstream news media.

Mainstream (FAKE) media refuses to state our long list of achievements, including 28 legislative signings, strong borders & great optimism! Trump tweeted Saturday.

Whether his early presidency has been a success largely depends on the chosen measures -- with a sharp division between critics and supporters of the insurgent Trump campaign that upset Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.

I truly believe that the first 100 days of my administration has been just about the most successful in our countrys history, Trump also says in his weekly address. Most importantly, were bringing back jobs. You asked the people of Michigan; you asked the people of Ohio; you can ask the people of Pennsylvania.

Trumps victory indeed was made possible by wins in those swing states, with Pennsylvania and Michigan not having voted for a Republican presidential nominee since 1988.

His return to Pennsylvania is a thank you, like the one he delivered to Florida voters last month in Tampa. But its also a likely nod to 2020, with Trumps reelection effort having already raised roughly $13 million.

Trump is also likely Saturday to list several other accomplishments including getting nominee Judge Neil Gorsuch appointed to the Supreme Court with relative ease in a politically divided Senate.

Other accomplishments expected on Trumps list include approval of the Keystone Pipeline and renegotiating a contract for the U.S. militarys F-35 fighter jet program that is intended to save hundreds of millions of dollars.

However, Democrats and other critics argue Trumps early presidency has sputtered, pointing to his failure to get an ObamaCare overhaul plan or any other major legislation passed in Congress, despite a GOP majority in both chambers.

At the 100-day mark, the Republicans biggest success has been energizing Democrats, disappointing Independents and demoralizing Republicans, Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen, chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said Saturday. Trump and the GOP have shown that they are wholly unable to deliver results, failing to fulfill their promises on everything from health care to tax reform.

Critics also point out that Trumps early efforts to tighten national security by limiting visitors from mostly Muslim nations was a failure, the result of at least one executive order that was signed with what appeared to be little advance notice to federal immigration officials and legal challenges that have held up the orders in court.
Please see bottom of story for an update

Between 2011 and 2015, the Obama administration paid nearly $1 billion into health care funds of the United Mine Workers of America, including tens of millions of dollars to unverified and sometimes dubious beneficiaries and undocumented union administrative expenses, according to a U.S. government audit.

The former administration also paid expenses that should have been covered by coal mine operators, the audit concludes.

At times, when the government bureaucrats who made the payments asked for information about questionable costs, they were refused by union officials who told them the data was not within [their] purview, the document asserts.

Overall, the audit, published late last month by the Inspector Generals office of the U.S. Department of the Interior, recommends that the government agency involved in passing on the money resolve issues surrounding some $58.8 million, including $22 million apparently still sitting in union coffers. But it also points to many millions more in murky transactions and inaction that it deemed beyond its capacity to question.

The report also charges that the federal agencys minimal oversight has been ineffective and has not ensured that UMWAs Health and Retirement Funds (UMWAF) managed the federally supported health benefit plans in accordance with regulations and statutesthat is, in legally acceptable fashion.

For their part, both the government agencyInteriors Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) and the coal miners union have pushed back strongly against the auditors in the official response to the report, arguing that the overseers have misconstrued the issues and miscalculated the financial numbers.

Among other things, OSMRE says that the UMWAF has voluntarily provided us with a large amount of information about its enrollment and assignment practices, and said that the auditors statistics and examples were incorrect or potentially misleading.

OSMRE has also argued that Congressional legislation only intended the agency to have a narrow role in the process.

Nonetheless, a spokesperson for the auditors told Fox News, We stand behind our numbers.

The densely worded audit report is a hand grenade tossed into one of Washingtons touchier political discussions: continuing federal bailouts for unionized coal miner health care benefits, which have gone on for years , especially in areas of the country, such as West Virginia, where King Coal was formerly the dominant industry.

The issue of coal miner protection became even more acute during the Obama Administrations notorious anti-carbon war on coal, which deliberately sought to shrink faltering coal production even further, leading to more coal miner bankruptcies that further complicated worker protection finances.

The health care benefits for some 22,600 retired coal miners and their families currently targeted for support are especially sensitive right now. Federal bail-out provisions for them are set to expire by the end of April, although a short extension has been proposed in Congress to keep money flowing while broader funding struggles to prevent a government shutdown are resolved.

Renewed help for coal miners is expected to form part of the overall funding deal. The question is, how much: on April 26, West Virginia Senators Joe Manchin, a Democrat, and Shelley Capitol, a Republican, staged a press conference with United Mine Workers officials on Capitol Hill to demand a permanent fix to the health insurance issue, meaning permanent federal support. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, from neighboring Kentucky, is also on board with the health care fix.

The question raised by the Department of Interior audit, however, is less about the pros and cons of the bailout and more about the lack of provision by Congress for government oversight of where the money has been going, and how the payouts are calculated, among other things.

According to the auditors, much of that has been left to the union itself and to coal mining operators, while OSMRE, which signs the checks, has done little itself to address what it considers inadequate legislative authority [for oversight], nor has it taken proactive steps to address many of the issues in this report that have been identified for years.

Among those issues:

Satisfactorily verifying who is eligible for benefits under a patchwork of 16 union health care and pension plans, of which only three get government subsidies;

Checking actuarial data that goes into determining contribution rates;

Ensuring that coal mine operators are paying their share of benefit contributions and are being penalized if they dont;

Making sure that federal bailout funds are used to pay only for the administration of the three subsidized health plans and not all 16 of the health and pension plansnine of which, fully funded, are for union officials and trustees.

The problem is, that while Congress has been eager to bail out coal miners, it did not, the audit says, explicitly provide a mechanism for oversight in the laws and regulations it passed to help out the retirees in the past, notably laws passed in 1977 and 1992 that generate the subsidies.

There was no provision, for example, for a federal representative on the boards of trustees that administer the subsidized health planseven though, in 2015, the auditors estimate that more than half (53 per cent) of the money keeping the plans afloat came from the government.

The task of providing payouts, meanwhile, fell to OSMRE, largely because the source of much of the bailout money was interest accumulated by the Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program, a multi-billion-dollar effort paid for by all coal producersnot merely those with United Mine Worker employeesalong with dollops from the Federal Treasury. But the payment task was not accompanied with authorizations that OSMRE provide oversight.

(As it happens, a Inspector Generals evaluation report, published just one day after the UMWAF payout audit, finds OSMRE has also been ineffective in ensuring funds are spent on reclamation work.)

Doubtless as a result, OSMRE is impressively understaffed for any oversight role. It has, the auditors note, a single grants financial specialist reviewing all money transfer requests from the UMWAF funds as well as all the supporting documentation. And that oversight work is only a fraction of overseers other responsibilities.

OSMRE has been acutely aware of its inadequacy for years. As far back as 2006, the auditors noted, without mentioning names, then Interior Secretary Gale Norton tried to get help from then Labor Secretary Elaine Chaowho is currently the Trump Administrations Transportation Secretary and married to Sen. McConnellto get a unified system for financial reporting and accountability for money spent by UMWAF, which would give information to an entity with expertise and an overarching interest in this area.

The proposed collaboration never came to fruition, as the report puts it.

The upshot: Rather than verifying that funds were being spent properly, the auditors found, OSMRE was largely certifying figures that it got from the coal miners union and simply paying out requested money without obtaining and validating the necessary information and supporting documentation from UMWAF.

Moreover, OSMRE attempts to get such figures were often rebuffedwith the most frequently cited reason being that the agency did not have legal authority to ask in the first place.

When the auditors looked into things, however, they found a lot to question, starting with the rosters of who was getting paid.

Among the UMWAF beneficiaries on one of the plans, their report says, were nearly 4,500 who did not appear on Social Security Administration lists that are ostensibly the basis for enrollment, nor on the UMWAFs beneficiary lists for the previous year. Their payouts totaled nearly $40 million.

(As the audit notes, the SSA data goes directly to the UMWAF, so that it can calculate health insurance premiums without Federal Government involvement.)

Another 4,400 appeared on UMWAF lists, but not on the Social Security lists; their payouts were worth $41 million.

The report says that the UMWAF asserted the beneficiaries in question related to a larger group that were previously added to the plan by coal mine operators through a process known as voluntary acceptance.

The audits also found that the UMWAF kept adding beneficiaries1,693 of them-- to the same plan after the cut-off date of July 20, 1992. The beneficiaries were referred to as after-acquired, and payouts to them between 2009 and 2013, the report notes, added up to $36.8 million, a sum the auditors found questionable.

In the case of another plan, where the federal government puts up the entire cost of providing benefits to miners eligible by a cut-off date of Dec. 20, 2006, the report notes that more than 1,000 of beneficiaries were apparently added without informing the government through back-dated letters after the specified legal cut-off due to special agreements between UMWAF and specific coal mine operators.

The coal mine operators would otherwise have been responsible for paying the benefits for anyone who became eligible after Dec. 31, 2006.

UMWAF officials explained, the report says, that these eligibility agreements commonly occur when new collective bargaining agreements are negotiated. Consequently, the auditors did not question the arrangement.

The auditors also discovered that beneficiary data used to support actuarial projections for the fund payouts included 1,800 people born in the 19th Century who did not have associated termination datesmeaning they appeared as if still working. Among them were 764 who would have been 120 years of age or older in 2013.

When it came to employer contributions to the same plan, the auditors did the arithmetic and discovered that the coal mine operators paid in substantially less than seemed to be required. In other cases, they simply quit paying.

Under the 1992 Coal Act, the report says, the IRS is supposed to penalize employers who dont make their required health benefit payments, but the same act does not require these delinquencies to be reported to the IRS. So the UMWAF apparently didnt, and charged the missed payments to the federal government as a shortfall in plan financeswhich OSMRE paid instead.

The report says that UMWAF officials told the auditors that they had not said anything to the IRS as it was not in their interest to report the delinquent coal operators because it would not result in any additional income to the [health benefit plan] as the penalties would be paid to the U.S. Treasury and not UNWAF. 

As of September 2013, the auditors reported, one fund had at least $48.1 million in delinquencies without a single operator being reported to the IRS to levy penalties.

Lack of detailed UMWAF reporting created another mystery for the auditors: whether, and to what extent, federal government money might have been used to cover the administrative expenses of UMWAF benefit plans that are not included in the three subsidized arrangements.

All 16 of the UMWAF plans, including the nine for union officials and trustees, are centrally administered, and only a fraction of that total should be assigned for federal support. But UMWAF, the auditors said, used a single, aggregated accounting system for all plans. UMWAF allocated a percentage of the administrative expenses to the federally supported plans, but without providing details to OSMRE. (Indeed, the UMWAF response to agency queries was that it was not something the agency was mandated to ask.)

According to the report, the three subsidized plans paid approximately $40 million of the $82.5 million in employee (non-trustee) salaries, or 48 per cent of that part of the administrative expenses, over the five-year review period.

The auditors also noted that OSMRE had never required the union funds officials to submit an indirect cost rate proposal for the administrative costs, as required by the White House Office of Management and Budget for negotiation and approval.

In this, as in many other areas, the federal agency neither agreed nor disagreed with the auditors recommendation to make that requirement. Instead, it said it would ask for an opinion from the Interior Departments legal office first.

In the auditors opinion, the biggest need was for the Daddy Warbucks agency to get more congressional authority to see where its money was goingor, as the report put it, seek express authority to provide meaningful oversight through legislation.

OSMRE wasnt sure it would do that either. Instead, it responded that it would evaluate the feasibility and appropriateness of doing so, which would involve many factorsand strongly implied a lengthy process of chewing things over.

In all, the auditors provided 21 recommendations for fixing the situation, and OSMRE rejected five, didnt say whether it concurred or not in relation to six, and concurred with tenone of which was to negotiate with UMWAF to ensure it has access to the full range of information necessary to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Many of the suggestions were punted over to another section of the Interior Department for resolution.

Queried by Fox News about the audit and the agencys response to its recommendations , a spokesman for Interior Secretary Ryan Zinkes office said only that our general policy is that we cant weigh in when it is still in the resolution process.

Emailed questions from Fox News to both OSMRE and United Mine Workers officials about the audit were not answered before this article was published.

All of that, however, may be moot, depending on the backroom dealing involved in preventing the entire federal government from shutting down, and whether a permanent fix to the coal miners health benefitswith our without oversightis part of the package.

Depending on what it says, however, that permanent fix could open the door to new problems.

The least they can do is tie any permanent fix to accountability, says Rachel Greszler, a research fellow and senior policy analyst at the conservative Heritage Foundation. She pointed to the ugly precedent of a federal agreement to continue ladling out money without getting the kind of vital information that the auditors deem necessaryand the possibility that the precedent could spill over into even bigger union pension problems.

Greszler has warned that overall insolvency issues with the United Mine Workers of America pension fundan estimated $5.6 billion more in promises than it can pay-- could tempt legislators into a large-scale bailout far beyond the health care issue.

That, in turn, could open the door to taxpayer support for any of more than 1,300 private union pension funds across the U.S. that, she has written, are nearly all severely underfunded. LINK HERE TO http://www.heritage.org/jobs-and-labor/commentary/will-uncle-sam-be-the-mine-unions-sugar-daddy

So far, Senate Majority Leader McConnell has only said that he is interested in federal fixes for the UMWAF health care mess. But asks Greszler, what is to prevent them from pushing all of those liabilities onto it? It would be huge dollarsmore than $600 billion, she estimates.

UPDATE:

After this story was published, Gail Wilensky, a trustee of one of the UMWA funds critiqued in the audit, sent a statement to Fox News describing the audit report as "inaccuracies combined with incompetence. Wilensky, who worked as Deputy Assistant for Policy Administration in the George H.W. Bush White House at the time that the 1992 Coal Act was passed by Congress, enabling at least one of the funds, charged that the intent of the report's authors was to see its operations and oversight functions "turned over to the government," and said the report is "a waste of taxpayer dollars and should be ignored."

George Russell is Editor-at-Large of Fox News. He is reachable on Twitter at @GeorgeRussell and on Facebook at Facebook.com/George.Russell
The Grand Canyon National Park says a body that was found on Friday is likely of a 14-year-old hiker who went missing nearly two weeks ago while in the bottom of the canyon during a family trip.

Jackson Standefer of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was crossing a creek on April 15 when he and his step-grandmother, LouAnn Merrell, lost their footing and were swept away.

Park rangers spent days searching with a helicopter, ground crew, drone and motorized inflatable boat. The search was scaled back last week.

The park says the body was found by a commercial river trip. It was transported by helicopter to the Coconino County Medical Examiner, which will confirm identification.

Standefer was an eighth-grade student at The McCallie School, an all-boys boarding institution in Chattanooga.

School spokesman James Tanner said Friday the school had no comment because it had just learned of the news. But Tanner said Standefer was active in outdoors programs, crew team and a youth Christian group.

Mark McOmie, Standefer's uncle, also said the family was waiting to comment until the body was formally identified. He described his nephew as a loving and well-loved boy who was always smiling.

LouAnn Merrell, the wife of Merrell Boot Co. co-founder Randy Merrell, has not been found. Merrell is from Utah.

The two went missing during a hike from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to an area known as Tapeats Creek. They were on a trip with Standefer's mother and LouAnn's husband, Randy.

Tapeats Creek is in a remote area of the Grand Canyon that isn't frequented as often as other popular areas.

Experienced hikers say it's an arduous hike down the canyon that ends in stunning and unique views of the canyon.
An Indianapolis man accused of killing three people in a four-day spree modeled on The Purge horror film series has pleaded guilty.

Johnathan S. Cruz, 20, faced three murder charges related to the shooting deaths of two people on May 12 and a third person on May 15. He also had robbery, intimidation, and gun charges pending.

CALIFORNIA POLICE IN HOURS-LONG STANDOFF WITH MURDER SUSPECT

Prosecutors initially were seeking the death penalty in the case but instead came to a deal when Cruz pled guilty on Friday to three counts of murder and one count of robbery. He agreed to three consecutive life sentences without parole in addition to a separate 16 years in prison for the robbery.

The murders were designed after the film in which all crime, including murder, is legal for a designated annual 12-hour period, court documents said. Investigators think the crimes, which Cruz labeled a purge, was related to criminal gang activity.

Cruz is scheduled to be sentenced by a judge on May 11.
Theyre known as MS-13, MS, Mara or Mara Salvatrucha, but by any name, theyre trouble.

MS-13 is a Central American gang founded in Los Angeles in the 1980s by Salvadoran immigrants. While still heavily represented in California, they have spread across the nationinto at least 42 states and Washington, D.C.-- and beyond, especially into Central America.

Its estimated there are more than 10,000 members in the U.S., and over 30,000 worldwide.

Many gang members can be recognized by elaborate tattoos and special hand signals they use, but its their criminal activities and tremendous violence that have got the attention of the FBI and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). They are known for using machetes to hack some of their victims.

One anonymous member of the gang, who has since gone straight after spending time behind bars, explained the groups appeal in an interview with News 12 Long Island.

"The lure in the beginning is to 'raise your flag up,'" he said. "If you're Salvadorian, no one is going to mess with you, no one is going to mess with your friends."

In the interview, the former gang member said if a sense of belonging and the availability of girls wasn't enough, the gang had other ways of sealing the deal with new recruits at meetings.

Once you're there, you immediately feel like if you don't join that day, they're going to turn on you," he told News 12 Long Island.

The 30-second initiation beating he described in the interview foreshadowed the gang's philosophy toward outsiders: "Go extreme, extreme, extreme," he said of the gang's mentality. "Make it so people are petrified of you."

Indeed, the gangs motto has been kill, rape, control. For years, MS-13 has been involved in drug, weapons and human trafficking, and have left behind a long trail of victims.

Here are just a few of the most recent cases authorities tied to MS-13:

-- One man met his killers in the woods in Maryland, where theyd already dug his grave.

-- Another man was ambushed and killed under a bridge in the Capital Beltway, stabbed and hit with rocks as he tried to crawl into a stream.

-- Four Hispanic men in Long Island were brutally murdered and mutilated in an incident tied to MS-13.

Then theres the murder of 17-year-old Raymond Wood in Bedford, Va. His body was found mutilated, and three MS-13 members (all illegal aliens) have been charged with the crime.

His uncle, Dale Wood, told WLNI his nephew's hands were chopped off and his throat cut. He was stabbed 16 times and run over twice, the grieving man said.

The gang is so ferocious and so feared that, in El Salvadorwhere President Salvador Sanchez Ceren claims theres nearly a murder an hour  MS-13 members are essentially allowed to run the prisons in which theyre incarcerated.

Fox News' Georeen Tanner contributed to this report
The father of a 5-year-old boy reported missing about a week ago in California has released a statement saying he is desperate to find his son, on the same day homicide detectives searched his home.

Aramazd Andressian Sr., released the statement through his lawyer Friday.

HUNT FOR ARKANSAS BOY, 9, AFTER MOTHER AND BABY SISTER FOUND DEAD IN WOODS

"I am desperate to find my son, Aramazd Jr. and need the public's help," the statement said. "I hope and pray for the safe return of my only child, my namesake."

Los Angeles County sheriff's detectives served a search warrant at Andressian's house and took a scent-detection dog to look for forensic evidence. The father and son were last seen leaving Disneyland on April 20.

FLORIDA DEPUTIES: EX-COP WAS DRUNK WHEN HE HIT FIVE KIDS, KILLING ONE

He said his son wanted to go to the park before the 9 a.m. custody exchange with the childs mother, the Pasadena News Star reported.

The father was arrested on suspicion of child endangerment but released days later as detectives chose not to present a case to prosecutors for reasons they wouldn't reveal. Investigators have been looking for Aramazd Andressian Jr. since his father was found unconscious at a park last weekend.

Police have said it doesn't appear he was attacked, but in his statement Andressian says he believes he was.

"I was at the park with my son, and then I found myself waking up in Huntington Memorial Hospital hours later," Andressian said. "I was told that a Good Samaritan found me unconscious on the ground near my car, with young Aramazd nowhere in sight. I can only speculate that I must have been attacked in the park."

It was the first public statement from Andressian, though his attorney, Rebecca Lizarraga, has expressed similar sentiments on his behalf.

Authorities had said his statements to them have been convoluted and contradictory.

Andressian Sr., who is currently involved in a custody battle with the childs mother, initially was arrested on suspicion of child endangerment and abduction.

The boys mother called police Saturday morning to report her son missing. The woman said her estranged husband, with whom she shares custody of the boy, failed to bring the child to a pre-arranged meeting spot.

Andressian said he had taken the boy to the park at his request between breakfast and a planned custody exchange with the boy's mother, who reported him missing later in the day.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
An American woman who was arrested while on a business trip in China and later convicted of spying has been deported to the United States.

Jeff Gillis says his wife, Phan "Sandy" Phan-Gillis, got on a flight to Los Angeles on Friday evening. The couple planned to stay in LA a few days to visit relatives before returning to their Houston home.

It was just Tuesday when Phan-Gillis was sentenced by Chinese authorities to 3  years in prison. But the sentence was seen as an indication that she soon could be allowed to return home.

She had faced an uncertain fate since March 2015, when she disappeared from her group traveling in southern China. She was later accused of espionage.

Phan-Gillis is a U.S. citizen of Chinese descent.
A Florida man accused of driving drunk and fatally striking one boy and injuring four other students as they were walking home from a school bus stop is being held on $600,000 bail.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office says bond was set for 48-year-old John Camfield during his first court appearance Friday afternoon. He faces 11 charges, including DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd told reporters Friday that 13-year-old Jahiem Robertson died in an Orlando hospital that morning. Another student, 13-year-old John Mena, remains in the intensive care unit with orbital fractures.

Camfield, a former Mississippi law enforcement officer, was arrested shortly after the Thursday afternoon crash. Judd said Camfield's blood alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit when tested seven hours after the crash.
A man has been arrested for a machete attack on the campus of Transylvania University in Kentucky.

BOY, 5, MISSING FOR WEEK AFTER FATHER WAS FOUND UNCONSCIOUS AT CALIFORNIA PARK

Authorities say 19-year-old Mitchell Adkins was arrested following the attack in the Glenn Building. Adkins is thought to be a former student.

Lexington Police Sgt. Jervis Middleton says Adkins entered the building with a bag of "various edged weapons."

FLORIDA DEPUTIES: EX-COP WAS DRUNK WHEN HE HIT FIVE KIDS, KILLING ONE

Student Tristan Reynolds said a man entered and said "the day of reckoning has come," then asked someone about their political affiliation. When the answer was Republican, the assailant said "you are safe."

Reynolds said people scattered and campus security arrived.

Two women were struck with the machete during the attack. One victim was taken to the hospital. The other victim was treated at the scene. Both women are expected to be okay.

Transylvania University campus police were able to take Adkins into custody following a struggle. He was taken to the hospital with self-inflicted wounds.

Police are working to find out what motivated the attack.

Click for more from WDRB.
A missing Texas cop who had threatened suicide is hiding out in Mexico after faking his own death, police said.

Austin Police Officer Coleman Martin, 29, is now the subject of an arrest warrant on a misdemeanor false report charge, Fox 7 Austin reported late Friday.

HUNT FOR ARKANSAS BOY AFTER MOTHER AND BABY SISTER FOUND DEAD IN WOODS

"As this investigation progressed, evidence was uncovered to lead investigators to believe that the missing officer took means to stage his own death," the Austin Police Dept. said, according to Patch.com. "It is believed at this time he is not deceased and has fled to Mexico."

Martins wife reported him missing Tuesday after receiving a text message in which he said he was going to drown himself in a lake, Fox 7 reported.

CALIFORNIA BOY, 5, MISSING FOR WEEK AFTER FATHER WAS FOUND UNCONSCIOUS AT PARK

His vehicle was found Wednesday near the Amistad Reservoir on the Rio Grande with a suicide note on the seat.

Austin police then found an inflatable raft near the shore that displayed his name, his date of birth and a date of death they had deemed false, the station reported.

After finding the raft, investigators checked his email account. It had been accessed hours after Martin sent the text to his wife. The IP address was in Mexico, the station reported.

On Thursday, a woman told investigators she got an email from Martin bragging about pulling off the suicide ruse, according to the station. Investigators said Martin had a close relationship with the woman, who was not identified.

Martin also told the woman that he hailed a taxi to take him across the border and then took a bus from there deeper into Mexico, Fox 7 reported.

Click for more from Fox 7 Austin.
At least 6 security officials were killed and five others injured Friday in a suicide car bomb attack in Baghdad, police told Anadolu Agency.

The vehicle was detonated near a car park in the Karrada neighborhood, according to Lieutenant Yasir Basim al-Tai from Baghdad Security Directorate.

He said the explosion damaged two vehicles including a parked police vehicle.

In October, the Iraqi army -- backed by U.S.-led coalition airstrikes and local allies on the ground -- began a wide-ranging operation to retake Mosul, Daeshs last bastion in northern Iraq, which the militant group overran in 2014.
Police in a Tennessee community say they are asking a grand jury to bring charges because investigators believe bounty hunters shot two men in a wild incident in which one of the victims died.

Clarksville Police spokesman Jim Knoll said authorities will ask a county grand jury on Monday to bring charges after the shooting last weekend. Knoll says neither man shot was a person with an outstanding warrant.

Authorities have declined to divulge many details about the shooting before the case heads to the grand jury.

The man who died has been identified as 24-year-old Jalen Johnson, a father of three from Clarksville. His uncle, Toni Jenkins, says the 24-year-old victim was an innocent man gunned down in a case of mistaken identity.
Former Premier Silvio Berlusconi has been treated by a doctor after tripping on a carpet and hitting his head in a fall in his villa in Portofino on the Ligurian coast.

The news agency ANSA reported Saturday that the 80-year-old, three-time former premier returned to Milan for treatment at the Madonnina clinic, where he received three stitches.

His doctor, Alberto Zangrillo, told ANSA that the injury was not serious.

Berlusconi's Forza Italia movement said Berlusconi would not be able to attend a rally in Tuscany as planned due to the injury.

Berlusconi left office in 2011 and is currently barred from running for office due to a tax fraud conviction. However, he remains, active in politics as the leader of his conservative movement.
Italian police have detained six suspected neo-Nazis accused of agitating violence against foreigners.

The news agency ANSA on Saturday reported that the six are accused of inciting racial and ethnic discrimination and violence.

Video released by the Carabinieri shows neo-Nazi and neo-Fascist propaganda, knives and explosive-making instructions seized from a camper hidden in the woods.

The six are believed to belong to a cell whose members were wiretapped calling for violence against foreigners. They also are believed to have painted swastikas on a regional office of the center-left Democratic Party and to have set fire to bins where the Caritas charity collects used clothing for the needy.
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Members of the ancient Knights of Malta religious order are voting for a new leader after the old one was effectively ousted by Pope Francis. Setting the stage for drama, the former grand master has defied the pope and traveled to Rome for the election.

Knights garbed in black robes gathered for a Mass inside the order's Villa Magistrale on Rome's Aventine Hill ahead of the secret balloting on Saturday. Fifty-six knights eligible to cast ballots must choose a leader from a pool that, according to the order's rules, must have taken religious vows of poverty, obedience and chastity and hail from noble lineage.

The Vatican took over the sovereign lay Catholic order a dispute over condoms led leader Fra' Matthew Festing to resign in January.
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The Latest on France's presidential election (all times local):

___

10:30 a.m.

The National Front party of far-right French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen is rejoicing over the decision by Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, a conservative who was eliminated in the first round of voting, to back her campaign.

Florian Philippot, a National Front vice president, told BFM television on Saturday that the new alliance is "excellent news" and "a turning point in this campaign."

Dupont-Aignan got nearly 1.7 million votes in the April 23 first-round ballot  4.7 percent of the total.

But Dupont-Aignan's switch to Le Pen split his party, "Stand up France," prompting the departure of a vice president, Dominique Jamet.

Jamet told BFM that that Stand up France was losing its "purity" by backing the National Front and that the Le Pen-Dupont-Aignan alliance is "a couple that doesn't please me."

___

10:00 a.m.

French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron is hunting for votes in rural areas of France where his far-right opponent, Marine Le Pen, has made inroads among people who feel left behind, with difficult access to public services, mobile phone connections and other modern conveniences.

In a radio interview on Saturday, the centrist Macron said that if elected, his government would intervene directly if mobile operators fail within 18 months to install high-speed fiber optic and phone networks "everywhere."

"I will give them 18 months to finish these deployments, be it fiber optic or 3G/4G," he said. "If at the end of these 18 months, they have not fulfilled their responsibility, the state will substitute itself in their place to do this, within the framework of the investment plan I've decided."
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French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron is hunting for votes in rural areas of France where his far-right opponent, Marine Le Pen, has made inroads among people who feel left behind, with difficult access to public services, mobile phone connections and other modern conveniences.

In a radio interview on Saturday, the centrist Macron said that if elected, his government would intervene directly if mobile operators fail within 18 months to install high-speed fiber optic and phone networks "everywhere."

"I will give them 18 months to finish these deployments, be it fiber optic or 3G/4G," he said. "If at the end of these 18 months, they have not fulfilled their responsibility, the state will substitute itself in their place to do this, within the framework of the investment plan I've decided."
North Koreas failed attempt to launch a mid-range ballistic missile Friday evening came just hours after Secretary of State Rex Tillerson convened a session of the United Nations Security council calling for member states to increase sanctions on Pyongyang.

The mid-range KN-17 ballistic missile was fired at around 5:30 a.m. Saturday local time from the northeast of Pyongyang, Bloomberg reports. This is the sixth test launch North Korea has conducted this year.

The missile broke up minutes after launch and flew as high as 44 miles in the air, the Wall Street Journal reports. The missile did not leave North Korean territory, according to a spokesman for Pacific Command. Officials believe that the missile is being tested to one day target ships.

President Trump was briefed shortly after the launch, according to a White House statement. The president took to twitter shortly after to express his disapproval.

Tensions in the region appear to be rising. On Thursday, in an interview with Fox News, Tillerson said that China has threatened Pyongyang with sanctions if they continue to conduct nuclear tests.

Chinas foreign ministry has yet to confirm these remarks, although Beijing remains committed to employing sanctions imposed under U.N. Security Council resolutions.

Trump has also strained the relationship with U.S. ally, South Korea after claiming that he plans to fix the horrible bilateral trade deal between the two countries and that he would also make them pay $1 billion for the THAAD missile defense system.

Woo Taehee, South Koreas vice trade minister, said the country was not notified of any trade renegotiation and that there had been no pre-talks with the U.S. regarding the five-year-old trade deal.

Kim Jong Un has performed dozens of launches and conducted three nuclear tests since coming to power in 2011. In January, he claimed that Pyongyang was almost ready to test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile that would threaten the U.S., Bloomberg reports.

Fridays launch comes as several administration officials, including Vice President Mike Pence, urge that the era of "strategic patience" with North Korea is now over.
An Apache attack helicopter and scores of armed police have provided tight security for Pope Francis as he led a Mass in Egypt - just weeks after two churches were bombed by militants.

The 80-year-old pontiff used the service, held at the end of a two-day visit to Cairo, to warn against religious extremism and appeal for tolerance.

RUSSIAN RALLIES URGE PUTIN NOT TO RUN AGAIN

His trip comes three weeks after ISIS-linked militants killed at least 45 people in attacks on two churches as part of a campaign of terror against the country's large Coptic Christian community.

Despite the heavy security around the Air Defence Stadium, where Vatican officials said 15,000 Catholics had gathered, Francis shunned the use of an armoured car and instead opted for an ordinary Fiat with its window wound down as he travelled to the venue.

Once inside, he switched to a golf buggy.

Police used metal detectors to check vehicles for explosives and armed police were stationed around the venue - some with their faces covered.

Blessing Egypt as one of the earliest to embrace Christianity, the Pope told the crowd: "True faith leads us to protect the rights of others with the same zeal and enthusiasm with which we defend our own."

Click for more from Sky News.
Protesters lit buses on fire, blocked roads and clashed with police on Friday during a general strike that brought transportation to a halt in many cities across Latin America's largest nation.

The strike was to protest major changes to labor law and the pension system being considered by Congress, but it was also a raw display of anger by many Brazilians fed up with corruption and worried about the future amid a deep recession and rising unemployment.

In Rio de Janeiro, after hours of clashes with police in front of the legislative building, several buses were torched. In Sao Paulo, thousands marched toward the home of President Michel Temer, throwing rocks at police who shot stun grenades when protesters tried to go beyond barriers set up.

Millions stayed home, either in support of the strike or simply because they were unable to get to work. The tens of thousands who took to the street raised questions about whether Temer will be able to push his proposals through Congress, where they had previously looked likely to pass.

Temer's administration argues that more flexible labor rules will revive a moribund economy and warns the pension system will go bankrupt without changes. Unions and other groups called for the strike, saying the changes before Congress will make workers too vulnerable and strip away too many benefits.

In a statement Friday night, Temer characterized the protesters as "small groups" that blocked the roads and streets. He said his administration was working to help Brazilians workers overcome the country's economic malaise.

Earlier in the day, most commuter trains and metro lines were stopped in Sao Paulo during the height of morning commute, and all buses stayed off the roads. Buses ran partial service during the morning in Rio but later began returning to normal. The metro was closed for the day in the capital of Brasilia.

Some protesters also set up barricades and started fires in the streets, including on roads heading to the main airports in Sao Paulo. In Rio, protesters created confusion by running through Santos Dumont Airport, and others blocked a major road.

Some plane mechanics joined the strike, according to the National Aeronautic Union, but the impact was minimal, with only a handful of flights canceled or delayed at the two cities' airports.

"We are demanding our rights, as workers, because the president of the country proposed a law for people to work more and live less, so you will only receive your pension when you die," said Edgar Fernandes, a dock worker who was protesting in Rio.

The CUT union said around 35 million Brazilians didn't show up for work on Friday, more than one-third of the working population. But government officials downplayed the strike, insisting that many Brazilians were still at work.

"We don't have a strike, we have widespread riots," Justice Minister Osmar Serraglio said on Joven Pam radio.

Brazil's economy is in a deep recession, and many Brazilians are frustrated with Temer's government. Temer, whose approval ratings are hovering around 10 percent, has argued the proposed changes will benefit Brazilians in the long run. But with so many out of work, many feel they can ill afford any cuts to their benefits.

Meanwhile, the country is mired in a colossal scandal involving billions of dollars in kickbacks to politicians and other public officials. Over the last three years, dozens of top politicians and businessmen have been jailed in the so-called Car Wash investigation that has produced near daily revelations of wrongdoing.

Scores of sitting politicians, including Temer himself and several of his ministers, have been implicated. Temer denies wrongdoing.

In one the largest demonstrations Friday, thousands of protesters gathered in front Rio de Janeiro's state assembly in the afternoon and were fighting pitched battles with police who tried to remove them. Police fired tear gas while protesters threw stones and lit small fires in the middle of streets.

In Sao Paulo, police told downtown shopkeepers to close early, apparently out of concern that protesters might head there. Throughout the day, 21 people were arrested in Sao Paulo, according to military police.

Underscoring the economic malaise, the IBGE statistics agency announced on Friday that unemployment had jumped to 13.7 percent in the first quarter of the year, up from 12 percent.

The anger over the proposed changes to benefits shows that Temer's government has failed to convince the people that the moves are necessary, said Oliver Stuenkel, who teaches international relations at the Fundacao Getulio Vargas university in Sao Paulo. And yet, the proposed laws have been moving fairly easily through Congress, and had been expected to eventually pass.

"This is a peculiar government that has low approval and still gets work done in Congress," he said. "But lawmakers also think of their re-elections next year. After today, there could be a bigger risk for Temer in getting any meaningful bills passed."
Under the slogan "I'm fed up," demonstrators urging Vladimir Putin not to run for a fourth term rallied in cities across Russia on Saturday. Dozens were arrested in St. Petersburg and elsewhere.

The centerpiece rally in Moscow went peacefully, despite being unsanctioned by authorities. Several hundred people rallied in a park then moved to the nearby presidential administration building to present letters telling Putin to stand down from running in 2018.

But in St. Petersburg, Associated Press journalists saw dozens arrested. The OVD-Info group that monitors political repression relayed reports of more arrests in several cities, including 20 in Tula and 14 in Kemerovo.

Putin has not announced whether he plans to run for president again next year.

He has dominated Russian politics since becoming president on New Year's Eve 1999 when Boris Yeltsin resigned. Even when he stepped away from the Kremlin to become prime minister in 2008-2012 because of term limits, he remained effectively Russia's leader.

Nationwide protests on March 26 appeared to rattle the Kremlin because of the demonstrations' unusual size and reach. The predominance of young people in those protests challenges the belief that the generation that grew up under Putin's heavy hand had become apolitical or disheartened.

Saturday's demonstrations were much smaller, but indicated that marginalized opposition forces will continue to push.

The demonstrations were called for by Open Russia, an organization started by Kremlin foe Mikhail Khodorkovsky.

As an oil tycoon, Khodorkovsky was once listed as Russia's richest man, but his political ambitions put him at odds with the Kremlin. He was arrested in 2003 and served 10 years in prison on tax-evasion and fraud convictions that supporters say were political persecution. He was pardoned in 2013, left the country and revived Open Russia as a British-based organization.

On Wednesday, Russia's Prosecutor-General banned Open Russia as an undesirable foreign organization. But the group's Moscow branch says it is administratively separate and not subject to the ban.
Brazilian protesters torched buses, clashed with police in several cities and marched on President Michel Temer's Sao Paulo residence on Friday amid the nation's first general strike in more than two decades, Reuters reported.

Unions called the strike to voice anger over Temer's efforts to push austerity measures through congress, bills that would weaken labor laws and trim a generous pension system.

The blackened hulls of at least eight burned commuter buses littered central Rio de Janeiro as police launched rounds of tear gas and rubber bullets at masked protesters.

Despite the protests, Temer and members of his center-right government denounced the strike as a failure. They said that the unions' targeting of public transport meant that people who wanted to go to work were unable to.

Unions said the strike was a success and pointed to adherence by millions of workers in key sectors like automakers, petroleum, schools and even banking. Strikes hit all 26 states and the Federal District.

"It is important for us to send a message to the government that the country is watching what they are doing, taking away workers' rights," said Marco Clemente, head of the 4,000-member radio and TV workers union in Brasilia, leading a picket line outside the headquarters of state broadcaster EBC.

Temer, who was in Brasilia, denounced the violence used by some protesters. He said in an emailed statement that "small groups" had blocked the population from using public transport and said that "work toward the modernization of national legislation will continue."

Brazil's last general strike took place in 1996, in protests over privatizations and labor reforms under former President Fernando Henrique Cardoso.
A bodyboarder was mauled to death by a shark just two months after one of his best friends was killed in almost identical circumstances.

MASSACHUSETTS TEEN SURVIVES FALLING 200 FEET OFF CLIFF IN SWITZERLAND

Adrien Dubosc, 28, was bitten in the leg in shark-infested waters off Pointe au Sel, Reunion, on Saturday morning.

The trained shark-spotter was dragged to shore and given CPR in front of his horrified family members, but rescuers could not save him.

LOST NEPAL TREKKER FOUND AFTER 47 DAYS; HIS GIRLFRIEND DIED AFTER 44

His death comes weeks after his friend Alexandre Naussac, 26, died on a nearby beach on the French island, which lies off the coast of Madagascar.

Dubosc was a member of Shark Watch Patrol which is dedicated to cutting down spiralling shark deaths on the island.

Police said the experienced bodyboarder was in the water with two friends when he was attacked.

A police spokesman said: The young man was in the water with two friends,when a shark attacked him, biting his right thigh, and his groin area.

The victim was pulled out of the water, and emergency workers arrived very quickly. Despite cardiac massage, he died within half an hour of the attack.

Click for more from The Sun.
A U.S. military service member was killed by an explosive device outside Mosul, Iraq, today, according to U.S. Central Command.

Further information about the service member who died from wounds sustained in the blast will be released as appropriate.

This is the third American combat death this week in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Two U.S. service members were killed late Thursday and a third was wounded when they came under attack during a raid against Islamic State fighters in southern Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, a Department of Defense official confirmed to Fox News.

The soldiers were battling ISIS-K in partnership with Afghan defense forces in the same area where the Mother Of All Bombs was dropped earlier this month.

In keeping with U.S. military policy, the name of the solider killed Saturday will not be released until 24 hours after next-of-kin notification.

Fox News Lucas Tomlinson, Jennifer Griffin, Hollie McKay, and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump said Friday that North Koreas failed missile launch had disrespected Chinas president.

Trump says hes counting on Chinese President Xi Jinping to encourage North Korea to give up its pursuit of ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said his country would adhere to past U.N. resolutions and wants a denuclearized Korean peninsula, but spelled out no further punitive steps his government might consider  despite Tillerson's assertions in an interview hours ahead of the council meeting that Beijing would impose sanctions of its own if North Korea conducts another nuclear test.

Although he says he thinks China will cooperate, Trump has threatened to go it alone.

Trump has threatened North Korea with military action if it continues developing nuclear and ballistic missile programs. But he has also said he would prefer to resolve the issue through diplomacy.

Trump did not answer reporters' questions about the missile launch as he entered the White House after he returned from a daytrip to Atlanta. Shortly afterward, press secretary Sean Spicer said the White House was aware of the launch and Trump had been briefed on it.

South Korea's military said Friday afternoon that North Korea had fired the missile from an area near the capital of Pyongyang, but provided no details.

U.S. and South Korean officials said the launch apparently failed, with the missile breaking apart a few minutes after launch.

Hours before the launch, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson chaired a U.N. Security Council meeting devoted to the North Korea issue and called for new sanctions against Pyongyang. Tillerson also urged other countries to exert pressure on North Korea.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The House Freedom Caucus, including Rep. Dave Brat, R7th District, is supportingfor now the latest version of the American Health Care Act, President Donald Trumps measure to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

The updated GOP legislation incorporates changes proposed by Rep. Tom MacArthur of New Jersey that conservative Republicans say would drive down costs.

Detractors say it would also allow states to seek waivers for pre-existing condition protections under the Affordable Care Act and that insurers could potentially charge sick people more. Per the proposal, states could also opt out of the requirement that insurance companies cover essential health benefits like doctors services, pregnancy, childbirth and mental health.

The so-called MacArthur amendment would also end Medicaid expansion.

The MacArthur amendment will grant states the ability to repeal cost-driving aspects of Obamacare left in place under the original American Health Care Act, read a Freedom Caucus statement this week. While the revised version still does not fully repeal Obamacare, we are prepared to support it to keep our promise to the American people to lower healthcare costs. We look forward to working with our Senate colleagues to improve the bill. Our work will continue until we fully repeal Obamacare.

Brat, in a statement, said the proposal was rooted in federalism and responsive to the political challenges of bringing together a GOP conference and working through priorities where there are differences.

This is the closest Republicans have come to being able to repeal large portions of Obamacare. Its time to act and we will continue to work with our Senate colleagues to improve the bill. Our work will not end until Obamacare is fully repealed, said the local congressman.

Brat said on the Jeff Katz Show radio program this week that Trumps original healthcare proposal contained no mechanism to lower prices.

And now Vice President Pence has negotiated a compromise where states are able to opt out of some of the Obamacare regulations. It does not affect preexisting conditions, Brat said. It does not touch that.

MacArthurs proposal would add $100 billion in funding to states to subsidize high-risk insurance pools criticized as being very expensive for those enrolled in such plans.

Its not a repeal. We wanted a repeal of Obamacare and we wanted to start over with a market-centered approach where people can start shopping around for medical service, Brat said, adding, We did the best we could and got the best outcome we could while still allowing Trump to move forward on other agenda items. You need a trillion out of this [health care] to do tax reform and that probably will have more impact than anything we do in the next eight years.

Asked if he would be exempt from using the new health care system, the congressman said no.

We would be the most tone deaf group in the world to think we could do that, he said.

On tax reform, Brat said the latest GOP plan would reduce corporate and individual rates. The House bill also includes a provision that would tax all imports coming into the U.S. but exclude exports.

The large titans are going to have a brawl on that one, the exporters love it the importers hate it, Brat said. For the most part it will be a corporate rate reduction, which we need to be competitive with the rest of the world. The middle class will get a tax reduction. Trump ran on the forgotten man and so that is the basic idea. We will have a drawn-out process for probably over a month to decide which plan we go with.

As for Trumps promised wall on the Mexican border, the congressman said the president is going to have an aneurysm over this issue.

Building the wall was his premier campaign item and it got down to him wanting about a billion dollars out of a $4 trillion budget, Brat said, adding, So I dont think the Democrats are being strategically too smart here. Theyre picking a fight over a billion dollars with a president who knows leverage in New York City probably better than anyone. He has all three branches of government and a $4 trillion budget and every secretary under him. The goal isnt to infuriate someone who has that much power.

U.S. Senator Mark Warner, DVa., has supported targeted improvements to the Affordable Care Act including the creation of a lower-cost, higher-deductible option with essential benefits and consumer protections. He has also proposed legislation to allow insurers to offer coverage across state lines.

U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, DVa., also has supported improvements to the Affordable Care Act.

But I will not support a plan that dismantles Medicaid, raises costs for Virginias middle class families and seniors, and defunds Planned Parenthood while massively cutting taxes for the wealthy. We cannot walk back the years of progress we have already made to ensure that every American has access to quality, affordable care, he said earlier this month.

A vote in Congress on a new health care plan has not yet been set.
The head of NATO has warned that a NATO without Turkey would be weak, Anadolu reported.

"Without doubt, NATO would suffer from weakness without Turkey," Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told German newspaper Welt am Sonntag in an interview posted online on Saturday.

"Turkey is a key country for the security of Europe," he stressed.

Stoltenberg said that Turkey has made a huge contribution to NATO missions in Kosovo, Afghanistan, and the Mediterranean Sea.

With its geographical position, it has played an important role in fighting Daesh in the crisis regions of Syria and Iraq, he added.

Stoltenberg's remarks came after Turkey, earlier this week, launched airstrikes against the PKK and its PYD/YPG offshoots in northern Iraqs Mt. Sinjar region and northern Syria, killing some 90 terrorists.

On Western countries that have criticized Turkey, Stoltenberg said: "Think if any other NATO country besides Turkey were under the massive terrorist attacks Turkey has faced. Turkey has the right to defend its country and to punish the people who launched the thwarted coup attempt of July 2016."

He added: "This [punishment] should be in accordance with the principles of the rule of law."

Turkey accuses the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) of orchestrating the coup attempt of July 2016 which martyred 249 people and injured thousands of others, as well as the bombing of vital government buildings, including the parliament.

FETO is also accused of infiltrating state institutions in a bid to overthrow the Turkish government.
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A Breguet timepiece will always be rare. Indeed the exclusiveness of every Breguet watch has been memorialized by individual numbering dating back to the opening of the founders workshop on the Quai de lHorloge in Paris in 1775. But there is an added dimension of singularity which accompanies every womens Reine de Naples Cammea and Secret de la Reine. Both womens timepieces feature and incorporate Italian hand carved sea shell cameos, in the case of the Cammea, for the dial and, in the case of the Secret, the case cover in the shape of a rose. For every watch, these natural cameo adornments are unique, each subtly asserting its individuality. In the language of watchmakers, every Reine de Naples Cammea or Secret can be called a piece unique as no two examples will be exactly alike.

Cameo carving is one of the worlds oldest art forms which historians can trace back to the 3rd century BC in Greece with carved stone pieces. The most acclaimed example of early Greek cameo carving from the 2nd century BC is the Tazza Farnese cup, the oldest surviving major cameo work. This exquisite sardonyx shell cup with its vivid color contrasts and three dimensional carved allegorical figures demonstrated the emotional power of carved relief images in white set upon a contrasting dark color background and came to define cameo expression for the more than two millennia which have ensued since its creation. Today, the sublime Tazza Farnese is housed in the Naples Archaelogical Museum. Over the centuries that have followed these early Greek efforts, in common with other art forms, the popularity of cameos waxed and waned. A tremendous surge in vogue, especially for shell cameos, occurred during the reign of Queen Victoria, whose fondness for them led her on occasion to wear more than one at a time. Adding to the fashion wave was Catherine the Great who likewise favored them. Along with the upswing in demand propelled by eager buyers in Victorian England came the flourishing of cameo artists working at the feet of Mount Vesuvius in the village of Torre del Greco. It was here that cameo carving of sea shells, as opposed to other carving materials such as glass or gemstones, found its natural home. And it is in Torre del Greco that, today, Breguet found a team, father and son, for the crafting of the cameo elements for its timepieces.

Although both historically and currently many different varieties of sea shells have been and are used for cameos, the finest works are carved using the sardonyx shell. Of course, all of Breguets cameos are realized in sardonyx. Sometimes colloquially referred to as Helmet Snails or Emperor Queen Helmet Snails, the scientific name for the sardonyx is Cassis Madagascariensis. The official name is hugely misleading because these mollusks are most commonly found not near Madagascar as the name would suggest but in the Western Atlantic. They are prized not only for their large size but for the striking color contrast naturally found in the shell. Although the outer layers of the sardonyx shell are milky white, as the artist carves down, darkly colored layers emerge. This double contrast, both in color and in depth, allows for the creation of white figures in relief lying above a dark background, the classic style roots of a the Tazza Farnese.

The art of cameo is deeply layered into the very fabric of life in Torre del Greco, its veins and traditions spanning generations within families. Breguets cameos are crafted by a father and son team, Pasquale and his son, Fabio. Pasquale acquired his craft from the Grand Master of Cameo Giuseppe Scialanga (18891960), his initiation coming at the age of but seven years when he began his apprenticeship. Fabio enrichened his training at the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples. Prior to their engagement by Breguet, Pasquale and Fabio were renowned for their shell cameos depicting Botticellis legendary Three Graces in Primavera (the original painting displayed in the Uffizi) and a variety of Biblical scenes and traditional images of Neapolitan saints.

The studio is tucked into a small apartment, bathed in natural light, and lying just south of Mount Vesuvius. Here since the beginning of their collaboration with Breguet, Fabio has been working exclusively on the dials and roses for the Reine de Naples; his father dividing his time between Breguet and other cameos. Historically, many of the shell cameos were carved upon shells brought into the port by Naples fisherman. That tradition no longer endures as shells of far higher quality, and certainly sardonyx, are purchased abroad by merchants who sell them to the artists in lots of 50100 shells. These shells are completely natural and untreated. They arrive after a drying process which places the shells upon bamboo canes, leaving them in the open air for 1218 months.

Cameos begin with a careful inspection and selection of the shells. Father and son meticulously scrutinize the best shells searching for the most miniscule signs of cracks or flaws, retaining only those shells deemed to be perfect. Once that sorting has been completed and a shell chosen, they must identify the areas on the shell suitable for a dial, in the case of the Cammea, or a rose, in the case of the Secret. At most a single shell may yield two dials or two to three roses. The shapes for a dial or a rose are marked in pencil upon the interior of the shell and, once satisfied with the choice, cut from the shell with a fine saw. Following the cutting, the edges are delicately smoothed and rounded. Several steps remain before the carving can begin. Mixing a solution of wax and pitch, the cut shell is mounted upon a wooden stick. Next the outer surface is leveled. Not only does this provide a flat surface, essential for a watch dial, but it removes the rough outer portion of the shell revealing the milky white layer that will become the image. Finally, they have their canvas and can begin the carving.

Fabio and Pasquale start by sketching the motif with pencil. The Cammea design is of a sunflower, with the hands nestled into a recess which is at the center of the flower. That, too, would be sketched upon the surface in the same way. Working with a form of awl, known as a bulino (originally invented by an Italian artist), they begin the process of scraping the surface. Large outlines at first, and then, with ever finer tipped tools, the details of the flower are delicately carved into the surface. The background colors emerge as the artists dig deeper into the layers of the shell. Most importantly, all of the colors are naturally present in the shell; nothing is painted upon it or added to it. The revealed color of every shell is unique in tone, opacity and depth within the shell. When this diversity of color is combined with the subtle variations in the flower motif that come from hand sketching followed by hand carving, it can truly be said that each cameo stands apart from all others.

It should be remembered that the cameo for the Reine de Naples Cammea is the dial of the watch. Thus, this miniature tableau must marry their artistic virtuosity and the strict demands for fitting to a watchs movement, hands and case. When the cameo carving is completed, several flat spots on the back are located and a base, for precise fixing to the movement, is glued into place.

The Reine de Naples Cammea is housed in a white gold case set with 40 diamonds (weighing 2.42 carats) around the bezel. The cameo rose of the Secret is fixed onto a hinged case cover, that, in its closed position, hides the dial from view, with the diamond set bezel appearing as a bow tied around the rose. Swinging the rose cover to the side on its hinge, reveals the secret, an invisible set diamond dial with a mother-of-pearl oval inscribed with the Breguet logo. The Secret is available in both rose gold and white gold, with either a leather strap or a woven gold bracelet. Both the Cammea and Secret are fitted with self-winding movements.

In addition, the cameo rose occupies a prominent place in Breguets Jewelry and Fine Jewelry collections as it adorns, depending upon the collection, earrings, rings, bracelets, pendants and necklaces in a variety of sizes and in different combinations of gold and pearls.

The Reine de Naples Cammea and Secret de la Reine stand alone in the world of fine watchmaking as the only timepieces offering the art of cameo. Not only are they unique for their uniting of a traditional craft with haute horlogerie, but each example asserts its individuality in its colors and design.
You will be able to bet the Kentucky Derby from Oaklawn Park Racetrack in Hot Springs, Arkansas while the race is simulcast live in a pavilion setting. The Oaklawn Anywhere website also features online betting but be prepared to provide your social security number. You can also opt to bet on SportsBetting.ag, which does NOT require a social security number and does NOT report your winnings.

2022 Kentucky Derby

Saturday, May 7

Gates Open 9 am

First Post 12 pm

Kentucky Derby simulcast from Churchill Downs

Meet the Clydesdales

$200,000 Akansas Breeders' Stakes

Sunday, May 8

Gates Open 10 am

First Post 12 pm

Last day of live racing

Mother's Day - 500 ladies will receive a flower upon entry to the races

Meet the Clydesdales

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China and Greece were home to ancient civilizations that, although differed, brought about major discoveries still relevant in the modern age. (Photo : Getty Images)

The first of its kind, the Ancient Civilizations Forum concluded on Tuesday, April 25, amid high praise from fans, including Chinese Ambassador to Greece Zou Xiaoli, according to an interview with Xinhua.



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The Ancient Civilizations Forum, co-organized by Greece and China, was attended by other countries where major ancient civilizations once flourished. These include India, Egypt, Iran, Mexico, Italy, Bolivia and Peru. Additionally, these countries represent over 40 percent of the worlds population and have extensive global reach.



Through the forum, participants were able to realize the full extent of communications between the ancient civilizations despite their distance from one another.



The forum, initiated by the Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias and supported by the Chinese side, has been an important achievement of the Sino-Greek cultural communication year, Zou told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.



It also marks the coordination and cooperation in multilateral areas in international affairs, Zou added.



The main goal of the Ancient Civilizations Forum was to establish and promote dialogues between existing civilizations. Through the forum, participating countries were able to learn from another countrys history, customs and traditions, which can create an environment where world peace and development can be achieved.



By studying the origins of ancient civilizations and the history of human development in general, Zou said, modern societies can learn how to address current issues such as terrorism, extremism and war conflicts.



The forum is an innovative platform where the issues of culture and development are closely linked, Zou told Xinhua.



The countries where ancient civilizations originated have shown a strong sense of responsibility to explore more effective means of cooperation and exchanges.



Zou has also applauded Greeces initiative to host the Ancient Civilizations Forum despite their ongoing struggle to recover from a debt crisis, which has affected the European Union significantly.


On The Water: You might need a bigger boat for Transpac 2023
Corvallis City Manager Mark Shepard and Finance Director Nancy Brewer will unveil a 2017-18 budget just shy of $130 million at a 7 p.m. Tuesday meeting of the Budget Commission at the downtown fire station.

The total represents a slight decrease of 0.18 percent from the adopted 2016-17 spending plan. General fund expenditures, meanwhile, will rise almost $4 million to more than $50 million.

The budget is balanced and includes small increases in service areas and a small positive balance in the general fund, which is available to be appropriated if the City Council chooses, Shepard said in his introduction to the budget document. This is also a budget that represents ongoing organizational change and improvement in the transparency of the financial operations of the city.

Shepard added that there are known and unknown unmet needs that are likely to continue to change the organization into the future.

Shepard noted that the operating budget, which is what the city spends for day-to-day operations, was down 1.26 percent, with no reduction in services to the community. Shepard said that "I suspect there are not too many other cities in Oregon that are maintaining service levels while reducing costs in the face of PERS and health care increases."

The budget also reflects the final installment of Shepards two-year plan to cut city general fund spending by $1 million. The final total is $1,034,000 and includes the elimination of 8.75 full-time-equivalent positions. Overall, the spending plan proposes a workforce of 435 FTEs, down three from the adopted 2016-17 budget.

Total property tax revenue, the largest component of the general fund, is project to be 4.82 percent higher than last year, fueled by the addition of the 1,000-bedroom Retreat student housing complex just west of the Oregon State University campus.

Here is a look at highlights of the budget:

 $500,000 will be set aside for Public Employee Retirement System reserves, although Shepard said he had hoped to be able to put $1 million in the account.

 Included is more than $135,000 in general fund revenue that has not been allocated, with the budget document noting that a number of community groups have appeared before the council requesting grants for their operations. Among the groups that have done so are the Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis (requesting $250,000), homeless programs (up to $132,000) and The Art Center ($65,000).

 Left unfunded are $8.2 million in unmet operating needs, mainly in streets, transit, the 911 dispatch center and housing.

 The budget does, however, include funding to allow the 911 center to fill a 17th position.

 More than $30,000 has been set aside to pay for two part-time security attendants who will deal with behavioral issues at the main branch of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library.

 A pilot project will use $15,000 to pay for a crew of Parks and Recreation casual employees that will work year-round on illegal camping cleanups.

 A $50,000 allocation will allow the Imagine Corvallis Action Network (ICAN) to begin its work on implementing the vision plan the the council approved last November.

Tuesdays meeting also will include presentations by several city departments. Similar meetings will be held Thursday and May 9. The Budget Commission, which consists of the nine councilors and nine community representatives, will deliberate on the budget at a May 11 public hearing.

The City Council is scheduled to review and approve the final plan at a June 5 public hearing.

Public comment will be taken only at the May 11 and June 5 public hearings.
The Corvallis City Council meets at 6 p.m. Monday at the downtown fire station, 400 NW Harrison Blvd. The session includes a packed agenda with a pair of public hearings.

Councilors will deliberate on lot grading proposals for the Brooklane Heights development, review a plan to refund businesses overcharged for street maintenance fees and look at next steps in the Kings Boulevard alignment issue.

The 7:30 p.m. public hearing component of the meeting includes council review of a planned tree for a fee program and a second session on the formation of a downtown economic improvement district to support the Downtown Corvallis Association.

The meeting includes a community comments period in which residents can discuss any issue other than those that will be discussed in the public hearings. Residents wishing to offer comments in advance can do so at www.corvallisoregon.gov/publicinput.

In other public meetings:

Monday

 The Benton County Budget Committee will hold a public hearing at 3 p.m. in the Sunset Building, 4077 SW Research Way.

Tuesday

 The Corvallis Airport Advisory Board meets at 7 a.m. at the Madison Avenue Meeting Room, 500 SW Madison Ave.

 The Benton County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session at 9 a.m. in the county boardrooms, 205 NW Fifth St. in Corvallis. Agenda items will include discussions of air emissions from Hollingsworth & Vose and proposed budget amendments.

 The Benton County Board of Commissioners will meet at noon in the county boardrooms, 205 NW Fifth St. in Corvallis. Topping the agenda will be public hearings to correct a zoning map error, consider withdrawing property from the Philomath Fire & Rescue District, consider annexing territory to the Corvallis Rural Fire Protection District, consider transferring Arnold Avenue to Adair Village and ratify an agreement creating the Oregon Association of County Engineers and Surveyors.

 The Corvallis Downtown Parking Committee meets at 5 p.m. at the downtown fire station.

 The Adair Village City Council meets at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 6030 William R. Carr Ave. and will hold a public hearing and deliberations on a supplemental budget.

 The Corvallis Budget Commission will hear the budget message from City Manager Mark Shepard and Finance Director Nancy Brewer at 7 p.m. at the downtown fire station. Commissioners also will hear individual department presentations from the mayor and the city council, Shepards office and human resources (see Mondays Gazette-Times for a preview story).

Wednesday

 The Corvallis Community Involvement and Diversity Advisory Board meets at 5 p.m. at the Madison room and will finalize recommendations for $5,000 in neighborhood empowerment grants. The board heard presentations from 14 groups at its April 5 meeting.

 The Corvallis Planning Commission meets at 7 p.m. at the downtown fire station to deliberate on an application that would change the zoning, adjust the property line and remove a planned development overlay for 3.25 acres of property adjacent to the Marys River Natural Area off of Southwest Brooklane Drive.

 The Corvallis-Benton County Library Advisory Board meets at 7:30 p.m. at the library.

Thursday

 The Corvallis Budget Commission meets at 7 p.m. at the downtown fire station to hear department presentations from Public Works, Community Development, the Fire Department and Information Technology.

Friday

 The Corvallis Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board meets at 7 a.m. at the Madison room.

 The Corvallis City Legislative Committee meets at 10 a.m. at City Hall, 501 SW Madison Ave.

May 6

 The League of Women Voters of Corvallis hosts a legislative town hall from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the library. On hand to discuss the current session will be state Reps. Dan Rayfield and Andy Olson.
SALEM  Philomath Superintendent of Schools Melissa Goff wanted to make a point Thursday afternoon while discussing mascots and logos with the Oregon State Board of Education.

While representatives from Molalla, Roseburg, Siletz and Amity all went with traditional clothing you might see worn by an administrator on any particular day, Goff didnt hold back Warrior Pride.

The Philomath community is proud to be a Warrior. We wear Warrior Pride wherever we go, Goff said. Its clear that the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz feel the same way.

When I was hired as the superintendent when I first came on board, I assumed we would no longer have the same mascots and logos, she added. But in working with (general manager) Brenda Bremner from the Confederated Tribes, it became evident that it was important to the tribes for us to keep these emblems.

At Thursday's meeting, the board members moved Philomath and four other school districts who presented them with mascot and logo agreements through the first reading stage. Next month, the board will vote on putting those agreements in place with final approval.

But the issue is not progressing without plenty of grumbling from the state board, especially toward schools such as Philomath, Amity and Siletz, which are continuing to use the image of a person in its Warriors logos.

Charles Martinez, board chair, was among those who voiced disapproval of such images.

This is difficult to see. In many ways, this looks like other versions that I think have been used as examples as what makes the mascot issue so problematic, Martinez said while commenting after a presentation by another school district that uses a Warriors logo similar to Philomaths. This is an image of an individual or a person and its different from these other mascots were looking at  this seems to stretch pretty far away for me just in terms of comfort.

Bonnie Petersen, Siletz assistant general manager, attended the meeting for Bremner and spoke on the tribes agreements with Philomath, Siletz and Amity.

My response is, I dont know where thats from because I look at those images and I dont have that same feeling, Petersen said about the logos. I dont feel like its disrespectful. I dont know if its in the eye of the beholder or what it is, or based on your history or your experiences. I dont know where it comes from."

The State Board of Education voted in 2012 to require all Oregon public schools to eliminate American Indian names, mascots and imagery by this July or risk losing state funding. In 2014, a new law cleared the way for those names and images to stay as long as schools worked out agreements with local tribes, using rules developed by the state board.

Cindy Hunt, government and legal affairs manager from the deputy superintendents office, said that out of the 16 school districts with Native American mascots, eight have entered into agreements with tribes, five are changing mascots and the status of the remaining three as of Thursday was unknown.

Philomath has two schools impacted by the law  the high schools Warriors and the middle schools Braves. Both have agreements with the Siletz for continued use of the name and logos.

As part of the process with approval, a checklist was created to make sure agreements met all requirements of the state statute and state boards rules. Still, the board member comments left a hint of uncertainty in the air about how voting would go.

My understanding is we have this checklist and we used that checklist and put it in our agreements together, Petersen said. So were expecting it to be approved based on that checklist.

Earlier in the meeting, the state board approved Scappooses agreement with the Grand Ronde tribe with all rules met based on the checklist. However, in the document's other comments section, the following statement was included: The new approved mascot image within the agreement is not a person image.

Anthony Veliz, the state boards vice chair, voted no on the Scappoose approval.

Goff believes all guidelines have been met and the Warriors and Braves logos should not need to be changed.

I think the difficulty is the Legislature has made it clear what their parameters were and then the State Board of Education gave us the guidelines for what to follow, Goff said. I think weve both honored the law and honored what the Board of Education requested that we do. So I would be surprised if there was a need to go back and have further conversations.

Hunt told the board earlier in the meeting that if the agreements meet all requirements, the board must approve.

I know if we say you follow this process and do everything right and then say no to the tribe and district, it wouldnt make sense, board member Jerome Colonna told Hunt. But at the same time, I dont think you can take away my vote on an item that comes before the board.

Hunt replied, I didnt take away your vote, the Legislature did and you did.  The Legislature in its statute said the state board is to adopt minimum requirements for the agreements and once you do, you must approve an agreement that meets those minimum requirements. And then your rule says the same thing.

Martinez followed up by saying that the board has the discretion to vote no if our judgment is that the agreements have not reached the minimum requirements and we disagree with the analysis that it has.

The agreements require the district and tribe to work together to establish an annual in-service for staff, teachers and volunteers on tribal history and culture, and acceptable mascot use. The agreement, which initially is in place for five years, also calls for the creation of a Native Club.

The tribe supports whats going into this agreement, Petersen said. We have tribal families that attend this school.  We will work closely with them to get our curriculum in the school. Theyre nearby so well be able to easily go and do presentations.

As for Goff and her Warrior Pride clothing, it represented how the majority of Philomath feels about the local mascots.

I come to you in the regalia that we would be wearing to express Warrior Pride. And I do that out of respect for the tribal agreement that we have entered into, Goff said.
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

THURSDAY, APRIL 27

HARASSMENT: 11:45 a.m., 301 SW Jefferson Ave. A woman reported that a man approached her on the sidewalk and grabbed her stomach and buttocks before the woman kicked the man and he ran away. The suspect was described as a Middle Eastern man, in his 30s, with black hair and a black beard, standing about 6 feet tall and wearing blue jeans and a blue puffy jacket.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26

ASSAULT: 12:37 a.m., 408 SW Monroe Ave. A man reported that he was assaulted by another man with a metal cane near the Benton Plaza. The man who reported the incident was bleeding from the top of the head. He was transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center for treatment. No suspects were located.

Benton County Sheriff's Office

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

DUII: 1:21 a.m., Highway 20 and milepost 40, Blodgett. A deputy arrested and charged Janine Lynn Bohannon, 46, of The Dalles, with DUII following a traffic stop. Bohannon had a reported blood alcohol content of 0.14 percent.
Zhuang Shuifa, 88, and Lin Shuishou, 90, were comrades in arms during the Second World War. (Photo : Best China News)

The reunion of two aged veterans who fought in the Second World War went viral in China, moving plenty of people to tears, according to an article by The Telegraph.



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Zhuang Shuifa, 88, and Lin Shuishou, 90, were comrades in arms during the Second World War. They were part of the same platoon from 1944 to 1945, and helped fight the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong and southern Guangdong Province.



They eventually lost contact with each other, however, and both men thought they were lost to each other forever.



By some miracle, the two veterans were able to reunite.



Zhuang and Lin were admitted to the same hospital in Shenzhen, where they were also scheduled to receive the same treatment for the same illness.



Zhuang was only admitted to the hospital on April 15, Saturday. He shared his military background with his doctors a few days letter.



According to a report by The Peoples Daily, through casual chatting with the nurses, Zhuang realized that the patient next to him was none other than his former comrade in arms.



Medical staff who have attended to the needs of Zhuang and Lin upon their admission to the hospital said that both veterans were weak--until they were reunited with each other.



Ling Li, a medical worker at the hospital, told the China Central Television (CCTV) that Zhuangs mood also improved dramatically when he saw his old friend again.



Their eyes shined when seeing each other, with hands tightly held together, Lin said. They were too thrilled to believe that they saw each other.



Zhuang and Lin were able to meet one more time after the war, but they eventually lost contact with each other for approximately 20 years. Upon their reunion, the two held hands as if to overcome one last mission.



Zhuang reportedly told Lin, Hold on, old friend. Well leave the hospital together!


Iran exhibition : Security checks at the Bundeskunsthalle

Bonn For the past two weeks the safety regulations have been tightened. The reason: The exhibition Iran. Ancient cultures between water and desert.

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Christmas markets with barricades against truck attacks, New Years Eve with massive police presence, machine guns to protect the parades during Karneval - the security situation is leaving its marks on public life after a series of Islamist attacks. The high sensitivity has now reached the Kunst- und Ausstellungshalle der Bundesrepublik Deutschland in Bonn.

For the past two weeks the safety regulations have been tightened. The reason: The exhibition Iran. Ancient cultures between water and desert. However, due to no incidents at all, the security checks will be loosened again. According to press spokesperson Sven Bergmann, two employees were assigned with additional checks at the door after being trained specifically for the task.

Since April 13, that meant: To enjoy the impressions from colorful Persia, visitors had to undergo a bag and body check with metal detectors. The entrance to the special exhibition was marked with barrier tape, conditions just like at an airport. Apparently, a reliable source gave the museum cause for security concern. The decision to tighten the security checks was made in collaboration with the police in Bonn, says Bergmann.

As the employees had to be trained at first, the implementation of the new regulations might have been a bit bumpy at first, the spokesperson admits, recognizing a few sporadic complaints. But: 90 percent of the visitors had no problem with the checks. Last Sunday alone, 2.000 visitors were admitted smoothly. One of the visitors who complained about the innovation was Kurt Tudyka. In a letter to the intendant and the management he said that the way he was treated was an absurd and ridiculous disgrace.
Some of the companies imitating New Balances brand include New Boom, New Barlun and New Bunren. (Photo : Facebook)

A court in Beijing has recently awarded New Balance a rare victory in an intellectual property dispute, according to a report by the New York Times.



The decision by the Suzhou Intermediate Peoples Court orders shoe manufacturers and sellers to pay $250,000 as a punitive measure for using New Balances trademark N logo.



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In addition, the fine was brought upon the companies after they breached an injunction issued in Sept. 2016 that prohibited them from selling shoe products with the logo.



According to Amy Dow, Senior Global Corporate Communications Manager for New Balance, all five penalized companies were operating under the brand name, New Boom.



Parasite brands are fast becoming the scariest form of counterfeit within China, said Dow.



Shifting stance toward intellectual property



Guizeng Wayne Liu, a senior partner at Yuanhe Partners, added that the courts decision emphasized Chinas determination to uphold intellectual property rights.



According to trademark lawyers, Beijing is starting to take intellectual property seriously as Chinese companies are now generating their own intellectual property which the country intends to protect.



This is a good sign for New Balance in future trial cases to come, Liu added.



For Charles Feng, head of the intellectual property division at the East & Concord Partners law firm, the ruling was important because, until then, courts in China do not usually rule in favor of damages in trademark infringement cases.



Furthermore, the case offers a good example of how conducting business in China can be complicated, according to the report.



Foreign companies usually enter into disputes with many low-quality manufacturers that make copies of prominent products such as iPhones or Louis Vuitton bags. In addition, manufacturers cleverly copy almost every aspect of the product and make slight variations to their brand name.



Some of the companies imitating New Balances brand include New Boom, New Barlun and New Bunren.


Factors that made Xiaomi the second largest smartphone brand in India Features oi -Abhinaya Prabhu Xiaomi becomes the second largest brand in India.

Xiaomi, one of the popular Chinese manufacturers has become the second largest smartphone brand in the Indian market. Around 14% of the shipments in the first quarter of this year were from Xiaomi. In the last year, the same was just 3%.

As per Canalys, a Singapore-based agency, Xiaomi shipped 4 million smartphones in Q1 2017. The first position is retained by Samsung even this time. The Indian smartphone market is one of the rapidly growing markets across the world. There are more than 180 brands in the country and these are subject to sudden rise and fall. Xiaomi is one of the brands that has proved to be an exclusion for the past three years. Notably, the report adds that demonetization has left an impact on the sales of the Xiaomi phones for a short period.

Also Read: Xiaomi Mi 6 Ceramic Edition might be delayed until mid-May

Since mid-2014, Xiaomi has managed to post a steady growth while even established manufacturers such as Nokia and BlackBerry couldn't survive in the smartphone market. Let's take a look at how Xiaomi managed to gain success in the country making it the second largest smartphone brand.

Xiaomi painted a different picture Xiaomi has changed the mindset that people have towards the Chinese brands. We say this as until 2013, the Chinese brands were not too successful in India except for a few exceptions. In fact, there was a perception that the Chinese phones were non-durable. With the entry of Xiaomi in 2014, the share of Chinese brands started increasing from 15% in 2014 to almost 50% by the end of 2016. Xiaomi has hit the right pricing strategy Xiaomi's secret to success is selling smartphones with high-end specs and features at reasonable price points. Though this seems to be a simple strategy, it is pretty tough to implement. Many other manufacturers have tried to adopt this strategy, but they have not been successful in implementing the same. Flash sales model The online sales model followed by Xiaomi helped the company in one way. Being a new market entrant, the company stayed away from spending a lot of time and money on setting up a tradition distribution network. Going by the industry experts, if Xiaomi opted for the offline sales model in its earlier days, it could have not been this successful on brand building. Mi fans community When many smartphone manufacturers were focusing on marketing their products aggressively through ads and commercials, but Xiaomi depended on word of mouth publicity. Even the Mi fans community helped the company achieve popularity and success all over the internet and social media. Great products Xiaomi's smartphone lineup includes great products those are value for money offerings. This strategy is definitely an asset for the company. Both the Redmi and Mi series phones are popular and successful.

Best Mobiles in India

Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications
Expected Features

While the standard model comes with a larger 5.7-inch display, the mini variant is expected to come with a 5.4-inch display. The report also notes that the smartphone will have a screen-to-body ratio of fewer than 80 percent. All in all the handset's smaller form factor is expected to appeal to a wider audience.

LG G6 mini will come with 18:9 aspect ratio like the G6. Unfortunately, the rest of the phone's specs and features are still a mystery.

A Watered-down Version?

The question we have in mind is that whether LG G6 Mini will retain all the features of its current flagship, as well as the high price or whether the new smartphone will feature lower-end specs and features.

And considering the price, LG might bring in some significant changes in the mini version to probably reduce the cost of the phone.

SEE ALSO: LG G6 is up for sale on Amazon India

Going by the trend in the smartphone market, most of the manufacturers release mini versions of its devices with watered down specs.

What could G6 Mini be all about?

The first thing to be noted is that LG G6 mini may not be the final market name of the smartphone. Moreover, even though many believe that the device exists, LG might choose to launch the G6 mini in select markets, more so in emerging markets.

The publication also suggests the handset was in LG's plans and later it seems the company backed out from the launch. But now that the smartphone has appeared again, it might be that if the device does exist it will be a more affordable entry into LG's portfolio. The document fails to provide the pricing details though.
Overall, dont let the bhoot mislead you, nothing bhootiya about this story. Had the makers tried to push the envelope, the idea could have been outstanding for a bhootiya comedy.
Inherent Resolve Strikes Continue Against ISIS Terrorists in Syria, Iraq

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, April 28, 2017  U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 28 strikes consisting of 53 engagements, 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 17 strikes consisting of 20 engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Abu Kamal, two strikes destroyed two ISIS wellheads.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, five strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two ISIS wellheads, an ISIS fuel truck, an ISIS oil tank and a crane.

-- Near Raqqa, two strikes destroyed a command-and-control node and a front-end loader.

-- Near Tabqah, eight strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units and destroyed three fighting positions, two command-and-control nodes, two bunkers and an ISIS staging area.

Additionally, a strike was conducted April 26 that closed within the last 24 hours:

-- Near Shadaddi, a strike destroyed a mortar system, an unmanned aircraft launch facility, a command-and-control node and a vehicle-borne-bomb facility.

Strikes in Iraq

In Iraq, coalition military forces conducted nine strikes consisting of 47 engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Mosul, six strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; destroyed eight front-end loaders, two recoilless rifles, a vehicle, a mortar system, an excavator and an anti-air artillery system; damaged a vehicle-borne-bomb facility; and suppressed two mortar teams.

-- Near Qaim, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed three weapons caches and an ISIS media center.

-- Near Rawah, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a tactical vehicle and a vehicle-borne bomb.

-- Near Tal Afar, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS staging area and two bunkers.

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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Government of Slovakia  Bell 429 Light Utility Helicopters

Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov

Transmittal No: 17-14

WASHINGTON, Apr. 28, 2017 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Slovakia for Bell 429 light utility helicopters. The estimated cost is $150 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on April 27, 2017.

Slovakia has requested a possible sale of nine (9) Bell 429 Light Utility Helicopters with customer-unique modifications. Also included are WESCAM MX-10 cameras, training, spare parts, and logistical support, mission equipment, communication and navigation equipment, special tools and test equipment, ground support equipment, airframe and engine spare parts, technical data, publications, maintenance work order/electronic change proposals, technical assistance, repair and return, quality assurance team, and transportation of aircraft. The estimated cost is $150 million.

This proposed sale will enhance the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally that has been, and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress within Europe.

The proposed sale of the Bell 429 light utility helicopters will improve Slovakia's capability to meet current and future threats. Slovakia will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats. Slovakia will have no difficulty absorbing these helicopters into its armed forces.

The proposed sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Bell Helicopter of Piney Flats, Tennessee. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Slovakia.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

-30-

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NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA)  Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) System Components

Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov

Transmittal No: 17-06

WASHINGTON, Apr. 28, 2017 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) for Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) system components. The estimated cost is $33.5 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on April 27, 2017.

The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) requested the sale of fourteen (14) Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies (GLTA) and six (6) LAIRCM System Processor Replacements (LSPR) along with contractor spares, consumables, support equipment, technical data, aircraft installation, flight test, certification, publications and training in order to upgrade the AN/AAQ-24(V) LAIRCM system on three (3) of its C-17 aircraft. The estimated total value is $33.5 million.

This proposed sale contributes to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by enhancing the aircraft self-protection capabilities of C-17 aircraft operated by the NATO Airlift Management (NAM) Programme, a consortium of 12 nations, including the United States. The partner nations in this program fly missions in and around Europe, Afghanistan, Iraq, the Levant, and North Africa. This sale an enhanced military capability for the NAM, and will assist its associated nations in providing airlift for personnel and equipment to locations requiring enhanced threat countermeasures.

The proposed sale advances U.S. and NATO policy goals of expanding the capabilities of strategic airlift to NATO allies and partners. The capabilities associated with this proposed sale bolster the military strength of the NATO alliance and its partners by increasing the self-protection capabilities of NAM airlift aircraft. NSPA will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment.

As these systems are defensive in nature, the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor for production is Northrup Grumman of Rolling Meadows, Illinois. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to NATO.

There will be no adverse impact to U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

-30-

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Statement by the NATO Secretary General on the violence in the Parliament in Skopje

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

28 Apr. 2017

Press Release (2017) 076

Issued on 28 Apr. 2017

I strongly condemn yesterday's attacks on members of Parliament in Skopje. Violence has no place in any parliament. I call on all political actors to show calm, restraint, and respect for the democratic process. Political dialogue is the only reasonable and appropriate way forward, and is in the best interest of all citizens of the country.

A majority of members of Parliament have elected a new speaker of Parliament. This is a positive step in resolving the ongoing political impasse. The democratic process must be respected.

The authorities have a solemn responsibility to uphold the rule of law, and ensure the security of Parliament and its members at all times. Acts of violence like those we saw yesterday must not be allowed to happen again.

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Montenegro parliament votes for NATO membership

Iran Press TV

Fri Apr 28, 2017 4:22PM

Montenegro's parliament has formally agreed to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), signaling a U-turn by a traditional Russia ally.

Parliamentarians in the capital of Cetinje on Friday voted 46-0 in favor of the Balkan nation joining the Western military alliance and becoming the Alliance's 29th member.

Montenegro's parliament has 81 members but pro-Russia opposition lawmakers had boycotted the vote.

Opposition leaders said they would not recognize the vote and would call for a referendum on the issue in the small yet strategically positioned country overlooking the Adriatic Sea with a population of around 622,000 people.

Opposition protesters, who gathered in front of the parliament building and torched a NATO flag, chanted anti-NATO slogans and held a banner that read "NATO murderers, your hands are bloody!"

Anti-NATO protesters have urged the government to reject the accession to the Western military bloc.

In December 2015, the small Balkan country was formally invited to join NATO.

In May of 2016, Montenegro signed the NATO Accession Protocol.

Montenegro, which gained independence from Serbia in 2006, had been bombed by NATO in 1999, when Serbia was still part of the former Yugoslavia.

Russia has been angered by NATO's expansion in Montenegro, saying the move would seriously endanger security and stability in the Balkans and entire Europe.

"We consider the course towards including Montenegro in NATO is deeply erroneous, goes fundamentally against the interests of people in this country and harms stability in the Balkans and in Europe as a whole," Russia's Foreign Ministry said this month, calling the decision a "deeply mistaken" move that creates divisions in Europe.

Ties between NATO and Russia have been tense.

Moscow believes NATO's expansion showed that the West was still on the path of confrontation with Russia and maintains that Montenegro's accession to NATO will diminish stability in the Balkans and the rest of Europe.

Late last year, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Montenegro's leadership had betrayed the nation.

They "betrayed all commitments and promises, [they] betrayed Russia," Lavrov said.

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A girl gets tested for malaria at a medical clinic at the Yida refugee camp along the border with North Sudan, July 5, 2012, in Yida, South Sudan. (Photo : Getty Images)

Scientists in China have been working for a decade to combat the increasing resistance to the landmark anti-malaria drug artemisinin.



Dr. Changsheng Deng, manager of the Department of Science and Technology at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, said that a special project has been created to focus on resistance to artemisinin and use it to help eliminate the disease over the next decade.



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"Our strategy seeks to eliminate blood-borne malaria parasites from the human body," Deng told African journalists at a press conference at Guangzhou University.



Malaria is a highly infectious disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through a bite from a female mosquito.



In 2015, more than 200 million people were infected with malaria, leading to 438,000 deaths worldwide, most of them children in Africa.



Artemisinin was discovered as a treatment for malaria by Chinese chemist Youyou Tu, who was awarded the Nobel Prize two years ago for her work.



Deng hopes that the malaria parasites can be eradicated through "mass drug administration with artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs)."



English Wang, president of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, said that the drug could continue to help fight malaria in Africa and other parts of the world.



The AFP News Agency reported in March that for the first time in Africa, researchers have detected a malaria parasite that was partially resistant to artemisinin.



The drug-resistant parasites were detected from a Chinese national who had traveled from Equatorial Guinea to China.



In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the spread of artemisinin-resistant malaria parasites in Africa would be a major setback in the fight against malaria.



"ACT (artemisinin-based combination therapy) is the only effective and widely used antimalarial treatment at the moment," the study said.



"Therefore, it is very important to regularly monitor artemisinin resistance on a worldwide scale."



The discovery also means that Africa now joins Southeast Asia in hosting such drug-resistant forms of the mosquito-borne disease, according to the AFP.



In Southeast Asia, strains of the malaria-carrying agent have exhibited signs of partial resistance to artemisinin.



The main driver of the resistance to artemisinin in Asia was due to a mutation in a gene called Kelch 13, whose origin was traced back to Africa, according to the study from the New England Journal of Medicine.


Egypt's president endorses new legislation granting him more powers

Iran Press TV

Fri Apr 28, 2017 8:13AM

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has signed into law a bill that has recently been approved in the parliament to grant him more powers concerning appointments in the country's judiciary.

The president endorsed amendments to Judicial Authority Law, which would now enable him to pick the most senior members of the country's judicial system, local media reported on Friday.

The new law allows the president to appoint the heads of judicial bodies, including the Court of Cassation, the State Council, the Administrative Prosecution Authority, and the State Lawsuits Authority.

The president will be able to pick from three candidates nominated by each judicial council.

Two thirds of lawmakers in the Egyptian parliament voted in favor of the amendments on Wednesday. The changes had been approved by the Egyptian parliament's constitutional and legislative affairs committee in March.

Its approval in the parliament prompted opposition from judicial sources, including Egypt's Judges Club, which called on Sisi in a letter to refrain from endorsing the amendments and called on judges to convene in May to protest against them.

The State Council Judges Club wrote to the president that the law would undermine the independence of judiciary.

"It will be recorded in history that the Parliament has demolished the independence of the judiciary and crashed the provisions of the Constitution for the sake of replaceable people," the Club said in a statement.

The Supreme Council of the Judiciary and the State Lawsuits Authority also announced their opposition to the amendments before the parliamentary vote.

Formerly, the Egyptian president only confirmed appointments by judicial councils as a formality, and the final decision still rested with judicial councils.

Amnesty International condemned the new law on Thursday. It said the Egyptian administration "is seeking to further consolidate its grip on power and neuter two of the highest courts who have at times acted as a check on the executive."

"This law has the potential to undermine the independence of the country's already beleaguered judiciary and, if ratified by the President, could be a major setback for justice in Egypt," said Amnesty International's campaign director for North Africa Najia Bounaim.

He warned that the law "could weaken key checks and balances in an already unjust system."

Sisi came to power in a military coup in 2013.

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Afghan Taliban declare start of 'spring offensive'

Iran Press TV

Fri Apr 28, 2017 4:39AM

The Taliban militant group in Afghanistan has announced the start of its so-called spring offensive, a heightened campaign of bombings, ambush attacks, and other raids that begins as weather conditions improve.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, announced the launch of the offensive in an online statement on Friday.

The latest spring offensive has been dubbed by the group as "Operation Mansouri," named after a Taliban leader who was killed in a US drone strike last year.

Mujahid claimed that the offensive this year would differ from previous ones in that it would include a "political" track as well. He said the militant group would engage in "social justice and development."

The Taliban spokesman also boasted about the group's "control" over more than half of the country, citing a February report by a US government special inspector general for Afghan reconstruction.

That report said, the "Afghan government had control or influence over only 52 percent of 407 districts last year, down from 63.4 percent previously."

The Taliban increase their attacks across Afghanistan every spring, targeting government officials and the US-led foreign forces in the country. Many ordinary people also often fall victim to the attacks.

Last Friday, the Taliban killed at least 140 Afghan soldiers in an attack on an army base in the city of Mazar-i-Sharif. The apparent security loops and the high number of casualties in that attack soon led to the resignation of the Afghan defense minister and its army chief of staff.

Security remains elusive in Afghanistan almost 16 years into a US-led invasion and occupation of the country.

A Taliban regime that had been in power then was toppled in the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan. Members of the group started their militancy then.

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Former Afghan Warlord Hekmatyar Holds First Meetings With Government Since Peace Deal

RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan April 28, 2017

Notorious former Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar has held talks with government representatives in eastern Afghanistan after years outside the country, his first public meetings with officials from the Western-backed government since the U.S.-led invasion in 2001.

The meetings on April 28 came after Hekmatyar's Hezb-e Islami militant group signed a peace agreement with President Ashraf Ghani's government in September. Under the deal, he was granted amnesty for past offenses in exchange for ending his violent 15-year insurgency against the government.

The controversial peace deal has been criticized by many Afghans and by Western rights groups, which accuse Hekmatyar's forces of gross human rights violations during Afghanistan's civil war in the 1990s and cite their deadly attacks on U.S. and Afghan forces since 2001.

Hekmatyar met on April 28 with Laghman Province Governor Abdul Jabar Naimi and Ghani's security adviser, Juma Khan Hamdard.

He arrived two days earlier in the province, which lies between Kabul and the border with Pakistan, where he is believed to have been in hiding.

Naimi said Hekmatyar had "promised full cooperation" with the government and added that he hoped the peace deal would "revive hopes for enduring peace in Afghanistan," according to a statement.

Hekmatyar had been expected to make a public appearance in Laghman on April 28, marked in Afghanistan as the 25th anniversary of the defeat in 1992 of the formerly Soviet-backed government by armed insurgents known as the mujahedin.

But the event was canceled without explanation.

A Hezb-e Islami spokesman told RFE/RL that Hekmatyar's appearance had been rescheduled for April 29.

Hekmatyar's supporters have erected large billboards across Kabul in anticipation of his first public appearance.

Hekmatyar founded Hezb-e Islami in the mid-1970s. The group become one of the main mujahedin factions fighting against Soviet forces following their invasion in 1979, and then one of the most prominent groups in the bloody civil war for control of Kabul after the Soviet withdrawal in 1989.

Hekmatyar, a former prime minister under the mujahedin government, was one of the chief protagonists of the internecine 1992-96 war. Rights groups accuse Hekmatyar of responsibility for the shelling of residential areas of Kabul in the 1990s, as well as forced disappearances and covert jails where torture was commonplace.

He was designated as a terrorist by the U.S. State Department in 2003.

Under the peace agreement, Hekmatyar will be granted amnesty for past offenses and certain Hezb-e Islami prisoners will be released by the government. The deal also includes provisions for his security at government expense.

In February, the UN Security Council lifted sanctions on Hekmatyar, paving his way to return to Afghanistan.

The controversial peace deal was a breakthrough for Ghani, who so far has had little to show for his efforts at ending the country's 16-year war.

While the military wing of the Hezb-e Islami led by Hekmatyar has been a largely dormant force in recent years and has little political relevance in Afghanistan, the deal with the government could be a template for any future deal with fundamentalist Taliban militants who have also fought Kabul's authority.

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-hekmatyar- warlord-peace-deal-ghani-/28457340.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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Montenegro Ratifies Pact On NATO Membership

RFE/RL's Balkan Service April 28, 2017

Montenegro's parliament has ratified a pact on NATO membership, marking a historic turn toward the West amid protests from traditional ally Russia and the country's pro-Russian political opposition.

Lawmakers who convened in the historic city of Cetinje on April 28 voted 46-0 in favor of ratifying the accession treaty with the Western military alliance. Opposition lawmakers in the 81-seat legislature boycotted the session.

Prime Minister Dusko Markovic told parliament that NATO membership will provide Montenegro a guarantee for the country's future security and economic progress, and for regional stability.

"This day will be marked among the brightest in our history," Markovic said.

Montenegro's former prime minister, Milo Djukanovic, also hailed the vote as historic by saying it was the most important decision the country has made in recent years.

"After long suffering and roaming through history, [Montenegro] is finally in the position where it logically, historically, civilization-wise and culturally belongs," Djukanovic said.

Several hundred opposition supporters gathered outside parliament before the session, some chanting "Treason!" and "Thieves!" as lawmakers from the ruling pro-NATO coalition arrived for the vote. A banner read, "NATO murderers, your hands are bloody!"

Russia angrily criticized mostly Slavic, Orthodox Christian Montenegro's bid to join NATO.

"We must acknowledge with deep regret that the current leadership of the country and its Western patrons did not listen to the voice of reason and conscience," said Russia's Foreign Ministry, which contended that "nearly half" of Montenegro's population opposed the move.

It added that "Moscow cannot fail to take the strategic consequences of this step into account."

"So we reserve the right to take decisions aimed at protecting our interests and national security," the ministry said.

Montenegro's government urged lawmakers to approve the admission protocol. Officials have said that joining NATO will bring stability and economic benefits for the 645,000 residents of the former Yugoslav republic.

"In the current geopolitical environment, Montenegro must rationally look at all options and make a decision that will best protect its national, security, and economic interests," the government has said.

Montenegro is expected to become a full-fledged member of the alliance in early June.

Two NATO countries -- Spain and the Netherlands -- still must give final approval to Montenegro's accession before it can become NATO's 29th member.

Spain's upper house of parliament still has to ratify the move, and Montenegrin Prime Minister Dusko Markovic told parliament on April 28 that Spanish legislators are expected to ratify it within 10 days.

The Dutch Senate approved it on March 23, but the decision will not be official until after a two-month period for a potential referendum expires.

In the expected case that a referendum is not called in the Netherlands, the decision will take effect under Dutch law on June 1.

Russia has been angered by mostly Slavic, Orthodox Christian Montenegro's bid to join NATO.

Montenegro's military has about 2,000 troops. The country borders Serbia, which has close ties with Russia and is not a member of NATO.

Earlier in April, Montenegrin prosecutors formally charged 14 people, including two Russians and two opposition leaders, with plotting to overthrow the government in October 2016.

A Podgorica court on April 13 said lawmakers Andrija Mandic and Milan Knezevic of the Democratic Front, two Russians, nine Serbian citizens, and one other Montenegrin were charged with "creating a criminal organization."

The Russians were also charged with "terrorism."

The court will decide on May 5 whether to accept the indictments.

Montenegrin officials allege that Serbian and Russian nationalists plotted to take over parliament during the October 2016 parliamentary elections, assassinate then-Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, and install a pro-Russian leadership to halt Montenegro's bid to join NATO.

Prosecutors said the Russians, identified as Eduard Shishmakov and Vladimir Popov, were based in Serbia and were allowed by authorities there to return to Russia. They remain at large.

Accused lawmaker Mandic on April 13 called the charges "a staged political process against the opposition."

Montenegro's special prosecutor has said "Russian state bodies" were involved in the alleged coup, something Russia denies.

With reporting by Reuters, dpa, and AP

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/montenegro-parliament -nato-membership-vote/28457280.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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Explainer: Macedonia At A Crossroad

Alan Crosby April 28, 2017

Scores of demonstrators stormed Macedonia's parliament on April 28 and attacked several lawmakers after an ethnic Albanian deputy was elected speaker. It's one of the most alarming developments in that Balkan nation since it lurched into political gridlock more than two years ago.

Angry nationalists, some wearing black masks to hide their faces, are suspected of leading the charge inside of the building, where they threw chairs, camera equipment, and punches. Later, they continued the violence outside as they battled riot police, who have since cordoned off the area around parliament.

About a dozen protesters erected five tents on the front lawn of the parliament on April 28, pledging to stay to "defend Macedonia."

Legislators, meanwhile, balked at a crisis meeting sought by President Gjorge Ivanov.

What got us here?

Macedonia fell into political crisis two years ago amid claims that the governing conservative party, VMRO-DPMNE, led by former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, was responsible for the illegal surveillance of some 20,000 people including journalists, politicians, and religious leaders. This spurred massive antigovernment protests and a European Union mediation effort. It eventually forced the resignation of Gruevski's government.

Since then, there have been four snap elections, none of which has produced a stable government. The most recent vote, in December, gave VMRO-DPMNE 51 seats and the opposition Social Democratic Union 49 seats in the 120-member parliament.

Neither side was able to form a majority government until the Social Democrats, led by Zoran Zaev, agreed to a coalition with some ethnic Albanian parties after accepting their demands for greater rights and the establishment of Albanian as a second official language in certain areas of the country.

President Ivanov, also a member of the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE party, has refused to give Zaev an official mandate to form a government, claiming the Albanian-language issue could destroy Macedonia's independence.

Why should outsiders care?

It's no accident that the Balkans is referred to as the powder keg of Europe. Several events in the region, including the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian empire, in Sarajevo helped trigger World War I.

More recently, the violent breakup of the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s left lingering animosities between the many ethnic groups that inhabit the region.

Many analysts say the Dayton accords that brought peace to the Balkans were short-term solutions, at best, and that without secure, longer-term legislation and the strengthening of democratic institutions, volatility will remain on Europe's southern flank.

The Republic of Macedonia is a landlocked country in the heart of the Balkans. It borders Bulgaria, Greece, Albania, Kosovo, and Serbia.

It has a population of 2.1 million, mainly comprising Macedonian Slavs. But it is estimated that one-quarter of the country is ethnic Albanian, most of whom live in the northern and northwestern regions that border Kosovo and Albania. Other ethnic groups, none of which accounts for more than 4 percent of the population, include Serbs, Bosniaks, Turks, Roma, Montenegrins, Croats, and Vlachs.

Tensions between Slavic groups and ethnic Albanians, who comprise about 8 million people in the Balkans, including some 1.5 million each in Serbia and Kosovo, is widely considered the biggest flash point in the region.

For example, since Kosovar President Hashim Thaci told RFE/RL on April 19 that "all Albanians in the region will live in a single country in order to proceed further with the integration into the European family," fears have grown that Albanians in the region, along with ultranationalists in Tirana, will trigger armed conflict by pushing the concept of a Greater Albania.

Statements like Thaci's are particularly unsettling for Macedonia, which suffered through an armed rebellion in 2000-01 by its Albanian minority that ended only after a NATO-brokered peace agreement was reached. Albanians say the deal has not been fulfilled, with promises of increased rights being broken, heightening tensions through the country.

Is Macedonia on a "Western" path?

A former province in Yugoslavia that gained its independence in 1991, Macedonia has been targeting European Union membership since it became a candidate in 2005, though it has yet to open accession talks. It also has aspirations of joining the NATO security alliance.

However, membership drives to both institutions have been blocked by Greece amid a dispute over the country's name. Greece has voiced concern that the usage of "Macedonia" implies territorial aspirations against its own region of the same name.

While Macedonia continues to negotiate its place in the EU, because of Greece's objections it currently goes by the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. NATO has said that Macedonia can only officially receive a membership invitation once the naming dispute is settled.

The rising tensions in the Balkans have not gone unnoticed by the EU. A summit in Brussels in March was aimed at cementing the bloc's long-term commitment to the region. Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Macedonia, and Serbia are all currently in membership negotiations with the EU.

By reiterating its commitment to the Balkans, Brussels said it is hoping to erase any feelings that the road to membership has been blocked. But equally, if not more, important to many Europeans is the effort to keep Russia, which has long-standing cultural and economic ties in the region, from gaining sway in the region.

The Kremlin appears to see destabilization as a way of driving a wedge between the West and the Balkans, opening the door for it to boost economic ties, including through energy and trade links.

How has the international community reacted to the Skopje violence?

Brussels, Washington, and Berlin were quick to condemn the violence of April 27, suggesting it was an attack on democracy.

The EU's foreign affairs chief, Federica Mogherini, warned that "violence is unacceptable, even more so when it happens in the house of democracy."

The U.S. Embassy in Skopje decried the violence "in the strongest terms," saying via Twitter that it was "not consistent with democracy and is not an acceptable way to resolve differences."

The Russian Foreign Ministry countered that the West's "gross interference" in Macedonia was to blame for the political crisis engulfing the country.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's office issued a statement expressing "deep concern" and saying that "Macedonia holds key significance to establish lasting peace in the Balkans."

In Serbia, President-elect and current Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic convened security consultations and cautioned that events in Macedonia "present a problem for all of us who live here and it is better to stop all the problems and secure peace and stability for our children."

What might pressure Macedonian leaders to end this crisis?

Though it has made strides in reforming its small, open economy over the past decade, Macedonia remains one of Europe's poorest countries. Economic growth was robust at an average 4.3 percent from 2002-08, but it has slowed by half since 2009 to average just 2.1 percent.

The current political crisis threatens to negatively affect the economy of a country that is already one of Europe's poorest even further if it is not solved in a timely manner, the World Bank has said.

With this, and the threat of a fresh breakout of violence on their minds, many Western countries have called for Ivanov to respect the election results and allow the proposed coalition to form a new government. This, they say, will strengthen democratic institutions in the country and allow it to regain its footing, thus avoiding a deep economic crisis on top of its political woes.

With additional reporting by AP and Reuters

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/macedonia-at-a- crossroad-explainer-violence/28457721.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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West Condemns Macedonian Violence As Balkan Tensions Rise

RFE/RL April 28, 2017

The European Union, the United States, NATO, and several Balkan countries have condemned the violent storming of Macedonia's parliament by nationalist demonstrators who assaulted several lawmakers and journalists.

Zoran Zaev, the head of an alliance of Macedonian lawmakers, left the legislature in the midst of the April 27 violence with blood pouring down his face. He refused on April 28 to meet with President Gjorge Ivanov, who called for emergency talks aimed at defusing tensions amid a two-year political stalemate in the country.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini called the violence, which has deepened a two-year political stalemate in the EU candidate state, "particularly worrying and very sad."

"We consider violence always unacceptable, even more so when it happens in the house of democracy, in parliament," Mogherini told reporters in Malta on April 28 ahead of an EU meeting.

"We believe that all in Skopje should follow the constitutional principles, democracy and try to bring the country out of this serious crisis that can be dangerous," she said.

Demonstrators, some wearing black masks, rampaged through parliament on April 27 after an alliance of Social Democrats and ethnic Albanian parties approved Talat Xhaferi, an ethnic Albanian, as speaker of parliament.

Zoran Zaev, the head of a newly formed coalition that said it was trying to assert its right to govern by electing the new parliament speaker, left the building with blood streaming from his head.

Three lawmakers from ethnic Albanian parties were also injured, including Ziadin Sela, leader of the Albanian Alliance, who was taken to the emergency room of a Skopje clinic.

Correspondents from RFE/RL also came under attack inside the parliament building, along with other journalists there.

RFE/RL President Thomas Kent condemned the violence and called for a thorough investigation "to ensure that violence against journalists is not perpetrated with impunity, and that all members of the press are able to do their jobs in safety."

In all, 102 people were injured, including 25 police officers, as clashes between police and protesters spilled onto the streets outside the building, authorities said.

Agim Nuhin, the caretaker government's interior minister, offered to step down amid claims the police failed to do enough to stop the incident. His resignation would have to be approved by the head of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union for Integration party.

The U.S. Embassy in Skopje also condemned the violence "in the strongest terms," saying in a message on its Twitter account that it was "not consistent with democracy and is not an acceptable way to resolve differences."

The Russian Foreign Ministry suggested that the United States and the European Union were to blame, asserting in a statement that the main cause of the political crisis in Macedonia was "blatant interference" in its internal affairs. It gave no concrete evidence to support the claim.

Long-simmering tensions have come to a boil in the nation of 2.1 million, with an ethnic Macedonian majority and a large ethnic Albanian minority, amid protests over the inclusion of ethnic Albanian partners in a proposed governing coalition led by the Social Democrats.

After December elections failed to show a clear-cut victor, Zaev agreed to form a coalition with some ethnic Albanian parties in exchange for accepting their demands for greater rights and the establishment of Albanian as a second official language in certain areas of the country.

But Ivanov has refused to give Zaev the official mandate to move ahead with the plan, arguing that the language issue was an attempt to destroy Macedonia's independence. He has also accused Albania of interference in its domestic affairs.

Often troubled relations between Slavic groups and ethnic Albanians, who number about 8 million across the Balkans, are a cause of tension in the region.

Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic called on April 28 for emergency security consultations over the political turmoil and unrest in Skopje.

Turkey expressed "deep concern" about the violence and urged the creation of a new government within democratic principles.

"Macedonia holds key significance to establish lasting peace in the Balkans," a statement from the Turkish president's office said.

Macedonia fell into its current political crisis two years ago amid claims that the governing conservative party, VMRO-DPMNE, led by former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, was responsible for the illegal surveillance of some 20,000 people including journalists, politicians, and religious leaders.

Gruevski told reporters at his party headquarters on April 28 that he condemned the violence, but that the Social Democrats bear some responsibility, asserting that what he called their "greed for power at any cost" was its "direct cause."

Zaev on April 28 accused the VMRO-DPMNE of not wanting to give up power.

With reporting by Rikard Jozwiak in Brussels, AP, and Reuters

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/macedonia-zaev-refuses-to- meet-ivanov-after-parliament-invasion/28456924.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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Congo's Ethnic Violence Displaces More Than 1M People

By Lisa Schlein April 28, 2017

The United Nations has issued a flash appeal of $64.5 million to provide emergency assistance over the next six months to hundreds of thousands of people uprooted by ethnic violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo's southern Kasai, Lomami and Sankuru provinces.

The United Nations reports that more than 1 million people have been forcibly displaced since violence erupted in August, when government soldiers killed a local tribal leader in Kasai province. Over the past eight months, the violence between militia and government forces has intensified and expanded to Lomami and Sankuru provinces.

Spokesman for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Jens Laerke, said children are at extreme risk and in need protection. He said many women have been raped and need medical care and psychological counseling.

"The violence behind the displacement has already led to civilian deaths in the hundreds and human rights violations, including the discovery of mass graves, and severely disrupted people's livelihoods and education of thousands of children," he said. "It has also exacerbated the risks of malnutrition and epidemics in a region already known for high malnutrition rates and a weak health system."

Laerke said the flash appeal is on top of the regular $750-million humanitarian response plan for the DRC. He told VOA the additional money is urgently required to deal with the humanitarian needs, which he described as astronomical.

"To have 1 million displaced is really a lot of people," he said, "We know that affects every aspect of life, including the ability for families to access food and to obtain the nutrition for the children that they need. So, it is indeed a very acute concern."

Laerke said the crisis is worsening pre-existing tensions between communities and ethnic groups, and it also has driven tens of thousands of people to seek refuge in neighboring Angola.

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MSF Evacuates International Staff in South Sudan's Upper Nile

By Waakhe Simon Wudu April 28, 2017

Doctors Without Borders said it has evacuated international staff from two towns in South Sudan because of intense fighting between the army and rebel groups.

The medical aid group, known by its French acronym MSF, said Thursday it removed foreign staff from the towns of Aburoc and Kodok, in the former Upper Nile state.

MSF's country head of mission, Marcus Bachman, told VOA's South Sudan in Focus that domestic staff will maintain essential medical services in the area as long they remain safe.

Renewed fighting broke out between opposition forces and the South Sudan Army in and around Kodok on Tuesday. Bachman said his team is treating gunshot victims as well as vulnerable women and children suffering from diarrheal waterborne diseases, pneumonia, and respiratory infections.

Bachman said some 25,000 new South Sudanese families arrived at a displaced persons' camp in Aburoc this week, seeking shelter from the latest fighting.

"The population we are serving is fleeing ... out of fear of being targeted in the conflict," he said. "This is what the population is telling us, the fear of being targeted. They also share with us accounts where either family members or neighbors have been targeted in the conflict."

MSF said Aburoc can only be reached by air because of unpaved or poorly maintained roads. In February, aid agencies stepped up air drops of relief items to the area, but fighting has interrupted some of those deliveries.

Colonel Santo Domic, deputy spokesman for the government's Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), said the army launched attacks on rebel bases around Kodok this week and accused the rebels of denying residents access to the Nile River.

He said the army "liberated" Kodok and the town of Galacel on Wednesday.

Brigadier General William Gathjiath, spokesman for the rebel SPLA-In-Opposition, said government forces captured one of their bases, but denied Kodok and Galacel are now under government control.

"They have not even flushed our forces out of the town," he said. "So if they are claiming that they have already captured the town, that's not true."

The head of the United Nations mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), David Shearer, said the conflict in South Sudan can only be resolved through peaceful means.

He also said the decision by leaders from the East Africa region and South Africa to keep out rebel leader Riek Machar out of South Sudan could bring stability to South Sudan.

"The feeling very much within the region is that his role, in terms of bringing him back, wouldn't necessarily be positive at this stage," said Shearer. "So that's the decision of regional governments and South Africa."

At the same time, he said President Salva Kiir's national dialogue should include rebels loyal to Machar.

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Thai Military Steps Up Security in Restive Muslim Border Provinces

By Ron Corben April 28, 2017

Thailand's military in the southern border provinces is on high alert on the 13th anniversary of a wave of insurgent attacks that included the deaths of 32 insurgents inside a mosque.

The increased security comes as the Thai government is pressing on with informal peace talks with several militant groups amid a spike in violence in recent months.

The 2004 bloodshed came just three months after a resurgent militancy started in the largely Muslim southern border provinces of Pattani, Narathiwat, Songkhla and Yala.

Since then, 6,500 lives have been lost as efforts to end the insurgency against the Thai state has ebbed and flowed with local communities bearing the brunt of the violence.

The April 2004 pre-dawn attack by dozens of insurgents was met by military force that left 107 insurgents dead.

Thirty two militants fled to the sanctuary of the 16th century Krue Se Mosque, in Pattani before being surrounded by the Thai military and later killed by soldiers storming the mosque.

Media images later showed the blood spattered walls of the inner rooms.

Security increased

Panitan Wattanayagorn, an analyst and advisor to Thai Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, said security had been stepped up to coincide with the anniversary of the 2004 attacks.

"Moving into the important anniversaries  some of the local events, the security forces are instructed to step up their measures to make sure that peace and stability are secured in the area," Panitan told VOA.

But late Thursday, Thai media reported five army rangers had been ambushed and killed during a patrol in the Narathiwat's Chanee district, raising fears of an escalation in violence.

The years of violence have reaped a grim toll. Insurgent attacks and reprisals by the military have caused a constant spiral in the bloodshed.

Militant attacks have focused on symbols of the Thai state, officials and school teachers. More than 150 teachers have died in the violence. But the toll has included Muslims, the beheading of Buddhists, and arson attacks on schools.

Thailand is largely Buddhist but with a majority of Muslims in the Southern provinces. Analysts say tens of thousands of Buddhists from the region have been forced to migrate to Northern provinces to escape the violence.

The Thai military government launched peace talks in 2015 with the negotiations centered on an umbrella organization, MARA Pattani, representing several insurgent groups, with the Malaysian government supporting the peace process. The latest milestones in the talks are an agreement on "safe zones" in largely urban areas.

Mixed opinions on talks

Panitan said the informal talks are making progress, with the government open to meeting with all insurgent groups.

"The peace talks are on schedule in the South and now moving into a more difficult period, after getting technical measures and building up trust, they are now able to sit down and work out the new mapping of the more secure areas," Panitan told VOA.

But other analysts say the talks with the military representatives are failing to show significant gains.

Outside the negotiations are militants under the National Revolutionary Front (BRN) and the main instigators of the increasing attacks in recent months.

The BRN rejected the current negotiations saying it is standing by a demand of negotiating directly with the government in Bangkok. It has also called for an impartial mediator and international observers to the negotiations.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has rejected the BRN's calls for direct talks with the government.

Matthew Wheeler, an analyst with the International Crisis Group (ICG), in emailed comments, said a recent spate of attacks across the region appeared "to be a statement of opposition" to the proposed framework agreement on safety zones.

"The militants continue to demonstrate that they have the capabilities to launch attacks across the region despite of the security measures by the Thai state," Wheeler said.

Panitan said meetings are scheduled with representatives of the OIC in the coming days.

In early April, the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) at a summit in Turkey, lent its support to the Thai efforts in pressing on with dialogue with the MARA  Pattani.

But it also called for Muslim communities in the South to include "all stakeholders and to work for the common good to ensure a peace process can be effectively realized in the South," the OIC said in an official statement.

Pakorn Preeyakorn, president of the Islamic Center of Thailand, also called for a greater role of Thai civilian and academics in the negotiation process.

"You need to put some people who are very keen in dealing with this kind of conflicts. Sometimes when you use those from the army, for example, they are not very keen in dealing with the peace talks," Pakorn told VOA.

"So in this sense, we need to have some more people who know the real situation," he said.

ICG's Wheeler said the long term solution to the conflict requires dialogue and negotiation. "Crisis Group has long argued for greater political decentralization as a path out of the conflict," he said.

But analysts say the Thai military opposes any calls by the insurgents for local autonomy, a major obstacle to ending to the violence.

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Trump Foreign Policy Gets Tough Scrutiny at 100-day Mark

By Peter Heinlein April 28, 2017

Love him or hate him, President Donald Trump engenders strong feelings, and with his presidency reaching the symbolic 100-day milestone at a moment of international tensions, battle lines are sharply drawn on the effectiveness of his still-developing foreign policy.

As an understaffed White House team navigates through a spate of early tests, the outlines of a Trump Doctrine are beginning to emerge.

Critics have been withering in their assessments. No less a media star than New Yorker magazine editor David Remnick, a fierce Trump critic, wrote: "His Presidency has become the demoralizing daily obsession of anyone concerned with global security..."

"A pretty abysmal record," James Goldgeier, dean of the School of International Service at American University in Washington, told VOA.

Missteps

Goldgeier described as "laughable" administration missteps such as announcing that a U.S. Navy battle group was speeding toward the Korean Peninsula when it was actually heading elsewhere.

"The best thing I can say is that he (Trump) has realized that positions he took during the campaign are not workable and that he needs to rethink the way he was going to approach countries like Russia and China," said Goldgeier, who was a senior Clinton administration official. "He starts from a low base, with very little knowledge of history or previous policy, and not a lot of people who can support him."

Perhaps in anticipation of the storm of vilification, Trump called the concept of a 100-day report card "ridiculous."

"I think the 100 days is  an artificial barrier. It's not very meaningful," the president told the Associated Press last week.

Nevertheless, he sent out several top administration officials on the occasion to articulate his worldview.

When asked by a reporter about a "Trump Doctrine," White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus explained, "Setting some certain lines of where we're not going to allow people like [Syrian President Bashar al-Assad] to go, but at the same time making it clear that we're not interested in long-term ground wars in the Middle East.

"Obviously, focusing in on ISIS and what we're doing in the Middle East to protect us here in the United States, working with China on ongoing issues with North Korea that are very real and are serious issues, that takes cooperation within the region to handle appropriately," Priebus said, using an acronym for Islamic State.

'Basic building blocks'

Jim Carafano, vice president for foreign and defense policy at the Trump-friendly Heritage Foundation, said ensuring peace and stability in the Middle East and Asia are two of three "basic building blocks" of the president's policy. The other is mitigating Russia's "destructive influence."

"The president gets that," Carafano told VOA. "He's not soft on Russia. The administration has been very clear that Russian meddling has been unhelpful and destabilizing and we're not going to stand for it."

Carafano said Trump has compensated for his lack of foreign policy experience by assembling a team of seasoned professionals.

"When there are decisions to be made, the president turns to (Homeland Secretary chief John) Kelly, (Defense Secretary James) Mattis, (National Security Advisor) H.R. McMaster, (Secretary of State Rex) Tillerson and (Attorney General Jeff) Sessions. He listens to them and respects their input," Carafano said.

The Trump inner circle has "proven they're pretty good on crisis management," he added. "They've had two major crises with the Syrian chemical weapons attack and the flare-up with North Korea. By most accounts, they handled those pretty well."

A senior White House national security official, at a background briefing, said Trump's doctrine is not doctrinaire.

"It's very pragmatic," said the official, who cannot be identified under briefing rules.

"The president weighs the risk of any action he's anticipating. But what he's also done in these first few weeks is weigh the risk of inaction," the official said. "Whereas considering the risk only of action could have a tendency to paralyze a leader, what he's done is he's recognized there is a cost associated with inaction, and the obvious example of this is the response to the mass murder of civilians with chemical weapons in Syria."

Contradictory statements

Many in Washington's foreign policy establishment, however, remain nervous about how the rest of the world sees Trump's apparent reversals of position and contradictory statements on sensitive issues.

At a forum this week on "U.S.-Asia relations under Trump" at the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University, participants worried about the potential for a serious miscalculation by friend and foe alike.

"Our allies don't like unpredictability," said Richard Fontaine, who served as a foreign policy adviser to Sen. John McCain, a Republican from Arizona. "When you're talking about deterrence, unpredictability tends not to be a good idea."

Michael Swaine, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said, "The most critical issue is North Korea. ... We see a not-very-clear policy as to how to deal with this problem within the administration, with signals sent out in various directions. It's not reassuring."

Swaine summed up the concerns of many of the forum's participants in one sentence, saying, "Many of worst-case assumptions about what the Trump administration would do in Asia have not materialized." Then, after a long pause for effect he added, "yet."

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Pregnant AngelaBaby (Photo : Weibo/Huang Xiaoming)

After Hong Kong celebrity AngelaBaby gave birth in early 2017 to an infant boy whom she gave the nickname Little Sponge, she posted a short video that showed her new slim body. The film clip showed her everyday life in Hurry Up, Brother, a Chinese variety show which she used to co-host until she temporarily stopped to give birth. She has resumed co-hosting the show.



Advertisement

Maternity Photo Shoot



The slim body video led to speculations she did not become pregnant but instead used a surrogate, Toggle reported. AngelaBaby ignored the rumors, but to defend her, Chinese actor Huang Xiaoming, her husband, posted on Weibo a picture from her maternity photo shoot.



The baby bump, which Huang Xiaoming is caressing, is visible in the image. The new father captioned the photo, Nothing much, [its] just that I feel being a mother is really not easy! All the mothers in the world are the greatest.



Biological Child



Behind the surrogacy rumor is paparazzo blogger Zhou Mei who wrote, As far as I know it wasnt, its a biological child, Asia One reported. In response to Zhous statement, AngelaBabys Weibo blog posted, Rumours are rumours. We thank Teacher Zhou for the clarification in the first half of his sentence, but we do not accept the misleading quotation marks in the second half of the sentence. Zhuo was reminded if his post would be reposted over 500 times, the blogger would have to take legal responsibility.



It is not the first time for AngelaBaby to be accused of being fake. After she married Huang in October 2015, a plastic surgery clinic claimed her pretty physical appearance was the result of surgical enhancement. She went through a medical examination in Beijing to disprove the cosmetic surgery clinics accusation, the Strait Times reported.


USS Zephyr/US Coast Guard Team Seize $22.5 Million Worth of Cocaine

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS170428-18

Release Date: 4/28/2017 11:09:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Casey J. Hopkins

CARIBBEAN SEA (NNS) -- The Cyclone-class patrol coastal ship USS Zephyr (PC 8), its embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) personnel and coalition forces intercepted an immense amount of contraband while on patrol conducting Operation Martillo in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations April 19.

Zephyr, along with Dutch Karel Doorman-class multi-purpose frigate HNLMS Van Amstel, pursued and boarded a small fishing vessel, called a panga, and interdicted 750 kilograms of cocaine with a total street value of $22.5 million.

"Today's success was due to the high professionalism and cohesive integration of the Zephyr crew and USCG LEDET" said Lt. Cmdr. Cameron Ingram, Zephyr's commanding officer.

Zephyr, homeported in Mayport, Florida, is currently underway in support of Operation Martillo, a joint operation with the U.S. Coast Guard and partner nations within the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations.

Operation Martillo (Spanish for 'hammer') targets illicit trafficking routes in coastal waters along the Central American isthmus, and is an international, interagency operation that includes the participation of 17 countries committed to a regional approach against transnational organized crime moving illicit cargo.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet support U.S. Southern Command's joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

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Trump's latest remarks on trade, THAAD land like bombshell in S. Korea

Updated: 2017-04-28 18:33:40 KST

U.S. President Donald Trump came down hard on South Korea during his exclusive interview with Reuters, raising doubts about two pillars of their bilateral relationship. Trump says he wants a renegotiation or termination of the South Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement and that Seoul should pay for the THAAD missile defense system.

The bilateral trade pact was a recurring theme during Trump's presidential campaign and he repeatedly threatened to pull out of the (quote) "job killing deal." If Trump's comments sound familiar "It's unacceptable. It's a horrible deal made by Hillary. It's a horrible deal. And we're going to renegotiate that deal, or terminate it."

it's because Vice President Mike Pence had said during a recent visit to Seoul that the U.S. would work to revise the FTA.

Trump also dropped a bombshell about the THAAD missile defense system.

He said Seoul should pay for the U.S. military hardware, which he estimated at a staggering one billion U.S. dollars.

"So I informed South Korea it would be appropriate if they paid. Nobody is going to do that. Why are we paying a billion dollars? It's a billion-dollar system. It's phenomenal. It's the most incredible equipment you have ever seen. It shoots missiles right out of the sky. And it protects them. I want to protect them. We are going to protect them. But they should pay for that. And they understand that."

But an official from Seoul's foreign ministry said it has never been informed of related information.

Trump's comments also appear to go against the current Status of Forces Agreement between the two countries, which says Washington should foot the bill for the deployment and operation of a single THAAD system, while Seoul pays for the land and relevant facilities.

(Standup) "The THAAD deployment is a key issue in the presidential election set for May 9th. Frontrunner Moon Jae-in has said the deployment should be delayed until a new administration takes office, even as the U.S. accelerates the installation.

Connie Kim, Arirang News."

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Trump Calls for FTA Renegotiation and $1Bln for THAAD

KBS World Radio

2017-04-28 13:09:33

Anchor: The U.S. President Donald Trump suggested charging Seoul with a one-billion dollar bill for the deployment of the U.S. THAAD anti-missile system. He also hinted at his intentions to terminate the South Korea-U.S. free trade agreement unless the deal is renegotiated for better trade terms for the U.S.

Kim Bum-soo has more on Trump's interview with Reuters.

Report: U.S. President Donald Trump said he wants South Korea to pay one billion dollars for the deployment of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery.

In an interview with Reuters on Thursday, the American president revealed his plans for the U.S. missile shield the allies of South Korea and the U.S. began deploying on the Korean Peninsula.

[Sound bite: U.S. President Donald Trump]

"So I informed South Korea it would be appropriate if they paid. Nobody is going to do that. Why are we paying a billion dollars? It's a billion dollar system. It's phenomenal. It's the most incredible equipment you have ever seen. It shoots missiles right out of the sky. And it protects them. I want to protect them. We are going to protect them. But they should pay for that. And they understand that."

The cost of a THAAD battery is estimated at around one-point-two billion dollars. The U.S. military on Wednesday brought in a THAAD battery of six launchers, a radar and other key equipment to the planned deployment site in southeast Korea. The missile interceptor system is already operational.

Also during the interview at the Oval Office, Trump called for renegotiating or terminating the South Korea-U.S. free trade agreement.

[Sound bite: U.S. President Donald Trump]

"It's unacceptable. It's a horrible deal made by Hillary. It's a horrible deal. And we're going to renegotiate that deal, or terminate it."

("When are you going to announce that?")

"Very soon. I'm announcing it now."

The free trade pact is supposed to be terminated 180 days after one side notifies its partner of its intention to finish the deal.

An official at Seoul's trade ministry said that it is too early to respond to the U.S. president's remarks until his intentions become clearer.

The South Korean defense ministry said the U.S. is responsible for the cost of operating the anti-missile battery. In a statement on Friday, the ministry pointed to the Status of Forces Agreement which requires Seoul to provide the site for the THAAD system and build related facilities, but not the operational cost.

Kim Bum-soo, KBS World Radio News.

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Who will pay for THAAD? US & South Korea hold different opinions

People's Daily Online

(CNTV) 15:42, April 28, 2017

US President Donald Trump said he wants South Korea to pay for the deployment of the controversial Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, according to Reuters.

"I informed South Korea it would be appropriate if they paid. It's a billion-dollar system," Trump said in an exclusive interview with Reuters on Thursday. He also said he would "renegotiate or terminate" the US free trade agreement with South Korea, calling it horrible.

However, South Korea's Ministry of National Defense said on Friday that there was no change in its "basic position" that the US should pay for the installation and operating cost of the THAAD system, as the South Korean government is providing the site and related facilities for the deployment, according to Yonhap News Agency.

The United States military in South Korea had transported equipment for the THAAD anti-missile system to the host site in Seongju on Wednesday. Test operations are expected to be conducted soon as key components have been deployed to the launch site, Korean Broadcasting System reported.

The THAAD is a US Army anti-ballistic missile system which is designed to counter short, medium and intermediate range ballistic missiles. The South Korean military decided to deploy the system to counter what it claimed to be threats from the DPRK. China and Russia have opposed the deployment of the system, saying it would inevitably deteriorate the international security situation in the region.

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China exporting more submarines

People's Daily Online

(Global Times) 11:00, April 28, 2017

New tech, lower prices seen boosting demand

China's exported submarines are relatively cheap but offer advanced technology, and designs for some of their features could be modified to meet customers' requirements, making them more competitive in the global market, an expert said Thursday.

The comments came after media reports said that Thailand's cabinet had approved the first of three submarine purchases from China. Thai government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd was quoted in a Reuters' report on Monday as saying that the purchase had been approved on April 18, and a budget of $393 million has been earmarked for the first Yuan Class S26T submarine over a six-year period.

It's the latest purchase from a foreign buyer, after China's State-owned shipbuilder China Shipbuilding Industry Corp (CSIC) officially confirmed on October 12, 2016 the sale of a fleet of submarines to Pakistan. According to previous media reports, Pakistan will acquire eight modified diesel-electric attack submarines from China by 2028, and the deal was estimated to be worth about $5 billion.

In November, the Bangladesh Navy took delivery of two refurbished Type 035 (Ming)-class diesel-electric submarines, IHS Jane's Defence Weekly reported on November 15.

In recent years, China has been exporting more conventional submarines thanks to their good quality and relatively low prices, which is also in line with the development of China's military sector and with numerous achievements related to weaponry and equipment, Li Jie, a naval military expert, told the Global Times on Thursday.

"For example, the electronic system and combat platform have both been developing very rapidly in recent years. However, some components may still lag behind the first-class equipment worldwide," he said.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy is currently operating a submarine fleet that is one of the fastest-growing and most modern forces in the world, according to a post published by the US-based nonprofit Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) in July 2016. China possesses both nuclear-powered and diesel-electric submarines, and the Type 041 Yuan-class is the PLA Navy's first class of diesel-electric submarines to be equipped with an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, the NTI post noted.

Overall, China has been climbing the global rankings in terms of submarine technology in recent years, and one of the major breakthroughs has been the application of AIP, an industry insider who did not wish to be named told the Global Times on Wednesday night.

"Some technologies are on the same level as those mastered by Germany. More importantly, we can provide financial support for potential foreign buyers," he said.

The submarines that the PLA Navy uses itself are more advanced than those that are being sold, the source noted.

Satisfy customer demand

China could sell some of its submarine technologies to foreign buyers, especially those with good relationships with the country like Pakistan, Li noted. "We are not like some countries whose main purpose is weapon sales and trading to earn more dollars. We provide technology support for foreign buyers to help them enhance their military industry," he said.

The AIP technology helps submarines stay submerged for much longer, sometimes over half a month, which is a big difference from previously exported submarines, Li noted.

"This type of technology has become a key requirement for Pakistan, which is unlikely to pay for more expensive technology like nuclear-powered submarines. But the country needs to strengthen its navy in the event that a confrontation with India does occur," Li said. The submarines used in the Asia Pacific region are mainly produced by Germany, the US and France, the source noted.

China could modify some of the features of its submarines to be in line with customers' requirements, which would also make its fleet more popular in the global market, according to Li. "For example, a change to withstand different water depths or heat dissipation is not a challenging task for Chinese manufacturers."

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Defense ministry disavows rumors that aircraft carrier will be named after mantis shrimp

People's Daily Online

(People's Daily Online) 17:07, April 28, 2017

China's Ministry of National Defense denounced on April 27 the rumor that the country's newly launched aircraft carrier will be named after the mantis shrimp, an animal widely ridiculed by Chinese internet users for its bizarre appearance. The ministry clarified that no name has been chosen yet.

"The online vote for the name of China's new aircraft carrier will be determined by netizens themselves ... According to the Chinese military's rules, the name of a new ship is only bestowed when the ship is delivered and commissioned," Senior Colonel Yang Yujun, spokesperson for the ministry, told media during a briefing.

Yang's remarks came after Iqiyi.com, a well-known video-streaming site, held an online poll about the name of China's new carrier. The results of the poll were dominated by suggestions like "mantis shrimp" and "Taiwan." As of press time, "mantis shrimp" had garnered over 890,000 votes, while Taiwan took second place with more than 830,000 votes.

"Mantis shrimp, lets' go!" has become a new internet meme and catchphrase in 2017, originating from online gaming. The term is generally understood to signify a carefree and capricious attitude, since the real animal is known as a strong creature that is capable of smashing aquariums with its strong claws.

Many netizens ridiculed the ministry's response, saying that the name is funny and entirely appropriate.

"Mantis shrimps are creepy yet fearless animals, and they have hammer-like claws that can dig into your muscles. I think our new aircraft carrier should also possess such qualities, so that it can protect the country's honor. Maybe the ministry can consider mantis shrimp as the ship's nickname" one netizen wrote.

Others worried that the name was"too vulgar" to truly showcase China's power.

"In case you guys haven't noticed, mantis shrimp in Cantonese is 'pissing shrimp,' and that is not a good name for our first homegrown aircraft carrier," another netizen wrote on Sina Weibo.

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Trump says he prefers diplomatic approach to solving Korean Peninsula issue

People's Daily Online

(Xinhuanet.com) 11:30, April 28, 2017

WASHINGTON, April 27 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he would prefer a diplomatic approach to solving the Korean Peninsula issue, but warned that a major conflict with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is possible.

"We'd love to solve things diplomatically but it's very difficult," Trump told Reuters in an interview, adding that "there is a chance that we could end up having a major, major conflict with North Korea (DPRK). Absolutely."

Senior officials of the Trump administration on Wednesday briefed members of the U.S. Congress on Washington's policy towards the DPRK.

Trump aims to use economic sanctions and diplomatic measures to pressure the DPRK into dismantling its nuclear and missile programs, U.S. officials said in a statement after the briefing.

"We are engaging responsible members of the international community to increase pressure on the DPRK in order to convince the regime to de-escalate and return to the path of dialogue," said the statement.

The statement was jointly issued by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats.

The United States seeks stability and the peaceful denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, calling the DPRK's pursuit of nuclear weapons "an urgent national security threat and top foreign policy priority," said the statement.

"We remain open to negotiations towards that goal. However, we remain prepared to defend ourselves and our allies."

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China draws red line for North Korea issue: war is not allowed

People's Daily Online

By Curtis Stone (People's Daily Online) 13:55, April 28, 2017

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi took a tough position on the North Korea issue on Wednesday, saying that war on the Korean Peninsula is absolutely unacceptable.

Wang made the remarks in a press conference after a Sino-German dialogue on cooperation with Sigmar Gabriel, the German vice-chancellor and foreign minister in Germany.

"Of course we believe that the continued nuclear tests violate UN Security Council resolutions, but carrying out nonstop military exercises around the Korean Peninsula is clearly not in line with the spirit of Council resolutions," Wang Yi said. He added that it is imperative to return to dialogue as soon as possible.

Wang Yi said that the goal of the Chinese side is firm; that is, to realize the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and establish a mechanism for peace on the Peninsula. He said China is willing to continue to play a constructive role to that end, but warned of the dangers of the situation. "As for the likelihood of war, even a one percent possibility of war breaking out is not acceptable," Wang Yi said. "The Korean Peninsula is not the Middle East. If war breaks out, the consequences would be unimaginable."

China has drawn a red line for the U.S., North Korea, and South Korea, that war on the Korean Peninsula is not allowed and that all consequences would be borne by the relevant countries should war break out.

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Trump says 'major conflict' with North Korea possible

Iran Press TV

Fri Apr 28, 2017 4:7AM

US President Donald Trump has warned that a "major conflict" with North Korea is "absolutely" possible in the ongoing standoff over its nuclear and missile programs.

"There is a chance that we could end up having a major, major conflict with North Korea. Absolutely," Trump told Reuters on Thursday ahead of his 100th day in office.

However, the president said he would prefer to avoid a military confrontation and resolve the issue peacefully.

"We'd love to solve things diplomatically but it's very difficult," he said.

Trump's warning capped a week of threats by administration officials as Pyongyang has signaled it intended to carry out its sixth nuclear test.

In testimony before a congressional panel on Wednesday, Admiral Harry Harris, the head of the US Pacific Command, said the standoff with North Korea was the worst he had seen.

The commander warned that the pace of the North's missile tests indicated that Pyongyang would at some point be able to launch a nuclear ballistic missile at the US unless stopped by force.

Also on Wednesday, Trump invited the entire US Senate to the White House for a rare briefing on the latest developments with regards to North Korea.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Joseph Dunford and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats briefed the senators on the situation.

Some senators left the session with a sense that the administration is getting ready for a military action against the reclusive country.

"The military is obviously planning for a number of options, as they should -- minimal military action to more significant action," said Senator Ted Cruz of Texas. "If there's a clear and imminent threat to the US, our military needs to be prepared to act."

The administration, meanwhile, is putting increased pressure on China to contain its neighbor's nuclear ambitions.

In the interview with Reuters, Trump praised Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom he had previously criticized for not doing enough, for "trying very hard" to resolve the standoff.

"He certainly doesn't want to see turmoil and death," Trump said. "I know he would like to be able to do something, perhaps it's possible that he can't."

Tillerson said Thursday that Beijing threatened Pyongyang with sanctions if it carried out another nuclear test.

"We know that China is in communications with the regime in Pyongyang," he told Fox News. "They confirmed to us that they had requested the regime conduct no further nuclear test."

Tillerson will press the United Nations Security Council on Friday to impose new sanctions on North Korea and further isolate the country.

The Trump administration has said all options are on the table, and has sent an aircraft carrier and a nuclear-powered submarine to the region in a show of force.

The US military has also begun transporting parts of the controversial THAAD anti-missile system to a planned deployment site in South Korea.

Pyongyang has threatened the US with a nuclear attack in case of a direct military action, and has indicated that weapons tests would continue more frequently.

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Tillerson Urges UN Security Council to Take Action Before N. Korea Does

By Margaret Besheer April 28, 2017

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Friday that Washington would not rule out a military response to future North Korean aggression and that it would seek to increase the rogue nation's financial and international isolation.

"As we have said before, all options for responding to future provocation must remain on the table," Tillerson told a high-level meeting of the U.N. Security Council on the North Korean nuclear issue.

"Diplomatic and financial levers of power will be backed up by a willingness to counteract North Korean aggression with military action if necessary," he warned. "We much prefer a negotiated solution to this problem, but we are committed to defending ourselves and our allies against North Korean aggression."

Tillerson said this new campaign of intensified pressure would be swiftly implemented and "painful to North Korean interests," but he insisted that regime change is not a part of it.

He added that talks would not happen before North Korea takes concrete steps to dismantle its illegal weapons programs.

Tillerson laid out what Washington wants the international community to do to stop North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons, calling for increased diplomatic and economic pressure on Pyongyang to get it to change course, including new targeted sanctions.

"We must bring maximum economic pressure by severing trade relationships that indirectly fund the DPRK's nuclear and missile program," he said. "I call on the international community to suspend the flow of North Korean guest workers and to impose bans on North Korean imports, and especially coal."

He singled out China, urging it to exert its powerful economic leverage over North Korea.

He also asked states to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Pyongyang and to fully implement existing U.N. Security Council resolutions regarding North Korea.

"Those nations which have not fully enforced these resolutions fully discredit this body," Tillerson said.

"For years, North Korea has been dictating the terms of its dangerous course of action; it is time for us to retake control of the situation," Tillerson added.

The United States called for Friday's meeting as part of its presidency this month of the Security Council. It was Tillerson's first time at the world body and the Security Council chamber was packed, as nations are eager to have a clear indication from the Trump administration on where it is headed on the dangerous North Korea issue.

China remains firm

Several foreign ministers attended Friday's high-level session, including China's Wang Yi. He deflected President Donald Trump's recent calls on Beijing to solve the North Korean problem.

"China is not a focal point of the problem on the peninsula and the key to solving the nuclear issue on the peninsula does not lie on the Chinese side," Wang told the council.

"China has, over the years, made unremitting efforts and played a unique role in promoting a negotiated solution," he added.

China's position remained consistent, with the minister calling for North Korea to stop its nuclear and ballistic missile activities and return to its international commitments. He also called on other parties to work constructively for the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

"We must stay committed to the path of dialogue and negotiations," Wang said. "The use of force does not solve differences and will only lead to bigger disasters," he cautioned.

Anxious neighbors

"We must act now, we are racing against time," said South Korean foreign minister Yun Byung-se, whose country is on the frontline of the crisis. "Extraordinary circumstances require extraordinary responses," he urged.

He called for tougher new international sanctions, saying they are necessary. "Our goal is not to bring North Korea to knees, but to bring it back to the negotiation table for genuine denuclearization."

Japan's foreign minister Fumio Kishida urged the international community to send a message to Pyongyang that provocation comes at a high price. "No bright future awaits North Korea without denuclearization.

Russia, which shares a short border with North Korea, also expressed concern about the growing tensions.

"The combative rhetoric coupled with reckless muscle-flexing has led to this situation where the whole world sits seriously now wondering whether there's going to be a war or not," Deputy Foreign Minister Genady Gatilov told the council.

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Muslim Baby (Photo : Getty Images)

Chinas Xinjiang has increased restrictions on Muslims living in the area. The ongoing crackdown has prohibited Muslim women from wearing niqab and men with abnormal beards from accessing public transportation services--and now, even Islamic baby names are banned.



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About 50 percent of Chinas 23 million Muslim population lives in Xinjiang.



This is just the latest in a slew of new regulations restricting religious freedom in the name of countering religious extremism, said Human Rights Watch (HRW) China Director Sophie Richardson in a statement.



These policies are blatant violations of domestic and international protections on the rights to freedom of belief and expression. If the government is serious about bringing stability and harmony to the region as it claims, it should roll back--not double down on--repressive policies, she said.



According to The Guardian newspaper in London, names like Islam, Quran, Saddam and Makkah, as well as names referring to the star and the crescent moon symbols, are all banned by the Communist Party. Children with such names will not be issued household registration, which is needed in accessing social services, health care and education.



A full list of banned names has not been released, and the qualifications of religious names are still vague.



China accuses Uyghur extremists of terror attacks. However, according to experts outside China, Beijing has overstressed the Uyghur threat and the oppressive local policies are to blame for the increasing violence in the region which has taken the lives of hundreds since 2009.



Radio Free Asia reported of the dismissal of an ethnic Uyghur official by Xinjiang authorities last month. The official held her wedding ceremony at home, following Islamic traditions, rather than at a venue sanctioned by the government.



The ban arises from the governments onslaught on Xinjiangs Muslim Uyghur minority. The Communist Party holds religious extremists responsible for violence, leaving hundreds dead. However, Uyghur rights groups say that religious expression is violated by the crackdowns.



The ban broadens the restrictions, depriving access to train and air transport to women wearing niqab and men with beards.



The new law in China's Xinjiang formalized the restriction on beards as well as baby names that exaggerate religious fervor.


Israel - 76mm Naval Gun and Technical Support

Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov

Transmittal No: 16-87

WASHINGTON, Apr. 28, 2017 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel for 76mm Naval Gun and Technical Support. The estimated cost is $440 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on April 26, 2017.

The Government of Israel has requested a possible sale of thirteen (13) 76mm naval guns. Also included are shipboard spares to support their operation and preventive maintenance; spares to support repairs; special tools needed for maintenance; holding and transportation fixtures; test equipment; technical manuals, other documentation, and publications; U.S. Government and the contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; site surveys of ships and maintenance facilities; installation, checkouts and testing of the systems on the boats; operations and maintenance training; and other related support services. The estimated cost is $440 million.

The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives. This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic regional partner that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

The proposed sale will improve Israel's capability to meet current and future threats in the defense of its borders and territorial waters. The naval guns will be installed on Israeli Navy SA'AR 4.5 and SA'AR 6 Missile Patrol Boats. One gun will be located at an Israeli Naval Training Center to be used for training maintenance personnel. Israel will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The proposed equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The potential principal contractor will be DRS North America (a Leonardo company). There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Israel.

There is no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

-30-

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Infighting between rival terrorist groups leaves dozens dead in Syria: Observatory

Iran Press TV

Fri Apr 28, 2017 9:29PM

At least 40 foreign-sponsored militants have been killed during a fresh wave of infighting that broke out between rival Takfiri terrorist groups on the outskirts of the Syrian capital Damascus, says a UK-based monitoring group.

The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that the militants were slain after clashes erupted between the so-called Jaish al-Islam terror group and two allied groups of Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, formerly known as al-Nusra Front, and Faylaq al-Rahman, in Eastern Ghouta region on Friday morning.

"There were at least 15 dead among the ranks of Jaish al-Islam and 23 among its adversaries" as well as two civilians, the monitoring group further said, adding that at least 70 other militants sustained injuries in the clashes.

Citing a statement released by the Saudi-backed Jaish al-Islam Takfiri group, the monitoring group said the clashes, which are still underway, took place after the terror group's rivals captured a reinforcement convoy headed for the strategic al-Qaboun suburb of Damascus to confront government troops.

The Faylaq al-Rahman militant group, however, in a statement denied the allegation, saying Jaish al-Islam had been "preparing for weeks" to launch an offensive against its militants in Eastern Ghouta region. It added that one of its commanders had been killed in Friday's clashes.

Reports say that clashes between the two Takfiri factions also erupted in the towns of Madira, Beit Sawa, Arbin, Kafr Batna, Hazza and Zamalka.

Clashes between rival militant groups in war-torn Syria is quite common. In February, the two previously allied terror groups of Jabhat Fateh al-Sham and Jund al-Aqsa, which are said to be Daesh affiliates, engaged in a deadly infighting that killed nearly 70 militants from both sides in the northwestern province of Idlib.

In January, dozens of militants were killed after Fateh al-Sham terrorists engaged in a 10-day-long fighting with other militant factions in the same province.

In May last year, another infighting between Jaish al-Islam and Faylaq al-Rahman militants killed over 500 terrorists from both sides and claimed the lives of 10 civilians, including four children.

Jaish al-Islam is the dominant Takfiri group in Eastern Ghouta. One of the group's leaders, Mohammad Alloush, has been among the senior negotiators of the so-called opposition group at peace talks in Switzerland and Kazakhstan.

For nearly six years, Syria has been fighting foreign-sponsored militancy. United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura estimated in August last year that more than 400,000 people had been killed in the war until then. The UN stopped its official casualty count in the war-torn country, citing its inability to verify the figures it received from various sources.

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Syria in talks to buy Russian air defense systems: Assad

Iran Press TV

Fri Apr 28, 2017 9:13AM

Syria says it is negotiating with Russia to buy state-of-the-art Russian missile defense systems to help defend the Arab country against Israeli and American aggression.

President Bashar al-Assad made the remarks to Venezuelan channel Telesur. A transcript of the interview appeared on the official Syrian Arab News Agency on Thursday.

"It's natural that we should have such systems," said the Syrian leader. "Israel has been committing aggressions on the Arab states surrounding it since its creation in 1948,"he said.

He made the comments Israel struck an area near the International Airport in the Syrian capital, Damascus.

Tel Aviv has conducted many such attacks in the past. The forays, however, have increased in number since the outbreak of the foreign-backed militancy in the Arab country in 2011.

On March 18, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu surprisingly admitted to a series of the attacks by the regime, which had hit several targets near the ancient city of Palmyra in the central part of the Arab country the previous day.

He said the attacks had been aimed at targets belonging to the Lebanese resistance movement of Hezbollah, and said Israel would continue hitting the group. Hezbollah has been efficiently assisting Damascus in its anti-terror struggle.

Assad also said, "It is natural for us to negotiate with the Russians now with a view to strengthening (our) systems, whether to face any Israeli threats from the air or the threats of American missiles."

"That has become a real possibility after the recent American aggression on al-Shayrat airbase in Syria," he added.

The US attack southeast of the western Syria city of Homs in early April saw a barrage of 59 Tomahawk missiles launched against the Shayrat Airfield in the western Syrian province of Homs, causing some 15 fatalities, including civilians.

Russia's military said a day after the attack that Syria's air defenses would be boosted.

"To protect Syria's most sensitive infrastructure, a complex of measures will be implemented in the near future to strengthen and improve the effectiveness of the Syrian armed forces' air defense system," said spokesman Igor Konashenkov.

Last Saturday too, Viktor Ozerov, the chairman of the defense committee in the Federation Council, said Moscow would not hesitate to supply Damascus with the air defense missile systems it needs to protect war-ravaged Syria against any future foreign military aggression once a bilateral agreement is reached.

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PACE President Stripped Of Powers After Meeting Syria's Assad

Rikard Jozwiak April 28, 2017

BRUSSELS -- The president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has been stripped of his leadership powers after he joined Russian State Duma deputies on a trip to Syria to meet with President Bashar al-Assad.

The Bureau of PACE on April 28 said PACE President Pedro Agramunt is "no longer authorized to undertake any official visits, attend meetings, or make public statements on behalf of the assembly in his capacity as president."

Agramunt, who says he traveled to Syria in his capacity as a Spanish senator, had first gone to Moscow and then boarded a Russian plane to Damascus.

Agramunt is regarded by many as pro-Russian and has worked to bring Moscow back into the fold of the assembly after its delegation was stripped of its voting rights in 2014.

Russia has since boycotted PACE meetings and did not register a delegation for the current PACE session, which started in January.

PACE Senior Vice President Roger Gale said, "The bureau felt it necessary to take these steps" to issue a vote of no confidence and to strip him of his powers because the president "cannot be compelled to resign."

"The president chose not to attend the bureau today and has not presented a letter of resignation," Gale said.

He added, "The standards and principles of the Parliamentary Assembly are more important than any individual member, and the integrity of our assembly must be upheld."

Ukraine's Oleksiy Goncharenko, an assembly member, said, "It is sickening to see that the president of this assembly has been photographed with someone who has gassed his own population," referring to charges that Assad's regime used chemical weapons against Syrian civilians.

Agramunt became the president of the Strasbourg-based PACE in January 2016.

PACE is made up of more than 300 members of national parliaments across Europe. It gathers in Strasbourg to discuss matters related to human rights, the rule of law, and anticorruption measures.

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/pace-agramunt-assad-russia- stripped-of-powers/28457922.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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EU Foreign Ministers Assess Way Ahead For Turkey Relations

RFE/RL April 28, 2017

European Union foreign ministers are meeting in Malta to assess the bloc's relations with candidate Turkey amid a severe deterioration of bilateral ties.

The informal meeting on April 28 comes in the wake of an April 16 referendum in Turkey that gives more powers to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his harsh criticism of several EU countries, some of which he compared to Nazis.

Erdogan narrowly won the divisive referendum, which could smooth his path to remain in power until 2029. Final official results released on April 27 said "yes" received 51.4 percent and "no" received 48.6 percent. Turnout was 87.5 percent.

The European Parliament has called for the official suspension of EU accession talks with Turkey, but EU foreign-policy chief Federica Mogherini said as she arrived that the meeting was informal, "so don't expect [a] decision to be taken today."

While some ministers are calling for sustained relations with a partner who is also a pillar of the NATO alliance, others are calling for change.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius said Ankara shouldn't be punished.

"I really believe that Turkey is a key country in the region. We have to stay engaged, we have to talk, listen," he said. "That is very important so I don't believe that any sanctions or pressure will make a difference."

However, Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak questioned Turkey's credentials to join the EU, saying that EU "values must be underpinned by concrete steps and you must not be saying one thing and marching in a different direction."

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu is due to attend the afternoon session of the meeting.

Earlier in the week, EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn told RFE/RL that the bloc must start discussing a "possible new format of cooperation" since the EU accession process has stalled in recent years.

With reporting by Rikard Jozwiak in Brussels

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/eu-turkey-meeting-malta-way-forward/28457067.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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Get our weekly round-up of the best things to do and see with What's On in Gloucestershire

High-street chain Argos is following in the footsteps of Aldi, with its very own cut-price Miami Lay-Z Spa hot tub.

Aldi hit the headlines earlier this month when it sold an affordable hot tub for 299 - 100 cheaper than originally announced.

And not wanting to be outdone, Argos has today launched its own four-person tub priced at just 299.99 - a huge saving from its original price of 429.99.

Now on sale as part of the May Bank Holiday sales, the insanely cheap Argos spa pool is available to order online now , and will be delivered in the Manchester area in 19 days.

According to Argos, the tub is strong and sturdy, and is easy to assemble with its inflatable design. It currently has a review score of 4.8 / 5 online.

5 more hot tub deals for 400 or less spotted online

1. Asda George: Lay-Z-Spa Vegas for 349

2. Argos: Vegas 6 Person spa hot tub for 349.99 (was 549.99)

3. Amazon: Alpine Inflatable Hot Tub Spa for 329.95 (was 499.95) - saving you 170.

4. Tesco: Intex Purespa Inflatable Hot Tub Spa for 400

5. Amazon : Mspa Alpine LITE Bubble Spa for 369.95
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Emergency services from across the region banded together to rescue an injured climber from the rocks at a popular beauty spot on Saturday.

Firefighters from Gloucestershire and Hereford and Worcester attended the incident at Symonds Yat during the afternoon.

The steep cliffs at the beauty spot on the edge of the Forest are popular with climbers and the area is always very busy on bank holiday weekends.

Because it is on the border, joint rescues are common and are often treated as training exercises for the rope teams from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue.

Further details are not yet available but a firefighter tweeted: "Successful rescue at Symonds Yat, male fallen on rocks. Joint working @HWFire @Glosfire Rope team @OFFICIALWMAS @WMASHART #JESIP "

But it seems that the man was not the only climbing accident of the day and Rob Moore at West Midlands ambulance tweeted back: "Our final case required some aforementioned intravenous pain relief - she'd fallen earlier today and the pain had become unbearable."
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Could it be that eating a banana with cream every day has enabled Gloucestershires second oldest person to live for so long?

The daughter of Margaret Wilkin, who has just turned 108, said it could be.

After her mother celebrated her birthday at the Tewkesbury Fields care home, Theresa Comins said the family had wondered what the secret to her longevity had been.

She said that while her genes almost certainly had something to do with it, with old age running in the family, her daily food intake might have done too.

Shes had a single banana and cream every night since about 1950. She might have had a few gaps on and off in her life but its basically been the case.

As soon as the home found out about it, they started giving it to her.

Mrs Wilkin is 281 days younger than Gloucestershires oldest person - Ralph Vyvyan Hoare, who lives in Gloucester.

The oldest person in Britain is 112-year-old Bessie Camm, who lives in Rotherham in Yorkshire and the oldest person in the world, whose aged has been documented, is 117-year-old Violet Brown, of Jamaica.

Mrs Comins, who is 76, said Mrs Wilkins mother had lived to 96 and three of her four sisters lived into their 90s.

She praised staff at the care home, who she said were amazing.

They went out of their way to make a fuss of Mrs Wilkin, who received a card from the Queen and written congratulations from the Department for Work and Pensions, on her big day.

Mrs Comins said: Were not great party people but they put up banners and balloons and had some special cake.

The pensioner, whose siblings are brother David and sister Annette, said Mrs Wilkin also had nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

She added that reaching such an old age had a sad side.

She cant use her legs and cant see or hear. Shes desperately lonely and bored.

She can still speak on a good day and make some jokes. Obviously with the carers, shes quite fun.

When we come, she can be asleep or just having a bad day.

Mrs Wilkin, who was originally from Cirencester but spent much of her life living in or near Gloucester, lost her husband, Jack, when he died in 1983 aged 81.

The couple lived in the towns London Road before moving to the village of Churcham.
Alibaba's CEO Jack Ma (Photo : Getty Images)

Alibaba selects Brazil as a priority market for this year. The companys CEO Jack Ma has confirmed to the Brazilian press that the company plans to invest in e-commerce, logistics and inclusive finance of the Latin American country.



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Specifically, Ma wishes to empower local firms and entrepreneurs through Alibaba. The company also offers a $5,000 e-Credit Line so companies can purchase off the website. Ma also operates Ant Financial, which provides microfinancing services to small firms.



In 2015, Ma pledged assistance to a million tech entrepreneurs and 10 million vendors in China until 2018.



In addition, Alibaba partnered with China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation (CFPA) to be the guarantor of loans of 300 of Chinas poorest municipalities.



Ma has also vowed to create 1 million jobs in the U.S., aligning his goals with those of President Donald Trump.



If we help small companies, women and farmers, we create many jobs, Ma said.



Alibaba helped in the creation of 30 million jobs in China by providing assistance to 12 million small Chinese companies.



The e-commerce giant has several B2B (business to business) and B2C (business to customer) deals in Brazil. Regardless of some undisclosed setbacks, the company is pressing forward in achieving its goals for the country.



Ma is hoping that by providing assistance to local commerce, the company will also be able to help increase jobs in the Latin American country.



In 2014, Alibaba launched its business in Brazil. Currently, the country is now its fourth largest user population at 2.5 million.



Ma has begun discussing the opening of a regional office in Brazil. His goals are not solely focused on increasing his wealth, but rather, he has a bigger purpose in mind.



We must treat the Internet as we treated energy in the last century. Everything will be on the Internet. But for this, the infrastructure must be global so that all can access it, the CEO said.



We dont want to globalize Alibaba. We want to globalize the infrastructure that makes e-commerce possible, he added.



With Brazil as a priority market, Alibaba can progress on its goal of helping small enterprises, and in turn, its goal of providing jobs to the poor.


Pope Francis and Pope Tawadros, the heads of the Roman Catholic and Coptic Orthodox churches respectively, signed on Friday an agreement announcing that both churches would acknowledge the baptisms of each other.

The text of the agreement said that the two popes "will not seek to repeat the baptism that has been administered in either of our Churches for any person who wishes to join the other."

The Coptic Orthodox Church had previously required new members who were joining from the Catholic church to undergo a new baptism.

Pope Francis arrived in Cairo on Friday for a historic two-day visit, the first such papal trip to the country since Pope John Paul II in 2000.

Francis met with Tawadros as well as President El-Sisi, and addressed a conference on peace for religious leaders being held at Al-Azhar.

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The new judicial authority law was ratified Thursday despite opposition of the Judge's Club

The administrative prosecution body sent to the presidency Saturday the names of three nominees to head the body, in the wake of the newly-ratified judicial authority law, according to a statement issued by the body.

The nominees were selected according to seniority, to head the body starting July, according to the statement published by the MENA state news agency.

The State Council, meanwhile, decided Saturday to call for a general assembly 13 May to nominate deputies to succeed current head Mohamed Masoud who is due to leave his position 19 July, MENA reported.

According to the new judicial authority law, the Egyptian president has the right to choose the heads of Egypts judicial bodies from three nominees proposed from within each body.

Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi ratified Thursday night a new judicial authority law passed Wednesday by the House of Representatives on a two-thirds majority, despite the law's rejection by the Judges Club, which is similiar to a union representing the judiciary.

The Judge's Club charged that the law violates the guarantee of an independent judiciary and a separation of powers as enshrined in Egypts 2014 Constitution.

The old judicial authority law stipulates that the heads of judicial bodies be selected based on seniority from within judicial councils and that the president simply ratifies those selections.

On Wednesday, the boards of several sections of the Judges Club, as well as the State Council Club, held urgent meetings to discuss their next moves, following parliament's decision to pass the law.

Both the State Council Club and the Judge's Club called on El-Sisi not to ratify the law.

The Judges Club also called for a general assembly 5 May to discuss its plan of action. Concerned members have already begun to compile a court case challenging the new law's legality.

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has some of the most expensive housing in the United States. The median price of a new home in the city is more than nine times median household income. That makes L.A. one of the 10 least affordable markets for homeowners in the world, let alone the nation. Renters are no better off. In 2015, the average rent in L.A. was $1,390 a unit, more than twice the national average.Not surprisingly, many Angelenos are fed up. City officials have tried to address the price squeeze by encouraging high-density housing in areas served by mass transit. To promote it, the city council has routinely granted exemptions to the outdated L.A. zoning code. That, in turn, has led to new high-rise developments in the South Park area of downtown, along the Sunset Strip and in Leimert Park, a historic African-American neighborhood in south Los Angeles. Its not nearly enough. A 2015 report by the states Legislative Analysts Office concluded that coastal California would need to nearly double the rate of new housing construction to produce enough supply to bring prices down.Even so, the new developments have stirred up a fierce backlash from homeowners who think it has disrupted existing neighborhoods and intensified traffic congestion. Those resentments produced Measure S, a drastic ballot proposition that would have essentially blocked large-scale development in the city for the next two years. The voters didnt go along -- Measure S was decisively defeated in a March referendum. In its wake, the affordability problem persists. In fact, it is getting worse.Affordable housing policy is a mess, not only in L.A., but also in virtually every affluent big city in the country. Most developers insist the problem is one of supply and demand. Build more housing, any type of housing, they say, and prices will fall as older housing stock filters down. In the view of many community activists, thats nonsense. In their opinion, new high-end housing only serves to jump-start gentrification and leads to the elimination of older, naturally occurring affordable units.The housing problem is in large part a zoning problem. Zoning ordinances in most neighborhoods do not encourage -- or in many cases, even permit -- the construction of affordable multifamily buildings. So in many cities, housing advocates are calling for mandatory inclusionary zoning. This requires policymakers to set aside a percentage of new units as affordable for the middle class and for some lower-income buyers. Developers and many economists see that as a counterproductive tax on housing creation.Even the usefulness of the term affordable housing is a subject of debate. There are really two types of affordable housing problems, says University of Washington economist Jacob Vigdor. Housing experts typically describe people as cost burdened when they spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. But the real problem for most of them, in Vigdors view, is not the price of the housing. Their trouble is that they are not earning enough money to buy it. Cities like Detroit have an affordable housing problem because so many people living there have an income problem, says Vigdor. Subsidized housing can help these people, but to say their problem is one of affordable housing is to misunderstand what is going on.Real affordable housing failure is different. It exists primarily in the more affluent cities of the Northeast and the West Coast -- places like Los Angeles. Youve got the grand old cities, Vigdor says, where the price of housing is way above the price of land and what it costs to build a unit. These are cities where supply has been constrained by zoning and regulations, with the result that the market is not working properly. The fact that people use the same language to talk about two very different situations further complicates efforts to find solutions.But a consensus is slowly starting to develop amid the chaos. In many cities, it centers on single-family residential zoning. In Seattle, politicians have begun to explore whether upzoning -- increases in density -- can be pursued without risking political retaliation. Planning departments have developed a more sophisticated understanding of when measures such as mandatory inclusionary zoning can work and when they are disruptive. At the state level, advocates and elected officials alike are exploring ways to make it easier for developers to build both market-rate and cheaper housing.Such efforts are not easy. The politics of affordable housing can be treacherous. Existing homeowners want the price of property to go up, not down. That often translates into opposition to new multifamily construction. Planning departments face difficult trade-offs too. Using the federal low-income tax credit to finance big projects generates the most affordable housing units. However, it can also produce concentrated poverty. Underwriting subsidized housing in higher-income neighborhoods seems to produce significant benefits for low-income families; but it doesnt add much to the overall housing stock.Without a huge expansion in federal support (an expansion that no one foresees during the Trump administration), subsidized housing will never solve Americas affordable housing crisis. Low- and moderate-income workers need the market to produce housing they can afford. However, that housing might be much smaller and more basic than what the prospective customers are used to or comfortable with.All in all, its a daunting set of challenges. Still, clues are emerging about what a more effective approach to affordable housing might look like.29 percent of American homeowners with mortgages spent more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Among renters, that number rises to nearly 50 percent. As bad as this is, it actually represents an improvement. The percentage of people who are cost-burdened by housing has actually fallen over the past five years as new housing development, which stalled during the Great Recession, has begun to catch up with demand. But thats a very small step. According to Harvard Universitys Joint Center for Housing Studies, the national median asking price for new apartments in 2015 was $1,381, a price well above what the typical renter earning $35,000 a year could afford. What has been missing is new housing for middle- and working-class city residents.Why doesnt middle-class housing get built? At first glance, this seems like something of a puzzle. But theres a reason. Think about the markets for cars or clothing, says Ed Pinto, a housing specialist at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). Carmakers build cars for people at every income level. There are clothes for rich people and really cheap clothing for poor people. But that doesnt hold true when it comes to places to live.The primary reason, according to economists such as Pinto and Harvards Edward Glaeser, is that weve made it much harder to build in the nations hottest markets. Up until around 1960, developers in cities such as New York and San Francisco routinely tore structures down and built taller or denser when local economies boomed. Then, in the early 60s, things began to change. Codes got more stringent. Environmental reviews became more demanding. Historic preservationists began to protect existing structures. This benefited a powerful constituency: homeowners. Supply constraints made their property more valuable. The result, Glaeser and economist Joe Gyourko wrote in a paper published in January, was a transfer of wealth to a few lucky homeowners and  a distorted labor market where people move to regions such as the Sun Belt that make it particularly easy to build. Indeed, demographers have estimated that the failure of productivity centers such as Silicon Valley to add more housing since the 1960s has shaved nearly 15 percent off the nations gross domestic product over that period of time.Not only do supply constraints enrich older homeowners and force workers to move to cities where they may be less productive, but these constraints also distort what developers choose to build. If carmakers could only build 100,000 cars, Pinto says, theyd build the most expensive cars with the largest margins. Thats the situation builders are in.Economists have long had a ready answer for this situation: greater density. Thats easier said than done, however. Consider the case of Seattle. In 2014, Mayor Ed Murray assembled a task force to examine the citys affordable housing situation and charged the group with developing a plan to produce 30,000 additional market rate units and 20,000 new subsidized housing units. Ten months later, the group unveiled a 65-point plan, the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda. Perhaps the most important provision dealt with how Seattle was zoned. The task force noted that two-thirds of Seattle was zoned for single-family homes. It called for extensive citywide upzoning of residential and commercial zones. In other words, more multifamily projects. Seattles zoning has roots in racial and class exclusion and remains among the largest obstacle to realizing the citys goals for equity and affordability, the group wrote. In a city experiencing rapid growth and intense pressures on access to affordable housing, the historic level of single-family zoning is no longer either realistic or sustainable.Just before the report came out, a local newspaper columnist got an advance copy. He wrote a story alleging Seattle was planning to do away with single-family zoning. In response to the uproar that followed, Murray announced that the city would instead focus new development on neighborhoods served by transit.Notwithstanding this sort of opposition, some communities have taken steps to embrace greater density, or at least blocked efforts to restrict it. In the fall of 2015, voters in Boulder, Colo., where housing prices are well above average, rejected a plan to give neighborhood groups greater say over local zoning decisions, a plan that would have made it harder to build multifamily units in residential areas. Austin, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., have seen groups form to support changing local zoning laws to permit greater density.The media has given these groups a catchy name, YIMBYs, which is short for yes in my backyard. Social scientists have supplied YIMBYs with evidence to support their arguments. Economists have shown how housing constraints disproportionately benefit the oldest, wealthiest homeowners. Sociologists have begun to argue that large minimum lot sizes and single-family zoning often function as tools of segregation, denying lower-income city residents the benefits that come from living in economically integrated neighborhoods. In at least a few places, in short, upzoning is becoming a social justice issue.Yet for now, YIMBYs exercise more power over the imagination of journalists than they do over the actions of elected officials. As a result, advocates of increased housing production are pursuing another approach -- moving responsibility for development decisions away from neighborhoods and localities and toward state authorities. The model is legislation, Chapter 40B, that was enacted by Massachusetts in 1969 and is still in effect. It gives builders who propose developments that include affordable housing units (25 percent of units for home ownership projects, 20 percent for rentals) access to a fast-track approval process. It also directs localities to develop plans to ensure that at least 10 percent of new housing is affordable. In towns that fall short, developers who include affordable units in their plans can appeal local zoning board rejections to the state.By most accounts, 40B has been very successful, facilitating the construction of an estimated 60,000 affordable units over the course of the laws history. Another dozen states have laws with similar, though usually weaker, provisions. However, enacting new laws modeled on 40B is challenging, even in progressive states. In California, opponents of new multifamily housing have used the California Environmental Review Quality Act to delay and disrupt new housing projects. A major initiative proposed in 2016 by Gov. Jerry Brown, known as streamlined affordable housing approval, would have limited local zoning boards ability to approve or reject new projects that included affordable housing. Instead, developers would have been given approval by right. Environmental reviews would no longer have been required for such projects. Browns proposal quickly ran into a buzz saw of opposition, and the idea died in committee. This year, Brown declined to request an increase in funds for affordable housing.The governor was saying, if you [the legislature] want more money for affordable housing, then you need to do something about the regulatory environment, explains Carol Galante, who heads the University of California, Berkeleys Terner Center for Housing Innovation. Legislators have responded with more than 300 proposals to date.many localities with rising rents have focused on a different intervention -- inclusionary zoning. There are several varieties. Voluntary inclusionary zoning programs typically offer developers the incentive of greater density in exchange for including affordable units. Then there is mandatory inclusionary zoning. Montgomery County, Md., was the trailblazer in this area. In 1974, county council members enacted a law that required developers to set aside 12.5 percent of the units in new developments for low- to moderate-income residents.Economists dont tend to like inclusionary zoning requirements. Most see them as a tax on housing production. That hasnt stopped an increasing number of cities from instituting new mandatory zoning requirements. Since 1992, San Francisco has required developers to set aside 12 percent of units in new market-rate developments for affordable housing or make an offsetting payment to the citys housing trust fund. That approach kept the trust fund well-stocked, but produced very little affordable housing. Other cities had a similar experience.Last summer, however, San Francisco voters decided more needed to be done. The result was Prop. C, which increased the set-aside percentage for buildings with more than 25 units to 25 percent, the highest in the country. Voters overwhelmingly approved the initiative, despite credible warnings that the requirement could reduce overall levels of construction if not lowered. In December, Portland, Ore., followed suit (although its set-aside mandate was slightly lower -- 20 percent for large projects). Seattle is currently moving forward with a mandatory inclusionary zoning requirement as well.Some economists see a kind of cynical logic to this decision. Politically I can make a really good argument that is the smart thing to do, says Joe Cortright, an economist who publishes the City Observatory website. Make homeowners happy, maintain their values by not doing anything significant to expand the supply, then I as an elected official can turn around and say, We are going to have inclusionary zoning, and I try to keep a few affordable housing units loose that I can then allocate through a show lottery.To expect inclusionary zoning to reduce housing prices is completely misguided, says economist Vigdor. A few dozen units here and there is like putting a Band-Aid on an amputated leg.Many planning departments disagree with this harsh assessment of mandatory inclusionary zoning. They see it as a useful element of a broader strategy. It is has been extremely effective, says Gwen Wright, who heads Montgomery Countys planning department. From 1976, which is the time the program started, to 2016, she says, there have been an average of 373 MPDUs -- moderately priced dwelling units -- produced every year. We have literally produced thousands of MPDUs over the course of the program.Economist Lisa Sturtevant echoes Wrights view that inclusionary zoning requirements can generate significant amounts of affordable housing -- if the requirements are not set at a level so high as to discourage market-rate development. That is not always easy to determine. Inclusionary zoning works best in markets where there is a strong demand for market-rate housing, she says. She questions its value in more economically troubled communities. It feels to me like these places are going down the wrong path, says Sturtevant. They have a chance to buy land cheaply, set up some community land trusts and be thoughtful about where they can be proactive, not just jump into inclusionary zoning, which could become a tax on market-rate development.Instead of battling NIMBYs -- or those who favor not in my backyard policies -- in single-family neighborhoods or implementing potentially damaging mandatory inclusionary zoning requirements, Cortright suggests city officials consider other options. One is to target underutilized commercial land. In Portland, the largest new developments have gone into previously underused areas such as the Pearl District and the South Waterfront area. Both of those neighborhoods are former industrial areas, so politically there was not the neighborhood reaction to deal with, he says. If you built four- and five-story buildings on 2 percent of the land in Seattle, you could dramatically increase the housing supply.But perhaps the most intriguing new idea is to think about affordability much more broadly. Thats the approach touted by Scott Bernstein, who heads the Center for Neighborhood Technology in Chicago. We have a national discussion about income, Bernstein says, pointing to the proliferation of living wage ordinances and the debate around them. We dont have a national discussion about the cost of living.In Bernsteins view, true affordability involves much more than the price of shelter. It includes, most important, transportation. In most cities, the affordable housing strategy most homeowners and renters use is basically drive until you qualify. Housing prices drop as distance from the city increases. As a result, homeowners and renters keep moving further out until they find a place where they afford to live. Unfortunately, they nearly always underestimate the cost of transportation. Very low-income people can easily spend 80 percent of their incomes on the combined cost of housing and transportation, Bernstein says. Even moderate-income people who are stuck with no mass transit can end up spending as much on transportation as on housing.That can quickly become a big problem. Bernstein would like to see government provide housing consumers with more accurate information, much as it does in estimating the mileage of a new car. Hed also like to see local government do more to encourage the development of new housing closer to jobs.Bernsteins ideas are beginning to gain some traction among economists and students of the housing problem in general. If you dont put economical rental units near jobs, you automatically build in another $3,000 a year, give or take, for the commute, agrees AEIs Pinto. For a working-class person, thats a huge amount. If you could eliminate that cost, youd go a long way toward solving the problem.
1. Becoming Better, Faster and More Digital

2. Managing Growing Cyber-risks in the Utility Space

3. Embracing New Ways of Completing the Mission

The California Public Utility Commission is looking to technology to shore up efficiency and drive the business processes of the regulatory agency forward. From modernizing its overall technology footprint and licensing process to the way the agency thinks about cybersecurity, CIO Reza Yazdi explained the approach his team is taking.caught up with the CIO following an industry briefing, hosted by eRepublics Techwire*, to discuss the moves being made by the agency in these critical areas.Since taking the agencys lead IT role in 2015, Yazdi said the CPUC has pushed ahead in modernizing technology and where it intersects with the business processes, customers and the public. One such undertaking are efforts to take the agencys utility application, licensing and reporting systems from an analog process to a digital one.eFAST is our ... e-filing system, CPUC does a lot of filing, which is manual filing. All of the utility companies, anybody who wants to start a business in the utility areas, they have to file, they have to get a license, they have to renew their licenses and any reporting comes basically as  paper-based reporting, Yazdi explained. We are modernizing our system to be able to get all of those reports, all of those [inaudible] applications, licenses to our electronic systems [so] everything will be electronically delivered. We will receive the application, process them, and deliver them to our customers electronically.The growing connectedness of utility networks has opened the door to the risk of cyberintrusion and very real threats to public safety. Because of these ever-present risks, CPUC has been charged with launching a task force meant to bolster preparedness and enforce statewide policy.With the support of the governors office, Yazdi explained the overall strategy to securing the utility networks throughout the state.Cybersecurity is one of the major areas of concern for the governor and the governors office, and utility companies have a big network, which if it were hacked can cause a disaster, he said. One of our responsibilities, which has been signed from the governors office, is having a task force into cybersecurity to make sure the utility companies have the good cybersecurity posture in place to make sure those systems are safe for utility companies and the services they are offering to the public. And that is going to be the major responsibility for CPUC, to set up this task force and implement the security policies and enforce those policies and receive all the reports from the utility companies.In speaking to the vendors who attended thebriefing, Yazdi made it clear that he isnt bound by the status quo, or married to a single technological solution. When asked about his approach to working with the vendor community and new potential solutions, the CIO said his tactic is finding a solution that does the job at a reasonable price.Rather than forcing industry to comply with an outdated system or idea, he said he embraces the ideas that come out of conversation with the vendor community.To me, technology is not religious, as I said. We are open to any technology. We know there are a lot of good options on the table, there are a lot of good vendors, and the vendors basically come and go, Yazdi said. We would like to have the best of the technology to provide the service to us, provide the service to customers, to Californians, and at a reasonable rate. Our top priority is to pick the technology that works for us and allows us to offer those services to the public.
Abbas is due to visit Washington to meet with US President Trump amid efforts to spur the Middle East peace process

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas met with Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi during a one-day visit Saturday, state news agency MENA reported.

During their meeting at Itehadiya Palace, El-Sisi and Abbas affirmed the two state solution as the only pathway to reaching stability in the region.

The meeting is part of ongoing coordination efforts between the two leaders regarding latest developments in the Palestinian case and ways to revive the peace process, according to Egyptian presidency spokesperson Alaa Youssef.

El-Sisi stressed Egypt's support for a just and extensive solution that guarantee the right of Palestinians to establish an independent state within the borders of June 1967, with East Jerusalem as the capital.

El-Sisi called for intensifying efforts towards settling the Palestinian case, referring to the importance of the US return to playing a major role in spurring negotiations between teh Palestinians and Israel.

The Egyptian president concluded that the Arab Peace Initiative is the basis of any end to the Israeli Arab conflict.

Abbas expressed his keenness on continuing consultations with Egyptian counterparts, acknowledging Cairo's major role in addressing the Palestinian case, referring to the importance of the meeting before Abbas visits Washington to meet US President Donald Trump.

Late March, Abbas held a meeting with El-Sisi in Cairo, ahead of the latter's visit to Washington in early April, where they discussed latest developments in peace efforts across the region and ongoing developments in the occupied Palestinian territories, especially Israel's escalation of illegal settlement construction.

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Niki Lauda has rubbished claims the 2017 rules have robbed formula one of overtaking.

While the faster and more aggressive looking cars have been generally hailed, some have lamented the fact that passing - already rare in F1 - has now almost completely disappeared.

"These people are crazy," Lauda, the F1 legend and Mercedes team boss, told the Times newspaper.

"These cars are proper racing cars. They do overtake and to count overtaking action to make an interesting race is stupid."

Force India deputy Bob Fernley agrees, saying that while the actual overtaking count may have gone down, passes are now more "impromptu" and less DRS-dependent, which is "exciting".

"I was concerned but those fears have been allayed," he said. "It's definitely better than I thought it was going to be."

(GMM)
The big story about McLaren tackling the fabled Indy 500 next month is all about Fernando Alonso's "ego".

That is the view of Toto Wolff, boss of the Mercedes team.

McLaren-Honda shocked the racing world recently by announcing that Spaniard Alonso will skip Monaco to try to win the famous American high speed oval race.

Wolff told Osterreich newspaper: "The headlines are good for motor sport.

"But from the team point of view, I cannot understand that McLaren does not use him in Monaco. He could definitely have scored points, although of course it's not a trophy at Indianapolis.

"I think it's about Alonso's ego," the Austrian said.

(GMM)
Fernando Alonso has described Honda's ongoing problems in 2017 as "incredible".

Actually, McLaren headed into Sochi with confidence, after an update appeared to have transformed the reliability of Honda's struggling power unit at the post-Bahrain GP test.

But Stoffel Vandoorne then struck more trouble in practice for the Russian grand prix.

"He has had engine problems and I think has to be penalised," Alonso is quoted by Spanish media in Sochi.

"It is incredible that it happens in the fourth race. We've had a lot of failures and having them in practice does not give you great confidence," he added.

"The car is as it was in Bahrain, so if we had problems in the first three races, we will have them here, in Barcelona, in Monaco," Alonso said.

"I don't think we have anything (new) until Canada. For McLaren, we are going to bring aerodynamic improvements in every race, and in Canada we hope that something comes from Honda that gets us at least in the fight."

As for the fact that having already run through his allocation of four engines for the year means he goes to the back of the Sochi grid, Vandoorne said: "I knew it would happen eventually.

"So given the position we are in, I don't think it changes much."

(GMM)
Daniil Kvyat stands a chance of keeping his Toro Rosso seat beyond 2017.

That is the claim of Red Bull officials Dr Helmut Marko and Christian Horner, as the young Russian recovers from his tumultuous career dip of last year.

"He is driving well now," Marko, the head of the energy drink company's driver programme, told Russia's Sportbox.

Mid last season, Kvyat was dropped from the senior team to make room for Max Verstappen, and the 23-year-old subsequently struggled to get back up to speed at Toro Rosso.

But Marko now says: "I don't see any reason why he would leave the team. He has his confidence back.

"In the near future Kvyat does not have a chance to return to Red Bull because we have two drivers whose contracts expire after 2018," he added.

"But the decision on whether he will remain at Toro Rosso will be taken at the beginning of the summer."

Horner, the Red Bull team boss, agreed: "Daniil is doing a good job now and his confidence is growing.

"The only reason that we kept him in the programme is because we believe in his ability. Red Bull has its two drivers for this and next season, but after that everything is possible," Horner added.

(GMM)
Pope Francis's visit was conducted under strict security, with meetings at the presidential palace, Al-Azhar and the Coptic Cathedral all described as historic

At almost 5pm Cairo local time (3pm GMT), Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi showed Pope Francis to the Alitalia plane that would fly him back to the Vatican, bidding him farewell after a 27-hour visit rightly described as historic.

Pope Francis had arrived to Egypt Friday afternoon and was received by Prime Minister Sherif Ismail. Pope Francis visited the presidential palace, the headquarters of Al-Azhar, the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral and St Leos Patriarchal Seminary in Maadi during the time of his stay.

On each of these stops, as in a gathering with public figures to a luncheon hosted by President El-Sisi, Pope Francis made statements calling for tolerance, peace and an end to violence. He also offered a homily at a mass he led, with joint Coptic and Catholic prayers, at the Air Defence Stadium in Cairo.

The Pope's message was clear: one of love and acceptance of the other, respect of freedoms and human rights, and combating selfishness and all forms of tyranny.

We should avoid the temptation of being a pharaoh, Pope Francis said in his address to priests and seminarians who gathered at St Leos Patriarchal Seminary in Maadi Saturday afternoon  the last stop for the Pope before he left Egypt.

In a split second, the Pope smiled and laughed, saying jokingly, But we are in Egypt.

The Pope was addressing his audience on the things a good priest or seminarian should avoid as they turn difficulties into opportunities and lead the masses towards the river of love.

Earlier in the day, Pope Francis, during his homily, had prayed for the courage of forgiveness and the courage of helping those who fall.

Beyond his call for love and warning against tyranny, Pope Francis remind audiences at each stop that civilisaiton is the making of those who call for peace, respect the dignity of the human being, pursue development and refrain from acts of injustice, which he said, are not forgiven by history.

Pope Francis and President El-Sisi had already held a meeting at the presidential palace following an official reception head of the executive accorded the visiting head of the Vatican Friday afternoon.

The meeting, according to one source close the papal delegation, was very courteous and very civil, of course".

During his meeting with El-Sisi, Pope Francis expressed his sympathy with the loss of lives of Egyptian Copts during attacks by the Islamic State group and was reassured by the clear language of the Egyptian president on the states commitment to protect all its citizens, including Copts, and to secure their freedom of faith and freedom of worship, despite some issues that President El-Sisi did say still require sensitive treatment.

An Egyptian government source said that the encounter of the Pope and the president was cordial and very friendly.

The Pope, also did bring up during the visit, according to a source close to the papal delegation the concern and the pain of the family of Guilio Regeni.Regeni, an Italian researcher, was found dead  "brutally killed" according to his family  in February 2016 a few days after disappearing.

During his statement before the closing session of the international conference on peace at the headquarters of Al-Azhar, Pope Francis underlined the need to respect the religious rights and freedoms of the other and to pursue the call of tolerance in fully awareness that no act of violence can be committed in the name of God.

It was the meeting of Pope Francis with Pope Tawdros, the Coptic patriarch, at the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral that illicited the closest attention of Egyptian Christians. Copts are said to number 8-10 million, and Catholics around a quarter of a million.

The historic signing of an agreement to jointly recognise the baptism of Christians by both churches offered good news to Egyptian Christians who were pleased at the rapprochement between the leading churches.

Following the signing of the agreement, Pope Francis and Pope Tawdros led joint ecumenical prayers at St Peter and St Paul Church, that was subject to an Islamic State group terror attack that killed over 30 people in December.

Both Pope Francis and Pope Tawdros lit candles in memory of the victims.

Pope Francis also paid tribute to the souls of over 50 victims who killed by another Islamic State group attack that hit two Coptic churches in Tanta and Alexandria during Palm Sunday prayers.

The visit of Pope Francis to Egypt is the first of the head of the Vatican since 2000 when Pope John Paul II visited.

The visit was conducted under very strict security scrutiny, especially in Heliopolis, the venue of the airport and the presidential palace, and Zamalek, the residence of the ambassador of the Vatican, where the Pope stayed during his 27-hour visit.

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Turkey and the United States can join forces to turn the Islamic State group's defacto capital of Raqa in Syria into a "graveyard" for the militants, the Turkish president said on Saturday.

"The huge America, the coalition and Turkey can join hands and turn Raqa into a graveyard for Daesh," Recep Tayyip Erdogan told an Istanbul meeting, using an alternative name for the IS group.

"They will look for a place for themselves to hide," he said.

Erdogan's comments come ahead of a meeting with President Donald Trump on May 16 in the United States.

Turkey sees the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in Syria as a terrorist group linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been waging a deadly insurgency against Ankara since 1984.

But for the United States, the YPG is essential in the fight against the IS group.

Turkey this month announced that it had completed its half-year Euphrates Shield operation in northern Syria against jihadists and Kurdish militia, although it is keeping a presence to maintain security in towns now under control of pro-Ankara Syrian rebels.

Ankara is keen to join any US-led operation to clear Raqa of IS militants, but without Syrian Kurdish militia forces.

Erdogan on Saturday said he would present Trump at their meeting next month with the "documents" proving YPG's links to the PKK, which is designated as a terror group by Ankara and Washington.

"We are telling American friends so as not to take a terror group along with them," the Turkish leader said.

Tensions escalated this week with cross-border clashes between Turkish forces and the YPG near the Syrian border. Turkey fired a barrage of artillery at the YPG, who returned fire with rockets on Turkish outposts on the border.

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Liquid ammonia (NH 3 ) has been considered as a carrier (storage medium) for hydrogen that could alleviate the challenges of transporting, handling and storing hydrogen for commercial applications. However, the adoption of ammonia as a H 2 carrier, especially for household and transportable devices, has been limited due to the lack of an efficient process for producing H 2 and nitrogen by the oxidative decomposition of ammonia.

Researchers at Oita University in Japan have developed an innovative process for the production of hydrogen from ammonia without the need for an external heat source to initiate or maintain the reaction. An open access paper on their work is published in the journal Science Advances .

Conventional production of hydrogen from ammonia by catalytic decomposition is challenging because the endothermic nature of ammonia decomposition requires that the catalyst be continuously heated by an external heat source during the reaction. Typically, the Oita team noted, a high temperature is needed for ammonia decomposition; for example, equilibrium calculations show that a temperature of 400C is required to convert 99.1% of ammonia to its decomposition products at 0.1 MPa. Heating the catalyst from room temperature to the required reaction temperature using an external heat source takes time and energy.

The research team, led by Dr. Katsutoshi Nagaoka and Dr. Katsutoshi Sato, set out to develop a process that could be initiated rapidly, and that could produce H 2 at a high rate without the need for external heat.

They found that exposing ammonia and O 2 to a pretreated catalyst consisting of RuO 2 nanoparticles supported on -Al 2 O 3 at room temperature (~25C) triggers the exothermic oxidative decomposition of ammonia, producing hydrogen is produced at a high rate.



Schematic of the catalytic cycle developed for oxidative decomposition of ammonia. Nagaoka et al. Click to enlarge.

Before use, the RuO 2 /-Al 2 O 3 catalyst is treated under an inert gas (helium) at 300C to remove H 2 0 and CO 2 adsorbed on the catalyst, resulting in the formation of ammonia adsorption sites. Upon addition of the mixed ammonia and O 2 to the catalyst at room temperature, ammonia is adsorbed onto the catalyst, thereby generating substantial heat. This heat rapidly increases the catalyst bed temperature to the catalytic autoignition temperature of ammonia combustion, and the oxidative decomposition of ammonia begins.

Because the temperature of the catalyst bed during the reaction is higher than 300C, the adsorbed ammonia is desorbed in situ (self-regeneration of NH 3 adsorption sites). If the catalyst is cooled without exposure to ammonia, then the ammonia adsorption sites remain unoccupied.

To reboot the process, the oxidative decomposition of ammonia can be repeatedly triggered from room temperature without heat treatment in an inert gas. This completes a catalytic cycle that requires no external energy source, the team said.

Our discovery utilizes a simple fundamental physicochemical process, namely adsorption, to operate a reaction with minimal energy input. We expect this to contribute to the development of efficient, carbon-free energy production and thus to global solutions for energy and climate crises. Dr. Nagaoka

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Tunisia said Saturday it had replaced two senior officials in a southeastern region, days after protestors there booed the prime minister off stage following weeks of demonstrations.

Prime Minister Youssef Chahed was shouted down and forced to leave a heated town hall meeting Thursday in Tataouine, 500 kilometres (300 miles) south of Tunis.

That came amid a wave of demonstrations over joblessness and perceived marginalisation of the country's periphery, six years since Tunisia's revolution ignited by similar grievances.

On Saturday the government announced that "Mohamed Ali Barhoumi (was named) governor of Tataouine and Mohamed Cherif named sub-prefect".

Their predecessors had been dismissed, as was the regional head of the National Guard, a government source told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"Other officials will follow," the source added, without giving further details.

Tataouine residents have long demanded more jobs and a bigger share of the revenues from oil extraction in the region.

Several ministers accompanied Chahed on Thursday to the town where the market, banks and shops were shuttered and burned tyres lay in the streets -- evidence of barricades erected during the protests of recent weeks.

Dozens of protestors interrupted Chahed during a speech at the town hall with cries of "Work! Freedom! National dignity!" -- a slogan from the 2011 uprising that brought down longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and sparked the Arab Spring uprisings

Chahed and his delegation had announced measures to bring jobs and development to the region, which residents claim is marginalised.

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From the hillside, fields of grass and clover slope gently downward to a still pond. Beyond, the field rises again until it meets the forest. As evening falls, geese rise from the waters surface and wing their way out of sight.

Its the kind of view thats increasingly difficult to find in our urbanized world, but it may soon be available to all county residents. With plans to build an open-air pavilion, the County Farm is poised to make the transition from prison to park.

Formerly known as the Guilford County Prison Farm, this 806-acre property in the northeastern part of the county still has razor wire atop its high fences and other trappings of its penitentiary past. Opened in 1935, the property was used until 2015 as a prison facility where low-level offenders could learn to farm, work in a greenhouse or do other trades.

Now the farm has begun to embrace its other identity, as Guilford Countys first Open Space property. It was designated as such in 1976, when the county recognized the need to preserve undeveloped tracts of land to help regulate flooding, improve air and water quality and provide natural attractions for residents.

Subtracting the portion of the farm that houses the Guilford County Sheriffs Department shooting range, 740 acres of land are maintained by the County Parks and Recreation Department. Roughly 600 acres are being leased by local farmers, but the rest could be developed for low-impact recreation.

Volunteers with the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) have built a 1.5-mile trail that bisects the farm and connects to the MST in Alamance County, and they plan to add a 2.5-mile loop trail by summer.

We need to work on parking and other logistics, John Gladstone told the Parks and Recreation Commission at its meeting in April, but that trail is going to be a large draw.

As acting supervisor of passive parks and the county farm, Gladstone is in the process of working with staff and the commission to transform the farm into a recreational destination.

Building the pavilion is a key component of that vision.

The 50-by-100-foot pavilion could host scouting jamborees, family reunions and weddings. Gladstone is applying for a $75,000 grant from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund to pay for it. The terms of the grant would require the county to match the grant amount.

Budgeted at $150,000, the pavilion could accommodate more than 100 people. Existing silos on the farm would be used as the outer shell for restrooms.

We really see the pavilion as the kick-off point to make the farm a destination, Gladstone said.

This pavilion would be located near the farms entrance, behind the greenhouses. Most of the existing buildings, which include prison dormitories and offices, are clustered in this area.

Those buildings could be repurposed as classrooms and used as shelters during inclement weather. The farm also has a historic attraction in the 1937 dormitory built by inmates with stones gathered from the fields. Campgrounds, equestrian trails, fishing and seasonal attractions such as a corn maze are some of the other ideas being discussed.

The county could continue to lease farmland and operate the popular greenhouses, vineyards and beehives.

County residents who on Thursday attended a public meeting about the plan were uniformly positive about the idea.

Its a great plan to start with, said Jenny Angyal, who lives nearby. Youve got to start somewhere. I dont want to see it developed. We already have a lack of green space.

Residents who live near the farm long have favored a mix of farming and recreational use on the site.

Its what the county needs and wants, said Anne Cassebaum, who said she has walked on the property for years. Its what PLACE is all about.

PLACE (Public Lands for Agricultural and Community Enrichment) was formed by farmers and neighbors to oppose plans floated by the Guilford County commissioners in 2013 to use the site for a data center and advanced manufacturing campus known as Project Haystack.

There are still members (of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners) who would like to see it sold, said Commissioner Alan Branson, who is the liaison from the county commissioners to the Parks and Recreation board. But every time we look at it from a market standpoint, it never hits the mark.

As someone who grew up in the country, Branson understands keenly how much the community is invested in keeping the farm in its current pastoral form.

Undeveloped parcels of land this large have become increasingly rare, Branson said.

So have places as naturally beautiful.

Coupled with its history and potential for recreation, the County Farm could become one of the areas unique attractions.
Charles B. Aycock, a former segregationist governor of North Carolina, and once lauded the education governor, is now part of revisionist history as the truth comes out about his past.

His surname is now being removed from neighborhoods, middle schools and university buildings so far in Greensboro and being replaced, or soon to be, with more honorable and less controversial names that give a positive spin to our city. We are a city that played a critical role in the sit-in movement and the quest for equal and civil rights, and for truth and justice.

Were not quite there just yet, but like a lot of other places we are getting there despite roadblocks and the agendas of those who want to turn the clock back to Jim Crow and erase all of the progress this city has made.

There is one other landmark that needs to be addressed by the City Council and Mayor Nancy Vaughan: relabeling the street bearing Aycocks name that extends from West Florida Street to Benjamin Parkway, from north to south. Most of this street runs along the west end of the UNC-Greensboro corridor.

The university that has removed Aycocks name from its landmark auditorium is still bordered by a street bearing his name. Strange. However, UNCG cant do anything about this; its the citys responsibility to make this change. Perhaps with some influence from the UNCG Board of Trustees and chancellor (once they decide the auditoriums new name), a name can be suggested for the street bordering the west side of the campus.

Id suggested Fred Chappell to the board a couple of years back and think it would be a great replacement for the auditorium, and maybe the street name as well. He was an English professor at UNCG, and poet laureate for North Carolina from 1997 to 2002. He would represent our city well.

I dont know if there is a policy with renaming buildings or streets after persons who are living, but I dont think it should matter unless the person objects. Nonetheless, its time to put Aycock back into a historical reference, not the prominent reference by which he has, mistakenly, been revered for years. The time is now to make this correction completely and permanently.
Islamic State (IS) militants killed a senior Afghan Taliban official in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar, the Afghan militants said on Saturday, in a rare clash between the rival Islamist groups inside Pakistan.

Afghan Taliban sources told Reuters Maulvi Daud was killed on the outskirts of Peshawar with two other men on Thursday. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed Daud's death.

IS on Friday claimed responsibility for "assassination of a Taliban leader" a day earlier, without naming him, through the group's affiliated news agency AMAQ.

IS, which at one point controlled huge chunks of territory across Syria and Iraq, has made some inroads into Afghanistan but the group has met tough resistance from the Taliban as well as U.S. and Afghan special forces.

Afghan Taliban sources said Daud was based in Afghanistan's Logar province but would frequently visit Pakistan.

IS does not control any territory inside Pakistan but the group has claimed responsibility for several large-scale bomb attacks.

Pakistani officials say the IS does not have a presence inside the country.

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This week we are going to study municipal math, which of course, is not the usual arithmetic taught in schools. It has more in common with games of deception like Three-Card Monte.

Our lesson plan comes from the long-running drama that is the effort to build a new New Lebanon School in Byram that includes the state paying for a bigger-than-needed building for fewer-than-expected students. Thats municipal magic, not math: If all state taxpayers are ponying up for this building, the bigger the better, enrollment be damned.

First the numbers. In 2015, the school board asked for and received from the Board of Estimate and Taxation $2.85 million for architectural and engineering work on the new elementary school Then, in 2016, the school board asked for $32,061,000 for school constructions costs and another $2.298 million to purchase four new modular classrooms to house New Lebanon students on the Western Middle School campus.

So the basic arithmetic goes like this: $2.85 million, plus $32.061 million, plus $2.298 million equals $37.209 million. Remember that number.

During public discussion of the size and location of the new school, the boards of Selectmen and Education, after extended debate, agreed to a new building that included most of the footprint of the existing school (instead of one built in the ravine next to the current school), and agreed that students would have to move into the modular classrooms at Western for two or more years.

The debate over, the Board of Selectmen appointed a building committee to execute the exact building specifications approved by the Board of Education and endorsed by the selectmen. However, this appointed board decided it had the authority to re-visit decisions made by two elected boards about both the building location and where students should learn during construction.

Former BET chairman and state legislator Steve Walko chairs the New Lebanon School Building Committee. That schools PTA president, Clare Kilgallen, and Republican school board member Peter Bernstein, are committee members. All three favored the ravine location and, big surprise, the building committee decides the ravine is the better building site. And in an even bigger surprise (not), the architects hired by the Building Committee agree with the committee.

At the time, Walko said the school had to be built in the ravine essentially because the site preferred by the school board and selectmen would not accommodate a large bus loop and parking lot (larger than needed in both cases). When asked by neighbors why the transportation area was so large, Walko replied the committee was relying on the architects. There were also subtle implications by Building Committee members that construction costs would be lower in the ravine.

All this happened about a year ago. There has been considerable debate since then over whether the planned magnet curriculum will attract out-of-neighborhood students and whether the state should encourage bigger schools as a solution to racially imbalanced school populations. But this is a column about municipal math, so well put all that aside for now.

After choosing the ravine site, the building committee decided the kids could learn just fine in a loud, active construction site and that the modular classrooms were not needed.

So, remember the earlier math? Modular classrooms, plus school construction costs, plus architectural and engineering fees equal $37.209 million. However, now the town does not have to buy the classrooms. So the new math should exclude the $2.298 million, bringing the new total down to $34.911 million.

But this is municipal math, so the spreadsheet in this years budget for the New Lebanon School Project reads like this: Feasibility study, $100,000; design $2,850,000; Construction, $32,061,000, and Modular Classrooms, $2,298,000. Somehow the modular classrooms that wont be purchased are still part of the budget.

In normal budgeting, the $2.298 million that was allocated last year would lapse at the end of the fiscal year, June 2017. And, technically it is. But the BET decided to re-appropriate it this year and put it back in the New Lebanon budget.

Then, this past Thursday night, the RTM Budget Committee got its hands on the New Lebanon budget. Walko was there to answer questions, but he really wasnt. He had to preside over the conflicting Republican Town Committee meeting, so the RTM group let him jump to the head of the line and start the meeting. According to several people who attended the meeting, Walko handed out the New Lebanon spreadsheet showing the $37,209,000. He was quickly asked about the budget discrepancy. He said the committee had incurred soft costs. And then he was off to the other meeting. Walko could not be reached for comment.

The budget group moved on to other budget items, but two hours later it returned to New Lebanon. Every attempt to get an explanation from the attending BET members went for naught. Various accounting protocols were mentioned, but nothing that satisfied the RTM committee. At one point, Ms. Kilgallen, the New Lebanon PTA president, rose to speak but was asked to sit down by BET Chair Michael Mason. More accounting protocol discussions ensued. Then Ms. Kilgallen rose and said words to the effect that the initial construction estimate was based on schematic drawings and the final drawings came in higher.

That is a perfectly logical explanation. Only trouble with that answer is it did not fit the narrative put forth by Walkos committee or the BET.

The ravine was supposed to lower construction costs slightly at best and keep them level in the worst case. Now, it seems the building is more expensive. Which raises the question, why did not the Building Committee go back to the school board, its client, and ask it to refine the building specs or approve more money. Or, why didnt the Building Committee ask the architect to look at changing the specs to save the $1 to $2 million overage?

According to Board of Education Chairman Peter Sherr, the Building Committee has not come to the school board to discuss budget overages or possible changes to the school plan. He also said our liaison to the Building Committee (Peter Bernstein) has not told us that the building may be more expensive than budgeted.

The boards of Selectmen and Education should ask the Building Committee why a project that has no use for modular classrooms still needs money to pay for them? It is a straightforward question that should have an easy answer. And they may also want to ask if, by changing the cost of the building, do they have to go back to the state legislatures Education Committee to review the project with the new costs? Who knows? Certainly not Greenwich taxpayers.
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UPDATE: Authorities said police in Pennsylvania lost contact with the suspect around 2 a.m. Saturday. The wanted man was in the area of Harrisburg, PA.



Greenwich police are reporting that the suspect is believed to have fled Greenwich. Authorities say the suspect stole a car in Port Chester, N.Y. The suspect has been spotted in Pennsylvania, and police in that state are in pursuit. Greenwich police suspended their search around 9:30 p.m.



An intense manhunt sent police, canine units and helicopters into frantic activity in eastern Greenwich Friday night, searching for the man who robbed two banks and a gas station in Greenwich this week.

Greenwich, Stamford and State Police officers have been searching most of Old Greenwich, moving east from Exit 5 of Interstate 95 toward the Stamford city line, since shortly before 6 p.m.

According to the Greenwich Police Department, the suspect led officers in a motor vehicle chase onto the highway before he bailed out and ran across highway. Officers ran after him into town.

According to Police Capt. Kraig Gray police had an investigative lead that lead us to him, which he did not specify.

The officers went to apprehend him, and he immediately engaged in a vehicle pursuit, the police captain said at an early evening briefing.

He said the man being pursued was a male white with an athletic build, with slicked back blond hair.

Traffic was moving slowly south of Exit 5 as police searched the suspects abandoned Range Rover on the highway, and processed the scene where the suspect fled on foot. Another pursuit followed near the highway and into residential neighborhoods in Old Greenwich.

Two police choppers, from Connecticut State Police and Westchester County, N.Y., took turns flying low over the area as officers conducted a house-to-house search, according to Greenwich police officials. Cops were seen in the area with guns drawn, on the lookout.

As of nightfall, two blood hounds were still in pursuit of the subject  they have a solid track, the police captain said. Scores of police officers were also in pursuit, slowly moving east toward the Stamford city line.

Lots of police activity out here, said a neighbor, Jodi Shepard, watching officers from Stamford carrying high powered rifles. Normally its a quiet neighborhood, but when youre close to I-95, sometime things happen.

Beside troopers and officers carrying rifles in the residential neighborhood, plain-clothes police were making passes in unmarked cars, wearing bullet-proof vests.

Tom Waurishuk watched a plain-clothes officer drive by his house.

Ive never seen more cops up and down this road in the 17 years Ive lived here. Its been crazy and its been crazy for the last three days, he said, referencing the recent robberies.

Neighbors were unsettled by the presence of officers and long guns in their usually placid neighborhood.

Normally crime doesnt happen here, said Lisa Wubbenhorst. Stuff like this doesnt happen here.

The Range Rover was processed by police during the evening hours, pulled over next to center median. A tow truck removed it around 8 p.m., easing traffic on the highway.

Several local residents gave police a description of the wanted man. He was carrying a bag, and he had slicked back hair, police said.

Police were asking residents to stay indoors and take any extra security precautions. Hes armed and pretty brazen. Were doing the best to bring him in as soon as possible, Gray said.

First Selectman Peter Tesei was on the scene in Old Greenwich Friday night. I commend the police for the pursuit and the actions theyre taking to apprehend the subject, said Tesei, who holds the position of police commissioner as part of his duties. He said residents should remain alert.

The armed robber hit the Chase bank on East Putnam Avenue in Riverside on Tuesday morning and again Wednesday afternoon. He robbed the Citgo station in Cos Cob Monday night.

Police said the robber was armed with a handgun when he returned to the bank in Riverside for the second time Wednesday afternoon. A weapon was visible in his waistband when he robbed the gas station as well, according to police.
Danbury Fire Department /Danbury Fire Department

DANBURY  A wrong-way collision killed one person Friday night in the westbound lanes of Interstate 84 near Exit 3, and caused a stretch of the highway to be closed for five hours.

Marcos Chillogalli, 41, of Danbury, was driving the wrong way in the left lane of westound I-84 Friday night when he hit the front of a pick-up truck, according to a release by state police. Danbury first responders and state police were called to the accident at 10:43 p.m. to find the two vehicles blocking all westbound traffic.
You need three things to create good campaigns and engage with fans on social media: good content, a steady stream of good content, content intelligence.

Every minute, we see a heavy downpour of social media messages, like millions of construction workers pouring concrete down the cement mixer, but instead of it being constructive, we find messy roads and a lot of noise. Even if you are churning out good content steadily, you need to have knowledge or insights about this content, which is where social media analytics come into the picture.

There are several social media analytics tools on the market today but not all of them are created equal or with similar intent. While most of the tools allow you to listen into customer conversations, monitor campaign results or gain insights on data, there are certain key features and USPs that make all of them special in their own way.

So lets attack the nitty-gritties of social media analytics.

Talkwalker

Talkwalker is one of the most comprehensive and powerful tools for social media analytics. It offers the most extensive coverage in terms of geographic spread, language and media, as well as time. Their global coverage spans 247 countries and 187 languages. So whether your customer is sitting in Dubai or Dublin, speaking Arabic or Chinese, you can listen in and reach out to him or her.

Talkwalker also offers insights on print, social, online and even broadcast media, and allows you to identify key influencers as well as the emotions associated with your brand or products. Whats more, you can get insights on two years of historical data, so even if you are a late adopter, you get to see into the past. You can export and combine these insights with other data to create strong visuals to see patterns that help decision making.

What can you track?

Mentions of your brand in owned and earned media.

Performance of own and competitor social media channels.

Full coverage of major social networks and 150 million websites.

Data from print media and TV/radio broadcasts.

Who uses this tool and how?

Some of the most prominent clients of Talkwalker include Volkswagen, Microsoft, Greenpeace, Best Western, Ogilvy and Peppercomm. These clients use it to listen to their audience, use social insights to inform business strategy, predict social trends and create comprehensive social data intelligence reports. You can get a taste of their paid platform by signing up for a free demo.

In a nutshell: Comprehensive 360-degree social media intelligence.

SumAll

SumAll is a cross-platform tool that gains insights from social media, ecommerce websites, sales and web. This platform was essentially built to make data analytics accessible and affordable for small business. SumAll has partnered with Shopify, PayPal, Magento, eBay and Amazon, so users can plug and use data from everywhere. SumAll breaks down social media and ecommerce metrics into simple and beautiful charts, which makes it easy to understand for all kinds of users.

What can you track?

Ecommerce data

Social media data

Google Analytics data

Who uses this tool and how?

SumAll is essentially meant for small-to-medium ecommerce companies. Users can get a birds eye view of data from Google, their website and social media pages to understand their audience and make simple decisions such as when to give out discounts or offer free shipping.

In a nutshell: Simple social media analytics for quick decision-making

Cyfe

One of the key features of Cyfe is its All-In-One Dashboard that offers insights on all aspects of your business from social media, marketing, sales, support through to infrastructure. So in a sense, it is not a through-and-through social media analytics tool but a jack-of-all-SaaS-analytics tool. While this might mean lot less advanced features, like filters and search and detailed analysis, it also means a far better overview of how each marketing channel integrates with the others as well as overall operations.

What can you track?

Signups and subscriptions

Social media analytics

SEO and SEM analytics

Web analytics

Sales and finance analytics

IT network and server monitoring

Who uses this tool and how?

Some of the important Cyfe users are Vodafone, Citrix, Groupon and Marriott. From tracking new signups to monitoring networks through to managing projects, Cyfe can be used for varied reasons. Plus, theyre always adding new widgets that help customize your dashboard.

In a nutshell: All-in-one sales and marketing analytics tool

Social Report

Social Report is a social analytics plus publishing and automation tool. It allows you to tune into your social media insights, schedule your posts, syndicate content and automate replies, follow/unfollow, likes, etc. Basically, it takes care of all your social needs.

What can you track?

Cross channel engagement

World reach

Audience growth rate

Demographics

Channel activity

Who uses this tool and how?

Some highflying users of Social Report include Warner Bros, The Economist, HGTV and Samsung. The most common uses of this tool are analytics and reporting, social media monitoring, publishing, automating responses and content backup and archiving.

In a nutshell: Integration of social and publishing analytics

All the tools described here help you gain intelligence on data pouring in from all directions; all of them have their own strengths, weaknesses and USPs. You just need to find the one that suits your needs the best and use it in your business.

Related:

The Social Media Analytics Showdown: What You Can Track and How

3 Strategies to Nail Before You Launch Your Social-Media Campaign

#5 Social Media Listening Tools To Benefit Your Business



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
French President Francois Hollande said Saturday that voters in France must decide their future in Europe in the May 7 presidential vote pitting europhile candidate Emmanuel Macron against the anti-EU Marine Le Pen.

Speaking at his last EU summit as leader of France, Hollande said the French people had every reason to stay in the European Union, tacitly backing Macron, his former economy minister.

"The French have everything to gain by staying in the European Union," Hollande told reporters at an EU summit to discuss Britain's divorce from the bloc.

France would face only hardship outside the bloc, Hollande warned, saying that without the EU, "there's are no safeguards, no guarantees, no single market".

Outside the bloc, "there is no single currency, which would be a setback and danger for France," the Socialist leader added.

France is in the midst of a bruising campaign in which Le Pen has attempted to wear down lingering resistance to her party's extremist reputation by portraying Macron as an elitist at the heel of an EU dominated by Germany.

Hollande made his remarks shortly after Le Pen announced that if she won the May 7 run-off she would name eurosceptic Nicolas Dupont-Aignan as her prime minister.

To fight euroscepticism, Hollande said Europe must "deserve trust and become a solution to problems and not the maker of problems."

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After its home country of South Korea, Samsung has started pushing out the fix for the Galaxy S8 red tint issue in Europe as well. Weighing in at 426MB, the update is hitting Galaxy S8 units in the UK, and S8+ units in Germany.

Turkey is also getting the update - both S8 as well as S8+ are getting it in the country. The fix, as you might already know, comes in the form of a new Screen edge color balance option in the Screen mode menu, allowing you to adjust the full screen color balance as you see fit.

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A Swiss court has rejected an appeal by Egyptian energy companies after a French court last year ordered them to pay $2 billion in compensation to state-owned Israel Electric Corp (IEC), the Israeli utility said.

An IEC statement on Friday said that Egyptian Natural Gas (EGAS) and Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) were liable because they were unable to fulfil their commitment to provide it with natural gas for its power stations.

The Egyptian petroleum ministry was not immediately available for comment.

Egypt sold gas to Israel under a 20-year agreement that collapsed in 2012 after months of repeated attacks by insurgents on a pipeline serving Israel in Egypt's remote Sinai peninsula.

In 2015, an international arbitrator said Egypt should pay nearly $2 billion in compensation because of the halt in the gas supply, leading to tensions between the two neighbours.

The breakdown in supply had forced IEC to revert to using more expensive diesel and fuel oil to drive its generators, which also raised pollution levels in the country.

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Published on 2017/04/29 | Source

Added episode 14 captures for the Korean drama "Radiant Office" (2017)

Advertisement

Directed by Jeong Ji-in, Park Sang-hoon-III

Written by Jeong Hee-hyeon

Network : MBC

With Go Ah-sung, Ha Seok-jin, Lee Dong-hwi, Kim Dong-wook, Lee Ho-won, Kim Byung-choon,...

16 episodes - Wed, Thu 22:00

Synopsis

An abrasive marketing director and a female temporary contract worker at the same furniture company. She faces repeat rejection in her job search until despair drives her to attempt suicide. At the hospital, she learns she has a terminal condition, but then, finally succeeds in getting hired. With nothing to lose, she tackles her job and her life with a perspective.

Broadcast starting date in Korea : 2017/03/15

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The loan is expected to support Egypts small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) initiative

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has provided the largest public sector bank of Egypt a $300 million loan as an industrialisation support facility, to be repaid over three years, Afreximbank statement read Saturday.

President of Afreximbank, Benedict Oramah, and chairman of National Bank of Egypt, Hesham Okasha, signed the financing facility agreement on behalf of their respective institutions during a ceremony held at the NBE's headquarters in Cairo on 27 April.

The loan is expected to support Egypts small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) initiative, launched by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi in 2016 to provide EGP 5 billion in loans to medium-sized companies in the industrial and agricultural sectors.

According to the statement, since inception in 1993, Afreximbank had approved credit facilities totaling $13.8 billion to Egyptian entities, representing 33.7 per cent of the total facilities approved by the bank.

Over the same period, the bank confirmed and issued guarantees and letters of credit exceeding $2 billion on behalf of Egyptian entities.

In February last year, the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) signed a $500 million trade finance facility agreement with Afreximbank to allow Egyptian importers to buy strategic and key industrial products.

The agreement was part of a $3.5 billion financing programme approved by Afreximbank in December aimed at enabling the banks member-countries to adjust to current adverse economic shocks, especially commodity price and terrorism-induced ones, the bank said.

Afreximbank currently holds an outstanding credit portfolio of about $4.2 billion for Egypt.



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Published on 2017/04/29 | Source

Added episode 8 captures for the Korean drama "Queen of Mystery" (2017)

Advertisement

Directed by Kim Jin-woo-II, Yoo Yeong-eun-I

Written by Lee Seong-min-II

Network : KBS

With Choi Kang-hee, Kwon Sang-woo, Lee Won-keun, Shin Hyun-bin, Kim Hyun-sook, Jeon Soo-jin,...

16 episodes - Wed, Thu 22:00

Synopsis

"Queen of Mystery" tells the story of a prosecutor's wife who's always dreamed of being a detective. After actually solving a case, she ends up in an unlikely crime-fighting duo with a young police captain.

Broadcast starting date in Korea : 2017/04/05

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Rail Tax Chaos!

Shifting Burden to Hotels Will Hurt Tourism and Employment

Governor Ige A No Show

Statement from Rep Bob McDermott (R-Ewa) April 28, 2017

Heres whats wrong with the 30% tax increase approved by the conference committee today.

It was done without one minute of testimony from those most affected.

It lacks any supporting research to determine the economic impact that raising taxes on hotels will have on Hawaiis number one industry.

We dont know how many current and future construction and renovation projects in Waikiki will now be canceled or scaled back.

We have no projections relative to growth or decline of hotel occupancy in the next decade and no data to determine how many jobs will be lost.

It is simply bad public policy.

This desperate proposal to raise the hotel tax to fund completion of rail also represents another failure of Governor Ige to take a leadership role. While the Legislature is working to find ways to pay for the largest public works project in the history of Hawaii, the Governor is a no show.

SB1183: Text, Status

KITV: Kim believes the bill could be open for a veto, or a court challenge down the road.

MN: Weve given the city more money upfront and (that) provides a pathway to do bonding

* * * * *

Lawmakers tentatively agree on proposal to raise hotel tax for rail, education

Star-Adv April 28, 2017: House and Senate negotiators tentatively agreed this afternoon to a plan to increase the state hotel room tax to 12 percent to raise $1.3 billion to help fund both the rail project and public education.

House Transportation Chairman Henry Aquino suggested lawmakers drop the idea of extending the half-percent excise tax surcharge that is now providing most of the funding for the rail project, and instead increase the transient accommodations tax by 2.75 percentage points for 10 years starting January 2018.

The hotel room tax is now 9.25 percent, and the House proposal would increase it to 12 percent for the next decade, said Aquino (D, Waipahu). That tax increase would raise $1.3 billion by 2027, he said, which means the money would be available to the city for use on the rail project sooner than it would be if the state extended the excise surcharge on Oahu.

state Sen. Donna Mercado Kim said the last-minute proposal is legally questionable because it was never debated in a public hearing and did not comply with the lawmaking process that is set out in the state Constitution.

The industry had no input, nobody had any input on this, so at this hour to come out with an increase in the (hotel room tax) that was never discussed, never went to a public hearing, to me is not legal, said Kim, (D, Kalihi Valley-Moanalua-Halawa).

She said the bill will be vulnerable to a legal challenge if it passes because the law says it has to have three readings, and it didnt go through three readings.

The proposal that lawmakers gave preliminary approval would divide up revenue from the extra hotel room tax collections, with $50 million a year deposited into a New Start Education Special Fund, Aquino said. Lawmakers would determine the use of that money next session, he said.

The remainder of the $1.3 billion from the hotel tax increase would go to the city to use on the rail project. Aquino said that because the money would be provided to the city years earlier than it would with an excise tax extension, it would amount to the equivalent of $2.4 billion in future excise tax revenue.

At the same time, the state would reduce the citys current share of the hotel room tax by $13 million, and apply that money to the rail project as well, said Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairwoman Jill Tokuda.

An earlier proposal would also have diverted a some of the neighbor island counties share of the hotel room tax to help pay for rail, but Tokuda nixed that idea. I think that is only fair given that this project is for the City and County of Honolulu, and it should not disproportionately impact the neighbor island counties, she said.

Aquino also said the proposed bill would prohibit the City and County of Honolulu from overextending itself fiscally by using public funds to reconstruct or redevelop the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, which is expected to cost nearly $500 million,Aquino said.

Senate Bill 1183 now goes to the full House and Senate for further consideration.

read  Lawmakers tentatively agree on proposal to raise hotel tax

CB: The deal must still be approved by the full House and Senate


New statistics show that highly educated professionals are currently leaving Finland at a far greater rate than they are moving to the country. Published in the journal Acatiimi, the figures show that Finland suffered a net loss of over 1,000 such professionals between 2005 and 2015.

The trend is just as apparent among those who have been educated at the very highest level, with figures from Statistics Finland indicating that instances of Finns with a Ph.D. education moving abroad rose by 37% between 2011 and 2015.

The main reason behind the brain drain is thought to be cuts made by the coalition government to universities and state-funded research centers. Many highly educated professionals have been made unemployed as a result of this policy, while others are finding that their projects are more likely to be funded in countries such as Sweden, Germany, Norway, the UK and the United States.

Jaakko Hameen-Anttila, an Arabic and Islamic Studies professor who worked at the University of Helsinki for 16 years, told Times Higher Education that he moved to Scotland as a result of the governments drastic cuts. The future seems very bleak, he said, before going on to explain that the worst thing about the cuts is that Finlands best young scholars are likely to look for university jobs abroad or decide to leave academia altogether.

Analyzing the extent of these cuts, Times Higher Education reported that in 2015 the Finnish government announced that basic funding to the countrys 15 universities and 26 polytechnics would be reduced by approximately 500 million over its four-year term, and 100 million of research funding would be cut. As a result of this, the University of Helsinki said they would have to cut nearly 1,000 members of staff by the end of 2017 in order to sufficiently reduce its budget.

Theres no use debating whether the shrinking university resources are contributing to the growing brain drain, explained Petri Koikkalainen, the head of the Finnish Union of University Researchers and Teachers. Speaking during an appearance on Radio Suomi in January, Koikkalainen said that at this point we should just concede the obvious.

He later told Times Higher Education that Finlands reputation as a high-tech, scientifically advanced country is in jeopardy: In the longer run, this image could be hurt; but if the government starts investing in research again the trend could be reversed.

Dan Anderson  HT

Photo: Lehtikuva / Mikko Stig
DECORATIVE hanging baskets displayed across Henley this summer will promote bee conservation.

They will contain purple, blue, white and red flowers designed to contrast with the towns brick and flint architecture.

All the plants will be nectar and pollen rich to provide a food source for bees and other pollinating insects.

The annual hanging baskets scheme is being co-ordinated by Henley in Bloom and supported by the Henley Standard and Brakspear.

Town councillor Kellie Hinton, who chairs Henley in Bloom, urged people to buy the baskets.

She said: I would encourage all businesses and residents to get involved, as they have done in previous years, especially people who live in the town centre or on the routes in as it works really well. Its about making the town beautiful and enhancing its appearance while also helping bees. We want as many pollinator-friendly plants as possible.

Councillor Hinton said the aim was to sell 216 hanging baskets in order to make a total of 1,000 sold in the five years since the launch of the Henley Standards Buy a Basket campaign in 2013.

She said: It shows how well we have done in the last few years, selling nearly 800 with the help of the Henley Standard. It makes Henley look beautiful and to reach 1,000 baskets sold would be amazing.

The cost of the hanging baskets, which will once again be supplied by WindowFlowers of Burnham, will be 60 each, including VAT, the same price as last year.

The baskets will include purple surfinia, white surfinia, red fuchsia marinka, golden bidens aurea, blue scaevola and blue salvia victoria.

They will be delivered in late May and kept in place until the end of September and be watered throughout.

Miles Watson-Smyth, owner of WindowFlowers, said the plants would also help combat the towns air pollution problem. He said: I am thrilled to be supplying the baskets to Henley again this year and remain very grateful for the support from the Henley Standard.

Last year saw an unprecedented number of baskets and I feel proud to contribute to this long tradition of floral decoration in the town.

Brakspear recently launched a limited edition beer, Honey Bee, and 10p from every pint sold will go to Friends of the Earths Bee Cause campaign.

The company encourages its landlords in Henley to support the scheme and buy hanging baskets.

Emma Sweet, the firms marketing manager, said: The baskets help people to see the pub and make it look inviting.

Obviously its important for the frontage to look appealing, especially for tourists or people who are new to Henley.

If the pub looks welcoming and friendly then people are more likely to stick their head through the door and come in for a drink and a bite to eat.

Any business or group of residents which orders more than 10 baskets will be entitled to a discount.

A bracket to hang a basket costs 26.40, including VAT.

Last year, Henley won its fifth consecutive gold in the Thames and Chilterns in Bloom competition when a record 241 hanging baskets, with red, white and blue flowers to mark the Queens 90th birthday, were sold.

Another 137 hanging baskets were bought by the town council.

In 2015, the town was honoured with its first ever Britain in Bloom gold award.

Cllr Hinton said letters would be sent to businesses, adding: We want to thank them for their previous support and ask new businesses for their support as well.

To order a basket, ask for a form at the town hall. Alternatively, call Becky Walker at Henley Town Council on (01491) 576982 or email b.walker@henleytowncouncil.gov.uk
The garda raid at the home of the Dowdalls in March last year which led to officers finding the video footage

The pale, wide-eyed man was tied to a swivel chair lying on its side on a bare concrete floor.

His masked torturer threw a tea towel over his head and drenched it with a bucket, the water splashing out around him.

"Please don't hurt me," the man gasped, breathless with terror as the chair was hauled back upright for another round of interrogation.

One of the victim's shoes fell off into the pooling water as he kicked feebly at the floor.

This scene, more reminiscent of war torture footage or a horror movie, was actually playing out on screens at the Special Criminal Court, as those who had not known what to expect looked on in shocked silence.

Chamber

The grey room in which the victim was being held was not some military interrogation chamber, but a drab suburban garage on a chilly January night.

The harrowing video was found on a USB stick in Jonathan Dowdall and his father Patrick's home, a year after they decided to force the "truth" from Alexander Hurley.

The man in the balaclava was Jonathan Dowdall, who suspected Mr Hurley was about to "dupe" him in the sale of a motorbike.

He continued to snarl questions at the victim, along with accusations of "conning people out of money".

At first it wasn't clear why Mr Hurley had one patch of closely shaved hair on the front of an otherwise thick head of hair.

But then the electric razor buzzed into life as Dowdall finished the job, shearing the rest of his victim's head as if he were a struggling lamb.

"Nice haircut," Dowdall jeered.

He then went on to inflict another bout of waterboarding on Mr Hurley.

It was unusual to have the footage played to the court given that both accused had pleaded guilty.

But, although there had been a detailed description of what happened that night in Mr Hurley's garda statement, no verbal account could have had the same impact as the video footage.

Video

Both accused, who have been in custody since last year, sat in the dock, mostly looking directly ahead as the video was played.

Jonathan Dowdall frequently held his head down.

A woman in the public gallery wept as the footage was played.

Afterwards, the three judges of the Special Criminal Court did not comment on what they had seen and reserved their decision on sentences.

It was just as well that Mr Hurley, whose victim impact statement was read out by prosecutor Vincent Heneghan, was not in court to relive the ordeal.
The garda raid at the home of the Dowdalls in March last year which led to officers finding the video footage

A former Sinn Fein councillor tied up a convicted fraudster, tortured him with water, threatened to chop him up and feed him to dogs, and to burn his head at the stake.

Jonathan Dowdall (40) believed he was being "duped" over the sale of a motorbike when he researched Alexander Hurley on the internet and came across a series of scamming allegations against him.

At one point, Mr Hurley was told he was a "stupid dumb f**k to mess with the head of the IRA" and that Dowdall was a friend of Gerry Adams and Mary Lou McDonald.

He was also told to get out of Dublin.

Dowdall had invited Mr Hurley to dinner, but instead he and his father, Patrick Dowdall (60), imprisoned him in the garage for three hours and tried to force a confession out of him.

Harrowing

The victim, who has prior fraud convictions, pleaded for his life as Jonathan Dowdall covered his face with a cloth and doused his head with water, while Patrick Dowdall threatened to cut his fingers off with pliers.

The pair let him go and gardai only discovered what they had done when they searched the Dowdalls' Dublin home for an unrelated reason and found a video of the incident.

The Special Criminal Court was shown the "grim and harrowing" footage of Mr Hurley's interrogation in a sentencing hearing yesterday.

The father and son, both of Navan Road, Dublin 7, pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning Mr Hurley on January 15, 2015.

Both men also admitted threatening to kill Mr Hurley.

Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy said the three-judge court wished to reflect before deciding on sentences and adjourned the case to May 19.

Detective Inspector William Hanrahan said gardai searched the Dowdalls' home on March 9, 2016, "in relation to another matter" when they found a USB stick with the videos.

Mr Hurley was found and interviewed. He told gardai that Jonathan Dowdall had put a BMW motorbike up for sale online and he had contacted him to buy it.

Three days later, he went to Dowdall's home to see the bike. He told Dowdall he was getting loans for the purchase.

He later got a phone call inviting him to dinner on January 15. He went and was greeted by Patrick Dowdall.

He was pushed into the garage, backed into a swivel chair, bound with white cable ties around his chest and legs and told he was a "lying b***ard from the sewer".

"If you want to get out of here alive you'd better tell Jonathan what he wants," Patrick Dowdall told him.

He was in shock and was told there was no point in screaming as the garage was soundproof.

Another unidentified man was present.

He heard someone saying they would "feed him to dogs, chop him up, place him in cellophane bags and store him in the boot of a BMW" if he did not tell the truth.

Jonathan Dowdall, wearing a balaclava, told him he was a thief, who had tried to steal a car from a person. Mr Hurley denied this. A girl was at the door with a bucket of water and a tea towel, Mr Hurley's statement continued.

Jonathan Dowdall placed the towel over his head and poured a full bucket of water over him.

He told gardai he could not breathe, he thought he was being drowned and it went on for four to five minutes. This was then done a second time.

Mr Hurley said he was told he would be fed to Dobermans, chopped up, brought to Tyrone, and part of him would be buried in the mountains and his head would be burned at the stake.

Mr Hurley was told his family members would be pursued and would be dead within 48 hours of his disappearance. The girl was filming on an iPhone.

Mr Hurley told gardai he did not understand why it was happening.

At one stage, Patrick Dowdall pulled out some silver pliers and said he would chop his fingers off, starting with his little finger.

The ordeal ended at 10.45pm.

The video, in three clips, was then shown to the court.

In the footage, Mr Hurley could be seen and heard begging "please don't hurt me" as he was doused with water and repeatedly asked what he was doing with Jonathan Dowdall's bank details.

He was questioned about "robbing" people and accused of being a "lying, conning scammer" as his head was shaved with an electric razor.

Heinous

In a victim impact statement, Mr Hurley said what happened "can only be described as a brutal and heinous act of crime".

He said Jonathan Dowdall "proceeded to torture me to the point of death's door" and that his psychological injuries would never heal.

Jonathan Dowdall maintained Mr Hurley had pretended he was a barrister and another man who was selling a motorbike said the same thing.

Michael O'Higgins, counsel for Jonathan Dowdall, a father-of-four, said the accused apologised and his actions had been unacceptable, notwithstanding any perceived grievance.

Patrick Dowdall, also a father-of-four, apologised unreservedly, his barrister Michael Bowman said.
Gardai at the scene of the blaze and (inset) the holy water

An elderly woman killed tragically in a Dublin house fire will be back in the arms of her husband, a family member has said.

Kathleen Hughes (86) was killed in a blaze believed to have been started in a fireplace at her home in rural north Co Dublin, near Lusk.

Gardai are not treating the incident, which took place at around 6pm on Thursday night, as suspicious.

Ms Hughes lived alone in her small cottage home in Walshestown after her husband, Jem, died a couple of years ago.

Alarm

It is understood that the alarm was raised by a carer, who visited Ms Hughes daily, while her son arrived on the scene as firefighters were battling the blaze.

A garda forensics team was at the scene of the tragedy yesterday morning, examining exactly how the incident occurred.

A number of windows at the cottage were smashed, with the front room of the house gutted by the fire.

However, a bedroom - also at the front of the cottage - was less damaged, with the bed still made and a bottle of holy water standing upright next to the bedroom window.

A single bouquet of flowers, with a note, was left at the front of the house by her nephew, Damien, who said she would be reunited with her husband.

"Rest in peace, Aunt Kate. You're now safe in the arms of Uncle Jem," the note read.

One of Ms Hughes's closest neighbours, John Keely, who lives around 500 metres away, told the Herald that she was a "lovely" and "quiet" lady.

Mr Keely said that Ms Hughes kept herself involved in the community, particularly by attending events held by the Naul Senior Citizens Association.

"I play a bit of music and I used to play for the senior citizens and Kathleen used to be always at those - and her husband, Jem, before he died a few years back - they were a lovely couple," Mr Keely said.

"She was a very nice, friendly person, but very reserved in herself."

Four fire engines and a water tanker from Dublin Fire Brigade were dispatched from Skerries, Balbriggan, Finglas, Swords and Phibsboro to deal with the incident.

Smoke

A senior officer also arrived on the scene to take command of the operation.

"The roof was well alight and the fire had taken hold of the house by the time the first unit arrived from Swords," a Dublin Fire Brigade spokesman said.

"The crew could see the smoke from quite a distance.

"Teams with breathing apparatus entered the cottage and removed the woman but she had died from her injuries in the fire."

The fire crews fought the blaze for an hour-and-a-half to bring it under control, but the house was badly damaged in the inferno.
Incumbents appear to be re-elected to school board

The three incumbents seeking re-election to the Washington County Board of Education had substantial leads with Tuesday's election results reported.
The Education Ministry says the number of Korean students who went to school abroad has risen by over 200,000 a year since the year 2000.

According to the Korea Tourism Organization, the number of youngsters between 11 to 20 who travel abroad grew to 1.52 million last year, to some 3.82 million among 21-30 year-olds, and to 4.4 million among those aged 31 to 40.

The main reason is that a growing number of younger people spend time overseas studying, traveling or getting job experience on working holiday visas, which opens their minds to other places and cultures.

Increasingly popular overseas travel often whets young Koreans' appetite for a new life abroad, and dreaming about it can offer respite from the grim realities at home.

One young person who has caught the travel bug is Park Sung-eun (25), a freelance writer involved in a crowd-funding project through tumblbug. Over the last three years, Park has been to Austria, Denmark, Iceland, Italy and Switzerland, where he took pictures for people longing to return to these places themselves.

The photos are then turned into postcards, posters and other materials, and already 106 people have contributed more than W2 million over the last two months (US$1=W1,129). "I planned the project to share my happy memories while traveling through Europe and I was surprised by how many people contributed," Park said.

Chat rooms have mushroomed on social media where people who have spent time abroad can reminisce and share their experiences. One 27-year-old who is looking for a job said, "I can often forget the depressing reality and reminisce about my days studying in the U.S. as I chat with other people who have experienced life overseas."

Ham In-hee at Ewha Womans University said, "Young Koreans want to remember, even for a brief moment, happy experiences they had overseas as they are faced with a tough job market and bad news on TV every day."

And Hyun Taek-soo of the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs said "People in their 20s and 30s, who grew up in an age of globalization, are much more open to foreign cultures than older people and are quick to absorb new practices and beliefs. Many of them feel more comfortable in the U.S. or Europe."
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Friday that Washington would not rule out a military response to future North Korean aggression and that it would seek to increase the rogue nation's financial and international isolation.

"As we have said before, all options for responding to future provocation must remain on the table," Tillerson told a high-level meeting of the UN Security Council on the North Korean nuclear issue.

"Diplomatic and financial levers of power will be backed up by a willingness to counteract North Korean aggression with military action if necessary," he warned. "We much prefer a negotiated solution to this problem, but we are committed to defending ourselves and our allies against North Korean aggression."

Tillerson said this new campaign of intensified pressure would be swiftly implemented and "painful to North Korean interests," but he insisted that regime change is not a part of it. He added that talks would not happen before North Korea takes concrete steps to dismantle its illegal weapons programs.

Tillerson laid out what Washington wants the international community to do to stop North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons, calling for increased diplomatic and economic pressure on Pyongyang to get it to change course, including new targeted sanctions.

"We must bring maximum economic pressure by severing trade relationships that indirectly fund [North Korea's] nuclear and missile program," he said. "I call on the international community to suspend the flow of North Korean guest workers and to impose bans on North Korean imports, and especially coal."

He singled out China, urging it to exert its powerful economic leverage over North Korea. He also asked states to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Pyongyang and to fully implement existing UN Security Council resolutions regarding North Korea.

"Those nations which have not fully enforced these resolutions fully discredit this body," Tillerson said. "For years, North Korea has been dictating the terms of its dangerous course of action; it is time for us to retake control of the situation," Tillerson added.

The United States called for Friday's meeting as part of its presidency this month of the Security Council. It was Tillerson's first time at the world body and the Security Council chamber was packed, as nations are eager to have a clear indication from the Trump administration on where it is headed on the dangerous North Korea issue.


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About

Hinduism Today Magazine is a nonprofit educational activity of Himalayan Academy with the following purposes: 1. To foster Hindu solidarity as a unity in diversity among all sects and lineages; 2. To inform and inspire Hindus worldwide and people interested in Hinduism; 3. To dispel myths, illusions and misinformation about Hinduism; 4. To protect, preserve and promote the sacred Vedas and the Hindu religion; 5. To nurture and monitor the ongoing spiritual Hindu renaissance; 6. To publish a resource for Hindu leaders and educators who promote Sanatana Dharma.
When actor Vrajesh Hirjee (46) was scrolling through his Twitter timeline last year, he stumbled upon an idea for his next production. He came across British-Indian novelist Salman Rushdies tweet praising Pulitzer finalist Rajiv Josephs award-winning play, Guards at the Taj. As he started reading the play, he was fascinated by the script and the issues that it highlights in a humorous vein.

This weekend, Hirjee and his director friend Danish Husain, will stage the piece as part of the third edition of the theatre initiative, Aadyam. Set in 1648, the play (starring Hirjee and Joy Fernandes) is inspired by a legend. It that states that Emperor Shah Jahan ordered the hands of the artisans who built the Taj Mahal to be chopped off, so that nothing as beautiful is built again.

Guards at the Taj also explores theories about the relationship between money, labour and creation, and prompts audiences to question censorship, and autocratic governance.

READ MORE: A puppet show will trace the Brahmaputra rivers journey

I like texts that use satire and humour to convey an idea. Josephs play is a dark comedy that makes a relevant point. Even though its set in the 17th century, the language and themes that it tackles are contemporary and universal, says Husain.

The duo is trying to push the envelope by staging it in a black box format. It allows for flexible staging, alternate lighting configurations, and gives viewers an immersive experience. We were planning to stage it as a proscenium play [a regular stage play format]. But now, the stage is divided in a way that makes the audience an eavesdropper overhearing the guards conversation, adds Husain.

Fernandes, who is known for his comic timing, points out that black boxes are challenging. Its like a blank canvas. But with that kind of freedom comes a huge responsibility and that inspires us to rise to the occasion, he says.

For Hirjee, who also turns producer with the play, it has been a learning experience. As an actor, one is constantly searching for good scripts and strives to come out of their comfort zone, he says.

Be there

What: Guards at the Taj will be staged on April 30 (4pm and 7.30pm), May 3 to 5 (7pm), May 6-7 (4pm and 7.30pm)

Where: G5A, Mahalaxmi

Tickets: Rs 500 on bookmyshow.com

Call: 2490 9393
Prosecutors made the request as the trial of Ruslan Sokolovsky, 22, wrapped up in the city of Yekaterinburg. A judge said a verdict in the case would be issued May 11.

Russian prosecutors requested a 3 year prison sentence Friday for a blogger charged with inciting religious hatred for playing "Pokemon GO" in a church.

Sokolovsky posted a video on his blog showing him playing the smartphone game in a church built on the supposed spot where the last Russian tsar and his family were killed. He has been in detention since October.

He is charged with inciting religious hatred. It is the same offense that sent two women from the Pussy Riot punk collective to prison for two years in 2012.

"Honestly, I'm really in shock that the state prosecutors asked for 3  years," particularly because it wasn't a violent offense, Sokolovsky was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying.

He said he is studying and working and could lose everything, if he is sent to prison. The state RIA Novosti news agency quoted his lawyer, Alexei Bushmakov, saying he hoped for acquittal or a suspended sentence.
Actors Bipasha Basu and Karan Singh Grover are set to ring-in their first wedding anniversary in Goa tomorrow. Unlike some who prefer exotic international locales, the couple decided to go to a place they enjoy and connect with, the most.

Us  A post shared by karan singh grover (@iamksgofficial) on Mar 25, 2017 at 7:23pm PDT

Bipasha flew down from Dubai to Delhi and from here to Goa on Friday. Karan had reached there a day in advance for preparations. He made a handwritten postcard for Bipasha and gave it to welcome her at the Goa airport, says a source.

The couple, who kept their relationship under wraps for a while before announcing marriage, is pretty active in showing affection on social media, be it Instagram photos or supporting each other through controversies. Karan posted in her support when Bipasha was recently accused of unprofessional behaviour by the organisers of a

UK-based fashion show.

Bliss #monkeylove A post shared by karan singh grover (@iamksgofficial) on Apr 28, 2017 at 10:13am PDT

Bipasha, who was abroad till recently for Salman Khans Da-Bangg tour, shared a video of the couple jumping on the beach and wrote, Reunited with my love Fun times #monkeylove. Karan Singh Grover posted a selfie with Bips and wrote, Bliss #monkeylove. Karan has planned a special dinner, by the beach, for Bipasha tomorrow, confirmed Bipashas spokesperson.

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After venting his anger over the absence of young Bollywood stars at Vinod Khannas funeral, veteran actor Rishi Kapoor has gone back to the past, a happy trip down memory lane, with Vinod Khanna.

Rishi Kapoor changed his Twitter profile bio and display picture in tribute to Khanna.

Sharing a picture from Eena Meena Deeka, Rishi tweeted, In fun times. When VK played AB, I played VK and Juhi played RK. Only David Dhawan could think this!

In fun times. When VK played AB, I played VK and Juhi played RK. Only David Dhawan could think this! pic.twitter.com/nmNH80NXZr  Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) April 28, 2017

Vinod Khannas funeral took place at a crematorium in Worli, Mumbai, in the evening which was attended by a number of his contemporaries, including Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, Ranjit and many others.

Khanna was hospitalised over a month ago for cancer but his family had remained tight-lipped about his condition. In a brief statement, the hospital said Khanna breathed his last at 11.20 am due to advanced bladder carcinoma.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
The biography of an Indian transgender is an essential read though understandably, not an easy one. This is even more so when it is candid. A lot of what we fear does actually play out in this book. A Gift of Goddess Lakshmi, the biography of Manobi Bandyopadhyay, as told to journalist Jhimli Mukherjee Pandey should be read for this very reason.

The authors note, an emotional appeal to the readers, sets the tone for the rest of the book. Born on September 23,1964 as Somnath Bandyopadhyay, Manobis childhood was loaded with premonitions of her lifelong struggle with identity. Well-wishers referring to the familys increasing prosperity and commenting, at her birth, that This is a boy Lakshmi! was an early instance. From being raped by her cousin in class V to being physically assaulted by boys at school, her adolescence was anything but easy.

After she moved from her hometown Naihatis Rishi Bankim Chandra College to Jadavpur University to study Bengali literature, Manobis worldview expanded under the tutelage of Shankha Ghosh and Pabitra Sarkar and in the company of her equally intellectually stimulating fellow students. Theatre, dance and writing provided a creative outlet to her constant state of physical and mental unrest. The book is a raw account of her personal relationships and her familys longstanding denial of her trans identity. The many trials of her romantic engagements and her consistent longing for a deeper connection makes the reader marvel at her hopeful character.

During her Jadavpur days, Manobi became closely acquainted with another transgender Jagadish (Juhi), a public performer. Despite their intimate friendship, the contrast in their lives and understanding highlighted the difference that education and socialisation make in an individuals life. Jagadish succumbed to AIDS due to a reckless sexual lifestyle.

After her first stint at lecturing at Jhargram and her subsequent enrolment in a PhD programme, she started Abomanob (meaning subhuman)  Indias first transgender magazine  which served as a gateway of dialogue between the community and the rest of society. The magazine touched on topics like health, hygiene, living conditions, language, sex, interviews, castration, conventions, stigma and of course, the way forward. This created a space for transgendered people in the public sphere. Till then, hijras belonged to a community that clapped and begged at traffic signals or extorted money when new-borns were brought from the hospital. The fact that there could be a whole magazine dedicated to their cause so they could fight for their rights was unthinkable.

Manobi Bandyopadhyay is Indias first transgender principal. (HT Photo)

From an early age, Manobi was clear that she wanted a sex-change operation and that she did not want to be bracketed as homosexual. Her wishes began to take shape in 1999 when she began hormone treatment. She went under the scalpel in 2003. The years in between were just as tumultuous as any other.

Her appointment in 2015 as the principal of the Krishnagar Womens College helped vindicate her stand against all those who thought she didnt deserve social standing. Her ability to extend a compassionate understanding to even those who are inconsiderate is profoundly touching. No amount of sneers, giggles, taunts or lack of empathy discouraged her from making her place in the world. It seems like she never grew tired of making the first move and offering warmth and respect to people, of being civil to the most uncouth, of having to prove herself as capable.

Read more: Book excerpt: Well open your pants and take a look. Stand with your legs apart.

Indias first transgender principal, Manobis tale asserts that merit is the only equalising factor in an unequal fight. Now well known for her achievements, she often wonders at how education has created a marked difference between the trajectory of her own life and that of other transgenders.

Aishwarya Gupta is an independent journalist.
In July last year, filmmaker Qs Brahman Naman became the first ever Indian acquisition by Netflix. Its dark humour and suggestive storyline was the perfect recipe for a Netflix Original. Earlier this month, Vir Das became the first Indian stand-up comic to release an exclusive show on the platform. We got the satirist and the comic together for an exclusive photoshoot and a delectable tete-a-tete.

Whats that one thing that you indulge in? I ask them. Hats. Ive got around 150, says one. Weed. And not the unwanted kind, says the other.

In person and in their work, theyre as different as peas and carrots. One turns up wearing white; the other black. One makes thousands LOL and ROFL when he takes to the stage with his witty, sarcastic and often mean comedy; the other elicits nervous laughter and awkward silences with his dark satire on screen. One has appeared in several Hindi films; the other resolutely refuses to watch any.

Yes, theyre like peas and carrots, these two. But put them together in a room, as we did for this photoshoot, and they go together marvellously well  just like, what else, peas and carrots!

You cannot dissociate the content from the controversy. I dont create these controversies to hype or to sell. For me, controversy is dialogue - Q

Many of you would be familiar with one of them already: comedian and actor Vir Das. Apart from acting in films like Delhi Belly and Go Goa Gone, Vir also routinely tours the country, performing stand-up comedy, and at times, some music. Reportedly, hes Indias highest selling English comedian till date. Little wonder then that Netflix has put him in the league of stand-up greats like Russell Peters, Louis CK and Kevin Hart.

But a few months before Vir achieved this feat, another Indian had grabbed the headlines for similar reasons. It was filmmaker Qaushiq Mukherjee, who goes by the singular Q. His irreverent dark comedy film Brahman Naman, a homage to 1980s teen sex comedies, became the first Asian original to be acquired by Netflix just as it entered India. And just like that, Q broke new ground, all over again.

Brahman Naman by Q (left) was Netflixs first Indian acquisition (Aalok Soni)

Opening acts

It was in 2010 that Q first received the spotlight with his film Gaandu. Everything about that film screamed controversy from the beginning  from the title to the expletives and of course, the nudity. However, while the critics on the international film festival circuit were busy calling the film a stunning visual and narrative feast, Indian media was suddenly turning cheeky, with bold headlines and cuss words in the copy.

Gaandu sort of changed paradigm in the way that language was used in cinema  the fact that the title was a swear word and that it could be justified, says Q. And then it got printed in the newspapers! These were benchmarks as far as language in Indian cinema was concerned. Hes quick to give credit where its due and points out that two years later, Virs Delhi Belly became the first Hindi film to employ cuss words as part of the narrative.

For Vir too, swearing out loud isnt foreign territory. Back in 2005, stand-up comedy was the purview of the posh and the upper crust  very country club, 45-and-above sort of thing. Suddenly I was this kid who came in and said the F word and talked about his balls and stuff! Vir giggles. His comedy appealed to a young audience, and soon there was a crop of young stand-up comics sprouting across the country, looking to Vir as a trendsetter. The whole comedy scene in India is on the rise; its a very promising space right now, says Q. Its still a fraction of what it could be, but were getting there and word is getting out  and Vir has played a big part in this.

Club of mutual appreciation

Although their brand of humour is starkly different from each other, their understanding of comedy isnt. I thought Brahman Naman was fantastic! says Vir. Id been waiting for someone to tackle that genre of comedy, and Q did it really well. Id love to work with someone so talented; if the script is right for me, Id love to do a Q film.

Q too agrees that working with Vir would be a pleasure, considering how well they bonded during the short span of this photoshoot. Hes an interesting guy and the fact that hes more than just an actor, that hes a thinking person and that he has an opinion on things is something that appeals to me. Plus, hes got great comic timing!

Like peas and carrots : Both Q and Vir are consummate comedy people who let their work speak louder than their personas (Aalok Soni)

One might dismiss this mutual appreciation for each others work as polite banter, but look closer and it goes beyond that. Quiet and reserved in real life, both Q and Vir are consummate comedy people who let their work speak louder than their personas. They also draw their humour from similar sources and situations. All the dark humour in my films stems from our reality. We live in very dark times. And comedy is possibly the one way of making any sense of these things, says Q.

As for Vir, his sense of humour comes from his country and the people in his life. He says: Im obsessed with human behaviour, I talk of the little things humans take for granted or do not think are funny. At the same time, the country I live in, the policies Im governed under, Indian culture, our place in the world  all of it features heavily in my stand-up comedy.

Besides, there is also the fact that both of them have skirted controversy throughout, because as Q points out, You cannot dissociate the content from the controversy. Controversy is created because of the subjects I deal with. There is no value to this controversy; I dont create these controversies to hype or to sell. For me, controversy is dialogue.

Vir, whose sketches are edgy bordering on vulgar, and at times, take a dig at things that are considered holy or taboo in India, is nonchalant as well about the controversies that emerge. The key, he says, is to tackle it with intelligence. Whenever I get into controversial situations, the one question I ask myself is, Did the audience laugh? Im okay with the answer because Ive a very wide demography of audience  from 17 to 60-year-olds. So if a majority of that crowd is laughing, then Im okay with it.

Kings of hearts

Then theres the matter of the heart. Old-school romantics both, they believe in true love and companionship in this age of fleeting flings and one night stands. Q, who was previously dating Rii, the lead actress of Gaandu, is currently in a very different kind of relationship. He says that he deeply believes in the idea of love and understanding between the opposites  regardless of sex. Im very happy with the current situation. Its very invigorating to find a sense of well-being and rationality. Because Im in an anarchic mode most of the time, its wonderful that my partner can bring in that balancing and stabilising factor.

 Back in 2005, stand-up comedy was very country club. I was this kid who came in and said the F word and talked about his balls and stuff! - Vir Das

Vir on the other hand, has been happily married for over two years now to his girlfriend of six years. I had love at first sight; people today have love at first swipe. I cant really relate to that, its a new version of love. Its taking on new definitions every day. But its there. Love exists. For me though, the idea of love is that Im f**king nuts and you just find somebody whos as nuts as you are and be crazy in a cage together.

So what advice do they have for the Tinder generation? While Q suggests you watch his films to understand millennials and their issues and where theyre going wrong, Vir is only too glad to share his pearls of wisdom. Youve to be willing to compromise more. Somewhere along the way we just stopped making an effort. You have to make more of an effort than just swiping right. And just believe in love and be a little more crazy!

From HT Brunch, April 30, 2017

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Its a matter of wonderment to me how the British survived our summers. In the early colonial years itself, they shouldve wilted like lilies under a merciless sun. Instead, they grew like resilient marigolds, forcing our independence struggle to drag on much longer than it should have. Commerce and power can be solid motivators, yes, but the British had some practical ideas: they created retreats in the mountains.

What started as sanatorium for sick soldiers to convalesce in developed as destinations for English families to withdraw to and save themselves from death by dehydration. And though they wanted to keep these secluded havens exclusive to themselves, soon, the natives began vacationing there, and in independent India I daresay, the tradition has only grown. Come May-June, big cities seem to thin out as people from all backgrounds go off on holiday.

Shimla, Nainital, Devlali, Darjeeling, Mussoorie  so quaint these remnants of the Raj appear now  vintage and cute; perfect for the middle-class to enjoy their few days of paid leave. From the domestic help in our homes to teachers and gym instructors; for government officials, executives of television channels, bankers, celebrities and other unfathomably rich; summer breaks have become a must-do.

Homeward bound

My couturier friend starts fretting in February about the annual leave her tailor will take in May. What will you do in this heat in your gaon? she asks him as if shes the only one who deserves a vacay. Nothing, he replies prosaically, My children will play in the fields. Bas. Another vexed friends cook has gone off to his remote village in Nepal to see his new wife, who is utterly beautiful and utterly missed by him. It wont be the honeymoon his boss imagines because he will return sunburnt and substantially thinner from working in the outdoors, but not without a bagful of contentment slung on his shoulders from which hell retrieve bits of warm memory, one handful at a time.

The watchman from my own building has left to see his parents in Jharkhand  nothing less than being in the vortex of the summer to my mind, but then Ive noticed that the majority of low-income Indians have a more practical view of holiday season; they dont look for comfort or adventure. They want to return home, thats all.

The rich folks, well, the worlds pretty much their oyster, isnt it? Safaris in far-flung jungles of Africa where wild animals roam a few yards outside luxury tents, insanely priced villas (48,000 USD per night for the most expensive in the world), private planes, yachts, limited edition clothes and cuisine  theres never a shortage of untasted fun to be had in the summer. Back-packing students and intrepid trekkers eat bread and cheese, hitch rides with strangers, bring just two T-shirts and jeans in their sleeping bags, and explore the unknown, the unseen.

One should never underestimate the longing in ones soul or the stamina in ones soles! These pull us from the mundane comfort of our settled lives just so we can carry with us for the rest of the year those bursts of dopamine that rose in our blood when we saw mind-numbing sights of grand beauty.

Into the heart

However, Im not averse to the staycation. A break without stepping outside my city. It may sound unimaginative and full of the blues, but I wouldnt advise crying for me yet. To meet friends (really meet them), to watch films, to read, to learn a new skill, to eat something simple cooked by someones mother (does anyone go to a friends home anymore, we always go out to eat!), to spend time in ones own company for a change  whats so bad about all this? It too may lower your cholesterol or reduce your risk of heart disease as much as a real vacation will. It too will bring some pause into your maddening and noisy life.

You see, many of us are more impressed with the idea of a holiday than the event itself. A trip away from home isnt without exhaustion. There is always a subconscious pressure that negotiating new cultures brings about. Wont an angry person carry their anger wherever he or she goes, and a sad person their sadness? A survey has pointed out that tourists consider the Mona Lisa to be the number 1 most disappointing sight in Europe. Now, that may be the wan pudginess of her face, or it well may be the modern travellers jaded, cynical heart, but I daresay, the very first vacation one needs to partake in is the flight inside ones own heart.

Tanuja Chandra is a renowned filmmaker whose repertoire includes movies like Dushman, Sur and Sangharsh. She has been a scriptwriter for Dil To Pagal Hai and recently turned author with the book, Bijnis Woman: Stories of Uttar Pradesh I Heard from My Parents, Mausis and Buas

From HT Brunch,April 30, 2017

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The local pilots body of Jet Airways has deferred its decision to not fly with foreign pilots from next month.

The National Aviators Guild, representing local pilots of Jet Airways, had earlier this month issued a directive to its members not to fly with expatriate commanders from May 1 after one of the foreign pilots allegedly assaulted a trainer in Bengaluru.

The NAG had also alleged that the Jet Airways management treats its local pilots in a step motherly manner.

The order urging local pilots to not fly with foreign pilots has now been has been kept in abeyance till further instructions, a pilot source told PTI.

At a meeting of NAG representatives, it has been decided to give Jet Airways time to address the issue, the source added.

Jet Airways had called a meeting with the NAG on April 26 but as most of its members were flying, it could not take place at that time, the source said.

The meeting is now likely to happen next week. However, the date is yet to be fixed.

Jet Airways has some 60 expat commanders, who mainly operate its Boeing 737 and ATR fleet.

The guild claims representation of nearly 1,000 pilots of the total of around 1,500 pilots in Jet Airways.
Even though it was just the fourth meeting of newly elected councillors of municipal corporation, most of them were found cracking jokes, taking jibes and busy on their mobile phones even during discussions on serious issues.

Though city mayor Asha Kumari Jaswal directed them not to talk among themselves, they did not stop.

When Congress councillor Gurbax Rawat tried to give a suggestion on tertiary-treated water, the mayor kept telling her to wait. As Rawat insisted, SAD councillor Hardeep Singh commented, Mayor madam, kuch de hi rehe ne, le lo (she is giving something, please take it).

Councillors during the MC House meeting on Friday. (Keshav Singh/HT)

Finally, when Rawat was allowed to speak, former mayor and BJP councillor Raj Bala Malik, who was busy in a chit-chat with her neighbours, like many others, chuckled, Mayor, she was to speak two lines, but she spoke 15, and the meeting hall erupted in laughter.

BJP councillors Jagtar Singh, Ravi Kant, Satish Kainth, Davesh Moudgil, Chanderwati Shukla, nominated councillors Shipra Bansal and Sat Parkash Aggarwal remained busy on their phones most of the time.

Feeling sorry for such a behaviour of councillors, nominated councillor Dr Jyotsna Wig said, Whenever nominated councillors speak on any issue, all BJP councillors choose not to listen and get busy chatting among themselves.

While Congress councillor Devinder Singh Babla seconded Wigs statement with a taunt to BJP councillors, BJP councillor Ravi Kant said, In every meeting, you level allegations on us and it is not acceptable. We too take part in the meeting discussions.

Meanwhile, the mayor also took a jibe at Babla, saying he did not even thank her for bringing his agenda in the House. Such a meeting took place on Friday and cost the public 1.5 lakh.

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I have never seen anyone squander so much goodwill in so short a time. I am speaking, of course, of Arvind Kejriwal, the perpetually aggrieved chief minister of Delhi. Now, at last, he has a genuine reason to be aggrieved: His party, the Aam Aadmi Party, which had swept aside all in its path to conquer this once-imperial city, has bitten the dust in the elections held to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. His party, once seen as the one with the greatest connect with the aam aadmi, seems to have lost its touch as a resurgent saffron tide pushed it to second place in the municipal elections.

You may wonder why a municipal election should occasion so much interest. It is because the BJP, in its newly minted avatar, fights each election with exceptional intensity. So Kejriwal and Co had a real corker on their hands. And now his party and, of course, he himself will blame everything from the faulty electoral process to diabolical conspiracies involving the lieutenant governor for the defeat.

Introspection, as you may have gathered if you are an AAP watcher, is not Kejriwals strong point. Nor indeed is the politics of accommodation or taking responsibility for failures. In his first stint, the CM railed and raged against a system, which he felt was unfairly arraigned against him. He took to the streets to protest and I can never forget the sight of the CM in a blue floral quilt sleeping on the footpath. He resigned.

Voters who had high hopes of this new formation were disappointed but so fed up were they with the established parties that they gave AAP a second chance. And how! It won 67 of 70 seats, a triumph worthy of the tallest of leaders. But from day one, AAP has favoured a politics of confrontation to the extent that much of the good work it did was overshadowed in the din of the CMs high-decibel battle with the then L-G and his often personally vituperative remarks about the prime minister and other politicians.

But where I think AAP could have scored is in maintaining its earthy people connect and keeping up its street corner meetings. Its many politicians could have done more to maintain links with the places they came from. It could have highlighted its splendid mohalla clinics and its efforts to improve schools. It could have held fast to its promise of simplicity and probity in public life. But in his effort to project himself as the salt of the earth, a regular Joe, Kejriwal raised such expectations in people that merely moving into the chief ministerial bungalow was seen by many as a betrayal of his ethics and ideals. The unsavoury facts that emerged about some of his ministers  domestic violence in one case; a forged marksheet in another as well as a break from the core members of the party tarnished the self-appropriated halo.

In what I can only call running before learning to walk, AAP decided to spread its wings to other parts of India in the recent assembly elections. I wonder who advised Kejriwal to undertake this politically inept and self-defeating move. So off he went to Punjab, leaving Delhi to its own devices and Uttar Pradesh to take on the PM.

The results were way less than he expected. And so began the whine about EVMs being faulty. They were fine as long as he was on the winning side.

It must have been this unbridled ambition of power at all cost that put people off. After all, it is difficult to give a person or party so many chances when garbage heaps dot the streets and safe drinking water is hard to come by. Instead of stepping up to the plate and taking ownership for the good and the bad, AAP cherry-picked its causes. So if things were not going well, the fault was with the myriad political enemies, the traitors within its ranks, the PM or L-G. A question of seeing the speck in others eyes, but not the moat in ones own.

I feel a tinge of regret because so many people bought into the dream that AAP sold them. They thought this was a genuine peoples party in which the leaders and the followers would be on the same page, would indeed be more or less be the same people. And it is a dream that could have come true if not for the monumental egos of some of the dramatis personae. Each battle with the L-G, justified or not, was played out in public and in language which often was  to put it delicately  unparliamentary and unbecoming of the high office of chief minister.

I strongly feel that if AAP had hunkered down and got down to work in right earnest, it would not be in the dire straits it is in now. It is not a national party, it cannot be in a long time to come. The party was uniquely positioned to hone its skills in the crucible of Delhi which accepted it so willingly. But it simply did not seem to want to get its hands dirty and thought that what worked in Delhi would work elsewhere. It did not count on the awesome saffron machinery.

I honestly think that Kejriwal and his advisers have no one but themselves to blame for this. They did not need anyone else to do them in  they did a pretty good job themselves.

But I still think there is political space for a party like AAP which has a strong local connect. But for that the party must look back at the rationale on which it came into existence, to deliver a politics shorn of the artifice and corruption that had come to become synonymous with mainstream parties. To AAPs credit, it was not seen as caste or class based, it was not seen as having any communal overtones, it had no baggage and it had a fresh bouncy feel to it. But all that seems so far away. Behind the symbolic simplicity was a serious inability to govern the vast and unwieldy entity of Delhi.

Yes, law and order is not in the hands of the state government, the L-G can make life difficult but instead of wallowing in self-pity, AAP should have worked a way around these problems using the tried and tested political method of give and take. If you come out all guns blazing on any given day, people tend to see you as a perennial protester.

Kejriwal should have made the transition from naysayer to neta, activist to administrator, in the true sense of the term. This is not what people signed up for. And they have delivered their message in no uncertain terms.

chanakya@hindustantimes.com

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As right wing forces flex their Hindutva muscles and use them against Muslims across the country, Sikhs and Christians will be watching in worry. But the time for them to speak out is now, not when the mob comes for them. By then it will be too late.

Sikhs know this better than any other religious minority in India. The state-directed genocide in 1984 showed that Indian politicians rarely face charges for stirring up hatred against non-Hindus. But what is at stake here for Sikhs isnt just their own safety but the protection of an important principle.

If you are born into a Sikh family, like myself, chances are you have been taught about the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. In 1675 a group of fearful Hindu pundits approached the Guru to ask for his help against the Mughal king Aurangzeb, who wanted to forcibly convert them to Islam. The Guru had a challenge for the king. If he could convert him to Islam then the Kashmiri pandits would follow. But, of course, Aurangzeb was unsuccessful and Guru Tegh Bahadur paid for his principles with his life.

The ninth Guru of the Sikhs wasnt taking the side of Hindus against Muslims, he died to defend the right to practice religion without intimidation. But his sacrifice was more than just a lesson for Sikhs, it was also an example. Guru Tegh Bahadur wanted Sikhs to protect others from such intimidation too.

This is why the growing number of incidents of violent cow-vigilantism should matter to Sikhs, Christians and other minorities. While many Hindus pretend that Muslims are being targeted only for violating the law and ignoring their sentiments, it is clear this is a lie. In numerous cases, Muslims have been murdered merely on a vague suspicion of eating beef or transporting cows, without evidence. Hindus caught committing the same crime have been let go.

Cows should be protected through democratic means, not mob justice. This is no better than Pakistanis murdering Hindus on suspicion of blasphemy. In headlines around the world, Indian politicians are seen as caring more for the safety of cows than women.

Of course Hindus have the right to worship the cow and protect it from harm if they believe it is holy. And as a vegetarian, I also believe eating meat is wrong (as do many Sikhs). So in principle I actually agree with the gau-rakshaks.

But this is no more than a campaign of hate and intimidation against a religious group. This is Hindutvas way of striking at Pakistan. The cow vigilantes hate Aurangzeb and all he stood for, but they have become him.

Sikhs, Christians and others should see it as a warning. The Hindutva movement needs to keep creating controversies to polarise the nation. Like a parasite it will grow by consuming its victim and then moving to the next one.

A famous European quote comes to mind. After the Second World War a German priest spoke of his regret in not opposing Hitler earlier. He wrote: First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists and the same happened. Then the Jews. Then they came for me  and there was no one left to speak for me.

Indias religious minorities have always been suspicious of Hindutva, aware that one day they could be on the receiving end of its intolerance. That day is arriving faster than they realise.

Sunny Hundal is a writer and lecturer on digital journalism based in London

The views expressed are personal

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DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand assemblys two-day session beginning Monday is likely to be stormy with the Opposition Congress planning to corner the BJP government on skewed liquor policy, hike in prices of the subsidised ration for the poor and its stand on corruption.

This governments so called zero tolerance on corruption has reduced to a slogan. Its liquor policy has rendered thousands unemployed and the poor are having a tough time since it hiked the prices of the subsidised ration, Leader of the Opposition Indira Hridayesh told a press conference here.

We will raise these issues on the floor of the House, she added.

Hridayesh said the Opposition would make a disclosure on a BJP leader threatening a Congress leader and seeking bribe after this years assembly election. We will raise this issue in the House and also handover a copy of the CD, showing the BJP leader asking for bribes, to the Speaker, she said.

The Opposition was studying the Draft State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) Bill to be tabled in the assembly during its two-day session, Hridayesh, a former finance minister said.

She warned that if the latest provisions incorporated into the SGST Bill were not found to be people friendly or went against the traders interests, the Opposition would vociferously take it up in the assembly.

Hridayesh also hit out at the Trivendra Rawat government for its decision to raise prices of the subsidised ration for the Above Poverty Line (APL) families. According to officials more than 10,000 APL families covered under the State Food Security Act (SFSA) would now have to pay more to secure their quota of ration. Another 62 lakh APL families in the state are covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

She claimed that the previous Congress government had ensured that the APL families not covered under NFSA got subsidised ration under the SFSA. However, they are having a tough time now as the government doubled the prices of the subsidised rice and wheat, she said, claiming that they have also not been able to access the subsidised sugar after its supply was stopped by the BJP regime.

She also alleged that the skewed liquor policy of the current dispensation has rendered thousands of people jobless in the states four districts, where Rawat government has banned liquor. They were hired by restaurateurs and hotel owners to serve liquor to guests at bar counters, Hridayesh claimed.

Conversely, this government recently moved the Supreme Court urging it to allow sale and consumption of liquors in the nine hill districts on the lines of the Northeast states, she added.

Hridayesh alleged that the BJP governments policy of zero tolerance on corruption has reduced to a mere slogan.That is evident from the fact that the CBI probe the government had recommended into the Rs 500-crore NH-74 scam has got nowhere, she added.

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The campaigning for municipal bypolls in two wards, where the elections slated on April 23 was put off till May due to death of two candidates, will start from next week.

Two Samajwadi Party candidates  Naseema from Maujpur in East MCD and Dinesh Singh from Sarai Pipal Thala in North MCD  passed away a few days before the municipal by-elections, following which the elections were postponed.

The bypolls will now be held on May 14 in Maujpur and May 21 in Sarai Pipal Thala.

The SP has finalised candidates for the two seats. It has decided to field Naseemas daughter Shaheen in Maujpur and Dinesh Singhs son Himanshu Singh in Sarai Pipal.

Shaheen has already filed nomination, while Himanshu will file the nomination on Monday.

Though various candidates were interested in contesting polls, the party decided to give tickets to the children of the late candidates. Both of them were dedicated workers and contributed a lot in promoting partys works, said Usha Yadav, president, SP Delhi unit.

She said the candidates will start their campaign in their respective wards on Monday. We will put all efforts to win these two seats, said a senior party worker.

The other candidates contesting for Maujpur seat are Rekha Sharma of Congress, Suman Sharma of BJP and Reshma of Aam Aadmi Party. The ward is currently held by the BJP, whose candidate Sanjay Jain (outgoing leader of house, EDMC) had won the MCD elections in 2012 with 12,652 votes.

At Sarai Pipal Thala (Ward 16N), Rajeev Bansal will contest for AAP, Mangat Ram for the BJP, Mukesh Goel (former leader of opposition in North MCD) for Congress and Mohammad Sarif for Bahujan Samaj Party.

In 2012, BSPs Parmesh Kumar Chauhan had beaten Janata Dal (United) candidate by 5,713 votes in Sarai Pipal Thala. Ashwani Ahuja of the BJP had garnered 5,004 votes back then.

Meanwhile, the Delhi State Election Commission has issued a notification for conducting elections in these two wards. The last date for filing nomination at Sarai Pipal Thala is May 1 and scrutiny of forms will be done on May 3. The last date of withdrawal is May 6 and elections results would be out on May 23. The candidates who have already filed nominations for Ward No. 16N earlier need not file the fresh nominations, said a DSEC official.

At Maujpur (Ward 40E), the last date for filing nomination was April 24 and last date for withdrawal was April 29. The results would be out here on May 16.

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Delhi Police commissioner Amulya Patnaik on Saturday ordered immediate action against the station house officer (SHO) and the investigating officer (IO) who probed the twin murder case in outer Delhis Kanjhawala.

The commissioner also instructed the vigilance department to begin a fresh inquiry in the entire episode which involved the murders of a woman and her alleged lover in February and the subsequent arrest of her husband and another relative for the crime. The crime branch of Delhi Police on Friday had disclosed that the woman had first been gang raped by four members of a gang and then killed along with her lover.

The DCP of vigilance department has been ordered to conduct an inquiry and submit the report as soon as possible, said Madhur Verma, Delhi Police spokesperson. The officer who probed the two related murders has been suspended with immediate effect. The Kanjhawala SHO has been transferred and sent to district lines, Verma added.

The vigilance department will speak to the jailed man and his brother-in-law to find if they were tortured into confessing to the murders. The police will also question their family members who told HT on Saturday that they had witnessed the alleged torture by police.

The vigilance department has been tasked with finding several other unanswered questions such as the evidence collected by the local police to link the duo to the murder. Back in February, the arrests were made without the police recovering the weapon used in the murder.

The crime branch, on the other hand, produced a belt claiming it was used to strangulate the man and woman after gang raping her. The crime branch also said that the murdered womans mobile phone was recovered from the three arrested men.
The Delhi Universitys Department of Social Work (DSW) hostel has asked its residents to dress up properly while in the common room, reigniting a row over dress codes in colleges.

A notice put up on April 27, however, did not specify what the definition of a proper dress was.

Residents of the hostel have started raising their voice against the diktat, with students pasting messages on the notice board calling the rule patriarchal. One of the messages read Thank you for the disgraceful advise (sic).

On Saturday, the hostel administration removed the messages of the students, with the DSW warden issuing a new notice which read The advice regarding dress was made in context of complaint from some female residents of the hostel with regard to certain male residents sleeping in common room in inappropriate night dress, which was curbing their use of common room.

The hostel houses both male and female students and residents can use the common room for studying, watching television and reading newspapers.

The head of DSW and provost of the hostel, Prof Neera Agnimitra said, Some girl students had complained about some improperly dressed male students sleeping in the common room after two air conditioners were installed there recently. So, respecting the sensibility of the complainants, the notice was put up.

Agnimitra added said that the notice was temporary. It would have been taken down in two days after a meeting with students on this matter, she said. Agnimitra said that she had also held a general body meeting with the students on the issue on Thursday.

The notice further prohibited eating, sleeping, bullying or any other indecent behaviour in the common room, and warned of disciplinary against those violating the rules.

The DSW notice comes a week after a girls hostel at IIT-Delhi asked its residents to dress in fully covered decent western dress or Indian dress for their House Day. The notice was pulled down after students protested the move.

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Five people, including three minors, were killed on Saturday morning after getting trapped in a swampy drain filled with cattle dung in southwest Delhis Chhawla.

Police said that the deceased included a father-son duo. They, however, were not sure if the deaths were caused by drowning or due to poisonous gases emanating from inside the dark covered drain.

Ruling out the possibility of any foul play in the incident, Surender Kumar, DCP (southwest), said that the case appeared to be that of an accident. A case of causing death by negligence has been registered at Chhawla police station.

The dead children, Sahidul, Sabikul and Lalchand, were between the age of seven and 11. The deceased men have been identified as Afsae, 30, and his 26-year-old brother-in-law, Hassidul. Sahidul was the son of Hassidul and nephew of Afsae. The five lived in Shyam Kunj area of Chhawla and worked as rag-pickers.

Most portions of the drain, where the incident took place, is covered by a road passing over it. A small branch of the drain leading to some agricultural fields, however, offers an open entry point.

Police said that the incident took place in an area where residents are majorly involved in dairy farming. Local farmers, therefore, often dumped cattle dung in the drain. The chemical reactions that take place in the covered drain causes poisonous gases to form inside, claimed locals. We get headaches if we stand next to the drain even for a few minutes, said Raman, a local resident.

The three minors were playing near the drain around 10am on Sunday, when two of them decided to jump down in it, said Ram Naresh, an eyewitness. Two of them got trapped inside. The third boy (Sahidul) ran out to call his relatives for help, said Naresh, another eye witness.

Sahidul returned with his father and uncle to rescue the trapped boys. The men were armed with torches to find their way inside the dark drain. All the three entered the drain to rescue the boys. When we called out to them a few minutes later, there was no response. So we informed the police, said Naresh.

The police and the fire fighters immediately arrived at the spot and opened the drains lids. One of the fire fighters tied himself to a rope and entered the drain to fish out the five one by one, said a policeman.

According to the eyewitnesses, the five were already dead when they were brought out. The DCP said they were rushed to Rao Tula Rao Hospital.

Police and locals said that the dung-filled drain could have created a swamp, not giving the victims an opportunity to come out of it. The poisonous gases inside then would have caused their deaths, they said.
Two months ago, the bodies of a woman and her male friend were recovered from two different locations within a distance of one kilometre in outer Delhis Kanjhawala.

The Kanjhawala police registered two murder cases and during investigations found that the murdered duo were allegedly in a relationship. They arrested the womans husband and his relative after a probe and claimed evidence collected in the case confirmed their involvement. The two were sent to jail and the police rounded off their probe.

On Friday, however, the case took an interesting turn when three men  Jasbir Dabas, Devender alias Babloo and Manjeet  were arrested by a crime branch team.

Jasbir and Devender told police that they, along with two friends Mohit and Vikas, had allegedly gangraped the woman in front of her friend and then murdered both of them to cover up their crime. Both Mohit and Vikas are absconding.

Sources said, Kanjhawala police had arrested the husband and relative of the murdered woman on mere suspicion. They assumed that the husband could have committed the murders in a fit of rage after getting to know about the extramarital affair of his wife.

The fact that the woman was gangraped before the murder has come to light only after the arrest of the three men on Friday, said police.

A senior police officer said that after committing the murders, the four informed Manjeet.

Instead of informing the police, Manjeet instead helped the Jasbir, Devender, Mohit and Vikas in dragging, transporting and dumping the bodies at two different locations. Later, all of them went underground and Manjeet allegedly provided them safe hideouts in Sonepat and other places in Haryana for over a month. The four later returned to Kanjhawala and learnt that the police had arrested the dead womans husband and his relative in the cases.

The men then resumed their normal life and believed that their crime would never be detected and they will not be nabbed. However, their optimism was shattered when the crime branch team arrested Manjeet, who was wanted for his association with gangster Rajesh Bawanai. During Manjeets interrogation, he told police about the the gangrape-cum-double murder case.

Manjeet told police about his recent criminal activities and how he harboured four of his associates who had gangraped and later murdered a woman and her friend in Madanpur Dabas village near Kanjahwala on February 18.

After Manjeets disclosure, we picked up Jasbir and Devender to verify his claims. The duo was interrogated and they confessed to gangraping and murdering the woman along with Vikas and Mohit, said G Ram Gopal Naik, DCP (crime).

Jasbir and Devender, a police officer said, said that on February 18, all four of them, along with Manjeet, were consuming liquor in the field. After Manjeet left, the four spotted a couple arriving on a motorcycle. The couple went towards an isolated place. The four walked towards the couple with an intention to rob them. However, they changed their mind later.

The four overpowered the couple and then took turns to rape the woman in front of her friend. They then strangled them one by one with the mans leather belt. Later, the men, with Manjeets help, dumped the bodies. They made away with the womans mobile phone to make it look like a case of murder for robbery, the officer said, adding they had recovered the womans mobile phone and the mans belt.

The womans body was discovered on February 19 while her friends body was found in a drain the next day. Surprisingly, the fact that she was gangraped before the murder could not be established even during her autopsy.

When HT contacted Rishi Pal, the then DCP of the outer district, he said that the husband and his relative were arrested because of circumstantial evidence. The husband confessed to the crime, said the DCP.

Asked if the two were still in jail, DCP (outer) MN Tiwari, refused to comment saying the case has already been transferred to the crime branch.

We will probe why and under what circumstances the husband and his relative was arrested, said a senior crime branch officer.

ENDS
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday attributed the recent electoral losses to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)s own mistakes, vowing to introspect and do a course correction to revive the partys fortunes.

It was a rare admission of failure by the activist-turned-politician who had blamed tampered EVMs for the poor show in the recent civic polls in Delhi. It also came a day after one of his party leaders, Kumar Vishwas, challenged the partys official line besides raising a host of other issues related to party functioning.

In the last 2 days .... pic.twitter.com/0quqxJtNAt  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 29, 2017

In the last two days, I spoke to many volunteers and voters. The reality is obvious. Yes, we made mistakes but we will introspect and course correct. Time to go back to drawing board. To not evolve will be silly, Kejriwal said in a tweet with a screenshot of a short message.

We owe that to voters n volunteers. We owe that to ourselves. Need is action and not excuses. Its time to go back to work. And even if we slip from time to time, the key is to find the reserves to hold and pull ourselves up. The people deserve nothing less. The only thing constant is change, the note added.

After failing to perform as expected in the Punjab and Goa assembly elections, the AAP faced a humiliating drubbing in the municipal elections in its own backyard, just over two years after winning a brute majority in Delhi assembly elections.

The loss had raised questions over his style of confrontational politics, often taking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and blaming the BJP-led government at the Centre of creating hurdles for the AAP government.

His admission of mistakes is seen as an attempt to reconnect with the voters in a manner he had successfully done after his first stint in 2014. Then he had apoligised to the people for quitting over the Jan Lokpal Bill, a strategy which saw his party storm back to power in 2015 with an overwhelming majority.

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A day after the Delhi Polices crime branch revealed a goof up in the investigation in the twin murders of a woman and her alleged lover in outer Delhis Kanjhawala, allegations of torture to extract a false confession have surfaced against the police.

The womans 45-year-old husband, Ravi*, and his brother-in-law were arrested by Kanjhawala police after the double murders came to light on February 18. Back then, the police had said that Ravi was behind the double murders as he had discovered his wifes alleged extra-marital relationship.

On Friday, however, the case took an interesting turn when three men  Jasbir Dabas, Devender alias Babloo and Manjeet  were arrested by a crime branch team. The men claimed that the woman was allegedly gang raped in a field by them with the help of two of their friends, Mohit and Vikas.

The trio then strangled the woman and her alleged lover using the mans belt. They then discarded the bodies in different parts of the city

Both Mohit and Vikas are on the run.

HT on Saturday visited Ravis family in Kanjhawala and learnt that his two children, aged 16 and 18, had not gone to school ever since they learnt of their mothers death. Ravi and his brother Sohan* both worked as sanitation workers. After Ravis arrest, the family has been short of money, to the extent of not being able to hire a lawyer to defend him.

The family on Saturday opened up about the alleged police torture after initial hesitation. The police had pulled out Ravis toe nails and forced him to confess. When I met him inside the police station, his feet were badly swollen. His sole was blue because of the beating. He told me that he had no choice but to confess as he could not bear the pain any longer, alleged Ravis younger brother, Sohan.

The police made him consume some pills in front of me to reduce the swelling in his feet. Ravi kept insisting that he was innocent and wasnt aware of his wifes relationship with another man, Sohan added.

When asked about the allegations made by the family, Madhur Verma, Delhi Police spokesperson, said all aspects related to the case will be reprobed by the DCP (vigilance).The SHO of Kanjhawala station and the investigating officer of the case have already been suspended.

Ravis 16-year-old son, Kamal*, alleged that he was kept in a room at the local police station for five days as investigators mounted pressure on his father to confess. The police ordered me to strip in front of my father. I opened my shirt, but refused to take off my pants. My resistance was met with abuses that were hurled at me and my family by the policemen, Kamal alleged, adding that he never believed the polices version of events about his father.

Kamal was also allegedly instructed to mock cry due to the police beating. When I refused to cry, a policeman twisted my wrist to made me scream. They offered to let me off if I gave a statement against my father and brother-in-law, the boy alleged.

The family has been regularly visiting Ravi and his brother-in-law at Tihar Jail where they have been lodged since March 4. Each time I meet Ravi, he cries and begs to me to get him out of prison, said Sohan.

Though, the crime branchs Friday revelation has brought hope for the family, Sohan is still afraid. I read about the arrest of the real killers today. It appears to be a a clash of investigations between two police departments. I hope we are not trapped in their internal battle of egos, he said.

I just want my brother to be cleared of all charges and return home. We will sell our small plot of land and leave Delhi forever then, said Sohan.

When HT contacted Rishi Pal, the then DCP of outer district, he refused to comment stating that it would be inappropriate for him to say anything on the issue as he no longer served in the district.

On Friday, Pal had claimed that Ravi had confessed to the killings and some recoveries in connection with the murders had been made from him.

*(All names changed to protect identity)
Thank you guys to make us more strong and popular..with your stupid article, wrote Italian fashion designer Stefano Gabbana on his Instagram page, reacting to an article that appeared on the Forbes website where author Rachelle Bergstein asked:Are designers standing up for their right to be irreverent? Or are they just having fun watching us squirm?

Wondering what all the fuss is about? It started when the designer shared a picture of a pair of white sneakers, that apparently retail for $973 and are a part of their Fall/Winter 2017-2018 collection. The shoes, created in collaboration with Japanese illustrator Jumpei Kawamura bear messages like Love You More, So Fab, and the controversial one  Im Thin and Gorgeous.

While the post has more than 5000 likes, some users slammed the scribbled words. Theres nothing wrong with the thin and gorgeous thing, personally I couldnt care less. But hey, tell this to mothers of girls with eating disorders. Maybe next time you should put rich and happy cause poor people are all sad. Feel free to use it, wrote an Instagram user, Nicoletta Silvano.

If you thought the designer would try to placate his followers, think again. U think is better to be fat full of hamburger??? Stupid, Gabbana wrote on is post, replying to one of his critics, while to another, he said: Darling you prefer to be fat and full of cholesterol ??? I think u have a problem Gabbana has also been making a point to Instagram articles posted on social media platforms that speak of the controversy. In one instance, the caption on his post reads: When idiocy distorts reality!!! Incredibile!!!! Next time well write LOVE TO BE FAT AND FULL OF CHOLESTEROL.

When idiocy distorts reality!!! incredibile!!!! Next time we'll write LOVE TO BE FAT AND FULL OF CHOLESTEROL  yahoo.com refinery29.com footwearnews.com  the most stupid post ever A post shared by stefanogabbana (@stefanogabbana) on Apr 26, 2017 at 6:36am PDT

The brand, in the past too, has not shied away from sticking to its point. When Dolce & Gabbana dressed First Lady of the US Melania Trump and faced flack for it online, Gabbana continued to post pictures of Melania in the brands creations, including her official portrait for the White House, calling her a #DGWoman. Controversy or not, seems like Stefano Gabbana is serious about sticking to the description on his Instagram page which aptly reads: Who does not love my profile please unfollow me.

#DGWoman BEAUTIFUL  #melaniatrump Thank you  #madeinitaly Thanks to all those who appreciate our work  A post shared by stefanogabbana (@stefanogabbana) on Apr 4, 2017 at 2:40am PDT

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Although Srishti Kaur always had a keen interest in fashion, she hadnt imagined in her wildest dreams that she would ever win an international beauty pageant. The 19-year-old Noida girl has been crowned Miss Teen Universe 2017. Ask her how shes feeling, and she says: Out of the world.

Srishti, who won the international beauty pageant on Tuesday in Nicaragua in Central America, says, Every time there was a beauty contest, I wanted an Indian to win. So Im very happy to have won such a prestigious title and for making my country proud. She was competing with contestants from 25 other countries. Shes also the first Indian to have made it to the finals of the six-year-old pageant.

Srishti Kaurs theme for the national costume category was The Romance of India and Sristhi. (AFP)

Her national costume, which included the elements of the peacock, astrology and was inspired by Indians who contributed to space research, won her an award. I chose the theme the romance of India and Sristhi (the universe). It was made in my favourite colour black and was an attempt at saluting the achievements of India, says Srishti.

Srishti with Nieveles Gonzalez, Miss Teen Universe 2016. (AFP)

Even though Bollywood wasnt a part of my plan, Id love to be able to work in the industry now!

Srishti, who went to Lotus Valley International school in Noida, and is currently pursuing fashion in London, looks up to actor Sushmita Sen and aspires to work in Bollywood. She (Sushmita) made the whole country proud by winning the Miss Universe title. And from the way she carried herself, to her poise, her answers to the questions (at the pageant)  I love everything about her, she says, adding Even though Bollywood wasnt a part of my plan, Id love to work in the industry!

London diaries  A post shared by Srishti Kaur (@srishtikaur) on Mar 29, 2017 at 6:27am PDT

Asked what she is missing the most about home Srishti says: My family, my dog, and ghar ka khaana. I love butter chicken, dal makhani, and gulab jamuns.

I made friends from so many cultures  I even taught some of them a few Bollywood moves.

Looking back at the whole experience, she says that she walks away stronger, more independent, and with some more friends. The pressures and schedules of the event taught me so much. And I made friends from so many cultures  I even taught some of them a few Bollywood moves, she says.

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Aiming to streamline the power distribution system and redress complaints, the Haryana government has bi-furcated Gurgaon into two Circle 1 and Circle 2. The two circles would be headed by the two superintending engineers (SEs) respectively.

The Gurgaon circle alone accounts for 40% of the revenues earned by the DHBVN. Besides that this area is expanding rapidly. Bifurcation will help improve services. Also, the officers will be able to give more focused attention to improving the quality of service and plug revenue leakages, said Shatrujeet Kapur, chairman, DHBVN.

The plan of bifurcation of the Gurgaon Circle was in the pipeline for over a year. The city circle of the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitaran Nigam (DHBVN) saw a realty boom in the past decade. The peak summer demand in past five years has gone from 950 MW to 1,500 MW in 2016. The number of consumers also increased from 2.50 lakh to nearly 4 lakh.

Read I Gurgaon: Discom identifies 540 feeders prone to power theft

Sanjiv Chopra, chief engineer (CE), Smart Grid Project (DHBVN-Gurgaon), said, I had submitted a proposal to DHBVN to bi-furcate the circle into two zones and appoint one more SE, so that the power distribution system could be streamlined. I am delighted to note that it has come to fruition.

The areas to the left of the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway (heading from Delhi to Jaipur) have now been designated as Circle 2, while those to the right have been marked as Circle 1.

Circle 1 basically covers old Gurgaon area and is to be in the care of two divisional or executive engineers. Circle 2 will also have two divisions  sub-urban and Sohna divisions.

Navin Verma, the present SE of Gurgaon, will head Circle 1 (old Gurgaon) and KC Aggarwal will head Circle 2, which will cover new Gurgaon.

Aggarwal will take charge on Monday.

The power distribution system in Gurgaon has drawn much criticism and ire from residents, especially in summer when tripping leads to power cuts for as long as 5 hours. The consumers have accused the DHBVN of not addressing their complaints.

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An illusion of super powers is bad enough but on top of it is Khan's by now notorious intolerance.
Police have arrested 22 students, including Allahabad University Students Union (AUSU) president Rohit Mishra and vice-president Adil Hamza, in separate raids in connection with arson and violence near the university campus.

Violence erupted on Friday during a protest by students demanding an inquiry into allegations of corruption at the university.

Police in Colonelganj registered an FIR against 2,000 unnamed and 46 named students allegedly involved in the violence and arson.

Police are now trying to identify the students involved in the violence through CCTV footage and photographs taken by police cameramen, Colonelganj inspector Sacchidanand Tripathi said.

Rapid Action Force personnel talk to students of Allahabad University during their protest. (PTI)

He said raids were being carried out to nab the students involved in the ruckus on Friday.

All hostels of Allahabad University wore a deserted look on Saturday as the inmates fled, fearing police action.

Goods worth nearly Rs 50 lakh were destroyed in a fire at the university auditorium on Friday night. RK Chaubey, head of the universitys law department, said four air conditioners, a projector, furniture and other goods were gutted.

A bus set ablaze during a protest by students of Allahabad University on Friday. (PTI)

The students tried to torch the building after pouring kerosene through a window during Fridays violence. The fire was doused at that time, but flames spread inside the law faculty auditorium at night.

The security guard called fire tenders on Saturday morning after he saw smoke billowing out of the premises.
BJP president Amit Shah landed in the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday morning for a two-day visit to the strife-torn state.

After Shah was received at the city airport, his cavalcade was taken in procession to the Jammu Convention Centre. The BJP president was accompanied by national general secretaries Ram Lal, Ram Madhav, J&K in-charge Avinash Rai Khanna, minister of state in the PMO Jitendra Singh, deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh, and state BJP president Sat Sharma.

Even as BJP state general secretary Pawan Khajuria was anchoring the proceedings at the Jammu Convention Centre, Shah  who probably had serious business on the back of his mind  abruptly asked the serving staff and personal assistants of those present to leave the auditorium.

Khajuria had earlier told mediapersons to step out once the inaugural ceremony was over.

During his visit, Shah is slated to assess the Kashmir situation and review the performance of 11 ministers of the party in the ruling PDP-BJP government. The BJP government at the Centre has reportedly given Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti a little over two months to restore normalcy in the Muslim-majority state.

Shah recently told a news channel that the Centre will not hold talks with separatists and other stakeholders unless the incidents of violence and stone-pelting came to an end. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed a similar sentiment during his meeting with Mehbooba in New Delhi on April 24.

The national president will review the performance of the PDP-BJP coalition, the performance of 11 party ministers in the ruling alliance, and the prevalent security scenario in the Valley, said a senior BJP leader.

A vicious cycle of violence and stone-pelting has put the ruling PDP-BJP government in an unenviable position. Abdul Gani Dar, the PDPs Pulwama district president, was shot the same day Mufti met Modi in the national capital. National Conference, the main opposition party, has demanded the imposition of governors rule in the state.

This is Shahs first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since the formation of the PDP-BJP government in 2015.

The visit is part of Amit Shahs 93-day-long nationwide campaign to visit every state for two to three days in connection with the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Janam Shatabdi celebrations, the BJP leader said.

Shahs to-do list for April 29 includes addressing party functionaries at the Jammu Convention Centre and meeting legislators, ministers and prominent citizens. The next day, he will meet leaders of different wings of the party at the BJPs Trikuta Nagar office and hold discussions with trade body members as well as the four BJP MPs from the state.

The BJP leader said Shah would obtain feedback on the performance of party ministers from office-bearers as well as MLAs. On his itinerary for Saturday evening is a BJP core group meeting.

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A senior Assam Police officer was arrested on Saturday for a Facebook post maligning a woman legislator of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) but was released on bail later in the evening after being produced in the court of the Kamrup chief judicial magistrate in Guwahati.

The state polices criminal investigation department (CID) arrested deputy superintendent of police Anjan Bora from his residence in Guwahati after departmental and criminal proceedings against him. He remains under suspension.

The court granted him bail on a personal bond of Rs 10000. A seemingly unrepentant Bora claimed in and outside the court that what he had posted was absolutely true.

Bora, posted as deputy commandant of an Indian Reserve Battalion in central Assams Karbi Anglong district, had taken to Facebook on April 25 to accuse the MLA of prostitution. He said the MLA was running the business from her office chamber at the state secretariat.

The BJP had lodged a complaint against Bora soon after the post went viral. Director general of police Mukesh Sahay too wrote to the home department seeking disciplinary action against Bora.

A controversial officer, Bora has been a DSP since 2002 and hasnt been promoted.

Government officers are to be guided by service conduct rules. Any act unbecoming of a government servant amounts to violation of the conduct rules. The Facebook post is obscene but he (Bora) stands by it. Nobody, even a senior police officer, is above law, Sahay told HT.

We always tell our officers to use social media for bona fide public purpose and for good work. The officers know what they should do and what they should not. But sometimes some indiscretion takes place, he added.

Read more: Senior Assam cop suspended for anti-Muslim rant on Facebook

Assam has eight women legislators in the 126-member assembly. Two of them belong to BJP.

Bora cited the surname of one of them but said she was not the one running the body selling business, making it clear who he was referring to. He later defended his action, saying the Facebook post was based on what a former Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader had told him.

In February 2016, Bora was suspended for posting comments against Muslims on Facebook inciting hatred towards the community.

In that post, he had vowed to stop azaan - the Muslim call to prayer - and stated that he had killed many from the minority community such as Rafikul Islam, a Congress worker in BTAD (Bodoland Territorial Autonomous Districts) in the state.

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SAHARSA: Amid rising incidents of cow vigilantism, a driver of a pick-van is suspected to have been blinded in his left eye after he was attacked for allegedly scaring a cow by honking the horn in north Bihars Saharsa district.

The incident took place at Maina village in Sonbarsa Raj police station area, 250 km north of state capital Patna, on Thursday evening.

Police said driver Ganesh Mandal, 30, was returning home at Bochahi village in neighbouring Bhagalpur district from Saharsa when he came across a cow roaming on national highway-107. Mandal honked the horn so that the cow could get out of his way. Instead, the bovine panicked and ran away. This made the owner of the cow, who was nearby, furious and he rained baton blows on Mandal, the police said. The cow owner has been identified as Ram Dular Yadav, they added.

Mandal fell unconscious after being hit on his left eye and was rushed to the nearby primary health centre (PHC), police said. On regaining consciousness Mandal complained that he was unable to see with his left eye, the doctor at the PHC referred him to the government hospital at Saharsa. The patient was bleeding profusely from his left eye and the possibility of his losing vision could not be ruled out, the PHC doctor said.

While Saharsa civil surgeon Ashok Kumar Singh was not in the town, deputy superintendent of the district hospital said the patient has been taken to Bhagalpur for treatment at the medical college hospital there.

Ram Dular Yadav, meanwhile, denied the charge that his cow was roaming on the highway. I was, in fact, milking the cow when the driver scared it by honking the horn, he told reporters.

Sonbarsa Raj police station SHO Mohammad Izhar Alam said an FIR had been registered on the basis of the complaint by Mandal. .
Amid a growing factional feud in the BJPs Karnataka unit, the partys central leadership has sent general secretary Muralidhar Rao to help defuse the crisis that is playing out in the open.

Rao, the in-charge of party affairs in Karnataka, was sent to Bengaluru following former state president KS Eshwarappa holding a show of strength against sitting chief BS Yeddyurappa in a Save BJP convention.

Both men exchanged sharp words, a fact that did not go down well with BJPs party high command.

This is a serious matter. We will find some solution, a top BJP leader told Hindustan Times.

Read | Karnataka BJP feud in open, spells trouble for Narendra Modis southern plans

The BJP is on an election winning spree and is looking to recreate its 2008 victory where it came to power on its own in the southern gateway. Karnataka, which goes to polls next May, will be the partys first big electoral challenge before Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, all BJP-ruled states.

We promised Eshwarappa we would take care of his concerns, but he appears to have decided to take on BSY (Yeddyurappa) on his own, a BJP leader involved with Karnataka affairs told HT earlier. We will speak to both factions.

Yeddyurappa is currently in Delhi to attend a function marking the birth anniversary of Basavanna, a 12th-century social reformer from the Lingayat community. The veteran BJP leader is a heavyweight from the Lingayat community, considered the most influential social group in Karnataka.

BSY will also meet partys sangathan mantri Ram Lal and brief him about the developments in Karnataka, another party source said.

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In a major embarrassment to police, jewellery and other valuables were stolen from the official residence of the chief judicial magistrate (CJM) in Bihars Katihar district, 304 km east of Patna.

The theft was committed on Friday night despite deployment of two policemen to guard the house.

CJM Anil Kumar, who had joined at Katihar on February 18, and his family members were away when the incident took place. The value of stolen articles was yet to be assessed, but Kumar, who returned here on Saturday, said it could be more than Rs 10 lakh.

Taking strong note of the incident, Bihar director general of police (DGP) PK Thakur has directed superintendent of police (SP) of neighbouring Purnia district, Nishant Tiwary, to monitor the investigation in the case. Katihar superintendent of police SM Jain is on leave.

The two constables, who were deployed at the CJMs house, have been taken into custody and are being interrogated, Tiwary said. The police had sought call detail records of the cellphones of the two constables, he said.

Read |Criminals throw chili powder, flee with Rs 2 lakh, 30 cellphones in Bihar

Tiwary later told HT that a nine-member team, headed by Katihar assistant superintendent of police Vishal Sharma, had been constituted to investigate the case.

The police will seek help of forensic experts will be taken and activities of all suspects will be closely watched, he said.

Earlier, a team, led Katihar subdivisional police officer (SDPO) Lal Babu Yadav, reached at the house of the CJM after the guards informed the police of the theft and found a safe was broken and house had been ransacked.

We have taken some suspects into custody and interrogating them,Yadav said.

Forensic experts from Bhagalpur will be reaching later on Saturday and a dog squad has been pressed into service, he said.

District and sessions judge Chandrashekhar Jha, who also visited the house of the CJM, said the theft at the house of a judicial officer despite deployment of guards, was a matter of concern.
Senior police officer T P Senkumar on Saturday filed a contempt petition against Kerala chief secretary in the Supreme Court for delaying his reinstatement as the state DGP.

Senkumar said although the apex court had ordered his immediate reinstatement last week, the government had failed to take any step in this regard.

He pointed out that chief secretary Nalini Netto, who played a key role in removing him when the new government came to power last May, will do everything possible to delay his reinstatement.

Senkumar also cited the case of the Karnataka chief secretary who was awarded one-month jail term for failing to comply with the SC order.

Two days back, the state law secretary had advised the state government that it was better to implement the SC order than file a review petition. The government also sought the advice of senior lawyer Harish Salve, who represented the state in the case.

Soon after the new government came to power, the DGP was shunted out citing inept handling of the Jisha murder case (a law student who was murdered brutally at her home) and Puttingal fire tragedy that claimed 110 lives.

After transferring him, the government had appointed Loknath Behra, a former NIA officer, as the DGP. Later, Senkumar moved the court challenging the government decision.

In his plea he said he was punished for carrying out an impartial probe in T P Chandrasekharan murder case in which police booked many CPI(M) leaders. Marxist renegade T P Chandrashekaran was brutally murdered near his house in 2012 by a gang of CPI(M) workers. Many CPI(M) leaders are jail now.

Later the court ruled that his transfer was arbitrary and not according to the established norms.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala has asked chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan to shed his ego and stubbornness and reinstate the police chief immediately.

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Beijing should take into account regional concerns in implementing transnational projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a top Communist party scholar has said, adding that such projects could be temporarily stopped to sort out differences.

The Kashgar to Gwadar CPEC is one of the flagship projects under President Xi Jinpings Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). India has repeatedly raised concerns over the project with China as part of it are planned in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Any transnational projects involve concerns of different countries. We need to coordinate that to strike a balance to be acceptable to all parties. If we cant reach that balance, maybe we can stop it for some time, said Zhang Yunling, an influential academic who is a member of the presidium of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), an official think-tank.

Even in the case of navigation routes on Mekong river for example, many problems emerged. We have to discuss them one by one. We need to learn lessons. Sometimes, the lessons maybe too big; we may have to stop (the projects), Zhang said when asked about the CPEC passing through PoK.

It cannot always be rosy. Any transnational project involves concerns of different countries. We need to coordinate and strike a balance to be acceptable to all parties, he said.

If we cannot reach that balance maybe (the project) can stop it for some time. Any transnational project involves that complexity, he added.

Zhang was briefing the press on the upcoming Belt and Road Forum (BRF) to be held in the middle of May in Beijing, which is to be attended by nearly 30 heads of state.

China is unlikely to stop the multiple projects underway under the CPEC but the senior scholars comments indicate that the Chinese government was analysing concerns  including Indias  raised by countries on certain aspects of BRI.

Though China has sent multiple invitations to the Indian government and several of its ministers, New Delhi is unlikely to send any official representative to the BRF. Indian academics and businessmen are expected to attend the forum.

On Indias reluctance to join the BRI, Zhang said: (The) Indian government has been quite prudent and cautious in expressing its attitude towards BRI but participates in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

Zhang suggested that it was not necessary to put the BRI label to everything.

It only provides a platform. For China-India cooperation, we dont need to look at the BRI alone. We already have a range of cooperation in a wide range of areas including infrastructure, he said.

On the CPEC, he said its a misconception that China has committed $46 billion to the project.

There is some misunderstanding about China-Pakistan cooperation. Yes, its tens of billions but its not one lump-sum investment; it is a gradual investment, he said.

Earlier this month, Chinas ministry of foreign affairs (MFA) told HT there is no specific budget for the project.

There is no specific budget for the construction of the CPEC. Instead, it follows international practices, adopting a market driven model, encouraging enterprises to play an essential role to move it forward. It (the project) is based on scientific evaluation and it is being implemented under the principle operating when mature, the MFA told Hindustan Times in a written response.

On the financial risks involved in the projects, Zhang said: We need to share the risks so that we are jointly designing, jointly building and jointly discussing projects. Whenever there is any danger there should be immediate communication on the risks and dangers and should also involve dispute settlement mechanism.
An incident of stone pelting by some students outside the K G Polytechnic in the city on Saturday drew a heavy handed response from a group of CRPF troopers who allegedly barged into the college, fired tear gas shells, vandalised vehicles and assaulted faculty members.

Principal of the institution Shaista Shamim said that a senior professor was injured in the alleged assault.

She told Hindustan Times that a CRPF vehicle with about half a dozen troopers entered the campus in the afternoon after a small group of students allegedly threw stones on the forces outside the college.

Our college was designated as an examination centre today and many students from various polytechnic colleges of the Valley appeared in the exams. After the exams were over at 2 pm, a small group of students had allegedly pelted the CRPF men with stones outside. The CRPF men came rushing into the campus in their vehicle, creating chaos, Shamim said.

She alleged that the troopers vandalised a number of vehicles of students and faculty members and beat up teachers.

The CRPF men started ransacking vehicles and fired tear gas shells as soon as they entered campus. We tried to reason with them and told them we will make students understand but they did not listen and started abusing the faculty. One of our faculty members Professor Yamin, who is head of department automobiles, was injured. He was badly beaten. His head was oozing blood and he has been hospitalised, Shamin said.

The principal said that the CRPF men even tried to assault her as well. They even tried to catch hold of me. I had a narrow escape, she said.

Read more: After Pulwama college, clashes between security forces and students in Srinagar

She said that CRPF men stopped after she called police into the campus.

The principal said that after the incident the students went on another spree of stone pelting that triggered more clashes.

I dont know what exactly has happened. We are ascertaining which company was there and once we know we will ask them if anything has happened, CRPF spokesman Bhawnesh Chowdhary told HT later in the evening.

Srinagar senior superintendent of police, Imtiyaz Parray did not respond.

Moderate separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq of the Hurriyat Conference condemned the CRPF action. Student protests do not only stem from political aspirations but also due to continued repressive policies. Such subjugating and depoliticizing the younger generation is destroying their lives and educational career, he said in a statement.

Saturdays incident comes just two weeks after security forces allegedly used disproportionate force in a college in south Kashmirs Pulwama district which has triggered massive student protests across the Kashmir valley.

Student protests this month have become a new challenge for the administration.

Meanwhile, separatists have called for a shutdown on Sunday against the killing of a civilian in forces firing after an encounter in Kupwara in north Kashmir on Thursday.
The Election Commission will soon call a meeting of all political parties to assure them that the electronic voting machines (EVMs) are tamper-proof and secured.

Announcing this at a press conference here on Saturday, chief election commissioner Nasim Zaidi said that the commission intends to use voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) in all coming elections to bring in more transparency and boost public confidence in the poll process.

We will soon hold an all-party meeting in which they will be told how our EVMs are cant be tampered with and are secured as per our administrative and technical safeguard system, Zaidi said.

He was responding to questions about allegations levelled by political parties against EVMs.

Recently, 16 opposition parties urged the EC to revert to the ballot system, claiming the faith of the people in EVMs had been eroded.

Zaidi said that the EC is planning to hold a challenge for which a time-frame is being worked out.

The electoral body is planning to throw an open challenge, asking anyone to try hacking its EVMs to dispel doubts of any misuse, it is learnt.

Zaidi said that the EC had placed an order for the supply of VVPAT machines. For VVPAT, we have got all the funds. We have placed an order for the supply of 15 lakh VVPAT with two PSUs, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronic Corporation of India (ECI), he said.

It is expected that by September 2018, 15 lakh VVPAT machines will be ready.
Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday again questioned the credibility of electronic voting machines (EVMs) after the state police found a chip-like device used in stealing petrol.

When petrol can be stolen with the help of a remote through a chip without any internet connection then EVMs too. Need to stop the wrong use of technology, the Samajwadi Party president tweeted.

Yadavs remarks came two days after the Special Task Force (STF) in Lucknow raided several petrol pumps and found them using a chip board like device inside the dispensing machines for petrol theft.

The chorus against EVMs has gained momentum after the recently held assembly elections in five states, with Arvind Kejriwals Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Mayawatis Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) spearheading a campaign on the issue.

The Election Commission, however, has said the machines cant be tampered with.

On April 15, Yadav also demanded an answer from the EC over the controversy on tampering of EVMs.
The Bihar government has moved the Centre for fresh approval to nine trauma centres it had proposed for central funding under the 11th Five -Year Plan (2007-12).

Having failed to complete them within the given time frame, the state government has now also suggested changes in locations of a few of these trauma centres, from the ones that were identified earlier.

Among the trauma centres proposed to be moved is one at the Katihar district hospital in northeast Bihar, to the district hospital in neighbouring Araria. Also proposed are moving one at the district hospital in Gopalganj, in north Bihar, to the community health centre, Sidhwalia, in the same district; and tone at the subdivisional hospital at Jhanjharpur, in Madhubani district of north Bihar, to the primary health centre in Araia Sangram, within the district.

We moved the request some five months back, primarily due to land constraint at locations proposed earlier. The locations we have proposed now, provide much easy accessibility from national highways. We are awaiting the Centres approval, said Shashi Bhushan Kumar, executive director of the State Health Society (SHS), Bihar. The SHS has been tasked with driving the project.

The idea to set up trauma centres was to minimise casualties due to road traffic accidents. The SHS did not have any official statistics on the number of casualties reported along national highways due to road traffic accidents. However, Purnia civil surgeon, Dr MM Wasim, said that at least 300-400 persons, on an average, died every month due to accidents on national highways (NHs) 31, 57 and 107 which pass through the district.

Gopalganj civil surgeon Dr MP Sharma said 150-200 deaths took place due to accidents on NHs 28 and 85, which pass through the district. Both these districts had been identified for setting up trauma centres.

Bihar has only itself to blame for non-implementation of the Centres proposal. For, it could not identify land at Kishanganj, Gopalganj and Jhanjharpur and hand them over to the Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd (TCIL), the executing agency.

In Madhepura and Darbhanga districts, the agency could not commence work at the proposed sites because the government kept shifting its stand on location.

The little progress it could make was in Gaya and Rohtas, where building construction work was done only till the lintel level, while at Muzaffarpur and Purnia, work could not progress beyond piling.

TCIL project director, Patna, Anjani Kumar said, We could commence work only at four of the nine proposed sites for trauma centres because the government failed to identify land and give us. It also kept changing the location within the district from time to time.

While we submitted the detailed project report (DPR) within two months of signing the MoU, the Bihar government took 12 months to approve it, he said.

Kumar said the TCIL had submitted a bill of Rs 3.01 crore last October as consultation fee for preparation of DPR and some civil work, which it had done, but the bills were pending.

The Bihar government has since terminated the contract and handed over work to the Bihar Medical Services Infrastructure Corporation Limited, a government entity, even as it awaits Centres approval.

The TCIL had initially submitted a DPR of Rs 36.69 crore, which it revised to Rs 58,02 crore after floating tenders for purchase of equipment. The Centre, which was firm that any escalation in project cost was to be met by the state government, did not approve the revised DPR, even as it had released advance fund of Rs 6.45 crore to Bihar in 2009-10.

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A researcher in Ahmedabad who claimed to have been attacked with a chemical spray after receiving threats from the Islamic State (IS) apparently fabricated the situation for publicity, police said on Saturday.

Dr Mukesh Shukla had approached police in March stating that the terror outfit was seeking his patented formula of a cure against HIV, and were sending him threatening letters written in Arabic. Police placed Shukla under a 12-hour protection cycle. However, last week, Shukla claimed that he was attacked by a chemical spray while walking home after his protection detail went off duty.

He claimed that IS wanted his AIDS treatment formula and threatened to kill him if he did not give it to them, said a police officer, adding that Shukla had filed a complaint that he was attacked and robbed of cash and a pen drive in which his AIDS research data was stored.

Shukla claimed he developed drugs for treatment of AIDS, malaria and heart diseases using plant extracts.

However, on further investigation, police found that the Surendranagar-based sexagenarian had cooked up the attack story as well as created the threat letter using Google translator.

When questioned, Shukla admitted that he concocted the whole sham for publicity for his work on finding a cure for AIDS, malaria and other diseases. He said he had spent about 30 years researching for a cure.

Given his age, police said they are yet to decide about arresting him, and are considering various options.

Police had filed an FIR under IPC sections 328 (causing hurt by means of poison, etc with intent to commit offence) and 394 (voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery) after Shukla had reported the chemical attack. However, no arrests had been made.
Young IAS officers posted at the districts will now adopt the families of security personnel killed in action in order to support them in difficult times.

The Indian Civil and Administrative Service (Central) Association has resolved that the IAS officers posted as sub-divisional magistrates, additional district magistrates or district magistrates will adopt at least one family of a security personnel, whether they belong to police, paramilitary or military, killed in action to provide them help for at least the next five to 10 years, said Sanjay Bhoosreddy, the secretary of association.

Bhoosreddy said the IAS officer will not provide any direct financial assistance to the family but he or she can hand-hold them in many ways. The officer may ensure that the dependents of the dead security personnel get all their dues in terms of the money pledged by the state and central government. The officer will ensure that the children from these families continue to get good education. The officer will also guide the family to get benefits of all government schemes.

Maoists body found

The body of a Maoist has been recovered from the site where 25 CRPF personnel were killed earlier this week in an ambush by the rebels in Burkapal area of Chhattisgarhs Sukma district.

The body of a Maoist was recovered on Thursday night from the forest, just 500 metres away from the spot where the gun battle had taken place between the CRPF and the rebels on April 24, Special Director General of Police (anti-Maoist operations) DM Awasthi said.

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An Indian-American man has lost his US citizenship after being sentenced to over five years in prison for conspiring to illegally distribute male enhancement pills imported from China, Justice Department said on Friday.

Ismail Ali Khan, 29, was also convicted and sentenced for falsely stating in his application to become a naturalised US citizen that he had never committed a crime.

He now faces deportation to India.

Khan, a resident of Decatur in Georgia, was sentenced to five years, seven months in federal prison after being convicted of conspiring to import illegally and distribute male enhancement pills that contained the drug found in Viagra, the US Department of Justice, attorneys office, Northern District of Georgia said in a statement.

His sentence would be followed by three years of supervised release, it said.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Steve C Jones ordered that Khans status as a naturalised US citizen be revoked and his certificate of naturalisation was declared void.

Judge Jones also ordered that Khan be immediately deported to India once he completes his prison term.

At that time, supervised release will not be enforced. Khan was found guilty by a jury on February 13.

This defendant endangered the health of countless individuals by illegally importing and distributing drugs that can be obtained in the US only with a prescription written by a licensed, medical professional, said US attorney John Horn.

The defendant became a naturalised US citizen by giving a false statement about his criminal history, while he was engaged in this illicit drug scheme, Horn said.

Justin Green, special agent in-charge, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Criminal Investigations, Miami Field Office said FDA remains committed to pursuing those who endanger the US public health by distributing fraudulent and potentially dangerous products.

The defendant and others imported from China male enhancement pills and distributed the pills throughout the US, Horn said.

These pills contained the same drug that is the active ingredient in Viagra. If the pills had been properly labelled, the FDA and US Customs and Border Protection would have stopped them from entering the US because Viagra is available in this country only when prescribed by a licensed physician and dispensed by a pharmacist, Horn said.

In order to evade import restrictions, the defendant and his co-conspirators directed their suppliers to mislabel the boxes containing the pills to make it appear that the boxes contained items that can be legally imported into the US, such as beauty products, pottery, coffee and tea, the Justice Department said in a statement.

They received the illegally imported pills at multiple addresses in Atlanta. They rented storage units at different locations where they repackaged the pills for distribution to wholesale and retail locations in the Atlanta area and throughout the US, the statement said.

In order to evade detection by law enforcement authorities, they moved their illegal operations regularly, used aliases, false addresses and fake business names, and misrepresented the nature of their business when renting storage units and mailboxes, it said.

Over the course of a conspiracy that lasted from early 2011 until May 2014, Khan and his co-conspirators illegally imported and distributed more than $1.5 million worth of illegal drugs that came from China.

On August 12, 2013, while this drug conspiracy was ongoing, Khan submitted an application to citizenship and Immigration Services to become a naturalised United States citizen.
A 45-year-old Indian-American has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for defrauding a bank and stealing more than $484,000 from his employer.

Kiran Andhavarapu pleaded guilty on February 9 and was sentenced on Thursday, according to a statement by the US the US attorney for the Southern District of Texas.

Andhavarapu, who was living in Conroe in Texas, was sentenced to 20 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release for stealing more than $484,000 from Weatherford and its subsidiary EProduction Solutions.

The FBI conducted the investigation.

US district judge Keith P Ellison, who accepted the guilty plea, said Andhavarapu abused a position of trust as a financial controller which facilitated his commission of the crime.

He stole from his employer by opening bank accounts in the name of EProduction Solutions and listed himself as the owner and sole proprietor of the business.

Andhavarapu then stole refund cheques made out to and belonging to his employer and deposited them in the accounts he had created.

As part of his plea, Andhavarapu admitted he stole a total of $484,873.

He will remain in custody pending transfer to a US Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined at a later date, the statement said.
A 30-year-old Kerala man who married the sister of a National Security Guard (NSG) commando before slipping out of the country and joining a terror outfit has possibly been killed in a drone strike in Afghanistan.

Bexin Vincents family in north Keralas Kasargode received a message on encrypted messaging app Telegram on Saturday saying he was killed.

The message was sent by someone identified as Ashfaq Majeed, who is one among the 20-odd people who mysteriously disappeared from two Kerala districts last year and are said to have joined outfits such as the Islamic State.

More details of the case were not immediately available.

Bexin had converted from Christianity to Islam and married Nimisha, whose brother is on an NSG deputation.

When they slipped out of the country, Nimisha  who took the name Fatima after converting to Islam - was in an advanced stage of pregnancy, the family said.

Later, her mother got a message saying she gave birth to a baby boy.

Earlier this month, 23-year-old TK Murshid Mohamed, also from Kerala, was killed in Afghanistans Nangarhar province, where the US dropped the mother of all bombs.

Two months ago, another man from Kerala, Hafeezuiddin (24), was killed in a drone attack in Afghanistan.

Telegram, an internet-based communication app like WhatsApp, is the preferred mode of communication of Islamic State. Messages sent on Telegram self-destruct after 24 hours.

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Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader Abhay Chautala on Saturday said party youth workers will stop Punjab roadways buses, state officials and politicians on National Highway 1 at Haryana border on July 10, over their demand to construct Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal.

Terming its as a symbolic protest, Chautala said the decision in the context was taken at a party executive committee meeting here, which decided to disallow the said vehicles from going out of Punjab towards New Delhi. However, the workers will not stop private vehicles, he said.

Hearing on the SYL issue will be resumed in the Supreme Court on July 11.

INLD workers will give people moving in private vehicles a rose flower and a handbill, urging them to ask Punjab government to construct the SYL canal, which it has not constructed for the past 50 years, he said.

On the venue of protest, Chautala, who was accompanied by party state president Ashok Arora, said it was yet to be decided whether it would be around Rajpura-Ambala border or further on the Ambala-Delhi NH 1 (also called GT road).

He further said, The party has also decided to demand Rs 25,000 compensation for wheat crop per acre in the fire cases. He flayed recent announcement of agriculture minister OP Dhankar to give Rs 12,000 per acre.

He said the state government failed to lift mustard crop in time, due to which farmers had to sell off their crop for about Rs 3,200 a quintal, bellowing the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 3,700. He said the INLD will demand from the ruling BJP government to improve power and water supplies, because of which farmers were facing hardships.

Chautala said as Delhi government had adopted dissuading tactics for INLD workers protesting for SYL canal at Jantar Mantar, the party has now decided to start dharna at sub-divisional levels in their respective assembly constituencies and submit memorandum to their respective deputy commissioners, from May 1.

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Intelligence agencies are yet to verify the antecedents of a man who claims to be a contract killer for Pakistans spy agency, Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI), and has sought asylum in India.

The man, identified as Ahmed Mohammed, is said to be from Faislabad in Pakistans Punjab province.

Sleuths of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) was interrogating the man since he turned himself in to officials at the Indira Gandhi International Airport where he arrived early on Friday.

Mohammed is likely to be quizzed by the counter-intelligence head of IB when he returns from Srinagar on Saturday.

He was carrying a Pakistani passport  bearing the number KF 088779  which showed his date of birth as July 9, 1978, the sources added.

Sources said he arrived in Delhi on an Air India flight and was scheduled to leave for Nepal on Friday morning.

Mohammed purportedly told his interrogators that he works for the ISI but wants to work for India now, the sources added.

News reports quoted Mohammed as revealing that the ISI had kept his family captive to prevent him from quitting his job as an assassin.

Both India and Pakistan frequently announce arrest of each others spies but instances of such agents turning themselves in to an enemy country is rare.

The incident also came a few days after Pakistan said a military court has sentenced an Indian national, Kulbhushan Jadhav, to death for spying. India has denied the charges.

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Government officials said on Saturday they are almost certain that a man who turned up at the Delhi airport a day earlier and identified himself as a hit man of Pakistans ISI is not a spy but had cooked up the story to gain asylum in India.

Ahmed Mohammed, 38, arrived on a Dubai-Kathmandu Air India flight with a stopover at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Friday morning before he approached a money-changer, telling the staff posted that he wanted to give up spying and stay in India.

Mohammed was questioned by officials of Indias domestic and external spy agencies, and a decision will be made on Monday on whether to deport him to Dubai or inform the Pakistan high commission to give him consular access.

Indian officials tapped into sources in Dubai and other friendly intelligence agencies to verify Mohammeds identity and claims.

He is basically a bookie. He was a cloth trader till 2015, and is only a 10th pass, a source at the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the domestic spy agency, told Hindustan Times on the condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak on journalists.

He is under medication for neurological problems following an accident seven months ago. He talks of illusions and does not seem to be an agent in any way.

Mohammed carried a Pakistani passport  KF 088779  which showed his date of birth as July 9, 1978 and his residence in Gulshan Colony of Faisalabad, the third-most populous city in Pakistan.

This is the first time someone has made such a claim, in such a manner, leaving Indian security officials in a procedural quandary. There have been instances of alleged spies approaching Indian missions abroad.

Mohammed is in the custody of the IBs counter-espionage group. Usually, the IB passes along intelligence inputs to police, who then apprehend suspects.

But Mohammed has not violated any Indian law. He has a valid transit visa and was apprehended within the immigration gate. He is not wanted in India for any crime.

A senior intelligence official, who has worked on the Pakistan desk, said, Normally in the intelligence world, we look for his utility and once his bona fides are established, we offer him a new identity, citizenship and security.

But none of this applies to Mohammed, who reportedly told his interrogators that he works for the ISI but wants to work for India now.

News reports quoted Mohammed as revealing that the ISI had kept his family captive to prevent him from quitting his job as a hired assassin.

Both India and Pakistan frequently announce arrest of each others spies but instances of such agents turning themselves in to an enemy country is rare.

The incident comes on the heels of a Pakistani military court sentencing an Indian national, Kulbhushan Jadhav, to death for spying. India denies those charges.

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Defiant Calcutta high court judge justice C S Karnan on Friday directed the Air Control Authority, New Delhi, not to permit Chief Justice of India J S Khekar and seven other judges of the apex court to travel abroad.

Karnan, who is facing contempt charges and is barred from carrying out judicial and administrative duties, gave the suo moto order at his New Town residence in the eastern fringe of Kolkata.

The HC judge, who has so far passed four suo moto orders against the CJI and other SC judges, added to the list of the said accused the name of a woman judge, R Banumathy for the first time.

Karnan had imposed the ban on foreign travel of the SC judges in his earlier order passed on April 13. In the order he had asked them to appear before him at his New Town residence by April 24 for violating his rights as a Dalit and humiliating him in public.

In his order, he termed the seven SC judges national offenders and alleged they had shown caste prejudice and insulted him on March 31 by questioning about his mental health.

Hence all the seven judges are offenders under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes Atrocities Act, said the nine-page signed order.

The Honble judges will appear before me at my Rosedale Residential Court and give me their views on the quantum of punishment for the violation.., he had said in the order.

In his two-page order passed on Friday, Karnan once again referred to the caste discrimination, and said none of the judges should be allowed to leave the country since they did not appear before him.

He extended the deadline for their personal appearance to May 1. Incidentally, on that day is also supposed to appear before the Supreme Court.

About the inclusion of the woman judge in the list of accused, Karnan wrote, the first (the CJI) and the eighth (Justice R Banumathy) accused have passed an identical order on February 15, 2016 without procedure according to law and restrained my judicial and administrative assignments at the Madras high court. Therefore, the eighth accused impleaded as a necessary party/accused in the common judicial order.

During his last appearance before the seven-judge bench headed by the CJI, Karnan, he had said he would apologise in the contempt case only if the court restored his judicial and administrative work.

The SC did not accept this pre-condition and asked him to file his reply to the contempt charges within four weeks.

It also directed him to remain present in court on May 1. But he had told the court that he would not respond to the notice unless his judicial functions were restored.
Jammu and Kashmir governor NN Vohra has dismissed reports that he was summoned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Delhi amid a growing clamour for governors rule in the state.

The Supreme Court on Friday had asked the Centre to facilitate talks between separatists and Kashmiri lawyers to defuse tension in the Valley, where nearly 100 people have dead since last July after the death of militant leader Burhan Wani. The Centre has refused to talk to the separatists.

Violence in the state has escalated as civilian clashes with security forces have taken the shape of street protests by school and college students, including girls.

On Wednesday, the Mehbooba Mufti government banned high-speed internet for a month in the Valley, hoping to clamp down on the spread of videos and images that officials believe are fanning tensions.

Opposition Congress and National Conference have demanded governors rule in the state for the restoration of peace.

(The story has been updated to reflect Governor NN Vohras stand. An earlier version quoted sources saying the governor has been called to meet PM Narendra Modi.)

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Hero of Kupwara terror attack, gunner Rishi Kumar of the Indian armys field artillery regiment, is again ready to take on militants.

Papa, I am fine and ready to fight militants again, Kumar told his father, Nand Kishor Rai, a resident of Dhanchhuhan village, in south central Bihars Bhojpur district, in course of a mobile phone call from his bed in a Srinagar hospital.

The army man from Bihar is currently recovering from the wounds he suffered during the terror attack on an army camp at Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir, last Thursday, that left three soldiers and two of the three intruders dead.

Kumar, 27, was one of the sentries on duty when three heavily-armed terrorists attacked the army camp, around 4.40 am on Thursday. During the ensuing gun battle, Kumar showed exemplary courage to gun down two of the three terrorists and saved the lives of many soldiers, in the process.

Family members of army gunner Rishi Kumar at Dhanchhuhan village in Bihars Bhojpur district. (HT photo)

A hero in his native Dhanchhuhan village since his act of gallantry became public knowledge, Kumars co-villagers have been visiting his house in hordes to congratulate his proud family.

Talking to HT, Kumars father favoured a befitting reply to those creating trouble in Jammu and Kashmir. The government should now go in for a final assault against the terrorists, he said.

READ: Kupwara attack: How this Indian Army soldier killed 2 militants, saved many

Kumar had joined the army on April 30, 2010. After undergoing training at Nasik, he had his first posting at Bathinda (Punjab). In 2012, the valiant gunner was married Nishi Kumari. The couple has two daughters.
BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav on Saturday said the Centre wont budge from its position of not talking to Kashmir secessionists who use people of the Valley as guinea pigs in their reprehensible politics of violence and separatism.

Madhav, who was instrumental in cementing the BJP-PDP alliance in the state, unequivocally affirmed the Centres refusal to hold a dialogue with separatists and people who are not loyal to India.

The separatists have only one motto: One dead body a day, so they can play sentimental politics over the dead bodies The security forces and the government, on the other hand, try their best to ensure that the ill-intentions of the separatists dont succeed. It is a difficult job being executed with commendable sincerity by the government and security forces, he posted on a social networking site.

The statement comes a day after the Centre submitted in the Supreme Court that it does not plan to hold talks with separatists, and that dialogue to restore normalcy was possible only with the legally recognised stakeholders or political parties.

The apex court was hearing an appeal filed by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association against a high court order, seeking a stay on the use of pellet guns.

Amid an outcry over the Centre and the armed forces response to protests in the Valley, which have been marked by instances of stone-pelting against security personnel, the BJP has been resolute in demanding a complete withdrawal of violent demonstrations.

A recent incident of a civilian being used by security forces as a human shield against stone-pelters had sparked outrage across the nation.

The BJP general secretary, who met chief minister Mehbooba Mufti in the Capital this week, iterated that forces have very few pellet guns and even they are used only in rare situations. Pellet guns are deemed less lethal than normal guns and bullets. Even then, the forces are trained to maintain maximum restraint and use other methods to control violence, he said.

Even as political parties, human rights activists and interlocutors called for talks with separatists to end the impasse, Madhav justified his partys stand to not include the Hurriyat in the process. The governments stand is, and should be, clear. Tackle militants and their sponsors with utmost toughness. Handle misguided youths coming onto the streets with stones in hand with deftness, so that violence is firmly put down. However, care must be exercised to prevent loss of life, he wrote.

The BJP leader welcomed the Supreme Courts directive that the bar association take the first steps by bringing all legally acceptable stakeholders on the table for workable suggestions to overcome the crisis.

The Supreme Court also took a strong stand against the petitioners demand that pellet guns be withdrawn, exhorting them to first stop stone-pelting and street violence. The stand of the SC judges, including the CJI is commendable, and I am sure patriotic people in the country  including those in the Valley  welcome this position of the court, he wrote.

The Valley has been on the boil since April 9, when the bypolls to the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency was held amidst conflict. While 7.14% polling  the lowest in three decades  was recorded, eight people were killed and scores injured in clashes with security forces.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Muslims on Saturday to keep the debate over triple talaq away from politics, saying that he hoped efforts to reform the controversial Islamic practice will come from the community.

I am sure enlightened people will emerge from among Muslims and come forward to end this practice, liberating our Muslim daughters and mothers from the scourge, Modi said at a function to celebrate the life of 12th century social reformer and Kannada philosopher Basaveswara.

Come out and find a solution. That solution will have its own majesty and generations will remember you.

This is the second time in a fortnight that Modi has reached out to Muslim women. In October too, he criticised triple talaq, saying the practice was destroying Muslim womens lives.

In his 38-minute speech, Modi called upon Indias Muslims to show the path of modernity to Muslims across the world. That is the kind of power and energy this land gives to all of us.

Triple talaq refers to the Islamic tradition that lets men divorce women by pronouncing talaq thrice.

India has separate sets of personal laws for each religion governing marriage, divorce, succession, adoption and maintenance. While much of the Hindu law overhaul began in the 1950s and continues, activists have long argued that Muslim personal law has remained mostly unchanged.

The Modi government has said it wants to replace the triple talaq divorce and other Islamic personal laws with a new uniform civil code applicable to all religious groups. That proposal has met stiff opposition from Muslim groups, who argue that it would discriminate against them.

But about two dozen Muslim womens groups have in recent years mounted legal challenges to triple talaq, which they say discriminates against them and violates their human rights.

A five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court will begin hearing daily from May 11 petitions challenging the validity of triple talaq.

Modi also used Saturdays address to reiterate his governments Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas policy, and drew parallels with Basaveswaras philosophy.

People should get homes, access to power without discrimination. Farmers should get fertilisers and insurance benefits without any distinctions. That is the meaning of our governments message of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas, he said.

The PMs decision to attend the Basava Jayanti celebrations is significant against the backdrop of next years elections in Karnataka. Basaveswara, also known as Basavanna, is a powerful icon of the Lingayat community in the state.

Lingayat leader BS Yedyurappa is the BJPs face in Karnataka, where it hopes to wrest power from the Congress in the elections due for 2018. The party is beset with problem in the state.

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The ongoing debate over triple talaq plunged to a new low with controversial Hindu leader Sadhvi Prachi on Saturday suggesting Muslim women who have been divorced by uttering the Arabic word thrice should adopt Hinduism after slapping Islamic clerics.

Triple talaq  under which a Muslim man can divorce his wife by uttering talaq thrice  has been thrust under the national spotlight after a number of women approached the Supreme Court to ban the practice.

The BJP-led NDA government at the Centre in its affidavit in the apex court opposed the continuation of the social practice.

Terming the practice as a means to harass women, the controversial leader claimed converting to Hinduism would give talaq victims freedom from the fear of getting divorced.

Aise mahilaon ko maulovio ko tamacha mar kar Hindu dharm mein shamil hon jana chahiye (Those women who have been given talaq must slap the clerics and adopt Hinduism), she said in Uttar Pradeshs Bareilly on Saturday.

The raging debate over the issue is increasingly getting murkier with many airing their strong views over the issue, which is pending before the top court.

Prachi was in Bareilly to visit Alaknath temple to offer prayer and thank Mahadev for the BJPs victory in the state.

Dwelling on another contentious issue of constructing a Ram temple in Ayodhya, the firebrand leader said, no power in the world could stop the construction of the temple at the site, where a Hindu mob razed the 16th century Babri Masjid in December 1992.

She said all the mosques named after Mughal ruler Babur across the country will be destroyed.

On the criminal charges against senior BJP leaders L K Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharti over the demolition of the mosque, Prachi said if the trio were tried then similar action should also be taken against those who killed the karsewaks, the Hindu volunteers mobilised for the construction of the temple.

Interacting with media persons, she also reiterated that senior Samajwadi party leader Azam Khan will be sent to jail.

The state government will investigate the properties of Azam Khan and he will be sent to prison, she said.

On the BJP-led UP governments decision to curtail security of Khan, she said, Azam Khan is not afraid for his life but for the misdeeds his party government did in the last five years. No security can prevent that sense of fear.
Seven students of a state government-run Urdu middle school in Patna City suffered injuries ranging from minor to serious, on Saturday morning, when a low intensity bomb blast was triggered off on the school premises, 500 metres from Khajekalan police station in eastern Patna.

The explosion occurred on the roof of an under construction building of the Urdu School around 11 am, when a boy, in a group of seven, hit a ball type object they had found in the building. The boys suffered splinter injuries from what is suspected to be an improvised desi bomb.

Police said injuries to four students, identified as Mohammad Faizan 10, Mohammad Arman 9, Mohammad Adil, 7, and Mohammad Jishan, 8, were serious. Three others sustained minor injuries. All the injured were rushed to nearby Guru Govind Singh hospital for treatment.

The boys claimed to have found the ball on the stairs. There was a huge sound in the classroom and the teachers panicked and called the police, a teacher at the school told HT.

News of the bomb explosion went viral in the social media, leading to panic among the parents. Soon, a large number of parents gathered at the entrance of the school. Some parents even scaled the school boundary wall to fetch their children.

They alleged that the school grounds turned into a den of gamblers and anti-social elements at night. Miscreants from other areas also gather on the premises after dusk and despite numerous complaints to the police, there has been no action, claimed Hena Qaiser, a parent.

The explosion brought a Patna Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and a bomb detection and disposal squad, to the spot.

Police suspect anti-social elements may have been hidden the explosive in the under construction building. On getting information, Patna city deputy superintendent of police Harimohan Shukla reached the spot. He said the injured students were out of danger.

Patna SSP Manu Maharaaj said, prima-facie, it appeared anti-social elements may have forgotten the improvised device on the spot. Police had taken cognizance of the incident, collected samples and sent them for forensic opinion, he said.

The police have registered a case against unidentified persons, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the Explosives Substances Act and begun investigations.

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Chief minister Raman Singh said on Friday the final battle against Maoists will be fought in Chhattisgarh and his government will not sit idle till there was peaceful development in the Bastar region.

He was replying to a discussion over an adjournment motion notice in Chhattisgarh legislative assembly on the recent Maoist attack in Sukma district, in which 25 CRPF jawans were killed.

The main opposition Congress had sought the discussion.

Singh said, The final battle against Naxalism in the country will be fought in Chhattisgarh. Anti-Naxal operations will continue in Bastar and the state government will not rest till there is peaceful development in Bastar for the betterment of the people.

Maoists fear development. They do not like development of facilities like roads, bridges, health and education, but despite all odds, the state government is working to ensure every kind of development in Bastar, he said.

The incident in Burakpal in Sukma is definitely very painful as we have lost our brave soldiers, Singh said.

The state governments policy against Naxalism is very clear. First, there is no compromise with terrorism and Naxalism. We will continue the fight to save democracy, he said.

The construction of 57-kilometre long road connecting Sukma-Doranpal-Jagargunda is being carried out in collaboration with central and state security forces. Our soldiers have achieved martyrdom while protecting the roads being built in Bastar zone....I would like to bow to their martyrdom, the CM said.

In the last one year in Bastar region, we have completed the construction of 200km of roads. About 2000km of roads are being built there. Police and security forces, including the CRPF, ITBP, Cobra battalion, are working hard to protect the workers who are constructing the roads, he added.

The CM got emotional when he mentioned the Maoist attacks in Jiram Valley and Tadmetla in the past.

Earlier, moving the adjournment notice, Congress legislative party leader TS Singhdeo and other party MLAs said that contrary to governments claims of elimination of Maoist problem in Bastar, the rebels were executing deadly attacks frequently.

Police intelligence machinery had collapsed and Maoists launched two attacks within 46 days which clearly showed police were not doing enough, Singhdeo added.

Congress leaders also staged a walkout from the House over a comment of BJP MLA Shivratan Sharma about the opposition party but they returned after Sharma concluded his speech.
The mystery surrounding the midnight break-in at a Kodanad estate owned by late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa turned murkier after two suspects in the case fell prey to alleged road accidents on Friday night.

The first incident involved Jayalalithaas former driver S Kanagaraj, a prime suspect in the robbery attempt, whose two-wheeler was hit by a speeding vehicle in Attur. The 36-year-old man was killed, police said, adding that the incident would be probed from all angles.

A few hours later, a car carrying another suspect  Sayan  was hit by a sand lorry while he was returning from Kerala with his family. While his wife and child died in the incident, the suspect was admitted to a Coimbatore hospital in a critical condition.

Incidentally, the car carrying Sayan was identified as the stolen vehicle that the gang had used in the Kodanad estate break-in.

A security guard was killed and another injured in the Kodanad incident, which occurred early on Monday morning. Police believed Kanagaraj was the mastermind of the attempted robbery because he was familiar with the layout and topography of the estate. The suspect had driven the former chief minister to the property on several occasions, and spent time there as well.

Jayalalithaa had sacked Kanagaraj in 2012, after she found him misusing her name for personal gain.

The drivers death has sent the Tamil Nadu police in a tizzy. They had earlier detained four people in connection with the break-in, and issued a lookout notice for Kanagaraj.

The estate, spread over 900 acres in the Nilgiris, was a retreat often used by Jayalalithaa for rest and treatment.

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Uttar Pradesh minister Swami Prasad Maurya has kicked up a controversy with his remarks that triple talaq is being misused by men to satisfy their lust.

The BJP leaders comments drew severe flak from several quarters, including Muslim leaders who demanded an unconditional apology from him.

These talaq have no basis.... if someone only for satisfying his lust keeps changing his wives and forces his own wife and children to beg on streets... no one will call this right, Maurya said on Friday night.

BJP stands with Muslim women who have been given talaq unreasonably and arbitrarily... we want to help such victims get respect, he said.

The remarks come at a time when the BJP-led central government is pushing for a ban on triple talaq with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urging Muslims not to view it from a political perspective. The PM also voiced confidence that enlightened members of the community will take the lead in eradicating the outdated practice.

Reacting to Mauryas comments, senior member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangimahli demanded an unconditional apology from the minister.

The AIMPLB has opposed any move to ban triple talaq, saying Muslims have the constitutional right to follow their personal law and it will not accept any interference in it.

President of All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board (AIMWPLB) Shaista Amber, who has been actively involved in the campaign against triple talaq, termed the ministers statement as shameful.

He (Maurya) should be sent to a mental asylum, as he has shattered the honour of the Muslims specially women, Amber said .

We will also demand that our Chief Minister take action against such a minister who has insulted all women.... Human Rights Commission also needs to take note of it, she added.

The Centre has opposed the triple talaq practice in the Supreme Court citing the principles of gender justice and secularism enshrined in the Constitution.

Activists allege that the practice under which a Muslim man can give instant divorce to his wife by uttering the word talaq thrice in one go has left lakhs of women destitute.
The mystery surrounding the midnight break-in at a Kodanad estate owned by late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa turned murkier after two suspects in the case met with accidents.

While S Kanagaraj, a former driver of Jayalalithaa, died in an accident at Attur near Salem, a few hours later, his accomplice Sayan was seriously injured in another accident at Palakkad in Kerala on Saturday morning.

Sayan, shifted to a Coimbatore hospital, was taken into custody and his statement was recorded by a judicial magistrate.

The murder of a security guard, two accidents and robbery at the Kodanad estate of Jayalalithaa indicate to a much deeper and bigger criminal conspiracy, which police are investigating.

Preliminary investigations point towards suspected theft of several property related documents, whose value is expected to be in hundreds of crores.

Interrogation of eight suspects picked up from Kerala is being carried out at an undisclosed location in Coimbatore. Police are tightlipped about investigations, but sources indicate that they suspect involvement of one or more AIADMK leaders.

Clearly, the burglary and the two ghastly road accidents point to some sinister criminal activity.

Senior BJP leader H Raja told media persons that in the whole episode the poor security guard died. The government should give a compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the members of the bereaved family.

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A Dalit villagers decision to hire a band party to welcome the bridegroom at his daughters wedding in a village in Madhya Pradesh drew a cruel retribution from upper caste villagers who allegedly poured kerosene into a well used by so-called low castes.

The incident in Mana village in Agar Malwa district, about 200 km from the state capital, last week once again underlined caste fault lines in the country.

As the Dalits could not drink the contaminated water they dug a hole on the banks of the Kalisindh river for an alternate source of water. Simultaneously, they also used a pump to suck out the contaminated water in the well.

A makeshift well Dalits dug on the banks of the Kalisindh river after their well was contaminated with kerosene. (HT PHOTO)

On Saturday, district collector D V Singh and superintendent of police R S Meena went to the village, drank water from the well used by Dalits in order to reassure them and also talked to the members of the upper caste. The collector also announced that two borewells would be dug in the area where the Dalits live so that they do not have problems in future.

Read more: Madhya Pradesh: Dalit family defies upper-caste diktat, hires band for wedding

Collector Singh said that they are keeping watch over the situation and that the police are investigating the case. The contaminated water has been pumped out and the water is potable again, he said.

On April 23, Chander Meghwal, a 45-year-old Dalit had welcomed the groom for his daughter Mamtas wedding with a band party, despite a warning by the dominant upper castes that he would face social boycott if he hired a band party. According to the village tradition the Dalits are only allowed to use dhol to welcome the groom. However, Meghwal had informed the administration about the threat and finally the marriage took place under police protection.

But the defiance did not go down well with the upper caste members and they took their revenge. Chander had feared that the upper caste would retaliate for defying this unjust age-old tradition and had openly expressed his apprehensions.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Pravin Togadia on Friday demanded that the government carry out carpet bombing in Kashmir Valley to stop the attacks on security forces by militants.

After attacks on Army camps in Uri and Kupwara, our government should carry out carpet bombing in Kashmir Valley area to stop such attacks. The attacks on army camps and the incidents of stone-pelting should be considered as a war and the government should carpet bomb these areas, Togadia said on the sidelines of an event in Vadodara on the occasion of Lord Parshuram Jayanti.

Togadia, the international working president of VHP, urged the government to crack down on the militants who were at war with security forces.

He said hostility between the civilians and army personnel was on the rise in Kashmir.

It was time that we should not show any leniency and carpet bomb them, or else the enemy will spread to other states and talk of breaking the country into pieces, he said.

Securitymen clashed with Kashmiri villagers who were demanding the bodies of militants killed in a gun battle after a group of militants stormed a military camp in Panzgam, Kupwara. (AP Photo)

He demanded the review of the Rs 80,000 crore special development package for Jammu and Kashmir, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015.

This money should be used for welfare of farmers in the country as the condition of farmers in several states is very bad. Farmers are holding protests seeking waiving of farm loans. They are committing suicide, Togadia said.
PATNA No sooner had the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) declared the Joint Entrance Examination Main (JEE Main) 2017 results, on Thursday, an impoverished locality on the eastern fringes of the southern Bihar district headquarters town of Gaya broke into celebration.

The news emanating from the CBSE website was unbelievably good. Fifty candidates had qualified the engineering courses entrance examination from Patwatoli in Manpur, a locality inhabited mainly by weavers whose looms had a while ago ceased to earn for them a decent livelihood.

We may have scored a half century this year but that is still not good enough. Next time, we will certainly hit a century, gushed the successful JEE main examinees of Patwatoli, including Raushan Kumar, Vinit, Ankit and Naresh.

Once known as the Manchester of Bihar, for manufacturing high quality cotton garments with power looms, Manpurs Patwatoli fell upon bad times as rising costs and growing competition made its products financially unviable.

Then, in 1998, Patwatoli, located across the Falgu river to the eastern side of Gaya town, about 125 km south-west of state capital, Patna, found itself an all new claim to fame. All of 15 local lads that year made it to the engineering joint entrance examination, the gateway to Indian institutes of technology (IITs).

Thereafter, Patwaloti beat the odds stacked against it, including persevering poverty and paucity of basic amenities, to turn into a breeding ground for IITians. Over the past two decades, almost each one of its hundreds of households has produced an engineer or two!

Since the initial brush with success in 1998, the number of successful JEE candidates from Patwatoli has been growing. Last year, altogether 40 students of this locality cleared the final JEE examination, a figure substantially bettered in the main examination this year.

Many of those from Patwatoli who went on to become successful engineers have been inspiring and guiding successor generation of JEE aspirants, free of cost, to replicate their success. So, the Patwatoli saga goes on and on, explains social activist Gopal Patwa, who helps organize community studies in the colony.

Community initiative, says Patwa, has been a big reason why Patwatolis success in cracking JEE has endured.

He says those from the colony who are employed as engineers and those studying in IITs and other top institutions of various streams, have formed a socio-educational platform called Nav Prayas to groom local students for JEE and other prestigious examinations.

Towards this ends, the seniors subscribe to the motto: Each one, teach one. Students with potential are identified and groomed for the entrance examinations. Before appearing for the main examinations, they pass through weekly or monthly tests organized by the Nav Prayas, said an IIT aspirant.

Apart from our numerous IITians, some girls from Patwaltoli have also cracked the medical entrance tests. The competitive atmosphere created by such senior students as well as by local level activism, inspires our lads to perform well in competitive examinations on a sustained basis, Gopal Patwa adds.

STRAP

BEATING THE ODDS In 1998, for the first time 15 local lads of Patwatoli made it to engineering JEE, gateway to IITs

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A 22-year-old woman was allegedly burnt to death by her husband and in-laws for dowry in Faridabad near Delhi, police said on Saturday.

The womans father in his complaint said his son-in-law informed him over phone on Friday that his daughter had burnt herself, they said.

He alleged that his daughters husband and in-laws were pressuring her for dowry soon after her marriage, police said.

The woman succumbed to her injuries on Friday night at a hospital in Faridabad, police said, adding that the matter was being investigated.

The accused have been booked under relevant sections of the IPC, police said.

In a separate incident, a woman in Gaunchi village alleged that her husband and in-laws threatened her with dire consequences if she failed to fulfil their dowry demands.

Police also said the woman in Palwal lodged a case against her husband and in-laws accusing them of harassing her for dowry.
Timely intervention by the Barmer administration and police over the last couple of days thwarted at least 19 child marriages, including that of a 6-year-old minor on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya festival across the district, official said on Saturday.

Officials issued a stern warning to the parents of the children who were being married off and took undertaking from them saying that they will not marry off their children until they attain the marriageable age.

Akshaya Tritiya is considered an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar and a large number of children are married off on this day in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, especially in the rural belt.

To combat the wave of child marriages, which authorities feared would take place across the district on the occasion of Akshsya Tritiya, the administration set up a control room at the district headquarters, official said.

Over the last couple of days, the control room received as many as 19 complaints of child marriages following which the district officials were alerted, some of them said.

The control room received a tip-off that two child marriages were being planned at Dhanau village in the block, said Achalaram Choudhary, an official at Chohtan police station.

We got information that Surtaram Meghwal, a villager, was planning to marry off four of his daughters, two of whom were minors, he said.

Following the information we rushed to the village and warned Meghwal against social menace.

Chohtan tehsildaar Kumparam Lohar said they received a tip off about the marriage of two minor daughters of Karnaram Gawariya, a villager.

We warned the villager not to go ahead with the marriage and posted police personnel at the village to thwart the planned child marriage, he said

In Gudamalani block, official thwarted the marriage of a 6-year-old boy. Officials in Pachpadra block too prevented the marriage of three girls in Balotra town.

Sanjay Thakur, rights activist and project coordinator at Care India, said that despite official arrangement a large number of child marriages are taking place across the district.

The authorities are unable to stop the marriages as the villagers secretly organised the ceremonies two days before Akha Teej, he said.
Nine people died and 21 were injured when a balcony and a wall collapsed during a pre-marriage ritual in a Rajasthan village on Friday.

The incident took place in Peedhi village under Kumher police station limits of Bharatpur district around 10-11 pm where several people had gathered for a pre-wedding ritual of Anni Jatavs two sons, Virendra Singh and Pawan Singh.

Suddenly, the balcony and the adjacent wall collapsed, killing seven people on the spot. The injured were rushed to Raj Bahadur Memorial hospital in Bharatpur, where two more succumbed. Four of the injured were referred to Jaipur in critical condition.

A minor, Priti was among the dead, which included Kailashi Devi, Anguri Devi, Harveji Devi, Lajja Devi, Kamlesh Devi, Bharatlal Jatav, Bhagwan Singh and Bhudev Singh.

On being informed, police reached the spot and helped send the injured to the hospital.

All the bodies were kept in the mortuary of Community Health Centre, Kumher, and were handed over to relatives after post mortem.

Bharatpur SP, Kailash Chand Bishnoi said he has informed the district collector Narendra Kumar Gupta in order to arrange compensation for the victims kin.

Gupta said he has sanctioned a sum of Rs 50,000 to the family of each of the deceased.

The father of the two brides, Khichchu Jatav, a resident of Therawar village, said the incident had affected him badly. He said he was too poor to afford the expenditure of the ceremony again.
The Jaipur police held a meeting with school managements and other stakeholders on Saturday to ensure safety of school-going children.

The meeting  held a few days after a five-year-old girl was crushed under a crane when she was going to school with her father -- aimed to emphasise the role of schools for childrens safety.

It has been decided that a campaign against underage driving will be initiated by the police to curb accidents. Schools and parents will have to work with the police in this campaign, commissioner of police Sanjay Agarwal told HT.

Principals from around 90 schools were present at the meeting, which also had representatives of the Jaipur Development Authority, transport department and regional transport office.

Agarwal said CCTV cameras would be installed in each school. Road-facing CCTV cameras will be installed and at any point of time, someone from the school will be monitoring the footage. The school staff should also have information on those travelling in public transports and private vehicles.

The commissioner said traffic management committees will be constituted in each school, in which teachers and senior students will play an active role. The committee members will help in managing traffic inside school premises.

Deputy commissioner of police (traffic) Haider Ali Zaidi spoke about the importance of awareness about road safety rules, SMS alerts from the traffic police and parking spots in the city.

Agarwal said breathalysers will be sent to schools to check cases of drink driving and the police will check drivers who ferry children to schools.

The RTO will check whether the vehicles ferrying kids have valid permits and drivers have licences, he said.

Transport deputy commissioner Nidhi Singh spoke about the initiatives for road safety.

A similar meeting will be held next week in which a committee will be formed to frame rules to enhance road safety for children.
Even when the issue of sharing Teesta waters continues to trigger controversy, another cross-border river Churni is threatening to ignite fresh row between India and Bangladesh.

Churni is a narrow river that flows into the Nadia district from Bangladesh. It is a distributary of the Mathabhanga river which, in turn, is a distributary of the Padma.

Read: Drains, polluted rivers raise concerns over groundwater quality in Noida

Representatives of Nadia Zila 18th August Parichalan Samiti (NDAPS), a social organisation in Nadia district, have sent a container with samples of water from the Churni river to the Prime Ministers office on Thursday with a plea to start negotiations with the Sheikh Hasina government in Dhaka for controlling the effluents dumped in this river by Bangladesh industry which is carried into India through this river.

The Churni river flows through densely populated parts of Nadia district before merging in the Hooghly river. Locals allege tonnes of fish die regularly due to the pollutants flowing from Bangladesh. (Wikipedia)

In September 2016, the eastern zonal bench of National Green Tribunal instructed the ministry of external affairs to negotiate with Bangladesh on setting low-cost effluent treatment plant at the industrial unit concerned with expenses to be borne by the Government of India. Nothing, however, has progressed.

Read: How pollution killed the Hindon

Locals greatly depend on the Churni and the Mathabhanga river for various reasons  from fishing to agriculture. But the ever-increasing rate of pollution has jeopardised everything. Finally, we decided to send samples of water from the rivers to the office of the prime minister and the chief minister, said Anjan Sukul of NDAPS.

Significantly, the noise is increasing when there is a perceptible difference between the Centre and the West Bengal government over sharing of Teesta waters which flows from India to Bangladesh. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen on signing the Teesta water sharing agreement with Bangladesh, chief minister Mamata Banerjee has taken a stand against sharing north Bengals principle rivers water with the neighbouring country.

About six lakh residents are affected by the pollution in the Churni and about 5,000 fishermen have lost their livelihood, allege locals. (HT Photo)

In the case of Churni, an 80-year old industrial unit Carew & Co Ltd has a sugar mill, a distillery and a pharmaceutical unit at the border town of Darsana in Chuadanga district of Bangladesh. While the problem of pollutants flowing down the river is an old one, the quantity of effluent released into the waters has drastically increased over the past few years, locals alleged. They collected samples of the polluted water on April 24 and sent it to the PMO the next day.

Read: Citizens march to draw attention to Mumbais polluted rivers

The effluents are not only polluting the entire river and its ecosystem but are also killing tonnes of fish every year. The livelihood of local fishermen is badly affected and many of them are compelled to switch to other professions, said Gokul Bala, a resident of Shibnibas area in Krishnaganj.

The extent of pollution in the river is so high that the water is unfit even for irrigation and bathing, alleged the locals who filed the petition in the NGT.

Locals who filed the petition also claimed that the river flows through densely populated areas of the Nadia district and affects the lives of six lakh inhabitants and about 5,000 fishermen, who have lost their livelihood.

Read: Pollutants in Ganga destroying river purifying algae colonies: Study

National Green Tribunal directs the Ministry of External Affairs to continue negotiations with Government of Bangladesh for setting up an effluent treatment plant with funding by Government of India for the industries contributing to the pollution of river Mathabhanga, which subsequently flow into river Churni in West Bengal, reads the September 21 order.

The green tribunal also ordered the government of West Bengal to prepare a detailed project report through its Municipal Engineering Directorate.

Members of the organisation indicated to HT that they have approached the highest executive office of the land hoping the government would try to prevail on Dhaka to find a quick solution to the festering problem. However, if there is no result, they may think of launching agitations.

It is recorded in the NGT order that on July 14, 2014, the Indian high commission in Dhaka conveyed the problem of dumping effluents into the Churni to the foreign ministry of Bangladesh, but there has been no improvement in the situation.

After branching off from the Mathabhanga river, Churni flows for more than 56 kms before merging into the Hooghly river. Therefore, the pollutants are eventually carried into the Hooghly river too.
The most ardent supporter of All India Muslim Personal Law Board perhaps could not have seen this coming -- Hridaya, a platform of tortured males based in the city have come out with the demand that triple talaq should be extended to all communities in the country to save men, and women, from harassment.

They held a satyagrah on Rani Rashmoni Road in central Kolkata on Saturday morning to press for their demand.

Read: SC says no to automatic arrests under dowry law

Incidentally, Hridaya has about 5,000 members in West Bengal and just about 20% of them are Muslims, its convener told HT.

The triple talaq issue has polarised the country with both camps pinning their hopes on the apex court for a favourable judgement. (HT Photo)

Hridaya, through this satyagrah, demands equal divorce law for all communities. Triple Talaq is one of the most simplistic separation marital procedure and the same needs to be extended to all communities. Hridaya is strongly against abolishing of triple talaq as the same would bring disharmony in the society, read a statement issued by the body.

Our decision has nothing to do with our Muslim members. We view triple talaq as a convenient, hassle-free way of ending troublesome relationships where the breakdown in irreversible, convener of the satyagrah, Suprotim Ghosh, told HT, admitting that the demand for extending the benefits of triple talaq to all communities will be considered a bit outlandish.

Read: PM Narendra Modi to Muslim community: Triple talaq shouldnt be seen from political prism

Incidentally, West Bengal has often clocked the highest number of cases under IPC section 498A (husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty) in the country. In 2012, it accounted for nearly 19% of the total cases registered in India under this controversial section.

Maulana Wali Rahmani (gen sec AIMPLB) with Maulana Rabey Hasani Nadvi, (president AIMPLB) and Maulana Kalbe Sadiq (vice president AIMPLB) during the All India Muslim personal Law board meeting on the triple talaq question at Darul Uloom Nadvatul Ulema (Nadva College) in Lucknow on April 15, 2017. (PTI)

Braving heat and humidity of end-April, Ghosh and members of his organisation assembled on Rani Rashmoni Road from 11 on Saturday morning. They held aloft placards pleading for quick end to troublesome husband-wife relations.

Read: Muslim personal law boards support for triple talaq on WhatsApp is ludicrous

Incidentally, as the day of final hearing of triple talaq by the supreme court -- May 11 -- draws near, the camps on both sides of the divide are conducting their last minute campaign. A satyagraha was also carried out in Delhis Jantar Mantar.

In the absence of simplistic separation law, the warring couples have to run from pillar to post in court rooms for separation and thus the most productive life of women and men are wasted, argued Hridaya members. While a quick end to the agony allows both to start a new life.

They have also claimed that banning triple talaq will also increase domestic violence. In many cases children are the worst sufferers of estranged couples living under the same roof, said another member.
The Allahabad high court on Friday suspended special judge (POCSO) Om Prakash Mishra for granting bail to rape accused former minister Gayatri Prajapati in a hasty manner.

The Lucknow bench of the court also cancelled the bail granted to Prajapati and two of his associates in the 2014 gang rape case.

Case History Gayatri Prajapati is an accused in the gang rape of a woman and her minor daughter in 2014. A non-bailable warrant was issued against the former SP minister and six others in the case The woman accused Prajapati of offering her tea laced with sedatives and raping her Prajapati had contested the 2017 assembly election from Amethi seat but lost. He was missing after the polls and an FIR was lodged against him on February 27 The Supreme Court had turned down Prajapatis plea for stay on arrest on March 6 A lookout notice was issued for Prajapati by the UP Police after he went missing He was arrested from Ashiyana area in Lucknow by the UP Special Task Force (STF) on March 15 The minister, considered close to SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, is also facing charges of misappropriation of funds in the mining department

An inquiry will be conducted against Mishra by justice Sudhir Agarwal of the HC and a report will be submitted by Sunday.

Mishra had granted bail to Prajapati on April 25, and was set to retire on April 30.

Hearing Uttar Pradesh governments appeal against the bail, chief justice Dilip Babasaheb Bhosale noted that the bail order was decided in haste and it was a matter of concern for him as the judge was to retire on Sunday.

Gayatri, however, was not released from prison on April 25 even after getting bail as cops had sought his judicial remand in two other cases, which was allowed by the court. But his two associates Vikas Varma and Pintu Singh were released on bail. The CJ cancelled the bail and directed the police to take the two into custody again.

Opposing the bail, the states additional advocate general VK Shahi pointed out it was granted without taking into account the facts of the case, and requested the court to hear the petition on Friday itself.

Shahi said the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court of judge Mishra did not grant enough time to the prosecution and the investigating officer to cross examine Prajapatis bail application. They were given only one day, as against three days sought.

He also noted that Prajapatis bail plea concealed facts before the court. It had said that no criminal case is pending against him. However, six criminal cases are pending against the former minister, Shahi said.

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The tampering with the fuel dispensing system at filling stations has shocked not only consumers but officials of oil companies too. They have promised to take strict action against the dealers who have cheated the consumers.

Talking to the media on Friday, executive director, Indian Oil Corporation Avinash Varma and state head of Bharat Petroleum Raman Mallick said that they had already started raids on petrol pumps to ensure that no more chips were installed in dispensers. An internal inquiry had also started and dealership of the dealers found guilty would be terminated.

What is the system? The system introduced to prevent oil theft made printing of bill essential after dispensing petrol at the dispensers. The system requires bill to be produced on every transaction. The system was such that no bill would be produced unless the last drop of petrol was out of the dispenser. Earlier, the bills were produced only on the request of the consumer.

We dont want to point fingers as we are waiting for the final report from the STF. However, the sales officers will have to explain why the stock register had errors, why there were no proper entries of oil sold and why the stock inside the petrol pump was more than the sale shown. They will also have to explain why they gave a clean chit to the petrol pumps without a thorough checking, said Avinash Varma.

He said the officials were taken aback as the third generation dispensing system was considered to be tamper proof. The company invested a huge amount to ensure this.

We have invited officials of companies providing dispensers to see how it was done and how the chips were fitted inside despite the seal outside dispensers. This is worrisome, he said.

In an attempt to check malpractices in dispensation of petrol at the filling stations, the oil companies came up with a new software called No Print No Delivery System (NPND) in 2013 but now with this expose, it is proved that the system was not tamper proof for the fraudsters . They were able to break the system and steal oil despite highly sophisticated dispensers.

Why fraudsters were successful?

The petrol pumps stopped producing bills and made the theft possible. The mistake of sales officers was that they never insisted on bills, nor checked the stock regularly.

Officials admit that there are 6,300 petrol pumps across the state and 150 inside the state capital. So if 20% of them were cheating, they were duping the consumers of crores per day. This amounts to a big scam.

According to the norms, deviation of more than 25 ml is not permitted on every 5 litre of petrol supply. But in this case, pumps were giving 120 ml less per litre and this fraud went undetected as the machine showed full reading due to remote control device.

Read more: Uttar Pradesh police form SIT to probe multi-crore petrol pump scam

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Pragya Thakur, accused in the September 2008 Malegaon blast case, approached the Bombay high court challenging the order of a special court, which permitted one of the blast victims relatives to intervene in the trial and assist the prosecution.

Thakur asked the high court to quash the order passed by the special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in February, calling it erroneous in law.

She added that there was no need for a third party  in this case, Nisar Bilal  to intervene in the case. Thakur, in her plea, said she was already a victim of false implication by the prosecution. She added that Bilal filed his intervention application with malafide intentions and ulterior motives.

On Friday, a division bench comprising justices V K Tahilramani and M S Karnik took up Thakurs plea for the first hearing and issued a notice to Bilal.

The high court has asked Bilal to respond by the next hearing. It is likely to take up the matter for hearing in June.

Pragya was arrested in 2008 soon after the blast. The Maharashtra anti-terrorism squad named her one of the primary conspirators of the blast, in which killed six people and injured 100.

However, the NIA took over the probe in 2011. In 2016, it filed a charge sheet, in which it gave Thakur a clean chit.

Earlier this week, another bench of the high court granted bail to Thakur, observing that it had found no prima facie evidence against her. The court, while granting bail to Thakur, relied on the fact that two witnesses, Swami Amurtanand Devtirth and Rakesh Dhawade, who had first implicated her, had retracted their statements.

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A former government official has alleged that more than an acre of his farm land in Khed, Ratnagiri was grabbed by Shiv Sena minister Ramdas Kadam a few years ago for a students hostel.

Kadam said that Atmaram Bhuvads claims are false and that he has already lost cases over it in two courts. He added that he will file a defamation case against Bhuvad.

Kadam is a senior Sena leader and holds the environment portfolio. He is the second minister from the Devendra Fadnavis government to face land-grab allegations. Earlier, former revenue minister Eknath Khadse had to resign over a land deal of a prime plot in Pune. An FIR had also been filed against him recently.

Bhuvad alleged that his family-owned 1.02-acre (41 guntha) farm land in Khed tehsil of Ratnagiri district was grabbed by Kadam in 2008 when he was the leader of the Opposition in the state assembly. Shivtej Aarogya Sanstha, a trust run by Kadam, constructed a hostel of Yogita dental college on the grabbed plot. He is also alleged to have illegally claimed the 7/12 extract (property card) of the plot. Ratnagiri is in the Konkan region of the state.

Against that, Kadam said the 7/12 extract of land shown by Bhuvad seemed to be fake as the survey number of its property does not exist as all. The land survey department has not found any plot of that survey number in its record.

He is trying to defame me in connivance with local Congress and NCP leaders as the matter is sub-judice.

His claims were already rejected by two lower courts, Kadam asserted.

The Sena leader said he has decided to file a defamation case against Bhuvad and seek a compensation of Rs10 crore for intentionally maligning him.

I am ready to send all documents to the chief minister and Dhananjay Munde, leader of Opposition in the legislative council, the minister said.

Munde has demanded Kadams resignation following serious allegations.
If you know by now Why Katappa killed Bahubali, then Mumbai police has another question for you  Why dont people follow traffic rules? If you have an answer, the force wants you to tweet it to @MumbaiPolice with #BahubaliOfTrafficDiscipline.

And the second, can be answered only by you! #BahubaliOfTrafficDiscipline pic.twitter.com/5JpIvDOFiq  Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) April 28, 2017

On a day when the magnum opus Baahubali 2: The Conclusion released to much fanfare, the Mumbai police came up with a unique strategy to publicise its own traffic awareness campaign, with an innovative tweet.

The tweet  which had a photo with a still from the movie and text that said Mumbai, we have 2 questions for you, followed by the two questions  read And the second, can be answered only by you! #BahubaliOfTrafficDiscipline.

Mumbai police spokesperson Ashok Dudhe said they were piggybacking on the films popularity to spread awareness about traffic rules. We are going by the trend.

We will also welcome suggestions on ways to curb violations in order to improve traffic management in the city, said Deven Bharati, joint commissioner of police, law and order. An interactive social media platform [Twitter] is one such medium to enlist public opinion.

Bharatis claims are not without reasons.

With over 2.61 million followers, @MumbaiPolice is one of the most followed police forces in the country on Twitter. In a couple of hours after the tweet was sent out, it had 588 retweets and more than 1,000 likes, apart from 140 replies.

With more than 35 lakh vehicles and 2,000km of motorable roads, Mumbai has the highest density of vehicles per kilometre in the country. Traffic police sources said despite the several drives conducted to spread traffic awareness, every day more than 6,000 motorists are penalised for various traffic offences  from lane cutting to jumping signals to driving without seat belt or riding without helmets. This is apart from the 2,000 e-chalans that are issued by the CCTV control room every day for similar offences. Although motorists in Mumbai are the best in the country when it comes to adherence of traffic rules, they still need to learn road manners, a senior traffic police officer said.

With the Baahubali riddle now been solved, only time will tell, if the Mumbai police can solve the traffic problems of the city with citizens feedback.

Read more:

If you roll, we will weed you out: Mumbai top cop creates Twitter buzz

Mumbai Police is set to protect you from Pokemon

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I had just Rs 550 in my bank account at the time the prosecution claimed that I paid Rs 75,000 to one of accused to kill Bhandarkar. I have proof. But I am not disheartened. Once we receive the detailed order, we will study it and move ahead for an appeal, model Preeti Jain told HT on Friday.

The city civil and sessions court sentenced Jain to three years in jail for plotting to kill filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar. While two of Jains associates  Naresh Pardeshi and Shivram Das  were also sentenced to three years in jail, two others from Uttar Pradesh were acquitted for lack of evidence.

Jain, Pardeshi and Das have been granted bail on a cash surety of Rs 15,000.

They have also been given four weeks to file an appeal in the Bombay high court.

In July 2004, Jain alleged that she was raped several times by Bhandarkar between 1999 and 2004 on the pretext of marrying her and casting her as an actor in his movies.

That case against Bhandarkar was quashed in 2012 by the Supreme Court, but that was not the end of controversies for Jain.

In September 2005, a case was registered against Jain and four others for plotting to kill Bhandarkar.

For Preeti, who was born in Cairo to a father who served in the Indian Foreign Service and spent her childhood in Switzerland, Belgium, UK and Pakistan, the verdict came as a jolt.

I was not expecting this. But I have complete faith in the judiciary, said Preeti, who plans to appeal against her conviction before the high court.

Read | I could not stop crying: Madhur Bhandarkar

After finishing her O and E levels from the Cambridge University in UK, Preeti moved along with her parents to Delhi where she graduated a Bachelor of Arts (English) from Delhi University.

But Preetis passion for modelling, compering and acting, brought her to Mumbai in 1999 after the death of her parents.

But before her career could even start, she found herself embroiled in controversies.

Preeti said she was grateful to the court for granting her bail on the same day and would continue to fight in court with her earnings from compering at events, practising numerology and gemmology.

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To pressure the Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP government to waive farmers loans, opposition parties are gearing for the fourth phase of their sangharsh yatra (struggle march) from May 11.

They also plan to request governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to convene a special session of the state legislature to discuss the issue.

The opposition parties intend to cover Konkan districts in the next three days.

Six prominent opposition parties parties  Congress, NCP, Samajwadi Party (SP), Peasants and Workers Party (PWP), Republican Party (Kawade) and United Janata Dal  have been demanding loan waiver for farmers reeling under agrarian crisis. Since March, the party leaders have been interacting with farmers and families affected by suicides. To counter them, the BJP has planned samvad yatra to reach out to people and tell them about governments efforts to solve their problems.

In the last three phases of the protest march, we have covered almost all districts of Vidarbha, Marathwada and north and west Maharashtra. We are yet to visit only the Konkan region and it will be covered in the fourth phase of the yatra, said a senior leader who did not wish to be named.

He added, We have decided to ask the government to waive farmers power bills from the use of agriculture pumps. We also want the farm loan waiver to be discussed in the state legislature. A delegation of senior Opposition leaders will meet the governor and chief minister on May 2 to discuss both demands.

The Opposition stepped up its demands to grant the Rs30,500-crore loan waiver after the Uttar Pradesh government waived its farmer loans.

While addressing BJPs state executive meeting in Chinchwad in Pune on Thursday, Fadnavis said, During the samvad (dialogue) yatra, BJP leaders and workers will tell farmers about the governments efforts to help them. Around five lakh workers will reach 50 lakh families.

BJPs ally Raju Shetti-led Swabhimani Shtkari Sangathana (SSS) too has launched a state-wide protest over the loan waiver demand.

SSS has collected 6.5 lakh forms signed by the farmers that states that they are in debt because of the bad policies implemented by the state government and hence it should waive off their loans.

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A day after HT reported the state governments decision to introduce 67% domicile reservation in private and deemed medical and dental institutes in Maharashtra, the institutes are making their displeasure public.

While a group of private institutes are planning to speak with the government about this decision, others are gathering support of private and deemed medical institutes from across the country in order to file a national-level intervention, seeking exemption from state controlled admissions.

There should be just one criteria for admission  merit. A students caste, creed or place of birth should have no stake on an education seat. The government can go about making reservations for government-run institutes but not on private and deemed institutes, said Kamal Kishore Kadam, president of the Association of Management of Unaided Private Medical and Dental Colleges. He added that the government should have no stake on private and deemed medical institutes, especially since they dont invest in them.

According to a government resolution (GR) released by the medical education department on Thursday evening, the state has decided to keep aside more than 67% of seats in private and deemed institutes for candidates with the state domicile. Also, for the first time 25% of the seats in deemed medical and dental universities will be reserved for candidates from the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Vimukta Jati, Nomedic Tribes (VJNT) and Other Backward Classes (OBC).

The government talks about equality and zero-bias admissions, and then introduces such biases. Instead, the governments concern should be to ensure fair and transparent admissions, said Kadam. He added that they are planning to organise a meeting with state government officials in next week.

Meanwhile, deemed institutes are not pleased with the introduction of social reservation by the state government for undergraduate and post graduate medical and dental admissions. This kind of government control is uninvited and against our deemed status. We will gather support from other institutes from across the country and plan a national-level intervention soon, said a spokesperson of a state-based deemed institute.

At present, a petition filed by deemed institutes against a circular by the Medical Council of India (MCI)  making state conducted common admissions process compulsory for all medical and dental institutes  is pending for hearing at the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay high court.

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A consensual relationship between two adults without any deceit or inducement does not constitute the offence of rape or cheating, said the Bombay high court on Saturday, while striking down a criminal case registered against a Mumbaiite, whose girlfriend alleged that he raped and cheated her.

The complainant, a Mulund resident, said she and the accused had been dating for a long time. She said she did not want a physical relationship, but he coerced her into one, saying he would marry her.

The relationship turned physical in September 2014, said the woman. She added that she had also undergone an abortion as her boyfriend was unwilling to support the child.

She approached the police station after her boyfriends sister told her that he would not marry her. The police called him and his relatives, after which he told the police he would marry the woman. The marriage was performed on April 25, 2015.

The woman said that on January 28, 2016, her husband left the house saying he was going to attend a friends wedding at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. However, he neither returned home nor answered the phone when she called. She approached the Mulund police again.

Acting on her complaint, the police booked her husband under sections 376 (punishment for rape) and section 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) of the Indian Penal Code.

The man approached the high court, saying that even if the womans allegations were true, he was not guilty of rape or cheating. He said that to continue criminal proceedings would be an abuse of the law.

A division bench of justices Abhay Oka and Anuja Prabhudessai noted that the woman was not a minor and the relationship had been consensual from the beginning. They said that thus, their physical relationship could not constitute rape.

The judges said the couple was married, which negated the womans allegation that the man had deceived her or lured her into physical relationship under the false promise of marriage.

It must be shown that the accused had fraudulent intentions at the time of making the promise. Only then can it constitute cheating, said the bench.
The fifth round for admissions to Right to Education (RTE) seats, reserved for poor students, concluded in Mumbai on Saturday. Even though around 9,400 applicants [the highest in four years] took part in the process this year, only 2,800 confirmed admissions.

The RTE Act, 2009 and its rules stipulate that unaided, non-minority private schools set aside 25% of their seats for students from families earning less than one lakh annually, and those belonging to socially disadvantaged groups. These students are taught free of cost from Classes 1 to 8, and the government reimburses the school later.

But with few students confirming admission, there are close to 5,000 seats leftover at the entry-level in 334 private schools in Mumbai, which participated in the online admission process carried out by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Adding to the woes of the schools management, these seats will remain vacant for the academic year 2017-18 as Maharashtra government has barred schools from admitting non-RTE students for these seats. Schools are upset at losing revenue as the state government will not reimburse them for the vacant seats. These seats are piling on every year and eating into our revenue, said Amol Dhamdhere, vice-president of the Indian Education Society (IES) schools and director of Sanjeevani International School in Mulund. The department should find a way to increase response for the RTE quota, he added.

BMC education officials said that most families target seats in popular city schools and do not accept admission in other schools. A few popular schools received hundreds of applications while 34 schools did not have any takers, said Nisaar Khan, education inspector of BMC. Students dont report for admission if they dont get a school of their choice, he added.

The official also pointed out that the number of admissions has been increasing gradually as the admission process got streamlined. In 2014-15, 8,000 seats were available but only 1,069 students were admitted. In 2016-16, the number of admissions grew to 1,688 in and 2,506 in 2016-17 after the Bombay high court ordered BMC and schools to publicise the free seats aggressively.

However, activists said that there are many students eligible for the RTE quota who could not secure a seat as they did not fill documents properly or were denied admissions. We want the department to probe into cases where applicants were denied admissions despite being allotted seats and introduce help centres to guide parents in filling forms properly, said K Narayan, member of NGO Anudanit Shiksha Bachao Samiti.

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The wife of alleged impostor Syed Imtiyaz Qadri said that she was approached by some people to admit that her husband was employed as Dr Manish Rawats driver. She said that this is a false allegation.

My husband was in Bareilly on the intervening night of January 27 and 28 when the incident took place. He was approached by a few people to surrender in the court in lieu of money, she said.

Ayesha, Qadris wife, said she was called to Bareilly from Mumbai to admit that her husband was employed as Dr Rawats driver. I was called to Bareilly last week by a lawyer, who paid for my travel. After reaching, I was made to sign some papers.

She said she was assured that her husband would get bail immediately and subsequently, released from the accident case.

Considering the implications of matter, Ayesha fears that the papers which she was made to sign can be used against Qadri. I fear that these papers can be used to falsely implicate my husband in the accident case, she said. Ayesha filed a complaint in the matter with the DIG and SSP of Bareilly.

Ayesha Qadri, the wife of one Imtiyaz Qadri, has lodged a complaint against few people who forced her to sign some papers. I have assured her of proper investigation in the matter, said Ashutosh Kumar, DIG, Bareilly zone.

Four people were killed in Ghaziabad when an Audi car collided with an autorickshaw on the intervening night of January 27 and 28. The car was registered in the name of Dr Manish Rawat. On January 31, Qadri allegedly impersonated his former co-tenant Ishaq Ahmed by using a photocopy of his drivers licence and surrendered in a Ghaziabad court. In the court, Qadri had claimed that he had driven the car during the incident.

Qadri, along with Ayesha and their children, had fled to Maharashtra where he was arrested a fortnight ago for robbery and chain snatching. He had also told the Mumbai police that he was given Rs7,000 by three persons to appear in court, in order to get an insurance claim.

We were in dire need of money and the lawyers told my husband that it was only to claim insurance for the Audi car. He was not informed that four people were killed, Ayesha said. She said that Qadri came to know about the deaths from Ishaq Ahmed on February 3.

Ayesha maintained that Qadri was in Bareilly the whole of January and only visited Ghaziabad on January 30.

Ayesha also refuted Dr Rawats claims that Qadri was employed as his driver when he was posted in Bareilly around 18 months ago.

My family moved to Bareilly from Mumbai only a year ago. My husband started a mobile repair shop in Partapur area. Why would he have worked as a driver when he had his own shop? Ayesha said, adding that he only started driving vans last October when he incurred a heavy loss and had to close his shop.

The case is currently being investigated by Ghaziabad crime branch.
Two sisters, aged 12 and 13, on Saturday approached Ghaziabad police officials and alleged that they were being harassed and subjected to sexual assault by their father for the past four years.

The two are girls are students at a government school in Ghaziabad and narrated their ordeal to their school teacher, who took them to police on Saturday.

Following a complaint from the girls, the police took their father into custody and booked him for rape and under the provisions of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The accused was later arrested and produced before a Ghaziabad court.

One of the girls allegedly told police that she was subjected to assault nearly four days back.

The family hails from Bihar and the accused works at an export company in Noidas sector 65. The police officials said that the elder girl told her teacher that she has missed her menstrual cycle for two months and fears she might be pregnant.

The girls are students of classes seven and eight, respectively.

Since the issue is of a serious nature, we will wait for the medical report to conclude whether the girl had any complication or not. They were sent for medical examination immediately after the complaint was received. Prima facie we found their allegations of exploitation by their father to be true after we questioned both of them separately. Both have given almost the same statements regarding their allegations. They approached their teacher on Saturday who in turn informed the police, said Neeraj Singh, station house officer, Vijay Nagar.

Police said that the family lives in a small house under Vijay Nagar police station jurisdiction and their mother left home in 2007 allegedly due to frequent altercations with their father.

The girls will also be produced before a magistrate for recording their statements.

Their mother has not returned since she left. Since they lived alone with the father and no relatives around, they restrained from informing the police. They often discussed the issue among themselves and even discussed where they will stay if their father is jailed. They have said that the father used to exploit them as all three slept in the same room. The accused has denied charges and claimed innocence, Singh added.

The police said that since their father was sent to jail, the girls could be sent to a childrens home.

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Ministi S, the new district magistrate (DM) of Ghaziabad, took charge on Saturday with a resolve to teach at any vulnerable government school and also to empower women.

The 2003-batch IAS officer hails from Kerala and has been a special secretary with the Uttar Pradesh home department during her previous posting.

The DM said the Bharatiya Janata Partys Sankalp Parta was the guidelines which the government has laid for the betterment of women, youth, farmers and other sections of society.

On the first day at her new job, Ministi urged district officials to adopt a school and start teaching there.

The idea is that we should all help out students of government schools in building a better future. I will adopt one school voluntarily and start teaching there for several hours a week. I will also urge all district officials to adopt a government school and start teaching students. This will be of immense help, the DM said.

I will also work for empowering women. There will be complete transparency in administration and we will ensure that every person benefits from the policies. The governance will be people-centric, Ministi said.

The district magistrate said she had started several activities during her previous posting at Barabanki district jail where stitching and making of sanitary pads for women were taken up. She said similar activities will also be started in Dasna jail in Ghaziabad.

There have been strict guidelines and an order by the state government in which it is stated that the medical examination of rape victims will be conducted the same day. If not done, the victims face further torture. In such cases, the officials will have to give an explanation, she added.

The DM also said issues such as traffic congestion, land compensation to farmers, crime and migrant population were hindering development activities.

She added that these will be taken up in due course.

Ministi has previously served in districts such as Shahjahanpur, Mainpuri, Farrukhabad and Barabanki.

After the district magistrate took charge on Saturday, the new senior superintendent of police, HN Singh, also took charge. He replaces Deepak Kumar.

I assure that there will be complete transparency while dealing with the public and we will have meetings with officers to ensure that proper FIRs are lodged and cases worked out in time, Singh said.

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Directing officials to ensure that green norms are being adhered to, the newly-appointed district magistrate of Gautam Budh Nagar, BN Singh, on Friday warned violators of strict action.

This was the first meeting held by Singh since his appointment on Wednesday. He replaced NP Singh, who has been transferred to Saharanpur.

The district magistrate directed officials to ensure that National Green Tribunal (NGT) norms pertaining to burning garbage, plastic material or harvest residue are followed.

As per NGT norms, a fine of Rs5,000 will be levied on those burning waste in the open. It is illegal for farmers to burn residue of harvest as it contributes to smog. Officials must ensure that proper action is taken against all violators. However, many are not aware of such laws of the NGT. Therefore, we must also propagate the law and make citizens and farmers aware of it, said Singh.

The advisory comes in the wake of worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR since Diwali in November 2016. A thick blanket of smog had engulfed the area after Diwali. Many had complained of irritation in the eye and uneasiness in breathing. The level of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) crossed 900 micrograms per cubic metre, more than 15 times the permissible limit. Schools across Delhi-NCR were shut for three days due to the severe pollution and construction activities were suspended on orders of the state governments in the region. Environmentalists had cited burning of crackers during Diwali and burning of residual harvest by farmers in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab for the condition.

Taking cognizance of the condition of air level in the environment, the district administration and the police said they will crack down on vehicles flouting transport department laws.

Till now, we have taken action against 416 vehicles for pollution and fined 314 for overloading. There is a need to conduct a stricter check of vehicles entering the Delhi-Noida and UP-Haryana borders to mitigate pollution level, said Singh.

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The Real Estate Regulatory Act, 2016, scheduled to come into effect in Uttar Pradesh from May 1, will safeguard the interests of homebuyers in upcoming realty projects, officials said.

However, it may not help resolve sick projects in Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway areas.

Officials said that the Real Estate Regulatory Authority will ensure transparency in new realty projects.

Transparency:

The Act makes it mandatory for each developer to obtain a registration certificate from Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) before selling units in a housing or a commercial project. The developer subsequently, will have to provide details  work experience, finances, projects already delivered, educational qualification, sanctioned map, clearance from the fire department, delivery schedule and other project-related information  on the RERA website.

For the last six to seven years, we have been asking the authorities to upload details of builders and their realty projects on their websites, so that a buyer can make an informed choice on a property purchase. It would have saved many buyers from getting cheated, Abhishek Kumar, president of Noida extension flat owners welfare association, said.

Now, RERA will ensure better transparency. A buyer can easily do a background check of a developer and a project online before making an investment, he said.

Agents under RERA scanner:

As per the Act, an individual property agent or a company working as a real estate consultant will have to get a registration certificate from RERA before setting up a business. The authority will charge an individual a registration fee of Rs5,000 and a company, Rs2.5 lakh.

There have been several cases of cheating of homebuyers by agents in Noida and Greater Noida.

A property agent will have to provide a copy of his/her PAN card and other professional details before a certificate is issued. RERA will cancel the registration and act against the agent if he/she is proven guilty of violating rules while dealing with a buyer for a property sale, the Act states.

Buyers in sick projects unhappy:

The Uttar Pradesh Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Rules 2016, notified in November 2016, have classified homebuyers under two categories  buyers in sick realty projects and new buyers who will buy a residential unit in a new project.

RERA will surely protect homebuyers interests in a new realty project, but what will happen to those who have bought flats in older, sick projects? We have suffered for the last four-five years. The RERA also has failed to provide any solution to resolve projects that have been delayed for several years, SK Nagrath, a retired army official and president of Jaypee Aman homebuyers association, said.

If a builder has completed a project and applied for a completion certificate, it will not come under the ambit of RERA. Only new projects will come under RERA as far as an initial reading of the notification, Leenu Sehgal, general manager of the Greater Noida authoritys planning department, said.

Many developers in Noida and Greater Noida have applied for a completion certificate despite not completing their projects, to avoid coming under the purview of RERA.

The UP government has promised to change the rules to ensure that unfinished projects are also included in the Act, Abhishek Kumar, president of NEFOWA, said. Kumar met UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath to discuss issues pertaining the realty sector in Noida.

Act will not resolve sick projects:

Officials said that the UP government, local authorities and developers have to come together to find a solution for sick realty projects.

RERA will ensure that a developer whose project is stuck will go to jail, as the law is very stringent. However, sending developers to jail will not solve homebuyers problems. The government and developers will have to sit and find solutions project wise. One rule will not work for all projects. RERA will regulate fresh realty projects but old projects cannot be revived under RERA. We have to look for practical solutions, Amit Modi, director of ABA Corporation and vice-president of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers of India (west UP), said.

The Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway authorities are to recover around Rs25,000 crore from builders in land dues. Many realtors have turned defaulters citing a dip in the sale of flats.

In Noida, 86 group housing projects have been delayed by three to four years due to the dip in the realty sector, affecting around one lakh buyers in projects that were to be delivered in 2012. In Greater Noida, around 3.5 lakh homebuyers are yet to get possession of flats that were to be delivered from 2012.

If old projects come under the ambit if the authority, it will be very detrimental for homebuyers as well as developers, Anil Mithas, CMD of Unnati Fortune Group, said.

Developers want changes:

Credai members are likely to meet UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath and put forth their suggestions on the act soon.

To sound populist, the UP government is taking steps to provide a safety net to consumers but the government should also be practical so that developers are not put under unwarranted pressure, a developer said.

Developers said that a flip side of the Act is that the cost of projects will increase, due to a transition in the realty market. The cost of flats will increase because developers will have to spend more on each project. Also, developers will now promise delivery in six years instead of the three years, to safeguard themselves, said Modi.

Developers want government agencies to be covered in the Act, as many times, a project gets delayed due to delay in environmental, fire and other clearances from government bodies, they said.

Also, developers who fail to adhere to the timeline can be jailed for three years if 10% of the project cost is not paid as a compounding charge.

Why did the government not include government bodies under the ambit of the authority? Many projects in Noida got delayed due to land disputes between the government and the farmer. Many times, getting a building layout map takes long. It would be easier to deliver projects on time if the government agencies are also held responsible, Modi said.

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Many believe that we have not managed relations with our neighbours well enough. Is the fault mostly ours? We need to look at our neighbourhood policy  including that under the Modi government  more objectively, keeping some pertinent points in mind.

Smaller countries feel insecure as neighbours to a big power. To avoid subservience and maintain their separate identity, they are prone to assert their independence, sometimes for its own sake. They will seek the support of external powers as a counterweight. Concerns about their domestic politics being manipulated and a client leadership put in place by the bigger neighbour impedes a fuller relationship.

Mutually beneficial economic ties are often sacrificed because of negative political thinking. Smaller countries also have unrealistic expectations, as they believe that the bigger country should be generous and not demand reciprocity, and as generosity is not defined in scale and generous acts are quickly forgotten, the problem of unmet expectations endures.

In Indias case, all elements of this syndrome are at play, plus some additional vexatious ones. Our neighbours being part of the Indian civilisational space, with deep ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious connections, they fear smothering by India. They look for ways to differentiate themselves and resist Indias embrace. Wooing them much more, as some advocate, could well increase resistance depending on their internal politics, the balance between various factions and relations with third countries that court them. As ethnic groups straddle Indias frontiers with others, this latent source of friction erupts at times.

India is constantly accused of interference in the internal affairs of neighbours. While India cannot altogether stand aloof and has to pay legitimate politics within diplomatic bounds to protect its interests, Indias interference is exaggerated to serve domestic politics.

Two of Indias neighbours were part of historical India, with separation occurring in bloodshed, hate and religious hostility. This legacy of partition survives in Pakistans case and fuels its unremitting animosity towards us, of which terrorism and Kashmir is an expression. An increasingly dysfunctional state like Pakistan effectively run by generals and increasingly wracked by religious extremism and terrorism cannot make peace with India. No amount of dialogue will change this reality. The flip-flops of successive Indian governments in their Pakistan policy, including the initial outreach by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Nawaz Sharif, his Pakistani counterpart, and his tough posture towards Islamabad subsequently, denotes the intractable nature of our Pakistan problem, not merely our inconsistency.

Pakistan was the first to bring in a big external actor  the United States to acquire capacities to confront India. We have to take into account the US factor even today in dealing with Pakistan. The China-Pakistan nexus has become a huge challenge for us, with China going much further than the US by equipping Pakistan with strategic capabilities, and backing Pakistans cause against India in diverse international forums.

But it is not Pakistan alone that uses the China card against us.

Nepal has done this traditionally and continues to do so to supposedly escape Indias total domination. It has long resisted water resource cooperation with India that is so clearly in the interest of both countries, and now has given China big openings in this sector. The attitude of the Nepalese ruling class towards India is fickle. Modis two earlier visits to Nepal enthused the Nepalese but the disruption of oil supplies because of turmoil in the Terai arising from constitutional issues created a deep anti-Indian backlash.

With the change of government in Kathmandu the situation has improved for us, but this a reprieve till the next crisis because the fundamental attitudes of Nepals hill elite towards India are deeply embedded, for which China provides cover. Virtually all our neighbours support Chinas One Belt, One Road (OBOR) project and its entry into Saarc despite Indias position.

Under Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and the settlement of land boundary and maritime disputes, ties with Dhaka have improved remarkably. With anti-India insurgent activity on Bangladesh soil eliminated and transit arrangements advanced, relations have entered a new phase. The Opposition is already accusing her of a sell-out to India, which demonstrates the complexities India faces in forging better neighbourly ties.

The ruling classes in our neighbours have to take enlightened decisions on optimal relations with India. The burden is not on India alone. Bhutan provides an excellent example of a country that has preserved its unique personality and independence while maintaining close ties with India in self-interest without the need for external balancing that undermines Indias security and other interests.

Kanwal Sibal is former foreign secretary

The views expressed are personal
There is little doubt that one of Indias greatest assets -- freedom of speech -- is under threat today.

Some may see this as a gross exaggeration, but as a journalist who has worked under authoritarian, yet often democratic regimes across Africa and Asia for almost two decades, the signs are clearly recognisable.

I witnessed this under Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe, Daniel Arap Moi in Kenya, Isaias Afewerki in Eritrea, Meles Zenawi in Ethiopia and Mahinda Rajapaksa in Sri Lanka. The modus operandi is formulaic -- with varying levels of subtlety and intensity.

It starts with less-than-creative but effective public insults directed at the media -- and which pander to populist attitudes towards the press. Then comes the singling out and public shaming of media outlets and reporters.

Reporting from Ethiopia in the early 2000s, for example, I was arrested, placed under surveillance, threatened with deportation, and harassed with phone calls every time I reported a story which the government at that time did not like.

While during my reporting trips to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the civil conflict against the Tamil Tigers, I was followed by intelligence officials, my sources harassed, and local colleagues warned and threatened.

In India over the last three years, the environment for journalists is beginning to follow the same pattern -- and so it came as no surprise this week to find Indias rating in a global index measuring press freedom dropping three places.

India slipped to 136 out of 180 countries in the 2017 World Press Freedom Index by media watchdog Reporters Without Borders -- placing it in the same category as nations such as Myanmar, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Palestine, the Philippines and South Sudan.

Since 2014, the crackdown on the press has - like in many countries - been built around a single narrative: Those who oppose the government of an issue are anti-national. Journalists have been branded presstitutes, bazaaru and sickular by senior politicians.

Like many female journalists on social media, I have been insulted, bullied and even threatened with rape for highlighting failures by the state -- from bringing peace to Kashmir, to curbing violence against women to allowing the displacement of impoverished tribals to make way from coal mining firms.

Stories on the marginalisation of Indias minority Muslim attract the most responses which are generally along the lines of You are Bin Ladens Begum, Go to Pakistan if you dont like it here and Jihadi lover get out of this country.

Feedback, comments and opinions are welcomed by journalists -- we want to engage and debate, we want to understand the other side of the story, as only then will we be in a position to improve our coverage and strive for impartiality.

But when the comments come thick and fast -- and are bigoted, sexist, racist, and packed with offensive and sometimes lewd language, you begin to wonder whether it is even worth debating.

As Reporters Without Borders rightly points out many journalists in India - myself included -- are now exercising an unparalleled level of self censorship in the worlds largest democracy.

With Hindu nationalists trying to purge all manifestations of anti-national thought from the national debate, self-censorship is growing in the mainstream media, the Paris-based group said in its report published on Wednesday.

Journalists are increasingly the targets of online smear campaigns by the most radical nationalists, who vilify them and even threaten physical reprisals.

But what India, and many other countries where populist parties promoting a nationalist agenda, are failing to recognise is that a free and independent media is essential in a healthy democracy - where questions must be asked, issues should be debates and policies are required to constantly evolve.

I am sure many will accuse me of having a biased view-point as a foreign journalist. And perhaps they are right -- but they are free to criticise me -- and if this is indeed the worlds largest democracy -- then every opinion matters and every voice counts.

Nita Bhalla is the South Asia Chief Correspondent for the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the humanitarian arm of the Reuters News Agency. She covers a range of issues including climate change, womens rights, human trafficking and slavery, land rights and disasters and conflicts.

The views expressed are personal
A day after Chandigarh administration told the Punjab and Haryana high court that it will cap the fee hike by private schools at 8%, the Independent Schools Association (ISA) said it will challenge the decision in the court. Chandigarhs move had come in light of several petitions filed against UT schools this year by parents, opposing the alleged arbitrary fee hikes. The UTs decision has to be cleared by the Centre.

Citing a 2013 judgment of then Punjab and Haryana high court AK Sikri, as the ground for opposing Chandigarhs move, HS Mamik, president, ISA, said, The decision is whimsical. I fail to understand why the Sikri judgment has been interpreted differently in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, with different consequences.

The judgment had said there can be no fixing of a rigid fee structure by the government and each institute must have the freedom to fix its own fee structure as required and must generate surplus funds that must be used for the benefit of the students.

Mamik added, We will challenge this in the court. If parents feel they cant afford a particular school, they may shift school.

Kavita Das, principal of St Johns School, Sector 26, said, There is no rule of thumb regarding the percentage of fee hike. Each school hikes fee as per requirement of development and teachers salaries. Schools have to implement the seventh pay commission as well.

ABS Sidhu, director principal, Saupins School, Sector 32, said, Both Punjab and Chandigarh will commit a mistake by putting a cap of 8% on fee hike. They are playing with the future of the children by doing this. It will lead to a fall in education standards.

Atul Khanna, director of Strawberry Fields World School, Sector 26, said, I do not understand the rationale behind proposing the 8% capping. I believe 10% hike is reasonable. The fee structure has to go with the facilities provided to students. Parents must be brought into confidence before raising the fee, but capping has no logic.

Affordability not the question, profiteering is

President of Chandigarh Parents Association, Nitin Goyal, said, Last year, the schools were charging exorbitantly under different subheads but this year, they clubbed all subheads under tuition fee, hence the massive fee hike.

He added parents were ready to pay for facilities, but why should they pay for a schools profit?

We follow the rule of the land

Sanjay Sardana, director, Manav Mangal Smart School, Phase 10, said, We believe in following the rule of the land. This time, we have increased the fee by 8% only. This will affect staff appraisal.

Administrative officer of Shastri Model School, Phase 1, Rajneesh Kumar, said, Schools affiliated to the PSEB are already charging a low fee. These schools are catering to the lower middle class of society and are careful with the imposition of the fee.

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Hoping to ease the tension over a hostellers suicide that has led to protests by students, Khalsa College Governing Council on Saturday appointed Sukhmeen Kaur Bedi, a senior professor and dean of academics, as acting principal of the historic college in Amritsar.

The dean for sciences, MS Batra, was appointed acting registrar, and Prof Gurdev Singh the head of the agriculture department.

The action comes since the principal, Mehal Singh, registrar Devender Singh and agriculture HoD Randeep Kaur Bal having been booked for abetting the suicide of Harpreet Singh, a student of BSc (agriculture) in his hostel room on Wednesday.

Its students versus teachers

Meanwhile, teachers, most of whom reside on the campus, held a parallel protest and demanded cancellation of the FIR. Students blocked the entry of the teachers and staff members from the rear Ram Tirath Road side.

Students sitting on dharna against the police and Khalsa College management at the college gates in Amritsar on Saturday, April 29. (Sameer Sehgal /HT)

Khalsa College staff protesting against cases registered against colleagues in Amritsar on Saturday, April 29. (Sameer Sehgal/HT)

The teachers, then, gave an ultimatum to the students to end their protest or face a massive demonstration against them on Monday.

KCGC chief Satyajit Majithia appealed to the district administration to stop being mute spectators to the whole scene and restore normal academic life at the college.
This tribal girls resistance to a marital relationship being foisted on her has come as an inspiration to many other minors from rural Jharkhand, a state that has long suffered from the malady of child marriage.

Fourteen-year-old Durga (name changed) made a daring escape from her pre-wedding ceremony at Karamtoli in Jharkhands Gumla district, and ran to the nearest police station for help. Local law-enforcement officers and members of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) immediately got her marriage with a middle-aged man cancelled.

I told my parents that I want to study, but they paid no attention to me. I had no option but to escape and seek police help, said Durga.

CWC members took Durga to Gumla deputy commissioner Shrawan Sai, who got her admitted to the local Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya on Friday.

Praising the girl for resisting societal pressure for the sake of academic progress, Sai said: As the girl wanted to study, we got her admitted to Class 7. She will study at the school until the intermediate level.

The news spread like wildfire in the locality, triggering outrage against her father. Firan Badaik was reportedly dragged out of his house and thrashed by neighbours. Following that, residents of the locality vowed to fight against child marriage and ostracise any family that forces girls to tie the knot at a young age.

According to the Annual Health Survey 2012-13, Jharkhand ranks third after Rajasthan and Bihar as far as child marriages are concerned. As many as 51.8% girls are married off before they turn 18 every year.

The girls, however, are starting to fight back. At least three cases of minor brides escaping in the midst of marriage celebrations have been reported since 2015, said Gumla CWC in-charge Shambhu Singh.

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Popular model and TV prime time host, Sonika Chauhan was killed while actor Vikram Chatterjee was seriously injured when the SUV in which they were travelling met with an accident in south Kolkata today.

Police said the SUV mounted the pavement while trying to avoid an approaching car from a nearby lane and partially tilted on one side at around 4:30 am near Rashbehari Avenue crossing.

A post shared by Vikram Chatterjee (@vikramchatterje) on Mar 22, 2017 at 11:30am PDT

Vikram and Sonika, who were on the drivers seat and front seat respectively, were brought out from the mangled car by locals and rushed to a private hospital, police said.

While Sonika was declared dead, Vikram was admitted to the hospital, police said.

A pall of gloom descended as the news of the mishap spread and many Bengali film actors including Dev rushed to the hospital on E M Bypass.

A friend director said Vikram was stable but in ICU.

Sonika, a popular face in city and Mumbai modelling circuits, had also been hosting a prime time show on a national channel.

Vikram, whose last film Khoj (The Lost) had been screened in several film festivals, had also acted in Elar Char Adhyay and Ami Ar Amar Girlfriends.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
Airstrikes struck a centre of Syrias rescuers known as the White Helmets in a rebel-held area in the countrys centre, killing eight volunteers, opposition activists said on Saturday.

The airstrike was one of the deadliest against the rescuers who operate in opposition-held areas and who have garnered world attention for operating in extreme conditions, pulling survivors out of recently struck areas.

The volunteers have often been targeted by government airstrikes, in what are known as double tap attacks, as they work to rescue others.

The local White Helmets in the central Hama province said an air raid on one of their centres in Kfar Zeita killed eight members of the team. The group said five bodies were lifted from the rubble and the rescuers continued to look for the others.

The Britain-based opposition monitoring group, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said the number of those killed is likely to rise as the search mission continues.

It was not clear who carried out the airstrikes, as Syrian government and Russia aircraft have targeted opposition-held areas. The central Hama province have been scene to intense violence in recent weeks, as the government attempts to push back a rebel offensive.

Syria government repels IS attack in Aleppo

On Saturday, Syrias military said its troops and allied fighters repelled an attack by the Islamic State group on a strategic area held by the government in southern Aleppo province.

The attack took place in Khanaser, southeast Aleppo  a strategic region that links Aleppo with central and western Syria. The area has changed hands many times during the conflict. But last year, government troops and allied fighters wrested control of Khanaser from IS.

The military media arm said IS attacked Um Mayyal village near a mountain range in Khanaser and other areas.

The Observatory said IS fighters launched the attack on military posts in the area, triggering intense clashes and leaving many casualties.

IS-affiliated Aamaq news agency claimed IS fighters killed 30 government soldiers in the attack.

Near the capital, hundreds of Syrians from the rebel-held suburbs of eastern Ghouta near Damascus protested against infighting between the insurgent groups that began Friday and left dozens killed in the area.

The infighting came amid an intensified government offensive in the area near Damascus, which the rebels have controlled for years but has been increasingly squeezed by government advances.

God rid us of all leaders, the protesters chanted, criticizing the head of the insurgent groups for diverting their weapons from the front line with the government.

The infighting is pitting the powerful Army of Islam group against al-Rahman Corps and al-Qaida-linked group the Levant Liberation Committee, or Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Each side blames the other for triggering the fighting in the power struggle over control of eastern Ghouta. Some activists have called on Army of Islam to rid eastern Ghouta of the powerful al-Qaida-linked group.

The Observatory said shots were fired at the protesters in one area, leaving five injured.

In 24 hours of fighting, the Observatory said at least 38 insurgents from the warring sides were killed. Damascus-based Shaam News Network put the number at 60, in addition to six civilians killed because of the clashes.

For the past three years, the government has been unable to regain control of the eastern suburbs of Damascus. But in recent weeks, an intensified offensive points to a new determination to retake the area.

On Saturday, activists reported a heavy air campaign against the areas Qaboun neighborhood.
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Fourteen people were wounded in a pipe bomb blast in Manila, Philippine police said on Saturday, but authorities dismissed any link to an Asian leaders meeting under way in the capital.

The explosion happened late Friday about five kilometres (three miles) from the heavily guarded complex where Association of Southeast Asian (Asean) leaders are meeting and police said they were investigating the possibility it was a revenge assault.

A relative of a 14-year-old boy injured in an attack in the same area by a group of youths earlier in the week had made public threats, police spokesperson chief inspector Kimberly Molitas said.

She described the device as a homemade pipe bomb stuffed with low-grade explosives, like the ones used to make firecrackers.

No one has been arrested.

The incident is not in any way connected to or directed (at) the ongoing Asean summit, Ernesto Abella, spokesman for President Rodrigo Duterte, said in a statement.

We assure our people that security measures are in place in todays event and ask the public for their full understanding and cooperation in this regard.

The Philippines is fighting Islamic militants based in the countrys south who have been blamed by police in the past for deadly bombings as well as kidnappings.

Of the 14 people hurt, six were treated for minor wounds and sent home, while eight others remain in hospital, two of them with serious injuries, Molitas said.
Canadas defence minister Harjit Sajjan has apologised for claiming to be the architect of a 2006 military operation in Afghanistan while delivering a speech at a conference for a New Delhi-based think-tank.

Sajjan expressed regret for taking credit of Operation Medusa during his speech on Conflict Prevention and Peacekeeping. The conference, organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), was held on April 18 this year.

The defence ministers speech, posted online by the ORF, was immediately criticised by the opposition. Canadian daily National Post quoted a former soldier as saying that Sajjans claim was a bald-faced lie.

In the speech, Sajjan said that during his first deployment to Kandahar in 2006, I was kind of thrown into an unforeseen situation and I became the architect of an operation called Operation Medusa where we removed about 1,500 Taliban fighters off the battlefield.

Every military operation our forces undertook in Afghanistan, including Operation Medusa, relied on the courage and dedication of many individuals across the Canadian Forces. My comments were in no way intended to diminish the role that my fellow soldiers and my superiors played in Operation Medusa. What I should have said was that our military successes are the result of the leadership, service and sacrifice of the many dedicated women and men in the Canadian forces. I regret that I didnt say this then, but I want to do so now, a statement released by the ministry read.

The office also sent additional messages to HT, that included one in which the defence minister was mentioned in dispatches for outstanding professionalism and courage as the special advisor to American coalition forces in Afghanistan.

Sajjan had served three tours of duty in Afghanistan as a reservist.

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Beijing should take into account regional concerns in implementing transnational projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a top Communist party scholar has said, adding if necessary such projects could be temporarily stopped to sort out differences.

The Kashgar to Gwadar CPEC is one of the flagship projects under President Xi Jinpings Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). India has repeatedly raised its concerns on the project with China as some projects in the CPEC are planned in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Any transnational projects involve concerns of different countries. We need to coordinate that to strike a balance to be acceptable to all parties. If we can't reach that balance, maybe we can stop it for some time, Zhang Yunling, an influential academic who is member of the presidium of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), an official think-tank, said in Beijing.

Even in the case of navigation routes on Mekong river for example, many problems emerged. We have to discuss them one by one. We need to learn lessons. Sometimes, the lessons maybe too big; we may have to stop (the projects), Zhang said when asked about the CPEC passing through PoK.

It cannot always be rosy. Any transnational project involves concerns of different countries. We need to coordinate and strike a balance to be acceptable to all parties, he said.

If cannot reach that balance maybe (the project) can stop it for some time. Any transnational project involves that complexity, he added.

Zhang was briefing the press on the upcoming Belt and Road Forum (BRF) to be held in the middle of May in Beijing, which is to be attended by nearly 30 heads of state.

China is unlikely to stop the multiple projects under way under the CPEC but the senior scholars comments indicate that the Chinese government was analysing concerns  including Indias  raised by countries on certain aspects of BRI.

Though China has sent multiple invitations to the Indian government and several of its ministers, New Delhi is unlikely to send any official representative to the BRF. Indian academics and businessmen are expected to attend the forum.

On Indias reluctance to join the BRI, Zhang said: The Indian government has been quite prudent and cautious in expressing its attitude towards BRI but participates in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

Zhang suggested that it was not necessary to put the BRI label to everything.

It only provides a platform. For China-India cooperation, we dont need to look at the BRI alone. We already have a range of cooperation in a wide range of areas including infrastructure, he said.

On the CPEC, he said its a misconception that China has committed $46 billion to the project.

There is some misunderstanding about China-Pakistan cooperation. Yes, its tens of billions but its not one lump-sum investment; it is a gradual investment, he said.

Earlier this month, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) told HT that, in fact, that there is no specific budget for the project.

There is no specific budget for the construction of the CPEC. Instead, it follows international practices, adopting a market driven model, encouraging enterprises to play an essential role to move it forward. It (the project) is based on scientific evaluation and it is being implemented under the principle operating when mature, the MFA told Hindustan Times in a written response.

On the financial risks involved in the projects, Zhang said: We need to share the risks so that we are jointly designing, jointly building and jointly discussing projects. Whenever there is any danger there should be immediate communication on the risks and dangers and should also involve dispute settlement mechanism.

(eom)

--
European Union leaders endorsed stiff divorce terms for Britain on Saturday and warned Britons to have no illusions about swiftly securing a new relationship to keep their access to EU markets.

At a Brussels summit marked by unusual harmony among the 27 leaders, there was a flash of the cross-Channel acrimony which some fear could wreck any deal when officials accused London of cynically vetoing some EU spending and demanded it back down or face disrupting the start of talks next month.

Meeting for the first time since Prime Minister Theresa May triggered the two-year countdown to Brexit in late March, her counterparts took just minutes as they sat down to lunch in Brussels to approve eight pages of negotiating guidelines hammered out by their diplomats over the past month.

They greeted the decision with applause, officials said.

The text will bind Michel Barnier, their chief negotiator, to seek a deal that secures the rights of 3 million EU expats living in Britain, ensures London pays tens of billions of euros Brussels thinks it will be owed, and avoids destabilising peace by creating a hard EU-UK border across the island of Ireland.

We are ready, Barnier said. We are together.

With Barnier expecting to launch negotiations after the June 8 election May called to strengthen her position, the EU leaders also firmly ruled out discussing the free trade deal May wants until they see significant progress on key withdrawal terms.

Before discussing the future, we have to sort out our past, summit chair Donald Tusk told reporters.

He criticised British politicians -- who have included May herself -- for speaking of a quick deal to reassure expatriates when the legal complexities required much more detailed talks.

We need a serious British response, Tusk said.

In London, Britains minister for leaving the European Union said he wanted the negotiations to be conducted in a spirit of goodwill.

But there is no doubt that these negotiations are the most complex the UK has faced in our lifetimes. They will be tough and, at times, even confrontational, David Davis said in a statement in response to the guidelines.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel repeated her concern that some in Britain had illusions about quick trade talks.

I sometimes feel some people in Britain, and I dont mean the government, are not so clear on the idea that there is an exit phase and then a phase on the future relationship, she said.

BRITISH UNDERESTIMATE DIFFICULTIES

European commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, the EU chief executive, took an even more combative tone, saying his officials had identified a cocktail of 25 different legal issues to settle just regarding expatriate residence rights.

I have the impression sometimes that our British friends -- not all of them -- underestimate the technical difficulties we have to face, he told reporters, three days after he and Barnier met May over dinner in London for constructive talks.

Raising publicly the commissions irritation with Britain over its 11th-hour decision to withhold consent on Wednesday to some 6 billion euros ($6.5 billion) in EU spending on approved programmes, notably to handle the Mediterranean migrant crisis, Juncker warned that the issue could affect the start of talks.

British officials said the reserve imposed via a Tuesday night email on a package of measures due to have been approved by EU ambassadors on Wednesday morning was a simple procedural matter prompted by the purdah period before elections, during which ministers prefer not to take sensitive decisions.

European Heads of State meet during a EU summit in Brussels, Belgium. (Reuters Photo)

Juncker was unimpressed: It would facilitate the beginning of the negotiations if the UK were to be able to withdraw the reserve, he said.

EU officials questioned British motives, saying it appeared unprecedented and affected policies which Britain had agreed during months of prior deliberation: This is clearly not a technical decision, one said. It could be show of force.

An unusual unity has been forged by the shock of Brexit which broke a taboo and raised fears of further break-up at the hands of nationalists like far-right leader Marine Le Pen. She will contest Frances presidential election run-off on May 7, though few expect her to beat centrist Emmanuel Macron.

The EU considers it vital that Britain not be seen to profit from Brexit, to dissuade others from following suit.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel warned against falling into a trap where Britain divided the bloc to its advantage.

Also contentious among the 27 will be which cities scoop the prizes of hosting two EU agencies set to be moved from London.

With most of the 27 offering to house the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and several wanting the European Banking Authority (EBA), Tusk and Juncker proposed they agree selection criteria in June to avoid unseemly rows.

In a mark of how last years Brexit vote has called into question the unity of the United Kingdom itself, leaders also offered Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny a pledge that if Northern Ireland, which voted against Brexit, ever unites with his country, it will automatically be in the EU.
Laden with whisky and baby milk, the first freight train linking China directly to the UK arrived in the eastern Chinese city of Yiwu Saturday after a 12,000-kilometre (7,500-mile) trip, becoming the worlds second-longest rail route.

The journey is the latest effort in Chinas drive to strengthen trade links with western Europe along a modern-day Silk Road route.

The train arrived at around 9:30am (0130 GMT) to Yiwu on Saturday, the Yiwu Tianmeng Industry Company told AFP.

The worlds top trading nation launched the One Belt, One Road strategy in 2013, and has since poured millions into constructing vast infrastructure links.

The journey is the latest effort in Chinas drive to strengthen trade links with western Europe. (Reuters Photo)

The train -- which was also carrying pharmaceuticals and machinery -- departed London on April 10 and passed through France, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan during its 20-day trip before arriving in Yiwu in eastern Zhejiang province, a major wholesale centre for small consumer goods.

The new route is longer than Russias famous Trans-Siberian railway, but about 1,000 kilometres shorter than the record-holding China-Madrid link, which opened in 2014.

London is the 15th city to be linked to a new freight network offered by the state-run China Railway Corporation, which says its services are cheaper than air transport and quicker than shipping.

The journey should be 30 days faster than moving the goods by ship, the provincial government had said, but the pilot run took two days more than the 18 days expected.

And the train, named the East Wind, has much less carrying capacity -- just 88 shipping containers, according to the Yiwu government, compared to the 10,000 to 20,000 containers cargo ships can carry.

Nothing new

It is unclear how much the venture cost, and some experts have questioned whether the ambitious project makes economic sense.

The sign at the front of the train reads: "First Sino-Euro freight train. (Reuters Photo)

It is hard to say at this stage what the economic return will be, as the economic benefits will come over a long time, He Tianjie of Oxford Economics Hong Kong told AFP.

However, the train is in some aspects more convenient and flexible. It can make multiple stops, allowing for the pick up and offloading of cargo along the way. Rail transport is also less affected by adverse weather conditions. Therefore, there may be a role for such long-haul rail links, he said.

China already has a regular direct freight train service to Germany, Europes largest economy.

One route links the Chinese megacity of Chongqing to Duisburg, a steel-making town and one of Germanys most-important transportation and commercial hubs.

The other route links Beijing, the Chinese capital, to Hamburg, Germanys second-largest city.

Prime Minister Theresa May will visit China later this year, with talks likely to include closer trade ties for when Britain leaves the European Union, according to British officials.

The reality is that there is nothing new here. Transcontinental rail transit has existed for over a century, said Theresa Fallon, director of the Centre for Russia, Europe, Asia Studies (CREAS) in Brussels.

The launch of the new rail route was a bid to show post-Brexit Britain that there were other trade options than neighbouring Europe, she said.

A train carrying containers from London arrives at the freight railway station in Yiwu, Zhejiang province. (Reuters Photo)

But this train will transport to China British socks, Scotch and soda pop -- which hardly heralds a bright new age of Sino-UK trade.

Roughly 80% of global trade is shipped by sea as freight train services face technical and bureaucratic hurdles which vary according to country.

The East Winds locomotive and carriages had to be changed en route because of the larger gauge on railways in the former Soviet Union.
A 29-year-old Indian American was stripped of his US citizenship after being sentenced for more than five years in jail for conspiring to illegally distribute male enhancement pills imported from China.

Ismail Ali Khan was also convicted and sentenced for falsely stating that he was not a criminal on his application to become a naturalised US citizen, federal prosecutors said on Friday.

Prosecutors said Khan, a resident of Decatur in Georgia, and others illegally imported pills from China containing an active ingredient in Viagra and distributed them throughout the US, Patch news portal reported.

He was part of a criminal export ring that hatched an elaborate scheme to import to the US, male enhancement pills with names such as Maxman, Happy Passengers from China.

The rings plot included mislabelling scores of drugs to evade detection by the Food and Drug Administration and US Customs and Border Protection.

The drugs were labelled as beauty products, pottery, coffee, and tea, federal prosecutors said.

Khans sentence would be followed by three years of supervised release, according to the report.

This defendant endangered the health of countless individuals by illegally importing and distributing drugs that can be obtained in the US only with a prescription written by a licensed, medical professional, US Attorney John Horn said.

Whats more, this defendant became a naturalized US citizen by giving a false statement to the government about his criminal history, while he was engaged in this illicit drug scheme.

Khans willful criminal pursuit earned him more than a prison sentence. It cost him his citizenship and deportation after prison, the attorney said.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Steve C. Jones ordered that Khans status as a naturalised US citizen be revoked and his certificate of naturalisation was declared void.

He also ordered that Khan be immediately deported to India once he completes his prison term. At that time, supervised release will not be enforced.

Khan filled out an application in 2013 to become a naturalized US citizen while the drug conspiracy was going on. He became a naturalized US citizen in March 2014.
The day after US President Donald Trump warned of a major, major conflict and his aides called for painful punitive measures, North Korea test-fired a missile that failed to fly far but sent a firm message that it will not be cowed down.

The surface-to-surface missile, which did not clear the North Korean shoreline making it one more in a series of failures, according to reports, came just hours after secretary of state Rex Tillersons call at the UN for a united front.

Hours after the failed test, the White House responded with a statement that the administration was aware of the most recent North Korean missile test and that the President has been briefed.

Trump followed that up with a tweet, his preferred form of communication: North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!

This was the 75th missile test by North Korea under Kim Jong Uns watch since 2011 and at least the eighth since Trumps inauguration in January; the first came during Japanese premier Shinzo Abes visit as Trumps guest at his Florida resort in February.

Trump, who told Reuters in an interview earlier that there was a chance the US could end up having a major, major conflict with North Korea, has tried to persuade China to use its considerable influence to rein in its client state. That was the context of his tweet.

But, he has insisted, the United States was willing to go it alone if China, which buys 85% of North Korean exports, seemed disinclined, and his tweet on Friday appeared to be an attempt to nudge, and goad, Beijing to do more.

But experts have argued Beijing has shrinking leverage over Pyongyang, with most of its allies in the regime purged by Kim, the 27-year-old North Korean leader who is also alleged to have had his half-brother killed in Malaysia recently.

Tillerson unveiled a US campaign at the UN on Friday, hours before the North Korean missile test, that seemed to open doors, or leave them ajar at the least, for negotiations, stating it did not want a regime change.

Trump signalled a similar message of accommodation in his Reuters interview saying he gives credit to Kim as not many 27-year-old men could go in and take over a regime, suggesting he understands the young leaders compulsion.

Tillerson went on to propose a three-point formula to tackle North Korea, peaceably but with all options  including the use of military  on the table. First, he said, all member nations must enforce sanctions agreed upon by the US in 2016 and before.

Second, Tillerson urged member nations of the world body to downgrade their diplomatic ties with North Korea. It was an appeal not accompanied by the threat of consequences, which is standard American pressure tactic.

It wasnt immediately known how, and if, India, which has full diplomatic ties with North Korea with an embassy in Pyongyang and had discussed North Korea with US national security adviser HR McMaster during his recent visit, would respond.

Tillersons third and final suggestion was to introduce new sanctions, with the aggregated aim to implement this new pressure campaign (which) will be swiftly implemented and (will be) painful to North Korean interest.
The Pakistan armys public rejection of action taken by the Nawaz Sharif government against a member of its inner circle over the Dawn Leaks affair has resulted in a standoff between the two institutions, with many fearing that things may worsen in the coming days.

On Saturday, it was announced that Sharifs Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi had been sacked due to his alleged role in the leaking of information about a high-level meeting of the civil and military leadership to local newspaper Dawn.

The controversy, known as Dawn Leaks, was triggered after the newspapers columnist Cyril Almeida, quoting unnamed sources, wrote that in a high-level meeting on national security held on October 3, 2016, civilian leaders had spoken about Pakistans growing diplomatic isolation due to its lack of action against some militant groups. The report claimed that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agencys director general was present in the meeting, which was attended by a number of functionaries including Sharif as well as his brother Shahbaz Sharif.

Both the civil government as well as the military high command refuted Almeidas report. He was then put on the Exit Control List for some time while the government set up an inquiry committee to investigate the matter and find out who had leaked details of the meeting. In November 2016, the interior ministry notified a seven-member committee  headed by retired judge Aamer Raza Khan  to probe the matter. The panel was supposed to submit its report within the next 30 days but was given a one-month extension by the ministry to complete its task.

One member each from the ISI, Military Intelligence and Intelligence Bureau were included in the panel. Establishment Secretary Tahir Shahbaz, Punjabs Ombudsman Najam Saeed and the Federal Investigation Agency Director Usman Anwar were also part of the committee.

Based on the recommendations of the report, Sharifs office issued a letter stating that he had approved the committees recommendation to remove Fatemi from his post. The letter, widely shared on social media and a local TV channel on Saturday, said that the allocation of the portfolio of foreign affairs to Fatemi would be withdrawn and the necessary notification in this regard would be issued soon.

Notification on Dawn Leak is incomplete and not in line with recommendations by the Inquiry Board. Notification is rejected.  Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) April 29, 2017

The letter also said that Sharif directed that the role of Dawns editor Zafar Abbas and columnist Cyril Almeida be referred to the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) for necessary disciplinary action to be taken against them.

The APNS, the letter said, shall also be asked to develop a Code of Conduct for the print media especially when dealing with issues relating to the security of Pakistan and to ensure that stories on issues of national importance and security are published by abiding with basic journalistic and editorial norms. The letter said that the premier also approved the committees recommendation that Rao Tehsin Ali, Principal Information Officer of the Ministry of Information, shall be proceeded against under the E&D Rules 1973 on the charges based on findings in the report.

But within a matter of hours, a war of words between the government and the military began.

Within minutes of the letter being made public, the Pakistan Army rejected the notification from the Prime Ministers Office , terming it incomplete and not in line with the inquiry committees recommendations. Sources close to the army say that others identified by the committee for action were ignored by Sharif. In an unusual tweet, DG ISPR Major General Asif Gahfoor said, Notification on Dawn Leaks is incomplete and not in line with recommendations by the inquiry board. Notification is rejected.

In response, a few hours after the Pakistan Armys tweet, interior minister Chaudhry Nisar said state institutions responding through tweets did not bode well for the countrys democracy. It was only a reference issued in lieu of the briefing given to the Prime Minister, Nisar told reporters at a press conference in Karachi, adding, A notification is yet to be issued by the interior ministry.

In a direct attack on the military, Nisar said, There are several issues of great importance and its unfortunate that they are being dealt with through tweets. State institutions dont communicate with each other through tweets. Nisar said the interior ministry would issue a notification in line with the recommendations of the inquiry board: Nobody is being protected in the [Dawn Leaks] inquiry .
Pope Francis pleaded for peace in a visit to Egypt as he attended a service in solidarity with the embattled Coptic minority at a church bombed by the Islamic State group.

The pontiff walked to the Saint Peter and Saint Paul church in Cairo in a procession led by standard-bearing clergy, after meeting Coptic Pope Tawadros II at his headquarters on Friday.

Security forces in the capital were on high alert under a state of emergency following a series of church bombings claimed by IS.

On April 9, the jihadists bombed two churches in the Arab worlds most populous country, killing 45 people in the deadliest attack on Copts in recent memory.

Last December, the Saint Peter and Saint Paul church was itself targeted by a suicide bomber in an attack that killed 29 people.

Francis had earlier met President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Ahmed al-Tayeb, the grand imam of the Al-Azhar institution, one of Muslim worlds leading authorities, to push for dialogue between the two faiths.

In a speech to a Muslim-Christian conference, the 80- year-old pontiff denounced violence and populism.

Peace alone... is holy and no act of violence can be perpetrated in the name of God, for it would profane his name, Francis said.

He also took aim at what he called demagogic forms of populism... on the rise, saying they were unhelpful to peace.

Francis shuttled from one engagement to another in a closed car under heavy guard on the first day of his tightly scheduled 27-hour trip.

Police and soldiers stood guard outside the Vatican residence in Cairo and armoured cars were stationed outside the Coptic Orthodox Saint Marks Cathedral, where Tawadros IIs headquarters are located.

Francis met the Coptic pope at his headquarters, where the two exchanged gifts.

Our church and nation has been through a painful experience in the past few months when the sinful hand of terrorism reached out to murder praying innocents, Tawadros said in a speech at the meeting.

Their innocent blood unites us, Francis said in turn.

He and Tawadros then walked in procession to the Saint Peter and Saint Paul church, where they sat near the altar as a choir sang hymns to clashing cymbals.

Hours before the church visit, Francis became the first Roman Catholic pope to visit the head of Al-Azhar in his Cairo headquarters, sealing a recent improvement in relations between Catholicism and Islam.

In another speech with Sisi in the audience, Francis expressed support for Egypts military campaign against Islamic State group jihadists, who had bombed the churches and killed hundreds of troops.

But he also insisted on unconditional respect for inalienable human rights such as equality among all citizens, religious freedom and freedom of expression.

Sisi has faced heavy criticism from rights groups for abuses since he led the military ouster of his Islamist predecessor Mohamed Morsi in 2013.

Before disembarking from his aircraft in Cairo, Francis had told reporters his visit was a journey of unity and fraternity. Less than two days but very intense.

His meeting with Tayeb, he said, would be an example and a model for peace precisely because it will be a meeting of dialogue.

Please pray for my journey tomorrow as a pilgrim of peace to Egypt, Francis tweeted on Thursday, the eve of his departure.

Before his visit, some roads had been festooned with posters showing Francis against the backdrop of the Pyramids, with a message that read: Pope of peace in the Egypt of peace.

John Paul II was the last pope to have visited Egypt in 2000, with his arrival also coming weeks after anti-Christian violence that killed about 20 Copts in January that year.

Vatican dialogue with the Muslim world, a priority for this pope, was set back significantly when Franciss predecessor Benedict XVI made a speech in 2006 in which he was seen as linking Islam to violence.

The now-retired German pontiffs 2011 comments condemning an attack on a Coptic church prompted Al-Azhar to denounce Benedict for meddling in Egypts affairs.

On Saturday, the pontiff will preside over a mass for the countrys small Catholic community, estimated to number around 272,000 spread across various rites.

Egypts Copts, who make up about 10% of the countrys population of 92 million, are the Middle Easts largest Christian minority and one of the oldest.

But they have suffered attacks throughout the years and many complain that they feel like second-class citizens.
Reports have escalated that the increasing crime rate in Denver most especially property crimes is related to legalizing marijuana stores. It can be recalled that marijuana stores have been legalized but only for medical purpose but this time, marijuana recreational stores were also legalized too.

A study was conducted to prove this and was later published in the Journal of Primary Prevention. The research showed that the widespread property crimes in Denver are due to the prevalent sales of marijuana in most stores which at first was only limited to medical purposes. Just lately, for no apparent reason, marijuana has been sold also for non-medical purposes.

Even if the results showed that crimes are not that high in areas just surrounding the marijuana stores, still the adjacent places have the higher rate of property crimes Physics Org reported. Because of this, the authors of the said study said that legalizing marijuana for sales always comes with a cost. That's why if a resident or a person's utmost concern is their health, then they need to also take note of their security more so with this issue.

Legalizing marijuana for sales in Denver is also likened to some crimes like those which usually occur in bars and restaurants that also serve alcoholic beverages. But one thing that the authors of the study also noticed was that the rate of crimes in bars is way higher than that in marijuana stores according to News Hub.

The only point here which the authors of the study want to imply is that there is a side effect of legalizing marijuana for recreational sales and purposes. Particularly, the study also takes note that the increasing number of marijuana stores is the main factor behind this. Because of this, some were also claiming that since the law was changed to include marijuana for recreational sales, there is a possibility that it directly affects the number of crimes.

With these latest reports, the authors of the study also claimed that in order to determine the relation of marijuana stores to crimes, these need to be compared to stores that offer alcohol. Further, the marijuana outlets are the one slightly responsible for the property crimes.

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Andrew Mungul, general manager of the Ambassador Hotel Tulsa, has been named Marriott General Manager of the Year, Americas Western Region. Mungul joins the Eastern Region winner as one of only two general managers honored in all of Marriotts Americas properties. Mungul, and his staff won for overall performance in: overall growth of the business versus prior year total sales, market share growth year-over-year, growth year-over-year, overall guest service ranking, leadership and community involvement. Mungul posted year-over-year growth of nearly 16 percent. For the Autograph Collection, he ranked first globally in guest satisfaction for most of the year and finished with a 92 percent Staff Service Overall score. In 2016 alone, Ambassador Hotel Tulsa outranked more than 5,700 properties to be named the top full-service Marriott worldwide in Marriott Internationals guest satisfaction survey, was named Best Hotel by U.S. News & World Report, and was named a Travelers Choice Top Hotel in the United States by Trip Advisor. Ambassador Tulsa has also earned the coveted Four Diamond Rating by AAA for two consecutive years. Mungul was named a Rising Star by the College of Human Sciences at Oklahoma State University in 2015, and Oklahoma Hotel and Lodging Associations Outstanding General Manager of the Year for a small property in 2016. He was a NextGEN Under 30 honoree for valuable contributions to his company and community, and currently serves as a board member for the Metro Tulsa Hotel and Lodging Association and the Oklahoma Hotel and Lodging Association.
Some people will tell you that Saturday is the best day of the week. Others will tell you Sunday. These people are wrong. The best day of the week is Friday. Over the course of the past 29 months, Tory Lanez, otherwise known as Argentina Fargo, has periodically released a song on Friday as a part of his celebrated Fargo Friday release series, thus taking his fans into the weekend in style. So even if you disagree that Friday is the best day of the week, you cannot deny that it is the Swavey-est. In honor of Friday, we present seven of our favorite Fargo Fridays releases. Click through the gallery to relive.

The Godfather

Lanez is ambitious, competitive, and supremely self-confident, and he had likely had had his patience tested a million times over by the time he launched Fargo Fridays in September 2014. The series first release The Godfather, which samples Nina Rotas indelible theme song from The Godfather, finds him kneeling at the altar and begging the Lord to just let him win. Because hed rather die than lose.

Acting Like

The opening track on Cruel Intentions, Lanezs 2015 EP with collective WeDidIt, is a testament to Shlohmos genius as a creator of textures. His synths puncture the ether and perfectly compliment Lanezs wispy vocals.

Say It

Lanez released the first 90 seconds of Say It a couple weeks before he gave the full track the proper Fargo Fridays treatment. Even from the snippet, you could tell the song was about to be absolute flames. Pop Wansel pulls out all the production stops, with convulsing synths, gospel-tinged R&B fills (s/o Brownstone), and Lanez smooth vocals all tied up in a tightly wound yet sensual arrangement.

B.L.O.W.

Lanez has burned plenty of bridges on his decade-long journey to greatness, and B.L.O.W. is final message to the haters before he officially blows up. I cant wait to blow on you, Lanez sings I cant wait to blow on you, I cant wait to blow

Its true: he was really about to blow. Say It, had come out a couple months prior, and it would become his breakout mainstream hit. One can only imagine the satisfaction he derived from its success. Lanez has the competitive drive of Kevin Garnett: lethally uncompromising. Which takes us to our to next Fargo Fridays highlight

[[hhembed{provider:jwplayer,id:hgqEbNsT}]]

Tim Duncan

Rappers frequently compare themselves to hoopers, and youd expect an artist as flashy as Tory Lanez to compare himself to a guy like J.R. Smith. Which makes his tribute to The Big Fundamental, Tim Duncan, all the more unexpected and touching.

Tim Duncan is produced by the perennially under0heralded Chicago producer C-Sick, who also produced Lanezs intoxicating club anthem Diamonds. Read HNHHs interview with C-Sick here.

For Real

For Real contains a dizzying flurry of references from Jeff Gordon, Betty Crocker, and Givenchy. Like Jesus turning water to wine, he brags that he could I could fuck a fake bitch, fake ass, fake tits til that shit is real. Lanez out here performing miracles.

August 19th

Every second of August 19th is pure greatness, from the the clinking of the ice in his Patron cup to the magnificent (MAGNIFICENT!!!!) Jahlil Beats-produced soul sample to the shots at XXL. Straight flex music and did I mention that the beat is magnificent?
The Great Australian Bight, an undisturbed marine reserve for whales and hundreds of aquatic species, was one of the oil industry's most promising deep-water frontiers - a frontier where BP planned to drill.

For years, environmental groups waged war on those plans until BP gave them up in October. But it wasn't the fierce opposition that drove BP to leave behind an estimated 2 billion barrels of crude oil off the southern coast of Australia. Rather, it was the market and persistently low oil prices.

The British oil company is hardly alone in the retreat. For the past three years, the energy industry's search for deep-sea pools of oil has almost completely stalled in the energy slump. Last year, oil companies discovered the smallest amount of oil on record, according to the International Energy Agency, and companies replaced just a fraction of the crude reserves they pumped.

"Exploration drilling has fallen off the map," said Bob Fryklund, chief upstream strategist at IHS Markit. "If you don't drill wells, you can't find oil."

This week, the energy industry will show off its latest technological breakthroughs to a giant throng of oil and gas professionals at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston. But even though oil prices have risen, the three-year slump in the exploration business will hang over the gathering at NRG Center, where seismic imaging companies and offshore rig contractors will try to sell services the industry still isn't buying.

If there's anything romantic about the oil industry, it's the way colossal steel beasts pumping oil hundreds of miles from land spring from a hunch of some unsung geologist, and then are designed by petroleum engineers with all the complexity of a space shuttle flight.

But it costs $100 million just to drill a deep-water exploration well to see whether there's really oil in the ground, with the payoff of these engineering feats coming decades after companies study the first seismic maps of some unexplored territory off the coast of West Africa or South America.

That's why exploration spending is always the first casualty of oil busts and the last of the industry's businesses to recover. Even as higher prices have spurred a drilling revival in U.S. shale plays, investments in frontier ventures around the world fell to $34 billion last year, down from a recent peak of $94 billion in 2013. Analysts say they don't see any signs that activity will return to that level anytime soon.

"Maybe never," said Julie Wilson, an analyst at energy research firm Wood Mackenzie in Houston. "The industry is still very constrained."

The oil industry only found 2.4 billion barrels of oil last year, the smallest annual figure the IEA has recorded. That compares with an average 9 billion barrels discovered each year between 2000 and 2015, the Paris-based adviser to oil-importing countries said in a report last week.

Energy companies last year also sanctioned the lowest number of conventional oil projects - containing some 4.7 billion barrels - in more than seven decades, the IEA said, even as investments in the U.S. shale industry has surged by $100 billion, according to Norwegian consultancy Rystad Energy.

Last year, only 13 percent of the oil exploration that companies sanctioned was offshore, compared to an average of 40 percent in the previous 15 years, according to the IEA. The Paris-based group believes exploration spending will sink lower this year, to half of its 2014 level.

Seismic imaging companies like Houston's ION Geophysical and CGG Veritas, based in Paris but with offices in Houston, have both lost two-thirds of their revenue since 2013 because oil companies have lost interest in maps of the deep. Offshore drilling contractors with local connections like Transocean, Diamond Offshore and Noble Corp. have suffered as well, though they have found some work drilling wells closer to existing offshore platforms.

Fewer discoveries

The number of oil and gas discoveries has fallen from 700 in 2008 to less than 200 in 2016, and only a handful last year were considered major discoveries, according to IHS. The number of exploration wells companies drill each year has steadily dropped since the industry's peak in 1982, at 2,500, to less than 500 last year.

Outside of North America, the oil industry has added reserves of 215 billion barrels of oil equivalent between 2005 and 2016. That's compared to 356 billion barrels discovered across the United States and Canada with the advent of U.S. shale plays, which start up much faster than deep-water fields and, in recent months, have attracted billions of dollars in investment even as offshore spending languishes.

In January, Exxon Mobil agreed to buy private companies and 275,000 acres in the Permian Basin for $6.6 billion. In a decade, the Irving-based oil giant expects U.S. shale oil production will make up a quarter of its global output. Chevron Corp., which owns land in the same West Texas region, has made the same projection.

Marginalized by shale

It's another sign that deep-water fields, once the oil industry's go-to frontier for more oil and gas, has been marginalized by the advent of shale drilling in the United States - a far less risky bet for oil and gas companies, said Bill Herbert, an analyst at investment bank Simmons & Company International in Houston, a Piper Jaffray company.

"Major resource holders are fighting the tyranny of their dividend streams, which are based on outdated oil prices," Herbert said. "They simply can't afford to allocate scarce funds into exploration."

IHS believes the combination of rising energy demand and the offshore slowdown could lead to a global undersupply of oil of 1 million barrels a day by the end of the decade, with the production declines coming mostly from countries outside the U.S. and OPEC. Globally, the oil industry has cut oil and gas investments by $1 trillion since 2014, the peak of the last boom.

Last year, oil companies pumped 30 billion barrels of oil equivalent but discovered fewer than 5 billion barrels, led by Exxon Mobil's recent finds in Guyana, and discoveries in Alaska and on the maritime border between the West African countries Senegal and Mauritania, according to Wood Mackenzie.

But as long as oil storage tanks are brimming - U.S. crude inventories remain near record highs - there's little chance oil companies will risk billions on new ventures. But when exploration spending and new oil discoveries disappear, it means the world could be short on oil in just a few years. But until then, many of the tools peddled by local seismic companies and drilling contractors will collect dust.

"The market is still going to be oversupplied with equipment and services," said James West, an oil field services analyst at investment bank Evercore ISI.

Flipping the market?

The IEA expects global oil demand to increase 1.2 million barrels a day each year over the next half decade, which could eventually flip the oil market on its head, with demand rising above supply.

"In five years, we're going to need that oil, and we're not going to have it," said Robert McNally, president of the energy consultancy Rapidan Group.

Paal Kibsgaard, CEO of Schlumberger, said his oil field services company has seen an uptick in interest in seismic maps of offshore fields in Mexico, but apart from that, there's no sign exploration will pick up globally.

Still, even in Mexico, which recently opened its oil and gas fields to foreign investment, companies are worried the country's domestic politics could upend their plans for the region, even after multibillion-dollar offshore auctions over the past year.

On the other side of the maritime border, in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, oil companies drilled 80 exploration wells last year, down by a third from 2012. Deep-water development wells - the wells that flow oil to the surface - came in 80 percent lower last year, from 235 in 2012 to 50 in 2016.

With sluggish oil exploration around the world, countries like Venezuela and Nigeria could see oil production drop further. These nations don't grab oil-market headlines as often as Saudi Arabia and Russia, but together they contribute about 3.4 million barrels a day to global oil production.

"That's not really sustainable," said Bill Ebanks, co-head of the oil, gas and chemicals practice and managing director at the consultancy AlixPartners. "There's going to be a hole the industry has to fill."
It's easy to make fun of last weekend's March for Science. People groan at the nerdy signs. The critics question the purpose of the march, beyond simply bringing scientists into the public eye. And they point out that although the march was aimed mainly at President Donald Trump and his plans to roll back environmental protection and spending on research, in reality there are elements on both sides of the political spectrum that deny or challenge the scientific consensus.

But the demonstrations across the U.S. were a crucial sign that our society is healthy. And it's a reminder that respect for science, as an institution and as an idea, is necessary in order to keep our civilization on the right track.

To understand why science is so important, it's essential to take a broad view of history. Economic historians estimate that modern developed countries are more than 25 times as rich as they were in the Middle Ages.

The developing world is now repeating that transformation. In the space of a couple of centuries, the human race went from scratching in the dirt for a living to driving cars and ordering pizza. Industrial technology made that amazing change possible.

From the germ theory of disease to the quantum physics that created semiconductors, the process of careful experimentation and practical mathematical theory that we now call "science" has been the most powerful tool humanity has ever discovered. It has let us master the natural world and improve the human condition.

Science was also the secret sauce of Western civilization. At first, Western nations harnessed science for war - it was the advancement of engineering, chemistry and materials science that turned Europe from a disease-ridden chaotic backwater in the 1300s into the wealthy masters of the globe in the 1800s. But in contrast to earlier world-conquerors like the Mongols or the Romans, the modern Europeans remained rich, healthy and successful even after they lost their colonial empires.

That success stands in contrast to several other civilizations that, in earlier centuries, were on the verge of scientific revolutions but shied away, probably dooming humanity to additional centuries of poverty.

During the Middle Ages, the Islamic empire under the Abbasids of Baghdad boasted many of the world's leading thinkers, some of whom were experimenting with ideas eerily similar to those eventually embraced by European scientists. But for some reason, the Caliphate turned away from these ideas. No one knows exactly why, but many blame the rise of anti-scientific and anti-rationalist schools of thought.

Another frustrating historical example is China's Ming Dynasty. China bounced back from the Mongol conquests, and in the 15th and 16th centuries it was the world's most technologically advanced civilization. Proto-science was common in early modern China, but the country cut itself off from foreign influences and de-emphasized science in the civil-service examinations. Eventually, China ended up importing Jesuit astronomers from Europe.

No one will ever know how close the Abbasids and the Ming came to full-blown scientific revolutions, or exactly which factors led to the fizzling of their promise. History, of course, is not very scientific. But it seems very likely that each dynasty probably could have used a March for Science. If there's something that makes the U.S. and other modern developed nations more successful than those old empires, it's not the strength of their armies or the superiority of their religious beliefs - it's a healthy respect for the march of systematically acquired knowledge of the natural world.

For now, that respect for science is intact. Americans of all political leanings and educational backgrounds evince a healthy respect for science as an institution: And most support government investment in basic science:

So the March for Science would seem to have the public on its side. Still, there is no guarantee that scientific values will still prevail in the U.S. Research funding has stagnated in the last few years. And scientific issues like climate change are way too politicized - opposition to the scientific consensus on global warming is a badge of honor for too many partisans. Meanwhile, dangerous anti-scientific ideas like the thoroughly debunked anti-vaccination movement are spreading, and have even gained the ear of the president.

That's exactly why the U.S. - and the world - needed a March for Science, and why they need a durable pro-science movement now. Science is too valuable to risk. It's all that stands between the human race and the poverty and darkness that once engulfed us.

Noah Smith is a Bloomberg View columnist. He was an assistant professor of finance at Stony Brook University.
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FORT DAVIS - In the high mountains of a wild desert, day drains from the sky and night lights appear like halos on the horizon.

There's no moon. Just Mercury chasing the setting sun in the west, Jupiter rising to the east and another golden light emerging on the northern horizon.

The view from the McDonald Observatory, considered the crown jewel of the University of Texas System, includes the glow from the Permian Basin oil field, incandescent with the work of 24-hour drilling, fracking and gas flaring.

Four in every 10 drilling rigs working in the U.S. are in the Permian Basin, and the prolific oil province is creeping closer to the observatory, where astronomers depend on the veil of desert night in the Davis Mountains of the Big Bend region.

"It just feels like a tidal wave coming at us, because you know, 10 years ago, we looked up to the north and we saw a dark starry sky and now we see this glow," said Bill Wren, special assistant to the observatory superintendent. The oil field lights don't hinder astronomical research - the McDonald Observatory remains a place of exceptional darkness. The sky's zenith, where astronomers look to the edge of the observable universe, remains free of light pollution.

What worries astronomers is the idea that the oil field, the most productive in the U.S., will keep marching toward it, and worse, glowing brighter and chewing up more of the sky.

A new light pollution measurement just released by the observatory shows how much brighter the night sky is than it should be - 18.5 percent above the background glow of natural features.

"It's only down toward the horizon where it's polluted, and astronomers aren't pointing the telescopes down close to the horizon," Wren said. "They're observing high overhead. It's still an extremely dark sky for astronomy. It's a little spooky to see that glow growing and coming this way."

The observatory's new light pollution measurements come as it teams up with the oil and gas industry. West Texas' largest oil and gas group just released dark-skies recommendations for the first time after a long collaboration with the observatory. The observatory also has partnered with Houston-based Apache Corp., the oil and gas company whose 3,000 planned wells are the source of the most recent light pollution threat.

Apache in September announced it had discovered a new field with the equivalent of 15 billion barrels of oil and gas, the Alpine High. It's the closest part of the Permian to the observatory, about 30 miles away, and the problem is this: The closer a light source is, the brighter it appears.

"The Alpine High play is particularly worrisome to us because of its proximity," Wren said.

Mutual friends introduced Wren to Apache executives after the Alpine High announcement, and three company vice presidents met with Wren for the first time last fall at Southside Market & Barbecue in Bastrop.

Over barbecue, Wren used a PowerPoint presentation on his laptop to walk the executives through the observatory's work and sky glow concerns; they shared information about the company's land position in Alpine High, 60 miles that stretches across the southern half of Reeves County.

Since then, Wren has climbed the drilling rigs of all of Apache's contractors in the region. He's helped readjust lighting so it points down instead of sideways or up to the sky, where it creates light pollution.

He's looked a blueprints of new offices in Pecos to make sure the lighting is dark skies friendly, and he's given presentations on dark skies to the service companies Apache hires.

In December, 13 Apache corporate officers visited the observatory, including CEO John Christmann.

Every week, Apache's health and safety team checks 612 bulbs on everything from portable light plants to drilling rigs to make sure they are dark-skies compliant said Marcus Buton of Apache.

"We look at every blasted bulb in the air, and that is the truth," said Buton, who spoke recently at the Responsible Shale Energy Extraction Symposium in Dallas. "We want to show we can do things differently and do it right."

More vexing is the problem of natural gas flaring.

It's a common practice in fields like the Permian where the most profitable target is oil, and a particular issue when new wells come into production. Apache is spending $500 million this year on infrastructure such as pipelines and gas plants, but even companies that build pipelines to carry natural gas to market usually flare gas at the start of projects.

Apache has flared or vented 36 percent of the natural gas it produced in Reeves County in the past three years, according to an analysis of data reported to the Texas Railroad Commission.

That's far higher than the statewide average. Less than 1 percent of gas produced in Texas is flared or vented, according to the Railroad Commission, whose data don't distinguish between the flares that burn gas and the more environmentally harmful venting, which simply releases the gas to the atmosphere.

Apache's flaring and venting rate has been dropping, from 66 percent in 2014, to 38 percent in 2015, and 9.8 percent last year, the data show.

As the company has brought on new wells in Alpine High, it could start selling the oil, but has shut them in instead to wait for gas pipelines. So far, it has drilled 32 wells in Alpine High and shut in 16 of them, said Joe Brettell, an Apache spokesman. Of the other wells, six are being tested and 10 are drilled but awaiting completion.

"Flaring is a temporary but necessary part of developing a new field," Brettell said. "We anticipate the drop will continue as we progress in building out our infrastructure."

Apache expects to start moving some of the gas from the Alpine High through pipelines to market this summer.

It said it cannot, however, make flaring vanish from the desert landscape.

The Permian Basin Petroleum Association released a set of guidelines it's been working on with the observatory - recommendations that if oil companies flare gas, they do it in an incinerator that conceals it better than the typical open flame.

"The dark-skies concept is not new, but the increased level of activity is," said Ben Shepperd, president of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association, who considers the observatory a treasure for West Texas.

Apache tested an incinerator at one of its Alpine High wells, but said it didn't work well with the high flow rate. Brettell said the company would consider using the technology if it worked, but it didn't in this instance.

The upshot is that at least some gas flaring will continue to be visible in the Alpine High, and incinerators will not be used.
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President Donald Trump's executive order seeking to find new ocean expanses in the Atlantic and the Arctic for offshore drilling is unlikely to reach its goals anytime soon, but instead will kick off a yearslong review and a legal battle.

The day before his 100th in office, Trump took his step Friday toward dismantling a key part of Barack Obama's environmental legacy.

"This executive order starts the process of opening offshore areas to job-creating energy exploration," Trump said at a White House ceremony. "It reverses the previous administration's Arctic leasing ban and directs Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to allow responsible development of off-shore areas that will bring revenue to our treasury and jobs to our workers."

Despite Trump's assertion that the nation needs to wean itself of foreign oil, U.S. oil imports have declined in recent years as domestic production boomed, mainly through improved drilling techniques that opened up production in areas once out of reach.

And environmental law and policy experts questioned Trump's authority to reverse Obama's withdrawal of certain areas in the Arctic or Atlantic to drilling, a question that will likely be decided in the courts.

"It's not quite as simple as the president signs something and it undoes the past," said Sean Hecht, a University of California, Los Angeles, environmental law professor.

For instance, Obama had used his authority under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to protect Arctic areas from oil drilling late last year, a move Trump's order seeks to undo. At the time, Obama administration lawyers said they were confident that move would be upheld in court.

Legal experts say the law has never been used by a president to remove protections, just to create them.

"The statute doesn't allow that. It allows the president to put land within a protected zone but says nothing about allowing president to take it out," said Rob Verchick, an environmental law professor at Loyola University in New Orleans.

Verchick, a policy administrator at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Obama, added: "I suspect it will be fought in the courts."

Trump's order also directed Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to conduct a review of marine monuments and sanctuaries designated over the past 10 years.

Obama issued monument proclamations under the Antiquities Act, including the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument in the Atlantic, which protected that swath of sea from drilling.

Legal scholars said Trump would enter uncharted territory if he seeks to undo a national monument proclamation in an effort to remove environmental protections. The president could issue a new proclamation eliminating a specific monument, but since it's never been done, the courts again would likely decide whether the tactic is allowed under the act.

"I believe that a president does not have the legal authority to do it," said UCLA's Hecht.
Auto dealers across the Houston region continue to feel the sting of the oil bust, which has dampened new-vehicle sales and challenged the city's largest dealership operator despite recent signs of improvement.

Retail auto sales in the metro area have fallen sharply this year, and industry giant Group 1 Automotive on Friday reported a lower first-quarter profit. The company cited steep sales declines in energy-centric markets in Texas and Oklahoma, where many of its dealerships are located.

In March, retail sales in the nine-county region totaled 16,860 vehicles, down 21 percent from the same month last year, according to data from the TexAuto Facts Report, published by Sugar Land-based InfoNation. Truck and SUV market share, long a bright spot, declined for the first time in five months.

First-quarter passenger vehicle sales dropped substantially. The regional total fell 36 percent year-over-year.

"We took a hit with the oil industry," said Steve McDowell, owner of InfoNation. "The question is, are we going to level out?"

Despite overall declines, suburban dealers again outperformed others in the region. Market share for those dealers reached 25 percent in March, the 18th consecutive monthly increase.

Group 1, a Houston-based Fortune 500 auto retailer, reported earnings of $33.9 million in the three months that ended March 31. By comparison, it posted a $34.3 million profit during the same period last year.

Quarterly revenue decreased 3.4 percent to $2.5 billion, while new-vehicle sales fell 6.1 percent.

Group 1 owns and operates 159 automotive dealerships, 210 franchises and 45 collision centers in the U.S., the United Kingdom and Brazil. The company's U.S. operations account for about 80 percent of its revenue, which decreased 5.5 percent to $2 billion in the first quarter.

President and CEO Earl Hesterberg said during a conference call with analysts that the company's strong performance abroad was "not enough to offset extreme weakness in vehicle sales" in markets affected by the oil bust. He noted that new-vehicle sales in Houston, the company's largest market, declined 13 percent during the quarter.

"We outperformed the local market, but we still need to make further adjustments to our business," he said.

In a research note, Consumer Edge Research analyst Jamie Albertine noted that Group 1's results could "come as a surprise" to those who expected a better performance amid the oil market's relative improvements.

The energy sector rebounded to some degree in recent months after crude prices rose above $50 a barrel. In a research note, CFRA Research analyst Efraim Levy predicted the company's performance in oil-centric markets will improve at some point this year.

Hesterberg told analysts he expects sales to rise if energy companies continue to ramp up drilling and hiring. But for now, he said, the market remains challenged.

"For the near term, we have to deal with the reality of the present," he said.
It's the massacre that inspired the expression "drinking the Kool-Aid": In 1978, Jim Jones masterminded the largest mass suicide in modern history.

Jones, a charismatic preacher who taught racial equality and worked for civil rights, started his Christian congregation in Indianapolis in the 1950s. The church, known as Peoples Temple, later moved its headquarters to California, and in the mid-1970s Jones established a compound in Guyana, in South America. Each year the group grew more cultlike and Jones became more paranoid - and in November 1978, when a U.S. congressman came to investigate the Guyana settlement, Jones committed what he considered a "revolutionary act": He directed his followers to swallow a grape drink laced with cyanide, an act that kill more than 900 people, one-third of them children.

In "The Road to Jonestown," Texas writer Jeff Guinn examines Jones and the Peoples Temple with characteristic thoroughness and insight. Guinn's 18 books include an "autobiography" of Santa Claus, but he is best known for diving deep into the history of legendary stories and people, including Bonnie and Clyde and Charles Manson.

Guinn will be in town this week to discuss "The Road to Jonestown." We talked to him recently about his research.

Q: A national reviewer recently described you as a true-crime journalist. Would you describe yourself that way?

A: I wouldn't. I write about eras in U.S. history, and in a couple of instances, the iconic individuals I've chosen are people who precipitated criminal activity or tragic events. I'm not looking for those people; I'm writing about people who embody some aspect of American society of a particular era. And I write about the good and the bad of those eras. Jim Jones, for example, was a demagogue, but I was shocked to learn about the great things he accomplished. If he had died at the end of his tenure in Indianapolis, we'd remember him as one of the great heroes of the civil rights movement.

Q: You've been critical of Jones, but you've also said he "appealed to the best in humanity." Could you clarify that?

A: Well, as I say, Jones was a demagogue, but unlike other demagogues, he didn't pit people against others. He tried to bring people together; he wanted to create a society in which people were treated equally. People joined for altruistic reasons, and that sets the Peoples Temple apart.

Q: Even in Indianapolis, though, he was appealing to people by claiming to cure cancer with his hands and to resurrect the dead. That's manipulation; that's appealing to people's ignorance and gullibility.

A: Jones had different types of followers. He didn't appeal to just one type of person. There's a segment of our society, even now, that believes in faith healings and the like. Jones did what he needed to appeal to those people, and most of the long-term members of Peoples Temple realized that. It was a recruitment technique.

More Information 'The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple' By Jeff Guinn Simon & Schuster, 544 pp., $28 Author appearance Jeff Guinn will discuss and sign "The Road to Jonestown," 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Murder By The Book. See More Collapse

Q: Is it fair to say he used many methods of totalitarian dictators: incrementally exerting control over people financially, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually, until that control was complete?

A: The key word is "incrementally." One of the people I interviewed used the analogy of the frog in the water that is incrementally getting hotter. The frog stays in, never noticing the change in temperature, until the water's heat kills it. It's tempting to think of Jones as a lunatic from the beginning. But that's not the case. He worked bit by bit over the course of time, and his followers ended up isolated, exhausted and poorly nourished, and they succumbed to his call for suicide in the end.

Q: You have engaged in participatory journalism in the past, and for this book you visited many of the places Jones lived, including Jonestown. How does this enhance your research?

A: Had I not gone into that jungle - one of the densest in the world - I wouldn't have appreciated the full achievement of Jonestown. Jones went into that mess and carved out a farm community that was almost self-sustaining, and it demonstrates his ability to inspire people and to accomplish things.

Q: You also read extensive files and listened to hundreds of hours of tapes for this book.

A: I read 66,000 pages of documents - just from the FBI alone. I think I was the reason the local Quick Copy owner was able to retire early. As for the tapes, I probably spent the equivalent of every day for a couple of months just listening and taking notes. At first blush, his speeches are all over the place, but then I realized he purposefully covered diverse topics to provide something to everyone in his diverse audience. Somewhere in that mess was a message that spoke to each of his congregants.

Q: In the course of your research, you forged a connection with some of the former members of the Peoples Temple. Can you describe that?

A: The people who were once part of Peoples Temple now call themselves survivors. Some were members in the U.S. and left the Temple, but some survived the final day in Jonestown. Tim Carter, for example, was pulled away to make a delivery but was there long enough to see his wife and child die. Many of the survivors gather annually on Nov. 18 - the anniversary of the Jonestown suicides - in Oakland, Calif. They have a bond that is incomprehensible to outsiders. They are a family. They argue like family members, but they are also there for each other. I got to know them, and I was astonished by their intelligence and their social commitment.

Q: What challenges do they still face?

A: When you've been part of such a tragedy, you can't completely come to terms with it. They argue amongst themselves whether Jones was always evil. They wonder how they let themselves be fooled, how they could have gone along, and they replay endlessly the things that have happened to them, trying to pinpoint moments when they could have done something. And we can't understand that fully. The things they've gone through, the way they continue to function, their motivation to try to contribute in a positive way - it staggers me. These are brave people.
Police were investigating a crash in southwest Houston late Friday that killed at least one person.

The one-car crash happened about 9 p.m. along northbound US 59 near Bissonnet, according to Houston TranStar.
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A year ago, Glenn Heathcock was beginning the long restoration of his tattered home in downtown Katy. The so-called Tax Day flood had ravaged the one-story house and those around it.

He and many others in Katy have spent months recovering from the catastrophic event, which affected various areas of the Houston region last April. Government officials in Katy and surrounding areas have since spent time and dollars toward future flood prevention, while some residents like Heathcock wonder if more could have been done to mitigate last year's historic flood.

"Everything four feet and below is new," Heathcock, 73, said of his house. "All the furniture had to be refinished. We had to rip off all the cabinets in the house. We had to throw away a lot of stuff."

Heathcock woke up around 4:30 a.m. last April 18 to several inches of water inside his home. It would rise to about a foot. He, his sister and their 92-year-old mother had to wait hours until family members came to rescue them on Magnolia Street.

Magnolia's cross street, Avenue D, was one of the city's worst hit areas. Other Katy streets such as Kingsland Boulevard and George Bush Drive were also badly impacted.

A range of 12-22 inches of rain fell over the Katy area throughout last April 17-18, according to an ongoing flood study by the city of Katy. Nonstop downpour throughout Houston caused several waterways to spill out of their banks, and eight people died as a result of the floods. Federal disaster declarations were issued for multiple counties in the Houston region.

Thousands of homes received damage. In the roughly 14-square-mile city of Katy, 110 homes and 25 businesses were impacted, according to Byron Hebert, city administrator. The city's Veterans of Foreign Wars post received about $30,000 in damages, Hebert has said. The city is working toward building a new VFW building.

Heathcock said his home received more than $100,000 in damages, $20,000 of which he paid out of pocket after his flood insurance kicked in. What used to be carpet in his home has been replaced by tile. Most possessions look new because they had to be either replaced or fixed.

Some of Heathcock's neighbors weren't so fortunate. While most have recovered, a family down the street still hasn't returned home because they didn't have flood insurance. "They couldn't afford to do anything," Heathcock said.

He and other Katy residents believe Katy's governmental entities could have done more for flood prevention.

"There's too much development without enough planning going into the consequences of development," heathcock said. "Our government is not doing what it needs to do to protect people. The government should be proactive and not reactive."

Officials at entities such as the Harris County Flood Control District have blamed insufficient funding for not having more flood mitigating tools in place.

In Katy, officials such as Hebert said the city has been working on flood prevention since last year's event with efforts such as ditch cleaning and drainage improvements on streets such as Morton Road. There are also plans for a 30-acre detention pond.

City officials began discussing the need of a flood study years ago and finally funded one after last year's flood. They're paying the engineering company Costello Inc. about $100,000 to study the effects of the flood and determine long-term flood prevention strategies.

Heathcock hopes he never again has to wake up to water invading his home.

"What a difference a year can make," he said.
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Decades in the petroleum industry taught Tom Gentry the value of certain regulations.

The retired refinery worker and union leader from Pasadena witnessed several energy companies cut corners to save money, at times endangering the environment and their employees with hazardous chemicals and pollutants. Some, he said, seemed to prioritize profits over safety.

"They need environmental oversight," he said. "In my experience, regulations are put in place to try and cure something bad that has happened."

Gentry joined hundreds of marchers Saturday on Houston's East End to demand a greater focus on the environment under a presidential administration that has proposed slashing funding for the Environmental Protection Agency and rolling back recent climate initiatives. On President Donald Trump's 100th day in office, the protesters called for measures to slow the pace of climate change, regulations on heavy industries and further investments in alternative forms of energy and transportation.

They gathered near the community center in Clinton Park, a community tucked in a wooded enclave just miles from Houston's port and the row of refineries it supports. Stephanie Thomas, one of the organizers, noted that the residential areas along the ship channel have for years faced air quality issues and other environmental problems exacerbated by the production of fossil fuels.

"You can't think that they're not exposed to that, especially since the winds tend to blow from the southeast," she said.

The event echoed some of the themes heard at the March for Science, a global demonstration that rallied thousands of people in Houston and other cities on Earth Day earlier this month. During that event, marchers called for fact-based approaches to environmental protection and targeted members of the Trump administration who have questioned climate change science.

"Climate change is very much real," said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, addressing the Clinton Park crowd. "You would think in April 2017 that would be an established issue."

Mary and Keith Thompson, a retired couple who recently moved to the Heights, joined the crowd to protest the Trump administration's policies and proposals. It was their third consecutive Saturday at a demonstration.

"We never did this kind of stuff before the election," said Keith, a former Exxon Mobil employee who values the EPA's role in industry regulations.

Mary, who also worked at Exxon, woke up feeling ill and considered skipping the rally until she turned on the TV. She found motivation in a newscast that reviewed Trump's first 100 days, marked by promises to undo a range of environmental regulations, repeal clean power initiatives and open more areas to drilling and mining.

"I'm very pro-regulation," she said. "I think big corporations really focus on profit."

Carrie Cook, in town from Austin, protested alongside her young niece. News of the administration's policies and proposals, which she follows with an obsessive fervor, has upset her each day since the inauguration, she said.

"It's the first thing I look at in the morning and the last thing I look at before bed," she said. "I need to stop, for my own mental health."

Gentry, who started his career in 1964, has seen a substantial change in the oil industry. Environmental and worker protection measures have cut down on accidents, he said, but more can be done.

"I like people getting out, it shows they're engaged," he said. "I hope they maintain it all the way through the next election."
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A dumpster truck was traveling early Saturday morning in northeast Houston when it collided with a wrecker truck, killing the driver of the wrecker at the scene, according to Houston police.

The dumpster truck was traveling southbound around 3:45 a.m. on Homestead Road, when the wrecker truck came from behind the dump truck as it was making a wide turn into a business.
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Howard Guidry was 18 years old when he was charged with being the triggerman in a 1994 murder-for-hire case that involved a Missouri City police officer and his estranged wife. Twice he was convicted and sent to death row, and both times the prosecutor who sent him there was Kelly Siegler, the legendary Houston attorney who has been accused of withholding evidence in another high-profile murder case.

Now Guidry's attorneys are saying she used the same tactics when she prosecuted their client, both in the original trial, which was overturned on appeal, and again when he was retried.

"Here it is - the same patterns and practices," said Gwendolyn Payton, a lawyer at Lane Powell PC, a Seattle law firm that took on Guidry's case pro bono. "And how many more are out there? It's just really troubling."

In the wake of District Judge Larry Gist's ruling earlier this month, which said Siegler withheld evidence in the trial of David Temple and recommended a new trial for the Katy man, lawyers for Guidry are preparing to file amendments to a 2013 appeal explaining how her behavior in Guidry's case is similar to what she did in the Temple case.

"We are alleging the same acts, independent of the Temple case," Payton said. "We didn't even know about the Temple case until that ruling."

Houston's defense lawyers have long groused that Siegler continually pushed the envelope of what she could legally say and do in trials. Iconic Texas attorney Richard "Racehorse" Haynes once famously cautioned that Siegler was skilled enough to convict an innocent man.

In the Temple case, Siegler was criticized by Judge Gist for 36 instances of prosecutorial misconduct, most of which stemmed from withholding or delaying the release of evidence that could have helped Temple's defense lawyers.

Siegler has not returned calls for comment or issued a statement since Gist's ruling on July 7. She has maintained she did nothing wrong in the Temple case and that he is guilty of killing his pregnant wife, Belinda, in 1997.

Temple is serving a life sentence. Whether he will get a new trial is now a matter for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

Information collected by prosecutors or law enforcement that could help the defense is known as "Brady material," because of the U.S. Supreme Court case that decided the issue, "Brady v. Maryland."

Fingerprints were found

There are several striking resemblances between the Brady material that was not released in Temple's 2007 trial and Guidry's two death penalty trials, including evidence of other suspects and exculpatory evidence about the murder weapon.

In what may be the most damning example, Guidry's lawyers were never told that crime scene investigators found fingerprints that were not Guidry's on Farah Fratta's car door and front fender where the shooter would have stood. The fingerprints were from another man who resembled Guidry and was friends with one of the suspects in the case.

The fingerprints that were found next to the body of the estranged wife were never disclosed to Guidry's defense lawyers. The man resembling Guidry, who was part of the ring of suspects in the case, was never charged. Police investigating the slaying found human blood in the car he owned, which matched the description of the getaway car that witnesses saw, including having only one headlight.

In an appeal with hundreds of pages of arguments and sworn affidavits, Guidry's lawyers allege numerous instances of misconduct. They contend Siegler hid the identity of the suspect resembling Guidry, his fingerprints and the fact that there was blood on the seat of his car.

In the Temple ruling, Gist took Siegler to task after she testified that Brady material did not need to be disclosed if she didn't believe it.

"Of enormous significance was the prosecutor's testimony at the habeas hearing that apparently favorable evidence did not need to be disclosed if the state did not believe it was true," Gist wrote.

Lawyers for Guidry say the investigation of the man whose fingerprints were found is just one of the many pieces of evidence that was withheld.

"The trial counsel for sure never got that evidence," Payton said. "It should have been disclosed under Brady, I don't think anyone can argue unless you're using the 'Kelly Siegler rule' that she didn't find it credible."

Guidry ended up on death row with his neighbor, Joseph Prystash, and the victim's husband, Robert Fratta, who told many people he wanted his wife killed because he was going though a bitter custody battle.

Pystash's girlfriend, Mary Gipp, is the cornerstone of the allegations against Guidry, including repeatedly testifying against him.

"Gipp was happy to point the finger at her 18-year-old neighbor, Mr. Guidry, instead of her boyfriend Prystash," according to the appeal.

When Guidry was arrested for an unrelated robbery, he had a .38 caliber pistol that had belonged to Fratta, which jurors heard about.

Whether it was the murder weapon or not, it had belonged to the mastermind behind the hit. However, Guidry's attorneys noted that Guidry did live next door to the middleman, Prystash.

"Prystash was happy to give the murder weapon to the black kid from next door who had nothing to do with the Frattas," the appeal reads.

Jurors also heard that the bullets found at the crime scene matched that gun. However, the defense was not told that the bullets were tested several times and were continually found not to match. One expert eventually changed his decision. That was the only expert who defense lawyers or jurors heard about, according to the appeal.

Convictions were reversed

Guidry and Fratta saw their convictions reversed for conduct by Siegler. She admitted unlawful confessions into evidence and used hearsay evidence.

In Guidry's case, a federal appeals court ruled that his statement to police was illegally coerced. The statements he made were repeated to a psychologist hired by the defense who later testified against Guidry. Also, hearsay evidence from Gipp, the middleman's girlfriend, was part of the reason the case was tossed out the first time.

In what now seems a telling detail, Siegler was able to again get the inadmissible evidence in front of the jury when Guidry was retried.

"The very same evidence that prompted the 5th Circuit to reverse, came right in," said John Neeleman, one of Guidry's lawyers. "(Siegler) had absolutely no conscience about it."

In addition to numerous claims of withholding Brady material and other grounds for appeal, Siegler delayed the release of other information, including hundreds of hours of jailhouse phone calls that she said contained an admission of guilt. Defense lawyers did not get the hours of audiotape until 17 days before the death penalty trial, court records show.

"The State manipulated the tapes so that at the trial, the jury heard a crazy quilt of spliced-together, fragmentary excerpts of multiple conversations, shorn of context," according to the appeal.

In what might be the strangest fact that was not disclosed to Guidry's lawyers, an eyewitness changed her story after being hypnotized.

A married couple who lived across the street heard a shot, then looked out to see what was going on. The wife said she saw two men in and around the garage during the shooting, and then a getaway car with a driver. After the hypnosis, which was arranged by investigators at the Harris County Sheriff's Office, she said there was just one man in the garage and a getaway driver.

Defense lawyers never heard about the earlier statement or the hypnosis.

Support from exoneree

Procedurally, it is hard to know what may happen next in Guidry's case. He does not have an execution date, which means his case remains on a federal court docket. The appeal was filed more than two years ago and the Texas Attorney's General's Office has not filed an answer to any of the allegations. The office has not responded to requests for comment on Guidry's case.

And in a twist that illustrates how small Houston's legal landscape really is, Guidry has found a champion in Anthony Graves, exonerated in part because of Siegler's work as a special prosecutor in Wharton County.

Graves, who spent 18 years behind bars on death row, was granted a retrial and eventually freed after Siegler reviewed the evidence and announced that she believed Graves was innocent.

Graves, one of the state's most famous exonerees, took up Guidry's cause long before Gist ruled that Temple deserves a new trial. The exonerated inmate knew Guidry in passing while the two did time on death row, but Graves got to read the voluminous court records after he was released. He then became an advocate for Guidry.

The fact that defense attorneys were not told that several ballistics experts said tests were inconclusive was one of several sticking points for Graves.

"If the ballistics didn't match but you used the ballistics to convict him, he didn't get a fair trial," Graves said.

Graves, who considers Siegler a good friend, said this week that Guidry did not get a fair shake from the legendary prosecutor.

"It needs to be retried," Graves said. "He needs a fair trial. Whether he's innocent or guilty, it doesn't matter if he didn't get a fair trial."
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A federal judge in Houston Friday issued a scathing denouncement of Harris County's cash bail system, saying it is fundamentally unfair to detain indigent people arrested for low-level offenses simply because they can't afford to pay bail.

In a 193-page ruling released Friday, Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal ordered the county to begin releasing indigent inmates May 15 while they await trial on misdemeanor offenses.

Rosenthal concluded the county's bail policy violates the due process and equal protection clauses of the Constitution.

"Liberty is precious to Americans and any deprivation must be scrutinized," the order states, citing a comment from Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht.

The judge also granted "class-action" status to the case, meaning that her findings will apply to all misdemeanor defendants taken into custody.

The ruling - a temporary injunction that will remain in place until the lawsuit is resolved pending appeal - will not apply to those charged with felonies, or those who are being detained on other charges or holds.

First Assistant County Attorney Robert Soard said late Friday officials are reviewing the orders.

"No decision has been made at this time concerning an appeal of the preliminary injunction," he said.

District Attorney Kim Ogg and County Commissioner Rodney Ellis - both of whom filed statements of support with the court for the lawsuit - praised the ruling.

"This is a watershed moment in Harris County criminal-justice history," Ogg said in a statement late Friday. "From now on, people can't be held in jail awaiting trial on low-level offenses, just because they are too poor to make bail. ... We welcome the ruling and will comply fully with it."

Ellis said he was pleased with the ruling.

"Harris County's bail system is unconstitutionally discriminatory and morally indefensible - and we now have a federal court ruling telling us so," Ellis said in an email. "It's time for us to fix a broken justice system that favors the privileged and punishes the poor for being poor."

'Difficult and complex'

The ruling came five weeks came after a lengthy hearing in which more than a dozen witnesses took the stand, including several judges and Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

The lawsuit was filed last year by two civil rights groups - Texas Fair Defense Project and Civil Rights Corps - and local law firm Susman Godfrey on behalf of Maranda Odonnell, a single mother who was held for two days on a charge of driving without a valid license because she couldn't afford the $2,500 bail.

The suit names top county officials and a string of judges and hearing officers.

Similar lawsuits filed on behalf of two other people were merged into the case in August.

The ruling notes that the case is "difficult and complex," and is among many similar cases filed across the country challenging bail practices.

The order notes that the judge reviewed "many hours of footage" from 2,300 recordings of misdemeanor probable cause hearings that were placed into evidence. The ruling cites two videos as being "illustrative" of the problems faced by misdemeanor defendants.

In one case, a man whose criminal history was wrongly calculated by the hearing officer eventually pleaded guilty to gain release. In another, the hearing officer laughed and made a "wisecrack" that he felt better that the man was returning to jail.

The ruling also cites reports showing that of the 50,000 people arrested in Harris County on Class A or Class B misdemeanors in 2015, fewer than 10 percent were released on unsecured personal bonds.

She concluded that even if hearing officers were not acting deliberately, the county had been using money bail as a form of preventive detention.

Even some of the officials named as defendants praised the ruling.

Gonzalez, through a spokesman, said his office would immediately begin looking into how to implement the order. The sheriff also filed court papers indicating he supports an end to costly bail for indigent defendants.

"It's my hope this decision and decisions like it will eradicate the notion of wealth-based detention from our legal system," said Alec Karakatsanis, of the Civil Rights Corp.

Looking ahead

Neal Manne, a managing partner at Susman Godfrey, which is donating its services, said the judge recognized the crushing impact that cash bail can have on poor people.

"We showed in effect the money bail system was being used to achieve something the Texas Constitution does not permit," Manne said.

Christina Swarns, head of litigation for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund in New York, likewise praised the ruling.

"One's punishment should fit their crime, not their bank account," Swarns said. "Harris County's bail practices unlawfully create a cycle of poverty for those who cannot afford the cost of their freedom."

Harris County had been in the process of trying to reform its bail schedule with the help of a multimillion dollar grant at the time the lawsuit was filed, and reforms are set to take effect July 1.

Harris County has already spent more than $2 million fighting the lawsuit, and recently hired an additional attorney to help with appeals.

Soard said the county had retained veteran D.C. appellate lawyer Charles Cooper to represent the interests of 15 county criminal court of law judges who oppose the lawsuit.

Cooper will advise whether the judges should appeal the ruling. The remaining court of law judge testified at the injunction hearing that although he is a defendant in the lawsuit, he supports changing the way bail is issued.

The remaining defendants for the county have appellate counsel from the firms who will review the question of an appeal, he said.
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Glynn Langston glides slowly through the bar of the Marriott Hotel, his dark glasses reflecting the faces of his former classmates. Ready with a smile at his 50th high school reunion, Langston waits to hear their voice.

He quickly recognizes the voice of classmate Pam Stahl Lambert and cracks his first joke of the night: "I'll continue with my story, considering you don't look bored."

Langston, 68, on Friday night was attending the 50th anniversary reunion of his Bellaire High School class of 1967. He calls his own impairment simply an "inconvenience."

A veteran missionary and founder of Insight International, a nonprofit Braille and tape outreach ministry, Langston, has dedicated his life to the education of the blind and visually impaired across the globe.

His sister, Marla Maudlin, said HISD conducted multiple interviews with Langston before allowing him to attend public school.

It took "quite a bit of convincing" of the school board, said the Meyerland woman. Her brother later said their parents were told by HISD trustees that he was the first fully blind student.

It was unclear how many visually impaired students were in the district at the time. This year, there are 583 students with visual impairments in Harris County, according to Texas Education Agency data. Statewide, there are more than 3,900.

Langston was born prematurely, the sole survivor of twins. His parents were not aware he was blind throughout his infancy, said Maudlin.

"It took them several years to find out," she said. "They didn't know at the time that pure oxygen in an incubator would blind a child."

While attending Austin's Texas State School for the Blind at age 9, Langston learned navigational skills and reading and writing in Braille to prepare him for his first ventures out into the world. He was also disciplined severely.

"The punishments were cruel. It was like something out of Dickens," Langston said.

Still, once at HISD, he received various awards and was inducted into the National Honor Society He also was his senior class vice president in 1967.

"He was always a hard act to follow at school. He made it look so easy," Maudlin said, remembering the many nights Langston spent in his bedroom in darkness, talking to people across the world through his ham radio.

In school, Langston's classmates treated him like any other student, although periodically underestimating his abilities. Some of Langston's teachers had a tendency to "be nice" in a way that Langston could never be sure he was getting the grades he deserved.

It wasn't until a teacher gave him his first D that he knew he was being treated fairly, and persevered to do better.

Two of Langston's classmates, twins Linda Evans and Sandy Hanson, bonded with Langston because of their common background: they were also born premature and placed in incubators, but retained their sight.

"He did so well because you didn't think of him as 'That's the guy who's blind,' " said Evans. "You thought of him as 'That's the guy who's cool.' You never had to worry about offending him."

After graduating, he went to Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, where he met his wife. He studied history and English.

After finishing schooling, Langston and his wife moved overseas. They stayed in Ireland for 22 years, where he was admitted into the Irish National Council for the Blind. Langston used his mastery of four languages to carry out missionary work across Europe on behalf of Ireland's Churches of Christ.

He has been granted private audiences to discuss education for the blind with various past world leaders, including King Faisal of Saudi Arabia and Irish President Eamon de Valera.

Currently a resident of Carencro, La., Langston spends six months of the year in Cork, Ireland, where he previously lived full time for 22 years while he and his wife raised their two children

Langston now directs Insight International in providing free Christian audio cassettes and Braille and electronic Bibles in 70 languages to individuals throughout the world, the demand for which is "remarkably high."

After placing advertisements in international papers, Langston receives calls and emails from individuals in countries like Pakistan, where he then organizes the delivery of Braille Bibles, sometimes in secret. If necessary, he'll find messengers to hand-carry the Bibles to those asking for them.

When situations are dire for those he's in contact with, he will send money, clothes or necessities.

"I lie awake at night thinking 'We have to help these people,' but, for lack of a better expression, we use a rifle with our aid, not a scatter gun," Langston said. "We can't help them all, but we try."
It didn't take a hundred days and a naive little boy shouting out from among the crowd for the American people to see that the emperor wears no clothes. Even as sycophants holding the hem of imaginary garments cavort in a Trumpian wake, even as the president himself daily scans the parade route for the adoring gaze of die-hard believers - and, as the polls show, millions are still cheering - most Americans have had their pre-election suspicions confirmed: We elected the most ill-prepared, ill-informed and temperamentally ill-suited president in American history. Nothing Donald J. Trump has said or done during his chaotic hundred days in office refutes that somber judgment.

The fractured fairy tale that limns the Trump White House is not a TV reality show, even though the president's reality-show notoriety got him elected and his three-card monte ability to distract keeps him in the public eye. This president's actions and disturbing inclinations are not mere debating points along the political spectrum, as if Ted Cruz had been elected president or Marco Rubio or any of the other candidates Trump vanquished. We can imagine disagreeing mightily with ideas and initiatives a President Cruz or a President Rubio would have advanced - we've had practice with Cruz - but at least we would be contesting a president with sober and considered views on the issues, with some experience at governing, with some intellectual awareness of context and history. This president is altogether different, disturbingly different.

To the extent this administration represents anything beyond governance by Trumpian whim, it's a far-right Republican agenda with nativist overtones: rolling back environmental protections and climate-change preparedness, pushing drastic tax cuts benefitting big business and the most fortunate among us (including Donald Trump and family), hostility toward immigrants, eviscerating government efforts designed to help struggling Americans, including many Trump supporters. The president's one success, the appointment of a qualified, deeply conservative judge to the U.S. Supreme Court, is part of the same hard-right agenda.

Some of his other stated initiatives, although hard to define politically, would be bad for Houston, if he were to succeed. His focus on reviving the coal industry, at the expense of natural gas, flies in the face of Houston interests, Texas interests. A city and a state that relies on extensive trade with Mexico does not need a president who uses our southern neighbor as a convenient scapegoat. And a city with one of the world's great medical centers doesn't need the chaos and unpredictability that accompanies Trump's promise to destroy the Affordable Care Act.

The nation is fortunate that the Trump administration a hundred days in is so fractious and disorganized that most of candidate Trump's blusterous campaign proclamations have foundered. He was going to repeal Obamacare - within a few days of taking office, no less - and replace it with health care unimaginably better, particularly for those working-class Americans who placed their faith in his promises. That didn't happen, thanks to an equally fractious Republican Congress. He was going to begin construction of a great, beautiful wall along the nation's border with Mexico. That didn't happen. He was going to impose a travel ban on Muslims; the courts said no. He was going to tear up trade deals, bring China to heel, show Mexico who's boss, force NATO to pay up. None of that has happened either, as Trump belatedly discovered that relations among nations are both delicate and difficult.

Trump's ineptitude is small consolation in light of what could go wrong in the coming years. Although he's pulled together a relatively competent national-security team - one dominated by retired generals - a reckless remark or a belligerent presidential tweet could careen us into crisis. Of course, crises foreign and domestic will arise during the next four years, whether Trump-ignited or not. At those moments, can the nation - can the world - trust a man of such impulsivity and incoherence?

Trump's murky connections to Putin's Russia remain a cause for concern. Details about Russian efforts to disrupt our election, not to mention the possible collusion of Trump cohorts in those efforts, could be extremely damaging. Details about Trump's entwined and deeply rooted business connections to Russian oligarchs and assorted unsavory characters could yet undermine his presidency. His tax returns, of course, could clarify those connections, but we're unlikely ever to see them.

Trump's disregard for ethical constraints designed to prevent a president from enriching himself undermines his moral authority, mocks his campaign claims about being a president of the people and cheapens the presidency. However the Trump presidency turns out in the coming years, Trump family members and the many Trump businesses have hit the most spectacular of jackpots.

Arguably the greatest concern is the man himself. Can the nation survive a president who knows little, who seems bereft of carefully considered beliefs and is disdainful of integrity?

It's only been a hundred days, we realize, but the answer so far is a qualified yes. The courts and even congressional Republicans have countered Trump's most reckless impulses. The media, with renewed energy, have investigated, fact-checked and exposed. The government bureaucracy itself and Trump's still-evolving Cabinet have helped keep the president tethered to a semblance of reality. The center has held, so far.

We'll conclude on a positive note: Donald Trump's cardinal achievement, however inadvertent, is to inspire millions of hitherto apathetic Americans to get engaged. All across the country, in blue states and red, they're reading up on the issues, pestering their elected representatives, marching in the streets, preparing to run for office. Whether these newly inspired citizens of the republic can sustain their intensity is an open question; for now, though, they're committed to ensuring that a Trump presidency and all it represents is but an aberration.
Somebody once asked Richard "Racehorse" Haynes to single out his biggest victory in a lifetime of victories in Texas courtrooms.

Was it the T. Cullen Davis case, when he got the richest American ever tried for murder off the hook - not once, but twice? Or was it the trial of Vickie Daniel, the former Dairy Queen waitress from Liberty accused of executing what Haynes called a "Smith and Wesson divorce" from her husband, who happened to be the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives?

Nope, Haynes said. The best case he ever won was when he represented a poor black man unjustly taking the rap for a white guy who stole some tools from a construction site. After a jury found the defendant not guilty, his client's impoverished family threw a party for Haynes at their Third Ward house, and his children hung up a sign saying, "God bless lawyer Haynes." He was one of the most famous lawyers ever to set foot in a Houston courtroom, but he never forgot that sign.

Stories like that endeared Haynes to a generation of criminal defense lawyers in Houston, who are now mourning the death of a legendary figure in their profession. Lawyers who knew him well say the 90-year-old Houston native had been in poor health for a long time, that he had lost the orator's voice other attorneys likened to a fine classical instrument. Still, they remember that voice well.

"It was like listening to great music," said David Berg, one of many prominent attorneys who considered Haynes a mentor. "It had a kind of symphonic quality to it."

Haynes mastery of speaking to juries was matched only by his command of courtroom theatrics. In his first trial, he discovered jurors apparently felt sorry for him after he stumbled over a spittoon, so he repeated the same stunt in trial after trial. He once famously used a cattle prod to shock himself in a courtroom; only later did he reveal that he'd pulled a sneaky trick to reduce the voltage. He came close to driving a nail through his hand in front of a jury, but he changed his mind when he concluded it could backfire against his client if he cried in court.

It didn't take long for him to become a cultural phenomenon. One of his highest-profile cases, the byzantine story behind the murder of River Oaks plastic surgeon John Hill, became the subject of the best-selling true crime classic "Blood and Money." Over the decades, he's been caricatured on film as the stereotypical flamboyant Texas lawyer, and composers have memorialized him in songs with titles like "Whips, Chains and Racehorse Haynes."

But attorneys who worked with him mourn more than just the passing of a colorful character. They'll tell you Haynes was a throwback to a golden age of trial law, a time when it seemed most attorneys considered the law a calling, a passionate commitment to justice. It bothered him, they say, that so many of the best young minds of our time now devote their careers not to law, but to finance or other professions simply because they pay better.

Funny thing about Haynes: One of his University of Houston classmates told us he took the bar exam, got his license and started practicing his profession without even graduating from law school. He was a natural.

Haynes was one of those classic figures who helped earn Houston a reputation for producing some of the most brilliant criminal lawyers in the nation. No wonder so many of his acolytes echo the sentiment that came from the children of his favorite client: "God bless lawyer Haynes."
(Thumbs up) Why fight City Hall when you can take it out for gelato? Sophie Blitz showed the city how you get business done this week when the mayor showed up at her house to celebrate a newly fixed sidewalk, complete with a trip to a nearby ice cream joint and a photo-op worthy of Norman Rockwell. The young girl had brought to the mayor's attention the problem of a broken and dangerous walkway, and the city made sure to fix it the next day. Now that's constituent services.

(Thumbs up) Start off your Saturday by placing a thumb on your local voting machine and turning the dial to a "For" on HISD's Prop. 1. You can Google "Vote FOR Prop. 1" to see our reasoning in an editorial from earlier this week. Voters in Pasadena should also cast their ballots for Pat Van Houte in the mayoral election. Early voting continues through Tuesday and polling locations can be found on HarrisVotes.com.

(Thumbs up) If you're in the market for, let's say, an $800 million offshore oil rig and accoutrements, there's excellent shopping beginning Monday when the Offshore Technology Conference opens at NRG Park. And with oil prices hovering around $50, favorable deals can be had. Attendance this year is expected to rebound after 2016's decade-low 65,000. What we like about this conference is the optimism it spawns that permeates the city from hotels to restaurants to cab drivers. Even when the going is rough in the oil business, there's belief that the next big strike is just one drill away.

(Thumbs twiddled) On the eve of OTC, BP announced it discovered an oil field in the Gulf of Mexico below a salt dome that could contain $2 billion of recoverable black gold. Good on them, but we know you're thinking what we're thinking: Try not to have another Deepwater Horizon-style blowout.

(Thumbs down)We've hit a new low in Austin. That's saying something considering Texas' record on slavery, Jim Crow, women's rights and caring for the poor. Our ire today is with Speaker Joe Straus and the Texas House. They opened a dangerous door this week by approving legislation that authorizes police to act as immigration agents and gives them the authority to discriminate against our black and brown brothers and sisters. SB4, also known as the "Sanctuary Cities Bill," began with Gov. Greg Abbott proclaiming this faux emergency. It then took shape in the Senate before sailing through Straus' House with the Speaker looking scared and spineless.

An editorial on this issue fills this space tomorrow but state Rep. Mary Gonzalez, D-Clint, put it best when she said she didn't want to speak ever again to lawmakers who approved an odious amendment to the original bill.
School naming rights

Regarding "A deal's a deal" (Page A18, Friday), if the papers were signed to rename the High School for Performing and Visual Arts, then they should do so. But naming rights aside, I can see two sides to the issue.

First, our schools need money to operate, and they aren't getting it from the state. Texas is 43 of 50 for per-student education funding. And as everyone knows, this is the first year the Houston Independent School District will be expected to send money back under recapture. It makes perfect sense that schools should turn to private donations to fill the gaps when the state won't and local taxpayers can't.

But while private donations are a natural outcome of Texas' ridiculous school finance system, there are good and bad ways to go about it. If high-profile, wealthy schools like HSPVA are the only ones getting donations and everyone else is underfunded to boot, it will lead to more inequity and probably more segregation in our schools. Nobody wants that.

Z.A. Weiss, posted on HoustonChronicle.com

Faith healer and the IRS

Regarding "IRS, postal inspectors raid Benny Hinn Ministries" (Chron.com), they need to investigate all mega-churches and then work down to pastors who drive Cadillacs and live in nice suburbs, while some in their congregation starve and struggle to make ends meet.

Religion is a business for and by man, not of faith.

Gloria Mendoza, posted via Facebook

Mental health gains

Regarding "Hopes for sanity" editorial (Page A20, Wednesday), recently I spoke - technically misspoke - to the editorial board about progress in mental health policy in Texas. This part is absolutely true: the Texas Legislature is making great strides as the current session hits the homestretch.

What wasn't accurately stated by me was that Houston doesn't have a driving force organizing an effort similar to the comprehensive approach taking shape in the Austin area. The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is doing precisely that and is putting a tremendous amount of time, energy and resources into bringing the best type of mental health care to the region.

I sincerely apologize to Dr. Jair Soares at the UT Health Science Center, Steve Glazier at the Harris County Psychiatric Center and everyone else working on this critical effort. Our team has been following their planning process closely for months, and we believe their plan is right-on.

I do feel good about where we are today and where we are going with mental health as a state. That's in large part because regions like Houston and Harris County are leading the way.

Tom Luce, board member, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, Dallas
What you are about to read is going to shock you.

Every minute of every day in this country, children are bought and sold for sex on the internet. Scheduled on the hour, by the hour. With the ruthless efficiency of technology, these children are shuttled from motel room to motel room and raped upwards of 15 times per day.

It happens to children of all incomes, ethnicities and color. Mostly girls, but also boys. Many are first preyed upon in chat rooms, at the mall, or at fast-food restaurants. And then these children simply disappear, without a trace.

Many of them do resurface, on a website called Backpage.com. According to a recent U.S. Senate report, this company, headquartered in Dallas, has earned hundreds of millions of dollars per year from its sex ads, including those of children. In all 50 states.

How can it be legal to host ads selling children for sex?

It shouldn't be. Yet despite multiple lawsuits filed by child victims and a lengthy Senate investigation headed by Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Claire McCaskill, D-Missouri, Backpage has dodged every bullet, winning every legal challenge to date. Armed with an expensive team of lawyers, Backpage has deftly managed to shield itself with an outdated internet freedom law that protects web sites from being sued for content posted by a third party. This law (Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act) was originally intended to protect a budding internet industry from lawsuits based on defamatory posts by its users. However, Section 230 now allows for the proliferation of fake news, scam ads, and is being interpreted by judges to protect websites that facilitate child sex trafficking.

And Backpage has some surprising allies. Two internet special interest groups funded by technology companies, The Center for Democracy and Technology and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, have swooped in to defend Backpage, actively intervening in several cases and doing so persuasively.

That is worth repeating. Via these special interest groups, tech industry giants like Google, Facebook, Microsoft and others are financing the defense of Backpage. This can no longer continue.

Let's be clear. We cannot stand for the idea that the sale of children is acceptable collateral damage for a free and open internet. Especially since companies now have the technological means to stop it.

Last month, Backpage announced that it was shuttering the Escorts section of its website under pressure from the government. However, analysts reported that a majority of these sex ads simply moved to the dating pages of Backpage. The many other sex sites owned and operated by Backpage in the U.S. were not shut down, and the purchase and sale of children continues online today.

President Trump recently signaled that he would bring the full weight of the government to help in the fight against human trafficking, including giving law enforcement agencies better tools to go after criminals. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas is among those working on legislation to do the same. It can't come soon enough. But Congress also has to act by specifically amending Section 230 to make it clear that it is not legal to facilitate child sex trafficking.

U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Missouri, has recently introduced legislation to do just this, and we hope that a Senate version will be drafted in the coming months. We've started a petition on Change.org to tell the tech community that it's time to switch sides, and we hope you will join us, too.

Mazzio is an award-winning filmmaker. Her new film, "I AM JANE DOE," which chronicles the battle that several children are waging against Backpage, debuts on iTunes May 12 and with Netflix on May 26. Oz is a cardiothoracic surgeon, Emmy Award-winning host of the Dr. Oz Show, and father of four.
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There are some Texas County highways that are closed due to high water, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

By early Friday morning, Highways U and EE remained closed in this region.

Here is where to find the latest closings
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It's one thing if your parents find out you're planning a rager while they're out of town. It's another if the police force does.

In social media posts Friday night, the Niagara Regional Police Service, which covers the southern Ontario region from West Lincoln to Fort Erie, sent a message to the teenagers of the city of St. Catharines via Facebook and Twitter:

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"Hey St. Catharines teens and their parents. The bush party being "quietly" planned for a park tonight...#the50know #cancelled #partypoopers"

The reaction from commenters was immediate, with many complimenting the force not only on their sense of humour, but their on-point hashtags.

The police's response? "We also considered #thePoPoKnow."

Some citizens didn't take kindly to the post, saying it was a waste of police resources to break up a teen party.

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But the majority approved, with one person noting, "You realize this is actually working hard right ... cancelling it before underage drinkers get so sloppy they use ambulances, take up hospital beds, get injured and utilize resources. Good job NRP."

Thanks to social media, police forces have been able to show their sense of humour a little, like this Fort McMurray officer who "ticketed" three-year-old Nathan Snow for going too fast.

There have, however, been questions about the appropriateness of police being so colloquial in their postings, particularly when their relationship with the public isn't just a matter of being liked.

In this instance, though, it seems that everyone wins. Except, of course, the teenagers.

Also on HuffPost

19 Criminally Funny Police Blotters See Gallery
Niyazz via Getty Images

I'm so proud to be a spokesperson for a party which has always been proud to stand with LGBTIQA+ people in our struggle for equality and liberation.

That party is The Green Party, and it was a great pleasure to launch our 2017 LGBTIQA+ manifesto today.

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Make no mistake. It's time to be bold. It has never been more important to campaign for LGBTIQA+ rights.

LGBTIQA+ rights are under threat, all around the world, to an extent which feels unprecedented.

We're seeing gay and bi men being tortured and killed in Chechnya.

We're seeing Donald Trump weakening protections for our people in the United States.

And we're seeing the UK threatening to repeal the Human Rights Act.

2017 has already been a horrific year for everyone who cares about LGBTIQA+ people. That's why we need a raft of bold, radical new policies. We need a bold new vision for our society.

And that's what the Green Party has to offer to the LGBTIQA+ community in this General Election, with our boldest LGBTIQA+ manifesto yet.

We'd start by making sure that LGBTIQA+ rights are at the heart of our response to the refugee crisis.

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Across the world, LGBTIQA+ people are facing violence, persecution and intimidation because of their gender identity, sexuality or intersex status.

And the problem is getting worse.

In the last five years, the number of LGBTIQA+ people seeking asylum rose by a staggering four hundred per cent.

These people fleeing horrific experiences often seek refuge here in the UK, with our proud history of welcoming refugees.

Instead, they find a hostile asylum process.

Their applications are incorrectly rejected.

They are asked to submit intimate photographs of themselves, to 'prove' their asylum claim.

They are asked: Can't you just pretend not to be LGBTIQA+ and go back home? Can't you hide your identity to live a safe life? Why not just spend a lifetime pretending to be something you're not? No problem, right?

This is actually what our border control are asking refugees. People running for their lives because of their sexuality or gender identity.

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This is not good enough. And this border control is costing lives.

The Green Party would act to protect LGBTIQA+ refugees, rather than put them in danger.

We would stop all deportations of LGBTIQA+ refugees until we had a complete reform of the system.

We would stop all detention of refugees while they wait for their claims to be processed, and we would allow them to find dignity in work instead.

And we will campaign to ensure that the 1951 Refugees Convention recognises that gender identity and sexuality are grounds for being granted refugee status - all across the world.

Our campaign will always be internationalist, but we can't forget that we're still fighting for basic rights and recognition as human beings here in the UK.

The stigma attached to LGBTIQA+ identities reaches all across society.

Ignorance puts us at risk of discrimination and sexual violence, and the rights of trans and intersex people have been denied for far too long.

This has to change.

The Green Party is calling for full rights for trans and intersex people now.

We would make intersex a protected status in the Equality Act.

We'd make it illegal to perform sex assignment interventions on children who cannot give their consent.

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We'd strengthen hate crime legislation, reform the Gender Recognition Act, and put an end to the Spousal veto.

In short, the Green Party would ensure that trans and intersex people are recognised as full and equal citizens of the United Kingdom - and we can't wait a moment longer to do it.

Rights and legal recognition are vital. But we also need to talk about health.

Even something as basic as healthcare, in the 6th richest country in the world, and apparently one of the most progressive, is still letting down LGBTIQA+ people and putting their lives at risk.

Take PrEP for example. This is one of the most effective measures for preventing HIV infection. It's just a daily pill. But you can't even get it on the NHS here in England, or in Wales.

You only have to look to Scotland to see how effective it is. In Scotland you can get this medication on the NHS, and the results speak for themselves.

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The Green Party would offer PrEP on the NHS for everyone who needs it.

We'd improve access to medical services and gender identity clinics, particularly for trans and non-binary people.

And we'd make sure the NHS gets proper funding, to support the mental health crisis among trans people. And it is a crisis. Nearly half of trans people under the age of 26 have attempted suicide.

Let's be clear. We aren't just talking about stigma, shame and embarrassment. We aren't talking about political correctness and generation snowflake. We are talking about people dying.

People are dying because of our borders.

People are dying because of our healthcare system is letting us down.

People are dying because they do not have equal rights.

This is why we so badly need a strong movement fighting for LGBTIQA+ rights. And take it from me: That movement has a home in the Green Party.

We've set out policies which don't just defend our rights, but celebrate them and extend them.

Vote for the Green Party, and we'd grant bodily autonomy for intersex people.

We'd give legal recognition for trans and non-binary people, through self-declaration.

We'd offer PrEP to all that need it, and work towards a completely inclusive health service.

And we'd play our role in the international struggle by securing greater protection for LGBTIQA+ asylum seekers.

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Nobody should be seen as less than human because of who they are.

Nobody's health should suffer because of who they are.

Nobody should run for their lives because of who they are, and nobody should be denied safety here in the UK because of who they are.

The Green Party is absolutely clear about this. We have always been clear on this. LGBTIQA+ rights are human rights.
DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS via Getty Images

Jeremy Corbyn is a solvent, dissolving the bonds between traditional Labour voters and their party. Just as we saw in Scotland, working class voters brought up in Labour voting families, are considering putting their cross in a different box for the first time. With the emotional link to Labour withered, they are looking for rational reasons to support the party. They are coming up empty.

Labour's lack of a sense of purpose is all the more damaging because of the context the country finds itself in. The 'just about managing' voters we spoke to in our focus groups in Slough know that the country has a big task ahead, and feel they need a leader with a clear sense of direction and the conviction to go in that direction against opposition at home and abroad. Compared to Jeremy Corbyn, Theresa May is that leader.

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The core Conservative dividing line at the election is plausible and important. The participants in our focus groups found it easy to believe that government would be more stable and stronger under Theresa May.

The frustration for Labour candidates is that the Conservative political advantage sits alongside deep concern about the state of the country. We heard stories of schools fundraising to buy masking tape for the kids to use, running short of paper and failing to replace teaching assistants. Concerns about GP waiting times have not abated and the cost of living crisis appears to be coming back.

But, despite being in government for seven years, the Conservative party is not held to be particularly responsible for the situation. These issues were talked about like a spell of bad weather, or a case of the flu rather than a consequence of government decisions.

If there is good news for the Labour party, it is that things could be even worse.

UKIP was not relevant to these voters, despite the fact many voted Leave. There was a more nuanced and engaged discussion of immigration than I heard in focus groups at the last election - with a big distinction between migrants who work and those who don't, and a concern for ensuring we continue to be able to access skills the country needs and markets we want to sell to.

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As for the Liberal Democrats, the longest conversation about them was an effort to recall the party leaders' name. They will hope that the publicity they receive during the campaign, coupled with their unusually clear position on Brexit helps them gain relevance.

If the election continues on this path, the Conservative party will steam roller everyone else.

However there were hints at ways Labour might be able to shift the balance somewhat. Traditional Labour supporters were worried about what the Conservatives might slip into their manifesto while everyone's attention was focused on Brexit. A pause in the infighting will help. The national campaign's 'party of the many vs party of the privileged few' framework awoke emotional affinity from the most hardcore Labour voters. The party's policy had surprising cut through - though the bank holiday plan backfired. Voters like the idea of more time off, but a party offering it felt flippant and desperate.

While Theresa May was a huge asset for the Conservatives, there was also some awareness that she was changing her mind quite frequently. As one man said, "she's no Thatcher".
Kansas governor's race remains too close to call

Results in the Kansas governor's race remained too close to call as Gov. Laura Kelly clung to a 21,000 vote lead over Attorney General Derek Schmidt.
F-4E fighter jet crash in August caused by engine nozzle defect: Air Force The crash of a South Korean F-4E fighter jet in August was caused by an engine nozzle problem, the Air Force said Wednesday. It announced the outcome of its probe into the cause...

#cultural heritage Gov't to rearrange cultural heritage preservation zones for deregulation The government said Wednesday it will review the country's about 1,600 cultural heritage preservation zones possibly to reduce their ranges as part of deregulatory measures. The...
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An insider has given their account of the disastrous Fyre Festival, saying she knew it would be a failure and organisers ignored every warning sign.

The event  situated in the Bahamas  descended into chaos yesterday after revellers arrived to find an undeveloped site, little food and water and major acts had pulled out.

Fyre Festival was marketed as a luxury event and tickets prices ranged from $4,000 to $12,000.

Now, a talent producer hired by the festival organisers has described the poor organisation behind the event.

 Fyre Festival attendees locked in airport 'for their own safety'

In mid-March, Chloe Gordon flew out to the site on Great Exuma in the Bahamas to find it was an empty gravel pit.

There was not enough space to build all the tents and green rooms they would need, Ms Gordon told New York magazine.

Despite having been led to believe the festival organisation was already we underway, Ms Gordon found nothing had been properly prepared. She said the festival was at that point only weeks away, yet no stage, transport or vendors had been booked.

This also factored into her role, and as she contacted the management of artists booked to play the festival, she found that almost all of them had the same question for me, which was along the lines of, Hey  Wheres our money?

Ms Gordon claimed she was told to stand by for the money, but it became clear within a few days it would not arrive.

The situation became so dire, advisers warned it would take $50m (38m) to stage the festival, while planners warned it should be postponed because it would not be up to the luxury standard advertised.

Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up

However, a marketing employee reportedly said: Lets just do it and be legends, man.

The multi-million dollar budget was given the go ahead and the planners were told to continue. Rapper Ja Rule, one of the organisers, gave a toast: To living like movie stars, partying like rock stars, and f***ing like porn stars.

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Ms Gordon attempted to continue her job  despite having no proper internet connection and with no budget for artist payments or a technical director.

Soon after, a number of production staff were fired and Ms Gordon quit the project.

She said: I cannot explain how or why the bros running this festival ignored every warning sign they were given along the way. The writing was on the wall. I saw it first-hand six weeks ago. They overlooked so many very basic things.

Despite the calamitous fall out from disappointed festival-goers, organisers have said they will stage the event again in 2018.
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For hundreds of thousands of desperate migrants, Italy became a safe haven; a landing place for those crossing the treacherous cobalt blue of the central Mediterranean Sea. But this long-tolerant nation is moving to create a de facto migrant blockade  by striking an odd bargain with Libya, it's dysfunctional and war-ravaged neighbour to the south.

Libya is the main launching point for migrants streaming into Europe from across a broad swath of the globe, and whose numbers this year are again surging. Under the plan, Italy would train and equip Libyan guards to scour coasts and deserts to stop, push back and detain migrants before they reach the high seas.

European leaders are counting on the Italian effort in Libya to shut down the last major corridor to the continent for migrants, largely ending a massive influx that began in 2014. But aid groups warn that the plan could come at an overwhelming human cost by trapping untold thousands of migrants in Libya, where the rule of law has all but disappeared since Muammar Gaddafi was toppled nearly six years ago.

Nevertheless, in the coming weeks, Italy is poised to begin dispatching 10 sea vessels as well as helicopters, four-wheel drive vehicles and communication equipment to facilitate the new Libyan patrols.

We will stop boats from taking off from the coast, and stop migrants from crossing into Libyan territory, says Ahmed Safar, the Libyan ambassador to Italy. Those apprehended will be escorted to the nearest detention facility.

Hishay Liul, 17, from Eritrea, stands outside the Tiburtina train station in Rome (Alessandro Penso/Washington Post)

With the Trump administration also seeking to curb irregular migration to the United States, the move highlights the new lengths that Western nations are willing to go to protect their borders. Success, critics say, could leave migrants subjected to almost surreal levels of violence. Interviews with more than a dozen asylum seekers who arrived in Italy from Libya in recent weeks painted a picture of a conflict-ridden country where migrants face systematic rapes and beatings.

Still others say they have been bought and sold as chattel in a thriving, modern-day slave trade. In recent weeks, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), a group associated with the United Nations, told of migrants being put up for auction in car parks in Libya, with some being purchased for as little as $200 (155).

Such fates, migrants and aid groups say, sometimes come at the hands of the same Libyan officials who would be the migrants' keepers. Italian refugee camps such as one just north of Rome, for instance, are teeming with traumatised asylum seekers like Tirhas Sbhetleab, who describes Libyan officials as tormentors.

The 35-year-old single mother fleeing the harsh regime in Eritrea suffered an eight-month ordeal in Libya. In July, she and dozens of other migrants who paid $5,000 (3,880) for the trip to Europe were apprehended at sea by a Libyan military ship, she says. They were taken to a police station in Sabratha, on the Libyan coast, before being locked up 25 to a cell in a fetid detention centre.

For months, she says, she was whipped by guards with a black electric cord and served meagre rations, including one glass of water each day. She watched some inmates die. Many of the younger women and girls were taken outside at night to be raped by guards.

She suffered a different fate.

One afternoon, a senior guard came to her side, Sbhetleab recalls, dragging her up by one arm. She was hauled into a room and given a blood test. Once she was found to be free of disease, she was sold to a Libyan family as a house cleaner.

I rose at 5am and worked until midnight, she says, speaking in a trembling voice as she cries softly. I had no pay. They beat me. The woman of the house complained that she had paid too much for me. So I shouldn't be allowed to take breaks.

When she was resold to another Libyan family last month, she says, a young man in the house allowed her to make a call. She rang her family in Eritrea, who thought she had died at sea. They helped her establish contact with another Libyan smuggler, and before dawn on the morning of 19 March, she fled the house and met a driver about a mile away. She escaped to Italy a few days later.

If you leave us in Libya, you leave us to die, she says.

According to a report by Unicef, 34 migrant detention centres have been identified in Libya. The Libyan government's Department for Combating Illegal Migration runs 24 of them, while others are run by entities including local administrations. In addition, armed groups hold migrants in an unknown number of unofficial detention camps.

International observers have access to less than half of Libya's government-run detention centres. Even in those, aid groups say, standards fall far below internationally accepted levels.

The detention centres do not meet the basic conditions for human beings, says Othman Belbeisi, head of the IOM's Libya mission. I would say that many times, in some of the centres, even food is not available for all migrants.

But with new arrivals this year  about 27,000 up until early April  jumping 24 per cent over the same period last year, Italy is losing patience.

Tents set up for the night by migrants and refugees outside Tiburtina train station in Rome on 11 April (Alessandro Penso/Washington Post)

An agreement struck last year with Turkey helped close the eastern migrant route to the continent via Greece, with Italians seeking a way to do the same in the central Mediterranean.

Yet the Libyan deal is just one part of a new migrant crackdown in Italy, a nation that, urged on by Pope Francis, conducted active search-and-rescue operations in 2013 and 2014 to save migrants at sea.

The Italian coast guard is still orchestrating rescues, although often with the aid of merchant ships. Groups such as Medecins Sans Frontieres also are staging regular missions into the central Mediterranean to find and rescue migrants.

But two main factors have led Italians to take a harder line. First, the Berlin attack last December on a Christmas market was carried out by a Tunisian asylum seeker who arrived in Europe via Italy  prompting critics here to take aim at migrants as a security risk.

In addition, migrants who landed in Italy once rapidly moved on to more prosperous nations in Europe's north. But as the Swiss, Austrians and French have been more aggressive about migrant checks at the Italian border, many more asylum seekers are staying put. Italy had 122,960 asylum applications in 2016, up from 83,530 in 2015.

In response, the Italian parliament last week approved a new law that limits the appeal process for rejected asylum seekers. Interior minister Marco Minniti is also seeking to open 16 detention centres nationwide where rejected asylum seekers scheduled for deportation  including those seen as security risks  would be held until they could be safely removed.

Minniti is also an architect of the Libya plan, which includes the training of nearly 130 members of the Libyan coast guard by the Italians. He says such training, along with plans for international monitoring at Libyan detention centres, would ensure that migrants detained there would be humanely treated.

In addition to coastal patrols, he says, the Libyans also will set up new surveillance in the Sahara Desert to stop migrants from entering Libyan territory. Minniti said the plan would aid migrants by discouraging them from coming. This year, more than 1,080 have died at sea, with unknown numbers dying inside Libya.

The people who land in Italy arrive from the violent hands of human traffickers, he says. All we are doing is saving them from that fate.

Critics counter that deteriorating security in Libya may not allow for substantial international monitoring. In addition, many migrants are being kept in camps where smugglers hold them for months while extorting cash from their families.

Those who have escaped fear systemic killings should the way forward to Europe be blocked.

Are they crazy? says Ismail, a 23-year-old Eritrean living in a Red Cross camp in Rome, who would give only her first name for fear of reprisals against her family back home. She became pregnant after a smuggler raped her in Sudan, she says. In Libya, where she was held for eight months as smugglers extorted more money from her family, her captors repeatedly raped her despite her advanced pregnancy.

If they can't get them across, the smugglers will just kill them all or leave them to die, she says. I know this. I saw how they treated us. Some killed themselves because it was easier than going on.

 Washington Post
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It was the summer of 2012, and Jared Kushner was headed downtown. His familys real estate firm, the Kushner Companies, would spend about $190m during the next few months on dozens of apartment buildings in Lower Manhattan neighbourhoods including the East Village, the West Village and SoHo.

For much of the roughly $50m in down payments, Kushner turned to an undisclosed overseas partner. Public records and shell companies shield the investors identity. But, it turns out, the money came from a member of Israels Steinmetz family, which built a fortune as one of the worlds leading diamond traders.

A Kushner Companies spokeswoman and several Steinmetz representatives say Raz Steinmetz, 53, was behind the deals. His uncle, and the familys most prominent figure, is the billionaire Beny Steinmetz, who is under scrutiny by law enforcers in four countries.

In the United States, federal prosecutors are investigating whether representatives of his firm bribed government officials in Guinea to secure a multibillion-dollar mining concession. In Israel, Steinmetz was detained in December and questioned in a bribery and money laundering investigation. In Switzerland and Guinea, prosecutors have conducted similar inquiries.

The Steinmetz partnership with Kushner underscores the mystery behind his familys multibillion-dollar business and its potential for conflicts with his role as perhaps the second-most powerful man in the White House, behind only his father-in-law, President Donald Trump.

Although Kushner resigned in January from his chief executive role at Kushner Companies, he remains the beneficiary of trusts that own the sprawling real estate business. The firm has taken part in roughly $7bn in acquisitions during the last decade, many of them backed by foreign partners whose identities he will not reveal.

Last month, his company announced that it had ended talks with Anbang Insurance Group, a Chinese financial firm linked to leading members of the ruling Communist Party. The potential agreement, first disclosed by The New York Times, had raised questions because of its favourable terms for the Kushners.

Dealings with the Steinmetz family could create complications for Kushner. The US Justice Department, led by Trump appointees, oversees the investigation into Beny Steinmetz. Even as Kushners company maintains extensive business ties to Israel, as a top White House adviser, he has been charged with leading US efforts to broker peace in the Middle East as part of his broad global portfolio.

Mr Kushner continues to work with the office of the White House Counsel and personal counsel to ensure he recuses from any particular matter involving specific parties in which he has a business relationship with a party to the matter, says Hope Hicks, a White House spokeswoman.

Representatives for Kushner and the Steinmetzes put distance between Raz Steinmetz and his uncle, Beny. Risa Heller, a spokeswoman for Kushner Companies, called Raz a terrific partner, and added: He is the only Steinmetz that we have done business with.

In a statement provided by his lawyer, Raz Steinmetz says: None of my investment entities has invested in any transactions with Beny Steinmetz or any of his interests. Louis Solomon, a lawyer at Greenberg Traurig, who represents one of Beny Steinmetzs companies, says any business relationships between Raz and Beny are two decades old, and says the two men had not had contact since 2013.

The two men, as well as Daniel Steinmetz, who is Benys brother and Razs father, have controlled their own companies. But some of their financial interests  ranging from diamonds to real estate  have been entwined over the years. Records reviewed by The New York Times show that they have shared offshore investment vehicles, employed the same company director and were once connected to the same Swiss bank accounts.

Alan M Dershowitz, a criminal defence lawyer for Beny Steinmetz in the United States, also says his client was not involved in the Kushner properties. He predicts that the businessman would be vindicated overseas and says he believes the federal investigation of Steinmetz and his companies is no longer active.

The US Justice Department would not comment on the inquiry. But more information about the bribery investigation may be disclosed by federal prosecutors at a trial that began on Monday in New York.

Mahmoud Thiam, Guineas former minister of mines, is facing corruption charges involving a Chinese company. An affidavit from an FBI agent made public in the case last month said that the minister bribed a fellow government official on behalf of one of Steinmetzs companies in 2009. The FBI is also examining an alleged bribery episode involving a prominent Guinean  the late Presidents wife  and a Steinmetz company a year earlier.

Until a few months ago, when he was arrested in Israel, Beny Steinmetz, 61, was a globe-trotting billionaire. One of the countrys richest men, he split his time between France, Geneva, Antwerp and his enormous house outside Tel Aviv, on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean.

He teamed up with his brother Daniel, now 79, to create the Steinmetz Diamond Group in the 1990s. The business, which sells under the brand Diacore, has become one of the worlds biggest buyers of diamonds from De Beers. In April, a 59.6 carat pink diamond cut by Diacore was sold by Sothebys for $71.2m, an auction record for a gem.

Beny Steinmetz expanded his business interests into steel, gold, nickel, oil and iron ore, and built a global real estate empire, with properties in cities including London, New York and St Petersburg. Two decades ago, he made a move into Russia, becoming an early investor in newly privatised state enterprises as a cofounder of the Hermitage Capital hedge fund.

He rarely grants interviews and often incorporates his multiple companies in tax havens like Guernsey, Cyprus and the British Virgin Islands that offer secrecy. Although he is the public face of his firms, he holds no executive position. Instead, they are typically owned by a Liechtenstein foundation  similar to a trust in the United States  that names him and his wife as beneficiaries. Officially, he is an adviser to his firms.

Steinmetzs legal problems stem from a huge deposit of iron ore in Guinea, in West Africa. In 1997, the Australian mining firm Rio Tinto was awarded exploration rights. But by 2008, the Guinean government was complaining that the project had taken too long, and it awarded half the rights to a Steinmetz firm, BSG Resources. In 2010, BSG sold half of that share, cutting a $2.5bn deal with the Brazilian mining giant Vale.

In 2014, the Guinean government alleged that Steinmetzs company had obtained the rights through corrupt practices, paying more than $8m in cash through a representative to Mamadie Toure, then the wife of the dictator Lansana Conte. The US Department of Justice had already opened an investigation the year before into Steinmetzs firms for potential violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, claiming jurisdiction because some of the alleged payments were transmitted through US banks.

This month, lawyers acting on behalf of two of Steinmetzs firms sued the billionaire financier George Soros in New York, asserting that he had directed a smear campaign against the companies. Soros has funded a portion of the Guinean governments investigation, as well as work by the nonprofit Global Witness.

In 2012, Jared Kushners company went on a buying spree, snapping up about 11,000 apartments around the country, roughly doubling its inventory. The firm, founded by his father, Charles, also made its first Steinmetz deal that summer.

The younger Kushner has travelled repeatedly to Israel, where he has gotten funding to fulfil his ambitions. Kushner Companies has taken out at least four loans from Israels largest bank, Bank Hapoalim. It joined with Harel, one of Israels largest insurance companies, on one deal. Kushners firm was introduced to the Raz Steinmetz team by a third-party broker in the United States, says Kenneth Henderson, a New York lawyer for Raz Steinmetz.

In August of 2012, the Kushner business made a significant move into downtown Manhattans residential market, spending about $60m on eight apartment buildings in the East Village and the West Village. The low-rise buildings are undistinguished but offer steady income streams.

The deal was arranged by Gaia Investments Corp, headquartered outside of Tel Aviv. No Steinmetz names appear in Gaias public filings. Instead, the shareholders and officers include some Steinmetz lieutenants. One of them, Shlomo Meichor, was a former vice president for finance at an investment firm once run by Raz and Daniel Steinmetz, and is a director for at least three Gaia Delaware entities created for the Kushner deals, records show. (Gaia is an ancient Greek word for earth goddess.)

Gaias representatives have told prospective partners that the firm invests money for Daniel Steinmetz as well, according to two people familiar with those conversations. Henderson, the lawyer, says Daniel Steinmetz was not involved in the Kushner investments.

The deals came amid an unprecedented flow of overseas cash into US properties, much of it through opaque corporations and limited liability companies that make the funds difficult to trace.

Beny Steinmetzs legal problems began to surface a few weeks after the first investment with the Kushner company. In November 2012, the Financial Times reported on the Guinea bribery investigation, setting off coverage around the world.

The Kushner Companies made an even bigger deal with the Raz Steinmetz team a few months later, in January 2013, spending about $130m on a portfolio of 17 apartment buildings across Lower Manhattan.

A few weeks later, a BSG Resources representative named Frederic Cilins  meeting in a diner at the Jacksonville International airport in Florida  urged Toure, by then the widow of the Guinean president, to destroy paperwork documenting the alleged bribes. She was cooperating with the FBI, though, and wearing a wire. Cilins pleaded guilty to obstructing a federal criminal investigation and was sentenced to two years in prison.

Beny Steinmetz has said he had no knowledge of Cilins activities.

In October 2013, a few days after Guinea moved to revoke its iron ore contracts with Steinmetzs firms, his companys representatives wrote to their lawyers to say that he had transferred his diamond company stakes to his brother Daniels foundation in Liechtenstein. That disclosure is in the so-called Panama Papers, the trove of documents obtained by the German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung and reviewed by a collaboration of publications organised by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.

Corporate and bank records point to interlocking financial relationships among the Steinmetz family members in the past. Raz Steinmetz once managed the familys real estate investments and participated in the family diamond business. As part of the bribery investigation involving Beny Steinmetz, Swiss prosecutors searched the offices of a company used by Daniel Steinmetz. The three men were once connected to at least two Swiss bank accounts at HSBC, according to bank records obtained by the French newspaper Le Monde and shared by the journalist consortium.

Solomon, the lawyer for Beny Steinmetzs firm, says that there is no current connection to Raz through any Swiss bank account. He says an Israeli investment vehicle that public records show Raz, Daniel and Beny Steinmetz still own jointly is dormant.

Risa Heller, the Kushner Companies spokeswoman, declined to discuss what due diligence the firm had performed ahead of the investments.

The Kushner Companies appear to have carried out a public scrubbing of its Steinmetz associations. In late 2014, the Gaia name and logo disappeared from the Kushner websites list of partners, where it had appeared since early 2013.

But the Kushners have not stopped making deals with the Steinmetz family. Around the time Gaia was dropped from the website, it invested in yet another Kushner building: a Trump-branded luxury high-rise in Jersey City, New Jersey. The $200m project is known as Trump Bay Street, is at 65 Bay Street.

Jared Kushners ethics disclosure filed last month revealed a stake in a company called 65 Bay LLC. The entity was originally called GAIA JC LLC.
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The Nazi aircraft appeared above Guernica in the late afternoon of 26 April 1937. It was market day in the historic Basque town, with hundreds of residents congregated in the central square. They couldnt have imagined what was about to happen. Over the next three hours, the planes dropped 100,000 pounds (45,400kg) of high-explosive and incendiary bombs, reducing Guernica to a smouldering ruin.

It was one of the first crimes against humanity to grip the global imagination. The atrocity, carried out by the German air force in league with Spains fascist General Francisco Franco, is considered the first deliberate attack on a civilian target from the air  years before Coventry, Dresden and Hiroshima, and decades before Aleppo. Guernica contained nothing of real military value. It was, and remains, a Basque cultural centre and home to a sacred tree that symbolised the traditional freedoms of the Basque people  privileges Franco had little interest in defending.

To this day, the scenes of catastrophic suffering recorded in Guernica are a black mark on Spanish history.

The bombing was part of a trial run for the Nazi war machine (Creative Commons)

I was the first correspondent to reach Guernica, and was immediately pressed into service by some Basque soldiers collecting charred bodies that the flames had passed over, wrote Noel Monks of the Daily Express. Some of the soldiers were sobbing like children. There were flames and smoke and grit, and the smell of burning human flesh was nauseating. Houses were collapsing into the inferno.

The Manchester Guardian reported that even flocks of sheep were machine-gunned and that the fires have been so extensive that many bodies will never be recovered. Estimates placed the death toll around 1,600 people, though later studies have reduced the number significantly.

The raid on Guernica is unparalleled in military history, wrote George Steer in The Times two days after the bombing. Guernica was not a military objective. A factory producing war material lay outside the town and was untouched. The object of the bombardment was seemingly the demoralisation of the civil population and the destruction of the cradle of the Basque race.

People gathered in the streets of Guernica on Wednesday to pay tribute to the victims of the 1937 massacre (AP)

Indeed, as it later emerged, the bombing of Guernica was part of a trial run for the Nazi war machine. The Condor Legion, a Luftwaffe unit created to fight alongside Francos Nationalists, carried out the assault in coordination with Francos troops and with support from the air force of fascist Italy. According to one historians account, the destruction of Guernica was planned as a belated birthday present from Goring to Hitler, orchestrated like a Wagnerian Ring of Fire.

Guernica, city with 5,000 residents, has been literally razed to the ground, wrote Wolfram von Richthofen, the Condor Legions commander, in his diary. Bomb craters can be seen in the streets. Simply wonderful.

Such sentiment is chilling and shocking, but its no relic of the past. To this day, American politicians bluster with alarming glee about the prospect of carpet-bombing other parts of the world.

If Guernicas ordeal still echoes powerfully in the present, its in large part thanks to the efforts of Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, who debuted his now-famous mural of the slaughter at an international arts exhibition in Paris in July 1937.

A cubist apocalypse, as British art critic Jonathan Jones recently put it, the painting received mixed reviews from Picassos initial audience. But of all the works at the exhibition  lavishly sponsored pieces of propaganda by governments including Germanys  it is Picassos colourless tableau of grotesque forms, broken and brutalised, that is remembered to this day.

Picasso knew exactly what he was doing when he painted Guernica, wrote Jones. He was trying to show the truth so viscerally and permanently that it could outstare the daily lies of the age of dictators.

Both Francos Nationalists and the Nazis initially denied any culpability in the attack, blaming it instead on retreating Republican troops. Their callousness  and the international communitys mute shock  was invoked by observers last year as they watched the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his Russian allies relentlessly bomb rebel-held areas of Aleppo.

When it comes to incendiary weapons and munitions such as bunker-buster bombs and cluster bombs, the UN makes it clear that the systematic use of such indiscriminate weapons in densely populated areas amounts to a war crime, said MP Andrew Mitchell to Parliament last October. We are witnessing events that match the behaviour of the Nazi regime in Guernica in Spain.

A Portuguese cartoonist updated Picassos work to show Assads face and that of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The rebels have been mostly driven out of Aleppo  and so, too, hundreds of thousands of residents. It will take a long time for the devastated city to be made whole again.

It also took a while for Guernica. Francos dictatorship suppressed Basque rights until his death in 1975. Picassos mural, after a peripatetic life around the world, only made its way home in 1981. Eight decades on, Spain is still coming to grips with how to reconcile with its bloody, divided past. In Guernica, there is now a dedicated peace museum, as well as a verdant peace park in the foothills surrounding the town.

And there are survivors.

Earlier this year, Luis Iriondo Aurtenetxea, who was 14 at the time of the bombing and saw Guernica burn to ash around him, spoke to The Guardian of what endures.

We survivors will disappear. We want people to carry on our message. We want every town hall to have a peace committee to talk to their governments, he said. When the German ambassador came here to apologise in 1997, I was asked to speak for the town. I said to him: A flag of peace should be raised from the ruins of what our town once was. This must never happen again.
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The first 100 days of Donald Trumps presidency have seen a striking number of professional casualties.

Mr Trumps administration has seen more employees lose their jobs or not make it past a background check than perhaps any other administration in modern times. While many presidencies experience some slight disturbances as their administrations begin to take flight, Mr Trumps turnover rate has been more akin to the kind of turbulence that requires flight attendants to fasten their seat belts.

While past presidents like Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George HW Bush certainly encountered memorable scandals with their chosen employees that ultimately stained the memory of their first 100 days ever so slightly, the fallout from Mr Trumps choice of team has frequently verged on the edge of scandal.

Recommended Obama says Obamacare is more popular than Trump

Heres a list of people who may have literally heard Mr Trumps signature Apprentice catch phrase, youre fired, in the first 100 days of his presidency, compiled by the Washington Post.

Michael Flynn: the former national security adviser was forced to step down from his post advising the White House before he had served two weeks, after it was discovered that he had misled Vice President Mike Pence about conversations he had had with Russian officials during the campaign transition period. That turned out to be just the tip of the iceberg as far as Mr Flynns connections to Russia were concerned, as it was later discovered that he had accepted $45,000 for giving a speech to Russian state-funded television network RT.

Andy Puzder: the CEO of the company that owns Carls Jr was Mr Trumps Labor secretary pick. However, he faced a string of setbacks in his confirmation process, including the fact that he had hired an undocumented housekeeper and that he supported more liberal immigration policies than the Republican Congress he was hoping to get votes from were likely to support. He was also accused by his ex-wife of abusing and threatening her on an episode of the Oprah Winfrey show.

Vincent Viola: Mr Trumps first choice for Army secretary, the billionaire high frequency trader ran into problems when it was noted that regulators had investigated his companys trading practices when it attempted to go public in 2014. Mr Viola has also been accused of punching a concession worker at an auction.

Todd Ricketts: the son of a major GOP donor, he was a pick to be deputy commerce secretary. Mr Rickets, the son of TD Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts, lost out on the government job because he couldnt divest his familys financial holdings.

Philip Bilden: a nominee for Navy secretary, but the venture capitalist determined that he couldnt honour an ethics agreement hed need to sign.

Katie Walsh: left her post as deputy chief of staff a week after the failed Affordable Care Act repeal effort. After her abrupt departure, Walsh ended up in the private sector.

Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Show all 33 1 /33 Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days in office were marred by a string of scandals, many of which caught the eye of the Independent's cartoonists Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's first 100 days have seen him aggressively ramp up tensions with his nuclear rivals in North Korea Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has warned of a "major, major conflict" with the pariah nation lead by Kim Jong Un Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump dropped the "mother of all bombs" on alleged ISIS-linked militants in Afghanistan, amid an escalation of US military intervention around the globe Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been accused of falling short of the standards set by his predecessors in the Oval Office, including Franklin D Roosevelt Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The tycoon's ascension to the White House came at a time when the balance of power is shifting away from Western nations like those in the G7 group Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Western politicians, including the British Conservative party, have been accused of falling in line behind Mr Trump's proposals Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Brexit is seen to have weakened Britain, reducing still further any political will to resist American leadership Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump's leadership has been marked by sudden and unexpected shifts in global policy Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's controversial missile strike on Syria, which killed several citizens, was seen by some analysts as an attempt to distract from his policy elsewhere Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The President has also spent a large majority of his weekends golfing, rather than attending to matters of state Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Though free of gaffes, a visit from Chinese president Xi Jinping spotlighted trade tensions between the two states Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One major and unexpected setback came when Mr Trump's Healthcare Bill was struck down by members of his own party Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been a figure of fun in the media, with his approval at record lows Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A string of revelations about Mr Trump's financial indiscretions did not mar his surge to the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Outgoing President Barack Obama was accused of wiretapping Trump Tower by his successor in America's highest office Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The alleged involvement of Russian intelligence operatives in securing Mr Trump the presidency prompted harsh criticism Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The explosive resignation of Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who lied about his links to the Russian ambassador, was just one scandal to hit the President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Many scandals, such as the accusation Barack Obama was implicated in phone-hacking, first broke on Mr Trump's Twitter feed Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's election provoked mass protests in the UK, with millions signing a petition to ban him from the country Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump cited a non-existent terror attack in Sweden during a campaign rally Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump stands accused of stoking regional tensions in Eastern Asia Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons North Korea has launched a number of failed nuclear tests since Mr Trump took power Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Theresa May formally rejected the petition calling for Mr Trump to be banned from the UK Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons When Mr Trump's initial so-called Muslim ban was struck down by a federal justice, the President mocked the 69-year-old as a "ridiculous", "so-called judge" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A week after his inauguration, Theresa May met with Mr Trump at the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first days in office were marked by a hasty attempt to follow through on many of his campaign promises, including the so-called Muslim ban Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's decision to ban citizens of many majority-Muslim countries from the US sparked mass protests Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Revelations about Donald Trump's sexual improprieties were not enough to keep him from being elected President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was criticised by many in the press for cosying up to the new President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One of Mr Trump's top aides, Kelly Anne Conway, was mocked for describing mistruths as "alternative facts" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was quick to demonstrate that her political aims did not hugely differ from Mr Trump's Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's inauguration, on 20 January 2017, sparked protests both at home and abroad

Boris Epshteyn: a college friend of Eric Trump, he was pushed from his position as a special assistant to the president after gaining a reputation for hotheadedness with the media. He also gained a reputation for saying insensitive and potentially racist things in the green room when making television appearances.

Gerrit Lansing: worked as the White House chief digital adviser, but refused to give up financial ties to a company he co-founded. The news that he hadnt left the company had been denied by by then-Republican National Committee strategist  now the White House press secretary  but it turned out that hed received nearly $1 million from the company. He carried those ties into the White House but was forced to leave after those ties were discovered.

Anthony Scaramucci: never made it into his post as head of the Office of Public Liaison and Intergovernmental Affairs, because he ran into issues selling his firm to a politically connected Chinese conglomerate, the HNA Group.

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

Jason Miller: announced on Christmas Eve that he wanted to stay with his family instead of become the White House communications director. The abrupt departure raised some eyebrows and Mr Miller later joined communications firm Teneo Strategy.

Monica Crowley: lost out on a senior position on Mr Trumps National Security Council after it was discovered that she had plagiarised. She later registered as a foreign agent for a Ukrainian oligarch.

Craig Deare: picked for a senior post with the National Security Council, but dismissed when it came out that he had spoken badly about the president and Chief Strategist Steve Bannon.
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A man has been charged with the murder of a former Royal Navy officer who died after being run over with his own car.

Ryan Gibbons, 29, of Steven Court, Egerton Road South, Chorlton, Manchester, has also been charged with burglary and aggravated taking without owner's consent.

He was remanded in custody and will appear before Manchester Magistrates Court on Saturday, Greater Manchester Police said.

Michael Samwell, 35, caught thieves in the act after he went to check on a loud bang he heard with his wife in the early hours of Sunday morning.

He was struck with his black Audi S3, leaving him with severe injuries. He died after being rushed to hospital.

The thieves fled the scene and the car was found abandoned and severely damaged shortly after the incident.

A 15-year-old boy and two men aged 20 and 21 were also arrested on suspicion of murder and burglary.

They have been released on bail.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA 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

Mr Samwell trained as a naval officer at Britannia Royal Naval College in Devon and spent around a decade in the senior service before leaving in 2014.

In a tribute, his family said: Mike's death has made a huge hole in our lives that can never be filled.

Mike was the most wonderful husband, brother and son. He would do anything for anyone and was an ever dependable and generous family member and friend to so many. He was always smiling and sharing his amazing sense of humour. We are so proud of all that Mike was and had achieved.

Mike was devoted to his family above anything. His wife, Jess, was his one great love above all things. He was a loyal and treasured friend. We are so grateful to have had him in our lives; he will be sorely missed by all who knew him."
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As he leaves politics to take up his new post as editor of the Evening Standard, former Tory Chancellor George Osborne seemed keen to prove he is in touch with the youth of London as he posed for a picture with a group of young males in a supermarket.

Mr Osborne is not seeking re-election as the MP for Tatton, and will instead focus his attention on his new role in charge of the daily London newspaper, which he takes up on Tuesday.

But the Notting Hill resident has got a head start on getting in touch with his London readership, sparking amusement on Twitter with his unlikely pose with five young men in what appears to be a London co-op.

The image was widely shared, with one user commenting: "I'm screaming - @George Osborne: man of the people.'"

Other comments included: Is George finding yet another occupation by fronting a new band? with a suggested name of 6 Jobs in reference to Mr Osbornes various interests including his lucrative part-time role as a financial adviser for BlackRock and his public speaking engagements.

Another Twitter user suggested he had joined a boy band called Gideon Direction in reference to Mr Osbornes birth name, which he changed by deed poll.

Several comments made fun of the Oxford graduates privileged background.

One user said: How embarrassing for George Osborne. He knew he should have got Fortnums to deliver.

Mr Osborne was frequently criticised for targeting young people during the age of austerity, during which he and David Cameron presided over abolishing housing benefit for most under 25s, upped tuition fees to 9,000 a year, reduced tax credits and child benefits and stripped back funding for youth services.

One comment said: I wonder if they realised that was the guy who was responsible for getting rid of their EMA in reference to the education maintenance allowance that 16-19 year olds from poorer backgrounds were able to claim until then-Chancellor Mr Osborne abolished it as part of the swingeing cuts.

Mr Osborne attracted scrutiny as the UK's highest paid MP through his various outside interests, but has stepped down from his 71,000 a year role in Parliament to take up the top job at the Evening Standard, for which he will be paid a reported annual salary of 200,000.
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A man has been fatally stabbed in Peckham, making him the sixth person to die in a knife attack in London since Saturday.

Police and paramedics were called to Rye Lane at 3.15pm on Friday to reports of a fight. They found a man in his 20s with stab wounds.

He was pronounced dead half an hour later at 3.51pm. Police said the young mans next of kin have been informed.

Detectives are also investigating the death of a man who was stabbed on a bus in central London in the early hours of Friday morning.

The 48-year-old victim was found fatally wounded on the 189 bus in Gloucester Place, near Dorset Square.

Detectives believe the man boarded the vehicle at Brent Cross bus station at 11.13pm, but are investigating when and where the stabbing took place.

The man was treated by paramedics but pronounced dead at the scene. No arrests have been made.

The two deaths today come after three at the weekend, and one on Tuesday.

On Saturday, 42-year-old Damien McLaughlin was stabbed to death in Enfield. In the early hours of Sunday morning, a 17-year-old teenage cyclist was stabbed to death in Battersea.

On Sunday night a 60-year-old man was killed in a knife attack on Bow Common Lane, Mile End.

On Tuesday night, a man died in Wandsworth.

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

A 31-year-old man is also in a critical condition after being stabbed in the head in Dulwich Park, south London, after he intervened in a robbery on Thursday afternoon.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to both of the stabbings on Friday, and the incident on Thursday.

Figures from the Met Police show a 24 per cent rise in knife crime in London last year. Knife attacks have risen by a fifth, year-on-year figures revealed
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The EU 27 have unanimously agreed their guidelines for the forthcoming negotiations with the UK, in a meeting that lasted one minute and ended in spontaneous applause, as the draft guidelines were ratified without a single major alteration.

Donald Tusk, the European Council President, said the guidelines had been "adopted unanimously", adding: "The EU 27 firm and fair political mandate for the Brexit talks is ready.

Meanwhile, the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he felt the UK was underestimating the challenges of Brexit.

At a press conference after the summit , Mr Juncker said: I have the impression sometimes that our British friends, not all of them, do underestimate the technical difficulties we have to face.

A single and not simple question of citizens rights is in fact a cortege of 25 different questions which have to be solved.

So this will take time and if we want to be precise and to deliver guarantees to citizens, this will take a huge amount of time.

"Although, as a Commission we have already prepared a text which could be adopted immediately if our British friends would be ready to sign it, that will probably not happen.

French President Francois Hollande said the UK must pay the price for its decision to leave the EU.

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

There will inevitably be a price and a cost for Britain, its the choice they made, Mr Hollande said as he arrived at the summit.

We must not be punitive, but at the same time its clear that Europe knows how to defend its interests, and that Britain will have a less good position outside the EU than in the EU.

Mr Hollande has only a few weeks left to serve as President of France, as the country is about to elect his successor, but he dismissed suggestions that Theresa May could strengthen her negotiating hand through the snap general election.

I can understand the electoral argument but it will not influence the EU. The EUs principles and the objectives are already fixed, these will be the lines chosen by negotiators, he said.

Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel put Ms Mays decision down to internal, not international problems..

Its an internal problem she wants to resolve in the Conservative party, to have not a hard Brexit or a soft Brexit, but Theresas Brexit, he said. We are very united, you seem surprised, but its a fact.

The EUs chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, said it was in Britains interests for the EU to be unified, as it would improve the chances of a deal being struck with the UK.

This extraordinary meeting shows the unity of the 27 on a clear line, but this unity is not directed against Britain, I think that it is also in its interest, he said.

 Theresa May accuses remaining 27 EU members of lining up to oppose Britain over Brexit

Mr Tusk had said the remaining EU states must remain united, adding: It is only then that we will be able to conclude the negotiations which means that our unity is also in the UKs interest.

As for now I feel strong support from all the EU institutions, including the European Parliament, as well as all the 27 members states. I know this is something unique, but I am confident that it will not change.

Only a small number of amendments were made to the draft guidelines, which now list securing protections for EU citizens resident in the UK ahead of its financial obligations - reversing the previous position.

Along with citizens' rights, the disputed divorce bill the UK will have to pay on exit - estimated at a potential 50 billion - and the question of how to maintain a free-flowing Irish border are among the key issues.

Mr Tusk said sufficient progress on all three were needed before the EU's future relationship with Europe and trade deals could be addressed, in spite of Ms May's call for parallel talks.

"We all want a close and strong future relationship with the UK  there is absolutely no question about that," he said.

"But before discussing our future we have to sort out our past, and we will handle it with genuine care, but fairly. This I think is the only possible way to move forward.

We also need solid guarantees for all citizens and their families who will be affected by Brexit on both sides. This must be the number one priority for the EU and the UK. And the Commission has already prepared a precise and detailed list of citizens' rights we want to protect.
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Jeremy Corbyn is warning of a "Brexit for the few", claiming the Tories plan to hand out any savings as tax cuts to the super-rich and their corporations.

The Labour leader will attempt to win over Leave-backing voters by arguing they will not see any gains from Theresa Mays plans for EU withdrawal.

Make no mistake, a Brexit for the few is now brewing, Mr Corbyn is expected to say. One where any money saved is handed out as tax cuts to the super-rich and their corporations.

Where new trade deals with the US and elsewhere are used to drive down our working conditions, and environmental and food standards.

Mr Corbyn has been accused of running shy of the Brexit issue on the campaign trail, to try to mask Labours deep divisions, after being criticised for being a reluctant Remainer himself.

But, in a major speech in East London, he will argue that it is the battle over what follows from Britains EU exit that will define the election.

The Labour leader will warn that the Prime Ministers rich backers will be handed a get out of jail free card if she is allowed to pursue her form of Brexit.

Do you think personal prospects of the Conservatives' friends and backers will suffer following the kind of Brexit they want to see? he will ask.

Do you think their lives will get harder as wages slide and jobs become even less secure? Unlikely, I think youll agree.

UK General Election 2017 Show all 47 1 /47 UK General Election 2017 UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the 1922 committee on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 DUP leader Arlene Foster stands alongside deputy leader Nigel Dodds as they hold a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Priti Patel, International Development Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Larry the Downing Street cat runs ahead of Michael Fallon Britain's Secretary of State for Defence as he arrives for a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Britain, June 12, 2017. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth REUTERS UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Michael Gove, Environment Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Scottish National Party Leader Nicola Sturgeon (C) leaves after speaking to the media in Parliament Square. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May (C, L) holds the first Cabinet meeting of her new team. Getty UK General Election 2017 11 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May attends church in her constituency with her husband Philip May, a few days after disappointing results in a general election. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn leaves Labour Party HQ this morning, following a general election yesterday. Parliament is hung, with no individual party gaining an overall majority. Post general election reaction. Rex UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 09: DUP leader and Northern Ireland former First Minister Arlene Foster (C) holds a brief press conference with the DUP's newly elected Westminster candidates who stood in the general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A " Get May Out" demo took place opposite the gates of Downing Street, calling for May to resign, after the shock election results and Mays coalition with the DUP. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A demonstrator wears a mask depicting Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May, poses with a mock gravestone bearing the words "Hard Brexit, RIP", during a protest photocall near the entrance 10 Downing Street in central London AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters in London Reuters UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May flanked by her husband Philip delivers a statement outside 10 Downing Street in central Londo Getty UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May leaves Buckingham Palace in London the day after a general election in which the Conservatives lost their majority Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A TV cameraman watches the door of 10 Downing Street in London Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is greeted by his Office Director Karie Murphy as he arrives at Labour Party HQ in Westminster, London, after he called on the Prime Minister to resign, saying she should 'go and make way for a government that is truly representative of this country' Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters with her husband Philip in London REUTERS/Peter Nicholls UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ukip leader Paul Nuttall speaks during a press conference at Boston West Golf Club where he announced that he is standing down as party leader Joe Giddens/PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, leaves the counting centre for Britain's general election with her partner Jen Wilson in Edinburgh, Scotland REUTERS/Russell Cheyne UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale celebrates with candidate for Edinburgh South Ian Murray as he retains his seat at the Meadowbank Sports Centre counting centre in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the media at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, as counting is under way for the General Election Andrew Milligan/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh, as counting is under way for the General Election PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon reacts at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland EPA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, arrives at the Labour Party's Headquarters in London REUTERS/Marko Djurica UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall leaves in a car following the vote count for the constituency of Boston and Skegness in Boston, England Anthony Devlin/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May speaks at the declaration at the election count at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead, England. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A policer officer enters a polling station in London AP UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A woman leaves after casting her vote at the Hove Museum and Art Gallery near Brighton, in southern England Getty UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A polling station sign is seen on a telephone box outside the polling station at Rotherwick Hall, west of London Getty UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 A woman walks past a general election display in the window of a betting shop in Camden on June 7, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow, Getty Images UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May visits Atherley Bowling Club during an election campaign visit on June 7, 2017 in Southampton, England. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow June 8 to vote in a general election. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A supporter wears a pair of Jeremy Corbyn decorated tights at a general election campaign event in Birmingham, central England, on June 6, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another deadly terror attack in the nation's captial. AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A picture taken in London, shows election leaflets from various parties displayed ahead of the United Kingdom's general elections. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 Election workers, George Gaunt and Luca Tragid deliver the first ballot boxes, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh AFP UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May meets with Conservative party supporters during an election campaign visit to a bakery during an election campaign visit on June 6, 2017 in Fleetwood, north-west England. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital Getty Images UK General Election 2017 5 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a general election campaign visit to a removals depot in Edinburgh AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Pro-Independence supporters hold a march through Glasgow AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn campaigns for the upcoming general election in Beeston, Nottinghamshire AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reacts to supporters after a rally at Beeston Youth and Community Centre as he visits the East Midlands during the final weekend of the General Election campaign on June 3, 2017 in Nottingham, England. If elected in next week's general election Mr Corbyn is pledging to create a million new jobs and to scrap zero-hours contracts Getty Images UK General Election 2017 1 June 2017 Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party leader Ruth Davidson joins a selection of Scottish Conservative election candidates and activists during campaigning on May 1, 2017 in South Queensferry, Scotland. With only seven days to go until the general election on June 8th, polls are showing the SNP out in front and the Conservatives set to close in on Labour. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 29 May 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May canvasses in Richmond with Conservative candidate Zac Goldsmith on May 29, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. After suffering defeat in the London Mayoral election Zac Goldsmith resigned over the Government's position on Heathrow expansion. He stood as an Independent but lost in a by-election to the Liberal Democrats. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron poses for a selfie taken by carer April Preston during a General Election campaign visit to the Barlow Medical Centre, in Didsbury, Manchester Yui Mok/PA UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at an election campaign event in Wrexham, Wales Reuters UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Labour's former deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, exit the party's general election campaign 'battle' bus as they arrive at an event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn walks with supporters between venues, before speaking again at another general election campaign event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 An anti-fox hunting protester is taken away and arrested by police outside the venue where Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May was due to launch the Welsh Conservative general election manifesto at Gresford Memorial Hall in the village of Gresford, near Wrexham, North Wales, on May 22, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election AFP/Getty Images

And thats because the Conservatives' backers can afford to opt out when things go wrong. Theyve been doing it for decades.

The speech will be seen as an attempt to marry Labours central campaign message  that the Conservatives remain the party of the rich  with the need to confront Brexit.

Mr Corbyn has cobbled together an uneasy compromise with his party, which supports leaving the single market and ending freedom of movement, but argues the EU can be persuaded to deliver softer exit terms.

Labour can rally around a warning that Ms May  if she carries out her threat to walk away with no exit deal, if necessary  will slash business taxes and regulatory standards.

Nevertheless, the leaders claim there will be money saved is disputed by most Labour MPs and by economists, who have warned of a big Brexit black hole in the nations finances.

Speaking in east London on Saturday, Mr Corbyn will also urge young people  who overwhelmingly opposed Brexit in last years referendum  to make their voices heard on election day.

He will warn that more than 2.4 million 18 to 24-year olds are missing from the UKs electoral register, ahead of the May 22 deadline for registering.

I have a message for you all today: unless you too have a get out jail free card, its time to step up, Mr Corbyn will say.

The Conservatives are more than happy with this state of affairs. Apathy and resignation will secure them seats on election day.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister will continue her strategy of campaigning on Opposition turf in Scotland, where the Tories are tipped to make gains.
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Jeremy Corbyn has admitted he needs to step up if Labour is to win the general election, and called on young voters to do the same.

Ive just laid down the gauntlet and asked you to step up, he told an audience of students at his former university in east London.

Each and every one of us must step up for this country, including me.

Breaking more than three decades of his own personal convention, Mr Corbyn spoke not just about his policies, but himself.

And now for a sentence Ive yet to utter in my political life, he said to a surprised audience at London Metropolitan University. Enough about you, what about me?

Mr Corbyn has been an MP for 34 years, and said many of the problems he had fought against in 1983 are the same as today.

In 1983, I stood up in Parliament for the first time and used my maiden speech to condemn deeply damaging cuts in public services and the NHS. Its a tragedy that I could make a very similar speech today and it would once again hold true, he said.

 Jeremy Corbyn slams Conservative and Ukip leaders in passionate speech

At this time he was also campaigning against the apartheid regime in South Africa.

At the time, young protesters were being shot dead on the streets by the racist apartheid regime in South Africa  Nelson Mandela and hundreds of ANC leaders were in prison. The Conservative Government refused to impose sanctions, entertained the leaders of the regime and banned protests outside the South African embassy in London, he said.

Being an MP helped bring attention to that ban and the wider cause of South Africas liberation  and got a group of us arrested. But the space for people in Britain to organise in support of freedom in South Africa was defended and strengthened. And I realised then that political leaders can, if they want to, create and preserve the space for others to organise and transform countries.

In a clear attack on Tony Blair and what he perceives to be his allies within the party, he said New Labours 13 years in government showed what can go wrong if leaders go unchallenged. The Labour government bought into Conservative ideas about the economy that left Britain with no defence against the global financial crisis, and he said he could see similar traits in Theresa May: It taught me that if leaders go unchallenged, they can make some of the most damaging mistakes.

And if party leaders put themselves ahead of serving the people, they stop listening and even put our country at risk.

UK General Election 2017 Show all 47 1 /47 UK General Election 2017 UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the 1922 committee on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 DUP leader Arlene Foster stands alongside deputy leader Nigel Dodds as they hold a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Priti Patel, International Development Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Larry the Downing Street cat runs ahead of Michael Fallon Britain's Secretary of State for Defence as he arrives for a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Britain, June 12, 2017. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth REUTERS UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Michael Gove, Environment Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Scottish National Party Leader Nicola Sturgeon (C) leaves after speaking to the media in Parliament Square. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May (C, L) holds the first Cabinet meeting of her new team. Getty UK General Election 2017 11 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May attends church in her constituency with her husband Philip May, a few days after disappointing results in a general election. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn leaves Labour Party HQ this morning, following a general election yesterday. Parliament is hung, with no individual party gaining an overall majority. Post general election reaction. Rex UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 09: DUP leader and Northern Ireland former First Minister Arlene Foster (C) holds a brief press conference with the DUP's newly elected Westminster candidates who stood in the general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A " Get May Out" demo took place opposite the gates of Downing Street, calling for May to resign, after the shock election results and Mays coalition with the DUP. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A demonstrator wears a mask depicting Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May, poses with a mock gravestone bearing the words "Hard Brexit, RIP", during a protest photocall near the entrance 10 Downing Street in central London AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters in London Reuters UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May flanked by her husband Philip delivers a statement outside 10 Downing Street in central Londo Getty UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May leaves Buckingham Palace in London the day after a general election in which the Conservatives lost their majority Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A TV cameraman watches the door of 10 Downing Street in London Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is greeted by his Office Director Karie Murphy as he arrives at Labour Party HQ in Westminster, London, after he called on the Prime Minister to resign, saying she should 'go and make way for a government that is truly representative of this country' Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters with her husband Philip in London REUTERS/Peter Nicholls UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ukip leader Paul Nuttall speaks during a press conference at Boston West Golf Club where he announced that he is standing down as party leader Joe Giddens/PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, leaves the counting centre for Britain's general election with her partner Jen Wilson in Edinburgh, Scotland REUTERS/Russell Cheyne UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale celebrates with candidate for Edinburgh South Ian Murray as he retains his seat at the Meadowbank Sports Centre counting centre in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the media at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, as counting is under way for the General Election Andrew Milligan/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh, as counting is under way for the General Election PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon reacts at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland EPA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, arrives at the Labour Party's Headquarters in London REUTERS/Marko Djurica UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall leaves in a car following the vote count for the constituency of Boston and Skegness in Boston, England Anthony Devlin/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May speaks at the declaration at the election count at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead, England. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A policer officer enters a polling station in London AP UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A woman leaves after casting her vote at the Hove Museum and Art Gallery near Brighton, in southern England Getty UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A polling station sign is seen on a telephone box outside the polling station at Rotherwick Hall, west of London Getty UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 A woman walks past a general election display in the window of a betting shop in Camden on June 7, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow, Getty Images UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May visits Atherley Bowling Club during an election campaign visit on June 7, 2017 in Southampton, England. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow June 8 to vote in a general election. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A supporter wears a pair of Jeremy Corbyn decorated tights at a general election campaign event in Birmingham, central England, on June 6, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another deadly terror attack in the nation's captial. AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A picture taken in London, shows election leaflets from various parties displayed ahead of the United Kingdom's general elections. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 Election workers, George Gaunt and Luca Tragid deliver the first ballot boxes, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh AFP UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May meets with Conservative party supporters during an election campaign visit to a bakery during an election campaign visit on June 6, 2017 in Fleetwood, north-west England. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital Getty Images UK General Election 2017 5 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a general election campaign visit to a removals depot in Edinburgh AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Pro-Independence supporters hold a march through Glasgow AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn campaigns for the upcoming general election in Beeston, Nottinghamshire AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reacts to supporters after a rally at Beeston Youth and Community Centre as he visits the East Midlands during the final weekend of the General Election campaign on June 3, 2017 in Nottingham, England. If elected in next week's general election Mr Corbyn is pledging to create a million new jobs and to scrap zero-hours contracts Getty Images UK General Election 2017 1 June 2017 Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party leader Ruth Davidson joins a selection of Scottish Conservative election candidates and activists during campaigning on May 1, 2017 in South Queensferry, Scotland. With only seven days to go until the general election on June 8th, polls are showing the SNP out in front and the Conservatives set to close in on Labour. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 29 May 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May canvasses in Richmond with Conservative candidate Zac Goldsmith on May 29, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. After suffering defeat in the London Mayoral election Zac Goldsmith resigned over the Government's position on Heathrow expansion. He stood as an Independent but lost in a by-election to the Liberal Democrats. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron poses for a selfie taken by carer April Preston during a General Election campaign visit to the Barlow Medical Centre, in Didsbury, Manchester Yui Mok/PA UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at an election campaign event in Wrexham, Wales Reuters UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Labour's former deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, exit the party's general election campaign 'battle' bus as they arrive at an event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn walks with supporters between venues, before speaking again at another general election campaign event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 An anti-fox hunting protester is taken away and arrested by police outside the venue where Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May was due to launch the Welsh Conservative general election manifesto at Gresford Memorial Hall in the village of Gresford, near Wrexham, North Wales, on May 22, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election AFP/Getty Images

Barely nine months into Theresa Mays premiership, there are clear warning signs that she and her closest advisers are slipping into that presidential bunker mentality.

Whereas it is the job of leadership to hold open the space for dissent, new thinking and fit-for-purpose policy.

So while it might not be the stuff of soundbites, I have always believed in standing firm and empowering others to make up their minds and come on board when they are ready.

It is the mind-set that gets community centres and nurseries built, and increasingly defends them from closure.

It is the mind-set that negotiates hard for better conditions in the workplace. It is the mind-set that serves the many, not the few.

Mr Corbyn said he always thought political leaders had to give in to vested interests while manipulating the public.

I didnt want to be like that. And it wasnt clear to me there could be another way, he said.

But Ive learned there is. Whereas insecure leaders want to feel stronger by asking you to give them more power, I recognise strong leadership as equipping you with more power.

If current polling is even close to being accurate, the Labour Party are firmly on course for electoral wipeout under Mr Corbyns leadership.
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Labour has signalled it is looking at new measures to ensure British-built weapons and military technology are not bought by repressive regimes around the world.

It comes as the party plans its general election manifesto and following uproar at the Governments backing for billions of pounds worth of arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

Jeremy Corbyns push for a more ethical exports policy comes just days after Sir Michael Fallon, the Defence Secretary, praised a UK firm that sold missiles to Colonel Gaddafi as a role model for post-Brexit trade.

Recommended The UK is selling arms to Saudi while pretending to care about Yemen

Barry Gardiner, the shadow International Trade Secretary, hinted at the new arms measures as he discussed how the party is preparing a broader strategy aimed at exploiting trade opportunities abroad to boost industries at home.

In an exclusive interview with The Independent he said a prime example of the approach would be a push for the abolition of tariffs on environmental technology, like wind turbines and solar panels in future trade deals, to pave the way for thousands of UK jobs.

Mr Gardiner was speaking as Labour prepares its manifesto for the general election.

The Prime Minister has talked a lot about boosting trade after Brexit, but campaigners have raised concerns that her desire to secure any new trade has led to a drop in ethical standards.

The Government has recently approved 3.5bn worth of arms export licenses to Saudi Arabia and a stream of British ministers have visited the kingdom to solicit trade despite its ongoing involvement in a brutal bombing campaign in Yemen.

Asked whether action on arms sales to repressive regimes would be tackled in Labours manifesto, Mr Gardiner said he could not discuss details ahead of its official publication, but went on: Our party has always pledged to embed human rights and social justice into our trade policy.

 Angus Robertson questions Theresa May over arms sales to Saudi Arabia at PMQs

Every Labour government would wish to uphold the strongest licensing criteria to ensure that any UK exports could not be used for repression or human rights abuse.

Britain is the second biggest arms exporter in the world according to government figures. The Independent revealed last year that the UK has sold weapons to 22 of the 30 countries on its own human rights watch list since 2010.

Sir Michael compounded fears over future trade when he visited and promoted firm MBDA last week, which signed a contract to provide 200m worth of missiles and military communications equipment to Colonel Gaddafis Libyan regime in 2007. It also sells missiles to the Saudi air force.

Mr Corbyn has already called for an end to arms exports to Saudi Arabia, making a manifesto pledge connected to the trade all the more likely.

More broadly, Mr Gardiner believes he has identified a key weakness in the approach to post-Brexit trade taken by Ms May, he says the Tories have failed to tie their approach to exports to an industrial strategy that grows industries and jobs in the UK.

He said: We are absolutely clear that our trade policy must be completely integrated with our industrial strategy, and thats what Ive tried to do.

In particular, our industrial strategy is predicated on the Paris [climate change] agreement and the fact that in the second half of this century we are going to be living in a zero-carbon economy.

He explained that the environmental goods and services sector is rapidly expanding in the UK and boasts a highly skilled workforce with huge experience.

The Labour frontbencher said: Weve led the world with the 2008 Climate Change Act, and thats enabled us to have now what is the most advanced offshore wind anywhere in the world.

Its enabled us to develop these technologies, and the service sector that backs them up is also at a very high level.

UK General Election 2017 Show all 47 1 /47 UK General Election 2017 UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the 1922 committee on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 DUP leader Arlene Foster stands alongside deputy leader Nigel Dodds as they hold a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. 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Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May (C, L) holds the first Cabinet meeting of her new team. Getty UK General Election 2017 11 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May attends church in her constituency with her husband Philip May, a few days after disappointing results in a general election. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn leaves Labour Party HQ this morning, following a general election yesterday. Parliament is hung, with no individual party gaining an overall majority. Post general election reaction. Rex UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 09: DUP leader and Northern Ireland former First Minister Arlene Foster (C) holds a brief press conference with the DUP's newly elected Westminster candidates who stood in the general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A " Get May Out" demo took place opposite the gates of Downing Street, calling for May to resign, after the shock election results and Mays coalition with the DUP. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A demonstrator wears a mask depicting Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May, poses with a mock gravestone bearing the words "Hard Brexit, RIP", during a protest photocall near the entrance 10 Downing Street in central London AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters in London Reuters UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May flanked by her husband Philip delivers a statement outside 10 Downing Street in central Londo Getty UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May leaves Buckingham Palace in London the day after a general election in which the Conservatives lost their majority Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A TV cameraman watches the door of 10 Downing Street in London Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is greeted by his Office Director Karie Murphy as he arrives at Labour Party HQ in Westminster, London, after he called on the Prime Minister to resign, saying she should 'go and make way for a government that is truly representative of this country' Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters with her husband Philip in London REUTERS/Peter Nicholls UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ukip leader Paul Nuttall speaks during a press conference at Boston West Golf Club where he announced that he is standing down as party leader Joe Giddens/PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, leaves the counting centre for Britain's general election with her partner Jen Wilson in Edinburgh, Scotland REUTERS/Russell Cheyne UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale celebrates with candidate for Edinburgh South Ian Murray as he retains his seat at the Meadowbank Sports Centre counting centre in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the media at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, as counting is under way for the General Election Andrew Milligan/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh, as counting is under way for the General Election PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon reacts at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland EPA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, arrives at the Labour Party's Headquarters in London REUTERS/Marko Djurica UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall leaves in a car following the vote count for the constituency of Boston and Skegness in Boston, England Anthony Devlin/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May speaks at the declaration at the election count at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead, England. 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Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A supporter wears a pair of Jeremy Corbyn decorated tights at a general election campaign event in Birmingham, central England, on June 6, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another deadly terror attack in the nation's captial. AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A picture taken in London, shows election leaflets from various parties displayed ahead of the United Kingdom's general elections. 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He pointed to the World Trade Organisation where a group of nations are pushing for an environmental goods agreement to ensure tariffs on them are reduced to as close to zero as possible, adding that Labour is a very strong advocate of the move.

He then hinted that driving down the tariffs could form a part of any future UK trade deal under a Labour government, adding: You could do a multilateral agreement, and certainly you could have bilateral agreements which did that.

I think its fair to say Labour is very keen to ensure that the free flow of environmental goods promoting a low carbon future and benefitting the environment should not have additional trade barriers put in their way.

Turning his fire on the Tories, he pointed to claims in Europe that the British Government argued against measures to protect EU industries against Chinese steel dumping.

The downwards spiral of the price of steel threatened to kill off thousands of jobs in the UK, with the industry still under intense pressure.

Mr Gardiner said: The Tories have a record of arguing that it doesnt matter if somebody is dumping stuff on your market at below production cost, by saying our consumers benefit from that. The problem is our producers then go out of business.

There is no point in telling people you can buy foreign products that are cheaper now, because you are saying it to people who are replying, yes, but I dont have a job.

Mr Gardiner said Labour could be trusted to act within international rules to protect UK industries and jobs, but pointed to Tory Brexiteers who are signalling liberalising instincts.

He added: The trouble with this Government is that what they have consistently said is, it doesnt matter.

It does, because people are losing their jobs in this country as a result of their failure to take the remedies that are offered under the world trading system.
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The Labour Party is facing a revolt among its own activists, who are refusing to back the partys candidates in the general election in a bid to fight Theresa Mays plans for a hard Brexit.

Discussions between Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party are taking place in at least 25 constituencies across the country on ways to vote tactically, with enthusiasm for progressive alliances having gained momentum at a local level since the election was announced.

In some cases, grassroots members have defied the national party by refusing to select a candidate in their constituency in order to increase the chances for other parties who have a higher chance of winning.

Several tactical withdrawals have already been agreed by local Liberal Democrats and Green Party members, while Labour activists in a number of constituencies have decided they will not back their own candidates in order to increase the chances for another progressive candidate in the region.

South West Surrey Labour Party made a unanimous decision on Wednesday night not to back a Labour candidate in order to boost the chances for the Liberal Democrats, who have historically been the main challengers in the constituency, in a bid to oust Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt from the seat.

 Politics round-up: Leaders on the campaign trail on April 29

The local party members decided overwhelmingly that instead of supporting a local candidate, it would divert campaign funds and resources to get behind Labour MP in Ealing Acton Rupa Huq, who beat the Conservatives with a majority of 274 votes in 2015.

Labour activists in Brighton and Hove have also decided to divert support from a number of their candidates in order to concentrate efforts on the candidate for Kemptown, a constituency where the party trailed the Tories by just 690 votes in the 2015 election. Such talks are also said to be taking place between Labour members in other parts of the UK.

Similar agreements have taken place on the right of the political spectrum, although on a smaller scale, in a bid to steer the results in an opposite direction. In a movement dubbed a regressive alliance by the left, Ukip has agreed to stand aside for Tories such as Philip Davies and Jacob Rees-Mogg, allowing better chances for a pro-Brexit candidate to win the seat, and demonstrating the stark divisions at play in the impending Brexit election.

Steve Williams, a member of Compass who sits on the executive of the South West Surrey constituency Labour Party who was present at the meeting on Thursday, said there was overwhelming support among local Labour members for a progressive alliance, but that a motion not to stand a candidate at all was ruled out by the regional Labour office.

It was a very long discussion about the issues of whether Labour should stand down or not, and there was significant support  overwhelming support  for the concept of a progressive alliance and recognising that there are certain constituencies where Labour is not going to be successful given our current electoral system, Mr Williams told The Independent.

It is therefore much more appropriate to divert all the resources that weve got, including people and funding, to the constituencies that are winnable for Labour. What wouldve been allocated by the constituency for the candidate for fighting the direction has been put in the direction of another constituency.

A motion put forward by Mr Williams not to stand a Labour candidate was reportedly ruled out of order at the meeting, with the chair under the instruction of Labours regional office to rule out any motion that was not related to the campaign.

The constituency didnt have the power to decide on that outcome, even though the members of the constituency actually wanted it, Mr Williams said.

UK General Election 2017 Show all 47 1 /47 UK General Election 2017 UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the 1922 committee on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 DUP leader Arlene Foster stands alongside deputy leader Nigel Dodds as they hold a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Priti Patel, International Development Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Larry the Downing Street cat runs ahead of Michael Fallon Britain's Secretary of State for Defence as he arrives for a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Britain, June 12, 2017. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth REUTERS UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Michael Gove, Environment Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Scottish National Party Leader Nicola Sturgeon (C) leaves after speaking to the media in Parliament Square. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May (C, L) holds the first Cabinet meeting of her new team. Getty UK General Election 2017 11 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May attends church in her constituency with her husband Philip May, a few days after disappointing results in a general election. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn leaves Labour Party HQ this morning, following a general election yesterday. Parliament is hung, with no individual party gaining an overall majority. Post general election reaction. Rex UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 09: DUP leader and Northern Ireland former First Minister Arlene Foster (C) holds a brief press conference with the DUP's newly elected Westminster candidates who stood in the general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A " Get May Out" demo took place opposite the gates of Downing Street, calling for May to resign, after the shock election results and Mays coalition with the DUP. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A demonstrator wears a mask depicting Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May, poses with a mock gravestone bearing the words "Hard Brexit, RIP", during a protest photocall near the entrance 10 Downing Street in central London AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters in London Reuters UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May flanked by her husband Philip delivers a statement outside 10 Downing Street in central Londo Getty UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May leaves Buckingham Palace in London the day after a general election in which the Conservatives lost their majority Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A TV cameraman watches the door of 10 Downing Street in London Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is greeted by his Office Director Karie Murphy as he arrives at Labour Party HQ in Westminster, London, after he called on the Prime Minister to resign, saying she should 'go and make way for a government that is truly representative of this country' Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters with her husband Philip in London REUTERS/Peter Nicholls UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ukip leader Paul Nuttall speaks during a press conference at Boston West Golf Club where he announced that he is standing down as party leader Joe Giddens/PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, leaves the counting centre for Britain's general election with her partner Jen Wilson in Edinburgh, Scotland REUTERS/Russell Cheyne UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale celebrates with candidate for Edinburgh South Ian Murray as he retains his seat at the Meadowbank Sports Centre counting centre in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the media at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, as counting is under way for the General Election Andrew Milligan/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh, as counting is under way for the General Election PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon reacts at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland EPA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, arrives at the Labour Party's Headquarters in London REUTERS/Marko Djurica UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall leaves in a car following the vote count for the constituency of Boston and Skegness in Boston, England Anthony Devlin/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May speaks at the declaration at the election count at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead, England. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A policer officer enters a polling station in London AP UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A woman leaves after casting her vote at the Hove Museum and Art Gallery near Brighton, in southern England Getty UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A polling station sign is seen on a telephone box outside the polling station at Rotherwick Hall, west of London Getty UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 A woman walks past a general election display in the window of a betting shop in Camden on June 7, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow, Getty Images UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May visits Atherley Bowling Club during an election campaign visit on June 7, 2017 in Southampton, England. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow June 8 to vote in a general election. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A supporter wears a pair of Jeremy Corbyn decorated tights at a general election campaign event in Birmingham, central England, on June 6, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another deadly terror attack in the nation's captial. AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A picture taken in London, shows election leaflets from various parties displayed ahead of the United Kingdom's general elections. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 Election workers, George Gaunt and Luca Tragid deliver the first ballot boxes, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh AFP UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May meets with Conservative party supporters during an election campaign visit to a bakery during an election campaign visit on June 6, 2017 in Fleetwood, north-west England. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital Getty Images UK General Election 2017 5 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a general election campaign visit to a removals depot in Edinburgh AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Pro-Independence supporters hold a march through Glasgow AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn campaigns for the upcoming general election in Beeston, Nottinghamshire AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reacts to supporters after a rally at Beeston Youth and Community Centre as he visits the East Midlands during the final weekend of the General Election campaign on June 3, 2017 in Nottingham, England. If elected in next week's general election Mr Corbyn is pledging to create a million new jobs and to scrap zero-hours contracts Getty Images UK General Election 2017 1 June 2017 Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party leader Ruth Davidson joins a selection of Scottish Conservative election candidates and activists during campaigning on May 1, 2017 in South Queensferry, Scotland. With only seven days to go until the general election on June 8th, polls are showing the SNP out in front and the Conservatives set to close in on Labour. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 29 May 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May canvasses in Richmond with Conservative candidate Zac Goldsmith on May 29, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. After suffering defeat in the London Mayoral election Zac Goldsmith resigned over the Government's position on Heathrow expansion. He stood as an Independent but lost in a by-election to the Liberal Democrats. 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Im deeply disappointed that the Labour Party nationally has not yet received a wake-up call from those of us in the Labour Party desperate to see a Labour government or a Labour-led government as the outcome of the election, who are hoping to work collaboratively with other progressive parties."

In December, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn voiced his resistance to any progressive alliance with the Liberal Democrats, stating that it was not a credible path for Labour after the smaller partys six-year record in coalition. Labours national executive party has more recently said it would impose candidates on constituencies where the local party does not field a candidate.

In the first tactical withdrawal of its kind ahead of the general election, the Green Party pulled out of a crucial election seat in Ealing Acton on Monday to allow more votes to go to Labour MP Rupa Huq, who beat the Conservatives with a majority of just 274 votes in 2015, while no other party managed to attract more than seven per cent of the vote.

 Jeremy Corbyn slams Conservative and Ukip leaders in passionate speech

Stephen Clark, the organiser of West London Compass who was involved in forming the alliance in Ealing Acton, said there were encouraging discussions also taking place in other parts of the city, which he said could lead to similar agreements being formed in the coming weeks.

Weve been trying to facilitate discussions between the key progressive parties to see what can be done. As you can see in Ealing, the Greens have agreed to step aside. Were now spreading that out over the rest of London, where there are about nine seats that need defending for either the Lib Dems or Labour, said Mr Clark.

Ive had lots of discussions at grassroots level. I dont want to spell them out in too much detail, but they are very encouraging. Local parties are realising that if youre going to stop the Tories, youre going to have to cooperate with the other parties.

Tim Farron has stated his ambition to be leader of the opposition (Getty)

He said issues had arisen because while the Green Party is highly supportive of forming progressive alliances, local Labour and Liberal Democrat parties were constrained by senior party members, who discourage or even prohibit such deals taking place.

The Greens have been very, very willing to talk about a new politics where you talk about long-term cooperation and it isnt just about electoral deals. I think with the Lib Dems its very much a grassroots level, he said.

Recommended Green Party pulls out of election seat to help Labour beat the Tories

While the Farron line is very much were on our own we just want to win back as many of our seats that we lost last time, at local level thats not often the attitude. Youll find that certainly lots of Lib Dems are prepared to take a much broader view, especially the old anti-coalition Lib Dems who want to work with the left of centre parties.

Labour meanwhile has been very much recipients of the largesse so far, and not showing such a willingness to cooperate. Its very much coming from the top. Corbyn is certainly running the line that he expects to fight every seat and win some kind of Trump-type victory.

But I think you will find there are Labour activists who rebel against the top. I think you will find as the election goes on find people will come this way. Weve been very clear in Compass that this is going to be a bottom-up thing.

Meanwhile in Brighton and Hove, there has been a groundswell of support for the strategy. Earlier this week, the local Liberal Democrats in Brighton Pavillion decided not to contest the seat currently held by Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas without any dispute from the national party, indicating a willingness to engage with progressive alliances.

In a similar move, the Green Party in Brighton Kemptown said they would not stand a candidate in order to give a better chance to Labour's Nancy Platts, who lost by just 690 to Conservative MP Simon Kirby in 2015.

Caroline Lucas has been leading calls for the alliances (Getty / Jack Taylor)

Labour activists within Brighton and Hove Momentum have subsequently committed to concentrating its efforts on winning the Kemptown seat, writing in a public post that regardless of which constituency they live in, members and supporters should prioritise victory in Brighton Kemptown to make a crucial difference in the campaign for progressive politics.

Ms Lucas has been a leading figure in calling for such alliances to take place across the country, and urged that it was an opportunity for the Labour Party to do politics differently, saying there had been a real enthusiasm at a local level to assemble stronger opposition to the Tories.

The question right now is whether or not the Labour Party will listen and enable local Labour parties who want to do this to go ahead and be able to practice the new politics, Ms Lucas told The Independent.

Jeremy Corbyn often talks about doing politics differently  well heres a perfect example of where he could. And frankly, it can only be in his interest if you look at where the polling is at the moment.

At a local level theres a real enthusiasm across the country. Wed like to see that Corbyn is thinking about doing politics differently and realising that it is so important to assemble some kind of opposition to Theresa May.

Former Liberal Democrat Business Secretary Vince Cable, who was ousted at the last election but is standing in his former seat of Twickenham in the impending election, was a leading proponent calling for the Liberal Democrats to stand down in Brighton Pavilion, and said he encourages such thinking taking place elsewhere in the UK.

I think what is happening  and I think its sensible  is that were encouraging the voters to think tactically. Theres no prospect of getting some sort of pre-election agreement between parties given the gulf particularly with the Labour Party, Mr Cable told The Independent.

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Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. 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Theres nothing to stop localised agreements and nothing to stop encouragement of people to vote on a tactical basis. I think in the current context an awful lot of people will find their way to the voting booths in that kind of spirit.

I think it could pave the way for future changes to the electoral system. Theres a certain amount of overlap, and as we approach polling day it may become more polarised like that, with people in many parts of the country wanting an alternative to the Conservatives.

Recommended Communist party will not field candidates in order to support Corbyn

Following the agreements made in Brighton Pavillion and Kemptown, there is growing willingness among grassroots progressives in wider Sussex for further deals and alliances to take place in the region, with hundreds of members attending events organised by Sussex Progressives, an organisation promoting and facilitating such agreements between the progressive parties in the area.

Georgia Amson-Bradshaw, co-convenor of the Sussex Progressives, said local Labour and Lib Dem members wanted to pressure on party executives to do the right thing, and that many had sought advice from the organisation on how they can persuade their parties to engage in such alliances.

Were trying to empower grassroots people to apply pressure to the executives to do the right thing. I know that this is something all the progressive parties are taking seriously at the moment, said Ms Amson-Bradshaw.

We have lots of Labour and Lib Dem members come to our meetings. Particularly Labour  not elected representatives  asking what they can do in their party to try change it. It is very bottom-up. There is definitely a groundswell for this sort of thing locally, so fingers crossed that will translate into the parties doing something a bit differently at the top.

We come up against Corbyn and Farron saying were not going to do any deals or alliances, but there is a very strong call at the grassroots level for the progressive parties to look at the bigger picture and behave more sensibly in the face of the hard Brexit Tory onslaught were facing right now.

Discussions between progressive opposition parties are also taking place at a grassroots level in constituencies including Oxford, the Isle of Wight and Cornwall and Birmingham. According to analysis by Compass, a thinktank that is spear-heading the progressive alliance movement, electoral alliances in the June election could help Labour win up to 29 Tory seats, as well as helping the Liberal Democrats to pick up several seats in the south-west and the Greens win in places like Brighton Pavillion and the Isle of Wight.

 Tim Farron hails 'appetite for change' as Lib Dems notch up 100,000 members

Neal Lawson, chair of Compass, has witnessed the willingness among local parties and activists across the country to communicate about where it makes sense for them to stand and not to stand, and said the fear of a one-party state is encouraging people to cross tribal barriers in a way not seen before.

Theres been a massive outpouring of local parties talking about deals and vote-swapping. Local parties are talking to each other across the country about where it makes sense for them to stand and not to stand, said Mr Lawson.

This is a grassroots rebellion from below. This is the electorates progressive alliance, not the leaders. And theres a huge amount of interest. Its going to be an election like no other, driven not from the press releases and the newsrooms, but by the people. Theres a very different sentiment going on.

What were picking up is the fear of the one-party state and the role of the electoral voting system within it. Thats really mobilising people and getting them out and worried and looking to cross tribal barriers this time.

When asked whether the party supported progressive alliances, a Liberal Democrats spokesperson told The Independent: Liberal Democrats across the country are challenging Theresa May's Conservative Brexit government.

As in previous elections, a limited number of local parties are considering how best to provide that challenge in their constituencies. In Brighton Pavilion, local Liberal Democrats have decided to pursue that challenge jointly with the local Green Party. We welcome that constructive collaboration.

But we must remember that this is the Brexit election and the Liberal Democrats are the only significant UK wide party opposing Brexit, so in the overwhelmingly majority of seats if people want Britain to remain open, tolerant and united, the only choice is the Liberal Democrats.

When contacted for comment, the Labour Party said they did not comment on private meetings.
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Theresa May has accused the Scottish National Party of seeking to disrupt her attempts to win the general election.

Making her first appearance in Scotland of the election campaign so far, she told an audience of party activists in a barn in Aberdeenshire: Every vote for me and my team strengthens my hand in the Brexit negotiations.

She said the SNP wanted to disrupt our Brexit negotiations, undermine the task ahead, stop us from taking Britain forward.

They want to disrupt our Brexit negotiations by disrupting this election.

As she did so, French President Francois Hollande told reporters in Brussels: I understand the electoral argument, but it will not influence the EU. The EUs principles and the objectives are already fixed, these will be the lines chosen by negotiators.

The Prime Minister repeated previous campaign speeches, telling the small crowd: Give me the mandate to lead Britain, give me the mandate to speak for Britain, give me the mandate to fight for Britain and give me the mandate to deliver for Britain.

She added: My message to the people of Scotland is clear  every vote for me and my team will strengthen my hand in the Brexit negotiations.

That will strengthen the Union, strengthen the economy and the UK and Scotland together will flourish because if Scotland is flourishing the rest of the United Kingdom is flourishing too.

Thats really important because as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, I want to see every part of our country succeed.

The Prime Minister has previously refused to grant Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeons request for a second referendum on independence for Scotland.
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Theresa May has been warned she could face a fresh court challenge over Brexit, after a retired Scottish doctor claimed the law requires there to be a second referendum on any withdrawal agreement.

Dr Andrew Watt, a former radiologist from Glasgow, sent a letter before action  usually the first step in taking disputes to court  to the Prime Minister, in which he argued Section 2 of the European Union Act 2011 requires a referendum before the UK can leave the EU.

He said the act, which was designed to trigger a referendum in the event of a new EU treaty that would transfer powers to the bloc from the UK, calls for the Government to have a referendum before it can ratify any treaty that amends or replaces the EU or the functioning of the bloc.

Dr Watt highlighted a section of the legislation which sets out that there must be a referendum if there is the conferring on an EU institution or body of power to impose a requirement or obligation on the United Kingdom, or the removal of any limitation on any such power of an EU institution or body.

He added that a separate line  providing for a referendum if the EU is given the power to impose sanctions on the UK  could also apply if the bloc is able to erect tariffs on UK goods and services.

Dr Watt said: The Prime Minister has refused to hold a further referendum on withdrawal from the European Union. She has overlooked the fact that Section 2 of the European Union Act 2011 requires a referendum before the United Kingdom can ratify any withdrawal or related trade agreement with the European Union.

The Prime Ministers failure to recognise the legal requirement for a further referendum means that she is at high risk of running out of time in the negotiations with the European Union.

He said he has asked Ms May to respond formally to his letter by Friday 12 May.

Once I have her response I can decide which of the legal issues in the letter before action should be pursued in the High Court, Dr Watt added.

At that time I expect to seek to raise funds by crowdfunding or other means to enable this important legal action to go ahead.

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

It comes three months after the Government lost a court challenge brought by philanthropist and banker Gina Miller, which meant it had to bring a bill to start the legal Brexit process to Parliament rather than launch it unilaterally, which Ms May had initially set out to do.

In the most recent Brexit development, the EU Council President Donald Tusk said at a special summit in Brussels that the blocs Brexit negotiation guidelines have been unanimously agreed.

The Prime Minister meanwhile accused EU leaders of preparing to line up to oppose us over Brexit, as she made an audacious appeal to Labour supporters to lend me their vote to strengthen her hand.

Additional reporting by agencies
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An American Muslim composer has said he was detained for hours at a New York airport when he returned home from a recent trip to London.

Mohammed Fairouz, who has been described as one of the most frequently performed composers of his generation, had travelled from Heathrow to John F Kennedy airport after visiting the UK to record with a British string orchestra.

He says he was pulled aside for additional screening by an immigration officer with no explanation except that his name is super common.

The 31-year-old said he had already scanned his documents and fingerprints, which should have distinguished him from anyone else with the same name.

Mr Fairouz, who was born in the US, described how his luggage and laptop were taken away and he was told that he could not use his mobile phone, in a comment piece penned for The Independent.

Clueless and aggressive officers escorted me to a room and had me sit in a plastic chair without the ability to listen to music or read a book, he said.

He was detained for almost four hours  long enough, he said, to have written a short piano etude, had he been allowed to keep his belongings with him.

During the presidential campaign, Donald Trump called for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on.

One of the new presidents first acts was to issue a ban on travel from mainly Muslim countries, leading to many travellers being denied boarding flights to the US. The ban has faced repeated legal challenges.

In addition to being condemned as Islamophobic, critics have said the ban and other orders issued by the White House have given border police far more power to behave as they wish without consequences.

Mr Fairouz said he encountered bullying behaviour by officers who treated him like a criminal.

Instead of allowing me to quietly get on with something productive, I was barked at to 'SIT DOWN' by officers who every so often would loudly remind the people going through screening that 'NOBODY LEAVES THIS ROOM WITHOUT CLEARANCE'" he said.

We were all, without arrest or charge, being treated like criminals: guilty until proven innocent.

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. 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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

Earlier this month the American Muslim CEO of a leading travel media brand told The Independent that he had not brought his phone and laptop with him on a trip to London, because of concerns about searches when he returned to the US.

Mr Ali said since the start of President Trumps administration, Muslim travellers had faced difficulties with US Customs and Border Protection  with officials sometimes detaining new arrivals for hours while they trawl through phone and laptop data.

Im an American Muslim guy, said Mr Ali. Citizens are being stopped on their way back. For this trip I bought a burner phone and a burner laptop.

I left my laptop, I left my phone, and bought a new phone line, a new iTunes account, a new laptop."

He added: Anxiousness has just risen 10x in the last two months, three months.
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Mexicos Congress has approved the legalisation of medicinal cannabis.

A bill proposing to allow its use for scientific and health purposes was passed easily in the countrys Senate last December.

On Friday, the Lower House of Congress voted 371 in favour of the bill, with only 19 politicians voting against it or abstaining.

The bill will now go to President Enrique Pena Nieto, who is expected to sign it.

"The ruling eliminates the prohibition and criminalisation of acts related to the medicinal use of marijuana and its scientific research, and those relating to the production and distribution of the plant for these purposes," the Lower House said in a statement on its website.

Representative Arturo Alvarez of the Green Party said: "This is a step in the right direction of exploring new alternatives of regulated, legalized and supervised use, and can open up a new front for authorities to combat addictions and the violence that arises from the illicit activities of drug growing, trafficking and consumption."

In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Show all 26 1 /26 In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies A man wears a marijuana leaf mask during the annual 4/20 cannabis culture celebration at Sunset Beach in Vancouver, British Columbia AP In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies A lady smokes marijuana on Parliament Hill on 4/20 in Ottawa, Ontario Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies James Reed smokes a joint during the Denver 420 Rally at Civic Center Park in Denver, Colorado Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies People sign a 4/20 sign on Parliament Hill on in Ottawa, Ontario Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies A woman smokes marijuana on Parliament Hill on 4/20 in Ottawa, Ontario. Polling released showed strong support in Canada for a government drive to legalise recreational use of marijuana, but many would like the proposed minimum age for consumption to be raised. Sixty-three percent of respondents told the Angus Reid Institute they support legalisation Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies A man smokes marijuana during the annual 4/20 marijuana rally on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Reuters In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Demonstrators smoke marijuana during the '4/20 Santiago' rally in favour of legalisation in front of the La Moneda presidential palace in Santiago, as part of the Global Marijuana March which is being held in hundreds of cities worldwide Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies People play with a mock marijuana joint during a 4/20 party to demand legalisation and to celebrate marijuana culture outside the Senate building in Mexico City, Mexico Reuters In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Adam Eidinger, co-founder of DCMJ, hands out free marijuana joints to DC residents who worked on Capitol Hill as part of the 1st Annual Joint Session to mark '4/20' day and promote legalising marijuana on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Police arrest Rachel Ramone Donlan after she handed out free marijuana joints to DC residents who worked on Capitol Hill as part of the 1st Annual Joint Session to mark '4/20' day and promote legalising marijuana on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Police arrest Rachel Ramone Donlan after she handed out free marijuana joints to DC residents who worked on Capitol Hill as part of the 1st Annual Joint Session to mark '4/20' day and promote legalising marijuana on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Thousands of people gather to smoke marijuana during the '420 Santiago'rally in front of the La Moneda presidential palace in Santiago Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies People attend the Denver 420 Rally at Civic Center Park in Denver, Colorado Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Kevin Barron and Lasean Moore of Raleigh, North Carolina, share a joint during the Denver 420 Rally at Civic Center Park in Denver, Colorado Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Nic Ruhl takes a pull on a giant hand rolled joint at precisely 4:20pm MDT during the Denver 420 Rally at Civic Center Park in Denver, Colorado Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Various cannabis paraphernalia on display at a vendor's stall during the Denver 420 Rally at Civic Center Park in Denver, Colorado Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Mo Banez, of Austin, Texas, lights a joint during the Denver 420 Rally at Civic Center Park in Denver, Colorado Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies A man displays a large container of cannabis during the Denver 420 Rally at Civic Center Park in Denver, Colorado. The rally, held annually, is a celebration of both the legalisation of cannabis and cannabis culture. Colorado is one of twenty-six U.S. states along with the District of Columbia that has legalised the use of cannabis either recreationally or medically AFP/Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Sitting in small groups on mats shaded by trees in the Rose Garden just across from the Knesset, participants lit up as the clock struck 4:20 for the local version of the traditional worldwide April 20 pro-marijuana events, known as '420' rallies Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies An Israeli smokes a marijuana joint in Jerusalem during a rally at the Rose garden Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies Sitting in small groups on mats shaded by trees in the Rose Garden just across from the Knesset, participants lit up as the clock struck 4:20 for the local version of the traditional worldwide April 20 pro-marijuana events, known as '420' rallies Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies An Israeli girl poses with a mock marijuana joint in Jerusalem during a rally at the Rose garden, to celebrate 420 and to express their defiance of current laws Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies aelis pass around a marijuana joint in Jerusalem during a rally at the Rose garden, to celebrate 420 and to express their defiance of current laws Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies An Israeli smokes a marijuana joint in Jerusalem during a rally at the Rose garden, to celebrate 420 and to express their defiance of current law Getty Images In pictures: 4/20 Marijuana world rallies An Israeli smokes a marijuana joint in Jerusalem on April 20, 2017 during a rally opposite the Knesset to celebrate 420 and express defiance of current laws AFP/Getty Images

Representative Rosa Alba Ramirez of the small Citizens' Movement party said: "This is not opening the door for a general and unchecked consumption because it includes measures so the health department can ensure it is not being abused or distorted to widen it to recreational use."

President Nieto  once anti-drugs  has called for a global rethink towards narcotics. He said they should be viewed through a public health lens which doesnt criminalise users.

Mexico has been particularly hard hit by drug violence. An ongoing drugs war has killed around 80,000 people since 2006.

Additional support by agencies
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The British Government was passed the dossier detailing alleged collusion between the Kremlin and Donald Trump back in December, it has emerged.

The collection of memos, which alleges the existence of a Russian programme "cultivating, supporting and assisting" Mr Trump to the presidency, was compiled by former MI6 officer Christopher Steele.

It was known to have circulated among intelligence officials and top politicians in Washington, and the Guardian now reports that Mr Steele's court filings state he shared the memo with a British "national security official" in their official capacity.

 Ex-MI6 agent behind Trump Russia dossier breaks silence

Unconfirmed reports in the document, which Mr Steele previously told The Independent had been passed to British authorities, cover "at least" five years of communication, co-operation and conspiracy between Mr Trump's camp and Russian intelligence officials.

Sources also claim that Moscow is capable of blackmailing the new president, and detail "perverted sexual acts" committed by the new President as evidence.

According to his court papers, Mr Steele decided to hand the dossier over "on a confidential basis in hard copy form" to the British intelligence services because it "had implications for the national security of the US and the UK", as well as being "of considerable importance in relation to alleged Russian interference in the US presidential election".

The dossier came into the public eye when it was published by Buzzfeed, who stressed they were "unverified and potentially unverifiable".

Mr Trump dismissed the wide-ranging allegations as "fake news", and a Russian businessman named in the dossier has brought a defamation lawsuit against Mr Steele and his private investigation company, Orbis Business Intelligence. The same venture capitalist is also suing Buzzfeed.

Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Show all 33 1 /33 Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days in office were marred by a string of scandals, many of which caught the eye of the Independent's cartoonists Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's first 100 days have seen him aggressively ramp up tensions with his nuclear rivals in North Korea Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has warned of a "major, major conflict" with the pariah nation lead by Kim Jong Un Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump dropped the "mother of all bombs" on alleged ISIS-linked militants in Afghanistan, amid an escalation of US military intervention around the globe Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been accused of falling short of the standards set by his predecessors in the Oval Office, including Franklin D Roosevelt Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The tycoon's ascension to the White House came at a time when the balance of power is shifting away from Western nations like those in the G7 group Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Western politicians, including the British Conservative party, have been accused of falling in line behind Mr Trump's proposals Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Brexit is seen to have weakened Britain, reducing still further any political will to resist American leadership Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump's leadership has been marked by sudden and unexpected shifts in global policy Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's controversial missile strike on Syria, which killed several citizens, was seen by some analysts as an attempt to distract from his policy elsewhere Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The President has also spent a large majority of his weekends golfing, rather than attending to matters of state Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Though free of gaffes, a visit from Chinese president Xi Jinping spotlighted trade tensions between the two states Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One major and unexpected setback came when Mr Trump's Healthcare Bill was struck down by members of his own party Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been a figure of fun in the media, with his approval at record lows Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A string of revelations about Mr Trump's financial indiscretions did not mar his surge to the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Outgoing President Barack Obama was accused of wiretapping Trump Tower by his successor in America's highest office Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The alleged involvement of Russian intelligence operatives in securing Mr Trump the presidency prompted harsh criticism Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The explosive resignation of Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who lied about his links to the Russian ambassador, was just one scandal to hit the President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Many scandals, such as the accusation Barack Obama was implicated in phone-hacking, first broke on Mr Trump's Twitter feed Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's election provoked mass protests in the UK, with millions signing a petition to ban him from the country Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump cited a non-existent terror attack in Sweden during a campaign rally Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump stands accused of stoking regional tensions in Eastern Asia Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons North Korea has launched a number of failed nuclear tests since Mr Trump took power Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Theresa May formally rejected the petition calling for Mr Trump to be banned from the UK Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons When Mr Trump's initial so-called Muslim ban was struck down by a federal justice, the President mocked the 69-year-old as a "ridiculous", "so-called judge" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A week after his inauguration, Theresa May met with Mr Trump at the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first days in office were marked by a hasty attempt to follow through on many of his campaign promises, including the so-called Muslim ban Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's decision to ban citizens of many majority-Muslim countries from the US sparked mass protests Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Revelations about Donald Trump's sexual improprieties were not enough to keep him from being elected President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was criticised by many in the press for cosying up to the new President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One of Mr Trump's top aides, Kelly Anne Conway, was mocked for describing mistruths as "alternative facts" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was quick to demonstrate that her political aims did not hugely differ from Mr Trump's Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's inauguration, on 20 January 2017, sparked protests both at home and abroad

Mr Steele originally compiled the report for political opponents of Mr Trump in Washington, and was forced to go into hiding after being identified as its author.

He has only once spoken in public since the explosive dossier went public, giving a brief statement as he returned to work after going into hiding, and has refused to visit the US for fear of recriminations from the White House.

But the case against Orbis, which is being heard in London, has forced the former MI6 spy to reveal more details about the year he spent gathering evidence on the billionaire tycoon's alleged connections to Moscow.
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The climate change information page on the Environmental Protection Agencys website has been scrapped.

A statement on the EPA website said language regarding the Clean Power Plan  Barack Obamas landmark effort to curb carbon emissions  was out of date.

The page was being updated to reflect the leadership of President Trump and Administrator Scott Pruitt, the statement said.

Mr Trump has called climate change a hoax and his choice for administrator of the EPA, Mr Pruitt, has denied climate science and previously sued the agency and accused it of overreach.

The appointment of both individuals caused significant concern to environmentalists.

The EPA web page on climate change as it appeared until yesterday (EPA/screengrab)

The image which now appears under the Environmental Protection Agency's web page on climate change (EPA/screengrab)

Yesterday, the EPAs climate change page  which featured extensive information on global warming  was archived.

An EPA statement regarding the change said it occurred to update language to reflect the approach of the new leadership.

As EPA renews its commitment to human health and clean air, land, and water, our website needs to reflect the views of the leadership of the agency, said JP Freire, Associate Administrator for Public Affairs.

We want to eliminate confusion by removing outdated language first and making room to discuss how were protecting the environment and human health by partnering with states and working within the law.

The first page to be updated will be on Mr Trumps executive order on energy independence. The order will allow further drilling in the worlds major oceans, including the Arctic.

The order will also roll back a number of Mr Obamas key measures aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Mr Trump has said his predecessor was engaged in a war on coal and has voiced his support for fossil fuels.

Meanwhile, Mr Pruitt called for the US to exit the Paris Climate Deal because it was a bad business deal for America.

10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Show all 10 1 /10 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A group of emperor penguins face a crack in the sea ice, near McMurdo Station, Antarctica Kira Morris 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Floods destroyed eight bridges and ruined crops such as wheat, maize and peas in the Karimabad valley in northern Pakistan, a mountainous region with many glaciers. In many parts of the world, glaciers have been in retreat, creating dangerously large lakes that can cause devastating flooding when the banks break. Climate change can also increase rainfall in some areas, while bringing drought to others. Hira Ali 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Smoke  filled with the carbon that is driving climate change  drifts across a field in Colombia. Sandra Rondon 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Amid a flood in Islampur, Jamalpur, Bangladesh, a woman on a raft searches for somewhere dry to take shelter. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable places in the world to sea level rise, which is expected to make tens of millions of people homeless by 2050. Probal Rashid 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Sindh province in Pakistan has experienced a grim mix of two consequences of climate change. Because of climate change either we have floods or not enough water to irrigate our crop and feed our animals, says the photographer. Picture clearly indicates that the extreme drought makes wide cracks in clay. Crops are very difficult to grow. Rizwan Dharejo 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Hanna Petursdottir examines a cave inside the Svinafellsjokull glacier in Iceland, which she said had been growing rapidly. Since 2000, the size of glaciers on Iceland has reduced by 12 per cent. Tom Schifanella 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A river once flowed along the depression in the dry earth of this part of Bangladesh, but it has disappeared amid rising temperatures. Abrar Hossain 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A shepherd moves his herd as he looks for green pasture near the village of Sirohi in Rajasthan, northern India. The region has been badly affected by heatwaves and drought, making local people nervous about further predicted increases in temperature. Riddhima Singh Bhati 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A factory in China is shrouded by a haze of air pollution. The World Health Organisation has warned such pollution, much of which is from the fossil fuels that cause climate change, is a public health emergency. Leung Ka Wa 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Water levels in reservoirs, like this one in Gers, France, have been getting perilously low in areas across the world affected by drought, forcing authorities to introduce water restrictions. Mahtuf Ikhsan

Mr Pruitt told Fox News there were ongoing discussions in the White House about withdrawing from the Paris agreement. Mr Pruitt advocated an America First strategy putting US priorities first in international climate change discussions.
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George W Bush's chief ethics lawyer has called for Donald Trump to be impeached if he doesn't comply with Congress's demand to release documents relating to Michael Flynn.

"US House must subpoena the docs," Richard W Painter wrote on Twitter. "If no compliance, impeach."

"Zero tolerance for WH covering up foreign payoffs."

Mr Painter was commenting on the news Mr Trump's former National Security Advisor had likely broken the law by not disclosing payments from Russia and Turkey, according to the chairman of the House Oversight Committee.

As a former military officer, you simply cannot take money from Russia, Turkey or anybody else. And it appears as if he did take that money. It was inappropriate. And there are repercussions for the violation of law, Republican representative Jason Chaffetz told reporters after a classified meeting with the committee.

 Michael Flynn once said anyone seeking immunity 'probably committed a crime'

Last month, investigators announced Mr Flynn had received more than half a million dollars from work for the Russian state-owned TV network RT and for work with a lobbying firm which likely benefited Turkey.

Mr Painter suggested Mr Trump should be impeached if Congress refuses a subpoena to hand over documents relating to the payments.

So far, the White House refused to hand them over.

However, without a subpoena, the White House does not legally need to produce the records.

In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Show all 30 1 /30 In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump President-elect Donald Trump acknowledges guests as he arrives on the platform at the US Capitol in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Donald Trump is sworn in as the 45th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Melania Trump looks on during the 58th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington AP In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump President Donald Trump shakes hands with Justice John Roberts after taking the oath at inauguration ceremonies swearing in Trump as the 45th president of the United States Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump President Donald Trump raises his fists after his inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Getty In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump U.S. President-elect Donald Trump greets outgoing President Barack Obama before Trump is inaugurated during ceremonies on the Capitol in Washington Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump resident-elect Donald Trump arrives on the platform of the US Capitol in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Attendees partake in the inauguration ceremonies to swear in Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States at the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump US President Donald Trump delivers his inaugural address during ceremonies at the US Capitol in Washington DC Getty In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump U.S. President Donald Trump waves with wife Melania during the Inaugural Parade in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Protesters registered their rage against the new president Friday in a chaotic confrontation with police who used pepper spray and stun grenades in a melee just blocks from Donald Trump's inaugural parade route. Scores were arrested for trashing property and attacking officers AP In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators protest against US President Donald Trump in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A woman holds a sign before the start of the Presidential Inauguration of Donald Trump at Freedom Plaza in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Anti-Trump protesters prepare banners for a protest against the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, in Berlin REUTERS In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators shout slogans against US President-elect Donald Trump in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators march, block foot traffic and clash with U.S. Capitol Police at the entry checkpoints for the Inauguration of Donald Trump Alamy Live News In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators display a banner as people arrive for US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A man displays a placard as people lineup to get into the National Mall for the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Protesters demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump raise their hands as they are surrounded by police on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A demonstrator wearing a mask depicting Donald Trump protests outside the US Embassy in London Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators hold placards as they protest outside the US Embassy in London Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Former US President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush arrive for the Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol Rex In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden share an umbrella as President Donald Trump delivers his inaugural address at the inauguration in Washington DC Rex In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton arrive on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump U.S. Vice President Mike Pence takes the oath of office on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Advisors to President-elect Donald Trump, Kellyanne Conway and Steve Bannon depart from services at St. John's Church during the Presidential Inauguration in Washington Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Protesters demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump take cover as they are hit by pepper spray by police on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump An activist demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump is helped after being hit by pepper spray on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A police officer tries to tackle a protester demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump Reuters/Adrees Latif In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Police arrest and detain a protester in the street in Washington DC Rex In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A police officer falls to the ground as another shoots pepper spray at protesters demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC Reuters

Mr Flynn resigned less than a month into the job after it was revealed he had failed to tell Vice President mike Pence about conversations he had with Russian officials during the transition period.

Watergate journalist Carl Bernstein has said the investigation could reveal a "cover up" of alleged connections between Mr Trump's team and Russia.
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When Donald Trump announced a ban on travel from seven Muslim-majority countries days after he took office, Fatima Salman decided she had to respond immediately.

On Facebook, she spoke to others outraged over the Presidents executive order and his suspension of the countrys immigration plan. Within 17 hours, they had organised a protest at Detroits airport that drew up to 10,000 people.

It was huge, she said. There were people from all walks of life. There were people carrying signs saying We all Muslims written in Arabic, which theyd printed off Google Translate. Some of them were spelled wrongly, but it was very sweet.

Fatima Salman organised the protest in 17 hours (Andrew Buncombe)

The call to action led by Ms Salman, 39, a social worker, was typical of the way one of Americas most iconic and diverse cities responded to the Presidents executive orders  by uniting and not lying down. As Trump marks 100 days in the White House, people in Detroit from various ethnicities, communities and religions have come together in an unprecedented way to try to protect those at risk to being detained and deported.

Christians, Jews and Muslims have gathered for rallies. Congregants from a Latino catholic church marched to a local mosque, while Muslims came out in solidarity with people from Mexico and Central America.

You have 120 languages in Detroit. In a five mile radius of where you are, there are 70,000 Arab Americans, said Hassen Jaber, chief executive of Access, a group that works to help the Arab-American community.

When the travel ban happened, the community mobilised immediately. We had activists getting involved who wed never heard of before calling for mass demonstrations.

He said a key feature of the response is that different groups and communities have worked to support one another. The Latino community has been hit particularly hard. People have been giving power of attorney in case they are deported.

Jill Zundel says she is doing the work of Jesus by making her church a sanctuary (Andrew Buncombe)

His colleague, Nadia El-Zein Tonovo, said: This moment in time was so unique that people have come together.

After Trump assumed the presidency, Jill Zundel, a pastor at Detroits Central United Methodist Church, one of the oldest Protestant churches in the state, announced that they were to become a sanctuary church and offer a haven to migrants at risk of deportation. (Since then, eight others have followed her example.)

The church is currently providing a home to an African family that is trying to cross the border to Canada.

This church has been at the forefront of all the movements, said Ms Zundel, standing in front of the churchs large, stained-glass window.

Asked if her actions were driven by her faith, or else humanitarian concerns, she replied: I think its both. Jesus said I was a stranger and you took me in. When we started doing this, people said, Youre being brave, but were being Jesus.

 The Detroit families being torn apart by Trump's immigration orders

She added: When Trump did his Muslim ban, we reached out to the Muslim Centre of America and we started hearing from different faiths and people were coming together. We said we need to show solidarity.

Shaykh Mohamed Almasmari, the imam at Detroits Muslim Unity Centre, said his community has been providing financial support to churches that have established themselves as sanctuaries.

Unity is about power. When you bring communities together, there is so much that can be done, he said.

When youre united then youre a force that cannot be denied or rejected. That is why we decided to come together to address common concerns.

Ryan Bates is executive director of Michigan United, an organisation that works to draw attention to issues of poverty in a city that was once known as the Paris of the Midwest. He said people have been working hard for years to make connections between different communities.

Mario Hernandez Delacruz is now living in Cancun with his mother (Courtesy of family)

Its never easy to bring together communities that have different histories, he said. But the threat of the Trump administration has brought people together in a new and energised way.

At the beginning of April, the group organised a march involving people of different faiths that started at a local church and ended at a mosque. Among those to speak to protesters was Mario Hernandez Delacruz, a father of three who had lived in Detroit for 19 years and was fighting the threat of deportation.

The Muslims of east Dearborn and the Christians of south-west Detroit are neighbours who face many of the same challenges since the presidential election, he said at the march.

But, working together with like-minded allies, we can strengthen our communities and work to overcome the racism and xenophobia that are ever present.

Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Show all 33 1 /33 Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days in office were marred by a string of scandals, many of which caught the eye of the Independent's cartoonists Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's first 100 days have seen him aggressively ramp up tensions with his nuclear rivals in North Korea Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has warned of a "major, major conflict" with the pariah nation lead by Kim Jong Un Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump dropped the "mother of all bombs" on alleged ISIS-linked militants in Afghanistan, amid an escalation of US military intervention around the globe Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been accused of falling short of the standards set by his predecessors in the Oval Office, including Franklin D Roosevelt Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The tycoon's ascension to the White House came at a time when the balance of power is shifting away from Western nations like those in the G7 group Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Western politicians, including the British Conservative party, have been accused of falling in line behind Mr Trump's proposals Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Brexit is seen to have weakened Britain, reducing still further any political will to resist American leadership Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump's leadership has been marked by sudden and unexpected shifts in global policy Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's controversial missile strike on Syria, which killed several citizens, was seen by some analysts as an attempt to distract from his policy elsewhere Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The President has also spent a large majority of his weekends golfing, rather than attending to matters of state Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Though free of gaffes, a visit from Chinese president Xi Jinping spotlighted trade tensions between the two states Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One major and unexpected setback came when Mr Trump's Healthcare Bill was struck down by members of his own party Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been a figure of fun in the media, with his approval at record lows Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A string of revelations about Mr Trump's financial indiscretions did not mar his surge to the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Outgoing President Barack Obama was accused of wiretapping Trump Tower by his successor in America's highest office Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The alleged involvement of Russian intelligence operatives in securing Mr Trump the presidency prompted harsh criticism Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The explosive resignation of Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who lied about his links to the Russian ambassador, was just one scandal to hit the President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Many scandals, such as the accusation Barack Obama was implicated in phone-hacking, first broke on Mr Trump's Twitter feed Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's election provoked mass protests in the UK, with millions signing a petition to ban him from the country Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump cited a non-existent terror attack in Sweden during a campaign rally Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump stands accused of stoking regional tensions in Eastern Asia Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons North Korea has launched a number of failed nuclear tests since Mr Trump took power Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Theresa May formally rejected the petition calling for Mr Trump to be banned from the UK Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons When Mr Trump's initial so-called Muslim ban was struck down by a federal justice, the President mocked the 69-year-old as a "ridiculous", "so-called judge" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A week after his inauguration, Theresa May met with Mr Trump at the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first days in office were marked by a hasty attempt to follow through on many of his campaign promises, including the so-called Muslim ban Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's decision to ban citizens of many majority-Muslim countries from the US sparked mass protests Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Revelations about Donald Trump's sexual improprieties were not enough to keep him from being elected President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was criticised by many in the press for cosying up to the new President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One of Mr Trump's top aides, Kelly Anne Conway, was mocked for describing mistruths as "alternative facts" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was quick to demonstrate that her political aims did not hugely differ from Mr Trump's Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's inauguration, on 20 January 2017, sparked protests both at home and abroad

Two weeks later, Delacruz, having lost his asylum struggle, was deported to Mexico. His 23-year-old daughter, Estrella Garcia, drove him to the airport.

Garcia also attended the protest, and spoke alongside her father.

The march was good. There were a lot of Latinos, Muslims, and different groups, and the media was there, she said, sitting in the family home in the citys south-west. It got the message out.

Ms Garcias father is now living with his mother in Cancun. She said he calls every day and sounds upset; he has been separated from his family and is obliged to remain in Mexico for 10 years before he can apply to return to the US.

She said she did not regret taking part in the fight. If you dont know about things, there will be no way you can help, she said. If you get together, you will be able to fight.

Since she organised the protest at the airport, Ms Salman has been invited to host a Sunday night radio show on a local station where she talks about issues affecting the community. She always seeks to be positive.

That is what I keep on saying  that we have the energy to change things.
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Less than one month before election day, Donald Trump addressed a crowd of supporters in historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Candidate Trump promised the crowd that, if elected, he would carry out every proposal laid out in his Contract with the American Voter  a 100-day, 38-prong plan to restore prosperity to our economy, security to our communities, and honesty to our government.

In an interview this month with the Associated Press, President Trump referred to the plan not as a contract, but as a concept that somebody put out.

I'm mostly there on most items, he said.

According to The Independents tally, Mr Trump has fully achieved seven of his 38 proposals. Others have been partially completed; some are impossible to quantify.

Below is a step-by-step review of every proposal Mr Trump made in his contract  and whether he has succeeded in his promise to carry them out by his 100th day in office.

Promise: Impose a hiring freeze on federal employees.

Completed? Sort of. Mr Trump ordered a hiring freeze  with exemptions for military personnel, national security and public safety  on 24 January. He lifted it fewer than three months later, on 12 April. Mick Mulvaney, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, said the hiring freeze had been replaced by a smarter plan, a more strategic plan.

Promise: Propose a Constitutional Amendment to impose term limits on all members of Congress.

Completed? No.

Promise: Impose a requirement that for every new federal regulation, two existing regulations must be eliminated.

Completed? Yes. Mr Trump issued an executive order in January declaring whenever an executive department or agency publicly proposes for notice and comment or otherwise promulgates a new regulation, it shall identify at least two existing regulations to be repealed.

(Donald J Trump for President (Donald J Trump for President)

Promise: Impose a five-year ban on White House and Congressional officials becoming lobbyists after they leave government service.

Completed? Kind of. Mr Trump issued an order requiring all executive appointees to pledge not to lobby for their agencies for five years. The order excludes congressional officials, and only limits lobbying for the agency in which the appointee served  not lobbying in general.

Promise: Impose a lifetime ban on White House officials lobbying on behalf of a foreign government.

Completed? Yes. The same executive order prevents executive appointees from lobbying on behalf of foreign governments.

Promise: Impose a complete ban on foreign lobbyists raising money for American elections.

Completed? No.

Promise: Renegotiate Nafta or withdraw from the deal under Article 2205.

Completed? Sort of. Mr Trump has met with leaders from Mexico and Canada to discuss renegotiating the agreement, and this month he implemented his first tariffs against Canada. He has also required the US Department of Commerce and US Trade Representative to examine all the factors that contribute to the US trade deficit and submit a report on their findings. But just this week, he told leaders from Mexico and Canada he would not be withdrawing from the deal  yet.

Promise: Announce our withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)

Completed? Yes. Mr Trump announced the USs withdrawal from the TPP on 23 January.

Promise: Direct my secretary of the treasury to label China a currency manipulator

Completed? No. Mr Trump has reversed course on labelling the country a China manipulator, citing Chinese President Xi Jinpings help in dealing with North Korea.

Promise: Direct the Secretary of Commerce and US Trade Representative to identify all foreign trading abuses that unfairly impact American workers and direct them to use every tool under American and international law to end those abuses immediately.

Completed? Yes. Mr Trump is requiring his agency heads to conduct numerous such reviews. The Buy American and Hire American executive order, for example, requires the secretary of commerce and the US trade representative to assess the impacts of all United States free trade agreements and the World Trade Organization Agreement, among other things.

Promise: Lift the restrictions on the production of $50 trillion dollars worth of job-producing American energy reserves, including shale, oil, natural gas and clean coal.

Completed? Kind of. Mr Trump has rescinded multiple Obama-era environmental executive orders, including one that prevented coal mining on federal lands and one that precluded mines from dumping waste into waterways. But how much money this plan will generate has yet to be seen, and the $50 trillion estimate appears to be inflated from the original Institute for Energy Research study.

Promise: Lift the Obama-Clinton roadblocks and allow vital energy infrastructure projects, like the Keystone Pipeline, to move forward.

Completed? Yes. Trump greenlighted the Keystone Pipeline in January.

Promise: Cancel billions in payments to UN climate change programmes and use the money to fix Americas water and environmental infrastructure.

Completed? Kind of. Mr Trumps proposed 2018 budget would eliminate the Global Climate Change Initiative and all US funding to the Green Climate Fund. But Congress is the one that controls the purse strings, and they generally view the President's budget simply as a starting point.

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

Promise: Cancel every unconstitutional executive action, memorandum and order issued by President Obama.

Completed? Who knows. Its impossible to know now which orders, actions and memorandum Mr Trump considered unconstitutional. Mr Trump has rolled back a small fraction of Mr Obamas 276 executive orders and 257 memoranda, including those on international abortions, historically black colleges and universities, and the aforementioned orders on climate change.

Promise: Begin the process of selecting a replacement for Justice Scalia from one of the 20 judges on my list.

Completed? Yes. The Senate confirmed Judge Neil Gorsuch as a Supreme Court Justice on 7 April. Mr Gorsuch was on the list of potential nominees Mr Trump released before the election.

Promise: Suspend immigration from terror-prone regions where vetting cannot safely occur.

Completed? No. Mr Trumps executive order banning immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries was blocked by two separate federal judges. The revised order is currently subject to a temporary restraining order issued by a federal judge in Hawaii.

Promise: Cancel all federal funding to sanctuary cities.

Completed? No. Mr Trumps order barring funding to cities that do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement authorities was blocked by a federal judge. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the Justice Department will continue to litigate the case.

Promise: Begin removing the more than 2 million criminal illegal immigrants from the country and cancel visas to foreign countries that wont take them back.

Completed? Sort of. Deportations can take months to complete, so its difficult to say exactly how many people Mr Trump has deported. Immigration arrests did increase in Mr Trumps first weeks in office, by more than 30 per cent. But that included a two-fold increase in arrests of undocumented immigrants without a criminal record, too.

Promise: Introduce the Middle Class Tax Relief And Simplification Act, with massive tax reduction and simplification.

Completed? No. Mr Trump revealed a one-page outline of proposed tax reforms on 26 April. Mr Trumps chief economic adviser called the proposal a broad brush view of what the final legislation will be.

Promise: Introduce the End The Offshoring Act, which would impose tariffs to discourage companies from laying off their workers in order to relocate in other countries and ship their products back to the U.S. tax-free.

Completed? No.

Promise: Introduce the American Energy & Infrastructure Act, a 10-year plan to spur infrastructure development through public-private partnerships and private investments.

Completed? No.

Promise: Introduce the School Choice And Education Opportunity Act to end common core, expand vocational and technical education, make two- and four-year colleges more affordable, and let parents send their children to the school of their choosing.

Completed? No. A similar bill, introduced by Representative Andy Biggs, is currently in committee. Mr Trump has not expressed his support for the legislation.

Promise: Introduce the Repeal and Replace Obamacare Act.

Completed? Yes, but... While Mr Trump did work with House Republicans on a plan to repeal and replace Obamacare, he wound up asking for it to be pulled from a vote after hardline conservatives withheld their support. It was one of the biggest blows to Mr Trumps legislative agenda yet.

Promise: Introduce the Affordable Childcare and Eldercare Act, allowing families to deduct childcare and elder care from their taxes, incentivising employers to provide on-site childcare, and creating tax-free Dependent Care Savings Accounts for young and elderly dependents.

Completed? No.

Promise: Introduce the End Illegal Immigration Act to fund the construction of a Mexican border wall, with the full understanding that the country Mexico will be reimbursing the United States for the full cost of such wall.

Completed? No. Mr Trump has not introduced such an act, and funding for the wall will likely not be included in the 2017 budget.

Promise: Introduce the Restoring Community Safety Act, creating a Task Force On Violent Crime and increasing funding for federal law enforcement agencies, federal prosecutors, and programmes that train and assist local police.

Completed? No.

Promise: Introduce the Restoring National Security Act to eliminate the defence sequester and expand military investment; give veterans the ability to attend the private doctor of their choice, and establish new screening procedures for immigration.

Completed? No.

Promise: Introduce the Clean up Corruption in Washington Act to enact new ethics reforms and reduce the influence of special interests on politics.

Completed: No. Mr Trump has not endorsed any of the various ethics bills introduced to Congress.
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Mental health professionals fear reprisals if they say publicly that Donald Trump may be psychologically unwell, according to a therapist who believes half of America is suffering panic attacks because of the Presidents actions.

Psychiatrists are afraid they will be sued or reported to professional regulators if they say Mr Trump is suffering a mental illness, Dr John Gartner told The Independent, adding he had received a lot of very crude hate mail after speaking out.

Last week he sidestepped the longstanding Goldwater Rule - designed to discourage therapists from attempting to diagnose public figures without having examined themby calling for a psychological evaluation of the 45th President over what they said were impulsive acts, like bombing a Syrian airfield after a suspected chemical weapons attack by the Assad government.

They were criticised by one Republican who said they were ignoring ethical standards for political reasons.

Dr Gartner said: I do know some colleagues who are worried about being sued. Complaints could be made against their licence. There's a fear of it. Losing your licence is the worst thing that could happen to you. It's enough to make many back off.

The Baltimore-based psychologist said he believed the American Psychiatric Association (APA), which backs the rule in part because it thinks breaking it could damage patients confidence in therapists, would be on the wrong side of history as he compared Mr Trumps behaviour to that of Adolf Hitler.

He said: I dont think it would damage [patients] confidence in their doctors. When Hitler was rising no German psychiatrists spoke out against him, not one.

We dont look upon that now as having been the height of professional ethics. This is the rise of a dangerously mentally ill President. Someone who has a malignant narcissism that makes him a threat.

I think history will judge the position of the APA very harshly. Im not saying hes as bad as Hitler and Stalin, what Im saying is hes a member of the same diagnostic group.

At a panel organised by Yale University lecturer Dr Bandy Lee last week, Dr Gartner employed vivid imagery to illustrate his fears. He said: I keep being haunted by a fantasymy adult grandchildren and I are huddled around a garbage can fire, wearing ragged gloves without fingers, slapping our hands together over the flames trying to keep warm.

Along with other survivors of World War Three, were living in a refuge camp in Idaho, one of the last habitable places in America, so remote it was never targeted.

While Dr Gartner was invited to the event, he was not on the panel itself.

The APA said last year, in a blog post specifically addressing the presidential election, that speaking in this way was potentially stigmatising for people with mental health problems.

And JR Romano, the Connecticut Republican party chairman, accused the Yale panellists of throwing ethical standards out the window because they cannot accept the election results.

In February another psychiatrist, Dr Allen Frances, spoke out against psychiatric name-calling which he said was a misguided way of countering Mr Trumps attack on democracy.

Dr Frances, of Duke University Medical College, headed a taskforce that literally wrote the book on diagnosing mental illness in 1994. He added in a letter to the New York Times: It is a stigmatising insult to the mentally ill (who are mostly well behaved and well meaning) to be lumped with Mr Trump (who is neither).

In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Show all 32 1 /32 In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London An image of President Donald Trump is seen on a placard during the Women's March in London, England Getty In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney A view of the skywriting word reading 'Trump' as thousands rally in support of equal rights in Sydney, New South Wales EPA In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Rome People shout and hold signs during a rally against US newly sworn-in President Donald Trump in Rome Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London A protester holds a placard during the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Marseille A placard ready 'Pussy grabs back' is attached to the handle bar of a bike during a 'Women's March' organized by Feminist and human rights groups in solidarity with women marching in Washington and around the world for their rights and against the reactionary politics of the newly sworn-in US President Donald Trump, at the Old Port (Vieux Port) of Marseille, southern France Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Bangkok A young Thai girl holds a "women's rights are human rights" sign at Roadhouse BBQ restaurant where many of the Bangkok Womens March participants gathered in Bangkok, Thailand Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Bangkok A Thai woman takes a photo of a "hate is not great" sign at the women's solidarity gathering in Bangkok, Thailand Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Bangkok American expats and travellers gather with the international community in Bangkok at the Roadhouse BBQ restaurant to stand in solidarity in Bangkok, Thailand Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London Protetesters gather outside The US Embassy in Grosvenor Square ahead of the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Marseille Women's March at the Old Port (Vieux Port) of Marseille, southern France Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Marseille Protestors hold placards reading 'My body my choice, my vote my voice' during a 'Women's March' organized by Feminist and human rights groups in solidarity with women marching in Washington and around the world for their rights and against the reactionary politics of the newly sworn-in US President Donald Trump, at the Old Port (Vieux Port) of Marseille, southern France Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Rome A person holds a sign during a rally against US newly sworn-in President Donald Trump in Rome Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Kolkata Activist Sarah Annay Williamson holds a placard and shouts slogan during the Women's March rally in Kolkata, India AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Kolkata Activists participate in the Women's March rally in Kolkata, India AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London A Women's March placards are rested on a bench outside the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square ahead of the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London A women carries her placard ahead of the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Manila Women protesters shout slogans while displaying placards during a rally in solidarity against the inauguration of President Donald Trump, in suburban Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Philippines AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Berlin Protesters attend a 'Berlin Women's March on Washington' demonstration in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Berlin Protesters attend a 'Berlin Women's March on Washington' demonstration in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Berlin Protesters attend a 'Berlin Women's March on Washington' demonstration in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Melbourne Protesters take part in the Melbourne rally to protest against the Trump Inauguration in Melbourne, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Macau Protesters take part in the Women's March rally in Macau Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Melbourne Womens march on Melbourne protestors marching during a rally where rights groups marched in solidarity with Americans to speak out against misogyny, bigotry and hatred Rex In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Macau Protesters hold placards as they take part at the Women's March rally in Macau Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Macau Protesters hold placards as they take part at the Women's March rally in Macau, Macau. The Women's March originated in Washington DC but soon spread to be a global march calling on all concerned citizens to stand up for equality, diversity and inclusion and for women's rights to be recognised around the world as human rights Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Manila A mother carries her son as they join a rally in solidarity against the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States in suburban Quezon city northeast of Manila, Philippines AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney An infant is held up at a demonstration against new U.S. President Donald Trump in Sydney, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney A woman attends a demonstration against new U.S. President Donald Trump in Sydney, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney A woman expresses her Anti-Trump views in Sydney, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydeney Protesters demonstrate against new U.S. President Donald Trump in Sydney, Australia. The marches in Australia were organised to show solidarity with those marching on Washington DC and around the world in defense of women's rights and human rights Getty In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London Protesters march from The US Embassy in Grosvenor Square towards Trafalgar Square during the Women's March in London, England Getty In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London Protesters carrying banners take part in the Women's March on London, as they stand in Trafalgar Square, in central London Reuters

Dr Gartner rejected any suggestion his dystopian vision of America as a devastated wasteland post-Trump was political sour grapes.

He said: I dont accept it. I dont think that it holds water. This is a Black Swan situation. Its not losing an election.

From election day on, basically half the country has been experiencing a psychological disorder. Half of America is undergoing continuous panic attacks.

Im not telling them anything they dont already know. Its not controversial to the more than 50 per cent of people who know the person in control is out of control. They know theyre in danger.

Its not even like George Bush stealing the election. We were mad. Not like this. People are scared. I would be grateful for a President Pence. Hes just a conservative, hes not crazy.

Dr Lee was also quick to play down any question of partisanship. She said she wanted to raise her fears about Mr Trump in part because of the very special stigma that is attached to mental illness.

She told The Independent this week: To say that there are mental health impairments in Mr Trump is not to make a moral judgement on him, and not to indict him in any way.

It should not be used as a political weapon against him, but rather should be raised as a concern just like any medical issue that may impair an individuals ability to function in office.

I actually am afraid of politicisation of this. We wouldnt make up that someone has cancer, or a disability. Mental health should be treated the same.

Dr Lee subsequently said her panel had adhered to the Goldwater Rule in its original conception, and that a reaffirmation of the rule in March had expanded it beyond any original language.

Dr Gartner, a former part time assistant professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University Medical School, even said he thought Mr Trump might start a war to distract from political troubles like the investigation into Russia ties among his team.

Psychologically he wants to start one. Thats his personality. The risk of something like millions of people dying is extremely high, he said. Hes going to shoot his way out.

Can Mr Trumps style be chalked up to his political inexperience?

I think its becoming more and more implausible. The simplest explanation for his acting like a Hitler-like malignant narcissist is that he is a Hitler-like malignant narcissist. He seems also to have these crazy conspiracy theories, including even when it doesnt benefit [him] politically.

The Presidents claim to have had the biggest inauguration crowd ever made him look insane and dishonest and just crazy, Dr Gartner said. Mr Trumps Twitter feed has got to be the most prodigious record of cyber-bullying ever, he added.

A Change.org petition started by Dr Gartner that calls on Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer to try to remove Mr Trump from office has some 52,000 signatures. Dr Gartner said it was intended for mental health professionals but the qualifications and identities of many signatories were not clear.

Alongside comments from people who said they were mental health workers and listed their degrees, other people's reasons for signing included: Trump is raping the nation! and he's a nutjob!.

The Independent contacted the White House for comment when it interviewed Dr Lee about the panel event earlier this week. No response was received.

Update:

This article was amended to reflect the fact Dr Gartner is a psychologist, and was not on the panel at the event, and Dr Lees assertion that she and her colleagues were adhering to the "original conception" of the Goldwater Rule.
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A photograph of Indian schoolgirls dragging a bus uphill in slippery mud after it broke down has gone viral, with Twitter users citing it as an example of true girl power.

The teenagers from Manipur, in north-east India, were returning from a school trip to Loktak Lake when the bus reportedly got stuck in thick mud.

At least two dozen teenagers in traditional dress can be seen in the picture heaving the large vehicle up a steep incline using a thick rope.

The girls are believed to be students of Waikhomani Girls' College, near the city of Imphal, close to the Myanmar border.

An image of the feat was first shared by Twitter user Lawai BemBem, a women's rights activist based in Manipur. Their post has been retweeted 3,400 times and liked nearly 4,000 times in two days.

Many people praised the girls, saluting their courage in an adverse situation, and describing them as "empowered women" who prove nothing is impossible.

A few users were sceptical of the image's authenticity, asking why the girls were not facing the other way to pull the bus uphill, as if in a tug-of-war.

Others asked where the rope had come from. However roads in Manipur are notoriously poor, so it is likely the bus driver had come prepared to get stuck.

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Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. 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. 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Other commenters questioned why the state government could not build a better road to the lake, which is a major tourist attraction in the region, billed as the world's only floating national park.

According to local media reports, Manipur has been hit by a series of road accidents recently, with over 19 people killed and 44 injured in March alone.

The monsoon season is due to start next month, likely making the situation worse.
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North Korea has test-fired another ballistic missile, raising the stakes in an increasingly tense game of brinkmanship just hours after the US warned of a real danger of a conflict erupting, and the UN began to discuss Kim Jong-uns nuclear programme.

The missile exploded shortly after take-off, the second failed launch in the last fortnight, but Pyongyang continued with its combative rhetoric, declaring that war with America was imminent and threatening to use its nuclear arsenal on enemies.

The US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, warned of catastrophic consequences unless Pyongyang halts its missile programme. Mr Tillerson said he wanted to stress that North Koreas neighbours, Japan and South Korea, were already vulnerable. The threat of a nuclear attack on Seoul, or Tokyo, is real and its only a matter of time before North Korea develops the capability to strike the US mainland, he said.

Recommended Japan shuts down Metro system in response to North Korea missile test

In New York, the French ambassador to the UN said the Security Council is mobilised and unanimous on the need to denuclearise North Korea. Francois Delattre added that while there were nuances on policy to be worked out there was consensus that Kim Jong-un must give up his nuclear arsenal.

A concerted effort is now under way to get China, which has effectively been North Koreas only ally, to join the international coalition. Donald Trump, who had repeatedly warned that a military option was on the table, claimed that Kim Jong-un has defied and embarrassed Beijing with the launch.

Mr Trump tweeted: North Korea disrespected the wishes of China and its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad! Xi Jinping, he continued, was a good man who was trying very hard to resolve the crisis.

Japans Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, has been in Moscow where North Korea was one of the main topics of discussion with Vladimir Putin. He has, he said, spoken of the urgency of the situation with Theresa May during his current visit to Britain.

Mr Abe said in London on Saturday: Despite strong warnings by the international community, North Korea went through [with] its ballistic missile launch. It is a grave threat to our country and it is not acceptable.

He added that further missile launches were fully conceivable and reiterated the need for concerted international action.

Wed like to maintain a close coordination with the United States, our ally, to maintain a high state of alert. Wed like to be water-tight to ensure safety for our citizens, said the Japanese Prime Minister.

We welcome the talks between President Trump and China. As Prime Minister I am focusing on Chinas response. China, I hope, will play a constructive role; it is my high expectation that China will perform its role properly.

Mr Abe stated that he and Mr Putin were urging negotiations in an effort to stop a slide towards military confrontation. He pointed out that previous attempts to get North Korea to change its ways on its nuclear programme have failed and an united front was needed in dealing with Pyongyang.
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As tension spikes on the Korean peninsula, a French amphibious assault carrier sailed into Japan's naval base of Sasebo on Saturday ahead of drills that risk upsetting China, which faces U.S. pressure to rein in North Korea's arms programmes.

The Mistral will lead exercises next month near Guam, along with forces from Japan, the United States and Britain, practising amphibious landings around Tinian, an island about 2,500 km (1,553 miles) south of the Japanese capital of Tokyo.

The drills, involving 700 troops, were planned before Saturday's test-firing of a ballistic missile by North Korea, in defiance of world pressure, in what would be its fourth successive unsuccessful missile test since March.

Japan and the United States are worried by China's efforts to extend its influence beyond its coastal waters and the South China Sea by acquiring power-projecting aircraft carriers, a concern shared by France, which controls several Pacific islands, including New Caledonia and French Polynesia.

Even as they seek stronger economic ties with China, both France and Britain, which has two navy helicopters aboard the Mistral, are deepening security cooperation with Japan, a close US ally that has Asia's second-strongest navy after China.

Recommended Japan shuts down Metro system in response to North Korea missile test

The Mistral forms part of an amphibious task force mission, the Jeanne d'Arc, that is "a potent support to French diplomacy," the country's defence ministry said in a statement.

Officials and children's welcome dances greeted the Mistral in Sasebo, on the western island of Kyushu, a major naval base for Japan's Maritime Self Defense Force (MSDF) and the US Navy.

The Mistral, which left France in February, can carry up to 35 helicopters and four landing barges, besides several hundred soldiers. It will stay in Sasebo until 5 May.

This month China launched its first domestically-built aircraft carrier, the Shandong. It joined the Liaoning, bought from Ukraine in 1998, which led a group of Chinese warships through waters south of Japan in December.

China's military ambitions, however, have been overshadowed in recent weeks by tension on the Korean peninsula as Pyongyang conducts long-range missile tests, and prepares for a possible sixth nuclear test.

In a show of force, the United States has sent the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group to nearby waters, where it will join the USS Michigan, a guided missile submarine that docked in South Korea on Tuesday.

The Carl Vinson entered the Sea of Japan on Saturday, where it completed naval drills with two Japanese warships dispatched from Sasebo, an MSDF spokesman said.

Reuters
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One of Tokyos major underground systems says it shut down all lines for 10 minutes yesterday, after receiving warning of a North Korean missile launch.

Tokyo Metro official Hiroshi Takizawa says the temporary suspension affected 13,000 passengers.

Service was halted on all nine lines at 6.07am. It resumed at 6.17am after it was clear there was no threat to Japan.

Mr Takizawa says it was the first time service had been stopped in response to a missile launch. Train service is generally suspended in Japan immediately after large earthquakes, but Tokyo Metro decided earlier this month to stop for missile launch warnings as well.

US officials said North Korea fired a medium-range ballistic missile late on Friday night (UK time), which disintegrated mid-flight minutes after its launch.

Donald Trump, tweeting about the incident, described the launch as bad and said it had disrespected Chinese leader Xi Jinping  North Koreas closest ally.

Japans government spokesman says the missile is believed to have travelled about 50 kilometres (30 miles) and fallen on an inland part of North Korea.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said the ballistic missile was fired to the northeast around 5.30am (local time) from an area in the vicinity of Pukchang, north of Pyongyang, the capital.

He spoke at a news conference following a meeting of Japans National Security Council.

North Koreas state media reiterated the countrys goal of developing a nuclear missile capable of reaching the continental United States.

The Rodong Sinmun newspaper said on Saturday that the North had revealed two types of new intercontinental ballistic missiles in a military parade on 15 April honouring its late state founder, Kim Il-sung, the grandfather of current ruler Kim Jong-un. The parade featured previously unseen large rocket canisters and launcher trucks.

It said: The large territory that is the United States has been entirely exposed to our pre-emptive nuclear strike means.

Referring to the United States sending the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to Korean waters, the newspaper said that "rendering aircraft carriers useless is not even a problem" for its military.

The newspaper says that the North displayed three types of ICBMs during the parade, including two new types that were inside the canisters.

Analysts say the North's existing liquid-fuel ICBMs, including the KN-08 and KN-14, are potentially capable of reaching the US mainland, although the North has never flight tested them.
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International observers of Frances extraordinary election campaign could be forgiven for not knowing that the unmarried presidential candidate Marine Le Pen in fact has a long-term partner.

While Emmanuel Macrons relationship with his wife Brigitte has received widespread attention, 47-year-old Louis Aliot has largely avoided any kind of scrutiny over his nearly decade-long relationship with the Front National leader.

Mr Aliot has shunned the limelight, rarely appearing in public alongside Ms Le Pen except in his capacity as the partys vice president and MEP for the south west of France.

And he has scoffed at the idea he could become the first First Man in France's history, saying he would not settle in the Elysee Palace if Ms Le Pen is elected president.

If Mr Aliot will not take a visible role as Ms Le Pens boyfriend, he will also not be made a minister after Ms Le Pen told French television channel France 2 she did not want any family members in her government.

Keen to avoid any suspicion of nepotism, Mr Aliot said his role would be one of a husband, but that he would not interfere in the affairs of the state.

Mr Aliot has played an active role in Ms Le Pens presidential campaign, but never as her partner.

Speaking to The Independent, political commentator Olivier Rouquan said Mr Aliots objection to being depicted as Frances First Man shows he wants to be recognised as a political figure before being Ms Le Pens partner.

Mr Rouquan said: He is one of the partys vice presidents, which is not a negligible role. Mr Aliot wants to gain his legitimacy as an elected representative and through his political engagement. He has a relatively important political weight with a growing political visibility of his own.

There isnt really a specific place for the partner of the head of state in France, or at least not in the same way as in the US.

French political culture is still rather patriarchal and the Front National maintains a very traditional culture. For voters, a man cannot have the same image as the one of a First Lady.

Marine Le Pen and her companion Louis Aliot during a meeting in Nimes, France (PASCAL GUYOT/AFP/Getty Images)

According to Alix Bouilhaguet in her new book Les Couloirs de Madame, which examines the would-be presidential pair, Mr Aliot said voters didnt elect a couple at the Elysee. [They choose] a man or a woman. Their partners should not have a say nor move into the Elysee.

His views on the role of the presidents partner are radically different to those of Mr Macron, who raised some eyebrows among French commentators when he brought his wife Brigitte on stage and kissed her following his first round victory.

On the contrary, Mr Aliot is reportedly waiting for the election results to go back home to the south of France, and go fishing and sailing with his friends and doesnt want any harm to be done to Ms Le Pen through him, according to journalist Berengere Bonte in her book Hommes de.

But if Ms Le Pen were to win the election, it is difficult to imagine a man of such political influence among his party remaining on the sidelines.

A divorcee and father of two, Mr Aliot has been with Ms Le Pen, who has herself divorced twice, since at least 2009.

He worked as her parliamentary assistant between 2011 and 2013, helping Ms Le Pen in her role as MEP  despite employing a partner being illegal under European rules.

The episode has seen Ms Le Pen accused in her own fake jobs scandal, albeit a minor one compared to that which engulfed the campaign of conservative candidate Francois Fillon. Ms Le Pen has denied the claims, arguing Mr Aliot was hired in his capacity as a member of the party and that no financial gains resulted from it.

Mr Aliot attended his first Front National meeting with his mother in 1988 at the age of 19.

His mother, born to a family of French settlers in Algeria, was repatriated to France around the time of Algerian independence. Mr Aliot, who was born in Toulouse, grew up deeply entrenched in the provincial south.

A trained lawyer and a passionate rugby fan, his family history has led him to be associated with nostalgia for colonial France.

Joining the Front National during the time when it was led by Ms Le Pens father, Jean-Marie, Mr Aliot has since distanced himself from the anti-Semitic and racist comments associated with the party in the past.

Mr Rouquan said Mr Aliot played a role in the de-diabolisation process of detoxification of the party that Ms Le Pen began to try and tackle her father's views about the Holocaust. Mr Le Pen was suspended from the party in 2011 after he said gas chambers were a detail of the Second World War.

Mr Aliot had a role in the normalisation of the partys discourse, which aimed to take away what was part of the traditional far-right, such as simple and basic racism, he said.

French Presidential Election Show all 20 1 /20 French Presidential Election French Presidential Election Voters line up to cast their ballots REUTERS French Presidential Election REUTERS French Presidential Election REUTERS French Presidential Election Police patrol polling stations in France REUTERS French Presidential Election REUTERS French Presidential Election REUTERS French Presidential Election REUTERS French Presidential Election REUTERS French Presidential Election Emmanuel Macron and wife Brigitte Trogneux REUTERS French Presidential Election Emmanuel Macron casts his ballot REUTERS French Presidential Election SAA/ French Presidential Election REUTERS French Presidential Election Front National leader Marine Le Pen casts her ballot REUTERS French Presidential Election Early ballots are read as results continue to come in Reuters French Presidential Election Macron supporters react as results come in early in the evening AP French Presidential Election Supporters of Front National leader Marine Le Pen cheer as early results come in Reuters French Presidential Election Alamy French Presidential Election Front National leader Marine Le Pen takes to the stage to address her supporters as fans cheer Reuters French Presidential Election Emmanuel Macron greets supporters on Sunday night AP French Presidential Election Emmanuel Macron and wife Brigitte Trogneux celebrate the incoming results EPA

Speaking about the role of Mr Aliot during that time, Mr Rouquan said: He has probably played a role in the dispute between Ms Le Pen and her father and would have been keen for her to move away from his influence. This was part of turning the page on Jean-Marie Le Pen.

But for the political analyst, Mr Aliot remains an asset for Ms Le Pen, particularly as she needs to widen her appeal for a chance to win the most votes in the elections final round.

Mr Rouquan said Mr Aliot could reinforce his political presence in the south of France by winning Perpignans next mayoral election, where support for him is growing.

The results of the election on 7 May could see two radically different presidential styles. If Emmanuel Macron wins, his wife Brigitte will no doubt stand by his side on the steps of the Elysee Palace. The pair have been described by French commentators as trying to establish themselves as a presidential couple, in the image of Michelle and Barack Obama in the US.

On the contrary, Mr Aliot is unlikely to be seen at the Elysee Palace. The couple will continue to lead their relationship in a more private setting, separating the political from the personal.
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An American soldier has been killed in an explosion near Mosul as the battle continues to drive Isis militants out of their former stronghold.

A spokesperson for US Central Command said: "A US service member died from wounds sustained in an explosive device blast outside of Mosul, Iraq, on Saturday."

No further information was immediately released, but the blast came after a number of deaths and injuries caused by mines and improvised explosive devices littering Isis' former territories.

The terrorist group is known to rig buildings, cars and even toys and items of food and drink with explosives as it retreats.

The tactic has slowed the advance on Mosul, which started on the city's outskirts in October 2016, and prevented civilians from immediately returning to their homes.

Military commanders were forced to temporarily pause the offensive last month amid "catastrophic" civilian casualties caused mainly by artillery and air strikes.

Isis has also murdered countless civilians found attempting to flee, as well as posing as Iraqi soldiers to dupe civilians who were then massacred.

In pictures: Mosul offensive Show all 40 1 /40 In pictures: Mosul offensive In pictures: Mosul offensive A doctor carries an Iraqi newborn baby at a hospital in Mosul, Iraq July 18, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi girls play at a yard of a school in Mosul, Iraq July 18, 2017alal Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A woman on crutches who is a relative of men accused of being Islamic State militants is seen at a camp in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq July 15, 2017. Picture taken July 15, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A displaced girl, who fled from home carries a doll at Hamam al-Alil camp south of Mosul, Iraq July 13, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi federal police members and civilians celebrate in the Old City of Mosul on 9 July 2017 after the government's announcement of the "liberation" of the embattled city. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's office said he was in "liberated" Mosul to congratulate "the heroic fighters and the Iraqi people on the achievement of the major victory" AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A picture taken on 9 July 2017, shows a general view of the destruction in Mosul's Old City. Iraq will announce imminently a final victory in the nearly nine-month offensive to retake Mosul from jihadists, a US general said Saturday, as celebrations broke out among police forces in the city. AFP In pictures: Mosul offensive Members of the Iraqi federal police raise the victory gesture as they ride on a humvee while advancing through the Old City of Mosul on 28 June 2017, as the offensive continues to retake the last district held by Islamic State (IS) group fighters. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Smoke billows as Iraqi forces advance through the Old City of Mosul on 26 June 2017, during the ongoing offensive to retake the last district held by the Islamic State (IS) group. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi man wearing the green scarf of the Shi'ite faith kisses an Iraqi Army soldier on safely reaching the Iraqi forces position as Iraqi civilians flee the Old City of west Mosul where heavy fighting continues on 23 June 2017. Iraqi forces continue to encounter stiff resistance with improvised explosive devices, car bombs, heavy mortar fire and snipers hampering their advance. Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A picture taken from the inside of an Iraqi forces armoured vehicle shows residents walking through a damaged street as troops advance towards Mosul's Old City on 18 June 2017, during the ongoing offensive to retake the last district still held by the Islamic State (IS) group. Military commanders told AFP the assault had begun at dawn after overnight air strikes by the US-led coalition backing Iraqi forces. They said the jihadists were putting up fierce resistance. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi Army soldiers advance in a destroyed street after an Iraqi forces airstrike targeted an Islamic State sniper position 17 June 2017 in al-Shifa, the last district of west Mosul under Islamic State control. IS snipers, as well as car and suicide bomb attacks continue to hinder the Iraqi forces efforts to retake the final district. A series of airstrikes by Iraqi helicopter gunships attempted to hit multiple Islamic State sniper positions in al-Shifa. Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier frisks a displaced Iraqi man at a temporary camp in the compound of the closed Nineveh International Hotel in Mosul on 16 June 2017 which was recovered by Iraqi troops from Islamic State group fighters earlier in the year. A screening centre set up in the compound's fairgrounds sees a constant stream of Iraqis fleeing the battle for Mosul, awaiting their turn to be checked by the Iraqi forces who are searching for suspected Islamic State (IS) group members. The small fairground lies at the end of a pontoon bridge across the Tigris recently opened to civilians that is the only physical link between the two banks of the river. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqis staying at the al-Khazir camp swim in a river near the camp for internally displaced people, located between Arbil and Mosul on 11 June 2017. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi government forces drive on a road leading to Tal Afar on 9 June 2017, during ongoing battles to retake the city from Islamic State (IS) group fighters. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi policeman carries a poster bearing an image of Mosul's iconic leaning minaret, known as the "Hadba" (Hunchback), on 22 June 2017. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqis stand in line to receive food aid in western Mosul's Zanjili neighbourhood on 7 June 2017, during ongoing battles as Iraqi forces try to retake the city from Islamic State (IS) group fighters. Living conditions in Mosul have again deteriorated since the start of the Iraqi government's offensive on the city in October in which they retook a large part of the west of the city. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Displaced Iraqis carry lightbulbs and sacks as they evacuate from western Mosul's Zanjili neighbourhood as government forces advance in the area during their ongoing battle against Islamic State (IS) group fighters on 13 May 2017 AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) flashes the victory gesture as he patrols in western Mosul's al-Islah al-Zaraye neighbourhood on 13 May 2017 AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi army soldiers from the 9th armoured division on a truck flash the sign of victory as they drive back from Mosul to the town of Qaraqosh (also known as Hamdaniya) Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Members of Iraqi forces flash the sign of victory on their vehicle as they advance towards Hammam al-Alil area south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi security forces gestures in Hammam al-Alil, south of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi children, one flashing the sign of victory, greet Iraqi army's soldiers from the 9th armoured division in the area of Ali Rash, adjacent to the eastern Al-Intissar neighbourhood of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Peshmerga forces look at a tunnel used by Islamic State militants near the town of Bashiqa, east of Mosul, during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier takes a photograph with his phone as his comrade stands next to a detained man, whom the Iraqi army soldiers accused of being an Islamic State fighter, who was fleeing with his family in the Intisar disrict of eastern Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iranian Kurdish female members of the Freedom Party of Kurdistan (PAK) hold a position in an area near the town of Bashiqa, some 25 kilometres north east of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi families, who fled their homes in Hamam al-Alil, gather on the outskirts of their town Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Displaced people walk past a checkpoint near Qayara, south of Mosul, Iraq AP In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi families who were displaced by the ongoing operation by Iraqi forces against jihadists of the Islamic State group to retake the city of Mosul, are seen gathering in an area near Qayyarah In pictures: Mosul offensive A boy who just fled Abu Jarbuah village is seen with his family at a Kurdish Peshmerga position between two front lines near Bashiqa, east of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi child eats a pomegranate upon the arrival of Iraqi forces in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive People who just fled Abu Jarbuah village sit as they eat at a Kurdish Peshmerga position between two front lines near Bashiqa, east of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A couple who just fled Abu Jarbuah village are escorted by Kurdish Peshmerga soldiers Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Women carry a boy over a wall as civilians flee their houses in the village of Tob Zawa, Iraq AP In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier and a civilian ride a motorbike as smoke rises behind them, on the road between Qayyarah and Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi forces, wearing a skull mask, waits at a checkpoint for people fleeing the main hub city of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier sits at a checkpoint in an area near Qayyarah Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi men prepare food portions for Iraqi forces deployed in areas south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi forces celebrate upon the arrival of vehicles bringing food to them Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi childen smoke cigarettes upon the arrival of Iraqi forces in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi forces distributes drinks to children in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty

Members of international organisations and militaries have been bolstering the de-mining effort surrounding the city as fierce fighting continues in Isis' remaining western districts.

Another American soldier was killed by an improvised device near Mosul in October, while helping government guide US air strikes embedded with Iraqi and Kurdish Peshmerga forces.

Two members of US special forces were also killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, during a possible "friendly fire" incident during a night raid on an Isis compound.

Recommended Isis rigs mass grave with landmines to kill investigators

The latest casualty came a day after Isis killed at least four people and wounded several more at a police station in central Baghdad.

A suicide car bomb was detonated outside the building in Karrada district, officials said.

Iraqi and coalition officials have warned that as Isis loses ground in Iraq and Syria, the group will increasingly return to its insurgent roots.

Analysts say terrorists are attempting to inspire attacks on civilians around the world in a bid to retain legitimacy and support.
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The US has reportedly sent troops to the border between Turkey and the autonomous Kurdish region of northern Syria, in an apparent response to a spate of Turkish assaults on Kurdish targets.

The Turkish military launched air strikes against targets in the three self-governing cantons of Rojava this week, and have followed up with artillery and tank assaults.

Houses and schools have reportedly been damaged in subsequent attacks, and a media centre was also destroyed.

Around 30 Kurdish soldiers involved in the battle against Isis were killed, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, including six members of the Kurdish Pesmerga in a separate strike on Iraqi Kurdistan.

This means American forces have been forced to intervene between two of their own allies, with Turkey being a member of Nato.

On Friday, a commander of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) told Reuters he expected American troops to arrive on the border of the autonomous region to protect its inhabitants from shelling, and video footage circulating online shows armoured vehicles with American flags ranged along the Turkish border.

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

Both the Peshmerga and the YPG are a crucial part of the US-backed attempt to liberate Raqqa, the largest Isis-held city on Syrian soil. Members of the all-female YPJ force were also among the dead.

Turkey launched a military operation codenamed Operation Eurphrates Shield last year to push back both Isis and Kurds from its border, but ended the mission last month.

That operation saw a series of clashes between Free Syrian Army rebels backed by Turkey and Kurdish forces, who vowed to fight to the death to defend their territory.

Turkey apologised for killing the Iraqi soldiers, but claimed it was targeting the PKK, a banned Kurdish terror group.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has banned Kurdish political parties, imprisoned thousands of activists, and said he will "never allow" the creation of a Kurdish state like Rojava on his borders.

 Turkey releases video of air strikes on more than 100 Isis targets in Syria after Istanbul nightclub attack

The US classes the PKK as a terrorist organisation, but is supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces - which encompassed the YPG, on the ground.

Political leaders in Rojava, and Kurdish rights activists across the globe, have been calling for a full no-fly zone to protect the region, which houses millions of people including Syrians displaced by the war and international volunteers.

Sihanouk Dibo, a spokesperson for the YPG-linked political organisation PYD, said: "we fight alongside against one enemy, which is Isis. So this requires [the United States] to announce a no-fly zone over Rojava and northern Syria."

Other activists have suggested the YPG will have to withdraw from the campaign to retake Raqqa to protect the citizens of Rojava.

Sporadic Turkish bombardments over the past four years have killed civilians as well as YPG fighters, but this week's attacks mark a significant increase in aggression.

They came in the wake of a controversial referendum which secured significant new powers for Mr Erdogan.
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An often overlooked consequence of the Brexit vote is the situation of EU citizens living in the UK. Some three million EU citizens have used their right to free movement and settled in the UK. Many of these three million have been living in the UK for years, if not decades. They have fallen in love and married in the UK, they have built a career in the UK, bought a home, and have children or grandchildren in the UK, many of whom have British nationality. Some have set up businesses or are studying in the UK. All have contributed to British society.

Since the referendum, many thousands of these citizens have decided not to take a gamble on the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, but to apply for permanent residence in the UK. The procedure has turned into a nightmare for many. It is expensive and cumbersome; the application form is 85 pages long, showing the EU has no monopoly on bureaucracy.

Information is contradictory and the criteria are almost impossible to meet. For example, how is someone who has lived in the UK for 30 years supposed to submit a list of every single trip outside the UK during those years? The authorities processing the applications are unhelpful and the rejection rate is almost one third, often based on administrative formalities. It seems that this Conservative Government wants as many people to leave the country as possible.

I have been inundated with heartbreaking correspondence from EU citizens in despair. People are frightened. This is why a number of MEPs have come together to form a task force to seek to speak up for the rights of EU nationals in the UK and also for the estimated 1.8 million UK nationals currently living in the EU. Brexit might mean Brexit, but surely, it should not mean that millions of peoples lives are turned upside down?

 Theresa May accuses remaining 27 EU members of lining up to oppose Britain over Brexit

In February, my colleagues and I wrote to Theresa May to express some of the concerns raised by EU citizens. We received a response from a Home Office minister which I can only describe as vacuous and utterly out of touch.

The ministers description of a well-functioning and user-friendly application procedure was fantastical and we have all the emails and correspondence from EU nationals to prove it. Despite reassurances from the Brexit Secretary David Davis to the contrary, UK ministers seem to be living in a parallel universe to those who are actually caught up in this process.

The plight of these people and their families is well-known to Prime Minister May, but she has deliberately chosen to use these people as cannon fodder in negotiations. It is perfectly within the powers of the Government to reassure people who have been part of British society for so many years that they can continue to be part of it. It is a matter of common decency.

Perhaps one of the cruellest requirements British authorities are demanding from EU citizens is that, despite paying UK taxes, they must prove they also took out additional comprehensive sickness insurance upon arrival in the UK, even if they are covered by the NHS. Many had no idea that this was obligatory.

In 2012, the European Commission launched legal procedures against the UK, as they deemed the requirement to be a violation of their right to freedom of movement under EU law, yet it appears that nothing has happened since 2012. A Freedom of Information request for access to the documents of this file has been refused by the commission. I have appealed against that refusal.

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

It is vital that citizens know all the facts around this case, for if this requirement was in fact deemed unlawful, this could save millions of people unnecessary anguish in the months and years to come. In the tough negotiations ahead of us, we must remember the human costs of Brexit and do our utmost to limit them. If this means the EU has to hold the UK Governments feet to the fire to ensure fundamental values are respected, then so be it.

EU nationals who have lived and contributed to the UK do not have a vote in this so-called Brexit general election. They will feel even more isolated and fearful as the election campaign progresses, especially if the xenophobia that tainted the referendum rears its ugly head again.

The European Parliament has made it crystal clear the rights of citizens are our number-one priority, and we are not ready to sign off any Brexit deal that does not offer good prospects for EU citizens in the UK or British citizens in other EU countries.

Of course, this also means that the situation of UK citizens in EU countries is more likely to be addressed. The Brexit guidelines specifically state that EU citizens should be able to apply for permanent residence through smooth and simple administrative procedures. The ball is now in Theresa Mays court to make this a reality in the UK.

Sophia In 't Veld is a Member of the European Parliament from the Netherlands
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US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Friday that Washington is willing to open direct negotiations with North Korea aimed at removing nuclear weapons from the country. Tillersons intervention, at the UN Security Council, came as he warned that the threat of Pyongyang launching an atomic attack is real.

Tillersons gambit comes as he confirmed that the two-decade long US policy of strategic patience towards Pyongyang is over, with all options now on the table. While this includes military force, the Trump team appears to be moving first to isolate the regime diplomatically, and Tillerson called on Friday for UN members to implement sanctions on North Korea or downgrade diplomatic relations with the country.

His intervention builds on that of US President Donald Trump earlier this month  just prior to his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Speaking in his occasional blunt, raucous rhetoric, Trump said that if Beijing is not going to solve North Korea, we [the United States] will.

Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Show all 33 1 /33 Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days in office were marred by a string of scandals, many of which caught the eye of the Independent's cartoonists Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's first 100 days have seen him aggressively ramp up tensions with his nuclear rivals in North Korea Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has warned of a "major, major conflict" with the pariah nation lead by Kim Jong Un Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump dropped the "mother of all bombs" on alleged ISIS-linked militants in Afghanistan, amid an escalation of US military intervention around the globe Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been accused of falling short of the standards set by his predecessors in the Oval Office, including Franklin D Roosevelt Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The tycoon's ascension to the White House came at a time when the balance of power is shifting away from Western nations like those in the G7 group Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Western politicians, including the British Conservative party, have been accused of falling in line behind Mr Trump's proposals Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Brexit is seen to have weakened Britain, reducing still further any political will to resist American leadership Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump's leadership has been marked by sudden and unexpected shifts in global policy Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's controversial missile strike on Syria, which killed several citizens, was seen by some analysts as an attempt to distract from his policy elsewhere Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The President has also spent a large majority of his weekends golfing, rather than attending to matters of state Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Though free of gaffes, a visit from Chinese president Xi Jinping spotlighted trade tensions between the two states Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One major and unexpected setback came when Mr Trump's Healthcare Bill was struck down by members of his own party Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been a figure of fun in the media, with his approval at record lows Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A string of revelations about Mr Trump's financial indiscretions did not mar his surge to the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Outgoing President Barack Obama was accused of wiretapping Trump Tower by his successor in America's highest office Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The alleged involvement of Russian intelligence operatives in securing Mr Trump the presidency prompted harsh criticism Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The explosive resignation of Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who lied about his links to the Russian ambassador, was just one scandal to hit the President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Many scandals, such as the accusation Barack Obama was implicated in phone-hacking, first broke on Mr Trump's Twitter feed Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's election provoked mass protests in the UK, with millions signing a petition to ban him from the country Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump cited a non-existent terror attack in Sweden during a campaign rally Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump stands accused of stoking regional tensions in Eastern Asia Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons North Korea has launched a number of failed nuclear tests since Mr Trump took power Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Theresa May formally rejected the petition calling for Mr Trump to be banned from the UK Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons When Mr Trump's initial so-called Muslim ban was struck down by a federal justice, the President mocked the 69-year-old as a "ridiculous", "so-called judge" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A week after his inauguration, Theresa May met with Mr Trump at the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first days in office were marked by a hasty attempt to follow through on many of his campaign promises, including the so-called Muslim ban Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's decision to ban citizens of many majority-Muslim countries from the US sparked mass protests Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Revelations about Donald Trump's sexual improprieties were not enough to keep him from being elected President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was criticised by many in the press for cosying up to the new President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One of Mr Trump's top aides, Kelly Anne Conway, was mocked for describing mistruths as "alternative facts" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was quick to demonstrate that her political aims did not hugely differ from Mr Trump's Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's inauguration, on 20 January 2017, sparked protests both at home and abroad

While there appears to have been a significant warming in the relationship between Xi and Trump since that meeting, their talk appears to have resolved little on North Korea. After the session, the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier was sent to waters near South Korea. Meanwhile, Xi reportedly sent a Chinese envoy to South Korea.

The fact that security tensions on the Korean peninsula have no easy resolution has been discovered by consecutive US administrations which have all grappled with responding to not just missile launches by Pyongyang, but also its nuclear tests  of which the next could come soon. Last year, the Obama team talked tough on multilateral sanctions, but found China reluctant to take comprehensive, sweeping measures against its erstwhile ally. This dialogue culminated in November, with the UN voting to tighten some sanctions in response to Pyongyangs fifth nuclear test.

Despite its frustration with North Korea, the key reason Beijing has differed with Washington over the scope and severity of actions largely reflects the fact that it does not want to push the regime so hard that it becomes significantly destabilised.

From the vantage point of Chinese officials, this risks North Korea behaving even more unpredictably, and/or the outside possibility of the implosion of the regime which would not be in Beijings interests. It could lead to instability on the North Korea-China border, and ultimately the potential emergence of a pro-US successor nation.

 Donald Trump warns major, major conflict with North Korea is absolutely possible

Recent US rhetoric has also given Beijing heightened concerns that Washington might now be thinking, much more 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.

Beijing is very concerned about the recent escalation of tension on the peninsular, which coincided this month with the North Korean regimes failed missile test following its celebration of the 105th anniversary of the birth of its founder with a huge military parade in Pyongyang. The latter event, which unveiled what appear to be new inter-continental ballistic missiles, has ratcheted up the war of words between Pyongyang and Washington, highlighted by North Korean Deputy UN ambassador Kim In-ryongs assertion that that thermonuclear war could break out at any moment.

Beijings concern here is, however, also with what it asserts is the United States fanning the flames by beginning last months deployment of the controversial Terminal High Altitude Area Defense 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, a decisive breakthrough in the North Korea stand-off appears unlikely in the immediate term, despite Chinas efforts at de-escalating tensions. Instead, sometimes-heated rhetoric from Pyongyang and Washington is likely to continue as the Trump team assesses, with key allies, the full range of its diplomatic and military options in the peninsular.

Andrew Hammond is an Associate at LSE IDEAS at the London School of Economics
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Its now a year since UK Parliament unanimously voted to declare Isis violence against Christians and other ethnic minorities in the Middle East as genocide  and yet these crimes against humanity continue unchallenged due to the perceived inactiveness of world leaders  from 10 Downing Street to the White House, the Kremlin, the Elysee and the United Nations.

Just this month, we saw Isis suicide bombers cause unimaginable scenes of horror at two Coptic Christian churches in Egypt. At least 40 worshippers celebrating Palm Sunday were killed and more than 100 injured in the attack. It was the single deadliest day in decades for Egypts Christians, and follows a number of violent attacks in the country including the bombing of a church in Cairo which killed 30 people last December. Their only crime? Wishing to practice their faith peacefully, in their own place of worship.

These attacks form only part of a relentless, barbaric war waged by Isis to rid the Middle East of the Christian communities that have thrived in the region since the first century AD. Isis has vowed to systematically kill and persecute Christians in countries from Libya to Iraq, employing tactics that include mass slaughters, beheadings, enslavement, rape, kidnapping, abductions of women and girls, and forced migration. In Iraq, the Christian population has decreased from 1.5 million in 2003 to 200,000 today. If no serious and legitimate action is taken, some experts predict that there will be no Christians in the Middle East within ten years as a result of being either killed or forced to flee persecution.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA 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

If Christians in the Middle East are wiped out, responsibility will not only lie with Isis, but with world leaders and others in power who failed to intervene. It is important that this plea not be mistaken as an appeal to just Christians, Jews, Muslims, or even the religious per se, but rather to the humanist, the secular, and most importantly, to the compassionate.

Have we learned nothing from the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, which saw over 800,000 Tutsi killed in less than three months? World leaders vowed that they would never allow such atrocities to happen again, yet now we find ourselves on the precipice of a similar massacre.

UK Parliaments decision to condemn Isis violence as genocide was bolstered at the same time by support from more than 200 Muslim leaders and heads of state who gathered in Morocco to release the Marrakech Declaration, calling for the protection of religion minorities, including Christians. These institutions failed, however, to support those resolutions with concrete action.

World leaders can no longer afford to hesitate; tough words are not enough. As we have seen with the populist surges in the United Kingdom, France and the United States, and the emergence of far right parties in Italy, France, and Germany, voters will no longer tolerate inaction and the status quo. Leaders who fail to listen and respond will be removed.

To save and protect the Christians of the Middle East, leaders must raise their voices and take swift and aggressive steps to end this crisis.

 37 killed in Islamic State bomb attacks on Egyptian churches

To achieve this, we must continue to strengthen inter-faith dialogues with Muslim leaders and show solidarity with beleaguered Christian communities in the Middle East. Pope Franciss trip to Cairo on Friday where he sought to promote messages of peace and strengthen relations with the Muslim community, was a positive step forward. This must be reinforced by other world leaders.

In addition, Middle Eastern governments must significantly increase security for Christian churches, schools, institutions, and neighbourhoods, and Western governments and the UN should provide financial aid to support these efforts. Humanitarian aid should also be directed to Christian communities impacted by Islamic States genocide and reconstruction programmes and genocide investigations should take place.

Furthermore, the perpetrators of genocide must be brought to justice in international criminal courts, and we should pursue the possibility of prosecuting former Isis fighters who have fled back to their home countries. We must ensure that those refugees displaced by genocide are provided the security and aid needed to return to their communities and rebuild their economies.

Finally, raising public awareness of this crisis will be crucial to stopping it. Throughout history, we have seen that the outcry of benevolent people, no matter their religion, race, or ethnicity, almost always results in action against those who have committed crimes against humanity. There is no justification, religious or otherwise, for these horrific crimes. We must appeal to the secularist, the humanist, the religious, and anyone who believes that life, a sacred item we know so little about, is by far our most prized possession.
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Thank you for your Editorial (A big Tory majority wont protect Britain from economic failure).

You certainly reflect my long-held views, and I would hope those of many others, as to the enormous damage Brexit will ultimately do to the UK.

You ask whether Theresa May, Hammond and colleagues were prescient enough to see these trends developing. Without a shred of doubt I believe they were. Unless of course a critic is going to suggest the very people we elected to highest office, and all those highly paid advisors and heads of Civil Service are so lacking in intellect that they could not see the truth staring them in the face.

Do we really have to wait for the history books to be written to read that so many of todays parliamentarians put themselves before the state to such an extent as to be considered treasonous?

David Curran

Feltham

The Lib Dems have been pushing proportional representation for decades

As a resident in the Wells constituency, I was puzzled by the quote attributed to the Green candidate about the Liberal Democrats commitment to proportional representation, saying that they should show stronger backbone about electoral reform  proportional representation.

The Liberal Democrats and before that the Liberals were advocating PR long before it became a mainstream political idea.

In coalition the Liberal Democrats forced the Tories to hold a referendum on PR. This was sadly lost because of the Labour partys antipathy.

If Ukip are supporting the Tory candidate, I suggest that the Greens need to think about how they can get an MP who will advocate for both green issues and PR. It certainly wont be by voting Green.

Rosemary Hasler

Wedmore

The German parliament are wrong about the niqab

I read with concern that the German parliament has supported a draft law banning women working in the civil service, judiciary and military from wearing full-face Islamic veils. Once again, a measure is being enacted to discriminate against a small number Muslim women in the name of integration. Surely Muslim women working in the Civil Service have demonstrated their desire to integrate into the wider culture by getting jobs? Are not those who join the military are showing their readiness to die for their countries?

Niqab-wearing Muslim women are not the enemy. That is evident from the number of them who have committed terrorist atrocities. The security threat that the world faces from terrorist groups must be separated from the niqab. As we move ever closer to the real threat of nuclear war, these measures seem to be a forlorn attempt to convince voters that their leaders have a grip on the dangers that we are going through now. I am afraid that nothing could be further from the truth.

Sarah Waseem

Worcester Park

We should be allowed to go back on Brexit

I welcome the powerful points in Vince Cables article, particularly the need for a second referendum. If I purchase, for example, life insurance, I can change my mind within 30 days, and any payments refunded. If I have the legal right to cancel commitments for modest sums, it seems only sensible to be able to do so when billions of pounds are at risk.

Malcolm L MacLeod

Fife

It is wrong to suggest the definition of anti-Semitism is the same as criticising Israel

On 1 March The Independent reported on a letter to the The Guardian by 244 academics setting out their views on the International Definition of Antisemitism. That definition was subsequently adopted by the Prime Minister following a long campaign.

It is quite wrong to suggest, as the academics did, that the definition conflates anti-Semitism and criticism of Israel. Indeed, it says clearly that criticism of Israel similar to that levelled against any other country cannot be regarded as anti-Semitic.

What the definition does consider to be anti-Semitic is calling Jews or the Jewish state the successor to the Nazis. That is not criticism, it is hate speech. The definition equally calls those who engage in spreading conspiracy myths about Jewish subterfuge and nefarious power anti-Semites, and of course the definition is right.

In light of academic opposition to the definition, it is no wonder that we asked students to gather evidence of anti-Semitism and send it to us so that we can take it up with universities. Today, everybody carries in their pockets a high-definition video camera and so Jewish students are thankfully able to prove that they are being intimidated and abused, and we are able to help them.

This recognition of the full spectrum of anti-Semitism comes not a moment too soon: on campuses where oppression is so frequently discussed, Jewish students are being squeezed out of student life. That is why the Minister of State for Universities has had to take a stand against bullying, unaccountable academics and student leaders.

The International Definition of anti-Semitism has been endorsed by 31 nations now, not out of fealty to Israel but out of recognition that anti-Semitism rots society from within, and that Jews are sadly, as ever, on the front line.

It is a great pity that The Independent did not approach Campaign Against Anti-Semitism for a comment at the time that it reported on the letter.

Gideon Falter  Chairman, Campaign Against Anti-Semitism
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While President Trump has derided the idea of the First 100 Days scorecard, during the campaign he conveniently provided us with a measure by which to judge him in his Contract with the American Voter. When judged by his own expectations, Donald Trump is woefully failing.

To be fair to him though, with no experience in politics himself, and few around him during the campaign with a real understanding of government, it is no great surprise that he has been stymied by the restraints of governing and is not achieving his hoped-for goals. When combined with domestic and international constraints, as well as his personality, these restrictions are arguably greater than those for most of his predecessors.

 Trump's first 100 days in numbers

So, what has Trump achieved in the three areas he identified as objectives?

Draining the Swamp

Candidate Trump promised to drain the swamp of Washington  to clean up corruption and special interest collusion. He has taken a couple of steps in this direction. He has mandated all White House staff pledge to not lobby for five years after leaving office and to never lobby for a foreign government (although it is not clear how this will be enforced). And he instituted a hiring freeze across much of government, although this too is patchy.

On the other hand, Trump has also taken a few steps backwards on this issue. He hired heavily from the banking industry, in particular Goldman Sachs, and his cabinet is the wealthiest (and least experienced in government) in recorded history. He could be accused of nepotism, having brought both his daughter and son-in-law into the White House. And finally, his unwillingness (and that of his children) to distance himself from his business interests raises significant concerns.

Protecting the American People

Trump has followed through on some of his pledges to protect the American worker, from pulling out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership to taking initial steps for the renegotiation of Nafta. He has reversed many of President Obamas environmental initiatives, including reversing his rejection of the Keystone Pipeline, as a way to boost domestic energy markets through promoting reinvestment in coal and other energy infrastructure. And he has made much of the decision by some businesses to retain jobs in the US (which scored well with his base but has had little impact).

Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Show all 33 1 /33 Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days in office were marred by a string of scandals, many of which caught the eye of the Independent's cartoonists Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's first 100 days have seen him aggressively ramp up tensions with his nuclear rivals in North Korea Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has warned of a "major, major conflict" with the pariah nation lead by Kim Jong Un Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump dropped the "mother of all bombs" on alleged ISIS-linked militants in Afghanistan, amid an escalation of US military intervention around the globe Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been accused of falling short of the standards set by his predecessors in the Oval Office, including Franklin D Roosevelt Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The tycoon's ascension to the White House came at a time when the balance of power is shifting away from Western nations like those in the G7 group Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Western politicians, including the British Conservative party, have been accused of falling in line behind Mr Trump's proposals Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Brexit is seen to have weakened Britain, reducing still further any political will to resist American leadership Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump's leadership has been marked by sudden and unexpected shifts in global policy Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's controversial missile strike on Syria, which killed several citizens, was seen by some analysts as an attempt to distract from his policy elsewhere Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The President has also spent a large majority of his weekends golfing, rather than attending to matters of state Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Though free of gaffes, a visit from Chinese president Xi Jinping spotlighted trade tensions between the two states Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One major and unexpected setback came when Mr Trump's Healthcare Bill was struck down by members of his own party Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been a figure of fun in the media, with his approval at record lows Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A string of revelations about Mr Trump's financial indiscretions did not mar his surge to the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Outgoing President Barack Obama was accused of wiretapping Trump Tower by his successor in America's highest office Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The alleged involvement of Russian intelligence operatives in securing Mr Trump the presidency prompted harsh criticism Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The explosive resignation of Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who lied about his links to the Russian ambassador, was just one scandal to hit the President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Many scandals, such as the accusation Barack Obama was implicated in phone-hacking, first broke on Mr Trump's Twitter feed Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's election provoked mass protests in the UK, with millions signing a petition to ban him from the country Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump cited a non-existent terror attack in Sweden during a campaign rally Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump stands accused of stoking regional tensions in Eastern Asia Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons North Korea has launched a number of failed nuclear tests since Mr Trump took power Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Theresa May formally rejected the petition calling for Mr Trump to be banned from the UK Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons When Mr Trump's initial so-called Muslim ban was struck down by a federal justice, the President mocked the 69-year-old as a "ridiculous", "so-called judge" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A week after his inauguration, Theresa May met with Mr Trump at the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first days in office were marked by a hasty attempt to follow through on many of his campaign promises, including the so-called Muslim ban Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's decision to ban citizens of many majority-Muslim countries from the US sparked mass protests Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Revelations about Donald Trump's sexual improprieties were not enough to keep him from being elected President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was criticised by many in the press for cosying up to the new President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One of Mr Trump's top aides, Kelly Anne Conway, was mocked for describing mistruths as "alternative facts" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was quick to demonstrate that her political aims did not hugely differ from Mr Trump's Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's inauguration, on 20 January 2017, sparked protests both at home and abroad

However, here too the reality is rather less than it might appear. Some limited numbers of workers will clearly benefit as their jobs stay in the US, but as more than 85 per cent of American manufacturing jobs are being lost through technological innovation rather than to trade, this will be in the margins. Meanwhile, its too early to tell how Nafta negotiations will play out. Chinese President Xi came and went with no mention of currency manipulation or meaningful progress on some of the economic issues of most concern (e.g. lowering trade and investment barriers and removing subsidies). And, there has been no progress at all on increasing investment in infrastructure.

Perhaps of even greater consequence, Trump is working hard to defund a number of elements of the social safety net. His pledge to reform Obamacare (which has thus far failed), if successful, would likely mean fewer Americans have insurance rather than more. There has been no real progress on education reform. And the basics of his tax reform package appear to advantage the wealthy rather more than those in lower income brackets.

Restoring Security and the Constitutional Rule of Law

Arguably, one of Trumps major successes thus far has been the appointment of a new Supreme Court justice, Neil Gorsuch. He also looks to be making progress on increasing funding for the military. On other issues however, he has again fallen short.

President Trump has failed on two attempts to put in place new restrictions for foreigners coming to the United States from a number of Muslim-majority countries, stymied in both cases by the judiciary. The courts have also stopped his attempts to cut off federal funding from sanctuary cities as he had pledged. Congress (including those in his own party) is currently stopping him from committing funds to build a wall with Mexico, and the Mexicans have, predictably, also refused to fund it.

Conclusion

Whether by his own standards set during the campaign, or by the standards of his predecessors, it is hard to see how Trumps first 100 days could be defined as a success. He has achieved no legislation and his executive orders mostly focus on stopping Obamas initiatives rather than launching any of his own.

This should come as no surprise. As Chatham House laid out in its January report, Americas International Role under Donald Trump, this president is heavily constrained by domestic and international factors as well as his personality. This has been made worse by the huge staffing gaps and lack of government experience of many of those already in place. While his staff will in time learn how government works, many of the restraints will remain and so, while he may have more success in future, his more extreme initiatives will continue to be constrained by the checks and balances of the US system.

Xenia Wickett is the head of the US and the Americas Programme at Chatham House
European leaders have agreed that the UK must "sort out" the past, including Anglo-Irish relations, before beginning future trade negotiations.

The blunt warning has propelled Taoiseach Enda Kenny to the centre of today's meeting of the EU Council, where he will seek backing for a series of guarantees relating to Northern Ireland and the movement of goods and people.

In a letter to the 27 heads of state who will attend the EU Council meeting, President Donald Tusk said members must "unite around the principle" progress on people, money and Ireland "comes first".

"Before discussing our future, we must first sort out our past," he said, in a clear signal that he is against British proposals for early talks on trade.

Leaked drafts of the European negotiation paper also show the EU will rule out the comprehensive trade deal that UK Prime Minister Theresa May is looking for - unless she agrees to continued oversight of banks by EU regulators and courts.

The remaining members will also demand Britain pay an exit bill of around 60bn.

Sources said the Government is "increasingly encouraged" by the language from its EU counterparts. The conclusion documents from today's meeting will include an acknowledgement that in the event of a united Ireland the six counties will have to be automatically allowed back into the EU.

"If an official EU document includes a phrase similar to a 'united Ireland' or 'the reunification of Ireland' then that is historic in its own right," said one source.

Imminent

Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe said he doesn't believe a border poll is "imminent" but said it's of "imperative importance" that the Good Friday Agreement is "underscored in a post-Brexit legal and political environment".

"We are confident that the conclusions which will emerge from the European Council are going to make reference to the very specific needs that Ireland has in relation to the movement of people, in relation to the Border, in relation to the peace process and in relation to the Good Friday Agreement," he said.

It is also expected that today's meeting will be told of the need to relocate the European Medicines Agency and European Banking Agency from London.

Ireland has bid for both entities, although sources admit it would be a major coup to win either. Health Minister Simon Harris was in Brussels yesterday to canvass support for moving the EMA to Dublin.

He told 25 EU ambassadors that Ireland "represents the best and most sustainable choice for Europe and the EMA".

The minister said Dublin ticks every box in "geographical and cultural proximity for ease of transition".
Pope Francis shakes hands with Alitalia's flight attendant in Rome's Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino airport as he boarded a plane for his pastoral trip to Egypt yesterday

Pope Francis may need a new favourite airline as Italian flag carrier Alitalia hovers on the brink of insolvency.

The airline is preparing for special administration proceedings after workers rejected the terms of a rescue plan that investors led by biggest shareholder Etihad Airways, said was a prerequisite for a desperately needed 2bn financing deal.

The workers' bet that Italy's government would step in at the last minute have backfired, with shareholder Intesa Sanpaolo saying there was "no plan B" heading into the weekend.

Alitalia has been bailed out by Italy and private investors repeatedly over the years but Italy's industry minister has ruled out nationalisation and public funds for the carrier.

The ailine has made a profit only a few times in its 70-year history and, with around 12,500 employees, is losing at least 500,000 a day.

It said after a board meeting it would "start preparing the procedures provided by law" and a person close to the company said the board would seek shareholder approval to request the appointment of a special administrator. "It is not an option but a must," the person said, adding, "The board ... can only do what it has to do."

The administrator would assess whether Alitalia can be overhauled or should be wound up, before preparing industrial and financial plans for a rapid revamp, either as a standalone company or through a partial or total sale. If all else fails, it could trigger liquidation.

The source said no offers had been received to buy either all or part of Alitalia.

Malyasian Airways has indicated its interested in Alitalia's planes, but not the business.

A shareholder meeting to decide on the next steps, initially announced by the company for last Thursday, will be held on May 2, two sources close to the matter told Reuters. Alitalia's flight operations remain unchanged for now, the company said in a statement.

The airline has sufficient funds to keep flying for "a matter of weeks, two to three weeks", partly by calling in unpaid invoices, the person close to the company said.

Vice chairman James Hogan said that the outcome of the ballot meant "all parties would lose: Alitalia employees, its customers and its shareholders, and ultimately also Italy."

Alitalia had sought worker backing to unlock fresh funds from shareholders and launch an ambitious restructuring plan, centred around a revamp of its business for short and medium-haul flights and additional long-haul routes. But workers had repeatedly said they were unwilling to accept any further sacrifices given labour costs were already among the lowest in Europe for a so-called legacy airline.

They were also sceptical over its plans to return to profit by 2019 given a string of past failed restructurings.

But the negative vote left the rescue plans in tatters, at least for now, and plunged the airline into a mood of defeat. "Everyone is disappointed and sad. It is unbelievable," the person close to Alitalia said. (Reuters)
The High Court has cleared the way for a full trial of hundreds of damages actions brought by investors in property funds promoted by AIB.

The investors allege the funds were promoted between 2002 and 2006 by the bank and five directors of various companies in the Belfry Properties group, including property investor Tony Kilduff and former head of AIB private banking John Rockett. Individuals invested anything between 75,000 and 440,000, which were sourced from savings, pension funds or loans.

Following the collapse of the funds, investors brought claims seeking damages.

They claim the defendants were negligent, acted in breach of contract, and in breach of fiduciary duty in the manner they operated the funds.

The claims are denied.

In a ruling on a preliminary issue concerning more than 300 actions over the Belfry Funds, Mr Justice Robert Haughton found that, while elements of the claims are statute barred, the cases can go ahead.

The investors have sued over losses sustained after they put money into five Belfry Funds. The funds invested in commercial property in the UK.

The defendants had also argued the claims were statue barred because they were brought more than six years after the investors entered into the Belfry Investments.

The investors rejected this and their lawyers argued that the claims should be allowed proceed to a full hearing.

Mr Justice Haughton said the investors claims of an alleged failure to advise them about aspects of the funds, known as a Loan To Value (LTV) covenant, before they invested in the funds, are not statute barred.

It is claimed that these covenants permitted assets which the fund had invested in to be sold, if their value fell below a certain amount. These asset sales, it is claimed, occurred as prices plummeted during the recession.

The judge, who based his decision on eight test or pathfinder cases, also found other categories of the claims had been brought outside the statue of limitations. The aspects of the claims the judge found to be outside the allowed six-year period include that the defendants were negligent in the management and choice of the investments, the rotation of the properties and the generation of excessive fees.

Speaking after the ruling, solicitor Tom Casey, who is representing the majority of the investors, said that after a six- day hearing on the preliminary issue his clients were delighted with the court's decision.

Approximately 30 of the investors were present in court for Mr Justice Haughton's ruling.
'Bank of Ireland said no customers switched from a tracker rate on foot of the January letter, which was sent in error' Photo: Bloomberg

Bank of Ireland has been forced to apologise after "mistakenly" sending letters to tracker customers with details about how they could switch to a more expensive mortgage.

The letter said tracker holders should consider moving to a fixed rate as European Central Bank rates were likely to go up.

The bank has twice in the past been accused of using "dirty tricks" to get people to give up their valuable trackers.

Now it has emerged that the bank has had to apologise again to tracker customers for sending a letter with details about how to switch to more expensive fixed rates.

Trackers are so cheap that moving to a variable or fixed rate could mean monthly repayments would be up to 500 more for a typical mortgage.

Head of mortgages at Bank of Ireland John O'Beirne wrote to thousands of tracker customers stating that a letter issued to them in January was sent out in error.

However, the letter clarifying the mix-up was only sent out last week.

Mr O'Beirne stated the bank was required to send the clarifying letter by the Central Bank.

"To avoid the potential for any confusion, I wish to clarify that, as a tracker rate mortgage-holder, this document should not have been issued to you, and is only relevant to standard variable rate mortgage holders," the April 20 letter said.

One customer who received the letters said: "It seems incredible in this day and age that they cannot filter out tracker holders from a mailshot."

A spokeswoman for the Central Bank said it was aware that Bank of Ireland issued a document designed for variable mortgage holders to tracker mortgage holders in January.

The regulator said Bank of Ireland has since written to tracker customers to apologise for sending the document.

"This document should not have been sent to tracker rate mortgage holders," it said.

"The Central Bank requires all firms to act in the best interests of its customers at all times and ensure full transparency for customers."

Bank of Ireland said no customers switched from a tracker rate on foot of the January letter, which was sent in error.

It comes as Bank of Ireland, along with 14 other lenders, is in the process of restoring trackers to thousands of people.

In December, Bank of Ireland admitted it overcharged interest on 3,916 tracker accounts. It also identified 602 accounts where a right to tracker rate was not provided.

In 2015, Bank of Ireland was accused of a bid to trick customers off tracker rates when it sent letters to tracker customers telling them about fixed rates, but making no mention of the cost implications of giving up a tracker. In 2012, the bank also made an attempt to get tracker holders to move to dearer mortgages.

A review in 2010 led to the restoration of 2,100 Bank of Ireland accounts to tracker rates. Central Bank governor Philip Lane revealed recently that Bank of Ireland was previously stopped taking trackers from another 3,000 customers.
Women take a photo in the late afternoon sun during the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, U.S. April 16, 2017. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri

The arts council of Ireland offers funding up to 10k and up to 20k for organisations promoting festivals or events with a clear artistic purpose.

Funding from the Arts Council can go towards expenses including artists fees, venue-rental costs, staff costs, audience development, marketing, as well as travel costs and expenses for the artistic.

In submitting an application to the Arts Council you must provide a detailed budget setting out income and expenditure for proposed activities as well as evidence of any financial support or sponsorship identified in the proposed budget.

The guidelines are subject to change each year so potential festival organisers should check with the Arts Council before submitting their applications.

The Arts Council will then judge all applications under the criteria of artistic merit, how they meet the objectives and priorities of the scheme, and feasibility.

Already this year a large number of applicants have been successful in their request for funding from the arts council including Ballydehob Jazz Festival in Cork, Boyle Arts Festival, Sacred Spaces : Sacred Sounds festival in Wicklow, and Terryglass Arts Festival in Tipperary.

Meanwhile in 2016 Failte Ireland allocated 690k to 205 regional festivals and events. Typical grants awarded are between 2,500- 3,000 and the grant awarded may be increased in certain circumstances.

In order to qualify for funding from Failte Ireland, regional festivals and participation events must meet the following criteria;

The festival or participatory event must generate a minimum of 500 visitor or tourist bed-nights in paid accommodation, while participative events must generate a minimum of 800 visitor or tourist bed-nights in paid accommodation. The event must also have a minimum expenditure of 10k.

The event must also promise that it will help build memorable visitor experiences in the locality, while the event programme must be comprehensive and professionally deigned, and clear business and marketing plans must be submitted to Failte Ireland.

Applications who meet the Regional Festivals and Participative Programmes qualifying conditions will then be assessed under the four evaluation criteria;

1. Experience brand fit  the three brands referred to are Dublin, Irelands Ancient East, and the Wild Atlantic Way

2. Tourism impact  the events ability of entertain tourists and grow visitor numbers to the area.

3. Marketing  how is the event going to be marketed?

4. Delivery team  the experience and ability of the organisers will be assessed to ensure the event is effectively managed.

Should you be successful in your application for funding, you can then expect the following costs to be expensed under the funding programme; marketing activities both regionally and nationally, and expenditure incurred on elements which have not received grant aid from other public bodies and considered to delivery significant benefits to tourism.

Funding can also be used to cover expenses in respect of feasibility studies, training, and branding consultancy activities, as well as cross-border events.
GardaI have lines of communication open to online providers such as Facebook - but officers admit the lengthy response time can be frustrating.

Internet companies are coming under pressure to act more quickly in withdrawing objectionable content.

Gardai have a memo of understanding agreed with phone service providers, which allows for speedy action when necessary. But it is difficult to replicate this with online providers because they are global companies.

"Part of the problem is that while content is being monitored round the clock, those carrying out the monitoring could be based anywhere in the world and might not respond immediately to a specific complaint," said one officer.

Even where content has been withdrawn, it can often be replaced quickly by another user, who has copied the post.

Fianna Fail communications spokesman Timmy Dooley said the streaming on social media of murders being committed must be addressed urgently.

"Recently we have seen footage of a child being murdered in Thailand being still available to view for some 24 hours after the event and that is not acceptable.

"Of course, there are certain logistical difficulties in regulating the activity of a network with almost two billion users worldwide, but the owners of social media platforms need to do more and cannot allow such activities to continue," Mr Dooley added.

"It seems incredible that a company the size of Facebook, with the resources it has at its disposal, was unable to take down the video stream more quickly."

Gardai are currently investigating a series of videos showing an Irish woman's racist rant against Indian passengers on a Limerick train.

And two months ago Limerick gardai carried out inquiries into a Facebook claim, which turned out to be false, that a foreign woman had been offering her child for sale on the streets.

A Facebook spokesperson said: "We are transparent about the criteria we require for law enforcement requests and we have streamlined processes in place to help law enforcement submit these requests."
RTe political correspondent David Davin-Power has insisted he is "not retiring, just changing direction" as he leaves the confines of Montrose.

The broadcaster, who recently turned 65, bid farewell to his coworkers in the newsroom yesterday.

Expand Close David Davin-Power with broadcaster David Hanly / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp David Davin-Power with broadcaster David Hanly

Davin-Power, who joined the station in the 1980s and launched 'Morning Ireland' in 1984 with broadcaster David Hanly, said he was "sad to be leaving such wonderful colleagues".

However, he considered himself lucky to "have been an eye witness to so many historic events like the IRA ceasefire and the Good Friday Agreement".

Dublin-born Davin-Power said it was "time for new challenges" and that he is looking forward to what the future holds.

Yesterday, his colleagues were quick to praise him. Health correspondent Fergal Bowers described him as a "legend of broadcasting". Ingrid Miley said it was "the end of an era".

Bryan Dobson told the newsroom: "David is an outstanding communicator.

"When he explains a story his capacity to simplify but not to distort complex stories is really something to behold."

At a 'goodbye gathering' yesterday, managing director of RTE Jon Williams commended Davin-Power saying: "In all the places I have worked his analysis and ability to tell a story is without peer. He is going to leave very big shoes to fill."
[Photo/VCG]

Chen Qin was embroidering a butterfly for an order from the United Nations.

"These pieces will be decorations for the covers of notebooks for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP)," said Chen, 37, a member of the Miao ethnic group who lives in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture in Southwest China's Guizhou province.

Chen had never considered the possibility of selling her traditional handicrafts overseas.

"Before the orders came, there was no reason to do embroidery. Now that we can make money from it, we are motivated to pick up craft again," Chen said.

Almost all Miao women learn the embroidery which decorates their folk costumes, and now they can make money from the skill.

"During the farming low season, women gather in my home to work," Chen said.

Miao embroidery has a history dating back more than 2,000 years, and was included in a national list of intangible cultural heritage in 2006.

However, since poverty has driven many Miao women to leave their villages and become migrant workers, the skill has started to lapse.

The culture department in the prefecture seat Kaili, along with the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation and UNDP are helping Miao families out of poverty while saving the traditional handicraft by teaching it to young people. One such program led to the establishment of an embroidery cooperative in the village of Meixiang in October 2015.

Over the past year, the group has taken orders totaling more than 400,000 yuan (58,000 U.S. dollars), giving each embroiderer an annual income over 10,000 yuan.

The womens' standard of living has significantly improved and more are returning home and signing up for training every day.

"The government gave us sewing machines and a photocopier so that we can design the patterns ourselves," Chen said.

The prefecture plans to come up with completely new embroidered products for global markets, said Liu Rui, a cultural official from Kaili.

The "Jinxiujihua" campaign has been helping women across Guizhou out of poverty since 2013, according to the provincial women's federation.

The program trains rural women in embroidery, batik and other handicrafts so that they can work in their hometowns.

More than 500,000 women now work in handicraft industries with the support of the campaign which has helped about 10,000 out of poverty in 2016.
Bankrupt Priory Hall developer Tom McFeely has been found guilty of breaching a protection order after he threatened to slit a woman's throat and "send her to America in a box".

McFeely (68) had denied making the threats, but accepted that he and the woman had a "heated argument over money".

The woman previously said McFeely was demanding that she hand back money he claimed she owes him.

McFeely said that he is "a generous person, too generous" and the "substantial sums of money" include 1m in cash, 500,000 of property and $500,000 (459,000).

He also claimed there was "all sorts of skulduggery to hide what's going on"' and if he was to give a court all the evidence he had against the woman he "really believes she'd go to jail".

The woman previously said McFeely is a "very angry" man and needs help to deal with anger management issues.

Judge John Lindsay ordered McFeely to enter into a 12-month peace bond.

The defendant was found guilty of breaching a protection order at a house in south Dublin on February 12.

A second allegation of breaching a protection order on February 20 was dismissed.

McFeely had denied both charges and claimed he did not know such an order was in place at the time.

The matter had been adjourned from last month to give McFeely a chance to give evidence.

He told Tallaght District Court he and the woman had a heated argument over money on February 12, but he did not shout at her, make threats or put her in fear.

He added that "in no circumstances" was the woman afraid of him. He further claimed that there was money missing and if he could sit down with the woman, "and certain people get their claws out of her", they could sort out the issues.

McFeely claimed he's "a very generous person" and the money involved is "well over 1m, as well as half a million in property, 500,000 in dollars and $100,000 for her family's gambling debts".

He accepted the woman had told him "at some stage" there was a protection order, but "on what date I don't know".

In her evidence, the woman, who cannot be identified by order of the judge, said McFeely came to her home at around 9am on February 12.

She claimed he was very angry, and said he wanted them to talk.

The woman alleged McFeely made threats towards her, saying he would slit her throat and then "send her to America in a box".

She also claimed he demanded she pay back money which he said she had stolen from him.

The woman said she was terrified of McFeely, adding "he's lost everything, he's had a very bad run of things".

She added he has anger management issues.

The court heard McFeely had 11 previous convictions, most recently in 2011 for a drink driving offence.

Defence lawyer Stephen Montgomery said McFeely is a pensioner and lives in the UK.

He accepted that McFeely and the woman have "a fraught relationship" and asked the judge to be as lenient as possible.

Earlier this month, McFeely failed in his bid to vary his bail terms so he could fly to London to collect his pension.

McFeely shouted at Garda Dara MacEoin across a courtroom, "It's guys like you that give gardai a bad name", after the judge refused the application.

Gda MacEoin had told Tallaght District Court that he was objecting to the bail variation.

The Priory Hall developer had claimed he was struggling financially as his only income is his pension and he could not get to London to collect it because gardai have his passport.

"It's unbelievable. How am I to live if I can't get to the UK for my pension?" he asked.
A former Sinn Fein councillor tied up a convicted fraudster in his garage, "tortured" him with water, and threatened to chop him up, feed him to dogs and burn his head at the stake.

Jonathan Dowdall (40) believed he was being "duped" over the sale of a motorbike when he researched the man on the internet and came across a series of scamming allegations against him.

He invited the man to dinner, but instead he and his father Patrick Dowdall (60) imprisoned him in the garage for three hours and tried to force a confession out of him.

The victim, Alexander Hurley, has prior fraud convictions. He pleaded for his life as Jonathan Dowdall covered his face with a cloth and doused his head with water, while Patrick Dowdall threatened to cut his fingers off with a pliers.

The pair let him go and gardai only discovered what they had done when they searched the Dowdalls' home for a separate reason and found a video of the incident.

Harrowing

The Special Criminal Court was shown the "grim and harrowing" footage of Mr Hurley's interrogation.

The father and son, both of Navan Road, Dublin 7, pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning and threatening to kill Alexander Hurley on January 15, 2015.

Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy said the three-judge court wished to reflect before deciding on sentences and adjourned the case to May 19.

Detective Inspector William Hanrahan said gardai searched the Dowdalls' home on March 9 2016 "in relation to another matter" when they found a USB stick with the videos.

Mr Hurley was found and told gardai he had agreed to buy a motorbike Jonathan Dowdall had put up for sale online.

When he arrived at the house on January 15, he was pushed into the garage, backed into a swivel chair, and bound at the chest and legs with cable ties.

The accused and a third unidentified man were there.

He heard someone saying they would "feed him to dogs, chop him up, place him in cellophane bags, and store him in the boot of a BMW" if he did not "tell the truth".

Jonathan Dowdall, wearing a balaclava, placed a tea towel over Mr Hurley's head and poured a full bucket of water over him.

He could not breathe and thought he was being drowned.

He said he was told he would be fed to Dobermans, chopped up, brought to Tyrone, part of him would be buried in the mountains and his head would be burned at the stake.

He was told he was a "stupid dumb f*** to mess with the head of the IRA" and that Jonathan Dowdall was a friend of Gerry Adams and Mary Lou McDonald. He was told to get out of Dublin.

A girl was filming on an iPhone.

In the footage, Mr Hurley could be heard begging "please don't hurt me". He was repeatedly asked what he was doing with Jonathan Dowdall's bank details.

Mr Hurley said he had been tortured "to the point of death's door" and that his psychological injuries would never heal.

The court heard Jonathan Dowdall maintained Mr Hurley had pretended he was a barrister.

Both accused apologised "unreservedly" for their actions.

In a press statement, Mary Lou McDonald said Dowdall left Sinn Fein some years ago.

"He subsequently worked with, and supported, a political opponent of Sinn Fein in the Dublin Central Constituency," she added.
Former tanaiste Joan Burton rejected suggestions she was "relaxed" while she and an adviser were allegedly falsely imprisoned in a garda Jeep surrounded by anti-water charges protesters.

A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was shown a video clip in which Ms Burton could be heard laughing and another clip in which she was holding a newspaper article, which she read while trapped in the Jeep.

Ms Burton insisted she had "laughed in apprehension" after a garda helicopter operator suggesting over the garda radio that the Jeep, which had been inching forward slowly due to being blocked by a large crowd of protesters, would be better off reversing. Laughter was heard in the Jeep and Ms Burton was heard exclaiming: "You must be joking."

Ms Burton was cross examined about this and other video clips during her second day in the witness box at the trial of Solidarity TD Paul Murphy and six other men for the false imprisonment of her and her special adviser Karen O'Connell.

All seven deny the charges, which arise out of a protest which took place when Ms Burton attended a ceremony for graduates of the An Cosan adult education centre in Jobstown, Tallaght, Dublin, on November 15, 2014. The event turned sour after protesters converged and first surrounded a garda car containing the two women and later a garda Jeep. It would be three hours before they were able to leave.

Throughout the afternoon various video clips were played, showing crowds surrounding and blocking the path of a garda vehicle containing Ms Burton and Ms O'Connell, as well as footage recorded inside the Jeep on the former Labour leader's phone.

Padraig Dwyer SC, for one of the accused, Frank Donaghy, suggested some of the clips showed that Ms Burton was relaxed as events unfolded.

But Ms Burton said despite appearances, she was far from relaxed. "I certainly was trying to keep my composure and to keep my demeanour as pleasant as possible as I felt that might lower the anger of the people around the car," she said.

Ms Burton was questioned at length as to whether she had heard any political slogans being shouted by protesters while she was in the vehicles.

The Dublin West TD said she had only heard the words "peaceful protest" being shouted through a megaphone.

The only other political slogan she said she heard was when people shouted "shame on you" during an earlier flashpoint when she was struck on the head by "a water bomb".

Ms Burton said she could mainly hear "hubbub and noise" and that when people were shouting and roaring it was the curses and bad language that tended to stand out.

"It was a very, very frightening and tense situation. I am telling you what I heard. They could have been saying a hundred other things," she told Mr Dwyer.

The court was then played footage in which protesters could be seen surrounding one of the garda vehicles chanting: "You can stick your water meters up your arse". Other slogans sung by the crowd were "They say cut back, we say fight back" and "Joanie in your ivory tower, this is called people power".

Ms Burton said she didn't accept that the chant about water meters was "political at all".

Asked if she was saying she didn't hear the slogans while she was in the garda vehicle, she replied: "If I did I had forgotten about it." She said there was intense banging on the car and she didn't have the best hearing in the world, which made it difficult for her to distinguish what was being said.

Ms Burton also told the barrister she spent a year after the events "trying to forget" what had happened and that she had suffered from nightmares.

Her cross examination continues on Tuesday.

Paul Murphy (34) of Kingswood Heights, Tallaght; Kieran Mahon of Bolbrook Grove, Tallaght; Michael Murphy of Whitechurch Way, Ballyboden, Dublin; Frank Donaghy (71) of Alpine Rise, Tallaght; Ken Purcell (50) of Kiltalown Green; Michael Banks (46) of Brookview Green, Tallaght; and Scott Masterson (34) of Carrigmore Drive, Tallaght, have all denied charges of false imprisonment.
'Jonathan McCarthy (26) crept past his wife Tina, who sat in the public seating area of Limerick District Court, opened the door of the courtroom, and ran' (stock photo)

A young man has been charged with acting to support a foreign terrorist organisation.

Hassan Bal (25) was arrested at an address off O'Connell Street in Waterford shortly before 10am on Thursday and brought yesterday before Judge Kevin Staunton at Waterford District Court.

The two charges are brought contrary to the Criminal Justice - Terrorist Offences Act, 2005.

Detective Inspector Anthony Pettit and Detective Sergeant Donal Donohue said that, after being arrested, cautioned and charged, Mr Bal made no reply when the two charges were put to him.

He was questioned overnight at Waterford garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

Mr Bal appeared in court flanked by two gardai and wearing slacks, a charcoal grey T-shirt and a black jacket. He did not speak during the brief hearing. He was born in the UK but has been resident in Ireland for more than a decade. He holds both Irish and UK passports.

Mr Bal, who is married, was training to be an electrician.

The two charges relate to dates of October 2 and October 23, 2015. It is understood the sums allegedly involved are in the hundreds of euro.

Inspector Anthony Dineen said the State was applying for Mr Bal to be remanded in custody.

Defence solicitor Pat Newell said he was reserving his position in respect of bail for his client.

Judge Staunton remanded Mr Bal in custody to appear again before Waterford District Court next Tuesday.

The charges followed a major search in Waterford on Thursday by gardai after a lengthy intelligence-led operation.

It is understood the garda operation was supported by intelligence supplied by overseas security agencies, including those in the UK and US. It focused on the collection and distribution of funds which, it feared, could have been intended for radical Islamic groups.
Enda Kenny arrives for a meeting of the EPP prior to an EU summit in Brussels. (Picture: AP Photo/Olivier Matthys)

EU leaders have agreed what they described as a firm and fair" negotiating stance on Brexit, setting red lines on citizens rights, a financial settlement and the Irish border.

They insisted on making progress with the UK on the three priority issues before beginning talks on a post-Brexit trade deal.

British prime minister Theresa May accused the bloc of lining up against the UK ahead of the talks, as EU leaders made a strong show of unity.

We will handle it with genuine care, but firmly, said European Council president Donald Tusk of the upcoming negotiations.

We need to remain united as EU27, added Mr Tusk, who chairs the EUs regular summits. It is only then that we will be able to conclude the negotiations. Which means that our unity is also in the UK's interest.

Leaders signed off on a nine-page document that will be fleshed out by the European Commission with a more detailed paper next week. Once that paper is agreed, talks can officially begin, though they are unlikely to get going until after the UK election on June 8.

Citizens rights are the blocs first priority, with leaders calling for reciprocal and binding guarantees for those affected by Brexit in the UK and the EU, including permanent residency after five years and a simple application procedure.

The UK will be handed a single bill covering its remaining financial obligations to the EU, including the blocs 2014-20 budget, the European Investment Bank and the off-budget European Development Fund.

While no figure has yet been agreed, Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte said it would be substantial, while French president Francois Hollande said there will be a price and a cost for the UK.

It shouldnt be punitive, but at the same time its clear Europe will defend its interests, and that the UK will have a worse position, tomorrow, outside Europe than it does, today, within Europe, Mr Hollande said on his way into the meeting, the first since the UK officially triggered its EU exit at the end of March.

The guidelines also say the Good Friday Agreement should be maintained in all its parts and that there should be no return to a hard border on the island of Ireland.

But its a separate statement on a united Ireland - requested by Taoiseach Enda Kenny and due to be added to the minutes of todays meeting - that has piqued interest.

That statement is due to clarify that Northern Ireland would be able to seamlessly rejoin the EU in the event of a future vote in favour of Irish unity.

Mr Kenny said Ireland was well-prepared for Brexit and that the draft guidelines reflected the countrys concerns.

Ireland has prepared assiduously and very well for this over the last 18 months, and our priorities are reflected in the document from the European Parliament and from the European Council, Mr Kenny said, referring to a non-binding resolution approved by a large majority of MEPs last month, and the EU leaderss guidelines.

The Taoiseach met the president of the Irish Farmers Association, Joe Healy, ahead of the summit in Brussels to the agricultural sectors Brexit concerns.

In many ways it is a sad day for the EU but we need to maintain the closest possible trading relationship with the UK and a fully funded CAP [Common Agricultural Policy], Mr Healy said.
GardaI want the law to be changed to make it mandatory for cyclists to wear reflective 'high visibility' clothing and helmets.

They have called on Tanaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald to introduce legislation immediately in a bid to curb the fatality toll on the nation's roads.

But they rejected a proposal that the measure should also apply to all pedestrians.

The annual conference of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) in Killarney yesterday heard that there had been 141 pedestrians killed on Irish roads over the past four years and that represented 20pc of all fatalities.

Mayo delegate Sean Callaghan said last year 35 pedestrians had been killed and 23 of those incidents had taken place during the hours of darkness.

He said wearing high visibility clothing meant that a pedestrian could be spotted at up to 500km and he argued changing the legislation would save lives.

Another delegate, Claire Healy of the Dublin metropolitan traffic division, said it would be very difficult to police a mandatory requirement for pedestrians in urban areas and also said the worst months for pedestrians being killed were July, May and October.

She said it was all about education, changing people's attitudes and behaviours.

Ms Healy said the concept of making people wear 'high vis' clothing would work in rural areas, particularly where they were walking home in the early hours of the morning but it would be difficult to police in areas like Dublin city centre, where she worked.

She said Australia had led the way in introducing mandatory helmets for cyclists and it was now widely accepted.
The Sisters of Charity cannot hand over the land on which the new National Maternity Hospital will be built to the State because it is tied up in financial and legal agreements, mediator Kieran Mulvey has said.

His comments follow the ongoing public row over the State's decision to build the 300m hospital on the St Vincent's Hospital campus on land which automatically makes the Sisters of Charity the owners of the facility. It has led to repeated calls on the religious order to simply give the site to the State, removing the concerns about the impact the Catholic ethos might have on services.

However, Mr Mulvey, who was privy to private details of the St Vincent's Healthcare Group during the six months of negotiations, told the Irish Independent it is not possible to cede ownership of the land at this stage.

"They have other loans. They have other considerations. There is the campus as a whole. The campus would lose value if a particular section at the centre of it was not under the current ownership arrangement. There are large borrowings by the St Vincent's Healthcare Group which will have to be met," he said.
Senior prison officers have had security equipment installed in their homes because of death threats made by prisoners, according to the president of the Prison Officers' Association (POA).

Highlighting how dangerous the job has become, Stephen Delaney said he had been informed of the protection measures being carried out.

"I am aware of senior officers having equipment installed in their house arising from threats made by an offender - actual death threats," he said.

POA assistant general secretary Gabriel Keaveny said that, recently, a female officer was targeted in one of the country's prisons.

"Damage was done to her car, her house was targeted on a number of occasions. It is not unusual for a prisoner to say to you, 'I know where you live, I'll burn your house down, I'll get your kids'," he said.

"Unfortunately the prison service had to bring in a specific protocol to deal with that, which involves security cameras, monitored by gardai. A whole range of stuff."

Mr Delaney said that, in such situations, intelligence is required by the Department of Justice and the garda to help deal with the issues.

Meanwhile, prison officers have raised concerns that they could fail newly introduced roadside drug-drive tests by passively inhaling drugs being smoked by inmates in jails.

The issue has been discussed at the POA annual conference in Galway.

"Our members work in an environment where others use drugs on an ongoing basis and there is concern that the passive effects can show up as a positive in a drug-driving test," said Jim Mitchell, deputy general secretary of the POA.

"We passed a motion on this at our conference to the effect that we want immediate discussions with the Irish Prison Service on this issue.

"Drug use is part and parcel of prison life for some prisoners, despite our best efforts to deny access at entry points through searches and the use of electronic systems.

"So, in responding to the possibility of flawed drug-driving tests on our members, we must face the reality of drug use in our prisons and take some action.

"The Irish Prison Service has a responsibility in this and we expect it will enter meaningful discussions in the coming weeks. We are particularly concerned that, not only are established drugs being accessed by prisoners, but also new, novel psychoactive substances."

A spokesman for the prison service said it meets regularly with members of the POA and would listen to their concerns.

"We would trust that the drug-testing systems being used by gardai would be robust enough to be used," he said.
A search is underway in Co Louth as part of an investigation into the disappearance of a young couple who are missing since 2015.

William 'Willie' Maughan (34) and his Latvian girlfriend Anna Varslavane (21) are believed to have been murdered. They were last seen in April 2015 around Gormanston, Co Meath.

Gardai in the Ashbourne area are carrying out a new search today and it is understood the search is connected to the disappearance of the young couple.

The pair were planning on moving back to the family home in west Dublin on the day they went missing.

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Gardai have previously carried out number of searches in Co Meath.

Previously Willie's parents, Joeseph and Helen, appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

William's parents believe the young couple were targeted because their son had information about a gangland murder.

Ms Maughan pleaded for anybody with information to come forward so she can lay her son and his girlfriend to rest.

"I know my son is dead," said Helen.

"I hope that somebody with information about his death will come forward so we can give him a final resting place.

"I hope they pick up the phone to the gardai or a priest and anonymously tell them where the bodies are, or any information they have.

"Then I can bury my child and that will give us closure."
Inspirational campaigner Joanne O'Riordan has ruled out a career in politics but said she is determined to help make Ireland more accessible for people with disabilities.

Joanne also called on the Government to ratify The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities saying that we need to recognise that people with disabilities "have potential and a future."

The Cork native is just one of seven people in the world with Tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare condition that means she was born without arms or legs, she has been behind the high-profile No Limbs, No Limits campaign and is calling for our government to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

She told Independent.ie: "I hope it's the beginning of something special and the start of Irish people and the Government recognising that people with disabilities do have potential and they do have a future and they should be included in everyday life.

"It's just a start but it implements legislation that impacts people with disabilities, maybe building legislation, for equal access to education and things like that.

"I know that places you wouldn't expect like North Korea have ratified it and of course I understand that maybe some places have ratified it without actually enforcing it but I think it's important the Irish Government realises we're so far behind.

"It's us and the US that are the last two left who have signed up but not ratified it."

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Joanne is currently doing her Erasmus year in York and said she has found it easier to be a student in the UK.

She said: "It's going really well it's an incredible experience and I'm loving it.

"There are things that are different, obviously Theresa May's government has cut some things and there's a lot of complaints but just from my perspective in the university it's a lot easier, there's a lot more efforts to help integrate you and ensure everything is there that you need, they just make it so much easier for you to get an education.

"Obviously though they've a long way to go in some areas, no country is perfect in terms of policy.

"What I would like to do in the future is to compare all the country's policies and make a super policy, put them together and hope Ireland will implement that.

"Obviously I'm Irish, I love Ireland and I just want to make it the most accessible country in the world."

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Despite her ambitions to make a difference, she said that a career in politics wouldn't be for her.

She said: "Oh God no, I see the constraints they're tied down to every day and I don't like it at all, I don't really like the political system, I think you actually have a lot more power as a lobbyist."

Joanne was speaking as she marked her milestone 21st birthday this week, although she is known for her positive attitude she admits having a disability can get to her.

She said: "Sometimes I suppose it does make you angry, able-bodied people can just get on with their lives and do what they want within reason.

"They can just get up and go when they want whereas I need to plan 48 hours in advance, I can never be spontaneous, it's annoying.

"On the flip side, I get to do such cool things through my campaigning, I get to travel the world and give speeches and meet so many people I wouldn't otherwise.

"I'm very positive 99 per cent of the time though, I think that's the way I'm manufactured, there's so much bad stuff happening in the world that I think it's important we can see the lighter side too."

As she reflects on her campaign, Joanne also shared some advice for her younger self.

She said: "I would tell my 13-year-old self to just be myself and hang on in there, the small things seemed to matter a lot but you need to remember most of the time it'll be fine.

"You just have to get up, get on with it and stop moaning."
School bus and Irish Rail drivers have voted in favour of industrial action in support of their colleagues at Bus Eireann.

Siptu said its members at Irish Rail voted by 73pc in favour of industrial action, while those employed as school bus drivers voted by 72pc in favour.

However, they may not join their colleagues on the picket lines if Bus Eireann workers accept a Labour Court recommendation to end a dispute over payroll cuts.

Bus Eireann workers, who are represented by five unions, are currently balloting or about to vote on the court's proposal which would mean voluntary redundancies and a reduction in earnings.

It called off an all-out strike by 1,900 workers after three weeks earlier this month.

Siptu Organiser Paul Cullen said the majority of Siptu members in Irish Rail and those employed as school bus drivers by Bus Eireann have voted to take industrial action in support of, and in sympathy with, their Bus Eireann colleagues.

"Bus Eireann workers are commencing a ballot on a Labour Court recommendation concerning this dispute," he said.

He said Siptu representatives are currently holding meetings around the country with members.

Mr Cullen said the ballot result will be "pivotal in deciding the course of this dispute".

Bus Eireann's acting chief executive Ray Hernan had warned that the commercial semi-State company faced insolvency next month.

However, the Labour Court said the company had revealed it was already insolvent.

Bus Eireann suffered losses of 9.4m last year and said the rate of losses are higher this year than they were at the same time last year.

A minimum of 120 drivers would take voluntary redundancy over 12 months under the court's proposal.

The court recommended a composite rate of pay for drivers to include premium pay, which would rise from 17.37 an hour with one year's service to 20.11 after four years.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said he will "talk to my party soon" after once again being questioned about his leadership plans.

Mr Kenny responded to the question in Irish and tiptoed around the topic, refusing to take any further questions about his leadership in English.

He was speaking at a press conference in the headquarters of the European Council in Brussels on Saturday following a one-day summit on Brexit negotiations between the EU and UK.

Mr Kenny said EU leaders had noted it was the final summit that would be attended by the French president, Francois Holland.

"As for myself, as Ive said, Ill be talking to my party soon on this," he said in Irish.

The Taoiseach had previously outlined how he would make his intentions "very clear" once he was happy with the ground rules laid by Brexit negotiations.

It is expected the Fine Gael leader will announce his plans to step down in the coming weeks.

He is due to fly to Canada for an official visit next week and will not be in attendance at the Fine Gael parliamentary meeting on Wednesday evening.
LONDON - A 90-centimeter-long giant rabbit died at a United Airlines pet holding facility in Chicago following a flight from London, in another embarrassment for the airline as it struggles with a global backlash this month over a passenger dragged from his seat.

The 10-month-old Continental Giant breed rabbit named Simon, who was tipped to become one of the world's largest rabbits, had appeared to be in good condition upon arrival at the facility at Chicago's O'Hare airport, an airline spokesman said.

Simon was due to be picked up by a celebrity who had bought him. But when a United worker later checked on Simon, he found he had died, spokesman Charles Hobart said.

"We never want that to happen and it's always a sad experience for all involved when an animal passes while in our care," Hobart said by telephone on Wednesday.

The cause of death has not yet been determined, the spokesman said, adding that United was reviewing what happened.

Hobart said the airline had offered to carry out a post-mortem investigation on the rabbit, but the owner had declined. He said United also offered compensation to the owner, whom he did not identify, but did not disclose the amount.

The incident took place on April 20, but was first reported on Wednesday by The Sun newspaper. Simon's breeder, Annette Edwards, told the paper she was suspicious.

"Simon had a vet's checkup three hours before the flight and was fit as a fiddle," Edwards told The Sun. "Something very strange has happened and I want to know what."

Edwards, a former Playboy model, said she has shipped rabbits all around the world and that nothing like this had ever happened before.

"The client who bought Simon is very famous. He's upset," she said.

Earlier this month, a United passenger, Doctor David Dao, was unceremoniously dragged from his seat off a plane at O'Hare bound for Louisville, Kentucky, to make room for crew members.

Video recorded by other passengers showed the 69-year-old being dragged down the aisle with blood on his face after he refused to give up his seat.

(China Daily 04/28/2017 page10)
A united Ireland is not on the cards any time soon, the Taoiseach insisted, after the subject came up at an EU summit Saturday.

A statement in the minutes of the EU meeting clarifies that Northern Ireland would be able to rejoin the EU as part of a united Ireland post-Brexit.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the move was hugely important in order to dispel any doubt or any uncertainty following the UKs decision to quit the EU, but added that it did not mean a united Ireland was imminent.

The only new thing here is Brexit, and its important to provide reassurance that it does not undermine any provision of the Good Friday agreement, he told reporters in Brussels after the summit.

To be clear: this is not about triggering any mechanism, Mr Kenny added. Ive been very consistent in my view that the conditions for a referendum do not currently exist.

The EU text points to a clause in the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement that allows for a border poll to be called if a majority in Northern Ireland are likely to vote in favour of a united Ireland.

In this regard, the European Council acknowledges that in accordance with international law, the entire territory of such a united Ireland would thus be part of the European Union, leaders said in the minutes to their meeting, which will not be approved until June.

However, Greece raised concerns that the declaration - and a clause in the EUs Brexit guidelines on Gibraltar - could set a precedent for citizenship claims from non-EU citizens.

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Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras, who recognised that Ireland has a special status in its common travel area with the UK, also asked for a clarification in the minutes that the Irish declaration did not set a precedent for the relations of the EU with third countries.

His intervention was thought to refer to Turkish citizens living on the divided island of Cyprus, where reunification talks have hit another impasse.

The united Ireland statement is not part of the EUs official Brexit negotiating stance, which is contained in a nine-page document approved unanimously, without discussion, on Saturday.

In it leaders took what European Council president Donald Tusk described as a firm and fair" stance, with red lines on citizens rights, the UKs EU budget liabilities and the Irish border.

They say progress on those three issues is essential before talks can begin on a post-Brexit trade deal with the UK, which will be crucial for Ireland.

Those talks are unlikely to get going until next year, as agreement on citizens and the UKs budget liabilities could prove fractious.

"It wont all be as calm and as measured as today, Mr Kenny warned reporters after the meeting.

European Council president Donald Tusk, who chaired the summit, called for a serious British response offering "real guarantees for our citizens, while Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte said the UKs financial settlement with the EU would be substantial.

French president Francois Hollande said there must be a price and a cost for the UK leaving the bloc, which, behind closed doors, has been estimated at around 60 billion euros.

It shouldnt be punitive, but at the same time its clear Europe will defend its interests, and that the UK will have a worse position, tomorrow, outside Europe than it does, today, within Europe, Mr Hollande said.

British prime minister Theresa May had accused the bloc of lining up against the UK ahead of the talks.

The fact that the EU speaks in one voice is the most natural thing in the world, said German chancellor Angela Merkel after the meeting. We are not ganging up on Britain.

Next week the European Commission will table more detailed negotiating directives that will be used during talks with the UK.

Those talks are unlikely to start until at least mid-June, after the UK election is over and a government has been formed.
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John Downing Opinion New British prime minister Rishi Sunaks succession proves an important milestone in British political inclusivity

There is an old saying in British politics that goes: The right looks for converts while the left seeks out traitors. It comes to mind when one reflects upon the election of Rishi Sunak as the UKs first non-white prime minister in a party traditionally seen as most opposed to mass immigration and the dilution of national identity via multiculturalism.
Simon Harris with his 'builders' at the announcement of the new children's hospital at Connolly and Tallaght in Dublin, as the row continues over the relocation of the National Maternity Hospital Photo: Colin O'Riordan

The difference between an act of faith and a leap of faith is just one word. The chasm between the two, however, is colossal.

An act of faith demonstrates or tests the strength of a person's convictions to the point of sacrifice. A leap of faith is believing or attempting to believe in something whose existence or outcome cannot yet be proven or known.

Such is the void between the two positions held in relation to the National Maternity Hospital's (NMH) proposed move to a site on the St Vincent's Elm Park campus. Some parties with vested interests choose to believe that the Catholic Church will eventually try to assert its ethical influence, others choose not to.

Unless you have been living under a rock, you will know by now that the patch of land where the proposed new facility is to be located is owned by the Catholic Sisters of Charity (in this instance known as the St Vincent's Healthcare Group).

This group says it is "totally supportive" of the project under the terms agreed last November through a mediation process facilitated by Kieran Mulvey. Other than this simple statement of support, the Catholic Church's narrative remains unexplained and non-contextualised other than via interpretations from others.

However soaked in legal, ethical or religious semantics this dispute may appear, ultimately it is about control and finance rather than any moral or ethical dilemma.

The soap opera reached new and dizzying heights on Thursday as Dr Peter Boylan, a former master of the NMH, announced his decision to resign to Pat Kenny on Newstalk. Entirely consumed by the drama of it all, Dr Boylan later went on to describe the controversy to an episode of 'Father Ted'.

Not quite. 'Father Ted' was funny.

There is little to laugh or smile about in this sorry saga. The 300m project suffered a further blow as former master of the Coombe hospital Dr Chris Fitzpatrick flung his rattle from his pram and stepped down from the project board of NMH in support of Dr Boylan's stance.

The combination of an inexperienced health minister, a paralysed Government and the internal machinations of a rather eclectic NMH board raises many questions about the project and the process surrounding its development to date.

Despite the recent furore, the project itself trundles on, with the board now claiming it can begin giving effect to legal agreements to secure clinical and corporate governance structures outlined in the November agreement. Good luck with that one.

With bountiful bad blood and many wounded egos exposed, finding a pathway through current difficulties would surely test the patience of Job.

Given all of the controversy, we might be forgiven for thinking that in arriving at its original decision to move the NMH to the St Vincent's campus, the current board essentially did so as an act of blind or benevolent faith. We might also wrongly assume that the board was merely 'convinced' by a group of earnest nuns that ultimately medical clinical assessment would always be paramount.

That is simply not the case.

There were no such pleas of angelical appeasement. There was, however (as befitting any project of this magnitude), a set of legally binding contracts stating clinical assessment will always supersede any ethical considerations, so long as procedures accord fully with current law - as is the case at present.

Both Nicholas Kearns, the former High Court president and deputy chairman of the NMH, and Rhona Mahony, the current Master of NMH, say their agreement with the St Vincent's Hospital Group is legally secure. The status quo - legally, clinically and operationally - will be maintained.

In fact, the only change in terms of governance and operational structure is in relation to the make-up of the future board of the new entity. Enter stage left some pesky nuns with ulterior motives.

There is something fantastically ironic about the fact that it is a religious order that provides the kernel of a row which focuses fundamentally on mistrust. The Church and clergy are the very people our faith implore us to believe. Paradoxically, our own logic tells us that we shouldn't.

The fact that there are just over 200 Sisters of Charity in Ireland with an average age of 76 matters not one jot. Suspicion about the motives of the Catholic Church are deep and visceral.

A litany of scandals, cover-ups, obfuscation and deceit has left a legacy of a mistrusting public and an even more sceptical media. With little or no public support to speak of, the Catholic Church remained largely silent on the matter.

Fear not, the vacuum was quickly populated by a cast of thousands with skin in the game. Breathless doctors, NMH board members, civic leaders and interested parties made up a colourful cast of characters who took to the airwaves with alacrity and aplomb.

Some might as well have been auditioning for a role in one of those popular American medical dramas in the early 1980s. Remember them? Alive with collapsing sets and interchangeable characters, with plot lines that stretched credulity to breaking point, series finales regularly featured the introduction of a missing twin sister who was miraculously brought back from the dead. Thus, I waited for the classic line that someone somewhere had developed a subdural haematoma as I struggled not to fire my radio across the room at the absurdity of it all.

If the internal issues about this individual endeavour (the first of four possible co-location projects) were not enough to contend with, more worryingly perhaps was the State's apparent inability to solve significant capital projects.

A distinct lack of adept political skill was again highlighted in this row. This administration failed yet again to work behind the scenes to deliver any effective solutions to another difficult vexed national question.

The fundamental question, other than board representation, remains: did the Sisters of Charity simply gift the land to the State with no provisos or clandestine motives? If the agreement was absolutely and truly non-conditional on its part, then there is still room for manoeuvre to arrive at a compromise.

So light a candle this weekend and spare a thought for the huddled masses in Holles Street Hospital.

Those infant mites have come into this world via first-class care from medical professionals working in second-rate facilities.

And pray to whatever god that you worship that by the time those children are of childbearing age, Ireland might just have a contemporary maternity hospital to facilitate their children.

But for the love of Jaysus, can someone get it sorted?
The curtain rises on two years of Brexit talks with the prospect of a united Ireland now being openly discussed in Brussels.

Today at its first summit since the UK triggered its EU exit, the bloc's 27 other leaders are to say that Northern Ireland should be able to seamlessly rejoin the bloc in future as part of a united Ireland.

The statement, which was requested by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, will be added to the minutes of today's meeting, European Union sources said - but will not form part of the EU's official negotiating stance on Brexit.

Although described by one senior EU official as a "factual and legal" declaration, the move is being seen by the Government as a political acknowledgement of its Brexit concerns.

"The negotiations are still to start, but that Irish concerns are now European concerns is extremely important," Europe Minister Dara Murphy told the Irish Independent.

The prospect of Irish unification is addressed in the Good Friday Agreement, though an express link is not made to EU membership.

"The question of Ireland, that is a special case, so we have to show a maximum of flexibility and imagination and also to acknowledge the legal framework which is there in Ireland, including the Good Friday Agreement," said a senior EU official ahead of the summit.

Under German federal law, the former East Germany was able to automatically join the then-European Economic Community without going through a lengthy membership process, a precedent that Irish officials have drawn upon.

It was at a meeting in Dublin in 1990 that leaders agreed on how European law would be phased in to the former Soviet country.

UK Brexit Secretary David Davis confirmed recently that a vote for Irish unification would leave the North "in a position to become part of an existing EU member state", but said it was up to the EU to determine how that should work.

But Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire told this newspaper recently that the conditions for calling a united Ireland poll "are in no way met".

The issue threatens to add to growing hostility between the EU and UK. British Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday hit back at comments by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who said the UK had "illusions" about what it could achieve under a future EU trade deal. Mrs May said the EU appeared to be "lining up against" the UK ahead of Brexit talks.

The EU leaders will today sign off on their negotiating stance on Brexit, which sources say has "broad support". They will put residency rights for EU and UK citizens, budget liabilities and the Irish Border as their top three priorities for the first phase of negotiations, which they hope to wind up this autumn.

The EU's draft negotiating guidelines - which were first tabled last month and have since undergone minor tweaks - call for cast-iron guarantees for citizens affected by Brexit, including the right to permanent residency after five years and "smooth and simple administrative procedures".

Brexit talks proper are expected to begin in June, after the EU adopts more detailed negotiating texts and the UK elections are over.
The Greystones Players will tread the boards at the newly refurbished Greystones Theatre next month with their production of Dancing at Lughnasa.

The show, which runs from May 11 to May 14, takes place on May 11 at 7.30 p.m., at 8 p.m. on May 12, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on May 13 and at 4.30 p.m. on May 14.

Formed by Artistic Director Aideen Walton in September 2016, Greystones Players is a community drama group that aims to bring people together from Greystones and surrounding areas to work collaboratively in making theatre and to add to the cultural life of the area.

According to Aideen: 'There are great community theatre groups all over Ireland, but Greystones has not had a group for many years, since the Greystones Operatic & Dramatic Society (or GODS) wound up in the 1980s. Greystones is now a large town of nearly 20,000 people, and the more it grows, the greater the value of community organisations that are both culturally enriching and bring people of all ages and from diverse backgrounds together in a meaningful and creative way.

'As I was taking the first steps towards creating the group in August 2016, I was hugely fortunate to meet Ross McParland, the owner of Greystones Studios at Theatre Lane. Ross was in the middle of refurbishing Greystones Theatre and had already decided that, among his many ambitious plans for it, a community drama group would be an essential element of the theatre's purview.

'The new theatre, which promises to be a great asset to Greystones' cultural and social life is at the heart of the town and seemed the perfect home for our group. There was a meeting of minds, and with Ross's practical support generously providing the group with rehearsal space in the studios, as well as a beautiful venue to stage our performances, moral support and invaluable advice, Greystones Players was born.

'Since the group's launch in September 2016, when I began running weekly drama workshops, followed by our first friends and family production of three one-act plays in December, we have developed a dedicated core group of over 30 members, including actors and those who wish to be part of the group's activities and production support. We are currently rehearsing for our first public performance of Brian Friel's great play, Dancing at Lughnasa.

'The play is a challenging one, combining comedy with dark and tragic elements that reflect so many aspects of Ireland's past, the effects of which, sadly, are still resounding today. At the same time, it explores the nature of individual memory, how it works, and how much our past and our perception of it is part of the fabric of who we are. The characters are all heroes in their own ways, in particular the five Mundy sisters, and Friel had his own aunts and mother in mind when he wrote and dedicated the play to those 'five brave Glenties women'.

'When I was casting the play, there was such interest and enthusiasm from the players that I decided to double-cast the parts of the Mundy sisters, with the result that we are effectively presenting two productions of the play. There will be five performances, and each cast will perform at least twice over the course of the run. The Players have invested a huge amount of time and commitment to this project, and each has developed a special relationship to his or her character. We look forward to presenting this wonderful play to the community and hope it is just the beginning of the Players bringing the best kind of drama to our town.'

First produced in 1990, when it won both the Tony Award and Olivier Award, Dancing at Lughnasa is one of the greatest and best loved Irish plays of recent times.

It takes place in August 1936, during the harvest festival of Lughnasa, and tells the story of the five unmarried Mundy sisters - Kate, Maggie, Agnes, Rose and Christina (Chris) - as well as their brother Jack, a priest who has recently returned home from the missions in Africa after 25 years away.

A memory play, it is told from the perspective of Michael, Chris's seven-year-old son in the play and also a middle-aged man whose narrative sets the scene and frames the action.

Tickets costing 15 are available from eventbrite.ie.
A Blessington teenager who was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome last year said finally having a diagnosis has given her huge relief and has helped her to cope much better.

Caroline Quigley (15) said growing up without having the diagnosis has been difficult for her, her family and all around her - as they did not know why she reacted to certain situations or change.

And with April being Autism Awareness Month, Caroline wants to highlight the syndrome and recommend to parents to seek out a diagnosis if they suspect their child may have Autism or Asperger's.

As a child, Caroline was extremely fussy about her property - her pencil case had to be laid out a certain way and she would burst into tears if anyone went near anything she owned.

'It was very hard coping with change in the classroom and I'd take things my teachers would say very literally. I wasn't able to adapt to certain situations or change. Now I realise these are all traits of Asperger Syndrome,' Caroline told this newspaper.

When she moved to Blessington Community College in September 2015, she had a very tough time adapting to the change, suffering from panic attacks and becoming extremely anxious.

'I knew there was something not right about this as things were getting worse for me. I couldn't understand why I was reacting the way I was and neither could my parents, teachers or friends,' Caroline said.

She went with her parents to the Lucena Clinic in Tallaght in June 2016 and was eventually diagnosed with a mild form of Aspergers.

Asperger Syndrome is a developmental disorder characterised by significant difficulties in social interaction, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour or interests. The cause of Asperger Syndrome is unknown and it is included within the Autism Spectrum Disorder.

'Since my diagnosis, it has really helped me to understand myself,' said Caroline.

'The diagnosis hasn't changed who I am in any way. But it makes it easier to understand why I react to certain situations and conditions. Before my diagnosis, it was all very confusing for me, my parents and my teachers because I couldn't understand why I was reacting the way I was. It was all very frustrating.'

'It was a huge relief to finally get diagnosed. It took a lot of weight off my shoulders knowing there is a reason why I am the way I am.'

Caroline is now learning to live with Asperger Syndrome and is learning different coping strategies to help her and finds music, such as playing the guitar and ukulele, great therapy for her.

'I am so different now than I was before the diagnosis. I am so much happier and more relaxed as I am able to identify my Asperger's. There is nothing weird about having Asperger's,' she said.

'Playing music helps me relax, so does sketching and going for walks in the countryside and taking photographs of nature.'

She said the diagnoses has also strengthened the bond between her and her parents, Mary and Roger.

'They now have a further understanding of me and why I react certain ways and it has brought us even closer,' she said.

'They also help me build up to changes gradually so I can cope better with situations,' she said.

As Autism Awareness month draws to a close, Caroline is recommending parents who may suspect their child has Autism or Asperger Syndrome to seek out a diagnosis as soon as possible.

'Asperger Ireland has so much information on what to look out for if a parent suspects their child may have Autism or Asperger's and having a diagnosis is so much more helpful, enabling people to cope better and access different support groups.'

With her now positive outlook in life, Caroline wants to continue to highlight awareness about Autism and Asperger Syndrom as she feels Ireland still has much more to do.

'There aren't that many events or conferences like there are in America so I think it should be highlighted more so that more and more people gain an understanding about it. The minute you bring up Autism, most people think of a non-verbal person. You'd hardly notice I have Asperger's, until I point it out but as I say to people: Autism and Aspergers don't have a look.

'We are on the right route highlighting Autism and Asperger's but there is so much more that needs to be done,' said Caroline, adding she would love to become an Ambassador for Autism Awareness.

But, for now Caroline is continuing to live her teenage years to the full, enjoying every moment and now being able to deal with her Asperger Syndrome.

For more information on Asperger Syndrome and Autism, visit www.aspireireland.ie or autism.ie
Wicklow Rose Jane Harrison can't quite believe that almost a year has passed since she first donned the sash, such is the 'whirlwind' it has been.

As she prepares to pass the baton to the 2017 candidate, she reflects on her tenure with fondness and says it was a year full of unexpected highlights.

'I can't believe it has been a year. It has been so busy that the months have just flown by and while Tralee itself was so hectic, there have been many other events during the year in Wicklow that have kept me very busy,' she said.

The 27-year-old, who has continued her career in media while juggling her Wicklow Rose commitments, said she would recommend it to any young woman to apply.

'It is one of the best things I have ever done and while I sort of went in blindly, my eyes were certainly opened to the opportunities it brings and I wouldn't take it back for the world. Personally, the best thing to come out of it is the friends I have made. It is like having a friend in every country and it was great to meet so many great women from different cultures and backgrounds,' Jane added.

According to Jane, even entering the first heat for the Wicklow selection can be a lot of fun and she is encouraging the young women of the county to consider doing so.

'There are a lot of associations with the festival that might put people off, for example the live TV or having to perform. You don't have to do the talent part of it and as for the TV, it is about two per cent of the whole festival. We had over a week of going around the country on tour and it was the best time. I was sitting beside a different Rose every day and learning all about their lives. We got to travel all around Ireland and have so many different experiences that money just cannot buy. The whole experience was priceless.'

For Jane, her career meant that she remained in Ireland for her year as Wicklow Rose, but she explained that there are plenty of opportunities for travel if a candidate is interested - for example, to visit the winning Rose's country, if the winner is an international candidate, and countries like Chernobyl on charity trips.

Exploring more of County Wicklow is also on the cards for the Wicklow Rose, as she is the guest of honour at almost weekly social and community events, an aspect of the role which Jane really enjoyed.

'I would say to anyone who is thinking about it, give it a go - 100 per cent, do it. You have nothing to lose and from the first selection night in Wicklow, you will have so much fun!'

'It is such a good way to get over shyness of lack of confidence. This sort of experience can also be very valuable in terms of future career options and there is so much networking that you can do to help also,' she added.

As Jane's reign as Wicklow Rose soon draws to a close, she is looking forward to returning to Tralee in August, this time as a spectator and to catch up with friends.

The 2017 Wicklow Rose selection night will take place on Sunday, June 4, at the Arklow Bay Hotel.

To register, contact Peter Cooney at 0878141272 or Steve at 0862505791 or email roseoftraleewicklow@gmail.com
After his tenure as health minster, Brian Cowen famously described the Department of Health as Angola due to the constant faction fighting and the sheer number of political landmines that lie in wait.

This week - amid the fall-out from the supposed 'revelation' that the new National Maternity Hospital is to be handed over to the Sisters of Charity - Simon Harris will know exactly what Cowen meant as he witnessed one of his department's rare 'good news' stories blow up in his face in spectacular fashion.

Just days after scoring a positive PR goal on funding for Cystic Fibrosis drug Orkambi, Harris found himself attacked from all sides when it 'emerged' that the new maternity hospital would be handed over to the St Vincent's Hospital Group which is owned by the Sisters of Charity.

Opposition parties, left-wing activist groups and atheists quickly seized on the 'news' of the 'secret' deal and an online poll protesting the plan soon went viral, attracting over 70,000 responses in a matter of days.

However, there is one glaring problem with the narrative that has been doing the rounds thanks to social media. The deal with the Sisters of Charity is not and never was a secret and far from 'emerging' this month, it was widely known about as far back as last May. Legal issues involving the site of the new hospital - and its eventual ownership - have been in the public domain since 2013 when the HSE waged a very public PR battle with the St Vincent's Hospital Group over governance at St Vincent's public and private hospitals.

Indeed, it was in 2013 that we learned that the St Vincent's group had used its State funded public hospital as collateral to finance the development of its private facility, an issue that is at the real core of the current row.

As a result, the banks have first dibs on St Vincent's lands and even if the hospital group wanted to sell the site of the maternity hospital to the State, it probably couldn't. The banks' involvement would also make a compulsory purchase extraordinarily difficult.

So, if all this has been known for years - and the full details of the deal were announced at a press conference last November - why the current outrage?

The simple answer would seem to be opportunism on the part of politicians and general ignorance on the part of the public.

Many of the civilian groups so vehemently opposed to the deal seem to have been entirely unaware of the situation and were only alerted to the 'emerging news' when it erupted on social media.

Senior politicians - especially those who were in Government when the deal was being finalised - were certainly well aware of what was happening and some appear to be using the current controversy to score cheap political points.

Public ignorance and cynical political games now threaten to completely derail a vital project that will benefit thousands of women and children. That's the real scandal here.
Our Lady's College in Greenhills is all set for another memorable Positive Mental Health week - with everything from yoga and dance workshops to a beach walk, guest speakers and the much awaited teacher-student Lip-Sync battle!

The school will even have top comedian Al Foran in on Friday May 5th to give everybody a good laugh.

The Positive Mental Health week has become a big part of life in the school and this year it runs from Tuesday May 2 to Friday May 5th.

The fun begins on May 2 when badges will be handed out to kick-off the week, before the First Years enjoy yoga until lunchtime.

There will be a film shown during the break and at 1.50pm, the First Years will be given a talk by a guest speaker, Greenhills' very own Aizzah Adil, who attended the inauguration of President Trump earlier this year.

Wednesday will be busy! Shane Martin gives a talk at 9.15am to the Sixth Years in the Assembly Hall.

Some of the Third Years will be dancing their blues away with a workshop all morning while others will be part of a LGBT Awareness Workshop.

The Second Years are going on a beach walk and lunchtime will be a blast with 'fun and games' part of the schedule.

There is a Fifth Year talk with Dublin GAA player Shane Carthy at 2pm in the Assembly Hall.

Thursday May 4 will be a day of giving and laughing, judging by the line up. First of all, bracelets will be handed out and then there's a talk with Stephen Maguire for the TY students at 9.30am and 11am.

The Third Years are again part of a LGBT Awareness Workshop all day but hopefully will have time to check out the Teacher-Student Lip-Sync at lunchtime in the Assembly Hall.

On Friday May 6th, it all ends with a 6th Year comedy show, courtesy of Al Foran and he's on at 9.30am in the Assembly Hall.

The conclusion is the ever popular Fair Day on the Green after lunch.
Clogherhead Garda Sergeant Ann Byrne has been recognised for her humanitarian work in Haiti and Kenya after she was awarded the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (ASGI) Excellence Award.

Ann, who has dedicated over 30 years service An Garda Siochana and the people of Louth, told the Drogheda Independent she is 'overwhelmed' by the award.

'I couldn't believe it when I got a phone call to say I was getting the national award. I initially thought I got the award for the Louth Division so I was in a bit of shock to get it nationally,' said Sgt Byrne.

'I am thrilled but there are also thousands of other people doing voluntary and charity work so this award also recognises them and helps to highlight voluntary organisations.'

Presenting Sergeant Byrne with the Award at the organisation's annual delegate conference in Killarney recently, ASGI General Secretary John Jacob, described Ann as a woman with a great compassion for young and old.

'It is this compassion that led Ann to embark on a selfless mission which has become an integral part of her life,' said Mr Jacob.

Ann said she initially became involved with the charity Haven in Haiti after she watched horrific footage of the devastating earthquake which struck Haiti in 2010.

'I was heartbroken watching the television seeing the devastation there so I got in touch with Haven and that April I made my first trip to Haiti to help with the team to re-build orphanages, houses and a physiotherapy room,' said Ann.

After several trips to Haiti she decided to join Friends from Ireland Project to help people in Kenya building three national schools, a library and a secondary school.

'Ann's voluntary work in Haiti and most recently in Kenya, is a reflection of her kind, caring and determined nature, characteristics she equally employs in her role as a member of An Garda Siochana,' Mr Jacob said, describing her as an excellent ambassador for the force.
Gardai are seeking the public's help after an elderly man was attacked and robbed near his home in Stabannon last week.

The incident happened last Thursday, April 20th at around 4.30pm.

The 86-year-old was at home at the time when he noticed a car pulling into his driveway.

A man got out and said he was from the ESB and was checking the area.

However, the elderly man became suspicious and locked up his house before heading off on foot down a laneway.

The man who claimed to be from the ESB got into his car and drove down the lane after the elderly resident. He then got out of the car and demanded money before knocking the older man to the ground and searching his pockets.

After finding nothing the culprit got back into his car and headed off towards the centre of Stabannon.

The injured party was able to raise the alarm himself.

The culprit left the scene in a Volvo S60 saloon car with a Kildare registration and gardai would like to hear from anyone who may have noticed a car matching this description in the Stabannon or Ardee area last week.

Meanwhile, gardai in Drogheda are investigating an attempted robbery in the Dominic Street area of the town last Friday. The incident happened at around 8pm when a man in his mid-40s was approached by a young male who demanded he hand over his wallet and phone.

The man refused and ran off with the youth and two others, a male and a female, in pursuit.

The injured party fell to the ground as he was being chased but managed to get up and get away from the trio.

The first youth is described as 5ft tall, of slim build wearing a light grey hoody. The second was tall and thin while the female member of the group was under 5ft tall and had black hair.

In an unrelated incident, one man was arrested at 2am on Saturday morning after the wing mirrors from five cars were kicked off in the St Joseph's Terrace area of Mell.
Once overgrown with briars and weeds, the Chord Cemetery has been plucked from the wilderness and will undergo a further upgrade in the months to come.

The Drogheda Civic Trust - in association with the OPW - began a project in 2011 to restore the Chord but were told the first thing they had to do was to clean it - and that was some task!

With the support of Louth County Council they took out 'lorry loads' of rubbish and overgrowth, thanks to the assistance of the Probation Service and TUS and supervisor Jamie Nolan.

The Red Cross, who are based at the site, also played a key role in facilitating the works.

The site has now been declared 'clean' and the aim is to add in gravel paths so it will be easier - and safer - for people to use.

While the works have been ongoing, access to the cemetery has been limited, mainly due to the nature of the ground and its age.

The workers uncovered a huge number of little headstones, some just sticking up above the ground, making walking hazardous, unless people stick to the paths which are now being proposed.

Others have been restored and replaced, with the assistance of Francis Gogarty.

Good news for those who want to see into the cemetery is that there's an open day planned for July and notice will be given of it in due course.

For others hoping to gain access, it can be done on a supervised basis, but only when volunteers are available.

One group that arrived recently and arranged a visit was Eduardo Mullin and his family from Tenerife.

Their great-great-grandfather is buried there and they found his grave. It transpires the family had gone to the USA and then branched out to Uruguay and then Tenerife. John Mullin's wife, Marcella, was a sister of Mayor John Mangan of Mangan's Corner.

John Mangan famously presented an eight day clock to the Corporation when he became Mayor for the second time in 1892. The clock, mounted on a carved wooden plinth was made by Albert & Co, Watchmakers, Jewellers and Opticians at 116 West Street, and it graced the Council Chamber in the old Court House, Fair Street, for many years until the Council moved into its nearby refurbished St Vincents School in 1990.

John Mangan who was a leading nationalist figure in the town during the 1880s, also held the unique distinction of being the only alderman in the history of the Borough to be elected Mayor while being held prisoner in Dundalk Jail, as a suspected Land Leaguer. On January 3 1882, he was sworn in as Mayor, in the prison.

The next project for the Civic Trust is a restoration of Bully's Acre and that will start in the next few weeks. They will then return to the Chord for further works.
A local mother who claims her daughter has suffered severe fatigue as well as a number of other symptoms since receiving the HPV vaccine seven years ago has welcomed the motion from the TUI calling for a review of the HPV vaccine programme in second level schools.

Members of the Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) passed a motion at their annual conference in Cork seeking an investigation into the structures currently in place in relation to the provision of the HPV vaccine in second level schools

The motion was brought forward by Leitrim teacher Sean Wynne, who is also a member of the Gardasil Awareness Group.

The vaccine has caused widespread controversy since it was introduced, with over 100 families claiming their daughters have suffered severe side effects after receiving the vaccination. These include chronic fatigue, pain, seizures, pancreatitis and menstrual problems.

The vaccine is intended to protect against diseases caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

Karen Smyth from Termonfeckin has welcomed the decision by the TUI to call for a review of the provision of the vaccine in schools. She says her daughter Laura (19) has been 'left behind' after receiving the vaccination seven years ago as her pain and fatigue are so severe she was unable to finish her secondary school education or attend college.

'All Laura's friends have since gone to college but she's left behind, most of the time bedridden and in dreadful pain,' said Karen. 'She's not going to college, she didn't finish her second level education, life is passing her by. Nobody is able to make her better.'

She said she welcomed the motion from the TUI as she strongly believes the vaccine should be given in a medical environment. 'I think the teachers are in a terribly difficult position. A vaccine is a very invasive procedure and it should be done in a medical setting where the parents can ask questions and the GP is on hand to give an answer. School is for education, it's not a medical facility.'
A Raheen woman picked up a top award at the Early Childhood Ireland awards recently.

Chantel Johnson from Raheen who is a Montessori teacher at Carraig Briste childcare service in Enniscorthy created an inclusive curriculum practice along with staff members.

Chantel who also home schools her autistic brother Eoin (13) said there is an understanding of special needs in early education. The AIMS programme inspired the setting to create diverse and inclusive experiences for the children.

Her brother Eoin also visited the children to talk to them about how he feels and showed the pupils at Carraig Briste his sensory basket.

Chantel said: 'We also worked in partnership with the Enniscorthy workshop to bring special needs and early years together. The children visited the workshop to see Santa. These experiences brought our community, parents, staff and children in our work closer together. We will continue to work in partnership with the community workshop and Eoin still visits the children regularly.' Chantel stressed the importance of teaching children about diversity and special needs in order to create an open-minded, inclusive, happier society.

Chantel said she was honoured to receive the award from Adam Harris, the founder of Asiam.ie

'Adam is an inspiration to us all and reminds us to be proud of who we are. Adam gives every child and adult with a social need or disability the confidence to believe in themselves.'

Chantel said children will encounter differences wherever they go, adding that by creating inclusive experiences for them their ability to adapt to a primary school environment.

'I think every pre-school needs to see the importance of raising awareness of special needs in their curriculum and in their school environment. As Adam said at the awards ceremony, children are oblivious to differences, so if we teach them about special needs they will grow with understanding and acceptance.'

Carraig Briste childcare service won the 2017 Early Childhood Ireland Inspired Practice of the Year Award for inclusion and diversity.

The project, 'An Inspired Inclusion Approach in a Rural Early Years Setting', considered ways to make the children more aware of the challenges faced by those with additional needs.
A little bit of history was added to the wealth of history already permeating at Enniscorthy's Athenaeum on Easter Monday last as part of the 101st anniversary commemorations of the 1916 Rising.

Following an explosive and action packed re-enactment at Market Square, with RIC, Volunteer, Cumann na mBan and Flying Column in combat, members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society together with re-enactment groups from Monasterevin, Scotland, Kilkenny, Carlow and Ashborne marched to the Athenaeum where EHRS Chairman Ray Murphy presented a time capsule to chairman of the Athenaeum Tony McClean.

The capsule, designed and made by re-enactor Alan Jones, a native of Australia now residing at Airmount House, Enniscorthy, is a standalone work of art that contains details of many of the events of 2016, both local and from around the country, including the 2016 commemoration booklet published by EHRS with photographs of some of the 85 events attended by the group over the 12-month period.

It also contains an individual photo of every member of the group along with a personal message expressing what it meant to each to be part of the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of the Nation.

EHRS also invited Enniscorthy Athenaeum and Enniscorthy Municipal District Council to contribute to what they described as 'our legacy to the next generation of Enniscorthians'.

The capsule was sealed immediately after the presentation by Alan Jones and is to remain housed at the Athenaeum and opened at the next major 1916 Commemoration in the town.
A Balbriggan artist is coming to the end of his periods as 'artist-in-residence' on the Creative Spark Residencey Programme in County Louth.

Balbriggan artist, Thomas Brezing has been resident at Creative Spark in Dundalk since February and comes to the end of his residency programme at the arts venue, at the end of this month.

This residency programme has been generously supported by Louth Local Authority's Art Service as a means of supporting the development of visual artists in the region.

Thomas was born in Germany in 1969 and moved to Ireland in the early 1990's.

His work explores the collective shadow of contemporary mass culture from a variety of conceptual, painterly and performative perspectives.

Edge-walking the lines between beauty and horror, abstraction and representation, the near and the far, the visible and the invisible. Brezing's images and installations confront the enormous power of humanity's collective will and its impact on the environment. He has exhibited widely in Ireland and also in Germany, Wales, Finland and Belgium. Solo shows include Lapua Art Museum, Finland (touring, with Klaus Effern, 2016), Linenhall Arts Centre, Mayo (2015), Highlanes Municipal Gallery Drogheda (2011), The Lab, Dublin (2007), Ashford Gallery, Royal Hibernian Academy, Dublin (2005) and many more which you can find on his website. Thomas has recently been awarded the arts council bursary for 2017. He is represented by the Molesworth Gallery Dublin.

As Thomas is committed to raising awareness towards environmental issues through his art, while at Creative Spark Dundalk he used the opportunity to join Blackrock Tidy Towns, a few miles down the road from Dundalk.

One evening a week he goes to Blackrock and picks up litter, on patrol, as they call it. In collaboration with Clean Coasts he has organised a beach clean-up at Fingal's Loughshinny Beach.

Thomas has been busy developing a new series of work for the Creative Spark Residency Programme exhibition at An Tain Arts Centre in October 2017 when the public will get to see the fruits of his labour during his residency.
One of the great American plays has taken to the stage of the Little Theatre in Skerries as the Skerries Theatre Group take on the story of Willy Loman in 'Death of a Salesman'.

Three performances of the ambitious production have already taken place at the Little Theatre and the talented cast have three shows left to perform this week, from April 26 to 29 starting each night at 8.15pm.

Set in Brooklyn in 1949, this play tells the story of Willy Loman, the 67-year-old salesman whose career is on the wane.

We gain an insight into his self-delusion and denial, and see how everybody around him is affected - his long-suffering wife, his two adoring sons, his long-deceased brother, his neighbours and a certain lady in Boston.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Awards, this is considered to be one of the finest plays of the 20th Century.

Astonishingly, Arthur Miller wrote this two-act play at the age of 33. And even more astonishingly, he wrote Act One in one day.

The talented cast of the play included Noel Bowler, Catherine Noone, David Diebold, Eric Browne, Dave McGloughlin, Michael McKenna, Tommy Workman, Louise Keating, Geoff McEvoy, Kim Boyle, Aisling Brennan and Mick Keogh. The play is directed by Kevin O'Malley.

Proceeds from the opening night of the play have gone to Skerries Community College Transition Year's 'Mission Romania'.

Tickets for the play are priced at 12 and 10 and are available from Skerries Bookshop. You can also reserve your seats by ringing (or better still, texting) your details to 087 2105432.
At a lively AGM in Malahide, local Ogra Fianna Fail members discussed issues affecting young people in north county Dublin.

The meeting, chaired by Ogra's Dublin Organiser Aoibheann Mahon, heard from a number of speakers including Ogra President James Doyle (from Malahide), Ogra's National Membership & Recruitment Director Niamh Traynor (from Portmarnock), Mayor Darragh Butler, Darragh O'Brien T.D., Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee, and Cllr Eoghan O'Brien.

Members discussed a range of topics important to them, including cyber bullying, the rising cost of car insurance, and educational opportunity. Everyone agreed that to be successful Ogra needs to be active in every community in Fingal. There are plans to hold public meetings on topical issues in the coming months. Following this discussion a new officer board was elected.

Incoming Chairperson Mark Roote said: 'I'm delighted to be re-elected chairperson. We have a really strong unit in Dublin Fingal. Our members' hard work helped James Doyle and Niamh Traynor get elected to national positions. The support we get from Darragh O'Brien, Lorraine Clifford-Lee and our county councillors is fantastic - they have always encouraged us to get involved and speak our minds.'

Ogra President James Doyle said: 'Ogra is the largest youth political movement in Ireland. Our strength comes from our local units across the country like my home cumann in Dublin Fingal.'
The people of Rush are eagerly awaiting a Government decision at the end of May on whether their Garda station will be one of six rural stations to reopen as part of a pilot scheme and it was in that context that local councillors through their weight behind the campaign to reopen the local station.

The issue was raised by Rush councillor, Cllr Brian Dennehy (FF) at this month's meeting of the Balbriggan/Swords Area Committee where he reminded his fellow councillors that the Government was currently considering which six stations would form the pilot scheme and reopen on a trial basis.

He said there was 'cross-party support' on Fingal County Council for the re-opening of Rush Garda Station and widespread support in the community as evidenced by petitions organised recently by Deputy Louise O'Reilly (SF) and Cllr Malachy Quinn (SF).

Cllr Dennehy said the Garda station, which was closed amid sweeping reforms to the service during the recession, was a 'very valuable facility for the town of Rush'.

He said the town currently stood at a population of 10,000 but had the capacity to grow very quickly now to up to 15,000 people, making the requirement for a Garda station in the town even more urgent.

Cllr Malachy Quinn (SF) agreed and said it was 'vitally important that we reopen the Garda Station in Rush'.

He said that if any pressure could be put by councillors on the Minister for Justice to include Rush in the pilot scheme, he would very much welcome it.

Cllr Tom O'Leary (FG) said he 'wholeheartedly supported' the campaign to reopen Rush Garda Station and hope that plans to recruit more civilians into the Gardai would help free regular garda officers to staff reopened stations like Rush.

Cllr Grainne Maguire said: 'It is so important for a community to have a Garda presence in their town.' She called from representatives from all parties to 'fight for the opening of Rush Garda Station'.

The council debate followed on from a local TD reminding the Minister for Justice of the groundswell of opinion in Rush in favour of reopening the town's Garda Station, last month.

Sinn Fein TD, Louise O'Reilly reminded the Minister for Justice of a petition requesting the reopening of the station and the restoration of services to Lusk amid media reports a decision was made on which stations would reopen. The petition was the result of local demand for the reopening of the station and Deputy O'Reilly collected the signatures last year.
Fears have been expressed about a move towards more centralisation of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service and Citizen Information Service locally with a Fingal TD arguing that the voices of staff and volunteers who keep these vital services going in the county, are not being heard in the process.

Local Fianna Fail TD, Darragh O'Brien has said that the Minister for Social Protection, Leo Varadkar must put a stop to the restructuring process currently underway in the Money Advice and Budgeting Service and the Citizens Information Service in Dublin Fingal, to ensure that staff and volunteers have their concerns heard.

Commenting ahead of last week'ss Dail debate on the motion Deputy O'Brien said: 'With a shortage of housing in the Capital, first time-buyers' looked to Dublin North as a commuter belt to purchase homes at accelerated prices during boom time.

'Since the downturn, many have faced financial hardship and even home repossession.'

The local Fianna Fail TD added: 'These people in particular require the support of the crucial services provided locally by both CIS and MABS, to manage their debt by providing information, advice and advocacy.'

Deputy O'Brien said: 'There is much scope to deliver greater efficiencies and effectiveness in both organisations and I am not opposed to change and reform where necessary.

'However, I am troubled by the very real concerns that that have been shared by staff and volunteers regarding the potential implications of the restructuring of MABS and CIS into a regional model.'

He added: 'Volunteerism is at the core of the services offered by MABS and CIS and is embedded at a grassroots level within our community.

'There is significant local concern that the restructuring model will disenfranchise volunteers in Fingal.'

The Fingal TD said: 'There is a theory circulating which has yet to be proved with hard evidence that merging services will lead to reduce costs and greater efficiencies.

'A cost-benefit analysis of the proposed regional model must be conducted before any changes go ahead.

'It is most important that there is local and not centralised control over the provision of these services.'

He added: 'Fianna Fail is calling on the Minister for Social Protection to immediately utilise the power he has under the Citizens Information Act of 2007 to issue a directive to halt this proposed regionalisation.

'We must listen to those who have real first-hand experience of the services and heed the strong reservations that they have shared regarding this restructuring process.'

Deputy O'Brien concluded: 'All stakeholders involved should be consulted and allowed to meaningfully engage in dialogue to secure an outcome that is fair to all.'

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service is the State's money advice service, guiding people through dealing with problem debt for more than twenty years. MABS is free, confidential and independent.

The Citizens Information Service is the statutory body which supports the provision of information on a broad range of public and social services.
The crucial project that is destined to end the controversial flow of raw sewage into the sea off Rush is 'progressing well' according to Fingal County Council.

Cllr Barry Martin (Ind) who led public protests on a Rush beach to focus national attention on the ongoing problem, asked for an update on the project which is now the remit of Irish Water.

He asked if the project was 'on, ahead or behind schedule'.

In response, Fingal County Council reported: 'A contract was signed with Jons Civil Engineering for the Rush Waste Water Collection Network Project on the 14th October 2016 and Irish Water have allocated 24 months to complete the design and build of the scheme.

'The design element of the works began immediately after contract signing, with works on site starting on the 23rd January 2017.'

Giving the current update on the project, the local authority reported: 'The project is progressing well. Construction of the three new pumping stations at North Beach, East Shore and South Shore has begun and pipe laying has commenced at Rogerstown, South Shore, East Shore and North Beach.'

Giving hope that the project may indeed be finished ahead of the current schedule, the council reported: 'The contractor has indicated the project will be completed ahead of the 24 months allocated for the project.'

The local authority then advised the Rush councillor that the project was not within the remit of the council and was the responsibility of Irish Water and councillors who needed further updates on the project should make direct contact with the utility.

It is hoped the giant sewerage project will finally end the flow of raw sewage off the Rush coast and restore the bathing waters to full use.
With so many dog lovers in the country, dog cafes popping up in towns and cities and dogs clothing ranges in most pet shops, it was only a matter of time for someone to come up with an idea to have dogs receive a monthly box of toys and healthy, low calorie treats.

ScoobyBox is a new concept, set up by three Malahide entrepreneurs, to deliver happiness to dogs and their owners all around Ireland and the UK, bringing new and exciting dog toys and treats to their doors each month.

And following their recent appearance on RTE 1's Dragon's Den and accepting an offer of investment from Dragon Barry O'Sullivan, Scoobybox is set to snowball and take off.

Childhood friends Liam Brennan (26), Paul Carrick (26) and Gary Redmond (25) are all dog lovers and came up with an ingenious way to make owning a dog easier.

'We want to become the Disney for dogs,' Liam told the Fingal Independent. 'We hand pick the toys and treat and make sure each monthly box is different.'

With three different subscriptions ranges, dog owners can sign up to receive a month's box, a six month's supply or a 12 month supply.

'It's a most unique concept for dog owners and all the range is high quality,' said Liam.

'We started the business about a year ago and came up with the idea after we found it difficult to find high quality toys and healthy treats for our own dogs. It's similar to Birchbox or Glossybox for women where they receive make-up and accessories each month through a subscription - but ScoobyBox is for dogs.'

'We are absolutely delighted to have Barry O'Sullivan on board offering 20k for 10% of the company and although we did get an offer from Gavin Duffy too, we put it to them would they like to go in together, but unfortunately Gavin decided not to join us.'

ScoobyBox is also about giving back and the team has worked with dog charities in the past such as the DSPCA.

For any dog owners wishing to find out more about ScoobyBox they can go to www.scoobybox.com
The council has defended its work to improve the look of the centre of Swords but says it is willing to meet stakeholders in the town to discuss how it can be improved further.

Cllr Joe Newman (NP) asked the chief executive of Fingal County Council, Paul Reid to 'set up a meeting with local business as well as the Chamber of Commerce and local interest groups such as the Swords Tidy Towns Group'.

Cllr Newman suggested that meeting should be called to 'look at ways to help improve the visual aspect of our town and discuss how we can arrange waste collections at times that will prevent traffic congestion, the group could look at ways improve the visual aspect of our main street and shop fronts'.

Cllr Newman added: 'This group could be a conduit for local business's to provide valuable feedback and play their part in improving Swords Village for the benefit of all while providing a positive experience for visitors.'

Outline the work it had already done to address improvements to the town centre, the local authority reported: 'The council has been extremely active over the last number of years with a number of initiatives to improve Swords Main Street and its environs. 'The Swords Civic and Cultural Quarter Plan is being actively developed which ultimately aims to see the development of a Civic Centre comprising a new library, performance and arts space and other facilities.'

The council report added: 'Significant works have been undertaken on Swords Castle with further works planned in 2017 to enhance the castle's tourism potential.

'The council has also delivered a number of high-profile events in Swords and this will continue in the coming year. Improvement works were also carried out to Main Street in Swords and the council works closely with businesses to encourage the upkeep of business premises.

'The council also led on the application and evaluation of the Purple Flag for Swords. This process brought together a number of the key stakeholders in Swords.'

However, the council did express a willingness to have further meetigngs with local stakeholders in the town to discuss the issues raised by Cllr Newman. The council report concluded: 'In addition regular meetings are held with a variety of Council Departments and Swords Tidy Towns and other stakeholders in the town. Council Officials will meet with stakeholders.'
Elizabeth Berry and Bridget Connors of the Traveller Community Health Programme at the conference in the Riverbank

David Clancy; Minister Paul Kehoe; Claire Ryan, WLD; Mayor of Wexford, Frank Staples; Minister Catherine Byrne, guest speaker; Brian Kehoe,CEO, WLD; and Michael Wall, Chairman, WLD; at the conference in Riverbank House Hotel

Community participation was the theme at this year's Wexford Local Development's Community Conference with over 200 activists attending the discussion in the Riverbank House Hotel, Wexford last week.

Speakers who wanted to discuss the benefits at the event were Catherine Byrne TD, Minister of State for Communities and the National Drugs Strategy, Fred Karlsson, founder of Done Deal and Brian Harvey, social researcher.

Delegates got to talk about the advantages of community involvement, the positive impacts of participation in local communities and local development within Ireland today, which concluded with a networking lunch for all attendees.

All participants joined in on interactive workshops where they devised a set of messages to encourage participation and engagement within communities. The challenge was to compose one tweet, using the 140 character guideline, to reach out to people and to increase participation and engagement. Discussions were lively and concentrated on solutions to the issue that community groups are experiencing.

Local Development sees the vital impact that local groups are having on a daily basis by building social cohesion, developing pride and confidence in their communities and improving opportunities for local people.

Since the new LEADER programme - Liaison among Actors in Rural Economic Development - which commenced last Autumn, 118 community projects have submitted interest for funding to enhance youth, arts, cultural facilities and walking trails around the County. This demonstrates the huge desire for local people to play a central role in developing their own communities.

Over 300 community groups already work with Wexford Local Development in helping to make a difference with their communities, these include TUS, Rural Social Scheme, WARM project and the Social Inclusion Programme.
Fifty years of musical memories and nostalgia were relived at St Brigid's Hall, Carnew, recently as Carnew Musical Society held a special celebratory concert.

Much-loved numbers from decades of shows were performed by some of those who played in lead and supporting roles, backed by a large chorus.

The highlight came towards the end when Society chairperson Lorna Doran invited five founding members: Phil O'Loughlin; Pat Sheppard; Sean Hallahan; Leslie Dowse; and Joe O'Loughlin onto the stage to sing the very first song performed by Carnew Musical Society at its first concert 50 years ago - 'Keep Right on to the end of the Road'.

They then joined the company in finishing the show with a rousing version of 'The Black Hills of Dakota', which has become the theme song of the Society.

The show was devised by Lar Duffy, who also served as musical director, while Graham Finnerty was director and choreographer. Michael Dunbar was MC.

Lorna thanked all involved in putting the production together, and also the audience for its continued support. She also paid tribute to the Society's honorary life members who 'have given so generously of their time and wisdom to keep the Society thriving over the last 50 years,' and finished by thanking everyone who has contributed to the Society over the past half century.
The 2017 Military Tattoo erupts into frenzied life in Listowel this weekend as choppers, skydivers and more than 200 re-enactors make their way to the Kingdom for the biggest festival of its kind in the country.

Late Tralee helicopter ace Captain John O'Sullivan is the big figure of commemoration this year - the second most decorated airman of the Vietnam War who risked his life flying the iconic 'Huey' in and out of jungle battles.

Comrades who flew with him will take part in a ceremony in his honour in the Square on Saturday from 1pm with an actual Huey performing a 'flyover' at ceremony's end.

That Huey, flying over from the UK later in the week, will be in situ in the Town Park all day Sunday to give people a better feel for O'Sullivan's experience in Southeast Asia.

And our own aerial daredevils - the Black Knights - will be in action in one of the many great spectacles of the weekend when they jump out of a chopper thousands of feet over the Island on tricolour parachutes.

Siege of Jadotville veterans, warrior queens of Irish myth, World War 2 era re-enactors and the biggest Viking village seen in Kerry since the real Vikings slung their hooks off after the battle of Clontarf are just some of the myriad other exciting people and events set for Listowel for the festival.

"It's going to be the biggest Tattoo yet with anywhere between 200 and 300 re-enactors in town over the two days and thousands of visitors," organiser Padraig Nolan told The Kerryman.

"We're now the biggest military festival in the country, nowhere else does it on this scale and we've visitors coming from all over the island and the UK."

"One of the big things for the children this year will be the Irish Warrior Princesses - three actors in character for the weekend as Queen Maedhbh, Aoife and Eimear, talking to the kids and taking photographs."

"We have a massive Viking village coming to the Living History park in the field off the Bridge Road as well this year, a lot of which was used in the TV series Vikings and Game of Thrones, showing how the Vikings really lived."

For a full programme of the events check out the Listowel Military Tattoo on Facebook.
It's not too often in life that we truly get to achieve one of our life goals and our dreams and subsequently experience that feeling of success of success and satisfaction that comes with that achievement - but for a young film producer from Cromane called Fodhla Cronin O' Reilly, getting to screen her debut feature film 'Lady Macbeth' in Killarney Cinemam, is something that she had dreamed about since she was a child.

"I always went to Killarney cinema when I was growing up, that was my local almost, and it's always just been this dream of mine to screen my very first film there and I made sure to request that we do the preview in Killarney - I just wanted to be able to say acknowledge where I came from and the people that helped to get me where I am today

Passionate about film-making from an early age, Fodhla ensured the best possible start to her career by diving head first into the film industry as early as possible.

"When I finished secondary school, I went to the St John's College in Cork and I did a year there studying film and during my time there, I did lots of work experience with a special effects company called 'Team Effects' up in Ardmore Studios - at the time, I knew that I wanted to get into film-making but I still wasn't sure about which aspect of the industry I wanted to be involved in," said Fodhla, talking to The Kerryman.

"All of this gave me the experience in terms of how sets work and it was after this that I decided that I wanted to get involved in the area of producing."

Parents of course, always want the best for their children and with the infamous risk of failutre that is closely associated with a career in the film industry, you would think that Fodhla's parents might have tried to steer her towards a more stable career path in life - Fodhla insists though that right back when she first mentioned her desire for a film career, her parents were more than supportive.

"Obviously there's a risk when you get involved in film-making but I have to say that my parents were incredibly supportive of me wanting to get into film - after the year in Cork, I decided that I wanted to move to New York because at the time, it sounded like there was so many more opportunities over there and I wanted to study over there."

"Like all parents though, this big move and the risks involved made them a little nervous and so eventually we settled on my moving to London instead and I went over there and I did a degree in film over there and I haven't looked back since, even after all this, my parents are still so supportive of me to this day.

Already an Oscar nominee for her production work on the ten-minute stop animation short film 'Head Over Heels' in 2012, it's been a busy few years for the 30 year old and judging by the early critical acclaim that Lady Macbeth is already garnerning from critics and reviwers from around the fil world, it might not be long before another Oscar nomination heading in Fodhla's direction.

"I loved making it [Head Over Heels]and I worked with the greatest team when we were making it and honestly, we made it because we felt really passionate about the story and the craft of stop motion itself and honestly, to be nominated for an Oscar for a project that we loved working on so much - that was just the cherry on top really,"

"Making the move to feature films felt like a very natural jump for me, short films, as much as I loved making them, I was always keen to move on to my first feature film and after the success that 'Head Over Heels' generated, it felt like the right time for me to make the move and the step up and that is how Lady Macbeth came about and I first met up with Will and Alice who were the director and script writer for the film so I was just very lucky to be able to work with such a great team on the film, " she continued.

The film, Lady Macbeth, which was filmed in just under four weeks, for those not in the know, is a British period film, based upon the novel by Nikolai Leskov and which tells the tale of young newlywed Katherine (played chillingly by Florence Pugh) who who is set to a cold and unwelcoming house somewhere in the countryside of England where she is forbidden to leave the house by both her stifling father-in-law and where is under the rule of her sexually dysfunctional, cold, unloving and much older husband.

After she is left alone in the house for a number of weeks, Catherine finds solace and comfort in the arms of a new worker in the house and they begin a passionate affair, which leads to diastrous and often times violent and disturbing consequences for the occupants of the house.

"I had seen a short film directed by William Oldroyd [Lady Macbeth Director] and I watched that and I just loved it and so I met up with him and we just really got on from the get go and during that meeting, he told me that he had just met Alice Birch [Lady Macbeth Writer]and she had the ide idea to adapt the Nikolai's novella and when I first met her, she had only wriiten page of prose but when I read it, I just thought that this could be something really special."

The film was exclusively screened in Killarney cinema this past Saturday night and again in Waterville's Tech Amergin on Sunday night - with the screening in Killarney receiving a sustained round of applause from the audience at the films end.

Speaking at the premiere on Saturday, Fodhla admitted to feeling overwhelmed an grateful to all those who came out to show heir support.

"I just want to thank everybody who came out to see the film - it's so wonderful and you have no idea how grateful I am for all the support; I'm just proud to be here and to be able to screen my debut feature film in my home county and I'm actually feeling quite overwhelmed by it all - this film was very much a collaboration - the majority of people involved in making it were first-timers like myself - the first time for me producing a feature film , the first time for the writer and the irst time for the director," she said.

"It really wouldn't have been possible all the support that we received along the way so thank you all very much."

Never one to enjoy the spotlight too much, Fodhla left the audience to enjoy the screening but returned to great applause at the credits to take a special Q & A from the audience - where she reveales that she's already deep into work on her next production - a feature documentary featuring the legendary Sir Michael Caine entitled 'My Generation' and I mean, if you manage to secure the services of Michael Caine in any capacity, you must be doing something right.

So far, so good for the girl from Cromane and long may it continue.

Lady Macbeth is scheduled for release in cinemas in Ireland and the UK on April 28 and is set for an American release later in June.
It's a long spin from the Phoenix Park to Killarney, and from Killarney to Christchurch, but the relevance of Darkness Into Light's message is fuel enough to conquer a trip of any length.

Just eight years ago, 400 people swapped the cosiness of their beds for a chilly pre-dawn stroll in the Phoenix Park, unaware they were about to spark something special.

Sporting the now-iconic yellow t-shirts, the participants completed the five-kilometre route as the sun peeked out from under the night's black sheets. Wrapping their shivering hands around warm mugs of tea after finishing their morning's work, they had no idea that hundreds of thousands would support Pieta House in a similar manner over the decade ahead.

Since 2006, Pieta House has offered free counselling to those suffering from suicidal ideation, those bereaved by suicide and people who are engaging in self-harm. Darkness Into Light has ballooned in popularity to become its best-known fundraising and awareness campaign, but while an international sensation today, it's worth remembering that Killarney was the first town to lower its wick to the match Joan Freeman sparked in 2009.

"Kerry has played a huge role in the expansion of this walk," Ms Freeman, the Pieta House founder, acknowledges.

"While 150 venues around the world will host walks on May 6, Killarney can be proud that it was our second ever venue.

"After their 14-year-old son Nathan died by suicide in the winter of 2007, Marie and Denis O'Carroll identified with the Phoenix Park walk and felt the people of Kerry would welcome a similar event just as warmly - and so it has proven.

"Killarney and Limerick city were the first two towns to hold walks outside of Dublin back in 2011, and since then Darkness Into Light has grown, and grown, and grown."

It certainly has. The event has captured imaginations in Irish communities worldwide like a tide devouring a cove, and some 150,000 people worldwide are expected to hop out of bed for a 4.15am walk on May 6. Its obvious popularity is something Ms Freeman has often contemplated, she explains.

"Oh, this year there will be walks wherever the Irish are. You have the obvious countries like Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Dubai, you know yourself, but we also have Iceland on board, Denmark, Chinese Taipei, it's just phenomenal.

"I founded Pieta House back in 2006. I closed my counselling business to dedicate my time to find out how we could help people who were suicidal, because it was clear something like Pieta was needed. Suicide and self-harm is something that has affected everybody in some way, and I think that also has a lot to do with Darkness Into Light's popularity.

"The story in Kerry was similar to what happened elsewhere. People heard about the lovely event Marie and Denis O'Carroll were organising, and they identified with the symbolism of walking from darkness through to daybreak.

"People from all over the county went to that first walk in 2011, not just people from Killarney, and the follow-on from that saw the community in Listowel organise one of its own, Tralee put a walk together, Dingle has one now, I think there's seven in Kerry in total now.

"The appetite all over the world is phenomenal; I do a lot of international work for Pieta now, and there are helping hands available everywhere. Whenever I go to New York, a lovely man from Dingle called Tony Lambe helps us out at our centre, and there are examples like that all over the planet I'm delighted to say!"

As ever, this year's walks take place from 4.15am, with Kerry's starting points located at The Blind Piper in Caherdaniel; Colaiste na Sceilge, Caherciveen; Dingle Marina Car Park; Kenmare Co-Op Mart; Killarney Racecourse; Listowel Racecourse; and Tralee CBS.

Joan's primary focus these days is to expand Pieta House's International footprint, but before she leaves us for Belfast and a return to her hectic schedule, she makes her continuing interest in the grassroots known.

"We have centres all over the country, including one at 28 Moyderwell Tralee," she says. "One of our goals is to have a centre within 100 kilometres of everyone in Ireland, and we're well on our way to achieving to that.

"But 90 per cent of our funding comes from fundraising, and we'd appreciate it so much if the people of Kerry got behind us one again on May 6, as they do every year."

You can register for Darkness Into Light at www.dil.pieta.ie, which also provides all further information.

If you would like to find out more about Pieta House's services, you can visit www.pieta.ie, or phone the Kerry centre at (066) 716-3660.
Tesco in Killarney are calling on a number of local community organisations to sign up to their surplus food programmes, through which local organisations receive high quality surplus food that would otherwise go to waste at the end of the store day.

This initiative, powered by the FoodCloud application, is already in use in a number of stores nationwide, with the surplus food being put to great use by local organisations through school breakfasts, cookery lessons and food for the homeless; Charities that have benefited to date range from local community centres, breakfast clubs, addiction rehabilitation services, homelessness charities, women's refuges, elderly support centres, children and youth organisations, to name but a few.

Through the FoodCloud application, Tesco can notify a number of charities about which food is available for collection that day, with the types of food usually donated by Tesco including meat, bread, chilled convenience foods, milk, dairy and fresh fruit and vegetables.

"Even in the most efficient retail operations, there will inevitably be surplus food and we are thrilled to be making a valuable contribution to local communities enabling organisations to focus on the vital services they provide. We encourage any community groups from across Kerry that think they can benefit from receiving surplus food to get involved today by dropping in to our Killarney Park store," said Dermot Hever, Store Manager in Tesco Killarney Park.

Tesco is encouraging any charity or local community group from across Kerry that could benefit from receiving surplus quality food products to get involved, organisations can find out more by popping into their local Tesco Store or signing up on food.cloud.
Tony Heffernan of the Saoirse Foundation and Liam's Lodge pictured on the planned site of Liam's Lodge in Blennerville. Photo by Domnick Walsh

Saoirse Foundation CEO Tony Heffernan has said he hopes the Charities Regulatory Authority's decision to close its enquiries into the charity will restore the public's faith in the Saoirse Foundation.

Sparked by concerns about the charity received in 2015, the Charities Regulator this week told The Kerryman that it had now closed its enquiries following 'significant actions by the charity trustees to enhance governance arrangements'. It added that it was also 'satisfied' that assurances had been provided in relation to the ongoing management and control of the charity and that confirmations had been received with regard to the closure of matters under the remit of other enforcement bodies.

Speaking at the end of what he labelled a 'stressful' period, Mr Heffernan said he never doubted that the charity would earn a favourable outcome, and added that all the charity could do over the last two years was keep going to help others.

"This has been tough, but a lot of charities have found it tough of late. When faced with something like this, you have a choice: you can cry, or you can keep going to help children, and I chose to keep going."

The Saoirse Foundation is named after Keel-based Tony and Mary Heffernan's daughter Saoirse, who passed away in early 2011 at the age of five after a battle with Batten disease, a rare inherited disorder of the nervous system. Their son, Liam, also suffered from Batten disease, and died almost three years ago, just shy of his sixth birthday.

It was approved as a registered charity in March 2010, and the foundation's three main projects are children's ambulance service BUMBLEance; planned children's respite centre Liam's Lodge, and Batten Disease support programme Bee For Battens.

The foundation was plunged into controversy in May 2015 following the shock resignations of four directors who raised a number of concerns, citing governance issues.

Part of the ex-directors' concerns was that a February 2015 agreement to undertake a governance review had not been followed up at the time of their departure but Mr Heffernan said that the charity engaged Deloitte to carry out that review later that year.

"We had agreed to a governance review before the directors resigned, but I never agreed to an audit without a financial cap or a time frame. I wasn't going to sign a blank cheque," Mr Heffernan claimed this week.

"In November 2015, Deloitte provided us with a number of recommendations, and timelines for putting these recommendations into place. As a result, we aimed to become fully compliant with the Governance Code by November 2017, and we declare ourselves fully compliant in January of this year.

"Compliance is an active process, which is why we have an ongoing monitoring register. We have also publically signed up to the Statement of Guiding Principles for Fundraising, and we adopted the Charity Standard of Reporting Practice," Mr Heffernan continued.

There had also been controversy over a delay in a second vehicle joining the BUMBLEance fleet. Mr and Mrs Heffernan were among those to approve its purchase in late 2014, but Mr Heffernan explained why this vehicle was not launched until early 2016.

"There was a delay, but this was down to the manufacturer's heavy workload," he said. "There was another delay after we were advised to leave registration of the vehicle until early 2016 because of the effects of depreciation but, since then, a further three BUMBLEances have hit the road and between them they're providing free services nationally like critical care; inter-hospital transport; post and pre-surgery transport; and more besides. We'll launch BUMBLEance VI in July, and our aim is to have a fleet of nine BUMBLEances, with some operating regionally with support from our core fleet."

Mr Heffernan described the charity's relationship with the Charities Regulator as 'exceptionally good' and said channels between the charity and the regulator had been very open over the past two years.

"We were notified by the Charities Regulator in recent weeks that it had closed its enquiries. We had supplied them with the documents from the Deloitte review, and we kept them informed at all stages as we implemented its recommendations," he said.

"As a charity, we have taken significant actions on the back of the review. We would have liked to have seen the enquiries closed off quicker, but we respect the role of the Charities Regulator and fully support the work it does.

Today, the Saoirse Foundation's Board of Directors consists of Chairperson and solicitor Liam Crowley; Company Secretary and solicitor Allan O'Connor; Treasurer and accountant Declan Crowley; entrepreneur Shirley Gallagher; businessman Don O'Leary; S&G Retail Products Director Scott Mackeown; Facebook Vice-President Rick Kelley; and management professional Raymond Sexton.

"We have an excellent, independent board of eight directors who have all the skills you need to run an excellent charity," Mr Heffernan said.

"We hope the Charities Regulatory Authority's decision to close its enquiries will restore the public's faith in us; we've helped hundreds of children, and have supplied facilities that Liam and Saoirse never had."
Gill O'Shea's work on display in her exhibition at the Pigyard Gallery in Selskar

Gill O'Shea's work on display in her exhibition at the Pigyard Gallery in Selskar

Gill O'Shea with some of the work on display in her exhibition at the Pigyard Gallery in Selskar

After a successful career in financial services, Gill O'Shea has returned to the subject she studied in college and is now a watercolour painter.

The artist has an exhibition entitled 'Blush' in the Pigyard Gallery in Selskar, Wexford which was officially opened by the Fine Gael councillor Michael D'Arcy and will continue until this coming Saturday, April 29. The focus of Gill's exhibition is animals, both domestic and wild in a celebration of vivid colour.

Gill is a Castledermot, County Kildare native who graduated with a first class honours degree in Fine Art from DIT in 2005 and immediately took up a role as a junior administrator in a life and pensions outsourcer in Dublin to earn some money while considering her next step.

She gradually drifted away from art and forged a career in finance, qualifying as an ACCA accountant in 2011. During this period, she worked in a number of senior roles in Ernst and Young and PTSB, most recently leading the 500m re-IPO and then heading up the mortgage tracker examination for PTSB.

In recent years, she got the itch to go back to art and started watercolour painting. Encouraged by friends and family to share her work, she created the website 'Dabble in Art'.

Late last year while considering a change to another senior role in the bank, she decided to make a bold move and left financial services altogether to forge a full-time career in art.

Gill said her mission is to sell her work all over the world and to help promite Irish art by combining her business acumen with her artistic talents.

She is currently showing her work in a number of Irish commercial galleries across the country and working on a number of fine art projects.
Bail was opposed by Customs and Excise in the case of a Romanian man intercepted at Rosslare Europort with thousands of euro worth of tobacco products.

However, Judge Gerard Jones decided at Gorey Court that Gheorghe Florea - with an address of Bdul Independenbtei Nr 3, BL6ppSc.C AP.133 Mujn Tirgoviste, Jud Dimbovita, Romania - should be allowed his liberty once 3,000 cash was produced as a surety.

Customs officer Patricia Howlin produced photographs to show how 31,000 cigarettes with estimated value 13,746 were found concealed in a Mercedes Sprinter van which arrived from France on the 'Oscar Wilde' ferry on April 12.

State Solicitor Kevin O'Doherty was concerned that Florea, who worked as a courier, was in and out of Ireland on a regular basis.

It emerged that, on a previous occasion last year, the same man was detained by the French authorities with 45,000 cigarettes.

The Rosslare find was concealed behind wooden panels and in the back door of the Mercedes.

The tobacco confiscated at the Europort represented a loss of more than 13,000 to the State, Ms Howlin calculated.

The defendant's daughter Elena was in court to say that she had been in Ireland since 2101 and had been working in a restaurant earning 749 per fortnight.

She offered to go bail for her father, though this was opposed by Mr O'Doherty who noted that 5,000 had passed through her bank account in one month.

The State Solicitor felt that this was an exceptional and significant rate of spending for a restaurant worker.

Despite prosecution misgivings, Judge Jones allowed bail after the cash surety was tendered to the court clerk, adjourning to May 2.
More than eighty people attended a fascinating talk on the New Ross Riot of 1887 at New Ross Library recently.

Guest speaker Professor Virginia Crossman travelled from the UK to give the talk, which was attended by the Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Paddy Kavanagh.

The Professor of Modern Irish History at Oxford Brookes University was invited to New Ross to give the talk by New Ross Municipal District council and the library service.

Prof Crossman outlined how the riots began on February 17, 1887, when inmates of the workhouse in New Ross rioted and attacked the master and vice-guardians of the facility who were put in charge of the union after the dissolution of the board of guardians the previous year. It was reported that the riots began with a chorus of female voices accompanied by bells ringing and the banging of doors. The majority of the 'rioters' were women and they pursued one of the vice-guardians into the town and another guardian had to barricade himself into a boardroom in the workhouse.

Reports from local newspapers at the time described women running 'hither and tither' with young girls apparently dancing on tables in the dining hall.
The exterior of a Schlumberger Corporation building is pictured in West Houston January 16, 2015. REUTERS/Richard Carson (Reuters)

QUITO (Reuters) - Ecuador has given oil services company Schlumberger NV <SLB.N> $150 million in central bank notes that can be used to pay taxes, President Rafael Correa said late on Monday, part of efforts to pay down a $1.1 billion debt with the company.

The smallest member of OPEC has built up debts for oilfield services that Schlumberger has described as causing "considerable financial stress."

Correa told reporters that Schlumberger had been given Central Bank Notes, known by the Spanish acronym TBC.

"Schlumberger is being paid ... we have already given them $150 million in TBC, I believe," Correa said in the city of Guayaquil.

"There has been a somewhat inflexible position on the part of the company, but that debt will be paid," he said, without providing details.

Schlumberger said on Friday that production constraints imposed on its Ecuador project had impacted its latest quarter results as it struggles to collect on unpaid bills from state-owned oil firm Petroamazonas.

The company did not immediately respond to an email seeking additional comment.

Ecuador's economy has struggled since the 2014 collapse of oil prices and a devastating earthquake last year that killed 670 people and cost an estimated $3 billion.

(Reporting by Alexandra Valencia, writing by Brian Ellsworth; Editing by Bernard Orr)
Next month Focus Ireland is set to mark ten years of challenging homelessness and changing lives in Sligo through its work providing services and housing in the county since 2007.

The milestone comes as the charity reported a 50% rise in the number of people using its services in Sligo last year.

Focus Ireland is now set to hold a special "Stand Up To Homelessness" event on May 5th to mark this decade of service in Sligo and is inviting people to sign up to paddle board across Lough Gill and down the Garavogue River.

Mary Jameson of Focus Ireland Sligo said: "Focus Ireland opened its doors in 69 John St., Sligo this time ten years ago in 2007. Now in 2017 we are still making an impact by supporting people at risk of losing their homes and those who are homeless. Our work has touched many lives over the years and we wanted to stage a different type of event that will act to celebrate the great successes over the years.

"The impact of our work has been really positive and has helped many people to secure a home while we have also managed to prevent many other people from becoming homeless in the first place. We want people to join us to "Stand up to Homelessness" and say that it is wrong for anyone to be homeless."

Focus Ireland has teamed up with North West Adventures Tours and all equipment and instructors will be provided for the event. The cost for this is 40.00.

The numbers accessing Focus Ireland's services in Sligo jumped by 50 per cent last year, with the majority (172 people) looking for advice or information on accommodation options. Focus Ireland also has 14 apartments in Sligo town for single people along with accommodation for two families. Focus Ireland also manage 23 apartments on behalf of the local authority in Sligo town.

"The majority of those were looking for advice on housing. A lot of people want to know their rights with regards rents, arrears and generally trying to get a handle on things before it's too late," said Roisin McLoughlin, Project Worker with Focus Ireland in Sligo.

"I think it's positive that people know the service is there. In previous years people were waiting until they were homeless to get in touch with us whereas now they're doing it when they are worried it might become the case," she added.

"The rental markets are the main cause of this increase. There is very little housing, and it's hard to be in the running for a house.

"The problem now is that landlords are selling up, giving properties to their families and that's the case a lot of the time, more so than in the past," said Ms. McLoughlin.

The charity said that it works to tackle and prevent homelessness in Sligo in partnership with Sligo County Council, Social Services and other bodies. Focus Ireland has been one of the key organizations working on the Cranmore Estate regeneration project since 2008. Focus Ireland's tenancy support services have worked closely with families and people in the estate and this work has had a very positive impact.

For more information about the Focus Ireland 10th Anniversary "Stand Up To Homelessness" Paddle Board event please contact Focus Ireland Sligo office on 071 - 91 49974/071 -9149970 and email: sligoservices@focusireland.ie
Gardai carrying out an forensic examination of the fatal fire on Saturday morning

Samples taken from the scene of last Saturday's fatal fire at Market Street which claimed the lives of father and son, Christopher (Sonny) (63) and Sean Harte (34), have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Dublin in a bid to establish a cause.

The Garda technical examination of the scene concluded on Sunday but a cause of the fire has not yet been established.

This is due to the degree of heat, the amount destruction caused and the extent of smoke damage.

Further tests will now be carried out on the material taken from the scene in a bid to establish a cause.

The fire broke out shortly before 5am on Saturday in a vacant flat on the first floor of the three storey building.

Gardai say they are not treating the fire as suspicious but that their investigation is continuing.

One possible theory being looked is that the fire may have been smouldering for a number of hours before igniting and quickly engulfing the building very quickly.

"We're keeping an open mind," said Inspector Paul Kilcoyne of Sligo Garda Station.

This includes reviewing all CCTV in the area to establish the comings and goings of all occupants in the building and interviews with same.

Passing Gardai were alerted to the fire by an occupant of the building who had flagged them down.

Gardai entered the building and bravely went about trying to evacuate the building.

Mr Harte and his son Sean were found close to the door of their second floor apartment.

Gardai performed CPR on the men before the fire service removed them from the building.

Six other occupants of the building were brought to Sligo University Hospital for treatment for the effects of smoke inhalation and were released after treatment without being admitted.

The deceased come from a very well known and respected family originally from the St Brigid's Place area of the town.

Post mortem examinations were carried out at the week-end and the deceased have been released to the family with funeral arrangements having been finalised on Monday with reposing at the Harte family home on Tuesday with Mass and burial on Wednesday.

It is understood that both men died due to smoke inhalation. Tributes have been pouring in for the men on social media.

Mr Harte is survived by three children, sons, Michael and Paul, and a daughter, Shelley, who runs a hairdressing salon in the town. People Before Profit Councillor Gino O'Boyle, who went to primary school with Sean Harte said the whole town was in shock.

"The two of them were very well-respected," Cllr O'Boyle said.

"I was speaking to both of them yesterday, it is such a tragedy for the town and such a big loss for the family."
During the week we received a parcel containing an edition of The Sligo Champion that is older than any one alive today.

The fully intact copy dated 1st May 1897 is 120 years old. It arrived from Lisnagry in County Limerick where Liam and Pauline Minihan live. The couple came across the 8 page newspaper among a box of personal belongings left to Pauline from her aunt Maureen.

Liam explains: "Maureen lived in a beautiful part of Sligo, Culleenamore near Strandhill with her husband Jack. She worked as a domestic science teacher while he had a men's outfitters in Sligo. They never had any children. When Maureen passed away about 15 years ago, Pauline got this box of her belongings and in that was this issue of The Sligo Champion."

On finding this little piece of Sligo history Liam says the couple wanted to make sure it got back to the Yeats County. He says: "When I saw it I contacted The Sligo Champion and I said we would take the train to Sligo and bring the copy with us, but we never got around to it and I decided to then send it by post to the newspaper office."

The retired psychiatric nurse adds: "We figured that the paper belonged in Sligo and there was no point in us hanging onto it here in rural Limerick. It would be of interest especially to those in Sligo."

Liam says he read some of the items but was extremely careful when handling the paper: "It is so delicate, I did not want to handle it as every time you handle it it could deteriorate but I did read with interest a story about a council dispute."

The issue cost two pence in 1897 and carries a number of local, national and even international news items as well as local notices and advertising.

The front page gives a picture of the time. It carries a couple of adverts for boots, bicycle repair shops and hay barns. There is a news article on The Irish National Teachers Congress annual meeting. Coincidently the teachers unions were meeting in 2017 around the same time of the year - just last week.

The broadsheet layout is not exactly user friendly, a lot of information is packed into every page and the print is quite small making it difficult to read. The print around the fold of the paper is slightly faded and frayed but apart from that the pages are still legible today. And the good news is due to the advances in technology of today we have been able to reproduce the original edition in broadsheet format to give away with next week's issue on May 2nd.
The late Aleck Crichton, who as a child met WB Yeats, pictured with his grandson, the actor Michael Fish, in Sligo in 2015

Tributes flowed to the late Aleck Crichton who passed away at his home in Beltra on Tuesday April 18th.

The grandson of the founder of Jameson Whisky, World War Two veteran and industrialist led the most fascinating life.

He gave his last interview to this newspaper for our 'Down Memory Lane' Supplement in January.

President of the Yeats Society Martin Enright said: "Aleck was a true friend, benefactor and highly respected President of the Society."

"Tributes and messages of sympathy came from W.B.Yeats' grand-daughter and our Patron Caitriona Yeats, Marie Heaney, Past Presidents and several former Directors of The YISS and scholars fro throughout the world of Anglo-Irish Studies," he said.

The Rector Ven. Alan Synnott spoke in glowing terms of how Aleck was much loved and much respected by all in the Beltra Community and far beyond.

Aleck's main philanthropic caues in Sligo were Sligo University Hospital (he served on the Board and secured funding for Research and Education); The Beltra Show (His grandfather built Beltra Hall in the late 19th early 20th century), Sligo Feis Ceoil ( his mother ans sister competed until the late 1940's and The Crichton Cup is competed for annually); The Yeats Society ( Aleck was President 2005-2008.

He had a clear memory going to a tea party in Yeats' home at 82 Merrion Square when he was 5 or 6 years of age ie 1925 or 26., the Crichtons lived then at No. 26 Fitzwilliam Square.

Beltra Market was closed last Saturday as a mark of respect.

"I don't think being killed is something one ever thinks about," he said, when asked about the War. His grandson Michael Fish (above) paid a moving tribute to his grandfather:

"He had a devilish sense of humour, and sense of openness to ideas regarding the arts.

"When I was roughly 14, I knew I wanted to be an actor, but was very quiet, very shy. Aleck penned me a handwritten letter in which he said: "Everything Michael, needs practice...So just 'DO IT!'"

"I still have the letter and regularly have read it backstage; there's not much more of a gift I could have asked for," he said.
The Census 2016 results show that individuals countrywide are now leaving it later to purchase their own homes.

Sligo has followed that trened. The overall home ownership rate dropped from 69.7% in 2011 to 67.6% in 2016. Results show that renting is more common than owning a home before the age of 35.

It will come as no surprise that the Census has reported an increase of 16.8% in the average weekly rent paid to private landlord.

The highest growth in rent was in Dublin City with increased by almost 30%, while Dun-Laoghaire-Rathdown, Final, South Dublin and Kildare also recorded increases in excess of 20%.

The 2016 Census has found that there was a 15% drop in the number of all vacant dwellings (including holiday homes).

Of the vacant homes in 2016, 62,148 were holiday homes, leaving 183,312 other homes vacant.

Blacklion in Cavan had the highest vacancy rate (46.4%), followed by Keshcarrigan in Leitrim, KIlgarvan in Kerry.

Among larger towns (population of 10,000 or more) Letterkenny (14.9%), Longford (14.6%) and Ballina (14.3%) ranked highest in terms of vacancy.

There were 95,013 per permanent households in 2016 with more persons living there than there were rooms.

Deirdre Cullen, Senior Statistician explaiend: "In recognition of the demand from users and society in general, for a better understanding of housing in Ireland, the Central Statistics Office has prioritised the housing release as its first thematic report from Census 2016.

"We believe this report provides a clear picture of some of the main developments in the Irish housing landscape over the past five years, including new analysis of vacant properties such as type of dwelling and distance to the nearest town.
Up to 28 families in Sligo use Solas. Local politicians have expressed shock at he closure.

Sinn Fein Councillor Thomas Healy had been asked to seek clarification on the service by a number of families. He says: "The withdrawal of respite care has come as an absolute shock to many families. Carers are often the unsung heroes of our communities, dedicating themselves to family members less fortunate and in the process saving the state millions.

"The provision of respite care allows families a little time to themselves to catch up on normal family activities. Consultation with the families from the HSE has been entirely inadequate, families asked me to find out what was going on with the service and I recently received confirmation from the HSE that the service has been closed.

"The promise of a future respite service by the private sector does not provide continuity of care and is not time referenced. Respite has been withdrawn and is promised to be provided in the future sometime, somewhere and by someone- our communities deserve better than this offhand treatment."

"I will be campaigning strongly on this matter," concluded Cllr Healy, "my colleague Martin Kenny TD will be raising it in the Dail."

TDs Eamonn Scanlon FF and Tony McLoughlin FG have also raised the issue of Solas in the Dail. They too have expressed shock and dismay over the closure of Solas respite facility and future plans for respite in the North West.

McLoughlin said: "I have raised this sensitive respite issue directly with Frank Morrison on a number of occasions over the last number of weeks on behalf of affected families, and I also raised it in the Dail via a Parliamentary Question to the Minister for Health Simon Harris. I was disappointed to learn last week that the HSE have now announced that after a comprehensive review of respite care provision in Sligo and Leitrim, the HSE believes that it does not have the capacity to sustain the delivery of the respite service which is now required and that the HSE are now in the process of tendering for this service. To be honest, I was shocked to hear this news and I have requested additional information as a matter of urgency from the HSE with regard to the time period involved, where this care will be provided and what can families expect going forward." McLoughlin vowed to continue fight to save the future of respite services in the area.
Napercise not only helps reinvigorate the mind and body, but even burn a couple of calories too.

The life of a parent is an exhausting one, and its often hard to find time to unwind or even get the full 40 winks at night.

Leisure centre David Lloyd has created a wellbeing class specifically for worn-out parents in need of some down time, Napercise.

The class encourages exhausted mums and dads to shun the spin bikes and climb into a bed for a 45-minute nap. An atmospheric soundtrack will help set the perfect mood for a decent shut-eye session, while the temperature will drop to a level that promotes calorie-burning during sleep.

David Lloyd Clubs

19% of exhausted parents admit to falling asleep at work. Are you one of them? Introducing Napercise, a new way to get your 40 winks in the day. No, seriously With thanks to our friends at Dreams Beds

David Lloyd developed the class after its research found 86% of parents suffered fatigue and over a quarter (26%) regularly got less than five hours of sleep a night. It hoped Napercise would help re-energise parents mind and body.

A spokesman for David Lloyd Clubs said: Here at David Lloyd Clubs, were always looking for new ways to tackle the issues that everyday families face, which is what Napercise sets out to do. Filling an exercise studio with beds might look unusual, but if it proves to be a success, were definitely excited at the possibility of rolling out the programme to more of our clubs down the line.

A trial session is being held at the Sidcup branch and, depending on its success, may be rolled out to more clubs in the UK.
They launched a medium-range missile on Saturday morning local time

Another missile has been test-fired from North Korea as tensions between the east-Asian country and the US rise.

Here is everything you need to know about the situation.

What happened?

In the early hours of Saturday morning, local time, North Korea test-fired a mid-range ballistic missile from Pukchang, near the capital Pyongyang. A US official said the missile was likely to be a medium-range KN-17 ballistic missile.

It broke up a couple of minutes after the launch and the pieces fell into the Sea of Japan.

South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that the missile flew for several minutes and reached a maximum height of 71 kilometres (44 miles) before it apparently failed.

What are missiles, and what does North Korea have?

Intercontinental ballistic missiles are essentially rockets, which carry and deploy nuclear weapons to wherever in the world the aggressor wants.

It is thought that North Korea has not yet developed the capability to accurately target a city.

However, it currently routinely test-fires shorter-range missiles, despite United Nations prohibitions, and appears to be trying to build long-range missiles, which could have the potential to reach the United States.

After decades of sanctions, military threats and rounds of diplomatic engagement, the US is now getting seriously worried as North Korea approaches the capability to hit the US mainland with a nuclear-tipped missile.

What was the worlds reaction to the test?

US President Donald Trump did not answer reporters questions about the launch, but he did tweet.

South Koreas Foreign Ministry denounced the launch as an obvious violation of United Nations resolutions and the latest display of North Koreas belligerence and recklessness.

What are countries currently doing to stop North Korea?

There are a range of sanctions currently levied against North Korea.

The United Nations has a ban on selling arms and fuel to the country as well as items which can be used for weapons-making.

All cargo entering or leaving North Korea must also be inspected.

At a UN Security Council meeting on Friday, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called for new sanctions against North Korea.

What happened at the UN Security Council meeting?

The missile launch came at a significant time  just hours before, Tillerson chaired a UN security council meeting dedicated to the North Korea issue.

At the meeting, he urged countries to exert pressure on North Korea, and said the US would use military force if necessary.

However, the US has since stepped back from suggestions of military action, taking a more diplomatic tone.

China is seen as a powerful and important player in the region  North Koreas neighbour, it acts as a conduit for 90% of the countrys commerce.

Tillerson said: They (the Chinese) confirmed to us that they had requested that the regime conduct no further nuclear test.

In fact, we were told by the Chinese that they informed the (North Korean) regime that if they did conduct further nuclear tests, China would be taking sanctions action on their own.

However, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said his country would adhere to past UN resolutions and wants a denuclearised Korean peninsula, but spelled out no further punitive steps his government might consider.

Why does the North Korean threat seem to be rising?

Tensions between North Korea and the US are rising, meaning the east-Asian country has become more of a concern.

Saturday mornings incident was the second failed missile launch this month, the first of which came after a massive military parade designed to show off North Koreas strength and resolve.

Trump has also recently sent a nuclear-powered submarine and aircraft super-carrier USS Carl Vinson to Korean waters.

The US and South Korea also started installing a missile defence system that is supposed to be partially operational within days.
Speaking to those with the president permanently on their skin.

Tattoos and politics are both intensely personal things, but its not often that the two collide. For some reason, though, Donald Trump is a politician who seems to inspire plenty of ink.

So how do people who have had the Donald permanently emblazoned on their skin think hes doing 100 days in?

Gabrielle Seunagal  Atlanta, USA

Why I got the tattoo

I got my Trump tattoo because Trump serves as an inspiration to me and a figure of success, victory and dominance. I admire his strength and the manner in which he fights back.

Trump is an affluent and intelligent individual. He is one of my role models and a person that I look up to.

How I think Trumps first 100 days have gone

I think President Trump is doing an outstanding job. Since hes been in office, jobs have increased, illegal immigration has been severely halted, and our military has gotten stronger. I have complete faith and confidence in our President.

Although I disagree with his decision to launch airstrikes at Syria (since America was not attacked), I understand that his decision came from his humanity. President Trump has my full support and I look forward to seeing the many feats that he will accomplish as the leader of the free world.

Vito Summa  New York, USA

Why I got the tattoo

I got the tattoo because of all the misplaced anger, tantrums and butt hurt from the left over Trumps victory.

I knew that seeing such a tattoo would trigger a liberal, and being that most of my upper body is already fully tattooed, I thought that this tattoo would be fun.

How I think Trumps first 100 days have gone

I truly hope the best for the Trump presidency and my nation after eight years of Obama failures and incompetence.

The main thing Im happy about so far is Trumps SCOTUS pick, Neil Gorsuch, being confirmed. Im also happy about the VA bill and the upcoming tax reform.

Mark Butcher  Woolongong, Australia

Why I got the tattoo

It serves as a reminder to myself: if you believe in something stand up and fight for what you believe in, never give up.

How I think Trumps first 100 days have gone

I think he has done very well considering the left are trying everything they can to slow his team down or block him from having the votes to pass bills.

He was blocked on immigration and Obamacare, but he has still put coalminers back to work, convinced billion dollar companies to stay in America and invest more money into their companies, and negotiated two Chinese companies to invest billions of dollars to build new companies in America. The wall will be built like like he promised, and today he announces tax cuts for everyone including companies.

Considering how far the left will go to stop his progress, it shows that Trump is the right person for president.

Jordan Murphy  Devon, UK

Why I got the tattoo

I got the tattoo more as joke. My tattoo artist Luke Beddows from Fleet Street Collective drew this as a joke before he was even elected president and posted it on social media. I was down the pub with my friend and he said I should get it so I just went along with it and got it. To this day it is probably one of my most favourite tattoos.

How I think Trumps first 100 days have gone

I dont support Trump in any way, shape or form. I think he is single-handedly tearing the world apart. The tattoo is not a representation of my being a fan. I think its just a funny piss-take and I was the only one brave enough to get it tattooed on me.
Jiranuch Triratana, centre, holds the body of her 11-month-old daughter Natalie, who was killed by her father who broadcast the murder on Facebook Photo: REUTERS

A relative of the Thai baby whose murder was shown on Facebook Live earlier this week said he was too distraught and intent on getting police to the crime scene to worry about getting the horrific videos taken down.

The gruesome incident this week highlights how those most affected by offensive content are usually too distracted to report it to the authorities.

Expand Close 11-month-old Natalie Photo: REUTERS/Sooppharoek Teepapan / Facebook

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It also exposes the challenge that live streaming content poses to both governments monitoring for offensive material on the internet and the companies that host online content.

On Monday, in an abandoned building in the Thai seaside resort of Phuket, 20-year-old Wuttisan Wongtalay turned on Facebook Live from his mobile phone. Then he picked up his 11-month-old daughter in her pink dress, tied a rope around her neck and hanged her. A second short video briefly shows her lifeless body. After that, he turned off the camera and killed himself.

For the family of little Natalie Triratana, removing the videos was the last thing on their minds when they first popped up on Wuttisan's Facebook feed at around 4.50pm on Monday.

Her mother's cousin, Suksan Buachanit, said he called Thailand's 191 police hotline to ask for help locating the building. By the time police and relatives found it, it was too late.

"A local reporter told me to report it (to Facebook) but we were all occupied at the scene," he told Reuters in Phuket.

It took more than a day - and 370,000 views - before Facebook removed those few minutes of video. Thailand's digital ministry said even then it took five hours for the videos to be removed after the ministry contacted Facebook.

A Facebook statement called the incident "appalling" and said there was "absolutely no place for content of this kind" on the network. It did not respond to Reuters questions as to why it took so long to remove the videos.

Exposed

For the social media company, with nearly two billion users, it was yet another case that exposed the challenges of quickly spotting and removing offensive content. The killing of the baby in Thailand followed the live broadcast shooting of an elderly man in Cleveland, Ohio.

In that incident, it took two hours to remove the video, bringing intense criticism on the social media giant and prompting it to promise "ways that new technologies can help us make sure Facebook is a safe environment".

It was unclear how many viewers alerted Facebook to the killing of the baby. Facebook did not respond to questions.

But by the morning the baby's murder had been reported in local media and was one of the most talked about stories in Thailand. Several local and international journalists told Reuters they had reported the videos to Facebook on Tuesday morning and asked the company for comment.

The head of Thailand police's technology crime suppression division, Supachet Chokchai, said he was alerted to the baby murder videos by police in Phuket but he declined to say when that was.

Nor would he say when police asked the digital ministry to get in touch with Facebook.

The division monitors online content ranging from anti-monarchy content to fraudulent websites. It also has a hotline for the public to call in tip-offs about offensive content.

The ministry said by the time police reported the videos on Tuesday afternoon it had already heard about them from an anonymous tip-off and had told Facebook.

The ministry contacted Facebook through a "direct channel" at noon on Tuesday, according to Somsak Khaosuwan, the ministry's deputy permanent secretary. He did not elaborate on what the direct channel was or say whom the ministry contacted at Facebook. It was just after 5pm - about five hours later and more than a full day after the videos were first streamed - that Facebook took them down.

Thai police said they would review ways to take down online content. Police blamed the delay partly on the time difference between the United States and Thailand. They did not explain at exactly which stage the time difference had proved problematic, however.

A spokesman for the police also said the force was tight on staffing.

Thailand is more geared up to monitor politically sensitive content online.

Censorship has been ramped up since a 2014 coup and hundreds of websites have been blocked or shut down for content deemed inappropriate or offensive.

Thailand is further tightening controls on internet users.

This week its national telecoms regulator ordered all internet service providers to block web content deemed illegal by the courts within a week or face having their licences revoked.

Thailand is also working on a cyber security bill that would allow the state to conduct large-scale surveillance in the name of national security.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday urged the United States to show restraint after North Korea's latest missile test and to avoid playing into the hands of leader Kim Jong Un, who "wants to end the world".

Duterte said the Southeast Asia region was extremely worried about tensions between the United States and North Korea, and said one misstep would be a "catastrophe" and Asia would be the first victim of a nuclear war.

The United States, Japan, South Korea and China, he said, were sparring with a man who was excited about the prospect of firing missiles.

Duterte is current chairman of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and was due to speak by telephone to U.S. President Donald Trump later on Saturday. He said he would urge Trump not to get into a confrontation with Kim.

"There seems to be two countries playing with their toys and those toys are not really to entertain," he told a news conference after the ASEAN summit in Manila, referring to Washington and Pyongyang.

"You know that they are playing with somebody who relishes letting go of missiles and everything. I would not want to go into his (Kim's) mind because I really do not know what's inside but he's putting mother earth, the planet to an edge."

North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile on Saturday shortly after U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned that failure to curb Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes could lead to "catastrophic consequences".

U.S. and South Korean officials said the test appeared to have failed, in what would be the North's fourth straight unsuccessful missile test since March.

Duterte said it was incumbent upon the United States as the a responsible country to not rise to Kim's provocations. He said he was sure Trump had cautioned his military not to allow the situation to spiral out of control.

"Who am I to say that you should stop? But I would say 'Mr. President, please see to it that there is no war because my region will suffer immensely'," Duterte said.

"I will just communicate to (Trump), 'just let him play... do not play into his hands'."

He added: "The guy (Kim) simply wants to end the world, that is why he is very happy. He is always smiling. But he really wants to finish everything and he wants to drag us all down."
A protester near the US embassy in Seoul wears a face mask reading No THAAD during a rally against the deployment of the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea. Photo: Getty Images

A top North Korea diplomat has warned that US efforts to get rid of his country's nuclear weapons through military threats and sanctions are "a wild dream".

Deputy UN ambassador Kim In Ryong said North Korea's nuclear weapons are never part of "political bargains and economic deals".

Expand Close US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley at the security council meeting on North Korea. Photo: Getty Images / Facebook

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He said: "In a nutshell, DPRK (North Korea) have already declared not to attend any type of talks which would discuss its nuclear abandonment, nuclear disbandment."

It followed US President Donald Trump's warning that a "major, major conflict" with North Korea was possible over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

Mr Kim reiterated North Korea's longstanding contention that its nuclear programme "is the product of the United States' hostile policy towards DPRK".

He said: "That is why every solution will be possible when the United States hostile policy is withdrawn in advance."

Mr Kim "categorically rejected" yesterday's UN Security Council meeting on the North Korean nuclear issue - which his country declined to attend - as "another abuse" of the council's authority, acting on instructions of the United States which is a veto-wielding member.

The United States holds the council presidency this month and organised the ministerial session that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson chaired.

Mr Tillerson did not reiterate Mr Trump's fears, but called for new sanctions on North Korea and urged all countries to exert pressure on Pyongyang and implement the six UN sanctions resolutions. He also stressed that the Trump administration will only engage in talks with Pyongyang when it exhibits "a good faith commitment" to implement Security Council resolutions "and their past promises to end their nuclear programmes".

In response, Mr Kim said: "As we expected, (the) US has taken issue with self-defensive nuclear deterrent of the DPRK, and not only to justify their anti- DPRK aggressive war racket but also to create atmosphere for sanctions against DPRK at any cost."

He said the United States "is wholly to blame for pushing the situation on the Korean Peninsula to the brink of a nuclear war.

The United States and China offered starkly different strategies yesterday for addressing North Korea's escalating nuclear threat.

Mr Tillerson proposed a ban on North Korean coal imports and preventing its overseas guest labourers, a critical source of government revenue, from sending money home. And he warned of unilateral US moves against international firms conducting banned business with Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing would adhere to past UN resolutions and wants a denuclearised peninsula. But he spelled out no further steps his government might consider. Instead, he put forward a familiar Chinese idea to ease tensions: North Korea suspending its nuclear and missile activities, if the US and South Korea stop military exercises in the region. Washington and its allies reject the idea.
Turkey, under Recept Tayyip Erdogan, is under fire (AP)

Austrian chancellor Christian Kern has said Turkey should not be allowed to join the European Union.

Mr Kern told reporters in Brussels that "we have to bring our relations to Turkey into new order".

He said the EU should "create a new relation to Turkey" encompassing economic, security and migration interests.

Referring to the reported blocking of online encyclopedia Wikipedia and the ongoing purge in Turkey, Mr Kern said it is time "to hurry up because we can't afford to have an unstable country with 80 million citizens close to our neighbourhood".

The EU promised Turkey fast-track membership talks, among other incentives, to stop migrants leaving for Europe.

Talks have moved at a snail's pace since they were launched in 2005.
A woman is surrounded by police while being treated at the scene in Harlesden Road, north London. Photo credit: PA/PA Wire

An active terror plot has been foiled after police launched an armed raid in which a woman was shot and injured.

Six people were arrested after a team of specialist firearms officers stormed an address in Willesden, north London, on Thursday night.

The activity came hours after officers detained a man carrying a bag of knives in Whitehall, close to Downing Street, as part of a separate, unconnected investigation.

A woman in her 20s who was shot during the north London operation remains under police guard after being taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Elite armed officers carried out a "specialist entry" into a terraced property in Harlesden Road shortly before 7pm on Thursday.

Police fired CS gas into the address, which had been under observation as part of a current counter-terrorism operation.

Neighbours recalled hearing "at least six" shots and screaming as police entered the address.

Ruth Haile, who lives in the road, said she heard shots and saw an injured woman being treated.

"She shouted 'Don't touch me, my body, don't touch my dress'," she said.

Alexandra Sabanov, a mother-of-one who lived next door to the raided house, saw officers with "gas masks and snipers".

"We heard 'bang, bang, bang, bang', went to the window and just saw a number of armed police just there with their guns pointing at our next-door neighbour's window."

She said the woman was "screaming really loud" and described her neighbours as a "standard Muslim couple" of whom she "never suspected anything at all".

Giving an update on the two operations, Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said yesterday: "Due to these arrests that have been made yesterday, in both cases I believe that we have contained the threats that they posed."

Pressed on whether they had foiled an active plot, he replied: "Yes."

Mr Basu said an armed entry was necessary "due to the nature of the intelligence that we were dealing with".

A total of six people were arrested in connection with the raid, including five at or near the address and one in Kent.

Two of the arrests were made when a man and a woman, both aged 28, returned to the address later that night, Mr Basu said. Searches are continuing at three London addresses.

It followed the arrest of a 27-year-old bearded man carrying a rucksack containing at least three knives in Whitehall.

It is understood the arrest was "intelligence-led".

It is understood the suspect's family had become concerned about his behaviour and reported him to the authorities several weeks ago, according to reports.
Donald Trump has signed the most executive orders of any president in his first 100 days since the Second World War

Less than one month before election day, Donald Trump addressed a crowd of supporters in historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Candidate Trump promised the crowd that, if elected, he would carry out every proposal laid out in his Contract with the American Voter  a 100-day, 38-prong plan to restore prosperity to our economy, security to our communities, and honesty to our government.

In an interview this month with the Associated Press, President Trump referred to the plan not as a contract, but as a concept that somebody put out.

I'm mostly there on most items, he said.

Expand Close Trump's contract with voters ahead of the election / Facebook

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According to The Independents tally, Mr Trump has fully achieved seven of his 38 proposals. Others have been partially completed; some are impossible to quantify.

Below is a step-by-step review of every proposal Mr Trump made in his contract  and whether he has succeeded in his promise to carry them out by his 100th day in office.

Promise: Impose a hiring freeze on federal employees.

Completed? Sort of. Mr Trump ordered a hiring freeze  with exemptions for military personnel, national security and public safety  on 24 January. He lifted it fewer than three months later, on 12 April. Mick Mulvaney, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, said the hiring freeze had been replaced by a smarter plan, a more strategic plan.

Promise: Propose a Constitutional Amendment to impose term limits on all members of Congress.

Completed? No.

Promise: Impose a requirement that for every new federal regulation, two existing regulations must be eliminated.

Completed? Yes. Mr Trump issued an executive order in January declaring whenever an executive department or agency publicly proposes for notice and comment or otherwise promulgates a new regulation, it shall identify at least two existing regulations to be repealed.

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Promise: Impose a five-year ban on White House and Congressional officials becoming lobbyists after they leave government service.

Completed? Kind of. Mr Trump issued an order requiring all executive appointees to pledge not to lobby for their agencies for five years. The order excludes congressional officials, and only limits lobbying for the agency in which the appointee served  not lobbying in general.

Expand Expand Previous Next Close President Donald Trump speaks during the National Rifle Association event (AP) US president Donald Trump Photo: AP / Facebook

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Promise: Impose a lifetime ban on White House officials lobbying on behalf of a foreign government.

Completed? Yes. The same executive order prevents executive appointees from lobbying on behalf of foreign governments.

Promise: Impose a complete ban on foreign lobbyists raising money for American elections.

Completed? No.

Promise: Renegotiate Nafta or withdraw from the deal under Article 2205.

Completed? Sort of. Mr Trump has met with leaders from Mexico and Canada to discuss renegotiating the agreement, and this month he implemented his first tariffs against Canada. He has also required the US Department of Commerce and US Trade Representative to examine all the factors that contribute to the US trade deficit and submit a report on their findings. But just this week, he told leaders from Mexico and Canada he would not be withdrawing from the deal  yet.

Promise: Announce our withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)

Completed? Yes. Mr Trump announced the USs withdrawal from the TPP on 23 January.

Promise: Direct my secretary of the treasury to label China a currency manipulator

Completed? No. Mr Trump has reversed course on labelling the country a China manipulator, citing Chinese President Xi Jinpings help in dealing with North Korea.

Promise: Direct the Secretary of Commerce and US Trade Representative to identify all foreign trading abuses that unfairly impact American workers and direct them to use every tool under American and international law to end those abuses immediately.

Completed? Yes. Mr Trump is requiring his agency heads to conduct numerous such reviews. The Buy American and Hire American executive order, for example, requires the secretary of commerce and the US trade representative to assess the impacts of all United States free trade agreements and the World Trade Organization Agreement, among other things.

Promise: Lift the restrictions on the production of $50 trillion dollars worth of job-producing American energy reserves, including shale, oil, natural gas and clean coal.

Completed? Kind of. Mr Trump has rescinded multiple Obama-era environmental executive orders, including one that prevented coal mining on federal lands and one that precluded mines from dumping waste into waterways. But how much money this plan will generate has yet to be seen, and the $50 trillion estimate appears to be inflated from the original Institute for Energy Research study.

Promise: Lift the Obama-Clinton roadblocks and allow vital energy infrastructure projects, like the Keystone Pipeline, to move forward.

Completed? Yes. Trump greenlighted the Keystone Pipeline in January.

Promise: Cancel billions in payments to UN climate change programmes and use the money to fix Americas water and environmental infrastructure.

Completed? Kind of. Mr Trumps proposed 2018 budget would eliminate the Global Climate Change Initiative and all US funding to the Green Climate Fund. But Congress is the one that controls the purse strings, and they generally view the President's budget simply as a starting point.

Promise: Cancel every unconstitutional executive action, memorandum and order issued by President Obama.

Completed? Who knows. Its impossible to know now which orders, actions and memorandum Mr Trump considered unconstitutional. Mr Trump has rolled back a small fraction of Mr Obamas 276 executive orders and 257 memoranda, including those on international abortions, historically black colleges and universities, and the aforementioned orders on climate change.

Promise: Begin the process of selecting a replacement for Justice Scalia from one of the 20 judges on my list.

Completed? Yes. The Senate confirmed Judge Neil Gorsuch as a Supreme Court Justice on 7 April. Mr Gorsuch was on the list of potential nominees Mr Trump released before the election.

Promise: Suspend immigration from terror-prone regions where vetting cannot safely occur.

Completed? No. Mr Trumps executive order banning immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries was blocked by two separate federal judges. The revised order is currently subject to a temporary restraining order issued by a federal judge in Hawaii.

Promise: Cancel all federal funding to sanctuary cities.

Completed? No. Mr Trumps order barring funding to cities that do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement authorities was blocked by a federal judge. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the Justice Department will continue to litigate the case.

Promise: Begin removing the more than 2 million criminal illegal immigrants from the country and cancel visas to foreign countries that wont take them back.

Completed? Sort of. Deportations can take months to complete, so its difficult to say exactly how many people Mr Trump has deported. Immigration arrests did increase in Mr Trumps first weeks in office, by more than 30 per cent. But that included a two-fold increase in arrests of undocumented immigrants without a criminal record, too.

Promise: Introduce the Middle Class Tax Relief And Simplification Act, with massive tax reduction and simplification.

Completed? No. Mr Trump revealed a one-page outline of proposed tax reforms on 26 April. Mr Trumps chief economic adviser called the proposal a broad brush view of what the final legislation will be.

Promise: Introduce the End The Offshoring Act, which would impose tariffs to discourage companies from laying off their workers in order to relocate in other countries and ship their products back to the U.S. tax-free.

Completed? No.

Promise: Introduce the American Energy & Infrastructure Act, a 10-year plan to spur infrastructure development through public-private partnerships and private investments.

Completed? No.

Promise: Introduce the School Choice And Education Opportunity Act to end common core, expand vocational and technical education, make two- and four-year colleges more affordable, and let parents send their children to the school of their choosing.

Completed? No. A similar bill, introduced by Representative Andy Biggs, is currently in committee. Mr Trump has not expressed his support for the legislation.

Promise: Introduce the Repeal and Replace Obamacare Act.

Completed? Yes, but... While Mr Trump did work with House Republicans on a plan to repeal and replace Obamacare, he wound up asking for it to be pulled from a vote after hardline conservatives withheld their support. It was one of the biggest blows to Mr Trumps legislative agenda yet.

Promise: Introduce the Affordable Childcare and Eldercare Act, allowing families to deduct childcare and elder care from their taxes, incentivising employers to provide on-site childcare, and creating tax-free Dependent Care Savings Accounts for young and elderly dependents.

Completed? No.

Promise: Introduce the End Illegal Immigration Act to fund the construction of a Mexican border wall, with the full understanding that the country Mexico will be reimbursing the United States for the full cost of such wall.

Completed? No. Mr Trump has not introduced such an act, and funding for the wall will likely not be included in the 2017 budget.

Promise: Introduce the Restoring Community Safety Act, creating a Task Force On Violent Crime and increasing funding for federal law enforcement agencies, federal prosecutors, and programmes that train and assist local police.

Completed? No.

Promise: Introduce the Restoring National Security Act to eliminate the defence sequester and expand military investment; give veterans the ability to attend the private doctor of their choice, and establish new screening procedures for immigration.

Completed? No.

Promise: Introduce the Clean up Corruption in Washington Act to enact new ethics reforms and reduce the influence of special interests on politics.

Completed: No. Mr Trump has not endorsed any of the various ethics bills introduced to Congress
(Adds Maduro, European Union)

By Alexandra Ulmer

CARACAS, April 27 (Reuters) - The son of Venezuela's pro-government human rights ombudsman has surprised the country amid major protests against the leftist administration by publicly urging his father to "end the injustice."

The opposition has accused ombudsman Tarek Saab, whose title is "defender of the people," of turning a blind eye to rights abuses and a lurch into dictatorship by unpopular President Nicolas Maduro.

Some 29 people have died during this month's unrest.

In many of the vast street protests in Caracas in recent days, marchers aimed to converge on his office, but security forces firing tear gas and water cannons blocked them.

So Venezuelans were shocked to see Saab's son, a law student, breaking ranks with his powerful father and saying he himself had been a victim of what he called government repression against marchers.

"Dad, in this moment you have the power to end the injustice that has sunk this country," said Yibram Saab in a YouTube video late on Wednesday, sitting outside and reading from a paper.

"I ask you as your son, and in the name of Venezuela that you represent, that you reflect and do what you must do," added the younger Saab.

His father's support would be key to allowing lawmakers to open a case to remove the magistrates of the pro-government Supreme Court, who have overridden the opposition-led National Assembly.

In the video, Saab's son said he suffered "brutal repression" from security forces on Wednesday, when a 20-year-old demonstrator was killed by a tear gas canister that hit him in the chest. "It could have been me," said Yibram Saab.

The ombudsman, a former student leader who became a poet, lawyer, and Socialist Party governor, responded in a radio interview later on Thursday, saying he respected his son's right of opinion and loved him just the same.

"I love him, I adore him, whatever he might have said," he told La Romantica station, adding that he always defended rights and condemned violence no matter which side it came on.

Story continues

Maduro's son called on Saab's son to reconsider.

The president's son echoed the government stance that demonstrators are terrorists trying to instigate a coup amid the biggest protests since 2014.

"Your three minutes of fame could have been different. I think you could have picked up the phone and spoken with your father, expressing to him your love and concern and listening to him," wrote Nicolas Maduro Guerra.

The government has long accused the opposition of attempting to stage a coup, citing a short-lived attempt in 2002 against former President Hugo Chavez.

Saab, a staunch Chavez ally, was himself detained for a few hours during that coup, according to rights groups.

OPPOSITION BOOST

Opposition leaders said the video was evidence of fissures within "Chavismo," a movement founded by the charismatic Chavez that has taken a hit under Maduro, a former bus driver and union leader whose presidency has been marked by a stark recession.

The opposition hoped Saab's video would spur protesters to keep up street action despite fatigue, injuries, arrests and no sign of concessions from Maduro.

"The majority of us want a change, and that includes the families of those who today prop up this regime," tweeted opposition lawmaker Juan Andres Mejia.

Maduro's opponents are demanding a general election, the release of jailed activists, humanitarian aid to help offset shortages of food and medicine, and autonomy for the legislature.

They have been galvanized by international condemnation of Maduro's government and Caracas' increasing diplomatic isolation.

In what might have been a pre-emptive move to avoid expulsion, Venezuela has said it will withdraw from the Organization of American States, the first nation to do so in the bloc's more than century-old history.

The head of the regional body had said Venezuela could be expelled, accusing Maduro of eroding the country's democracy by delaying elections and refusing to respect the legislature.

"Today, Venezuela woke up freer than yesterday," Maduro said in a speech to a women's meeting on Thursday. "OAS, go to hell!"

Communist ally Cuba, which has not returned to the OAS after being suspended from 1962-2009, backed Venezuela "in this new chapter of resistance and dignity."

But the United States said it would like Venezuela to remain in the OAS, so long as it complies with requirements. Separately, President Donald Trump, a strong critic of Maduro, said the situation in Venezuela is "very sad."

European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini condemned the violence in Venezuela, sent condolences over the dead, and urged the government to both protect peaceful protesters and set "a clear electoral calendar" (Additional reporting by Girish Gupta and Andrew Cawthorne in Caracas, Lesley Wroughton in Washington D.C. and Nelson Acosta in Havana; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne, and Andrew Hay)
South Korea's navy has begun joint exercises with US ships, including the supercarrier USS Carl Vinson, in a show of force amid the growing threat posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes.

The drills began hours after South Korean and US officials said they detected what they presumed was a failed missile launch from an area near the North Korean capital, Pyongyang.

The South Korean navy said the drill is aimed at "deterring North Korea's provocations and displaying the firm alliance between the United States and South Korea".

The USS Carl Vinson also participated in annual springtime drills between United States and South Korea in March.

North Korean ballistic missile tests are banned by the United Nations because they ar e seen as part of the North's push for a nuclear-tipped missile which can strike the US mainland.

The latest test came as US officials pivoted from a hard line to diplomacy at the UN in an effort to address what may be Washington's most pressing foreign policy challenge.

US president Donald Trump said on Twitter: "North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!"

North Korea's state media has reiterated the country's goal of developing a nuclear missile capable of reaching the US.

The Rodong Sinmun newspaper also said the North revealed two types of new intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in an April 15 military parade honouring its late state founder, Kim Il Sung, the grandfather of current ruler Kim Jong Un.

The parade featured previously unseen large rocket canisters and launcher trucks.

It said: "The large territory that is the United States has been entirely exposed to our pre-emptive nuclear strike means."

Referring to the United States sending the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to Korean waters, the newspaper said that "rendering aircraft carriers useless is not even a problem" for its military.

The newspaper said the North displayed three types of ICBMs during the parade, including two new types that were inside the canisters.

Analysts say the North's existing liquid-fuel ICBMS, including the KN-08 and KN-14, are potentially capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, although the North has never flight tested them.

Norwegian foreign minister Borge Brende said Saturday on Twitter that "new missile test violates SC (Security Council) resolution. Urgent need for common action to reduce tension."

Norway, which is not a current member of the Security Council, is a founding member of the United Nations and has always considered the body as a cornerstone in its foreign policy.

In Japan, one of Tokyo's major subways systems shut down all lines for 10 minutes early on Saturday after receiving warning of a North Korean missile launch.

Tokyo Metro official Hiroshi Takizawa said the temporary suspension affected 13,000 passengers.

Service was halted on all nine lines at 6.07am. It resumed at 6.17am after it was clear there was no threat to Japan.

Mr Takizawa said it is the first time service had been stopped in response to a missile launch. Train service is generally suspended in Japan immediately after large earthquakes. Tokyo Metro decided earlier this month to stop for missile launch warnings as well.
Pope Francis talks to journalists during a press conference on his return flight from Cairo to Rome REUTERS/Gregorio Borgia/Pool

Pope Francis said on Saturday a third country should try to mediate the dispute between North Korea and Washington, saying the situation had become "too hot" and the world risked a devastating war.

Francis said he believed "a good part of humanity" would be destroyed in any widespread war.

Speaking to reporters aboard the plane taking him back from Cairo, Francis also said he was ready to meet US President Donald Trump when he is in Europe next month but that he was not aware that Washington had made a request for a meeting.

In answer to a question about the tensions between the United States and North Korea, Francis said the United Nations should re-assert its leadership in world diplomacy because it had become "too watered down".
Donald Trump has signed the most executive orders of any president in his first 100 days since the Second World War

President Donald Trump has marked his 100th day in office by saying he had brought "profound change" to Washington and reaffirming "my only allegiance" is to those he governs.

During an evening trip to Pennsylvania, one of the states that propelled his unlikely election victory, Mr Trump planned to sign an executive order directing the Commerce Department and the US trade representative to conduct a study of US trade agreements.

The goal is to determine whether America is being treated fairly by its trading partners and the 164-nation World Trade Organisation (WTO).

He was scheduled to visit the Ames tool factory in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, which has manufactured shovels since 1774, and then hold a campaign-style rally in Harrisburg, the state capital.

Mr Trump announced in the last week that he intended to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement and begin reworking a trade deal with South Korea, with which the US has a significant trade deficit.

"There isn't a day that goes by that the president doesn't discuss some aspect of trade," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said at the White House on Friday.

Early on in his tenure, Mr Trump used an executive order to withdraw the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal negotiated by the Obama administration.

"From the first day of my administration, I have governed by a simple idea: my only allegiance is to you, our wonderful citizens," Mr Trump said in his weekly radio and internet address.

"Together we are seeing that great achievements are possible when we put American people first. That is why I withdrew the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

"That day was a turning point for our nation. It put the countries of this world on notice that the sell-out of the American worker was over."

He said in his remarks: "In just 14 weeks, my administration has brought profound change to Washington."

Executive orders in line to be signed on Saturday would be the 31st and 32nd since taking office - the most of any president in his first 100 days since World War Two.

During the campaign, Mr Trump railed against President Barack Obama's use of the power, which has the benefit of not needing congressional approval.

The more significant of the two orders would give the Commerce Department and the US Trade Representative 180 days to identify violations and abuses under US trade agreements and recommend solutions.

Mr Ross said the WTO, the arbiter of world trade rules, was bureaucratic and outdated and needed an overhaul. He played down the possibility that the United States would consider leaving the organisation but did not rule it out.

The administration argues that unfair competition with China and other trade partners has wiped out millions of US factory jobs.

Mr Ross said dissatisfaction with trade policy is one reason voters turned to Mr Trump.

Mr Trump has ordered the Commerce Department to study the causes of the United States' massive trade deficit in goods.

The administration is also imposing duties on Canadian softwood timber and is investigating whether steel and aluminium imports pose a threat to national security.

AP
New York, Apr 29 (Just Earth News): Concluding a three-day mission to Mali, a senior United Nations relief official has underlined the need to keep the humanitarian needs of its people in the international spotlight.

Nearly two years after the signing of a peace agreement, Mali is again at a critical turning point with devastating implications for its people and the region, said the Director of Operations for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), John Ging, in New York, upon his return from the African country.

We must meet the immediate humanitarian needs, strengthen resilience, empower Mali's women, invest in children's education, and reopen schools before this generation is lost to the conflict.

According to estimates, nearly one in five Malians are in need of humanitarian assistance this year, and 3.8 million people are could face food insecurity in the coming lean season as violence reduces access to land. Malnutrition rates are also on the rise due to decreased access to food and the country now exceeds the alert threshold for global acute malnutrition.

Furthermore, deteriorating security in central Mali since February has displaced more than 10,000 people and some 507 schools have been closed across the country's central and northern parts, impacting about 150,000 children. This is 70 per cent more schools closed than at the same period in 2016.

The conflict has created a humanitarian crisis caused and people are cut off from access to basic services, including water, health and education, prompting an intensification of needs.

At the same time, concerted efforts are needed to address the particularly alarming situation of Malian women. According to OCHA, almost nine in ten women and girls in the country between the ages of 15-49 have been subjected to female genital mutilation.

Accompanied by several key donors, the senior OCHA official visited several locations in the country and met with officials, visited health and nutrition centres and schools.

In Mali, Ging also met with Prime Minister Abdoulaye Idrissa Maiga, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive response to tackle growing challenges in the country. He also encouraged the Government to engage more closely with affected communities and work to re-establish basic services.

The focus and support for the security sector alone will not solve Mali's crisis, said Ging after his mission.

The key is to support and empower the people of Mali [] as an international community, we must intensify our engagement, he added, urging the global community to sustain and increase its funding for programmes in the country.

Funding for aid programmes in Mali has seen a steady decline and the $293 million Humanitarian Response Plan for 2017 is only 11.6 per cent funded.

Photo: OCHA/A.Desgroseilliers

Source: www.justearthnews.com
New York, Apr 29 (Just Earth News): The United Nations on Friday welcomed the withdrawal of all Polisario Front elements from the Guerguerat area, between the berm and the border with Mauritania, has confirmed by observers of the UN Mission on Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, on 27-28 April.

According to a statement issued by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, together with the earlier withdrawal of Moroccan elements from the area, in response to the urging of the Secretary-General, this action should improve the prospects of creating an environment that will facilitate early implementation of Guterres's determination to relaunch the negotiating process.

The process would be relaunched with a new dynamic and a new spirit that reflects the Security Council's guidance and resolutions, with the aim of reaching a mutually acceptable political solution which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.

We continue to call on the parties to adhere to their obligations under the ceasefire agreement and to respect both its letter and spirit, and to cooperate fully with MINURSO, said the Spokesman, adding that the need to ensure that tensions do not erupt anew in the Guerguerat area remains vital.

To this end, MINURSO intends to maintain the position it has held in the Buffer Strip since August 2016 and further discuss the Mission's future monitoring of the area and the full range of issues related to the Buffer Strip with the parties, the statement added.

The statement comes as the UN Security Council on Friday unanimously extended MINURSO's mandate until 30 April 20 18. Through a resolution, the Council reaffirmed the need for full respect of the military agreements reached with MINUSRSO with regard to the ceasefire and called on all the parties to adhere fully to those agreements.

Western Sahara is located on the north-west coast of Africa bordered by Morocco, Mauritania and Algeria. The colonial administration of Western Sahara by Spain ended in 1976. Fighting later broke out between Morocco and the Polisario Front. A ceasefire was signed in September 1991. MINURSO was deployed that year to monitor the ceasefire between the Government of Morocco and the Polisario Front and organizing, if the parties agree, a referendum on self-determination in Western Sahara.

A revised settlement plan was deployed by the United Nations after seven years of diplomatic consultations was rejected by one of the parties in 2004. In approving the current phase of direct negotiations in 2007, the UN Security Council called for a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political settlement which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.

UN Photo/Martine Perret

Source: www.justearthnews.com
Markets trade lower amid volatility; Nifty around 18,200 Domestic benchmark indices trading red after a gap-up opening on Thursday amid volatility. Both the Sensex and Nifty benchmarks are marginally lower in the afternoon market session. On th... November 09, 2022 | 2:00 pm

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Natco Pharma launches first generic version of Pomalyst capsules in the Australian Market NATCO Pharma Limited has announced the launch of first generic version of Pomalyst (Pomalidomide) Capsules in 1,2,3,4 mg strengths in the Australian market. The product was launched by NAT... November 09, 2022 | 12:00 pm

Ugar Sugar Works commences operations of 645 KLPD distillery; Stock plunges 6% The Ugar Sugar Works Ltd has informed to the exchanges regarding start of operations of 645 KLPD Distillery. As per the regulatory filing, the company has started the operations of 6... November 09, 2022 | 11:45 am

Genesys International appoints Sameer Sankhe as Chief Digital Officer Genesys International Corporation, one of the leading homegrown players in the locational intelligence space, has announced the appointment of Sameer Sankhe as Chief Digital Officer (CDO). ... November 09, 2022 | 11:37 am
Popular model and TV prime time host, Sonika Chauhan died in a car accident today morning. Bengali actor Vikram Chatterjee too is critically injured when the SUV in which they were travelling met with an accident in south Kolkata today.

TOI





An agency report claims that the SUV mounted the pavement while trying to avoid an approaching car from a nearby lane and partially tilted on one side at around 4:30 am near Rashbehari Avenue crossing.

#NewJourney #NewAssociation thank you #94.3 #RadioOne More info coming soon!! @rj_shelee_official please thank the whole team on my behalf A post shared by Vikram Chatterjee (@vikramchatterje) on Apr 28, 2017 at 7:44am PDT

Vikram and Sonika, who were on the drivers seat and front seat respectively, were brought out from the mangled car by locals and rushed to a private hospital, police said.

Shot by @sanmoy.basu  Hair & Make up by @jituspirit  styled by @nehagandhi90  A post shared by Sonika Chauhan (@sonika1207) on Apr 26, 2017 at 11:45am PDT

While Sonika was declared dead, Vikram was admitted to the hospital, police said.

Twitter

As soon as the news broke on the internet, many Bengali film actors started mourning this sudden unfortunate incident. Many including Dev rushed to the hospital on E M Bypass. Even though Vikram is stable, he's still in the ICU.

Do it today. Just Dance. PC - @wanduhlousie A post shared by Sonika Chauhan (@sonika1207) on Apr 28, 2017 at 8:08am PDT

Sonika was a popular face in the modelling circuit, had also been hosting a prime time show on a national channel. Vikram, whose last film Khoj (The Lost) was screened in several film festivals, had also acted in Elar Char Adhyay and Ami Ar Amar Girlfriends.
1. Reports claim that more than 1 million tickets of Baahubali 2 were sold online within 24 hours of opening of advance booking

Dharma Productions

Yes, that's a first! It has almost managed to get the highest ever opening for a Hindi-dubbed film in history. Baahubali has already shattered the record created by Aamir Khans Dangal in 2016. In Chennai and several parts of Tamil Nadu, several websites crashed as soon as advance booking for the film started.

2. Gul Panag Sets Another Record, Becomes The First Indian Woman To Drive Formula E Racing Car

Super excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A post shared by Gul Panag (@gulpanag) on Apr 26, 2017 at 12:10am PDT

An agency report claims that Gul drove the M4Electro at the Circuit de Calafat in Catalonia, Spain, which is a Mahindra fourth generation Formula E race car.

3. Akshay Kumar's Initiative Bharat Ke Veer Gets Flooded With Donations For Sukma Martyrs' Families

Pinterest

The Sukma massacre took place on April 24 and 25 Central Reserve Paramilitary Force [CRPF] were killed in Maoist-related violence in Chhattisgarhs district. The portal reveals how in less than 12 hours, there have been a flood of donations, ranging from different parts of the country.

4. Our Favorite TV Show Hum Paanch Is All Set To Return After 11 Years With A Brand New Season!

Pinterest

A report claims that Hum Paanch is all set to return for a third season. The show will be called 'Hum Paanch Fhir Se' but the show will not be produced by Ekta Kapoor. The report further claims that makers of 'Maharakshak Devi' and dance reality show 'Dance India Dance' will be producing the show.

5. On World Dance Day, Shahid Kapoor Shares The Cutest Dancing Video With Daughter Misha

#worlddanceday #havefeetwilldance #mj dance is in your blood. A post shared by Shahid Kapoor (@shahidkapoor) on Apr 29, 2017 at 1:50am PDT

Shahid, who has always been considered as the top most dancers of Bollywood fails to get attention because it's baby Misha, on a harness, jumping and dancing who is hogging all the limelight.




Humans are still evolving, So, where will evolution take us in 1,000 years?

Chances are well be taller. Humans have already seen a boom in height over the last 130 years.

In 1880 the average American male was 57. Today, hes 510.

We may also merge with machines that can enhance our hearing, eyesight, health, and much more. Right now, there are hearing aids that let you record sounds, generate white noise, and even come with a built-in phone.

Another example is a team out of the University of Oregon which is developing bionic eyes that help the blind to see. But its not impossible to imagine that this technology could become a tool for seeing what we currently consider invisible, like different energies of light such as infrared and x-rays.

There will eventually be a day where prosthetics are no longer just for the disabled.

However, its not just our outside appearance that will change  our genes will also evolve on microscopic levels to aid our survival. For example, an Oxford-led study discovered a group of HIV-infected children in South Africa living healthy lives. It turns out, they have a built-in defense against HIV that prevents the virus from advancing to AIDS.

And with gene-editing tools like CRISPR, we may eventually control our genes and DNA to the point where we make ourselves immune to disease and even reverse the effects of aging.

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android.

Another way to jump-start the human evolution on a different path is to move some of us to Mars. Mars receives 66% less sunlight than Earth. Which could mean humans on Mars will evolve larger pupils that can absorb more light in order to see. And since Mars gravitational pull is only 38% of Earths, people born on Mars might actually be taller than anyone on Earth. In space, the fluid that separates our vertebrae expands, which led American aerospace engineer, Robert Zubrin to suggest that Mars low gravity could allow the human spine to elongate enough to add a few extra inches to our height.

Story continues

However, not even a move to Mars could spark the biggest change in human evolution that we may have coming in the next 1,000 years: immortality. The path to immortality will likely require humans to download their consciousness into a machine. Right now, scientists in Italy and China are performing head transplants on animals to determine if you can transfer consciousness from one body to another. They claim their next big step is to transplant human heads.

Whatever happens in the next 1,000 years  whether we merge with machines or become them  one thing is certain: The human race is always changing  and the faster we change and branch out from Earth, the better chance we have of outrunning extinction.

Follow Tech Insider: On Facebook





More From Business Insider
A terrorist was arrested by security personnel Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag on Friday after they foiled a bank robbery attempt.

AFP/ Representational Image

Two terrorists tried to enter Mehandi Kadal branch of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank when the employees had gone to offer Friday prayers.

While one managed to flee, CRPF managed to apprehend the second one.

CRPF) personnel deployed at the branch told ANI that when he along with a head constable of J&K Police were guarding the bank, the two terrorists approached the bank, and asked, "Is the bank closed?"

"When we answered that it would be opened soon, one of the terrorists pulled out a pistol and fired a single shot at the constable but missed as the alert constable pushed him and he fell down. While I caught the other, the militant who had opened the fire managed to flee," said the CRPF official.

In a confessional video, the terrorist arrested in Anantnag, said his handler threatened to kill him if he and his associate didn't snatch security personnel's rifles.
The three Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the terror attack on an Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara on Thursday were laid to rest.

Captain Ayush Yadav was given teary-eyed farewell by family and friends in Kanpur on Saturday. Wrapped in tri-colour the 24-year-old captain was cremated with full state honours. Read more

1. Out Of 15 Lakh Registered Companies In India, 9 Lakh Don't File Returns! Money Laundering Suspected

As many as 8-9 lakh registered companies are not filing annual returns with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and are a potential source of money laundering, Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia said.

Adhia said on Saturday that the task force set up by the PMO is monitoring these companies every 15 days. Read more

2. After MCD Election Defeat Arvind Kejriwal Admits Mistake, Promises To Introspect, Course Correct

Arvind Kejriwal has been listening, hard, to all the criticism about his alleged high-handedness, and has acknowledged in an early morning tweet today that the need of the hour for him is "action and not excuses".

In his tweet, the Delhi chief minister didn't once blame faulty voting machines, conspiracies, or other parties for his Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) humiliating losses in a string of elections. Read more

3. Tamil Nadu Farmers Threaten To Resume Protest After State Government Denies Deaths Over Drought

Farmers from Tamil Nadu who held a 45-day long sit-in demonstration in Delhi recently threatened to resume their protest after the E Palaniswami government told the Supreme Court that no farmer had committed suicide in the state due to drought.

In a submission in the SC on Friday the Tamil Nadu government blamed "personal problems" and not drought for the farmer suicides in the state. Read more

4. Dawood Ibrahim Is Fit And Fine Says Chhota Shakeel Amid Rumours Of His Health Condition

Speculation is rife that notorious gangster Dawood Ibrahim is no more, after some Pakistani media outlets said he's been gravely ill.

While reports of the 61-year-old gangster's death started doing the rounds on Friday, his long-time aide Chhotta Shakeel was at pains to refute any rumours that the gangster has died. Read more

5. IITs To Soon Have Reservation For Female Students

The IITs will soon have a quota for women students. The IIT Council, which met in Mumbai on Friday, discussed the possibility of raising the number of women students from the current annual 8-9% to 20% by 2020. "It has been decided to give admission to more girls," said HRD minister Prakash Javadekar.

Sources said that there would be additional seats set aside course-wise, thus allowing more girls to join the IITs. For instance, if there are 60 spots in IIT-Bombay's computer science programme, there will be an addition of one or two seats just for girls. Read more
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to the Muslim community to find for proper solution to end the controversial practice of triple talaq.

BCCL

Addressing the Basva festival, Prime Minister Modi told media,

I believe people from Muslim community would come up to solve the issue of triple talaq and act as saviour to the Muslim women in this crucial period.

He went on to say that there should be no discrimination in the country, adding that Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas is the motto of his government and it will fulfill promises made to the people without any discrimination.

Expressing happiness over the feedback received from Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Prime Minister Modi said, It is very surprising to see that more than 70 percent of women applied for the mudra loan for their small scale business.
Taking a serious note of the increasing number of farmer suicide in the country, the Supreme Court has asked the central government to give it the information about the line of action that the different states will be taking to reduce the number of farmer deaths.

Reuters

The bench, led by Chief Justice of India J S Khehar, said, It is a very serious issue and the Centre should file the proposed line of action to be taken by the states with regard to the farmers suicide with the apex court registry within four weeks. Agriculture is a state subject and the Centre will coordinate with the states and come up with a line of action to address the root cause of farmers committing suicide.

Reuters

Also, the bench said that the government should understand the root causes of this problem. The Supreme Court first wants to focus on places where the problem is severe such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Gujarat.
Farmers from Tamil Nadu who held a 45-day long sit-in demonstration in Delhi recently threatened to resume their protest after the E Palaniswami government told the Supreme Court that no farmer had committed suicide in the state due to drought.

PTI

In a submission in the SC on Friday the Tamil Nadu government blamed "personal problems" and not drought for the farmer suicides in the state.

This comes after the Supreme Court on April 13th ordered the Tamil Nadu Government to file a detailed reply in the farmers suicide issue in two weeks.

Expressing displeasure on inaction on farmers suicide issue, the apex court lashed out at the government for not taking enough measures to prevent the farmers suicides in the state.

As expected the bizarre claim of the government did not go down well with the farmers.

BCCL

Ayyakannu, who has been leading the now suspended protest in Delhi said the state CM have to explain the statement.

"So what was the compensation that Tamil Nadu government sought from the Center. This is a grave mistake that the CM has done. Tomorrow we will counter it with all the FIRS in the court. Farmers committed suicide due to drought. I am meeting TN CM soon. I will ask for convincing explanation. If he doesn't give, we will launch agitation once again in Tamil Nadu."

PTI

Opposition DMK called it a shame.

"It is a shame that the government of Tamil Nadu has filed an affidavit that many died of age, but farmers died due to shock of barren lands. That has been seen as suicide. It can't be taken likely. He is further humiliating saying they have submitted the report of collector. Not sure if he is collector or dawali to the collector," DMK Spokesperson TKS Elangovan said.

BCCL

Tamil Nadu is going through the worst drought in 142 years, which has resulted in a massive crop failure. 32 lakhs farmers are believed to have been affected by the drought. The farmers are demanding farm loan waiver, a drought relief package of Rs 40,000 crore from the Centre and setting up of Cauvery Management Board.

Ayyakannu during the recent protest told Indiatimes that,

"In just past six months alone, 400 farmers have committed suicide. If the loans borrowed by the farmers are not waived off, 4 lakhs people in Tamil Nadu will be forced to commit suicide."

BCCL

The farmers who did everything from displaying the skulls of their loved ones who committed suicide to eating dead rats, snakes and grass, running naked near the parliament and being whipped by a man wearing a Modi mask had on last Saturday suspended their demonstration after an assurance by the Tamil Nadu government.
China has threatened to impose sanctions on North Korea if it conducts further nuclear tests, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said.

"We know that China is in communications with the regime in Pyongyang," Tillerson said on Fox News Channel. "They confirmed to us that they had requested the regime conduct no further nuclear test."

BCCL

Tillerson said China also told the US that it had informed North Korea "that if they did conduct further nuclear tests, China would be taking sanctions actions on their own."

The senior US Navy officer overseeing military operations in the Pacific said the crisis with North Korea is at the worst point he's ever seen, but he declined to compare the situation to the Cuban missile crisis decades ago.

"It's real," Adm. Harry Harris Jr, commander of US Pacific Command, said during testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Harris said he has no doubt that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un intends to fulfil his pursuit of a nuclear-tipped missile capable of striking the United States. The admiral acknowledged there's uncertainty within US intelligence agencies over how far along North Korea's nuclear and missile programs are. But Harris said it's not a matter of if but when.

"There is no doubt in my mind," Harris said.

China's foreign ministry had no immediate comment on Tillerson's remarks on new sanctions, but a spokesman Thursday said Beijing remained committed to implementing sanctions imposed under UN Security Council resolutions.

AFP

"And the reason that China implements relevant resolutions is to fulfil our due international obligation rather than being pressured by any outside parties," Geng Shuang said at a daily briefing.

China has consistently called for an end to North Korea's nuclear weapons program, but says it opposes unilateral sanctions imposed without a UN mandate. China in January suspended coal imports from the North for the rest of the year, but it did so following the passage of a Security Council resolution capping Pyongyang's coal exports.

Other economic activity with North Korea remains robust.

Still, Beijing has been increasing pressure on North Korea, and would be willing to impose punitive measures unilaterally in the event of another nuclear test, said Cheng Xiaohe, an associate professor at Renmin University's School of International Studies in Beijing.

"So Tillerson's comments are correct but be careful, China does so for China's national interest, not as a result of US pressure," Cheng said.

AFP

The Trump administration has declared that all options, including a targeted military strike, are on the table to block North Korea from carrying out threats against the United States and its allies in the region. But a pre-emptive attack isn't likely, US officials have said, and the administration is pursuing a strategy of putting pressure on Pyongyang with assistance from China, North Korea's main trading partner and the country's economic lifeline.

With international support, the Trump administration said Thursday it wants to exert a "burst" of economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea that yields results within months to push the communist government to change course from developing nuclear weapons.

Susan Thornton, the acting top US diplomat for East Asia, said there's debate about whether Pyongyang is willing to give up its weapons programs. She said the US wants "to test that hypothesis to the maximum extent we can" for a peaceful resolution.

AFP

But signalling that military action remains possible, Thornton told an event hosted by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies the Washington think tank has advocated tougher US policies on Iran and North Korea, that the administration treats North Korea as its primary security challenge and is serious that "all options are on the table."

"We are not seeking regime change and our preference is to resolve this problem peacefully," Thornton said, "but we are not leaving anything off the table."

Tillerson took a similar stand in the Fox News interview Thursday, saying: "We do not seek regime change in North Korea... What we are seeking is the same thing China has said they seek a full denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula."

In a separate interview with National Public Radio, Tillerson said the US remains open to holding direct negotiations with North Korea.

AFP

"But North Korea has to decide they're ready to talk to us about the about the right agenda, and the right agenda is not simply stopping where they are for a few more months or a few more years and then resuming things," he said, according to excerpts of an interview that will air Friday morning. "That's been the agenda for the last 20 years."

Multi-nation negotiations with North Korea on its nuclear program stalled in 2008. The Obama administration attempted to resurrect them in 2012, but a deal to provide food aid in exchange for a nuclear freeze soon collapsed.

The House GOP leadership announced late Thursday that it would vote next week on new sanctions against North Korea that would target its shipping industry and those who employ North Korean slave labour abroad.

"The time for waiting on North Korea to get its act together is over. Congress has led the effort to institute tough and far-reaching sanctions against Pyongyang," said House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.

AFP

In a show of military might, the US has sent a massive amount of American weaponry to the region. A group of American warships led by the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson is in striking range of North Korea "if the president were to call on it," Harris told the committee. A US missile defense system called Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense is being installed in South Korea.

Harris said he has adequate forces to "fight tonight" against North Korea if that were to become necessary.
North Korea said on Sunday it was ready to sink a US aircraft carrier to demonstrate its military might, as two Japanese navy ships joined a US carrier group for exercises in the western Pacific.

US President Donald Trump ordered the USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group to sail to waters off the Korean peninsula in response to rising tension over the North's nuclear and missile tests, and its threats to attack the United States and its Asian allies.

Reuters

The United States has not specified where the carrier strike group is as it approaches the area. US Vice President Mike Pence said on Saturday it would arrive "within days" but gave no other details.

North Korea remained defiant.

"Our revolutionary forces are combat-ready to sink a US nuclear powered aircraft carrier with a single strike," the Rodong Sinmun, the newspaper of the North's ruling Workers' Party, said in a commentary.

The paper likened the aircraft carrier to a "gross animal" and said a strike on it would be "an actual example to show our military's force".

The commentary was carried on page three of the newspaper, after a two-page feature about leader Kim Jong Un inspecting a pig farm.

North Korea will mark the 85th anniversary of the foundation of its Korean People's Army on Tuesday.

It has in the past marked important anniversaries with tests of its weapons.

Reuters

North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests, two of them last year, and is working to develop nuclear-tipped missiles that can reach the United States.

It has also carried out a series of ballistic missile tests in defiance of United Nations sanctions.

North Korea's growing nuclear and missile threat is perhaps the most serious security challenge confronting Trump.

He has vowed to prevent the North from being able to hit the United States with a nuclear missile and has said all options are on the table, including a military strike.

Worry In Japan

North Korea says its nuclear programme is for self-defence and has warned the United States of a nuclear attack in response to any aggression. It has also threatened to lay waste to South Korea and Japan.

US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Friday North Korea's recent statements were provocative but had proven to be hollow in the past and should not be trusted.

"We've all come to hear their words repeatedly, their word has not proven honest," Mattis told a news conference in Tel Aviv, before the latest threat to the aircraft carrier.

Japan's show of naval force reflects growing concern that North Korea could strike it with nuclear or chemical warheads.

Some Japanese ruling party lawmakers are urging Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to acquire strike weapons that could hit North Korean missile forces before any imminent attack.

Japan's navy, which is mostly a destroyer fleet, is the second largest in Asia after China's.

The two Japanese warships, the Samidare and Ashigara, left western Japan on Friday to join the Carl Vinson and will "practice a variety of tactics" with the US strike group, the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force said in a statement.

The Japanese force did not specify where the exercises were taking place but by Sunday the destroyers could have reached an area 2,500 km (1,500 miles) south of Japan, which would be waters east of the Philippines.

Reuters

From there, it could take three days to reach waters off the Korean peninsula. Japan's ships would accompany the Carl Vinson north at least into the East China Sea, a source with knowledge of the plan said.

US and South Korean officials have been saying for weeks that the North could soon stage another nuclear test, something the United States, China and others have warned against.

South Korea has put is forces on heightened alert.

China, North Korea's sole major ally which nevertheless opposes Pyongyang's weapons programmes and belligerence, has appealed for calm. The United States has called on China to do more to help defuse the tension.

Last Thursday, Trump praised Chinese efforts to rein in "the menace of North Korea", after North Korean state media warned the United States of a "super-mighty preemptive strike".
In a proud moment for India, two India-origin women freedom activists, Fatima Meer and Shantie Naidoo, were awarded South Africa's highest National Order awards.

Two Indian-origin women veterans of the freedom struggle in South Africa were conferred the highest National Order awards by President Jacob Zuma on April 28.

Fatima Meer posthumously received the Order of Luthuli in Silver; while Shantie Naidoo joined 21 others, who were part of a group who suffered at the hands of the apartheid-era security police who tortured them and held them in solitary confinement, to receive the same award at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria.

Wikipedia

Meer, a lifelong friend of the late Nelson Mandela together with her husband Ismail Meer, started her activist career as a high school student aged 17 in 1945.

"The Indian community suffered the enactment of the first Segregation Act which restricted their economic and residential rights to specific areas in the country," said Meer's citation from the presidency.

"The Indian community resisted by organising Satyagraha, the first since Gandhi's Satyagraha at the close of the century."

Meer mobilised high school students and established the Students Passive Resistance Committee to canvass and raise funds for the Passive Resistance Campaign.

Alchetron

Excelling as a historian and sociologist, Meer was a prolific writer, including a biography of Mandela, as well as the script for the film Taj Mahal, made by Indian filmmaker Akbar Khan.

In 1969, she published a book, Portrait of Indian South Africans, donating the total proceeds thereof to the Gandhi Settlement towards the building of the Gandhi Museum and Clinic at the Phoenix Settlement started by Gandhi, which is still run today by his granddaughter Ela Gandhi.

After the advent of democracy in 1994 under President Mandela, Meer served as a member of the parliament before passing on in 2010.

Naidoo is a descendant of Thambi Naidoo, one of Gandhi's most trusted lieutenants during his tenure in South Africa at the turn of the last century.

southafricanhistory

She suffered frequent imprisonment as a member of the Transvaal Indian Congress and the African National Congress.

"My mother Amma Naidoo, inspired by my grandfather Thambi before her, was at the forefront of the historic Women's March to the Union Buildings in Pretoria in 1956 to protest the unjust anti-apartheid laws," Naidoo said.

"Her undying commitment to justice, freedom and equality was in turn an inspiration to me, my brother and sisters," said Naidoo, who recalled how she and her co-recipients had been subjected to frequent severe treatment while in detention, but never gave in or divulged any information about the anti-apartheid activities of the time.
The first freight train to link China directly to the UK arrived in the eastern Chinese city of Yiwu Saturday after covering over 12,000-kilometres (7,500 miles), making it the second-longest route in the world.

Reuters

The journey is the latest effort in China's drive to strengthen trade links with western Europe along a modern-day "Silk Road" route.

The world's top trading nation launched the "One Belt, One Road" strategy in 2013, and has since poured millions into constructing vast infrastructure links.

The train -- loaded with whisky, baby milk, pharmaceuticals and machinery -- departed London on April 10 and passed through France, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan during its 20-day trip before arriving in Yiwu in eastern Zhejiang province, a major wholesale centre for small consumer goods.

The new route is longer than Russia's famous Trans-Siberian railway, but about 1000 kilometres shorter than the record-holding China-Madrid link, which opened in 2014.

The journey should be 30 days faster than moving the goods by ship, the provincial government had said, but the pilot run took two days more than the 18 days expected.

Reuters

And the train, named the East Wind, has much less carrying capacity -- just 88 shipping containers, according to the Yiwu government, compared to the 10,000 to 20,000 containers cargo ships can carry.

It is unclear how much the venture cost, and some experts have questioned whether the ambitious project makes economic sense.

China already has a regular direct freight train service to Germany, Europe's largest economy.
It doesnt matter what claims a software company makes, theres one universal law of product design that continues to hold true  nothing is unhackable. So how is a technology giant supposed to protect itself from malicious attackers attempting to take advantage of unseen vulnerabilities? Why, by attempting to hack it themselves of course.

Thats where Parisa Tabriz comes in, Googles head of product security for the companys Chrome browser. Ever since her entry into Google in 2007, the 34-year-old security expert and her team have detected countless bugs and loopholes in Chromes security system, patching them before they can be exploited by outside hackers. She was even featured on Forbes 2012 Top 30 People Under 30 To Watch In the Technology Industry list. Its no wonder then that shes earned herself the moniker of Security Princess among both cyber security professionals and the media.

Calling themselves the Department of Chromeland Security Tabriz and her team of 30 white hat hackers (security researchers who attempt to hack systems for good, as opposed to black hat hackers that breach software for personal gain or sport) are hard at work everyday to make Chrome the most safe browsing experience it can possibly be.

The 'Department of Chromeland Security' in 2016, minus the 'Browser Boss' herself - Images courtesy Parisa Tabriz/Flickr

For a significant chunk of my waking hours, I work here [Google] making things like this [Chrome] more secure, Tabriz says on her website. I've also had the privilege of working with the US Digital Service to enhance network and software security at the White House. Hacking information security is fun, and I'm pretty lucky I get paid to work on it with the world's best. Recently, I've been focusing on making the web safer to browse so users don't get pwnd, making Internet traffic more secure, spreading the hacker mindset, and trying to improve diversity in the tech industry because it leads to more innovation and better results.

Indeed, Tabriz and her team of hired hackers have to think like black hats, in order to preempt attacks on people using Chrome.

I have worked at Google for 10 years and my job has changed over those 10 years but our mission has stayed the same: to keep our users and their data safe, she said in an interview with Digital News Asia.

And the Chrome security team really have their work cut out for them; theyre responsible for protecting billions of people from being scammed, robbed, or having their identities stolen, most of whom may not even recognize when theyre the victim of a hacking attempt or be able to differentiate between an encrypted website and a fake one.

Part of they way they do this is by publicly outing websites deemed insecure, pasting a red Not secure warning in the URL of a website using HTTP instead of an encrypted HTTPS connection.

But its not just because of her skills that Tabriz is well-known in the tech industry, its because of her gender as well. Women are till date grossly underrepresented in technology and computer science, yet she occupies a management position supervising a 30-strong team of mostly male coders, across Googles US and Europe headquarters. However, Tabriz has better hopes for the future. Fifty years ago there were similar percentages of women in medicine and law, now thankfully that's shifted. And to do her bit to help more young girls get into coding, she regularly mentors under-16 students at that teach children white hat hacking. She also especially encourages girls to pursue internet security work, and the field of computer science in general.

Hacking can be ugly, she told the Telegraph in an interview. The guy who published the private photos of those celebrities online made headlines everywhere. What he did was not only a violation of these women but it was criminal, and as a hacker I was very saddened by it. I feel like we, the hackers, need better PR to show we're not all like that. After all I'm in the business of protecting people.
Assad

: Israel is Providing Weaponry & Logistic Support to Terrorists in Syria

By Telesur



April 28, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - " SANA " - Damascus, SANA-President Bashar al-Assad affirmed that the objective of the American and western allegations about chemical weapons is to support terrorists in Syria.



President al-Assad added in an interview given to Venezuelan Telesur TV that the solution in Syria should be through stopping outside support to the terrorists and reconciliation among the Syrians.

Journalist : Mr. President, thank you for receiving us.

President Assad : I welcome you and teleSUR TV in Syria. You are welcome.

Question 1 : Lets start directly with the latest developments. Russia has warned that there might be other alleged chemical attacks. What are the precautionary measures that Syria has taken in order to prevent that?

President Assad : First of all, terrorists have used chemical materials more than once in the past several years and in more than one region throughout Syria. We have asked the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to send specialized missions to investigate what happened. And every time, the United States obstructed these investigations or prevented sending such missions in order to carry out such investigations. This is what happened last week when we called for investigations over the alleged use of chemical weapons in the town of Khan Sheikhoun. The United States and its allies prevented OPCW from taking that decision. As far as we are concerned, we still insist on an investigation, and we and our Russian and Iranian allies are trying to persuade OPCW to send a team to investigate what happened, because if it doesnt, the United States might repeat the same charade by fabricating the use of false chemical weapons in another place in Syria in order to justify military intervention in support of the terrorists. On the other hand, we continue to fight the terrorists, because we know that the objective of all these American and Western allegations concerning chemical weapons is to support terrorists in Syria. Thats why we will continue to fight these terrorists.

Question 2 : But the Pentagon says that Syria has chemical weapons. Is it true that Syria has kept one percent of the weapons it has committed itself to hand over and destroy four years ago?

President Assad : You and I remember well what happened in 2003, when Colin Powell showed the world in the United Nations what he claimed to be the evidence which proves that President Saddam Hussein possessed chemical, nuclear, and other weapons. However, when the American forces invaded Iraq, it was proven that all he said was a lie. Powell himself admitted that the American intelligence agencies deceived him with that false evidence. That wasnt the first nor will it be the last time. This means that if you want to be a politician in the United States, you have to be a genuine liar. This is what characterizes American politicians: they lie on a daily basis, and say something and do something different. Thats why we shouldnt believe what the Pentagon, or any other American institution says, because they say things which serve their policies, not things which reflect reality and the facts on the ground.

Question 3 : What is the objective behind Syrias desire to acquire the latest generation of anti-missile systems from Russia?

President Assad : We are already in a state of war with Israel; and Israel has been committing aggressions on the Arab states surrounding it since its creation in 1948. So, its natural that we should have such systems. However, the terrorists, acting on Israeli, American, Turkish, Qatari, and Saudi instructions have destroyed some of these systems. And it is natural for us to negotiate with the Russians now with a view to strengthening these systems, whether to face any Israeli threats from the air or the threats of American missiles. That has become a real possibility after the recent American aggression on al-Shairat airbase in Syria.

Question 4 : What is the role that Israel, in particular, has played in this war against Syria? We know that Israeli attacks against the positions of the Syrian Arab Army have continued in recent weeks.

President Assad : It is playing this role in different forms; first, by direct aggression, particularly by using warplanes, artillery, or missiles against Syrian Army positions. Second, it is supporting terrorists in two ways: first by providing direct support in the form of weapons, and second by providing logistic support, i.e. allowing them to conduct military exercises in the areas it controls. It also provides them with medical assistance in its hospitals. These are not mere claims or assumptions. They are facts, verified and published on the internet which you can easily access as proven evidence of the Israeli role in support of the terrorists in Syria.

Question 5 : How do you assess the current policy of Donald Trump in the world, and in Syria in particular?

President Assad : The American President has no policies. There are policies drawn by the American institutions which control the American regime which are the intelligence agencies, the Pentagon, the big arms and oil companies, and financial institutions, in addition to some other lobbies which influence American decision-making. The American President merely implements these policies, and the evidence is that when Trump tried to move on a different track, during and after his election campaign, he couldnt. He came under a ferocious attack. As we have seen in the past few week, he changed his rhetoric completely and subjected himself to the terms of the deep American state, or the deep American regime. Thats why it is unrealistic and a complete waste of time to make an assessment of the American Presidents foreign policy, for he might say something; but he ultimately does what these institutions dictate to him. This is not new. This has been ongoing American policy for decades.

Question 6 : The American administration has opened a new front now with North Korea. Is it possible that this will affect the current American approach towards Syria?

President Assad : No, the United States always seeks to control all the states of the world without exception. It does not accept allies, regardless of whether they are developed states as those in the Western bloc, or other states of the world. Every state should be an American satellite. That is why what is happening to Syria, to Korea, to Iran, to Russia, and maybe to Venezuela now, aims at re-imposing American hegemony on the world, because they believe that this hegemony is under threat now, which consequently threatens the interests of American economic and political elites.

Question 7 : Russias role in the Syrian conflict is very clear; but what is the role of China, this other great global power?

President Assad : There is great cooperation with Russia and China in terms of political action or political positions. Viewpoints are similar, and there is cooperation in the Security Council. As you know, the United States and its allies have tried several times to use the Security Council in order to legitimize the role of the terrorists in Syria and to legitimize their role in the illegitimate and aggressive intervention in Syria. Thats why Russia and China stood together, and Chinas role, with the Russian role, was essential in this regard.

Moreover, some of the terrorists are Chinese nationals who came to Syria through Turkey. They pose a threat to us in Syria, but they pose an equal threat to China. China is aware of the fact that terrorism in any place in the world moves to any other place; and consequently, whether these terrorists are of Chinese or any other nationality, they might return to China and strike there as they have done in Europe, in Russia, and in Syria. We are now cooperating with China on security issues.

Question 8 : Western and American media talk now about moderate terrorists and extremist terrorists. In reality, is there a difference between the two groups?

President Assad : For them, a moderate terrorist is that who carries out acts of beheading and slaughter but without carrying al-Qaeda flag, or without saying Allah Akbar, while an extremist terrorist is that who carries the flag and says Allah Akbar when carrying out acts of beheading and slaughter. This is the only difference. For the United States, all those who serve its political agenda against other states are classified as moderate opposition and not as extremist and terrorist, even if they commit the worst acts of terrorism. They are freedom fighters and not fighters in the cause of destruction and sabotage.

Question 9 : There have been six years of war in Syria. What is Syrias position now, particularly in the absence of statistics about human losses?

President Assad : The most painful loss in any war is human loss, the suffering which is inflicted any family when it loses one of its members; for the whole family is scarred for life. This is the natural feeling in a region like ours, where family ties are very strong. Nothing compensates that loss, and nothing exceeds the pain it causes. There are of course huge economic and infrastructure losses, but this infrastructure has been built for a little over 50 years by Syrian hands, not foreign hands. And we have the capacity to rebuild this infrastructure. The same goes for the economy, for the Syrian economy is based on Syrian capabilities first and foremost; and our economic ties with the West have always been limited. When the war is over, it will all be rebuilt. We do not have a problem with that. It is true that it takes time, but it is not impossible. So, the greatest and most painful loss for Syria is the human loss.

Question 10 : Of the 86 states constituting the alliance waging war on Syria, are there any that would take part in the process of reconstruction?

President Assad : No, of course not. First of all, they do not want to rebuild Syria, but some companies in those countries, if they see that the wheel of the economy and rebuilding has started to turn, and since they are opportunists, they are certainly prepared to come and have a share of rebuilding Syria in order to make money. The Syrian people will certainly not accept this. All the states which stood against the Syrian people and took part in the destruction and sabotage will never take part in rebuilding Syria. That is final.

Question 11 : But how was life during these past six years in this besieged country?

President Assad : Life has certainly been tough to every Syrian citizen. The terrorists have destroyed the infrastructure. In certain areas, electricity is on for one or two hours, and there are areas in which theres no electricity at all. There are areas in which electricity has been cut off for more than two or three years. People dont know television, children do not go to school, there are no medical clinics or hospitals, and nobody treats the ill. They live a prehistoric existence thanks to the terrorists. There are areas which did not have water for years, like what happened in Aleppo, which did not have water for many long years. Sometimes, they use polluted water for drinking, washing up, and other purposes. Life has been very tough.

Question 12 : One of the main targets during these years has been the person of Bashar al-Assad. Have you ever felt fear during these years?

President Assad : When you are in the middle of the war, you do not feel fear. I believe this is something common to all people. But you have a general concern for the homeland; for what is the value of being safe, as an individual, as a citizen, while the country is under threat? You cannot feel safe. I believe that the feeling we have in Syria in general is concern for the future of Syria rather than personal fear. The evidence is that mortar shells fall anywhere, on any house; nevertheless, you see that life continues in Syria. The will to life is much stronger than personal fear. As a President, I take strength from the feelings of the general public, not from my personal feelings. I do not live in isolation from the others.

Question 13 : Western media have been waging a media campaign against you. Am I sitting now with this devil portrayed by the media?

President Assad : Yes, from a Western perspective, you are now sitting with the devil. This is how they market it in the West. But this is always the case when a state, a government, or an individual do not subjugate themselves to their interests, and do not work for their interests against the interests of their people. These have been the Western colonial demands throughout history. They say that this evil person is killing the good people. Okay, if he is killing the good people, who have been supporting him for the past six years? Neither Russia, nor Iran, nor any friendly state can support an individual at the expense of the people. This is impossible. If he is killing the people, how come the people support him? This is the contradictory Western narrative; and thats why we shouldnt waste our time on Western narratives because they have been full of lies throughout history, and not something new.

Question 14 : What can Syria, too, do in order to put an end to this war ahead of the sixth round of Geneva talks?

President Assad : We said that there are two axes: the first is fighting the terrorists; and this is not subject to any discussion, and we dont have any other choice in dealing with the terrorists except fighting them. The other axis, the political one, includes two points: first, dialogue with the different political forces over the future of Syria; and second: local reconciliations, in the sense that we negotiate with the terrorists in a certain village or city, depending on each case separately. The objective of this reconciliation is for them to lay down their weapons and receive an amnesty from the state, and consequently return to their normal life. This approach has been implemented during the past three or four years, has succeeded, and is ongoing now. These are the axes which we can work on in order to find a solution to the Syrian crisis.

Question 15 : From the perspective of a country in a state of war, how do you see the situation in Latin America, particularly in Venezuela, where a number of acts very similar to those which caused the conflict in Syria have emerged?

President Assad : Of course, they should be similar, because the party planning and implementing these acts is the same. It is the United States as a maestro and the Western states constituting the choir. Latin America in general, and Venezuela in particular, used to be the backyard of the United States for decades. Through that backyard, Western states, particularly North America, or the United States, used to secure their economic interests through the influence of the big companies in your countries. Military or political coups in Latin America during the 1960s and the 1970s aimed at perpetuating American hegemony over the interests of your people. But Latin America freed itself during the past twenty years and gained its independent decision-making. Governments started defending the interests of their peoples, which is unacceptable to the United States. Thats why they are exploiting whats happening in the world, starting with the orange revolution in Ukraine up to the recent coup there a few years ago, and what is taking place in the Arab countries, in Libya, Syria, Yemen and others, in order to implement it in Latin America. They started in Venezuela with the objective of overthrowing the national government, and it will spread over to other Latin American countries.

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Question 16 : Some people, particularly ordinary citizens in Latin America, think that a scenario similar to whats happening in Syria could be repeated in Latin America. What do you think?

President Assad : This is true. Thats why I say since the party planning and implementing is the same, its natural that the scenario is not only similar, but identical. Some local elements might be different. In Syria, they said in the beginning that there were peaceful demonstrations, but in fact, when these peaceful demonstrations did not spread wide enough, they implanted individuals who fired on both sides, on the police and the demonstrations, and there were casualties. They started to say that the state is killing the people, and this scenario is being repeated everywhere. The same scenario will be repeated in Venezuela. Thats why the Venezuelan people have to be very careful. There is a difference between opposing the government and being against the homeland, a huge difference. On the other hand, no foreign state can be more concerned about Venezuelas interests than the Venezuelan people themselves. Do not believe the West, for its not concerned either about human rights or about the interests of states. It is only concerned about the interests of part of the governing elites in its countries. And these governing elites are not necessarily politicians, they are economic companies too.

Question 17 : Im talking about Latin America, Venezuela, the Bolivarian Revolution which was your strong ally. How do you remember the late Hugo Chavez?

President Assad : President Chavez was a world-class distinguished personality. When we talk about Latin America, we immediately remember the late President Chavez and the late leader Fidel Castro, the leader of the Cuban Revolution. They are distinguished personalities who changed the face of Latin America. But of course the leader I knew personally and whom I met more than once and had a personal relationship with was President Chavez, when he visited us in Syria and I visited him in Venezuela. He visited us twice. When you meet him, you can tell that he is the son of the people. You do not feel that you are meeting a president or a politician, but a person who lived the suffering of his people. Everything he said, and every minute of his time, was about the details related to the people of his country. And when he talked with a head of another state, or an official from another state, he always thought of how to create common interests which reflect positively on his people. He was a real and strongly charismatic leader. And he was an extremely genuine person.

Question 18 : They demonized Chavez before; and it is clear that it is Nicolas Maduros turn now.

President Assad : Of course, as long as President Maduro is walking the same patriotic line, the line of Venezuelas independence, and acting in the best interest of his countrys people, it is natural that he should be the first target of the United States. This is self-evident.

Question 19 : How does Bashar al-Assad envision the end of the war?

President Assad : Today, foreign intervention in Syria aside, the problem is not complicated, for the majority of the Syrians are tired of the war and want a solution. They want to return to safety and stability. There is a dialogue between us as Syrians, there are meetings, and people live with each other, i.e. there is no real barrier. The problem now is that with every step we make towards a solution and regaining stability, the terrorist gangs receive more money and weapons in order to blow the situation up. Thats why I can say that the solution should be stopping outside support to the terrorists. As far as we are concerned in Syria, reconciliation among all Syrians, and forgetting and forgiving all that happened in the past throughout this war, is the way to restore safety to Syria. Rest assured that Syria will be then much stronger than it was before the war.

Question 20 : Are you prepared to have reconciliation with those who carried arms against the Syrian people?

President Assad : Of course, and this has actually happened in many and different places, and some of them have fought side by side with the Syrian Army, some fell martyrs, and some returned to their cities and live in the part under government control. We dont have a problem. Tolerance is essential to end any war. And we are proceeding on that track.

Question 21 : Mr. President, what is your message to Latin America and the world?

President Assad : Keep your independence. We, in the Arab region, are celebrating independence in more than one country. But this independence used to mean, in a number of countries in the region, the mere evacuation of occupying forces. But real independence happens when you are in possession of your national decision-making. For us, Latin America was a model of independence, in the sense that occupiers were evacuated, in case there were foreign forces, but at the same time there was national decision-making, openness, and democracy. You provided the world with an important model. So, keep it, because if the countries of the third and developing world wanted to develop, they should follow the model implemented in Latin America.

Journalist : Mr. President, thank you for giving teleSUR this interview, and thank you for your precious time and all the information that you have provided.

President Assad : Thank you for coming, and once again I welcome you in Damascus.
Women Beware: Saudia Arabia Charged with Shaping Global Standards for Women's Equality

By Medea Benjamin

April 28, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Its hard to sink to a greater depth of hypocrisy than voting Saudi Arabia onto a UN Commission charged with promoting womens equality and empowerment. And yet, on April 23rd, that is precisely what the UN Economic and Social Council did. Of the 54 countries on the Council, 47 of them agreed to add Saudi Arabia to a four-year term on the UN Commission on the Status of Women.

How did the US Ambassador to the UN and the democratic champions of Europe vote? The ballot was secret, and is it any wonder that the UN representatives refuse to reveal their votes? What is undeniable, however, is that the Saudis could not have received 47 votes without support from the Western democracies.

The Saudi regime is notorious for its abysmal treatment of women. Outside the home, women are forced to wear an abaya, a loose-fitting black cloak that conceals the shape of their bodies, and a hijab, or headscarf, to cover their hair. The fundamentalist dress code is enforced by zealous religious police who fine and beat women who dare to violate the code. Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world to ban women from driving, a practice that severely limits womens independence and autonomy.

Saudi Arabia is unquestionably the most gender-segregated society in the world. The government enforces sex segregation in virtually all workplaces except hospitals, and fines businesses that fail to comply. In food outlets, including US chains such as McDonalds or KFC, all lines and eating areas are separated to keep unrelated men and women apart. The mens section is usually the airy, front section, while the women and children are relegated to the back, shielded from public view. The majority of public buildings have separate entrances for men and women; some even ban women from entering.

The most oppressive aspect of life for Saudi women is the strict guardianship system. This system requires every female, from birth to death, to have a male guardian who controls her ability to travel, study, work, marry or even seek certain forms of medical attention.

Saudi women campaigning for womens rights denounced the addition of Saudi Arabia to the UN Commission. Allowing this oppressive regime to join a commission designed to empower women makes me feel personally violated and invisible and it is demoralizing for us as activists, an anonymous Saudi woman seeking asylum in the United States told me. It sends a message that for the international community, Saudi wealth and power are more important than womens lives.

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Saudi Arabia is probably the worst country in the world to be put on a womens commission shaping global standards on gender equality, not only because of its treatment of Saudi women but also because the regime uses its oil wealth to export misogyny abroad. Saudi Arabia spreads its reactionary version of Islam through the thousands of mosques and schools it builds overseas, as well as through the funding of extremist groups like ISIS and Al Qaeda affiliates. Wherever Saudi influence appears around the world, women lose rights and autonomy.

For Saudi Arabia, a top U.S. ally, a position on the Womens Commission is a way to further whitewash its image and keep the organization from shining a spotlight on Saudi abuses. This was the same rationale for the regime to seek, and obtain, a seat on the UN Human Rights Council. While such positions may burnish the image of the Saudi regime, they tarnish the image of the UN itself, showing that money takes precedence over the principles of human rights and equality that the United Nations was created to uphold.

One can only imagine the suggestions the Saudi reps will come up with when addressing the UN Commissions mission to assess the challenges to gender equality. It is doubtful they will ever suggest that the Saudi regime itself, and its support from Western allies, is a global obstacle that women must struggle to overcome. So it is up to women everywhere to call for the Saudis to be kicked off the Commission so that it can be a space truly dedicated to the empowerment of women.

Medea Benjamin ( medea@globalexchange.org ),is an American political activist, best known for co-founding Code Pink and, along with activist and author Kevin Danaher, the fair trade advocacy group Global Exchange. Medea is author of a forthcoming book on Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of the Unjust .
The Rise of the Generals

By Patrick Buchanan

April 28, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Has President Donald Trump outsourced foreign policy to the generals?

So it would seem. Candidate Trump held out his hand to Vladimir Putin. He rejected further U.S. intervention in Syria other than to smash ISIS.

He spoke of getting out and staying out of the misbegotten Middle East wars into which Presidents Bush II and Obama had plunged the country.

President Trumps seeming renunciation of an anti-interventionist foreign policy is the great surprise of the first 100 days, and the most ominous. For any new war could vitiate the Trump mandate and consume his presidency.

Trump no longer calls NATO "obsolete," but moves U.S. troops toward Russia in the Baltic and eastern Balkans. Rex Tillerson, holder of Russias Order of Friendship, now warns that the U.S. will not lift sanctions on Russia until she gets out of Ukraine.

If Tillerson is not bluffing, that would rule out any rapprochement in the Trump presidency. For neither Putin, nor any successor, could surrender Crimea and survive.

What happened to the Trump of 2016?

When did Kievs claim to Crimea become more crucial to us than a cooperative relationship with a nuclear-armed Russia? In 1991, Bush I and Secretary of State James Baker thought the very idea of Ukraines independence was the product of a "suicidal nationalism."

Where do we think this demonization of Putin and ostracism of Russia is going to lead?

To get Xi Jinping to help with our Pyongyang problem, Trump has dropped all talk of befriending Taiwan, backed off Tillersons warning to Beijing to vacate its fortified reefs in the South China Sea, and held out promises of major concessions to Beijing in future trade deals.

"I like (Xi Jinping) and I believe he likes me a lot," Trump said this week. One recalls FDR admonishing Churchill, "I think I can personally handle Stalin better than  your Foreign Office  Stalin hates the guts of all your people. He thinks he likes me better."

FDR did not live to see what a fool Stalin had made of him.

Among the achievements celebrated in Trumps first 100 days are the 59 cruise missiles launched at the Syrian airfield from which the gas attack on civilians allegedly came, and the dropping of the 22,000-pound MOAB bomb in Afghanistan.

But what did these bombings accomplish?

The War Party seems again ascendant. John McCain and Lindsey Graham are happy campers. In Afghanistan, the U.S. commander is calling for thousands more U.S. troops to assist the 8,500 still there, to stabilize an Afghan regime and army that is steadily losing ground to the Taliban.

Iran is back on the front burner. While Tillerson concedes that Tehran is in compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal, Trump says it is violating "the spirit of the agreement."

How so? Says Tillerson, Iran is "destabilizing" the region, and threatening U.S. interests in Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Lebanon.

But Iran is an ally of Syria and was invited in to help the U.N.-recognized government put down an insurrection that contains elements of al-Qaida and ISIS. It is we, the Turks, Saudis and Gulf Arabs who have been backing the rebels seeking to overthrow the regime.

In Yemen, Houthi rebels overthrew and expelled a Saudi satrap. The bombing, blockading and intervention with troops is being done by Saudi and Sunni Arabs, assisted by the U.S. Navy and Air Force.

It is we and the Saudis who are talking of closing the Yemeni port of Hodeida, which could bring on widespread starvation.

It was not Iran, but the U.S. that invaded Iraq, overthrew the Baghdad regime and occupied the country. It was not Iran that overthrew Col. Gadhafi and created the current disaster in Libya.

Monday, the USS Mahan fired a flare to warn off an Iranian patrol boat, 1,000 meters away. Supposedly, this was a provocation. But Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif had a point when he tweeted:

"Breaking: Our Navy operates in  yes, correct  the Persian Gulf, not the Gulf of Mexico. Question is what US Navy doing 7,500 miles from home."

Who is behind the seeming conversion of Trump to hawk?

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The generals, Bibi Netanyahu and the neocons, Congressional hawks with Cold War mindsets, the Saudi royal family and the Gulf Arabs  they are winning the battle for the presidents mind.

And their agenda for America?

We are to recognize that our true enemy in the Mideast is not al-Qaida or ISIS, but Shiite Iran and Hezbollah, Assads Syria and his patron, Putin. And until Hezbollah is eviscerated, Assad is gone, and Iran is smashed the way we did Afghanistan, Iraq, and Yemen, the flowering of Middle East democracy that we all seek cannot truly begin.

But before President Trump proceeds along the path laid out for him by his generals, brave and patriotic men that they are, he should discover if any of them opposed any of the idiotic wars of the last 15 years, beginning with that greatest of strategic blunders  George Bushs invasion of Iraq.

Patrick J. Buchanan is the author of a new book, out in May, "Nixon's White House Wars: The Battles That Made and Broke a President and Divided America Forever." To find out more about Patrick Buchanan and read features by other Creators writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators website at www.creators.com .
At Reuters, Not Refuting Is the Same as Seeing





By Jim Naureckas

Top US General in Afghanistan Sees Russia Sending Weapons to Taliban was Reuters headline over a April 25 story .

Well, that sounds like news! Tell me more, Reuters Idrees Ali:

The head of US and international forces in Afghanistan said on Monday he was not refuting reports that Russia was providing support, including weapons, to the Taliban. Asked about reports that Russia was providing a range of help, including weapons, to the Taliban, who control large areas of Afghanistan, [Gen. John] Nicholson replied: Oh no, I am not refuting that. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter

I am not refuting that? How does that translate into GeneralSees Russia Sending Weapons to Taliban? If NASA tells Reuters that they cant refute speculation that there might be life on Mars, will Reuters run a story headlined NASA Sees Life on Mars? That would be a scoop!

Ali writes that Nicholsons no-comment comments are among the strongest suggestions yet that Moscow is providing arms to the Taliban. Maybe next time Reuters could wait for a somewhat stronger suggestioninvolving actual evidence, perhapsbefore running a story that could inflame the new Cold War.

Jim Naureckas is the editor of FAIR.org . You can find him on Twitter at @JNaureckas .

Messages to Reuters may be sent through this website (or via Twitter: @Reuters ). Please remember that respectful communication is the most effective.
Washington Plans to Nuke Russia and China

By Paul Craig Roberts

April 28, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Not everyone likes to hear about the threat of nuclear war. Some find refuge in denial and say that nuclear war is impossible because it makes no sense. Unfortunately, humankind has a long record of doing things that make no sense.

In previous posts in recent years I have pointed out both written documents and changes in US war doctrine that indicate that Washington is preparing a preemptive nuclear attack on Russia and China. More recently, I have shown that Washingtons demonization of Russia and President Putin, the incessant lies about Russian deeds and intentions, and the refusal of Washington to cooperate with Russia on any issue have convinced the Russian government that Washington is preparing the Western populations for an attack on Russia. It is obvious that China has come to the same conclusion.

It is extremely dangerous to all of mankind for Washington to convince two nuclear powers that Washington is preparing a preemptive nuclear strike against them. It is impossible to imagine a more reckless and irresponsible act. Yet this is precisely what Washington has done.

Lt. Gen. Viktor Poznikhir, Deputy Head of Operations of the Russian General Staff has concluded that Washington in pursuit of global hegemony is implementing an anti-ballistic missile system that Washington believes can prevent a Russian nuclear response to a US pre-emptive attack. http://www.fort-russ.com/2017/04/us-forces-preparing-sudden-nuclear.html

Careful studies have convinced the Russians that Washington is investing in and arranging components that have no other function than to devastate Russia and cripple the countrys retaliatory capability. In short, Washington is preparing to launch a nuclear war. https://www.rt.com/news/386276-us-missile-shield-russia-strike/

As I explained previously, the theory behind this insane scheme is that after Americas preemptive strike Russia will be so devastated that Russia would not retaliate with any remaining forces out of fear that Washington would launch a second major strike. Washington also plans to use agents in place to assassinate as many members as possible of the Russian government, thus leaving the government in confusion without leadership.

Yes, the insane American/Israeli neoconservatives are this determined to exercise hegemony over the world.

Yes, Washington is sufficiently criminally insane to risk the destruction of life on earth based on the supposition that Washingtons offense will work perfectly and Russia and Chinas capabilities will be so degraded that no retaliatory response will occur.

One might hope that the American and Western populations would be outraged that Washington is so power-crazed that Washington is subjecting all life to such risks. But there is no sign of an anti-war movement. The Western leftwing has degenerated into Identity Politics in which the only threat comes from white heterosexual males who are portrayed as misogynists, racists, and homophopes. The Western leftwing is no longer war-conscious. Indeed, the leftwing has become diverted into such silly irrelevancies as transgender rights to toilets of their choice. The impotence of the Western left is so overwhelming that the left might as well not exist.

Where then is the hope? Russia and China cannot simply sit there and await Americas preemptive nuclear strike.

Possibly Washington does not intend a preemptive strike, but only to convince Russia and China that Washingtons preparations give Washington so much predominance in a conflict that Russia and China will submit to Washingtons hegemony. But this interpretation of Washingtons intention implies no less risk. Why would Russia and China wait for Washington to complete its preparations for war, preparations that permit Washington to turn Russia and China into puppet states?

The US military/security complex has clearly prevailed over Trumps intention to normalize relations between the US and Russia, and anti-Russian venom continues to pour out of NATO and Washingtons European vassal states. The majority of the American people seem to have accepted the propaganda that Russia is the number one threat to the United States. With propaganda controlling the explanation, Washingtons aggressive actions are explained as defense against a threat and not as a policy that will end life on earth.

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The chances are high that life on earth is approaching its end. The responsibility lies heavily on the American people, whose success, due to the mistakes of others, made Americans think that they are exceptional and privileged. Unaware of the inhumane threat to all life that is embodied in the neoconservative claim that Americans are exceptional and indispensable, the self-satisfied American public is unaware of the consequences of such hubris. Hubris is leading them, and the entire world, to slaughter in thermo-nuclear war.

The neoconservative claim of American exceptionalism is the identical claim made for Germans by Hitler. If Americans are indispensable, everyone else is dispensable and can be bombed into the stone age as one US government official put it, or nuked as Washington intends to do to Russia and China. The claim of American exceptionalism is not accepted by Russia and China. Therefore, the insane, crazed monsters who rule over the West in Washington are bringing life on earth to an end.

And there are no protests. The idiot British, the idiot Germans, the idiot French, Italians, Canadians, Australians, Belgians, Greeks, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, rally behind the insanity that is Washington.

And so apparently do the American people, a population stupid beyond all belief.

Dr. Paul Craig Roberts was Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Economic Policy and associate editor of the Wall Street Journal. He was columnist for Business Week, Scripps Howard News Service, and Creators Syndicate. He has had many university appointments. His internet columns have attracted a worldwide following. Roberts' latest books are

The Failure of Laissez Faire Capitalism and Economic Dissolution of the West

,

How America Was Lost

, and

The Neoconservative Threat to World Order

.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has provided reasons why he backed out of an initial agreement to rule Nigeria for only one term.

This revelation followed details that have emerged recently on why the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, lost the 2015 presidential election.

The fresh details is courtesy of a book Against the Run of play: How an incumbent President was defeated in Nigeria, written by Segun Adeniyi, Chairman, ThisDay Board of Editors.

Jonathan admitted that there was indeed a gentlemans agreement that he was going to do just one term and leave office but had to change his mind because  You can make a political promise and change your mind, so long as it is within the law.

The book was formally presented to the public, in Lagos on Friday 28 April 2017.

The ex-President added, I had made a proposition for a single term of seven years.

That was the context in which I spoke in Addis Ababa that if the idea was accepted, I would not run again.

It was not in the context of a second term of four years.

Of course, at that period, the issue of one term was brought several times at different meetings and some people took it upon themselves to pledge on my behalf but I never said I was going to spend only one term the question was always usually randomly asked and I never made any such commitment to anybody.

Source: Dailypost
The Presidency has ruled out the possibility of President Muhammadu Buhari resigning his position over his ill health as being suggested by some Nigerians.

In an interview with journalists in Lagos on Friday, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said those calling for the Presidents resignation were merely expressing their opinion.

According to him, the views of over 15 million Nigerians that voted for the President were more important than such opinions, while expressing confidence hat God would fully restore Buharis health.

The President returned from medical vacation to the United Kingdom on March 10, where he spent 49 days. And since his return from vacation, Buhari has been absent at some Federal Executive Council meetings, including that of last Wednesday, where Vice President Yemi Osinbajo presided.

It was learnt that the President needed some rest and had asked that all the files on his table be brought to him at his official residence in the Presidential Villa.

Adesina had attended the launch of the book, Against the Run of Play, written by Olusegun Adeniyi, Chairman, ThisDay Editorial Board and former Special Adviser, Media to late President Umaru YarAdua.

The Presidents absence from public functions for weeks now, has heightened public concerns about the Presidents state of health with some Nigerians calling for Buharis resignation should he be unfit to deal with the rigours of office.

When asked if the President would yield to the calls for his resignation by some Nigerians over his poor health, Adesina said, Well, it is an opinion, but dont forget that about 15 million people elected the president so if one or two people expressed their opinion, will their opinions override that of 15 million people who voted for him? So those who are expressing their opinions have rights to their opinions.

Adesina, however, expressed confidence that through prayers of Nigerians, God would fully restore Buharis health.

He said, Yesterday there was still a press briefing saying there is no need for apprehension. God spared the president. In the first place, he said he had never been as sick as he was before, the same God that spared him will also ensure that he returns to full health. Nigerians prayed, God answered. Nigerians are still praying, God will still answer. That is all we believe.

Meanwhile, President Buhari was on Friday absent at the Jumaat service held inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The Jumaat has been the only public function attended by the President in the last three weeks.

The President has been joining Muslim faithful for prayers inside a mosque near his office since he stopped attending the service at the National Mosque, Abuja.

Three state governors who probably had planned to join Buhari for the prayers were however present.

The governors who attended the prayer session included Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara); and Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano).

The governors had on Thursday joined their colleagues for a meeting of the National Economic Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

No official reason has been given for Buharis absence at the prayer session as of the time of filing this report.

Buhari returned to the country on Friday, March 10 after his 49-day medical sojourn in London. He did not attend the Jumaat service that day apparently because of jet lag.

But since then, the President has not missed any of the Friday prayers until that of yesterday.

On March 17, Buhari was joined at the service by top government officials including the Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje; Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN); Minister of Defence, Dan Mansur-Ali; Minister of Interior, Abdurahman Dambazzau; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Lawal Daura; Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Hammed Ali; and the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, among others.

On March 24, the President was present and was joined by Magu and Daura among others.

On March 31, Buhari attended the prayer session and was joined by Ganduje and the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, among others.

April 7 was not different as the President was present and was joined by the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari; Magu; Ali and Daura among others.

On April 14, Buhari was also present and was joined at the mosque by the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai; Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun; Malami, Dan-Ali and Magu among others.

On April 21, the President was present and was joined by the Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello; Malami and Magu among others.

It will however be recalled that the Presidency had on Thursday said as eager as the President wanted to be up and about, he had been advised by his doctors to take things slowly.

In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the Presidency however assured Nigerians that there was no need for apprehension over the state of health of the President.

Shehu, who noted that the President himself on his return to the country made Nigerians aware of the state of his health while he was in London, added that full recovery could be a slow process, requiring periods of rest and relaxation.

He said, Despite his lack of visibility, Nigerians should rest assured that President Buhari has not abdicated his role as Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria. He receives daily briefings on the activities of government, and confers regularly with his Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

His private residence, in which he has been spending the majority of his time recently, also has a fully equipped office.

God is the giver of life and health. We are grateful that He has seen our President through the worst period of his convalescence in London.

We are thankful that the President has passed a number of benchmarks already. We pray that God continues to see him through this period of recuperation.

Source: BreakingTimes
The Federal Government has sent an appeal to all State Governments to allow free movement of people in their states on Saturday, to enable students to participate in JAMBs Voluntary Mock Examination nationwide.

The statement was released in Lagos on Friday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said the mock examination was being conducted ahead of the 2017 UTME.

Mohammed, in the statement signed by his Special Adviser, Mr Segun Adeyemi said the mock examinations were to enable interested students to familiarise themselves with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) environment.
David Adeoye: A 65-year-old man on Friday told an Ibadan Customary Court, sitting in Agodi, how his wife of 38 years committed adultery with his typist while he was away on official assignment.

The husband, Mr Alaba Aigbe, had asked the court to dissolve his marriage with Veronica over alleged adultery and witchcraft.

In his testimony, the complainant said that while he was on official assignment in Jigawa in 2006, he asked his typist to be collecting his salaries and give to his wife.

Since the assignment will take a year to complete, I asked my typist to receive my salaries on my behalf and forward it to my wife because I did not want her and the children to suffer when I was away.

My typist used the opportunity to woo my wife and they started the illicit affairs until 2007 when I returned home.

I suspected the immorality when things turned upside down for my family and I sought for a spiritual solution.

It was in the course of finding a solution to the problem that I got to know about the relationship between her and the typist.

She confessed to me but said the typist only fingered her private part on four different occasions when I was away.

I told her that the only condition to forgive her was to follow me to my village to make some rituals and appeal to my family gods because adultery is an abomination in my village.

She refused to follow me, saying that she is a Deaconess and that she had taken the typist to her pastor for confession of sin and forgiveness, the complainant narrated.

In her defense, Veronica, who did not deny the allegation, said her husband was the cause of the incident, saying that she had warned her husband not to allow the typist come to their house.

Veronica, however, pleaded the court not to dissolve the marriage which was blessed with seven children, saying she had suffered enough about the issue.

In his judgment, Chief Mukaila Balogun, the president of the court, dissolved the marriage and ordered the complainant to pay N17,000 to the defendant for her to pack her load.

Balogun further directed that the defendant should take custody of the seventh child while the husband should pay her N5000 monthly allowance or the upkeep of the child.

Source: NTA
An Upper Area Court sitting at Pankshin in Plateau on Friday remanded a medical doctor, Philemon Brazil, in prison for allegedly raping his patient.

Brazil, however, pleaded not guilty to the offence. The Judge, Mr Joseph Chollom ordered the remand of Brazil in custody and adjourned the case to May 22 for further mention.

The Prosecutor, Sgt. Singbon Hosea, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on April 25 at the home of his victim.

Hosea explained that the rape victim had a history of miscarriages and had been a patient of the doctor before the incident.

But my lord, on that fateful day, April 25, when he visited the patient, as usual, he went too far by forcing himself on her and ended up raping her.

By that action, the accused has committed offences of rape and act of gross indecency, contrary to and punishable under Section 283 and 285 of the Penal Code.

He said that after the arrest of the doctor, the police conducted HIV test on him and that the result was negative.

Hosea also told the court that after the rape, the woman suffered yet another miscarriage.

The prosecutor asked the court to remand the accused in prison, pending completion of investigation on the matter.

Source: NTA
The Foreign Affairs Ministry has frowned on calls by Amnesty International, AI, on the federal government to halt the planned execution of some inmates on death row in Lagos State.

The ministry made the remark in a statement issued by Olushola Enikanolaiye, its Permanent Secretary, on Friday in Abuja.

Mr. Enikanolaye stated that the AI had on April 21, urged the federal government to establish an official moratorium, with a view to abolishing the death penalty.

The permanent secretary, however, said that the Lagos State Government had yet to officially confirm its intention to carry out executions at the Kirikiri Prisons.

According to him, the federal government acknowledges the growing global preference for the abolition of death penalty.

He said that the federal government was aware that total abolition of the capital punishment was yet to be established as a globally acceptable human rights norm.

Mr. Enikanolaye said the claim by the AI that death penalty was an outdated and cruel punishment which violated the right to life was just propaganda by the organisation.

He said that AI by its claim ignored the rights of the traumatised family members of victims of violent crimes and rather threw its weight behind those who committed heinous crimes against Nigerians.

Mr. Enikanolaye explained that death penalty, as contained in Article 6 of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights was an exception to the right to life as long as it was not arbitrarily imposed.

Furthermore, it is reaffirmed that Nigeria, incontrovertibly possesses the sovereign right to determine its laws and operate a criminal justice system within the rule of law.

The imposition of death penalty is a constitutional matter in Nigeria clearly spelt out under Sections 33(1) and 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

As AI is probably aware, in every democracy, sovereignty belongs to the people, he said.

According to him, it is therefore repugnant and imprudent for AI to continue condemning Nigerias criminal justice system on the basis of AIs randomly conducted experiment on the use of the death penalty.

AI should refocus attention on defending the rights of the traumatised family members of victims of violent crimes, rather than the veiled support for those who have committed heinous crimes against the Nigerian people.

The Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to complying with its international human rights obligations while upholding the Constitution and the demonstrated will of the Nigerian people.

The Federal Government has not deviated from its stated position of a self-imposed de facto moratorium on execution of the death penalty on federal cases following the restoration of democracy in 1999, he said.

He, however, noted that the federalist nature of democracy equally makes death penalty the prerogative of the state governments to impose and execute in accordance with the Constitution.

According to him, the federal government duly recognises that there is no right more sacred than the right to life.

Hence, the precondition for imposing the ultimate penalty in Nigeria is conducted with impeccable fairness and propriety, as the Nigerian Judiciary follows an exacting standard and a heightened level of due process in the prosecution of death penalty cases.

Thus, the well established safeguards for the prevention of wrongful conviction and execution of the death penalty are fully operational in these cases, he said.

Source: NAN
The Kogi State Police has arrested two s ecurity guards, working at a house in Ikeja GRA, for breaking into their boss house through a burglar-proof to steal hard currency and electronics.

The suspects, Abu Abubakar and Hadi Isiaka, both indigenes of the same community from Kogi State, were employed through an agent, to work as day and night guards at the home of the GRA-based businessman, who frequently travels out of the country.

Isiaka, 30, had worked at the house for about two years before Abu was employed by their boss who did not know they were kinsmen.

It was learnt that Abu, 24, was sent packing from the house less than four months after he started work on suspicion of his criminal nature.

The police said the landlord of the house travelled abroad with his family in December 2016 only to come back and realised that $2,000 he kept in his bedroom was gone.

In addition to that, part of the bundles of N200 and N100 notes kept in the room were also taken.

But the case was not reported as the landlord decided he wanted to be sure of the actual thief before reporting to the police so the innocent ones out of his domestic staff would not suffer.

After trying in vain to determine how the house, which was locked up could have been accessed in his absence, he travelled again few months after with his family with the hope that the burglary was a one-off thing.

But this time, 2,000 Euro belonging to the landlady and the entire bundles of mint Nigerian notes which the family kept for social events were carted away.

Also stolen in the house were Apple Macbook, iPads and other valuables. Later, it was discovered that a hole barely enough for an adults head to pass through had been cut through the burglar-proof of one of the rooms in the house.

The police said the entire worth of mobile phones, perfumes and cash stolen on the two occasions amounted to N6m.

However, when Isiaka was questioned about how the house was burgled while he was working, he denied knowledge of it, but instead diverted suspicion to a former guard who was recalled to the house after Abus sack.

When asked if Abu could have perpetrated the burglary, Isiaka said he did not think so.

He was later asked to contact Abu since it had been discovered that they were both kinsmen but he insisted that Abu had left for their village to bury his mother.

A police source who is familiar with the investigation, said that when Isiaka finally took them to where Abu lived, they met Abus mother but they did not reveal themselves as policemen.

On a second visit, Abus mother was said to have disguised as someone else with a hijab and told the police that Abu would not be home from work for some days.

We realised she must have learnt that we were policemen. When we threatened to arrest her until the actual mother showed up, she removed her Hijab and said she was indeed Abus mother that we had met the first time, the police source said.

Our correspondent learnt that the woman promptly took them to Abus house where he was arrested.

He later confessed that he indeed carried out the burglary. Isiaka on his part first admitted to getting a share of N50,000 from proceeds of the loot. Again he change his words and said his share was N175,000. Later, he denied he got anything at all.

The suspects were detained at the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba, Lagos.

On Thursday, the police said the suspects had been arraigned before a Yaba Magistrates Court, Lagos.

They were charged on three counts of conspiracy, burglary and stealing punishable under sections 411, 287 (7) and 307 (2) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2015.

The suspects were admitted to a N200,000 bail each by Magistrate R. N. Johnson, while the case was adjourned till June 21, 2017 for mention.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
A self-acclaimed whistle blower identified as Dennis Ukpabi, and a blogger, Fejiro Oliver, for cyber stalking have been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force has arraigned a whistleblower,

According to reports Ukpabi, who is a former employee of Sterling Bank Plc, was arrested for publishing a book titled, The Whistleblower, in which he accused some employees of the bank  Adekanla Desalu, Eguru Nyenke, Janet Akpan and Kojusola Ajao  of fraud.

Ukpabi also alleged that after exposing the fraud in the bank, one of his colleagues involved in the fraud was promoted because she was dating an executive director at the bank.

Ukpabi and Oliver were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday on five charges bordering on alleged acts of cyber stalking, which are said to be punishable under the provisions of Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention etc) Act, 2015.

The first charge read, That you Dennis Ukpabi and Tega Oghenero between 1st  13th February, 2017 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of Federal High Court, conspired together to commit felonies, namely, knowingly and intentionally sending intimidated, hatred, insulting and needless anxiety messages and thereby committing an offence punishable under section 27 (1) (b) of Cybercrime (prohibition, prevention etc Act 2015).

Another charge read that the accused sent offensive messages to Desalu, Busola Awosile, Nyenke and Adeyemi Odubiyi, which are said to be punishable under section 24 (1) (b) of Cybercrime (prohibition, prevention etc Act 2015.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecution counsel, who is also a Superintendent of Police, Mr. J. Oloruntoba, asked the court to remand the defendants in prison custody. Frantic efforts were made by lawyers representing the two defendants; Mrs. Kitan and Mr. Inibehe Effiong, to persuade the court to admit them to bail.

Effiong, who is a human rights lawyer, informed the court that the defendants were accosted by the police and arraigned surreptitiously without proper and adequate notice.

The trial judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, asked the defendants counsel to bring a formal application for bail and promised to hear it expeditiously.

The judge remanded them in Ikoyi Prisons.

Source: (Punch Newspaper )
President Muhammadu Buhari is not considering retirement this was confirmed by the office of the Presidency despite his present state of health.

In an interview with journalists in Lagos on Friday, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said those calling for the Presidents resignation were merely expressing their opinion.

According to him, the views of over 15 million Nigerians that voted for the President were more important than such opinions, while expressing confidence hat God would fully restore Buharis health.

The President returned from medical vacation to the United Kingdom on March 10, where he spent 49 days. And since his return from vacation, Buhari has been absent at some Federal Executive Council meetings, including that of last Wednesday, where Vice President Yemi Osinbajo presided.

It was learnt that the President needed some rest and had asked that all the files on his table be brought to him at his official residence in the Presidential Villa.

Adesina had attended the launch of the book, Against the Run of Play, written by Olusegun Adeniyi, Chairman, ThisDay Editorial Board and former Special Adviser, Media to late President Umaru YarAdua.

The Presidents absence from public functions for weeks now, has heightened public concerns about the Presidents state of health with some Nigerians calling for Buharis resignation should he be unfit to deal with the rigours of office.

When asked if the President would yield to the calls for his resignation by some Nigerians over his poor health, Adesina said, Well, it is an opinion, but dont forget that about 15 million people elected the president so if one or two people expressed their opinion, will their opinions override that of 15 million people who voted for him? So those who are expressing their opinions have rights to their opinions.

Adesina, however, expressed confidence that through prayers of Nigerians, God would fully restore Buharis health.

He said, Yesterday there was still a press briefing saying there is no need for apprehension. God spared the president. In the first place, he said he had never been as sick as he was before, the same God that spared him will also ensure that he returns to full health. Nigerians prayed, God answered. Nigerians are still praying, God will still answer. That is all we believe.

Meanwhile, President Buhari was on Friday absent at the Jumaat service held inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The Jumaat has been the only public function attended by the President in the last three weeks.

The President has been joining Muslim faithful for prayers inside a mosque near his office since he stopped attending the service at the National Mosque, Abuja.

Three state governors who probably had planned to join Buhari for the prayers were however present.

The governors who attended the prayer session included Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara); and Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano).

The governors had on Thursday joined their colleagues for a meeting of the National Economic Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

No official reason has been given for Buharis absence at the prayer session as of the time of filing this report.

Buhari returned to the country on Friday, March 10 after his 49-day medical sojourn in London. He did not attend the Jumaat service that day apparently because of jet lag.

But since then, the President has not missed any of the Friday prayers until that of yesterday.

On March 17, Buhari was joined at the service by top government officials including the Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje; Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN); Minister of Defence, Dan Mansur-Ali; Minister of Interior, Abdurahman Dambazzau; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Lawal Daura; Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Hammed Ali; and the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, among others.

On March 24, the President was present and was joined by Magu and Daura among others.

On March 31, Buhari attended the prayer session and was joined by Ganduje and the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, among others.

April 7 was not different as the President was present and was joined by the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari; Magu; Ali and Daura among others.

On April 14, Buhari was also present and was joined at the mosque by the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai; Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun; Malami, Dan-Ali and Magu among others.

On April 21, the President was present and was joined by the Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello; Malami and Magu among others.

It will however be recalled that the Presidency had on Thursday said as eager as the President wanted to be up and about, he had been advised by his doctors to take things slowly.

In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the Presidency however assured Nigerians that there was no need for apprehension over the state of health of the President.

Shehu, who noted that the President himself on his return to the country made Nigerians aware of the state of his health while he was in London, added that full recovery could be a slow process, requiring periods of rest and relaxation.

He said, Despite his lack of visibility, Nigerians should rest assured that President Buhari has not abdicated his role as Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria. He receives daily briefings on the activities of government, and confers regularly with his Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

His private residence, in which he has been spending the majority of his time recently, also has a fully equipped office.

God is the giver of life and health. We are grateful that He has seen our President through the worst period of his convalescence in London.

We are thankful that the President has passed a number of benchmarks already. We pray that God continues to see him through this period of recuperation.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
Prof. Wole Soyinka, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to disclose his state of health to Nigerians, stating that the President is a public property.

This was made known by the professor, at a forum in Lagos on Friday, themed, Sacred Cow, described the speculations surrounding the Presidents true state of health as avoidable.

The Nobel laureate saidBuharis failure to publicly disclose his state of health had increased political manipulations in the country.

Buhari was on Wednesday absent from the Federal Executive Council meeting and the Jumaat service at the mosque in the Presidential Villa on Friday.

Soyinka said, Why is the President hiding his state of health? Hes supposed to understand hes public property; me, Im still private property, thats why Im not in Aso Rock (Presidential Villa).

Once you are in Aso Rock, or you occupy a similar position, you have a responsibility to come out frankly to your citizens.

Let him address the nation and stop all these speculations which create unnecessary political manipulations among other things.

The renowned playwright also raised the alarm that his Abeokuta country home, Ogun State, had been invaded by herdsmen a second time and that the matter had been reported to the police and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo Adedotun.

Soyinka had in April 2016 announced that his residence was invaded while he was abroad.

He accused the herdsmen of invading his sanctuary and ecological preserve, describing the action as being done with impunity.

He said, I dont believe in conspiracy theory but the incidences that have taken place in the sanctuary are very alarming. The police have the records.

They do not have respect for human life; they used human beings for suicidal bombing, why should they not use cows as suicide bombers? I see no other interpretation to all of this than a movement to enslave the citizens of the country and show that they are masters of the land.

They are camping not as peaceful neighbours but as conqueror. One has the right to assume that any cow that comes right to ones doorstep is a suicidal bomber.

Faulting the capacity of security agencies to deal with the problem, Soyinka said citizens have had to defend themselves.

Herdsmen are worse than Boko Haram. Some kind of action is required; maybe declare a day of beef boycott to compel the leadership to take holistic action, he concluded.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
A few days after a high-level security dialogue between China and Australia in Sydney, the two countries have agreed to enhanced cyber security cooperation.The move comes after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull raised cyber-enabled intellectual property theft issues with Premier Li Keqiang during the latters visit to Australia in March.The two countries have agreed to set up a mechanism to discuss cyber security and cybercrime issues in order to prevent cyber incidents that could cause problems between them.The move is consistent with the issues discussed in an April 21 dialogue held in Sydney between the Australian Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, and Meng Jianzhu, secretary of the Chinese Communist Partys Central Commission for Political and Legal Affairs.The April 21 talks saw the two countries agreeing not to conduct or support cyber-enabled theft of intellectual property, trade secrets, or confidential business information with the intent of obtaining a competitive advantage. This is consistent with a similar deal between the US and China.
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Kenya Moore's restraining order against her ex-boyfriend Matt Jordan was tossed out by a judge because the Real Housewives of Atlanta star couldn't find him to serve him legal documents. According to, the case was dismissed on Wednesday after she was a no-show at a hearing on the matter.The site claims she only skipped court because she knew the judge would toss it once he heard Matt hadn't been served.Her attorney says Kenya will refile for another protective order but she's gonna have to locate Matt eventually.According to the original court documents obtained by, Jordan had to stay 200 yards away from Moore and have zero contact with her by phone, e-mail or any means of communication.In the original petition for a protective order, Kenya and her legal team accused Matt of calling her "up to 30 times a day" between September 2016 and February 2017.They also accuse Matt of telling Kenya's friend that his ex was going to "get what she deserves."During this season's Real Housewives of Atlanta, viewers have watched the couple experience several highs and lows. In fact, last week's episode featured another tense confrontation between the pair, where Moore decided to end their tumultuous relationship."It's painful to watch myself at my age tolerating such foolishness from anyone. I am ashamed," Kenya shared in herafter the episode aired. "I focused so hard on breaking old habits of not running away when things get tough. Yet, this relationship was the exact scenario. I should have run away as fast as humanly possible.""I am thankful to have moved on from what seems like a lifetime ago. My circle is completely different now. I do not now or will ever have any communication with him," she added. "I do not wish harm on anyone and hope that he can move on with his life and leave me completely alone. I don't. I did. I'm done."Photo Credit: Goggle Images
Cynthia Bailey's ex-husband is breaking his silence and is opening up about getting into a physical altercation with Kenya Moore's ex-boyfriend Matt Jordan. As previously reported, the violent brawl began because of some name-calling during a radio interview in Charlotte, North Carolina.According to Peter, he didnt want to fight Jordan but felt he needed to protect himself, including threatening Matt with a box cutter.He charged me! And the whole time he was coming at me, I had a box cutter in my pocket. and Matts like 65 and 250. hes like 33/35 and Im 56 I dont wanna fight this n***a! F**k Im doing fighting? Thomas toldThat Brooklyn s**t came outta methat Jamaican s**t came outta me quick! he continued. I had that n***a in a neck hold and the box cutter to his face! When he saw it, he panicked like a b***h!During the interview, Peter Thomas also discussed how his marriage with Cynthia Bailey was negatively affected by being on the show.The best year of my life was the first year of us living together, he explained. The moment we got on the show, it became something else. I understand the business aspect of itbut I didnt know it was going to be so invasive to our personal life.Source/Photo Credit: BET , Google Images
The Government has insisted it will not stymie efforts to find closure for Kingsmill massacre victims.

Ten Protestant textile workers were gunned down during an IRA roadside ambush in South Armagh in January 1976.

Relatives of some of those killed have threatened to pull out of an inquest if legal authorities in the Republic do not co-operate.

They are seeking details from the Garda about the weapons used, intelligence and the getaway van employed by the gunmen.

A statement from the Department of Justice said: "Any suggestion that there is an unwillingness by the Irish government to assist the inquest or stand in the way of closure for the victims' families would be unfounded.

"The Irish Government has given its commitment to co-operate to the greatest extent possible, within the law, with the inquest and, in fact, has taken unprecedented legal measures to facilitate that co-operation and to deliver upon its commitment."

It said the government took the "unprecedented" step of producing domestic legislation to facilitate legal co-operation with the inquest.

"This legislation facilitated the transfer of significant evidential material by An Garda Siochana to the Northern Ireland coroner.

"The Irish authorities have continuously sought to cooperate with the coroner and his legal team as part of an ongoing legal process."

The factory workers were travelling home from work when their minibus was stopped.

They were asked their religion then lined up on a country road and shot dead in a sectarian attack blamed on the IRA.

Only one man, Alan Black, survived despite being shot 18 times.

Victims' relatives are seeking more details from the Garda.

However, Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan cannot direct an officer to give evidence to the inquest without new legislation.
Its 2016 annual report also confirmed its AGM has been put back to August 23.

It emerged in March that INM chief Robert Pitt used whistleblowing legislation to complain as a dispute raged last year over the potential acquisition of Newstalk.

INM said in March that the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) had asked it for documents involving plans it had to acquire Newstalk. The controversy involved the value of the potential acquisition. Denis OBrien is a significant shareholder in INM and founder of Communicorp, which owns Newstalk.

In the annual report, chairman Leslie Buckley said INM complied with the 2014 version of the UK Corporate Governance Code save for the exceptions outlined in the corporate governance statement.

As at the date of this annual report the board is noncompliant with provision B.1.2 of the 2014 code which requires that at least half of the board, excluding the chairman, comprise non-executive directors determined by the board to be independent, says the report.

It states that INM will take actions to address this area of non-compliance in the next four months.

The INM board has decided four directors  Paul Connolly, David Harrison, Allan Marshall, and Triona Mullane  should not be considered independent.

It said Mr Connolly has a business relationship and interests with a major shareholder, Mr Denis OBrien. Mr Connolly also serves on the board of Communicorp Ltd, a company controlled by Mr OBrien. It said Mr Harrison has a business relationship and interests with a major shareholder, Mr Dermot Desmond.

The board said Mr Marshall provided consultancy services to INM from 2013 to 2016 through a company called ComputerCall UK Ltd from whom he received additional remuneration.

Ms Mullane should not be considered independent because she had business links with Mr OBrien, it stated.

The board believes that all of the non-executive directors have consistently demonstrated independent behaviour and thought in fulfilling their duties as directors, it said.
The local authority has given Brown Table Solutions Ltd the go-ahead for the 87- bedroom hotel with restaurant and spa at 77 St Stephens Green, which will involve building an eight-storey block to the rear.

The development has received the green light in spite of objections from the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the Irish Georgian Society.

The ministerial offices of the Department of Foreign Affairs are next door at Iveagh House. In its objection, director of the departments property management unit, Kevin Colgan told the council that the privacy and security of Iveagh House is of paramount importance.

He said Iveagh House regularly hosts sensitive meetings and negotiations with heads of state, national and foreign dignitaries, political leaders and high-ranking diplomats.

He said: The proposal to construct a bank of hotel rooms with windows facing directly into the Iveagh House offices and ballroom (its main meeting room) with inadequate separation distance, is of great concern of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The department said the current plan constitutes a gross over-development of the application site.

In its objection, the Irish Georgian Society said the proposed design is jarring, visually obtrusive and grossly out of character with the uniform, ordered and fine grain facade of No 77 St Stephens Green.

And the OPW said the proposal will have implications in terms of security and privacy and hence on the successful operation of a piece of vital State infrastructure.

Loreto Hall went on the market last year with a guide price of 5.75m. It was originally bought by the Loreto Sisters in 1911 for use as a hostel for young women from outside Dublin attending the National University at nearby Earlsfort Terrace. Objectors have the option of appealing to An Bord Pleanala.
Esther Ogundare, aged 40, of Bremore Pastures Drive, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, was fined 1,000 after she was prosecuted the Department of Social Protection. The fraud was detected when she applied for a bereavement grant after her husband died.

Prosecution solicitor Joseph Maguire told Judge John Brennan at Dublin District Court that the total fraud was 20,406, but the woman has repaid 17,783.

He said she got married in November 2010 but her husband died in 2012. The fraud was detected after the mother of one applied for a death grant, he said.

He said the charges were failing to notify the social welfare office and making false declarations. She now gets the widows pension from which 29 a week is being deducted, the court was told.

The offence can result in a fine of up to 2,500 and a possible six-month sentence in addition to having to repay the social welfare authorities who can continue to recoup money owed after a prosecution has concluded.

Defence solicitor Joe Coonan told the court she and her husband married in Nigeria but did not disclose it to the authorities. Pleading for leniency, he said she has some employment as an educational support worker and has no prior criminal convictions.

The sworn declarations were aggravating factors and there was a certain amount of mala fides, said Judge Brennan, however, he noted she will have finished repaying the social welfare office in a year and nine months.

He said it was a serious offence but noted her guilty plea and he added the lack of previous convictions was a major mitigating factor.

Taking her financial circumstances into account, he set the fine at 1,000 which has to be paid within six months.
Diplomats will ask the 27 leaders of the post-Brexit union to recognise the special clause, which would help set the foundations for talks on Britain leaving the bloc.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny will discuss the united Ireland statement at the EU summit in Brussels, where leaders will also formally agree the ground rules to negotiate Britains exit over the next two years.

The basis for the declaration is after the governments campaign to have the Good Friday Agreement formally recognised in the negotiations and Irelands unique position.

Mr Kenny has referred publicly a number of times to a German precedent on this.

Germany was reunited after the Berlin Wall came down and East Germany then went on to become a member of the EU.

The statement that the 27 leaders are expected to agree says: The European Council acknowledges that the Good Friday Agreement expressly provides for an agreed mechanism whereby a united Ireland may be brought about through peaceful and democratic means and, in this regard, the European Council acknowledges that, in accordance with international law, the entire territory of such a united Ireland would thus be part of the European Union.

Ahead of the summit, EU president Donald Tusk endorsed the special clause and wrote to EU leaders, noting that Britain must settle issues such as people, money and Ireland before any talks on a post-Brexit deal begin.

He told leaders: Before discussing our future, we must first sort out our past.

Government figures expect unanimous support for the statement today. While it will not be binding, it will be viewed as a clarification of law rather than on talks between Britain and the EU.

EU Affairs Minister Dara Murphy told the Irish Examiner the clause would say nothing about the timeline or path for a united Ireland, but the issue had always been part of the Governments plan: Given this [a vote for a united Ireland] could be many years down the line, we felt that its reference was very important.

The Good Friday Agreement allows for a referendum on reuniting Ireland where it is believed a majority in the North and the Republic favour this.

But government sources were also distancing themselves from any concern emerging from London about a possible post break-up of the United Kingdom.

Scotland is also pushing for a fresh independence referendum. This is nothing to do with London. This is a message for our EU partners, said a source.

Todays summit will formally start the clock on the Brexit negotiations. An immediate focus for Britain though is expected to be the cost of exiting, with some estimates as high as 50bn.

Other parties, however, want the Irish government to go further in protecting the North, especially as the majority of people there voted to stay in the EU. Sinn Fein wants the region to be given a special status in the immediate aftermath of Brexit.

Meanwhile, the Government has launched a campaign to relocate the European Medicines Agency to Ireland.

Health Minister Simon Harris was in Brussels meeting over 25 groups of diplomats and other country representatives to woo the huge EU body here in the aftermath of Brexit. The Government want the agency to relocate to Dublin and say it would provide a huge number of jobs.
This chilling account by Lieutenant Colonel John Henry Patterson, an Irishman, tells the tale of how two African lions terrorised a railway project in Tsavo, part of British East Africa (now Kenya), more than a century ago, killing and eating dozens of workers.

Patterson, who eventually shot the Tsavo man-eaters in December 1898, estimated they had killed and eaten 135 people.

Known as the Lunatic Express, the British empires railway from Uganda to the Indian Ocean took 30 years to build and claimed 2,500 lives, among them the mostly Indian labourers who were eaten by the lions. They called the maneless males The Ghost and The Darkness, believing them to be evil spirits.

The man-eating behaviour was considered highly unusual for lions. Why they took to hunting humans has been a matter of scientific debate for decades but the matter has now apparently been solved, while at the same time putting part of Pattersons account in doubt.

According to scientist Bruce Patterson (no descendant of the British officer from Longford), the lions were unlikely to have been able to crunch any kind of bones  human or otherwise  because they had rotten teeth. He also estimated that the number of humans they ate was not 135 but 35.

Patterson, curator of mammals at the Field Museum in Chicago, which holds the lions stuffed remains, says their diminished capacity to chew tough hides of their usual prey of zebra and wildebeest may have led to them hunting humans.

The skull of one of the Tsavo man-eaters shows evidence of dental disease. Picture: Bruce Patterson and JP Brown, The Field Museum

In an analysis published in Scientific Report, he cites evidence of dental disease in the man-eating lions. One lion (the first Tsavo man-eater), with a broken canine, developed a periapical abscess and lost three lower right incisors. The pronounced toothwear and extensive cranial remodelling suggests that the lion had broken his canine several years earlier, writes Patterson.

The second Tsavo man-eater had minor injuries including a fractured upper left carnassial and subsequent pulp exposure, although these types of injuries are fairly common and were unaccompanied by disease.

His conclusion that the lions became man-eaters because of bad teeth is not universally shared, however.

Larisa DeSantis, a palaeontologist at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, believes the lions were simply being opportunistic, targeting humans because they were in plentiful supply, easy to catch, and had soft flesh.

She thinks the bone-crunching sound that Patterson noted was, in fact, the work of hyenas.

Patterson, who led the construction of the railway bridge over the Tsavo river, was determined to hunt down and kill the lions as many workers had begun to flee the area, putting the railway project  and his own career  in jeopardy.

An experienced tiger hunter from his military service in India, it still took him several months and four rifles to bag his prey. After many attempts and near misses, he killed the first lion on the night of December 9, 1898, and the second one on the morning of December 29, narrowly escaping death when the wounded animal charged.

His book, The Man-Eaters of Tsavo (1907), inspired three Hollywood films: Bwana Devil (1952), Killers of Kilimanjaro (1959), and, more recently, The Ghost and the Darkness (1996) in which he was portrayed by Val Kilmer.
Last Wednesdays opening night saw a stunning presentation of Verdis Requiem at the City Hall; while on Thursday night the world-renowned Swingles made a welcome return to the city.

How a group that has been going since the early 1960s can continue to create the same wonderfully pure and inspiring sounds that first made it famous is a mystery. The membership inevitably changes over the years, and yet that magical beauty is still perfectly rendered in the harmony of seven voices ranging across the scale from highest to lowest. Shut your eyes, and you are listening to the Swingles at any stage of their long-lasting career.
We brainstorm about opportunities in food and visit some of the exemplars in the artisan and speciality food area.

This Spring we started close to home with a visit to Shanagarry Smoke House to see the artisan process and taste Bill Caseys delicious organic smoked Irish salmon.

Then we headed to Mahon Point where the Thursday Farmers Market was already in full swing. What a market, a tonne of brilliant ideas and cheery stallholders passionate about the quality of their product.

My new big find this time was Irena Tammik from Estonia who was selling her handmade rye sourdough from the community stall which is available for someone with a new product to showcase each week.

The table was proudly and beautifully decorated with an embroidered family cloth. She was wearing the traditional dress of her village. The little loaves of rye sourdough bread were absolutely authentic and delicious.

Those who know this style of bread made all over the Nordic region, Estonia and surrounding countries were thrilled to find this almost forgotten flavour.

For many Irish people, more familiar with soft white bread this may be an unfamiliar flavour but I urge you to try it.

One slice of this nutrient dense bread will keep you going until lunch time and remember to wrap and slice thinly  it keeps for weeks.

We drove towards West Cork over the River Lee to the little village of Toonsbridge where Toby Simmonds of the Olive Oil Company and Jenny Rose Clarke bought the local creamery in 2009 and started to make Mozzarella.

They now make pecorina vincenzo, occupato, cacio cavallo, halloumi, ricotta, scamorza, kachkeval and burratta (a cream filled mozzarella and fior de latte).

When Toby and Jenny Rose moved to Toonsbridge, local people wanted to buy his cheese so they decided to open a teeny weeny shop, packed with good things and a little cafe so people could relax and have a cup of coffee.

They expected it to be very quiet but the reality was different so now its become a destination, people drive and cycle from far and wide for espresso and their pizzas from the wood-burning oven, topped with mozzarella from the creamery next door. It brings a new meaning to the word local.

The Italian cheesemakers Franco, Guiseppe and Pierre from Campania gave us a demonstration of the intriguing process of mozzarella making. The renneting, the milking, the stretching and shaping must be done with exact precision.

While we were enjoying our picnic, the gardener was putting a layer of rich compost on to Jenny Roses kitchen garden in front of the cafe where she grows lots of vegetables, fresh herbs and edible flowers for the cafe.

Next stop was Macroom Oatmeal where Donal Creedon, fifth generation miller, produces richly toasted stone ground oatmeal and Macroom wholemeal flour in the time-honoured way, in the last stone grinding oat mill in Ireland.

It is unquestionably a product of the utmost integrity  no better way to start your day.

Michael Twomeys butcher shop was our next stop (on the Main Street). Michael who is super enthusiastic about his craft explained his Wagyu beef breeding program and the ethos behind his three butchers shops.

Then there was a quick stop, at the much loved Castle Hotel in Macroom to hear about the reality of running a busy hotel in a country town.

Our final stop was at Cronins in Crosshaven, an iconic pub which everyone associates with great fun and great food and great music.

Thecla and Sean and their children Denis and Joleen are constantly thinking outside the box, apart from the Mad Fish restaurant. They have a cinema club, Crafty Wednesday, Turf Thursday, Soul and Seafood.

The Red Head festival which had been such a resounding success is on hold this year unless a red headed sponsor emerges.

Thecla was one of the first students to come to our Pub Grub and Seafood courses in the early 1980s. Theyve also got a mind blowing whiskey list and a similarly impressive rum and gin selection.

Theres an exhibition of Jolenes pictures of Camden Fort on the walls of the Mad Fish restaurant - an inspirational family working together to create a multi-award winning business.

Thanks to each and everyone for sharing their knowledge and vision.

Denis Smoked Mackerel Pate with Melba Toast

This is Denis Cronins super taste twist on a smoked mackerel pate.

Serves 10  12

350g smoked mackerel, skinned

250g soft butter

10 g fresh dill or fennell

1 teaspoon ground pepper

 teaspoon chilli powder

 teaspoon garam masala

 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 soupspoon capers

Zest one lime

Lemon wedge, to serve

METHOD

Set butter aside till softened, also keep aside capers until the end.

First remove the skin from the smoked mackerel. Add the mackerel and the rest of the ingredients to a blender with the soft butter and whizz to a smooth paste.

Wash and roughly chop the capers and fold through the pate. Put the pate in a service dish or in a small lined loaf tin.

Serve with melba toast. Garnish with dill and lemon wedges.

Mad Fish Soup

We can all vouch for the deliciousness of this chunky fish chowder, no wonder its a famous speciality.

Serves 4 - 6 hungry people and tastes very good with homemade soda bread!

2 large onions, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

2 large leeks, chopped

3 large potatoes, chopped

2 large carrots, chopped

4 sticks celery, chopped

Glass of white wine

700ml fresh fish stock

50ml brandy

Tin of chopped tomatoes

300ml mussel stock

100ml cream

Fresh fish pieces such as cod, salmon, monkfish, mussels or whatever you fancy

METHOD

First, sweat onions and garlic. Add the leeks and sweat for a further five minutes

Add potato, carrots and celery. Next add the wine. Boil up and cook for a few minutes until alcohol has evaporated.

Now add the fish stock. Bring to the boil and simmer for 15 minutes until the vegetables are cooked. Add brandy, tomatoes, mussel stock and cream.

Now is the time to add your fish. The type of fish you are using will determine at what point you add them to the soup.

Mussels, monkfish and salmon have firm flesh, and can be added at this point, they also add extra flavour.

All other fish, such as cod, haddock, whiting must be added just before serving to prevent falling apart in the soup. Simmer for a few minutes to cook the fish thoroughly.

Serve garnished with a wedge of lemon and with a slice of traditional soda bread.

From Cronins Pub & The Mad Fish Kitchen, Crosshaven - www.croninspub.com

Halloumi with Lemon Zest, Honey and Marjoram or Thyme

A delicious little snack or starter made in minutes

Serves 4

4 pieces of Halloumi

extra virgin olive oil

zest of 1 organic lemon

salt and freshly ground black pepper

honey - youll need about 4 teaspoons

2-3 teaspoons marjoram or thyme

METHOD

Just before serving, slice the Halloumi into 7mm (1/3 inch) thick slices.

Heat a little oil in a pan or pan-grill. Season the cheese with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Arrange the Halloumi in a single layer on the pan and allow to sizzle for a couple of minutes on both sides.

Sprinkle with coarsely chopped marjoram or thyme leaves.

Transfer each piece onto a warm plate. Drizzle with a little honey, grate on some lemon zest.

Sprinkle with a few fresh marjoram or thyme leaves and serve as soon as possible with crusty bread.

Toonsbridge Burrata or Macroom Buffalo Mozzarella with Anchovies

Serves 4

4 burrata or 4 buffalo mozzarella

12 best quality anchovies

extra virgin olive oil

METHOD

Put a burrata or buffalo mozzarella on a plate, tear apart a little. Put 3 anchovies on top, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Serve with chargrilled sour dough or crusty bread.

Note: If the burrata is large, use a half cheese for each portion.

Hot tips

Oh My Donut: John Downey, past 12 Week graduate has opened Oh My Donut on 23A Washington Street, Cork, open Monday to Saturday from 10am - 8pm. Try Boston to Mallow or Lemon On, Smarty Pants.

Estonia Bread at Mahon Farmers Market: Next time you are visiting the Mahon Farmers Market check out Irena Tammiks handmade rye sourdough.

Wild Food: The flowers of the blackthorn come before the leaves. The fruit are sloes, so make a note of where the profusion of white blossom is in your area so youll know where to gather the fruit to make sloe gin in Autumn.

Fit Foodie Workshop with Derval ORourke @ Ballymaloe Cookery School: This workshop is run by Derval ORourke, former world athletics champion,three-time Olympian, and number one bestselling cookbook author.

Spend the afternoon, Saturday, May 6, learning how to balance food and fitness to live a healthier, happier life. During this workshop, you will learn how to make great tasting, easy and healthy recipes that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

The afternoon includes a fitness session in the grounds of the Cookery School, is suitable for everybody and will take people of all levels through a fun and motivating session that you can replicate at home.

This workshop is perfect for anyone that is looking for simple ways to eat well and keep moving.

www.cookingisfun.ie for further information.
For all the popularity Lisbon has amassed over the past few years as a sought-after travel destination, Porto is still overlooked.

But it shouldnt be: Portugals second city is the countrys real standard-setter when it comes to design, thanks to its heritage as a manufacturing hub through most of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Now its gaining traction as a shopping mecca, too, filled with locally made items by emerging designers who cant be found elsewhere.

Even the Lisbon designers normally come to the Porto area to produce their designs because all the industry is here, says Andre Ramos, founder of Scar ID, a lifestyle boutique that specializes in Portuguese fashions, accessories, decorative items, and more.

In fact, so many producers have set up shop in formerly blighted production studios that Portos artisans are now sprawling beyond the city limits.

Heres how to navigate a shopping spree in the up-and-coming shopping capital.

Clothing

One of the most popular clothing brands to come out of Portugal is La Paz, a hip Porto-based menswear label that focuses on modernizing traditional Portuguese fishermans garb.

Stocked in trendy boutiques worldwide (from Whittmore in Los Angeles to Le Bon Marche in Paris), La Pazs storefront in the Ribeira neighbourhood is perfect for trying on its entire inventory of chunky cotton sweaters, seahorse-print button-front shirts, and hooded anoraks.

Wrong Weather in Boavista stocks high-end designer menswear, from silk jackets by J.W. Anderson to Marni leather sneakers, but its owners also produce a collection of cut-and-sew shirts, tissue-thin graphic Tees, and perforated leather belts.

For your black-tie needs, schedule an appointment with Saville Row-trained tailor Ayres Goncalos atelier for a sharply cut suit or tuxedo as well as a bespoke pair of suede loafers or double monkstrap shoes.

The award-winning designer Luis Buchinho has a flagship in the city centerand its the citys best spot for womenswear.

Daily Day store in Porto.

Buchinho is one of Portos earliest pioneers, but his latest collection proves that hes still on the pulse of whats covetable: leather jackets with origami details and mix-pattern shift dresses.

A few minutes away is Daily Day, a new shop that carries mostly Portuguese brands.

Its the place to go for mens clothing, from indie label La Paz (noted above) to funky footwear from Weekend Barber (shearling covered loafers) and folio-style clutches from Noise Goods (a leatherware producer in nearby Leiria).

Also look out for Daily Days recently launched in-house label. The mens collection is strictly focused on classic outerwear, such as wool pea coats and duffle coats in a range of colors, including whimsical canary yellow.

Women will have more to choose from, such as silk drop-shoulder jackets, drop-waist denim dresses, and expertly draped wear-everyday blouses.

Accessories

Amid the galleries that fill the Porto Art District, Scar ID is a treasure trove for Porto-based designs (though some pieces hail from other parts of the country).

Its best if youre looking for exclusive items, since the shop is often the only retail outpost for a lot of the product lines it carries. Everything from fashion, to skincare, to home decor is represented, but accessories are your best bet.

Our favorites: TelmaDAs architectural jewellery, from modular necklaces to striking, geometric earrings; handmade tortoise shell sunglasses from Darkside; and Freaklosets unique lace-up boots, which are made mostly of leather but amped up with contrasting neoprene backs.

Stock up on winter accessories at Burel Factory, a producer based in the mountains of Portugal.

It has just opened a store in Porto filled with scarves, jackets, hats, and bags, all made with a thick wool textile called burel, which was historically used by sheep herders.

Then pay a visit to Ideal & Co.s downtown office to learn more about Portuguese craftsmanship.

The brand was launched a few years ago with a line of leather satchels, briefcases, totes, drawing tubes, backpacks, and more.

But grab a complimentary glass of Port wine, hang out on the couch, and let the designers tell you more about a special type of cotton canvas theyve recently manufactured its raw and refined, like Japanese selvedge denim, but unique to the Iberian peninsula.

For now, theyre using it as a base for messenger bags and backpacks that could easily attach to your bike.

Home Decor

Near the iconic Clerigos Tower, youll find A Vida Portuguesa, a chainlet of well-known concept stores with locations in Lisbon and Porto.

Its stock of Portuguese handicrafts makes it the perfect stop for such clever souvenirs as vintage-looking toothpaste, beautifully wrapped homemade soaps, and illustrated books about Fado, the melancholic musical style thats part of Portugals cultural identity.

The home decor items are equally worth picking up  wall hangings by local artist Bordalo Pinheiro, aluminium water jugs, and wooden cheese platters.

Make your larger purchases at Casa Almada, a two-floor design destination in downtown Porto that focuses on midcentury furniture from all over Europe.

Youll find vintage brass sconces and reframed Erik Kirkegaard arm chairs, as well as limited-run goods from Made In/Casa Almada, a collaborative effort between the shop and local contemporary designers.

Recently on offer were cork-and-paper mobiles by Miguel Cunha and wall lamps by Pedro e Ines. The latter are made with ceramic tiles that resemble fish scales.

Where to Stay

Porto doesnt have very many big-name hotels, but a lot of smaller properties offer a boutique, plugged-in vibe.

The new Flores Village Hotel & Spa, a renovated townhouse with a pool and spa, is a rarity for downtown accommodations.

A room from Pestana Vintage Hotel in Porto.

Youll get a picture-perfect location right on the Duoro river if you stay at the newly renovated Pestana Vintage Porto, whose rooms overlook the famous port cellars.

(The hotel restaurant, Rib, offers killer steaks and a tightly curated menu of Portuguese wines.)

You can also opt for the romance of Portos hilly countryside without being too far from the heart of town.

The municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia is just across the river (you can easily walk or take a quick car ride to the city center) and home to one of the areas most luxurious stays: the Yeatman.

The Yeatman Spa barrell bath at night.

Its not new, but it has spacious, British-inspired rooms and a Caudalie spa, along with a Michelin-starred restaurant and exceptional views of downtown Porto.

Where to Eat

At the moment, the most sought-after restaurant in Porto is Cantina 32 on the pedestrian-only Rua das Flores.

Make a reservation ahead of your trip to snag a seateven if youre going for lunchand order from a mix of traditional and internationally inspired dishes.

Chef Rui Paula in his Porto restaurant.

Youd also be remiss to plan a trip without hitting up celebrity chef Rui Paulas newest outpost, Boa Nova, in a building designed by Pritzker-winning architect Alvaro Siza Vieira.
However, having been the troublesome bootboy during the financial crash and made suffer by our friends, it appears to be better news for us.

We all woke up to our front pages yesterday telling us that EU leaders are preparing to recognise the potential for a united Ireland within the union, confirming that Northern Ireland would seamlessly rejoin the bloc after Brexit should reunification be voted for.

The Financial Times told us that diplomats are seeking the approval of the 27 EU leaders (minus Theresa May) to endorse the plan, notwithstanding fears it may further the drive to a break-up of the UK.

Under the plan, it would allow the six counties the example of German reunification in 1990 and would strongly reflect the terms of the 1998 Good Friday agreement, the deal which has underpinned almost 25 years of peace.

Under Good Friday, a referendum is permitted to address the question of unification and should a majority of people north and south desire it, it would happen.

Both Dublin and London, in the wake of the Brexit vote on June 23 last year, have repeatedly committed to sticking by Good Friday as co-guarantors.

While the reference to Ireland is an important signal, no final decision has been taken on what form Irish unity would take. It is clear that such decisions have to be taken by Britain in consultation with Ireland.

Such a position was made clear by EU Council president Donald Tusk in his letter to EU leaders yesterday. Tusk has said that Britain must settle the key issues of people, money, and Ireland before any talks on a post-Brexit trade deal begin.

In a letter to leaders of the remaining 27 EU countries ahead of a summit tomorrow, Tusk said that before discussing our future, we must first sort out our past.

This is not only a matter of tactics but  given the limited timeframe, we have to conclude the talks  it is the only possible approach, the former Polish leader wrote to the leaders.

I would like us to unite around this key principle during the upcoming summit so that it is clear that progress on people, money, and Ireland must come first.

And we have to be ready to defend this logic during the upcoming negotiations.

This weekends meeting in Brussels marks the beginning of the important next step in the Brexit process and will see the formal adoption of negotiating guidelines for the 27 countries.

For the EU to hold, it is important for it to be seen to be taking a tough line on issues but the key factor, as highlighted by German chancellor Angela Merkel, is unity.

Merkel has spoken of the need to protect Ireland in the aftermath of Brexit as one of a multitude of special interests. Merkel warned that success for the EU in the Brexit talks hinges on unity among the EUs remaining 27 members.

She said she was encouraged by the show of unity among the EU27 leaders in the months since the Brexit vote. She then spoke of the need to protect Ireland and argued the only way to do that is for the 27 to hold together: For instance, if we think of the Republic of Ireland and its shared space with Britain and the problems in Northern Ireland, it was a good thing we held together.

Speaking yesterday in Dublin, Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe confirmed the Irish priorities set to be copper-fastened in a key European Council Brexit document this weekend will underscore the possibility of a united Ireland border vote taking place in the future.

Donohoe said that while he does not believe such a poll will take place in the near future, it is imperative that the legal right to such a vote is included in a post-Brexit legal environment.

The Good Friday agreement lays down the mechanisms under which a border poll will be triggered, and that is firstly the recognition of the secretary of state and secondly how the communities in the North would vote.

"I dont believe that poll is imminent, but what is imperative for this coun-try is that the legal status and political relevance of the Good Friday agreement is under-scored in a post-Brexit legal environment. And thats what the Taoiseach and all of us have been working hard on for the next number of months, he said.

Predictability, there were shouts of concern from the unionist camps in Belfast as Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson criticised attempts in Dublin and Brussels to include provisions for a future united Ireland in Brexit talks.

As I made clear to EU negotiator Michel Barnier in the European Parliament earlier this month, Dublin does not speak for Northern Ireland  and Brussels does not speak for us either. It is disappointing to see that some are using Brexit as an excuse to try to break up the United Kingdom, he said.

Nicholsons criticisms have more to do with the existential crisis within Ulster unionism than anything else, but from an all-Ireland perspective, it is hard to see how much better the Government could have done.

Such explicit references to Ireland also include a reiteration of the EUs support for the Belfast agreement and the continuation of the funding arrangements that underpin it.

A commitment to allow the Common Travel Area continue is also significant if not unsurprising, but to give credit to the Irish side, there now seems to be a recognition of the need to minimise the damage Brexit will do to Ireland.

Such recognition also reflects the fact many within the Brussels machine want to repay Ireland for the manner in which we dealt with the financial crisis and how we stomached the tough medicine in fixing the economy. There is some recognition that Ireland did get screwed back in 2008 and 2010 and there is a willingness to put that right, one senior official told me.

Credit is also due to Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

He has been oft criticised for not bowing to pressure to establish a Brexit minister, preferring to run it himself.

The intense series of meetings all over Europe and a clear stepping up of engagement with London also appears to have paid off.

It must be pointed out that nothing, absolutely nothing, is finalised at this stage, but this is a good start for the Government.

And promises from European friends now could easily get lost when in the teeth of fierce talks a compromise will have to be reached.

So Kenny will have some reason to be cheerful as he boards the government jet to Brussels today and can legitimately conclude it so far has been a job well done. He may also realise that it may not get any better than this and it could be the perfect occasion to depart on a high.
FINEST KIND CLINIC AND FISHMARKET.... Discussing medicine, culture, and the joys of cooking Pansit.
Once again, Apple is rumored to launch its own Venmo-like service for all iPhone users. Venmo is a free digital wallet app in mobile owned by PayPal. It is used in order to transact and do other payment services using your smartphone. According to multiple sources that are familiar with the news, Apple intends to announce the service later this year, potentially at the same event when its new iPhone will be unveiled.

On Thursday, a report claimed that Apple has held talks with Visa talking about its own pre-paid debit cards. The said debit cards will join into an unannounced service that would allow all iPhone users to send and receive money to each iPhone users digitally. However, some banks are reportedly suspicious and planning to complain at Visa.

According to Business Insider, Apple has been working on a peer-to-peer money transfer services since 2015. If launched, the app would be a direct competitor to Venmo app. With this app, the user can easily split the bill, pay the cab, or much more. And Apple could be thinking an app that could certainly do things like that and, if possible, more than that.

The soon to be named Apple payments service would include a major partnership with Visa. With that, users will be allowed to take digital pre-paid cards that would run on Visa's debit system but be tied directly into Apple Pay. As reported by MacRumors, users of this app could get paid through the "Apple Cash," able to use the Visa card and Apple Pay to spend their saved money at a retail store or online.

To obtain the many customers, Apple could be targeting teenagers and young adults with the new service. However, as of now, there are still many questions on Apple and Visa's potential partnership, as well as Apple's own debit cards. A remarkable puzzle is that if Apple would launch exciting rewards and programs to convince people to ditch their current debit or credit cards to switch for the new one.
Earlier this year, an investigation conducted by Samsung Electronics about the caused of some Galaxy Note 7 smartphones to catch fire concluded that the battery was the main reason. Samsung already confirmed the firm would be selling refurbished Galaxy Note 7 devices. According to reports, the recycled Note 7 will be available from three carriers in South Korea this June.

Branding, as well as pricing, are still being negotiated, as reported by The Verge. The upcoming recycled Galaxy Note 7 will go on sale as the Galaxy Note 7 R with a cost price of around 700,000 Korean won. In conversion, that is about $620, meaning $266 cheaper than the original price. Around 300,000 units of the total Galaxy Note 7 phones recalled in the region will reportedly go on sale.

The Galaxy Note 7 R is said to have a smaller battery compared to the original model that was released last year. The Note 7 units that are earlier processed ave 3,200 mAh instead of 3,500 mAh. However, this is not yet official since the Korean tech giant doesn't have any announcement yet. Also, dont expect to see a refurbished Galaxy Note 7 phones on sale in the US either because the company might only allow it to be on sale on their hometown.

As what Samsung said last month, "The objective of introducing refurbished devices is solely to reduce and minimize any environmental impact." This means that the recycled Galaxy Note 7 R's name, technical specification, features and price range will be announced once the device is available. Nevertheless, as of today, "Availability has not been determined yet," a Samsung representative told CNET in an interview.

On the other hand, the refurbished smartphone may go on sale with three Korean carriers, starting in June. Samsung has said that the upcoming Galaxy Note 7 R phones would undergo company's new 8-point safety check. That means aside from having a smaller battery, it will also be severely quality checked.
The United States Marines are testing soldier robots armed with machine guns and 'Hypersubs' for the past two weeks at Camp Pendleton, in California. They developed the technology in preparation for a high-tech beach invasion with the aim to reduce soldier mortality. New weapons such as machine gun-carrying robots that storm the beaches as first assault team, and speedboats that instantly change into small stealthy submarines to avoid detection.

The Navy and Marine Corps have been secretly testing around 50 new warfare technologies in the Ship-to-Shore Maneuver Exploration and Experimentation Advanced Naval Technology Exercise 2017. The technology aims to change ground combat from being profoundly gunpowder-reliant to smart weapons-reliant. Since countries like China has just revealed that they are expanding and advancing their naval capabilities rapidly, the US wants to retain its seat as being the supreme naval power.

The announcement of the existence of US Marines robot soldiers and 'Hypersubs' Terrorists is an important step to maintaining Naval Supremacy. According to Fox News, the Marines plan to continue identifying and exploring new technologies, transition them rapidly to the force to act as deterrents of war, and also to reduce danger level to the lives of the Marines in future conflicts.They are also taking advantage of the accessibility and cheap price point of basic unmanned drones armed with explosive material.

A possible war scenario in the 21st Century would start with a group of vehicles called HyperSubs, which would be first sent into any risky beach mission. According to Blasting News, these machines would then perform reconnaissance of the beach defenses. These speedboats and submarines combo vehicles would approach the shore ahead of the invasion fleet to scan defenses and gather needed intelligence for the best next move.

Since clearing out of a fortified beach or urban position is the most dangerous mission, robot soldiers and other hi-tech vehicles could effectively spare the lives of human soldiers. Autonomous or remote controlled robots are highly acceptable collateral damage. If these machines are destroyed in a war, they do not leave widows and orphans.
This year is really is shaping up to be a great year in the field of smartphones, or in technology in general. The past few weeks, all smartphones enthusiasts have seen the launch of eclectic mobile devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S8, LG G6 and Xiaomi Mi 6. This is just the beginning because in the next two months, OnePlus, HTC and Nokia are expected to launch their new flagship phones.

One Plus 5

The name OnePlus 4, which is supposed to be the name of the next flagship phone, is being skipped due to the fact that the number 4 in Chinese beliefs is considered bad luck. Therefore, after the amazing OnePlus 3 series, fans will see the OnePlus 5. It is rumored to launch in the second half of the year, meaning that is probably in the month of June.

OnePlus 5 will come in three color variants - Black, Gold, and Grey. Previous rumors also claimed that the next OnePlus' flagship smartphone will have 8GB of RAM, a QuadHD display and will run Snapdragon 835 SoC. In addition to that, its Adreno is 540 GPU, with up to 256GB of internal storage and a battery of 3,000mAh.

HTC U 11

Rumors on HTC U 11 suggest that users will be able to squeeze the side of the smartphone and pressure sensitive buttons will be provided with various functions. That unique button may perform several kinds of task such as launching a specific app or taking a snap. According to TechRadar, HTC's next flagship smartphone will be announced on May 16 and the firm will get the handset on pre-sale before the end of the month.

Nokia 8 And Nokia 9

Both Nokia 8 or Nokia 9 are the two expected smartphones to be the upcoming Nokia's flagship device. The devices will run Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 processor, which is first seen on Samsung's Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus. Last week, a concept video regarding the two smartphones leaked, according to PCAdventure and the date shown on it is June 2, 2017.

Nokia 3310

HMD Global has not officially announced the details including the price and the exact launch date of Nokia 3310. However, the mobile device has been spotted on a retailer website In India. The listing shows a price of Rs 3,899, that is approximate to $60. It also asserts that Nokia 3310 will launch on May 17, with pre-sell opening on May 5.
Samsung has released its first quarter financial results for this year and it shows interestingly that the South Korean tech company have ridden a good path of the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco. Samsung also confirmed that their profits are looking good, thanks to Galaxy S8 and S8+. Today, another confirmation has been revealed, that is Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is coming this year.

Kiranjeet Kaur, IDC Asia/Pacific's research manager for client devices, said that Samsung does announce a Galaxy S series phone in the first half of this year and a Galaxy Note series in the second half. So I am not sure if Samsung is alluding to the next Note or if they want to introduce a new series," he added. Samsung If Galaxy Note 8 will not be the name of the next device, it could be a new series name in order to avoid any questions or doubts that may arise because of the Note7 incident.

A spokesperson said that Samsung cannot comment anymore on the future product plan. However, Samsung Mobile president DJ Koh confirmed earlier this year that Samsung fans may look forward to a better, safer, and very innovative Note 8 that might launch at some point. Clearly, that confirms that the much rumored Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is coming before the year ends.

Samsung may not have named a specific smartphone for Galaxy Note 8 specifically in its press release, as reported by BGR. However, fans and enthusiasts already know that a new Galaxy Note device arrives each year in either August or September. That means the confirmed Galaxy Note 8 might be here on that months.

After all, theres no other rumored flagship that Samsung is planning to launch in the coming months. Even if, there are rumors that a foldable Galaxy X smartphone may be unveiled this year, but utmost news claim that Samsung will just conduct a limited trial run to test the market. The Galaxy Note 7 launched at $850, so expect a price for the Galaxy Note 8 to be slightly higher than this.
Revenue generated by Microsoft's Surface hardware during the March quarter was down 26% from the same period the year before, the company said yesterday as it briefed Wall Street.

For the quarter, Surface produced $831 million, some $285 million less than the March quarter of 2016, for the largest year-over-year dollar decline ever.

Microsoft blamed the portfolio's age and increased competition from hardware partners for the fall-off. "Our Surface results fell short of expectations impacted by end-of-product-lifecycle and increased price competition," contended Satya Nadella, Microsoft's CEO, in the Thursday earnings call.

The Surface Pro 4, the portfolio's top seller, was introduced in October 2015, and has not been refreshed since then.

[ Further reading: Microsoft charges into laptop market with Surface Book ]

Analysts accepted Microsoft's reasons for the downturn.

"There is competition that is lower-priced," said Carolina Milanesi of Creative Strategies in a Friday interview. "There's not just more of the same, but a lot that are positioned in the same space are cheaper. And there were expectations that we would have seen a [product] refresh that we haven't seen yet."

Jack Gold, principal analyst at J. Gold Associates, echoed Milanesi on the age angle. The revenue decline "indicates that the aging product needs a refresh badly," Gold wrote in a note to clients today. "Price cutting and competing vendors' products will continue to create declines until new product is released, rumored for later this year."

Microsoft threw cold water on any significant changes to the Surface line before June, forecasting that the current quarter will also post a revenue decline.

[ To comment on this story, visit Computerworld's Facebook page. ]

Initially, Surface was pitched by Microsoft as a kick-in-the-pants to its partners, the OEMs, or "original equipment manufacturers," which until 2012 had had a lock on the Windows hardware market. Microsoft meant to show the OEMs what a cutting-edge, premium-priced device could do, and how it could best demonstrate the power of Windows.

Milanesi rejected the idea that the quarter's revenue decline signaled retrenchment by Microsoft, that the company considered the line's mission fulfilled by the rise in 2-in-1s from partnering OEMs.

"Surface as a revenue segment is important; it's not just a reference design," said Milanesi, using the term bandied when Microsoft first entered the personal computer hardware space.

One reason why Surface carries weight at Redmond, said Milanesi: The 2-in-1, tablet-slash-notebook mostly sells to enterprises, or to employees who buy it themselves for work. That plays to Microsoft's own company-wide emphasis on corporate customers. It also brings the usual advantages earned by courting enterprises, including less price sensitivity and, unlike the consumer market, a steadier calendar that doesn't rely on high seasonal sales at the end of each year.

Even so, Milanesi thought Microsoft was missing an opportunity by focusing on business sales of the Surface, particularly the Surface Pro. "Microsoft needs to do more than just the enterprise -- such as looking at higher ed students, people who may have picked a MacBook Air -- and see what they can do in that space," she argued.
The U.S. National Security Agency will no longer sift through emails, texts and other internet communications that mention targets of surveillance.

The change, which the NSA announced on Friday, stops a controversial tactic that critics said violated U.S. citizens' privacy rights.

The practice involved flagging communications where a foreign surveillance target was mentioned, even if that target wasn't involved in the conversation. Fridays announcement means the NSA will stop collecting this data.

Instead, this surveillance will now be limited to only those communications that are directly to or from a foreign intelligence target, the NSA said in a statement.

As part of that change, the NSA will delete most of the internet communications that were collected using this surveillance tactic.

The agency said it decided to stop some of the activities because of technological constraints, U.S. citizens privacy interests, and difficulties with implementation.

The NSA said it made the change after reporting several incidents in which it inadvertently collected citizens' communications while using this tactic. The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which oversees the agency's spying powers, has issued an order approving the agency's narrower approach to data collection, the NSA said.

Privacy advocates applauded the move.

This change ends a practice that could result in Americans' communications being collected without a warrant merely for mentioning a foreign target, said U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon in a statement.

He plans to introduce legislation banning this kind of data collection.

Former NSA contractor Edward Snowden tweeted: This is likely the most substantive of the post-2013 NSA reforms, if the principle is applied to all other programs.

The NSA change specifically involves its upstream surveillance collection, and not the agencys PRISM program, which allegedly spies on U.S. citizens.
This Week in Review

A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.
WASHINGTON -- "I was one very lucky kid," wrote retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn in a 2016 memoir about his bumpy childhood in a working-class Rhode Island family. "I was one of those nasty tough kids, hell-bent on breaking rules for the adrenaline rush and hardwired just enough to not care about the consequences."

Flynn described how he was arrested but given probation after "some serious and unlawful activity." But he added: "I would always retain my strong impulse to challenge authority and to think and act on my own whenever possible."

Flynn's luck has run out in recent months. He was fired as national security adviser for misleading colleagues about his questionable discussions last December with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. Now he's under investigation by the Pentagon's inspector general for failing to disclose payments he received from Russian and Turkish sources, despite a clear warning in 2014 that such disclosure was required.

The puzzle is why Flynn, who had a reputation as a meticulous tactical intelligence officer during his Army career, was so careless when he left the military. The story is a personal tragedy for Flynn, but it illustrates a larger problem in the national-security community.

When intelligence officers like Flynn move from compartmented boxes to a wider world, they often make mistakes. They've been living inside super-secret units that resemble a closed family circle. They don't understand the rules of public behavior. They're not good at being normal. And they often pay a severe price.

There are numerous examples of this transition problem. James J. Angleton, the CIA's legendary counterintelligence chief, was secretive to the point of paranoia when he was at the agency. But when he left in the 1970s, he couldn't stop talking to journalists and others about his conspiracy theories. Some other former CIA officers are similar: They work the press or lobbying clients the way they used to work their agency assets.

Gen. Stanley McChrystal, one of Flynn's mentors, got fired as commander in Afghanistan after he and his staff made inappropriate comments to a Rolling Stone journalist. Gen. John Allen, a much-admired commander in Afghanistan, got involved in an email correspondence with a would-be Florida socialite that led to a Pentagon investigation, which derailed his appointment as NATO commander. Gen. David Petraeus, perhaps the most celebrated commander of his generation, pleaded guilty to improperly sharing classified information with his biographer, with whom he was romantically involved.

Each of these people served the country in remarkable ways. But looking at the difficulties they encountered, one senses a pattern. Senior command is a world unto itself. The tribal culture that envelops all our military and intelligence personnel is especially tight for our most secret warriors. They sometimes miss the signals that life outside will be different.

Flynn certainly got a clear warning when he left the military after serving as head of the Defense Intelligence Agency. On Thursday, the Pentagon released a letter he received Oct. 8, 2014, about "the ethics restrictions that apply to you after your retirement." The instructions listed eight areas of "post-employment restrictions," including an obligation to get approval for any foreign compensation.

Flynn apparently cruised through that red light when he accepted $45,000 for speaking to the Russian government's television-propaganda channel in 2015, and when he received more than $500,000 in 2016 from a firm with close ties to the Turkish government. Flynn retroactively registered as a foreign-government representative for work on behalf of Turkey that occurred on the eve of Trump's election and Flynn's selection as national security adviser.

It's unclear whether Flynn disclosed these foreign-government payments and other foreign contacts, as required, in renewing his security clearances at the White House, where he oversaw the nation's most sensitive compartmented programs. Failure to reveal such information can sometimes violate Section 1001 of the U.S. criminal code, known as the "false statements" provision.

When military and intelligence promotion panels review candidates for top positions, it's said they pay special attention to whether officers have the judgment to manage the subtle, unpredictable problems that arise for commanders. Can they communicate to their subordinates, colleagues at other agencies, members of Congress and, where appropriate, the public? The military and intelligence agencies promote some spectacularly talented people, but something in this process is misfiring.

Military commanders need to know how to communicate in a wide-open world. But a word of caution: The sunlight can be blinding. Good people can do dumb things. They get so used to living by their own code that they sometimes don't register what the law says.

The Washington Post
PAUL SCHNEIDEREIT: Treatment centre for PTSD in first responders, military opens in Nova Scotia

Imagine its your job, every day, to be ready to rush to scenes where men, women or even children had been killed or badly injured, often in horrific circumstances. Really, consider what that might be like. If youre like most of us, the thought ...
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order [text] on Friday to lift restrictions placed on offshore oil drilling. According to a statement [press release], about 94 percent of the US Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) was either off-limits to or not considered for oil and gas exploration and development under previous rules. Trump blamed federal regulations for high unemployment in the state of Alaska, where oil and gas are a significant part of the economy, and said lifting restrictions would create thousands of jobs. Opponents, including US Congressman Charlie Christ (D-FL) [official website], criticized [press release] the move, citing environmental risks posed by drilling such as the Deep Water Horizon oil spill [JURIST backgrounder].

In 2016, US President Obama withdrew [JURIST op-ed] all of the northern Atlantic Ocean and most of the Arctic Ocean under federal jurisdiction from oil exploration and production through the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. In January, the Washington Supreme Court [official website] ruled [JURIST report] against plans for a big oil terminal on the West Coast. The same month, President Trump signed [JURIST report] presidential memoranda to progress construction of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipeline. In March, the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit [official website] rejected an emergency request [JURIST report] from two Native American tribes attempting to stop the oil flow through the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Turkey blocked [Turkey Blocks press release] the website Wikipedia [official website] on Saturday deeming it a threat to national security. Opponents say Turkeys choice [Reuters report] to block the website further supports rights groups and Turkeys Western allies opinion that the country prohibits freedom of speech and other basic rights. Turkey supported its decision stating a law permits it to block access to individual web pages or entire websites for the protection of the order, national security, or general welfare. Turkeys communications ministry alleged that Wikipedia was attempting to run a smear campaign against it. Under the law, allowing them to ban Wikipedia, the government has to submit its ban to a court within 24 hrs and the court then has two days to determine if the ban should be upheld.

Since a failed coup attempt last July, where Turkish military forces tried to overthrow the government, the Turkish government has taken several controversial steps to strengthen its power. At the end of January a judge for the UN Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals ordered the release of a Turkish judge [JURIST report] who was involved in adjudicating a Rwandan genocide case and had been incarcerated since July. Earlier in January the Turkish Parliament approved a plan [JURIST report], which, if approved by vote later this year, would increase presidential power within the country and would allow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to stay in office until 2029. In November Turkey significantly restricted the activities of NGOs like human rights organizations and childrens groups and arrested opposition party leaders [JURIST reports] alleging they were connected to terror organizations. In February, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Muiznieks [official profile] urged [JURIST report] Turkey to change course and to display the responsibility and tolerate expected in a democratic society. In October Human Rights Watch warned [JURIST report] that the emergency decrees put in place after the failed coup had resulted in serious human rights violations. In July Amnesty International condemned [JURIST report] Turkey for attacking the freedom of the press by issuing arrest warrants for 42 journalists.
LINCOLN  Nebraska feedlots with capacities of 1,000 or more head contained 2.46 million cattle on feed on April 1, according to the U.S. Department of Agricultures National Agricultural Statistics Service.

That inventory was up 1 percent from April 1, 2016.

March placements of 495,000 head were up 9 percent from 2016 and the highest for March since the data series began in 1996.

Fed cattle marketings in March, at 465,000 head, also were up 9 percent and the highest total for March since at least 1996.
LINCOLN  Nebraska Department of Agriculture officials are asking farmers to work together to protect sensitive specialty crops and pollinators from pest-control products such as herbicides, insecticides and fungicides.

Herbicide applications are critical for corn and soybean production, but some specialty crops, like grape vines and hops, are extremely sensitive to these products, said NDA Director Greg Ibach of Sumner.

He encourages farmers and other pesticide applicators to communicate with each other during planting and growing seasons. The free, voluntary DriftWatch and BeeCheck online mapping services from FieldWatch allow growers of commercial specialty crops, organic crops and beehives to report their field locations. The maps are online at fieldwatch.com.

In Nebraska, 466 growers have registered 1,151 specialty crops sites in 74 of the 93 counties on DriftWatch, which DNA monitors for the state.

For more information, contact Craig Romary at 402-471-2351.
LEXINGTON  Registration is open for a six-session medication aide course that will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 22-24 and May 30-June 1 at Central Community College-Lexington.

The course is designed to train beginning medication aides to safely administer medications to patients.

Class size is limited so preregistration is required to reserve a space. The cost is $360, which includes tuition, books and fees. There are additional fees for state testing and Department of Health and Human Services registration.

For more information or to preregister, contact CCC-Lexington at 308-324-8480 or toll-free at 877-222-0780, ext. 8480.
KEARNEY  A former Kearney man has been convicted of assault and resisting arrest following a Christmas Day assault at an east Kearney mobile home park.

James L. Koelzer, 25, of Beaver City pleaded no contest earlier this month in Buffalo County District Court to third-degree assault, domestic third-degree assault, and third-degree assault by mutual consent, all misdemeanors, and felony resisting arrest in the Dec. 25 incident involving a man and a woman.

In exchange for his plea, the Buffalo County Attorneys Office dismissed a charge of felony terroristic threats.

Around 12:45 p.m. on Christmas Day, Kearney Police Department officers were called to a home at the mobile home park for a domestic assault in progress. When police arrived, a woman had a cut on the top of her foot and a man had been hit in the face.

The suspect, identified as Koelzer, was in the back bedroom of the home with two small children. Koelzer told police he and the woman got into an argument and she was cut on the foot with a broken marijuana pipe.

The investigation revealed the second man tried to call 911, but Koelzer hit him in the face. A KPD incident report said Koelzer broke the mans jaw and during the argument he threatened to kill the woman.

As officers took Koelzer into custody inside the house he resisted, and Koelzer and one officer went to the ground where the officer was bitten on the arm. Another officer suffered an injury to his leg. Officers gained control of Koelzer and took him to the Buffalo County Jail where he later posted bond and was released.

Koelzers no-contest plea is neither an admittance nor denial of guilt, but the plea is treated the same as a guilty plea. Judge John Marsh accepted his plea and ordered the state probation department to conduct a presentence investigation report. Those reports detail a defendants background, including family and criminal history, employment, and any psychological or chemical dependency.

The report will be provided to Marsh to help him issue an appropriate sentence.

Sentencing will be in June. Koelzer, who is free on bond, faces up to 5 years in prison.

@HubChic
LEXINGTON  Lexington High School students will be recognized at an academic pep rally at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Lexington High School.

According to an LHS press release, students will be recognized for outstanding academic work, scholastic consistency and progress, positive commitments to attendance, participation in activities, exemplary behavior, discipline, and many other achievements.

The Lexington Community Foundation  in partnership with Lexington High School  plans to award members of the 2017 cohort graduating class prizes. As part of Lexington High Schools Destination: Graduation program, the foundation will distribute Macintosh laptop computers to the Destination: Graduation Academic Team that has earned highest team graduation percentage and grade-point average. The LCF also plans to distribute $250 credit cards to 20 graduating seniors.
KEARNEY  Families and individuals will be more than welcome at the new Good Samaritan Medical Group - Primary Care office.

BD Construction is completely renovating the former North Annex building at 3320 Ave. A to make way for the new family practice office at the CHI Health Good Samaritan campus.

Our company is following the trend within the U.S. health care industry that we believe will be successful in the future by having an entirely integrated medical group that has primary care, specialty providers, hospital ... all those in one integrated fashion, said Justin Wolf, director of operations for The Physicians Network. The network is the entity that oversees Good Samaritan Medical Group. Physicians Network is wholly owned by CHI Health.

An integrated group of providers in which patients dont have to move back and forth from one specialist to another is something that is currently missing in family medicine within the network, Wolf explained.

Patients will benefit just from the continuity of care, Physicians Network Operations Manager Sharri Miner said.

The 12,000-square-foot building  formerly used for offices  will have a lobby, about 18 exam rooms, a laboratory, a radiology room and a work area where six primary care physicians will practice.

A primary care, or family practice physician is a physician who provides the initial contact for people of all ages with undiagnosed health problems as well as continuing care of different medical conditions, according to an email from Anissa Paitz, a public relations strategist at Good Samaritan.

The new entrance will be located on the north side of the building because of 33rd Street traffic. The building is set up so providers work out of the central core of the building with exam rooms on the east and west wings, Wolf said.

Construction is expected to be completed at the end of June. Three new primary care physicians will start seeing patients in the newly renovated building on Aug. 3.

The building is made to accommodate for six family practice physicians and more will be added as demand dictates, Wolf said.

Dr. Danielle Wooldrik, originally from Scribner; Dr. Brittani Moeller, originally from Hemingford; and Dr. Jenna Derr, originally from Kearney, will serve as the new primary care physicians.

The three will join The Physician Network as part of Good Samaritan Medical Group in partnership with Good Sam.

To schedule an appointment, call 308-865-2370.

@AmandaPush
Lacking strong candidates for the pending vacancy, University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds has wisely suspended the search that began in November to replace retiring Chancellor John Christensen at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Additionally, Bounds has wisely tapped Dr. Jeffrey Gold, chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, to perform a dual role as chancellor of both UNMC and UNO until a suitable replacement can be found for Christensen.

The NU president announced his interim plans in a press release Thursday in which he expressed confidence that Gold will maintain the upward trajectory thats a product of Christensens leadership at UNO. Bounds also said that placing the two campuses under a single leader could boost collaboration and other favorable byproducts of working together.

Perhaps Golds interim stint will reveal reasons to merge NUs two Omaha campuses.

Theres every reason to believe that UNMC and UNO could be stronger working in concert, and that, given the sluggishness of the states economy, Nebraskans should appreciate Bounds vision for progress in spite of fiscal challenges. The mark of a great organization is one that embraces challenging times as an opportunity to set the table for better times in the future, ready to emerge stronger than before.

The 600 Kearney business leaders who attended the annual chamber banquet earlier this year learned a bit about Gold. As guest speaker, he outlined the advances taking place at UNMC. The bedrock for UNMCs successes, Gold said, is the mindset that, no matter what the job  from changing pillow cases to researching cures for cancer  it should be performed with excellence as the goal.

Such an attitude is infectious. Hopefully it will rub off at UNO as the UNMC chancellor applies his leadership talents at both Omaha campuses.

In the mean time, NUs leadership must devise a strategy to attract high quality chancellor candidates. According to Bounds announcement, the search for a new UNO leader was hampered by Nebraskas fiscal challenges and complicated by a market in which NU was competing for talent against as many as 100 other institutions with chancellor vacancies.

As a result, Bounds said NU was unable to reel in a keeper. It merits noting that the UNO chancellor search was conducted in secret under new rules Nebraska lawmakers approved in 2016 at the universitys urgings. University and state business leaders insisted that shielding the identity of finalists for NU president and chancellor posts would encourage top talent to apply. Well, maybe not.
We are replying to the April 25 letter from Matthew John. Since he works for TransCanada, his defense of the Keystone XL Pipeline is suspect.

Almost any news medias reports include regular reports of another major pipeline leak, often with devastating results. Bear in mind, the owner of the pipeline sometimes pays nothing and often pays little for the clean-up. That expense falls mostly to the taxpayers. Johns supposed extensive and rigorous ... review processes have not even minimized let alone eliminated the damages from these constant leaks.

He also claims that the oil carried by the Keystone XL pipeline is not for export. He is wrong on two counts.

First, the pipeline does not carry oil (as the company itself rushes to point out when it is to its tax advantage), not even just crude oil. Keystone XL would carry tar sands crude, a crude extracted from tar sands. The word tar is not an accident.

Tar sands increase the likelihood of leaks and make them more devastating when they occur. Tar sands will not, on their own, flow through any pipeline.

The stuff has to be combined with other chemicals before the sludge will flow.

TransCanada has never been forthcoming about the chemical composition of the mix. That means first responders to a leak are in the dark about what chemicals they are dealing with.

Second, the product is indeed for export. That is why they wish to get it to a coastal refinery. There were shorter routes, both east and west through Canada. Canadas own population did not want the stuff transported across their own lands.

That is why TransCanada went south, through the United States, and what they expected to be states least ready to resist the companys advance.

They picked Nebraska because our state Legislature had never seen fit to put safeguards in place and because our then-governor was willing to bypass the legal process for approval by running approval through a handpicked committee chosen because it would approve it.

But Nebraska proved to be a Jack the Giant Killer. Our landowners, the ranchers and farmers along the path, resisted the takeover of their lands that would leave them liable for any damage to the pipeline and imperil their land, water and air quality.

They resisted the use of eminent domain used by a for-profit company from a foreign country. Joined by members of native tribes and by lots of concerned citizens, they took to the streets and courts in protest and won.

They did this in the name of lots of Americans who depend on the natural resources of Nebraska, especially its Ogallala Aquifer. It is estimated that 40 percent of American agriculture depends in one way or another on the aquifer.

Because our water table would sometimes run only inches away from the bottom of the pipeline, we cannot be at all sure that a leak into the water table might not very well foul the aquifer.

Imagine what would happen to agriculture, and therefore to the economy, if this valuable national resource was fouled.

Since most of our elected officials have done nothing to protect us, it has fallen to us citizens to be vigilant, informed, and active. You can become involved by showing up at the Holthus Convention Center in York, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday for the all-day Nebraska Public Service Commission hearings.

Charles and Nancy Peek, Kearney
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Tidy Towns groups in Co. Kilkenny are urged to enter a special award in the National Tidy Towns competition which promotes the protection of pollinators.

Irish bees and other pollinators contribute 35Million a year to the Irish economy by pollinating our plants, trees and vegetables. They are under serious threat for survival because they dont have enough food to eat or places to live. In response to this, in 2016 Local Authority Heritage Officers and Biodiversity Officers, in partnership with the National Biodiversity Data Centre, launched a new Tidy Towns Lets Get Buzzing- Local Authority Pollinator Award. This Special Award encourages Tidy Towns groups to support the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan by making their communities more pollinator-friendly. There is an attractive prize fund of 9,000.

Simon Walton, Director of Services, Kilkenny County Council says The award is great example of Local Authorities working together strategically. Our farming and horticultural sectors, vital to our local economy, are dependent on pollinators, so initiatives like this are important.

There was a great response to the award in 2016 with 58 Tidy Towns groups taking part. Monaghan Tidy Towns, national winner (large town category), turned their town into an urban orchard, by encouraging residents to plant pollinator friendly fruit trees.

Birr Tidy Towns, national winner (small town category), encouraged native wildflowers throughout the town, used beautiful handmade signage to highlight areas important for pollinators, and protected areas where ground nesting bees make their homes.

Most pollinator actions are not costly or too complicated explains Dearbhala Ledwidge, Kilkenny County Council Heritage Officer. They can range from simply changing the grass mowing regime, to planting pollinator friendly trees and shrubs, or raising awareness by promoting the Junior All-Ireland Pollinator Plan to youth groups and schools.

The National Biodiversity Data Centre has produced practical guidelines to help communities and Tidy Towns groups to take action. Local communities can lead the way in creating an Ireland where pollinators can thrive according to Dr. Erin Jo Tiedeken, Pollinator Plan Officer, National Biodiversity Data Centre. The guidelines and other useful resources can be downloaded at (http://www. biodiversityireland .ie/ projects/irish-pollinator- initiative/all- ireland - pollinator-plan/local- communities/).

The closing date for the award is 25th May. Details and application forms are available at http://www.tidytowns.ie/ newsItem.php?id=1101 or contact Dearbhala Ledwidge, Kilkenny County Council Heritage Officer. 4
* Canadian dollar ends at C$1.3650, or 73.26 U.S. cents

* Loonie touches a fresh 14-month low at C$1.3697

* Currency loses 2.6 percent for the month

* Bond prices rise across the yield curve

(Adds CFTC data)

By Fergal Smith

TORONTO, April 28 (Reuters) - The Canadian dollar weakened against its U.S. counterpart on Friday, retaining this week's defensive bias in the face of an uncertain trade outlook, while domestic data showed the economy stalled in February.

The currency's official close, which was published for the last time by the Bank of Canada, was C$1.3650 to the greenback, or 73.26 U.S. cents, weaker than Thursday's close of C$1.3624, or 73.40 U.S. cents.

"It is all about trade, which has been whipping the currency around," said Amo Sahota, director at Klarity FX in San Francisco.

U.S. President Donald Trump told Reuters on Thursday that he had been "psyched" to terminate the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico on Saturday, but then changed his mind after their leaders asked for it to be renegotiated instead. He said he will not hesitate to change course again and pull the plug if the negotiations become "unserious." The Canadian dollar's strongest level of the session was C$1.3625, while it touched its weakest since February 2016 at C$1.3697. For the week, the loonie fell 1.1 percent and for the month, it was down 2.6 percent.

The underlying trend has been for a weaker Canadian dollar and that has been supported by fundamentals, such as widening yield spreads, Sahota said.

Canada's 2-year yield has fallen this week nearly 8 basis points further below its U.S. equivalent to a spread of -54.9 basis points, nearly its biggest gap since January 2016.

Liquidity issues at a non-bank mortgage lender, unrelated to actual performance, added to pressure on the loonie this week, according to a research note by Avery Shenfeld, at CIBC Capital Markets.

Speculators have increased bearish bets on the Canadian dollar to the most since February 2016, data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and Reuters calculations showed. Canadian dollar net short positions jumped to 42,642 contracts as of April 25 from 33,252 a week earlier.

Canadian gross domestic product was flat in February, matching the forecast by analysts in a Reuters poll, after robust growth in January. "It is a soft month in an otherwise solid quarter," said Derek Holt, head of capital markets economics at Scotiabank.

U.S. crude oil prices settled 36 cents higher at $49.33 a barrel, rebounding from a one-month low the previous day. Canadian government bond prices were higher across the yield curve, with the 10-year rising 25.8 Canadian cents to yield 1.546 percent.

(Reporting by Fergal Smith; Editing by Nick Zieminski, Sandra Maler and Jonathan Oatis)
Stuff reports:

The first shots of an electoral showdown in Christchurch have been fired after Ilam incumbent Gerry Brownlee was confirmed as the next Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Current city councillor Raf Manji, who will challenge Brownlee for the Ilam seat in Christchurchs northwest at Septembers election, has questioned whether Brownlee can remain an effective local MP while carrying out his new role.

Brownlee has refuted Manjis comments, saying former foreign ministers have managed to do both jobs.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Decreasing cloudiness and windy. High 74F. Winds S at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Becoming partly cloudy and windy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds S at 20 to 30 mph.
In this Apr. 28 photo released by the U.S. Navy, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson leads the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers JS Ashigara, top left, JS Samidare, second left, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Michael Murphy, center, USS Wayne E. Meyer, second right, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain, right, during a transit the Philippine Sea. / AP-Yonhap



The USS Carl Vinson, a U.S. aircraft carrier, on Saturday started a joint naval drill with the South Korean Navy in the East Sea amid heightened tensions from North Korea's failed ballistic missile launch earlier in the morning, defense officials here said.

"South Korea and U.S. strike forces began a drill in the East Sea from 6 p.m. today against the backdrop of the current security situation," the South Korean Navy said.

No specific schedule for the rendezvous was released to the media yet, but the exercise is expected to continue until sometime next week.

At the core of the naval exercise lies the missile warning informational link exercise (LINKEX) that monitors, traces and intercepts any intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) from North Korea.

"The exercise is the follow-up of the naval exercise in the Yellow Sea between the two navies on Tuesday. It is aimed at deterring North Korea's provocations and strengthening the military readiness of the Korea-U.S. alliance," the Navy said.

It would mark the Vinson's second operation in South Korean waters in less than two months, an unusual move that comes amid military tensions in Korea.

The nuclear-powered flattop reportedly carries almost 100 aircraft. Its strike group also includes guided-missile destroyers and cruisers.

Earlier this week, the Vinson had joint drills with Japan's naval forces.

North Korea is said to be fearing the powerful U.S. strike group but its state media publicly claimed the communist nation's troops are ready to sink the aircraft carrier with a single strike. (Yonhap)
Donald Trump speaks at the National Rifle Association Leadership Conference, Apr. 28, in Atlanta. / AP-Yonhap

U.S. President Donald Trump insisted Friday that South Korea should pay for the U.S. THAAD missile defense system because it's for defending the country, even after Seoul raised objections to the demand.

"Why should we pay for it?" Trump said in an interview with the Washington Times. "It's a phenomenal protective system, best in the world by far, and that's meant to protect South Korea. So I respectfully say that I think it would be appropriate if they paid for it."

Trump first made the THAAD demand in an interview with Reuters on Thursday, despite an agreement reached between the two countries last year that the U.S. military will fund the deployment as long as Seoul agrees to host it and provides land for it.

South Korea said it has no plan to pay for it.

Trump's demand rattled an ally trying to work together with the U.S. to tackle the growing nuclear and missile threats from the North. Many South Koreans expressed anger and bewilderment, raising calls for scrapping the deployment altogether.

It was seen as a direct slap in the face to South Korea, which has withstood a series of economic retaliatory measures by China for deciding to host the U.S. system. South Korea has hoped Trump will press Beijing to stop the retaliatory measures, but critics say he instead joined China in bullying a key ally.
Recent reports are claiming that Lee Min Ho has finally confirmed that that he will be reuniting with Park Shin Hye for the much anticipated "The Heirs 2". It has been reported that the two Korean celebrities have accepted the offer in order to satisfy their fans, knowing that it is one of the most sough-out sequels in K-drama.

Just recently, reports have it that Lee Min Ho and his girlfriend, Suzy Bae, broke up with each other due to jealousy issues against Lee Jong Suk, whom Suzy Bae will be having an upcoming drama with. However, there is no confirmation that the rumors are true.

The two were even reported to instead have celebrated their 2nd anniversary together happily in a private party. However, things between the two celebrity stars start to heat up again as rumors have it that the reunion between Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye is indeed happening.

Since the finale of "The Heirs", it is undeniable to say that Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye's popularity have skyrocketed. It is because of these that the two is now considered as two of the most popular Korean celebrities throughout the world. According to Korea Portal, a recent global survey confirms this reports as the statistics supports it.

Meanwhile, there are also reports that say that the possible reunion of Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye is resurfacing because it is a way of coping up for Lee Min Ho, after his alleged break up with Suzy Bae.

Currently, Suzy Bae is busy filming the K-drama, "While You Were Sleeping", with Lee Jong Suk. Despite all of the rumors, all of these aren't confirmed, which brings one to conclude that Lee Min Ho and Suzy Bae are still in love with each other and are in perfectly good terms.
Kim Ji Won will be returning to the small screen after her performance as First Lieutenant Yoon Myeong Joo in 'DOTS' gained massive attentions from K-drama lovers. Her next project, "Fight My Way" will probably be the next record-breaker drama like her previous ones.

On a recent interview, the 24-year-old actress reveals the real reason why she eventually agreed to play the role of Choi Ae Ra in the upcoming KBS 2 TV drama. Soompi reported, one of the reasons Kim Ji Won excited to play Choi Ae Ra is because the character represents her in a lot of ways, including how she sees her life. The actress stated that she's got drawn by the character the moment she read the synopsis.

Choi Ae Ra's determination to fight for her dream has made Kim Ji Won instantly falls in love with the character. The actress describes Choi Ae Ra as a courageous person who's not afraid to speak her mind. Kim Ji Won admitted she wants her character in "Fight My Way" to be an inspiration for every young girl who needs someone to look up to.

Kim Ji Won also stated her desire to continue playing the role of someone who has a strong image because she thinks that representation matters the most. She wants to keep inspiring people through her various roles in dramas.

When asked about her co-star Park Seo Joon, Kim Ji Won said that the actor will be one of the reasons why everyone hooked to the drama. Park Seo Joon, who plays Go Dong Man, is described as a grown man who's always young at heart, or simply childish.

"Fight My Way" delivers a simple yet touching love story among people in the minor leagues who may not have a grand career but they surely live their lives in a way that everybody wishes they could've done. "Fight My Way" will air its pilot episode in May after the final episode of "Perfect White".
DramaFever held its annual 5th awards recently. However, the voting result may not be in everyone's favor, especially to those who ship Song Joong Ki & Song Hye Kyo so bad.

Korea Herald reported, although Song Hye Kyo doesn't share the award of Best Couple with her rumored boyfriend, Song Joong Ki, the "Full House" actress has successfully brought home the Best Actress award. Her winning is accompanied by Gong Yoo, who wins the Best Actor for his performance in "Goblin".

This year's DramaFever Awards seems to be a jackpot for "Goblin" fans. The tvN's top-grossing drama has won the nomination of Best Melodrama. Kim Go Eun and Gong Yoo's magical chemistry doesn't only steal everyone's attention, but it also earns them the title of Best Couple. Meanwhile, the Goblin's companions, Lee Dong Wook and Yoo In Na also bagged the awards for Best Supporting Actor and Actress.

Even though Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo are the perfect ingredients to steal a spotlight, it apparently doesn't enough to win them the nomination of Best Couple. The Song-Song couple didn't get a taste of winning Best Kiss nomination. Last year, the couple shared the stage multiple times. Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo came up to stage together to receive President's Award and KBS Drama Award as Best Couple.

The 5th Annual DramaFever Awards marks the first event in which the actress wouldn't be sharing a moment with Song Joong Ki. The rumored couple probably avoids being seen together ever since the dating rumor spreads.

Meanwhile, many Song-Song couple shippers have expressed their disappointment in multiple internet forums. They asserted that the award didn't change their opinion about Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo being a perfect couple of all time. For now, they're happy to see Song Hye Kyo won as the Best Actress, and hope that someday she will be sharing the stage with Song Joong Ki.
Music Bank is pulling all the stops for the "Music Bank World Tour" in Singapore as K-pop superstars BTS and MAMAMOO have been confirmed to join the line-up of performers for the star-studded music gathering. The addition of the two acts is expected to boost the intense level of excitement Singaporean K-pop fans are feeling about the show.

According to Koreaboo, BTS and MAMAMOO will join other equally popular music acts for the "Music Bank World Tour" Singapore leg. Among the acts already confirmed are CNBLue, who recently made a successful comeback through their new album, the always popular SHINee, as well as Red Velvet, whose popularity in Asia has been growing steadily since their debut.

The "Music Bank World Tour" will be hosted by "Moonlight Drawn By Clouds" star Park Bo Gum and Red Velvet's Irene. The pair, who are known to be the most successful hosts of the show, will be making a reunion the Singapore stage on August 4 at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Center.

According to Hello Kpop, Park Bo Gum and Irene's reunion is considered as one of the highlights of the "Music Bank World Tour" because fans want to see the strong chemistry between the two artists once again. In fact, they were once rumored to be dating because fans just can't get enough of seeing them doing their hosting stint together. Unfortunately, duo had to cut their partnership short because they became too busy to film for the show.

The "Music Bank World Tour" is a celebration of the music show's success since it started going on air in 2015. While the live performance will be on August 4, it may still take a while for KBS to air the show as it is scheduled for the last week of August.
Gong Yoo visits Taiwan for the first time on April 28. The "Goblin" actor will hold a fan meeting event and stay for three days in Taiwan. During his press conference, Gong Yoo discussed some pretty interesting things that could answer every fan's curiosity.

Taiwan News reported Gong Yoo landed with his casual airport fashion. Wearing a white shirt, gray pants, and sunglasses, the 37-year-old actor still manages to show his charms to fans that had been waiting for his arrival at the airport. Before a fan meeting, Gong Yoo greeted his fans on a press conference.

A fan who attended the press conference asked him an intriguing question why the "Coffee Prince" actor never uses social media to connect with his fans, in which he answered that he simply doesn't like taking selfies. Gong Yoo added sometimes it makes him feels uncomfortable to show people what he's been up to in a way that he considers not genuine, Soompi reported. However, he emphasized that it's not all about right or wrong, he just wants to point out his preference so people would not get him wrong.

Another interesting thing happened in the press conference as a fan asked him who he would save first when the zombie apocalypse strikes. To everyone's surprise, Gong Yoo said that he would save his cat first because it would be scary to see a cat turns into a zombie. The MC then jokingly wondering what his parents would feel when they hear about that.

Gong Yoo also didn't forget to send a regard for his mates in "Goblin". Since the drama finished with a strong impression, he revealed that he and the cast haven't found the right time to catch up due to their busy schedules. When Gong Yoo talked about how he missed his "Goblin" pals dearly, he never missed a chance to compliment his bromance partner, Lee Dong Wook, saying that the "My Girl" actor is a fun and considerate person to befriend with.

On April 29, Gong Yoo will meet his Taiwanese fans at Xinzhuang Gymnasium, Taipei. The tickets for the even reportedly have been sold out in only 10 minutes.
Farrons enormous crime in the eyes of the establishment was to refuse to deny (for a while, at least) that he thought homosexual sex was a sin. Farron is a born-again evangelical Christian, so of course he thinks homosexual sex is a sin. My guess is that this view is shared by at least 50 per cent of the population and possibly more, although they might prefer the words yucky or vile or a bit rum rather than sin.



Of course Farron was immediately castigated and, being a weak little weasel, he kind of recanted a bit...



Tim Farron is a Christian, so of course hes not allowed an opinion





The Lib Dem leaders views on gay sex are shared by many  much to the establishments horror

29 April 2017The SpectatorMaybe Im wrong about this, but I dont remember the BBC running a documentary 100 days into Barack Obamas first presidency and kicking him from pillar to post. Interviewing almost exclusively people who hated him, pouring scorn on his every utterance. They did it this week to Donald Trump, though, and even wheeled out Jeremy Paxman to present this travesty of a documentary. Because Jeremy was interviewing exclusively people with whom he wholeheartedly agreed, he didnt get the chance to put on that famous supercilious expression we all used to love, back when he was good. Shame.With Obama, as I remember, it was a very different approach. The studio floors were still awash with liberal ejaculate well after 100 days of his singularly inept presidency had elapsed. The establishment circle-jerking persisted right until the very end  and not just from the BBC, of course. The Nobel committee bunged Obama the Peace Prize in December 2009 for reaching out to the Muslim world  a policy which has brought such wonderful dividends for us all. Frankly, the further you reach, the more likely you are to get your hand chopped off.I have many reservations about The Donald, which I outlined here a couple of weeks ago  but when I see the establishment, the newish establishment, so apoplectic about his very existence, I kinda know what side Im on. I can only hope French voters feel similarly repulsed by the multiple orgasms experienced in Brussels, Strasbourg, the BBC, by Obama and beyond, over the weirdo Manny Macrons triumph in the presidential semi-finals. The establishment has once again banded together to tell French people how to vote in the final, and it would be truly French of the French to react by telling them to get stuffed and voting for Marine Le Pen.If I had a vote I would have been torn between Le Pen and Melenchon, much as Id have been torn between Trump and Bernie Sanders. Instead, in France, the pretend anti-establishment candidate won. You can tell hes pretend by the smirk of jubilation on the face of that arrogant and flatulent perpetually half-cut halfwit Jean-Claude Juncker. But I suppose at least Macron was savvy enough to understand that he had to present himself as anti-establishment. If you count the dupes who voted for him, more than two-thirds of the French voted for a candidate opposed to the liberal establishment, even if only nominally so in one case.I mentioned before that with Brexit and the election of Trump and the rise of such European parties as the Front National (and Syriza and Five Star) that the old liberal (in the US sense) paradigm was in the process of being jettisoned. So it is, beyond all doubt. But the liberal establishment still has great power, if not anything remotely approaching hegemony. And so those who challenge its imprecations, its bovine shibboleths, whether from left or right, will find themselves vilified. A weight will come down, propelled by an outrage at the presumption that such a challenge could be mounted at all. Even as the establishment politicians modify their language on such stuff as immigration and Islam, so that they sound a little closer to the views of the ordinary citizen, there is still plenty of stuff which they simply cannot countenance in any form.One of these, in this country particularly, is the dissing of homosexuality  as the Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron discovered recently. Farrons enormous crime in the eyes of the establishment was to refuse to deny (for a while, at least) that he thought homosexual sex was a sin. Farron is a born-again evangelical Christian, so of course he thinks homosexual sex is a sin. My guess is that this view is shared by at least 50 per cent of the population and possibly more, although they might prefer the words yucky or vile or a bit rum rather than sin.Of course Farron was immediately castigated and, being a weak little weasel, he kind of recanted a bit (Thank you, Lord Jesus!). What was interesting to me was the point-blank refusal even to consider that his view might be allowable  a view shared, to a greater or lesser degree, by a great many people. A chap called David Shariatmadari, writing in the, tried to be kind. He said we liberals should all give Timbo a break: I dont care what he considers sinful, so long as it doesnt translate into policy. For that reason, however, he should be watched like a hawk for any hint of discriminatory law-making.He can think what he likes, then (for which many thanks, Mr Shariatmadari), but he should not be allowed to let this deep-rooted belief inform his politics. Instead, it is Mr Shariatmadaris views, rather than the views of the Holy Bible, which should inform Tim Farrons politics. This is because Mr Shariatmadari, like the rest of the liberal establishment, believes that his views count for a lot more than the Holy Bible  indeed his views are inviolable. They are all that count. And if anybody dares to disagree, they will be watched like a hawk. I dont know what kind of hawk. Maybe a goshawk.And yet the reason people go into politics is to articulate their points of view and convince the public of the rectitude of them. In a normal society, that would even include people who have views which differ from those of Mr Shariatmadari  they would be allowed to speak too. And enact legislation based upon those views, assuming the majority of people agreed with them. Such as on gay adoptions, for example. My guess is that if you asked in an opinion poll what the best environment would be in which to bring up a child, a huge majority would choose a mother and father. I suspect Tim Farron thinks this too. But for the liberal establishment, it is not even a question. It contravenes a shibboleth which simply cannot be challenged.
PRESS RELEASE

Belt and Road Trade Booms While U.S. Growth Disappears

April 28, 2017 (EIRNS)Chinas Commerce Ministry is preparing a report on Belt and Road economic activity for the May 14-15 Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, and Xinhua reported today that results are impressive.

Americas Commerce Department also reported today: A dismal 0.7% annual rate of Gross Domestic Product growth in the first quarter.

Xinhua said, "Goods trade between China and Belt and Road countries surged 26.2%" in the first quarter of 2017 from a year earlier,

"to more than 1.65 trillion yuan [about $240 billion] ... according to Sun Jiwen, spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce (MOC). Chinese exports to Belt and Road countries totaled 937.6 billion yuan in the three months, up 15.8% from the same period last year, while imports from those countries jumped 42.9% to 717.7 billion yuan, Sun told a press briefing."

Belt and Road countries number about 60.

This dramatically contrasts not only with the relative lack of trade volumes of the Central Asian countries, in particular, in the past; but also with the zero-growth condition of overall world trade in real terms.

Reported Xinhua,

"781 new companies with investment from Belt and Road countries were set up in China with a total investment of 8.45 billion yuan, said Sun. Chinese enterprises signed 952 project contracts in 61 countries along the Belt and Road worth $22.27 billion in the Jan.-March period."

Sun cited far-flung ongoing overseas infrastructure projects such as the China-Belarus Industrial Park and the Nairobi-Mombasa railway.

Meanwhile the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and World Bank, which have co-financed five projects, signed a new cooperation agreement during the International Monetary Fund/World Bank annual meetings April 23. Having built power generation in Pakistan, a natural gas pipeline in Azerbaijan, and slum upgrading, dams, and regional infrastructure development in Indonesia, they are now planning 2017-18 projects.

AIIBs likely next project is a new airport in odz, central Poland, with surrounding rail transport and power infrastructure. This is a Polish government priority; Prime Minister Beata Szydo is going to the Beijing Forum May 14-15 intending to sign it.
Only weeks after two small U.S. airlines announced plans to cut back service to Cuba, four major carriers have filed applications with the U.S. Department of Transportation to take over the routes to the island nation.

Behind the revolving door of flight plans is an effort by the nations biggest carriers to get access to the most popular Cuban destination: Havana.

When the Obama administration announced an agreement last year to allow regularly scheduled flights into Cuba, nearly every major U.S. airline raced to file applications. The agency awarded six U.S. airlines routes to 10 airports in Cuba, including Havana.

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But a few months ago, low-cost carriers Frontier Airlines and Silver Airways each gave up three routes they were awarded to Havana, saying there was already too much supply to justify the cost of operating in Cuba.

American Airlines also cut back service between Miami and smaller Cuban cities outside of the capital. JetBlue switched to smaller jets to serve Havana and some small Cuban cities.

Now, Delta, American, Southwest and JetBlue have filed applications to pick up the routes to Havana that Frontier and Silver gave up.

Delta, American and Southwest all propose adding flights either from Fort Lauderdale or Miami to Havana. JetBlue proposes new routes from Fort Lauderdale and Boston to Havana.

In its application to the federal agency, Southwest took a swipe at those carriers that cut service to smaller Cuban cities.

Southwest is one of the few airlines that has neither abandoned frequencies nor downgraded service on its awarded routes, the Dallas-based carrier said.

The Department of Transportation has not said when it will decide on the latest applications.

hugo.martin@latimes.com

To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter.
On screen, Kirk Douglas was a legendary tough guy. But in his real life he wasnt afraid to express his emotions, especially to his wife, Anne.

That sensitive side is on display in the book Kirk and Anne: Letters of Love, Laughter, and a Lifetime in Hollywood, which comes out next week. For example, theres a letter Kirk wrote to Anne while in Munich filming Stanley Kubricks stark 1957 drama Paths of Glory.

Darling-

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How is it that when I am away from you, such love for you overwhelms me at 2:30 in the morning-as it is now-I awake to write to you. How incomplete I seem without my family. How can a man live alone? To live just for yourself is to be dead. And yes I welcome this parting from you to to rekindle my awareness of how much you mean to me.

The early hour brings out the poetic side of me.

To be sure, the Douglas nearly 63-year marriage had its ups and downs. Kirk Douglas cheated on his first wife Diana Dill, who is son Michaels mother, and early in their marriage was unfaithful to Anne. In an interview a few years ago Anne said: After 60 years of marriage, you go through a lot of obstacles  and all of them were beautiful.

But they are soul mates who dealt with the untimely death of their younger son Eric, who was bipolar and struggled with drug addiction; her breast cancer; and his 1996 stroke, which affected his speech. And on this sunny afternoon they couldnt be closer, sitting side by side on the sofa of the living room of their art-filled Beverly Hills ranch home. Anne uses a walker because she broke her hip; Douglas has a walker with wheels and, true to form, he rushes into the living room like a speed demon.

The book not only features their letters but interviews that were conducted separately about their lives.

Kirk always said a novel, you tell the truth; a biography, you lie, said Anne. But in the case of this book, said Kirk, they have both told the truth.

Originally, Kirk wanted to write a book about the letters he had written and received from all over the world. Suddenly, I came across a letter that my wife had written to me 50 years ago. I said its too bad we dont have letters of 50, 60 years ago. She said, I have them. She has this big box of letters. I said Lets make a book of that.

Anne is the more practical of the two; Kirk is more off the cuff. And those differences have led to arguments  with Annes instincts winning most of the battles.

She saved my life, said Kirk. Back in 1958 they had a home in Palm Springs next to good friends Elizabeth Taylor and her producer-husband Mike Todd. Douglas was asked by Todd to accompany him to New York on a small plane.

He was going to go to New York to get an award and he asked me to present it to him, he recalled.

First you wanted to go because he was going to stop in Independence, Mo., to see President Truman and then go to New York to present the award, noted Anne.

But Anne had a strange feeling about the flight and told him not to take it.

She talked me out of it, said Kirk. I said, OK, I wont go. I was so mad. The next day we were driving back to L.A. and I turned on the radio and it said Mike Todds plane crashed. Everybody was killed.

It was not love at first sight for the two. The German-born Anne Buydens lived in Paris when she met Douglas.

I had done the public relations in Paris on Moulin Rouge, Anne said. I worked with John Huston for about year. I had another movie to do after Moulin Rouge. The director [Anatole Litvak] wanted me to be the PR lady on the movie Act of Love with Kirk Douglas.

A photographer friend on the movie took her to meet Kirk. He said, Come on, let me take you to the lions den, recalled Anne; Kirk had been photographed in the Paris press with a succession of beautiful women.

Kirk admitted when I first asked her to work for me, she said no. I was surprised. Eventually, though, she agreed to work on a trial basis.

Then we were very good friends, said Anne. I promised myself I wouldnt get involved with such a handsome man, knowing he was to go back to America. Especially since Douglas was then engaged to the young actress Pier Angeli, whom he met on the 1953 film The Story of Three Loves.

When things got a little too warm between us, hed say Dont forget, Im engaged, said Anne looking over at a smiling Kirk. I said I wont forget.

But that all changed of course  and the rest is history recorded in these letters.

------------

Kirk and Anne: Letters of Love, Laughter, and a Lifetime in Hollywood

Running Press, $25

calendar@latimes.com
Deities from ancient Egypt, Europe, Africa and Ireland take the form of overworked cabbies, slippery con men, exasperated homemakers and habitual drunks in the new Starz series American Gods.

Once adored and feared, the gods and goddesses of old have fallen on hard times since the glory days of pagan harvest rituals, fire worship and human sacrifice.

Humanity stopped worshiping them in favor of monotheistic faiths, and now a new set of gods who deal in media, technology and modernity are taking over. Enter a battle of otherworldly proportions.

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Based on Neil Gaimans graphic novel of the same name, American Gods (which premieres Sunday) mixes old world superstition with modern-day cynicism for one of the best supernatural Season 1 debuts since HBOs vampire saga, True Blood.

And who couldnt use a little magic these days, whether it comes courtesy of a 6-foot-plus leprechaun with a penchant for bar fights or a cab-driving Jinn with literal fire in his eyes?

American Gods ushers us into this world of mythological gods and creatures alongside Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle), an ex-con who in the first episode knows as much as we do about the ethereal world hes entering.

Hes served a three-year prison sentence only to find his wife, Laura (Emily Browning), has died in a car accident days before his release.

On the plane to her funeral, he meets the smooth-talking, creepy yet charming Mr. Wednesday (a role made for the master of foreboding charisma, Ian McShane). Wednesday is on a mission across America to unite the old gods and take back power. He convinces Shadow to work as his bodyguard, yet never makes it clear what business hes in  or why he requires protection.

The pay is too good to pass up, yet, within hours, Shadows brawling with the leprechaun Mad Sweeney (played with gusto by Pablo Schreiber). Sweeney can pull gold coins out of thin air but has a drinking problem and has misplaced his luckiest charm, and the result is a terrible streak of bad fortune.

And thats before things get really weird.

Shadow is nearly beaten to death by the goons of Technical Boy (Bruce Langley), a new god who rules over all things technological. Hes as cocky, annoying and insecure as a Silicon Valley start-up nerd, a self-consciously hip Microsoft commercial and Justin Bieber combined.

After pixelating to life, he traps Shadow inside a white limo and, while vaping some sort of rare toad, demands to know what the so-called Mr. Wednesday is up to.

In the meantime, Shadows deceased wife has miraculously risen from the grave and hopes to atone for her past misdeeds.

Mr. Wednesdays true identity  is he Hades, Neptune, Osiris?  is one of many mysteries that lends American Gods the same sort of addictive lure as other hit series that sounded absurd at their outset (Six Feet Under, Lost, Game of Thrones) but became national obsessions.

And the challenge of creating eight hourlong episodes around Gaimans novel shouldnt be underestimated.

There was a high probability that a TV adaptation of American Gods would be a confusing mess. How do you bring to life a deity like Easter, the god formerly known as Ostara, Goddess of Spring, before she was upstaged by Jesus? Or Media, a new god who speaks to Shadow in the form of Lucille Ball during an episode of I Love Lucy? Or a sister god who watches the constellations to protect mankind, and can literally pluck the moon out of the sky?

You hand the task to executive producers Bryan Fuller (Pushing Daisies) and Michael Green (Heroes) and procure a cast that includes Gillian Anderson as Media, Cloris Leachman as Zorya and Kristin Chenoweth as Easter. And as the cunning, wrathful trickster Mr. Nancy (the African god Anansi), Orlando Jones has found an indelible role.

The result is a wonderfully eclectic mix of gory bloodlust and fairy whimsy, ethereal beauty and tenement apartment realism.

Special effects are masterfully used throughout American Gods to thrust viewers into alternate dimensions or let us know something otherworldly is about to happen.

And when American Gods does get all supernatural, its beautiful: Mr. Wednesday blows on a dandelion, its seeds rise into the sky, parting the clouds, stirring the heavens, shifting the universe. After the goddess of Love Bilquis (Yetide Badaki) literally consumes her lovers, they are reborn in the glittering cosmos.

The power of faith is important here, but not a requisite to believing in American Gods.

In a media landscape littered with real-life villains and fictional superheroes, everyone could use a little godly intervention.

American Gods

Where: Starz

When: 9 and 10:05 p.m. Sunday

Rating: TV-MA (may be unsuitable for children under the age of 17)

lorraine.ali@latimes.com

@lorraineali

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Not too many commutes stick out in my memory, but I will never forget the drive from downtown Los Angeles to Venice Beach the evening of April 29, 1992, hours after a Simi Valley jury acquitted four white officers in the beating of black motorist Rodney King.

Before Id left the newsroom, Id already seen on TV a trucker brutally yanked from his semi-truck at the intersection of Florence and Normandie. Among the indelible images provided by a news helicopter: a man executing a flying kick to Reginald Dennys face while he was down on all fours.

As I drove west on the Santa Monica Freeway, I saw columns of black smoke, from dozens of blazes, twisting into the sky. Reporters in helicopters said they were reminded of the burning oil wells of Kuwait. Palm trees on fire near the downtown tangle of interchanges flickered like tiki torches at an apocalyptic luau.

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I was six months pregnant, my husband was out of town and I just wanted to get home. When youre pregnant, you tend to amplify fears, but I dont think my fear was exaggerated. I had a sickening, hollow feeling that nothing could protect me  from a stray bullet, perhaps, or a rock tossed from an overpass.

When traffic slowed to a crawl in the Mid-City area, I was weirdly nervous about catching the eye of other commuters. My impulse was to look a fellow human in the eye and raise a brow as if to say, This is crazy, right? But I didnt want to provoke someone with a glance.

By the way, this was not unfounded fear. People were being pulled out of their cars and beaten. Randomly shot and killed. And not just in South Los Angeles and Koreatown.

On April 30, in Beverly Hills, in the middle of the day, a young African American dancer named Donna Simon was shot in both legs on Wilshire Boulevard as she came to the aid of a white man being attacked by a woman wielding a crowbar. I interviewed her a few days later and was eventually deposed by lawyers for her health insurance company, which she had to sue to cover her medical bills.

::

That night when I got home, I drank two glasses of wine and lay alone in bed, watching TV, listening to sirens, trying to stay calm.

Two blocks from my house, looters on Lincoln Boulevard smashed the plate glass windows of the Wherehouse music and video store.

Less than a mile to the west, the only residential looting that occurred in the city was happening in the Oakwood section of Venice, a traditionally black enclave.

Tiny Oakwood, a 1.1-mile-square neighborhood, had been the only Los Angeles beachside community where black people were allowed to purchase homes after Venice was built in the early 20th century. It became a place where generations of black families passed their homes down to their children.

By 1992, the neighborhoods gentrification, which began in earnest in the 80s, had put working-class blacks and Latinos on a collision course with the upscale whites who were displacing them.

On April 29, people chucked bricks through the windows of some of Oakwoods fancy new homes and broke the windows of modest homes owned by relatively recent white arrivals, including the late Phil Raider, a general contractor who had bought a place at 5th and Vernon in 1989.

Im not in favor of all the development here, a disheartened Raider told me. The only thing I need to see changed in Venice is the violence and the poverty.

In a particularly disturbing attack, a live-in caregiver alone with her 5-year-old charge on Indiana Avenue, blocks from Raiders house, had cowered in a locked laundry room while a mob two dozen strong destroyed the homes interior.

The next day, I visited the place. A marble dining room table was smashed to pieces, and custom walnut kitchen cabinets  made by the father, Alan Smith  were scorched.

A local activist named Mildred Reynolds, who died in 1994, told me the Rodney King verdict was not to blame for what happened in Oakwood. This was just an excuse, she said. I think they are upset about the new people coming in.

Robert Shipp Jr., then-pastor of Oakwoods New Bethel Church, echoed her. African American tenants affected by skyrocketing rents, he said, worry that they will have to move to Watts. If that happens, they will definitely burn down other places here. They will try to scare the developers away.

::

Lets be honest; nothing can scare a developer away from prime real estate near the beach. In fact, if you want to see gentrification in its most naked form, drive around Oakwood. Its bordered by Lincoln on the east, Abbot Kinney on the west, Rose on the north and California on the south.

There is nothing subtle about whats going on.

Tiny bungalows cower beside looming mansions trying to hide their grandeur behind industrial-looking fences or impenetrable hedges. Small homes that seemed pricey at a quarter-million dollars in 1992 now routinely go for six times that. Its not uncommon for buyers to pay more than $1,000 a square foot. In another blow to the modest neighborhood, in 2012, GQ named Abbot Kinney Boulevard, once a street of shoe repairs and mom-and-pop stores, the coolest block in America.

On Thursday, I bumped into first cousins Mary McElmore, 83, and Petronia Dabbs, 71, who have spent much of their lives on the 500 block of Brooks Avenue.

This whole street was black when I came here, said McElmore, who moved from Texas when she was 19. This was the only place we could live! She and her late husband, a trash collector, bought a home she still owns on Brooks in 1960 for $12,500.

Both women have fiercely hung on to their Oakwood homes. Neither needs the million-plus dollars that they are constantly offered by developers, though they are at peace with the idea that their kids will probably sell after they are gone.

I can remember my dad and mom going to meetings in Oakwood, before the Santa Monica Freeway and the 90 Freeway ever came in, said Dabbs, a retired schoolteacher. They were talking about the plan for Venice. We knew what was going to happen. This was the last poor mans beach, and they were going to take it away from us.

In 1992, the Wall Street Journal mocked me for calling what happened in Oakwood the wages of gentrification, as if I was excusing, rather than trying to grasp, the root of the violence.

But you know, I believed that then, and I still believe it now.

More columns 

For more on politics 

robin.abcarian@latimes.com

Twitter: @AbcarianLAT

More from Robin Abcarian

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If you happen to be in Canada on a clear night, look to the stars and maybe youll see it: a strip of light stretching from east to west, all the way from the banks of Hudson Bay to the fjords of British Columbia.Is it a wayward piece of the aurora borealis? Or maybe a planes contrail? A rarely seen strip of a proton aurora? Or is it a comets tail?Actually, its none of the above. Scientists are still working to figure out exactly what theyre dealing with.And until that day, theyre going to call it Steve.What sets Steve apart is not just its charmingly banal name. Its also the way it has been  and is still being  discovered, said Eric Donovan, a professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Calgary.Continue reading the main storyRELATED COVERAGEvideoSpectacular Northern Lights Over Iceland SEPT. 29, 2016Reykjavik Briefly Swaps Its City Lights for Northern Ones SEPT. 29, 2016Chasing the Northern Lights in Alaska JAN. 3, 2014The story started with a group of Canadians who were enthusiastic about finding and photographing the most stunning displays of the aurora borealis, or northern lights. They formed a Facebook group called Alberta Aurora Chasers to share information about the best and brightest displays. A few years ago, some began to notice that Steve  a strip of light that appeared a bit farther south than the northern lights  was something special.After that, scientists began to take notice.The really cool thing about this is the social media providing a nice bridge between the scientific community and these amateurs, who are incredibly talented observers of the night sky, Dr. Donovan said.He explained that Steve is a strip of ionized gas moving through the air at about four miles per second, with temperatures as high as 10,800 degrees Fahrenheit  as hot as the earths core. It is about 16 miles wide and thousands of miles long, flowing from east to west across Canada.Photographs of the phenomenon, most of which show Steve as a glowing ribbon of neon light, have captivated aurora borealis enthusiasts in Canada and far beyond.But to the naked eye, Steve doesnt look like this. It usually appears as an ethereal wisp of white that pales in comparison to the northern lights, faint enough that photographers in the Facebook group originally mistook it for the contrails of a plane.But soon enough, they started looking at Steve through their camera lenses. It was only then  with help from slow shutter speeds and photo editing to dial up the color saturation  that the aurora enthusiasts could show Steve in all its pink, purple and green glory.We could see that it was self-illuminated, said Chris Ratzlaff, a photographer who is the Facebook groups administrator. Not like a contrail, which is lit from below.For a while, the Alberta Aurora Chasers assumed they were looking at a proton aurora, which is made of energized protons from the magnetosphere (as opposed to the energized electrons that make up the northern lights as we see them). But last year, a group of the aurora chasers went to hear the aurora borealis expert and NASA scientist Elizabeth MacDonald speak at the University of Calgary.After the event, they retired to a nearby pub with Dr. Donovan, where a brief debate broke out. They insisted they had taken photographs of the proton aurora. Dr. Donovan doubted it, since that phenomenon is not visible to the human eye.I said, Why dont you show me? Dr. Donovan said. They pulled up this beautiful photograph of this thing. And Im like, I dont know what that is, but its not the proton aurora.At Dr. Donovans urging, Mr. Ratzlaff  who takes his science seriously  knew he could not erroneously call it a proton aurora any longer. So the next day, he came up with the name Steve.He admitted, somewhat reluctantly, that the idea came from a scene in the 2006 animated movie Over the Hedge, in which a group of forest animals are confronted with the sudden appearance of a towering row of shrubs.I would be a lot less afraid of it if I just knew what it was called, says a computer-generated porcupine. A red squirrel pipes up: Lets call it Steve. Its a pretty name. And so they do.Dr. Donovans next step was to gather data on the phenomenon, which he did with help from Swarm, a constellation of satellites run by the European Space Agency.In orbit about 250 miles from Earths surface, the three identical satellites measure magnetic signals that stem from Earths core, mantle, crust and oceans, as well as from the ionosphere and magnetosphere, according to the agency.In July 2016, Swarm collected data on Steves location, temperature and velocity that complemented the careful documentation that the aurora chasers were delivering from the ground.This is not something you anticipate when you build a mission, said Roger Haagmans, Swarms mission scientist. It just happens, and then you try to provide the right data to the community.Thats how Dr. Donovan got his data on Steves temperature and velocity, but other questions remain, like why the stream exists in the first place, and what makes it so hot.In a matter of months, he said, he hopes to publish a study that will explain exactly what Steve is.And once that is figured out, the phenomenon might get an official name  but, Mr. Ratzlaff said, the public isnt likely to forget the original label. I think the name Steve is here to stay.
Grey Lady actress: In the April 28 Calendar section, a photo caption accompanying a review of the new mystery-thriller movie Grey Lady identified the actress as Natalie Zea. She is Rebecca Gayheart.

Side Chick restaurant review: In the April 29 Saturday section, a review of Side Chick restaurant said that chef Johnny Zone left Papille for Howlin Rays. He left La Poubelle.

Frogs and flu: In the April 27 California section, an article about frogs potentially helping humans fight the flu referred to frogs as invertebrates. They are vertebrates.

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USC names retired aerospace executive Wanda Austin as acting president, announces Nikias departure By Harriet Ryan USC appointed a retired aerospace executive as interim president and laid out a detailed plan for selecting a permanent leader Tuesday, ending speculation about whether outgoing President C.L. Max Nikias might remain in the post. Nikias, embattled over his administrations handling of a campus gynecologist accused of sexually abusing patients, relinquished his duties after a meeting of USCs board. The trustees tapped one of their own, Wanda Austin, an alumna and former president of the Aerospace Corp., to temporarily run the university. The trustees also approved the formation of a search committee and the hiring of firm Isaacson, Miller to coordinate the selection of a successor. A second search company, Heidrick & Struggles, will also advise trustees. Read More Facebook

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Ex-student sues elite Brentwood School after teacher is charged with sexually abusing him By Richard Winton A former student sued the elite Brentwood School on Monday in the wake of a female teacher being charged with repeatedly having sex with the minor, alleging that other faculty members encouraged the unlawful behavior and failed to report it to authorities. The lawsuit accuses the private school, whose students include the children of many of Hollywoods elite and L.A.s powerful, of acting negligently and allowing Aimee Palmitessa to abuse and batter the teenager sexually. The suit alleges that the student was abused in summer 2017 after one of the schools counselors offered words of encouragement to the then-17-year-old, identified in the suit as only John Doe, to engage in an illegal relationship with the teacher. Read More Facebook

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Civil jury vindicates fired Montebello school executives in whistleblower case By Howard Blume The Montebello school district is in dire straits  at risk of insolvency and under apparent criminal investigation. An outside audit in July found some teachers earning more than $200,000 a year, as well as improper raises, excess paid vacation time and inappropriate overtime, sick leave and car allowances. Fixing the district and pinpointing blame could take time. Read More Facebook

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L.A. schools fall short on safety measures, new report warns By Howard Blume After the mass shooting at Floridas Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February, Los Angeles school officials reassured parents that much had been done to keep local schools safe. California had tougher gun laws, after all, and the school district paid close attention to students mental health. But a new report issued Monday by a panel convened to take a close look offers some cause for concern, flagging inconsistent campus safety measures, thinly spread mental health staff and inadequate coordination between the school district and other public agencies. With the stakes this high, we must strive to do better, said L.A. City Atty. Mike Feuer, who assembled the panel. Read More Facebook

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L.A. school district says more are graduating, but rate may not show it By Howard Blume The L.A. Unified School District has hopes of continuing its winning streak this year with another record graduation rate, but the official numbers may not show it. A senior district administrator warned the board Tuesday that graduation rates were likely to decline 2% to 3% across the state, even though L.A. Unified is likely doing better than ever in producing graduates, he said. The issue is that the state will now count high school students who transfer to adult school as dropouts, said Oscar Lafarga, who heads the districts office of data and accountability. Previously, schools treated these students as though they had simply enrolled in another high school, he said. Read More Facebook

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Betsy DeVos to California: Not so fast on that federal education plan By Joy Resmovits In April, Californias top education officials breathed a sigh of relief. After months of debate and back-and-forth with Betsy DeVos staff, they had finalized a plan to satisfy a major education law that aims to make sure all students get a decent education. The state focused on aligning its plan to fulfill the requirements of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act with Californias Local Control Funding Formula, which gives extra money to districts to help students who come from low-income families, are in the foster system or are English learners. But this week, DeVos team said not so fast. Jason Botel, the U.S. Department of Educations principal deputy assistant secretary, sent California education officials a letter asking for more information in such areas as measuring student progress, graduation rates and English learners. In an unsigned statement, the California Department of Education declared itself surprised and disappointed because officials thought  after a meeting with federal officials in Washington  that they were on the right track to get approval. Now the Every Student Succeeds Act plan will be up for discussion once again at the July meeting of the State Board of Education. The U.S. Department of Education has already approved most state plans. Every Student Succeeds is the Obama administrations 2015 replacement for the No Child Left Behind Act. Facebook

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L.A. school board sets a new goal: prepare every grad to be eligible to apply for Cal State or UC By Sonali Kohli Last month, Los Angeles school board president proposed a spate of highly ambitious mandates aimed at ensuring that every district graduate be eligible to apply to one of the states public four-year universities by 2023. By the time the L.A. Unified school board unanimously approved the resolution Tuesday, the original language had been watered down. The goal is no longer that in five years 100% of students meet the long list of benchmarks, which include not just college eligibility for graduates but first-grade reading proficiency and English fluency by sixth grade for all students who enter the district in kindergarten or first grade speaking another language. The original college-readiness goal, for example, called for 100% of all high school students to be eligible to apply to one of the states four-year universities. Now the goal seems to offer more wiggle room: Prepare all high school graduates to be eligible to apply to a California four-year university. Read More Facebook

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We have been hurt. More women say they were mistreated by USC gynecologist By Richard Winton USC student Anika Narayanan says she vividly recalls her first appointment with Dr. George Tyndall at the campus health center, alleging that he made several explicit comments during an examination she felt was inappropriate and invasive. When she came back for a second visit in 2016 after a nonconsensual sexual encounter, he allegedly chastised her, she said in a civil lawsuit and at a press conference Tuesday. He asked me if I had forgotten to use a condom again,  said Narayanan, 21. At one point, she said, Tyndall asked if I did a lot of doggy style,  she said. Read More Facebook

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L.A. Unified gives inspector general brief contract extension By Howard Blume The Los Angeles school board on Tuesday extended the contract of Ken Bramlett, its inspector general, by three months, though his job is far from secure and questions remain about the future direction of his watchdog office. Board members also unanimously promoted Vivian Ekchian, who had been the runner-up for the superintendents job, to deputy superintendent  the districts No. 2 position. Both moves had elements of peacemaking between different factions on the board. Read More Facebook

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USCs handling of complaints about campus gynecologist is being investigated by federal government By Harriet Ryan The U.S. Department of Education announced Monday that it has launched an investigation into how the University of Southern California handled misconduct complaints against a campus gynecologist, the latest fallout in a scandal that has prompted the resignation of USCs president, two law enforcement investigations and dozens of lawsuits. In revealing the inquiry by the departments Office of Civil Rights, officials rebuked USC for what they alleged was improper withholding of information about Dr. George Tyndall during a previous federal investigation. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, who has been criticized for taking a less vigorous approach to examining sexual misconduct than predecessors, called for a systemic examination of USC and urged administrators to fully cooperate. Read More Facebook

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Judge to sentence woman and her boyfriend for the murder of an 8-year-old that led to L.A. child welfare reforms By Marisa Gerber A woman and her boyfriend are expected to be sentenced Thursday for the torture and murder of an 8-year-old boy whose killing in 2013 provoked public outrage, prompted sweeping reform of Los Angeles Countys child welfare system, and led to unprecedented criminal charges against social workers who handled the childs case. Pearl Sinthia Fernandez, 34, faces life in prison without the possibility of parole for her role in the death of her son, Gabriel. A jury decided last year that her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre, 37, should be executed. When paramedics arrived at the boys Palmdale home in May 2013, Gabriel had slipped out of consciousness. He had a fractured skull, broken ribs, burned skin, missing teeth and BB pellets embedded in his groin. A paramedic would later testify that every inch of the boys small body had been abused. Read More Facebook

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L.A. Unifieds spending out of step with similar school systems, task force says By Howard Blume The Los Angeles school district is out of step with similar school systems, spending more on teachers pay and health benefits and less on activities that could enhance student learning, according to a new report by an outside task force. The L.A. Unified School District Advisory Task Force did not make specific recommendations, but instead posed a series of questions it said the district needs to answer to make sure its funding is aimed at providing a full opportunity for all students to succeed. What were trying to say is: Lets put the data on the table. Lets look at the truth. Lets be transparent and here are the numbers, said task force member Renata Simril. This is not to say that  we should cut teachers salaries. Read More Facebook

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Top USC medical school official feared dean was doing drugs and alerted administration, he testifies By Paul Pringle A former vice dean of USCs Keck School of Medicine testified Tuesday that he feared the schools then-dean, Dr. Carmen A. Puliafito, could be doing drugs and expressed concerns about his general well-being to the universitys No. 2 administrator before Puliafito abruptly left his job in 2016. Dr. Henri Fords testimony at a hearing of the state Medical Board marks the first suggestion that any USC administrator had suspicions about Puliafitos possible drug use before he stepped down. A Times investigation in 2017 found Puliafito led a secret second life of using illegal drugs with a circle of young criminals and addicts. Puliafito testified about his behavior at the hearing Tuesday, saying he took drugs with one young woman on a weekly basis. Ford said that he decided to alert USC Provost Michael Quick after receiving reports in early 2016 that Puliafito was partying in hotels with people of questionable reputation, and that he came to worry about his mental stability. Read More Facebook

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Why L.A. Unified may face financial crisis even with a giant surplus this year By Jessica Calefati With more than half a billion dollars socked away for next school year, the Los Angeles Unified School District hardly seems just two years from financial ruin. Its a scenario that is especially tough to swallow if youre a low-wage worker seeking a raise or a teacher who wants smaller classes. But budget documents show that todays $548-million surplus cannot be sustained  and that even basic services face steep, seemingly unavoidable cuts because of massive problems barreling the districts way. Theres a disconnect between the rosy short-term picture and what we know is coming, said board member Kelly Gonez. Read More Facebook

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We have failed: Top USC officials try to reassure students amid gynecologist scandal By Joy Resmovits Top administrators at USC are reaching out to students in the wake of misconduct allegations against the universitys longtime gynecologist, acknowledging failings and vowing reforms as they try to address growing outrage over the revelations. Several USC deans have sent out messages trying to reassure students and faculty that the university is committed to changing. We have failed, wrote Jack H. Knott, dean of USCs Sol Price School of Public Policy, in a May 24 letter. What happened is antithetical to everything we know is right. Read More Facebook

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Rick Caruso is named chair of USCs trustees, vows swift investigation of gynecologist scandal By Thomas Curwen The University of Southern Californias board of trustees has elected mall magnate Rick Caruso to be the new chair of the board, giving fresh leadership as the university navigates a widening scandal involving a longtime campus gynecologist. The move marks the latest effort by USC to address the case, which has sparked a criminal investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department and dozens of civil lawsuits. More than 400 people have contacted a hotline that the university established for patients to make reports about their experience with Dr. George Tyndall. In his first act as chairman, Caruso announced that the white-shoe L.A. law firm OMelveny & Myers would conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the gynecologists conduct and reporting failures at the clinic. He set an ambitious timeline for the review, pledging it would conclude before students return for the fall semester. Read More Facebook

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UC Berkeley students persistence helps win more liberal rules for in-state tuition By Teresa Watanabe Ifechukwu Okeke thought shed be a shoo-in for in-state tuition when she was admitted to UC Berkeley for fall 2016. She had moved to the United States from Nigeria in 2012 to go to Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga. By the time she got her acceptance to transfer to UC to study molecular and cell biology, she had lived in California four years. She had a California drivers license, bank account and rental records as proof. UC Berkeley, however, ruled she was a nonresident  which meant she would have to pay nearly $27,000 more. Read More Facebook

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State medical board calls former County-USC doctor a sexual predator, suspends his license By Matt Hamilton A UCLA cardiologist has been temporarily stripped of his medical license after state regulators described him as a sexual predator who assaulted three female colleagues when he was working and training at L.A. County-USC Medical Center. Read More Facebook

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Global California 2030 aims to get more students learning more languages By Joy Resmovits Tom Torlakson (Andrew Seng / Associated Press) Outgoing state Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson on Wednesday announced a new statewide effort to encourage students to learn more languages. Called Global California 2030, its goal is to help more students become fluent in multiple tongues. Torlakson said that by 2030, he wants half of the states 6.2 million K-12 students to participate in classes or programs that lead to proficiency in two or more languages. By 2040, he wants three out of four students to be proficient enough to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy. Torlakson announced the initiative at Cahuenga Elementary School, which offers a dual-language immersion program in English and Korean. Californias public school students speak more than 60 languages at home, and 40% come to school with knowledge of a language other than English. Torlakson called his plan a call to action that invites parents, legislators, educators and community members to pool resources to expand language offerings in schools and get more bilingual teachers trained. He said the state already is working with Mexico and Spain to expand a teacher-exchange program. Fluency, the plan argues, can help students succeed economically  and language acquisition can help their overall critical thinking. The initiative builds on Proposition 58, a ballot initiative passed in 2016 that undid an earlier requirement that English learners be taught in English-immersion classes unless their parents signed waivers. Torlakson recently visited Mexico and met with that countrys education secretary. They later signed a pact to increase collaboration, particularly in language education. This [Global California 2030] is great follow-through on Toms part and very important, Patricia Gandara, a UCLA education professor who hosted the Mexico meeting, said in an email. It hands over a plan to move forward in an area in which California has a unique advantage, but must seize the opportunity. Facebook

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Jury convicts man of murder in 2015 slaying of UCLA student found inside her burning apartment By Marisa Gerber A jury on Tuesday convicted a man in the 2015 slaying of a UCLA student found dead inside her burning apartment  a gruesome stabbing case that led to a fierce rebuke of the police response amid concerns that the killing could have been prevented. The panel deliberated for about six hours before finding Alberto Medina, 24, guilty of murder, arson, burglary and animal cruelty. On Sept. 21, 2015, firefighters found the charred body of Andrea DelVesco inside her apartment after responding to the complex a block from campus. The 21-year-old student  an Austin, Texas, native known to her sorority sisters as a fearless giver who befriended others with ease  was stabbed at least 19 times, authorities said. Read More Facebook

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LAPD begins sweeping criminal probe of former USC gynecologist while urging patients to come forward By Adam Elmahrek The Los Angeles Police Department said Tuesday it is investigating 52 complaints of misconduct filed by former patients of USCs longtime campus gynecologist as detectives launch a sweeping criminal probe into the scandal that has rocked the university. LAPD detectives also made an appeal for other patients who feel mistreated to come forward, noting that thousands of students were examined by Dr. George Tyndall during his nearly 30-year career at USC. More than 410 people have contacted a university hotline about the physician since The Times revealed the allegations this month. Tyndalls behavior and practices appear to go beyond the norms of the medical profession and gynecological examinations, said Asst. Chief Beatrice Girmala. We sincerely realize that victims may have difficulty recounting such details to investigators. We are empathetic and ready to listen. Read More Facebook

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At L.A.'s only school for the deaf, parents want leaders who speak the same language By Anna M. Phillips Ever since her son was 6 months old, Juliet Hidalgo has been bringing him to the Marlton School, a low-slung building in Baldwin Hills that for generations has been a second home for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Los Angeles. Marlton staff taught Hidalgos brother and sister, both of whom are deaf. The school was where her deaf son learned to make the signs for milk and food. Hidalgo had planned to enroll her daughter, taking advantage of a popular program that allows hearing children to learn American Sign Language alongside their deaf siblings. But after more than a decade of involvement, she and other family members are considering withdrawing their children. They are not alone. Read More Facebook

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Fueled by unlimited donations, independent groups play their biggest role yet in a California primary for governor By Ryan Menezes An unprecedented amount of money from wealthy donors, unions and corporations is flowing into the California governors race, giving independent groups  unrestricted by contribution limits  a greater say in picking the states chief executive than ever before. The groups have already spent more than $26 million through Thursday, the most ever spent by noncandidate committees in a gubernatorial primary, according to a Times analysis of campaign finance reports. California elections have always been expensive, and the future is even more expensive, said Jack Pitney, a political science professor at Claremont McKenna College and a former state Republican leader. The stakes are very real. Read More Facebook

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2 hurt in Indiana middle school shooting; suspect in custody, authorities say By Associated Press Authorities say two victims in a shooting at a suburban Indianapolis school are being taken to a hospital and the lone suspect is in custody. Bryant Orem, a spokesman for the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office, said in a news release that the victims in Friday mornings attack at Noblesville West Middle School are being taken to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and their families have been notified. He says no other information is available about the victims. Orem said the suspect is believed to have acted alone and was taken into custody. No additional information about the suspect was made public. Read More Facebook

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For new L.A. schools chief Austin Beutner, some key unions are giving no honeymoon period By Howard Blume In the less than two weeks since Austin Beutner took charge of Los Angeles schools, unions representing teachers and administrators have staged a job action and a protest. Theyve made it clear that they will not give the new superintendent the traditional honeymoon period, and they are bashing him for his wealth and lack of experience running either a school or a school district. Beutner is a billionaire investment banker with zero qualifications, local teachers union President Alex Caputo-Pearl told members in a phone alert urging them to participate in a Thursday afternoon rally in Grand Park. The board is saying that billionaires who made their money blowing institutions up and making money off it know best  not the education professionals who have dedicated our careers to working with students. Read More Facebook

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Pressure grows on Board of Trustees amid USC gynecologist scandal By Paul Pringle USCs large and powerful Board of Trustees is coming under growing pressure to provide a stronger hand as the university faces a crisis over misconduct allegations against the campus longtime gynecologist that has prompted calls for President C.L. Max Nikias to step down. Allegations that Dr. George Tyndall mistreated students during his nearly 30 years at USC have roiled the campus, with about 300 people coming forward to make reports to the university and the Los Angeles Police Department launching a criminal investigation. USC is already beginning to face what is expected to be costly litigation by women who say they were victimized by the physician. So far, the trustees to whom Nikias reports have expressed sympathy for the women who have come forward and launched an independent investigation while also publicly backing the president. Read More Facebook

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UC regents approve leaner budget for Janet Napolitano By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents on Thursday unanimously approved a leaner, more transparent budget for President Janet Napolitano, moving to address political criticism over the systems central office operations. The $876.4-million budget for 2018-19 reflects spending cuts of 2%, including reductions in staffing, travel and such systemwide programs as public service law fellowships, carbon neutrality and food security. Napolitano shifted $30 million to campuses for housing needs and $10 million to UC Riverside to support its five-year-old medical school. She also permanently redirected $8.5 million annually to help enroll more California students, as required by the state. Read More Facebook

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USCs Academic Senate calls on university president to resign after a series of scandals By Matt Hamilton The body that represents USCs faculty called on President C.L. Max Nikias to resign Wednesday in the wake of relevations that the universitys longtime gynecologist faced years of accusations of misconduct by students and colleagues at the campus health clinic. The Academic Senate took the vote late Wednesday afternoon after a fiery town hall meeting attended by more than 100 faculty members, many of whom voiced outrage over Nikias and the Board of Trustees leadership. The vote came a day after the trustees executive committee stood firmly behind Nikias, saying it has full confidence in his leadership, ethics and values. At the town hall meeting, Senate President Paul Rosenbloom said he did not think Nikias or Provost Michael Quick committed wrongdoing but that the university president deserved criticism for a lack of transparency. Read More Facebook

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Californias public universities on the way to getting a big longed-for boost in funding By Teresa Watanabe The University of California and California State University systems are poised to get major funding boosts that will help them enroll thousands of additional state students and eliminate the need for tuition increases in the coming school year. A key Assembly budget panel on Wednesday approved $117.5 million in new funds for the UC. A Senate panel approved a similar sum last week. The same committees recently approved even more funding for the Cal State system. Read More Facebook

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UC regents to scrutinize Janet Napolitanos office budget in a step toward stronger oversight By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents this week plan to scrutinize the budget of President Janet Napolitano, whose office came under political fire last year for questionable spending and murky accounting. Regents will vote on the proposed $876.4-million budget for 2018-19 during their two-day meeting, which starts Wednesday, at UC San Francisco. They also will discuss state funding, financial aid, online education and transfer student policies. Board Chairman George Kieffer said regents are stepping up to exert stronger oversight of the presidents office after a blistering state audit last year found financial problems including an unreported $175 million budget reserve. Read More Facebook

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State legislative panels approve major funding boost for Cal State By Teresa Watanabe After months of intensive lobbying, Cal State University has convinced two key legislative panels to approve funding to enroll nearly 11,000 more students, hire more faculty and expand housing aid to those without shelter this fall. An Assembly budget panel on Tuesday approved $215.7 million more for Cal State, adding to Gov. Jerry Browns proposed $92.1 million general fund increase. A Senate budget panel approved a similar increase last week. The extra funding  which went beyond Cal States own request to the Legislature of $171 million  is still subject to final budget negotiations with Brown. But the actions by the Senate and Assembly panels amount to a demand from Democrats that the governor hike higher education spending. Cal State University is the workhorse undergraduate university serving hundreds of thousands of Californians, said Assemblyman Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), who heads the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance. We need more graduates for the California workforce and higher education is the ticket to the middle class. Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White hailed the actions, but said it was too soon to celebrate. The CSU has a singular focus on helping students earn high-quality degrees sooner, and the entire university community has rallied to reinforce that message to our states lawmakers, he said in a statement. The actions taken thus far by the Assembly and Senate are promising and show that our message is being received, but there is still work to be done. Funding for the University of California was not taken up Tuesday as originally scheduled. McCarty would not comment on sticking points but said he was confident that a resolution would be reached this week. Were looking to provide resources above whats in the governors budget, but negotiations are ongoing, he said in an interview. State per-student funding is not what it once was, leaving both Cal State and the UC in a tough financial squeeze. Both systems raised tuition last year after a six-year freeze on higher costs. For this year, Cal State had asked for funding to enroll an additional 3,621 students, but both the Senate and Assembly panels approved three times that amount. Cal State, the largest public university system in the nation, turned away 32,000 eligible students last year because its campuses werent able to accommodate them. The panels asked that at least $50 million of the extra funding be used to hire more tenure-track faculty to help boost graduation rates. The Assembly panel also approved one-time funding of $5 million to ease hunger on campuses and $14 million for rapid rehousing pilot projects at three campuses, offering needy students rental support and short-term case management. Other items approved include $5 million to support the CSU Long Beach Shark Labs research on sharks and beach safety and $2 million for equal employment opportunity practices. This post has been updated to include comments from Assemblyman Kevin McCarty and Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White. Facebook

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Faculty members call for USC president to step down: He has lost the moral authority to lead By Matt Hamilton Two hundred USC professors on Tuesday demanded the resignation of university President C. L. Max Nikias, saying he had lost the moral authority to lead in the wake of revelations that a campus gynecologist was kept on staff for decades despite repeated complaints of misconduct. Read More Facebook

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Gun battle, negotiations lasted 15 minutes before Texas school shooter was apprehended, sheriff says By Molly Hennessy-Fiske Minutes after a school shooter opened fire in an art class last week, killing 10 people and wounding 13, including a local police officer, fellow officers returned fire in a protracted gun battle before isolating the suspect, the local sheriff said Monday. Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset praised first responders as well as Santa Fe Police Officer John Barnes, who was working as a resource officer at the school the day of the shooting. Their actions, he said, prevented the attack from spreading to other classrooms and potentially claiming additional victims. As officials continue to probe last Fridays shooting at Santa Fe High School, students are worried about returning to the scene of the attack when classes resume next week. Read More Facebook

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6 women sue USC, alleging they were victimized by campus gynecologist By Richard Winton Six women filed civil lawsuits Monday alleging that a longtime gynecologist at the University of Southern California sexually victimized them under the pretext of medical care and that USC failed to address complaints from clinic staff about the doctors behavior. One woman alleged Dr. George Tyndall forced his entire ungloved hand into her vagina during an appointment in 2003 while making vulgar remarks about her genitalia, according to one of the lawsuits. Another woman alleged that Tyndall groped her breasts in a 2008 visit and that later he falsely told her she likely had AIDS. A third woman accused the doctor of grazing his ungloved fingers over her nude body and leering at her during a purported skin exam, the lawsuit states. The wave of litigation comes as USC continues to grapple with the scandal, which legal experts said could prove costly to the university as scores of former patients come forward about their experiences with the gynecologist. Read More Facebook

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Fatalities reported in Texas high school shooting; suspect arrested, officials say By Associated Press Houston-area media citing unnamed law enforcement officials are reporting that there are fatalities following a shooting at a local high school Friday morning. Television station KHOU and the Houston Chronicle are citing unnamed federal, county and police officials following the shooting at Santa Fe High School, which went on lockdown around 8 a.m. The Associated Press has not been able to confirm the reports. The school district has confirmed an unspecified number of injuries but said it wouldnt immediately release further details. Assistant Principal Cris Richardson said a suspect has been arrested and secured. Read More Facebook

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This student followed the new L.A. schools chief on his first-day tour Melissa Barales-Lopez, a senior at Garfield High School followed Supt. Austin Beutner on his first day on the job, as he toured a variety of programs around the Los Angeles Unified School District. Heres what she took from the experience. LAUSD students and staff alike are looking for a personal champion, someone who will address and improve the difficulties afflicting their education.  What LAUSD students need is someone whos willing to listen and learn, someone who can understand the current issues affecting their schools and act to efficiently amend them, someone who can unlock the full potential of LAUSD students and enable them to reach their goals. During the entirety of his first day, superintendent Austin Beutner did indeed demonstrate a willingness to learn. Posing questions to teachers and students, Beutner engaged with the student communities he encountered to gain a better comprehension of the minutiae and nuances that distinguish each school inside an overwhelmingly large district. From inquiries about Grand View Boulevard Elementary Schools dual language program to questions regarding the services of LAUSDs after-school program, Beyond the Bell, Beutner revealed he has a lot to learn about the system. But, Beutner also showcased a willingness to tackle challenges head-on on his first day. Read More Facebook

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USC let a gynecologist continue treating students despite years of misconduct allegations By Matt Hamilton For nearly 30 years, the University of Southern Californias student health clinic had one full-time gynecologist: Dr. George Tyndall. Tall and garrulous with distinctive jet black hair, he treated tens of thousands of female students, many of them teenagers seeing a gynecologist for the first time. Few who lay down on Tyndalls exam table at the Engemann Student Health Center knew that he had been accused repeatedly of misconduct toward young patients. The complaints began in the 1990s, when co-workers alleged he was improperly photographing students genitals. In the years that followed, patients and nursing staff accused him again and again of creepy behavior, including touching women inappropriately during pelvic exams and making sexually suggestive remarks about their bodies. Read More Facebook

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Cal State trustees to discuss Browns latest budget proposal, which they say still falls $171 million short By Joy Resmovits Just how much money does California State University need to serve its students? In recent years, this question has been front and center for the nations largest public university system. Cal States leaders say that to keep their campuses quality from slipping, they need much more money than the state is giving them. This year, theyre also at odds with Gov. Jerry Brown on the question of whether any extra money should come in one-time bursts or be ongoing. Read More Facebook

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On his first day as L.A. schools chief, Beutner plans a day of visits across the district By Howard Blume L.A. Unifieds new superintendent, Austin Beutner, will kick off his first day of work on Tuesday with a choreographed tour of the nations second-largest school district, from the San Fernando Valley to Carson. His day is scheduled to begin at 5:15 a.m. at a school bus depot and end more than 12 hours later at a parent meeting at Garfield High School. Along the way, Beutner is expected to be joined by school district administrators, L.A. Unified board members and the vice president of the union that represents school bus drivers. Though he will be covering a lot of ground, Beutners tour has him skipping Tuesdays school board meeting, when board members are expected to discuss labor negotiations in closed session. Read More Facebook

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Cal State trustees to discuss Browns latest budget proposal, which they say still falls $171 million short By Joy Resmovits Just how much money does California State University need to serve its students? In recent years, this question has been front and center for the nations largest public university system. Cal States leaders say that to keep their campuses quality from slipping, they need much more money than the state is giving them. This year, theyre also at odds with Gov. Jerry Brown on the question of whether any extra money should come in one-time bursts or be ongoing. Read More Facebook

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Why a handful of rich charter school supporters are spending millions to elect Antonio Villaraigosa as governor By Ryan Menezes California voters have seen a barrage of sunny television ads in recent weeks touting former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosas record on finances, crime and education, aired by Families & Teachers for Antonio Villaraigosa for Governor 2018. But the group is, in fact, largely funded by a handful of wealthy charter-school supporters. Together they have spent more than $13 million in less than a month to boost Villaraigosas chances in the June 5 primary  at a time when his fundraising and poll numbers are lagging. Reed Hastings, the founder of Netflix, jump-started the group with a $7-million check, by far the largest donation to support any candidate in the election. Their efforts are part of a broader proxy war among Democrats between teachers unions  longtime stalwarts of the party  and those who argue that the groups have failed low-income and minority schoolchildren. Read More Facebook

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Talking schools with L.A. Unifieds new superintendent By Anna M. Phillips Austin Beutner, who officially starts Tuesday as the new superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, is taking on a famously difficult job at a particularly difficult time. The school board is divided and did not back him unanimously. The nations second-largest school district has deep-seated problems, including declining enrollment, lagging academic achievement and rising pension and healthcare costs that eat away at its budget. The 58-year-old former investment banker and former L.A. Times publisher has years of experience in the financial world but none as an educator. Earlier this week, he sat down with the Times education team to discuss the challenges facing the district, which has about 60,000 employees and 500,000 students in traditional public schools. He did not talk about his plans  saying repeatedly, stay tuned  but he spoke in broad terms about his mindset in approaching the tough decisions ahead. Read More Facebook

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Suspect detained, authorities search campus after reports of armed man at Palmdale high school By James Queally One person has been detained after a report of an armed man at a Palmdale high school sparked a massive law enforcement response Friday morning. The suspect was spotted at 7:05 a.m. on the campus of Highland High School in Palmdale, according to Sheriffs Department spokeswoman Nicole Nishida. The person was detained in a nearby parking lot, according to Nishida, who did not know whether that person was an adult or juvenile. Deputies at the scene are clearing the school methodically, and students will be transported home via school buses once the campus is deemed safe, Nishida said. Read More Facebook

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The education of Bertha Perez: How a UC Merced custodians disenchantment led to a political awakening By Robin Abcarian Its the third day of a three-day strike, and UC Merced custodian Bertha Perez is taking a break from a picket line at the universitys unremarkable entrance, an intersection with stop lights. Photos from other UC campuses this week have shown big crowds of striking service workers  members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees  marching and chanting pro-labor slogans as they try to force the University of California back to the negotiating table. But here, at UC Merced, whose handful of big buildings rise from a flat expanse of farmland, the picket line is tiny, maybe two dozen workers and a few students. Its not a big-city-style show of force. Then again, a union sympathizer is banging relentlessly on a snare drum, so its noisier than youd expect. Read More Facebook

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Ref Rodriguez resigns from teacher credentialing commission By Howard Blume Ref Rodriguez appears during a court appearance. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles school board member Ref Rodriguez has resigned from the states Commission on Teacher Credentialing, which oversees the integrity and quality of Californias teachers. Rodriguez faces felony and misdemeanor charges for political money laundering. Separately, his former employer, a charter school organization, has accused him of improperly authorizing checks to a nonprofit under his control. Rodriguez has denied wrongdoing. Rodriguezs resignation from the state body was effective May 4, days after he cast a crucial vote as part of a narrow majority that voted to authorize contract negotiations with Austin Beutner to become superintendent of the L.A. Unified School District. Beutners first official day on the job is Tuesday. Rodriguez remains in his $125,000-a-year position on the Los Angeles Board of Education. The mission of the state body is to ensure integrity, relevance, and high quality in the preparation, certification, and discipline of Californias teachers. Critics had questioned Rodriguezs continued service on the commission, given that teachers can be suspended from work if they face criminal charges. They also can lose their jobs for lapses in personal behavior, such as excessive drinking, with the potential to affect their performance. Police in Pasadena arrested Rodriguez on a Friday afternoon in March for public drunkenness. He was not charged in the incident and has apologized. The state commission reviews teacher discipline cases and can take action to remove a teachers credential to work in a California classroom. The commission has 15 members. Rodriguezs departure was disclosed in a one-sentence announcement on the agencys website. Facebook

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School board members request for restraining order against blogger is rejected By Priscella Vega An Orange County Superior Court judge on Wednesday denied a school board members petition for a permanent restraining order against a Huntington Beach blogger. Attorney Jeffrey W. Shields filed the petition on behalf of Ocean View School District trustee Gina Clayton-Tarvin, 46, who alleged in court documents that Charles Keeler Johnson, 56, has threatened her on social media and at school board meetings, causing her to fear for my own safety and for that of my immediate family members. Johnson, who goes by Chuck and publishes HBSledgehammer.com, said the trustee tried to stifle his freedom of speech. He also contended that Clayton-Tarvin took his blog posts and Facebook comments too seriously and out of context, saying anyone who is afraid of metaphors has serious issues. Read More Facebook

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Deal with workers averts one-day strike that could have shut down L.A. schools By Howard Blume Los Angeles school district and union officials announced a contract agreement Tuesday night that averted a one-day strike planned for next week. The pact, which runs through June 2020, removes one labor problem from the desk of incoming Supt. Austin Beutner  whose first day on the job would have coincided with the strike. Plenty of other challenges remain. Read More Facebook

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UC labor strike expands with show of support from more unions By Teresa Watanabe Fong Chuu is a registered nurse who has assisted with countless liver transplants, kidney surgeries and gastric bypasses during 34 years at UCLA. Working with her are scrub technicians who sterilize equipment, hand medical instruments to the surgeon and dress patient wounds. They are a team, Chuu says, which is why she walked off her job Tuesday in support of those technicians and other members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299. The 25,000 member AFSCME local, the University of Californias largest employee union, launched a three-day strike Monday. Read More Facebook

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We are humans too: Voices of UCLAs striking custodians, hospital aides and imaging technicians By Joy Resmovits Demonstrators parade in front of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) This week, thousands of UC employees are staging a three-day strike for better pay and working conditions. On Monday, more than 20,000 custodians, cooks, lab technicians, nurse aides and other members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 walked off their jobs. By Tuesday, two more unions joined in sympathy strikes. The union and UC reached a bargaining impasse last year. The university has said it wont meet the workers demands. The strikers said they wanted better pay, more equity in the allocation of work, stable healthcare premiums and an end to the universitys use of contract workers. These are their stories. Read More Facebook

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Massive UC workers strike disrupts dining, classes and medical services By Joy Resmovits A massive labor strike across the University of California on Monday forced medical centers to reschedule more than 12,000 surgeries, cancer treatments and appointments, and campuses to cancel some classes and limit dining services. More than 20,000 members of UCs largest employee union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, walked off their jobs on the first day of a three-day strike. They include custodians, gardeners, cooks, truck drivers, lab technicians and nurse aides. Two altercations involving protesters and people driving near the rallies were reported at UCLA and UC Santa Cruz. At UCLA, police took a man into custody Monday after he drove his vehicle into a crowd, hitting three staff members. They were treated for minor injuries at the scene and released, said Lt. Kevin Kilgore of the UCLA Police Department. Read More Facebook

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Sen. Kamala Harris to skip UC Berkeley commencement in support of striking workers By Teresa Watanabe California Sen. Kamala Harris has canceled plans to deliver UC Berkeleys commencement address this weekend in support of UC workers who are on strike over wages and health benefits. Due to the ongoing labor dispute, Sen. Harris regretfully cannot attend and speak at this years commencement ceremony at UC Berkeley, said a statement from Harris office issued Monday. She wishes the graduates and their families a joyous commencement weekend and success for the future. They are bright young leaders and our country is counting on them. UCs largest employee union, the 25,000-member American Federation of County, State and Municipal Employees Local 3299, launched a three-day strike Monday and had earlier called for a speakers boycott. The union and university reached a bargaining impasse last year and subsequent mediation efforts have failed to produce an agreement. The union is asking for a multiyear contract with a 6% annual pay increase while the university is offering 3% annual increases over four years. UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ will deliver the keynote address instead, the university announced. About 5,800 students are expected to participate in the ceremony Saturday. Facebook

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School mural depicting Trumps bloody, severed head sparks controversy By Gary Warth A Chula Vista school mural that depicts the bloody, severed head of President Trump on a spear sparked a controversy that prompted officials to cover it and issue a response distancing themselves from the work. The statement also said the artist will alter the painting. We understand that there was a mural painted at the event this past weekend that does not align with our schools philosophy of non-violence, read the statement from MAAC Community Charter School director Tommy Ramirez. We have been in communication with the artist  who has agreed to modify the artwork  to better align with the schools philosophy. Read More Facebook

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New blackface incident at Cal Poly prompts calls for state investigation By Kim Christensen Cal Poly San Luis Obispo officials have asked the state attorney generals office to investigate after a new photo of a white student in blackface surfaced on a fraternity groups private Snapchat. I am outraged, Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong said in a video address Friday to the campus. These vile and absolutely unacceptable acts cannot continue. We must not allow these acts to define us as an institution. Armstrong said the latest photo was intended to imitate an incident last month in which a white member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity was photographed at a party wearing blackface. Read More Facebook

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More than 50,000 UC workers set to strike this week but campuses will remain open By Teresa Watanabe More than 50,000 workers across the University of California are set to strike this week, causing potential disruptions to surgery schedules, food preparation and campus maintenance. The systems 10 campuses and five medical centers are to remain open, with classes scheduled as planned. UCs largest employee union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, plans to begin a three-day strike Monday involving 25,000 workers, including custodians, gardeners, cooks, truck drivers, lab technicians and nurse aides. Read More Facebook

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New L.A. schools chief Beutner pledges to listen, learn and take action By Howard Blume New Los Angeles schools Supt. Austin Beutner proved Wednesday that hes a quick learner even without an education background. Like countless public officials before him, he appeared at an important event  his first speech and news conference  with a photogenic background of students. His message  that he would put those students first  seemed heartfelt if hardly original. Nor was it a huge surprise that he pledged to push cooperatively but unflinchingly to improve the districts academic performance and stabilize its finances. As an introduction, Beutner, a former investment banker who made a fortune on Wall Street, offered little flash, but that was partly the point. Read More Facebook

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In a school lockdown, one student takes stock of the stressful scene At the beginning of lunch one day late last month, Duarte High School, Northview Middle School, and California School of the Arts-San Gabriel Valley were advised by the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department to go into lockdown mode due to police activity in the immediate area. Phalaen Chang, a junior at the California School of the Arts, wrote a series of notes on her iPhone while she sat in a room with her classmates. By the time the lockdown ended an hour later, she wrote, she knew which of her friends would hold open the door for others, be the ones calming others down, be the ones barricading the doors. She knew that all of them have the potential to be such strong people. Read More Facebook

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Tale as old as time: L.A. Unified superintendent pick follows a historical pattern of outside-the-box choices By Joy Resmovits L.A. Unified has long gone back and forth between picking insiders and outsiders to run the nations second largest school district. The choice of Austin Beutner, announced Tuesday, places the district squarely back in the outsider camp  months after a consummate insider, Supt. Michelle King, announced that she had cancer and would not return to the job. Check out this timeline of former L.A. superintendents to see how the school board members have changed their minds, sometimes favoring leaders who come from the world of education and sometimes executives from elsewhere, recruited to shock the system into change. At one point, the district hired someone from the military  retired Navy Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, who served as superintendent from 2006-2008. In hiring Brewer, board members had opted for a non-educator  largely because they sought a fresh thinker, unwedded to the bureaucracy, unafraid to make bold, even unorthodox moves, reads a 2008 Times story. Facebook

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Austin Beutner named superintendent of Los Angeles schools By Howard Blume Austin Beutner, a philanthropist and former investment banker, on Tuesday was named superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nations second-largest school system. His selection was the biggest move yet by a Los Angeles school board majority elected with major support from charter school advocates. The decision came after lengthy public testimony, most of it in support of the other remaining finalist, interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian, who is well known within the school system. Beutner, 58, has no background leading a school or school district. Less than 2 years ago, a school board with a very different balance of power named Michelle King, a former teacher who rose through the district throughout her career, to L.A. Unifieds top job. Read More Facebook

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Hearing delay gives both sides more time in Ref Rodriguezs potential trial By Howard Blume Ref Rodriguez and his attorneys will have more time to prepare their defense against charges of political money laundering, a judge ruled Monday. The preliminary hearing in the case had been scheduled to begin May 9, but that date will now be pushed back to July 23 per the ruling from L.A. Superior Court Judge Deborah S. Brazil. Rodriguez, 46, faces three felony charges of conspiracy, perjury and procuring and offering a false or forged instrument, as well as 25 misdemeanor counts related to the alleged campaign money laundering. Read More Facebook

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L.A. school board poised to name Beutner as superintendent By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education is poised to select philanthropist and former investment banker Austin Beutner to be the next superintendent of the nations second-largest school system. Barring a last-minute development, the only mystery is whether Beutner emerges with four or five votes from the boards seven members. Terms of his contract already have been under discussion, according to sources close to the process who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak. The selection of Beutner, 58, who has no experience managing a school or a school district, would be a signal that the board majority that took control nearly a year ago wants to rely on business management skills instead of insider educational expertise. Read More Facebook

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Teacher walkouts in Arizona and Colorado continue national debate on money for schools By Michael Livingston Following the lead of teachers who walked off the job in other states in recent weeks, thousands of teachers and their supporters took to the streets in Arizona and Colorado for the second day in a row to demand better pay and more funding for education. Read More Facebook

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Three decades before the #MeToo movement, UC San Diego led the way against sexual assault By Teresa Watanabe When Nancy Wahlig first started her fight against sexual assault, one company was marketing a capsule for women to stash in their bras and then smash to release a vile odor. Because of the very nature of society, the only person who can prevent rape is the woman herself, read a 1981 advertisement for the Repulse rape deterrent. Ideas about how to prevent sexual violence have come a long way since then, and Wahlig has helped lead that evolution on college campuses. In 1988, she started UC San Diegos Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC), the first stand-alone program at the University of California. Today, she remains the systems most senior specialist. Read More Facebook

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Andres Alonso withdraws from consideration for L.A. schools job By Howard Blume Andres Alonso, believed to be one of three remaining finalists to lead the Los Angeles school system, has withdrawn from consideration. The remaining known candidates in the confidential search are former investment banker Austin Beutner and interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian. Alonso, 60, announced his decision on Twitter on Thursday night, saying he had notified the L.A. Unified School District on Monday. The exit of Alonso, the former Baltimore schools chief, seems to solidify the front-runner status of Beutner, who also was a former L.A. Times publisher and a Los Angeles deputy mayor. He held each of those positions for about a year. Read More Facebook

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Heres why the apparent increase in autism spectrum disorders may be good for U.S. children By Karen Kaplan The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among American children continues to rise, new government data suggest. And that may be a good thing. Among 11 sites across the U.S. where records of 8-year-olds are scrutinized in detail, 1 in 59 kids was deemed to have ASD in 2014. Thats up from 1 in 68 in 2012. Normally, health officials would prefer to see less of a disease, not more of it. But in this case, the higher number is probably a sign that more children of color who are on the autism spectrum are being recognized as such and getting services to help them, according to a report published Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read More Facebook

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UC shelves tuition increase for now, in hopes of getting more state funding By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents will not vote on a tuition increase next month, shelving the plan for now in hopes that state lawmakers will come through with more funding. Raising tuition is always a last resort and one we take very seriously, UC President Janet Napolitano said Thursday in a statement. We will continue to advocate with our students who are doing a tremendous job of educating legislators about the necessity of adequately funding the university to ensure UC remains a world-class institution and engine of economic growth for our state. Last week, Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White said the 23-campus system no longer would consider a plan to raise tuition for the 2018-19 academic year. But unlike Cal State, UC officials have not taken a tuition increase off the table entirely. Read More Facebook

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A chemical spill, unchecked eyewash stations, poor training: Audit details Cal States lax lab safety By Joy Resmovits In May 2016, two bottles tumbled off a poorly supported shelf and broke, leading to a chemical spill in a Sacramento State University lab. The liquid got onto one students legs and soaked anothers feet. Five employees cleaned up the mess, even though no one knew for sure what it was and whether it was dangerous. They called fellow employee Kim Harrington, their union representative, to let her know what happened. Read More Facebook

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After blackface incident, minority students at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo say they dont feel welcome By Hailey Branson-Potts Aaliyah Ramos was walking through the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus last year when a prospective student approached her. Ramos was the only black person, the young woman said, that she and her mother had seen that day. They asked about the quality of education and the diversity of the student body. Ramos, a mechanical engineering student, didnt want to sugarcoat the truth: Cal Poly long has been predominantly white. But she told the young woman  who also was black  that she didnt want to discourage her from applying, because that wouldnt help with diversity at a school where only 0.7% of students are African American  the lowest percentage of any university in the California State system. Read More Facebook

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El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills wins the 2018 U.S. Academic Decathlon By Carlos Lozano El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills has won the 2018 U.S. Academic Decathlon, officials said. The winner was announced early Saturday at a ceremony in Frisco, Texas. More than 600 students from the U.S., Canada, China and the United Kingdom gathered there over the last three days to compete in the 37th annual U.S. Academic Decathlon. Congratulations to El Camino Real Charter High School for another impressive victory, said Vivian Ekchian, interim superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Your academic stamina and competitive spirit to win is remarkable. The entire L.A. Unified family is so proud of you. Read More Facebook

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Anticipation mounts as L.A. school board meets over superintendent selection By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education is reconvening in closed session Friday at noon as anticipation mounts about the choice of the next leader of the nations second-largest school system. The presumed front-runner is former investment banker and philanthropist Austin Beutner, but interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian and former Baltimore Supt. Andres Alonso also are in the running. Most district insiders appear to be rooting for Ekchian, who has spent her entire career in education within the school system. After her 10 years as a teacher, her roles have included head of human resources, chief labor negotiator and regional administrator for campuses in the west San Fernando Valley. Shes managed the district since September, when then-Supt. Michelle King went on medical leave and chose Ekchian to fill in for her. King, who is battling cancer, never returned and announced her retirement in January. Numerous influential civic leaders have urged  and pressured  the board to select Beutner. Also lending their weight have been advocates for charter schools, which are independently operated, growing in number and competing for students with district-operated campuses. Four of the seven board members  enough to control the outcome  were elected with major financial support from charter supporters. Beutner has two ongoing connections with the L.A. Unified School District. The first is his leadership of an outside task force that is making recommendations on how to improve the school system. The second is his charity, Vision to Learn, which supplies glasses to low-income students. The charity and the school system are in a dispute at the moment over who is responsible for delays in providing services to students as part of a $6 million contract, half of which is paid for by L.A. Unified. Unlike Ekchian and Buetner, Alonso, who currently teaches at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, has no deep-seated local constituency, but the prospect of his selection has generated some excitement. While in Baltimore, Alonso was recognized for pushing for progress at low-performing schools, and for being willing to take strong action. While in Baltimore, he also weathered a test-score cheating scandal and occasionally rocky relations with the teachers union. But by the time he resigned, after six years, he and union leaders seemed to be working together without rancor. Leaders of some community groups have split from the pro-Beutner camp. They worry that Beutners approach to confronting the districts financial problems could shut out their voices or involve severe economic cutbacks that would undermine programs that are helping students. Some prefer Ekchian; some Alonso. Theyve been reluctant to speak out publicly because theyll have to work with whoever is selected, but they have tried to get the ear of board members. On Friday morning, one leader of a community group decided to come out in favor of Alonso. L.A. Unified has the opportunity to bring in an instructional leader of color with a history of success, said Alberto Retana, president and chief executive of Community Coalition, which works on behalf of low-income students and families in South Los Angeles. If we have a shot at that, we should go for it  because its in the best interests of our kids and of our community. Retana said his statement was not meant to criticize Beutner or Ekchian but to alert board members that there also is community support for Alonso. Facebook

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Cal State leader shelves proposed tuition hike: Its the right thing to do, but its not without risk By Joy Resmovits Cal State, the nations largest public university system, will no longer consider a plan to raise tuition for the 2018-19 academic year, Chancellor Timothy P. White announced Friday. The decision is a bet that Sacramento will come through in the end. If Cal State loses that bet, it could mean cuts to campus programs. White said in an interview that Californias economy is strong enough that families should not be shouldering the burden of higher college costs. Read More Facebook

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L.A. students to participate in national walkout activities on Friday By Joy Resmovits Students are taking to the streets again Friday to protest gun violence on the 19th anniversary of the Columbine school shooting. Starting at 10 a.m., students at many schools will spend 13 seconds honoring the 13 people  12 students and one teacher  killed on that day in Littleton, Colo. After that, theyll participate in a host of different activities. Within L.A. Unified, one school is having an open-mic event for students to talk about school violence, and lawmakers are visiting campuses to hear students thoughts. According to a central hub for organizing the protests  written by the students of Ridgefield High School in Connecticut  the walkouts are intended to drive the political change necessary to curb school violence. The day is also a time for students to interact on an elevated platform they have never had before, the site states. It is a day of discourse and thoughtful sharing. Bringing together communities and students to get a national discussion rolling. Organizers have suggested using the event to convey the importance of curbing gun violence to legislators. They are encouraging students to push legislation that would ban assault weapons and tighten up rules around who can buy guns and how. Over 2,500 schools nationwide are expected to participate. In L.A., some students  at campuses including Eagle Rock High School, the Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts and Bravo Medical Magnet  plan to walk out. Students from various schools expect to join area marches, including those in Santa Monica and Huntington Park. Other schools are hosting career days and voter registration drives. At 1 p.m., students plan to start a rally in front of L.A. Unified headquarters. For the record: An earlier version of this article stated that 12 teachers and one student were killed in the Columbine shooting. The opposite is true: twelve students and one teacher died. Facebook

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Stabbing of popular student devastates South El Monte High School; teen friend suspected in slaying By Sonali Kohli When administrators at South El Monte High School called Jeremy Sanchezs parents to say he never showed up for class Wednesday, his father began to worry. It was unusual for the 17-year-old junior to miss school, so his father filed a missing persons report and assembled two of Jeremys close friends to look for the popular student-athlete. Their search took them to a scenic stretch of the San Gabriel River Trail, where one of the friends  a 16-year-old boy  made a tragic discovery. Among the bushes in the riverbed near Thienes Avenue and Parkway Drive was Jeremys body, punctured with stab wounds, according to Lt. John Corina of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Read More Facebook

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Racist fliers spark outrage at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo By Alene Tchekmedyian Soon after Neal MacDougall arrived on the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus Tuesday, the professor noticed university police standing outside a restroom near his office. A racial slur against African Americans had been scrawled in red marker on a stall wall. Later, he discovered a series of racist fliers pinned up next to his door. Someone had also slashed posters hed hung outside his office supporting students in the country illegally. The discovery was the latest controversy on the prestigious campus  which the president said is less than 55% white  that MacDougall said demonstrates a culture of racism at the university. Last week, photographs emerged of white fraternity members, including one in blackface, flashing gang signs. Read More Facebook

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The superintendent waiting game, paying for L.A.'s College Promise, Princetons slave history: Whats new in education By Joy Resmovits Acting LAUSD superintendent Vivian Ekchian is a finalist for the permanent job. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) In and around Los Angeles: The L.A. Unified school board spent 10 hours interviewing and discussing candidates for superintendent. When they adjourned after 10 p.m., they said they would reconvene on Friday. Who is paying for Mayor Eric Garcettis much-touted College Promise, a program that promises two years of community college for LAUSD grads? In California: The Legislature is considering a proposal that would boost K-12 education funding for black students. When the cost of living is taken into account, California has the highest rate of child poverty. Nationwide: The families of two children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School are suing Alex Jones and Infowars for saying the school massacre never occurred. Princeton will name two spaces  an arch and a garden  after slaves who lived or worked on the campus. Facebook

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L.A. school board meets privately with finalists and debates choice for school district leader By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education adjourned late Tuesday after spending more than 10 hours interviewing candidates and trying to reach a decision on who would be the next leader of the nations second-largest school system. When the meeting finally recessed at 10:11 p.m., a spokesman announced only that the school board would reconvene Friday at noon. Going into the days meetings, there were apparently four finalists, according to sources who could not be named because they were unauthorized to speak. Read More Facebook

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Two Sandy Hook families sue Alex Jones and Infowars for saying the school massacre never happened By David Altimari Families of two children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School have filed lawsuits in Texas against controversial radio host Alex Jones for continually claiming the massacre never happened. Neil Heslin, the father of Jesse Lewis, and Leonard Pozner and Veronique De La Rosa, whose son Noah Pozner died in the massacre, filed separate lawsuits late Monday in Travis County, Texas. The lawsuits allege that Jones defamed the parents by constantly calling them crisis actors and insisting the shooting was a false flag operation; they also claim Jones accusations have led to death threats against the Sandy Hook families by Jones followers. Read More Facebook

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Beutner emerges as a top pick for L.A. schools superintendent amid last-minute jockeying By Howard Blume Austin Beutner has emerged as a leading contender to run the Los Angeles school district, with backers saying he is smart enough and tough enough to confront its financial and academic struggles. Though he does not have a background in education, the former investment banker has in the last year examined some of the districts intractable problems, serving as co-chair of an outside task force with the support of then-Supt. Michelle King. Sources inside and outside the school district said Beutner appears to have more support on the seven-member board than other finalists, and his name could come up for a vote as early as Tuesday. Read More Facebook

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Challenge at Chicago school construction site: Watch for 38,000 unmarked graves By Nereida Moreno A 15-year effort to build a school in Chicagos Dunning neighborhood is underway with an unusual complication: Construction workers are taking careful steps to avoid disturbing human remains that may lie beneath the soil. The $70-million school is to be built on the grounds of a former Cook County Poor House, where an estimated 38,000 people were buried in unmarked graves. Among the dead are residents who were too poor to afford funeral costs, unclaimed bodies and patients from the countys insane asylum. There can be and there have been bodies found all over the place, said Barry Fleig, a genealogist and cemetery researcher who began investigating the site in 1989. Its a spooky, scary place. Read More Facebook

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Oklahoma teacher walkout winds down despite lawmakers failure to meet demands By Washington Post Oklahomas largest teachers union has announced an end to a walkout that has drawn thousands of educators out of classrooms and to the state Capitol demanding greater investment in the states schools, which have endured the nations steepest funding cuts. The announcement Thursday from the Oklahoma Education Assn. does not necessarily end the protests at the Capitol, as teachers not affiliated with the union vowed to stay longer. Instead of a walkout, the union and school districts across the state have said they plan to send delegations of teachers to Oklahoma City to keep the pressure on lawmakers. Teachers and their supporters have also promised to push education issues to the forefront of November elections, when the state chooses a new governor. As school districts begin to reopen, the protests may lose steam. The Legislature is not in session Friday, and observers are waiting to see what happens Monday, when lawmakers return. Read More Facebook

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Most Californians are worried about school shooting threats and oppose arming teachers, survey finds By Joy Resmovits Hamilton High School student Aiyana Dabriel holds a sign during a March 14 walkout in support of the Parkland shooting victims. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Most Californians are worried that a school shooting like the one that occurred in Parkland, Fla., in February could shed blood closer to home, a new survey found. Some 73% percent of adults and 82% of public school parents said they were very concerned or somewhat concerned about school shootings. The Public Policy Institute of California surveyed 1,704 adults in the state by phone just after the March for Our Lives protest against gun violence. Latino and black respondents were significantly more likely to be concerned about school violence than white or Asian respondents, the institute found. Two-thirds of adults and public school parents said they opposed letting more educators carry weapons in school. The response differed across party lines, with 86% of Democrats and 69% of independents voicing their opposition, while 60% percent of Republicans said they would support a measure to arm educators. The poll, which had a margin of error of 3.2% in either direction, also asked Californians about school funding, educational issues in the governors race and the impact of immigration enforcement on students. You can find the full results here. Facebook

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Californias largest virtual charter school network agrees to contract with its teachers By Anna M. Phillips Nearly four years after teachers at Californias largest online charter school voted to unionize, they have reached a deal to increase pay and create job protections, according to a spokesman for the California Teachers Assn. The contract, which is still tentative and subject to ratification, is a victory for the teachers union. Although charter schools are publicly funded, most are privately managed and their employees arent protected by labor contracts. Under the terms of the contract  the result of years of negotiation and legal wrangling  approximately 500 teachers working for California Virtual Academies will no longer be at-will employees who can be dismissed for almost any reason. Their average salary will rise to just over $45,000, according to union estimates, a figure that remains far below the norm for traditional public school teachers. Still, it is an improvement over the previous average of $38,000. The accord also places a limit on the number of students each teacher is responsible for monitoring in online homeroom classes. Were very satisfied with the gains we made, said teacher Brianna Carroll, president of California Virtual Educators United. I think were going to see some extraordinary changes in our schools. According to Carroll, teachers at California Virtual Academies  better known as CAVA  had grown frustrated with the organizations foot-dragging and were making preparations to go on strike when CAVAs leadership agreed to the deal. CAVA and K12, the Virginia-based for-profit company linked to its schools, did not immediately respond to an email Tuesday asking for comment. The network currently operates nine virtual charter schools across California. In 2016, the charter network agreed to pay $8.5 million to settle claims of false advertising, misleading parents and inadequate instruction. The state attorney generals office had also accused K12 of controlling the charters for its own financial benefit. Neither CAVA nor K12 admitted to wrongdoing in the settlement. A year later, the state imposed a $2-million fine on CAVA after an audit found that it had misspent public funds. The network disputed the findings. Facebook

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School board approves a new formula for funding high-need schools By Sonali Kohli L.A. schools will soon get more money if they are located in neighborhoods with such problems as high levels of gun violence and asthma. The Los Angeles Unified school board voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a new formula to determine how to dole out some funding to schools, based not only on the characteristics of the student populations but on the traumas that affect the communities around campuses. The new formula will be applied to $25 million in funding next fiscal year and about $263 million annually in future years  a small part of the districts $7.5 billion annual budget. Read More Facebook

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Protesters demand Ref Rodriguez resignation outside school board meeting By Sonali Kohli Students, parents, teachers and UTLA marching outside the board meeting chanting "Ref resign" pic.twitter.com/W0LRWZSIXY  Sonali Kohli  (@Sonali_Kohli) April 10, 2018 A few dozen parents, students and teachers marched outside the Los Angeles Unified School Board meeting Tuesday, some calling for board member Ref Rodriguez to resign the week after news broke that he was taken into custody on suspicion of being drunk in public at a Pasadena bar and restaurant. Rodriguez was not cited or charged in that incident, but was held for more than five and a half hours before being released. The school board member faces felony and misdemeanor charges for political money laundering. He is accused of getting more than two dozen people people to donate to his campaign for his school board seat with the understanding that he would reimburse them. He stepped down from his post as school board president after he was charged last fall, but he did not give up his seat on the board. He has pleaded not guilty to three felony counts of conspiracy, perjury, and procuring and offering a false or forged instrument, as well as 25 misdemeanor counts related to the alleged campaign money laundering. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May. He cant give his full focus to our students, said Rebecca LaFond, a Highland Park parent whose three children marched with her as she chanted, Ref resign. One daughter marched in front of her, using a drum stick to hit the bottom of a gallon-size empty water jug. Our kids deserve someone who has the utmost ethical standards representing them, LaFond said. The protests continued into the board meeting, where some addressed Rodriguez directly, calling on him to step down during public comment portions of the meeting. Rodriguez, through his chief of staff, declined to comment. Some parents outside the board meeting did not know about the charges against Rodriguez but came out to protest the possibility of sharing their school campuses with charter schools. Protesters also oppose colocation  not all of the parents are here to ask Ref Rodriguez to step down pic.twitter.com/1Co8zQ9zSi  Sonali Kohli  (@Sonali_Kohli) April 10, 2018 Cynthia Martinez said her son, who goes to Christopher Dena Elementary School in Boyle Heights, has been bullied in the past by students from a charter school sharing the campus. She said she didnt know who Rodriguez was. Some parents and teachers are worried about losing computer labs, robotics rooms and fitness centers if they are required to share their campus with charter schools, said Ilse Escobar, a parent community organizer for United Teachers Los Angeles. The issues of Rodriguez and colocation are related, Escobar said. Rodriguez is part of a majority on the school board elected with financial backing from charter school supporters, and many parents, she said, feel that the school board is compromised if he is a part of it. Staff reporter Howard Blume contributed to this post. Facebook

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Delaine Eastin tries to gain momentum in the California governors race, one voter at a time By Seema Mehta Delaine Eastin was a sophomore in high school when a drama teacher urged her to try out for a part in The Man Who Came to Dinner. She hesitated until he told her: This is a metaphor for your whole life. If you never try out, you will never get the part. Eastin auditioned and won the role. Decades later, the advice sticks with the former state schools chief, this time in her unlikely run for governor. Despite calls for more women in leadership roles in state politics following sexual misconduct allegations in Sacramento, Eastin has been largely overlooked in the race, lagging far behind her Democratic rivals in fundraising and the polls. Read More Facebook

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Arizona high court rejects in-state tuition for DACA recipients By Associated Press Young immigrants granted deferred deportation status under a program started by President Obama are not eligible for lower in-state college tuition, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled Monday. The unanimous ruling will affect at least 2,000 students attending the states largest community college district and hundreds more at other colleges and the states three public universities. The Maricopa County Community Colleges District and state universities said they would begin raising tuition immediately for the coming school year. Read More Facebook

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New York high school students injured when bus strikes overpass By Associated Press A charter bus carrying teenagers returning from a spring break trip Sunday night struck a bridge overpass on Long Island, seriously injuring six passengers and mangling the entire length of the top of the bus. The crash happened shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday on the Southern State Parkway in Lakeview, according to New York State Police. One of the six injured passengers had very serious injuries, said State Police Maj. David Candelaria. Thirty-seven other passengers suffered minor injuries. Read More Facebook

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Some good news for California in national student test scores By Joy Resmovits Every two years, the nations fourth- and eighth-graders are tested in math and reading  and newly released results from last years tests give California at least a little reason to be pleased. The 2017 results  out Monday night  were mostly flat nationwide compared with 2015, though the average score in eighth-grade reading went up. But while that improvement largely came from the increased scores of the highest-performing students, California eighth-graders showed some reading progress from the lowest levels to the highest. Read More Facebook

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Under state control, Inglewood school districts financial picture worsened By Anna M. Phillips When Eugenio Villa agreed to return to the Inglewood schools for a second tour last summer, he knew the district remained one of Californias most troubled. Inglewood Unified had been nearly insolvent when it was taken over by the state Department of Education in 2012. Six years later, its enrollment was still declining. Its school buildings were tired  some edging into decrepitude. Its test scores and graduation rates were still below the state average. And the public was out of patience. Still, Villa, who had signed back on as the districts chief business official, was shocked at what he found when he arrived in June 2017. Two years earlier, he had left the school system on what he thought was firm ground. Read More Facebook

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Charter school group drops two lawsuits against L.A. Unified By Howard Blume A charter schools advocacy group last week announced that it would end two long-running lawsuits in which it was seeking more classroom space and construction money from the Los Angeles school district. The decision, the California Charter Schools Assn. said, reflects better relations between charter schools and the L.A. Unified School District. But the move also suggests that the litigation, which already contributed to significant gains for area charters, was unlikely to produce much more. It takes time, money and effort to litigate, said Ricardo Soto, general counsel for the charter group. Maybe its better to see if we can find the time and opportunity for collaboration. Read More Facebook

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L.A. school board member Ref Rodriguez is arrested on suspicion of public intoxication By Richard Winton Los Angeles school board member Ref Rodriguez was arrested recently on suspicion of being drunk in public at a Pasadena restaurant, the latest trouble for an elected official who faces political money-laundering charges. Pasadena police took Rodriguez into custody on March 16, according to city spokeswoman Lisa Derderian. Officers arrested Rodriguez at about 4:30 p.m. at the Yard House restaurant and bar at the Paseo Mall and held him in jail for more than five-and-a-half hours. Rodriguez was ultimately released without being cited or charged, Derderian told The Times. Other details about the arrest were not available, she said. Read More Facebook

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Kentucky teachers rally at Capitol over state budget By Associated Press Thousands of Kentucky teachers filled the streets near the state Capitol in Frankfort on a cold, overcast Monday to rally for education funding. Teachers and other school employees gathered outside the Kentucky Education Assn. a couple of blocks from the Capitol chanting, Stop the war on public education and holding or posting signs that say, Weve Had Enough. Were madder than hornets, and the hornets are swarming today, said Claudette Green, a retired teacher and principal. Read More Facebook

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Los Angeles charter schools that are part of a network currently under federal investigation have been put on notice that their accreditation is in jeopardy.

Seven schools run by the nonprofit Celerity Educational Group are spread across the Los Angeles Unified School District. Six carry the seal of approval of the Western Assn. of Schools and Colleges, commonly known by its acronym WASC, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

On Wednesday, the association sent Celerity Chief Executive Grace Canada a letter saying that after a preliminary investigation, it had found the network to be in violation of several of the agencys policies. It demanded that Celerity provide evidence to show why the accreditation status of all CEG schools should not be withheld, according to the letter signed by WASC President Fred Van Leuven.

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Founded by a former L.A. Unified employee, Celerity Educational Group has been operating charter schools in Los Angeles for over a decade. In recent years, it has gone national, expanding into Ohio and Florida  where it struggled to gain a foothold and eventually withdrew  and Louisiana, where it still operates four charter schools today.

But after years of relatively little scrutiny, the charter school network is now the subject of two investigations, one by the inspector general of L.A. Unified, who has been looking into allegations of misuse of public funds, and another by federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Education.

In January, agents from the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and other agencies raided Celeritys offices as well as the headquarters of a related nonprofit, Celerity Global Development, and the home of the organizations founder, Vielka McFarlane.

In its review of the groups financial records, The Times documented years of questionable spending by Celeritys leaders and potential conflicts of interest.

No one at Celerity, including McFarlane, has been charged with a crime stemming from the schools operations. Celeritys leaders have repeatedly defended the networks management and financial decisions as perfectly legal and typical of charter schools, which are privately managed but publicly funded.

In its letter to Celerity, WASC criticized the network for not alerting the association to the federal raid and investigation in a timely manner. The associations policies require schools to report any substantive changes within 30 days.

It also questioned the organizations ethics and its commitment to fully disclosing information about its operations. Included in WASCs letter was a list of requests for detailed information about Celeritys finances and McFarlanes involvement in the charter school network. It called on Celerity to have an independent audit done to determine if the organization is financially stable and following state and federal laws.

Based on the information available, the Commission believes that the integrity of the CEG Schools have been seriously undermined, the letter said.

WASC gave Celerity until June 2 to provide the requested information. Van Leuven did not respond to requests for comment.

Celerity says that it did notify the association of the federal investigation and provided The Times with a letter dated Jan. 30  less than a week after the raid  in which it told WASC that federal agents had seized documents from its offices.

As soon as we learned of the beginning of this investigation, we notified WASC of that investigation and followed up with calls and information responsive to WASCs concerns  including the January 30th correspondence, the network said in a written statement provided by a public relations consultant. We are continuing that effort, and will work with WASC and its concerns to ensure that our schools are recognized for the high quality education they provide, not rumors and innuendo.

Accreditation is important for high schools, as many colleges, universities and scholarship programs prefer or require students to have diplomas from accredited high schools. For K-8 schools such as those run by Celerity, a loss of accreditation has no immediate ramifications. Getting the stamp of approval from an outside agency is optional.

Its basically just a status thing, said Robert Perry, the administrative coordinator for L.A. Unifieds charter schools division. But the school district does take accreditation into consideration when deciding whether to renew a charter school for another five-year term. Its a sign that something must be wrong for WASC to pull that. Thats a pretty rare thing, Perry said. It draws an unwanted spotlight on your school.

Despite the questions surrounding Celeritys operations, the network is poised to open two new charter schools next year. And on Friday, the California Department of Education issued a recommendation that the state Board of Education renew two of Celeritys existing schools, which L.A. Unified had refused to grant another five-year term. The recommendation came with conditions that Celerity agree to turn over more information about its inner workings to state officials.

To read the article in Spanish, click here

anna.phillips@latimes.com

Twitter: @annamphillips

UPDATES:

8:35 p.m.: This article was updated to include the California Department of Educations recommendation on Friday that two Celerity schools be renewed.

This article was originally published at 5:50 p.m.
An appeals court on Friday upheld a ruling that the states controversial parent-trigger law could be used to convert Palm Lane Elementary in Anaheim from a traditional campus to a charter school.

The decision by a three-judge panel from the states 4th District Court of Appeal could embolden hesitant charter advocates and parents to try the trigger process at other schools, even though serious questions remain about when the law would apply and how.

The case dates back to early 2015, when parents submitted a conversion petition to the Anaheim Elementary School District, which operates Palm Lane. A legal battle has raged since then.

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In July 2015, an Orange County Superior Court judge sided with the parents and charter advocates who assisted them. The appellate panel affirmed that decision.

We are not opining on whether public schools or charter schools are better for the education of children, wrote Associate Justice Richard D. Fybel. At the time parents filed their petition, he said, Palm Lane qualified as an academically low-performing school, which made it eligible for parents to force change. The petition itself also met the necessary legal requirements, the panel concluded.

We are very pleased with how the appellate court ruled in favor of our clients  parents who never ceased fighting for a better school for their children, said attorney Mark Holscher. This groundbreaking ruling is important to parents across California who are trying to secure a higher quality of education for their children.

Charters are privately managed public schools that are exempt from some rules that govern traditional campuses. The trigger law takes effect when parents representing at least 50% of students petition for change: Their options include replacing the administration, replacing the entire staff and converting to a charter school.

Until the ruling, there was doubt on both sides about whether the parent-trigger law still was in effect in California. Thats because the law, which is predicated on a schools poor performance, originated under a different school-rating system. The state has revised its academic standards, state tests and accountability system, and it hasnt updated which schools, if any, would now be vulnerable to the parent-trigger law.

Formerly, one trigger requirement was that a school score less than 800 on the states Academic Performance Index. That index no longer exists, and there is now no single number or grade used to rank a school.

That ongoing uncertainty could play out in future court battles, unless there is clarification from the state Legislature or state Board of Education.

We are still reviewing and analyzing the decision especially  how it interplays with new accountability standards, said Devora Navera Reed, an attorney with the Los Angeles Unified School District.

L.A. Unified last year took advantage of the legal ambiguity in refusing to accept a newly filed petition at 20th Street Elementary School. But the district still negotiated with parents to make changes in how the school would be managed going forward.

The new ruling shifts some power back to parent petitioners.

As long as the law is on the books, its supposed to be usable for families, said Gabe Rose, chief strategy officer for Parent Revolution, which helps parents organize trigger petitions. This ruling makes it abundantly clear that the trigger law is still valid.

The Anaheim school district is not ready to concede.

We are certainly disappointed by todays decision, said Supt. Linda Wagner. We know the teachers and staff at Palm Lane are continuing to work with parents to ensure the high academic achievement of all students at the school.

Wagner said she did not anticipate any changes at Palm Lane in the 2017-2018 school year.

She added that the school recently won two state honors: a Gold Ribbon Award for overall excellence and a Title 1 Academic Achievement Award, which honors programs that serve students from low-income families. Overall, the state categorized the schools most recent test scores as very low in English and low in math.

Holscher, the attorney for the Palm Lane petitioners, praised the district for recent efforts to work with parents and make improvements, but he credited the leverage of the petition for this progress.

We put a spotlight on the school, he said. Once a petition is filed, the parents are now at the table, these parents who otherwise have no ability to advocate for their children.

The parents, he said, could choose to keep the school with the district, but at the same time, parents are entitled to get the reform they petitioned for.

howard.blume@latimes.com

@howardblume
The first arrest has been made in the violent robbery of Bay Area Rapid Transit passengers by a mob of up to 60 youths on a train a week ago.

In a tweet late Friday, BART said a suspect  a minor  was arrested, and more warrants for other identified suspects are on the way.

The first suspect from Saturday's violent robbery, a minor, has been arrested. More warrants for multiple identified suspects on the way.  SFBART (@SFBART) April 28, 2017

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The announcement was made six days after the robbery occurred at the Coliseum station in Oakland, in which youngsters were spotted hastily hopping over fare gates before boarding a Dublin-bound train after 9:20 p.m., then swarming passengers and robbing six of them by force. Another was robbed on the platform.

Authorities said a purse, duffel bag and five cellphones were taken during the robberies. At least two passengers were treated by paramedics for face and head injuries, police said.

After robbing passengers, police said, the juveniles ran into the surrounding neighborhoods before officers could arrive at the scene.

ron.lin@latimes.com

@ronlin

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Deputies at the Central Mens Jail in Santa Ana had long complained of flawed inmate monitoring procedures that allowed three men to escape from the facility last year, but nothing was done to correct the problem, according to a report released by the Orange County Grand Jury this week.

The scathing study listed failures by officials that contributed to the escape, which made national headlines and became a major embarrassment for the Orange County Sheriffs Department.

The grand jury cited a flawed inmate counting procedure, the failure of deputies to remove jerry-built tents around the escapees bunks that may have concealed their activites and inadequate monitoring of the jails plumbing system, which the inmates used to gain access to the roof, as major factors in the escape.

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A lack of surveillance cameras and lighting in the plumbing tunnels and on the roof, which the inmates rappelled down from before, were also cited as problematic in the report.

Deputies failed to catch on to an escape plot even though the report found it likely took months of planning and would have involved loud sawing and cutting as the prisoners worked to gain access to the plumbing tunnels.

Authorities have said that Hossein Nayeri, Jonathan Tieu and Bac Duong were able to obtain a cutting tool and saw through several layers of metal and rebar when they broke out of the jail in January 2016, sparking a statewide manhunt that lasted nearly a week, according to the report.

Jail staff did not become aware of the escape until 15 hours after the trio climbed to the roof of the jail and fled, a time lapse that likely helped the fugitives stay well ahead of their pursuers. The men had been jailed on charges including attempted murder and torture.

After conducting a comprehensive study, problems with both supervision and training became obvious, the report read. Lack of compliance with existing policies and procedures by various [Orange County Sheriffs Department] personnel at all levels was the primary factor responsible for the escape.

The inmates took a cab driver hostage and traveled as far north as the Bay Area. Their escape plot began unraveling days later, police say, when Duong rejected Nayeris plan to kill their hostage and fled to a San Jose motel with the cab driver.

Duong drove back to Orange County and surrendered to authorities on Jan. 29. Nayeri and Tieu were arrested in San Francisco the next day. The men are due in court for preliminary hearings in June, records show.

Jail staff were supposed to conduct two types of inmate counts a total of five times each day, according to the report.

Module Book Counts, which involve deputies approaching an inmate and comparing his appearance to a booking photo, were to be conducted twice daily, the report said.

Statistical Body Counts, which involve tallying both the number of inmates meant to be in the jail and those who might be absent due to a court appearance, were to be conducted three times a day.

A lawsuit filed last year by the union representing rank-and-file sheriffs deputies contended staffing cuts led jail personnel to conduct just two daily checks.

About a year before the escape, some staff members who had been transferred to Central Mens Jail from another county facility told supervisors about the laid-back inmate counting procedures, but their complaints were ignored, the grand jury report said.

They had previously been assigned to another facility where the importance of conducting the counts by the book had been emphasized and strictly enforced. They brought this concern to [Central Mens Jail] leadership, the report read. These concerns were never acted upon.

In the year since the breakout, the Sheriffs Department has attempted to re-fortify the Santa Ana jail, which was built in 1968. Intense lighting now covers the outside of the building and the interior tunnels, while metal grilles were added to the tunnel vents.

Motion-sensitive cameras monitor every nook and cranny of the jail now, including the plumbing tunnels. The jail has also strengthened its procedures for preventing the smuggling of contraband into the facility. Canine units specifically trained to detect drugs and cellphones are now a routine sight. The department is also using radio frequency identification technology to track inmates movements to and from their cells. In all, the department spent at least $570,000 on short-term improvements.

Central Mens Jail in Santa Ana, where the 2016 escape occurred. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)

Still, key questions about the escape remain unanswered.

The grand jury reviewed thousands of pages of internal documents and interviewed dozens of Sheriffs Department personnel as part of its investigation, but it remains unclear how the cutting tools used in the escape were smuggled past security.

One of Duongs associates, Loc Ba Nguyen, has been charged with providing the tools used in the breakout and driving the escapees from the jail after they rappelled down from the roof. Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens said investigators believe the men took the cutting tool with them, and an agency spokesman has said the device was never found.

It also remains unclear how the men obtained a cell phone, which they used to take photos inside the jail and call Nguyen, the man accused of picking them up outside, officials said.

Nooshafarin Ravaghi, a teacher at the jail who became friendly with Nayeri, was arrested last year and accused of aiding in the escape, but prosecutors declined to charge her and publicly criticized Hutchens for announcing her arrest.

Dozens of deputies and staff have been questioned during a lengthy internal review of the escape, but there is no indication any deputies or civilian staff members were involved in the smuggling of contraband to the escapees, according to Hutchens. Capt. Chris Wilson, who oversaw the jail at the time of the escape, was transferred from that post and later retired, officials have said.

Tom Dominguez, president of the union representing rank-and-file deputies, said Wilson was one of several high-ranking sheriffs department officials who ignored complaints about the improper count procedure. The union sued the county last year, claiming staffing cutbacks made it easier for the men to escape.

In essence, the count procedure was nullified by sheriffs administration with the direction well get back to you and of course they never did, he said.

Dominguez said he was not aware of any other command staff in the jail who were transferred after the escape.

The department has yet to issue an after-action report on the incident, which would follow normal protocols for major events, because of the ongoing criminal case, according to Lt. Lane Lagaret, a department spokesman.

Lagaret said he would be unable to respond to a list of additional questions from The Times on Friday, but the department did issue a statement this week highlighting improvements to the jail since the escape.

When the escape occurred in January 2016, the department acknowledged failures and need for improvement, the statement read. Those improvements have been made and the jail is secure. Orange County residents can feel confident that we have made the necessary changes to meet our current security needs and that we have a proactive plan in place for additional upgrades.

james.queally@latimes.com

Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.

richard.winton@latimes.com

Twitter: @lacrimes

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Hundreds of residents, activists and community leaders marched through the streets of South Los Angeles on Saturday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 1992 Los Angeles riots.

The day began with a rally at the intersection of Florence and Normandie avenues, where the riots began exactly a quarter-century ago. The crowd then marched east on Florence, before turning south on Vermont Avenue to 81st Street, where participants gathered for Future Fest.

Full Coverage: L.A. Riots: 25 Years Later 

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Future Fest is a celebration of our resilience, of our history, but more so its a celebration of the future and looking forward to the next 25 years and the work that we all hope to do to improve South L.A., said Eric Ares, a community organizer with the Los Angeles Community Action Network. The works not done.

Ares was 9 when the riots broke out. For the first two nights of the violence and looting, his family huddled inside their home, even when the electricity went out, he said. When he finally did leave his house, Ares remembered seeing plumes of smoke rising from different parts of the city.

On Saturday, residents gathered at a nearby park and talked about the riots, which were spurred by the acquittal of four white Los Angeles police officers in the roadside beating of Rodney King, a black motorist.

I have a vivid memory of people gathering at the park saying, Were not going to let them do this to us anymore. We have to fight back to protect our lives and our families,  Ares said. It planted a seed of consciousness.

William Holloway stood near his purple lowrider bike at the infamous intersection. The longtime South L.A. resident was in his 30s during the riots.

The unrest in the community had been building over the years, so it was not a surprise when rioting erupted after the verdicts, he said.

It was expected to the degree that there was a whole bunch of issues that hadnt been resolved in the community, said Holloway, 59. Lack of funding, education-wise, the policing  a whole lot of other stuff that boiled down to making this particular uprising stand out more than normal.

Holloway recalled going to his uncles beauty college on Manchester Avenue, waiting for the jurys decision in the case.

You could feel the tension in the air, he said. You could feel it, that if this verdict wasnt going to be a verdict of guilt, something wasnt going to be right.

Still, Holloway knew what was coming.

I knew in my heart of hearts that they were going to let them police go, he said, pounding his hand against his chest.

The intersection where he now stood now had been the focal point of everything 25 years earlier, he recalled.

From that point on it just spread like a wildfire, he said. To go back 25 years, I can see all the smoke, I can see the people getting jumped on, I can see the stores getting looted ... I can see where the people were tired of being suppressed.

He remembers walking to the corner of Manchester and Vermont after the verdict was announced and saying, Its fixing to go down.

It was a boiling pot, and it just boiled over, he said.

Eugene Jenkins, 44, another longtime South L.A. resident, said he was 19 and lived on Normandie at the time of the riots.

It was crazy right here, he said, looking at the intersection where crowds gathered Saturday. It was all bad on this corner. When the verdicts were announced, he said, it stunned the community.

L.A. all went up in flames, said Jenkins, who still lives nearby. From this corner it went all the way through L.A.

Jenkins remembers store owners with guns on the roofs of their businesses protecting their property.

They were burning buildings; you couldnt even really breathe, he said. Police sirens everywhere, all you heard was sirens everywhere. Everything was on fire. It was something unrealistic to see.

At the afternoon festival, Lora Dene King helped release dozens of white balloons up into the sky  to commemorate those who lost their lives during the riots.

Afterward, the daughter of Rodney King joined the crowd in raising her right fist above her head for 10 seconds of silence.

When she spoke earlier to the crowd, she stressed the importance of building the self-esteem of the communitys young people and working together with others.

My question to all of you guys is, Can we get along?  she asked the crowd, echoing the famous words of her father. That means not being prejudiced against any religion, race, whatever. It means solutions ... solutions are the main thing and the youth.

Yes Im angry  with a smile  because were still at the same place, she concluded. But were gonna make it.

brittny.mejia@latimes.com

Twitter: @brittny_mejia

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UPDATES:

4:40 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from Rodney Kings daughter.

12:45 p.m.: This article was updated with the march starting.

11:50 a.m.: This article was updated with more comments from participants.

10:40 a.m.: This article was updated with comments from participants of the rally and march.

This article was originally published at 9:15 a.m.
From a cafe table on a pier overlooking sea lions and passing sailing vessels with bright pennants flapping in the breeze, Pedro Nava recalled that the battle lines were drawn to prevent offshore drilling in Santa Barbara when a marine sanctuary was established here in 1954.

At issue was the spread of oil derricks on the hills and streets of the nearby coastal hamlet of Summerland, which had become so polluted that a newspaper editor at the time lamented that the whole face of the townsite is aslime with oil leakages.

Nava, 69, a local resident and former California assemblyman, said the sanctuary initiated by then Mayor John Rickard was the start of a new era: our economic future would be based on the scenic beauty of our coastline and tourism.

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Now, from one end of this 5-mile-long city with a population of about 91,000 people to the other, community leaders, business owners and environmentalists are reacting with anxiety and anger to the executive order President Trump signed on Friday to consider new offshore drilling in federal waters here and around the country.

There were few complaints on Saturday among the thousands of visitors, many of them clutching shopping bags, who strolled along the pier and explored downtown streets lined with boutiques, restaurants and watering holes with red-tiled roofs reflecting the citys Spanish colonial heritage.

But behind the scenes of the city 90 miles up the coast from Los Angeles, things were anything but placid.

Victoria Fauerbach, 18, a docent at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Marine Center on Stearns Wharf near downtown, was preparing to teach visiting students about the life cycle of sharks when she first heard the distressing news.

My first thought was, Do they really want to do this to our environment? she recalled. How long before we get an oil spill?

A mile away, at the Shoreline Cafe, an eatery with beachfront dining tables set up on the strand, manager Ulises Morales shared similar concerns as he served customers enjoying Mexican dishes and sipping margaritas while pushing their toes into the sand.

Giving a sardonic smile, Morales said, As you can see, an oil spill on the beach would not be good for us.

Tourism and recreation are substantial drivers of Californias 19 counties adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. Together, they comprise more than 18,000 business establishments employing 368,000 persons and generating nearly $9 billion in wages, according to a 2012 study conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Unlike many coastal destinations, however, the Santa Barbara region includes one of the largest natural oil and gas seeps in the world. Native Americans used globs of asphalt that accumulated naturally above ground to seal and waterproof the wooden planks of their boats.

A recent history of bipartisan opposition to oil drilling has been fueled with viscerally terrifying images captured live on TV of waves lubricated with oil, oil-drenched birds and frantic cleanup crews after a drill boring in federal waters in 1969 punctured a high-pressure pocket of petroleum.

An estimated 80,000 to 100,000 barrels of crude spewed uncontrolled from the breach into the blue Pacific, much of it congealing into a foot-thick mat that resembled chocolate mousse. Part of the oil was pushed southwest by winds to San Miguel Island, and the rest was carried by currents toward Santa Barbara.

The event galvanized public awareness of the environment and support for tighter regulatory control of the oil industry. In the 1980s and 90s, it played a role in defeating efforts by the Reagan administration and later by the first Bush administration to sink more oil wells along stretches of the California coastline, including Monterey Bay.

Former Democratic U.S. Rep. Mel Levine recalled that the blowout that occurred in 1969 helped us make the case that whatever benefits would come to the oil industry from more offshore drilling were outweighed by potential environmental and economic costs.

Nava said the big question in Santa Barbara now is this: Given that the Trumps executive order will lead him straight into federal court, whats he trying to achieve?

Admiring the vista of crashing waves, surfers and boats dipping and tugging at their moorings against a backdrop of the steep Santa Ynez Mountains, he added, I really dont get it.

Which ones of his constituents wants to spend $300 a night at one of our motels to see dead whales and oil spills?

louis.sahagun@latimes.com
A little more than two years ago, the primary watchdog over the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department laid out numerous ways the agency was failing to provide the public with basic information about how often deputies use force, the number of complaints alleging misconduct and how many deputies were being disciplined.

This week, Inspector General Max Huntsman complained that little has changed.

Huntsman said the department is moving too slowly to publish important data  such as how many citizen complaints resulted in investigations. He said hes privately pushed the department to be more transparent and post the information online but believes hes getting slow-walked by sheriffs officials.

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In our modern, digital age, there is no reason not to have immediate information on the website accessible by anybody regarding critical information that we all want to know, Huntsman said at Thursdays meeting of the Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission. How many people are being shot? How many people is force being used against?  When people are found to have lied, do they get fired?

In response to Huntsmans report in 2014, the department began publishing online data about shootings by deputies, including how many officers discharged a firearm, how long the officers have served, and the race and gender of the deputies and anyone wounded or killed in the incidents. Huntsman said the department should go further and post information on any type of force, including sheriffs dog bites and events resulting in broken bones, as well as data on complaints and discipline.

Nicole Nishida, a spokeswoman for Sheriff Jim McDonnell, issued a statement Friday saying the department plans to post more information but has struggled with staff shortages and outmoded technology.

The sheriff is committed to transparency and providing the public with information within the law. Can we do better? Absolutely. Are we committed to doing so? We are, and we shall, the statement said.

Huntsmans criticism came the same day that inmates-rights advocates held a news conference to announce that an inmate at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility attempted suicide this week. They also criticized the department for not informing the public about such critical incidents without being asked. After activists raised questions about the incident, a department spokeswoman released a statement saying a male inmate at Twin Towers had been discovered early Wednesday with a piece of clothing wrapped around his neck, but the man survived and was treated at a hospital.

Dignity and Power Now, a group that advocates for prisoners and their families, held a protest last month over the deaths of four inmates within nine days in the L.A. County jail system, which is run by the Sheriffs Department. The department confirmed the deaths  labeling one a suicide  only after the group had raised public concerns.

There is a continued and ongoing crisis of medical negligence inside of the county jail system, Mark-Anthony Johnson of Dignity and Power Now said at Thursdays news conference before the monthly Civilian Oversight Commission meeting.

Johnson said the Sheriffs Departments failure to notify families of inmates as well as the public about jail incidents before being asked raises questions about whether the agency is underreporting suicides and other critical events. He renewed a call that several advocates have made for the civilian oversight panel to be granted subpoena power rather than rely on the Sheriffs Department for its information.

The countys inspector general for the Sheriffs Department, Max Huntsman, has complained that the Sheriffs Department is not doing enough to improve transparency. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

This commission needs the power to independently compel information from a department that is not producing it at the cost of our loved ones lives, he said.

A federal monitor is keeping track of how well the department is preventing suicides in its jails as part of an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, reached in 2015, to alleviate unsafe conditions in the jails. Nishida, the sheriffs spokeswoman, said the agency has made significant improvements, including more frequent safety checks, de-escalation training for guards and better handling of inmates with mental health issues.

Huntsman implored the newly formed oversight commission  a panel of nine civilians that hosts open forums on department practices and can advise the agency  to pressure the department to immediately put into place his previous recommendations for improving transparency. He wants the department to provide up-to-date details on its website about serious uses of force, including how many deputies were involved in each incident and their years of service, as well as the types of employees who are the subject of complaints from the public and the outcomes of internal investigations.

His 2014 report found the department lagged behind other major law enforcement agencies, such as the Los Angeles and the New York police departments, when it came to sharing data with the public.

Since then, Huntsman said members of the department have told him privately theyre committed to posting information beyond the data on shootings by deputies.

Ive sat next to the sheriff looking him in the eye telling him how serious this is, and Ive got nothing, he said.

The department said its staff is compiling all force data going back to 2013 and is working to make sure that publishing the information would not violate state laws that protect officers privacy rights. We will continue to strive to be a leader in law enforcement, not only in crime metrics, but also in our ability to be a transparent organization, the agencys statement said.

Ive sat next to the sheriff looking him in the eye telling him how serious this is, and Ive got nothing.  Max Huntsman, the inspector general of the L.A. County Sheriffs Department

The union that represents rank-and-file deputies has previously pushed back against the department publishing information about whether deputies were found to have violated policy in shootings, prompting sheriffs officials to remove that data from its site, KPCC reported last year.

Huntsman said the department should also post its quarterly discipline reports, which outline how many officers are being disciplined for what reasons. Those reports were published under the prior administration by the Office of Independent Review, a group that oversaw the agencys internal discipline until 2014, and included short narratives describing alleged deputy misconduct.

Huntsman says providing the public with generalized data that does not identify individuals is permissible under state officer confidentiality laws.

I am just shocked that this information on the aggregate isnt public, J.P. Harris, a commissioner and retired sheriffs lieutenant, said after hearing Huntsmans comments. Thats crazy.

maya.lau@latimes.com

For more news about the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, follow me on Twitter at @mayalau

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Its almost May, which means its time for cherries, for planning your Cinco de Mayo parties  and for the beginning of Food Bowl, our month-long food festival. To celebrate that, we spent Thursday night celebrating Locol, the revolutionary Watts fast food restaurant from chefs Roy Choi and Daniel Patterson that is the recipient of the first-ever Los Angeles Times Restaurant of the Year Award. Congratulations to the entire crew! After you pull up a screen to read what Jonathan Gold wrote about Locol, maybe pull up a chair at the actual restaurant.

Where else have we been pulling up chairs? At the Westfield Santa Anita mall, where Jonathan found some pretty great Hainan chicken rice at Side Chick, the subject of his latest review. And at six very different restaurants, where I talked to chefs about what it means to cook for Angelenos these days. This week, we also check in with Faviken chef Magnus Nilsson about his photography, with chef April Bloomfield about burgers, and with Evan Kleiman about Italian cooking.

 Amy Scattergood

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In praise of Locol

Thanks yous, greeting and photos are tacked to a wall at Locol. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

As Jonathan put it: One might not expect the first Restaurant of the Year award to be won by a burger stand, but the choice was inevitable  no restaurant in years may have made more of a difference than Locol, Roy Choi and Daniel Pattersons skater-themed fast-food spot in Watts.

Way more than mall food

Johnny Lee, the chef at Side Chick, where the signature dish is the Hainan chicken and rice. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

This week Jonathan considers chef Johnny Lees restaurant Side Chick, which specializes in Hainan chicken rice, the cultish dish that Lee, an alum of Ramen Champ, Sticky Rice and Rivera, has perfected. Its a tiny shop, in an Arcadia shopping mall, with only a few tables and a window into the kitchen, where you can often see Lee and the magic he works with all those organic chickens.

What does it mean to be a chef in L.A.?

Its a pretty great time for Los Angeles diners these days, with so many great restaurants opening, joining the zillion terrific restaurants that have been doing business for years, or decades. But what does that mean for the folks who cook that food and run those restaurants? We asked the chefs at six of those restaurants: Badmaash, Salazar, Cassia, Nickel Diner, Kismet  and the one in chef Dave Berans head.

Nordic food photography

Walk into downtowns Union Station during the month of May and youll see a pretty remarkable photography exhibition  not of local beaches, but of snow and the home cooking of Scandinavia. Theyre Faviken chef Magnus Nilssons photos, from his celebrated The Nordic Cookbook. I talked to Nilsson before he came, and will be doing so again in person tonight at the Last Bookstore. (Fur hats. Hot dogs.)

A burger crawl

The classic burger, fries and strawberry and chocolate milkshakes at Cassells. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

April Bloomfield (chef of the Spotted Pig, cookbook author) is in town for Food Bowl, and also to check in on her upcoming restaurant here. So Deputy Food Editor Jenn Harris took her on a burger crawl, because, well, wouldnt you? They went to Petit Trois, Cassells and Belcampo, which is pretty epic if you think about it, especially if you consider the milkshakes, the fries  and Ludos foie gras bordelaise sauce.

Italian home cooking

Evan Kleimans pasta allAmatriciana (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

Evan Kleiman talks about classic Italian dishes, authentic Italian cooking, and explores the great dish pasta allAmatriciana  and gives us her recipe. If you long to make it with pancetta and garlic, but no onion, black pepper or white wine, well, thats your prerogative. I wont think any less of you.

The Los Angeles Times Food Bowl: Want to spend 31 days exploring the food of this city through a Night Market, forums, dinners, films, pop-ups and more dining and drinking? Join us in May for our month-long food festival. Check out our cheat sheet and stories about the chefs and restaurants featured, including Roy Choi, Massimo Bottura, Magnus Nilsson, April Bloomfield and Fergus Henderson and more.

The Daily Meal, the food and drink website under the editorial direction of Colman Andrews, is now one of our partners. Check out their 101 best pizzas in America and other stories, recipes and videos.

Jonathan Golds 101 Best Restaurants, the authoritative annual guide to local dining, is online for subscribers and now features his 2016 Best Restaurants. If you didnt get a copy of the booklet, you can order one online here.

Check us out on Instagram @latimesfood

Check out the thousands of recipes in our Recipe Database.

Feedback? Wed love to hear from you. Email us at food@latimes.com.
Canadian and her boyfriend missing in Belize

A Canadian woman and her American boyfriend have gone missing in Belize, according to friends.Fifty-two-year-old Francesca Matus of Ontario, was last seen driving home from a local bar with her American boyfriend, Thomas Drew De Voursney, 36, on Tuesday evening, her friends say.Nancy Rifenbark, a U.S. citizen living in Corozal, told CTVNews.ca that she had dinner and drinks with Matus and De Voursney at Scotty's Bar in Corozal, Belize, on Tuesday night.Rifenbark said that, at approximately 11 p.m. local time, the couple left for home in Matus white Isuzu Rodeo SUV. At approximately 8:30 a.m. the next morning, Rifenbark said her friend Joe Milhoen went to give Matus a drive to the airport in Belize City, where she was to catch a flight to Canada.Rifenbark said that, when Milhoen arrived at Matus Corozal home, the gate was locked and her SUV wasnt there. She said De Voursneys motorcycle was the only vehicle parked at the home. Milhoen also spotted one of Matus suitcases through the glass of the front door.Rifenbark said Milhoen tried calling the couples cellphones, checked with friends to see if anyone had heard from them, and even visited the local police station and hospital. Rifenbark said another friend called the airline and was told that Matus had not checked in for her flight.In an emailed statement, Global Affairs Canada confirmed to CTV News that theyre aware of reports that a Canadian citizen is missing in Belize, and consular officials were in contact with local authorities.Rifenbark said a helicopter and ground search of the area was conducted on Thursday, and that another local search party was organized for Friday.According to the local reports in Belize, Matus was last seen wearing white, denim short pants, a white long-sleeve blouse and brown wedges. Shes described as 51 tall, with shoulder brown hair and a slim build. De Voursney was last seen wearing a blue and white Toronto Maple Leafs shirt, camouflage pants and brown boots. Hes described as having a chain tattooed on his right arm and is 66 tall.Anyone with information is being urged to contact police.
The Ann Coulter speech-at-UC-Berkeley-that-wasnt ended as so many flare-ups at that school do: not with the anticipated climactic confrontation between left and right, but with a few protesters cuffed by police, students getting on with their higher education, and the public continuing to debate just whats the matter with that controversial campus.

Coulter  after her speech was canceled by the university, then rescheduled for a later date  canceled her planned appearance after all, amid warnings from the university police that violence could erupt, as it did when Milo Yiannopoulos attempted to give a scheduled talk there in February. The debate among The Times letter writers had continued long after that episode, and it is continuing now after the Coulter flap seems to have ended with as close as Berkeley gets to a whimper.

Donald Lopez of La Mirada says theres more of this to come:

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The most basic human right is that of free speech. Denying Coulter the right to speak indicates that UC Berkeley is not interested in protecting human rights, which is something the left always screams about.

When Noam Chomsky speaks at Bob Jones University, that will be actual news. Coulter pulling another stunt is not.  Michael Finnegan, Encino

As a state-supported school, the university must be inclusive. Perhaps administrators originally canceled Coulter because they anticipated her drawing a huge crowd in the den of liberal ideas  and, well, they cant have that.

Conservatives have hit a liberal nerve with free speech, and with it they can expose the hypocrisy of the left. Expect to see more of these challenges.

Encino resident Michael Finnegan says this is much ado about nothing:

Im getting pretty tired of the wall-to-wall coverage on Coulters struggle to collect another paycheck.

Its not as if her views are unknown or that America is breathlessly awaiting her opinions. Her free speech hasnt been stifled. Shes a carnival barker who gets paid to say and write stupid things.

When Noam Chomsky speaks at Bob Jones University, that will be actual news. Coulter pulling another stunt is not.

William J. Loskota of San Gabriel, a physician and professor emeritus at USCs Keck School of Medicine, notes that little has changed on college campuses:

In 1970, I was president of the UCLA Health Sciences Graduate Students Assn. We invited Arthur Jensen, a UC Berkeley psychology professor, to speak regarding his theory on the genetics of intelligence. The racial implications of inheritable intelligence were, to say the least, controversial.

Our small group was invaded by outside protesters who shouted down any attempt to remind them of the concept of free speech and academic discourse at UCLA. The situation was defused by the fire marshal, who determined that the room was over capacity.

We tried to move to another venue, but Jensen demurred in the interest of safety and canceled his lecture. As the French saying goes, Plus ca change, plus cest la meme chose.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
Trump promotes sons Justice with Judge Jeanine interview President Trump promoted via Twitter an interview with his son Eric Trump just before it aired Saturday night on Fox News Justice with Judge Jeanine. Eric Trump on @JudgeJeanine on @FoxNews now!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2018 Eric Trump called into the show to defend his father from criticism prompted by the first government shutdown in more than four years, as well as a series of Womens March events that saw protesters in dozens of cities take to the streets to oppose the presidents policies. .@EricTrump joined me over the phone from Mar-a-Lago ! pic.twitter.com/Hro3TzUW52  Jeanine Pirro (@JudgeJeanine) January 21, 2018 Speaking to host Jeannine Piro  who is reportedly an old friend of the presidents  Eric Trump offered effusive praise for his father, ticking off glowing statistics to illustrate the strength of the U.S. economy and gains against Islamic State fighters overseas. My fathers working like no ones ever worked before to bring back this country and to fulfill his promise to make America great again, said the executive vice president of the Trump Organization. He also repeated a sentiment recently expressed on Twitter by his father: That Democratic lawmakers forced a government shutdown on the anniversary of the presidents inauguration in a bid to distract from his achievements. You look at this whole government shutdown, and the only reason they want to shut down government is to distract and to stop his momentum, Eric Trump said. I mean, my father has had incredible momentum. Hes gotten more done in one year than arguably any president in history. Facebook

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Trump tweets: a perfect day for all Women to March President Trump hailed the nationwide Womens March gatherings Saturday. On Twitter, the president called it a perfect day for all Women to March, seeming to imply that those taking part were celebrating his administrations accomplishments: Beautiful weather all over our great country, a perfect day for all Women to March. Get out there now to celebrate the historic milestones and unprecedented economic success and wealth creation that has taken place over the last 12 months. Lowest female unemployment in 18 years!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Participants in the marches across the United States were actually seeking to deliver a powerful rebuke to Trumps policies and mount a crucial mobilization for this years midterm elections. But Trump continued to tout his administrations unprecedented success in tweets sent later in the day: Unprecedented success for our Country, in so many ways, since the Election. Record Stock Market, Strong on Military, Crime, Borders, & ISIS, Judicial Strength & Numbers, Lowest Unemployment for Women & ALL, Massive Tax Cuts, end of Individual Mandate - and so much more. Big 2018!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 The Trump Administration has terminated more UNNECESSARY Regulation, in just twelve months, than any other Administration has terminated during their full term in office, no matter what the length. The good news is, THERE IS MUCH MORE TO COME!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2018 In addition to the roll call of major American cities where womens marches took place  including New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Dallas, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta  protesters also raised their voices in suburbs and small towns, reflecting the aim of coalescing a broad-based movement on the anniversary of Trumps inauguration to oppose the presidents stance on immigration, healthcare, racial divides and an array of other issues. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Laura King. Facebook

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Trump calls shutdown a present from Democrats By Associated Press President Trump is blaming Democrats for the government shutdown  tweeting that they wanted to give him a nice present to mark the one-year anniversary of his inauguration: This is the One Year Anniversary of my Presidency and the Democrats wanted to give me a nice present. #DemocratShutdown  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 That comes after Senate Democrats late Friday killed a GOP-written House-passed measure that would have kept agencies functioning for four weeks. Democrats were seeking a stopgap bill of just a few days in hopes that would build pressure on Republicans, and they were opposing a three-week alternative offered by GOP leaders. Democrats have insisted they would back legislation reopening the government once theres a bipartisan agreement to preserve protections against deporting about 700,000 immigrants  known as Dreamers  who arrived in the United States illegally as children. Trump on Saturday accused Democrats of holding our Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration: Democrats are holding our Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration. Cant let that happen!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Democrats are laying fault for the shutdown on Republicans, who control both chambers of Congress and the White House and have struggled with building internal consensus. In a series of tweets hours after the shutdown began, the president tried to make the case for Americans to elect more Republicans to Congress in November in order to power through this mess: Democrats are far more concerned with Illegal Immigrants than they are with our great Military or Safety at our dangerous Southern Border. They could have easily made a deal but decided to play Shutdown politics instead. #WeNeedMoreRepublicansIn18 in order to power through mess!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 He noted that there are 51 Republicans in the 100-member Senate, and it often takes 60 votes to advance legislation: For those asking, the Republicans only have 51 votes in the Senate, and they need 60. That is why we need to win more Republicans in 2018 Election! We can then be even tougher on Crime (and Border), and even better to our Military & Veterans!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 #AMERICA FIRST!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 The stopgap spending measure won 50 votes in the Senate, including five from Democrats. Although the House and Senate were in session Saturday, it was unclear whether lawmakers would take any votes of consequence. Trump had been set to leave Friday afternoon for a fundraiser at his estate in Palm Beach, Fla., where he intended to mark the inauguration anniversary. But he remained in Washington and ended up scrapping his plans to attend the Saturday fundraiser. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweet casts doubt on likelihood of averting shutdown President Trump appeared to cast doubt on the likelihood of reaching a deal to avert a government shutdown Friday night in a tweet. Trump also sought to blame Democrats for what would be the first shutdown since 2013. His message came just hours before the midnight deadline by which lawmakers must pass a measure to fund government agencies, or some operations will cease. Not looking good for our great Military or Safety & Security on the very dangerous Southern Border. Dems want a Shutdown in order to help diminish the great success of the Tax Cuts, and what they are doing for our booming economy.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Despite last-minute negotiations Friday between Trump and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, Congress remained deadlocked over a spending bill and the federal government was headed toward a shutdown at midnight. Senate Democrats  joined by some GOP deficit hawks and immigration allies  were set to filibuster a stopgap funding bill approved by the House on Thursday. A Senate vote was planned for 10 p.m. Eastern, and even White House officials predicted it would fail. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Lisa Mascaro. Facebook

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Trump signs surveillance law after confusing tweets By Associated Press President Trump on Friday signed a bill into law to renew a foreign intelligence surveillance program, announcing his action in the latest in a series of confusing tweets about the spy program: Just signed 702 Bill to reauthorize foreign intelligence collection. This is NOT the same FISA law that was so wrongly abused during the election. I will always do the right thing for our country and put the safety of the American people first!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 19, 2018 Trumps tweet on Jan. 11 created chaos in the House just before it voted to reauthorize what is known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. He linked the intelligence program to a dossier that alleges his presidential campaign had ties to Russia. That caused people to wonder if he didnt support the program that allows U.S. spy agencies to collect intelligence on foreign targets abroad. Trump and other Republicans have alleged that Obama administration officials improperly shared the identities of Trump presidential transition team members mentioned in intelligence reports. Democrats say there is no evidence that happened. Shortly before the House vote, and after conferring with House Speaker Paul Ryan, Trump did an apparent about-face. This vote is about foreign surveillance of foreign bad guys on foreign land, he tweeted. We need it! Get smart! In his tweet announcing that he had just signed the bill, Trump wrote: This is NOT the same FISA law that was so wrongly abused during the election. I will always do the right thing for our country and put the safety of the American people first! There are no obvious links between the dossier Trump spoke of, which includes salacious but unsubstantiated allegations against him, and the reauthorization of the spying program, or between the program and Trumps oft-repeated claims that the Obama administration conducted surveillance on Trump Tower during the presidential campaign. Facebook

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In tweet, Trump suggests that Pennsylvania trip is a political one The White House press office was once again forced to walk back a tweet from President Trump on Thursday morning after he described a trip to Pennsylvania later in the day as a political one  a statement that would force the Republican Party, not taxpayers, to pay for the journey. The White House had said Trump was going to an industrial equipment company outside of Pittsburgh to highlight the good economy and new tax cuts, making it an official, policy-oriented event. It was widely assumed that the trip had a political cast  the area is holding a special election to fill a congressional seat vacated by a Republican who resigned. Trump, by his tweet, seemed to confirm that politics was the whole purpose: Will be going to Pennsylvania today in order to give my total support to RICK SACCONE, running for Congress in a Special Election (March 13). Rick is a great guy. We need more Republicans to continue our already successful agenda!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 Trump later shared via Twitter a pair of video clips of his speech at H&K Equipment, in which he touted the tax cuts he signed into law just before Christmas and tried to turn the conversation back to his accomplishments after weeks dominated by distractions, including questions about his mental health and comments about immigration that some considered racist: Departing Pittsburgh now, where it was my great honor to stand with our incredible workers, and to show the world that AMERICA is back - and we are coming back bigger and better and stronger than ever before! pic.twitter.com/kWPgylqFzj  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 AMERICA will once again be a NATION that thinks big, dreams bigger, and always reaches for the stars. YOU are the ones who will shape Americas destiny. YOU are the ones who will restore our prosperity. And YOU are the ones who are MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! #MAGA pic.twitter.com/f2abNK47II  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 The Republican National Committee, rather than the White House, is supposed to pay for political travel so that taxpayers are not financing party activities; for trips that combine policy and politics, parties have split the cost under past presidents. Neither the RNC nor the White House responded to emails sent Thursday asking who would pay. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement later Thursday suggesting that taxpayers would foot the bill. She insisted that Trump would be conducting government business while in Pennsylvania. Read More This post contains reporting from the Associated Press and Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump tweets praise of Bob Dole after awarding him Congressional Gold Medal By Associated Press Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole knew the art of the deal before President Trump published the 1987 book of the same name. The two shared a stage under the Capitol dome Wednesday as Dole, 94, accepted Congress highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal, for his World War II service and decades of work in the House and Senate. Trump later praised Dole in a tweet, attaching to his message a video composed of clips from the ceremony: Today, we witnessed an incredible moment in history  the presentation of Congress highest civilian honor to our friend, and true AMERICAN HERO, Bob Dole. #CongressionalGoldMedal pic.twitter.com/qNQqDLRmCk  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 17, 2018 At the ceremony, the president saluted Dole as a patriot and gave tribute to Doles struggle as a veteran who worked his way back from a grievous shoulder wound he suffered in Italy. He knows about grit, said Trump. But it was Doles penchant for working across the aisle that earned him his latest award, according to the legislation. Bob Dole was known for his ability to work across the aisle and embrace practical bipartisanship, reads the legislation Trump signed in September. Some of the awards 300 recipients include George Washington and Mother Teresa, according to the Congressional Research Service. Read More Facebook

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Trump touts report that seeks to link terrorism cases with immigration By Joseph Tanfani The Trump administration on Tuesday released a report attempting to link terrorism with migration, arguing that it was evidence of the need to dramatically reshape the nations immigration system. New report from DOJ & DHS shows that nearly 3 in 4 individuals convicted of terrorism-related charges are foreign-born. We have submitted to Congress a list of resources and reforms....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 ....we need to keep America safe, including moving away from a random chain migration and lottery system, to one that is merit-based. https://t.co/7PtoSFK1n2  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The report, ordered by President Trump in an executive order last year, said that 75% of the 549 people convicted of terrorism charges since 9/11 were born outside the U.S. Administration officials called that a sign that the U.S. needs to scrap its policy of family preferences for visas, which they call chain migration, and a diversity visa lottery program. But the report did not specify how many  if any  of the convicted terrorists entered the country through those means. It also did not detail how many of the convictions were related to attacks or plans in the U.S. versus overseas and how many involved people who went to fight overseas for the Islamic State or another terrorist group. Those details were not available, officials said. The report, due last year, is being released in a highly charged moment in the immigration debate, as Trump and some Republicans in Congress seek tough new border and immigration measures in return for a deal protecting the 690,000 people in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Trump also fired off a pair of tweets on the topic earlier Tuesday: We must have Security at our VERY DANGEROUS SOUTHERN BORDER, and we must have a great WALL to help protect us, and to help stop the massive inflow of drugs pouring into our country!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The Democrats want to shut down the Government over Amnesty for all and Border Security. The biggest loser will be our rapidly rebuilding Military, at a time we need it more than ever. We need a merit based system of immigration, and we need it now! No more dangerous Lottery.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The focus of our immigration system should be assimilation, a senior administration official said on Tuesday, speaking on condition that his name not be used. He said the nation should give priority to potential immigrants who speak English, who have an education and those who are committed to supporting our values  not family members of people already here. The official said the timing of the report was coincidental. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets welcome to president of Kazakhstan By Associated Press President Trump said Tuesday that he and the president of Kazakhstan are united in a shared determination to prevent North Korea from threatening the world with nuclear devastation. Trump and President Nursultan Nazarbayev discussed North Korea along with other issues during meetings at the White House. Today, it was my honor to welcome President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan to the @WhiteHouse! pic.twitter.com/TerYFZViax  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 Trump said Kazakhstan, once part of the Soviet Union, is a valued partner in our efforts to rid the Korean peninsula of nuclear weapons. Together we are determined to prevent the North Korean regime from threatening the world with nuclear devastation, he said, as both presidents addressed journalists between meetings. Nazarbayev noted that his country once had one of the worlds largest nuclear arsenals but voluntarily gave it up after the Soviet Union collapsed. He said his country is in talks with Iran, which was the focus of a global deal that lifted some economic sanctions in exchange for Irans curbing its nuclear program. Trump has sharply criticized the Iran nuclear deal and threatened last week to pull out soon unless other countries fix what he says are terrible flaws. Read More Facebook

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Trump falsely claims his approval rating among black Americans has doubled By Alex Wigglesworth President Trump lashed out at the news media Tuesday morning in a tweet denouncing the special counsel investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible collusion among members of his campaign team. Do you notice the Fake News Mainstream Media never likes covering the great and record setting economic news, but rather talks about anything negative or that can be turned into the negative. The Russian Collusion Hoax is dead, except as it pertains to the Dems. Public gets it!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 It wasnt immediately clear exactly what prompted the presidents tweet, but it appeared as though he was watching Fox & Friends. A short time later, Trump tweeted a headline from a report that aired during that mornings episode: 90% of Trump 2017 news coverage was negative -and much of it contrived!@foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The segment focused on the latest survey results from conservative watchdog Media Research Center, which purportedly analyzed the evening news broadcasts on ABC, CBS and NBC from Jan. 20 to Dec. 31 and found that 90% of the statements made about Trump were negative. Study: 90% of Trump media coverage in 2017 was negative pic.twitter.com/vbrwup4Drg  FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) January 16, 2018 But believe it or not, through all this negative coverage, they did a survey of 600,000 people about how black America views this president, co-host Brian Kilmeade said. His numbers have actually doubled in approval. Trump highlighted the statement in another tweet: Unemployment for Black Americans is the lowest ever recorded. Trump approval ratings with Black Americans has doubled. Thank you, and it will get even (much) better! @FoxNews  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 But its not true. The claim appears to have originated from a misreading of data from the online polling firm SurveyMonkey, according to factcheck.org. The firm polled 600,000 Americans in 2017 and found that Trumps approval rating among blacks actually dropped from 23% early in his presidency to about 17%, as of the week ending Jan. 3. Some conservative outlets, including Breitbart, produced an average from those and other SurveyMonkey figures and compared them to the scores Trump received from black voters in the 2016 exit polls. That methodology is not sound. And since the statistics measure different things, the comparison is misleading. Facebook

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Trump goes after senator who surfaced his immigration remark By Associated Press President Trump turned his Twitter torment Monday on the Democrat in the room where immigration talks with lawmakers took a famously coarse turn, saying Sen. Richard J. Durbin misrepresented what he had said about African nations and Haiti and, in the process, undermined the trust needed to make a deal. Senator Dicky Durbin totally misrepresented what was said at the DACA meeting, Trump tweeted, using a nickname to needle the Illinois senator. Deals cant get made when there is no trust! Durbin blew DACA and is hurting our Military. Senator Dicky Durbin totally misrepresented what was said at the DACA meeting. Deals cant get made when there is no trust! Durbin blew DACA and is hurting our Military.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 Trump was referring to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protects young people who came to the United States illegally as children. Members of Congress from both parties are trying to strike a deal that Trump would support to extend that protection. Trump also cast doubt on the likelihood of reaching an agreement in tweets sent earlier Monday: Statement by me last night in Florida: Honestly, I dont think the Democrats want to make a deal. They talk about DACA, but they dont want to help..We are ready, willing and able to make a deal but they dont want to. They dont want security at the border, they dont want.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 ...to stop drugs, they want to take money away from our military which we cannot do. My standard is very simple, AMERICA FIRST & MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 On a day of remembrance for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Trump spent time at his golf course with no public events, bypassing the acts of service that his predecessors staged in honor of the civil rights leader. Instead, Trump dedicated his weekly address to Kings memory, saying Kings dream and Americas are the same: A world where people are judged by who they are, not how they look or where they come from. That message was a distinct counterpoint to words attributed to Trump by Durbin and others at a meeting last week, when the question of where immigrants come from seemed at the forefront of Trumps concerns. Some participants and others familiar with the conversation said Trump challenged immigration from shithole countries of Africa and disparaged Haiti as well. Without explicitly denying using that word, Trump lashed out at the Democratic senator, who said Trump uttered it on several occasions. Read More Facebook

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Trump thanks pundit for laudatory Fox & Friends spot By Alex Wigglesworth President Trump thanked Fox News personality Stuart Varney after Varney praised Trump during an appearance on Fox & Friends. In a pair of tweets early Sunday, Trump quoted from Varneys commentary, in which he argued that Trump deserves more credit for the booming economy. The pundit, who also hosts a show on Fox Business Network, cited moves by some corporations to raise workers minimum wage or pay out one-time bonuses in response to the GOP tax cuts. President Trump is not getting the credit he deserves for the economy. Tax Cut bonuses to more than 2,000,000 workers. Most explosive Stock Market rally that weve seen in modern times. 18,000 to 26,000 from Election, and grounded in profitability and growth. All Trump, not 0...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2018 ...big unnecessary regulation cuts made it all possible (among many other things). President Trump reversed the policies of President Obama, and reversed our economic decline. Thank you Stuart Varney. @foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2018 Varney was reacting to a quote from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), who on Thursday called the bonuses handed down to workers pathetic in comparison to the gains corporations are expected to see from the tax cuts. In terms of the bonus that corporate America received versus the crumbs that they are giving to workers to kind of put the schmooze on is so pathetic, Pelosi told reporters. Its pathetic. Varney shot back Sunday that the bonuses, along with explosive stock market growth, are enriching all Americans. This is a huge shot in the arm, its the result of this tax cut deal and I think President Trump should get the credit for it, he said. .@Varneyco Sets the economic record straight after Nancy Pelosi calls U.S. mass bonuses crumbs pic.twitter.com/BvjIHGm3HE  FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) January 14, 2018 The sweeping tax plan passed last month lowers the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and cuts personal income taxes. Analysts say the benefits will largely flow to corporations and the wealthy, as theyre more likely to be in positions to share in corporate profits. For instance, Wells Fargo & Co., which responded to news of the tax overhaul by announcing it will raise workers pay to at least $15 an hour, also reported that it expects to pay an effective tax rate of 19% this year, down from about 31% in previous years. That should amount to tax savings of more than $3 billion annually. On average, middle-class Americans are expected to see a very small tax cut in the near term and a tax increase after 2025, when all of the tax cuts for individuals expire. The tax cuts for corporations, however, are permanent.  This post contains reporting from Times staff writer James Rufus Koren. Facebook

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Trump touts MLK proclamation in tweet, but ceremony is overshadowed by reports of racist remarks By Associated Press President Trump signed a proclamation Friday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, noting the contributions of a great American hero. Today, it was my great honor to proclaim January 15, 2018, as Martin Luther King Jr., Federal Holiday. I encourage all Americans to observe this day with appropriate civic, community, and service activities in honor of Dr. King's life and legacy. pic.twitter.com/samlJsz1Nt  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018 Overshadowing the event was mounting backlash from Trumps comments during a private meeting with lawmakers the day before. A short time after the meeting, which was called to discuss a possible immigration deal, reports emerged that Trump had asked participants why the United States should accept immigrants from shithole countries in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. Illinois Sen. Richard Durbin, the Senates second-ranking Democrat, appeared to confirm those reports on Friday. Trump did not respond Friday to several questions about the incident, including whether he actually used vulgar language to describe African nations, or if he is racist. The president said at the White House that love was central to the slain civil rights leader. Trump said the nation celebrates King for standing up for the self-evident truth Americans hold so dear, that no matter what the color of our skin or place of our birth, we are all created equal by God.  This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump criticizes Democrats in tweet calling for stricter immigration rules President Trump hit out at Democrats on Thursday night in a tweet calling for stricter immigration rules. Trump wrote that members of the party seem intent on having people and drugs pour into our country from the border with Mexico: The Democrats seem intent on having people and drugs pour into our country from the Southern Border, risking thousands of lives in the process. It is my duty to protect the lives and safety of all Americans. We must build a Great Wall, think Merit and end Lottery & Chain. USA!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018 It wasnt immediately clear exactly what prompted the tweet. Earlier Thursday, Trump rejected a bipartisan compromise to resolve the standoff over so-called Dreamers, young immigrants who were brought to the United States illegally as children but have temporary permits to work, attend school or serve in the military. The president drew widespread condemnation after reports emerged that he had asked participants in an Oval Office meeting about the proposal why the United States should accept immigrants from shithole countries in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. Read More Facebook

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Trump touts bill aimed at improving border screening for fentanyl By Associated Press President Trump signed legislation Wednesday aimed at giving Customs and Border Protection agents additional screening devices and other tools to stop the flow of illicit drugs. Speaking at a surprise bill-signing ceremony while flanked by members of Congress from both parties in the Oval Office, Trump described the bill as a significant step forward in the fight against powerful opioids such as fentanyl, which he called our new big scourge. He echoed that language Thursday in a tweet: Yesterday, I signed the #INTERDICTAct (H.R. 2142) with bipartisan members of Congress to help end the flow of drugs into our country. Together, we are committed to doing everything we can to combat the deadly scourge of drug addiction and overdose in the United States! pic.twitter.com/ELZvFol5Lo  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2018 The legislation will pay for new portable and fixed chemical screening devices to detect and intercept fentanyl at ports of entry and in the mail, along with other laboratory equipment and personnel, including scientists. Trump has made fighting the opioid epidemic a centerpiece of his administration, though critics say he hasnt dedicated nearly enough money or resources to make a difference. Trump suggested during his remarks on Wednesday that hed like to take a more aggressive approach to the drug crisis  but the countrys not ready for what he has in mind. So were going to sign this. And its a step. And it feels like a very giant step, but unfortunately, its not going to be a giant step, because no matter what you do, this is something that keeps pouring in, he said. And were going to find the answer. There is an answer. I think I actually know the answer, but Im not sure the countrys ready for it yet, he added. Does anybody know what I mean? I think so. Facebook

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Trump applauds news that Toyota-Mazda plant is slated for Alabama By Associated Press Japanese automakers Toyota and Mazda on Wednesday announced plans to build a mammoth, $1.6-billion joint-venture plant in Alabama that will eventually employ about 4,000 people. President Trump lauded the news in a tweet: Cutting taxes and simplifying regulations makes America the place to invest! Great news as Toyota and Mazda announce they are bringing 4,000 JOBS and investing $1.6 BILLION in Alabama, helping to further grow our economy! pic.twitter.com/Kcg8IVH6iA  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Good news: Toyota and Mazda announce giant new Huntsville, Alabama, plant which will produce over 300,000 cars and SUVs a year and employ 4000 people. Companies are coming back to the U.S. in a very big way. Congratulations Alabama!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2018 Several states had competed for the project, which will be able to turn out 300,000 vehicles per year and produce the Toyota Corolla compact car for North America and a new small SUV from Mazda. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and company executives held a news conference to announce that the facility is coming to the Huntsville area not far from the Tennessee line. Production is expected to begin by 2021. The decision to pick Alabama is another example of foreign-based automakers building U.S. factories in the South. To entice manufacturers, Southern states have used a combination of lucrative incentive packages, low-cost labor and a pro-business labor environment, because the United Auto Workers union is stronger in Northern states. Read More Facebook

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Trump highlights call for border wall in tweets on visit with Norways prime minister By Associated Press President Trump praised Norways prime minister in a tweet on Wednesday after Erna Solberg became the first foreign leader to visit with the president in 2018. Today, it was my great honor to welcome Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway to the @WhiteHouse - a great friend and ally of the United States! Joint press conference: https://t.co/qWR1BhfQZI pic.twitter.com/PJvwznjRCO  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Trump also shared via Twitter a video clip of a joint news conference he held with Solberg on Wednesday afternoon. In the clip, Trump responds to a question from a reporter by saying there can be no bipartisan immigration deal absent funding for his long-promised wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. Republican and Democratic lawmakers have been seeking a solution for hundreds of thousands of so-called Dreamers, young people who were brought to the United States as children and are living here illegally. The United States needs the security of the Wall on the Southern Border, which must be part of any DACA approval. The safety and security of our country is #1! pic.twitter.com/4CFzQXb5aS  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 We need the wall for security, we need the wall for safety, we need the wall for stopping the drugs from pouring in, Trump said Wednesday.  Any solution has to include the wall because without the wall, it all doesnt work. On Tuesday, Trump drew widespread attention when he said during a meeting with a bipartisan group of lawmakers that he would be agreeable to signing a stand-alone bill to protect the Dreamers, before moving on to a more comprehensive immigration bill. That contradicted the Republican consensus that Dreamers fate needed to be part of a broader immigration bill that would include some version of Trumps promised border wall and other immigration reforms. Trump backed away from a stand-alone Dreamer bill in subsequent tweets and public comments. Read More This post contains reporting from Los Angeles Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump praises Cabinet in tweet touting meeting By Associated Press President Trump promoted a meeting of his Cabinet on Wednesday, sharing via Twitter a link to a video of the session posted on the White House YouTube account. In his tweet, Trump thanked his Cabinet for working tirelessly on behalf of our country and wrote that the last year has been one of monumental achievement. I want to thank my @Cabinet for working tirelessly on behalf of our country. 2017 was a year of monumental achievement and we look forward to the year ahead. Together, we are delivering results and MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! https://t.co/ptXa1hAPwW pic.twitter.com/yv6RALkQf3  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 The former reality television star continued to dispense accolades at the meeting Wednesday, greeting reporters in the Cabinet Room by saying: Welcome back to the studio. Then he proceeded to relive a Cabinet Room session from the prior day, when he had allowed reporters and TV cameras to stick around for much of his meeting with a bipartisan group of legislators on the thorny issue of immigration. It was a tremendous meeting. Actually, it was reported as incredibly good. And my performance  you know, some of them called it a performance  I consider it work, Trump said. Trump went on to say he had received letters from news anchors calling it one of the greatest meetings theyve ever witnessed. He added that the media will ultimately support Trump in the end, because theyre going to say, if Trump doesnt win in three years, theyre all out of business. Asked for examples of letters received from news anchors, the White House said it had received private communications. It also offered a series of positive on-air comments and tweets from journalists about the unusual access to the meeting. During his remarks, Trump swung from praising his own meeting coverage to telling journalists that they were dependent on his presidency for ratings to threatening a strong look at libel laws. Still, Trump thanked the journalists in front of him, joking: Youve gotten very familiar with this room. I appreciate your nice comments yesterday. Facebook

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Trump blasts DACA ruling in tweet calling courts broken and unfair By Lisa Mascaro President Trump denounced the federal courts Wednesday as broken and unfair after a district judge in San Francisco issued a nationwide injunction keeping protections in place for so-called Dreamers. Trump tweeted: It just shows everyone how broken and unfair our Court System is when the opposing side in a case (such as DACA) always runs to the 9th Circuit and almost always wins before being reversed by higher courts.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 On Tuesday night, U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco temporarily blocked the Trump administrations decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, which has protected from deportation some 700,000 people who came to the country illegally as children. Alsup granted a request by the state of California, the University of California and other plaintiffs to stop Trump from ending DACA on March 5. The administrations decision to end DACA, which was announced in September, was based on a flawed legal analysis, Alsup wrote in his decision. Dreamers would be irreparably harmed if their DACA protections, which allow them to live and work legally in the U.S., were stripped away before the courts had a chance to fully consider their claims, he ruled. The action is the mirror image of a ruling in 2015 by a federal judge in Texas who ruled in favor of that state when it sought to block President Obama from expanding DACA to include the parents of Dreamers. Trump administration officials praised that judicial ruling. By contrast, they sharply criticized Alsups decision. Read More Facebook

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Trump thanks lawmakers for productive immigration meeting, says deal must include border wall President Trump thanked a bipartisan group of lawmakers for participating in a meeting on immigration legislation on Tuesday. Much of the discussion involved so-called Dreamers, an estimated 700,000 young people who were brought to the country illegally as children and are now facing deportation. In a tweet, Trump wrote that there was strong agreement to negotiate a bill to protect Dreamers, as well as put into place some of the reforms favored by Republicans. Thanks to all of the Republican and Democratic lawmakers for todays very productive meeting on immigration reform. There was strong agreement to negotiate a bill that deals with border security, chain migration, lottery and DACA. https://t.co/SdqAQ3aL3z pic.twitter.com/8DYHZHspAy  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 The most notable exchange of the meeting came when Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the San Francisco Democrat, asked Trump whether he would be agreeable to signing a stand-alone bill to protect the Dreamers, before moving on to a more comprehensive immigration bill. Yeah, I would like to do it, Trump responded. The statement drew widespread attention because it contradicted the Republican consensus that Dreamers fate needed to be part of a broader immigration bill that would include some version of Trumps promised border wall and other immigration reforms. Trump later backed away from a stand-alone Dreamer bill, tweeting that a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico must be part of any deal: As I made very clear today, our country needs the security of the Wall on the Southern Border, which must be part of any DACA approval.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Pressure has been mounting for Congress to broker an immigration deal by Jan. 19 as part of a must-pass budget package to fund the government. This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump thanks officers and veterans in tweets President Trump doled out a slew of accolades Tuesday via Twitter. He thanked the nations law enforcement officers, including in his message a hashtag denoting a day of appreciation organized by a national support group for law enforcement families. On behalf of the American people, THANK YOU to our incredible law enforcement officers. As President of the United States - I will fight for you, and I will never, ever let you down. Now, more than ever, we must support the men and women in blue! #LawEnforcementAppreciationDay pic.twitter.com/Qb4uxB4JRm  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 Trump later expressed gratitude for federal immigration agents, in particular: .@ICEgov HSI agents and ERO officers, on behalf of an entire Nation, THANK YOU for what you are doing 24/7/365 to keep fellow Americans SAFE. Everyone is so grateful!#LawEnforcementAppreciationDay

President @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/HXCpTlruVo  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 The president thanked veterans as he cited his administrations efforts to curb the number of veteran suicides by improving mental health treatment for the high-risk group: Today, it was my great honor to sign a new Executive Order to ensure Veterans have the resources they need as they transition back to civilian life. We must ensure that our HEROES are given the care and support they so richly deserve! https://t.co/0MdP9DDIAS pic.twitter.com/LP2a8KCBAp  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 Trumps tweet included photos of the president signing an executive order Tuesday directing the secretaries of Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs to develop a plan to provide seamless access to mental health and suicide prevention resources for 12 months for members leaving the armed forces. Also on Tuesday, Trump touted a law he signed the day before designating the birthplace of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. a national historic park: It was my great honor to sign H.R. 267, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park Act, which redesignates the Martin Luther King, Junior, National Historic Site in the State of Georgia as the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. https://t.co/Qe0b6HBFTY pic.twitter.com/QTgaqTawPT  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 And he thanked House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) for sharing a video compilation comprised of clips of politicians and commentators praising the GOPs tax cut bill: Thank you @GOPLeader Kevin McCarthy! Couldnt agree w/you more. TOGETHER, we are #MAGA https://t.co/QaxtqpyXTR  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018  This post contains reporting from the Associated Press and Times staff writer Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook

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Trump hails tax bill in tweets recapping speech to farmers By Associated Press Connecting with rural Americans, President Trump on Monday hailed his tax overhaul as a victory for family farmers. Farm country is Gods country, Trump told the annual convention of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Trump became the first president in a quarter-century to address the federations convention. His Southern swing also included a stop in Atlanta for the national college football championship game. Cant wait to be back in the amazing state of Tennessee to address the 99th American @FarmBureau Federations Annual Convention in Nashville! #AFBF18



On my way now - join me LIVE at 4:00pmE: https://t.co/QaljAqekdD. pic.twitter.com/Wm7Io0hYT8  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Joined by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and a group of Tennessee lawmakers, Trump said most of the benefits of the tax legislation are going to working families, small businesses, and who  the family farmer. The package Trump signed into law last month provides generous tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans, and more modest reductions for middle- and low-income individuals and families. In every decision we make, we are honoring Americas PROUD FARMING LEGACY. Years of crushing taxes, crippling regs, & corrupt politics left our communities hurting, our economy stagnant, & millions of hardworking Americans COMPLETELY FORGOTTEN. But they are not forgotten ANYMORE! pic.twitter.com/MdYS7xnukQ  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 The president vastly inflated the value of the package in his speech, citing a total of $5.5 trillion in tax cuts, with most of those benefits going to working families, small businesses and who? The family farmer. The estimated value of the tax cuts is actually $1.5 trillion for families and businesses because of cuts in deductions and the use of other steps to generate offsetting tax revenue. We have been working every day to DELIVER for Americas Farmers just as they work every day to deliver FOR US. #AFBF18 pic.twitter.com/QDH7fvFkZ7  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 From Nashville, Trump traveled to Atlanta to watch Alabamas Crimson Tide and Georgias Bulldogs face off Monday night in the College Football Playoff National Championship. We are fighting for our farmers, for our country, and for our GREAT AMERICAN FLAG. We want our flag respected - and we want our NATIONAL ANTHEM respected also! pic.twitter.com/16eOLXg6Fi  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Before departing for the game, Trump referenced his ongoing defense of the American flag and the national anthem, saying there was enough space for people to express their views. We love our flag and we love our anthem, and we want to keep it that way, he said. Facebook

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Trump tweet hails drop in unemployment rate for African Americans By Associated Press President Trump touted a drop in the unemployment rate for African Americans on Monday in a tweet. African American unemployment is the lowest ever recorded in our country. The Hispanic unemployment rate dropped a full point in the last year and is close to the lowest in recorded history. Dems did nothing for you but get your vote! #NeverForget @foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 The rate fell to 6.8% in December, the lowest level since the government began tracking such data in 1972. The reasons range from a greater number of black Americans with college degrees to a growing need for employers in a tight job market to widen the pool of people they hire from. Trump also hailed the development via Twitter on Saturday. His latest tweet on the topic came about an hour after it was discussed during an episode of Fox & Friends, according to Mediaite. Facebook

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Trump talks up the economy and dresses down the media in Sunday tweets With President Trump cheering from the sidelines, the White House on Sunday pressed its defense of the presidents fitness to govern, as fired former aide Stephen K. Bannon reversed course and apologized for his role in a new books explosive portrait of Trump. The presidents critics, meanwhile, said Trumps stream of taunts and insults in response to the book  Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, released last week  served only to underscore the authors unsettling portrayal of Trumps year-old presidency, depicting a leader whose own aides consider him childish, ignorant and dangerously erratic. Trump provided more ammunition Sunday morning, as he continued to attack the book via Twitter while preparing to depart Camp David for the White House: Leaving Camp David for the White House. Great meetings with the Cabinet and Military on many very important subjects including Border Security & the desperately needed Wall, the ever increasing Drug and Opioid Problem, Infrastructure, Military, Budget, Trade and DACA.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Ive had to put up with the Fake News from the first day I announced that I would be running for President. Now I have to put up with a Fake Book, written by a totally discredited author. Ronald Reagan had the same problem and handled it well. So will I!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 The most vehement defense of Trump on Sunday came from senior advisor Stephen Miller, a onetime Bannon acolyte who distanced himself from his former mentor. In a combative appearance Sunday on CNNs State of the Union, Miller called the book grotesque and writer Michael Wolff the garbage author of a garbage book. Trump is known to closely monitor aides televised performances in putting forth his case, and he gleefully weighed in within moments of Millers televised clash with host Jake Tapper. CNN has long been a particular target of Trumps ire. Jake Tapper of Fake News CNN just got destroyed in his interview with Stephen Miller of the Trump Administration. Watch the hatred and unfairness of this CNN flunky!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Trumps reaction, however, seemed to bolster Tappers on-air depiction of Miller as using his appearance on the show to play to the president rather than addressing questions put to him. I get it  theres one viewer that you care about, the host said exasperatedly after Miller turned the discussion repeatedly to negative news coverage of the president while deflecting specific queries. Later on Twitter, Trump took up two themes that have been prevalent on his social media feeds recently. The president again went after the news media, tweeting that the recipients of his self-proclaimed most dishonest & corrupt media awards of the year, which he promised earlier in the week to announce on Monday, would actually be revealed the following Wednesday: The Fake News Awards, those going to the most corrupt & biased of the Mainstream Media, will be presented to the losers on Wednesday, January 17th, rather than this coming Monday. The interest in, and importance of, these awards is far greater than anyone could have anticipated!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Trump later lauded a New York Post opinion piece that compared him favorably with his predecessor, President Obama, as well as Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. In quoting the op-ed, Trump initally misspelled consequential as consensual, but he deleted those tweets and re-sent the messages. His is turning out to be an enormously consequential presidency. So much so that, despite my own frustration over his missteps, there has never been a day when I wished Hillary Clinton were president. Not one. Indeed, as Trumps accomplishments accumulate, the mere thought of...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 ...Clinton in the WH, doubling down on Barack Obamas failed policies, washes away any doubts that America made the right choice. This was truly a change election  and the changes Trump is bringing are far-reaching & necessary. Thank you Michael Goodwin! https://t.co/4fHNcx2Ydg  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Trump also continued talking up the economy, which has been enjoying a period of strong gains. The Stock Market has been creating tremendous benefits for our country in the form of not only Record Setting Stock Prices, but present and future Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. Seven TRILLION dollars of value created since our big election win!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 In addition to Miller, other senior administration officials made the rounds of Sunday news talk shows to decry the claims made in Wolffs book. CIA Director Mike Pompeo said Wolffs characterization of Trump as averse to digesting classified briefing material was ludicrous, and the ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, insisted that that those around Trump love their country and respect their president. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Laura King. Facebook

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Responding to book that mocks his intelligence, Trump tweets hes like, really smart By Tracy Wilkinson President Trump declared himself a very stable genius on Twitter on Saturday and later in a televised news conference called the author of a book that questioned his mental fitness a fraud. His comments came on a bone-cold day at Camp David during a weekend retreat with top administration officials and Republican congressional leaders strategizing on the years legislative agenda, including matters such as infrastructure, immigration, welfare reform and national security. Now that Russian collusion, after one year of intense study, has proven to be a total hoax on the American public, the Democrats and their lapdogs, the Fake News Mainstream Media, are taking out the old Ronald Reagan playbook and screaming mental stability and intelligence.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 ....Actually, throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart. Crooked Hillary Clinton also played these cards very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames. I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 ....to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius....and a very stable genius at that!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 Still, Trumps explosive rebuttal to author Michael Wolffs claims not only opened the day, but it also ensured the presidents capability to fill the highest office in the land was a topic that would not go away. In his early-morning tweets, Trump said two of his greatest assets have been mental stability, and being, like, really smart. He noted that his former Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, played these cards [about competence] very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames. I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star to President of the United States (on my first try). Read More Facebook

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In morning tweets, Trump touts job numbers and takes digs at news media By Associated Press President Trump used Twitter on Saturday morning to tout a drop in the unemployment rate for African Americans. He also used the tweets as an opportunity to take digs at media outlets whose past coverage he has found to be critical. The African American unemployment rate fell to 6.8%, the lowest rate in 45 years. I am so happy about this News! And, in the Washington Post (of all places), headline states, Trumps first year jobs numbers were very, very good.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 The unemployment rate for African Americans fell to 6.8% in December, the lowest level since the government began tracking such data in 1972. The reasons range from a greater number of black Americans with college degrees to a growing need for employers in a tight job market to widen the pool of people they hire from. Still, the rate for black workers remains well above those for whites and some other groups, something experts attribute in large part to decades of discrimination and disadvantages. Robust job creation has lowered unemployment for all Americans. U.S. employers added nearly 2.1 million jobs in 2017  the seventh straight year that hiring has topped 2 million. In his tweet, Trump praised a report that noted the numbers, touting the fact that it appeared in the Washington Post (of all places). Minutes later, Trump renewed his attack on an ABC News reporter who was suspended last month after filing an erroneous report on Michael Flynn, Trumps former national security advisor. Brian Ross, the reporter who made a fraudulent live newscast about me that drove the Stock Market down 350 points (billions of dollars), was suspended for a month but is now back at ABC NEWS in a lower capacity. He is no longer allowed to report on Trump. Should have been fired!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 The reporter, Brian Ross, was reportedly reassigned within ABC News upon returning from his unpaid suspension. But on Saturday, Trump wrote that he should have been fired. Trumps tweets came hours before he was set to host congressional Republicans and administration officials at Camp David. The meeting scheduled to begin at midmorning Saturday was expected to touch on the budget, infrastructure, immigration, welfare reform and the shape of the midterm election this fall. Facebook

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Trump commends Sen. Rand Paul after he proposes eliminating all U.S. aid to Pakistan President Trump commended Sen. Rand Paul after the Kentucky Republican announced plans to introduce legislation that would eliminate all U.S. aid to Pakistan. Trump tweeted Friday night: Good idea Rand! https://t.co/55sqUDiC0s  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 On Thursday, the Trump administration announced it was suspending security assistance to Islamabad until the country moves aggressively against local militants who have attacked U.S. troops in neighboring Afghanistan. Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration at the apparent inability of Pakistani authorities to rein in militants who cross out of the countrys rugged tribal areas to attack U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson. Facebook

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Trump continues to lash out at Sloppy Steve Bannon in tweets on tell-all book By Associated Press President Trump is praising a major Republican donor family for distancing themselves from his former advisor Steve Bannon. Trump tweeted Friday: The Mercer Family recently dumped the leaker known as Sloppy Steve Bannon. Smart!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Trump has continued to lash out at Bannon over an explosive new book that quoted his former aide as questioning Trumps competence and describing a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower among Donald Trump Jr., Trump campaign aides and a Russian lawyer as treasonous and unpatriotic. On Thursday, billionaire GOP donor Rebekah Mercer issued a statement distancing her family from Bannon. Mercer is a co-owner of Breitbart, the populist website Bannon helps run. I support President Trump and the platform upon which he was elected, Mercer said. My family and I have not communicated with Steve Bannon in many months and have provided no financial support to his political agenda, nor do we support his recent actions and statements. The book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, quickly shot atop Amazons best-seller list, and the publisher moved up its release date by four days, to Friday. Trump took up the topic again on Twitter on Friday night, denouncing both Bannon and the books author, Michael Wolff, in starkly personal terms: Michael Wolff is a total loser who made up stories in order to sell this really boring and untruthful book. He used Sloppy Steve Bannon, who cried when he got fired and begged for his job. Now Sloppy Steve has been dumped like a dog by almost everyone. Too bad! https://t.co/mEeUhk5ZV9  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 Trumps message linked to a meme depicting a parody book cover titled, Liar and Phony, that featured a photo of Wolff and disparaging quotes about the author. In a tweet sent earlier Friday morning, Trump suggested the book was intended to serve as a distraction from the FBIs investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, which Trump wrote is proving to be a total hoax. Well, now that collusion with Russia is proving to be a total hoax and the only collusion is with Hillary Clinton and the FBI/Russia, the Fake News Media (Mainstream) and this phony new book are hitting out at every new front imaginable. They should try winning an election. Sad!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 That came amid reports that Trump directed his White House counsel to tell Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions to not recuse himself from the Justice Departments Russia investigation. Trumps effort to keep Sessions, a vocal and loyal supporter of his election bid, in charge of an investigation into his campaign offers special counsel Robert Mueller yet another avenue to explore as his prosecutors work to untangle potential evidence of obstruction. Read More Facebook

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Trump praises the economy ahead of meetings at Camp David By Associated Press President Trump is praising the strength of the U.S. economy ahead of meetings at Camp David with congressional Republicans. Trump tweeted early Friday: Dow goes from 18,589 on November 9, 2016, to 25,075 today, for a new all-time Record. Jumped 1000 points in last 5 weeks, Record fastest 1000 point move in history. This is all about the Make America Great Again agenda! Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. Six trillion dollars in value created!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 The president also told reporters on the South Lawn that the tax cuts are really kicking in after Congress passed a package of tax cuts at the end of 2017. And the president praised the December jobs report, which found U.S. employers added 148,000 jobs in December and the unemployment rate stayed at 4.1%, the lowest level since 2000. The modest but steady pace of hiring is a reassuring sign for investors who have been buoyed by the just-passed Republican tax plan and have been sending stock market indexes roaring to uncharted heights. The president is meeting with Republican congressional leaders and members of his Cabinet on Friday and Saturday to discuss the 2018 agenda. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets as Dow crashes through 25,000 By Associated Press President Trump dispatched a congratulatory tweet as the Dow Jones industrial average rose above the 25,000-point mark Thursday, just five weeks after its first close above 24,000. Dow just crashes through 25,000. Congrats! Big cuts in unnecessary regulations continuing.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 After the Dow closed above 25,000, Trump shared a graphic depicting the stock indexs record-setting rise. MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/iONbr1DkVk  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Later in the day, the president was back on Twitter, complaining that news outlets had barely covered the stock market milestone. He suggested that the strength of the economy would be the biggest story on earth, had it unfolded during the presidency of his predecessor. The Fake News Media barely mentions the fact that the Stock Market just hit another New Record and that business in the U.S. is booming...but the people know! Can you imagine if O was president and had these numbers - would be biggest story on earth! Dow now over 25,000.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 The Dow broke past 1,000-point barriers in 2017 on its way to a 25% gain for the year, as an eight-year rally since the Great Recession continued to confound skeptics. Strong global economic growth and good prospects for higher company earnings have analysts predicting more gains, although the market may not stay as calm as it has been recently. The Dow has made a rapid trip since it reached 24,000 points Nov. 30, partly on enthusiasm over passage of the Republican-backed tax package, which could boost company profits this year with across-the-board cuts to corporate taxes. Read More Facebook

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Trump reacts to Fire and Fury book in tweet lashing out at author and Sloppy Steve President Trump lashed out at the author of a soon-to-be-released book about the chaotic first year of his presidency Thursday night. In a tweet, Trump called Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, a phony book and claimed that hed never spoken to its author, Michael Wolff. Look at this guys past and watch what happens to him and Sloppy Steve! Trump wrote. He appeared to be referring to former White House chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon, whose stunning criticisms of Trump and his circle figure prominently in the title. I authorized Zero access to White House (actually turned him down many times) for author of phony book! I never spoke to him for book. Full of lies, misrepresentations and sources that dont exist. Look at this guys past and watch what happens to him and Sloppy Steve!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Trumps tweet came hours after he had his lawyer demand that Henry Holt & Co. and Wolff stop publication the book. Instead, the publisher expedited the books release to Friday, four days before it was slated to hit bookstore shelves, in response to unprecedented demand. Published excerpts on Wednesday and Thursday whetted that appetite and roiled Washington. Bannons comments, including that it was treasonous and unpatriotic for Trumps son Donald Trump Jr., son-in-law Jared Kushner and campaign manager Paul Manafort to have met in 2016 with Russians said to have dirt on Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, prompted Trump on Wednesday to rebuke his former advisor, saying Bannon had lost his mind. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writers Brian Bennett and Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook

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Trump thanks senators who attended meeting on immigration President Trump tweeted thanks to Republican senators who attended a meeting about possible immigration legislation on Thursday. In his message, Trump also listed his top priorities when it comes to any type of overhaul of the nations immigration system. Thank you to the great Republican Senators who showed up to our mtg on immigration reform. We must BUILD THE WALL, stop illegal immigration, end chain migration & cancel the visa lottery. The current system is unsafe & unfair to the great people of our country - time for change!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Trumps tweet echoed his remarks at the beginning of Thursdays meeting, when he insisted again that constructing a border wall and overhauling two legal immigration programs must be part of any deal with Democrats to protect the so-called Dreamers from deportation. Two-year deportation protections and work permits given under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program begin to expire March 6 under an executive order. Trump announced in September that he was ending the Obama-era program, but told Congress to draft a law to continue protections for people brought to the country illegally as children  a group that has widespread public support. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Brian Bennett. Facebook

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Trump resumes Twitter war against kneeling NFL players President Trump has resumed his Twitter war against NFL players who kneel during the national anthem to protest social injustice and racial inequality. In a tweet early Thursday, Trump replied to a supporter who shared a meme that appears to depict family members lying on the grave of a fallen soldier with the caption: This is why we stand. Show this picture to the NFL players who still kneel! Trump wrote. So beautiful....Show this picture to the NFL players who still kneel! https://t.co/tJLM1tvbvb  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 The president has denounced players who kneel during the anthem in previous tweets. Hes also called for the firing of players who do so. His latest message came amid news that the NFL finished the regular season with TV ratings that fell nearly 10% below the previous season. Analysts attribute the drop to controversies facing the league, as well as changing viewing habits and a possible saturation point in the number of games available. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writers Stephen Battaglio and Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook

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Trump credits himself with facilitating talks between North and South Korea By Associated Press President Trump says his tough stance on nuclear weapons on the Korean peninsula is helping push North Korea and South Korea to talk. Trump tweeted early Thursday: With all of the failed experts weighing in, does anybody really believe that talks and dialogue would be going on between North and South Korea right now if I wasnt firm, strong and willing to commit our total might against the North. Fools, but talks are a good thing!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 That assertion is in conflict with some of the presidents own statements. Last year, he ridiculed Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for talking about negotiations with the North. This week, Trump seemed open to the possibility of an inter-Korean dialogue after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a rare overture toward South Korea in a New Years Day address. But Trumps ambassador to the United Nations insisted that talks wont be meaningful unless the North is getting rid of its nuclear weapons. The overture about talks came after Trump and Kim traded more bellicose claims about their nuclear weapons. In his New Years Day address, Kim repeated fiery nuclear threats against the United States. Kim said he has a nuclear button on his office desk and warned that the whole territory of the U.S. is within the range of our nuclear strike. Trump mocked that assertion Tuesday evening in a tweet. Facebook

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After disbanding his vote fraud panel, Trump still says voting system is rigged By Brian Bennett One day after disbanding his troubled voter fraud commission without any findings of fraud, President Trump continued to call the U.S. voting system rigged and said states should require that Americans have voter-identification cards. In two tweets on Thursday morning, Trump blamed the commissions failure on the lack of cooperation from mostly Democrat States that refused to hand over voter rolls because they know that many people are voting illegally. However, voting supervisors in Republican-led states refused as well, objecting on privacy and other grounds. Many mostly Democrat States refused to hand over data from the 2016 Election to the Commission On Voter Fraud. They fought hard that the Commission not see their records or methods because they know that many people are voting illegally. System is rigged, must go to Voter I.D.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 As Americans, you need identification, sometimes in a very strong and accurate form, for almost everything you do.....except when it comes to the most important thing, VOTING for the people that run your country. Push hard for Voter Identification!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Despite Trumps assertions, analysts have not found evidence of widespread voter fraud. Trump created the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity in May after alleging, without proof, that millions of illegal votes were cast for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. Trump was elected after winning a majority in the electoral college, but the nationwide count showed Clinton received nearly 3 million more votes. The commission sought personal data on voters across the country and faced mounting lawsuits in recent months over privacy concerns. Read More Facebook

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Trump touts another good day for stocks, credits tax cut By Associated Press President Trump touted another good day for the stock market Wednesday in a tweet. Stock Market had another good day but, now that the Tax Cut Bill has passed, we have tremendous upward potential. Dow just short of 25,000, a number that few thought would be possible this soon into my administration. Also, unemployment went down to 4.1%. Only getting better!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Big gains for technology and healthcare stocks helped U.S. indexes set records again Wednesday. Some analysts attributed the surge to investor enthusiasm for Trumps $1.5-trillion tax cut. All told, Wall Street analysts estimate the tax package should boost earnings for companies in the Standard & Poors 500 index by roughly 8% this year. Thats much more generous than the average tax cut of 1.6% that middle-class families will receive, according to the Tax Policy Center. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 The public has been less enthusiastic about the tax law. A Monmouth University poll last month found that nearly half of Americans disapproved of it, with only 26% in support. Still, as Trump also noted on Twitter, some workers have seen a benefit: So far, dozens of companies have announced bonuses and higher minimum wages as a result of the tax cut. AT&T, Comcast, Bank of America, and American Airlines have all pledged to pay $1,000 bonuses to their employees. Some 40 U.S. companies have responded to President Trumps tax cut and reform victory in Congress last year by handing out bonuses up to $2,000, increases in 401k matches and spending on charity, a much higher number than previously known. https://t.co/bmWrwWzxMR  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Investors also appear less concerned than many politicians about how the additional profits will be used. The Trump administration says it expects companies will plow much of the extra profit back into their businesses, purchasing more software, machinery, and other equipment. Those investments will make workers more productive and provide a key boost to the economys long-run growth. They should also boost wages and salaries for employees. Opponents of the tax law respond that companies are more likely to pass the windfall on to shareholders in the form of higher dividend payments and share buybacks, which raise the price of those shares still in investors hands. Previous cuts in corporate tax rates, in the United States and overseas, havent always led to higher wages. For Wall Street, its all good, at least in the short run. Most analysts take the view that either way, companies and the economy will benefit. Facebook

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Trump reacts to death of Mormon Church president By Associated Press President Trump mourned the death of Mormon Church leader Thomas S. Monson on Wednesday evening. Trump tweeted a link to a statement in which he said that Monson demonstrated wisdom, inspired leadership, and great compassion and delivered a message of optimism, forgiveness, and faith. Melania and I are deeply saddened by the death of Thomas S. Monson, a beloved President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...https://t.co/ETD3fWtfU3  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 A church bishop at the age of 22, Monson became the youngest church apostle ever in 1963 at the age of 36. He served as a counselor for three church presidents before assuming the role of the top leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February 2008. After a life of church service, Monson died Tuesday at his home in Salt Lake City, according to church spokesman Eric Hawkins. He was 90. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets that Iranian protesters will see great U.S. support at the appropriate time By Associated Press President Trump continued to express support for Irans anti-government protesters on Wednesday. In a tweet, Trump commended the protesters and pledged that the United States will support them at the appropriate time. Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government. You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Trumps tweet Wednesday morning came as Iranian Ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo sent a letter to United Nations officials complaining that Washington was intervening in a grotesque way in Irans internal affairs. The President and Vice-President of the United States, in their numerous absurd tweets, incited Iranians to engage in disruptive acts, the ambassador wrote to the U.N. Security Council president and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The U.S. didnt immediately respond to the letter, which maintains that Washington has crossed every limit in flouting rules and principles of international law governing the civilized conduct of international relations. At least 21 people have been killed and hundreds arrested in Iran during a week of anti-government protests and unrest over economic woes and official corruption. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people took part in counter-demonstrations Wednesday backing the clerically overseen government, which has said enemies of Iran are fomenting the protests. Trump has unleashed a series of tweets in recent days backing the protesters, saying Iran is failing at every level and declaring that it is time for change in the Islamic Republic. Facebook

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Trump congratulates Sen. Orrin Hatch upon news of his retirement By Associated Press President Trump congratulated Sen. Orrin Hatch for an absolutely incredible career upon news of Hatchs impending retirement. In a tweet Tuesday afternoon, Trump called Hatch a tremendous supporter and wrote that he will be greatly missed in the Senate. Congratulations to Senator Orrin Hatch on an absolutely incredible career. He has been a tremendous supporter, and I will never forget the (beyond kind) statements he has made about me as President. He is my friend and he will be greatly missed in the U.S. Senate! pic.twitter.com/0VjzLEeHTl  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Hatchs decision to retire from the Senate after four decades lets the Utah Republican walk away at the height of his power after helping to push through an overhaul of the tax code and persuading Trump to downsize two national monuments. Retirement also preserves the 83-year-olds legacy by allowing him to avoid a bruising reelection battle that would have broken his promise not to seek an eighth term. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweet exaggerates progress in improving veterans care By Associated Press President Trump played up tremendous progress in improving care for veterans in his first year on Tuesday in a tweet. His message linked to an Instagram video describing eight accomplishments that show Trump is fighting for our veterans. But it overstates the impact of these steps. We will not rest until all of Americas GREAT VETERANS can receive the care they so richly deserve. Tremendous progress has been made in a short period of time. Keep up the great work @SecShulkin @DeptVetAffairs! https://t.co/ir25vW15hx pic.twitter.com/OtuzIgxMn6  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Of the eight achievements cited, two are ceremonial proclamations recognizing National Veterans and Military Families Month and National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Two are pieces of legislation that extended the troubled Veterans Choice program on a temporary basis. This became necessary because the Trump administration repeatedly miscalculated the amount of taxpayer dollars available to pay for care from private doctors outside the Veterans Affairs system when veterans had to endure long waits for treatment at VA medical centers. The departments poor budget planning caught lawmakers off guard. A fifth claim involves telehealth, a step letting doctors practice medicine across state lines using digital technology. Announced in August, it has yet to take full effect because a proposed VA regulation hasnt been completed. The VA wants authority to practice across state lines to come from legislation, not a regulation. On Wednesday, the Senate approved a telehealth measure that now goes to the House. A sixth claim refers to legislation that streamlines the appeals process for disability compensation claims within the VA. This step has had limited effect so far because it applies to new disability claims, not the 470,000 pending claims. The last two initiatives make it easier for the VA to discipline employees. The department has pointed to more than 1,300 employees who have been fired under Trumps watch. Because their infractions are not detailed in public documents, the effect on veterans care is not fully known. Facebook

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Trump unleashes his first tweetstorm of 2018 By Noah Bierman President Trump clearly didnt resolve to change his Twitter habits this year. With nine disparate tweets over three hours on Tuesday morning, the first working day of 2018, Trump continued to exploit social media to be the most aggressive commentator in chief in American history. For any other president, his posts would have made for a monumental day of (mis-)statements. Yet for Trump, the series  attacks on political foes and media, provocations of foreign leaders and self-praise for events he had nothing to do with  was all but unremarkable. His Twitter barrage  sent between 7:09 a.m. and 10:16 a.m.  reflected a familiar gamut after nearly a year in office: Attacks on political foes: Nearly 14 months after his election, Trump called for the jailing of Huma Abedin, Crooked Hillary Clintons top aid (his misspelling, another occasional feature of Trump tweets). Crooked Hillary Clintons top aid, Huma Abedin, has been accused of disregarding basic security protocols. She put Classified Passwords into the hands of foreign agents. Remember sailors pictures on submarine? Jail! Deep State Justice Dept must finally act? Also on Comey & others  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 In the same tweet, he disparaged the Deep State Justice Dept, headed of course by his appointees, calling on it to act against James B. Comey, the FBI director he fired for investigating the Russia thing. Diplomatic provocations: Trump again called North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Rocket man, ridiculed the volatile nuclear-armed foe for recent military defections and openly speculated about potential talks between North and South Korea. Sanctions and other pressures are beginning to have a big impact on North Korea. Soldiers are dangerously fleeing to South Korea. Rocket man now wants to talk to South Korea for first time. Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not - we will see!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not  we will see! Trump wrote. Later Tuesday, Trump tweeted: North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times. Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Also later Tuesday, Trump tweeted an attack on Pakistan, his second in as many days, and added a new one against Palestinians: It's not only Pakistan that we pay billions of dollars to for nothing, but also many other countries, and others. As an example, we pay the Palestinians HUNDRED OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year and get no appreciation or respect. They dont even want to negotiate a long overdue...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 ...peace treaty with Israel. We have taken Jerusalem, the toughest part of the negotiation, off the table, but Israel, for that, would have had to pay more. But with the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Undermining media: Trump offered Congratulations! to A.G. Sulzberger, who took over as publisher of the New York Times this week. The Failing New York Times has a new publisher, A.G. Sulzberger. Congratulations! Here is a last chance for the Times to fulfill the vision of its Founder, Adolph Ochs, to give the news impartially, without fear or FAVOR, regardless of party, sect, or interests involved. Get...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 ....impartial journalists of a much higher standard, lose all of your phony and non-existent sources, and treat the President of the United States FAIRLY, so that the next time I (and the people) win, you wont have to write an apology to your readers for a job poorly done! GL  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 But the two-part post was really yet another slam against a perceived media foe: Trump said the paper had a last chance to fulfill its journalistic mission, and accused it of relying on phony sources and substandard reporters  just days after he granted another exclusive interview to the paper. As a bonus, the tweet contained a recycled falsehood, that the paper apologized after the election for reporting on him unfairly. It didnt. Trump later said on Twitter that he would soon announce the most dishonest & corrupt media awards of the year. Stay tuned! I will be announcing THE MOST DISHONEST & CORRUPT MEDIA AWARDS OF THE YEAR on Monday at 5:00 oclock. Subjects will cover Dishonesty & Bad Reporting in various categories from the Fake News Media. Stay tuned!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 The president also tweeted a quote from Fox Business Networks Lou Dobbs Tonight, which aired a segment praising Trumps first-year accomplishments. Dobbs reportedly joined Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday for a gala to celebrate New Years Eve. President Trump has something now he didnt have a year ago, that is a set of accomplishments that nobody can deny. The accomplishments are there, look at his record, he has had a very significant first year. @LouDobbs Show,David Asman & Ed Rollins  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Taking credit: Trump congratulated himself for policing the border with Mexico, an area where his policies and anti-immigration rhetoric are believed to have had some effect on reducing illegal crossings. Thank you to Brandon Judd of the National Border Patrol Council for your kind words on how well we are doing at the Border. We will be bringing in more & more of your great folks and will build the desperately needed WALL! @foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 He took credit for employee bonuses by companies after he signed Republican tax cuts into law last month. Companies are giving big bonuses to their workers because of the Tax Cut Bill. Really great!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 But the jaw-dropper was Trump congratulating himself for planes not crashing. Since taking office I have been very strict on Commercial Aviation. Good news - it was just reported that there were Zero deaths in 2017, the best and safest year on record!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 It was the safest year on record worldwide, but the American streak without commercial jet passenger deaths goes back to 2009. Trump, who has promoted deregulation as one of his top accomplishments, has not signed off on any new airline safety regulations. The White House pointed to new security screening of passengers, to electronic devices to prevent terrorist attacks and to Trumps support for privatizing air traffic control  a proposal that has gotten nowhere in Congress. Falsehoods: Trump said President Obama, in brokering the 2015 nuclear arms limitation deal with Iran, foolishly gave money to the brutal and corrupt Iranian regime. He didnt. The people of Iran are finally acting against the brutal and corrupt Iranian regime. All of the money that President Obama so foolishly gave them went into terrorism and into their pockets. The people have little food, big inflation and no human rights. The U.S. is watching!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 The nuclear deal, which included major U.S. allies as signators, released Irans own funds that had long been frozen. Trumps art of the deal: When Trump sees a big deal looming, he often blasts the other side  to gain leverage, as hes written. This week he resumes a showdown with Democratic lawmakers over funding the government and immigration protections for so-called Dreamers, who were brought to the country illegally as children. Democrats are doing nothing for DACA - just interested in politics. DACA activists and Hispanics will go hard against Dems, will start falling in love with Republicans and their President! We are about RESULTS.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Trump, who in September ordered a gradual end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, sought to shift blame for the resulting controversy, saying Democrats are doing nothing for DACA and are just interested in politics. Trump has insisted that any help for Dreamers be paired with funding for a border wall and a crackdown on legal immigration. Democrats, and some Republicans, are opposed. Read More Facebook

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In tweet, Trump suggests U.S. will withdraw financial assistance to Pakistan By Shashank Bengali Pakistan lashed out Monday after President Trump accused its leaders of lies & deceit and suggested the United States would withdraw financial assistance to the nuclear-armed nation it once saw as a key ally against terrorism. It was the presidents latest broadside against Pakistan after a speech in August in which he demanded its leaders crack down on the safe havens enjoyed by Taliban militants fighting U.S.-backed forces in neighboring Afghanistan. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2018 U.S. Ambassador David Hale was summoned to the Foreign Ministry to discuss the presidents statement, U.S. Embassy spokesman Richard Snelsire said. Pakistan lodged a strongly worded protest and asked for clarification about Trumps comments, according to two foreign office officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Pakistans prime minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, called a Cabinet meeting for Tuesday and a meeting of the National Security Committee on Wednesday to discuss Trumps New Years Day tweet. Read More Facebook

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Trump continues to tweet in support of Iranian protesters By Laura King President Trump expressed renewed support Sunday for protesters in Iran, declaring that people are finally getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism. In a tweet from his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, the president said the nationwide economic protests that began on Thursday  and have taken on wider political overtones as they have grown in size  were a signal that Iranians will not take it any longer. Big protests in Iran. The people are finally getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism. Looks like they will not take it any longer. The USA is watching very closely for human rights violations!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Trump has tweeted about the protests for three days straight as Iranians took to the streets despite a heavy police presence, tear gas and scores of arrests. The defiance gained urgency after two people were reported shot to death in the city of Dorud, about 200 miles southwest of Tehran. As the conflict escalated, Iranian authorities on Sunday slapped a temporary ban on Instagram and the messaging app Telegram, which were widely used to fan protest fervor. Iran, the Number One State of Sponsored Terror with numerous violations of Human Rights occurring on an hourly basis, has now closed down the Internet so that peaceful demonstrators cannot communicate. Not good!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Irans leaders already are casting Trumps increasingly effusive expressions of support for the demonstrators as opportunistic meddling and are painting the demonstrators as foreign pawns, adopting a strategy that some analysts say could jeopardize the legitimacy of the nascent antigovernment protests. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets condolences after Colorado deputies are shot in ambush, one fatally By Associated Press A man fired more than 100 rounds at sheriffs deputies in Colorado early Sunday, killing one and injuring four others, before being fatally shot himself in what authorities called an ambush. Two civilians were also injured. President Trump expressed sorrow, writing on Twitter: My deepest condolences to the victims of the terrible shooting in Douglas County @DCSheriff, and their families. We love our police and law enforcement - God Bless them all! #LESM  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock said deputies came under fire almost
Urban Press Winery in downtown Burbank is more than just another wine bar that serves alcoholic beverages to its patrons.

While owner Giovanni DAndreas main goal is to provide the Media City and surrounding area with quality wines, he also wants to educate people about the various grapes that can be used to create different varietals of wine.

DAndrea has several employees at his Burbank business who are well-versed in wine  a few of them certified sommeliers  to teach patrons about the wine they are drinking and how different types can be blended together.

I try to see the world through their eyes and try to take the mystique and the fear factor out of wine tasting, said Bob Henry, a staff member at Urban Press. My whole ambition is to create a welcoming, hospitable and fact-based learning environment where they feel comfortable having wine as part of their lifestyle.

1 / 6 Urban Press Winery owner Giovanni DAndrea shows off his barrel 2015 Merlot at the winerys location, 316 N. San Fernando Rd., in Burbank, on Friday, April 28, 2017. The portfolio includes white, red, rose, sparkling and dessert wines. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer) 2 / 6 Urban Press Winery offers a wide variety of Rhone varietals like, from left, Sauvignon Blanc, Rose and a Tre Vigne (Super-Tuscan like red blend), at their location, 316 N. San Fernando Rd., in Burbank, on Friday, April 28, 2017. Their portfolio includes white, red, rose, sparkling and dessert wines. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer) 3 / 6 Urban Press Winerys tasting room, at their location, 316 N. San Fernando Rd., in Burbank, on Friday, April 28, 2017. Their portfolio includes white, red, rose, sparkling and dessert wines. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer) 4 / 6 Urban Press Winerys portfolio of Rhone varietals at their location, 316 N. San Fernando Rd., in Burbank, on Friday, April 28, 2017. Their portfolio includes white, red, rose, sparkling and dessert wines. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer) 5 / 6 Urban Press Winery offers four varieties of white wine (Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc) that can be blended together, at their location, 316 N. San Fernando Rd., in Burbank, on Friday, April 28, 2017. Their portfolio includes white, red, rose, sparkling and dessert wines. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer) 6 / 6 Urban Press Winerys Mezzanine view, at their location, 316 N. San Fernando Rd., in Burbank, on Friday, April 28, 2017. Their portfolio includes white, red, rose, sparkling and dessert wines. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

Henry, whose knowledge of wine stems from influential Los Angeles Times wine critic the late Robert Lawrence Balzer, said he talks with patrons about the grapes used in the wine theyre drinking and breaks down with them the smells and flavors they should be getting as they take their sips.

Well properly pronounce the names of the grapes for them so they dont feel awkward about it, Henry said. Well talk about the history of where those grapes come from, and well talk about what kind of smells and flavors you should be getting out the bottle. And well use, by way of analogy, simple words like the vocabulary of food to describe them.

DAndrea, who originally hails from Montreal, started making wine about 20 years ago when he moved from Canada to Los Feliz, where he would make craft wines in his garage.

He always had an ambition to own his own winery, but DAndrea said that purchasing property in Wine Country in Napa and Sonoma counties could limit what kinds of wine he can produce.

So, instead of having his own property in Northern California, DAndrea contracts with several wineries in that region to produce wine  he provides the grapes, and the wineries take care of the rest.

That recipe has proven to be a success for Urban Press, which opened its doors in November and now has more than 300 members in its wine club.

Its really a lot about educating the people, making good wine and teaching them everything there is to know about wine, DAndrea said. We can do that slowly. Were taking them from a Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc to a world of French wines, like a Grenache, and varietals theyve never heard of.

anthonyclark.carpio@latimes.com

Twitter: @acocarpio
1 / 23

Racers in the PHRC class including Holua, Medicine Marn and Pyewacket, from right, get their start in 70th annual Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race in Newport Beach on Friday. The race, which dates to 1948, started under sunny skies and light 8 knot breezes.

(Don Leach / Daily Pilot)
Five hundred surfers will paddle off the shore of Huntington Beach in June to form a record-breaking circle to promote the International Surfing Museum and in a bid to be the host city of Olympic surfing in 2024.

Diana Dehm, executive director of the museum, has assembled the mass of surfers in an effort to raise money for the museum and promote Huntington Beach as the potential surfing village for the 2024 Summer Games, for which Los Angeles is currently being considered.

The group is vying for two Guinness Book of World Records, the largest paddle-out and floating logo, which has been deemed the Surfing Circle of Honor.

The event is slated for June 20, International Surfing Day.

Dehm is working closely with the city and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcettis office, hoping that the circle of honor, along with the citys longstanding nickname of Surf City USA, will persuade Olympic officials to consider the destination.

The event is one of many that Dehm has organized to raise funds for the museum since she became its executive director about a year ago.

A lifetime water-dog who loves surfing, Dehm took the reins at the museum when asked by board chairman Brett Barnes. She was eager to accept after being struck by the significance of the famed ode-to-surfing while strolling through its exhibits.

The walls of the small, unassuming museum are adorned with the relics of surfing legends like Eddie Aikau and Duke Kahanamoku, deemed the grandfather of surfing by Dehm.

With new leadership came a new perspective.

Dehm said the museum has always been an homage to history, but she is hoping it can be the proving ground for bridging the gap between the past and future of the sport.

To this end, Dehm has planned several programs and events.

She started the On the Couch series, where famous surfer Peter PT Townend and surfer-cum-actor Gregory Harrison have lectured youths on the sport.

Dehm also hopes to start a grom, or young surfer, program to provide educational opportunities, including teaching youths about the ocean and how they can contribute to sustainable living.

But Dehm said the museum has been embroiled in difficult financial times necessitating increased funding before her ambitions can reach fruition.

Money problems have only emboldened Dehm to work harder to secure financing and she has found that the entire community has been rallying around the museum.

Just within the last few weeks, fundraisers were held for the museum by several outside groups. .

On April 15, the Kowabunga Van Klan, which displays classic Volkswagen vans, held an event at the pier and donated all funds to the museum.

Don Ramsey, who founded the car group, said he considers it a blessing to help the museum.

We need people to remember the heritage of surfing, Ramsey said.

Proceeds from an event Saturday celebrating the 50th anniversary of the revered Endless Summer film will go toward the museum and organizers from the Taste of Huntington Beach offered a vendor booth to Dehm for Sundays event.

Last week, a member of the Hermosa Beach-based telecom company Sandler Partners bought the museum a new television after noticing Dehms broken one while working to repair the business phone system.

The community is coming together to support the [museum] in remarkable ways, Dehm said. Im surprised every day.

Dehm has also been organizing events for the public herself.

She held Night at the Surfing Museum in February where SyFy television host and paranormal investigator Ben Hansen took an audience through the history of Huntington Beach and the legendary hauntings in the area.

But, Dehm believes the circle of honor will be the biggest event yet.

Several professional surfers will take part, including first woman world champion Jericho Poppler.

Poppler said she is also driven by the need to bridge surfings past with the future, and the museum, being the oldest surfing museum in the world, is a valuable piece in that strategy.

Poppler also hopes the surfing circle will help bring Olympic surfing to Huntington Beach, which she calls the Jerusalem of surfing.

In preparation for the big event, some of the 500 surfers will head out to the Huntington Beach Pier at 9 a.m. Saturday to practice forming the circle.

Dehm said the public is welcome to come watch the festivities.

benjamin.brazil@latimes.com

Twitter:@benbrazilpilot
With fear growing in immigrant communities over recent actions taken under the watch of the Trump administration, the ACLUs Pasadena-Foothills chapter hosted a forum Tuesday evening in Glendale to help address concerns.

Held at Glendale City Church, the two-hour event featured several speakers and covered a wide range of topics including the administrations travel ban and digital privacy at home and abroad.

A topic that weighed heavily for both the speakers and attendees was the recent raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE.

Humberto Ayala, a Los Angeles Unified teacher living in Glendale, said he came to the forum to learn more about the raids and how to interact with ICE agents so he can relay the information back to his students.

I work with the Latino community. I work with Latino kids. I see the fear in their faces, and I encounter that almost on a daily basis, he said.

The forum referenced the case of 23-year-old Juan Manuel Montes, who was deported to Mexico in February despite being protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA  an Obama-era immigration policy that protects undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as minors from deportation.

Montes, who had been living in the United States since he was 9 years old, was deported within several hours after being caught by immigration officials near the U.S./Mexico border. It has been widely reported that Montes said he had left his ID proving his DACA status in a friends car and couldnt show it to federal agents.

Gabriel Castro, directing attorney for Catholic Charities immigration program, said the deportation occurred despite President Donald Trump saying the DACA program will remain unchanged under his administration.

The question really is: If thats going to be the way this administration is treating the DACA recipients, then how much real protection can that program provide? he said.

Also addressed at the forum were rights afforded to noncitizens in the United States, especially when theyre in custody. Ahilan Arulanantham, director of advocacy for the ACLU in Southern California, said the core protection of the U.S. Constitution applies to everyone in the country regardless of their status.

He said that protection includes being entitled to due process, the right of habeas corpus and protections from unreasonable searches and seizures.

Theres a lot of complexity underneath [the protections], but the due process clause  protects all persons, Arulanantham said. If you are a person, for purposes of the 5th Amendment, you are included in those protections.

Salam Al-Marayati, president of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, spent part of the forum talking about what he called growing Islamophobia in the United States and the influx of refugees from war-torn areas in the Middle East.

Al-Marayati said Muslims only account for a small portion of the U.S. population  about three million in a country of 300 million  but have been heavily targeted with suspicion.

He said such targeting has had a chilling effect throughout the community, making Muslims afraid to come out and participate in any kind of civic engagement. Using Januarys travel ban protest at the Los Angeles International Airport as an example, Al-Marayati said he could only find 10 to 15 people from the Muslim community participating.

When a community is treated as a suspect community, then bad things happen, he said.

Digital and personal privacy were also touched upon at the forum.

Byron Rogers, a technologist with a focus on privacy and security, talked about ways law enforcement agencies track people using devices such as Stingrays, which are made to look like cellphone towers that can scan a persons phone data.

Because they mimic cellphone towers, he said its not easy to detect when a phone is connected to one.

andy.nguyen@latimes.com

Twitter: @Andy_Truc
Inside one of Glendales newest restaurants, called Heritage Eatery, Alissa Asmarian serves dishes made by her grandparents and her mother as well as meals she prepares for her two daughters.

I call it new American because Im an American as much as I am an Armenian, she said. Im just tweaking some of my moms recipes and my grandmas.

For more than a dozen years, Alissa Asmarian ran Favorite Place, a popular tea shop on West Wilson Avenue, near Brand Boulevard, before she sold the business in 2014.

The new owner closed their business endeavor a couple of years later.

Just as Asmarian and her husband, Sarkis, were looking to open a new restaurant in Pasadena, they learned Favorite Places former location was available.

To their delight, a repair of the ceilings water damage revealed two arched windows and a skylight where natural light now falls into Heritage Eatery  the name suggested by their daughters because they felt she should cook food from her heritage.

With a mostly organic menu that changes daily, the Asmarians serve dishes that are meant to be shared family-style.

The plates are intended to introduce Armenias sweet and savory flavors to a new audience.

Two such starters include the bulger lettuce wraps made with roasted red bell pepper and topped with tomatoes and cucumbers and the summer watermelon salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, feta cheese and mint.

Im proud to be an Armenian. We have amazing food that I think has been misrepresented. Were known just for our kebabs, and we have more than just kebabs. I just wanted to showcase that, and introduce that to our non-Armenian friends and say, Look, we have more than that.

If pressed to choose, Sarkis Asmarians favorite dish is the roasted chicken, marinated overnight in garlic and yogurt, served with oven-baked fries.

Many of Heritages sauces and preserves are sourced from Armenia.

The house salad features an apricot vinaigrette, made with apricot preserves, over fennel, sweet peas, blood oranges, celery and arugula.

Additional menu items inspired by various nationalities include the international mac and cheese, as she named it, with mozzarella, Parmesan, American and feta cheeses.

We can still keep our culture and our heritage, and introduce dishes that are still very much inspired by different nationalities, she said.

All of it can be washed down with rosewater lemonade.

Alissa Asmarians belief in foods ability to foster friendship and inspiration can be traced to her mother, Luiza, who years ago amped up her own familys traditional oxtail soup by pouring Armenian beer into it.

The soup is now served at Heritage Eatery.

My mom, if she goes out to dinner somewhere, if its an Asian restaurant, Mexican restaurant  whatever  shell come home and recreate it. She loves culture, she loves food, and she says, The way to get to know someone is through the food that they eat.

kelly.corrigan@latimes.com

Twitter: @kellymcorrigan
Heads of state from 27 European Union countries  all except British Prime Minister Theresa May  put on a display of unity Saturday ahead of negotiations over Britains divorce from the bloc, colloquially known as Brexit.

Gathered in a meeting room at the European Council headquarters in Brussels, the leaders agreed on their priorities within one minute, a spokesman for the EU institution said.

Discussions regarding Britains withdrawal from the EU are set to start after the U.K. parliamentary election in June and last until March 2019.

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The remaining 27 countries were eager to show there are no cracks in their negotiating position and meant to make one thing clear to London: The bloc will not split off into opposing groups that disagree over how to treat its departing member.

The leaders rubber-stamped a list of demands, including protecting the 3 million EU citizens living in Britain, a guarantee to keep peace in Northern Ireland and a budget settlement from Britain estimated to be more than $60 billion.

It is with unity that Europe will preserve its interests, French President Francois Hollande told reporters after the summit.

There was some concern that the U.K. will try to approach the negotiations with divide-and-rule tactics, said Agata Gostynska, a senior fellow at the Center for European Reform, a London-based think tank. The EU has something big at stake. Its the EUs fate. This is one of Germanys priorities, to keep the EU united.

Earlier this week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned that Britain will feel the difference once it leaves the union because it no longer can have the same advantages.

Gostynska said leaders are afraid that conceding too much to the U.K. in Brexit negotiations could set a dangerous example.

This could open a window of opportunity for some of the other member states to say, Look, if the U.K. can still have this good deal and enjoy a very favorable access to the single market, then why shouldnt we go down the same path?  she said.

But despite the EUs strong positioning, Merkel emphasized at the summit that the union is not allied against the United Kingdom  a veiled response to Mays warning from the campaign trail this week that EU countries are ready to line up to oppose us.

Officials at the EU institutions in Brussels were quick to flaunt their resolve, which they said was a sharp contrast to the British government.

It took the U.K. nine months to prepare the notification letter after Article 50, a senior EU official said before the summit, referencing Mays letter to officially start the Brexit process in March. Twenty-seven heads of state and government will have their position on Brexit adopted only one month later.

It is with unity that Europe will preserve its interests.  French President Francois Hollande

U.K. citizens voted to leave the 28-country European Union in a June 2016 referendum, propelling shocked leaders into preparations to remove the country from the bloc, which it joined in 1973.

The document outlining the EUs position for negotiations says that the talks can move into a second phase only once the U.K. shows sufficient progress on the 27 leaders first three priorities. May originally wanted the talks to simultaneously decide on criteria for Britains exit as well as a future trade agreement  but the EU shut down her request.

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny secured a victory Saturday by inserting a statement into the summit minutes guaranteeing that if Northern Ireland unites with the Republic of Ireland, the country would automatically be an EU member. Northern Ireland, a part of the U.K., voted to remain in the EU last year with a majority of 56%. But polls show that most people still would reject a bid to unite with the Republic of Ireland.

Kenny called the reference to a united Ireland a significant legal statement from the European Council for something that may happen.

But he warned that the talks are unlikely to remain as quick as they were on Saturday.

We wont always be as calm and measured as today, I foresee, he said.

Unity between EU countries is fragile, and Brexit negotiations, as they drag on and become more complex, still could drive leaders of the 27 member states apart.

Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European Commission, the EUs executive arm, said he is concerned the countries will face tough decisions over a shared budget once Britain leaves. The U.K. is one of the top contributors to the EU budget; its exit will leave a hole of around 18 billion euros per year, according to 2015 figures. Other member states will need to pay more to make up for the loss.

Clearly there are those who dont want to pay a penny more and those who dont want to give up a penny either, Juncker said after the summit.

EU leaders face another threat to their unity next week when French voters elect a new president. Marine Le Pen, who will face off against Emmanuel Macron, has promised to take France out of the EU.

The consequences would be serious if France turned away from the EU, Hollande warned in his final EU news conference Saturday. The choice of the French people is a choice for France, but also for the EU.

Stupp is a special correspondent.
Under the slogan Im fed up, demonstrators urging Vladimir Putin not to run for a fourth term as president rallied in cities across Russia on Saturday. Dozens were arrested in St. Petersburg and elsewhere.

The centerpiece rally in Moscow was held peacefully, despite being unsanctioned by authorities. Several hundred people rallied in a park then moved to the nearby presidential administration building to present letters telling Putin to stand down from running in 2018.

But in St. Petersburg, Associated Press journalists saw dozens arrested. The OVD-Info group that monitors political repression relayed reports of more arrests in several other cities, including 20 in Tula and 14 in Kemerovo.

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Putin has not announced whether he plans to run for president again next year.

He has dominated Russian politics since becoming president on New Years Eve 1999, when Boris Yeltsin resigned. Even when he stepped away from the Kremlin to become prime minister from 2008 to 2012 because of term limits, he remained effectively Russias leader.

Nationwide protests on March 26 appeared to rattle the Kremlin because of the demonstrations unusual size and reach. The predominance of young people in those protests challenges the belief that the generation that grew up under Putins heavy hand had become apolitical or disheartened.

Saturdays demonstrations were much smaller, but indicated that marginalized opposition forces will continue to push.

The demonstrations were called for by Open Russia, an organization started by Kremlin foe Mikhail Khodorkovsky.

As an oil tycoon, Khodorkovsky was once listed as Russias richest man, but his political ambitions put him at odds with the Kremlin. He was arrested in 2003 and served 10 years in prison on tax evasion and fraud convictions that supporters say were political persecution. He was pardoned in 2013, left the country and revived Open Russia as a British-based organization.

On Wednesday, Russias prosecutor-general banned Open Russia as an undesirable foreign organization. But the groups Moscow branch says it is administratively separate and not subject to the ban.

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Protests large and small swept across Brazil on Friday, leaving businesses closed, schools empty and an unpopular president facing ever louder calls to step down.

For the first time in more than 20 years, Brazilians held a general strike, with millions of workers walking off the job to protest controversial labor and pension reforms that were proposed by a president with an approval rating of just 4% and that are currently moving through Congress. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in the countrys major cities, many carrying signs reading Fora Temer!  out with President Michel Temer.

Most protests passed without incident, but by Friday night a group of protesters advanced on the Sao Paulo neighborhood where Temer owns a house. They broke up sidewalks and lobbed chunks of concrete at police trying to disperse the crowd with tear gas and flash grenades. Protesters also set some buses on fire, and at least 16 arrests were reported.

A larger, peaceful protest, estimated at 70,000, headed out in the direction of Temers home from a nearby neighborhood earlier in the evening to protest the president, whom they consider illegitimate, and his recent proposed labor and pension reforms. Temer, the former vice president who succeeded Dilma Rousseff as president after she was impeached last year, still lives in the vice presidents residence in Brasilia, the capital.

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The activity directed at Temers house was just a small part of a day of protest that touched the lives of Brazilians across the country. Among those affected was Jose Carlos Rodrigues Jr., who had heard of the plans for a general strike and had wondered how events would play out.

At 8 a.m. he took his 1-year-old daughter, Isadora, to catch a bus that usually takes them from their home in the coastal city of Santos to the megacity of Sao Paulo. It never arrived.

Rodrigues wasnt surprised, nor that disappointed, despite the inconvenience.

I tried my luck, and I was happy to see that I had to wait, Rodrigues said. It meant the strike had gone forward. I very much support it.

Brasilias normally busy bus terminal is left empty Friday by a general strike called by unions opposing austerity reforms proposed by the federal government. (Andresssa Anholete / AFP/Getty Images)

Across the country, Brazilians in major cities across the country all woke up to empty streets. Many businesses failed to open and both public and private schools closed their doors as Brazil was partially paralyzed Friday morning.

Rodrigues and Isadora were able to make it to their destination thanks to a ride from an uncle and another wait for a chartered bus, but many who wanted to go to work were late or never arrived.

There arent any buses running and its way too far to go by bike, said Wilson Almeida, who tried to get to the bakery where he works as a server. I cant afford to go by Uber. The money I would earn today would basically pay to get me to and from work. And my boss wont understand.

Like Almeida, many worried about losing their jobs if they missed work  whether because they participated in the strike or just couldnt get where they needed to go  particularly because of Brazils economic crisis and steep unemployment.

A popular suggestion circulating on social media was to use the day off to donate blood. Not only would it help those in need, it would provide a perfect excuse; in Brazil, you can miss a day of work without penalty if you get a doctors note saying you were donating blood.

In cities such as Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia, groups of protesters blocked roads with burning tires, or threw rocks at police, who were firing tear gas in order to disperse crowds. Peaceful protesters invaded airports in Sao Paulo and blocked entrances to those in other cities, but the majority of flights took off and landed without a problem.

Sao Paulos Largo da Batata neighborhood was later the site of a huge march. Videos circulating Friday night on Twitter showed vast crowds.

Largo da Batata minutos atras - video do chapa Paulo Marquezini. 70 mil pessoas a caminho da casa de Temer pic.twitter.com/HhjGoS9BgG  Quero ser John Deacon (@danasbr) April 28, 2017

Sao Paulo Mayor Joao Doria, known for promoting himself as a hard worker, had repeatedly opposed the strike in recent days and echoed that opposition Friday.

I wake up early and work. Im not a striker who sleeps, is lazy and wakes up late, he said in a radio interview. With this type of confrontation, only the working, honest population loses.

A congressional bill that would weaken labor laws passed this week in the lower house of Congress. Among the items on the bill, which will now be voted on in the Senate, are an end to paid overtime, the possibility of working under a temporary contract permanently, and the ability to lay off an entire staff and replace them with lower-salaried workers without any penalty to the company.

A controversial pension reform, which would set minimum retirement ages for men and women at 65 and 62, respectively, is also expected to be voted on next week.

Despite the government saying that the current pension system in Brazil is unsustainable and that it is dragging the economy down, Temer and members of Congress who have worked on the bill gave in to pressure from the public on certain items, including the minimum retirement age, which was initially 65 for both men and women.

Todays protest is to show that we reject the attitudes of the government, which, in my opinion, came to office in an illegitimate way and has since pushed sudden reforms and proposals that restrict the rights of Brazilian citizens, said law student Lais Dumitrescu Dias as she headed to a protest in Sao Paulo. Everyone has the right to retire with the guarantee [they will live] life with dignity after serving their country for so many years.

Langlois is a special correspondent.

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Elated crowds greeted Pope Francis at a Mass in Cairos Air Defense Stadium on Saturday, unafraid despite recent suicide bombings at Christian churches.

God will protect us, said Nada Youssef, 30, as she clutched the free ticket she received through her church and waited to clear metal detectors and guards stationed at every entrance.

Francis entered the stadium at 9:30 a.m. to applause as a fleet of balloons in the Vatican colors of yellow and white was released and a choir sang Gloria.

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Some who came to pray Saturday recalled the last time they saw a pope celebrate Mass here  Pope John Paul II  17 years ago. Some said they brought their children born since then so they too could see the pope.

Soldiers patroled outside and military helicopters circled overhead, but the mood remained festive, with inflated hot air balloons lining the road and music filling the air.

Even without entering, by the sound of the music you can feel the joy, said Father Raymond Tumba, a Nigerian priest studying Arabic in Cairo, as he entered the stadium. Wherever he goes, he spreads the message of peace.

James Bolden, 32, wore a Pope Francis cap and scarf with the Pope of peace in Egypt of peace logos from the visit, hoping to get them blessed during Mass. A refugee from South Sudan who teaches fellow refugees at a Catholic school in Cairo, he called Francis the pope of refugees.

He supports peace so conflicts dont happen that create refugees, Bolden said.

Fawzaya Alban, 42, and other women from South Sudan living in Cairo wore white clothing printed with the images of popes and priests, hoping for a blessing during Mass and grateful that Francis was brave enough to visit.

He visits all countries with suffering, countries with problems, she said.

Maria Cormack said the pope set an example by standing up to extremists.

Its showing us the courage we need to stand against people trying to make us afraid, she said.

Cormack, 42, moved to Cairo 11 years ago and brought a sign to Mass for her troubled native land: Pray for Venezuela.

I feel safer here than in Venezuela now, she said.

Pope Francis waved to the crowds as he circled the stadium grounds in a golf cart. Some nuns held Pope of Peace signs, while other onlookers waved Vatican and Egyptian flags. A massive Egyptian flag was draped over one side of the stadium.

Francis began his remarks at the Mass as he did when addressing another crowd Saturday, with a traditional Arabic greeting that again provoked instant applause: "Peace be with you.

During the Mass, Francis urged the faithful to transcend their divisions. Unless we tear apart the veil clouding our vision and shatter the hardness of our hearts and our prejudices, we will never be able to recognize the face of God, he said.

God is pleased only by a faith that is proclaimed by our lives, for the only fanaticism believers can have is that of charity. Any other fanaticism does not come from God and is not pleasing to him, Francis said.

Francis has been warmly received since he arrived Friday for a two-day visit to Egypt. Many people said they admired his tenacity in visiting only weeks after twin suicide bombings targeted Christian churches in separate cities, killing 47 people.

During his visit, Francis has managed the delicate balance of embracing Islam while condemning Islamic extremists in the Muslim majority country. Christians are Egypts largest religious minority, comprising 10% of the total 92 million population. They have been targeted by Islamic State extremists.

Its showing us the courage we need to stand against people trying to make us afraid.  Maria Cormack, worshiper

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sisi lauded the pope during their meeting Friday, expressing appreciation for his noble humanitarian positions which unleash the power of hope in the hearts of people.

Hosting the pope, he told Francis, is a declaration to the world of the strength of our national unity.

Eradicating terrorism requires a comprehensive strategy that takes into account not only military and security measures but also developmental, intellectual and political aspects, Sisi said.

The tension was palpable on Cairos streets. Police in riot gear lined the popes route overnight, armored trucks parked every few blocks, which had been cleared of parked cars. Small groups of onlookers gathered to cheer as the pontiff passed, a fraction of the crowds he normally draws.

Instead of the armored popemobile, Francis traveled in a small blue Fiat. He made it to the Vatican Embassy safely, and the night passed without incident.

The Mass on Saturday at the military-run stadium was expected to attract more than 50,000 people.

I just pray for his safety, said Sister Charlotte Greer, a Palmdale native and principal of St. Clares College in suburban Heliopolis who received a free ticket to board one of a fleet of buses headed to the Mass.

After the service, Francis was expected to lunch with Catholic bishops, then meet with priests, nuns and other religious leaders at St. Leo the Great Coptic Catholic Patriarchal Seminary in suburban Maadi. He is scheduled to depart for Rome at 5 p.m.

molly.hennessy-fiske@latimes.com

Twitter: @mollyhf

ALSO

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UPDATES:

1:35 a.m.: This article was updated with the pope beginning his address.

1:20 a.m.: This article was updated with comments from worshipers.

This article was originally published at 12:40 a.m.
A 20-year-old Allentown man was charged Friday night with the killing of an 18-year-old city man earlier this month at 234 Nagle St., police said.

Alonso Anthony Blue was arraigned at 9:39 p.m. at Central Booking before District Judge Jacob Hammond on one count of homicide and a single count of robbery involving serious bodily injury, according to police Capt. Bill Lake and court records.

Blue was sent to Lehigh County Jail without bail due to the homicide charge.

George Concepcion, who lived at the Nagle Street address, was pronounced dead at 12:44 a.m. April 13 at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township after being shot just after 11 p.m. on April 12, the Lehigh County coroner said.

The investigation was conducted by city police, the coroner's office, the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office and the DA's Homicide Task Force, Lake said.

Outside of saying Blue was in custody, Lake didn't detail the arrest.

A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled 1:45 p.m. May 5 in District Judge Rashid Santiago's court. He will be represented in court by the Lehigh County Public Defender's Office, according to court records.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
The National Museum of Industrial History finally opened to the public last year. Now, the woman who led it there is stepping away.

The resignation of President/CEO Amy Hollander was announced Friday in a three-paragraph news release from the Bethlehem museum.

"We appreciate Ms. Hollander's vision, expertise, and determination in seeing the museum through to its opening and the months that followed. Her motivation to complete this project was unparalleled and we thank her for her dedication to the institution," museum board Chairman L. Charles Marcon said in the release.

National Museum of Industrial History Executive Director Amy Hollander speaks during a press conference on May 5, 2015 at the museum. (Matt Smith | For lehighvalleylive.com)

Hollander was brought in two years ago to helm the facility's opening, following a grand jury investigation that led to the ouster of longtime museum CEO Stephen Donches The grand jury found that $17 million was raised over 17 years, with no museum yet to show for it. The state found no criminal wrongdoing but ordered several changes, including that the museum open by January 2017.

Hollander, a Pohatcong Township resident, had experience: She was the former executive director of the Red Mill Museum Village in Clinton and also served as administrator for The Readington Museums in Readington Township.

The industrial history museum opened last year inside a 40,000-square-foot, 100-year-old former Bethlehem Steel building.

Kara Cenni, the museum's COO/CFO who is pursuing a masters degree in business at Lehigh University, will assume Hollander's titles at least on an interim basis, Friday's news release said.

"We're excited for the next chapter in the museum's story," Marcon said, "and have full confidence in Ms. Cenni to guide the museum into a new and prosperous future."

Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
TROPHIES

Twenty-seven years after he revived a premature baby who had stopped breathing, former paramedic

met the person whose life he saved. Heightman never forgot about resuscitating the newborn on the way to a Bethlehem hospital in 1990. Later, Heightman moved to California and became editor-in-chief of the Journal of Emergency Medical Services, and he often wondered whether the baby -- who weighed just over two pounds at birth -- had survived. Through a recent Facebook connection, he learned that Rodney Barron Jr., of Allentown, was not only alive but celebrating the birth of a son, Rodney Barron III. The two were reunited when Heightman returned to the Lehigh Valley and invited Barron to join him at a training seminar for medics in Bethlehem, where he recounted how their lives came together -- twice.

Just getting to 100 is an accomplishment. Three

of Phillipsburg have accumulated 300 years among them, and have been reunited under one roof as residents of the Brakeley Care Center in Lopatcong Township. The baby of the trio, Mary Melick, celebated her 97th birthday anniversary last week. Her sister, Ann Svachak, 102, is the eldest. Between them is Helen Casey, 101. They have outlived four other siblings, all of whom were raised in a house on Hill Street house in Phillipsburg. The three women spent their entire lives in Phillipsburg, working, raising children, doing church work and indulging many hobbies. Casey, a mother of 11 kids, said she and her sisters remained close over the last century. "We just picked up where we left off," she said of moving to the Brakeley Center. The secret to their longevity? "Jelly beans," Melick said.

has found an outlet for his grief, and perhaps a way to help others avoid the tragedy his family endured. Wyllie's 2-year-old son Benjamin shot and killed himself last year after finding a 45-caliber handgun in his dad's bedroom in their Bucks County home. Wyllie said he had been conscientious about securing his guns -- he made a point of wearing his sidearm whenever he wasn't sleeping -- but that day forgot and left it in a nightstand. On Thursday Wyllie, a former Army infantryman, joined with Bucks District Attorney Matthew Weintraub and other county officials to announce a program to provide a free gun lock and gun safety information to anyone who applies for a firearms permit in the county. The locks also may be obtained for free from county police departments. Wyllie pleaded guilty April 3 to involuntary manslaughter and other charges, and was sentenced to one to two years in prison. The locks will be supplied by Project ChildSafe; the education materials are being donated by the Network Of Victim Assistance in Bucks County.

TURKEYS

The fight over the right to speak at the University of California at Berkeley -- birthplace of the free speech movement -- is being tested by

for and against the appearance of conservative lecturers on campus. The threat of violence by demonstrators peaked this week when hundreds took to the streets in response to a scheduled talk by Ann Coulter. Even though her appearance was canceled, hundreds congregated on campus and a nearby park -- some in support of Coulter, others opposed to her visit. While the demonstrations ended Thursday night without physical confrontation, Berkeley police reported some demonstrators showed up in helmets and combat-type gear, and they confiscated several weapons. Five people were arrested. While free speech can get testy, there's no call for shutting down speaking engagements because of the political message of the bearer. At the same time, arming oneself for a street fight over free speech is a dangerous way to defend that right.
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, one Afghanistan's most notorious warlords, has called on the Taliban to stop fighting government troops and begin peace talks.

"I invite you to join the peace caravan and stop the pointless, meaningless and unholy war," Hekmatyar, a former prime minister, told a gathering of Afghan politicians and his supporters in Laghman Province on April 29.

"I want a free, proud, independent, and Islamic Afghanistan," Hekmatyar added, in his first public appearance in nearly two decades.

Hekmatyar, the founder and current leader of the Hezb-e Islami political party, signed a peace deal with the Afghan government in September

In the deal, Hekmatyar's fighters vowed to lay down their weapons in exchange for a prisoner release.

He also praised Afghan security forces during his speech and said fighting against them and the country's government is "senseless and illegitimate."

The UN Security Council ended sanctions against Hekmatyar in February, clearing the way for him to return to Afghanistan after being in exile for nearly 20 years.

The government's deal with Hekmatyar was criticized by many Afghans and human rights groups as being too lenient for someone accused of violence and widespread abuses -- he has been dubbed the "Butcher of Kabul" for fighting that led to thousands of civilian deaths in the Afghan capital in the early 1990s.

The United States had designated Hekmatyar a "global terrorist" after he declared jihad on foreign forces fighting Islamists in Afghanistan.

Based on reporting by Reuters and dpa
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD, met with Vietnams Deputy Prime Minister Mr Trinh Dinh Dung,at the Heritage Hotel in Killenard last Friday afternoon.

Deputy Prime Minister Dung and Minister Flanagan discussed the strong and growing bilateral relationship between Ireland and Vietnam.

The visit cane just six months after Minister Flanagan accompanied President Higgins on a State Visit to Vietnam.

Minister Flanagan welcomes the inclusion of Ireland in Vietnams new e-visa scheme, which will make it easier for the 10,000 Irish tourists that visit the country each year to apply for a short stay visa.

Minister Flanagan update thed Deputy Prime Minister Dung on Irelands future country strategy for Vietnam.

The strategy, which will give direction to Irelands development cooperation programme as well as our wider political, economic and cultural engagement with the country, will be launched in the coming months.

Irelands strategy for Vietnam for the period 2017  2020 is now close to finalisation.

Ireland remains fully committed to supporting the Vietnamese Governments efforts to addressing development challenges. Irish Aids programme in the country will continue to focus on poverty reduction and ethnic minority empowerment, and on support for institutional exchanges.

The strategy will align closely with the forthcoming cross-sectoral Asia Pacific Strategy, which will set out actions to strengthen our bilateral and trade relations with countries in the region.

Trade and investment opportunities between Ireland and Vietnam, which amounted to 306 million in 2016, will also be discussed.

Minister Flanagan commented:

I believe that there is great potential for us to increase two way trade and investment between Ireland and Vietnam.

Irish companies are showing a growing interest in exploring this vibrant market, particularly in the areas of agri-food, education, aviation services and renewable energies.

The ratification and implementation of the EU Vietnam Free Trade Agreement will open up more opportunities for Irish and Vietnamese companies to do business.

Minister Flanagan and Deputy Prime Minister Dung also discussed the implications of the UKs decision to leave the European Union.

They exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including developments in South East Asia, climate change and sustainable development.
2,021 asthmatics in Leitrim are not using their inhalers correctly, leaving them at risk of a serious asthma attack and even death, according to the Asthma Society of Ireland.

Currently there are 3,062 people with asthma in Leitrim. Two thirds of those dont use their inhaler correctly.

The Society has teamed up with Boots Ireland for World Asthma Day (2 May 2017) and Asthma Week (1 - 8 May 2017). To mark the awareness week, Boots is providing free Let's Breathe Easy asthma consultations and support packs in its 83 pharmacies throughout the country during the month of May.

According to the CEO of the Asthma Society of Ireland, Averil Power, Up to 60 per cent of all asthmatics dont use their inhalers correctly and so dont have their asthma under control. As a result, someone ends up in A&E every 26 minutes with a serious asthma attack and 50 people die each year from the condition. Tragically, the vast majority of these deaths could be prevented through proper asthma management. This partnership with Boots will provide asthmatics of all ages with an excellent opportunity to discuss their asthma with a pharmacist and get advice on how to manage it better.

Susan ODwyer, Healthcare Development Manager with Boots Ireland said, Throughout the month of May, asthma patients can avail of a free Lets Breathe Easy consultation in their local Boots pharmacy. These consultations are designed to provide advice and support to patients with asthma, helping them to better manage their condition. They can discuss their current use of medication with a pharmacist and have their inhaler technique checked to ensure they are not wasting their medicine by using their device incorrectly."

Minister for Health Simon Harris, is also encouraging people to take the opportunity to have their asthma management checked this World Asthma Day. According to the Minister, With proper management, people with asthma can live full lives, symptom-free. However, poor asthma control leaves them at risk of having a serious attack at any time. I would encourage everyone with asthma to avail of the advice of their pharmacist to ensure they are taking their inhalers correctly and managing their asthma to the best effect. It is also worth reminding parents that, since 2015, all children under the age of six are entitled to a free annual asthma check with their GP. This has proven extremely helpful to parents in managing their childrens asthma so it's important that everyone is aware of this entitlement.
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The County Leitrim Fleadh Cheoil is being hosted by the Ballinamore Branch of Comhaltas this weekend.

Today Saturday 29th the competitions get underway in the Community Centre with U-10 music at 3.45pm followed by all dancing competitions at 5pm. Sunday 30th all other music competitions take place in the new Community School. Doors open at 10.30am.

Highlights on Saturday include a multi-media presentation by Mick Mulvey. The North Connacht Legacy  is about the influence of north Connacht musicians in the development of Londons traditional music scene since the Second World War. There will also be a singing workshop by Keshcarrigan native Eleanor Shanley whose vibrant career has spanned over 20 years.

Music and singing sessions will be held in pubs throughout the town over the weekend. There are already great reports coming in from last night as the town celebrated Irish music in every bar.

John McCartin, Chairperson of Ballinamore Comhaltas Branch said "The committee is delighted to welcome visitors and musicians to sample the heart of the tradition here in Ballinamore.

Monica Ward, Chairperson County Board Leitrim Comhaltas said It is fitting that Ballinamore a town steeped in a wealth of ceol, culture and heritage should host our County Fleadh. I would like to congratulate our competitors and their families and teachers on keeping this great tradition alive through music, song, dance and storytelling.

Lorraine Sweeney, Secretary of Ballinamore Comhaltas Branch said, We are delighted to be able to provide a platform for the talented youngsters in our community to play sing and dance this coming weekend. We wish them the best of luck in progressing to Connacht.

Follow Leitrim CCE facebook page for more details or contact, Lorraine 086 8631785/ Monica 089 4037596/ John 087 2517432.

Make a visit to Ballinamore this weekend to flavour the county fleadh.
Jo Swinson was on Question Time on Thursday and she was fabulous. She really took on Tory minister Damian Green with pithy and sharp interventions.

Here she is taking about the awful Rape Clause:

.@joswinson says that the so called rape clause is evidence of a government moving in the wrong direction #bbcqt pic.twitter.com/GUQkMg2d2f  BBC Question Time (@bbcquestiontime) April 27, 2017

And on hard Brexit:

.@joswinson says that despite #GE2017 being called for the benefit of the Conservatives, it could also provide an opportunity for change pic.twitter.com/zlid69JLM4  BBC Question Time (@bbcquestiontime) April 27, 2017

You can watch the whole thing on iPlayer here.

Impressed? Want to see her back in Parliament? Then help her to get there.

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings
THE LAST surviving member of Limericks famous literary McCourt family has said he is prepared to face his maker, but he hopes that the death of US President Donald Trump precedes his own.

Malachy McCourt, 85, is the only member of the family to have lived beyond 80 and he has now written about preparing to leave this mortal coil in a new book, entitled Death Need Not be Fatal, for which he posed in a coffin for the books cover.

Now immobilised with inclusion body myositis (IBM), an inflammatory muscle disease, he said that the only other hazard to his health is the presidency of Trump, whom he regards as a horrible blot on the American political landscape and the world.

There is no rhyme or reason to him, and the amount of Irish people now around him and supporting him in the current administration is disgraceful.

I have no hesitation at all in saying that I hope he dies before me. Thats one wake I'd be delighted to go to.

Whatever way he goes will be OK by me. Thats whats helping me stay alive. Id love to throw the first handful of soil on his coffin or light the match for his cremation - whatever helps him on his way.

In an interview with the Limerick Leader in November 2007, his Pulitzer Prize winning brother Frank McCourt famously said: I dont want funeral services or memorials. Let them scatter my ashes over the Shannon and pollute the river.

His older brother is taking a similar approach, but wishes for his ashes to be scattered across the Hudson River in New York, where he has lived for decades.

I dont find it at all morbid talking about death. I live close to the Hudson River and my wife Diana will bring my ashes down there. You can buy a bench by the river and put a plaque there, which is a nice idea.

I dont feel scared of death; its just a transition. I have no hope of heaven and no fear of hell. Ill just be in an extremely deep sleep.

He does not wish to have a Catholic funeral service, as he believes that organised religion has all the elements of organised crime, apart from compassion.

Instead, he would like a service in the Symphony Space theatre on Broadway, where his brother Frank was also remembered by the arts community in New York.

At my age you expect things to fall apart, so I have to take it one day at a time. I'm now the last one standing. I'm in the departure lounge, but I'm lucky to still be alive. I like being alive and I like being in love. I'm representing the fallen - the people out of the slums [of Limerick], he told the Limerick Leader.

An author of nine books, he was inspired to write this book shortly after the death of his brother Alphie, 75, in July of last year.

Brother Michael, a bartender in San Francisco, passed away aged 79 in September 2015.

He was the only brother not to publish a memoir of his life, following the success of Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes, and his follow-up memoirs, 'Tis and Teacher Man.

The legacy of Frank McCourt, who died aged 78 in 2009, lives on, with a new production of Angelas Ashes The Musical under acclaimed director Pat Moylan due for the stage in Limerick, Dublin and Belfast this summer.

He said he was amazed at how good the previous amateur production was, and laughed when news of the musical prompted someone to comment online: Whats next  a musical of Schindlers List?

He said Liam Neeson, who has praised this book as a lovely wee book, with a huge questing soul, would be very amused by that.

The only immortality are the books, those will live on, and families, said the grandfather of eight.

When I turn to pick up the phone and ring Alphie or Michael or Frank, I think 'Oh..shit'. We shared some great laughs with each other. Families have their own sense of absurdity. A lot can be shared between people without verbal communication. I miss that kind of communication.

Alphie rang him the day before he died, and said I'm not feeling too good. I'm going to lie down for a while." He died that afternoon in his sleep.

What annoys him are all the euphemisms about death - passed away, passed on, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

No one dies in America - they leave us, they are with the Lord in heaven, no longer with us.

With much in life, he approaches death with characteristic sense of humour.

An undertaker was hired for the books cover, who told McCourt: Youre the first live corpse Ive ever had.

While some people, he feels, will remember him as a highly offensive radio host who was a disgrace to the Irish, all he wishes to be remembered as is someone who made others laugh.

- Death Need Not Be Fatal by Malachy McCourt and Brian MacDonald is due out in May, and is published by Hachette
MINISTER for Housing Simon Coveney has said restrictions on rental increases in Limerick are likely to be introduced by the summer.

Speaking exclusively to the Limerick Leader, Mr Coveney said the city is very close to qualifying to be included in the Rent Pressure Zones (RPZ).

This will mean annual rent increases will be limited to a maximum amount of four per cent annually, bringing some much relief to struggling tenants.

The RPZs are already in place in 14 locations including parts of Dublin, Galway and Cork, plus a number of other smaller towns across the state.

There was surprise when Limerick was not added  but Mr Coveney says it is likely the city will be added come the time of the next review this summer.

There is a reasonably good chance that the next time, Limerick probably will be in the Rent Pressure Zones, he said.

The two criteria for Rent Pressure Zones are that rents have to be above the national average, and before the last quarter, rents have to be increasing more than 7% annually. Limerick at the moment, is at 99% of the national average in terms of rent. Once it moves above 100%, it is lilkely to qualify, he said.

Labour party housing spokesperson, local TD Jan OSullivan cautiously welcomed Mr Coveneys comments.

But she warned that only certain areas may feel the benefit.

Were not sure all of Limerick would come in, as its done on the basis of electoral areas. It depends how much of a rural area is in a local electoral area, and whether rents there are lower than in the urban realms, she explained.

Its not a perfect system, Ms OSullivan added, It would be better to have a system like where they have in other countries to link rent increases to the cost of living to give people long-term security in terms of knowing they will be able to afford their rent.

The Limerick City TD also called on local landlords not to up their rents in anticipation of Limerick being included in the RPZ.

We need to be careful because if people believe its coming, id be concerned rents would go up. We need to be conscious of this, and call on landlords not to anticipate anything as were not sure whats going to happen, she concluded.
The people who are considered to be part of the "Hopewell culture" built massive earthworks and numerous mounds while crafting fine works of art whose meaning often eludes modern archaeologists.

This "Hopewell culture" flourished between roughly A.D. 1 and A.D. 500. The name Hopewell "is not the name of any Native American tribe or ethnic group. It is an archaeological culture defined on the basis of similarities in artifacts and architecture," wrote Brad Lepper, curator of archaeology for the Ohio History Connection, in the book "Ohio Archaeology" (Orange Frazer Press, 2005).

Many Hopewell sites are located in what is now southern Ohio. "Similar artifacts and mounds and enclosures, seemingly related to the Hopewell culture, are found from southern Ontario to Florida and from Missouri to the western flanks of the Appalachian Mountains," wrote Lepper.

The name "Hopewell" comes from "Mordecai Hopewell, a Confederate veteran of the Civil War," wrote Lepper, noting that Hopewell "owned the farm in Ross County that included a spectacular group of mounds and earthworks that became the type site for the Hopewell culture."

The people of the Hopewell culture did not use a writing system and it is not known if they called themselves by a common name or by many different names.

Massive structures

The people of the Hopewell culture built immense structures, often out of earth, whose purpose remains a source of debate among archaeologists.

Between A.D. 1 and A.D. 500, the people of the Hopewell culture "built a large and elaborate complex of earthen mounds, walls, ditches, and ponds in the southern flowing drainages of the Ohio River valley," wrote Mark Lynott, the former manager and supervisory archaeologist at the Midwest Archaeological Center, in his book "Hopewell Ceremonial Landscapes of Ohio" (Oxbow Books, 2014).

"The building of all these great ceremonial landscapes was accomplished over four or more centuries, and reflects an amazing level of social stability and societal commitment to monumental and ceremonial construction," wrote Lynott, who passed away in 2014.

The structures, some of which are now destroyed or partly destroyed, were immense. Some of the best-preserved Hopewell structures are located in Hopewell Culture National Historic Park. One example of preserved earthworks in the park is shaped like "a parallelogram 1,800 feet (549 meters) long on the east and the west sides and 2,800 feet (853 meters) long on the north and south," notes the National Park Service (NPS) on their website. Within this large earthwork there is an array of mounds and smaller earthworks. They form a complex landscape that is hard to describe in writing.

This large earthwork is just one of hundreds of large structures that the people of the Hopewell culture built. Many of these structures have yet to be studied in detail. "Considering the large number of sites that were built between A.D. 1 and A.D. 450 in southern Ohio, only a very small number of these sites have received more than cursory attention from the archaeological community," wrote Lynott.

In a paper published in the Ohio Archaeology book, consulting archaeologist Frank Cowan of F. Cowan & Associates reported on how his team discovered and studied a circular structure that was made out of wooden poles, which his team called "Woodhenge." This structure had "172 large postholes that formed a nearly perfect circle 80 yards in diameter," wrote Cowan. Each posthole was "large enough to hold posts the size of small telephone poles." The team found the structure was built around 1,800 years ago, and there were a series of houses nearby that were only occupied for brief periods of time, as if people only stayed at "Woodhenge" long enough to attend a specific event. What happened at this event is uncertain.

The purpose of the immense structures that the people of the Hopewell culture built is not entirely clear. "The large earthen enclosures and their associated landscapes appear to have been multi-functional places where people perhaps met for games, ceremonies, rituals, trade, or to share news," wrote Lynott. Some of these structures may have had astronomical significance. A series of earthworks and mounds in Newark, Ohio, has alignments with the moon and Solstice sun, wrote Ray Hively and Robert Horn, professors at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, in a paper published in 2014 in the Midcontinental Journal of Archaeology.

Some artifacts that were found during a 2013 archaeological dig at Hopewell Culture National Historic Park. (Image credit: NPS)

The Hopewell people

Many questions remain to be answered about what the people who built these immense structures were like. Lynott wrote that archaeologists are not certain where all these people lived or whether they were farmers or whether they hunted and foraged for food. "Understanding how and where the people who built the Ohio Hopewell ceremonial landscapes lived has yet to be fully resolved," he wrote. Archaeologists have tended to concentrate their excavations on the immense structures but have paid less attention to the settlements where the people lived.

From the artifacts found near the Hopewell structures and burials in Ohio, it appears that people of the Hopewell culture were able to import material from distant locations in North America. This included "obsidian and grizzly bear teeth from the Rocky Mountains, copper from the northern Great Lakes, mica and quartz crystals from the Appalachian mountains and a range of shark teeth, barracuda jaws and conch shells from the coast of Florida," wrote Lynott.

The Hopewell people were even able to acquire iron that had been hammered out of a meteor located in Minnesota, reported a team of researchers in an article published recently in the Journal of Archaeological Science. This "meteoritic metal represents the most exotic raw material used during the Middle Woodland period [the time period the Hopewell flourished] in Eastern North America," the research team wrote in their paper.

However, the people of the Hopewell culture do not appear to have been politically united but instead consisted of a large number of small groups that were autonomous. "While these small-scale societies may have been linked by common ideologies or belief systems, their local autonomy is clearly visible in the great diversity seen in landscape construction and the features associated with the large enclosures," wrote Lynott.

The artwork the Hopewell people left behind offers a glimpse into their beliefs. "Much of this art presented iconic images of elegant simplicity and stunning power, such as the mica or copper cut-outs of open human hands or bird talons," wrote Lepper. "Such symbols must have been as richly evocative for the participants in this Hopewell culture as the Christian cross, the Islamic crescent, or the Jewish star are to modern believers"

The artwork the Hopewell people left, which can be seen today in many museums, included carvings on tobacco pipes. Many of these tobacco pipe carvings show birds, otters and frogs. Indeed, animals played an important role in the lives and beliefs of the Hopewell people. In 2015 researchers announced that they had found evidence that a bobcat was kept as a pet and was buried underneath a burial mound while wearing a collar.

A copper cutout of a stylized bird, made by the people of the Hopewell Culture over 2,000 years ago. This copper effigy was recovered from the grounds of Hopewell Culture National Historic Park during the 1920s. (Image credit: NPS)

Birth & 'collapse'

Before the Hopewell culture appeared, there were a number of other archaeological cultures, such as the Adena culture, which also constructed mounds and earthen structures in what is now southern Ohio. Some archaeologists think that the Hopewell culture evolved from the Adena culture, and the people of the Hopewell culture built larger and more numerous mounds and imported more long distance trade goods.

The Hopewell culture flourished until around 1,500 years ago when suddenly things changes. "In a short span of time, people ceased building monumental ceremonial centers, they drastically reduced their production of art, they acquired far fewer exotic materials and their interaction spheres contracted to small territories surrounding villages that often were themselves surrounded by stockade walls," wrote Lepper in his book. He noted that these stockade walls appear to have been built to defend against attacks, an indication that the amount of conflict increased. Archaeologists do not know why conflicts increased or why the other changes marking the end of the Hopewell culture occurred.

Today the state of Ohio is supporting a bid to have some of the massive earthworks constructed by the Hopewell culture declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Additional resources
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.  Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic is on track to begin commercial passenger spaceflights before the end of next year, the company's chief executive said.

For years, Branson has been optimistically forecasting the start of rides aboard SpaceShipTwo, an air-launched suborbital spaceplane that is designed to carry six passengers and two pilots to an altitude of about 62 miles (100 kilometers).

During the suborbital hop, passengers will be able to experience a few minutes of microgravity and see the limb of Earth set against the blackness of space.

Virgin Galactic's commercial spaceplane Spaceshiptwo, shown here during a glide test in December 2016. (Image credit: Virgin Galactic)

Branson has been more circumspect in his schedule projections since an October 2014 fatal accident during a test flight of Virgin's first vehicle. But in an interview with The Telegraph earlier this month, the billionaire entrepreneur said he'd be "very disappointed" if the program isn't well underway by the end of next year.

Virgin Galactic is one of three companies in the Virgin Group's spaceflight division, known as Galactic Ventures. On Wednesday (April 26), Galactic Ventures chief executive George Whitesides, a soft-spoken, former NASA staff chief, said Branson's expectations for commercial flights in 2018 are realistic.

"We're well into test flight now," Whitesides told the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. The Virgin CEO addressed the committee along with other industry leaders during a hearing on reducing regulation barriers in the space industry.

Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides confirmed on April 26, 2017, that the company plans to fly space tourists in 2018. (Image credit: Getty Images)

"We're looking forward  to a fairly big transition of our staff to your state of New Mexico," Whitesides added in response to a question from Sen. Tom Udall, a New Mexico Democrat.

Virgin Galactic intends to base its commercial spaceflight service at New Mexico's Spaceport America, which was finished five years ago at a cost of nearly $220 million.

Construction funds for the spaceport came from state oil and gas taxes and from bonds, which were backed by a quarter-cent tax levied by the two counties closest to the 18,000-acre spaceport.

"Spaceport America and many New Mexicans hope to see full commercial spaceflight operations begin as soon as possible," Udall told Whitesides.

The second in a planned fleet of Virgin spaceships is undergoing testing in Mojave, California. So far, the ship, known as VSS Unity, has made three glide flights. The company has not said when Unity's first powered test flight will be, nor how many flights are expected before the start of commercial service.

About 500 people have signed up to take a ride on SpaceShipTwo. Tickets are currently selling for $250,000.

Follow Irene Klotz on Twitter. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
Jeffrey McWhorter/Associated Press

HOUSTON - Center fielder Rajai Davis said after a session of running Saturday that he is close to 100 percent ready to return to the As lineup.

Ive got that explosiveness back, said Davis, who will come off the DL on Tuesday at Minnesota. Ive been progressing, but I had to take it a little easier until (Saturday). Now Im going full speed.
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Albany

Albany city school officials are hoping a new partnership with New York University will help diversify the district's overwhelmingly white teaching force.

Eighty-eight percent of the 760 teachers are white compared to just 20 percent of the roughly 9,600 students in the district.

That's not necessarily a bad thing, officials say. But a growing body of research shows that exposing students to teachers of the same race can have a significant positive impact on their academic outcomes and graduation rates. A study out last month from the Institute of Labor Economics in Germany, for example, showed that exposure to just one black teacher in grades three through five increased the likelihood that black students would aspire to a four-year college.

"It could make a huge difference for our kids to see teachers who look like them," said Albany Interim Superintendent Kimberly Wilkins. "It makes a difference when you see someone who looks like you and can relate to you just by who they are."

That's just one of the reasons, but a very big reason, why the district has partnered with the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development to offer a teaching residency to 30 aspiring middle and high school teachers over the next two years.

The residency program, known as the Embedded Master of Arts in Teaching, is still in nascent stages. It launched last year with just 10 students who were offered yearlong residencies at charter schools in New York, Connecticut and Delaware, and is expanding to 75 students and four public school districts, including Albany, Syracuse, San Francisco and Tucson, Ariz.

Students take courses online, so they don't have to physically attend NYU to participate in the program. They are assigned a classroom and start off observing and teaching alongside licensed classroom teachers. As time passes, they gain more responsibility so that by the end of the year they have full responsibility of the class, including lesson planning and grading.

Traditional teacher education programs typically teach education theory first, then send students off to student teach in the last semester.

"Many new teachers will tell you, 'You know, everything I learned that was meaningful I learned in my student teaching time, not in my classes,'" said Diana Turk, director of teacher education at NYU Steinhardt. "Our students don't say that, because both are so intertwined."

Perhaps the most exciting part of the program, Albany officials say, is its focus on recruiting candidates from diverse backgrounds based not just on race, but also gender and socioeconomics.

White men, for example, typically dominate the math and science fields, while women dominate English. Exposing a female student to a female science teacher, for example, sends the message to that student that a career in science is attainable for people like her.

Albany and NYU are both attempting to recruit heavily from the local area, with a goal of finding candidates who are attached to the community.

"We know that teachers who have a strong commitment to particular neighborhoods tend to want to stay in those neighborhoods," Turk said. "So we're definitely looking for people in Albany who are looking to teach and stay in Albany."

District officials are looking for any paraprofessional staff who might be interested  hall monitors, teaching assistants, maintenance staff, food service workers and so on.

"These are people who are really wonderful with the kids, but who normally don't have the opportunity to think about a master's degree," Wilkins said. "They're folks who could very well have bachelor's degrees but haven't ever thought of teaching because of student loans or whatever."

The deadline to apply for the program is Monday. To be eligible, candidates must have a bachelor's degree and meet NYU admission criteria.

Candidates who successfully complete the program will be guaranteed teaching positions in the district for the 2018-19 school year so long as openings are available in the four core areas  English, math, social studies and sciences.

bbump@timesunion.com  518-454-5387  @bethanybump
On this date in ...

1917: The armed American oil tanker Vacuum was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine, claiming the life of Lt. Clarence Clase Thomas, the first American naval officer killed during World War I. Several of his crew were missing for days and presumed dead, including messboy Thomas Ellis of Albany.

1967: Low calorie soft drinks that help people keep their weight down might pose future health problems if their use continues to grow, said Leon Golberg, a biochemist who had joined the research faculty of Albany Medical College. He noted there was no evidence that the artificial sweeteners were harmful, but the initial studies indicating their safety had been shown to be inadequate and they were being consumed in far greater quantities that earlier studies had envisioned. Golberg, 51, had left a position as director of the British Industrial Biological Research Association to come to Albany because there was "greater opportunity here to pursue in depth the toxicology problems" in which he was interested.

1992: After a career in public service spanning 50 years  and a few confusing days of mixed messages  Assemblyman Richard Conners decided not to seek re-election. John J. McEneny, Conners' chief of staff and one of several Democrats said to be interested in the seat, confirmed that Conners had decided not to run for a ninth term. Conners would step down at the end of the year after completing the remainder of his term. The 104th District included most of the city of Albany, Guilderland, New Scotland, Berne and Knox. With Albany dominating the district, it has a decided Democratic tilt and would be a tough seat for the Republicans to capture.

Want to read more about the Capital Region's past? Have any memories or thoughts about how our history relates to today's events? See http://blog.timesunion.com/history.
Albany

U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Essex County, is not a fan of a new provision in the American Health Care Act proposal that would exempt Congress from various tweaks states could make to mandated health coverage regulations.

But would she vote for an Obamacare replacement that includes such a provision?

The answer is unclear.

Stefanik  whose 21st Congressional District includes parts or all of Saratoga, Warren, Washington and Fulton counties  and Rep. Martha McSally, R-Arizona, are behind a brief piece of legislation introduced this week that would strike out the Congressional exemption, should the American Health Care Act  House Speaker Paul Ryan's Obamacare replacement bill  become law.

The exemption was added under an amendment agreed upon between top conservative and moderate Republicans. The amendment's author, Rep. Tom MacArthur of New Jersey, is co-chairman of the moderate House Republican "Tuesday Group," which Stefanik also co-chairs.

"Congress should live by the same laws it passes onto the rest of the nation," Stefanik said in a statement Thursday evening. "This is why I receive my health care through the Obamacare exchanges, though I decline the Congressional subsidy. This common-sense legislation would ensure members of Congress do not receive special treatment if the AHCA becomes law."

Stefanik's office chalked up the exemption to a "drafting requirement." Politico reported that the exemption was necessary under arcane Senate rules that would impact the number of votes necessary to pass the legislation  would, in other words, enable it to pass without Democratic votes.

But Stefanik's opposition to a potentially politically difficult provision isn't leading her to break from a strategy of refusing to reveal which way she is leaning on a vote.

Asked on Thursday evening if Stefanik would vote for the AHCA as amended if either the Congressional exemption provision is not stripped out or the Stefanik-McSally bill is not also passed along with the health care bill, the congresswoman's spokesman said more of the same.

"Discussions are ongoing on the final legislative package," Tom Flanagin said. "Congresswoman Stefanik has long advocated for repealing and replacing Obamacare with health care that improves quality, and accessibility and lowers costs while covering pre-existing conditions. She continues to advocate for these principles as members discuss the path forward."

She previously stayed quiet on how she'd vote the first time around, even after she and other colleagues scored $15 billion for various health care initiatives they support. She told constituents at a Fulton County forum earlier this week that she wanted to see what is going to be in the final bill before committing on how she would vote.

Votes from the Freedom Caucus and some Tuesday Group members willing to commit their position for an amended AHCA are not enough to reach the majority needed to pass the bill, though, and efforts to get the bill passed by week's end  the end of the first 100 days of the Trump administration  did not go well.

The bill previously was pulled just before it was to be voted on in March.

mhamilton@timesunion.com  518-454-5449  @matt_hamilton10
In the Raw: The Sketchbook Considered is the next Edwardsville Arts Center exhibit.

This exhibit, which opened Friday takes a deeper look at the process of art-making by giving viewers the opportunity to see inside artists sketchbooks.

Katie Lochhead, who has a BA from Saint Louis University and is currently pursuing an MFA at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, is curating the exhibit.

She pointed out that her SIUE professor, Brigham Dimick, who is Head of Drawing at SIUE and is also on the EAC board of directors, inquired if shed like to curate a show focused on the sketchbook.

After agreeing to curate the exhibit, Lochhead said she approached the artist selection process from two different angles. I wanted to include artists that I was aware of as having a strong attachment to sketchbooks and for whom the process of sketchbook keeping was incredibly important to their work, Lochhead said.

Secondly, I wanted to be open to the idea of the definition of a sketchbook being very fluid. I wanted to have sculptors and textile artists in the show if they happened to keep sketchbooks or really any contained reflection of their process that could fit in a book form, Lochhead added.

I sought out artists that I admired from all over the world and contacted them to see if they kept sketchbooks and if they would be interested in showing them. There were several artists that I really admired, but because of the nature of their work I assumed that they probably wouldnt keep sketchbooks  not only did they have books, they were really excited about showing them. This was possibly my favorite part of the process. For example, we have a sketchbook from Pascale Girardin, who is an amazing installation artist who typically works with ceramics.

She ultimately chose 17 artists to participate with her in the exhibit. They include Jay Babcock, Brandon Barnes, Amy Bautz, Don Colley, Elliot Cowan, Jarrett Minn Davis, Lanny Devouno, Pascale Girardin, Joanna Hoge, Casey Hunt, Jessica Hunt, Courtney Jorden, Susie Koren, Veronica Leto, Lauren Marx, De Nichols and Audrey Simes.

This exhibit is unique in that the presentation of work is very different from a typical exhibit.

The sketchbooks will be placed on pedestals and guests will be able to put on white gloves in order to leaf through the books. It is such a different experience from approaching one finished piece on the wall or on a pedestal, Lochhead said. It is a lot more intimate and tactile. I hope that visitors are able to access a unique experience that is more personal and revealing of art practice and process.

Guests to the exhibit will be able to page through about 20 to 75 pages per book which Lochhead pointed out acts as a containment of an artists research, notes, free-associative meanderings and guide. The sketchbook is often almost like a field notebook or a map of how an artist gets from A to B. Sometimes an artists sketchbook will look like a miniature version of their finished work and it can be interesting to see them planning out their finished work on the page. Other times, the work in the book is the artists conceptual footing, but the finished work looks nothing like the book. Sometimes the book is a work in and of itself, Lochhead said. Im really intrigued by the different ways that each artist approaches this practice.

Lochhead explained that the exhibit includes local, national and international artists, and some have ties to SIUE like Jessica Hunt, a second year MFA candidate in sculpture at SIUE and SIUE alumni Joanna Hoge, who currently resides in Colorado.

Lochhead spoke about the sketchbook of Canadian Artist Pascale Girardin. Pascale Girardin does a lot of installation work using ceramics. I absolutely love having the experience of looking through Girardins sketchbook because it has been fascinating to see how she approaches her ideas concerning form in a two dimensional format, she said.

Elliot Cowan, another artist in the show, is a celebrated animator and film maker. He is originally from Australia but resides in New York. I originally fell in love with his series, 'The Stressful Adventures of Boxhead & Roundhead.' I have always felt drawn to the humor and whimsical nature that he even imbues in line work at times, Lochhead noted.

Another artist in the exhibit is Courtney Jordan. Jordan approaches space in an incredibly fascinating way. I was really drawn to seeking out a sketchbook from her because I was interested in the possible correlation between traveling sketchbooks and her work, which is so rooted in space and environment, Lochhead explained. Sketchbooks are so mobile and durable that they often take on characteristics of the architecture and culture of the places that they go when theyre used for travel.

In the Raw: The Sketchbook Considered runs from April 28 to May 19. The EAC is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Concurrently in the DeToye Student Gallery will be the work of SIUE BFA Alumnus Alanna White: Synodic Impressions.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - The room was full of strangers, but they had a common purpose. The retired pastors who cut their teeth on the civil rights movement. The sociology professor from a local college. The grandmother of three who showed up despite having recently suffered a stroke.

"We know the Democratic majority can win if we get people to the polls," said a woman standing in front.

"There's a great number of Republicans who are sick to their stomachs as well," said a 65-year-old retired consultant. "Don't discount them."

"Frankly, there are a lot of people, Democrats, who are not paying attention," lamented a man next to him.

Kimberly Anne Tucker sat and listened. A few months ago, she was like them, with a sinking feeling about a country that had elected Donald Trump to the presidency and an urge to do something about it. One night after Trump's inauguration, after watching "The Rachel Maddow Show," she opened her laptop and signed on to lead Indivisible 757, the southeastern-Virginia branch of a new national group opposed to Trump.

Within weeks, the group swelled to 2,500 members. They started staging protests at the Virginia Beach Town Center and had a candlelight vigil for the Affordable Care Act outside their Republican congressman's office. A sister organization, HOPE, popped up to support local refugees and immigrants. Several smaller breakout groups followed, including this one, which brought 20 people out on a rainy Sunday afternoon to plot ways to push this coastal Virginia region to be more blue.

The work has given Tucker, 50, a retired teacher and school administrator who a few months ago was focused on raising her 18-month-old granddaughter, a way to channel her concerns.

"Of course, part of our agenda is increasing voter engagement," she said. "But we just never, ever, will turn away from our primary responsibility of resistance to Trump."

One hundred days after Trump took office, the resistance efforts that grabbed headlines in the form of massive women-led marches across the country the day after the inauguration have settled into something less visible but perhaps much broader.

The resistance has been mounted on a number of fronts, by venerable organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood, as well as upstarts such as the Indivisible Project and the Women's March. Many U.S. cities have pledged to remain "sanctuaries" for people living in the country illegally despite President Trump's threat to withhold federal grants from those cities, and states such as Hawaii and Maryland have filed lawsuits over his executive order seeking to ban travelers from some Muslim-majority countries.

The foot soldiers are the men and women who have joined thousands of groups such as Indivisible 757 that have formed nationwide, from Virginia Beach to Orange County, California.

It is unclear whether this nascent Democratic movement can maintain enough momentum to create change as effectively as tea party conservatives did after Barack Obama's election. That movement, which grew out of conservative outrage, pushed the GOP to the right and laid the groundwork for Trump's victory.

Liberals seeking to build a similar power base face different challenges. They remain fractured after the election, some still identifying as supporters of Hillary Clinton or her foe in the Democratic primary, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. They argue over ideological purity, such as whether there is space in the Democratic Party for opponents of abortion rights, for example.

Progressives have other structural challenges that make their task more difficult, particularly their concentration in big cities and university towns and their tendency to mobilize more for presidential elections than state and local ones.

But these newly energized activists say they are well aware of the hurdles. They hope to avoid them by remaining engaged beyond the presidential level and becoming well versed in the minutiae of the democratic and political processes.

"We're not in a position anymore where people of mild intelligence and reasonable interest in the political system . . . can just read the newspaper and vote and be done, figuring the people in charge will just take care of things," said Elizabeth Juviler, a commercial real estate broker and head of a resistance group in the New Jersey suburbs of New York. "There is no one in power who can take care of it any better than any of our friends or neighbors could do it."

So they send handwritten postcards to members of Congress, or cram into town hall meetings, or inundate them with phone calls to urge legislative action. Constituent pressure such as this led two Republican senators to abandon support for Trump's education secretary nominee, who was confirmed only when Vice President Mike Pence broke a Senate deadlock. It is also credited with leading a number of moderate Republicans to abandon support for the GOP replacement for the health-care law.

The Indivisible Project recently urged supporters to learn how to submit comments on proposed federal rules to roll back the Clean Air and Clean Water acts, an action meant to show a force of opposition as well as throw sand in the Environmental Protection Agency's gears.

"At one extreme you have mass protest. At the other extreme you have very targeted electoral work," said Beverly Gage, a Yale University history professor. "In between there is a huge political toolbox in this country, and probably if the movements are going to be effective, they are going to use all the tools and see which ones really work."

One advantage for liberals is that an outsize proportion of the Democratic Party is made up of women, and women are particularly adept at local organizing, said Theda Skocpol, a Harvard University political-science professor who has studied the tea party movement, which gained a significant push from women.

"They were baking the goods for the fundraising table. They were providing the local leadership. That's what it's always been like in civic engagement," Skocpol said. "On the Democratic side, you're going to see that even more because Democrats are disproportionately women."

For Tucker's group, the goal is concrete, because Virginia - a purple state that narrowly backed Clinton in the presidential election - is one of only two states holding a full slate of elections this year. So on Sunday, a Virginia Beach contingent of Indivisible 757, named for the local area code, gathered in a member's living room to plot how a Democrat might be able to beat Del. Jason S. Miyares, R, in November's state legislative election.

It will be an uphill battle. Trump won this Republican-leaning House of Delegates district with 55 percent of the vote; it has been in Republican hands since at least the 1980s. But the group was heartened about prospects in Congress after strong showings by Democrats in recent special elections in the deep-red states of Georgia and Kansas. Group members were optimistic that they could make headway by coaxing some of their Republican neighbors to their side and mounting a robust get-out-the-vote campaign.

But the challenges were on display, too. Some lamented that there aren't more young people in the group, which leans heavily in the direction of retirees who are already active in Democratic organizations. Others grumbled that the Democratic Party's failings paved the way for Trump's victory.

And it didn't take long for the Sanders-Clinton feuding to begin. Mike Callahan, 65, a retired consultant and a Sanders supporter, railed about Bill and Hillary Clinton's Wall Street ties and what he saw as the Democratic establishment's abandonment of working people.

"I get it. It's all about the money for some people," Susan Rooney, 59, a real estate agent, shot back. "No rights matter unless women's rights are included. . . . Bernie Sanders, he's not real strong on women's issues."

Tucker tried to get the neighbors to focus on their common ground. "It's about unity," she told them.

Someone asked whether it made sense to schedule a follow-up meeting in May.

"Yes!" Rooney said. "We were just getting something started here."

---

Video: In February, The Washington Post followed a Syrian family's journey to the United States after President Trump signed his first travel ban. We returned to New Jersey to see how the Khoja family was doing as the country marks the president's first 100 days. (Video: Dalton Bennett/Photo: Dalton Bennett/The Washington Post)

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WASHINGTON - As President Donald Trump passes the 100-day mark of his administration, House Republicans should be starting to worry about next year's midterm elections.

The midterms are a referendum on the presidency, and preliminary signs point to problems for the party in power unless things change.

Trump's approval ratings, which started low, haven't budged. He's in negative territory, with an approval rating of just 43 percent and a disapproval rating of 52 percent, according to the RealClearPolitics average. That's a zone of negativity that, if history holds, could put the GOP's current House majority in jeopardy in 2018.

Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama all had approval ratings in the low-to-mid 40s at the time of the first midterm elections of their presidencies. Their parties all suffered substantial losses. Reagan was at 42 percent in 1982 and Republicans lost 26 seats. Clinton was at 46 percent in 1994 and his party lost 54 seats and control of the House for the first time in four decades. Obama was at 45 percent and Democrats lost 63 seats and, again, control of the House.

Trump got no honeymoon after the contentious 2016 election. He started his presidency less popular than any president in the history of polling. At the 100-day mark, his approval rating is lower than any past president since polling began. He has governed in a way that has cost him little-to-nothing among the voters who put him in office, but in ways that have not allowed him to expand his support or his appeal. Republican elected officials should hope that something changes.

What's particularly worrisome for Republicans is another pattern about presidential approval: Most presidents who have governed in the modern era have seen their approval ratings slide between the 100-day mark and the subsequent midterm election 18 months later.

Former presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush are exceptions to this pattern, aided by external events. The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, boosted Bush 43 and Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990 and the subsequent buildup ahead of the Persian Gulf War boosted Bush 41.

Trump's troubles aside, House Republicans, themselves, have done little to demonstrate they are ready and able to be a successful governing party. The rolling mess with attempts to replace the Affordable Care Act has been more sitcom than serious governing. One attempt to get a vote on the bill failed badly. Last week, White House officials pushed and pushed for a vote ahead of the 100-day marker. House leaders, rightly wary of another failure in prime time, resisted.

That situation could change: The House could find a compromise measure that brings enough consensus to pass. But the absence of an agreement after weeks of negotiations suggests that enough Republicans fear the political consequences of supporting a measure that likely will result in millions of fewer Americans having insurance and less coverage for some who do.

Nor are there other apparent easy victories ahead. Trump's budget calls for substantial increases in defense spending, offset by big cuts in many domestic programs and parts of the State Department. The president likely will get his money for defense, but even many Republicans are rebelling at cutting some of those domestic programs.

Then there is the big tax plan the president's team presented last week.

Trump talked repeatedly about taxes during his campaign and twice put out proposals to cut corporate and individual rates. And his advisers have had months to prepare a detailed plan, along with the customary documentation that shows how the changes would impact individual families, whether the president's or the average middle-class family.

But the plan presented consists of a one-page sheet of paper with broad outlines and equivocal promises. And while Trump's team has pledged tax relief for middle- and lower-middle class families, the outlines suggest the wealthy will benefit more. The tax team still has considerable number-crunching and calibration to make good the promise.

And while the Republican Party has long stood for deficit reduction, the guidelines indicate that Trump's proposals would result in another big imbalance. Months of work lie ahead, with no guaranteed outcome.

This is perhaps a glass-half-empty look at the state of things for the Republicans, and it is by no means the only scenario that could unfold. The president and his party have months to overcome the limitations and setbacks of the first months of this year.

They could pass health-care reforms. They could pass a big tax bill. Their scorecard could look substantially better ahead of the midterms than it does now.

The president could also defy conventional metrics, as he did during the campaign. He is, after all, anything but a typical politician. On Election Day, 6 in 10 Americans said he was not qualified to be president. More than 6 in 10 said he did not have the temperament to serve as president. Yet enough of them voted for him to make him the winner over Hillary Clinton.

Working to the Republicans' advantage are the structural realities in a divided America.

The Cook Political Report's latest assessment of House races lists just six in the toss-up category, three Republican seats and three Democratic seats. Another 10 Republican-held seats are considered soft, along with seven Democratic-held seats. All that can change with events, but the starting point is a reminder of the degree to which competitive districts have continued to disappear.

Earlier this month, the Cook report's David Wasserman and Ally Flinn produced the latest index of partisanship of all 435 congressional districts. This is a biennial report that dates back two decades. The most striking finding, well highlighted by others, is the staggering decline in swing districts. In 1997, there were 164 swing districts. In the new analysis, there are just 72.

The House is currently sorted in a deeply partisan way. Trump won 230 congressional districts last November and Clinton won the other 205. Just 35 districts voted one way for president and another way in the House race. Of those 35 districts, Republicans hold 23 seats that went for Clinton and Democrats hold 12 that went for Trump.

The record low number of so-called crossover districts came after the 2012 election, when there were just 26. But a longer time horizon underscores the convergence of votes for president and the House district by district. During the 1990s, there were more than a hundred such districts that split the allegiance. That's another reminder that all politics is more national, less local.

Democrats have been heartened by results in two special elections this year. They lost the race in the 4th Congressional District in Kansas, but only by six points in a district Trump had won by 27 points and Mitt Romney won by 26 points in 2012. In Georgia's 6th District, Democrat Jon Ossoff came close to winning outright in the first round of voting in a district that Trump won by two points and Romney by 24 points. Still, Republican Karen Handel, who finished second in the first round, could win the runoff in June, leaving Democrats 0 for 2.

Democrats have done little affirmatively this year to help their cause. They are banking on Trump to keep their base energized. If he settles into his office and becomes more disciplined in style and conventional in policy, that could change the equation. For now, Republicans should assume they are tethered to the president's political standing. They and he should act accordingly.
Just a few days ago, hard line cleric Ebrahim Raisi was the contender to watch in the race to unseat Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. By the weekend, his candidacy was already in doubt.

In the harsh, fast-paced politicking typical of Iran's campaign season, Raisi's candidacy quickly foundered after his poor performance in a live television debate.

Six candidates approved by Iran's Guardian Council, a clerical oversight body, took the stage Friday in the first of three planned debates ahead of the May 19 election.

Debates have become a popular feature of the country's elections, drawing large audiences and producing some of the most memorable moments of recent campaigns. They can also make or break candidates in an election period that takes place over a period of just a few weeks.

Friday's debate, which was supposed to be focused on social issues, saw Rouhani, a moderate, face off against Raisi, a powerful cleric; the hard line mayor of Tehran, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf; a conservative former culture minister, Mostafa Mirsalim; Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a moderate and reformist; and former vice president Mostafa Hashemitaba, also a reformist.

Raisi, a potential successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the nation's supreme leader, and favorite among the conservative camp, kept a very low profile and made little impact, observers said.

He spoke broadly about boosting cash subsidies for the poor, attempting to harness the populist message of former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad - but with much less charisma.

But Raisi "doesn't seem to have what it takes to perform well in the Islamic Republic's tricky political arena," Arash Azizi, a history student and Iran watcher, wrote at IranWire, a portal for Iranian journalists living abroad.

"He didn't offer a compelling, a coherent alternative to Rouhani," Azizi wrote. Raisi "was the evening's main loser, and this left open the question of who will now be the main challenger to Rouhani's candidacy."

Iranian presidents are almost guaranteed second terms, in a country where the supreme leader still dictates foreign and military policy. But Rouhani, who has been president since 2013, has been criticized for his strategy of diplomacy with the West in exchange for foreign investment - he presided over Iran's negotiation of a nuclear deal with world powers, agreeing to limit the country's nuclear program for international sanctions relief - which has failed to improve the lives of ordinary Iranians.

It was clear during the debate whom Rouhani saw as his primary rival in the debate - and it wasn't Raisi, despite the latter's backing from the religious establishment. Along with his first vice president, Jahangiri, Rouhani went on the offensive against Ghalibaf, the conservative, scandal-prone mayor of Tehran.

Ghalibaf lost to Rouhani in the last election, and he has been accused of corruption during his time as mayor. But Ghalibaf showed himself to be an impressive debater and, also tapping into populist rhetoric, accused the Rouhani administration of "not living among the people."

But Rouhani and Jahangiri fired back.

Jahangiri acted as Rouhani's attack dog, confronting Ghalibaf on everything from his past as Iran's police chief to poor garbage collection in Tehran.

"Mr. Ghalibaf is the mayor of Tehran," Jahangiri said, but "he speaks like he is in charge of the whole country."

Jahangiri's performance drew praise among Iranians on social media Friday, and he was widely seen as the winner of the debate. But according to analysts, the vice president is expected to withdraw from the race in favor of his boss.

The president's own debate skills were also well received Friday night.

"If it wasn't for this government," Rouhani said, "even our friends here today couldn't have campaigned on the Internet."
Investigators arrested Wednesday three more suspects in connection with the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old Freeport boy.

The suspects -- Freeport residents Leslie Jaime, 35, and 13-year-old and 14-year-old boys -- are accused of stealing firearms from a building in the city of Jones Creek, one of which was later used in the shooting and killing of 14-year-old Juan Borja.
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A Texas high school student is facing charges after allegedly peeing in his teacher's drinking cup.

The cruel prank took place in Moody, Texas, a small town Southwest of Waco.

According to KTWX, the teacher asked the student to refill her drinking cup at a water fountain.

Another student who was going to the bathroom saw the accused student enter the restroom instead.

REPORT: Ex-Texas kindergarten teacher had sex with 4 high school students, 2 at the same time

According to Moody Police Chief Roger Kennedy, when the 16-year-old returned to the classroom, he handed the teacher her pink Yeti cup and asked her "how far she would go and what she would drink if she was out somewhere trying to survive."

After taking a few sips from the drink and noting the water tasted funny, she poured out the liquid.

Local authorities have charged the student with assault on a public servant, harassment of a public servant and obstruction/retaliation.

RACIST AD: Florida high school student posts Craigslist ad selling "slave" classmates

Moody High School Superintendent Gary Martel told KTWX that students "students will make poor decisions at times" and that the school will "follow district policy so there are consequences and punitive results for those who choose to make bad decisions at school."

Click through above to see strange reasons that students got suspended.
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They came with flower crowns and cowboy hats, Spurs gear and sunscreen. They brought their grills, smokers, coolers, chairs, spritzer bottles and cash to exchange for tacos, beer, funnel cakes and chicken-on-a-stick.

San Antonio celebrated the historic Battle of the Flowers parade on Friday in ways as diverse as the estimated 350,000 people who lined the downtown route.

Crowds were so thick at the beginning of the parade that the grand marshal almost missed the kick-off, parade publicist John Bloodsworth said.

Father David Garcia, the well-known Catholic priest and administrator of Mission Concepcion, was aboard a bus caught in the throngs of traffic and people. Garcia was due to meet parade chair Susan Altgelt to cut a ribbon and start the festivities.

RELATED: 'I just went into action': Heat overtakes parade

We were like, Oh my gosh, wheres Father David? Bloodsworth said. The traffic was so unbelievable that they couldnt find him.

Eventually, the bus driver found a path through the masses in a way that looked like Moses and the parting of the Red Sea, Bloodsworth said. It headed straight up the parade route on Broadway, dropping off Father Garcia just in time to cut the ribbon about 12:20 p.m., he said.

With the parade under way, the heat and humidity grew intense. The Metropolitan Health District had issued a warning that the heat index could reach between 90 and 108 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday and Saturday.

Indeed, the heat index read 92 degrees by 3 p.m., according to the National Weather Service, and climbed after that.

Many people sought shade under highway overpasses and awnings. Yvonne Saenz, Cindy Porter and Geri Hollinger found some under their wide-brimmed hats festooned with colorful paper flowers.

This were all repurposed decorations, said Porter, who made them.

RELATED: Photos: College night riles up NIOSA 2017

Saenz said the groups Fiesta traditions go back at least 15 years. Every year, the group rents an empty lot on Broadway for two full days. The arrangement gets them front-row seats for the Battle of the Flowers and Fiesta Flambeau parades with room for accessories.

We have the grill, we have all the barbecue, we have all the beer, we have everything, Saenz said.

Others had a harder time keeping cool. As Felicia Eskew walked down Broadway toward East Jones, she noticed Samantha Garcia, 36, wobbling at one of the toy stands. Then, she saw Garcia collapse onto the ground. Eskew dropped her phone, rushed to Garcias side and stuffed ice from a nearby cooler under Garcias neck.

I just went into action, Eskew said. I just threw everything down. Everything else is replaceable, shes not.

Garcia had become dehydrated after a late night and fainted, her toy stand coworker Manuel Abrego said. Police and a Texas State guardsman rushed in and took her to a cooling station in a bus a few blocks away.

Garcia returned to the toy stand after 30 minutes.

It was freezing! she said. I wanted to go back outside.

Garcia said the lesson is to eat and drink water.

That heat will get you, she said.

Apparently, people heeded the warning. One female Guardsman at a first aid station at Broadway and Newell Avenue said she had to assist a few people, but they had cuts and scrapes.

For local churches and charity groups, the Battle of the Flowers is a crucial fundraising event.

It was hard to miss Matthew Garcia, pastor of Fortress Church. Clad in a florescent-yellow road vest and a lime green cap, Garcia walked the sidewalks on Broadway in search of those who need last-minute tickets for a place to watch the parade.

The church bought 4,000 tickets at $5 each from the Fiesta parade commission at the beginning of the year. The church also pays a rental company $2 per chair. They can then sell each ticket for up to $12.

Four-year-old Tressa had a front-row seat, thanks to a partnership between Battle of Flowers and Wave Healthcare, which provides Tressa with the medical equipment she needs to eat and breathe easier.

Tressa was born more than three months prematurely and still has trouble breathing and swallowing.

Wave Healthcare sponsored the fifth annual Battle of Flowers Children's Pre-Parade Picnic this year, which provided more than 200 lunches, donated by Cane's Chicken Fingers, to special needs children and their family members.

Wave Healthcare also reserved seats for the children and their families on the ground so they could watch the parade.

The last time I was here, I was pregnant with her, said Tressa's mother, Dolores Mendoza.

As the crowds dispersed, clean-up crews moved in to prepare for tonights lighted Fiesta Flambeau Parade. A word of warning: the end might overlap with a rainstorm.

bgibbons@express-news.net


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Barely a month since news broke over the impending closure of its Ulster Bank, Edgeworthstown business owners are hoping to fill that void with the expansion of a fully operational credit union, writes Liam Cosgrove.

Traders, in conjunction with Longford Credit Union, have dispatched surveys to every single home in the area to establish what interest, if any, exists for the service.

It comes almost five weeks to the day since locals learned that the towns Ulster Bank branch would be closing after a century long association with the town.

Local Councillor Paul Ross said ratepayers were anxious to try and offset the looming closure with some form of financial service remaining in the area.

They want to see if there is a market for a fully staffed credit union, he said, prior to urging homeowners to return completed forms ahead of this Fridays deadline.

At the moment, local credit union members can avail of a sub office at weekends in which to carry out their various banking requirements.

In most instances, members of the credit union are helped with making deposits to their banks with free electronic transfers, on the understanding that they could go back to the credit union when they need a loan.

Along with making lodgements to a bank account, members can also use their debit cards in the credit union, services which has seen credit unions loan books grow.

The surveys themselves, carried in Longford Credit Union headed paper, ask recipients whether they feel a two hour weekly service adequately meets their financial needs.

At the moment the sub office that is there opens on a Saturday but the traders are hoping to expand that to a full six day a week credit union if the demand is there, added Cllr Ross.

The Fine Gael representative said that demand could invariably grow amid recent talk over suggestions the credit union movement was on the cusp of entering Irelands mortgage market.

Cllr Ross also told of the additional unease traders were currently feeling.

They are very worried abiut the future of teh ATM, he said.

It's a major issue in the town. It's not good enough if it is pawned off to someone else. They want to retain the ATM.

As such, Cllr Ross called on locals to return their completed forms to J&M Gift Store (John Farrell's), Main Street, Edgewsorthstown or Longford Credit Union's offices, Longford town by this Friday (April 28) at the latest.
Culture / Art Republik

Owned by a family over generations and examined for its value only recently, Portrait of A Girl is believed to be an early work of Las Meninas painter

Apr 29, 2017 | By AFP Relaxnews

The Portrait of A Girl, which portrays a young girl with large, sad eyes, her hands held together as if in prayer, is believed to be an early work by Sevillian artist Diego Velazquez. Velazquez is best known for his masterpiece Las Meninas, on display in Madrids Prado Museum.

It is believed to have been painted by Velazquez around 1616 or 1617, when the artist was only 17 or 18 years old and still living in the southern Spanish city of Seville, the auction house said. It had been in the same family for several generations but had never been properly analysed until the owner decided to sell it.

Richard de Willermin, a specialist on 17th century Spanish art who collaborates with the auction house, examined the small oil on canvas painting and concluded it was by Velazquez. Specialists at the Prado Museum have also looked at the painting, but the museum has not commented publicly as it never gives any opinion about works that are not part of its own collection.

The paintings starting price had been eight million euros (USD 8.7 million), Abalarte said, but there was no higher bidding.

The identity of the buyer was not revealed, but the painting is banned from leaving the country by order of the government, which prohibits any work that could be part of Spains heritage from being taken abroad.

A slow and meticulous worker, Velazquez is thought to have painted fewer than 200 works in his entire career. About 120 survive to this day, roughly half of them in the Prado.
Chartering in the Maldives and Seychelles this year, the 59 metre Benetti Meamina is an elegant, contemporary yacht. A fully equipped, action-packed vessel, she is a popular choice for families too, and is using Yacht Carbon Offsets to counter the greenhouse gas impact of fuel used.

Former Captain Steve Barker explains that this involves matching the greenhouse gas emissions from her engines and generators, ton for ton, with equivalent reductions from verified green energy projects. Meamina is now operating in a more environmentally responsible way, he says of the owners 2014 decision.

Without compromising our very high standards, we have also re-evaluated many areas of daily operations, behind the scenes, and worked out ways to provide greener choices to guests on board. Though we always seek to be fuel efficient, the fuel demands of a powerful, luxurious yacht like Meamina are vast. So it is great that we can respond effectively and economically to her greenhouse gas impact with Yacht Carbon Offset Limited.

This company, based in Londons Mayfair, provides a fully- documented service for superyacht owners, and has Lloyds Register Quality Assurance Certification. Says their Mark Robinson: We were delighted to welcome Meamina, and to help counteract her carbon footprint. This is increasingly important to many owners and charterers, especially those that are high profile, or who are concerned about the impact that their lifestyle may have on the climate.

Meamina used a Gold Standard renewable energy project in Turkey for her initial carbon offset program. This venture was dependent on carbon funding, so Meaminas action made a real difference. It is lovely to work with this beautiful yacht, and we thank all on board for their decision to proceed. More information can be found at yachtcarbonoffset.com.

Launched in 2009, Meamina is a full displacement motor yacht with a steel hull and aluminum topsides. Naval architecture is by Benetti, exterior lines by their Stefano Natucci, and Studio Massari took care of the interior design. The layout sleeps 12 guests in an immaculate master suite, an upper deck VIP stateroom, two double cabins and two twins. Up to 15 crew can be carried, including two world-class chefs and a qualified masseuse.
Washington : In yet another provocative behaviour, Pyongyang fired a ballistic missile but it did not leave North Korean territory, the Pentagon has confirmed, terming it as a failed attempt. The US Pacific Command detected what we assess was a North Korean missile launch at 10:33 AM Hawaii time APR 28. The ballistic missile launch occurred near the Pukchang airfield," Dave Benham, PACOM spokesman said in a statement.

"The missile did not leave North Korean territory," Benham said.

The North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) determined the missile launch from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America, he said. "US Pacific Command stands behind our steadfast commitment to the security of our allies in the Republic of Korea and Japan," Benham said. According to reports, the missile was likely a medium- range KN-17 ballistic missile. PTI
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*The content contained in this article represents only the opinions and viewpoints of the Fisher Investments editorial staff.
MARTINSVILLELaw enforcement agencies are investigating a case that started as a driver attempting to avoid a traffic check and ended with one person dead.

On Thursday night, the Martinsville Police Department had a traffic check set up in the area of Clearview and Royal Drive. This came after citizens had raised concerns about issues in the area.

About 9:30 p.m., two officers were headed to the checkpoint when they saw a white Ford Mustang make an illegal U-turn, striking the curb on Clearview Drive and then taking off at a high rate of speed.

Officers followed behind the Mustang with lights and sirens activated for about two miles, with speeds reaching 85 mph at times. Eventually, the chase went into the area of Beaver Creek Industrial Park, where they lost sight of the vehicle on Barrows Mill Road. About 20 minutes later, other Martinsville officers located the car, which was unoccupied, over an embankment at the intersection of Nautica Way and Beaver Creek Drive.

As additional units from Martinsville Police, State Police and the Henry County Sheriffs Office headed to the scene, officers heard what appeared to be a single gunshot in the wooded area about 150 yards from the Mustang. They established a perimeter and within a short time, law enforcement moved in with a K-9 officer, thermal imaging and appropriate tactical gear. As they approached, they observed what appeared to be a man who had died from a single gunshot wound.

The body of that man, identified as 37-year-old Brian ONeal Niblett, has been taken to the Roanoke Medical Examiners office for an autopsy. A search of the area also located money and a bag containing what appeared to be narcotics, as well as ammunition and a gun.

The Henry County Sheriffs Office is handling the investigation as it relates to the scene in the wooded area and the recovered vehicle. Virginia State Police is handling the crash investigation, while the Martinsville Police Department is handling the pursuit investigation. The Mustang has also been impounded.

Anyone having information pertaining to this incident is asked to contact the Henry County Sheriffs Office at 638-8751 or the Crimestoppers Program at 63-CRIME (632-7463). The Crimestoppers Program offers rewards up to $2,500 for information related to crime. The nature of the crime and the substance of the information determine the amount of reward paid.
Dumthing.jpg

Pictured left to right: Guadalupe Alvarez (Tenoch Mexican Food Corp.), Jasper Dopman, Erik Dopman, Alvaro Sandoval (Owner - Tenoch Mexican Food Corp.) and Chief Frederick Ryan.

(Arlington Police Department)

ARLINGTON - After finding a bag containing over $2,000 on the street in Arlington, Massachusetts, a local six-year-old boy and his father turned the money over to law enforcement. Now the father and son are being honored by police for having exhibited "good citizenship."

Jasper Dopman, a first grader at Thompson Elementary School in Arlington, and his father, Erik, were walking on Medford street on Tuesday when they spotted a cloth bag lying on the ground. After investigating, the two discovered they had found a bank bag containing thousands of dollars in deposit slips and cash. Erik contacted the Arlington Police Department and turned over the money.

Police quickly discovered that an employee with Tenoch Mexican Food Corporation--a company with restaurants in Boston, Somerville, and Medford--had lost the bag, and police returned the money to its owners.

As a result of turning the money in, the father and son were invited to the Arlington Police Department on Wednesday, where they were awarded the "Outstanding Citizenship" awards by police. Jasper and Erik also got to meet with Alvaro Sandoval, the owner of Tenoch Mexican Food Corp.

"This situation shows the very definition of good citizenship. Jasper and his dad, Erik, demonstrated what it means to be part of a community by returning missing money to its rightful owner, and Erik imparted an extremely valuable lesson on his son," Chief Ryan.

"It is hard to imagine the panic and fear that sets in when someone loses a large amount of money for their employer. Jasper and Erik did the right thing, and I commend their actions in returning the missing money."
BRIDGEPORT, CONN.  An infant boy found unresponsive Monday, and who died Tuesday did not die of natural causes, the state's Chief Medical Examiner said Friday, it is a homicide, the Connecticut Post reported.

The infant boy was found unresponsive Monday and was taken to Bridgeport Hospital. He was later transferred to Yale-New Haven Hospital where he died during the day Tuesday. An autopsy was conducted Wednesday.

The death marks the city's eighth homicide of the year.

Police said the investigation into the boy's death is ongoing, and police are conducting interviews with potential witnesses.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bridgeport Police 24-hour, anonymous tipline at 203-576-8477.
Connecticut State Police badge.jpg

DANBURY, CONN. -- A 40-year-old Danbury man was killed in a late Friday wrong-way crash on Interstate 84, Connecticut State Police said Saturday.

Marcos Ramon Chillogalli was reportedly traveling east in the westbound lanes of the highway around 10:45 p.m. when he struck a westbound vehicle near Exit 3, according to the Hartford Courant.

Chillogalli died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash, the newspaper reported. Julio Mafort, a Danbury resident who was driving the other vehicle, was transported to Danbury Hospital with serious injuries.

Both drivers appeared to have been wearing their seatbelts, according to the Courant.

Connecticut State Police are asking anyone with information related to the crash to contact the department at 203-267-2200 ext. 4306.
"For small to medium to national organizations, for events and fundraisers of any size, in any format  live, virtual or hybrid  the platform is built for scale."


Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.
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The Center for Phage Technology at Texas A&M University

AmpliPhi, a biotech company that specialized in therapies using bacteriophages

A research team led by Dr. Forest Rowher from the San Diego State University

Resistance to the antibiotics, like in this case, could occur.

These antibiotics could eliminate all gut bacteria, hampering the digestive process and providing a substrate for growth of potentially harmful bacteria.

The drugs could interact with multiple tissues and cause damage, which lead to side effects.

The bacteriophages that are used are specific to certain strains of bacteria and will not affect the other organisms present.

The risk of infecting other tissues in the body is minimal and no known side effects have been identified.

They are effective against the bacteria and will grow and multiply in their presence.

According to the, antibiotic resistant microbes are one of the greatest threats to global health, development, as well as for food security. It is estimated that antibiotic resistant strains of micro-organisms will result in the death of at leastby 2050.The first author of the study, Dr. Robert Schooley said, that the patient, Tom, was in a very critical stage and the scientists approached the FDA for approval to treat the patient with bacteriophages. This is the first known case of a patient being treated using intravenous injection of bacteriophages.Dr. Tom Patterson, PhD, from UC San Diego School of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry, contracted an infection while on a holiday in Egypt, which led to pain, a racing heartbeat, vomiting and nausea. His condition was diagnosed as pancreatitis and his condition became worse as the therapeutic measures used did not offer a cure. A pancreatic pseudocyst was identified and when the fluid was cultured, it was found that Dr. Patterson was infected with a multidrug-resistant strain ofDrugs that were used for treatment includedThe bacterial isolate that had infected Dr. Patterson was found to be resistant to all these antibiotics. He developed septic shock as the infection spread and was on the verge of entering into a coma.Dr. Patterson's wife Dr. Strathdee is the Director of UC San Diego Global Health Institute and has worked to reduce HIV infection and mortality rates from Afghanistan and India to Mexico.An estimated 1031 bacteriophages exist and every phage has evolved to infect a specific strain of bacteria. They do not infect the other cells in an organism.Three separate teams of scientists developed purified phage samples which could be used for therapyNormally phage therapy is administered orally but as they were meant to address a complex infection, they were introduced into Dr. Patterson intravenously who woke up from hiswithin 3 days.Initially, the doctors had been worried about the toxicity caused due to the endotoxins secreted by the bacteriophages. However, there were no adverse reactions to the therapy.The bacteria that infected Dr. Patterson developed resistance to the strain of phage that was used initially but the scientists altered the phage strains, some of them isolated from sewers, to improve treatment. Dr. Patterson was completely cleared ofafter a few months of treatment and was discharged from the hospital.Dr. Patterson lost a lot of weight post treatment, as he had been on intravenous fluid for many months. These effects were not associated with the phage therapy but physical therapy was required to help regain strength.In phage therapy, every individual would require phage cocktails based on the specific strains of organisms present, unlike antibiotics. This will pave the way for personalized medicine.In the use of traditional antibiotics, the following disadvantages could occurBacteriophages have been studied for many years but there have been no reports of anaphylaxis. Moreover, there have been reports of a positive impact on the immune system of the host due to the bacteriophages.Multidrug resistant strains of bacteria have the potential of leading to large scale infections, however, the potential use of bacteriophages in the treatment of such bacteria could be used to control the spread of such infections.Source: Medindia
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Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritisy - (https://patient.info/doctor/juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis-pro) A. V. Ramanan et al. Adalimumab plus Methotrexate for Uveitis in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. The New England Journal of Medicine; (2017) DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1614160

In the U.K, around 1-2 per 1,000 children are said to be affected with auto-immune disease JIA, an incidence of 1 per 10,000. Females are more affected by the condition.A total of 150,000 children and adolescents have JIA.This condition causes many serious complications including uveitis, inflammation of the middle layer of the eyes, which can eventually lead to blindness. In the U.K, over one-third or 5,000 children and adolescents with JIA are likely to develop uveitis.The findings from this first major trial are a major step forward for children with JIA.Stephen Simpson, director of research and programs at Arthritis Research UK, said: "We are thrilled of the outcome of this trial and the huge promise it heralds for transforming the quality of life for the large numbers of children with JIA-associated uveitis. This trial is an impressive example of how investing in exceptional science can ultimately help change how treatment is delivered with direct and immediate benefit for patients."The Co-Chief Investigators of the trail included Professors Michael Beresford and A. V. Ramanan, and colleagues from across the UK.A randomized, placebo controlled trial on review of 90 of the target 149 patients with JIA-associated uveitis was conducted.A drug called Adalimumab, in combination with Methotrexate, was found to be effective in children and adolescents with JIA-associated uveitis. Around 75% of the children treated with Adalimumab experienced a significant reduction in eye inflammation.The group that used the drug had a significantly lower risk of treatment failure than the placebo group.NHS England has approved the use of Adalimumab in children with uveitis that threatens their sight, and for whom other treatments have proven ineffective.Professor Beresford from University of Liverpool's Institute of Translational Medicine and Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust said "This landmark trial has demonstrated the commitment and leadership of colleagues across the UK in working closely with patients and parents in tackling a key priority of finding the very best way of caring for children with arthritis and this serious problem of uveitis."It has shown the UK to be extremely well placed to deliver challenging trials in children, with the support of the NIHR Clinical Research Network and networks that are in place across the UK." Professor Beresford added.Professor Ramanan from University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol said, "Uveitis in children is an important cause of loss of vision. This study demonstrates the benefit of Adalimumab in children with uveitis. This is the first randomised trial of its kind worldwide and the results will have a major impact in children with uveitis all around the world."The drug therapy has already been approved for use and the study is published today inSource: Medindia
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Previous research has shown that low levels of physical activity in childhood can track into adulthood, suggesting that we should be doing more to ensure children keep active throughout their younger lives.In the study, published today in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, the researchers tracked the physical activity levels of 1,300 children in Year 1, aged 5-6, over a week.To track the children, the team used an accelerometer, a smart device which gives an accurate measurement of movement. They then tracked the same children three years later, when they were in Year 4 (aged 8-9), and compared the results.The levels of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity dropped by four per cent in boys, and eleven per cent in girls, but even more worryingly the sedentary time increased by 20 per cent in boys and 23 per cent in girls.Further examination of the data showed that 62.3 per cent of boys and 35 per cent of girls met the CMO's recommendation of an hour per day in Year 4, compared with 72.5 per cent and 53.7 per cent respectively in Year 1.Professor Russ Jago, Professor of Paediatric Physical Activity and Public Health at the University of Bristol, who led the study, said: "The results show a clear need to find ways to help children to be active throughout the primary school years. We need to get children active and then keep them active as they move through primary school."To help us to do this we need to find the activities that children enjoy and foster as many opportunities within and outside of school to take part in activity across the day."Source: Eurekalert
Yep, you read that right. Yes, theres an American Beer called Bengali. Just like how we call people form Bengal, Bengalis. The reason why its called that is not that hard to guess. The beer was first produced in the year 2004 and was initially called the Bengali Tiger. The beer was called so because the pale-ales colour reminded the brewers of the world famous Bengal Tiger.

(c) Twitter

In 2014 though, the name was slashed to only Bengali. The good news is that Bengalis IPA is soaring and subsequently, so is its popularity. IPA is known for deciding the credibility of a brand and the rise in the ratings, which means that Sixpoint, Bengalis premier manufacturer, is a great brand. Thats the power of Indian stuff, we say!

(c) Twitter

Even if its just a name, we can be sure that once it comes to India, well be guzzling it down like the true patriots we are!

(c) Twitter
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MASON CITY | The City Council will be asked Tuesday night to help launch a community bike share program that will provide access to bike transportation for people throughout the community.

The program is administered through Koloni Share of Pocahontas and involves the rental and use of bicycles with bike racks placed in convenient areas. A security system allows for locking and unlocking of bikes as users change hands.

A full presentation on the program will be given at the Park Board meeting Monday night. It is endorsed by Blue Zones as a healthy community project and is being recommended by the city's Active Living and Transportation Commission.

The City Council will be asked to support the program and act as fiscal agent to accept donations to fund and facilitate the purchases of the bikes and bike racks and to approve the placement of one bike rack under the canopy at City Hall.

The program is touted as one that provides a low-cost option to public transportation; helps reduce infrastructure investments; reduces traffic congestion, decreases air pollution and improves the health of the community.

In other business Tuesday, the council will hear and update on the River City Renaissance project that includes the proposed Gatehouse hotel project with its connection to The Music Man Square.

The council meets at 7 p.m. in the Mason City Room of the public library.
Overfishing is, in some sense, a rational reaction to increasing market needs for fish. Most people consume approximately twice as much fish as they did 50 years ago and there are four times as many people on earth as there were at the!-->
CLEAR LAKE | The Road to Sonship will take place Aug. 2-5 at Agape Christian Family Church.

This Sonship School is for men and women. Topics include Understanding an Orphan Heart, The Heart of a Son or Daughter, Growing up as a Son or Daughter, and Being Right or Having a Relationship.
IRVINE, Calif., April 29, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Khang & Khang LLP (the Firm) announces a class action lawsuit against The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD or the Company) (NYSE:TD). Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares between December 3, 2015 and March 9, 2017 inclusive (the Class Period), are encouraged to contact the Firm in advance of the May 11, 2017 lead plaintiff motion deadline.



If you purchased TD shares during the Class Period, please contact Joon M. Khang, Esq., of Khang & Khang LLP, 18101 Von Karman Avenue, 3rd Floor, Irvine, CA 92612, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or by e-mail at joon@khanglaw.com.

There has been no class certification in this case. Until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. You may choose to take no action and remain a passive class member.

The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, TD made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: the Companys wealth asset growth and increased fee-based revenue was spurred by a performance management system that led to its employees breaking the law at their customers expense in order to meet sales targets; that TD illicitly increased customers' credit lines and overdraft protection amounts without their knowledge; that the Company illicitly upgraded customers to higher-fee accounts without their permission; that TD lied to customers about the risk of its products and services; and that as a result of the above, TDs public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. Upon release of this news, TDs stock price dropped materially, which harmed investors according to the Complaint.

If you wish to learn more about this lawsuit at no charge, or if you have any questions regarding this notice or your rights, please contact Joon M. Khang, a prominent litigator for almost two decades, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or by e-mail at joon@khanglaw.com.

This press release may constitute Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.
DELTA CHARTER TOWNSHIP  Oliver Township Supervisor Lawrence Krohn will continue to represent township officials in Huron and Tuscola Counties as District 14 director on the Michigan Townships Association (MTA) Board of Directors.

Krohn was reelected to the position by his township peers at a caucus election held during the associations annual Educational Conference & Expo in April at the Lansing Center.

Serving as a township official is in Krohns blood. His father served as Oliver Township supervisor for nearly three decades, from 1939 to 1967.

Krohn was first elected township trustee in 1981. He became supervisor in 1982.

He is a graduate of Central Michigan University, with a bachelors degree in secondary education.

He farms in the Elkton area, and is the third generation to run the family farm.

He previously served as secretary of the Huron County MTA Chapter, and is also involved in the Knights of Columbus.

In his role on the MTA Board, Krohn aims to help the association convey the message about the vital need for townships in the state. Relaying this message to the next generation of local leaders is of critical importance, according to Krohn.

Serving on a township board is both rewarding and challenging, Krohn said. I encourage the public to get involved in local government and help shape the future of the area in which they live.
Camp Lejeune Town Halls Aim to Help Those Exposed to Toxic Water. Heres How You Can Go.

Retired Marine Master Sgt. Jerry Ensminger made it his mission to tell the world that if they lived or served on Camp Lejeune...
North Korea test fired another missile while issuing more threats early Saturday in defiance of the U.S., China and the international community and despite the ongoing U.S. military buildup in the region.

Initial reports were conflicting on what type of missile was fired and whether the launch was a failure. A statement from South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said that a missile was launched from the vicinity of Pukchang in central North Korea at about 5:30 a.m. local time Saturday but "it is estimated to have failed."

Navy Cmdr. David Benham, a spokesman for U.S. Pacific Command, appeared to back up the South Korean estimate that the launch was a failure. He said in a statement that the missile "did not leave North Korean territory," suggesting that it broke up in flight."

Other reports said the missile appeared to be a North Korean version of a short or medium-range Scud missile, and that it flew 25-30 miles before splashing down off North Korea's east coast in the Sea of Japan.

A Pentagon official, citing U.S. Pacific Command, would only say that a launch had been detected in North Korea and that it "was not a threat to North America."

The U.S. and South Korea had feared a major North Korean provocation this month -- either missile tests or another underground nuclear test -- as Pyongyang marked two anniversaries. Hours after April 15, the 105th birthday of North Korean founder Kim Il-Sung, the regime of Kim Jong-un attempted a missile launch from Sinpo on the east coast but PaCom said the missile blew up shortly after liftoff.

South Korea had been bracing for another provocation on April 25, the 85th anniversary of North Korea's army. At the same time, North Korea was threatening nuclear attacks as the U.S. built up forces in the region.

The nuclear-powered U.S. submarine Michigan armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles arrived at the South Korean port of Busan earlier this week and the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson and its battle group was expected to be in Korean waters next week.

The North Korean missile launch Saturday came hours after Trump, in a Reuters interview, said that "There is a chance that we could end up having a major, major conflict with North Korea. Absolutely."

At the United Nations Friday, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called on the world community to put pressure on North Korea to abandon its nuclear and missile programs.

He warned that "Diplomatic and financial leverage or power will be backed up by willingness to counteract North Korean aggression with military action, if necessary."

Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com
The next battle for supremacy between the U.S. and Russia is shaping up to be a lot chillier than the last Cold War with the Soviet superpower.

In the Arctic Circle, the Russians are touting a new military base, a development that underscores how "woefully behind" the U.S. is in the ice race, in the words of former Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Robert Papp.

"We've got our minds on a lot of other things around the world, and we're not focused on the Arctic," Papp, who served as the State Department's special representative to the Arctic, told Fox News. "Russia, on the other hand, is very connected. It's part of their culture. They appreciate the riches, the oil and gas reserves that they have along that very long coastline, and they are looking to exploit it for their own prosperity."

Related Video:

U.S. Paratroopers Make an Extreme Cold Jump North of the Arctic Circle

The Arctic is less likely to be the site of a real war, Papp said, as it is the focus of a resource grab by Russia and China.

The new Arctic base was unveiled recently by the Russian Defense Ministry, complete with an interactive tour on the ministry's website and photos of armed Russian troops riding reindeer.

"There's a lot of propaganda involved," Papp said, referring to President Vladimir Putin's visit in March to Russia's other Arctic base, Trefoil -- built on Franz Josef Land, an archipelago that belongs to Russia.

"Rather than be critical, and look at Russia and portray it as a Cold War, we ought to wake up and realize we need to be prepared in the Arctic as well," he said.

There are trillions of dollars of oil and gas reserves under the Arctic, deposits larger than those of Saudi Arabia. Russia and China are looking at ways to control future sea lanes being opened due to global warming, according to Papp.

The Nagorskoye military airfield is 14,000 square miles -- its polar complex can house 150 troops in subzero conditions for 18 months at a time.

"Russia is clearly flexing its strategic capability in the Arctic," Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska said. "The sea routes are opening and President Putin has said himself the Arctic is going to be the new Suez Canal."

The Republican senator and Marine Corps reservist has been trying for years to urge the U.S. to position itself in the Arctic.

He applauds the Pentagon's decision to reverse cuts made during the Obama administration to disband Alaska's 4th Brigade Combat Team of the 25th Infantry Division, whose specialized skills can be utilized in Arctic conditions.

Recently, Chinese research vessels have been seen in the Arctic to explore new sea routes that would save days and money to ship products to Europe.

Russia also is investing in ice breakers that will help them navigate through the Arctic waters, vastly outpacing the U.S. fleet development.

"We have two and one is broken right now," Sullivan lamented. "The Russians have 40 and they are planning on building 13 more, including nuclear-powered ice breakers."

The U.S. Geological Survey estimates there are 412 billion barrels of oil under the Arctic.
President Donald Trump rattled the caretaker government of South Korea on Friday with a demand that Seoul pay the U.S. as much as $1 billion for setting up the THAAD missile defense system to guard against the North Korean threat.

In a Reuters interview, Trump said of THAAD that "It's a billion dollar system. It's phenomenal. It's the most incredible equipment you've ever seen -- shoots missiles right out of the sky."

"And it protects them (the South Koreans) and I want to protect them," Trump said of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System. "We're going to protect them. But they should pay for that, and they understand that."

Related Video:

THAAD Deploys to Republic of Korea

"On the THAAD system, it's about a billion dollars," Trump said. He said he told his aides "Why are we paying? Why are we paying a billion dollars? We're protecting. Why are we paying a billion dollars? So I informed South Korea it would be appropriate if they paid."

South Korea did not think it was appropriate that they should pay for a system that guards against a mutual threat to the U.S. and South Korea. South Korea's Defense Ministry said the deal on THAAD with the U.S. military was that the U.S. would deploy and operate the system while South Korea provided the land and infrastructure.

"The official position remains unchanged that our government provides the land and other infrastructure while the U.S. covers the burden of cost of deploying and maintaining the THAAD system according to the regulations of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)," the Ministry said in statement.

The THAAD deployment has become an issue in the election campaign to replace President Park Gyun-hye, who was formally ousted last month after being impeached for corruption by Parliament in December.

The front-runner to succeed Park, Moon Jae-in of the Democratic Party, has said that Park's government was wrong to accept the THAAD deployment.

Adm. Harry Harris, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, told the House Armed Services Committee Wednesday that the THAAD system could be activated "in the coming days," suggesting that the U.S. wanted the system up and running before the May 9 elections in South Korea.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
ANN ARBOR, MI - Ann is heading home, something the 4-year-old Argentine Dogo rescued from an Alabama dog-fighting facility has never known.

After spending 18 months at the Humane Society of Huron Valley, the news of Ann being adopted Saturday prompted cheers and hugs and even some tears in the eyes of the staff and volunteers who have grown to love the timid dog for her sweet personality and endearing spirit.

Jane Harlow of Ann Arbor made her way to the Humane Society at 3100 Cherry Hill Road to check out an adoption event called Empty the Shelters, and did not know what dog she might end up with until she found herself in front of Ann's kennel.

"I didn't know anything about Ann," Harlow said. "I've had dogs my whole life, and I could tell she came from a bad background."

It was her eyes, she said, and learning about that bad background, that prompted Harlow to adopt Ann.

Ann is an Argentine Dogo, a breed the American Kennel Club also calls the Argentinian mastiff, distinguished by its large size and loving nature.

She was rescued in early 2015 by the Humane Society of the United States during a raid on a "hog dog" breeding ring, which provided animals for dog and pig fighting spectator events. Of the 65 dogs rescued, two made their way to the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

Ann and another dog named Ivan made the 14-hour drive from Cottonwood, Ala. and arrived in Ann Arbor in November 2015. While Ivan was adopted months ago, Ann has waited patiently for the right person to stop by her kennel and give her a chance.

Harlow almost missed that chance because of Ann's shyness and tendency to retreat to the outside part of her kennel when there are too many people around.

"She wasn't in there when I came through the first time," Harlow said. "I came back to look and she was laying down on her bed. She looked at me and I thought 'Oh, no.'"

That look sealed the deal, with Harlow taking Ann for a walk and then signing the adoption papers shortly after 2 p.m. Saturday.

The dog was staying with a foster for the night, before making her way to the home Harlow is preparing for her.

"It's the whole reason I got into fostering," said Regan Dahle. "I'm so happy."

Staff member Chris Chaffin said Ann was at the shelter when he started working at the facility a year ago. He stopped by once he heard there was someone looking to adopt her, in order to say goodbye.

"I'm glad to see her go, honestly," Chaffin said. "She is loved and a favorite of the staff, but it's better to see them get a home. She's so sweet. We had to make sure we had the right person."

It was the adoption of Ann that made the Empty the Shelters event a success, said adoptions manager Krista Donohoo.

"It's probably the best thing that could've happened all day," said Donohoo, with tears in her eyes. "She waited so long."
It's easy to render our personal problems as hyperbole. They're small, but often feel earth-shattering. Whether we're rich or poor, famous or humble, we're all susceptible to suffering. It's one of the fundamental things that makes us human.

"Colossal" is probably the most bizarre cinematic exploration of this truth I've ever seen. Anne Hathaway plays Gloria, a woman who finds herself connected to a towering creature - a "kaiju," for those hip to the sci-fi lingo - half a world away, which manifests out of thin air and stomps on Seoul, South Korea. If she scratches her head, the monster scratches its head. If she hops on one foot, the monster hops on one foot. If she stumbles drunkenly and falls down, many Koreans die. You get the picture.

Why this is so, I'll let the movie reveal: What with one thing and another, it happened. But I will say the monster is a metaphor come alive for Gloria - an enormous manifestation of her myriad problems, which are derailing her life, but, until now, were puny and insignificant in the grand scheme of things. She's a 30ish woman subject to alcoholic binges and lapses of memory. She doesn't recall attending the funeral of a friend's mother many years ago, nor does she remember what happened last night. She lost her job writing for a magazine a year ago.

Fed up with her flighty mental meanderings, her boyfriend (Dan Stevens) kicks her out of his New York City apartment. After standing him up and being out all night without a call or text, he packs her bags for her, and tells her not to be there when he gets home from work. Her friends wait for him to leave, then pile into the apartment and raid the liquor cabinet. Amidst the commotion she sits, staring blankly, and there's mighty implications in that empty expression: cold shock and comprehension, a person teetering between necessary self-awareness and the desire to deny, deny, deny and keep on partying.

Gloria ends up moving into an empty house owned by her parents in the small, unnamed town where she grew up. There's no furniture, so she sleeps on the floor. While in town to purchase an air mattress, she bumps into an old friend in his old truck, Oscar (Jason Sudeikis). They were elementary school pals. Now, he owns the local watering hole, inherited from his dad. "Wanna hang out?" he says, and it's very much in Gloria's wheelhouse to spend all day and night drinking with Oscar and his two friends, Joel (Austin Stowell) and Garth (Tim Blake Nelson), on a whim. She weaves home at daybreak, the air mattress still in a bag slung over her shoulder.

This is when the monster appears, and the horrifying realization of its connection to her forces her to look within as she obviously hasn't in a long time. There's enough implication in writer/director Nacho Vigalondo's screenplay to suggest the creature functions as a raging, confused manifestation of the circular logic of alcoholism - I don't reveal too much by saying she can take action to prevent the creature from appearing, and therefore scaring the daylights out of billions of people. Yet she feels the need to get loaded before she can unload her strange truth upon her new drinking buddies.

Vigalondo, previously a B-horror director, performs a significant tonal balancing act with "Colossal," blending science fiction and character drama with an exquisitely loopy, fine-tuned sense of comedy. The movie's success is tied tightly to Hathaway's performance, which is magnetic and funny, her best since "Rachel Getting Married" (2008) which, perhaps not coincidentally, earned her an Oscar nomination for playing a troubled woman battling addiction. "Colossal" is better at the character stuff than the sci-fi stuff; the latter genre is inevitably plot-driven, and Vigalondo fulfills maybe 80 percent of its potential, smudgy on the whys and hows of all this weirdness, but clever in its twists.

Yet it's easy to appreciate the film for Vigalondo's passion and ingenuity. How else does a movie like this, which risks limited crossover appeal, get made? (It surely helps when you have a reported $15 million budget and a major movie star who's also a credited producer.) You can sense the vigor and vision in the final work, a desire to tell a familiar story in an unusual fashion, and it's sneakily funny, poignant, provocative and surreal.

In some ways, it spoofs the grandiose self-importance of modern superhero/sci-fi extravaganzas, as well as the telltale quirks of "indie" films. Both can make for excellent viewing; both can be cliches, too. Humongous blockbusters are often all execution and little ambition, and I mean it as a significant compliment when I say Vigalondo's execution very nearly matches his ambition. Of course, it's probably only a matter of time until a major studio hands him $200 million to make a megafranchise film. That's the way these things tend to go nowadays.

FILM REVIEW

'Colossal'

3 stars (out of 4)

MPAA rating: R for language

Cast: Anne Hathaway, Jason Sudeikis, Austin Stowell, Tim Blake Nelson

Director: Nacho Vigalondo

Run time: 109 minutes
ANN ARBOR, MI - Thousands of graduates of the University of Michigan capped off their academic careers on Saturday, April 29, in style as the focal points of the audience on hand inside Michigan Stadium.

Seated on the field in a break from tradition reserved for special occasions, many of those students sported colorful and creative graduation caps to commemorate the occasion, often displayed on two of the video boards presented on a large stage to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the university.

Check out some of the best caps our photographers Melanie Maxwell and Matt Weigand were able to spot in our gallery.
Mark Zuckerberg

Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg made a visit to the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus on Friday, April 28, to speak with Muslim students about their experiences in America. Zuckerberg had visited the Ford plant in Dearborn the previous day. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

(Noah Berger)

DEARBORN, MI - A day after Mark Zuckerberg made a visit to the Ford Rouge Plant in Dearborn, the Facebook co-founder found himself visiting students on the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus on Friday, April 28.

Zuckerberg visited with a group of Muslim students to speak with them about their experiences on campus and in the community.

"Most of the students I met were immigrants, including from war zones in Palestine, Jordan and Iraq," Zuckerberg said in a post on his Facebook account on Friday. "They told me stories of the violence they experienced, including an early memory of having her building bombed and jumping into her mother's arms even though she couldn't do anything to prevent it."

Zuckerberg said a number of students shared their stories and feelings about being marginalized, even in a community like Dearborn, where there is a higher Muslim population.

"Still, even in a community like Dearborn, the students told me they still feel they have to self-monitor," Zuckerberg wrote. "One student told me about feeling like she has to be on her best behavior at the grocery store, letting white people cut in front of her in line to prove that Muslims are nice people. Over time, she said, "I've learned not to apologize for my identity. I'm Arab. I'm Muslim. This is who I am." But it's still a struggle."

On the UM-Dearborn Facebook page, Zuckerberg's visit was described as part of a larger challenge for himself in the year 2017, with plans to meet and talk with people from all 50 states by the end of the year.

"On Friday, April 28, we had the privilege of hosting him on the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus for a conversation with some of our Muslim students about community, education, faith and entrepreneurship," the post read.

On Thursday, Zuckerberg visited the Ford to work on the line for a short time adding antennas, cleats and drilling screws. He also signed the inspection sticker on one truck.

Zuckerberg, who launched Facebook from his Harvard University dormitory room on Feb. 4, 2004, is one of the wealthiest people in the world. According to Forbes Magazine, Zuckerberg has a net worth of $55.9 billion.

Zuckerberg apparently was visiting a home in Newton Falls, Ohio, later in the day on Friday.
August Township crash.JPG

A driver was airlifted to the hospital Saturday, April 29 after a single car crashed into a tree at Bunton Road south of Talladay Road in Augusta Township.

(Courtesy | David Music)

AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP, MI - A man was airlifted to the hospital Saturday, April 29 after a head-on collision with a tree in Augusta Township.

At 10:29 a.m. Saturday, Augusta Township Fire responded to Bunton Road south of Talladay Road for a single-vehicle crash, said Chief David Music.

A retired firefighter was first on scene and assisted the driver, who suffered head trauma and was unresponsive, he said.

The driver was in critical condition, according to Michigan State Police.

Music said the driver was the only person in the vehicle.

The University of Michigan Health System Survival Flight and Huron Valley Ambulance responded to the scene, and Survival Flight took the driver to the hospital.

The cause of the crash is unknown, Music said.

Michigan State Police is investigating the crash.
DETROIT -- Bridge executives are prepared for battle to acquire land needed to build a new Windsor-Detroit crossing.

The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority announced in an annual meeting on Friday that if the board can select a private contractor by May or June of 2018, construction will begin shortly after.

But the authority still needs land it doesn't yet own on the Detroit side of the planned Gordie Howe International Bridge, with a portion belonging to competitor Manuel "Matty" Moroun, who owns the Ambassador Bridge and has fought to prevent construction of a new, publicly owned Detroit River crossing.

"If we cannot reach a deal, we'll go through the condemnation process," WDBA CEO Michael Cautillo said.

The bridge authority has funded the acquisition of 351 Detroit properties, but has only obtained 60 percent of the land needed on the U.S. side thus far, Cautillo said.

"When we cannot get it voluntarily, then the state will use their power of eminent domain and condemn the property, and subsequent to a court case, can take possession of that property as well," Cautillo added.

Chairman Dwight Duncan said he's not concerned, especially with the Moroun-owned properties.

"We anticipate they will continue to fight, and we'll fight back," he said. "We have yet to lose anything in the courts. I've been through so many fights on this and we won every one of them."

The timeline for the bridge completion is unclear, and will be determined based on construction conditions, but it could be a four-year project.

"The Morouns are fighting and you know what? We won every battle," Duncan said. "We're going to keep our pedal to the metal and we're going to make sure we're going to get this done and there's not an individual out there that in my view is going to be able to stop us."

Cautillo said a new bridge will ease traffic and expedite Customs and Border Patrol. Electronic tolls will also speed up border crossing, he said.

"You don't have to stop. If you stop, you're not moving people," Cautillo said. "The more we move, the more money we make and the more benefits accrued for the region."

Canada plans to cover the cost of building the $2.1 billion bridge, plus a $250 million customs plaza on the U.S. side. Michigan's share of the cost is to be repaid in the form of toll collections.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Godfrey-Lee High School's "Hollywood Night" themed prom Friday, April 28, had a fitting venue at John Ball Zoo's Bissell Treehouse, designed to showcase the sweeping view toward downtown and described as sparkling with elegance.

Prom is one of the biggest nights on the teen fashion calendar, and Godfrey-Lee's stylish ladies made sure to dress to impress with fancy gowns and dresses. The gentlemen sported some tuxedos and suits that were red carpet worthy.

Students had a fun, VIP experience, socializing on the wrap-around deck and dancing to the latest hits.

MLive's Grand Rapids Press was there to capture all the special moments shared on one of the most memorable nights in the life of a high school student. Godfrey-Lee won the prom of the week poll, edging out Zeeland East.

Prom season is well underway in West Michigan. We will cover as many as possible through May.

MORE:
Pastor Gregg Greer of Freedom First International was in Grand Rapids on Saturday, April 29 to call for better understanding and racial sensitivity among Grand Rapids police.

Greer commented about the March 24 incident while standing in front of the Grand Rapids police headquarters on Monroe Center Avenue.

He believes more diversity in the policing ranks, as well as better policies -- would help improve relations between Grand Rapids police and the community.

"I can guarantee if there was one African American female on that particular stop where the children were on the ground, I think she would have probably looked at it more maternalistic and maybe it wouldn't have happened," he said.

Greer came to Grand Rapids to talk about both the local policing issues and a climate change rally at Rosa Parks Circle.

On Facebook, Greer called for a "Peaceful Protest Rally" to take place in front of the Grand Rapids police station. The rally didn't materialize, but Greer said he still hoped to make a difference.

The March 24 incident involved five black youths -- ages 12-14 -- who were stopped near the Salvation Army Kroc Center upon belief that one might have a handgun. A person in the 100 block of Alger Street SE moments earlier told an officer he saw someone in a group of young people drop a gun and pick it back up.

Ultimately, police determined the group stopped at police gunpoint, then handcuffed, were not the same group seen by the Alger Street witness. No one was armed.

Greer said he's worried about eroding the public trust of young people toward police.

"Those particular teens are going to grow up to be in their 20s, in their 30s. You definitely don't want to erode their public trust. Then you grow up and have a community of people who really don't the community policing. They don't believe in it," he said.
Courtesy | Dan Vos Construction

Workplace fatalities reached a 10-year high in Michigan in 2016.

By Shandra Martinez | smartinez@mlive.com

MIOSHA investigated 43 deaths in 2016. The youngest worker killed was 20. The oldest 75. All but one were men. Three were union members. Seven were company owners.

The descriptions of how they died are based on the records of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the state agency charged with investigating workplace deaths and assessing fines to employers for workplace safety violations.

In total, their employers were assessed fines totaling less than $250,000. In one death, criminal charges were brought against an individual. The amount of fines is subject to change because not all investigations have been completed, and many cases remain open as businesses contest their fines. In most cases, fines are reduced.

The states total count for workplace deaths covers those investigated by MIOSHA. It doesnt include public safety officers killed on the duty, victims of violence on the job, those who die in traffic crashes or sole proprietors of their business.

Caption: Dan Vos Construction employees pray for Gerrit "Gary" Blok after he fell at a construction site in 2016.

Why so many workers are falling to their deaths in Michigan

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Courtesy | Brian Jordan

Sean Jordan, 45

Sean Jordan, 45, died Feb. 8, 2016, after he was struck by a truck exiting northbound U.S. 131 highway in Cadillac.

A three-person crew had just changed a mileage signage at the 176 exit. Jordan, the foreman, was taking a picture of the sign to document the completion of their work when a semi-tractor exiting the highway hit Jordan, and co-worker, Daniel Moomaw, of Troy, who was injured.

There were no signs of braking by the semi driver, a 42-year-old Grand Rapids man, who was charged with reckless driving causing death. As part of a plea deal, the driver was sentenced to house arrest and probation, according to Jordan's brother, Brian.

The collision caused the arrow board to move forward, striking Jordan and Moomaw. The semi tanker jackknifed and the cab struck the flatbed truck, causing the semi cab to burn. All crew members were wearing their high-visibility vests, but had removed their hard hats and fall protection because they were done for the day.

MIOSHA did not issue any violations against Action Traffic Maintenance, Inc. but said an investigation of the worksite revealed there was not any distance between the arrow board sign and the work area. It also noted employees should have kept their hard hats on until they were out of danger in their vehicles.

"Action Traffic provide all the safety they could do to make a safe environment for my brother and his co-worker," said Brian Jordan. "Sean's death only happened because a truck driver was not paying attention."

Jordan, who lived in Holly, left behind four children, according to his obituary.

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Courtesy | Scott Redding, Sr

Scott Alan Redding, Jr. 28

Scott Alan Redding, Jr. 28, died Feb. 29, 2016 from injuries caused from a fall. The Brighton man was a 10-year veteran of Urban Foresters, an Ann Arbor company. He was trimming a tree at a private residence in York Township. He was secured to the tree with a rope and harness/saddle when the bridge - the piece that connects the rope to the harness - broke in half, causing Redding to fall 40 feet to the deck below.

He died several days later from complications of a blunt force head injury.

The company didnt use a bucket truck for the work because of the location of the septic system in the homeowners backyard.

MIOSHA issued two serious violations with a $2,100 penalty because the 7-year-old equipment used by Redding had material that was worn and torn, along with excessive fraying, and it wasnt inspected by the company properly before it was used by Redding the day he fell.

Urban Foresters' initial fine was reduced to $1,260 as part of the settlement process.

Redding was described as person who loved being outdoors. "He enjoyed hunting and was an avid fisherman. Most importantly he enjoyed spending time with his family," according to his obituary.

Don't Edit

MLive file photo

Daniel J. Milleville, 66

Daniel J. Milleville, 66, died March 21, 2016 after falling while trimming a tree at a St. Clair Shores home. He was working in a lift truck boom bucket, about 15 feet above the ground, when the bucket tipped and he fell out of the bucket. He later died at the hospital.

Milleville was the owner of Milleville's Tree Service in Chesterfield Township. He was maneuvering an articulating boom truck bucket to lift and move several branches over to a chipping area, when the bucket tipped and he fell. He died at the scene.

Milleville was not wearing fall protection but was wearing a hard hat, which came off during the fall. MIOSHA issued a serious violation with $500 penalty to the company because Milleville wasn't wearing a safety harness, which is required when working from the boom bucket of an aerial work platform.

Caption: Daniel Milleville was in a boom bucket similar to the one shown when he fell.

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David A. Strey, 62

David A. Strey, 62, died March 22, 2016 after he was crushed by a tree doing construction work. He was clearing trees and debris for a sewer project in Benton Township, when he dislodged a large tree, which fell onto the cab of his excavator and crushed him inside.

The toppled oak was located about two-thirds of the way down the ravine, and the excavator he was driving was positioned about a quarter of the way down the ravine wall. Investigators concluded the accident was caused either by Strey hitting the trees root system with the bucket or the root system giving way, causing the tree to fall uphill, striking the arm of the excavator and then landing on its cab.

MIOSHA issued two serious violations to the employer because the cab of the Caterpillar excavator was not equipped with a Falling Object Protective Structure to provide protection to the operator during a site-clearing activity. The $14,000 penalty was reduced to $7,000 as part of the settlement process.

Strey is described as hard-working, in his obituary. "Those that knew Dave, knew how kind hearted and generous he was."

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Courtesy | Tim Fay

Curtis Fay, 44

Curtis Fay, 44, died April 25, 2016 after he fell into a tank at Burnette Foods, a food processing plant in East Jordan in Charlevoix County.

Fay had been assigned to clean and sterilize the inside of an industrial food processing stainless steel mixing tank. He used cleaning agents and a long handled brush for the task. As he was working inside the mixer, a coworker, also a sanitation worker, started up the mixer. Fay was caught in the mixing blades of the mixer. The jaws of life had to be used extricate him from the mixer.

MIOSHA issued four serious violations for $25,200. The fines were reduced to $12,600 as part of the settlement process.

The East Jordan man "enjoyed life and was a free spirit," according to his obituary. "Curtis enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, and drinking beer with friends. He was always making people laugh and was willing to help anyone who needed it."



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Ronald G. Williams, 56

Ronald G Williams, 57, died April 27, 2016 from asphyxiation. The truck driver with EnviroServe was using a garden hose to wash out the tanker trailer in Detroit that been carrying sodium sulfate waste.

Williams was not wearing fall protection and he took off his respirator and inhaled hydrogen sulfide. He fell from the top of the tanker. He died from his fall injuries and chemical burns to his lungs.

MIOSHA iniitally issued three serious violations against EnviroServe for $7,500. The penalties were reduced to $2,500 as part of the settlement process.

Williams, a resident of Twinsburg, Ohio, was transported to the hospital where he died the next day.

The married father of three was an avid model train collector and liked riding his motorcycle, according to his obituary.

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Gavin McIntyre | The Bay City Times

Kenneth E. Walling, 58

Kenneth E Walling, 58, died April 27, 2016 after falling from a ladder in Bay County. He was working on a Kawkawlin Township house when he fell 13 feet, hitting the concrete below.

The self-employed construction worker was working for Saginaw-based Haas Building and Remodeling that day, replacing siding. Since no one witnessed the fall, investigators couldnt determine if Walling fell while working from the scaffold platform or if he fell from the ladder while climbing up to the scaffold platform. The ladder was found lying on the ground. Weather could have been a factor as well. It was a windy day, with gusts of 25 mph, according to weather data.

MIOSHA issued three serious violations to Haas Building and Remodeling for failing to maintain an accident prevention program and training workers about scaffold safety. The equipment had missing parts and was not safely erected. The ladder lacked safety feet, and wasn't properly extended, investigators concluded. The initial $21,000 penalty was reduced to $10,500 as part of a settlement.

Caption: Kenneth Walling fell while working on this Kawkawlin Township home Wednesday April 27, 2016.

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Keith Robert DeLano, 55

Keith Robert DeLano, 55, died May 6, 2016 after falling 27 feet from the rooftop of a Detroit industrial plant. Delano, a roofer and sheet metal worker, fell through a deteriorated a 2-foot-wide by 5-foot long concrete roof deck section on the roof that his employer had been contracted by the building owner to perform repairs.

DeLano was the foreman of a four-person crew and had instructed his coworkers to keep away from the damaged area, as they waited for management to arrive at the work site. He and a coworker were on top of the roof cleaning up debris. He fell as he was walking wheelbarrow of debris to the area where he would dump it to the coworkers working on the deck below him.

It was unknown if the concrete section failed or if the supporting structural steel failed, causing the fatal fall. DeLano was not wearing fall protection. MIOSHA issued three serious violations with a $21,000 penalty to his employer, J E Dixon Inc. of Detroit, for failing to make sure the roof was safe for employees to work on. Investigators said employees should have been protected from falling by having a safety system in place.

Delano was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers' International Association Local Union #80.

The Port Huron father of three enjoyed golfing, bowling, traveling and camping, according to his obituary.

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Gofundme page

Sean James Pollauf, 37

Sean James Pollauf, 38, died April 23, 2016 after falling from a roof.

Pollauf, the owner of Don and Sons Contracting, was working on a roof of a building in Bruce Township. He was on a platform of a rough terrain fork truck when the vehicle shifted, causing him to fall 30 feet to the ground.

His death wasnt reported to MIOSHA until May 17.

MIOSHA initially issued two serious violations to Don and Sons Contracting. The $5,900 penalty was reduced to $1,750 as part of a settlement.

Pollauf, who lived in Casco Township had a wife and three daughters. He "enjoyed the outdoors with passion for hunting and fishing," according to his obituary.

Friends set up a gofundme page to support his family.

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Martin Cartier, II, 31

Martin Cartier, 31, died June 26, 2016 when he was crushed at an auto supplier in Auburn Hills.

Cartier, a machine operator, was removing parts that had fallen from an overhead picker conveyor and into the machine between the molds on the Krauss Maffei Plastic Injection molding machine. He removed the parts, but was still between the two molds. The pressure sensing floor did not detect Cartier was still inside the machine and the control panel indicated that it was all clear to run the machine. The molding operator closed the front gate and the mold closed, crushing Cartier.

MIOSHA issued three serious violations with a $10,500 penalty to Cartier's employer, Delta Tooling Co.

The Lapeer man was a devoted son, brother, uncle, nephew and amazing friend, according to his obituary.

"He was known to be a vibrant, caring, loving man who would go out of his way to help anyone without question. He is best remembered by his huge heart, constant smile and his uniquely infectious laugh."

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Luther Joe "Luke" Fultz, II, 35

Luther Fultz, 35, died June 22, 2016 in Gibraltar when he was electrocuted. He was performing arc welding on a homeowner's metal dock. MIOSHA investigators say Fultz appeared to have accidentally dropped the welding terminal lead onto his chest. He later died at the hospital.

MIOSHA issued seven serious violations to his employer, Ideal Marine in Gibraltar. The $49,000 penalties were reduced to $24,500 as part of a settelement.

Fultz was a member of Local 169 Detroit, and took great pride in his trade, according to his obituary.

The Newport resident left behind a wife and two children. His hobbies included welding, barbecuing, vegetable gardening, and playing his guitar.

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Courtesy | Picasa

Steven Sanborn, 58

Steven Sanborn, 58, died July 25, 2016 when he fell at at a construction site in Wixom. Sanborn was bracing a parapet wall when he fell about 44 feet to the ground from the top of hotel. He died of his injuries at a hospital.

MIOSHA issued three serious violations to Sanborn's Wixom-based employer, Fusco Construction. The $21,000 in penalties were reduced to $10,500 as part of a settlement.

The Davison man had two sons, according to his obituary.

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Adrian Vaughan, 57

Adrian Vaughan, 57, died July 25, 2016 when he was struck by a train in Romulus. Vaughan, a resident delivery person, was hit by a westbound Norfolk Southern train as he was performing a pipeline visual inspection along the railroad tracks.

MIOSHA issued two serious violations with a $9,800 penalty to his employer, Buckeye Partners, in Taylor.

"We worked together for 23 years," wrote a coworker on Vaughan's obituary page. "He always spoke so kindly of his family. He loved them with all of his heart."

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Courtesy | Kyle Bultman Photography)

Robert Thomas Herweyer, 23

Robert Thomas Herweyer, 23, died July 25, 2016 from drowning in a molasses tank at agriculture tech firm in Saugatuck. Herweyer was working with a co-worker, cleaning a 12-foot-tall hard plastic tank, when the molasses level became too low to pump out of the container. After putting on a pair of waders and covering his face with a safety mask, Herweyer climbed into the tank to adjust the valve so it could continue pumping the liquid, employees told police.

Herweyer started to climb out of the tank, but then stopped moving. As a co-worker ran to get help, the labor fell under the liquid for about 5 minutes before he was cut out of the tank by the company's owner.

MIOSHA issued two violations - one serious and one other - for a combined penalty of $3,600 to Agri-Science Technology Co. in Saugatuck.

Herweyer died a week before his bride, Joy, was expected to have the couple's first baby. A gofundme page was created to raise money to support his widow and child.

The Dorr man "loved spending time with his family and enjoyed many outdoor activities including playing football, hunting, fishing, and driving ATVs," according to his obituary.

'So much to live for:' Soon-to-be father, 23, dies in workplace accident

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David Kantz, 32

David Kantz, 32, died July 27, 2016 when he was crushed by a machine press at Duo-Form Plastics in Edwardsburg. The quality control tech opened a gated area while a machine was in full operation to inspect the parts that came off the rotary device.

When he stepped up on the bottom platen, his head and neck was caught between the rotary device and part of the platen frame work when the system cycled. Kantz died immediately.

MIOSHA issued three serious violations to Dou-Form Plastics, totaling $14,700.

The Cass County man had a strong work ethic, often working two jobs to support his son, according to his obituary.

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Joel Bissell | MLive.com

David Torrenga, 48

David Torrenga, 48, died Aug. 10, 2016 when he fell from a work site in Holland. The roofing foreman was cutting insulation board for a roof, while working next to the edge of the roof's edge of Hope College's Depree Art Center and Gallery. He wasn't wearing a safety harness as required when he fell 17 feet. He later died at the hospital.

MIOSHA issued one serious violation with a $7,500 penalty to Torrenga's employer, East Muskegon Roofing and Sheet Metal Co. Inc., in Muskegon Township. He had worked for the company for 28 years.

Torrenga was a member of the union, Roofers Local 70.

The Muskegon man was a married father of two. Torrenga "was a very dedicated father, and loved spending time with his family and coaching his children's sports teams," according to his obituary.

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Carl Stone, 75

Carl Stone, 75, died Aug. 16, 2016 when he fell at a work site in Berrien County. Stone, an electrician, was one of two workers installing a light fixture on the gable end of a pole barn in Watervliet. Both fell 24 feet from ladders erected on top of a mobile welded frame scaffold, which tipped over.

The mobile scaffold platform did not have a stable base, was not plumb, braced properly, or secured to the building, according to investigators. Stone fell on concrete and died from a head trauma. His employee fell onto the sand, shattering an elbow and was hospitalized.

MIOSHA issued nine serious and one other violations to Stone's firm, Carl Stone & Son Electrical Contractor, in Watervliet. The total penalty was $64,000.

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Jeffrey Wallace, 52

Jeffrey Wallace, 52, died July 26, 2016 when he was caught between two vehicles at a dealership in Wayne County. Wallace, a preparation manager, was moving a brand new 2016 Ford F-150 because it was behind a truck that had been sold.

He pulled the truck to the right and forward and then opened the drivers side door. At that point, the truck rapidly moved in reverse striking another pickup behind him. Wallace was thrown from the pickup drivers seat and down between the two trucks as they collided and was killed, according to the MIOSHA investigation.

His employer, the Fairlane Ford dealership in Dearborn, was not cited.

Married for 29 years, the Lincoln Park man was described as "a lover of Ford Mustangs, car shows and car cruises and a collector of Hot Wheels," his obituary.

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Alyson Knenlein, 21

Alyson Knenlein, 21, died Aug. 21, 2016 after she was struck by lightning while working as a lifeguard in Presque Isle Township. Knenlein had observed an incoming storm and as trained, cleared all people from the beach.

She went back out and sat on a bench about 40 feet feet from the shore. She was found unresponsive and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was started immediately. She was flown to a hospital where she died two days later from her injuries.

MIOSHA issued one other violation to her employer, Presque Isle Harbor Association Inc. The penalty was $500.

The Grand Rapids woman was spending the summer with her grandparents while working as a lifeguard in Presque Isle county. Knenlein was described as "a very loving, adventurous and artistic young women who always had a smile and a moment for anyone," in her obituary.

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Courtesy | Gary Blok

Gerrit "Gary" Blok, 50

Gerrit Gary Blok, 50, died Aug. 25, 2016 when he fell 22 feet at a Holland job site.

Blok, an ironworker, was relocating rigging equipment above a hoist way for a future elevator installation. He was moving a ladder when he fell 22 feet, landing on a concrete floor, according to a MIOSHA report.

MIOSHA initially issued five serious violations with a $35,000 fine to his employer, Dan Vos Construction in Ada. The penalty was reduced two violations and a $15,000 fine.

The Ada man "enjoyed spending time with his family, attending Monster Truck Shows with his son Jason as well as watching his daughter Abbie perform ballet," according to his obituary.

Worker's widow says company shouldn't have been fined

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Steven Foley, 55

Steven Foley, 55, died Aug. 16, 2016 after drowning in a manure pit on a Millington Township dairy farm. Foley, the co-owner Rainbow Creek Farms, entered the pit to repair a pump.

Firefighters found Foley inside the manure pit described as 8 feet by 8 feet and about 10 to 12 feet deep. Foley lost consciousness and drowned in the manure pit, a MIOSHA investigation concluded.

MIOSHA did not cite the Tuscola County farm near Saginaw that Foley had operated with his wife, Diane.

The couple started the farm on April Fools Day 2001, and for the last 15 years hosted an annual kindergarten farm tour.

The married father loved farming and spending time with his family, his obituary noted.

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Courtesy | Dianne Davies

Thomas Brandon Davies, 36

Thomas Brandon Davies, 36, died Sept. 6, 2016 after he was electrocuted in Clinton Township. A laboror with a gutter installation service, Davies was working at a home, replacing gutters when he was found slumped over a running generator inside the company box truck.

Davies died from an electric shock from an improperly grounded generator inside the truck, MIOSHA investigators determined. MIOSHA issued two serious and one other violations with a $14,000 penalty to his employer, Pro Exterior Renovation in Clinton Township.

The Clinton Township dad was remembered by one friend on his obituary page as a "charismatic soulful man who had an amazing way to capture so many people with his striking smile and humorous ways."

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Mario Jimenez, 57

Mario Jimenez, 57, Sept. 14, 2016 when he fell at a construction site in Berkley.

Jimenez, a Port Huron carpenter, was one of two workers who fell 20 feet from a wood scaffold while framing the roof of a two-story home. Both were working for Jimenez Construction, a Berkley framing contractor.

The scaffold collapsed when both employees stood on one end. The wood scaffold was constructed at 20 feet above grade. It was not designed or constructed by a qualified person. It also was not properly supported and the employees were not using any sort of fall protection, a MIOSHA investigation concluded.

Jimenez landed on his head and he died on his way to the hospital. The other employee broke his tailbone and hip when he landed.

The case remains opens, according to the OSHA website.

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Michael Andrew Dieleman, 37

Michael Andrew Dieleman, 37, died Sept. 15, 2016 when he was electrocuted at a work site in Caledonia. The concrete finisher was completing a driveway using a large concrete float with a long extension. The long pole contacted an overhead energized 7,200 volt powerline. Dieleman received electrical shock and died, according to the MIOSHA investigation.

The Bryon Township man was working for his father's company, T.F.C. Construction. MIOSHA cited the company two "serious" violations with an initial $14,000 penalty, which was reduced to $3,500 as part of the settlement.

One customer on Dieleman's obituary page noted he recently done some difficult work at his house. "I only knew him for one day and I will always remember him - smiling, calm, caring and precise in his work."

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Brian Kellerman, 46,

Brian Kellerman, 46, died Sept. 19, 2016 when he fell from a tree in Macomb county. The journeyman tree trimmer was performing line clearance in a residential subdivision in Warren.

The knot Kellerman used to attach his climbing rope to his climbing saddle came undone, causing Kellerman to fall about 35 feet to the ground below, the MIOSHA investigation concluded.

MIOSHA issued one serious violation with a $6,300 penalty to his Warren employer, Kappen Tree Service.

The Garden City man is remembered as a great friend on his obituary page.

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John Roe, 75

John Roe, 75, died Sept. 21, 2016 when he fell from a tree in Kalamazoo county.

Roe was re-adjusting his life line around the next crotch of the tree when he lost his balance and fell about 35 feet to the ground, according to a MIOSHA investigation.

MIOSHA issued two "serious" violations with a$2,700 penalty to his employer, Kalamazoo Tree Service, in Kalamazoo.

The Lawton man died doing what he loved, according to his obituary.

"John was a hardworking man that was dedicated to his work of trimming trees, a job he truly loved."

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William Lee Rowe, 57

William Lee Rowe, 57, died June 27, 2016 of heat stress while working on a roof in Ann Arbor.

The roofer, who worked for Arc Roofing Group, climbed to the roof of an apartment building and collapsed. He was taken to the hospital where he died. Rowes death was later determined to be heat related. MIOSHA did not learn of this work-related fatality until Sept. 27, 2016.

The investigation remains open, according to a OSHA website.

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Michael Niebrzydowski, 49

Michael Niebrzydowski, 49, died Sept. 25, 2016 when he was struck by a car on a race track.

An on-track safety crew member at the Owosso Speedway in Clinton County, Niebrzydowski was appearing to direct traffic near turn 2 on the racetrack while under a caution flag during a race when he was hit by a race car, according to a MIOSHA investigation. Niebrzydowski had on a reflective uniform and a helmet.

MIOSHA issued two serious violations to his employer Bighause Inc, which does business as Owosso Speedway. The initial penalty of $3,800 was reduced to $1,400 as part of a settlement to make safety improvements.

The Wyandotte man "was a sweet, kind hearted guy who always had a smile and looked out carefully for the safety of the racers," wrote Rick Ridenour of the Ridenour Racing team, on Niebrzydowski's obituary page.

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James Grantz, 54

James Grantz, 54, died Sept. 29, 2016 when he was struck by bushel boxes of apples in Shelby.

Grantz, owner of James Grantz Farms, was picking up and moving farm field storage bins. While lifting a tall stack of nine bins with a farm field tractor, that was converted to a forklift but without the overhead guard, the top three bins fell and struck him. The wooden apple totes weighed about 160 pounds each, according to the MIOSHA investigation.

MIOSHA didnt issue any violations to the Oceana County county farm.

The Shelby man was remembered as a successful farmer, in his obituary.

After college, Jim took over the daily family farm operation from his dad. He grew asparagus, cherries, peaches and apples. Jim tripled the size of the farm during his years as a farmer. He was a peach supplier for eastern and southern Michigan. 

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Ronald Lee Phillips, 49

Ronald Lee Phillips, 49, died Oct. 3, 2016 when he fell while tree trimming in Kalamazoo county.

Phillips, the owner of Phillips Tree Service, was about 55 feet up in the air in the bucket of a bucket truck attempting to trim a large oak tree from a private residence in Schoolcraft Township.

He tied a rope around the limb that was about 6-8 inches in diameter and tied the other end to the bucket truck. The limb split off and fell onto the bucket before dropping over the right side of the truck boom. It pulled the bucket down and catapulted Phillips from the bucket, causing him to fall to the ground. He was not wearing fall protection, according to the MIOSHA investigation.

MIOSHA did not cite Phillips Three Rivers company.

The married father of two was remembered as someone "always willing to provide anyone with a helping hand and will be missed by all whom were touched by his generosity and kindness for others," according to his obituary.

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Matthew Garrett, 35

Matthew Garrett, 35, died Oct. 18, 2016 when he was crushed at a manufacturing plant in Lapeer county.

The fork lift operator was moving a trash bin on a powered industrial truck from the loading dock to a compactor. The forklift moved while he was exchanging the trash and he was crushed between the bin and the compactor, according to a police report. He was taken to the hospital where he died the next day.

MIOSHA issued two serious and one other violations with a penalty of $5,700 to his employer, Springfield Industries in Imlay City.

The married father of two, who lived in Lapeer, "loved anything with his boys; especially fishing, boating video games," according to his obituary.

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Arturo "Sam" Medina, 62

Arturo "Sam" Medina, 62, died Oct. 22, 2016 in a fall at a fruit storage facility in Ionia county.

Medina, a Gowen resident, was attempting to change a light bulb. He was standing on an apple crate in a forklift to reach the light. Medina fell about 15 feet when a rotted section of wood in the crate bottom gave way and caused the crate to tip over. Medina then fell 20 feet to a concrete floor. He was not wearing a safety harness or hard hat, police said.

MIOSHA issued a serious citation with a $3,500 penalty to his employer, Belding Fruit Storage, a refrigerated warehousing and storage facility in Belding.

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Matthew Douglass, 38

Matthew Douglass, died Oct. 26, 2016 when he was crushed at his job in Wayne County. The pipefitter foreman was operating an aerial lift. Douglass was driving the lift from one side, where he had secured steam and water, to another location within the building where a newly installed pipe was leaking.

Douglass was operating an elevated aerial lift facing the controls with his back toward the direction of travel. He struck an angle iron, covered by a tarp, that was 10 feet 8 inches above ground. The protruding metal pinned Douglass, crushing his chest. He later died at the hospital.

MIOSHA issued one serious violation with a $4,900 penalty to his employer, De-Cal Inc. in Warren.

A Go Fund page was set up for his family. An organizer of the effort decribed the Flat Rock man as very selfless person who "had no problem sacrificing his own time if it meant helping out someone else. He had a great sense of humor and made everyone feel welcome with his inviting personality."

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Ian Curtis Tracey, 38

Ian Curtis Tracey, 38, died Oct. 28, 2016, from drowning in a subdivision lake in Oakland county.

Traceys company, IC Waterfalls in Clarkston, was conducting lake maintenance and removing buoys from the lake for the season.

Tracey and another employee drowned trying to save coworkers from a sinking aluminum 10-foot tracker boat. One employee in the capsized boat managed to swim to shore on his own, while the other employee in the boat was rescued by a resident of the subdivision that had driven his boat to the scene to help.

None of the employees involved in the incident used or had access to personal flotation devices. MIOSHA didn't cite the company, according to a OSHA report.

The married father of three, from Royal Oak, was a master builder and designer of custom waterfalls, according to his obituary.

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Michael John Biven, age 20, died a hero on October 28, 2016; risking his own life to save others. He is the beloved son... Posted by Temrowski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services on Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Michael John Biven, 20

Michael John Biven, 20, died Oct. 28, 2016, from drowning in a subdivision lake in Oakland county.

Biven and the company's owner drowned trying to save coworkers from a sinking 10-foot boat. One employee in the capsized boat managed to swim to shore on his own, while the other employee was rescued by a resident of the subdivision that had driven his boat to the scene to help.

None of the employees involved in the incident used or had access to personal flotation devices. MIOSHA didn't cite the company, according to a OSHA report.

Biven was described in his obituary as "the nicest, funniest, most well-liked person ever. He would help anyone and any animal. He had a heart of pure gold and will be deeply missed by his entire family and tight network of friends."

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Robert J. Geurink, 55

Robert J Geurink, 55, died Oct. 1, 2016 when he was crushed by a crane at an Allegan county farm. Guerink, the owner of Holland Equipment Services/A&B Farms, was on a mobile crane taking a gravel shaker off a lowboy trailer. As Guerink moved the gravel shaker, the crane tipped over causing the mobile crane cap to strike another lowboy trailer, and fall back on the cab, crushing him inside.

MIOSHA issued one serious violation with an initial $2,100 penalty.

Outside of work, the married father of four "enjoyed wrenching and tinkering on equipment, dune buggies and trucks with his boys," according to his obituary.

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Alfred Shqutaj, 26

Alfred Shqutaj, 26, died Nov. 9, 2016 when he fell while painting a water tower in Pontiac.

Shqutaj was one of two employees painting the bowl of the water tower when their scaffolding collapsed, causing the men to fall about 35 feet. Shqutaj died and the other worker was hospitalized.

MIOSHA's investigation into the workplace fatality remains open, according to a OSHA website. The men worked for Seven Brothers Painting, Inc. in Shelby Township.

The Shelby Township man is survived by his parents and a brother, according to his obituary.





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Mario Montano-Arroe, 40

Mario Montano-Arroe, 40, Nov. 10, 2016 when he fell from a tree in Bloomfield Hills.

The tree trimmer was using a hand saw to trimming branches and vines from a large tree when he sliced the main rope on his saddle harness, causing the Detroit man to fall 40 feet to the ground.

MIOSHA issued one serious violation for $2,800 to his employer, Greentrees Inc. of Bloomfield Hills.

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James Borsodi, 34

James Borsodi, 34, died Oct. 27, 2016, from a blood clot caused by a slip-and-fall injury two weeks earlier at a manufacturing plant in Berrien County.

Borsodi was walking around a corner when he slipped and fell, injuring his right ankle and tearing his achilles tendon on Oct. 13. On Oct. 24, he saw an orthopedic doctor who put him into a foot brace and scheduled an MRI for October 29. He died two days before that appointment.

The autopsy determined Borsodi died from complications from the ankle injury.

MIOSHA's investigation into the workplace fatality remains open, according to the OSHA website.

The Berrien county man "loved his job, he loved his family and was an avid gamer," according to his obituary.

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Bernard Wesley, 65

Bernard Wesley, 65, died Nov. 30, 2016 after falling at a Belding industrial plant.

The maintenance tech was in an articulating boom lift about 20 feet in the air, welding a gusset support on the south rail of a pick and place conveyor line. Unable to reach the opposite side on the support, he climbed out of the lift bucket and stood on some steel tubing that ran through the ceiling. After completing the weld, witnesses saw him falling onto a hood and the floor below.

MIOSHA issued two serious violations with a penalty of $12,600 to his employer, Spectrum Industries, Inc.

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Derek Ketz, 26

Derek Ketz, 26, died Aug. 31, 2016 when he fell from a roof.

The carpenter was installing roof trusses on Aug. 16 when he fell through a second floor stair hole 22 feet to the concrete basement. He died two weeks later but his death wasnt reported to MIOSHA until Dec. 21, when his employment with Johni Semma, a residential construction firm in West Bloomfield, was determined, according to the state agency.

MIOSHA's investigation into the workplace fatality remains open, according to the OSHA website.

Ketz is survived by his parents and three siblings, according to his obituary.

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Syam Saputo, 39

Syam Saputo, 39, died Aug. 16, 2016 when he fell while doing construction work.

Saputo was a roofer and the owner of Advanced Roofing Systems in Ann Arbor. He and another employee were working on a residential garage in Ann Arbor, when he fell about 12 feet to the ground.

MIOSHA wasn't informed of the workplace fatality until Nov. 17. Investigators didn't cite the business, according to a OSHA records.

The Dexter man had "a love for working hard and playing just as hard," according to his obituary.

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Harold March, 70

Harold March, 70, died Oct. 28 after he fell while making a repair at a Calhoun County farm.

The farm hand was aloft in a basket raised by a forklift to replace a screen on a barn vent. The basket, which wasn't secured to the fork lift, slipped out, causing March to fall about 20 feet onto concrete.

March was taken to the hospital where he initially was on the mend but later died at a rehabilitation hospital. The medical examiner confirmed his fall injuries as the cause of his death.

MIOSHA issued two violations - including one serious - with a penalty of $950 to March's employer, Sackrider Farms in Battle Creek.

The Ceresco man was employed at Sackrider Farms for 43 years, according to his obituary.

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How the information was gathered

Information on the 43 workplace deaths in 2016 was gathered from a variety of state, federal and private sources. A MIOSHA website provided a list of the fatalities but without identifying details such as the worker's name or employer.

That information was then combined with a spreadsheet from MIOSHA with each worker's name and employer, and whether citations had been issued. To find out what penalties had been issued required checking a federal OSHA's database. A description of what happened and the investigation's conclusion was sometimes little more than a sentence, and at times contradicted information MIOSHA provided on its website.

For example, the lifeguard who died in 2016 was sitting on a metal bench when she was struck by lighting, according to MIOSHA. The bench was described as wooden in the report posted on the OSHA website. The federal website can take weeks or months to post updated information from MIOSHA reports such as penalty reductions from settlements, a department spokesman said.

Finding out further details about each case required a request with the state under the Freedom of Information Act. The state charges between $50 to $100 for each report, and takes several weeks to provide them.

Additional Information about each worker was also gathered from news stories about the incident, obituaries and gofundme pages, which often provided personal details from family and friends.

MLive reached out to many of the families of the deceased workers. Several said they werent emotionally ready to talk about their loved one.

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President Donald Trump has been in office for 100 days

President Donald Trump hit his 100th day in office on April 29, 2017.

Michiganders voted for Trump in the election, 47.5 to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's 47.27 percent. One hundred days after he took office, here's what they're thinking.

(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

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Pat Nelson, Bloomingdale

Pat Nelson lives in Bloomingdale, where she says a lot of people voted for Trump but she wasn't one of them.

"I have come to think that we've really got to understand why people voted for Trump," Nelson said.

She has hope for Americans coming together and "finding some positive things to do."

(Video: Julie Mack | MLive.com)

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Tim Luttman, Howell

Tim Luttman, of Howell, voted for Trump partly because he doesn't think our country is in as great of shape as it used to be. After working for so many years, he said, you start to realize that.

"So far he is doing what he's promised," Luttman said.

He's impressed that Trump is keeping to his promises, but does think Trump has one thing to work on.

"Calm him down a touch and I think he'd be a good president," Luttman said.

(Photo: Emily Lawler | MLive.com)

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Anvil Oden, Detroit

Anvil Oden, of Detroit, struggles to see the positives in Trump's first 100 days.

"I haven't enjoyed anything about the first 100 days," she said.

Most recently, she's been concerned about Trump's foreign policy actions, including mounting tensions with North Korea.

"I really don't know what to say about it, but I don't feel that it's fair to our people, to our country, it's just not right," Oden said.

(Photo: Lauren Gibbons | MLive.com)

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Marc Matthews, Grand Rapids

Marc Matthews voted for Clinton, and says Trump hasn't been very presidential in his first 100 days in office.

"He hasn't followed up on many of his campaign promises to begin with. A lot of those promises I didn't agree with, but at the same time he just seems to try and bully his way to get his point across," Matthews said.

He said Trump has a chance to redeem himself after the first 100 days, but it's going to take a lot of work.

"Mainly staying off Twitter," he quips.

(Photo: Brian McVicar | MLive.com)

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Tim Bradburn, Ann Arbor

Tim Bradburn, of Ann Arbor, is pretty happy with Trump's presidency so far.

"I think the first 100 days have been pretty successful, but Im not happy with Republicans not supporting his agenda. I like how out of the gate, he stepped up to act on his agenda. Hes trying to do what he said hed do," Bardburn said.

Trump's biggest victory so far, he said, was getting his Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch, confirmed.

One thing he's a little disappointed in is the lack of action on building a wall between the U.S. and Mexico.

(Photo: Paula Gardner | MLive.com)

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Kristina Pierson, DeWitt

Michigan State University Student Kristina Pierson described Trump's first 100 days as "chaotic." The worst thing so far, she said, is how he's handled criticism.

"I'd probably say he's not recognizing the concerns that people have about him and his administration and not laying them to rest in a way that doesn't seem personal," Pierson said.

(Photo: Lauren Gibbons | MLive.com)

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Jon Andreasen, Grand Rapids

Jon Andreasen said Trump has had a negative impact on the country in his first 100 days, most recently with his new tax plan.

"Obviously this tax cut coming up its going to be the typical tax scam, tax cuts for the rich. The Republican party, thats all theyve turned into is tax cuts for the rich," Andreasen said.

(Photo: Brian McVicar | MLive.com)

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Attorney General Bill Schuette

Attorney General Bill Schuette, a Midland Republican, said one of Trump's biggest accomplishments so far was the confirmation of his Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch.

But he also said Trump had one big thing to work on going forward.

"I think the biggest challenge coming up is fixing Obamacare," Schuette said.

(Video: Julie Mack | MLive.com)

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Chad Hines, Hamburg

Chad Hines, of Hamburg, has been impressed by Trump's first 100 days in office even if they weren't exactly what he was expecting.

"A lot of the plans and strategy and things weren't what we were expecting, but actually quite clever," Hines said.

Domestically, he said Trump's executive orders had made some important changes. In terms of foreign policy, Hines thought Trump handled his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping well.

"He's the first non-globalist, non-central banker guy," Hines said of Trump.

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House Minority Leader Sam Singh, D-East Lansing

The president's first 100 days have been "unremarkable," said House Minority Leader Sam Singh, D-East Lansing.

He's glad some of the president's proposals, from executive orders to health care changes, have not moved forward. He's glad that in some areas Trump has acknowledged his mistakes, but said his biggest failure was driving people apart.

"I didn't think it was possible, but he made this country more divided in the first hundred days," Singh said.

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Craig Hayward, Grand Rapids

Craig Hayward, 66, of Grand Rapids, said he voted for Trump because his stances would help small businesses.

"I like the fact that he has tried to implement what he was elected on," Hayward said.

And Trump has a chance to re-shape the Supreme Court to follow the constitution, something Hayward thinks is important. But one thing he wishes Trump would focus less on is letting things get to him and reacting on Twitter.

"I wish he would cut down on the Twitter business," Hayward said.

(Video: Brian McVicar | MLive.com)

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Bob Swicker, Bloomingdale

Bob Swicker, of Bloomingdale, says he's opposed to Trump, but is glad people are coming together to oppose him.

"He's immoral, he grabs women and is proud of that fact, he's an evil person and I'm hoping we survive him," Swicker said.

(Video: Julie Mack | MLive.com)

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Kelly Forsyth, Howell

Kelly Forsyth, of Howell, said Trump is going about doing exactly what he said he was going to do.

She supports Trump, and thinks the people who aren't happy with his actions during the first 100 days were they people who didn't want him to be in office to begin with.

"People are mad, but I think they were going to be mad anyway," Forsyth said.

(Photo: Emily Lawler | elawler@mlive.com)

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Clifton Epps, Detroit

One thing Clinton Epps, of Detroit, has noticed during Trump's first 100 days is a lacking in foreign policy.

"The foreign diplomats, they're running him. Because he really doesn't have the knowledge or the know-how," Eps said.

He'd like to see him bring Americans together instead of dividing them. But toward that end, Eps said Trump has calmed down a little.

"What he's doing now, he's become mild-mannered a little... he was really off the bat when he first got inaugurated," Epps said.

(Lauren Gibbons | MLive)

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Jeannine Willacker, Portage

Jeannine Willacker, of Portage, feels "pretty negative" about Trump's first 100 days in office.

"I really feel that nothing has been done and Im scared about the situation in Korea," she said.

(Photo: Julie Mack | MLive.com)
MADISON HEIGHTS -- 9-year-old Danny Talal has only been in the United States for a few months, but on Friday, he had the chance to share his story with a U.S. State Department official.

Talal came to the United States after his left eye was injured during a bombing outside his home in Iraq. Currently, he's living with relatives and attending school at Keys Grace Academy Charter School in Madison Heights, where he says his favorite subject is reading.

He was one of several children U.S. State Department Deputy Assistant Secretary Joseph Pennington met during his tour of the school, which caters to students from Iraq, Syria and other countries in the Middle East.

Pennington, who is the deputy assistant for Iraq and previously served as consul general in the Iraqi Kurdistan region, told community members following his tour of the school that it was reassuring to see the students achieving success despite the difficulties they've faced.

"I thought it was useful, having seen what many members of your community have seen, to see what has happened to some of the children affected by that," Pennington said. "It was encouraging to see."

Nathan Kalasho, who founded the school in 2015 with his father, Assad Kalasho, and brother Dylan Kalasho, said they invited Pennington to visit the school to put tangible faces to the stories currently coming out of the Middle East.

"We wanted to provide him with a sense of the type of approach that we've implemented here at the school -- a community based approach -- so he can educate members of the State Department and other departments on how important it is to successfully integrate these vulnerable people," he said.

The school's mission is to allow students to focus on education as well as helping parents focus on language learning, finding jobs in the area and accessing the health and legal services they need, Kalasho said.

The school focuses on preserving Chaldean, Assyrian and Syriac cultures by making language proficiency a priority and offering culture courses on top of state requirements.

For a school serving more than 400 students whose families are primarily recent Iraqi and Syrian immigrants, that mission often requires resources above and beyond what an average school might provide. The school offers therapy services to many of its students, who school officials say often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

"This is like a one-stop shop, so to speak," said Walid Gammouh, who provides social services to children at the school. "We try to get them ready so that when they get to the classroom, they're ready to learn...we work with kids to normalize their feelings and break the cycle of trauma."

While speaking to members of the community during a question and answer session, Pennington said it's vital to address educational and mental health needs of the 3.1 million Iraqis and other immigrants in the region that remain displaced.

"The long term concern is a lost generation," Pennington said, specifically referring to displaced children who might be out of school for months or years at a time. "So many kids see things no kids should see."
KALAMAZOO, MI - Western Michigan University celebrated over 2,000 graduating students during their 319th commencement ceremony on Saturday, April 29.

"This day is a very special day for you, our graduates, and it is my privilege and honor to preside in your commencement," WMU President John Dunn said to the first group of graduates.

Dunn, who is set to retire at the end of July, conferred 2,628 degrees in his final spring commencement ceremonies.

The university's 9th president, Edward B. Montgomery, was in attendance at the first ceremony of the day, watching his son Edward J. Montgomery or E.J., graduate.

"Pay close attention Dr. Montgomery, soon you'll stand on this very stage and experience the same pride and gratitude I feel today as I present a diploma to each Bronco graduate," Dunn said as he welcomed his successor. "This is the best day of the year for a president."

The day-long celebration took place at Miller Auditorium with four, two hour long ceremonies. Of the 2,628 degrees awarded, 2,028 were at the bachelor's level, 566 at the master's level and 34 at the doctoral level.

"(It) hasn't hit me yet but I'm excited, and a little scared," Haworth College of Business graduate Sarah Mitchell said.

Highlights from Saturday's ceremonies included performances by the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and the Western Brass Ensemble, an honorary degree presentation at the 7 p.m. ceremony and guest speaker. Gov. Rick Snyder, at the 9 a.m. ceremony.

Snyder, who graduated from the University of Michigan, said he received most of his accounting hours from WMU's Haworth College of Business during the summer of his undergraduate career.

"Western is not just another public university, Western is my second university in many respects," Snyder said.

Michigan's governor used his speech to get personal with graduates and attendees, speaking of his career, education and wife, who is a WMU alumni. He also shared eight "food for thought" points with the first group of graduates.

After the diplomas were presented, students watched a slideshow created by the university to reflect and remember their time at WMU.

"Graduates, your years as part of the Bronco learning community have left you with an approach to the world I hope remains a permanent part of your mantra and daily behavior," Dunn said in his closing remarks.
MUSKEGON, MI -- Muskegon High School students celebrated a sparkling prom 2017 Friday night.

The April 28 prom's was held at the Watermark center in downtown Muskegon. This year's theme was "Crystal Blue Persuasions."

Decorations featured twinkling string lights, pillars that lit up with blue lights and other sparkling details.

Jenny Feringa, prom coordinator, said between 100 and 150 students attended. The prom was planned by about 20 students.

Muskegon High School was voted "Prom of the Week" in the Muskegon Chronicle's poll.

Two other Muskegon-area high schools are having proms this weekend, Holton High School and Ravenna High School.
India's Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee waves to the media as his counterpart from Pakistan Khursheed Mehmood Kasuri gestures after their meeting in New Delhi November 27, 2006. Mukherjee will visit Pakistan on January 13, 2007, in a bid to invigorate their peace process and to invite Pakistani leaders for a South Asia regional summit, officials said on Monday. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi (INDIA) - RTR1JQZ1

President Pranab Mukherjee has said there is an urgent need to strengthen the global counter-terrorism mechanism so that the menace can be fought jointly by the international community.

At a banquet hosted in honour of visiting President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades, Mukherjee said both India and Cyprus suffer from the scourge of terrorism.

"This global menace needs to be fought by all civilised societies and countries not just individually, but at a bilateral, regional and global level," he said welcoming the Cypriot president on his first-ever state visit to India.

Mukherjee stressed there is an urgent need to strengthen the global counter-terrorism legal framework to combat the scourge of international terrorism.

"India seeks to build a broad consensus at the United Nations for finalisation of the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and early adoption of the CCIT in the United Nations," he said.

Mukherjee said almost all Presidents of Cyprus before Anastasiades have paid a visit to India and therefore, India feels honoured that he has maintained that tradition.

He said India values its longstanding and close friendship with Cyprus.

"India-Cyprus relationship is pinned on the foundation of ideological commonalities of our founding fathers  Mahatma Gandhi and Archbishop Makarios," he said.

Mukherjee said India lauds the economic recovery of Cyprus under the leadership of Anastasiades, particularly its return to a positive rate of growth  among the fastest in the European Union.

In recent years, he said, India has seen rapid economic progress - despite the global slowdown - and achieved a steady growth rate of about 7 percent.

"We welcome Cyprus to take advantage of our flagship programmes like 'Make in India' and 'Skill India' - and join India's growth story," he said.

Mukherjee said India's information technology sector as also the renewable energy, natural gas and hydrocarbons, sustainable tourism, infrastructure and health and wellness sectors are open for partnerships and foreign investment.

He said the recent signing of the revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement is a good step in this direction.

He expressed confidence that this state visit will result in new initiatives in all these areas of immense potential.
Viswanath Pilla

Biopharmaceutical firm Biocon wants to "unlock value" in its businesses after building them up for at least the next five years, chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw told Moneycontrol in an interview on Friday.

For now, the company is focusing on ramping up its biologics business, which accounts for 15 percent of overall revenues, but has the potential to be a game changer.

The biologics business consists predominantly of biosimilars, that include monoclonal antibodies and recombinant insulins and novel biologics.

Biosimilars are identical copies of original biologic drugs that have active properties similar to the reference biological product requiring large clinical trials on patients to establish safety and efficacy before approval by regulatory agencies, unlike small generic molecules that can be launched by doing bioequivalence studies.

In 2015, the company listed its contract research and drug discovery services business Syngene, and Mazumdar-Shaw said that a range of options was open for the rest of the businesses.

"We want to unlock value through our businesses, that is the strategy, but having said that right now we are pretty focussed on making sure that biologics business actually starts delivering on what we have invested." Mazumdar-Shaw said.

"So for at least five years, we need to make sure that everything that you invested gives you a very rich return. Thats what we have unlocked (in) Syngene," she added.

She said the company would also consider acquisition opportunities that came its way.

I dont believe in not looking at attractive opportunities, so I think we do what is right for the organisation, if there is an acquisition opportunity we will go for it, if we believe that organic route is giving us rich return we will go with that," she said.

Mazumdar-Shaw said Biocon will not take its foot off the pedal on research and development (R&D) spend as she sees that as integral part of Biocons business model.

"We are not going to reduce our R&D spend; we will be spending at this levels and may be in certain years it might increase," Mazumdar-Shaw added.

Biocon spends about 10-11 percent of sales of R&D, a large part of that R&D spend goes towards global clinical trials of its biosimilars on patients.

Analysts estimate the cost of developing biosimilars for global markets to range from USD 75-250 million.

Biocon has ended FY17 with revenues of Rs 4,079 crore - a third of those revenues are contributed by its listed subsidiary Syngene.

The company has teamed up with US-based generic maker Mylan to develop five biosimilarspegfilgrastim, trastuzumab, bevacizumab, adalimumab and insulin glarginefor regulated markets such as Europe and US.

Pegfilgrastim is used to stimulate the level of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, trastuzumab is used in the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, colon cancer drug bevacizumab and adalimumab for treating autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.

The combined market size of the drugs which Biocon is chasing was estimated to be around USD 45 billion.

Three of Biocons biosimilars including trastuzumab, pegfilgrastim and insulin Glargine are currently under review with European drug regulator European Medicines Agency (EMA), while pegfilgrastim and trastuzumab are now reviewed by the US regulator.

The company said it is preparing to file biologics license application (BLA) in US for insulin glargine shortly.

Mazumdar-Shaw is confident the companys biosimilars will roll out starting from FY19 in US and Europe.

"US FDA has finished its audit and inspection of our facility, that itself is an important signal that they are reviewing our filings; they have given us target action day, which is also an important indicator that it happens on the same date," Mazumdar-Shaw said.

The patent litigation settlement reached by its partner Mylan with Swiss-pharmaceutical major Roche, which markets trastuzumab, has cleared the IP related hurdles, she added.

However Mazumdar-Shaw said that there still some potiential IP challenges for Pegfilgrastin and Insulin Glargine in US market.

The company has already launched insulin Glargine in the Japanese market in partnership with FUJIFILM Pharma.

Majumdar-Shaw said the company expects to be a billion dollar company in terms of revenues by FY19.

Biologics are going to be very important growth driver for us, small molecules will continue to support the business in the foreseeable future, we are getting into vertically integrated abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) thats going to contribute some numbers, we have revamped our branded formulation business, we expect recovery of contract research and discovery services business, Mazumdar-Shaw said.
Turning the tables on India Inc, NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Arvind Panagariya today said the industry is not discharging its responsibility of creating jobs.

"What is industry doing for job creation? Government makes policies ... I don't see single industrialist starting a factory to produce apparel. "Why China exports USD 175 billion worth apparel we export only USD 17 billion worth of apparel. I think there is some responsibility on part of industrialists too," he said at when asked if the government has failed to create jobs.

Panagariya also said the industry, if facing any problem, should approach the government for removal of policy barriers. "No industrialist came and told me that I want to invest in apparel industry and please remove barriers ... I understand you go for profit, naturally you will go for profit."

he said, adding that the industry must contribute its bit in creating jobs. The NITI Aayog vice-chairman further said India needs to focus on domestic policies to step up its share in global trade to 4-5 per cent from the current 1.7 per cent and not get perturbed by what is happening in the US.

"What matters more is what we do in India", he said. The global merchandise export is USD 16-17 trillion and there should be an effort to raise India's pie, irrespective of increase or decrease in global trade, he said.

Panagariya said policy changes are happening at the level of Centre and states too should be pushed to bring reforms. He also noted that reform in food processing sector is very low. Panagariya also said most states still have not provided legal framework to APMC Act.

He mentioned that the Cabinet has accepted the recommendation for privatisation of 20 PSUs sent by NITI Aayog and it is only a matter of time when the process of ownership change would start. "Already, the closure of sick PSUs have started happening based on the suggestion made by the Aayog," he said.

Panagariya also observed that the strident attitude demonstrated by the US is showing signs of change and hopefully there would be a turnaround in the approach of advanced economies in favour of openness. He said that he was not in agreement with the view that greater use of robotics and artificial intelligence should be a source of worry for India.

"Our labour force, employed in mass manufacturing industries such as clothing and leather sector, has the capability to do a much better job than robots. "With conducive policies and business environment, India would continue to be in the reckoning," Panagariya said.
Italian defence major Leonardo, formerly known as Finmeccanica is set to pitch for Indian defence contracts.

CNBC-TV18s Rituparna Bhuyan caught up with Ivan Scalfarotto, Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Italy and asked him about the investment plans of Italian companies in India.

Leonardo is a very successful company in many markets with USD 13 billion in revenues and USD 12 billion of new orders in the pipeline. The company has been reorganised and restructured and would be happy to work in India, he said.

Overall there are 600 Italian companies with an investment of USD 3 billion in to India in the past three-years and there would definitely be more investments, he said.

He said Italy was looking forward to a free trade agreement (FTA) with India and would need to negotiation geographical indicators and duties and non-tariff barriers.
A group of global medical-technology companies plans to tell Indian officials next month that any further price control measures would risk future investments and make them less likely to introduce new products in the country, according to an industry source familiar with the matter.

The lobbying effort by Abbott Laboratories, Boston Scientific, Johnson & Johnson and others comes after the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February set a price cap for stents - small wire-mesh structures used to treat blocked arteries - slashing prices that patients pay for some devices by about 75 percent.

That has sparked a growing showdown between the companies and Modi's government in India, where the "med-tech" sector is worth $5 billion. Abbott and Medtronic filed for withdrawal of some of their stents from India, but the government on Wednesday rejected their request, saying it contravened the nation's drug laws.

Modi has in recent years taken a more aggressive stance against multinational healthcare companies, announcing price curbs on drugs used to treat critical ailments such as cancer, HIV/AIDS and diabetes.

At a public event this month, the prime minister said patient interests were more important than "unhappy" companies.A

The firms, meanwhile, worry price controls could extend to other devices such as implants or valves, making it economically unviable for them to sell next-generation products in India, industry sources said.

Executives from Abbott, Medtronic and Boston Scientific - which all sell coronary stents in India - along with Johnson & Johnson and others, plan to approach India's health and trade ministries in May to convey that "price control is not the way forward", according to an India executive at a multinational med-tech company aware of the plans.

"There is a lot of nervousness," the executive said.

Johnson & Johnson, for example, is worried about potential price curbs on its imported knee, joint or hip implants, another industry source said, adding the company was working with trade groups to write letters to the government.

Boston Scientific said it was engaging with the government and would abide by regulations.

Medtronic said it intended to again file a plea for withdrawing one of its stents. Abbott said it was speaking with the government to file for withdrawing two stents and would look at reintroducing them if they became "commercially viable".

Johnson & Johnson declined to comment.

Another industry source aware of companies' strategies said the withdrawal pleas were aimed at sending a "strong signal" to the government by disrupting access.

None of the companies commented on planned government meetings or broader industry worries.

National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) Chairman Bhupendra Singh on Thursday sought to calm industry concerns, saying the authority was in the process of collecting price information for 23 devices but "as of now there is no proposal to cap the prices".

Singh, whose agency is the government's drug pricing regulator, declined to comment on industry jitters or lobbying efforts.

COSTS VS ACCESS

The domestic medical device market in India is expected to grow by 15 percent annually between 2014 and 2020 to $8.6 billion, according to a joint report by consultants Deloitte and Healthcare Federation of India, NATHEALTH.

Rana Mehta, leader of healthcare at consultants PwC India, said many firms had started re-evaluating their India strategy.

"This uncertainty might be detrimental to the growth of the industry," said Mehta, who advises several multinational med-tech companies.

Abbott and the Medical Technology Association of India, which counts Boston Scientific among its members, have in the past fallen short with their lobbying efforts in New Delhi, according to documents seen by Reuters.

In letters written to the government departments of health and pharmaceuticals during August and September, they appealed to Indian officials to have a more liberal approach on stent pricing and not treat all stent devices as the same, submitting dozens of pages of research papers and clinical studies in support.

Abbott wrote this would "encourage" medical device innovation.

But the pricing regulator NPPA ruled against their requests.

In February, it termed stents as "essential" devices, noting cases of heart disease were rising and the stent pricing was "restrictive and exorbitant". It did not differentiate among types of drug-releasing stents as the industry desired.

The price cap was set at 7,260 rupees ($113) for the older generation metal variants and 29,600 rupees ($461) for drug-releasing variants.

Abbott said it was "disappointed" with the decision. An executive at the Medical Technology Association said different types of drug-releasing stents should be treated differently.

Activists have lauded the government's action on stent pricing, saying reduced prices would benefit the masses.

"The government intervention is expected to end exploitation of patients," health activist K.M.Gopakumar said.

But some in the healthcare industry disagree.

"Considering affordability is important but not at the cost of putting brakes on the evolving technology that is so essential to ensure patients' well-being," said Shirish Hiremath, president of the Cardiologist Society of India.
The market hit record highs in the passing week (Sensex at 30,184.22 and Nifty at 9,367.15 intraday) on better-than-expected earnings (by cement, auto and midcap banks) and likely PSU banks' recapitalisation. Global factors like easing of political risk in Eurozone post favourable French elections results, and expectations of US tax reforms also boosted market sentiment. The Nifty gained 2 percent (at 9,304.05) during the week despite consolidation in later part of the week due to extended weekend and mixed global cues.

On the monthly basis, the market continued northward journey for fourth consecutive months. In fact, the year so far has been good, with Nifty posting 13.66 percent gains year-to-date (up 1.42 percent in April, 3.31 percent in March, 3.72 percent in February and 4.6 percent in January).

Such a stellar performance is unlikely to continue in the coming truncated week as well as in May. With expensive valuations at current level, the market has to consolidate more before moving towards another psychological 9,400 mark on the Nifty and volatility index also indicated the same trend, experts say.

The market will remain shut on May 1 (Monday)  Maharashtra Day.

They expect minor correction and every dip is likely to be bought. Major correction, according to them, is unlikely due to favourable domestic factors like consistent buying by domestic institutional investors despite FIIs' selling, better-than-expected earnings so far (indicating faster recovery in FY18) and stability in economic reforms after recent state & municipal elections. Lower crude oil prices also played supportive role for the market.

Following the recent run up, Indian VIX i.e. volatility Index, has reached the lower end of the range currently placed at 10.87. As VIX has a tendency to revert back to mean, a reading so low warrants a rise in the volatility in the coming sessions, which could lead to minor corrections, says Prasanth Prabhakaran, Senior President & CEO at YES Securities.

While movement at the Index level could remain muted, stock specific movement on account of the ongoing earnings season could be seen, he adds.

Rakesh Tarway, Head of Research at Reliance Securities says he expects markets to consolidate at current levels in the broad range of 9,100-9,500 levels for few weeks as some amount of consolidation would take place after a sharp up move.

The option data continued to suggest a strong support at 9000 with an open interest of 44 lakh shares in put options. On the upside, 9500 has the highest open interest of 42 lakh shares in call options.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services expects some volatility in global market also due to its influence on next week's Federal Reserve policy. Currently, domestic market is amongst the expensive market in the world with a P/E of 18x on FY18 basis, he says.

According to experts, the only negative factor that can stall the rally (in near term) would be the crisis between US and North Korea due to missile tests by the latter. If that intensified then the Nifty can break 9,000 level, they feel.

Here are eight factors that will chart market direction next week:

Earnings

In the coming week, we will enter in the second month of March quarter earnings season. ICICI Bank (on May 3) and HDFC (May 4) earnings would be important ones to watch out for.

Bharat Financial will be closely watched not only for its earnings but also for likely announcement related to merger & acquisition.

Dabur and Bharat Financial will announce quarterly earnings on May 1.

On May 2, Marico, RBL Bank, Inox Leisure, Kansai Nerolac and Shriram City Union Finance will release their earnings report while ICICI Bank, Ajanta Pharma, DHFL, Alembic Pharma, Agro Tech Foods, L&T Technology, Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri and Zenotech Laboratories will come out with results on May 3.

HDFC, Emami, Exide Industries, Apollo Tyres, Godrej Properties, HCC, IIFL, Greaves Cotton, L&T Finance Holdings, L&T Infotech, Bank of Maharashtra, MCX, MRF, Oberoi Realty and Tata Communications will announce numbers May 4.

On May 5, Equitas Holdings, GE Shipping, Monsanto India, NIIT Technologies, Sanofi, Shankara Building Products, Shoppers Stop, SPARC and Transformers and Rectifiers are expected to declare earnings for the quarter ended March 2017.

D-Mart operator Avenue Supermarts will announce its earnings on May 6.

Auto sales

April sales data by auto companies will also be announced next week. Hence, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Mahindra & Mahindra, Escorts, Hero Motocorp, Bajaj Auto, Eicher Motors and TVS Motor Company will be in focus.

Passenger vehicle segment will continue its growth momentum and outperform the auto industry growth in April while 2-wheeler and commercial vehicle volumes are expected to decline YoY and MoM, Motilal Oswal says.

It further says channel check suggests, retail off-take in 2-wheeler segment is expected to remain weak followed by pre-buy of BS-3 vehicles in the previous month.

Technical Outlook

Technical analysts expect 9200 will act as a support level in near term and on the upside, 9400 will be major resistance.

Nagaraj Shetti of HDFC securities says the short term trend of Nifty is slightly weak and there is a possibility of minor correction for next week. The overall chart pattern as per larger timeframe is positive and the expected weakness is unlikely to damage the broader uptrend of the market for near term.

The maximum downside levels to be watched for this correction is around 9180-9150 for the next 1-2 weeks and Nifty could eventually bounce back and could register new all-time highs, he feels.

"We continue to maintain initial upside target for Nifty around 9380-9400 levels for the next month (Nifty made a high of 9367 on April 26). The next upside target to be watched is around 9650-9700 levels over the next 2-3 months," Shetti says.

Rohit Srivastava, Fund Manager  PMS at Sharekhan says 9300-9274 is a key support zone where the correction can subside and upside can start.

He feels the overall trend remains positive from medium-term perspective, with the respective targets pegged at 9500. On the way up, the swing high of 9367 will act as an intermediate hurdle, he says.

Macro ecomonic data

Nikkei Markit Manufacturing PMI will be announced on May 2 and Services PMI on May 4.

Manufacturing sector activity jumped to a five-month high in March at 52.5 (from 50.7 in February) with increased production and new orders while services PMI rose to 51.5 in March (up from 50.3 in previous month).

Stocks in Focus

Coming Monday, Ambuja Cements, Raymond, Uttam Galva, Kitex Garments, Navin Fluorine, Deepak Nitrite, Kesoram Industries and RPG Life Sciences will react their earnings that announced after market hours on Friday.

Other stocks that will react to earnings would be Dabur, Bharat Financial, JSW Energy, Indowind Energy, Astra Micro Wave and Morepen Labs which are expected to declare results over the long weekend.

UP sugar stocks will be in focus on Monday as CNBC-TV18 reports say UP government has asked sugar mills will pay 15 percent interest on cane arrears for 2016-17.

Dr Reddy's Labs, Aurobindo Pharma and Strides Shasun will react to USFDA actions.

US Food & Drug Administration has issued Form 483 with 11 observations for Dr Reddy's plant 3 at Bachupally and completed inspection of Strides Shasun's oral dosage unit in Puducherry with zero 483 observations while sources told CNBC-TV18 that Aurobindo unit IV injectables unit received 6 observations from the US health regulator.

Thermax may react positively to its export contracts worth USD 157 million received in Africa.

Tata Motors will also be in focus as US auto sales data is expected to release on May 3.

Liquidity

Domestic institutional investors so far have been supportive to the market as according to provisional data, they have bought more than Rs 9,000 crore worth of shares in April.

At the same time, foreign institutional investors were net sellers to the tune of more than Rs 2,000 crore as per actual data available on the SEBI. However, they had made highest ever monthly buying worth Rs 33,781 crore in March.

Corporate Action

Beardsell share price will adjust on May 4 for its bonus issue (in the proportion of one share for every five shares held) and sub-division of face value (from Rs 10 to Rs 2 each).

Mishtann Foods will consolidate face value of its share price at Rs 10 from Re 1.

Global Cues

Globally experts will closely watch geopolitical concerns like stand-off between US and North Korea due to missile tested by the latter.

The outcome of two-day Federal Reserve policy meeting on May 3 and US jobs report for April on May 5 will also be in focus. Economists do not expect any change in policy rate but the foucs would be on indications for further rate hikes.

Europe's Manufacturing PMI for April and Bank of Japan's core CPI will be announced on May 2 while Europe's Q1 GDP and US Markit Composite & Services PMI data will be released on May 3.

Europe's Markit composite and services PMI and US' Q1 non-farm productivity data is expected on May 4.
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A slew of public sector banks, including Punjab National Bank and Union Bank, plan to raise a combined Rs 17,800 crore in one or more tranches this year through various instruments like bonds issue and follow on offer.

The country's second largest public sector lender Punjab National Bank will raise up to Rs 3,000 crore through Basel III compliant additional tier-I bonds.

The money raise will be subject to availability of headroom in one or more tranches, the bank said in a regulatory filing today.

Mumbai-headquartered Union Bank said its board in a meeting held today approved capital plan for 2017-18.

The bank will raise up to Rs 6,350 crore this fiscal in the form of core equity capital and/or additional tier I bonds or tier II bonds.

It will also raise up to Rs 4,950 crore through follow on public offer, rights issue/private issue, including qualified institutional placements or preferential allotment to government, Union Bank said in a filing.

Pune-based Bank of Maharashtra said its board of directors in a meeting next week will consider a proposal for raising of equity capital through FPO/rights issue/QIP up to Rs 2,000 crore.

Punjab & Sind Bank said it will raise Rs 1,500 crore in 2017-18 through private placement of shares in one or more tranches.
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif looks out the window of his plane after attending a ceremony to inaugurate the M9 motorway between Karachi and Hyderabad, Pakistan February 3, 2017. REUTERS/Caren Firouz - RTX2ZI70

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today sacked his special assistant on foreign affairs Tariq Fatemi after an inquiry found him guilty of "leaking" to a newspaper vital information from a high-level security meet.

Sharif approved an inquiry committee's recommendation to remove Fatemi from his post. The inquiry committee was set up last year to probe the controversy surrounding a controversial report by daily Dawn about a key meeting on national security.

In October, a columnist for Dawn newspaper wrote a front-page story about a rift between civilian and military leaderships over militant groups that operate from Pakistan but engage in proxy war against India and Afghanistan.

The committee, headed by Justice (retd) Aamir Raza Khan, included representatives of the Intelligence Bureau, the Military Intelligence and the Inter-Services Investigation.

The report had said that political leadership had accused army in the high-level meeting to stop creating hurdles in the way of crackdown on some militant entities.

The government denied its role but the army took strong exception to the story and relations between army and the civil government deteriorated.

The PML-N government was forced to remove then information minister Pervaiz Rasheed but a probe was also initiated at the demand of army to fix the responsibility. The report was submitted to the prime minister this week.

According to the inquiry report, Fatemi was primarily responsible for leaking the report of the key meeting, and Sharif took action against him.

"Allocation of portfolio of Foreign Affairs to Syed Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, shall be withdrawn, according to a letter issued by government.

Fatemi is considered as trusted aide of the prime minister and his removal is a setback for the government of Sharif who is already under pressure due to Panama case verdict.

Sharif also directed that the role of Dawn editor Zafar Abbas and reporter Cyril Almeida shall be referred to All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) for necessary disciplinary action to be taken against them, according to letter.

It said that the APNS, a representative body of print media, shall also be asked to develop a Code of Conduct for the print media especially when dealing with issues relating to security of Pakistan and to ensure that stories on issues of national importance and security are published by abiding to basic journalistic and editorial norms.

Sharif also ordered action against Rao Tehsin Ali, Principal Information Officer of the Ministry of Information, under disciplinary rules for the charges based on findings in report.

The story in Dawn said "in a blunt, orchestrated and unprecedented warning, the civilian government has informed the military leadership of a growing international isolation of Pakistan and sought consensus on several key actions by the state.

It further said that "military-led intelligence agencies are not to interfere if law enforcement acts against militant groups that are banned or until now considered off-limits for civilian action.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on Friday retained India on its list of patent violating countries, citing it as one of the worlds most challenging major economies with respect to protection and enforcement of intellectual property (IP).

USTR on Friday released the 2017 Special 301 Report, reviewing global developments on trade and intellectual property (IP) and identifying trading partners with harmful records on protection, enforcement, or market access for US innovators and creators.

The report calls on US trading partners to address IP-related trade barriers, with a special focus on the countries identified on the Watch List and Priority Watch List.

The report said despite positive statements and initiatives upon which the Narendra Modi administration has embarked, the pace of reform has not matched high-level calls to foster innovation and promote creativity.

USTR identifies India on the Priority Watch List for lack of sufficient measurable improvements to its IP framework on longstanding and new challenges that have negatively affected US right holders over the past year, the report said

Longstanding IP challenges facing US business in India include those which make it difficult for innovators to receive and maintain patents in India, particularly for pharmaceuticals and software, enforcement action and policies that are insufficient to curb the problem, copyright policies that do not properly incentivize the creation and commercialization of content, and an outdated and insufficient trade secrets legal framework, the report added.

The report also expressed new and growing concerns, including with respect to draft policies that negatively affect the commercialization of biotechnology, and the positions that India supports and voices in multilateral forums on IP issues, continuing to generate skepticism about whether India is serious about pursuing pro-innovation and creative growth policies.

The USTR's Special 301 report is a Congressionally-mandated annual report that has been issued every year beginning in 1989. It identifies trade barriers to US companies and products in foreign shores owing to the host country's intellectual property laws, including trademarks, patents, copyright and trade secrets.

The US government exerts pressure on the countries in the watchlist to address both emerging and continuing concerns and reviews the list annually based on public hearings.

The countries that continue to fail were put on priority foreign country category that mandates the US government to impose unilateral trade sanctions.

Along with India, 10 other countries including China, Russia, Indonesia, Thailand, Argentina, Algeria, Ukraine, Kuwait, Venezuela, Chile were placed in the Priority Watch List.

India was added to the priority watch list by the US government based on complaints of MNC drug makers led by US companies over Indias poor enforcement of intellectual property law.

It was with special reference to certain provisions of amended Indian patent law of 2005, including Section 3 (d) which denies a patent grant for incremental research; it also flagged worries over use of compulsory licensing and failure to ensure regulatory data protection.

The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the USTR decision to place India on Priority Watch List.

Almost a year after the announcement of its long-anticipated National IPR Policy, India continues to dismiss the need for substantive changes to its IP laws and regulations, said Mark Elliot, executive vice-president at Global Intellectual Property Center of US Chamber of Commerce in a statement.

We will continue to encourage the Indian government to address the biggest gaps in its IP protections, including: uncertainties and challenges in the patent system (with particular regard for computer-related inventions (CRI) and Section 3(d) of the Patent Act), the need to modernize copyright laws, and the need for regulatory data protections, the statement added.

According to US government estimates, in total, IP-intensive industries directly and indirectly support 45.5 million American jobs, about 30 percent of all employment in the United States.

By identifying the IP-related trade barriers, the report helps focus efforts towards protecting and creating US jobs, and promoting free and fair trade that benefits all Americans, USTR said.
Education

Montgomery County Community College will present the spring installment of the interview/talk show program Issues and Insights April 20 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Science Center room 214, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The programs will be simulcast to the Colleges West Campus in South Hall room 216, 101 College Drive, Pottstown. Dr. Kolsky will offer a humorous presentation, Carrots, Sticks and Politics: A State of the Nation and the World Message. In this speech, he will provide his interpretation of domestic and international politics and then welcome questions from the audience for discussion. Issues and Insights, is free and open to the public. For information, contact Dr. Thomas Kolsky, professor of political science, at 215-641-6380 or tkolsky@mc3.edu.

Montgomery County Community Colleges STEM Scholars Program will host a STEM Jam! open house April 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Advanced Technology Center at the Colleges Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The drop-in event is designed for students interested in learning more about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Activities will include STEM program information and career advising, STEM speakers throughout the day from industry and academia, micro-helicopter and robotics competitive obstacle courses and demonstrations and static models of STEM student and faculty work. For more information about STEM Jam! or STEM programs at MCCC, contact William Brownlowe at wbrownlowe@mc3.edu or 215-641-6644, or Robin Zuhlke at 215-619-7440 or rzuhlke@mc3.edu.

Temple Ambler, located at 580 Meetinghouse Road, presents the following events:

International Club Global Bazaar April 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Ambler Campus International Club invites all students, faculty, staff and the community to celebrate a multitude of diverse cultures, which will be showcased at the organizations Global Bazaar. This family friendly event will highlight cultural traditions and celebrations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South American, North America and Africa through music, entertainment, food and informative displays developed and presented by students at the Ambler Campus. Young visitors will be provided with passports, which they may get stamped at each country they visit. Prizes will be awarded to world travelers who talk to cultural representatives, answer questions about the countries theyve visited and take part in fun-filled activities designed to help them learn about the rich diversity of cultures found throughout the world. Refreshments will be served. The event is free. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail tuc36466@temple.edu.

EarthFest 2011 April 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 75 exhibitors, including the Philadelphia Zoo, The Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Elmwood Park Zoo and the Insectarium, will take part in EarthFest 2011. School students of all ages are invited to attend and develop displays of their own. EarthFest partner the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society also offers its Kids Grow Expo, featuring the Junior Flower Show, as part of the event. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail duffyj@temple.edu.

Annual Spring Plant Sale May 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The plant sale  an Ambler Campus tradition dating back to the early 1900s  will feature woody plants and perennials in portable sizes, hardy trees, shrubs, and vines, native plants that are attractive to wildlife, herbs, and hanging baskets. There will also be numerous special plants for sale to highlight Amblers special anniversary year. Garden books and garden tools will also be available for sale. Students, staff, and volunteers from the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture and the Ambler Arboretum Advisory Committee will be available to answer questions. All proceeds from the Spring Plant Sale will support the Ambler Arboretum Fund and the Pi Alpha Xi National Honor Society. Information: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

June Homecoming/Louise Bush-Brown Garden Dedication June 5 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. (June Homecoming), Bright Hall Lounge; 2 p.m. (Garden Dedication), Ambler Campus Formal Perennial Gardens. Tickets  June Homecoming: Participant  $18 per person; Sustainer  $25 per person; Benefactor  $40 per person. The 2011 June Homecoming, sponsored by the School of Environmental Design Alumni Association, will include the Alumni Association annual meeting and luncheon. June Homecoming will be followed by the formal dedication of Temple University Amblers Formal Perennial Gardens as the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Gardens. During this 100th anniversary of the campus, Temple University Ambler and the Ambler Arboretum of the Temple University is honoring Louise Bush-Browns many contributions to the history of the campus by formally dedicating the gardens in her honor. During the program, campus Executive William Parshall will welcome guests, Ambler Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey will speak about the Bush-Browns and the history of the garden, and an official ribbon cutting will be held for the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Garden. Following the ribbon cutting, guests are invited to take a tour of the gardens, which will wend their way to the Campus Greenhouse for the School of Environmental Designs annual Plant Auction. Information (Garden Dedication): 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Information (June Homecoming): 215-482-0722. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

Northview Garden Tour and Fundraiser for the Ambler Arboretum June 12 from noon to 5 p.m. Call for reservations. Tickets: $15 per person or $20 at the door. In addition to the gardens of the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University, Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey has a garden oasis all her own right in Ambler  Northview. Visitors will have the opportunity to take self-guided tours throughout the many gardens, where garden experts will be available to answer questions about the various designs. The Ambler Keystone Chapter of the Womans National Farm and Garden Association will also provide tea and refreshments. All proceeds from the tours will support the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University. Information or to register: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

The Senior Adult Activities Center of Montgomery County, 536 George Street, Norristown, will hold the following events:

SAAC Adult Day Care, an alternative to Nursing Home Care is available  for information call 610-275-1960

Volunteers are needed for Meals on Wheels Program (call the number above)

SAACs Fifth Avenue Boutique opens Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Exercise with Theresa will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m.

Dance class is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Tai Chi is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Yoga is held every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.

Line Dancing is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

Dancing with Joan is held every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Sculpture Class is held Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Why Should I Learn Spanish? will be held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Generations On-Line computer classes for seniors will be held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.  4 p.m.  computers are available during those hours.

Health Living will be held every Tuesday at 1 p.m.

Boomer U will hold the following events. Boomer U is located at 45 Forest Avenue, Ambler. Registration & payment is required for all events: 215-619-8863.

Pilates Class is held Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. First class is free; please bring a mat. For information call 610-291-5376.

Blue Bell School of Dance, 921 Penllyn Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, hosts Argentine Tango Classes and a Milonga dance party every Friday evening. Lessons start at 8:30 p.m. followed by dancing at 9:30 p.m. Andrew Conway, master Argentine Tango dancer, instructor and performer and his partner Linda Chase will instruct. All levels welcome and no partner is needed. Refreshments will be served. Fee is $12 per person and includes lesson and dancing. Information: 215-634-1101 or www.amoretango.com.

The Montgomery Hospital Medical Center will offer the following classes:

Childbirth Education Class- all parents are invited to participate, including those who are delivering at

other hospitals. For more information on maternity services or classes, call 610-270-2020.

CPR and First Aid Courses are offered for beginners to experiences health care providers. Call 610-270-2313.

The Ambler SAAC (Senior Adult Activities Center), located at 45 Forest Ave in Ambler will hold the following events:

Tai Chi every Monday and Thursday at 11 a.m.

Yoga is every Tuesday at 1 p.m. and Friday at 10:30 a.m.

Strength and balance training every Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Armchair Aerobics is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Gourmet Weight Wise every Thursday at 12:30.

Fitness Center and Pool Room open daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Diabetes Education Center will offer day and evening classes each month. Health insurance pays for diabetes education classes. Preregistration is required. Call 610-270-2301.

For Kids & Families

The Ambler Kiwanis Club will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt April 26 at 10 a.m. in Ambler Borough Park, located just off of the intersection of Hendricks Street and Valley Brook Road. Members of the Wissahickon Key Club will assist Kiwanians in hiding thousands of wrapped chocolate eggs in a designated area of the park. Also hidden will be plastic colored eggs, which are redeemed for prizes. Elementary school children are separated by age.

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation will hold its 21st annual Storybook Egg-Stravaganza April 15 fom 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Upper Dublin Township Building. Toddlers and preschoolers love this annual event where photo opportunities with favorite friends abound! Treasures are collected from UDP&Rs assortment of lifesize cutouts of favorite cartoon characters from Disney, Sesame Street, Nickelodeon and other well-known animation. Children can have their picture taken with Bugsy OHare; bring your own camera. And dont forget a basket for goodies! $7 for UD residents; $12 for non-residents. Pre-register at 215-643-1600 ext. 3443.

Splash Week is a free week-long program that teaches children and families basic swimming skills and water safety practices. All YMCA branches will host multiple classes each day from April 11 to 15. For more information, contact the Ambler Area YMCA at 215-628-9950.

Healthy Kids Day is April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day is filled with fun, engaging and artistic activities that cultivate healthy living as part of the YMCAs larger efforts to help more kids and families become physically active. All activities are free and open to the community. For more information, contact the Ambler YMCA at 215-628-9950. No reservation is required.

The Ambler Area YMCA has added several new programs for area youngsters. Classes are held late afternoons or evenings on various weekdays. For more information, visit philaymca.org or call 215-628-9950.

Basic Beading: Ages: 10+. Wednesdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. This class will teach you the fundamentals of wiring and stringing along with how color can be used to create unique and vibrant beadwork design. You will create various jewelry including earrings, bracelets, charm pendants and much more! Supplies will be provided. Bringing your own jewelry pliers or tools would be a plus.

Messin with the Masters: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. Learn about some of the worlds greatest artists. You will be inspired to create your own Starry Night with oil pastels and tempera paints, a tissue paper painted Monet garden, a Picasso head using scraps of paper, a Georgia OKeeffe clay flower bowl and a Rousseau jungle collage.

Super Scientist: Ages: 5-7. Mondays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Well be concocting chemistry experiments such as making slime, mixing potions and having fun with magnet magic. Your budding little scientist will enhance his/her creative thinking and motor skills and to top it off will learn that science can be serious fun.

Wacky Junk Art: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 6 to 6:45 p.m. Why throw it away! Instead join us to make household junk into aliens from outer space, wacky specs, crazy hats, body masks or a recycled train.

Globe Trotters: Ages: 4-6. Tuesdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Youre never too young to start thinking globally. Each week, we explore a new country through crafts, games, music, stories and even some taste-testing. A perfect introduction to our great big world!

Crazy about Crafts: Ages: 5-7, Thursdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Let your childs creative juices flow with our fun arts and crafts projects each week. Fine motor skills and creative thinking skills will be enhanced with this crafty class.

Come out and join the Ambler Area YMCAs Teen and Junior Leaders Club. Participants are given the freedom to plan community service projects year round and truly make a difference in the lives of people in need. Those in Teen and Junior Leaders also attend leadership retreats all along the East Coast three times a year and meet other leaders who are doing the same great work in their respective areas. Dont miss out on this inspiring opportunity. Teen Leaders, ages 13-17, meet every Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Junior Leaders, ages 10-12, will begin in the spring and will meet every Monday. For more information, contact Mike Miles, Teen Director, 215- 628-9950 x 1540 or mmiles@philaymca.org.

Did you know that the new Ambler Area YMCA holds childrens birthday parties at its site for members and non members as well. The Ambler Y does all the work from start to finish and birthday parties include a personalized cake, ice cream, beverage and paper products. Parties are held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and include two party hosts to lead activities, set-up, clean-up and assist with serving. You can have a Splash Party for children ages six to 12 in the new zero depth entry pool with water slide and spray fountains. Up to 25 children have exclusive use of the pool area with 30 minutes in the party room. Sports Parties are offered for kids ages four to 12 with age appropriate activities and games, and sports such as floor hockey, soccer, basketball or dodge ball. Children ages three to five years of age will enjoy parties in the Family Active Center with use of the Moon Bounce and organized activities, such as parachute play and songs. For information, 215-628-9950 ext. 1583.

Community Events at the Ambler Y:

-YAchievers YMCA Achievers is a developmentally based, extracurricular, educational and team mentoring program designed to help students in grades five through 12 prepare for fulfilled livelihoods in college and beyond. Participation is free and all students in this program receive a free YMCA membership. Registration for the 2009 program begins now. You do not need to be a YMCA member to utilize these special services. Call 215-628-9950 to register.

Greater Norristown Art Leagues Childrens Weeklong Summer Art Camps will be held at 800 West Germantown Pike in East Norriton, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the summer. The cost per session is $125 per student for ages 6 and up. Jo Ann Cooksey Bono teaches an introduction to basic drawing skills and techniques from 10 a.m. until the lunch break each day. In the afternoon sessions, Mary Vogel Lozinak involves the students in hands on projects such as collage, papermaking, T-shirt printing, 3D design and sculpy clay. Fridays Graduation Day includes an art show, awards ceremony and reception for parents, siblings, grandparents and friends. All supplies are included. Students provide their own lunch. A refrigerator is available and the building is air-conditioned. This is the 15th year to run this successful program. Both instructors are professional artists with State Police and Child Abuse Clearances. To register, call Jo Ann at 610-279-1008, or register on-line at www.gnal.org.

Health

Dresher Physical Therapy is hosting an interactive seminar discussing its Golf Assessment Progam April 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at Dresher Physical Therapy, 1075 Virginia Drive, Suite 200, Fort Washington. Physical therapist Chris Miller, certified through the Titleist Performance Institute, will discuss why your body may be the most important piece of golf equipment you invest in and how this can drastically improve your game. $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Call 215-619-4545 to reserve your spot.

The Chestnut Hill Center for Enrichment, Center on the Hill and Chestnut Hill Hospital will host a Senior Health and Resource Fair April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church, 8855 Germantown Ave. The event is free. For more information, call 215-248-0180 or e-mail chseniors@cavtel.net.

The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is hosting Help Yourself to Health, a new six-week workshop for older adults with ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, heart disease and others. The free workshop will take place at the Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center, 45 Forest Ave. on six Thursdays, May 12 through June 16 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Although there is no charge to participate, registration is required. To register, call 215-619-8863.

The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is sponsoring an eight-week program called A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls. Presented by the Montgomery County Health Department, this workshop will be held on Tuesdays, May 3 to June 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ambler Center, 45 Forest Ave. If you pre-register by April 27, the fee is only $5! Registration at the first class is $10. (Checks should be payable to SAAC and will benefit our Meals on Wheels program that serves homebound seniors.) A workbook will be provided and refreshments will be served. Call 215-619-8863 to register or for more information.

Fort Washington Wellness Center classes are ongoing. There are several offered during lunch or right after work, for your convenience: Boot Camp from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday; Zumba is MWF from 11 a.m. to noon and Friday at 4 p.m.; there are 25 cycling classes; Ashtanga and Vinyasana Yoga and Pilates; and a group Womens Strength Training class M-F from 10 to 11 a.m. Questions, call Cathy DeMarco at 215-641-1245.

Following the success of other local area programs, Impact Sports and Upper Dublin Parks and Recreation are delighted to team up again to offer a spring program for the 2011 season! Upper Dublin area children ages 3-5 years old can attend a Sports Program featuring their favorite sports games; soccer, rugby, hockey, track and field, basketball, and more. The program will start on April 27 and run through June 1. Cost for the program is $85 for the six weeks. The classes will be running 12- 1 p.m.; 1- 2 p.m.; 2- 3 p.m. For more info or to register, call Upper Dublin Township on 215 643 1600 or visit their website a http://www.upperdublin.net.

Spring Aquatic Programs  UDHS Pool:

-Summer is just around the corner  Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool can help get you into shape! Programs begin in March; preregistration is required.

 Shallow Water Aerobics  Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 8-8:45 p.m., $40R/$50NR.

 Adult Swim Instructions  Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 7-8 p.m., $50R/$60NR

-Open Rec Swims are fun for the whole family! Come out on Fridays from 7-9 p.m. or Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. and enjoy use of the pool and diving area. Fridays are offered through June 17; Saturdays are offered March 12-May 21.

-Join a growing group of adult lap swimmers and water walkers. Lanes are set aside evenings and weekends for use; lanes are shared. Monday  Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Fridays from 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays (March 12-May 21) from 1-4 p.m.

-Private Swimming & Diving Lessons for ages 3-adult are offered at the UDHS Pool through a partnership with the Upper Dublin Aquatic Club (UDAC). Visit the UDAC website for more information, www.udac.us, and click the link to UDHS Private Lessons.

-Looking for local programs for US Masters Swimming (adults) or Water Polo (all ages)? UDAC and UDSD are working together to develop programs that will be offered at the UDHS Pool. Add your name to Interest Lists by emailing slohoefer@upperdublin.net. emails will be sent about clinics and program start dates.

Questions about Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool, group use of the pool or pool rental? Contact Susan Lohoefer, Facility & Community Affairs Manager at slohoefer@upperdublin.net or call 215-643-8800 x8994.

SilverSneakers Fitness Program. The Healthyways SilverSneakers Fitness Program is a result-oriented program that enables older adults to take charge of their health. The program is an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially oriented programing. Members of the program are eligible for a free YMCA membership, with use of the pool and exercise equipment, along with customized classes designed for older adults who want to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. If you are a subscriber to Independence Blue Cross (Personal Choice 65 PPO) or Keystone 65 HMO, Bravo Health, or Health Options Programs (HOP), call the Ambler Area YMCA, 215-628-9950 or Hatboro Area YMCA, 215-674-4545. You can also visit www.silversneakers.com.

Zumba Fitness offers Zumba dance/fitness classes at Academy of Dance and Music/BBAD Studio located at 1524 DeKalb Pike in Blue Bell (behind Sherwin Williams). Classes are offered three times a week: Tuesdays at 6 p.m., Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. For a free trial pass for your first class, email us at info@danceandmusic.biz or call 610-277-2557. For more info, visit our site at www.academyofdanceandmusic.org.

Chestnut Hill Health Systems presents the following Health Education Programs:

FITNESS CLASSES

Golden Yoga: A Breathing, Stretching and Relaxation Class. Fridays, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Lea Auditorium, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. Registration for four classes at a time required. Golden Yoga is Classical Yoga, adapted by the SKY Foundation, to accommodate those who have difficulty getting up and down from the floor. The program includes postures, breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques, all performed while sitting in a chair and standing. Registration required. Call 215-247-3029. Cost: $20 for 4 classes per month.

Tai Chi: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30  9:30 a.m. Springfield Residence, 8601 Stenton Ave. Classes, for the novice or beginner/intermediate student, are designed to improve balance, power, posture, coordination, flexibility and mental focus. Slow, gentle movements are modified to most everyones abilities. For more information or to sign up for a free introductory class, call 215-882-2804. Cost: $8 per class/paid monthly.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Weight Loss Surgery Support Group: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-8 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. Join us for a monthly get-together where well share information for those interested in weight loss surgery, learn from guest speakers discussing current news on issues including lifestyle modification, nutrition and exercise and provide ongoing support for those who have completed surgery. Registration required. Call 215-753-2000.

Breast Cancer Networking Group: Fourth Tuesday of the month 5:30  7 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. A free, confidential support group for women living with a diagnosis of breast cancer designed to provide a forum for sharing information, feelings and concerns associated with breast cancer. Facilitated by Tish Wakefield, LCSW, Oncology Social Worker. Registration required. To register or for more information, call 215-248-8047.

New Moms Support Groups Tuesdays 10:30 a.m.  12 p.m.; contact Jeanine ORourke, MSW or 2:30  4 p.m.; contact Susan Schack, Ph.D Volunteer Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. The Center for Postpartum Depression at Chestnut Hill Hospital is pleased to offer two new support groups to support new moms. Both groups will be run by experienced mental health professionals who really get it when it comes to new motherhood and juggling relationships, extended family, work/family balance and self-care. If you are experiencing new mom challenges that often heighten anxiety and involve hormonally driven depression, join us for an informative and supportive forum to connect with other moms. Infants are welcome. $30 per session (flexible based on need). Registration is required. Call Dr. Schack, 646-265-2484, or Ms. ORourke, 215-206-2931.

Man to Man Prostate Cancer Support Group Third Thursday of the month 8-9 a.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. A networking group for men diagnosed with prostate cancer designed to provide education, support and encouragement. Spouses and partners welcome. Harry M. Baer, MD, Chief, Urology Division, will host Ask the Doctor. Registration required. Call 215-248-8325.

Contact the Senior Center by phone 215-248-0180 or email (chseniors@cavtel.net) with your questions about these programs or any of our on-going activities and classes.

Holy Redeemer HomeCare and Hospice seeks compassionate and emotionally mature volunteers to provide support to local hospice patients and their families in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Volunteers may also assist with pet therapy and administrative work within the hospice department and are requested to have daytime availability. Hospice patient care volunteers visit with patients in their homes or nursing facilities once a week for two to three hours. They provide emotional support and companionship to patients and family members, assist with errands or provide respite for caregivers. Bereavement volunteers support the families of hospice patients following the loss of a loved one, while administrative volunteers assist with typing, mailings and/or filing. Hospice care workers provide a great service to families and loved ones of hospice patients. Many volunteers also report a great deal of personal satisfaction as a result of their services. Patient care and bereavement volunteers complete an application and attend an 18-hour volunteer training program that covers the medical, psychological and spiritual aspects of hospice volunteering. Day and evening training programs are offered. To sign up for volunteer opportunities in Pennsylvania, contact Holy Redeemer Volunteer Coordinator Jean Francis at 215-698-3737 or email jfrancis@holyredeemer.com.

Librarytalk

Upper Dublin Public Library, 805 Loch Alsh Avenue, Ft. Washington, 215-628-8744

www.upperdublinlibrary.org

APRIL CHILDRENS PROGRAMS:

Storytimes: Please register in the library.

o Wee Ones: 0 to 23 months Thursdays and Fridays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m.

o Tiny Tots: age 2. Wednesdays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. and Fridays 11 to 11:20 a.m.

o Jr. Book Lovers: ages 3 to 6. Tuesdays 10:30 to 11 a.m.

o Bedtime Storytimes: 7 to 7:30 p.m. April 20 and 27. Wear your jammies, bring your teddy & hear Miss Barbara read bedtime stories! For ages 3 to 6.

APRIL TEEN PROGRAMS:

North Hills Library Teens April 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. Movie Matinee

APRIL UDPL ADULT PROGRAMS:

NEW! ESL Conversation Group. Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Interested in practicing your English in a safe and caring environment? Come to our conversation group and improve your skills! Please register with Kay Klocko at 215-628-8744 or kklocko@mclinc.org.

One-on-One Computer Mentoring. Get personalized assistance from experienced computer volunteers! Sign-up for a one-hour session. Limit one session per month. Please register  contact info above.

Book Groups Please register with Kay Klocko 215-628-8744.

o Daytimers: April 21 at 1:30 p.m. Tired of book groups where you all read the same book? Read any fiction or non-fiction book on this months theme: Explorers. Please register.

Meetings:

Annual Meeting of the Friends of UDPL: April 14 at 1 p.m.

Board of Directors: April 20 at 7 p.m.

Blue Bell Library www.wvpl.org Upcoming Events: The Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 650 Skippack Pike (Route 73) in Blue Bell, is diagonally across from the Blue Bell Inn. Call 215-643-1320 or visit their website at www.wvpl.org.

For children and teens at Blue Bell:

* Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian.

* Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages.

* Fridays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Family Movies, new releases, second Saturdays of the month at 1:30 p.m.

* May 14  Despicable Me

* June 11  Alpha and Omega

* Special Events

* April  watch for date of spring/Easter events

* April 14 at 4:30 p.m.  Junior Lego Club for children ages 3 through 5. Parents and caregivers need to stay with children.

* April 14 at 7 p.m.  Jeopardy for ages 11 to 18. Test your book and library knowledge for prizes. Sign up to be a contestant. No sign up to be in the audience. Snacks provided.

* April 16 at 1 p.m.  Adult Mystery Book Group discussing The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie King.

* April 16 at 1:30 p.m.  Childrens event for One Book, Every Young Child celebration. Story and craft for book Whose Shoes?

* April 19 at 7 p.m. and April 26 at 1:30 p.m.- Adult book group discusses The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester. Group led by Adam Button.

* April 30 through May 3  Friends book sale with about 10,000 items for sale for children, teens and adults.

* May  sign up for Science in the Summer

* June  sign up for Enrichment Programs for Elementary-Age children

* June  sign up for Summer Reading, all ages

For adults at Blue Bell:

* Daytime Book Discussion Group  fourth Tuesday, Jan  April at 1:30 p.m.

* April 26  The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester

* Night-time Book Discussion Group  third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.

o April 19  The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester

* Art Series with Dr. Sheldon Weintraub, docent at The Barnes and speaker at local colleges

o April 27 at 2 p.m. The Art of Looking at Art-Is She Nude or Is She Naked?

*Mystery Book Discussion Group, third Saturday of the month at 1 p.m.; new mystery theme each month; www.wvpl.org/programs

* Yoga on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop-in class.

* Tai Chi on Mondays at 3 p.m. with Dr. Kurt Findeisen. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop in class.

* Philadelphia Museum of Art presents class on their Marc Chagall exhibit, April 13 at 2 p.m.

* Giant Book Sale, April 29  May 3

o Starts with almost 10,000 items for children and adults!

o Held during library hours.

o Preview for members of the Friends of the Library, April 28 at 7 p.m.

o Join the Friends and attend the preview sale. Modest fee to join.

* Blooms at Blue Bell Gardening Series

o May 11 at 1 p.m.  Summer Bulbs by PA Horticultural Society

* Knitting group Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Work on your project or observe and learn. The groups continue year-round in the community room.

* Socrates Cafe discussion group every Monday at 7 p.m. You pick the topic to discuss each week. No sign-up, nothing to read.

* Bridge every Friday at 12:30 p.m. New players welcome.

* Mah Jong every Wednesday at 1 p.m. New players welcome.

*Chess every Wednesday at 7p.m. for adults and teens 14 and older.

* Movie Matinee showing recent releases every Thursday at 2 p.m. April 14: Maos Last Dancer; April 21: Welcome to the Rileys; April 28: Conviction; May 5: Inception; May 12: Inside Job; May 19 The Kings Speech; May 26 The Fighter; June 2 Rabbit Hole; June 9 Black Swan; June 16 127 Hours

* Ongoing like-new, year-round book sale for adults & children during library hours

* Library opening at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday!

Ambler Library, a branch of the Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 209 Race St., 215-646-1072. www.wvpl.org. All the following events occur at the Ambler Library.

* Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian.

* Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages.

* For adults:

* Beading Group meets the first and third Monday of every month at 1 p.m. Work on your own projects or come to watch and learn.

* Free Family History Lookup with Connie Briggs. Email Connie for an appointment at the Ambler Library. conniebriggs@comcast.net

* Special Events:

* April 14 at 1:30 p.m.  Book Group discusses Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian.

* April 19 at 7 p.m.  Travel to Paris with world traveler Harry Balin. Tea and scones at 6:30 p.m.

* April 21 at 7 p.m.  Art with Sara for children in fourth through seventh grades.

*May 2 at 6:30 p.m.  Discuss the movie Lone Star with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time.

*May 10  Robert Capucci discusses Art into Fashion. Tea and scones served at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m.

*May 12 at 1:30p.m.  Book Group discusses The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman.

*May 17  Tour the gardens of Devon and Southwest England with Lois McMullen. Tea and Scones at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m.

*June 13 at 6:30 p.m.  Discuss the movie Blade Runner with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time.

Meetings and Lectures

The Unisys Blue Bell Retiree Group will meet in the Church on the Mall in the Plymouth Meeting Mall April 14 at 1:30 p.m. Kathy Sacket Young, director/trainer with the North Penn YMCA, will speak on Keeping Fit in Retirement. For more information, contact Membership Committee Chairperson Jerry Feldscher at 610-275-3538 or President Al Rollin at 215-368-4833.

The next FWBA meeting will be April 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m.; meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Leon Singletary, Principal, First Contact HR and FWBA Executive Board, will present: Social Media: How to Use It To Get More Business. Lunch is provided courtesy of the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Members are welcome to bring a guest. An RSVP is requested by return email or 215-628-0313.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA is hosting a information sessions over the next few weeks on how to become a Big Brother. The information sessions will take place: April 16 at noon, April 19 at 8 a.m. and April 28 at 6 p.m. All sessions will be held at the groups Norristown Office,t 530 DeKalb St., Norristown. For more information, call 610-277-2200.

The North Penn Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month from now until May. Meetings are held at the William Penn Inn on Route 202 and Sumneytown Pike, Upper Gwynedd, PA. Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the technical program begins at 7 p.m. Cost with reservation is $28 for members. Members without reservations and guests pay $30. Students with reservations pay $15. Reservations may be made by noon on the Monday preceding the meeting by phoning 215-371-1854 or emailing the reservation to northpennima@yahoo.com northpennima@yahoo.com. Information about the North Penn Chapter is available at http://northpenn.imanet.org/.

LeTip, a professional organization of men and women who are dedicated to the highest standards of competence and service meets every Tuesday at Cedar Brook Country Club, 180 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell at 7 a.m. -meeting officially starts at 7:16 a.m. and ends at 8:31 a.m. Our purpose is the exchange of business tips, leads, and referrals. Each business category is represented by one member and conflicts of interest are disallowed. Guests are welcome to visit any of our breakfast meetings.

Every third Thursday of month, Sunrise Assisted Living of Blue Bell (795 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422, 215-619-2777) serves as a satellite site to 148th Legislative district PA congressman Mike Gerber from 10 a.m. to noon. Stop by for help needed with things such as disability placards and license plates, vehicle registration, utilities issues, birth/death certificates,property tax/rent rebates, etc. Notary services arranged by appointment.

The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is an action-oriented organization dedicated to promoting its members and the economic health of eastern Montgomery county. The Chamber is committed to serving as a catalyst by uniting business, community agencies, government and education to make our county a great place to live and work. For information, call 215-887-5122 or visit www.emccc.org.

Do you have a fear of public speaking? Blue Bell Toastmasters Club can help. We meet from 7 to 9 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday at the Marriott Courtyard, located on Route 202, directly across from the Montgomeryville Mall. Learn how to improve communication and leadership skills in a friendly and supportive environment. Guests are welcome. Admission fee: $5. For more info, visit www.bbtoast.org.

The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will hold the following meetings (for reservations to any of the following, email info@PennSuburban.org)

-Breakfast News Network, 7:30-8:45 a.m. at Normandy Farm Hotel (1401 Morris Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422) $15 members, includes full buffet breakfast. Join us for a networking program at Normandy Farm Hotel every Thursday morning for breakfast, business news, informative speakers, and plenty of networking. The cost includes a full breakfast buffet. Copies of the business cards will be made available to those who would like them.

The BNI, Fort Washington Chapter meets every Monday at The Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Washington for a networking meeting. Meetings are from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Visitors are welcome. The only cost to attend is the cost of your meal. For information or a reservation to attend, please call Luanne Cram at 215-947-7784, or visit our Internet site at: http://www.BNIDVR.Com and click on the menu item Find a Chapter.

For the past seven years, people have enjoyed participating in WVWAs Adopt-a-Tree program. Individuals can support the Association in its reforestation efforts by purchasing native trees to be planted. Supporters can plant their adopted tree or have WVWA volunteers will plant it. Trees cost $30 each. If you would like to volunteer or purchase a tree(s), please contact: Bob Adams at Bob@wvwa.org or call: 215-646-8866 for more information. Check www.WVWA.org for directions and maps.

Sustainable Upper Dublin, http://sustainableupperdublin.org, meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at the Upper Dublin Township Building, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington, PA 19034. Please send any questions to suec@sustainableupperdublin.org or call 610-996-6316. To learn more about Sustainable Upper Dublin, view or join the discussion at http://googlegroups.com/group/sustainableupperdublin.

Special Events

The Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard will hold its first nutrition class April 19 at 10 a.m. at the Community Cupboard, 150 N. Main St., Ambler. Lynne Sinclair, a nutritionist from Abington Memorial Hospital specializing in diabetic nutrition, will conduct the class. Topics will include healthy eating, beneficial foods, recipes, making meals with every day foods, and how to use unfamiliar produce. A healthy snack will be provided.The class is is open to all residents in Montgomery County.

The Historical Society of Fort Washington presents The History of Conshohocken April 19 at 8 p.m. at the Clifton House, 473 Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington. Jack Coll will present an illustrated program on the history of the Borough of Conshohocken. Coll is a longtime resident of Conshohocken and a member of the Conshohocken Historical Society. He is co-author with his son, Brian, of the Arcadia Then and Now Series book Conshohocken. He has also done books Conshohocken and West Conshohocken Sports and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Italian Feast. He has taken many photos for the Conshohocken Record and the Norristown Times Herald. This program is free. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, call 215-646-6065.

Taste of the White House Soiree featuring former White House Chef Walter Scheib will take place April 29 at 6 p.m. at Manufacturers Golf & Country Club in Fort Washington to celebrate HealthLinks 10th anniversary and honor its founders, the Eugene Jackson Family. The evening will heat up with a Chef Meet & Greet, followed by a specially selected presidential menu. Gala tickets are $150 per person. Proceeds benefit HealthLink, a free clinic providing compassionate, quality medical and dental care to uninsured, working adults in Bucks and Montgomery counties who fall in between the health care cracks. Go to http://tasteofthewhitehouse.charityhappenings.org to make reservations online or lend support through sponsorship. For event information, call 267-699-0124 or email jmarushak@healthlinkmedical.org.

The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association will hold an open house at the Evans-Mumbower Mill April 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. The Mill is at the corner of Swedesford and Township Line Roads in Upper Gwynedd. The open house is free but donations are welcome. For more information, call 215-646-8866 o email info@wvwa.org.

The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce will host Breakfast With Your County Commissioners and State Representatives April 21 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Fort Washington, 432 W. Pennasylvania Ave. Commissioners: James R. Matthews (Chairman), Joseph M. Hoeffel (Vice Chair), State Representatives: Todd Stephens (District 151) and Josh Shapiro (District 153). Register onlineat www.emccc.org. $10 for EMCCC member; $20 for non-members.

Upper Dublins Districtwide Allied Art Show will be held April 27 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the Upper Dublin High School Athletic Complex.

The Rev. Alfred Muli, chaplain at Fort Washington Estates, will be the featured speaker at the Kiwanis sponsored breakfast observing the National Day of Prayer May 5 at 7 a.m. at the William Penn Inn. The breakfast is open to the public ($15). Reservations can be made by calling 215-646-4356 or by emailing georgesaurman@Juno.com.

The Upper Dublin Shade Tree Commission invites people to participate in its spring bare root planting events, sponsored in part by Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Friends of Robbins Park. On April 9, zix trees will be planted at the Evelyn B. Wright Park & Community Pool, 401 Logan Ave., North Hills, at 9 a.m., followed by the planting of 10 trees at Sheeleigh Park, Loch Alsh Avenue and Douglas Street, Ambler, at 10:15 a.m. On April 29, students from Upper Dublin High School will join the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to plant 16 trees in Robbins Park, Butler Pike and Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, to help launch the societys Million Trees campaign. This event will occur in conjunction with Temple Amblers EarthFest. Experienced tree-tenders are sought to assist the students. For more information,contact Ron Ayres at 215-653-0421 or 215-483-4348.

The Friends of the Wissahickon and the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association are teaming up once again to clean the Wissahickon Creek from top to bottom April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. This spring marks the 41st anniversary of Wissahickon Valley Watershed Associations annual Creek Clean Up, and the second year that FOW has teamed up with WVWA. Volunteers of all ages will clean the creek, the surrounding trails and the many tributaries of the Wissahickon Creek. Armed with bags, volunteers will be assigned to sections of the creek. Following the clean up, all volunteers are invited to WVWAs Talkin Trash picnic in Fort Washington State Park, with food provided by Whole Foods Market of North Wales. The pavilion is located on Mill Road in Flourtown. To help out in Montgomery County, all volunteers must be pre-assigned a section of the Wissahickon Creek to clean. Please contact Bob Adams, WVWA director of stewardship, at 215-646-8866 ext. 14 or bob@wvwa.org. To work with the Friends of the Wissahickon in Philadelphia, meet at the pavilion along Forbidden Drive, a short distance south of the intersection of Forbidden Drive and Northwestern Avenue. Limited parking is available along Northwestern Avenue and other nearby streets. Volunteers are encouraged to bike or carpool to the event. To participate, register at www.fow.org. Contact Kevin Groves with questions at 215-247-0417 ext. 105 or groves@fow.org.

Montgomery County Community Colleges International Club invites the community to the second annual International Festival April 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The rain date is April 26. The International Club will transform the outside quad area into multicultural celebration with various performances by dancers, singers and musicians. Artists will share their artwork at various display tables. Activities include games, raffles, Easter egg decorating and henna tattoos. Students will have samples of international cuisine at tables representing different countries and will serve food from various local ethnic restaurants. Throughout the evening, volunteers will accept donations and will raffle gift baskets and prizes to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. Donations of food, international clothes and prizes are needed. Volunteers, including artists and performers, are welcome. For more information or to sponsor an activity, contact Gillian Nel, International Club president, at gnel9277@students.mc3.edu or 267-974-0163.

The Arts and Humanities Division at Montgomery County Community College is partnering with the Philadelphia Writers Conference to host Memoirs Matter: How Life Stories (Including Yours) Can Transform Your Relationship to Literature April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Advanced Technology Center room 101, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The event is free and open to the public. In the first part of this two-hour seminar, professor and author Robert Waxler will explain how writing his two memoirs affected his life as well as his relationship to literature. In the second part, blogger and workshop leader Jerry Waxler will present a sequence of steps to help writers find their own story. For information, contact Dana Resente at dresente@mc3.edu.

The Maple Glen Garden Club will hold its fourth annual Plant Sale on May 7 from 8 to 11 a.m. Perennials, shrubs, vegetables and native plants grown by the club members will be sold. The club uses the plant sale proceeds to fund community projects, a college scholarship and community plantings. The sale will be held in the 500 block of Coach Road, Horsham, as part of a neighborhood garage sale. Plants will be sold at bargain prices. For more information, email MapleGlenGardenClub@gmail.com.

The Relay for Life Craft Show is looking for local crafters to participate in show, which will be May 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Wissahickon High School track, 521 Houston Road, Ambler. There is a $10 entry fee, and 20 percent of sales are donated to the American Cancer Society. Participants will receive a 6-foot table under a tent. For information, contact Joanne at joannescoles@comcast.net or Mindy at mcamsilver@comcast.net.

Spring House Estates is hosting its annual book fair on April 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. and April 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Included will be hardback and paperback used books. Spring House Estates is located at 728 Norristown Road, Lower Gwynedd.

The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will present the Penn Suburban/Hatfield Joint Business Card Exchange April 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Univest Bank Lansdale Area Financial Service Center, 120 Forty Foot Road, Hatfield. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. Join Univest National Bank and Trust Co. for a spring-inspired Business Card Exchange at its newest office in the Hatfield Pointe Shopping Center. Come out and meet members of Univests executive management team while enjoying fine food and beverages.

13th Annual Community Reading Day Kick-off Breakfast Get Together April 26 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the North Wales Area Library, 233 Swartley St., North Wales. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. For more information, contact the chamber office at 215-362-9200 or info@pennsuburban.org. Join presenting sponsor Verizon, chamber staff and fellow members for the Community Reading Day volunteer get together. The Community Reading Day program allows volunteers to read a designated book to second-grade students throughout 38 area public and private schools and present the book as a gift to each class. Even if you are not a volunteer, you are cordially invited to stop by to network, enjoy coffee and pastries.

Ambler Mennonite Church is hosting a Spring Craft Show and Flea Market May 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain date will be May 28. The community is invited to shop the great craft booths, find some gifts and deals, as well as enjoy home baked goods and tasty lunch specials. Childrens activities are planned. All vendors are encouraged to contact the church at 215-643-4876 or AmblerMennonite@verizon.net. Advertising, signage, customer parking and a shuttle to auxiliary parking at nearby lots for vendors will be provided. 10 foot by 10 foot spaces can be rented for $5 each and tables for an additional $5 each. All proceeds from space and table rentals go toward school kits for children around the world. The church is located at the corner of East Mt. Pleasant Avenue and North Spring Garden Street, Ambler.

The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association presents The Life & Times of Aquatic Insects in the Wissahickon Creek April 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. Join WVWA for a hands-on program. RSVP required: www.wvwa.org or 215-646-8866. WVWA member fee: $5 per person / $15 per family. Non-WVWA member fee: $10 per person / $20 per family.

The photography exhibition Natures Palette by photo-artist Judy Miller will run March 18 to May 19 at the Art in the Storefront gallery, 41 E. Butler Pike, Ambler.

JPRN  Networking For People in Transition & People Who Can Help Them  Unemployment remains high. JPRN, the Jarrettown Professional Relationship Network can help. Are you trying to network your way to a new job? Do you have expertise or contacts that can help people in transition? Is your company or organization looking for people in the area? This is a free outreach program to support those seeking work, involve people with contacts and networking know how, and involve local companies. Meetings held monthly at Jarrettown United Methodist Church, Limekiln Pike.

Pennsylvanias Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) grant program is now open for the 2010-11 heating season. Grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. Additional information, such as specific income limits, and applications for LIHEAP grants are available online via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) website at www.compass.state.pa.us. Applications are available at most public officals district offices, county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies.

Begin your holiday shopping at Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation! Entertainment books for 2011, Philadelphia North, are now on sale at $30 each. Regal/United Artists movie tickets are on sale for just $7.50 each, and tickets to the Adventure Aquarium, Baltimore Aquarium, and the Philadelphia Zoo are also available. Discounted ski vouchers to area mountains will be arriving in December; call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

RSVP of Montgomery County and the Wissahickon Valley Public Library have partnered again to offer the public their popular free mock interview sessions. The mock interviews are conducted by RSVP volunteers who are retired professionals, some of whom were in hiring positions themselves. Packets of information which include a sample employment application and interviewing tips with mock interview questions are available at the library to pick up prior to a scheduled mock interview or will be sent via email once the interview is scheduled. To schedule your interview, please contact Janis Glusman at RSVP 610-834-1040, ext. 16. The library is also offering a free resume review service. Bring in your current resume and the professional reference staff will assist you with hints and tips on capturing your work history accurately.

Registration for Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation summer playgrounds, Camp B.I.G. and Small Folks, X-Zone, and sports camps has began. Register online at www.upperdublin.net/store, or at the UDP&R office, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington. Call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information.

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Danielles Espresso Cafe presents Mornings at Mondaug Bark Park April 16 and May 21 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Meet fellow dog lovers. These events include complimentary coffee, treats for people and pups and raffles/giveaways.

Upper Dublins Annual Spring Flea Market will be held June 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reserve a table, or come and shop. Tables are $15 for UD residents, $20 for non-residents. This successful event occurs rain or shine. Refreshments available. Call 215-643-1600 ext. 3443 to register for a table.

Regal movie tickets available for purchase at Upper Dublin Township Parks & Recreation. Reduced rate: $7.50 per ticket. Some restrictions apply. Call 215-643-1600 x3443.

Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation movie tickets $7.50 Regal Cinemas, United Artist & Edwards Cinemas on sale throughout the year Monday  Friday from 9 a.m.  4 p.m.

Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation Camp Sign-ups for Stony Creek Day Camp  Stony Creek Tracers and Park n Tots. Register on-line at www.whitpaintownship.org OrCome to Township Building with check or Visa MasterCard Monday  Friday from 9 a.m.  4 p.m. For additional information call 610.277-2400 ext. 374

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation offers exciting new programs for the fall:

-Returning favorites include UK Elite Petite Soccer, Tiny Dancers, Kiddie Tennis, Fun-nastics, Messy Playtime, Little Chefs, and more. Babysitters Training will be offered in November and December. Continuing Adult Fitness Classes include Cardio Circuit, Core & More, Yoga, Boxing, and Adult G.Y.M. For more information call 215-643-1600 x3443. Register for programs online at www.upperdublin.net/store.

Music and Theater

The community is invited to a Cantors Concert April 16 at 8 p.m. Congregation Beth Or, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen. Listen and hum-along to the Yiddish, pop tunes and classical music performed by Congregation Beth Ors own Cantor David Green and his special guest, Cantor Irvin Bell, from Temple Beth Israel in Deerfield Beach, Fla. The cantors will be accompanied by Mark Sobol and his Klezmer musicians. Tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the door. RSVP with payment to Barb Murtha, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen, PA 19002, or call 215-646-5806 ext. 220.

Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse will host the Jameson Sisters May 14. Doors open at 7:30 pm, performance at 8:00 pm. Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse is located at the corner of Rte. 202 & Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd. $5 suggested donation. Light refreshment available at a modest cost. For further information, call 215-393-9576 or visit gwyneddmeeting.org/coffeehouse.html.

Celebrate patriotism through song with Gwynedd-Mercy Colleges choir, the Voices of Gwynedd, as it presents Hear America Singing April 15 at 8 p.m. The choir will perform song selections from all over the country, including Georgia on My Mind, New York State of Mind, and a medley including Philadelphia Freedom and Allentown. The performance will end with When the Saints Go Marching In to acknowledge the choirs upcoming tour in New Orleans. Hear America Singing will take place in the Julia Ball Auditorium, located in St. Bernard Hall. Parking is available in lots A, C and D. Admission is free.

The Choristers will present Anton Dvoraks Stabat Mater April 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church in Ambler. The choir will be accompanied by a 41-piece orchestra. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens, $10 for students and children are free. Tickets will be sold in advance or at the door. For more information, call 215-542-7871 or visit TheChoristers.org

Religious News

The Staircase Gallery at Or Hadash: A Reconstructionist Congregation in Fort Washington will feature the work of Emily Ennuat-Lustine. The artist will be showing paintings and graphics inspired by her own personal spiritual journey and quest for meaning. Some of the works to be shown have been inspired by Biblical Psalms and writings. Her work has been shown at Abington Art Center, Cheltenham Arts Center and Old City Gallery of Jewish Art among others. The exhibition is open Friday evenings starting Feb. 18 after Shabbat services. Gallery hours are: Mondays through Thursdays 10-4:30, Fridays 10-3 and following Shabbat Services and Sundays 10-1. The synagogue is located at 190 Camp Hill Road in Fort Washington. For additional information contact the synagogue office at 215-283-0276.

Reunions

St. Matthews High School Conshohocken Class of 1961 is looking for classmates. For details, contact Greg Marincola at 215-646-2239, 215-740-1296 or gregcola@comcast.net.

Olney High School Class of 1971 is Lloking for classmates for a 40th reunion Oct. 28. For details, contact Judy at ohsclassof71@yahoo.com or 215-870-7572.

Abington High School Class of 1961 is seeking classmates for a 50-year reunion to be held Oct. 14-15, 2011.Visit the website, www.abington61.com, for details or call 215-947-1779.

Overbrook High School class of January 1956 is having a 55 year reunion on May 22, 2011 at the Bala Golf Club in Philadelphia. For information please contact overbrookreunion56@comcast.net

Germantown High School Class Of January 1961 is looking for classmates for 50th year reunion to take place in May of 2011. Please contact: 215-362-9148, 856-577-0659 or samdelcomo@comcast.net

The June 1961 class of Germantown High School is holding their 50th reunion on May 15, which will be a brunch. For further details please contact Linda Dorfman Alten at lindaalten@yahoo.com or call 215-441-8411.

Support

New Life Presbyterian Church in Dresher, will host GriefShare, a special seminar and support group which will run on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., from March 7 through June 6. At each meeting there will be a DVD about the grief process, discussion and reference to a grief workbook. Preregistration is required to secure a place in the group and to purchase a GriefShare notebook (for a one-time fee of $15). The notebook goes along with the 13-week schedule covering such topics as: living with grief, the effects of grief, and stuck in grief. For more information or to register, call: Sandy Elder at 215-884-5149.

PUPS (People Understanding Parkinsons) A self-help group for those adjusting to a new diagnosis or dealing with the early stages of Parkinsons Disease. Meets fourth Tuesday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m., at Abington Health Center, Schilling Campus, Willowood Building, 2510 Maryland Road, Suite 251, Willow Grove. For more information or to RSVP, contact Lorna at 215-542-2931.

The North Penn Visiting Nurse Associations Meals on Wheels program is looking for volunteers to pack or deliver meals to the elderly and infirmed. Meals are packed and delivered mornings, Monday through Friday. You can volunteer for as many days per week or month as you would like. Packaging meals requires approximately 2-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves making sandwiches, packaging food into individual serving containers and packing coolers with the meals. Delivering meals requires approximately 1-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves loading coolers into your car and delivering a route of approximately 10 to 15 stops. The Meals on Wheels program is also in need of emergency, winter-weather volunteers to pack and deliver meals in bad weather. North Penn VNA is located at 51 Medical Campus Drive in Lansdale and delivers meals in the Lansdale, North Wales and Blue Bell areas. For more information or to volunteer, please call Bridget, North Penn VNA Meals on Wheels coordinator at 215-855-8296.

Elkins Park Area CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) meets the first Tuesday of every month, 7- 8:30 p.m., at Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital in Elkins Park. For information on CHADD or ADHD, please see our website www.chadd.net/249 or call Claire Noyes at: 215-779-6656.

Center for Loss and Bereavement, 3847 Skippack Pike, Skippack (610-222-4110) www.bereavementcenter.org Offers professional counseling for individuals, couples, children and families dealing with issues of loss and bereavement. Six-week adult support groups: Newly forming young adult grief support group  every other Wednesday, 7  8:15 p.m. (free of charge); Monthly loss of child support  second Mondays, 7-8:15 p.m.; Six-week young loss of spouse/partner  Thursdays, 10-11:15 a.m.; Other groups scheduled as interest is shown for suicide loss support, adult loss of parent, motherless daughters, adult loss of sibling, coping with chronic illness and disability and mens loss of spouse. Nellos Corner Family Bereavement program offers peer grief support groups for ages 4 through teen and their caregivers  Every other Tuesday or Wednesday (free of charge) Local chapter of Parents of Murdered Children also meets at the Center. Registration required. Call for further information.

CHADD is a national organization for children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, providing education, advocacy and support for individuals and their families with AD/HD. Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital, 60 Township Line Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, will host children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder on the First Tuesday of each month 7  8:30 p.m. Free, no childcare provided.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphias Kehillah of Old York Road is sponsoring a free Caregiver Support Group for individuals who care for an elderly person with cognitive and/or physical impairments. The group meets at SarahCare Adult Day Care Center, 101 Washington Lane, Suite G-6, Jenkintown, Pa., on the first Wednesday of each month. Patty Rich,
A two-day warrant roundup conducted by several different police agencies on Wednesday and Thursday resulted in 49 warrants on 30 different people from multiple counties.

Cory Allen Ammons, 24, of 4918 Miller Bridge Road in Connelly Springs, was arrested on charges of felony possession of methamphetamines and misdemeanor counts of failure to appear and felony probation violation. He was given a $20,500 secured bond and has a scheduled court date of April 28 and May 5.

Brittany Nichole Barfield, 27, of 6011 Old NC 18 in Connelly Springs, was arrested on charges of felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell or distribute controlled substance and misdemeanor failure to appear on marijuana possession charge. She was given a $10,000 secured bond and has a scheduled court date for April 28 and June 29.

Randolph Christopher Brown, 45, of 2263 Liberty Church Street in Hickory, was arrested on charges of misdemeanor counts of failure to appear on driving while impaired, driving with license revoked and resisting, obstruct and delay charges. He was given a $2,000 secured bond and has a scheduled court date of May 22.

Sicha Pope Chapman, 44, of 205 Doc Pugh Road in Connelly Springs, was arrested on charges of misdemeanor unauthorized use of motor vehicle. She gave a written promise as her bond and has a scheduled court date of May 1.

Justin Todd Davis, 32, of 700 Salem Road in Morganton, was arrested on charges of two counts of misdemeanor felony probation violation out of county. He also has six warrants for failing to appear for charges of resisting a public officer, possession of methamphetamines, simple possession of scheduled II and IV controlled substance, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile and larceny. Davis was given a secured bond of $129,000 and has a scheduled court date of May 9 and 24 and June 5 and 26.

Salita Dawn Hensley, 28, of 2840 Conley Road in Morganton, was arrested on charges of misdemeanor larceny. She gave a written promise as her bond and has a scheduled court date for April 26.

Kenneth Wayne Setzer, 46, and Mark Anthony Setzer, 42, both of 2263 Liberty Church Street in Hickory, were arrested on felony charges of trafficking methamphetamine, opium and heroin and a felony count of maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for controlled substances. They were both given $100,000 secured bond and had a scheduled court date for April 28.

Ernest Ray Smith, 34, of 2263 Liberty Church Street in Hickory, was arrested on charges of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. He was given a $1,000 secured bond and has a scheduled court date for May 17.

Nathaniel Lee Shinn, 26, of 1961 Dickerson Court in Connelly Springs, was arrested on charges of felony obtaining property by false pretense and misdemeanor failing to appear on charges for shoplifting concealment of goods. He was given a $3,500 secured bond and has a scheduled court date for May 4.

Tiffany Ann Stamey, 28, of 152 Stephens Road in Morganton, was arrested for failing to appear on misdemeanor charges of allowing an unlicensed person to drive, permit operation of vehicle with no insurance and citation. She was given a $1,000 secured bond and has a scheduled court date of May 24.

Angela Lea Bollinger, 31, of 3446 Henderson Mill Road in Morganton, was arrested for failing to appear on misdemeanor charge of larceny. She was given a $1,000 secured bond and has a scheduled court date of June 27.

Edward Michael Cale, 30, of 2350 US 70 in Connelly Springs, was arrested on charges of two counts of misdemeanor probation violation out of county. He was given a $20,000 secured bond and has a scheduled court date for May 9.

James Allen Clark, 42, of 2300 Liberty Church Road in Connelly Springs, was arrested on charges of misdemeanor probation violation. He was given a $15,000 secured bond and has a scheduled court date for June 5.

Eric Curtis, 41, of 4477 Mount Olive Church Road, Lot 10, in Morganton, was arrested on a charge of misdemeanor probation violation. He was not given a bond amount and has no scheduled court date.

Grayson Alexander Edney, 29, of 3475 Ada Charlie Road in Morganton, was arrested on felony charges of breaking and entering and larceny of a firearm. He was given a secured bond of $10,000 and has a scheduled court date for May 1.

Nathan Bradley Gibson, 32, of 190 G G Drive in Marion, was arrested for failing to appear on misdemeanor charges of operating a vehicle with no insurance, having a fictitious title, registration card or tag and citation. He was given a $1,000 secured bond and has a scheduled court date for June 5.

Lindsey Taylor Hawkins, 32, of 2309 US 70 West in Morganton, was arrested for failing to appear on misdemeanor charges of larceny. She was given a $2,000 secured bond and has a scheduled court date for June 27.

Richard Raymond Helton, 56, of 28 39 th NW, Apt. 2B, in Hickory, was arrested on a felony charge of possession of methamphetamine. He was given a $5,000 secured bond and had a scheduled court date for April 28.

Shannon Furr Hughes, 39, of 2309 US 70 West in Morganton, was arrested on misdemeanor charges of simple possession of scheduled IV controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was given a $1,500 secured bond and has a scheduled court date for May 22.

Ashley Brandon Laws, 30, of 8602 Sparrow Trail, Lot 5, in Connelly Springs, was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of probation violation. He was given a $5,000 secured bond and has a scheduled court date for June 5.

Lillie Keller Lowery, 54, of 109 Sycamore Drive in Hickory, was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of shoplifting concealment of goods. She was given a $500 secured bond and has a scheduled court date for May 22.

Robert Tracy McCombs, 49, of 220 Cherry Laurel Drive in Pigeon Forge, T.N., was arrested for failing to appear on charges of felony possession of scheduled II controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, simple worthless check and a misdemeanor charge of felony probation violation. McCombs was given a secured bond of $40,500 and has a scheduled court date of June 5.

Amanda Burkes Swanson, 37, of 2204 Icard Rhodhiss Road in Connelly Springs, was arrested on charges of communicating threats. She was given no bond, but was held for 48 hours. Swanson has a scheduled court date of May 16.

Teri Ann Thomas, 33, of 5288 Jenkins Road, Lot 1, in Morganton, was arrested on a misdemeanor count of felony probation violation. She was given a $10,000 secured bond and has a scheduled court date for June 5.

Kelly Jean Trivette, 44, of 2252 Harding Road in Connelly Springs, was arrested for failing to appear on charges of misdemeanor probation violation. She was given a $1,000 secured bond and has a scheduled court date for May 4.

James Thomas Edward Wilkie, 25, of 6096 Andrea Lane in Connelly Springs, was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. He was given a $500 secured bond and has a scheduled court date of May 17.

Sharon Branch Wright, 50, of 116 Murphy Court in Morganton, was arrested for failing to appear on two counts of misdemeanor felony probation violation. She was given an $80,000 secured bond and has a scheduled court date for June 5.

The enforcement of the warrant roundups decreases the amount of those with outstanding warrants that patrol officers encounter and arrest when they are answering calls for service, said Burke County Sheriff Steve Whisenant in a previous News Herald article regarding warrant roundups.

The Sheriff's Office was pleased to participate in this very successful campaign to serve the outstanding warrants while also locating stolen property and making arrests for additional crimes during the roundup, Whisenant said.

Agencies that were involved in the warrant roundup were North Carolina Department of Public Safety (Probation), Burke County Sheriffs Office, United States Marshals Services, N.C. Highway Patrol, Morganton Department of Public Safety, N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement and United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
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FAQs to Getting a Sak Yant Tattoo in Thailand

What Is A Sak Yant Tattoo?

And How Do I Get One in Thailand?

Sak yant are traditional Thai tattoos. Literally meaning tattoo yantra, they are believed to be magical and give the bearer protection, strength, good fortune, and more, depending on the yantra received.

Sak yant is extremely popular in the Muay Thai community, namely in those that have visited Thailand. With geometric shapes and depictions of animals and gods, sak yant is as beautiful as it is painful to receive.

Who does sak yant?

Sak yant are done by monks or arjan who have studied the art for a very long time (are also usually long time ex-monks). Monks are not allowed to make profit off doing the tattoos, as part of their code, so going to a temple to get it done is always donation-based. One of the most popular temples to get sak yant done is Wat Bang Phra.

If you go to a temple, be sure to dress appropriately by covering your legs and shoulders, and never touch the monk, especially if you are a woman. Do kneel before the monk as the monk is of a higher social status that you are.

An arjan on the other hand, is allowed to make profit off doing the tattoos. There are a handful of famed sak yant artists that are well-known and people from all over the world go to them to get their sak yant done. Sometimes an arjan will be donation based, but, more often, will charged per piece.

As a foreigner, you might be quoted extremely high prices. If you like the work they do, hey, its your money and do what you want. But do keep in mind that there are plenty of arjan that will not rip you off just because you are not Thai and can do the same quality or even better work.

Always do your research beforehand and ask about the pricing before you get tattooed. Its extremely easy to get this information through Google and sending a few messages or phone calls. You will most likely flip through a book of photos or drawings once you get there then then choose the one you want.

What are some things I should know about Sak Yant tattoos?

No matter if you decide to go to a monk or arjan, keep in mind of the basic rules of etiquette as well as basic tattoo hygiene. ALWAYS request a new needle and new batch of ink. Some places do not change the needle and you are at risk for a whole load of diseases if you get tattooed with a used needle or have your new needle dipped in tainted ink.

Do wai by putting your hands together. Because a monk and arjan are both highly respected, your wai should be higher up on your face. Never point the bottom of your feet towards the monk or arjan or any of their religious statues. The safest thing to do is to cross your legs on top of each other when sitting down on the floor. If you have to assume another position to get the sak yant done, be mindful of where your feet are pointing towards.

Also keep in mind that sometimes a monk will choose a tattoo as well as its placement for you based off what he believes you need, but sometimes you are able to choose tattoo as well as placement. Some places will not tattoo below the hip, especially depictions of deities, so it is always best to ask first.

How much does it hurt? How long before I can train again?

A common question asked is how painful getting a sak yant is, and the answer varies from person to person and location on the body (the bonier parts such as your chest and ribcage will hurt more than your arm or leg).

For some, it is extremely painful, and for others, it doesnt hurt much at all. Regardless of how painful it is, what is remarkable about getting sak yant is the short amount of time it takes to get tattooed as well as the short healing time. Usually, one is able to train again after a day or two with no adverse effects, whereas with a gun, you are often told to lay off working out for about a week.

How is the sak yant done?

If Im not in Thailand can I give the design to a regular tattoo guy and do it that way?

ALWAYS get sak yant with a stick!

This is the traditional way to do things and no authentic arjan and never a monk will EVER tattoo sak yant on someone with an electric tattoo gun.**

They have studied for years upon years to learn the art of performing these tattoos as well as the meaning and magic behind them. Sometimes the metal needle rods are passed down from arjan to arjan. Enchantations are given and some of the power lies in the inscriptions in the tattoo.

Those who tattoo with a gun are NOT versed in the art, cannot bless them nor know how to bless them, and it is commonly believed that getting/giving yantra tattoos with a gun brings BAD LUCK! Do be patient and wait to do it while youre in Thailand.

If youre going to do it, do it right. Sak yant are not just a piece of art but have deep meaning behind them. Respect the culture and dont water it down just because of selfish reasons ( ie. you cant afford to go to Thailand or if youre scared of the pain).

**As a side note, there are a few people trained in the art that opt to use a gun instead of a needle, but this is not common as it is not traditional, and power is believed to lie within the act of manual tattooing as well as the inscriptions.

Are there any rules I have to live by after getting sak yant?

The rules vary from monk to monk and arjan to arjan. Some may tell you not to eat a certain food, others may tell you not to do a specific action, but all support living an honest and compassionate life as these people follow the Buddhist religion.

How do I care for a fresh sak yant?

Like with a regular tattoo, you have to keep it moisturized. Coconut oil works great and is perfect considering its wide availability in Thailand.
Wayland Baptist University will holds its spring Commencement ceremony at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, in Hutcherson Center with approximately 130 students participating.

In typical Wayland fashion, a student will give the Commencement address followed by a charge from Wayland President Dr. Bobby Hall. Mayra Ramirez, from El Paso, has been elected by the students to give the address on Saturday.

Ramirez is graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting. She is an All-American wrestler for the Pioneers and an active member of Enactus, a student business organization. While at Wayland, Ramirez took a year off from wrestling to get married and have a child. Since then, she has enjoyed a successful return to the mat. Ramirez said she started wrestling when she was 14 to try and impress her older brother. She ended up loving the sport and has stayed with it.

Following graduation Ramirez hopes to continue her education and become a certified public accountant. She hopes to eventually open her own business.

Two students will graduate from Waylands honors program on Saturday. Cody Lindberg, from Southlake, will receive a Bachelor of Business Administration with Honors degree in management and marketing. His honors thesis research centered on the return on investment of a degree from Wayland.

Emily Brown, from Aurora, Colo., will by conferred Bachelor of Science with Honors degree in Fitness Management. Her research was on anthropometics and athletes in ice sports.

A reception will follow the Commencement ceremony. Held in the Laney Student Activities Center, the reception will give graduates a chance to visit with fellow students, friends and family members, as well as university faculty and staff.
The Cassini spacecraft, on a historic and eventually fatal orbit that dives between Saturn's body and its rings, has re-emerged from its first dive and fired back some closest-ever photos of the planet's atmosphere.

NASA lost contact with the spacecraft yesterday during the dive, but reacquired contact just before midnight last night with its Deep Space Network Goldstone Complex in California's Mojave Desert.

NASA said in a news release:

"In the grandest tradition of exploration, NASA's Cassini spacecraft has once again blazed a trail, showing us new wonders and demonstrating where our curiosity can take us if we dare," said Jim Green, director of the Planetary Science Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington. As it dove through the gap, Cassini came within about 1,900 miles (3,000 kilometers) of Saturn's cloud tops (where the air pressure is 1 bar -- comparable to the atmospheric pressure of Earth at sea level) and within about 200 miles (300 kilometers) of the innermost visible edge of the rings.

The agency explains that the gab between the rings and Saturn's atmosphere is about 1,500 miles ... a narrow window for a spacecraft being guided from so far away.

"No spacecraft has ever been this close to Saturn before. We could only rely on predictions, based on our experience with Saturn's other rings, of what we thought this gap between the rings and Saturn would be like," said Cassini Project Manager Earl Maize of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. "I am delighted to report that Cassini shot through the gap just as we planned and has come out the other side in excellent shape."

Cassini will make its next dare-devil dive through the gap on May 2.

Jake Ellison can be reached at jakeellisonjournalism@gmail.com. Follow Jake on Twitter at twitter.com/Jake_News. Also, swing by and *LIKE* his page on Facebook. If Google Plus is your thing, check out our science coverage here.
Colti Wright of Plainview High School and Brenna Francis of Silverton ISD will be honored for outstanding contributions to the Texas soil and water conservation program at a Conservation Awards Banquet for Area 1 on May 2.

The banquet will be held at 7 p.m. at College Heights Baptist Church in Plainview.
Plainview/Hale County Crime Stoppers Committee will pay a reward of up to $350 to anyone with information that will lead to the arrest and indictment of the person or persons responsible for the following crimes:

--On April 27, a Hispanic female, wearing, black pants, pink shirt, and a dark ball cap test drove a white 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee from Lees Automotive and failed to return it. The Cherokee was displaying a Texas Tag 17K-0826.
Plainview ISD received a ceremonial $10,000 check from Plainview/Hale County Economic Development Corp. Friday to represent a previously announced grant for Career and Technical Education training. The presentation came at PHCEDCs annual board meeting.

Earlier this month, that grant was used to leverage additional funding from the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance, Workforce Solutions South Plains and Texas Workforce Commission. As a result, Plainview ISD will receive $26,908 to help prepare students for employment in such high-demand occupations as welding, culinary arts and business administration.

Greg Brown, executive director for administrative services at PISD, said the funds will be used to purchase equipment for the districts culinary arts program, for modern welding equipment to teach those skills, and for computer software to allow other CTE students to receive Microsoft Office Certification in Microsoft Word, Excel and other programs.

For the past for years Texas school districts have been free to place more emphasis on career training and these funds will help us implement some of those programs, Brown reported.

PHCEDC President V.O. Ortega, who presented a ceremonial check to the district, added that PISD has reenergized its CTE advisory board. Adoption of House Bill 5 a few years ago has put Career and Technical Education back on the front burner, he said.

Reporting on PISD, Brown said the third annual GenTX College Signing Day at PHS is May 3. On that day, seniors of the Class of 2017 will celebrate their decision to attend college, trade school or pursue other postsecondary education opportunities. The percentage of our seniors being accepted to continue their education has grown from last year, Brown said. Our challenge now is make sure they follow through and actually enroll.

Brown noted that three local schools had a pass rate exceeding 90 percent in fifth grade math which is a significant achievement. This week, many students at PHS will be taking end-of-course exams.

Hiring continues to be an issue with teacher shortages affecting most rural areas, Brown said. However I am pleased to report that we already are seeing some good, high quality candidates and are working to fill open teaching positions going into next fall. The last day of classes at PISD is May 25 with graduation May 26.

Wayland President Dr. Bobby Hall noted that the school has 50 teaching sites in six states. He reported that the WBU Board of Trustees on Thursday approved a $64.8 million budget for 2017-18 and voiced support of expanding the Ports-to-Plains corridor. System wide, Wayland services about 5,000 students. On May 6, some 130 students will graduate on the Plainview campus.

Gracie Quinonez, director of South Plains College in Plainview, reported that graduation there is Friday, May 12, with registration now under way for summer and fall terms. Last Monday, SPC representatives were at PHS on an advising visit. They met with about 100 of the 116 graduating seniors who plan to attend SPC this fall. Another visit to PHS is planned.

While the technical training offered by SPC is widely known, Quinonez said the school also offers an attractive academic transfer program where beginning college students can get many of their basic courses out of the way before transferring to a four-year institution.

Plainview City Manager Jeffrey Snyder reported that reconstruction of 13th and 15th streets adjacent to the Walmart Supercenter as well as Country Road Y (landfill road) are almost complete. Also, the design phase of the Travis Trussell Duck Pond redevelopment project is almost complete and public input will be sought on placement of benches and other enhancements.

The Hilton Hotel/Conrad Lofts project is inching forward, he noted. The City Council recently approving abandonment of an unused alley north of the structure. That action will allow developers to complete closing and platting of the property, then move forward with construction.

Plainview Citizens Advisory Board is considering capital improvement projects for the next five years. Based on their report, the City Council could call a bond election in November.

County Judge Bill Coleman noted that the Plainview/Hale County Airport was honored as the Most Improved General Aviation Airport in Texas. The county recently began the process for the city and county to acquire privately owned hangars and other buildings at the airport.

Coleman said work will start soon on upgrading electrical, sewer and water connections at the RV park at the Ollie Liner Center, That project includes reconstruction of the OLC parking lot. The county recently replaced security locks and related equipment at the county jail.

Linda Morris, executive director of the Plainview Chamber of Commerce, reported that although three local chain stores are closing  Radio Shack, Payless Shoes and Rue 21, a number of mom-and-pop stores are opening or expanding. One of those businesses is Artesian Jewelers, which is relocating to a building that formerly housed Terry Carter Construction. She reported that the arcade, restaurant and bar at the Royal Splash water park are now open. The water park itself will not be ready this summer. Work is moving quickly on the first unit of the Beehive Memory Care Center south of Walmart Supercenter.

The Second Annual Lemonade Day is May 13, with 18 stands booked. Thats the same day as the Citywide Garage Sale. Another upcoming event is the Air Race Classic on June 22. Plainview is the final stop before the participating female pilots complete the race at Santa Fe, N.M.

Bob Copeland, CEO of Covenant Health Plainview, reported that a new surgeon, Dr. Paresh K. Rajajoshiwala -- Dr. Raja  joined the staff three weeks ago after moving here from San Antonio. In addition, a pain specialist will be coming to Plainview at least twice a month for a specialty clinic.

With the completion of the new surgical suites, construction at the hospital has moved inside with work on existing surgical areas. Next will be installation of a new MRI in the existing courtyard area, and then reconstruction of the radiology department. From there, construction crews will likely move into the basement.

Copeland said Plainviews two orthopedic surgeons are holding clinics in Hereford, and Dr. Raja plans to begin outreach clinics as well. The Covenant Foundations annual gala is Friday night.

Don Thurman, representing South Plains Workforce Solutions, noted the recent increase in the unemployment rate from 6.2 percent to 6.6 percent in March reflects a growth in the local labor force with many in the wind energy sector returning to the area in expectation of planned construction work.

The local workforce office continues to update its facilities accommodate staff members and clients previously served by Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Part of that work includes improving computer accessibility.

Abernathy City Manager Mike Cypert reported that his community continues to experience growth with five new housing subdivisions containing about 80 building sites added in recent years. He said the community has experienced a 3 percent growth in residential housing, with 75 to 80 new homes constructed in the past 10 years.

The Abernathy area has benefited with the expansion of several energy projects, including the Golden Spread Electrical Cooperatives Elk-Antelope power plant and Xcel Energys Tuco Substation as well as Duke Energys 1,500-acre solar farm project. Another large scale wind project is anticipated.

Abernathy is seeking to expand its territory through annexation. Thats in reaction to the City of Lubbocks growth toward Abernathy. Currently, Abernathy covers 8 1/2 miles east and west, and 3 1/2 miles north and south.

Dennis Burton, Hale Center city manager, reported that his city has a no-kill animal shelter. Hale Centers Paw Pals Humane Society cares for the animals at the citys current shelter, which is located 2 miles west of Hale Center. Our animal shelter is pathetic, but we are working toward getting new funding and grants for a new shelter. Paw Pals works with Paws in Plainview and The Haven in Lubbock to place animals for adoption.

EDC Executive Director Mike Fox also presented his quarterly activity report, which has previously been reported in The Herald.
AUSTIN -- Members of each chamber assigned to the budget conference committee met publicly for the first time Monday to open negotiations on the final version of the state budget for the next two years. Each chamber has passed its own version, and while the total numbers are relatively close, both versions differ in where some of that funding goes. Regardless, Committee Chair and Flower Mound Sen. Jane Nelson says the group will produce a final budget on which lawmakers can agree. "Both chambers have prioritized child protective services, mental health, both chambers have prioritized our long term commitment to transportation funding," she said. "Both want to ensure our borders are secure and our children are properly educated I have no doubt that we are going to pass a budget that meets our needs and keeps Texas strong and successful."

Both the Senate and House versions of the budget will spend almost identical amounts in all funds, an amount that includes dedicated and undedicated general revenue as well as federal funds. The two chambers are less than $400 million apart in this number, with the Senate spending $217.7 billion vs. $218.1 billion for the House. That's less than a 1.5 percent difference, but the gap increases somewhat when considering only non-dedicated general revenue. General revenue is the spending that lawmakers have the most control over, as dedicated funds are automatically appropriated by statute and federal funds usually come with conditions. Here the Senate would spend $106.3 billion over the next two years compared to $104.4 billion for the House, or almost $2 billion more.
We have received a very warm welcome and everyone has been very supportive, commented Rebecca Rivera with NextEra Energy in connection with a town hall meeting Thursday on wind energy development in Hale County.

The landowners and local leaders are extremely supportive, said Rivera. Based in Juno Beach, Florida, she serves as senior communications specialist, corporate communications, for NextEra. From Plainview, she was traveling to California Friday in connection with three other wind projects.

The people in Plainview and Hale County seem to be very receptive for development of wind energy, Rivera said. And you have what it takes  really good wind resources.

Representatives from NextEra Energy and Xcel Energy hosted the town hall at the Plainview Convention Center. The meeting draw a large crowd to meet face-to-face with project representatives and view siting maps, displays and videos detailing the local projects.

In late March, Xcel Energy announced that is working to acquire the southern half of the massive Hale Wind Project area. Listed as Phase 1 and 2 of the Hale Community Wind LLC project, Xcel hopes to generate 478 MW of electricity from 239 wind turbines, each producing 2 MW. That portion of the project is in the Petersburg area.

The remainder of the Hale Community Wind LLC project has been retained by NextEra.

Were still in the early-stage development, Rivera and other NextEra representatives explained. Their part of the development is a 300 MW project, which will be powered by 150 turbines, each producing 2 MW of electricity. NextEra is projecting a 2019-2020 build.

Although they havent announced any power purchase agreements for electricity from their part of the project, Rivera said NextEra continues to actively market the energy. Their turbines will boost the property tax base for Plainview ISD and Hale County. Petersburg ISD and Hale County will be primary tax beneficiaries of the Xcel Energy project.

During construction, there will be hundreds of jobs and we will fill as many as possible locally, Rivera said. Once the project is fully operational, there will be approximately six to eight full-time positions, including technicians and related staff.

Chris Whiteside of Amarillo is Xcel Energys project manager for the Hale Wind Project. He said the first hurdle is receiving regulatory approval from the Public Utility Commission of Texas. They also are seeking approval from the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission on related projects.

There still is a lot of preliminary work to do which could take six months to a year, Whiteside said. Xcel Energy anticipates to have shovel-ready construction sites by early first quarter 2018, with production starting in the May-June 2019 time frame.

Xcel will use wind turbines manufactured by Vestas-American Wind Technology Inc., with components coming from Colorado.

Each individual turbine takes eight truckloads of components, he noted. The turbines have a design life of at least 25 years, and there are repower options to repair or replace the turbines in future years.

Thursdays town hall was one of the first opportunities for landowners to visit with project personnel following Xcel acquisition.

The power generated by the Xcel turbines will be used within the companys service territory. Its expected to serve about 168,096 homes. The project will produce more than 300 construction jobs and from 17 to 22 full-time operations positions when completed.
MERIDEN  Police, fire, emergency dispatch and Hunters Ambulance officials presented the most recent public safety statistics at a forum this week. The event also served as a platform for residents to ask questions, though only one took advantage of the opportunity.



Police responded to 445 incidents between January and March, one less than in 2016, said Police Chief Jeffry Cossette. While assaults, rape, robberies and larcenies all saw decreases, Cossette said, the city saw a significant jump in burglaries, which went from 44 in the first quarter of 2016 to 72 in the same time frame this year.



Cossette shared a map revealing that most burglaries occur downtown.



Most common day of the week for burglaries is Monday, Cossette said. As you can see, most of them are concentrated in the inner city.



Fire Chief Ken Morgan said the department has seen a decrease in responses over the previous year. Officials responded to 2,328 incidents between January and March, down 120 from last year when the department responded to 2,448 in the same period.



Not a substantial number, but considering the amount we jumped last year its encouraging that maybe last year was just an anomaly, Morgan said.



South Meriden Volunteer Fire Chief Keith Gordon said the department responded to 224 calls during the first quarter of 2017, 64 percent of which were medical-related, including two successful naloxone resuscitations working in tandem with Hunters Ambulance.



Faced with staffing shortages, Gordon said the departments membership is currently stable, and two prospective volunteers recently passed an agility test and will need to pass an oral interview, background check and physical before they are accepted into the department.



After the presentations, residents were given the opportunity to ask city officials questions in a public forum. Only resident Michael Rajewski spoke, asking Cossette how many warrants have been issued this year compared to 2016. Cossette said he did not have that figure readily available, but would provide it in the future.



ltauss@record-journal.com 203-317-2231 Twitter: @LeighTaussRJ






HARTFORD  While Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is looking to start bipartisan budget talks Monday, Democrats say they still plan to craft their own spending proposal.



The proposal will be a revised version of the $41 billion plan that failed to get a vote this week from the Appropriations Committee, Rep. Cathy Abercrombie, D-Meriden, said Friday. Abercrombie is vice chairwoman of the committee.



She said Democrats continue to look at new revenue opportunities despite a package unanimously approved by the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee Thursday that doesnt include new revenue sources or tax increases.



Abercrombie, one of at least 60 House Democrats who attended a caucus Friday, said an expected decrease in revenue projections will result in an even larger budget shortfall than the $1.7 billion Malloy assumed in his proposal released earlier this year. New revenue projections are expected Monday.



We still do believe  a lot of us in the House  that revenue has to be on the table, and we dont believe that what came out of the revenue committee is going to be sustainable for what we need to do as a state, Abercrombie said.



Senate Democrats have scheduled a caucus meeting for Monday, at which time the budget is likely to be one of several issues discussed, said spokesman Adam Joseph.



Malloy and leaders from both parties are poised to begin negotiating a final spending package after the Appropriations and Finance committees saw their deadlines come and go this week. He sent a letter to the leaders of all four caucuses Wednesday inviting them to meet, and told reporters Friday that he hopes to do so early this week. No meeting had been scheduled as of Friday.



He also said negotiations are going to take a long time, I suspect, possibly extending beyond the end of the legislative session on June 7.



Ive always said that this has the potential to go into extra innings, and I think that is absolutely the case, he said.



Special session budget votes are nothing new for the legislature, and occurred each of the last two years despite Democrats holding larger majorities. The party would need to rely on Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman to break a tie in the Senate and holds a seven-seat majority in the House.



Some area lawmakers said Friday they remain optimistic that they will adopt a budget before the regular session adjourns.



One thing Ive learned is the longer youve postponed a budget, the harder it is to balance it, said Rep. Mary Mushinsky, D-Wallingford, a member of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee. She said the declining revenue figures also makes it more likely that the budget will be built on cuts, which could bring the two parties closer together.



Republicans Thursday unveiled a $40.3 billion budget proposal that doesnt include any tax hikes, but does eliminate tax credits for many homeowners and reduces one for low income residents.



Malloy has repeatedly said he wont support a budget that is revenue-driven.



Area Republicans said the June 7th deadline is also achievable, but only if Democrats are willing to agree that the budget needs to be balanced with cuts, not revenue or a combination of the two.



The only Democrat who acknowledges how bad things are is Malloy himself, said Sen. Joe Markley, R-Southington. Despite his criticism, he said, theres still a good chance of avoiding a special session.



Rep. Vincent Candelora, R-North Branford, said lawmakers could vote on a budget on time if they truly work together, and Thursdays revenue package was a glimpse of hope. He remains concerned about that prospect, though, as long as leaders operate without a formal proposal with support from rank-and-file Democrats.



The fact that the Appropriations Committee has not put out a spending package thats been voted on makes me pessimistic that well have a budget by June 7, he said.



Abercrombie expressed confidence that the legislature will have a budget on time, but also said Republicans need to be willing to back off their call for no tax increases. She said Democrats will look for opportunities to invest in job training and economic growth in their budget package, a move that will require funding.



I think that they have to be responsible, too, because they cant say that theyre going to grow the economy in Connecticut and just make cuts, she said. How do you grow an economy  you make investments.



The decision by Democrats not to hold an Appropriations Committee vote sparked a tense back-and-forth between party leaders Tuesday that continued through the Republicans budget unveiling two days later.



Democrats accused Republicans of failing to negotiate in good faith, while Republicans said Democrats were being naive and dishonest. Area lawmakers said they dont expect those comments to have a lasting effect on negotiations, though.



Rep. Emil Buddy Altobello, D-Meriden, said he was pessimistic about passing a budget in time until the finance committees unanimous vote on the revenue package, adding bipartisanship is the only way were going to get to the finish line with the makeup of the legislature this year.



Markley, meanwhile, said the leaders, by and large, are grownups.



You dont last long in this business if you dont get over the last spat, he said.



msavino@record-journal.com 203-317-2266 Twitter: @reporter_savino






WALLINGFORD  Lights flashed, cameras clicked away and popcorn popped as movie-goers dressed to the nines on the red carpet took a holiday to the 1980s with the premiere of the movie Pitching Tents at Holiday Cinemas Thursday night.



The film, shot in locations throughout Connecticut including Meriden, Middletown and Cromwell, tells the story of a teen in 1984 struggling to figure out what to do after high school. The coming of age comedy stars Michael Grant, Jim Norton, Booboo Stewart, Samantha Basalari and Jonathan Lipnicki.



Director Jacob Cooney of Greenwich traversed the crowd shaking hands and sharing laughs as guests arrived for the premiere.



We brought a piece of Hollywood to the area. There are some big names in this film, and its very exciting for everyone, said Producer David Gere, who is from Cromwell.



Shot locally, the film features many area residents as part of the cast and crew. Meriden resident Jared Marmitt, who works a day job as an electrician, served as grip and helped with lighting during shoots.



Its always a fun time working with Dave Gere and Jacob Cooney on their movies. This is the second one Ive worked on with them, Marmitt said.



The premiere allowed Marmitt to see the finished film and reconnect with many of the other crew members.



Its like a big family on a film set, Marmitt said.



Ted Stockmon, a North Haven police officer, got involved with the film by chance. Gere spotted one of Stockmons vintage police cars at a car show and asked if it could be in the movie.



A few days before the shoot, they asked Stockmon to be the driver of the car in the movie. He was also involved in a foot pursuit scene.



Playing a police officer from 1984 - that fits my bill, said Stockmon, who started as a police officer 32 years ago in the mid 1980s. I got to do it. It was fun and exciting to watch how they do these movies. It was way more fun than I anticipated.



With a camera hanging from his neck, Stockmon soaked in all the fun of the premiere event as well, making sure to get a couple shots on the red carpet.



The cast was fantastic, really a bunch of fun guys and girls. It makes the days go by really quickly, Cooney said.



The local communities really opened their arms and really helped us. Without their support, I dont think the movie would have happened.



Gere said they were originally supposed to film in Pennsylvania, but were able to get that moved to Connecticut.



I grew up in Cromwell, so to be able to shoot in Cromwell, Middletown, Berlin, Portland and parts of Meriden was really incredible. Sometimes the sets were only four or five minutes from my house, Gere said.



As showtime drew near, Cooney and Gere got the crowd in the auditorium fired up to a loud round of applause as the lights went down.



The theatrical run finishes up at the end of May. The movies website  www.pitchingtentsmovie.com  lists the theaters where the movie is showing.



Cooney said the movie will be available on demand and on digital platforms in June.






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San Antonios Biglari Holdings Inc., the parent of restaurant chain Steak n Shake and mens magazine Maxim, is considering terminating a controversial licensing deal with Chairman and CEO Sardar Biglari.

The company made the disclosure at its annual meeting Thursday at the swanky St. Regis Hotel in New York, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing Friday.

Biglari Holdings also is contemplating eliminating a limitation on Biglaris incentive compensation and implementing a dual-class share structure.

No other details on the potential transactions were revealed in the SEC filing, other than that the company said there can be no assurance as to the likelihood any of them will happen.

A call to Biglari Holdings was not immediately returned Friday, but Biglari generally does not speak to the media.

Biglari granted the use of his surname to the company under a 20-year trademark licensing agreement in 2013. Many Steak n Shake marquees, including the one at San Antonio International, now say Steak n Shake by Biglari.

Biglari Holdings doesnt have to pay Biglari any royalties unless his employment is terminated without cause, theres a change in control at the company or some other specified event happens.

If one of those things were to happen, Biglari would be entitled to receive 2.5 percent of Biglari Holdings revenue for at least five years. Based on the companys 2016 revenue, that would mean he could pocket a little more than $100 million over five years.

The licensing agreement was a bone of contention for Minneapolis-based Groveland Capital two years ago in its ill-fated efforts to take over Biglari Holdings. In proxy materials, Groveland cited criticism of the arrangement by Bernard Black, a law school and business school professor at Northwestern University.

The (Biglari) license agreement has no business justification, and is the equivalent to a super golden parachute on top of the rich parachute that (the company) already has granted to Biglari, Black said.

The licensing deal was struck before Biglari gained a controlling stake in the company. He now owns just over half of the shares.

Its not clear why Biglari Holdings is considering doing away with the limitation on the incentive payment. Biglari hasnt earned an incentive payment since 2013. The annual incentive payment is capped at $10 million, the San Antonio Express-News reported in 2010.

For Biglari to receive any incentive compensation, the companys operating business must achieve an annual increase in shareholders equity in excess of 6 percent above the previous high level. He would receive 25 percent of any incremental book value created above the 6 percent shareholders equity threshold. Groveland also was critical of this arrangement in its proxy fight.

Even though Biglari didnt receive any incentive payment last year, it was still a good year for him. Besides his $900,000 salary, he received through his hedge fund, Biglari Capital Corp., $31.6 million in performance fees from Biglari Holdings.

As for implementing a dual-class share structure, Biglari Holdings has failed in the past to create such a structure.

Proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholders Services criticized such a plan two years ago, saying it provided no discernible benefit to ordinary investors, according to a Groveland news release.

During Thursdays annual meeting, Biglari and the other four Biglari Holdings directors won re-election to the board. But if you exclude the more than 1 million shares controlled by Biglari, more shares were cast to withhold support for Biglari and the other directors than were cast in their favor.

Meanwhile, a shareholder proposal by the Humane Society of the United States to separate the CEO and chairman positions at Biglari Holdings was defeated.

pdanner@express-news.net

Twitter: @AlamoPD
Police are searching for an autistic Cy-Fair ISD student who was last seen on Wednesday, according to the school district's police department.

Nahum Legaspi was last seen on Wednesday near his high school, Cypress Ranch. The 19-year-old was wearing a blue T-shirt, green shorts and beige shoes.
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The Pasadena City Council race for District G has drawn three candidates.

They are Oscar Del Toro, a small business owner; Allen Munz, a civil engineering company founder; and Cary Bass, the incumbent hoping for his second term.

Cary Bass

Bass wants to develop more recreational areas such as parks, pools, green spaces and walking paths.

Bass said he also wanted to continue building a stronger sense of community.

"One of my core concerns is building relationships with my neighbors and the citizens of Pasadena. It's all about trust," he said.

Bass also is interested in developing a more effective partnership between the city and Pasadena ISD.

A lifelong Pasadena resident, Bass and his wife, Fran, have lived in District G for 35 years.

He is employed by Bass and Meineke Complete Auto Care, a Pasadena-based business founded by his parents and owned by his mother.

"My experience comes from running a small business and a large corporate warehouse which gives me the ability to work with budgets, employee relations, payroll and benefits," he said.

For more information, visit www.carybass.com.

Oscar Del Toro

Small business owner Del Toro says he is committed to making sound decisions, solving problems and inspiring change.

"As a candidate, I offer voters three things; my experience and knowledge as a small-business owner, my passion for making the best decisions for every citizen of Pasadena and my talent for confronting difficult and complex issues," he said. "For example, if there's an issue other people don't want to discuss because they are uncomfortable, I'm not afraid to bring that issue to the table and help work things out."

Del Toro said voters should question whether their council member makes decisions that are representative of the citizens who elected them.

"Voters should consider whether a council member makes decisions based on what is best for the community or whether they make decisions that benefit only a specific group. If that is happening, then it is time for a change at city hall," he said.

Del Toro moved to Pasadena from Monterrey, Mexico with his wife and three children in 2001.

He beccame a U.S. citizen in 2006.

"Ultimately, being a council member isn't just about fixing the streets. It isn't just about fixing the sidewalks," he said.

"That's just the basics. It's also about inspiring people, especially the younger generations, to achieve their full potential because when you achieve your goals, you bring positive things to the whole community.

"If you love what you are doing you are going to transmit that feeling and sense of commitment to others," Del Toro said.

"As an elected official, my goals is to inspire people to work together to create a better city and a better future for the City of Pasadena."

Allen Munz

With an understanding of civil engineering paired with knowledge from a 45-year career working with municipal governments, Munz said he can offer voters extensive knowledge and experience if elected.

"I am proud that I helped form R.W. Patrick Civil Engineering and Surveying Company over 45 years ago," Munz said.

R.W. Patrick Civil Engineering and Surveying Co. serves as the city engineering firm for the City of South Houston, a relationship the company has maintained for decades.

Munz said his expertise and business experience allows him insight into successful city government.

"I know about the infrastructure of cities and my expertise and experience give me an advantage over my opponents," he said.

Munz said it is time for change within Pasadena city government and if elected, he promises to work with other council members to create a more open and transparent city council.

"Right now if you go to a city council meeting, they read each item so fast you can't even tell what they are voting on," Munz said. "And, most people are not even aware there is a pre-council meeting or know where it is held. I think we should do away with the pre-council meeting unless we move that meeting to the regular council chamber and make sure it is open to the public."

Munz said he would support having a pre-council meeting if it were held one week before the regular council meeting to give citizens and council members time to study each agenda item and ask questions.

Munz also supports posting background documents along with the regular agenda on the city website for every meeting.

"I think the council should make everything more public and these are the types of things that create a more open and transparent type of city government," Munz said.

A former Marine, Munz and his wife, Betty, are 43-year members of Sagemont Church, where he serves as a deacon.

As a candidate, he has worked to finance his campaign without outside help.

"I don't believe in taking large campaign donations from people," he said.

Election Day is Saturday, May 6. Details: www.pasadena.tx.us
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Of all the parades of Fiesta, none matches the King William Fairs promenade in terms of sheer wackiness.

After all, where else can you find the usual marching bands, bike-riders and waving politicians intermixed with Chewbaca, three real Texas Longhorn steers and a trailer hauling senior citizens playing La Bamba on ukelele?

A highlight of this years parade: A crew from La Tuna Ice House, a popular Southtown establishment, dressed in the full regalia of the Cavaliers, a hallowed mens fraternal and charitable organization, except for the addition of lacy red tutus.

Its that wackiness  and the family-centered vibe of the King William Fair, now in its 50th year  that draws some 45,000 revelers to the street festival in the King William historic neighborhood.

It straddles the line between the outrageous and traditional, said Gilbert Lopez, who awaited the start of the nearly two-hour parade on what began as a cool Saturday morning. He and wife Olga and their niece Gina Chervinskis and her husband, John, ate breakfast at the nearby Guenther House before the parade, as has been their tradition for years.

John said he and his wife love the King William Fair because its pet-friendly and family-friendly, a great place to bring the grandkids, he said. Its clean and safe, thats the biggest difference.

Make no mistake, the daylong King William Fair, which over the decades grew from a one-block arts exhibit to a major Fiesta event, has all the fixtures of your typical Fiesta hoedown: beer, frozen margaritas, food heavy on the fat and sugar. There are arts and crafts vendors, live performances, dancing.

But theres also a distinctly wholesome feel, as parents push babies in strollers and dogs decked out in Fiesta decorations amble up and down the tree-lined streets in the neighborhood just south of downtown, where stately Victorian homes and quaint cottages also display their Fiesta best. As parade-goers watched the promenade, folks watched from verandas and enjoyed private parties on manicured front lawns.

It was the first visit to the parade and fair for Laura Baltazar, who moved to San Antonio with her twins Vaughn and Will, now 8, from Southern California four years ago to teach at KIPP University Prep High School, located in King William.

I like the feel of this, she said, looking around at the crowd. It has the small-town feel of the Fourth of July party in Coronado, California, she said.

Her friend Tammy Johnson, who moved here from New York to teach at KIPP, agreed.

It just feels cozy, she said.

Each year the fair raises proceeds for the nonprofit King William Association, which since 2001 has donated close to $700,000 in grants and scholarships to local groups.

Editors note: This corrects the name of La Tuna Ice House.

mstoeltje@express-news.net
HOUSTON  A lawyer for Dannenbaum Engineering is questioning whether an FBI raid Wednesday of several of the firms offices was a publicity stunt.

Federal agents descended on the Houston, Laredo, San Antonio and McAllen offices of Dannenbaum Engineering, a locally based firm headed by prolific political donor and former University of Texas System Regent James Dannenbaum.

FBI officials would not comment on the nature of their investigation into Dannenbaum Engineering, one of the state's premier firms for infrastructure planning and design.

In a statement released Friday, Joel Androphy, counsel for Dannenbaum Engineering, accused an FBI spokesperson of referring to public safety threats as a way to up the media coverage of the incident. He later clarified he was referencing a statement published Wednesday in the San Antonio Express News from FBI spokeswoman Michelle Lee, in which she told the public there were no public safety threats in the locations the FBI was raiding.

While we cant discuss the nature of the work we are doing, there is no public safety threat at the locations where we are present, Lee wrote in an email.

Thats not an appropriate remark to make, Androphy said later to the Chronicle.

Androphy also questioned whether federal employees gave sensitive investigative information to news outlets. He added the firm will consider asking for an investigation and federal ethics probe into possible leaks.

A statement issued Friday from the San Antonio FBI office said while it is standard policy for the agency to neither confirm nor deny the existence of an investigation, FBI and Department of Justice policy allows limited disclosure of information for legitimate law enforcement and public safety purposes.

Information about law enforcement activity at Dannenbaum Engineering offices was not leaked or released proactively, the statement said. Rather, it was carefully and thoughtfully provided in response to specific inquiries, some identifying concerns from the community that the evacuation of public buildings, and the presence of the FBI, may indicate a public safety threat, the statement said.

Androphy is a legal analyst for ABC13, the news outlet that appears to have been the first to report about the raid in the Houston area. Agents took control of Dannenbaum Engineerings building at 3100 West Alabama on Wednesday morning and told employees to leave.

Androphy declined to comment on any connections between his role at ABC13 and his statement about possible leaks. He also declined to elaborate to which news outlets federal employees may have leaked information.

The Dannenbaum firm continues to cooperate with federal authorities regarding the collection of materials at its company offices this week, Androphy said.

Dannenbaum, a 77-year-old businessman who was tied to a series of FBI raids in El Paso a decade ago, has a slew of ongoing contracts with Houston and Harris County.
President Donald Trump's border wall appears to be on shaky ground - on Capitol Hill and on the rocky, shifty terrain where it's slated to be built.

Congress is showing signs that it might not approve funding for the wall, forcing the president to all but abandon plans to fulfill his promise for a barrier to keep immigrants from crossing the border from Mexico. But even if Trump tried to erect a 2,000-mile fence, it would have to straddle waterways prone to flash floods and fault lines that could jerk at any time and bring down massive sections of stone or steel.

First consider the evolving politics. Trump recently demanded that a spending bill to keep the government running include funding for the border wall. He pledged to follow that up with an executive order on border security. Democrats, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who described the wall as "immoral," balked.

Facing a fight that threatens to shut down the federal government, the president softened his demand that Congress approve funding for the wall. As The Washington Post's Philip Rucker, Robert Costa and David Weigel report: "With a Friday deadline looming to pass a new spending bill, the Trump administration projected confidence that a shutdown would be avoided. In the face of fierce Democratic opposition to funding the wall's construction, White House officials signaled Monday that the president may be open to an agreement that includes money for border security if not specifically for a wall, with an emphasis on technology and border agents rather than a structure."

That's a lot different from Trump's promise in his June 2015 speech announcing his run for president: "I will build a great wall. And nobody builds walls better than me, believe me. . . . And I will make Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words." Those words played well with supporters at campaign stops who gleefully answered Trump's raucous call and response.

Trump: "We're going to build a wall. Who's going to pay for it?" Supporters: "Mexico!"

Geologists probably weren't in the crowd. Aside from politics, they said, an even greater force was set to undermine the great wall: Earth. "In California/Baja, the border traverses nearly the entire Pacific-North America tectonic plate boundary, so the western end of the wall is riding the Pacific plate several centimeters north per year relative to the border on the North American side of the San Andreas fault system," Austin Elliott, a researcher at the University of Oxford in England who studies earthquakes around the world, wrote in an email.

"Any wall that is built straddling the fault lines in this region will have to be able to cope with this ongoing deformation, including being abruptly severed in earthquakes," Elliott said.

There have been at least three earthquakes in the past 125 years that rocked the U.S. southern border, most recently in 2010. The earliest was 1892, when immigration wasn't a big issue. Another followed in 1940. The earthquake about seven years ago would have split a wall in two as the two tectonic plates slid by each other beneath it.

Other geologists are not so sure about the feasibility of building a wall on the scale that the president imagines, the entire border with Mexico, an estimated $21 billion venture.

McKinnon, the geophysicist, wondered in Smithsonian Magazine if the barrier can withstand the sands of time. She used the example of Italy's Tower of Pisa in examining what can go wrong when builders forge ahead with a project without checking whether its foundation can hold it. The leaning tower is now a tourist attraction and laughingstock on which the Italian government spends millions of dollars to prevent its fall.

The tower is a reminder that marvels of present-day engineering "don't necessarily stay upright," McKinnon said.

But the politics of it all might make the entire question moot.

Democrats simply aren't interested in seeing a wall, and Republicans have been reduced to saying the wall was always kind of a metaphor for better border security. The word "metaphor" was never chanted at campaign rallies.

On the Senate floor, Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., ripped into the notion of building a wall but gave Trump an opening, suggesting that smart technology and law enforcement, such as the use of drones, could work as a way of protecting the border. The suggestion echoed a congressional debate in 2006, when George W. Bush was urged to consider tech over brick and mortar.

Perhaps to the surprise of Trump supporters and immigration opponents, Sen. Lindsey O. Graham, R-S.C., all but dismissed the idea of a wall. "There will never be a 2,200-mile wall built, period. I think it's become symbolic of better border security. It's a code word for better border security. If you make it about actually building a 2,200-mile wall, that's a bridge too far - but I'm mixing my metaphors."

And so, before Earth can consume the "great wall" that the president promised and asked contractors for bids to build, politics appears to be whittling it away.
Science joined the #resistance last weekend, or so the organizers of the March for Science would have us believe.

Thousands of demonstrators marched in Washington, D.C., and in cities around the country under the banner of science and in the spirit of the Womens March opposing President Donald Trump back in January.

The march had its share of harmless and charmingly nerdy science enthusiasts holding signs like I was told there would be pi and I was told to bring a sine (get it?). Who can possibly object to people, who may have waited a lifetime for the opportunity, finally getting a chance to make trigonometry puns in public?

The problem with the march was its larger ambition to enlist science in the anti-Trump movement. Not only does this represent a jaw-dropping misunderstanding of science but if taken seriously, it will damage the reputation of science.

The left loves to argue that Republicans are anti-science, usually by accusing them of being budding theocrats who value only faith and not science. Since Donald Trump is no ones idea of a theocrat, the latest argument is that his alternative facts administration is an implicit assault on the basis of science. It is certainly the case that Trump says things that arent true, although science has survived other fast-and-loose presidents. No one thought that Bill Clinton, during the course of his various falsehoods, was somehow calling into doubt the second law of thermodynamics.

Trump has pronounced on all sorts of things over the decades, but so far the scientific method has escaped his wrath on Twitter.

This is why its absurd for any claque to claim ownership of science, which belongs to all of us. No one disputes that the modern world rests on an edifice of scientific advance, and that we owe much of our material well-being to it. No one wants to argue with Francis Bacon, one of the philosophic founders of modern science, about the importance of empiricism. No one wants to dispute the work of Newton, Bohr or Curie.

This doesnt mean that science should be apotheosized. It is value-neutral. The same science that gave us penicillin gave us the hydrogen bomb. As Francis Bacon himself put it, The mechanical arts are of ambiguous use, serving as well for hurt as for remedy.

For the marchers, though, science stands for all that is good and true, and it just happens to bless their preferred policy positions, especially on climate change. The passion and certitude they bring to the climate debate doesnt exactly speak to a rigorously scientific disposition. The advocates on climate change often use science as a weapon, even as they spin out apocalyptic scenarios that go well beyond the current scientific consensus.

At its worst, the March for Science was tinged with the spirit of three scientists who wrote an anti-Trump essay calling on scientists at universities to consider work slowdowns and strikes. How else to respond when one party is committed to ignoring science at best, and leveraging it for systemic oppression at worst? In this view, scientists are simply social-justice warriors in lab coats, political activists who are good at math.

All of this is a mistake, no matter how much Bill Nye, the Science Guy, might have delighted at the turnout for the March for Science. Since the country currently lacks for institutions that exist outside the nations poisonous partisan divide, besides the military and perhaps big-league sports, it is a disservice to try to enlist science for an ideology.

It is the marchers who are the ones trying, literally, to politicize science. It deserves better defenders.

comments.lowry@nationalreview.com
The Texas Major Cities Chiefs consisting of Austin, Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and the Texas Police Chiefs Association (TMCC & TPCA) take this opportunity to respectfully oppose Senate Bill 4 (SB 4) as amended by the Texas House of Representatives.

No one believes in the rule of law more than the agencies represented by the TMCC & TPCA. We work tirelessly to make our communities safer, within the confines of the Constitution, by arresting those that commit criminal actions that threaten our communities. We target individuals committing violent crimes and arrest anyone who threatens the safety of our communities, regardless of their immigration status.

TMCC & TPCA members work extremely hard to build and maintain trust, communication, and stronger relationships with minority communities through community based policing and outreach programs. Broad mandates, such as those imposed by SB 4, requiring local law enforcement to take a more active role in immigration enforcement will further strain the relationship between local law enforcement and the diverse communities we serve. Officers will start inquiring about the immigration status of every person they come in contact with, or worse, only inquire about the immigration status of individuals based on their appearance.

This will lead to distrust of police, less cooperation from members of the community and will foster the belief that they cannot seek assistance from police for fear of being subjected to an immigration status investigation.

Distrust and fear of contacting or assisting the police has already become evident among legal immigrants as well. Legal immigrants are beginning to avoid contact with the police for fear that they or undocumented family members or friends may become subject to immigration enforcement. Such a divide between the local police and immigrant groups will result in increased crime against immigrants and in the broader community, create a class of silent victims, and eliminate the potential for assistance from immigrants in solving crimes or preventing crime. It should not be forgotten that by not arresting criminals that victimize our immigrant communities, we are also allowing them to remain free to victimize every one of us. When it comes to criminals, we are in this together, regardless of race, sex, religion or nation of origin.

SB 4 will make our communities more dangerous, not safer, as we presume the legislature intended.

SB 4 reinforces the call by some for local police to become more involved in enforcing federal immigration laws; however, to comply with these constitutionally questionable requirements means stretching already limited resources. At a time of strained law enforcement budgets and critically low jail space, narrowing the focus to violent criminals, human traffickers, and members of organized crime syndicates is critical. Requiring local law enforcement to prioritize immigration efforts, without adequate funding or increased support from involved governmental agencies, will hinder an agencys ability to focus its limited resources on the unique needs of the community it serves.

Immigration enforcement is a federal obligation. While the federal government has not been able or willing to address this issue, any effort by the state of Texas to address immigration reform will be ineffective. SB 4 is not the answer to immigration reform; rather it is political pandering that will make our communities more dangerous.

If the Texas Legislature is intent on passing legislation to address immigration reform, passing laws such as SB 4 that require local law enforcement to become immigration agents is not the answer. If the Legislature were serious about removing undocumented persons, there are better ways to address this issue than forcing law enforcement to become immigration agents. The Texas Legislature could easily start by addressing the businesses that hire undocumented workers, which is why the majority of the honest hard working persons immigrate to this country with or without documentation. By addressing the primary reason undocumented persons enter this state, it would free law enforcement to address those persons that are committing crimes.

TMCC and TPCA respectfully request that the members of the Texas Legislature withdraw the amendments to SB 4 that was passed by the Texas House of Representatives. This legislation is bad for Texas and will make our communities more dangerous for all.

By my signature below, I am acknowledging my support for the attached document opposing Senate Bill 4 as amended by the Texas House of Representatives. Additionally, I am requesting that the Texas Legislature not concur in the changes to Senate Bill 4.

William McManus, Chief of Police, San Antonio; Brian Manley, Interim Chief of Police, Austin; Will Johnson, Chief of Police, Arlington; David Pughes, Interim Chief of Police, Dallas; Joel Fitzgerald, Chief of Police, Fort Worth; Art Acevedo, Chief of Police, Houston; James McLaughlin, Chief of Police (Retired), General Counsel/Executive Director, Texas Police Chiefs Association.
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.
SOUTH African tycoon Mr Robert Matana Gumede arrived in the country last night to cement a $1,2 billion investment deal in key sectors of the economy which include infrastructure development, energy, health services, tourism and financial services.

The visit follows a meeting he held with President Mnangagwa on December 21 last year in Pretoria, South Africa.

Mr Gumede  who is the founder and executive chairman of Guma Group  is an award-winning businessman and entrepreneur who is also the current co-chair of the SA-Russia Business Council, and was co-chair of the Brics Business Forum in China in 2011.

He is also a member of the African China Trade and Infrastructure Development Forum with global experience in infrastructure development.

In an interview on arrival at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport yesterday, Mr Gumede said he was optimistic about investing here under the new political dispensation owing to conducive policies pitched by President Mnangagwa.

I am happy to be here in Zimbabwe just to see what one can do in assisting Government in achieving its short-term goals of turning around the economy of the country. As an entrepreneur and businessman who is involved various businesses, I felt it was an opportune time to come into your country and identify some of the opportunities that my company will be able to invest in, he said.

He said he was already an investor in the country in the tourism sector. Mr Gumede, a Precondo investor, said he wanted to invest more, especially in infrastructure and ICT.

For me Zimbabwe offers a great opportunity and Zimbabwe used to be the basket of Africa. I believe good times are back and I didnt want to wait, especially when I am in South Africa as a neighbour, he said.

He said if Zimbabwe and South Africa combined their strengths, they could do so much together and that Africans should help each other.

I want to partner with local Zimbabweans in various sectors of the economy where we will work together. What will stop Zimbabweans from investing in South Africa? Nothing! he said.

He said Zimbabwe had the most intelligent and hardworking people.

Guma Group business development executive Mr Emmanuel Charumbira said they were looking at investing more than $1,2 billion.

Guma is not new to Zimbabwe. We have investments in Victoria Falls where we have two lodges and we are also operating helicopters in Victoria Falls. At the moment, looking at the projects we have targeted based on our research, we are looking in the region of $1,2 billion to invest in the country, he said.

Local company, Brookes Enterprises director Mr Samson Paul said he initiated the investment deals that saw Mr Gumede coming to Zimbabwe.

It is the responsibility of every patriotic Zimbabwean to do whatever they can, in their respective fields to help revive the economy, he said.

President Mnangagwa visited South Africa in December where he addressed an oversubscribed business indaba.

He told South Africans and the Zimbabwe Diaspora of immense business opportunities in the country, and that Zimbabwe was open for investment.

 Herald

Breaking News via Email
On May 4, President Donald Trump will return to New York City for the first time since becoming Presidentand the reason why he's been such a stranger is that he's just really feels bad about the stress it puts on the Big Apple.

Trump discussed the massive security measures around Trump Tower, aka White House North, during an interview with Fox News: "President Donald Trump says he hasnt returned to his New York City home because 'going back is very expensive for the country.' .... he feels 'guilty' when he returns to Trump Tower because authorities close surrounding streets and 'I hate to see the New Yorkers with streets closed.' He says he goes to his clubs instead because they have 'hundreds of acres' and streets stay open."

In Bedminster, NJ, where the 600-acre Trump National Golf Course may become "Camp David North," some residents are also worried about security costs.

Still, First Lady Melania Trump and son Barron Trump reside at the Trump Tower triplexand will for at least a couple more monthsand that's been costing NYC a lot. NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill said it costs about $127,000 and $145,000 per day to secure Trump Tower for the First Lady and Barron Trump, and then when the President is in NYC, that number jumps to $308,000 a day.



NYPD outside Trump Tower (Getty Images)

New York lawmakers have asked Congress to reimburse the city for securing Trump Tower, but that money still hasn't come in. Mayor Bill de Blasio said during his budget presentation on Wednesday, "The continuing resolution will hopefully address, at minimum, the period between the election and the inaugural"which cost $25 million, per Commissioner O'Neill's estimate.

"We believe this is an absolute federal responsibility, and, I have to say, Im pleased, having talked to a number of Republicans in the Congress - I havent talked to every one of them, to say the least - but the ones Ive talked to - no one disagrees in principle that this is the kind of thing the federal government should cover. So, were going to remain at least mostly hopeful," de Blasio added.
British American Tobacco ( www.bat.com ) is a market leading, global organization with a long, established history and a bright and dynamic future. Thanks to our people we have continued to deliver growth and exceed expectations in an increasingly complex and challenging marketplace.If you have the talent and motivation to help us succeed you'll find we are equally committed to helping you reach your full potential too.Job number: 16017BRAppointment type: PermanentBritish American Tobacco has an exciting opportunity for a Legal Counsel to join our team in Nigeria.The role will provide legal advice for 10 markets in West Africa with: Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Congo, Ghana, Chad, CAR, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Gambia constitute of 6 actives markets and 3 legal entities.As a legal adviser in the function, the role will contribute towards planning and shaping the Legal functional strategy and policies to meet the needs of BATs West Africa Markets business.To drive implementation of functional Legal strategy and initiatives across CEMAC and WAC clusters and ensure proactive and timely delivery of legal services to BATs operations within these Clusters.In addition the role is responsible to ensure provision of effective company secretarial services to BAT Ghana, BAT Cameroon and BAT Gabon with emphasis on compliance to corporate governance principles.The role will assess legal challenges that go along with any Clusters initiatives and proposed legal response to it.Candidates should have a recognised Civil Law qualification through a reputable academic institutionAt least 5 years experience in a private legal practice and 3 years experience in a corporate environmentThorough knowledge of the workings of trade blocksStrong negotiation and drafting skillsKnowledge of French and French based law are key to this roleGood english language levelGood understanding of common law systemFully bilingual candidate with a good knowledge of common law system will be an advantage.12 May, 2017
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a non-governmental, humanitarian organization with 60 years of experience in helping to create a safer and more dignified life for refugees and internally displaced people. NRC advocates for the rights of displaced populations and offers assistance within the shelter, emergency food security, and water, sanitation and hygiene sectors.The Norwegian Refugee Council has approximately 5000 committed and competent employees involved in projects across four continents. In addition, NRC runs one of the worlds largest standby rosters, NORCAP, with 650 professionals, ready to be deployed on 72 hours notice when a crisis occurs.In light of the displacement in the north eastern part of Nigeria, NRC has recently started up with emergency activities in the area of Food Security, Water and Sanitation, Shelter and ICLA sectors in Nigeria in order to respond to the urgent humanitarian needs in the northeast.In the coming months, one of NRC main focus will be to provide the displacement affected populations including IDPs, returnees and the local host communities including IDP camps in Borno State and displaced affected population in surrounding north - eastern states with adequate WaSH, Food Security and livelihood, Shelter, ICLA, Education amongst other durable solutions. NRC is therefore seeking a Roving Humanitarian Access Officer based in Maiduguri - Nigeria for 2017.The Roving Humanitarian Access Officer will report to the Humanitarian Access Coordinator.Adhere to NRC policies, tools, handbooks and guidelinesParticipate on the access strategy implementation and work plan for NRC NigeriaTravel to relevant LGAs/areas that NRC currently operating in or planning to operate new programs and facilitate the processUpdate the actor mapping sheet with relevant contacts that influence the NRC operations in the northeast NigeriaIn close collaboration with Humanitarian Access Coordinator, build a network of key informants from the community, local authorities or gate keepers.Contribute in the humanitarian access tracking online sheet and keep records of any access challenges, solutions and lesson learnedFacilitate access for NRC activities at the field level and campsConduct access assessment in new areas based on programmatic demandsPromote the rights of IDPs/returnees in line with the advocacy strategyContribute to NRC access and program expansion to new areasSupport Access coordinator and facilitate training all staff based in N.E of Nigeria on humanitarian principles, negotiation and communicationWork closely with the emergency team to train new recruits on access related in newly accessible areas that NRC expanding too.Relevant university degree, or other relevant educational background combined with relevant professional experience.Minimum 2 years of relevant experience within field of expertise in a humanitarian/recovery contextExperience from working in complex and volatile contextsTechnical expertise and understanding of humanitarian accessFluency in English, both written and verbalFluency in Hausa and KanuriKnowledge about own leadership skills/profile.Managing resources to optimize resultsHigh-level competency in computer skills (Microsoft Office applications)Contextual knowledge of north east Nigeria (Borno State) preferred.Experience in handling multiple data platforms and sourcesDemonstrated experience in development of communication/informationExperience from working in information management and analysis in a humanitarian/recovery/security contextStrong interpersonal skills, including capacities to negotiate with non-government stakeholdersAbility to work under pressure, independently and with limited supervision.Highest standards of ethics and integrityHandling insecure environmentsCommunicating with impact and respectAll employees of the Norwegian Refugee Council should be able to adhere to our Codes of Conduct and the four organizational values: Dedicated, innovative, inclusive and accountableCommencement: As soon as possibleContract period: 8 Months till December 2017 (with possibility of extension)Salary/benefits: According to NRCs directionsDuty station: Maiduguri - Borno State,In the coming months, one of NRC main focus will be to provide the displacement affected populations including IDPs, returnees and the local host communities including IDP camps in Borno State and displaced affected population in surrounding north - eastern states with adequate WaSH, Food Security and livelihood, Shelter, ICLA, Education amongst other durable solutions. NRC is therefore seeking a Humanitarian Access Assistant based in Maiduguri - Nigeria for 2017.The Humanitarian Access will report to the Roving Humanitarian Access Officer.Adhere to NRC policies, tools, handbooks and guidelinesParticipate on the Nigeria access strategy implementationTravel to relevant LGAs/areas that NRC currently operating in or planning to operate new programs and facilitate the processContribute to NRC access and program expansion to new areasResponsible for orientation of new recruits on access related in newly accessible areas that NRC is expanding to in the field.Update the actor mapping sheet with relevant contacts that influence the NRC operations in the northeast NigeriaIn close collaboration with Humanitarian Access, build a network of key informants from the community, local authorities or gate keepers.Contribute in the humanitarian access tracking online sheet and keep records of any access challenges, solutions and lesson learnedFacilitate access for NRC activities at the field level and campsConduct access assessment in new areas based on programmatic demandsPromote the rights of IDPs/returnees in line with the advocacy strategyAssist with the implementation of the support function portfolio according to plan of actionParticipate in community information and feedback sessions.Support in organizing briefing and exchange meetings, workshops and trainingsRelevant university degree, or other relevant educational background combined with relevant professional experience.Minimum 1 year of relevant experience within field of expertise in a humanitarian/recovery contextUnderstanding of humanitarian access and HPPrevious experience from working in complex and volatile contextsDocumented results related to the positions responsibilitiesProficiency in English, Hausa and Kanuri languagesContextual knowledge of north east Nigeria (Borno State) preferred.Experience in community mobilization and engagementDemonstrated experience in development of communication/information productsAbility to work under pressure, independently and with limited supervision.Strategic thinkingWorking with peopleAnalysingHighest standards of ethics and integrityHandling insecure environmentsCommunicating with impact and respectPlanning and delivering resultsEmpowering and building trustAll employees of the Norwegian Refugee Council should be able to adhere to our Codes of Conduct and the four organizational values: Dedicated, innovative, inclusive and accountableCommencement: As soon as possibleContract period: 8 months till December 31st, 2017 (with possibility of extension)Salary/benefits: According to NRCs directionsDuty station: Maiduguri - Borno State,Applicants can submit their application letter, updated CV and copy of a valid means of National Identification (Passport, Drivers License, National Identity Card or Voters card) to the following e-mail address: ng.vacancies@nrc.no The title of the position you apply for must be indicated in the subject line of your e-mail. Please notice that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.Note Please notice that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please note that to apply at NRC is FREE!!! NRC does not ask for money or any form of favour for submission of application or employment.The Norwegian Refugee Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer,Women are particularly encouraged to apply to this position.10 May, 2017
By Lambert Strether of Corrente.

Net neutrality is one of those unexciting-sounding concepts, like food safety or indoor plumbing, that in fact has immense infrastructural implications, both for peoples daily lives and for our political economy as a whole. In summary, if you want access to the internet to look like this, you should be against net neutrality, like the administrations new chair at the FCC (via):

If you dont, then you should be for net neutrality. In this post, Ill explain what net neutrality is, review how net neutrality was protected under the Obama administration, how and why the Trump administration seeks to remove that protection, take a quick look at the current state of play, and conclude with how contact the FCC to share your views.

What Is Net Neutrality?

The term net neutrality was coined by Tim Wu (interviewed at NC here when he was a candidate for Lieutenant Governor of New York). In fact, Wu wrote the FAQ (which you should read in its entirety):

Network neutrality is best defined as a network design principle. The idea is that a maximally useful public information network aspires to treat all content, sites, and platforms equally. This allows the network to carry every form of information and support every kind of application.

Thats more than a little wonky, so lets give an English translation. From the Google:

The principle that Internet service providers should enable access to all content and applications regardless of the source, and without favoring or blocking particular products or websites.

And if you think about how you surf the web, treating all content, sites, and platforms equally (access to all content and applications regardless of the source ) pretty much describes how your Internet works; you can click seamlessly from a small blog like Naked Capitalism to an enormous website like Googles search page to YouTube or Vimeo for video to satellite imagery from NASA to a Bear Cam in Katmai National Park, Alaska. Who could be against that?

Well, Im not going to describe the entire corporate landscape of Internet Service Providers (ISP) and all their incentives (telcos large and small, cable companies, satellite dish companies, etc). But heres a high-level metaphor: The Internet was famously described by then-Alaska Senator Ted Stevens as a series of tubes (the Intertubes). What if you not only owned one of those tubes, but you owned some of the data  but not all!  of the data flowing, like water, through your tubes? (Much like Time-Warner owns a tube, and also rents movies  data  on demand.) Wouldnt you want to maximize the profit from your control of your tube  and cripple your competitors  by giving your data priority? Of course you would. Hence the reductio ad absurdum of the image above. And hence the necessity for regulation to ensure, as Tim Wu puts it, a maximally useful public information network (emphasis mine).

How the Obama Administration Protected Net Neutrality

Although the Obama administration initially set the table for net neutralitys abolition  its choice for FCC Commissioner, Tom Wheeler, was a tube cable lobbyist  a successful grassroots campaign  which, besides online activists, also included corporate heavweights that benefit from net neutrality, like Google  ultimately led in 2015 to net neutralitys adoption, as the FCC decided to regulate ISPs under Title II of the Communications Act as common carriers. (This is like treating ISPs as public utilities, and the issue is often framed that way, but the two are not identical in function or law). Tim Wu explains common carrier:

The concept of a common carrier, dating from 16th century English common law, captures many similar concepts [to open access and anti-discrimination remedies for threats to the end-to-end nature of the Internet]. A common carrier, in its original meaning, is a private entity that performs a public function (the law was first developed around port authorities).

Taxis, for example, are common carriers. After stopping for you in the tube street, your taxi driver cant discriminate by handing you a different rate sheet if they dont like the look of you, or refuse to take you to your destination. (And when they do, theyre failing in their duty.)

Ars Technica explains how the common carrier concept operates for ISPs under the FCCs ruling:

FCC officials also provided further background in a phone call with reporters today. One thing they were clear on: this isnt utility-style regulation, because there will be no rate regulation, Internet service providers (ISPs) wont have to file tariffs, and theres no unbundling requirement that would force ISPs to lease network access to competitors. But the order does reclassify ISPs as common carriers, regulating them under Title II of the Communications Act, the same statute that governs telephone companies. Internet providers will be common carriers in their relationships with home Internet and mobile broadband customers; they will also be common carriers in their relationships with companies that deliver content to subscribers over the networks operated by ISPs. That includes online content providers such as Amazon or Netflix. The ban on blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization is the biggest takeaway . Broadband providers may not block access to legal content, applications, services, or non-harmful devices may not impair or degrade lawful Internet traffic on the basis of content, applications, services, or non-harmful devices [and] may not favor some lawful Internet traffic over other lawful traffic in exchange for considerationin other words, no fast lanes. This rule also bans ISPs from prioritizing content and services of their affiliates, the FCC said. The core provisions of Title II banning unjust and unreasonable practices will be used to enforce these rules.

In other words, the tube owners wont be able to maxmize profit from their control of their tubes by treating data owned by others differently data they own themselves, exactly like taxi drivers cant discriminate against riders, because taxis are common carriers. The New York Times gives the political background for the FCC decision. From 2015:

The new rules, approved 3 to 2 along party lines , are intended to ensure that no content is blocked and that the Internet is not divided into pay-to-play fast lanes for Internet and media companies that can afford it and slow lanes for everyone else. Those prohibitions are hallmarks of the net neutrality concept. Before the vote, each of the five commissioners spoke and the Republicans delivered a scathing critique of the order as overly broad, vague and unnecessary. Ajit Pai, a Republican commissioner, said the rules were government meddling in a vibrant, competitive market and were likely to deter investment, undermine innovation and ultimately harm consumers. Opponents of the new rules, led by cable television and telecommunications companies , say adopting the Title II approach opens the door to bureaucratic interference with business decisions that, if let stand, would reduce incentives to invest and thus raise prices and hurt consumers. Supporters of the Title II model include many major Internet companies, start-ups and public interest groups . In a statement, Michael Beckerman, president of the Internet Association, which includes Google, Facebook and smaller online companies, called the F.C.C. vote a welcome step in our effort to create strong, enforceable net neutrality rules. The F.C.C.s yearlong path to issuing rules to ensure an open Internet precipitated an extraordinary level of political involvement, from grass-roots populism to the White House, for a regulatory ruling. The F.C.C. received four million comments, about a quarter of them generated through a campaign organized by groups including Fight for the Future, an advocacy nonprofit.

Ajit Pai is, of course, the new FCC commissioner under the incoming Trump Administration, which immediately moved to re-open the debate and roll back the ISPs Title II designation, as the 3-2 party line votes suggests they would. Since none of power players or financial incentives have changed, we can expect quite a battle.[1] And exactly as in 2015, we should not assume the battle is lost. It isnt.

How the Trump Administration Seeks to Eliminate Net Neutrality

Heres the PDF of Pais full speech, where he begins his assault.[2] Gizmodo has a fine summary here, of which Ill pull out just one point, since Ive been focusing on those tubes and, as the first image shows, what the Intertubes would look like if those tube owners werent forced to act as common carriers:

In his speech, Pai said Nothing about the Internet was broken in 2015. Nothing about the law had changed. And there wasnt a rash of Internet service providers blocking customers from accessing the content, applications, or services of their choice. This is incredibly disingenuous. Note how Pai said ISPs werent blocking traffic to certain sites, because sure, that wasnt happening. But blocking wasnt the only kind of harm prevented by the net neutrality order: it also had bright-line rules against paid prioritization and throttling, where ISPs would limit or boost traffic to certain websites. One of the most high-profile examples of abuse was Comcast throttling traffic to Netflix in order to extract a payment deal from the streaming video provider, which it eventually agreed to pay. And in 2012, AT&T blocked FaceTime on iPhones, claiming it was using too much bandwidth. In this case, critics argued it was an attempt to block a service that competed with its own voice services. And as the biggest ISPs keep gobbling up content-producers, like AT&T buying DirectTV and then providing free access to its content, the risks that ISPs will start prioritizing traffic only increase.

(There are plenty of other specious arguments in Pais screed, like the idea that net neutrality  as opposed to monopolization  is preventing ISPs from investing in infrastructure. Im sure well get to all of them over time.) Tim Wu explains whats really going on  ka-ching  on the opinion page of the New York Times. Speaking to motive:

President Trumps chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Ajit Pai, on Wednesday announced plans to eliminate net neutrality (technically, make it voluntary) despite its popularity, record of success and acceptance by most of the industry. His proposal is of dubious legality. But should it succeed, the only real winners will be the cable and phone industries [the tube owners], which will gain yet another way to raise prices for everyone. The proposal is the epitome of senseless government action and sharply out of step with Mr. Trumps populist mandate. Did Trump voters really vote for higher cable bills?

In addition:

The more convincing explanations for this change are more straightforward  and darker  than Mr. Pais. Much of Silicon Valley and Hollywood have supported both net neutrality and the Democratic Party, making an attack on the policy a kind of punishment. If Mr. Pais reasoning sounds forced and unconvincing, it is because this proposal comes right from the swamp, and can be attractive only to those who have lived there long enough to no longer notice the stench.

And the World Wide Web Foundation concludes:

Today Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Ajit Pai made clear he intends to dismantle strong net neutrality protections in the US. If approved, his plan would reverse a 2015 FCC ruling to reclassify internet service providers (ISPs) as common carriers under Title II of the Communications Act. The 2015 regulation was key for the roll-out of effective and enforceable net neutrality rules that would prevent ISPs from arbitrarily slowing down, or even blocking, internet traffic. Our founder, Sir Tim Berners-Lee said: When I invented the web, I didnt have to ask anyone for permission, and neither did Americas successful internet entrepreneurs when they started their businesses. To reach its full potential, the internet must remain a permissionless space for creativity, innovation and free expression. In todays world companies cant operate without internet, and access to it is controlled by just a few providers. The FCCs announcements today suggest they want to step back and allow concentrated market players to pick winners and losers online. Their talk is all about getting more people connected, but what is the point if your ISP only lets you watch the movies they choose, just like the old days of cable?

Or throttles the small sites so the big sites get a smidgeon more speed?

Contacting the FCC

Here, in detail, is how to comment on the new FCC proposal, with the screen you will see:

Just like last time, you can comment on net neutrality using the FCCs same old archaic and weird comments system, but this time it should have the back end to support a ton of traffic. This comment process will happen in two waves. Right now, you can comment on the draft proposal, which has lots of questions about how the final proposal should be worded. The second comment cycle will be about the official proposal, will begin after May 18 and will be open for three months. You should be able to comment on both. Heres how to do it now: Head to the listing for the Restoring Internet Freedom proposal (you can also search for Docket 17-108), which is perhaps the most ludicrously self-serving and false title weve seen in a while. Most of us can just click on + Express on the left sidebar. This will send you to a simplified submission form. If you want to send more info, like attachments and images, use the +New Filing option. Fill out out the form and click on Continue to review screen when youre finished. Review your comment, then send it off. You will need to include your name, home address, and phone number. All of that will be publicly accessible. Thats just part of the deal here.

It couldnt hurt if you contacted your Congress critter as well. Letters to the Editor are also very effective, so do write one to your local newspaper. And if you have other suggestions, please leave them in comments!

Conclusion

Naked Capitalism is a small blog. Its in our interest  and we like to think its in your interest too, dear readers, and in the public interest as well  to be just as accessible to the public on the Internet as a giant site like the Washington Post or the New York Times (or Facebook). If you agree, please support Naked Capitalism and all small blogs by vociferously supporting network neutrality in every venue available to you. Help Naked Capitalism stay unthrottled!

NOTES

[1] Here let me note the disgraceful role of the NAACP, and other players in the Black Misleadership Class, in opposing net neutrality after collecting cash from ISPs. Ka-ching.

[2] Pai also gave a remarkable speech at the Newseum:

Pai said that his predecessors net neutrality rules were all about politics, in a speech at the Newseum in Washington on Wednesday. Two years ago, I warned that we were making a serious mistake, Pai said. Its basic economics: The more heavily you regulate something, the less of it youre likely to get.

You know, like food. Or water. Or air. Shaking my head
By Georgios Petropoulos joined Bruegel as a visiting fellow in November 2015, and he has been a resident fellow since April 2016. Georgios has extensive research experience from holding visiting positions at the European Central Bank in Frankfurt, Banque de France in Paris and the research department of Hewlett-Packard in Palo Alto. Originally published at Bruegel.

In my previous blog on artificial intelligence (AI), I dealt with the general characteristics of AI and machine learning. Thanks to complex virtual learning techniques, machines are now able to perform a wide range of physical and cognitive tasks. And the efficiency and accuracy of their work is expected to increase as AI systems advance through machine learning, big data and increased computational power.

The benefits are clear, but there are also concerns for the future of human work and employment. If indeed machines continue to improve their performance beyond human levels, a natural question to ask is whether machines will put humans jobs at risk and reduce employment. Such a concern is not new but in fact dates back to the 1930s, when John Maynard Keynes postulated his technological unemployment theory.

In general, automation affects employment in two opposing ways:

Negatively  by directly displacing workers from tasks they were previously performing (displacement effect)

Positively  by increasing the demand for labour in other industries or jobs that arise due to automation (productivity effect)

So, the real question is which of the two effects will dominate in the AI era. Before we deal with this question, lets travel back in time to previous industrial revolutions. Some interesting case studies are reported by The Economist:

During the 19 th century, the amount of coarse cloth a single weaver in America could produce in an hour increased by a factor of 50, while the amount of labour required per yard of cloth fell by 98%. However, the result was that cloth became cheaper, and demand for it increased. This created four times more jobs in the long run.

century, the amount of coarse cloth a single weaver in America could produce in an hour increased by a factor of 50, while the amount of labour required per yard of cloth fell by 98%. However, the result was that cloth became cheaper, and demand for it increased. This created four times more jobs in the long run. The introduction of automobiles in daily life led to a decline in horse-related jobs. However, new industries emerged resulting in a positive impact on employment. It was not only that the automobile industry itself grew fast, increasing the available jobs in the sector. Jobs were also created in different sectors because of the growing number of vehicles on the roads. For example, new jobs were created in the motel and fast-food industries that arose to serve motorists and truck drivers.

So, past cases suggest that in the short run the displacement effect may dominate. But, in the longer run, when markets and society are fully adapted to major automation shocks, the productivity effect can dominate and lead to a positive impact on employment.

The invention of cars and automatic looms was long ago, but the Economist article also presents similar case studies of more recent technological developments.

The introduction of software capable of analysing large volumes of legal documents reduced the cost of search but increased demand for it. As a result, the number of legal clerks (who before the implementation of the software had to search for the legal documents manually in a more time consuming way) increased by 1.1% on average per year between 2000 and 2013 instead of decreasing due to the displacement effect.

Automated teller machines (ATMs) might have been expected to significantly reduce the number of bank clerks by taking over some of their routine tasks. Indeed, in the USA their average number fell from 20 per branch in 1988 to 13 in 2004. But that also reduced the cost of running a bank branch, allowing banks to open more branches in response to customer demand. The number of urban bank branches rose by 43% over the same period, so the total number of employees increased.

So, even in more recent examples, we see that technology leads to new employment opportunities in a way that we could not even imagine few decades ago. The automation of shopping through e-commerce, along with more accurate recommendations, encourages people to buy more and has increased overall employment in retail. (The annual growth of e-commerce in Europe is 22%. See Marcus and Petropoulos, 2016 for relevant statistics and policy discussion.) People can also generate income by supplying services on collaborative economy platforms where the entry barriers are very low. And people can further utilise available assets in an efficient way through the supply-demand matching algorithms in place.

Should we expect that the impact of AI on employment to follow similar patterns? Perhaps not. The McKinsey Global Institute estimates that, compared with the Industrial Revolution of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, AIs disruption of society is happening ten times faster and at 300 times the scale. That means roughly 3000 times the impact. This very fast technological progress in the AI era raises the question: Is this time different?

Nevertheless, it is difficult to answer this question in a clear and convincing way. Reviewing recent research and economic analyses we see that there is no consensus on the impact of automation on employment.

Acemoglu and Restrepo (2017) deal with industrial robots (an automatically controlled, reprogrammable, and multipurpose [machine]) which perform tasks like welding, painting, assembling, handling materials, or packaging. Thus machines that have a unique purpose, cannot be reprogrammed to perform other tasks, and/or require a human operator do not fall in this definition of industrial robots.

Using data from the International Federation of Robotics about industrial robots in the post-1990 era, the authors report that Europe has introduced more robots in its labour market than the US. In European countries, robot usage started near 0.6 robots per thousand workers in the early 1990s and increased rapidly to 2.6 robots per thousand workers in the late 2000s. In the US, robot usage is lower but follows a similar trend; it started near 0.4 robots per thousand workers in the early 1990s and increased rapidly to 1.4 robots per thousand workers in the late 2000s. In fact, the US trends are closely mirrored by the 35th percentile of robot usage among the European countries.

Source: Acemoglu and Restrepo (2017)

The authors conclude that one additional robot per thousand workers reduces the US employment-to-population ratio by about 0.18-0.34% and wages by 0.25-0.5%. The industry most affected by automation is manufacturing. However, interestingly, they only find a weak correlation between the increase of industrial robots and the decline of routine jobs.

When we are trying to interpret these results we should not forget that there are still few industrial robots in the US economy. If the spread of robots proceeds over the next two decades as expected by experts, such as Brynjolfsson and McAfee (2012) and Ford (2015), its aggregate implications for employment will be much larger. These books also warn that white collar jobs could be impacted just as much as blue collar ones.

Frey and Osborne (2013) predict that about 47% of total US employment is vulnerable to automation over the next 20 years. In contrast to the books mentioned above, the authors of this study also suggest that new advances in technology will primarily damage low-skill, low-wage workers as tasks previously hard to computerise in the service sector become vulnerable to technological advance. Bowles (2014) repeated Frey and Osbornes empirical exercise for Europe, concluding that 54% of European jobs are at risk because of automation.

Chui, Manyika and Miremadi (2015) estimate that 45% of work activities could be automated using already demonstrated technology. If AI systems were to reach the median level of human performance, an additional 13% of work activities in the US economy could be automated. The study also finds that even the highest-paid occupations in the economy, such as financial managers, physicians, and senior executives, including CEOs, have a significant amount of activity that can be automated.

There are also studies that find a much smaller displacement effect of automation on employment. Arntz, Gregory and Zierahn (2016) predict that on average across the 21 OECD countries, only 9% of jobs are automatable. Atkinson (2016) agrees with this estimate, looking at the next 20 years, as he said at a recent Bruegel event about AI.

The big difference between this 9% estimate and 47% reported by Frey and Osborne (2013) is explained as follows: Frey and Osborne focus on whole occupations rather than single job-tasks (occupation based approach) when they estimate the risk of automation. Even if some occupations are labeled as high-risk occupations, they may still contain a substantial share of tasks that are hard to automate. In contrast, Arntz, Gregory and Zierahn adopt a task-based approach which focuses on the risk of specific tasks to be automated . That dramatically reduces the estimated impact of automation.

This makes clear that a crucial point when assessing the impact of automation is to determine what will be technologically feasible in the next decades and how capable the machines will be in replacing humans in their job tasks. Manyika et al (2017) estimate that only a fraction of less than 5% of tasks consist of activities that are 100% automatable, suggesting that a task-based approach can better capture the impact of automation. They also report that about 60% of occupations have at least 30% of their activities that are automatable.

All these studies have focused on the displacement effect of automation. What is even more challenging is to try to also assess the impact of the productivity effect. That would require predicting future market developments based on exact assumptions about the creation of new occupations, industries and tasks facilitated by new technologies that have not yet arrived. This is extremely hard to do! Who would have thought 20 years ago that with smartphones we would be able to perform many different tasks on one device, and that there would be huge new markets related to their function?

Even industry experts seem to be divided over the impact of automation on employment. Smith and Anderson (2014) asked 1900 experts in the field about the impact of AI on employment by 2025. Half (48%) envision a future in which robots and digital agents will have displaced significant numbers of both blue- and white-collar workerswith many expressing concern that this will lead to vast increases in income inequality, masses of people who are effectively unemployable, and breakdowns in social order. The other half of (52%) expects that technology will not displace more jobs than it creates by 2025.

There are also voices which claim that automation will not have any impact. Bob Gordon, for example, trying to explain mediocre US productivity growth concludes that the benefits of the digital revolution were over by 2005 and that AI will only have a very limited impact. On the other side, the world-famous physicist Stephen Hawking goes several steps further by predicting that the development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race. The debate is broad, to say the least.

The fact that it is difficult to predict the exact impact of AI makes it complex to frame a policy response. But some society-level reaction is surely needed. It is therefore necessary to initiate an open consultation of all involved parties, to define our approach towards the AI era. This process will have several steps.

The first important step is to understand what AI is and what its potential will be.

Then, we need to define a framework of rules for the operation of machines and AI automated systems. These must go far beyond Asimovs famous three laws of robotics. The Civil Law Rules on Robotics proposed by the European Parliament can also motivate social dialogue about issues related to liability, safety, security and privacy in the coming AI era. Adopting clear rules based on a good understanding of this new era could make the transition easier and mitigate potential concerns. However, adopting rules without good understanding and knowledge of how this new technology will be implemented (first step) would be be counterproductive.

As a third step we need to design and implement those policies that will help us to accommodate new technology possibilities. For example, one way to move forward could be to carefully redesign education and training programs so that they provide the right qualifications for workers to interact and work efficiently alongside machines. This might minimise potential displacement concerns. Such initiatives will require the close interaction of authorities and institutions with major technological firms which have both the know-how and the capacity to contribute to the training. Improved instruments for job search assistance and job reallocation could also be beneficial and would mitigate concerns associated to the displacement effect. Without any doubt the Partnership on AI of the big high-tech companies can help promote the needed social dialogue and coordinate further developments with the participation of multicultural research groups and educational institutions.

At the moment we are far from a political consensus about the challenges of the AI era. The US Treasury Secretary Steve Munchin does not seem concerned at all about the impact of automation on employment. This position clearly contradicts the previous US administration, which even published a comprehensive report about the challenges of the AI era (considering employment one of the main worries). Christine Lagarde, in her talk at the Bruegel/IMF event shortly ahead of the 2017 IMF Spring Meetings, identified the impact of automation on employment as a concern that requires policy actions.

However, we should not rush into a response. The time for policy will come, but at the moment we are still at the first step of understanding the potential of AI and that various ways is might impact on our economy. To deepen this understanding, we should further promote social dialogue among all the involved parties (researchers, policy makers, industry representatives, politicians, etc). This is a vital first step to better grasp the challenges and opportunities of this new industrial revolution. And although we should not rush to conclusions, we must also act swiftly. The speed with which technology advances may introduce disruptive forces in the market earlier than some people might think.
Saturday, April 29, 2017 by: JD Heyes Tags: Collapse , debt , financial ruin , Governments , pensions This article may contain statements that reflect the opinion of the author

(Natural News) The so-called mainstream media  which claims to be the first and last voice in all societal trends  is just now catching up to an issue that Natural News founder/editor Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, noticed (and has been following) for months now, and that is this: Pension funds across the country are about to run dry, leaving millions of Americans economically strapped.

In an April 17 column, Trib writer Terry Savage notes that scores of Americans who are working now and are contributing to a pension fund are not likely to see a single dime of that money by the time they retire, because the payouts promised long ago are outstripping the funds income.

Citing a recent study by an organization called Truth in Accounting, which examined the health of 237 municipal pension funds around the country, Savage reported that many of these funds are approaching the point of insolvency. (RELATED: Pension Panic: The Coming Financial Bubble Nobody Is Talking About)

Although it has taken decades for many of these pension funds to get into such bad shape, only now are the details being revealed, says Sheila Weinberg, president of Truth in Accounting and a CPA who has dedicated her life to requiring full and useful disclosure of federal, state and local debt obligations, Savage wrote, adding the disclosure that she is a board member of the organization.

This new data will shock and scare anyone who is expecting to receive a pension when they retire from their public sector job (here are the latest figures, from 2015). And yet, it wont surprise our regular readers because Adams has been on top of this issue for months.

In a November podcast, Adams warned that most public pension funds are teetering on bankruptcy and that, without major changes, these funds will fail.

Ive been talking about this for many years. If youre depending on a pension, your pension is going to be wiped out, he says at the start of his podcast, noting further that the so-called mainstream media has largely been silent about this approaching fiscal disaster.

Indeed he has. As long ago as January 2008, Adams predicted that public pension funds would either go bust or have to be dramatically scaled back because they would run out of funds:

My prediction for 2008  2012 is a massive wave of municipal bankruptcies, state bankruptcies and escalating national debt. We are going to see cities and states go belly up, pension programs terminated (or watered down), and financial institutions teetering on the brink of disaster. [Emphasis added]

The time frame may have been a little off, but clearly, Adams prediction was prophetic nonetheless.

In November 2012 he warned of the coming EBT riots  EBT being an electronic card that has replaced food stamps from years ago  as well as a coming financial collapse that would also affect Social Security, Medicare and federal workers retirement pension payments.

The following year, in July of 2013, the Health Ranger issued a warning to all police, firefighters, school teachers and other public-sector workers: Most government pensions will be confiscated within a decade. He noted further that mega-cities like Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles and others were heavily in debt and that their pension plans were already in danger of going bankrupt:

Chicago, for example, owes $19 billion in pension payments that it doesnt have, and the city of Los Angeles is more than $30 billion in the hole. The story is much the same in every major U.S. city.

In addition, Adams predicted months in advance that officials would freeze Dallas pension fund before it happened because he could see the financial writing on the wall.

Now, it seems, the so-called mainstream media is finally figuring out that large pensions promised by Democrat-leaning city governments in a different economic era are no longer feasible in todays economy, as cities grapple with new expenses including increased welfare benefits, federally mandated regulations, Obamacare and a host of other liabilities. (RELATED: Debt Collapse Perfect Storm Shaping Up That Will Almost Instantly Wipe Out Pension Funds Nationwide)

[I]t is easier for the federal government to get away with underfunding pensions  because it can always print the money. Cities and states dont have that option. When their money runs out, a lot of retirees are going to be hurt, writes Savage earlier this month.

Adams has seen this coming for years.

Follow more news about the collapse of pensions nationwide at Pensions.news.

J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel.

Sources:

ChicagoTribune.com

NaturalNews.com

StateLabData.org

Collapse.news
Time traveling, like in "Dr. Who" and other fictional tales, may actually turn into reality. Researchers from the University of British Columbia have developed a new mathematical model showing that time traveling is not so fictional after all.

Mathematics and physics instructor Ben Tippet, from UBC's Okanagan Campus, has devised a formula that describes a method for time travel.

"People think of time travel as something as fiction," said Tippet, whose field of expertise is Einstein's theory of general relativity, in a press release. "And we tend to think it's not possible because we don't actually do it. But, mathematically, it is possible."

For the new mathematical model, Tippet considered the four dimensions as a space-time continuum where different directions are connected. Einstein's general theory of relativity states that gravitational fields are caused by distortions in the fabric of space and time. Basing on this theory, Tippet believes that the curvature of space-time accounts for the curved orbits of the planets.

According to Tippet, the planets and stars would move in a straight line on a "flat" or uncurved, space-time. However, space-time geometry becomes curved in the vicinity of a massive star, making the trajectories of nearby planets to follow the curvature and bend around the star.

"The time direction of the space-time surface also shows curvature. There is evidence showing the closer to a black hole we get, time moves slower," Tippet said in a statement. "My model of a time machine uses the curved space-time -- to bend time into a circle for the passengers, not in a straight line. That circle takes us back in time."

Tippet developed a mathematical model of the Traversable Acausal Retrograde Domain in Space-time (TARDIS), describing it as a bubble of space-time geometry that's capable of carrying its contents backward and forward through space and time while touring a large circular path. The speed of the bubble, which exceeds the speed of light at times, makes it possible to travel backwards in time.

Despite being mathematically feasible, Tippet noted that time traveling might take decades or even centuries to become a reality. Material that can bend space-time, called exotic matters, are yet to be discovered.
Frustrations boiled over at San Francisco City Hall Friday as renters and housing advocates lined up by the dozens to share their eviction stories and urge city officials to crack down on landlords skirting the law.

The public hearing was called by Supervisor Jane Kim after an NBC Bay Area investigation uncovered what appears to be wide-spread abuse of citys owner move-in eviction laws by landlords attempting to force out rent-controlled tenants.



We need to catch these bad actors, and we need to make them pay, said San Francisco Tenants Union Executive Director Deepa Varma.

Representatives from the San Francisco Rent Board, the District Attorney's Office, and the City Attorney's Office answered questions from Kim and Supervisor Aaron Peskin about weak enforcement and how loopholes in the law allow some landlords to profit from illegal evictions.

Its lovely to have nice words on the books, but if they are not enforceable, they really dont make that much difference, Supervisor Aaron Peskin said.

Over the past five years, theres been a 200 percent increase in the number of owner move-in evictions in San Francisco. The law allows landlords to evict tenants if they, or in some cases, a family member, want to move into the unit.

Todays hearing on eviction enforcement was initiated by the fact that we have seen more than 8,000 people in San Francisco evicted from their homes over the past four years, the fastest growing basis being owner move-in evictions, Kim said.

Dozens of tenants, some angry or fighting back tears, recounted being forced from their homes because their landlord or their landlords family member said they were going to move in. Most said they suspected their landlord never intended to move in, but lacking the resources to fight the eviction, felt compelled to take a buyout and move on. Many traveled to the hearing from new homes outside San Francisco, unable to afford the citys exorbitant rental prices after being kicked out of a rent-controlled apartment.

The smart thing to do was to just take the money before I was served an eviction and basically my (stuffs) on the sidewalk, said San Francisco resident George Howell, who said he was forced to move into a dingy apartment next to a strip club, but counts himself lucky to still be in San Francisco. My apartment has been 100 percent Airbnb. Nobody ever moved in.

NBC Bay Areas investigation also highlighted another problem  a nearly complete lack of enforcement of the citys owner move-in eviction laws.

While they are not a city agency, I should also recognize and thank NBCs Investigative Unit for taking the time to do the work that I would hope that we would be doing, Kim said.

The Rent Board oversees the citys owner move-in eviction process, but Executive Director Robert Collins said the agency doesnt have the resources to check if landlords or their family members are actually moving in after evicting tenants. Instead, his office submits a random sampling of 10 percent of all owner move-in eviction notices each month to the San Francisco District Attorneys Office for possible investigation. But in the last decade, the District Attorney's Office hasn't prosecuted a single case.

At Friday's hearing, Evan Ackiron, Managing Attorney at the San Francisco District Attorneys Office, said a 2007 California Supreme Court ruling made prosecuting landlords for wrongful evictions nearly impossible. According to Ackiron, the court ruled there is a litigation privilege under state law preventing landlords, or anyone else, from being prosecuted for "using the legal process." Ackiron said that ruling even applies to eviction notices, considered precursors to the legal process.

Since 2007, those cases have pretty much been dead in the water, Ackiron said.

But tenant rights advocates are troubled by the lack of prosecutions, and say there are egregious cases out there that could be tried. NBC Bay Area highlighted one such case earlier this year, when an administrative law judge recommended the district attorneys office file criminal charges against a landlord after his tenant filed a wrongful eviction complaint with the Rent Board. Even then, the office declined to file criminal charges.

The city attorneys office, which can file civil suits against landlords and has a lower burden of proof to win a case than the district attorneys office, said it's filed just one lawsuit in recent years for a fraudulent owner move-in eviction. The office says it typically focuses on cases affecting large groups of tenants, which is generally not the case in an owner move-in eviction.

Unless the conduct is happening on a large scale, its very difficult to justify the commitment of resources that it takes to litigate these cases, Deputy City Attorney Peter Keith said.

In an effort to strengthen enforcement, Kim and Peskin are now collaborating on new legislation that would make it easier to hit landlords with fines and criminal penalties if they wrongfully kick out rent-controlled tenants in favor of new tenants willing to pay more in rent. Supervisor Mark Farrell also recently introduced his own legislation targeting landlords who violate the law.

I do want to be very clear, Kim said. We are not saying that every landlord is acting in bad faith, or even the majority of landlords are acting in bad faith. But we also know that fraudulent evictions are happening, and everyone, whether youre a landlord or a tenant, can agree that we want our laws enforced and we want fraudulent evictions to stop.

______________________________________

Watch the entire series in this NBC Bay Area investigation:

 Part 1: SF Landlords May Have Wrongfully Evicted Hundreds of Tenants

 Part 2: SF Fails to Prosecute Landlords for Certain Wrongful Evictions

 Part 3: San Francisco Considers New Eviction Laws Following I-Unit Series

 Part 4: NBC Bay Area Investigation Leads to Government Hearing

 Part 5: SF Eviction Crackdown Passes After Investigative Unit Series

 Part 6: SF Mayor To Sign Law After NBC Bay Area Investigation

 Part 7: SF Mayor Inks New Law to Combat Wrongful Evictions

 Part 8: Lake of Oversight Puts Oakland Tenants at Risk of Eviction

 Part 9: Oakland Voters May Get Say on When Landlords Can Evict Renters

 Part 10: Expansion of Eviction Protections Heads to Ballot in Oakland

 Part 11: Oakland Couple Uses Hidden Camera to Fight Eviction

 Part 12: Landlords Frequently Ignore Oakland Eviction Laws

 Part 13: Oakland Housing Director Defends Department

 Part 14: Oakland Housing Chief "Fired," Says Source
California Highway Patrol officers on Friday responded to reports of a traffic collision on Highway 101 in San Mateo, only to encounter an armed carjacking suspect who they shot and killed after he refused to drop his weapon.

The encounter began around 5:30 p.m.  at the peak of the evening commute  near Highway 92. The shooting, however, forced the CHP to close all northbound lanes through nearly 1 a.m. Saturday, snarling traffic for miles.

The investigation lasted nearly seven hours because it was "a very complex crime scene," San Mateo Police Capt. Dave Norris said. "Evidence was all across the highway."

An officer-involved shooting investigation sparked major traffic backups on northbound Highway 101 in San Mateo Friday evening.

Police said in a statement on Saturday that the officers on scene found the man brandishing a gun, interrupting his attempt to carjack a vehicle that he had collided with.

Witness Betsy Steadham said that officers tried repeatedly, but unsuccessfully to deescalate the situation and negotiate with the man.

"The cops [were] telling the person to put their gun down ... over and over again," she said.

Steadham recalled the officers giving the instructions on a loudspeaker and also yelling at the man. "Then a loud 'boom'  twice!" she said.



Fearful for their own lives and the safety of commuters, three CHP officers opened fire, striking the man. Officers from the CHP and San Mateo Police Department rendered first aid and paramedics rushed to the scene, but the man died, police said. None of the CHP officers involved were hurt.

Officer-Involved Shooting Triggers Traffic Gridlock on Highway 101 in San Mateo

The woman driving the second car involved in the collision is a 55-year-old East Bay resident who complained of pain, but was otherwise unhurt. The San Mateo County Coroners Office has not yet identified the suspect.

The CHP, San Mateo Police Department and San Mateo County District Attorney's office will be conducting independent, but simultaneous investigations, according to the statement.

Friday's incident adds to a growing number of freeway shootings in the Bay Area. Last month, police responded to a deadly shooting on Interstate 80 in Richmond and a shooting on Highway 101 in San Jose.

The CHP reports at least 85 shootings on Bay Area freeways since November 2015.

NBC Bay Area's Kris Noceda contributed to this report.


He was Chicagos infamous White City devil, a serial killer who stalked the city during the glories of the 1893 Worlds Fair.

But did H.H. Holmes pull off one last ghoulish swindle?

H.H. Holmes was a man who was described as the arch criminal of the century, before they even suspected him of a single murder, author Adam Selzer said. A lot of times people got in the way, knew too much, and they mysteriously disappeared.

History disagrees on the body count for the man born Herman Webster Mudgett, who later took on the Holmes identity. While some ascribe as many as 200 murders to Holmes, and he confessed to over two dozen, the exact number may never be known.

What is known is that his base of operations was a building at 63rd and Wallace, the so called murder castle, which popular lore says was festooned with trap doors, sealed rooms, and a veritable chamber of horrors in the basement where bodies were boiled in acid or even cremated.

It wasnt a pleasant place in any case, Selzer said. There were a number of people who disappeared out of the building.

But this week, digging began at the Philadelphia cemetery where Holmes was buried following his hanging in 1896. It was in Pennsylvania where the law finally caught up with the notorious killer and he was convicted of murder. But some newspaper accounts at the time suggested he had perpetrated one last scam, cheating the hangman and escaping to South America.

This was quite a popular story at the time, said Philadelphia author Matt Lake. A cynical person might say this was just designed to sell more newspapers, and it did sell newspapers!

But it also sold the courts in Pennsylvania on the idea of proving once and for all who is in Holmes grave. Two of the killers great-grandchildren successfully petitioned to have his remains exhumed, in hopes that DNA testing will prove once and for all if hes really the one buried in Philadelphias Holy Cross Cemetery.

John and Richard Mudgett, along with Cynthia Mudgett Soriano confirmed in affidavits that they are direct descendants of the infamous killer.

Hed requested a double deep coffin, and before he was placed in it he wanted a layer of wet cement put in there, Lake noted, quoting popular accounts including a story printed at the time of Holmes hanging in The New York Times. And then the coffin was going to be topped off with even more wet cement.

If somebody went to check later, they couldnt verify that it was his body!

That of course, did not envision the possibility of modern forensic science. A court order dated March 9 in Delaware County Pennsylvania gives Holmes descendants permission to exhume his body, with DNA analysis to be performed by the Anthropology Department of the University of Pennsylvania.

Petitioners shall cause the remains to be re-interred in the same grave site in which they had originally been buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, regardless of whether or not those remains are determined to be those of Herman Webster Mudgett, the order stated. No commercial spectacle or carnival atmosphere shall be created either by this event or any other incident pertaining to the remains.

On its face, the reports of Holmes escape seem the stuff of a 19th century dime novel. One 1898 account, from the Chicago Inter-Ocean asked point blank, Is H.H. Holmes Alive?

H.H. Holmes was never hanged in Philadelphia, the story quoted a purported witness. On the contrary, as he always declared he would do, he cheated the gallows and is today alive and well growing coffee at San Parinarimbo, Paraguay, South America.

The account proceeded to explain that Holmes managed to bribe officials at his prison into substituting a cadaver for his hanging, the reason he grew a full beard in the weeks leading to his execution, to further muddy the waters of future identification.

Within two hours of the hanging an undertakers wagon containing a casket drove out of the prison yard, the article noted. That casket was supposed to contain the body of Holmes. Instead, it contained Holmes living.

Such an account differs radically from other descriptions of the execution, including a detailed article in the May 8, 1896 Chicago Tribune.

Justice followed him with tardy steps for many long years, the Tribune noted. Yet when the end came, it was frightfully scientific, methodical, and expeditious.

Whoever is in the grave, the Delaware County court specifically ordered that the body be returned within 120 days.

The petitioner shall have the site restored with perpetual grave site care, the order stated. In the event it is determined that the remains are not those of Herman Webster Mudgett or are unidentifiable, the Petitioners shall be responsible for purchasing a cemetery marker in addition to requirements for interment.

Selzer, author of the new H.H. Holmes: The True History of the White City Devil, has never believed all of the more fanciful stories about the murder castle, and says he believes the Holmes body count might have only been between 9 and a dozen individuals.

He was a swindler first and foremost, he said. Right after he was first arrested he suddenly became really, really famous. People were calling him the arch criminal, the master criminal of the century!
The owner of a wedding venue in Waterford said he had to cancel on 11 brides after the town shut down his venue.

Two cease and desist letters were sent to the My Little Ladies Farm and Design Co. on Old Colchester Road in Quaker Hill.

One letter said wedding ceremonies, receptions and baby showers are prohibited in the residential district.

The second letter said mechanical, plumbing and electrical permits were never obtained.

My Little Ladies Farm and Design Co.'s website says the venue fits up to 150 guest comfortably for a wedding and touts the convenience of bathrooms and air conditioning.

The owner, Kyle Stoddard, said he is working with the town to come to an agreement.

"We are terribly sorry for all of our brides and grooms to be. But we are working with the town on the problems. I made a mistake through paperwork and zoning and building. So we are working with the town, and have a very good relationship with the town, and hope we can rectify these problems as soon as possible," Stoddard told NBC Connecticut.

Waterford's first selectman said someone had made a noise complaint during a wedding held at the venue.

Not all neighbors see the events held at the building as an issue.

"I have no clue why anyone around here would complain," Peter J. Campagna, a resident in Quaker Hill, said.

Campagna said Stoddard and his wife kept him in the loop of their plans to host weddings. Old Colchester Road already has heavy traffic, and to him, the noise is not an issue.

"It brings life to our community. It brings people around," Campagna said.

Bride Allison Horvith, of West Hartford, told NBC Connecticut the Stoddards are doing right by her. The couple was very apologetic and will refund her deposit.

The first selectman said it will involve lawyers and the zoning board for the owners to be in compliance with the city. The process could take at least six months to a year.


A Hamden pizza bar's license has not been renewed by the state after police in town wrote the state's Department of Consumer Protections (DCP) last fall.

Hamden Police Chief Thomas Wydra sent a letter in Septermber to DCP, urging the liquor commission not to extend the permit for the Slyce Pizza Bar on Arch Street.

More than 200 residents who signed a petition and community leaders are protesting violence they say is connected to the restaurant.

"A liquor permit is a privilege and not a right," the DCP wrote in its report.

Based on the evidence and testimony from 16 witnesses, the DCP said the bar doesn't deserve that privilege.

"I'm very proud of Hamden's outstanding law enforcement and our chief, Tom Wydra, and so thankful that Congregations Organized for a New Connecticut (CONECT) put such tireless effort working to reduce gun violence in our society in general and today achieving a victory in that goal in Hamden," the town's mayor, Curt Leng, said.

But the owner, Fazlay Rabbi, told NBC Connecticut in September that making his business suffer is not the solution.

Odell Cooper lost her 25-year-old son, Jonathan Cooper, in a shooting she said was perpetrated by a patron of the Slyce Pizza Bar in April.

My sons dream is gone, Cooper said. I will not have the opportunity of having his dream live, but I have a death certificate.

Cooper joined other leaders from CONECT, Leng and Wydra for a demonstration outside the pizza bar last year.

Were not talking about an anomaly, Wydra said. We are talking about many, many incidents. More than at least five shootings, other assaults, robberies.

Hamden police said the three shootings they responded to this year took place after 11:30 p.m. when there was a crowd outside the bar.

The owner said his restaurant is not responsible for criminal activity in the area.

Its nothing happened in my business, Rabbi said. The shooting happened the other side in the parking lot.

Rabbi said his business, which offers a $5 pizza deal, is not viable without a license to serve.

I cannot afford my business without sell the liquor because my food Im selling is very cheap, he said.
The Fyre Festival was supposed to be a music festival of luxury. But concertgoers arrived to the venue in The Bahamas to find tents and cheese sandwiches.

Promotions for the event promised a beautiful island with relaxing beaches and musical performances. Many of those attending spent thousands of dollars for the luxury music festival.

Entertainer Ja-Rule is even one of the promoters.

One Dallas woman says when she arrived, nothing was as it was promoted to be.

Farah Benghozi, a Dallas art student, saved up for the weekend festival in paradise with family and friends. She was promised a beach side lodge but says she was told to find a tent in a field. Inside was just a small mattress. There was no furniture, no power, not even bed sheets.

"Our blankets were our towels. They had an area with cheap furniture, and they're like, 'Take this and decorate your tent,'" Benghozi told NBC 5 Responds.

Word quickly started to circulate on social media from festival goers, saying that their expectations didn't meet reality.

The island is full of tents and boxes full of equipment not set up in time for the festival.

The all-inclusive meals provided to festival goers was simply bread, cheese and lettuce.

Those who made it to the island just wanted to leave, but even that was a pain.

Benghozi sat on a plane and then in an airport for 12 hours while the festival organizers tried to find a charter pilot to get them home. They got her to Miami, where she scraped up cash for a room of her own and will spend the weekend there before flying back to North Texas.

Now the Fyre Festival website is nothing more than a statement, part of which says the "physical infrastructure was not in place on time" and they're "working tirelessly to get flights scheduled to get everyone off" the island.

NBC 5 Responds reached out to the U.S. State Department, which said it is monitoring the situation and stands ready to provide appropriate services to any U.S. citizen in need.
A luxury music festival that promised to fly guests from Miami to the Bahamas for a "once-in-a-lifetime musical experience" had to be canceled after it turned into a disorganized debacle.

The Fyre Music Festival was supposed to be a two-weekend event starting Friday, held on a private island in the Exumas and offering the "best in music, cuisine, design and hospitality," according to the Fyre Festival Facebook page.

The festival, co-organized by Ja Rule, had steep ticket prices that included a roundtrip flight from Miami, a treasure hunt and performances by Blink-182, Major Lazer, Skepta and Disclosure. It advertised and targeted millennials with a luxury time with yachts and models, with some reportedly paying as much as $12,000 for their tickets.

A luxury music festival that promised to fly guests from Miami to the Bahamas for a once-in-a-lifetime musical experience had to be canceled after it turned into a disorganized debacle.

But festival-goers who arrived Thursday found conditions less than luxurious, and took to social media to voice their displeasure.

So Fyre Fest is a complete disaster. Mass chaos. No organization. No one knows where to go. There are no villas, just a disaster tent city. pic.twitter.com/1lSWtnk7cA  William Needham Finley IV(Its real. I made it up) (@WNFIV) April 27, 2017

There were complaints of issues getting to the island and amid reports that the island was overcapacity.

One festival-goer, 21-year-old Tom Knight, of New Jersey, said his flight out of Miami was delayed for four hours and when he landed in the Bahamas there were no buses to escort people to the island.

Once they got there, Knight said their luggage didn't arrive for several hours and the accommodations were tents.

"Were living in tents, the mattresses are soaking wet and there is just a pillow case, no pillow, no sheets. Some people are actually sleeping on the floor of their tents because there arent enough beds to go around," Knight said. "Its literally one strip of road and the house, and thats it, and all of the tents. Its like, literally looks like a concentration camp."



Then, on Thursday night, Blink-182 announced they had canceled their appearance at the festival.

"Due to circumstances out of our control, the physical infrastructure was not in place on time and we are unable to fulfill on that vision safely and enjoyably for our guests," a message on FyreFestival.com read. "At this time, we are working tirelessly to get flights scheduled and get everyone off of Great Exuma and home safely as quickly as we can."

Festival organizers said they were working to put people on complimentary charter flights back to Miami.

"The festival is being postponed until we can further assess if and when we are able to create the high-quality experience we envisioned," the website read.

Ja Rule said he was "heartbroken" in a tweet Friday, saying it wasn't his fault but he takes full responsibility.

[[420756533, C]]



The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism released a statement Friday apologizing to people who came to the event.

"We are extremely disappointed in the way the events unfolded yesterday with the Fyre Festival," the statement read. "Hundreds of visitors to Exuma were met with total disorganization and chaos."
An eight-month-old kitten is recovering after being shot 15 times with a BB gun earlier this week.

The stray feline came in to Nohl Ranch Animal Hospital with multiple puncture wounds, all of them aimed at his head, according to hospital officials. Five BB gun pellets went through the cat's skull; surgeons were able to remove all but one, which was too deeply embedded.

Hospital workers have named the cat "Chance" because he miraculously survived the attack. Veterinarians said that cats are normally quick to run away once they've been attacked, raising questions about how 15 shots were fired at the kitten.

"We would think he would have ran, so it's a possibility that he could've been held down or tied down," Dr. Janie Guirguis said. "But we're not sure."

Chance was found hovering under a truck just a few blocks from the Nohl Ranch Animal Hospital in Orange County, California.

Doctors said the shock of the attack left Chance blind, but they're hoping he'll regain his eyesight as he heals.

Chance will continue to recover before Nohl Ranch begins searching for a suitable home.
Los Angeles firefighters mourned on Friday the death of a beloved colleague who died unexpededly from an undisclosed medical emergency while driving on duty near downtown LA, officials said.

Battalion Chief Jerome Boyd, 55, had served more than 30 years with the department. He had been assigned to the Fire Prevention Bureau's Public Safety Section, said Amy Bastman, a department spokeswoman, in a news release.



"I join the men and women of the LAFD in mourning Chief Boyd's sudden passing," said LAFD Chief Ralph Terrazas in a statement. "It is always an unexpected tragedy to lose one of our own and my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time."

Boyd's car rear-ended a pickup truck in the area of 17th and Los Angeles streets about 11 a.m. He was taken to a hospital, but attempts to save him were unsuccessful.

Funeral details will be announced in the coming days, officials said.

City News Service contributed to this report.


As one dangerous chase ended in a smoky heap on a Southern California freeway Friday night, another pursuit broke out miles away.

The first chase began at around 9 p.m. for a man suspected of firing several shots at an unoccupied vehicle in Santa Fe Springs, according to Whittier police.

It ended in a smoky heap on a freeway in Orange County on Friday and the driver putting his hands out of the car to surrender peacefully.

No one was injured in the shooting and the man returned to the scene as police were responding, which is when the chase ensued, police said.

The chase lasted about an hour and 15 minutes, mostly on the southbound Santa Ana (5) Freeway, police said.

The man was taken into custody in the San Clemente area. No one was injured in the chase.

A second chase began at around 10:21 p.m. in West Los Angeles for two suspects in a white Cadillac, according to the LAPD Southwest Divison.

Police said they were wanted for "criminal threats" but couldn't elaborate.

The Cadillac chase began on surface streets at Western and Washington and through the westbound 10 Freeway. The suspects exited the freeway and surrendered at Wilshire and Veteran about 20 minutes after the chase started.
After high winds raked much of Southern California Friday, strong winds peaked during the morning hours Saturday and were expected to calm in the afternoon.

Offshore winds continued Saturday morning, with more of a classic Santa Ana pattern, said NBC4 meteorologist David Biggar.

"By the afternoon, most of the winds will calm, and we will develop a light onshore breeze," Biggar said.

Strong winds toppled a large tree, which downed a power pole and landed on top of two cars in Altadena overnight.

On Friday, affected areas impacted included the Los Angeles region and ranged west through Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

Power outages affected more than 21,000 Los Angeles Department of Water and Power customers who lost electrical service overnight and several thousand Southern California Edison customers.

The north winds produced gusts well above 40 mph (64 kph) in many areas, and some locations had much higher blasts. A gust of 59 mph (95 kph) was registered in the Malibu Hills and one of 70 mph (113 kph) was recorded in the San Gabriel Mountains north of Los Angeles.

The Santa Anas, produced by pressure building over the interior of the western U.S. were predicted to impact a much larger area  including Southern California's inland region and areas to the south through San Diego County.

The winds will lower humidity levels to a range of just 8 percent to 15 percent through Saturday, resulting in increased danger of grass fires.

Temperatures are expected to cool Sunday, especially along the coast, Biggar said.
UPDATE: The woman has been found.

An 18-year-old woman is back home Friday night after disappearing while on her way to her school in Rowland Heights.

Cristal Flores left her home Friday morning but never arrived to school on Otterbein Avenue, according to Lt. David Buckner, of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.



She apparently called her friends around 8 a.m. saying she was being followed possibly by someone who was armed. Friends notified family who called authorities, officials said.

Authorities did not provide details on where she was and how she was found.

Family members passed out fliers while police patrolled near the school searching for signs of the woman.



Anyone with information can reach the sheriff's Walnut-Diamond Bar Station at 626-913-1715. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
When it comes to illegal immigration, President Donald Trumps tough talk is resulting in action by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.

And its especially affecting undocumented people with no criminal records.

In Florida and Puerto Rico, the number of undocumented immigrants with no criminal background arrested by ICE in Trumps first two months in office is 310 percent higher than it was over the same period in 2016.

In 2015 and 2016, about 15 percent of the people ICE arrested in the region between Jan. 20 and March 13 had no criminal background; that share has more than doubled, to 33 percent, under President Trump.

But the statistics, provided by an ICE official, also show the current years criminal-noncriminal ratio is almost identical to what it was in 2014 under former President Barack Obama  about a third of those arrested in 2014 and in 2017 were not criminals.

Obama changed ICE priorities for 2015 and 2016, focusing their efforts more on people who have criminal backgrounds.

But Trumps executive order and a subsequent memo from the Secretary of Homeland Security broadened the mission for ICE agents, giving them to a green light to detain anyone who is in the US illegally.

Impact of the changes has not yet shown up in deportation numbers: about 55,000 people have been deported in the first three months of both 2016 and 2017.

But it takes time for many of those arrested to make their way through the deportation process, immigration lawyers say. So the final result of the renewed enforcement effort may not show up for some time.

But Carolina Maluje, an immigration attorney in Miami, says he has already seen a change in attitude among ICE employees.

The attitude has been we have a new sheriff in town, she said, recalling how one client was badgered by an ICE officer during an annual check-in, told they were going to call child services because she came in with her children. The family was allowed to leave, but Maluhe said it was unnecessarily traumatic.

Another client who she said did not have a deportation order or detainer, was turned over to ICE after he was stopped for speeding, but did not have a license.

He was held for two months before he could get a bond  something she said would have been easier to obtain pre-Trump.

Hes a family man, has two U.S.-citizen children, has been in the United States almost 20 years, has his own business, owns his own property, Maluje said.

Reminded that her client was apparently here illegally, she said theres still recourse for such people.

The recourse happens in immigration court, which in Miami is backlogged so badly some people in court this month are being told to come back in August 2018 for their next hearing.
Authorities are investigating the death of a 75-year-old Putnam County woman as a homicide, though they declined to elaborate on what prompted responding officers to assume she had been killed.

Officials got a call reporting a medical emergency at Pearla Gatchalian's home in Mahopac around 3:15 p.m. Thursday. Mahopac EMS volunteers responded, along with cops from the Carmel Police Department.

Authorities released no additional details, saying only Gatchalian was found dead in her home. A medical examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine how she died. State Police are assisting in the investigation.



Troopers had the street completely cordoned off to non-residential traffic Friday morning, and officers were seen canvassing the area with police dogs. Neighbors said police knocked on their doors Thursday night asking if anyone had seen or heard anything.

Residents say criminal activity of this nature would be an anomaly in the normally quiet neighborhood.

Police Chief Mike Cazarri, while declining to say whether they've identified a suspect or motive, is assuring residents they are not in danger.

"People should no go about their lives different than they did before," he said.

Anyone with information on Gatchalian's death is asked to call the Carmel Police Department at 845-628-1300.
By now, you've probably heard of the fiasco that is Fyre Festival. If you havent, this Consequence of Sound article sums up the disaster with just a few photos.

Basically, what was billed as a luxury music festival for the elite (tickets ranged from $4,000 to $12,000), turned out to be a glorified camping trip complete with wild dogs, stolen luggage, half-built tents and a couple of bread slices. Think Lord of the Flies but with a bunch of yuppies stranded in the Bahamas.

As might be expected, sympathy for the festival goers was hard to come by on social media. Some mocked the idea of music festivals altogether while others took a more political tact, comparing and contrasting the plight of wealthy attendees with the dire circumstances that war refugees face every day.

At the end of the day, hometown legends blink-182 made the decision to pull out as headliners of the troubled event: Regrettably, and after much careful and difficult consideration, we want to let you know that we wont be performing at Fyre Fest in the Bahamas this weekend and next weekend. Were not confident that we would have what we need to give you the quality of performances we always give fans, they posted on social media.

That being said, its not clear that the festival, organized in part by rapper Ja Rule, actually had enough sound or stage equipment to allow blink-182 to perform -- especially if Travis Barker wanted to do any rotating drum platform stunts.

But theres light at the end of this tunnel: Coinciding with the cancellation, blink-182 released their self-described strangest song ever, 6/8, which you can stream below.

Fitting -- a strange song for a strange experience and a very strange time to be a music fan.

Rutger Rosenborg was almost a Stanford neuroscientist before he formed Ed Ghost Tucker. He now plays in the Lulls and makes music on his own when he's not writing. Follow his updates on Facebook or contact him directly.
A man, suspected in the murder of a family member in Colorado, was last seen in San Diego before his arrest Friday.

Michael John Robinson was arrested in Riverside County and is facing first degree murder charges, according to the District Attorney's office in the state of Colorado.

Robinson had last spoken to someone in San Diego in June, 2016, although the exact location is unknown, according to District Attorney Christa Newmyer-Losen.

His vehicle was found abandoned in San Diego around the same time, Losen said.

Robinson had left Colorado between June 15 and 17 before heading to San Diego.

He will be extradited to Colorado, Losen said.
An American and a British man, allegedly members of the Islamic State group, were arrested in Turkey after crossing the border from Syria and handing themselves over to the authorities, officials said Friday.

A Turkish official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with government protocol, said American Kary Paul Kleman and Briton Stefan Aristidou arrived at Oncupinar border crossing in Kilis province on April 20 and were arrested four days later.

Kleman was traveling with his Syrian wife and four children. His family was put under administrative detention to be deported to the U.S. in order to keep them together, according to the official.

A British Foreign Office official said British authorities are in contact with Turkish authorities "following the detention of a British man on the Turkey/Syria border." Aristidou's British wife and child would be deported to the U.K., according to the Turkish official.

Turkey's official Anadolu news agency reported Friday that the men were detained and later arrested on suspicion that they are members of the extremist Islamic State group.

Anadolu said two Egyptians and four more children were also traveling with the group and will be deported.

___

Paisley Dodds contributed from London.
NOTE: This story is no longer being updated. See here for latest update on the search for David Watson.

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A prisoner convicted of attempted murder that escaped from a hospital in Howard County, Maryland on Friday remains at large, police say.

David M. Watson, 28, was being transported to Clifton Perkins Hospital Center for a psychiatric evaluation related to an attempted murder case in Maryland. When a guard opened the van in the hospital parking lot, Watson pushed the guard down and ran into nearby woods, police said.

Police believe he managed to get out of his handcuffs and waist chain inside the van, Howard County Police spokeswoman Sherry Llewellyn said. It's unclear whether his legs were shackled.

Police do not know whether he planned the escape or had any help. They do not know if he is still in the area.

Howard County police said they were suspending the ground search just before 5 p.m. Saturday after exhausting all search efforts in the immediate area.

"There are no indications that Watson remains in the area and there have been no sightings," the police department said on Facebook.

Authorities are searching for a prison inmate who escaped while being transported to a state mental hospital in Jessup, Maryland. David Watson, 28, is serving a sentence of more than 100 years for crimes including attempted murder. News4's Chris Gordon reports.

Watson was last seen in the area of Dorsey Run Road and Patuxent Range Road in Jessup. Some of his clothing was found in the woods, and a K-9 was able to pick up the direction in which he fled.

The hospital is located in an industrial area, and police searched many nearby buildings.

Watson is serving more than 100 years in Delaware for attempted murder. He also faces charges of attempted murder of police officers in Wicomico County. The Wicomico County Sheriff's Office picked him up in Delaware to take him to the hospital.

Watson is 5-feet-8-inches tall, weighs 140 pounds and was wearing all white clothing.

On Saturday, police said Watson has been known to wear glasses and released an updated photo of him. He also has several tattoos.

Escaped prisoner David Watson has been known to wear glasses, as in this undated photo. Anyone who spots him should call 911, reward $5,000 pic.twitter.com/4a5UucFjqE  Howard County Police (@HCPDNews) April 29, 2017

Howard County police are offering a reward of up to $5,000 to for information on Watson's whereabouts. Anyone who see a man matching Watson's description should call 911.
Police are looking for a man who allegedly attempted to sexually assault a woman Thursday afternoon in southeast Washington.

Investigators said the victim was walking in the 1000 block of Mississippi Avenue, Southeast, when a man forced her into a vehicle and drove her to Fort Dupont Park shortly before 5 p.m. Thursday.

The woman said the man tried to take off her clothes and sexually assault her before she was able to flee from the vehicle.

Police said the attacker is described as a black man in his 50s, 5 feet 7 inches tall with a stocky build. He has brown eyes, short black hair and light gray facial hair.

He was last seen wearing a blue sweatshirt and dirty black pants that may have been work or utility pants. The vehicle is described as a blue four door truck.
Calvert County, Maryland, police arrested a man in connection with the shooting death of a woman Friday evening.

Police said Tanya Louise Harley, 34, of Lusby, Maryland, was found dead by officers around 9:30 p.m. Friday. They said she suffered a gunshot wound.

Detectives were looking for her husband, James Harley Jr., 38, of Lusby, in connection with the shooting. They said he was at the scene on Rawhide Road but left before deputies arrived.

They said he turned himself in Saturday afternoon to police and was arrested.
's victory in the 800 meters on Saturday helped lead UTSA to a third-place team finish at this weekend's Longhorn Invitational.Chatham topped the field of 14 middle distance runners with a career-best time of 1:50.48. That now ranks as the fourth-fastest performance in program history and it stands ninth on this year's Conference USA leaderboard."Today's win felt good," Chatham said. "I felt strong and relaxed toward the end of the race and this ended up being a nice tune up for the conference meet."Meanwhile,was runner up in the high jump with his season-best clearance of 7-0  (2.14m) and he now stands alone atop the league standings. Texas' Spencer McCloud cleared the same height but was awarded the victory based on fewer misses.was second in the 400m hurdles with his time of 52.69. The senior finished behind Michigan's Taylor McLaughlin, who clocked a 52.00.also raced to a silver medal, his coming in the 1,500m after crossing the finish line in 4:02.88. Texas' Charles Mills won the event in 3:56.57.The 400m relay ofandadded another second-place performance for the Roadrunners after passing the baton in 40.73. Texas was first in 39.58.placed third in the 110m hurdles after skimming the barriers in 13.88. The C-USA leader finished as the second-fastest collegian behind Texas' Spencer Dunkerley-Offor, who was runner-up in 13.49. Adidas' Shane Braithwaite raced to the title in 13.39.collected a bronze medal in the 400m after circling the Mike A. Myers Stadium oval in 46.67. Texas' Aldrich Bailey Jr. won the event in 46.19 and TCU's Derrick Mokaleng was second in 46.42.placed fourth in the pole vault by matching a season-high clearance of 16-4  (5.00m).Meet host Texas won the team title with 177 points. Michigan was second with 98.5 and the Roadrunners were right behind in third with their 95.5 points."This weekend was a great tune-up for the conference championship," Director of Track & Field/Cross Countrysaid. "We came out and competed against some of the nation's best and we are in a great place heading into the conference meet."UTSA will take next weekend off before traveling to El Paso in two weeks for the C-USA Championships, which are scheduled to be contested from May 11-14.
A 19-year-old man was killed and three others were injured during a shooting at a home in Germantown, Maryland, early Saturday, police said.

Montgomery County police officers arrived at a home in the 12800 block of Kitchen House Way just before 1 a.m. and found four gunshot victims inside. They were taken to local hospitals, and one man was pronounced dead, police said.

He was later identified as Amaru Amir Santos Johnson, of Germantown.

Police said the three remaining victims, a man and two women, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
A section of Wisconsin Avenue in the heart of D.C.'s Georgetown neighborhood is blocked off Friday night as police investigate a shooting.

The shooting happened in the 1400 block of Wisconsin Avenue NW, police said.

D.C. police sources told News4 a man walked into an area hospital with a bullet wound and officers traced the shooting to the location in Georgetown. The man's condition is not known at this time.

Police have blocked all lanes of Wisconsin Ave. from O to P streets for the investigation.

Stay with News4 and NBCWashington.com for updates.
The Pentagon has identified the two Army Rangers killed during a raid on an Islamic State compound in Afghanistan Wednesday.

They were Sgt. Joshua P. Rodgers, 22, of Bloomington, Illinois, and Sgt. Cameron H. Thomas, 23, of Kettering, Ohio, according to the Pentagon.

Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said the U.S. military is investigating to see if they were accidentally killed by ground fire from Afghan commandoes or other American forces. He said it does not appear deliberate.

According to Davis, the head of the Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan, Abdul Haseeb Logari, was the target of the Wednesday raid. He said officials suspect that Logari, the emir of what's called the Islamic State Khorasan group, was among several key leaders killed, but haven't confirmed that. Logari was in charge of the Afghanistan affiliate's command and control and it's connections with the broader Islamic State group and it's leaders.

About 35 other enemy fighters were killed and one other Army Ranger received a minor head wound during the battle, but was able to stay with the assault force.

"This was a dangerous mission and we knew this going in," Davis told Pentagon reporters. "This was the leader of ISIS in Afghanistan. We knew that he was going to be well protected and that they were going to fight very hard to prevent him from being captured or killed. And that is indeed what happened."

About 50 Army Rangers and 40 Afghan commandos were dropped off by helicopter around 10:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday, for the raid in Nangarhar Province's, Mohmand Valley. They were on the ground for about four-and-a-half hours.

"Within minutes of the insertion the combined force came under intense fire from multiple directions. It was during these initial moments of the raid that the two Rangers were mortally wounded," Davis said. He added that the U.S. and Afghan troops were being fired on from prepared positions on all sides, and that the compound was heavily fortified and contained a network of tunnels.

Davis said manned and unmanned aircraft, including AC-130 gunships, Apache helicopters and F-16 fighter jets, were used to support the raid and provide airstrikes to defend the force on the ground and evacuate the wounded.

The military headquarters in Kabul said in a statement that the U.S. and Afghan forces were able to accomplish the mission without civilian casualties, including women and children in the compound.

The operation took place in the Achin area, roughly one mile from where the military dropped a massive, non-nuclear bomb called the "mother of all bombs" on an ISIS target in Afghanistan two weeks ago, the weapon's first-ever use in combat.

The bombing came just days after a U.S. Army special forces soldier was killed in the region. The bomb is the largest non-nuclear weapon ever used in combat by the U.S., and it killed several dozen militants.

Asked whether the friendly fire came from Afghan troops, Davis said, "we were there in a partnered raid with Afghan forces and some of the initial indications led us to believe that that's a possibility." He said it could have been either Afghans or U.S. forces, and a formal investigation is underway.

The families of Army Sgts. Joshua Rodgers from Illinois, and Cameron Thomas from Ohio have been told it was possible they died from friendly fire.

The U.S. has been battling the Islamic State group in Afghanistan for months and estimates that the group now includes about some 800 to 1,000 fighters there.
Once a month, a cardboard box from Colorado appears at the office of a conservative Christian lawmaker in central Georgia, filled with derivatives of marijuana, to be distributed around the state in the shadows of the law.

Operating in ways he hopes will avoid felony charges of drug trafficking, state Rep. Allen Peake is taking matters into his own hands. He's shepherding cannabis oil to hundreds of sick people who are now allowed by the state to possess marijuana, but have no legal way of obtaining it.

"We're going to do whatever it takes to be able to help get product to these families, these citizens who have debilitating illnesses," Peake said. He spoke with The Associated Press in his Macon office, where he runs his business, his campaign operation and his underground medical marijuana network.

Peake has successfully championed the creation and expansion of Georgia's medical marijuana program, which now provides low-THC cannabis oil to more than a thousand patients. Enrollees can have it, but they can't cultivate, import or purchase the drug.

This straight-laced Republican is about the last person many would expect to take up such a cause.

He's the CEO of one of the nation's largest franchise restaurant businesses, with more than 100 locations including Cheddar's and Fazoli's. He says he runs this business on Biblical principles and donates to Christian charities, a practice that led him into the world of cannabis when he began helping families with the costs of moving to Colorado for the legal access to treatments they couldn't get in Georgia.

Those connections led to the arrival each month of boxes on his office doorstep, filled with bottles of cannabis oil of varying concentrations within Georgia's now-legal THC limit.

Peake says he doesn't know who brings it into the state, and doesn't ask.

Marijuana remains a federally outlawed Schedule 1 narcotic, even though 29 states now have comprehensive medical marijuana programs. Seventeen others, including Georgia, allow the use of marijuana products for medical reasons in limited situations or as a legal defense, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

In 2009, President Barack Obama instructed the Department of Justice not to prosecute people for possessing or distributing medical marijuana, a policy President Donald Trump has not changed.

But transporting marijuana across state lines? That remains a felony.

"Quite frankly, I don't know how the product gets here," Peake said.

He's a certified public accountant who went to theology school, but has an adventurous side  running competitively, scuba diving and recently splurging on a Tesla Model S, which can zoom from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds.

Thrill-seeking has cost him at times: In 2015, he publicly acknowledged having had an account on the adultery dating site Ashley Madison. After apologizing to his constituents and thanking his wife for her "powerful and merciful gift of forgiveness," he went right back to legislating.

Each time one of the nondescript boxes arrives, Peake makes a significant donation to a foundation in Colorado that supports research of medical cannabis. He can't make a direct payment, because that would be illegal. But with his donations of about $100,000 a year, he and his wife are able to supply the oil to hundreds of patients across Georgia.

"I'll never recover that money," but the satisfaction of helping people makes it all worthwhile, he said.

If Peake did try to recoup the money, say by selling the oil, he could face charges of drug trafficking. By paying for it himself and giving it away for free, he narrowly skirts the law, which does not prohibit the gifting of cannabis oil.

It was Peake's bill in 2015 that established Georgia's medical cannabis program, which allows people with qualifying diagnoses to possess cannabis oil with less than 5 percent THC, the chemical that gets users high. It was a first step, acknowledging Gov. Nathan Deal's refusal to legalize the cultivation of marijuana within Georgia.

Peake also was instrumental in passing another step, now awaiting Deal's signature that would expand the list of qualifying conditions. Persuading state lawmakers to legalize cultivation, production and sale of cannabis oil in Georgia remains a distant goal, but Peake thinks enabling more patients to get the drug meanwhile can only help.

About 1,300 patients are currently enrolled, and other lawmakers have joined his quasi-legal enterprise: At least 20 state senators and representatives have referred their constituents to him, Peake says. Even some who voted against his marijuana bills have had a change of heart when someone close to them got sick, he said.

When it comes time for deliveries, Peake is vigilant, making sure everyone he works with is registered with the state and enrolled in the medical cannabis program so they can legally handle the product.

Though Peake isn't a qualified patient, he obtained a medical cannabis card from the Georgia Department of Public Health, so that he can show it to constituents as he promotes the program, he said.

But a card is a card, enabling Peake to legally possess the cannabis at his office.

Shannon Cloud is one of the parents helping Peake move the oils to Atlanta. She initially got involved because daughter Alaina has Dravet syndrome  a rare, serious seizure disorder  and has benefited from cannabis.

Even though her daughter is off the drug because she's part of a clinical trial, Cloud remains one of the most active members of the informal distribution network.

She's passionate about this work, but frustrated that she's needed at all.

"It shouldn't be this way," she said. "You shouldn't be meeting at a gas station or a Target parking lot to get medicine to somebody. You should be going to the place where it is produced and tested to get it dispensed to you in a regulated manner, but this is what we're forced to do."
An Amber Alert was cancelled quickly after being issued for a 26-year-old New Hampshire woman and her 2-year-old son.

Erika Wallace of Raymond allegedly kidnapped her son, Joshua Wallace, during a supervised visit Friday at the Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester. They were found safe a short time later in Massachusetts.

Police in Tewksbury spotted a suspicious vehicle off I-495 near a Burger King and a Motel 6. They ran the plates and realized the people inside were involved in an Amber Alert.

Joshua Wallace is now in the care of his foster mother.

Manchester Police responded to the food court at the Mall of New Hampshire, where the child was reported missing. Officers learned Joshua Wallace was in the custody of the Department of Children, Youth and Families.

The person observing the visit told police she looked down at her phone, and when she looked up, both were gone.

Police reported that a DCYF worker was supervising, but New Hampshire Health and Human Services says she was not an employee of that agency.

"The child is safe," HHS Commissioner Jeffrey Meyers said in a statement. "There will be a full investigation conducted and details will be released as appropriate."

Just after 6:30 p.m., the boy was found with Erika Wallace and his biological father. Both were taken into custody on warrants out of Massachusetts.

The incident remains under investigation.
A New Hampshire mother and father are facing charges in connection with the custodial kidnapping of their 2-year-old child.

On Friday, an Amber Alert was issued for Erika Wallace, 26, of Raymond, and her son, after police say she kidnapped him during supervised visit at the Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester.

Manchester Police had responded to the mall's food court where they learned Joshua Wallace was in the custody of the Department of Children, Youth and Families.

The person observing the supervised visit told police she looked down at her phone, and when she looked up, both Joshua and his mother were gone.

Once the Amber Alert was issued, police said detectives conducting surveillance in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, spotted a suspicious vehicle off I-495 near a Burger King and a Motel 6 a short time later.

"He described the vehicle as not feeling right to him and the people in it so he ran the plate and it came back with an amber alert," said Tewksbury Police Detective Lt. Ryan Columbus.

They ran the plates and realized the people inside were involved in an Amber Alert.

Police then arrested Erika Wallace as well as the boy's father, Joshua Wallace, 27, and a relative, Nicolette Russell, 24.

"I was told the car was packed with suitcases. "One would believe they were going to continue on 495  unknown where," said Columbus.

Joshua Wallace is now in the care of his foster mother.

NBC Boston spoke with the child's uncle following the arrest and said the parents had just been in court.

"They had court the other day  about two days ago  they were supposed to get the child back then, and they postponed it for another three weeks. And the kid is suffering over this, ya know," said the uncle.

Parental kidnapping, obstruction of justice and conspiracy are among the charges Erika and Joshua Wallace are facing.

Charges Russell is facing include obstruction of justice, providing a false name and social security number, and conspiracy.

It's unclear when the trio will be arraigned.


Norwich Diocese welcomes new Pioneer Missioner Norwich Diocese welcomes new Pioneer Missioner

Rev Tim Yau has been licensed by the Bishop of Norwich to begin an exciting new role as a Pioneer Missioner and Mission Enabler, based in Cringleford, supporting Fresh Expressions of Church in the Diocese of Norwich.
West Berkshire parties set out their stall in a bid to woo voters

THE first political punches of this years snap election have been thrown.

The Liberal Democrats have ruled out a coalition with either Theresa Mays Conservatives or Jeremy Corbyns Labour Party.

The West Berkshire Liberal Democrats said that Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn would not be Prime Minister on June 9 and it was very unlikely that Labour would gain seats from the Conservatives.

The Liberal Democrat candidate for Newbury, Judith Bunting, said that Mr Corbyn was pro-Brexit, marching his MPs to vote for article 50 without concessions, alongside Richard Benyon and the hard Brexit Conservatives.

She said: Every Liberal Democrat vote and every Liberal Democrat MP elected is a challenge to Theresa Mays hard-Brexit agenda.

Britain deserves better.

This election is your chance to change the direction of our country.

If you want to stop a hard Brexit, if you want to keep us in the single market, if you want a real opposition, this is your chance.

When asked if she was encouraging tactical voting, Ms Bunting said: Certainly, if people care about Europe and care about the question of Remain and a brutal Brexit that we seem to be heading for, then yes, lend me your vote.

Send a message to the Government and Theresa May that we cant be taken for granted.

Ms Bunting said that standard party loyalties were crumbling and that, while there was more at stake in the election than Brexit, the government gunning for a hard Brexit was peoples top-line concern.

She said that nobody in Parliament was sticking up for people who voted Remain and that Mr Corbyn was being a bit limp about the issue.

The call for Lib Dem votes was branded as nonsense by Newbury Labour Party chairman Gary Puffett.

He said: I think it smacks of desperation. Theres no way they can form a government by themselves.

Tim Farron has said they are not considering a coalition with anybody else.

Its a nonsense to think a Lib Dem vote is any more valued than a Labour vote.

Mr Puffett said that Labour MP Kier Starmer had clearly laid out Labours position on Brexit on Wednesday.

Mr Puffett said that Labour had accepted the voice of the people in the referendum and will seek to get the best deal for the UK as part of the negotiations.

The party is yet to announce a candidate for Newbury and spokesman Alan Childs added the Lib Dems were turning into a one-trick pony.

They are simply concerned about reversing a vote that happened last year, he said.

The Green Party had approached Labour and the Lib Dems to work for a progressive alliance for the election, which was rebuffed.

West Berkshire Green Party agent David Marsh said that candidates could choose to not stand in some seats.

However, he said: In Newbury, where the Conservative majority over the Liberal Democrats two years ago was 26,368 votes, this does not apply, and we believe that in these circumstances the people of Newbury should have the opportunity to vote for a Green Party candidate.

Weighing in on the debate, Newbury MP Richard Benyon said: This is an election where people will make a judgement about whether they trust Theresa May or Jeremy Corbyn to negotiate Britains exit from the European Union and this is also a chance for local MPs to talk about local issues, which I certainly will.

Mr Benyon said the election was about the countrys leadership and not just about Brexit.

And although he backed Remain, Mr Benyon said: Im supporting the Prime Minister in implementing the result of the referendum.

I think Im with the vast majority of constituents, whether they voted remain or leave, wanting this to be dealt with by serious politicians who know what needs to be done and have a clear plan to do it.

Mr Benyon said he disagreed with claims that the Government was pushing for a hard Brexit.

Its a negotiation and that needs to be handled by political grown-ups, he said.

Mr Benyon said that he didnt have time for political games and added that an alternative election outcome would be chaotic.

I cant be bothered with people trying to play cunning games with the electorate, he said. I want a straight forward election where you put your case and stand by that.

Politicians who try to box clever end up getting punched on the nose.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Friday upheld the terms of consent of the settlement between Tata Sons and Japanese telecom major NTT Docomo over the payment of $1.17 billion damages to the former. The amount has already been deposited by Tata Sons with the court.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had blocked Tatas offer, saying a rule change in 2016 prevented foreign investors from selling stakes in Indian firms at a pre-determined price. The court said the award can be enforced in India and no special permission from RBI was required.

Justice S Muralidhar in his verdict rejected the RBI intervention plea opposing the settlement as well as the damages awarded to Docomo by the London Court of International Arbitration.

In the absence of a provision that expressly provides for it, the question of permitting RBI to intervene in such proceedings to oppose enforcement does not arise, the court said.

Docomo and Tata had gone for arbitration as the Indian company was not able to find a buyer for the Japanese telecom majors 26.5 per cent stake in their joint venture, Tata Teleservices when it exited from it.

Under the shareholding agreement, on Docomos exit from the venture within five years, Tata was to find a buyer who would purchase the Japanese companys stake at minimum 50 per cent of the acquisition price, which came to around Rs 58.45 per share. The other option was Tata purchasing the shares at the fair market value, which was Rs 23.44.

However, this was not acceptable to Docomo and it had opted for arbitration.

Under the settlement agreement between the two companies, Tata and Docomo had decided to settle their dispute by withdrawing objections to the enforcement of the award.

Setback to RBI

The Reserve Bank had blocked Tatas offer, saying that a rule change in 2016 prevented foreign investors from selling stakes in Indian companies at a pre-determined price

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Friday upheld the terms of consent of the settlement between Tata Sons and Japanese telecom major NTT Docomo over the payment of $1.17 billion damages to the former. The amount has already been deposited by Tata Sons with the court. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had blocked Tatas offer, saying a rule change in 2016 prevented foreign investors from selling stakes in Indian firms at a pre-determined price. The court said the award can be enforced in India and no special permission from RBI was required. Justice S Muralidhar in his verdict rejected the RBI intervention plea opposing the settlement as well as the damages awarded to Docomo by the London Court of International Arbitration. In the absence of a provision that expressly provides for it, the question of permitting RBI to intervene in such proceedings to oppose enforcement does not arise, the court said. Docomo and Tata had gone for arbitration as the Indian company was not able to find a buyer for the Japanese telecom majors 26.5 per cent stake in their joint venture, Tata Teleservices when it exited from it. Under the shareholding agreement, on Docomos exit from the venture within five years, Tata was to find a buyer who would purchase the Japanese companys stake at minimum 50 per cent of the acquisition price, which came to around Rs 58.45 per share. The other option was Tata purchasing the shares at the fair market value, which was Rs 23.44. However, this was not acceptable to Docomo and it had opted for arbitration. Under the settlement agreement between the two companies, Tata and Docomo had decided to settle their dispute by withdrawing objections to the enforcement of the award. Setback to RBI The Reserve Bank had blocked Tatas offer, saying that a rule change in 2016 prevented foreign investors from selling stakes in Indian companies at a pre-determined price
Sangeeta Bora and Kiran Parashar By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: Another incident of dumping of soil and debris in Varthur lake came to light, even as eight trucks allegedly involved in the act were seized on Friday.

Residents of the locality had informed Varthur police and Bengaluru Development Authoritys police wing about the movements of trucks with mud and debris on Thursday night. Based on the information which included video recording of the dumping, the trucks were seized near Vibgyor Road at Thubarahalli.

Both drivers and owners of the trucks were arrested.

The drivers have been identified as Siddarth, Hanumanth, Bolanath, Sudha, Venkatachalam, Prasad, Bheemanna, Kannan and Suresh. The truck owners are Shivakumar Reddy, Srinivas, Ganesh, Vashista, Ravi Reddy, Ramesh Reddy, Hariprasad Reddy and Narayana Reddy.

Varthur police have registered a case of criminal trespassing.

On April 22, residents had alerted government agencies about the movements of trucks in their locality.

The owner of a land where dumping had taken place, emerged on the scene a few days later with documents. His property is found to be located in the buffer zone of the lake and there is a marginal encroachment on lakebed for which, a penalty has been levied on him.

Police sources said that there is a nexus among builders who dump debris in lakebeds. Later, a builder creates forged documents and starts a project on the lakebed which is filled with debris, they said.

However, in this case the police say they are yet to ascertain who are majorly involved in the lake encroachment. Police sources said dumping of debris has been rampantly done near lakes for a long time. But no complaints were filed. Now, BDA police wing officials have filed a complaint in this case, they said.

Jagdesh Reddy, a resident said, We are happy that finally Varthur lake and its surroundings are getting attention and prompt action is being initiated.

There are many alert residents who have been trying to voluntarily figure out the persons responsible for the mess. Another resident pointed out that hundreds of trucks dumped soil in Varthur lake and the government agencies have not been able to pin down the offender so far. We are doing our bit to help them. There are many residents who have seen trucks laden with soil coming out from a nearby construction site on April 27 night. We have pictures of these trucks travelling on certain routes, he said.

BENGALURU: Another incident of dumping of soil and debris in Varthur lake came to light, even as eight trucks allegedly involved in the act were seized on Friday. Residents of the locality had informed Varthur police and Bengaluru Development Authoritys police wing about the movements of trucks with mud and debris on Thursday night. Based on the information which included video recording of the dumping, the trucks were seized near Vibgyor Road at Thubarahalli. Both drivers and owners of the trucks were arrested. The drivers have been identified as Siddarth, Hanumanth, Bolanath, Sudha, Venkatachalam, Prasad, Bheemanna, Kannan and Suresh. The truck owners are Shivakumar Reddy, Srinivas, Ganesh, Vashista, Ravi Reddy, Ramesh Reddy, Hariprasad Reddy and Narayana Reddy. Varthur police have registered a case of criminal trespassing. On April 22, residents had alerted government agencies about the movements of trucks in their locality. The owner of a land where dumping had taken place, emerged on the scene a few days later with documents. His property is found to be located in the buffer zone of the lake and there is a marginal encroachment on lakebed for which, a penalty has been levied on him. Police sources said that there is a nexus among builders who dump debris in lakebeds. Later, a builder creates forged documents and starts a project on the lakebed which is filled with debris, they said. However, in this case the police say they are yet to ascertain who are majorly involved in the lake encroachment. Police sources said dumping of debris has been rampantly done near lakes for a long time. But no complaints were filed. Now, BDA police wing officials have filed a complaint in this case, they said. Jagdesh Reddy, a resident said, We are happy that finally Varthur lake and its surroundings are getting attention and prompt action is being initiated. There are many alert residents who have been trying to voluntarily figure out the persons responsible for the mess. Another resident pointed out that hundreds of trucks dumped soil in Varthur lake and the government agencies have not been able to pin down the offender so far. We are doing our bit to help them. There are many residents who have seen trucks laden with soil coming out from a nearby construction site on April 27 night. We have pictures of these trucks travelling on certain routes, he said.
Gayathri Mani By

Express News Service

DELHI: A professor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) alleged that his car was vandalized by an unknown person at his house last night. Professor Buddha Singh claimed that he was targeted after the condolence meet organized by him for the Sukma and Kupwara Martyrs.

The condolence meet was held at the universitys Sabarmati Dhaba. About 400 people gathered at the meet to pay respect to the victims who died in the Sukma and Kupwara attack.

I've been targeted because I was the organizer and first one to conduct such meet at the varsity for the first time. My car has been vandalized and windows also broken said Buddha Singh who teaches computer science at JNU.

However, Mohit Pandey president JNU student Union said The event was successfully attended by all the JNU students and faculties. The professor himself is creating this entire unnecessary issue to create controversy and malign the name and fame of JNU.

The incident happened in the mid-night at around 11 pm at Singhs residence at Periyar Hostel on Friday. A complaint has also been registered at the Vasant Kunj police station by Singh.

DELHI: A professor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) alleged that his car was vandalized by an unknown person at his house last night. Professor Buddha Singh claimed that he was targeted after the condolence meet organized by him for the Sukma and Kupwara Martyrs. The condolence meet was held at the universitys Sabarmati Dhaba. About 400 people gathered at the meet to pay respect to the victims who died in the Sukma and Kupwara attack. I've been targeted because I was the organizer and first one to conduct such meet at the varsity for the first time. My car has been vandalized and windows also broken said Buddha Singh who teaches computer science at JNU. However, Mohit Pandey president JNU student Union said The event was successfully attended by all the JNU students and faculties. The professor himself is creating this entire unnecessary issue to create controversy and malign the name and fame of JNU. The incident happened in the mid-night at around 11 pm at Singhs residence at Periyar Hostel on Friday. A complaint has also been registered at the Vasant Kunj police station by Singh.
S Naagarajan By

Express News Service

Baahubali 2s highly anticipated grand unveiling on Friday didn't come without its share of troubles, including the last-minute cancellation of morning shows across Tamil Nadu.

A lot went into the making of this epic film, which was simultaneously released in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam. This much-delayed film, which has released to generally positive reviews, faces problems befitting its granduer. Here's taking a look at all the obstacles Rajamouli and team had to weave past:

A never-ending schedule

The film was conceptualised back in 2013 with major work on the sequel done at the same time. After having finished more than half of the work on some of these sequences, the team had to set those aside and focus on finishing up the first part. When revisiting these CG shots that they had previously worked on, all of them felt that they could do better and ended up redoing many of these sequences. Another unexpected issue that cropped up due to the long schedule concerned maintaining continuity with Anushka Shetty's appearance. The actress, who plays Maharani Devasena, had reportedly put on some weight after shooting the first part and this led to some delay in the shooting of her sequences.

The draining VFX

Baahubali 2 cannot exist without its visual effects. The film has close to 2,500 VFX shots, that were created by some 1,300 VFX artists from 36 studios across the world. The movie faced a lot of delays due to the intricacy of some of the VFX work. While Baahubali: The Beginning explored only two main locations in its world--the waterfall and a few parts of the Mahishmati kingdom-- Baahubali: The Conclusion lays emphasis on the spaces inside the Mahishmati and Kunthala kingdoms, with much attention paid to the details. There are also many more set pieces and plenty more action and drama in the second part. The sets from the first part too have been enhanced exponentially for the sequel.

The Karnataka problem

A move to block the release of the movie in Karnataka was made by pro-Karnataka groups, which called for an apology from Sathyaraj, who plays Kattappa in the film, for statements made by the actor nine years ago during the height of the Cauvery conflict. The issue was finally resolved following video appeals made by the director, SS Rajamouli, and actor Sathyaraj, who formally apologised for any hurt he may have caused to the people of Karnataka.

Going tough in Tamil Nadu too

Karnataka was not the only State in which the release of the film looked doubtful. The release in Tamil Nadu was also stalled due to financial problems that reportedly arose between K Productions and Sri Green Productions, which had bought the entire Tamil Nadu theatrical rights for Baahubali 2 from Rajarajan of K Productions. Later when the case came for hearing, both the parties opted to solve the issue amicably with help from the Tamil Nadu Film Producer Council.

The last straw

On April 28, the day of the film's release, morning shows of Baahubali 2 got cancelled all around Tamil Nadu. Reports suggest that this happened because of financial issues that cropped up between K Productions, who bought the theatrical rights, and Arka Mediaworks, the producers of the film. It is believed that K productions had not paid all the dues to Arka Mediaworks. Due to this Arka Mediaworks apparently decided not to issue the No Objection Certificate. Theaters can screen a movie only after this certificate is obtained. The encrypted security key essential to the exclusive screening of the movie, termed as Key Delivery Message (KDM), could not be released without the No Objection Certificate. These issues were eventually put to rest, with the film getting screened from noon.

Miscellaneous issues concerning pricing, leaks, etc.

The movie also faced other issues like the sudden demand from theatre owners in Karnataka to remove the planned Rs. 200 cap on the ticket price. The film also had some of its stills leaked before the release of the movie. Booking issues too came into play.

Baahubali 2 was initially planned to be released in IMAX format across all languages, but the IMAX format has been made available only for the Telugu and Hindi versions. The Tamil and Malayalam version were not released in the format, which caused huge disappointment among the audiences of these languages. There were also reports that local tribes of Kannur, Kerala, where a few sequences were shot, interfered with the shooting.

Following the negotiation of all these hurdles, SS Rajamouli's Baahubali 2: The Conclusion was finally released yesterday in approximately 9,000 screens worldwide--6,500 in India, 1,100 in USA and 1,400 screens across the rest of the world.

Baahubali 2s highly anticipated grand unveiling on Friday didn't come without its share of troubles, including the last-minute cancellation of morning shows across Tamil Nadu. A lot went into the making of this epic film, which was simultaneously released in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam. This much-delayed film, which has released to generally positive reviews, faces problems befitting its granduer. Here's taking a look at all the obstacles Rajamouli and team had to weave past: A never-ending schedule The film was conceptualised back in 2013 with major work on the sequel done at the same time. After having finished more than half of the work on some of these sequences, the team had to set those aside and focus on finishing up the first part. When revisiting these CG shots that they had previously worked on, all of them felt that they could do better and ended up redoing many of these sequences. Another unexpected issue that cropped up due to the long schedule concerned maintaining continuity with Anushka Shetty's appearance. The actress, who plays Maharani Devasena, had reportedly put on some weight after shooting the first part and this led to some delay in the shooting of her sequences. The draining VFX Baahubali 2 cannot exist without its visual effects. The film has close to 2,500 VFX shots, that were created by some 1,300 VFX artists from 36 studios across the world. The movie faced a lot of delays due to the intricacy of some of the VFX work. While Baahubali: The Beginning explored only two main locations in its world--the waterfall and a few parts of the Mahishmati kingdom-- Baahubali: The Conclusion lays emphasis on the spaces inside the Mahishmati and Kunthala kingdoms, with much attention paid to the details. There are also many more set pieces and plenty more action and drama in the second part. The sets from the first part too have been enhanced exponentially for the sequel. The Karnataka problem A move to block the release of the movie in Karnataka was made by pro-Karnataka groups, which called for an apology from Sathyaraj, who plays Kattappa in the film, for statements made by the actor nine years ago during the height of the Cauvery conflict. The issue was finally resolved following video appeals made by the director, SS Rajamouli, and actor Sathyaraj, who formally apologised for any hurt he may have caused to the people of Karnataka. Going tough in Tamil Nadu too Karnataka was not the only State in which the release of the film looked doubtful. The release in Tamil Nadu was also stalled due to financial problems that reportedly arose between K Productions and Sri Green Productions, which had bought the entire Tamil Nadu theatrical rights for Baahubali 2 from Rajarajan of K Productions. Later when the case came for hearing, both the parties opted to solve the issue amicably with help from the Tamil Nadu Film Producer Council. The last straw On April 28, the day of the film's release, morning shows of Baahubali 2 got cancelled all around Tamil Nadu. Reports suggest that this happened because of financial issues that cropped up between K Productions, who bought the theatrical rights, and Arka Mediaworks, the producers of the film. It is believed that K productions had not paid all the dues to Arka Mediaworks. Due to this Arka Mediaworks apparently decided not to issue the No Objection Certificate. Theaters can screen a movie only after this certificate is obtained. The encrypted security key essential to the exclusive screening of the movie, termed as Key Delivery Message (KDM), could not be released without the No Objection Certificate. These issues were eventually put to rest, with the film getting screened from noon. Miscellaneous issues concerning pricing, leaks, etc. The movie also faced other issues like the sudden demand from theatre owners in Karnataka to remove the planned Rs. 200 cap on the ticket price. The film also had some of its stills leaked before the release of the movie. Booking issues too came into play. Baahubali 2 was initially planned to be released in IMAX format across all languages, but the IMAX format has been made available only for the Telugu and Hindi versions. The Tamil and Malayalam version were not released in the format, which caused huge disappointment among the audiences of these languages. There were also reports that local tribes of Kannur, Kerala, where a few sequences were shot, interfered with the shooting. Following the negotiation of all these hurdles, SS Rajamouli's Baahubali 2: The Conclusion was finally released yesterday in approximately 9,000 screens worldwide--6,500 in India, 1,100 in USA and 1,400 screens across the rest of the world.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: A day after the Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court stayed the order granting bail to rape accused Samajwadi Party leader Gayatri Prajapati, the Additional Sessions Judge of Protection of Children against Sexual Offence (POCSO) court, OP Mishra, who had issued the bail orders for the former minister and his two accomplices, was suspended on Saturday. The court has also initiated a departmental inquiry against Mishra.

According to sources, Justice Sudhir Agarwal has been told to conduct the probe against the judge. Mishra had granted bail to Prajapati on two sureties of Rs 1 lakh each and a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh on April 25. Besides, the bail order for the release of his two accomplices  Vivek Verma, son of an SDM, and Pintu Singh  was also issued same day on same conditions. While Prajapati could not be released on the bail granted to him owing to two other earlier cases in which the police had demanded his judicial remand, his two aides were released on bail on early Wednesday, April 26, 2017.

The State government on Friday had approached the High Court with the request to stay the order granting bail to the tainted minister. The prosecution had submitted in the court that Gayatri Prajapati was granted bail by the lower court on April 25, without taking into consideration facts and circumstances of the case.

Prajapati and his six aides were booked on charges of gang raping a woman (35), a councillor from Chitrakoot, and also molesting her minor daughter at his official residential in State capital consistently from 2014 to 2016. The FIR in the case was registered by UP police on February 18 following Supreme Court order of February 17, 2017.

After eluding the police net for almost a month, Prajapati was arrested by UP police on March 15 from a locality in Lucknow. In its quest to arrest Prajapati, UP police had to issue a non-bailable warrant against him, issue a look out notice and cancel his passport to ensure that he did not leave the country to evade his arrest in the case.

Gayatri Prajapati had contested the recently concluded UP Assembly elections on SP ticket from Amethi and lost it to BJPs Rani Garima Singh.

LUCKNOW: A day after the Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court stayed the order granting bail to rape accused Samajwadi Party leader Gayatri Prajapati, the Additional Sessions Judge of Protection of Children against Sexual Offence (POCSO) court, OP Mishra, who had issued the bail orders for the former minister and his two accomplices, was suspended on Saturday. The court has also initiated a departmental inquiry against Mishra. According to sources, Justice Sudhir Agarwal has been told to conduct the probe against the judge. Mishra had granted bail to Prajapati on two sureties of Rs 1 lakh each and a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh on April 25. Besides, the bail order for the release of his two accomplices  Vivek Verma, son of an SDM, and Pintu Singh  was also issued same day on same conditions. While Prajapati could not be released on the bail granted to him owing to two other earlier cases in which the police had demanded his judicial remand, his two aides were released on bail on early Wednesday, April 26, 2017. The State government on Friday had approached the High Court with the request to stay the order granting bail to the tainted minister. The prosecution had submitted in the court that Gayatri Prajapati was granted bail by the lower court on April 25, without taking into consideration facts and circumstances of the case. Prajapati and his six aides were booked on charges of gang raping a woman (35), a councillor from Chitrakoot, and also molesting her minor daughter at his official residential in State capital consistently from 2014 to 2016. The FIR in the case was registered by UP police on February 18 following Supreme Court order of February 17, 2017. After eluding the police net for almost a month, Prajapati was arrested by UP police on March 15 from a locality in Lucknow. In its quest to arrest Prajapati, UP police had to issue a non-bailable warrant against him, issue a look out notice and cancel his passport to ensure that he did not leave the country to evade his arrest in the case. Gayatri Prajapati had contested the recently concluded UP Assembly elections on SP ticket from Amethi and lost it to BJPs Rani Garima Singh.
Fayaz Wani By

Express News Service

SRINAGAR: In a controversial statement, opposition National Conference president and three-time J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Saturday alleged that Central government has ulterior motive to spread hatred against Muslims and claimed that Delhi was more troubled by militant attack in Kupwara than deadly Maoist attack on CRPF in Sukhna, Chattisgarh.

The central government has an ulterior motive to spread hatred against Muslims. 26 CRPF men were killed in Maoist attack in Sukma but they are more troubled by the attack in Kupwara where three army men including an officer were killed, Farooq said while addressing party workers at NC headquarters, here.

He said in order to cater to their own constituencies, they are painting Kashmiris in bad light.

This perhaps is their new tactic to spread anti Kashmir anti Muslim hatred among Indians, he said.

While comparing the airtime dedicated to two recent encounters at Kupwara and Sukma on news channels, Farooq said, Media is doing a great disservice to Kashmir and its people by showing disturbing visuals on their prime time shows.

This will inevitably stop people from coming to Kashmir this summer. They want to finish our tourism and I see that they are working overtime in installing fear among potential tourists, he said.

On February 27, militants attacked an army camp at Panzgam in Kupwara, killing three army men including a young captain. Five army men were also injured while two attackers were killed in retaliatory firing.

Farooq, who was recently elected as MP from Srinagar parliamentary seat, said the need of the hour is to defeat those forces, who are openly espousing hatred and sowing the seeds of communal discord in the state.

I call upon all those who want to see a prosperous J&K and believe in brotherhood to come forward and reject the politics of communal polarization that has taken deep roots throughout the country, he said.

The NC president called for immediate resumption of dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad and also between New Delhi and stakeholders within Kashmir to find a lasting and just solution to the Kashmir issue.

Referring to Attorney General Mukul Rohatgis statement in Supreme Court that central government wont hold talks with separatist leaders, Farooq said, The State government's Agenda of the Alliance has been proven a hoax. The Central government has wasted no time in snubbing J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. This is an indication of the depths of humiliation and servitude Mehbooba has subjected the Chief Ministers chair to. The honorable thing left for her is to break this alliance and

resign.

He said there is no alternative to talks. The central governments stand of not holding talks with separatist is extremely dangerous for future of Kashmir. There can be no solution to Kashmir unless all stakeholders to the issue are engaged in dialogue and start of dialogue is must.

Referring to protests by students across the Valley, he said, It is high time that this government understand that the policy of repression unleashed on our youngsters and students will result in further alienation among the youth. It has not worked in past and will surely not work now and not in future. The sensible thing is to do away with anti-youth posturing and policies.

SRINAGAR: In a controversial statement, opposition National Conference president and three-time J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Saturday alleged that Central government has ulterior motive to spread hatred against Muslims and claimed that Delhi was more troubled by militant attack in Kupwara than deadly Maoist attack on CRPF in Sukhna, Chattisgarh. The central government has an ulterior motive to spread hatred against Muslims. 26 CRPF men were killed in Maoist attack in Sukma but they are more troubled by the attack in Kupwara where three army men including an officer were killed, Farooq said while addressing party workers at NC headquarters, here. He said in order to cater to their own constituencies, they are painting Kashmiris in bad light. This perhaps is their new tactic to spread anti Kashmir anti Muslim hatred among Indians, he said. While comparing the airtime dedicated to two recent encounters at Kupwara and Sukma on news channels, Farooq said, Media is doing a great disservice to Kashmir and its people by showing disturbing visuals on their prime time shows. This will inevitably stop people from coming to Kashmir this summer. They want to finish our tourism and I see that they are working overtime in installing fear among potential tourists, he said. On February 27, militants attacked an army camp at Panzgam in Kupwara, killing three army men including a young captain. Five army men were also injured while two attackers were killed in retaliatory firing. Farooq, who was recently elected as MP from Srinagar parliamentary seat, said the need of the hour is to defeat those forces, who are openly espousing hatred and sowing the seeds of communal discord in the state. I call upon all those who want to see a prosperous J&K and believe in brotherhood to come forward and reject the politics of communal polarization that has taken deep roots throughout the country, he said. The NC president called for immediate resumption of dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad and also between New Delhi and stakeholders within Kashmir to find a lasting and just solution to the Kashmir issue. Referring to Attorney General Mukul Rohatgis statement in Supreme Court that central government wont hold talks with separatist leaders, Farooq said, The State government's Agenda of the Alliance has been proven a hoax. The Central government has wasted no time in snubbing J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. This is an indication of the depths of humiliation and servitude Mehbooba has subjected the Chief Ministers chair to. The honorable thing left for her is to break this alliance and resign. He said there is no alternative to talks. The central governments stand of not holding talks with separatist is extremely dangerous for future of Kashmir. There can be no solution to Kashmir unless all stakeholders to the issue are engaged in dialogue and start of dialogue is must. Referring to protests by students across the Valley, he said, It is high time that this government understand that the policy of repression unleashed on our youngsters and students will result in further alienation among the youth. It has not worked in past and will surely not work now and not in future. The sensible thing is to do away with anti-youth posturing and policies.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Joining the nationwide debate on triple talaq issue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged the Muslim community not to view the issue from a political perspective, while expressing confidence that efforts to end the practice would be led by "enlightened" members of the community.

PM expressed confidence that reformers would emerge from within the Muslim community itself, to put an end to the pain suffered by some Muslim women, because of the practice of triple talaq.

The Prime ministers reaction was in addition to his governments broader agenda of supporting anti-triple talaq movement, as in the case of last week when union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said that the Centre government was firmly behind the victims of triple talaq while citing examples of many countries, including Iran, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, had abolished the practice.

Narendra Modi at an event marking the

12th-century social reformer Basaveshwar's

birth anniversary. (Shekhar Yadav | EPS)

Speaking at a function in the national capital to mark the Basava Jayanti celebrations in honour of Kannada philosopher Basaveswara, Modi referred to the 12th century reformer's movement against regressive practices to speak about triple talaq.

"I appeal to you not to view the triple talaq issue from a political perspective. Come out and find a solution. That solution will have its own majesty and generations will remember you," he said. He hoped that "powerful people" would emerge from society and help "eradicate outdated practices and evolve modern systems".

He called upon Indian Muslims to lead not just those from the community in the country, but to show the "path of modernity" to Muslims worldwide.

Referring to triple talaq, Modi said, "I am sure enlightened people will also emerge from among Muslims and come forward to end this practice, liberating our Muslim daughters and mothers from the scourge. I am sure enlightened Muslims will take this responsibility upon themselves.

Modi also released a digital volume of Basaveswara's works titled "Vachan" in 23 languages. The works comprise 2500 sermons delivered by the philosopher.

After the event, the prime minister walked up to the audience to meet the family of Kannada scholar and rationalist M.M. Kalburgi, who was killed in Dharwad, Karnataka, last year, according to the statement issued by the prime ministers office.

NEW DELHI: Joining the nationwide debate on triple talaq issue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged the Muslim community not to view the issue from a political perspective, while expressing confidence that efforts to end the practice would be led by "enlightened" members of the community. PM expressed confidence that reformers would emerge from within the Muslim community itself, to put an end to the pain suffered by some Muslim women, because of the practice of triple talaq. The Prime ministers reaction was in addition to his governments broader agenda of supporting anti-triple talaq movement, as in the case of last week when union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said that the Centre government was firmly behind the victims of triple talaq while citing examples of many countries, including Iran, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, had abolished the practice. Narendra Modi at an event marking the 12th-century social reformer Basaveshwar's birth anniversary. (Shekhar Yadav | EPS)Speaking at a function in the national capital to mark the Basava Jayanti celebrations in honour of Kannada philosopher Basaveswara, Modi referred to the 12th century reformer's movement against regressive practices to speak about triple talaq. "I appeal to you not to view the triple talaq issue from a political perspective. Come out and find a solution. That solution will have its own majesty and generations will remember you," he said. He hoped that "powerful people" would emerge from society and help "eradicate outdated practices and evolve modern systems". He called upon Indian Muslims to lead not just those from the community in the country, but to show the "path of modernity" to Muslims worldwide. Referring to triple talaq, Modi said, "I am sure enlightened people will also emerge from among Muslims and come forward to end this practice, liberating our Muslim daughters and mothers from the scourge. I am sure enlightened Muslims will take this responsibility upon themselves. Modi also released a digital volume of Basaveswara's works titled "Vachan" in 23 languages. The works comprise 2500 sermons delivered by the philosopher. After the event, the prime minister walked up to the audience to meet the family of Kannada scholar and rationalist M.M. Kalburgi, who was killed in Dharwad, Karnataka, last year, according to the statement issued by the prime ministers office.
By Express News Service

President Pranab Mukherjee has granted assent to the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 which will now allow women to take up to 26 weeks of maternity leave for up to two surviving children from the earlier 12 weeks. The Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha on August 11 last year and it was subsequently passed in the Lok Sabha on March 9. The positive side of the story is it will bring more number of women in the organised work force. However, on the other hand it might also force smaller organisations to change their hiring pattern.

What does it say about maternity leave?

The Act increases the maximum period of maternity benefit from the existing 12 weeks to 26 weeks, in case of women who have less than two surviving children. In other cases, the existing period of 12 weeks maternity benefit shall continue. It introduces maternity leave of up to 12 weeks for a woman who legally adopts a child below the age of three months and also for commissioning mothers. The maternity benefit will be for a period of twelve weeks from the date the child is handed over to the adopting mother or the commissioning mother.

What are the advantages?

More number of women will look at getting into organised work force since the act enables them to take leave without having to worry about quitting the job. Firms will now be able to retain their experienced female employees who sometimes tend to resign post pregnancy.

Which major countries did India leave behind?

After India doubled its maternity leave to 26 weeks, it has left behind developed countries like France, Germany and Japan that have less than 20 weeks of paid maternity leaves.

What is the disadvantage?

Small organisations that cannot afford to pay an employee without productivity might change their hiring patterns. Some may even prefer to lay-off employees as cost-cutting measures. Start-ups, which have recently emerged as major job creators, might review their hiring plans when capital becomes scarce



FAQs

When is the Maternity Benefit Act 1961?

The maternity benefit Act 1961 protects the employment of women during the time of her maternity and entitles her of a 'maternity benefit' - i.e. full paid absence from work - to take care for her child. The act is applicable to all establishments employing 10 or more persons.

How many will benefit from the amendment?

The amendments will help approximately 1.8 million women workforce in the organised sector

What does the bill say on creches?

Every establishment having fifty or more employees needs to have the facility of creche within such distance as may be prescribed, either separately or along with common facilities. The employer needs to allow a woman four visits a day to the creche, which shall also include the interval for rest allowed to her.

Is there a work from home feature?

Yes there is. The employer may facilitate "work from home" to a mother by if the nature of the work is conducive to such an arrangement.



The other side of the benefits

Several expert bodies like the WHO have recommended that 24 weeks of maternity leave is required to protect maternal and child health. However, since the costs of this leave are to be borne by the employer, it may have an adverse impact on job opportunities for women.

Various countries have implemented different funding models in relation to maternity benefits. In some countries the employer bears the cost, while in some others it is paid by the government.

While women will be provided with 26 weeks of maternity leave for two children, the period of leave for a third child will be 12 weeks. This could affect the growth and development of the third born child.

The Act and Bill cover women workers employed in establishments with 10 or more employees, and other notified establishments. However, a majority of the women workforce, who are in the unorganised sectors, may not be covered.

There are several labour laws that provide maternity benefits to women in different sectors. These laws differ in their coverage, benefits and financing of such benefits.

Source: prsindia.org



Maternity leave around the world

Finland

Expecting mothers in Finland can start their maternity leave seven weeks prior to their estimated due date and then after that the government offers a maternity grant which covers 16 additional weeks of paid leave

Sweden

In Sweden new parents are eligible for 480 days of leave at 80 percent of their normal pay. This includes the guaranteed 18 weeks mothers get, after which the parents can split up the time however they choose

Iceland

New Icelandic moms can get nine months of post-childbirth leave and can decide if and how they want to split it with the new dads

Denmark

New mothers get a total of 18 weeks of maternity leave at full pay. They get four weeks before the birth and 14 weeks after

Belgium

Belgium allows mothers to take up to 15 weeks for maternity leave. For the first month after the child is born, the mothers will get paid 80 percent of their salary  they get 75 percent for the rest of the time

Estonia

In Estonia, women are given 140 days of fully paid pregnancy and maternity leave, which can begin 30-70 days before their expected delivery date

Norway

Parents get a benefit period of 49 weeks at 100 per cent coverage and 59 weeks at 80 per cent coverage between both the parents

Source: www.makers.com, www.nav.no



President Pranab Mukherjee has granted assent to the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 which will now allow women to take up to 26 weeks of maternity leave for up to two surviving children from the earlier 12 weeks. The Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha on August 11 last year and it was subsequently passed in the Lok Sabha on March 9. The positive side of the story is it will bring more number of women in the organised work force. However, on the other hand it might also force smaller organisations to change their hiring pattern. What does it say about maternity leave? The Act increases the maximum period of maternity benefit from the existing 12 weeks to 26 weeks, in case of women who have less than two surviving children. In other cases, the existing period of 12 weeks maternity benefit shall continue. It introduces maternity leave of up to 12 weeks for a woman who legally adopts a child below the age of three months and also for commissioning mothers. The maternity benefit will be for a period of twelve weeks from the date the child is handed over to the adopting mother or the commissioning mother. What are the advantages? More number of women will look at getting into organised work force since the act enables them to take leave without having to worry about quitting the job. Firms will now be able to retain their experienced female employees who sometimes tend to resign post pregnancy. Which major countries did India leave behind? After India doubled its maternity leave to 26 weeks, it has left behind developed countries like France, Germany and Japan that have less than 20 weeks of paid maternity leaves. What is the disadvantage? Small organisations that cannot afford to pay an employee without productivity might change their hiring patterns. Some may even prefer to lay-off employees as cost-cutting measures. Start-ups, which have recently emerged as major job creators, might review their hiring plans when capital becomes scarce FAQs When is the Maternity Benefit Act 1961? The maternity benefit Act 1961 protects the employment of women during the time of her maternity and entitles her of a 'maternity benefit' - i.e. full paid absence from work - to take care for her child. The act is applicable to all establishments employing 10 or more persons. How many will benefit from the amendment? The amendments will help approximately 1.8 million women workforce in the organised sector What does the bill say on creches? Every establishment having fifty or more employees needs to have the facility of creche within such distance as may be prescribed, either separately or along with common facilities. The employer needs to allow a woman four visits a day to the creche, which shall also include the interval for rest allowed to her. Is there a work from home feature? Yes there is. The employer may facilitate "work from home" to a mother by if the nature of the work is conducive to such an arrangement.The other side of the benefits Several expert bodies like the WHO have recommended that 24 weeks of maternity leave is required to protect maternal and child health. However, since the costs of this leave are to be borne by the employer, it may have an adverse impact on job opportunities for women. Various countries have implemented different funding models in relation to maternity benefits. In some countries the employer bears the cost, while in some others it is paid by the government. While women will be provided with 26 weeks of maternity leave for two children, the period of leave for a third child will be 12 weeks. This could affect the growth and development of the third born child. The Act and Bill cover women workers employed in establishments with 10 or more employees, and other notified establishments. However, a majority of the women workforce, who are in the unorganised sectors, may not be covered. There are several labour laws that provide maternity benefits to women in different sectors. These laws differ in their coverage, benefits and financing of such benefits.Source: prsindia.orgMaternity leave around the world Finland Expecting mothers in Finland can start their maternity leave seven weeks prior to their estimated due date and then after that the government offers a maternity grant which covers 16 additional weeks of paid leave Sweden In Sweden new parents are eligible for 480 days of leave at 80 percent of their normal pay. This includes the guaranteed 18 weeks mothers get, after which the parents can split up the time however they choose Iceland New Icelandic moms can get nine months of post-childbirth leave and can decide if and how they want to split it with the new dads Denmark New mothers get a total of 18 weeks of maternity leave at full pay. They get four weeks before the birth and 14 weeks after Belgium Belgium allows mothers to take up to 15 weeks for maternity leave. For the first month after the child is born, the mothers will get paid 80 percent of their salary  they get 75 percent for the rest of the time Estonia In Estonia, women are given 140 days of fully paid pregnancy and maternity leave, which can begin 30-70 days before their expected delivery date Norway Parents get a benefit period of 49 weeks at 100 per cent coverage and 59 weeks at 80 per cent coverage between both the parents Source: www.makers.com, www.nav.no
By PTI

ALLAHABAD: Additional Sessions Judge Om Prakash Mishra who granted bail to the rape accused Samajwadi Party leader and former minister Gayatri Prajapati was suspended on Friday.



The court has also ordered a departmental inquiry against the judge.



According to reports, Justice Sudhir Agarwal will conduct the probe against the judge. The news was confirmed by Registrar general D.K. Singh.



The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on Friday stayed the bail given to Prajapati in a rape case by a local court.



Prajapati, who was arrested in connection with a case of an alleged sexual assault of a minor girl, was released from the district jail in Lucknow earlier on Wednesday.



Prajapati was earlier granted bail by a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court, Lucknow.



Two associates of Prajapati were also given bail. The court asked them to furnish two sureties of Rs one lakh each and a personal bond of same amount as a condition of bail.



Prajapati was arrested on March 15 from the Aashiyana area in Lucknow by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF).



The Samajwadi Party leader, who was also accused of allegedly raping the girl's mother, evaded his arrest for nearly a month before he was arrested.



Earlier in February, a police complaint had been filed against the former minister and six others in the case following the Supreme Court's order.



The Uttar Pradesh Police had also filed a non- bailable warrant against the former minister and six others for the same.

ALLAHABAD: Additional Sessions Judge Om Prakash Mishra who granted bail to the rape accused Samajwadi Party leader and former minister Gayatri Prajapati was suspended on Friday. The court has also ordered a departmental inquiry against the judge. According to reports, Justice Sudhir Agarwal will conduct the probe against the judge. The news was confirmed by Registrar general D.K. Singh. The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on Friday stayed the bail given to Prajapati in a rape case by a local court. Prajapati, who was arrested in connection with a case of an alleged sexual assault of a minor girl, was released from the district jail in Lucknow earlier on Wednesday. Prajapati was earlier granted bail by a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court, Lucknow. Two associates of Prajapati were also given bail. The court asked them to furnish two sureties of Rs one lakh each and a personal bond of same amount as a condition of bail. Prajapati was arrested on March 15 from the Aashiyana area in Lucknow by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF). The Samajwadi Party leader, who was also accused of allegedly raping the girl's mother, evaded his arrest for nearly a month before he was arrested. Earlier in February, a police complaint had been filed against the former minister and six others in the case following the Supreme Court's order. The Uttar Pradesh Police had also filed a non- bailable warrant against the former minister and six others for the same.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The BJP leader Ram Madhav on Saturday claimed that the separatists in the Kashmir valley have only one motto -- one dead body a day  to play sentimental politics. He charged that the separatists use people in the valley as Guinea pigs in their reprehensible politics of violence and separatism.

Madhav, who is the BJPs point-person for Jammu and Kashmir, maintained that forces have very few pellet guns and use them in rare situations only. Even where used they are deemed less lethal than normal guns and bullets. Even there the forces are trained to maintain maximum restraint and use other methods to control violence, he said in a reaction to the Supreme Courts dismissal of a PIL against the use of pellet guns.

He stated that the government's stand is and should be clear. Tackle militants and their sponsors with utmost toughness. Handle misguided youths coming onto the streets with stones in hand with deftness so that violence is firmly put down but care is taken to prevent loss of life.

The security forces and the government on the other hand try their best to ensure that the ill-intentions of the separatists don't succeed, said Madhav, while adding that it is a difficult job being executed with commendable sincerity by the government and security forces.

Referring to the Central governments submission to the Supreme Court on Friday that there is no plan to hold any talks with the separatists and those who are not loyal to India, the BJP leader expressed satisfaction that the apex court took a strong stand against the petitioners' demand that pellet guns be withdrawn, while exhorting them to first stop stone pelting and street violence before asking security forces to withdraw pellet guns. Stand of the SC judges including CJI is commendable and I am sure patriotic people in the country, including those in the valley welcome this position of the Court, added Madhav.

NEW DELHI: The BJP leader Ram Madhav on Saturday claimed that the separatists in the Kashmir valley have only one motto -- one dead body a day  to play sentimental politics. He charged that the separatists use people in the valley as Guinea pigs in their reprehensible politics of violence and separatism. Madhav, who is the BJPs point-person for Jammu and Kashmir, maintained that forces have very few pellet guns and use them in rare situations only. Even where used they are deemed less lethal than normal guns and bullets. Even there the forces are trained to maintain maximum restraint and use other methods to control violence, he said in a reaction to the Supreme Courts dismissal of a PIL against the use of pellet guns. He stated that the government's stand is and should be clear. Tackle militants and their sponsors with utmost toughness. Handle misguided youths coming onto the streets with stones in hand with deftness so that violence is firmly put down but care is taken to prevent loss of life. The security forces and the government on the other hand try their best to ensure that the ill-intentions of the separatists don't succeed, said Madhav, while adding that it is a difficult job being executed with commendable sincerity by the government and security forces. Referring to the Central governments submission to the Supreme Court on Friday that there is no plan to hold any talks with the separatists and those who are not loyal to India, the BJP leader expressed satisfaction that the apex court took a strong stand against the petitioners' demand that pellet guns be withdrawn, while exhorting them to first stop stone pelting and street violence before asking security forces to withdraw pellet guns. Stand of the SC judges including CJI is commendable and I am sure patriotic people in the country, including those in the valley welcome this position of the Court, added Madhav.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: A half-concrete, half-thatched roof house in Jauharpur village in Banda hardly appears different from others in the vicinity. The owner, Lakhan Singh, in his late 80s, is a farmer and lives with his wife Kalawati, youngest of the four sons and their grandchildren.

However, what sets it apart is the name plate on the front wall that reads Sulkhan Singh, IPS. Last week, Lakhan Singh was busy discussing sowing the next paddy crop, when he heard that his eldest son Sulkhan Singh, had been appointed chief of the worlds largest police force.

Just a year shy of retirement, Sulkhan Singh, known for his honesty and straightforwardness had been dumped at the police training centre, Unnao, by the previous SP government.

It was unexpected, also because he was not part of any lobbying  as is the norm in this State with a highly politicised bureaucracy and police force.

He is also known as a hard task master, an expert in police paper work and an adept trainer. For Jauharpur, of course, it was time for big-time celebration.

The 1980 batch officer, who has just five months in hand, has a firm conviction to set the States law and order machinery right. Anybody indulging in criminal activities or taking the law into their hand will face the consequences. We have clear orders from the chief minister, says Singh.

The bitterness of being ignored by the successive governments and surpassed several times for the top job  his predecessor Javeed Ahmad, was four years junior to him  is hardly visible.

The fulfillment of ambitions is a state of mind, he says philosophically while talking exclusively to the New Indian Express, for that even a lifetime is not sufficient.

If the rightful due came a bit late, he attributes much to the right time and place, chance and fate for things to fall in favour.

He is also very candid about the image of the Uttar Pradesh police, and his biggest challenge, as UP top cop, would be to rein in the brazenness of the force.

Policing is a harsh and unpleasant endeavour. My intent is to make it public friendly and consensual, he says.

Sulkhan Singh studied at Tindwari Secondary school, and left home for the first time to do class 12th from Banda in Bundelkhand district with parched land, otherwise known as the hunting ground of dreaded dacoits like Dadua.

He cracked IIT Roorkee in the first attempt, and after completing B.Tech in civil engineering, he went to IIT Delhi for MTech and got selected for railway services in 1979.

In another first, he got accepted into the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1980.

Having held various key posts in police headquarters in Allahabad, training and jail departments, Singh has also served as inspector general (IG) Lucknow zone and deputy IG Lucknow Range.

Sulkhan Singh has first-hand experience of crime control and effective policing during his tenure in the district police force.

On the requirement and relevance of the anti-Romeo Sqaud, the DGP says it has evoked confidence among women and they have appreciated the step. Anti-Romeo sqauds have been given a list of dos and donts, plus a body camera to record the field action in order to rule out alleged harassment of the innocent.

He reiterates his resolve to rein in vigilante groups saying, Nobody will be allowed to play with law in the name of Gau Raksha at any cost.

Sulkhan Singh is also trying to reinitiate the rehabilitation and relocation of destitute mental patients found on roads, one of his favourite endeavours, in his career as a cop.

LUCKNOW: A half-concrete, half-thatched roof house in Jauharpur village in Banda hardly appears different from others in the vicinity. The owner, Lakhan Singh, in his late 80s, is a farmer and lives with his wife Kalawati, youngest of the four sons and their grandchildren. However, what sets it apart is the name plate on the front wall that reads Sulkhan Singh, IPS. Last week, Lakhan Singh was busy discussing sowing the next paddy crop, when he heard that his eldest son Sulkhan Singh, had been appointed chief of the worlds largest police force. Just a year shy of retirement, Sulkhan Singh, known for his honesty and straightforwardness had been dumped at the police training centre, Unnao, by the previous SP government. It was unexpected, also because he was not part of any lobbying  as is the norm in this State with a highly politicised bureaucracy and police force. He is also known as a hard task master, an expert in police paper work and an adept trainer. For Jauharpur, of course, it was time for big-time celebration. The 1980 batch officer, who has just five months in hand, has a firm conviction to set the States law and order machinery right. Anybody indulging in criminal activities or taking the law into their hand will face the consequences. We have clear orders from the chief minister, says Singh. The bitterness of being ignored by the successive governments and surpassed several times for the top job  his predecessor Javeed Ahmad, was four years junior to him  is hardly visible. The fulfillment of ambitions is a state of mind, he says philosophically while talking exclusively to the New Indian Express, for that even a lifetime is not sufficient. If the rightful due came a bit late, he attributes much to the right time and place, chance and fate for things to fall in favour. He is also very candid about the image of the Uttar Pradesh police, and his biggest challenge, as UP top cop, would be to rein in the brazenness of the force. Policing is a harsh and unpleasant endeavour. My intent is to make it public friendly and consensual, he says. Sulkhan Singh studied at Tindwari Secondary school, and left home for the first time to do class 12th from Banda in Bundelkhand district with parched land, otherwise known as the hunting ground of dreaded dacoits like Dadua. He cracked IIT Roorkee in the first attempt, and after completing B.Tech in civil engineering, he went to IIT Delhi for MTech and got selected for railway services in 1979. In another first, he got accepted into the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1980. Having held various key posts in police headquarters in Allahabad, training and jail departments, Singh has also served as inspector general (IG) Lucknow zone and deputy IG Lucknow Range. Sulkhan Singh has first-hand experience of crime control and effective policing during his tenure in the district police force. On the requirement and relevance of the anti-Romeo Sqaud, the DGP says it has evoked confidence among women and they have appreciated the step. Anti-Romeo sqauds have been given a list of dos and donts, plus a body camera to record the field action in order to rule out alleged harassment of the innocent. He reiterates his resolve to rein in vigilante groups saying, Nobody will be allowed to play with law in the name of Gau Raksha at any cost. Sulkhan Singh is also trying to reinitiate the rehabilitation and relocation of destitute mental patients found on roads, one of his favourite endeavours, in his career as a cop.
Balbir Punj By

It seems there isnt enough of a sense of urgency in the country as a whole either to the clouds gathering over our horizon or to the many signs of our being surrounded. If there were, there would have been a countrywide outrage at what happened in Sukma.

True, we did not lack in offering the respect and honour the martyred policemen deserved and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh himself warned the Naxal leaders that their movement would be made to pay heavily for coercing the villagers to partner them in the attack on the security forces.

Such counter threats would have only limited value in revolutions where the participants are brainwashed to believe that there would be instant salvation under a Maoist rule as against the long-drawn procedures in our system.

The capability of the Naxalites to get to know the movement of the security forces in advance and surprise them by surrounding and killing them en masse was what was demonstrated in Sukma in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. Several such incidents including the murders of the states political leaders has happened in the same troubled region earlier. Why do such ghastly incidents get repeated regularly?

Both the operational leadership of the security forces and the political leadership in Raipur and New Delhi are yet to convince people that they are not a bunch of lotus eaters but are rising up to the multiple challenges of the well-armed Naxal movement.

The occasional reports we get of some Maoists being captured alive and held outside Bastar are not convincing enough. Going by the responses that have filled social media pages, little attention has been paid to understand the basic causes that turn long suffering but innocent villagers, especially tribals, into devoted Naxal supporters. True, it is the grip of unchallengeable violence that turns the denizens of the mineral-rich forests into obedient Marxists. Reports from Sukma say the brain behind the latest attack is a 32-year-old Naxal leader known as Hidma.

What should be of greater value to those who intelligently track the Naxal movement socially is that Hidma is a tribal belonging to the area. Have we asked the right questions in tracking the roots of the movement that has defied the Indian state all these years, irrespective of the party in power in New Delhi or Raipur?

What is the level of real influence the elected MLAs and MPs have? These are all constituencies reserved for tribals.Has any independent research been promoted on the influence these politicians, who are from among the sons of the soil, have on the people? Has any self-examination been done by political parties on the weight they carry in the constituencies they are elected to represent?

And what about the government officers at various levels who get their jobs due to the tribal tag and claim priority because of it? The fact has to be faced that the state apparatus as such does not like journalists who, though they come from outside, succeed in picking up the deeper threads.

From the post-Sukma reports, we see that the Naxals have a whole array of modern weapons including AK-47 guns. Some of these may be weapons that they grabbed from security forces themselves in ambushes.

But the weapons also need auxiliaries. The guns need specialised ammunition. How do these Naxal leaders manage to build up a supply chain and keep it ticking when such a chain has to necessarily run through several states?

The experience of seizures of illegal weapons in Andhra reveals the foreign source of supply with a small portion coming from local gangs engaged in weapon smuggling. But the weapon types used in this attack expose much deeper linkages and sources that connect them to our countrys sworn enemies.

Is Sukma connected to stone-throwing protests in Srinagar? In the records of the government are intelligence reports about select Naxal leaders meeting Kashmiri and Pakistani militants with some specific arrangements existing and regular review going on under the nose of our security establishment.

In Kashmir, infiltrating Pakistan-trained terrorists and local militants provoke events that show the Indian security establishment in bad light. And when Naxal leaders create events that also aim at the security establishment, and many similar incidents occur beyond the eastern borders, can we afford to ignore what looks like a linkage to encircle our country?

Two specific developments should immediately strike us in this context. One is the renewed noise that Beijing is making over the Dalai Lamas visit to Arunachal Pradesh and the name change of various parts of that state of ours that Beijing has announced as if it is a Chinese territory.

The naval engagements that China is planning in the Indian Ocean should also be read in the context of its big ticket investment of nearly 50 billion dollars in building the transport and industrial corridor linking its southern provinces to the Chinese-built huge port and naval facilities in Gwadar in Pakistan. There cannot be a more explicit statement of China-Pakistan encirclement aimed at our country.

In this, the Naxals with their Maoist ideology and arms supply from outside, the Kashmiri separatists and student jihadis play a vital part. They believe that the weaker the security situation in India gets, the better for them as they can achieve their intentions.

There is a third elementour own Left-liberal bloc. They try to urge the policy makers to ignore the seriousness of Marxist Chinas plan for encirclement of India. The ambush in Sukma is yet another more wake-up call.

Balbir Punj

Former Rajya Sabha member and Delhi-based commentator on social and political issues

Email: punjbalbir@gmail.com

It seems there isnt enough of a sense of urgency in the country as a whole either to the clouds gathering over our horizon or to the many signs of our being surrounded. If there were, there would have been a countrywide outrage at what happened in Sukma. True, we did not lack in offering the respect and honour the martyred policemen deserved and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh himself warned the Naxal leaders that their movement would be made to pay heavily for coercing the villagers to partner them in the attack on the security forces. Such counter threats would have only limited value in revolutions where the participants are brainwashed to believe that there would be instant salvation under a Maoist rule as against the long-drawn procedures in our system. The capability of the Naxalites to get to know the movement of the security forces in advance and surprise them by surrounding and killing them en masse was what was demonstrated in Sukma in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. Several such incidents including the murders of the states political leaders has happened in the same troubled region earlier. Why do such ghastly incidents get repeated regularly? Both the operational leadership of the security forces and the political leadership in Raipur and New Delhi are yet to convince people that they are not a bunch of lotus eaters but are rising up to the multiple challenges of the well-armed Naxal movement. The occasional reports we get of some Maoists being captured alive and held outside Bastar are not convincing enough. Going by the responses that have filled social media pages, little attention has been paid to understand the basic causes that turn long suffering but innocent villagers, especially tribals, into devoted Naxal supporters. True, it is the grip of unchallengeable violence that turns the denizens of the mineral-rich forests into obedient Marxists. Reports from Sukma say the brain behind the latest attack is a 32-year-old Naxal leader known as Hidma. What should be of greater value to those who intelligently track the Naxal movement socially is that Hidma is a tribal belonging to the area. Have we asked the right questions in tracking the roots of the movement that has defied the Indian state all these years, irrespective of the party in power in New Delhi or Raipur? What is the level of real influence the elected MLAs and MPs have? These are all constituencies reserved for tribals.Has any independent research been promoted on the influence these politicians, who are from among the sons of the soil, have on the people? Has any self-examination been done by political parties on the weight they carry in the constituencies they are elected to represent? And what about the government officers at various levels who get their jobs due to the tribal tag and claim priority because of it? The fact has to be faced that the state apparatus as such does not like journalists who, though they come from outside, succeed in picking up the deeper threads. From the post-Sukma reports, we see that the Naxals have a whole array of modern weapons including AK-47 guns. Some of these may be weapons that they grabbed from security forces themselves in ambushes. But the weapons also need auxiliaries. The guns need specialised ammunition. How do these Naxal leaders manage to build up a supply chain and keep it ticking when such a chain has to necessarily run through several states? The experience of seizures of illegal weapons in Andhra reveals the foreign source of supply with a small portion coming from local gangs engaged in weapon smuggling. But the weapon types used in this attack expose much deeper linkages and sources that connect them to our countrys sworn enemies. Is Sukma connected to stone-throwing protests in Srinagar? In the records of the government are intelligence reports about select Naxal leaders meeting Kashmiri and Pakistani militants with some specific arrangements existing and regular review going on under the nose of our security establishment. In Kashmir, infiltrating Pakistan-trained terrorists and local militants provoke events that show the Indian security establishment in bad light. And when Naxal leaders create events that also aim at the security establishment, and many similar incidents occur beyond the eastern borders, can we afford to ignore what looks like a linkage to encircle our country? Two specific developments should immediately strike us in this context. One is the renewed noise that Beijing is making over the Dalai Lamas visit to Arunachal Pradesh and the name change of various parts of that state of ours that Beijing has announced as if it is a Chinese territory. The naval engagements that China is planning in the Indian Ocean should also be read in the context of its big ticket investment of nearly 50 billion dollars in building the transport and industrial corridor linking its southern provinces to the Chinese-built huge port and naval facilities in Gwadar in Pakistan. There cannot be a more explicit statement of China-Pakistan encirclement aimed at our country. In this, the Naxals with their Maoist ideology and arms supply from outside, the Kashmiri separatists and student jihadis play a vital part. They believe that the weaker the security situation in India gets, the better for them as they can achieve their intentions. There is a third elementour own Left-liberal bloc. They try to urge the policy makers to ignore the seriousness of Marxist Chinas plan for encirclement of India. The ambush in Sukma is yet another more wake-up call. Balbir Punj Former Rajya Sabha member and Delhi-based commentator on social and political issues Email: punjbalbir@gmail.com
Nandini Chandrashekar By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: Deep underwater wells in water-scarce areas is the latest and ambitious solution offered by the Karnataka government to tide over the drought situation prevailing in several parts of the State.

Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj H K Patil has announced this project in 10 areas, including Indi, Aland, Kolar and Gadag, that are facing chronic water shortage. The idea is to drill wells that are up to almost a kilometre deep to extract pure, uncontaminated water.

The spark for the project came from a presentation made by a private company, WaterQuest Hydroresources Management Ltd, this year in Delhi at a water conservation meet hosted by the Centre.

The minister is keen on engaging the company to drill underground to tap water veins. I am personally convinced of it. We want to go ahead with it, Patil said, admitting that no environmental or impact assessment has been made for this project.

This is how the idea works: the companys water specialists will detect with high precision the presence and location of naturally desalinated self-recharging water sources typically between the depths of 300 to 800m. Patil said the company promised to identify spots where water would be delivered at a rate of 80,000 to 100,000 litres every hour.

Their not-yet patented technology assures a 98 per cent accuracy in finding water. The state government is also pointing that it is one of the technologies that has been accredited by the Dr Mashelkar committee on water.

Chairman of the Centre for Earth Sciences at IISc, Prof D Nagesh Kumar, however, dismissed such a notion. Unlike other areas, the Deccan Plateau is made of thick hard rock and water would be able to emerge only from fractures. At 800 metres this would only be available at some locations and such places would have to be identified with geophysical investigations, he said. The state is keen on having this drilling in precisely those areas with hard rock like Bagalkot, Gadag and Kolar.

The cost is quite prohibitive as well. It is expected to cost around Rs 12.5 crore per drilling.

When areas like Kolar already have borewells at roughly 550m to hit the groundwater and even run dry, it is interesting how the company plans to gain access to self recharging perennial water sources at 800 metres.

Prof M S Mohan Kumar,Department of Civil Engineering at IISc, says the government would be well advised to consider proven technologies like desalination process as an alternative, when the costs are high.

But environmentalist Yellappa Reddy is not convinced. We have dug enough holes in the ground...this will create instability and make the ground susceptible to tremors. These damages are irreversible. How can they assure us about the quality of the water? At 300 to 400m, there is enough arsenic and flouride content in the water to be harmful to us. The impact is not felt immediately, but after years and then it is too late, he said.

BENGALURU: Deep underwater wells in water-scarce areas is the latest and ambitious solution offered by the Karnataka government to tide over the drought situation prevailing in several parts of the State. Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj H K Patil has announced this project in 10 areas, including Indi, Aland, Kolar and Gadag, that are facing chronic water shortage. The idea is to drill wells that are up to almost a kilometre deep to extract pure, uncontaminated water. The spark for the project came from a presentation made by a private company, WaterQuest Hydroresources Management Ltd, this year in Delhi at a water conservation meet hosted by the Centre. The minister is keen on engaging the company to drill underground to tap water veins. I am personally convinced of it. We want to go ahead with it, Patil said, admitting that no environmental or impact assessment has been made for this project. This is how the idea works: the companys water specialists will detect with high precision the presence and location of naturally desalinated self-recharging water sources typically between the depths of 300 to 800m. Patil said the company promised to identify spots where water would be delivered at a rate of 80,000 to 100,000 litres every hour. Their not-yet patented technology assures a 98 per cent accuracy in finding water. The state government is also pointing that it is one of the technologies that has been accredited by the Dr Mashelkar committee on water. Chairman of the Centre for Earth Sciences at IISc, Prof D Nagesh Kumar, however, dismissed such a notion. Unlike other areas, the Deccan Plateau is made of thick hard rock and water would be able to emerge only from fractures. At 800 metres this would only be available at some locations and such places would have to be identified with geophysical investigations, he said. The state is keen on having this drilling in precisely those areas with hard rock like Bagalkot, Gadag and Kolar. The cost is quite prohibitive as well. It is expected to cost around Rs 12.5 crore per drilling. When areas like Kolar already have borewells at roughly 550m to hit the groundwater and even run dry, it is interesting how the company plans to gain access to self recharging perennial water sources at 800 metres. Prof M S Mohan Kumar,Department of Civil Engineering at IISc, says the government would be well advised to consider proven technologies like desalination process as an alternative, when the costs are high. But environmentalist Yellappa Reddy is not convinced. We have dug enough holes in the ground...this will create instability and make the ground susceptible to tremors. These damages are irreversible. How can they assure us about the quality of the water? At 300 to 400m, there is enough arsenic and flouride content in the water to be harmful to us. The impact is not felt immediately, but after years and then it is too late, he said.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: The infighting in Karnataka has reached Delhi. The BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa landed in the National Capital on Friday to complain against senior leader K S Eshwarappa, who has raised a banner of revolt against Yeddyurappa.

Yeddyurappas intended meeting with BJP National President Amit Shah is not happening as Shah left to Jammu and Kashmir for a visit. As a result, Yeddyurappa is set take up the issue with the BJP National General Secretary, in-charge of the party affairs in Karnataka Muralidhara Rao, and BJP National General Secretary(Organisation) Ramlal on Saturday.

Yeddyurappa, who is carrying the CDs of the Save BJP rally organised by Eshwarappa group, is set to present a strong argument to expel Eshwarappa from the party. With this, he also wants to send a strong message to the dissidents.

I am keen to work unitedly with every one in the party. But, a few leaders have crossed their limits. Their statements have infuriated many legislators. I expect them to mend their ways, Yeddyurappa said.

Meanwhile, Yeddyurappa is preparing the ground to remove Eshwarappa from the post of Leader of the opposition in the Legislative Council. Party MLC D S Veeraiah, who met Yeddyurappa on Friday, questioned about Eshwarappa continuing in the post after raising a banner of revolt against the state leadership.

Santoshs role under scanner

The role of National Joint Secretary(Organisation) B L Santosh too is likely to come under the scanner as Yeddyurappa has accused Santosh as the mastermind behind the entire episode. Conveying his displeasure against Santosh, Yeddyurappa said, Our National Joint Secretary, who has many responsibilities at the national level, is also found to be involved. I wish he will desist from creating unnecessary confusion.

Meanwhile, Yeddyurappa has sacked a computer operator in the BJP State Head Office, who is said to be close to Santosh, for drafting the handbills of the rebels rally and designing the posters and banners of the rally using the properties at office.

Ripples of Yeddyurappa, Eshwarappa feud felt in Mysuru

Mysuru: Tension prevailed for some time in the BJP office when supporters of Yeddyurappa and K S Eshwarappa locked horns and raised slogans against each other.

The supporters of Eshwarappa objected to MLC Puttaswamys remarks accusing their leader of indulging in anti-party activities. The ripples of the feud between both the senior leaders Eshwarappa and Yeddyurappa  was felt at the party function held for the induction of JD(S) corporator B M Natraj and RSS leader Giridhar into party fold on Friday.

Supporters of Eshwarappa disrupted Puttaswamys speech and demanded an apology from him. Police and local leaders rushed to the spot and brought situation under control as followers of both the leaders started raising pro and against slogans.

KSE slammed for comments

Shivamogga: Eshwarappa should mind his language. His words show his arrogance. He should apologise for the words he used against Yeddyurappa at the dissidence meeting held in Bengaluru on Wednesday, said BJP leader Ayanur Manjunath. At a press conference here on Friday, Ayanur said Eshwarappa said navu namma appa ammanige huttidavaru (we are born to our parents), which he indirectly alluded to Yeddyurappa. Such a derogatory and arrogant statement should not have been uttered, he said. He challenged Eshwarappa to exhibit his strength by winning the Assembly constituency by fielding his supporters in Shivamogga.

BENGALURU: The infighting in Karnataka has reached Delhi. The BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa landed in the National Capital on Friday to complain against senior leader K S Eshwarappa, who has raised a banner of revolt against Yeddyurappa. Yeddyurappas intended meeting with BJP National President Amit Shah is not happening as Shah left to Jammu and Kashmir for a visit. As a result, Yeddyurappa is set take up the issue with the BJP National General Secretary, in-charge of the party affairs in Karnataka Muralidhara Rao, and BJP National General Secretary(Organisation) Ramlal on Saturday. Yeddyurappa, who is carrying the CDs of the Save BJP rally organised by Eshwarappa group, is set to present a strong argument to expel Eshwarappa from the party. With this, he also wants to send a strong message to the dissidents. I am keen to work unitedly with every one in the party. But, a few leaders have crossed their limits. Their statements have infuriated many legislators. I expect them to mend their ways, Yeddyurappa said. Meanwhile, Yeddyurappa is preparing the ground to remove Eshwarappa from the post of Leader of the opposition in the Legislative Council. Party MLC D S Veeraiah, who met Yeddyurappa on Friday, questioned about Eshwarappa continuing in the post after raising a banner of revolt against the state leadership. Santoshs role under scanner The role of National Joint Secretary(Organisation) B L Santosh too is likely to come under the scanner as Yeddyurappa has accused Santosh as the mastermind behind the entire episode. Conveying his displeasure against Santosh, Yeddyurappa said, Our National Joint Secretary, who has many responsibilities at the national level, is also found to be involved. I wish he will desist from creating unnecessary confusion. Meanwhile, Yeddyurappa has sacked a computer operator in the BJP State Head Office, who is said to be close to Santosh, for drafting the handbills of the rebels rally and designing the posters and banners of the rally using the properties at office. Ripples of Yeddyurappa, Eshwarappa feud felt in Mysuru Mysuru: Tension prevailed for some time in the BJP office when supporters of Yeddyurappa and K S Eshwarappa locked horns and raised slogans against each other. The supporters of Eshwarappa objected to MLC Puttaswamys remarks accusing their leader of indulging in anti-party activities. The ripples of the feud between both the senior leaders Eshwarappa and Yeddyurappa  was felt at the party function held for the induction of JD(S) corporator B M Natraj and RSS leader Giridhar into party fold on Friday. Supporters of Eshwarappa disrupted Puttaswamys speech and demanded an apology from him. Police and local leaders rushed to the spot and brought situation under control as followers of both the leaders started raising pro and against slogans. KSE slammed for comments Shivamogga: Eshwarappa should mind his language. His words show his arrogance. He should apologise for the words he used against Yeddyurappa at the dissidence meeting held in Bengaluru on Wednesday, said BJP leader Ayanur Manjunath. At a press conference here on Friday, Ayanur said Eshwarappa said navu namma appa ammanige huttidavaru (we are born to our parents), which he indirectly alluded to Yeddyurappa. Such a derogatory and arrogant statement should not have been uttered, he said. He challenged Eshwarappa to exhibit his strength by winning the Assembly constituency by fielding his supporters in Shivamogga.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Close on the heels of the government approaching the senior lawyer Harish Salve to challenge the reinstatement of T P Senkumar as the state police chief following the Supreme Court order, the officer is all set to file contempt of court charges against the State government.



Expressing displeasure over the government's delay in implementing the judgement, Senkumar said that he would approach the apex court in two days based on the advice of his counsel Harris Beeran. "My lawyer Harris Beeran will do an appropriate action at an appropriate time. I don't know why the government is delaying it. Let's see, if the things get clarity in two days", he told media persons on Saturday.



He also raised apprehension about the government's inaction on implementing his appointment in Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT). "The order regarding the appointment in KAT was issued on April 6. The advocate General has prepared

a list and they are supposed to hand over the list before the governor in two weeks for the nod. However, they did not send the order so far. I hope the government will take an action on this soon, Senkumar added.



Meanwhile, Haris Beeran alleged that the government was deliberately delaying the decision as the Supreme Court would close down for the summer vacation from May 9. The court will open only in July. On Friday, the government had sought the legal advice of Harish Salve overlooking the state law secretarys advice to reinstate him.



According to insiders, the government is leaving no stone unturned in the legal system to challenge the Supreme Court verdict. Though the only option left for the government is to file a review petition, they are thinking twice on whether it would be a wise move. This dilemma has prompted the government to approach the veteran lawyer Harish Salve.



The Supreme Court issued the landmark verdict reinstating Senkumar on Monday. The judgement favouring Senkumar came after his 11-month legal battle with the government. Senkumar was removed from the post in last June citing his alleged apathy in handling the case on Puttingal temple tragedy and the Jisha murder case. Though Senkumar was appointed the managing director of the Kerala Police Housing Construction Corporation Ltd, he refused to take up the post.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Close on the heels of the government approaching the senior lawyer Harish Salve to challenge the reinstatement of T P Senkumar as the state police chief following the Supreme Court order, the officer is all set to file contempt of court charges against the State government. Expressing displeasure over the government's delay in implementing the judgement, Senkumar said that he would approach the apex court in two days based on the advice of his counsel Harris Beeran. "My lawyer Harris Beeran will do an appropriate action at an appropriate time. I don't know why the government is delaying it. Let's see, if the things get clarity in two days", he told media persons on Saturday. He also raised apprehension about the government's inaction on implementing his appointment in Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT). "The order regarding the appointment in KAT was issued on April 6. The advocate General has prepared a list and they are supposed to hand over the list before the governor in two weeks for the nod. However, they did not send the order so far. I hope the government will take an action on this soon, Senkumar added. Meanwhile, Haris Beeran alleged that the government was deliberately delaying the decision as the Supreme Court would close down for the summer vacation from May 9. The court will open only in July. On Friday, the government had sought the legal advice of Harish Salve overlooking the state law secretarys advice to reinstate him. According to insiders, the government is leaving no stone unturned in the legal system to challenge the Supreme Court verdict. Though the only option left for the government is to file a review petition, they are thinking twice on whether it would be a wise move. This dilemma has prompted the government to approach the veteran lawyer Harish Salve. The Supreme Court issued the landmark verdict reinstating Senkumar on Monday. The judgement favouring Senkumar came after his 11-month legal battle with the government. Senkumar was removed from the post in last June citing his alleged apathy in handling the case on Puttingal temple tragedy and the Jisha murder case. Though Senkumar was appointed the managing director of the Kerala Police Housing Construction Corporation Ltd, he refused to take up the post.
By PTI

DHAKA: India will give Rs 350 million to children of freedom fighters in Bangladesh in the next five years under the new 'Muktijodha scholarship' scheme, High Commissioner Harsh Vardhan Shringla announced today. India initiated the Muktijodha Scholarship Scheme in 2006 for descendants of the 1971 Freedom Fighters.

Up to now, more than 10,000 scholarships worth Tk 150 million have been disbursed. This year, scholarships have been awarded to 600 under graduate students. Of them, 48 were from Chittagong, BDNews24.com reported. "You have fought shoulder to shoulder with Indian troops in 1971 and continue to be our eternal friends. May Almighty bless you all with good health, prosperity and happiness," Shringla told the freedom fighters gathered at the scholarship award ceremony in Chittagong.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Sheikh Hasina's visit to India announced that another 10,000 students will receive scholarships under the new Muktijodha scholarship scheme. All freedom fighters are now eligible for five years multiple entry Indian visa and 100 of them will be provided free medical treatment in Indian hospitals every year.

The High Commissioner said under the new scheme, students at higher secondary level will get an onetime grant of Tk 20,000 (Rs 15,3700) and those at Under graduate level will get Tk 50,000 (Rs 38,430). Shringla said the initiatives announced by Modi reflect "our continued solidarity with the valiant Muktijodhas". Minister for Housing and Public Works Mosharraf Hossain was also present at the ceremony.

DHAKA: India will give Rs 350 million to children of freedom fighters in Bangladesh in the next five years under the new 'Muktijodha scholarship' scheme, High Commissioner Harsh Vardhan Shringla announced today. India initiated the Muktijodha Scholarship Scheme in 2006 for descendants of the 1971 Freedom Fighters. Up to now, more than 10,000 scholarships worth Tk 150 million have been disbursed. This year, scholarships have been awarded to 600 under graduate students. Of them, 48 were from Chittagong, BDNews24.com reported. "You have fought shoulder to shoulder with Indian troops in 1971 and continue to be our eternal friends. May Almighty bless you all with good health, prosperity and happiness," Shringla told the freedom fighters gathered at the scholarship award ceremony in Chittagong. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Sheikh Hasina's visit to India announced that another 10,000 students will receive scholarships under the new Muktijodha scholarship scheme. All freedom fighters are now eligible for five years multiple entry Indian visa and 100 of them will be provided free medical treatment in Indian hospitals every year. The High Commissioner said under the new scheme, students at higher secondary level will get an onetime grant of Tk 20,000 (Rs 15,3700) and those at Under graduate level will get Tk 50,000 (Rs 38,430). Shringla said the initiatives announced by Modi reflect "our continued solidarity with the valiant Muktijodhas". Minister for Housing and Public Works Mosharraf Hossain was also present at the ceremony.
By AFP

MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte warned Southeast Asian leaders on Saturday they were facing a "massive" illegal drug menace that could destroy their societies, as he called for a united response.

Duterte, who has faced international condemnation for his own crackdown on drugs that has claimed thousands of lives, also insisted that outsiders should not interfere in Southeast Asia's affairs.

"The illegal drug trade is massive but it is not impregnable," Duterte said in a speech to open an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders summit.

"With political will and cooperation, it can be dismantled. It can be destroyed before it destroys our societies."

Duterte urged the leaders to be "resolute in realising a drug-free ASEAN".

Duterte has relentlessly railed against criticism of his drug war, which Amnesty International and other rights groups have warned may amount to a crime against humanity.

Duterte has said he is "happy to slaughter" millions of addicts in his quest to stop the Philippines from becoming a narco-state, and that human rights cannot stand in the way of eradicating drugs.

Police have reported killing 2,724 people as part of Duterte's anti-drug campaign, although authorities insist the shootings have been in self-defence.

Many thousands of others have been killed by shadowy vigilantes, according to rights groups.

A Filipino lawyer filed a complaint this week against Duterte at the International Criminal Court, accusing him of "mass murder" and alleging that as many as 8,000 people had died in the drug war.

In his speech to ASEAN leaders, Duterte highlighted the bloc's tradition of "non-interference".

He did this while talking about relations with the United States and the European Union, which have expressed concern about alleged extrajudicial killings in his drug war.

"Dialogue relations can be made more productive, constructive if the valued principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of the ASEAN member-states is observed," Duterte said.

Rights groups said in the lead-up to the summit that ASEAN leaders were unlikely to criticise Duterte, with Human Rights Watch calling the bloc "a club of cosy dictators or rights abusers".

Among the heads of undemocratic regimes in Manila are Thai military junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha, Cambodia's Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge cadre, and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei.

Some ASEAN leaders expressed support for Duterte and his drug war in Manila.

"We also share your country's concerns on the devastating effects of drugs upon society and I understand your personal resolve in combating it," Bolkiah said as Duterte hosted him at the presidential palace on Thursday.

MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte warned Southeast Asian leaders on Saturday they were facing a "massive" illegal drug menace that could destroy their societies, as he called for a united response. Duterte, who has faced international condemnation for his own crackdown on drugs that has claimed thousands of lives, also insisted that outsiders should not interfere in Southeast Asia's affairs. "The illegal drug trade is massive but it is not impregnable," Duterte said in a speech to open an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders summit. "With political will and cooperation, it can be dismantled. It can be destroyed before it destroys our societies." Duterte urged the leaders to be "resolute in realising a drug-free ASEAN". Duterte has relentlessly railed against criticism of his drug war, which Amnesty International and other rights groups have warned may amount to a crime against humanity. Duterte has said he is "happy to slaughter" millions of addicts in his quest to stop the Philippines from becoming a narco-state, and that human rights cannot stand in the way of eradicating drugs. Police have reported killing 2,724 people as part of Duterte's anti-drug campaign, although authorities insist the shootings have been in self-defence. Many thousands of others have been killed by shadowy vigilantes, according to rights groups. A Filipino lawyer filed a complaint this week against Duterte at the International Criminal Court, accusing him of "mass murder" and alleging that as many as 8,000 people had died in the drug war. In his speech to ASEAN leaders, Duterte highlighted the bloc's tradition of "non-interference". He did this while talking about relations with the United States and the European Union, which have expressed concern about alleged extrajudicial killings in his drug war. "Dialogue relations can be made more productive, constructive if the valued principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of the ASEAN member-states is observed," Duterte said. Rights groups said in the lead-up to the summit that ASEAN leaders were unlikely to criticise Duterte, with Human Rights Watch calling the bloc "a club of cosy dictators or rights abusers". Among the heads of undemocratic regimes in Manila are Thai military junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha, Cambodia's Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge cadre, and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei. Some ASEAN leaders expressed support for Duterte and his drug war in Manila. "We also share your country's concerns on the devastating effects of drugs upon society and I understand your personal resolve in combating it," Bolkiah said as Duterte hosted him at the presidential palace on Thursday.
By AFP

PARIS: Three people have been charged with supplying arms to jihadists who staged deadly attacks in 2015 on a Jewish supermarket in Paris and the Charlie Hebdo satirical weekly, a judicial source said.

Those charged this week include Samir L, believed to be linked to the sale of weapons to the supermarket attacker, as well as Miguel M and Abdelaziz A, who are thought to have been involved in trafficking arms between Belgium and France. Seven people have already been charged over the assaults.

The attackers had a wide array of weapons including guns that came from Slovakia. Investigators are trying to piece together how France- based jihadist Amedy Coulibaly obtained the weapons used in the January 9, 2015 attack on the supermarket. Coulibaly killed four people after taking shoppers hostage at the Jewish store.

Elite police later shot him dead as they stormed the building. He had killed a policewoman in the Montrouge suburb south of Paris the night before, when authorities think he may have initially been targeting a nearby Jewish school.

The attack was part of three days of terror in the French capital that began with the raid on the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine offices that killed 12 people.

PARIS: Three people have been charged with supplying arms to jihadists who staged deadly attacks in 2015 on a Jewish supermarket in Paris and the Charlie Hebdo satirical weekly, a judicial source said. Those charged this week include Samir L, believed to be linked to the sale of weapons to the supermarket attacker, as well as Miguel M and Abdelaziz A, who are thought to have been involved in trafficking arms between Belgium and France. Seven people have already been charged over the assaults. The attackers had a wide array of weapons including guns that came from Slovakia. Investigators are trying to piece together how France- based jihadist Amedy Coulibaly obtained the weapons used in the January 9, 2015 attack on the supermarket. Coulibaly killed four people after taking shoppers hostage at the Jewish store. Elite police later shot him dead as they stormed the building. He had killed a policewoman in the Montrouge suburb south of Paris the night before, when authorities think he may have initially been targeting a nearby Jewish school. The attack was part of three days of terror in the French capital that began with the raid on the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine offices that killed 12 people.
By PTI

TOKYO: Tokyo's main subway system suspended its service for 10 minutes this morning, shortly after North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile.

It was the first time Tokyo Metro took such a step, following the adoption of new rules this month to stop trains and check for safety in response to news of any missile launches that can potentially hit Japan, local media said.

Trains were stopped at 6:07 am local time after the launch which happened around 2030 GMT, according to national broadcaster NHK.

Around 13,000 people were affected by the halt in service, Kyodo News said.

"It (subway suspension) was a decision of the operator," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a briefing.

"We ask that people stay calm and stay informed. At this time, the latest incident has absolutely no impact on Japan," he said.

North Korea test-fired the missile in apparent defiance of a concerted US push for tougher international sanctions to curb Pyongyang's nuclear weapons ambitions.

The missile launch, which apparently failed, came as Japanese people began the annual Golden Week holiday season.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called Pyongyang's move "absolutely unacceptable" and a "grave threat to our country", speaking in London at the end of a three-day visit to Russia and Britain.

The launch came just hours after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned the UN Security Council of "catastrophic consequences" if the international community - most notably China - failed to pressure the North into abandoning its weapons programme.

TOKYO: Tokyo's main subway system suspended its service for 10 minutes this morning, shortly after North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile. It was the first time Tokyo Metro took such a step, following the adoption of new rules this month to stop trains and check for safety in response to news of any missile launches that can potentially hit Japan, local media said. Trains were stopped at 6:07 am local time after the launch which happened around 2030 GMT, according to national broadcaster NHK. Around 13,000 people were affected by the halt in service, Kyodo News said. "It (subway suspension) was a decision of the operator," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a briefing. "We ask that people stay calm and stay informed. At this time, the latest incident has absolutely no impact on Japan," he said. North Korea test-fired the missile in apparent defiance of a concerted US push for tougher international sanctions to curb Pyongyang's nuclear weapons ambitions. The missile launch, which apparently failed, came as Japanese people began the annual Golden Week holiday season. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called Pyongyang's move "absolutely unacceptable" and a "grave threat to our country", speaking in London at the end of a three-day visit to Russia and Britain. The launch came just hours after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned the UN Security Council of "catastrophic consequences" if the international community - most notably China - failed to pressure the North into abandoning its weapons programme.
By Associated Press

WASHINGTON: Even though he named Michael Flynn to be his top national security aide, President Donald Trump on Friday laid the blame for any flaws in Flynn's vetting at the feet of his predecessor.

In an interview airing Friday evening on Fox News Channel's "The First 100 Days," Trump tried to deflect recent criticism of his decision to appoint Flynn as national security adviser despite Flynn's past lobbying on behalf of Turkish government interests and his acceptance of tens of thousands of dollars from a Russian state-sponsored television network.

"When they say we didn't vet, well Obama I guess didn't vet, because he was approved at the highest level of security by the Obama administration," Trump said, referring to the previous administration's approval of Flynn's security clearance.

"So when he came into our administration, for a short period of time, he came in, he was already approved by the Obama administration and he had years left on that approval," Trump added.

Though Flynn was indeed with the Trump administration for a short period before he was forced out, he campaigned vigorously for Trump for months during the 2016 election battle, including a fiery speech at the Republican National Convention in which he joined in as the crowd jeered Democrat Hillary Clinton. "Lock her up, that's right," he called out, applauding the delegates' chants.

President Barack Obama fired Flynn from his post as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2014, but Flynn maintained a security clearance that was reissued in January 2016. Trump appointed Flynn as national security adviser in January. He sacked him in February, saying Flynn had misled senior administration officials, including the vice president, about his contacts with Russian officials.

Trump's comments echoed the defense advanced by his press secretary Sean Spicer on Thursday, as the Pentagon's watchdog confirmed it was investigating Flynn, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general, over whether he failed to get U.S. government approval to receive foreign payments.

Among those payments was more than $33,000 from the RT television network, which U.S. intelligence officials have branded as propaganda front for Russia's government. The network paid Flynn for attending a gala in Moscow. At the event, Flynn was seated next to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Earlier this week, the top Republican and Democrat on a House oversight committee said they believe Flynn broke federal law by failing to get permission to accept foreign payments and failing to disclose the payments after he received them.

A House oversight committee, the Defense Department's inspector general and the U.S. Army are scrutinizing the Russia-linked payments as well as Flynn's share of more than $530,000 worth of foreign agent work he did for a Turkish businessman. Flynn acknowledged in a filing with the Justice Department last month that his work investigating a Turkish cleric could have principally benefited Turkey's government.

On Friday, the ranking Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform faulted the Trump administration for blaming Obama.

"The White House had its own responsibility to fully vet General Flynn since new information became public during the transition  well after General Flynn's last background check  about his lobbying on behalf of foreign interests," said Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md. "The White House needs to stop making excuses to protect General Flynn."

In addition to the scrutiny of his foreign payments, Flynn's foreign contacts are being examined as part of the wider inquiries into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential campaign. He has been interviewed by the FBI, which is investigating Trump associates' contacts with Russia, and he is being probed by the House and Senate intelligence committees.

WASHINGTON: Even though he named Michael Flynn to be his top national security aide, President Donald Trump on Friday laid the blame for any flaws in Flynn's vetting at the feet of his predecessor. In an interview airing Friday evening on Fox News Channel's "The First 100 Days," Trump tried to deflect recent criticism of his decision to appoint Flynn as national security adviser despite Flynn's past lobbying on behalf of Turkish government interests and his acceptance of tens of thousands of dollars from a Russian state-sponsored television network. "When they say we didn't vet, well Obama I guess didn't vet, because he was approved at the highest level of security by the Obama administration," Trump said, referring to the previous administration's approval of Flynn's security clearance. "So when he came into our administration, for a short period of time, he came in, he was already approved by the Obama administration and he had years left on that approval," Trump added. Though Flynn was indeed with the Trump administration for a short period before he was forced out, he campaigned vigorously for Trump for months during the 2016 election battle, including a fiery speech at the Republican National Convention in which he joined in as the crowd jeered Democrat Hillary Clinton. "Lock her up, that's right," he called out, applauding the delegates' chants. President Barack Obama fired Flynn from his post as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2014, but Flynn maintained a security clearance that was reissued in January 2016. Trump appointed Flynn as national security adviser in January. He sacked him in February, saying Flynn had misled senior administration officials, including the vice president, about his contacts with Russian officials. Trump's comments echoed the defense advanced by his press secretary Sean Spicer on Thursday, as the Pentagon's watchdog confirmed it was investigating Flynn, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general, over whether he failed to get U.S. government approval to receive foreign payments. Among those payments was more than $33,000 from the RT television network, which U.S. intelligence officials have branded as propaganda front for Russia's government. The network paid Flynn for attending a gala in Moscow. At the event, Flynn was seated next to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Earlier this week, the top Republican and Democrat on a House oversight committee said they believe Flynn broke federal law by failing to get permission to accept foreign payments and failing to disclose the payments after he received them. A House oversight committee, the Defense Department's inspector general and the U.S. Army are scrutinizing the Russia-linked payments as well as Flynn's share of more than $530,000 worth of foreign agent work he did for a Turkish businessman. Flynn acknowledged in a filing with the Justice Department last month that his work investigating a Turkish cleric could have principally benefited Turkey's government. On Friday, the ranking Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform faulted the Trump administration for blaming Obama. "The White House had its own responsibility to fully vet General Flynn since new information became public during the transition  well after General Flynn's last background check  about his lobbying on behalf of foreign interests," said Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md. "The White House needs to stop making excuses to protect General Flynn." In addition to the scrutiny of his foreign payments, Flynn's foreign contacts are being examined as part of the wider inquiries into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential campaign. He has been interviewed by the FBI, which is investigating Trump associates' contacts with Russia, and he is being probed by the House and Senate intelligence committees.
By AFP

LASHKAR: US Marines returned to Afghanistan's volatile Helmand Saturday, where American troops faced heated fighting until NATO's combat mission ended in 2014, as embattled Afghan security forces struggle to beat back the resurgent Taliban.

The deployment of some 300 Marines to the poppy-growing southern province came one day after the militants announced the launch of their "spring offensive", and as the Trump administration seeks to craft a new strategy in Afghanistan.

Commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan General John Nicholson attended a handover ceremony marking the return of the prestigious force, the first Marines in Afghanistan since 2014, an AFP photographer said.

Part of a regular troop rotation announced in January under the Obama administration, they will arrive in stages, eventually numbering some 300 who will take part in NATO's train, assist and advise mission.

Helmand for years was the centrepiece of the US and British military intervention in Afghanistan -- only for it to slip deeper into a quagmire of instability.

"In those days Afghan security forces were tiny and just got started," Brigadier General Roger Turner told AFP. "With the leadership in place now they... are poised to do much better."

The Taliban effectively control or contest 10 of Helmand's 14 districts, blighted by a huge opium harvest that helps fund the insurgency.

Around 30,000 people fled fighting in the province in 2016, mostly seeking refuge in provincial capital Lashkar Gah, with the city at times practically besieged.

The US has some 8,400 troops in Afghanistan with about another 5,000 from NATO allies, mostly taking part in the training mission.

Pentagon chief Jim Mattis warned of "another tough year" in Afghanistan when he visited Kabul this week as part of the Trump administration's review of Afghan policy. Nicholson has called for a few thousand more troops to help break the "stalemate".

Mirza Mohammad Yarmand, a retired Afghan general based in Kabul, was optimistic.

"If the Afghan forces and the US Marines jointly fight the phenomenon of the terrorism in southern Helmand, we will have tangible results," he told AFP.

But former Marine James Clark, who served twice in Helmand and now writes for military website Task & Purpose, called the deployment "half-measures".

"What lasting gains can our small military presence accomplish in Afghanistan that we couldn't achieve during the height of the troop surge?" he told AFP.

'Butcher of Kabul' returns

The Helmand ceremony came as one of Afghanistan's most notorious warlords, ex-prime minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, returned to public life Saturday after more than 20 years in exile.

Hekmatyar, white-bearded and clad in his trademark black turban, called on the Taliban to lay down their weapons and join a "caravan of peace" as he spoke at a rally in Laghman province.

Known widely as the "Butcher of Kabul", Hekmatyar is chiefly remembered for his role in the bloody civil war of the 1990s, in which he stands accused of killing thousands of people in the capital Kabul. He is set to return there on Sunday.

His comeback following a landmark peace agreement with President Ashraf Ghani in September has been hugely controversial in Afghanistan, sparking revulsion from human rights groups and residents of the capital.

Afghanistan has seen intensified Taliban attacks across the country, leaving Afghan forces -- already beset by killings, desertions, and vacuums in leadership and morale -- stretched on multiple fronts and facing soaring casualties.

Last week the Taliban delivered a stinging blow as militants dressed in Afghan army uniforms slaughtered at least 135 young recruits at a northern base, according to official figures -- though multiple sources say the death toll is much higher.

The Marines were among the first US forces sent to Afghanistan after the 2001 terror attacks in the United States.

Several thousand were deployed in Helmand, the deadliest province for US and British forces, where they engaged in bitter combat with the Taliban insurgency.

The US is also targeting Islamic State's affiliate in Afghanistan, earlier this month dropping its largest non-nuclear bomb on the jihadist group's hideouts.

Two US troops were killed Wednesday while fighting IS militants near the blast-site in eastern Nangarhar province in an incident potentially involving friendly fire, the Pentagon has said, adding an investigation has been launched.

LASHKAR: US Marines returned to Afghanistan's volatile Helmand Saturday, where American troops faced heated fighting until NATO's combat mission ended in 2014, as embattled Afghan security forces struggle to beat back the resurgent Taliban. The deployment of some 300 Marines to the poppy-growing southern province came one day after the militants announced the launch of their "spring offensive", and as the Trump administration seeks to craft a new strategy in Afghanistan. Commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan General John Nicholson attended a handover ceremony marking the return of the prestigious force, the first Marines in Afghanistan since 2014, an AFP photographer said. Part of a regular troop rotation announced in January under the Obama administration, they will arrive in stages, eventually numbering some 300 who will take part in NATO's train, assist and advise mission. Helmand for years was the centrepiece of the US and British military intervention in Afghanistan -- only for it to slip deeper into a quagmire of instability. "In those days Afghan security forces were tiny and just got started," Brigadier General Roger Turner told AFP. "With the leadership in place now they... are poised to do much better." The Taliban effectively control or contest 10 of Helmand's 14 districts, blighted by a huge opium harvest that helps fund the insurgency. Around 30,000 people fled fighting in the province in 2016, mostly seeking refuge in provincial capital Lashkar Gah, with the city at times practically besieged. The US has some 8,400 troops in Afghanistan with about another 5,000 from NATO allies, mostly taking part in the training mission. Pentagon chief Jim Mattis warned of "another tough year" in Afghanistan when he visited Kabul this week as part of the Trump administration's review of Afghan policy. Nicholson has called for a few thousand more troops to help break the "stalemate". Mirza Mohammad Yarmand, a retired Afghan general based in Kabul, was optimistic. "If the Afghan forces and the US Marines jointly fight the phenomenon of the terrorism in southern Helmand, we will have tangible results," he told AFP. But former Marine James Clark, who served twice in Helmand and now writes for military website Task & Purpose, called the deployment "half-measures". "What lasting gains can our small military presence accomplish in Afghanistan that we couldn't achieve during the height of the troop surge?" he told AFP. 'Butcher of Kabul' returns The Helmand ceremony came as one of Afghanistan's most notorious warlords, ex-prime minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, returned to public life Saturday after more than 20 years in exile. Hekmatyar, white-bearded and clad in his trademark black turban, called on the Taliban to lay down their weapons and join a "caravan of peace" as he spoke at a rally in Laghman province. Known widely as the "Butcher of Kabul", Hekmatyar is chiefly remembered for his role in the bloody civil war of the 1990s, in which he stands accused of killing thousands of people in the capital Kabul. He is set to return there on Sunday. His comeback following a landmark peace agreement with President Ashraf Ghani in September has been hugely controversial in Afghanistan, sparking revulsion from human rights groups and residents of the capital. Afghanistan has seen intensified Taliban attacks across the country, leaving Afghan forces -- already beset by killings, desertions, and vacuums in leadership and morale -- stretched on multiple fronts and facing soaring casualties. Last week the Taliban delivered a stinging blow as militants dressed in Afghan army uniforms slaughtered at least 135 young recruits at a northern base, according to official figures -- though multiple sources say the death toll is much higher. The Marines were among the first US forces sent to Afghanistan after the 2001 terror attacks in the United States. Several thousand were deployed in Helmand, the deadliest province for US and British forces, where they engaged in bitter combat with the Taliban insurgency. The US is also targeting Islamic State's affiliate in Afghanistan, earlier this month dropping its largest non-nuclear bomb on the jihadist group's hideouts. Two US troops were killed Wednesday while fighting IS militants near the blast-site in eastern Nangarhar province in an incident potentially involving friendly fire, the Pentagon has said, adding an investigation has been launched.
By Associated Press

CARACAS: Hundreds of opponents of President Nicolas Maduro marched to a military prison outside Caracas on Friday to demand the release of Leopoldo Lopez and other jailed activists they consider political prisoners.

The march was part of an intensifying campaign by the opposition to force Maduro from office. Already 28 people have been killed, hundreds injured and more than 1,300 arrested in almost four weeks of street clashes between protesters, security forces and pro-government groups.

Marchers wound through side streets on the way to the prison, shouting "Maduro out!" and waving Venezuelan flags. Light armoured vehicles and national guardsmen blocked access to the Ramo Verde military prison where Lopez is serving a nearly 14-year sentence for inciting violence during a previous round of anti-government unrest in 2014. With access blocked, the march ended 2.5 miles from the prison.

Protesters also marched to prisons in other cities where they say 178 people are being held on political charges.

Many foreign governments and human rights groups condemned Lopez's conviction as politically motivated. One of the prosecutors in the case, who has since sought asylum in the U.S., even said he was under orders from the government to arrest Lopez despite a lack of evidence.

Lopez's wife Lilian Tintori was at the front of a group of lawmakers and opposition activists carrying a large Venezuelan flag making their way to the prison. In a telephone interview with Colombia's Blu Radio, said she hadn't been allowed to see her husband since April 6 because authorities were punishing them for promoting protests. There was no immediate response from the government.

"For Maduro, not being on his side is a crime, thinking differently is a crime," she said. "They forgot what democracy is."

Foro Penal, a group that provides legal assistance to political prisoners, says at least 178 people are currently jailed for political activism.

President Donald Trump in February tweeted a photo of himself with Tintori at the Oval Office demanding that Lopez be let out "immediately."

At the time Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez accused Trump of committing an "aggression" against Venezuela and a day later the Supreme Court upheld the activist's conviction in a ruling on his appeal.

CARACAS: Hundreds of opponents of President Nicolas Maduro marched to a military prison outside Caracas on Friday to demand the release of Leopoldo Lopez and other jailed activists they consider political prisoners. The march was part of an intensifying campaign by the opposition to force Maduro from office. Already 28 people have been killed, hundreds injured and more than 1,300 arrested in almost four weeks of street clashes between protesters, security forces and pro-government groups. Marchers wound through side streets on the way to the prison, shouting "Maduro out!" and waving Venezuelan flags. Light armoured vehicles and national guardsmen blocked access to the Ramo Verde military prison where Lopez is serving a nearly 14-year sentence for inciting violence during a previous round of anti-government unrest in 2014. With access blocked, the march ended 2.5 miles from the prison. Protesters also marched to prisons in other cities where they say 178 people are being held on political charges. Many foreign governments and human rights groups condemned Lopez's conviction as politically motivated. One of the prosecutors in the case, who has since sought asylum in the U.S., even said he was under orders from the government to arrest Lopez despite a lack of evidence. Lopez's wife Lilian Tintori was at the front of a group of lawmakers and opposition activists carrying a large Venezuelan flag making their way to the prison. In a telephone interview with Colombia's Blu Radio, said she hadn't been allowed to see her husband since April 6 because authorities were punishing them for promoting protests. There was no immediate response from the government. "For Maduro, not being on his side is a crime, thinking differently is a crime," she said. "They forgot what democracy is." Foro Penal, a group that provides legal assistance to political prisoners, says at least 178 people are currently jailed for political activism. President Donald Trump in February tweeted a photo of himself with Tintori at the Oval Office demanding that Lopez be let out "immediately." At the time Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez accused Trump of committing an "aggression" against Venezuela and a day later the Supreme Court upheld the activist's conviction in a ruling on his appeal.
By Associated Press

ISTANBUL: Tensions rose Saturday along the Turkish-Syrian border as both Turkey and the U.S. moved armoured vehicles to the region and Turkey's leader once again demanded that the United States stop supporting the Syrian Kurdish militants there.

The relocation of Turkish troops to an area near the border with Syria comes a day after U.S. troops were seen patrolling the tense border in Syria. Those patrols followed a Turkish airstrike against bases of Syrian Kurdish militia, Washington's main ally in combating Islamic State militants in Syria.

More U.S. troops were seen Saturday in armoured vehicles in Syria in Kurdish areas. Kurdish officials describe U.S. troop movement as "buffer" between them and Turkey.

But Turkey views Syria's Kurdish People's Protection Units, known as YPG, as a terrorist organization and an extension of the Kurdish militants who have been waging a three-decade-long insurgency against Turkey.

"The YPG, and you know who's supporting them, is attacking us with mortars. But we will make those places their grave, there is no stopping," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

Footage shot Friday night showed a long line of Turkish trucks carrying military vehicles driving to the border area. The private Ihlas news agency IHA reported the convoy was heading to southeastern Sanliurfa province from Kilis in the west. The base is 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Syria's Tal Abyad, a town controlled by the Kurdish militia.

The agency said the relocation comes after Turkish officials announced the completion of a phase of Turkey's cross-border operation of Euphrates Shield in Syria, adding that the force may be used against Syrian Kurdish militants "if needed."

Tensions in the border area rose this week when Turkey conducted airstrikes against bases for YPG group in Syria and Iraq on Tuesday. The Turkish military said it killed at least 90 militants and wounded scores. The Kurdish group in Syria said 20 of its fighters and media activists were killed in the strike, which was followed by cross-border clashes.

Erdogan hinted his country is also ready to repeat its attacks in Sinjar, Iraq, to prevent it from turning into a base for the Kurdish militia.

Kurdish officials said the U.S. patrols are monitoring the Turkish-Syrian border to prevent an increase in tensions with Turkey, a NATO member and U.S. ally.

On Saturday, more U.S. troops in armored vehicles arrived in Kurdish areas, passing through Qamishli town, close to the border with Turkey. The town is mostly controlled by Kurdish forces, but Syrian government troops hold pockets of territory there, including the airport.

The convoy was followed by another of YPG militia. Some footage posted online showed Kurdish residents cheering American-flagged vehicles as they drove by.

U.S. officials say the troop movement is part of its operations with the Kurdish forces in northern Syria.

Ankara sent its troops into Syria last August in a military operation triggered in large part by the Kurdish group's expansion along its borders.

The issue has been a source of tension between Ankara and Washington that threatens to hamper the fight against IS. Instead of working with the Syrian Kurds, Turkey is pressing the U.S. to let its army join the campaign for Raqqa, the self-proclaimed capital of IS.

Erdogan is due in Washington on May 16 for his first meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Claiming that his country is leading the most effective campaign against IS, Erdogan said: "Let us, huge America, all these coalition powers and Turkey, let us join hands and turn Raqqa to Daesh's grave," using the Arabic acronym for IS.

The YPG forms the backbone of the U.S-backed Syria Democratic Forces.

Redur Khalil, the spokesman for the YPG in Syria, said Turkey is reinforcing its border posts opposite Tal Abyad as well as other border posts.

"We hope that this military mobilization is not meant to provoke our forces or for another purpose linked to entering Syrian territories. We don't want any military confrontation between us, since our priority is to fight Daesh in Raqqa and Tabqa," Khalil told The Associated Press in text messages.

Khalil said his forces were not building up in the area.

ISTANBUL: Tensions rose Saturday along the Turkish-Syrian border as both Turkey and the U.S. moved armoured vehicles to the region and Turkey's leader once again demanded that the United States stop supporting the Syrian Kurdish militants there. The relocation of Turkish troops to an area near the border with Syria comes a day after U.S. troops were seen patrolling the tense border in Syria. Those patrols followed a Turkish airstrike against bases of Syrian Kurdish militia, Washington's main ally in combating Islamic State militants in Syria. More U.S. troops were seen Saturday in armoured vehicles in Syria in Kurdish areas. Kurdish officials describe U.S. troop movement as "buffer" between them and Turkey. But Turkey views Syria's Kurdish People's Protection Units, known as YPG, as a terrorist organization and an extension of the Kurdish militants who have been waging a three-decade-long insurgency against Turkey. "The YPG, and you know who's supporting them, is attacking us with mortars. But we will make those places their grave, there is no stopping," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said. Footage shot Friday night showed a long line of Turkish trucks carrying military vehicles driving to the border area. The private Ihlas news agency IHA reported the convoy was heading to southeastern Sanliurfa province from Kilis in the west. The base is 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Syria's Tal Abyad, a town controlled by the Kurdish militia. The agency said the relocation comes after Turkish officials announced the completion of a phase of Turkey's cross-border operation of Euphrates Shield in Syria, adding that the force may be used against Syrian Kurdish militants "if needed." Tensions in the border area rose this week when Turkey conducted airstrikes against bases for YPG group in Syria and Iraq on Tuesday. The Turkish military said it killed at least 90 militants and wounded scores. The Kurdish group in Syria said 20 of its fighters and media activists were killed in the strike, which was followed by cross-border clashes. Erdogan hinted his country is also ready to repeat its attacks in Sinjar, Iraq, to prevent it from turning into a base for the Kurdish militia. Kurdish officials said the U.S. patrols are monitoring the Turkish-Syrian border to prevent an increase in tensions with Turkey, a NATO member and U.S. ally. On Saturday, more U.S. troops in armored vehicles arrived in Kurdish areas, passing through Qamishli town, close to the border with Turkey. The town is mostly controlled by Kurdish forces, but Syrian government troops hold pockets of territory there, including the airport. The convoy was followed by another of YPG militia. Some footage posted online showed Kurdish residents cheering American-flagged vehicles as they drove by. U.S. officials say the troop movement is part of its operations with the Kurdish forces in northern Syria. Ankara sent its troops into Syria last August in a military operation triggered in large part by the Kurdish group's expansion along its borders. The issue has been a source of tension between Ankara and Washington that threatens to hamper the fight against IS. Instead of working with the Syrian Kurds, Turkey is pressing the U.S. to let its army join the campaign for Raqqa, the self-proclaimed capital of IS. Erdogan is due in Washington on May 16 for his first meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Claiming that his country is leading the most effective campaign against IS, Erdogan said: "Let us, huge America, all these coalition powers and Turkey, let us join hands and turn Raqqa to Daesh's grave," using the Arabic acronym for IS. The YPG forms the backbone of the U.S-backed Syria Democratic Forces. Redur Khalil, the spokesman for the YPG in Syria, said Turkey is reinforcing its border posts opposite Tal Abyad as well as other border posts. "We hope that this military mobilization is not meant to provoke our forces or for another purpose linked to entering Syrian territories. We don't want any military confrontation between us, since our priority is to fight Daesh in Raqqa and Tabqa," Khalil told The Associated Press in text messages. Khalil said his forces were not building up in the area.
RI Election Day Coverage Recap: Election Results and more

In the Nov. 8 election Rhode Islanders cast their vote for governor, Congressman, and ballot issues. Here's everything you need to know.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High 73F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds overnight. Low near 55F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.
After five years of hard work, China has completed the world's largest kinase-based whole-cell screening library for high-throughput drug assay.

The cell library is located in Hefei, capital of Anhui Province, and includes over 150 cell lines. The library covers more than 70 different kinases and mutations that are involved in human tumorigenesis and have been targeted through clinical treatment.

Targeted Therapy

The kinase-specific screening library, which is the first of its type for drug screening in China, will provide enormous support for anti-cancer drug development in the country, due to the nature of many types of cancer.

Lab Diagnostics & Automation eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today

Specifically, many cancers are induced by mutations that activate aberrant cell proliferation, resulting in uncontrolled cell growth. Many of these mutations involve kinases and can be inhibited through well-designed small molecule inhibitors.

Targeted therapy against these kinases has an advantage over traditional treatment methods since it is highly specific for oncogenic targets and cells. As a result, it spares normal cells, thus causing fewer side effects and toxicity.

After more than a decade of effort, targeted therapy has made significant progress with more than 30 drugs in clinical use. However, these drugs cover less than 10 cancer subtypes and are not available for most cancers. Even worse, the rapid appearance of drug resistance has dramatically increased the difficulty of new drug development.

"Patients in Test Tubes"

To address these problems, Dr. LIU Qingsong's research team at the High Magnetic Field Laboratory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CHMFL) set up the library, which was built "from scratch" using genetic engineering and a mouse prototype cell line.

Since the library's cell lines depend on a single active kinase mutation, they are extremely sensitive to compounds targeting these specific kinases and ideal for high-throughput drug screening.

Dr. WANG Wenchao, a leading researcher on the project and CHMFL scientist, likened the cell library to "patients in test tubes" since the cell lines can "mimic clinical patients in drug sensitivity evaluation at the cellular level."

To further improve the efficiency of cells in drug screening, LIU's team also set up a state-of-the-art high-throughput platform with automatic sample handling and data processing capabilities in 2013.

With the platform now in place, the team can finish over 10,000 drug assays in just one day and has already served more than 100 industrial and academic groups involved in drug research.
New knowledge on milk composition and quality is of essential importance to consumers as well as the industry. There are therefore considerable research efforts in milk worldwide. One of the major topics concerns milk's content of different proteins and their importance to human health. Basically, milk consists of two protein types - whey and casein. Casein can be further divided into four categories. One of these, beta casein, attracts particular attention. Several beta casein types exist and A1 and A2 are the most common.

It has been suggested that A2-protein milk is a healthier alternative to A1-protein milk, as the latter is claimed to metabolize into potentially detrimental peptides in the intestine. One specific peptide formed during digestion is further claimed to have unfavourable effects on the consumers drinking it. However, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) dismissed these claims in 2009 as undocumented.

It is currently debated whether some of the discomfort reported by some milk consumers regarding impact on the gastrointestinal system may be caused by discomfort originating from these detrimental peptides. A2-milk has been labelled a more "original" milk and is closer to breast milk. Foreign companies have succeeded in establishing specialized industries that sell milk that only contains A2-type beta casein. In December 2016, the Danish dairy Thise introduced a Danish variant.

Need for fact-based argumentation

This particular area still requires additional research and there is no scientific evidence to substantiate that one protein type is superior compared to the other, states Professor Lotte Bach Larsen, Department of Food Science at Aarhus University:

- I acknowledge that further research and examination is required within this particular area in order to base the debate on solid, fact-based argumentation. We cannot rule out that some consumers, who feel discomfort when consuming milk, might benefit from drinking solely A2-milk.

In a recently finished investigation, Lotte Bach Larsen and her colleagues from the Department of Food Science cooperated with Norwegian scientists to examine if the two different protein types give rise to different metabolization patterns and thus the formation of potentially bioactive protein fragments. In their examination the scientists used gastric and intestinal juices from humans to study how enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract break down the proteins. The experiment was accomplished in a laboratory model system and using protein types that were purified from milk from cows whose milk contained either solely A1 or A2 variants of the protein.

- The examination demonstrates - quite as expected - that a number of different peptides is formed from both protein types, when the milk is metabolized. But, it also turns out that the peptide in question is actually present when both A1 and A2 milk is digested. However, the content of this specific peptide formed from A1 beta casein protein variant by the human digestion enzymes was approx. three times higher than liberated from the A2 beta casein variant. As this study was carried out with purified beta casein variants, there is a need to examine whether there is a difference in content of this specific peptide, if digestion is going on using milk and not simply isolated beta casein proteins. In addition, it would be beneficial to carry out a proper human intervention study on eventual the effects when consuming the two different types of milk, and also examine if the peptide can be measured in the blood, says Lotte Bach Larsen.

A2-milk is the most frequent type

Another interesting aspect when discussing the difference between A1 and A2 milk is the fact that milk containing the A2-type beta casein is actually the most frequent type in Danish dairy cattle. Scientists from the Department of Food Science were able to conclude this fact when they - in connection with a major research project - carried out a screening of the protein composition of Danish milk. Actually, the frequency of the A2 protein was almost the same in both Danish Jersey cattle and Danish Holstein cattle.

- It is rather interesting if consumers consider A2 milk to be something unique and special. We should point out that even though most of the Danish milk is mixed, dairy milk will normally contain both types, but with levels of the A2 type over the A1 type, as it seems that A2 is present in highest frequency over the A1 vatiant. If you choose a milk type that specifically contains the A2 protein of the beta casein, you should know that this milk comes from cows that have been screened for the variants and selected for this production, says Lotte Bach Larsen.

She hopes that the future will bring an increased focus on studies in the metabolism of milk proteins in human studies.
According to a new multicenter study, nearly half of previously employed adult survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome were jobless one year after hospital discharge, and are estimated to have lost an average of $27,000 in earnings.

A summary of the research was published on April 28 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a lung condition often caused by severe infection or trauma, and marked by fluid build up in the lungs' air sacs. The resulting damage leads to a substantial decrease in oxygen reaching the bloodstream and rapidly developing difficulty with breathing. Patients are usually hospitalized and placed on a life-supporting ventilator. ARDS affects approximately 200,000 Americans every year. ARDS survivors often have long-lasting impairments such as cognitive dysfunction, mental health issues and physical impairments, all of which may affect employment.

"This study is important and novel given its comprehensive evaluation of joblessness among almost 400 previously employed ARDS survivors from multiple sites across the U.S.," says Dale Needham, F.C.P.A, M.D., Ph.D., professor of medicine and of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and senior author of the study.

"Multiple studies have suggested that joblessness is common in people who survive ARDS, but to our knowledge, none have carefully tracked those who returned to work or subsequently lost their jobs, performed an in-depth analysis of risk factors for joblessness, and evaluated the impact of joblessness on lost earnings and health care coverage," adds Biren Kamdar, M.D., M.B.A., M.H.S., assistant professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the study's first author. One important goal of the research, the scientists say, is to better identify specific risk factors for joblessness and to inform future interventions aimed at reducing joblessness after ARDS.

The new study was conducted as part of the ARDS Network Long-Term Outcome Study (ALTOS), a national multicenter prospective study longitudinally evaluating ARDS survivors recruited from 2006 to 2014, including patients from 43 hospitals across the U.S.

For the analysis, the investigators recruited 922 survivors and interviewed them by telephone at six months and 12 months after the onset of their ARDS. Each survivor was asked about employment status, hours working per week, how long before they returned to work following hospital discharge, perceived effectiveness at work and major change in occupation.

The research team estimated lost earnings using age- and sex-matched wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Individual survivors' matched wages were multiplied by the number of hours worked prior to hospitalization to determine potential earnings and by current hours worked to determine estimated earnings. Estimated lost earnings were calculated as the difference between estimated and potential earnings.

Of the 922 survivors, 386 (42 percent) were employed prior to ARDS. The average age of these previously employed survivors was 45 years, 56 percent were male and 4 percent were 65 years or older.

Overall, previously employed survivors were younger, predominantly male and had fewer pre-existing health conditions compared with survivors not employed before ARDS.

Of the 379 previously employed patients who survived to 12-month follow-up, nearly half (44 percent) were jobless a year after discharge. Some 68 percent of survivors eventually returned to work during the 12-month follow-up period, but 24 percent of these survivors subsequently lost their jobs.

Throughout the 12-month follow-up, non-retired jobless survivors had an average estimated earnings loss of about $27,000 each, or 60 percent of their pre-ARDS annual earnings. The research team also saw a substantial decline in private health insurance coverage (from 44 to 30 percent) and a rise in Medicare and Medicaid enrollment (33 to 49 percent), with little change in uninsured status.

For the 68 percent of ARDS survivors who returned to work by the end of the follow-up year, the median time to return was 13 weeks after discharge. Of those, 43 percent never returned to the number of previous hours worked, 27 percent self-reported reduced effectiveness at work, and 24 percent later lost their jobs.

The team found that older, non-white survivors, and those experiencing a longer hospitalization for their ARDS had greater delays in returning to work. Severity of illness and sex, however, did not affect time to return to work.

"These results cry out for those in our medical field to investigate occupational rehabilitation strategies and other interventions to address the problem of post-discharge joblessness," Needham says. "Health care providers need to start asking themselves, 'What can we do to help patients regain meaningful employment,' and not just concern ourselves with their survival."

"We believe that ARDS survivors are often jobless due to a combination of physical, psychological and cognitive impairments that may result, in part, from a culture of deep sedation and bed rest that plagues many ICUs. Perhaps if we can start rehabilitation very early, while patients are still on life support in the intensive care unit, getting them awake, thinking and moving sooner, this may result in greater cognitive and physical stimulation and improved well-being. This change in culture can occur and is part of regular clinical practice in our medical ICU at The Johns Hopkins Hospital."

Source: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/the_high_cost_of_surviving_acute_respiratory_distress_syndrome
The American College of Physicians (ACP) today praised this morning's decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia upholding a lower court ruling halting the proposed $54 billion insurance merger between Anthem and Cigna. The ruling over the potential impact on competition and insurance prices is a big "win" for patients and the physicians who care for them.

As a primary care internist, I am relieved that the proposed merger will be blocked. This merger would have resulted in higher prices and less competition, and ultimately resulted in a strain on patients, both in their choice of insurance provider and in the cost that would be passed on to them.

In a January 23 ruling, a federal judge blocked a similar proposed merger between health insurers Aetna and Humana.

ACP has stated its strong opposition to the proposed merger in a letter and subsequent conversations with Department of Justice (DOJ) officials, and in a position statement in 2015.

Other health care organizations have joined ACP in praising today's ruling as a win for consumers and patients.

Source: https://www.acponline.org/acp-newsroom/american-college-of-physicians-praises-blocked-health-insurance-merger-0
A Western Sydney University study has found that couples counselling can be critical for women in the treatment of severe premenstrual symptoms (PMS).

Leading women's health researchers Professor Jane Ussher and Professor Janette Perz, from the Universitys Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), compared the impacts of one-to-one and couples counselling for Premenstrual Disorders (PMDs).

The results, which have been published in the prestigious PLOS ONE journal, indicate that couple-based interventions have a greater positive impact upon womens ability to cope with premenstrual distress.

As part of a three-year Australian Research Council (ARC) funded study, 83 women who suffered from severe PMS were randomly divided into three groups: a one-to-one therapy group, a couples therapy group, and a waiting list group.

The results revealed that couple-based interventions were the most effective in improving coping, reducing relationship difficulties and alleviating premenstrual distress.

84 per cent of those in the couples therapy group reported increased partner awareness and understanding of PMS, compared with 39 per cent of the one-to-one group and 19 per cent of the wait list.

57 per cent of women in the couple group reported an improved relationship with their partner, compared with 26 per cent in the one-to-one group and 5 per cent of the wait list.

There was an 18 per cent reduction in reports of intimate relationship difficulties within the couple group, compared with a 5 per cent increase in the one-to-one group to a 10% increase in the wait list.

Increased self-care and coping was reported by 58 per cent of women in the couples group, compared to 26 per cent in the one-to-one group, and 9 per cent of women in the wait list.

Professor Ussher says research consistently shows that relationship issues are deeply connected to womens experiences of PMS.

Issues within a relationship can trigger PMS symptoms, just as that time of the month can seemly compound and worsen existing issues, says Professor Ussher.

Its so common to hear that women are dissatisfied by elements of their relationship  whether it is the emotional support that they receive at home, or the dishes that are left in the sink at the end of the day.

To use the metaphor of a pressure cooker  for women who suffer from severe PMS, these issues can be left to simmer and for three weeks of every month they are able to be repressed or ignored.

But during that one week, when PMS takes hold, suddenly it all becomes too much. The pent-up anger and resentment finally reaches boiling point and they are no longer in control  leading to significant distress, and of course, relationship issues.

As part of the research, the two therapy groups participated in five 90-minute therapy sessions over a five-month period with a female clinical psychologist, while the women on the waiting list received no immediate treatment.

Each PMDs therapy session was targeted to address the womans experiences of PMS, introduce a range of positive coping strategies, as well as to explore the role that their relationships played in their premenstrual distress.

Professor Ussher says, following the therapy sessions, women reported lowered premenstrual distress; increased coping; the resolution of relationship difficulties; greater couple communications; and greater closeness.

Women reported that they were less likely to lose control when expressing their feelings. They had increased awareness of the potential for relationship conflict; described relationship tension as less problematic; and were more likely to talk to their partner about PMS and ask for support, she says.

These improvements were evident in both therapy groups, irrespective of whether or not their partner was involved  indicating that any psychological intervention can have positive relational impacts.

Even if women do therapy on their own, it can still have a positive impact. The women will still learn self-care and coping strategies, will develop a better understanding of PMS, and will go home and tell their partner about the experiences in therapy, says Professor Ussher.

However the results of this study clearly indicate that the greatest positive impact is evidenced when a womens significant other participated in the therapy sessions as well.

Professor Ussher says the research further highlights the importance of providing women with access to psychological interventions for PMDs.

As an outcome of the ongoing research in this area, a self-help information pack has been developed to provide all women the opportunity to explore the psychological symptoms of PMS, as well as learn effective problem-solving, relaxation and stress management techniques.
CLANCY  Scenes as poignant as they are revealing of a time when bison roamed the land are on display at the Jefferson County Museum.

These Noble Brutes: Engravings of the American Bison 1749-1909 tells a story of the bison through dozens of engravings that span 160 years of art. The artwork is from a collection by Lee Silliman of Missoula.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, mass destruction of the once great herds of bison began in 1830. The arrival of the railroad in the 1860s divided the bison into a northern and southern herd. Bison were slaughtered for their hides and 1874 seemingly marked the end of the southern herd.

The slaughter of the northern herd was underway by 1880, according to the federal agencys timeline. By mid-1883, almost all of the bison in the United States were gone.

Some of the bison collected in 1886 by the Smithsonian Institute for the National Museum for mounting and scientific study were brought in the mid-1990s to the Museum of the Upper Missouri in Fort Benton and near where they were originally taken, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service.

By the early 1900s, there were 700 bison in private herds and the Yellowstone National Park herd was estimated at 23 animals. The number of bison in North America increased by the end of the 1990s to an estimated 20,000-25,000 animals in public herds and at least 250,000 bison in private herds.

The museum exhibit, which is on display through May 27, begins with a map that reflects how settlement of the United States drove the bison to near extinction. Different colored lines show the ever shrinking range where wild bison could be found.

The exhibit gives you an interesting picture of bison and the extermination of it, or the representation of it, through time. Weve had people come in and say, Oh, this is terrible or was terrible or such a waste and they feel bad about that. But then theres others that because they have that interest in Native Americans or the history of America find it sort of fascinating, said Paul Backlund, chairman for the Jefferson County Museum and Cultural Preservation Board.

Backlund is volunteering at the museum on this day and walks a visitor through the exhibit thats being rented from Silliman.

He used to live in Wyoming, he said, and pointed to the Red Desert, a place on the map located between Rock Springs and Rawlins.

From what I understand, the last wild bison was killed or died about 1962 down there, he said.

As he walked and spoke of the exhibits artwork, he paused before a framed tinted half-tone engraving by Major J. Fortune Nott, 1899, that came from a publication. It details the extermination of the animals that were hunted primarily for their hides, the meat left to rot.

These are interesting because theres some color to them, some are black-and-white. And so it figured significantly in the art of the 1800s as well as always in Indian life out on the prairies, Backlund said.

The museum is housed in the building that was once Clancys school. Wooden flooring creaks softly with the passage of visitors.

Some of the images on display are bison only in the imagination of the artist such as those from the mid-1700s.

The museum has had a number of displays like this in past years, Backlund said and noted they change about every six months.

Accompanying the illustrations on the end of the era of bison are also black-and-white photographs of Indians, many of which are reproductions, Backlund said. Accompanying them are stone tools and other artifacts.

A tanned bison hide is also on display and allows children  adults too  to feel the soft fur and understand its value to Native Americans. Braided twists of sweet grass, a sacred plant to Native Americans, are also on display and are offered to visitors.

In addition to the bison exhibit, the museum offers vignettes of Jefferson Countys pioneer life. An exhibit with its black-and-white photos tells a story of general stores while another displays the pots and pans, plates and cups, kerosene lamps, cabinets and a wood-burning cook stove that would all have been found in a kitchen.

We have some information about mining and the railroad and other important things that contributed to the history of Jefferson County, Backlund noted.

The museums collection grows steadily as people bring artifacts of significance from their families for future display, he added.

The museum is currently open from 1-5 p.m. on Friday and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Backlund said, although the board is trying to increase the hours.

Museums always provide something of interest to individuals, whatever piques your interest, whether it be an old-time dip pan or some spice cans or postcards.

The photographs are the things that attract people the most, he added.
Finding a cure for a rare type of blood cancer could be accelerated by a new virtual platform that allows researchers easy access to data from patient samples generated by laboratories around the world.

LEUKomics, which has been launched by scientists at the University of Glasgow and the University of Melbourne, is a comprehensive database describing over 100 chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) samples. It is completely free for researchers to use and share.

CML symptoms often include severe fatigue and weight loss, and although it develops slowly, it will eventually progress and prove fatal if untreated. Unlike many other cancers, a single genetic mutation underlies the biology of CML. The fault occurs early on in the development of a type of white blood cell called myeloid cells.

Scientists hope LEUKomics will increase understanding of CML, and lead to new targeted drugs and ultimately a cure. The website has been built as part of the stem cell database Stemformatics, with funding from the charities Bloodwise and the Scottish Cancer Foundation.

Drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors, or TKIs, were introduced in the early 2000s, and are designed to target the genetic mutation that drives CML. Most patients can take a daily pill and live a normal life, but some people experience intolerable side effects from TKIs or develop resistance.

One of the main aims of current research is to design treatments that can target the underlying leukaemic stem cells that can evade TKIs, offering hope of a permanent cure. To do this, researchers need to know more about these elusive leukemic stem cells, and they believe that the answers lie in the analysis of large scale biological information.

Developed by the teams of Professor Christine Wells at The University of Melbourne and Professor Tessa Holyoake at The University of Glasgow, the LEUKomics database curates high quality information on the gene activity of different CML stem cell samples.

Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today

Due to the expense of generating this data and difficulties obtaining these rare CML cells from patient material, single datasets tend to have small sample numbers, which limits their potential to show small changes in the leukemic samples. With the increased samples size that comes from combining multiple data sets, researchers have the power to detect more subtle changes that may be crucial to the biology of the leukemic stem cells.

Professor Jeff Evans, Director of the Institute of Cancer Sciences at the University of Glasgow said:

LEUKomics is a very valuable resource and could help us to reveal new underlying mechanisms that drive CML. It has the potential to transform CML research on a global level, as the findings can be downloaded and shared with other researchers across the world. We also hope it inspires new research ideas, and ultimately fuels a global search into finding cures for CML.

The data allows researchers to uncover how active different genes are in leukemic stem cells and how these interact with each other to affect the blood cancers behavior. The online portal also contains samples of healthy blood stem cells, allowing researchers to directly compare the gene activity with leukemic stem cells.

Dr Alasdair Rankin, Director of Research at Bloodwise, said:
South Korea's automaker's association is concerned about the possible revision of the country's trade deal with the United States, an official of the industry group said.



The remarks follow comments to Reuters by U.S. President Donald Trump that he would renegotiate or terminate "the horrible" trade deal with South Korea.



"We are worried about the uncertainty of the deal," Kim Tae-nyen, vice president at the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA), told Reuters by telephone.



The KAMA is an industry group of South Korean automakers, including Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors.
Over the next few years, the international wine market will look strikingly different, with Portugal projected to overtake France when it comes to per capita wine consumption, and India, Mexico, South Africa expected to see notable growth as well.



Those are some of the newest projections from a study conducted by Vinexpo, one of the world's leading wine trade fairs which takes place in Bordeaux, France this summer.



Overall, the report notes that consumers around the world tipped back the equivalent of 267 million hectoliters last year, marking a modest 0.4 percent rise and the stabilization of the market.



There are also a few longstanding wine trends that haven't changed over the last few years: The US and China remain the world's biggest wine markets.



By 2020, China will represent 72 percent of the growth in wine imports by volume, while the US is also projected to post a 12 percent growth by value.



The US will retain the title of the world's biggest wine market by both volume and value.



But the story is markedly different in France, where wine consumption rates are projected to plummet 7.5 percent by 2020 with a per capita consumption of 43 liters, ceding the top spot for European consumption to Portugal, where consumption is projected to rise to nearly 50 liters per capita over the next three years.



Another big player in the wine market by 2020 will be India, says Vinexpo, which is expected to grow by a whopping 50 percent.



China's growth is pegged at 20 percent, while Mexico and South Africa are also expected to become increasingly important players in the market with 18 percent and 17 percent growth rates respectively.



Other countries where wine consumption is projected to grow include the Philippines, Taiwan, and South Korea.



Vinexpo takes place June 18-21 in Bordeaux. The 19th edition is expected to draw 2,300 exhibitors from 42 countries and 48,000 visitors.


Born to a police constable in Ratnagiri, Dawoods syndicate involves drug mafia in the UK and Western Europe. Pakistan denies that Ibrahim is in the country.



After moving to Dubai, he united all the warring factions. One of such friend who later became an enemy was Chhota Rajan, who originally began his criminal career by selling cinema tickets in black market. On Dawoods direction, Chhota Rajan had formed various powerful gangs across Mumbai.

Dawoods personal wealth is estimated to be anywhere between $5 billion and $10 billion. It is tough to calculate the value of his illegal businesses. Dawood is said to have real estate in Kathmandu, Karachi, Dubai and London.

Amid rumours that underworld kingpin Dawood Ibrahim is critical in a Karachi hospital, one is reminded of the terror his men once wreaked in Mumbai.Dawood Ibrahim is charged with masterminding the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts, in which more than 250 people died. Now based in Pakistan, he is said to have had links with al-Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Taiba.Dawood has built a massive empire in Dubai and Karachi, as India has constantly made it difficult for him to carry out businesses or other illegal activities.According to Central Bureau of Investigation, he uses 13 aliases to hide his identity. In the 1980s and early 1990s, he became the kingpin of Mumbais underworld, with empire covering prostitution, gambling and drugs.Mumbais economic collapse in the 1980s gave way to newly formed mafias that were increasingly filling in for an absent economy. They started fighting within themselves. Ibrahim flew to Dubai in 1986 to avoid criminal prosecution.Later, these came to be known as the D-Company with nexus across India and in Pakistan and Nepal.Soon, Chhota Rajan started creating problem for his own boss. Around this time, Chota Shakeel became Dawoods trusted aide. A war between the two groups broke out on the streets of Mumbai. There came a period when almost every week one gangster was being killed by a rival gangster. It took Indian law enforcement agencies several months when scores of people accused with underworld connection were arrested and many died in encounters, including those ones with police, before normalcy returned.D-Company has allegedly laundered more than $100 billion in cash till date, running a parallel economy in Pakistan.The last account of Dawoods life in Pakistan appeared in a Karachi-based magazine Newsline in 2001. The reporter Ghulam Hasnain was reportedly harassed by the ISI and the Pakistani Army over the article, which busted Islamabads links with Dawood.
New Delhi: The Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said on Saturday that the Election Commission will soon call an all party meeting to assure that the electronic voting machines (EVMs) are tamper-proof and secured.



"We will soon hold an all party meeting in which they will be told how our EVMs are non-tamperable and secured as per our administrative and technical safeguard system," the Zaidi told media in New Delhi.



The commission intends to use Voter- Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in all coming elections to bring in more transparency and boosting the confidence of people in the electoral process, PTI quoted Zaidi as saying.



The CEC was responding to questions about allegations levelled by various political parties against EVMs.



Notably, sixteen opposition parties had urged the Election Commission to revert to ballot paper system to conduct elections, claiming the faith of the people in EVMs had been eroded.



Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was vociferous against alleging probable misuse of EVMs, while BSP leader Mayawati, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had also raised question about the credibility of voting machines.



Zaidi also said that the ECI is planning to hold a challenge for which time frame is being worked out.



The electoral body is planning to throw an open challenge, asking anyone to try hacking its EVMs to dispel doubts of any misuse, it is learnt.



The CEC also said that the ECI had placed an order for the supply of VVPAT machines for use in elections.



"For VVPAT, we have got all the funds. We have placed an order for the supply of 15 lakh VVPAT with two PSUs Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronic Corporation of India (ECI)," Zaidi said.



Zaidi also said it is expected that by September 2018, around 15 lakh VVPAT machines will be ready.



The Commission's objective is to use VVPATs in all the coming elections, he said.



India will "perhaps" be the first country where VVPAT will be used 100 per cent at all the poling stations. It will boost voters' confidence and will bring more transparency in the election process, he added.



Zaidi said that an awareness campaign will be launched to create awareness about the benefits of VVPAT.



VVPAT generates a receipt allowing voters to verify that the the vote went in favour of the candidate against whose name the button was pressed on the EVM.



After the Assembly elections earlier this year in five states -- Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab and Manipur, many political parties raised their voice against the use of EVMs.



(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: An association of IAS officers has decided to adopt families of security personnel, who lost their lives in Maoist combat, anti-terror operations or maintaining law and order.



"Their job would be to help the families get their dues from respective governments. They may also help the children in such families to get admission in a school," Sanjay Bhoosreddy, honorary secretary of Indian Civil and Administrative Service (Central) Association, said.



The bureaucrats will approach such families within their area of posting and offer themselves as facilitators to help them (families) get their dues like pension, gratuity or allotment of services like petrol pump, jobs etc, an association representing them said on Friday.



The officers, however, would not be providing any direct financial help to such families, PTI reported.



The association represents all members of Indian Administrative Service (IAS).



Initially, about 700 young officers, of past four batches--2012 to 2015--will be asked to adopt at least one family in the area of their posting.



"Senior officers, or those from state civil services, can also adopt such families voluntarily," Bhoosreddy, a Joint-Secretary level IAS officer, said.



The officers will oversee whether the support (both in cash and kind) pledged by the state or local governments have been provided to the family concerned.



They will ensure that the children of the martyred soldiers continue getting good education and mentor them so that they can pursue the career of their choice based on their aptitude and talent, the association said.



The officers will also see whether any benefits can be provided to them based on various schemes being run by the government like Skill India, Start-up India, Digital India etc.



Bhoosreddy said the support system will cater to the families of central armed police forces like Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), those in Army and all others working with local police.



"The state governments have been asked to share with the association the details of such families," he said.



The official noted that the IAS officers, who work as Sub Divisional Magistrates (SDM), District Magistrate (DM) and at other senior positions in state and Central governments, have immense influence on the local administrative machinery.



He added that such an influence can be positively channelised to support and help the families of martyred soldiers in an effective and sustained manner.



(With PTI inputs)
The special court judge who had granted bail to rape accused Samajwadi Party leader Gayatri Prajapati has been suspended. A departmental inquiry has also been ordered against him.On Friday, the Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court cancelled Prajapati's bail, granted by a POCSO court. The decision to suspend the judge was taken by the High Court administration.The Yogi Adityanath-led government had moved the court, seeking the cancellation of the former cabinet minister's bail.Prajapati was arrested from Lucknow on March 15 after the Supreme Courts directives and was sent to judicial custody. The SP leader had sought a Narco test soon after his arrest and denied the charges against him, calling them politically motivated.An FIR was lodged on February 17 against the 49-year-old minister and six others for allegedly gang-raping a woman and attempting to rape her minor daughter.The woman had said in her complaint that she was gang-raped from October 2014 to July 2016. When the accused tried to molest her daughter, she wrote a letter in October 2016 to the DGP demanding action.A Look Out notice and a non-bailable warrant were issued against Prajapati, while his passport was also impounded. Airports across the country were alerted about the possibility of Prajapati trying to flee the country.In 2016, Prajapati had been sacked by then chief minister Akhilesh Yadav during the Samajwadi Party family feud but was later reinstated in the council of ministers.
There were certainly several times more militants in 1990s. As far as terrorism and militancy goes, 90s was pretty bad, and we hope that it never gets that bad again. But the general atmosphere seems to be worse now. And we are going from bad to worse.

But whats happening now is different. It springs from 2014 elections. That election actually didnt satisfy anybody. The BJP was looking at mission 44, they got 25 seats, PDP was dreaming of 45 seats they got 28 seats. Mufti Sayeed had no option but to tie up with the BJP.



Amarjit Singh Dulat has been one of Indias most experienced and trusted men in Kashmir. He served in Kashmir as joint director of Intelligence Bureau from 1988 to 1990. He was later made the chief of the Research and Analysis Wing, and advised former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on Kashmir policy. He has also authored a book on Kashmir  Kashmir: The Vajpayee Years.In an exclusive interview with News18, Dulat interprets the ongoing unrest in Kashmir and talks about how New Delhi failed to capitalise on the opportunities to make progress in Kashmir. He talks about how the present day Kashmir is worse off and tells why Mehbooba Mufti has failed where her father could have succeeded. Edited excerpts:The situation in the Valley is very, very bad. Whether it is worse than 1990s is hard to say. In the sense that 90s was bad in terms of terrorism. What is worse now is the defiance, the anger, the alienation, the disgust and a sense of hopelessness that we are getting from there.As far as 90s are concerned, I dont think there are that many guns in the valley now as were there then. As per my knowledge, about 100 new boys have joined militancy since the Burhan Wani death. The total number of militants is being put around 300. And these figures tend to be exaggerated.Ab kya rakha hai, marna hi theek hai, this is how people are now thinking. It is extremely sad. Every day you hear new stories. Not enough attempts are being made to stop this. We are just going downhill.Yes, its true there were many watersheds in Kashmir. 1996 was a watershed. We got an elected government after a prolonged period of militancy. 2002 was perhaps more important, in the sense that the elections were considered to be held fairly by even international observers. This was also the only time when Hurriyat did not boycott elections.The period between 2002 and 2008 was a generally good. Mufti Mohammed Sayeeds three years were good, Ghulam Nabi Azads three years were not bad either. Then there was Amaranth land row. A lot of protests and demonstrations were held. Then 2010, and then 2012.But this alliance has just not worked. Great hopes were pinned to this alliance, that it will bring Jammu and Kashmir together. But it took Jammu and Kashmir further apart. It polarised them even further. North pole and south pole, as Mufti referred to the two parties and the two regions that they represented, never met.That is the main reason for this. The public reaction to last summers killing of Burhan Wani was only a symptom of disaffection with this alliance. Now you have a situation in which the youth involvement is growing and villagers are coming out to support and hide militants. The state police was condemned by the people first, then the CRPF got bad name, and now, unfortunately, army got drawn into this.Look, the Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General DS Hooda had said very wisely that if population is not on our side, there is nothing we can do, because it would mean massacring people. He also said we need to talk to Kashmiris.This was such a big move that even Mirwaiz responded and said we are even prepared to talk to the army.But nothing has happened. New Delhi has not responded. Mufti was accused by local people of bringing RSS into the Valley. You see Mufti was an old hand at this sort of political manoeuvring. But it (handling the alliance and addressing Kashmir unrest) is beyond Mehbooba.No, I dont think so. Governors rule is not the solution. Whatever PDP is, it needs to be supported by Delhi. Government should continue to be supported till its full term, 2020.
Speaking at a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) event, Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian on Friday said, Why is it that it is very difficult to make a distinction between a poor farmer and a rich farmer When you say farmer, people think that you are going after the poor farmer. So what is it about political discourse that does not allow these distinctions to be made? Why cant we say, rich regardless of where they get their income, should be taxed?

Taxing farm income has been a thorny issue and it comes at a particularly sensitive time for the government.

As it is, the issue of taxing farm incomes is a politically sensitive one. From the days of "jai Jawan, jai kisan" farmers have occupied an often romanticised space in the national imagination.

When it comes to the politically sensitive question of taxing agricultural income, different government agencies seem to be speaking in different voices.A few days ago, Niti Aayog member Bibek Debroy reportedly made comments in support of taxing farm income. This was promptly denied by Finance Minister Arun Jaitly the next day to avoid any political controversy.News18 spoke to Dr Ramesh Chand, a member of the Niti Aayog and in-charge of agriculture. He categorically denied that the government think tank had officially or unofficially recommended or even had a plan to tax farm incomes.There is no such plan that I am aware of, Chand told News18 in an interview in his office. He said that there were some concerns in government about people passing off their illicit cash as agricultural income, thus avoiding paying tax on it.One of the most important issues that this government is considering in the field of agriculture is raising farmers incomes. In fact, Finance Minister Arun Jaitly announced in his budget speech of 2016-17 that the aim was to double farm incomes in 5 years.That has become one of the priorities for the government according to Dr Chand and the timeframe is the next 3 years. "By 2020 we want to achieve this target, he said.Taxing farm income would be seen as undermining this move. It would be interpreted as the government giving with one hand and taking away with the other.The reality is that farming has become mostly unviable as agriculture has become a mostly hits and misses operation. Decades of under investment, coupled with the vagaries of the weather and shrinking land holdings have contributed to the problem.Agriculture today employs around 55% of the workforce, but contributes just 18% to the GDP. It is in such an economic context that the Government's wish to double farm incomes must reckon with various statements that are calling for taxing agricultural income.
New Delhi: Seeking equal rights for Muslim women, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said he believes that the reformers from the community will protect women from ill-effects of triple talaq.



"I am sure that reformers from the Muslim community will come forward and put an end to triple talaq," the PM said while speaking on the occasion of Basava Jayanti at Vigyan Bhawan in the city.



He further said: "Triple talaq issue should not be seen through a political prism."



PM Modi also said that he would fight against the sufferings of the Muslim daughters in the country. "My government will bring an end to this archaic law," he added.



The Prime Minister had also raised the issue in his valedictory address at the conclusion of the two-day BJP National Executive in Bhubaneswar.



"He (Modi) talked about social justice. He said our Muslim sisters should also get justice. Injustice should not be done with them. Nobody should be exploited," Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had said, quoting PM Modi.



"We do not want conflict within the Muslim community over this issue. What we have to do is that if there are any social evils, we have to wake the society up and make efforts to provide justice to them (Muslim women). That was the Prime Minister's spirit," Gadkari added.



Meanwhile Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan said: "The PM should also focus on the other problems faced by women in the Muslim community. They are losing their husbands and son due to violence created by gau rakshaks."


New Delhi: The Congress on Saturday condemned the "stubborn" behaviour of the Narendra Modi government of not holding talks with stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir to help normalise the situation there.



Senior Congress spokesperson Ghulam Nabi Azad welcomed the Supreme Court's observation that government should hold talks to resolve the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.



"The government is adopting a stubborn attitude with regard to holding talks," he told reporters.



"I welcome the suggestion of the Supreme Court chief justice's and two other judges for holding talks. I also condemn the government's stubborn attitude," he said.



Azad claimed that the BJP lured the people of the state by giving them false hopes and making promises to the effect that they will resolve all pending issues from the last 70 years.



"The reality is that the BJP wants to muzzle the people of Jammu and Kashmir only with bullets and guns and is not interested in holding any talks," he alleged.



The government had yesterday told the apex court that it was ready to talk to recognised political parties in the state to resolve the crisis there but not with the separatists.
"Corporates are in the business of earning profits for their shareholders. They should not be in the business of funding the political process," he said.

"The lowering of threshold from Rs 20,000 to Rs 2,000 is nothing at all. It means that the printer will earn more by printing more money. Both these things are complete non-starters," he said.

: In a bid to bring more transparency in political funding, former Union minister Manish Tewari on Saturday favoured linking the donations to political parties with Aadhaar.He also said corporates should not be in the business of funding the political process."Any donation made to any political party needs to have an address. Therefore, you need to link every donation to Aadhaar, whether a person is donating Rs 1 in cash or Rs 5,00,000 in cash."As long as there is Aadhaar linkage whereby the source of funding can be traced, I do not think we really need to go down this entire root of decreasing individual donations from Rs 20,000 to Rs 2,000, which only means you need to print 10 times more coupons," PTI quoted Tewari as saying.The Senior Congress leader was addressing the 13th annual national conference on electoral and political reforms organised by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).Commenting on the role of corporates in political funding, the Supreme Court advocate said, "Yes, corporates do not have Aadhaar cards. One possibility which is being explored for a long time is with regard to state funding of elections. It is an idea which is worth exploring, but how will one ensure that no private funding takes place."The Congress leader, however, emphasised that transparency in political funding could be achieved if political parties were brought within the ambit of the Right to Information Act (RTI).The former Ludhiana MP also described the electoral bonds and restricting cash donations to political parties to Rs 2,000 as "non-starters"."Electoral bonds are non-starters because RBI would know who the purchaser of the bond is, and then the government will be able to have information regarding where the bond has gone.Notably, to cleanse the political funding system and check black money, the Central government had proposed to restrict cash donations to political parties from individuals to Rs 2,000, while also introducing an 'electoral bonds' scheme.Addressing the gathering, Sanjay Kumar, Director of the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), expressed displeasure over the removal of cap on corporate funding to political parties."Earlier, corporate could donate up to 7.5 per cent of its average profit of last three years to political parties. Now this cap has been removed and companies can contribute any amount of money. Unfortunately, now money can be returned to companies as expenditure. There can be a nexus between political parties and business houses," he alleged.(With inputs from PTI)
New Delhi: After a crushing defeat at his home turf in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi polls, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said he will introspect and reinvent the party, which was projected as a beacon of hope for alternative politics at the time of its launch less than five years ago.



Yes we made mistakes, but we will introspect and course correct. Time to go back to the drawing board, Kejriwal said after meeting scores of party volunteers and MLAs in the past two days.



News18 asks five pertinent questions related to the future of AAP to five senior leaders  Yogendra Yadav, Justice Santosh Hegde, Mayank Gandhi, Medha Patkar and Anand Kumar  who were earlier with Kejriwal, but either left or got expelled because of their differences with the Delhi Chief Minister. Edited Excerpts:



Q1. AAP was started to do alternative politics, but it seems to be losing that image. What has been the biggest mistake of the party?



Yogendra Yadav: I think its the temptation to take a shortcut to political success and enjoy overnight success. This attitude also led to compromise of ethical standards, replacing policy by populism and principles by pragmatism. All this was done for the sake of electoral success. One must realise that if you want to make a mark in alternative politics, then you have to be steady and slow. Even we (Swaraj Abhiyan) learnt it from the results this time.



Santosh Hegde: AAP has lost the confidence of people. Big talks, and no work. The party has violated ethics of politics. People are fed up. They feel there is no difference between them and others. Because of these things, AAP has reached this level.



Mayank Gandhi: I think we did fine till the 2015 Delhi elections. But after we got 67 seats, suddenly Kejriwal and his team started feeling that we have taken over Delhi and now we need to take over India.



Medha Patkar: AAP began to sideline leaders like Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav, which shouldnt have happened. The questions that they raised were legitimate and should have been answered by the party. Then, a lot of the candidates who contested on AAP tickets were flawed. The big parties have perfected the art of using money to win power. Somewhere AAP was caught between its principles and the compulsions of todays electoral politics. People were drawn to anti-corruption movement, but somewhere along the way they lost faith in AAP because it was neither a movement, nor a full-scale party.



Anand Kumar: Voters of Delhi are quite disappointed with AAP, which was the first category of alternative politics. They were accepted for giving better and participatory governance, and on both counts the party has given excuses for the non-delivery of promises. People of Delhi felt cheated because the leadership was interested in expanding their zone of influence, using the resources of the people of Delhi and not meeting their expectations. There was arrogance and no accountability.



Q2. The party and the idea are supposed to be bigger than an individual. But does AAP have a future beyond Arvind Kejriwal?



Yogendra Yadav: There are still hundreds, if not thousands, of honest party workers. For a lot of them, it was their only hope. This belief was an asset to the party, but the biggest liability was the leadership. People like me are responsible who had let the coterie around the top leadership capture the party. AAP is playing the same game like other parties, where the top leadership remains untouched while others take responsibility. For example, Ajay Maken will take responsibility for the Congress loss, but Rahul Gandhi will remain untouched. AAP is cut off from the reality, and hence is isolated from issues.



Santosh Hegde: Party and principles are bigger than individuals. I feel that Kejriwal ignored his own seat in Delhi and was busy chasing a national role. It was a hasty decision. In his eagerness to project himself as an all-India leader, he has ignored local issues. It was his illusion. He is risking his own future.



Mayank Gandhi: First of all, it is a new party and the entire party structure is around Kejriwal. If Kejriwal goes, the rest of the party will just collapse because he hasnt allowed any strong leader to come up. I believe if Kejriwal goes, the party will also go.



Medha Patkar: The opposition space is shrinking and it is the non-political parties like social movements and NGOs that are increasingly playing the role of the opposition. I cannot say whether AAP has a future beyond Kejriwal.



Anand Kumar: AAP was started as an institute of participatory democracy. It was a result of the quest of the people for such an alternative. Today, political democracy has become a political game consumed by muscle, money and media power. People feel trapped in this elite-oriented system. In this scenario, relevant idea is the much needed change. AAP moved away from the idea of participatory democracy and returned to manipulating the machinery of elections process. Now, it is a party without any difference. After the loss in the MCD polls, they have lost the moral right of running the Delhi government, though they still have the legal basis. Unless they return to the promises of 500 new schools, mohalla Sarkar, Lokpal and better governance, it seems to me the beginning of the end.



Q3. Is there a possibility of all those who either left AAP or were thrown out to come together and take the initiative forward?



Yogendra Yadav: We did it, and that answers it all.



Santosh Hegde: Yes, it is possible. Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan are already on it.



Mayank Gandhi: It is not about the individuals. It is about a system  transparency, accountability, who reports to whom, and how the entire decision-making process takes place. Somebody will need to take this up. Suppose Kejriwal decides to go to his ex-colleagues to sit together to draw a model with collective leadership. In such a case, he will have to resign from the post of convener of the party and remain only the chief minister of Delhi. When you are in public service, there needs to be humility. You cannot be arrogant.



Medha Patkar: I dont think it is so easy for the people who were sidelined by the AAP to come together. Swaraj Abhiyan was one such attempt, but they still havent been able to establish themselves. It will take time.



Anand Kumar: For people like me, Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav any idea of going back to AAP is going to be the most ridiculous proposition because it is a house on fire. There is no accountability and no relevance of volunteers. There is a coterie of people at the helm of the party affairs. There are people seen in the media who speak without much link to the reality. Except Arvind Kejriwal and his charisma, there is nothing much. There is no denying that Kejriwal has an element of charisma. He is charismatic to people who observe him from the distance. And we are responsible for that charisma. It happened because in the beginning, we were in a hurry to put up a good challenge to the Congress, the BJP and corrupt corporates. We allowed him to occupy the space created by the exit of Anna Hazare. Now, we rely on the democratic process to dissolve the phenomenon. And it will be dissolved because the dynamics of democracy are very ruthless. Going back to the past, we had leaders who were charismatic like Indira Gandhi and MG Ramachandran. They were big but their charisma dissolved too.



Q4. AAP was born out of the anti-corruption movement. Today, corruption is not a hot enough issue. What should be the new big agenda for AAP?



Yogendra Yadav: I am not their political advisor and it is not my place to comment on this.



Santosh Hegde: Delhi voters are educated. They closely observe everything. The city is facing issues like garbage, health, pollution etc. AAP must focus on them.



Mayank Gandhi: We were fighting against 4 Cs  corruption, communal, criminal and caste. These were the 4 things we were fighting. And that still holds same.



Medha Patkar: The agenda for AAP should be to push for our constitutionally-guaranteed rights like equity and justice. A majority of the people are still denied these rights and the success of AAP should be judged on how well they push for these rights, not in how many seats they win. Fighting against corruption should still be a part of their agenda, and they should keep a watch on the MCD. All parties go through ups and downs in the electoral arena. I dont think AAPs current electoral misfortunes can be used to judge what the party has done or will do in the future.



Anand Kumar: Corruption is happening in continuity. The Prime Minister has changed from UPA to NDA, but where is the Lokpal? Where is the mechanism of checking corruption in states? Also, now there is major threat of majoritarianism and communalism. It is a greater evil.



Q5: Should Arvind Kejriwal reinvent himself as a leader? If yes, how?



Yogendra Yadav: Advice is only for those who need it. I think they are being advised by the people they deem fit. As I said earlier, I am not their political advisor.



Santosh Hegde: Talking about EVMs after the defeat is not good. Not the right thing to do. Only if the AAP focuses on pro-people development works, the party has a future.



Mayank Gandhi: It is very simple. He has to let go of his ego. He has to apologise to the nation and to so many volunteers. He has to try and create a new team, which is good for the country. He should remove the kind of people he has got around him. And then, for three years, he must forget everything and just run Delhi properly. Do good governance and people will forgive him.



Anand Kumar: There is always a chance to be a better person. Not impossible to change from sinner to saint. Given the present environment, megalomania is worshipped by certain people. For everything going wrong, one cant blame EVMs or the lieutenant governor. Also, there will always be a lobby against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but in the eyes of people the relevance of such a lobby is diminishing. Modi as a person is not an issue with the people of India. What they worry about is food, security and governance.



(Written by Debayan Roy, D P Satish, Aritra Hazra, Tushar Dhara, Eram Agha)
New Delhi: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah has courted controversy once again after alleging that the recent encounter in Kupwara, where three soldiers lost their life, was being blown out of proportion to tarnish the image of Muslims.



Calling it a conspiracy to inflame hatred against the Muslims, the Srinagar MP asked why there was less hue and cry over Sukma attack as compared to Kupwara encounter.



Three soldiers were killed and five injured when militants attacked an army camp in Chokibal area of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir early on Thursday.



Sources had told CNN-News18 that the martyrs included an Army officer, a Junior Commissioner Officer and a jawan, adding that the injuries sustained by five other soldiers were non-fatal.



At least twenty-five Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans were killed in a tragic attack carried out by Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Monday.



Abdullah's remarks in the recent past have sparked outrage. Abdullah had recently claimed that the stone pelters in the Kashmir valley were not giving up their lives for tourism but for resolution of the Kashmir issue as per the wishes of its people.



"If he (stone pelting youth) is giving up his life, he is not doing it for tourism. He is giving his life so that the destiny of this nation is decided which should be acceptable to the people of this place. This needs to be understood," Abdullah had said at an election meeting in the Sonawar constituency.



Abdullah's remarks were perceived to be an endorsement of stone pelters by people from all quarters. However, Abdullah's son Omar cleared the air later in interview to CNN-News18. Omar said that his father was only apprising people of stone pelters' motive.



"Youth who are pelting stones are not doing it for the jobs, but because they feel Jammu and Kashmir is not a part of India," he said.
"Citizens of Delhi in the recent MCD polls have also proved that EVM stands for 'Every Vote Modi'," said Adityanath.

Just days after the Union Cabinet put an end to use of red beacon lights in all vehicles, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in a midnight missive ordered the same with immediate effect across Uttar Pradesh.

"There has been a transformation in law and order situation in UP and this will continue in the future too," said the UP CM.

"We had urged earlier too, people who do not respect the law can leave UP and those who don't will be dealt strictly with," said Adityanath.

: Unfazed but the EVM hullabaloo, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, addressing party workers in Gorakhpur on Saturday, said that they stand for 'Every Vote Modi'.BJP, with recent success in Assembly polls and also winning the Delhi MCD elections, is experiencing an electoral high. The political stock of PM Modi and BJP has risen manifold, which has parties alleging that the EVMs have been tampered with. Adityanath also lauded the PM for putting a 'full stop to VIP culture'."Prime Minister Narendra Modi has put a full stop to the VIP culture in the country," said Adityanath.The PM had said that 'every Indian is a VIP'.The UP CM has been tightening the screws on the law and order in the state.The CM recently appointed Sulkhan Singh as Uttar Pradesh Police Chief.The anti-Romeo squads, which came in for a lot of criticism for blackening the faces of those caught eve-teasing, had the Yogi -led government issue guidelines to UP police on not harassing couples.There should be no shaving of heads, blackening of faces or "murga pose" (a stress position used as a corporal punishment where sit-ups are done holding the ears), said a senior official, listing out the dos and don'ts.The BJP, in its manifesto, had announced the formation of the anti-Romeo squads "to ensure the safety and security of women", should they come to power in Uttar Pradesh.
Shibpur (West Bengal): Local Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters clashed near Shibpur Police Station in West Bengal's Howrah on Saturday evening.



The two groups reportedly clashed after TMC supporters attacked the BJP workers, who were demonstrating against the inaction of the local police in relation to attacks on its local leaders.



The local BJP leaders have alleged that the TMC supporters attacked them and even the police when they tried to shield them. The TMC leaders, on the other hand, accused the BJP leaders of delivering inflammatory speeches against the TMC leaders and the minority community.



Later, the Police arranged for the safe exit of the BJP supporters from the spot in prison vans.



Supporters, belonging to both groups, hurled bricks at each other, forcing police to use tear gas and lathi charge to disperse the fighting crowd.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Office on Saturday issued directives to remove Syed Tariq Fatemi, special assistant to the prime minister on foreign affairs, from his post for his alleged role in 'Dawn leaks', saying that a notification in this regard will be issued shortly.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Saturday afternoon slammed what he said was 'unnecessary noise' surrounding the directives issued by the PM's Office earlier in the day.

The PM's Office also said it recommended referring Dawn to the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) for "necessary disciplinary action", but did not say what the charges against Editor Dawn or journalist Cyril Almeida  who wrote the story  are.

Sharif's PMO had initially rejected the story, but the military had mounted pressure to demand a probe into the matter to determine those involved in disclosing the details of the meeting to Dawn journalist Almeida.

: The already strained civil-military equation in Pakistan seemed headed for a showdown on Saturday when the Army rejected the government's move to sack a top advisor in connection with the episode known as ' Dawn Leaks ' where the country's leading newspaper reported the details of a high-level civil-military meeting that questioned banned jihadi outfits freely operating in Pakistan.However, the issue caught fire as hours after the directive, the military leadership said the Army had rejected the notification, calling it 'incomplete'.Director General of Interservices Public Relations (ISPR) Major Asif Ghafoor, who heads the military's media arm, said in a tweet: "Notification on Dawn Leak is incomplete and not in line with recommendations by the Inquiry Board. Notification is rejected."The government instantly tried to contain the situation that could get out of hand in a country with a history of military coups  Nawaz himself was deposed once by the Army  but it was not willing to blink yet.Answering a question on the matter, he started off saying: "Let me first say that I believe that tweets, sent out by whichever institution, are a deadly poison for Pakistan's democracy, system and justice.""Our institutions address each other through tweets and that is very unfortunate," he said, in an apparent reference to a tweet sent out ISPR's Major Ghafoor.The controversial directive to sack Fatemi came after an inquiry committee probing a story published by Dawn on October 6, 2016, submitted its findings in a report to the PMO. The PM's Office did not mention why action was ordered against Fatemi.The APNS has additionally been asked to develop a Code of Conduct for print media, especially when it comes to stories that deal with "issues of national importance and security".The story by Almeida had kicked up a storm and an embarrassed Army that was seen as being ordered around by the political leadership to shed its strategic assets like Lashkar chief Hafez Sayed and Jaish-e-Mohammeds Maulana Masood Azhar.The story reported the details of a high-level civil-military meeting discussing the issue of banned outfits operating in Pakistan including Lashkar  that was behind the Mumbai terror attacks  and Jaish  which carried out the attacks on Indian Parliament.In an Editor's note, published on October 11, 2016, Dawn had clarified its position and stated on the record that the story "was verified, cross-checked and fact-checked."The publication of the story led to the sacking of Pervaiz Rasheed as information minister, as the government felt Rasheed should have told the newspaper not to publish it. Almeida's name was also placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) after the publication of the story, but later removed by the interior ministry after human rights and media organisations condemned the move.
Seoul: North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile on Saturday in apparent defiance of a US push for tougher international sanctions to curb the Asian country's nuclear threat.



"North Korea fired an unidentified missile from a site in the vicinity of Bukchang in Pyeongannam-do (South Pyeongan Province) early this morning," the South Korean news agency Yonhap reported, adding that the missile "is estimated to have failed."



A US defence official confirmed North Korea had fired a missile.



The launch comes with tensions high on the Korean peninsula, with US President Donald Trump warning of the risk of a "major conflict."



It came just hours after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson addressed the UN Security Council for the first time, called for a global campaign of pressure on Pyongyang -- with China playing a major role -- to halt its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.



"Failing to act now on the most pressing security issue in the world may bring catastrophic consequences," he warned.



He repeated Washington's threat that US military options were "on the table."



Tillerson said China had "unique" leverage over its communist ally and neighbour.



But Beijing pushed back, arguing that it was unrealistic to expect one country to solve the conflict.



"The use of force does not solve differences and will only lead to bigger disasters," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the council.



His country, he said, should not be "a focal point of the problem on the peninsula" and stressed that "the key to solving the nuclear issue on the peninsula does not lie in the hands of the Chinese side."



Russia joined China in saying a military response would be disastrous and appealing for a return to talks and de- escalation.



Military action was "completely unacceptable," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov told the council. A miscalculation could have "frightening consequences," he warned.



But Tillerson argued that diplomacy had to be backed with credible muscle.



"Diplomatic and financial levers of power will be backed up by the willingness to counteract North Korean aggression with military action, if necessary," he said.



"The threat of a North Korean nuclear attack on Seoul or Tokyo is real, and it is likely only a matter of time before North Korea develops the capability to strike the US mainland."



Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un are locked in an ever-tighter spiral of threat, counter-threat, and escalating military preparedness.



The US is deploying a naval strike group led by an aircraft carrier to the Korean peninsula, and a missile- defense system called Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) will be operational "within days," according to officials.



North Korea meanwhile said it has conducted its biggest ever artillery drill and threatened to "bury at sea" the US aircraft carrier. Speculation has mounted it could soon carry out a sixth nuclear test.



The meeting of the top UN body yesterday laid bare major differences among key powers over the way to address the North Korea crisis.



Over the past 11 years, the Security Council has imposed six sets of sanctions on Pyongyang -- two adopted last year- to significantly ramp up the pressure and deny Kim's regime the hard currency revenue needed for his military programs.



But UN sanctions experts have repeatedly told the council the measures have had little impact because they have been poorly implemented.



Tillerson called on all countries to downgrade or sever diplomatic relations with North Korea and impose targeted sanctions on entities and individuals supporting its missile and nuclear program.



The United States is ready to impose sanctions on third countries where companies or individuals are found to have helped North Korea's military programs, he said.



China instead wants Pyongyang to freeze its military programs in exchange for a halt to US-South Korean annual drills.



"Now is the time to seriously consider talks," said Wang.



But Tillerson was blunt in saying it was up to North Korea to take the first concrete steps.



"We will not negotiate our way back to the negotiating table," he said. "We will not reward their bad behaviour with talks."



The United States, Russia and China took part in six- party talks on North Korea's denuclearization from 2003 to 2009, along with Japan, South Korea and Pyongyang.
New Delhi: A Kerala youth, who had run away from his home state to join the Islamic State terror group in Afghanistan, is reportedly dead, the police said on Saturday.



A message from the Telegram account of Ashfaq Majeed, who is also in Afghanistan, claims that Bestin alias Yahya was killed during an assault against fighters from the Islamic Sate. However, it is still not clear when Yahya died in the war-ravaged country.



According to the Kerala Police, one of the relatives of Ashfaq received the message.



Yahya, along with his wife, and his brother and his wife, had allegedly went to Afghanistan to join the Islamic State to wage war against America. The four were part of a 21-strong group from Kerala who reached Afghanistan.



Early this month, Muhammed, said to be in his 20s, was reported to have been killed, along with 36 IS militants, who were killed after the US struck the terror group's position in eastern Afghanistan with a GBU-43 bomb, also known as the "mother of all bombs".



In February this year, information reached the relatives of 26-year-old Hafeesudin that he had been killed in a drone attack.



Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan last year had informed the state assembly that 21 people, including children, were missing, of which 17 were from Kasargode district and four from Palakkad.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned on Friday that failure to curb North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs could lead to 'catastrophic consequences,' while China and Russia rebuked Washington's threat of military force.



The showdown in a meeting of the U.N. Security Council on North Korea highlighted the diplomatic challenges of resolving tensions over Pyongyang, with the Trump administration aggressively pressing Beijing to rein in its ally, and China and Russia pushing back against Washington's rhetoric.



Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the 15-member council it was not only up to China to solve the North Korean problem.



"The key to solving the nuclear issue on the peninsula does not lie in the hands of the Chinese side," Wang told the council in blunt remarks that Tillerson later rebuffed.



The ministerial meeting of the council, chaired by Tillerson, exposed old divisions between the United States and China on how to deal with North Korea. China wants talks first and action later, while the United States wants North Korea to curtail its nuclear programme before such talks start.



"It is necessary to put aside the debate over who should take the first step and stop arguing who is right and who is wrong," Wang told the council. "Now is the time to seriously consider resuming talks."



Tillerson responded: "We will not negotiate our way back to the negotiating table with North Korea, we will not reward their violations of past resolutions, we will not reward their bad behaviour with talks."



Since 2006, North Korea has been subject to U.N. sanctions aimed at impeding the development of its nuclear and missile programs. The council has strengthened sanctions following each of North Korea's five nuclear tests.



North Korea chose not to make a statement and did not take part in the meeting.



In Tillerson's first visit to the United Nations he scolded the Security Council for not fully enforcing sanctions against North Korea, saying if the body had acted, tensions over Pyongyang might not have escalated.



He urged the council to act before North Korea does and called on states to sever diplomatic and financial ties with Pyongyang and suspend the flow of North Korean guest workers, as well as impose bans on North Korean imports, especially coal.



"Failing to act now on the most pressing security issue in the world may bring catastrophic consequences," he said.



The United States was not pushing for regime change and preferred a negotiated solution, but Pyongyang, for its own sake, should dismantle its nuclear and missile programs, he said.



"The threat of a nuclear attack on Seoul, or Tokyo, is real, and it's only a matter of time before North Korea develops the capability to strike the U.S. mainland," Tillerson said.



Tillerson repeated the Trump administration's position that all options are on the table if Pyongyang persists with its nuclear and missile development, but Wang said military threats would not help.



'FRIGHTENING' CONSEQUENCES



Wang said dialogue and negotiations were the "only way out."



"The use of force does not solve differences and will only lead to bigger disasters," he said.



Wang and Tillerson met several hours after the council meeting and appeared to have a cordial exchange.



"I appreciate the constructive way that China has engaged with the United States to address the challenges on the Korean peninsula that are common to both of us," the American diplomat said.



US President Donald Trump told Reuters in an interview on Thursday a "major, major conflict" with North Korea was possible over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.



Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov cautioned on Friday that the use of force would be "completely unacceptable."



"The combative rhetoric coupled with reckless muscle-flexing has led to a situation where the whole world seriously is now wondering whether there's going to be a war or not," he told the council. "One ill-thought-out or misinterpreted step could lead to the most frightening and lamentable consequences."



Gatilov said North Korea felt threatened by regular joint U.S. and South Korean military exercises and the deployment of a U.S. aircraft carrier group to waters off the Korean peninsula.



China and Russia both also repeated their opposition to the deployment of a U.S. anti-missile system in South Korea. Gatilov described it as a "destabilising effort," while Wang said it damaged trust among the parties on the North Korea issue.



Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida told the council that to bring North Korea back to the table the international community "must send a strong message that provocation comes at a high price."



"There is no doubt that dialogue is necessary ... however under the current situation where North Korea continues to advance its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, meaningful dialogue is clearly not possible," he said.



The Trump administration is focussing its North Korea strategy on tougher economic sanctions, possibly including an oil embargo, a global ban on its airline, intercepting cargo ships and punishing Chinese banks doing business with Pyongyang, U.S. officials told Reuters earlier this month.
Thumbs up to Appomattox County native Sylvia Trent-Adams, who was named the acting Surgeon General of the United States last week.

Trent-Adams grew up in the Concord area and developed an early infatuation with the health care and medical fields when she began volunteering at Lynchburg General Hospital at the age of 14. From that moment on, her destiny was set. She attended Hampton University on a ROTC scholarship, obtaining a degree in nursing. From there, it was onto a career in public health.

Beginning in November 2013 until May of last year, she was the chief nurse officer of the U.S. Public Health Service, working with the Office of the Surgeon General and the Department of Health and Human Services. Then she was appointed the deputy surgeon general.

Trent-Adams, 50, will serve as acting surgeon general until President Trump nominates a replacement to Dr. Vivek Murthy and that nominee is confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Congratulations, Rear Admiral Trent-Adams. If the president is smart, wed suggest he look no further than his acting surgeon general when nominating a successor.

* * *

Thumbs up to Charles Kolakowski, who stepped down earlier this week after 11 years as Bedford town manager.

Kolakowski came to Bedford, then a city, as its reversion to a town was under study. Two years after arriving as city manager, he became town manager as Bedfords reversion officially took place. He is credited with being a key leader during the reversion process.

A 1981 graduate of the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, he came to Bedford from Bridgeton, N.J., where he had served as city administrator from 2001 until 2006.

In announcing his resignation, Kolakowski was effusive in his praise of the town, its municipal workers and its residents. I have enjoyed developing a team of successful and skilled employees, he said. ... It has been an honor and privilege serving as the Bedford town manager. I couldnt have asked for a better community of people to deal with.

We wish you all the best for the future.
The 2017 Montana legislative session that ended Friday was dominated by debates over infrastructure and how to tighten the budget, but it also included bills to make significant changes in tax policy, health care, energy, campaign finance and other areas.

A total of 1,188 bills and resolutions were introduced by lawmakers this year. A majority of them died, but more than 236 bills have already been signed into law.

More than 250 other bills have yet to be sent to Gov. Steve Bullock for him to sign, veto or let become law without his signature.

A look at some of the highlights from the session:

Budget

The state budget is $10.3 billion for 2018 and 2019, and will leave an estimated $200 million in reserve. Most state agencies saw their budgets trimmed, and they will see some vacant positions go unfilled for the next two years to make up for the revenue shortfall. The Legislature also created a budget stabilization reserve fund, with rules meant to allow the governor to respond more quickly to future revenue drops.

Taxes

The Legislature approved the first increase in Montana's fuel tax in a quarter of a century, with the proceeds to pay for road and bridge projects. Fees were also increased on motor vehicle registrations and on vehicles worth more than $150,000. To fund an effort to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels, fees on fishing licenses were raised and a new one imposed on hydroelectric dams. Lawmakers passed tax policy bills meant to attract new businesses and return some money to low-income residents.

Infrastructure

The Legislature approved about $173 million in cash to pay for water, wastewater, road and bridge projects in mostly rural areas of the state, and authorized spending hundreds of millions more in federal funding for road projects. One of the most contentious issues of the session was a failed measure that would pay for a range of other projects, including major building projects at state universities and colleges and a veterans' home in Butte.

Health care

The Legislature passed bills that lawmakers hope will lower the rising cost of health insurance. Lawmakers voted to approve a high-risk health insurance pool, to allow out-of-state insurers to sell policies in Montana, to increase transparency of health care prices for patients and to give tax credits to small companies that offer high-deductible insurance plans to their employees.

Campaign finance

Lawmakers approved a measure to raise the amount of money that donors can give to state candidates for political office, despite pending legislation on the current limits. The Legislature also added the option of a mediator to review allegations of campaign finance violations and confirmed a new commissioner of political practices, former Democratic legislator Jeff Mangan.

Medical marijuana

The Legislature created regulations for the medical marijuana industry after voters approved an initiative to allow dispensaries to operate in the state. The bill creates licenses and fees for marijuana distributors and requires tracking of the drug to prevent it from being sold on the black market.

Preschool

After negotiations with Bullock, lawmakers approved spending $6 million to test ways to expand 4- and 5-year-old children's access to preschool in the state. The funding will last two years as a pilot project and be reassessed in the 2019 legislative session.

Prison and sentencing reforms

The Legislature passed several measures meant to ease the state's overpopulated jails and prisons and reduce the number of repeat offenders. The bills eliminated jail time for certain misdemeanor crimes, revised how offenders on probation are supervised, set deadlines for pre-sentencing investigative reports and addressed the housing needs of released offenders, among others.

Child protection reforms

Another package of bills is meant to help the state deal with the record number of children in the foster care system and reduce child neglect and abuse. One measure would require that foster children not be excluded from Medicaid services. Another measure would require foster parents to allow children to participate in developmentally and age-appropriate activities. Other bills will require more planning and study to combat child abuse and neglect.

Colstrip

Lawmakers passed a bill requiring Colstrip power plant owners to submit a remediation plan for the closure of the plant's two older coal-fired units scheduled by July 2022. They also approved a plan to allow Colstrip owners to borrow up to $10 million a year from the state to keep the units running until that time. Another bill that would have required the owners to compensate property owners, governments and workers for losses related to the closure failed to pass.
Keeping or letting go

The exhibition, according to Medulla Art Gallerys co-director, Michael Mouttet, is an observation of this type of process, an artistic and personal process whereby the artists personality is deeply entrenched in a back and forth emotion, negotiating the parameters of how much or what to let go and what to keep.

The exhibition which opened on March 23 will come to a close on May 11. It features four female artists, Mouttet said, who were familiar with each others work. Mouttet said the exhibitions genesis also sought to pay homage to, established artists such as Anna Serrao, Wendy Nanan, Irenee Shaw, Abigail Hadeed and Susan Dayal, as the inspiration for contemporary artistic expression. Michele Isava, Alicia Milne, Jaime Lee Loy, and Nadia Huggins are the exhibiting artists. The 18 pieces on display come in paintings, sculpture and photographs, including video presentations and multi-media installations. All of these artists, he said, have been featured in both Caribbean and international publications and residencies.Mouttet said the exhibition was produced by artists, who have been active in producing work that is conceptually independent of traditional forms and distinctively personal. He said while the exhibited works were chosen with the group in mind, it also represented the artists individual and personal investigations.

Each artist was personal in their expression, from Milnes observations of a post-colonial Trinidad privileges; Huggins look into her personal identity; Isavas interest in the female body and nature; or Lee Loys practice of art therapy in confronting past trauma. He highlighted that, each work displayed is deeply personal to each artist and tells stories that are not only important to their personal interests or struggles, but that have the power and accessibility to transcend and to connect to larger audiences. These artists came together to speak of the process of letting go yet still holding on to, whether it be notions of sexual identity, national identity or traumatic memories, it allows for transformation through an honest process of expression..., he said. When asked about the exhibitions title, Mouttet said, it came from artist Lee Loy, who mentioned she read a story called What we Save by Julie Orringer and the exhibitions title was a development of that. Orringers story told of a woman nearing the end of her life who lets go of a lifelong secret relationship. Simultaneously, her daughter entered adolescence and grapples with not just the loss of her mother, but the loss of her former innocence after she is sexually assaulted by a young boy.

Mouttet had originally suggested Against the Grain but the artists found it defensive. But of equal important to the message/s being sent, Mouttet said, was that the work of these artists was an investment in private and corporate collections. He added that, too often Trinidad and Tobagos contemporary artists find recognition outside of Trinidad and Tobago and, because of their non-traditional expression, are ignored locally.
Venezuelans protest dictator Maduro

The group held a ten minute protest shouting Venezuela, Libertad (freedom) opposite the Embassy at Victoria Avenue. They carried Venezuelan flags and a placards including one which read, Maduro we suffer and die while you dance and laugh. Another read, Maduro is killing our students. There were also several police officers present during the protest.

In Venezuela there have been days of massive protest marches against Maduro and the unrest has left 29 dead. Yesterday outside the Embassy Heidi Diquez told reporters her parents migrated to Venezuela but we are all coming back because Venezuela is unbearable to live. She said the Maduro government cancelled their democratically elected national assembly.

So that is it for Venezuela. It is a dictatorship. She said they were also protesting statements by Venezuelan Ambassador to this country Coromoto Godoy-Calder?n. Diquez reported that at a Cuban event on Monday, Godoy-Calder?n minimised the situation going on in Venezuela. She said Godoy-Calder?n said Venezuelans are dreaming if they believe they will defeat Maduro.

We are here today to tell them we are dreaming but we are dreaming for a free Venezuela. We are dreaming for our kids to stop dying because Venezuela does not have any medicine.

We are here to tell the international community to please implore the humanitarians to help Venezuela. She said the Embassy played loud revolutionary music during their protest.

Is that respectful? We are all Venezuelans. The Embassy belongs to us as well not to a party. She referenced the planned Organisation of American States meeting on the Venezuela unrest which resulted in Venezuela announcing a pull out from the group.

Asked what she believes this Government should do, Diquez advised that they listen to the international bodies and no longer abstain from speaking out.

We understand there is a lot of diplomacy and trade involved, but stop to think about the humanitarian crisis we have right now. She said more than 100 people wanted to be at the protest yesterday but stayed away because they fear repercussions.

Local psychic Yesenia Gonzalez claimed there has been ill treatment of Venezuelans arriving at legal ports of entry, particularly Cedros.

She said they also want to know governments position regarding Venezuelan refugees fleeing the country out of fear of persecution from the Maduro government.

She said many Venezuelans are seeking to go to other Caribbean counties like St Lucia and Saint Maarten.

They running away because they being dragged down into the ground for fear. No food. No medication.

Desperate. No money. Persecution right through over a dictator who is Maduro. She predicted the situation will turn into a civil war but believes it can be avoided. She called on Maduro and Godoy-Calder?n to be more compassionate and for Godoy-Calder?n to apologise for what is happening in Venezuela.

When contacted yesterday a representative from the Venezuelan Embassy said a statement would be issued between yesterday and today. Attempts to contact Foreign Affairs Minister Dennis Moses yesterday were unsuccessful.
Parents highlight problems at San Juan Boys and Girls

Representative Joel Scott said the renovation to the building that housed the two schools on Second Street, San Juan came to an abrupt halt in October 2015.

Today, nobody is telling us when the work will restart, he said.

The boys were moved to the Eastern Main Road, Tunapuna location five years ago and the girls were moved the following year.

The renovations were scheduled to be completed in 2016, instead, Scott said things have gone from bad to worse and the children were being made to suffer.

A petition dated September 15, 2016 and signed by 108 parents was sent to the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education outlining the inconveniences the children suffer. In the petition, they sought a status update on the renovations but got no reply.

Since the work on the building stopped in 2015, he said, drug addicts, the homeless, bats, rats and pigeons have taken over.

Pointing to loose galvanise sheets hanging from the roof, Scott said the children assemble in the yard every morning to take the Public Transportation Services Corporation buses that transport them to Tunapuna.

They could be injured should the galvanise sheets fall when the children are present. The children, he said, lose more than two hours of schooling each day because of having to travel from San Juan to Tunapuna.




Fate of the Senate

Is Being Decided:

4 Big Races Still

Too Close to Call
The latest source of US-Mexico trouble: tuna. The World Trade Organization has ruled in favor of Mexico to the tune of $163 million in a longtime dispute over the fish. As NPR explains, the dispute centers on "dolphin-safe" labels on cans of tuna adopted by the US in 1990. The US claims that Mexicos use of large-net fishing boats that chase and target dolphin schools to find tuna do not meet the countrys no-kill standards. But Mexico says the US rules unfairly target the country and do not take into account new practices that have drastically decreased dolphin deaths. Mexico claims losses as high as $472.3 million annually over the labels and filed the case back in 2008, reports Reuters.

The US believes the number is closer to $21.9 million at most, but the WTO estimated it at $163 million, and said Mexico could impose retaliatory restrictions on the US to claw back that amount. The Office of the US Trade Representative says the decision doesn't take into account a new rule enacted in 2016 that expanded the restrictions to all countries, adding that it "dramatically overstates" the financial impact on Mexico. The WTO will next consider the 2016 changes made by the US, and its ruling in July could overturn this week's decision. Meanwhile, the Trump administration said Wednesday that it will attempt to renegotiate NAFTA, making the timing of this decision and trade relations with Mexico all the more sensitive. (Read more Mexico stories.)
A private North Carolina Christian college is insisting that its faculty and staff sign a document that opposes same-sex marriage and abortion, the AP reports. One faculty member says she and eight of her colleagues have refused to sign it and are leaving the school. News media outlets report that part of Montreat College's "Community Life Covenant" expects those who work there to affirm "the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman" and the "worth of every human being from conception to death." Covenant opponents blame the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, which contributed $100,000 to the college's scholarship fund last month. The association has denied any role in the covenant.

School spokesperson Adam Caress told the Charlotte Observer that only two faculty members have cited the school's "core documents," including the covenant, as the reason they will not return to the school after this semester. Corrie Greene, an English teacher at the school, said the document doesn't just pertain to what faculty do and say in the classroom and on campus. She is among the nine faculty members who said they won't be returning. "It says we must affirm and uphold the college's specific spiritual stances in our full 24 hour/seven-day-a-week personal life," Greene said. A small group of students gathered outside the school library on Wednesday to express concerns about the covenant. (Read more North Carolina stories.)
Witnesses say a man armed with a machete attacked students at a university in Kentucky after asking their political affiliation. The Lexington Herald-Leader reports the suspectidentified by police as 19-year-old Mitchell Adkinsentered a coffee shop on the Transylvania University campus Friday morning with a bag full of knives and a machete. Tristan Reynolds says he was in the cafe with 30 to 40 other students when the suspect announced, "The day of reckoning has come." Reynolds says the suspect asked a man in the cafe his political affiliation, telling him, "You are safe" when he identified himself as a Republican.

Police say Adkins attacked two women, at least one of them with a machete, the Washington Post reports. One of the women was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries; the other was treated at the scene. Campus security quickly detained Adkins, who was hospitalized for "self-inflicted injuries." Adkins has been charged with assault and wanton endangerment. He's a former Transylvania University student, having left the school in 2015. According to WKYT, the same year he left the university he wrote a piece on BuzzFeed complaining that conservatives are discriminated against at liberal arts colleges. (Read more Kentucky stories.)
An ex-cop in Florida is on suicide watch in jail after allegedly hitting five children at a school bus stop, killing a 13-year-old boy, while driving drunk. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says John Camfield, who is being held on $600,000 bond on charges including DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide, was so drunk after the Thursday afternoon crash that he didn't remember hitting the Dundee Ridge Middle Academy students or hitting a car driven by a pregnant woman afterward, Fox 13 reports. Camfield, 48, worked for more than 10 different agencies during an 18-year career in law enforcement in Mississippi before moving to Florida in 2012.

Judd says the children were not in any way at fault. "This drunk man in a car drove off the road and ran through those children, scattering them like a bowling ball through bowling pins," he says, per the AP. Judd says Camfield, whose former colleagues told him he was a drunk, is an "embarrassment" not worthy of being called an ex-cop. "Hes a crook, he's a criminal, and he's being treated as a criminal," the sheriff says. "He knows law enforcement, now he's gonna know the other side," he says. "We're gonna put him in jail hopefully for the rest of his life." (Read more drunk driving stories.)
President Trump has warned North Korea that China is not going to be happy about its failed missile launch early Saturday. "North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today," Trump tweeted. "Bad!" Japan joined the condemnation of what is believed to have been a failed test of a ballistic missile, the Guardian reports. "It is a grave threat to our country," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, describing the launch as a violation of United Nations resolutions. "This is absolutely not acceptable. We strongly condemn such acts."

US officials tell Reuters that Pyongyang appears to have tested a medium-range KN17 missile, which broke up minutes after launch, never leaving North Korean territory. Another US source says it is possible that Trump now will speed up the deployment of more American warships to the region and the implementation of new sanctions. CNN military analyst John Kirby says the message Kim Jong Un was sending with the launch is clear. "This is Kim giving us the finger, giving China the finger, giving the UN the finger," he says. "I think timing is absolutely planned and preordained in his mind." (Trump has warned that a "major, major conflict" with North Korea is possible.)
The father of a 5-year-old California boy who has been missing for a week released his first public statement Friday, saying he believes he was attacked before the boy disappeared. Aramazd Andressian Sr. who was found unconscious near his vehicle in a South Pasadena park last Saturday, says the last thing he remembers before waking up in the hospital is being with Aramazd Andressian Jr. in the park, ABC7 reports. "I was told that a Good Samaritan found me unconscious on the ground near my car, with young Aramazd nowhere in sight," he said. "I can only speculate that I must have been attacked in the park."

Andressian Sr. shares custody with the boy's mother and police have accused him of making confusing and contradictory statements about his son's possible whereabouts. He was released from jail Tuesday after being held on suspicion of child endangerment. Earlier Friday, investigators with scent-detecting dogs executed a search warrant at his home but left empty-handed, the Los Angeles Times reports. Police say they still hope to find the boy alive. "We're operating on the assumption that we're going to find him alive, and that's why we're doing these types of searches," says Lt. Joe Mendoza of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. (Read more missing child stories.)
Turkish internet users discovered early Saturday their government had banned access to Wikipedia, Reuters reports. The government in Turkey is allowed to ban access to websites if it decides they are obscene or a threat to national security. According to CNN, Turkey's communications ministry says articles on Wikipedia claimed the country was "aligned" with terrorist groups and accused the site of running a "smear campaign" against it. Wikipedia refused to remove the articles, so Turkey blocked access to the site. Turkey has temporarily blocked access to YouTube and Twitter in the past, and critics fear the country is turning toward authoritarianism. Also on Saturday, the Turkish government passed decrees dismissing more than 4,000 civil servants and banning TV dating shows, the AP reports. (Read more Turkey stories.)
Someone is shaving cats in Virginia, and police and pet owners alike are at a loss. The Roanoke Times reports at least seven cats in a Waynesboro neighborhood have been shaved, apparently with some type of razor, since December. The cats are being shaved on their lower abdomens and groin areas, according to WVIR. That originally led police to believe someone was abducting the cats and getting them spayed or neutered. However, that appears to not be the case, as some cats have been shaved multiple times.

While the incidents stretch back months, the shavings were just reported to police this week. At least two cat owners have gone to the cops, but no one seems to have seen anyone potentially responsible for the bizarre crimes (and police aren't even sure a crime has been committed). The cats that have been shaved are clearly pets and were wearing collars. While the cats weren't physically harmed in any way, one owner tells WHSV that since being shaved her cat has been "real skittish and he feels really weird around people." Cat owners have put up flyers around the neighborhood warning other residents. (Read more weird crimes stories.)
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New Delhi:

Good news for women IIT aspirants as it will soon get reserved quota. The IIT Council, which met in Mumbai on Friday has discussed on the possibility of raising the number of women students from the current annual 8-9% to 20% by 2020. "It has been decided to give admission to more girls," said HRD minister Prakash Javadekar.

Ashok Misra, chairman of the standing committee of IIT Council, said, "Diversity is essential. We know that other engineering colleges have about 40-50% girls on their campuses, not the IITs though. We know that the girls who clear our JEE (Advanced) are capable and we would like them to join the IITs."

Ashok Misra, chairman of the standing committee of IIT Council, said, "Diversity is essential. We know that other engineering colleges have about 40-50% girls on their campuses, not the IITs though. We know that the girls who clear our JEE (Advanced) are capable and we would like them to join the IITs.

Also Read: KVS Results 2017 for PGT, TGT, PRT Posts and cut off marks released; check here

The IIT Council also discussed ways to attract more foreign students and raised the issue of increasing the fee for postgraduate students. "The IITs spend Rs 1.24 lakh per annum per students, but charge Rs 20,000 a year from each student. However, a decision to that effect is still pending," a source said.

Several measures are already in place to help students cope with anxiety, depression and pressure. We have been increasingly hiring counsellors and psychiatrists. We are seeing suicides despite such measures. The institutes will have to contemplate better solutions, said Gautam Biswas, Director, IIT Guwahati.

However the council has also decided to transform councelling centres on the campus.One of the reforms is to increase the number of women students in IITs  currently pegged at 8 per cent  to more than 20 per cent. Supernumerary seats will be added to institutes as need be, said Javadekar.

Also to curb the outflow of research scholars from the country, the council has proposed incentives for PhD scholars. Fourth-year engineering students with excellent academic record will be granted a scholarship of Rs 75,000 a month under the Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme for pursuing PhDs in IITs. The proposal will be tabled in the Union cabinet, said the minister.

Javadekar announced that the Centre will raise Rs 20,000 crore in three years to fund research in premier institutes including IITs.
DECATUR  Flooding remains the biggest concern after storms swept through Central Illinois on Saturday night.

The National Weather Service at Lincoln issued a flash flood warning until 12:15 a.m. Sunday for Macon, Coles, Moultrie, Jasper, Shelby, Cumberland and Effingham counties.

The main threat is over the next 24 to 36 hours, in terms of additional potential for flooding, said Meteorologist Chris Geelhart. The threat of severe weather tomorrow (Sunday) may not be as strong.

Geelhart said quarter-sized hail had been reported in Decatur near Millikin University. In the city, about 1.35 inches of rain had fallen in the 24-hour period before 8 p.m. Saturday.

Representatives of the Macon County Sheriffs Office, and Decatur police and fire departments all reported no significant storm damage as of 8 p.m.

In Shelby County, radio dispatcher Jack Ezell said there had been some downed trees and poles. Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp said the storms caused significant wind damage, with trees and power lines down throughout the county as well as significant water on the roadway of Route 48 between Morrisonville and Harvel.

The weather service advised that runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of small creeks and streams, country roads, farmland, and other low-lying spots. Drivers should not travel over flooded roadways.
New Delhi:

Somebody is still in the awe of our Desi Girl Priyanka Chopra. After marking her Hollywood debut in 'Baywatch' the actress is busy in promoting her film in India.

PeeCee didn't just portrayed her talent over seas but also grabbed attentions of big star who couldn't resist themselves from complimenting the Quantico star.

Her Baywatch co star Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, is totally struck by the actress. The 'Rundown' star recently praised Priyanka dedicating a video to the actress. Not only this the actor went on thanking India also for amazing love.

Hard to balance real malevolence with charm and humor. Perfect choice for our @baywatchmovie @priyankachopra YY

https://t.co/5WXpc00a9X  Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 27, 2017

Priyanka is busy promoting 'Baywatch' soon after she returned to India without Dwayne. However, through a video message, the actor apologised for his absence and said, "I am so sorry I couldn't be there with you. Priyanka and I had talked about this for months. Coming to India would've been my first time. I cannot wait to come. I wish I could've joined you this time,"

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra roped in for Kalpana Chawla's biopic

Watch the video here and know what the actor has in his kitty for the girl:

Baywatch is based on popular television series of the Nineties of the same name, directed by David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson. Dwayne Johnson will take up the role of Mitch Buchannon, Zac Efron stars as Matt Brody and actress Kelly Rohrbach plays CJ Parker. The movie is scheduled to be released on May 25.

For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Tollywood's model turned actress Sonika Singh Chauhan passed away on Saturday after a deadly car accident took place near Lake Mall on Rashbehari Avenue in South Kolkata.

Vikram Chaterjee, a famous face of Tollywood industry was driving the car and got seriously affected due to a fatal injury on head.

Both the actors were taken to the nearby hospital after the accident took place at the wee hours of Saturday.

While Sonika was declared brought dead by the doctors Vikram was being released after some primary aid.

But acccording to the eye witnesses later the actor was admitted in a private hospital after he fell unconscious in a while and not regained senses yet.

At present, Vikram is going under a CT scan.

According to a media report, Vikram's car lost its control and turning completely 180 degree stabbed into a shop.

WB: Bengali actor Bikram admitted in the hospital with serious injuries, co-passenger model Sonika died after an accident in Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/sjdmIY3dWr  ANI (@ANI_news) April 29, 2017

Where as Sonika's body has been sent for post-mortem the 'Ichche Nodee' soap fame Vikram is under observation at ICU.

However the question is still in the air whether the car had broken speed limits or reason behind the accident is something else.

Meanwhile the entire Tollywood industry has plunged into sadness after such a massive loss in the era of Bengali cinema.

Sonika who was a gem of Mumbai modelling circuits beside her tollywood career had also been hosting a prime time show on a national channel.

Can't believe this horrifying news to which I woke up this morning.Deeply saddened with the demise of @sonikachauhan89 a brave soul I knew  Koushani Mukherjee (@KoushaniMukher1) April 29, 2017

On the other hand, Vikram who is currently working in a bunch of bengali soap has also tried his hands in the movies like 'Khoj', 'Elar Char Adhyay' and 'Ami Ar Amar Girlfriends'.

RIP Sonika Chauhan. Can't believe have to write this. Why does this happen. This is unacceptable.  Arindam Sil (@silarindam) April 29, 2017

Also Read: 'Baahubali 2': 8 hard-hitting dialogues of Prabhas-starrer that makes it a marvel

Have known u always as a great girl.. a gud human being..ul b remembered forever.. will miss u my frnd @sonikachauhan89  Nusrat Is ONE (@nusratchirps) April 29, 2017





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New Delhi:

B-town hunk Shahid Kapoor who is specially known for his expertise in the arena of dancing, has celebrated this World Dance Day in a rather special way.

Yes! The 'Udta Punjab' actor in his recent Instagram post has been seen shaking a leg with his 9 months old baby girl Misha Kapoor.

The 36 year old actor on Saturday took to photo-blogging site Instagram to share that adorable video of their powerpacked performance.

Being delighted after performing with his all new dancing partner Shahid wrote, #worlddanceday #havefeetwilldance #mj dance is in your blood.

Captioning the post as "Pool time with missy" Shahid further shared the video on microblogging site twitter.

In this 'Awedorable' video the father daughter duo are being seen dancing and jumping with all their enthu and happiness.

#worlddanceday #havefeetwilldance #mj dance is in your blood. A post shared by Shahid Kapoor (@shahidkapoor) on Apr 29, 2017 at 1:50am PDT

Last year Shahid blessed with girl child Misha after he tied a knot with Mira Rajput on 7th July 2015.

On the work front, Bollywood's chocolaty boy Shahid Kapoor who has received a moderate response after his last release 'Rangoon' is now busy shooting his upcoming film 'Padmavati'.

Also starring Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh in the lead the movie is based on the life of queen Padmavati.

A film helmed by Sanjay Leela Banshali, the movie is currently scheduled to hit the silver screens on 17th November. 2017.

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New Delhi:

Vinod Khanna, who passed away on Thursday, had a last wish of visiting his ancestral home in Peshawar, Paksitan. However, he couldn't fulfil his wish. According to the media reports, Khanna had expressed his desire to Pakistan's Shakeel Waheedullah, General Secretary Cultural Heritage Council Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2014.



"In his autograph, Khanna extended his good wishes to people of Peshawar and expressed a desire to visit his ancestral city. Khanna wanted to visit Peshawar to see the area where his parents and forefathers lived. He had sent a request for his visit to Pakistan, but could not succeed," Shakeel was quoted as saying.

Also Read | Amitabh Bachchan's emotional post for Vinod Khanna: 'Our association of 48 years came to an end, no one walked the way he did'



In fact, a renowned film historian from Pakistan Ibrahim Zia also asserted that Vinod Khanna was quite elated to get in touch people who belonged to his ancestral place. During our meeting with Khanna, he was very happy over his reunion with the people of his birth place Peshawar, Zia said. He also mentioned that Vinod Khanna's ancestral home in Peshawar is intact and being used by All Pakistan Womens Association.

Also Read | Vinod Khanna consigned to flames, Bollywood stars pay last respects to the actor in Mumbai



But destiny had other plans and the veteran actor passed away before he could made a visit to his birth place. Vinod Khanna breathed his last at the age of 70 and died due to bladder cancer. Several celebs had gathered to pay their last respects to Khanna at his funeral including Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, Subhash Ghai, Chunky Pandey, Ramesh Sippy, Jackie Shroff, Poonam Dhillon etc.

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New Delhi:

The ISI agent who surrendered at airport said on Friday that Dawood Ibrahim is about to die and is lying on ventilator, sources said.

However, the close associate of Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Shakeel has confirmed that the rumours of his death are fake. The rumour mill had started churning late on Friday night when the reports of Ibrahims ill health emerged in Pakistani media.

It was reported that India's most wanted underworld don Ibrahim was in critical condition in Karachi, Pakistan. Reports of his health condition could not be denied or confirmed, but Chhota Shakeel has confirmed that Dawood Ibrahim is not dead.

The 61-year-old Ibrahim was reportedly admitted to Aga Khan Hospital, Karachi around 7 PM on Friday night.

As per the sources in Aga Khan Hospital, Dawood complained about uneasiness in breathing around 5 PM. At 5.30 PM his condition worsened and doctors were called in. As per the advice of the doctors, Dawood was shifted to the hospital immediately where a specialised team of doctors started treating him.

Also read: News of Dawood Ibrahims death fake, Chhota Shakeel confirms he is alive

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New Delhi:

A London-Delhi British Airways flight suffered a technical snag when oxygen masks were deployed abruptly after cabin pressure plunged below normal level mid-air shortly after take-off.A

Sensing trouble, the crew decided to take the plane back to the Heathrow airport. The airline said that no untoward incident was reported and the flight landed safely at the airport.

"Flight landed normally, looking after customers on ground while we organise new aircraft to enable them to depart for Delhi," news agency ANI quoted British Airways as saying.

Masks deployed onboard British Airways London-Delhi flight after cabin pressure dropped in,mid-air.Passengers safe,plane returns to Heathrow pic.twitter.com/bVESle9tOH a ANI (@ANI_news) April 29, 2017

Flight landed normally, looking after customers on ground while we organise new aircraft to enable them to depart for Delhi: British Airways a ANI (@ANI_news) April 29, 2017

(More details awaited)

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Chandigarh:

Amid the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) controversy sparked by opposition parties, including AAP and Congress, following the losses in assembly elections and recently concluded Delhi MCD polls, the Election Commission on Saturday said it will soon call an all-party meet to address the issue.



Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said on Saturday that the EC will soon call a meeting of all political parties and will assure them that the EVMs used in the assembly polls were tampering-proof and secured.

Zaidi also said that the EC is considering the use of Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in all upcoming polls to assure more transparency and in order to boost the confidence of people in the electoral process.

We will soon hold an all party meeting in which they will be told how our EVMs are non-tamperable and secured as per our administrative and technical safeguard system, the CEC said.



He was responding to questions about allegations levelled by various political parties against EVMs. Recently sixteen opposition parties had urged the ECI to revert to ballot system, claiming the faith of the people in EVMs had been eroded.



Zaidi also said that the ECI is planning to hold a challenge for which time frame is being worked out. The electoral body is planning to throw an open challenge, asking anyone to try hacking its EVMs to dispel doubts of any misuse, it is learnt.



The CEC also said that the ECI had placed an order for the supply of VVPAT machines for use in elections.



For VVPAT, we have got all the funds. We have placed an order for the supply of 15 lakh VVPAT with two PSUs Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronic Corporation of India (ECI), informed Zaidi.



He said it is expected that by September 2018, around 15 lakh VVPAT machines will be ready. The Commissions objective is to use VVPATs in all the coming elections, he said.



India will perhaps be the first country where VVPAT will be used 100 per cent at all the poling stations. It will boost voters confidence and will bring more transparency in the election process, he added.

ALSO READ | MCD polls proved EVM stands for 'Every Vote Modi', says UP CM Adityanath



Zaidi said that an awareness campaign will be launched to create awareness about the benefits of VVPAT.



VVPAT generates a receipt allowing voters to verify that the the vote went in favour of the candidate against whose name the button was pressed on the EVM.



After the Assembly elections earlier this year in five statesUttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab and Manipur, many political parties raised their voice against the use of EVMs.

ALSO READ | MCD Results: Naqvi takes jibe at AAP, says 'instead of blaming EVM, respect people's mandate'



Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was vociferous alleging probable misuse of EVMs while BSP leader Mayawati, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had also raised question about the polling machines.



(With inputs from PTI)

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New Delhi:

National conference president Farooq Abdullah on Friday sparked another controversy, saying that death of death of Army personnel in Kupwara attack is being blown out of proportion while there was no hue and cry when 26 CRPF jawans were killed in Naxal attack in Sukma.

Abdullah said it is a conspiracy to malign the image of Muslims. It's a conspiracy to flare up hatred against Muslims, said Abdullah.

Earlier, Farooq Abdullah had courted controversy while defending the stone-pelting youth in the Valley, saying they were fighting for the nation and for the resolution of the Kashmir issue as per the wishes of its people.

Death of Army personnel in #KupwaraAttack is being blown out of proportion. No hue&cry about CRPF personnel killed in Sukma: Farooq Abdullah pic.twitter.com/NY2KoYGqvJ  ANI (@ANI_news) April 29, 2017

But the remarks by the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister came in for sharp condemnation from the state's ruling coalition partners PDP and the BJP. The PDP had dubbed the remarks as "political opportunism" while the BJP had said it was "worrisome".

It's a conspiracy to flare up hatred against Muslims: National Conference president pic.twitter.com/5fVF2wrGlx  ANI (@ANI_news) April 29, 2017

Abdullah won the Srinagar by poll elections but his supporters did not celebrated his victory to mark it as a respect to the eight youths who killed in firing by security forces on April 9.

Also Read: Farooq Abdullah wins Srinagar LS bypolls, demands dismissal of Mufti govt in J&K

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New Delhi:

POSCO court special judge OP Mishra was suspended for granting bail to former Uttar Pradesh Minister Gayatri Prajapati in rape case on Saturday. Departmental enquiry into the courts decision was also ordered.

According to reports, Justice Sudhir Agrawal will investigate the matter against OP Mishra. OP Mishra is due to retire on April 30.

The High Court said that the circumstances under which the bail has been given is highly objectionable. While granting bail, Justice OP Mishra said that it was consensual sex and why the convict did not protested in last three years.

An FIR was registered against Prajapati and six others on February 17 on a Supreme Court directive.

Prajapati (49) was then a minister in the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh.

When asked about the bail granted to his former cabinet colleague, Akhilesh said, Its good that he got bail. Please tell me if there is anything wrong in it.

After being on the run for nearly a month, Prajapati (49) was arrested from the Aashiyana area here on March 15 and was sent to jail for allegedly raping a woman and attempting to rape her minor daughter in 2014.

The six others had been arrested earlier. Prajapati had approached the Supreme Court to get a stay on his arrest.

Also read: Allahabad HC stays bail granted to Gayatri Prajapati in rape case

Also read: UP govt to approach HC for cancellation of Prajapati's bail



With PTI inputs

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New Delhi:

Captain Ayush Yadav, who was killed in a terrorist attack at an army camp in Kupwara district of Kashmir, was cremated on Saturday with full state honours in his hometown Kanpur.

Apart from friends and family, a huge crowd of mourners followed the funeral procession of Captain Yadav through the streets on Kanpur, as the city bid adieu to the Kupwara braveheart.

Parts of the crowd also raised slogans of 'Pakistan Murdabad' during the procession.



The body of the slain soldier arrived at Chakeri Airport on Thursday and was kept at the mortuary of the Army Hospital.



A resident of Defence Colony, 26-year-old Captain Yadav was commissioned in the army through NDA (National Defence Academy) three years ago. His father Arun Kant Yadav serves as a sub-inspector in UP Police.



Two army jawans, including army captain Ayush Yadav were martyred on Thursday when militants attacked an army camp in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. According to sources, two suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists were gunned down by security forces in the retaliatory action.

Kanpur (UP): Mortal remains of Captain Ayush Yadav, who lost his life in #KupwaraAttack, brought to his residence. pic.twitter.com/NYBTLZAbAd  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 29, 2017

Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh): Family mourns the demise of Naik B V Ramana who lost his life in #KupwaraAttack pic.twitter.com/7x9bn3SrLu  ANI (@ANI_news) April 29, 2017

Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh): Funeral procession of Naik B V Ramana, who lost his life in #KupwaraAttack. pic.twitter.com/SMfbH45R6X  ANI (@ANI_news) April 29, 2017

The militants stormed the camp of a battalion at Panjgaon at Chowkibal on Thursday morning. The deceased officer has been identified as Capt Ayush but the names of the two soldiers were not immediately known.

Read | Kupwara army camp attack: Fidayeen attack leaves 3 soldiers martyred in J&K; two suspected JeM terrorists gunned down

Militants carried out a Fidayeen attack on the army camp in Kupwara in north Kashmir. The army officer killed was identified as Captain Ayush, official sources said.



The incident took place at Panjgaon at Chowkibal when militants, suspected to be of terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad stormed the battalion camp which is in-charge of road opening duties on the crucial roads in this area.

Read | Kupwara militant attack: Injured army jawan defies death to kill two terrorists

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WASHINGTON -- Has it only been 100 days?

Donald Trump's short tenure has been a blur of activity. Since Inauguration Day, when he lamented "American carnage" across the land, attacked a faceless establishment and vowed that "America will start winning again, winning like never before," the 45th president has done some winning -- and some losing, too.

He filled a Supreme Court vacancy with a staunch conservative young enough to serve for decades. He killed the Trans-Pacific Partnership as an opening salvo in a sweeping overhaul of trade policy. And with one stroke of his pen after another, he scrapped a host of Obama-era regulations.

Yet most items on the ambitious agenda he'd promised to deliver by this point remain works in progress, or temporarily forgotten.

Federal courts halted the Muslim travel ban he rolled out a week on the job, disrupting international travel. His health care plan ran into a bipartisan buzz saw and has yet to come up for a vote. It's anyone's guess when construction will start on a border wall, amid fierce resistance in Congress and Mexico.

The love him-or-hate him image Trump brought to Washington has cemented. A flurry of polls released in the past week show that hardly any supporters regret voting for him, while five months after winning the election, Trump has made no inroads with skeptics -- leaving him the most unpopular president in modern American history at the 100-day mark.

No wonder he's struggled to bend Congress to his will. A president who can't muster public opinion has little leverage.

"I'm really hard pressed as a historian to think of a president who came into power with majorities in both houses of Congress who has had a rockier legislative first 100 days," said Jeffrey Engel, director of the Center for Presidential History at Southern Methodist University. "If you're in the high 30s in your honeymoon period, that does not bode well."

Has the consummate outsider shaken up Washington? He's certainly grabbed its attention.

Has Washington changed him? Not much.

The sneering jabs he tossed at campaign rivals have given way to unfounded Tweet storms accusing his predecessor of illegally wiretapping him. He's turned on congressional allies who had his back in the darkest days of the campaign when they defied him on health care.

Historians may yet judge Trump a success. If he can overhaul health care, they'll note that yet again the 100-day mark proved arbitrary and premature. Trump has no signature achievement yet, though few presidents have at this point, apart from Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The White House insists that Trump is doing great, despite historically low ratings, struggles with Congress and the courts, and friction even with such stalwart allies as Germany, Australia and Canada.

"It's been a great start," chief of staff Reince Priebus said in his West Wing office Tuesday. "The job that President Trump has done I think has been remarkable.... He's accomplished so many of his goals. I know there's narratives out there that say otherwise but we look at it and see a president that's working at breakneck speed and somebody who is doing as fast as he can -- in the confines of the law -- running through that punch list of promises that he made in the campaign."

Wins and losses

Trump's most consequential win, and some of his biggest losses, involve the judiciary.

His most long-lasting achievement has been the installation of a conservative Supreme Court justice, Neil Gorsuch. His pick for the lifetime appointment reassured fellow Republicans. He tapped seasoned Washington hands to shepherd Gorsuch through the process, making the confirmation relatively drama-free.

Contrast that with the roll-out of a travel ban aimed at Muslim countries one week into his presidency. Trump had promised such a ban for months so presumably, there was plenty of time to plan. Yet when the time came, the order was badly crafted and issued in such haste that chaos erupted at airports worldwide.

Federal courts quickly froze the order. A revised travel ban issued five weeks later also failed to pass muster in court.

Trump has signed executive orders green lighting the long-delayed Dakota and Keystone XL pipelines, and lifting regulations on coal and other industries. Aides tout a huge drop in illegal border crossings that they say stems from Trump's tough rhetoric and stepped-up enforcement.

He also used his bully pulpit to pressure defense contractors to trim costs, boasting that he saved taxpayers more than $700 million on Lockheed Martin's F-35 alone.

But critics chide him for proposing to slash transportation funding despite a promise to deliver a $1 trillion infusion on infrastructure.

"Show us your infrastructure bill," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi demanded. "Where is that? He was elected five, six months ago."

By this point in 1933, Franklin Roosevelt had gotten 15 major pieces of legislation through Congress, the pillars of the New Deal. So "for Trump to say he's had the best 90 days or 100 days in history" as he did last week "is ludicrous," said HW Brands, a presidential historian at the University of Texas.

"The general measure of presidential accomplishment is what kind of legislation can they get and Trump has essentially zero," he said. "It's what you got done. You don't get graded on effort."

Although the 100-day standard stems mostly from FDR's unusually productive launch, Trump embraced it -- before he began to downplay it in recent weeks.

In October he unveiled a "100-day action plan to Make America Great Again"  he called it a "Contract with the American Voter"  that included 10 major laws he would push. Only one has been introduced.

Shortly after his election he recorded a video message promising major strides in his first 100 days.

Marc Short, Trump's liaison to Congress and a chief of staff to Kay Bailey Hutchison when she represented Texas in the Senate, blamed Democrats for blocking many of Trump's initiatives and slow-walking many cabinet nominations.

"A lot of our legislative agenda has been hampered by obstruction in the Senate," he said. "The American people are tired of those sorts of antics."

Still, he conceded some disappointments.

"We were hopeful that at this point we would have completed the health care bill," he said.

Indeed, Trump spent the final week of his first 100 days in a sprint designed, as Priebus put it, to check off more boxes. He unveiled the outlines of a massive tax code overhaul, signed several executive orders, slapped tariffs on Canadian lumber, threatened Canada and Mexico with an abrupt death of NAFTA, and sought to avert a government shutdown.

The White House also pushed for a House vote on a revised health care bill, hoping for a win by Day 100. But GOP leaders couldn't round up sufficient support and they gave up Thursday night.

A month ago Trump called hammering out a deal "so easy." A month before that he expressed exasperation, telling visiting governors that "It's an unbelievably complex subject. Nobody knew health care could be so complicated."

"We have really laid a foundation, had a lot of legislation passed, which nobody understands, I think it's 28 bills, as of this moment," the president said hours earlier as he signed an executive order to improve accountability at the Veterans Administration. "Tremendous legislation."

Then there's the intrigue of the last four months, some of which could have spilled from the imagination of a spy novelist.

Trump, who promised to implement "extreme vetting" of immigrants -- especially Muslims -- ended up forcing out retired Gen. Michael Flynn after just 24 days as national security adviser. Flynn had misled the vice president about his contacts with Russian officials during the campaign. House investigators said this week that he'd almost certainly broken federal law by failing to seek permission to take payments from Russia and Turkey in 2015, and by failing to report those payments during a 2016 security clearance renewal.

On March 20, FBI director James Comey told Congress that the bureau is investigating not only Russian meddling in the U.S. election but possible collaboration between campaign officials and the Russians.

Unwavering support

Supporters shrug off such controversies and give the president high marks.

"He's going to the plate most of the time and hitting it out of the park," said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Texas chairman of the Trump campaign. "Has America's pride been restored on all levels? Yes. Consumer confidence is up, unemployment is down, companies are hiring, people are seeking work.

"He has done more in 100 days to put America back on track than Obama did in eight years," he said, and "where mistakes have been made ... you seldom see him make the same mistakes twice."

Robert Jeffress, senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Dallas and a leading evangelical supporter of Trump, called the president "tremendously successful."

Exhibit A is Gorsuch.

"Evangelicals are very pleased," Jeffress said. He's unconcerned that Trump hasn't yet delivered on many or even most promises. "I judge success by the direction things are moving."

But sometimes it's hard to know what direction Trump is headed.

The unconventional candidate who steamrolled through 2016 with incendiary, unstatesmanlike comments has evolved, sometimes in unexpected ways.

On ISIS, he promised to "bomb the s* out of 'em" and he did, in fact, drop a bunker buster nicknamed the "mother of all bombs" on a tunnel complex in Afghanistan.

He's warmed to the NATO alliance, conceding recently that "I said it was obsolete; it's no longer obsolete."

He cozied up to Russia and vowed to punish China for currency manipulation. He's now stopped defending Vladimir Putin, and he's warmed to Xi Jinping, seeking his help to box in North Korea -- a rogue state he's now preparing to confront with force, after deriding Obama for refusing to seek direct talks.

Consider Syria

Trump long argued that atrocities in remote lands were no concern of the United States. Confronted with the image of children poisoned with nerve gas, though, and the responsibilities of a U.S. president, he found room in his "America First" foreign policy for an attack with 59 Tomahawk missiles.

"A sign of intelligence is the ability to change one's mind," said Engel, the SMU historian. "If he is thoughtfully looking at the evidence and changing his mind he gets two thumbs up from me. But usually that's a long-term process, not within 100 days."

Such flexibility is unusual in a president, agreed UT historian Brands -- and potentially dangerous, as it leaves adversaries and allies alike wary and off guard.

"Presidents succeed best when the world knows what they stand for and what they can expect," he said.

Mac McLarty, a chief of staff to President Bill Clinton, called this presidency "unprecedented" so far.

"People elected Donald Trump to go to Washington and change it....The question is whether President Trump is going to shake things up in a good way or is it going to be in a reckless manner," McLarty said.

"The strike in Syria showed decisiveness and strength," he said. But in general, he sees an unsteady hand on foreign policy.

Trump even managed to leave the well-liked prime minister of Australia seething by threatening to tear up a deal on refugees. He sent Vice President Mike Pence to make amends last week.

"I don't know how you can't get along with Australia," McLarty said.

Lanhee Chen, a top Mitt Romney adviser who now teaches at Stanford University, is more charitable on Trump's foreign policy, including the shifts. Many of Trump's earlier views were "problematic," he said. "Now he's in a different place.... How he got there is no concern to me."

On the domestic front, he cautioned against underestimating the significance of Trump-ordered regulatory reforms. And he views the health care episode as a setback with a silver lining -- a lesson that deal-making in business and politics are vastly different.

"It was a learning experience," he said, noting that Trump has done a much better job engaging with lawmakers than his famously aloof predecessor. That could lay the groundwork for future deals.

But Trump didn't just promise to try. He promised to bring to bear the skills that made him a tycoon in real estate and reality TV and win, win, win -- so often that Americans would get sick of all the winning. Did he overpromise? Was he naive?

Aides plead for more time for him to prove himself.

"One of the reasons the American people elected him is they were frustrated with the lack of progress in Washington... and they wanted an outsider who would come and change it," said Short. "That's not going to happen in the first hundred days. That's going to take time."
New Delhi:

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has put a full stop to the VIP culture in the country.

While addressing the party workers at Gorakhpur, the chief minister said that there has been a transformation in law and order situation in the state and it would continue in the future too.

Adityanath said that he had already warned people, saying that who do not respect law and order, can leave the state. He said such people would be dealt strictly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has put a full stop to the VIP culture in the country: UP CM Yogi Adityanath pic.twitter.com/n14kX2L1kQ  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 29, 2017

The UP chief minister said that the recent MCD polls have also proved that EVM stands for 'Every Vote Modi'.

Citizens of Delhi in the recent MCD polls have also proved that EVM stands for 'Every Vote Modi' : UP CM Yogi Adityanath pic.twitter.com/3j0BYqHtZk  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 29, 2017

He said that the streets of UP will be pothole free before the monsoon. He also said new sugar mills will be opened in the state. the chief minister said the farm loan waiver has benefited 86 lakh farmers in the state, and his government will not compromise on the issue of farmers.

Also Read: UP CM Yogi Adityanath orders construction of wall around religious sites after intelligence warning

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New Delhi:

After the debacle in recently held MCD polls, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said in a tweet that the Aam Aadmi Party has made mistakes in the past. Kejriwal said that in the last two days, he spoke to many volunteers and voters in Delhi and they prompted that the reality is obvious.

Kejriwal emphasised that it is time to get back to the drawing board and said that to not evolve from the situation would be silly. Futher, he said that the AAP has some responsibility towards its voters and volunteers and they owe it to themselves.

Delhi CM also pointed out that the need is action and not excuses. He showed optimism by saying that even if we slip time to time, the key is to find the reserves to hold and pull ourselves. Kejriwal also said that change is the only constant.

Also read: Arvind Kejriwal's poll debacle: Why Delhi CM lost MCD elections? Time for AAP to introspect

Also read: Mayank Gandhi's open letter to Kejriwal: Forget your national ambitions and focus on governing Delhi well



In the last 2 days .... pic.twitter.com/0quqxJtNAt  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 29, 2017

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New Delhi:

Bharatiya Janta Party chief Amit Shah on Saturday launched his 95-day tour to accomplish Mission 400 for 2019 Lok Sabha Polls with conflict-ridden Jammu and Kashmir.



According to a top party official, BJP has set an ambitious "Mission 400" target for 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The target of the mission is to win at least 400 Lok Sabha seats for BJP come 2019.



In the first leg of his nationwide tour, Shah reached Jammu at 10 am on Saturday. He will be in Jammu and Kashmir for two days where he will hold meetings with key leaders of the state.

Read | PM Narendra Modi to meet 13 BJP state CMs: Upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections likely on agenda



The BJP, which won 282 seats in 2014, has identified 120 Lok Sabha seats won by opposition parties in the last general election and has chalked out a strategy to win these seats. Besides the party is also seeking to expand its base in areas where it has not got much electoral success, a news agency reported.



Shah embarked on a 15-day "Vistaar Yatra" (party expansion tour) earlier in the month to strengthen the party in some of the states ruled by opposition parties including West Bengal and Odisha. The party is also focusing on Kerala and Tamil Nadu as part of its efforts to expand its base.



Party leaders said that the expansion in new areas would also help in making for any loss of seats in areas it had done well in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

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New Delhi:

The close associate of Dawood Ibrahim Chhota Shakeel has confirmed that the rumours of his death are fake. The rumour mill had started churning late on Friday night when the reports of Ibrahims ill health emerged in Pakistani media.



It was reported that India's most wanted underworld don Ibrahim was in critical condition in Karachi, Pakistan. Reports of his health condition could not be denied or confirmed, but Chhota Shakeel has confirmed that Dawood Ibrahim is not dead.



The 61-year-old Ibrahim was reportedly admitted to Aga Khan Hospital, Karachi around 7 PM on Friday night.



As per the sources in Aga Khan Hospital, Dawood complained about uneasiness in breathing around 5 PM. At 5.30 PM his condition worsened and doctors were called in. As per the advice of the doctors, Dawood was shifted to the hospital immediately where a specialised team of doctors started treating him.



But his condition is said to be very critical. Doctors treating Dawood has termed it as a major heart attack. He has not responded to treatment till now. Aga Khan Hospital is an international hospital and one of the best private hospitals in Karachi.

As per the sources, around 6.30 PM South City Hospital and Aga Khan Hospital were turned into high security zone. Both these hospitals are 20 minutes away from each other and later on the advice of security agencies Dawood was admitted in Aga Khan hospital, sources said.



Aga Khan Hospital is just half an hour ride from Clifton where supposedly Dawood is staying in a bungalow.



Dawood is suffering from multiple ailments for a long time and sudden heart attack has worsened his health condition. As per the Indian intelligence agencies, last week Dawood was spotted in Karachi.



Who is Dawood Ibrahim



Dawood Ibrahim is the most wanted underworld don in India. Founder of criminal syndicate D-Company, Ibrahim is believed to control much of the hawala system, which is the very commonly used unofficial system for transferring money and remittances outside the view of official agents.



Much of the organisation's operations are in India.



Ibrahim is widely believed to have masterminded the March 1993 bombings in Bombay. In 2003, the Indian and United States governments declared Ibrahim a "Global Terrorist." The Deputy Prime Minister, Lal Krishna Advani described it as a major development and that India stands "vindicated." Ibrahim is currently on India's "Most Wanted List".



He was also number 3 in the World's Most Wanted List.

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday appealed Muslims not to view the triple talaq issue from a political perspective and expressed the confidence that efforts to end the practice would be led by enlightened members of the community.

At a function to mark the Basava Jayanti celebrations in honour of Kannada philosopher Basaveswara, Modi referred to the 12th century reformers movement against regressive practices to speak about triple talaq.

I appeal to you not to view the triple talaq issue from a political perspective. Come out and find a solution. That solution will have its own majesty and generations will remember you, he said.

Modi said he hoped that powerful people would emerge from society and help eradicate outdated practices and evolve modern systems.

He called upon Indian Muslims to lead not just those from the community in the country, but to show the path of modernity to Muslims worldwide.

That is the kind of power and energy this land gives to all of us, he said to thunderous applause.

The prime minister spoke about womens empowerment, equality and good governance, as preached and practised by Basaveswara.

Referring to triple talaq, Modi said, I am sure enlightened people will also emerge from among Muslims and come forward to end this practice, liberating our Muslim daughters and mothers from the scourge. I am sure enlightened Muslims will take this responsibility upon themselves.

Modi also released a digital volume of Basaveswaras works titled Vachan in 23 languages. The works comprise 2500 sermons delivered by the philosopher.

The event assumes significance in view of the 2018 assembly elections in Karnataka, where Lingayats are a formidable community. Basaveswara, also known as Basavanna, is their most powerful icon.

The prime minister used the platform, hosted by the Basava Society, to repeat his government?s message of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas (United with all, Development for all) and said people had to progress without discrimination.

Triple Talaq: Shumaila Javed, national level netball-champion gives birth to girl child, gets divorce on phone

People should get homes, access to power without discrimination. Farmers should get fertilisers and insurance benefits without any distinctions. That is the meaning of our government?s message of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas, he said.

Interspersing his 40-minute address with the sayings of the poet-philosopher, he said today?s youth were ignorant about the preachings of the reformers of the Bhakti movement.

Call it loopholes in our education system or our propensity to ignore our own heritage, the youth today would know nothing of how eminent and evolved Indians like Basavanna spoke against evil social practices and in favour of women?s empowerment as long back as 700 years, he said at the function, also attended by union minister Ananth Kumar and Karnataka BJP chief BS Yeddyurappa.

Modi recollected that India had been blessed with saints and reformers who had transformed society.

Enact a strict law against triple talaq similar to the anti-sati law: Shia board to UP govt

Indias history, he added, was not only about defeat, poverty or colonialism. India gave the message of good governance, non violence and Satyagraha to the world.

Modi also paid tribute to former Vice President BD Jatti, who founded the Basava Society in 1964. The golden jubilee of the society was celebrated today.

After the event, the prime minister walked up to the audience to meet the family of Kannada scholar and rationalist M.M. Kalburgi, who was killed in Dharwad, Karnataka, last year.

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New Delhi:

Three people has been caught for stealing Princes teeth from his carcass. Prince was one of the most photographed tiger of Karnatakas Bandipur Tiger Reserve.

The accused are the residents of villages located on the periphery of the national park, identified as Soma, Bomma, and Siniraja, officials said.

According to the reports three teeth were recovered from the accused which is said to have been removed from the tigers carcass. Officials, however, said the accused had only removed the teeth from the tiger and were not poachers.

The Prince of Karnatakas Bandipur Tiger Reserve was found dead in the Kundkere range of Bandipur with no snout. The reports from the forest department also said that tiger died of starvation.

However investigation on tigers death was again in the limelight after activists alleged that it was a case of poaching. According to data by Wildlife Protection Society of India around tigers dead in 2017 has reached 44 - 30 natural deaths and 14 poached,

Fighting ingress of salt water and erosion of forest land due to climate change, tiger population in the shrinking islands of Sundarbans has remained stable over the last few years with the latest report estimating the presence of 86 big cats.

Upset over what had happened to Prince, wildlife volunteers and conservationists staged protest against KFD for trying to hush-up the case and demanded inquiry into the entire episode. It was only when the images of mutilated body parts of Prince went viral; the KFD got to know about the seriousness of the case and began cracking down.



Initially they claimed that Prince died of starvation. But the pictures revealed something else. It was only when we pressured that they realised something has gone

wrong and got into the abyss of the case. Even then they could have admitted their mistake and revealed what exactly they observed when they discovered the carcass. If not for our protests and campaign, the incident would have gone like yet another death of tiger in the wild, lamented an activist.



Replying to the allegations T Hiralal, director, BRT said, We have arrested three people in links with selling and buying the dead tigers teeth. But they have mutilated the parts only after Prince was dead. Hence, Prince did not die due to meat bomb as suspected by the wildlife activists. However, Hiralal acknowledged that they did not reveal to the media about mutilation of body parts. We have not hidden anything in the entire issue. Though there was no trace of meat bomb we observed that his body parts were chopped and found within a few yards from his carcass.



We had appraised our higher officials about the mutilation of body parts, Hiralal justified.

According to the latest camera-trap report conducted by the West Bengal forest department and WWF during November to March this year in Sundarbans, there are a minimum of 83 tigers and could be a maximum of 128.

The mean of this range has been calculated at 86 using a statistical model. There has been a marginal increase in the tiger count so we can say that the population is now very well stable, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden Pradeep Vyas told PTI.

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New Delhi:

Twitter is buzzing with news alerts from India and rest of the world. Here are the latest updates from the micro-blogging site in one scroll:

#10:13 PM

Three petrol pumps in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur raided to check petrol theft

#9:40 PM

Uttarakhand HC had recently ordered sealing & seizure of EVMs used in polls following petition by Nav Prabhat against alleged EVM tampering-ANI

#8:32 PM

DigvijaySingh also removed as general secretary incharge of Congress affairs in Karnataka-ANI

#8:30 PM

A Chella Kumar has been made Goa Incharge for Congress, replacing Digvijaya Singh. Amit Deshmukh becomes party secretary of the state-ANI

#8:29 PM

Goa fiasco: #DigvijaySingh removed as #Congress general secretary incharge of the coastal state-ANI

#7:39 PM

Uttarakhand: Five people dead after a car met with an accident in Nagthat

#6:30 PM

We are going to hold an all party meeting soon about how our EVMs are non-tamperable and secured: Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi

#5:30 PM

Forest department rescue a leopard, trapped in a net since last night in Uttarakhand's Almora-ANI

#4:12 PM

Tamil Nadu: Three persons suspected of murder of security guard at former TN CM Jayalalithaas Kodanad estate arrested by Ooty police-ANI

#3:47 PM

Ludhiana(Punjab): Fire broke out at a factory in Gopal Nagar, 35 fire tenders on spot; fire is still raging- ANI

#3:46 PM

Ppl r aware Gilgit-Baltistan is disputed, by arresting few, you (Pak) think CPEC wl be built,42bn will be in your pockets, it's a dream-AH Khan- ANI

#3:43 PM

Notification on Dawn Leak is incomplete and not in line with recommendations by the Inquiry Board. Notification is rejected: ISPR- ANI

#3:37 PM

Pak imposed war on us, India never occupied our land, Pak's coward Army gave Siachen to India: AH Khan, Chairman, Balawaristan National Front- ANI

#3:33 PM

If referendum happens ppl will vote for India, they never committed atrocities on us: Abdul Hamid Khan, senior leader from Gilgit-Baltistan- ANI

#3:30 PM

BSF troops of BOP Sowarwali handed over a Pakistan national,who inadvertently crossed intl boundary to Pak Rangers on humanitarian ground.- ANI

#3:11 PM

Assam: CID arrested DSP Anjan Bora, following his alleged Facebook post making objectionable remarks about a woman BJP MLA.- ANI

#3:11 PM

Uttarakhand: Fire broke out in forest area around Bhimtal and Nanital yesterday; fire doused- ANI

#2:52 PM

Ludhiana (Punjab): Fire breaks out at a factory in Gopal Nagar, 15 fire tenders on spot; a number of workers feared trapped inside factory - ANI

#2:41 PM

It was a low intensity blast,3 children got minor injuries;investigating who placed the bomb on the terrace of the school: Manu Maharaj, SSP - ANI

#2:41 PM

Pak PM Nawaz Sharif's Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi removed from his position over Dawn leaks controversy: Pak Media - ANI

#2:30 PM

West Bengal: Bengali actor Bikram Chattopadhya's car met with an accident near Lake Mall,Kolkata;his co-passenger, model Sonika Chauhan died - ANI

#2:10 PM

Delhi: Silent protest organised by an NGO demanding release of # KulbhushanJadhav who was sentenced to death by Pakistani military court - ANI

#1:40 PM

MCA sends notices to around 2 lakh inoperative companies that are not filling annual returns for several years to close&deregister from MCA - PTI

#1:38 PM

Former Kerala DGP TP Senkumar files contempt of court plea against Kerala chief secretary over delay in reinstating him as DGP. - ANI

#1:35 PM

EU 27 'need to remain united' in Brexit talks: Tusk - ADP

#1:17 PM

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Workers of 108 ambulance service tonsured their heads demanding hike in wages and other issues - ANI

#1:13 PM

Prisoner who was shot at in the premises of Delhi's Rohini court succumbed to his injuries. Accused has been apprehend. - ANI

#1:05 PM

Bihar: Low intensity bomb blast in Patna's Khajekalan, three children injured; investigation underway - ANI

#12:39 PM

ED completes FEMA investigations in 1393 cases and issues notices in 538 FEMA cases for Rs 4675 Crore during 2016-17. - ANI

#12:38 PM

ED attached assets worth Rs 11286 crore, launched prosecution in 104 cases under PMLA during 2016-17. - ANI

#12:18 PM

Hyderabad: A woman who went to Saudi Arabia in Nov 2016, to work as nurse allegedly being tortured, family appeals for help, FIR registered - ANI #12:07 PM India gave the message of good governance, non violence & Satyagraha: PM Narendra Modi on the occasion of Basava Jayanti - ANI (Read More) #12:01 PM US Marines return to Afghanistan's volatile Helmand - AFP

#11:49 AM

Firing at a prisoner in the premises of Rohini court, more details awaited - ANI

#11:38 AM

Use of info. technology has made detection easier; from conventional nature of offences, nature of crime has changed but it does exist: FM - ANI

#11:19 AM

Penalising power of # ED should be expeditiously used in the case of non-compliance: # Jaitley. - PTI

#11:18 AM

Going forward, # ED will strictly enforce law and raise legitimate revenue: FM @ arunjaitley at Enforcement Directorate event. - PTI

#11:17 AM

A former employee at Jayalalithaa's Kodanad estate, Kanagraj died in a road accident in Salem district of Tamil Nadu. - ANI

#11:01 AM

15 lakh companies registered with MCA,6 lakh filing IT returns. 8-9 lakh cos. are potential threat of money laundering: Revenue Secy H Adhia - ANI

#10:45 AM

8-9 lakh registered cos not filing annual # returns, potential money laundering threat; notices issued: Revenue Secy Hasmukh Adhia. - PTI

#10:41 AM

# SundarPichai received nearly USD 200 million compensation last year, double the amount he got in 2015. - PTI

#10:28 AM

CRPF arrest four Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district during a search operation. - ANI

#10:28 AM

Nine killed as structure # collapses during # wedding ritualsiin Rajasthan's Bharatpur district last night. - ANI

#9:43 AM

First 100 days of office most successful in US history: # DonaldTrump - PTI

#9:41 AM

Three unclaimed suitcases trigger security scare at Chennai airport today. - PTI

#9:34 AM

# NorthKorea fired a ballistic # missile but it did not leave North Korean territory and failed: # Pentagon. -PTI

#8:11 AM

POCSO court special judge,OP Mishra suspended for granting bail to former UP Min Gayatri Prajapati in rape case,departmental inquiry ordered - ANI

#7:58 AM

Muzaffarnagar: Groom cancels marriage over non-availability of meat in function. Later a man proposed to marry without non-veg food &dowry - ANI

#7:33 AM

Mortal remains of Captain Ayush Yadav, who lost his life in # KupwaraAttack, brought to his residence. - ANI

#7:22 AM

BJP president Amit Shah's two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir begins today. - ANI

#5:03 AM

US President Donald Trump says North Korea missile launch 'disrespected' China - AFP

#3:50 AM

Polisario Front withdraws from buffer zone in Western Sahara: UN - AFP

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Ahmedabad:

An All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) member on Tuesday said conveying talaq (divorce) through an SMS or social media was just another mode of communication, in a debate on the manner in which triple talaq is pronounced by Muslim men in the country.

AIMPLB member Hasan Raza said the new age practice of conveying the divorce through SMS or social messaging app Whatsapp is similar to using a postcard or a telegram in the past for the purpose.

In the past, letters or telegrams were used to convey such messages (of talaq). Now, people send an SMS using mobile phones. So, it is just a way of communicating that message. However, we need to look into the credibility of that message. Such a message (of talaq) should not be sent in anger, he said.

He, however, did not state his position on whether pronouncing talaq in such a manner was justified.

Raza, who is also a member of the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), was replying to a query on whether he found it inappropriate for a Muslim man to dissolve his marriage by sending an SMS or a WhatsApp message to his wife.

He and the JIHs Gujarat unit president Shakeel Ahmed Rajput were addressing a joint conference in Ahmedabad.

Raza said the Gujarat chapter of the JIH has launched a campaign to spread awareness about Sharia laws, particularly those governing triple talaq, in the state.

He told reporters that the issue of triple talaq has been used as a tool in the vote bank politics.

Our contention is that the issue has been unnecessarily politicised. It has become a tool of the vote bank politics. Our aim is to create an awareness about it among the masses. We want Muslims to interpret the law properly, Raza said, adding that JIH will not let this issue turn into a political game.

Citing the data, which he said has been acquired through RTI, the AIMPLB member claimed that the number of divorce cases in Muslim community was far less than being projected.

As per the information we received about the cases of divorce filed in 13 different family courts in some Muslim-dominated areas across the country between 2011 and 2015, only 1,307 such cases were filed by Muslims as against 3,827 cases of Christians and 16,505 cases of Hindus, he said.

Explaining the drive launched by the JIH for dispelling the misconceptions about the Islamic laws, Rajput said, The initiative named as Muslim Personal Law Awareness Campaign is the part of a nationwide awareness drive launched recently by the central body Jamaat-e-Islami Hind in an attempt to educate and reform Muslim community.

He said the campaign, launched across the country on Monday, will continue till May 7.

This initiative is aimed at educating Muslims about the personal law. Our objective is to make them aware about various rules, instructions and procedures prescribed in our law, Rajput said.

We have set the target of reaching out to at least 10 lakh Muslims in Gujarat through door-to-door campaign, seminars, interactive sessions and mohalla meetings. We will make people aware about triple talaq, polygamy and many other aspects of Islamic law, Rajput added.

Earlier in April, the Centre had told the Supreme Court that the practices of triple talaq, nikah halala and polygamy impact the social status and dignity of Muslim women and deny them fundamental rights guaranteed by Constitution.

The apex court on March 30 observed that the practices of triple talaq, nikah halala and polygamy among Muslims were important issues involving sentiments and a Constitution bench would hear the pleas challenging these from May 11.

Influential Muslim organisations like the AIMPLB have opposed the courts adjudication of these matters, maintaining that these practices stemmed from the Holy Quran and were not justiciable.

The AIMPLB had recently said it would issue a code of conduct under which those pronouncing triple talaq without valid reasons mentioned under Sharia (Islamic law) will face social boycott.

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New Delhi:

Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Swami Prasad Maurya stoked a controversy, saying that Muslims use Triple Talaq to change wives and satisfy their lust.

Mauryas comment comes at a time when the issue is being debated at all forums.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the Muslim community to ensure that the triple talaq issue was not "politicised", and hoped that intellectuals from the community would come forward to fight the practice.

Addressing an event marking the birth anniversary of Kannada philosopher Basaveshwar here, Modi voiced the hope that Muslims in India would "show the path of modernity" to their counterparts across the world.

Also Read: PIL seeks 'Triple talaq' should not apply to Hindu women

"There is so much debate on the triple talaq these days. Looking at the great tradition of India, my mind is filled with the hope that powerful people will emerge from the community in this country (to) eradicate outdated practices, evolve modern systems," he said.

Enact a strict law against triple talaq similar to the anti-sati law: Shia board to UP govt

In his 40-minute speech, the prime minister spoke about women's empowerment, equality and good governance. (With PTI Inputs)

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Basan Jayanti Programme in New Delhi's Vigyan Bhavan.

Highlights of PM Modi's speech live:

#I request Muslim community to not let the matter of Triple Talaq be politicised, instead, I want leaders of the community to come forward and find a solution to the issue of our daughters' rights: PM

#Corruption is eating our democracy like termites, it is creating a shallow social system: PM

#Teachings of Lord Basaveshwar are not only truth of life, but also basis of good governance: PM

#Focus on development for all: PM

#Every village, person must get 24 hr electricity and roads without any discrimination: PM

#Our land has been blessed with greats who have transformed our society: PM



#India's history is not only about defeat, poverty or colonialism. India gave the message of good governance, non-violence & Satyagraha: PM



#Today I also want to pay my tributes to our former Vice President Shri BD Jatti: PM

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Written by Sarunas Cerniauskas

Cybercriminals who stole personal records and photos of patients from the data system of a Lithuanian plastic surgery clinic - including those of national and foreign celebrities - have put them up for sale.

The perpetrators put the Grozio Chirurgija data online, at a Dark Web website and are selling them for between 50 and 2,000 each or for 344,000 the whole package.

Last week, OCCRPs Lithuanian partner 15min received an e-mail from the criminals who claimed to have obtained the records on 25,000 patients of the clinic. The email contained nude photos of some of the clients.

Reporters at 15min managed to verify some of the celebrity clients data exposed in the Dark Web website  the phone numbers, dates of birth and other details published by the criminals matched the victims real data.

Also, one of the clients whos medical records on breast surgery were made public, confirmed that she had surgery on the date indicated in the leak.

Initially, the clinic claimed that the criminals were lying about how successful their attack was.

"Yes, our data was stolen: addresses, names and surnames. But this is not connected to pictures, the pictures were made up by these so-called hackers", Vygintas Kaikaris, one of the clinics leading surgeons, told 15min.

After this statement, the hackers came back at the clinic, releasing a bundle of data about particular clients. Some of the clients contacted by 15min admitted the photos were authentic and taken at Grozio Chirurgija.

While authorities are investigating the attack, the cybercriminals are openly demanding ransom, offering to delete the data in return for 300 bitcoins, which is roughly 344,000.

At the same time, they are blackmailing some of the celebrity clients. At least two of them admitted receiving untraceable text messages with links to the data.

The perpetrators announced they first tried to blackmail the hospital and called the ransome a small penalty fee for using vulnerable IT systems.

"Since they have refused to do so, (looks like they have very very very large EGO!) now we are putting this site together and anyone can buy the data," the perpetrators wrote.

"We are also significantly increasing the price of the entire package. Just so it fits their huge egos better! :) Now anyone can buy entries one by one or all of them together", the announcement said.

Plastic surgery (Photo: Sasin Tipchai)

occrp.org
New Delhi:

The medical fraternity has voiced opposition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi governments directive to the doctors asking them to prescribe generic medicines to patients. This has been done as an effort to provide affordable healthcare to all, especially the poor. There are two reasons to oppose the move - non-availability of generic medicines and questionable efficacy of such medicines.



The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has expressed its stand on the recent circular by the Medical Council of India's (MCI), statutory body that regulates medical education and registers doctors, on generic drugs. The IMA has said that MCIs notice doesnt prohibit doctors from writing the name of a brand or company while prescribing the medicines.

IMA, an umbrella body that represents doctors, said that the circular only asks doctors to write generic names and name of the salt on the prescription but they are not prohibited from writing the brand name.

"Nobody can stop you choosing the company for quality assurance," said the IMA statement. IMA advised doctors to choose drugs from the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) as they are cheaper and of assured quality. "When writing non-NLEM, take consent. When prescribing, write the cheapest available medicine and that will always be the generic version of that company," advised IMA.

"The medical practitioner, ultimately, has the right to choose the drug and brand. But along the brand, they must mention the generic name. They must also justify why a Rs 90 drug has been prescribed when a Re 1 drug is also available in the market," said KK Agarwal, President, IMA.



Last week, MCI had issued a public circular for all physicians in India to prescribe drugs using generic names. The notice had also warned disciplinary action against doctors for violating the code.



The clause 1.5 of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 was amended by the MCI in September 2016. The amendment made it mandatory for all physicians to "prescribe drugs with generic names legibly and preferably in capital letters".



If found guilty of professional misconduct, the appropriate Medical Council will remove the medical practitioner's name from Indian Medical Registry, rendering him ineligible to practice.



The Modi government has been pushing hard to make drug prices affordable and accessible in the country. It has been promoting generic drugs through the Jan Aushadhi programme. Recently, the Modi government said that it is contemplating a law to make generic names mandatory in prescription.



As per officials, majority of the government-run hospitals do not have the medicines as such medicines are procured in accordance with the preference policy through the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). Thus, the medicines procured from CPSEs are branded not generic. These medicines are then sold at discounted prices for patients at Jan Aushadhi Centres.



Currently, there are more than 1,200 Jan Aushadhi Stores across India. Out of these, 31 are located in Punjab, 22 in Haryana, 16 in Delhi, four in Chandigarh and 17 in Himachal Pradesh. Patients who get treatment at government-run hospitals, health centres and dispensaries are advised to buy medicines from these stores only.



"We purchase the medicines as per the policy only from CPSEs and are branded medicines. If the government is willing to provide us with the generic medicines under the policy, we will be more than happy to offer the same to our patients. The problem is that presently there is no provision to buy generic medicines under the policy," a senior health department official in Chandigarh on conditions of anonymity said.



"Generic medicines are the name of salts which constitute a medicine instead of the branded names. However, one of the biggest drawback of prescribing a generic medicine is that unlike the branded medicines which have a higher bioavailability, the generic medicine have very low bioavailability which makes them less effective. Bioavailability of any medicine is the absorption proportion of a drug in the body so as to have an active effect. So if a patient is taking a generic medicine, the percentage of absorption may be less than 60-70 per cent", a senior doctor working in the premier tertiary care institute, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, said, as he explained the difference between a branded and a generic medicine.

ALSO READ | Branded drugs get costlier; become more regulated



Explaining further, the doctor said, "Another drawback of these generic medicines is that these are procured from third party manufactures and are stamped by the brands under the garb of generic as their own . So if a brand X is manufacturing a branded medicine for fever for a price of Rs 100 per strip, the same brand will also sell a strip of generic medicine at Rs 60 without its name or logo.



"A patient who buys the generic medicine at Rs 60 per strip may feel he saved money but in reality, he ended up buying a less effective medicine that too at Rs 60 which actually costs the pharmacist Rs 10 from the manufacturer".
New Delhi:

NASAs Cassini spacecraft has beamed back a stunning picture of our planet Earth as seen from the Saturns icy rings, 870 million miles away. The unique picture shows the Earth and its Moon on its right side and both the celestial bodies can be seen below the Saturns rings. The Earth looks like a shining star from Saturn rings and together the Earth and the Moon look like two tiny dots.

NASAs Cassini spacecraft, which is on the Grand Finale journey around Saturn, is sharing some stunning pictures while making daring dives between the rings of the gas giant just days before its going to meet a heart-breaking end.

The Cassini probe recently performed first of the 22 death-defying dives between Saturn and its rings. After performing all the moves, it is scheduled to plunge into Saturns atmosphere. Cassini is beaming back never-seen images that include the close-up ever view of the Saturn rings back to Earth.

Cassini travelled through the relatively short 1,500-mile gap between Saturn and its rings this week and sent back precious data to Earth.



Isnt it strange to look at the planet on which you and many billions of people live from this far distance. It sometimes becomes hard to believe that we live in a planet that looks like a star from space. Our Earth is just a dot among billions and billions of dots in the universe.



When we look at such pictures and think deeply about the universe, it crops up in our minds about a possible alien life beyond our solar system. Who knows someone out there looks at our planet and wonders if live thrives on this planet.



First of the 22 Cassini dives:



Cassini made the dive at the innermost ring of the planet, where no spacecraft has ever dared to go before. NASA has planned total 22 close encounters in the last phase and Wednesdays dive was the first of these.



"Cassini spacecraft has once again blazed a trail, showing us new wonders and demonstrating where our curiosity can take us if we dare," National Aeronautics and Space Administration planetary sciences chief Jim Green said in a statement.



What Cassini is supposed to do in Grand Finale?



During the last phase, Cassini is expected to capture several small inner moons and observe Saturns winds, clouds, auroras and gravity.



In its last phase, the Cassini will perform a long string of historic firsts and Wednesdays successful manoeuvre was the latest one. However, Cassini is soon going to die after its almost 20-year space odyssey.



Why NASA is killing Cassini probe?

In October 1997, NASA had launched Cassini probe to study Saturn and its moons. Cassini arrived at the orbit of Saturn in July 2004. After years of observations and data collection, Cassini is now ageing and is running low on fuel. Hence, NASA has decided to kill Cassini, which will meet its death after plunging into the atmosphere of Saturn.



"[The main] reason for this ending to the Cassini mission is something that NASA is very worried about  contamination of our life forms on planets and moons that may harbor other forms of life," says Nicholas Suntzeff, a professor of Observational Astronomy at Texas A&M University, tells the Monitor via email. "The moons of Saturn  Enceladus and Titan  could have life or complex organic molecules that are the soup out of which life forms."



When will NASA Cassini spacecraft meet death:



NASA officials are not sure whether Cassini will survive all its ring dives. The gap between Saturn and the rings is about 1,500 miles (2,400 km) wide and likely littered with ice particles.



Cassini is travelling through the gap at a relative speed of about some 77,000 mph (124,000 kph) so even small particles striking the spacecraft can be deadly.



The Cassini spacecraft will perform similar manoeuvres during its subsequent dives, the second of which is scheduled for Tuesday. On its final dive on September 15, Cassini will explode like a meteor and destroy itself by flying directly into Saturn's crushing atmosphere.



NASA plans to crash the spacecraft into Saturn to avoid any chance Cassini could someday collide with any ocean-bearing moons that have the potential to support indigenous microbial life.

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Washington:

NASA appears to be running short of spacesuits to be used by the astronauts fir future space missions, according to the US space agencys auditor report.



The spacesuits, named Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMU), used by the NASA astronauts who are currently on the International Space Station (ISS) were made more than 40 years ago. They have now outlasted their original 15-year design life.

"Despite spending nearly $200 million on NASA's next-generation spacesuit technologies, the Agency remains years away from having a flight-ready spacesuit capable of replacing the EMU or suitable for use on future exploration missions," NASA Office of Inspector General's Office of Audits said in the report.

"As different missions require different designs, the lack of a formal plan and specific destinations for future missions has complicated spacesuit development. Moreover, the Agency has reduced the funding dedicated to spacesuit development in favour of other priorities such as an in-space habitat," the report said.



Right now, NASA appears to be facing shortage of the spacesuits and only a fraction of the original supply for the ISS is fully functional. There is a risk that NASA may not have enough spacesuits to last through the end of the ISS programme which has been scheduled for 2024, The Verge reported.

In 2009, Oceaneering International, Inc received a contract worth $148 million for spacesuits for the astronauts. NASA considered the requirement of spacesuits for astronauts during deep space and when on Moon after it began building a rocket and spacecraft to send humans to the Moon a decade ago as part of the Constellation Program.

However, in early 2010, then US President Barack had cancelled NASAs Constellation program. Later in 2010, senior officials at the Johnson Space Center recommended that the Constellation spacesuit contract be cancelled as the agency had its own engineers to work on a new spacesuit and. Also, NASA didnt have a clear need for deep-space spacesuits. However, agency leaders at NASA's headquarters in Washington, DC overruled the Houston officials.

NASA Inspector General Paul Martin sharply criticizes this decision in a new report. "The continuation of this contract did not serve the best interests of the agencys spacesuit technology development efforts," the report states.

Shockingly, according to the report it was found that NASA wasted whopping $80.6 million on the contract with Oceaneering before it was finally ended last year.

NASA told the inspector general that the decision was taken to continue the contract as the space agency wanted to keep industry engaged in spacesuit design. However, the report dismissed the idea saying that the agencys in-house Advanced Space Suit Project shared several contractors and primary subcontractors with Oceaneering.

Many of NASA's in-house concepts and designs were ahead of those under the Oceaneering contract, the report found.

"For example, one study found that the Rapid Cycle Amine swingbed used in the Advanced Space Suit Project design is 'far more advanced' than the (Constellation) concept," the report states.

William Gerstenmaier, NASA's chief of human spaceflight, argued that the report is "overly critical" of the agency's decision and that "we respectfully disagree that the facts presented to the OIG support that portion of the report." He said this in a written response to the inspector general.

However, Martin appears not to be moved by the response from Gerstenmaier as he wrote that "we continue to believe" the contract should have been cancelled in 2011.

The new report has also raised concerns about the existing stock of spacesuits of NASA that are used for the International Space Station program for spacewalks. Some design problems have been experienced by NASA with these Extravehicular Mobility Units, or EMUs, in recent years. In 2013, a water issue was experienced with Luca Parmitano's helmet. Also, for the future operations, NASA only has 11 of the original 18 EMU units left.

ALSO READ | NASA spacesuits short in supply and overbudget; space agency wasted whopping USD 80 million: Report

"The inventory may not be adequate to last through planned retirement of the ISS in 2024," the report states. "Given these issues, NASA will be challenged to continue to support the (spacewalk) needs of the ISS with the current fleet of EMUs through 2024a challenge that will escalate significantly if station operations are extended to 2028."

The report has recommended that NASA should chalk out a formal plan for the design, production and testing of next-generation spacesuits to meet the space agency's needs.

For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Karachi:

A case of blasphemy and terrorism has been registered against three unidentified persons by the police for vandalising a Hindu temple in Pakistan's southern Sindh province.

The incident occurred on Friday in Thatta district's Gharo town, triggering protests by the Hindu community. Police said idols of deities were damaged and some of the broken parts were found in a nearby sewerage line.

A case of blasphemy and terrorism has been registered.

Police also registered a FIR against three persons for desecrating the deities, Dawn reported.

Read more: Kanpur: Kupwara martyr Captain Ayush Yadav cremated with state honours; crowd shouts 'Pakistan Murdabad'

"Investigation is going on but so far no arrests have been made", police officer Fida Hussain Mastoi said.

Mastoi was quoted by BBC Urdu that the case would be investigated from all aspects, though according to preliminary probe, the footprints found near the temple seem to belong to a young boy around the age of 12.

Local Hindu councillor Lal Meheshwri said that he had been working late at the temple for a monthly religious service.

"Someone seems to have entered the temple between 1:00 am and 5:00 am. When worshippers came in the morning for prayers, the idols were missing. This is the first time that that such a thing has happened in the temple's history", he was quoted by the report.

Adviser to the Sindh Chief Minister on Minority Affairs Dr Khatto Mal said that attackers would be arrested soon.

Read more: Pakistan Maritime Security Agency apprehends 23 Indian fishermen, four boats off Gujarat coast

Gharo is situated along the National Highway some 60 kilometres from Karachi. About 2,000 families, who are mostly Hindus, live in Gharo.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Washington:

Pyongyang has fired a ballistic missile but it did not leave North Korean territory, the US militarys Pacific Command has said.



US Pacific Command detected what we assess was a North Korean missile launch at 10:33 am Hawaii time ... The ballistic missile launch occurred near the Pukchang airfield, PACOM spokesman Commander Dave Benham said in a statement.



The missile did not leave North Korean territory.



He added that the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) determined the missile did not pose a threat to North America.



The White House said President Donald Trump has been informed of the missile launch.



The South Korean news agency Yonhap said the missile, which was launched early Saturday local time, failed within seconds of launch.

Also read:

Use of force in North Korea would lead to bigger disasters: China

US vows to force North Korea back to nuclear talks



For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday sacked his special assistant on foreign affairs Tariq Fatemi after approving the recommendations of the Dawn leaks inquiry committee.

Fatemi was removed over his alleged role in the Dawn leaks controversy.

"Allocation of portfolio of Foreign Affairs to Syed Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, shall be withdrawn," ARY News quoted a letter from the Prime Minister's Office.

ALSO READ: Steel tycoon Sajjan Jindals meeting with Nawaz Sharif trigger rumours of secret talks on Kulbhushan Jadhav



According to a notification from the PMO, action will also be taken on the findings of the report against Rao Tehseen Ali, the Principal Information Officer at the Foreign Office.

The notification added that the role of the editor of Dawn Newspaper, Zaffar Abbas, and reporter Cyril Almeida will be referred to the All Pakistan Newspaper Association (APNS) for necessary disciplinary action.

ALSO READ: Panama papers case: Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif narrowly escapes corruption ruling in jinxed April month

Pakistan government had set up an inquiry committee headed by former Lahore High Court Judge Amir Raza with representatives of the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), the Intelligence Bureau and the Military Intelligence to probe the controversy surrounding a report by Dawn about a key meeting on national security.

The inquiry committee report held Fatemi primarily responsible for leaking minutes of the key meeting to the newspaper without due permission.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
The oil market is in a better place right now than it was a year ago. Thanks to the impact from underinvestment in new production and OPEC's output cuts, the market is getting back into balance, and crude supplies are coming down.

But just because market conditions are on the upswing, that doesn't mean investors have the green light to buy any oil stock. Several are still in a tight spot, which is why investors should avoid them all costs. Four I wouldn't touch right now are Baytex Energy (NYSE: BTE), Cobalt International Energy (NYSE: CIE), Pengrowth Energy (NYSE: PGH), and California Resources (NYSE: CRC).

Still in decline

Last December, Baytex Energy released its first growth-focused budget in more than two years. The Canadian oil and gas producer said it would spend nearly 100 million Canadian dollars more than the prior year to restart its Canadian drilling program in a bid to boost production by 3% to 4% when measuring its 2016 exit rate with where it expected output to end in 2017. However, the company's full-year average production rate would still decline compared with 2016.

One reason the company can't grow is the mountain of debt on its balance sheet. At nearly $1.8 billion Canadian, debt is roughly two-thirds of its capitalization, which is substantial, considering that most of its rivals like to keep that number to less than a third. Because of that outsize leverage, Baytex sends more of its cash flow to creditors instead of investing it in new wells, which is why the company needs crude to be more than $55 per barrel this year just to break even. That's a concern, considering crude has remained below that level for most of the year and could head even lower if OPEC ends its support.

Burning through cash at a blistering pace

As bad as Baytex Energy's breakeven level might be, it pales in comparison with Cobalt International Energy. The deepwater development company plans to spend $550 million to $650 million on oil and gas development projects this year, against just $50 million in anticipated net revenue. While the company did end last year with $956.5 million in net cash, it's on pace to burn through that figure by the middle of next year. Unless Cobalt does something radical to shore up its financial situation, the company could sink into the abyss.

On a collision course

Like its Canadian counterpart Baytex, Pengrowth Energy has too much debt for a company of its size in current market conditions. Worse yet, the company remains dangerously close to breaching its financial covenants, which could cause its debt to become due on demand. The company believes it can remain in compliance through the end of next year, but to do so, the company said not only would it need to access the capital markets before the end of this year, but it would also have to see an improvement in oil and gas prices. While Pengrowth Energy is working to avoid a dilutive equity offering by selling assets and has already completed several sales this year, there's still plenty of risks that this oil stock could sink under the weight of its debt if oil prices take another deep tumble.

Nauseatingly high leverage

California Resources is another oil stock with an unsightly balance sheet. The company ended last year with a debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 8.5, which is dangerously high, considering most oil companies like to keep that number below 3.0. Meanwhile, the company's debt-to-cap ratio is a staggering 112%, well above the less than 40% target of most oil companies. Because of its leverage situation, more than half of California Resources' cash flow will go toward interest and loan payments this year instead of capex. Meanwhile, the company's leverage ratio isn't expected to fall back into a comfortable range until later this decade, and that's only if oil regains the $75-per-barrel mark. Investors can therefore expect this company to sport a low- to no-growth oil stock for the next several years unless it does something drastic to improve its financial situation.

Investor takeaway

The oil market might be on the mend, but these four oil stocks have a long way to go before they're back on solid ground. That's why I wouldn't even think about buying one of them as a potential bounce-back candidate. There's still an outsize risk that any one of them could go all the way to zero. Meanwhile, even if these companies do survive, they'll probably remain stuck in neutral in the current market environment, held back by the debt weighing down their balance sheets.

10 stocks we like better than Baytex Energy

When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*

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One area where Twitter (NYSE: TWTR) has shown promise is in delivering consistent revenue. The bulk of that revenue comes from advertisers.

Year Total Revenue Ad Revenue Ad Revenue as a Percentage of Total Revenue 2014 $1.403 billion $1.255 billion 89% 2015 $2.218 billion $1.994 billion 90% 2016 $2.529 billion $2.248 billion 89%

The company recently announced a move to help advertisers better measure the effectiveness of advertising on Twitter. It signed on with "industry-leading third-party measurement providers" to help advertisers better verify if their ad was delivered to the right audience, including making sure the audience was human. This is important for advertisers who are questioning the authenticity of the data they are receiving from social media platforms as well as the efficacy of advertising on these platforms.

Why advertisers are concerned about social media platforms

Last year, Facebook was caught in an awkward position when it had to explain that it had been overstating the average time people viewed video ads on its platform. The fault was in the methodology the company was using, which cast aside all data from ads that were viewed for less than three seconds. Reports indicated the company had overstated average viewing times by between 60% and 80%. The company admitted the problem had been in existence for a period of two years and said it would take steps to eliminate the mistake.

In March of this year, YouTube received an ultimatum from advertisers who pulled their ad spend from YouTube until it could guarantee that brands would not see their ads appear next to extremist videos.

Like Facebook Alphabet quickly accepted responsibility for the problem and agreed to remedy the situation for its advertisers.

Twitter's plan to help advertisers

Twitter is looking to have third parties enhance the platform's measurement capabilities by providing advertisers with an independent verification of the viewability of their ads and advise advertisers as to whether the ad reached the intended audience.

Advertisers paying for ads that aren't viewed by humans is part of ad fraud, which costs advertisers an estimated $8.2 billion per year in the United States, according to the Interactive Advertising Bureau. Twitter wants advertisers to know who or what is seeing their ads. It has formed new relationships with two companies: Moat, which Qualcomm just announced it's buying, and Integral Ad Science. Advertisers can use either company to verify that their ad is seen by humans, as opposed to bots. Twitter said a review of its ad impressions showed more than 99% were viewed by humans.

Twitter also announced expanded relationships with Nielsen and comScore that will allow advertisers to measure whether their ads were delivered to the intended audience. Nielson Digital Ad Ratings helps advertisers look across computer and mobile viewing on a next-day basis to ensure their message is reaching the desired audience while comScore's validated Campaign Essentials delivers real-time data.

By working with four different measurement companies Twitter is allowing its advertisers a wide choice of who they can work with to verify that the ad dollars they spend on Twitter are being put to good use.

Giving credit where credit is due

Twitter has struggled with growing its user base, although its recent first-quarter report showed a boost of 9 million monthly active users from the previous quarter. Management also deserves credit for being proactive and creating relationships with third parties to help instill confidence in its advertisers, which will hopefully bring more advertising dollars to the company.

10 stocks we like better than Twitter

When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*

David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Twitter wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.

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Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Frank DiPietro owns shares of FB and TWTR. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends GOOG, GOOGL, FB, QCOM, and TWTR. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
REDDING - A Waterbury man who police say defrauded the states unemployment fund by nearly $12,00 while working at a local country club.

Jose Flete, 48, was taken into custody by members of the Unemployment Compensation Fraud Unit of the states attorneys office and charged with first-degree larceny.
On Friday, Newtown became the ninth school district in the area to join a national critique of the controversial Netflix show 13 Reasons Why, sending parents a letter cautioning them about its sensitive content.

Since the shows release on March 31, superintendents in Danbury, Brookfield, Bethel, New Milford, Ridgefield and now Newtown have warned parents about the popular show, which explores teen suicide, sexual assault, bullying and other issues. Other districts, including New Fairfield, Region 9 and Region 12, have addressed the issue through letters from school principals and local organizations.

The show, based on a book by Jay Asher, centers on a fictional high school student Hannah Baker, who commits suicide after recording a series of tapes detailing the 13 reasons why she took her life. Many school officials worried that many of the middle- and high-school students watching the show lack the mental and emotional resources to deal with the complex issues it addresses.

The letters were intended not just to make parents aware of the show but to encourage them to talk about it with their children, and to offer guidance in doing so.

We wanted to give (parents) a heads up so they are there to talk with kids, said Danbury Superintendent Sal Pascarella. We thought it would be a more productive way of viewing instead of just turning something on.

Each of the letters included links to news articles about the show and to websites on suicide prevention and suggestions from mental health professionals. School counselors in most districts were also briefed on how to deal with students disturbed by the show or who are dealing with issues similar to those of its characters.

Pascarella added that guidance offices in Danbury have made printouts available for students who wish to know more about the topics.

Through the 13 episodes of the show, viewers see through flashbacks how Hannah is bullied by other students, culminating in her witnessing the rape of a friend and her being sexually assaulted herself. In the final episode, Hannah slits her wrists in her bathtub in a scene that many viewers and experts say is too graphic and actually glorifies suicide.

Experts around the country, including the Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board, have critiqued the show for portraying suicide in such a way.

The show sensationalizes suicide, focuses on reasons to die vs. reasons to live, and blames survivors, all of which can easily trigger at-risk individuals, CTSAB wrote in a statement on its website.

The group released articles such as 13 Reasons Why Theres Hope and 13 Reasons Why  Talking Points that many school officials and organizations have distributed to parents.

Some parents and school officials worried that emotionally vulnerable students who view the show might be triggered to harm themselves or commit suicide.

One of our enduring fears are copycat behaviors, said Region 9 Superintendent Thomas McMorran. So creating safe ways for kids to talk about their concerns, educating the public and working in partnership with parents are three ways to help.

Vanessa Elias, a Wilton mom and volunteer with the Southwest Connecticut National Alliance on Mental Illness, said she agrees that the show could trigger copycat behavior, but also believes it could have a positive effect by increasing awareness about the issues it presents.

The scary thing is how it is showing an easy out for kids to hurt those who have hurt them, said Elias, who added that her 15-year-old daughter watched the show. But the positive side is that the show offers an opportunity to talk about something thats highly stigmatized and taboo in our society.

Elias leads support groups for parents and relatives of children with mental illness. After talking with her daughter and other parents, she said, she worries the show could trigger young viewers who already deal with mental health or emotional issues, but likely will not create problems for students who do not.

A New Fairfield mom who is a member of the New Fairfield Prevention Council said the show acted as a catalyst for conversation between her and her 14-year-old son. She said she had not heard of the show before getting the letter from Christine Baldelli, the middle school principal, but after realizing that her son had watched it on Netflix, she decided to watch herself.

For mature kids, its fine, but for immature kids, I dont know, she said. If your child has emotional issues, you dont want to give them ideas.

The mom, who asked not to be identified, said the last two episodes, where the sexual assault and suicide scenes take place, were the hardest to watch, and likely were her sons first encounter with these issues. But it also encouraged her and her son to talk about the dynamics of high school social life and issues like drinking and partying.

She added that she was glad the principal had let parents know about the show.

New Milford Superintendent Joshua Smith said several dozen parents have reached out to him since he sent the letter. Although their reactions to the show varied, all were happy he had let them know about it, he said.

But there is a fine line between starting a dialogue and telling parents what to do, Smith added.

Were not in the business of negating or influencing what families choose to do, he said. But we thought we should at least alert parents so they understood and could be informed when they have conversations about this.

Jen Sperazza, president of the New Fairfield Prevention Council, said the most important message to students is to confide in a trusted adult if they feel they need to talk about the issues brought up in the show.

Its a lot for kids to handle on their own, Sperazza said. Its a lot for me, and Im in my 50s."

Many school officials said students are taught in school how to identify friends who may be at risk for self-harm or suicide and are told to tell an adult.

They said the letters aimed to create a collaborative environment between counselors, parents, teachers and students when dealing with these issues.

We want to keep those lines of communication open, Smith said It takes all of us to develop students.

aquinn@newstimes.com; @QuinnNewsTimes
The Icebreaker is one of the two major galas that the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce organizes annually.
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This is an article written by Reno Omokri. Please read on..

For the better part of this week, Nigeria has been having much of a to do about the royal snub from the Oba of Lagos to the Ooni of Ife. Such outrage, such consternation against Oba Rilwan Akiolu. The venom vented on him on social media and in real life were as though he had committed some unpardonable sin.



We are angry with an Oba who refused to shake an Ooni, but not at a President who refused to shake his own female ministers on religious grounds but did not remember religion when he shook hands with the Queen of England, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and Iara Oshiomhole. We are angry with an Oba who refused to shake an Ooni, but not at a President who refused to shake his own female ministers on religious grounds but did not remember religion when he shook hands with the Queen of England, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and Iara Oshiomhole.

Strewth!

As a people, we are easily distracted, easily carried away. We are excitable, with hyperactive nerves, quick to run away after fancies while the issues that are at the heart of our survival as a people are left untreated.

While we were tearing our our hair over what might just have been an oversight on the part of the Oba of Lagos, the minister of Information, the eponymously named Lai Mohammed, announced to a distracted nation that President Muhammadu Buhari, who had just missed his third Executive Council of the Federation meeting, would be working from home!

This is the same Lai Mohammed who in December 21, 2009 called for his predecessor, the late Professor Dora Akinyuli, to give daily updates on President Yar'adua's health.

Speaking as the Publicity Secretary for the now defunct Action Congress, Lai said:

It is clear to discerning Nigerians that those pretending to speak authoritatively on the Presidents health are deceiving the public, since they are neither well informed on the issue nor competent to speak on it. Therefore, a daily briefing by the Minister of Information, based on authentic details provided by the Presidents doctors, should start forthwith. As we have said many times, the health of the President, as a public figure can no longer be of interest only to his family and friends. Nigerians have a right to know."

This is the same Lai who told us in January that the President was in perfect good health. Now we know that his health is so good that he has to work from home!

And to add insult to injury, just two days before Lai told us that the President would now work from home, Chief John Odigie Oyegun was hugging the headlines calling for a second term for the stat at home President! Really!

We only see the man every Friday , yet instead of praying for his recovery Oyegun is scheming for his second term! That is how they deceived Abacha and Yar'adua to cling onto power instead of tending to their health. What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his soul?

This is a man that we only see on Friday at Mosque. The man has more or less become a ghost President!

A ghost President, with ghost achievements fighting ghost workers with an EFCC that goes after ghost monies in apartments owned by ghosts. This is what President Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling All Progressive Congress have reduced Nigeria to!

It is hypocritical for a government that fights ghost workers to have a ghost President. If the President is sick let him hand over to the more than able Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo!

If you think it is harsh to ask the President to hand over to Osinbajo then ask him if he did not give the same advice to Yar'adua in 2010! Precisely on March 10, 2010, President Muhammadu Buhari called for the impeachment of Yar'adua because his health condition prevented him from performing his duties. For three weeks our President has not attended council meeting. For three weeks the only time we see him is at Mosque. Would he have tolerated this from Yar'adua?

From President Muhammadu Buhari's residence in Aso Rock to his office takes a five minute walk. I have walked that route myself. I know what I am taking about. I have been in his official residence and I have been in his office.

His office and his residence are connected by a corridor. If he cannot make it to the office despite the close proximity between his office and his residence, it suggests he may need something more than resting at home. Remember what Obasanjo said on January 20, 2010 If you take up an assignment, a job-elected, appointed whatever it is, and then your health starts to fail and you will not be able to deliver to satisfy yourself and to satisfy the people you are supposed to serve, then there is a path of honour and the path of morality. There is path of honour and the path of morality."

A 93, President Robert Mugabe does not work from home. Even Pope Benedict XVI, whose home was his office, resigned in 2013 when his health could not handle the demands of the papacy. It is not about age. It is about capacity. President Muhammadu Buhari said the same thing about Yar'adua. What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.

Again, President Buhari, if you cant cope, temporarily hand over to Osinbajo! It does not have to be permanent. Go and take care of yourself. Aso Rock is a Presidential Villa not a retirement home!

What moral justification does the Head of Service or any authority have to query any civil servant for absenteeism going by this recent development?

I urge any civil servant who is being queried or has been sacked for absenteeism to sue the Federal Government. If President Muhammadu Buhari can work from home and still collect full salary, why can't other federal workers? If the man with the most vital job can do his job from home, why can't civil servants with less vital duties follow suit.

And you can imagine that only this week, the State House correspondent of the Punch Newspapers was banished from Aso Rock Presidential Villa by President Muhammadu Buhari's Chief Security Officer because of a story on the President's health. Now we know what the fuss was all about!

And the excuse given by the Presidency that they were unaware of the CSO's action only raises more questions than it answers.

The worst thing the Nigerian Presidency could do in the case of the The Punch Newspapers reporter that was expelled from Aso Rock Villa by President Muhammadu Buhari's Chief Security Officer is to admit that they were not informed before the actions. If the Presidency was not informed about this action done in the Presidency's name then it begs the question, who is ruling Nigeria? Who is exercising the executive powers of the President? Is the tail now wagging the dog? Is this a deja vu of the Yar'adua situation? No wonder Babachir asked 'who is the Presidency'. We did not know what he meant!

From the way things now stand, I just have to ask that between Nnamdi Kanu and President Muhammadu Buhari, who is actually in prison and who is actually free?

At least we see Kanu in court. How often do we see Buhari? Nnamdi Kanu speaks with authority, can we say the same of an unrepentant blamer who blames everyone but himself for the misfortune of his administration? Nnamdi Kanu has no NTA or a Liar Mohammed yet his words affect more headlines than those who do, proving that leadership is not by position! Yet somebody thinks Nnamdi Kanu is in prison and President Buhari is free! I laugh in Igbo and Fufulde!

And to think that Joe Igbokwe, the Publicity Secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the APC had the guts to say that the Igbo are not interested in Nnamdi Kanu's cause!

If Joe Igbokwe really thinks the Igbo are 'not interested' in Nnamdi Kanu's cause, let him go and say so in Onitsa Market and see if he survives. It is easy to stay in Lagos and say such nonsense, but I have a word of advise for Igbokwe: No matter how much a slave rejects his father's name, his master will still not include his own name in his will.

Hypocrisy has almost become a national pastime under this APC administration. It is not surprising. What more can one expect from a government that was conceived in propaganda and delivered in deceit?

Take the hypocrisy in the case of Mrs. Titilayo Momoh, the failed suicide who attempted the act on the Third Mainland Bridge. Now she has been charged to court.

I do not understand the point of charging failed suicides to court for attempted suicide. Do we want to drive them to succeed at suicide? Failed suicide need counseling, support and understanding. Stress, pressures of life and disappointments drove them to suicide. By charging them to court we are only adding more stress, pressure and disappointment to their life, further pushing them to suicide. This is an archaic law that is against the principles of natural justice and needs to be taken off our statute books.

A government that does not care if Fulani herdsmen kill us has the guts to charge a woman for attempted suicide! Are they angry she cheated Fulani herdsmen off her life? This is a travesty of justice! They have not charged the killers of pastor Eunice Elisha who was killed in Kubwa, fifteen minutes from Aso Rock Villa. They have not charged the killers of pastor Eunice Elisha who was beheaded in Kano in broad daylight. They have not charged the killers of Southern Kaduna minorities. But it is Mrs. Titilayo Momoh who is overburdened by a debt she cannot pay that they can try for attempted suicide. What a hypocritical action!

When Tiwa Savage's husband, Tunji "Tee Billz" Balogun, attempted suicide, nobody charged him for attempted suicide and rightly so. So why charge Mrs. Titilayo Momoh with attempted suicide? Does Nigeria have one law for the rich and famous and another for the poor and unknown? This woman attempted suicide because the economy collapsed and her business was in ruins leaving her in debt. Let us not fight the symptoms and leave the disease. If the government wants to deter suicide then they should fix the economy instead of trying Mrs. Momoh.

I could go on and on, but I have limited space. You can email me at reno@renoomokri.org to continue the conversation.

Reno's Nuggets:

My nuggets for this week centers on money so that people like Mrs. Momoh, who are overburdened by debt can get some financial intelligence that will see the escaping the debt cycle if they apply these wisdoms I gleaned from the word of God.

The big difference between the rich and the poor is that the rich only borrow money to invest while the poor only borrow money to consume. The rich man gets a loan to build a clothing factory, or a retail mall or a small boutique because he knows that the poor man will go to the same bank to get a loan or a credit card to splurge on new clothes to impress people. You see, many people who look rich are not rich simply because they spend too much money trying to look rich and have little left to be actually rich. The term dressed to kill may mean dressing well but it may also mean spending too much on clothes to kill yourself with poverty. The more the poor continue buying clothes and other accessories they do not need, the more the rich becomes richer and the poorer they become. So break the cycle. Never borrow to consume only borrow to produce.

Those who say money cannot buy happiness act as if being broke can buy happiness. Get money even if it cant buy happiness. Money multiplies your ability to do good. The world is evil today not because money is evil but because evil people control money. Ask yourself how helpful the Good Samaritan could have been if he had no money. Now ask yourself how destructive satan can be if his people had no money. Jesus preached and taught about money more than about ANY OTHER THING. So go out there and make money, do not be afraid of it. #RenosNuggets

You can see that hypocrisy, rather than corruption is the main problem of Nigeria. A nation that sympathizes with a star's husband for attempted suicide and charges a destitute woman with attempted suicide. No wonder our Presidential Villa had been turned to a retirement home!
North Koreas intransigence has forced U.S. and UK to give conditions for peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict over nuclear threats.The two countries gave the conditions at a high-level meeting on North Korea, attended by Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the 15-Member UN Security Council on Friday in New York.This was just as North Korea reportedly launched another missile test on Friday as a Security Councils meeting chaired by the U.S. got underway at the UN.The high-level meeting was chaired by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to end the countrys Presidency of the Council for the Month of April 2017.Tillerson said: For the past 20 years, well-intentioned diplomatic efforts to halt these programmes have failed.It is only by first dismantling them that there can be peace, stability, and economic prosperity for all of Northeast Asia.With each successive detonation and missile test, North Korea pushes Northeast Asia and the world closer to instability and broaderThe threat of a North Korean nuclear attack on Seoul, or Tokyo was real, he said.And it is likely only a matter of time before North Korea develops the capability to strike the U.S. mainland.Indeed, the DPRK has repeatedly claimed it plans to conduct such a strike.Given that rhetoric, the United States cannot idly stand by. Nor can other members of this council who are within striking distance of North Korean missiles.The U.S. envoy warned that there was no reason to think that North Korea would change its behaviour under the current multilateral sanctions framework.He said that international community has been reactive in addressing North Korea for too long.Failing to act now on the most pressing security issue in the world may bring catastrophic consequences.We have said this before and it bears repeating: the policy of strategic patience is over. Additional patience will only mean acceptance of a nuclear North Korea.The more we bid our time, the sooner we will run out of it, Tillerson warned.He said that diplomatic and financial levers of power would be backed up by a willingness to counteract North Korean aggression with military action if necessary.On its part, the UK, through Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, called for a change of approach by the Security Council, towards North Korea.This Council must be united in its demand that the present course cannot continue and Britain is proud today to have joined its allies to lead the enforcement of sanctions and seek a peaceful solution.We urge other partners with direct influence on North Korea to use their leverage to the full, with the aim of easing tensions and ensuring compliance with the expressed will of the UN.The UK called on Russia and China and other Member States to use whatever influence they possess to restrain North Korea and guide its leaders towards a peaceful settlement.Britain stands alongside our allies in making clear that North Korea must obey the UN and halt its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, disarming in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.Only then can this Council be assured of the peace and security of the region  and only then can the people of North Korea have the chance of a better future.
Fani Kayode in his recent opinion article titled: The Ailing President And The Coming Conflagration In Nigeria, has described President Muhammadu Buhari as a colorful creature called Gollum in 'Lord of the Rings'. The former Minister of Aviation in the opinion article reacted over the president's illness and the worrisome state of the Nation. Read the opinion article after the cut...

The Ailing President And The Coming Conflagration In Nigeria

If the United Kingdom's Foreign Minister, Boris Johnson, can describe the Leader of the Opposition Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, as a "mutton-headed old mugwump" and an "Islington herbivore" how on earth should we describe our very own President Muhammadu Buhari in Nigeria?

As each day passes he looks more and more like the colorful creature called Gollum in J.R. Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings' and behaves more and more like the goblins and orcs in that same book.

This is a man who came back from the United Kingdom as an ailing and fading ghost and who, despite all entreaties and pleas from men and women of goodwill, has refused to resign.

Since he came back he has not been seen in any public function, apart from the usual Friday mosque prayers, and he has not presided over or been able to attend any of the weekly National Executive Council meetings in the last three weeks.

Worse still when his high profile and once very powerful Secretary to the Federal Government, Babachir "the Grasscutter" Lawal was asked what his reaction was to the fact that he had just been suspended and stripped of his job by the Presidency, he asked, in a contemptuous and condescending manner, "who is the Presidency?"

I worked in the Villa as spokesman to President Olusegun Obasanjo 13 years ago for three good years before I was appointed as a Minister and joined his cabinet and I recognise the import of that loaded question.

Simply put the SGF was asking the journalist that put the question to him who exactly had suspended him in the Presidency because, as far as he was concerned, the President was no longer in control and other individuals are now making unauthorized decisions in his name and on his behalf without his knowledge.

That is how badly things have degenerated in Buhari's government as different forces and factions are attempting to grab the space and fill the widening power vacuum.

Again three curious events took place in the last few days which all confirm this dangerous state of affairs.

Firstly a Punch Newspaper reporter was marched out of the Villa by the President's Chief Security Officer, without any reference to the President's media team or aides, simply because he wrote a story suggesting that the President's ailment was getting worse.

Secondly, as many as 20 Ministers and the President's Chief of Staff refused to attend the last Federal Executive Council meeting which was presided over by Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the Vice President.

This begs the following questions: was this a well-orchestrated protest and boycott or was it just holiday-time for all those Ministers that were absent?

Thirdly the lying Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, happily told Nigerians that the President "needed to rest" and would henceforth "not attend NEC meetings" but would instead be "working from home".

He also said that from now on all files that needed to be treated should be sent to the Presidents sitting room!

Do we need to hear anything else before we can safely come to the conclusion that our President is no longer himself and is indeed on his way out?

Whilst all this was going on and the confusion continued to brew another complicated and dangerous mess was silently unfolding in the background.

This is, of course, the deadly, venomous and utterly shameful snake fight of double-speak, treachery, and betrayal that is going on between Ibrahim Magu and his EFCC on the one hand and Ayo Oke and his NIA on the other with the National Security Advisor, Babagana Mongunu, dancing somewhere in between.

With accusations and counter-accusations from all sides, they are all dancing naked in the streets like madmen and bringing shame and opprobrium to the institutions that they lead and to our nation and people.

This is indeed bedlam in its fullest and most pristine form. It is worse than the cacophony of the loud, strange and divided tongues that bellowed and screeched from the biblical Tower of Babel.

A situation where the intelligence and security agencies are merrily "Tarkaring" and "Daboing" themselves before the entire world and exposing one another dirty little secrets all in a squalid attempt to gain the upper hand in an unfolding internal struggle for power and supremacy, is not good for the country and is even worse for the government that they all claim to serve.

The bottom line is that the Presidency is in utter disarray and confusion and the health of the President, despite all pretentions, is obviously getting far worse and is degenerating by the day.

Last week one rather bold commentator went as far as to describe him as looking like a "bag of skin and bones" and described him as a "walking ghost".

Many, including some of those around him, are wondering why he does not just resign, hand over the reigns of power to his Vice President and go back to Daura to take care of his health.

Does he find it so difficult to let go? Has his desire to hold on to power at all costs become as obsessive, compelling and all-consuming as Gollum's "precious ring?"

Does our country not deserve to have a president that is physically and mentally fit and that is hale and hearty?

The fact of the matter is that for those of us that are not in the corridors of power but that are in the know, all this is very disturbing.

The truth is that the consequences of such confusion and turbulence for a nation that is not only suffering the worst economic recession in its history but that is also going through the greatest pain, trauma, division, strife, butchery, hardship, and suffering since its civil war, are dangerous and unimaginable.

Yet sadly it gets even worse. The most troubling assertion that is making the rounds is that the President has lost it to such a degree and that he is so incapacitated by his health challenges that he is hardly ever lucid.

We are told that consequently the country is now being run by a small band of unelected, dark and evil men and an obsessive, paranoid, unstable, dangerous, volatile, ruthless, power-obsessed, ethnic and religious ultra-conservative cabal who have simply refused to let him resign in peace and who are covertly making all the decisions and are actually running the country.

When one marries this explosive cocktail to the fact that many are fully aware of what will happen in our country if Buhari dies whilst on the throne it is enough to give us all sleepless nights about the future.

That fear is compounded by the utterly chilling and callous public comments made by one Inusa Saidu Biu who claims to be an officer in the Nigerian Police Force.

A few days ago he said that Buhari had been "poisoned by his enemies" (meaning southerners and Christians) and that if the President dies he would personally "shoot 200 people dead".

His assertion and threat, made openly and publicly on his Facebook page, in full police uniform whilst carrying weapons and hardware, says a lot and invokes deep concern.

The truth is that Biu's words betray the mindset and reflects the thinking of millions of people from Buhari's core northern constituency, who think like him, who do not give a damn about anything or anyone other than Buhari, who see the President as their god and who are ready to kill for him at the drop of a hat.

There are literally millions of murderous and genocidal maniacs like Biu crawling all over the landscape and under thewoodwork of the core north and who are waiting to vent their spleen and anger and shed oceans of innocent blood in the event of anything untoward happening to the President.

Sadly all this sounds familiar.

Does anyone remember what sparked off the genocide that took place in Rwanda in the 1990's?

It all started when the Hutu President was killed in a plane crash and the Hutus were told that the plane had been shot down by their rival Tutsis.

The result was that in the space of one month close to one million Tutsis were hacked to death and butchered in their homes by Hutu mobs who were motivated by nothing but hate and a desire to effect revenge.

The rhetoric of people like Biu points in this direction. Only they will kill far more than one million if given half a chance.

The truth is that we are sitting on a keg of gunpowder in this country and I sincerely hope and pray that the Presidents health improves and some measure of order, predictability, sanity, peace and stability is restored.

If this happens we will have the historic opportunity to organise ourselves and vote the APC out in a peaceful election in 2019 but if it does not and Buhari dies before the end of his tenure, no-one in his right mind should expect a smooth transition of power to the Vice President.

This is because the cabal and Buhari's hard-line supporters and footsoldiers simply despise him and will not allow it to happen.

If the President dies whilst on the throne there will be chaos, carnage and destruction on an unprecedented and massive scale in our country because his core northern support- base will unleash mayhem on Nigeria and particularly on southerners and Christians that reside in the north.

What they fail to appreciate is that if that were to happen there will be an equally massive and unprecedented retaliation from the south and from the people of the Middle Belt and Nigeria will not survive it.

It is unfortunate that things have come to this but let no-one make any mistake: the will of the south must not be tested.

We are ready for the very worse and whether anyone likes it or not southern unity and solidarity is on the rise.

Gone are the days that our people will be butchered at will in the morbid quest for northern Muslim power and in an attempt to perpetuate Hausa-Fulani hegemony without a robust and equally devastating response.

We pray for our President: that God will forgive him of his many sins, grant him good health and spare his life but we also warn those that are planning to harm our people to sheath their swords before they set off a chain of events that will cause an unprecedented, historic and massive conflagration on the African continent, the likes of which have never been seen before.

May God help us all.
Thousands of Egyptian Catholics waving the colours of the Vatican flag gathered amid tight security Saturday in a Cairo stadium where Pope Francis was to lead mass.Crowds of pilgrims poured out of buses into the stadium in the early hours of the morning, eager to see the Argentine pontiff in the flesh for the first time.Im so happy to be seeing the pope in real life, said Siham Ghali shortly after daybreak.Its a great honour for me and all Egyptians. Nearby, Jihan John said she was delighted to be attending a mass led by a Catholic pope for the second time after seeing former pope John Paul II when he visited Egypt in 2000.Francis came to Egypt to show everybody  the whole world  that Egypt is safe, she said.Policemen and republican guards, deployed in great numbers, checked cars and buses outside the stadium. Helicopters flew overhead.The 80-year-old pontiff is visiting Cairo to show solidarity with the countrys Christian minority after a series of deadly church bombings.The Vatican said the already scheduled visit would go ahead as planned after twin church bombings killed 45 people north of Cairo on Palm Sunday earlier this month.The attacks, as well as a December church bombing that killed 29 people, were claimed by the Islamic State group.The jihadist group has threatened more attacks against Christians.Dressed in his brown robes, Franciscan Father William Abdel Masseeh said the Popes visit was an invitation to peace after the bombings.The Pope is famous for always striving for peace, he said.Thousands gathered in the stadiums terraces and in its centre to listen to the homily of the spiritual leader of the worlds almost 1.3 billion Catholics.Egypts Catholic community  Coptic, Armenian, Maronite and Melkite  is estimated at about 272,000.Christians, who make up around 10 percent of Egypts population of 92 million, have long complained of marginalisation in the Muslim-majority country.
I never knew it was this bad. Nobody should have to go through this level of horror. We are brothers and should not do this to ourselves. If blacks are killing blacks, how can we then convince the world that Black Lives Matter? He later offered hearty prayers and made a donation of $7,000 promising to return with more money and relief materials for the victims. The community exploded with joy as, according to them, no one has ever done anything that close for them since theyve been crying out for help.

On the 8th of April 2017, Dr. Chris Okafor who was in South Africa for a mega crusade paid a courtesy call on the Nigerian consulate in Johannesburg, all in a bid to identify with the consulate and receive important briefings on the much talked about xenophobic attacks on Nigerians. Apparently, the Consul General, Mr. Godwin A. Adama and the Minister (Consular & Immigration) at the Consulate, Mr. Anthony A. Ogbe had just returned from a visit to Polokwane, a city in the Limpopo province, about three hours drive from Johannesburg, where a Nigerian had been killed and many others critically injured in a xenophobic attack only days before.Upon exhaustive briefing, Dr. Okafor offered prayers for peace and insisted hed love to travel to the troubled region to show solidarity and render whatever help he could to fellow Nigerians who had fallen victims. The trip was scheduled a week later and on the 15th of April, Dr. Okafor and his team travelled to Polokwane in company of the Minister (Consular & Immigration), Mr. Anthony A. Ogbe.Meeting point was at the Redeemed Christian Church of God building where the Nigerian victims converged to meet with the man of God.There was Peter Idowu Kolawole who almost lost his right leg to the attack, sustaining deep machete cuts on his head- he struggled to walk with crutches; There was Kayode Showunmi, a fashion designer who only a week before the attack arrived South Africa for the first time to visit his brother, Razak Ajao- he had machete cuts all over his body and almost had his manhood cut off. The attackers also burned his international passport. He survived by the whiskers. However, his brother Razak Ajao was not so lucky- he was murdered in cold blood, leaving behind his young widow, Basirat and four children; There was Raphael Nwachukwu who like most Nigerians in the region was no longer sleeping in his home but slept wherever he felt safe around the city- he was spotted out in his new hiding place and given the beating of his life with two massive machete cuts to his head, a swollen arm and cuts to his stomach. The attackers took away his car and all his belongings in it; There was Wale Adewara, a science teacher who was also mercilessly attacked with his wife- they made away with everything they had on them; And there was a South African Good Samaritan who tried to stop the attackers from killing Peter Idowu. His own people, the attackers thought he was over stepping his bounds and they beat him silly, dislocating his right arm for trying to protect a Nigerian. The list goes on and on about twenty victims in total.Dr Chris Okafor who was completely overwhelmed with grief simply retortedIt was a brief moment of huge relief from so much pain. They thanked the man of God and prayed Gods blessings on him and his ministry.As at the time of filing this report, it is reported that Dr. Chris Okafor is hastening to rush more cash and relief materials to the victims, whilst advising other men of God to team up with his effort in helping our devastated brothers and sisters in South Africa.More photos below...
Preparatory to the daring and merciless military operations against Boko Haram members, top officers of security and intelligence agencies were in Lagos and Abuja, towards the end of 2014 to interact with critical stakeholders that matter in shaping public perception and opinions.The then President of Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr. Femi Adesina was part of the audience.The interactive sessions involved the display of video clips of horrific atrocities of Boko Haram terrorists against humanity. Gory scenes of brutal executions of captured intelligence officers who were accused of spying on the terrorists group were shown. The officers and their informants were cruelly dismembered, buried or burnt alive by the dare devil terrorists.One of the heart-aching videos was that of a captured female intelligence operative who was daggered into pieces before she could plead for her life. Few months after some debriefing with the stakeholders, through miraculous strategies of operations against terrorists, positive images emerged on the gallantry of Nigerian troops. PRNigeria released some of the declassified videos on the storming of Sambisa Forest by the special forces and intelligence operatives from the air and on the ground. The original video showed hijab-dressed female intelligence operatives, guiding women and children from the air raid to safe military zone.There were also reported cases of captured men dressed in women attire by Nigerian troops who were later discovered to be security operatives assigned to spy in terrorists enclaves. Strangely enough, between January to May 2015, when Sambo Dasuki was the then National Security Adviser, over two dozen occupied towns were successfully recovered and liberated from Boko Haram. The towns were: Abadam, Askira, Baga, Bama, Bara, Buni Yadi, Damboa, Dikwa, Gamboru-Ngala, Goniri, Gujba, Gulag, Gulani, Gwoza, Hong, Kala Balge, Konduga, Kukawa, Marte, Madagali, Michika, Monguno, Mubi, Vimtim among other communities.Meanwhile, while the military and security agencies took credit for all counter-terrorism campaigns, most of the high-profile terrorists arrested, especially at the borders and across the borders were facilitated by the intelligence service. The service also facilitated the participations of reluctant neighbours in Multi-National Joint Taskforce (MNJTF) and other special forces for the success of operations.Recently too, when 21 Chibok girls were freed by Boko Haram in October 2016, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo publicly disclosed that there was no exchange of detained members of the Boko Haram sect for the girls. The Information Minister, Lai Mohammed also strongly denied the report that Nigerian government paid a robust ransom for their release. Since no one knows what influenced the Father Christmas gesture of Boko Haram leaders in releasing the girls which even took a section of the military by surprise, it is purely exceptional intelligence operations.This writer has deliberately avoided mentioning any of Nigerias secret organisations on the above operations. The recent exposure of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to disrepute after the discovery of cash haul in an Ikoyi Apartment is a sad commentary to the one of the most organised, fine and respected intelligence organisations in Africa. Not only has the scandal damaged the integrity of the agency, it further exposed the Nigerias intelligence community to global ridicule.It is necessary to point out that in security circle, a black budget is allocated for classified and other covert operations of a nation which can be expended under different covers and through different channels including funding of NGOs, Cultural groups, religious organisations, corporations, private firms and on most occasions through cash that could not be traced. Consciously and unconsciously, patriotic and innocent citizens have supported or carried out intelligence activities without being identified with the secret service.The instrument relating to the establishment, structure and duties of the National Intelligence Agency, especially under the National Security Agencies Act 1986 (Cap 278LFN), clearly states that The accounts of the National Intelligence Agency shall not be subject to external audit but the Director General shall by first week of March each year, render to the President certificate showing the total expended during the preceding period and the under which the expenditure was made and copy the National Security Adviser.Similarly, there are repeated keywords on NIAs mandates which include: National Security, National Interest, employing covert sources, using the cover of government or private concerns; conduct espionage, covert operations, and counter intelligence activities.Even though there are declared staff who are authorised to disclose their identities, most intelligence operatives are undeclared and barred from disclosing their identities but only to close family members and associates. While some live in opulence for covert assignments, others act beggarly and pretend to be poor in sensitive terrains.The intelligence agencies allow other sister agencies take the credit for successful operations. Most of the arrested terrorists commanders especially at the borders and across the borders were facilitated by the intelligence service.The scandal over N15 billion recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at Osborne Street, Ikoyi, Lagos is quite embarrassing because the Director General of NIA, Ambassador Ayo Oke has claimed that the fund belonged to the agency.The incident is coming at a period of an intense inter-agency rivalry where security agencies were allegedly reported to be behind the leakages of classified and confidential information to smear their perceived oppositions within the same government.The above scenario is again playing out here. Now that NIA has laid claim to the amount found in Ikoyi apartment, does it mean the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) was misled? Is the mysterious whistle-blower a character in the inter-agency rivalry? Or is it another counter-intelligence by another foreign secret service against Nigeria?In a December 2016s article by this writer on Magus EFCC: Between Suspects and Victims(http://yashuaib.com/blogs/magu-efcc-suspects-victims/) I warned that President Buhari should ensure that the brewing inter-agency conflict among critical institutions should be urgently addressed. For instance, if the EFCC should attempt to retaliate against the report of DSS, the result will not only be dirty but likely to compromise national security.While the EFCC publicized the discovery, it has totally failed to disclose the owner. Even the vibrant spokesperson of EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren had to put off his mobile phone for almost 72 hours during the fracas.With all fingers pointing to the fact that the money belongs to NIA, the burden of proof is who is the mysterious whistle-blower? Could the whistle-blower have acted on behalf of an agency engaged in the rivalry or was it as major counter-intelligence operation by foreign interests to expose and embarrass our intelligence network?There are many ways of removing public officers but such attempts should not be done by rubbishing the integrity of public institutions they represent, especially in Nigerias security architecture.I strongly believe at this critical period and with the unabated inter-agency rivalries and the incidence of leakages of classified information by some agencies of government, the current National Security Adviser, General Babagana Monguno should be wary of these developments. Though a gentleman, he needs to be more pragmatic, charismatic, assertive and decisive in dealing with erring agencies.Yushau A. ShuaibPublisher of PRNigeria, a global award winner in Crisis Communicationwww.YAShuaib.comyashuaib@yahoo.com
Tensions between Zimbabwe and South Africa grow higher as the two Southern African countries bicker over accusations of bank robberies in South Africa.Zimbabwe reacted angrily to a South African ministers claims that its soldiers were behind bank robberies.South Africas Police minister Fikile Mbalula drew Harares ire when he said Zimbabwean soldiers were fleeing their country to engage in violent crimes in South Africa.The Zimbabwean government does not condone criminality by any of its citizens and the law must take its course whenever this is the case,Zimbabwes ambassador to South Africa Isaac Moyo told the African News Agency.However, he said Mr Mbalulas statements were not accurate and were regrettable.We cannot accept the many ill-informed elements in the said statement and we deeply regret that they were made without due regard to accuracy, he said.Mr Mbalula had claimed that Zimbabweans were behind most violent crimes in South Africa and it was difficult to bring them to book because they were illegal immigrants.These are people who come here from Zimbabwe and they cross the line here, the minister said.They run away from the military in Zimbabwe and they come here and promote criminality here in South Africa.There are Zimbabwean ex-soldiers who are in this country, robbing banks and promoting criminality.They are running away from Uncle Bob (Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe).Mr Mbalula said it was easy to track down South African criminals because their fingerprints were available on police database.In Zimbabwe, once you are a soldier, you are a soldier for life, Mr Mbalula claimed.You cant get out of it. So to get out of it, they run to South Africa, then they come here and rob banks.They are on the payroll of criminals, we cant trace them. If a South African steals, its easy to trace them because I will find you somewhere in the forensics because I have your fingerprints.Read more: Africa Review
The police on Saturday said they had arrested six suspects in connection with an assassination attempt on Sen. Dino Melaye in his home i...

The police on Saturday said they had arrested six suspects in connection with an assassination attempt on Sen. Dino Melaye in his home in Kogi on April 15.The Force Spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood, told newsmen in Abuja that the arrested suspects included a Kogi local government sole administrator and his orderly.Moshood said that items recovered included one Hyundai Ambulance bus allegedly used in conveying the attackers, five AK 47 rifles, One Beretta pistol and two locally made single barrel shot guns.Others were 25 expended shells of 7.62 mm ammunition, 13 expended shells of 9mm ammunition and 12 expended shells of gauge cartridge.Moshood said that the firearms had been sent for ballistic expert examination, test and analysis at the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department in Lagos.He said that following the attack on Melaye, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris swiftly deployed Police Special Tactical Squad (STS) team to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.According to the police spokesman, the suspects used the telephone of the Sole Administrators orderly in planning the failed assassination on Melaye.Moshood said one of the suspects had confessed to the crime and admitted to have been sent by the sole administrator.He was arrested with a serious criminal link to other active members of the gang, said the Force spokesman.He said efforts were being intensified to arrest other suspects at large, adding that the suspects would be arraigned in court on completion of investigation.
An Abuja Federal High Court has informed the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Sam Saba alongside nine others, that their tenure has...

An Abuja Federal High Court has informed the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Sam Saba alongside nine others, that their tenure has expired.This was made known to them on Friday.Presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, in her judgment in the suit marked, FHC/ABJ/CS/411/2016, held that the five-year tenure of the chairman and nine others had expired since April 2015.Binta held that by virtue of section 155 (1) (c) and Paragraph 1, Part 1, Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Saba and others, all of whom were appointed in 2010, were only entitled to stay in office for five years.The case was filed by Kingdom Human rights Foundation International, through its director and lawyer, Okere Nnamdi.President Muhammadu Buhari, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), and the CCB were the three respondents to the suit.Justice Nyako, however, refused to grant prayers seeking an order compelling the President to remove and replace Saba as well as the nine other members, but instead, directed the AGF to advise the President on the tenure of members of the CCB board.She specifically granted the prayer for A declaration of the honourable court that the tenure of office of the Chairman and nine other members of the Code of Conduct Bureau has elapsed since April 2015; in view of section 155 (1) (c) and Paragraph 1, Part 1, Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).But she only partially granted the two other main reliefs in which the plaintiff sought a declaration that the AGF had failed in his responsibility by not advising the President on the expiration of the tenure of the Chairman and members of the CCB.In partially granting the two reliefs, the judge only directed the AGF to give the President the needed advice on the issue.She also refused to grant the consequential reliefs sought by the plaintiff, seeking orders of mandamus compelling the President to remove and make replacement for Saba and others.The judge held that such reliefs seeking an order of mandamus could only be brought under an application for judicial review not under an originating summons as filed in the case.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has denied statements made by a Tunde Awoyemi, who claimed to be the Director of Tourism at t...

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has denied statements made by a Tunde Awoyemi, who claimed to be the Director of Tourism at the Oonis Palace over his 'snubbing' by Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos state.Awoyemi had threatened to call on the ancestors if Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu does not tender an apology to the Ooni for the 'snubbing.'However, the Ooni, in a statement via the Director of Media and Public Relations, Oonis Palace Moses Olafare said:"The Palace of Ooni is using this medium to dissociate Ooni of Ife from the statement credited to Mr Tunde Awoyemi and we have said it repeatedly that we have no official reaction to the issue of Oba Akiolu."Kabiyesi Ogunwusi is committed to his peace and unity agenda, which he has embarked on since he ascended the throne of his forefathers. We refrain from reacting officially, with a view to avoiding fanning any ember of discord as Oba Akiolu remains respected monarch and the Ooni had established a very robust and healthy relationship with him before his installation as Ooni of Ife."While Ooni would continue to sustain the relationship with Oba Akiolu, we want to state categorically that the remark credited to Tunde Awoyemi was not authorised by Ooni and should be disregarded by all Nigerians both at home and in diaspora.
Prominent Ijaw groups and elders have told former President Goodluck Jonathan, to take responsibility for his defeat in the 2015 president...

Prominent Ijaw groups and elders have told former President Goodluck Jonathan, to take responsibility for his defeat in the 2015 presidential election.According to the them, Jonathan should stop blaming the North for any conspiracy.Two prominent Ijaw groups, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Worldwide and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) including some Ijaw leaders, said the former president should come clean on how he lost to Muhammadu Buhari.The President of IYC, Eric Omare, said Jonathan shot himself in the foot, by not making use of the security and intelligence at his disposal.I would like to align myself with statements credited to former Senate President David Mark who said that he told Jonathan that there was a conspiracy against him but how Jonathan could not decipher the information was what he could not fathom.Jonathan would not say he didnt know about the conspiracy. You cannot be the commander-in-chief with all security at your disposal without knowing of a conspiracy by a region against you.It was a conspiracy that was obvious to all Nigerians except himself. He needs not say it, he said.
Nigerian filmmaker Faraday Okoros Proposed Movie Nigerian Prince has secured $1million AT&T Grant at the prestigious Tribeca Film ...

Nigerian filmmaker Faraday Okoros Proposed Movie Nigerian Prince has secured $1million AT&T Grant at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival.The movie which centers around Nigerian scammers was written and directed by Faraday Okoro and produced by popular filmmaker Biyi Bandele and Oscar Hernandez-Topete.The movie was announced the winner after a pitching session tagged AT&T Presents: Untold Stories which involved four other filmmakers.Image result for Faraday OkoroAT&T will provide funding of up to $1 million for Faraday Okoro and Biyi Bandele to create his film, and Tribeca will provide mentorship from seasoned industry professionals.In addition, AT&T plans to distribute the winning film across several of its video platforms, including DIRECTV NOW, AT&Ts streaming over-the-top service. Apart from the funding, the movie is also guaranteed a slot at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has sparked another uproar on social media.

The Minister of Information and Culture,has sparked another uproar on social media.The information minister was said to have reacted to the buzz CNN's Richard Quest started about who makes the best Jollof.The battle for Jollof supremacy between Ghana and Nigeria have lasted for a long time, and the information minister has obviously broken the heart of many Nigerians by giving the 'Jollof trophy' to complete outsiders, Senegal.According to Lais response to Quest, Senegal makes the best jollof.Watch video below...Read comments below...
Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, says President Muhammadu Buhari listened to the voice of reason by releasing leader of the In...

Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, says President Muhammadu Buhari listened to the voice of reason by releasing leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.Kanu, who was detained for over 18 months, was set free from Kuje Prison, Abuja on Friday evening after meeting conditions for the bail granted him on Tuesday by a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako.I am happy that the Federal Government this time listened to the voice of reason.I congratulate Kanu on his release and wish to commend all those who played one role or the other to ensure that he met his tough bail conditions and was actually released, Obi said in a statement last night by his Media Office.The former governor, however, expressed displeasure that the other Biafra activists detained with Nnamdi Kanu continue to languish in prison custody.I wish to appeal to the Judiciary and the Federal Government to equally consider the other Biafra detainees for bail and release since, to the best of my knowledge, they have never resorted to violence in their agitation, he said.Obi noted that while the release of Kanu will help to calm frayed nerves, tension will likely remain high in the South East and South South geopolitical zones in view of the continued detention of other Biafra activists.As I counselled previously, the Federal Government should engage the Biafra agitators in dialogue. Every agitation in the world is resolved through dialogue, Obi added.
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been released from Kuje prison in Abuja.

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been released from Kuje prison in Abuja.Ifeanyi Ejiofor, his lawyer, confirmed this to newsmen on Friday.Nnamdi Kanu has left the prison. This was after we perfected his bail conditions, he said.On Tuesday, Binta Nyako, justice of the federal high court, Abuja, granted Kanu bail on stringent terms.Nyako had told him to present three sureties  one of whom must be a serving senator; the second, a Jewish leader, and the third, a highly respected Nigerian.All the conditions were met on Friday.In October 2015, a magistrate court in Abuja discharged and acquitted Kanu of all charges of terrorism brought against him by the federal government.But the government through its agent  the Department of State Services (DSS) filed another suit against him at the federal high court, Abuja, while keeping him in detention.Adeniyi Ademola, another justice of the federal high court, Abuja, also ordered the unconditional release of Kanu owing to the reluctance of the DSS to file a charge against him at the time, but he was not released.Kanu is currently facing charges of treasonable felony.
Men of the Lagos State Police Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti, have concluded investigation into the death of the Fleet Com...

Men of the Lagos State Police Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti, have concluded investigation into the death of the Fleet Commander, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Daniel Ikoli, who was found dead in his Apapa residence earlier in the month.Ikoli was also a member of the Presidential Committee on Audit of Defence Equipment Procurement, CADEP.His ethnic group, Ijaw, the Nigerian Navy authorities, and his family had suspected Ikoli may have been assassinated as he had no cause to kill himself.However, Police investigation has shown that the Naval Chief committed suicide.A source at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, told the Sun that an interim report on the investigations was submitted by the Lagos Police CID to the State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni on Tuesday after which the CP communicated to the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris on their findings.According to the report details, Admiral Ikoli committed suicide contrary to earlier speculations by the Navy, family and Ijaw National Congress as well as Ijaw Youths Congress that he was assassinated.The report has it that before his death, the Naval Chief had signed for a service pistol and 15 rounds of live ammunition for his personal use.Investigations revealed that on the day of the incident, Admiral Ikoli fired two shots into the wall in his apartment.Neighbours who heard the gunshots immediately called his wife, Hositela Ikoli, who is based in Abuja, and alerted the Western Navy Command.Shortly after the call was made, his wife and a Lieutenant from his Command called him on phone and he picked, spoke to them and assured them that all was well.It was thereafter he pulled the trigger again and shot himself in the head, the source said.Detectives also gathered that Ikolis apartment door was locked from behind and there was no sign of any intruder breaking in.Police investigation further revealed that only 12 rounds were left in his pistol, which meant that he shot three out of the 15 rounds he signed for.His pistol and finger prints had also been sent to the Force Headquarters Forensic Department, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos for analysis and comparison.The report showed that the woman confirmed that she was alerted on the day of the incident after the initial two gunshots were heard from his apartment and she called her husband, who picked his mobile phone and assured her there was no problem, the police source added.
Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has appeared before the committee set up by President Muhammadu Buhari to ...

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has appeared before the committee set up by President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate the $43million recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from an apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos.Emefiele was summoned on Friday before the committee, headed by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and has the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno as members.The CBN Governor was invited to answer questions, after the suspended Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ayo Oke, claimed the cash was collected from the apex bank for covert operations.Details of Emefieles submission to the committee remain unknown.The Osinbajo-led panel is expected to submit its report within 14 days.Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, has said both Oke and the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, would be handed over to the EFCC if there is need for it.
The Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has spoken on singing the bond, that helped secure the bail of...

The Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has spoken on singing the bond, that helped secure the bail of the leader of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.Abaribe was seen at the FCT High Court in Abuja to sign as surety for Kanu, in fulfilment of one of the several bail conditions demanded by Justice Binta Nyarko on Wednesday, April 26, 2017.I came here to sign the bail bond for Nnamdi Kanu. You recall that one of the conditions for his bail is that a Senator will have to sign for him and that is why I am here. I just signed the bail bond, he said.On whether there was any hope that the IPOB leader would be released, Abaribe stated: obviously, all the conditions that have been put forward for his bail are largely being fulfilled because at the point in which I was also signing, the head of his Judaism Church was also there to sign.And also, another prominent Nigerian who has landed property as required is also there. It is my belief that he will be released now that we have fulfilled all the bail conditions, Abaribe said.Kanu left Kuje prison Friday evening in company of former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has provided reasons why he backed out of an initial agreement to rule Nigeria for only one term.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has provided reasons why he backed out of an initial agreement to rule Nigeria for only one term.This revelation followed details that have emerged recently on why the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, lost the 2015 presidential election.The fresh details is courtesy of a book Against the Run of play: How an incumbent President was defeated in Nigeria, written by Segun Adeniyi, Chairman, ThisDay Board of Editors.Jonathan admitted that there was indeed a gentlemans agreement that he was going to do just one term and leave office but had to change his mind because  You can make a political promise and change your mind, so long as it is within the law.The book was formally presented to the public, in Lagos on Friday 28 April 2017.The ex-President added, I had made a proposition for a single term of seven years.That was the context in which I spoke in Addis Ababa that if the idea was accepted, I would not run again.It was not in the context of a second term of four years.Of course, at that period, the issue of one term was brought several times at different meetings and some people took it upon themselves to pledge on my behalf but I never said I was going to spend only one term the question was always usually randomly asked and I never made any such commitment to anybody.
MAPLEWOOD -- Demands for action to fight climate change rang out Saturday on Springfield Avenue as activists marked the 100th day of a presidency they say has been strikingly hostile to the environment.

The rally of approximately 150 people was a sister march to the People's Climate March in Washington, D.C., and hundreds of similar protests around the world in support of strong environmental regulations and investment in clean energy.

"We're very concerned about all the changes that (President Donald) Trump has made to the progress we were making," said John Howlett, of Maplewood, as he walked down the street with a sign. "It's like everything is being reversed now."

Howlett's wife, Rosemary Howlett, said the pair had not participated in any other protests, but they were "terrified" about the state the Earth would be in for their grandchildren's grandchildren if action were not taken to reverse climate change.

"This got to be too important to miss out," she said.

Marchers walked about half a mile down Springfield Avenue to Maplecrest Park as cars honked in solidarity and organizers led chants of "No exchanges, no refunds. Climate change can't be undone."

Activists organized similar marches Saturday in six other municipalities across New Jersey.

Trump last month signed an executive order that would reverse the Clean Power Plan, a rule meant to force power plants to cut their carbon dioxide emissions. He also issued an executive order this week to start eliminating restrictions on offshore oil and gas drilling, and his administration is considering renegotiating the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Millicent Cooley, who came to the Maplewood march from Morristown, said she considers these policies unacceptable. She's anxious about the effects environmental deregulation could have on people's health, and she wants activists to be visible.

"We need to make more regulation, not less," Cooley said. "We need to make the government and many politicians be open about the fact that this is a problem."

At a rally after the march, South Orange Trustee Walter Clarke expressed frustration with the appointment of Scott Pruitt to be the administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a proposed budget cut of $2.4 billion to the agency.

Clarke urged the crowd to tell their governmental representatives they disagree and to seek respectful, productive conversations with people who hold opposite views.

"Engage them," Clarke said. "You don't have to wag your finger at them. That doesn't work."

Alyson Miller, of Springfield, brought her 9-year-old son, Jonah Miller, to the march. She said she participated in the Women's March on Washington in January and wanted to involve Jonah in her next rally to demonstrate democracy for him.

"This is something that really threatens his generation," Miller said.

After the rally, organizer Lillian Hawkins said she had been motivated to lead the march by worry about the effects that inaction on climate change could have on her young kids. "I want to leave the world a better place for them," she said.

"I want the future to be safe and healthy."

Marisa Iati may be reached at miati@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Marisa_Iati or on Facebook here. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
EAST ORANGE -- An off-duty Jersey City police officer shot and killed an unidentified person in East Orange Saturday afternoon, prosecutors said.

The shooting occurred around 1 p.m. on the 200 block of South Clinton Street, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray said in a statement.

The officer was not injured, according to Murray, who described the deceased only as an "unidentified male."

The prosecutor's office did not immediately release more information about the circumstances leading up to the shooting, which was under investigation by the agency's Professional Standards Bureau.

Police remained at the scene Saturday evening, not far from a commercial area on Central Avenue.

Investigators appeared to be focused on a damaged silver car stopped on the mostly residential block. The car had some front end damage.

Several people standing behind the police line said they heard around six gunshots earlier Saturday before officers flooded the area.

Jersey City spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill said Essex County investigators were leading the probe.

"Based on the preliminary facts provided to Jersey City, the officer acted with regards to his safety and the safety of others around him," the spokeswoman said in an email. "At this time, we will not be changing his duty status pending the results of the investigation."

Morrill did not provide more details about the shooting.

Authorities declined to release more information on the investigation.

Anyone with information was asked to call Essex County investigators at 862-520-3700.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc and on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
EAST GREENWICH TWP. -- "Embrace the chase." That's the motto of the newest brewery set to open in New Jersey.

According to Chuck Garrity, brewer and mastermind behind Death of the Fox Brewing Company, the motto is two fold -- drawing meaning from back in early brew days when a "chase" was an alternate term for beer and the history of fox chases that gave the new business its name.

Death of the Fox

Death of the Fox is the newest brewery on its way to Gloucester County and will open up at the Villages of Whiskey Mill on Berkley Road. The location will offer house brewed beer and coffee, a combination that goes hand-in-hand, according to Garrity.

"We're Death of the Fox brewing company but the name doesn't specify what we brew, he said. "I think the two drinks, coffee and beer, go great together in the same business. It's not always the case but I find that people who are interested in craft beers also have a thing for good quality coffees. Having them together is a way to engage everyone."

Having left his corporate job of more than 20 years, traveling and working a full work week as a healthcare management consultant at various medical care facilities, Garrity, a Runnemede native, knew he was ready to be closer to home. He picked up home brewing as a hobby for close to a decade and was ready to make it his new career. But he knew he couldn't be a standard brewery, open three days a week with limited hours. He needed a way to have a self-sustaining business while pursuing his passion of brewing.

"We put a lot into our tasting room and coffeehouse," he said. "This isn't a new concept overall. I've seen them in different places during my travels, but it's new to Jersey and it's more progressive than what the current scene is."

On tap at the brewery will be 16 fresh brews. Garrity says eight of them will be constant flagship brews, made regularly in a "big boy," a tank that can make five barrels per batch. The other eight brews will be more experimental, made in two smaller tanks that can brew about four and a half barrels, combined.

"I want people to keep coming back to try the new brews," Garrity said. "By changing them up so often, but keeping eight popular ones on tap, there's a reason to come back."

In the first year, Garrity plans to brew between 900 and 1,000 barrels of styles ranging from stouts to Scottish ales and IPAs.

Similar to the flagship brews the business will offer, Garrity is working on a house roast for the coffee drinkers. He's working with local roasters to get the best taste for patrons.

"There's already a lot of excitement surrounding our opening and I'm really looking forward to the reactions of this type of business coming to the area," he added.

What's with the name?

"The name," Garrity said shaking his head, no stranger to this question. "You know, this area has a lot of really great history and that's what inspired our whole theme and our name."

Death of the Fox Inn, 1800's

According to his research, Death of the Fox Inn of Clarksboro was built in 1727. Its name came from its business of providing drinks to members of the Gloucester County Fox Hunting Club, an organization founded in 1766 and was the first organized hunting club in America.

"I completely fell in love with that concept," Garrity said. "I'm a huge history buff and when I saw the Death of the Fox Inn sign I thought it was just the coolest thing and the history was so interesting."

Garrity hopes to celebrate the history throughout the business by hanging historic documents and photos throughout the taproom. The history doesn't stop with the nod to the old tavern though. Garrity is hoping to incorporate other local history by celebrating Jonas Cattell, the local man responsible for running 10 miles of back trails from Haddonfield to Fort Mercer so he could warn the patriots of a Hessian attack.

"He was the master of hounds and participated with the Gloucester County Fox Hunting Club for years," he said. "The fun little fact is that everyone else was on horseback, but Jonas Cattell ran with the dogs."

One of the beers that will be on tap will incorporate local history as well.

Hanging Tory, an English bitter that will regularly be on tap, is a nod to hanging of a Tory, an American colonist who supported the British side during the Revolution, from a walnut tree that once stood in the front yard of the Death of the Fox Inn.

"There's so much history under our noses here. I'm amazed at the lack of awareness of it and I hope to bring some of it to people's attention," he said.

Keeping it local

As the owner of a new and different business coming to the area, Garrity knew there was something he truly wanted to build -- camaraderie among other local businesses.

"Small businesses and the local community helping each other out, helping each other to grow, that's what we want to do," he said.

Garrity brought in local plumbers, concrete companies, local sign makers, and local roasters to help create connections.

"We'd love to roast our own coffee but that's a phase-two type plan. Right now we've created strong ties with Crescent Moon, a cafe in Mullica Hill, who have such a great reputation and great coffee, and will be bringing them in to roast."

He added there are plans to partner with local restaurants and local craft soda makers to add variety and build more community connections.

With the brewery opening slated for late May or early June, Garrity's vision for his business is coming together, though its been quite an adventure.

"We've got some work to do still," he said of the space. The "empty hole" is on its way to becoming the hunting lounge space he envisioned. With fresh wood, cut from Cobb's Mill in Salem County lining the walls and bar, the space is coming together.

"We're taking this open, warehouse-like space and turning it into an intimate, historical place," he said. "Everyday has new developments and new things popping up, but what was once a concept is now a reality and to see it all coming together is incredibly exciting."

For more information and to stay up to date on opening news, visit the Death of the Fox website.

Caitlyn Stulpin may be reached at cstulpin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitstulpin. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
JERSEY CITY -- A body was found wrapped in a bag on a Jersey City street this morning, a witness to the initial investigation said.

The body was found on Reservoir Avenue, near Lienau Place, some time around 8:45 a.m., said Joe Shine, a freelance photographer for The Jersey Journal who is at the scene.

Later this morning the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office confirmed the fatality.

Residents in the area speaking to The Jersey Journal said the victim was a woman. It is unclear how old she was.

"(The body) was in a brown -- almost like a blanket," said Allan Dauber, a resident of Prospect Avenue who noticed police on the scene at 8:30 a.m. "It was all tied up and right on the curb. Like somebody put it out for garbage."

The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office and Jersey City police are there investigating. Details on the person's death were not immediately available.

Residents said they could only hear thunder and lighting last night, and heard nothing else out of the ordinary.

"Who dumps a body on a busy residential street? It's very peculiar," said Alessandra Rafferty, a resident of Reservoir Avenue. "It's quiet around here on weekend mornings, but someone is up... people work night jobs."

Hours earlier, a man was shot fatally shot on Ocean Avenue, a source said. The HCPO confirmed that the man was found with gunshot wounds after a crash at Jersey Avenue and Grand Street.

If determined to be homicides, the two fatalities would be the seventh and eighth in Jersey City this year and ninth and 10th in the county in 2017.

Journal staff writer Corey McDonald contributed to this report.
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The investigation into the February death of a Penn State University fraternity pledge who fell down stairs is likely to result in charges against several people for "conduct surrounding the death of another person," a prosecutor says in a new court filing.

Centre County District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller said Friday the probe into the Feb. 4 death of Beta Theta Pi pledge Timothy Piazza is nearing its end. Police have said hazing and excessive drinking may have contributed to Piazza's death, and Penn State has permanently banned the fraternity, saying the school found "a persistent pattern" of excess drinking, drug use and hazing.

The sophomore engineering student from Lebanon, N.J., was attending a pledge acceptance ceremony when he fell down a set of stairs, police say. No one called for help until the next day, and he later died at a hospital.

The filing Wednesday was made as part of a legal dispute between prosecutors and the fraternity chapter's housing corporation, which is seeking the return of hard drives from security cameras that contain footage from the fraternity chapter house the night Piazza died.

"The commonwealth believes and therefore avers that the evidence at issue here will, in fact, be used in the prosecution of a number of individuals associated" with the Penn State chapter of Beta Theta Pi, prosecutor Bruce Castor Jr. told the state Supreme Court in the filing, which said a grand jury has been looking into Piazza's death.

A lawyer for Miller's office had written in a county filing Monday: "It is no secret that subpoenas have been issued to multiple prospective witnesses and that the investigation is progressing. Since this video footage, or portions thereof have been played to the Centre County investigating grand jury, the footage is now grand jury material and is covered by grand jury secrecy."

Castor said in the petition that the office needs the originals for use in future court actions and asked the high court to overturn a county judge's order earlier this week to return the hard drives to the fraternity.

The Supreme Court denied the prosecutors' request, although Judge Thomas King Kistler said he would be willing to let prosecutors keep the originals and give the fraternity copies.

Attorney Mike Leahey, who represents the housing corporation, said it wants the originals back but would respect a judge's order providing only copies.

Along with the criminal investigation, litigation is pending that involves the tapes, Leahey said, and the housing corporation has "evidentiary obligations" related to the hard drives.

Donald Abbey, a California real estate magnate and alumnus of the chapter, has sued the fraternity, seeking more than $10 million he says he loaned it to renovate the property and help its finances.

Kistler said if the fraternity brothers who voluntarily relinquished the recordings had kept a copy, it would not have been subject to grand jury secrecy rules.
FLEMINGTON - James Wiater is using a portion of proceeds from the sale of his children's book to purchase bullet-proof vests for police dogs and pet oxygen masks for rescue squads and fire departments.

What started as a story about a K-9 officer that Wiater had made up for his daughters, Kaci and Nikki, became "The Adventures of Solo, The Big Dog" after Wiater learned about K-9 Solo, who was killed in the line of duty in Bradley Beach in 1998.

"Back in 1998, after reading the article about the police standoff and how Solo lost his life in the line of duty, I made a promise to myself that one day I would purchase a bullet proof vest for a K-9 officer," Wiater, of Millstone in Somerset County, said while speaking recently at a New Jersey State PBA meeting in Edison.

One vest and two pet oxygen kits have been donated since the book was first published eight months ago. K-9 Edge of the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office received the first vest in January. Wiater is also hoping to purchase K-9 first aid field trauma kits and K-9 cooling vests.

"Many of the members told me that they actually knew Solo or remember the day that he was killed in the line of duty," Wiater said in a Facebook post. "And they were very happy that soon K-9 Edge would be getting a vest and possibly other dogs as well."

Wiater is currently awaiting delivery of two more vests to be donated to the Middlesex County Sheriff's Office and the Carteret Police Department. A pet oxygen kit was also delivered to the Millstone Fire Department.

In addition, a Pet Field Trauma Kit has been ordered for K-9 Ricky of the Willingboro Police Department.

"I'm not only excited about the K-9 officers that we will be helping to protect, but also about the future of the book and the potential we have to help others," Wiater said.

Recently, he donated a pet oxygen mask to K-9 Finn and Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office Det. Edward Pawlick.

Pawlick will use the kit in the event of an emergency for Finn, certified in narcotics and tracking, or any other animal in need of assistance.

"We are very appreciative to Mr. Wiater for his generosity and dedication to the community by provide lifesaving safety equipment to Finn and other K9 officers throughout the state," said Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns, III.
LAMBERTVILLE - Sun and temperatures reaching the upper 80s greeted visitors to the annual Shad Fest, a spring tradition for this town on the Delaware River in Hunterdon County.

The festival, in its 36th year, celebrates the running of the American shad which start their run up the river from the Atlantic Ocean to lay their eggs.

The festival continues from 12:30-5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Over 10,000 were expected to attend today, and at least that number is expected tomorrow. While it was humid, some clouds and a steady breeze off the river brought comfortable, if warm, conditions.

While many come for the food, the shopping and the music, there was a commercial shad fishing demonstration by the Lewis family. They have been fishing on the river since 1888 and have the only remaining commercial license to catch shad using nets, known as seining.

They will be doing a demonstration at 1 p.m. on Sunday on Lewis Island at the end of Lambert Lane.

Music on Sunday includes John Sonntag at noon, Pyrenesia at 1 p.m., Jean Therapy at 2:30 p.m. and the Exit Row Band at 4 p.m.

Also taking place Sunday is the auctioning of posters created for the festival. Over 150 original art posters, created and donated by local artists, are on display during the weekend in the recreation room of the First Presbyterian Church, 31 N. Union St. These posters will be auctioned off on Sunday at 3 p.m., with the money going to scholarships for students pursuing a collegiate career in the arts.

Posters made by local schoolchildren will also be on display at the Justice Center, 25 S. Union Street.

For those who want to try shad, most sold at the festival is de-boned and fileted. Many restaurants add shad to the menu this weekend. The Lambertville Station had a grill for shad sandwiches while Hamilton's Grill Room showed people how to prepare shad.

Annie's Gourmet to Go also offered teriyaki-flavored shad wraps and seafood chowder filled with chunks of shad and other fish.

There is plenty to eat beyond shad - from hot dogs to fried Oreos, hamburgers, fries and fresh lemonade, and there is also face painting, sand art and other children's activities, as well as rides, for the kids.
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Just as Rachel Carson's Silent Spring awakened the environmental movement, Donald Trump's assault on the planet has inspired American scientists to find their voices and jump into the political sphere with both feet.

Many now seek to turn their focus from the mysteries of the universe to the service of their local communities, with help from an advocacy group called 314 Action, which has enrolled 3,000 scientists in its candidate training program.

Rush Holt knows the territory. The former congressman from Hopewell Township, now the CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), spoke with Dave D'Alessandro of the Star-Ledger Editorial Board Thursday by phone from his office in Washington.

Q. What's behind this activist streak we're seeing from scientists? Is it purely Trump-driven?

A. It helps. I'm getting a lot of calls from scientists interested in running for office now - much more than ever before - and it's very encouraging. Also the activist streak found an expression in the March for Science, which was a spontaneous idea of several young scientists who observed enough energy and concern within their community and proposed a march not only to celebrate science, but to highlight its importance and demand its protection. Earth Day Network decided this year's theme would be science, so uniting with March for Science was a good way to emphasize how you should build policy on evidence, and how you must put scientific understanding behind environmental regulations."

Q. Do they also feel marginalized by their government?

A. Actually, that's been happening for years: If you look at federal funding for research and development, it's less than half of what it was in the 1960s. There has been an erosion in the appreciation of science for a long time, despite many examples of the relevance of science benefiting everyone. This is true for environmental and climate science, and also for areas like epidemiology - the science that studies patterns in disease and health.

Q. What should be their primary aim?

A. Traditionally, scientists have said, 'We'll let the facts speak for themselves,' but that does not seem to work anymore, particularly in the face of this willful denial of evidence. That said, we were encouraged to see so many scientists speaking up about their work at the March for Science and expect it will continue in the days ahead. It is critical for scientists to get out of their laboratories and share stories that convey the importance of their work, because science is the cleverest way of thinking ever invented to understand how things are and public decisions should be based on an understanding of how things actually are.

Q. It seems climate change denial is more strident no matter what evidence is presented.

A. The problem on climate change is, how do you point people to science-based evidence when officials dismiss the evidence as a political statement? Stephen Colbert got a laugh at a White House Correspondents' Dinner a while back after he said, 'Facts have a well-known liberal bias.' The line drew laughter because it is preposterous that some public officials actually believe climate science is a liberal conspiracy. How do scientists draw people's attention to what the evidence really says? And what do they have to do to motivate policies and regulations based on what data shows, rather than on ideological assertions and partisan platforms? It's not something scientists have dealt with effectively in the past. This requires a political shrewdness that scientists have not generally shown. So that's another challenge.

Q. But if they're calling you for advice, and drawing thousands to rallies in places like Copley Square, they obviously embrace the challenge now.

A. Yes, it's great. For the first time, in many cases, scientists are stepping out of the lab and into the public square, and saying, 'We're going to demand that scientifically-validated evidence will determine policy.'

Q. How did we ever get to the point where the president's budget director holds science in such contempt that he calls research 'a waste of money'?

A. The whole point of science research is to ask questions, so that they can be answered with observation and experimentation, so that we can understand how things are. And that should be the starting point of policy. So if people and policymakers not only deny the evidence but also defund the collection of evidence, that tells you how far we have to go.

Q. Can you gain any ground during the present administration?

A. What will make a difference is scientists - who traditionally aren't a potent political force - finding their public voice. That's the first step. They'll need help formulating a coherent message and an effective action plan. And it will make a difference. I'm slightly optimistic that scientists might become politically effective - and by that, I don't mean partisan. Because science is not partisan.

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The shotgun Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office officials say was used in the April 22 murders of David and Nicholas Pence. Detectives arrested Dexter Allen Jr. and Haraquon Degruy in the case. Detective William Roniger testified on Tuesday (June 9) that the shotgun belonged to an Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office deputy. JPSO confirmed the weapon was reported stolen in a New Orleans vehicle burglary about a month before the murders.
Jamal Adams: What the New York media are saying about Jets' pick
Deja Lindsey, 20, a junior at Georgetown University, talks on her cell phone in front of Healy Hall on campus, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Washington. After renaming the Mulledy and McSherry buildings at Georgetown University temporarily to Freedom Hall and Remembrance Hall, Georgetown University will give preference in admissions to the descendants of slaves owned by the Maryland Jesuits as part of its effort to atone for profiting from the sale of enslaved people. Georgetown president John DeGioia announced Thursday that the university will implement the admissions preferences. The university released a report calling on its leaders to offer a formal apology for the university's participation in the slave trade. (AP Photo / Jacquelyn Martin)
Experience in public office or the need for change. Voters in District 9 are being asked at Tuesdays election to judge what they value more when it comes to who will represent them on the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board.
Got any outdoor plans for the weekend? Forget about em.

Forecasters called for showers, rain, below-normal temperatures, breezy conditions and possibly a rain-snow mix through Monday in western Iowa and esatern Nebraska.

The National Weather Service office in Valley, Nebraska, said there is a 80 percent chance of rain today, mainly after 9 a.m., and a high around 45 with north-northeast winds gusting as high as 30 mph.

Then here comes the soaking rains late Saturday into Sunday, said KMTV meteorologist Ryan McPike. Its a given.

Elsewhere, the National Weather Service office in North Platte, Nebraska issued a winter storm watch tonight evening through Sunday evening, saying some areas could receive 1 to 3 inches of snow.

And the office in Hastings, Nebraska, issued a similar storm watch warning that a large swatch of central Nebraska could receive several inches of heavy, wet snow this evening through late Sunday night.

Tonight in Omaha, there is an 80 percent chance of rain with a low around 40 and north winds gusting as high as 25 mph.

Sunday there is a 90 percent chance of rain with a high in the low 40s, the weather service said.

Sunday night, the rain chances slip to 70 percent. The low will be in the mid- to upper 30s.

McPike called for a chance of wet snowflakes mixed with rain late Sunday afternoon into Sunday night.

Still, he said about just wet snowflakes, thats impressive for late April.

The weather service did not call for any snow in the Council Bluffs-Omaha area. A weather service meteorologist said there is a greater potential for snow north and west of the metro.

Whats churning out the wet weather? McPike said a large, upper-level system is setting up directly over the region for a few days.

He said the three days of rainfall could total 2 to 3 inches in the area.

The good news is I dont anticipate any severe weather in our area, McPike said, because temperatures will be too low to produce threatening conditions.

The chance of rain sticks around until 1 p.m. Monday, when a high around 50 is likely, the weather service said. Monday night should be dry with a low around 40.

Tuesday through Thursday are likely to be dry and mostly to partly sunny with highs in the low to mid-60s. Overnight lows are to slide into the low to mid-40s.

The average high temperature for the Omaha area in late April to late May is the upper 60s and the average overnight low is the mid-40s.
Two lawsuits against the Council Bluffs Community School District that were scheduled for court hearings in May were settled out of court on Thursday, according to the planitiffs attorneys.

Both lawsuits were brought by two adults and their daughter, who was a minor, as plaintiffs.

The first lawsuit alleged the district failed to protect the girl in 2014 from a Council Bluffs man who picked the girl up from Abraham Lincoln High School, took her to Texas, told her he was the reincarnation of King David and King Solomon, and had sex with her.

In the second lawsuit, the parents accused the district of negligence in protecting their daughter when she was assaulted by another student at A.L. in 2014.

According to court records, the girl was 16 years old at the time of the assault. On April 15, 2014, another student, who was 17 years old, entered the gym and assaulted the girl with a Chromebook or laptop, causing a cut above the girls left eye, breaking her nose and bruising her arms.

The girl allegedly suffered extensive pain as a result of the beating as well as mental pain and suffering, requiring therapy. The lawsuit alleged that the mother also required therapy.

In the filing, the plaintiffs accused the district of not doing enough to intervene, prevent or control the incident, including allowing the girls assailant to wander the halls unsupervised. The plaintiffs asked for damages in the amount of $5,000.

The initial lawsuit claimed that on Oct. 29, 2014, the girl left school unsupervised and met a 36-year-old man a short distance away and left with him.

The suit alleges the man took the girl, still 17, to a motel in Texas.

Court documents stated that, over the phone, the man told the girls mother that the legal age of consent in Texas was 16 years, and there was no statutory rape or other illegal activity in his remaining with the girl in Texas. The lawsuit alleged the man is the father of one of the girls friends, a former employer of the girl and a distant relative.

While the girl was with the man, he informed her that he was, in fact, the reincarnation of both King David and King Solomon, giving the impression he was, in some way, holy and/or spoke with the authority and advice of God.

The suit alleged the parents and the girl endured damages that included physical and emotional distress as a result of the mans actions because the district failed to monitor the girls activities. The suit did not specify a dollar amount for damages.

A spokesperson for the school district deferred comment on the matter to the districts attorney.

Gregory Barntsen, the attorney for the school district, said both cases have been settled for nuisance value.

The district believed the facts indicated that they used reasonable care under the circumstance and could not have prevented the incident from occurring, he said. There was no way to prevent what occurred.

Clarence Meldrum, attorney for the plaintiffs, said a settlement had been reached in the assault case that satisfied the claim against the school district.

The other lawsuit against the school and (the 36-year-old) man that claimed that (school officials) didnt prevent her from leaving the building has also been settled, he said.

The amount of the settlement has not been disclosed, according to both attorneys.

Meldrum said the 36-year-old man was never prosecuted.
The Council Bluffs Community School District is set to expand its after-school and summer school programming designed to enhance learning for students.

During the 2014-15 school year, the district launched a program at Kirn and Wilson Middle Schools after receiving a $900,000 grant  awarded as $300,000 annually for three years  through the Iowa Department of Education.

The funding is part of the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative, which provides seed money to create academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, especially those from high-poverty school districts.

Based on the initial success of that program, the district applied for additional grant money and expanded programming to Franklin, Longfellow and Rue Elementary Schools during the 2015-16 school year. The district then expanded programming to include programs at both district high schools this year.

As part of a requirement of the federal grant, the district must complete an evaluation process with a site coordinator every three years. Should a site coordinator decide a school district is meeting expectations, funding can be expanded for two more years at a reduced amount.

The reduced amount doesnt affect programming, said Tim Hamilton, district executive director of student and family services. Moving forward, well work to make the program more sustainable with less funding because its there and set up already.

Last month, after a site coordinator deemed the Council Bluffs program successful, the district was awarded additional funding to offer before- and after-school programming at its participating middle schools for at least two more years.

The elementary schools will undergo the same evaluation process next year, with the high schools undergoing the process the following year.

During that evaluation, the district was also awarded an additional grant to expand before- and after-school programming to include Roosevelt and Carter Lake Elementary Schools.

Sandra Day, 21st Century Grant Program Director, said the continued and expanded funding will allow for the district to serve more students.

Day said, 21st Century and other after-school programming has hard evidence that it works in keeping students engaged in school and giving them a safe place to be. More than anything, the program is driving kids to attend school; and attendance is up, achievement is up and behavior is down.

Data found by the Iowa Department of Education found that 66.1 percent of Iowa students participating in 21st Century grant programs made progress in reading and 75 percent made progress in math during the 2015-16 school year. The national average was 49 percent.

Studies also show that after-school programs can bring a wide range of benefits to students, families and communities by boosting academic performance, reducing risky behaviors, promoting physical health and providing a safe, structured environment for the children of working parents.

Not only is the program getting kids connected to school, its keeping them safe and keeping them on a straight and narrow path, Day said.

The study also showed attendance in the programs as being on the rise in Iowa, moving from 42 percent in 2010 to 67 percent in 2016.

Other data reported by the U.S. Department of Education showed that 63 percent of Iowa students participating in 21st Century programming improved their behavior, compared with 56 percent of students nationally. Principals and teachers also reported that when an at-risk child joins a program, they see fewer referrals to the office and the students behavior improves.

Im amazed and thrilled because the data were getting is right in line with what people are seeing, which is increased achievement and attendance and decreased behavior, Day said.

This years grants will also work in connection with an Iowa West Foundation grant to serve students in grades 1-12 through a summer school program.

This years full-day elementary program will be conducted from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting June 19 and continuing through Aug. 11 at Edison and Longfellow and will focus on literacy and learning expeditions into the community.

The middle school program will again be hosted at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha and will consist of two three-week sessions starting June 12-30 and July 10-28 from 8:15 a.m. to 2:15 a.m. each day. Students in this program will play the role of scientists as they study the broad topics of habitats, ecosystems, plant life and the impact of the ever-changing environment.

The high school program will be hosted at Thomas Jefferson from 8 a.m. to noon starting June 12 and continuing through June 30. The program will focus on credit recovery, but afternoon career explorations will be offered throughout June as well. According to the study released by the Iowa Department of Education, Council Bluffs served 2,053 students during the 2015-16 school year through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative. With the addition of the high schools last year, the district said that number has increased to 3,000  which equals roughly a third of the entire school district, Day said.

With the addition of Roosevelt and Carter Lake Elementary Schools this year, Day said the district hopes to serve even more students through the program.

This money is specifically designed to serve kids in out-of-school time, and without it we wouldnt be able to connect kids to school and keep them out of doing bad things, Day said. Without it, we also wouldnt be able to help close that achievement gap in reading and math.
Council Bluffs efforts to promote early literacy earned it a national accolade this week  along with the chance to bring home a coveted national award this summer.

The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading announced Thursday that Council Bluffs and 26 other communities are finalists for the 2017 All-America City Award, presented by the National Civic League.

Among the finalists are four other Iowa communities: Ames, Des Moines, Dubuque and Davenport-Quad Cities.

Finalists were selected based on the communities making measurable progress in early reading for low-income children through school readiness, school attendance, summer learning and grade-level reading, according to a release from the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and National Civic League.

Council Bluffs has so many good efforts underway to address early learning, school attendance and summer learning, said Martha Bruckner, superintendent of the Council Bluffs Community School District. The finalist status allows us to share what we have learned and to learn from others.

The finalists will send delegations to Denver in mid-June to compete for the All-America City Award during Grade-Level Reading Week. Council Bluffs will send around a dozen people to represent the community.

Recognizing these communities as All-America Cities is our way of applauding the civic leaders, nonprofit organizations and agencies and corporations that have joined forces to build brighter futures for the children in their communities, Ralph Smith, managing director of the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, said in a release.

Nancy Schulze, director of the Council Bluffs-based Raise Me to Read, said being nominated for the award is important for the whole community because of the efforts it has made in working on issues related to early literacy.

The hope is to use the exposure from the All-America City experience, win or lose, to raise more awareness about the importance of early literacy.

We really need to start working with children at birth, so it is very important the parents know that they really are their childs first teacher, Schultze said.

Raise Me to Read, which is backed by the Iowa West Foundation and United Way of the Midlands, works with schools and the community to expand their reach to support families in Council Bluffs. Schultze said the program works with home visitations, residential programs, supportive housing programs and other parts of the community, and she said businesses will be brought into the initiative as well.

The All-America City Award would emphasize the importance of work that is being done, she said, creating pride in the existing programs and energizing additional improvements to make more progress.

This really just lets us know that were doing the right things and were heading the right direction, Schultze said. It would just be great to be able to bring this home.

Council Bluffs traveled to Denver as a finalist last year, but it was passed up for the award at the end of the competition. The citys efforts with the Campaign For Grade-Level Reading was part of its presentation last year, but this year the focus is squarely on early literacy.

Bruckner, who is retiring this year, said it is particularly nice to be up for the award given the emphasis placed on reading. The campaign seeks to have children reading at grade level by the end of third grade.

It would be great to be known for coming together to improve literacy for our children, Bruckner said. Those of us who attended the All-America City Award events last year came away very proud of our community and the good work that has occurred. Being a finalist again is a great accomplishment.

Mayor Matt Walsh said the city has already finished in the top couple dozen cities in the country, out of more than 19,000 communities nationally making up the National Civic League. He said he hopes Council Bluffs lands in the top 10 of communities this year.

Frankly, it is a big deal, Walsh said. This is the third time in four years that weve been a finalist.

In addition to helping market the community, the award could help raise Council Bluffs as an example on the national stage.

Council Bluffs Community is a wonderful place to live and work, but not everyone knows that, Bruckner said. If the community were presented an All America City Award, people throughout the country would have a chance to know about the great things that are happening in our community.
An attorney for a Syrian man living in Wisconsin who sued over President Donald Trumps travel bans said Friday that the man has been reunited with his wife and young daughter after three years.

Attorney Vincent Levy told The Associated Press that his clients wife and daughter obtained their visas and traveled out of Syria to Jordan and then to the United States. They arrived in Wisconsin Wednesday evening.

In the face of two executive orders that sought to prevent innocent refugees and asylum-seekers from seeking safety in the United States, the reunion ... is a victory, not just for our client and his wife and young daughter, but for the rule of law as well, Levy said.

Both Trumps initial ban and a subsequent replacement have been largely blocked by federal courts.

The man alleged in a February lawsuit that Trumps first travel ban halted his efforts to bring his wife and daughter to safety. A judge granted his request to file the lawsuit anonymously on the grounds that militants had targeted his family in Aleppo after he fled to the U.S. in 2014. According to the lawsuit, the man had been imprisoned and tortured by members of President Bashar al-Assads military regime, then targeted and placed on a kill list of a militant group fighting against Assad.

The man withdrew his lawsuit Friday, but Levy declined to identify the family, citing continuing safety and privacy concerns.

The U.S. Department of Justice declined to comment Friday.

Trumps initial executive order banned travelers from seven predominantly Muslim countries, including Syria, from entering the United States. Dozens of lawsuits challenged its constitutionality, prompting him to issue a revised order in March that was more explicit about whom it covered. The revised ban remains largely blocked by courts.

The U.S. Department of Justice attorneys argued neither ban delayed processing visa applications for the mans wife and daughter based on his status as an asylum-seeker. But a federal judge blocked the administration from enforcing any ban against the family.

In March, a top immigration official ordered U.S. officials abroad to process the wifes and daughters applications by March 28 and schedule interviews no later than April 20 if applications were in order.
Former North Platte residents Jim and Rhonda Seacrest have received recognition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Rhonda Seacrest will receive the Sheldon Award on May 13 in Lincoln. UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green will present the award, which is given every other year by the Sheldon Museum of Art to a benefactor who has had a significant impact on the museum. In 2015, the inaugural Sheldon Award was presented to Carl Ky and Jane Rohman.

Earlier this month, the UNL College of Business Administration gave its 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award to James Seacrest posthumously.

Now, thats a big deal, thats a real big deal, Seacrest said of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Seacrest family owned Western Publishing, which owned several newspapers in western Nebraska including the Telegraph. Jim died in June 2016. Rhonda still lives in Lincoln, where they moved in the early 2000s.

Rhonda was asked to speak at the ceremony in her husbands honor April 14, and she shared several anecdotes from her life with Jim.

It was a wonderful honor for Jim, and when I finished my speech, everybody stood up and they clapped for a really long time, Seacrest said.

Seacrest will be the second recipient of the Sheldon Award.

One of the hallmarks of my time with Sheldon is that many years ago I started whining to everybody at the university that the kids in outstate Nebraska did not have the same opportunities as the kids in Lincoln, because the kids in Lincoln were being bused  fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders  every year to Sheldon, she said.

Finally, my whining succeeded and one day Lois Roskens and Art Thompson called me and asked me if I would co-chair a statewide committee and exhibition to start going around as Sheldon Statewide to bring museum quality art out of the city and out into the parts of Nebraska, Seacrest said.

She agreed, and the first step was to bring the exhibit to North Platte.

We started that in North Platte, which was a big deal, Seacrest said. We were able to start it because Doug Christensen was the superintendent of schools then and he approved it.

Every elementary student in North Platte was bused to the exhibit in North Platte.

It was at the mall because the mall could provide the kind of security that we needed for the exhibition, Seacrest said. That program is still going strong today and, but for North Platte, it wouldnt have happened.

She said it was difficult to put into words how she feels about the award.

I honestly dont know what to say, Seacrest said. Obviously, Im honored to be recognized, but Im also very appreciative of the fact that it continues to bring attention to the things that Sheldon does the best, which is educate people and provide museum quality art.

Close friends Jim and Nancy Whitaker of North Platte have known Seacrest for many years.

I think the fact that she has been a supporter and worked hard to help the Sheldon get known is something that they recognized, Jim Whitaker said. She helped them in many ways.

He also remembered when she brought one of the Sheldon exhibits to North Platte.

I also watched her as a docent when they had the Sheldon displayed here, Whitaker said. There were some very difficult to describe paintings and they were all around the room at the McKinley Center.

Whitaker said she was the speaker for the exhibit.

She knew every detail to every painting, Whitaker said. As I listened, I thought, How did she learn all that. Shes just a very, very smart person and that really impressed me.

The Sheldon Award ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. May 13 at the Country Club of Lincoln. To order tickets to the event or for more information, call Jennifer Cantrell at 402-472-1454 or online at go.unl.edu/sheldon-gala.
NEW YORK  Giving workers a raise, investing in new machinery. Small-business owners have long wish lists to choose from if the Trump administration's plan to lower tax rates becomes law  but most don't expect to go on a hiring binge.

Some owners and small-business groups hoped the dramatic cuts in corporate and personal taxes proposed Wednesday could mean more savings to invest in their businesses and more revenue coming in from consumers and businesses with some extra money to spend.

Brian Hart, the sole owner of a public relations company in Philadelphia, said he would reinvest any tax savings into Flackable, but doesn't expect to have enough to hire employees.

But lower tax rates could give his small-business clients more money to spend on marketing, and that could mean expanding his staff down the road.

"It could ease the tax burden on the companies we work with so they could hire a company like ours," Hart said.

Under President Donald Trump's proposal, small-business owners who pay their business taxes at personal tax rates would see their top rate go to the proposed corporate tax rate of 15 percent from 39.6 percent.

Those owners are sole proprietors, partners or shareholders in what are called S corporations, or pass-through entities, which under the tax laws are intended to be small or mid-sized companies.

Nearly 80 percent of businesses are pass-through entities, a survey by the National Small Business Association advocacy group found this year. The remaining companies also stand to get a break on their rates, which would fall to 15 percent from 35 percent.

There are still many unknowns about the Trump proposal, in particular, what changes Congress might make to offset the drop in tax revenue that lower rates would likely bring.

And owners aren't guaranteed a windfall. For one thing, many aren't earning enough to get a tax break of $30,000 to $50,000, enough to perhaps hire a new staffer. Many also are likely already at the lower tax rates, which means they may not benefit from the proposal, said Emilio Escandon, a certified public accountant with the firm MBAF in New York.

He notes, for example, that the 15 percent rate applies to couples whose taxable income  after all deductions and exemptions have been taken  is $75,900, an amount that owners of very small companies typically might earn.

A tax savings will help companies' cash flow, and some will indeed have money to put toward expansion, whether that means hiring workers or investing in equipment, Escandon said. Some owners might decide to pay down their companies' debt or put the money toward personal uses like funding children's college education, he said.

Florist Rick McVey has a range of possibilities, not just from the prospect of lower taxes, but also because he might get more business from customers who have more money. McVey, owner of Dilly Lily in Chicago, is considering paying his staff more, but might also put it back into the business.

"I may be able to invest the money to buy some capital equipment," he said.

Donna Sebusch, owner of Cookie Creations of Atlanta, was pondering similar options, saying lower taxes could give her the opportunity over time perhaps to buy more machines that she needs for the shop, hire more people, or give her staff raises.

Dan Golden doesn't expect lower tax rates to dramatically change his company; he's focused on profits, not spending.

"I honestly don't think we would do anything different in terms of hiring," says Golden, whose Chicago-based company, Be Found Online, helps businesses use Internet searches and other online strategies to increase their sales. But Golden did say that some of any potential savings could go toward bigger bonuses for the company's 60 staffers.

Some small-business advocacy groups hoped the proposed changes bring relief to owners in the upper brackets, and in turn help their companies and the economy.

"The general trend seems to be trying to lower the rates significantly to get business owners spending and buying again," said Brad Close, senior vice president for public policy with the National Federation of Independent Business.

The National Small Business Association also liked the proposal but was wary about what will happen when it reaches Capitol Hill.

"Look at what happened with the health care bill," said Molly Day, a spokeswoman for the group. "I don't know that there's going to be a lot of optimism that this is going to get done."

Mark Tuscherer, whose company designs Websites and apps, would like to use possible tax savings for a hire, but plans to wait and see how his business is doing if and when lower rates take effect.

"It really depends on how busy we are and what our year is looking like," says Tuscherer, co-owner of Geeks Chicago. "It would be a big benefit, but I couldn't just jump in."

Associated Press reporters Teresa Crawford in Chicago and Johnny Clark in Atlanta contributed to this report.
Ford, one of the Calumet Region's largest employers, reported profits plunged 35 percent to $1.6 billion in the first quarter, down from $2.5 billion during the same period last year.

The Dearborn, Mich.-based automaker has seen sales rev up over the last seven years, but is in a highly cyclical industry that may be due for a downturn, if flagging sales are any indication. Ford blamed its lower first-quarter profit on lower volumes, rising costs of commodities like steel, and investment in new products.

This quarter was an investment in Ford's future," President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Fields said. "From announcing exciting vehicles like the all-new Expedition and Lincoln Navigator, to initiatives such as our investment in Argo AI, we are fortifying our core business, while also investing in emerging opportunities that will deliver profitable growth.

Ford's market share declined by 0.5 percent to 14.1 percent in North America largely because of lower fleet sales. The automaker brought in $2 billion in revenue before taxes in North America, due to strong sales of trucks, Lincoln-branded vehicles and utilities like the locally made Ford Explorer.

"Fords balance sheet remains strong  ready and able to support our plans for growth and to protect against adverse changes in the business cycle," Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Bob Shanks said. "Were also pleased to have rewarded shareholders with distributions in the quarter of $800 million, including a supplemental dividend.

Ford anticipates its North American profit will decline from 2016 because of "headwinds on commodities and increased investment in emerging opportunities," though it expects the operating margin to remain relatively strong.

Locally, the automaker employs thousands at the Chicago Assembly Plant in Hegewisch and the Chicago Stamping Plant in Chicago Heights.
A new law passed by state lawmakers aims to make it easier to incorporate a business in Indiana.

"The Indiana General Assembly has passed, and Gov. Eric Holcomb has signed into law, the most far-reaching revision of Indiana business laws in more than two decades, Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson said.

The new law will simplify business formation and bring consistency to the rules that govern businesses and business transactions."

The law, which takes effect in January 2018, consolidates different administrative requirements for business corporations, limited liability partnerships, limited partnerships, nonprofit corporations, and limited liability companies.

Five different Indiana statutes currently cover business filings, names, registered agents, foreign entities, and administrative dissolution. Legislation authored by State Sen. Rodric Ray, R-Martinsville, makes the laws identical and puts them all in one place in the Indiana Code to help simplify matters such as starting a business, business mergers, interest exchanges, and conversions.

This legislation is another example of our state making every effort to cut government red tape for businesses and promote economic development, Lawson said.

Now no matter what entity type a business chooses, the rules will be the same. This will greatly simplify requirements for businesses and eliminate traps for the unwary."

The Indiana Business Law Survey Commission suggested the changes to update state law.
U.S. Steel said its Midwest Plant in Portage is operating smoothly and without incident after it was restarted a week following a spill into the Burns Waterway just hundreds of feet from Lake Michigan earlier this month.

Following the controlled, phased and highly monitored restart at our Midwest Plant, we are maintaining continuous inspection and monitoring of expansion joints, ensuring they are checked every four hours and are working properly, U.S. Steel said in a statement. Ongoing water sampling at the outfall shows that the facility has continued to be in compliance.

U.S. Steel's mill in Porter County spilled hexavalent chromium  a carcinogenic chemical that the public became concerned about after the Erin Brockovich movie  into a tributary to Lake Michigan, the source of drinking water for much of Northwest Indiana and millions of people across the Chicago metropolitan area.

But subsequent tests by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Chicago Department of Water Management found no significant traces of the cancer-causing toxin in the lake. U.S. Steel restarted all operations last week, and is looking at safety fixes to prevent such spills from occurring again.

We agreed to a long-term monitoring plan with the United States Environmental Protection Agency," the Pittsburgh-based steelmaker said in a statement. "This plan will assess Lake Michigan beaches and public water intake to continue to ensure there is no impact. We take all incidents very seriously and are fully committed to researching and taking corrective actions to prevent a future occurrence. We remain committed to protecting the environment, to the communities in which we operate and to the safety of our employees.
CROWN POINT  Police claim new criminal allegations have surfaced in the investigation into the operator of a home day care in Merrillville.

Police allege a witness has come forward accusing Tawana Cole, the 44-year-old operator of three home day cares in Lake County, of paying an unidentified person to take state certification tests on her behalf and on behalf of her employees, according to a news release from the Merrillville Police Department.

The witness also accused Cole of hiding children from state inspectors, the release states.

Police said Cole also failed to answer the door for a city fire inspector on three occasions earlier this year, according to the release.

Cole is currently being held at Lake County Jail on more than two dozen counts of neglect of a dependent and criminal confinement on allegations she hid 15 children, including a child with a head wound, from police April 11 at her home day care at 1730 W. 53rd Ave. in Merrillville.

Police eventually entered the home through a window and discovered loaded guns, knives and liquor bottles in the home, all of which were allegedly within reach of the children.

Cole told a judge April 19 she intended to retain private counsel to represent her on the charges, but no attorney is identified as representing her in court records.

Two employees of the home day care  Adriana Johnson, 40, and Roberta J. Sanders, 20  were also charged in the April 11 incident.

Those women remained wanted by police on warrants Friday, according to court records.

Cole operates two other home day care facilities besides the one visited by police April 11, according to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.

Cole also operates a home day care called Tender Loving Spirits at 1770 W. 53rd Ave. in Merrillville and Kids in Kare at 1217 W. 19th Ave. in Gary, according to the administration.

The administration sent letters to Cole last week stating that it was seeking to revoke licenses for Tender Loving Spirits and Kids in Care, and the administration denied a license renewal for the facility at 1730 W. 53rd Ave.

A spokeswoman said Friday the administration was not aware of the new allegations against Cole, but it would be investigated.
GARY  Most of Donna Beegle's loved ones can't read or write. She's the only member of her family who hasn't been incarcerated. She spent much of her early life homeless.

She understands poverty.

To prevent child abuse and neglect  two symptoms of poverty  everyone else should understand it too, she said.

"We have people from a middle class background who look in at people in poverty and explain their behaviors," Beegle, a speaker and writer on poverty, told the 27th annual Indiana University Northwest Forum on Child Abuse and Neglect on Friday. "You cannot know the why behind that person's behavior."

She said she still gets nervous around police officers, even though she now trains them in communicating with people in poverty. The only interactions she had with cops growing up was when they were hauling her brothers away to jail or evicting her family from wherever they were living at the time.

She recalled having an attitude with social workers trying to help her because she resented that they didn't have to struggle like her.

She said people who lack resources are often angry or defensive because they're used to living in the "war zone of poverty," where they might watch their mom go hungry so they can eat or get locked up for not paying a fine they can't afford.

"When humans don't have their needs met, what kind of mode are they in?" she asked. "Survival."

She suggested that social workers, pro-bono attorneys, educators  anyone who works with people in poverty  study the history and emotional effects of poverty. That will improve communication and go a long way toward preventing abuse and neglect before it happens.

Indiana had the fourth-highest rate of child abuse and neglect in the nation in 2015, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

"Martin Luther King said if you don't talk about race, you're not going to do anything about racism," she said. "Same goes for poverty."

Having a modern-day version of President Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty would solve many social problems, child abuse and neglect included, she said.

"The answer to poverty is people. It's people who are poverty-informed. It's people who reach out to the community. It's people who seek to understand," she said.

Another symptom of poverty is incarceration. In Indiana, that's an issue that disproportionately affects children. The state ranks second in the nation for the percentage of kids with parents behind bars, according to the National Survey of Children's Health.

"We want to turn out men who are better fathers and women who are better mothers," Rick Rosales, director of community and mentor engagement for the Indiana Department of Correction, said at Friday's forum.

The state DOC has implemented programs in recent years to foster that parent-child bond despite incarceration. The prisons offer parenting and fatherhood classes. Some of the facilities have child visitation centers where kids can be dropped off for activities like Easter egg hunts or father-daughter dances. The Indiana Women's Prison allows new mothers serving short sentences to raise their infants at the facility.

"I had the opportunity to visit that unit and it was glowing," Rosales said. "There are nannies on staff. There were toys everywhere. It looked like a legit day-care center."

Kids who suffer abuse and neglect often have mental health issues as a result, requiring early intervention. That can happen as early as infancy.

Marcia Zumbahlen, a Chicago-area neuropsychologist, said at the forum that treatment consists of strengthening the bond between the child and caregiver. That usually necessitates treating them both.

"You can't separate the child from the parent," she said.
A new report finds that the city's Department of Correction has been misusing city cars. NY1's Dean Meminger filed the following report.

Correction Commissioner Joseph Ponte has been hitting the highway big time in his city-issued SUV. But the Department of Investigation says all that mileage had nothing to do with running city jails.

"Commissioner Ponte misused his vehicle," said Mark Peters, commissioner of the Department of Investigation. "He took it for trips on vacation. He took it to trips to Maine. He took it to resorts."

DOI found that Ponte and his senior staff were the department's worst violators of rules banning the use of city vehicles for personal travel.

A total of 21 department officials misused their vehicles, costing taxpayers more than $20,000.

"Over 250 trips," Peters said. "To Niagara Falls, to casinos, to social events in Washington D.C. It cannot be allowed to continue."

After an anonymous tip, DOI examined data from GPS devices and E-ZPasses in each vehicle, and gas charges. It found Ponte's vehicle was outside the state on 90 days in 2016, about a quarter of the year, a lot of that time in Coastal Maine.

"You cannot bring order and safety to the city's jails and insist that the corrections officers follow the rules when you aren't following the rules yourself," Peters said.

Mayor Bill de Blasio says city employees will be retrained in the use of city vehicles, but that he's supporting Ponte.

"Commissioner Ponte, to the best of my understanding, was told by his own internal staff this was the right way to handle things," de Blasio said. "He is someone who is on call 24 hours a day."

But DOI said the mayor was wrong. The investigation found Ponte and his staff were never given such official advice.

"It is not good for the efficient running of government and for government integrity to try to defend these kinds of actions," Peters said.

The correction department said if any rules were broken, it was by mistake.

DOI is referring its investigation to the proper "enforcement authorities."

The correction officers' union, which has been battling the commissioner over how to reduce violence on Rikers Island, says the commissioner should resign immediately.
Police in the Bronx are asking for help finding a man they say wore a Spider-Man mask as part of two robberies this week.

The man seen above entered an HSBC Bank on East Fordham Road around 12:50 p.m. Tuesday, police said, and handed a teller a note, demanding money.

The teller complied, and the man put on the Spider-Man mask and fled the bank with the money, according to officials.

Police said a man, who also wore a Spider-Man mask, jumped over the counter of East Harlem Pharmacy on 2nd Ave. around 10:15 a.m. Monday, displayed a box cutter, and demanded drugs.

The man police are looking for is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall, and was last seen wearing a black jacket and black pants.

Anyone with information on the case should contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS, or text CRIMES and then enter TIP577, or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com
GET OUR APP Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Download it here.
A Staten Island man is facing charges after allegedly firing a gun in lower Manhattan.

Police say It happened yesterday near Pearl Street and Wall Street around 4:30 p.m.

They say Angel Rodriguez may have opened fire while fighting over a parking spot.

"Two males were involved in a dispute after a white ford van backed into a white BMW while parking," said NYPD Deputy Isnpector Mark Iocco. "The male passenger of the BMW exited the BMW, pulled out a gun and fired one shot."

Rodriguez then fled the scene in his car but police stopped him on the FDR drive just north of the 23rd Street exit.

He is facing several charges including attempted assault and criminal possession of a weapon and marijuana.

No one was injured in the incident.

Police also say there's no indication the two men knew each other.
Today marks 100 days since President Trump took office.

Supporters are touting his record so far, pointing to his 30 executive orders and the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch.

He's also expected to sign an executive order today asking for a review of the nation's trade agreements.

But top Democrats say Trump has not lived up to his campaign promises, citing his failed attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and the secure funding for a southern border wall.

Speaking at the White House, Trump says he's happy with his administrations progress.

"We're moving awfully well," Trump said. "We're getting a lot of things done. I don't think there's ever been anything like this. It's a false standard, 100 days, but I have to tell you I don't think anybody has done what we've been able to do in 100 days so we are very happy.

"It's an F," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. "He has not kept his promises. He has not accomplished much. And then he compares it to Franklin D. Roosevelt. It's astounding."

Trump will be holding a rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania tonight to celebrate the milestone.

He is skipping the annual White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington, which will be hosted by the Daily Show's Hasan Minhaj.
The head of the Port Authority police union says Governor Andrew Cuomo is treating the state police as his own private army. Zack Fink filed the following report.

On Friday, a New York State trooper pulled over a driver on the West Side Highway. This is not something New Yorkers have been accustomed to seeing, but under Governor Andrew Cuomo, it's been happening quite a bit lately.

Property on Church Street in Lower Manhattan is being refurbished for a new trooper barracks just blocks from One Police Plaza, meaning troopers are expected to become a more permanent force in the city, and that has rubbed some other law enforcement agencies the wrong way. And they're making an explosive charge: they think the increased trooper presence is an expansion of Cuomo's ego.

"It looks like the Praetorian Guard to me," said Paul Nunziato, president of the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association. "Hey, like I said, they are a great outfit. They do a great job. They belong doing state police work and not the work of the NYPD, the Port Authority, the MTA."

The trooper presence has also been beefed up Kennedy Airport. Last summer, panic was set off when travelers falsely believed a gun had been fired.

Cuomo was asked about it earlier this month.

"It was even worse at the airport. Because there, the first responders themselves panicked," Cuomo said. "We've been training the first responders. We have State police there and they have been conducting specialized training."

"First responders are police officers, firefighters, EMS. We don't panic. We're the police," Nunziato said.

Nunziato says his officers are better trained to deal with crowds since they patrol primarily transit facilities that move half a billion people a year. He says it's insulting to suggest his officers need training from troopers.

"I know the state police get extra pay for coming down to the city," he said. "The other factor is they are coming down from upstate, where the crime rate is actually higher. I saw them writing tickets on the West Side Highway. New York City is one of the biggest police departmenets in the world. They know how to police."

In a statement, the Cuomo administration says "After recent events, it should be clear to everyone that safety is more important than someone's fragile ego." They added that trooper levels have remained consistent upstate.

Insiders say the decision to bring troopers into the airports came after the Fort Lauderdale shooting in January. There had been discussions of adding troopers there even before that.
Finances, college preparation and above-average scores in accreditation categories were some of the topics discussed during the annual State of the Schools luncheon on Friday.

Opelika City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Neighbors spoke to members of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce and elected officials about the school systems achievements and plans for the future.

The luncheon, held in the Southern Room at Southern Union State Community College in Opelika and sponsored by Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and S & S Termite and Pest Control, began with the Opelika High Theatre Society performing a song from its spring musical Bye Bye Birdie."

The first topic for Neighbors was the school system's year-long accreditation process, which is done through AdvancEd, a group of professionals that set the standard of accrediting around the world.

For a district to earn accreditation, the district must meet the AdvancED Accreditation Standards for Quality School Systems.

Neighbors said the school system scored above average in many of the categories that AdvancED uses to determine whether or not to give accreditation to a district.

He said the only area AdvancED wanted the school system to work on was adding more tiered instruction, which allows teachers to create multiple paths for students to learn concepts.

You dont just teach a lesson, but you teach a lesson to different levels of kids, Neighbors said.

Neighbors said some of the school systems technology includes 2,000 chromebooks, a virtual reality kit for 30 students in AP French and clear touch pads in the classroom.

Finances

Neighbors explained how significant local revenue is for the school system.

Theres a thing called a local match that we have to meet to get state money, Neighbors said. "Generally, the state says were going to send you $1, they calculate based on your wealth and they keep a dime of your dollar. We have to fill in the other dime with local revenue.

The school system receives 58 percent of their revenue from the state level and 41 percent from the local level, according to Neighbors.

Neighbors said 80 percent of the school systems budget goes directly to instructional services.

Our focus is truly to educate every child every day, Neighbors said. If you look at a childs kindergarten through 12th grade education, there is a little more than 2,200 days. Every day does matter.

College Preparation

On the high school level, there are a wide range of Advanced Placement classes available for students.

Neighbors said students in the middle schools have the chance to do Pre-AP work.

Starting in kindergarten, students are being introduced to career technical programs.

At the high school, students can participate in programs that include culinary arts, horticulture and health services.

Everything that we do needs to meet two criteria, Neighbors said. It has to have rigor and relevance.

In the culinary arts program, students work with an award winning chef in a professional kitchen.

The horticulture program started with 18 acres the school system had purchased several years ago, Neighbors said. He said the school system is working to have an area for planting fruits and vegetables as well as a well and greenhouse.

In the health services program, students work with a $12,000 mannequin. Students in the program can become a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Community members gathered for Relay for Life of Lee Countys annual event Friday at Opelikas courthouse square to celebrate cancer survivors and to remember those who lost their battle to cancer.

In Lee County, more than $66,000 was raised online as of Friday, according to the organizations event page. A total of 49 teams participated in the event.

You see a good mix of youth and adults, said Valeri White, chairperson for Relay for Life of Lee County. Its all of Lee County coming together for a good cause.

Teams had Twister and other games at their tents to go with this years "In it to Win It" theme.

The event kicked off with the survivors lap, which featured some cancer survivors who have been free of the disease for more than 10 years.

Survivor Sylvia Smith has been cancer-free for 42 years.

I feel very fortunate, Smith said. I totally support Relay for Life. There is so much money raised and it goes to a good cause.

Participant Amy Crew walked with her Delta Kappa Gamma group to raise money for Relay for Life.

It touches everybodys lives, Crew said. We do what we can to help.

The event featured a DJ, kids zone, and silent auction as well as a "jail and bail" where a person could have someone "arrested" and that person had to raise $25 to get out.

The luminaria ceremony was held later Friday night to remember those who have died from cancer.

Kimberly Myers, community manager for American Cancer Society, expressed her gratitude to the community for their support in finding a cure for cancer.

To have this community come together, it shows their passion, Myers said. Were just so happy to be in this community.


The Importance of Contributed Content in Tech PR Mon., Nov. 7, 2022 Contributed content is often the most effective venue for tech PR pros who want to raise awareness of their clients brand and communicate their best and most important ideas. But not all contributed content is created equally.
An allocation of 7,000 has been made to the Irish Game and Country Fair under the Regional Festivals & Participative Events Programme 2017.

Offaly/North Tipperary TD and Minister for Health Promotion, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy has welcomed the news.

This years Fair takes place at Birr Castle on Saturday 26th  Sunday 27th August. The Fair draws huge crowds to the region every year and this funding from Failte Ireland will help boost tourist numbers and increase footfall to our local businesses in Offaly," she commented.

The programme is reviewed every year with a view to generating incremental visitor growth and revenue. The focus for festivals in 2017 is on growing tourism demand outside the peak season and to spread and grow tourism demand more evenly across the country.

"Festivals and events provide a great motivation for visitors to travel around Ireland and add another dimension to the tourist experience on the ground. They are the life-blood of tourism and mobilise many visitors to choose to come to Ireland in the first instance. It is estimated that tourism generates an estimated 5.7 billion in revenue a year for the Irish economy," the Offaly TD concluded.
COUNCIL BLUFFS  An Omaha man has been charged with child endangerment resulting in bodily injury after he allegedly hurt a child who showed up at school with bruises in several locations.

Timothy Wheeler, 25, was arrested March 17 at Panera Bread at Westroads Mall after an anonymous tipster told police he was there. He was taken to Council Bluffs earlier this month ahead of a hearing.

A warrant had been issued for him in Iowa after a Jan. 10 incident when police were contacted by Council Bluffs school officials concerned about possible child abuse.

That day, the boy arrived at school with severe bruising to his buttocks, according to a police report.

The school nurse noticed the boy, a special education student, had soiled his pull-ups. While school staff changed him, they saw the bruises.

The boy was taken to a hospital and examined. More bruises were found on his legs, upper chest, left shoulder and arm. The boy and his brother, both under the age of 10, were placed in protective custody.

Police met with the childrens mother and her boyfriend, identified as Wheeler, at a Council Bluffs residence. Officers investigated the house after receiving consent and found the boys bedroom had an outside lock. Wheeler and the boys mother allegedly told officers they would keep the children locked in the bedroom at night to keep them from coming out.

On Jan. 12, Wheeler and the mother came to police headquarters for interviews. Both denied harming or causing the bruises on the boy.

Wheeler told investigators that he would discipline the children by making them do wall stands, which he described as a handstand next to the wall, police said.

Wheeler has posted $5,000 bail.

A trial is scheduled for June.
Lincolns mayor applauds the response of Kansas environmental authorities to his concerns about smoke drifting into Nebraskas capital city, but he believes additional steps need to be taken.

After smoke from agricultural burning in Kansas Flint Hills sent a haze to southeast Nebraska this month, Mayor Chris Beutler and Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts asked Sunflower State officials for a better burn plan.

The smoke prompted the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department to issue a health warning on April 12, advising people to stay indoors. Several schools in Lincoln and Omaha called off outdoor recess, and a Lincoln elementary school rescheduled its field trip to Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium.

According to a letter to Beutler from John W. Mitchell of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, dated Monday, Kansas authorities will review the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan to see if it should be updated with additional information and guidance regarding a longer burning season.

In the letter, Mitchell also emphasized the importance of regular burning in the Flint Hills, which he described as the last substantial contiguous stand of tallgrass prairie in North America, and outlined previous steps Kansas officials had taken with landowners there.

Beutler, in his letter to Mitchell dated Friday, said the Kansas department was taking good first steps by working with the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality and by being willing to improve its smoke management plan.

But he also said the failure of the existing plan suggests that new practices must be both established and enforced.  We hope you are putting this matter on your front burner.

Beutlers office released both letters Friday.
They ignore traditional models and forge new paths, embodied by a no coasting spirit, undeterred by the prospect of failure because they know innovation and success are often born from failure.

They promote teamwork and collaboration, instilling in their organizations a need to serve others and significantly impact the communitys health and well-being.

They empower, inspiring their employees to achieve their highest potential while remaining true to their mission and values.

Heres to the innovators, the givers and the leaders  and their impact on our community.

Congratulations to our 2017 Business Excellence Award winners:

ACCESSbank

All Makes

Bank of the West

Banyan Medical Systems

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska

Cargill Blair

CHI Health

College of St. Mary

CQuence Health Group

Firstar Fiber

Food Bank of the Heartland

Home Instead Senior Care

McGrath North

MCL Construction

Midwest Laboratories Inc.

OBI Creative

Outlook Nebraska

Physicians Mutual Insurance Co.

Project Harmony

QLI

University of Nebraska Omaha

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Visiting Nurse Association

White Castle Roofing

Congratulations to our Small Business of the Year:

North End Teleservices.

Join us as we celebrate these winners and their community-enhancing contributions. Because of them, Greater Omaha is a better place for everyone to do business, work and live.

Tuesday, May 9

Greater Omaha Chamber Business Excellence Awards

Buy your tickets today OmahaChamber.org/ExcellenceAwards
After invoking Basaveshwar, does Modi need 'Yeddyurappa ka saath' in Karnataka ?

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his speech by saying 'Om Sri Guru Basava Lingaay Namaha' amid roaring applause on the occasion of Basava jayanti at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. The master speaker he is, Modi did not miss the opportunity to draw an analogy between his signature slogan Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and the concept of good governance propagated by 12th century social reformer Basaveshwar.

Indeed, Modi has won the hearts of Lingayat community by speaking of the relevance of Basava's concept of equality, humanity, and governance in the current social and political milieu. Also, Modi has the credit of inaugurating the granite bust of Basaveshwara on the banks of river Thames in London in 2015. However, is it enough to win the votes of the Lingayat community, a dominant section in Karnataka which is going to polls in 2018 ?No doubt BJP is riding high on success after its mammoth win in Uttar Pradesh with a thumping majority.

It's a well-known fact that UP was won without projecting a CM candidate. But can he repeat the magic of UP in Karnataka by sidelining BS Yeddyurappa- the face of the Lingayat community ? The fact that Yeddyurappa spelt doom for BJP in 2013 assembly polls by forming the Karnataka Janata Paksha (KJP) and took away BJP's vote share is still fresh in political circles.

The KJP had garnered 10 per cent votes and paved the way for the Congress.Meanwhile, a year before the Karnataka elections, the BJP is in trouble again. The political bickering between Yeddyurappa and the other senior leader K S Eshwarappa has reached a new high. BJP in-fighting during its last term which saw three chief ministers is a situation that the party won't want repeated.

In the last elections, the gross vote share of Congress was 35% and Siddaramaiah's entry had added 1.5% of votes to the party. Leading psephologist Mahadeva Prakash opined that if Yeddyurappa was not projected as CM candidate, the Lingayat vote would get divided among the three leading parties.

In that scenario, an additional 2-3 per cent of Lingayat vote would take Congress' tally to 135-140 seats in the upcoming election. To conclude to attain the dream of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.' The BJP and Modi would need 'Yeddyurappa ka saath' in Karnataka.

OneIndia News

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, April 29, 2017, 18:08 [IST]
Kejriwal confident Delhi would choose AAP over BJP in MCD polls this time

What if Owaisi had? Muslim users on Twitter blast Kejriwal for asking for Hindu God images on currency notes

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Amid mocking from BJP, Kejriwal admits AAP committed mistakes

India

oi-Gulam Rabbani

By Gulam Rabbani

New Delhi, April 29: After a defeat in Municipal Corporation of Delhi polls recently, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal struck a note on Saturday admitting that the party made some crucial mistakes such as in-fighting within the party.

In his letter to the people, Kejriwal had said that he had spoken to the leaders, volunteers, and voters and added that the party had committed mistakes.

He said that the party will now focus on the work to be done and bring a change instead of excuses.

Kejriwal asserted that it's time to get back to work. Just a day before the MCD polls countings, Kejriwal had warned to launch a movement if the exit polls predicting BJP clean sweep comes true.

In the last 2 days .... pic.twitter.com/0quqxJtNAt  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 29, 2017

Just after conceding defeat in MCD polls, two of the AAP leaders blamed the Electronic Voting Machines for their loss. Delhi Labour Minister Gopal Rai had said that the Bharatiya Janata Party had won because of EVM lehar, not because of Modi lehar.

Following Kumar Vishwas doubts over Kejriwal, BJP said that the civil war is within the AAP and not with the saffron party.

The former AAP leader Shazia llmi had accused Kumar Vishwas as an 'opportunist' for raising voice after AAP's defeat and not when the party was defeated in Punjab elections.

It is reminded that Vishwas on Friday raised doubts about AAP supremo's ability to win elections and had suggested that the party should do sole-searching for the consecutive defeats.

He hinted that the party should call for taking drastic steps even for leadership change if it wants to win the elections hereafter.

He also raised a question on Kejriwal's defense on Punjab, Rajouri by-polls and MCD polls defeats.

Kumar had said that Kejriwal's stand on surgical strikes was wrong.

Just after the MCD polls, the party also received another blow as its leaders such as Alka Lamba, Sanjay Singh resigned from posts.

According to reports, AAP MLAs in Punjab are likely to quit the party and might join the left parties or the ruling Congress in the state.

OneIndia News

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, April 29, 2017, 10:32 [IST]
Are you young and articulate? Team Modi hunts for future BJP Baahubalis

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

New Delhi, April 29: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is looking for young, dynamic and articulate aspiring politicians to join the saffron party across the country.

The BJP--which has already began its groundwork to win the Lok Sabha elections in 2019--is looking for young faces that understand the pulse of the nation and highlight various issues properly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who of late is encouraging more and more young leaders to take up party responsibility, is on a mission to build a "New India". As a part of its talent hunt programme, the party is planning to conduct mock debates and discussions on issues close to people's hearts to select the best candidates.

Through the new entrants, the BJP wants to spread the party's ideology and message to millions of young Indians.

Reports say the BJP has set an ambitious "Mission 400" target for 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The BJP, which won 282 seats in 2014, has identified 120 Lok Sabha seats won by opposition parties in the last general election and has chalked out a strategy to win these seats.

BJP president Amit Shah embarked on a 15-day "Vistaar Yatra" (party expansion tour) earlier in the month to strengthen the party in some of the states ruled by opposition parties including West Bengal and Odisha. The party is also focusing on Kerala and Tamil Nadu as part of its efforts to expand its base.

OneIndia News
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BJP chief Amit Shah on 2- day visit to J&K, reaches Jammu

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

The Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah, who is on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir as a part of his Vistaar Yatra, has reached Jammu on Saturday morning.

The party supremo is scheduled to interact with the party MPs and MLAs of the state. The party meet will be held at BJP office, Trikuta Nagar, 11 am.

Party souces said Shah is going to kick-start 95 days tour of expanding the organisation base from Jammu and Kashmir. The tour will be focused on expansion of the party base and interaction with party workers across the country.

BJP National President Shri @AmitShah to interact with BJP MPs and MLAs of Jammu and Kashmir today. Get Live updates at @BJPLive. pic.twitter.com/k96mAjbkUK  BJP (@BJP4India) April 29, 2017

Shah is expected to discuss the strengthening of the booth level and to ensure the reach of pro-poor schemes launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

His visit to J&K is likely to get attention in the backdrop of Kupwara attack in which three soldiers were killed followed by stone-pelting by protesters to disrupt the gunfight between security forces and the militants.

Shah has recently concluded his three-day trip to West Bengal. During the trip he also visited Naxalbari and Bhabanipur, which is West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's constituency.

He also paid a visit to Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mukherjee's ancestral house in Bhawanipore.

OneIndia News
Can Modi speak on Gau Rakshaks killing Muslim men: Azam Khan

India

oi-Gulam Rabbani

Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan on Saturday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said he should also be able to speak on other issues (referring to cow vigilantes) faced by Muslim women. His statement came after PM Modi appealed the Muslim community to save its daughters from triple talaq.

"Prime Minister Modi should also focus on other problems of Muslim women. Muslim women are losing their husbands and son due to violence by Gau Rakshaks," Azam Khan told ANI.

Earlier in the day, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge had said that the PM Modi's statement on triple talaq had no significance and he is doing that keeping an eye on Karnataka elections. He added that PM Modi is following RSS ideology.

"Prime Minister Modi made the statement eyeing upcoming elections in Karnataka. He has been doing this and will also continue to do in future. He is following the ideology of RSS. His speech does not hold any significance," Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge told ANI.

It is to remind that PM Modi on Saturday morning had appealed to the Muslim community to find a proper solution to end the controversial practice of triple talaq.

"I believe people from Muslim community would come up to solve the issue of triple talaq and act as a savior to the Muslim women in this crucial period," said PM Modi at Basava festival.

He added that the government follows "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" and assured that the NDA government will fulfill promises made to the people without any discrimination.
Power cut in Chennai on November 8: These areas will be affected

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Coast Guard decommissions ICGS Varad after 27 years

India

pti-PTI

Chennai, April 29: Coast Guard ship Varad, the eight in the Vikram Class Offshore patrol vessel, has been decommissioned here after being in service for 27 years.

The ship, built by Goa Shipyard Ltd, was commissioned in 1990, a Coast Guard release said.

During the decommissioning ceremony, presided by Coast Guard Commander (East) Rajan Bargotra at the Chennai Port Trust last night, a guard of honour was conducted and the Coast Guard ensign was hauled down from the ship.

Commanding Officer of the ship, Commandant Anwar Khan, presented the decommissioning report to Bargotra on the occasion, the release said.

PTI
'Death of jawans in Kupwara attack being blown out of proportion', says Farooq Abdullah

India

oi-Anusha

The president of National Conference Farooq Abdullah on Saturday claimed that the death of soldiers in Kupwara was 'being blown out of proportion'. "It is a conspiracy to flare up hatred against Muslims. The noise is not so much about 25 CRPF jawans getting killed in Chhattisgarh, rather, the noise is about three army men killed in Kupwara. They are beating the drum to increase hatred towards Muslims, please keep this in mind," Farooq Abdullah said. His statements come on the day three soldiers of the Indian army martyred in a terror attack in Kashmir were laid to rest with full military honours.

Farooq Abdullah who was recently elected as MP from Srinagar chose to give the uproar over the terrorist attack on an army camp in Kupwara a religious colour. Criticising the Centre for banning the Internet and other social media, Abdullah said, "I called on the government and told them don't take such types of measures. They are mistaken that the by imposing ban, conditions will improve. The situations will not improve until and unless talks are not held with all. They think they can suppress us with force. The more they try to suppress it, the more fire it will create," he said.

It may be recalled that civilians pelted stones at army personnel who were attempting to reach the attack site as the encounter was underway in Kupwara in which two terrorists were killed. Civilians demanded that the dead body of the terrorists be handed over and obstructed the army. The Indian army opened fire near the attack site as clashes broke out in which one person was killed and many were injured.

Farooq Abdullah's comments come at a time when Kashmir is witnesses unrest unlike anything seen in the recent past. His party has been pushing for the ouster of the current government and re-elections in the state.

OneIndia News
For me, my family & wife come first, worried husband Robert Vadra on Priyanka Gandhi's arrest

Dhingra Commission political vendetta: Congress

India

ians-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, April 29: The Congress on Saturday termed "political vendetta" the Dhingra Commission, set up by Haryana's BJP government to probe some particular land deals in the state including those of a company of party President Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra.

It also noted that the party had during its long stint in power never harassed the financers of its political opponents including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"Whatever Commission it is, this is political vendetta of worst order," senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said.

"The Congress party ruled for decades. And we knew the business houses that were funding the BJP. But a Congress government right from the time of (Prime Minister) Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, never harassed or raised those who were funding the BJP," he added.

IANS


EC bribery case: Cops find Rs 10 crore trail linking TTV Dinakaran

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

On Friday, a hawala operative was arrested by the Delhi police on the charge that he helped T T V Dinakaran transfer money to a conman in his bid to bribe Election Commission officials to bag the two leaves symbol of the AIADMK. The probe has found that Naresh had allegedly transferred Rs 10 crore to Sukesh Chandrashekhar the conman. The transfer was at the behest of DInakaran the police have alleged.

The police claim that they have unearthed enough evidence to suggest that the transfer was made. Several operatives close to Naresh had helped facilitate the transfer the police also said.

Naresh was not the only one who was part of this money transfer the police say. During the course of the investigation it was found that other operatives such as Gopi and Shah Faisal too had played a role in transferring the money. The police learnt that Naresh not just facilitated the money transfer, but had also helped the accused Sukesh in Delhi with his stay and other arrangements.

Meanwhile the police continued their investigation in Tamil Nadu. Dinakaran who is on a transit remand was also questioned again. The police also conducted searches at several places which included the the residences of Dinakaran's relatives. A house on Naryanamudali Street, Mannady was also searched by the Delhi police.

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Story first published: Saturday, April 29, 2017, 13:56 [IST]
This man is on a country wide padayatra: He wants a ban on EVMs

UP Election Results 2022: SP candidate who perched atop jeep to 'guard' on EVMs with binoculars loses seat

EC may call all party meeting over EVM issue

India

oi-Madhuri

The Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi on Saturday said that an all political party meeting will be called soon to discuss about the electronic voting machines are non-tamperable and secured.

We are going to hold an all party meeting soon about how our EVMs are non-tamperable and secured:Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi pic.twitter.com/8XhxsUKNZ9  ANI (@ANI_news) April 29, 2017

While speaking to media, Zaidi said,''We are going to hold an all party meeting soon about how our EVMs are non-tamperable and secured.''

He also said that the commission intends to use Voter- Verified Paper Audit Trail in all coming elections to bring in more transparency and boosting the confidence of people in the electoral process.

Earlier, the government had sanctioned funds of Rs 3,173.47 crore to buy 16.15 lakh VVPATs as sought by the EC. The poll panel has already placed an order for the same with Bharat Electronics Ltd and Electronic Corporation of India Ltd and expects to get the machines by September 2018.

After the latest assembly elections in five states, many opposition parties raised questions over the integrity of EVMs.

OneIndia News
Govt needs NGOs supoort on skill development programmes for youth: Naidu

India

oi-PTI

Hyderabad, Apr 29: Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday asked Non-Governmental Organisations to join hands with the government to undertake skill development programmes for youth, to bridge the gap between human resources and talent enhancement.

Speaking at a function organised by Swarna Bharat Trust, Hyderabad chapter in the city, the union minister also said India aims to skill 402 million people by 2022. Of these, at least 110 million workers are required in over 25 select sectors such as textiles, automobiles, construction, banking and retail.

"If China is recognised as the 'manufacturing factory' of the world, India can become the human resource capital. Education and Healthcare are the two challenges before the nation. Government cannot do all this alone. It needs the support of NGOs," Venkaiah Naidu said.

According to him, every year more than 13 million Indians enter the working age and the country has an annual training capacity of 3 million on adding up all the training and educational capacities in ITIs, polytechnics, graduate colleges and professional colleges among others.

"It takes 1-4 years to create an educated/ skilled Indian. Therefore even if a rapid capacity building spree is undertaken, this gap of more than 10 million is very difficult to bridge as the long gestation periods for training make the pace of skilling slower than the pace at which new Indians are entering the working age," he said.

He maintained that in order to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion and unemployment the Narendra Modi-led government is pro actively doing many things and one such program is Skill Development.

The Minister along with Arvind Panagariya Vice-Chairman of the Niti Aayoog inaugurated a mega medical camp and distributed Skill Development course completion certificates to trainees of Swarna Bharat Trust.

Naidu said most countries around the world have implemented the apprenticeship model - Japan has over 10 million apprentices, Germany has 3 million apprentices and USA has 0.5 million apprentices, while India has only 0.3 million apprentices.

"This number of apprentices is relatively low considering the huge population and demography of India with more than 300 million people in the age group of 18-35 years," he said. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras have already been promoted in more than 60 districts. Now these will be extended to more than 600 districts across the country, he further said.

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Story first published: Saturday, April 29, 2017, 15:49 [IST]
Is Arvind Kejriwal suffering from Modi obsession?

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Panaji, April 29: As everyone has started slamming Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal for the party's humiliating defeat in the Delhi civic polls, a party worker list out the reasons behind AAP's poor performance in recent elections.

The AAP's chief spokesperson in Goa, Oscar Rebello, says a key reason for the party's electoral failures is its "obsession" with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In an article published on a local website, Rebello says the sacking of former party stalwarts Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan as well as expecting a popular groundswell for the anti-corruption crusade could have led to the AAP's poor showing in recent state elections.

Rebello was one of the chief campaigners for the Aam Aadmi Party in Goa in the February 4 election.

In his signed article, however, Rebello says that it was unfair to write AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's obituary just yet and that the AAP co-founder would not "just fade off into the sunset, like an ageing Clint Eastwood".

"Crushing black economy is the lifeblood of AAP and demonetisation should have been welcomed, with caveats of course, but our blind rage of Modi-Shah blinded us to the obvious," Rebello said, citing that AAP's obsession with Modi as the most significant mistake.

Rebello, however, said Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah were "cleverly eviscerating democracy" by undermining institutional mechanisms, one after the other.

"First our mistakes: And mistakes we did like all well-meaning, idealistic fools who thought that fighting the system was as simple as Amitabh Bachchan, singlehandedly knocking out the bad guys in his movies," he said.

The sacking of AAP co-founders Yadav and Bhushan "alienated swathes of public movement followers across the country", Rebello said.

"Bhushan and Yogendra can't pretend to be angels as they assiduously tried to sabotage AAP chances in Delhi 2015. But their ugly, public ejection horrified us and did far more damage to brand AK rather than the holier than thou Bhushan-Yogendra," Rebello said.

Calling the AAP's anti-corruption crusade as a "one-trick pony", Rebello said "Brand Modi" had captured the imagination of the Hindutva right wing and the conservative Hindu for now.

"The 'secular' brigade comprising of liberal Hindus, Christians and Muslims are in so much terror of the undeclared Hindu Rashtra training upon us that they are looking at the most realistic option, available, to beat the BJP be it Congress-NCP-Trinamool, stuffed with charlatans or not. Our brand of being one-trick ponies on the anti-corruption crusade are finding no riders," he says.

Rebello said it was unfair to parade Team AK and AAP as "desh-drohis" by the electronic media, adding that selfless party volunteers were "combative, committed and completely convinced" by the dream of a better India and were being led from the front by Kejriwal.

"Of course, he (Kejriwal) could be exasperating and short tempered, he could never suffer fools easily and perhaps suffered from a pinch of paranoia like any leader in the spotlight.

"But that was because he was human not evil, as the world now seems to suggest. Arvind, like any great leader, has sacrificed so much. Family and career, financial security, even his health," Rebello said.

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Story first published: Saturday, April 29, 2017, 13:01 [IST]
Is Subramanian Swamy scared of Rajinikanth joining politics?

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Chennai, April 29: Like every film director dreams about casting Tamil superstar Rajinikanth in his/her film, similarly any political party would love to give a red carpet welcome to the veteran actor if he ever expresses his desire to join mainstream politics.

While the media has long been speculating about Rajinikanth joining politics, the 66-year-old actor has repeatedly denied harbouring any such 'political' ambition.

Recently, rumours were rife that the Bharatiya Janata Party might offer Rajinikanth the post of India's next President as the tenure of Pranab Mukherjee is coming to an end in July.

However, it looks like one person from the saffron party won't be 'very happy' to see Rajinikanth donning any political role. He is none other than senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy.

Swamy, known for his controversial remarks, recently told reporters in Tamil Nadu that "Rajinikanth does not know politics." Reacting on the question if Rajinikanth is joining politics soon, the Rajya Sabha member of the BJP said, "Do you still want actors in politics? Are you not tired already? Now we should only have politicians in politics."

"Why should he come to politics? His talent is in films. He doesn't know politics," he added.

In March, reports of Rajinikanth joining politics surfaced once again as he was scheduled to meet members of his fan club.

"The meeting on April 2 was long due as fans wanted photographs. There is nothing political about that and no major announcement (is expected). The fans are meeting on April 2 and I will be meeting them from April 11 to 16," Rajinikanth said.

However, just days ahead of the event, the actor announced that it had been cancelled.

In an audio message sent to fans, Rajinikanth said, "It has been 10 years since I met all of you and took photos. You have been asking me over and over again but the time was not right. But now after planning this event at Raghavendra Kalyana mandapam, fans have expressed disappointment. They do not want group photos, they want individual pictures. There is justice in their demand."

Of late, the superstar is staying away from making any comments on political issues plaguing Tamil Nadu, including the ongoing fight in the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

OneIndia News
Justice Karnan's own brand of justice: Bars SC judges from leaving the country

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Justice C S Karnan has his own brand of justice. After issuing a contempt notices to seven judges of the Supreme Court he has now barred them from travelling abroad. Justice Karnan, a judge of the Calcutta High Court, directed the Air Control Authority not to permit the said accused to travel abroad unless the case against them is disposed off.

In his order he said that the seven judges should not travel abroad since the offence involved caste discrimination. The order comes a month after he had issued summons to the seven judges who incidentally are hearing a case against him.

Justice Karnan while justifying the order said that if the accused persons are allowed to travel abroad then the virus of caste discrimination is likely to spread. In his order he said, "Today the above mentioned accused are called absent hence their matter is re-posted to 01. 05. 2017 [Monday] to enable their reappearance. In the meantime, this court directs the Air Control Authority [referring to the Airports Authority of India] New Delhi, not to permit the said accused from going abroad until the disposal of this crucial issue, since the nature of the offence, that is caste discrimination, is not only a heinous crime but also a very cruel Atrocious Act of heinous crime, and is punishable as per the Constitution."

The Supreme Court is hearing a contempt plea against Justice Karnan. The allegation against him is that he had degraded the judicial institution.

OneIndia News
Karnataka BJP crisis: Senior leaders have no time for Yeddyurappa

India

oi-Anusha

The crisis in Karnataka BJP will have to wait for now since senior party leaders do not seem to have the time to intervene. B S Yeddyurappa, who was hopeful of drawing their attention to the situation, was disappointed after national general secretary (Organisation) Ram Lal refused to give him an appointment. The president of Karnataka unit of the BJP, Yeddyurappa was in Delhi on Saturday and hoped to appraise the senior leadership of the dissent brewing in the party.

In a clear indication that the senior leadership wants to know about the situation only from a neutral source, Ram Lal is said to have asked Yeddyurappa to discuss the situation with state in-charge Muralidhar Rao. Rao is expected to visit Bengaluru on Saturday and assess the situation. He is also likely to send a report on the ground reality of the dissent in the party following which action will be initiated by the senior leadership.

B S Yeddyurappa hoped to talk to Ram Lal, an RSS man about another RSS strongman B L Santosh and his alleged role in the rebellion. B S Yeddyurappa who reached Delhi on Friday hoped to hold talks with Ram Lal on Saturday but is now returning empty handed. Yeddyurappa has been accusing B L Santosh of engineering a rebellion against him. Many from the party believe that Santosh has been fueling the dissent against Yeddyurappa to stop him from becoming the BJP's Chief Minister candidate in the 2018 assembly elections in Karnataka.

The message is straightforward, the party leadership will not entertain Yeddyurappa or Eshwarappa but will depend on neutral office bearers. Yeddyurappa is also said to have been advised to 'amicably sort' the issue with K S Eshwarappa. The party senior leadership has also advised Yeddyurappa, sources said, to attempt a patch up before the centre intervenes. Infighting in the BJP touched a new low when rebel workers convened a 'Save BJP' meet in Bengaluru earlier this week.

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Story first published: Saturday, April 29, 2017, 13:50 [IST]
'Karnataka is not corrupt, study is faulty,' says Congress minister

India

oi-Anusha

The social welfare minister of Karnataka refuses to accept a study that has deemed Karnataka the most corrupt state in the country. H Anjaneya insisted that the study was faulty and lacked authenticity. He added that Karnataka would rank number 1 if a survey on development were conducted.

The Centre for Media Studies in its survey had dubbed Karnataka as the 'Most Corrupt State in the Country', but the minister insisted that the survey was not trustworthy. "The CMS survey is based on faulty methodologies. Karnataka is not the most corrupt State in the country," H Anjaneya said. "Karnataka will rank number one in the country if the survey was conducted in the developmental parameters'', he added.

The minister even claimed that unlike during the BJP government, no minister of the current government faced a chargesheet or went to jail for corruption. He even defended the government and said that it had voluntarily set up the anti-corruption bureau, for eliminating corruption. The minister, however, conveniently forgot that his own government made the Lokayukta in the state a toothless institution.

In a countrywide survey on corruption, CMS found Karnataka the most corrupt out of 20 states. The study claimed that people in Karnataka at least 77 percent respondents, faced corruption in accessing public services.

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Story first published: Saturday, April 29, 2017, 16:00 [IST]
Kashmir trouble: Time for Mehbooba to lead or get out of the way

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The solution to the problem in the Valley lies within it. Looking up to the central government all the time for a solution may not be the answer for the Jammu and Kashmir government. It is the Hurriyat Conference that needs to be tamed before peace returns to the Valley. The HC which is accused of being under the control of Pakistan must be tamed and no one other than the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir can do it.

For peace to return, both the J&K government and the Indian Armed forces have an equal role to play. Infiltrations through Pir Panjal have increased and the Indian Army would need to get that number under check. The Rajya Sabha was recently informed that there are over 200 infiltrators from Pakistan in the Valley. This explains the rise in the number of attacks on the Indian Army.

While the Army does have its work cut-out, the more crucial role to be played would be by the state government itself. On one hand she will have to initiate back-channel talks with the Hurriyat and find a solution to the problem. Currently it is only the J&K government which can do that. Once the Hurriyat backs down, the security forces can concentrate on controlling the infiltrations and not have to deal with day to day protests on the streets where they are greeted by stone pelters.

The next step of the government should be to revamp the police force. The force is completely demoralised today and faces the wrath of both the public and the militants.

Clarion calls have been given by terrorist outfits such as the Hizbul Mujahideen to target the Jammu and Kashmir police as they support the Indian Army. The warning also states that even the families of the police personnel would be targeted.

The government in the state has not done much to address those concerns. This has led to a complete failure of ground level intelligence which the Army depends on so much. Without such intelligence, the Army would find it extremely difficult to tackle the problem of terrorism.

Mehbooba continues to look to the centre for everything. This will not be helpful as in Kashmir too much interference by the centre has never been a good sign. However Mehbooba's justification would be that all other chief ministers in the state have always looked up to the centre. She could change that, break the moul and lead from the front.

Good governance and dealing with the problem with an iron fist could go a long way in ensuring peace in the Valley. After all that is why the people of J&K have voted for her party-the PDP.

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Story first published: Saturday, April 29, 2017, 15:27 [IST]
Not farmers, we're responsible for stubble burning in Punjab, says Kejriwal

Kejriwal now claims BJP offered to spare Sisodia, Jain if AAP backs out of Gujarat polls

Kejriwal is responsible for AAP's defeat in MCD polls: Shiv Sena

India

oi-Gulam Rabbani

By Gulam Rabbani

New Delhi, April 29: The Shiv Sena on Saturday allegedly blamed Aam Aadmi convener Arvind Kejriwal for his loss in the recently held Municipal Corporation of Delhi polls.

According to reports, the Shiv Sena had said that Kejriwal is responsible for AAP's defeat in Delhi.

Sena in its editorial Saamna had said that Bharatiya Janata Party was not the cause of AAP's defeat but Kejriwal's problems are.

It had alleged that dispute within the party was also another cause for the loss. It also suggested Kejriwal to not to blame the Electronic Voting Machines but to apologise people for not fulfilling the promised made before Delhi elections.

It raised a doubt on how BJP retained its power after being into power in MCD and the ruling party losing the polls.

It is to remind that earlier on Saturday, Kejriwal struck a note admitting that the party made some crucial mistakes such as in-fighting within the party.

In his letter to the people, Kejriwal had said that he had spoken to the leaders, volunteers, and voters and added that the party had committed mistakes.

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Story first published: Saturday, April 29, 2017, 13:44 [IST]
Last respects paid to Kupwara martyr Naik Ramana

India

oi-Anusha

By Anusha Ravi

The mortal remains of Kupwara martyr Jawan Naik B V Ramana was flown down to his hometown on late Friday night. Family, friends gathered to pay their last respects to the 38-year-old jawan who lost his life when alleged Pakistan-sponsored terrorists attacked an army camp in Kashmir.

Floral tributes were paid to the mortal remains of Naik BV Ramana on arrival at the Naval Air station INS Dega on Friday after which it was shifted to his residence. Naik Ramana served with the 16 Madras Regiment. The body of the Jawan was flown into Visakhapatnam from Jammu by a special Indian Air Force Aircraft. The brave soldier was laid to rest at Marripalem on Saturday.

As his body arrived in Vishakapatnam, military honour and wreath laying ceremony were conducted at INS Dega by Colonel B Parkhe Admin Commandant, Station HQs (Army) Visakhapatnam and Captain SA Joglekar, Commanding Officer INS Dega as a mark of respect to the deceased with a Ceremonial Guard of the Navy in attendance. P GVR Naidu Gana Babu the MLA of Visakhapatnam West along with representatives of the District Administration, Police and Capt P Satya Prasad (Retd) Zilla Sainik Welfare Officer were present to receive his body.

The family paid a tearful goodbye to the jawan who leaves behind a wife and two children. Naik Ramana's son is a student of class 1 while his daughter is studying in class 4.

OneIndia News
Over 47,000 POCSO cases were registered in 2020: Govt in LS

POSCO Court judge sacked for granting bail to Gayatri Prajapati

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Court special judge, OP Mishra, has been suspended on Saturday for granting bail to former Uttar Pradesh Minister Gayatri Prajapati in connection with a rape case.

According to an initial report, a departmental inquiry has been ordered.

The suspension comes a day after the Allahabad High Court stayed the bail order granted by a sessions court in Lucknow.

The bail was stayed by Chief Justice Dilip B Bhosale on an application moved by the UP government through Additional Advocate General VK Shahi seeking cancellation of bail granted to Gayatri Prajapati and two other co-accused.

The Additional Advocate General submitted that sufficient time was not given by the sessions court to the prosecution for seeking instructions against the accused.

Prajapati was on the run for nearly a month before he was arrested in Lucknow on March 15 and was sent to jail for allegedly raping a woman and attempting to rape her minor daughter in 2014. An FIR was registered against Prajapati and six others on February 17 on a Supreme Court directive.

Prajapati had been a minister in the Akhilesh Yadav government.

OneIndia News
Should Kashmir be given to Pakistan: Row erupts after this question appears in MP civil service exam

From hijab to Kashmir, Zawahiri was Al-Qaeda's voice for everything anti-India

Pravin Togadia asks Modi govt to carpet bomb Kashmir to take revenge against terrorists

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

New Delhi, April 29: In order to end repeated terrorist attacks on Indian security forces in Kashmir, Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Pravin Togadia asked the Narendra Modi government to carry out "carpet bombing" in the Valley.

"After attacks on army camps in Uri and Kupwara, our government should carry out carpet bombing in Kashmir Valley area to stop such attacks. The attacks on army camps and the incidents of stone-pelting should be considered as a war and the government should carpet bomb these areas," Togadia said, while addressing people on the occasion of Lord Parshuram Jayanti in Vadodara, Gujarat, on Friday.

Togadia, the international working president of the VHP, urged the government to crack down on the terrorists who were "at war" with security forces.

He said hostility between the civilians and army personnel was on the rise in Kashmir.

"It was time that we should not show any leniency and carpet bomb them, or else the enemy will spread to other states and talk of breaking the country into pieces," he said.

He demanded the review of the Rs 80,000 crore special development package for Jammu and Kashmir, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015.

"This money should be used for welfare of farmers in the country as the condition of farmers in several states is very bad. Farmers are holding protests seeking waiving of farm loans. They are committing suicide," Togadia said.

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Story first published: Saturday, April 29, 2017, 13:33 [IST]
Separatists playing politics over dead bodies, alleges Ram Madhav

India

pti-PTI

Jammu, Apr 29: BJP leader Ram Madhav on Saturday attacked separatist leaders in Kashmir accusing them of playing politics of sentiment over dead bodies and said that the Centre had made it clear that it would not hold talks with them.

"Separatists have only one motto - one dead body a day, so that they can play sentimental politics over the dead bodies. They use the people of the Valley as guinea pigs in their reprehensible politics of violence and separatism," the BJP General Secretary alleged in a post on facebook.

He said the security forces and the government on the other hand try their best to ensure that the ill intentions of separatists do not succeed. It is a difficult job being executed with commendable sincerity by the government and the security forces, he said. Madhav, who is considered to be the BJP's pointsman for Kashmir said the Centre had told the Supreme Court yesterday that there is no plan to hold any talks with separatists and those not loyal to India.

He said the Supreme Court too had taken a strong stand while hearing a petition which demanded that the use of pellet guns be barred by emphasising that stone pelting and street violence had to be stopped.

"The stand of the SC judges including Chief Justice of India is commendable and I am sure patriotic people in the country including those in the Valley welcome this position of Court," the senior BJP leader said in his post. He said that the forces have very few pellet guns and use them in rare situations only and they are deemed less lethal than the normal guns.

The BJP leader said that the Government of India's stand is to tackle militants and their sponsors with utmost toughness and stone-pelters with deftness so that violence is firmly put down but care is taken to prevent loss of life.

PTI
Standing on streets, people of Kanpur, UP, salute as body of Captain Ayush Yadav arrives home

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Lucknow, April 29: As the army vehicle carrying the mortal remains of Captain Ayush Yadav arrived in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, residents of the city stood on streets to salute the sacrifice and bravery of the young army official who achieved martyrdom in Jammu and Kashmir recently.

The funeral of the 26-year-old army official, killed in a Fidayeen attack in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, is scheduled later in the day. Two more army personnel were killed in the same attack.

Hundreds gathered outside the residence of Captain Yadav to pay their last respects to the brave Indian soldier who sacrificed his life for the safety of the nation. Those standing outside his house were seen carrying placards with messages like, 'Salute the brave hero' and 'Sacrifice of the brave soldier won't go in vain.'

Captain Yadav's family consists of his father, mother and sister. His father, Arun Kant Yadav, an official in the Uttar Pradesh police department, told reporters earlier that the government should take steps to put an end to the killings of our brave soldiers by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in J&K.

"Security personnel have been losing lives in J&K. Similarly, 25 Central Reserve Police Force jawans were killed in a Naxal attack in Sukma, Chhattisgarh, recently. Please take action. The Centre needs to improve policies," said father of Ayush.

Arun remembered that his wife spoke to their son last on Wednesday. The Yadav family stays in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. "Next day she kept calling him but then he never picked the call," said a teary-eyed Arun.

"It should not happen to anyone else's child...how long will we see our children being killed like this," he added. Arun revealed that he wanted his son to get married soon.

"I used to tell my child, please get married before my retirement, and he used to say-- have you got nothing else to talk about?"

The government policy in Kashmir needs to be more firm, said his father. "You tie a person to a jeep and there is outrage but what about countless soldiers who are dying," he said, referring to a controversial video of a young man tied to the front of an army jeep as a human shield against stone throwers.

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Story first published: Saturday, April 29, 2017, 9:45 [IST]
Stone pelting: The religious Islamic connect explained

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Stone pelting is a subject very often discussed these days. The Supreme Court on Friday said that unless the stone pelters go back to their home, there cannot be peace talks.

Stone pelting is seen as a protest against the Indian Armed forces. It is one of the most significant forms of protest in the Kashmir Valley and what needs to be borne in mind is the religious significance that the protestors attach to it.

It all began in Palestine where stone pelters came out in large number to oppose the Israeli Army. Stone pelting became prominent in the Valley in 2008 during the Kashmir unrest. However, the most prominent stone pelting protest was witnessed in 2010 and since then it has become a regular occurrence. 2016 has been a very bad year for Kashmir and since the death of Burhan Wani in July, incidents of stone pelting have not stopped.

The religious connect:

Stone pelting is not just a form of protest. In this context let us take a look at the ritual called the rami al-jamarat or Stoning the Devil. It is part of the annual ritual during the Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. During this ritual Muslim pilgrims throw pebbles at three walls called the jamarat which is in the city of Mina, east of Mecca.

Stoning the Devil is one of the rituals acts that must be performed during Hajj. It is a reenactment of Abraham's hajj in which he stoned three pillars representing the temptation to disobey God and preserve Ishmael. As per the ritual, on the 10th day of the month of Dhu-al-HIjjah, the pilgrims must strike one of the larger pillars with seven pebbles. Once this is completed, the pilgrim must shave their hair. On each of the following two days, the pilgrim must hit each of the three walls with seven pebbles. There are 49 pebbles needed for the ritual.

The Kashmir connect:

Stone pelting first began in Palestine in the early 90s. When it began in Kashmir, it was more organised. However, today it is sporadic and crowds gather outside easily and target the Indian Armed forces. The stone pelters and their masters view the soldiers as the Devil and they go on to replicate the rami-al-jamarat.

The anger of the stone pelters is against the Indian Army whose soldiers they accuse of committing atrocities.There is a religious connect to it and the man who devised this form of protest took a direct leaf out of the religious ritual that is performed during Hajj.

When it started off initially the handful of boys were told that the soldier is the devil and stones must be pelted at them. Today it has become a norm and several youth without even knowing the story behind the origin of stone pelting come out on the streets and attack the Indian Army.

OneIndia News
You may getting 10% less fuel than what you paid for: All about the petrol pump scam

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Uttar Pradesh police busted Rs 200 crore petrol pump scam on Friday. In the scam that was busted in Lucknow, it was found that petrol pump owners had attached a chip to the pump which dispenses less fuel. It was found that petrol pump owners earned Rs 200 crore a month as a result of this technique.

On Thursday, the Special Task Force of the UP police conducted a rad at 7 petrol pumps. There were complaints that at least 80 per cent of the pumps were dispensing lesser fuel that what the customer had paid for. The investigation is an ongoing one and the police have so far arrested 23 people. More arrests are likely.

The probe, the police say began at Lucknow. We are fully aware that the racket is a state-wide one. More raids will be conducted in the coming days, the police also said.

What is the wonder chip that dispenses less fuel:

The wonder chip is attached to the fuel pump. Once installed it reduced the fuel input, but the customer would see on the metre exactly what he had paid for. The UP STF based on a tip-off picked up an electrician who had installed this chip at several bunks. The case was busted after that.

The police had found that the chip installed would reduce the fuel input by nearly 10 per cent. The chip is attached to a wire which is linked to a remote control that sets the limit. If a customer asks for a litre of petrol he would get just 940 ml.

The chip is available in Delhi and Kanpur at a cost of Rs 40,000. It comes with an instruction manual which explains on how to go about the installation. An electrician would be needed to install this chip. The electrician would charge anything between Rs 5,000 and 10,000 for the installation.

The chip is controlled by a remote controller which can be operated from a 100 metre radius. Once a customer comes into fill fuel, the chip is activated and the limit set. The customer would always get 10 per cent lesser fuel than what he has asked for. A petrol pump owner would earn an additional Rs 15 lakh a month as a result of this scam. In the rural areas, the earnings would be anything between Rs 5 and 6 lakh.

OneIndia News
Three abandoned suitcases trigger panic at Chennai airport

India

oi-Anusha

Three unclaimed suitcases sent security personnel on a tizzy at the Chennai airport on Saturday. Suitcases that were abandoned at three different places in the airport including the car parking area led to a scare. It may be recalled that security at the airport was tightened following a hijack threat last week which turned out to be a hoax.

Airport authorities were notified of unclaimed baggage following which security personnel were pressed into action and found more suitcases at different places. Apart from the CISF personnel, bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs were deployed and the three suitcases have been safely recovered for further examination.

Security has been beefed up at the airport following the security scare. The incident has had no impact on flight schedules. Airport officials claimed that there was no reason to panic and the situation had been taken care of.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Saturday, April 29, 2017, 12:19 [IST]
Woman, her two children mowed down by train; Suicide not ruled out

UP: Man films wife committing suicide, does nothing to stop her

TN: Farmers protest restarts after AIADMKs insensitive suicide remark in SC

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Chennai, April 29: A day after the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government in Tamil Nadu told the Supreme Court that farmers in the state did not commit suicide due to drought, but personal reasons, angry farmers protested on Saturday.

The apex court was hearing a petition on drought and farmer suicides in the state, which alleges that there were 82 farmer suicides in Tamil Nadu.

During one of the protest rallies on Saturday, farmers in Thanjavur delta burnt the effigy of Chief Minister Edapadi K Palaniswami, stated media reports. They were also seen waiving black flags against the government.

In fact, just a few days ago, farmers of the state decided to end their 45-day-long strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, after Palaniswami met and assured them that he would tell Prime Minister Narendra Modi about their grievances and help them to get loan waived.

In fact, the Palaniswami government declared the state to be drought hit in January. According to reports more than 140 farmers committed suicide in the state since October last year.

A National Human Rights Commission report sent to TN government on January 5 mentioned that around 106 farmers committed suicide in one month. The state government also paid Rs 3 lakh each to the families of those farmers who committed suicide.

B Dhandapani, member of the Tamil Nadu Farmers Association in Nagapattinam, said, "The government telling the Supreme Court that no farmer committed suicide is a joke. Haven't they paid Rs. 3 lakh relief to families of those who died here? We condemn this."

OneIndia News
'Triple talaq is all about lust', says BJP minister in Yogi Adityanath's cabinet

India

oi-Anusha

"Triple talaq is a practice used to satisfy lust by changing wives," said Swami Prasad Maurya a minister in Yogi Adityanath's cabinet. The minister statements made in an attempt to criticise the archaic practice kicked up a storm. While the minister was trying to assert that the BJP stood by Muslim women, his description of triple talaq sparked controversy.

"These talaqs have no basis. No one will deem it right if someone keeps changing his wives only to satisfy his lust and forces his wife and children to beg on the streets," claimed the BJP leader. He added that his party would stand with Muslim women who have been given talaq 'unreasonably' and 'arbitrarily'.

The 63-year-old BJP leader's statements come at a time when the country is debating triple talaq. The all India Muslim personal board has said that there was no need for the government to interfere in the matter. It added that it would review the practice of triple talaq. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is all set to hear petitions challenging the practice starting May 11.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Saturday, April 29, 2017, 16:40 [IST]
Why this undercover ISI agent blew his own cover at the Delhi airport

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

An undercover intelligence blowing his cover by himself is quite strange. At the Delhi airport an man called Rafiq decided to call it a day and proclaimed to the authorities that he was an ISI agent. Obviously shocked and startled the authorities informed the police and the Intelligence Bureau officials present at the office.

Rafiq got off an Air India flight from Dubai at the Delhi airport. He was booked on a connecting flight to Kathmandu, but he decided that he would blow his cover by himself. He said he was an ISI agent and he was making this revelation because he wanted to call it a day.

Officials took him away and questioned him for several hours. In his bag were documents with the ISI marking. He is currently being questioned by several agencies. It is still unclear whether this man is really an agent of playing the fool.

Analyse this:

In the case on hand, there are a couple of issues that we must analyse. The ISI normally uses the Dubai-India-Kathmandu route to launch its operatives and fake currency racketeers. Rafiq was on a similar route. This is one way of looking at the case. However this hardly can be any conclusion to suggest that he is an ISI officer.

The next case scenario would be that the man really was tired of his assignment. Saying no to an assignment in the ISI is never an option. Refusing an assignment is as good as a death warrant. The other way of looking at it is that he could have refused the assignment in Pakistan itself. This would have saved him.

The third scenario would be that this man is a plant. It is quite strange that someone would willingly blow his cover. He could be a plant waiting to get arrested by the police so that he could spread misinformation. This is a tactic that is often deployed by the ISI to create confusion among the Indian agencies.

The last case scenario is that this person has lost it. He may be having some mental issues and would have wanted to create a flutter and gain some overnight fame.

The investigations are however ongoing and the agencies are yet to crack the case. They are still analysing his documents and questioning him. One will get a clearer picture after the investigations are complete.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Saturday, April 29, 2017, 7:20 [IST]
Yogi Adityanath seeks report over violence on Allahabad University

India

pti-PTI

Lucknow, Apr 29: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday sought a detailed report over violence on Allahabad University campus after the arrest of four students for allegedly disrupting a meeting and violating prohibitory orders. He tasked the state chief secretary and the director general of police with preparing the report and directed that all problems of the students should be speedily redressed.

A group of students, led by office bearers of the students' union, had surrounded the university's guest house in the noon, where the executive council meeting was underway and shouted slogans demanding action against alleged financial irregularities in the institute. Prohibitory orders had been clamped in the area a few days ago in view of the unrest caused by a drive to evict unlawful occupants from university hostels following an order of the Allahabad High Court.

Upon receiving information that a large number of students had gathered at the guest house without permission, a police party rushed to the spot. Most of the agitators ran away but four of them were arrested, police had said earlier.

The students resented the arrests and despite efforts to explain that the same were made on account of violation of prohibitory orders, some of them turned violent and allegedly hurled stones at the police personnel, damaging a number of vehicles parked nearby and smashing window panes.

They allegedly torched a bus parked near a hostel and set fire to a pile of old tyres on one of the roads, bringing traffic to a standstill. The agitators were chased away with the help of the Rapid Action Force and the Provincial Armed Constabulary.

PTI
Media playing role of kangaroo court; we are against media trial: Mamata Banerjee

Kalinga Literary Festival to celebrate India and the World at its 2022 edition

Press freedom declines in US: Report

International

ians-IANS

By Ians English

Washington, April 29: Press freedom in the US and across the world is at its lowest point in 13 years, according to a new report by the watchdog group Freedom House.

The group makes its annual analysis based on the legal, political and economic environment for journalists in the prior year, reports CNN.

This year's report issued on Friday changed the US' press freedom rating by two points, from 21 to 23 -- its worst rating in more than a decade.

The group attributes this to a worsening political environment, the rise and polarisation of partisan media outlets and an increase in Russian-sponsored propaganda related to the 2016 presidential election.

US President Donald Trump's open disparagement of the press, both as a candidate and since taking office, also contributed to the diminished score, according to the report.

"No US president in recent memory has shown greater contempt for the press than Trump in his first months in office," the report noted.

"Trump's attacks mirror initial actions in other countries where media freedom subsequently suffered far more drastic restrictions and interference," CNN quoted the report as saying.

However, the US is categorszed as having a free press in the latest findings, and its constitutional protections were applauded.

"The US enjoys lively, aggressive, and diverse media, and some of the strongest legal protections for reporting and expression anywhere in the world."

Globally, the 2017 report found that only 31 per cent of countries have a free press, which the group defines as "a media environment where coverage of political news is robust, the safety of journalists is guaranteed, state intrusion in media affairs is minimal, and the press is not subject to onerous legal or economic pressures."

Norway, Sweden, Finland, Belgium and Denmark had the most press freedom; North Korea, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Crimea and Eritrea had the least.

IANS


Pak PM Nawaz Sharif sacks trusted aide after news leak scandal

International

pti-PTI

Islamabad, April 29: Embattled Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday sacked his trusted aide Tariq Fatemi after an inquiry found him guilty of "leaking" information to media about a rift between Pakistan's civilian and military leaderships during a high-level security meet.

Sharif approved an inquiry committee's recommendation to remove his special assistant on foreign affairs Fatemi from his post. Fatemi, 72, is considered as a trusted aide of the prime minister and his removal is a setback for the government of Sharif who is already under pressure due to Panama case verdict.

The committee, headed by Justice (retd) Aamir Raza Khan, included representatives of the Intelligence Bureau, the Military Intelligence and the Inter-Services Investigation. It was set up last year to probe the controversy surrounding a controversial report by daily Dawn about a key meeting on national security.

In October, a columnist for Dawn newspaper wrote a front-page story about a rift between civilian and military leaderships over militant groups that operate from Pakistan but engage in proxy war against India and Afghanistan.

"In a blunt, orchestrated and unprecedented warning, the civilian government has informed the military leadership of a growing international isolation of Pakistan and sought consensus on several key actions by the state," the report had said. It further said that "military-led intelligence agencies are not to interfere if law enforcement acts against militant groups that are banned or until now considered off-limits for civilian action."

The army took strong exception to the Dawn story and relations between army and the civil government deteriorated. The PML-N government was forced to remove then information minister Pervaiz Rasheed but a probe was also initiated at the demand of army to fix the responsibility.

The report was submitted to the prime minister this week. According to the inquiry report, Fatemi was primarily responsible for leaking the report of the key meeting, and Sharif took action against him.

"Allocation of portfolio of Foreign Affairs to Syed Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, shall be withdrawn," according to a letter issued by the government.

Sharif also directed that the role of Dawn editor Zafar Abbas and reporter Cyril Almeida shall be referred to All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) for necessary disciplinary action to be taken against them, according to letter.

It said that the APNS, a representative body of print media, shall also be asked to develop a Code of Conduct for the print media especially when dealing with issues relating to security of Pakistan and to ensure that stories on issues of national importance and security are published by abiding to basic journalistic and editorial norms.

Sharif also ordered action against Rao Tehsin Ali, Principal Information Officer of the Ministry of Information, under disciplinary rules for the charges based on findings in report.

PTI
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of One News Page Ltd.
by  Graham Pierrepoint



Believe it or not, the first 100 days of Donald Trumps US Presidency have only just come to pass  despite them being crammed full of newsworthy moments, speculation abound and divisive actions. The President is continuing to hold office in light of an investigation into his top teams links with Russia and Vladimir Putin, and amidst a furious war with the mass media. The businessman-turned-statesman has continued to rally against what he has termed fake news, while continuing to raise eyebrows by allegedly involving daughter Ivanka in a number of White House affairs. Its safe to say that this Presidents first 100 days  which is generally measured as something of a marker in terms of legacy  will go down as one of the most memorable, and perhaps for many of the wrong reasons.

Trump himself, however, has weighed in on his first few months as US Commander-in-Chief, and has elicited a soundbite which has already been seized upon by many media outlets  advising that he loved his previous life, that he has more work in his current role, and that  the stinger  he thought it would be easier. While this quotation could perhaps be seen as something of a moment of humility on behalf of the President, his words have already been leapt upon by broadcasters in the negative. For all of President Trumps confidence and passion for the role, whoever truly imagined that being US President would be easy?

Trumps position as US President is of course wildly different to that of his previous standing as multi-billionaire businessman, responsible for not only being regarded as a real estate mogul but also as the face of popular TV series The Apprentice. Trumps life as an investor and overseer of several different brands and services was arguably free from decision-making that would impact upon the whole of the US and perhaps elsewhere in the world  but beyond this, the role of US President does of course come with the expectation that you will need a cool head and a strong resolve to push through. Trump has confidence and continues to find support in millions who voted him in  but many media outlets, political experts and even psychology professionals are quick to warn that the President, and those under him, may be in for a bumpier ride ahead in the months to come.
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Solid Tumor Market Research Report :Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment

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Solid tumors are formed due to aggregation of a group of abnormal tissues that do not comprise of any cyst or liquid areas within. Solid tumors can be of both types, i.e. benign (non-cancerous) as well as malignant (cancerous) in nature. Solid tumors majorly comprise of lymphomas, carcinomas, sarcomas and melanomas; whereas, all forms of leukemias usually do not cause solid tumor formation. The treatment of these solid tumors is a complex task and it requires coordinated actions of many healthcare professionals, such as, radiologists, surgeons, oncologists, radiation specialists, nurses and other professionals. Hence, most of the solid tumors are treated via radiotherapy, chemotherapy and/or surgery. However, at present, surgery is the most preferred choice of treatment for cancerous solid tumors. Chemotherapy is often utilized along with other modes of solid tumor treatment i.e. radiation and/or surgery. Several chemotherapeutic drugs are available along with a ripe pipeline of drugs that will soon be commercialized in the global market. Solid tumor market can be classified into five major segments, based on the site of origin, namely, prostrate cancer, ovarian cancer, bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer and other cancers.Some of the major driving factors for the growth of this market include increasing incidences of several cases of solid tumors, rising prevalence of different forms of metastatic cancers, increasing demand for highly effective chemotherapeutic agents and ripe pipeline of drugs which is available in the global market. According to World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 8.2 million people died due to different types of cancers worldwide in 2012. Among them lung, colorectal, breast and liver cancers were among the leading causes of cancer deaths. Most common forms of solid tumors include brain tumors (medulloblastoma and glioma) and neuroblastoma; other less common solid tumors include rhabdomyosarcoma and osteosarcoma.Some of the major drugs that available in the global market are Avastin (bevacizumab), Afinitor (everolimus), Jevtana (cabazitaxel), Sutent (sunitinib), Tarceva (erlotinib), Taxotere (docetaxel), Zytiga (abiraterone acetate), Carboplatin, Cisplatin, Doxorubicin, Gemcitabine and Paclitaxel among others. Also, major promising drugs that are in different stages of clinical trials include Abraxane (albumin-bound paclitaxel), AMG 386 (trebananib), Votrient (pazopanib) and Xtandi (enzalutamide) among others. These drugs will soon be commercialized in the global market, which will further boost this market in future.Browse full report on Solid Tumor Market -Geographically, North America holds the leading position in solid tumor market followed by Europe. Major factors responsible for their dominance in this market include high incidence rate of various solid tumor cases along with very well developed healthcare infrastructure of these regions. These regions also comprise of high geriatric population, which contribute heavily towards the solid tumor patient population in the region. However, Asia Pacific is considered to be the most lucrative market for solid tumor market due to recent advancements in healthcare infrastructure and growing medical tourism in these regions. The region also accounts for high cancer patient population and increasing awareness and affordability of the people of this region will contribute heavily towards the future growth of this market in the region.Some of the major players operating in this market are AstraZeneca plc, Abbott Laboratories, Inc., Amgen, Inc., Biogen Idec, Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Baxter International, Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Eli Lilly and Company, Johnson & Johnson, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd., and Sanofi among others.This research report analyzes this market on the basis of its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends. Geographies analyzed under this research report includeNorth AmericaAsia PacificEuropeMiddle East and AfricaLatin AmericaThis report provides comprehensive analysis ofMarket growth driversFactors limiting market growthCurrent market trendsMarket structureMarket projections for upcoming yearsRequest for brochure of this report -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Veterinary Surgical Instruments Market : Market Competition, Value chain Analysis and Forecast 2024

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Veterinary surgical instruments are designed in a special way to perform surgical procedures on animals. The surgical instruments are selected based on their function that includes holding, pulling, clamping, cutting, crushing, and closing a wound. Surgical instruments are classified into different types based on design and function. They are made of austenitic or martensitic stainless steel. Austenitic stainless steel is mostly used to make retractors and suction tips. All surgical instruments need to be inspected for pitting, corrosion, and rust. Veterinary surgical technicians are specially trained and certified to assist veterinarians with surgical procedures. This training is usually part of a curriculum in the veterinary technician program. The goal of veterinary surgery is quite different in farm animals and pets. In case of pets, more complex surgeries are performed with sophisticated anesthesia techniques like in human beings. In case of farm animals, the cost of the surgery must not exceed the economic benefit in treating the illness surgically. Different types of surgery require different surgical instruments. The common surgery types include sterilization surgery, dental surgery, surgical oncology, ophthalmic surgery, and orthopedic surgery. Other common procedures include caesarean section, bloat surgery, cystotomy, wound repair, foreign body removal etc.Driving factors such as growing demand for animal-derived food products, growing companion animal market, rising animal health expenditure, increasing pet insurance coverage, increasing number of veterinary practitioners, and increasing per capita expenditure in developed regions will fuel the global veterinary surgical instruments market. Due to a competitive market environment, product innovation is another driving factor which will add value to the global veterinary surgical instrument market. On the other hand, factors such as lack of animal health awareness and shortage of skilled veterinarians in developing countries will hinder the growth of the market globally.Browse full report on Veterinary Surgical Instruments Market -The veterinary surgical instruments market has been segmented by product type, animal type, application, end-users, and geography. In term of product type, the market is classified into forceps, surgical scissors, needle holders, retractors, electrosurgery instruments, dental instruments, orthopedic, and others. In terms of animal type, the market is classified into canine, equine, feline, and large animal. In terms of application, the market is classified into soft tissue surgery, gynecology, orthopedic surgery, and dental surgery. In terms of end-users, the market is classified into veterinary clinics, veterinary hospitals, and veterinary diagnostic laboratories.Geographically, the veterinary surgical instruments market is classified into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East and Africa.Geographically, North America dominates the market due to rising animal healthcare expenditure, growing number of veterinary practitioners, rising companion animal adoption and rising demand for pet insurance and a well-established animal healthcare market. North America market is followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. Europe is the second largest market for veterinary surgical instruments due to increasing pet adoption, and research and development activities. Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a higher rate due to growing per capita animal health expenditure in this region, growing demand for animal-derived food products in China and India, progressive urbanization and rising pet adoption. Emerging markets such as Brazil, South Africa, India, and China will create opportunities for the market.The major players operating in this market include STERIS, plc, DRE Medical, Inc., B. Braun Vet Care GmbH, DRE Medical, Inc, World Precision Instruments Inc., Surgical Holdings, Neogen Corporation, Integra LifeSciences Corporation, Antibe Therapeutics Inc., and Germed USA 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. 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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 Automatic Deburring Machine Market 2017 BENSELER, Kadia Production, Sugino Machine Are Key Players

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Global Automatic Deburring Machine Market 2017 report spread across 124 pages gives Market Segment Analysis by Key Manufacturers, Countries, Types and Applications. This report studies the Automatic Deburring market, Deburring is, to put it simply, a finishing method used in industrial settings and manufacturing environments. This report we focus on the Automatic Deburring equipment and process.Complete report is available atScope of the Report:This report focuses on the Global Automatic Deburring Machine 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: BENSELER, Kadia Production, Sugino Machine (Zippel), Rsler Oberfl chentechnik GmbH, EMAG GmbH & Co. KG, Valiant, Maschinenbau Silberhorn, Durr Ecoclean GmbH, Loeser GmbH, SEMA Maschinenbau GmbH, Cleaning Technologies Group, RSA Cutting, Aquarese, Abtex, NS Maquinas Industiais, Georg Kesel, PROCECO, Heshi, Whler Brush Tech GmbH, AXIOME, Bertsche Engineering Corporation, DigcherMarket 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: Rotary Transfer Deburring, High Pressure Deburring, Ultrasonic Deburring, OthersMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into: Electronics, Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Medical Device, OtherRequest for discount atThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Automatic Deburring Machine market.Chapter 1 to describe Automatic Deburring Machine Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2 to analyze the top manufacturers of Automatic Deburring Machine, with sales, revenue, and price of Automatic Deburring Machine, 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 Automatic Deburring Machine, 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;Order copy of report atChapter 12 Automatic Deburring Machine market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15 to describe Automatic Deburring Machine 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
William Shakespeare meets Cuba in Milagro Theatre's latest production, an original Spanish-language musical meant to strike numerous sociopolitical chords.

Conceived by esteemed Portland composer Rodolfo Ortega, "Oye Oya" draws from Shakespeare's play "The Tempest" to explore present-day Cuba since the 2015 restoration of U.S.-Cuban diplomatic relations. New York thespian Rebecca Martinez wrote the book.

Director Estefania Fadul, a New York-based stage and film director, recently discussed "Oye Oya." Here are excerpts from the conversation.

Q: What does the title mean?

A: "Oye" is Spanish for "listen up" or "hey." Oya is the name of this orisha, who is a goddess of the Santeria religion in Cuba. She is the orisha of the winds and bringing about change. She's the one who cleans away the past before people go into the cemetery, and is the goddess of rebirth.

Q: Was Ortega directly inspired by the reestablishment of relations between the U.S. and Cuba?

A: He had the idea a little over a year ago. He was interested in exploring where Cuba is headed and what the relations are between the two countries because there's been so much change. Even since he came up with the idea, every month there's a new policy in place.

The other thing it's inspired by is the Cuban zarzuela, a form of operetta that started in the Spanish Golden Age. It started becoming a way of exploring social classes; it became a way of exploring things that were more relevant to Cuba, as opposed to Spain.

Q: Is the entire production in Spanish?

A: It's in Spanish. We do have subtitles in English. The idea is that it would be inclusive of English and Spanish speakers.

Q: What are the main themes that you're trying to draw out in this production?

A: A big one for me is freedom. On one side there's some characters who've been trying to get out of Cuba to go to the U.S. because in their eyes it's going to give them a better future. Then we also have these characters that started off in Cuba, made it to the U.S. years ago and now find themselves back in Cuba. It's that idea of what do you gain, what do you lose when you leave your home?

Another one is generations. The dad character, he's of the generation that grew up under Fidel (Castro), he would have been born around the (1950s) revolution. He has very strong feelings against the government and he's definitely felt the cost of a lack of freedom in his own life. Then we have his daughter, who is in her late 20s. She's old enough to have seen what that does to him, but she's also old enough to have lived through all the changes in the last 10 years in Cuba and to feel that there's a potential for a better future in Cuba. The burdens that come with being part of this older generation, can the younger generation come out from under those to forge a new path for Cuba?

Q: Has working on this production affected you personally in any way?

A: This is my first time in Portland, and it's really exciting to get to work with a completely new community, especially a Latinx theater community. It really is amazing how much they're putting into it.

Q: How did a New York director get affiliated with an Oregon production?

A: Daniel Jaquez, who was the interim artistic director here last year, he had seen my work in New York and he invited me, which was very exciting.

Q: Are there things that people should be aware of about Cuban history or U.S.-Cuba relations before they sit down for the show?

A: Just knowing the long history of colonialization. Even once (Cuba) gained independence, there was a long history of American imperialism. Then we moved on to (Fulgencio) Batista, the dictator, and then we moved on to Fidel. It has a long history of not being quite free.

In terms of more recent history, just the fact that a few months ago (former President Barack) Obama got rid of the "wet foot, dry foot" policy (for Cuban refugees). That's something that ups the stakes at the beginning of the musical, as we have this father who's always wanted to get his daughter out of Cuba - now suddenly any opportunity for that to happen is even more valuable because it's that much harder to find.

Q: What do you hope audiences take away after they've seen the play?

A: This idea of a new hope and change, and letting go of the tensions that have held people back. How do you move forward when there's so many differences between people, especially when it comes to political issues or when there's social divides that stratify societies? I also hope they also go away thinking about what's the definition of freedom: What does freedom mean?

***

"Oye Oya"

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, through May 27

Where: Milagro Theatre, 525 S.E. Stark St.

Tickets: $20-$27, milagro.org or 503-236-7253
Robin Cody.Ricochet River.jpg

Robin Cody's classic coming-of-age novel about three teens in an Oregon logging town has been reissued in a new 25th anniversary edition by Portland's Ooligan Press.

Notes from The Oregonian/OregonLive's books desk.

"Ricochet River" redux: Robin Cody's coming-of-age novel about three teens in an Oregon logging town in the late 1960s gets a handsome 25th anniversary treatment from Portland's Ooligan Press, and deservedly so. "Ricochet River" (288 pages, $15.95) was chosen by the Oregon State Library for its list of "150 Books for the Oregon Sesquicentennial" and as one of the Oregon Culture Heritage Commission's "100 Oregon Books." This edition features short essays by fellow Oregon authors Brian Doyle, Molly Gloss, William L. Sullivan and Diana Abu-Jaber attesting to the book's timelessness, character building, historical context and sense of place.

A love note to Ashland: Ashland gets a star turn in the new book "All Over the Place: Adventures in Travel, True Love, and Petty Theft" (Public Affairs, 288 pages, $25). Author Geraldine DeRuiter, who spent five years traveling the world, writes, "I took my time falling in love with the small town ... When I first saw it, I didn't even know where I was. Now I wonder why I spend time anywhere else." Reader, she eventually married there. The book publishes Tuesday, May 2.

"My Father's Closet": Karen A. McClintock, who teaches human sexuality at Southern Oregon University, has published a memoir, "My Father's Closet" (The Ohio State University Press, 225 pages, $29.95), about the father she didn't really know, based on his journals and his correspondence with her mother. Alison Bechdel, author of "Fun Home," says of the book, "Karen McClintock reconstructs her father's double life with novelistic flair, keen psychological insight, and graceful compassion."

A kid's field guide: Children who love the outdoors will appreciate the new book "Curious Kids Nature Guide: Explore the Amazing Outdoors of the Pacific Northwest" (Little Bigfoot, 96 pages, $19.99), which introduces our region's flora and fauna with simple, easy-to-follow text and meticulous line drawings. Fun facts abound: "To hit a tree as hard as a woodpecker does, you'd have to fun toward it as fast as you can and smack your face into it, again and again, more than a thousand times a minute." The book, written by Fiona Cohen and illustrated by Marni Fylling, publishes Tuesday, May 2.

A bookbinder's journey: Portland resident Margaret E. Davis doesn't just read books; she puts them together. Her new book, "China Under the Covers: A Binder's Journey to the Roots of Books" (Ma Nao Books, 200 pages, $24.95), recounts how she won a grant to study traditional Chinese bookbinding, and the relationships and cultural understanding she stitched together during her time in China. (If you enjoy Chinese food, the book is also worth reading for the culinary expeditions alone.) Davis will sign copies of her book from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at 23 Sandy Gallery, 623 N.E. 23rd Ave.

Harry Chapin book: Well, really, it's a Harry Chapin song turned into a picture book, "Mr. Tanner" (40 pages, $17.99), by Portland-based Ripple Grove Press. The children's book publisher is donating a portion of the book's sale proceeds to WhyHunger, a nonprofit that Chapin founded with disc jockey Bill Ayres to combat hunger and poverty worldwide. The book is illustrated by Bryan Langdo. It publishes Tuesday, May 9.
madison.jpg

Madison High School, in Northeast Portland, will be modernized if voters pass a $790 million bond on the May 2017 ballot.

(Larry Bingham/The Oregonian)

Portland Public Schools teaches children math as complex as calculus, but made a simple arithmetic mistake potentially worth millions and tried to keep the error secret.

Portland Public Schools flubbed basic addition and awarded the bid to plan the $146 million redesign of Madison High School to the wrong firm, giving the important design contract to the bidder that the official district vetting team rated second-best.

How? Bad formulas on an Excel spreadsheet.

Losing the project was a devastating to partners Opsis Architecture and Dao Architecture. In their bid proposal, Opsis, a larger, more established firm, joined with Dao, a minority-woman owned firm, as a way to increase equity in the architecture profession. The team had done the master plan for the high school and felt invested in the Madison community.

The revelation of the math mistake, which came to light at this week's school board meeting and was first reported by The Portland Tribune, comes just before a vote to pass a $790 million bond, which would fund the rebuild of Madison and other district construction projects.



Portland Public Schools was unable to provide anyone to comment for this article by deadline.

Portland Public Schools has admitted it botched the contracting process and as a result has put new policies in place and disciplined staff, according to an email from Deputy Executive Officer Yousef Awwad to the school board.

What Portland Public Schools didn't do, according to the architects and school district records, is make any attempt to correct the debacle or even tell the firm about it.

As soon as the firm found out they didn't get the contract in October, the firm demanded a debrief, said Randall Heeb, senior associate at Opsis. The district refused to meet with them until the contract with BLRB Architects, the second-choice firm, was complete.

Unbeknownst to the Opsis and Dao team, during this time the clock was ticking on the seven-day window Oregon law allows for protesting contract decisions.

"It seems like they were withholding evidence in a way," said Joann Dao Le, a Vietnamese immigrant and one of two architects who head Dao Architecture. "It just needs to be a transparent process."

Just after the eventual debrief in late December, Portland Public Schools staff caught the blatant math debacle, but kept quiet and didn't admit the mistake or apologize, according to an email Emily Courtnage, Portland Public Schools director of purchasing and contracting, sent Awwad outlining the timeline of the dispute.

When the firm found the error on its own in January, district officials told company representatives they already knew about the error and apologized. But said they couldn't fix it, since the contract with BLRB was already signed and the work underway.

This turn of events stunned the architects, who thought they would be enlightening Portland Public Schools about the errors. It's baffling to them that the district didn't let them know as soon as they spotted the bad math.

"These are several small math errors, but they have huge impact," Le said. "It's millions of dollars in fees, so for them to take it so casually was disappointing too."

BLRB is being paid $300,000 for "pre-design work," but the contract states that the district's default position will be to award the firm the much-larger, more lucrative second phase to complete the design if voters pass the bond.

Adding to the frustration, Opsis and Dao architects say Portland Public Schools has refused multiple offers from their attorney to work out a solution.

Courtnage's email states, "We told Opsis we would be happy to meet in person to discuss further but did not receive any requests to meet." The firm says that charge doesn't square, as they've offered many times to talk.

Awwad told board members in an email that the district is likely to dole out future Madison design work through another bidding process and not automatically award the work to the contractor they chose by mistake.

"We just think if the bond passes and if they award the second phase to BLRB, it just seems so wrong to do that knowing what they know now," Le said. "The stonewalling is just amazing."

Feeling they had no other recourse, the architects pleaded their case in public to the school board at Tuesday's meeting.

There was a certain irony, Le noted, considering that same meeting was also devoted to lengthy testimony praising the district's work regarding equity for the past five years.

"As a minority woman practicing for over 25 years in the fields of architecture and construction, I have navigated the terrain of inequity and biases, and I understand that life can be at times unfair, as has been said to me by the district in the past months," Le told the school board. "A large and established institution such as (Portland Public Schools) must uphold the integrity and the transparency of the process. We are asking that the district do the right thing for the school, the community for our team and follow your goal of equity and excellence."

-- Bethany Barnes



Got a tip about Portland Public Schools? Email Bethany: bbarnes@oregonian.com
entek-Lebanon-Oregon-4x3.png

Entek International's Lebanon manufacturing plant.

(Google Street View)

UPDATE: This story has been corrected.

Entek International won a gag order this month against Oregon officials who wanted to tell residents about a chemical in the air near the company's Lebanon factory, saying the state had no evidence Entek was polluting illegally.

Newly released records show regulators have repeatedly documented health problems among Entek employees who worked around the chemical solvent, trichloroethylene. The reports included dementia, neurological problems, rashes, dizziness and trouble driving home from work.

Occupational safety and health officials have fined the battery parts manufacturer $6,875 for problems related to trichloroethylene. The 10 violations included repeatedly failing to train its employees about how to protect themselves from the solvent's vapors, which are linked to cancer, birth defects and other health problems.

In a statement Friday, an Entek attorney said the company had implemented the safety recommendations of state regulators, new workplace practices and engineering controls.

"For 30 years, we've worked to remain in compliance with OSHA standards and to implement technology and best practices to ensure both compliance and the safety of our employees," said the company attorney, Joel Mullin.

Oregon environmental and health officials became concerned about potentially elevated levels of trichloroethylene near the Entek factory earlier this year.

Limits on air pollution outside a factory are different from rules inside, but computer modeling showed concentrations of trichloroethylene around Entek that were higher than the level at which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says the risk of developing fetal heart defects increases.

Trichloroethylene limits

What's legal in the workplace:

* 100 parts per million: OSHA

What's considered safe during an eight-hour work shift:

* 10 ppm: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists

Where your lifetime risk of cancer starts to increase:

* .000037 ppm: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Where risks of developmental health effects begin:

* .00037 ppm: U.S. EPA

What's in the air near Entek

* .0037 - .0086  U.S. EPA

* .0026  Oregon DEQ

* .00156 ppm - .00346 ppm  Entek

The state prepared to tell the public about the testing while it attempted to get more precise numbers by deploying air monitors.

But Entek contested the results. And it went to court to keep the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon OSHA from talking about the air pollution modeling. On April 7, a Linn County circuit court judge issued an injunction against the state, saying that Entek would be "irreparably harmed" if neighbors, local doctors and company employees were notified about the modeling.

The Oregonian/OregonLive obtained state workplace safety reports about Entek through a public records request.

The records show that Entek has struggled to keep its employees from breathing the solvent's vapors since at least 2000.

Inspectors that year found trichloroethylene in the air in the company's lunchroom. The levels didn't exceed the legal limit, but the state told the company to fix it anyway because it's where employees went to rest.

In 2004, Oregon officials grew so worried about reports of the company's workers developing dementia and neurological problems that they petitioned a federal workplace safety institute for help.

The agency, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, conducted an in-depth, multi-year study. It determined Entek employees who were exposed to the solvent, commonly called TCE, developed health problems more frequently than those who weren't.

"We found statistically significant evidence of neurobehavioral deficits" in three tests, the study's authors reported, "which we associated with their TCE exposure."

Almost half of Entek's exposed workers reported feeling high or lightheaded at work, far more than a control group of employees who didn't work around the solvent. Workers who spent time around trichloroethylene more frequently reported heart palpitations, sleeping problems and difficulty driving home from feeling dizzy or tired.

Employees who breathed the solvent also performed worse on vision, balance and manual dexterity tests.

During the evaluation, Entek officials told the federal agency they were in the midst of implementing a multi-year engineering plan to reduce exposure and improve ventilation.

But the state found problems with trichloroethylene at Entek in subsequent years, records show.

Welders working on a trichloroethylene tank in 2006 weren't told the liquid inside was the solvent, Oregon workplace safety inspectors found. The welders thought the tank mostly contained steam, state inspection records say. A fireball erupted.

After the fire, the state fined Entek $125 for two safety violations classified as "serious." The state found Entek had failed to train employees about the risks of breathing toxic vapors in the plant and had not identified respiratory hazards for employees who'd been welding around trichloroethylene.

When Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspectors visited the plant in 2013, agency records say, employees "showed signs and symptoms" of trichloroethylene exposure: splotchy, peeling skin; dizziness; light-headedness; and a loss of finger control.

The OSHA inspectors went in after an employee complained about being ordered back to work by a supervisor despite high levels of trichloroethylene in the air.

Inspectors verified parts of the allegation. Tanks filled with trichloroethylene had been opened, allowing airborne levels of the solvent to temporarily increase beyond what's considered safe. Employees weren't told to put their respirators on until after the tanks had been closed, the state's inspection report says.

The state found Entek wasn't making sure workers were trained about exposure, how to use respirators or what to do when the solvent's vapors exceeded limits. The company paid a $6,750 fine for eight "serious" violations.

Inspectors returned again in 2014 after receiving a complaint that trichloroethylene levels had been documented at eight times the legal limit. They didn't substantiate the allegation, but found workers were routinely exposed to trichlorethylene in the air and through skin contact.

Workplace safety inspectors wrote that although airborne levels were below OSHA's limit of 100 parts per million, much lower levels of trichloroethylene could cause health problems. The state told Entek that a non-regulatory association, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, had established a health-based limit of 10 parts per million.

State regulators didn't specify the levels of trichloroethylene they found at Entek, but wrote that the volumes were above the 10 parts per million limit "at all times."

(For comparison, U.S. EPA computer modeling this year for residential areas near Entek indicated .0037 to .0086 parts per million in the air.)

The state told Entek that it "strongly recommends that you continue to work at reducing employee's exposure to TCE at your workplace."

A judge is expected to rule soon about whether to continue the gag order on Oregon officials.

Correction: EPA computer modeling shows trichloroethylene concentrations outside Entek of .0037 to .0086 parts per million, while DEQ models show .0026 parts per million. These concentrations are lower than workplace safety limits but above the level federal officials say can cause long-term health problems. The EPA says a person's lifetime cancer risk starts to increase at .000037 parts per million. An earlier version of the post misstated these levels.

 Rob Davis

rdavis@oregonian.com

503.294.7657; @robwdavis
State Bird

The western meadowlark is Oregon's state bird by the governor's proclamation in 1927.

(Robin Loznak/Great Falls Tribune via AP, file)

HOT BUTTON QUESTION: We'll ask one each week and publish a representative sample of readers' answers.

This week's question: Do you favor giving up the meadowlark for the osprey as the state bird of Oregon?

Deadline for responses: 3 p.m., Tuesday, May 2.

Email to letters@oregonian.com. Limit responses to 250 words. Letters must contain the author's name, address and contact information. Selected letters will be published this Wednesday, May 3.

Submissions may also be mailed to Oregonian Opinion, 1500 SW First Ave., Suite 400, Portland, OR 97201. All submissions become the property of The Oregonian and will not be returned. Submissions may be edited and may be published or otherwise used in any medium. Reach editor Laura Gunderson at 503-221-8378 or lgunderson@oregonian.com.
2016 Providence Bridge Pedal

The author recognizes the work of two Oregon leaders who worked to beautify and protect the Willamette River.

(Dave Killen/Staff)

By Steve Schell

In 1966, Tom McCall and Bob Straub, were locked in a race for governor. McCall, then secretary of state, was an urbane, former newscaster with a Boston twang, even though he had grown up in the rimrock country out of Redmond, Oregon. Straub, the state treasurer, was a Eugene homebuilder, former state senator, and former chair of the State Democratic Party (and later was himself the governor).

Straub's campaign headquarters was staffed by three former Franklin High School kids from Portland who had gone on to do other things: Sandra Brockbank (later Sonnie Russill), George Russill and Steve Schell. We all had political experience working for statewide candidates including then-Sen. Wayne Morse and Straub and thus had front row seats for this titanic struggle between two Oregon giants.

Prior to 1966 the Willamette River, all the way from Springfield to its mouth at the Columbia River, served as a receptacle for municipal sewers and pulp and paper plant waste. It was toxic to fish and was not a river anybody would want to swim in, float, drink from or even walk along.

In his various political roles, Straub had thought a lot about the Willamette River. So, in July of 1966, Straub blew into his Portland campaign office with ideas for the Willamette River. Sonnie sat down with a typewriter (yes, that's what we had then) and typed out on a mimeograph sheet (no photocopiers then) a press release consisting of a plan for the greenway with a map included. We turned the crank on the mimeograph machine to make the copies, and we put on backers (papers slightly larger than standard letter size paper) in an attempt to give these ideas more heft. Then we mailed or hand delivered them to the news outlets throughout the state.

Well, it turned out that this particular set of ideas didn't need the extra heft. The Eugene Register-Guard rhapsodically endorsed the ideas. Within a short time, McCall enthusiastically joined in support, even though he incorrectly gave credit for the concept to conservationist Karl Onthank. (McCall later admitted to some jealousy at Straub's coming up with the idea before he did.) While the ideas weren't enough to get Straub elected over McCall, both did what was necessary to launch and sustain the ideas.

At the urging of McCall and Straub the Legislature turned the ideas into law 50 years ago. The 1967 law reads, "... in order to protect and preserve for present and future generations of citizens the natural, scenic and recreational value of the Willamette River, it is in the public interest to acquire and develop along the Willamette River a recreational system to be known as the Willamette River Park System." After 50 years, we, the "future generations" of the 1967 law, have a tremendous legacy. Think of Champoeg State Park, Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the strolling and bike path on both sides of the river from the Steele Bridge to the Tilikum Crossing. In Eugene, a running capital of the world, there is the unique Prefontaine Trail. In Salem, there are the Riverfront Park and the Minto-Brown Island Park. And these are only a few.

Share your opinion

Submit your essay of 500 words or less to commentary@oregonlive.com. Please include your email and phone number for verification.

In this age of polarization and skepticism about government, on this 50th anniversary of the Willamette Greenway, we in Oregon can contemplate and celebrate what marvelous things our forefathers have done for us by working together in the public interest.

Steve Schell, a Portland lawyer, served on the initial Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission, which in 1976 adopted the Willamette Greenway Goal as part of Oregon's land use planning system.
Hyderabad: R.VIDYA-SAGAR-RAO-758x768Chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao expressed shock at the death of Vidyasagar Rao. He also expressed his condolences to the family members of Vidya Sagar Rao. R Vidyasagar Rao, who died this morning at a private hospital, had vast experience on irrigation projects. He worked as adviser to Telangana government on irrigation schemes. He was born on November 14, 1939. He had done engineering from Osmania University and later did in masters degree in engineering from Rourkee University. He had done diploma in water resources at Colorado university in US in 1983. As United Nations Organisations (UNO) member for environment, he toured various countries. He also worked as member in Central Water Commission (CWC).
Who caused school to turn into a scaring ghoul? Who robbed school from pleasure and made it so ghoulish with little fragrance or real life? Most of those in charge of it have retired much earlier than the age of retirement! Everyone is watching the tragedy from afar, letting the flood ravage everything. Is what came to pass random or deliberate? A long-tailed question mark should be at the end of the former sentence.

The generality of Moroccan schools are depressing and demotivating. Walls are so sullied with chalk and permanent markers that you feel totally bored. Wherever you direct your eyes, you are shocked with insults and vulgar words that I dare not divulge right here.

Miserably enough, the mess has become the norm. Broken light bulbs are a usual frustrating sight. Roofs are rife with  Kala , a type of drug; they roll tobacco into thin paper and stick it directly under the gum. No sooner they have finished than they stick the roll onto the ceiling leaving a disgusting sight.

Pieces of paper are everywhere. Desks are all holes and teacher desks so dirty. Yogurt and plastic bottles lie usually behind doors. Most classrooms have no plugs and their doors no keys. On top of that, very unhopefully though, a student might pass water behind the classroom door in the absence of the administration staff, leaving a fetid odour. Administrators may succeed in spotting a truant, an uncaring teacher not a student, yet they can never know which student passed water or tore away either flaps of the blackboard or perforated a desk or rather screamed in the hall causing much nuisance to all classrooms nearby!

Caretakers are no more appointed and charwomen are no longer paid. Thus, nobody is there to clean the filth that accumulates day in, day out. Walls teem with caricatures, quotations, equations, whole paragraphs used for cheating, vulgar words, drawings and grotesque scribbles transferred to you as such:  Derb cibo3bid/ younes predateur/ 3ammo abdo zaze/Habib bmooooot fiiiiik  and the like.

You may every so often engage in voluntary campaigns along with students and clean the immediate environment, yet what role should the ministry of education play? No budget is available for education and profuse grants are devoted to so many unimportant things that you all well know!

You bring with you your laptop, speakers, V.G.A cable and extension. A colleague may poke fun at you because you are carrying a heavy satchel. So lucky you are to get a data show if you want to chase boredom with the broom of innovation and the lure of ICT and bring life into the classroom! Nevertheless, remember the school is equipped with cameras! There it is written on a big colourful sign testifying a miserable contradiction.

The inward void of school is glossed over through superficial make-up and spurious smiles. It is indeed a parable of a have-not wearing a precious finger-ring and borrowing a high-flash convertible car or rather a shantytown brimful of huge satellite dishes. Likewise, its a parable of a packet of cigarettes on which are written contradictions: its rich and its colours are alluring, yet on its side you read 12 mg of tar, 1 mg of nicotine and 12 mg of carbon!

Should we state with no single doubt to everybody sound of mind that education in Morocco had already passed away. Truancy is at its peak in many high schools; only ten or eight of thirty students attend their lessons the whole year. While a third are attending classes, two thirds are out doing what they guess best. Skipping classes is hardly unnoticeable. Two or three of the former third will get their baccalaureate and one will probably get a job. It is a phenomenon worth pondering on, isnt it?

While the boys come in with queer hair-styles, girls are all too welcome with no smocks, too much make-up and funny torn jeans. Besides, chewing gum and playing with cell phones havent become abnormal.

The state of affairs being so, how dare we boast of quality learning, the National Charter, the Emergency Programme and the Strategic View 2015-2030?! It is not a pessimism-driven article, I am afraid. It is simply a true account of things as they really are.
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Midland welcomed back the 460th Supply and Service Co. of the Michigan National Guard 27 years ago.

About 5,000 people turned out for the unit's march through downtown April 30, 1991, and another 1,000 greeted the troops at the National Guard Armory on Airport Road.

The unit was federalized in September 1990, sent to Saudi Arabia in November 1990 and supported elements of the 24th Infantry Division during the invasion of Iraq.

For the trip into Midland, two police cars, sirens blaring, led four buses across the Karl B. Robertson bridge at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, 1991, as screaming supporters caught a glimpse of the company members for the first time in months.

After getting off the buses near Emerson Park, company members in brown fatigues marched side by side down Main Street, where upwards of 5,000 people greeted them with balloons, American flags and cheers.

"I'd walk a whole county for something like this," said 1st Sgt. Charles Kaminski of Midland, the ranking non-commissioned officer of the 460th.

"We'd heard about a welcome," said Spc. Christy VandeMaele of Mount Pleasant. "But you don't imagine something like this."
Sara Chase, a Saginaw Valley State University undergraduate, has received a scholarship from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and AAUW-Midland Branch to attend the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders. One thousand or more young women will be attending this conference on the campus of the University of Maryland, College Park, May 31 to June 3.

Chase is an early childhood education student, with the goal of making a positive difference in her community and in the lives of others. Shortly after enrolling at SVSU she distinguished herself by joining the student advancement organization, Forever Red. Her support sponsor said first year students that join this elite group immediately separate themselves as having initiative, drive and a pursuit of purpose different from that of their peers. Chase took that initiative a step further by volunteering at events and attending meetings right away.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: One in a series of stories on growing up, living and learning in Midland as told through its residents.

A flow of casual footsteps and voices from an otherwise muted downtown Midland scene carried into an open storefront on Thursday afternoon.

Theres so much potential here, Melanie Marshall said of the city, her dark eyes scanning sunlit storefronts across Main Street.

Marshall, 44, was born in Lansing and moved to Sanford when she was 4. She describes her upbringing as normal. Her father was an outdoorsman. He built barrier-free access projects, and was physically challenged. He died in 2009.

Still feeling the residuals of the Great Recession in 2008, she moved in 2011 to Franklin, Tennessee, a city of about 72,000 people 20 miles south of Nashville. Another loss would follow her: the sudden death of her mother. The family  husband, Chris, and daughters, Annabelle, 12, and Chloe, 11  in 2015 moved back to Michigan to cope.

With a background in interior design, event planning, photography, floral design and party planning, and an idea born in Tennessee, Marshall saw an opportunity to open a business in downtown Midland. She called the boutique happy. pretty. Lifestyle Design (I always want to make people happy and I want everything to be pretty, she told the Daily News last summer.) It opened May 7, 2016.

She also returned to Midland with perspective. Franklin and Nashville were full of creative people, and the areas have a quintessential downtown, she said, bustling with boutiques and people shopping local businesses.

Which is what Id like to see for Midland, Marshall said. We loved it.

Shes eager to expand to other areas of the state and open a shop in Nashville. But shes got excited eyes for Midland, which she calls home.

In the early 90s, she felt the thrill surrounding the Midland Mall. Shes seen its struggles in the past decade as malls and retailers around the country face overwhelming competition from an online marketplace. Shes seen the early stages of traffic roundabouts, for which she still has mixed feelings. Growth along Eastman Avenue. The Santa House. Midland Blooms. Buying clothes at the former Circle Mall at the center of Midland (That was one of my favorite places, she said.)

And, perhaps annoyingly enough, a Main Street that was parallel parking-only.

She pointed out the many businesses that have come and gone in downtown Midland, and the buildings that now sit empty. Landlords are trying to make rent affordable, she said.

She sees the upcoming downtown streetscape project as making the area more of a destination.

But that doesnt necessarily mean she wants to see a ballooning population. Marshall said she considers Midland a small big city. One that could foster pocket communities, where people can walk from store to store and find something unique at each stop.

There arent little pocket shopping centers anymore, she said.

She said she wants to respect and balance the visions of older generations  those who have built this community up  with those of a younger crowd that desires a more urban feel. She places herself somewhere in the middle.

Young professionals want the feeling of being in a big city, with things to do, she said, and with places like WhichCraft Taproom, Oscars Bar & Grill, and the newly renovated Midland Brewing Co., were getting there.

To Marshall, Midland could host more of an urban living environment, framed by buildings of varying architecture. Shed love to see an indoor Farmers Market, a concept adopted in Bay City and Saginaw.

Everybody wants the feeling of being in a Main Street U.S.A. neighborhood, she said.

There are things shed like to see unchanged, too, like public safety in the city and a strong arts scene  especially the ever-swinging pendulum at the Center for the Arts she remembers seeing as a little girl.

For as small of a city as we are, we have a lot to offer, Marshall said. And were on our way. Were moving forward and I hope it continues to go that way.
The United Way of Midland County hosted the eighth annual Spirit of the Community celebration on Tuesday.

The event honors the many ways that individuals and organizations are lending their time, talents, voices and hearts to create a better and stronger community, according to United Way, which noted a nearly 400-person turnout.

This event celebrates Living United and honors the incredible people and organizations and the ways in which they are coming together for impact and change, said Ann Fillmore, executive director of United Way of Midland County. Community change is bigger than one person or one organizationit requires working together. Thats the heart of the Live United message.

2017 Spirit of the Community honorees are:

 Capt. Brian Goodwill (The Salvation Army)  2017 Charles J. Strosacker Award

This award recognizes an individual from a United Way partner agency for his or her contribution and leadership in promoting the wellbeing of others. Goodwill impacts countless families each year by providing meals, clothes and everyday necessities for those in need. He gives generously of his time and heart to Midland County, United Way stated.

 Jamie Moore and Chris Shuster (The Dow Chemical Co.)  2017 Torch Bearer Award

This award recognizes United Way campaign volunteers who demonstrate a true passion for sharing the Live United message. Shuster and Moore embody the spirit of the community and served as a bellwether for success of the Dow/Dow Corning team  working together ahead of the merger to coordinate their community impact from Dow locations throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region, United Way stated.

 Betty Chenoweth (community volunteer)  2017 Heart of the Community Award

This award recognizes a group or individual who has demonstrated a passion for serving the community through volunteering. Chenoweth has been active in the community for more than 50 years, serving as a board member on the Midland Public Schools Board, the Midland branch of the American Association of University Women and through a variety of volunteer initiatives at Memorial Presbyterian Church.

 Dave Vercellino (New Life Vineyard Church)  2017 Shining Star Award Recipient

This award celebrates an individual that shines bright in the community as a visible symbol of caring and compassion through advocacy. As a pastor and community volunteer, Vercellinos impact can be felt throughout the community, United Way stated. Thanks to his leadership, Vercellino inspired several local organizations to combine forces to form the Friends of Whispering Pines nonprofit to improve the lives of those in the Whispering Pines Mobile Home community and beyond.

 Jordan Summers (Chemical Bank)  2017 Outstanding Young Leader Award

This award recognizes a member of United Ways Young Leaders United who encourages the spirit of philanthropy and volunteerism among emerging leaders. In addition to his work with Young Leaders United, Summers is also actively involved with Memorial Presbyterian Church, the Disability Network of Mid-Michigan, Midland County Bar Association and Northwood University.

 Laura Rhodes (Northwood University)  2017 Outstanding Student Award

This award recognizes a local student who Lives United and encourages the spirit of volunteerism within their school and community. Rhodes has been instrumental in the planning and coordination of several events on campus and throughout the community, and she has inspired students of all ages to get involved and make a difference in Midland County.

 2017 Companies That Care

Companies That Care are characterized not only by the financial commitment they and their employees make, but the impact they have through advocacy and volunteerism. This year, United Way is honoring 25 organizations: AptarGroup, Ayre/Rhinehart Realtors, Bolger + Battle, Chemical Bank, City of Midland, County of Midland, Deloitte, Dow Chemical Employees Credit Union, Fisher Contracting Co., Garber Chevrolet, Gavin and Associates, LLC, Great Lakes Loons, Ieuter Insurance Group, McKay Press, Members First Credit Union, Midland Cogeneration Venture, Midland Daily News, Midland Public Schools, MidMichigan Medical Center  Midland, Northwood University, The Dow Chemical Co., Three Rivers Corp., Trinseo, Wolverine Bank and Yeo and Yeo.

Trinseo has the honor of being selected as the 2017 Caring Company of the Year as the stand-out organization for giving, advocating and volunteering in the community.
To the editor:

I feel the coverage provided by the Midland Daily News on the Moolenaar town hall was heavily biased, so Ive written my own article:

Congressman John Moolenaar held what he termed a listening session on Thursday evening at Central Michigan Universitys Plachta Auditorium. The crowd, estimated at 700-900 was tense, waiting to ask their representative some questions.

The questions were asked by randomly selected speakers, who were chosen via drawing. Each speaker was given a minute to ask their question, with a response from Moolenaar. Then, there was a chance for a 30-second follow up question.

As questions about health care coverage and affordability, climate change and tax returns began to be asked, the crowd grew loud with Moolenaars responses. Many in the crowd felt Moolenaar was avoiding answering questions directly, and began to chant and boo. There were times when Moolenaar provided a solid answer, but the crowd still yelled. Again, many later said this was because they felt a need to make sure Moolenaar heard them, their displeasure with his stance and hoped this would prompt continued listening from him in the future.

Though some have said the crowds were hostile towards Moolenaar, there were plenty in the crowd who agreed with him. Moolenaar did prompt cheers when he pledged to protect the Great Lakes and the restoration efforts that are taking place. This was one time when the crowd overwhelmingly agreed with him and each other. One woman who shouted that health care was unaffordable was shouted at to Get a job. Many would yell at those asking questions to get to the point. The moderator, Art Lewis, even asked those at the mic to ask their questions, more than once. He also told the audience numerous times when they began chanting, Well wait.

Clearly strong passions and tensions were at play throughout the crowd. Many view this strong expression of views as a positive. Sarah Schultz was one of members of the crowd who was able to ask Moolenaar a question. After the listening session, Schultz said, All of this resistance and protest is about patriotism. Its our rights as citizens to stand up when we disagree with what is going on with our government.

Id like to finish by saying I think its wonderful that so many people are taking time to engage with politics. People are once again being empowered in their government, and are finding their voice. This is something to celebrate, even when it looks like disagreement. Conflict forces us to engage with one another and find solutions. The people are refusing to be silent on both sides of every issue, and I think that makes our country stronger.

LYDIA BURGER

Midland
BLOOMINGTON  The Twin Cities was a crossroads Saturday for several leading candidates for the 2018 governor's race.

Democrats J.B. Pritzker, Chris Kennedy and Ameya Pawar spoke with students at the College Democrats of Illinois session in Illinois State University's Bone Student Center in Normal.

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner was at DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloomington, speaking at the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution state conference.

Other announced Democrats are Daniel Biss, Robert Daiber and Alex Paterakis. Biss is part of a panel at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the Caterpillar Auditorium at ISU's College of Business.

Pritzker, a Chicago entrepreneur and investor, spoke of restorative justice for Illinois inmates, how to lessen dependency on fossil fuels and the need for increased funding for education.

Were so vastly underfunded in our school systems that schools are fighting for scraps, said Pritzker. The state only gives 26 percent of funds to schools and the rest is funded by taxpayers. The state has shirked its responsibility for too long and needs to step up and pay those bills.

Kennedy, a Chicago businessman and son of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, discussed the increase of poverty and evaporation of Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants for universities. He told the students to stand up and demand a change.

Youre currently the biggest generation in American history. The baby boomers demanded change, now its your turn. Do what you can to change the future of our country. If we do that, we can restore the American dream for everyone in our state, said Kennedy.

In Bloomington, Rauner told members of the DAR that he shares many of their passions by supporting education, military and historic programs in the state.

Government spending in Illinois has gone up 66 percent in the last 17 years while jobs stay flat, putting us $185 billion in debt. We can save, not by cutting education or human services, but by shrinking the wasteful spending in our bureaucracy, said Rauner.

He also shared plans to restore the governors mansion in Springfield, which will cost $15 million in privately raised funds.

Like many things in Illinois, it has been allowed to deteriorate. Next year is the state bicentennial and wed like to get the governors mansion done by then, he said. "We plan to make it a living museum of Illinois, full of Illinois art, furniture and food."

The DAR ended the event by presenting a donation for the restoration of the mansion.
We are witnessing one of the most interesting power struggles between major players from the old and the new, digital world. Plus, the industry is a great case study into the business models which define each world - and into the dynamics of that transition.

To that end, I asked myself the following question: Why can we still buy music? Depending on where youre coming from, the idea that we could one day be living in a world where music cannot be bought but only accessed, might sound either crazy or consequential. I think its reasonable to ask.

From Bill Rosenblatt on Forbes:

For over 20 years, people have envisioned a future in which you dont need to own music, where a vast library music is available everywhere from a celestial jukebox. Although that vision became reality several years ago through services like Spotify, today its more than a vision: its the majority of the music industry. The most recent data shows that listeners get more music, and the industry makes more money from it, through access models than through ownership. This is a major tipping point in musics digital transformation, and its happening now.

The RIAA publishes detailed summaries of recorded music revenue by sourcetwice a year. The 2016 annual numbers brought some good news for the music industry  that it has returned to growth after five years of stagnation. But more importantly, streaming services are now the majority source of recorded music revenue, bigger than downloads, CDs and vinyl combined.

The largest chunk of that revenue comes from on-demand streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited and TIDAL, which let users pick the exact music they want to hear. In this crucial sense, they are directly comparable to ownership models, which include physical products as well as downloads.

Rosenblatt goes on to dig into the numbers. His finding is not surprising if your follow the music industry closely, but its interesting nonetheless: The access model  the term summarizes streaming and radio  is about to take over the ownership model (physical + downloads) in terms of the labels revenue from recorded music. That holds true even if you exclude free, ad-supported access from the equation. Consumers are willing to pay for access to music.

______________________________
"Today Show" host Hoda Kotb recently opened up about her daughter, Haley Joy, whom she adopted earlier this year. The TV personality said she is exhausted but she is in the happiest state of her life.

Kotb attended the 2017 Matrix Awards on Monday evening together with her "Today Show" co-host Kathie Lee Gifford. At the red carpet, the first-time mom said that she is feeling good and joked that her wine time still exists during weekends, E! News shared.

In another interview with "Today," Kotb expressed that Haley Joy is the best thing that happened to her. She revealed that the most surprising thing about being a mom is that even if she is wiped out, she still feels happy.

Aside from her boyfriend, Kotb also got help from her dog, Blake. Kotb said Blake is protective of the baby. The 52-year-old also recounted the time when she went into the shower but forgot to turn on the baby monitor. Blake came to the shower and called her attention. When Kotb followed her pet dog, Blake led her to the baby who was already awake and crying.

When asked about being a working mother, Kotb said she misses Haley Joy when she is not at home. She added, "My mom went to work and said, 'I love you, I'm going to be back, and I'm going to love what I do, and I'm going to come back and love you some more.'"

Kotb also discussed being a stay-at-home mom even if she only experienced it for two months. She gave a shout out to those moms, saying that when she stayed with the baby and did not work, she has never worked that hard in her entire life.

Kotb then advised moms or parents for that matter who felt like they have the worst day. She said she talks to God and thanks Him because a tough day with her daughter is so much better than a perfect day without her.

A post shared by Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) on Apr 18, 2017 at 10:45am PDT

Moreover, Kotb talked about adoption and she noted that it was the best one she made. She said that there is a way if people really want to have kids and cannot have them the natural way. As for mothers who gave up their kids for adoption, Kotb called such act as brave and beautiful because they gave up their kids for the latter to have a different kind of life.

In the United States, the people who want to adopt should at least meet the requirements such as being stable, mature, dependable, flexible, has the ability to advocate for children and be a team player, AdoptUsKids revealed. Those who live in the U.S. and even those who are outside the country can also adopt children.
Dove unleashed a new campaign called #RealDads to honor hands-on fathers. An increasing number of dads these days approach parenting differently that they are breaking stereotypes.

Dove's #RealDads campaign launched its ad Tuesday showing fathers as carers of their children. It featured a collection of different family videos showing dads feeding or bathing their children, playing and goofing with their kids, and changing the baby's diaper. Dove's #RealDads campaign followed the release of its #RealMoms ad showing modern moms.

"Research tells us that the media focuses on fathers as 'providers' and 'fixers' over three times more often than as 'emotional caregivers' and over four times more often than a 'daily caregiver,' diminishing their role as parents," a spokesperson for the company said, as per Huffington Post. "When in fact, 97 percent of dads say they are involved in their children's life and 7 in 10 see themselves as highly involved."

Compounding on what the Dove representative said, a study published in Marketing Theory in 2010 showed fathers were indeed portrayed in ads from a "very traditional masculine perspective." This proliferated the stereotype around dads who were defined by their financial capacity, income and status of employment.

"The media industry has tended to characterize men as macho guys, skirt chasers and inept at parenting and relationships," Keith Richman of Break Media told Forbes. The company did a separate study on how men feel about their gender's portrayal in ads and other mediums. Richman added, "While may have historically been true, what our results showed is that these characterizations aren't reflecting the behavior and aspirations of today's men."

In 2014, Pew Research Center published a study on a growing trend among families. The number of fathers choosing to stay at home and be the children's primary carers quadrupled from 1989 to 2012, from five percent to 21 percent.
Will County police found the 16-month-old toddler in her own home less than two days after she was reported missing. Authorities found the toddler in her Joliet Township residence in Illinois after police conducted a second sweep for further investigation.

The toddler's family told police that they last saw Semaj Crosby in their lawn playing with other children. Per CBS News, adults reportedly worked on a car until they noticed that the child cannot be found within their sight.

Authorities conducted the search for the toddler as she continued being lost for 30 hours. Three hours before the family reported the incident, police went to the family home for a well-being check and said that Crosby and her sibling were in a safe condition.

Police and volunteers stopped the search temporarily on Wednesday due of bad weather condition. On the same day, FBI obtained a search warrant in the family's home and found the infant's body at home at 11 a.m.

Authorities said that Crosby's death was suspicious, hence, they pushed for further investigation on the child's mother. CBS Local-Chicago said that investigators ran further inquiry on Sheri Gordon, the deceased's mother, for an allegation of neglect.

The report also noted that they recently encountered Crosby a week before she allegedly wandered off and died. Deputies of Will County Sheriff conducted a well-being check during Easter Sunday and found the siblings playing in the yard with sticks.

Officers also noticed that the children did not have their Easter gifts, so they bought a few for the five children. Deputies even posted a photo of Crosby, along with four other kids, showing off their Easter gifts.

The autopsy report on Crosby's corpse noted that the child's cause of death needed further studies, NBC Chicago reported. Deputy Chief Rick Ackerson added that the child lived in a home with "deplorable conditions" and many of the people that lived there were "squatters."
"Shameless" actress Emmy Rossum wrote a moving piece on social media addressed to single moms and kids of single parents. She was prompted to express her feelings after reading Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg's new book with psychologist Adam Grant about coping with solo parenting called "Option B."

Rossum described the book as a story of resilience. Sandberg's experience resonated with the actress as the Facebook executive detailed how she had to pick up the pieces with two young kids after her husband suddenly died.

The book also talked about the stigma affecting children of single parents, as Rossum wrote on Facebook. There are school traditions, such as the Father-Daughter dance, which made the kids feel left out. There's also the thought she won't have a father giving her away when she married.

Rossum said she saw her mom's sacrifices as she stood up as both mother and father for her. Despite having no relationship with her dad, who left them when her mom was pregnant, Rossum said her mother was enough as the only parent in her life.

"I don't like her to know that it still causes me pain - 30 years later - lest she feels somehow that she wasn't enough," Rossum said. "She wasn't perfect, no one is, but for me, she was the best mom ever." Read what the actress wrote in its entirety below.

Rossum doesn't mention her father to the press and admitted several years ago she only met up with him two times in her life, as per USA Today. She also revealed in 2014 that her mom, a corporate photographer, hired nannies to help raise her.

"They were all women who were in their 60s-my mom wouldn't let anyone who was of procreating age take care of me," the actress told The Algemeiner. "My nannies taught me that if you wanted it bad enough, impossible things could happen, like your dad coming back," she added, saying this mindset disillusioned her in her youth.
Everyone in Hollywood says George Clooney became a changed man after meeting and marrying his wife Amal Alammudin Clooney. The former Most Eligible Bachelor is set to welcome his first-born twins this summer when he once said he doesn't have that parenting gene in him.

Clooney expressed in an exclusive with Esquire in January 2014, and months before meeting Amal, he had "no aspirations" to marry. Having gone through a bad marriage in 1989, the actor and philanthropist admitted believing he's not good in a marriage. In September that year, Clooney exchanged vows with Amal following a whirlwind courtship that started in the summer.

Clooney was also once quoted saying having kids is a big responsibility and he's not up to the task. "I don't have that thing in me that says, 'must do it.' I don't see myself ever having kids," he told People. Fast forward to 2017 and Clooney's reps announced he and Amal are preparing for the birth of the twins in the summer. Clooney's friends noticed he's mellowed down with his pranks since confirming he's going to be a dad, Parent Herald reported.

The "Ocean's 11" star said he knew he "wanted to spend the rest of my life with Amal" when he met her, as per Marie Claire. His proposal took her by surprise.

Meanwhile, Clooney got plenty of advice from his pals and other parents of twins with the impending arrival of his babies. Monaco's Prince Albert, himself a dad of two, told the actor to store up energy now by sleeping a lot. He also recommended Clooney reads Joe Rawlinson's "A Dad's Guide To Twins," as per Female First.

The expecting parents plan to raise their kids in London in their first few years, as per E! News. Amal, who is an international human rights lawyer, works for the Doughty Street Chambers located in the city.

It's not confirmed, however, if the children will also attend school in London once they are old enough. The Clooneys travel a lot for work and they also have properties in California and Italy, among other places.
Despite her undying support for her father, President Donald Trump, First Daughter Ivanka Trump expressed her disagreement with his government's stance on Syrian refugees. Ivanka said it's an important matter that needs discussion but all that talk won't be enough if the U.S. and the world won't to come together and take action.

Speaking with NBC while on her trip to Germany, Ivanka acknowledged the plight of Syrian refugees as a "global humanitarian crisis." When pressed if the U.S. borders should be opened to these refugees, Ivanka nodded and said, "It has to be part of the discussion," but implied something else has to be done as well.

President Trump once regarded the refugee problem as a Trojan horse and told the press of his hesitation in welcoming them across the U.S. borders. "We have no idea who these people are, we are the worst when it comes to paperwork," Trump said, as per CNN.

He also said the United States has problems of its own and allowing refugees could cause more problems. He cited Germany's situation where citizens have rallied against German Chancellor Angela Merkel for allowing so many migrants.

In early April, the president launched an attack against a Syria military base with 59 Tomahawk missiles, CNBC reported. He believed Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad released chemical weapons that choked and killed innocent women and children. "Even beautiful babies were cruelly murdered in this very barbaric attack," the president said.

Meanwhile, advisers of the president described Ivanka's comments as a "political misstep." According to the New York Times, it highlighted the disagreements within the White House's core circle, which included Ivanka's husband Jared Kushner, the president's strategist Stephen K. Bannon and policy adviser Stephen Miller.

The civil war in Syria, which started over four years ago, already killed 320,000 people. An estimated five million refugees left the country seeking their new homes across other nations.
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On Thursday Patently Apple posted a report titled "Foxconn's Chairman Terry Gou and President Trump are set to Meet Next Thursday." We noted in the report that The impression was that the meeting would be next Thursday considering that the Nikkei report was dated Friday April 28, 2017." We're learning this morning that in fact Foxconn's chairman was in Washington the very day of our report. We're further learning that as Terry Gou exited the White House on day two at the White House that he told the press he's planning to make a "capital-intensive" investment in the United States.

More specifically, Gou stated that "We are planning a number of investments in America. This project will include both capital-intensive and skilled labor-intensive and high-tech investment."

When asked how much money he plans to invest, Gou said he wanted that to be a White House announcement. "We're still not final yet," he said. "I think we will share with you in the summer, maybe a few weeks."

Asked if he had met with Trump, Gou said: "I don't want to say yes or no. After we select the location, the White House will make an announcement."

Gou also visited the White House on Thursday, along with senior company executives including Vice Chairman Tai Jeng-wu, who is also chief of Japan's Sharp Corp, in which Foxconn holds a two-thirds stake.

The Nikkei further reported that Foxconn said in a statement after Gou spoke: "We can confirm that we are engaged in discussions with officials at various levels of government regarding our ongoing plans to significantly increase our investments in the United States."

In January Patently Apple posted a report titled "Foxconn Plan Close to Completion for a Massive U.S. Plant in the U.S. to Make LCD Displays and More." In that report we noted that a Sharp executive stated that Hon Hai Precision Industry (Foxconn) and its Japanese subsidiary Sharp have begun studying the possibility of building a liquid crystal display panel plant in the U.S. The plan is "on the table," the executive said. "We will make a decision carefully." Considering that Vice Chairman Tai Jeng-wu, who is also chief of Japan's Sharp Corp, was with Gou at the White House likely indicates that at least one of the deals does in fact revolve around a Sharp display plant.





The photo above was used in the January report clearly showing that when Softbank's Chairman met with President-Elect Trump, the proposal Mazayoshi Son was holding up to the cameras did indeed show Softbank and Foxconn which we were first to point out.

LCD's are still important in the TV display business. We noted back in December that Terry Gou deliberately dropped Samsung as a Sharp customer that sent Samsung into a panic for months. Sharp supplied LCD's to Samsung.

Sharp had announced a goal of roughly doubling current global sales of its Aquos-brand LCD TVs to 10 million units in fiscal 2018.

In the end, the mystery is in Gou revealing that they're planning "a number of investments in America." Will any of these investments relate to Apple? Only time will tell.

About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. Those using abusive language or behavior will result in being blacklisted on Disqus.
Earlier today we posted a report titled "ARM Confirms that Microsoft-Qualcomm Notebooks and 2-in-1 Devices for Windows 10 will hit the Market in Q4." It's obvious that Microsoft can't compete with Apple head-on and so they're changing their game plan this fall by introducing ARM based devices that Huawei, Lenovo and others will fully support. Yesterday Microsoft beat the street estimates with decent Cloud services performance but Surface products crashed 25%, according to the company's Earnings Release FY17 Q3.

CNBC reported last night that "The reason was a shortfall in the company's More Personal Computing segment, which includes Windows and hardware like the Surface tablets, booked $8.84 billion in revenue  well behind average expectations of $9.22 billion (according to StreetAccount), and down 7% from last year. Surface revenue dropped 26% to $831 million, its lowest figure in more than a year, in part because of more competition from other similar devices and ahead of expected new models expected out later this year.

On a call with CNBC, Microsoft said the shortfall was specifically due to "lower than expected Surface Pro unit volume," but noted that one big reason for that product is to spur growth of similar "2-in-1" devices (combo tablet-laptops) across the entire industry." Nice spin but no one is buying that line.

Last October the tech media heaped praise on Microsoft's event to no end and wildly applauded the all-new Surface Studio pro desktop. At the same time Apple's event introducing the new MacBook Pro with Touch Bar was booed for bordom. Yet reality hit home when Apple had phenomonal sales for the MacBook Pro while Microsoft's Surface Studio sales were extremely low and likely profitless.

Offering a new line of 2-in-1's and notebooks using the ARM processor this fall may be one way of turning their fortunes around. There's also a persistant rumor that they're still working on a next-gen Surface smartphone and they're also eyeing entering the education market to take on Google's chrome.

Microsoft is committed to Surface and I think that their products are interesting considering that they aim for only the high end of the market. But it must be discouraging to continually attempt to challenge Apple and fail at tablets, notebooks, desktops, Microsoft Stores and beyond.

While Microsoft will continue to move forward and expand their Surface line, yesterday's reality had to have taken a little wind out of their sails as they've yet to chalk up a single win worth noting in PC hardware to date.

About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. Those using abusive language or behavior will result in being blacklisted on Disqus.
Patna: Members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Yuva Morcha at Kargil Chowk in Patna on Friday burnt the effigies of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) President Lalu Prasad Yadav for insulting the martyrs of Sukma district in Chhattisgarh.

"Nitish Kumar and fifty of his leaders had time to campaign in Delhi Municipal Corporation election where Janata Dal  U has no presence. However, he had no time to go to the Patna Airport where bodies of five CRPF jawans killed by Naxals in Chhattisgarh had arrived," the protestors said.

Accusing the Chief Minister of insulting the fallen CRPF jawans, the protestors said that an arrogant Nitish Kumar did not even wait for the vehicles carrying the dead bodies of the Naxal victims to pass and instead, made it to wait until his motorcade left the area.

"This is how Nitish Kumar shows his respect for those who gave up their lives in the line of duty," said the youth BJP activists.

Protestors also slammed the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav for not even making a statement on the Sukma tragedy saying he was too busy promoting his two sons and protecting his properties that he acquired under the shadow of financial impropriety.
Three Young Iranian Men to Serve 12 Years in Prison For "Insulting" Social Media Posts

04/28/17

Source: Center for Human Rights in Iran

Three 24-year-olds have been sentenced to 12 years in prison each in Iran for posting critical commentary about politics and religion on the Telegram messaging network and on Facebook.



cartoon by Bozorgmehr Hosseinpur

"These guys were posting articles and cartoons on Facebook and Telegram that criticized the political and religious situation, and also shared material from others," an informed source told the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI). "But most of the accusations against them are related to their posts on a Telegram channel where political and religious topics were discussed."

Alireza Tavakoli, Mohammad Mehdi Zamanzadeh and Mohammad Mohajer were arrested in Tehran during the summer of 2016 by Iran's Intelligence Ministry.

Tavakoli was arrested on August 2, Zamanzadeh on September 3 and Mohajer on September 10.

They were held in Evin Prison's Ward 209, controlled by the Intelligence Ministry, where they were interrogated without access to legal council and then transferred to Ward 8, the source told CHRI.

They were tried at Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court presided by Judge Abolqasem Salavati on April 10, 2017.

On April 21, the men were each handed 12-year prison sentences for allegedly "insulting the sacred" (five years), "assembly and collusion against national security" (five years) and "insulting the supreme leader" (two years) in posts on Telegram.

In December 2016, President Hassan Rouhani signed the Charter for Citizen's Rights, which states the government should "guarantee freedom of speech and expression" within the limits of the law.

According to Article 26: "Every citizen has a right to freedom of speech and expression. This right shall be exercised within the limits prescribed by law. Citizens have the right to freely seek, receive and publish views and information pertaining to various issues, using any means of communication. The government shall, according to the law, guarantee freedom of speech and expression, especially in the mass media, cyberspace, including in newspapers, magazines, books, cinemas, radio and television, social networks and the likes."
Iran's Industry Spotlight: Technology Sector

04/28/17

By Sarah Bryn Witmer, Research Associater

Source: American Iranian Council



Young founders of Iranian startups

source: Shanbe magazine

There are many factors that have led to a thriving tech industry in Iran, including abundant resources, lifted sanctions, and a youthful, highly educated population. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, the industry has also benefited in large part due to active support from the Iranian government. Over a decade ago in 2005, the Islamic Republic released a "20 Year National Vision" statement, known as Vision 2025, describing the state's intentions to achieve "first place in the areas of economy, science, and technology in the Western South Asia region," specifically in "high tech [software knowledge] production." More recently, President Rouhani's administration has categorized the tech sector as one of the nation's top three priorities in a shorter five-year plan. Pursuant to this goal, the administration has released an unprecedented budget for communications and internet infrastructure. The government has also reversed decisions that limited internet speeds for residential users, and has issued 3G and 4G licenses to Iran's main mobile operators. Today, many Iranians own smartphones (primarily Androids), and approximately 47 million people - nearly half of Iran's population - use the internet.

Technology is increasingly becoming part of everyday life in Iran Social media is popular within the country - both for staying in touch with friends and also for connecting with those outside of Iran. After President Trump's travel ban, while some Iranian hard-liners gathered toburn American flags and effigies of the American president, other Iranians took to Twitter with the hashtag #LoveBeyondFlags. "We thank Americans who stood up for the seven countries blocked from entering the US by the new travel ban," one popular Iranian Twitter account shared, along with the hashtag. Twitter and Facebook accounts are popular in Iran, although a VPN proxy is needed to bypass strict government firewalls. As a recent Forbes article argues, "By necessity, Iranians are tech-savvy." Ironically, even as part of the government promotes technological innovation, religious leaders continue to demand tight censorship, and argue that the government must limit social media use and internet speeds to prevent "un-Islamic behavior." As a result, Iran faces one of the highest brain-drain rates in the world, as over150,000 specialists emigrate every year for better economic opportunities and fewer restrictions abroad.

Abroad, Iranian entrepreneurs are taking advantage of the flexibility of being outside of the government's control to develop technology for use within the country. Firuzeh Mahmoudi is one such example: she founded Irancubator, a San Francisco-based startup that creates phone applications to address social and political issues in Iran. Irancubator's latest projects have included an app similar to Yelp for rating public officials, apps in Iran's thirty heritage ethnic languages, which are banned from official use, and the Iran Prison Atlas, to track Iran's political prisoners. This year, Mahmoudi and her Irancubator team-composed mostly of young Iranians who recently moved to the U.S.-launched Radito, an app that allows Iranian people to broadcast their own radio channels about topics that are important to them.

A report on Iran's tech sector from the World Economic Forum, released just after the signing of the JCPOA in July 2015, lamented that, "the idea of a nuclear Iran has overshadowed a far more interesting debate about Iran's non-nuclear economic potential." While there are still challenges within the government to enable modernization while preserving tradition, and while censorship and freedom of speech are ongoing obstacles to private business, the Iranian people are finding ways to innovate. With the removal of international sanctions, foreign investors are taking notice: While Tehran's first International Innovation and Technology Exhibition (INOTEX) in 2012 hosted experts almost exclusively from Russia, this May's exhibition is expected to gather experts from nearly 25 countries. More about the exhibition below.



Event: Iran's 6th International Innovation and Technology Exhibition (INOTEX2017)

Where: Tehran International Fairground

When: May 23-26, 2017

www.inotex.com
First Iran presidential debate receives mixed feedback

04/29/17

Source: Tehran Times

TEHRAN - The first of three planned debates ahead of the May 19 elections in Iran received mixed feedback, with most commentators describing either Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf or Vice President Es'haq Jahangiri as the winners of the 3-hour-long debate.



The Candidates for Iran's Presidential Election:

Top (L to R): Hassan Rohani, Ebrahim Raisi and Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf

Bottom (L to R): Mostafa Mirsalim, Eshaq Jahangiri and Mostafa Hashemitaba





This came as President Hassan Rouhani and his presumed main rival, Ebrahim Raisi, the custodian of the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS) in Mashhad, failed to live up to expectations.



The other two candidates, Mostafa Mirsalim and Mostafa Hashemitaba also didn't receive much attention.



As the debate was nearing its end, President Rouhani and Qalibaf got into a heated argument over Rouhani's 2013 presidential campaign promises.



Qalibaf criticized Rouhani for failing to fulfil a campaign pledge to create four million jobs, a promise Rouhani denied making, and hit back at the mayor for issuing false statements.



The Tehran mayor further accused the Rouhani administration of dishonesty, mismanagement and supporting the rich at the expense of the poor.





The candidates during the debate

In the aftermath of the debate, several reformist lawmakers responded to Qalibaf's criticism of the Rouhani administration, comparing him to the former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.



"The level of awareness among people is so high that those who intend to damage another person's reputation for their own sake will fail miserably," Saeed Bastani, representative of Torbat Heidarieh said.



Mohammad Hashemi, who served as vice president for executive affairs during the presidency of his older brother, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, also said that the debates should not undermine the Islamic Republic.



He praised Rouhani and Raisi for their cautious and tactful approach in the debate. Hashemi then criticized Qalibaf for adopting an aggressive approach which he said was very similar to that of Ahmadinejad.



On the other side of the dispute, Elias Naderan, a former principlist MP, described Rouhani as the "biggest loser of the debate".



Qalibaf also criticized the state TV for not broadcasting a video which he had prepared to prove his claim.



"I wanted a video to be played but they didn't allow it," he said.



Mir-Salim, a conservative candidate, wrote an open letter to the other candidates after the debate, in which he indirectly criticized Rouhani for describing what Qalibaf had said as a lie.



"One should promise things he's capable of delivering," Mir-Salim said.



He also said that in the era of communication, with the social media and heightened public awareness, it is very difficult to simply accuse someone of lying.
The Akufo-Addo government is considering to issue a $2.24 billion bond to pay the huge debt burdening the countrys energy sector, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, a deputy Information Minister has disclosed.



The issuance of the bond, he said Thursday on Morning Starr, is part of efforts by government to raise money over a long profile to pay the energy sector debt off out-rightly.



Speaking on Accra based starr fm yesterday, he however refused to disclose where the bond will be issued domestically or otherwise.





We have just successfully done a $2.25billion bond and we are looking at how to raise an extra of about $2.24billion to pay off that debt in a single bullet and to have that single bullet amortized with the energy sector levies that are still existing, he told Morning Starr host Francis Abban.



President Akufo-Addo revealed in his maiden State of the Nation Address that the countrys energy sector is saddled with huge debts threatening reliable power supply if immediate measures are not taken.



He said attempts by the former administration to solve the debilitating power crisis that hit the country led to a debt of over $2billion.



The attempts by the previous government to resolve the dumsor crisis have led to a gargantuan debt overhang in the sectorwe have inherited a heavily indebted energy sector, with the net debt reaching 2.4 billion US dollars as at December 2016, he stated.



Government through the finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta, this month, issued a $2.25 bond for 15 years.







Source: The Ghanaian Observer









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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Vincent Bosso, one of the men standing trial in connection with the murder of a former Member of Parliament (MP) for Abuakwa-North in the Eastern Region, Mr J.B Danquah-Adu, has once again insisted that his alleged accomplice should be held responsible for the alleged offence.



Bosso told the Criminal Division of the Accra High Court yesterday that he had nothing to do with the murder of the former legislator, but rather it was Daniel Asiedu, the first accused person, who had a case to answer.

He made a similar comment during the committal proceedings at the Accra Central District Court.

I dont know anything about the murder of the former MP. It is Asiedu who is accused of killing the MP. I was going about my business peacefully when the police arrested me, he said.

In response, the presiding judge, Mr Justice Lawrence L. Mensah, informed him that it was not time for him to make such comments as he would be given an opportunity to open his defence.





Asiedu has been indicted on three counts of murder, robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery, while Bosso is facing a charge of conspiracy to commit robbery.





At yesterdays sitting, the court also ordered the two accused persons to inform their lawyer about the trial to enable them to get adequate legal representation.

Without a defence counsel, the trial cannot continue, the presiding judge stated.

The court gave the order after Asiedu stated that he had not had any contact with his lawyer ever since the committal proceedings at the district court about a month ago.

He also explained that he had difficulties getting access to his lawyer or any relative since the district court ordered his transfer from police custody to prison custody.

That made the court further direct the case investigator, who was present in the courtroom, to assist the two accused persons to get in touch with their lawyer.





Meanwhile, the prosecution has written a letter to the court, praying for an adjournment due to a training programme for state attorneys.





The court subsequently adjourned the case to May 5, 2017.









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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Leaders of Parliament and MPs must stop attacking the person of UK High Commissioner to Ghana Jon Benjamin vis-a-vis the recent leakage of a confidential letter he wrote to Ghanas parliament that cites three sitting MPs and a former legislator as having been involved in various visa infractions, editor-in-chief of the New Crusading newspaper Abdul-Malik Kweku Baako has said.



All the leaders of parliament or leading MPs who are talking and attacking the High Commissioner are just not doing the right thing, Mr Baako said on Multi TVs news analysis programme Newsfile on Saturday, 29 April.



He said: Im clear in my mind that there were instances of misrepresentation that informed the applications that some of them [the 4 MPs] placed before the High Commission.



Somebody says this is my wife, it turns out its not the wife; thats a fact. You send a kid  16-year-old  out, she is not back by a certain time. These are hard facts.



We should stop this thing of seeking to play on the keyboards of peoples emotions by pointing to a foreigner. Did we do what he [UK High Commissioner] said we did or we did not? When I say so I mean the Ghanaians who are involved in it  they did.



He suggested that the Speaker of Parliament, Prof Mike Oquaye, send the matter to the Privileges Committee or set up a special purpose committee to investigate the matter.



 I say this amounts to abuse of privilege and it brings the image of parliament into disrepute, he asserted.



Below is the High Commissioners confidential letter to the Speaker of Ghanas Parliament:



Dear Mr Speaker.



The British High Commission (BHC) would like, in confidence, to bring the following matters to your attention, regarding the apparent involvement of three serving MPs and one former MP in visa fraud directly affecting the United Kingdom.



In doing so, we note the powerful words in your impressive inaugural address as Speaker, to the effect that, for Members of Parliament, holding a Diplomatic Passport is both a privilege and responsibility which should not be abused: and that those who abused that trust would be appropriately dealt with.



In that regard:



1. On 11/09/2012, the then Honourable and now former MP for Asunafo South, George BOAKYE, applied for visas for himself and his 37-year-old daughter, Joyce BOAKYE, to visit a friend in London for 17 days. The visas were granted on 14/09/2012. On 17/01/2013, Joyce BOAKYE travelled to the UK with her Honourable father. Joyce BOAKYE did not leave the UK with her father, but remained until 06/01/2017. In other words, she finally returned to Ghana just this month, having been in the UK illegally for over three years, and only then at our strong urging of Mr Boakye to bring her back. Mr Boakye is highly unlikely to be issued any further visas to visit the UK in the next ten years for his role in facilitating his daughter's travel to the UK, including should he be re-elected to Parliament in a subsequent election.



2. On 27/11/2015 the Honourable MP for Bia East, Richard ACHEAMPONG, applied for a UK visa using Diplomatic Passport number DX001490. The Hon ACHEAMPONG stated in his application form that he would travel to the UK for a two-week holiday with his wife" Esther TIWAA. On 10/12/2015 Mr ACHEAMPONG and Ms TIWAA were issued with UK visas. On 24/12/2015, Esther TIWAA travelled to the UK, but alone: the Hon ACHEAMPONG did not accompany her as both his and her visa applications said that he would. She has not left the UK since that time, and is, therefore, now there illegally. The Hon ACHEAMPONG did not declare the illegal presence of his wife in the UK until he was challenged with the facts by us on 10/10/2016. He then repeatedly promised me personally that he would bring documentation to prove that Esther TIWAA was, indeed, his wife, but has consistently failed to do so, neither has he been prepared to share any useful information to help us track down Ms TIWAA's current whereabouts. Should Mr ACHEAMPONG now apply for another UK visa at any point up until 08/12/2025 his previous actions with regard to Esther TIWAA will weigh heavily against his application and he is likely to be refused.



3. On 06/04/2016, the Honourable MP for Ntotroso, Joseph Benhazin DAHAH applied for a UK visa using Diplomatic Passport number DX001459 to go on a two-week holiday. The Hon DAHAH stated that he was travelling with his wife Gloria DANSU and his niece Beatrice MENSAH. On 11/04/2016, the visas of the Hon DAHAH and Gloria DANSU were issued; the visa of his niece Beatrice MENSAH was refused. On 13/05/2016, the Hon DAHAH applied in another country for a visa to travel to the Republic of Ireland with his wife and daughter. The identity of his wife had changed from Gloria DANSU in the UK application to Ruyling APPAU in the Irish one. More significantly, a birth certificate was submitted showing that Beatrice MENSAH was now his daughter and not his niece as she had been described when applying to visit the UK. The Hon DAHAH's UK visa was cancelled and a 10-year UK visa ban has been imposed on him. He has been informed of this.



4. On 20/06/2016, the Honourable MP for Ahafo Ano South West, Johnson Kwaku ADU, applied for visas for himself, his wife Grace YEBOAH and their 16-year old daughter Emmanuella ADU in order to visit London for a ten-day holiday. The Hon ADU applied using Diplomatic Passport number DX002267; all three visas were granted on 07/07/2016. The family of three travelled to the UK on 25/07/2016. The Hon ADU left the UK just two days later on 27/07/2016 leaving behind his wife and child, if that indeed is what they are, who have not left the UK to date and are, therefore, now illegally resident there. This is in some ways the most serious of the cases outlined in this letter, given the possibility that Hon ADU knowingly facilitated the movement of a minor  who cannot currently be traced  into the United Kingdom. That has been noted with alarm by UK authorities.



The British High Commission considers the actions outlined above to be completely unacceptable. In some cases, these behaviours may arguably be criminal in nature. As already outlined, administrative measures have been taken to ensure that the Honourable members mentioned here will most likely not be granted visas for the UK within the next 10 years. I should add that the party affiliation of these MPs is, in this context, irrelevant to us: we simply state the facts as we have discovered them. We are continuing to investigate whether any other current or former MPs have engaged in similar behaviour and will inform you, if we discover any further such cases.



Furthermore, the British High Commission has information that points strongly to some of the aforementioned Honourable members having used the same unofficial visa agent (also known as a Goro boy) in their applications, specifically a gentleman called Appiah. We are sure that Mr Speaker shares our view that an institution as respected and vitally important as the Ghanaian parliament should not be a location where unregistered visa agents approach Honourable Members and act as a conduit for them to participate in visa fraud. The British High Commission will happily cooperate fully with any parliamentary and law enforcement investigation into such agents operating in the vicinity of the Ghanaian parliament.



Given what has transpired, the British High Commission would request the Ghanaian parliament to be aware of the following:



a) we will, henceforth, only entertain and prioritise requests for visas from MPs, if they are made through the parliamentary protocol office who should verify that there is an official, parliamentary reason for the proposed visit;



b) however, MPs wishing to make private visits to the UK or to be accompanied on official visits by non-official relatives must apply online and through our Visa Application Centre at the Movenpick Hotel like any other applicant;



c) could you kindly confirm whether and why it is legitimate for ex-MPs to continue to possess and use diplomatic passports, in some cases for many years after they have ceased to be parliamentarians? In that regard, we would humbly like to ask, Mr Speaker, what procedures are in place to ensure that diplomatic passports are removed forthwith from all those 133 former Members who have just ceased to be MPs?



d) the net effect of such visa fraud by a very few Honourable MPs as outlined in this letter is to raise the bar of suspicion against all such applicants, which is of course regrettably to the huge disadvantage of those very many MPs who do act honourably at all times.



The British High Commission looks forward to a constructive relationship with yourself, your officers and the new Parliament in general and on specific issues, such as the work currently being sponsored by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy to bolster Parliament's research capacities. We hope, at the same time, that measures taken by us all collectively will prevent any repeat of the sort of cases described in this letter. We would warmly welcome your views on the issues raised in this letter, both in regards to the specific cases and generic issues.



I am copying this letter to your Protocol Office, and to the Executive Secretary and Chief-of-Staff to His Excellency President; and to the Ministers-designate of Foreign Affairs and National Security. We are also circulating this letter widely to other Diplomatic Missions which issue visas in Ghana in the expectation that some of them will consider similar action to ourselves against the above-named individuals.



May I take this opportunity to repeat to you assurances of our very high regard for you and your office; and to wish you, Mr Speaker, every success in your new role. Please be assured of our commitment to collaborate with you, and through you with Parliament, wherever we can usefully be of assistance.



Signed,

Jon Benjamin

British High Commissioner





Source: classfmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Wowww okay this is wild: it looks like someone  Im going to call them a hacker even though it makes me feel like were back in Angelina Jolies 1995  it looks like a hacker has got their hands on ten episodes of the new season of Orange Is The New Black, and used them to try to extort money from Netflix.

Obviously it didnt work, because those ten episodes have now been leaked to the Pirate Bay.

The hacker in question, someone (or someones??) called thedarkoverlord, has released a public statement regarding the leak that suggests that theyre in possession of content from a number of other production companies, including ABC, Fox and National Geographic.

Who is next on the list? FOX, IFC, NAT GEO, and ABC. Oh, what fun were all going to have. Were not playing any games anymore.  thedarkoverlord (@tdohack3r) April 29, 2017

According to Engadget, a breach at a third-party studio called Larson Studios is the source of the OITNB episodes. Netflix has released a statement addressing the situation, saying in part:

We are aware of the situation. A production vendor used by several major TV studios had its security compromised and the appropriate law enforcement authorities are involved.

Engadget also reports that Larson Studios agreed to pay ransom for the material but didnt come through with the goods. Now were seeing the fallout.

OITNB consistently pulls Netflixs highest viewing numbers, and Season 5 wasnt scheduled for release until June  this is a massive spanner in the works. And considering that apparently rumours have been circulating online for several months about a huge Hollywood film and TV leak, there could be a lot more spanners where that came from.

Meanwhile, this hacker has a Twitter account from which theyre distributing press releases  this is well over the line into cartoon villain territory, and to be honest, its kind of incredible.

We are releasing the remainder of OITNB Season 5. Press Release: https://t.co/5vqYglmZAN  thedarkoverlord (@tdohack3r) April 29, 2017

Source: Variety / Engadget / The Guardian.

Image: Netflix.
All-round legend and cherished Aussie export Rebel Wilson is back on home soil for the next month or so, but its not for a Fat Pizza revival (contain your disappointment). Instead, the actor is making good on her promises and taking glossy mag publisher Bauer Media to court for defamation.

Several articles were published in 2015 outing Wilson as being (gasp) older than she said she was, and accusing her of lying about other aspects of her life as well. Wilson is alleging that these stories cost her a bunch of juicy roles, including one in Kung Fu Panda III.

Wilsons lawyer Renee Embom told the court on Friday that the content of the articles published by Bauer in magazines like OK!, Womans Day and Womens Weekly had a significant effect on her clients livelihood.

Ms Wilson will give evidence that after the articles, her contracts were terminated. She was told she was too divisive  its destroyed (her) reputation as a fair and honest person.

Gleefully publishing an actresss real age when they are working in an industry thats not known for its magnanimous attitudes towards women over 25 is pretty shitty. Add to that the fact that Wilson is already such an outlier in Hollywood  being both unapologetically Australian and not the mandatory size 0  and you can definitely see how tell-all gossip mags could tank her career. Which is bullshit, because Rebel Wilson is a beautiful genius who should be given every role.

The trial begins on May 22. Give em hell, Rebel.

Source: News.com.au.

Image: Getty / Jason LaVeris.
Britain's Prince Harry attends the Army Navy rugby match at Twickenham Stadium in London, Saturday April 29, 2017. The Army Navy Match is the hotly contested annual rugby union match between the senior XV teams of the Royal Navy and British Army. (Lauren Hurley/PA via AP)
French President Francois Hollande talks to the media at a press conference after a round table meeting at an EU summit in Brussels on Saturday, April 29, 2017. EU leaders met on Saturday for the first time as the formal European Council of 27 to adopt guidelines for the upcoming Brexit negotiations. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Donald Trump  whom we crowned the "King of Whoppers" when he was a long-shot candidate in 2015  has held true to form during his first 100 days as president of the United States.

In his first hour as president, he painted a dark portrait of a crime-ridden America with a dismal economy. The next day he falsely denied that he had been feuding with the intelligence agencies, which days earlier he had compared to Nazi Germany's.

He grandly boasted that his inaugural crowd was larger than Obama's, and said his Electoral College majority was larger than those of any president since Ronald Reagan. Neither claim was close to the truth.

He doubled down on his baseless claim that massive voter fraud gave Hillary Clinton her popular vote plurality last year. Then he made a new and equally groundless claim that President Barack Obama had ordered his phones tapped during the campaign  and called for Congress to investigate, even though he could produce no evidence. He has claimed credit for jobs created (or saved) before he took office, and for getting China to stop currency manipulation that actually stopped years earlier.

And he has adamantly refused to admit error, sometimes piling new falsehoods upon old. When photos showed his inaugural crowd, though respectable, was far smaller than the one for Obama's 2009 swearing-in, his press secretary recited bogus statistics on subway ridership as evidence that Trump was right. And when those statistics were quickly shown to be incorrect, another aide blithely dubbed the falsehoods as merely "alternative facts"  a phrase that has now entered the language as a euphemism for blatant and unrepentant falsehoods.

Here's a chronological listing of the whoppers Trump has told during his first 100 days:

Inauguaral Whoppers

Bogus Claim of Voter Fraud

Jan. 23: Trump told congressional leaders that the reason he lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton was that between 3 million and 5 million votes were cast illegally. Two days later, he tweeted that he would ask for "a major investigation into VOTER FRAUD." But there was no evidence of any such massive fraud at the time, and none has been produced since. Spicer, pressed to explain what Trump was talking about, said, "I think there's been studies.  It's a belief he maintains." Jan. 25: Trump said estimates of those who gained health insurance coverage under Obama's Affordable Care Act fail to account for the "millions of people" who lost health insurance they liked. Wrong. The total number of people who lack insurance declined by 20 million since the ACA was enacted, according to the National Health Interview Survey. That's a net figure  taking into account any who might have lost coverage.

Trump referred to the estimated 2.6 million who got cancellation notices in 2013 because their existing plans didn't provide benefits meeting ACA standards. But research suggests few of those remained without coverage; they were required to get new policies that did meet standards. Jan. 25: In an interview with ABC News, Trump clung to his claim of massive voter fraud, and denied that it has been debunked: "No, it hasn't. Take a look at the Pew reports," he says. But the report by the Pew Charitable Trusts cited only estimates of the number of people registered to vote who were dead or registered in more than one state, not the number who voted illegally. Told that the Pew report found no evidence of voter fraud, Trump falsely claimed the report "all of a sudden changed" and the author was now "groveling." It did not, and he did not. Jan. 29: Defending the travel ban he signed two days earlier, Trump said, "My policy is similar to what President Obama did in 2011." They were not similar. Trump's order temporarily prohibited entry of visitors from seven predominately Muslim countries and indefinitely banned all refugees from Syria. Trump's order didn't cite any specific threat. By contrast, the Obama administration tightened the screening process for refugees from one country after discovering that two Iraqis living in Kentucky had been involved in roadside bombing attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq. Obama did not ban Iraqi refugees, but there were delays in resettling them because of the new screening process. Feb. 5: Trump made a baseless claim that so-called sanctuary cities "breed crime." But university researchers who studied the claim concluded: "We find no statistically discernible difference in violent crime rate, rape, or property crime" among cities that honor federal requests to detain unauthorized immigrants and those that don't.



Dishonest Press Ignores Terrorists

Feb. 6: At a military base in Florida, Trump complained that "radical Islamic" terrorist attacks are "not even being reported" by the "very, very dishonest press." That's nonsense. The White House later produced a list of 78 allegedly "underreported" terrorist attacks, which included five that received days of wall-to-wall coverage: the Orlando, Florida, mass shooting that left 49 people dead; the San Bernardino, California, attack that killed 14; the Nov. 13, 2015, attack in Paris that killed more than 130 people; the Bastille Day attack in 2016 in Nice, France, that killed 84 people; and the bombing attacks at an airport and on a subway train in Brussels on March 22, 2016, that killed at least 31 people.

A few on the White House list really did get little to no coverage, but they were in far-flung locations and generally didn't result in any deaths. Two on the list were not terrorist attacks at all, according to law enforcement officials, but merely involved attackers with Arabic names. Feb. 9: Trump falsely accused Democratic Rep. Richard Blumenthal of misrepresenting a private conversation with Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch. Blumenthal quoted Gorsuch, who has since been confirmed, as saying the president's attacks on the judiciary were "disheartening and demoralizing." Gorsuch's office confirmed Blumenthal's account, and former Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who guided Gorsuch as he met with senators, later issued a statement that said the judge made it "very clear" in his meetings with senators that "any criticism" of judicial independence is "disheartening and demoralizing."



Flynns Russia Contacts

Feb. 10: Trump disingenuously said "I don't know about it" when asked about news reports that his national security adviser,Michael Flynn, had spoken to Russia about sanctions prior to the president's inauguration. Later, the White House confirmed that Trump in fact had known for weeks that Flynn discussed sanctions with Russia's ambassador to the U.S. Feb. 14: Trump said there has been "a tremendous amount of increase" in autism among children. Actually, scientists don't know whether the increase in reported cases is due to an increase in autism itself, or to a broadening of the disorder's definition and greater efforts to diagnose it. Feb. 15: A day after Flynn resigned, Trump said, "I think he's been treated very, very unfairly by the media." But Trump's press secretary said the president asked Flynn to resign because of Trump's "eroding level of trust" in him due to Flynn's "misleading the vice president and others" about his contacts with Russia, all accurately reported by the media.



Biggest Win Since Reagan

Feb. 16 : At a news conference, Trump falsely claimed his November victory was "the biggest Electoral College win since Ronald Reagan." It wasn't. Three presidents since Reagan captured a larger share of electoral votes, including Republican President George H.W. Bush. Feb. 16: Trump also said at the same news conference that his administration was like "a fine-tuned machine," singling out for praise the implementation of his travel ban on visitors from seven mostly Muslim countries. "The rollout was perfect," he said. In fact, the ban was a fiasco, quickly blocked by the courts after it ensnared visa-holding students, business travelers, scientists, tourists, concert musicians and even an Iraqi interpreter working for the Pentagon. Feb. 18: Trump cited Sweden as an example of what happens when a country takes in large numbers of refugees. "[Y]ou look at what's happening last night in Sweden," Trump said. "Sweden, who would believe this. Sweden. They took in large numbers. They're having problems like they never thought possible." There was no terrorist attack "last night" in Sweden, and there is no evidence of a major crime wave in Sweden. Trump said later he was referring to an appearance he saw on Fox News by a documentary maker whose film on crime in Sweden had been disputed as a distortion by the very Swedish police officers it featured. Feb. 24: Trump doubled down on his exaggeration about Sweden. Speaking at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, he said: "The people over there understand I'm right. Take a look at what's happening in Sweden."

What was happening? Riots had broken out in a predominantly immigrant neighborhood of Stockholm on Feb. 20, two days after Trump's original comment about Sweden. The facts remain, crime is still relatively low in Sweden and has generally been declining for decades. Less than 1 percent of the country's police resources are directed at the refugee situation. Feb. 24: At the same CPAC appearance, Trump attacked the news media for using anonymous sources: "They shouldn't be allowed to use sources unless they use somebody's name." And yet his own White House staff regularly holds "on background" conversations with reporters with the condition that officials' names not be used. And Trump himself once tweeted: "An 'extremely credible source' has called my office and told me that @ BarackObama' s birth certificate is a fraud."



Historic Increase in Pentagon Spending

Feb. 27: Trump exaggerated when he told the nation's governors that his first budget would include "a historic increase in defense spending." And the next day, he told a joint session of Congress that he would propose "one of the largest increases in national defense spending in American history."

His budget director said Trump's first proposed budget would contain $603 billion in base defense spending for the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1  $52 billion, or 9.4 percent, higher than the current spending level of $551 billion. That's about the same as the 9.3 percent increase in fiscal year 1991 and smaller than the increases in fiscal years 1980 (13.9 percent), 1981 (24.9 percent), 1982 (20.4 percent), 1983 (12.8 percent) and 1985 (11 percent).

Obama Was Tapping My Phones

March 4: In a series of four tweets starting at 6:35 a.m., Trump called it a "fact" that "President Obama was tapping my phones in October, just prior to Election!" He compared the alleged surveillance to the criminal acts of "Nixon/Watergate," and called Obama a "Bad (or sick) guy!"

Trump offered no evidence to support that wild claim, and in the days following none came to light elsewhere. On March 20, FBI Director James Comey told a House investigating committee: "I have no information that supports those tweets and we have looked carefully inside the FBI. The Department of Justice has asked me to assure you that the answer is the same for the Department of Justice and all its components." March 7: Trump wrongly tweeted that "122 vicious prisoners, released by the Obama Administration from Gitmo, have returned to the battlefield." Actually, it was only nine, as of July 15, 2016. The other 113 were released under President George W. Bush. March 8: Defending Trump's wildly inaccurate comment about released Gitmo prisoners, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer claimed "most of those [released under Bush] were court ordered." That's nonsense, too. All but a handful of the 532 released from Guantanamo by the Bush administration were freed without any court order, according to John B. Bellinger III, a former National Security Council legal adviser under Bush.



Claiming Credit for Obamas Jobs

March 15: Trump boasted at a rally that "we've already added nearly half a million new jobs" in the first two monthly reports released since he took office. But half those jobs were added under Obama, before Trump took the oath of office on Jan. 20. (The BLS payroll survey measures jobs as of the pay period containing the 12th day of the month.) March 15: At the same rally, Trump also noted that he approved the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines and that all "new pipelines must be constructed with American steel." But only about half of the steel for those projects will come from the U.S., despite Trump's directive.



False Claims About Obamacare

March 17: Trump said "Obamacare is dead; it's a dead health care plan." But that's GOP wishful thinking with little evidence to support it.

He was repeating a common GOP claim that the ACA is in a "death spiral," with rising premiums forcing relatively healthy people to drop coverage, leading to even higher premiums to cover an ever-sicker group of beneficiaries. We found the ACA marketplaces are ailing in some states such as Tennessee, but flourishing in others including New York and California. And while some insurers have lost money and are leaving, others see opportunity and are getting in. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office and other neutral experts say the ACA marketplaces are probably stable for years to come.

March 17: Trump said that in Tennessee, "half of the state has no insurance company [offering Obamacare policies] and the other half is gonna lose the insurance company." Not true. All of the state's eight insurance rating areas have at least one carrier offering Affordable Care Act policies in 2017, and three of them have two.

For next year, Humana has announced it will cease offering ACA policies. Unless another carrier steps in, that would leave 79,000 Tennessee residents in the Knoxville area without ACA coverage. "We are hopeful that a carrier will offer coverage for that area in 2018," said a spokesman for the state's Department of Commerce and Insurance.

March 20: Trump said that "many of our best and brightest are leaving the medical profession entirely because of Obamacare." Actually, the total number of active physicians has increased nearly 8 percent under the health care law, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Making Threats and Taking Credit

March 21: Trump boasted that TransCanada Corp. "dropped" a multi-billion-dollar lawsuit against the U.S. after he threatened to "terminate" the company's Keystone XL pipeline. The company merely suspended its $15 billion claim over Obama's rejection of the project after Trump invited it to re-submit its request for a permit. The company didn't drop its claim and discontinue the proceeding until March 24, the day the State Department granted the permit it sought, and two days after Trump's hollow boast. March 22: In an interview with Time magazine's Michael Scherer, Trump said "new information" from the House intelligence committee chairman proved his tweets about a "Watergate/Nixon"-style scandal were "right." No, that's wrong. Rep. Devin Nunes made clear in a CNN interview that the new information he saw (but didn't share publicly) "doesn't mean that Obama wiretapped Trump Tower." March 24: Trump claimed that Charter Communications "has just committed to investing $25 billion" and creating 20,000 jobs in the U.S. Actually, the investment and jobs were promised before Trump was elected, as Charter sought approval of its deal to buy Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks. April 4: Trump distorted the facts about Obama's 2009 stimulus bill, calling it a $1 trillion "infrastructure bill" that didn't result in any construction projects. "Nobody ever saw anything being built," he said. The $840 billion package included tax cuts, extended unemployment benefits, expanded food stamp benefits and an estimated $80 billion in infrastructure projects. Trump himself was well aware at the time that the stimulus was not primarily an infrastructure bill. He praised it in 2009 for having a "combination of both" tax cuts and infrastructure spending, saying "this is what we need."



Obamas Syrian Weakness

Claiming More Undue Credit

April 11: Trump wrongly boasted that Toyota's $1.3 billion investment in its Georgetown, Kentucky, manufacturing plant would "not have been made if we didn't win the election." Toyota spokesman Aaron Fowles told us in an interview that the investment "predates the Trump administration" and had been planned "several years ago." This was the latest in a string of bogus boasts about car companies bringing back jobs "because of me." In two cases frequently cited by Trump  Ford and GM  for example, the announced expansion plans were in the works long before Trump was elected, and were largely market-driven decisions that fit a yearslong trend in the industry.

April 18: In a tweet, Trump blamed the Obama administration's "weak illegal immigration policies" for allowing "bad MS 13 gangs to form in cities across U.S." But the MS-13 gang was formed in Los Angeles in the 1980s and had spread throughout the country years before Obama was president.

April 18: Trump also tweeted that Jon Ossoff, a Democratic candidate in Georgia's 6th Congressional District, "will raise your taxes." But we could find no evidence of Ossoff proposing any broad-based tax increases, such as an income tax hike.

April 21: Trump claimed credit for ending China's currency manipulation. He said in an interview with the Associated Press that manipulation ended "from the time I took office" because China's leader has "a certain respect" and "knew I would do something." Actually, economists broadly agree that China has not been holding down the value of its currency since 2014 or 2015. That has been true "over the last three years," according to a report by Trump's own Treasury Department.

In 2015 when we dubbed Trump the "King of Whoppers," we said: "He stands out not only for the sheer number of his factually false claims, but also for his brazen refusals to admit error when proven wrong." So far, Trump is no different as president.

Everything is happening so fast  or at least that's how it feels trying to follow politics these days. You've seen the headlines about President Trump and his policies  but what do they mean for Philadelphia? What does that mean for you? We're launching a newsletter to explore just that. Sign up here.
In Israel, many politicians said that they expect Trump to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Education Minister Naftali Bennett believes that there is a chance for Israel to retract the notion of a Palestinian state.

In fact, with Trumps victory, the negative repercussions of the so-called Arab Spring and the ongoing chaos in the Middle East combined to increase the doubt hanging over Palestine, leading many Palestinian observers to bleak conclusions about the prospects for the peace process and their cause in general.

They had good reason to be pessimistic. During the election campaign, Trump not only committed to moving the US embassy but also praised the Republican platform that forgets past support for a two-state solution and calls the Holy City Israels undivided capital. Trump and his aides added that Israels illegal settlements are not an obstacle to peace.

The main characters of the president-elects campaign team were staunch advocates and flagrant supporters of Israel and its prime ministers policies; people such as John Bolton and Rudy Giuliani, candidates for state department roles, not to mention Newt Gingrich and Michael Pence.

Needless to say, Trump has been elected as a representative of a party that enjoys a majority in Congress; his administrations policies will receive support from both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Despite this, I think it is too early to judge what the Trump presidency will look like and whether his election will be a disaster for the Palestinian cause.

For a start, Israels official statements tend to exaggerate, especially regarding the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state. Such statements are part of the mind games intended to put pressure on Trump to fulfil his campaign promises.

They are also aimed at the Palestinian president in order to weaken his moderate stance, which has embarrassed Israel internationally. That being said, I would not have expected vastly different Israeli statements if Clinton had been elected.

Furthermore, the establishment of a Palestinian state does not depend solely and exclusively in the name of the US president; there are other factors, such as the Palestinian dimension itself. Internal conditions such as unity and steadfastness in the face of Israels systematic efforts to end the Palestinian presence on their own land altogether are also factors. And it depends on the Palestinians resilience and ability to cope with the international U-turns and regional polarisation.

It likewise hinges on the international will and desire to end this conflict, and I dont see that this moment has come yet. Israels readiness to compromise and exchange peace now with unforeseen future threats in such a turbulent region also has to be taken into account.

It is true that the United States has the most influential role in the peace process, yet old habits die hard. In effect, US foreign policy neither counts on the name of the president nor is subject to drastic changes.

US presidents usually have but a small margin for the manoeuvre which might allow them to shift from the famous foreign policy lines that are well entrenched. How much will differ slightly depending on whether the president is a Republican or a Democrat?

Although Trump will enjoy a Republican majority in Congress, he has neither been within the party elite nor its political structure. Until recently, his statements prompted dissatisfaction and dismay amongst many traditional party activists.

Moreover, the role of the deep-state which establishes the aforementioned policy lines cannot be ignored. His most critical challenge  should he decide to take a different route  will be to distance himself from his predecessors support for Americas long-time allies, particularly in the middle east, not least Israel. If he succeeds in doing so, it would be unprecedented.

Any change in Americas traditional foreign policy will be evident not only in Palestine-Israel but also across the whole region. If this happens, it will usher in a period of uncertainty in international affairs, with knock-on effects around the world and an impact on all US relations with foreign states; we may be about to witness a revolution in international relations.

Can Trump match his campaign rhetoric with deeds? Many US presidents have said during their election campaigns that they would, for example, move the US Embassy to Jerusalem, but when they take office, they understand that such a move crosses those broad foreign policy lines. If Trump breaks the mould, this will prove to be a significant turning point and an unprecedented deviation from traditional US policy.

The early signs are that realpolitik will dictate what happens, and Trump will not stray far from the path. His recent statement that he will work to reach a peace agreement between the Palestinians and the Israelis confirms that he has already started to read the White House manual for new presidents.

In short, pragmatism asserts its rights. While it may be too early to make proper judgments, it is crucial to accept that a Palestinian state is part and parcel of the internationally-recognised two-state solution: the state of Israel existing alongside the state of Palestine.

Any US president who is eager to see a more stable the Middle East must work on making this solution a reality. Disregarding the realistic demands of either party, though, would lead to this being degraded even more; eventually, it would drive the final nail in the coffin of the already-waning Middle East peace process.
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While Donald Trump was celebrating how easy it is for criminals to get guns at the NRA convention, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) tweeted out the names and pictures of 11 people under age 30 who died because of gun violence.

Murphy tweeted:

.@realDonaldTrump about to take stage at NRA, to celebrate right of criminals to own guns, to glorify weapons that kill  Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) April 28, 2017

Here's my advice. Turn off cable. Don't watch @realDonaldTrump's NRA speech. Instead, think about who we are fighting for.  Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) April 28, 2017

Ana Marquez-Greene, age 6 pic.twitter.com/DUIzU3M3mG  Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) April 28, 2017

Jessica Ghawi, age 24 pic.twitter.com/NX2BBOcwn3  Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) April 28, 2017

What the NRA and Trump never want to acknowledge is that there exists a middle path. It is possible to have sensible gun reform that does not impact the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding but take steps to make it more difficult for a criminal to get a gun.

It doesnt have to be everybody gets access to as many guns as they want, or all guns are banned. Before policymaking was hijacked by partisanship, it was possible to come together to solve problems. The United States has a gun violence problem.

By turning his Twitter stream into a memorial for victims of gun violence, Sen. Murphy refocused the discussion. Policy makers should be talking about the victims of gun violence, and how one innocent life lost to gun violence is one too many.
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The scandal that brought down Roger Ailes couldnt have echoed longer if it had happened in the Grand Canyon. The rumble continues to reverberate across the media landscape. This week: Alisyn Camerotas Must-See Interview About Being Sexually Harassed And Bullied By Roger Ailes To Be More Conservative.

When draining the swamp, there is muck  and leeches  left behind. Pundits are pointing at Bill Shine, who covered up for Ailes & Bill OReilly, as Hannity comes to his rescue. Meanwhile, New York Magazine asks the musical question Is a Management Shake-up Looming at Fox News?

But privately, Shine is expressing concern about his future at the network. According to three sources briefed on the conversations, Shine has told friends he recently asked Ruperts sons James and Lachlan  the CEO and co-chairman, respectively, of network parent company 21st Century Fox  to release a statement in support of him, but they refused to do so. The sources said Shine made the request because of withering press coverage of Fox News in recent weeks. A source added that Shine has privately complained that Rupert isnt fighting for him in the press, which is why he wanted explicit support from the sons.

Aside from Shine, reporters have started asking uncomfortable questions about The forgotten sexual harassment scandal at Fox News, reminding readers Foxy Friend Steve Doocy was also part of Gretchen Carlsons complaint that brought down Ailes. Think Progress Editor-in-Chief Judd Legum provides a sexist Fox & Friends supercut from Bloomberg

and, finishes his article with:

But how can real change be possible if serious allegations against one of its most prominent personalities go unaddressed?

According to Glenn Beck, quoted in the Hollywood Reporter:

Fox & Friends hosts Steve Doocy and Gretchen Carlson hated each other, Beck said Monday, but Doocy was an FOR, a term known to Fox News insiders that meant he was a Friend of Roger [Ailes].

With Ailes gone, who is protecting Doocy now? Maybe no one. Even the Daily Caller, Tucker Carlsons former rag, is ready to put Dooce on the Loose, as his absurd Man in the Street segments are called. From Saving Fox News, pegged as an opinion piece:

There is some dead wood. Steve Doocy fails to meet even the minimum standards for objectivity. Fox and Friends seems to exist in a universe utterly without editorial oversight. Granted, this is morning programming, but he consistently reflects poorly on the program, the producers and the network.

In other words: Echoes of Ailes will continue with headlines like: There Are Good Men at Fox News. Its Time To Hear From Them.  S.E. Cupp calls for men at Fox News to speak out  EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Fox News big Roger Ailes, network set up harassment campaign against Andrea Tantaros, suit charges  Beyond Sexual Harassment, Lesser Known Scandals Could Cost The Murdochs A $14B Deal

But, theres worse news for Fox:

Federal Probe Into Fox News

Channel May Be Widening (Reports)

Former Fox News staffers interviewed

in federal investigation of network

The hits just keep on coming.

THE ROLLER COASTER AT WATTERS WORLD: Loofah Lads protege, Jesse Watters, looks like Fox Newss next big headache, after he made a sexual innuendo at the expense of First  but not last  Daughter Ivanka Trump. First eviscerated for that crass moment, he was then roasted for this lame excuse that took 12 hours to make up:

On air I was referring to Ivanka's voice and how it resonates like a smooth jazz radio DJ. This was in no way a joke about anything else.  Jesse Watters (@jessebwatters) April 26, 2017

Then  without warning  Fox News Host Jesse Watters Takes Abrupt Vacation After Ivanka Trump Comment, just like Loofah Lad did before his firing.

Im going to be taking a vacation with my family, so Im not going to be here tomorrow, he said, according to Business Insider. Ill be back on Monday, so dont miss me too much.

If Watters meets with the Pope this weekend, thats as good as white smoke up the chimney that hes a goner.

LOOFAH LAD LEFTOVERS: He may be gone, but hes hardly forgotten. Like Ailes, The Falafel Kings scandals will continue to echo, especially since he continued his daily podcast with a metaphor, or his next book title: Killing My Career?

Bill OReilly: People Are

Trying To Kill Me Right Now

OReilly said he wouldnt be here if his father had been killed in the war.



And a lot of people are trying to kill me right now, as you know, OReilly said. But were going to tough that one out.



He then recommended his book as a great Fathers Day/Mothers Day gift.

Ever the shill.

However, theres more bad news: Several media organizations are looking into whether to sue Loofah Lad for copyright infringement for playing fast and loose, as he steals articles and pastes them verbatim behind his paywall. Fair Use or foul?

Meanwhile, Shouldnt Bill OReillys Abusive Behavior On The Air Have Gotten Him Fired Long Ago?  Even Bill OReillys fans wanted him fired, poll shows  What does Bill OReillys fall mean for right-wing media?  Why Bill OReilly Became Medias New Obsession  Oh, Boy: Media Matters Bill OReilly Ad In The Hollywood Reporter  Fans Feel Robbed of Bill OReilly, but Stick With Fox  Keith Olbermann Details Feud With Bill OReilly, Warns of Billo Comeback

Not forgotten. But Im trying.

SEANS SHINY OBJECT: Last Alpha Male standing, and Trump Pal Sean Hannity, Accused Of Sexual Harassment As Fox News Scandal Grows. When Sean Hannity issues dire warning about the total end of Fox News a new crazy conspiracy theory, is this merely a distraction, just like a Trump Tweet?

Whos the next one out the door? Shine, Watters, or Scammity?

RACISM IS AS RACISM DOES: Its not just charges of sexism that Fox News must contend with:

Nine Black Employees Are Now

Suing Fox News For Racial Harassment

Latest Lawsuit Alleges Black Fox Employees

Forced to Arm Wrestle for Entertainment

Fox News Anchor Among Group Alleging

Racial Discrimination In Class-Action Suit

The complaint says OReilly refused to allow [Kelly] Wright to discuss growing racial tension in the U.S. on The OReilly Factor, instead saying the host should call up network executives and offer to sing the national anthem at the Fox News Town Halls.



Despite his outstanding performance, and because he is black, Mr. Wright has been effectively sidelined and asked to perform the role of a Jim Crow  the racist caricature of a black entertainer, the suit continues. Rather than viewing Mr. Wright as the two time Emmy Award recipient that he is, OReilly saw Mr. Wright as an entertainer and utility player.

As always, Fox denies. More to come

TUCKERED OUT: Tucker Carlsons only had the 8PM slot for a few days, but already: 1). Fox News is celebrating the return of advertisers who bailed; 2). Neo-Nazis are celebrating his dog whistle ascendancy; 3). Conservatives are celebrating the ratings, as if the number of cult followers equals any kind of truth. Meanwhile, Tucks written a book and theres a bidding war approaching $15 million.

No matter, because Foxs New Evening Lineup Is OReillyism Without OReilly, with Fox feces like:

Tucker Carlson: Germany Is Attempting

To Atone For Its Past By Purposefully

Allowing Refugees To Hurt Them

Tucker Carlson Mocks Louise

Mensch, Democrats Over

Speculative Trump-Russia Rumors

Are you familiar with a woman called Louise Mensch?



When his guest replied negatively, Carlson contended that she seems to be acting as a kind of oppo-researcher for the Democratic National Committee. And shes made a series of claims about Russian collusion  for example, that Russia ran a sustained campaign against African-Americans in this last election. Does that sound plausible to you?



Rep. Maloney countered that the Fox News personality was asking about subjects he wasnt familiar with. Carlson retorted, Heres my point: the left, as a group, has embraced the Russia-explains all theory as a kind of unified field theory of everything.

More proof he doesnt care about dialogue, but is all about the gotcha, whether his guests play along, or not.

PASSAGES:

Fox & Friends anchor Heather Nauert

named State Department spokesperson

There Are Risks: Foxs Janice Dean

Returns to Air, Opens Up About

Cosmetic Procedure Gone Wrong

BONUS UGLINESS:

Fox Contributor: Gay Men In Bars

Should Expect To Be Assaulted And

Women Shouldnt Breastfeed In Church

Nearly Every Sanctuary City Lie

Packed Into One Fox Segment

FOX BYTES: Greg Gutfeld Puts Out A Call For Anti-Choice Violence: They Should Start A War  Fox & Friends Suggests Trump Pay For The Wall Through Corporate Sponsorships  Fox Business Host: Trumps Tax Plan Is Being Criticized By People Who Dont Pay Taxes At All  Right-Wing Media Figures Want Trump To Shut Down The Government So They Can Blame Democrats

This week Headly Westerfield took the Not Now Silly Newsroom on a road trip to Look Ed Henry of Fox News In The Eye. Hilarity ensues.
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There is likely nothing as hurtful as when someone close lies and it doesnt matter one iota why they lied. Whether its a feeling of betrayal or just being treated dishonestly, its safe to say no human being on Earth likes a liar.

Something that is particularly curious to non-believers is how so-called religious right Republicans have little problem lying as a matter of course. And, they lie through their teeth while they clutch their King James and attempt to legislate according to that book of religious myth that includes a very specific prohibition on lying. A non-cynical person might believe those religious Republicans only hold their precious bible and are unable to open or read it, because they seem to have missed one of the big Ten Commandments they want to see posted in every public classroom to be memorized by every student in America.

Its apparent that the current theocratic-minded malcontents serving in the king of the liars administration, and religious Republicans in Congress, look the other way when Republicans lie; or they lie and claim there arent liars in the Trump camp.

Last week one of the contenders for chief liar, religious extremist Mike Pence, told CNNs Dana Bash that he would say to voters, President Trump is a man of his word. It is the expected response from a Republican liar who is lying to the people to cover another Republicans lies. The majority of Americans believe contrary to what Pence wants them to think according to a Gallup poll last week where only 45 percent of the population believe Trump is trustworthy or will keep his word. That 45 percent is down from 62 percent barely a few weeks earlier; even the people are catching on that this administration is nearly as mendacious as it is corrupt and treasonous  and incredibly hypocritical.

Republicans could not comport a false statement from Bill Clinton and drew up impeachment charges over an inappropriate (oral) tryst he didnt consider was having sex with that woman. Republicans didnt care that Clinton meant he didnt have sexual intercourse with that woman, they just were not going to countenance a President of the United States who lied. Fair enough. It is noteworthy, though, that Republicans did not hold the next president accountable for his lies. Republicans and later Democrats gave the George W. Bush administration a pass for lying despite it leading the nation into a perpetual Middle East war in Iraq that will add about $7.9 trillion to the national debt.

Republicans also spent no small amount of years, and millions of taxpayer dollars, investigating what they thought was dishonesty from then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton over the attack on a diplomatic outpost in Benghazi, and the State Departments decade-long issue with email servers Clintons predecessors agreed was woefully lacking. In fact, Republicans, including the bible-toting ones, were prepared to spend the next four years and millions of more taxpayer dollars to continue investigating Clinton for dishonesty if she had won the election. However, everything changed for the Republicans with the election of the king of liars himself, Donald Trump. It is exactly the kind of change they embraced when George W. Bush was president and lied to go to lead the nation in a bloody, costly and senseless war.

The lies from Trump, his transition team, Cabinet nominees, and trusted advisors should have sent religious Republicans into near-fatal apoplexy if they adhered to their concrete demand that any and all Democrats be drawn and quartered for lying. And if they were not lying hypocrites themselves, Republicans in the House and Senate would be busily charging myriad people in the Trump administration for lying. Or in the case of five of Trumps Cabinet appointees; committing perjury under oath before the Senate. It is a federal felony that Trumps attorney general, education secretary, E.P.A head, Treasury Secretary, and HHS Secretary should be facing prison for if Trumps attorney general would do his job. However, it means he would be indicting himself, and if hes not willing to prosecute the other Trump team members for perjury, he certainly isnt going to let an underling prosecute him.

Of all the Trump liars, it seems that Mike Pence is only second to Trump himself. This is particularly true in the case of Mike Flynn as Rachel Maddow has pointed out explicitly and on more than one occasion and over more than one instance.

However, until Republicans embrace the same distaste for Republican liars as they do when they think a Democrat is being dishonest, Americans are just going to have to accept the sad fact that America is under siege from a lying administration, including Trumps kids. The terrible fact is that there is nothing anyone can, or will do to change anything and Trumps administration knows they have veritable impunity from prosecution.
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By James Oliphant

CLEARWATER, Fla. (Reuters)  Some of his supporters fret that President Donald Trump is backing himself into a corner with promises that cant be kept. Others lament he is not pulling America from international conflicts as he vowed  or say he should get off of Twitter.

Those grumbles are early warning signs for Trump as he marks his 100th day in office on Saturday.

They were heard in Reuters interviews with Trump supporters in swing counties that went for Democrat Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012 but then flipped for Trump last year  a slice of the electorate dominated by white voters that is crucial to the Republicans re-election hopes and that Democrats want to win back.

Reuters visited the same four places  Pinellas County in Florida, Northampton County in eastern Pennsylvania, Macomb County outside of Detroit, Michigan, and Gates County in rural North Carolina  right after the Nov. 8 election.

MORE FROM REUTERS:

* COMMENTARY: The danger of Trumps mood-based diplomacy http://reut.rs/2oC0PUM

* COMMENTARY: Why Trump should mend ties with Russia http://reut.rs/2qiISqU

What reporters found this time in more than two dozen interviews is that Trump voters are largely standing with their man but with signs of restlessness, mainly over foreign policy, concerns over getting legislation through Congress and some skepticism that he wont be able to follow through with promises  from building a wall along the Mexican border to repealing Obamas signature healthcare law.

But rather than bash Trump, many largely blamed Democrats and Republicans alike, a fractured Congress, the federal judiciary, and what they see as a hostile news media. (Graphic on how Americans rate Trumps performance: http://tmsnrt.rs/2q96hym)

They showed a willingness to trust the president almost implicitly, saw him as a tireless worker, and appreciated his efforts to secure the border and curb immigration. They had little interest in the in-fighting between his senior aides in the White House.

Maybe sometimes I question whats going on, said Karen Mayer, 47, an attorney in Clearwater, a west coast Florida city in Pinellas County, where the majority of its 500,000 voters went for Obama in 2008 and 2012 but then flipped for Trump last year. He prevailed over Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton by slightly more than 1 percent of the vote there.

But at the same time, I have faith that he has a strong team, Mayer said.

In a statement touting Trumps record in the first 100 days, the White House highlighted, among other things, his attempts to streamline government by proposing a lean budget, and his aggressiveness in foreign affairs, particularly with regard to challenging Russia and Iran.

If Trump has reason to worry about his re-election prospects, it should be because of supporters like Brian McCann, 48, who owns a real estate firm in Northampton, Pennsylvania. I think hes finding out that he cant follow through on all his talk, he said. Internationally, I think hes creating more tensions than solutions.

That was the main reason that Holly Peseski, 46, a legal assistant in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, graded Trumps tenure as a B-minus so far. I dont like the recent bombings hes done, Peseski said, referring to U.S. missile strikes on a Syrian airfield and a huge bomb dropped on a militant hideout in Afghanistan. He was a little too quick to act.

Peseski had another complaint about Trump: I wish hed get off of Twitter.

NOT PICKING UP NEW SUPPORTERS

The counties Reuters visited reflect the rural, suburban and largely white coalition that carried Trump to the White House.

Trump was able to flip these counties and dozens more like them powered by an enthusiastic voter base that included many people who had not cast ballots in years, as well as some Democrats who crossed over largely because of their dislike of Clinton.

An analysis of Reuters/Ipsos polling data shows slippage in Trumps approval ratings, with lower enthusiasm among white men without a college degree, the core of his political base. (Graphic on Trumps popularity: http://tmsnrt.rs/2oQlz7n)

In comparing Trumps approval rating in the first 20 days of his tenure to a 20-day period in April, Reuters also found a rise in disapproval among independents, college-educated adults, people with below-average incomes, white women and white Millennials.

Those women voters were important to Trumps victory. He beat Clinton 53 percent to 43 percent among white women, who comprise 37 percent of the electorate. In Pinellas County, for instance, white women are by far the largest demographic among its more than 275,000 registered voters. Trump beat Clinton there by a little more than 5,000 votes.

David Jolly, a former Republican congressman who lost his Pinellas-based seat in November in part, he said, because of his criticism of Trump, has seen few signs that the presidents support is fading, but at the same time, hes not picking up new supporters.

Trumps overall approval rating in Reuters/Ipsos polling has declined steadily over the past two weeks and is now at its lowest level since he took office, with 40 percent of Americans now approving of his performance in office.

HEALTHCARE CONCERNS

Some voters interviewed in the swing counties identified the struggling effort to replace Obamas healthcare law as an early worry about Trump.

Walter Watson, 62, a retired art teacher in Gatesville, a town of about 320 people in rural Gates County, North Carolina, said he did not like the way Trump and Republicans tried to rush through a new healthcare plan without giving it what he thought was proper consideration.

You got to be careful, because this is a life and death issue for a lot of people, Watson said.

His sparsely populated county backed Obama with 52 percent of the vote in 2012, but Trump won it with 53 percent in 2016.

Congress is the biggest hindrance to Trumps success, many of those interviewed said.

I dont think hes going to be able to do even half of what he claimed, said Bob White, 71, a retired finance worker in Clinton Township in Michigan. I dont think Congress is going to go along with him.

But even as they express skepticism that Trump can achieve all of his campaign promises, his supporters are sticking with him for now.

I think hes trying, said Watson. But he probably overstated what he could do, because even a president has limits.

(Additional reporting by Laila Kearney in Northampton, Pennsylvania; Gary Robertson in Gates County, North Carolina; Tim Branfalt in Macomb County, Michigan, Howard Schneider in Washington and Chris Kahn in New York; Editing by Jason Szep and Ross Colvin)
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The number of Democrats who are running for Congress in 2018 has jumped 58% over 2014, as The Resistance is more than marches and Internet protests. It is a mobilization of candidates to stop Trump.

Vice News reported, Already 408 Democrats have thrown their hats into the ring, a 58 percent increase over the 259 who had declared by this point in the run-up to the 2014 midterms. And several hundred more candidates are likely to join races across the country as the Democratic Party and multiple outside progressive groups recruit their own candidates. This tsunami of Democratic challengers will likely make it more difficult for President Donald Trump to pass his legislative agenda as members of Congress  Republicans and Democrats alike  will be wary of casting votes that provide ammo to progressive Democratic challengers.

There is a very logical explanation for the surge in candidates. It is much more appealing for a potential candidate to be on offense than defense. When President Obama was in office, Democrats spent years on the defensive. As the opposition party to current President Trump, Democratic candidates now have the advantage of running against an unpopular president as opposition. For new candidates who want to get elected to make an immediate impact, nothing will be more impactful than flipping House seats and stopping Trumps agenda dead in its tracks.

People have responded to the crisis of Trumps election by stepping up to do something about the direction that Republicans want to take the country in. The Resistance isnt just an Internet meme, a march, or a slogan. It is people all across this country taking the government back from the billionaires and special interests. Its a wave of candidates who are saying no to more tax cuts for the wealthy, the gutting of social programs that benefit the needy, and less health care for all.

The Resistance is a real movement, and waves of Democratic candidates are mobilizing to win House elections and shut down the Trump agenda.
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Having been forced to resign from Breitbart for promoting pedophilia, self-styled alt-right provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos says he has $12 million in funding to establish a new media company opposed to the propagation of factual news. You know, because its politically correct.

According to his Facebook post,

MILO has formed a new media company with $12 million in funding from undisclosed investors. He has hired a seasoned media executive to lead the new 30-person team based in Miami, Florida.

The new company, MILO, Inc., will manage MILOs books, tours, merchandise and radio and TV opportunities.

This isnt some vanity nameplate on a personal blog. This is a fully tooled-up talent factory and management company dedicated to the destruction of political correctness and the progressive left.

I will spend every waking moment of the rest of my life making the lives of journalists, professors, politicians, feminists, Black Lives Matter activists and other professional victims a living hell.

Free speech is back  and it is fabulous.

Free speech, in fact, has never left, so it can hardly come back.

The problem has been that conservatives like Yiannopoulos think they are the only ones allowed to speak freely. Any opinion  or more importantly, any fact  raised in objection is instantly denounced as politically correct and therefore invalid.

There is also a great deal of hypocrisy involved. For example, Nazis like Yiannopolous like to refer to themselves not as Nazis but as alt-right. The problem is that alt-right is a politically correct term to disguise the fact that Nazis are, in fact, Nazis.

And for a guy who claims to champion free speech and opposes political correctness, Yiannopoulos really hated it when people called his support for pedophilia exactly what it was. No doubt hes still sore about losing that lucrative book deal as a result.

It is hardly surprising that Yiannopoulos found somebody to give him $12 million to wage war on facts. There are plenty of rich white men who hate facts and one of them sits in the White House surrounded by other rich white men who hate facts.

Dishonesty in support of white privilege is hardly in short supply right now on the political right in general or in the White House in particular. It is unlikely we will see anything new from Yiannopoulos despite his pledge to fight harder and look hotter than anyone else on the political right.

While Yiannopoulos sees himself as the vanguard of the culture war on American campuses, what he objects to is anybody holding an opposing view. While claiming he has the right to be as offensive as he wants, he believes nobody has a right to be offended, or to respond to his provocations.
With fall in the air, cyclamen start peeking through the leaf litter, giving the woodland garden a splash of color when most plants have finished blooming. As those pink, white or magenta blooms unfurl and appear, it is a memorable sight to see. Read moreFall charmers and winter wonders
Angie Jackson covers crime and breaking news for The Post and Courier. She previously covered the same beat for the Grand Rapids Press and MLive.com in Michigan. When shes not reporting, Angie enjoys teaching yoga and exploring the outdoors.
Diane Zetta Royer, 69, died just before 6 p.m. Nov. 5 from injuries suffered in the vehicle collision, according to the Charleston County Coroner's Office. MUSC spokesman Carter Coyle said the victim was pinned between two vendor trucks. Read moreWoman, 69, dies after she's pinned between 2 trucks on MUSC's campus
Louis Morant won re-election to the Georgetown County Council's District 7 seat and Kathy Ferdon-Anderson won re-election to her at-large seat on the Georgetown County School District Board of Trustees, according to unofficial election results. Read moreGeorgetown Co. elections: Morant wins second term; Ferdon-Anderson, Cox win at-large
When members of Charleston's Board of Architectural Review-Large meet Wednesday afternoon, they again will review plans for an 8-story building at 295 Calhoun St.  what will be one of the largest and most prominent buildings at one of downtown's most important gateways. They should stand fi Read moreEditorial: Protect integrity of BAR, Charleston's unique character
Krystle Matthews was in jeopardy of losing the state House District 117 seat against challenger Jordan Pace on Nov. 8, a loss that would place the fast-growing district back in Republican hands. Read moreMatthews loses SC seat; Cribb cruises to Berkeley County supervisor reelection
Simply put, says fifth-grade teacher Heather Herman , she loves her work. Known among friends for an understated albeit enthusiastic approach to all she does, Herman says she has found in teaching a greatly loved second career.

Her first career was that of a chef in Cincinnati, where her husband worked before joining Mayo Clinic a few years ago. This was an extension of her work in restaurants while he was completing training in Brooklyn, N.Y. As the mother of two daughters in Ohio, now in fifth and ninth grade, Herman partnered with another mother to operate a catering business. Moving to Rochester meant giving that up. It was after being in Rochester for a bit that Herman decided to return to school and become an educator.

In her first year of teaching at Jefferson, Herman says she has learned well that finding a second career can be exceptionally rewarding. If she were not of a modest persuasion, her friends say, she would boast about the joys of teaching in a city she has come to not only call home but also appreciate for its people and character.

If you had to describe your style with one word, what would that be?

Minimalist.

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Has that always been the case?

Yes. My approach to style honestly hasn't changed very much.

Would you elaborate a little?

For most of my life, jeans, T-shits, zip-up sweatshirts were what I wore. My mother always wished I were a little preppy.  As a chef, I wore T-shirts, jeans and a chef coat. The difference is between what I wore as a chef and what I wear now as a teacher. This is the first time in life that I have had to dress professionally. How I dress now is a big part of who I am at school.

Any influences from family, friends or peers for your newfound wardrobe?

My husband is the fashionable one. He wears pocket squares. His shoe collection is incredible. When we moved here he had one suit. But that changed quickly. A lot of my inspiration is from him. He helps pick things out. I am not really a shopper. I think that skipped a generation for me.

What figures in to your everyday classroom style?

I am not thinking about what I will look like as much as what I can do for them. This is what I think about when I am getting dressed in the morning.

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More specifically, how would you describe your teaching wardrobe?

I wear a lot of navy. I like patterns. Natural prints. Cardigans. I'm on the floor a lot and out on the playground, so I need to be comfortable and able to move. I think about what I wear as my teaching costume.

How do you blend a dedication to understatement with the need to sometimes actually wear a costume at school?

Pajama day, for example, is really not for me. It feels a little strange to me. But I am not always reserved. I did dress up for Dr. Seuss Day. I just always feel that I have to think about my relationship with my students and how they perceive me. As a mentor, a teacher, this is very important to me.

That said, I do always want the way I dress to express a little bit of fun and enthusiasm for what I do. I love my job.

Any outfits in particular that do that for you?

I have a navy dress with airliners on it. And I have a green dress with apples. It's my favorite. They're comfortable with a flair.

Do you wear jewelry, simple or of another sort?

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I really don't wear a lot of jewelry. I tend to wear small earrings. And just my wedding band. I like to be relatively simply adorned.

Does that simplicity carry over into shoes, say the black patent clogs you are wearing?

Yes. My husband bought me a really beautiful pair of shoes for Valentine's Day, but I didn't like them from a comfort point. And comfort is utmost for me.  For school, I wear Danskos. They also add a little height, which comes in handy for fifth-graders who are tall. I'm sure you've noticed; I'm rather short.

What do you hope to teach your students about style?

I guess that I hope they don't take themselves too seriously and to be able to have some fun. By seeing me have fun in my job, and in what I wear, I hope they have fun. That's a lot of what my job is for me, in addition to teaching, to help my students learn to enjoy what they are doing. I am excited about what I do, and I want them to feel the same way.

And what do you hope to teach your daughters about style?

I want them to feel comfortable. To wear what's appropriate and what should be worn; wear what the situation dictates. To be thoughtful about what they are wearing. Thoughtful is important.
Imagine using a hand-drawn sketch to identify a person in a crowd.

Now imagine switching to a high-resolution photo to make a match.

That's the shift some researchers at Mayo Clinic and the England-based The Binding Site firm are hoping to make in diagnosing and tracking the progression of multiple myeloma cancer in patients.

"It's night and day difference in terms of the resolution," Dr. David Murray said of using a mass spectrometer versus the decades-old process of gel electrophoresis.

Murray and David Barnidge, Ph.D, have invented a new testing process that uses the mass spectrometer to look for the build up of monoclonal immunoglobulin or "M-Proteins," which can signal the development of the currently incurable cancer in a patient.

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They created it in Mayo Clinic's labs in the Hilton Building. Mayo Clinic patented the process, and now it's working with its longtime collaborator The Binding Site to fine-tune the test and eventually work toward having it approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Mayo Clinic has financial investment in the project. The collaboration uses patents owned by Mayo Clinic and The Binding Site, plus several patents jointly held by both organizations.

The collaboration has spurred The Binding Site to establish a research laboratory in northwest Rochester to focus on the project. In May, a 5,200-square-foot lab was built out in the first level of the Wideth Smith Nolting Building, formerly the Home Design Center, along West Circle Drive.

"It all just came together," said Barnidge, standing in blindingly white new laboratory space. Barnidge, who now works for The Binding Site as laboratory director, is outfitting the lab with the necessary equipment and hiring seven researchers to staff it.

Brian DuChateau, the vice president of development for The Binding Site, explains the progression of the collaboration as going through three phases.

"First, it was negotiating terms with Mayo. The next phase is to locate, build and establish the Rochester lab," DuChateau said. "The third phase is development and validation of the test. That's the fun part we're looking forward to getting to."

However, he cautions it probably will take years before the test is considered by the FDA for approval.

Meanwhile, Mayo Clinic is working on a parallel to gain approval to use the test just for its patients. Murray said that separate process could wrap up by the end of 2017.

"We're leading the charge. We want to eventually get this thing out in the hands of the other institutions," Murray said.

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This approach stems from when a medical resident with an unusual background arrived at Mayo Clinic's Protein Immunology Lab and saw they were using the gel electrophoresis that dates back to the late 1950s.

Long before becoming a physician, Murray earned a doctorate in chemistry, and he worked as a research chemist for Eastman in Tennessee. After 10 years in that job, he "got the crazy idea to go to medical school." That led him to see how the immunology lab was doing its testing.

"As an industrial chemist, it was like, I knew there were much better ways to do this," he said.

He soon joined forces with Barnidge, as well as Mayo Clinic's Dr. John Mills and others. They soon started doing things with a mass spectrometer that had never been done before. By 2014, they had worked out a new test.

Overall, Barnidge and Murray say their patented test is more efficient, faster and less expensive than the ones in use now. Plus, there is detail that is just not possible with the gels.

"We're seeing details that we've never see before about the antibody repertoire. There are things that I think eventually will change how we think about immunology," said Murray.

DuChateau said this process could open the door for many new tests.

"It's the ultimate diagnostic. If you can ionize it, in theory, you can use this for a lot of different things. Ultimately, this is not just one single project for our Rochester lab," he said.

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Developers working on a massive downtown Rochester project have hammered out early plans for a possible 30-story apartment complex plus a 16-story hotel on South Broadway.

Harbor Bay Real Estate Advisors led by the Bell family, of Chicago, is co-developing the former Michaels Restaurant site at at the corner of South Broadway and West Center Street. They are working with Rochester developer Titan Development & Investments, led by the Chafoulias family.

Gus Chafoulias recently gave a presentation about the project to at least one Rochester City Council member.

City administrator Stevan Kvenvold sent out a memo on Monday describing the plans, including a detailed architectural drawing, to all of the Destination Medical Center Corp. Board members and city staff. It also was sent to Lisa Clarke and Patrick Seeb, of the DMC Economic Development Agency.

"The concept, to date, involves a 30-story residential tower, with 255 residential units, a 16-story hotel, with 153 rooms and 61,452 net feet of retail, attached to the existing Shops at University Square," Kvenvold wrote. "If the proposed project is to proceed, the current West Center Street parking ramp would needed to be removed."

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However, in both the memo and at this week's DMC Corp. Board meeting, he cautioned the plans still are preliminary and "the developers are wanting to keep the details as confidential as possible."

At Thursday's DMC meeting, Kvenold described the Michaels site project as, "Two birds in a bush at this point in time."

Sheila Thoma, of Titan, also emphasized the tentativeness of the plans at this point on Friday afternoon.

"High-level concept drawings were shown. We are in the preliminary planning phase," she said. When asked if the size or use of the buildings still could change, Thoma repeated her previous statement.

She did clarify that Titan is now a co-developer of the site with Harbor Bay. Previously, Harbor Bay was the sole developer. The Chicago firm paid $5.5 million in August 2016 for the empty buildings that once housed Rochester's popular Michaels restaurant.

In December, Harbor Bay stepped in to provide financing to help Titan launch the long-delayed construction of its Hilton hotel project across Broadway from the Michaels site. The "concept drawings" that circulated this week show an all-glass skyway reaching across Broadway to link the Hilton hotel and possible 30-story apartment complex.

Thoma said the developers have no schedule for having a final plan for the Michaels site to present to the city nor do they have any timelines for when work might begin on the project.

In the memo, Kvenvold said the current plan includes demolishing the parking ramp attached to the former restaurant.

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"I personally think that it makes some sense to demolish that parking ramp because that property is much too valuable in the whole scheme of things. Although that parking has been very essential for the development of the downtown, and some of it at least needs to be replaced," he told the DMC Board on Thursday.

He added that whatever form the new project takes, it's expected to include some parking.

However, Harbor Bay does not own the parking lot property at 9 Broadway. That lot is owned by Pre Holdings LLC. Pre Holdings is managed by Barb Hexum, according to the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office. She is a member of the Pappas family, who is married to Rochester developer Tom Hexum.

Olmsted County estimated the market value of the property at $211,300 for 2016.

That parking ramp stands behind the city-owned Historic Chateau Theatre, which is slated to be renovated for public use.

"The architects for the reuse of the Chateau Theatre building and the architects for this proposed project have had some meetings to determine if the proposed project could accommodate some of the auxiliary services needed to make the Chateau Theatre a completely functioning theater building," he wrote in the memo.

Asked about those meetings, Thoma did not offer any details about the talks.

"Conversations have occurred to ensure complementary future designs, and we are aligned with all stakeholders," she wrote in an email.

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The Harbor Bay firm, led by partners Mark Bell and Tom Lund, are not just interested in Rochester's downtown. They recently built the luxury 211-unit Preserve on Maine apartment complex, at 4010 Maine Ave. SE, in the Shoppes on Maine development. Tom Hexum is a lead figure in the Shoppes on Maine area.
GRAND MEADOW  Ask retiree Donnie Simonson how he thinks Republican President Donald Trump has done in his first 100 days in office, and he doesn't mince words.

"Just because I voted for him doesn't mean he's doing good," the Vietnam veteran said.

Simonson previously had voted for Democrat Barack Obama for president. But the self-described political independent said he opted for Trump in 2016 as the "lesser of two evils." He likes Trump's idea of putting America first and supports limiting immigration into the country, but he's not happy with how Trump has approached the job so far.

"His ego is too big. He doesn't listen to anybody," he said.

Simonson's frustrations with what has been going on in Washington, D.C., were echoed by other residents of Mower County. Voters in that county historically have voted for Democratic presidents. But that all changed in 2016, when nearly 50 percent of voters cast ballots for Trump. The last time a Republican had won the county was 1972, when voters picked Richard Nixon.

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Simply asking people about Trump in the wake of last fall's divisive election generated strong reactions. Many voters declined to weigh in, with one man at a grocery store in Grand Meadow simply saying, "I'd better not comment."

Another woman, who didn't want her name used, said she is hopeful about the future but also a little scared of Trump because he seems to make decisions quickly without taking enough time to analyze the potential consequences.

Still, some voters in this newly red county were willing to offer their thoughts on the job Trump has been doing so far. Find their responses here.
This story hasnt gotten anywhere near enough attention. Dr. John Christy and Dr. Roy Spencer are eminent climate scientists. They are realists who have done much to demolish the hysterical claims of the politically- and financially-motivated climate alarmists. Both Dr. Christy and Dr. Spencer teach at the University of Alabama Huntsville, where there was a left-wing march for science last Saturday. The march passed near by the National Space Science and Technology Center building where both Christy an Spencer have offices. Some time in the hours after the march, someone fired seven shots into the Space Science and Technology Center, near Christys office.

Roy Spencer writes:

A total of seven shots were fired into our National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) building here at UAH over the weekend. All bullets hit the 4th floor, which is where John Christys office is (my office is in another part of the building). Given that this was Earth Day weekend, with a March for Science passing right past our building on Saturday afternoon, I think this is more than coincidence. When some people cannot argue facts, they resort to violence to get their way.  Our street is fairly quiet, so I doubt the shots were fired during Saturdays march here. It was probably late night Saturday or Sunday for the shooter to have a chance of being unnoticed. Maybe the March For Science should have been called the March To Silence. Campus and city police say they believe the shots were fired from a passing car, based upon the angle of entry into one of the offices. Shell casings were recovered outside. The closest distance a passing car would have been is 70 yards away.

This is a photo of Dr. Christy viewing a bullet hole in a window in the office next to his:

Apparently local authorities were quick to brand the shooting as random, although it is not clear what evidence supports that conclusion. Dr. Spencer adds:

Even if: (1) the bullets had hit the other end of the building, (2) on the first floor, (3) it didnt happen on Earth Day weekend, and (4) there was no March for Science that weekend, I would still consider 7 shots fired into our building a probable act of ecoterrorism. I am not surprised this happened at all. For the last 25 years our science has been viewed as standing in the way of efforts to institute a carbon tax or otherwise reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The amount of money involved in such changes in energy policy easily run into the hundreds of billions of dollarsmore likely trillions. When I was at NASA, my boss was personally told by Al Gore that Gore blamed our satellite temperature dataset for the failure of carbon tax legislation to pass. So why am I not surprised that our building was shot up? Because people have been killed for much less reason than hundreds of billions of dollars. This is why the FBI needs to get involved in this case, if they havent already. Ecoterrorism is a federal crime. There were federal employees in the building at the time the shots were fired into the building. The original media reports that the event was a random shooting were, in my opinion, irresponsible. As far as I know, there were no questions asked of us, like Do you know why someone might have intentionally shot into your building? Well, hell, yes I know why. And Im a little surprised it didnt happen sooner. John and I have testified in congress many times on our work. John has been particularly effective in his testimony over the years. While I believe the shots were a message to us, I dont think John or I are that worried for our personal safety.

I join in Dr. Spencers call for an FBI investigation. If someone shot up Michael Manns office, do you think it would be deemed random without a meaningful investigation?
Thats the title of this article by Amy Davidson of the New Yorker. It would be difficult to deny that such an effort is underway, as Davidson shows.

The effort makes great sense. From all that appears, Ivanka Trump has influence with her father. Along with her husband, who apparently has become very influential, she is viewed as a force for moderation in the White House. Naturally, then, international elites want to flatter her. They hope she will try to remain on their good side.

The strategy is far shrewder than the approach of American leftists. They seek to demonize Ms. Trump and make her life miserable  whether its a loser shouting at her on an airplane (as she sits with her young children) or jerks trying to injure her business.

Here, though, is a question for Amy Davidson and the New Yorker: Have they written about, or even noted, the effort to exalt Chelsea Clinton  as, for example, through an achievement award from Variety and Lifetime?

Kevin Williamson has. So has Michelle Malkin. Williamson writes:

Chelsea Clinton, most recently lionized on the cover of Variety, is a 37-year-old multi-millionaire. . . Judging from the evidence of her public statements, she has never had an original thought  it isnt clear that she has had a thought at all. In tribute to her parents, she was given a series of lucrative sinecures, producing a smattering of sophomoric videos for NBC at a salary of $600,000 a year. She later went more formally into the family business, leaving her fake job at NBC for a fake job in her parents fake charity. She gave interviews about how she just couldnt get interested in money and bought a $10 million Manhattan apartment that stretches for the better part of a city block. And, since her mothers most recent foray into ignominious defeat, she has been inescapable: magazine covers, fawning interviews, talk of running her in New Yorks 17th congressional district. The Democrats are doing their best to make Chelsea happen.

As Williamson says, the effort here isnt to influence presidential policy; it is to inflict Chelsea on American public life. With Ivanka, the flattery is defensive  to limit the damage President Trump will do to left-liberalism. With Chelsea, the media is on offense. Its not trying to butter her up (shes already buttered). Rather, it wants to produce a new champion of left-liberalism.

I think the media is barking up the wrong tree.

JOHN adds: All true! But a few liberals are horrified at the prospect of another generation of Clintons being inflicted on us. Like the author of this piece in Vanity Fair: Please, God, Stop Chelsea Clinton From Whatever She Is Doing.
A-list Kannywood actress, Umma Shehu, has described her colleague, Ummi ZeeZee, as a small fry.

Ms. Umma, said this in a recent chat with PREMIUM TIMES Hausa. Her statement was a response to ZeeZees interview with the same paper wherein she described herself as the best actress in Kannywood.

ZeeZee who was allegedly betrothed to a former military ruler, Ibrahim Babaginda, last featured in a Kannywood film in 2006.

Nonetheless, she has charged the present crop of Kannywood actresses to keep bowing to her because none of them can take her number one spot.

In the controversial interview with PREMIUM TIMES Hausa, ZeeZee was quoted as saying, Nafi duka yan matan Kannywood Aji meaning,I am the most superior to all of them in Kannywood right now.

But, Ms. Umma has called ZeeZees bluff and has also challenged her to return to Kannywood to see if she can make an impact.

PREMIUM TIMES Lere Mohammed caught up with Ms. Umma who is barely two years in the industry and the 26-year-old actress had this to say:

PT: What are your thoughts about ZeeZees comment?

Umma: ZeeZee is just an ordinary actress even when she was an active player in the Hausa film industry. She was never better that Fati Mohammed, Safiya Musa and many others. I simply think she is just a zero behind a decimal point. She is looking for cheap popularity because her name is missing on the list of Kannywood A-list actresses.

PT: Dont you think she said that because you guys are not good enough?

Umma: Yes she has her mouth and she is entitled to her opinion but to be frank, ZeeZee cant match the present crop of Kannywood actors. I say this with all confidence because I have watched her movies. There was nothing spectacular about her acting or delivery and like I said earlier, we look forward to being as great as the likes of Fati Mohammed, Safiya Musa, Mansurah Isah and many others.

PT: So why do you think she made those comments?

Umma: You know some years back she was listed as one of the richest Kannywood actresses because she rode in a convoy of cars with personalised plate numbers. But, she thought that was all acting or being an actress entailed. Nobody knows the source of her wealth and she has gone bankrupt. She currently owns one car. Her acting was different and her earnings and investments was only known to her. I cant go into details because I dont know anything about her investments. Simply put, there is and was nothing special about ZeeZee.

PT: Dont you think people might think you are simply being jealous of ZeeZee?

Umma: No, I am not jealous of her. I watched her films and there is nothing extraordinary about them.

PT: Do you think you can stand her if she decides to return to acting?

Umma: I will beat her hands down and this is not an empty boast. In her heyday she did what she could do, but she cannot make a simple impact right now. Yes, let me repeat it again she cannot fit in to this generation of actors.

PT: Do you think you are one of Kannywoods best actors?

Umma: I am not. I have people whose acting skills and I admire and learn from them. They include Jamila Nagudu, Nafeesat Abdullahi, Fati Washa, Hadiza Gabon, Hafsat Idris, Aisha Tsamiya, to mention but a few. ZeeZee is not my match and neither are the aforementioned.

PT: On a personal note, do you like her?

Umma: Yes I do even as we speak. She is a colleague but she is not better than all of us. And I am challenging her to please return to the film industry so we can see what she can boast of, acting-wise.

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This weeks pledge by the Minister of Mines & Steel Development, Kayode Fayemi, to work with a Russian firm to reactivate the Aluminium Smelting Company of Nigeria, ALSCON, in Ikot-Abasi, is in clear violation of a Supreme Court judgement, PREMIUM TIIMES can report.

The Supreme Court, Nigerias apex court, had on two separate occasions ordered that the company be taken away from the Russian firm, UC RUSAL.

On Wednesday, Mr. Fayemis aides distributed a statement indicating the ministers visit to ALSCON and his pledge to work with UC RUSAL.

The Chairman/Chief Executive of BFIGroup, Reuben Jaja, who was reacting to Mr. Fayemis visit to the plant, said the ministers action was not only illegal, but contemptuous of the Supreme Court, which has ruled twice, sacking the Russians from the company since 2012.

BFIG is the Nigerian-American consortium that was declared winner of the bid for ALSCON in 2004 by the National Council on Privatisation, NCP, but was later disqualified by the Bureau for Public Enterprises, BPE, in controversial circumstances, triggering a lingering ownership legal tussle.

After a tour of the plant and its adjoining harbour, Mr. Fayemi commended UC RUSAL, led by its managing director, Dimitriy Zaviyalov, for ensuring the machines were kept in good shape, despite the absence of production activities, occasioned by a legal tussle over ownership.

Although the minister said government could not do anything about the legal tussle, he assured the Russians that government would encourage the Supreme Court to expedite action on the ruling, which would free the complex of any encumbrances, an indication Mr. Fayemi is either ignorant of the Supreme Court rulings or has decided to ignore them.

The minister cleared the Russians of accusations of asset stripping, saying contrary to reports that UC RUSAL was involved in asset stripping at ALSCON, the fact on ground showed the Russian group maintained the plants as well as a small work force, since it stopped work.

Government is fully prepared to tackle other administrative issues that crippled production processes at the plant once the legal aspect had been resolved.

Specifically, the ministry is ready to assist the company in resolving all administrative issues with some organisations, including the Nigeria Export Processing Authority, NEPZA, the Nigerian Gas Company and the Bureau of Public Enterprise, BPE, in the bid to ensure the plant comes alive again.

Although his action appears a clear violation of the Nigerian law, the minster restated the Buhari administrations commitment to the rule of law.

This is a government that believes in the rule of law. So, we cannot influence the judiciary over the matter. But we will help to resolve all other administrative issues that may arise between the company and other organisations in the interest of our economy, he said.

It is in our interest for the issues to be resolved. I am sure the Vice President, who is also the Chair of the Privatisation Council of Nigeria, would invite all the parties concerned once I brief him on my findings.

We cannot have such a huge national asset like ALSCON and allow it to go into ruins. If privatisation must work, there must be sanctity of contractual agreement, Mr. Fayemi said.

But in his reaction, Mr. Jaja faulted Mr. Fayemis stance on the ownership of ALSCON.

The minister is being misguided to think the case against ownership of ALSCON is still at the Supreme Court, Mr. Jaja said. The minister should know the Supreme Court had ruled on the matter on two occasions, and the verdicts were very clear and unambiguous.

The businessman made reference to two Supreme Court judgements PREMIUM TIMES had reported about.

On July 6, 2012, the Supreme Court in a unanimous verdict of 5 to 0, upheld BFIGroups legal right to acquire ALSCON and ordered BPE to comply. Again, on July 11, 2016, the Supreme Court rejected any arguments by BPE (Bureau for Public Enterprises) and UC RUSAL to vacate the judgment of 2012.

So, for the minister to call for the Supreme Court to expedite action in the case now shows he is not up to date with the current information on ALSCON. If the minister believes in the rule of law, he should know that romancing with UC RUSAL on a matter the Supreme Court has already ruled twice is illegal and contemptuous. This a matter BFIG lawyers intend to take up with the minister, Mr. Jaja said.

On the continued closure of the plant, Mr. Jaja said in line with Supreme Court ruling, the BPE was supposed to provide the share purchase agreement for BFIGroup to execute, pointing out that the privatization agency was yet to come forward with the already developed agreement, for signature.

On the ministers comment that the plants assets were not stripped, Mr. Jaja said that against the value of ALSCON in 2004, put at about $1.3 billion by the accounting firm, KPMG, its value had dropped significantly to less than $120 million.

What would be the ministers explanation to this significant decline, if not the massive degradation of the plant by the company illegally entrusted with its management, he said.

PREMIUM TIMES tried to reach Mr. Fayemi on why he appears to be ignoring the Supreme Court rulings on the matter. The minister did not pick or return calls, nor respond to a text message. His spokesperson, Yinka Oyebode, however, said his boss would await a letter by BFIG before making a statement.

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, Friday, said he would publish a book detailing how the then incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan was defeated by the opposition APC.

The APC National Leader spoke at the launch of Against the run of Play, a book written by Olusegun Adeniyi, spokesperson to former President Umar Yaradua, in Lagos.

Political analysts beleive Mr. Tinubu played a crucial role in the 2015 general elections, leading to the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking at the event Friday, Mr. Tinubu, who spoke through his media aide, Tunde Rahman, disclosed that he would soon reveal how the APC merger culminated in the defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP).

Asiwaju is also working on his own book to tell his account of what transpired, Mr. Rahman said.

To tell how he was able to mould the APC to the extent that it was able to unseat an incumbent president for the first time in the history of our contemporary politics.

Commenting on the controversial vice-presidential slot, Mr. Rahman said he made a good choice by picking Yemi Osinbajo.

That nomination (of Mr. Osinbajo) has been a very good choice from all the wonderful things the vice-president has been doing, he said.

There had been reports in the newspapers that Mr. Tinubu, according to the book, accused some leading figures in the APC to have worked against his emergence as Mr. Buharis running mate.

Senate President Bukola Saraki and Nasir el-Rufai, Kaduna state governor, featured prominently in the names allegedly mentioned by the

APC stalwart.

Reacting to the reports, Mr. Rahman said Mr. Tinubu was serially quoted out of context in the newspaper reports, adding that readers should carefully read through his principals submission in the book.

The account of what transpired as told by Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the book and as presented in some newspapers is not about him losing the vice-presidency and the eventual vice-president (Yemi Osinbajo) emerging, as the reviewer has put it, he said.

Commenting further, he said, Asiwaju spoke in greater context in that book, and when people are making comments, they should speak with the context in which he spoke.

If they are saying that Asiwaju lost the vice-presidency and that a vice-president emerged, where did he emerge from? Who nominated the vice-president?

Id like to say that even the vice-president has said on some occasions that a certain political leader from the south-west nominated him for the job and we all know who that is, Mr. Rahman

said.

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Former Head of State, Abdulsalam Abubakar, has charged Nigerian journalists to write more about the nations historical trajectories.

The ex-Head of State said this at the launch of Against the Run of Play, a book written by Olusegun Adeniyi, spokesperson to late President Umaru Yaradua.

Mr. Abubakar, who chaired the event, held on Friday in Victoria Island, Lagos, enjoined more local journalists to write more about local events, adding that when foreign journalists write about Nigerian political histories, Their narratives are not often clear and their views biased.

He commended Mr. Adeniyi for taking the bold step to write about an important part of the nations recent history, noting that there is still a dearth of books about the nations electoral contests.

I cannot recollect any book on any of the presidential elections held in the last eighteen years, he said.

He also lamented that books have not been written about other equally important events in the nations socio-political history in recent years, adding that apart from Helon Habilas book, there was no book written on the case of the abducted Chibok girls.

Similarly, Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth Secretary-General, lamented that there were few books written about important issues in the Nigerian public life.

He, however, recommended the new book to all Nigerians, adding that by reading the book, Nigerians would understand the events leading to the death of Mr. Yaradua and the defeat of former president Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking at the occasion, the author of the book, Mr. Adeniyi, disclosed that he never betrayed the confidence of characters interviewed in the book.

Mr. Adeniyi said he spoke with some of them more than twice, adding that none of the characters could claim that he was misquoted.

The former presidential aide said that he was inspired to put the book together after studying the politics of incumbency in African presidential elections in recent years.

He noted that he had identified fractionised opposition as one of the reasons for the failure of opposition parties to defeat incumbents in elections, adding that the APC merger that produced the result of the 2015 elections confirmed his thesis.

JOURNALISTS REACT

Reacting to claims in the book, presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina, commended the author, noting that he has contributed immensely to public knowledge with the book publication.

Reuben Abati, spokesperson to former president Jonathan, on his part, said Mr. Adeniyis effort was commendable, noting that he would respond to sensitive issues raised by the author after reading the

book thoroughly.

Mr. Abati also gave hints that he would write his own memoir as a spokesperson, detailing his experience at the villa, soon.

Akin Osuntokun, an aide to former president Olusegun Obasanjo, who anchored the programme, said the author has blazed the trail and enjoined other journalists to write more books to deepen public understanding of politics and political power in Nigeria.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, represented by his media aide, Tunde Rahman, enjoined readers to carefully decipher his submissions in the book, adding that many have misinterpreted his commentaries by taking it out of context.

The event witnessed the presence of top politicians and the creme de la creme of the Nigerian media, who gathered to honour one of their own.

Among those present are veteran journalist Dan Agbese; TheCable publisher, Simon Kolawole; Ovation publisher, Dele Momodu; Waziri Adio; Chidi Amuta; and Thisday editor Ijeoma Nwaogwugwu.

Others are Soji Omotunde; veteran journalist Kunle Ajibade; Thisdays Kayode Komolafe and right activist Yinka Odumakin.

The 204-page book, Against The Run of Play, was edited by former Art Editor at the defunct 234NEXT newspaper, Molara Wood; and it was reviewed by Okey Okechukwu, a Thisday columnist.

The book chronicles the event leading to the defeat of then incumbent president Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the emergence of president Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.

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Former presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, says despite threats by some Nigerians that they wont read accounts of his stewardship at the presidential villa, he may still write a book about his experience.

Mr. Abati, who served in the government of former president Goodluck Jonathan, said he had been told by some Nigerians to chronicle his experience when he served as Mr. Jonathans media aide.

He, however , added that he had also overheard some people saying that they wont buy his books if he ever wrote one.

The former editorial board chair of The Guardian newspaper spoke to PREMIUM TIMES after the launch of Against the run of play, a book by Olusegun Adeniyi, former presidential spokesperson to late president Umar Yaradua.

The event was held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Friday.

Mr. Abati, who said that he would reply to issues raised in Mr. Adeniyis book once he reads the book, suggested that he is also considering the option of publishing a book.

Some people said they wont read my book now, everyone keeps asking when it (the book) would be written, he said, adding that he would consider the publishing option.

Earlier, Mr. Abati had commended Mr. Adeniyi for writing the book,adding that he was however never allowed to examine the manuscript copy as Mr. Adeniyi had always done.

An unexamined life is not worth living,  Mr. Abati said, noting that Mr. Adeniyis new book would allow Nigerian leaders and followers reflect about the past and think about charting a new course for the future.

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Former Nigerian Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Friday, declined to comment on allegations made by a former Chief of Army Staff , Ishaya Bamaiyi, on the death of the acclaimed winner of the 1993 presidential election, Moshood Abiola.

Mr. Bamaiyi had in a new book, Vindication of a General, alleged that Mr. Abubakar knew about Mr. Abiolas death.

I believe only Gen. Abubakar and those he used to handle Abiolas death can tell Nigerians how Chief M . K. O . Abiola died. Abiola could not have died the way he reportedly died, he had claimed in the book.

He had added that the late businessman could not have died of natural causes, adding that he was full of life when they met.

Mr. Abubakar, who chaired the book launch of Olusegun Adeniyi s Against the Run of Play in Lagos, however, said he had no comment on Mr. Bamaiyi s allegations when probed by journalists.

I have no comments no comments! he told journalists who asked him to comment on the issue, then moved slowly towards his vehicle.

Mr. Abiola was acclaimed to have won the 1993 presidential election, which was annulled by the Ibrahim Babangida, Nigerias then head of state.

In 1994, after he pronounced himself winner of the election, the late Abeokuta-born politician was arrested by the late Sani Abacha, Nigerias military ruler at the time.

Mr. Abiola would later die in prison in 1998, a few weeks after the death of Mr. Abacha, who was succeeded by Mr. Abubakar.

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The President of the Nigerian Senate, Bukola Saraki, has made a fresh promise to disclose the budget of the National Assembly, with his media aide saying he would quit his job if the promise is not kept this time.

Mr. Saraki made the new commitment on Friday via Twitter, saying the plan to remove the irritating secrecy around the budget was already concluded.

He said the budget would be made public alongside the 2017 national budget which is expected to be passed and assented to in early May.

The line by line of the National Assembly budget, part of the #Opnenass, is a done deal. (it) will be laid with 2017 budget, Mr. Saraki tweeted.

Our correspondent said that was at least the sixth time the Senate President would make such a promise, although civic technology group, BudgiT, said it has counted eight such commitments.

Mr. Saraki reneged on all previous promises to make the budget public.

But this time, the special assistant to the lawmaker on new media, Bankole Omishore, said his principal would not renege on his promise and vowed to resign if the promise is not kept.

If the 2017 budget is passed and you dont have line by line budget of the National Assembly, I will resign, Mr. Omishore said.

He said it took the Mr. Saraki-led National Assembly two years to agree to disclose its budget because institutional reforms do not happen overnight.

With N23.347 billion in 2003, the National Assemblys budget now stands at about N115 billion, representing over 492 per cent rise in 13 years. Until 2016, the budget had often gone as high as N150 billion.

In 2010, when the budget hit a shocking record sum of N154.2 billion, David Mark, Mr. Sarakis predecessor, decided to block Nigerians from knowing details of how the National Assemblys jumbo allocations were spent, especially how much members earned in allowances, thus wrapping up the federal legislators finances in utmost secrecy.

So, in one masterstroke of legislative brinkmanship, the National Assemblys budget, hitherto open to public scrutiny, like those of ministries, departments and agencies, suddenly became secret after the body legislated, in 2010 under Mr. Mark, to make itself member of an exclusive club of opaque agencies whose budget details are never disclosed but whose finances are deducted en-bloc (first-line charge) via statutory transfers.

But Mr. Omishore said Mr. Saraki had always wanted to open the NASS budget since he came to office in June 2015 when he made the first commitment to transparency.

But if for whatever reason it is not released now as promised, I agree with my followers and family members I would have lost legitimacy to continue to act as special assistant.

So, Im counting on my boss that with the support of his colleagues and management staff we will fulfill the promise.

The spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Abdulrazaq Namdas, also told PREMIUM TIMES Speaker Yakubu Dogara, had vowed to disclose the details of the House budget this year.

The NASS budget is so tightly guarded that several members of the bicameral parliament are oblivious of its details, lawmakers and administrative officials told PREMIUM TIMES.

In fact, suspended former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, on January 10, openly challenged Mr. Saraki, to make the budget open, disclosing that he and his colleagues, like most Nigerians, had no knowledge of details of the NASS budget.

In any case, should Mr. Saraki fulfill the promise to open the NASS budget this time, he will have caused a major institutional reform, thereby unveiling the finances of the parliament for public scrutiny for the first time in eight years.

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About 30 million households and more than 100 million Nigerians depend on firewood as a source of energy for cooking, an official has said.

Dayo Adeshina, president of the Nigerian Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association, NLPGA, made this known in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES Friday.

Mr. Adeshina, who decried the low level of LPG usage in the country, said many Nigerians cook with firewood in spite of its attendant collateral damage to the environment and their immediate health.

He, however, urged the Nigerian government to promote the usage of LPG among Nigerians.

The NLPGA president noted that the use of the LPG, popularly known as cooking gas, should be encouraged in the country to achieve the aims of the Paris climate change agreement, facilitated by President Muhammadu Buharis government.

Similarly, the association commended the government for the ratification of the Paris agreement on climate change.

With the ratification of the pact, the association said, Nigeria has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions unconditionally by 20 per cent and conditionally by 45 per cent.

The Paris agreement, the statement added, was expected to deliver $100 billion per year by 2020 in support of developing countries to take climate actions.

Mr. Adeshina, therefore, enjoined the government to ensure full and speedy implementation of the agreement, adding that poor implementation could deny the country its benefits.

The NLPGA chief also said the use of LPG would play a major role in achieving the objectives of the agreement, geared towards avoiding environmental effects of climate change through reduction in carbon emissions.

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Nigerians on Twitter have lambasted the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, for his comment on which country has the best jollof rice.

In an interview with CNNs Richard Quest, the minister was asked which country makes the best jollof rice and he responded by saying Senegal.

Mr. Quest quickly reacted by saying I hear a shock, I hear a sigh across the country.

On April 26, Mr Quest tweeted Jollof Rice. Delicious. Ghana or Nigeria? Which is best? I aint getting involved in the #jollofwar #richardquestinnigeria

The jollof rice battle has been a social media trend between Nigerians and Ghanaians but with the recent response by the minister, Nigerians have displayed a high level of displeasure on twitter.

Mr. Quest in response to these reactions tried to clear the air.

He said To be clear. The Minister misheard; he thought I asked, who first created jollof rice  hence his (correct) answer Senegal.

Nigerians predictably had diverse opinions about the comment and quickly took to twitter to express their opinions.

See some of the reactions below:

We need to deport this man to Senegal "@KraksTV: RT till Lai Mohammed gets this #Traitor pic.twitter.com/1E8l4nUyDS"  One Hustler Like Dat (@swish_mr) April 29, 2017

Lai Mohammed says Senegal makes the best jollof   eh sir, is that what we asked you to say? pic.twitter.com/V40dzSnuTC  Daniel Emeka (@realdanielemeka) April 28, 2017

Lai Mohammed: President Buhari is winning in the war against corruption and Nigerians are happy with his achievements so far Nigerians: pic.twitter.com/1A5GTJJ6p9  Naija Boy (@OsasCruz) April 28, 2017

Lai Mohammed

He brought a Nigerian jollof to make your answer easy. But no! So you can fail WAEC even with EXPO? pic.twitter.com/QB1ZRjMndf  Random Guy (@Sir_Rej) April 28, 2017

Lai Mohammed has done it again! This is like aiyegbeni missing the goal to an open net to qualify us for next round in WC 2010. #JollofRice  MGB (@mgblive) April 29, 2017

After now, Lai Mohammed will open the same mouth to tell us to patronise Nigerian products.  Amara Nwankpa (@Nwankpa_A) April 29, 2017

Lai Mohammed is a disapointment. Wc country makes the best jollof rice in the world. Senegal?? Even Richard Quest was shocked. unpatriotic  OmoJesufollowback (@oluseyelawrence) April 29, 2017

Lai Mohammed's root traced to Senegal. Those Senegalese slaves bought by rich Nigerians that year.  E n o h (@Koldflames) April 29, 2017

Lai Mohammed had the opportunity to market Nigerian Jollof rice to CNN viewers all over the globe yet he chose to score an own goal.  MICHAEL (@Ikoro85) April 29, 2017

"@DirectorSolomon: Lai Mohammed must dance naked before the gods of jollof rice pic.twitter.com/2uOJ53i5rY"yeahhhh  Tare C. Idumson (@TareCaroline) April 29, 2017

Congratulating Senegal Nigeria's Information Minister Lai Mohammed declared your 'jollof' rice as BEST IN AFRICA. I will be tasting soon.  Kayode Ogundamisi (@ogundamisi) April 29, 2017

Choi! Now I know why Nigeria is not progressing Lai Mohammed has been giving Buhari information about Senegal not Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/fu97faOfvQ  Iyanuloluwa payne (@iyansnoni) April 29, 2017

U people are here talking about Lai Mohammed & Jollof Rice.. U didn't see Dstv's tweet abt an hr ago abi? They wantu increase it again oo  Lakeside Muller (@legzy00) April 29, 2017

Me looking at Lai Mohammed's comment like pic.twitter.com/e5qtGMpE5e  Olisa ifeoma (@klai_mhax) April 29, 2017

Full dead. Even quest self go tire. Chai RT"@KraksTV: RT till Lai Mohammed gets this #Traitor pic.twitter.com/m5lSw5AcWG"  Ga (@nagastic) April 29, 2017

Lai Mohammed just gave out our best daughter #jollofrice to d Senegalese FOCwhy not Amala for Gods sake???  Tope Banjo (@atom_perri) April 29, 2017

Richard Quest: Which country makes the best Jollof rice?

Lai Mohammed: ah ah ai want to say probablySENEGAL! Lai Mohammed is a betrayal! pic.twitter.com/cYgWzhOgW9  FAVOUR ONYEOZIRI (@Rouvafe) April 29, 2017

Lai Mohammed just said, on @richardquest that #Senegal makes the best Jollof rice. Can we fire our Minister of Information for treason!  Chxta (@Chxta) April 28, 2017

No no no the minister misheard and thought I asked which country first created jollof rice. By bad mumbling of the question https://t.co/iHdT0tKPD3  Richard Quest (@richardquest) April 28, 2017

A Twitter user AYB_BAHMZY @bahmzy, however defended the minister, suggesting that Mr. Lai might have heard the question wrongly.

Lai Mohammed misheard Richard Quest.. He though Quest asked what country jollof rice came from..And truly Jollof Rice is from Senegal

Lai Mohammed is d new judas of our time, he just betrayed us by saying Senegal jollof sweet pass 9ja jollof wat a wawuuuu  Rose (@roseiceo) April 28, 2017

Lai Mohammed said Senegal makes the best Jollof rice. OMG. What have we done to deserve this nuisance. pic.twitter.com/Y3l570MXfe  Brasco (@BodeThomas_) April 28, 2017

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Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has again lashed out at the Nigerian media saying their relationship will remain very frosty as a result of their obscene reportage of his decision to shred his United States Green Card last year.

Mr. Soyinka, a professor of Comparative Literature, said he wondered why his private decision with another country would elicit hysteria from the local press, adding that the media provided a platform for social media trolls to launch attacks on him.

Certain events which took place recently and which made me very reluctant to do my usual stuff of encounters with the press, I think its necessary for me to take that first before embarking on the actual theme of the day, said Mr. Soyinka, 82, at an open forum he tagged Terms of Enslavement I: Holy Cows, Green Gods, and Law of Karma in Lagos on Friday.

Two days ago, I attended a reception at the American Consulate. It was a kind of send-off for one of the Nigerian staff who had worked 30 continuous years with the American embassy, I was there for about an hour or so, I was not arrested, no dogs were set on me, the national guard or marine guard who guard the embassy didnt lock me up somewhere, lock me up in the diplomatic bag and deliver me to Donald Trump.

On the contrary, there was a very warm welcome when I went there, but before that, there was an even more significant visitation to American soil in Nigeria and that visitation took place two days before the present president of the United States took office  I cant remember the exact date now  and again I was received at the official consulate, the business which took me there was taken care of in an atmosphere of complete cordiality and friendship and it was really to exchange documents if you like, thats why I said this is far more significant than merely going to the home of the Consul General and enjoying his hospitality.

Mr. Soyinka, the 1986 winner of the Nobel prize for Literature, said he had gone to the US Consulate to conclude a step he had earlier commenced.

At that meeting I asked for forms, the regulation forms, and filled that form renouncing my status of residence, of permanent residence of America, and in turn obtained an ordinary visa which enables me to go in and out of the United States of America as, to use my own favorite expression, an alien visitor, in other words, a visitor from outer planet, and thats the way things should be.

I took a certain decision, my own way of expressing my disgust at some political decision which is an affair between me and the country whose hospitality I was renouncing, at least at a certain level. Since then I have been in the United States, I think since last year October Ive have been in and out at least six times using that normal alien visitor visa, and thats it.

And Ive asked myself again and again, what happened to the Nigeria media? What was that hysteria about? Why did Nigeria journalists and op-ed writers become so  theres no other word for it  hysterical and obscene in language over a decision which I took and which concerned just me and another nation. Its a puzzle which is not yet resolved, until it is resolved, my relationship with the Nigeria media is going to remain the way it has always been over the past few months; very frosty.

It was not the first time Mr. Soyinka had launched attacks on the local media over their coverage of his activities.

Last August, he said he said he would no longer be speaking to the Nigerian media over issues concerning efforts to end militancy in the Niger Delta, accusing the journalists of extreme invention and distortion of facts.

Three months earlier, during events marking Mr. Buharis one year in office, Mr. Soyinka described a media report quoting him as declaring support for the president as a disgusting forgery.

On Friday, Mr. Soyinka noted that there are situations which could compel him to overlook certain things, but not forgive it or forget them until they are properly resolved in ones own mind.

Because I think the Nigerian media underwent a bout of a kind of sociopathic derangement, I cant think of no other expression for it which captures the respectable media allowed itself to be controlled by a promiscuous, totally ungovernable, and irresponsible social media.

In other words, we had a situation where a mangy tail was wagging what was supposed to be a serious watchdog. The print media played a very despicable role in that orgy of obscenity for which I cannot reconcile myself with till today.

In fact, it went to the extent, I will reveal to you, that I called the director of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism and I said I want my name off that and if you dont take it off, I will sue you. I dont want anything which connects me in any friendly way with the profession of journalism in Nigeria.

Last year, Mr. Soyinka had promised to shred his Green Card if Donald Trump emerged president of the United States, and, in the aftermath of Mr. Trumps victory, Nigerians trooped to social media, pushing and jeering him to keep to his word.

An angry Mr. Soyinka responded with a 4,000-word essay saying even though he had no intention of backing down on his promise, he found the relentless push and ridicule from Nigerians inappropriate and unwarranted.

Theres one language which I particularly resent, which Ive heard a couple of times in recent says, that Ah! It looks like Wole Soyinka is being vindicated, the professor continued on Friday.

I dont even want to hear that word. Vindicated over what? The issue is not whether Donald Trump proves to be the greatest president of the United States, thats not the issue. The issue is not whether Donald Trump becomes a mixture of the Gautama, of Buddha, of Prophet Mohammed, Jesus Christ, of Obatala and Orisanla of the beneficient deities known to the world and avatars, thats not the issue.

The issue is one of freedom of expression, absolute, untrammeled freedom of expression, as long as freedom of expression its use does not harm others or encroach on the rights of others to freedom of expression.

Mr. Soyinka also addressed those urging him to show proof that he had, indeed, shredded his US Green Card.

Those who say Wole Soyinka is a liar, he didnt do it unless I see it, I have a message for them, you can see it anytime, on one condition: you will eat it, he said.

If you promise to eat the evidence, I will show it to you. Since it matters to you so much, since you made it your business, something which is not your business, insisting you want to see it, I dont give a damn whether you believe me or not. Those who are not fools know that under freedom of information its the easiest thing in the world to go and check to see how I go into the States and out, whether Im using a Green Card or a green god as I call it to facilitate my entry or Im using other forms of entry. Very simple.

Only somebody who is a real fool will think that I, Wole Soyinka, will pretend that Ive done something, when to check is so easy. It just shows that such people live in a lying environment, very likely their colleagues, maybe their families will lie in their teeth like some of the politicians are doing now, claiming money which isnt theirs. Actually, that money is mine, its the interest on my Nobel prize. Ill be staking my claim very very soon.

It is really only an imbecile who will think that somebody who travels around the world, who goes in and out and whose movements can be checked will lie about a thing like that. It just shows that theyve set up a fictitious figure for their own private agenda and you, the Nigerian media, you allowed yourselves to be misled by these mangy trolls of internet or social network.

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The Nigeria Police Force has circulated a press statement confirming that suspected assassins indeed made an attempt on the life of Senator Dino Melaye.

The spokesperson for the police, Jimoh Moshood, also said six suspects have been arrested in connection with the case.

Read the police full statement below.

PARADE OF SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION /MURDER OF SENATOR DINO MELAYE ON 15TH APRIL, 2017 AND RECOVERY OF FIREARMS SUSPECTED TO HAVE BEEN USED IN THE ATTACK AND ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF PROHIBITED FIREARMS AND CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY,

AT THE FORCE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA BY CSP JIMOH MOSHOOD, FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, FORCE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA

ON 29TH OF APRIL, 2017

Consequent on the attack by unknown gun men on Senator Dino Melaye at his residence at Iyala, Ijumu LGA in Kogi State on 15th April, 2017, at about 0030hrs, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris NPM, mni, swiftly deployed Police Special Tactical Squad (STS) team to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice.

SUSPECTS:

i. Taofiq Isah M 54 years principal suspect (Hon. Chairman Ijumu LGA Kogi State)

ii. Ade Obage M 29 years

iii. Abdullahi Isah a.k.a Eko M 32 years

iv. Ahmed Ajayi M 45 years

v. Michael Bamidele M 26 years

vi. Ex- Sgt Ede James M 35 years (Orderly to Chairman of ijumu LGA Kogi State at the time of the attack)

EXHIBITS:

i. One (1) Ambulance Hyundai Bus

ii. Five (5) AK 47 rifles

iii. One (1) Berreta pistol

iv. Two (2) locally made single barrel shot gun

v. Twenty (25) expended shells of 7.62 mm ammunition

vi. Thirteen (13) expended shells of 9mm ammunition

vii. Twelve (12) expended shells gauge cartridge

The firearms have been sent for Ballistic expert examination, test and analysis at the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department in Lagos.

In compliance with the Inspector General of Polices directive on the attack and attempted assassination/murder of Senator Dino Melaye carried out on 15/04/2017, at Iyala, Ijumu LGA in Kogi state, the operatives of the IGP Special Tactical Squad swung into action and after ten (10) days of painstaking and sustained surveillance between 16/04/2017 and 25/04/2017, successfully arrested six (6) members of the vicious and notorious Hired Assassins gang responsible for the attack and attempted assassination/murder of Senator Dino Melaye carried out on 15/04/2017, at Iyala, Ijumu LGA in Kogi state namely:

i. Taofiq Isah (Chairman Ijumu LGA Kogi state) according to the investigation so far, he is the mastermind of the executed attempted assassination/murder of Senator Dino Melaye. He was alleged to have directed one Abdulmumini a.k.a Iron, now at large (who was said to be his Personal Assistance) and who in turn recruited other members of the vicious and notorious hired assassins gang mentioned above.

ii. Ade Obage M 29 years: He voluntarily informed the Police that he has the knowledge and information about the attempted assassination/murder attack of Senator Dino Melaye after the attack was carried out. He further informed the investigators that he was contacted to join the gang by Abdullahi Eko a principal suspect now in Police custody.

iii. Abdullahi a.k.a Eko M a native of Adavi town in Adavi LGA of Kogi State was arrested and he confessed to the crime and admitted to the criminal roles he played along with the other suspects in carrying out the attempted assassination/murder of Senator Dino Melaye. He also mentioned other members of the gang who are still at large and that they used the Ambulance Hyundai bus and Five (5) AK 47 rifles for the operation. The Ambulance was recovered behind the Ijumu LGA Secretariat in Kogi State.

iv. Ahmed Ajayi M 45 years (local security man at the residence of Taofiq Isah a principal suspect) a prohibited locally made single barrel shot gun was recovered from his possession.

v. Michael Bamidele M 26 years (local security man at the residence of Taofiq Isah a principal suspect) a prohibited locally made single barrel shot gun was recovered from his possession.

vi. Ex- Sgt Ede James M (Orderly to Chairman of Ijumu LGA Kogi State). He is the Police orderly to the principal suspect Taofiq Isah, the Chairman of Ijumu LGA in Kogi State whose phone was used for communication for the planning of the failed assassination/murder of Senator Dino Melaye. He was arrested with a serious criminal link to another principal suspect Abdullahi a.k.a Eko who is an active member of the gang.

vii. Abdulmumini a.k.a Iron (at large) He is the personal Assistant (PA) to Chairman Ijumu LGA. Investigation so far revealed that he recruited members of the gang for the attack namely: Abdullahi a.k.a Eko arrested, Osama (SNU) at large, Lukman a.k.a General/Commander at large and China a.k.a Lie down flat at large and Adamu Aloha also at large. The suspects jointly entered the ambulance and left to Senator Dino Melaye residence at Ijumu LGA Kogi State.

Abdullahi Isah a.k.a Eko the third suspect further confessed to the crime and admitted to have been sent by the Chairman of Ijumu LGA in Kogi State Hon. Taofiq Isah to go and assassinate Senator Dino melaye.

Investigation is being intensified to arrest other suspects at large. All suspects will be arraigned in court on completion of investigation.

Thank you all for your attention and God bless.

CSP JIMOH O. MOSHOOD

FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

FORCE HEADQUARTERS

ABUJA

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The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) and Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC) have demanded that Speaker Yakubu Dogara explain the nearly N250,000 excess in his annual constituency allowance to Nigerians.

In separate statements to PREMIUM TIMES, the civic groups said Nigerians stand to lose billions through similar channels if they ignore the amount as inconsequential.

Although some may dismiss the amount as being too little to warrant scrutiny, CHRICED insists that the channel through which 247,711.47 of public monies disappears, is the same channel through which billions will vanish, if not closed, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, CHRICED director, said.

Lanre Suraj, Chairman of CSNAC, said the Speaker should not only explain the anomalies observed in his pay, but also disclose all his allowances in categorical format.

The Speaker should also show us the money he received under each category of his allowances, Mr. Suraj said.

The call came days after PREMIUM TIMES examined the content of a payslip distributed by Mr. Dogara, which showed he earned excess in constituency allowance, even though the document largely complied with the remuneration guidelines as set by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

As his constituency allowance, Mr. Dogara claimed N175, 461.96, giving him N2, 105, 543. 52 per annum.

However, the RMAFC stipulated that Mr. Dogara should draw 75 per cent of his annual basic salary as constituency allowance, which is about N1, 857, 832.5.

This indicates that the speaker may have earned N247, 711.47 more than what RMAFC recommended as his constituency allowance.

The RMAFC did not say if the speaker was entitled to earn more than other lawmakers. The regulator only imposed 125 per cent and 75 per cent of annual basic salary as constituency allowances for senators and representatives, respectively.

CHRICED further stated that the discrepancy was a result of the secrecy with which the National Assembly budget is handled.

As we await that explanation, we make bold to assert that the opaque and secretive accounting culture in the National Assembly, which has been the basis for bogus and questionable allowances, is also responsible for the many other illegal payments, which are usually shrouded in secrecy.

Legislators have continued to shield their unjust earnings from public view by the blatant refusal to open up their budget for public access. CHRICED, therefore, calls on citizens and civic groups, to sustain the pressure until the veil of secrecy foisted on how public funds are being expended by supposed representatives of the people, is entirely removed, it said.

Nigerian lawmakers are known to draw excessive payments from the federal coffers, even when they could not justify them.

For instance, a recent Auditor General Report found that a man who was elected senator 10 months to the expiration of the Seventh Assembly drew salaries for a full four-year tenure.

CHRICED urged Nigerians to be vigilant about the activities of their elected officials at all time.

While the push for transparency and accountability leading to the recent disclosures is laudable, we urge citizens to move beyond the euphoria of the moment by thoroughly scrutinising details of what has been put in the public domain by the concerned officials, it said.

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The struggle for bail by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, began in 2015 shortly after he was arraigned at the magistrate court on allegations of treason.

Mr. Kanu was arrested and detained by operatives of the State Security Service (SSS).

That struggle, however yielded very little reward until his case was transferred from the magistrate court in Abuja to the Federal High Court (FHC) in the nations capital, December 16.

After his case began at the FHC, Mr. Kanu made yet another demand for bail.

His prayer to be allowed bail was however denied in January 2016, when on the 29th of that month, Justice John Tsoho for refused Kanus application bail, allowing his continued detention in the Kuje maximum prison.

Before that date, on January 20, 2016, Mr. Kanu was ordered to be transferred from his place of previous detention, to a formally recognised prison cell.

Following the refusal of his bail, Mr. Kanu appealed the January 29 ruling of the court, describing it as an abuse of court process and a breach of his fundamental rights.

That application was first heard at an Appeal Court in Abuja on May, 5 but refused on May 25.

While the appeal before the appellate court was being heard, Mr. Kanu approached the community court of justice of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS to challenge the decisions of the court against his bail.

He also accused the Nigerian government of being behind his ordeal.

In November 2016 Mr. Kanu made another request for bail, at the Federal High Court, which was again refused on December 1, 2016.

After his charge was amended in March, Mr. Kanu alongside his co-defendants again presented the same request for bail with other requests, in April.

On April 25, the court presided over by Justice Binta Nyako refused the request for bail by the other defendants except Mr. Kanu. According to the judge Mr. Kanus prayer was allowed based on health grounds.

A list of twelve conditions were however given by the court, some of which Mr. Kanu is expected to fulfil, after leaving the prison cell.

Prominent leaders from the South East, like Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, served as one of the required sureties for Mr. Kanu.

Also former aviation minister, Osita Chidoka, who was at the venue of Mr. Kanus trial on Wednesday, reportedly went along with his kinsmen to accompany Mr. Kanu while he was led out of prison custody.

The conditions expected to be respected, now that Mr. Kanu has left prison, include the order for him (Kanu) not to be seen in a crowd of more than 10 people, that he avoids granting interviews as well as presenting a monthly report of his medical conditions to the court of law.

Mr. Kanu is also expected to avoid all forms of rallies, while he is out on bail.

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The President of TELL Communications Limited  publishers of Tell newsmagazine and Broad Street Journal  Nosa Igiebor, on Friday led a team of top management staff of the organization on a visit to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to convey the nomination of the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Umar Garba Danbatta as CEO of the Year 2016.

Mr. Igiebor told Professor Danbatta, that he was greatly pleased to be at the NCC a public sector organization with an uncommon excellent culture of public service.

There was a massive response when we called for nominations, the choice narrowed down to the CEOs of NCC, BOI and NNPC but ultimately NCC emerged topmost, though the votes were quite close, Mr. Igiebor said.

He said TELL had devoted its entire history to publishing, championing issues of freedom and advocating good governance as a springboard to national development.

He explained that the TELL Awards For Excellence was instituted to celebrate organizations and persons inhabiting the island of excellence where NCC stood out preeminently in the public service.

In the course of this exercise, Mr. Igiebor said his organization interacted with the public extensively and found that some members of the public sphere did not even realize that NCC is a public sector organization  because of its performance.

He said although public complaints about services rendered by telecoms companies persists, NCC has performed creditably well in reining in the malfeasance through its distinctive regulatory role and continuity of focus and actions by successive leadership of the Commission.

We have the honour on behalf of the Board of TELL Awards for Excellence to convey the decision of the nomination of Professor Danbatta as the CEO of the Year 2016 because he has raised the bar in excellent public service and we pray he sustains the trend and that his successors continue on that path, Mr. Igiebor said.

Responding, Mr. Danbatta thanked the TELL team for the visit to NCC and acknowledged the recognition on behalf of management and staff, describing the honour as historically significant because he had always seen TELL as a highly respected, greatly analytical and not sensational media, adding that TELL is indeed fitting in the category of The Economist, Newsweek and other magazines of that genre.

Mr. Danbatta told his visitors that this is the first time the Commission would have no hesitation receiving an award from a media organization because TELL is a reputable medium.

Coming from the academia where we are used to incisive sometimes radical analysis of issues, I particularly appreciate TELLs courageous analysis, he said, adding that it is that pedigree that has helped him to fit into a world class organization like NCC where very noble Nigerians had done spectacular foundational work which his predecessors built upon to put NCC on the world map, promising to make NCC better.

Mr. Danbatta expressed gratitude to TELL for the honour which he said is dedicated to the staff of the Commission who work tirelessly to ensure NCC focus on the accomplishment of its mandate. He stated that he was particularly gratified because the recognition is coming from a leading light of the Fourth Estate of the Realm which aggregates public opinion and speaks for the public describing TELL as an existing and enduring legacy.

The award will be formally presented to Professor Danbatta at an event in Lagos on June 10, 2017, a statement by Tony Ojobo, NCCs Director of Public Affairs said.

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The Speaker of Adamawa House of Assembly, Kabiru Mijinyawa, has denied reports that he physically assaulted one of the policemen attached to him who complained over non-payment of allowances.

Mr. Mijinyawa, in a statement Saturday signed by the Assembly Public Relations Officer, Yahaya Daji, described the story as baseless, false, unfounded and malicious aimed at denting his image.

Mr. Mijinyawa said as a legislator, he has respect for the rule of law and would not carry out such dastardly act against anybody.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Adamawa Police Command Public Relations officer, Othman Abubakar, had said the police was investigating the matter.

Mr. Abubakar said there was allegation that the speaker beat one of the policemen attached to him.

The spokesman, who did not give details, explained that the Yola Area Command of the force was investigating the matter.

In another development, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Musa Mahmud, has also denied mob action against him and some lawmakers who went for an investigation at the Yola North Metropolitan Council secretariat.

Mr. Mahmud said the mob that besieged the secretariat during the lawmakers visit on Thursday did not harass nor prevent the lawmakers from their investigative mission to the council.

The fact is that the protesting youths were not after us; they are just two opposing group of youths.

Those in support of the suspension of the chairman of the council and those against his suspension who are trying to shout each other down, Mr. Mahmud said.

He said the lawmakers went there to confirm whether the legislative arm of the council complied with the House of Assembly resolution to open the council legislative chamber.

The chamber was closed following leadership crisis; seven out of the 11 members had passed a vote of no confidence on the Chairman of the council.

During our visit we met the legislative leader who told us that legislative activities could not take place due to absence of the legislative clerk and most of the Councillors.

We left there immediately because there was no sitting to supervise and not because of mob action, Mahmud said. (NAN)

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The Nigerian police on Saturday paraded six suspects allegedly responsible for the attempted assassination of Dino Melaye, a senator representing Kogi West.

Among those paraded at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, was Taofiq Isah, 54, the Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Council of Kogi State, whom the police said was the mastermind of the attempt on the senators life.

Senator Melaye was reported to have narrowly escaped death when gunmen, numbering about 10, attacked his country home at Ayetoro-Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area.

The incident occurred on April 15 while Mr. Melaye was on holiday at home during the Easter.

At about midnight, we started hearing gunshots. They fired more than 200 rounds of bullet into the house, the senator recounted his experience shortly after the attack.

Ede James and Ahmed Ajayi, a police orderly to the Ijumu council chairman and a security man at the chairmans residence respectively were also paraded by the police.

Another local security man, Michael Bamidele, who was attached to the chairmans residence, was among those arrested.

Others are Ade Obage and Abdullahi Isah (alias Eko).

The Force spokesperson, Jimoh Moshood, who paraded the suspects before journalists, said one Abdulmumini, otherwise known as Iron, said to be the personal assistant to the council chairman was at large.

Mr. Moshood said the inspector general of police had directed detectives to investigate the attempt on the senators life and bring to justice those who were behind it.

He said from the police investigation it was the Ijumu council chairman, Mr. Isah, who asked his aides, Mr. Abdulmumini, to recruit hired assassins to go after Senator Melaye.

Apart from mentioning the evidence that allegedly linked the suspects to the crime, the police spokesperson said three of the suspects confessed to their involvement in it.

Abdulmumini a.k.a Iron (at large) is the personal Assistant (PA) to Chairman Ijumu LGA. Investigation so far revealed that he recruited members of the gang for the attack namely: Abdullahi a.k.a Eko arrested, Osama (SNU) at large, Lukman a.k.a General/Commander at large and China a.k.a Lie down flat at large and Adamu Aloha also at large, the police spokesperson said.

The suspects jointly entered the ambulance and left to Senator Dino Melaye residence at Ijumu LGA Kogi State.

Abdullahi Isah a.k.a Eko the third suspect further confessed to the crime and admitted to have been sent by the Chairman of Ijumu LGA in Kogi State Hon. Taofiq Isah to go and assassinate Senator Dino melaye.

The police said it recovered one ambulance Hyundai Bus, five AK-47 riffles, one berretta pistol, and two locally made single barrel shot guns.

Other exhibits recovered are 25 expended shells of 7.62 mm ammunition, 13 expended shells of 9mm ammunition and 12 expended shells gauge cartridge.

Investigation is being intensified to arrest other suspects at large. All suspects will be arraigned in court on completion of investigation, the police spokesperson, Mr. Moshood, said.

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The Supreme Court on Friday affirmed the death sentence passed on Daniel Kekong for armed robbery.

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun delivering the lead judgment held that the apex court was not disposed to setting aside the concurrent decisions of the trial and appellate courts.

She said the applicants appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Calabar delivered on Oct.28, 2014, was without merit.

The appeal fails, and the decision of the lower court is hereby affirmed, she said.

Mr. Kekong had challenged the decision of the Court of Appeal, Calabar, made on Oct.28, 2014.

The appellate court had upheld the judgment delivered by Justice Ashu Ewah of the Cross River High Court, Obudu on Jan.8, 2014.

The appellant was convicted for armed robbery and sentenced to death.

The convict at about 8: p.m. on Jan.19, 2013 attacked Perpetual Ubua on her way back home on a motorcycle.

The summary of the facts contained in the appellants brief of argument said that the victim was allegedly robbed of recharge cards valued at N128, 000.

Evidence advanced by prosecution witnesses also said Ms. Ubua was robbed of the sum of N285, 000 and two phones by three armed men on a motorcycle.

The appellant, however, denied knowledge of the incident, adding that he was simply arrested because he gave 30 pieces of (N100) denominations of GLO re-charge cards which he found on the ground to Promise Bassey.

Mr. Bassey, who was jointly tried with Kekong, was freed due to insufficient evidence to convict him.

(NAN)

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Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has insisted that the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, plans to kill or silence him politically because of the political directives that the police chief has received.

He further declared that Mr. Idris has concluded plans to plant guns and other incriminating items at his Asokoro Extension Residence in Abuja.

Addressing journalists at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Saturday, Governor Wike said the Inspector-General of Police on Friday approved the raid of his Abuja residence.

According to the governor, the Police will be in court to get a search warrant on Tuesday. He said information available to him indicated that but for the May Day Public Holiday, the Police would have obtained the search warrant on Monday.

He said: All attempt is being made so that they will go and plant either AK47 or one million dollars in the governors house. They can even plant costly wrist watches as a propaganda tool.

I said I have to let Nigerians know that this is not the way to go about in democracy. Rather, this is an attempt to truncate democracy. That someone differs on issues does not mean you have to go after the persons life.

Governor Wike said this is the latest in the series of planned propaganda by the police to sow devilish information against him.

He said because of the unconstitutional nature of the raid, the police refused to indicate that the house to be raided belongs to the Rivers State Governor.

Nigerians should be aware that should they raid my house in Abuja and claim they found anything, it is incorrect. I have not been going to Abuja, but I will be in Abuja to wait for them to see how they plan to plant guns in my house, Governor Wike said.

While maintaining his position that the Inspector-General of Police is after his life, Governor Wike stated that this recent plot is aimed at silencing him because the Rivers State Government claimed the Ikoyi Billions was reportedly left there by the former Rivers State Governor.

He decried the pattern that has been adopted in the nations democracy, saying it would negatively affect the growth of democracy.

Our democracy cannot survive if we continue with this line of action. If the Inspector-General of Police wants to play partisan politics, let him remove his uniform and join us in the arena. He should not continue to wear uniform and do the bidding of politicians like a stooge, he said.

The governor added: I want to reiterate, the Inspector-General of Police is after my life.

He said security agencies have adopted the unwholesome method of planting guns and cash when the owners of the houses are not at home, simply for political reasons. He cited the case of Former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam and Senator Danjuma Goje.

On the Ikoyi Billions, Governor Wike said Rivers State lawyers were working on the matter, stating that the money belongs to the Rivers State Government.

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The whereabouts of the eight sailors abducted by suspected pirates off Brass coastline in Bayelsa on Thursday have remained unknown.

The operatives of the Nigerian Navy are making frantic efforts to locate the whereabouts of the sailors recently abducted by unknown gunmen in Bayelsa.

The sailors were reportedly abducted in the Atlantic Ocean, close to Brass waters in Brass Local Government Area of the state.

The victims, identified as employees of Tethys Nigeria Limited and Sylver Global Limited, were abducted on April 19, about 17 nautical miles, off Brass terminal.

The gunmen were said to have forcibly boarded the vessel after firing several gunshots in the air to scare the sailors.

The victims are Smart Kungborde, Isaiah Ebiewe, Christopher Wisben, Gabriel Enayon, Sylvester Ovwigho, Mathew Enegbuma and Kelly Shaka.

The suspected pirates stole their victims valuables, forced them into their speedboats and drove them to an unknown destination.

It was, however, learnt that troops of the Forward Operation Base, Fomoso, at Egweama in Brass had launched a manhunt for the abductors in order to free the hostages.

Officials at the Central Naval Command Headquarters, Yenagoa, declined comments on the incident.

It was gathered that the ill-fated vessel is owned by a powerful politician and retired ranking naval officer from the state.

The owner of the vessel is said to have established contacts with the gunmen and had gone far in negotiating a ransom to free the abductors.

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The Police Command in Enugu State has set up X-Squad and Monitoring Unit to fish out policemen who extorts tricycle operators in Enugu and its environs.

The Police Commissioner in the state, Danmalam Mohammed, made this known on Saturday at a security sensitisation campaign for the operators at IMT campus 2 park.

Mr. Mohammed said the command would intensify action against any form of extortion by police personnel at stop and search points.

Mr. Mohammad, who was represented by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ebere Amaraizu, said erring personnel would be made to face necessary disciplinary action.

We are releasing the commands distress call numbers and social media contacts for easy partnership with you.

We are advising tricycle operators to report through the appropriate authority any perceived case of extortion, he said.

Mr. Mohammed, however, stressed the need for the operators to always be law abiding, safety and security conscious as well as partner the police in ensuring a safe society.

He advised them to promptly report any security threat in their environment to enable the police and other security agencies take immediate action.

Earlier, the State Chairman of the association, Benjamin Ikah, thanked the police for the campaign, adding that it is the right step in the right direction.

Mr. Ikah called on members of the association to be law abiding and not engage or encourage criminal activities or take laws into their hands.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Federal Road Safety Corps also sensitised the operators about relevant traffic rules.

(NAN)

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If things looked a little casual around City of Dearborn offices on April 26, it was for a good cause.

City employees were able to break from their required business attire for one day and wear denim in exchange for making a minimum $5 donation to the Enough Said African American 490 Challenge campaign. The campaign is raising funds for the testing of evidence needed for the investigation of criminal sexual assault cases.

Known as rape kits, more than 11,000 unopened and untested kits were found about five years ago in a Detroit Police Department storage unit. Each kit costs $490 to test, and there are more than 600 kits left to be tested.

The AA490 Coalition, comprising non-profits, sororities, corporations and community groups, pledged more than 18 months ago to raise funds to finish testing. So far, they have gathered $450,000.

But more than $200,000 still is needed to complete the kit testing. The coalition hopes to make a final push for donations before the end of April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

A number of generous Dearborn employees participated for the cause, which was supported by Mayor John OReilly Jr., and advocated by Human Resources Administrator Cynthia Pepper.

April 26 is also known as International Denim Day. Wearing denim shows support for victims of sexual assault who have been blamed for the crime committed against them because of the attire they wore, including jeans.

To donate to the AA490 Coalition, visit aa490challenge.org/.

Source: City of Dearborn
For Melissa Trout-Baron, her patients were everything.

Time was no object to the nurse practitioner, who would sometimes spend an hour or more with each patient. When it came to those who struggled with addiction, she would take the time to counsel and treat them in a way that some say was ahead of the times.

Even when she became ill, she kept seeing her patients and would nap in-between until she was too sick to continue.

Despite the fact the 53-year-old was undergoing chemotherapy she never complained, said her husband, Andrew Baron.

She really did care about everybody, especially people who everybody else had given up on, Baron said.

In early April, Trout-Baron, died of breast cancer, leaving her four children, family, friends and those in the addiction treatment field mourning a woman who was described as intelligent, compassionate, deeply devoted to her patients and a trail blazer in treating addiction.

A Sea Isle City native, Trout-Baron was head-hunted out of college to become a Wall Street broker.

From New York City, she moved on to the Sydney, Australia, stock exchange and then the London stock exchange, where she met her husband when she helped him with his company.

She was pretty much able to do almost anything, Baron said.

But after returning to the states, Trout-Baron decided to pursue her calling as a nurse, first graduating as a registered nurse from Jefferson University in Philadelphia and later earning a masters degree from Stockton University in advanced practice nursing.

Baron said when she saw relatives struggle with substance abuse, she became interested in helping those with addiction. When others may have shunned them, Baron said, Trout-Baron never did.

Melissa really helped them, he said.

By 2013, she opened her private practice in Cape May Court House, where Baron said she treated patients like family.

If she wasnt the first, she was one of the first few I had ever seen or heard of, said Baron, of Trout-Barons private practice.

Trout-Baron became one of the few to provide Vivitrol shots to those in recovery from opioids. The monthly injection helps block the receptors in an addicts brain, preventing them from getting high.

By all accounts, Trout-Baron would spend hours with her patients  treating, counseling and educating them  which her husband said meant she could see only a few on any given day. In many ways, he said, she gave them more time than most doctors did.

That wasnt part of her brain space to say, Lets do shorter appointments so I can see more patients, said David Greenspun, who became friends with Trout-Baron when she would refer patients with addiction to Park Bench Group, where he used to work.

Greenspun said Trout-Baron was absolutely selfless  the kind who would put a patient first to get them the treatment they needed, including referrals to doctors if she felt they needed different care.

In many ways, Trout-Baron was ahead of her time, seeing the whole patient and not just addiction, said Tonia Ahern, a local addiction treatment and family advocate.

She was way before everyone else when it came to that. When I first started working with her, she complained all the time we never looked at overall health, said Ahern, citing a time when a drug user kept relapsing until he was properly diagnosed with Lymes disease and treated. 

We always think about self-medicating for mental health; people were self-medicating because of medical health, Ahern said. She knew more about addiction than most doctors.

While some health care providers may hesitate to offer Vivitrol shots, because an addict who isnt ready could overdose by using too much in a vain attempt to get high, Ahern said Trout-Baron spent a lot of time with her patients teaching them about their brain and their physical well-being.

It was the medical and the clinical working together that she recognized as the greatest opportunity for someone with addiction, Greenspun said. She was brilliant that way. She got people to understand that by meeting them where they were and showing them that path.

A group of admirers formed on Facebook to sign up to give Trout-Baron rides once or twice a week to New York City for treatment.

Sadly, there are people who dont have the kind of circle of friends who would even drive them to a local doctors appointment, he said. Here are people that largely didnt know each other  the only connection was all through her  literally lining up to say, How can I help you? Because they knew it was the way she helped everyone else.

Trout-Baron was a lifelong animal lover who helped at Beacon Animal Rescue in Upper Township in her spare time. At one time, her husband remarked, they had as many as 10 cats.

Every time there was a hurricane or something like that, wed end up with more, Baron said. She was a huge cat person.

Baron also was an avid scuba diver and became a diving instructor.

Trout-Baron was heavily involved in her four childrens school activities, including crew and Drama Guild at Ocean City High School. In her spare time, she also enjoyed reading fantasy novels.

Though her tastes included Dr. Who and Harry Potter, she and Greenspun had a mutual love for Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.

In the book, dolphins have been squeaking for years in aquariums in a warning to humans, unbeknownst to them, the world is going to end. When the dolphins are carted away by aliens before the world implodes, they send one final squeak saying, So long, and thanks for all the fish.

It was one of Trout-Barons favorite quotes, said Greenspun, who said she was brilliant, so funny and so sardonic.

Theres a void. Theres a very important caring medical practitioner in Cape May County thats not there anymore, said Greenspun, who noted hes troubled to think someone she would have helped is not going to receive her unique way she connected with the people she cared for.

We should all go out and be more like her, Greenspun said.
The Atlantic County Mayors Association unanimously voted Friday to sue the state over the payment in lieu of taxes Atlantic Citys casinos are locked into for 10 years.

They argue the legislation, called a PILOT, is unconstitutional.

State to Atlantic County: No need for tax hike this year A top state official said theres no evidence Atlantic County needs to raise taxes because i

The mayors, who gathered at The Cove in Brigantine for their monthly meeting, fumed over the county not receiving a 13.5 percent share of the PILOT, which County Executive Dennis Levinson said will lead to a significant tax increase.

I couldnt be more proud of this group than I am right now, Levinson said after the vote.

County lawyers will lead the lawsuit, but municipalities may have to hire their own attorneys, County Counsel Jim Ferguson said. Those hires would be at the countys expense, officials said.

The motion to take the vote were raised by Buena Vista Mayor Chuck Chiarello and Absecon Mayor John Armstrong, both Democrats, and was unanimously approved by the bipartisan association.

Last month, the Atlantic County Board of Chosen Freeholders passed a resolution giving Levinson the authority to sue the state over the Atlantic City takeover and the PILOT legislation.

On Friday after the vote, Levinson said there is no reason to go after the takeover because gubernatorial front-runners Phil Murphy, a Democrat, and Kim Guadagno, a Republican, said they would favor ending the takeover if elected.

Were really going to focus on the PILOT because the takeover is ending in January, Levinson said.

Guadagno has said she would favor ending the takeover as soon as possible but gave no exact timetable.

Meanwhile, state Sen. Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic, a sponsor of the PILOT bill, told the mayors at the meeting that if they sue and end the PILOT, they could come out worse on the other side.

The PILOT was passed so casinos could pay a fixed payment in lieu of property taxes and end costly tax appeals for 10 years. But it did not stop casinos from filing appeals for previous years, which led to a recent $72 million settlement with the Borgata.

Be careful what you wish for, Whelan said. If the PILOT gets thrown out and the casinos continue to appeal their property assessments, youre going to be in a lot of trouble.

Atlantic County considers privatizing assets to mitigate PILOT costs Atlantic County is considering privatizing some of its assets to mitigate the costs associat
ATLANTIC CITY  About 225 people Saturday walked the streets and Boardwalk to recognize a former principal and the last school to offer a Catholic education in the city.

Our Lady Star of the Seas 40-year Principal Sister Shamus Zehrer, 81, was the honoree of the eighth annual Sister Shamus Walk.

May they see us walking and ask why we are walking, said the Rev. John Thomas, 34, of Our Lady Star of the Sea church. We are still here.

The sister said she was flabbergasted when officials at Our Lady Star of the Sea decided to honor her with a walk.

I was very taken back, Zehrer said. Many times, they honor people who are no longer here.

The walk is the schools major fundraiser as well as an opportunity to let people know its here and surviving in a difficult world, she said.

This is why we have this walk, she said. Its to keep the school going.

Thomas agreed.

We are tucked away on Arctic Avenue, he said. This tells the people we are here, and it serves as the major fundraiser for Our Lady Star of the Sea.

Walkers paid $20.

Students, teachers and friends donned blue T-shirts and walked about 1.5 miles, said organizer Trish Fritz-Smoger, 54. The trek went down the Boardwalk before heading back to the school grounds at 15 N. California Ave.

Zehrer, who retired in 2014, came to the city as teacher at the old Holy Spirit Grammar School on Massachusetts Avenue.

A merger sent 200 students to St. Phillips in Brigantine and began Holy Spirits decline.

Holy Spirit High School went inland in 1965, she said. In following years, the seven Catholic elementary schools merged. Our Lady Star of the Sea was the sole survivor.

She arrived at the school in 1968 and became its principal in 1976.

When I first came here, there were 550 children, and they were mostly Irish, Zehrer remembered about her time at the school built in 1909.

The demographics have changed, too.

Now we have 50 nationalities in our school, she said. There are Russians, Bangladeshi and Indians.

But there are fewer than 200 students now, Zehrer said, shrugging her shoulders.

Many people moved inland, she said.

Other factors, she said, contributed to the enrollment drop, such as economics. People just cant afford it.

Fritz-Smoger graduated in 1976 from Our Lady Star of the Sea.

Her daughter, Samantha, 16, graduated in 2014 from the school and attends Holy Spirit.

We are working to keep the doors open, she said. Thats our goal.

Saturday, volunteer and staff personnel served morning treats in the school gymnasium as they signed up walkers, sold tickets for the 20-plus item raffle table and collected names for an alumni association.

We have more than 900 names on the list, said Kathleen Thomas Given, 51, who graduated in 1977, at the alumni association table.

She was one of six in her family who went to the school, she said.

We are the only Catholic school on the island, she said. Sure, it may be a struggle, but you cant put a price on a Catholic education.
If you live in tax hell  New York, Illinois, California, New Jersey or Connecticut  paying your state and local taxes could soon become even more painful. Congressional Republicans and President Trump have plans to lower federal tax rates for almost everyone and simplify tax rules. All good news. But theres a catch for residents of high-tax states.

For now, federal tax filers can deduct their state and local taxes when calculating what they owe the IRS  reducing the bite out of their wallets. But the House GOP tax reform plan and this weeks announced Trump tax overhaul would eliminate those deductions to partly pay for dramatically lowering rates. Ouch.

Almost half the taxpayers in Maryland and New Jersey and more than one-third of California and New York taxpayers take these deductions. New Yorkers who itemize on average deduct a whopping $21,000 for state and local taxes. Hardly chump change.

Losing these deductions would be a costly blow to residents of high-tax states. But they shouldnt pin the blame for their pain on GOP tax reformers in Washington. They should direct their rage at the tax-tyrants in Trenton, Albany, Hartford and other state capitals who impose excessive taxes to begin with.

New Yorkers shoulder the highest state and local tax burden in the nation, followed closely by residents of Connecticut and New Jersey, according to the Tax Foundation. Income taxes, gas taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, surcharges on high earners and investors, death taxes, even a cremation tax.

No wonder people are picking up and moving. According to United Van Lines, New Jersey, Illinois (another high-tax state) New York and Connecticut top the list of states in the moving vans rearview mirror.

One group not fleeing is public sector employees. Theyre on easy street. In Connecticut, state employees earn a staggering 42 percent more in total compensation than private sector workers doing the same job. In New York, they earn 34 percent more. Outrageous union demands  readily indulged by state politicians in exchange for votes  are ruining it for everyone else.

Taxes alone dont cause people to leave the state, but high taxes factor into a familys cost of living. Even more important, taxes depress economic growth.

Which states are magnets for people escaping? States with a better economic outlook, according to the Pew Charitable Trusts. Its not sunny weather that matters, but business climate.

By that measure, New York is at rock bottom, with the worst growth prospects in the country, and Connecticut, California, Vermont and New Jersey are almost as bad, according to the American Legislative Council.

State lawmakers in these liberal bastions ignore the economic damage caused by their tax-and-spend excesses.

If state taxes can no longer be deducted, the damage will be even worse. Ignoring that, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo just extended the so-called millionaires tax, which will harm far more than just millionaires.

Cuomo calls the tax change contemplated in D.C. devastating. Dont be fooled. Whats devastating is the tax burden imposed by Albany.

Connecticut lawmakers, also blithely disregarding the impact of federal tax reform on their constituents, are pursuing a suicidal plan to hike state taxes and concoct new ones, including possibly a 19 percent tax on hedge fund earnings.

Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., tax reformers make a strong case that eliminating deductions will help pay for rate cuts that benefit everyone. Floridians, Texans and residents of other low-tax states arent complaining. They know that the deductions have coddled spendaholic politicians in high-tax states at their expense. Californians stand to lose $101 billion a year in deductions.

Look for a heated battle in Congress in the coming months. When President Reagan tried eliminating the deduction for state and local taxes, members of Congress from high-tax states  including some Republicans  defeated it. Whatever happens this time around, the real issue isnt whether state taxes are deductible. Its that in some states taxes are too damn high.

Betsy McCaughey is chairman of the Committee to Reduce Infection Deaths.
And thats why I cant afford to live in my house anymore.

Linda Tienken Bruno

No problem with athletes, politicians, bankers etc. making millions, but pay someone who educates our future a halfway decent wage and everyone loses their minds.

Angel Broomhall

via Facebook

These South Jersey teachers

are among the highest paid in N.J.

Save us money and throw him off the bridge.

Leslie Roselle

via Facebook

Galloway man convicted of throwing daughter off a bridge has appeal denied

I think its lovely! God rest his soul and let his memory live on.

Sue Blair

via Facebook

What we also need is fast tracked local housing for homeless veterans.

Linda Kaplan DiLouie

Bench honors deceased EHT veteran

Im paying $2.59 right now in Pennsylvania.

Laurie Snyder

via Facebook

Shore visitors greeted

with sticker shock at the gas pump

The city over-assessed their cash cow and now its time to pay the piper.

John Kee

via Facebook

Carl Icahns 10 casino tax appeals

could cost Atlantic City millions

There is no connection between how much people pay into the pension system and how much they collect.

Seth Grossman

Whelan advocates for Atlantic City

police and firefighter buyouts

Get the insurance companies under control before making any health-care bill.

Jack Sharpless

via Facebook

Rep. MacArthur leading charge

to revitalize health care reform

Legalizing marijuana would bring income to N.J. They need it to be affordable like cigarettes are.

Natalie Cintron

It should never be legalized. It is taking over our schools!

Debra Tantlinger Ogle

via Facebook

Where does New Jerseys next governor stand on marijuana laws?

The High Roller in Vegas does a phenominal business.

Bob Preston

via Facebook

Concrete poured for A.C. Steel Pier observation wheel

The price of malpractice insurance in the state of New Jersey is outrageous.

Allison Dalzell

via Facebook

New Jersey is facing a massive shortage of doctors in the next 10 years

So wonderful. Praise God!

Yvette Sanchez-Mclaughlin

via Facebook

New EHT Walmart begins hiring for 300 open jobs

Great value-added service to help drive economic growth in the area.

Joseph Ingemi

via Facebook

Atlantic County Economic Alliance looks to take burden off part-time mayors
Hamilton traffic woes

They finally decided to provide access to Volunteer Way from Wrangleboro Road in Hamilton Township. It sounds like a dream come true, but its not for the people who live in Eaglesmere or along McKee and Cates avenues.

The traffic has already doubled since the connection of Cates to Regga Avenue; now even more people avoid the lights on the Black Horse Pike. With traffic able to go all the way down Volunteer Way to McKee, it will back up so bad that it will be a nightmare at that intersection, especially if some turn left onto McKee, which will definitely happen.

It would have been easier and smarter to fix the intersection at McKee and the Pike with a third lane and a longer green light for left turns. The timing of the light allows only about five cars to proceed, with the remainder running the red light. Even worse on the movie theater side.

Maybe the shopping center road near Chucky Cheese should extend to Volunteer to ease the traffic on both Cates and McKee. It also wouldnt hurt if there were sidewalks on McKee and Cates for safety.

Basil T. Manera

Mays Landing

Mexicans were here first

Calling Mexican people immigrants doesnt seem accurate. Mexicans were Americans centuries before Europeans arrived here. The earliest explorers from Europe who settled in America were Spanish, and their language was also Spanish. I think its time for fact checking

John Longinetti

Little Egg Harbor Township

President not her leader

Regarding the April 22 letter, Give Trump a break:

The writer says she no longer discusses politics with her friends. I believe she is mistaking meanness and bloviation for strong leadership. True strength is characterized by courage and kindness  think Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill and George Washington. Think Jesus of Nazareth. Can any of them possibly be pictured in the minds eye making fun of a disabled person or a womans looks?

I cant imagine any of the above approving the degradation of the Earth for the sake of profit  especially when other cleaner methods are available to produce energy.

I also cant imagine any of them increasing military spending at the expense of social programs when the U.S. spends seven times what is spent by other developed countries  and this while astronomically increasing the national debt so the extremely rich can become even richer.

Sorry but the president does not represent true leadership to me  more likely the thoughtless rants of a spoiled, mean-spirited child.

Joyce E. Arndt

Egg Harbor City
NEW ORLEANS, April 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF"), announces that KSF has commenced an investigation into Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG).

On April 25, 2017, the Company revealed that it had "recently detected unauthorized activity on the network that supports payment processing for purchases made in our restaurants" and that the extent of the breach was unknown but an investigation was ongoing. The Company further advised that customers "should closely monitor their payment card statements" for unauthorized charges and notify their issuing bank if such activity occurred.

KSF's investigation is focusing on whether Chipotle's officers and/or directors breached their fiduciary duties to its shareholders or otherwise violated state or federal laws.

If you have information that would assist KSF in its investigation, or have been a long-term holder of Chipotle shares and would like to discuss your legal rights, you may, without obligation or cost to you, call toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or email KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn ([email protected]).

About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

KSF, whose partners include the Former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is a law firm focused on securities, antitrust and consumer class actions, along with merger & acquisition and breach of fiduciary litigation against publicly traded companies on behalf of shareholders. The firm has offices in New York, California and Louisiana.

To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.

Contact:

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner

[email protected]

1-877-515-1850

206 Covington St.

Madisonville, LA 70447

SOURCE Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Related Links

http://www.ksfcounsel.com


IRVINE, Calif., April 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Following its much anticipated arrival in dealerships, Mazda North American Operations is taking the all-new 2017 Mazda CX-5 on a fifteen-city, nationwide "Experience the All-New 2017 Mazda CX-5" tour where prospective customers1 will have the opportunity to understand why driving a Mazda is so special, all while experiencing Mazda's latest approach to craftsmanship, engineering and design, and how that's embodied in the all-new CX-5.

Mazda Sets Out on Cross-Country Road Trip with All-New 2017 Mazda CX-5 Test Drive Experience

The cross-country tour will include "Intercept" events, or the more traditional ride and drive experience at a set location and "Mastercraft" events, which will feature special events in Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Chicago, inviting Mazda owners to explore the "Mastercraft" behind a certain product or craft that aligns with the Mazda brand.

"Our goal is to engage our audience in an impactful way, in a location that's convenient and familiar to them," said Russell Wager, vice president of marketing for Mazda North American Operations. "By allowing our customers to engage with our brand and our vehicles in an environment that is fun and interactive, we create the opportunity for potential customers to experience our personality as a brand. Ultimately, we hope they have such a great time during their drive experience that they consider joining the Mazda family, when searching for their next vehicle."

Participants of the "Intercept" component will be guided through the city on a quest to learn more about the vehicle and the unique Mazda driving experience. During the tour, participants will learn first-hand how a lighter vehicle can ultimately make the drive more fun; that safety features can enhance, and not overtake, the driving experience; how technology can help support the driving experience, not take away from it; and how Mazda's Jinba Ittai driving philosophy directly translates to the driver's everyday experience in the vehicle.

MAZDA CX-5 RIDE & DRIVE SCHEDULE

DATES CITY April 29-30 Los Angeles, CA May 6-7 Dallas, TX May 12-13 Houston, TX May 20-21 Miami, FL May 27-28 Orlando, FL June 2-3 Washington, D.C. June 10-11 Philadelphia, PA June 17-18 New York, NY June 24-25 Boston, MA July 1-2 Cleveland, OH July 8-9 Chicago, IL July 15-16 Minneapolis, MN July 22-23 Denver, CO July 29-30 Seattle, WA August 5-6 San Francisco, CA

When Mazda's designers and engineers went back to redesign the all-new 2017 model, they emboldened it with a new, more refined KODOSoul of Motion design, premium interior and added refinement and technologies. CX-5's exterior draws in the eyes and never lets them go, honed in several new colors, including the lustrous Soul Red Crystal that brings a show-car-like finish to everyday drivers. Inside, the driver and passengers will notice a hushed cabin and smoother ride, thanks to an obsessive attention to detail and Mazda-exclusive technologies like G-Vectoring Control that uses the throttle and steering to smooth CX-5's ride and build driver confidence. With all of the refinements, Mazda stayed focused on creating the best-driving vehicle in its segmenta hallmark of the Mazda brand and an area that further sets CX-5 apart from the competition.

To follow the journey, and to get up-to-date information on driving opportunities in your area, visit Mazda's interactive website at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Experience-CX-5 and join the social conversation by following Mazda on Facebook or Twitter, using #MazdaCX5 and #DrivingMatters.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through more than 600 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom/.

1 All driver participants must have a valid U.S. driver's license, be 18+ years or older, sign a waiver form and pass a breathalyzer test. Passenger participants must be at least 13 years of age. All passenger participants must sign a waiver or if under 18 years of age have either a parent or legal guardian sign a waiver on their behalf. All participants must wear closed-toe shoes.

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations
NEW ORLEANS, April 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF"), announces that KSF has commenced an investigation into OneMain Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: OMF).

On November 8, 2016, OneMain Holdings revealed that the company was lowering its guidance regarding loan portfolio growth from 10%-15% to 5% for 2016 and from 10%-15% to 5%-10% for 2017, citing difficulties from its integration efforts with Springleaf and increases in delinquencies, among other things.

The Company further stated that it was reducing "Consumer and Insurance adjusted EPS guidance for 2016, [from $4.20 to $4.70] to a range of $3.60 to $3.70 per share" and from $5.60 to $6.10 "to $3.75 to $4.00 per share" for 2017.

Thereafter, OneMain Holdings and certain of its executives were sued in a class action lawsuit, charging them with violations of federal securities laws.

KSF's investigation is focusing on whether OneMain Holdings' officers and/or directors breached their fiduciary duties to its shareholders or otherwise violated state or federal laws.

If you have information that would assist KSF in its investigation, or have been a long-term holder of OneMain Holdings shares and would like to discuss your legal rights, you may, without obligation or cost to you, call toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or email KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn ([email protected]).

About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

KSF, whose partners include the Former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is a law firm focused on securities, antitrust and consumer class actions, along with merger & acquisition and breach of fiduciary litigation against publicly traded companies on behalf of shareholders. The firm has offices in New York, California and Louisiana.

To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.

Contact:

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner

[email protected]

1-877-515-1850

206 Covington St.

Madisonville, LA 70447

SOURCE Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Related Links

http://www.ksfcounsel.com


WASHINGTON, April 29, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new report by the Center for Immigration Studies assesses the Trump administration's immigration track record after its first one hundred days. The report breaks the review of immigration action and inaction into the following areas:

Illegal immigration, border control and crime

Legal immigration and foreign workers

National security and vetting

The rule of law

View the full report at: http://cis.org/100-days-Assessing-the-Trump-Administrations-Immigration-Track-Record

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump made addressing illegal immigration a key signature promise. His reforms and rhetoric have resulted in a 17-year low in border apprehensions. Three executive orders, issued shortly after inauguration, targeted illegal immigration with a multi-faceted plan for building the border wall, hiring 5,000 new Border Patrol agents, hundreds of new air-and-marine officers for Customs and Border, and 10,000 new interior immigration enforcement agents. Trump also delivered quickly on impressive appointees, DHS Secretary Kelly and Attorney General Jeff Sessions, to make attacking transnational border- and immigration-related crime, including drug and people smuggling possible.

The most important improvements in immigration security have been the reversal of the Obama administration's version of "catch and release" at the border and ending the disastrous prioritization scheme that resulted in tens of thousands of deportable aliens (including many criminals and egregious immigration scofflaws) escaping removal each year. Resurrection of the successful 287(g), which allows local law enforcement agencies to supplement ICE and the Border Patrol efforts in their local areas, provides optimism that crime efforts will continue to be successful.

Worksite enforcement needs to receive more attention, but the president's FY 2018 budget blueprint does request $15 million to begin implementation of nationwide E-Verify. Making the online system mandatory nationwide would allow employers to check the work authorization of new hires, but this action would require separate legislation from Congress.

LEGAL IMMIGRATION

On the legal immigration front, the president issued an EO emphasizing buying and hiring American. However, he also has appointed some high-profile individuals who support increased numbers of "temporary" foreign workers. On the positive side, the administration has signaled it will roll back Obama's granting of work permits to the spouses of H-1B workers and his extension of OPT (Optional Practical Training) status to some alien college grads working in high tech industries, enabling them to stay to work for as long as 24 months after graduation. He has also eliminated the ability to buy your way to the front of the line for an H-1B.

The extended-family oriented chain migration system that is contrary to the national interest needs to be eliminated, but this must be dealt with by Congress. But, it appears that the president will be working with Senators Tom Cotton and David Perdue on the RAISE Act, which would move the U.S. towards a more merit-based legal immigration system.

The administration has taken steps to tackle the rampant fraud in the legal immigration system by detailing fraud officers to the border facilities and increasing the number of fraud officers who work on asylum cases. In addition, ICE has been directed to resurrect the important Document and Benefit Fraud Task Forces throughout the country, which work cooperatively to target document fraud rings, immigration fraud schemes, and identity theft problems, all of which are part of the criminal infrastructure that supports illegal immigration and exploitation of our legal immigration system. Further, ICE has been directed to bring more immigration fraud and human smuggling cases to prosecutors. This can be paid for using the bloated slush fund known as the Examinations Fee Account, which presently holds well over $1 billion in reserve.

NATIONAL SECURITY

President Trump addressed national security and "extreme vetting" with an EO, but it was stopped by certain courts in response to lawsuits filed by opponents. But the pause in immigration from countries with high levels of terrorism which the EO called for was never intended as anything more than a place-holder to give the administration time to consider what is required to improve the vetting system.

President Trump is yet to deliver on his promise to roll back the unconstitutional and extra-statutory programs granting a renewable two-year amnesty to "Dreamers" illegal aliens who came before age 16. USCIS continues not only to renew the status of DACA recipients, but is continuing to approve new applications, actually expanding the number of people covered by this amnesty, which doesn't just protect individuals from deportation, it enables an illegal alien to get a work permit, a Social Security number, a state driver's license, and access to certain welfare programs.

THE RULE OF LAW

The administration has also moved toward defunding sanctuary jurisdictions. AG Sessions has moved forward with this by pursuing ten of the most egregious sanctuaries, giving them until June 30 to comply with federal law (specifically 8 U.S.C. 1373) or face losing DOJ grant money. One of these jurisdictions (Miami-Dade County, Florida) has already reversed its policy.

An April court ruling widely described as halting these defunding efforts did no such thing and, in fact, specifically acknowledged that the DOJ grants in question could be withheld.

The administration also created a weekly report listing instances of criminal aliens released by sanctuary cities  naming and shaming - to expose the consequences of sanctuary cities' defiance of federal immigration law. Although temporarily suspended due to problems with data collection, it is expected to be restarted, and may well prove a potent tool in building political support for confronting jurisdictions.

So how has the Trump administration rated in its initial immigration policy performance? The Center's assessment exposes, at least with regard to immigration: "What a difference 100 days can make."

Contact: Marguerite Telford

202-466-8185, [email protected]

SOURCE Center for Immigration Studies
FT. WORTH, Texas, April 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ZipHub has named Arif Gursel as their new Technical Business and Product Development Advisor (CTPO  Consultant) for their company. As ZipHub's CTPO consultant, Arif and his team will take the ZipHub search engine platform to the next level. This includes a recommended search function based on member preferences using the latest in geo-targeting systems.

"ZipHub is excited to have Arif as our CTPO consultant who will take us forward in a powerful way," said Michelle Martini, President of ZipHub. "He brings to us a breadth of experience, knowledge, and accomplishment that would be the envy of any start up."

"ZipHub is destined to be a search engine that will make a tremendous impact in the market," Arif said. "They have a unique search platform with multiple profit centers, as well as a deep commitment to giving back to the community that is imbedded in their business model."

Arif will also be bringing his own team of eight people into his ZipHub efforts. His team members come from many of the top tech and internet firms in the world including Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Groupon.

Arif spent a decade driving global business for Microsoft, and was the CTO of Microsoft's Retail and Hospitality Solution Vertical. He has also served as the Sr. Product Manager at Zillow where he drove innovation of advertising products. Arif also served as the Director of Product for Point Inside, a provider of a SAAS platform enabling big box retailers to digitize stores. He currently is the President of GGroup.

Arif's time and passion also extend to his active involvement in nonprofits that develop greater economic opportunity for minority communities.

About ZipHub

ZipHub is a premier consumer search engine in its launch phase. ZipHub gives 25% of its top line revenue back to the communities in which it serves while offering its members exclusive discounts, and it's advertisers a guaranteed ROI on geo-targeted PPC advertising.

Note to Editors: Please access this link to a more extensive bio for Arif, http://arifgursel.com/

SOURCE ZipHub
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
Kolkata, Apr 29 (IBNS): Post an overwhelming response from the students for the last three years the Association of Minority Professional Academic Institutes - a registered body under WB Society Registration Act 1961 - popularly known as aAMPAIa,on Friday announced that Common Entrance Examination aCEE-AMPAI-2017-WBa will be conducted for the 4th consecutive year on May 14th, 2017.

The examination will be held between 9am to 4.30pm for the subjects of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology.

This offline examination, equivalent to West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination 2017, will be conducted for admission to 4 yearsB.Tech and B.Pharm courses as per government order issued by Dept. of Higher Education, Govt. of West Bengal vide order no 122-EDN(T)/10M-13/15.



The press conference, addressed by Sardar Sohan Singh (Secretary  AMPAI);Mr. Imran Zaki - Honorary Secretary, St. Stephens School, Kolkata; Rev. Fr. Devraj Fernandes - Headmaster, St. Anthony's High School, Kolkata and editor of The Herald; Angelina Mantosh  Patron Member of Catholic Association of Bengal(CAB); Eminent Social Worker and Education Evangelist; Sardar Jagmohan Singh Gill, General Secretary-cum-in-charge (honorary) Sikh Mission Poorvi Bharat, Dharam Parchar Committee SGPC Sri, Amritsar & General Secretary Punjabi Sahit Sabha, Kolkata, Prof. (Dr.) Maitreyi Ray Kanjilal- Principal, Naurla Institute of Technology and Mr. Bidyut Majumder  Convenor: CEE-AMPAI-2017-WB elucidated the objective of the examination.

Commenting on the occasion, Sardar Sohan Singh, Secretary - AMPAI said,Since its inception in 2010, the aim of AMPAI has been facilitation of higher education opportunities in the field of higher education in the areas of Engineering and Pharmacy to meritorious students across the country. We have been informed that many students due to transport problems have not been able to attend Joint Entrance examination this year. Conducting this CEE-AMPAI examination gives them another chance to make their dreams come true. I wish best of luck to all candidates undertaking this examination.

The common entrance examination presents yet another excellent opportunity to the students residing in the state of Bihar and Jharkhand aspiring for B.Tech and B.Pharm courses to secure admission in the top ranking engineering colleges of West Bengal.

This year CEE-AMPAI examination will be held at 21 centres spread across the length and breadth of the country including the states of Bihar & Jharkhand (in the districts of Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, Patna and Purnea); Uttar Pradesh; West Bengal (in the districts of Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, Nadia, Howrah, Kharagpur, Asansol, Durgapur and Malda) and North- Eastern India (in the districts of Guwahati, Agartala and Siliguri).

The Common Entrance Examination will allow students to get admitted in various streams under B.Tech and B.Pharm in the following top ranking engineering colleges of West Bengal.

1. JIS College of Engineering, Kalyani, W.B (www.jiscollege.ac.in)

2. Narula Institute of Technology, Kolkata (www.nit.ac.in)

3. Guru Nanak Institute of Technology, Kolkata (www.gnit.ac.in)

4. Guru Nanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology, Kolkata (www.gnipst.ac.in)

5. Dr. Sudhir Chandra Sur Degree Engineering College, Kolkata (www.dsec.ac.in)
Imphal, April 25 : A school teacher was shot dead by a police driver in Manipur during a quarrel on Monday night, police said.

The accused, Rajesh, allegedly fired three bullets at Khagembam Santosh, 25, from a close range in Thoubal district at Nongpok Sekmai.

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has sought a report on the incident.

Director General of Police L.M. Khaute said Rajesh was arrested and a case was registered against him.

"His service revolver suspected to be the murder weapon is confiscated for forensic examination," he said.

According to police, there was a community dance at Nongpok Sekmai where policemen had gone to ensure that there is no law and order problem.

"It appears that Rajesh and Santosh had exchanged hot words for unknown reasons resulting in the fatal shooting," a police official said.

Meanwhile, people from Salungpham -- the slain teacher's village -- on Tuesday raided the house of the accused.

They later put the house on fire. Police and fire tenders could do nothing to restrain the angry mob, an official said.
Stockholm, April 26 : At least three men were sentenced to prison by a Swedish court for their involvement in a rape that was broadcast live on Facebook from an apartment in Uppsala, a media report said on Wednesday.

The court on Tuesday sentenced a 21-year-old man for two years and four months for rape and abetting rape, Xinhua news agency reported.

An 18-year-old was given one year jail term and a 24-year-old was sentenced for six months for serious slander and failing to report the rape.

The Uppsala District Court also determined that the woman was in a particularly vulnerable situation.

"She was so influenced by alcohol and drugs that she could not protect herself, and in a way the defendants must have understood. Despite this, two of them had sex with her," said Judge Nils Palbrant.

According to them, the woman consented to sex, but the judge said that did not matter.

The three convicted men pleaded not guilty. Stefan Wallin, who represented the 21-year-old, was surprised by the verdict.

"I think it is wrong and should be appealed. There was no proof that he committed a rape or that he abetted a rape. I have not spoken with my client but I am sure he will appeal," Wallin said.
Chicago, April 26 : The United States Supreme Court is to begin hearing oral arguments on April 26 in a case which could set a precedent in the revocation of American citizenship of naturalized citizens and is of paramount significance to thousands of Indian residents.

In Maslenjak v. United States, the Supreme Court will determine if an "immaterial false statement or omission in an immigration document or status proceeding" can lead to criminal prosecution and revocation of citizenship.

With more rigorous immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump, the case has caused consternation among many immigrant activists. As many as 70 organizations representing immigrants have filed an amicus brief about the case.

The Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ), which is among the organizations which filed the amicus brief, said in a statement, "The brief explained that many individuals may make minor errors in filling out immigration forms or providing information because of language barriers and lack of counsel and subjecting those individuals to criminal prosecution and loss of citizenship exacts a harsh and unfair penalty."

"The naturalization process can be long and complicated and requires applicants to make hundreds of factual representations, in response to often ambiguous questions, about events spanning their entire lives."

"If any trivial factual misstatement could violate the statutes at issue in this case, untold numbers of naturalized citizens would be at risk of losing their citizenship and liberty years after they have become full American citizens. Based on this case, someone accused of knowingly providing the wrong street number in an address (203 instead of 205), for example, could be subject to criminal proceedings and having their citizenship revoked - a worrying threat given the current administration's wide-reaching enforcement and deportation activities," the AAAJ statement said.

Maslenjak v. United States involves Divna Maslenjak, an ethnic Serbian woman and a native of Bosnia, who came to the United States in 2000 as a refugee in order to flee the civil war in the former Yugoslavia and was found to have made a misstatement during immigration proceedings.

The Supreme Court's verdict in this case is considered important because it could provide guidance over whether naturalized American citizens can be stripped of their citizenship in a criminal proceeding based on an "immaterial false statement".

What could have been a case dealing with procedural matters in less turbulent times, has gained importance because of the Trump administration's enhanced focus on immigration enforcement. The New York Times has reported that officials of two organizations which take a hard line stance on immigration - the Center for Immigration Studies and the Federation for American Immigration Reform -- have joined the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, putting them in positions where they can carry out their agenda.

Moreover, with Trump's appointment of Justice Neil Gorsuch to the US Supreme Court, the court now tilts to conservatism. Gorsuch, like the late Justice Antonin Scalia, whom he succeeded, is a proponent of originalism - a judge given to interpret the words of the US Constitution as they were understood at the time they were written in 1787.

In one of the most famous cases where the United States Supreme Court ordered the revocation of citizenship involved an Indian, in 1923, the court ruled that Bhagat Singh Thind, a founder member of the Ghadar party, was racially ineligible for US citizenship. The court based this decision on the American Nationality Act of 1906 which allowed only "free white men" and "aliens of African nativity" to become naturalized citizens.

In his defence, Thind did not challenge the constitutionality of the racial restrictions, but made an extensive argument that as he was a "high-caste Hindu" and an Aryan, he came under the category of "free white persons" within the meaning of the naturalization act. Indians from North India and most Europeans are Indo-European people, he said. Elaborating on his argument, Thind said that since Aryans were the conquerors of the indigenous people of India, they had greater similarity to 'white people'.

Thind's lawyers also argued that as a "high caste Hindu" he even had a revulsion to marrying an Indian woman of a "lower race." Unfortunately for Thind, the court decided to rely on another case where it was held that "white people" were only those who were members of the Caucasian race. As a result of the court's decision, the first Indian to become an American citizen, A.K. Mozumdar, also had his American citizenship revoked.
Mumbai, April 26 : Actor Akshay Oberoi says nerdy is the new cool, adding that his wife loves to see him in glasses.

"I think glasses look really cool. My wife specifically loves when I wear glasses," Akshay, who is married to Jyothi Vynatheya, said in a statement.

The "Pizza" actor, who has been signed as a brand ambassador for an eye wear brand, added: "If you find the right pair, they can be just what you need to complete a look. To those who say glasses look "nerdy," well, nerdy is the new cool."

At present, Akshay is busy shooting for Nagesh Kukunoor's web series titled "The Test case", which also features Nimrat Kaur.

He has finished shooting for Akshat Verma's next film "Kalakandi", in which he will be seen playing Saif Ali Khan's character's younger brother. The actor is also awaiting release of Shanker Raman's "Gurgaon".
Dhaka, April 26 : Bangladeshi freedom fighters will from Wednesday get five-year multiple-entry visas in line with New Delhi's announcement during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to India.

According to the Indian High Commission here, the provision is being extended to freedom fighters as a "special gesture" to recognise the special connection between Bangladesh's 1971 war veterans and India.

Bangladeshi nationals above the age of 65 years are eligible for five-year multiple entry tourist visas, BD News reported.

They can walk in without prior appointment and submit their applications here as well as in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Barisal, Khulna, Jessore, Mymensingh and Rangpur.

They have to present proof of their being a freedom fighter, among other documents, while applying for visa.

Indian soldiers fought should-to-shoulder with Bengali freedom fighters in 1971 to liberate Bangladesh.

Hasina, during her visit, honoured those military officers and said that every generation of Bangladesh will remember the Indian soldiers who fought alongside Bangladeshis.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also announced a special medical scheme, under which 100 freedom fighters will be provided free treatment in Indian hospitals every year.

He had said that $5 billion Line of Credit, including $500 million for defence purchases, will be given to Dhaka, bringing India's total development funding for Bangladesh to $8 billion over the past six years.
New Delhi, April 26 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday congratulated the BJP for its victory in the civic polls and assured his party's support for Delhi's betterment.

"I congratulate (the) BJP on their victory in all three MCDs (municipal corporations of Delhi). My government looks forward to working with the MCDs for the betterment of Delhi," Kejriwal tweeted.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was set to sweep all three - east, south and north Delhi - civic corporations. It had so far won 143 seats and was leading in 31 seats.

The Aam Aadmi Party was a distant second having won 35 seats and leading in 16, while the Congress had won only 22 seats and was leading in 4.
Srinagar, April 27 : Guerrillas believed to be foreigners sneaked into an army camp in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday and killed three soldiers in an audacious pre-dawn attack that left two militants dead, officials said.

Seven other soldiers were injured in the fighting that erupted after the insurgents at 4.30 a.m. cut through the two-layered barbed wire of the firing range at the Panzgam army camp in Kupwara district, some 120 km north of Srinagar.

Taking advantage of the surprise element, the attackers hurled grenades and fired indiscriminately, causing the casualties. Two of the soldiers in hospital were said to be in critical condition.

The army retaliated, killing two militants. A third reportedly escaped, triggering a massive search operation.

In no time, crowds gathered outside the army camp shouting slogans and resorted to heavy stone throwing, the officials said. The army opened fire killing a 70-year-old civilian.

"The mob resorted to heavy stone throwing demanding the bodies of the slain militants," an officer said.

"The fidayeen terrorists attacked the Panzgam army camp close to the LoC (Line of Control)", which divides Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan, Defence Ministry spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia told IANS.

According to officials, the identify of the terrorists was being ascertained.

The dead soldiers included Captain Ayush Yadav from Kanpur, Subedar Bhoop Singh from Rajasthan and Naik B.V. Ramanna from Visakhapatnam.

The injured were flown to Srinagar for treatment.

Panzgam is the rear administrative area for over nine army units in Kupwara district and is spread over an area of 240,000 sq metres. The camp is about 20 km from Kupwara town and some 10 km from the LoC.

The attackers were engaged by a Quick Reaction Team (QRT).

Three AK-47 assault rifles, nine magazines, 156 rounds of AK-47, a Chinese pistol, a pistol magazine, three grenades, three matrix sheets, two GPS devices, a smartphone and a radio set were recovered from the suicide attackers.
Srinagar, April 27 : Guerrillas believed to be foreigners sneaked into an army camp in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday and killed three soldiers in an audacious pre-dawn attack that left two militants dead, officials said.

Seven other soldiers were injured in the fighting that erupted after the insurgents at 4.30 a.m. cut through the two-layered barbed wire of the firing range at the Panzgam army camp in Kupwara district, some 120 km north of Srinagar.

Taking advantage of the surprise element, the attackers hurled grenades and fired indiscriminately, causing the casualties. Two of the soldiers in hospital were said to be in critical condition.

The army retaliated, killing two militants. A third reportedly escaped, triggering a massive search operation.

In no time, crowds gathered outside the army camp shouting slogans and resorted to heavy stone throwing, the officials said. The army opened fire killing a 70-year-old civilian.

"The mob resorted to heavy stone throwing demanding the bodies of the slain militants," an officer said.

"The fidayeen terrorists attacked the Panzgam army camp close to the LoC (Line of Control)", which divides Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan, Defence Ministry spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia told IANS.

According to officials, the identify of the terrorists was being ascertained.

The dead soldiers included Captain Ayush Yadav from Kanpur, Subedar Bhoop Singh from Rajasthan and Naik B.V. Ramanna from Visakhapatnam.

The injured were flown to Srinagar for treatment.

Panzgam is the rear administrative area for over nine army units in Kupwara district and is spread over an area of 240,000 sq metres. The camp is about 20 km from Kupwara town and some 10 km from the LoC.

The attackers were engaged by a Quick Reaction Team (QRT).

Army sources said the attackers wearing black Pathan suits and combat jackets were foreigners, but their nationality has not been established yet. They had no backpacks with them, said army officials, indicating that it was not a case of fresh infiltration, and the terrorists had been on the Indian side for a while.

Three AK-47 assault rifles, nine magazines, 156 rounds of AK-47, a Chinese pistol, a pistol magazine, three grenades, three matrix sheets, two GPS devices, a smartphone and a radio set were recovered from the suicide attackers.

Defence Minister Arun Jaitley condoled the deaths.A

"My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the three martyred soldiers. Prayers for speedy recovery of the injured. The indomitable courage of our forces in safeguarding the country is exemplary. Salute to martyrs for their supreme sacrifice," Jaitley tweeted.
Cairo, April 28 : Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi on Friday praised Pope Francis for promoting the values of peace and tolerance, saying he was a spiritual leader for "people of various faiths".

"We appreciate the views of Pope Francis based on peace, tolerance and coexistence among peoples," Sisi said during a meeting with the pontiff in Cairo aired by Egyptian state television.

"These positions deserve admiration and respect."

Francis is "a spiritual leader for people of various faiths" and "a dear guest," Sisi said, recalling that the papal visit came on the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Egypt and the Vatican.

Sisi called Egypt "an incubator of cultural and religious diversity," recalling that in the Bible, Mary and Joseph fled there with the infant Jesus to save him from being slain by King Herod.

Islamist terrorism and the fight against it has cost Egypt a heavy price in human lives, Sisi said, claiming his country was "at the forefront" of the fight against the scourge and would "wipe it out".

"The true Islam never orders Muslims to kill but works for peace and tolerance," he said.

Before his two-day visit - the first papal trip to Cairo since John Paul II's in 2000 - Francis said he was travelling as a "messenger of peace".

The visit is aimed at improving Christian-Muslim dialogue and reaching out to Egypt's Christian minority, three weeks after bombings at two Coptic churches killed 47 people.
Washington/Seoul, April 29 : North Korea on Saturday launched a ballistic missile that blew up over land, a spokesman for the US Pacific Command said.

The missile didn't leave North Korean territory, CNN quoted US Navy Commander Dave Benham as saying.

A US military assessment found the main part of the missile landed approximately 35 kilometres (22 miles) from Pukchang airfield, a US official told CNN.

"North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!," US President Donald Trump tweeted.

South Korean officials said the test likely was a failure.

"We are analysing additional information," the nation's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. "Our military is maintaining a thorough defence posture while keeping a close eye on the possibility of North Korea's further provocations."

White House officials said Trump was briefed as Air Force One returned to Maryland from Atlanta, where Trump earlier addressed a meeting of the National Rifle Association.

The test-fired missile probably was a medium-range ballistic missile called a KN-17, the US official said. The KN-17 is a land-based solid-fuel missile fired from a mobile launcher.

North Korean state media did not report on Saturday's launch, as is customary in the case of an unsuccessful test.
Image: twitter.com/myogiadityanath

New Delhi, Apr 29 (IBNS): Union Energy Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday showered praises on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for facilitating electric supply in India's largest state.

The minister took to Twitter to address the issue.

"Remarkable work by CM @myogiadityanath for energising Uttar Pradesh ahead to combat power shortages, in just one month of governance," his tweet read.

According to reports, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a major surge in power consumption.

However, even with the high power consumption the average time of 'blackouts' has decreased from eight hours to two hours.

On Apr 11, the UP Chief Minister had ordered the state power ministry to provide power supply for at least 18 hours in villages and 20 hours in tehsils, following which a 'Power for All' document was signed on Apr 14.

Yogi Adityanath, a Hindu monk, took pledge as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh on Mar 19, earlier this year, after the Bharatiya Janata Party swept the Uttar Pradesh elections, crushing its opponents.

The saffron party had won 317 seats out of the 403 seats in the state.
Chennai, April 29 : Actor Prasanna, who will don khaki in his next yet-untitled Tamil project, is looking forward to the experience.

"I'm quite thrilled about this role. This is an out-and-out cop story. It's going to be something different from the roles I have played so far," Prasanna told IANS.

Lyricist Revathi will be making her directorial debut with this project.

He added that the shooting will commence from August.

"I will be required to look fitter. The role will need me to sport a different look," he said.

The rest of the cast and crew are yet to be finalised.

Last seen in Dhanush's Tamil directorial debut "Power Paandi", Prasanna will next be seen in Mysskin's Tamil thriller "Thupparivaalan".
New Delhi, April 29 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged people from the Muslim community not to "politicise" the triple talaq issue and requested them to come forward and find a "solution".

"I urge the people of Muslim community to not politicise the issue of triple talaq," Modi said while speaking on the occasion of Basava Jayanti.

"I request them to come forward and find a solution," the Prime Minister said.

Modi also said that he would fight against the sufferings of the Muslim daughters in the country. "My government will bring an end to this archaic law," he added.

Earlier in April, the Prime Minister had raised the triple talaq issue during the national executive meeting of his party in Bhubaneswar.
Kathmandu/Thimphu, April 29 : Unable to ratify the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) motor vehicles agreement, Bhutan has asked the three other members to go ahead without it, leaving them in a fix, the media reported.

Bhutan has communicated its decision to the Nepali Embassy in Delhi, which is yet to be forwarded to the Foreign Ministry, the Kathmandu Post reported.

With Bhutan deciding to leave the sub-regional cooperation, the remaining three stakeholders should take a decision on ways to implement the proposal, a senior Foreign Ministry official said, adding that no discussion has been held so far. "The three remaining members would take a decision on implementation without Bhutan," said the official "For this, India should take a lead," the Post said.

The four South Asian nations signed the BBIN agreement in the Bhutanese capital Thimphu last June, in what was seen as a first model of sub-regional cooperation. The agreement would allow for passenger, personal and cargo vehicular traffic among the four countries.

However, there have been reservations among some sections within Bhutan about the viability of this agreement given that it was a small country.

Bhutan will join the group once Parliament ratifies the agreement, Bhutanese news portal Kuensel reported.

The government views BBIN as a platform, encompassing key areas such as energy, trade, information, communication and technology. "Strengthening regional cooperation is especially significant for a landlocked country like Bhutan, and therefore, the Bhutan government remains fully committed to the BBIN process including the BBIN motor vehicle agreement," the Bhutanese Foreign Ministry stated.

While the other three countries have already ratified the agreement, Bhutan is in the process of completing its internal procedures for ratification. The government is also making efforts to address the concerns raised by various stakeholders.

The agreement is slated for deliberation in the upcoming session of Parliament as a disputed bill. The government is expected to withdraw the bill as the opposition and the National Council have said they would not support the agreement, Kuensel said.

The opposition and the Council are of the view that the agreement, which will streamline movement of passenger and cargo transport among the four countries, will overwhelm the smallest country in the group. The government maintains that Bhutan would lose economic opportunities if Parliament does not ratify the agreement.

The BBIN was first tabled in the winter session in the National Assembly in Bhutan in 2015 but was deferred to the summer session in 2016 when it was passed by 28 votes with 10 'no' votes and three abstentions out of the 41 members present.

Some transporters also filed a petition with the National Council or upper house to not pass the agreement. The National Council's Legislative Committee came up with certain points regarding the agreement, including on lack of consultations, inconsistency with immigration laws, environmental and cultural impact among others.

The NC rejected the BBIN in November 2016.

There has been growing concern among Bhutanese citizens, transporters, tour operators and others over the large numbers of regional tourists driving into Bhutan, and its resultant impact on traffic and pollution in the Himalayan nation.

The NC's decision to reject BBIN in its current form received widespread support from many ordinary Bhutanese people.
Kabul, April 29 : In his first public appearance after 20 years, former Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar on Saturday called on the Taliban to lay down their arms and join the peace process.

"The war must end in the country and the foreigners cannot end our war," said Hekmatyar, leader of Hizb-e-Islami, while addressing a crowd of supporters in eastern Laghman province.

Hekmatyar, believed to be responsible for killing tens of thousands of civilians in the Afghan capital during the 1990s civil war, and consequently nicknamed the "Butcher of Kabul," said the Taliban will "not get anything from this war," which he added has only brought ruin to the people.

Referring to last week's army base attack on the 209 Shaheen Military Corps in Balkh, Hekmatyar slammed the Taliban for having attacked soldiers while they were praying, reported Tolo news.

He said: "Let's stop this devastating war for the sake of Allah."

Calling on the Taliban to join the peace process, Hekmatyar said the ongoing insurgency led by the Taliban is "meaningless and illegitimate". He also thanked the Afghan security forces for "all the sacrifices they have made in terms of securing the country".

Hekmatyar, who served as the Prime Minister from 1992 to 1996, said that the Taliban should no more become victims of ego and ignorance.

"Only Afghan people become victims of the ongoing insurgency led by the Taliban," he said. He also said the country must not repeat the mistakes of the past.

He criticised the media for broadcasting music programmes and TV series and said the press should report less about war stories, Tolo news reported.

In addition, he called on neighbouring countries to stop interfering in Afghanistan's internal affairs.

Hekmatyar met the leaders of Laghman and Nangarhar provinces on Friday in what was his first public appearance after years in hiding, and seven months after his organisation signed a historic peace deal with the Afghan government.

Besides Afghan authorities, the deal was welcomed by the US and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, among other members of the international community.

However, the deal met with heavy criticism in certain sections of Afghan society due to Hekmatyar's notorious past and the proposed amnesty for his insurgent group's activities of the past 14 years.

The agreement also provided for "sustainable and dignified repatriation" of families of HIA members, and the release of rebels, who are in prison but have been not charged with any crime.

In return, the HIA signed the National Constitution of Afghanistan, agreed to disband all its armed formations, and pledged to cut ties with all terrorist and extremist groups.

In February, the UN Security Council lifted sanctions such as the asset freeze, the travel ban and arms embargo against Hekmatyar.
Islamabad, April 29 : The Pakistan Foreign Office has refused to comment on the hush-hush visit of Indian steel magnate Sajjan Jindal to Murree to meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz, amid speculation that it was a move to revive the stalled dialogue process between the two countries.

The visit of Jindal, said to be Nawaz Sharif and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mutual friend, on Wednesday came on the day Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale filed an appeal with the Foreign Office against the death sentence awarded to alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, Dawn reported. The appeal was submitted on behalf of Jadhav's mother in which she had sought the government's intervention for the release of her son, who has been sentenced to death for espionage.

The visit echoed in the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs Committee on Friday. But after Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, who was leading the FO team at the meeting, failed to respond to queries about Jindal's trip, committee chairman Awais Leghari brought the discussion to an end.

Jindal, who is considered as a sort of back-channel contact, was taken by helicopter to Murree to meet the Sharif family.

Jindal in the past has facilitated a secret meeting between Sharif and Modi in Kathmandu on the sidelines of a Saarc (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) summit in 2014. The meeting had then helped save the summit that had seemed to be headed for failure and a last-minute deal to create a regional electricity grid was clinched, Dawn reported.

Jindal was in Lahore on December 25, 2015, when Modi paid a surprise visit to greet Sharif on his birthday and attend his granddaughter's wedding.

"Why is the government quiet over Jindal's visit?" asked Pakistan People's Party's Nafeesa Shah during the committee's meeting.

There was no formal press statement issued by the PM Office on Jindal's meeting with Sharif.

However, Maryam Nawaz confirmed the trip in a tweet. She rejected media reports of the meeting being 'secret'. "Mr Jindal is an old friend of the Prime Minister. Nothing 'secret' about the meeting & should not be blown out of proportion," she tweeted on Friday after the issue hit headlines.

Pakistan Tehreek Insaf's Shireen Mazari wondered how Jindal visited Murree, when his visa was restricted for Islamabad and Lahore only.

"If Jindal had come on a private visit, why did FO officials receive him?" Mazari asked.

Meanwhile, the Daily Times, in an editorial on the visit, titled "Much ado about Jindal visit" said much of the speculation surrounding the Indian businessman's visit "revolves around whether he brought some special 'message' to the Pakistani government from its counterparts in India, or the extent to which some sort of back-channel diplomacy took place".

"It must be admitted that the meeting was somewhat unexpected, given the relatively tense relations between the two countries. It is also a fair demand to ask that an elected government be more forthcoming over dealings "if any" with foreign countries, through any channels.

"However, it should also be borne in mind that at the end of the day, governments must talk to each other. In tense times, personal contacts between powerful stakeholders of two countries are nothing new. More importantly, such contacts ought not to be necessarily seen in an ominous light."

"...it is now of the utmost importance that the business of diplomacy continue. Diplomatic relations and communication between the governments of two nuclear-armed states are too important to be sacrificed to the whims of hawkish voices on either side. Those who believe that relations between the two countries are currently too tense for such communication should perhaps explain what alternative they prefer. Talking at a Pakistani hill resort is far better than exchanges of fire in the hills of Kashmir for both sides."
Mumbai, April 29 : Filmmaker Onir says he is looking forward to the world premiere of his film "Shab" in New York.

The romance-drama, which features actress Raveena Tandon and marks the debut of French actor Simon Frenay in Bollywood, will be screened on May 1 at the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF). The fest will start from April 30, and will go on till May 7.

The director took to social media to express his excitement about the world premiere.

He posted: "Leaving for New York to present our film 'Shab' at the world premiere at New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) on May 1.

"Looking forward to being there with my two beautiful and talented actors Debutant Ashish Bisht and French actor Simon Frenay making his Bollywood debut... Anticlock Films ... A big thank you to my entire Cast and crew for being with me in this journey."

Set in Delhi, the film tells a story that revolves around the search for happiness and love of multiple characters.
Kanpur, April 29 : The mortal remains of army Captain Ayush Yadav, who was killed in a militant attack on an army camp in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, were consigned to the flames with full military honours on Saturday.

Senior defence officials along with officials of the district administration paid rich tributes to him.

A large number of political leaders also paid homage to Yadav amidst an overwhelming crowd.

The mortal remains of Yadav had arrived by a special service aircraft at Kanpur on Friday and were taken in a decorated military vehicle escorted by a ceremonial guard to his residence late in the evening.

The 26-year-old had displayed "exemplary courage" in fighting the militants in the attack on an army camp at Kupwara's Panzgam village, an army spokesman said.
New Delhi, April 29 : Alleging racial discrimination against their community in higher education policies in Mizoram, the All India Chakma Social Forum (AICSF) urged Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla on Saturday to address the issue on a priority basis.

The AICSF said the Mizoram government has amended laws which reserve 100 per cent of the higher technical education seats in the state for Zo-ethnic (Mizo) people.

The laws from 2015 and 2016 divided the Scheduled Tribes of Mizoram into two -- "Zo-ethnic people" (Category I) and "non-Zo-ethnic people" (Category II), said Paritosh Chakma, Secretary General of AICSF in a statement.

Paritosh Chakma, who has been fighting racial discrimination against the community for years, said that several other non-Zo communities -- Kuki, Mara, Man, Mikri, Nagas and Synteng tribes were also facing similar discrimination in Mizoram.

The AICSF urged the Mizoram government to repeal the racist acts like Mizoram Amendment Rules 2016.

According to AICSF, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) ratified by India defines racial discrimination as "any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin.

The AICSF stated that it would raise the issue of racial discrimination against non-Zo ethnic people of Mizoram with the UN Special Rapporteur Against Racial Discrimination Mutuma Ruteere and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
Imphal, April 29 : Security personnel, including those of the Border Security Force (BSF), escaped bomb attacks by militants in Manipur on Saturday morning. There were no casualties.

At 7 a.m. some unidentified militants exploded a bomb near Nongren village near a BSF camp in Imphal east district.

Though the BSF personnel swung into action, no militants were nabbed. A combing operation was launched by the state and central forces.

No militant outfit has taken responsibility for the attack.

In another incident, one bomb was exploded near Silshi village near the Behang boundary pillar in Churachandpur district. Again there was no casualty.

The police said that additional forces had been rushed to the area.

Police believe that after the Behang attack the militants escaped into 'no man's land'.
Hyderabad, April 29 : Global retail giant Walmart will set up 50 new stores across India over the next three to four years, a top company official said on Saturday.

The new stores would include 10 in Telangana, for which the US retailer signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government.

It will invest $10 to $12 million in each store, which would create direct and indirect employment for 2,000 people.

Walmart currently has 21 stores in India, including one in Hyderabad.

Walmart executives and Telangana government officials signed the MoU in the presence of state Industries Minister K.T. Rama Rao, President and CEO, Walmart Canada and Asia, Dirk Van den Berghe and President and CEO Walmart India, Krish Iyer.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines, Rajneesh Kumar, Senior Vice President and Head Corporate Affairs, Walmart India, said their focus in South India would be on Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

The company has already signed a MoU with Andhra Pradesh.

In north India, Walmart is focusing on Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab. It already has MoUs with Haryana and Punjab.

Maharashtra is another state that Walmart will be focusing on for its expansion plans.

Krish Iyer said four of the 10 new stores planned in Telangana would come up in Hyderabad.

Walmart is looking at tier-II cities like Warangal, Karimnagar and Nizamabad to open the new stores.
Guwahati, Apr 29 (IBNS) : Security forces on Saturday arrested a six-member gang of poachers and illegal wildlife traders from central Assam's Nagaon district, officials said.

They also recovered a rhino horn from the gang.



Based on intelligence input provided by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, a Nagaon police team led by DSP Samiran Baishya had launched an operation at by-pass road near Nagaon town and arrested the accused from a roadside eatery.



Police also seized a rhino horn weighing around a kilogram, two motor cycles, mobile handsets, and drugs in possession of the accused.



The arrested poacher and illegal wildlife trader gang members were identified as Baharul Islam, Jubed Ali, Abdul Matlib, Shahidur Rahman, Arun Saikia and Ranjan Jyoti Saikia.



A top police official alleged that two poachers, Arun Saikia and Ranjan Jyoti Saikia, hailed from Upper Assam's Jorhat district and had carried the rhino horn for selling it to the other arrested persons.



"Arun and Ranjan has tried to sell the horn with dealing of an amount of Rs 22 lakh. But we had managed to intercept it and caught them," the top Assam cop said.



Interrogation is going on for further details.



Assam has lost over 250 one-horned rhino in the state in the past decade to poaching.



An official of the state forest department said that per kilogram horn sold in international market is worth Rs 2-2.5 crore.



(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
New Delhi, April 29 : Vice President Hamid Ansari on Saturday said that some countries come up with legal technicalities as an excuse to try to avoid committing themselves in the fight against terror.

He was speaking to reporters onboard the aircraft while returning to India after a five-day state visit to Armenia and Poland.

Responding to a question on adopting the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), the Vice President noted that every country is facing the problem of terrorism in a lesser or greater degree and understands the problem.

Referring to his time as the Permanent Representative of India to United Nations in New York in 1994, when India's proposal on CCIT was stuck due to differences in perception on defining a terrorist, he said that while reaching an international agreement, all kinds of legal problems come up and those who do not want it to make progress, come up with legal technicalities.

It is an excuse on part of some countries to try to avoid committing themselves, he added.

To a question on image of India in foreign countries, the Vice President said that India's image outside, or image within the country is on different planes and multiple images are a fact of life.

He said that Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is sending Mars mission, launching satellites of other countries and Indian IT professionals are present all over the world, but along with it, there is poverty and inequality.

"But despite all this, it is also the fact that we have been able, for seven decades, to run a democratic system on a monumental scale," he added.

About his trip, the Vice President said that both Armenia and Poland are friendly countries.

He said with Poland, "the biggest economy of Central Europe, India focused on three areas of interest -- clean coal mining technology, agricultural products and techniques and defence cooperation".

The Vice President said that he has suggested to the Polish leadership that the country join the Make in India Programme and instead of being a seller only, they could become an India-based seller, which would give them a much additional advantages.
Mumbai, April 29 : After two consecutive weeks of losses, the Indian equity markets embraced the bulls as positive global cues and an appreciating rupee gave a fillip to investors' sentiments during the week ended Friday.

The key indices touched new record levels and closed the week's trade with gains of almost two per cent each, even though they failed to hold on to their high levels due to selling pressure triggered by profit booking.

In the past week, the S&P BSE Sensex gained 553.1 points or 1.88 per cent to close at 29,918.40 points. Similarly, the NSE Nifty rose by 184.65 points or 2.02 per cent to wind up the week's trade at 9,304.05 points.

On April 26, the Nifty closed at a new high of 9,351.85 points, while the Sensex touched a new closing high of 30,133.35 points.

During the week ended April 28, the BSE mid-cap index rose 2.14 per cent, while the small-cap index advanced 1.35 per cent, underperforming the Sensex.

"Indian equities surged in line with global stocks in the week ended Friday, April 28. After showing a fine upmove during early part of this week, the Nifty slipped during the later half of the week and ended 2.02 per cent higher week-on-week basis," Deepak Jasani, Head - Retail Research, HDFC Securities, told IANS.

"The Sensex closed the week below the psychological 30,000-level after surpassing that level in the course of its trading. The Nifty had hit its record closing high during the week."

On April 27, the NSE Nifty and the BSE Sensex recorded new intra-day highs of 9,367.15 points and 30,184.22 points.

Jasani pointed out that this week's upmove could also considered to be a "faster upward retracement of the last two weeks decline in one week".

According to market observers, during the week gone by, global stock markets were bolstered by relief over the first round of the French presidential election and signs of solid global economic growth in recent months.

"However, a long-awaited US tax-cut plan failed to inspire investors, though sentiment remained supported by global growth prospects and receding worries about political risks in Europe," said D.K. Aggarwal, Chairman and Managing Director, SMC Investments and Advisors.

"The domestic markets moved higher -- the Sensex crossed the 30,000 mark on Wednesday (April 26) to settle at all-time high levels -- on the back of consistent inflow from foreign and domestic investors coupled with sweeping reforms announced by the SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India)."

Figures from the National Securities Depository (NSDL) revealed that foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) invested in equities worth Rs 1,262.68 crore, or $195.62 million, during April 24-28.

Provisional figures from the stock exchanges showed that foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold stocks worth Rs 1,925.39 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought scrip worth Rs 4,911.56 crore during the week.

On the currency front, the Indian rupee strengthened against the US dollar, appreciating by 36-37 paise to 64.24-25 from last week's close of 64.61.

"The US dollar/rupee recovered from the 20-month low (level) on buying by nationalised banks (like SBI, HDFC Bank) on behalf of oil importers. However, overall, the US dollar continued to remain weak as investors turned sceptical over US President Donald Trump's proposed tax reforms," Vijay Singhania, Director, Trade Smart Online, asserted.

In addition, Dhruv Desai, Director and Chief Operating Officer of Tradebulls, pointed out that investors' sentiments got soothed with the report that bank credit growth improved to 5.52 per cent in the first fortnight of the financial year (FY18), after falling to a whopping six-decade low of 5.08 per cent in the previous financial year (FY17).

"Some support also came with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley asserting that the government was giving top priority to addressing the issue of bad loans while acknowledging that the problem of non-performing assets was adversely impacting the Indian banking system," Desai elaborated.

"Benchmark FMCG index -- NIFTYFMCG -- traded with firm sentiments tracking strong buying sentiments in most FMCG stocks."

The top weekly Sensex gainers were: Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) (up 5.95 per cent at Rs 1,334.55), Gail (up 5.81 per cent at Rs 423.75), Asian Paints (up 5.33 per cent at Rs 1,119.60), Maruti Suzuki (up 5.19 per cent at Rs 6,525.50) and Axis Bank (up 4.90 per cent at Rs 509.60).

The losers were: Lupin (down 5.06 per cent at Rs 1,337.80), Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (down 1.69 per cent at Rs 2,272.10), NTPC (down 1.59 per cent at Rs 164.40), Cipla (down 1.17 per cent at Rs 556.80), and Infosys (down 0.47 per cent at Rs 919.40).

(Porisma P. Gogoi can be contacted at porisma.g@ians.in)
Lucknow, April 29 : The state executive of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will meet here on May 1, party secretary Salil Bishnoi said on Saturday.

The two-day meet, which is the first after the party romped home to power in the assembly elections earlier this year after a 14-year exile, will be inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

He will address the state office bearers in which party related matters and resolutions will be taken up. The two-day meeting of the state working committee will conclude with the closing address of the BJP's national President Amit Shah on May 2.

Along with members of the working committee, union and state ministers and permanent invitee members will be present in the meeting.
New Delhi, April 29 : Congress President Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra on Saturday said that "truth shall prevail" in the allegations against him over a 2008 land deal in Haryana.

"Truth shall prevail," Vadra wrote on his Facebook page, attaching a news report headlined "No Plot was transfered by Omkareshwar to Skylight."

This was Vadra's first reaction over reports in the media concerning contents of the Dhingra Commission which probed probed grant of licences for change in land use in four villages of Gurugram, including licence granted to Skylight Hospitality Private Ltd linked to Vadra.

It had pointed to irregularities in the grant of licences in its report submitted to the Haryana government in August last year.

A report in the Economic Times on Thursday said that the Dhingra Commission has reportedly concluded that Vadra made unlawful profits of Rs 50.5 crore from a land deal in Haryana in 2008 without spending a single paisa.

On Wednesday Robert Vadra's wife, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had said in a statement that agricultural land bought by her in Haryana's Faridabad district or other property acquired by her had no links to finances of her husband, his Skylight Hospitality or reality major DLF.

The Congress on Friday accused the central and the Haryana governments of "deliberately leaking" the Dhingra Commission report despite a court injunction against its publication. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar rubbished the allegation.
Munnar (Kerala), April 29 : Two women plantation workers on an indefinite fast demanding an apology and the resignation of State Power Minister M.M. Mani for his disparaging remarks against them were on Saturday forcefully taken by police to the hospital after their health deteriorated.

Though they have been on a protest since last Sunday, they went on an indefinite fast two day ago and have been subjected to frequent medical checkups since then. On Saturday, the police decided to remove them to the hospital.

The two women are leaders of the 'Pembulai Orumayi' (Women's Collective) and have got support from the Congress-led UDF and the BJP, whose top leaders came and expressed solidarity for the protest.

After the two women were taken to hospital, their replacements have decided to continue the protest and are determined that they will not call it off till their demands are met.

Senior Congress leader Lathika Subhash, who has been in Munnar since the protest began, said there were more policemen than women who had come to take them away.

"These women have been here for almost a week and till today not a single government official came to meet them. They were on protest to protect the modesty of women and came under attack from the goons of the CPI-M. Now the police also has treated them shabbily. We will remain with them till their demands are met," said Subhash.

The police took the two women to a hospital 30 km from the protest site, though there were hospitals in the town itself.

While the CPI-M has ruled the resignation of Mani, they have publicly censured him for frequently courting controversy with his 'loose tongue'. The Kerala opposition has disrupted two days of sitting in the assembly. With the session to resume on Tuesday, it remains to be seen if there is going to be change in strategy on the floor of the House.
New Delhi, April 29 : A four and a half year old child with severe disability of craniovertebral junction (CVJ) -- where the skull and upper cervical spine are joined together -- has been cured through a rare surgery, doctors said on Saturday.

The operational method used for the cure was considered dangerous till now.

According to doctors, such abnormalities can often prove to be life threatening as nerves inside the spinal cord leading to the brain and the brain stem get damaged or squeezed during surgery.

Doctors at city based Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) said when the child was diagnosed with the CVJ disorder last year, he was unable to move or lift his legs. The patient would often have a stiff neck, heaviness of the head along with respiratory problems.

"He was way too young to be operated for such a complex decompression and fusion surgery in craniovertebral region. Though complicated, the surgery is the last resort and only hope for survival of such advanced cases," said Satnam Singh Chhabra, head of neuro surgery department at SGRH.

In CVJ, a disease common in India, the region consists of the occipital bone that forms the base of the skull and the first two bones of the spine which are in the neck called the atlas and axis.

Chhabra said usually such congenital cases become worse over the years either due to some injury, accident or trauma which leads to further progression of symptoms thereby worsening the patient's condition.

However, considering the complexity of the patient's condition, the doctors performed the surgery. After a successful surgery, the patient took almost a year to recover completely.

"Today, after almost a year of his surgery, Rahul has not just recovered well, but is able to walk around without any help/support, and is leading a normal life. His parents too are relieved to see their young boy moving around like other children of his age group," said Chhabra.

According to medical experts, such medical cases require immediate diagnosis and treatment. Early treatment ensures reversal of symptoms or prevents permanent disability.

"Any delay in treatment can cause permanent disability. Generally diagnosis of the condition is based on physical examination, and confirmatory tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) dynamic and static views, or computed tomography (CT) scans and lateral view of X-Ray," said Chhabra.
Hyderabad, April 29 : Global retail giant Walmart will set up 50 new stores across India, including 10 in Telangana, over the next three to four years, a top company official said on Saturday.

The US retailer signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Telangana government for the 10 stores.

It will invest $10 to $12 million in each store, which would create direct and indirect employment for 2,000 people.

Walmart currently has 21 stores in India, including one in Hyderabad.

Spread over 50,000 to 60,000 square feet, each store serves 300,000 customers including 30,000 kirana shops.

Walmart executives and Telangana government officials signed the MoU in the presence of state Industries Minister K.T. Rama Rao, President and CEO, Walmart Canada and Asia, Dirk Van den Berghe, and President and CEO Walmart India, Krish Iyer.

Dirk said Walmart was committed to India and the country with its efficient economy was an important market for them.

Stating that Walmart has presence in 28 countries, he said it would continue to invest more in India in local communities, build businesses, train people and develop suppliers.

Krish Iyer said four of the 10 new stores planned in Telangana would come up in Hyderabad.

Walmart is looking at Tier-II cities like Warangal, Karimnagar and Nizamabad to open the new stores.

He said the company would work with kirana shops, hotels, restaurants, caterers, offices and institutions to help them grow their business by selling them merchandise of highest quality at low prices.

Walmart is currently sourcing 97 percent of the products within India. As much as 15 percent of its merchandise is sourced from the region where its store is located.

He said under direct farm programme, Walmart will work with small and marginal farmers and offer training and education to all stakeholders in the value chain. It will also work for the economic empowerment of women and launch its women entrepreneurship development program.

K.T. Rama Rao said Telangana government would soon come out a retail policy to help build a proper solid base for opening more retail outlets in the state.

He said the government was in talks with various retail players and they were seeking specific retail policy to help them with speedy clearances and incentives.

Later, talking to reporters, Rajneesh Kumar, Senior Vice President and Head Corporate Affairs, Walmart India, said their focus in South India would be on Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

The company has already signed a MoU with Andhra Pradesh.

In north India, Walmart is focusing on Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab. It already has MoUs with Haryana and Punjab.

Maharashtra is another state that Walmart will be focusing on for its expansion plans.
Mumbai, April 29 : Jet Airways' pilots union has deferred its decision of not operating flights with foreign pilots from May 1, sources said on Saturday.

Earlier in the month, the National Aviator's Guild (NAG) had demanded that the airline remove all foreign pilots after an incident in which foreign pilots allegedly assaulted a designated examiner during a training session in Bengaluru.

The pilots' union had asked its members not to operate flights with foreign pilots from May 1, 2017.

According to sources, NAG's office bearers will meet the company's management over the issue next week.

The airline currently employs around 60 foreign pilots. The union has more than 1,000 members of Indian nationality.
Chandigarh, April 29 : The Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday handed over a Pakistani teen who had crossed into Indian territory inadvertently in the Abohar sector in Punjab, a BSF official said.

The Pakistani national, Razak, aged around 15, hailing from Kasur district in Pakistan, was apprehended by BSF troopers on Friday in the operation area of Border Out Post (BoP) Sowar Wali, in Abohar sector.

BSF deputy inspector general R.S. Kataria said the Pakistani teenager had inadvertently crossed the International Boundary (IB) and entered inside Indian territory and reached near the border security fence.

"The Pakistan Rangers were contacted today and the apprehended Pakistani national was handed over to them being an inadvertent border crosser on humanitarian grounds," the spokesman added.

This year (2017), the BSF has handed over seven Pakistani inadvertent border crossers to the Pakistan Rangers.
Dhaka, April 29 : India will give Rs 350 million to descendants of freedom fighters in the next five years under the new 'Muktijodha scholarship scheme for Bangladesh, Indian High Commissioner Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said.

He was speaking at a scholarship award ceremony in Chittagong on Saturday, bdnews24 reported.

The Muktijodha Scholarship Scheme was started by India in 2006 for descendants of the 1971 freedom fighters. Up to now, more than 10,000 scholarships worth Tk150 million have been disbursed.

This year, scholarships have been awarded to 600 undergraduate students. Of them, 48 were from Chittagong.

Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina's visit to India announced that another 10,000 students will receive scholarships under the new Muktijodha scholarship scheme.

All freedom fighters are now eligible for five years multiple entry Indian visa and 100 of them will be provided free medical treatment in Indian hospitals every year.

Shringla said under the new scheme, students at the higher secondary level will get a onetime grant of Tk 20,000 and those at the undergraduate level will get Tk 50,000.

He said the initiatives announced by Modi reflect "our continued solidarity with the valiant Muktijodhas", the daily reported.

"You have fought shoulder to shoulder with Indian troops in 1971 and continue to be our eternal friends. May Almighty bless you all with good health, prosperity and happiness," he told the freedom fighters gathered at the ceremony.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mosharraf Hossain was also present.
New Delhi, Apr 29 (IBNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, said that he hoped Muslim communities will come forward to resolve the issue of Triple Talaq, media reports said.

The Prime Minister was attending an event to mark the birth anniversary of Basava, a 12th century philosopher and social reformer.

He said that the issue of Triple Talaq should not be seen through a 'political prism'.

The Supreme Court is hearing a batch of petitions who have urged that the process of Triple Talaq followed by some Muslim men should be banned, media reports said.

He also said that India will celebrate 75th year of Independence in 2022. "Persons, organisations, everyone should work to fulfill dreams of nation," he said at the Basava Jayanti festival.

"Philosophy of Bhakti Movement and Lord Basava should be spread worldwide," the PM said.



Image: AIRNews Twitter
Kolkata, April 29 : At least 10 students of a college in West Bengal were suspended for writing about love, Hindi and Bengali film songs and poems instead of answers to questions in their semester exams.

The students were from Balgurghat Law College in Malda, affiliated to the University of Gour Banga.

"They were third semester students at the college. They could have written wrong answers but they chose to write slang, abuses and things about love, including lines from Hindi and Bengali film songs.

"A fact finding committee was formed to probe this and the guilty have been suspended for two years," Sanatan Das, Controller of Examinations (Additional Charge), at the varsity told IANS over phone on Saturday.

Das said the students have admitted in writing that they had written "nonsense."

Sample this: One had penned "Tu shayar hai, main teri shayari" while someone else had lamented how his girlfriend refused to listen to him.

"Usually the suspension duration is one year in case of disciplinary action but since what they had done is extremely objectionable and defeats the purpose of examinations, we extended it by a year.

"This is sheer nonsense. They can take readmission in the same course at the end of two years and appear again," Das said.

He said the results of the examination that took place last year were published in January 2017.

"Out of around 150 students, only 40 passed the exams and when the results were declared they vandalised college premises. Not only did they write nonsense to kill time, they also resorted to violence which is totally unacceptable," he said.
Washington, April 29 : A 29-year-old Indian-American was stripped of his US citizenship after being sentenced for more than five years in jail for conspiring to illegally distribute male enhancement pills imported from China.

Ismail Ali Khan was also convicted and sentenced for falsely stating that he was not a criminal on his application to become a naturalized US citizen, federal prosecutors said on Friday.

Prosecutors said Khan, a resident of Decatur in Georgia, and others illegaly imported pills from China containing an active ingredient in Viagra and distributed them throughout the US, Patch news portal reported.

He was part of a criminal export ring that hatched an elaborate scheme to import to the US, male enhancement pills with names such as "Maxman," "Happy Passengers" from China.

The ring's plot included mislabelling scores of drugs to evade detection by the Food and Drug Administration and US Customs and Border Protection.

The drugs were labelled as beauty products, pottery, coffee, and tea, federal prosecutors said.

Khan's sentence would be followed by three years of supervised release, according to the report.

"This defendant endangered the health of countless individuals by illegally importing and distributing drugs that can be obtained in the US only with a prescription written by a licensed, medical professional," US Attorney John Horn said.

"What's more, this defendant became a naturalized US citizen by giving a false statement to the government about his criminal history, while he was engaged in this illicit drug scheme.

"Khan's willful criminal pursuit earned him more than a prison sentence. It cost him his citizenship and deportation after prison," the attorney said.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Steve C. Jones ordered that Khan's status as a naturalised US citizen be revoked and his certificate of naturalisation was declared void.

He also ordered that Khan be immediately deported to India once he completes his prison term. At that time, supervised release will not be enforced.

Khan filled out an application in 2013 to become a naturalized US citizen while the drug conspiracy was going on. He became a naturalized US citizen in March 2014.
New Delhi, April 29 : Actrss Deepika Padukone, who is the part of special song that she did for Dinesh Vijan for his directorial debut "Raabta", says that she feels proud of the filmmaker.

"We literally started our careers together... 'Love Aaj Kal' happened, then some years later 'Cocktail'...then 'Finding Fanny'. Some of my best and most favourite films. But what I will (and I know you and Homi (Homi Adajania) will too) always remember and cherish the most are the fun times we've had making those movies!

"I missed you on this one. I know you missed me too! I love you and I always be proud of you.....DineshVijan," tweeted Deepika Titled "Raabta", the link to the song was tweeted by the actress last night.

Vijan asked her to be a part of this as she is his lucky charm and she immediately agreed and flew to Budapest and even shot for this song in just one night, in midst of her own Hollywood debut film "xXx - Return of Xander Cage."
London, April 29 : European Union leaders on Saturday unanimously agreed to "tough" negotiating guidelines for Brexit talks, suggesting that they will demand Britain agree on payments to the bloc before considering a new trade deal.

EU Council President Donald Tusk said on Twitter: "Guidelines adopted unanimously. EU27 firm and fair political mandate for the Brexit talks is ready."

The 27 EU leaders took less 15 minutes to approve the draft guidelines for the negotiations, which were issued on March 31 by Tusk, the Guardian reported.

Talks with Britain will begin after the general election on June 8.

The EU is expected to demand that Britain resolves the key divorce issues of citizens' rights, the divorce bill and the Irish border before any talks on a future trade deal between the UK and the EU can begin.

"We all want a close and strong future relationship with Britain. There's absolutely no question about it. But before discussing the future, we have to sort out our past. We will handle it with genuine care, but firmly," Tusk said before the meeting.

"We also need solid guarantees for all citizens and their families who will be affected by Brexit, on both sides. This must be the number one priority for the EU and the UK," he said.

The first of the key issues of the EU guidelines is that Britain must resolve the fate of three million EU citizens living in Britain and one million Britons on the continent, and what happens to their rights to work and claim benefits abroad.

The EU-27 will also call for action to avoid a "hard border" between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, as fears persist that Brexit could undermine the peace process, the daily reported.

The most contentious issue of the EU guidelines, however, is likely to be Britain's exit bill, estimated at around $65 billion, covering financial commitments made by the bloc during Britain's time as a member.

Asked what sufficient progress would mean in relation to the UK's divorce bill, a senior EU diplomat said the European council's guidelines were quite explicit about what would be expected and that there would be little "wiggle room".

Meanwhile, French President Francois Hollande said there would inevitably be "a price and a cost for the UK -- it's the choice that was made".

"We must not be punitive, but at the same time it's clear that Europe knows how to defend its interests, and that Britain the UK will have a less good position tomorrow outside the EU than today in the EU," he said.
Paris, April 29 : French Front National (FN) presidential candidate Marine Le Pen announced on Saturday that she would appoint defeated first-round candidate Nicolas Dupont-Aignan as her Prime Minister if she is elected President.

Le Pen, 48, spoke in Paris at a joint press conference with Dupont-Aignan, 56, leader of the Debout la France (Arise France) movement, the sixth most-voted political formation during the April 23 presidential first round, with 1.7 million votes.

At said press conference both leaders formalised a national pact whereby if Le Pen wins the May 7 elections, Dupont-Aignan will be appointed Le Pen's Prime Minister.

Dupont-Aignan is a former member of the right-centre party Les Republicains.

This is the first time the FN has entered such an alliance as Le Pen's party has been traditionally shunned by the rest of the French political spectrum as a xenophobic and antidemocratic party, Efe news reported.

"Nicolas Dupont-Aignan is a sincere and demanding patriot. He has shown his willingness to abandon the comfort zone" said Le Pen.

According to polls, Le Pen has 40 per cent of the intended vote versus the 60 per cent estimate favourable to Emmanuel Macron, who is also supported by the French traditional republican (centre-right) and socialist parties.

Dupont-Aignan, mayor of the Commune of Yerres, a southeastern suburb of Paris, admitted differences with Le Pen, mainly in economic matters (euro and import taxes) but also said that they have many affinities such as a mutual love of France.

"I invite all French to join us in saving our country. This movement is growing" said Dupont-Aignan.

According to Le Pen, there will be increasing support towards her candidacy, which is foccused in halting globalisation, terrorism, and crime.

Le Pen obtained 7.6 million (21.42 per cent) votes in the first round of presidential poll versus Macron's 8.6 million (23.86 per cent).
New Delhi, April 29 : An undertrial in a murder case was shot dead outside a district court complex here in Rohini on Saturday while being brought for a hearing, police said.

"Rajesh, a notorious criminal, was shot dead outside Rohini Court Complex. The shooter, 19-year-old Mohit is a resident of Jhajjar district in Haryana," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rishi Pal said.

The incident occurred while Rajesh was being brought by the Haryana Police to the district court.

At around 11.30 a.m., Mohit fired a bullet at Rajesh's chest, who died on the spot, the police said.

The police arrested Mohit.

During interrogation, Mohit disclosed that he fired at Rajesh on the instruction of his friend Satish. Mohit also revealed that he did not know Rajesh personally, police said.

Rajesh, 38, was arrested in a murder case in December 2016 and was in judicial custody in a Haryana jail.

He was facing trial in 16 different cases in Haryana as well as in Delhi.

The police official said he suspects it to be a case of personal enmity or gang-rivalry and are verifying whether Rajesh was a member of any gang, including the Neeraj Bawana gang.

He said they are are probing all angles in the case.

The incident reportedly took place when the victim alighted from the police vehicle outside Gate Number 5 of the court complex.

Two men who were waiting on a motorbike outside the court fired on the victim and fled, according to police.

However, one of them was nabbed from the spot with assistance of people, Haryana Police and officials present outside the courts complex.

Meanwhile, in the wake of the incident, a delegate of Rohini Court Bar Association met with senior judges of the courts complex and requested them to ensure safety and security to the advocates, litigants and undertrials.

"The senior judges have called a meeting to review security management with senior police officials and members of the bar association on Monday," Rohini Court Bar Association Secretary Rajiv Tehlan said.
Kolkata, April 29 : The electricity generation from thermal, hydro, nuclear and import from Bhutan grew by 4.7 per cent to 1,159.83 billion units (BU) in 2016-17 as compared to 1,107.82 BU generated in the previous year, according to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).

The electricity generation target for 2016-17 was fixed as 1,178 BU, a growth of around 6.38 per cent over actual generation of 2015-16, said a Power Department statement.

According to the CEA report, during the last fiscal, thermal power generation grew by 5.34 per cent to 994.21 BU while hydro power generation was at 122.31 BU, up by 0.77 per cent.

Nuclear power generation increased by 0.67 per cent to 37.66 BU in 2016-17.

"The electricity generation in March only grew by 5.46 per cent 101.78 BU, exceeding the month's target," an official said on Saturday.

Generation during 2015-16 was 1,107.82 BU as compared to 1,048.673 BU generated during April- March 2015, representing a growth of about 5.64 per cent, the statement added.

According to Power Ministry, the energy deficit was 0.7 per cent in 2016-17, down from 2.1 per cent in the previous year.
Hyderabad, April 29 : The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on Saturday launched its Disaster Recovery Centre (DRC) here, a statement said.

BSE DRC is a replication of the primary site and ensures that all data is available at disaster recovery site with near zero time lag.

Among others, the automation tool provides a real-time monitoring of the sync status between primary and disaster recovery sites and has also helped reduce manpower requirement for handling operations, BSE said in a statement.

With state-of-the-art infrastructure and allied facilities matching global standards, DRC would ensure seamless continuation of exchange operations, aid in diversifying the risk, and fortify the capabilities in terms of processes, people and technology infrastructure.

BSE DRC is designed in line with other global technology hubs which will invite more premier institutions to invest in Hyderabad.

Telangana's Information Technology, Industries & Commerce Minister K. T. Rama Rao inaugurated the facility.

BSE Ltd Chairman Sudhakar Rao said that they received unstinting support of various state authorities, regulators and stakeholders here.

He said they have contributed in their own humble and modest way, in fulfilling the vision of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, of creating a globally attractive investment destination in the state.

"Today, therefore, is an opportunity for us to not only just diversify our risk and strengthen our competencies, but also participate in the state's growth story," he added.
Imphal/Kolkata, April 29 : Two villagers in Manipur's Churachandpur district were killed in cross-fire when militants ambushed security personnel near the international border on Saturday, police said.

The militants also kidnapped four workers from the spot in Behang, a tribal village.

According to the police, the security personnel, escorting a water tanker for the camp, were fired upon by the militants and retaliated. The two tribal villagers were strolling there when they were caught in the cross-fire.

Additional forces have been rushed from the district headquarters. However there is no report of any arrest so far.

Police said that one IED had been exploded there on Friday. However there was no casualty.

A defence ministry spokesman said in Kolkata that 10- 15 militants, suspected to be members of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), attacked the General Reserve Engineering Force (GREF) water bowser.

The spokesman said the two deceased were unarmed labourers working on Imphal-Tiddim road.

The incident happened around 8.35 a.m. near Border Pillar 41 along the India-Myammar border.

The militants detonated three Improvised Explosive Devices and then used 'lathods' (single shot grenade launchers) and fired from automatic weapons.

"It is estimated that 60-65 rounds were fired by the terrorists. The terrorists are suspected to have fled across the border," the spokesman said.
Karachi, April 29 : Police have registered cases of blasphemy and terrorism against unidentified men for smashing idols at a Hindu temple in Sindh. The broken idols were found in a sewerage line on Saturday morning.

Lal Meheshwri, the minority councillor of the Gharo Town Committee in Thatta District, told BBC Urdu that he had been working late at the temple while preparing it for a monthly religious service which would have been held on Friday.

"Someone seems to have entered the temple between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. When worshippers came in the morning for prayers, the idols were missing. This is the first time that that such a thing has happened in the temple's history," he said, Pakistan Today reported.

Adviser to the Sindh Chief Minister on Minority Affairs Dr Khatto Mal said he has asked the police and the district administration to register a case with the state as the complainant and to include terrorism clauses in the FIR. He said the vandals would be arrested and punished according to the law.

Thatta SSP Fida Hussain Mastoi told the BBC Urdu that the case would be investigated from all aspects.

Gharo is situated along the National Highway some 60 kilometres from Karachi. About 2,000 Meheshwri, Dewan and Harijan families, who are Hindus, live here.
Kolkata, Apr 29 (IBNS): Popular Bengali TV and film actor Vikram Chatterjee was seriously injured while his companion, an anchor-cum-model, was killed in a road accident in south Kolkata's Ras Behari area in the wee hours of Saturday, reports said.

According to reports, Vikram's luxury sedan suddenly lost its control after hitting the divider and then crashed into pavement's guardrail at around 4 am.

After being rescued by locals and police, Vikarm Chatterjee and his companion young model, Sonika Singh Chauhan, were rushed to a hospital, where Sonika was declared dead.

Vikram Chatterjee is being treated in Ruby General Hospital in city's EM Bypass area. He is in a serious but stable condition, according to hospital reports.

"A white Toyota Corolla Altis (WB 12C 9755) lost its control and hit footpath's railing after a 180-degree turn near Lake Mall on Ras Behari Avenue under Tollygunge Police Station limits," a senior police official told IBNS.

"Vikram Chatterjee, who was driving the car, was seriously injured in the mishap while his companion, Sonika Singh Chauhan, died," the official added.

Police however started investigation to know the exact reason behind the crash.

"We are examining CCTV footage of the area, taking eyewitnesses' accounts and will send the vehicle for mechanical tests to know the exact reason behind the accident. We are also checking if the driver was drunk during the crash," a police official told IBNS.

(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha)


Islamabad, April 29 : Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday approved the sacking of his Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi due to his alleged role in "Dawn leaks", but the countrys army rejected the directives as "incomplete".

A notification from the PM's Office said that "Rao Tehsin Ali, the principal information officer of the Ministry of Information, will also be proceeded against under the E&D rules 1973 on the charges based on the report findings".

An article published in Pakistan's oldest and most prestigious English daily Dawn in October, detailing high-level security talks, had angered the army and led to the firing of then-Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid, who was a Sharif ally.

The directives came after an inquiry committee, probing the story published in 2016, submitted its findings along with their recommendations to Sharif, reported Geo TV.

Hours after the PM's Office issued the directives, the Inter-Services Public Relations said the Army had rejected the notification, calling it "incomplete".

Director General ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor, who heads the military's media arm, said in a tweet: "Notification on Dawn Leak is incomplete and not in line with recommendations by the Inquiry Board. Notification is rejected."

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar declared ISPR tweet poisonous for democracy, reported Dunya News.

Nisar said that institutions don't communicate with one another through tweets and it was "inappropriate for anyone to handle issues through statements on the social media".

The sensational story was published last year with headline: "Act against militants or face international isolation, civilians tell military".

Written by the newspaper's columnist Cyril Almeida, the story claimed that the Nawaz Sharif government had succeeded in getting the military to acknowledge the need to act against extremist groups employed in Kashmir and Afghanistan.

The PM's Office had initially rejected the story, but the military had mounted pressure to demand a probe into the matter to determine those involved in disclosing the details of the meeting.

The government had formed a committee in November last year to probe the story.

The notification from the PM's office added that the role of the editor of Dawn Newspaper, Zaffar Abbas, and reporter Cyril Almeida will be referred to the All Pakistan Newspaper Association (APNS) for "necessary disciplinary action".

It also said that the APNS will be asked to develop a code of conduct for the print media, especially for stories that deal with "issues of national importance and security".

The committee, headed by Justice (retd) Aamir Raza Khan, included representatives of the Intelligence Bureau, the Military Intelligence and the Inter-Services Intelligence.
New Delhi, April 29 : Urged Muslims to not take the issue of triple talaq "into the realm of politics", Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that given India's "great tradition", he is sure that solution to issues like it will come from within the Muslim community only.

"Looking at the great tradition of Indian culture, I feel optimistic, and a hope runs within me, that powerful persons come from within this society itself who challenge and destroy the archaic laws and develop modern institutions," Modi said here while speaking on the occasion of Basava Jayanti.

"I am sure from the Muslim community too, such reformers will come forward and would fight against the injustices being faced by Muslim daughters and would find a way out," he added.

Modi observed that over the centuries several evils crept into the Indian society, but interestingly the resolution to fight against those evils also came from within the society itself.

He cited the examples of Lord Basaveshwara, who had envisioned a democratic arrangement several centuries ago, and that of 19th century social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy who fought for the rights of widows.

He said our land has been blessed with great individuals who have transformed society. "There would be Muslims from India who would have the capacity to guide Muslims across the world. Such is the beauty of this soil.

"And there will be people in the Muslim society who would come forward to save our mothers and sisters from triple talaq," he added.

The Prime Minister appealed to the Mulsim community to not let the matter of triple talaq go into "realm of politics".

"You (Muslims) come forward, find a solution. That solution would be lasting, and would empower the generations to come," he said.

Modi said that his motto is "Sabka sath, sabka vikas" whioch entails that there should not be any discrimination of any sorts. "By taking everybody along, and with the help of all, it is possible to achieve the goal of 'development for all'," he said.
New Delhi, April 29 : A teacher of the G.B. Pant Engineering College teacher ended his 24-day hunger strike for better campus facilities on Saturday, after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal assured him land for campus and an inquiry against the corrupt officials.

Joshil K. Abraham broke his hunger strike in the presence of local Aam Aadmi Party legislator Sahi Ram Pehelwan. He had started his fast on April 7 after getting no assurance from Kejriwal on the demands of the institution's students.

Bringing to book the officials who committed "irregularities" in the allocation of land to another institute was the other prominent reason for the hunger strike.

The Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology-Delhi (IIIT-D) in Okhla area of south Delhi is built on the same piece of land which was promised for the Pant Engineering College by the then Delhi government in 2007.

The engineering college is housed in the abandoned hostel building of G.B. Pant Polytechnic in a space of 2.8 acres, while it was promised 60 acres land by the Delhi government in the same premises, Abraham claimed, citing official documents.

"Out of this land, the goverment has allocated 25 acres since 2008 to IIIT-D, which is in public-private partnership. Moreover, according to a PWD survey there is only 48 acres of land which is available.

"The officials while allotting the land to that institute, nonetheless, maintained a figure of 65 acres... They also misled that the IIIT-D is an expansion of the G.B. Pant Polytechnic, without the latter's principal knowing anything about such a deal," Abraham had earlier told IANS.

Kejriwal said that he will order an inquiry into the matter. He had earlier promised the students and Abraham that he will meet them after the MCD elections.
New Delhi, April 29 : Chastened by his party's massive defeat in the civic polls, Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday accepted that he has made "mistakes" and said the party will introspect and "course correct".

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, termed the move as a "new drama of misleading the people".

Kejriwal, the AAP national convenor, posting a short statement on Twitter, said he has spoken to many volunteers and voters during the past two days since the Delhi civic poll results. "The reality is obvious. Yes, we made mistakes but we will introspect and course correct."

"Time to go back to the drawing board. To not evolve would be silly. We owe that to the voters and volunteers. We owe that to ourselves," he said.

The AAP leader said that action was needed to be taken and "not excuses".

"It's time to get back to work. And even if we slip from time to time, the key is to find the reserves to hold and pull ourselves up. The people deserve nothing less. The only thing constant is change."

The BJP swept all the three municipal bodies of Delhi, returning a tally of 181 of the total 270 seats in Wednesday's results. AAP managed 48 and Congress 30 wards.

The AAP's defeat comes more than two years after the Delhi assembly elections when it had humbled the BJP, winning 67 of the 70 seats.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh said it was the beauty of his party and Kejriwal as "we admit our mistakes, reach out to the people to apologize and will work for the nation".

But, the BJP's Delhi President Manoj Tiwari, who is considered the brain behind his party's win, described Kejriwal's statement as "a new drama" and said it was only a gimmick and nothing else.

"Kejriwal had done it earlier also," Tiwari said giving the example of the AAP leader stepping down after 49 days of his first time in government from December 2013 to February 2014.

He said people will see through Kejriwal's tendency of "changing colours like a chameleon".

He said due to the "obstinate attitude" of Kejriwal and his government civic services in Delhi were obstructed time and again and the salary of employees, including sanitation workers, could not be paid on time resulting in inconvenience to the people of Delhi.

Tiwari said that in 2014 too Kejriwal went to Varanasi for contesting Lok Sabha elections and after his defeat and return from Varanasi he apologized to the people of Delhi but after coming to power Kejriwal went for campaigns in Punjab and Goa for grabbing power in these states.

"He should understand that he cannot befool the people again and again," Tiwari said in a statement.
Chandigarh, April 29 : With some opposition leaders alleging tampering and hacking of electronic voting machines (EVMs), the Election Commission on Saturday said it will soon throw an "open challenge" to prove if the machines could be tampered with.

Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said here that the EC will call a meeting of political parties to assure them that the EVMs were tamper-proof.

"They will be told how the EVMs are non-tamperable and secure as per our administrative and technical safeguard system," he told media here.

The EC, to make things transparent and boost confidence of people in the EVMs, has proposed to use the Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) technology in future elections. He added that India could become the first country in the world to have the VVPAT for elections.

The EC has placed an order for the supply of 15 lakh VVPAT machines. These will be supplied by the public sector Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India (ECI).

At least 16 opposition parties, alleging tampering, had recently urged the EC to stop use of EVMs and revert to the paper ballot system in elections.

The parties, including Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and others, levelled tampering allegations after the BJP swept assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

In the past, similar allegations of EVM tampering were made to the EC by political parties and leaders. However, no one was also to prove that the machines could be tampered with.
New Delhi, April 29 : BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav on Saturday said the separatists in the Kashmir Valley are using people as "scapegoats" and reiterated the government's stand of having no talks with them In a post on his official Facebook page, Madhav, who played a key role in forming the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and People's Democratic Party (PDP) coalition goverment, mentioned that the Union Government has "categorically" told the Supreme Court that there is no plan to hold any talks with "the separatists and those who are not loyal to India".

"Supreme Court too took a strong stand against the petitioners' demand that pellet guns be withdrawn exhorting them to first stop stone pelting and street violence before asking security forces to withdraw pellet guns. Stand of the SC judges including CJI is commendable and I am sure patriotic people in the country including those in the Valley welcome this position of the Court," he said in his post.

"However it must be kept in mind that forces have very few pellet guns and use them in rare situations only. Even where used, they are deemed less lethal than normal guns and bullets," he said.

He said forces are trained to maintain maximum restraint and use other methods to control violence.

"Government's stand is and should be clear. Tackle militants and their sponsors with utmost toughness. Handle misguided youths coming onto the streets with stones in hand with deftness so that violence is firmly put down but care is taken to prevent loss of life," Madhav said.

"The separatists have only one motto: One dead body a day, so that they can play sentimental politics over the dead bodies.

"They use people of the Valley as scapegoats in their reprehensible politics of violence and separatism. The security forces and the government on the other hand try their best to ensure that the ill-intentions of the separatists don't succeed. It is a difficult job being executed with commendable sincerity by the government and security forces," he said.
Kasargode (Kerala), April 29 : A third youth from Kerala who ran away to join the Islamic State terror group in Afghanistan has been killed there, police said on Saturday.

According to information received here, Yahya alias Bastian, who was in his late 20s, is reported to have been killed in Afghanistan, said the Kerala Police's intelligence wing.

A top intelligence official told IANS that this information was received on the mobile of a relative of another person who was part of a group now in Afghanistan.

"We have got this information from a person residing here and the death pertains to a man who hails from Palakkad district. Other details are not known," said the official.

Yahiya alias Bastian along with his wife, his brother and his wife, who have all been reported missing, hail from Palakkad and had converted to Islam.

The four were part of a 21-strong group from Kerala who reached Afghanistan.

With this death, this is the third Keralite who left the state last year and reached Afghanistan to be killed.

Early this month, Muhammed, said to be in his 20s, was reported to have been killed along with 36 IS militants who were killed after the US struck the terror group's position in eastern Afghanistan with a massive GBU-43 bomb, also known as the "mother of all bombs".

In February this year, information reached the relatives of 26-year-old Hafeesudin that he had been killed in a drone attack.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan last year had informed the state assembly that 21 people, including children, were missing - 17 persons from Kasargode district and four from Palakkad.
New Delhi, April 29 : President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday commended the military staff deployed at Rastrapati Bhavan for carrying out their duties with professionalism and swiftness.

Addressing a reunion of Aides-de-camp (ADCs) to the President here at Rashtrapati Bhavan, he said: "Numerous functions take place at Rashtrapati Bhavan and the military staff carries out their duties with professionalism, swiftness and with a smile on their faces."

The military staff attached to the President provides professional advice, guidance and support to him.

"Aides-de-Camp to the President of India is a cherished legacy of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the then Viceroy House," he said, adding that he was glad to see the military staff associated with former Presidents who were there not only from within the country but across the world.
Washington, April 30 : The First Lady of United States arrived at the White House with President Donald Trump on Inauguration Day but has been mostly absent ever since and continues to live in New York with her only child.

Melania Trump also is not expected to be a very active First Lady when she moves into the presidential residence on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, a transition she plans to make once her 11-year-old son Barron finishes his current school year, EFE news reported.

The former Slovenian model, who turned 47 earlier this week, is apparently a very private person who has little interest in politics, Ohio University professor Katherine Jellison, whose research has partly focused on US first ladies, told EFE.

During Donald Trump's first 100 days in office, her most notable public appearance occurred in late March at the Department of State, where she pledged the US would closely monitor nations that fail to protect women's rights and work to combat gender-related violence.

At that International Women of Courage Awards event, which honoured 13 brave women, Trump's wife gave a speech lasting just 10 minutes.

She has made just a few other public appearances without her husband.

In February, Melania Trump visited the National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington with Sara Netanyahu, the wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and in early March she met with children in the pediatrics unit playroom at the New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Centre.

She has been seen more frequently in the company of her husband, recently taking part in the White House's traditional Easter Egg Roll event, visiting wounded soldiers at a military hospital outside Washington, participating in an event to honour the National Teacher of the Year and welcoming Argentine President Mauricio Macri and his wife, Juliana Awada, to the White House.

The First Lady also normally has travelled to Mar-a-Lago when the President has decided to spend the weekend at his estate in Florida.

Jellison said she cannot envision Melania advising or differing with her husband on political matters, although she said she may give him recommendations relating to his style as the head of state, such as urging him to stop sending out his regular daily barrage of early-morning tweets.
Brussels, April 30 : The French President accused the French National Front leader and presidential candidate on Saturday of "camouflaging" her intention of pulling France out of the European Union (EU) because she is aware that is not the true wish of the people and that the idea "is frightening".

FranAois Hollande said "she has always wanted France to abandon the Euro area and the European Union (EU)" in reference to Marine le Pen, the FN presidential candidate, EFE news reported.

Marine Le Pen announced on Saturday that she would appoint defeated first-round candidate Nicolas Dupont-Aignan as her Prime Minister if she is elected President.

Hollande spoke at a press conference after the EU Brexit Summit in Brussels and stressed that this "camouflage" responds to the fact that both Le Pen and Dupont-Aignan are aware that "the French do not want to leave the euro because they know it will degrade their (economic) situation".
Guwahati, Apr 29 (IBNS) : Assam CID on Saturday arrested a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) for posting derogatory remark against a woman BJP legislator in Assam on Facebook.

A top official of Assam police said that, following an two and half hours long interrogation, the sleuths of CID had arrested DSP Anjan Bora, who is presently served as a DSP in 23rd Assam Police Battalion at Manja in Karbi Anglong district.

A case (7/17) was registered against the DSP of Assam police in CID following an FIR filed by the IGP (Admin) for his alleged remarks on a woman BJP MLA on Facebook.

The top Assam cop said that, the sleuths of CID had seized a laptop, mobile phone, incriminating documents from the house of Anjan Bora.

Recently, the arrested DSP posted a controversial post on Facebook that, a lady BJP legislator involved in flesh trade.

For his controversial post on Social media, Anjan Bora was also suspended earlier.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Washington, April 30 : Thousands of people from all over the US marched on Saturday in favour of protecting the environment while slamming the effects that President Donald Trump's policies will have on the climate and on the health of Americans.

From the early hours on Saturday, protesters gathered near the US Congress, then set out on a march down the streets of the US capital in a protest that was to surround the White House, EFE news reported.

"The Trump administration's policies are a catastrophe for our climate and communities, especially low-income and communities of colour, who are on the front lines of this crisis," the People's Climate Movement, a coalition of environmentalist groups, said in a statement.

With many slogans in favour of the environment and against Trump, the thousands of demonstrators packed the main thoroughfares of the city under a blazing sun, a week after another demonstration was held by the scientific community, which denounced government cuts to research budgets.

Among the participants on Saturday were public figures like actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former Vice President Al Gore.

The march coincided with the 100th day in power of President Trump, who does not hide his scepticism about climate change and has repealed a number of environmental protection regulations enacted by his predecessor in the White House, Barack Obama.

Trump has said he will give priority to economic growth over the concerns of environmentalists.
ClickReady Marketing is excited to provide its customers dozens of new digital marketing capabilities through SharpSpring marketing automation. In addition to behavioral-based email marketing campaigns, the software provides analytics that help create better landing pages, on-site forms, and visitor tracking.

Were really enthusiastic about what this new SharpSpring software is going to mean for our customers, says ClickReady Marketings CEO, Craig Lawson. Not only will it give them more visibility on whos visiting their website, it also provides the ability to market directly to those people in a more detailed, customized way than weve seen anywhere else. SharpSprings marketing automation adds to ClickReadys growing list of digital solutions including SEO, web design, PPC marketing and more.

A furniture store, for example, explains Lawson, will have the ability to track potential customers on its website and see exactly what they were looking at. From there, they can send pointed emails with specific messages relevant to that particular customer. In addition to on-site visitor tracking, one of the primary functions of SharpSprings software is targeted email campaigning. Says Lawson, Imagine being able to send an old customer an email saying, Hey Jamie, we missed you and we know you always liked our childrens shoes in the past. Heres a coupon for 15% off kids shoes on the site.

SharpSpring is built to provide agencies like ClickReady with enhanced tracking and automation tools. Dynamic forms, third party CRM capability, and fully customized ROI reports allow marketers a better look inside which efforts are working best. ClickReady customers who want to utilize the software can be as hands-on as they want to be, says Lawson. They can login and look at their own charts and analytics or we can devise and manage a program specifically for their business so they can just sit back and enjoy the increased sales.

Specializing in small- to mid-sized businesses in northeast Georgia and beyond, ClickReady marketing has earned a reputation for fast, reliable results. Founded with the goal of being one of the top Atlanta SEO companies, ClickReady has since expanded its offerings to include services like mobile optimization, custom content production, and affordable web design.

At the end of the day, were excited about what SharpSpring is going to be able to do for our customers, explains Lawson. Its just one more way were able to offer some of the most comprehensive online marketing services in the area.

ClickReady Marketing is based in Dawsonville, GA, with outposts in Cumming and Atlanta. The firm offers affordable tiered-pricing for SEO plans and services that include design, management, analytics, and more.

For more information on ClickReady Marketings services or to find out whether marketing automation could enhance your business, contact the office at 404-923-0015 or visit http://www.clickreadymarketing.com.
Rehabs Boston today announced the launch of its flagship website, https://rehabsboston.com/, which provides information on drug and alcohol addiction and addiction treatment programs for residents of Boston, MA and the surrounding areas.

According to a 2016 report by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, opioid-related deaths in the state have increased 350 percent since 2000. The report stated that the recent rate of increase is several times faster than anything seen before. The number of admissions to the Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Abuse Services that were opioid-related increased from 31 percent in 2000 to 55 percent in 2014, the report stated.

In May 2016, the Massachusetts Department of Health reported there were at least 1,379 confirmed opioid-related deaths in Massachusetts during 2015. By contrast, there were only 338 confirmed opioid-related deaths in the state in 2000. And between 2013 and 2014, opioid-related deaths were seen in two-thirds of the communities in Massachusetts.

RehabsBoston.com can provide valuable information for those in the Boston, MA area who may suspect that they suffer from an addiction to opioids, alcohol, or illicit drugs. The website offers on some of the causes of addiction, and how to find the right addiction treatment program. To learn more, call 866-270-0780, or visit https://rehabsboston.com/.

About RehabsBoston.com

RehabsBoston.com is an online resource that provides information on drug and alcohol substance use disorders including how to find the right addiction treatment program, some of the more common causes of addiction, how to maintain sobriety, and the various types of addiction treatment programs including inpatient drug detox, inpatient drug rehab, and outpatient drug rehab. To learn more, visit: https://rehabsboston.com/.
Rehabs Cleveland today announced the launch of its flagship website, https://rehabscleveland.com/, which provides information on drug and alcohol addiction, and substance abuse treatment programs including drug detox, and inpatient rehab.

According to a 2013-2014 report by the Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring Network, heroin remained highly available in the Cleveland region, with one participant in the report stating that there was more heroin around than any other drug. The report also stated that between 85 percent and 87 percent of all undercover buys in the Cleveland region were heroin and prescription opioids. The report noted that prescription opioids also remained highly available in the region, and community professionals identified Percocet and Vicodin as the most popular prescription opioids in terms of widespread use.

RehabsCleveland.com provides information on a variety of addiction treatment programs for residents of Cleveland, OH and the surrounding areas. The website features information on topics including signs of addiction, inpatient drug rehab, outpatient addiction treatment and how to find help for a drug or alcohol substance use disorder. To learn more, call 877-269-9194, or visit: https://rehabscleveland.com/.

About Rehabs Cleveland

Rehabs Cleveland, through its flagship website RehabsCleveland.com provides valuable information on substance use disorders and addiction treatment for residents of Cleveland, OH and the surrounding areas. Topics on the website include types of drug detox, signs of addiction, and the benefits of inpatient addiction treatment. To learn more, visit: https://rehabscleveland.com/.
RF Technologies HELP ALERT Pendant Has this prevented things from escalating? Absolutely, said Marina Willis, of RF Technologies.

RF Technologies (RFT) HELP ALERT Panic Alert System for Hospitality was recently featured in a news story (WLS-TV, Chicago) highlighting the need to protect hospitality workers from violence and assault in the workplace. The story outlined an ordinance introduced on April 19, now under consideration by the Chicago City Council, which would require that certain staff in Chicago hotels be equipped with panic alert devices to protect them while they work. RFTs Marina Willis, president, Pinpoint Technologies, was interviewed for the story.

According to a Chicago Tribune report, the bill, sponsored by Alderman Michele Harris, 8th Ward, and backed by labor unions including Unite Here Local 1, would require that employees working alone in Chicago hotels be issued panic buttons (such as RFTs HELP ALERT wireless pendant) that would enable them to warn security quickly if they encounter potentially dangerous situations in guests rooms. The ordinance would also require that hotels post sexual harassment and assault policies and promise no retaliation against workers who report encountering such treatment. Hotels that do not provide the panic alert buttons and adhere to other parts of the measure could be fined up to $500 per incident.

Has this prevented things from escalating? Absolutely, says Willis, of RF Technologies. Weve had situations where we have had housekeepers go into a room, start cleaning, and someone comes out of the bathroom not wearing any clothes and blocks them from leaving the room. Hotel workers are already wearing these devices in New York and Washington, D.C. Similar mandates and/or ordinances will soon be adopted in cities including Seattle, San Francisco, and areas in Southern California, where they are being requested with increased frequency by staff members and local unions representing hospitality workers.

RFT is pleased to be a part of such an important initiative focused on keeping hospitality workers safe. We are ready to put to work our 30 years of experience keeping people safe in hospitals, schools, colleges and universities, senior living facilities, and hotels, with our HELP ALERT Panic Alert System.

For additional information on this important issue, follow these news links:

http://www.mychinews.com/news/chicago-hotel-workers-may-soon-have-a-panic-button

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-rahm-emanuel-chicago-city-council-0418-story.html

http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/hotels-urged-to-combat-sexual-harassment-against-female-employees/

http://abc7chicago.com/news/panic-button-ordinance-proposed-to-protect-hotel-workers/1885056/

Also, a July 2016 report issued by Unite Here Local 1:

https://www.handsoffpantson.org/wp-content/uploads/HandsOffReportWeb.pdf

About RF Technologies

RF Technologies provides safety solutions at over 10,000 senior living, healthcare, education and hospitality facilities nationwide. Life safety solutions such as CODE ALERT Wander Management, QUICK RESPONSE Wireless Nurse Call, SAFE PLACE Infant Security, and HELP ALERT reduce risk for residents, staff, and the facility; innovations such as RFT CARES smartphone application improve caregiver coordination and efficiency. Backed by 30 years of experience in senior living, RF Technologies solutions are UL-certified to meet todays life safety standards. For information visit: http://www.rft.com.
Synergy Global Housing

Synergy Global Housing has been awarded the Aires Circle of Excellence Award during the European Relocation Associations (EuRA) 2017 conference held in Warsaw, Poland on April 25-28.

The award was given to Synergy by its partner, Aires, during the Aires Partner Summit at the EuRA convention. The Circle of Excellence is given to companies that consistently receive high ratings from Aires customer service surveys. Synergy was noted for routinely earning scores of 90 percent or better on the Aires-organized surveys.

The award recognized Synergys commitment to exceeding guest expectations through its responsiveness and customer-centric business model. Aires Director of Global Procurement, Brad Stevenson, presented the award to Synergy Managing Director, Relocation Alliances, Susan Becker and Manager of Global Solutions, Denise DMello.

Synergy understands how stressful it can be for an individual or an entire family to relocate, Becker said. We have dedicated ourselves to providing the best customer support possible to help lessen the emotional cost of relocation. Synergy is always appreciative when our clients and partners recognize our commitment to the guest experience.

This is the second-consecutive year Synergy Global Housing has been recognized by Aires with the Circle of Excellence Award, having won the same award for service at last years conference in Malta.

About Synergy Global Housing

Synergy Global Housing brings a superior furnished housing experience to the business travel and workforce mobility industry; providing best-in-class serviced accommodations in more than 55 countries across the globe. Synergy has Global Solutions Centres in: Dublin, Ireland; Hyderabad, India; Singapore; and San Ramon, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, California and Seattle, Washington. Through people, passion and innovation, Synergy delivers comprehensive services, custom-tailored to meet each clients individual needs, on a worldwide basis. To learn more, visit http://www.synergyhousing.com.

About Aires

Aires delivers best-in-class global and domestic relocation solutions and mobility program management. Having been recognized by Inc. Magazine, The Forum for Expatriate Management, and the International Business Awards for organic growth methodology, excellent client/vendor partnerships, and leading-edge proprietary technology, and achieving certifications and registrations with FIDI-FAIM, C-TPAT, and ISO, clients are assured a focus on quality and customer service excellence when partnering with Aires. For more information, please visit http://www.aires.com.
Jack Kreider (center), executive vice president and regional director of RE/MAX Northern Illinois, met with t Rafay Qamar (left) and Mike Opyd of RE/MAX NEXT. We call ourselves an agent-centric real estate company with full marketing and commission autonomy for our brokers."

RE/MAX Northern Illinois has announced that its newest Chicago franchise has opened in the hot West Loop market. Founded by two young real estate professionals with strong track records, RE/MAX NEXT, is headquartered at 1046 W. Kinzie St.

The leaders of the new office are Michael Opyd, who will serve as managing broker, and Rafay Qamar, who also is a co-owner of RE/MAX Northern Shores in Skokie, Ill. The new office traces its roots to last November when the two men met for an introductory chat the morning after the Cubs thrilling victory in Game 7 of the World Series.

Wed both been up late celebrating and didnt talk much business, but it was clear to both of us that we had similar goals when it came to starting a new brokerage in the downtown area, recalled Opyd. Rafay told me about the flexibility RE/MAX offered in commission arrangements with brokers, which fit my vision for how best to build a new brokerage to serve the booming downtown Chicago market.

Their business model is to put our affiliated brokers front and center, supporting them aggressively and helping them grow. We want to make life as easy as we can for them, with a structure that can be tailored to fit their individual needs, whether they are just starting out or have years of experience, Qamar said. Combining formal training with a tech-savvy environment in which our brokers can learn from each other will be a big part of our approach.

The new office space will provide an essentially fiber-optic working environment in a spacious setting with 20-foot ceiling heights, a large lounge area, full-service cafe and even a director of hospitality to look after the needs of brokers and their guests.

Qamar noted that they have even adopted a motto for their new business.

We call ourselves an agent-centric real estate company with full marketing and commission autonomy for our brokers, meaning that were committed to doing what it takes for them to build their own brand in conjunction with ours, he said.

One way they will do that is by offering brokers who are new to the business an intensive two-week training program that will equip them for success.

We want to give them all the tools theyll need, from helping them forge connections with lenders, inspectors and other complementary professionals to making sure they understand the market and have mastered the tools needed to serve their customers, Opyd said. Were trying to cover everything, even making sure they have professional headshots.

Opyd certainly knows the downtown market, where he has built a strong record of accomplishment since earning his license nine years ago.

Its a fast-paced market but one Ive become very comfortable navigating, said Opyd, who devotes a good deal of his spare time to volunteer work with the United Way Young Leaders Society. Overall, we are extremely excited about what we can achieve here, and theres little question that others share our feelings. We anticipate having about a dozen brokers on board within our first 60 days.

Opyd and Qamar agree that among the most appealing aspects of locating in the West Loop/Fulton Market district is the opportunity it brings to work with the many high-tech businesses that are relocating there.

Those firms are bringing a lot of talented people into the city, people who want to live here as well as work here, Opyd said. Our goal is to serve those people, so we felt it was important to have a physical presence here. Of course, this area is seeing new development of all types, residential, office and retail, which naturally creates lots of opportunity for real estate professionals.

Qamar notes that they have already had some productive conversations with several of their new neighbors, and he also is drawn to the area by the cache it has for international investors.

Investors based outside the U.S. are an important part of my client base, and they are attracted to Chicagos downtown market. Now, that entire area is at our doorstep, said Qamar.

Looking to the future, Opyd and Qamar hope to add outposts around Chicagos central business district in locations such as River North and the South Loop.

Making it convenient for brokers to work with us is our goal, and we think that having several small offices rather than a single large one may be the best way to accommodate our brokers needs, said Qamar. At my Skokie office, we were able to attract 17 brokers to our sales team in the first year and generated over $30 million in sales. Im confident we can do that and more here in downtown Chicago.

RE/MAX agents consistently rank among the most productive in the industry. In 2015, RE/MAX Northern Illinois agents averaged 18 transaction sides. RE/MAX has been the leader in the northern Illinois real estate market since 1989 and is continually growing. The RE/MAX Northern Illinois network, with headquarters in Elgin, Ill., consists of more than 2,250 sales associates and 103 independently owned and operated RE/MAX offices that provide a full range of residential and commercial brokerage services. Its mobile real estate app, available for download at http://www.illinoisproperty.com, provides comprehensive information about residential and commercial property for sale in the region. The northern Illinois network is part of RE/MAX, a global real estate organization with 110,000+ sales associates in 100+ nations.

####

EDITORS NOTE: RE/MAX is a registered trademark. Please spell in all caps. Thank you. This release is posted at blog.illinoisproperty.com.
Natural Family Planning Methods recognize the natural, biological signs of fertility and infertility. These methods observe the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of a woman's menstrual cycle. To achieve pregnancy, couples engage in intercourse during the most fertile time.

Natural family planning and fertility are special interests of Dr. Bazgers. She is an NFP Medical Consultant in Creighton Model FertilityCare System and medical Natural Procreative TECHNOLOGY (NaPro), and she is also familiar with and promotes the Billings Ovulation Method, Sympto-Thermal (Couple to Couple League), and the Ovulation Method. Dr. Bazger is fellowship-trained at the Pope Paul VI Institute and is Michigans only NaPro Surgeon.

NaPro TECHNOLOGY is used to assist women plot their natural menstrual and fertility cycles, which can enhance the likelihood of conception naturally. Surgical NaPro TECHNOLOGY utilizes minimally-invasive operative techniques designed to prevent adhesions (bands of scar tissue) and includes reconstructive pelvic surgery, microsurgery, laser surgery, and resection of endometriosis.

For her patients, Dr. Bazger aims to preserve natural fertility and optimize reproductive health by promoting a preventative, holistic approach to health and wellness. She also specializes in enhancing natural reproductive potential by addressing, diagnosing, and treating the underlying anatomic and physiologic conditions that cause infertility, such as hormone deficiencies, endometriosis, adhesive disease, and PCOS.

For more information, please visit their website at http://www.womensexcellence.com/obstetrics/natural-family-planning/

Womens Excellence is the most comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic office in Michigan. Additionally, they specialize in menopause, weight control, bladder control, endometriosis, robotic surgery and midwifery services. Womens Excellence is committed to staying at the forefront of innovation with cutting edge technologies utilizing robotic surgery and minimally invasive surgical options when possible. The knowledgeable, compassionate physicians and healthcare providers of Womens Excellence focus on patient-centered processes to deliver the highest quality of care. They are affiliated with most insurances. They offer seamless medical record access via a state of the art patient portal and use the latest technology for record keeping and sharing, making the patient experience easier and more efficient. Womens Excellence is taking new patients and is conveniently located in three locations throughout southeastern Michigan, Birmingham, Lake Orion, and Clarkston. For more information, visit http://www.WomensExcellence.com.
If bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, we will have lost our most important method of treating illnesses in animals and humans, said Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) member and public health veterinarian James Wright, DVM, MPVM.

Saturday, April 29, marks World Veterinary Day, a time to celebrate the profession and recognize the positive impact veterinarians have on animal health and welfare as well as on public health. The World Veterinary Association (WVA) and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) choose a theme each year and this year have selected Antimicrobial ResistanceFrom Awareness to Action, which emphasizes the important role veterinarians play in regulating and monitoring the use of antimicrobial agents, providing professional advice to animal owners and collaborating with the human health sector.

Antimicrobial drugs have transformed the practice of human and animal medicine with their availability and popular use. Antimicrobial agents treat infections that were once deadly, advancing not only global health but also animal health. These life-saving medications support animal welfare, safety and food security. However, because these drugs have been overused and misused in the human, animal and plant sectors, they are losing effectiveness and facilitating the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.

If bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, we will have lost our most important method of treating illnesses in animals and humans, said Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) member and public health veterinarian James Wright, DVM, MPVM, former chairman of the One Health Committee. Both humans and animals will be somewhat defenseless against bacterial diseases."

The human-animal relationship is closely linked. Drug-resistant bacteria can spread from animals to humans by human consumption of meat not handled or cooked properly. Humans also can encounter and host drug-resistant bacteria when eating vegetables that were nourished with fertilizer or water containing animal feces and drug-resistant bacteria. For humans, antibacterial resistance could mean additional visits to the doctor and prolonged suffering as well as serious disabilities and even death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals help fight antimicrobial resistance by supervising the use of antimicrobial drugs, offering advice to farmers and animal owners and fostering transparent communication with the human health sector. TVMA member Diane Hartman, DVM, Chairman of the One Health Committee, advises animal owners to administer antibiotics as directed for the full course of therapy and not use it to treat viral illnesses.

Veterinarians can use antibiotics to treat only illnesses that have a high probability of being caused by susceptible bacteria, Wright said. They need to use them in the correct dosages and for the proper duration of treatment.

The U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) also is taking steps to fight antimicrobial resistance in the animal health sector. The government agency recently passed a rule that requires a directive by a veterinarian to include antibiotic treatment in livestock feed, also known as the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). The FDA also no longer allows the use of antibiotics in animal feeds for growth promotion or feed efficiency.

WVA and OIE will bestow a World Veterinary Day Award to the veterinary association that is the most successful at promoting Antimicrobial ResistanceFrom Awareness to Action at the Opening Ceremony of the OIE 85th General Session in Paris, France, on May 21. The award will be presented at the World Veterinary Congress 2017 in Incheon, Korea, on August 27-31.

Animal owners can learn more about public and animal health topics by visiting TexVetPets.org, TVMAs veterinarian-written and peer-reviewed pet health information website. TexVetPets.org offers veterinarians an opportunity to educate the public on animal health issues and how they intersect with the health and welfare of humans and the environment.

About the Texas Veterinary Medical Association

Founded in 1903, the Texas Veterinary Medical Association is a professional association composed of more than 3,700 veterinarians committed to protecting public health, promoting high educational, ethical and moral standards within the veterinary profession and educating the public about animal health and its relationship to human health. For more information, call 512/452-4224 or visit http://www.tvma.org.
Weve known for years that our destination marketing program has a significant influence on tourism in our region and now we can quantify that in terms of economic impact.

After a year of research and analysis, the Western White Mountains Chamber of Commerce released its 2015-16 Return on Investment Study showing an unprecedented $60 return on every dollar of tourism promotional investment in that same period. The third-party, independent study, conducted by OakLee Consulting Group LLC out of Plymouth, New Hampshire, concluded that $10.6 million in visitor spending resulted directly from the Chambers promotional activities. According to the study, travelers spent $115.1 million in Lincoln, Woodstock, Franconia, and Sugar Hill between the 2015-16 winter season and 2016 summer/fall season.

OakLee Consulting Group, founded by Dr. Mark Okrant, Professor Emeritus of Tourism Management and Policy at Plymouth State University and Dr. Daniel Lee, Professor of Economics at Plymouth State University and the State of New Hampshires tourism economist for four years, conducted the study and prepared the report. The purpose of the study was to measure the return on investment of the Western White Mountains Chamber of Commerces marketing/promotion activities for the areas tourism industry. The chambers promotions are largely funded through their Destination Marketing Program, which includes the collection of a nominal overnight fee at over 20 area lodging properties, partnerships with area attractions, and matching grant funds through the State of NH Joint Promotional Program. In addition, the study aims to gauge the effectiveness of individual promotion ads, as well as their effectiveness by state of origin.

A study of this type is a first-of-a-kind for this growing chamber of commerce destination marketing program. Weve known for years that our destination marketing program has a significant influence on tourism in our region and now we can quantify that in terms of economic impact, states Kimberly Pickering, newly-appointed Executive Director of the Chamber. We are pleased to know that for every dollar we raise and spend, it brings sixty more dollars back into our local economy from tourism.

Please contact the Western White Mountains Chamber of Commerce for more details on this study.

The Western White Mountains Chamber of Commerce, located in North Woodstock, NH, represents over 225 businesses in all sectors of the economy, most notably the tourism industry, and promotes the western slope of New Hampshires White Mountains - Lincoln, Woodstock, Franconia, and Sugar Hill. The chambers Destination Marketing Program is funded by a number of private and public sources, and is the largest concentrated effort of its kind in Northern New Hampshire.
Lucknow, Apr 29 (IBNS): Triggering a controversy, Uttar Pradesh minister Swami Prasad Maurya has said some men use triple talaq practice to satisfy their alusta.

"The entire practice has no basis. Some people keep changing his wife to satisfy his lust. They leave their own wife and children on the streets to beg," the BJP leader was quoted as saying by media.

He made the comment at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to not to make the Triple Talaq issue a political one.

Modi on Saturday said that he hoped Muslim communities will come forward to resolve the issue of Triple Talaq.

The Prime Minister was attending an event to mark the birth anniversary of Basava, a 12th century philosopher and social reformer.

He said that the issue of Triple Talaq should not be seen through a 'political prism'.

The Supreme Court is hearing a batch of petitions who have urged that the process of Triple Talaq followed by some Muslim men should be banned, media reports said.

Image: Swami Prasad Maurya Twitter page


We encourage our employees to actively participate in the San Diego community, whether its through professional development or volunteering, and Im proud to see them striving to make such an impact.

Underground Elephant, an award-winning digital marketing technology company located in downtown San Diego, this year has continued to expand its community collaboration efforts with local and national companies and organizations.

Underground Elephant was proud to host Disrupt HR, an informative exchange designed to energize, inform and empower executives, business leaders and people in the HR field. More than 200 people attended the event, including Underground Elephant employees, at the companys headquarters located in the heart of East Village. The conference featured 15 speakers on a range of topics.

2017 is off to an incredibly exciting start for our team, said Jason Kulpa, CEO at Underground Elephant. We encourage our employees to actively participate in the San Diego community, whether its through professional development or volunteering, and Im proud to see them striving to make such an impact.

On February 17, Red Bull joined Underground Elephant at its offices in preparation for the Red Bull Air Races. Underground Elephant often offers its space to both local and visiting companies as its optimized for open and collaborative work and culture.

Together with our partners, weve built a truly special space in San Diego, said Jason Kulpa. Its our honor to host companies from around the country and we hope they find value in having access to our headquarters and resources.

Most recently, Underground Elephant and its employees participated in a commercial shoot for the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) at its offices. EDC is working toward promoting San Diego as an expanding technology economy and utilized Underground Elephants award-winning office space and exceptional talent to highlight its cause.

About Underground Elephant

Founded by CEO Jason Kulpa in 2008, Underground Elephant is a San Diego-based, award-winning marketing technology company that develops programmatic advertising platforms in order to bring transparency and efficiency to the buying and selling of structured lead generation media. The company's robust portfolio of enterprise-grade tech solutions enhances the connection between enterprises and their prospective clients by delivering highly efficient pathways to organic sales conversations. Learn more at http://undergroundelephant.com/
I am desperate to find my son, Aramazd Jr., and need the publics help. I hope and pray for the safe return of my only child, my namesake, who has been missing since last Saturday morning, April 22nd.

There has been a great deal of speculation regarding the timeline around his disappearance. The last time I saw my son was on Saturday morning, the 22nd, at Arroyo Park near my home in South Pasadena. After breakfast Aramazd Jr. wanted to go to the park before we were to meet his mother for a custody exchange at 9:00 a.m. In one moment, I was at the park with my son, and then I found myself waking up in Huntington Memorial Hospital hours later. I was told that a good Samaritan found me unconscious on the ground near my car, with young Aramazd nowhere in sight. I can only speculate that I must have been attacked in the park, given my unresponsive state and subsequent physical condition.

My family and I are heartbroken and grief-stricken that Aramazd Jr. is missing and may be in harms way. I am pleading with the public to come forward with any knowledge of Aramazd Jr.s whereabouts or information regarding the circumstances leading up to his disappearance.

If you have any information to share, please call the South Pasadena Police Department at (626) 403-7297, or the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Missing Persons Detail at (323) 890-5500. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Please continue to pray for Aramazd Jr.s safe return.

Contact:

The Law Office of Daniel A. Nardoni

215 North Marengo Avenue, Suite 328

Pasadena, CA 91101

dan(at)nardonilaw.net

(626) 578-9872

http://www.nardonilaw.net

###
Uncle Maddio's fresh ingredients and homemade pizza, will be a winner in Castle Rock," said Criag Tappin, Uncle Maddio's franchisee.

Restaurant entrepreneur Craig Tappin has returned to his Denver-area hometown to build a pizza empire. Tappin will open the first of three new Denver-area Uncle Maddio's Pizza restaurants beginning in Castle Rock on April 28. The restaurant, which features Uncle Maddios new design, is located at 3990 Limelight Avenue at the corner of Meadows Parkway. The Castle Rock restaurant will be the third Denver-area Uncle Maddios restaurant. The first two Uncle Maddios are in Westminster and Aurora.

To mark the occasion, Uncle Maddios will serve free 10-inch, create-your-own, three-topping pizza to guests in line from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2017. All pizzas made during their training period (approximately 1,000 pies) will be donated to local charity and given throughout the community.

What: Grand Opening Celebration of the first Uncle Maddios Pizza in Castle Rock, CO

When: April 29, 2017

Where: 3990 Limelight Avenue at the corner of Meadows Parkway

Celebration activities include:



Free 10-inch, three-topping pizza giveaway from 11 a.m.  2 p.m. on Saturday, April 29

Sign up for the loyalty program and get a free pizza and additional great offers

This is Tappins first Uncle Maddios restaurant but not his first foray in the restaurant industry. He has spent his career working for iconic restaurant brands such as McDonalds and Einstein Bagels. At McDonald's, Tappin was responsible for the launch of the 'i'm loving it' campaign and served as Chief of Staff to the McDonalds President and COO. He also was the Chief Marketing Officer of Einstein Bagels. Tappin returns to the area to bring his extensive experience and best practices to the local restaurant scene.

After a long career in the restaurant business, I am ready to take on a new challenge as a franchise owner, said Craig Tappin, Uncle Maddios franchisee. I was so impressed by the fresh ingredients and homemade pizza, as well as the management team that has set up a franchise operating system designed for success. I knew it was the perfect opportunity for me to bring Uncle Maddios to my hometown. I have always planned to return to Denver and now is the right time to do so.

The greater Denver area is an important market for our company," said Matt Andrew, Uncle Maddio's CEO. "Craig Tappin is an experienced restauranteur and well-respected industry leader, which makes the Castle Rock restaurant the perfect place to launch Uncle Maddio's new design."

Uncle Maddios is the first fast casual pizza brand to introduce a customer journey experience where customers order and pay first. The new design allows flexibility for customers to either order, pay and sit down at their table or order pay and watch their pizza being made in Uncle Maddios open kitchen.

Guests will use the simplified digital media boards and vibrant food photography to select a Create Your Own, Chefs Creation pizza, salad or Foldwich. The new menu boards allow the restaurant to change the menu according to day parts and offers.

About Uncle Maddio's Pizza

With more than 1,350 Pizza Makers making more than 5,000,000 pizzas a year, Uncle Maddio's Pizza is category leader of the create-your-own, fast casual pizza restaurants. Opening 50 locations in 15 states, Uncle Maddio's has more than 150 units in development. Uncle Maddio's pizzas are customizable, made-to-order, and served up fast for about $8. With four pizza sizes, three types of crusts (including gluten free), seven sauces and 48 fresh toppings, Uncle Maddio's has the freshest and largest menu in the category. The restaurant's unique fast bake ovens offer the most throughput in the industry and can produce 200 pizzas per hour. Uncle Maddio's also serves Foldwiches and salads. Uncle Maddio's 'Served with Love' philosophy and is a restaurant for everyone - children and families, college students, the young and the young at heart - and includes extensive community involvement. Based in Atlanta, the Uncle Maddio's management team has 50 years combined experienced in the fast-casual category.

For information on Uncle Maddios Pizza, visit http://www.unclemaddios.com. Interested franchisees can visit unclemaddiosfranchise.com or contact Jocelyn Blain at franchising@unclemaddios.com.

Twitter: @UncleMaddios

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unclemaddios/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/unclemaddios/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unclemaddios https://www.facebook.com/UncleMaddiosCastleRock/
Express Garage Door Repair, an emergency garage door repair service provider in Grand Prairie, Texas, officially launched its business website to make their technicians more accessible. The local business which has earned trust of the residents and business owners through their fast and reliable garage door repair services in Grand Prairie, embraced digital technologies to make it more convenient for their prospective customers to contact them.

The garage door repair service provider in Grand Prairie, Texas has also a helpline number now which is open round the clock. The owners stated that anybody interested in availing their garage door repair services can just dial the helpline number to talk to an agent within a few seconds.

One of the owners of Express Garage Door Repair informed the press that they only used to rely on local business directories and leaflets to reach out to their prospective customers. However, the management realized that having a business website would make their technicians more accessible, especially after the regular business hours. The local business has invested a significant portion of their annual budget for designing and developing the business website which now has a quick contact form as well. The co-owner underscored that customers can get in touch with them using the online form and write to them easily from now on.

Express Garage Door Repair, which is widely known for its fast garage door repair services in Grand Prairie, Texas, has made it even more convenient for the local residents to get in touch with them by adding an online contact form. Steven Martin, one of the co-owners said that prospective customers can also get no-obligation quotes through their website. As a part of their services, the Grand Prairie based garage door repair service provider now offers free on-site inspection and garage door damage audit services. However, Steven said that people opting for garage door inspection would have no obligation to pay for their services.

We have launched the business website with an aim to bring more convenience to our end customers, who often look for easy options to reach out to local garage door repair service providers in Grand Prairie, Texas, said Steven at a press conference.

About the Company

Express Garage Door Repair is a Grand Prairie, Texas based garage door repair service provider.

To know more, visit http://garagedoorsgrandprairie.com/

Phone Number: (972) 499-6332

Email: service(at)garagedoorsgrandprairie.com
Kolkata, Apr 29 (IBNS): Activists of Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) engaged in a clash with each other in presence of police force at Shibpur area in Kolkata's adjoining Howrah city on Saturday late afternoon, reports said.

According to reports, a large number of BJP supporters took part in an announced deputation programme and gheraoed Shibpur Police Station in the afternoon.

Local BJP leaders alleged that local TMC activists suddenly attacked them and had started brick, stone and glass-made bottle batting, aiming at BJP supporters, in the presence of a heavy police force.

BJP state president Dilip Ghosh claimed that several activists of his party were injured during the clash.

Later a huge police force along with Rapid Action Force (RAF) and combat force rushed to the scene and security personnel lobbed tear shells and restored to lathicharge to bring the situation under control.

BJP leaders alleged that few of their activists have been detained by the local police while none from the state's ruling party has been arrested so far.

However, the situation at Shibpur is completely under control now and a heavy police force have been deployed there to avoid further untoward situation.

Local TMC leaders claimed that none of their party was involved in the incident.

Meanwhile, Mayor of CPI-M ruled Siliguri Municipal Corporation, Ashok Bhattacharya, has been admitted to a local hospital in Siliguri after allegedly being attacked by Trinamool Congress (TMC) councilors during a board meeting at municipality office on Saturday, according to reports.

Local TMC leader and opposition leader of Siliguri Municipal Corporation, Ranjan Sarkar, claimed that they did not assault Mayor Ashok Bhattacharya.

(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha)


Two dates mark turning points for Susan Burton: 1981, when a police officer speeding down a street struck and killed her five-year-old son, K.K., and set her on a path of drug and alcohol addiction, and 1997, when she became clean and sober. During the decade and a half in between, Burton, who is now 65, was imprisoned six times, becoming part of a disquieting trend: the incarceration rate for women has risen more than 700% since 1980, with most convicted of nonviolent offenses.

If losing her freedom and being imprisoned was hard, what happened each time Burton was released, with no resources to help her make a life on the outside, was also devastating. The Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery other than in prisonsbut it was a lie that you regained your freedom once you left the prison gates, Burton writes in the prologue of her book, Becoming Ms. Burton: From Prison to Recovery to Leading the Fight for Incarcerated Women (New Press, May), which she wrote with journalist Cari Lynn. Upon release and for the rest of your life, you faced a massive wall of No.

Burton and Lynn intersperse her story, including her rape at age 14 and the subsequent birth of her daughter a day before her 15th birthday, with statistics about incarcerated women. It was important [to me] that it was not too academic, or heavy with numbers, Burton says. Among the troubling facts that open each chapter are that nearly 80% of formerly incarcerated women are unable to afford housing after release and that most female offenders are under 30 years old, are disproportionately low-income and black, and have not completed high school.

While the focus of Becoming Ms. Burton is Burtons life, many of the statistics she cites show how closely her experiences hew to those of other imprisoned women. For so many years, I, too, had come up against these seemingly insurmountable barriers, she writes. But Id convinced myself that my failing was personal, that it was all on my shoulders. Now, a larger picture was emerging.... A criminal history was like a credit card with interestalthough you paid the balance, the interest kept accruing.

Despite the parallels between Burtons early years and the experiences of incarcerated women in general, what makes her stand outand has earned her accolades, including a Citizen Activist Award from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard and being named a CNN Top 10 Hero, a Soros Justice Fellow, and a Starbucks Upstanderis her ability to break the cycle of incarceration and help others. After gaining her sobriety, Burton, in 1998, founded and continues to head A New Way of Life Re-entry Project in Los Angeles, which offers housing and other assistance to women recently released from prison.

The last 19 years has been working nonstop for change, 14 hours a day, Burton says. I dont know anything else. She began by establishing a home for formerly incarcerated women and their children. Today there are five homes and an administrative office that houses A New Way of Lifes organizers and lawyers. Our tagline, Burton says, is, Linking promise with opportunity. There are so many bright people who just need an opportunity to help others and pay it forward.

Burton also cofounded All of Us or None, a grassroots movement to restore civil rights to the formerly incarcerated. The group has been active in the Ban the Box movement to remove from job applications the question (often in the form of a box to check) about whether a candidate has ever been in prison.

We continue to work on policy to end discrimination against people with criminal records, Burton says, adding that in November the local chapter helped get an ordinance passed that banned the box in the city of Los Angeles. An attorney from A New Way of Life also helped represent Jane Roe in a recently settled class-action lawsuit (Roe v. Frito-Lay Inc.) regarding the way Frito-Lay used background checks and consumer reporting agencies to compile information from various sources including state and federal criminal record repositories that are often inaccurate or outdated.

Writing a book was a departure for Burton, although she says that she always had to be creative to avoid being crushed. Burton tried several times to write the memoir before Lynn approached her at a screening of Susan, a short film about Burton by Tessa Blake and Emma Hewitt, released in 2012. The hardest thing about writing the book, Burton says, was dealing with the feelings it stirs up. You think youre healed, she explains. Im better, but Im not healed.

For Burton, there was no question of bringing the book to anyone but New Press publisher Ellen Adler. I knew Ellen because I think I bought more copies of The New Jim Crow than anyone, including bookstores, Burton says. I felt like everybody in America needed to read that book. So, from the day I got an advance reading copy, I was just ordering cases.

Publishing the book was a departure for the New Press as well. Becoming Ms. Burton is the first memoir its published since it was founded 25 years ago. When [The New Jim Crow author] Michelle Alexander asked us to consider publishing [it], I figured that Id take great care with the inevitable rejection letter, Adler says. But when I read the proposal, I was dazzled. The question became not whether we should publish it, but how we could find the widest audience for Susans story.

The New Press has announced a 40,000-copy first printing. In addition to placing the book in trade bookstores, Adler is working with recovery bookstores and treatment centers. The press is also fund-raising for a special paperback edition for incarcerated women. On her author tour, which includes Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, New York City, and Washington, D.C., Burton plans to visit prisons. My hope, Burton says, is that people will read [the book] and realize how were addressing women with harsh punishment.

Burtons latest project, JustUS Voices/Storytelling for Change, is a multimedia anthology that features the stories of women who have been touched by mass incarceration. The W.I. Kellogg Foundation and the Weingart Foundation have awarded $850,000 in grants to support the project, which will focus on women in California, the state with the largest prison population and the largest womens prison in the world.

Telling your story is transformative, Burton has said. For both the storyteller and their audience, a new bridge to understanding is created.
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PW senior writer Andrew Albanese discusses last weeks BISG Making Information Pay event and what may lie ahead for industry sales, which one speaker suggested have stabilized.

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Recapping the Diamond Retailer Summit at the C2E2 pop culture convention in Chicago and new initiatives from Marvel and DC, plus a look at the graphic novel adaptation of Marie Kondos wildly popular bestseller, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.

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Kim Phillips-Fein discusses her new book, Fear City: New Yorks Fiscal Crisis and the Rise of Austerity Politics. PWs v-p of business development, Carl Pritzkat, recaps the PubTech Connect conference.
O. Henry Winner Takes Latest to Bloomsbury

Lea Beresford at Bloomsbury bought world English rights to Adrienne Celts currently untitled new work, a novel inspired by Vladimir Nabokovs unusual marriage. (The authors wife, Vera, put her own literary career aside to control her husbands, acting as everything from agent to editor and lawyer, the publisher said. Despite his reliance on her, he had a series of affairs with other women.) The novel, Bloomsbury went on, is set in the 1920s and 30s and follows a young Soviet refugee who barely survives the alien landscape of an all-girls New Jersey prep school only to become ensnared in a dangerous love triangle. Celt, who won an O. Henry Award for her short story "Temples" (which first appeared in Eopch); her 2015 novel The Daughters was published by Liveright. Celt was represented by Emma Patterson at Brandt & Hochman.

Brits American Debut Preempted by Berkley

Executive editor at Berkley Amanda Bergeron acquired U.S. rights to British journalist Katy Regans Little Big Love in a preempt. The two-book deal was brokered by Grainne Fox at Fletcher & Company on behalf of Lizzy Kremer at David Higham Associates. The novel has also been acquired in the U.K. (by Pan Macmillan, which will release it under the title Little Big Man), Germany, and Italy. It follows a 10-year-old boy who, Berkley said, is obsessed with facts and launches a mission to uncover the one thing no one will tell him: where his father went. The imprint described the work as a layered, heartfelt, and utterly satisfying story about family, love, and the moments that define who we become. Berkley will be releasing the book, which will be Regans U.S. debut, in summer 2018; Pan Macmillan will be publishing it in the fall.

Balzer + Bray Inks Double with Podos

Rebecca Podos sold North American rights to her YA novel The Psychic Sisters of Saltville to Jordan Brown at Balzer + Bray. The two-book deal was negotiated by Lana Popovic at Chalberg & Sussman. Podos said Psychic Sisters is a work of magical realism about a girl from a family whose women all have premonitions of their own deaths as teenagers. When the heroines great-aunt dies, Podos continued, she is set on a path from the woods of Maine to the forests of Russia to uncover the familys macabre legacy, and begins to wonder whether theyre the heroes or the villains of their story. Psychic Sisters is slated for winter 2019; the second book in the deal is set for winter 2020.

Knopf Kids Picks Up Mathers Next YA

In a two-book, six-figure deal, Adriana Mather sold a new YA series to Melanie Nolan at Knopf Books for Young Readers. Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio, who brokered the North American rights agreement, said the currently untitled series follows a girl named November who winds up at a boarding school that boasts an eye-for-an-eye punishment system. At the school, rumors about ancient family alliances and the historical figures that connect them make it clear November knows less about herself than everyone elsea fact thats especially distressing when a student is found murdered and November is the main suspect. Mather is an actress and author of How to Hang a Witch (Knopf, 2016); the first book in this series is set for spring 2019.

Summerill Brings Another YA Fantasy to HMH

Houghton Mifflin Harcourts Sarah Landis bought North American rights to Erin Summerills YA fantasy, Once a King. Summerill was represented by Josh Adams at Adams Literary; he said the novel is set in the world of the authors Clash of Kingdoms series (also published by HMH), which follows the travails of teenager Britta Flannery, an expert with a bow and arrow who comes from a line of famous bounty hunters. Once a King is about 17-year-old Lirra, who, Adams explained, is forced on the run with King Aodren after the murder of a high official; together, they must find the true murderer to avert a war among the four kingdoms. The novel is slated for a fall 2018 release.

Briefs

Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh, a lyricist and regular contributor to National Geographic KIDS, sold world rights to two picture books to Joni Sussman at Kar-Ben Publishing. The first book, Can You Hear a Coo, Coo?, is set for spring 2018. Kiffel-Alcheh did not use an agent in the deal.

Correction: An earlier version of this article stated that Adrienne Celt won an O. Henry award for her book The Daughters; she won the award for her short story, "Temples." Additionally, The Daughters is a novel, not a short story collection.
Guwahati, Apr 29 (IBNS) : Eyeing the polls of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and Panchayat polls in Assam, both the BJP and the Congress have prepared its own road map.

On Saturday, both political parties separately organized their state executive meetings in Guwahati and prepared election oriented programmes for the forthcoming polls.



In the two-day long state executive meeting of BJPs Assam unit held at Maligaon in the city, the leaders of the saffron party asked all party leaders and workers to compile a road-map for their own areas ahead of the polls.



We have already engaged several party legislators and leaders in each constituency under the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council to collect feedback from the general voters and development issues. After scrutinizing the ground report, the party will announce the party candidate list for the council polls. We are not hurry to announce the party candidate list, Assam BJP unit president Ranjit Kumar Das said.



Ranjit Kumar Das said that, apart from the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council election we are ready for the next Panchayat polls in the state.



The Assam BJP unit president also said that, his party will conduct a field survey in 50 odd assembly constituencies in the state, where opposition parties won.



Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, BJP ministers, MPs were present in the meeting.



On the other hand, opposition Congress also made a separate road map for the upcoming elections in the state during their state executive meeting held in Guwahati on Saturday.

Assam Congress unit president Ripun Bora said that, Congress and Hills State Demand Council (HSDC) had already decided to jointly fight against BJP in the council polls.

We will soon announce party candidate list and hope Congress and HSDC to form the next council, Ripun Bora said.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Fighting Chance

Sen. Elizabeth Warrens This Fight Is Our Fight debuts at #3 in Hardcover Nonfiction and #5 in the country overall. Warren, formerly a professor at Harvard Law School, has written and coauthored several books, two of them with her daughter, Amelia Warren Tyagi. Each has had a better first week than the last; heres a look.

Elizabeth Warrens First-Week Print Unit Sales

The Two-Income Trap (2003) 1,678 All Your Worth (2005) 11,439 A Fighting Chance (2014) 13,943 This Fight Is Our Fight (2017) 18,825

(See all of this week's bestselling books.)

Broadcast News

A pair of self-helptinged memoirs by two media personalities have landed on our Hardcover Nonfiction list. At #4, and #10 in the country overall, Note to Self is the follow-up to YouTuber Connor Frantas 2015 debut, A Work in Progress, a paperback original that has sold 219K print copies.

Black Privilege by Charlamagne tha God, whom Rolling Stone in 2014 called hip-hops Howard Stern, debuts at #6 in Hardcover Nonfiction. The author cohosts the nationally syndicated radio program The Breakfast Club on NYCs Power 105.1 and hosts a weekly call-in talk show on MTV2, Uncommon Sense Live.

Movers & Shakers

Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven got a big bump in its third week on sale, with print unit sales up 266%, to 25.7K, boosting the title to #1 in Hardcover Nonfiction and #3 in the country overall. Based on the retired Navy admirals 2014 commencement speech at the University of Texas at Austin, the book has enjoyed favorable attention from USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Fox & Friends, and others, and ensuing demand sent the book back to press.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, HBOs adaptation of the 2010 book by science journalist Rebecca Skloot, premiered April 22, sending print unit sales of the tie-in edition up 129% from the previous week. The tie-in, which pubbed April 4, makes its first appearance on our Trade Paperback list at #14.

New & Notable

The Fix

David Baldacci

#1 Hardcover Fiction, #1 overall

Baldaccis third Amos Decker thriller kicks off with an execution-style murder outside of FBI headquarters.

Killers of the Flower Moon

David Grann

#5 Hardcover Nonfiction

The author of The Lost City of Z returns with what our starred review called a gripping true-crime narrative, which revisits a baffling and frighteningand relatively unknownspree of murders occurring mostly in Oklahoma during the 1920s.

Shattered

Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes

#6 Hardcover Nonfiction

In a book subtitled Inside Hillary Clintons Doomed Campaign, the authors of 2014s HRC look for the reasons behind what CNN called the single biggest upset in modern presidential politics.

You Are a Badass at Making Money

Jen Sincero

#12 Hardcover Nonfiction

Sincero follows up 2013s self-help success You Are a Badass, which has sold 839K trade paperback copies since its release, with a book that zeroes in on personal finance.

Top 10 Overall

Rank Title Author Imprint Units 1 The Fix David Baldacci Grand Central 41,360 2 Thirteen Reasons Why Jay Asher Razorbill 41,097 3 Make Your Bed William H. McRaven Grand Central 25,693 4 Old School OReilly/Feirstein Holt 19,231 5 This Fight Is Our Fight Elizabeth Warren Metropolitan 18,825 6 The Woman in Cabin 10 Ruth Ware Scout 17,936 7 Milk and Honey Rupi Kaur Andrews McMeel 17,122 8 Oh, the Places Youll Go! Dr. Seuss Random House 16,805 9 All the Light We Cannot See Anthony Doerr Scribner 16,050 10 Note to Self Connor Franta Keywords 15,234

All unit sales per Nielsen BookScan except where noted.
AKRON, Ohio  With this month's issue of the Glover Gazette just hot off the copier, the East Akron elementary school's student journalists already are hard at work on May's edition. Their deadline is tight. They are trying to raise $1,000 to benefit Akron Children's Hospital.

And they are learning valuable skills while spreading the word about what's going on at Glover. The fourth- and fifth-graders on the Gazette's staff give up their lunchtime recess three days a week to put the newspaper together under the supervision of kindergarten teachers Dana Davis and Sandy Shoemaker. Neither teacher has previous journalism experience. Their first edition was two pages.

"We just started putting it together and doing a lot of cut and paste to figure out how to fit it all," Shoemaker said. "Mrs. Davis is really good with technology. I'm more on the writing end. We just figured it out and just got better at it."

Together they now produce a 12-page folded newspaper on 11-by-17-inch paper. Coverage includes stories about Glover classes and events, a College and Career Ready section in which students interview people about their jobs, and puzzles and jokes. Students also take photos or use photos submitted by teachers.

"We just think of cool stuff that would make the newspaper better," said fifth-grader Alyssa Harper, 11. She has an interest in baking and came up with a kid cuisine section.

After brainstorming story ideas, they assign the different jobs like editor, assistant editor, and writer, which rotate, and begin doing their research and writing stories.

When the stories are written, they are edited in Google Docs and printed out. Today's newsrooms are computerized, but the Glover Gazette relies on the traditional method of actually cutting up printouts and pasting the text and photos onto the pages, which are then photocopied in the school office. It takes about three hours to print 250 copies.

The paper is supplied through a one-time donation from nearby Lockheed Martin, which went through a workforce reduction in 2015. Denise Goldinger, administrative assistant to the general manager, estimates thousands of reams of paper were given at a value in the thousands of dollars.

The students go from classroom to classroom selling the Gazette for 25 cents a copy. All funds benefit Children's Hospital. Last year, the newspaper's copies sold for 10 cents. Students raised $531. This year students so far have raised $532.

On a recent school day, fifth-grader Aniya Phillips, 11, was busy typing in a story at a bank of computers set up in the classroom. To get involved with the paper, she and other students were asked to write a paragraph about why they would like to be part of the staff, Shoemaker said. It also gives the teachers a preview of the students' writing skills.

"I wanted to do things for the school because I wanted people to know the news," Aniya said. "I always wanted to see what it felt like to be on a newspaper."

The school paper launched last year after a group of fifth-graders wanted to start the publication. Davis and Shoemaker agreed to serve as the advisers.

Those students have since moved on to Roswell Kent Middle School, where they started a newspaper there, too.

The students build relationships during their work sessions, getting to know each other and eating lunch together.

"That in itself is a wonderful learning experience," Davis said.

The Gazette staff gets an assist from Barbara Edwards, 87, of Akron, who has been volunteering at Glover for 40 years. Her children and her grandson attended Glover, and she used to live across the street.

"I help advise if I can think of something," she said. "And then my job is folding" the newspapers after the copies are made. She likes volunteering because she gets to help the children.

"Don't let her fool you," Shoemaker said. "She comes up with a lot of our ideas and gives the kids suggestions."

A reporter and photographer who visited Davis' classroom this week found out what it's like to be on the other side of the notebook and camera. Alyssa and fourth-grader Rylynn Pinter, 10, sat down with Beacon Journal photographer Leah Klafczynski for the College and Career Ready section. Alyssa recorded the interview on a flip video camera and Rylynn took notes.

They started with the basics. "Can I get the correct spelling of your name, please?" "Explain what you do at your job."

Fifth-graders Daviona White, 11, and Aniya interviewed a Beacon Journal reporter. The questions provoked some serious thought: "What has been the most exciting project you have worked on?" "Any advice for students?"

Rylynn said she loves working on the newspaper.

"This year is my first year at Glover and I want to show my Glover spirit," she said. "I joined the newspaper and it really made me happy because ... I got to learn about the students and I got to show the school what I know. I get to interview people, which is really exciting because I get to meet new people."

She'd like to go into journalism when she grows up.

Aniya is considering it, too. "I love to write," she said.

Principal Nancy Ritch is impressed with the students' work.

"They learn research, writing skills and all about different careers," she said. "What if one of them winds up winning a Pulitzer Prize because they started at their school newspaper?"
CHICAGO (AP)  A lawsuit against the Illinois Department of Corrections alleging inadequate health care in state prisons may cover all inmates with serious medical needs in every prison facility, a judge ruled.

The Friday decision by U.S. District Judge Jorge Alonso means thousands of inmates could be affected by the class-action lawsuit, which claims medical and dental care provided by the Corrections Department doesn't meet minimum constitutional standards. It also could require the state to make changes at more than two dozen prison facilities if the court ultimately finds in favor of the inmates.

Lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, which filed the long-standing lawsuit on behalf of several inmates, applauded the ruling.

"The system of providing health care to prisoners in Illinois is broken and must be fixed," said staff attorney Camille Bennett. "Until today, advocates looking to fix this broken system have been forced to seek redress for one person at a time. Allowing this action to move forward on behalf of the entire class of prisoners means that the solutions must be systemic."

A 2015 report by court-approved researchers following visits to eight Illinois prisons found treatment delays, poor record keeping, haphazard follow-up care and other serious problems. The 405-page report concluded that the level of care may have cut short the lives of some inmates.

The Corrections Department, which oversees about 49,000 inmates, argued the report provided an incomplete picture of the "comprehensive medical system in place" in Illinois facilities. Researchers reviewed records from a sample of 63 prisoner deaths over several years and said they found "significant lapses" in care in 60 percent of those cases.

In one case outlined in the report, a 48-year-old prisoner pleaded for medical help after he began coughing up blood. But it took six months for physicians at the Hill Correctional Center in Galesburg to locate a softball-size tumor in his chest, the report stated. He died four months later.

Researchers stated that "the blatant disregard for this patient's obvious symptoms ... is stunning."

Lawyers for the state opposed class-action status, arguing in court filings that the inmates who sued received proper medical care. They also stated there would be no "objective, administratively feasible way to determine which inmates have serious medical or dental needs" and that the department doesn't keep a list of inmates who would meet the criteria.

Corrections Department spokeswoman Nicole Wilson said Saturday that the agency cannot comment on pending litigation and had nothing to add beyond the court filings.

The case is next scheduled to be in federal court in Chicago on May 16.
ROCK ISLAND  Rain on Friday forced "groundbreaking" ceremonies for the Rock Island County Justice Center Annex indoors. Yet Chief Judge Walter Braud called it "a beautiful day" for the county.

The start of construction for the $28 million project officially got underway Friday, with many of the people behind the planning and approvals for the courthouse-replacement project posing with shovels behind a mound of dirt on the floor of the Justice Center garage. Initial site preparation work began a few weeks ago.

"This is going to be a beautiful building," Judge Braud said.

The building, which will replace the 121-year-old Rock Island County Courthouse, is scheduled to be finished in the fall of 2018. Its three floors will include four courtrooms, judge's chambers, detention cells and office space for the Rock Island County State's Attorney's and Circuit Clerk's offices.

Judge Braud said he hopes the new building gets more love than the old.

"This annex is going to belong to all of us, to all of the people in our community and our county," he said.

"So I have a wish and a hope," Judge Braud said. "I hope that, this time, we will find a way to appreciate it, to take care of it, to care for it, to maintain it. I hope that, this time, we will find the spirit and the heart and the love of our community that, when our county needs money to do the things that are necessary  to take care of our buildings, to take care of our people  that we won't hear another constant no, no, no. Because that old courthouse is falling down."

Rock Island County Sheriff Gerry Bustos said that more than 150,000 people enter the courthouse every year.

"When they do that, they deserve a safe, secure, well-maintained and functional building that will serve their needs," Sheriff Bustos said. "My staff looks forward to working with all of the staff here today. But, more importantly, we look forward to having a modern facility that's going to help us serve all of you better."

Tom Leonard, a project executive at Gilbane Construction, which is managing the project, said bids are due May 23 for the second phase of the work, which will include the "building envelope," with the steel structure going up and interior work.

"The interior stuff will start this fall, once we get the steel up," Mr. Leonard said.

Among officials in attendance cited by Judge Braud for their project leadership were Rock Island County Board chairman Kenneth "Moose" Maranda, Public Building Commission chairman Dick Fisher and court administrator Vicki Bluedorn.

The Public Building Commission sold $28 million in bonds last year for the 46,000-square-foot facility. The commission will own the building and lease it to the county under a plan approved by the county board in February 2016.

"One of the first decisions I made when I became chief judge of the (14th Judicial) Circuit in 2014 was how long was I going to allow that building to stay open," Judge Braud said. "Because it was on me that somebody was going to be killed, was going to die in a fire. It was on me that someone was going to be hurt by an offender who could not be properly secured."

Several officials have said deferred maintenance on the old courthouse goes back decades, and plans for a replacement began 20 years ago, Judge Braud said.

"This whole courthouse deteriorated because of neglect to the point where it is a daily security, fire and health hazard," Judge Braud said. "It's a disgrace that any visitor should be allowed into the building."

The annex project is being done under an Increasing Markets, Productivity and Construction Teamwork agreement in which building trades laborers and contractors work together to guarantee no work stoppages.

"That means we're not building this on the backs of the workers," Judge Braud said. "We're building it and sharing the economic benefits that are going to be tremendous in this community across the board far and wide. ... Unions built Rock Island County."

It also will be a "gateway building," the judge said.

"In other words, when you come down off of the bridge, or going up on the bridge, you're going to look over and see this building," he said. "And you, your children, our children, your neighbors, our friends, the people from Iowa -- they're going to have a different view of what it's like to live in Rock Island."
ROCK ISLAND -- He's known as the "People's Pastor."

The Rev. Dwight Ford, of Grace City Live Church, 1925 5th Ave., Rock Island, will celebrate pastoral appreciation services at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday.

He'll get the day off from preaching, or "proclaiming," as he prefers to call it.

Guest pulpit fillers will be the Rev. Rodgers Kirk, pastor at Third Missionary Baptist Church in Davenport, at the morning service and the Rev. Timothy Criss, of Greater City Church of Refuge Worship Cathedral in Peoria, in the afternoon.

It will be Rev. Ford's first pastoral appreciation day, even though he's served as Grace City's pastor since 2012.

"We celebrate the church's anniversary every year, but this year, the congregation felt it was time, and necessary, to honor the sacrifice that myself and the first family have done to lend ourselves to the people. This is a chance for us to take a deep breath and appreciate the journey we have been on," Rev. Ford said.

"Celebrating the Journey of Faith" will be the day's theme, Rev. Ford said.

"My journey of faith is one that I've always known. I'm a pastor and preacher, but that's shown up in so many ways," he said. "My early formation first came as a U.S. Marine."

He became a religious lay reader, authorized to fill in for unavailable chaplains to administer last rites and other pastoral services if needed. The Marines didn't have their own Navy-provided chaplain, so they relied on laymen. Rev. Ford was selected to help non-Catholics, and another Marine was picked to assist Catholics.

Rev. Ford is ordained in Pentecostal and Baptist traditions.

"But because of my formation, I was taught to relate to all denominations and to people who did not have a proclaimed faith," he said.

As a result, he became known as the "People's Pastor."

Rev. Ford moved back to Rock Island in fall 2012 to become the former executive director of the Martin Luther King Center.

"The King center afforded me the opportunity to come back to the city where I was nurtured and to the broader Quad-Cities community," he said.

Rock Island was home, but Davenport was where he was raised in church life, Rev. Ford said.

"The King center provided me the space to handle everyone between the ages of 6 and 66," he said.

Yet, Grace City church kept growing until he had to "make the tough decision to embrace my calling," Rev. Ford said.

He formed a small "launch" team in 2012, They launched the church's first service in December 2012 at the Youth Hope building on 41st Street, Moline, staying there for a year, before buying a building at 2313 44th St., near the Moline Hy-Vee Food store.

In early November 2016, Grace City took possession of its current building, which previously served as Immanuel Lutheran Church and The Word Church. Attendance has averaged just more than 100 people per Sunday, Rev. Ford said.

"We have been getting used to all the space we have now, and how this place has helped is start new endeavors," he said. "We've been working a lot in the areas of education and employment."

Church members have created a "You Have What It Takes" project, with help from Partners in Job Training and local employers. They offer classes and have had employers arrive to hire people on the same day.

They also are working on a Douglass Project, named in honor of famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass, to improve literacy and math skills. They partnered with the United Way's Imagination Library and signed up 150 kids for the reading program, which gives kids up to age 5 a free book every month.

Rev. Ford and his wife, Kit Evans-Ford, have become popular local and global inspirational speakers, recently returning form a peace mission in Trinidad and Tobago.

Rev. Ford said he enjoys what he's doing and who he is and feels he still would be caring, counseling, proclaiming and assisting people, no matter where he's living and working.

"If your call is to preach, you can do that in a parking lot, a factory floor or a tavern," he said. "You can be an athlete or a public school teacher."

Or you can be a "People's Pastor."
Image: Screen Grab form YouTube

Pyongyang, Apr 29 (IBNS): Trashing all warnings and sanctions against them, the reclusive Kim Jong-un led North Korea test fired another ballistic missile yet again on Saturday, with no success however, reports said.

The missile exploded seconds after its lift-off, the South Korean Yonhap News Agency reported.

The US Military added that the missile did not leave the North Korean shores.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, who had earlier lauded China's efforts into taking stock of the North Korean nuclear threat, took a dig at the reclusive nation.

In a Twitter post, Trump wrote, "North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!"

Earlier on Thursday, Trump had told news agency Reuters that he fears a 'major, major conflict' with North Korea.

Tensions have also escalated between the two nations as Kim Jong-un was reported saying that he plans to attack US and wipe out the nation with five million nuclear bombs.
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) System Council 11 has ratified a new five-year contract with Canadian National.

The union represents approximately 700 CN signals and communications employees in Canada.

According to the railroad, the agreement is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2017 and runs through Dec. 31, 2021. The railroads did not disclose terms but said the agreement provides wage increases in each year and benefit improvements.

CN welcomes the IBEWs ratification of this agreement. This contract reinforces our commitment to working together with our employees and their representatives to address workplace issues in a mutually beneficial manner, said Mike Cory, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of CN.

Explore the Challenges, Issues, and Trends Affecting the North American Rail Market, REGISTER NOW for Railway Ages Third Annual RAIL INSIGHTS conference June 7 & 8, 2017 in Chicago, IL.


The 50 percent decline in U.S. cocaine consumption from 2006 to 2010 was regarded as monumental, but data now suggest that cocaine overdose deaths are increasing in the United States. Meanwhile, the amount of land used to cultivate coca in Colombia nearly doubled from 2013 to 2015 ( PDF ). While it seems plausible to associate these recent changes with a significant increase in U.S. cocaine consumption, that might not be correct.

In a report RAND produced for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy ( PDF ), we estimated that the amount of pure cocaine consumed in the United States fell by half between 2006 and 2010, from approximately 300 to 150 metric tons of pure cocaine. Of course, there is uncertainty surrounding estimates from demand-side indicators, but supply-side indicators ( PDF )such as coca production in Colombia, cocaine seizures, and estimates of the amount of cocaine being shipped to the United Statesshowed similar decreases around the same time.

There is no consensus about what caused this unprecedented drop. At least a dozen serious hypotheses have been advanced, including interdiction efforts within Colombia, precursor controls in the United States, heavy cocaine users aging out, and increased demand for Colombian cocaine outside of the United States. Indeed, there may have been a perfect storm of events that had more of an impact occurring together than they would have had separately. However, the existence, magnitude, and importance of the decline are not much in question.

In contrast, it is not yet clear what has happened to the U.S. cocaine market since 2010, let alone why. For example, a 2017 State Department report ( PDF ) indicates that Colombia remains the major provider of cocaine available in the United States, though data shows [sic] that cocaine use is declining in the United States. The report also noted troubling early signs that cocaine use and availability is on the rise in the United States for the first time in nearly a decade. Combining the latter quote with trend data about new cocaine users and cocaine overdose deaths, The Washington Post ran an article on March 4 headlined American cocaine use is way up. Colombia's coca boom might be why. But just a month earlier, the National Institute on Drug Abuse argued that cocaine-related overdose deaths increased after 2010, despite decreased cocaine use.

So which is it? Is cocaine use way up, or is it decreasing?

Before assessing the evidence, it's important to keep three things in mind. First, prevalence (i.e., the number of people who report having used any at all over the past year or month) and consumption (i.e., the number of metric tons consumed in the United States) are very different measures and sometimes move in opposite directions. That is because a relatively small number of frequent users account for most of market demand, and they are not well represented in general population surveys about drug use. Second, data about frequent cocaine users are scarce and getting scarcer: The best data source for understanding cocaine (and heroin) markets in the United Statesthe Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (ADAM) programwas defunded in 2013, and another key indicator, the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) counts of drug-related emergency department mentions, was discontinued in 2011. Third, some indicators are not reported in a timely manner. For example, as of April the most recent national data available about public substance use treatment admissions only extended through 2014.

Figure 1 plots changes in several cocaine-related measures over the past decade, with the series normalized so their 2010 values all equal 100. At first glance they seem broadly consistent with a down-then-up storyor perhaps more accurately, down (2006 to 2010), level (2010 to 2013), and then up just in the last few years.

Figure 1: Trends in U.S. Cocaine Indicators, 20052015

However, upon closer examination, only three indicators clearly show an increase since 2010: Initiation, past-month prevalence, and cocaine-related deaths. Four seem to be flat, declining, or discontinued: treatment admissions, cocaine positives among urinalysis drug screens in both jails and the workplace, and overdose deaths for cocaine excluding those for which opioids were also a contributing factor. The first three are weaker measures of heavy use and consumption than are the other four.

We cannot assume that an increase in total cocaine-related deaths necessarily implies a proportionate increase in cocaine consumption.

Cocaine overdose deaths might seem like the ultimate measure of heavy, destructive consumption, but deaths can rise when patterns of heavy use become more dangerous, not just when the number of heavy users increases. In Figure 1, we distinguished cocaine-related deaths with and without opioids as a contributing factor since a new study in the American Journal of Public Health finds that opioids, primarily heroin and synthetic opioids, have been driving the recent increase in cocaine-related overdose deaths. There are a few plausible explanations for this. The authors of that study highlight evidence that heroin use among people using cocaine increased significantly, and heroin is sometimes laced with the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl, which significantly increases the probability of an overdose. Indeed, there are also reports that some of the cocaine being sold in the United States (and Canada) is laced with fentanyl. Therefore, we cannot assume that an increase in total cocaine-related deaths necessarily implies a proportionate increase in cocaine consumption.

The initiation and prevalence data in Figure 1 are from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The survey is well-run and a surprisingly reliable source of information about marijuana use and light or infrequent use of other drugs, but household surveys are not very useful for studying the heavy users who account for most of the consumption. The number of survey respondents self-reporting past month use grew from 1.5 million in 2014 to 1.9 million in 2015. That is concerning, but it is rather weak and circumstantial evidence about trends in the number of high-frequency users.

Those participating in discussions about cocaine policies should be careful about making claims about recent changes in U.S. cocaine consumption. Data lags and the elimination of the ADAM program cloud the picture after 2013. Caution is also needed, since the emergence of fentanyl has compromised the ability to make inferences about consumption from trends in cocaine overdose deaths. But absence of evidence is not evidence of absence, and much will be learned when the Office of National Drug Control Policy releases updated consumption figures as part of its What Americas Users Spend on Illegal Drugs series (the next wave will cover 2000 to 2017).

In addition to the pessimistic interpretation (consumption is up already) and the cautious interpretation (prevalence may be up but it's too soon to say about total consumption) there is a third possibility. Problem use may not have risen appreciably yet, but it could because of the delay between initiation of light use and the serious health harms that can ensue. An oft-cited study from 2002 found that about 16 percent of new cocaine users will develop cocaine dependence within 10 years. The 10-year qualifier is significant. For some users, cocaine can be powerfully addictive and destructive to health, social relationships, and public safety. If past trends hold, roughly 150,000 of the 968,000 self-reported new users in 2015 will develop cocaine dependence even though few have yet.

It may be prudent to start planning for an increase in heavy use even before all of the evidence is in.

Beau Kilmer is co-director of RAND's Drug Policy Research Center and a professor at Pardee RAND Graduate School. Greg Midgette is an associate policy researcher at RAND.

This commentary originally appeared on Brookings - Up Front on April 28, 2017. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis.
As Venezuela's political crisis drags on for a month, looting -- sometimes motivated by hunger -- has emerged as a deadly element within the demonstrations. Of the two dozen deaths amid the protests, almost half are attributed to looting and robbery.
While the White House has pulled out all the stops  eager to tout its accomplishments  in hyping the 100-day marker of Donald Trump's presidency, which falls on Saturday, the president has characteristically declared it an artificial barrier...
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu adopted a new strategy for managing Israels diplomatic relations with the West. Long in the making and increasingly urgent, Israels new strategy is very simple. Foreign governments can either treat Israel in accordance with international diplomatic norms of behavior, or they can continue to discriminate against Israel.

If they act in accordance to international diplomatic norms, Israel will respond in like fashion. If they choose instead to discriminate against Israel and treat it in a manner no other democratic state is treated, Israel will abandon diplomatic convention and treat foreign governments as domestic critics.

On Monday, after his repeated requests for Germanys visiting Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel to cancel his plans to meet with Breaking the Silence and BTselem, Netanyahu gave Gabriel an ultimatum. Gabriel could meet with Netanyahu, or he could meet with Breaking the Silence.

Gabriel refused to cancel his meeting with Breaking the Silence. So Netanyahu canceled their meeting.

To understand the strategic significance of Netanyahus decision and what further steps are now required to ensure the success of his strategy, it is necessary to understand what Breaking the Silence represents. It is then important to recognize how it is used by Berlin and other foreign governments.

But first, Netanyahus move has to be seen in a general context.

Todays Western democracies are in a furor over the notion that foreign governments would dare to interfere in their domestic affairs. The uproar in the US over Russia and in Europe over Turkish efforts to drum up support for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan among Turkish nationals in Europe make clear how roundly democracies decry attempts by foreign governments to influence their internal politics.

This then brings us to Israel, and the unique rules that the West applies in its dealing with the Jewish state.

In the final quarter of the 20th century, European and other Western states abandoned their earlier support for Israel. From 1974 on, Europeans could be depended on to either support condemnations of Israel at the UN and other international forums, or to abstain from votes.

Whereas from 1974 to 2000, European hostility was largely limited to the diplomatic arena, beginning in 2000, the Europeans began to expand their anti-Israel policies to the Israeli domestic political sphere.

After the PLO abandoned the peace process with Israel at the July 2000 Camp David summit and initiated its terrorist war against Israel two months later, the Europeans began massively funding radical leftist groups registered as NGOs in Israel. The collapse of the peace process and the initiation of the Palestinian terrorist war all but dried up domestic support for groups like Peace Now, BTselem and Rabbis for Human Rights. But with millions of euros in their pockets and the unconditional diplomatic support of Europe, these groups were able to become players in Israels domestic politics and cause massive harm to Israels international standing.

As for the Europeans, their Israeli contractors gave them the ability to fend off allegations that they were antisemites engaged in systematic and prejudicial discrimination against the Jewish state.

Every time Israeli officials and others protested about their unfair treatment of Israel, the Europeans responded that they were simply restating allegations made by Israelis.

The fact that the Israelis they quoted were only able to speak because Europe paid for their microphones was entirely beside the point, as was the fact that those Israelis reflected the views of next to no one in Israel.

In the face of this assault  fronted by Israel-registered organizations staffed by Israelis, for the past 17 years, official Israel has been paralyzed. First it didnt know how to respond. And second, when it responded, it was beset with the prospect of Europe retaliating by backing its political war against Israel with economic warfare.

As a result, time after time, Israel buckled to European pressure. Consequently, it saw its international status undermined and its very right to sovereignty questioned.

The most significant example of that buckling came in 2008, when then-prime minister Ehud Olmert agreed to transfer Israels postal codes to the EU and so enabled the Europeans to discriminate against Israeli products made beyond the 1949 armistice lines.

In another example, in 2013, then-minister Bennie Begin convinced the government to bow to European pressure  exerted through its Israel-registered nonprofits  to legalize Beduin settlements in the Negev built on stolen state land.

In both instances, far from placating the Europeans and their Israeli contractors, these actions convinced them to escalate their pressure against Israel and to adopt ever more prejudicial positions against the Jewish state.

The playing field between Israel and Europe has shifted in recent years. Today, the EU is fighting for its life. Donald Trumps victory in November, Britains decision to exit the EU, and the growing power of anti-EU forces in Europe have all had a debilitating impact on Brussels ability to throw its weight around in the global arena.

Moreover, over the past several years, the government has actively promoted expanding Israeli trade to Asia. One motivation for the policy is the desire to diminish Europes economic leverage over Israel.

The diminishment of Europes power advantage over Israel set the conditions for Netanyahus adoption of his strategy for dealing with Europes war against it.

And just in a nick of time. Because as Europe becomes less powerful, Europes policies toward Israel become more toxic.

And this brings us to the nature of Breaking the Silence.

Breaking the Silence, which was formed in 2002, is a group dedicated to libeling the IDF and its soldiers and officers by constantly accusing them of carrying out war crimes. Since its inception, Breaking the Silences budget has come almost entirely from European governments. Germany is a major backer.

Germanys interest in Breaking the Silence is understandable. As polls taken between 2011 and 2015 showed, between a third and half of Germans view Israel as the moral equivalent of Nazi Germany. The Palestinians, by their telling, are the new Jews.

Likewise, a large majority of Germans is sick of hearing about the Holocaust. And an even larger majority says that Israel is behaving unjustly toward the Palestinians.

Breaking the Silences work not only legitimizes these views, shielding them from condemnation as indications of the growing virulence of German Jew-hatred. It also, to a degree, justifies the Holocaust. After all, if the Jews are as evil as the Nazis, then they are illegitimate actors who deserve to be defeated.

Europes rapidly escalating campaign against Israel can be viewed through its rapidly escalating embrace of these groups.

According to senior Foreign Ministry officials, until very recently, European governments conducted their meetings with these organizations in private, far from the glare of television cameras.

This changed in February. During his visit to Israel, Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel shocked Netanyahu when in defiance of Netanyahus request, he personally met with Breaking the Silence during his official visit to Israel.

Last month, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson went even further.

Johnson, who has a reputation for being a friend to Israel, surprised Netanyahu and his advisers when, during their meeting he all but refused to discuss anything but Israeli construction beyond the 1949 armistice lines.

Ahead of his meeting with Netanyahu, Johnson traveled to Judea with Peace Now and got himself photographed looking gravely at a map held by a Peace Now leader who pointed to where Jews were building in the area around metropolitan Jerusalem and Maaleh Adumim.

When Johnson was asked by reporters why he wasnt meeting as well with representatives of the Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria, he scoffed. Netanyahu will give the other side of the story, he insisted.

In other words, for Johnson, Netanyahu was expected to answer the allegations launched against his government by a European-funded NGO. Johnson treated Peace Now as a more credible source of information than the government.

During his visit, Peace Now served as a general prosecutor of Israel. Johnson treated Netanyahu as the defendant. And he, whose government funds Peace Now, served as judge and jury.

Gabriels decision to opt for a meeting with Breaking the Silence over a meeting with Netanyahu took matters one step forward. In acting as he did, Gabriel showed that as he sees things, Israels elected leader is less legitimate than representatives of an organization that legitimizes German antisemitism.

By refusing to meet with Gabriel, Netanyahu made clear that new rules will now apply to Europe and other Western governments that have joined Europes campaign against Israel. But his move  while important  is not enough.

To ensure that his strategy of demanding that Europe treat Israel in a manner that accords with diplomatic norms, Netanyahu needs to take additional steps. Like his decision to deny Gabriel diplomatic cover for his meeting with anti-Israel groups, Netanyahu needs to deny Western governments diplomatic immunity for their other actions aimed at undermining the governments capacity to carry out its domestic duties.

For instance, one of the major ways that European- funded groups subvert the government is by suing the government in local courts. The government must require the foreign governments that fund these groups to appear as sides in the court battles. In this manner, the government can ask the courts to compel these foreign governments to hand over documents relevant to the cases being adjudicated.

So, too, the government should require foreign government- funded groups to submit all communications between their representatives and those governments, and all internal documents of foreign governmental funders relating to their decision to fund the Israel-registered group. Given that the goal of the funding is to interfere with domestic Israeli affairs, those communications should not enjoy diplomatic immunity.

The penalty for failing to present all the required documents will be the imposition of a 100% tax on the foreign government contributions to the Israel-registered nonprofit.

Perhaps the most discouraging aspect of Netanyahus diplomatic gambit this week is that opposition leader MK Isaac Herzog refused to support him. Instead, Herzog sided with Gabriel. He insisted that Netanyahu harmed Israels relations with Germany by demanding to be treated in a manner that comports with international norms.

For decades, the political Left has claimed that it can manage Israels diplomatic ties better than the Right, which it castigates as inept, incompetent and dangerous to Israels international standing. By failing to recognize why Netanyahus move was vital for Israels international standing, or to understand that international conditions have changed sufficiently to allow Israel to stand up for itself, Herzog and his colleagues showed that their boastful claims to diplomatic capabilities are empty.

Netanyahu took a necessary first step toward implementing a constructive strategy for handling Western diplomatic warfare. More steps are still required for this strategy to succeed. But at least, for the first time in years, Israel is finally taking a constructive position in its own defense.
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New York, Apr 29 (Just Earth News): The United Nations on Friday called for restraint and calm in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia following violence directed at democratic institutions and elected officials.

We are following developments unfolding in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia with great concern and call for restraint and calm. Violence directed at democratic institutions and elected representatives of the people is unacceptable, said a statement from the Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

We urge all political forces to resolve their differences through democratic means, strictly adhering to the Constitution, in order to overcome the political impasse without further delay, the statement said.

According to the UN Department of Political Affairs, it provides backstopping support and guidance to the personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General for talks aimed at resolving the name dispute between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Negotiations on the name dispute began in 1993 and have been led since 1999 under the auspices of the envoy. While no solution has been reached so far, both parties have cooperated in the process and urged the continuation of the efforts of the Secretary-General and his envoy.

UN Photo/JC McIlwaine (file)

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New York, Apr 29 (Just Earth News): Unless urgent action is taken to feed people in north-east Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen, more than 20 million people will not find enough food to eat, the heads of the United Nations food agencies on Friday warned.

Many people have already died, UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Director-General Jose Graziano da Silva said on the sidelines of FAO's Council  the executive arm of FAO's governing body  which is now meeting in Rome.

He stressed that peace is essential for ending the fighting which is spurring the famine, but more needs to be done to fight hunger.

I visited Maiduguri in north-eastern Nigeria and saw myself how powerful agricultural support can be in a humanitarian crisis, Grazaiano da Silva said.

A famine has been formally declared in parts of South Sudan, while north-eastern Nigeria, Somalia and Yemen are on the brink of famine, according to the press release.

We have the strength, logistical capacity and technology to get the job done. What we need is access to the people who are on the brink of famine and resources, now not later, said David Beasley, the new Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme.

For example, in South Sudan, FAO and WFP are part of an inter-agency rapid response bringing life-saving food, fishing and vegetable-growing kits, and other emergency services to hard-to-reach communities gripped by famine.

However, more funding is needed. Food production kits cost less than $90 but can provide enough food for a family of eight for six months, FAO has said.

Around $4.4 billion has been requested for programs related to the famine. So far, $1.2 billion or about 27 per cent, has been received, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Without this support, we will have to make life-challenging decisions over who will receive food and who will not, cautioned Beasley.

UNICEF/Mackenzie Knowles-Coursin

Source: www.justearthnews.com
During finals, procrastination is inevitable. You could rearrange your room, take a nap or turn on Netflix. If you do turn on Netflix, do not 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged Muslims not to view the triple talaq issue from a political perspective and expressed the confidence that efforts to end the practice would be led by "enlightened" members of the community.

At a function to mark the Basava Jayanti celebrations in honour of Kannada philosopher Basaveswara, Modi referred to the 12th century reformer's movement against regressive practices to speak about triple talaq.

"I appeal to you not to view the triple talaq issue from a political perspective. Come out and find a solution. That solution will have its own majesty and generations will remember you," he said.

Modi said he hoped that "powerful people" would emerge from society and help "eradicate outdated practices and evolve modern systems".

He called upon Indian Muslims to lead not just those from the community in the country, but to show the "path of modernity" to Muslims worldwide.

"That is the kind of power and energy this land gives to all of us," he said to thunderous applause.

The prime minister spoke about women's empowerment, equality and good governance, as preached and practised by Basaveswara.

Referring to triple talaq, Modi said, "I am sure enlightened people will also emerge from among Muslims and come forward to end this practice, liberating our Muslim daughters and mothers from the scourge. I am sure enlightened Muslims will take this responsibility upon themselves."

Modi also released a digital volume of Basaveswara's works titled "Vachan" in 23 languages. The works comprise 2500 sermons delivered by the philosopher.

The event assumes significance in view of the 2018 assembly elections in Karnataka, where Lingayats are a formidable community. Basaveswara, also known as Basavanna, is their most powerful icon.

The prime minister used the platform, hosted by the Basava Society, to repeat his governments message of "Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas (United with all, Development for all)" and said people had to progress without discrimination.

"People should get homes, access to power without discrimination. Farmers should get fertilisers and insurance benefits without any distinctions. That is the meaning of our governments message of 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas'," he said.

Interspersing his 40-minute address with the sayings of the poet-philosopher, he said todays youth were ignorant about the preachings of the reformers of the Bhakti movement.

"Call it loopholes in our education system or our propensity to ignore our own heritage, the youth today would know nothing of how eminent and evolved Indians like Basavanna spoke against evil social practices and in favour of womens empowerment as long back as 700 years," he said at the function, also attended by union minister Ananth Kumar and Karnataka BJP chief BS Yeddyurappa.

Modi recollected that India had been blessed with saints and reformers who had transformed society.

India's history, he added, was not only about defeat, poverty or colonialism. "India gave the message of good governance, non violence and Satyagraha" to the world.

Modi also paid tribute to former Vice President BD Jatti, who founded the Basava Society in 1964. The golden jubilee of the society was celebrated on Saturday.

After the event, the prime minister walked up to the audience to meet the family of Kannada scholar and rationalist M M Kalburgi, who was killed in Dharwad, Karnataka.

Photograph: Manvender Vashist/PTI Photo
Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Swami Prasad Maurya has kicked up a controversy with his remarks that triple talaq is being misused by men to satisfy their "lust".

The Bharatiya Janata Party leader's comments drew severe flak from several quarters including Muslim leaders, who demanded an unconditional apology from him.

"These 'talaq' have no basis.... if someone only for satisfying his lust keeps changing his wives and forces his own wife and children to beg on streets... no one will call this right," Maurya, who was in Basti to participate in a function at the house of a local BJP leader, told news persons on Friday night.

"The BJP stands with Muslim women who have been given talaq unreasonably and arbitrarily... we want to help such victims get respect," he said.

The remarks come at a time when the BJP-led central government is pushing for a ban on triple talaq with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urging Muslims not to view it from a political perspective. The PM also voiced confidence that "enlightened" members of the community will take the lead in eradicating the outdated practice.

Reacting to Maurya's comments, senior member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangimahli demanded an unconditional apology from the minister.

The AIMPLB has opposed any move to ban triple talaq, saying Muslims have the "constitutional" right to follow their personal law and it will not accept any interference in it.

President of All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board Shaista Amber, who has been actively involved in the campaign against triple talaq, termed the minister's statement as "shameful".

"He (Maurya) should be sent to a mental asylum, as he has shattered the honour of the Muslims specially women," Amber said .

"We will also demand that our chief minister take action against such a minister who has insulted all women.... Human Rights Commission also needs to take note of it," she added.

The Centre has opposed the triple talaq practice in the Supreme Court citing the principles of gender justice and secularism enshrined in the Constitution.

Activists allege that the practice under which a Muslim man can give instant divorce to his wife by uttering the word 'talaq' thrice in one go has left lakhs of women destitute.
North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile but it failed to go beyond its territory, the United States said on Saturday, as Pyonyang's defiant move amid repeated warnings from Washington ratcheted up tensions in the Korean Peninsula.

"The US Pacific Command detected what we assess was a North Korean missile launch at 10:33 am Hawaii time, April 28. The ballistic missile launch occurred near the Pukchang airfield," Dave Benham, United States Pacific Command spokesman, said in a statement.

"The missile did not leave (the) North Korean territory," Benham said.

Responding to the development, US President Donald Trump slammed North Korea for the provocative move.

"North Korea disrespected the wishes of China and its highly respected President (Xi Jinping) when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!" Trump said in a tweet on Fridya night, hours after North Korea carried out yet another missile test.

The North American Aerospace Defence Command determined the missile launch from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America, Benham said.

"US Pacific Command stands behind our steadfast commitment to the security of our allies in the Republic of Korea and Japan," he said.

According to reports, the missile was likely a medium- range KN-17 ballistic missile.

The North Korea missile test came a day after the Trump administration praised China and its President Xi for having prevailed over Pyongyang in not carrying out either a nuclear test or a missile test.

Sending a tough warning to North Korea, the US on Friday said the policy of strategic patience was over and no options were off the table in dealing with the nuclear threat posed by Pyongyang.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson at a UN Security Council meeting on North Korea said that Washington's goal was "not regime change" in the isolated country nor does it "desire to threaten the North Korean

people or destabilise the Asia Pacific region".

"The policy of strategic patience is over. Additional patience will only mean acceptance of a nuclear North Korea. The more we bide our time, the sooner we will run out of it," Tillerson said while chairing the meeting as the President of the Council.

Military options for dealing with the North were still "on the table", Tillerson had warned.

The US is deploying a naval strike group led by an aircraft carrier to the Korean peninsula, and a missile-defence system called Terminal High Altitude Area Defense.

Photograph: Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters
New York, Apr 29 (Just Earth News): Preventing armed conflict in north-east Asia is the international community's collective priority while the onus is also on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to refrain from further nuclear testing and explore the path of dialogue, United Nations Secretary-General AntAnio Guterres told the Security Council on Friday.

Armed conflict in north-east Asia, which is home to one fifth of the world's people and gross domestic product, would have global implications, warned Guterres at a ministerial-level meeting to discuss the DPRK's accelerated nuclear and ballistic missile activities. The meeting was chaired by Rex Tilerson, Secretary of State of the United States, which holds the Council's presidency for the month.

Guterres noted that since January 2016, the DPRK conducted two nuclear tests, more than 30 launches using ballistic missile technology, and various other activities relating to the nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, in clear violations of Security Council resolutions.

Its launches using ballistic missile technology have included tests of short-, medium-, intermediate-range and submarine-launched ballistic missiles, as well as the placement of a satellite in orbit, he added.

The DPRK is the only country to have conducted nuclear tests this century. We must assume that, with each test or launch, the DPRK continues to make technological advances in its pursuit of a military nuclear capability, he said, citing DPRK leader Kim Jong Un's description of his country as a responsible nuclear-weapon State and a recent statement by a delegate that going nuclear armed is the policy of our State.

Guterres said he is alarmed by the risk of a military escalation in the region, including by miscalculation or misunderstanding, and is particularly concerned by the possibility that efforts to offset the destabilizing activities of the DPRK could also result in increased arms competition and tensions, further impeding the ability of the international community to maintain unity and achieve a peaceful solution.

The onus is on the DPRK to comply with its international obligations. At the same time, the international community must also step up its efforts to manage and reduce tensions, the UN chief stressed.

That means the DPRK refraining from further testing, complying with the relevant Council resolutions, and exploring the resumption of dialogue.

That also means reopening and strengthening communication channels, particularly military to military, to lower the risk of miscalculation or misunderstanding, and all Member States implementing relevant Council resolutions.

The Council has important tools at its disposal, from targeted sanctions to communication channels, he added.

Turning to the humanitarian situation in the DPRK, the Secretary-General noted that 13 UN agencies and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in the DPRK are calling for $114 million to meet the urgent needs of 13 million especially vulnerable people  half the country's population.

He also called on the DPRK authorities to engage with UN human rights mechanisms and with the international community to address the grave human rights situation and improve the living conditions of its people.

UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

Source: www.justearthnews.com
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Amish Tripathi is a blend of mythology and contemporary thinking, he shared his valuable thoughts at the India Today Mind Rocks Summit 2017.

Amish Tripathi is an author, known for his novels The Immortals of Meluha, The Secret of the Nagas, The Oath of the Vayuputras.The Shiva Trilogy series written by Amish, was the fastest selling book series in India in 2015.

In a session moderated by Kaveree Bamzai, at the India Today Mind Rocks Summit 2017 held at Vivanta by Taj, Guwahati, Amish shed some light on his upcoming novel Sita - Warrior of Mithila, and mythology in general.

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Amish started the discussion by saying, "It was always cool to be a Shiv Bhakt", on the success of The Shiva Trilogy.

Amish told us that Assam has a role to play in his next book, because Sita's mother, Queen Sunaina, hailed from Assam.

Amish proceeded the discussion on Assam by saying, "Brahmaputra is unique in its own way, it is the only major river with a masculine name; all the other major rivers in India have feminine names."

On being asked why he chose Lord Shiva to write about, he said,"I turned an atheist in the early 90s. I am a rebellious person, for people like us, it is Lord Shiva who can pull us back to faith".

Amish expressed his love for Lord Shiva, and went on to say, "He is the dude of the Gods, there are a lot of cool things about him. He is madly in love with his wife, he is a dancer, he has tattoos. Lord Shiva generates passion among rebellious people, anti-elitist people".

Photo: Rajwant Rawat

Amish believes that Lord Ram also has a rebellious side to him, and that is what led him to write about Lord Ram. He also added,"If you are living in a society where people don't follow rules, where they break rules because it's cool to do so; and in that society if someone tells you to follow rules, then he is a rebel. That makes Lord Ram a rebel too".

He shared how a discussion about Lord Ram at a Litfest in 2013, motivated the author to write about him. The discussion with a student upset him so much, that he ended up writing an article about why he respects Lord Ram the very next day.

Amish said that the modern urban India perception of the Ramayana is what the television show based on the epic in the 1980s had shown us. The show was inspired by Ramcharit Manas, not the original Ramayana written by Valmiki. Amish displayed his immense knowledge on the subject, when he said, "In the Valmiki's Ramayana, Lord Ram is shown as a human being--he suffers, he doesn't know that he is a god. I think that makes him relatable. It inspires us to struggle, my version is closer to Valmiki's".

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The author talked about his upcoming book to be released in May. He gave a little insight into his much awaited book and said, "We have seen Sita Maa, through the lens of the show, which is not what Valmiki's version of the Ramayan shows Sita Maa's character to be like. She was a stronger woman, not a warrior though. The concept of Sita Maa as a strong woman has been around since the ancient times".

Amish expressed his thoughts on the Anti-Romeo squad and said,"I oppose vigilantism, but the police coming down hard on idiots harassing women is good".

He even expressed his disagreement with the term eve-teasing, and said, "It's sexual harassment, it's not eve-teasing".

Talking about women safety, he added, "Ask questions to your boys, why just girls. If there are boys outside girls colleges passing lewd remarks, then it has to stop.". Amish also told us, that there was no concept of Lakshman Rekha in Valmiki's Ramayan.

Amish talked about the ongoing westernisation, and said,"In ancient times, people Indianised themselves because they thought-it would raise their standard".

He added, "We were the ideal mix of confidence, pragmatism and liberalism, and we lost it".

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Amish spoke about the Indian education system, and said, "We are taught our invaders' history. We can learn from our heroes and learn lessons, and regain our strength. Our education system is colonialised ,we need to challenge what the British Raj setup".

Amish shed some light on Dharma and violence, and said, "Violence has it's context, adharmic violence is wrong. Dharma is not religion, it's justice".

He expressed his liking for the blockbuster film Baahubali and said, "When we see Spiderman, we are in awe. But with Baahubali, it's awe and connection. It's about our palaces, our story. We need to revive our great cinematic experience, plus connection".

Watch Video: We were the ideal mix of culture, pragmatism and liberalism, and we lost it: Amish Tripathi

Also Read:

Learn to suffer pain, tolerate joy: Kaveree's message to youth at India Today Mind Rocks Guwahati 2017

--- ENDS ---
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, one Afghanistan's most notorious warlords, has called on the Taliban to stop fighting government troops and begin peace talks.

"I invite you to join the peace caravan and stop the pointless, meaningless and unholy war," Hekmatyar, a former prime minister, told a gathering of Afghan politicians and his supporters in Laghman Province on April 29.

"I want a free, proud, independent, and Islamic Afghanistan," Hekmatyar added, in his first public appearance in nearly two decades.

President Ashraf Ghani said in a statement released on April 29 that the deal with Hekmatyar "shows that Afghans have the capacity to resolve conflict through dialogue."

Hekmatyar, the founder and current leader of the Hezb-e Islami political party, signed a peace deal with the Afghan government in September

In the deal, Hekmatyar's fighters vowed to lay down their weapons in exchange for a prisoner release.

He also praised Afghan security forces during his speech and said fighting against them and the country's government is "senseless and illegitimate."

The UN Security Council ended sanctions against Hekmatyar in February, clearing the way for him to return to Afghanistan after being in exile for nearly 20 years.

The government's deal with Hekmatyar was criticized by many Afghans and human rights groups as being too lenient for someone accused of violence and widespread abuses -- he has been dubbed the "Butcher of Kabul" for fighting that led to thousands of civilian deaths in the Afghan capital in the early 1990s.

The United States had designated Hekmatyar a "global terrorist" after he declared jihad on foreign forces fighting Islamists in Afghanistan.

Based on reporting by Reuters and dpa


WASHINGTON -- Agents from the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service showed up in Moscow in May 2009 with a specific mission: to nab one of the world's most notorious hackers. But to do that, the Americans needed Russia's help.

They turned to the Federal Security Service (FSB), the country's main intelligence agency, and shared operational information with officers from its computer-crimes unit, the Center for Information Security.

The hacker, Roman Seleznyov, shut down his operations a month later in a move prompted, the U.S. believes, by a leak from the FSB. The credit-card fraudster, it turns out, had bragged in conversations intercepted a year earlier about his protection from the computer-crimes unit.

The incident, detailed in the legal filings that resulted in a U.S. federal court recently sentencing Seleznyov to 27 years in prison, exposes an unintended consequence of Washington's cybercrime cooperation with Russia: the United States finds itself indicting some of the top-level Russian security officials it worked with.

At least one of those officials is a former hacker who worked with the FSB -- an agency accused of involvement in the hacking of U.S. political parties' computers in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election. Adding to the confusion is the fact that one of those very FSB officers has himself been charged in Russia with high treason.

In short, the Russians were recruiting hackers while the Americans sought to work with the FSB to thwart cybercriminals. Now the Americans are indicting -- and in Seleznyov's case, sentencing -- hackers tied in some way to the FSB. The Russians, meanwhile, are charging some of those same individuals with treason.

"Russia sees those who cooperated as traitors," explained Pavel Vrublevsky, a prominent e-payment entrepreneur who was imprisoned in Russia for ordering a cyberattack against a competitor. "Now America sees the very same people as cybercriminals themselves."

To Catch A Hacker

Seleznyov is not the first Russian to have been caught up in a widening U.S. dragnet that has snagged cybercriminals from around the world. Others include Aleksandr Panin, convicted in a federal court in Atlanta in 2016 for creating a computer program that infected millions of computers and drained bank accounts in multiple countries.

There's also Yevgeny Nikulin, who has sat in a Czech jail following his October arrest while Moscow and Washington both fight for his extradition. And the same day that Seleznyov was sentenced, U.S. prosecutors announced the indictment of another Russian, Pyotr Levashov, arrested in Spain, accusing him of masterminding a "bot net" of infected computers to steal money from bank accounts.

WATCH: Czech Police Arrest Yevgeny Nikulin In Prague

Seleznyov, the son of a Russian lawmaker, raked in $170 million selling stolen credit-card information online beginning in 2007, according to U.S. officials. By 2009, his operation was one of the largest providers of such stolen data in the world.

The determination that Seleznyov was behind the scheme was what led U.S. investigators to seek the FSB's help in 2009, according to material submitted by prosecutors in a U.S. federal court.

In Moscow, they met with officials from the agency's Center for Information Security, including deputy chief Sergei Mikhailov and his subordinate, Dmitry Dokuchayev, current and former U.S. officials with knowledge of the case told RFE/RL.

Unfortunately for the Americans, news of the meetings apparently leaked. Seleznyov shut down his so-called carding operations a month later. As U.S. prosecutors noted in court documents, Seleznyov had been recorded telling a colleague in 2008 that he had "obtained protection through the law-enforcement contacts in the computer-crimes squad of the FSB."

Seleznyov eventually resurfaced using a different alias, but was indicted by a federal grand jury in 2011 and arrested by U.S. agents while vacationing in the Maldives in 2014. A federal jury convicted him on 38 counts in 2016, and he was sentenced on April 21 to 27 years in prison.

"Never before has a criminal engaged in computer fraud of this magnitude been identified, captured, and convicted by an American jury," prosecutors wrote in their court filings.

In From The Cold

The 2009 Moscow discussion was just one of many between U.S. and Russian officials as they sought to work together in investigating international computer crimes.

The effort was largely ad hoc, and U.S. officials sought over the following years to a build a more formal arrangement, according to David Hickton, a former U.S. prosecutor involved in several high-profile criminal investigations of alleged Russian hackers.

They include the 2014 indictment of Yevgeny Bogachev, who is accused by the FBI of helping to build a network of infected computers around the world using software known as GameOver ZeuS, and using it to steal money from online bank accounts.

Competing legal systems, differences of opinion, and distrust proved to be formidable obstacles to cooperation.

"They tried to develop a dialogue that would lead to cybernorms and some understanding of [what the] rules of the road would be and how we would navigate our adversarial relationship," Hickton said of the Russians. "And that broke down."

Luke Dembosky, who was the resident legal adviser for the Justice Department in Moscow between 2010 and 2013, told RFE/RL that "it was never easy working these kinds of cases with Russia. There were different systems, different laws, different interests."

To really make an international cybercase work, Dembosky explained, "you need some alignment of interests and political will, and you need some commonality of law and capabilities." More than anything, he said, "you need some modicum of trust."

A Troubled Relationship

As U.S.-Russian cooperation stumbled, the FSB's computer-crimes unit was growing in clout and notoriety, thanks in part to one officer's previous work as a hacker.

Dokuchayev, with whom the Americans met with during their 2009 meetings in Moscow, was once well-known in cybercircles under the nickname Forb. He worked with other FSB officers, including one named Igor Sushchin, to recruit hackers to cooperate with the Russian agency on cyberactivities. Among the recruits was Aleksei Belan, who has been wanted by the FBI since 2012 for alleged hacking and computer fraud.

Officials from the FSB's Center for Information Security were also involved in the investigation of IT entrepreneur Vrublevsky, the founder of a successful online payment system called ChronoPay. He was convicted in 2013 of orchestrating an attack on a ticketing system used by the airline Aeroflot. Mikhailov, Dokuchayev's superior in the computer-crimes unit, testified against Vrublevsky during the trial.

U.S. intelligence officials have concluded that the hackers who broke into email accounts and computer servers belonging to the Democratic and Republican parties during last year's election campaign did so with authorization from top-level Russian officials.

The declassified summary of a report released on behalf of the intelligence community in January pointed the finger at the FSB's security rival, the military intelligence agency known as GRU. There was no mention of the FSB, or its computer-crimes unit.

But the previous month, then-President Barack Obama announced new economic sanctions and other punitive measures in response to alleged Russian hacking during the U.S. election campaign. The list of those targeted included both the GRU and the FSB, as well as Belan and Bogachev.

High Treason

Just prior to Obama's announcement, Russian security officials moved to arrest FSB computer-crimes unit officers Mikhailov and Dokuchayev. That news became public when the Russian newspapers Kommersant and Novaya Gazeta reported in January that the two had been charged with high treason for giving classified information to Western intelligence, including possibly the CIA.

In a dramatic twist, according to Kommersant, Mikhailov was detained during an FSB meeting and taken from the room with a bag over his head.

There has been no comment on Mikhailov's or Dokuchayev's arrests from the FSB or Russian prosecutors; the only confirmation of their incarceration came from the lawyer for another computer expert also caught up in the arrests.

The U.S. Justice Department did not respond to a phone message or e-mail seeking comment.

In March, Dokuchayev's name surfaced again when the U.S. Justice Department announced his indictment, and that of FSB officer Sushchin, in connection with the massive data breach at the Internet company Yahoo. Mikhailov's name does not appear in the indictments, although cyberexperts believe someone identified only as "FSB Officer 3" is, in fact, Mikhailov. Sushchin, according to the indictment, worked as an undercover officer at the investment bank Renaissance Capital.

That indictment also named Belan, who U.S. officials said could have been arrested by the FSB at the behest of the FBI any time after being named a top wanted cybercriminal in 2012.

Instead, "the FSB officers used him," according to the indictment. "They also provided him with sensitive FSB law-enforcement and intelligence information that would have helped him avoid detection by law enforcement, including information regarding FSB investigations of computer hacking and FSB techniques for identifying criminal hackers."

Gray Zone

First and foremost, the arrests and criminal charges in both Russia and the United States highlight what experts say is the blurry line between Russian law-enforcement and security agencies and criminal networks, in cybercrime or otherwise.

"Moscow still depends, to a considerable extent, on recruiting cybercriminals, or simply calling on them from time to time, in return for their continued freedom," Mark Galeotti, a Prague-based expert on Russian intelligence agencies, wrote in a report published on April 18.

It's a gray zone that poses substantial danger for Russia itself, according to one of the other Russians charged with treason stemming from the December arrests: Ruslan Stoyanov, a former Interior Ministry investigator.

In a letter published by the Dozhd TV channel, Stoyanov, who worked for the Moscow-based computer security company Kaspersky Lab, warned that cooperating with cybercriminals would only embolden them.

"The worst scenario would be to give cybercriminals immunity from punishment for stealing money in other countries in exchange for intelligence. If this happens, an entire layer of 'patriotic thieves' will appear, violating the principles of the rule of law and the inevitability of punishment," he wrote. "We will see a new wave of crime in Russia."

Former U.S. prosecutor Hickton, who now heads the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Cyber Law, Policy, and Security, said Russia could have easily arrested Bogachev after he was indicted in 2014 but there is no extradition treaty between the two countries. Moreover, according to the research firm Fox-IT, the infected computers believed to have been used by Bogachev were also allegedly used to search for information about top-secret government files in places such as Ukraine, Georgia, and Turkey. That suggests the involvement of someone who was more than a mere criminal hacker -- perhaps an operative working on behalf of an intelligence agency.

But the arrests also represent another facet of the collapsed relationship between Moscow and Washington.

Hickton said the Bogachev indictment may have been one factor in why U.S.-Russian cooperation in cybercrimes deteriorated. Or it may have merely been a casualty of other points of conflict between Washington and Moscow, such as Russia's seizure of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and support for separatists in Ukraine's east.

"This all -- this all is a mess," Vrublevsky told RFE/RL. "And it's a mess to be dealt with in both countries. The sooner the better."


French presidential front-runner Emmanuel Macron's campaign has declined to give Russia Today and Sputnik press accreditation after his team found the Russian state-owned news outlets publish misleading information about the candidate.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called the denial of accreditation "outrageous" and "deliberate and bare-faced discrimination against Russian media by the presidential candidate of a state that has historically been vigilant when it comes to free speech."

Sputnik and RT were created by the Kremlin for foreigners and are available in several languages. Both have a French language website.

A Macron spokesman on April 28 described the outlets as a "two-headed entity" which issues Russian state propaganda and fake news.

In February, Macron accused the Kremlin of mounting a "smear campaign" via state media against the centrist former economy minister, a strong defender of the European Union.

Macron gave no specific examples of Russian media spreading fake news at the time, but a February 4 report by Sputnik quoted a pro-Putin center-right French legislator as saying Macron was a puppet of U.S. political and financial elites.

By contrast, Moscow has warm relations with Macron's rival in the presidential race, National Front leader Marine Le Pen, who met President Vladimir Putin in a surprise visit to Moscow ahead of France's April 23 first round vote.

Macron takes a hard line on maintaining EU sanctions imposed on Moscow over the Ukraine crisis, whereas Le Pen backs the lifting of sanctions and improving ties with Russia.

RT has issued several statements denying suggestions that it is part of a campaign to spread fake news about Macron.

"So this is how gracelessly freedom of speech ends in a country which prides itself on its freedoms almost more than it prides itself on its Camembert and Brie cheeses," RT's editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan said on social media.

Independent analysts are increasingly concluding that Macron has been targeted by the Kremlin. A cybersecurity research group this week said Macron's campaign was hit by a group of Russian hackers last month.

The Pawn Storm group, which has been linked to several high-profile attacks in the West, is also believed to be behind the attacks last summer on the U.S. Democratic National Committee, in what U.S. intelligence agencies said was an attempt to undermine Hillary Clinton's presidential bid.

Pawn Storm is widely suspected of having links to Russia's security services.

Moscow has denied any involvement in seeking to influence France's election, which will be settled in a second-round run-off between Macron and Le Pen on May 7.

With reporting by AFP and Reuters
Four traffic policemen were killed in the Iraqi capital on April 28 when a suicide car bomb blew up outside their station, near the location of several foreign media outlets in Baghdad.

Five people were also wounded by the blast which occurred alongside the east bank of the Tigris River.

The French Embassy is located in the same area of the Karrada neighborhood, the site of the blast.

The Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility for the bombing. The militant group has carried out similar attacks in the past.

In July of last year. a massive truck bombing in the same Baghdad neighborhood killed more than 300 people.

IS has controlled parts of Iraq and Syria since 2014, but its last major stronghold in Iraq -- the northern city of Mosul -- has been under siege this year by U.S.-backed government forces.

Iraqi officials have warned that as IS loses ground in the battle against government forces, the group will increasingly resort to suicide bombings for retaliation and to make a show of strength.

Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters


At least 24 people were killed when a landslide swept through village in southern Kyrgyzstan.

The Emergencies Ministry says there are nine children among those buried alive in the village of Ayu in the country's Osh region on April 29.

Dozens of rescue workers are at the scene looking for survivors.

President Almazbek Atambaev, meanwhile, made an emotional video appeal posted to the presidential YouTube channel, saying villagers had been warned earlier in the week of possible mudslides.

He called on people to heed experts' warnings.

The Central Asian nation, 95 percent of which is mountainous, has seen heavy snows and rains this winter.

Emergency Minister Kubatbek Boronov told RFE/RL that more than 5,000 places around the country faced a real threat of landslides or flooding.

The Ayu landslide is the country's deadliest since 2004 when a mudslide killed 33 people.

With reporting by AFP and Interfax
About 2,000 protesters gathered in Skopje on April 28 and demanded new elections one day after a band of protesters stormed Macedonia's parliament and beat up leaders of an emerging new governing coalition.

The latest protests, which were peaceful, were staged outside the mission of the European Union, which had expressed support for the new governing coalition formed by Macedonia's Social Democrats and ethnic Albanian parties.

The organizers of the latest rally insisted they have no political affiliation, and said their activism is aimed at preventing the country from sliding deeper into crisis. They marched under the banner "For a joint Macedonia."

Their sympathies with the conservative VMRO--DPMNE party were evident, however, as they protested against the installation of a new speaker of parliament, Talat Xhaferi, an ethnic Albanian selected by the new governing coalition.

The protesters also carried offensive messages against European diplomats. Macedonia is seeking to join the EU, but EU leaders have warned that the VMRO's refusal to cede power peacefully poses an obstacle to Skopje's admission to the bloc.

Earlier in the day, leaders of the new governing coalition refused to attend an emergency meeting called by President Gjorge Ivanov, a VMRO ally*, saying Ivanov had helped generate the crisis.

Both the EU and the United States on April 28 condemned the violence against Zoran Zaev, the leader of the Social Democrat party, as well as leaders of ethnic Albanian parties who were severely beaten by the mob that stormed the parliament building.

The beating left Zaev with blood pouring down his face, and photos and videos of the bloodied leader were widely distributed around the world.

We consider violence always unacceptable, even more so when it happens in the house of democracy, in parliament, EU foreign-policy chief Federica Mogherini said.

We believe that all in Skopje should follow the constitutional principles, democracy and try to bring the country out of this serious crisis that can be dangerous, she said.

U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner said the United States "strongly condemns" the violence and is ready to work with the news speaker Xhaferi to "support democracy and to help Macedonia move forward on its European path."

"We urge all parties to remain calm, resolve any differences peacefully, and respect Macedonias laws and democratic processes," Toner said.

* CORRECTION: This story has been amended from an earlier version to note that President Ivanov is an ally of the VMRO-DPMNE rather than a member of that party.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and RFE/RL's Balkans Service


Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny has skipped the opening of his election headquarters in southwestern city of Astrakhan on April 28 after an unknown assailant splashed a green antiseptic, known as "zelyonka," on his face.

Navalny wrote on his website that his right eye had swollen after the April 27 attack outside the Moscow headquarters of his Anti-Corruption Fund, and therefore he is not able to travel to Astrakhan.

"The ophthalmologist told me not to go anywhere, to avoid light and have eye drops," Navalny wrote on April 28. https://navalny.com/

Navalny wrote earlier that doctors had diagnosed that his right eye's cornea and pupil were chemically burned by zelyonka.

Navalny's lawyer Ivan Zhdanov said on April 28 that his client had officially asked Moscow police to find the attacker.

Navalny is seeking to run for president in March 2018 -- a direct challenge to President Vladimir Putin, who is widely expected to win a new six-year term.

On March 20, Navalny was doused with the green antiseptic while opening a campaign office in the Siberian city of Barnaul.

Russian authorities say Navalny will be barred from the ballot if a conviction on financial-crimes charges is upheld on appeal. He denies wrongdoing and has vowed to press on with his campaign.

With reporting by TASS and Interfax


Russia has launched multiple suicide drones on Ukraine's southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region, wounding people and damaging civilian facilities, the head of the regional military administration said, as fierce battles are under way in the eastern Donetsk region and in the south.

"The occupiers attacked the area massively with kamikaze drones. Our air defense destroyed five barrage ammunition. They also attacked with drones the city of Dnipro, targeting a logistics enterprise. Four employees were wounded, three of them are in serious condition in hospital," Governor Valentyn Reznichenko said.

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.

Russian forces also bombarded the Nikopol district in the region with Grad missiles and heavy artillery. Reznichenko said the shelling damaged private houses, a factory, and a power line, but no one was injured.



A fire spread over more than 3,000 square meters, but it had already been extinguished, Reznichenko said.



Russian troops regularly shell the Dnipropetrovsk region with various types of weapons, in particular the Nikopol, Kryvorizky, and Synelnyk districts.

In Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy vowed that Ukraine will not "surrender a single centimeter of our land" in Donetsk, where heavy fighting has been under way, and he thanked Ukrainian troops who are holding positions in the Donbas region.



The epicenter of the battle for the industrial region of Donetsk is around the towns of Bakhmut, Soledar, and Avdiyivka.



"The activity of the occupiers remains at an extremely high level -- dozens of attacks every day," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address late on November 8.



"They are suffering extraordinarily high losses. But the order remains the same -- to advance on the administrative boundary of Donetsk region. We will not yield a single centimeter of our land," he said.



Donetsk is one of four Ukrainian regions Russia said it annexed in September following referendums considered a sham by Kyiv and its Western allies.



Fighting had been going on there between Ukrainian military and Kremlin-backed separatist forces since 2014, the same year Russia illegally annexed Crimea in the south.

Zelenskiy said the goal of the Russian troops is to push to the administrative border of the Donetsk region.



"We clearly understand the enemy's plans, so we act accordingly. Carefully, thoughtfully, and in the interests of the liberation of our entire territory. We are strengthening our positions, breaking Russian logistics, consistently destroying the potential of the occupiers to keep the south of our country under occupation," Zelenskiy added.



Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar said the most intense battles were taking place in Bakhmut and Soledar in the Donetsk region, where the Ukrainian military repels dozens of Russian attacks per day.



Pavlo Kyrylenko, the head of the region's military administration, said the city of Bakhmut was very badly damaged, and there is not a single surviving house in Avdiyivka, Maryinka, or Krasnohorivka. Russian troops are trying to wipe the cities "off the face of the Earth," he said.



Fierce fighting was also going on on the edge of the town of Snihurivka, in the southern Mykolaiyv region, according to Yury Barabashov, the town's Russian-appointed mayor, as cited by Russia's RIA Novosti news agency.



Kirill Stremousov, deputy head of the Russian-installed administration in the southern Kherson region, said on Telegram that Ukrainian forces had tried to advance on three fronts, including Snihurivka.



Vitaly Kim, the Ukrainian governor of the Mykolayiv region, apparently quoting an intercepted dialogue between Russian troops, suggested that Ukrainian forces had already pushed the Russians out of the area.



"Russian troops are complaining that they have already been thrown out of there," Kim said in a statement on his Telegram channel.



The information could not be independently verified.



The Ukrainian military said it destroyed two Russian ammunition depots in southern Ukraine on November 8, one in Snihurivka, and one in Kostromka, in the neighboring Kherson region.

WATCH: Paratroopers with Ukraine's 79th Air Assault Brigade say they're holding positions around the small city of Maryinka in eastern Ukraine despite daily Russian attacks.

Russia has mobilized hundreds of thousands of reservists in recent months seeking to stave off an offensive launched by Ukraine to regain Russian-occupied territories.



Kyiv-based military analyst Oleh Zhdanov said on November 8 that 21 Russian conscripts had surrendered to Ukrainian forces around Svatove in the eastern Luhansk region.



"These poor mobilized men -- really poor, they had had nothing to eat or drink in three days -- of course they decided to surrender," Zhdanov said on his YouTube channel.



In the southern Kherson region, a battle between advancing Ukrainian forces and the Russian occupiers has been looming for weeks in the city by the same name, the only regional capital Russia has captured intact since its unprovoked invasion in February.



Kherson is arguably the most important of the four partially occupied Ukrainian regions that Russia says it annexed. It controls both the only land route to the Crimean Peninsula and the mouth of the Dnieper River that bisects Ukraine.

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, also commented on the fighting in eastern Ukraine on November 8. He was quoted by TASS as saying that information released about casualties among Chechen fighters near Lysychansk, a city in the eastern Luhansk region, was false.



"Not a single fighter of ours was killed in the aforementioned area," Kadyrov wrote on his Telegram channel, adding that he didn't want to comment on "such falsehoods" but found it necessary "to reassure all sane and concerned people."



Russia's Defense Ministry, meanwhile, released video footage that it said showed a drone strike obliterating a Ukrainian tank that was hiding in an urban area and shelling Russian troops.



"A Russian squad of unmanned aerial vehicles spotted the Ukrainian tank and destroyed it using a precision strike," the ministry said on November 8, according to TASS.



The Ukrainian military's General Staff said Russian troops used drones and artillery on November 8 to shell communities along the Sumy region's border with Russia in northeastern Ukraine. The only damage reported was to utility poles.



Sumy borders three regions of Russia -- Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod. The border regions of Ukraine are regularly shelled by Russia.



Neither side's battlefield claims could be independently verified.



The Ukrainian military has accused Russian troops of more looting and destroying infrastructure in Kherson.



"A convoy of trucks passed over the dam of the Kakhova hydroelectric station loaded with home appliances and building materials," the military said.



Russians were dismantling mobile phone towers and taking equipment, it said, adding that near the city of Beryslav, Russian forces "blew up a power line and took equipment from a solar power station."

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and CNN
MOSCOW -- Police detained dozens of people in several Russian cities as demonstrators joined a protest campaign urging Vladimir Putin not to run in the country's presidential election next year.

The April 29 protests came just three days after authorities moved to ban the organization spearheading the demonstrations: Open Russia, which was set up by former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky.

Open Russia was defiant after the Prosecutor-General's office declared the organization to be "undesirable" and the demonstrations were both a gauge of how receptive Russians were to Open Russia's message -- and how far authorities would go to block them.

Though hundreds of people joined the protests nationwide, the turnout appeared to be smaller than another action last month that saw tens of thousands of people -- and many younger Russians -- demonstrating against corruption.

Police apprehended at least 30 people on April 29 in St. Petersburg, one of 32 cities across Russia taking part in the protest action involving hundreds of people who are often being met by equal numbers of riot police.

At least 16 people were reported detained in Kemerovo and campaign organizers were also taken into custody in the cities of Izhevsk and Gorno-Altaysk.

Photos on social media sites showed protesters in St. Petersburg being forcibly detained.

The demonstrations involved hundreds of people who attempted to present written appeals at city halls and presidential administration offices in their cities that call for Putin to retire from politics.

WATCH: Open Russia Activist Darya Kulakova Is Detained In Kazan (Natural Sound, No Subtitles)



The protest action is known as "We're Sick Of Him" and "Enough!"

Khodorkovsky declared the protests a success.

"People turned out in full accordance with the law. They had a complete right to bring their demands to the presidential administration buildings on their days off," he said in a video posted to YouTube.

"We have long thought with colleagues how to offer people the opportunity to express themselves on the eve of Putin's acceptance or rejection of the decision to go for a fourth [presidential] term," said Khodorkovsky on April 29 in an interview with the Ekho Moskvy radio station.

"We came up with a previously unused, slightly complicated format [of protest] when we suggested that people on an individual basis bring...to the administrative offices of the president in the cities where they are located, including in Moscow, personal appeals from citizens to the president [Vladimir Putin] explaining why they would not want...[him] to run for a fourth term in office."

Moscow officials have declared the protest campaign to be unauthorized and that police would deal with the participants in the event. 

Organizers said the protest campaign was scheduled to take part in 32 cities, and that authorities had approved the demonstrations in 11 of those municipalities.

"In those cities in which a [protest] action was approved [by the authorities], it will be with banners, microphones, and so on," said Khodorkovsky, who lives in exile in Western Europe. "Where it is not approved, people will simply come individually with their appeals to the president."

Open Russia was declared "undesirable" by the Prosecutor-General's Office on April 26 and police raided the Moscow offices of the group the following day, confiscating leaflets to be handed out during the protest action.

Putin, who first served as president in 2000, is currently in his third term as president and was also prime minister from 2008 to 2012.

Once Russia's wealthiest tycoon, Khodorkovsky served 10 years in Russian jails and prisons after being convicted of tax evasion and other charges widely as politically motivated.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and Interfax
There are speculations that Amit Shah's visit to Jammu and Kashmir is so timed to address the unrest in the valley.

After BJP won the Assembly election in Uttar Pradesh, Narendra Modi lauded Amit Shah by saying he is a case study for political pundits who want to understand the word 'strategy', as his hard-work during the campaigning for UP assembly election was something never seen before. Also, it was Shah, whose leadership has led BJP to win elections in Assam, Maharashtra, Haryana and Jharkhand.

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Now, as Amit Shah charts his master plan for the 2019 general election with a 95-day-India-tour, the challenges before him and the party are huge.

Amit Shah arrived in Jammu today, kick-starting his all India-tour with a conference of all party leaders. Speculations are rife that his visit to Jammu and Kashmir is so timed to address the unrest in the valley.

CHALLENGES FOR THE BJP

The BJP in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is walking on the tip of a sword as it's encircled by the upsurge in militancy, dissent of separatists and the issue of stone-pelting.Shah is slated to assess the Kashmir situation and review the performance of all the 11 ministers of the party in the ruling PDP-BJP government, during his visit. He is also looking forward to strengthening the party base in the state.

Besides, the assembly election in Himachal Pradesh in late 2017 stands as a big challenge in the way of the BJP's desire of a pan-India victory in 2019 general elections. The Congress has dislodged the BJP five years ago from the state. Now, the Modi-Shah duo will desperately look for a way to win the hill state, to move a step closer to their dream of a 'Congress Mukt Bharat'.

The BJP is also hoping for a big victory in Gujarat as it will boost the party's prospects for the general elections. But the party faces some serious challenges in the state. Since Modi has left for Delhi, the state has witnessed numerous uprisings by the upper caste Patels, who till Modi's reign in Gujarat, along with Dalits have always been the party's strongest electoral supporters.

In 2010, the BJP had managed to bag over 50 per cent of the vote share to win 30 of the 31 district panchayats. However, in 2015, it could just win six district panchayats and its vote share dipped by 7 per cent. Whereas, the Congress increased its vote tally from just 1 to 24 district panchayats.

However, Amit Shah is leaving no stones unturned to ensure that the BJP gets re-elected in 2019. Shah has already deputed 600 Full-timer volunteers for 2019 Lok Sabha Polls. He has also identified five states of West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana, Gujarat and Lakshdweep for his 15-day work at booth-level, with special focus on bringing the new generation of Indians to the forefront. The BJP is working on a membership drive to strengthen the organisational setup.

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ALSO READ:

Amit Shah's master-plan for Narendra Modi 2.0 in 2019

Eyeing 2019 polls, BJP chief Amit Shah to start 95-day all-India tour with Jammu and Kashmir visit

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Exclusive: Opposition should stop 'bayanbaazi' and start working, says Amit Shah

--- ENDS ---
Dozens of people were detained in Russia on April 28 while taking part in a nationwide protest campaign known as "We're Sick Of Him" and "Enough!" The protesters were calling for President Vladimir Putin to retire from politics and to refrain from running for reelection next year. (RFE/RL's Russian Service)
Russia has again accused the United States of lying about its deployment of antimissile systems in Europe, as Washington repeated its findings that Moscow was violating a key arms-control treaty.



The caustic comments by Russia's Foreign Ministry on April 29 followed the release of the State Department's annual arms-control compliance report.



The report, issued earlier this month, asserted for the fourth consecutive year that Russia had developed a ground-launched cruise missile in violation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF).



Signed in 1987, that agreement, known as the INF, eliminated an entire class of cruise and ballistic missiles in Europe and is considered a bedrock treaty for U.S.-Russian arms control.



In its remarks, the Foreign Ministry rejected U.S. accusations, and repeated past assertions that the deployment of the so-called Aegis Ashore system in Romania and Poland contradicted the treaty provisions, something Washington has denied.



"Washington is providing deliberately false information about its 'fulfilment' of obligations under the INF treaty. For years, the United States has been simply ignoring Russia's serious concerns," the ministry said in a statement.

The Aegis Ashore deployment "is an undeniable fact that this is a gross violation of obligations in the INF treaty," it added.



The United States first formally accused Russia of developing a missile in violation of the INF back in 2014, though intelligence experts said the system had been under development for several years prior to that.

Last year, with Russia demanding the United States provide more technical evidence to back up its assertions, U.S. officials for the first time called a special meeting of technical experts to try and resolve the impasse, but it failed to clear up the dispute.



Then, in March, the vice chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff told Congress that Russia had begun deploying the weapons. General Paul Selva said it had violated the "spirit and intent" of the treaty and that it posed a threat to NATO.



In the 2017 U.S. report, the State Department's Bureau of Arms Control and Verification also provided several small hints at what the exact missile system was.

The bureau said it had provided Moscow with specific manufacturing details, and had given Russia the dates and coordinates of Russian tests of the cruise missile.

And for the first time in its public reports, the U.S. said the missile system was distinct from another ground-launched cruise missile -- the R-500, also known as SSC-7 -- or an intercontinental ballistic missile known as the RS-26.



Some arms-control experts have argued that the system, which is allegedly violating the INF treaty, is in fact based on the Iskander, a highly functional system of launchers and missiles whose recent deployment to Kaliningrad has worried European NATO members.



If the violating system turned out to be an Iskander, experts say the entire Iskander system would have to destroyed under treaty rules, something Russia would never agree to.



Steven Pifer, an expert at the Brookings Institute, a Washington think-tank, argued that the United States should press Moscow to comply, but not by deploying its own medium-range missile in Europe, which would destroy the treaty and which some Republicans members of Congress have called for.



Instead, Pifer said, Washington should consider putting conventional B-52 or B-1 bombers back into operation in Europe as well as increasing patrols of naval ships and submarines carrying conventionally armed sea-launched cruise missiles in the North Sea.

He also suggested that the United States should share more details with countries neighboring Russia, like Sweden, Finland, and China, to demonstrate that they are at risk from a new Russian missile.



"The United States needs leverage to persuade the Kremlin to come back into compliance," Pifer, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, wrote in an op-ed published on April 26.

More U.S. conventional weapons in Europe "would be a countervailing measure that would offset the military advantages that Russia hopes to secure by its violation. Getting third countries to beat up on Moscow would raise the political and diplomatic costs," he said.


Ukraine charged on April 28 that Russia's effort to have international authorities arrest and extradite former Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk is "politically motivated."

A Russian court issued an international arrest warrant and extradition request for Yatsenyuk in February, claiming he killed Russian soldiers in Chechnya in the 1990s -- an allegation that Yatsenyuk has called "total absurdity."

Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov, who said Interpot sent him a copy of the Russian request, said Yatsenyuk has never been to Chechnya.

"Yatsenyuk's persecution by Russia is politically motivated," Avakov said.

Russia was criticized in a Council of Europe report this week for using the Interpol international policing system for political purposes rather than to pursue criminals.

Ukrainian Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko said he believes Interpol will dismiss Russia's request for Yatsenyuk.

Yatsenyuk was a leading figure in the massive protests that drove a Ukrainian president who was friendly to Russia out of office in 2014. He became prime minister and held that office until April 2016.

Based on reporting by AP, Interfax, and TASS


Ukraine on April 28 started returning an estimated $1.5 billion in assets allegedly stolen from the Kyiv government by ousted former President Viktor Yanukovych and his associates.

"This money was stolen from the Ukrainian people," Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said in an address. "It was pulled out of the pocket of every Ukrainian."

The National Security and Defense Council said the state savings bank Oschadbank had begun confiscating the Russia-backed president's holdings in line with an earlier court ruling.

Council chief Oleksandr Turchynov said the $1.5 billion would be returned to the state budget.

Poroshenko's press service put the exact amount at 40 billion hryvnyas -- a figure that was worth about $5 billion when Yanukovych was still in power.

The assets belonging to Yanukovych and his cronies had been frozen in Ukraine since their government was forced out in February 2014 by street protests and they fled to exile in Russia.

The exact amount the old guard may have pocketed remains unknown. Ukraine's acting chief prosecutor in April 2014 accused Yanukovych's inner circle of heading a criminal gang that had cost Ukraine up to $100 billion.

Switzerland also froze assets linked to Yanukovych and 19 members of his entourage less than a week after his four-year tenure in office ended and Poroshenko's pro-Western government took over.

In Ukraine, Yanukovych led a lavish lifestyle, building himself an opulent palace outside Kyiv that included a petting zoo and a collection of classic cars worth millions of dollars.

A golden replica of a loaf of bread that Yanukovych displayed to his guests became a symbol of his government's excesses.

Yanukovych's lawyer Vitali ySerdyuk denied that his client had anything to do with the $1.5 billion being confiscated, maintaining that the amount of money that remains in Yanukovych's personal bank account is much smaller.

With reporting by AFP and Interfax
The United States is "deeply troubled" by Russia's decision to blacklist Open Russia and two other pro-democracy groups, the State Department said late on April 28.

The Russian Prosecutor General's Office earlier this week designated Open Russia, the Open Russia Civic Movement, and the Institute of Modern Russia as "undesirable."

"We reject the notion that these and other international civil society organizations are a threat to Russia," department spokesman Mark Toner said.

"If Russia hopes to build a strong, democratic government with a dynamic, competitive economy, it should value and support, not harass and criminalize such independent voices," he said.

Russian authorities on April 27 raided the Moscow office of Open Russia, which is run from abroad by Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a former business mogul and ardent opponent of President Vladimir Putin.

The raid occurred ahead of planned protests this weekend across the country.

Toner called on the Russian government to protect human rights and stop restricting fundamental freedoms.

Former oil tycoon Khodorkovsky was Russia's richest man until Putin imprisoned him for a decade on tax evasion charges that his supporters said were politically motivated. Putin pardoned Khodorkovsky in 2013.

With reporting by dpa


The United States has extended sanctions relief for Belarus by another six months in the continuation of a policy started under the Obama administration to encourage the country to turn away from traditional ally Russia and toward the West.

The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control on April 28 issued a new waiver extending sanctions relief through October 30. The sanctions were originally imposed over concerns about the human rights situation in Belarus.

The waivers, which had been scheduled to expire on April 30, allow major Belarussian companies to continue to deal with U.S. businesses.

The extension of the waivers had been in doubt after Belarusian authorities arrested hundreds of people during March in a crackdown on antigovernment protests in Minsk, the capital.

U.S. officials are attempting to encourage the government of Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka to continue its stop-and-start moves to engage more closely with the West. After five years, the European Union in 2016 ended sanctions against Minsk.

The authoritarian Lukashenka has been in office more than two decades in the former Soviet republic and has been a traditional ally of Moscow.

Economic hard times have driven many people to the streets to protest, but his governments sustained suppression of dissent has limited the effectiveness of the opposition.

Meanwhile, NATO members Poland and the Baltic states have expressed concerns about increased Russian influence in Belarus.

The Estonian defense minister this week said Russia may use planned large-scale military exercises later this year to permanently move thousands of troops into Belarus.

With reporting by Reuters
Jammu, Apr 29 (PTI) BJP National President Amit Shah today began a country-wide 95-day tour from Jammu to strategize ways to strengthen the party at the grass-roots level with an eye to win the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

The visit assumes significance in view of the deteriorating security condition in the state and tension between coalition partners--the BJP and the PDP--following certain remarks made by some BJP leaders and a minister.

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Shah arrived at the Jammu airport this morning, where the ministers and party leaders received him. He was later taken to the Government Guest House in a big cavalcade in a scooter and motorcycle rally.

Jammu wore a beautiful look with thousands of flags, flowers and banners donning the roads.

Flanked by BJP leaders Ram Lal, Jitendra Singh and Anil Jain, Shah is scheduled to address a meeting of MPs, MLAs, MLCs, VCs and state office bearers at the Government Convention Centre.

He will later address a large gathering of senior citizens at the same venue.

The BJP office in a tweet said that Shah today began the 95-day long country-wide visit from Jammu and Kashmir.

The main aim of the visit was to strengthen the party at the booth-level and to spread and reach out to the last man in the last row with the prime ministers pro-poor schemes, it said.

The BJP national president will inaugurate Nanaji Deshmukh Library and e-Library tomorrow, followed by release of a book at the party headquarters in Trikuta Nagar.

At the same venue, Shah will chair a meeting of the heads of department, he said.

The BJP national president will also hold separate meetings on Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Birth Centenary Karya Vistar Yojana, Aajeevan Sehyog Needhi and Finance, IT, Social Media and Election Management.

Shahs visit also assumes prominence in view of the tension between the PDP and the BJP last week which was followed by the meetings between Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deescalate the situation. PTI AB IKA

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New Delhi, Apr 29 (PTI) The DCW has issued notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner seeking to know if women police personnel in plainclothes are being deployed at public places to curb cases of molestation, stalking and rape in the national capital.

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) sought the details referring to a Supreme Court order which calls for district additional commissioners of police and DCPs to depute women officers in plainclothes at bus stops, railway stations, parks and educational institutions, among others.

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Further, it was directed that in case any untoward incident takes place, these officers should intervene and take legal action, the Commission said in the notice.

DCW Chairperson Swati Maliwal has sought a copy of the PHQ circular related to the same and details of the steps to comply with the directions of the Supreme Court.

Maliwal also asked for providing a list of women officers deployed in plainclothes in various districts along with their names, designations, locations in which they are deputed, and duration of deployment in a week.

The Commission has asked the top cop to furnish all the details by May 8. PTI PLB KUN

--- ENDS ---
A former Marine who founded a leadership development firm will vie for the open seat on the Henrico County Board of Supervisors.

Courtney Lynch, 42, won a spot on the November ballot for the Brookland seat during a Henrico County Democratic Committee caucus on Saturday. Lynch defeated Danny Plaugher, executive director of advocacy group Virginians for High Speed Rail, for the nomination.

Lynch said she owed her success to a grass-roots campaign that touched voters who arent traditionally involved along with those who are.

Both types of voters seemed to turn out. ... Im looking forward to working hard and reaching a lot of voters in coming months, she said.

Of 589 votes cast, Lynch received 364, said committee chairwoman Cheryl Zando. The caucus took place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen.

Lynch graduated from law school at the College of William & Mary and is the founder of consulting firm Lead Star. She was a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Amid demographic shifts in the county and a growing proclivity for Henrico voters to vote for Democrats, local political watchers say the November election could result in the first modern Democratic majority on the Board of Supervisors. Frank Thornton and Tyrone Nelson, who represent the Fairfield and Varina districts, respectively, are Democrats.

Lynch, who is running on a platform of bettering schools, creating an inclusive environment for newcomers and fostering community revitalization, will go on to face a Republican challenger who will be elected during the June 13 primary.
Debra H. Rodman won the Democratic nomination on Saturday to challenge longtime incumbent Del. John M. OBannon III, R-Henrico, in the 73rd District of the House of Delegates.

Rodman, 44, an associate professor of anthropology and director of womens studies at Randolph-Macon College, secured the nomination in a runoff with Chelsea Savage, 46, after ranked-choice voting winnowed the field of four candidates, all under 50.

In the first round, Rodman had 232 votes, or 57 shy of the 289 necessary for a majority of the 578 votes cast on Saturday at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen and in early voting last Monday at the Glen Allen Library.

Savage followed with 163 votes, Sarah Smith with 141, and Bill Coleman with 42.

After reallocating Coleman and Smiths votes in the runoff, based on voter rankings on the ballot, Rodman captured 323 votes to 230 for Savage.

All great candidates, Rodman said after the final vote. I couldnt be more humbled by the quality of the people who came out.

It really shows the strength of Virginia as we move toward November and well be able to flip this district, she said.

OBannon, 69, said Saturday, I would congratulate Professor Rodman and I look forward to a thoughtful, robust campaign.

He added: I feel that I have honestly and thoughtfully represented people in the 73rd, and I look forward to continuing to do that.

The caucus drew about 600 voters, or half of the number who voted in the district in the Democratic primaries for lieutenant governor and attorney general in 2013. But primaries feature daylong voting in peoples home precincts, compared with driving to a caucus meeting on a Monday night or Saturday to vote.

I felt that the turnout was exceptional, said Cheryl Zando, chairwoman of the Henrico County Democratic Committee.

Henrico Democrats are fielding only their second candidate to challenge OBannon in 17 years in a Republican-leaning district that voted for Democrat Hillary Clinton in the presidential election last fall.

The House election in November will be the first time since 2009 that a Democrat has been nominated to face OBannon, who was first elected to fill the unexpired term of then-Del. Eric Cantor in 2000 and subsequently was re-elected eight times.

But Democrats have found new energy since the election of Republican Donald Trump as president in November, when Clinton carried Virginia and won Henrico by 21 percentage points.

Its very heartening to me as a Democrat after the depression of the fall, said Mary Reichert, a member of the committee who worked as a volunteer at the caucus on Saturday.

Reichert also is confident the surge in party participation will carry into the general election between Rodman and OBannon in November.

If Trump keeps doing whats hes doing, the energy will be there, she said.

Rodman, a resident of the Greendale neighborhood near Staples Mill Road, campaigned primarily on jobs, health care and education for working families. She is an experienced advocate for immigrants, especially women, children and people in the LGBT community who are seeking refuge in the U.S. from persecution in their home countries.

Today, Henrico voters made it clear that they want a delegate who shares their values and is ready to do something about it, she said.

Rodman said OBannon has spent nearly 20 years voting against the best interests of people in this district.

Were going to hold him accountable, she said.
President Trump did something Monday I have long advocated. He met with a small group of conservative journalists, pundits and radio talk show hosts. I was among them.

After ticking off a list of what he said were his accomplishments leading up to the arbitrary 100-day marker of his presidency, we asked him questions.

What differed from the crowd of liberal journalists who ask questions during formal news conferences  and those that toss questions at his spokesman, Sean Spicer, at the daily press briefing  is that our group asked questions with the intent of getting information, instead of the accusatory tone and gotcha questions that often characterize what has come to be known as the mainstream media.

The session was supposed to be on background, meaning the president could not be quoted, but halfway through he declared it on the record, which is how news broke of his decision to impose a 20 percent tariff on Canadian lumber entering the U.S. Trump said it is unfair for the Canadian lumber industry to receive government subsidies. Reciprocity, he called it, a word I like.

The questions were substantive, including mine about North Korea (Given your stated budding friendship with Chinas President Xi Jinping and what you say are his efforts to dissuade North Koreas nuclear program, would you say war is less likely, or about as likely?) The president said he doesnt discuss military matters in public, but in his answer to my follow-up question he said hes not sure some of the armaments recently paraded through the streets of Pyongyang are real, but well see.

Conservatives should not be lapdogs for a Republican president. No one asked the types of softball questions the media usually toss at a Democratic president. The president told us he doesnt expect to be free of criticism, but appreciates fairness. He allowed that conservative journalists are likely to be fairer to him than those his strategist, Steve Bannon, has called the enemy and opposition party. A side note: Bannon stood off to the side at our meeting with the president, frequently smiling.

Evidence that the major media tilt left is undeniable. The Media Research Center, a conservative media watchdog organization, has calculated that during the first 30 days of his presidency ... the President and his team were the subject of 16 hours of coverage on just the Big Three evening newscasts, or more than half (54 percent) of all of the news coverage during this period. And while most new presidents enjoy a media honeymoon, the tone of Trumps coverage was nearly as hostile (88 percent negative) as we found during last years presidential campaign (91 percent negative).

The New York Times on Tuesday provided a useful service. It carried a story noting how differently conservative and liberal reporters and commentators have treated President Trump and his administration. Reading these suggests not just different perspectives, but different realities.

The mini news conference ended with a promise by a White House staff member that there would be more of these gatherings. They seem to be an outgrowth of Sean Spicers strategy to broaden media access beyond the usual collection of liberal journalists and even beyond Washington, as he does with occasional questions via Skype from reporters and anchors in other cities. Most of these have also been substantive and reflect issues and perspectives from outside the Washington Beltway.

While some reporters have groused about this exercise in ideological pluralism, the public is getting more information and a different perspective from what they are used to. That can only be good for the country, for conservative journalists who are often ignored by the major media, and for the president.
Donald Trumps failure to accomplish much or any of his agenda during his first 100 days as president shouldnt blind us to the vast harm he has done in this comparatively short time to our system of government, especially his degradation of the presidency.

From early in the republic, we have looked at the office of the president as a focal point for the nations values. Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and the two Roosevelts exemplified for generations of Americans the moral authority of the highest office in the land. It is not merely what these men accomplished but how they did it; not just their policies but their positive effects on the institutions of democratic governance.

True, many of our presidents have fallen short of those ideals. But our disappointment in those individuals reflected the high expectations we have had for those who hold that office.

Yet under Trump, the moral authority of the presidency has all but disappeared.

Im old enough to recall when John F. Kennedy invited the worlds great artists, writers and philosophers to dine at the White House. The nation felt ennobled.

Donald Trump invites Sarah Palin and Ted Nugent, who once called President Obama a mongrel, and we feel sullied.

But it has not just been Trumps vulgarity.

There have also been Trumps lies  blatant, continuous and unsubstantiated, even after the lack of evidence has been pointed out repeatedly.

They are not just any lies, but lies that deepen Americans suspicion of one another and undermine our confidence in our system of government  such as his repeated contention that 3 million to 5 million people voted illegally in the last election, or that Obama spied on him during the campaign.

Prior presidents have embellished the truth and on occasion have lied about a particular important thing, such as the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. But never before Trump have we had a president who chronically lies, whose lies have become an integral part of his presidency even in the first 100 days.

There is also Trumps vast family business, from which he continues to benefit even though the decisions he makes in office affect what he earns, and despite the almost certain decisions by foreign governments to curry favor with him by bestowing benefits on his business.

Trump shrugs off such conflicts  even refusing to release his tax returns, and even inviting his daughter and son-in-law, each with their own businesses and conflicts of interest, to join him at the highest reaches of the White House.

Some presidents have profited from their presidencies after leaving office through large speaking fees and book contracts. But never before Trump have we had a president for whom conflicts of financial interest during his presidency are so flagrant yet ignored.

The first 100 days have also been marked by Trumps divisiveness  turning Americans against one another; legitimizing hatefulness toward Mexican-Americans, Muslim-Americans and African-Americans; and fueling violence between his supporters and his opponents.

We have had divisive elections before. But after them, other presidents have sought to heal the wounds. Even after the horrors of the Civil War, Lincoln famously asked us to come together without malice.

Trump, by contrast, has fomented the warring camps  calling his opponents enemies, suggesting they are plotting against his administration, and staging rallies to encourage and fuel his bedrock supporters.

We have also seen Trumps unnecessary cruelty  toward refugees, undocumented immigrants and the poor among us. He has issued a budget that would deeply harm the least advantaged Americans, and supported a repeal of the Affordable Care Act that would also hurt those most in need.

He has refused asylum to refugees at a time when the world faces the largest refugee crisis since World War II, and unleashed immigration enforcers on 11 million residents of the United States, many of whom have been productive members of their communities for years. He has even deported people who have been here since childhood and know no other nation.

Other presidents have on occasion been cruel. But Trumps cruelty has defied reason. It is utterly unnecessary.

There has also been Trumps effect on the rest of the world  legitimizing crude nationalism and hateful xenophobia. He has promoted Frances Marine Le Pen and encouraged authoritarians such as Turkeys Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while at the same time confusing our democratic allies and friends.

Finally, there is Donald Trump himself, who in the first 100 days as president has shown himself to be narcissistic, xenophobic, paranoid, vindictive and thin-skinned; who takes credit for the work of others and blames others for his own failings; who lashes out at the press and journalists when they criticize him; and who demonizes judges who disagree with him.

We have before had presidents whose personality defects harmed their presidencies and tainted the office of the president, such as Richard Nixon. But Trump is in a different league altogether. He exhibits the opposite of every civic virtue ever encouraged in our schoolrooms, town halls and churches.

The first 100 days is an artificial landmark for presidents. But it does offer an opportunity to pause and assess what presidents have done. Too often, though, we think in the narrow gauge of policies and legislation.

With Trump, its important to think more broadly. Among the most significant legacies of his first 100 days is his degrading of the moral authority of the office of the president  and thereby, of America.
A man captured a hair-raising footage of an avalanche near a Russian ski-resort which frightened those who watched it coming down.

A person captured an incredible and hair-raising footage of an avalanche in Russia.

The person behind the camera captured the avalanche at a Russian ski-resort in Terksol near Europe's highest mountain, Elbrus.

Avalanche Near Mount Elbrus In Russia (Screenshot: Facebook/Oleg Koshkarev)

The mass of snow fell rapidly down a mountainside heading towards the town. The man bid farewell to his parents in French as the avalanche approached the town.

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"So I say. I love you dad, I love you," RT quoted.

Luckily, the torrent of snow stopped as it came closer to the town and the only thing that reached the resort was a huge white cloud.

Local mountain-guide Oleg Koshkarev, who published the video, wrote in a comment that the snow had "stopped mid-mountain," according to the RT report.

Watch: Footage of avalanche filmed near Mount Elbrus in Russia

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When historic buildings get repurposed, traces of their original functions sometimes linger. Often, theyre subtle. In the case of the St. Patricks Place condominiums in Richmonds Church Hill neighborhood, its more like writing on the wall. Literally.

Several of the condo units in the larger of the developments two Georgian Revival-style buildings, located at 2600 East Grace Street, have mahogany-framed blackboards mounted on the wall, relics from the days when the building was a schoolhouse. And theyre not the only signs of the developments education-driven past.

When you walk into the building, you still feel like youre walking into a schoolhouse, said Kim Chen, the citys senior preservation planner. Schools are adaptively hard to reuse, but they did a really nice, sensitive job with St. Patricks Place.

The school buildings layout, with six large classrooms on each of the two main floors, were key to making the reuse plans go smoothly, said George Stanley, a Richmond-based developer and contractor.

Stanleys company, Stanley Shield LLC, bought the St. Patricks School building and the smaller adjacent building (originally a residence for the nuns who ran the school) from the Catholic Diocese of Richmond in 2004, a year after the last classes were held there.

Richmond-based Commonwealth Architects did the design work for the adaptive reuse project, which historic tax credits helped make feasible.

St. Patricks School, which was originally called the St. Patricks Female Academy, had a long history in Church Hill. The main building in St. Patricks Place was built in 1914 as an expansion to a school that had been in the neighborhood since 1866. While several documents claim the developments smaller building was built in 1925, it was built in 1914, too, Chen said.

Building permits for both buildings were filed in 1914, and a newspaper article from Dec. 8, 1914 talked about the dedication ceremony for both buildings, she said.

The buildings matching Tuscan columns and identical brick building materials support Chens argument that they were built in the same year, as well.

Both buildings were designed by Marcellus Wright, who also designed the Hotel John Marshall and the Altria Theater (formerly known as the Mosque).

Among St. Patricks Places standout architectural features are the meticulously detailed porticos on both buildings, as well the main buildings eyebrow dormers and the two cupolas that cap the hipped roof, which are visible from different vantage points throughout Church Hill, Chen said.

For much of the 20th century, St. Patricks School prospered. By midcentury, the school had grown so much that it used nearby buildings for classrooms. And in 1957 it purchased the Third Presbyterian Church complex one block north on the corner of 26th and Broad streets for additional educational facilities, said Jennie Dotts, a real estate agent with Virginia Properties, a Long & Foster Co.

However, Church Hill went into decline as city residents moved to the suburbs, and by the 1970s, enrollment in St. Patricks School had dropped significantly, Dotts said. The final classes were held in 2003.

From Stanleys perspective, the timing of the schools closing was fortuitous. When the Catholic Diocese of Richmond announced its plans to sell the property, Stanley and his business partner, Ed Shield, were finishing up renovation work on the nearby Pohlig Box Factory.

Stanley and Shield paid $825,000 for the St. Patricks property in 2004, and they began the renovation shortly after getting the site rezoned for condos.

The school building has 11 condos, and the nuns residence building has four. Sizes range from 914 to 1,827 square feet.

The units on the second floor of the school building feature vaulted ceilings, which Stanley and Shield installed to enhance their loft-like qualities.

Landmark Property Services Inc. manages the two buildings.

Today, condos in St. Patricks Place come on the market fairly infrequently. Since April of 2011, four units have passed through MLS as sold, Dotts said. Prices for the four ranged from $200,000 to $283,000.

The most recent unit on the market sold in four days.

Dotts attributes the developments infrequent turnover and the low days on market to a variety of factors, including its convenient location, off-street parking and vintage features. And the condos visual impact is appealing, too. The high ceilings and exceptional windows make these units seem larger than their square footage, Dotts said.

_______________
Filmmakers Shekhar Kapur, Mahesh Bhatt and superstar Mahesh Babu took to Twitter to appreciate SS Rajamouli's mind-blowing creation, Baahubali: The Conclusion.

You can agree to disagree but SS Rajamouli is the best storyteller in India we today. His Baahubali is a testimony to that. Even after two years, the character; the iconic scenes are fresh in our memories. That's the impact of the film.

Baahubali: The Conclusion, which released on Friday, has opened to terrific reception from critics and fans. Notably, several Tollywood, Kollywood celebrities have lauded Rajamouli's for his unimaginable vision to make something like Baahubali possible.

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Now, veteran filmmakers Shekhar Kapoor and Mahesh Bhatt have heaped praise on the Eega director.

Bahubali is a game changer, it's the kind of movie that redefines everything you thought u knew & understood about Indian movies.- Mahesh Bhatt (@MaheshNBhatt) April 29, 2017

Praising Rajamouli, superstar Mahesh Babu wrote:

The master storyteller is back! #Baahubali2 is an event film which exceeds expectations!- Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) April 29, 2017

Mind boggling stuff, a game changer! Hats off to @ssrajamouli and the entire team!- Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) April 29, 2017

On Friday, the film witnessed phenomenal response from fans and is expected to a business of Rs 210 crore on its opening day.

Made on a budget of Rs 250 crore, the film has already fetched enough moolah for the producers and reportedly raked in Rs 500 crore through its satellite and distribution rights. Baahubali 2 is released in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi.

Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah, Sathyaraj and Ramya Krishnan star in pivotal roles in this instalment of Baahubali too.

ALSO READ: Baahubali 2 Tamil Review

ALSO READ: Baahubali 2 Hindi Review

ALSO READ: Baahhubali 2 box-office collection Day 1: Rajamouli's film beats Sultan, Dangal

ALSO READ: KRK Abuses Rajamouli, calls Baahubali 2 a 'stupid' film

WATCH: Everything you need to know about Baahubali

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A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
Roanoke ceramic artist Chris Gryder, a transplant from Boston, said hes grateful that the Open Studios Tour of Roanoke has helped him find a local audience for his work.

Now in its 17th year, the tour returns Saturday and Sunday, with 25 artists displaying their creations in eight studios based in Southwest and Southeast Roanoke.

Gryder and Roanoke landscape painter Nan Mahone Wellborn are co-directors this year. The kinds of art in the tour will include sculpture, mosaics, pottery, photography, textiles, metalwork, jewelry, assemblages and many different styles of painting.

Theres always a range of artists, theyre all doing interesting things, Gryder said. Somebody coming to the tour is going to be able to see something that will connect with them and touch them.

Gryder suggested that theres much artists can teach about business, too.

Artists are actually can-do folks. Theyre entrepreneurs, he said. They take ideas, they take these things that are ephemeral, and they make them concrete. Artists are also responsible for selling and marketing, too, he said. All those skills translate.

Gryder, 53, and his wife came to Roanoke in 2003, drawn by the beautiful views and affordable housing.

Gryders first degree was in architecture. He first started working with ceramics while living at Arcosanti, an experimental community in the Arizona desert founded by Italian architect Paolo Soleri. By the time he came to Roanoke, he was making money through commissions of his art from around the country  and much of that work dried up when the Great Recession began in 2008.

Being part of Open Studios helped him find new customers closer to home. It was really nice to have a little bit of support from the local community.

Open Studios helps connect artists with audiences and gives artists a means to network, he said.

Organizers are discussing ways to get more artists and volunteers involved, and expand social media offerings. The event has a new website this year.

Gryder said that when he first came to Roanoke, he had a dream of founding an artist colony or retreat similar to what he experienced at Arcosanti. In a sense the tour, for me, is a part of that dream.

Bike Shorts film festival

The Bike Shorts Film Festival returns Friday to the Grandin Theatre. Organized by RIDE Solutions, a Roanoke program that promotes ecologically friendly transportation alternatives, the festival gathers short movies that include bicycles in some prominent way.

The program usually features a mix of professionally made documentaries submitted from all over the world and low-budget entries from regional filmmakers, some quite creative. (Full disclosure: I have been a judge for past festivals.) Prizes ranging from $100 to $300 include best local film, best soundtrack, best teen film, a juried grand prize and audience choice awards at each festival screening.

The festival screening schedule runs as follows.

Friday, 7 p.m.: Grandin Theatre, 1310 Grandin Road, Roanoke. $9.75, children $5. 345-6377. www.grandintheatre.com/shows/2017-bike-shorts-film-festival.

May 4, 6 p.m.: Academy Center of the Arts, 600 Main Street, Lynchburg. $5. 434-846-8499. www.academycenter.org.

May 9, 7 p.m.: Historic Masonic Theatre, 510 Main Street, Clifton Forge. Free. 862-5655. historicmasonictheatre.com.

May 23, 6:30 p.m.: The Lyric Theatre, 135 College Avenue, Blacksburg. $5. 951-4771. www.thelyric.com.

For more information on Bike Shorts, visit ridesolutions.org/bikeshorts.
BLACKSBURG  Anna is really looking forward to drinking water at her new school, next fall.

Im really excited because then I dont have to kneel or sit on the ground to try and get water, the St. John Neumann Academy fourth-grader said.

Multi-level water fountains are just one feature of the private Catholic schools new 20,000-square-foot complex on Yellow Sulfur Road that Anna and her classmates toured for the first time this week.

It looks small on the outside, but when you walk in its humongous, said Annas classmate, Quinn.

The buildings first bell is scheduled to ring for all of the schools preschool through eighth-grade students in August, said school Director Julia Wharton.

Along with the new water fountains, the school will contain 16 660-square-foot classrooms, a multipurpose room, to be used as the schools first gym, auditorium and cafeteria, and the schools first chapel.

So if you get stressed youll be able to go and talk to the Lord, Quinn said.

Wharton said the entire project, including the 8.5-acre campus, cost $4 million, which was provided by private investors and built by Roanoke-based Lionberger Construction.

Currently the school, which began with 17 students in 2003, is located in a rented space near the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center  a facility that has been maxed out by the schools 115 students.

Wharton said the new space should allow for as many as 250 students and should expand many of the extra curricular offerings at the only Catholic school between Bristol and Roanoke.

Right now we really dont have any space other than classroom space, she said.

Despite the structures new offerings to the students, Wharton said shes most excited about what they will bring to the building.

Its never been about the buildings, its about the children and students and everything that gets breathed into it, Wharton said.

Theyre so full of ideas of what they want to see in a new school, thats the exciting thing, she said.

When asked, several of the students made clear what they most hope to see at the new facility.

More kids can come and we can have more friends, fourth-grader Mariana said.
NEPAL

Rescued trekker celebrates birthday

KATHMANDU, Nepal  A Taiwanese trekker who was rescued after 47 days on a mountain in Nepal celebrated his 21st birthday at a hospital in the capital on Friday.

A happy Liang Sheng-yueh cut cheese and chocolate cakes in his hospital room in Kathmandu, where hospital staff and a government minister sang Happy Birthday.

With a paper hat on his head, Liang joined his hands to thank the doctors and journalists who were at the birthday celebration. Doctors fed him pieces of cake.

Thank you very much everyone for taking care of me, Liang said. I am sorry to make you worried. I hope that I can make contributions to society in the future and I will do my best to live up to my responsibilities.

Liang is making good progress and was able to walk on Friday with the help of physiotherapists.

TURKEY

EU says membership talks still open

BRUSSELS  The European Union is keeping the door ajar for Turkey to become a member, but it says Ankara must provide clearer signals on whether it intends to meet the entrance criteria in such areas as human rights and rule of law.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said that despite the doubts expressed by some foreign ministers during a meeting Friday, the EU for now favors continuing the protracted accession talks with Turkey.

It is to them to express their willingness to continue to be a candidate country, to continue to be interested or not to join our family, she said.

Referring to democratic ground rules such as protecting minorities and outlawing the death penalty, Mogherini said the rules of the club are clear.

We would be happy to have them in but a level of clarification is needed I would say on their side, she said at the end of a meeting of the 28 EU foreign ministers in Valletta, Malta.

IRAQ

IS claims responsibility for Baghdad bombing

BAGHDAD  The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a bombing that targeted a police station in Baghdads center Friday night, and Iraqi officials said the blast killed four people and wounded eight.

The attack was carried out by a suicide car bomber, according to police and hospital officials who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. They put the death toll at four.

But Saad Mann, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry and Baghdad Operations Command, told the Associated Press that only three were killed in the bombing. He said all those killed were policemen and did not offer any information as to the number of injured.

The differing accounts could not be immediately reconciled.

The explosion targeted an entrance to the traffic police station in Baghdads Karrada neighborhood. Moments after the attack the burning shell of a car could be seen sending up a plume of thick black smoke as police fired into the air to disperse a small crowd.

CHILE

Stream of quakes rattles coast

SANTIAGO, CHILE  More than a dozen moderate earthquakes rattled the Chilean coast within just over two hours Friday, the most powerful of them registered at magnitude 5.9.

The continued rattling prompted some cities to suspend classes and give workers the afternoon off. There are no reports of damage or injury.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the strongest hit at 12:30 p.m. That magnitude 5.9 shake was centered about 26 miles southwest of Valparaiso and about 65 miles west of the capital, Santiago.

It was followed within about two hours by 15 other quakes of magnitude 3.8 to 5.7, centered in the same region.

A magnitude 6.9 quake shook the same general region on Monday.
Elections News Anger Underlying French Elections Is Roiling California Too | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Did you hear there is an election for governor in California ... t any competitive statewide races. California Gov. Gavin Newsom talks at a news conference with workers and volunteers on ... Read More Officials in one California county said that a system error is to blame for roughly 5,000 duplicate ballots being mailed to residents throughout the area. The ... Read More Sacramento Bee journalists will be ready to answer your election-related questions as we approach the November general election, which includes races for U.S. Senate, California governor ... Read More All registered Californian voters can soon expect to find a ballot in their mailboxes for the Nov. 8 election, which include contests for U.S. Senate, California governor, secretary of state and more. Read More University of California-Berkeley scholar Sarah Anzia has shown how early progressives sought to effectively disenfranchise voters who didnt share their views by moving local elections off cycle. Read More Observation is a long-held tradition, said Ryan Ronco, the top election official in Placer County and president of the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials. At the same ... Read More FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Californians will hit the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 8 to vote on a number of issues for the General Election. On election night, ABC30 Action News will bring you local ... Read More To really understand an election, you have to understand the motivations  and the lives  of the Americans voting in it. But too often our ... interviews in our CBS News polling over the ... Read More school boards and other local offices that will be on ballots across the country too. Which party will control the Senate? Here's every seat up for grabs in the 2022 midterms Is Election Day a ... Read More
Potus News Trump Says Trips To New York City Cost The Us Too Much | RobinsPost News & Noticias

The United States sought to reassure the UN climate summit in Egypt on Tuesday that it will stick to its energy transition even if Republicans triumph in midterm elections. Some 100 world leaders were ... Read More Fights over crime, abortion and the deadly U.S. Capitol insurrection took center stage as New York Gov. Kathy Hochul faced her Republican challenger, U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, in their only ... Read More When Biden landed earlier today, a microphone caught this analysis from Sen. Charles Schumer, who was speaking to Biden, about how the Democrats are doing before the midterms. Sch ... Read More Less than a week before Election Day, President Biden warned that the countrys democratic traditions were on the line. Voters face the question of whether their ballots will preserve democracy or ... Read More
A theatre in Bengaluru had accidentally played the second half of the much-anticipated Baahubali: The Conclusion.

After having waited for two years, filmmaker SS Rajamouli's Baahubali 2 is finally in theatres and has opened to fantastic response from fans.

While the audience are going gaga over the film, a theatre in Bengaluru had accidentally played the second half of Baahubali 2, according to reports. It was only during the climax did the audience realised the apparent mistake.

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Senior journalist TS Sudhir shared the news on Twitter.

Last night premiere show at PVR Arena Mall #Bengaluru, they played the 2nd half of #Baahubali2 first. Audience realised during climax only- T S Sudhir (@Iamtssudhir) April 28, 2017

Responding to his tweet, a viewer wrote, I was there in the show.. Thought "if u have this much great war sequence in First half how it is going to be in second.."

@Iamtssudhir I was there in the show.. Thought "if u have this much great war sequence in First half how it is going to be in second..".. ?????????- ???? (@ks_sathis) April 28, 2017

On Friday, the film witnessed phenomenal response from fans and is expected to a business of Rs 210 crore on its opening day.

Made on a budget of Rs 250 crore, the film has already fetched enough moolah for the producers and reportedly raked in Rs 500 crore through its satellite and distribution rights. Baahubali 2 is released in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi.

Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah, Sathyaraj and Ramya Krishnan star in pivotal roles in this instalment of Baahubali too.

ALSO READ: Baahubali 2 Tamil Review

ALSO READ: Baahubali 2 Hindi Review

ALSO READ: Baahhubali 2 box-office collection Day 1: Rajamouli's film beats Sultan, Dangal

ALSO READ: KRK Abuses Rajamouli, calls Baahubali 2 a 'stupid' film

--- ENDS ---
Potus News Donald Trump To Mark His First 100 Days With A Rally In Pennsylvania | RobinsPost News & Noticias

CNNs John King said Mehmet Oz might be able to pick up votes in western Pennsylvania that eluded former President Donald Trump in the 2020 election. King said Trump was unable to win over some voters ... Read More Donald Trump issued several predictions about Tuesday's midterm elections. He told Fox News Digital he thinks Republicans "have a good chance at big success." ... Read More President to speak in Maryland while predecessor travels to Ohio, with more than 40m Americans having already voted ... Read More With five days until Election Day, President Biden is campaigning in New Mexico and California. Election officials are warning of widening efforts to intimidate voters. Read More When Biden landed earlier today, a microphone caught this analysis from Sen. Charles Schumer, who was speaking to Biden, about how the Democrats are doing before the midterms. Sch ... Read More Less than a week before Election Day, President Biden warned that the countrys democratic traditions were on the line. Voters face the question of whether their ballots will preserve democracy or ... Read More Narrow leads for Democrats as Biden and Obama hit campaign trail - Democrats are still in contention to hold the Senate, but races have tightened heading into midterms final week ... Read More
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U.S., South Korean and Japanese officials are bracing for what would be Pyongyang's first nuclear test in years, amid already heightened global tensions. Read More The warning from the U.S., South Korea and Japan comes amid signs Pyongyang could be close to conducting its first such test since 2017. Read More North Korea is ready to conduct a nuclear weapons test, South Korean Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-sup said at the Pentagon on Thursday. Read More
Science News Scientists Sequence Ancient Neandertal Dna From Cave Dirt | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Ancient DNA from a group ... and bison bones at the site suggests the Neanderthals lived in the cave between 51,000 and 59,000 years ago, while the DNA shows that many of the individuals were ... Read More By Carl Zimmer Analyzing fossils from a cave in Russia, scientists have ... uncovering the secrets of Neanderthals, from extracting their DNA from cave floor dirt to replicating their brain ... Read More A version of this story appeared in CNNs Wonder Theory science ... Scientists have uncovered the oldest known family group, using ancient DNA from Neanderthals who lived in Chagyrskaya Cave ... Read More We discuss some highlights from the Nature Briefing. This time, assessing why women are cited less often than men in physics, and uncovering a long-lost star-map from ancient Greece. Read More A new genetic analysis of 50,000-year-old Neanderthal remains found in a Siberian cave reveals that these humans traveled in small, family-oriented groups. Read More Researchers have managed to sequence ... ancient DNA research -- including the discovery of Denisovan hominin remains at the famous Denisova Cave. From work done at that site, we know that ... Read More Two archaeological sites in Brazil are revealing the genetic ancestry of some of the continents earliest humans. Read More Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. The riverside ... Read More The first Neandertal draft ... been very fruitful for ancient DNA research  including the discovery of Denisovan hominin remains at the famous Denisova Cave. From work done at that site ... Read More Our ancient ... Neanderthals, Viola said. These remains usually come in small bits and pieces  a finger bone here, a tooth there  but theyre enough for scientists to extract ... Read More
Technology News Turkey Blocks Wikipedia Over An Alleged Smear Campaign | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Their agenda is to just smear others, facts be damned ... and that fact has been exposed over and over again. How many people have died under his supervision? How many disturbances have occurred ... Read More Swedens new prime minister has vowed to fulfill his countrys obligations toward countering the threat of terrorism to Turkey. Ulf Kristersson made the pledge Tuesday after a meeting with Turkish ... Read More Her opponent, Tiffany Smiley, however, spouts mistruths in her campaign ads, such as Biden and Pelosi sending 87,000 auditors to harass middle-class citizens to pay overdue taxes. These auditors ... Read More But it sparked a backlash, with Tory MPs accusing Labour of trying to attack Mr Sunak and his wife over their wealth ... McFadden denied orchestrating a smear campaign when asked by the Daily ... Read More PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN allegedly ran a smear campaign against striker Kylian Mbappe, even hiring Twitter followers to criticise the French star. Reports surfaced on Tuesday night suggesting that ... Read More At the time, Rabiot and his mother Veronique, who is also his agent, were involved in an argument with PSG over the player's behavior. PSG denied creating a smear campaign against Mbappe and ... Read More Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Kheira Hamraoui on Friday slammed a "smear campaign" against her in the wake of a teammate's arrest over her brutal ... to our Telegram News Service Download our ... Read More
Travel News Transfer Hilton Points Ihg Rewards Accelerate Promo Cuba Travel Tips Chase Small Business Week | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Your stay will usually qualify if you book directly with IHG using a business or leisure rate. But, if you book through an online travel ... news is that these points are in addition to the ... Read More Luckily, IHG periodically offers buy points promotions that let loyalists boost their account balance. The best one  a 100% bonus promotion ... one of the top travel rewards credit cards. Read More There are still a few ways you can save on holiday travel, though. Book tips when ... are credit card transfer partners. If you have a card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you can ... Read More Terms apply to offers listed on this page. Chase Ultimate Rewards points are one of the most valuable travel rewards currencies you can get. That's because you can transfer them to airline and hotel ... Read More If you're seeing Halloween decorations at the store, you should take that as a sign the holiday travel ... card transfer partners. If you have a card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points ... Read More From pre-pandemic 2019 levels, systemwide RevPar increased 2.7 percent while ADR increased 11.3 percent and occupancy declined 5.7 percentage points. "The ongoing return of business and group travel ... Read More The Chase Ultimate Rewards program offers one of the most flexible rewards programs out there if you know how to maximize your points. Whether you're looking for a credit card that caters ... Read More TripActions has raised an additional $300 million in funding, which the travel, card and expense management platform ... TripActions is using the funding to "accelerate [its] rapid global expansion," ... Read More Hilton Honors quietly made a positive change to one of the best perks on its cards, and it's good news for cardholders ... Express Business Card are now valid any day of the week, instead of ... Read More Located near the Key Bridge, which connects Arlington to the nation's capital, the Hilton at the Key, Arlington-Rosslyn (seen here in a rendering) will feature about 28,000 square feet of meetings ... Read More
Us News Ohio Woman Pulls Gun Over Son S Haircut | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Tres Genco, 22, admitted targeting women at a university in Ohio in 2020, the U.S. attorney's office for Southern Ohio said in a news release ... of a machine gun. As part of his plea, Genco ... Read More (WTRF)  An Ohio woman pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to sexually exploiting minors and possessing child pornography. Carrie Daniels, 41, of Logan, was charged federally in April 2022 ... Read More COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A 16-year-old boy has been ... Police said security staff found the gun in the waistband of the students pants. The gun was loaded with an extended magazine of 29 ... Read More An Ohio man who tried to kill a womans boyfriend with a homemade bomb placed in a gift box pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges that carry up to 30 years in prison, prosecutors said. Read More He was also charged with pointing a gun at a female neighbor and trying to take her car, then afterward abandoning his young son, jumping over a fence and taking another woman's car after biting her. Read More HIGHLAND COUNTY, Ohio  An Ohio man pleaded guilty on Tuesday to attempting to conduct a mass shooting of women, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Ohio. Read More A self-described "incel," or "involuntary celibate," from Ohio, who pleaded guilty on Tuesday to plotting a mass shooting, wrote in a 2019 manifesto that the wanted the "death" of women he had ... Read More CINCINNATI, Ohio  A 3-year ... indicate who fired the gun. But police arrested DeAngelo Davis, 37, saying he had left the loaded gun where it was accessible to his son and another child ... Read More An Ohio man pleaded ... belief that women unjustly deny them sexual or romantic attention to which they believe they are entitled, the Justice Department said in a news release announcing ... Read More Monroe County deputies said 24-year-old Tyler Austin Marshall, of Peyton, Colorado, pulled the gun on the woman at around 4 p.m. near mile marker 93 on U.S. 1. The woman told deputies she feared ... Read More An Ohio woman is recovering after being trampled by a deer during a 5K race earlier this month, according to a report. Rebecca Heasley has been competing in races for years and was nearly done wit ... Read More GEAUGA COUNTY, Ohio (WJW)  An Ohio woman is recovering after a freak accident ... Deer seen jumping over car on police dashcam The deer hit her in the head with its hoof, opening a large ... Read More
Us News Texas Police Officer Faked His Death And Fled To Mexico Say Officials | RobinsPost News & Noticias

A Texas police officer ... teenager by a then-San Antonio Police officer remains under investigation, the facts and evidence we have received so far led us to reject the charges against Erik ... Read More A Dallas police ... officer Jacob Arellano, 25, was off-duty, on his way to start his shift on a Dallas highway when his SUV was hit by a sedan driving the wrong way, the department said in a ... Read More A Texas prosecutor ... There is nothing I can say in defense of that officers actions that night, police chief William McManus later said, according to the local news outlet WOAI-TV. Read More CARROLLTON, Texas  A Carrollton police officer and another driver were killed in a crash on the President George Bush Turnpike on Tuesday night, officials ... death in the city's history. As ... Read More A police officer in Carrollton, Texas, died Tuesday night after a passing vehicle hit his squad car as he was ... Carrollton police said Nothems death is the department's first one in the ... Read More A man and his wife died in a murder-suicide at the Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office in Texas, officials said Tuesday. Read More A Texas man who pointed a gun ... A dispatcher overheard a man say that he would hurt his mother if the police arrived. When officers reached the home, they reported seeing the man come to the ... Read More A Texas police officer has been acquitted on an assault charge related to the 2019 fatal shooting of a woman with a history of mental illness after the two struggled over his stun gun HOUSTON -- A ... Read More A Texas police officer who shot a teenager who was sitting in his car eating a hamburger has ... the facts and evidence we have received so far led us to reject the charges against Erik Cantu ... Read More A Texas police officer was acquitted Tuesday of an assault charge related to the 2019 fatal shooting of Pamela Turner, a woman with a history of mental illness, after the two struggled over his ... Read More
Us News Boy 5 Missing For Week After Father Was Found Unconscious At California Park | RobinsPost News & Noticias

A missing West Michigan family of four was located in Wisconsin after a weeklong search. Police say both parents and their two sons are safe. According to MLive, Fremont police Chief Tim Rodwell ... Read More Jorge "JoJo" Morales, who was last seen in August in Florida, was found Sunday in Canada after a tipster reported seeing the boy with his father at a Walmart in Moncton. Read More He was found unconscious and unresponsive outside the building. First responders from a nearby fire station were called to help the boy. WTOPs news partners at NBC Washington reported the child ... Read More Fox News has reached out to ... The kidnapping came just days after a California family that were kidnapped at gunpoint and were missing for days were found dead. Merced County Sheriff Vern ... Read More A California teacher has been charged for hiding a boy, who had been missing for ... later told local news station KCRA Ramirez ran away from his familys home after an argument and then spent ... Read More Kiely Rodni went missing on Aug. 2 after leaving a party. Kiely Rodni, a California teenager who was missing for two weeks before her body was found in a ... helpers holding us up that we continue ... Read More A body believed to be that of a California woman reported missing two months ago was found at a wrecked ... Fuentes father, Joe Fuentes, said at Tuesdays news conference. Read More A Fresno County, California ... found the crash site. I just got lucky in finding the location where her car went off the road, Alcaraz said in a news conference Tuesday. After stopping ... Read More A California elementary school teacher has been arrested after police said she hid a missing teenage boy at her home for almost two years. According to a news release ... next week to face charges ... Read More The body of missing California woman Jolissa Fuentes has been found after a two-month search, officials announced Tuesday. The 22-year-olds body was found at a crash scene at the foot of a 400 ... Read More Investigators say the 6-year-old boy was found thanks to a tipster, who spotted him and his father at Walmart. Read More
Us News Arkansas Boy 9 Missing After Mother And Baby Sister Found Dead In Woods | RobinsPost News & Noticias

A Benton County, Arkansas, woman last seen on Monday and the baby she had been pregnant with are both dead in McDonald, Missouri, and a couple is facing charges in connection to the case. In a news ... Read More A Missouri couple is facing first-degree kidnapping charges after a missing Arkansas woman and her unborn child were found dead in separate locations, authorities said. Read More (AP)  Police who spent more than a week searching for a toddler who was reported missing from his home have gathered enough evidence to conclude that the boy is dead and name his mother as a ... Read More On Wednesday night, Georgia authorities announced they believe Quinton Simon, the 20-month-old boy who went missing from his Savannah home a week ago, is dead ... that his mother, Leilani Simon ... Read More An 11-year-old boy from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who went missing last year and was found has gone missing again ... 414-935-7401 with information. From news to politics, travel to sport, culture ... Read More Police in Savannah, Georgia, said they believe the toddler who mysteriously vanished one week ago is dead, and they've named the boy ... After Quinton's mother woke up, she reported him missing ... Read More The mother of a boy who was found dead inside a suitcase in rural Indiana ... including on 11 April after she was released from jail in Louisville, Kentucky, on a shoplifting charge. Read More A boy found dead inside ... never been reported missing, slowing the monthslong investigation into the case. Huls said arrest warrants were issued on Oct. 14 for the boy's mother, Dejaune Ludie ... Read More Ashley Bush was last seen Monday after getting into a car with a woman, believing she was heading to a job interview. Read More
Us News Texas Police Officer Faked His Own Death And Fled To Mexico Cops Say | RobinsPost News & Noticias

A Texas teenager is literally fighting for his ... fled the previous night. The Officer abruptly opened the drivers door and ordered the driver out of the car, the San Antonio Police ... Read More A Texas prosecutor ... There is nothing I can say in defense of that officers actions that night, police chief William McManus later said, according to the local news outlet WOAI-TV. Read More A police officer in Carrollton, Texas, died Tuesday night after a passing vehicle hit his squad car as he was ... Carrollton police said Nothems death is the department's first one in the ... Read More Soon after news broke of this tragic death, police departments from across North Texas started sending ... of this @DallasPD officer and sending our love to his family, friends, and DPD family." ... Read More A Texas man who pointed a gun ... A dispatcher overheard a man say that he would hurt his mother if the police arrived. When officers reached the home, they reported seeing the man come to the ... Read More A man and his wife died in a murder-suicide at the Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office in Texas, officials said Tuesday. Read More Officials say investigators found a man and a woman shot dead in a suspected murder-suicide at a Texas medical examiner's office. Dallas County sheriff's investigators say the pair were found dead in ... Read More A Texas police officer has been acquitted on an assault charge related to the 2019 fatal shooting of a woman with a history of mental illness after the two struggled over his stun gun HOUSTON -- A ... Read More About two hours after police were called to a couples child custody dispute at a Texas hotel, the man choked his common-law wife to death, according to local news outlets. Officers with the ... Read More Two Connecticut state police detectives killed in a shootout on Wednesday were lured to the scene by a fake 911 ... Police say the gunman fired shots at the three officers who responded when ... Read More A Texas police ... The officer then stepped back and opened fire on the vehicle as the driver continued to reverse away from him. Brennand fired his gun multiple times as the car fled, with ... Read More A Texas police officer was acquitted Tuesday of an assault charge related to the 2019 fatal shooting of Pamela Turner, a woman with a history of mental illness, after the two struggled over his ... Read More
BJP MLA from Gauhati East Siddhartha Bhattacharya said a government, for the first time, is serious about identifying foreign nationals who entered Assam surreptitiously.

BJP leader in Assam Siddhartha Bhattacharya said the state government is serious about identifying illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

MLA from Guahati East Siddhartha Bhattacharya said this while replying to a question on whether the government is acting on the Prime Minister's poll promise of evicting illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.

The BJP MLA said, "Once the BJP came to power in New Delhi, we have 40-odd tribunals to identify foreign nationals".

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On whether the Assam government is being discriminatory in its approach to identify such illegal migrants, Siddhartha Bhattacharya did not give a direct answer.

Instead, the BJP MLA said, post-Independence two groups of people have come to India, one for "economic betterment", while the other group was "compelled to come to India because they faced persecution in their country".

Siddhartha Bhattacharya said the government believes in Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Muslims are included in it. On asked about the government's notification on state-run schools to remain open on Fridays, the BJP MLA said why should a particular section of people have it otherwise.

The state government notification essentially meant that state-run madrassas will have to remain open on Fridays, and observe holiday on Sunday.

Siddhartha Bhattacharya said the BJP's stance is pro-merit and is not dictated by any religion.

ALSO READ:

Na lunga, na dunga: Checked corruption, acted against erring officials, says Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal at Mind Rocks Summit

PM Narendra Modi responds to tweets, Rahul Gandhi will act in 3 years: Himanta Biswa Sarma at Mind Rocks

Those doing vipassana are messed up: BJP MP Poonam Mahajan's swipe at sleeping beauty Rahul Gandhi

ALSO WATCH

--- ENDS ---
World News Strong Earthquake Hits Off Philippines No Major Impact Seen | RobinsPost News & Noticias

A 6.4-magnitude earthquake has rocked the northern Philippines, the US Geological Service reported, sending panicked residents into the streets and causing substantial damage to a hospital. The ... Read More The 6.4 magnitude quake forced the closure of an international airport and the evacuation of patients from a hospital. Read More A strong earthquake ... nation one of the worlds most disaster-prone. In July, a magnitude 7 earthquake set off landslides and damaged buildings in the northern Philippines, killing at least ... Read More Magnitude 5.5 Earthquake Hits Mindanao Island, Philippines - EMSC (Reuters) - An earthquake of magnitude 5.5 struck Mindanao island in the Philippines on Wednesday, the European Mediterranean ... Read More A 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck the northern Philippines on Wednesday, causing at least 26 injuries and resulting in the shutdown of an international airport. - [ILKHA] ILKE HABER AJANSI - ILKHA - I ... Read More An earthquake ... There was no major damage reported, however scientists have said there is a "state of heightened unrest" due to the tremors that came after the 4.6-magnitude quake hit, which ... Read More A strong earthquake has ... officials said. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Tuesday nights magnitude 6.4 quake, which was set off by movement in a local fault ... Read More MANILA >> A strong earthquake rocked the northern Philippines today, but officials said no serious ... of the worlds most disaster-prone. In July, a magnitude 7 earthquake set off landslides ... Read More MANILA, Philippines (AP)  A strong earthquake rocked the northern Philppines late Tuesday, but officials said no ... worlds most disaster-prone. In July, a magnitude 7 earthquake set off ... Read More The US Tsunami Warning System said no warning or advisory was issued. A man walks past a damaged wall after a strong earthquake in Ilocos Norte, northern Philippines (AP) The quake was felt across ... Read More
World News Two U S Service Members Killed One Hurt Fighting Islamic State In Afghanistan Pentagon Says | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Editors' Blog / Analysis & Opinion News Live Blog Morning ... Follow TPM BEIRUT (AP)  Two U.S. service members and two American civilians were among those killed in an explosion while ... Read More Gunmen shot and killed a U.S. citizen on Monday who was working as an aid worker for an international organization in Baghdad, Iraq, officials said. Read More a spokesman for the ruling group's administration said on Saturday. The Islamic State members killed in the raid on their hideout were involved in two major attacks in recent weeks, one on a city ... Read More Editors' Blog / Analysis & Opinion News Live ... WASHINGTON (AP)  A U.S. service member has been killed and another wounded in an apparent insider attack in eastern Afghanistan, according ... Read More The United States has blacklisted four members of an Islamic State cell operating in South Africa and eight companies they are connected to, as it continues to target the terrorist organization on the ... Read More a spokesman for the ruling group's administration said on Saturday. The Islamic State members killed in the raid on their hideout were involved in two major attacks in recent weeks, one on a city ... Read More A new report from the Pentagon found that 519 US service members died by ... and National Guard members. Editor's Note: If you or a loved one have contemplated suicide, call The National Suicide ... Read More TEHERAN - Two members of Iran's security forces were killed amid ... south of the capital, state news agency IRNA said. The Basij is a paramilitary militia linked to the Islamic Revolutionary ... Read More A new report from the Pentagon found that 519 US service members died by suicide in 2021 ... which is a voluntary practice to reduce ones suicide risk by limiting access to objects that ... Read More A new report from the Pentagon found that 519 U.S ... news briefing Thursday. "The secretary remains committed to tackling suicides within the force and improving the quality of life for service ... Read More
World News Brazil Gripped By General Strike Over Austerity Measures | RobinsPost News & Noticias

This is particularly bad news for developing countries ... Our report estimates that 85% of the worlds population living in 143 countries will live in the grip of austerity measures by 2023, and the ... Read More BRASILIA, Brazil  Brazilian polling companies have ... Such blackout periods are common across the world. Polls cannot be published within 15 days of Chilean and Italian elections, eight ... Read More Brazil is days from a presidential election featuring two political titans and bitter rivals that could usher in another four years of far-right politics or return a leftist to the nations top job. Read More President Jair Bolsonaro and conservative lawmakers in Brazil are trying ... on Mr. Bolsonaros power over the past year, drawing criticism at times for measures that, according to experts ... Read More The elections chief, Alexandre de Moraes, is also a justice on Brazils Supreme Court, which has placed him at the center of a separate fight over the ... not only false news, but of the ... Read More Brazil have agreed to use Juventus' training ground as they prepare for the World Cup in Qatar. As reported by Tuttosport, TIte's squad will use the facilities in Turin. It means that Alex ... Read More The last and only general strike to take place in the UK was in 1926 when the TUC called for workers across a variety of industries to walk out in support of miners, who were striking over pay and ... Read More THE BIGGER PICTURE: The attacker will be hoping the injury is not too serious as the World Cup approaches. The 25-year-old is fighting for a place in the Brazil squad for the tournament next month ... Read More Brazil Election: What to Know About the High-Stakes Race By CARLA BRIDI, Associated Press BRASILIA, Brazil (AP)  Brazil is days from a presidential election featuring two political titans and ... Read More BRASILIA, Brazil (AP)  Brazil is days from a presidential ... has sought to kindle nostalgia for his years presiding over an economic boom and social inclusion. Read More BRASILIA, Brazil -- Brazil is days from a presidential election featuring two political titans and bitter rivals that could usher in another four years of far-right politics or return a leftist to ... Read More Brazil is days from a presidential election featuring two political titans and bitter rivals that could usher in another four years of far-right politics or return a leftist to the nations top job. Read More
World News Venezuela Formally Notifies Oas It Will Leave Amid Protests | RobinsPost News & Noticias

In today's world it is impossible ... the loss of prestige of the Organization of American States (OAS) is evident, while at the same time the Lima Group has disappeared, reducing the weight of the ... Read More Venezuela Opposition to Hold Presidential Primary ... a person familiar with the matter said. It will be formally announced by the opposition coalition, called the Unitarian Platform, next week ... Read More Although the measure fell short of the necessary 24 votes to formally oust the self-proclaimed interim ... At the time member-states voted to give Venezuelas OAS seat to a representative picked by ... Read More Venezuelas vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, said at the news conference that the authorities were making every effort to get them out alive, but almost two dozen people were known to be dead. Read More Mexican authorities so far have given many of these individuals a deadline of no more than two weeks to leave ... world's largest oil reserves weathered corruption and inflation. Then in 2014 ... Read More 10 (UPI) --At least 22 people have died and more than 50 others are still missing in north-central Venezuela ... and South Korea amid two new Omicron subvariants. World News // 16 hours ago ... Read More Her appearance without the hijab was widely seen as an act of support for anti-government demonstrators amid weeks of protests over ... to compete in the final World Cup event of the climbing ... Read More CARACAS, Venezuela  Rescuers worked to clear rocks and mud from the streets of a north-central city in Venezuela on Tuesday, three days after it was hit by a massive and deadly landslide ... Read More new video loaded: Heavy Rains Set Off Deadly Landslides in Venezuela The landslides left at least 22 people dead and 52 missing in the Venezuelan town of Las Tejerias, about 40 miles southwest of ... Read More For these protests, Iranian women and girls across the world have taken to the streets and social media in outrage over the gender inequalities in the country. Here are some ways to help Iranian ... Read More According to the letter, "forbidding all women from entering stadiums and participating in the World Cup violates FIFA Statutes and Regulations." Fox News Digital has learned that FIFA ... Read More CARACAS, Oct 14 (Reuters) - Venezuela's opposition has agreed to ... a person familiar with the matter said. It will be formally announced by the opposition coalition, called the Unitarian ... Read More
World News North Korea Displays Military Prowess With Failed Missile Launch | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Pyongyangs latest test launches come just a day after both North and South Korea fired missiles across the de facto maritime border between the two countries. Read More SEOUL, South Korea  North Korea on Friday launched a ballistic missile toward its eastern waters and flew warplanes near the border with South Korea, the Souths military said, further ... Read More The missile launch was North ... the zone to help reduce military tensions. U.N. resolutions. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula started rising in 2017, when North Korea tested three ... Read More Kim Jong-un has ramped up North Korea ... might" of cruise missiles deployed to the Korean People's Army "for the operation of tactical nukes," state media Korea Central News Agency (KCNA ... Read More South Koreas military said Tuesday ... evading defense systems. North Koreas first missile firing under a reservoir was believed to be aimed at diversifying its launch sites to curtail ... Read More North Korea was believed to have last tested a missile launch from ... North Korea's KCNA news agency reported on Monday local time. Kim vowed to strengthen the country's military operations ... Read More It added that South Koreas military has boosted its ... to detect such launches in advance. North Korea was believed to have last tested a missile launch from a submarine in May. Read More calling its moves a violation of a 2018 bilateral military pact that bans "hostile acts" in the border area. A TV screen shows a file image of North Korea's missile launch during a news program at ... Read More SEOUL, South Korea  North Korea fired two ballistic missiles into the sea early Sunday, Seoul's military said, the seventh such launch in two weeks, just hours after a nuclear-powered American ... Read More South Korea's military said it detected a North Korean short-range ballistic missile launch, the latest in a ... the reclusive state has provoked the ire of world leaders by conducting its most ... Read More South Koreas military also said it detected ... Fridays ballistic launch extended a record number of missile demonstrations by North Korea this year as it exploits the distraction created ... Read More
World News In Mexico It S Easy To Kill A Journalist | RobinsPost News & Noticias

I wanted to explain to the world what is behind this. Outside of war zones, when journalists are attacked its more ... of Mexicos authoritarian regime. Get the latest news, events and ... Read More Although Cablevision does have a presence in Mexico, Mexican broadcast TV is dominated by Televisa and TV Azteca. Aristegui is a unique voice within the world of Mexican media. Roberto Remes ... Read More Her pride in Zeta and its journalists ... Mexico's media environment. "They want to kill your credibility and morale to end your career, and for your readers to lose trust in the news magazine. Read More The groups stated goalproviding news from a citizens ... at El Daily Post told me that in Mexico, violence doesnt limit journalism. Its the media outlets that are limiting ... Read More But it was the context surrounding her death that was especially distressing: 10 journalists had been killed in Mexico in 2010 alone ... a demagogic president who attacked the truth as fake news and ... Read More Journalism is at risk because its not just killings, but its also harassment, its attacks and assaults that go against reporters. ... Read More Freelance journalists residing in Mexico can apply for a reporting grant. Quinto Elemento Lab has launched its fifth grant program for investigative ... as well as those focusing on government areas ... Read More Well show you the global threat to free and independent journalism. From Mexico ... Ukraine. Its young team keeps the world focused on Ukraine  both at home and abroad. Olga Rudenko, The Kyiv ... Read More That easy money ... is not. Its a broad free market of dozens, perhaps hundreds, of pill pressers in Mexico, imitating one another, fueled by largely unconstrained access to world chemical ... Read More MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexico's foreign ministry said on Tuesday a Trump-era program that forces asylum seekers to wait in Mexico for U.S. immigration hearings, known as the Migrant Protection ... Read More Despite their fervor, Mexican fans have never seen their team progress past the quarter finals -- a feat achieved only at the World Cups in Mexico in 1970 and 1986. "It's a very devoted fan base ... Read More Corcoran was the Associated Press regional bureau chief based in Mexico City ... to the world what is behind this. Outside of war zones, when journalists are attacked its more often because ... Read More
World News Knights Of Malta Vote For New Leader After Papal Dispute | RobinsPost News & Noticias

The Financial World news portal also reported that global Google searches for delete PayPal spiked 1,392% after the AUP announcement ... up in arms? The new PayPal Acceptable Use Policy ... Read More Quickly giving the country a new government was possible due to the clarity of the vote ... leader on the world stage, recently derided her as arrogant in written comments, apparently ... Read More Malta was one of 143 countries at the UN General Assembly that voted to condemn Russia's attempts to annex four regions of Ukraine. The resolution was supported by 143 countries, while 35 states - ... Read More Two brothers were sentenced to 40 years in prison each by a judge in Malta after they pleaded guilty to the car-bomb murder of an anti-corruption journalist Friday. It was a stunning reversal ... Read More Malta ranks 78th out of 180 countries on RSFs 2022 World Press Freedom Index, 31 places lower than at the time of Caruana Galizias death. In September, the Council of Europes commissioner ... Read More VALLETTA, Malta (AP)  A judge in Malta sentenced two brothers to 40 years in prison each after they abruptly reversed course and pleaded guilty Friday to the car-bomb murder of an anti ... Read More LONDON (AP)  The leader of the Scottish government said ... created an indisputable democratic mandate for a new independence vote. Sturgeon promised to produce documents in the coming ... Read More Malta on Sunday marked the fifth anniversary of the car bomb slaying of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia with calls for justice, just two days after two key suspects reversed course ... Read More Minecraft fans are no stranger to the yearly mob vote. The annual event has ... Once a year, fans have the chance to elect a new mob, or type of beings in the world of Minecraft. Read More NEW YORK, Oct 10 (Reuters) - The blank-check acquisition firm that agreed to merge with former U.S. President Donald Trump's social media company postponed on Monday its shareholder vote to Nov. 3 ... Read More Kyrgyz president Sadyr Japarov has asked his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to help resolve a border dispute with Tajikistan, a month after clashes ... lcm The Barron's news department was ... Read More 21 (UPI) --Giorgia Meloni, leader of the right-wing Brothers of Italy, is prepared to form a government after meeting ... Korea amid two new Omicron subvariants. World News // 49 minutes ago ... Read More
World News Hungary Still Defiant On Us University After Brussels Summit | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Its far-right leader Viktor Orban, who is popular with former US President Donald Trump and Fox News host ... bombs falling on Hungary. It says "We are being punished by the Brussels sanctions ... Read More The US embassy in Budapest has hit back at weeks of vitriolic anti-American comments from Viktor Orban's Fidesz government over the war in Ukraine. A one-minute video posted by the embassy this ... Read More Hungary's Development Minister Tibor Navracsics said on Wednesday that informal feedback from Brussels showed that they are content with the Hungarian commitments made in order to secure a deal on ... Read More Only a few months after the Warsaw summit, the governments of Poland ... effect re-opening the door to better ties with Hungary. EU officials in Brussels took this as a sign that Polands ... Read More A Hungarian official has welcomed Christian scholarship students from around the world to Budapest and stressed the importance of helping persecuted Christians. Hungary ... News. You can contact ... Read More Two months after Boghossian released ... from which the criticism of Hungarys government most loudly emanates, Ferguson said, referring to American universities. This he followed with ... Read More Ukrainians had a defiant message to Russia following ... t get it do you - your terrorist strikes only make us stronger. We are coming after you. Inna Sovsun, a member of Ukraine's parliament ... Read More Hungary Government Expands Scheme That Caps ... The new measure comes after the central bank's emergency rate hike on Friday aimed to shore up the sliding forint currency. (Reporting by Krisztina ... Read More Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks during a joint news ... (Reuters) - Hungary's prime minister said on Friday that an agreement had been reached at the EU summit in Brussels that ... Read More
World News Us Marines Return To Volatile Afghan Province | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Related Articles World News | Opinion ... Mast was sent on a temporary assignment to Afghanistan. Mast, then a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, was a military lawyer for the federal Center ... Read More US military forces conducted an over-the-horizon counterterrorism operation today against an ISIS-K planner. The unmanned airstrike occurred in the Nangarhar Province of Afghanistan. Initial ... Read More A Marine who helped an Afghan couple ... s withdrawal of US troops has been accused of abducting the child. In a lawsuit filed last month, the couple alleged Marine Corps attorney Joshua Mast ... Read More But unbeknownst to the couple, court records say, a U.S. Marine Corps attorney on temporary assignment in Afghanistan learned ... Food has no taste and sleep gives us no rest. ... Read More But unbeknownst to the couple, court records say, a U.S. Marine Corps attorney on temporary assignment in Afghanistan learned ... Food has no taste and sleep gives us no rest. ... Read More Food has no taste and sleep gives us no rest ... Mast was sent on a temporary assignment to Afghanistan. Mast, then a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, was a military lawyer for the federal ... Read More But unbeknownst to the couple, court records say, a U.S. Marine Corps attorney on temporary assignment in Afghanistan learned of the baby while she was still in the hospital. With his wife back ... Read More
World News Dozens Arrested At Unauthorized Protests In Russia Urging Vladimir Putin Not To Seek Fourth Term | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Police arrested ... a protest outside of the Russian embassy in Washington, DC. Demonstrators gathered outside of the embassy to protest Russias invasion of Ukraine, where Vladimir Putin ... Read More Former Russian state TV journalist Marina Ovsyannikova, who interrupted a live news ... arrest in August over a protest in July when she held up a poster that described Russian President Vladimir ... Read More M oscowVladimir Putin, by declaring a ... 8 was the culmination of bad news that hit the Russian government and the public. The Kremlin could not leave this unanswered. Read More An activist participates in a protest in Moscow on September 21. Demonstrations erupted across Russia after President Vladimir Putin ... said that does not mean Putin has lost control domestically ... Read More LONDON, Oct 14 (Reuters) - Women in Russia make up a rising proportion of those being detained in protests against President Vladimir Putin's mobilisation ... my future was not happening anymore ... Read More Russian President Vladimir Putin said the attacks ... Smith, the former ambassador, said Mondays attacks were not game-changing. But he said Putin, faced with Ukrainian advances on ... Read More Four activists who were allegedly planning to protest outside the Russian consulate in Almaty during Russian President Vladimir Putin's upcoming visit have been detained. A reporter for RFE/RL's ... Read More Some 200 people were arrested and dozens injured as social inequality protests around Chile ... axl/pa/ll/mlr/to The Barron's news department was not involved in the creation of the content ... Read More When Vladimir Putin began his war ... to help ease a tiny part of the horror that Putin has forced upon his victims. It is not easy for me being Russian and meeting people from Ukraine every ... Read More The Kremlin said on Thursday that several people had been arrested during a foiled attack on the TurkStream gas pipeline on Russian territory, Interfax news agency reported. Russia has said it is ... Read More Vladimir Putin issued ... escalation to a World War Three," deputy secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Alexander Venediktov, told state news agency TASS on Thursday. Read More such a world is not neededthere won't be such a world." Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at Russian Energy Week 2022 on October 12, 2022, in Moscow, Russia. Putin's nuclear threats ... Read More
Lucknow, Apr 29 (PTI) BSP chief Mayawati today hit out at the BJP, saying the saffron party can go to any extent to stay in power-- "even murder democracy".

"This can be proved in the misuse of EVMs in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and by use of money power in Goa and Manipur to form the government despite facing defeat in the recent assembly elections," she said.

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"The BJP is today so addicted to power that it is ready to go to any extent for it ...even murder democracy directly or indirectly for it," Mayawati was quoted as saying in a party release here.

Stressing that a large chunk of the society comprising Dalits, backwards and tribals are neglected like before during the BJP government at the Centre, she claimed they were being deprived of their constitutional rights.

"They are not getting the right opportunities in employment and education...crores (of people) belonging to these sections are forced to live in pitiable conditions whereas the BJP government is merely doing a drama to mislead the people by carrying out symbolic works," she said.

The BSP chief carried today out the review of her partys Jharkhand unit and said the poor, weaker and deprived sections of the country are very sad because of the capitalist policies and functioning of the Modi government.

"But the BJP feels great that despite its wrong policies and works, it is continuously winning elections ," Mayawati said, adding that the partys win will ultimately prove to be hollow as all its policies, character, programmes are against the farmers, Dalits and poor.

She also alleged that the BJP is hiding its real face and is unnecessarily taking refuge by diverting peoples attention to issues of religious fundamentalism, narrow nationalism and national security which cannot redress the problems of hunger, farmers suicides, unemployment among others. PTI SAB ASV

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World News Turkey Fires Nearly 4 000 From Civil Service Military Gendarmerie | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Private NTV news channel claim a number ... A total of 301 people died in Turkeys worst mine disaster back in 2014 following a fire inside a coal mine in Soma. AFAD has announced that search ... Read More A massive fire tore through a huge tower block in Turkeys Istanbul on Sunday. In frightening videos shared on social media, flames were seen ripping through all the floors of the tower as smoke ... Read More Officials from Erdogans office could not immediately be reached for comment. Turkeys state-run news agency however, quoted Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez as saying on Wednesday that it ... Read More Turkey houses the worlds largest refugee population ... Syria under the control of the Turkish military. Earlier this month a Turkish official said nearly 527,000 Syrians had returned voluntarily. Read More The United Nations demanded a probe into the nearly 100 migrants ... the communications director of Turkeys president, to accuse Greece of engaging in "fake news." On Monday, Turkeys Foreign ... Read More 24 (UPI) --A global human rights organization said Monday that Turkey arbitrarily arrested ... Biden's signature Inflation Reduction Act. World News // 4 hours ago Medibank refuses to pay cyber ... Read More The new law means those found guilty of intentionally publishing disinformation or fake news ... MPs. Turkey currently ranks 149 out of 180 countries on Reporters Without Borders world ... Read More Rights advocates fear the government could use newly passed legislation to restrict speech and target critics in the run-up to crucial elections in June. Send any friend a story As a subscriber ... Read More Turkey's Parliament last week ratified a law introducing jail terms for journalists and social media users who spread "fake news," or disinformation ... journalists in the world in a way ... Read More Greece accuses Turkey, which hosts the largest number of refugees in the world, of pushing forward migrants to put pressure on the EU. The U.N. refugee agency said it was deeply ... Read More SEOUL, South Korea  North Korea on Friday launched a ballistic missile toward its eastern waters and flew warplanes near the border with South Korea, the Souths military said, further ... Read More
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World News Pakistan Army Rejects Pm S Actions On Security Leak | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Pakistans former prime minister ... he stopped short of accusing the Pakistani military establishment of being behind the leaks. I ask my (security) agencies, is your job to spy on your ... Read More Days after the coalition government directed a high-level investigation into the alleged hacking and leak of sensitive conversations, Pakistan ... entire security of the Prime Minister's Office ... Read More A security contingent of Pakistan Army left for Qatar on Monday from Nur Khan Airbase to assume security of FIFA World Cup 2022. The contingent comprises of Pakistan Army's officers, Junior ... Read More Pakistan Prime Minister ... alleged hacking and leak of sensitive audio conversations. The series of audio leaks have raised concerns about the cyber security of PM's residence and office. Read More ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday while categorically rejecting Indian Prime Ministers remarks ... nor would it deceive the world into believing Indias deception, it was added. Read More Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to end terrorism in the country while chairing a meeting attended by the Chief of Army ... security personnel cannot be forgotten, it added. Sharifs ... Read More Pakistan Prime Minister ... security constructs that disturbed the regional balance. Pakistan and the US have a long history of friendly and mutually beneficial relationship. At a time, when ... Read More Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar had said Khan would be disqualified from participating in elections for five years while Khans Pakistan ... he seeks to pressure Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ... Read More RAWALPINDI: The commanders of the Pakistan Army have once again reposed complete trust in the country's robust nuclear command and control structure and arrangements for the security of strategic ... Read More Islamabad, Pakistan  Pakistans election commission (ECP), in a unanimous decision, has found former Prime Minister Imran Khan guilty of corrupt practices and disqualified him from ... Read More Hours after Foreign Minister announced that an official demarche will be issued to the US envoy, Prime Minister Shehbaz issued a detailed statement in response to Bidens remarks. Read More Pakistan on Tuesday ... Kashmiris and to the world and ensure that the people of Kashmir are accorded their inalienable right to self-determination, it said. PM Modi's statement at Gujarat ... Read More
World News China Deports Us Citizen Convicted Of Espionage | RobinsPost News & Noticias

US accuses alleged Chinese intelligence officers of trying to impede prosecution of Chinese telecommunications firm. Read More China Accuses US of 'Cold War Thinking' in ... Mao, speaking at a regular news briefing, said China was a defender of the world order and rejected sensationalizing geopolitical conflicts ... Read More Namazi, now 50, was convicted in Iran on spying charges and ... D.C. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox ... 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 A former US military pilot and flight instructor who worked in China was arrested in Australia ... Duggan is a former US citizen and the federal police were acting on a US request for his arrest ... Read More In the eyes of Xi, China is closer than ever to achieving its dream of national rejuvenation and reclaiming its rightful place in the world ... dramatically with US-China relations cratering ... Read More The new 48-page public document describes China and Russia as "increasingly aligned" with each other, but says the two countries pose distinct challenges. It calls China the US's only competitor ... Read More Xi Jinping said "the world needs China" as he spoke to the press after ... bur-reb/cwl The Barron's news department was not involved in the creation of the content above. This story was produced ... Read More China's homicide and gun violence rates were among the lowest in the world, said Xu, who is Beijing's No. 2 police official and also the director of the Chinese immigration authority. President Xi ... Read More Much of that growth was based on manufacturing, turning China into the worlds second-largest economy after the United States since 2010. But its leaders are trying to transition toward services ... Read More Family: Saudis Sentence US Citizen to 16 Years Over Tweets DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  An American citizen has been arrested in Saudi Arabia, tortured and sentenced to 16 years in prison ... Read More Under Xi Jinping, whose supreme leadership will be extended this month for a third term by the 20th Party Congress, China is working to reshape the world order from within. When its efforts meet ... Read More
World News Soldier Killed By Explosive Device Is Third Us Combat Death This Week In Iraq And Afghanistan | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Gunmen shot and killed a U.S. citizen on Monday who was working as an aid worker for an international organization in Baghdad, Iraq, officials said. Read More Microsoft and the US Army are continuing to explore how to make mixed reality an aid rather than a hindrance for soldiers after tests showed that soldiers taking them into battle felt sick and ... Read More KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI  A Battle Creek soldier killed during World War II will soon be laid ... according to a news release from the U.S. Army. A graveside service will be conducted before ... Read More In the Pacific Theater in World War II and in Vietnam, malaria quickly spread among the troops. Soldiers in Iraq and ... 12. Afghanistan War > Deaths outside combat: 385 > Battle deaths: 1,833 ... Read More after several suspects who participated in disturbances in the area approached the crossing with an explosive device in their hands and threw it at IDF soldiers, the IDF Spokespersons Unit said. Read More A crash involving two military vehicles claimed the life ... guard officials said in a news release. Killed in the crash was Spc. Mackenzie L. Shay, 20, of New Castle, the officials said. Read More DAMASCUS, Oct 13 (Reuters) - Several soldiers were killed when an explosive device detonated ... Reuters, the news and media division of Thomson Reuters, is the worlds largest international ... Read More Ten Soldiers Killed ... adding that the death toll was provisional. It said that at least 18 of the attackers were also killed. Air reinforcements have been deployed in the area to carry out ... Read More "A military bus in the suburbs of Damascus was hit by a terrorist bombing using an explosive device that was planted previously, which led to the deaths of 18 soldiers," the official Sana news ... Read More DAMASCUS, Oct 13 (Reuters) - At least 18 soldiers were killed and 20 wounded on Thursday when an explosive device detonated on ... large-scale layoffs this week, Wall Street Journal reports ... Read More SALFIT, West Bank (Reuters) - Israeli soldiers shot a Palestinian during a clash in the occupied West Bank and he later died of his wounds, Palestinian health officials said on Sunday. The Israeli ... Read More Defence minister says two assailants shot dead after attack at training ground in region bordering Ukraine At least 11 people were killed and 15 more wounded at a military training ground in the ... Read More
The Border Security Force (BSF) today handed over a 15-year-old Pakistan national to the concerned Pakistan authorities after he crossed over to the Indian side by mistake.

In a well-disposed move, the Border Security Force (BSF) today handed over a 15-year-old boy on humanitarian grounds to Pakistan authorities after he strayed to the Indian territory unknowingly.

The boy, Razak Mai reportedly crossed over to the Indian side from Punjab's Abohar sector by mistake.

Mai was apprehended by BSF personnel on Friday, when he crossed over the International Border (IB), BSF spokesperson RK Kataria (Punjab Frontier) said.

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Up till now in 2017, the BSF has handed over six more Pakistan nationals who had crossed over.

With inputs from IANS

Also read: Reinstate BSF jawan Tej Bahadur, can our soldiers not even complain now? asks Congress leader Surjewala

Also read: BSF's discovery of 100-metre-long tunnel near Indo-Bangladesh border triggers security alarm

--- ENDS ---
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.
Justice Karnan said if the judges are permitted to travel abroad then there is a probability of the "virus of caste discrimination spreading".

Calcutta High Court Justice CS Karnan has directed the Air Control Authority to bar seven Supreme Court judges, including Chief Justice of India JS Kehar who had issued a contempt order against him, till the case is disposed off.

"Today the above mentioned accused 1 to 8 are called absent hence their matter is re-posted to 01.05.2017 [Monday] to enable their reappearance. In the meantime, this court directs the Air Control Authority [referring to the Airports Authority of India] New Delhi, not to permit the said accused 1 to 8 from going abroad until the disposal of this crucial issue, since the nature of the offence, that is caste discrimination, is not only a heinous crime but also a very cruel Atrocious Act of heinous crime, and is punishable as per the Indian Constitution," Justice Karnan said in his order yesterday.

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He said if the judges are permitted to travel abroad then there is a probability of the "virus of caste discrimination spreading".

Justice Karnan has also deferred the hearing of his case against the Supreme Court judges. Earlier this month, he had directed the judges to appear before him on Friday.

The seven judges had issued a suo motu contempt order against Karnan in February after he had in January named 20 "corrupt judges", seeking probe against them to curb "high corruption" in the Indian judiciary.

Also read:

Justice CS Karnan issues suo-moto order against CJI, 6 other Supreme Court judges; orders them to appear before his 'Rosedale Residential Court'

Restore my work, or else I won't appear before you. You may put me in jail, Justice Karnan tells SC

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Telangana chilli farmers on Friday in a violent protest ransacked offices in the Khammam Agricultural Market and and torched their crop produce against the government's failure to control fall in chilli prices.

A violent protest erupted in Khammam agricultural market yard on Friday after a group of farmers ransacked some offices in the area and torched the chilli crops stock.

The agitation started when the farmers who had brought their produce to sell in the market found that the prices have fell drastically.

State farmers have long been demanding better prices for chilli, as it dipped to Rs 6,000 per quintal this season against Rs 12,000 per quintal last year.

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Surplus production and slackening exports led to a major drop in the price of chillis in Telangana.

KCR GOVERNMENT DEFIANT

On Friday, when hundreds of farmers at Khammam market yard were offered Rs 2000 to Rs 4000 per quintal for their crop, in agitation they launched a demonstration that soon turned ugly.

With farmer agitation gripping the state, opposition parties Congress, Telugu Desam and BJP too attacked the incumbent TRS government for their poor governance.

Speaking to India Today, BJP Spokesperson Krishna Sagar Rao said "TRS government is responsible for this scenario at the market yard and BJP demands immediate action by Chief Minister KCR in providing temporary relief to mirchi farmers who lost their produce, else KCR will be held responsible for any further fallout."

However, the Telangana Rastra Samithi government said that the opposition is only trying to instigate farmers.

WATCH: Telangana: Angry over low chili prices, farmers ransack agri mandi

--- ENDS ---
Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) President Amit Shah has on Saturday reached the state of Jammu.

Shah is in Jammu and Kashmir on a two day tour starting today.



After reaching Jammu, Shah met party leaders and MLAs at the BJP office in the state.

According to the reports, Amit Shah will meet the BJP State Core group late in the evening to discuss the situation in Kashmir.

Earlier there were reports that Shah will review the performance of PDP-BJP coalition Government headed by Chief Minister Mehbooba Muftibut and will also meet the CM but now it is said that no meeting has been organised.



On Thursday, Shah said that situation in Jammu and Kashmir is a "matter of concern" but the Narendra Modi government will find ways to normalise it.



"I never said that the situation in Kashmir is not a matter of concern...It's a matter of concern. We will definitely control the situation through talks," Amit Shah told a news channel in an interview.



Asked with whom talks will be held, he did not name specific organisations or leaders.



"We will handle the situation, talk with every one and also find a way," he said.
The Congress on Saturday termed as "political vendetta" the Dhingra Commission set up by Haryana's BJP government to probe some land deals in the state including those of a company of party President Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra.

It also noted that the party had during its long stint in power never harassed the financiers of its political opponents including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"Whatever Commission it is, this is political vendetta of the worst order," senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said here.

"The Congress party ruled for decades. And we knew the business houses that were funding the BJP. But a Congress government right from the time of (Prime Minister) Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, never harassed or raided those who were funding the BJP," he added.

The one-man Justice S.N. Dhingra Commission of Inquiry, set up by the Manohar Lal Khattar government in May 2015, had submitted its 182-page report on August 31 last year.

The Congress, which had on Friday too called it a "vendetta", had also termed it "null and void" as Vadra and former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda had not received any notices from the Commission.

The Economic Times citing unnamed people familiar with the Dhingra Commission report said Vadra made an "illegal profit" of over Rs 50 crore from a 2008 land deal without investing a penny.

It said the committee had probed transactions between Onkareshwar Properties and Vadra-owned Skylight Hospitality and subsequently between Skylight and developer DLF.
A man was shot dead in the Rohini Courts complex on Saturday while being brought for court hearing, police said.

"Rajesh, a notorious criminal, has been shot dead outside Rohini Court by Mohit, resident of Jhajjar district Haryana, while he was being brought by Haryana Police," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rishi Pal said.



The police has arrested Mohit.



Rajesh was arrested in a murder case in December 2016 and was undergoing judicial custody in Haryana.
Five days after the Supreme Court ordered the Kerala government to re-instate T.P. Senkumar as the state police chief, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has yet to take action in the matter and is learnt to have sought fresh legal advice from experts.

On Saturday, Senkumar told reporters in the state capital that he was not unduly worried as his counsel will take "appropriate action at the appropriate time".



He declined to confirm reports that his counsel is set to approach the Supreme Court on Monday to bring to their attention that the state government has not acted.



Vijayan, who Saturday arrived at Kochi to take part in a party meeting, ducked media queries on the delay in Senkumar's reinstatement.



On Monday, the Supreme Court ordered the Kerala government to restore Senkumar as the Director General of Police after noting that his removal in May last year was "arbitrary".





Vijayan, who is also the Home Minister and is known to be a tough customer, was presented a report from the Law Secretary P.G. Harindranath, who has recommended that Senkumar should be appointed without further delay. But he is learnt to have sought fresh legal advice from other experts.



The Vijayan government removed Senkumar in 2016 after a public outcry over alleged mishandling of a temple fire tragedy and a murder case, which the Supreme Court negated and ordered for the reinstatement.



Senkumar is to retire from service on June 30.



Kaleesheweran Raj, a legal expert, told the media that the state government is inviting trouble by delaying obeying the apex court's directive.
North Korea on Saturday launched a ballistic missile that blew up over land, a spokesman for the US Pacific Command said.

The missile didn't leave North Korean territory, CNN quoted US Navy Commander Dave Benham as saying.



A US military assessment found the main part of the missile landed approximately 35 kilometres (22 miles) from Pukchang airfield, a US official told media.



" North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!," US President Donald Trump tweeted.



South Korean officials said the test likely was a failure.



"We are analysing additional information," the nation's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. "Our military is maintaining a thorough defence posture while keeping a close eye on the possibility of North Korea's further provocations."



White House officials said Trump was briefed as Air Force One returned to Maryland from Atlanta, where Trump earlier addressed a meeting of the National Rifle Association.



The test-fired missile probably was a medium-range ballistic missile called a KN-17, the US official said. The KN-17 is a land-based solid-fuel missile fired from a mobile launcher.



North Korean state media did not report on Saturday's launch, as is customary in the case of an unsuccessful test.
Zhang Yunling, an official think-tank, said in Beijing that the government should proceed carefully with transnational projects under the "One Belt, One Road" (OBOR).

China should suspend or even stop controversial projects such as elements of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) if it leads to disputes and other countries find it objectionable, a top government-affiliated scholar has suggested.

Zhang Yunling, an influential academic who is member of the presidium of the official Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), an official think-tank, said in Beijing that the government should proceed carefully with transnational projects under the "One Belt, One Road" (OBOR). China is hosting its first OBOR summit on May 14, with 28 leaders to attend.

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Asked at a press briefing about sovereignty concerns in India because of parts of CPEC that pass through Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), Zhang said: "Even in the case of navigation routes on the Mekong river, for example, many problems emerged so we have to discuss them one by one. We need to learn lessons. Sometimes the lesson may be too big and we may have to stop."

CPEC IS A GRADUAL INVESTMENT

"Any transnational projects involve concerns of different countries," he said. "We need to coordinate that to strike a balance to be acceptable to all parties. If we can't reach that balance, maybe we can stop it for sometime."

Zhang also said that contrary to many reports, China hasn't already committed $46 billion to CPEC. "There is some misunderstanding about China Pakistan cooperation. Yes it's tens of billions but its not one lump-sum investment. It is a gradual investment."

China is unlikely to do a u-turn on CPEC, a part of which runs through PoK. Beijing has already given the green light to expanding the Karakoram highway, the Gwadar port project and a number of energy projects.

But Zhang's comments indicate Beijing's academics are examining the concerns voiced by many countries on certain aspects of OBOR, and are suggesting that certain elements of projects be revisited if required. India isn't opposed to the entire plan, but to parts of CPEC that run through Indian territory in PoK.

India hasn't accepted an invitation to send a representative to the first Belt and Road Forum on May 14. Zhang noted that the "Indian government has been quite prudent or cautious in expressing its attitude towards the Belt and Road Initiative, but participates in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)" where India is the second-largest shareholder. China also refers to the One Belt, One Road as the BRI initiative in English.

Map locating the route of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.(Photo: Reuters)

He suggested that India's non-endorsement need not necessarily emerge as a barrier to India-China cooperation. "We do not need to put a BRI label to everything. It only provides a platform. For China India cooperation we don't need to look at the BRI initiative alone, we already have a range of cooperation in wide range of areas including infrastructure".

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At the May 14 summit, Zhang said China may come up with new ideas for the initiative. Beijing is especially aware that many countries in the region have been wary at what they see as a Chinese initiative without a mechanism for consultations among all regional stakeholders. No major Western leader will be at the summit. Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend, as will the Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka and Pakistan and seven leaders from the 10 ASEAN countries.

"There is a lot of suspicion," acknowledged Zhang with regard to the maritime silk road plan, "but it will take time for people to overcome their misgivings". "We need the consent of all parties," he said. "We need joint discussion."

As for some projects that have faced difficulties in the region, from the Myitsone dam in Myanmar and a high speed rail in Thailand to the Hambantota port project in Sri Lanka, Zhang said risks were inevitable. "In Hambantota, yes there were problems for some time but it has restarted and the prospects are rather good. Thailand is changing the railway plan. We need to share the risks so that we are jointly designing, jointly building and jointly discussing projects. Whenever there is any danger there should be immediate communication on the risks and dangers and should also involve dispute settlement mechanism," he said.

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Also Read:

India's CPEC concerns 'unwarranted', says China media

China diplomat in Pakistan changes Twitter name after 'Muhammad ban'

Islam, Quran, Saddam, Jihad, Medina... China bans dozens of Muslim baby names

China slams 'obstinate' India, says Dalai Lama's Arunachal visit will 'escalate' border tensions

Also Watch:

China shouldn't interfere in India's internal matters: Rijiju on Dalai Lama's Arunachal visit

--- ENDS ---
Here are the unofficial results for Saline County in the 2022 election
Being part of a family is not always easy.

This is the opinion of Setiseni Terllam of Letogo.

All his life, he has just wanted to do his best to provide for his family with whatever they needed.

Aged 34, he is a man doing it all; excelling at work, raising his siblings kids, taking care of household chores and making sure his mother is well cared for and supported.

In Samoa there are hardly any guys at my age who are still single, he told Village Voice.

Usually at the age of 25, people are getting married and having kids.

But none of that matters, I live to help my family and especially to support my mother.

We have everything we need, we have access to both water and electricity and my family is well cared for.

Setiseni is a carpenter.

To me personally I often feel overwhelmed trying to do it all.

I love my job and my family, but whereas men in past generations emphasized being a provider first and foremost, I think modern guys take on many more roles.

The juggle between work and home life has long been a hot topic for everyone but to me its an easy task when we prioritise the wellbeing of families.

I live to love my family, he said.

I dont think of having a family of my own because I dont want to take so many other responsibilities aside from caring for my parents.

Even though, I earn a little from my work but were still happy, I mean at least I get to earn to contribute to the family.

The only time we need money is when it comes to faalavelave, village and church obligations and I think those times are the expensive ones nowadays.

So, our family is making do with what we have and we are one happy family.
When you are old enough to make your own decisions, you dont need anyone else to tell you what to do.

That is the opinion of Mina Tuivasa from the village of Laulii.

The 28 year old believes that people are not only responsible for their own actions, but also for their mistakes.

I believe in working hard. I believe that this life is all about working hard to get what you want.

Village Voice caught up with Mina when he was clearing the land.

Mina is a single man who comes from a family of seven including his parents.

He is a carpenter and he does contractual work for the Tokelau Office.

He was on a three-week break which explained why he was using up his time to work in the plantation, and do other carpentry work in the village to help out.

When I leave Samoa for work, it usually takes up about six months and thats a long time to be away from my family.

But I love working and I also love my family which is why Im doing what I do.

I dont want to waste my time doing the wrong things.

Ive seen bad things happen to people especially our youth and I think thats on them.

Why?

When were little, our parents were always there to tell us what to do. When you get older, you should already know what to do; our parents job is done.

So many accidents happen today and most people blame alcohol or something else when its the persons fault.

I think alcohol was set at such a price so as to discourage people from buying but thats beside the point. The point is that alcohol is not the problem, the problem is the person consuming the alcohol for not knowing how to control his or her drinking.

Drink responsibly; that should always be kept in mind.

A word to the youth today; you are old enough to know what to do, please make use of your time and be smart.

It is our time to help our families especially our dear parents.
Rep. Duncan Hunter, a prominent advocate of using e-cigarettes for smoking cessation, has introduced legislation to ease impending federal restrictions on vaping products.

The Cigarette Smoking Reduction and Electronic Vapor Alternatives Act, numbered H.R.2194, rejects the policy of the Food and Drug Administration that deems e-cigarettes as tobacco products. Vaping liquids dont contain tobacco, and may not even contain nicotine.

The deeming regulation is now being phased in, taking full effect on Aug. 8, 2018.

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The bill establishes a separate category for e-cigarettes, and amends the Tobacco Control Act to include tobacco reduction strategies as part of American policy.

Vapings potential benefit or harm is fiercely debated. Advocates say it provides an exit for millions of smokers who couldnt stop any other way. Hunter is a former smoker who credits vaping to helping him quit. Detractors say vaping introduces a new health risk of unknown proportions.

Hunters bill lifts requirements for FDA certification of each individual product.

Vaping industry advocates say certifications would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per individual product, putting small and medium-sized vaping companies out of business. Only the big tobacco companies, whose main products are not e-cigarettes, could survive. It would also benefit sellers of nicotine patches, gum and other smoking cessation therapies.

By introducing standards, the bill will also make vaping safer, Hunter said.

The liquids will have standards. The atomizers and the coils will have standards, the San Diego County Republican said. Youre going to have the same kind of standards that you have when you buy lithium-ion batteries.

Vaping liquids will have to be prepared in dedicated rooms with specified safety and hygienic standards, said Hunter, who represents the 50th Congressional District.

The FDAs deeming rule was imposed under the administration of former president Barack Obama. Vaping advocates have voiced hope that President Donald Trump will be more sympathetic to vaping.

Vapers were recently encouraged by Trumps firing of former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, a vaping foe.

And Trumps pick to head the FDA, Scott Gottlieb, is friendly enough to vaping to have served on the board of an e-cigarette company. Vaping opponents say thats a conflict of interest, although Gottlieb no longer sits on the board.

Hunter is a Trump supporter. Early last year, he created a stir in a House committee by briefly vaping and discussing the benefits he sees in it.

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Molly Sylvester, owner of Vapin the 619 with locations in El Cajon and Clairement, said her businesses can work with the regulations. These include separate sinks, food-grades areas to prepare the juices, wearing hair coverings and laboratory clothes in the room, and other common safety standards.

Thats something that is doable, Sylvester said.

If the FDA rules arent changed, Sylvester said shed have to go out of business.

If it goes through as-is, its going to shut us down.

Vapers have organized to influence the debate. Its not difficult to find personal testimonials from vapers who say e-cigarettes helped them quit smoking. A recent movie, A Billion Lives, describes vaping as a potential lifesaver for the billion people projected to die of smoking-related illnesses.

Gregory Conley, president of the American Vaping Association, said he liked the bills intent, but another alternative may be more practical. Thats the Cole-Bishop amendment, which exempts nearly all existing vaping products from the FDAs deeming rules.

Currently, the FDAs rules have a predicate date giving it authority over all vaping products introduced since Feb. 15, 2007, or virtually all vaping products on the market.

The Cole-Bishop Amendment, by Reps. Tom Cole (R-OK) and Sanford Bishop (D-GA), allows the FDA to exert authority over vaping products introduced since Aug. 8, 2016.

Vaping makers would still have to file with the FDA to list their products ingredients and comply with general standards, without the great expense under the current regulation.

It would be a way to avoid 99.9 percent of products being banned on Aug. 8, 2018, he said.

Regarding the Hunter bill, Conley said the existing state of politics at the federal level makes it difficult to get new legislation passed.

The last year Harry Reid was Majority Leader of the Senate, they passed something like 70 bills, and most of them were renaming post offices, Conley said. I dont believe the situation has gotten much better since Republicans took control of the Senate.

I certainly would like to see this bill become law, Conley said. But in all likelihood, this is a bill that is going to be a great conversation-starter to talk about where we should go in the future, Conley said.

E-cigarette proponent Michael Siegel called Hunters bill a major embarrassment to the FDA in a post on his blog.

This is critical and much-needed legislation that would put an end to the lunacy going on with the current regulation by the FDA of cigarettes and e-cigarettes, Siegel wrote.

Harm reduction  another approach to cigarettes

The FDA and many other U.S. public health agencies condemn e-cigarettes as a dangerous lure to nonsmokers that add their own dangers. Hunters legislation adopts the prevailing policy in the United Kingdom, which treats e-cigarettes as a useful tool in reducing harm from tobacco smoking.

Hunters bill mentions a 2015 report from Public Health England that estimated e-cigarettes to carry only about 5 percent of the risk of cigarettes.

Theres numerous studies that indicate potential harm from e-cigarettes. Preliminary research indicates e-cigarette vapor could possibly lower resistance to the superbug MRSA, cause heart damage, and introduce flavorings with potentially damaging effects, such as cinnamon  a claim that is strongly disputed.

However, none of these dangers have actually been demonstrated in people; they are inferences from animal studies and short-term research. Since e-cigarettes have been popular for scarcely a decade, there hasnt been enough time to document any long-term effects, or the lack of.

Other studies point to health benefits of switching from cigarettes to vaping, such as greatly reduced exposure to carcinogens and other harmful substances.

Meanwhile, the great health hazard from cigarette smoking has been well established over decades of intensive research.

But in the absence of rigorous studies documenting the ability of vaping to stop smoking, academic researchers are wary. That frustrates vapers, who say tobacco companies benefit from this attitude.

Harm reduction has been used in other areas of public health, such as the needle exchange programs for intravenous drug users. Its not an explicit endorsement of the use, but a practical attempt to deal with the reality that those who engage in dangerous behaviors often dont quit.

Nicotine isnt the most harmful substance in tobacco; in fact it is being studied for therapeutic uses, including cognitive impairment such as that caused by Alzheimers disease. And its used in approved therapies such as nicotine gum, lozenges and patches.

This harm reduction strategy assumes that smokers who quit in favor of e-cigarettes are replacing that habit with one that is less harmful overall. Exactly how much harm is in e-cigarettes isnt clear. Lung specialists say it isnt a good idea to inhale anything into your lungs other than air, except for necessary medications.

Varying views

Tobacco researchers are all over the map on e-cigarettes. Stanton Glantz, a prominent foe of smoking and strong opponent of e-cigarettes, says vaping incurs substantial dangers.

Michael Siegel, the e-cigarette supporter, says the risks are very low, especially in comparison to the dangers of smoking. Public health campaigns that portray e-cigarettes as dangerous may discourage smokers from using them to quit, he says.

Health professionals generally say itss difficult to believe e-cigarettes could be as dangerous as cigarette smoking. However, theres also concern that e-cigarettes are being portrayed as a safe habit, attracting those who wouldnt dream of smoking because of its known dangers.

Glantz has said its probable that e-cigarette use presents the same risk of heart problems as smoking, but a lower risk of cancer. However, those who vape and smoke are probably increasing their overall risk.

For more pro-vaping information, visit the American Vaping Association.

For more anti-vaping information, visit Still Blowing Smoke, a website from the California Department of Public Health.

Science Playlist  On Now In a first, scientists rid human embryos of a potentially fatal gene mutation by editing their DNA On Now Space station flyovers visible from San Diego this week 0:55 On Now UCSD's 'ghost drivers' begin testing people's reaction seemingly empty cars 1:29 On Now 10 interesting facts about Mars On Now Kids can add years to your life On Now LA 90: SpaceX launches recycled rocket On Now Big passions, big giving: Malin Burnham 2:30 On Now Big passions, big giving: Darlene Shiley 2:40 On Now Big passions, big giving: Joan and Irwin Jacobs 2:45 On Now Ocean temperatures warming at rapid rate, study finds

bradley.fikes@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1020
People hold marches and protests to mark the US President Donald Trump's 100 tumultuous days in office. From abortion laws to climate change, the White House is cooking some bland policies.

Tens of thousands of protesters are expected to turn out in Washington, US, on Saturday to voice concern over climate change in a mass demonstration marking the 100th day of Donald Trump's presidency.

As a side theme, marchers will protest Trump's crackdown on illegal immigrants and other issues championed by the maverick Republican billionaire.

The Peoples Climate Marches in dozens of cities including the US capital, are part of a broader effort to ask for policies that aim to curb climate change and limit environmental pollution, as the US President Donald Trump threatens to limit federal funding for science and the environment.

Protestors rally during the Queer Dance Party for Climate Change outside the home of Assistant to the President Ivanka Trump in Washington: Reuters

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Since Trump's inauguration on January 20, there have been national protests focused on issues ranging from abortion rights to immigration and science policy.

Last weekend, thousands turned out for the March for Science, a de facto protest against what activists call a denial in Trump's Washington of evidence-based science.

Anti-Trump demonstrators protest at abortion rights rally in Chicago, Illinois: Reuters

Trump's administration is considering withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, which more than 190 countries signed in hopes of curbing global warming. Trump has also proposed deep cuts for the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Paris Agreement's central aim is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Environmental activists take part in a protest while Myron Ebell, who leads U.S. President Donald Trump's Environmental Protection Agency's transition team, arrives at the Solvay library in Brussels, Belgium to address a meeting: Reuters

In his campaign, Trump called climate change a hoax. Last month he kept a promise to the coal industry by undoing climate-change rules put in place by his predecessor, Democrat Barack Obama.

On November 6, 2012, Donald Trump tweeted: "The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive."

Three years later on October 19, 2015, he then tweeted, "It's really cold outside, they are calling it a major freeze, weeks ahead of normal. Man, we could use a big fat dose of global warming!"

Environmental activists believe public opinion is on their side. A Gallup poll this month showed 59 percent of Americans agreed environmental protection should take priority over increased US energy production.

In the main event in Washington, protesters will march from the Capitol to surround the White House, then hold a rally.

Dozens of "sister" marches are planned for other North America locales, from Anapolish Royal, Nova Scotia, to Dutch Harbor in Alaska's Aleutian Islands. Overseas, about three dozen events range from a protest in Vienna to a tree-planting event in Zambia.

(WITH INPUTS FROM REUTERS)

--- ENDS ---
Supporters of mitochondrial disease research are holding a tropical-themed fundraiser May 20 at Liberty Station in Point Loma.

The 5k Fun Run/ Walk and Roll raises money for UC San Diegos Robert Naviaux, a physician-scientist who specializes in mitochondrial disease. Wheelchair users are welcome.

For more information and to register for the event, go to j.mp/mitofundraiser. Alternatively, call (858) 246-1230 or email hsdevents@ucsd.edu. Those who cant participate can still donate.

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Mitochondria are cellular components that have their own DNA and replicate independently of cells. They produce 90 percent of the bodys energy, and diseased mitochondria produce a variety of illnesses. The brain, heat, muscles and lung, which are especially energy-intensive organs, are most vulnerable.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a mitochondrial disease, according to research, some of it coming from Naviaux and colleagues. They have developed a method to detect the chemical signature of CFS, which affects up to 2.5 million Americans.

Mitochondrial diseases are inherited, but they dont follow classical Mendelian patterns. This means a mother with mild mitochondrial disease  mitochondria are inherited maternally  may give birth to a child with severe mitochondrial disease.

Each cell contains many mitochondria, and they may include a mixture of diseased and healthy ones. The proportion of diseased mitochondria to healthy ones causes the diseases to vary in severity. The severity of mitochondrial disease depends on the mitochondrial population of the egg, which varies unpredictably from generation to generation.

Science Playlist  On Now In a first, scientists rid human embryos of a potentially fatal gene mutation by editing their DNA On Now Space station flyovers visible from San Diego this week 0:55 On Now UCSD's 'ghost drivers' begin testing people's reaction seemingly empty cars 1:29 On Now 10 interesting facts about Mars On Now Kids can add years to your life On Now LA 90: SpaceX launches recycled rocket On Now Big passions, big giving: Malin Burnham 2:30 On Now Big passions, big giving: Darlene Shiley 2:40 On Now Big passions, big giving: Joan and Irwin Jacobs 2:45 On Now Ocean temperatures warming at rapid rate, study finds

bradley.fikes@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1020
As it plans its next 50 years, the San Diego Unified Port District is considering moving its cruise ship terminal on B Street Pier to Harbor Island.

Port Commissioner Bob Nelson sprang the idea on his six fellow board members at an all-day workshop Thursday on the ports new master plan, in the works for the past four years.

A port open house event is planned May 11, a third board workshop May 25 and a draft of the plan released July 11.

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Nelson said his proposal was prompted by several issues:

If the current terminal, a warehouse reconfigured for cruise operations in the 1980s, is ever replaced, it would cost as much as $113 million in current dollars  $58 million to strengthen the 1924 pier against earthquakes and $65 million for a new building.

San Diegos cruise business of less than 300,000 passengers a year leaves the terminal and its companion facility on the Broadway Pier vacant 90 percent of the year.

The North Embarcadero is redeveloping with new restaurants and hotels, a new Seaport Village and revival of commercial fishing operations, drawing thousands of new visitors and locals to San Diegos proverbial front porch.

Navy Pier, currently used for parking for the Midway Aircraft Museum, is being considered for conversion to parkland with parking moved elsewhere.

Harbor Island is heading toward its own redevelopment with conversion of former rental car lots to hotel and office use.

The ports master plan consultant, Randy Morton from the HKS architectural firm, had suggested such a switch of cruise ship terminal location in 2015 since it would free up B Street Pier for more active uses and the Harbor Island site would be more convenient to most cruisers arriving at Lindbergh Field.

To me it would be far better  rather than spend $113 million to rebuild something at the wrong place, I suggest we build it at the right place, Nelson said.

He said the pier could become a park with some retail uses, and presumably, Broadway Pier, would become more of a people place as well.

Im saying the most important thing for the entire district is taking the potential of the Embarcadero area and turning it into a public area like St. Marks Square in Venice or the Getty Center in L.A., where you just like to be there and take it all in, Nelson said.

Port Engineer Ernie Medina said regular repairs and maintenance will keep the pier usable for years to come. The port spent about $3 million to seismically retrofit Broadway Pier when it built the Broadway Pavilion in 2010 as a backup cruise ship terminal.

If the terminal were replaced with smaller structures, the retrofit cost would likely be commensurately less, Medina said.

B Street Pier was proposed to shift from industrial to vacationing passengers in the 1940s, but in 1954, an additional warehouse to handle bales of cotton was built instead. A $2 million renovation made it ready for cruise ships in 1985, but usage has cycled up and down ever since, peaking at 810,000 passengers in 2007. This years visits are projected at 250,000.

The other commissioners were generally cool to moving the terminal. But Ann Moore, who launched the master plan update when she chaired the board in 2013, won general approval to include a sidebar in the final plan that mentions the possibility of relocating the cruise ship terminal sometime in the future. That wording would not commit the port to act or even study the concept now but would signal a future board that it might be something worth considering.

Commissioner Rafael Castellanos said one of the big problems of moving to Harbor Island would be the need to dredge the bay to make it deep enough for cruise ships  a formidable challenge when it comes to state and federal regulation over such things.

By the same token, lets take a real look at opening the Silver Strand or Coronado Cays to create a second bay entrance, Castellanos said. That idea has surfaced every few decades and would face even more engineering roadblocks than a Harbor Island terminal. Its one Castellanos did not appear to favor either.

Nelson didnt stop with the cruise ship idea. He said the port should lobby the California Coastal Commission to let the Midway Aircraft Museum keep Navy Pier for parking rather than require it be turned into parkland.

Some seemingly permanent buildings and uses on the waterfront might change in the next 50 years, he said, and offered as example the 27-year-old San Diego Convention Center. The city, which leases the facility from the port, is heading toward a special election this year to raise hotel taxes to pay for an expansion that could cost $680 million. But in 20 years, maybe the port will want something else on the site and decline to renew the lease.

But his point in making these suggestions, he explained Friday in an interview, was that San Diego often steps back from bold actions because leaders worry about the cost and let greatness slip away and wander off into mediocrity.

Nelson won more assent when it came to Shelter Island and the reuse of the Harbor Police substation that would become surplus if plans come to fruition to build a new police station on Harbor Island. Nelson said rather than offer the site for restaurant or boutique hotel use, as port staff suggested, it should become part of Pacific Rim Park, across the street from the Japanese Friendship Bell that has been located there since 1960.

Moore called the park rather isolated but changed her mind after Nelson spoke of the pleasure of watching ships come and go from that spot.

Although the cruise ship move elicited the most heated debate during the hearing, commissioners spent more time talking about preserving commercial fishing operations in Tuna Harbor and G Street Mole. Several fishermen said they were scared by the mixed-use designation appearing on master plan maps. But staff said they would propose clarifying language and policies that would preserve commercial fishing operations.

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roger.showley@sduniontribune.com; (619) 293-1286; Twitter: @rogershowley
One by one, the Marines approached the podium to speak about their brothers-in-arms killed in Sangin, Afghanistan. Each of the 25 men who died with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment during the tour that ended this month was honored Friday at Camp Pendleton by a Marine who knew him best.

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Their voices quavered at times and their happiest memories were undercut by sadness, but the respect and affection they showed for the men who fought at their sides was unwavering.

Among the fallen was Lance Cpl. Joseph C. Lopez. He made everyone laugh with his modified moon walk and whistle; he considered his mom and dad to be the loves of his life, and he knew just what to say to reassure a fellow Marine who confessed before they left for Sangin: hey brother, Im scared.

Sgt. Jason D. Peto always had a gorgeous girl on his arm, or a bruise from his latest dirt bike or snowboard outing. I hate final roll call, Petos friend and fellow Marine, Sgt. Joel Bailey, said.

During Fridays ceremony, the names of the fallen were called out, but there was no answer. Instead the bell tolled for them and the guns fired in salute.

Whisper present, Bailey implored, because Petos presence was surely felt, along with all the Darkhorse Marines who did not make it back alive.

Several hundred family members joined the 3/5 Marines and their military commanders for the remembrance ceremony on a helicopter landing zone high in the clouds above Camp Pendleton. Many more wanted to attend, but the battalion leaders kept the gathering close-knit.

Seven months ago, about 1,000 Marines and sailors from the 3/5 and the 1st Combat Engineers deployed from their headquarters in the San Mateo area of Camp Pendleton for Afghanistan. They had trained together for almost a year before they left California, in snowy mountain passes and desert combat training ranges.

The unit turned over command in Sangin on April 11 to another Camp Pendleton unit from the Fighting Fifth: the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. The last of the 3/5 Marines returned home last weekend.

Twenty-five Marines from that original group returned on their shields, as the Marines say, not including Marines from other units who died alongside them in Sangin, which has been the deadliest area for international troops in Afghanistan.

Each volunteered to join the Marine Corps during a time of war, said Lt. Col. Jason Morris, the battalion commander. While each and every loss in this battalion hurts, we must remember how our comrades lived and what they accomplished, Morris said.

They sent shockwaves through the insurgency by killing, capturing or wounding well over 600 insurgents in Sangin, where they turned hopelessness to hope and removed the yoke of the Taliban from the shoulders of the Afghan people, Morris said: They helped turn the tide and won a decisive victory against the enemy.

It hurts knowing theyre gone, the Darkhorse battalion Marines said. But they are comforted by the memory that they died doing what they had trained and strived to do, many while running into gunfire like Sgt. Jason Amores.

Lance Cpl. Irvin M. Ceniceros, for instance, fought to get into the battalion so he could deploy to Afghanistan, then he rained hell on the enemy with his 240 machine gun during the October fire fight that claimed his life, Sgt. Ryan Schmidt recalled during the ceremony.

Ceniceros actions protected his entire squad that day. He is our hero and he will always be remembered, said Maria Ceniceros, his mother, speaking in Spanish.

Someone asked me, was it worth it? Its worth it to them, so who are we to question that? said Lt. Gen. John Kelly, whose son 1st Lt. Robert Kelly, died in Sangin. They join to do this. They are never so happy as when they are doing what they were doing in Sangin.

Close to 200 Darkhorse Marines and sailors were wounded, many gravely so. The ones sent to the rear guard to heal made memorial battle crosses for the fallen in the age-old symbol of rifle, helmet and boots.

Many relatives and friends of the fallen wept and clung to the living for support as they caressed the metal tags clinking against rifles. Others knelt with head bowed and kissed the tips of their fingers, then touched the empty boots.

Many wounded Marines flew in from military hospitals around the country to attend the ceremony, rolling over in wheelchairs or walking on prosthetic legs to pay their respects to the dead.

Lance Cpl. Juan Dominguez, a 26-year-old Marine who lost an arm and both legs in Sangin, lingered in front of the battle cross of his friend, Lance Cpl. James Boelk.

It was an honor to be here for our fallen brothers. This was the last bit of closure that a lot of us needed, being all here together, Dominguez said.

I am going to live my life to the fullest, for those who didnt make it, he said. That is what I am going to do for all my brothers.

Katherine Wyatt brought her infant son Michael, who was born the day after his father Cpl. Derek Wyatt died, to meet some of his daddys friends. He was the most amazing man Ill ever know, and he will be strongly missed, she said, even by those who never met him, including his son.
Four men have been arrested in an undercover sex solicitation operation on suspicion of agreeing to pay to have sex with girls as young as 14, the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department said Friday.

Law enforcement officials said the men responded to ads that detectives had posted on Backpage.com or Craigslist.com. When contacted by the prospective sex buyers, detectives represented themselves as underage girls between the ages of 14 and 16, a statement by the Sheriffs Department said.

Sheriffs Lt. Barry Hall said in an interview that the men agreed to exchange money for sex on a phone call or by text message. They acknowledged that the female was underage, either 14 or 16, and they acknowledged, Ill pay you $120 for whatever-fill-in-the-blank sex act,  Hall said.

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The four men were arrested Thursday after they arrived at a Santa Clarita Valley hotel or across the street from the building.

Peter Ghanem, 35, of Canyon Country; Salvador Buenrostro, 47, of Pacoima; Thomas Wilkerson, 44, of Winnetka; and Mohammed Rahman, 26, of Van Nuys were all arrested on suspicion of going to an arranged location to meet with a person believed to be a minor for the purpose of engaging in lewd or lascivious behavior.

Those convicted of that charge can be sent to state prison for as long as four years.

Rahman was also booked on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance. Hall said Rahman brought Ecstasy, an illegal stimulant and hallucinogen, after saying he had planned to bring the drug to share.

Each of the men was booked at the sheriffs station in Santa Clarita on bail of $75,000. They are scheduled to be arraigned at the San Fernando Courthouse on Monday.

The operation was led by the sheriffs Human Trafficking Bureau, which is part of the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force.

ron.lin@latimes.com

@ronlin

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The hits keep coming for Uber  and not the good kind.

The embattled ride-share company, already buffeted by a barrage of lawsuits and public-relations crises, is being sued again. This time, a driver is alleging that the Silicon Valley behemoths fare structure deliberately shortchanges drivers.

In the complaint, filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, attorneys for the plaintiff say they seek to have the case designated as a class-action on behalf of all Uber drivers in California.

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At the center of the lawsuit is Ubers use of upfront pricing. Introduced in major markets last year, the feature provides passengers with the cost of their ride before they summon a car. Uber pitched the fare model as a way to increase transparency and address anger over unexpected rate surges when demand for rides spiked.

Theres no complicated math and no surprises: Passengers can just sit back and enjoy the ride, the company said in a press statement.

However, according to the lawsuit, Uber also took the change as an opportunity to pull off an active, extensive, methodical scheme  to defraud drivers.

The lawsuit alleges that Uber essentially calculates two fares for each ride  one charged to the passenger and a cheaper one used to determine the drivers pay. Uber, according to the suit, then can pocket the difference.

The lawsuit claims that the discrepancy between the two prices violates the terms of an agreement Uber drivers must sign, specifying that they will receive the amount charged to passengers minus a percentage the company keeps.

In California, Uber generally takes 25%.

To bolster their claims, attorneys Bobby Saadian and Daniel Miller  representing driver Sophano Van  allowed The Times to review photos of receipts that drivers and passengers received from three rides.

In one, a rider paid $54.80 to be brought from the Fairfax district in Los Angeles to LAX. But Uber used a fare of $43.55 when calculating the amount it forwarded to the driver, which came to $32.89.

The Times could not independently verify that the receipts corresponded to the same ride, although the route and times appeared to match.

A spokeswoman for Uber declined to comment on the lawsuit. She acknowledged that the calculations used to determine what passengers are charged and what drivers are paid can differ.

Riders agree to a fare upfront, while drivers earn based on the actual length of the journey plus applicable surge and promotions, the spokeswoman wrote in a statement to The Times. There are times when the two differ, and as weve noted before, the rider fare is often lower than what a driver earns for the same trip.

Ubers software algorithms calculate the fare charged to riders based primarily on the distance of the trip and an estimated time it will take, as well as factors such as how many drivers are in the area at the time, the company said when it unveiled upfront pricing.

But Ubers programs can overestimate or underestimate the distance or duration of a ride, leading to passenger fares that are out of line with the reality, according to the company.

The lawsuit is only the latest legal trouble for the company.

For years, Uber has been fighting class-action lawsuits that seek to redefine the employment status of drivers in California and elsewhere from independent contractors to full-fledged employees. A ruling against the company would upend a crucial underpinning of its business model, as it would have to pay drivers benefits and reimburse them for gas and other expenses.

A $100-million settlement proposed by the company was rejected last year by a federal judge in San Francisco as insufficient.

And Uber has been in damage-control mode over a sexual harassment allegation from a former employee that led users to drop the services app from their phones. Google also has sued over alleged theft of trade secrets, and Ubers senior vice president of engineering recently resigned for not disclosing another sexual harassment accusation.

joel.rubin@latimes.com

Follow @joelrubin on Twitter

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San Diego State University has agreed to pay $10,000 and take other steps to settle a lawsuit filed by a former student who said he was suspended and wrongly accused of sexual assault.

Francisco Sousa was a 20-year-old foreign exchange student from Portugal when he was arrested by SDSU police Dec. 9, 2014, and charged with sexually assaulting and imprisoning a woman near campus.

About a dozen reports of sexual assaults had been reported in the area that semester, and there had been a heightened awareness of the problem across the nation.

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Sousa denied the accusations and the charges were dropped in January 2015, but the school would not lift the suspension. He sued SDSU that April to demand information about the accusation against him, and his attorney believed that information could be used to expel Sousa.

The school lifted the suspension against him that September, and Sousa later sued for monetary damages and to seek an apology from SDSU for sending a campus-wide e-mail announcing his arrest.

Besides the monetary award, the settlement changes the record of his arrest to a police detention, and the school has agreed to additional training for employees who investigate sexual assault claims.

Specifically, the settlement states three employees would be sent to a Civil Rights Investigator Training and Certification course or a similar training program.

Another settlement agreement refers to the Clery Act, a federal law that relates to crime reporting, security and the prevention of and response to sexual assaults at publicly funded colleges and universities. The settlement will result in the schools Clery director and campus police participating in a webinar about timely warning notices and immediate notifications.

Attorney Domenic Lombardo, who represented Sousa in his first lawsuit against SDSU, said the request for training was an attempt to prevent others from being wrongly accused.

If theyre going to identify an offender, they need to do it in a measured, thoughtful and methodical way, he said.

Gina Jacobs, interim chief communications officer at SDSU, said the school does not comment on settlement agreements, but did have a statement about sexual assault.

San Diego State University takes the issue of sexual assault very seriously, the statement read. It is our institutional responsibility to investigate all complaints to ensure the safety of our students. The university is committed to preventing sexual violence through education, training and accountability.

Sousa said he did not seek a large monetary settlement because he did not want taxpayers burdened with the cost. The settlement money will go to his parents, who helped pay his legal bills, he said.

No amount of money can compensate for what I went through, he said. My main objective was to vindicate my name.

Sousa never returned to SDSU after the suspension was lifted and now lives in Los Angeles, where he is enrolled in another school and plans to graduate this semester with a business degree and a minor in economics.

News of his arrest were reported on the front page of a newspaper in Portugal and was widely reported in San Diego. Sousa said the attention resulted in three men jumping him near the campus after they recognized him.

The media portrayed me as a criminal, using my photos and comments against me in order to tell a more interesting story, Sousa said in an e-mail. It was a matter of hours until word spread across the world, from San Diego to London, from Miami to San Paulo, from Praga to Milan, reaching my hometown of Porto.

Sousa is in the United States on a student visa and said he would like to stay a while longer.

I really like the United States, even after all thats happened to me, he said. I want to stay in short term and work, but eventually Ill go back to Portugal.

Sousa had worried that the arrest and suspension would prevent him from getting a job, which was one of the reasons why he continued to fight the school to clear his name.

Lombardo said he had asked campus police to change Sousas arrest record to a detention, which iscommon after charges are dropped, but they refused.

We shouldnt have had to fight for something he was entitled to under sate law, he said about why the request was made in Sousas second lawsuit, which was filed by attorney Michael Merriman.

Sousa said he hopes the outcome of his lawsuit will protect others from being falsely accused, but he also wants real victims to come forward if they have been assaulted.

I wish to work toward a better future for everyone and make people accountable for what happened, he said.

gary.warth@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @GaryWarthUT

760-529-4939
Thousands of activists and concerned citizens carrying signs, banners and papier-mache puppets rallied along San Diegos waterfront on Saturday for the Peoples Climate March, joining some 300 sister marches across the country demanding the Trump Administration take action on climate change.

The marquee event in Washington, D.C., drew the largest crowd as tens of thousands of demonstrators made their way down Pennsylvania Avenue in sweltering heat to encircle the White House. That event drew big names, including former Vice President Al Gore and actor Leonardo DiCaprio. In Chicago, marchers headed from the citys federal plaza to Trump Tower.

In San Diego, police estimated as many as 5,000 people attended Saturdays event.

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The colorful atmosphere contrasted last weekends March for Science, which featured a larger turnout of about 15,000 in San Diego but more restrained tenor. Folks with the Peoples Climate March differentiated themselves from the previous event with a strident and aggressive message opposing the president, who marked his 100th day in office Saturday.

Lets not say its the hundredth day of Trump. Its the hundredth day of resistance, and its not going to stop, said state Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher to a cheering crowd at the Waterfront Park in San Diego.

Im here today for my four kids  because they need to have a planet for their children and their grandchildren, and if we dont continue to act through this administration and beyond, that just wont happen, she added.

1 / 39 About 5,000 people participated in the Peoples Climate March, San Diego, which started on the steps of the San Diego County Administration Building with speeches and music before marchers took to the nearby streets to voice their opinions and concern over climate change and the Trump Administrations opposition to it. | (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 2 / 39 Members of the San Diego Puppet Insurgency were out in force during the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 3 / 39 Charlie Jungk was one of about 5,000 people participated in the Peoples Climate March, San Diego, that took place on the streets around the San Diego County Administration Building to voice their opinions and concern over climate change and the Trump Administrations opposition to it. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 4 / 39 With signs in hand, participants get ready for the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 5 / 39 About 5,000 people participated in the Peoples Climate March, San Diego, that took place on the streets around the San Diego County Administration Building including Harbor Drive to voice their opinions and concern over climate change and the Trump Administrations opposition to it. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 6 / 39 With signs in hand, participants get ready for the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 7 / 39 Signs of climate change at the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 8 / 39 Signs of climate change at the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 9 / 39 With the likeness of the world painted on his face, Joel Meza was one of about 5,000 people who participated in the Peoples Climate March, San Diego, which started on the steps of the San Diego County Administration Building with speeches and music before marchers took to the nearby streets to voice their opinions and concern over climate change and the Trump Administrations opposition to it. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 10 / 39 Signs of climate change at the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 11 / 39 Signs of climate change at the PeopleOs Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 12 / 39 Signs of climate change at the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 13 / 39 Signs of climate change at the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 14 / 39 Julie Porter was ready with her sign during the Peoples Climate March, San Diego, that took place on the streets around the San Diego County Administration Building. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 15 / 39 Signs of climate change at the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 16 / 39 Signs of climate change at the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 17 / 39 Signs of climate change at the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 18 / 39 Signs of climate change at the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 19 / 39 Signs of climate change at the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 20 / 39 Signs of climate change at the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 21 / 39 Signs of climate change at the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 22 / 39 Signs of climate change at the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 23 / 39 Signs of climate change at the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 24 / 39 Signs of climate change at the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 25 / 39 About 5,000 people participated in the Peoples Climate March, San Diego, which started on the steps of the San Diego County Administration Building with speeches and music before marchers took to the nearby streets to voice their opinions and concern over climate change and the Trump Administrations opposition to it. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 26 / 39 About 5,000 people participated in the Peoples Climate March, San Diego, which started on the steps of the San Diego County Administration Building with speeches and music before marchers took to the nearby streets to voice their opinions and concern over climate change and the Trump Administrations opposition to it. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 27 / 39 About 5,000 people participated in the Peoples Climate March, San Diego, which started on the steps of the San Diego County Administration Building with speeches and music before marchers took to the nearby streets to voice their opinions and concern over climate change and the Trump Administrations opposition to it. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 28 / 39 About 5,000 people participated in the PeopleOs Climate March, San Diego, which started on the steps of the San Diego County Administration Building with speeches and music before marchers took to the nearby streets to voice their opinions and concern over climate change and the Trump Administrations opposition to it. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 29 / 39 About 5,000 people participated in the Peoples Climate March, San Diego, which started on the steps of the San Diego County Administration Building with speeches and music before marchers took to the nearby streets to voice their opinions and concern over climate change and the Trump Administrations opposition to it. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 30 / 39 Signs of climate change at the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 31 / 39 Signs of climate change at the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 32 / 39 Michael Graham plays the flute before the start of the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 33 / 39 Joan Little and Leigh Mahon were two of the estimated 5,000 to attend the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 34 / 39 Participants get ready for the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 35 / 39 Participants get ready for the Peoples Climate March, San Diego (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 36 / 39 Participants get ready for the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 37 / 39 Peoples Climate March, San Diego began at the San Diego County Administration Building. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 38 / 39 Participants get ready for the Peoples Climate March, San Diego to begin. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 39 / 39 Signs of climate change at the Peoples Climate March, San Diego. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune)

The focus on Trump was not necessarily intentional, with the marchs national coordinator, Paul Gestos, saying the event was planned before the election.

The climate march, which originated in 2014 with a massive demonstration in New York, was perhaps the most confrontational yet as environmental activists and scientists have become enraged by what they view as the administrations antipathy toward action on global warming.

In the most recent example, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday that it is removing from its website data about greenhouse gas emissions, as well as information about the Obama administrations plan to limit carbon pollution from power plants.

Trump has called climate change a hoax, and he and his administration have mirrored other skeptics who question whether scientists have exaggerated the degree of damage caused by humans. In a statement for Earth Day last week, the president emphasized his commitment to keeping our air and water clean, to preserving our forests, lakes, and open spaces, and to protecting endangered species.

He added that he is seeking to strike a balance: Economic growth enhances environmental protection. We can and must protect our environment without harming Americas working families. That is why my Administration is reducing unnecessary burdens on American workers and American companies, while being mindful that our actions must also protect the environment.

Rigorous science is critical to my Administrations efforts to achieve the twin goals of economic growth and environmental protection. My Administration is committed to advancing scientific research that leads to a better understanding of our environment and of environmental risks. As we do so, we should remember that rigorous science depends not on ideology, but on a spirit of honest inquiry and robust debate.

The march comes as the administration grapples with whether to remain in the Paris climate agreement.

This is important, and Im here in solidarity with the people marching in Washington, D.C., said Hannah Reynolds, 26, at the San Diego rally. I want more people to realize that this is an important issue right now, and that we cant just step aside and say, Oh, somebody else will deal with it.

Around 11 a.m., people strode down the waterfront chanting, playing music and carrying signs. Signage included everything from attacks on Trump to dire warnings about the future fate of the planet, including: What We do to the Earth, We do to Ourselves, Save the EPA, Ban Fracking and Keep Ur Tiny Orange Hands off Our Planet.

Following the march, people returned to Waterfront Park for additional speakers, music and other activities. Against the backdrop of political activism, children had their faces painted and many played in the parks fountain area and jungle gym.

Im here to tell you that, yes, the scientific consensus is very, very strong. Its built on a mound of overwhelming evidence, Jeff Severinghaus, a paleoclimatologist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, told the crowd. Literally, we are cooking ourselves. This is a serious issue.

SanDiego350, one of the organizers of the event, along with a number of other local environmental groups, called on protesters to not only oppose Trumps agenda but to think about issues closer to home. Specifically, they rallied around Gonzalez Flectchers new bill to reform the regional transportation agency, the San Diego Association of Governments.

Under the bill, public transit agencies in San Diego County could ask voters for new taxes to beef up trolley and bus operations in their own service areas. Floating such levies is currently under the purview of SANDAG, but public trust in the agency has eroded of late and the agency is under an internal investigation.

One of the primary reasons for being out here today is to get our elected officials to listen to us, said Bill Wellhouse, a steering committee member of SanDiego350. We have our calls to action so that people have something that they can go home and do.

The county Board of Supervisors has expressed opposition to the measure, saying they werent consulted while it was being drafted and that county issues such as this should be decided locally, not in Sacramento.

Organizers also promoted the adoption of an alternative energy program known as community choice aggregation that allows local governments to buy their own electricity, including from renewable energy sources, rather than rely on a utility like San Diego Gas & Electric.

The city of San Diego is exploring such a program, and those at the march were encouraged to contact Mayor Kevin Faulconer on the issue. The City Council is expected this fall to take up the community choice proposal, which is included in the citys nationally recognized Climate Action Plan as a path to satisfying a legally binding pledge of using 100 percent renewable energy by 2035.

Many at the rally expressed heated feelings about the president but said they were unaware of the local issues.

This is a good venue to learn about those local issues, said Kirsten McNamara.

I wanted to show my support for the resistance to Donald Trumps policies against the Earth and global warming, added the 52-year-old, who said she has attended several other rallies so far this year.

Hami Ramani, 33, said he was aware of the local politics and planned to look into them further after the event. He also said he volunteers with a San Diego chapter of Indivisible, the left-wing grassroots movement focusing on electoral politics in response to the Tea Party.

I think Lorena Gonzalez Fletchers bill makes sense, at least at the surface level, he said. I think we need better public transportation. We need better bicycle infrastructure. We need better walking infrastructure.

Dozens of organizations supported the local event, including Environmental Health Coalition, San Diego County Surfrider Foundation, ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 569, St. Pauls Cathedral and Social Justice Ministry of the Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego.

Union-Tribune wire services contributed to this report.

Twitter: @jemersmith

Phone: (619) 293-2234

Email: joshua.smith@sduniontribune.com
A few dozen protesters marched in Calexico to the border Saturday in support of Juan Montes Bojorquez, the dreamer who claims he was deported despite his status in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Montes has filed a lawsuit in San Diego federal court asking for federal authorities to release documentation of his encounters with border authorities.

The claim that Montes is perhaps the first DACA participant to be deported under the Trump Administration made national headlines and put renewed attention on how the new president might handle participants amid his immigration enforcement push.

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Montes, 23, claims he was deported one night in February as he walked in downtown Calexico. He says he crossed back into Calexico from Mexico a day or so later and was deported again by Border Patrol.

The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that there is no record of an initial deportation as Montes described. Agents spotted Montes cross over the fence illegally and escorted him back to Mexico. The illegal entry invalidated Montes status in the DACA program, the agency said.

One of the organizers of the march, Marlene Thomas of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in the Imperial Valley, said the aim was to increase awareness of the fear many undocumented immigrants are living under and to provide resources for them.

The march also called for immigration reform, including offering migrants an accessible path to citizenship, and for bringing Montes back to Calexico, organizers said.

Thomas said some questioned why black organizations such as NAACP and Black Lives Matter were getting involved in the border debate. Why not? Were all human beings, she said.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavis
Kathmandu, Apr 29 (PTI) Nepal and China are set to sign the much-talked about deal for a cross-border rail network, Deputy Prime Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara has said.

Mahara said the agreement for the proposed rail network between the Nepalese capital Kathmandu, which stands at an elevation of nearly 1,400 metres above sea level, and Kerung, a bordering town of China, would be signed soon.

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He was speaking at a programme organised by the China Study Centre and the Nepal Institute for Strategic Centre on the ambitious One Belt, One Road Initiative and South Asia here yesterday.

Nepals Prime Minister Prachanda had assured China that Nepal would sign an agreement to extend the rail network from Kerung to Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lumbini, said Mahara, who is also the Minister for Finance.

"As per the PMs proposal, we are making preparations to sign the agreement with China soon," he was quoted as saying by the Kathmandu Post newspaper.

While it is uncertain yet whether Nepal would be part of the OBOR, Mahara, who is set to lead Nepal at an OBOR conference in Beijing next month, said Nepal wanted to take advantage of the plan.

"We have taken it as an opportunity to expand economic cooperation," he said, "Nepal is at final stage to sign the initiative to which the government has accorded the highest priority.

"We are sure a country like Nepal will be helped by this initiative which is expected to bring together many countries, including those in South Asia."

Though top Nepali officials, including the prime minister, have been insisting on Nepals participation at the OBOR conference, sources privy to the development told the daily that negotiations and consultations with the Chinese side was underway and no concrete decision has been made yet.

During his recent visit to China, Prachanda had assured Chinese leaders that Nepal would be the signatory of the initiative by April 20. But Nepal could not meet the deadline because a text for the agreement was not ready, the report cited an unnamed official as saying.

During the programme, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong highlighted the advantages of OBOR while urging the Asian nations to become the part of the event where representatives of over 150 countries are expected.

"It will fulfil the development appetite of South Asian nations," Yu said. PTI ABH AKJ ABH

--- ENDS ---

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A driver apparently lost control and crashed into Mission Bay Saturday, striking a toddler, police said.

The crash occurred shortly before 2 p.m. on East Mission Bay Drive near Playa Pacifica Park, San Diego police said. The vehicle ended up wheels-deep in the water.

The child who was hit was taken to a hospital with non-serious injuries, police said.

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The driver was not believed to be impaired.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavis
A DUI suspect who led authorities on a 30-minute chase was arrested Friday night after a California Highway Patrol officer deliberately clipped his car, forcing him to lose control and stop.

The Sheriffs Department received a call about a man drinking in a vehicle parked behind a CVS store on Avocado Boulevard, west of Cuyamaca College in East County, about 7:20 p.m.

The man started the car and slowly drove past a deputy who arrived and walked toward the vehicle, sheriffs officials said. The deputy, who instructed the driver to stop to no avail, smelled alcohol as the car went by.

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The deputy got into his patrol vehicle and tried to pull over the car, but the driver didnt stop. A chase began about 7:30 p.m. and continued on several freeways, including westbound state Route 94 and northbound Interstate 805.

CHP took over the pursuit about 20 minutes in. About 10 minutes later, a CHP officer performed a precision immobilization technique, or PIT maneuver, to stop the vehicle on the Lake Murray Boulevard/70th Street overpass of Interstate 8, sheriffs officials said.

A sheriffs dog was let loose to help take the 52-year-old driver into custody, officials said. He was taken to a hospital for treatment of the dog bite.

He was expected to be booked into jail on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, felony evasion and resisting arrest.

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Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com

Phone: (619) 293-1876

Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez
This weeks In Depth looks into improvements the San Diego County Sheriffs Department has made inside the jails to meet the needs of a large population of inmates in need of mental health care.

Changes in state law and 17 inmate suicides over the past three years led the department to reexamine its treatment programs, staffing and facilities.

In this Back Story, courts reporter Dana Littlefield discusses what she learned during her reporting.

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Q: Why did this topic interest you?

A: Ive had several conversations with Sheriff Bill Gore over the past few years about big changes to criminal justice on the state level and how that has affected how things operate on the county and local level. In one of those conversations, he mentioned that the downtown jail in San Diego  the Central Jail for male inmates  is considered the largest mental health facility in the county.

That stuck with me for a long time. Im aware that there are other county facilities that provide services for people with mental illness, for example, the San Diego Psychiatric Hospital as well as the outpatient services the county offers. But for many people, the place where they are most likely to get treatment is jail.

It made me wonder, how do you provide mental health care treatment in a jail environment? What does that look like?

Q: What about your reporting surprised you?

A: I was surprised to learn that such a large percentage of the total inmate population, about a third, are on some type of psychotropic drug at any given time. If, as Gore pointed out, its as high as 35 percent, thats close to 2,000 people. Before working on this story, I would have guessed a much smaller number.

Thats a lot of people, and a lot of medication, to keep track of and make sure is being administered properly.

Q: Were there any challenges to reporting the story?

A: With any story, a reporter wants to tell it through real people who have gone through the experiences or dealt with the policies the story highlights. I spoke with the family members of three men who committed suicide when they were in jail and I am grateful to them for sharing their stories.

I would also have liked to have spoken to men and women, or their family members, about what its like to be a person with mental illness in jail. Because of restricted access and privacy laws, it was difficult to find someone who fit that description, who was willing to be interviewed, but thats a goal I will continue to pursue.

Im interested in hearing from that perspective.

Q: Will what you learned influence how you cover the criminal justice system?

A: Yes. This story focused on mental health inside county jail, and theres much more to explore on that topic. But Im also interested in what happens to a person once they leave the jail or prison. What help is available for them and what are the barriers to access?

The defense lawyers I spoke with noted that although there are many people in our society who suffer from mental illness, this is a population that doesnt get much attention. Often, they are overlooked because the issues they face are complex. Tackling those issues from a state or local government perspective can be frustrating, time consuming and expensive.

Attorney Richard Gates told me it didnt take very long to set up some of the programs now being offered for inmates with mental illness, including the new jail-based mental competency restoration program in the Central Jail and the Public Defenders Defense Transition Unit.

Just those two examples show that significant changes can be made if theres enough desire to make them happen, Gates said. So what bureaucratic issues are preventing positive changes from being made elsewhere?

dana.littlefield@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @danalittlefield
A 16-year-old boy was stabbed during a fight at Mountain View Park Friday night, San Diego police said.

The teen was at the park on Ocean View Boulevard about 10:30 p.m. with a group of six or seven other males when an argument broke out, police said.

The teen was stabbed in the arm, lower back and side. He was taken to a hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

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Police did not release any further information. Gang detectives are investigating.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavis
Elizabeth Blackburn, the UC San Francisco biologist who won a Nobel Prize for her insights into aging, has been named president of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla.

Blackburn, 66, will replace Dr. William Brody, who announced his retirement in the summer after nearly doubling the institutes endowment to $356 million during his six years in the position.

We were kidding among ourselves that wed like to hire someone who is a Nobel laureate, a good manager and able to raise money. Thats the kind of person weve gotten, Irwin Jacobs, chairman of the Salks board of trustees, said Tuesday night.

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Blackburn said she was happy to accept the position because Salk is such a storied institution. I have had the great fortune to work at UC Berkeley, then at UC San Francisco. This appointment will enable me to continue to contribute. The Salk is a place where things happen, and going there is a natural part of my trajectory.

Blackburn  who has been a non-resident fellow of the Salk since 2001  just returned home from Paris, where she experienced the upheaval from last Fridays terrorist attacks. She said she was in a different area of the city when the violence occurred.

Blackburn, who plans to assume her new role on Jan. 1, will become the first woman to serve as president of the Salk.

The institution was created in the 1960s by Jonas Salk, who developed the first successful vaccine against polio. It has evolved into a world leader in the study of aging, neuroscience, genetics, heart disease and diabetes. The Salk faculty features luminaries such as Roger Guillemin, who received the 1977 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine.

Blackburn shared the Nobel in physiology or medicine with two other scientists for work on how chromosomes are protected by telomeres, which are tips or caps at the end of DNA strands.

In announcing the prize, the Nobel committee said it was honoring researchers who have solved one of biologys great mysteries: How are the chromosomes that carry our genes copied in their entirety during cell division and protected against breakdown? The Nobel laureates have shown that the answer lies in the chromosomes ends  the telomeres  and in the enzyme that forms them, telomerase.

Elizabeth Blackburn and Jack Szostak were the first to show that the unique DNA sequence contained in the telomeres serves to protect the chromosomes. Carol Greider and Elizabeth Blackburn were then able to show how the telomeres could be extended by the enzyme telomerase.

These discoveries have helped us understand how our genes and cells are maintained throughout life. Telomeres and telomerase also play an important role in various diseases such as cancer. This knowledge has also given us greater insight into how our cells and bodies age.

Blackburn won the Nobel five years after she was dismissed from President George W. Bushs Presidents Council on Bioethics for publicly supporting human embryonic stem cell research.

Her appointment as the head of Salk drew strong praise Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

The ability to have a Nobel laureate lead the Salk Institute is indicative of the stature the institute has attained, said Pradeep Khosla, chancellor of UC San Diego. The Salk and the (Torrey Pines) Mesa are fortunate to have somebody of Blackburns stature.

Steve Kay, president of the Scripps Research Institute, said, On behalf of all of our faculty colleagues at TSRI, we welcome Elizabeth Blackburn to the scientific community on the Torrey Pines Mesa. Her scientific acumen and leadership experience will serve her well in her new position, and we look forward to working with her in her new role as president of the Salk Institute.

Dr. Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Translational Science Institute in La Jolla, said: Liz is fantastic. She is a scientist internationally known for her work addressing aging. She will bring wonderful leadership to the Salk.

Jacobs said in an email to the Salk community that Blackburn will oversee Salks 800-plus scientific staff and direct the institutes globally renowned research objectives. A member of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine and the Royal Society of London, she brings invaluable insight as a scientist, vision as a leader and a warm personality that will guide the institute on its continued trajectory of making groundbreaking discoveries that lead to critical cures. ...

When Bill Brody announced this summer he was retiring at the end of 2015, a strategic search began for an exceptional leader with a highly respected standing in the scientific community. A committee, chaired by me, was formed of Salk trustees, faculty and a nonresident fellow, and the same national recruiting firm that supported our search for Bill was brought in. The trustees ratified the selection of Blackburn at last weeks board meeting.

Among Blackburns other leadership roles, she has served as president of the American Association of Cancer Research and the American Society for Cell Biology, as well as being a member of the Legislatures Stem Cell Research Advisory Panel.
President Trump painted a golden future of great wealth and great jobs powered by oil pumped from the ocean floor as he signed an executive order on Friday to consider new offshore drilling around the country.

But his efforts could splash harmlessly against the hardened barricades that California has been fortifying for decades with regulation and legislation to prevent additional drilling along its treasured coast.

Even the faintest possibility of new oil operations prompted an immediate backlash in the state as environmentalists feared ecological disaster, surfers warned of soiled beaches and politicians promised new measures to block any development.

At a time when California is forging ahead with ambitious policies on climate change and renewable energy, the mere suggestion of additional derricks dotting the horizon was met with revulsion from the states leaders, and it brought unwelcome reminders of the coasts painful history with oil spills.

We will fight to the end, said Susan Jordan, executive director of the California Coastal Protection Network, an environmental group. They will not get any new oil on these shores."

Although the oil industry praised Trumps executive order, there appeared to be little enthusiasm for new drilling along Californias coast. With the price per barrel below $50, expensive offshore operations may not be cost-effective, especially in a region with steep regulatory hurdles.

Most notably, even if the Trump administration awarded a new lease for drilling in federal waters, getting the oil ashore would be nearly impossible without a pipeline. State leaders pledged to stand in the way, and attempts at new developments could face endless litigation.

Im not worried about seeing oil derricks out there any time soon, said Deborah A. Sivas, director of Stanford University's Environmental Law Clinic. There are a lot of roadblocks.

Offshore drilling in California (@latimesgraphics) (@latimesgraphics)

There are 27 oil platforms off Californias coast, but no new leases have been granted in federal waters since 1984. Most of the states oil production occurs on land. Polls show offshore drilling remains unpopular, and oil companies already mired in battles over Californias policies on climate change may be unwilling to ruffle more feathers by trying to expand drilling.

Trumps order did not specifically mention California or the Pacific Ocean as potential areas for oil development, but left the door open to the possibility. Environmentalists were particularly alarmed by Trumps call for a review of marine sanctuaries, which were expanded by former President Obama.

Thats a clear statement that theyre interested in California drilling even if the other language was equivocal, said Richard Charter, a senior fellow with the nonprofit Ocean Foundation who has been following coastal drilling issues for decades.

U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke acknowledged looming resistance to offshore drilling in California, telling reporters Thursday evening that federal officials would incorporate local input before making any decisions.

I was out in Santa Barbara recently, he said. Theres a lot of people who dont like it out there.

That was an understatement.

Californians will not stand for this, said Jennifer Savage, a spokeswoman for the Surfrider Foundation, a nonprofit conservation group. We love our coast. It's our playground, the driving force of our economy, the place where we find solace, joy and sustenance.

Follow live coverage from the Capitol on Essential Politics 

California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra, along with Gov. Jerry Brown and top lawmakers, promised to fight any oil drilling.

Instead of taking us backward, the federal government should work with us to advance the clean energy economy thats creating jobs, providing energy and preserving Californias natural beauty, he said.

State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) quickly announced new legislation Friday that would bar state commissions from allowing any new oil infrastructure along the coast, from piers to pipelines.

President Trump and his oil industry cronies may want to drill, but were going to stop that oil and gas development from being feasible, she said.

The legislation, scheduled to be introduced next week, would buttress opposition to offshore drilling from the California Coastal Commission and the State Lands Commission, who have jurisdiction over the coastline and the waters stretching three miles into the ocean.

"Californias door is closed to President Trumps Pacific oil and gas drilling, said Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is chairman of the states lands commission.

Workers try soak up oil in Santa Barbara Harbor after a devastating spill in 1969. (Don Cormier / Los Angeles Times) (Don Cormier / Los Angeles Times)

The state was the site of the first offshore drilling in the U.S., starting with the Summerland oil field off the coast of Santa Barbara in 1896. But the same region was tarnished by the worst spill in California history in 1969, when more than 3 million gallons of oil poured into the ocean. Only the Deepwater Horizon and Exxon Valdez spills  in 2010 and 1989, respectively  have been more devastating.

The oil fouled the channel and coastline of Santa Barbara Channel from Goleta to Ventura as well as the shorelines of four channel islands. An estimated 3,700 sea birds were killed, along with a variety of marine animals, including dolphins, elephant seals and sea lions. Virtually all commercial fishing in the Santa Barbara area was halted, and tourism dropped dramatically.

Public outrage generated by the spill and widespread media coverage helped spark the modern environmental movement and prompted state and federal legislation to protect the environment.

A much smaller Santa Barbara spill in 2015, when a ruptured pipeline dumped 123,000 gallons of oil, was a reminder of the environmental dangers.

I like to say that nothing about what Trump dreams up surprises me now  but this move is a shocking, purely political giveaway to the oil industry, said former Rep. Mel Levine, a Democrat who represented Santa Monica in Congress from 1983 to 1993.

There was no issue that unified my district more  regardless of what political party someone belonged to  than the anti-oil drilling battle, Levine said.

Times staff writers Evan Halper and Louis Sahagun contributed to this report.

chris.megerian@latimes.com

bettina.boxall@latimes.com

dan.weikel@latimes.com

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This is in response to Jeffery C. Crimmels Why A Confederate flag? in last weeks Sentinel.

Seeing the Southern Cross today in California can elicit many different thoughts or ideas. Personally, I have a great respect for the flag itself, as my family hails from Tennessee and had eight direct family members serve in the CSA (Confederate States of America). Three of them were killed in battle: My great uncle, a Captain at Dorsey Bluff; my great-grandfathers brother at Shiloh, and another at Morristown. Three served in the Tennessee 63rd regiment and the Southern Cross we see today was their battle flag.

During the Civil War the confederacy had about 15 different battle flags, but the predominant flag was the Southern Cross, the official Tennessee Army Battle flag, also flown by some Mississippi regiments, the Alabama 43rd, the 23rd of Florida, and even Lees Army of Northern Virginia which flew the square version, also known as the Naval Ensign.

By 1863 a little known general named Kirby commissioned a firm in Memphis to start making Southern Cross battle flags to distribute to troops to both boost morale and unite the Southern residents. So, the Southern Cross became widely held by the citizens and also used for years after as a burial flag for old Confederate soldiers.

The flag was beloved by Southerners, both black and white. You can still find it today in rural black neighborhoods of the deep South, as well as almost every town south of the Virginia border.

However, this flag, now commonly called the Confederate flag, has been hijacked over the years by different groups. Id say first the Dixiecrats of 1949, who pushed for Democrat Strom Thurmond on a third-party ticket for president in 1950. This was a platform of segregation and halting of civil rights.

Shortly after, the KKK started using it at their rallies, and by 1960 George Rockwell started the American Nazi Party and I started seeing it come up at their rallies. Over time every hate group that ever popped up has adopted this flag, which at one point had national respect and reverence.

As I leave my house every day, I pass three flag poles with the Southern Cross in the first half mile, and still wonder what the owners intent is. I have my flags, and keep them stowed away between photo albums and the family Bible.

I do have a 20-foot flag pole out in front of my house and proudly fly the Stars and Stripes, but in todays California, and misconstrued views, my Southern Cross wont be displayed, for none other than two simple reasons. I live next to James Dukes elementary, and my friend and next-door neighbor is black.

This isnt Sullivan County Tennessee, where the flag stands for freedom from Washington; Live and let live. Its Jerry Browns California  which is why we live up here in Ramona. And maybe why you will sometimes see it, and still not know the reason behind it.

Rex Gammon is a Ramona resident.
Just after Jonathan Scott French allegedly killed hison-again-off-again girlfriend at her Carlsbad home, the weeping,frantic father dropped off his 11-year-old daughter at hisex-wifes house and begged the girl not to believe what peoplemight say about him, according to court testimony Thursday.

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And blood on the clothes he wore that night belonged to JenniferStark, 43, who was found dead with her neck slashed, according to aSheriffs Department crime analyst.

The testimony came as part of a preliminary hearing, after whichJudge Peter Spinetta ruled there was enough evidence to sendFrench, 40, to trial for Starks July 31 killing.

French, who sold medical devices before his arrest, pleaded notguilty to the charge at the hearings end.

Stark, a divorced mother of a 15-year-old son and 18-year-olddaughter, worked for nine years at the Vista Courthouse as a courtreporter.

About 15 colleagues and friends, Starks mother and father andother family members packed Thursdays hearing in San Diego.

Beforehand, Deputy District Attorney Jeff Dusek gently warnedthe group to refrain from demonstrating their anger at French.

No looking daggers at him, no flipping him off, he said."Youve got to be like rocks.

On the night she was killed, Stark and French had drinks at aCarlsbad bistro, according to police accounts.

Police say French drove Stark to her Camino Del Parque home,then beat her and slashed her neck.

The pair had been dating on and off for about three years.

They had been engaged and lived together, said Mejkan Tague, aresearch attorney who worked with Stark.

Friends have said French and Stark broke up about a month beforetheir last meeting.

About 11:20 p.m. July 31, Starks son discovered his mothersbody as he and a friend walked in the door, prosecutors said.

On Thursday, Frenchs nephew, Matthew Strong, who appeared to bein his early 20s, recounted a troubling phone call from his uncleabout the same time that night.

As he spoke in court, Strong struggled to breathe, crying attimes and twice looking at his uncle.

Out with friends at a downtown Carlsbad bar the night Starkdied, Strong said French called him at 11:35 p.m.

He said, If something goes wrong, you need to go to my houseand check on things, Strong said. His uncle wouldnt answerquestions.

He told me just to be quiet and listen, he said.

Strong was so upset that he went to Frenchs La Costa townhouseright away, arriving shortly before midnight, he said.

He found the front door unlocked. Walking in, he saw bloodsmeared on the wall by the stairs, he said.

Upstairs, he found a pile of bloody clothes by Frenchs bed. Thebathroom sink and tub were bloody, Strong said.

A bible, a knife and a razor blade were on the sinks rim.

Frenchs personal safe was open and empty, he said.

Strong called 911.

French turned himself in at the Encinitas Sheriffs Stationabout 4 a.m. and was treated at the hospital for a number ofself-inflicted, superficial cuts to both wrists and arms, as wellas a self-inflicted puncture wound to the thigh, Carlsbad policeDetective Pat Preston testified.

French spoke only briefly at the hearing, indicating in a lowvoice that he understood his rights.

He appeared to listen to all the testimony and at timesscribbled notes in a legal binder, never looking at the publicgallery.

Frenchs ex-wife, Kerry Cooke, also was alarmed by Frenchsbehavior July 31, testified Carlsbad police Detective SteveSeapker.

The detective went to Cookes Bressi Ranch house to interviewher shortly after Starks body was found.

Cooke told him that their 11-year-old daughter was supposed tospend the weekend with her father, but about 11 p.m. she got a callfrom French saying he was bringing her home. He wouldnt explainwhy.

They arrived about 11:20 p.m, the detective said.

The father cried and hugged his daughter repeatedly, Cooke toldthe detective. French said, I love you, Ive always loved you, tohis daughter and, Dont believe what they say about me, Seapkersaid Cooke told him.

Seapker said Frenchs daughter told him that her father had comehome about 11 p.m and changed his clothes before taking her to hermothers house.

The apparently ditched clothes by Frenchs bed included a pairof blood-stained jeans and a bloody button-up shirt, SheriffsDepartment Regional Crime Lab DNA analyst Shelly Webster said incourt.

DNA samples obtained from the blood matched Starks DNA, Webstertestified.

Preston, the lead detective on the case, said Stark was killedwith a serrated knife taken from a drawer in her kitchen.

The knife was found under the hallway rug where Stark lay. Anautopsy showed she also had a broken nose and blunt-force trauma toher lip and eye.

While the defense usually makes few arguments at a preliminaryhearing, Frenchs attorney, Ken Kaminski, told the judge his clientshould not stand trial for first-degree murder.

Whatever happened in that house was done rashly, andimpulsively, without careful consideration, Kaminski said.

Frenchs trial is scheduled for Feb. 23.

Call staff writer Sarah Gordon at 760-740-3517.
Although both history and commemoration are related to the past, they serve different functions. For different countries, the reasons for commemorating certain events will be similar, but the histories surrounding the events must be different because they inform different national narratives.

Commemoration is centred on the present and is concerned with the values that people in the present can derive from the events, good or bad, of the past.

HISTORY and commemoration are distinguishable terms. For instance, while Papua New Guinea and Australia share a history spurred from the events of the Kokoda Campaign, our analyses, understandings, perspectives and experiences of the war are subjective and thus different.

In PNG many a World War II cenotaph ends with the sacred remembrance parlance, Lest We Forget. Were this translated to Tok Pisin, it might read, Yumi Noken Lus Tingting, though this is currently not being done.

World War II memorials, monuments or plaques in PNG are all written and emblazoned in English, which is partially reflective of where they are being made and the primary audience being targeted.

The English version of the sacred remembrance phrase was taken directly from Rudyard Kiplings 1897 Christian poem, Recessional. Kipling himself was known to have taken his inspiration directly from one of the books of the Bible, Deuteronomy (4: 7-9), which reads:

7 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for? 8 And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? 9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons sons (KJV Bible)

After World War I, the phrase lest we forget began to be used at the end of the ode of remembrance during commemoration services in Australia.

On Anzac Day in 1931, the Governor-General of Australia, Sir Isaac A Isaacs, remarked in part:

In contemplating the event that it perpetuates, all distinctions that may divide the Nation are set aside, and unitedly we rise to render homage to the heroic band of Australians who, of the own free will, at Honours call, went out into the World War, and to resolve that we as a people shall be worthy of the sacrifice they made. In no way can we do so more truly than by keeping alive and in full activity the spirit that animated them (Rabaul Times, 24 April 1931)

The Federal President of the Returned Soldiers League gave a similar message marking the 16th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings:

Anzac Day is Australias Nation Day because it was in consequence of the patriotism, valour and heroism of her citizen soldiers, who comprised the Australian Imperial Force, that Australia was elevated to Nationhood (Rabaul Times, 24 April 1931)

War, honour and sacrifice are themes that surround larger notions of nationhood and national identity, and these hinge very much on memory politics, which is informed by public enthusiasm and discourse. The opening sentence of Sir Isaacs Anzac Day message in 1931 read:

Each year as it brings round to us again Anzac Day finds the commemoration of its origins more solemn, more majestic, and of fuller meaning for people (Rabaul Times, 24 April 1931)

Today Anzac Day goes beyond the anniversary of the landing on Gallipoli in 1915. It is the day on which all Australians who served and died in all wars, conflicts and on operational service are remembered.

The spirit of Anzac, with its qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice, continues to have meaning and relevance for Australias sense of national identity. Sir Isaacs belief in the aging solemnity of Anzac Day has generally been steadfast over the years, except a slight drop in public interest in the 1970s after Australias involvement in the unpopular Vietnam War.

The centenary of World War I and of Anzac Day in Australia is a case in point with heightened public interest in the commemorative events. Take for instance the trend of visitor and researcher interests in the Australian War Memorial galleries and archives.

Every year visitor and researcher interests spike in the two weeks leading up to and immediately after Anzac Day in April and Remembrance Day on November 11.

In 2015, there was an unprecedented amount of public interest in the Australian War Memorial archives and records, in line with the centenary of the Gallipoli landings. Similarly, there is expected to be a significant spike in public interest on the centenary of the end of World War I next year in 2018.

Australia is the primary market for tourism to Kokoda Track and these analyses are important for PNG. The suggestion and general trend is that centenary commemorations of World War II will see increased public interest in Australia.

Accordingly, the Kokoda Campaign centenary from 2042 will attract a lot of interest from Australian tourists and those who have close historical links to the events of the war in PNG.

The PNG Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, under which falls the National Museum & Art Gallery, Tourism Promotion Authority and Kokoda Track Authority (among others), would do well to build up the atmosphere leading up to the centenary and prepare in advance for the centenary anniversaries.

Yes, anniversaries, for the beginning and end of the whole conflict in Papua and New Guinea in 1942 as well as the commemorating of various key battles, particularly but not limited to, the Kokoda Campaign.

An important part of the commemorations should be the end of the war centenary in 2045. The US bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, August 6th and 9th, respectively. The official surrender of Imperial Japan was announced on 15 August and the formal signing of the surrender document by the Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister took place on 2 September.

The Cape Wom surrender took place eleven days after  technically it can be said that open hostilities of World War II effectively ended in New Guinea with the surrendering of the Japanese there, ending the New Guinea Campaign. The end of war and the beginning of the restoration of general peace is indeed worthy of commemoration.

The Kokoda Track product, though, is still effectively commemorating the Australian version of history. This is not necessarily bad. Economically, it is a product that the Ministry should continue to develop, as suggested, in preparation of the centenary celebrations.

However, the Ministry should also support its departments and relevant stakeholders to develop a PNG version of the historical events worth having centenary celebrations about in all provinces of PNG, not just Port Moresby, come Remembrance Day every year.

The day of commemoration of the Kokoda Campaign is a case in point  PNGs commemoration takes place on 23 July, the date on which the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB) and its native soldiers first engaged the Japanese on PNG soil. In PNGs version of the events of that Thursday in 1942, prominence is given to the late Ben Moide and other native members of the PIB who drew first blood at Awala against the Japanese.

Australian records do not deny this, but in the written Australian histories this fact is not always acknowledged.

Development of the Papua New Guinean narrative and version of history will attract greater numbers of people both externally and internally.

At the time of World War II, Papua was an Australian Territory and New Guinea was a Mandated Trust Territory administered by Australia. The Papua New Guinean history and version of the events of the war in New Guinea will no doubt fill a gap in the larger Australian narratives of the contributions of First Nations peoples to Australias war efforts.

In line with the Reconciliation Action Plan, the Australian War Memorial has already begun this process of commemorating First Nations peoples through its For Country, For Nation touring exhibition. A number of Papua New Guineans also feature in this exhibition and the contributions of native Papuans and New Guineans, in support of Australia, are acknowledged.

Gregory Bablis is principal curator of the Modern History Department, PNG National Museum & Art Gallery. He is studying for a Masters in Asia-Pacific Studies at the Australian National University and undertaking an internship at the Australian War Memorial. The ideas in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is associated with
The 1993-Mumbai blast mastermind Dawood Ibrahim runs a business empire through legal and illegal means across three continents. Forbes estimated his net worth at USD 6.7 billion in 2015.

The reports of Dawood Ibrahim being seriously ill have led to speculations about the successor of his business empire.

Some reports suggest that his brother Anees would inherit the trans-continental business of the most wanted international terrorist while others hint at a more equitable sharing of Dawaood Ibrahim's assets among his family members and trusted aides.

According to Forbes, Dawood Ibrahim is one of the richest gangsters of all time. In 2015, Forbes estimated Dawood Ibrahim's net asset at USD 6.7 billion.

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Only notorious drug smuggler and gangster Pablo Escobar of Colombia was valued by Forbes higher. In 1989, Forbes estimated Pablo Escobar's net worth at USD 9 billion.

10 THINGS ABOUT DAWOOD IBRAHIM Dawood Ibrahim is an accused of carrying out 1993-Mumbai bomb blasts, 26/11 terror attacks, having close links with proscribed terror outfit Al Qaida' Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri, 2G spectrum scam and IPL spot fixing scam among others. Dawood Ibrahim has been named by the UN Security Council's IS and al-Qaida Sanctions Committee as global terrorist. The UN list has put out 15 aliases of Dawood Ibrahim. These are: Dawood Ebrahim, Sheikh Dawood Hassan, Abdul Hamid Abdul Aziz, Anis Ibrahim, Aziz Dilip, Daud Hasan Shaikh Ibrahim Kaskar, Daud Ibrahim Memon Kaskar, Dawood Hasan Ibrahim Kaskar, Dawood Ibrahim Memon, Dawood Sabri, Kaskar Dawood Hasan, Shaikh Mohd Ismail Abdul Rehman, Dowood Hassan Shaikh Ibrahim, Shaikh Ismail Abdul and Hizrat. The UN has acknowledged that Dawood Ibrahim lives in Pakistan. It has confirmed not less than six of the nine addresses shared by India. Dawood Ibrahim lives in the posh Clifton area of Karachi. He lives in a palatial bungalow spread over 6,000 square yards at D-13, Block-4, Clifton, Karachi in Pakistan. The lane in which his bungalow is located is a no-trespass zone of Karachi and is heavily guarded by Pakistani Rangers. Dawood Ibrahim enjoys patronage of ISI. Dawood Ibrahim has his business interests in more than a dozen countries spread over Europe, Africa and South Asia. He has assets worth USD 450 million in the UK alone. He is said to have invested in over 50 properties in different countries. Dawood Ibrahim's business are spread over India, Pakistan, UK, Germany, Turkey, France, Spain, Morocco, Cyprus, UAE, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Despite a tight vigil by the government, Dawood Ibrahim's earnings from the illegal businesses in India have not dried up completely. Some reports suggest that up to 40 per cent of his earnings still comes from India. His main business in India is pumping fake Indian currency notes (FICN). Though, demonetisation by the Modi government is said to have hurt his business severely. Dawood Ibrahim's another flourishing business with Indian connection is illegal trade in diamonds from South Africa, where his close associate Chhota Shakeel is said to have shifted his base from Dubai. Most of the diamonds mined in South Africa including those of Dawood Ibrahim's comes to India for cutting and polishing. Chhota Shakeel is also understood to be running Dawood Ibrahim's crime syndicate in India. Chhota Shakeel is believed to be the person, who recruits contract killers to do the job in India. Chhota Shakeel is helped by another trusted aide of Dawood Ibrahim and is identified by the name Rehmat in South Africa.

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--- ENDS ---
(Eds: Updating with details)

From Shirish B Pradhan

Kathmandu, Apr 29 (PTI) Nepal and China were set to sign the much-talked about agreement for a cross-border railway network that will pass through the Himalayan ranges, Deputy Prime Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara has said.

Mahara said the pact for the proposed rail network between the Nepalese capital Kathmandu, which stands at an elevation of nearly 1,400 metres above sea level, and Kerung, a bordering town of China, would be signed soon.

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"The government has proposed Kerung-Kathmandu-Pokhara- Lumbini railway project to be a part of the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative by China," said Mahara, also the minister for finance.

Speaking at a programme organised by China Study Centre and Nepal Institute for Strategic Centre on the ambitious OBOR initiative yesterday, he said the government sees the OBOR as a project that boosts economic and technical cooperation in the region.

Nepal was in the final stage to ink the pact for the railway project under the OBOR initiative, which is a far- sighted vision put forth by Chinese President Xi Jinping, he said.

"As connectivity and trade were Nepals priority, it could benefit a lot from this initiative," he said.

Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda had during his recent visit to China proposed the Kerung-Kathmandu-Pokhara-Lumbini railway project to be a part of the OBOR.

The necessary preparations were underway for this to materialise soon, Mahara said.

While it was uncertain whether Nepal would be a part of the OBOR, Mahara, who is set to lead Nepal at an OBOR conference in Beijing next month, said Nepal wanted to take advantage of the plan. "We have taken it as an opportunity to expand economic cooperation."

Though top Nepali officials, including the Nepali prime minister, have been insisting on Nepals participation at the OBOR conference, unnamed sources privy to the development have told the Kathmandu Post that negotiations with the Chinese side were underway and no decision has been taken yet.

During his China visit, Prachanda had assured Chinese leaders that Nepal would be a signatory of the initiative by April 20. But Nepal could not meet the deadline because a text for the agreement was not ready, the report cited an unnamed official as saying.

During the programme, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong highlighted the advantages of OBOR while urging the Asian nations to become a part of the OBOR conference where representatives from more than 150 countries were expected.

"It will fulfil the development appetite of South Asian nations," Yu said.

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Mahara also spoke on the local-level polls scheduled for May 14, which the Madhes-centric parties oppose over their demands including the re-demarcation of provincial boundaries.

With the promulgation of the new Constitution, the long- pending political transition in the country was over, he said, adding that the government was set for the polls, besides preparing for provincial and federal elections as stipulated by the Constitution.

"The elections will be a milestone to institutionalise the federalism in the country," he said. PTI SBP ABH AKJ ABH

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Mumbai, Apr 29 (PTI) Muffazal Lakdawala, the bariatric surgeon who treated the Egyptian national Eman Ahmed for obesity, today described her familys decision to shift her to a hospital in the UAE as a mistake.

Eman, believed to be the heaviest woman in the world when she arrived for treatment at Saifee Hospital here in February, is going to be shifted to a hospital at Abu Dhabi. Her sister Shaimaa Selim had alleged that she was not getting proper treatment at Saifee Hospital.

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Speaking to reporters here, Lakdawala used the Sanskrit phrase "Vinashkale Viprit Buddhi" (wrong thinking at a time of difficulty) to describe the familys decision to shift her.

"I think it is "Vinashkale....", Lakdawala said, adding that Shaimaa was making allegations at somebody elses instance.

"At my first press conference I had made it clear that I had not promised Emans family that I would make her (able to) walk. As a doctor, I brought down her weight and now nobody can challenge it...everyone knows that her weight has come down drastically.

"Now her sister has also repented. She told us she wants wellness of Eman. I had told Emans family that Im taking her to India on bed but I will send her back in chair, and I have done it," Lakdawala said.

"We are not discharging her. We are accepting her familys decision of transfer from Mumbai to UAE...Her medical reports have already been shared with UAE doctors. We do not know when they are taking her there," he said.

Meanwhile, city BJP leader Shaina NC visited Eman at the Saifee Hospital today. Shaina later said the doctors took care of her with the "Atithi Devo Bhav" (treat guest like the god) attitude, and the familys allegations were baseless.

Shaina also made a video recording of her discussion with Eman, her sister and Lakdawala.

Shaimaa was misleading Eman and "tutoring her" to cry when someone came visiting, the BJP leader alleged.

Shaimaa was not available for comments.

Yesterday, the hospital authorities had filed a complaint against Shaimaa with police for obstructing Emans treatment. However, the police didnt register any case.

Shaimaa had alleged last week that Saifee Hospital doctors made "false claims" about her sisters weight loss.

According to Saifee Hospital, Eman, who weighed around 500 kg when she was brought to Mumbai by a cargo plane from Egypt, now weighs 176 kg. PTI ND KRK AAR

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A recent death of rare vaquita porpoise in the Gulf of Mexico creates an uproar among the conservationists. This rare species is currently the most endangered cetacean in the world.

According to the Phys.org, the environmental protection authority in Mexico reported on Wednesday about the painful demise of a rare vaquita porpoise. With this incident so far the total number of deaths of this mammal increases to four in 2017. This incident raises a number of serious concerns.

Just a few months ago in February, the scientists warned that only 30 vaquitas were left. But, the current situation indicates that the coming days will be very crucial for this rare species. This mammal is the smallest porpoise of the world that are visible in the Gulf of Mexico. The latest trend shows that this rare species will face extinction by 2022.

A recent statement reveals that the remains of the dead vaquita were surfaced on Tuesday. The experts failed to determine the sex of this mammal from the decomposed remains. They could only measure the length of this cetacean and it was 115 centimeters.

While examining the vaquita, the experts noticed cuts and the lacerations in the body of this dead mammal. These two signs indicate that most probably this cetacean was trapped in the net. A huge possibility exists that this may be the key reason of its death.

Authorities reveal that so far a huge number of vaquitas breathed their last after being trapped in the gillnets. Gillnets are mainly used to catch the totoaba, another endangered species, illegally. The Totoaba is a large marine fish and they mainly exist in the Gulf of California in Mexico.

The demand of totoaba has grown thousand fold after the increasing use of its dried swim bladder as a part of delicious food in China. Every year smugglers catch this endangered species and ship them to China to earn a huge amount of money. Now like the vaquita porpoise, this marine fish is also facing a serious threat.

The current President of Mexico, Enrique Pena Nieto, has already taken some praiseworthy initiatives. The deployment of the navy in 2015 to cease the illegal fishing and to enhance the protection of the vaquitas is a good step. Even a ban on the use of gillnets is imposed for two years. To increase the efficiency of the initiatives, drones are also jointly working from the last year.

According to BBC News, scientists and the Mexican authorities are desperately trying to save the vaquita porpoise. Last year a collective initiative helped them to remove a huge number of lost nets that were floating in the sea. The local fishermen and the conservationists played a significant role to monitor this cetacean in the Gulf of California.

Apart from this, the Mexican government has also announced an effective plan on April 4, 2017. According to the plan, some vaquitas will be given temporary refuge. Meanwhile, the environment ministry of the state wants to carry on the required efforts with the help of the international conservation groups.

A real painful fact is like the vaquita porpoise many other species will also face the extinction problem in near future. The shocking fact is, very few people on earth are ready to pay attention to this bitter truth. Concrete step with strong willpower can only bring the fruitful result.
The populations of the Bengal tiger are gradually decreasing due to the limited flow of the genes between these endangered species. The crucial fact surfaces in the western Himalayan foothills.

The Bengal tiger is one of the most numerous tiger subspecies in the world. A recent study explores that the gene flow of this wild creature in the two reserves situated in the Terai Arc Landscape is very slow. The said Terai region is located in the foothills of the western Himalaya. According to WWF, these wild animals basically exist in India and a small population is present in Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, China, and Bhutan.

Currently, the tiger is considered as the endangered species due to its habitat loss. It is an obvious fact that habitat loss leads to the fragmentation of the Bengal tiger populations. At the same time, it also decreases the gene flow.

Gene flow is essential between the populations in order to maintain the genetic variation that helps to spread the beneficial gene alleles. Now understanding this gene flow between the Bengal tiger population, exist in the foothills of the western Himalaya, is very important. Proper understanding is the key to creating conservation strategies for these big cats.

Researchers collected 71 samples of the blood, tissue from the Bengal tigers and analyzed their DNA. The aim was to evaluate or assess the gene flow between these big cats that cover the area of 1,800-square-km of the western Himalayan foothills. The whole area contains two key subpopulations of these tigers.

One subpopulation is present in the Rajaji Tiger Reserve and the second one in the Corbett Tiger Reserve. Shockingly the research teams noticed that the gene flow between these two reserves was asymmetrical and simultaneously very low compared to the past reports. According to Phys.org, the functionality of the important corridor may remain workable if the quality of the habitat doesn't degenerate anymore. That means strong possibility is still present to increase the gene flow between the Bengal tigers.

Every process needs some extra effort and more concrete plan. To maintain a strong connectivity between the said tiger reserves in order to increase the gene flow is not an easy task. Relocation of the villages and industries that can hamper the connectivity is the need of the hour. Even the corridors should be free from boulder mining and other crucial activities to provide a free space to the Bengal tigers.

Like other animal species, the Bengal tiger is also an important part to balance the ecosystem on earth. The flow of the genes can ultimately increase the number of these big cats. A collective effort to boost the awareness among the local people of the adjacent area is also very essential.
There is no doubt that the Google Pixel 2 is one of the most anticipated devices to arrive this year. The device has been subject to several rumors and speculations lately. Recent reports claim that Google is already making the Pixel 2 smartphone, and it could be launched sooner than expected.

According to a BGR report, the Google Pixel 2 might come in three different models. The first Pixel model is codenamed Walleye. The model Walleye is expected to become the successor of the original Google Pixel. The second model is codenamed Muskie. Muskie will become the followup of the Google Pixel XL. The third variant is codenamed Taimen. As of now, there is no specific detail about the third variant.

The Google Pixel 2 prototypes might already be available. According to Slash Gear, a Google engineer has access to an actual Google Pixel 2. Report claims that the company might be releasing further announcements at the Google I/O 2017 event. The event will be held on May 17 to May 19, 2017.

Google is also expected to unveil some of its new devices or updates at the said event. Recent reports suggest that the Google Pixel 2 smartphones are already used in the company's premises. It would not sound surprising, because it might be the company's strategy to test the phone and to eliminate any potential issues with the hardware. The company might also be testing the Pixel 2 integration between the hardware and the software. The question is, why is it too early for Google to release its prototypes?

Google still remains silent about the specs of the upcoming flagship phone. But some rumors claim that the company would be getting rid of the headphone jack of the previous models, just like what Apple did to its iPhone 7.

The HTC company will be manufacturing the Google Pixel 2. Previous reports say that the tech giant company would release the device in October 2017.
Canada's government is set to provide $80.9 million over five years to its space agency in order to help develop new technologies. Specifically, it will support two major projects.

According to CBC News, the funding was already announced in the federal budget for 2017. It will support two projects: a radar instrument and a demonstration of quantum technology applications.

The radar instrument will be used to study both the surface and subsurface of Mars. This could give a significant contribution in developing a high-resolution map of the planet's surface. It could also help identify water resources.

On the other hand, the demonstration will be overseen by the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo. It includes quantum encryption, which uses highly advanced computing technology that could potentially create unbreakable security codes.

The radar instrument could provide invaluable information for long-term missions to Mars. However, The Spec noted that it could also be used for Earth applications.

Gilles Leclerc, director of space exploration at the Canadian Space Agency, said that the instrument differs from other Mars exploration contributions. Unlike the X-ray spectrometer on the Curiosity rover or the meteorological station on the Phoenix spacecraft, the new radar instrument will map the Red Planet's surface from orbit.

Discussions with NASA are currently underway. The instrument should be ready for a 2022 or 2024 launch. If successful, it could help solidify Canada's standing in the field of space exploration.

The quantum project could also provide Canada with secure communications in different sectors, including banking, transportation, and even information technology.

"Canada is considered a world leader in quantum, and this area has incredible potential for growth and job creation for years to come," Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains shared.

In addition to the two major projects, two Canadian astronauts will also be introduced in the coming months. Bains said that a space advisory board is also expected to report with a long-term plan for the agency, which currently employs about 10,000 people.
Driving under the influence always ranked high as far as fatality is concerned. However, data from 2015 showed that driving while on drugs caused more deaths than while under the influence of alcohol.

CNN reported that experts still caution drunken driving as a bigger problem. They also noted that "drugged driving," as it was referred, needs more research.

However, the report released by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org), called "Drug Impaired Driving," said that positive drug tests were more common than alcohol among the drivers who had been fatally injured in 2015.

James Hedlund, an independent safety expert from Ithaca, New York, said that the data showed more dead drivers who tested positive for drugs than those tested positive for alcohol. The new report backed up the statement by addressing behavioral highway issues, including drug-impaired driving.

The governors association Executive Director Jonathan Adkins noted that states continue to struggle with drug-impaired driving. However, they also have to understand the current landscape of driving practices. This could help them craft effective countermeasures to combat the issue of drug-impaired driving.

Both organizations expressed their concern regarding drug-impaired driving because it escalated recently. The spike came upon more states legalizing marijuana. Record numbers of people are also said to be dying from drug overdose amid the opioid epidemic.

Of the 400 drugs that have been tracked by the federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, marijuana accounted for 35 percent of the positive drug results. Usage laws of the drug vary from state to state. However, in the 29 states and DC where it is legal for medical purposes, driving while impaired at any level is illegal.

Ralph S. Blackman, president of CEO of Responsibility.org, said in a statement via CBS News that drugged driving increased dramatically. He also added that many impaired drivers today combine two or more substances, which have more effects on driving impairment. On the other hand, Hedlund stated that the better the country can address the issue of drug-impairment, the better positioned the states will be in its prevention.
New evidence shows in the new study that Parkinson's disease comes from the gut and not in the brain. Then, it spreads to the brain through the vagus nerve that aid in controlling the unconscious body processes like the digestion and heart rate.

The findings of the study were published in Neurology. The study was led by Bojing Liu from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and other colleagues.

Liu said that the results of the new research give preliminary evidence that Parkinson's disease may start in the gut. He further said that other evidence for this hypothesis is that people with Parkinson's disease often have gastrointestinal problems like constipation, which could begin decades before acquiring the said disease.

In the study, the researchers examined and compared 9,430 individuals who had a vagotomy versus 377,200 individuals from the general population who did not have vagotomy over a 40-year period from the data of the Swedish national registers. Vagotomy surgery is an operation that removes the main trunk or branches of the vagus nerves to cure ulcers, according to News Max.

The results showed that 19 people had acquired Parkinson's disease more than five years after a truncal vagotomy, matched to 60 people who had a selective vagotomy. There were also 3,932 of people who did not undergo surgery and developed Parkinson's after observing for at least five years.

Experts theorized that the vagus nerve played a significant role here and that the vagus nerve surgery had an association with Parkinson's disease.The vagus nerve links the digestive tract with the brain. In the study, those who had removed the vagus nerve were about 40 percent would less likely develop the Parkinson's disease compared to those who had not.

The scientists have this hypothesis that the gut proteins begin pleating in the wrong way. This genetic mistake has been carried up to the brain with the error being scattered from cell to cell. The Parkinson's disease is acquired when neurons in the brain are killed off. This leads to tremors, difficulty with movement and stiffness. This study could help in blocking off the source of the disease as it determines the foundation of the disease, according to Science Alert.
The researchers have created simulations of the two rings around Chariklo, which is a minor planet and the second smallest object in the Solar System with rings. The simulations provide information about the size and the density of the particles in the rings.

The simulations are performed by Professor Eiichiro Kokubo from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, NAOJ and Dr. Shugo Michikoshi from Kyoto Women's University/University of Tsukuba. They used the supercomputer ATERUI at NAOJ to simulate the rings of the planet Chariklo. They computed the motions of about 345 million ring particles of Chariklo.

The scientists discovered that Chariklo's inner ring should be uneven without help. The ring particles could be much smaller than previously thought or there might be an unknown satellite around Chariklo that is stabilizing the ring, according to Phys.org.

The results of the simulations indicate that the density of the ring particles could be less than half the density of Chariklo. The striped pattern referred to as "self-gravity wakes" shapes in the inner ring because of the interactions between the particles. This escalates the breakup of the ring. The scientists also recalculated the expected lifetime of the rings of Chariklo and discovered that it to be only 1 to 100 years. It is much shorter than the past estimate and it is surprising that the ring is still intact.

Professor Kokubo explained that the small ring particles are one possibility for the continued visibility of the ring. He further said that if the size of the ring particles is only a few millimeters, the rings could maintain for 10 million years. The second possibility is the visibility of unknown shepherd satellite that slows down the dissolution of the rings.

Centaur 10199 Chariklo is the second smallest object with rings and the sixth ringed object ever found in the Solar System. It has a diameter of about 250 kilometers (160 miles). It has a bright ring system composes of two narrow and dense bands. They orbit at distances of about 400 kilometers from the core of Chariklo. This is about a thousandth the distance between Earth and the Moon.
A new research shows that overweight and obese individuals may have a greater risk of having brain problems like dementia. It mays also affect their cognitive function.

The findings of the new study were published in the journal Diabetologia. The study was headed by the European Association for the Study of Diabetes. The scientists from the United States and South Korea examined how being obese or overweight with type 2 diabetes could affect the brain. They discovered that they are at greater risk of intense and progressive changes in the brain structure and could have impaired cognitive function compared to those who were not obese, according to Web MD.

The study involved 150 people aged between 30 and 60 years old. They were divided into three subgroups and matched according to their age and sex. Those with type 2 diabetes were compared for the duration of their condition. Meanwhile, the three groups consist 50 obese or overweight people with type 2 diabetes, 50 of healthy weight with type 2 diabetes and 50 individuals of healthy weight without type 2 diabetes.

The scientists examined their brains using the MRI to assess the thickness of cerebral cortex. These include the cognitive assessments to evaluate executive function, memory and psychomotor speed. These are often impacted by type 2 diabetes.

The results showed that people with type 2 diabetes had thinning of gray matter in the temporal, prefrontoparietal, motor and occipital cortices of the brain compared with people of healthy weight. The gray matter of the motor and temporal cortices was thinner in the obese diabetic group. The temporal lobe is also found to be susceptible in the combination of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The thinning of the temporal lobe could lead to Alzheimer's disease. This study explains the linking of obesity, type 2 diabetes and dementia. The scientists stressed that weight status may have the additional role in the association of type 2 diabetes with brain and cognitive alterations, according to Medical News Today.
Deepika Padukone's sultry moves in the Raabta title track may have wowed fans, but if a report in Pinkvilla is to be believed, the actor is not happy. Apparently, Deepika is miffed with Katrina Kaif for taking the spotlight away from her song by making an Instagram debut the same day.

A source is quoted as saying, "Deepika's team is a little disappointed that Katrina stole their Raabta thunder with her Instagram debut. The thing is, they could not make any last minute changes to the song release date. However, this incident certainly dampened the spirit of the Raabta team including Deepika."

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Katrina Kaif, who only had a Facebook account so far, made her fans happy by joining the photo-blogging site. In her first post, Kat shared a picture of herself from a beach and wrote, "new beginnings ... coming from my happy place #helloinstagram"

Meanwhile, a report from earlier this month said that Katrina's friend called Deepika "insecure" and questioned the "need to pull down others to push yourself up."

ALSO READ: Deepika-Katrina cold war reaches a new level. And Coldplay is involved

ALSO READ: KJo torn between Deepika and Katrina for his love triangle with Ranbir, SRK?

ALSO WATCH: When Deepika Padukone wished Katrina Kaif a happy birthday

--- ENDS ---
Consuming 32 ounces of energy drinks could cause significant changes in the heart's electrical activity and blood pressure, according to a new study. It is also reported that there have been links of energy drink with emergency room visits and deaths, which prompted to investigate the safety of these drinks.

Emily A. Fletcher, Pharm.D., one of the authors of the study and deputy pharmacy flight commander from Davis Grant U.S.A.F. Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base in California, said that they have decided to examine energy drinks' potential heart health impact due to past research that showed 75 percent of the base's military personnel have drunk an energy drink. Among them, about 15 percent of military personnel, who drink three cans each day when deployed, are the ones being examined in this research.

The findings of the study were printed in the journal of the American Heart Association. The researchers gave the participants either an energy drink or control drink that has the same amount of caffeine, yet it had lime juice and cherry syrup. The research indicates that those who drank energy drinks had an elevated blood pressure and corrected QT interval 10 milliseconds higher, according to Independent.

The scientists also gauged the electrical activity of participant's hearts using the electrocardiogram. It also includes measuring their peripheral and central blood pressures at one, two, four, six and 24 hours after drinking. Fletcher explained that the peripheral blood pressure is the capacity of the pressure in the outlying artery. Meanwhile, the central blood pressure is the amount of the pressure in the aorta near the heart that is a better method to examine health outcomes linked to elevated blood pressure.

The results of the elevated blood pressure among the participants who drank energy drinks indicate that ingredients other than caffeine may have blood pressure impacts. On the other hand, this needs further examination. Fletcher is also urging that people, who have high blood pressure, primary cardiac conditions and other health issues, must avoid or use caution in consuming energy drinks until further studies show the impact on heart health, as noted by Medical News Today.
OnePlus launched its flagship smartphone OnePlus 3T in November 2016. The handset was initially available only in two color options: Gunmetal and Soft Gold. In March 2017, the smartphone maker announced a new Midnight Black color option that was available in limited quantities only. Notably, the demand for the Midnight Black-colored OnePlus 3T is so high that it is already sold out in most of the countries.

According to Android Authority, OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei has confirmed on Twitter, as shown below, that the Midnight Black version of the handset is sold out globally except in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, where the stock is available only until it runs out. Notably, once the stock gets depleted in the two markets, there would not be any more OnePlus 3T Midnight Black model available to buy in the market across the globe. Pie did not mention if the company has any plans to release a new batch or not.

The limited OnePlus 3T Midnight Black is sold out globally apart from UK and HK, where it will run out in next couple of days. Just FYI.

In related news, OnePlus is expected to launch its next flagship smartphone in the second half of 2017, most probably in July. It is possibly dubbed as OnePlus 5.

The OnePlus 3T's successor is rumored to feature a 5.5-inch display with full-HD 1,080 pixel display, an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, Adreno 540 GPU, Oxygen OS based on Android Nougat, 6GB/8GB RAM, up to 256GB of storage and a 3,000 mAh battery. On the camera front, the handset is expected to get a 16MP selfie camera and a dual-camera setup.

Notably, the smartphone maker has not confirmed any of the rumors surrounding OnePlus 5's specs, release date or pricing details. So, it is advised that readers should take the information with caution.
Several years ago I was traveling in Arizona and stopped at the Cameron Trading Post, a small community about 30 miles east of the eastern entrance to the Grand Canyon.

They have the old trading post buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s, now turned into museums, art galleries, post office, a gas station, restaurant and, of course, a souvenir shop. If youre traveling from the Grand Canyon up to Lake Powell in Page, I recommend the stop. Of course, theres no other place to stop on that road. Take advantage of it, especially the Navajo frybread in the restaurant.

I was intrigued by the signs in the souvenir shop. Made by Navajo artists. Made by Native Americans. Made by Native American Navajo. Made by Native American Navajo Indians. Handpainted by Navajo. (This was on some pottery. I guess it may have been made by someone else). My favorite was Marketed by Native American Navajo, which basically meant they were selling something made by people in China.

In looking at this last category, I found something I had to buy. It was a Mood Cross! Its a small cross on a bracelet made from thin metal, filled with whatever they used to make the mood rings that were so popular back in the 1970s. The little tag tells you that it will change colors to reveal your mood, and theres a chart on the back of the tag to interpret the colors.

I thought, this is great! Can I tell if Jesus is happy with me by the color of the cross?

What if Im in a bad mood? Should I hide the cross from others?

Its not the tackiest thing I have ever bought, but it rates up there in the top 10.

Then it dawned on me. The cross is a sign of Gods love shown to us in Jesus. And Jesus loves me no matter what kind of mood Im in.

So theres a good lesson in it, at least for me.

But I dont wear it. Its still really tacky. Even for me.
First of seven parts

Jim Bertram: Good morning, pastor.

Pastor Gallo: Good morning, Jim. I'm glad to have the opportunity to talk with you today about a timely subject that's very dear to my heart.

JB: I saw an intriguing headline recently about a public address by Pope Francis commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation this year. For those of us who aren't necessarily history buffs, remind us: What was the Protestant Reformation?

PG: At the risk of making a long and fascinating story entirely too short, the Protestant Reformation was a loose affiliation of pastors, scholars and churches in the 16th century who protested many of the teachings of the medieval Roman Catholic church  the only recognized church body in western Europe in that day  and sought to bring reform to her beliefs and practices. The beginning of the Reformation is typically dated to October 1517, when a German monk named Martin Luther published his now famous 95 Theses challenging the Catholic practice of selling indulgences, blessings from the Catholic clergy that were said to reduce a loved one's time in purgatory.

Nearly every major form of Christianity in America today, aside from Roman Catholics and the Eastern Orthodox, can trace its heritage back to the Protestant movement  from Baptists to Pentecostals to Lutherans to Episcopalians to Methodists to Presbyterians to nondenominational Evangelicals. Whether you're celebrating the Reformation this year or not, its impact on the course of Christianity in the Western world really can't be overstated.

JB: As we consider the prospect of examining these events that which took place in what would seem to many of us the very distant past, perhaps I should ask a more general question: How does it benefit us to study the history of the church and our particular faith traditions?

PG: I like to compare learning about your faith tradition to getting to know your grandparents. In the first place, it certainly doesn't hurt to show a bit of respect to those to whom you owe your very existence as the person you are!

Of course, in terms of practical benefits, not only is it interesting to learn about the many events and decisions that served to influence the course of your life before you were even born; it also helps you to understand your own life from a broader perspective and to gain a proper appreciation for all the things you've inherited from those who came before you, which you might never have acknowledged otherwise. That's what we do whenever we study church history, and that's what we want to do in considering a particular movement like the Protestant Reformation: to see ourselves in a fuller light so we can be more grateful for the good things handed down to us and more aware of the difficulties and dangers our forebears faced  lest we needlessly repeat their mistakes.

JB: In terms of historical consequences, the Reformation is probably best known for its role in the split between Roman Catholicism and the various forms of Protestantism. How exactly did this division come about?

PG: While many different denominations eventually flowed out of the Reformation, it's worthwhile to note that the Reformers' original intention was to be just that: reformers of the existing church rather than dividers or disruptors. Unfortunately, the changes they sought to implement were met with opposition by Roman Catholic leadership  especially those changes concerning the established Catholic doctrine of the day. It was only once they were excommunicated by the Pope and their beliefs and convictions were labeled as heresy that the Protestant leaders began to establish their own distinct church bodies.

Couple all of this with the fact that church affiliations played a grossly oversized role in the political structures of that era  leading eventually to religious wars being waged between Catholic nations and Protestant nations  and the antagonistic relationship between Catholics and Protestants became deeply imbedded in Western civilization for centuries.

JB: In his address on the matter, the Pope invited both Catholics and Protestants to put aside the controversies and disagreements of the past and pursue reconciliation among all who believe in the one Lord. Would you say this is a desirable goal?

PG: Absolutely! The Bible is filled with instructions to Christians warning them against the moral and spiritual dangers of divisions within the church. In that sense, we can all agree that the split that took place in the Reformation was tragic and lamentable. The disagreement comes when we evaluate whether that split was also justified and necessary. In essence, to be Protestant is to agree with the Reformers that their beliefs more closely align with the teachings of the Bible than the doctrines of Roman Catholicism do  and that these beliefs are worth upholding even when the cost is great.

That's no excuse for base hostility or ill will between Catholics and Protestants, of course; rather, our mutual desire should be a renewed effort toward humble and earnest engagement regarding these longstanding disputes. And in the meantime, our shared values and social ethics continue to make us important allies when it comes to many issues of public life and policy.

Nevertheless, the situation remains that many of the beliefs at the heart of Catholicism and Protestantism respectively are still very much at odds with each other  so the terms on which any reconciliation of church bodies might take place would be the subject of tremendous debate, to say the least.

JB: What then are the major beliefs that arose from the Reformation to shape the church all the way down to our own day? In other words, what ideas are we preparing to commemorate this year?

PG: One way to take stock of the church's enduring inheritance from the Protestant Reformation is to consider the questions that were newly raised and answered by the Protestant movement  questions like, On what basis can I be accepted by God? What must I do to be saved? What did Jesus accomplish for me through his death on the cross? What has God given to the church for us to know what to believe and how to live? How does our salvation bring glory to God?

Over the years, the Reformers' answers to these particular questions came to be known as the Five Solas  of the Protestant Reformation. ( Sola is the Latin word meaning alone .) In short, the heart of the Protestant Reformation was the message that a person is saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone; that the church's ultimate authority is the Bible alone; and that these truths direct all glory to God alone. That's a whole lot of theology crammed into a single sentence; so I hope to spend some time unpacking this set of core Protestant ideas together in our coming conversations, explaining what the Reformers believed, how it set them apart from their Roman Catholic contemporaries, and why it still influences so much of what we believe and do in our churches today.

JB: To close our time today, then, how would you invite our fellow believers in the Florence area to mark the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation?

PG: My invitation to all Christians this year would be to make use of this tremendous opportunity to ponder anew (as one of our favorite hymns would put it) the incredible grace of God toward undeserving people like us; to sharpen our understanding of what God has told us in Scripture; to love one another earnestly from a pure heart (1 Peter 1:22); and to let all of these things overflow into joyous worship of the only Savior of sinners, Jesus Christ our Lord.

To God be the glory  great things he has done!
In what is believed to be the first case of its kind in the United States, a grand jury issued a federal indictment Wednesday against two Detroit-area doctors and a medical officer manager for scheming to perform female genital mutilation.

The doctors - Jumana Nagarwala and Fakhruddin Attar - along with Attar's wife, Farida Attar, were charged with performing female genital mutilation on minor girls at Fakhruddin Attar's medical office in Livonia, Michigan. Until Wednesday, only Nagarwala, 44, was charged with performing the procedure; the others were merely charged as conspirators in the case.

Genital mutilation, outlawed in the United States, is the removal of all or part of a female's genitals for nonmedical reasons. It is condemned by the United Nations and considered a human rights violation, but the practice is common for girls in parts of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

The three defendants had schemed to perform the procedure on girls under 18 years of age since as early as 2005, though the exact dates are unknown, according to the indictment. All three are also charged with conspiring to obstruct the federal investigation. Nagarwala and Fakhruddin Attar, 53, are also charged with giving false statements to a federal agent.

In addition, the doctors face one count of conspiracy to transport a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity - a charge that carries a potential sentence of up to life in prison.

"Female Genital Mutilation has serious implications for the health and well-being of girls and women," Daniel Lemisch, acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, said in a statement. "This brutal practice is conducted on girls for one reason, to control them as women. FGM will not be tolerated in the United States."

The case, which is now headed to trial, centers on allegations that the doctors performed the procedure on two Minnesota girls, both 7, who traveled to Michigan with their parents. But prosecutors say they believe there are many other victims.

In January, Nagarwala sent a text message to a parent of one of the Minnesota girls, stating, "Feb 3 at 6:45 p.m.?" according to phone records cited in the indictment. On Feb. 3, Fakhruddin Attar, an internal medicine physician, allegedly allowed Nagarwala to perform female genital mutilation procedures at his office, the Burhani Medical Clinic, after it was closed for the day. Farida Attar was employed as an office manager of the clinic.

Nagarwala has maintained through her defense lawyer that she performed a religious procedure involving removing the girls' genital membrane and giving it to relatives for burial. She insists this was merely a scraping procedure, and it did not involve cutting the genitalia, the Detroit Free Press reported.

But according to a juvenile protection petition filed in Minnesota, along with federal court documents, the injuries sustained by the Minnesota girls are far more severe than Nagarwala described. A doctor's findings cited scarring, a small tear, healing lacerations and what appears to be surgical removal of a portion of her genitalia, the Detroit Free Press reported.

The child protective services petition also revealed new details surrounding the parents in the case. The father of one of the 7-year-old girls allegedly knew about the trip through texts with his wife while she was in Detroit. He told a child protection investigator he now regrets letting his daughter come to Michigan in light of the explosive criminal charges, according to the documents obtained by the Detroit Free Press.

According to the petition, one of the girls told a child protection investigator that she and her friend "got cake after" the procedure "because the doctor said they were doing good." The girl also told the investigator that "the doctor made her cry," the petition states.

None of the parents have been charged. Authorities removed both girls from their homes, though one of them has been returned to her parents. The other girl's child protective custody case remains sealed, and it is not known whether she has been returned to her parents yet, the Detroit Free Press reported.

The doctors and Attar's wife are members of a small Muslim sect known as the Dawoodi Bohra. Wednesday's indictment implies a link between the insular Dawoodi Bohra community in Detroit and the sect in Minnesota, based on phone exchanges between Fakhruddin Attar and a member of the community in Minnesota.

An organization that oversees the Dawoodi Bohra community in Detroit defended the sect in the wake of the case, saying it does not support the violation of any U.S. law and is offering its assistance to the investigating authorities.

Any violation of U.S. laws, the organization said, "does not reflect the everyday lives of the Dawoodi Bohras in America. We take our religion seriously but our culture is modern and forward-looking."

In conspiring to perform the procedures, the indictment alleges, Nagarwala and Fakhruddin Attar agreed to make false statements to law enforcement and other investigating agencies. Nagarwala falsely stated to a special agent that she had never been present when a female genital mutilation was being performed on minors, and that she had no knowledge of the procedures being performed.

Steve Francis, acting special agent in charge from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations, said in a statement: "As the first federal indictment in the U.S., these charges will hopefully deal a critical blow to stamping out this inhumane practice in the United States and around the world,"

The Attars, who have been in custody since last week, were due in court Wednesday for a bond hearing, but the hearing was rescheduled for May 3.

Outside the courthouse, defense attorney Mary Chartier said Fakhruddin Attar was not in the examination room with Nagarwala and the girls, the Associated Press reported.

"What happened at the clinic was not FGM," Chartier said. "I believe they are being persecuted for their religious beliefs, and I do not make that allegation lightly."
FLORENCE, S.C.  U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings told a Florence audience Friday that black are saddened but not scared over the election of Donald Trump to the presidency.

Over fifty people sat in attendance at the Florence Civic Center as the congressman spoke at the NAACPs Freedom Fund Dinner.

Cummings said he had plane problems as he came to Florence for the event, but he kept on, he said, because whenever he is in South Carolina, he feels like he is home. His parents grew up in the Palmetto State.

I do what I do in Washington because my roots are here, Cummings said.

He talked about how when Donald Trump was elected, he felt sad. He gave an anecdote of an elderly black woman who was interviewed on national news a few days after the election. The woman said she was sad that Trump was elected. She said, Its scary, but I aint scared. Cummings said blacks have witnessed scary things before, but they are not scared. He said blacks have endured too much for too long to be scared.

We have a God who brought us together, but its still black and white, Cummings said. We spend so much time judging people by the color of their skin, not the content of their character.

Madie Robinson, Florence NAACP president, said the NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner is the organization's biggest fundraiser of the year.

We come together once a year for dinner full of fun, relaxing and encouraging words to continue the fight for freedom justice and equality, Robinson said.

Cummings was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and still lives there.

He is the ranking member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. According to the dinner program's bulletin, "He holds the Presidential Adminstration to a higher standard of excellence and ensure efficieny and effecive in the actions of of the government of the United States. He seeks to identify approproiate reforms that prevent waste, fraud, and abuse and that ensure government programs meet the needs of the American people."
President Donald Trump's Justice Department has ramped up its crusade against so-called "sanctuary cities" in a way that looks about as doomed as his Muslim travel ban fiasco.

As the president says he realized with his move to repeal and replace Obamacare, immigration enforcement is a lot more "complicated" than he thought.

That point rang out Tuesday afternoon when a San Francisco judge blocked enforcement of the president's executive order to cut off federal funds from municipalities that refuse to comply with federal authorities to enforce immigration laws.

The ruling hands a victory to San Francisco and Santa Clara County, California, which won preliminary injunctions to block Trump's January order. The Justice Department can still withhold grants from places that don't comply with the law, according to the U.S. District Judge William Orrick's order, but not "in a way that violates the Constitution."

The ruling follows others now moving through the courts that have cast serious doubt on President Trump's order. In September, for example, U.S. District Judge John Z. Lee of Northern Illinois invalidated the practice of issuing detainers  formal requests from federal authorities for a local jail to hold non-citizen inmates  on constitutional grounds.

If federal authorities want to hold an immigrant in local custody, the judge ruled, they must get a warrant.

The issue of sanctuary cities is complicated further by the lack of definition under federal law for what a "sanctuary city" is.

To former Fox News host Bill O'Reilly and other known influencers of our TV-loving president, "sanctuary cities" are local governments that limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities about the status of prisoners in their custody.

But the level of cooperation can vary a lot from one city to the next. The Justice Department sent warning letters last week to New York City; Chicago; Cook County, Illinois; Miami; Philadelphia; New Orleans; Las Vegas; Milwaukee; and Sacramento.

The department threatened to yank federal funding if state or local governments failed to cooperate with immigration enforcement, as required by federal law.

DHS on Monday released its first weekly list of local jails and jurisdictions that the administration wants to shame for failing to honor immigrant "detainer" requests. Those requests ask local law enforcement to hold an inmate who is in the country illegally and has been arrested or charged with a crime for an additional 48 hours after their release date so federal officials can decide to whether to pick them up and deport them.

But mayors and other local leaders have argued that cooperating actually can hurt law enforcement by undermining local trust in police. Immigrants are less likely to report a crime  even when they're the victims  if they fear it could lead to their deportation.

As a case in point, Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck said last month that reports by the city's Latino residents of sexual assault and domestic violence have plummeted this year (by 25 percent and 10 percent respectively), apparently in response to fears of deportation if they interact with police or testify in court.

One leading immigration reform advocate, Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Illinois), denounced the DOJ's actions, noting, "The reality is that in most cities, the police have found that acting as deportation police makes it harder to keep their cities safe."

Indeed, the sanctuary cities issue, like the larger immigration debate, is enflamed by fears that are not backed up by facts. A study by the libertarian Cato Institute, for example, found unauthorized immigrants to be incarcerated at about half the rate of native-born Americans.

Candidate Trump turned sanctuary cities into a central theme of his presidential campaign, right along with his promise to build a wall along our border with Mexico  and have Mexico pay for it. The proposed wall and form of payment now face pitfalls in Washington's world of legislative sausage-making. So could his plan to stop sanctuary cities.

As Chicago immigration attorney Chirag G. Badlani pointed out to me, Supreme Court decisions prohibit states or cities from being coerced into action by the federal government with a financial "gun to the head." That's from the language of Chief Justice John Roberts in the 2012 Affordable Care Act case.

Federal officials also can't "commandeer" state officials to do their work for them under a 1997 decision involving gun purchases under the Brady Act.

Ultimately, the best way to deal with the complicated issue of immigration is through comprehensive immigration reform. But that would require the thoughtful and rigorous debate and compromise that can't seem to climb over the wall dividing both parties these days.
Sisodia said somebody else was retweeting from his Twitter handle.

Delhi deputy chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia today said his Twitter account was hacked after anti-Hazare messages were retweeted from his account.

He said somebody else was retweeting from his Twitter handle.

One such anti-Hazare message retweeted from his account read: "No doubt he (Anna Hazare) has taken all of us for a ride: now I strongly feel that he is an agent of BJP".

My account hacked. Someone retweeting anti Anna Hazare messages from account. Trying to delete them, not even getting deleted. 1/N- Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) April 29, 2017

Pls don't believe them. I have greatest respect for Anna ji. Can never say such things against him. Pls don't believe them. 2/N

- Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) April 29, 2017

--- ENDS ---
Joshil Abraham, a professor at GB Pant Engineering College in Delhi, ended his 25-day hunger strike after Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal assured him and his students that their demand for a campus would be granted.

Joshil Abraham, professor at Delhi's GB Pant Engineering College, ended his 25-day hunger strike on Saturday after Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal assured him and students of his GB Pant Engineering College (GBPEC) that their demand for a campus would be granted.

Kejriwal, who met Abraham and GBPEC students on Saturday, told them that their campus would be set up on 25 acres of land.

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He added that buildings from Phase 2 construction of Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology would be transferred to GB Pant College.

WHAT ARE THE ALLEGATIONS

Abraham and his students have alleged that 25 acres of land was illegally given to the Institute of Information Technology -Delhi (IIIT-D) campus in 2008. When the IIIT-D began Phase-1 construction of the campus, the institute allegedly showed the entire 65 acre land in their plan.

In 2015, when phase-2 construction of IIIT-D was approved by the present Delhi government, the institute once again showed 65 acres in their plan.

In May last year, Professor Abraham had written to Delhi CM's adviser Gopal Mohan, pointing out the irregularities. Kejriwal has now assured that action would be taken against erring officers.

Kejriwal with Professor Joshil Abraham and GB Pant Engineering College students.

Also read | Delhi: Denied proper facilities, students of GB Pant Engineering College sleep on road

--- ENDS ---
EUROPE

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Expected Council Action

In May, the Council will hold its biannual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The High Representative for BiH, Valentin Inzko, will brief, presenting the latest report of the Office of the High Representative (OHR).

Key Recent Developments

Ethnic divisions among Bosniaks, Croats and Serbs continue to provoke political crises. These included the continuing controversy over celebrating Republika Srpska (RS) Day on 9 January in that predominantly Bosnian Serb entity. On 1 December 2016, BiHs Constitutional Court annulled the results of the 25 September 2016 referendum held in the RS, in which voters decided to continue observing RS Day on 9 January. The Constitutional Court had already determined that celebration of the holiday on 9 January was discriminatory to non-Bosnian Serbs in the RS and unconstitutional since this date is an Orthodox holiday. The date also marks the day that Bosnian Serbs established Republika Srpska in the lead-up to the 1992-1995 war. During his most recent Council briefing on 8 November 2016, Inzko said that he considered the referendum to be a grave violation of the 1995 General Framework Agreement for Peace (GFAP) since annex 4 of the accord states that decisions of the Constitutional Court are final and binding.

On 9 January, the RS celebrated the holiday. In Banja Luka, RS President Milorad Dodik repeated demands for greater autonomy for the entity and again raised the possibility that the entity might secede. The ceremonies in Banja Luka included the armys Third Infantry Regiment, despite warnings from state government institutions and the NATO command in Bosnia that their involvement would violate the GFAP.

On 17 January, the US imposed sanctions on Dodik for his role in defying the Constitutional Court and obstructing the GFAP. According to a US Treasury Department statement, By obstructing the Dayton Accords, Milorad Dodik poses a significant threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The sanctions block any property or interest in property of Dodik within US jurisdiction, and US citizens are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with the RS leader. Dodik called on the BiH government to declare the US ambassador persona non grata.

In a 1 December 2016 decision, the Constitutional Court ruled in favour of a challenge brought by the president of the Croatian National Congress of BiH, the flagship organisation representing Bosnian Croats. The court determined that some of the current provisions for electing delegates to the upper house of parliament in the Federation of BiH (the majority Bosniak entity) are contrary to the principle of equality of BiHs constituent people and are unconstitutional. It is likely to prove difficult for Bosniaks and Croats to reach agreement on changes to the Federations election system to comply with the decision, which could have implications for the 2018 elections. On 28 January, the BiH Croatian National Congress repeated calls for the establishment of a third, Croat entity.

Ethnic tensions were exacerbated in February when the Bosniak member of BiHs tripartite presidency, Bakir Izetbegovic, initiated an appeal against the 2007 ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that Serbia had not been complicit in the 1995 Srebrenica genocide. While the ICJ found Serbia had violated the Genocide Convention by not preventing the massacre, it said that there had not been enough proof that Bosnian Serb forces acted under the direction or effective control of Serbia. On 16 February, the BiH agent from the 2007 case, Sakib Softic, submitted a revision request to the ICJ on Izetbegovics behalf, ten days before the expiration of the ten-year deadline to do so.

The current Bosnian Serb member of the presidency, Mladen Ivanic, warned that the appeal would worsen ethnic tensions and create a crisis. The two main Bosnian Serb political parties boycotted a parliamentary session on 16 February in protest. Ivanic and BiH Foreign Minister Igor Crnadak argued in a letter to the ICJ that Softics appeal was not valid since it was made without the authorisation of the full presidency. On 9 March, the ICJ rejected the request to review the case, saying that no decision has been taken by the competent authorities on behalf of BiH as a state. Izetbegovic has since come under heavy criticism for seeking the ICJ review without the authority to do so, and the Bosnian Serb party, the National Democratic Movement, has submitted a criminal complaint against him and Softic.

Key Issues

A key issue is to address ethnic tensions among Bosniaks, Croats and Serbs, and divisive rhetoric along with RS referenda initiatives challenging the GFAP (which have included whether to accept the authority of the High Representative and state-level judicial institutions and a possible vote on secession).

Making progress on implementing various socio-economic and governance reforms related to BiHs EU integration and the fulfilment of a series of conditions and objectives that BiH must complete before the OHR can be closed are also recurring issues.

Options

The Council is most likely to hold the debate without taking further action. It could, however, issue a statement encouraging BiH leaders to overcome narrow political interests and ethnic divisions and to make meaningful progress towards implementing commitments on economic and governance reforms and the criteria for closing the OHR, known as the 5 +2 agenda.

Council Dynamics

Members routinely express concern about BiHs political gridlock, which has limited progress on reforms, and the divisive rhetoric of RS officials usually chronicled in the High Representatives reports. Last years 25 September referendum was strongly criticised by most members; they viewed it as violating the GFAP and the rule of law and as challenging BiHs sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Russia, however, tends to support the positions of the RS. It argues that the entity is unfairly blamed for BiHs problems and that political dysfunction and provocations in the Federation of BIH are overlooked. Russia is usually very critical of the High Representative, believing that his reporting is not objective and that he should focus more on encouraging intra-Bosnian dialogue and trust. It has called for his offices closure as soon as possible. These dynamics have played out in recent years during the once relatively routine negotiations on the resolution to re-authorise the EU-led stabilisation mission in BiH (EUFOR ALTHEA). Russias concerns in these negotiations have also included references to Euro-Atlantic integration, arguing that there is no agreement within BiH on joining NATO.

The BiH Coordination and Drafting Group first prepares Council products on BiH. For 2017, it comprises France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Sweden, Ukraine, UK and the US.

UN DOCUMENTS ON BiH

This was a resolution renewing the authorisation of EUFOR ALTHEA for an additional year. This was the semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina.
ASIA

DPRK (North Korea)

Expected Council Action

In May, the chair of the 1718 Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi (Italy), is due to brief Security Council members in consultations on the Committees work.

Key Recent Developments

At press time, the Council was scheduled to hold a ministerial-level meeting on 28 April, chaired by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, to discuss denuclearisation of the DPRK amid growing concern about the recent escalation of tension on the Korean Peninsula. The Secretary-General was expected to brief. In a concept note, the US said the objective of the meeting would be to discuss ways to maximise the impact of existing Council measures and demonstrate resolve to respond to further provocations with significant new measures.

Since Cardis last Council briefing on 27 February, the DPRK has conducted several ballistic missile launches and repeatedly threatened to use military force against the US and its allies. On 5 March, it fired four missiles into the sea off Japans northwest coast. On 19 March, Pyongyang announced it had tested a new rocket engine, described by Republic of Korea (ROK) officials as a technological breakthrough. Following a 21 March failed missile test, the DPRK conducted a successful launch on 4 April of what appeared to be a medium-range missile. In a 7 April letter to the Council, the DPRK accused the US of engaging in aggressive schemes that amounted to a declaration of war and warned of a pre-emptive strike.

In a 7 March press statement, Council members condemned the 5 March launches and noted, in a first, that such activities contribute to increasing tensions in the region and beyond as well as to the risk of a regional arms race, and emphasised the importance of the DPRKs showing sincere commitment to denuclearisation. They reiterated the call for member states to redouble their efforts to implement UN sanctions. Similarly worded press statements were issued on 23 March and 6 April.

In addition, the DPRK has repeatedly warned of its intention to test another nuclear bomb. Most recently, at a press conference in New York on 18 April, the DPRKs deputy permanent representative to the UN said that a nuclear test would take place at a time and at a place where headquarters deems necessary. A 12 April report from 38 North, a website devoted to analysis of the DPRKs nuclear programme, confirmed that the Punggye-ri nuclear test site appeared to be ready for another test. There was speculation that Pyongyang would conduct such a test during the celebration of the birth of Kim Il-sung on 15 April, but instead it attempted unsuccessfully to fire another ballistic missile. Council members condemned the failed launch in a 20 April press statement in which they also explicitly demanded that the DPRK conduct no further nuclear tests.

In the face of these provocations and with the arrival of a new US administration that has signalled a tougher stance on the DPRK, discussions intensified among China, Japan, the ROK and the US about how to deal with the threat and de-escalate the situation. It was one of the main issues discussed when President Donald Trump (US) and President Xi Jinping (China) met on 4 April and in their subsequent phone calls on 12 and 24 April. On 17 and 18 April, US Vice President Mike Pence visited the ROK and on 19 April he went to Japan. He emphasised that the era of strategic patience is over and warned the DPRK not to test the resolve or military strength of the US. ROK media questioned the credibility of the US, however, when it emerged that an earlier announcement by US officials that the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson had been redirected towards the Korean Peninsula, referred to by Trump as the US sending an armada, turned out to be incorrect.

In other developments, on 7 March Malaysia presented an oral report to the executive council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on the possible use of the prohibited nerve agent VX in the 13 February killing of Kim Jung-uns half-brother at the Kuala Lumpur airport. Malaysia said that a preliminary analysis had shown traces of VX on the deceased but that the investigation would continue. In a 9 March decision, the executive council expressed concern and requested the OPCWs director-general to provide technical assistance to the government of Malaysia.

Sanctions-Related Developments

On 23 March, in resolution 2345, the Council renewed for another 13 months the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the 1718 Sanctions Committee. It requested the Panel to submit its mid-term report to the Committee by 5 August and its final report by 1 February 2018. Over the past month, the Committee started a series of regional outreach meetings in New York. On 31 March the Committee met with the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries and on 10 April with the Eastern European Group. It was scheduled to hold subsequent meetings with the other regional groups. The meetings are being convened as a follow-up to paragraph 44 of resolution 2321, adopted in response to the 9 September 2016 nuclear test, which requested the Committee to hold special meetings on important thematic and regional topics and member states capacity challenges. In a separate development, the US on 31 March announced sanctions designation for one entity and 11 individuals, citing their continued violations of Council resolutions.

Human Rights-Related Developments

In a statement during a 13 March interactive dialogue that the Human Rights Council (HRC) held on the DPRK, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the DPRK, Tomas Ojea Quintana, maintained that although escalating tensions meant that the focus was increasingly on developments in the political and military arenas, it was still an appropriate time to address human rights concerns. However, Quintana warned there were no quick fixes or instant solutions to tackle the human rights violations. Noting that recent tensions had led the Security Council and neighbouring states to adopt new sanctions measures to address the DPRKs development of nuclear and ballistic-missile technology, Quintana highlighted the potential human cost of sanctions. Quintana encouraged the Sanctions Committee to give due consideration to protecting the civilian population from the adverse consequences of sanctions measures designed to deter nuclear proliferation, as pledged in relevant Council resolutions. On 24 March, the HRC adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for one year.

Key Issues

A key issue for the Council is how to deal with the serious escalation in the threat posed by the DPRK. A further issue is whether the tightening of sanctions will eventually induce the DPRK to change its behaviour or whether a different approach would be more effective.

In the 1718 Sanctions Committee, ensuring strict implementation of the sanctions and responding to the findings of the Panel of Experts are the key issues. A further issue is the potential humanitarian impact of the sanctions, as highlighted by the Special Rapporteur on human rights.

Options

One option for the Council is to request the Secretary-General to use his good offices in attempting to bring about a freeze in the DPRKs nuclear programme.

Another option is to remain focused on sanctions as the main tool for getting the DPRK to abandon its nuclear weapons programme, including by imposing additional measures such as an oil embargo, a ban on hiring DPRK workers abroad, and further restrictions on transportation and exports.

In the Committee, the main option is to implement the Panels recommendations and continue with outreach activities.

Council and Wider Dynamics

It seems Russia did not initially agree to the press statement on the 15 April missile launch. While the original draft proposed by the US on 19 April mostly reiterated agreed language from previous press statements, it omitted a reference to dialogue when welcoming efforts to facilitate a peaceful and comprehensive solution. This was acceptable to China but not to Russia. The revised agreed text retained the reference to a peaceful solution through dialogue used in previous statements, but also added an explicit reference to sanctions as one of the further significant measures that the Council may take.

In terms of the larger picture, the Council meeting on 28 April may be helpful in clarifying the views of key members. The new US administration has signalled a tougher stance on the DPRK than the Obama administration, but the preliminary broad approach that has now apparently been approved by President Trump does not seem to represent a fundamental shift. Although US officials have repeatedly said that all options are on the table, including the use of military force, it seems the Trump administration remains focused on sanctions and on getting China to use its leverage, while maintaining the same conditions for the resumption of talks as before.

As for China, it appears to be growing increasingly impatient and willing to put more pressure on its recalcitrant neighbour, including through a strict interpretation of the ban on the import of coal. It has continued to emphasise the need to resolve the nuclear issue through dialogue, reiterating calls for direct talks between the US and the DPRK, but it has also signalled a readiness to impose further measures, including restrictions on oil, in the event of another nuclear test.

At the regional level, dynamics may be affected by the outcome of the presidential elections in the ROK on 9 May, reflecting differences between the leading candidates in how they propose to deal with the DPRK.

The US is the penholder on the DPRK.

UN DOCUMENTS ON THE DPRK

This resolution renewed for another 13 months the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the 1718 DPRK Sanctions Committee. This was a resolution on sanctions, in response to the DPRKs 9 September 2016 nuclear test. Council members condemned the DPRKs 15 April missile launch. Council members condemned the DPRKs 4 April missile launch. This statement condemned the DPRKs ballistic missile launch of 21 March and the ballistic missile engine test of 19 March. This was a press statement that condemned the ballistic missile launches conducted by the DPRK on 5 March. This letter transmitted the concept note for the 28 April Council meeting on the denuclearisation of the DPRK. The DPRK sent a letter to the Council accusing the US of engaging in aggressive schemes that amounted to a declaration of war and warned of a pre-emptive strike. The Human Rights Council extended the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the DPRK for one year. This was the Panel of Experts final report under resolution 2276.
In Hindsight: Council Dynamics and Syria Negotiations

In the first half of April, the Council was engaged in a series of contentious meetings and negotiations on Syria that culminated in Russias eighth veto of a Syria resolution since October 2011. The Councils engagement on Syria in the lead-up to the vote once again exposed the Councils inability to play a significant role in the Syria crisis due to ongoing divisions among the permanent members. It also highlighted the increasing frustration of elected members with being excluded from negotiations on an issue of grave concern to all members.

The Russian veto was cast on 12 April on a P3 draft that would have condemned the 4 April chemical weapons attacks on the Khan Shaykhun area of Idlib and set out strong demands for Syria to comply with relevant recommendations of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Fact Finding Mission (FFM) and the OPCW-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM). In addition to the Russian veto, the draft received a negative vote from Bolivia, and abstentions from China, Ethiopia and Kazakhstan. It was the fifth Syria chemical weapons draft resolution circulated in just over a week, preceded by two earlier P3 drafts, a Russian draft, and an E10 draft.

Immediately after the 4 April chemical weapons attack on Khan Shaykhun, the P3 circulated the text of a resolution to the members of the Council with a request for comments on the draft text by 9am the next morning. However, it seems that following the circulation of this draft, the US pushed for stronger language, which required further consultations among the P3. Following amendments from the US, the P3 draft that was finally put in blue on 6 April condemned the attacks, expressed full support for the FFM, and requested the results of its investigations as soon as possible. It recalled language in previous resolutions regarding the cooperation of the Syrian government and all parties in Syria with the OPCW and the UN, including the JIM. Regarding the chemical weapons attack, it emphasised in its OP5 that the cooperation required includes the obligation of Syria to provide information on air operations (such as flight plans and flight logs), names of all individuals in command of any helicopter squadrons, and access to air bases from which the JIM or the FFM believed chemical weapons attacks may have been launched, as well as to respond to requests for meetings with generals and other officers.

On the morning of 5 April, there was a public briefing on the reports of chemical weapons use in Syria. Council members had been expecting a revised P3 draft to be circulated following the meeting, but instead a P5 meeting was held on the P3 draft at the request of Russia. It seems that Russia raised questions about the intent of the draft and the facts available regarding the chemical weapons attack. It proposed an alternative draft resolution that expressed deep concern regarding the alleged incident withchemical weapons and requested the OPCW to share with the Council the personal composition of the team that would investigate the incident for the Councils consideration, calling for a full-scale investigation as soon as possible.

The competing P3 and Russian drafts were only circulated to the full Council by noon on Thursday 6 April. By the afternoon, first the P3, and then Russia, asked for their drafts to be put into blue, in anticipation of a vote that evening. That day, the elected members, who had not been included in the negotiations and were growing increasingly frustrated, met on two occasions at Swedens initiative: first at political coordinator-level in the morning to compare notes as rumours were circulating about P5 negotiations and why a revised P3 draft had not been circulated; and later in the afternoon at permanent representative-level, after the P3 and Russian drafts had been put in blue, and after the US, as president of the Council, had shown reluctance to have consultations on the two drafts in blue in spite of an informal request from an E10 member. During the afternoon meeting, the E10 members heard that the P5 had met and were unable to come to an agreement on the drafts. Meanwhile, Russia had officially requested consultations at 3pm on the two texts, but the US only agreed to hold them after the briefing on peacekeeping that was scheduled for mid-afternoon. In their afternoon meeting, the elected members decided to propose a text to break the P5 impasse.

The E10 draft substituted language in the P3 draft (i.e. OP5) that specified the Syrian governments obligations regarding its activities and access (including to provide information on its air operations, individuals commanding any helicopter squadrons, and access to air bases)a contentious matter in the P5 negotiationswith agreed language from resolution 2118 of 27 September 2013, which first required the verification and destruction of Syrias chemical weapons stockpiles and cooperation with the OPCW and the UN. The agreed language from resolution 2118 specified Syrias obligations to accept personnel designated by the OPCW or the UN, and to provide them with immediate and unfettered access to and the right to inspect any and all sites and individuals important to their mandate. Other language in the P3 and Russian drafts was also discussed, but the E10 eventually agreed that it was OP5 in the P3 text that was the main stumbling block. All the E10 members subsequently agreed that the text should be circulated.

Sweden formally circulated the E10 text just prior to the briefing on UN peacekeeping, which began around 4:30pm. During the consultations on Syria following the peacekeeping briefing, the US announced that there would not be a vote that evening. It appears that the circulation of the E10 draft made it more difficult for the P3 and Russia to proceed with a vote on draft resolutions that almost certainly would not have been adopted when there was an alternative text on the table that might have had the support of most of the Council. The elected members showed unity over their draft, and expressed disappointment with the way the permanent members had managed the negotiations, excluding them from substantive discussions. China said that the E10 draft represented a good compromise that merited attention, and several members suggested that a veto would not be constructive.

Shortly after the evening consultations ended, the US carried out airstrikes on the Shayrat airbase. Bolivia asked for a briefing from the Secretariat in consultations but the US as president of the Council chose to hold a public briefing. Ahead of this meeting on Friday, 7 April, it seems that the US brought together eight elected members (not including Bolivia and Kazakhstan) and the P3 to explain its rationale for carrying out the airstrikes. During the Council meeting, the US stated that further delay by compromising with Russia for a watered-down draft resolution would have only strengthened [Syrias President Bashar] Al-Assad. Among the elected members, Ethiopia called the proposal by the elected members timely and wise, saying that the priority for now should be the adoption by consensus of the draft resolution proposed by the elected membersand for the United States and the Russian Federation to exercise greater responsibility and find a way out within their means.

On Monday evening (10 April), the UK circulated another P3 draft, which was subsequently put into blue without negotiations among the 15 Council members. The draft expanded on the substance of the earlier P3 draft. It incorporated the agreed language from resolution 2118, proposed in the E10 draft. At the same time, it retained the language from OP5 of the previous P3 draft, while adding a preambular paragraph recalling that the 6 July 2016 report of the OPCW Director General states that the OPCW Technical Secretariat was unable to resolve gaps, inconsistencies and discrepancies in Syrias declaration of its chemical weapons stockpiles. The draft did not make reference to the US airstrikes. Russias immediate reaction to the draft was unfavourable, but the draft was tabled for a vote on the afternoon of 12 April, hours after Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura was to brief on the political situation. A minor change made to the draft in comparison with the one circulated on 10 April was that OP5 of the final version called on the Syrian government to provide the JIM and the FFM with the names of individuals in command of any aircraft rather than any helicopter squadron, as had been the case in the earlier version.

On 11 April, the US convened a meeting to discuss the draft that included the P3 and the same eight elected members, not including Bolivia and Kazakhstan. Concerns were expressed by some of the elected members at the informal meeting that the vote would result in a Russian veto that could undermine the hoped-for progress on the political process.

It seems that in addition to concerns about jeopardising momentum on the political front, some of the elected members felt that a veto on a draft resolution outlining the obligations of Syria to comply with the investigations of the OPCW and UN could negatively impact the investigatory mandate already authorised by the Council. A number of elected members felt that if a compromise text were to be adopted without opposition, it would increase pressure on Syria to comply with its obligations, and therefore, should not be viewed as a weaker text.

Council divisions were on display during the morning meeting in which de Mistura briefed and during the afternoon vote on the P3 draft, which saw the eighth Russian veto on Syria. Particularly during the afternoon meeting, several of the elected members pleaded for a restoration of Council unity. China, which abstained on the vote, commended the elected members for their efforts to break the impasse with an alternative text.
MIDDLE EAST

Iraq

Expected Council Action

In May, Special Representative and head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Jan Kubis will brief on the latest Secretary-Generals report and provide an update on the governments efforts to retake Mosul from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

UNAMIs mandate expires on 31 July 2017.

Key Recent Developments

More than six months since its launch, the military operation by Iraqi government forces to retake Mosul from ISIL is still ongoing, and the humanitarian situation in the area continues to deteriorate. In January, government forces took control of east Mosul, and they have since made significant advances into the more densely populated western part of the city. According to the latest estimates by OCHA, almost half a million people have been displaced from Mosul since October 2016, and around half a million people remain trapped in areas of west Mosul still under ISILs control. While 91,000 displaced people returned to their homes in east Mosul, 285,000 people are being sheltered in refugee camps in the area.

Even though it is gradually losing ground in Mosul, ISIL has continued to use terrorist tactics in other parts of Iraq. Over the course of March and April, ISIL claimed responsibility for a series of suicide attacks in Baghdad and the northern city of Tikrit that claimed the lives of several dozen people.

On 3 March, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 12 people, including children, from east Mosul were treated for exposure to a toxic chemical agent. Following the incident, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq, Lise Grande, said that the use of chemical weapons constituted a war crime and a serious violation of international humanitarian law. In light of the worsening humanitarian situation and alleged use of chemical weapons in Mosul, Russia called a meeting on Iraq under any other business on 10 March. OCHA head Steven OBrien and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Kim Won-soo briefed Council members on the situation in Mosul. In a statement issued the same day, the Iraqi ambassador to the UN said that there was no evidence that chemical weapons were used in Mosul. On 24 March, Russia initiated another meeting under any other business on the situation in Mosul. At the meeting, China and Russia circulated a draft resolution that sought to extend the mandate of the Organisation for the Prohibition of the Chemical Weapons (OPCW)UN Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) to Iraq. The JIM is currently mandated to identify those responsible for the use of chemical weapons in Syria. Russia has circulated similar draft resolutions previously but has never pursued negotiations on this issue.

Media reports indicated that a US-led coalition airstrike in Mosul on 17 March might have resulted in the deaths of more than 200 civilians. The US Central Command said on 25 March that it had launched an official investigation into the incident. The US confirmed that, following a request by the Iraqi security forces, the US-led coalition conducted an airstrike targeting ISIL fighters at a location that corresponded to the one where civilian causalities were reported.

On 30 March, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in Iraq for a two-day solidarity visit during which he appealed to the international community to assist in humanitarian efforts in light of the ongoing fight against ISIL. Guterres met with various political leaders in Baghdad and Erbil, including Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. At the forefront of the discussions were issues related to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the protection of civilians, political processes, and national reconciliation efforts. During a visit to Hasan Sham refugee camp near Mosul on 31 March, Guterres noted that UN programmes helping those who were displaced remain seriously underfunded. Although the humanitarian situation in Mosul is currently receiving the most attention, around 11 million people across Iraq are in the need of humanitarian assistance, while around three million people remain internally displaced.

Human Rights-Related Developments

In a report to the Human Rights Council, the Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Rita Izsak-Ndiaye, concluded following her visit to Iraq from 27 February to 7 March that ethnic and religious communities are facing an unprecedented crisis that may threaten their continued existence in Iraq (A/HRC/34/53/Add.1). The report calls for the overwhelming evidence of crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide against minority groupsincluding the Yazidisto be fully investigated. While noting that the atrocities committed by ISIL constitute the most recent and brutal attack on these groups, the report maintains that the challenges facing minorities did not begin with ISIL and will not end with its defeat alone and that solutions must confront long-standing issues of discrimination, exclusion and marginalization in Iraqi society. In a statement on 28 March, the High Commissioner for Human Rights deplored the massive loss of civilian lives in west Mosul due to actions by ISIL, including the reported use of human shields, and to airstrikes conducted by Iraqi and coalition forces. Between 17 February and 22 March, at least 307 people were killed and another 273 wounded. Criticising ISIL for ruthlessly exploit[ing] civilians to serve its own ends, the High Commissioner also called on Iraqi and coalition forces to make efforts to avoid or reduce the loss of civilian life from their operations.

Sanctions-Related Developments

On 26 January, 21 February and 8 March, the 1518 Iraq Sanctions Committee removed three entities from the sanctions list in a continuing effort to wind down the Committee. At press time, 170 entities and 86 individuals remain on the sanctions list.

Key Issues

The most pressing issue for the Council is the ongoing military operation to retake Mosul and the effects of the campaign on the human rights, humanitarian and security situations in Iraq. In addition, the Council remains concerned about the alleged use of chemical weapons in Mosul

Promoting national reconciliation and a genuinely inclusive government accountable to the Iraqi people remains an ongoing issue.

A related issue is determining how the Council and UNAMI can support Prime Minister Abadis reform process and encourage greater cooperation on financial, security and humanitarian issues between Abadis dominant Shia Dawa party and Kurdish and Sunni parliamentarians.

Options

Even though the security response to ISIL is happening outside the Councils purview, the Council could adopt a resolution or a presidential statement:

calling on all parties to strictly adhere to international human rights and international humanitarian law and take every step possible to protect civilians;

calling on the government to ensure that screening of civilians fleeing conflict areas is done in strict accordance with international human rights and international humanitarian law, underscoring that such screening should not be conducted by paramilitary groups;

asking the OPCW to investigate the reported use of chemical weapons in Mosul;

calling on the government to work towards enhanced security and humanitarian coordination with Kurdish and Sunni leaders and for UNAMI to support the government in that effort; and

calling on the government to cooperate with UNAMI in areas that may require enhanced mission activities, such as human rights, rule of law, security sector reform, stabilisation activities in areas liberated from ISIL, and best practices for child protection and gender policies.

Council Dynamics

Council members uniformly support the UNs role in Iraq and UNAMIs mandate, which they believe is broad and flexible enough to allow Kubis to fulfil the missions good offices role.

Nevertheless, the Council in general remains disengaged from tackling the underlying political divisions among Iraqs Shia, Sunni and Kurdish populations, beyond calls for an inclusive government. Correspondingly, the Council has been similarly disengaged from directly addressing the humanitarian crisis although it remains active with its engagement on other humanitarian crises in the region, such as in Syria and Yemen. Since the operation to retake Mosul started in October 2016, Russia has been more active in initiating discussion on the humanitarian situation. Beyond calling for occasional briefings, however, Council members show no inclination to engage more substantively on this issue. The divisions between the permanent members reappeared over the issue of expanding the JIMs mandate to Iraq as suggested by the draft resolution submitted by China and Russia during the 24 March consultations. It seems unlikely that this initiative will be realised because of the evident opposition of the P3, as well as some elected members. The rift on this issue widened further after the 12 April Russian veto of the draft resolution on the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

The US is the penholder on Iraq issues in general, and the UK is the penholder on Iraq-Kuwait issues. Egypt is the Chair of the 1518 Iraq Sanctions Committee.

UN DOCUMENTS

The Council authorised the Secretary-General to continue to maintain the escrow account authorised by resolution 1958 (2010), and to retain the funds contained in there until 30 June 2017. This was a resolution renewing UNAMI for a year. This was a report on the oil-for-food escrow account. This was a report on UNAMI. This was a meeting on the situation in Iraq. This was a press release on removal of one entity from the sanctions list. This was a press release on the removal of one entity from the sanctions list. This was a press release about the removal of one entity from the sanctions list.
Police sources said that CCTV cameras have been helpful in cracking a number of complex robbery cases and murders where there was initially no solid evidence.

By Chayyanika Nigam: The Delhi Police is planning to integrate over 1.8 lakh CCTV cameras installed by resident welfare associations, housing societies and market associations to keep a watch over the city as both the AAP government and police failed to add enough security cameras on their own.

According to data available, the Delhi Police added just 87 surveillance cameras in the last one year, despite the crime rate rising by nine per cent in the corresponding period. Adding a CCTV cover over the Capital had also been a big poll promise of the Aam Aadmi Party government, but it has failed to fulfil it so far.

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ALL THANKS TO CCTV CAMERAS

Police sources said that CCTV cameras have been helpful in cracking a number of complex robbery cases and murders where there was initially no solid evidence, so they are now mulling how privately owned cameras can be linked to police stations.

A study was also conducted recently after Delhi Police chief Amulya Patnaik held a meeting with the senior officials to discuss preventive methods that can be taken to curb crime in the city.

"Once all the private cameras are connected with the monitoring rooms of the local police stations, then concerned officials of that police station will be dedicated to keep a tight vigil on the footage 24X7," a police officer said.

Special officers will also be shortlisted by SHO of each station and will be trained to scan CCTV footage in an effective manner, the officer added. He or she will be provided data related to those out on parole, bail or those recently released so that their movements can be tracked, the cops said.

Another senior officer requesting anonymity said: "Since Patnaik became the commissioner, he is putting his best efforts to curb crime and special focus has been put in solving cases quickly."

According to Delhi Police officials, till now CCTV cameras have helped the cops in solving the cases.

Meanwhile, all the police stations have been asked to analyse the crime trends in their respective jurisdiction. This analysis could become fruitful for the cops to keep a tab on particular locality to avert the crime.

So far, CCTV cameras have been installed by Delhi Police in the Supreme Court, Delhi high court, five district courts, VP House, L-G's House and the home minister's residence. The police has also sent a proposal to allocate Rs1,225 crore from the 'Nirbhaya fund' for installation of 10,000 CCTV cameras across the city.

--- ENDS ---
EUROPE

Kosovo

Expected Council Action

In May, the Council is expected to hold a quarterly briefing on the situation in Kosovo. Zahir Tanin, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), will brief on recent developments and the latest report by the Secretary-General. Serbia is likely to participate at a high level, while Kosovo will probably be represented by its ambassador to the US.

Key Recent Developments

Since Tanin last briefed the Council in February, the security situation in Kosovo has remained relatively stable. The rift between the government and the political opposition continues to hinder the work of Kosovos institutions. There has been no substantial progress in implementing the agreement on the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb Municipalities (ASM/CSM), which is at the core of the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. The statute of the ASM/CSM, which has yet to be drafted, would still need to be approved by the Assembly of Kosovo. This could be a daunting task, given that the opposition strongly objects to the establishment of the ASM/CSM. Another contentious issue in Kosovo is the agreement on border demarcation with Montenegro, whose ratification the opposition blocked on several occasions during 2016, including by using tear gas in the Assembly chambers and by organising street protests.

The tensions between Belgrade and Pristina have continued to linger since January, when French authorities, acting on an INTERPOL notice requested by Serbia, arrested Ramush Haradinaj for his alleged involvement in war crimes against Kosovo Serbs in the 1990s. Haradinaj is the former prime minister and current leader of the main opposition political party, the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), and lives in Kosovo. He was released on bail and has been held in France under judicial supervision awaiting the final decision by French courts on the extradition request by Serbia. French authorities formally released Haradinaj on 27 April, after the court in Colmar rejected Serbias request.

During an interview with a local TV station on 7 April, Hardinajs brother Daut Haradinaj, who is also a representative of the AAK in the Assembly, threatened war and ethnic cleansing of Serbs in Kosovo should his brother be extradited to Serbia. In a statement issued on 11 April, Tanin condemned the use of hate speech by the member of the Assembly and called on the authorities to investigate the incident.

In March, Kosovo President Hashim Thaci submitted a draft bill to the Assembly that intended to transform the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) into an army. Currently, international troops led by NATO are in charge of ensuring security in Kosovo. Creating armed forces would require amending Kosovos constitution, which would have to be approved by a two-thirds majority in the Assembly and by the equivalent majority of the seats reserved for representatives of ethnic minorities. Therefore, this initiative would require buy-in from the representatives of Kosovo Serbs, who strongly oppose the creation of a Kosovo army. Thaci has apparently sought ways to expand the KSF without amending the constitution, because that could be approved by a simple majority of votes in the Assembly and thus could not be blocked by the Kosovo Serbs. This has drawn a strong reaction from Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, who has said that the creation of a Kosovo army would represent a clear violation of resolution 1244. NATO, the EU and the US have voiced concerns about any attempt to create a Kosovo army bypassing the constitutional processes. Consequently, Thaci withdrew the initial bill from the legislature on 7 April, noting that he would seek support for the measure from all communities in Kosovo.

Key Issues

Maintaining stability in Kosovo is the primary issue for the Council. Related to this is what role UNMIK can play in promoting the implementation of the existing agreements between Belgrade and Pristina.

A further issue for the Council is whether to lengthen the reporting cycle on UNMIK and the possibility of the missions drawdown.

Options

Should the tensions between Belgrade and Pristina escalate further or start to pose a risk to overall stability, the Council could consider issuing a statement calling on both sides to resolve outstanding issues through dialogue.

Another option would be for the Council to explore ways in which UNMIK could facilitate the implementation of the existing agreements between Belgrade and Pristina.

The Council could consider lengthening the reporting cycle and possibly modify UNMIKs mandate as advocated by some members, most notably the P3.

Given the ongoing discussions about increasing the effectiveness of UN peace operations, the Council could request the Secretary-General to conduct a review of the mission.

Council and Wider Dynamics

Kosovo has remained an issue of low intensity for the Council, followed closely by members with a particular interest in the region such as Russia, the US, the UK, and the EU members of the Council. In addition, regional organisations such as the EU, NATO, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) have been playing increasingly prominent roles in Kosovo.

The deep divisions among the permanent members continue to shape the Council dynamics on Kosovo. France, the UK and the US recognise Kosovos independence and are supportive of Kosovos government, while China and Russia, which do not, strongly support Serbias position on the issue. During the past several debates, the P3 and some elected members, such as Japan, have become increasingly vocal in advocating lengthening UNMIKs reporting cycle and thus reducing the frequency of meetings on Kosovo. The US and Japan, which are also the top two contributors to the UN peacekeeping budget, have called for a drawdown and eventual withdrawal of UNMIK given the stability in Kosovo. At the February briefing on Kosovo, the US noted that UNMIK is over resourced and overstaffed in comparison with its limited responsibilities and that the missions underspent resources from its budget should be returned. During an April briefing on reviewing the UNs peacekeeping operations, the US ambassador reiterated the view that there is no reason why UNMIK should exist.

Given that the current US administration has placed great emphasis on reviewing the UNs peacekeeping operations with the aim of reducing costs and increasing efficacy, the issue of modifying UNMIKs mandate is likely to become more prominent. However, any attempt to change the status quo regarding UNMIK, which would require a new resolution, would be strongly opposed by Russia which at the moment would likely block such an initiative.

UN DOCUMENTS

This resolution authorised NATO to secure and enforce the withdrawal of Federal Republic of Yugoslavia forces from Kosovo and established UNMIK. This was a report on UNMIK. This was briefing on the situation in Kosovo.
MIDDLE EAST

Lebanon (1559)

Expected Council Action

In May, the Council expects to receive the semi-annual briefing on the latest report on the implementation of resolution 1559. Adopted in 2004, resolution 1559 called for the disarmament of all militias and the extension of government control over all Lebanese territory.

Key Recent Developments

The Council held its regular quarterly debate on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, on 20 April. Ahead of the debate, the US, Council president in April, circulated a concept note that highlighted for discussion issues including the cross-border influx of foreign terrorist fighters and networks of terror groups with ever-shifting alliances that threaten peace and security in the region. It referred to the situations in several countries on the Councils agenda, including Lebanon, where Hezbollah undermines Lebanons security and plays a key role in the Syrian conflict.

Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov briefed at the debate. Concerning Lebanon, he acknowledged that crucial progress is being made in restoring national institutions to their full functions, and said that it was now essential to address the question of weapons held outside state authority and control. Noting that social exclusion and marginalisation provided fertile ground for the rise of violent extremism, he said terrorist organisations and other non-state actors, including armed groups such as Hezbollah, thrived in a climate of weak governance and minimal human rights. US Ambassador Nikki Haley, seeking to steer the discussion away from its usual focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, said that in attempting to speak honestly about conflict in the Middle East, the Council needs to start with the chief culprit, Iran, and its partner militia [Hezbollah], citing their activities in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere.

Among political developments in Lebanon, President Michel Aoun on 13 April suspended a parliamentary session for a month, temporarily blocking a proposal to extend the parliaments term for the third time since 2013. Parliament had been expected to vote to extend its mandate until 2018 without an election. Aoun said that the delay was aimed at giving politicians more time to reach an agreement on a new electoral law. The current parliamentarians were elected in 2009 for what was meant to be a four-year term.

On the Lebanese-Israeli border, senior Hezbollah officials gave a military briefing on 20 April to a group of journalists, reportedly from local, regional and Western media outlets, in which they said that Israel had deployed troops and attacked Lebanon and spoke of its alleged espionage. The Hezbollah officials said Israel has gone from an offensive to a defensive doctrine. The group reportedly was taken around, making several stops along the Lebanese-Israeli border, provided with detailed descriptions of Israeli positions, shown alleged locations of espionage systems and told that Israel had beefed up its defensive capacity on the border. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) issued a statement that Hezbollah did not inform it of the tour and that the event was in direct violation of resolution 1701, which bars any armed forces besides the Lebanese army from the border zone.

On 1 April, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri warned that his country was close to breaking point because of the pressures of hosting more than one million Syrian refugees. He said he feared that unrest could escalate because of tensions between refugees and local communities. Refugees from Syria make up about a quarter of Lebanons population. They mostly live in informal camps across the country, some in severe poverty. The Lebanese government has long rejected creating formal refugee camps, fearing the permanent presence of refugees.

Meanwhile, days of clashes in Ain el-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon in early April led to the killing of a member of the Palestinian Fatah faction and at least three other persons. Members of Fatah and other Palestinian groups clashed with hardline Sunni Islamists known as the Badr group, as has happened intermittently in recent months in the camp. Lebanons Palestinian camps, which house approximately 450,000 Palestinian refugees, mainly fall outside the effective jurisdiction of the Lebanese security services.

Human Rights-Related Developments

On 21 April, the Committee against Torture completed consideration of Lebanons initial report on its implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. While commending Lebanons strong will with regard to the promotion of human rights in light of the tense national and regional situation, the committee experts expressed grave concern at the systematic nature of acts of torture (with more than 60 percent of detainees reportedly having suffered torture during arrest), particularly for people arrested for crimes against national security.

Key Issues

The main issue is that Hezbollah and other non-state actors continue to maintain weaponry that directly hinders the governments exercise of full authority over its territory, poses a threat to Lebanons sovereignty and stability, and contravenes its obligations under resolutions 1559 and 1701, the latter of which called for a cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006.

The ongoing crisis in Syria, with Hezbollahs involvement on the side of the government, remains a major concern for several reasons, including the flow of arms through Syria to Hezbollah. These circumstances have had a negative effect on Lebanon and continue to stall efforts to fully implement resolution 1559. Lebanons burden in hosting more than one million refugees from Syria is also of deep concern.

Another issue is the continuing threat of a resumption of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel.

Options

An option for the Council would be to issue a statement in response to political developments in Lebanon, such as the dispute over a new parliamentary electoral law.

A routine option is for the Council to receive the briefing and take no further action.

Council Dynamics

The Council continues to demonstrate unity in its support of Lebanons sovereignty, territorial integrity and security and to support Lebanon in its efforts to insulate itself from the damaging effect of the Syrian conflict. The Council has been united in repeatedly calling on all Lebanese parties to recommit to Lebanons dissociation policy from the Syrian crisis and to desist from any involvement there, while voicing concern about the vacancy in the presidency.

France is the penholder on Lebanon.

UN DOCUMENTS ON LEBANON

This was a resolution which renewed UNIFILs mandate for an additional year and requested the Secretary-General to conduct a strategic review of UNIFIL by February 2017. This resolution expanded UNIFIL by 15,000 troops and expanded its mandate. This resolution urged withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon, disarmament of all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias, extension of the Lebanese governments control over all Lebanese territory and free and fair presidential elections. This was a presidential statement welcoming the election of President Michel Aoun in accordance with the Lebanese constitution and stressing that the formation of a unity government and the election of a parliament by May 2017 are critical for Lebanons stability. This was a presidential statement that stressed the importance of Lebanons electing a president by May 2017 in order to maintain stability. This was a quarterly Middle East open debate with Mladenov briefing. This was the Secretary-Generals strategic review of the UNIFIL.
THEMATIC ISSUES

Libya

Expected Council Action

In May, International Criminal Court Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda will deliver her semi-annual briefing on recent developments concerning cases in Libya.

Key Recent Developments

Governing authority in Libya continues to be contested. The Tripoli-based Presidency Council has limited capacity to deliver on the ground and relies heavily on the loyalty of militias. It is challenged by, among others, the Tobruk-based House of Representatives and Tripoli-based militias supporting Khalifa Gwell, the self-appointed prime minister of a so-called national salvation government announced in 2015. Efforts to reach an inclusive and sustainable political settlement in Libya continue to falter despite an emerging consensus regarding the need to amend the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA). Martin Kobler, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), stressed on 19 April that despite progress made in the fight against terrorist groups, recent gains would be lost if some actors continued to destabilise institutions and civil society, and that Libya could relapse into conflict.

The humanitarian and human rights situation continues to be dire. A 13 January report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and UNSMIL documents a number of attacks against civilians and civilian objects (such as hospitals) and identifies patterns of attacks using imprecise weapons in heavily populated or residential areas, which together may amount to war crimes. On 13 December 2016, a joint report released by UNSMIL and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on human rights abuses against migrants in Libya concluded that the situation constituted a human rights crisis, with migrants subjected to arbitrary detention, torture, other ill-treatment, unlawful killings, and sexual exploitation.

ICC-Related Developments

A court in Tripoli sentenced Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of deposed leader Muammar Gaddafi, to death in absentia on 28 July 2015 for serious crimes during the 2011 revolution. On 30 July 2015, Bensouda requested that the Pre-Trial Chamber order Libya to refrain from carrying out Gaddafis sentence and surrender him to the Court. On 20 August 2015, Libyas delegate to the ICC proceedings (mandated to be Libyas representative by both the House of Representatives and the General National Congress) responded that the judgment was not final, given that he was tried in absentia, and stressed that he could not be surrendered to the ICC because he was not in the custody of the Libyan government. The response also stated that until a unified Libyan government can be established, there is no authority that can properly make and implement a decision in respect of the situation of Gaddafi, including negotiations for his transfer. In April 2016, Bensouda filed a request for the ICC to direct the Registry to transmit to Al-Ajami al-Atiri, commander of the Abu-Bakr al-Siddiq Battalion, under whose custody Gaddafi is held, the order to surrender him. However, in a 21 November 2016 decision, the Pre Trial Chamber I denied this request arguing that the official channel of communication between Libya and the Court is the competent national authorities, namely the Government of National Accord, and that the ICC cannot direct its cooperation requests to any other non-State entity claiming to represent the State, as suggested by the Prosecutor.

In 2013, the ICC found the case against former Libyan intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi inadmissible before the Court since he was subject to ongoing domestic proceedings and Libya was willing and able to genuinely carry out such investigation. The 13 January report by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and UNSMIL stated that the trial against 37 officials of the Gaddafi regime (including Saif al-Islam Gaddafi and Al-Senussi who were sentenced to death) raised serious due process concerns, including regarding the right to be informed promptly and in detail of the charges, the right to a public trial, the right to call and examine witnesses, and the right not to be compelled to confess guilt or incriminate oneself. It is unclear whether Bensouda, who had expressed in the past her intention to review her offices assessment of the Al-Senussi case as new information becomes available, will consider that the information contained in the report questions the basis on which the Al-Senussi case was found inadmissible before the ICC. Recalling jurisprudence from the ICC Appeals Chamber, Bensouda has noted in the past that due process violations in a domestic trial must reach a high threshold in order for a case to be deemed admissible before the ICC.

In her 9 November 2016 briefing to the Council, Bensouda stated that, despite security and budgetary constraints, she remained resolute to make the Libya situation a priority for 2017. She said that her office intended to expand significantly its investigations into crimes committed from 2011 and intended to apply for new warrants of arrest under seal as soon as practicable. On 24 April, the Pre-Trial Chamber I unsealed the arrest warrant, first issued in April 2013, against former internal security chief Mohamed Khaled al-Tuhamy, allegedly responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Libya in 2011.

Key Issues

Ensuring accountability for international crimes committed in Libya since 2011 and exerting pressure on the parties to respect international humanitarian law are key issues.

The overarching issue is to ensure that the parties agree on a consensual solution to end the political deadlock that addresses the issues raised by those refusing to support the LPA. Related issues are maintaining the relevance of the UN mediation efforts, and pressing external actors to exercise leverage to encourage engagement in the political process.

Options

Options on Libya include:

holding an informal interactive dialogue with Bensouda in order to discuss options for a follow-up of ICC decisions on Libya (as she is not a UN staff member, she is not allowed in Council consultations under current practice);

reiterating previously agreed language calling for the Presidency Council to hold accountable those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights, and to cooperate fully with and provide any necessary assistance to the ICC and the prosecutor; and

calling on member states to ensure adequate funding to support the ICC in investigating international crimes.

Council and Wider Dynamics

The semi-annual briefings by Bensouda on Libya have had limited impact, given the reluctance of the Council to follow up regarding the difficulties in implementing ICC decisions. Council members have often reverted to general exhortations rather than addressing non-compliance in a more forceful and effective way.

The UK is the penholder on Libya. Ambassador Olof Skoog (Sweden) chairs the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee.

UN DOCUMENTS ON LIBYA

This was a briefing by Kobler. This was the last briefing by Bensouda. This was a report on the human rights situation in Libya.
PEACEMAKING, PEACEKEEPING AND PEACEBUILDING

Peacekeeping

Expected Council Action

In May, the Council will be briefed on aspects of UN peacekeeping by the force commanders of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), and the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix is also expected to address the Council. The force commander briefings, which have been held annually since 2010, focus on the operational challenges of implementing mission mandates. No outcome is anticipated.

Background

Each force commander will focus on a different aspect of peacekeeping particularly relevant to the mission: robust peacekeeping (MINUSCA), operating under a Chapter VI mandate (UNDOF), and mission drawdown considerations (UNMIL). While the briefings are focused on three specific missions, the themes raised are more broadly applicable: the concept of robust peacekeeping is relevant to a number of UN missions, as MINUSCA is one of 10 UN peacekeeping operations with a protection of civilians mandate; UNDOF is one of five missions with a Chapter VI mandate; and in addition to UNMIL, UN peacekeeping missions in Cote dIvoire and Haiti are currently in a drawdown phase.

MINUSCA: Robust Peacekeeping

The security situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) has continued to be precarious. The government of President Faustin Archange Touadera has limited control outside the capital, Bangui, and efforts to convince various armed groups to disarm have not gained traction, with factions of the Muslim-dominated ex-Seleka and Christian anti-Balaka rebel groups declining to give up their hold on large areas, resulting in a surge of violence over the last few months. MINUSCA, which has 12,208 uniformed personnel as of 31 March, has not been able to eliminate the threat of armed groups in large swathes of the country.

Against this backdrop, the missions force commander, Lieutenant General Balla Keita (Senegal), is expected to address MINUSCAs ability to take a robust posture, using its limited resources to maximise its ability to protect civilians. One important issue that may be raised are the different strategiesincluding active patrolling, the establishment of buffer zones, and training newly arrived contingents, among othersemployed by the mission to fulfil its protection mandate. Another matter that may be discussed is how the mission can best respond to the threat posed by the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) in southwest CAR after the recent withdrawal of Uganda Peoples Defense Forces as Uganda terminated its participation in the AU Regional Task Force to combat the LRA. Keita may also speak about MINUSCAs efforts to address incidents of sexual exploitation and abuse. MINUSCA has been confronted with several allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse since its establishment in April 2014.

UNDOF: Peacekeeping with a Chapter VI Mandate

A traditional mission operating under Chapter VI, UNDOF has a mandate to maintain the ceasefire between Israel and Syria, supervising the disengagement of their forces and the areas of separation and limitation. However, the spillover of the Syrian civil war into UNDOFs area of operation over the past five years continues to affect the way in which the mission carries out its mandate. In 2014, the majority of the missions peacekeepers were redeployed to the Israeli-controlled side of the ceasefire line as a result of the deteriorating security situation and subsequent to the kidnapping by Al-Nusra Front of more than 40 peacekeepers, who were eventually released. In November 2016, UNDOF began a phased redeployment of its troops to Camp Faouar on the Syrian-controlled side.

Although there have been no major security incidents in the areas surrounding Camp Faouar, the security situation remains fluid because of the presence of a number of armed groups in the Golan Heights. Major General Jai Shanker Menon (India) may brief on the missions limitations in being able to carry out its Chapter VI mandate given the dynamic security environment in UNDOFs area of operations and the threat posed by non-state actors. He is likely to address concerns related to the safety and security of peacekeepers.

UNMIL: Mission Drawdown Considerations

When it was established in 2003, UNMIL was one of the largest UN missions, initially authorised with up to 15,000 troops with a comprehensive mandate to protect civilians and UN personnel, facilitate humanitarian assistance, and promote and monitor human rights, among other tasks. Although temporarily interrupted during the height of the Ebola crisis in 2014, the gradual drawdown of UNMIL has occurred over several years as stability and security have returned to the country. In June 2016, Liberian authorities assumed security responsibilities from UNMIL for the first time in 13 years while the mission continued its drawdown. In December 2016, the Council adopted resolution 2333 with the intention of extending the mandate of the mission one last time, with a reduced military component, until the end of March 2018.

The UNMIL force commander, Major-General Salihu Zaway Uba (Nigeria), is likely to address the importance of ensuring a successful transition to national authorities before UNMILs mandate expires. Given that Liberia will hold presidential elections in 2017 and is set to undergo the first democratic transfer of its presidency, it will be important that the government ensures a peaceful and transparent electoral process. Some of the main challenges regarding UNMILs drawdown that may be raised in the briefing include the ability of the Liberian government to strengthen security and justice institutions, to address the risk of renewed conflict, and to manage public expectations.

Key Issues

The key issues to be addressed in the meeting include:

how to improve MINUSCAs physical protection capabilities;

how to enhance the security of UNDOF peacekeepers and enable them to fulfil their mandate in an unpredictable security environment; and

how to ensure that the drawdown of UNMIL occurs smoothly with a successful transference of security responsibilities to national capacities.

Options

Options for the Council include:

taking advantage of the interactive format of the meeting to get a better understanding of the operational challenges to peacekeeping; and

having the force commanders brief the Council alongside heads of mission on a case-by-case basis, as mission mandates are considered for renewal in the future.

Another option would be for Heads of Military Components (as force commanders are collectively known) to meet with Council members in an Arria-formula meeting or another informal format to exchange ideas about how to make best use of the Military Staff Committee.

Council Dynamics

In past years, Council members have found the force commanders briefing useful because of the substance of the discussions and the interactive format, which allows them to ask questions. The success of these sessions prompted then Council member Australia to organise a briefing with the heads of police components of peacekeeping operations during its November 2014 presidency; since then, the meeting with the heads of police components has also been held annually.

This years meeting comes at a time of considerable discussion of peacekeeping reform. On 6 April, at the initiative of the US, the Council held a debate on reviewing peacekeeping operations, and the Secretary-General has tasked an internal review team in the Secretariat with providing him with options for improving the functioning of the UNs peace and security architecture by June. At the 6 April debate, a number of members emphasised points made by the High-Level Independent Panel of Peace Operations in 2015, referring to the importance of linking peacekeeping operations to overarching political strategies and of ensuring that mandates are clear and implementable, while underscoring that the form of UN engagement should be adapted to the unique circumstances of each context.

UN Documents on Peacekeeping



This resolution renewed the mandate of UNMIL for a final period until 30 March 2018. The Council renewed the mandate of UNDOF until 30 June 2017. The Council renewed the mandate of MINUSCA until 15 November 2017. This was a meeting on peacekeeping operations. This was a briefing by Herve Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, and the heads of military components of peacekeeping operations.
THEMATIC ISSUES

Protection of Civilians

Expected Council Action

In May, the Council will hold a ministerial-level open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Uruguayan Minister of Foreign Affairs Rodolfo Nin Novoa will preside. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and a high-level representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) are expected to brief, in addition to a possible civil society briefer. The meeting will focus on the broad array of issues in the Secretary-Generals report on the protection of civilians (expected to be released by 15 May) and on the implementation of resolution 2286 of 3 May 2016, which focused on the protection of health care in armed conflict. No formal outcome is anticipated, although Uruguay has expressed its intention to produce a chairs summary of the debate.

Key Recent Developments

In the past year, the situation facing civilians has deteriorated in a number of conflict-affected countries, including several on the Councils agenda. Worldwide, more than 65 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homes, the highest number ever. As the examples below illustrate, violations of international humanitarian and human rights law continue to have an enormous impact on civilians in conflict zones in various parts of the world.

In 2016, there were 11,418 civilian casualties (3,498 people killed and 7,920 wounded) in the Afghanistan conflict, which is the highest number of casualties in Afghanistan since 2009, according to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

The security and humanitarian situation in South Sudan has continued to deteriorate as violence has spread to various parts of the country since the outbreak of hostilities in Juba in July 2016. There are now 1.9 million internally displaced persons in South Sudan, and 1.6 million refugees have fled to neighbouring countries.

In a 14 March statement, the High Commissioner for Human Rights labelled the conflict in Syria and its consequences the worst man-made disaster the world has seen since World War II, in which the country has become a torture chamber for its population.

OCHA estimates that 13.5 million people in Syria require humanitarian assistance, including 4.6 million people in need trapped in besieged and hard-to-reach areas, where they are exposed to grave protection threats. Chemical weapons continue to be used in Syria, as recently evidenced by the 4 April attack in the Khan Shaykhun area of Idlib that killed at least 70 people.

The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has been responsible for abductions, killings, recruitment of child soldiers, and enslavement, among other violations of international law, in Iraq and elsewhere.

On 18 August 2016, then Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon submitted a letter with his recommendations for the protection of health care in armed conflict to the Security Council, as requested by resolution 2286. Among other things, he called for:

adherence to international treaties;

reinforcement of national legislation related to the protection of medical care in armed conflict;

guarantees that medical personnel engaged solely in medical duties could act in accordance with medical ethics without being punished for doing so;

adoption, review, revision and implementation of operational precautionary measures, including recording and mapping the location of medical personnel, facilities and equipment; and

improvement in data collection, analysis and reporting.

On 28 September 2016, the Council held a protection of civilians debate under the New Zealand presidency focusing on health care in armed conflict. The briefers included Ban, President of the ICRC Peter Maurer and International President of Medecins Sans Frontieres Joanne Liu. Ban focused his briefing on the recommendations from his 18 August letter while calling on the Council to take decisive steps so that protection of health care facilities and workers moves from aspiration to reality. Liu said that in the months since its adoption, resolution 2286 had plainly failed to change anything on the ground because of the lack of political will among member states fighting in coalitions and those who enable them. She said that in Syria and Yemen, four of the five permanent members of the Council are implicated in these attacks [i.e. on health care]. Maurer renewed the commitment of the ICRC to build a more constructive relationship of deep operational engagement, feedback, dialogue and corrective measures with all parties to conflicts on the conduct of hostilities.

On 15 March 2017, the Council held a ministerial-level open debate on Trafficking in persons in conflict situations: forced labour, slavery and other similar practices. Briefers included Secretary-General Antonio Guterres; Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime Yury Fedotov; Ilwad Elman, Mogadishu-based Somali human rights activist Ilwad Elman; and UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner Kevin Hyland. Guterres said that in addition to supporting victims of human trafficking, the UN must work to incorporate their voices and views as we develop and implement anti-trafficking interventions. Fedotov emphasised the need to protect and support victims of trafficking and to continue building capacities to improve criminal justice responses and action to detect, investigate and successfully prosecute cases of human trafficking. Elman spoke about the impact of human trafficking in Somalia and maintained that the intent, resources and the strategy for ending this problem had not been sufficient. Hyland called for improved cross-border efforts to combat human trafficking and for high-profile convictions of the organizers of traffickingto serve as a deterrent to others.

Key Issues

The overarching key issue is whether, and how, discussions about the protection of civilians at the thematic level can be translated into concrete measures to mitigate the suffering of civilians in armed conflicts around the world. In this sense, it is important for the Council to consider how the open debate can galvanise greater attention to, and support for, addressing the needs of civilians in armed conflict.

Another issue is how much the debate will focus on broader protection-related issues such as compliance, accountability and displacement, among others, and how much it will focus specifically on the protection of health care in armed conflict.

Options

One option is for the Council president to produce a summary of the meeting that is circulated to the wider membership.

The Council could also consider adopting a resolution or presidential statement that:

requests that the UN system develop a civilian casualty-tracking process to monitor violations of international law in country-specific cases of conflict;

condemns the arbitrary refusal of humanitarian access by conflict parties; and

requests the UN system to develop a mechanism to collect data on attacks on medical workers and facilities across conflicts in a standardised way.

Council Dynamics

Council members are acutely aware of the devastating impact that armed conflict has had on civilians in recent years; consequently, they realise that more needs to be done to translate advances at the normative level into effective country-specific strategies. However, there are divisions among members regarding the Councils approach to protecting civilians. Some members, including the P3 and others, tend to advocate accountability measures and sanctions as mechanisms for leveraging compliance from conflict parties to conform with international human rights and humanitarian law, whereas other members, such as China and Russia, tend to be distrustful of the effectiveness of such measures and emphasise the importance of state sovereignty. These different viewsas well as the fact that many of the major powers are to varying degrees involved in some of the conflicts where civilians are sufferinghave hindered the Councils ability to protect civilians in South Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Yemen and other crises.

With regard to health care in armed conflict, Egypt, Japan, and Uruguay are three of the five members that led the drafting of resolution 2286. The other two, New Zealand and Spain, completed their Council terms in 2016.

The UK is the penholder on protection of civilians and on women, peace and security, while the US is the penholder on sexual violence.

UN Documents on Protection of Civilians



This condemned attacks on health care workers and facilities in armed conflict. This was the 12th report on the protection of civilians. This letter transmitted the Secretary-Generals recommendations on the protection of health care in armed conflict. The UK held a ministerial-level debate on modern slavery, forced labour and conflict. The Council held a briefing on the protection of health care in armed conflict and the Secretary-Generals recommendations on this issue.
AFRICA

Somalia

Expected Council Action

In May, the Council is expected to renew the authorisation of the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which expires on 31 May. The Council also expects to receive the report of the AU-UN joint assessment of AMISOM requested by resolution 2297, and recommendations from the Secretary-General on the UNs role in Somalia in the post-election period requested by resolution 2275.

Key Recent Developments

There has been some progress on the political front in Somalia. On 29 March, the Somali Federal Parliament approved a new cabinet, made up of 27 members including six women. On 17 April, the Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States agreed to form a National Security Council and made key decisions on priorities such as fighting corruption and drought response, following two days of consultations in Mogadishu, led by Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo and other senior officials. Farmaajo will head the Council, which will be composed of leaders from Somalias regions. Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) Michael Keating said that the agreement to establish the body was a cornerstone of the federal state building process and is a basis upon which strengthened security can be built. Keating noted that, as well as the UN, AMISOM, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the EU, Italy, Ethiopia, Sweden, Turkey, the UK, and the US had all expressed their support for the outcome of the consultations.

Numerous challenges, however, have continued to confront the country. On 6 April, President Farmaajo declared Somalia a war zone and offered members of the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab amnesty, including training, employment and education, if they laid down their arms in the following 60 days. We want to pardon the Somali youth who were misled by Al-Shabaab, he said. Farmaajo also announced a major shake-up in the security services, in which senior intelligence and police officials have been replaced to prepare for the escalating war against the militants. Al-Shabaab attacks have continued.

Somalia has experienced severe humanitarian crises, including a cholera epidemic and a drought with a looming famine. More than 25,000 people in Somalia have been struck by cholera or acute watery diarrhea, and the epidemic could double by this summer, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on 13 April. The WHO also reported that the fatality rate for the disease, which is spread by contaminated food or water, is already 2.1 percent in Somalia, twice the emergency threshold. At least 524 deaths had been recorded at that time.

Concerning the drought and looming famine in Somalia, John Ging of OCHA said on 18 April that the situation was very fast moving and that more than 6.2 million people were in need of food and water and were at risk for cholera and measles. He reported that donors had funded 70 percent of the $825 million humanitarian appeal for Somalia.

In recent months, Somalia has also seen a resurgence in piracy attacks against large commercial vessels, including the 14 March hijacking of a Comoros-flagged oil tanker, the 3 April hijacking of an Indian commercial vessel, and the 15 April attempted hijacking of an unidentified ship in the Gulf of Aden, during which foreign naval forces shot dead two Somali pirates.

On 23 March, the AU Commission convened a high-level consultation on the future of AMISOM and support for security sector institutions and reform in Somalia. Senior representatives of IGAD, the EU, the UN, and the five permanent members of the Security Council were present. A press release following the meeting said that the parties discussed the need to support AMISOM and non-AMISOM troops by providing fuel, rations, medical supplies and transport for a limited period of six months during simultaneous offensives in the Jubba Valley corridor and the North East Coastline; and that the upcoming joint AU-UN review should provide an opportunity for the redefinition of tasks and for considering options for reconfiguring AMISOM. The release also noted that the partnership between the AU and UN will be central in the future presence of AMISOM and options to enhance this partnership should be explored in the upcoming joint AU-UN review. The meeting also took note of the AU recommendation that the UN should consider the possibility of enhanced UN participation in the substantive civilian component functions of AMISOM, including the prospect for a joint Special Representative for Somalia, as well as full support for AMISOM uniformed personnel through UN-assessed contributions.

On 15 April, a US military spokeswoman said the US is deploying a few dozen troops to Somalia to assist the national army and conduct unspecified security operations in the largest US deployment to the country in about two decades.

Sanctions-Related Developments

On 13 April, the Chair of the 751/1907 Somalia and Eritrea Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Kairat Umarov (Kazakhstan), briefed the Council on the work of the Somalia Eritrea Monitoring Group (SEMG) over the past four months. Umarov said the Committee had received notifications related to the arms embargo on Somalia and was working on the issues of sanctions violations and actions of armed groups. He announced a possible future visit of the Committee to the Horn of Africa. During the reporting period, the SEMG had again found no links between Al-Shabaab and Eritrea, he said, but it had raised concerns about Djiboutian troop disappearances after the Djibouti-Eritrea border clashes and had examined Eritreas compliance with relevant Council resolutions. The SEMG also investigated the origin and destination of a cache of 25,000 firearms found in Somalia. Umarov also relayed that the SEMG was primarily concerned with the threats posed by continuing illegal fishing and Al-Shabaabs involvement in the charcoal trade.

Key Issues

Concerning the reauthorisation of AMISOM, a key issue is ensuring that the mission is equipped to adequately strengthen the Somali national security forces and enhance their ability to carry out operations against Al-Shabaab, particularly in light of AMISOMs plan to begin withdrawing from Somalia in October 2018.

Another issue concerning AMISOM is ensuring that its forces comply with human rights standards in joint military operations with the Somali national security forces against Al-Shabaab.

On sanctions, a key issue in April will be assessing the Federal Government of Somalias management of arms and ammunition and implementation of maritime interdiction measures regarding arms and charcoal. A major issue will be considering the findings of the midterm report of the SEMG and determining whether to consider altering or ending the Eritrea sanctions regime, as advocated by some Council members.

Regarding Somalia more generally, a pressing issue is ensuring an appropriate humanitarian response to the drought and looming famine and the outbreak of cholera.

Options

The most likely option will be to reauthorise AMISOM for one year using the observations and recommendations of the joint AU-UN review of AMISOM as a basis for any alterations to the mandate.

Council Dynamics

On Somalia generally, Council members are united in supporting state-building processes and in their support for AMISOM, as demonstrated by unified messages conveyed during the Councils visit to Somalia in May 2016 and the uncontentious adoption of several recent Council outcomes on Somalia.

Regarding sanctions, the Council is divided between those members who believe it should reconsider sanctions measures against Eritrea, such as China, Russia and Egypt, and those who remain concerned about Eritreas other activities in the region and seem to view cooperation with the SEMG as a precondition for any changes in the sanctions regime. Ethiopia is likely to oppose the easing or lifting of sanctions on Eritrea advocated by some members.

The UK is the penholder on Somalia, and Kazakhstan is the chair of the 751/1907 Somalia and Eritrea Sanctions Committee for 2017.

UN DOCUMENTS ON SOMALIA AND ERITREA

This was a technical rollover of UNSOMs mandate until 16 June 2017. This was a resolution on Somalia and Eritrea sanctions with ten votes in favour. This was a resolution which extended AMISOMs authorisation until 31 May 2017 with no major changes. This was a resolution extending the mandate of UNSOM. This was the Secretary-Generals report on Somalia. This was a briefing by Keating, Madeira and Farmaajo. This was the report on Eritrea of the Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea. This was the report on Somalia of the Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea.
AFRICA

South Sudan

Expected Council Action

In May, the Council is expected to adopt a resolution renewing the mandate of the 2206 South Sudan sanctions regime, which expires on 31 May. The Council is also set to renew the mandate of the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee Panel of Experts. In addition, the Council will most likely consider the Secretary-Generals 30-day assessment of the deployment and future requirements of the Regional Protection Force (RPF), obstacles to setting up the force, and impediments to the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in carrying out its mandate.

The mandate of UNMISS expires on 15 December 2017.

Key Recent Developments

The security and humanitarian situation in South Sudan remains dire, and the political process has stalled amidst the increasing fragmentation of the conflict. Fighting continues to be reported in numerous parts of the country between government and various anti-government forces. The fragmentation of opposition groups has changed the dynamic of the conflict, and the Sudan Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA, the South Sudanese army) now appears to be seeking to recapture and reassert government authority over areas previously held by the various opposition groups. In recent months, there have been increasing reports of deliberate attacks against civilian populations. Food insecuritybrought on by conflict, high prices and poor harvestsaffects some 4.9 million people. The famine, previously identified as focused in the former Unity state, has spread to include Northern Bahr el Ghazal, where 290,000 people are facing starvation. A further 1 million South Sudanese are on the verge of famine. In addition to the 1.9 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in South Sudan, approximately 1.7 million refugees have fled to neighbouring states, including nearly 200,000 since the beginning of 2017.

In early April, there was an increase of fighting between the SPLA and opposition forces in Eastern Equatoria. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has reported that more than 6,000 South Sudanese fled to northern Uganda following violence in the town of Pajok that began on 3 April. There were unconfirmed reports that SPLA soldiers deliberately targeted civilians, particularly members of the Acholi ethnic group. UNMISS reported that it was initially blocked from reaching Pajok by SPLA forces.

UNMISS reported on 10 April that renewed fighting in Wau had led to at least 28 deaths. Initial reporting suggested the violence has primarily consisted of Dinka militias targeting members of the Lou and Fertit ethnic groups. Approximately 17,000 new internally displaced people have entered the Wau protection of civilians site, while an additional 5,000 people have joined the approximately 8,000 IDPs already seeking shelter at the Wau cathedral.

Attacks on humanitarian personnel remain a major impediment to the delivery of humanitarian relief to vulnerable populations. On 8 April, Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan Eugene Owusu issued a statement demanding that parties to the conflict uphold their responsibilities to protect civilians and ensure the safety and security of humanitarian workers. The statement followed several attacks on humanitarian personnel in recent weeks.

South Sudans Finance Minister Stephen Dhieu Dau announced on 3 April that South Sudan would not proceed with its intention to raise the fee for foreign worker permits from $100 to $10,000. The increase would have been a significant barrier to external humanitarian agencies.

On 6 April, the Secretary-General appointed Rwandan Lieutenant General Frank Mushyo Kamanzi as UNMISS force commander. Lieutenant General Kamanzi replaces Kenyan Lieutenant General Johnson Mogoa Kimani Ondieki, who was relieved in November following attacks on UNMISS and protection of civilian sites in Juba in July 2016. During the intervening period, Chinese Major General Chaoying Yang served as acting force commander.

The deployment of the RPFinitially authorised in resolution 2304 of 12 August 2016which had been expected to begin in late April, has been further delayed by requirements imposed by the South Sudanese government. The force, comprising an expected 4,000 soldiers, was to facilitate humanitarian access in Juba, protect the airport and key facilities in Juba, and engage forces preparing to or engaging in attacks against UN sites and personnel, humanitarian actors or civilians.

On 25 April, the Council was briefed on the situation in South Sudan by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan and head of UNMISS, David Shearer. This was the first time Shearer briefed the Council since taking up the post in January. Shearer focused on recent incidents of violence, the deteriorating humanitarian situation, and progress UNMISS has made in strengthening its protection activities.

Human Right-Related Developments

In a statement on 23 April, the director of the human rights division of UNMISS, Eugene Nindorera, said that the lack of accountability for human rights abuses remains one of the biggest challenges in South Sudan. Following an UNMISS investigation into alleged human rights violations by government forces and aligned armed groups in Wau on 10 April, Nindorera said that no one was currently being detained in connection with the attack and that it is more important than ever before that people are held accountable for the crimes they have committed. In this regard, Nindorera welcomed the move by the governor of Wau State to establish a committee to investigate the attack and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Sanctions-Related Developments

A representative for Ambassador Fode Seck (Senegal), chair of the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee, briefed the Council on 25 April on the final report of the Committees Panel of Experts. In the report the Panel advocated an arms embargo on South Sudan, and additional targeted sanctions, in addition to other measures.

Key Issues

The key issue for the Council is whether it can present a unified approach aimed at ending violence and revitalising the political process. Lack of unity may be undermining the Councils leverage with the government, including its response to ongoing reports of violence against civilians and impediments to humanitarian access.

A related key issue is whether to make adjustments to the sanctions regime. The Council is divided over the proper approach to sanctions in South Sudan, and significant alterations to the current sanctions regime may not receive sufficient support to be adopted.

A further important issue is how to allay the devastating impact on civilians of the ongoing fighting and the acute humanitarian crisis.

Another issue for the Council is how to achieve deployment of the RPF and ensure the forces ability to fulfil its mandate once deployed. This remains a relevant concern because of government-imposed restrictions on the freedom of movement of UNMISS and the governments objections to the RPFs mandate, particularly regarding protection of Jubas airport. The delays in the RPFs deployment since its authorisation also raise the question of how the RPF could now best contribute to the broader UNMISS mandate.

Options

One option is for the Council to pursue the actions outlined in resolution 2304, namely the imposition of an arms embargo on the country or an assets freeze and travel ban on key figures responsible for the ongoing violence. Although there appears to be insufficient support for an embargo, the Council could focus on targeting the assets of those individuals identified as pursuing violence against civilians, UN and humanitarian personnel.

Another option would be for the Council to meet with Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan Nicholas Haysom to hear how the Council could further support efforts by the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in pursuit of a political solution in South Sudan.

A further option would be for the Council to define a united purpose regarding South Sudan through the adoption of a resolution or presidential statement including language that:

demands an immediate cessation of hostilities;

reminds the government of its responsibility to protect civilians from atrocity crimes;

emphasises the Councils united support of regional efforts in pursuit of a mediated solution to the conflict; and

condemns restrictions on the freedom movement of UNMISS personnel and obstacles to humanitarian access imposed by the government.

A consensus statement or resolution on South Sudan by the Council could be followed by negotiation of a joint statement with the AU Peace and Security Council and IGAD. Such a statement could reinforce regional efforts in pursuit of a political solution.

Council Dynamics

The Council lacks unity of purpose in its approach to South Sudan. At the heart of the division of the Council on South Sudan is a disagreement over the present nature of the crisis and conflict. An increasing number of reports that SPLA forces are targeting civilians and hindering UNMISS have led several Council members to identify the government of South Sudan as the primary belligerent. Other members, however, have accepted the governments argument that recent acts of violence against civilians by SPLA forces are the result of a lack of discipline or problems with command and control.

All Council members continue to express concern about the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan with a particular focus on those areas affected by famine and recent incidents of violence. Obstacles to humanitarian access are also a common concern for Council members. The Council is, however, divided over how to respond to the South Sudanese governments approach to humanitarian access. Some Council members, such as Russia, have welcomed the governments efforts, while others, including the UK, and the US, have raised concerns that, notwithstanding its professed commitment, the government continues to hinder humanitarian efforts.

The question of whether to impose an arms embargo and additional targeted individual sanctions remains a further point of division within the Council. Several members, including France, the UK and the US, have reiterated their belief that imposition of an arms embargo would contribute to a reduction of violence and provide leverage that could be used to restart the political process. Opponents of an embargo, most prominently Russia, have argued that imposition of an embargo would undermine efforts to reach a political solution to the conflict. A draft resolution to impose an arms embargo received only seven affirmative votes in December 2016, along with eight abstentions. (A resolution requires nine votes to be adopted, assuming a veto is not cast by one or more of the permanent members of the Council on a matter that is not procedural.) It is unclear whether a similar resolution would now garner enough support to be adopted.

The US is the penholder on South Sudan while Senegal chairs the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee.

UN DOCUMENTS ON SOUTH SUDAN

This extended the mandate of UNMISS for one year and reauthorised the Regional Protection Force. This resolution authorised the Regional Protection Force. This statement emphasised the need for a political solution to the conflict in South Sudan. This was a briefing by the head of UNMISS, David Shearer. This was a high-level briefing on South Sudan. This was a briefing on the humanitarian situation in South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and Lake Chad Basin. This was Secretary-Generals report on UNMISS. This was the final report of the South Sudan Sanctions Committees Panel of Experts. This was the draft resolution on an arms embargo and targeted sanctions that failed to receive the necessary support to be adopted. It received seven affirmative votes (France, New Zealand, Spain, Ukraine, Uruguay, the UK and the US) and eight abstentions (Angola, China, Egypt, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Senegal, and Venezuela).
Status Update

Terrorism

On 3 April, Council members issued a press statement condemning the terrorist attack that took place in Saint Petersburg, Russia that day, during which at least ten people were killed and dozens injured (SC/12774). In a 9 April press statement, Council members condemned the terrorist attacks against two Orthodox churches in Tanta and Alexandria in Egypt in which at least 41 people were killed and over 100 injured (SC/12787). On 10 April, Council members issued a press statement condemning the terrorist attack in Stockholm, Sweden that killed at least four people and injured over a dozen others (SC/12788). On 8 April, the 1267/1989/2253 ISIL (Daesh) & Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee removed an individual, reportedly deceased since 2006, from its sanctions list (SC/12786). It held informal consultations on 11 April. The 1373 Counter-Terrorism Committee held a formal meeting on 27 April.

Haiti

On 4 April, the Council organised a meeting with the troop- and police-contributing countries of MINUSTAH and on 11 April held a debate (S/PV.7920) with a briefing by Special Representative and head of MINUSTAH, Sandra Honore, who presented the Secretary-Generals latest report (S/2017/223). On 13 April, in resolution 2350, the Council decided to extend MINUSTAHs mandate for a final six-month period until 15 October and authorised the establishment of a smaller successor peacekeeping mission, referred to as the UN Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), composed of up to seven formed police units and 295 police officers, but no military component, and with a mandate to assist the government of Haiti in strengthening rule of law institutions, further support and develop the Haitian National Police, and engage in human rights monitoring, as recommended by the Secretary-General. After the adoption of the resolution, a number of Council members spoke in explanations of vote (S/PV.7924).

Sudan (Darfur)

On 4 April, the Joint Special Representative for Darfur and head of UNAMID, Jeremiah Mamabolo, briefed the Council (S/PV.7912) on the quarterly report of the Secretary-General (S/2017/250). Mamabolo described Darfur as being a very different place from what the region was in 2003, but noted that banditry and criminality continued to be widespread, and that the improving situation in Darfur had not yet resulted in significant advances in efforts to reach a long-term political resolution. On 26 April, the chair of the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko (Ukraine), provided the quarterly briefing to Council members in consultations.

Central African Republic

On 4 April, the Council adopted a presidential statement on the CAR strongly condemning violence perpetrated by armed groups (S/PRST/2017/5). The statement also acknowledged the African Initiative for a Peace and Reconciliation Agreement between the government and all armed groups in the CAR.

Mali

On 6 April, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix briefed the Council on the situation in Mali (S/PV.7917). Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop of Mali also spoke at the meeting. Lacroix discussed challenges to the implementation of the 2015 Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation outlined in the Secretary-Generals 30 March report (S/2017/271).

Peacekeeping

On 6 April, at the initiative of the US, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres briefed the Council on peacekeeping operations (S/PV.7918). He highlighted the need for clear, realistic and up to date mandates from the Council, with identified priorities, adequate sequencing, and flexibility to evolve over time. In a concept note circulated ahead of the meeting, the US stressed the important role that political foundations play in the success of peacekeeping missions (S/2017/287).

Great Lakes Region

On 12 April, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General to the Great Lakes Region, Said Djinnit, briefed the Council (S/PV.7923) on the latest report on the implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework Agreement (S/2017/208).

Human Rights

On 18 April, the US organised a meeting under the agenda item Maintenance of international peace and security focusing on human rights and prevention of armed conflict with a briefing by the Secretary-General. All 15 Council members took the floor during a discussion that lasted for over two hours (S/PV.7926). The meeting marked the first time that the Council discussed human rights thematically. The US had initially wanted to hold the discussion under a new agenda item titled human rights and international peace and security. Adding this new thematic item encountered opposition from some Council members, however, and to avoid a procedural vote (where there would be no veto and nine yes vote would have been sufficient for the decision to stand), the US chose to use an existing broad agenda item with a subtitle indicating the meetings human rights focus. On the day of the meeting, Venezuela, on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement (NAM), transmitted to the Council president a NAM communique, expressing concern over the Councils encroachment on the purview of other UN bodies (S/2017/335). The Secretary-General focused his remarks on the importance of preventing conflict rather than responding to crises and highlighted in this context the value of human rights information and action.

Western Sahara

On 19 April, the Council held a meeting with troop- and police-contributing countries to MINURSO. On 25 April, Special Representative and head of MINURSO Kim Bolduc and Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Taye-Brook Zerihoun briefed Council members in consultations on the latest report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Western Sahara (S/2017/307). On 21 April, the Group of Friends of Western Sahara met to negotiate the resolution renewing MINURSOs mandate, which was circulated to all Council members on 24 April. At press time, on 28 April, the Council was set to adopt a resolution renewing the mandate of MINURSO for one year.

Israel/Palestine

On 20 April, the Security Council held its regular quarterly open debate under the agenda item The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov briefed (S/PV.7929). Ahead of the meeting, on 10 April, the US circulated a concept note with potential topics that could be highlighted in lieu of focusing the debate on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (S/2017/305).

Iran

On 25 April, Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi (Italy), in his capacity as facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 regarding Iran, briefed Council members under any other business during consultations. Cardi reported on the outcome of a so-called 2231 format meeting among Council experts held in March on the 29 January ballistic missile test conducted by Iran. The meeting in March was a follow-up to the discussion held during consultations on 31 January at the request of the US, when Council members were briefed by Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Miroslav Jenca on the missile launch. It appears that Council members remain divided on the question of whether such missile launches are inconsistent with resolution 2231.
AFRICA

Sudan and South Sudan

Expected Council Action

In May, the Council is expected to renew the mandate of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) prior to its 15 May expiration.

Key Recent Developments

The status of Abyei, the disputed territory along the Sudan/South Sudan border, is in limbo. The Sudanese and South Sudanese governments, distracted by their own domestic crises, have made no recent progress on implementation of the 20 June 2011 Agreement. The institutions called for by the agreement, including the Abyei Area Administration, the Abyei Area Council, and the Abyei Police Service, all have yet to be established. Against this backdrop of political paralysis, UNISFA continues to maintain a degree of stability in Abyei. This relative peace represents an opportunity for advancing the political process that neither Sudan nor South Sudan appears to be taking advantage of.

There has been no progress in agreeing on the removal of armed Sudanese police from around the Diffra oil facility, as required by several Security Council resolutions that have called for the demilitarisation of Abyei (with the exception of UNISFA peacekeepers and the yet to be established Abyei Police Service). Ongoing instability in South Sudan has seen the movement of displaced persons into Abyei, adding to the existing humanitarian and security burden.

The special report of the Secretary-General reviewing the mandate of UNISFA was released on 5 April. The review concluded that the mission is providing security in the absence of other institutions and is a deterrent to conflict. However, the mission is currently unable to fulfil those elements of its mandate that depend on the commitment of Sudan and South Sudan to fulfilling the terms of the 20 June 2011 Agreement, such as supporting the agreed administrative institutions. The review recommends that the mission be maintained at its current personnel level, as a reduction of troop numbers would undermine the missions ability to maintain peace and dissuade increased incursions by armed groups from Sudan and South Sudan.

UNISFA continues to face challenges in recruiting mission personnel because of delays in the issuance, and sometimes non-issuance, of visas by Sudan. In particular, Sudan has slowed the approval of visas for community liaison officers, who are urgently needed to support efforts to improve relations between the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities.

Although UNISFA is able to maintain general peace and stability, criminal violence remains an issue of concern. Additionally, the failure of Sudan and South Sudan to fully implement the 20 June 2011 Agreement has left the people of Abyei without the institutions necessary for the basic provision of education, health care, clean water and sanitation.

During consultations on 26 April, Council members were briefed by the Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom, on the current state of the Sudan/South Sudan political process. Council members were also briefed by the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, El Ghassim Wane, on the strategic review of UNISFA, and by the chair of the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko (Ukraine).

On 22 March, Major General Tesfay Gidey Hailemichael of Ethiopia assumed command as the new UNISFA force commander and acting head of mission. Ethiopian forces continue to make up the vast majority of UNISFA mission personnel.

Key Issues

The key issue for the Council is whether to renew the mandate of UNISFA in its current format for an additional six months as recommended by the Secretary-General or to renew the mandate for a shorter period, as has previously been done, as a means of putting pressure on Sudan and South Sudan to address the current lack of progress towards a political solution.

A related issue is whether the Council should take steps to advance the stalled political process to avoid the missions presence having to be extended indefinitely. In considering these issues, Council members will need to reflect on how the Council can best support the African Union (AU) in resuscitating the dialogue between Sudan and South Sudan on the status of Abyei.

Options

The most likely option for the Council is to renew the mandate of UNISFA for an additional six months as recommended by the Secretary-General. In doing so, the Council could consider:

urging Sudan and South Sudan to revitalise the political process, with particular focus on the establishment of the institutions envisaged by the 20 June 2011 Agreement; and

urging Sudan and South Sudan to remove impediments to the effectiveness of UNISFA, including delays in the issuing of visas for mission personnel.

Another option is for the Council to hold a briefing on Abyei in the Council chamber instead of the consultations currently preferred, as a means of increasing international attention to the status of Abyei and adding pressure on Sudan and South Sudan to advance the political process. In addition to Haysom, the Council could also invite Thabo Mbeki, head of the AU High-Level Implementation Panel, to participate in the briefing.

Council Dynamics

Council members have for some time recognised that the situation in Abyei and the wider border-related issues between Sudan and South Sudan cannot be resolved in isolation. Neither Sudan nor South Sudan appears willing to devote the required attention to addressing issues related to Abyei until their more immediate domestic crises are resolved. With neither party ready to advance the political process, the Council continues to devote only minimal time and focus to Abyei. Though some Council members are increasingly concerned that UNISFA is persisting longer than was intended for an interim force, the size of the mission is unlikely to be reduced at present as it is already well below its authorised personnel cap.

The US is the penholder on Abyei.

UN DOCUMENTS ON SUDAN/SOUTH SUDAN

This was a resolution renewing the missions mandate for six months. This resolution added a border-monitoring support role to UNISFAs mandate. This was the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Abyei. This was a special report of the Secretary-General on the review of UNISFAs mandate. This was the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Abyei.
MIDDLE EAST

Syria

Expected Council Action

In May, Council members expect to receive briefings on the humanitarian and political situations in Syria, as well as on chemical weapons.

Key Recent Developments

On 4 April, a chemical weapons attack in the Khan Shaykhun area of Idlib resulted in at least 80 civilians killed, including many children. Later that day Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said through his spokesperson that he was deeply disturbed by the reports of alleged use of chemical weapons.

In a Council meeting called for by the UK and France on 5 April, Kim Won-soo, then High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, stated how the Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) had already started gathering and analysing information on the attack. Upon confirmation of the use of chemical weapons, the OPCW-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) would investigate to identify those responsible for using these weapons. On 19 April, Ahmet Uzumcu, the Director General of OPCW, confirmed that sarin or a sarin-like substance had been used in the attack, based on the OPCWs analysis of biomedical samples taken from victims.

On 6 April, the US launched 59 cruise missiles on the Shayrat airbase outside of Homs in Syria in response to the chemical weapons attack. The US said that the air strikes targeted the base from which the 4 April attack had been launched and that they destroyed 20 percent of Syrias operational aircraft.

The next day, 7 April, Bolivia requested a meeting in consultations to discuss this attack, but the US, as Council presidency, chose to hold a public briefing. At the meeting, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman reiterated some of the points made earlier by the Secretary-General, calling for accountability for the chemical weapons attack and appealing for restraint to avoid any acts that could deepen the suffering of the Syrian people. He also underscored the centrality of a political solution to the conflict in Syria.

On 12 April, the Council voted on a P3 draft resolution on chemical weapons in Syria. The vote represented the culmination of a week of contentious meetings on Syria among Council members. It represented the fifth draft on this issue circulated in little over a week, preceded by two earlier P3 drafts, a Russian draft, and an E10 draft. The draft condemned the Khan Shaykhun attack, expressed full support to the Fact-Finding Mission, and requested that it report the results of its investigation as soon as possible. It recalled language from previous resolutions regarding the cooperation of the Syrian government and all parties in Syria with the OPCW and the UN, including with the JIM. It further emphasised that this included the obligation upon Syria to provide the JIM and the FFM with information on air operations (such as flight plans and flight logs), names of all individuals in command of any aircraft, and access to air bases from which the JIM or the FFM believed chemical weapons attacks may have been launched, as well as to arrange meetings requested with generals or other officers. It recalled language in resolution 2118 threatening to impose measures under Chapter VII of the UN Charter in the event of non-compliance. (Please see In Hindsight this month for details of the events leading up to the vote on this draft resolution.)

The draft was vetoed by Russia. This was the eighth veto cast by Russia on Syria since 2011. Bolivia also voted against the draft, while China, Ethiopia and Kazakhstan abstained. This was the second time that China did not vote alongside Russia on a Syria draft resolution. The first time was on 8 October 2016 when China abstained on a draft resolution presented by France and Spain demanding a halt to all aerial bombardments and military flights over Aleppo that was vetoed by Russia.

Earlier on 12 April, addressing the potential for military escalation, Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura had briefed the Council emphasising the need to ensure that the parties and international actors continue their commitment to negotiating and supporting a political settlement. While recognising that much still needed to be done, he highlighted how the 23-31 March fifth round of the Geneva talks had made incremental progress towards the goal of a political transition laid out in resolution 2254 and the 2012 Geneva Communique. The government and the opposition had discussed, through proximity talks, elements of all four baskets: governance; constitutional issues; elections; and counter-terrorism, security and confidence-building measures. De Mistura also emphasised how Iran, Russia and Turkey needed to deliver on their responsibilities as guarantors of the ceasefire, urging them to work towards renewing the ceasefire. Astana must bring forth Geneva and vice versa, he said.

On 18-19 April, the guarantor countries held technical-level consultations in Tehran, Iran, with the participation of a UN delegation, to address the difficulties in implementing the ceasefire. These consultations are expected to feed into a 3-4 May high-level meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan, to which the parties have been invited.

The humanitarian situation in Syria continues to be critical, including in eastern Ghutah near Damascus, where the government has curtailed formal and informal trade and the last UN humanitarian delivery was in October 2016. The evacuation of the last rebel-held enclave of Homs, Al-Waer, was criticised in a 19 April Secretary-Generals report for being preceded by the decimation of the area and resulting in the forced displacement of the civilian population, which may constitute a war crime. The report describes how a combination of insecurity and deliberate interference and restrictions by the parties to the conflict continues to prevent aid delivery. The challenging evacuation of the towns covered by the 2015 four towns agreement (two besieged by armed opposition, Madaya and Zabadani, and two by government and Hezbollah militias, Foah and Kafraya) persisted. On 15 April, an attack against civilians evacuating Foah and Kafraya left at least 125 people killed, including at least 67 children.

At the 4-5 April Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region, member states pledged 6 billion dollars for 2017 in immediate and longer-term support.

On 21 April, the P3 organised an Arria-formula meeting with the Human Rights Councils (HRC) Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on Syria. Its chair Paulo Pinheiro and fellow commissioner Karen AbuZayd described violations of international humanitarian and human rights law committed in Syria. At the press stakeout following the meeting, Pinheiro said that all parties had committed violations during the siege and fall of Aleppo. At press time, the Secretary-General was expected to appoint the head of the International, Impartial, and Independent Mechanism on international crimes committed in Syria. The mechanism, which was established by the General Assembly in December 2016, is mandated to collect evidence and to prepare files in order to facilitate and expedite fair and independent criminal proceedings.

At press time, OCHA head Stephen OBrien was scheduled to brief the Council on 27 April.

Human Rights-Related Developments

In a statement on 7 April, a spokesperson for the High Commissioner for Human Rights called the 4 April attack on Khan Shaykhun absolutely abhorrent and said that if confirmed, the use of chemical weapons would amount to a war crime. The spokesperson noted that the HRCs Col on Syria has documented seven attacks by Syrian forces involving the use of chlorine since August 2016. Emphasising that the Khan Shaykhun attack was far from an isolated incident, the spokesperson called on the international community, including the Security Council, to set aside political differences and focus on ensuring that the people of Syria are spared further terror, death and devastation. On 18 April, a spokesperson for the High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the attack near Rasheedin in western Aleppo which hit a convoy carrying people from the besieged Syrian towns of Foah and Kafraya to government-controlled areas. Reiterating the High Commissioners call for accountability and for the situation in Syria to be referred to the ICC, the spokesperson said that the attack likely amounts to a war crime. Chair of the Committee on the Rights of the Child Benyam Dawit Mezmur, in a 20 April statement, condemned attacks on children in Syria following the large number killed in the recent attack on the evacuation convoy near Rasheedin and the reported use of chemical weapons in the attack in Khan Shaykhun. Mezmur said that children are bearing the brunt of violence in Syria and have been killed, maimed, subjected to sexual violence, and traumatized. The year 2016 was the worst year for Syrias six million children affected by the conflict. He called on all relevant actors to investigate these abhorrent acts and bring their perpetrators to justice including by fully supporting the OPCWs FFM, the JIM, the Syria CoI, and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism on Syria established by the General Assembly.

Key Issue

More than six years since the start of a war that has exacted a death toll approaching half a million, left nearly 620,000 living under siege, and displaced half of the Syrian population, including almost 5 million refugees, the essential issue for the Council is to exert effective leadership in enforcing the ceasefire and promoting efforts to reach a political solution.

Options

The Council has many options at its disposalsuch as imposing an arms embargo or targeted sanctions, referring Syria to the International Criminal Court (ICC) or authorising a no-fly zone to deter the Syrian government from using its aerial capacitybut P5 divisions have made it impossible for the Council to fulfill its role in maintaining international peace and security in the case of Syria.

Council members could, both individually and collectively, step up efforts to ensure that the government guarantees humanitarian access to besieged and hard to reach areas.

Council and Wider Dynamics

Despite the publicity given to Council divisions and the US decision to launch air strikes, dynamics among permanent members over Syria remain largely unchanged. While France, the UK and the US are growing increasingly frustrated with the deadlock in the Council and its inability to follow through on some of the commitments made unanimously in 2013 (through the adoption of resolution 2118), Russia has continued to oppose any punitive measure against the Syrian government. China, which had cast six of the seven previous vetoes alongside Russia, including on 28 February on a draft resolution that would have established a sanctions regime targeting the use of chemical weapons, decided to abstain on 12 April even though in explaining its vote it criticised the attempt to push through a draft resolution while serious division still remained among Council members.

Following the US air strikes, which constituted the first time that the US directly targeted government assets since the beginning of the conflict, Bolivia, Russia, Sweden and Uruguay expressed some concerns regarding the strikes legality; France, Italy, Japan, the UK and Ukraine signalled some form of support for the air strikes; others did not address that issue. After the attack on the Shayrat base, Russia announced the suspension of its memorandum (deconfliction line) with the US regarding the prevention of flight safety incidents in the course of operations in Syria, raising concerns about the increased risk of accidental military encounters between their forces. However, on 18 April US Defence Secretary James Mattis stated that the US was still talking to Russia on avoiding mid-air accidents and possible confrontations in Syria.

Even though it has been a pattern for permanent members of the Council to negotiate outcomes on Syria among themselves and circulate them to all 15 members with little time for incorporating inputs, the lack of inclusivity in the negotiations leading up to the 12 April veto was particularly pronounced. Elected members were largely sidelined as the P3 negotiated with China and Russia regarding a draft resolution condemning the 4 April attack. When the elected members proposed an alternative draft to break the negotiating impasse among the P5, their initiative was given short shrift by the P3, particularly by the US, which apparently believed that the E10 text was not strong enough. China was the one permanent member that gave credit to the elected members for their effort to overcome the divisions on the Council.

UN DOCUMENTS ON SYRIA

Welcomed efforts by Russia and Turkey to end violence in Syria and jumpstart a political process. Renewed the mandate of the UN-OPCW Joint Investigative Mechanism for a further year. This was the first resolution focused exclusively on a political solution to the Syrian crisis. It was adopted unanimously. This was a report on the humanitarian situation. This was a draft resolution on the 4 April chemical weapons attack that was vetoed by Russia. This was an OPCW report on the progress in the elimination of the Syrian chemical weapons programme. The Council voted on a draft resolution condemning the Khan Shaykhun chemical weapons attack. Russia vetoed the draft, Bolivia voted against, and China, Ethiopia and Kazakhstan abstained. The Council was briefed by de Mistura. The Council was briefed by Kim on the Khan Shaykhun chemical weapons attack. The Council was briefed by OCHA head Stephen OBrien.
Chennai, Apr 29 (PTI) The Delhi Polices crime branch today concluded its Chennai leg of probe in the Election Commission bribery case involving AIADMK (Amma) party leader T T V Dhinakaran.

It later left for the national capital with Dhinakaran.

Winding up three days of questioning several suspects and conducting searches at the residences of Dhinakaran and his friend Mallikarjuna, the police left for Delhi along with the duo by an evening flight.

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The Delhi Police had questioned about a dozen persons in connection with the case after bringing Dhinakaran and Mallikarjuna here on April 27.

Those suspected to have been linked with the money trail in the bribery case and others who had knowledge about the transaction were questioned, police sources said.

Dhinakaran was arrested on April 25 in Delhi following four days of questioning for allegedly attempting to bribe an unidentified EC official to get the undivided AIADMKs two leaves election symbol for his faction.

Police had earlier arrested Sukesh Chandrasekar, who had allegedly struck a deal for Rs 50 crore to help the AIADMK (Amma) faction acquire the party symbol, and seized Rs 1.30 crore from him.

A Delhi court had granted five days police custody of Dhinakaran following which he was brought here.

Yesterday, the police team visited various areas, including Adambakkam and Kolapakkam here, to question some persons whose identity has not been disclosed.

Police sources said the probe will continue, but declined to comment if any documents had been seized.

At the airport, when some journalists asked Dhinakaran if he felt a "false case" had been lodged against him, he nodded his head in concurrence.

Meanwhile, airport officials said the Delhi Police personnel were not allowed to board the plane in the afternoon as they were carrying pistols and had not taken permission for the same.

Later, a declaration was made about the firearms and the requisite permission was taken, they added. PTI VGN CORR BN SRY

--- ENDS ---
AMERICAS

Visiting Mission to Colombia

Expected Council Action

Council members will undertake a visiting mission to Colombia at the beginning of May. The mission is intended to demonstrate the Councils commitment to the peace process in Colombia and to commend the parties on bringing an end to the conflict. According to the missions terms of reference, Council members will prioritise getting a better understanding of the aspirations and concerns of the parties and other actors, and encouraging the parties to maintain their positive cooperation and momentum in implementing the agreement.

The UK and Uruguay are co-leading the mission.

Background and Mission

Since the January 2016 request of the government of Colombia and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejercito del Pueblo (FARC-EP), the Council has been united in its support for the final stages of the peace process in Colombia and the implementation of key measures provided for by the peace agreement, namely the monitoring of the ceasefire and the laying down of weapons. The ceasefire and the cessation of hostilities, for which the UN Mission in Colombia constitutes the international component of the tripartite Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (MVM), continue to hold.

The visiting mission will be an opportunity to assess progress as the 180-day deadline established in the agreement for the laying down of weapons approaches (1 June). This process has faced several delays, particularly related to the transfer of FARC-EP combatants to the 26 Transitional Local Zones and Points for Normalisation. Even though the laying down of weapons has started in temporary camps, the government has committed to finalising the infrastructure of the remaining zones and points by the end of April. Briefing the Council on 5 April, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the UN Mission in Colombia, Jean Arnault, stated that the mission has nearly completed identifying, marking and registering the weapons that FARC-EP combatants brought to the camps. The mission was expected to receive and store imminently about 1,000 weapons belonging to members of the FARC-EP who will participate in tasks related to the implementation of the peace agreement, such as participation in the MVM, training for security functions, crop substitution, humanitarian demining and peace education. The Mission has also conducted planning for the collection of weapons and the destruction of unstable armaments in a considerable number of caches spread throughout vast, difficult-to-access areas. A high-level meeting of the parties on 25-26 March in Cartagena resulted in the recommitment of the FARC-EP to move forward with the laying down of weapons in parallel with progress in improving the living conditions in the camps, and in implementing specific commitments of the government, including legal and security guarantees for FARC-EP members and plans for their socio-economic reintegration.

The human rights situation in Colombia is expected to be addressed during the visit. The UN and NGOs have condemned the recent trend of deadly attacks against community leaders and human rights defenders in rural areas. Of particular interest to Council members will be the implications of the presence of non-state armed groups (including FARC-EP dissidents, the Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional guerrilla, successors of former paramilitary groups, and other groups linked to organised crime) in the areas vacated by the FARC-EP.

Given the recent adoption by the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict of its conclusions on Colombia, issues related to child protection are expected to be raised during the visit. As of April, 60 children arriving with the FARC-EP to the zones and points were demobilised and transported by the International Committee of the Red Cross to transitional accommodation.

During the visiting mission, Council members might be interested in other measures taken to implement the agreement that, although not the responsibility of the UN mission, frame the environment in which it operates. These include the implementation of the amnesty law, the work of the special peace jurisdiction in adjudicating crimes committed during the conflict, the operationalisation of the Truth Commission, the transformation of the FARC-EP into a political party, and assurances that the civilian population in remote areas benefits from the dividends of peace. Council members are expected to reiterate that, despite the upcoming legislative elections in May 2018, progress in the implementation of the agreement must continue.

While in Colombia, Council members are likely to be interested in discussing the sequencing for a second UN mission. In the agreement, the parties decided to ask the UN, through the General Assembly, to deploy a second political mission with a mandate to verify the reintegration of ex-combatants and their protection, including from paramilitary groups. According to the agreement, this mission, which would be deployed after the current mandate ends, would have a three-year duration.

Human Rights-Related Developments

At its 34th session, the Human Rights Council (HRC) considered the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the human rights situation in Colombia (A/HRC/34/3/Add.3). The reportwhich was the first by Office of the High Commissioner since the peace agreement requested it to report on the implementation of the agreements extensive human rights aspectswelcomed the signing of the agreement, noting that it generally complies with the international human rights obligations of Colombia and, if implemented diligently, has the potential to help the country overcome structural human rights challenges. In her statement introducing the report to the HRC, the Deputy High Commissioner said it was essential to ensure respect for victims rights, including through reparations and accountability for past human rights violations, while also highlighting concerns regarding the increase in violence in rural areas, killings of human rights defenders (with 60 killed in 2016 and a further 10 dead in 2017), as well as ongoing corruption and unequal enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights.

UN DOCUMENTS ON COLOMBIA

This was a resolution approving the Secretary-Generals recommendations on the size, operational aspects and mandate of the UN Mission in Colombia. This was a resolution establishing a political mission to monitor and verify the laying down of arms and the bilateral ceasefire and cessation of hostilities between the Government of Colombia and the FARC-EP. This was on Colombia. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the UN Mission in Colombia, Jean Arnault, briefed the Council.
THEMATIC ISSUES

Women and Peace and Security

Expected Council Action

In May, the Council expects to hold an open debate on the Secretary-Generals annual report on conflict-related sexual violence, focusing particularly on sexual violence in conflict as a tactic of war and terrorism. Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and Under-Secretary-General Adama Dieng, who is currently officer-in-charge of the Office of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, will brief, together with Mina Jaf, Executive Director of Women Refugee Route, as a civil society representative. Uruguay plans to circulate a concept note ahead of the debate, but at press time, no outcome was anticipated.

Key Recent Developments

On 26 April, the Secretary-General submitted the most recent report on conflict-related sexual violence, which contains an overview of current trends and concerns pertaining to sexual violence in conflict as a tactic of war and terrorism. The report will provide the basis for the May open debate. According to the report, in 2016 sexual violence continued to be employed as a tactic of war, with widespread and strategic rapes, including mass rapes, allegedly committed by several parties to armed conflict, mostly in conjunction with other crimes. The strategic nature of the violence was evident in the selective targeting of victims from opposing ethnic, religious or political groups, mirroring the fault-lines of the wider conflict or crisis.

For violent extremist groups, sexual violence advances objectives such as incentivising recruitment, terrorising populations into compliance, displacing civilians from strategic areas, eliciting operational intelligence, and forcing conversions through marriage. It also entrenches an ideology based on suppressing womens rights and controlling their sexuality and reproduction. It is further used to generate revenue.

At the same time, the report noted that certain counterterrorism measures have also infringed upon womens rights and freedoms, such as the practice of detaining those released from the captivity of extremist groups as potential affiliates or intelligence assets, rather than supporting them as victims. Furthermore, the intense stigma suffered by survivors of conflict-related sexual violence is integral to the logic of sexual violence being employed as a tactic of war or terrorism.

The report further noted that positive developments during the year under review included the activation of the Informal Experts Group (IEG) on Women, Peace and Security. The guiding principle of the IEG, which held its first meeting in February 2016 (on Mali), is that better information and analysis, combined with direct interaction with field missions, leads to better oversight and stronger implementation of women, peace and security norms in specific country situations. In addition to Mali, the group met in 2016 on Iraq, the Central African Republic and Afghanistan. So far this year, it has met on the Lake Chad Basin ahead of the Councils visiting mission there, and on Yemen.

On 21 December 2016, the Secretary-General submitted a special report prepared by the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict focusing on crimes committed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Iraq and Syria, particularly their cross-border dimensions. The report presented preliminary information on the systematic use of sexual violence as a tactic of terrorism and its links to the sale and trade of trafficking in persons. The report contained a number of recommendations, specifically for the Councils 1267/1989/2253 Committee concerning ISIL, Al-Qaida and associated individuals and groups.

On 20 December 2016, the Council convened a ministerial-level open debate on trafficking in persons in conflict situations, organised by then-elected member Spain. Then-Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime Yury Fedotov, and then-Special Representative for Sexual Violence in Conflict Zainab Bangura briefed. The Council heard from two Yazidi Iraqi women: Nadia Murad, who was trafficked by ISIL and is now a UN Goodwill Ambassador for the Dignity of Survivors of Human Trafficking, and Ameena Saeed Hasan, a human rights activist who works to free people captured by ISIL. The first Security Council resolution on trafficking in persons in conflict situations, resolution 2331, was adopted during the debate.

Resolution 2331 condemned human trafficking and stressed that the phenomenon can exacerbate conflict and foster insecurity. It focused on strengthening the UNs ability to counter human trafficking and on the international communitys role in responding to trafficking, such as by urging member states to ensure that domestic legislation is in place to protect victims and prosecute traffickers. As for the Councils own work, the resolution signalled an intention to consider targeted sanctions for individuals and entities involved in human trafficking and to integrate the issue of human trafficking into the work of its sanctions committees.

On 12 April, the Secretary-General appointed Pramila Patten of Mauritius as Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict. She succeeds Zainab Bangura, who held the position from September 2012 to March 2017. Patten is expected to take up the post on 1 June.

Key Issues

A key issue is ensuring that the appropriate systems for monitoring and reporting, information sharing, and judicial cooperation are developed to address the nexus of trafficking, sexual violence and terrorism which was identified in resolution 2331.

A closely related issue is establishing appropriate monitoring criteria to address such challenges as the political economy of sexual violence through the sale and trafficking of women and girls by terrorist groups.

The Council may also consider how to go beyond briefings and the submission of names of perpetrators of sexual violence by the Special Representative to the relevant sanctions committees. That could mean considering the possibility of adopting targeted measures against these individuals. A related issue is expanding designation criteria in all relevant sanctions regimes where sexual violence is persistently perpetrated.

A continuing issue is ensuring that counter-insurgency efforts against extremist groups do not exacerbate the vulnerabilities that women and girls face.

A further issue, keeping in mind the Secretary-Generals focus on prevention, is how to give due consideration to the identified risk factors of sexual violence as an early warning indicator that could enable the Council to better fulfil its conflict prevention role.

Options

No outcome is anticipated. However, the Council can continue to monitor the implementation of key resolutions on this issue by following it closely and integrating it into relevant country-specific as well as cross-cutting thematic resolutions.

An option for the Council regarding sanctions committees is to call formally for the relevant sanctions committeesincluding the 1267/1989/2253 ISIL (Daesh) & Al-Qaida Sanctions Committeeto engage with the Special Representative and consider whether perpetrators should be subject to existing sanctions or whether designation criteria should be expanded to include sexual violence and human trafficking.

Members could ensure that sanctions experts and monitoring groups have the capacity to track violations and provide systematic information by ensuring adequate expertise in these groups.

An option to facilitate implementation of resolutions on sexual violence is to encourage deployment of an adequate number of gender and women protection advisers in relevant missions.

Council Dynamics

Council members continue to have divergent views on aspects of this thematic agenda, including how to incorporate it into the Councils sanctions regimes and how to integrate the women, peace and security agenda into strategies to counter violent extremism and terrorism. Discussion of the Secretary-Generals report on conflict-related sexual violence has been a regular feature on the Councils agenda since 2009, but members statements may reflect some differences regarding sexual violence in conflict as a tactic of war and terrorism. Russia believes that focusing on the issue of sexual violence as a tactic in terrorism may detract from other issues related to the financing of terrorism, such as the sale of oil. It has also been particularly resistant to briefings by the Special Representative to the 1267/1989/2253 ISIL (Daesh) & Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee.

Some members may choose to highlight the importance of working closely with relevant sanctions committees to list perpetrators. Others may discuss challenges related to sexual violence as a tactic of war and terrorism, particularly in relation to dealing with groups such as ISIL and Al-Qaida.

UN DOCUMENTS ON WOMEN AND PEACE AND SECURITY

This was the first-ever resolution on human trafficking, which condemned the phenomenon and stressed how human trafficking can exacerbate conflict and foster insecurity. This was a resolution addressing sexual exploitation and abuse in peace operations, with Egypt abstaining. The was a resolution that addressed womens roles in countering violent extremism and terrorism, improving the Councils own working methods in relation to women, peace and security and taking up gender recommendations made by the High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations and the Global Study. This was a presidential statement on trafficking in persons in situations of conflict, with a particular focus on ISIS and the impact on women and children. This was a presidential statement that addressed the particular needs of displaced women, highlighted the impact of violent extremism on women and welcomed the Secretary-Generals commissioning of a global study. This was the annual report on conflict-related sexual violence for 2015. This was a special report prepared by the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, focusing on crimes committed by ISIL in the context of Iraq and Syria.
MIDDLE EAST

Yemen

Expected Council Action

In May, the Council expects to receive a briefing from the Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed.

Key Recent Developments

The war in Yemen entered its third year at the end of March. Efforts to resume political talks remained stalled, and the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with increasing warnings of possible famine. The conflict pits the Houthis, a Zaydi Shiite rebel group, and forces loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh against the Yemeni government and the Saudi Arabia-led coalition.

There have been ongoing serious concerns about a potential attack against the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeidah by Yemeni and coalition forces, which they have said they are planning to launch. Hodeidahs port, the largest in the country, handles 70 to 80 percent of Yemens humanitarian assistance and the majority of its commercial cargo. Yemen has historically imported 80 to 90 percent of its food, fuel and medicine. Concerns, therefore, have been that an attack would significantly worsen the already grave humanitarian crisis as an offensive on the city would probably be difficult and destructive, lead to the ports prolonged closure, and might cut off the civilian population in Houthi-controlled areas from aid.

During a 10 March Council briefing on various humanitarian crises, OCHA head Stephen OBrien called the humanitarian crisis already prevailing in Yemen the largest in the world, with 18.8 million people in need of assistance. Food insecurity in Yemen increased by 3 million people since January, affecting 17 million by March, of whom 7 million are severely food insecure. OBrien said that all parties to the conflict have denied sustained humanitarian access and have politicised aid, adding that famine would be inevitable if they do not change their behaviour.

On 17 March, Council members discussed the prospects of an attack on Hodeidah during consultations under any other business with Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman. In press elements afterwards, members called on the parties to allow humanitarian and commercial access, including through the critical port of Hodeidah. When the Special Envoy briefed members in consultations on 29 March, he did not report any significant progress on reviving peace talks. During the session, Ould Cheikh Ahmed said that an attack on Hodeidah must not happen and, according to a statement his office released, he urged the Council to use all of its diplomatic weight to push for the relevant parties to make the concessions required to reach a final agreement before more lives are lost.

On 25 April, a high-level pledging conference for the 2017 Yemen humanitarian response plan was held in Geneva. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres chaired the conference, which was co-hosted by Sweden and Switzerland. Pledges of $1.1 billion were made against the $2.1 billion required by the plan.

The US, under the administration of President Donald Trump, has apparently considered increasing its support to the Saudi-led coalition. On 14 March, Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Defense Minister Mohammad Bin Salman met with Trump in Washington. According to a Saudi press release, the meeting marked a significant shift in relations, across all political, military, security and economic fields. US Defence Secretary James Mattis visited Riyadh from 18 to 19 April; his meetings with Saudi leaders focused in large part on Yemen. At a press conference, Matthis said, In Yemen, our goal is to push this conflict into U.N.-brokered negotiations to make sure it is ended as soon as possible. He asserted that Iran has supported the Houthis with weapons and referred to the need to overcome Irans destabilising activities and the creation of another Lebanese Hezbollah.

Sanctions-Related Developments

On 18 April, the 2140 Yemen Sanctions Committee held a session on humanitarian access through Yemeni Red Sea ports, which was organised following a case study submitted by the Yemen Panel of Experts on the issue. UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen Jamie McGoldrick, Coordinator of the Panel of Experts Ahmed Himmiche, and Country Director of the World Food Programme Stephen Anderson briefed, focusing on the situation of Hodeidah. Access challenges include an increase in delays in inspections by the coalition and in its coordination with the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM), which approves commercial shipments to the port; Hodeidah ports limited capacity because of, inter alia, the destruction of its cranes and poor port management; and Yemens worsening macroeconomic situation. During the session, it was highlighted that no substitute exists, among the contingency plans and options being considered, that could makeup for Yemens needs if Hodeidah becomes unusable. On 28 April, the Committee met with the Panel following the 12 April appointment by the Secretary-General of the Panels expert on armed groups. The Panel discussed with members its work plan for the coming year.

Human Rights-Related Developments

In a statement on 24 March, the High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the escalation in fighting since the beginning of the year, which has exacerbated the man-made catastrophe in Yemen. He described the conflict as two years of wanton violence and bloodshed, thousands of deaths and millions of people desperate for their basic rights to food, water, health and security. While noting that his office continues to provide support to the Yemeni National Commission, as mandated by the Human Rights Council (HRC), the High Commissioner stressed the need for an independent, international investigative body to examine the numerous reports of serious human rights violations in the country. The HRCs Special Rapporteur on human rights and international sanctions, Idriss Jazairy, called on 12 April for the lifting of the unwarranted aerial and naval blockade on the flow of commercial and humanitarian goods into Yemen. Jazairy argued that the blockade involves grave breaches of the most basic norms of human rights law, as well as of the law of armed conflict and amounts to an unlawful unilateral coercive measure under international law. The restrictions have paralysed the nation, according to Jazairy, and represent one of the main causes of the humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen, in which seven million people are facing famine.

Key Issues

The key issue is how the Council can support efforts to achieve a cessation of hostilities and convince the parties to resume peace talks.

An ongoing but increasingly urgent concern is the humanitarian crisis, including issues of humanitarian access, averting famine, and widespread violations of international humanitarian law by all parties to the conflict.

A related issue is the potential attack on Hodeidah, the humanitarian and political implications of an assault, and ways the Council could respond in light of the possible offensive.

Another issue is the expansion in Yemen of Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) as a result of the vacuum created by the war.

Options

The Council could consider a new resolution on Yemen, as the UK said in autumn 2016 that it would propose, which:

demands an immediate cessation of hostilities, including all land, sea and air military activities; and

calls for the sides to resume negotiations on the basis of the Special Envoys October proposals, with the recognition by both sides of the need to compromise.

A resolution could additionally:

demand that the parties allow unhindered access for aid and comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, including avoiding harming civilians and targeting civilian infrastructure;

demand that the ban on commercial flights to and from Sanaa be lifted;

demand that Houthi and Saleh forces allow sustained humanitarian access to the city of Taiz;

call on the parties to cooperate with the Special Envoy to work expeditiously on a plan to resume the payment of public sector salaries and the disbursement of social welfare fund cash transfers;

encourage OCHA and/or UNVIM to deploy personnel to support the Hodeidah port authorities in managing the port;

demand that the parties cooperate with efforts to rehabilitate the Hodeidah port, including allowing the delivery of cranes to facilitate essential imports of food, fuel and medicine;

affirm that UNVIM should provide clearance to, and oversee inspections of, commercial shipments to Yemen in compliance with resolution 2216 and call on member states to cooperate fully with UNVIM; and

and call on member states to cooperate fully with UNVIM; and stress the importance of accountability for alleged breaches of international humanitarian and human rights law.

Council and Wider Dynamics

Members agree that there is no military solution to the conflict and all express concern about the humanitarian crisis. However, political relationships and interests, particularly with Saudi Arabia, make the Yemen conflict difficult for the Council to address as members are cautious about taking positions that are contrary to Saudi preferences. These have included Saudi Arabias opposition to any new Council resolutions on the conflict. Among Council members, Egypt is a member of the coalition, and the UK and US have been providing it with assistance as Saudi allies. Russia has played a role in making Council outcomes more even-handed between the parties, highlighting Houthi perspectives, but has often raised the conflict in the face of criticism regarding its role in Syria.

During the 29 March Council meeting, various members suggested that efforts to resume talks become more inclusive, through engagement with a broader cross-section of Yemenis or expanding the range of international actors involved. While expressing support for the Special Envoy, some members seemed frustrated that he did not offer new ideas to break the deadlock. The coalition and the Yemeni government have contended that Hodeidahs fall could push the Houthis back to the negotiating table and improve the humanitarian situation by ending Houthi diversion of aid and other imported goods entering the port. The delay in launching the offensive may suggest they recognise the difficulties and consequences of an assault.

In 2016, the US drove the activities of the Quadcomprised of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the UK and the USwhich emerged to play an active role in trying to break the political impasse and support the Special Envoys roadmap, subsequently referred to as the UN proposals and currently the UN timeline. The group has since become known as the Quint, as Oman became a member this year. However, with the change in US administrations, the Quint is considered unlikely to continue having an active role, and a meeting on 13 March in London was viewed as having been unproductive.

The UK is the penholder on Yemen. Japan chairs the 2140 Committee.

UN DOCUMENTS ON YEMEN

This resolution demanded the Houthis to withdraw from all seized areas and to relinquish all seized arms, and established an arms embargo on the Houthis and forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh. This was a briefing on the humanitarian situation in South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and Lake Chad Basin.
Quest Diagnostics will pay $6 million to settle government claims that its laboratory in Alameda paid kickbacks to doctors and patients to induce them to to use the lab for blood tests, some of them medically unnecessary, federal officials said Friday.

The Justice Department accused Quests Berkeley HeartLab, based in Alameda, of paying extra sums, labeled process and handling fees, to physicians around the nation who agreed to send their blood tests to the laboratory. According to a physician who filed a suit as a whistle-blower in 2011, Berkeley HeartLab offered doctors $11.50 per referral in 2009, nearly four times the Medicare rate.
Delhi duty-free, which started its operations in the year 2010 at terminal 3 of IGI Airport, has witnessed a steady rise.

By Shashank Shekhar: Shoppers at Delhi's duty-free shops are on a high. Around 50 per cent of their total sales come from liquor, which mainly constitutes of single malts and premium white spirits, reveals data by Delhi Duty Free Services (DDFS).

Interestingly, in the month of January this year, over 50,000 bottles of Johnny Walker Black Label were sold from here marking its highest sale of the company ever in India, claimed an official.

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According to the retail analysis, the trend of shopping from duty-free is on the rise. Even the Delhi duty-free, which started its operations in the year 2010 at terminal 3 of IGI Airport, has witnessed a steady rise. DDFC claims that shoppers end up saving around 50 per cent as compared to city prices.

"Liquor accounts to 50 per cent of our sales followed by perfumes, cosmetics and confectionery items which are 25per cent and 18per cent of the total sales figure respectively," said Abhijit Das, head marketing, DDFC.

SINGLE MALTS IN HIGH DEMAND

Single malts and premium white spirits are very high in demand. "Alcohol within the range of $100 and upwards are among the top choices of customers visiting our store. Many liquor labels are exclusively available at Delhi outlet which attracts a lot of shoppers," he said.

Chivas Regal, Johnny Walker, Dewar, other Scotlandbased single malt whisky like Glenlivet Glenmorangie, Glenfiddich are some of the popular choices among buyers. Travellers also prefer to buy brands such as Remy Martin, Grey Goose, Absolute and Moet Chandon etc. Among the cosmetics MAC, Chanel, Dior, Lancome are a quick-seller. "High-end brands are in huge demand as customers are more brand-educated. High women-work ratio has also increased the need for cosmetics and skin care. Moreover, these products carry price guarantee schemes as well," Das said.

A large number of people visit DDFC for imported confectionery due to assured superior quality as they are directly imported.

FACTORS AFFECTING SALE OF ALCOHOL

The growth in sales can also be attributed to increase in the number of air passengers travelling from Delhi's international airport.

"It has helped us to increase average transactional value of a customer against last year. We are the largest in country despite Mumbai airport getting almost similar footfall. Sales at Delhi airport are almost 50 per cent higher than Mumbai and a little less than all other major four duty-free shops put together," Das explained.

Key nationalities, who prefer shopping from Delhi's duty-free shops include passengers from UK, Middle East, USA, Chinese and Japan," he said.

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For better shopping experience, Delhi's duty-free has started an online preorder system to assist shoppers. 'Shop and collect' service is helps shoppers travel light. All the price and offers can also be checked from a recent app launched by the DDFS.

Also Read

10 best duty frees around the world

Liquor ban: Thousands lose jobs as highway vends close in Punjab, Haryana

--- ENDS ---
A San Francisco supervisors bid to replace a longtime city police commissioner with a close ally  a union leader who sought to establish residency in the city just days before applying for the position  has prompted criticism from opponents who say the commission should be a strong watchdog free of politics.

Supervisor Ahsha Safai, who was elected last year and chairs the committee in charge of commission nominations, has thrown his support behind Olga Miranda for a Police Commission seat that will open up at the end of the month. Miranda, the president of Service Employees International Union Local 87, campaigned for Safai, who once served as political director for the union.

Miranda registered to vote in San Francisco on April 6, four days before submitting her application for the seven-member civilian commission, which sets Police Department policy and oversees discipline for officers. Her backers want her to replace attorney Petra DeJesus, a progressive commissioner who has served for 10 years and has applied for another term.

Safai said he is pushing for a fresh perspective on the commission. But supporters of DeJesus  and her fiery stands against arming the police force with Tasers  are charging cronyism, while seizing on Mirandas residency. She had been registered to vote in Albany, where she owns a home and where her child attends school.

Its problematic, said David Campos, a progressive former supervisor and police commissioner. The Police Commission is one of those things that requires someone to really live in this city. Its not just about having residency today; its about having residency for a while because that gives you a sense of how people interact with the police and how the police interact with the community.

Opponents of the move said they worry that the commission  despite being at the center of reforms that followed a series of controversial police shootings and the discovery of bigoted text messages exchanged among officers  is losing sight of its purpose and becoming a political steppingstone to greater ambitions.

Were at the point where more than ever we need a commission that is independent, transparent and is there to singularly focus on police oversight, said Asian Law Caucus policy director and former Commissioner Angela Chan. Instead, there seems to be a fight over each and every position that seems to be purely over politics.

The Police Commission is made up of four members nominated by the mayor and approved by the Board of Supervisors, and three members nominated by the Rules Committee and approved by the full board.

The commission once had five members, all appointed by the mayor. But in the wake of the scandal known as Fajitagate, in which the citys top police brass were indicted for allegedly covering up a November 2002 fight involving three off-duty officers, voters passed a measure expanding the commissions powers. The indictments were eventually dropped.

Since the ballot measure passed in 2003, police critics have accused the mayors office of trying to usurp the commissions power through board appointees. Some see Mirandas effort to unseat the progressive DeJesus  and her backing by the moderate Safai  as another example.

Mayor Ed Lee declined to comment. He recently nominated Robert Hirsch, a longtime mediator and labor arbitrator, to fill a seat left vacant by Suzy Loftus departure in January.

Miranda said in an interview with The Chronicle that she found the objections to her candidacy insulting  in particular that she was playing loose with the City Charters residency requirement. She said she wants to be part of the reforms that the commission is overseeing and is particularly interested in bettering police interactions with immigrants and communities of color  groups she has worked closely with as a labor leader.

According to the city attorneys office, commission appointees must be electors of the city and county of San Francisco at the time they assume office.

The San Francisco home that Miranda listed on her commission application is owned by Roberto Canchola, a longtime union associate, according to public records. A woman who answered the door at the home last week said Miranda does live there.

I moved here in February, Miranda said. She said her husband and her son remain in Albany so her son can finish out the school year. Because of my work, I spend most of my time in San Francisco, she said. My husband and I have discussed it very much, and my whole family will be moving here in the summer.

Safai said his support of Miranda had nothing to do with her previous support of him but was based on injecting a fresh voice into the Police Commission. As supervisors, we know thousands upon thousands of people. Just because people know one another doesnt make something shady.

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.

Safai and Miranda both said Miranda, as a union leader who has worked with diverse constituencies, would bring a different perspective to a commission full of attorneys.

DeJesus supporters, meanwhile, said she is already a vocal proponent for underserved communities.

What I appreciate about Petra is she clearly is part of the community, and thats why she gets it so well, said the Rev. Richard Smith, the rector of St. John the Evangelist Church and a community activist for police accountability. We need that vocal progressive voice. Petras been wonderful. Why mess with success?

For former commissioners Chan and Campos, the battle for DeJesus seat is reminiscent of Chans ousting in 2014. Chan was unafraid to question the status quo, even if that meant longer meetings and disgruntled fellow commissioners, before she was replaced by politically connected former prosecutor Victor Hwang, who had co-chaired the Run, Ed, Run committee that set the stage for Lees 2011 election.

They dont want someone who will push the envelope, someone who will push the institution to reform itself, Campos said.

DeJesus said she has unfinished business on the commission, which recently tightened the Police Departments use-of-force policy, outfitted officers with body cameras and helped pick Chief Bill Scott. Ongoing is a slate of changes recommended by the U.S. Department of Justice.

She said she didnt want to speculate on the effort to oust her but noted, I know I have been vocal. I think that speaks for itself.

Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VivianHo
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On a Saturday that was too hot for April or even May, a couple of thousand activists gathered at Oaklands Lake Merritt to demonstrate for environmental protection and register their low opinion of President Trumps first 100 days in office.

The resistance rally was organized by Peoples Climate Movement Bay Area as one of more than 250 linked actions. The Oakland event was the closest to San Francisco and brought out more than 2,000 people for an afternoon of speakers and music on a stage powered by bicycle at the Lake Merritt Amphitheater.

The culminating action came at 3:30 p.m. with an attempt to form a human chain around the lake. But they fell short of the 3,000 people needed and settled for a march around the lake.

Were optimistic. Otherwise we wouldnt still be breathing, said organizer Louise Chegwidden, 56, saying they had hoped to join hands and surround the lake to symbolize our pledge to protect all we hold dear in the natural world and each other.

Many of those at the Oakland event were among the thousands involved in the March for Science last weekend in San Francisco. They arrived by BART with signs ready.

If enough people are in plain sight, thats going to influence the thinking of other citizens, said Geoff Spooner, 54, a laser engineer who came from Bernal Heights in San Francisco with a complicated sign with a hand-painted map of the world that showed the temperature creeping up.

Its going to be another hot year, he said, sitting beneath the shade of a tree. Right now there are not enough people involved to affect change.

But it was still early in the day, and 76 degrees.

As the crowd swelled and the heat rose to 80 degrees, the bicyclist increased his revolution to power up the public address system. Comedian and emcee Marga Gomez took the stage.

Im doing recycled material, she said to generous applause.

Retired Episcopal minister Frannie Kieschnick, 65, had carpooled from Palo Alto with five people, plus her lapdog Nevada, in an electric Tesla.

Nevada wore a sign that said, Save My Home.

Shes very concerned about the climate, Kieschnick said, but more concerned about other dogs.

Her own sign read, The Future is ours but we have to Planet.

They had been part of a similar human chain this year and were eager to get started on another.

Its not direct advocacy, Kieschnick said, but what it does to inspire advocacy is unforgettable.

The event was not directly political, but many participants stressed politics.

Dave Siegel, an environmental consultant from Castro Valley, wore a hat that read Impeach Both.

First Trump, then Pence said Siegel, 60, who also brought a pinata of the president, just in case.

The climate is such an easy target because it cant fight back, he said.

Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, rallied the crowd with a brief but intense speech, saying the East Bay can lead the fight.

Other Peoples Climate Marches were held across the country by people demanding action on climate change.

In Washington, D.C., tens of thousands of demonstrators trekked down Pennsylvania Avenue in sweltering heat on their way to encircle the White House.

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.

In Chicago, marchers headed from the citys federal plaza to Trump Tower.

We are here because there is no Planet B, the Rev. Mariama White-Hammond of Bethel AME Church told the crowd in Boston.

Participants said theyre objecting to Trumps rollback of restrictions on mining, oil drilling and greenhouse gas emissions at coal-fired power plants, among others.

In Oakland, police estimated the Lake Merritt crowd at 2,500, leaving it 500 short of the minimum to join hands and circle the lakes circumference of 3.2 miles.

It helped that Charlie Callahan brought a 9-foot tall crucified starfish on a cross.

Millions of starfish have died on the coast from warming waters, said Callahan, 42, who drove an hour and a half from Inverness with the 50-pound plaster starfish in the back of his pickup.

Im trying to get people to imagine themselves as one of these creatures, he said. Theres no difference between us and them.

The BoomShake drum corps arrived to lead the procession around the lake. They split into two groups leading in both directions with plans to link on the other side of the lake.

Its burning heat, and the people are still here, said the organizer Chegwidden. They know that we have a limited time to make the change that is needed.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SamWhitingSF
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For more than 50 years Joseph Selle was a human landmark in San Francisco. Everybody knew him, and he knew everybody because hed probably taken their picture.

Selle was a photographer who made his living snapping random pictures of people walking down the street. He carried a big, old camera, wore an important-looking cap that made him look like a cross between a ship captain and a cop. Hed stop prospective customers in mid-stride and snap their picture, and hand them a card: See How You Look in Action. Three pictures for $1. Mailed anywhere.

He worked every day, rain or shine, mostly in downtown San Francisco, but also at the Cliff House and sometimes as far afield as Sather Gate at UC Berkeley. He took a million pictures, all of them of ordinary people  rich, poor, young, black, white, Latino, Asian. If someone walked the streets of San Francisco between the mid-1930s and the early 1980s, Selle probably took their picture.

Now some of these pictures  all slices of life in the city  can be seen online, part of a project by the Visual Studies Workshop in Rochester, N.Y.

The work of street photographers like Selle didnt start out to be art, but you can make the case it turned out to be art, said Andrew Eskind, a photography associate of the workshop. When Selle was in his 70s, he gave the negatives to the workshop, where they have remained as thousands of rolls of film.

No one knew quite what to do with the collection, though it was an important bit of whats called vernacular photography. Eskind said private donors made it possible to digitize about 10 percent of the collection  100,000 or so shots  and put it online.

Its a monster of a collection, Eskind said. It takes time to look at 100,000 pictures, I can tell you, but you get hooked. All you need is an interesting one once in a while.

Many shots from the collection were taken in front of the old Pix Theater, a third-run house on Market Street near Powell that offered three action hits and six cartoons, all for 50 cents.

Selle liked the Pix because the night lighting was good. From the marquee, it appears that the photos were taken in winter 1960. Alfred Hitchcocks Psycho was playing.

There are also pictures from the 60s shot at Union Square and the Cliff House.

Even a cursory look at Selles pictures shows a very different San Francisco. The people walking the streets then were much better dressed than current San Franciscans. Many of the men wore coats and ties, and the women wore hats, or at least scarves. San Francisco was a Navy town in those days, and there are lots of sailors in uniform, a rare sight now.

These were the days before instant photo technology. A customer paid Selle, and he promised to mail them the picture. It was a tough sell, but Selle was a master salesman. He knew whom to photograph and whom not to photograph. Couples were good, families with kids were better.

It was all speculative, all street salesmanship, Eskind said.

Selle himself explained his method in a 1956 interview in The Chronicle. You have to case the people, he said You have to look for those who are receptive.

Youve got to learn the difference between the no that means no and the no that means yes.

Selle was born in 1906 in either Sleepy Eye, Minn., or Minneapolis, depending on who was asking. His father was a photographer, and young Joe learned the street photography trade at the Century of Progress Exhibition in Chicago in 1933. He came West when it ended.

At that time, there were dozens of street photographers working all over the country, but San Francisco looked especially good to him. Even though it was the depth of the Depression, the city had a reputation for style.

Selles biggest years were the boom times after World War II. The streets were crowded, even at night, he told the San Francisco Examiner. The theater marquees were lit up so bright it was like the Great White Way in New York, so you could work day or night.

At one point, Selle had two dozen cameramen working for him and a downtown office. He called his operation Fox Movie Flash.

By 1968, he was the last of his kind, lamenting that times had changed. By 1974, he said, he had slowed down. He claimed business was slowing too: He took 250 pictures a day, he said, and sold only 20.

Selle was still at it in 1981, talking about the old days, still shooting away. He told a reporter that if he made lunch money that day, hed be happy. He retired more than once.

Selle died quietly in San Francisco in January 1988 at 82. He had invested his photo income in property and a ranch in Sonoma County, and when he died, according to columnist Herb Caen, he was a millionaire.

If you didnt save one of Joes photos of you and a chum walking up Stockton St. toward El Prado, Caen wrote, you arent a San Franciscan.

Carl Nolte is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cnolte@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @carlnoltesf

Online

For a sampling of Joseph Selles work: http://bit.ly/2prtbAs
For years, it seemed like the story of Mission Child Care Consortium would become just another tale of a nonprofit edged out of San Francisco.

The center  which cares for 224 children, making it the largest subsidized early education center in the city  occupies a 25,000-square-foot building on a palm tree-lined street in the Excelsior. Pizza restaurants and local businesses crowd the working-class area. Rent for the space at 4750 Mission St. started at $28,000, then inched up to around $42,000. The nonprofits leaders were prepared to close down.

But then they did something radical: With help from a mix of city loans and grants, they bought the building for $5.7 million. They will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

We didnt know what direction we were going to go, said Joe Martinez, executive director of the nonprofit founded in 1969. We didnt know if this owner was going to sell the property. We knew the rent was going to be even higher, that we wouldnt be able to afford it. But here we are in 2017, and its all worked out.

About $3.5 million of the purchase came from a nonprofit community loan fund, and an additional $2.2 million came from grants, the consortiums own equity and a donation from the Hellman and Haas foundations.

Its an unlikely outcome for a city grappling to keep its nonprofits. Rent for San Francisco office space has more than doubled in the past 10 years. About 2,000 nonprofits, or almost one-quarter of the total in San Francisco, had to leave the city or shut down from 2011 through 2013, the most recent city report available showed.

The consortium tried to buy the building for $4.2 million in 2006 during former Mayor Gavin Newsoms tenure. But water and gas contamination discovered under the building  it has since been remediated  halted the purchase. Investors dropped out, and the nonprofit continued to pay skyrocketing rent prices.

This is a really big deal, said Supervisor Ahsha Safai, who represents the district and helped broker for city funds. There is no other center like this in the city. Its an institution that has been on an island by itself for a really long time. Its a humungous asset for the working families of District 11. We mobilized a campaign and got this to happen. Thats a phenomenal accomplishment.

The consortium provides bilingual and state-subsidized care to 3- to 5-year-old children. Monthly fees range from $42 to $760 based on family size and household income. On average, the full-price fee for day care for an infant in San Francisco ranges from $1,800 to $2,400 a month, according to the nonprofit Wu Yee Childrens Services. The cost of preschool ranges from $1,400 to $1,800.

If it werent for the affordable child care, Gisele Loyola wouldnt be able to work at a nearby day care center, and her husband would have to change his hours at his construction job. She pays $43 for her 4-year-old daughter, Leticia Pinheiro, to attend the consortium. Her older daughter, Nicole Pinheiro, 10, is an alumna.

I heard that the center almost shut down, and I got so scared, Loyola said. I didnt know what to do. Its hard to find a subsidized child care center for a girl my daughters age. I dont even know where I would start to find a place with low tuition. We would have to keep her home and stop working for a while. This service is so important to me and to other families in the neighborhood.

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Besides, she added, Leticia loves the school. She loves her teachers, Miss Lori and Miss Yolanda, and making 3-D pictures with cardboard and feathers. She gets to celebrate holidays like Easter, and make collages with cut-up magazines, and go on field trips to Six Flags. They see cartoon movies and visit art museums, and shes learning to speak English. At home, the family speaks Portuguese  Loyola wants her daughters to be able to communicate with their grandparents in Brazil.

I was really nervous about taking my first daughter there, Loyola said. I didnt think I was ready. But she loved it, and I was really comforted by the care they provided. Theyre learning all the time. Our kids deserve just as much of an education as anyone elses.

Hilda Orantes, who works as a housekeeper, also sends her 5-year-old daughter Valeria to the consortium. Her story, too, is a well-worn refrain: She wouldnt be able to work without the affordable child care.

They are the best, she said. The teachers, the staff, everyone is so nice. I can work peacefully because I know my girl is in good hands. She enjoys every minute she spends there. Thats all I can really say. I am so very happy because they help many children and women like me.

Lizzie Johnson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ljohnson@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LizzieJohnsonnn
A lawsuit by a transgender employee against Dignity Health hospital chain for denying insurance coverage for sex-reassignment surgery and other medical treatment has been settled for $25,000.

The American Civil Liberties Union had represented the employee, Josef Robinson, in a lawsuit contending discrimination based on gender identity violates the federal law against sex discrimination.

The U.S. Supreme Court had planned to address that issue in the case of a transgender Virginia youth whose high school excluded him from boys restrooms. But the justices sent the case back to a lower court in March after President Trump withdrew former President Barack Obamas memo advising school districts to treat students according to their gender identity.

Robinson, meanwhile, had filed for bankruptcy in November. His case was turned over to the trustee of his bankruptcy estate, who reached the $25,000 settlement with Dignity Health in February. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers of Oakland, who had indicated at a hearing in September that she was likely to let Robinson proceed with his claim of sex discrimination, approved the settlement Friday.

Dignity Health declined to comment. The San Francisco company is the largest private hospital chain in California and the fifth largest in the United States. Formerly an arm of the Catholic Church, it owns 39 hospitals, 24 of them church-affiliated.

Robinson was hired in January 2014 as a nurse at a non-church Dignity hospital, Chandler Regional Medical Center in Arizona. Born female but considering himself male, he underwent a double mastectomy in August 2015 and paid $7,450 because his insurance did not cover it, his lawyers said. He has also paid for hormone therapy.

He was scheduled to undergo sex-reassignment surgery in March 2016, at his doctors recommendation, but had to cancel it because he couldnt afford it, and forfeited his cash deposit, his lawyers said.

Dignitys insurance policies for hospital employees exclude coverage related to sex transformation surgery. At the September hearing, Barry Landsberg, a lawyer for the company, told Gonzalez Rogers that the hospitals policy was gender-neutral because it applied equally to men and women.

This is a sex-based issue, the judge told Landsberg. It couldnt be more sex-based.

But Gonzalez Rogers then put the case on hold, to await the Supreme Courts action in the Virginia case, and did not rule on Dignitys motion to dismiss Robinsons suit before approving the settlement.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
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Clif Bar thinks life is sweeter on its own.

Even as large food manufacturers are snatching up popular natural and organic food brands, the Emeryville company is staying on its own course. In 2014, General Mills paid $820 million to acquire Annies Inc. in Berkeley. A year earlier Campbell Soup Co. acquired Plum Organics in Emeryville. The baby food maker was actually founded by an alumnus of Clif Bar.

None of this impresses Gary Erickson, who co-founded Clif Bar 25 years ago.

There is no amount of money that would make him sell, Erickson said. I dont care if it was 10 times the value of the company. We would not be happy. It just doesnt fit who we are.

This is not a hypothetical situation. Erickson and co-owner Kit Crawford have shooed away plenty of suitors, including one offer of $120 million several years ago. Nowadays, Clif Bar executives dont even bother to inform Erickson and Crawford of interest because they already know the answer.

Our chief financial officer gets them and says, Thank you but no thank you, Erickson said. Clif Bar is not for sale.

Make no mistake, Clif Bar, which makes mostly energy bars with organic ingredients, would command a good price should it hit the market, said Burt Flickinger, managing director of Strategic Resource Group consulting firm in New York. In fact, Flickinger thinks Clif Bar, despite its commitment to independence, will be a top acquisition target for years to come.

Heres why. Clif Bar sits at the intersection of two rapidly growing categories in the food industry: snacks and natural/organic foods.

During the course of the last decade, consumers quest for convenience has intensified, driven by on-the-go lifestyles and supported by advances in technology, according to a recent report by Information Resources Inc. in Chicago. More recently, consumers focus on health and wellness has become more intense, driven by Boomers and their quest to live long and well.

Food and beverages that make health and wellness claims are growing much more rapidly than the rest of the industry. For example, organic foods sales jumped 15.2 percent last year to $11 billion while energy products sales increased 8.2 percent to $6 billion, according to IRI data. Overall food and beverage sales have been growing in the low single digits.

Those kind of numbers still amaze Erickson and Crawford. When they attended the Natural Foods Expo in 1992, it was only a small hall featuring 100 companies, mostly mom-and-pop type outfits, Crawford said.

They were focused on health but the food didnt really taste good, she said. But we upped the ante on natural ingredients and taste, and we were fortunate enough to be a part of that wave.

Despite being in business over two decades, it seems as if Clif Bar is only now beginning to hit its stride. Over the past decade, the company has generated a compound annual growth rate of 18 percent. Erickson would not disclose specific numbers, though various estimates have Clif Bar at $500 million to $1 billion in annual revenue.

And Clif Bar has plenty of room to grow. About 98 percent of its sales still come from its core snack bars, and it has more sales than any other energy bar, according to the research firm Nielsen.

Of course, theres no shortage of competition. Nut and fruit bars and other snacks perceived as healthy have proliferated on grocery store shelves. And with 22 grams of sugar per Chocolate Chip bar  a Snickers bar with equivalent calories has 27 grams  Clif Bar is not exactly riding the latest nutritional wave, in which sugar, rather than fat, is the bad guy.

Flickinger estimates that Clif Bar has only penetrated about 40 percent of distribution channels in the United States and a mere single digits overseas. And the company is also branching out to energy drinks and gels. In August, Clif Bar opened a $90 million, 300,000-square-foot baking facility in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Clif Bar has positioned itself well to be acquired, analysts say. Last year, food and beverage mergers and acquisitions totaled 259 deals, a 4 percent increase from 2015, according to Capstone Partners. Buyers, including several private equity firms, paid an average of 9 times operating profits in 2016 versus 8.4 percent the prior year.

In the better-for-you snacks category, stocks of such companies traded at a multiple of nearly 20 times operating earnings as of December, Capstone said. The firm expects the category to be a big driver of mergers and acquisitions in 2017.

Not that Clif Bar is interested.

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For one thing, Erickson and Crawford dont buy the conventional argument that a larger company could provide Clif Bar with the necessary capital to innovate and expand faster.

Theres always a price to pay when you have someone else run the show, Crawford said.

Said Erickson: It never works. Yeah, weve seen brands grow because of some extra distribution. But we feel like we are at a size we can compete with the big guys and we have great relationships with retailers.

But a sale would give Clif Bar employees, who own 20 percent of the company, a big payout, right?

I dont want to make other people rich here, Erickson said. I want to be fair. But giving people a larger exit would not be in my book. Im not saying they dont deserve it, but we provided enough opportunity here with what we have here.

Erickson said he wants to keep Clif Bar in the family after he dies. The company has been working on a succession plan for the past 15 years.

In the meantime, the sign at Clif Bar headquarters will continue to say Not for sale.

Thomas Lee is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: tlee@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByTomLee
Paul Chinn / Paul Chinn / The Chronicle

An armed man who was fatally shot by California Highway Patrol officers on Highway 101 in San Mateo was carjacking a woman when police arrived, authorities said Saturday.

The incident, which occurred around 5:30 p.m. Friday, is under investigation by the CHP, the San Mateo Police Department and the San Mateo County district attorneys office. The northbound lanes of the freeway werent reopened until about 1 a.m. Saturday.
Evan Sernoffsky

A 20-year-old man found shot and crumpled in a doorway of a bar in Fairfield died from his wounds at a hospital, police said Friday.

The victim, who was not immediately identified pending notification of his family, was a Fairfield resident, said Sgt. Matt Bloesch, a spokesman for the Fairfield Police Department.
As guests made their way into the Strand Theater for the American Conservatory Theater 50th anniversary gala, many commented on how the companys 2-year-old Market Street location had changed the Civic Center neighborhood. The nights stars were not immune to admiring the transformation inside the once deteriorating 1917 building either.

This space was an abandoned movie theater that had pigeons roosting in it, Tony Award-winning actor (and native San Franciscan) BD Wong said. Its exciting to see change and reuse of a space, but whats really exciting is to see it used for an artistic purpose.

The golden jubilee celebration Thursday, April 27, brought together many of the theater companys big benefactors who were instrumental in realizing the Strand project as well as generations of conservatory and performance alumni. Upon arrival, guests were greeted by a jazz trio from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in ACTs Costume Shop two doors down from the Strand before walking the red carpet into the Strand lobby. Upstairs at the Strand, VIPs and performers including ValueAct Capital hedge fund CEO Jeff Ubben, philanthropist James Hormel and Michael Nguyen, Bernard Tyson and Denise Bradley Tyson, and Tales of the City: The Musical stars Judy Kaye, Mary Birdsong, Devon Graye and Betsy Wolfe mixed in the the Rueff lounge, named for gala committee members and ACT supporters Patti and Rusty Rueff.

For gala chair Priscilla Geeslin, what makes ACT special isnt just the two theaters they now call home. Whether youre talking about the Strand or the Geary, the extraordinary thing is that ACT is simply more than the sum of its parts, Geeslin said. You have the Young Conservatory, you have the MFA program, we have community outreach and education programs: All this is under the great umbrella of ACT. What were able to do continuing that education process in the theater is so important.

Theres only been three artistic directors in 50 years at ACT, board chair Nancy Livingston noted. Thats really wonderful. It means weve held onto people we love and kept true to the principles (founding artistic director) William Ball laid out 50 years ago.

The dinner catered by McCalls was held in a clear tent erected in the vacant lot between the Strand and Costume Shop. As guests took their seats, red-nosed students in waiter drag performed a clowning ballet with plenty of pratfalls and near-misses with their serving trays to amuse guests. ACT board member and celebrity decorator Ken Fulk, in town between trips to New York for the Kips Bay Decorator Show House, looked every bit the theatrical gentleman in a set of black beaded Thom Browne tails that could have come straight from a posh Ibsen revival. Mary Beth and David Shimmon talked about taking their children to ACT to introduce them to the theater, starting with the annual production of A Christmas Carol. Board member emerita Dagmar Dolby reminisced about her late husband Ray Dolbys favorite ACT production: a wonderful, classic version of Shakespeares A Winters Tale.

Actor and ACT alumnus Harry Hamlin (MFA class of 1976) and his wife, actress Lisa Rinna, graciously took selfies with fans who complimented them on everything from Hamlins signature television role on L.A. Law to Rinnas current gig on the reality hit The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Theres so much money here! Rinna joked about the crowd and San Franciscos booming economy. Its nice to see it going back to the arts.

Hamlin originally came to ACT after volunteering to be William Balls assistant on a production of Cyrano de Bergerac in 1973.

Bill was a genius, Hamlin said. He was my mentor. The program was 24/7 training, but you know what? Im still here working after 40 years; they must have done something right.

The nights program started with onstage banter between Wong and Hamlin. Wong, who in 2014 performed in ACTs production of The Orphan of Zhao, remembered seeing plays at ACT while growing up in San Francisco and in particular, remembered Hamlins first starring role in an ACT production of Peter Shaffers Equus.

The elephant in the room, Wong said, was Harrys nude scene.

Well, not exactly an elephant, Hamlin responded sheepishly.

Au contraire, my friend, Wong joked to the laughter of the crowd.

The nights performances by students, alumni and stars included several Stephen Sondheim songs, three songs from Tales of the City as well as a reading of Balls 1965 manifesto for the founding of the company by inaugural company member Ken Ruta, retired producing director Jim Haire, actress and director Joy Carlin, ACT alumna and actor Nancy Carlin, and former core company member Stephen Anthony Jones. Young Conservatory alumni also saluted the programs outgoing director, Craig Slaight, who has held the position since 1988. The $1.2 million raised from the gala supports ACTs actor training and education and community programs, which reach more than 12,000 Bay Area students each year.

As guests adjourned to the afterparty back at the Strand, ACT Artistic Director Carey Perloff was reflective about the companys milestone anniversary.

It is a miracle, but its also the testament to a really great idea, said Perloff, who came to ACT in 1992 and recently announced shell step down at the end of the 2017-18 season.

The idea that Bill Ball had was lifelong learning and that training and performance should always be inextricably linked, she continued. It means the theater is always young, its always new, and it always has the next round of passionate people in training. ACT has never gotten jaded or cynical because theres always a twentysomething saying, How about this? What about that? That keeps things incredibly vibrant.

Tony Bravo is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tbravo@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TonyBravoSF
For progressive coastal Californians who are curious to learn more about the causes of the populist uprising that fueled Donald Trumps presidential campaign and has emotionally sustained him through his first 100 days in office, there is now another travel option available other than Cleveland or Pittsburgh or Bakersfield. Instead of driving to the Central Valley or flying to the Rust Belt, you can instead go to Paris.

French citizens voted last weekend in the first round of their presidential elections and catapulted conservative insurgent Marine Le Pen into next Sundays runoff. Le Pen and her National Front Party have long espoused a Trumpian agenda that features a strong crackdown on immigration, an equally strong resistance to multiculturalism, and an even stronger desire to exit the European Union. Le Pen finished second in last weekends voting and is a decided underdog going forward. But so was the British vote to leave the European Union. And so, of course, was Trump.

Similar movements have emerged in Greece, Italy, Austria and throughout the European continent, channeling an economic and cultural discontent similar to the emotional energy that has propelled Trump for the last two years. The overwhelming Democratic leanings of the larger metropolitan areas in California mean that most of us experience these reactionary attitudes only when filtered by Internet or cable television news. While we might be tempted to dismiss this rage when it emanates from struggling factory towns and isolated rural areas in this country, a similar message from the Champs-Elysees might force us to pay closer attention to the anger reshaping politics on both sides of the Atlantic.

Actually, Le Pens base of support comes not from the sophisticates in Paris but rather from the more resentful countryside. Just like in our country, this ideological schism falls largely along urban-rural lines.

The parallels are not precise, as the top finisher in France was Emmanuel Macron, an unapologetically centrist candidate who warned of the ideological excesses of his opponents from both the far right and the far left. But those French voters who chose this moderate option still found a way to reject their countrys political establishment. Macrons conventional platform did not obscure the fact that he had never before run for elected office and would be Frances youngest leader since Napoleon Bonaparte. The candidates representing the nations two established political parties finished third and fifth in the voting, and the ultra-liberal candidate who finished fourth, the Bernie Sanders-esque Jean-Luc Melenchon, has thus far refused to endorse Macron.

Melenchon, like Sanders, reminds us that angry populism is not the sole province of conservatives. The voters who might have supported a Trump or Le Pen-style candidacy here left California for Arizona, Utah and Texas many years ago, but our Golden State could be very fertile turf for a leftist insurgency in the not-too-distant future. The primary hopefuls in the campaign for governor next year will all try to position themselves as outsiders leading the fight against clueless and arrogant political elites, a potentially difficult task for three men who combined have held local and state elective office for a total of 60 years. But it should be of some comfort to them that Sanders, who was first elected to Congress in 1990, was considered an outsider when measured by his attitude rather than his resume.

Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom is the most ideologically liberal of the three California candidates, while Treasurer John Chiang can point to antiestablishment measures such as his effort to withhold the salaries of state legislators during a budget standoff several years ago. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa may be the most dispositionally well-suited to convince voters that he is the best choice to lead them in storming the gates of power. But even though all three are capable of running against a system of which they have been a part for decades, they could also be vulnerable to a challenge from an actual newcomer.

Thats why the declared candidates and their advisers keep such a close eye on wealthy former hedge-fund manager Tom Steyer, who could write a sufficiently large check to allow him to inform voters as to his populist credentials. A California equivalent to Le Pen cannot succeed, but the resentments against the political establishment that have allowed her to advance exist here, too. Just because no progressive Californian has yet figured out how to capture those passions doesnt mean that it cant be done.

Dan Schnur, who has worked on four presidential and three gubernatorial campaigns, teaches political communications at the University of Southern California and UC Berkeley. To comment, submit your letter to the editor at http://bit.ly/SFChronicleletters.
Police are probing the incident and the reason behind the murder is yet to be ascertained.

An undertrial in a murder case was today shot dead outside the Rohini district court in Delhi.

The accused was caught from the spot.

Rajesh was arrested by the Haryana Police in a murder case in December 2016, DCP (Rohini) Rishi Pal said, adding he was listed as a "bad character" in Bawana police station of the city.

He was brought to Rohini for production before the court by personnel of Haryana Police. He was in judicial custody in the neighbouring state since he was arrested on murder charges.

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The accused, Mohit, belongs to Jhajjar district of Haryana, the DCP said.

Police are probing the incident and the reason behind the murder is yet to be ascertained.

(PTI inputs)

--- ENDS ---
Gavin Newsom gets progressives like me all mixed up inside. He hits the right buttons  and often the wrong ones.

Its exciting to see the tall, lean, well-groomed politician emerge from the obscurity of his lieutenant governor role and seize the spotlight again as he escalates his race for governor in 2018. Newsom has sometimes been dismissed as a hairstyle in search of a man. But this is a superficial view. Ive always seen him as the rare politician who grapples with big ideas as well as the minutiae of public policy. In short, he has a brain, and he uses it. Isnt that a refreshing concept these days?

Recently hes added to his progressive credentials by championing a single-payer health care system for the state. Hes also called on Californias public universities and colleges to be declared sanctuary campuses for students without documentation, and he joined the February protest at San Francisco International Airport against President Trumps travel ban on Muslim-majority countries. I had to get down here, he told reporters. I have to look my kids in the eye and say I met this moment.

Of course, Newsom also had his heroic moments as San Francisco mayor  none more so than the day in February 2004 when he ordered City Hall clerks to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Ill always remember how literally isolated he was when he later showed up at a party hosted by Salon, the online publication I founded, at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston. As Newsom wandered through the party, the Democratic dignitaries in attendance seemed to flee from him. Even gay Rep. Barney Frank scorned the young mayor for taking a bold stand that Republicans were eager to use as a wedge issue in that years presidential election.

So theres brave and innovative Newsom. And then theres slick and corporate Newsom  the leader who sometimes seems more of a tech entrepreneur than a man of the people, with his talk of re-engineering democracy while taking bags full of campaign cash from Airbnb and private equity firms. Newsom has raised more money in his race for governor than any of his rivals, with a big boost from Airbnb, whose employees have kicked in more than $225,000 so far to his campaign. While progressive San Francisco officials have desperately tried to clamp reasonable limits on Airbnb, as the short-term rental behemoth threatens to turn the city into its tourist domain, Newsom has opposed all such regulatory efforts.

Whos the real Gavin Newsom? I spoke with him recently to find out. We began by talking about the sanctuary issue.

Despite his current positioning, I reminded Newsom, he clashed with the Board of Supervisors over the citys sanctuary policy when he was mayor. In 2008, Mayor Newsom ordered probation officers to report all undocumented youths who were arrested to immigration authorities so they could be deported. In one of the most notorious cases, a 13-year-old boy who was arrested for taking 46 cents from another youth  and then gave it back  was deported to Australia with his mother as a result of Newsoms policy. When San Francisco supervisors passed a law that strengthened protections for undocumented youths, they later had to override a veto by Newsom.

We have to keep recalibrating sanctuary policy, Newsom told me. What I did as mayor came on the heels of the Bologna tragedy, he said, referring to the 2008 murders of Tony Bologna and two of his sons by Edwin Ramos, a Salvadoran gang member who was living in the Bay Area without legal status despite previous trouble with the law. I went to the family funeral. It was a difficult time for me back then, politically and personally. Later, I felt our policy needed recalibration. There were legitimate legal questions about due process for minors.

Today, Newsom said, his support for law-abiding immigrants is firm. We know that sanctuary counties and cities are safer than non-sanctuary locations. These policies advance safety by building trust between communities and the police.

Is Newsom overly enthralled by the tech industry, including San Francisco companies such as Uber that he has championed? He admitted that the impact of ride-service giants Uber and Lyft  whose cars now flood the citys streets, with no apparent limits on their growing fleets  has been severe. It takes me longer to commute from my home in Marin to downtown San Francisco than it does to drive to Sacramento, he said. But the answer is not to over-regulate the new ride industry. The reason Uber is so successful is that the taxi industry was not providing proper customer service. Any industry has to be appropriately regulated. But the tech genie is out of the bottle.

Newsom prefers to talk about the macro picture instead of getting consumed by situational politics.

The transportation industry has to be reimagined, he airily proclaimed. But the problem is that we must live in the situational world. And here in the real world it takes two or three times as long to get from point A to point B in traffic-choked San Francisco. That is, if you can afford to live here at all.

If I were running for mayor, Id have more specific recommendations, Newsom said. But this was a dodge. As I reminded him, its the California Public Utilities Commission  not City Hall  thats authorized to regulate ride-hailing companies. And nobody in Sacramento seems eager to take on the Uber lobby.

I like how Newsom wrestles with the big issues  such as (speaking of Uber) the technological displacement of jobs. Thats the issue of our time, he said. If hes promoted by the people of California next year, he will follow in the steps of our current visionary governor. California is a laboratory for social progress, Newsom said. Im very appreciative of how Jerry (Brown) believes in punching above his weight and pushing for innovations at the national and global level, particularly in the environmental field. If Im elected, Ill push for similar innovations in immigration policy, health care and government reform.

But while hes thinking blue-sky thoughts, Id like to see Newsom get his hair mussed up once in awhile and join the fight against those futuristic companies that are producing dystopias in the here and now.

San Francisco Chronicle columnist David Talbot appears Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Email: dtalbot@sfchronicle.com
Thank you, Berkeley.

Recent headlines should remind us Californians of yet another way we are lucky. Our state has the worlds best scapegoat: you.

You  our most distinguished public university and all the people, institutions and neighborhoods surrounding it  serve as a punching bag for angry people of all manner of ideological preoccupations. The right and the center can pin all of Californias liberal sins, real and imagined, on you. The left sees a reactionary threat in everything, from police action on or near campus, to the presence of law Professor John Yoo, who justified torture under President George W. Bush.

Yes, California as a whole takes a lot of critical blows. But can you imagine how much more bloodied the rest of our state would be if we didnt have you around to absorb so much abuse?

In recent months, as a furious world chokes on its own populist vomit, its been deeply reassuring to see you play your familiar role as Californias sacrificial lamb.

First, you suffered widespread condemnation from President Trump and the media  both for your decision to cancel a speech by the Breitbart News provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos, and for the anarchist, antifascist violence (from arson to window smashing) that prompted the cancellation.

You and Berkeley police have patiently dealt with pro-Trump provocateurs who hold rallies near campus to start fights  as well as the anti-Trump demonstrators who took the bait. And, most recently, youve taken incoming from the left for permitting the right-wing diva Ann Coulter to speak on campus, before you got roasted by the right for canceling her appearance because you couldnt guarantee her safety.

You cant win any of these fights, of course, which is why youre such an easy target. And yet you endure  which is precisely what makes you so valuable to California. We Californians should be grateful to you for keeping so many cranks focused on you, instead of on our own neighborhoods and campuses.

When I think of you, I cant help but recall the work of the late philosopher Rene Girard, a professor at your rival Stanford University (so Ill understand if you take him with a grain of salt). Girard wrote that modern society has become addicted to scapegoating, in part because it has value  in bringing people together and reducing the scale and damage of violence. When human groups divide and become fragmented, during a period of malaise and conflicts, they may come to a point where they are reconciled again at the expense of a victim, he wrote.

Indeed, you, as Californias great scapegoat, are a protector of many vulnerable people. Just look around at the rest of the country and the world, where elected leaders and voting publics are scapegoating whole classes of people  migrants, Muslims, Mexicans. We havent had the same level of scapegoating in California, and one reason for that is you take such a heavy helping of the racists rage.

Youre such a good scapegoat because youve had so much practice. Ronald Reagan built the most successful American political career of the past half century on scapegoating you; he ran for governor declaring he would clean up the mess at Berkeley and made you a leading symbol of a leadership gap and a morality and decency gap in the country. In 1969, he sent the National Guard to deal with unrest around Peoples Park.

Of course, his successor, Jerry Brown, liked to poke you, too, even though he was a UC Berkeley graduate. And pretty much every governor since then has taken swipes, both rhetorical and budgetary, at you. Legislators blame you for everything in higher education  you charge too much and admit too many out-of-state students  even though its the Legislatures systematic disinvestment in universities that forced you to pocket more of those higher, out-of-state tuitions.

If I were you, on the business end of so much blame-shifting, Id be tempted to point out that UC Berkeley isnt all that different from other big public universities. But you wont make this argument in part because you know from long experience that perception is reality. After all, Bishop George Berkeley, the Irish philosopher for whom you are named, argued that even the objects we see in the world are really just ideas, made real only by the minds of those who perceive them.

Since the scapegoating of Berkeley is about your critics and not you, theres not much you can do about it. Except steel yourself for more.

Girard, the Stanford philosopher, said that as humans experience more identity-based conflict, scapegoating increases. We easily see now that scapegoats multiply wherever human groups seek to lock themselves into a given identity  communal, local, national, ideological, racial, religious, and so on, he wrote.

Im sorry, Berkeley. Times being how they are, California is going to need you to shoulder even more blame.
The most talked-about local story of last week was a Saturday-night ambush of a BART train by 40 to 60 youths at the Coliseum Station. It was unquestionably a scary scenario for anyone who rides BART: The youths hurdled over the fare gates, held open the doors of the Dublin-bound train, and seized cell phones and bags from seven passengers. Two passengers suffered face and head injuries.

Within moments of the first version going online, the reaction came fast and furious on SFGate. The story had more than 2,100 comments by weeks end. And a considerable portion of the anger was aimed at what was not in the story: the race or races of the young mob, which BART did not reveal.

But that did not stop readers from jumping to conclusions.

The images cant be shared publicly ... translation: black kids, said one post.

The exchanges only got uglier, as stereotypes and racial resentments flowed out of the closet.

More of Obamas kids acting badly.

If one of these kids would have been killed by a cop, Oakland would be in flames right now.

No crime here ... they were merely taxing people for white privilege.

Some commenters suggested passengers should start packing concealed weapons. A few even invoked the name of Bernhard Goetz, the infamous subway vigilante who in 1984 shot and seriously wounded four African American teens after one of them demanded $5 and Goetz was convinced he was about to get mugged.

A Bay Area Bernie Goetz needs to Oscar Grant each and every one of those cockroaches, said one post, alluding to the Jan. 1, 2009, fatal shooting of Grant, an unarmed and restrained 22-year-old black man, by a BART police officer at the Fruitvale Station.

Black males are the most violent group in America, wrote another.

But here is the reality: The youths were not all black  and not all male. Some appeared to be as young as middle-school age. And not every one who jumped the fare gates was directly involved in the robbery.

I saw the video, said BART spokeswoman Alicia Trost, who described it as super crystal-clear high definition. There was some diversity in there.

BART has refused to release surveillance video, citing what I would regard as an overly narrow interpretation of state law about evidence of crimes involving a minor.

If the videos had been released, it would have no doubt led to a discussion in our and other newsrooms about which parts were relevant to post. Among the issues: How graphic were the images of violence? What would be the enduring impact on both the victims and the very young people in the crowd who may have been swept up in the moment but did not block doors or rob anyone? Would the video be of value in identifying those who deserved to be charged?

As it was, the video has allowed BART to identify perpetrators, Trost said. The first arrest was made Friday.

The video controversy aside, the coverage and reaction to it does raise questions of journalism ethics: Was the race of the youth relevant to the story? Should a news website facilitate such overtly racist vitriol under a cloak of anonymity?

As overseer of the opinion pages, I am not involved in the decisions on news coverage or online comments, so I went to those who make the judgments for answers.

Trapper Byrne, The Chronicles metro editor, explained, Weve long had a very specific standard for including a suspects race or ethnicity  it has to be part of a complete description that includes such details as approximate age, build and distinctive clothing. In this case, he added, We had no such detailed descriptions.

He makes a very fair point. To avoid a gratuitous and hopelessly broad description of a suspect (what value is it to know the suspect was a black man between the ages of 35 and 50 and between 5 feet 9 and 6 feet tall?) is not a matter of being politically correct. Its about pertinence and precision.

On the matter of the racially charged comments, SFGate Executive Producer Brandon Mercer explained that the site has a historic commitment as the modern-day equivalent of a town square. While owned by the same parent company, the Hearst Corp., SFGate and The Chronicle (and its subscription website, SFChronicle.com) make their independent judgments on editorial content  including comments, of which SFGate creates far wider boundaries on discourse that might be considered offensive to some.

Just like publishers have a constitutional right to free speech, I believe the public deserves a place to have their say on the news, and commenting allows that, Mercer said.

A couple of footnotes to this story:

SFGate has a national, even global, audience, so the racist vitriol did not necessarily emanate from the Bay Area. The right-wing Drudge Report linked the SFGate article about the BART ambush on its website and Facebook page, and the comments there were similarly drenched in stereotypes about race, Oakland and liberals.

Its also worth noting that the story drew submissions to our letters to the editor, which require a reader to provide a real name, city and a phone number for verification. Readers were rightfully concerned about what the story revealed about BARTs security vulnerabilities and the state of our society. Can you guess how many of those readers who put their names to their public statements ranted about race?

Zero.

John Diaz is The San Francisco Chronicles editorial page editor. Email: jdiaz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JohnDiazChron

Did BART intentionally downplay the April 22 train ambush?

Several commenters on SFGate demanded to know why a robbery that occurred at 9:35 p.m. on a Saturday night did not get reported in the media until Monday. How is it possible that this did not make Saturday or Sundays news? asked one reader. Heres how it came to light.

Sunday, 5 a.m.: The BART police daily log is sent to more than 500 subscribers, which include members of the media and residents who requested it. It includes three brief items, including a one-paragraph account of the robberies at the Coliseum Station.

Monday, 8 a.m.: The Chronicle is tipped off to the crime and pursues the story. Once the story is posted online, other local media quickly jump on it  and before long, it is the top-read story on local news sites and is attracting national attention.

Bottom line: While BART did not exactly hide the incident, it certainly made no concerted effort to assure that Bay Area residents were aware of it.

Why? Alicia Trost, a BART spokeswoman, said if the crime had resulted in a more significant service disruption or station closure it would have triggered alerts to the media and more immediate inquiries.

We know its big when we work at BART and our friends and relatives start reaching out to us and asking: Is BART safe?

Alicia Trost, who insisted the system, which provides 430,000 trips a day, is a relatively safe mode of travel, and that security has been tightened since the Coliseum Station robberies.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has launched a new office, with a toll-free hotline, for what it described in an April 26 news release as victims of crime committed by criminal aliens.

Americans responded by flooding the new hotline with phone calls about space aliens.

Social media users encouraged each other to call in with imaginative reports, including UFO abductions and taxpayer complaints about first lady Melania Trump, an immigrant from Slovenia.

The line crashed Thursday morning, and wait times were more than 20 minutes. ICE officials were reportedly furious. But they brought this on themselves.

What on Earth is the useful purpose of establishing a new office for crimes committed by criminal aliens?

Its not to deter crime. That would have been accomplished with increased funding for proven crime-prevention tools.

No, the only reason for establishing this office was the desire to demonize undocumented immigrants. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said, claiming that all crime is terrible, but these victims are unique. ... They are casualties of crimes that should never have taken place.

Thats insulting news to all of the crime victims of American-born criminals.

Plenty of Americans think so, too. The space-alien prank may sound ridiculous, but its intent was deadly serious.

The Trump administrations determination to vilify unauthorized immigrants has real impacts on U.S. families and our collective public safety. Genuine crime prevention and investigation is based on facts, not stereotypes, and does not discriminate on the basis of color or immigration status.
Three weeks before winning the White House, Donald Trump gave a speech in Pennsylvania promising a game-changing first 100 days in office, predicting the contract with the American voter he outlined that day would persuade people to back him on election day.

On his 92nd day in office, President Trump had a change of heart. Judging a president on his first 100 days in office, he said, was a ridiculous standard.

Whether you call that a flip-flop or a presidential learning moment, it was one of several reversals that illustrate the dominant theme of Trumps first 100 days: Governing is much harder than campaigning.

Most of Trumps early failures have been unforced errors by a rookie politician who spent his career at a family-run business where he didnt have to answer to an angry board of directors  let alone Congress, the courts and the media.

The candidate who sold himself to voters as the master deal maker depicted in his autobiographical book The Art of the Deal hasnt been able to shepherd one significant piece of legislation into law, despite having the most leverage possible  both houses of Congress controlled by his party.

Donald Trump has been average, maybe a little below average compared to other presidents since World War II, said John Frendreis, a professor of political science at Loyola University in Chicago who has studied the first 100-day records of presidents going back to Franklin Roosevelt. He hasnt passed anything of real significance.

But his supporters say hes been true to the voters who carried him to the White House. Trump himself, in a speech this month in Wisconsin, said no administration has accomplished more in the first 90 days than his  a boast that the nonpartisan fact-checkers Politifact scored as false. Vice President Mike Pence said President Trump has simply been in the promise-keeping business since Inauguration Day.

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

So far, however, Trump has kept only six of the 103 promises he made during the campaign, according to Politifact. All were unilateral actions that didnt require approval by Congress.

Regardless of what standard is used, Trump has failed to deliver on much of what he promised that October day in Gettysburg, Pa., and a majority of Americans agree, as 51 percent disapprove of the job hes doing as president, according to an average of major polls by RealClearPolitics.com. And he has the lowest approval rating  42 percent  in history at this point of a presidential term.

What may be more damaging to his long-term success is that the part of Trumps political brand that was so attractive to disaffected swing voters  the guy who means what he says  has been tarnished during his first 100 days.

Hes changed his mind on some of the signature positions he set out during the campaign, like on the value of NATO  now he says its valuable  and China as a currency manipulator  now he says its not.

He promised he would repeal the Affordable Care Act on day one of his term, but he and the GOP Congress fumbled their chance to replace it, and they wound up pulling it before it came to a vote.

That was his domestic Bay of Pigs, said Barbara Perry, director of presidential studies at the University of Virginias Miller Center, referring to the disastrous Cuba invasion that President John F. Kennedy ordered early in his term. He didnt know what he was doing, and I dont think he reckoned on the divisions in his own party.

Perhaps most ominously for the crowds that chanted build the wall at his campaign rallies, Trump has backed off his demand for funding for a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, the signature issue of his political career, saying hell get back to it later.

This growing list of course corrections is taking a toll. A majority of voters (80 percent) think Trump lies or exaggerates the truth, according to a new Firehouse Strategies survey of likely 2018 midterm-election voters in four key swing states that went for Trump: Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Ohio and Florida.

That lack of trust may fade by the time Trump faces re-election, but it could damage his fellow Republicans next year.

For Trump, the danger is that while he is technically not on the ballot in 2018, his White House is on the ballot, said Sarah Binder, author of Stalemate: Causes and Consequences of Legislative Gridlock and a professor of political science at George Washington University.

Those elections will be a referendum on what he has accomplished, Binder said. And the danger to those candidates is if he doesnt have anything to show.

On his Fox News show this week, die-hard Trump supporter Sean Hannity said, If he does not build that wall, which was the foundation of his electoral success, it will be Read my lips: No new taxes, referring to President George H.W. Bushs broken 1988 campaign promise that damaged his chances for re-election four years later.

Yet for now, Trump appears solid among his core supporters.

During the campaign last year, Trump famously said his support was so strong that I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldnt lose voters. And that may remain true today. Only 2 percent of Trump voters say they regret backing him, according to a Washington Post/ABCNews poll out this week; 96 percent said they would vote for him again.

Analysts say Trump bought a lot of goodwill by fulfilling one of his key campaign promises  to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court with a conservative like the late Justice Antonin Scalia. Newly seated Justice Neil Gorsuch fits that description.

Neil Gorsuch was a big deal. A really big deal, said Lanhee Chen, a chief policy adviser on Mitt Romneys 2012 presidential campaign and a health care official in George W. Bushs administration.

And while critics may deride it as a flip-flop, Chen noted that Trumps bombing of Syria  hed previously cautioned President Barack Obama against such action in a tweet  in retaliation for using chemical weapons, the attack drew praise from Republicans and Democrats.

The win on the Supreme Court and the attack on Syria arent the only successes his supporters cite to try to prove his effectiveness.

The White House says Trump has signed 13 Congressional Review Act resolutions, which allow a simple majority in each house of Congress to repeal rules passed in the last several months of the previous administration.

Republicans say the resolutions, which have rarely been used in the two decades theyve been in existence, are useful in being able to excise regulations burdensome to business. One resolution enabled Internet service providers to track and sell their customers data without obtaining their permission.

People might say this is small-ball stuff, Chen said. But we overlook how much is done this way.

Binder dismissed many of the resolutions as small-bore stuff. While it may mean a lot to some constituencies, she said, its not the type of move that reshapes government in a substantial way, which is what he campaigned on.

The courts have stalled other Trump initiatives, exposing both the administrations inexperience and its desire to be viewed as decisive, analysts said. Its ban on travel from majority-Muslim countries was poorly rolled out, and its successor resolution wasnt much more effective  courts have halted both temporarily. Courts have also halted his attempt to pull federal funding from sanctuary cities like San Francisco.

Part of the appeal of Trumps candidacy was that he marketed himself as a disrupter, someone who would challenge the norms in Washington on behalf of, as he said, people who were voiceless.

There is that fine line between him wanting to create chaos to keep people unbalanced and uneasy so they dont know where hes going, Perry said, and the desire of the system that the founders created that was based on the three branches of government balancing each other out.

Hes an unprecedented president in many ways, Perry said. So its hard to predict how a lot of things are going to turn out.

Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli
Rallies and protest events are a part of political life in the Bay Area. Heres a roundup of whats happening.

Sunday

Womens meeting: The second Womens Coalition meeting, hosted by Democratic Activists for Women Now, includes workshops on the democratic process and campaigns. The event is from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For information: www.facebook.com/events/1462614253810438

Monday

May Day events: A Day Without Immigrants, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Justin Herman Plaza, Embarcadero Center in San Francisco. For information: www.facebook.com/events/1885901481694528. SEIU United Service Workers West is also calling for a May Day general workers strike. For information: www.facebook.com/events/1221437297933877. In San Francisco, a protest is planned for 8 a.m. outside Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 630 Sansome St. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union is holding a rally and march at 9 a.m. at 400 North Point St. in San Francisco. It will feed into a march at 11 a.m. from Justin Herman Plaza to the Civic Center. In Oakland, a labor and worker meet-up is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Fruitvale Plaza with a march scheduled for 4 p.m. to San Antonio Park., 1701 E. 19th St.

Saturday

Immigration event: Remembering the 135th Anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act and standing in opposition to President Trumps proposed travel ban. A rally will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Portsmouth Square, 733 Kearny St. in San Francisco. Contact Chinese for Affirmative Action: (415) 274-6750.

Sanctuary cities discussion: A panel hosted by the Freedom Socialist Party Bay Area on how unions, religious groups and schools can defend immigrants. Doors open at 1 p.m., and the panel talk begins at 2 p.m. at New Valencia Hall, 747 Polk St. in San Francisco. For information, call (415) 864-1278 or email bafsp@earthlink.com.

Health care film: Healthcare for Everybody will be screened from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Contra Costa Central Labor Council, 1333 Pine St., Suite E in Martinez. The event is free.

May 7

Health care film: A screening of Now Is the Time, followed by a health care discussion on the proposed California proposition for a single-payer plan. The event is from 2 to 4 p.m. at the San Lorenzo Library, 395 Paseo Grande in San Lorenzo. For information, contact aruchlis@gmail.com.
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Digvijaya Singh has been removed as general secretary in-charge of party affairs in Karnataka and Goa. KC Venugopal will be in-charge of party's operations in Karnataka while Chella Kumar will look into the party's affairs in Goa.

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has been removed as general secretary in-charge of party affairs in Karnataka and Goa.

Congress' Lok Sabha MP KC Venugopal has been appointed the party's new general secretary in-charge of Karnataka, where assembly elections are due in 2018.

Four party secretaries - Manickam Tagore, P.C. Vishnunadh, Madhu Yashki Goud and Sake Sailjanath - will assist Venugopal, according to a press release issued by the party.

advertisement

Chella Kumar will take charge of the party in Goa, where the Congress failed to form a government despite emerging as the single-largest party last month. BJP formed the government instead by cobbling up the necessary numbers with the help of smaller parties. Party secretary Amit Deshmukh will assist Chella Kumar.

Organisational changes in the Congress party have been a long-awaited and much-talked-about affair.

The announcement about Venugopal being appointed the party's new general secretary of Karnataka was made in the evening on Saturday.

MADHUSUDAN MISTRY MOVED TO ELECTION COMMITTEE

Sometime during Saturday afternoon, senior Congress leader Madhusudan Mistry was moved to the election committee.

Earlier, Ashok Gehlot was made general secretary of the 'high stakes' battle involving poll-bound Gujarat. The former chief minister of Rajasthan had replaced Gurudas Kamat.

"Congress chief Sonia Gandhi has assigned the task of looking after Karnataka and Goa affairs to new AICC teams," an official party statement said.

Elections in Karnataka are due next year. The Congress is in power in the state.

"The message is clear that the leadership is going in for a mix of senior and young leaders", a senior party leader said.

According to sources, this is just the beginning. After changes at the level of general secretaries, a few Pradesh Congress Committee presidents will also be changed.

Also read | A day after Rahul's northeast meet, 4 Congress MLAs join BJP in Manipur

Also read | As BJP's footprint increases in northeast, Congress huddles to counter saffron surge in 8 hill states

(WITH INPUTS FROM IANS)

WATCH VIDEO

--- ENDS ---
Yolanda Barron Carmona commutes 45 minutes from her home in Oakland to her hotel housekeeping job in Emeryville during the week.

Though the drive is taxing, Carmona said she had no choice because hotel jobs closer to her home dont allow union representation for workers  an important factor for her.

Carmona, a 51-year-old immigrant from Mexico, said she felt more respected by hotel management after she signed on with a union.

Yet after lunch Monday, Carmona intends to exercise one of the advantages of being a union member. She plans to walk out of work after lunch to join thousands of hotel staff, restaurant employees, nurses, teachers and others in the Bay Area in a May Day strike calling for workers and immigrants rights.

All immigrants  whether we are from Mexico or (are) Muslims or Asian immigrants  we should be able to work freely and in peace, and we shouldnt be harassed by immigration, said Carmona, whos a permanent resident living legally in the U.S. and has lived in Oakland for 17 years.

Carmona and about 60 other hotel workers from Oakland and Emeryville will gather at Mandela Parkway and Yerba Buena Avenue in Oakland from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., to demand sanctuary workplaces and to tear down a prop wall that symbolizes the wall that President Trump wants to build along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Sanjay Garla, the vice president of the Service Employees International Union United Service Workers West, said the annual nationwide strike is expected to be larger than it has been in the past decade because of Trumps rhetoric on immigration. The biggest turnout is expected to be in Los Angeles, where workers will march from MacArthur Park to Grand Park.

Immigrants rights and worker rights in the low-wage service industry are one and the same thing, said Garla, whose organization represents 45,000 workers in California. And what our membership is really looking at is the attacks on immigrants  we feel it is a direct attack on the strength of working people as well.

In San Francisco, a protest outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office is scheduled for 8 a.m. Monday, followed by a gathering at 11 a.m. at Justin Herman Plaza, and from there a march to the Civic Center at noon.

Mayor Ed Lee is planning to participate in the march.

We cannot have our residents living in the shadows, fearful to go to work, enroll their children in schools or seek medical assistance, Lee said in a statement to The Chronicle. Despite the misguided rhetoric coming from Washington, D.C., we will continue to lead the way and fight for our immigrant communities.

For the first time, leaders from Greenpeace, the Sierra Club and other environmental organizations will participate in the strike to call for better working conditions that are pollution and hazard-free.

Miya Yoshitani, the executive director of the Asian Pacific Environmental Network in Richmond, said the organizations members view the fight for clean and healthy working conditions as part of its push for environmental justice.

The organization represents many factory workers, she said, who plan to meet at 3 p.m. at Fruitvale Plaza in Oakland for a march to San Antonio Park, where they will hold a rally. Employees of the Oakland Coliseum and Oracle Arena complex, including janitors, security guards and other service workers, will join them, Garla said.

Lawyers will be on deck at marches throughout the country to assist workers who fear retaliation from their employers, said Alan Benjamin, a retired board member for the San Francisco Labor Council and May Day coordinator, although most employers, including Facebook and Google, are supporting their employees decision to strike.

A May Day strike and march is also planned for 1 p.m. at the Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Ave. in San Jose.

The San Francisco and Oakland unified school districts are planning to keep schools open for May Day and will rearrange staffing needs should teachers walk out, according to school officials.

Carmona said her hope is to show the Trump administration that immigrants are an important part of the working force in the U.S.

Immigrant workers should not be harassed, and there should be dignified work for immigrants, she said.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Classified ad posting website Craigslist filed a federal lawsuit Friday against San Francisco online automobile marketplace Instamotor, alleging that it scraped Craigslist for car ads and re-appropriated them as its own.

Craigslist, also of San Francisco, also accuses Instamotor of harvesting Craigslist users contact information and harassing those users with unsolicited text and email messages advertising Instamotor services, according to the complaint.
Number of the day

$5.5 billion

Thats how much Didi Chuxing raised in the largest round of funding ever for a tech company, as it moves to expand beyond China and into driverless technology. The round was said to have raised its value to about $50 billion, up from $34 billion after it bought Ubers China business. But that deal also is paying off for San Franciscos Uber, which got a 17.5 percent stake in Didi.

Fitbit witness for prosecution

A Connecticut man has pleaded not guilty in the slaying of of his wife, but information from her Fitbit differs from his account of what happened. Connecticut State Police allege that Richard Dabate killed wife Connie two days before Christmas in 2015, while their two young sons were in school. Dabate told investigators a masked man shot his wife and tied him up, but police say that Connie Dabates Fitbit showed she was still moving around the house an hour after her husband said she was shot.

A glimpse of Apples car

Almost two weeks after Apple got permission to test its autonomous-car technology in California, the first images of the vehicle have been captured on Silicon Valley roads. The white Lexus RX450h SUV emerged from an Apple facility this week, featuring an array of sensors, according to a person who saw the vehicle and provided photos to Bloomberg News.
Robberies aboard BART trains and in its stations have climbed 45 percent over the past year, according to crime statistics released Friday by the transit agency.

Data provided by BART after a formal request by The Chronicle show the number of robberies occurring on the system during the first three months of the year jumped from 49 in 2016 to 71 in 2017.

While robberies are up, BART officials stress that their overall crime rates are low. Factoring in ridership, 1.6 robberies per million trips took place in 2016, and projections show thats likely to rise to 1.7 per million this year, they say.

We just want to make the point that crime is low and we serve so many people without incident, said spokeswoman Alicia Trost.

The Chronicles request for BARTs crime figures followed last Saturday nights train robbery by a swarm of juveniles, but the chilling robbery is not included in the data. The robbery occurred about 9:30 p.m. when a group of as many as 60 youths leaped over the fare gates at Coliseum Station, dashed up the stairs, boarded multiple cars of a Dublin/Pleasanton train and robbed and beat some passengers.

Seven people were robbed in the attack  six on the train and one on the platform  and two were hit in the face. By the time police arrived, about three minutes later, the mob was fleeing the station and scattering in different directions, BART officials said.

BART police made their first arrest in the case early Friday afternoon, taking a boy into custody. They would not release his age or other identifying information, including his city of residence or where the arrest took place.

Police have identified several more suspects and obtained warrants for their arrests, said Lt. Terence McCarty, acting deputy chief of the BART Police Department. More arrests are forthcoming, he said.

McCarty said police were able to identify suspects and obtain warrants because of high-quality images captured by recently installed video cameras inside some of the cars invaded by the youths. BART agreed to outfit all trains with working cameras after a Chronicle story last year revealed most of the cameras were decoys incapable of recording video.

Not surprisingly, the crime statistics from Jan. 1 to March 31 show that Coliseum Station  long a crime hot spot among BART stations  had the most robberies of any of BARTs 46 stations. Through the end of March, 13 robberies had taken place at the station followed by nine at Bay Fair Station, six at Fruitvale Station and four at Richmond and Rockridge stations.

Even before last Saturdays incident, BART police had recognized a surge in robberies, including group robberies, on the system and stepped up patrols with officers working overtime and focusing on Oakland stations, where most of the upswing was taking place. Since March, 19 individuals have been arrested in connection with group robberies at BART, McCarty said Friday.

On Thursday, acting Chief Jeffrey Jennings issued an emergency staffing order to put more officers on trains and in stations beginning Monday. To accomplish it, Jennings canceled one regular day off during the week for each officer to put more officers on trains and in stations beginning May 1. Such orders are typically reserved for natural disasters or large events such as protests. Extra officers will patrol at Coliseum, Fruitvale and Bay Fair stations.

McCarty said the staffing order is a sign that BART police are taking the swarm of group robberies seriously. Were completely focused on this issue, he said.

Officers will focus their attention on stations that have shown bursts in criminal activity, especially robberies, McCarty said. Coliseum Station has long been a leader in robberies among stations.

Last year, 32 robberies were reported at Coliseum Station, compared with 17 reported at Fruitvale Station, which had the second most. Coliseum also recorded the most robberies in the BART system in 2015, with 16.

BART police plan to crack down on the robbers, who usually grab cell phones and, less frequently, purses and bags. But McCarty urged passengers to do their part by paying attention to their surroundings, especially near doors and when trains are pulling into stations. Robbers, sometimes working in groups, he said, look for people engrossed in their phones, snatch them as a train pulls into a station, then flee.

Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan
MIDDLETOWN, Del.  A man suspected of fatally shooting a Delaware state trooper was shot and killed by officers after a 20-hour standoff at his home, state police said Thursday.

The man, who has not been identified, walked out of the home about 9:15 a.m. He had been holed up there since the fatal shooting of the Cpl. Stephen J. Ballard a day earlier. The man was shot after he engaged officers and died at the scene, police said in a statement. Authorities planned a news conference Thursday afternoon to release more details.

Ballard, 32, was shot around noon Wednesday just after he approached a vehicle in the parking lot of a Wawa convenience store near Bear.

State police superintendent Col. Nathaniel McQueen said the vehicle had two suspicious people inside. One man got out of the car and shot Ballard several times before running away, McQueen said Wednesday. The other man was arrested at the scene.

This is a sad day for our state and for the Delaware State Police family, McQueen said as Gov. John Carney stood at his side.

Police tracked the suspected gunman to his home in a subdivision of two-story houses near Middletown, about 15 miles south of where Ballard was shot. The gunman, alone in the house, refused to leave and fired several shots at officers surrounding the home, state police spokesman Master Cpl. Gary Fournier said. No other officers were injured.

Hostage negotiators were on the scene and established contact with the man in an effort to get him to surrender peacefully, Fournier said. But there was no quick resolution as the standoff stretched into the evening.

Shortly after 8 p.m., police used an explosive device to blow the door of the house off its hinges, but officers did not immediately enter the home, Fournier said.

Officers came under fire again about 4 a.m. Thursday, and authorities used explosives to blow off windows, police said. Outside photographs of the house showed splintered and missing doors and windows.

Police used a robo-calling system to tell residents in the area to stay inside and lock their doors.

Ballard had been on the force for more than eight years, according to state police spokesman Sgt. Richard Bratz.

Randall Chase is an Associated Press writer.
After a truly disastrous debut, organizers of the ill-fated Fyre Festival in the Bahamas canceled this year's event following a series of bad weather and problems resulting from poor planning.

Guests who arrived onsite to the festival Thursday, who each paid between $4,000 and $12,000 apiece, documented the chaos as it unfolded on the island, suggesting that what was advertised as a "luxury" event didn't deliver as such.

Now, organizers of the event, entrepreneur Billy McFarland and rapper Ja Rule, have released statements to Rolling Stone, voicing their apologies and "heartbreak" for the festival's failure.

Related: Luxury music festival in the Bahamas has chaotic start, ticket holders furious

"I'm heartbroken at this moment," Ja Rule told Rolling Stone. "My partners and I wanted this to be an amazing event, it was NOT A SCAM as everyone is reporting. I don't know how everything went so left but I'm working to make it right by making sure everyone is refunded ... I truly apologize as this is NOT MY FAULT ... but I'm taking responsibility I'm deeply sorry to everyone who was inconvenienced by this."

Later on Friday, McFarland penned an essay for Rolling Stone explaining "how we got here and how I see it now and where it's going."

As he writes, he and Ja Rule "fell in love" with the Exumas after they piloted "really bad 40-year-old planes" to the Bahamas, ran out of gas, and had to land there. When they decided to throw a festival at the site later on, it had no sewage or clean water, so they "tried building a city out of nothing."

However, in reality, that didn't work out. After a bad storm on Thursday that knocked over some tents and broke water pipes, "we realized, 'Wow, we can't do this.'"

"We were on a rush job to fix everything and guests were arriving and that caused check-in to be delayed," he wrote. "We were overwhelmed and just didn't have the foresight to solve all these problems."

McFarland says that the refunds are currently being processed, and that they "feel bad" for the way things worked out. However, they're not done with the festival business. McFarland says that the organizers are "going to take every measure to make this right for everybody now, and make this right for everybody next year, on a large scale."

As of right now, they plan to hold the festival again in May 2018, free for everyone who bought tickets to this year's event.

"The one change we will make is we will not try to do it ourselves," he says. "We will make sure there is infrastructure in place to support us."

Alyssa Pereira is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at apereira@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @alyspereira.


I urge you not to view the triple talaq matter from a political perspective. Come out and find a solution to end this regressive ritual, Modi appealed to the Muslim community.

Batting for equality for Muslim women, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today appealed to the 'enlightened' members of the community to not see the triple talaq issue from the prism of politics. He was hopeful that such members could spearhead efforts to end the infamous practice.

Modi was speaking at a function to mark the Basava Jayanti celebrations in the honour of Kannada philosopher Basaveswara. He referred to the triple talaq issue while referring to the 12th century reformers movement to end regressive practices.

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"I urge you (Muslims) not to view the triple talaq matter from a political perspective. Come out and find a solution to end this regressive ritual. Such a solution will have its own majesty and generations will remember you," he said.

The prime minister said he was hopeful that powerful people would emerge from society and help "eradicate outdated practices and evolve modern systems".

INDIAN MUSLIMS MUST LEAD THE "PATH OF MODERNITY"

Modi called upon Indian Muslims to lead not just those from the community in the country, but to show the "path of modernity" to Muslims across the globe.

"That is the kind of power and energy this land gives to all of us", he said to a thunderous applause.

The prime minister spoke about women's empowerment, equality and good governance, as preached and practised by Basaveswara.

Referring to triple talaq, Modi said, "I am sure enlightened people will also emerge from among Muslims and come forward to end this practice, liberating our Muslim daughters and mothers from this scourge. I am sure enlightened Muslims will take this responsibility upon themselves."

Modi also released a digital volume of Basaveswara's works titled "Vachan" in 23 languages. The works comprise 2500 sermons delivered by the philosopher.

SIGNIFICANT EVENT FOR KARNATAKA ASSEMBLY ELECTION

The event assumes significance in the wake of the 2018 assembly elections in Karnataka, where Lingayats are a formidable community. Basaveswara, also known as Basavanna, is their most powerful icon.

The prime minister used the platform, hosted by the Basava Society, to repeat his government's message of "Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas (United with all, Development for all)" and said that people had to progress without discrimination.

"People should get homes, access to power without discrimination. Farmers should get fertilisers and insurance benefits without any distinctions. That is the meaning of our government's message of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas," he said.

YOUTH SHOULDN'T IGNORE OUR HERITAGE: MODI

Interspersing his 40-minute address with the sayings of the poet-philosopher, he said that the youth of today were ignorant about the preachings of the reformers of the Bhakti movement.

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"Call it loopholes in our education system or our propensity to ignore our own heritage, the youth today would know nothing of how eminent and evolved Indians like Basavanna spoke against evil social practices and in favour of women's empowerment as long back as 700 years," he said at the function, also attended by Union Minister Ananth Kumar and Karnataka BJP chief BS Yeddyurappa.

Modi recollected that India had been blessed with saints and reformers, who had transformed the society.

India's history, he added, was not only about defeat, poverty or colonialism. "India gave the message of good governance, non-violence and Satyagraha" to the world.

Modi also paid tribute to former Vice President BD Jatti, who founded the Basava Society in 1964. The golden jubilee of the society was celebrated today.

After the event, the prime minister walked up to the audience to meet the family of Kannada scholar and rationalist M.M. Kalburgi, who was killed in Dharwad in Karnataka last year.

(WITH INPUTS FROM PTI)

Also read | Triple talaq row: Changing wives meant to satisfy lust, says UP minister Swami Prasad Maurya

Also read | Triple talaq: Forced to have sex with father-in-law, says Hyderabad woman divorced by husband over WhatsApp

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Also read | UP man threatens wife with triple talaq after birth of girl child, plans to marry again

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--- ENDS ---
Taking 20 days and covering 12,000 km, the first freight train which links China directly to the UK reached the Chinese city of Yiwu on Saturday.

The first freight train to link China directly to the UK reached in the eastern Chinese city of Yiwu on Saturday. The freight train covered 12,000 km which makes the journey the second-longest route in the world.

This second longest journey from China to the UK is China's efforts to strengthen the trade links with western Europe along a modern-day "Silk Road" route.

The first UK to China export train, laden with containers of British goods, is seen during the official ceremony to mark its departure from the DP World London Gateway, Stanford-le-Hope, Britain: REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

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THE FREIGHT AND ITS JOURNEY

The train was loaded with pharmaceuticals, machinery, baby milk and whiskey.

The first train which links China to the UK over the period of 20 days, passed through France, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan.

It finally arrived in Yiwu in eastern Zhejiang province which is a major wholesale centre for small consumer goods.

The first UK to China export train, laden with containers of British goods, is seen during the official ceremony to mark its departure from the DP World London Gateway, Stanford-le-Hope, Britain: REUTERS/Peter Nicholls The first UK to China export train, laden with containers of British goods, is seen during the official ceremony to mark its departure from the DP World London Gateway, Stanford-le-Hope, Britain: REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE LINK

The route is the second largest and is longer than the Trans-Siberian railway where the run is from Moscow, Russia to Pyongyang in North Korea.

The new freight train linking China directly to the UK is about 1000 km shorter than the record-holding China-Madrid link, which opened in 2014.

The provincial government said that the journey should be 30 days faster than moving the goods by ship but this pilot run took two days more than the 18 days expected, NDTV reported.

The first direct London-China freight train named the East Wind has much less carrying capacity. It has just 88 shipping containers compared to the 10,000 to 20,000 containers cargo ships can carry, according to the Yiwu government.

London is the 15th city to be linked to a new freight network offered by the state-run China Railway Corporation, which says its services are cheaper than air transport and quicker than shipping.

ECONOMIC SENSE OF EAST WIND

"The train is in some aspects more convenient and flexible. It can make multiple stops, allowing for the pick up and offloading of cargo along the way. Rail transport is also less affected by adverse weather conditions. Therefore, there may be a role for such long-haul rail links," He Tianjie of Oxford Economics Hong Kong told AFP.

About 80 per cent of the global trade is shipped by sea considering the fact that freight train services face technical and bureaucratic hurdles which are different from country to country.

The UK Prime Minister Theresa May will visit China later this year according to the British officials. The talks are likely to include closer trade ties for when Britain leaves the European Union.

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David Peterson, a UC Berkeley grad who notably went on to create two languages for the HBO hit show, "Game of Thrones," will put his skills to use in an academic setting by teaching a three-unit course this summer at his alma mater, as the Daily Cal reports.

The class, titled "The Linguistics of Game of Thrones and the Art of Language Invention," will teach students how to create their own languages.

Peterson created High Valyrian and Dothraki for "Game of Thrones," as well as dozens of languages for other television and film productions. He calls the forthcoming class, which somehow still has seats available, an "applied version of historical linguistics."

Peterson was reportedly approached with the opportunity by his former professor and current Berkeley linguistics department chair, Andrew Garrett.

courtesy HBO

Related: 'Game of Thrones' Star Emilia Clarke Can Sing Hanson's 'MMMBop' in Dothraki

"Linguistics has gotten more sophisticated, especially in the last 50 years," Richard A. Rhodes, a Berkeley associate professor in linguistics told the Daily Cal. "We understand much more about language structure and how meaning in language works."

With that in mind, students in the class will get to build their own ways of communicating.

"They will learn how to create their own language," Peterson said. "How to create writing systems and everything that's involved in that process."

UC Berkeley grads have a history of creating popular fictional languages. Marc Okrand, who invented "Star Trek" language Klingon, earned his doctorate from the university in 1977.

This article previously identified Richard Rhodes as the linguistics department chair. It has since been corrected.

Alyssa Pereira is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at apereira@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @alyspereira.


By Press Trust of India: Chennai

New Delhi /Chennai, Apr 29 (PTI) The Delhi Polices Crime Branch team returned to the national capital this evening along with AIADMK (Amma) leader TTV Dhinakaran after finishing their Chennai leg of the probe into the case of attempt to bribe EC officials.

Winding up the three day visit to Chennai, which involved questioning several suspects and conducting searches at the residences of Dhinakaran and his friend Mallikarjuna, the police team landed here around 11 PM.

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A senior Delhi Police official said they will cross- examine Naresh, the alleged hawala trader, and another person named Pulohit whose name has emerged during investigation.

They will be questioned in the presence of Dhinakaran and Mallikarjuna to ascertain the money trail from Chennai to Delhi, the official said.

On the basis of tomorrows questioning and the leads they have got so far, police will decide whether they will push for extension of the police custody of Dhinakaran, Naresh and Mallikarjuna.

The trios police custody will end tomorrow and the matter will come up for hearing in May 1.

While in Chennai, the Delhi Police questioned about a dozen persons in connection with the case. The persons who were questioned include those who were suspected to have been linked to the money trail in the bribery case and others who had knowledge about the transaction, police sources said.

The Delhi Police team had reached Chennai on April 27.

Dhinakaran was arrested on April 25 in Delhi following four days of questioning for allegedly attempting to bribe an unidentified EC official to get the undivided AIADMKs two leaves election symbol for his faction.

Police had earlier arrested Sukesh Chandrasekar, who had allegedly struck a deal for Rs 50 crore to help the AIADMK (Amma) faction keep the two leaves symbol, and seized Rs 1.30 crore from him.

A Delhi court had granted five days police custody of Dhinakaran following which he was taken to Chennai.

Yesterday, the police team visited various areas, including Adambakkam and Kolapakkam here, to question some persons, whose identity had not been disclosed.

At the Chennai airport, when some journalists asked Dhinakaran if he felt a "false case," has been lodged against him, he nodded his head in concurrence.

In the afternoon some personnel of the Delhi Police team tried to board the aircraft to Delhi with their pistols. It was not allowed since permission was not obtained. Later, a declaration was made about the firearms and permission was obtained, airport officials said. PTI TEAM SLB NSD

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We will soon hold an all-party meeting in which they will be told how our EVMs are non-tamperable and secured as per our administrative and technical safeguard system, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said.

In the wake of the growing chorus of demands from political parties questioning the authenticity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in ensuring free and transparent polling, the Election Commission has said that it will call an all-party meet soon to assure that the machines were tamper-proof and secure.

Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi made an announcement to this effect today.

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Zaidi added that the poll panel intended to use Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in all the upcoming elections to bring in more transparency and help boost the confidence of voters in the electoral process.

"We will soon hold an all-party meeting in which they will be told how our EVMs are non-tamperable and secured as per our administrative and technical safeguard system," the Chief Election Commissioner told reporters in Delhi.

He was replying to questions about charges levelled by several political parties against the transparency of EVMs. Recently, 16 opposition parties had appealed to the Election Commission of India to revert to the ballot system of voting, claiming that the faith of the people in EVMs had been "eroded".

EC ISSUES CHALLENGE ON HACKING OF EVMs

Zaidi also said that the poll panel was planning to "hold a challenge" for which a time frame was being worked out.

It has been learnt that the electoral body is planning to throw an open challenge, asking anyone to try hacking its EVMs to dispel whatever doubts one may have of their being misused.

The CEC also said that the ECI had placed an order for the supply of VVPAT machines for use in polls.

"For VVPAT, we have got all the funds. We have placed an order for the supply of 15 lakh VVPAT with two PSUs Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronic Corporation of India (ECI)," informed Zaidi.

He said that he expected around 15 lakh VVPAT machines to be ready by September 2018.

The Commission's objective is to use VVPATs in all upcoming elections, he said.

VVPAT TO BE USED AT ALL POLLING STATIONS

India will "perhaps" be the first country where VVPAT will be used 100 per cent at all polling stations. This will boost voters' confidence and bring in more transparency in the election process, he added.

Zaidi said that an awareness campaign would be launched to raise awareness about the benefits of VVPAT.

VVPAT generates a receipt, allowing voters to verify that the vote went in favour of the candidate against whose name the button was pressed on the EVM.

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After the Assembly elections earlier this year in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab and Manipur, many political parties had raised their voice against the use of EVMs, calling them no longer credible for a fair electoral process.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was vociferous against alleging the probable misuse of EVMs while BSP leader Mayawati, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had also voiced their concern over the genuinity of polling machines.

(WITH INPUTS FROM PTI)

Also read | If petrol can be stolen using a chip, why can't EVMs be hacked, questions Akhilesh Yadav

Also read | Is Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party changing tack on EVMs after MCD election drubbing?

Also read | Let Kejriwal and Congress explain how they won earlier elections with same EVMs, says BJP chief Amit Shah

WATCH VIDEO

--- ENDS ---
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OAKLAND (BCN)

Two men have been sentenced to lengthy federal prison terms for committing armed robberies of multiple Bay Area businesses last year, authorities said.

U.S. District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers on Thursday sentenced Shawan Spragans, 41, of Oakland to 23 years and Merl Simpson, 47, of Antioch to 20 years for their crimes, according to U.S. Attorney Brian Stretch and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John Bennett.

Gonzalez Rogers also ordered Spragans and Simpson to pay $2,014 in restitution for their armed robbery spree between Feb. 1, 2016, and April 21, 2016.

Spragans and Simpson pleaded guilty on Jan. 13 to conspiracy to commit robbery, attempted robbery and multiple robberies affecting interstate commerce.

The two men also pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm in furtherance of a robbery and being felons in possession of firearms, prosecutors said.

According to their plea agreements, Spragans and a co-conspirator entered a Walgreens pharmacy in Berkeley on March 3, 2016, wearing masks, gloves and dark-colored clothing, pointed a firearm at employees and customers and stole cash from a register.

Federal prosecutors said Simpson drove the getaway vehicle.

On March 20, 2016, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Spragans and a co-conspirator entered a barbecue restaurant in Berkeley wearing masks and dark clothing and forced three employees at gunpoint to stand still while Spragans and his co-conspirator robbed the restaurant.

They also robbed the employees of personal cash, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. They fled the restaurant with the stolen cash and Simpson drove them away in the getaway vehicle.

Prosecutors said that on April 7, 2016, Spragans and a co-conspirator entered an Ethiopian restaurant in Berkeley wearing masks and dark clothing, pointed revolvers at two female employees and robbed them of the restaurant's cash.

Spragans then entered the kitchen and encountered another employee who struggled with Spragans as the employee attempted to escape, authorities said.

Spragans fired a bullet at the employee from his revolver during that encounter but the bullet missed the employee, according to federal prosecutors.

Spragans and his co-conspirator then fled the restaurant with the stolen cash and Simpson drove them away in the getaway vehicle, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Simpson also admitted in his plea agreement that earlier on April 7, 2016, he and a co-conspirator robbed a pizzeria in San Francisco at gunpoint.

Federal prosecutors said that on April 21, 2016, Spragans and Simpson attempted to rob a bar in San Francisco at gunpoint but police already were in place conducting surveillance on the location and arrested them as they tried to flee. Police also arrested a co-conspirator who was waiting in the getaway car.

The prosecutions resulted from an investigation by the FBI and the Berkeley, San Francisco, San Leandro and Albany Police departments.
The death of 3 jawans in Kupwara terror attack is being blown out of proportion to create an environment against Muslims, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah said.

Stoking a fresh controversy, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah today mocked the martyrdom of the 3 jawans in the Kupwara terror attack, by saying that their sacrifices were being 'blown out of proportion' to create an environment against Muslims.

Three jawans were killed in the April 27 attack on an Army camp in Jammu in which 3 terrorists were killed. In a Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, 25 CRPF personnel were martyred on April 24.

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In trying to needlessly draw a parallel between the two attacks, Abdullah was quoted as saying, "In Chhattisgarh, 26 CRPF jawans were killed, but in Kupwara only 3 were killed. They are indulging in such drum-beating over the deaths of 3 soldiers. The death of 3 jawans martyred in Kupwara is being blown out of proportion to create an environment against Muslims."

OPPOSITION SLAMS FAROOQ's REMARK

The NC leader's remark was criticised by opposition parties.

Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi hit back at Abdullah, saying, "We know Farooq Abdullah has grown old physically. But he shouldn't be so brazen and irresponsible. Now it seems even his mental health is not stable".

While our soldiers lay down their lives fighting for the country, politicians continue to indulge in blame games and mud-slinging against each other.

Also read | Kupwara: 3 soldiers martyred, 2 terrorists killed in fidayeen attack on Army camp

Also read | If PM Modi fails to take action, I will: Mother of Army Captain martyred in Kupwara attack

Also read | After winning Srinagar bypolls, Farooq Abdullah demands Governor's rule in Jammu and Kashmir

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--- ENDS ---
Beijing, Apr 29 (PTI) Chinas first freight train linking the Communist nation directly to the UK today arrived in the eastern Chinese city of Yiwu after a 12,000-kilometre trip, the worlds second-longest rail route.

The trans-continental freight train, loaded with 32 containers, mainly carrying maternity products and soft drinks, departed from London on April 10 and arrived today in Yiwu, which is home to the worlds largest commodity market, the China Railway Corporation (CRC) said.

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The train travelled to more than 12,000 kms and passed through seven countries before reaching the Chinese manufacturing and trade hub where small goods such as homeware, garments and souvenirs are made.

London is the 15th city in Europe added to China-Europe freight train services. The first Chinese freight train arrived in London in January.

The China-Britain freight service paves a safe and efficient trade route by land, strengthening bilateral trade ties and better serving the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, the CRC said.

China now has express freight services to 28 European cities. Since March 2011, more than 3,500 trips have been made. The figure should rise to 5,000 by 2020, state-run news agency Xinhua reported.

Meanwhile, railway authorities of China, Belarus, Germany, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Poland and Russia have signed an agreement to deepen cooperation on China-Europe freight rail services, the China Railway Corporation said.

The agreement serves the Belt and Road Initiative, expands the market share of rail freight between Asia and Europe, and drives economic development and trade cooperation for counties along the route.

The countries will jointly push for better railway infrastructure for a safe, smooth, fast, convenient and competitive rail route, according to the agreement.

Information technology will boost train speed and unified service. Information sharing platforms will be built to ensure transport safety.

The countries will expand the rail services to more areas with faster customs clearance. A joint work team and expert team will be formed to solve problems.

The China-Europe freight train service was launched in 2011 and grown rapidly with high efficiency. It has become an important part of the Belt and Road Initiative.

A total of 3,557 freight trains have run so far, with services reaching 27 Chinese cities and 28 cities in 11 countries in Europe. PTI KJV ZH

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New Delhi, Apr 29 (PTI) Former Union minister Ashwani Kumar has been selected by Japan for this years Spring Imperial Decorations, for his contribution to strengthening of bilateral ties and promotion of friendship between the two countries.

The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, the highest category of decorations among the Orders of the Rising Sun, is conferred in recognition of distinguished accomplishments of individuals.

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"The Presentation Ceremony for the Investiture of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun will be held at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on May 9, when the foreign recipients will be given an audience with His Majesty the Emperor of Japan," the Japanese Embassy here said today.

The former minister for law and justice in the government of ex-prime minister Manmohan Singh will attend the presentation ceremony to receive the decoration, it said.

"Kumar served as the Special Envoy of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Japan on the occasion of the visit of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan to India in December, 2013, and significantly contributed to the success of the visit," the embassy said in a statement.

He was the Accompanying Minister to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe when he visited India in 2007, and was Chairman of FICCI India-Japan Forum of Parliamentarians established during the visit of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to India in 2005.

"Kumar has also been contributing to the promotion of Japan-India relations in the field of Science and Technology, as Council member of the STS Forum," it said.

Noted industrialist Ratan Tata was one of the other Indian recipients of the Decoration in the past, it said. PTI KND KUN

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Vijayawada, Apr 29 (PTI) The Vijayawada police today arrested four persons and seized 22 two-wheelers valued Rs 12 lakhs from their possession.

D Teja (21), M Girish (23), B Karthik (19) and Ch Sridhar (21) were arrested from Gollapudi village on the city outskirts, a release issued by Vijayawada police said.

During a drive for inspection of two-wheeler documents, the police stopped the accused on national highway, said the release.

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On being asked for the documents, they tried to escape but were apprehended, it said.

The four used to lift high-end two wheelers that could fetch them good returns. PTI COR RMT

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On April 6 the Cayuga County Republican Womens Club presented, Voices for the Vote at Auburn Public Theater. This event commemorated the 100th Anniversary of the womens right to vote in New York State.

To commemorate this very special anniversary, we decided to do an event that would be educational, entertaining, and would support local women. All of the proceeds from our event will support programs at Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency that empower local women to achieve and sustain self-sufficiency. Thanks to the support of so many people and local businesses, this was a very successful, sold out show!

We would like to thank our 17 sponsors:

Gold Level: Coburn Design, New Beginnings Home Care, Inc., Active Therapy Solutions, Roberta Williams and Ryan Muldoon of the WHMB Law Firm, and the Womens Republican Club.

Silver Level: Elizabeth Koenig-1840 Dulles Inn, Gloria & Mason Wristen, CPAs, and Jacobs Press.

Bronze Level: Assemblyman Gary Finch, Cherl Heary, Senator John DeFrancisco, Arbys/Soules & Dunn Development Group, Dezign Salon, Aversa Agency, Inc., Medent, Womens Health Specialists LLP, and the Cayuga County Republican Committee.

Wed like to thank the Howland Stone Store Museum for exhibiting their extraordinary vintage suffrage posters during this event.

Thank you to Auburn Public Theater for providing the best venue for both the fabulous dessert buffet, and for our performance of a Living Suffrage Timeline on stage.

Their staff is top-notch and their facility cant be beat!

Speaking of that buffet, we had many volunteer bakers, in addition to ordering goodies from local bakers in order to pull off a dessert buffet that would rival those in Vegas! Thanks to all of you who provided a huge variety of over-the-top amazing bite-sized morsels.

Dr. Linda Frank, a local author and the Cayuga County Historian, provided the scripts for the living timeline. The timeline took our audience along a historical journey from the beginning of the suffrage movement until women won the right to vote. Dr. Frank put a tremendous amount of time and research into this program. We cannot thank her enough for her job well done!

The Living Suffrage Timeline participants volunteered their time and talent to give a very lively and entertaining performance. Thank you to Dr. Linda Frank, Rev. Paul Carter, Jill Fandrich, Susan Marteney, Lisa Carr, Karol Soules, Elizabeth Koenig, Nelsa Selover, Bobbie Dumas Panek, and Brian Schenck. They all did a fantastic job!

I want to thank the committee for the Voices for the Vote. These dedicated volunteers worked together for three months to organize this event: Committee members include Paula Capocefalo, Sue Dwyer, Roberta Massarini, Nancy Proper, Nelsa Selover, Anne Seneca, and Dawn Wolff. In addition, many members of the Womens Republican Club supported us whenever we needed additional hands. Thank you ladies!

Last but not least, thank you to all who came out on a dreary rainy night to join us in commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the womens right to vote in New York State!! We appreciate you helping us to support local women, and we invite you to join us for future events!
The Additional Sessions Judge who granted bail to rape accused former Uttar Pradesh minister and Samajwadi Party leader Gayatri Prajapti was suspended on Friday.

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on Friday suspended the Additional Sessions Judge Om Prakash Mishra after he granted bail to rape accused Samajwadi Party leader Gayatri Prajapati.

The court has also ordered a departmental inquiry against the judge that will be headed by Justice Sudhir Agarwal.

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on Friday stayed the bail given to former Uttar Pradesh minister Gayatri Prajapati in a rape case by local court.

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WHY WAS PRAJAPATI ARRESTED?

Prajapati, who was arrested in connection with a case of an alleged sexual assault of a minor girl, was released from the district jail in Lucknow earlier on Wednesday.

Prajapati was earlier granted bail by a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court, Lucknow.

Two associates of Prajapati were also given bail. The court asked them to pay Rs 1 lakh each and a personal bond of same amount as a condition of bail.

PRAJAPATI'S CASE

Prajapati was arrested on March 15 from the Aashiyana area in Lucknow by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF).

The Samajwadi Party leader, who was also accused of allegedly raping the girl's mother, evaded his arrest for nearly a month before he was arrested.

Earlier in February, a police complaint had been filed against the former minister and six others in the case following the Supreme Court's order.

The Uttar Pradesh Police had also filed a non- bailable warrant against the former minister and six others for the same.

With inputs from ANI

Also read: Uttar Pradesh minister Gayatri Prajapati trying to kill us, alleges gangrape victim's family

Also read: I am being framed, ready for narco test, says Gayatri Prajapati, ex-UP minister accused of rape

Also read: Smriti Irani: Either Akhilesh is incompetent or he is protecting rape-accused minister Gayatri Prajapati

Watch video: 2 more arrested in rape case against Samajwadi Party minister Gayatri Prajapati

--- ENDS ---
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Saturday, April 29th marks President Trump's 100th day in office.

The president is downplaying the importance of evaluating the progress of a presidency after the first 100 days, even though he has already reversed a number of policies from the Obama administration and introduced a number of executive orders.

President Trump is correct in saying that "a lot" has happened in his first 100 days.

The American Health Care Act was the only major piece of legislation the administration has tried to pass so far, but the bill was pulled from the House floor on March 24 after GOP infighting.

The White House then moved on to tax reform and released its new tax plan towards the end of the 100 day period, but Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warned that passing a tax reform bill before August is "not realistic."

Most of Trump's executive orders have been aimed at slashing Obama-era regulations, but none received more attention than his two travel bans targeting seven majority-Muslim countries.

Both bans were put on hold by federal judges, but Trump continues to insist that the rulings will be overturned.

On foreign policy, Trump made some major reversals from his campaign rhetoric, after ordering a missile strike on Syria and deciding not to brand China as a currency manipulator.

The specter of North Korea has been the administration's biggest foreign policy challenge so far, and the president routinely tweets about how the rogue nation is "behaving very badly" and is "looking for trouble."

The nomination of Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch has been widely praised by conservatives, although many warn of the consequences of the Senate using the nuclear option to ensure his confirmation.

Trump's approval rating is currently in the low-to-mid 40s, and his disapproval rating is over 50 percent, making him the first president in modern history to reach majority disapproval within his first 100 days.

Click through the slideshow above to see the major policies, appointments, and foreign policy moves during Trump's first 100 days in office.
In this day and age, the young and beautiful live and die on social media.

In the case of the ill-fated Fyre Festival  a multiday music, art and culture party that promised an invitation to let loose and unplug with the likeminded on the Bahamian island of Exuma  its been a sudden and ugly death, chronicled in real-time on YouTube and filtered through Facebook.

Organizers canceled the event at the last minute after poor planning, disorganization and lack of accommodations. Most of the A-list acts had pulled out of the festival days before, citing a lack of payment.

It was supposed to be a sun-soaked experience filled with yachts, gourmet food and models. Ticket prices ranged from $500 to $12,000.

But by Saturday morning, the partygoers had decamped, many of them to hotels in Miami in hopes of salvaging a weekend. People decried the festival accommodations as being like a disaster tent city and a refugee camp.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism expressed its deep disappointment in a statement sent to the media. Hundreds of visitors to Exuma were met with total disorganization and chaos, the tourism office wrote.

In a statement posted on the Fyre Festival website Saturday, co-organizer Billy McFarland said festivalgoers will be refunded in full. We will be working on refunds over the next few days and will be in touch directly with guests with more details. Also, all guests from this year will have free VIP passes to next years festival, he wrote.

The hype for Fyre Festival began months ago, marketed with slick videos on social media.

I saw it on Instagram and booked it before the lineup was announced, said Mitch Purgason, a 25-year-old menswear designer in Charlotte, N.C.

The Instagram ads looked especially ridiculous  parlance for amazing  what with models like Gigi Hadid and rapper Ja Rule. Blink-182 was supposed to perform. Photos of the impossibly blue water and the sugary sandy beach looked incredible. And the veritable icing on the cake: wild, docile pigs lived on the beach and swam in the warm water, perfect props for a killer Instagram selfie.

Although the festival on the island chain east of Florida appeared to cater to the Millennial trust fund crowd, it was people like Purgason and 29-year-old Jake Strang of Pittsburgh who purchased early tickets  young professionals who wanted to spend a fun weekend in the tropics.

Like Purgason, Strang paid $500 for a flight to the island from Miami, lodging and food. Strang and seven of his friends planned the trip to coincide with a birthday. They reserved a lodge for eight, with four king beds and a seating area in the middle.

Everything made it look amazing, Strang said.

The festival website was also enticing. It promised a treasure hunt with over $1 million in riches to be found.

Purgason said he was skeptical, but went ahead with the planned vacation anyway. Worst case scenario, I figured, were still in the Bahamas in a villa.

Tamara Lush is an Associated Press writer.
BRUSSELS  The leaders of the European Union met Saturday in Brussels without Prime Minister Theresa May of Britain and unanimously endorsed guidelines to negotiate the end of more than four decades of British membership in the bloc.

The summit meeting is the first of its kind at which 27 leaders made a formal decision in a slimmed down format, minus Britain and May.

The leaders, including Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and President Francois Hollande of France, backed a tough strategy on negotiating Britains exit, or Brexit. The idea is to force Britain to reach a deal on the terms of its divorce before starting talks on relations afterward.

Obviously we will stand up for our interests as Britain too will stand up for its interests, Merkel told a news conference after the summit. Were trying to forge a strong European Union of 27. This is the sort of spirit with which we approach these negotiations.

One of the thorniest issues is getting Britain to guarantee that the 3 million citizens of other EU nations who are living in Britain and the 1.2 million Britons living in the European Union can maintain their residency rights and other entitlements.

Safeguarding citizens rights was priority No. 1, said Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, the body that represents the blocs leaders. Todays discussion made clear that when it comes to reaching a decision on citizens rights not only speed is of the essence but above all quality, as so many peoples lives depend on it.

The leaders also called on Britain to meets its outstanding financial obligations so that other member states can avoid paying higher costs after the British withdrawal. The outstanding bill could amount to as much as 60 billion euros, about $65 billion. But British citizens and politicians are balking at paying such a large sum.

Another key issue: pushing Britain to maintain a free flow of trade and people between Northern Ireland, which will leave the bloc with Britain, and the Republic of Ireland, which will remain a full member of the European Union.

Britain also needs to abide by the terms of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, including keeping the door open to the possible unification of Ireland.

In March, May formally started the two-year process of leaving the European Union, and the weekend gathering in Brussels is the consequence of that step, taken after a majority of the British electorate voted for Brexit 10 months ago.

James Kanter is a New York Times writer.
Police has registered an FIR against three persons for desecrating the deities, Dawn reported.

A Hindu temple in Pakistan has been vandalised in the southern Sindh province and a case of blasphemy and terrorism has been registered against three unidentified persons, police said today.

Police said idols of deities were damaged and some of the broken parts were found in a nearby sewerage line. The incident occurred yesterday in Thatta district's Gharo town.

A case of blasphemy and terrorism has been registered. Police also registered a FIR against three persons for desecrating the deities, Dawn reported.

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"Investigation is going on but so far no arrests have been made," police officer Fida Hussain Mastoi said.

Mastoi was quoted by BBC Urdu that the case would be investigated from all aspects, though according to preliminary probe, the footprints found near the temple seem to belong to a young boy around the age of 12.

Local Hindu councilor Lal Meheshwri said that he had been working late at the temple for a monthly religious service.

"Someone seems to have entered the temple between 1:00 am and 5:00 am. When worshipers came in the morning for prayers, the idols were missing. This is the first time that that such a thing has happened in the temple's history," he was quoted by the report.

Adviser to the Sindh Chief Minister on Minority Affairs Dr Khatto Mal said that attackers would be arrested soon.

Gharo is situated along the National Highway some 60 kilometres from Karachi. About 2,000 families, who are mostly Hindus, live in Gharo.

Also read:

Did PM Modi have a special message hand delivered to Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif?

Is Dawood Ibrahim critical in Pakistan hospital? Family reportedly denies

Want to quit ISI and stay in India: Pakistan man baffles Delhi airport helpdesk

Also watch:

When will India have a policy to deal with Pakistan sponsored terror?

--- ENDS ---
1 U.S. troops deployed: A Syrian war monitor and Kurdish activists say U.S. armored vehicles have deployed in areas in northern Syria along the border with Turkey, a few days after a Turkish air strike killed 20 U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters. Footage posted by Syrian activists online shows a convoy of U.S. armored vehicles driving on a rural road in the village of Darbasiyah, a few hundred yards from the Turkish border. Clashes in the area were reported between Turkish and Kurdish forces Wednesday a day after the Turkish air strike. Col. John Dorrian, a U.S. spokesman for the international coalition against the Islamic State, declined to comment, saying troop movement is ongoing.

2 NATO vote: Montenegros parliament on Friday supported the Balkan countrys membership in NATO in a historic turn toward the West amid protests by Russia and the pro-Russia opposition. Lawmakers voted 46-0 in the capital of Cetinje to ratify the accession treaty with the Western military alliance. They then stood up and applauded the decision. Montenegro has a small military of around 2,000 troops, but it is strategically positioned to give NATO full control over the Adriatic Sea. The other Adriatic nations  Albania, Croatia and Italy  already are in the alliance.
CARACAS, Venezuela  Venezuela formally notified the Organization of American States of its intention to leave the regional body amid sometimes violent protests at home and international calls for its embattled government to hold delayed elections and release prisoners.

Venezuelan interim ambassador Carmen Velasquez submitted a letter Friday announcing the move to OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro, a strong critic of socialist President Nicolas Maduro. The notice begins a two-year exit process from the Western Hemispheres largest diplomatic body, which had become a forum for its neighbors to exert pressure on Venezuela.

This is a historic moment that marks a new independence for Venezuela and the region, said Velasquez, adding that Venezuela would be the first country to leave the bloc this way. We are not going to be participating in any OAS activities.

The decision to leave the OAS comes amid almost daily clashes between security forces and antigovernment protesters that have left at least 28 people dead and hundreds injured. The demonstrations are part of an intensifying campaign by the opposition to force Maduro from office.

Many foreign governments and human rights groups have condemned the conviction of opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez as politically motivated. Lopez is serving a nearly 14-year sentence for inciting violence during a previous round of antigovernment unrest in 2014. One of the prosecutors in the case, who has since sought asylum in the U.S., even said he was under orders from the government to arrest Lopez despite a lack of evidence.

Venezuelas decision to leave the OAS comes after a contentious meeting at the groups headquarters in which its permanent council voted in favor of holding a special session to evaluate Venezuelas crisis, adding to calls for Maduro to schedule delayed elections and free detained political activists.

Tensions have been steadily rising between Venezuela and a group of OAS members that includes the United States since Almagro issued a report in March accusing Maduros government of systematically violating human rights and standards of democracy. Venezuela denies the accusations, accusing the regional body of being a tool of the United States.

Fabiola Sanchez and Luis Alonso Lugo are Associated Press writers.
The bureaucrats will approach such families within their area of posting and offer themselves as facilitators to help them get their dues like pension, gratuity or allotment of services.

By Press Trust of India: In a unique initiative, IAS officers will adopt families of security personnel, who lost their lives in Maoist combat, anti-terror operations or maintaining law and order.

The bureaucrats will approach such families within their area of posting and offer themselves as facilitators to help them (families) get their dues like pension, gratuity or allotment of services like petrol pump, jobs etc, an association representing them said today. The officers, however, would not be providing any direct financial help to such families, it said.

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"Their job would be to help the families get their dues from respective governments. They may also help the children in such families to get admission in a school," Sanjay Bhoosreddy, honorary secretary of Indian Civil and Administrative Service (Central) Association, said.

The association represents all members of Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Initially, about 700 young officers, of past four batches--2012 to 2015--will be asked to adopt at least one family in the area of their posting.

"Senior officers, or those from state civil services, can also adopt such families voluntarily," Bhoosreddy, a Joint-Secretary level IAS officer, said. The officers will oversee whether the support (both in cash and kind) pledged by the state or local governments have been provided to the family concerned. They will ensure that the children of the martyred soldiers continue getting good education and mentor them so that they can pursue the career of their choice based on their aptitude and talent, the association said.

OFFICERS TO PROVIDE SCHEME-BASED BENEFITS

The officers will also see whether any benefits can be provided to them based on various schemes being run by the government like Skill India, Start-up India, Digital India etc. Bhoosreddy said the support system will cater to the families of central armed police forces like Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), those in Army and all others working with local police. "The state governments have been asked to share with the association the details of such families," he said.

The official noted that the IAS officers, who work as Sub Divisional Magistrates (SDM), District Magistrate (DM) and at other senior positions in state and Central governments, have immense influence on the local administrative machinery.

He added that such an influence can be positively channelised to support and help the families of martyred soldiers in an effective and sustained manner.

ALSO READ:

Gautam Gambhir Foundation to bear education expenses of children of soldiers martyred in Sukma Maoist attack

Sukma attack: Why Naxals succeed attack after attack in Chhattisgarh

ALSO WATCH:Sukma attack: Meet the IAF bravehearts who flew the mortal remains of the CRPF jawans

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The Asian Universities Alliance (AUA) is being backed by Beijing's elite Tsinghua University, which has led the Chinese push to acquire global weight in higher education.

To promote "Asian values" in higher education - and to ostensibly challenge the dominance of Western universities - China today launched an "Asian Universities Alliance" with 15 top higher education institutions from the region, including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay.

The group will promote Asian values in higher education, Chinese officials said adding they will focus on joint scientific research in the coming months, besides hosting summits for educators and students.

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Underlining the importance that China, which has been pushing its universities to spread their global reach, is attaching to the new initiative, a Chinese Politburo member and vice premier Liu Yandong on Saturday launched the plan in Beijing, saying the alliance "will become a platform for research collaboration to jointly improve the overall status and international influence of higher education in Asia".

Also present at the launch was Tsinghua University President Qiu Yong and Prasanna Majumdar, Deputy Director (Finance and External Affairs) and Professor of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Bombay.

The Asian Universities Alliance (AUA) is being backed by Beijing's elite Tsinghua University, which has led the Chinese push to acquire global weight in higher education. Last year, Tsinghua launched China's version of the Rhodes scholars programme, a $400 million initiative called the Schwarzman scholars.

Tsinghua said the AUA "will discuss Asian values and Asian ideas on higher education".

The founding members include Tsinghua University and Peking University, China's two top schools, IIT Bombay, National University of Singapore, University of Tokyo, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, South Korea Seoul National University, Chulalongkorn University of Thailand, the University of Yangon, Myanmar, University of Malaya of Malaysia, , University of Indonesia, the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, UAE University, King Saud University and Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev University.

Also read:

The IIT Bombay robotics team is doing something hardly any Indian has done before

--- ENDS ---
New Delhi, Apr 29 (PTI) Revised tax treaty between Indian and Cyprus will help promoting bilateral investments which has immense potential for growth, said a joint statement today.

Cyprus is one of the major source of foreign direct investment in India, which New Delhi is keen to tap for its flagship Make In India.

At the invitation of India, President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades is visiting the country. India and Cyprus signed the revised India-Cyprus Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement in November 2016.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a one-to-one meeting followed by discussions at delegation level with Anastasiades.

"Prime Minister Modi suggested that the revision of the agreement could be utilised to increase investments between the two countries, especially in Indian flagship programmes like Make in India and various Cyprus investment projects," said the joint statement after the meeting.

Both the leaders emphasised the need for a comprehensive expansion of mutually beneficial contacts between the business communities of the two countries.

They also agreed that the bilateral trade between the two nations has immense potential for growth.

"The two Leaders took stock of progress in the implementation of existing bilateral agreements and underlined the importance of optimising existing inter-governmental and other bilateral mechanisms," the statement said.

The two countries also decided to make further use of the Joint Economic Committee as a mechanism to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas of common interest.

Anastasiades briefed Modi about the plan for developing the hi-tech sector in Cyprus as the third pillar of its economy. Both the sides identified Indias capabilities in the fields of Information Technology, ITeS, biotechnology and R&D as potential areas for future cooperation.

As per the statement, both the countries consider the energy sector as a high priority area and agreed on the scope for sharing Indias expertise with Cyprus in this regard.

"The two sides discussed various possibilities of forging long-term joint collaboration in promoting innovative renewable energy applications and environment friendly use of energy," it added. PTI NKD CS BAL

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Commentary by Ralph Palladino

In May, my partner and I are taking a trip to Italy. A major portion of the trip is visiting towns where my grandparents lived before coming to America. They came to America settling in Dongan Hills and New Brighton from Rossi (near Genoa) and Campobasso (near Naples) at the beginning of the 20th century.

After reading up on my family history, I learned that all of my grandparents came to this country as immigrants, but were not citizens until many years later. At that time, there was no such thing as "legal" or "illegal" immigrants. Unlike today's rigid testing, one usually became a citizen after a simple physical and rather easy test, including a pledge of allegiance, and required being sponsored by someone.

Italians, like the Irish, were often ridiculed as "shiftless," "stealing jobs," etc. This is similar to what we are hearing now about undocumented immigrants. Southern Italians were especially ridiculed for being dark-skinned "mobsters" or "Mafia." Our ancestors were called "wops", "dagos" and "guineas" and still are in many areas of the country. I remember being called a "little guinea" when I was about four years old. I had no idea what it meant.

During WWII, Italians had to register with the government and were threatened with internment. We were considered enemies of our country. Yet so many of us fought and died in WWII against the fascists. Today, we see Muslim and Mexican immigrants fighting as members of our armed forces.

There are those who call some immigrants "terrorists" because of acts of terror committed by a very small handful of people. We know that the Irish Republican Army (IRA) committed acts of terror against England for many decades. Yet, it would be extremely unfair to say that all, or even any, Irish Americans are terrorists because of the IRA.

I have two godsons, one is of Italian and Irish heritage. The second's parents are a Mexican national and an Irish-American citizen whose mother (no longer alive) lived in this country for decades as an undocumented immigrant from Canada.

Many young people and children I know have friends who are from undocumented families. Thankfully, I don't hear the hateful words from them. Many of us work with immigrants. When going around to city work sites as part of my job, I talk to people working side by side with people from many different countries. Their families have been citizens as long as they can remember and they get along just fine.

Undocumented immigrants pay taxes but are not allowed to receive social services such as food stamps and Medicaid. It is extremely difficult for them to even buy their own health care insurance. They pay into Social Security but can never benefit from it.

Like our forefathers, these new immigrants are trying to build lives for their families and contribute to our country. They are not trying to take away from anyone else. If you look at statistics alone you know that immigrants commit less crime as a percentage of the population than citizens do. Acts of terror? It is also true that, by a wide margin, most acts of terror are NOT committed by undocumented immigrants.

Much of what I learned about immigrants was a result of my travels. When living in the Los Angeles area, I met and worked with many Mexicans. I had a job writing for an independent newspaper and had to cover the infamous "La Migra" raids in 1973. Immigration agents raided a huge swath of homes in East L.A., rounded up anyone with darker skin, and brought them to the detention center in Mexicali, Mexico. Many of them were found to be U.S. citizens. Because they had brown skin they were all considered criminals, unfairly and illegally of course.

I learned that California, like nearly the entire Southwest, was once part of Mexico. It is ironic that someone can be deported from a land and home that was once part of his/her natural country for being "illegal" by people who came from what was another country. Ironic, yet unfortunate.

We eagerly await our trip. But first we feel more inspired than ever to attend immigrant rights rallies on May 1 in honor of our grandparents.

(Ralph Palladino is a Vice President of a large public employee union in New York.)
Sunita Bhuyan, Indo-fusion violinist and vocalist, spoke about how music benefits our lives in ways more than one.

India Today Mind Rocks Youth Summit 2017 was held today at Vivanta by Taj, Guwahati.

The event began with a musical session by Sunita Bhuyan, Indo-fusion violinist and vocalist, who enthralled the audience with her powerful performance.

She began her performance with an invocation to the Lord. She went on to enumerate the importance and relevance that music holds in building up each of our lives.

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''Music creates better leaders. The first lesson that the art of music teaches us is to create more with less. What would you like to do with the resources you have with you? You would want to multiply them.'' She showed how every piece of music revolved around the seven basic notes.

''Music teaches the art of partnership. You have to ensure people work with you and not for you,'' she added.

Her next rendition was a tribute to the musical diversity that constitutes India--from Raag Pahadi of the mountains to Kirtan from Bengal, and from the desert in the west to Assam in the east.

''Not matter how much expertise we have, if we do not assimilate ourselves culturally, we will not be able to achieve anything,'' concluded Sunita.

Watch Video: Music has profound influences on our lives: Sunita Bhuyan

Also Read:

Learn to suffer pain, tolerate joy: Kaveree's message to youth at India Today Mind Rocks Guwahati 2017

--- ENDS ---
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New Delhi, Apr 29 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed Cyprus support to Indias bid for membership of the 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades also reaffirmed support for the "enhancement of the representative character" of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with India as a permanent member in the expanded body.

He also emphasised on making the UNSC "more effective, efficient and representative of the contemporary geopolitical challenges".

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The two leaders also supported forward movement on the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on UNSC reform and reiterated their commitment to make continuous efforts to move towards text-based negotiations.

"Both leaders underlined their shared interest in strengthening global non-proliferation objectives. In this context, Prime Minister Modi appreciated the support of Cyprus to Indias membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

"Indias membership will enable it to contribute further to global non-proliferation objectives," a joint statement released by the ministry of external affairs said.

The two sides exchanged views on developments in their respective regions and on international issues of common concern, most notably the fight against international terrorism, it said.

They also discussed ways to reinforce measures to stem the financing of terrorism and disrupt the revenue stream towards terrorist groups, the statement said.

During their delegation-level talks yesterday, Modi and Anastasiades had strongly pitched for decisive action against states supporting, sheltering and sustaining "violence factories" in their regions.

"The two sides welcomed the recent adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2347 (2017), aiming to combat the unlawful destruction of cultural heritage, religious sites and artifacts, and the smuggling of cultural property by terrorist groups during armed conflict," the statement added.

Both countries also shared the view that the successful conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), proposed by India at the UN, remains a priority and will be a decisive step to further strengthen the global normative framework that will support vigorous international action against terrorism.

Anastasiades is on a five-day visit to India which concludes today. PTI PR KUN

--- ENDS ---
Earlier in the day, most commuter trains and metro lines were stopped in Sao Paulo during the height of morning commute, and all buses stayed off the roads. Buses ran partial service during the morning in Rio de Janeiro but later began returning to normal. The metro was closed for the day in the capital of Brasilia.
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A man was caught twice in less than 24 hours driving while disqualified, on the first occasion with drugs in his system and on the second with alcohol.

Steven Matthew Gibbs of Ainslie faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Saturday on four charges, two of driving while disqualified, one of driving with drugs in his system and one of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Gibbs entered pleas of guilty to the four charges.

Court documents state Gibbs was pulled over by police about 11am on Friday in Lyneham and charged with driving while disqualified. He underwent a drug analysis and made admissions to police he had recently consumed "methamphetamine and pot".

He was taken to the City watch house, charged and released on bail.
Sunday marks the final day of trading for the decades-old bike hire on Lake Burley Griffin as the government clears the way for the redevelopment of West Basin.

The bike hire was sold to the ACT government in December 2015 after an agreement was reached with the then owners of the business, formerly Mr Spokes. It was then leased to another operator.

Bryan Guest of Harrison with his grandson Nathan Rowley and his wife Jessica of Adelaide enjoying the bike hire by the lake before it closes on Sunday. Credit:Rohan Thomson

Regular patron of the business Bryan Guest, of Harrison, was sad to hear of the closure. On Saturday, he was taking his grandson and granddaughter-in-law on the hired bikes around the lake.

"I am really, really disappointed," Mr Guest said.
In May, the ACT Legislative Assembly will debate the government's legislation to split the Land Development Agency (LDA) into the City Renewal Authority (CRA) and the Suburban Land Agency (SLA). The Greens applaud this move, as it will better enable the government to focus on the very different roles of suburban development compared to infill development in the city and light rail corridor.

This is also an unmissable opportunity to get Canberra's planning and development system on the right track, and for the ACT government to address the key issues of environmental sustainability, affordable and social housing targets, and genuine community consultation. The Greens believe that progressing these policies is essential if Canberra is to become the inclusive and sustainable city it promises to be. We also want to see this restructure address the governance and accountability issues that have been plaguing the LDA.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr at the announcement of the first stage of the West Basin transformation, part of the long-term city to the lake strategy. Credit:Matt Bedford

Canberra has grown by almost 38,000 over the past six yearsmore than the population of Woden Valley. How we now respond to the challenge of planning and developing our city and its suburbs to accommodate this growth will determine whether Canberra realises its vision of becoming one of the most liveable green cities in the world. The alternative is that we start to resemble the traffic-choked city of Sydney, with its huge social inequality, air pollution, property development-associated corruption and towering high-rise apartments.

The new legislation will drive the way land development is carried out in Canberra over the coming decades. If we do not build explicit responsibilities for the new bodies into the legislation, we are at risk of perpetuating the LDA's business-as-usual approach and habit of dragging its feet on government policies that support best-practice green development. We could end up with two new LDAs empowered to prioritise commercial returns and new developments that fail to apply the ACT's existing policies on carbon neutrality, housing affordability and community engagement.
We all know about motherhood issues  motherhood being a proposition no one can oppose. But what about fatherhood? On this issue, it seems our society's views are more equivocal.

We can measure this lack of enthusiasm in the figures we report today. Remarkably few fathers  one in three of those eligible  are keen to take up the federal government's support for two weeks' leave for fathers and partners, paid at the minimum wage, when their child is born. This seems to imply that for most of those eligible (fathers earning less than $150,000 a year) the rearing of children is someone else's job.

Australia's government paid parental leave scheme is about to become the most miserly in the developed world. Credit:iStock

It is possible of course that many fathers of newborn children simply don't know they can claim the paid leave, which was made available to help fathers and partners to bond with newborn children. That is the view of Jenny Macklin, MP, who as minister for families and community services in the last Labor government set up the scheme, known as Dad and Partner Pay, or DAPP.

Ms Macklin now believes DAPP should be publicised more effectively. But there are other possibilities. The money may not be enough to tempt male workers to break into their work schedule. Or they may think that two weeks is insufficient time for bonding with a new child.
Try this exercise. Throw your mind back, if you are old enough, to the 1960s. How often did we see Robert Menzies, Harold Holt or John Gorton on TV, or hear their voices on radio? And in the following decade, how frequently did Gough Whitlam or Malcolm Fraser get in our faces?

The answer, at a guess, would be once or twice a week, maximum. Yet our parents never turned to each other with furrowed brows and said, "It has been 72 hours since Sir Robert addressed us  the country must be in crisis."

A message for Turnbull's minders: clear the fog around him. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Just a few minutes of exposure each week to the political class, as we call it now, felt about right to them.

The conventional solution to the contemporary problem of voters disengaging from politics is that their political representatives need to work harder in the media at getting the message across  that the party or leader who achieves dominance in media exposure will also savour electoral victory.
But it is not all bad news. Scientists working to preserve the species are well on their way to developing 10 artificial populations in a decade-long plan to ensure that if the worst happens, the fish will survive. In a world first, the artesian springs have been replicated. Using a bore water pipe to connect an artificial dam to the Great Artesian Basin, scientists led by Bush Heritage's freshwater ecologist Rob Wager have recreated these micro ecosystems. This fish is amazing, it's in the middle of the desert ... there's nothing like it anywhere else in the world.

"It's not captive breeding, the idea is to recreate all the critical elements of the environment they require," Mr Wager said. A world-first replica artesian spring is planted with a "pioneer species" of plant to help create an ecosystem for the red-finned blue-eye. Credit:Drew Creighton The red-finned blue-eye is thought to be a remnant of a time when the interior of Queensland was a massive inland sea. Across the millennia, it is believed the evolutionary path taken by the fish enabled it to adapt to a shallow life, losing size in fins used for moving up and down. The fish grows up to three centimetres and as a young fish its eyes are blue with a vibrant yellow body. As the fish matures the fins blush with red.

"The genus is Scaturiginichthys vermeilipinnis; it means red-finned fish from springs, but the 'scat' part at the front, well, some unkind people have suggested it means 'fish that swims in shit'," Mr Wager said. "It was certainly like that in the '90s when the springs were impacted by stock and ferals. But we've come a long way since then." Freshwater ecologist Rob Wager searches for young red-finned blue-eye in one of his modified springs. Credit:Drew Creighton Now, with the incursion from stock and feral animals under control, every other survival hurdle pales in comparison to the threat posed by a predatory fish that grows no larger than six centimetres. The predator goes by the common names of gambusia or mosquito fish. It comes from the springs of North America and was introduced into Australia to manage mosquito populations.

In Darwinian terms, the gambusia is the fittest. It can live outside spring systems, unlike the red-finned blue-eye. It also breeds quicker than the blue-eye, gives birth to live young and the young are aggressive. "When we discovered blue-eyes, there were seven or eight springs that the fish lived in. Those springs form the basis for our counting of wild populations," Mr Wager said. "They got there by themselves, however they did it and we're counting down, we can't count any lower. "At that time they may have been wild populations, but they were already invaded by gambusia, so it was just a matter of time.

The red-finned blue-eye in a spring that has been destocked of invasive species and re-modified from and livestock drinking point. Credit:Drew Creighton "Essentially once gambusia move into a spring, the blue-eyes' days are numbered." In 2016 the last natural population faced its biggest threat when heavy rain collapsed a part of an earthen wall used to protect the spring from incursion by gambusia. Preservation of the reserve

Edgbaston Reserve is a picturesque former sheep station bought by the environment charity Bush Heritage for the purpose of protecting the springs and the red-finned blue-eye. On 8100 arid hectares, 15 plants and more than 20 species of wildlife have been discovered. The 2016-2017 summer was so oppressive, the scientific team said it was cause for celebration when the temperature dropped below 40 degrees at midnight. What used to be a shearing shed now functions as the base for scientists including Rob Wager, the man tasked with, among other conservation projects, reversing the imminent destruction of the red-finned blue-eye. "If Bush Heritage didn't buy this place, the blue-eye would be extinct, full stop," Mr Wager said.

Edgbaston Reserve in central Queensland home to the last population of red-finned blue-eye and many other species found nowhere else in the world. Credit:Drew Creighton Also on the reserve is David Coulton. A holdover from the previous tenants, he started his career on Edgbaston as a sheep shearer and is now tasked with upkeep on the reserve. When the station transitioned to a reserve he was in charge of pulling down much of the agricultural operation, including sheep and cattle yards. The reserve welcomes a range of different professions to the premises each year.

One of these people was Shannon Murphy, an artist who came to the reserve with a passion for communicating science through art. On any given day, she can be found collecting samples of stone and clay to make pigments for painting or specimens of plants and animals to draw with the help of a microscope. The converted shearing shed serves as a base of operations at Edgbaston Reserve. Credit:Drew Creighton University of Queensland PhD candidate Renee Rossini studies the "small things", invertebrates such as the myriad snails in the springs. Her focus at the reserve for her PhD was the ecology of macro-invertebrates in the Great Artesian Basin, "anything from one centimetre and down".

Volunteers are a key component of the preservation of the reserve as they are in much of Bush Heritage's more than nine million hectares of protected land. Tom Sjolund is one of those volunteers. An expert in video surveillance, Tom tinkers with old phone cameras, solar panels and lines of code to create necessary tools the reserve wouldn't otherwise have access to. His latest creation is a solar-powered, underwater motion detection camera. Watch and wait This spring holds the last known population of red-finned blue-eye. Credit:Drew Creighton

A flood breach in the outer wall of the spring where the last natural population of red-finned blue-eyes live could have been disastrous for the fish. The invasive gambusia fish are excellent at travelling via floodwaters and have been observed in drying pools outside the protective fencing, centimetres from populations of blue-eyes. It is possible flooding in 2016 may have carried gambusia into the spring. The spring, full of endemic species, much of them threatened, will be under close surveillance to make sure the worst has not happened. Tom Sjolund's underwater camera was developed for this purpose as well as for monitoring the general behaviour of life in the spring.

Rob Wager and Tom Sjolund set up a remotely operated camera to observe the last natural population of red-finned-blue-eye. Credit:Drew Creighton No two springs are the same, each a microcosm of life with many plants and invertebrates different to those in springs only kilometres away, so genetic diversity can be a worry. On top of that, the fencing around protected populations has also given rise to fears of inbreeding, as populations cannot move freely when the landscape floods. He has hopes that one day they may find the "golden egg" to remove the threat that is gambusia. "I think about it all the time, it can be all-encompassing. You wake up in the middle of the night with a mad idea to create a robot with laser eyes that can kill gambusia," Mr Wager said.

Freshwater ecologist Rob Wager looks over the last known natural population of red-finned blue-eye in the world. Credit:Drew Creighton Less wild but still a long shot is a greenish-brown blob found in abundance in the last natural population's springs. The blob is a newly described type of cyanobacteria, which contains cyanotoxins that may affect certain fish including the gambusia. "There are 100 reasons why it can't be possible. We rely on partners to be able to test these things. "This spring is right in the centre of gambusia territory and this cyanobacteria is only in abundance in this spring."

Rob's passion for fish started early, his mother's manual for keeping fish his earliest introduction. He first visited Edgbaston Reserve as an officer for the DPI in the 1990s to examine the fish and list it as endangered. The endangered red-finned blue-eye Credit:Adam Kerezsy The fish is now listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list as critically endangered and made the list of the top 100 most endangered species. As to why Rob chose the red-finned blue-eye as the focus of his work and why it was important, his answer was a little more ambiguous.
The Snowy Hydro Tumut 3 power station in Talbingo. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Underpinning Broad's vision splendid is a simple concept: pumped hydro. Traditional hydro gathers rainfall in alpine dams, gravity feeds the water down pipes to spin turbines and generate electricity. Pumped hydro reverses the process, using electricity to pump the water back uphill into those self-same dams. The water can then be reused, making more electricity when demand warrants it. It's a way of storing electricity; a giant battery. The great advantage of hydro power, whether traditional or pumped, is that it can quickly provide large amounts of power for sustained amounts of time, known as "peaking" generation. The big coal-fired power stations provide base-load power, but their output cannot be quickly ramped up or cut back to match demand, while wind and solar remain hostage to the weather. Snowy 2.0 would require a 26-kilometre tunnel linking Tantangara Reservoir to Talbingo Reservoir, a bolt-on to the 145 kilometres of tunnels in the existing Snowy Mountains scheme. Tantangara Reservoir dams the headwaters of the Murrumbidgee River at around 1200 metres above sea level; Talbingo Reservoir sits on the Tumut River below 600 metres. It's that dramatic difference in altitude that would enable significant amounts of power to be generated using a relatively small amount of water.

A new 2000 megawatt power station would be built 800 metres underground, nine kilometres from the end of the tunnel, accessed from the surface down a slanting, 3.5 kilometre road tunnel. The new station would be the biggest hydro station in Australia. Snowy 2.0 would would require no new dams or reservoirs and additional transmission lines would follow existing corridors. Most of the construction would take place underground. Nevertheless, it is entirely situated within the Kosciusko National Park. An access road to the new power station would be required and there is the vexed question of what to do with the spoil  the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of rock carved out of the mountain to form the tunnels. Nevertheless, the Australian Conservation Foundation has cautiously welcomed the proposal, saying it's better than new coal or gas generation. "[But] it's unlikely that it can deliver affordable, reliable electricity faster than comparable investment in wind or solar," ACF's Gavan McFadzean says. Snowy 2.0 would provide an added benefit, helping to relieve an existing bottleneck restricting the Tumut 3 station's output. Producing up to 1800 megawatts, it's by far Snowy Hydro's biggest existing power station, but it's dependent on water flowing down the Tumut River through the much smaller Tumut 1 and Tumut 2 power stations and into Talbingo Reservoir. It takes 10 days for enough water to pass through T1 and T2 to provide enough water for T3 to operate for one day at full capacity. That bottleneck has already proved near disastrous. In early February, temperatures in Canberra and Sydney exceeded 40 degrees, placing extreme stress on the grid.

"On the tenth of February this year in New South Wales, the lights stayed on because T3 was going flat out. And we almost ran out of water," Broad recalls. The new scheme would permit water to flow directly from Tantangara through the new station into Talbingo Reservoir, increasing the water available to Tumut 3. The two stations, both with pumped hydro, could then run in tandem. This is the genesis for expanding Snowy 2.0 even further. The new station could generate more power than Tumut 3 while using only a quarter of its water, due to the large altitude differential between Tantangara and Talbingo. That's why engineers believe the concept could be replicated up to three-fold: Snowy 3.0, Snowy 4.0 and Snowy 5.0  all linking Tantangara and Talbingo. It's a grand concept, but not a new one; Tumut 3 has used pumped-hydro since coming on-line in 1973, while variations of Snowy 2.0 have been proposed several times since the 1960s. In the past, the cost-benefit analysis never added up, not when coal was cheap and plentiful and no one had heard of climate change. According to Price, an energy advisor to the South Australian government, the sums still don't add up. He says Lithium-ion and other emerging battery technologies lose only a fraction as much energy as pumped hydro, cost less, are scalable and can be located wherever they're needed. They can also come on-line in milliseconds.

And there's the rub. Pumped hydro is a simple technology, but it's not a magical one. It takes more electricity, between 20 and 30 per cent more, to pump the water back uphill than can be generated by running it back downhill. In terms of pure electricity, pumped hydro will always run at a loss. So why does Broad think pumped hydro can attract investment now when it hasn't in the past? First, there's the construction technology. The tunnels of the original Snowy scheme were excavated using drill and blast. Since then, massive new tunnel boring machines have been developed, cutting capital costs. But the real game changer has been within the electricity market. It's money, not technological change that's breathing new life into the old concept; the laws of supply and demand, not the laws of physics. The Snowy Hydro CEO says he and his board anticipated the rise of renewables and the resultant volatility in generation would again make the Tantangara-Talbingo link worth examining, but not for another three of four years. Then the electricity market started sending out dramatically different price signals. "This time last year we had no sign of the forward curve looking anything like it is today," Broad says. Electricity retailers and large industrial consumers have been growing increasingly concerned they could be caught out in the event of a power shortage, either unable to obtain electricity or forced to pay exorbitant spot rates. Snowy Hydro, with its ability to supply large amounts of peaking power, has found itself in the box seat, able to offer the retailers products to hedge against power shortages.

And just as the spot price of electricity can rise dramatically, it can also fall. Recently, the wind across South Australia blew so hard, generating so much wind power, the price dropped first to zero, and then into negative territory. Snowy Hydro found itself getting paid to take the excess and pump water uphill at Tumut 3. Later, when the wind stopped blowing, the sun stopped shining and demand stepped up, it started generating electricity and selling it for a tidy profit. Nevertheless, there is no guarantee Snowy 2.0 will go ahead. The technology is proven, not so the economics. A back of the envelope estimate puts the capital cost at around $2 billion. That's a lot of money for a project that would generate no new electricity, but rely entirely on buying power cheap, storing it, and selling it later at a profit. And as Price points out, new battery technology is evolving rapidly and becoming cheaper by the month. Yet Dr Matthew Stocks, a renewable energy expert from the ANU, says batteries and pumped hydro possess different characteristics and fill different niches. He says Snowy 2.0 will make increasing sense as the grid becomes more dependent on wind and solar. "If they can do it for $2 billion, it would smash batteries out of the water." All this makes the feasibility study extremely difficult. The engineering challenges and estimating construction costs are the easy part. More fraught is modelling the future electricity market, with all of its vagaries and variabilities. The study is due for completion in December; it will need to deliver a robust financial case if it's to attract the necessary investment.
Labor has referred Pauline Hanson's One Nation to Queensland authorities amid claims the party has breached electoral rules. ALP senator Murray Watt has asked the Queensland Electoral Commission to investigate a report that One Nation secretly switched legal structures last year and now risks being deregistered as a party. The report in The Saturday Paper claimed One Nation's operating structure was changed in November last year from that of an unincorporated association to an incorporated association. The report said the change was made to shift legal liability away from senior party officers. The report goes on to allege Senator Hanson, the party's registered officer, failed to notify the QEC or One Nation members as required under electoral laws. It also says that under this new structure the party's constitution does not comply with the requirements of a registered political party.

Pauline Hanson poses in front of the One Nation plane during her 'Fed Up' tour. Credit:Onenation.com.au Senator Watt says the episode was consistent with One Nation's bid to centralise power to a small number of party officers in Queensland. In a letter to Queensland Electoral Commissioner Walter van der Merwe, Senator Watt says if the allegations are true they may amount to grounds for the cancellation of the party's registration in Queensland.



"If these series of allegations are correct they suggest a pattern of behaviour by Senator Hanson and PHON's senior officials and a belief that they do not need to comply with Australian laws, in a manner expected of all other political parties," Senator Watt said in his letter.



"I ask you to investigate these serious allegations concerning PHON's registration, and take any required action to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act." A spokesman for Ms Hanson said: "At this time the party is making no comment." This is the third matter recently referred to authorities.
The previously unreported figures will make uncomfortable reading for Prime Minister Narendra Modi who set out plans to overhaul the world's fourth largest rail network after he took power in 2014.

Indian Railways, much of them stuck in colonial times, have missed earnings targets for the third straight year and debts have shot up, documents seen by Reuters show, raising doubts about an ambitious modernisation drive.

The previously unreported figures will make uncomfortable reading for Prime Minister Narendra Modi who set out plans to overhaul the world's fourth largest rail network after he took power in 2014.

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Modi's $133 billion, five-year programme backed by private and public investment aimed to boost passenger and freight volumes, lay new tracks, introduce modern trains and drive growth to help meet ambitious economic targets.

Of that, about $32 billion, or less than 25 per cent, was spent in the first two years.

INVESTMENTS "TAKE TIME"

Some rail officials say it takes longer for investments to bear fruit, but nearly half way through the plan, the sector's performance has deteriorated according to some key measures.

"Without surgery, the railways can't become commercially viable," said a senior government official who deals with the network's finances.

Internal government documents show that under Modi, Indian Railways' operating ratio - a gauge of efficiency measuring expenses as a proportion of revenues - has slipped to the worst level in 15 years.

The documents also show gross traffic earnings, which make up the bulk of revenues, would fall short of the target by over $3 billion in the fiscal year ending last month.

Revenues were insufficient to cover expenditure, and funding via market borrowing rose to about 22 per cent last year from an average of 8 per cent between 2010-15. The railways now owe $20 billion, up $7 billion in the last three years.

DROP IN FREIGHT REVENUES

A senior railways ministry official, responding to questions from Reuters, said increased borrowing to fund new investments could not be expected to yield immediate results.

"Railway projects have a long gestation, hence revenues from projects will take time to flow," the official said in emailed answers, adding that they would generate sufficient revenues over the next three to four years to pay debts falling due.

He also said a drop in freight revenues stemmed from a strategic decision to enhance volumes by cutting charges, while passenger numbers had "increased after a gap of many years".

The official did not provide further details, and the latest passenger data for Indian Railways are not publicly available.

"These railways numbers cannot be solved overnight," said Bibek Debroy, a government adviser who has drafted a reform blueprint for the railways.

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He proposes unbundling the railways into separate units to operate track and traffic, and allowing private players to run train services.

Private money has been slow to flow, however, amid uncertainty over the return on investments.

"If the railway comes out with the right project structure which allows the private sector to have adequate and assured returns, investment in the railway sector will pick up," said Rajaji Meshram, director at KPMG India.

DISINTEGRATION

Strains on the network are visible at Ghaziabad's teeming, 150-year-old railway station near New Delhi, one of northern India's busiest freight junctions.

There, managers squeeze 70-75 freight trains a day between 340 passenger trains packed with commuters.

"We can't tell our clients when their cargo will leave the station or reach its destination," said a local official. "Passenger trains determine the movement of goods trains."

Such congestion has slowed the average speed of freight trains to around 20 km per hour from 24-25 kph three years ago. In China, the average speed of freight trains is 35 kph.

Ghaziabad is one of 400 stations identified by the Modi administration for redevelopment to generate non-fare revenues. Nearly two years after the federal cabinet approved the project, work there has yet to start.

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Bhartruhari Mahtab, head of a parliamentary panel on railways, said a struggle to find investors had hobbled the $15 billion programme to upgrade stations.

More broadly, he told Reuters he saw no alternative to drastic reforms, without which there could be "a disintegration of Indian Railways".

Reform won't be easy. The bulk of freight earnings still comes from transporting commodities like coal and oil, but with companies laying oil pipelines and power plants being built near coal mines, this business is under threat.

Hamstrung by some of the world's highest cargo rates, railways are also being priced out by cheaper road and air transport.

"We have lost a lot of revenue to the road sector. So, now we have to bring back that share of traffic to the railway sector," said Anil Saxena, chief spokesman of the railways.

Modi appears frustrated. His office said in a statement that he rebuked railway bosses at a meeting on Wednesday over public complaints of corruption. He also called this week for greater urgency in re-developing train stations and in finding ways to generate non-fare revenues.

Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu did not respond to a request for an interview.

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Also read:

Turnaround for Indian Railways: Reforms lead to record Rs 1.67 lakh crore freight revenues

Indian Railways to send officers to IITs, IIMs for advanced research and studies

WATCH THE VIDEO:

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Agricultural entrepreneur S.P. Kusumalatha (left) with her mother and inspiration Sittamma. Credit:Tammy Mills The trip to Sri Lanka is only Rogers' second field trip with World Vision and it seems completely beyond her experience. She's blonde, white and a banker from the wealthy Melbourne suburb of Kew. The closest she'd come to World Vision before she landed the top job was sponsoring a child in Myanmar. We're in a mini van travelling south from Kilinochchi to Colombo, stopping at villages that have World Vision programs in place along the way. We meet women leading change in their communities in agriculture  like one who is now supplying produce to two major supermarkets  and mental health, like those in Kilinochchi. World Vision chief executive Claire Rogers. Credit:Jason South "The first thing is; how can I be an adequate voice? Their pain and tragedy is just staggering," Rogers says.

"It's really hard to let go of ... but, partly, my role helps me with this. If I personally carried everyone's tragedy, I wouldn't be able to do my job and the way I can help is to do this role. That will enable more people to reach women like this." World Vision chief executive Claire Rogers with Sri Lankan agricultural entrepreneur S.P. Kusumalatha. Credit:ML O'Callaghan Rogers wasn't hired because she's done a bunch of charity work or has had developmental experience. But she did have something they wanted; experience in digital transformation. The industry is in the midst of a shake-up; the government has slashed the foreign aid budget, but what's creating more fear for traditional non-government organisations is tectonic shifts in donors. The internet  and social media  means we're more exposed to the world's trauma and we're either harder to shock or we're so inundated that we switch off. But also, donors demand more transparency for their dollars.

World Vision has a problem; there's a perception that money goes to paying staff rather than to programs despite the organisation saying consistently more than 80 per cent does. The Gaza scandal  where World Vision's operation manager allegedly funnelled millions to the Hamas militant group  doesn't help either. So when donors are feeling like they're not getting transparency, it just takes a few clicks of the mouse to skip past what they're being served-up by traditional NGOs. Non-profits like Kiva are capturing that market by promising 100 per cent of their funds to the cause, allowing people to choose who they loan money to and then providing photos to show what the donation achieves. Rogers says the kind of long-term development that World Vision funds doesn't necessarily provide the kind of instant gratification that's become increasingly appealing to donors. "In the past NGOs would just say trust us, we know what we're doing. That's OK, but the donors are shifting, they want more," Rogers says.

"If the NGOs don't bring to them a sense of they are connected and they are making a difference, they'll go direct. "How does World Vision respond to that?" This is where Rogers says she wants to leave her legacy; by changing how World Vision connects to donors, allowing donors to "get up close to the work". Letters from sponsor children can work, but Rogers says personalised videos and virtual reality to enable donors to see what it's like in their world may be better still. "There's a professionalism and an accountability transformation going on in the industry, but that on its own would be insufficient, because people want that human connection with the outcome as well," she says.

"How do we capture people's hearts?" We're now near Galgamuwa, about three hours north of Colombo, in Mrs Kusumalatha's living room. She and her husband supply produce, including eggplants, to the country's two biggest supermarkets. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are funding World Vision's Arise microfinance pilot in Sri Lanka and the couple have borrowed money through the program to buy sprinklers, fertiliser and seeds. Though they have equal share in the business, it's clear Mrs Kusumalatha is in charge and she holds court in the lounge room. "Doing business has become a normal thing [for women]," she says. "Gender is not a factor."

It's hard to imagine gender not being a factor in Rogers' career in Australia. Banking is blokey and she worked in it for 20-odd years. She started at ANZ straight out of Melbourne University and went into retail banking lending, but rose quickly, working in London when the Euro was formed. The UK e-commerce market was miles ahead of Australia and when Rogers returned home, she used this experience to create the bank's first online car loans platform, a system still used today. She left the company last year as the head of digital banking having spearheaded its digital transformation. Rogers said contractually, she couldn't talk specifically about the sexism she experienced, but said her banking career "started my fighting spirit early on" with a fair share of challenges. She sought out female mentors, and became a mentor herself. "It got better over the years and I had a couple of really significant moments where male leaders proactively supported me," she said. "One of my career tips I give women is always ask. You'll probably be surprised how many people say yes ... I actually managed to get a pay rise and tell my boss that I was pregnant with my first child in the same conference call. He didn't skip a beat, just said 'fine, we'll review your strategy'."

Rogers has two children now, both are teenagers, and her husband works as a contractor in the resource industry. At various times during the trip, she stops to take photos on her phone of random animals  a squirrel on a powerline, another stray dog  to send to her animal-obsessed 13-year-old daughter. There's another moment that the self-contained CEO loses her cool a little. We stop at a small shed on the side of the road that will store milk from the village cows for pick-up to take to a factory. Rogers is the guest of honour and is there to cut the ribbon, shake hands and smile for the camera. There's a surprise, and a little curtain is drawn open to reveal a small gold plaque on the front wall. "It's got my name on it!" she says with a look of such shock that the locals start laughing. Her daughter, Rogers said, is strong and self-contained as well. It's often hard for her to tell what her daughter is thinking, but when she got the World Vision job, she wrote her mum a letter. "She wrote how inspiring I was, how excited she was at me taking the job and 'Once they get to know you mum, they'll just love you'," she says.
An Australian woman is fighting for life after becoming the first local victim of a global airbag recall crisis that has left drivers with gruesome injuries and affected millions of car owners.

The 21-year-old Darwin woman was struck on the head by metal shrapnel propelled from her faulty airbag during a low-speed crash on Monday.

The Takata airbag in her Toyota RAV4 SUV was one of about 100 million worldwide, including 2.1 million in Australia, to be recalled.

It's believed tens of thousands of Australians may be driving death trap cars capable of decapitating passengers by sending shrapnel flying through their car during crashes that may only be minor.
As a child, primary school principal Angela Helsloot was always given homework and, as a teacher, she has marked homework sheets nearly every day.

But 20 years into her career, Mrs Helsloot has made the decision to stop the practice at Allambie Heights Public School.

She said she had never thought too much about homework until last year, when a parent asked about its purpose at a P&C meeting.

The school decided to survey students, parents and teachers on whether they thought it was valuable, and the responses were surprising.
As a child, Lyndl Kean was always fascinated by apes and as she grew up she heard about the threats to orangutans, she was determined to save the species from extinction.

Now 27 and the Miss Earth Australia title holder, Kean is heading to Sumatra, Indonesia to work with The Orangutan Project at a sanctuary to raise awareness about the endangered species.

"When I won Miss Earth Australia which is an environmental beauty pageant  I thought, now's the best time to do it, using the beauty pageant as a platform to raise awareness and to get people to start doing something," Ms Kean said.

"The overall goal is to obviously help save the species from extinction, which is actually something that could happen in my lifetime which scares me half to death  it's so upsetting, it's so confronting.
A cyclist has died after being struck by two vehicles in Sydney's south on Saturday night.

The male cyclist collided with a northbound Mitsubishi Triton utility on Denison Street, Banksmeadow, near the intersection with Corish Circuit at about 6.20pm, before he was struck by a Toyota Tarago travelling in the same direction.

The road was closed in both directions as emergency services attended the scene, where the cyclist was pronounced dead.

The drivers of both vehicles are assisting police with inquiries and will be taken to Prince of Wales Hospital for mandatory blood and urine tests.

Police are urging anyone with more information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Former Australian of the Year finalist Eman Sharobeem recently returned to her native Egypt and has been making enquiries in Cairo to renew her national identity card, a prerequisite for seeking work in the country.

Two senior officials at Egypt's National Council of Women confirmed that Ms Sharobeem, who has lived in Australia for 30 years, was at their offices in the upmarket suburb of Nasr City in Cairo about two months ago, requesting a letter that states she had worked for the government body, in order to renew her national identification card.

Eman Sharobeem and Haiman Hammo at an Australian of the Year dinner in 2016. Credit:Fairfax Media

The revelation comes just a day before ICAC is due to begin public hearings into allegations Ms Sharobeem, the former CEO of two publicly funded community health organisations, misused credit cards, submitted false invoices, spent money on personal items and used public money to renovate a property she owned.

With Ms Sharobeem due to give evidence over two days in the second week of hearings, it is unclear if she remains in Egypt or has returned to Australia. Her lawyer Mark Smith did not respond to a request for comment.
The childcare industry says there is an oversupply of childcare in the inner-city and middle-ring suburbs of Sydney, in news that will surprise parents stuck on waiting lists for the hours they need.

The claim is in stark contrast to warnings from the federal Opposition which says the population boom is driving a national childcare shortage set to worsen over the next three years.

Number crunching: The Australian Childcare Alliance says the oversupply of childcare in Sydney is both real and widespread. Credit:Peter Braig

But the peak body for private long day care, the Australian Childcare Alliance, says the oversupply is both real and widespread.

It has surprised early childhood education advocates by declaring that a competitive market approach does not work, and called for the government to manage supply by centrally planning the location of childcare centres the way it does for schools and aged care facilities.
Inner north residents woke on Sunday to find emergency services swarming Newmarket Road in Windsor and an exclusion zone in place, as police negotiated with an armed man who was refusing to leave his unit.

It all started at 3.40am when police responded to a noise complaint at the 42-year-old man's unit, located in a complex near the intersection with Lutwyche Road, and they returned about 5am when the loud music hadn't been turned down.

Police set an exclusion zone as they negotiated with the man on Sunday morning. Credit:Toby Crockford

Upon arrival during the second visit, police saw the man inside the apartment with a replica handgun, initially thought to be real, and two knives.
Young Liberals at one of Australia's most prestigious universities have been accused of sexism and misconduct during a student election.

One young woman, who is a member of the Melbourne University Liberal Club, was told she was excluded from an event because she would make men "a bit uncomfortable."

Melbourne University Liberal Club president Xavier Boffa (right) with shadow attorney-general John Pesutto.

She stood up and spoke about her experience at the club's annual general meeting last month, reading out a message she had received from president Xavier Boffa, who also works for shadow attorney general John Pesutto.

Mr Boffa wrote that he had wanted to invite the woman to an event but hadn't because "a couple of the guys were a bit uncomfortable about inviting a chick."
Chatellerault, France: French presidential hopeful Emmanuel Macron has launched a scathing attack against politicians who have failed to endorse him against far-right rival Marine Le Pen, saying they were making France "morally weak" and pandering to extremists.

Having been caught on the hop by Le Pen since the start of the second round campaign this week, and with just over a week to go until the May 7 run-off vote, the independent centrist who is tearing up France's political rule book took his campaign to the countryside.

His aim was to appeal to disgruntled farmers who have shied away from politics and turned to the far-right following years of crisis.

But with Le Pen winning the endorsement of defeated sovereignist Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, and with failed far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon refusing to say who has his backing, Macron began his rally in Chatelleraut, central France, on the defensive.
"Education is empowerment, and only education will deliver them from widespread unemployment and anger spilling out on the streets," said Justice S K Kaul.

By Harish V Nair: The Supreme Court said on Friday that Kashmiri students should stop throwing stones at security forces and "return to colleges and schools", in its first-ever intervention in bringing peace to the violence-racked Valley.

"Education is empowerment, and only education will deliver them from widespread unemployment and anger spilling out on the streets," said Justice S K Kaul, who was part of the three-judge bench hearing a plea filed by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar.

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LAWYERS' BODY CANNOT TAKE SIDES

Chief Justice JS Khehar asked the association to respond to issues raised by the Centre that defended the use of pellet guns to quell stone-pelting mobs in the Valley, and said that the lawyers' body cannot take sides.

Authorities have been under attack from activists over the use of pellet guns that wreaked havoc during protests in Kashmir last year, blinding and injuring hundreds. The court had already asked the Centre to consider other "effective" means to control riotous mobs as it "concerns life and death".

The apex court sought the association's response after the Centre explained the circumstances under which security forces use measures like pellet guns. The court even said that it was ready to set the stage for talks between stakeholders and influential public voices in Kashmir and the Centre.

But as the "first step forward", the court insisted that the Association should persuade the stakeholders to file undertakings in court that they will abstain from violence.

PULL BACK SECURITY FORCES

Once these undertakings are filed - tentatively on May 9 - the court will ask the government to pull back security forces for at least 15 days as peace is negotiated.

The Supreme Court asked the "stakeholders" in Kashmir to "take two steps back", as a resolution could be initiated only if no stones are hurled and no pellets are fired on the streets of the Valley.

The association countered that security forces entered schools and universities and beat up students. "If they beat up students, then students will be on the streets. Throwing stones is a reaction. The Centre has stopped talking to the people of Kashmir. People want uninterrupted, unconditional and sincere dialogue," the association's lawyer said.ON NEGOTIATIONS

Attorney general Mukul Rohatgi, who appeared for the Centre, made it clear that the government would come to the negotiating table only if the recognised parties participate in the dialogue and not separatist elements.

The A-G rubbished the association's claim that the Centre was not coming forward for discussion and dialogue to resolve the crisis. Rohatgi said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti recently held a meeting to discuss the volatile situation in the Valley, and ways to ensure peace.

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The apex court was in agreement with Rohatgi and said all those whom the law does not prevent, can meet and come out with suggestions, as the situation is not very palpable.

Rohatgi read out the part of the affidavit in which the association has raised questions about accession of Kashmir and giving a political colour to the matter by mentioning names of some separatist leaders who were under house arrest.

"The case of the bar here is different but he (lawyer for bar) talks about Geelani and separatists. What is this going on? Ten times he says release them," the A-G said.

The bench said that both the parties have to take a joint step, but the first step has to come from the lawyers' body that has approached the court.

STAY ON USE OF PELLET GUNS?

The apex court was hearing eking a stay on the use of pellet guns as a large number of people had been killed or injured due to their use.

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The association was insisting that there should be a unilateral declaration of ceasefire, withdrawal of security forces, revocation of AFSPA and stoppage of using pellet guns.

During the last hearing on April 10, the Centre had told the Supreme Court that it was exploring a crowd control option that is akin to rubber bullets but not as lethal as pellet guns that are being used currently by security forces as a last resort to quell violence in the Valley.

Also read

Stone pelters on hire in Kashmir: India Today nails Valley's insidious villains

Kupwara attack: Ghost of Uri haunts Army, urgent need to seal borders

--- ENDS ---
Beijing: Kim Jong-un knows how to time his missile tests to maximum effect.

Just as signs emerged that cooperation between China and the United States on solving the North Korea problem may be fracturing, a ballistic missile was fired.

The failed launch, believed to be a medium-range missile that landed 35 kilometres from the launch site at Bukchang, came hours after a special meeting of the United Nations Security Council, where foreign ministers debated how to curb North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

Strong sanctions that could cripple North Korea are on the cards. Multiple world leaders have warned of the risk of war.
Of the postings, she said: "I think it has been shocking... that aspect of human nature that I hadn't really encountered before. It's been striking and quite hard really to get your head round. Because why would somebody write that? Why would somebody add to someone's upset, why would someone in a position of ignorance do something like that?"

"I think we've tried to educate them a little bit as well because obviously it's not just us that has fallen victim to the downside of social media."

"Our worry is for our children," said Mrs McCann, 49, a former GP, who disclosed she has started working again in medicine but not as a general practitioner.

Mr McCann, 48, a cardiologist, added: "I don't want to dwell on the negative aspects too long, but I think in this era of fake news, it is extremely topical and I think people just need to think twice before what they write and the effects it has.

"Certainly I know ourselves with our own experience, both in the mainstream media and also on the internet, we just say I am not going to believe that until I see evidence of it.

"I'm sure it is a very small minority of people who spend their time doing it, but it has totally inhibited what we do. Personally, we don't use social media, although we have used it in Madeleine's campaign. But for our twins who are growing up in an era where mobile technology is used all the time, we don't want them not to be able to use it in the same way that their peers do."

The couple, from Rothley in Leicestershire, lamented that they had only been able to enjoy their "little perfect nuclear family of five" for such a short period of time.

Mr McCann, acknowledging the passing of time, said: "You adapt and you have a new normality. And unfortunately for us a new normality is a family of four.
Ankara: The Turkish government agency in charge of internet technologies blocked access to Wikipedia Saturday without explaining why.

The ban was imposed after "technical analysis and legal consideration," the Information and Communication Technologies Authority said, without citing any violation of Turkish law. The agency didn't respond to calls placed outside regular business hours.

Internet users early on Saturday began reporting problems trying to reach the site, the online encyclopedia that provides free access and lets users edit its content. The blocking of Wikipedia coincides with mounting Western criticism of an erosion of basic liberties in Turkey. A Council of Europe body, the parliamentary assembly, put Turkey on its watch list this month, saying a crackdown on government opponents compromised human rights and the rule of law.

"The government can't get enough of censorship," said lawmaker Baris Yarkadas of the largest opposition party, CHP, a member of a party board that monitors political pressure on the media.
PHILIPSBURG - Prime Minister William Marlin hereby makes it known that preparations for Memorial Day have commenced. Memorial Day is the National Day of Remembrance, which is the day that we commemorate the victims who have died in wars or peacekeeping missions since the outbreak of World War II have commenced.

The preparations include the relocation of the commemoration plaques at the Captain Hodge Wharf to a more publicly accessible location on the same Wharf. May 4th is a day that is recognized throughout the Dutch Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is important for the general public to recognize this day as it not only acknowledges the victims that have fought to defend the Dutch Kingdom, but it is also a day that signifies the freedom of the Kingdom and its people.

On Thursday upcoming, May 4th, all uniformed forces will participate in a silent march through Philipsburg at 3:30 pm. The procession will lead to the Captain Hodge Wharf, where a short ceremony will take place in front of the existing plaque that commemorates local names of persons who have fought for our freedom within the Dutch kingdom.

The program also includes a formal wreath laying ceremony during which both the Government and Parliament of Sint Maarten will lay wreaths. Invited guests will also be given the opportunity to pay their respects to the placement of a single flower.

The general public is invited to witness this occasion as we pay homage to our fallen victims.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Topes de Collantes, CubaEvery two years, bird educators, scientists and conservationists from the Caribbean and beyond gather for BirdsCaribbeans International Conference. This years conference takes place in southern Cuba from 13-17 July 2017. More than 200 international delegates are expected to join dozens of Cuban delegates to share the latest in Caribbean bird research and protection.

BirdsCaribbean conferences have always been a place for scientists to collaborate beyond political boundaries, said Andrew Dobson, President of BirdsCaribbean, Bringing an international group together in Cuba is particularly exciting. We are excited to have the chance to work face-to-face with our Cuban colleagues.

This years theme is Celebrating Caribbean Diversity. The Caribbean is a hotspot of biodiversity, with many unique plants and animals. Birds are no exception: 172 species are found only in the Caribbean. The Caribbean is also a cultural melting pot, home to the most diverse group of bird scientists in the world.

The conference will focus on the practice of conservation backed by sound science. World-famous keynote speakers will present on current issues in ornithology. Training workshops, panels, and talks will cover many topics. These include conservation of island endemics and migrants, bird tourism, bird monitoring, emerging technology's, environmental awareness, invasive species, and many other themes.

You can share your latest findings, upgrade your skills, network with colleagues, or see the 26 bird species found only in Cuba, explained Andrew Dobson, We will also be supporting the participation of spouses and children.

We are thrilled to host this conference at Topes de Collantes National Park in the Sierra de Escambray  Cubas second largest mountain range, and home to many unique birds, said Lisa Sorenson, Executive Director. There will be many chances to explore, from the forests and waterfalls of the park to the historic town of Trinidad nearby. Join field trips during, before and after the conference to learn more about the endemic birds of Cuba or tour the city of Havana.

Conference registration is open now. Visit birdscaribbean.org to register or learn more.
The Caribbean Sea - The Royal Dutch Navy's station ship in the Caribbean, M-frigate Zr. Ms. Van Amstel again made two drug busts last week, with a total of nearly 1100 kilograms of cocaine being confiscated.

The busts were a collaboration between several units involved in anti-drug operations in the Caribbean. Zr. Ms. Van Amstel with her NH-90 maritime combat helicopter once again worked together with a US maritime patrol aircraft, a US Navy patrol vessel and units of the US Coast Guard to detain a smuggling vessel, in making the third and fourth drug bust in a short period of time.

The van Amstel received a report of a suspicious small motorboat. This so-called "go-fast" was being monitored by the American patrol plane. Once in the vicinity, the Dutch frigate sent off its NH-90 helicopter and took over the task to monitor the suspicious vessel. The NH-90 managed to force it to a stop after which a boarding crew from the US Navy patrol ship detained the five crew members. Due to the incremental weather and waves up to 2.5 meters high, the crew members of the powerboat were severely exhausted. During the detention, a large number of suspicious packages were encountered which contained 750 kilograms of cocaine.

Fourth drug bust in 10 days

Two days later, the Dutch Royal Navy ship intercepted a second drug transport in the Caribbean Sea. During that action, 330 kg of cocaine was seized. The NH-90 maritime combat helicopter was also deployed during this action during which it monitored a fast motorboat until the van Amstel was nearby. The NH-90 then showed itself to the crew and signaled the go-fast to stop. The motorboat then went off at high speed, with the NH-90 in pursuit. Warning shots were fired to force the suspicious vessel to stop. When this again had no effect, the outboard engines of the boat were taken out with targeted shots. Zr. Ms. Van Amstel next launched her own fast-moving RHIBs with a boarding team from the American Coast Guard. The four men crew was detained and transferred together with the smuggling goods to the patrol ship of the US Navy that had arrived on scene.

Station ship in the Caribbean

The Zr. Ms. Van Amstel is currently having a very successful term as station ship. The Royal Dutch Navy M-frigate managed to execute four major drug busts in ten days. On behalf of the Commander of the Royal Dutch Navy in the Caribbean, the Zr.Ms. Van Amstel conducts anti-drug operations in the Caribbean. The ship and its crew are part of a permanent multinational anti-drugs smuggling operation led by the Joint Interagency Task Force South. The ship operates within a Task Group commanded by the Commander of the Royal Dutch Navy. Anti-drug operations are one of the main tasks of the Dutch military forces in the Caribbean.
PHILIPSBURG:---Next Thursday, the 4th of May, a fundraising dinner will be held at Holland House Beach Hotel to raise money for their participation at the Taste of the Caribbean. Taste of the Caribbean is the regions premier culinary competition and cultural showcase that is every year organised in Miami.

The fundraiser dinners prior to the prestigious event in Miami serve to raise the large sum of money needed to get the Sint Maarten team to the United States. Besides raising money for the competition, this dinner is a good practice for the chefs to be prepared for the real Taste competition at the beginning of June. Since this is the first time the chefs work with each other every fundraising dinner is a good possibility to get to know each other and everybodys skills better. As the team largely comprises of last years award winning contestants, the organizing parties try to further improve their team as well as individual effort at the highest level.

This year the team that will compete on behalf of Sint Maarten consists out of eight excellent chefs, Renata de Weever (Executive sous-chef at Sonesta Great Bay Hotel and Casino), Justin Assendelft (sous-chef/fish specialist at Holland House Beach Hotel), Ronald Estephane (pastry manager at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino), Paul Peterson (bartender at Temptation restaurant and bartending teacher at NIPA), Dino Jagtiani (chef and owner of Temptation restaurant), Pieter Holstein (Chef at Canoa and Rum & Peas restaurant), Suzy Adoptie (Student at Sint Maartens National Institute for Professional Advancement), and Mrinal Wadhwa (Student at Sint Maartens National Institute for Professional Advancement).

All chefs have their own speciality to battle with the other teams during the competition. This to win the different titles that are being awarded. Besides the team competition, different individual competitions are organised as well, chef of the year, junior chef of the year, bartender of the year, and pastry manager of the year. The Sint Maarten chefs are absolutely determined to do their utmost best, which will give Sint Maarten good hope that they will return home with some prices.

The first fundraiser dinner at Infinity was regarded as promising. There are still limited tickets available. Reservations for TASTE fundraiser dinners can be made at St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association, 1 721 542 0108 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Prime suspect in the brutal murder of husband of 20 years.

MARIGOT:--- The wife of Mont Vernon veterinarian Nadine Turquin appeared before the investigating judge in Guadeloupe on Friday afternoon in Pointe Pitre for the brutal murder of veterinarian Jean-Louis Turquin (68) who was shot to death in his Mont Vernon home during the night of January 7th.2017

Nadine Turquin was invited to the Gendarmerie on Wednesday after which she was detained and questioned into the murder of her husband. She was transported to Guadeloupe on Friday morning to appear before the judge. The judge ordered that Nadine Turquin remains in detention as the investigation continues.

Based on information SMN News received Nadine Turquin became the prime suspect in the brutal murder after scientific results showed that she had gun residue on her hands. However, during the investigations, Nadine Turquin denied having anything to do with the murder of her husband since she was supposedly out that fatal night with friends celebrating her birthday.

In January Mrs. Turquin told investigators that she went out with her friends at a bar and when she returned she found her dead husband in their bedroom at the time of the murder the case was dubbed as an armed robbery that went wrong.

Jean-Louis Turquin was found with a gunshot wound in his back while investigators found two empty shells at the scene.

While the case was dubbed as an armed robbery there were no signs of forced entry into the private home.

Jean-Louis Turquin spent years in a Paris prison after being convicted of killing his 7-year old son. It was while Jean-Louis Turquin was in prison Nadine contacted him after seeing his photographs in newspapers in France.

The now suspected murder married Jean Luis Turquin in prison, just one year after divorcing her husband and father of three children.

The couple moved to St. Martin 2012 where they operated a 24 hour veterinary.
It's hard to protest global warming when it's unseasonably cold at the end of April

Photo from the protestors website. Denver capitol building is in the background.

Environmental groups and social-, racial- and economic justice groups marched for climate action on Saturday, April 29, 2017 in Denver and 11 other cities in Colorado. As the event began, outside temperatures were a freezing 31 degrees Farenheit. Water freezes below 32 degrees Farenheit, which is also zero degrees Celsius.

The events are among the 330 sister marches throughout the U.S. and globally to rally for public policies that recognize and seek to slow climate change. The events are also protests against President Donald Trump, who famously is a climate change denier.

"The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive," tweeted @RealDonaldTrump on November 12, 2012. The left have mocked him repeatedly for this stand.

The weather today, April 29, 2017 at 10 a.m. in Denver, Colorado's capital.

"Climate change is the most critical issue facing my generation," said Seth Maddox, one of the co-founders of People's Climate of Colorado, a new nonprofit formed to support the march.

"On the 100th day of the Trump administration, we march together to resist the undermining of environmental protections, the assault on clean water and air, and the attacks against indigenous communities, workers, people of color, immigrants, youth and students, working families, the LGBT+ community, women, and others whose rights are threatened." wrote Maddox about today's event in Denver.

Denver's march begins at 10:00 at Denver's Civic Center. Organizers say more than 20,000 people have expressed interest in attending.

Similar marches were held in Colorado Springs, Greeley, Carbondale, Steamboat Springs, Pueblo, Durango, and Pagosa Springs.
Constellation Software Inc. Announces Results of Voting for Directors at Annual Shareholders Meeting

TORONTO, ONTARIO  (Marketwired)  04/28/17  Constellation Software Inc. (TSX: CSU) is pleased to announce the results of the vote on directors at its April 28, 2017 annual shareholders meeting. Each of the nominee directors listed in the Corporations management proxy circular dated March 24, 2017 was elected as a director. Constellation Software Inc. received proxies with regard to voting on the eight directors nominated for election, directing as set forth in the table below:

Final voting results on all matters voted on at the annual meeting held earlier today will be filed with the Canadian securities regulators.

About Constellation Software Inc.

Constellations common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol CSU. Constellation Software acquires, manages and builds vertical market software businesses.

Contacts:

Constellation Software Inc.

Jamal Baksh

Chief Financial Officer

416-861-9677
The police today discovered that three suitcases containing documents of Jayalalithaa's property worth hundreds of crore were stolen from the Kodanad estate in Ooty on April 23.

In a startling twist to the Kodanad estate murder mystery today, the police discovered that three suitcases with documents of Jayalalithaa's property worth crores were stolen from the estate.

According to sources,"Documents worth hundreds of crores were taken from the Kodanadu estate... Some were in the name of Sasikala and Jayalalithaa jointly."

Reportedly, the mastermind of the heist was close to both Jayalalithaa and Sasikala.

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On the other hand, two main accused in the case met with separate accidents today.

One of the accused Kanakaraj, a former employee at Poes Garden died in a car crash in Tamil Nadu's Salim district. While his close aide and the second accused, Sayan met with a car accident in Kerala's Palakkad district today.

Sayan was traveling with his wife and daughter who died in the collision.

In a simultaneous development, based on the inputs from Krishna Bahadur, the other security guard who was injured in the Kodanad estate attack, police have released a sketch of one of the assailants.

sketch of the main accused

Kanakaraj, the ex-driver who was the main accused died today in a car crash.

Sayan's car after the crash. Photo: ANI

This comes a day after the Tamil Nadu Police claimed to have solved the murder mystery, naming a Kerala-based Hawala operator and an ex-employee at Kodanad estate for conspiring the heist.

Kanakaraj worked as a driver for four years at Jayalalithaa's Poes Garden residence in Chennai. Sayan alias Shyam was the owner of a bakery in Palakkad.

Here is the timeline of Kodanad Estate murder case On April 23, a security guard at Jayalalithaa's tea estate in Ooty was hacked to death, while another was injured. According to reports, eight to ten men barged into the Kodanad estate on the intervening night of April 23 with a motive that remains unclear and killed Om Bahadur after a scuffle. The police rounded up Krishna Bahadur, the other guard who was injured in the attack for interrogation. Acting on leads, police arrested three accused, Satish, Santosh and Deepak from Kerala's Thrissur and four more from Mallapuram. Today, ex-employee of Poes Garden and the main accused Kanakaraj died in a car crash, whereas another suspect too met with a similar fate. The second accused, Sayan is now battling for his life in hospital. He lost his wife and daughter in the accident.

Meanwhile, leaders from opposition parties are raising questions on the mysterious theft.

DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan said, "The documents worth hundred crores have gone missing. Something mysterious was going on in Jayalalithaa's house and people surrounding her. Something to do with properties purchased illegally. We need proper investigation into this..."

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Also read: Mystery behind murder of guard at Jayalalithaa's Kodanad estate

Also read: Kodanad estate murder mystery solved: Police arrest old driver, Kerala hawala operators planned the crime

Watch the video: Kodanad estate murder: 3 more held for plotting crime

--- ENDS ---
UpSnap Announces Resignation of a Board Member

Posted by Publisher Networking

TORONTO, ONTARIO  (Marketwired)  04/28/17  UpSnap Inc. (CSE: UP) (UpSnap or the Company), a leading provider of mobile advertising solutions, today announced the resignation of board member Trish McLean effective immediately.

We would like to thank Trish for her time and dedication to UpSnap, said Bruce Howard, CEO of UpSnap. We wish her the best of luck moving forward and we have immediately commenced a search for her replacement.

About UpSnap

UpSnap provides highly-targeted, data-driven mobile advertising to attract the ideal audience for brands big and small. Combining first-party proprietary data and real-time analytics, UpSnap goes beyond location to deliver site agnostic and results-driven campaigns that produce qualified, engaged customers. UpSnap tailors each campaign to align with unique business goals, delivering the right customers for more meaningful exposure and better business results.

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information

Certain information set out in this News Release constitutes forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as seek, anticipate, hope, plan, continue, estimate, expect, may, will, intend, could, might, should, scheduled, believe and similar expressions. The forward- looking information set out in this News Release relates to future events or our future performance and includes: (i) information concerning the positive effect of new sales staff on revenue growth; (ii) the effect of new products like Facebook advertising on revenue growth; (iii) the Companys ability to grow average spend and succeed in the mobile advertising market by focusing on the underserved small and medium sized business market.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions on the date of this news release, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which cause actual results to vary from those express or implied by such forward looking statements. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and they will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and based on what management of the company believes are reasonable assumptions. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or publicly revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws. Furthermore, the Company does not assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward looking statements set out in this news release. The Companys forward looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements.

The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this press release.

Contacts:

Alex Pekurar, CPA, CA

Chief Financial Officer

UpSnap Inc.

416-619-3903

Babak Pedram

Investor Relations

Virtus Advisory Group Inc.

416-644-5081
SEB Reports Results for First Quarter, 2017

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO  (Marketwired)  04/28/17  Smart Employee Benefits Inc. (SEB or the Company) (TSX VENTURE: SEB) has made significant progress during the first 5 months of fiscal 2017. SEB has closed approximately $5.9M of new equity, the majority subscribed for by insiders and existing shareholders. The President/ CEO/ CIO acquired over 30% of the equity offering. In addition, the company has closed $22.5M of Debt Facilities with a major Canadian Bank. This debt consolidation saves over $1.5 million annually of interest charges and terms out short term debt incurred in the course of acquisitions for up to 5 years. Debt Service is estimated at approximately 35% of the Technology Division (TD) cash flows. The Company also closed the acquisition of Aon Hewitt Incs (Aon) mid market health and welfare benefits administration business in Canada and structured a strategic sales and marketing alliance with Aon. Aon is one of the largest benefit consulting companies in the world operating in over 100 countries. This book of business consists of 48 corporate clients representing over 250,000 plan members across Canada. SEB also acquired several highly complementary technology platforms and added approximately 150 employees across Canada and India.

The above transactions position SEB for strong growth in fiscal 2017. The SEB Group currently has over $100.0M of sales and in excess of $500.0M of backlogs, renewal and option year contracts with over 200 clients.

The consolidated financial results for the first quarter ending February 28, 2017 were relatively flat compared to the same quarter the prior year. The Technology Division continued to generate strong performance during the quarter with backlog increasing significantly, although revenue declined slightly and operating earnings declined, largely due to weakness in western Canada. This weakness is expected to be fully recovered in the second quarter. The Benefits Division (BD) gained solid traction post the quarter with the Aon transaction. Corporate costs declined significantly. The details are as follows:

1) CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

2) DIVISIONAL PERFORMANCE

3) CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS (LOSS)

4) EQUITY FINANCING

5) DEBT FINANCING ($22.5M)

6) THE AON TRANSACTION

States John McKimm, President/CEO/CIO of SEB, The Aon Transaction adds not only long term clients to SEBs benefits administrations business, it also adds a strategic relationship with one of the largest benefits consulting organizations in the world. A further positive is the Flex Plus administration platform, which SEB believes to be one of the most comprehensive Flex Systems in the market place. SEB has made substantial investment over the past 5 years in its health benefits processing solutions. The Flex Plus platform enhances SEBs Processing Solutions capabilities in administering Flex benefits plans. SEBs Benefits Exchange Platform is believed to be the most comprehensive in the industry and the only one that manages All Benefits Types in One Environment. The current Aon administration environment contributes revenue per plan member of between $50 to $70 per annum. The average benefit plan in Canada today pays processing fees between $250 to $600 per annum per plan member. These processing fees are scattered among multiple service providers. SEBs Benefits Exchange Platform can consolidate these services and provide benefits clients with One Processing Environment for All Benefits Types. This includes Administration (Traditional or Flex), Adjudication, Claims Payment, Billing, Health Spending Accounts, Disability Management, Health and Wellness, Fraud prevention, detailed Real Time Reporting and Analytics, Audit, Pharmacy Benefits Management (PBM) solutions, New Voluntary Products Purchases, all on ONE BENEFITS CARD and in ONE PROCESSING ENVIRONMENT. This is unique in the industry, both in Canada and globally. SEB, with the Aon transaction has the opportunity to capture up to 100% of the processing fees, the majority of which are currently being outsourced to multiple parties.

Management Comments

States McKimm, President/CEO/CIO, SEB has made significant progress in the past 5 months. The Technology Division now has over $450 million of backlog, renewals and option year contracts. The division continues to be a strong performer. The Benefits Division has over $50 million of backlog contracts. The Aon transaction has given SEB the opportunity for significant organic growth if SEB can transition clients over time to SEBs Benefits Exchange Platform. Virtually all the processing in a health benefits plan can be managed in one environment for all benefits types on the SEB platform. It allows SEB to capture in excess of $300 of processing fees per plan member and provide clients processing functionality they are not getting today without spending more money. This is unique in the benefits processing industry. The refinancing with a major Canadian Bank has significantly improved the balance sheet and generated over $1.5 million of new free cash flow from interest savings. SEB is well positioned for growth in both revenue and cash flow in fiscal 2017.

Callers should dial in 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time and simply ask to join the call.

Webcast Link: access at

Conference Call Replay Numbers:

Replay Duration: Available for one week until end of day May 10, 2017.

About SEB

Smart Employee Benefits Inc.s global infrastructure is comprised of two operating divisions: Technology and Benefits. The Technology Division currently serves corporate and government clients across Canada and internationally. The Benefits Division focuses on offering SaaS and BPO solutions in the Health Benefits Sector to corporate and government clientele. The Benefits Division operates as a client of the Technology Division. The Technology Division is a critical competitive advantage in supporting the implementation of SEBs benefits processing solutions into client environments. Benefits Processing is a high-growth specialty practice area.

The core expertise of both divisions is data processing. Emphasis is on automating business processes utilizing SEB proprietary software solutions combined with solutions of third parties through joint ventures and partnerships.

For further information about SEB, please visit .

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE COMPANYS CURRENT EXPECTATIONS AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. HOWEVER, THE COMPANY EXPRESSLY 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 LAW.

All figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.

Contacts:

MEDIA AND INVESTOR CONTACTS: Smart Employee Benefits Inc.

John McKimm

President/CEO/CIO

Office (888) 939-8885 x 354 or Cell (416) 460-2817
Quote: BetterNow2017 Originally Posted by Just because we share a commonality in addiction does not mean we have to like or trust each other. EXACTLY.



And the latest one for me was a guy thats always buying scratch-offs, I need $10 'my kids' , well WTF dude it says right on those tickets you buy daily the odds are severely against you.



Its not fair I have so little money ! Maybe stop spending $60 a day on energy drinks fast food every meal and scratch offs 60x30 is 1800 a month.

who is allowing the money to leave YOUR pocket and end up in someone elses?"And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today.When I am disturbed,It is because I find some person, place, thing, situation --Some fact of my life -- unacceptable to me,And I can find no serenity until I acceptThat person, place, thing, or situationAs being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment.Nothing, absolutely nothing happens in God's world by mistake.Until I could accept my alcoholism, I could not stay sober;Unless I accept life completely on life's terms,I cannot be happy.I need to concentrate not so muchOn what needs to be changed in the worldAs on what needs to be changed in me and in my attitudes."Shakespeare said, All the worlds a stage, and all the men and women merely players. He forgot to mention that I was the chief critic. I was always able to see the flaw in every person, every situation. And I was always glad to point it out, because I knew you wanted perfection, just as I did. A.A. and acceptance have taught me that there is a bit of good in the worst of us and a bit of bad in the best of us; that we are all children of God and we each have a right to be here. When I complain about me or about you, I am complaining about Gods handiwork. I am saying that I know better than God.im powerless over people, but not powerless whether I allow them to use me or not.
Something went wrong, please try again later.

Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.

She's known to Game of Thrones fans as Meera Reed and she has just enjoyed her first lead film role in Somerset-based movie The Levelling.

We spoke to Ellie Kendrick about her roles on the small and big screens, when we met her alongside The Levelling director Hope Dickson Leach at The Bishop's Palace in Wells, shortly before the county premiere of the movie.

Dickson Leach told Somerset Live she couldn't wait to "break the film" to the community.

"Hopefully they'll see some of their lives reflected on screen and the lives of people they know - hopefully we've done them justice," she said.

If you haven't seen the film yet it's well worth making the effort. Set entirely on the Levels, it's picked up plaudits at the Toronto Film Festival where it had its debut last year, and the London Film Festival, where it had its UK premiere.

Set in the wake of the 2014 floods, The Levelling is dark journey through one family's inability to communicate with each other and its deeply tragic consequences.

Powerful and moving performances from Kendrick and David Troughton as a farming daughter and father are at the centre of the film.

The pair are caught up in a maelstrom of grief and anger following the death of her younger brother, as they battle to save their farm in the disastrous aftermath of the flood.

It's an impressive debut from award-winning director and writer Dickson Leach and a spellbinding performance from Kendrick who has called it her most rewarding acting job yet.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now

But for those Game of Thrones fans out there, she wouldn't be drawn into giving us any exclusive reveals, although she did offer a fascinating insight into actor's craft.

"We only get sent our part so we don't get to know in advance what's going to happen," she said. "So we probably know less than you do about what's planned."

You can see The Levelling this weekend at the Wells Festival of Film. It's showing at the Wells Film Centre on Sunday April 3.

It is also showing at Bristol's Watershed on May 5 and the Little Theatre Bath on May 7.

The film will then go on limited release across the UK, including Burnham's Ritz and Frome's Westway cinemas.
Two Genesee Elementary School educators have won the 2017 American Association of School Librarians' Road Dahl Miss Honey Social Justice Award, according to a press release from the organization.

School librarian Anne Mlod and fourth-grade teacher Cinda Gilmore received the honor, which "recognizes collaboration between school librarians and teachers in the instruction of social justice using school library resources," according to the press release.

The duo created Harriet was Here: A Research & Song-Writing Project, about the life of iconic abolitionist and former Auburn resident Harriet Tubman, who founded a home for the sick while in the area. The undertaking tackled equal access to opportunity and caring for those in need within society  two components of social justice, the release said.

Mlod and Gilmore will be honored at the AASL Awards Ceremony & President's Program at the 2017 American Librarian Association Annual Conference in Chicago June 24.
Moments after the video went viral, the GRP took cognisance of the matter and suspended the brash policeman.

Even as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has sent a stern message to all those indulging in violence and disrupting law and order in the state, yet another incident of police brutality has come to the fore.

A video that went viral on Friday showed a Lucknow policeman roughing up an old rickshaw-puller in Lucknow's Charbagh. The video showed the cop beating up an old man after an altercation. The old man is seen dragged by the cop who refuses to budge even after incessant requests by the man.

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The policeman in the video has been identified as Vishwajit Singh from GRP (Government Railway Police).

Sources said the old man got into an argument with the policeman after they refused to let him gather passengers from near the police station.

#WATCH: Policeman beat up a rickshaw-puller in Lucknow's Charbagh railway station premises after argument during an anti-encroachment drive pic.twitter.com/pu0AO8Mfca- ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 29, 2017

The man even accused another policeman identified as Amar Singh, who is also the station in-charge, of seeking extortion. The man reportedly said that police repeatedly targeted them and they were insensitive to poor people.

Moments after the video went viral, the GRP force took cognisance of the matter and suspended the brash policeman.

Also read:

UP school wants students to sport Yogi-like haircut, say no to beards and shun 'love jihad'

Massive reshuffle in Uttar Pradesh; 138 IAS, IPS officers transferred by Yogi Adityanath

--- ENDS ---
Breakdown of Indiana Statehouse races across South Bend area

The 2022 election is a midterm election. Voters will come out to to vote in various Indiana statehouse races Nov. 8 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A new tactile guide lets everyone learn more about the upcoming 2017 total solar eclipse  even people who won't be able see it.

The Braille book, called "Getting a Feel for Eclipses," features graphics that teach users about the interaction and alignment of the sun with the moon and Earth. Along with the guide, associated activities clarify the nature of solar eclipses.

"These tactile books bring the theory and context to life for me. As a student who is blind, I never quite understood the beauty and vastness of space," said Mariah Williams, a senior at the College of Charleston in South Carolina, who has been blind since birth. "Now I understand what will be happening during the total solar eclipse on August 21st!" [Total Solar Eclipse 2017: When, Where and How to See It (Safely)]

At their fingertips: Adult participants getting a feel for solar eclipses at a recent Vision Rehabilitation & Assistive Technology Expo. (Image credit: David Hurd)

The 2017 total solar eclipse

A solar eclipse occurs when the sunlight reaching Earth is blocked by the moon. The type of eclipse being explored with this tactile guide is known as a total solar eclipse, which occurs somewhere on Earth about once every 18 months. The last time a total eclipse was visible from coast to coast in the United States was June 1918.

But that will change on Aug. 21, when a total solar eclipse begins in the northern Pacific and crosses America from west to east through parts of the following states: Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and South Carolina.

"Getting a Feel for Eclipses" will help sighted as well as visually impaired people better understand the historic event, said geology professor

Cassandra Runyon of the College of Charleston, one of the project's leaders.

"Having the chance to use an additional sense, such as touch, adds a whole new dimension to the learning process," Runyon told Space.com.

Thus far, 2,500 copies of the eclipse book have been sent to schools and libraries for the blind and state libraries, as well as NASA centers and other institutions, she added.

Some 3,000 copies are also in print for distribution at the National Federation of the Blind Conference this summer, Runyon said, as well as through museums, science centers and NASA headquarters' programs.

"And, as folks learn more about it, we are answering requests to share the book with more rural schools and/or communities who work with the blind and visually impaired," Runyon said.

Students at the North Dakota School for the Blind learn about the total solar eclipse of Aug. 21, 2017. (Image credit: Caitlin Nolby/University of North Dakota/ND Space Grant)

Portfolio of products

Runyon said that, in addition to the eclipse book, work is underway on tactile books regarding small bodies in the solar system, ocean worlds beyond Earth and the science of spectroscopy.

"The 'Getting a Feel for Eclipses' book for the blind is just the latest in our portfolio after our 'Getting a Feel for Lunar Craters,' and a Mars exploration book for the blind we produced a few years ago," said Joseph Minafra, the lead for Innovation and Technical Partnerships within the Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) at NASA's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California.

Minafra said that project team members are also working with park rangers to take advantage of opportunities to engage the public using these books for the blind.

Leonard David is author of "Mars: Our Future on the Red Planet," published by National Geographic. The book is a companion to the National Geographic Channel series "Mars." A longtime writer for Space.com, David has been reporting on the space industry for more than five decades. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
SpaceX completed a static fire test of its Falcon 9 rocket April 25 in advance of NROL-76's launch April 30  the company's first classified U.S. mission.

Breaking a 10-year monopoly by United Launch Alliance (ULA), SpaceX will launch a satellite into orbit on a classified mission tomorrow morning (April 30) from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and the company will attempt to land the Falcon 9 rocket's first stage again after use.

You can watch the historic launch live here on Space.com, courtesy of SpaceX. The launch window opens at 7 a.m. EDT (1100 GMT) and closes at 9 a.m. EDT (1300 GMT). The Falcon 9 rocket will carry a payload from the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), designated as NROL-76. SpaceX's webcast will begin about 20 minutes for launch, and also be streamed live: http://www.spacex.com/webcast.

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) tweeted this mission patch for its NROL-76 satellite, showing Lewis and Clark setting out to explore the Louisiana Territory. (Image credit: NRO/ Twitter

After the launch, SpaceX's webcast is expected to follow the landing of the rocket's first stage on a nearby designated landing pad about 8 minutes after launch, where it would become the fourth to land successfully at that location. Based on the agency's past requests for similar missions, public announcements of the classified satellite may stop a few minutes after launch. [The Most Dangerous Space Weapons Concepts Ever]

ULA has launched every dedicated U.S. military and national security satellite for the past 10 years; SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket was certified to launch military satellites in 2015, giving it the ability to bid on military launches. SpaceX and NRO have not revealed the contents of the NROL-76 mission or the precise launch time within the window.

SpaceX's official NROL-76 mission patch. (Image credit: SpaceX)

According to SpaceNews, this might not be the first classified cargo to fly on a SpaceX rocket  a small NRO cubesat flew in 2010 on a Falcon 9 during a demonstration flight  but it is the first dedicated spy-satellite launch. SpaceX has two upcoming launch contracts with the U.S. Air Force to launch GPS-3 satellites into orbit.

The rocket will launch from Pad 39A, the historic launchpad used by several Apollo moon missions and space shuttle flights. The company's first launch from that location, which SpaceX recently leased and refurbished, was a space station resupply mission, which lifted off in February. Also from Pad 39A, in March, SpaceX relaunched a previously used rocket stage for the first time, lofting a communications satellite into orbit.

See more

Email Sarah Lewin at slewin@space.com or follow her @SarahExplains. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
After coming to power in 16 of the 29 states covering more than 60 per cent of the population, winning Opposition-ruled states such as Odisha, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka may not be a far cry

By Kumar Shakti Shekhar: After coming to power in 16 of the 29 states covering more than 60 per cent of the population, BJP's next big challenge is winning two states - West Bengal and Kerala.

Winning Opposition-ruled states such as Odisha, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka may not be a far cry. Also, retaining power in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh may not be tough.

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However, Kerala and West Bengal are two states where BJP hopes to wrest power from its rivals but it has to focus all its energy as in Assam. Between the two states, West Bengal presents a brighter picture both for 2019 Lok Sabha and 2021 Assembly elections.

In Kerala, BJP polled just 4.75 per cent of votes in the 2006 Assembly elections, 6.03 per cent in 2011 and 10.6 per cent in the 2016 elections. It opened its account for the first time by winning one seat in the 2016 Assembly elections and came second on seven of the total 140 Assembly seats.

In West Bengal, BJP bagged three seats in the 2016 Assembly elections as against just one which it had won in the 2011 polls. In 2011, BJP had garnered about 4 per cent votes which increased to 10.2 per cent vote share in 2016.

A jump of more than 20 per cent vote share in both the states will get translated into seats, which is quite achievable in the next Assembly elections.

Similar was the situation in Assam where BJP had got above 10 per cent votes in 2011 and it formed the government in 2016.

Hence, BJP is hopeful of forming government, at least in West Bengal, in the next elections in 2021.

In the Trinamool Congress' wave in 2016 Assembly polls, only BJP's vote share had increased. Otherwise, the vote percentage of both the Congress and the Left only decreased. This has ignited hope for BJP in West Bengal.

BJP'S PROGRESS

BJP had garnered 17.5 per cent votes in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. This dipped 10.2 per cent in the 2016 Assembly polls. Despite this setback, BJP won three seats for the first time in the state. In 2016 polls, BJP not only fetched about 56 lakh votes, as against 19.5 lakh in 2011, it also made its presence felt in 262 out of 294 Assembly segments by polling more than 10,000 votes.

In 2014, BJP believes it had secured 17 per cent votes because of the Narendra Modi wave across the country. It did not have any organisational base then. In 2016, there was no such wave. What it achieved was because of the organisational strength.

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More than winning three seats, the party made its presence felt in maximum seats and secured second position in seven seats. It secured between 20,000 and 30,000 votes in 66 seats, 30,000 and 40,000 votes in 16 seats and between 40,000 and 50,000 votes in six seats.

BJP was instrumental in the defeat of 70 candidates of Congress and the Left by eating into their vote share and garnering about 5,000 to 10,000 votes.This, BJP believes, is a perfect setting for it in the 2019 Lok Sabha and 2021 Assembly polls.

Based on this setting, it has launched a multi-pronged strategy.

1. STRENGTHENING OF ORGANISATION

For BJP, the key to its success in any state is its organisational strength. To that end, it is focusing on expanding its cadre at the booth level.

On April 25, BJP president Amit Shah launched 15-day 'Vistar Yatra' from Naxalbari in West Bengal to expand the party's base in the state. He visited a tribal's house and knocked door-to-door as part of an intensive booth-level mass contact programme in the cradle of the 50-year-old Maoist movement. He also held a meeting of party workers in booth number 93 of the Naxalbari Assembly constituency.

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Amit Shah went to Mamata Banerjee's Bhawanipur constituency in Kolkata on April 26 and launched a campaign for the party to visit booths and houses across the state. At booth number 269, he held a meeting with local BJP workers and later addressed them from a makeshift dais. "The BJP rules 70 per cent of the country, but I think unless you form a government in West Bengal, the mission 'Ebaar Bangla' will not be completed," he said.

2. ATTACKING MAMATA BANERJEE

BJP is harping on the chit fund scams like Narada, Sarada and Rose Valley and law and order problems. With senior Trinamool Congress leaders Sudip Banerjee, Tapas Pal behind bars, BJP will keep on highlighting the corruption by the ruling party during Mamata Banerjee's regime.

Law and order problem is another area which is finding mention prominently in BJP leaders' rallies and public meetings.

3. DEVELOPMENTAL ISSUES

BJP is trying to corner the Mamata Banerjee government on the alleged lack of development in the state and misuse or lack of use of the Central funds. Amit Shah has already said the 13th Finance Commission allotted Rs 103,539 crore while the 14th Finance Commission under Narendra Modi's government allotted nearly triple the amount to Rs 2,89,942 crore to West Bengal.

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He said while Mamata Banerjee persistently complained of economic deprivation by the Centre, the State Government's record on developmental front was dismal. He said while the Left Front government left a loan burden of Rs 1.92 lakh crore after 34 years of its rule, under Banerjee's dispensation the burden has shot up to a whopping Rs 3.50 lakh crore in six years.

However, he said, the central funds do not reach people. "After Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa, our aim is to rule Bengal. Ebar Bangla. Ab Ki Baar Bhajapa Sarkar in Bangla," Shah said.

He pointed out that West Bengal used to contribute at least 25 per cent share in India's growth. It has now reached around a meagre 4 per cent. Similarly, Bengal's share in bank deposits was 18 per cent earlier. It dipped to 12.8 per cent during the Left regime and under Mamata, it nose-dived to all time low of 6.3 per cent.

He also said that Bengal's share in the country's development at the time of independence was 25 per cent. It is 4 per cent now. In bank deposits, Bengal's share was 18 per cent, which came down to 12.8 per cent during the Left Front rule. It is now 6.3 per cent, he pointed out.

4. POLARISATION

As in Assam, BJP would also rake up the alleged minority appeasement at the cost of sidelining the majority community. He did not mince his words while spelling out his priority. Asked about communal tension in the state, Shah said it was largely due to the policies of appeasement of Muslims by the Banerjee government. Appeasement, according to Shah, has created a volatile communal situation in Bengal.

Also read

Narada scam: ED registers case against 12 Trinamool Congress leaders

Rose Valley scam: CBI names Trinamool MPs Sudip Bandopadhyay and Tapas Pal in supplementary chargesheet

Also watch

Mamata Banerjee's TMC to boycott Budget session on February 1

--- ENDS ---
Brussels, April 29, 2017 (SPS)  Algerian ambassador to Brussels, Amar Belani, has denounced Friday "yet another falsehood of Morocco," describing the screening at the European Parliament of a documentary that compares between the Sahrawi liberation movement, the Polisario Front, and the terrorist organizations activating in the Sahel region as a "rude operation of disinformation."

"This is yet another falsehood of Morocco to the European parliament. In fact, this is a rude operation of disinformation, designed and applied by the local relays of the Special Services, he told APS.

According to Belani, "this scheming has been so rude that all the invited MEPs, including the one who was to be the main sponsor, have preferred to abstain from participating, fearing discredit due to a harmful operation of manipulation."

Last Wednesday, a Moroccan-born Belgian Euro deputy from the Reformist Movement (MR), Latifa Ait Baala organized at the European Parliament the projection of a documentary entitled, "Sahara et Sahel Connexions - trafic, drogue, terrorisme"( Connections Sahara and Sahel - trafficking, drugs, terrorism), directed by Moroccan Hassan al-Bouharrouti, expert in propaganda documentaries and supporter of the Moroccan colonialist theories.

This "documentary" which main actors are Euro deputy Aymeric Chauprade, expelled from the French far-right party, le Front national (the National Front), for xenophobia, and the director of the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), Abdelhak El-Khiame, tries to discredit the Polisario Front, classified by the UN as a national liberation movement, presenting it as a terrorist group like AQMI and MUJAO.

The mobilization of many European parliamentarians against the projection of this documentary discouraged the event sponsor, Belgian MEP and former European Commissioner Louis Michel to be present.

MEP Louis Michel had the same attitude during the screening, in April 2016, of another propaganda documentary entitled Western Sahara - source and resources, by the same Moroccan director Hassan al-Bouharrouti.

Seized by the Euro deputies, EP president Antonio Tajani insisted that "even if such events are organized in the headquarters of the Parliament, they do not represent the EP official stance which is expressed through its plenary resolutions or via its official bodies."

"So, the organizers at the Moroccan chancellery were forced to appeal their man, who is the + NostAlgerique + at the Parliament and the representative of a political hateful current, to serve as a master of ceremony of this ridiculous farce," added Belani.

Indeed, out of the 751 deputies in the European parliament, only Aymeric Chauprade attended the screening of the "documentary."

The organizers also had to introduce some change to the "documentary film" presentation poster, removing the reference to the Polisario Front, which was included on the original poster alongside terrorist organizations.

The film ignored the fact that Morocco remains one of the worlds largest drug suppliers in the part on drug trafficking from Latin America. Speaking about the connections between crime and drug trafficking, the documentary has voluntarily neglected, the Algerian ambassador to Brussels recalled that the recently published Frontex report 2016 entitled "Africa-Frontex Intelligence Community Joint Report" "blames Morocco in its section on the cross-border crime."

Citing the Frontex report, Belani said that Morocco has become a "hub for cannabis trafficking to Europe and local markets," noting that the report stresses that "drug trafficking is the most profitable activity for criminal groups operating in northern Morocco, and that cannabis resin traffic, as a low-risk and high profit activity, remains more attractive than migrant trafficking. " (SPS)

062/090/700




Washington, April 29, 2017 (SPS) - UN Security Council adopted Friday Resolution 23 51 (2017) extending by one year, until 30 April 2018, the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Holding of a Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO).

The vote for the resolution, held in the beginning of a Security Council meeting, was chaired by the United States.

The Resolution was adopted unanimously by the Security Council as it received the approval of all 15 members. (SPS)

062/090/700




The actress had registered a complaint against the man in February.

A 23-year-old man from Kurkheda has been caught by the police for sending objectionable, and vulgar content to Devon Ke Dev Mahadev actress Sonarika Bhadoria.

According to reports, the person is a college student who even cherished the hopes of marrying the actress.

He had somehow gotten hold of the actress' number sometime last year, and had started sending her obscene messages and pictures.

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Sonarika then blocked his number, but the man kept calling her from different numbers, and finally the actress registered a complaint with the police this year in February.

Also read: TV actress Sonarika Bhadoria is slaying Insta with this hot picture

"The accused was constantly sending objectionable and obscene messages as well as photos to the actor since October 2016. She got scared of the messages and blocked his number several times, but he would use different numbers to harass her. The actress then visited us in February and registered the complaint," a police official told Mid-day.

--- ENDS ---
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WESTPORT Kill Jews.

Those words were splashed across the wall of a bathroom stall at Staples High School for weeks, an example of hate speech that senior Claire Dinshaw said has become more visible since the 2016 presidential election.

The anti-Semitic remark, discovered shortly before winter break, was eventually removed, but it took the administration several weeks to do so, which was a slow reaction, Dinshaw said.

The high school senior said hate speech and sexism have always been present in her high school, but she believes the recent election has enabled a more public airing of such views.

Dinshaw is not the only Westport resident worried about the current climate.

Concerned reactions  shared by many, including minorities in the country and outside  set the stage for Tuesdays panel discussion, hosted by The Democratic Women of Westport and the Democratic Town Committee, on the topic of raising children during the Donald Trump presidency.

Dinshaw, one of the panelists, gave another example of an increased public platform for hate speech: a Staples Facebook group  consisting of around 200 students  where offensive and defamatory memes pertaining to gender, race and religion were shared. After being called to the attention of the administration on Nov. 7, it was shut down.

Staples is not the only place to have seen an uptick in hateful rhetoric.

It is a problem across the state, according to Marji Lipshez-Shapiro, a senior director for the state office of the Anti-Defamation League

The ADLs annual audit of anti-Semitic incidents recently came out and Lipshez-Shapiro called the results pretty shocking. There was a 54 percent increase in anti-Semitic incidents against Jewish people and Jewish institutions in the past year, she reported.

Anti-Semitic, anti-immigrant, anti-gay  this is the culture those who attended Tuesdays discussion are afraid is becoming normalized.

Following Trumps election and inauguration, Claudia Connor, president of IICONN, an immigrant and refugee resettlement program, said the phone was ringing off the hook with immigrants who are desperately afraid and filled with apprehension, a sentiment that extends to refugees.

In January, when Trump signed an executive order banning entry to the United States by citizens from seven predominately Muslim countries, Connor said refugee families who did not travel together underwent tremendous hardship, with some feeling unwelcome in the U.S. and the family left behind unable to come to America.

We had a (Congolese) refugee client who told us that her child was deeply upset, just traumatized, because she was so afraid that they were going to have to go back home, Connor said.

Local LGBT youth have also been experiencing an increase in worries since the presidential election, according to Tara Covais, a Westport child and family therapist.

LGBT kids have recently been coming in very nervous, she said. There was definitely an elevated sense of anxiety and confusion.

@chrismmarquette; cmarquette@bcnnew.com
L ike many native New Yorkers, Marvin E. Newman fell in love with taking photographs of the city and its inhabitants.

Born in 1927 and raised in the Bronx, where his family ran a bakery, Newman showed an early passion for sculpture. It was after moving to Chicago to study at the Institute of Design that he really cultivated an eye for documentary photography, and switched his degree so he could further study the field.

After returning from art school in the early 1950s, Newman was enthralled with capturing the dazzling lights of Times Square and the yuppies cruising around Manhattan in their Bentleys.

But unlike many of his contemporaries at the time, who were working in monochrome, Newman was one of the first photographers to shoot the Big Apple in colour - a medium that was mostly favoured by fashion and advertising.

Much of his work lay undiscovered for decades, but now, aged 89, hes decided to release his first published collection of images.

Marvin. E Newman 2017 Howard Greenberg Gallery/Courtesy of TASCHEN

The new monograph contains some 170 images of New York, from the 1940s-1980s, ranging from video nasty cinemas in Midtown to sunseekers in Coney Islands pleasure resort.

(Marvin. E Newman 2017 Howard Greenberg Gallery/Courtesy of TASCHEN) / Marvin E Newman

Click through the gallery above to see more of Newmans undiscovered images of New York.

City of Lights: The Undiscovered New York Photographer Marvin E Newman is published on May 22 by Taschen. taschen.com
F or the last episode of BB2's Amazing Hotels, Giles Coren and Monica Galetti head to the Arctic to nosy around the worlds first hotel made of ice and snow.

Founded in 1989, this pioneering hotel has set itself a new challenge for 2017: to stay open all year around as ICEHOTEL 365. Here's everything you need to know about the hotel where art and ice collide with spectacular effect.

Where is it?

Its 200km north of the Arctic Circle in village of Jukkasjarvi in Swedish Lapland. It is positioned near the Torne River, the largest of Swedens four national rivers and a wild one, too. At 520km long, it runs from the mountains in the west of the country to the coast in the east, where it flows into the Bay of Bothnia. It is this river that provides the hotel with its ice in winter.

Whats the story?

Asaf Kliger

ICEHOTEL was inspired by the Japanese ice sculpting tradition. Yngve Berqvist hired two professionals from Japan as instructors and invited local artists to attend a workshop in 1989. The next winter, the first ice structure  a 60m squared igloo  was constructed as an art gallery and named ARTic Hall. In the years that followed (by which time the hall had become a yearly tradition), a group of guests asked if they could stay overnight  equipped with reindeer skins and sleeping bags, they woke up enthralled by the experience. And so the ICEHOTEL was born.

Whats the style?

Each year around 40 artists gather to design the new ICEHOTEL after it has melted away, using great blocks of ice from the Torne River. So each year, you get a new hotel and art installation.

So whats ICEhotel 365?

This year, the hotel will stay open 365 days of the year, powered by the sun. ICEHOTEL 365 will include a bar, art gallery and suites for overnight stays with saunas and bathrooms. It uses the near constant daylight of the summer months in the Arctic Circle to allow to building to run solely on solar panel. During the winter, it will become an addition of the classic ICEHOTEL.

What are the rooms like?

The hotel offers warm and cold accommodation, with the suggestion that you book one of each. Standard cold rooms come with a bed made of ice, draped in reindeer skins and a temperature of about -5 degrees Celsius. In the Dressing Room, a warm building next to the hotel, youll find communal changing rooms, toilets and saunas for each sex.

Asaf Kliger

What about food & drink?

There is a fine dining restaurant at ICEHOTEL as well as a traditional homestead restaurant, Hembygdsgarden, which was built in 1768. Theres also the ICEBAR, a once in a lifetime experience where you drink cocktails and champagne out of ice and the cosy Lounge bar.

What is there to do?

Asaf Kliger

You can take guided Northern Lights tours, try ice sculpting for yourself, go husky sledding, moose watching and on a snowmobile safari

Details

ICEHOTEL gets booked up very quickly, so its wise to book about a year in advance. Icehotel.com
A north London shop may lose its licence after staff were caught buying alcohol which had been stolen from Sainsburys.

The store faces a licensing review by Islington Council on Tuesday following an investigation by police.

It comes after plain clothes officers spotted a man entering Crouch Hill Supermarket in November carrying a bag full of shopping, before leaving minutes later with the bag empty.

A report handed to Islingtons sub-licensing committee reveals that officers entered the shop and grilled staff, who initially denied all wrong-doing.

However, when their crime became "obvious", they admitted buying nine bottles of wine off the man for 35, according to Pc Steve Harrington.

In his report, he also said that the Sainsburys security tags were found in the bin next to the bottles in the shops store room.

Licensee Huseyin Boybeybbi and his son Savvas admitted the crime and signed a community resolution in January at Islington police station. Another worker was in the store room on the day of the alleged crime.

Pc Harrington said the owners intimated to him that the incident was not a one-off.

In his report, he added: Mr Savvas Boybeyi lied to police in the first instance, before he realised that the crime he had committed was obvious, and captured on CCTV.

The venue does stock a lot of wines, and has a stock room full to the brim of alcohol.

"We have no way of knowing how much of this has been purchased legally.

He goes on to say of the bosses: They have gone beyond the comparatively minor offences of failing to adhere to two very straightforward conditions [to not buying alcohol off the street and to report the seller to trading standards]  they have gone a far stride further and broken the law on a greater scale in terms of handling stolen goods.

It is our opinion that they as a team cannot be trusted, from the licence holder and designated premises supervisor down to the shop assistant.

"They have all shown a complete disregard for to the licensing objectives.

Police want all three workers banned from having anything to do with the day to day management, running of or ant form or employment at the venue.

They also want the council to consider a suspension of the licence.
By Press Trust of India: Howrah, Apr 20 (PTI) The Vice President of the Republic of Mauritius Paramasivum Pillay Vyapoory today visited Ramakrishna Math and Mission headquarters at Belur Math and paid obeisance at the temples here.

"I am very happy to visit Belur Math. My mother was a follower of Swamiji. Swami Vivekanandas speech in Chicago has always inspired me," he told a press conference here.

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Vyapoory was received by Ramakrishna Math and Mission general secretary Swami Suhita Nanda Maharaj and its manager Bhajona Nanda Maharaj.

He spent around two hours at Swamiji Mandir, Maa-er Mandir and Brahmananda Mandir.

Vyapoory also announced construction of a statue of Swami Vivekananda in Mauritius.

"We are very happy for his endeavours and will assist him in our full capacity for the construction of the statue," Ramakrishna Math and Mission assistant secretary Subira Nanda Maharaj said.

The vice president was also gifted books of Swami Vivekananda on the occasion. PTI CORR AYP SNP

--- ENDS ---
P rivate investigators searching for Madeleine McCann were so convinced they had found her that a plane was put on standby with its engines running ready to collect the missing girl.

Clarence Mitchell, the McCanns media spokesman, has revealed two heartbreaking moments in the first 12 months after the girls 2007 disappearance in which her parents, Kate and Gerry, believed they had found their daughter.

Writing in the Telegraph, Mr Mitchell, who has acted as the familys spokesman for the last decade, described how a blonde, English-speaking girl was located in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.

He said: All the information coming back to us suggested heavily that it could be Madeleine, so much so that an aircraft was put on stand-by, with its engines running, waiting to fly to pick her up.

Kate and Gerry sat tight. They had learned by that stage to be sceptical, not to give in to natural hope only for it to be dashed. They preferred to wait until the Moroccan authorities had checked it out. And when they did, it became clear she was not Madeleine.

Missing: Madeleine McCann / PA

Mr Mitchell also described another occasion in which Madeleines parents believed they may have found their daughter after he received chilling phone calls from a man repeatedly naming a farm where she was being hidden.

The moment came when they family were still in the Portugese resort of Praia de Luz just weeks after she vanished from the familys holiday apartment there on May 3. Mr Mitchell had been sent by the British government to the Portugese resort to assist the family with the huge media interest.

He said: Shortly after I arrived, I started to get phone calls, always at three oclock in the morning, always the same ghostly mans voice, repeatedly naming a farm where she was being hidden.

Plea: Gerry and Kate McCann / PA

Mr Mitchell said British police recorded the calls and a farm, fitting the mans description, was located near Seville, over the border in Spain.

He said the farm was raided and looked exactly as described but Madeleine was not found and the tip-offs were never explained.

It comes as the McCanns prepare to mark the 10th anniversary of their daughters disappearance.

Madeleine McCann 10 years on: Detectives still pursuing critical leads

The family, of Rothley, Leicestershire, have vowed to "never give up" hope of finding their daughter, who would be 13 now.

Earlier this week Assistant Met Commissioner Mark Rowley said there were "significant investigative avenues" of "great interest" to police.

Last month the Home Office confirmed 85,000 was being given to police to cover operational costs from April to September. More than 11 million has been spent on the UKs inquiry so far.
T his is the first picture of a man who was stabbed to death on the top deck of a London bus.

Archie Sheppard, 48, was repeatedly knifed in a violent and sustained attack on the Route 189 bus in Marylebone in the early hours of Friday.

He was discovered by a passenger when the bus stopped in Gloucester Place at about 12.10am but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Scotland Yard appealed for help searching for a white man seen with Mr Sheppard, from Neasden, shortly they boarded the bus in Brent Cross, north London, at 11.13pm on Thursday.

Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh, said: "Our inquiries so far have established that Mr Sheppard and the man we are seeking to trace were seen talking together while waiting at the bus station.

An ambulance at the scene in Marylebone / Westminster Police

"They both boarded a Route 189 bus and made their way to the upper deck where they sat separately.

"We are exploring the possibility that Mr Sheppard may have known his attacker and it is vital that anyone who saw the two men talking prior to boarding the bus contacts us.

"Approximately 40 minutes into the journey, Mr Sheppard was subjected to a violent and sustained attack."

The attacker then fled the bus as it reached Gloucester Place and the junction with Montagu Place, heading in the direction of Marble Arch, police said.

"Mr Sheppard was discovered when a passenger made their way to the upper deck and an ambulance was called. He was taken off the bus for urgent medical intervention but sadly died at the scene," the detective said.

A post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place on Saturday and Mr Sheppard's next of kin have been informed.

Several witnesses are helping police, although no arrests have been made and police appealed to anyone who was on the bus to contact them.

Anyone who witnessed the incident has been asked to contact the incident room on 020 8785 8099 or via Twitter @MetCC or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the crimestoppers-uk.org website.
A paedophile who raped a four-year-old girl almost 20 years ago has been jailed.

Mark Mansell made the child promise not to tell anyone their secret and said no one would believe her if she told them, police said.

The 43-year-old, of no fixed abode, was jailed for 13 years on Friday, almost 20 years after the horrifying incident took place.

Between July 1 and July 16, 1998, Mansell raped the victim  then age four  at friend's home in Mitcham.

In 2001, he was interviewed under caution and denied the sexual abuse  saying he was devastated to be accused of such a thing.

Officers did not pursue the matter further due to insufficient evidence, Scotland Yard said.

But the victim reported the incident in 2013 and it was again investigated.

In 2015 Mansell, who was by that time homeless and living on the streets of Southampton, was arrested by Hampshire Police.

Mansell was charged with rape of a girl under the age of 13, attempted rape, indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14 and gross indecency with a girl under 14 in July 2016.

DC Aaron Vardy said: "I would like to pay tribute to the victim and her family for their bravery and courage. They never gave up on their quest for justice. She showed true bravery as she was forced to re-live some of the darkest moments from her life to ensure Mansell paid for his horrific crimes.

"Mansell is a dangerous sexual predator who abused his position of trust to physically and mentally torture a vulnerable defenceless child.

"I fear that there may be further victims of Mansell still out there suffering in silence. I would urge them to come forward and speak to their local police force.

"They will be treated with respect and their allegations will be investigated in the strictest confidence in a caring and professional manner."
A young man became the sixth person to be stabbed to death on Londons streets in just six days after he was attacked during a row in front of a crowd of horrified witnesses.

The 26-year-old victim was knifed repeatedly when he became involved in an argument with another person in a street packed with onlookers in Peckham Rye on Friday afternoon, police said.

Paramedics fought to save him but he was pronounced dead at the scene in Rye Lane shortly before 4pm.

Shop workers and business owners were heard screaming and crying as they ran out into the street to try to save the man after the attack before emergency services arrived.

Video footage and pictures posted on social media showed a swarm of police cars and sirens blaring as people looked on in the aftermath in broad daylight.

The man was stabbed outside the station. (Chad O'Carroll) / Chad O'Carroll

Scotland Yard said on Saturday that officers were still trying to piece together the events that led to the victims death.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Whellams of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, said: At this early stage we believe he was involved in an altercation with another person prior to being stabbed.

The incident drew a large crowd of onlookers who were on the street and in shops nearby at the time the incident happened.

He appealed to anyone with mobile phone footage of the incident to contact the police urgently.

The scene outside Peckham Rye station. / Craig Thomas

Emergency services raced to the scene of the stabbing near to the junction with Blenheim Grove after 999 calls from members of the public at about 3.15pm.

The victim was pronounced dead in the street about 35 minutes later despite the efforts of paramedics.

A witness, an unnamed shopkeeper, told Southwark News that two men were arguing for about 15 minutes and were being held back by others.

He told the newspaper that as the argument escalated, one of the men broke free and stabbed the other.

A resident named Laura, who declined to give her second name, told the Standard she was in the kitchen at the back of her flat when she heard a bang and women from the salons screaming.

She said: My flat looks out on Blenheim Grove, the man fell across the road from me.

"I heard a bang which I think was the man falling into one of the metal shutters.

"I could just see lots of women in the road screaming. There are six salons in the road all next to each other.

"It was more the screaming which drew me to the window. They were all in the road screaming and crying.

"I couldn't see the man, he was surrounded by women."

She added: "It's sad a young man lost his life today."

Passer-by Chad OCarroll said: Looked pretty serious.

They were holding back a tall man who was yelling at the police and looked like he was in a state of shock.

Commuters pouring out of Peckham Rye station were met with a massive police cordon as officers and police cars blocked the road at the corner with Blenheim Grove.

A swathe of road was taped off by police as officers directed people around the crime scene.

The victims next of kin have been informed and a post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place on Saturday afternoon.

Formal identification is yet to take place.

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8785 8244 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
P olice are continuing to quiz seven people, including a suspected knifeman arrested in Westminster, held after separate counter-terror operations within hours of each other.

The swoops on a man, 27, in Whitehall and locations in north London and Kent were executed to contain threats of an "active" terror plot, Scotland Yard said.

One suspect, named as Khalid Mohamed Omar Ali, was arrested on suspicion of offences under the Terrorism Act and possession of offensive weapons close to Downing Street on Thursday afternoon.

Police recovered several knives during the "intelligence-led" swoop, which took place yards from the scene of last month's deadly attack by Khalid Masood on Westminster Bridge.

Suspect: A man aged 27 was detained by police. / Getty Images

Believed to be a British national born overseas who went to school in Tottenham, north London, Ali reportedly joined a humanitarian mission to Gaza in 2010.

Following his dramatic arrest in front of large crowds of tourists, he was taken for questioning at a south London police station where he remains.

A further six people, including a 16-year-old boy, are in custody after they were detained in an unconnected operation that saw a team of specialist firearms officers storm an address in Willesden, north London.

They were all arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of terrorist acts and taken to a south London police station for questioning.

Met deputy assistant commissioner Neil / PA

One has been named in reports as Mohamed Amoudi, 21, a Yemeni-born British citizen who studied physics at Queen Mary University in east London.

A woman in her 20s who was shot during the raid is being held under police guard in hospital, where her condition was described as serious but stable.

She is expected to be arrested when her condition improves.

Woman shot and injured as police foil active terror plot

Elite armed officers carried out a "specialist entry" into a terraced property in Harlesden Road shortly before 7pm on Thursday night.

Police fired CS gas into the address, which had been under observation as part of a current counter-terrorism operation.

Neighbours recalled hearing "at least six" shots and screaming as police entered the address.

Whitehall 'Knifeman' incident - In pictures 1 /24 Whitehall 'Knifeman' incident - In pictures Tackled: Armed police surrounded the man Twitter/@3213dev Firearms officiers from the British police arrest a man on the ground on Whitehall near the Houses of Parliament in central London AFP/Getty Images Firearms officiers from the British police arrest a man on Whitehall near the Houses of Parliament AFP/Getty Images Armed police talk to man at the scene after a person was arrested following an incident in Whitehall in London Dominic Lipinski/PA Armed police talk to a man at the scene after a person was arrested following an incident in Whitehall in London Yui Mok/PA A man is led away by police in Westminster after an arrest was made on Whitehall Toby Melville/Reuters Forensic Officers looking at with knifes at the scene after a man was arrested following an incident in Whitehall in London Yui Mok/PA A British police forensics officer (R) passes a knife to a colleague as they collect evidence on Whitehall near the Houses of Parliament AFP/Getty Images A man is held by police in Westminster after an arrest was made on Whitehall Toby Melville/Reuters Knives on the ground at the scene after a person was arrested following an incident in Whitehall Lauren Hurley/PA A bag and what appears to be at least one knife on the ground, being photographed by forensic officers Guido Fawkes Forensic Officers looking at with knifes at the scene after a man was arrested following an incident in Whitehall Yui Mok/PA Video grab taken from BBC News of the scene in Westminster after a man was arrested following an incident in Whitehall, BBC A forensics investigator photographs knives on the ground after man in Westminster after an arrest was made on Whitehall Toby Melville/Reuters Police at the scene after a person was arrested following an incident in Whitehall Dominic Lipinski/PA Firearms officiers from the British police arrest a man on the ground on Whitehall near the Houses of Parliament AFP/Getty Images A man is held by police in Westminster after an arrest was made on Whitehall Kylie MacLellan/Reuters Police at the scene where a man has been arrested following an incident in Whitehall in London @inapposite/PA

Ruth Haile, who lives in the road, said she later saw an injured woman being treated and shouting: "Don't touch me, my body, don't touch my dress."

Alexandra Sabanov, a mother-of-one who lived next door to the raided house, saw "snipers" and officers wearing gas masks.

"We heard 'bang, bang, bang, bang', went to the window and just saw a number of armed police just there with their guns pointing at our next-door neighbour's window," she said.

Ms Sabanov said her neighbours were a "standard Muslim couple" of whom she "never suspected anything at all".

Tackled: Armed police surrounded the man / Twitter/@3213dev

Giving an update on the two operations, Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said on Friday: "Due to these arrests that have been made yesterday, in both cases I believe that we have contained the threats that they posed."

Mr Basu said an armed entry was necessary in Willesden "due to the nature of the intelligence that we were dealing with".

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has been informed of the incident.

Arrest: Armed police arrested the suspect yesterday / PA

Two of the arrests were made when a man and a woman, both aged 28, returned to the address later that night, Mr Basu said. Searches were also carried out at three London addresses.

Mr Basu said he wanted to reassure the public that officers were working around the clock to identify would-be terrorists.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd praised police and security services, adding that the public's role is "crucial in identifying suspicious activity" and urged anyone with concerns to contact authorities.

The official threat level for international terrorism currently stands at severe, indicating that an attack is "highly likely".

It was revealed last month that security services have thwarted 13 potential attacks in less than four years.

Meanwhile in a separate raid on Friday, a 47-year-old woman was arrested at an east London address on suspicion of conspiring to fund and support terrorism.

She was taken for questioning at a south London police station as part of an "ongoing investigation into the funding of terrorism in Syria", the Met said.

The arrest was not linked to Thursday's counter-terrorism arrests in London and inquiries are ongoing.
A woman has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a 90-year-old woman was beaten and stabbed in west London.

The victim is fighting for life in hospital after she was attacked at an address in West Drayton on Thursday evening.

Police said they were called to reports of an elderly woman assaulted at an address in Lilac Place at 8.20pm.

The victim suffered a stab wound to the neck and serious head injuries "consistent with blunt force trauma", a Met Police spokeswoman said.

She is currently in a critical but stable condition at a west London hospital.

The 52-year-old suspect is being held at a west London police station and detectives are appealing for witnesses and information.

Police have not yet established a motive for the attack.

Detective Inspector Claire Hine said: "This was a horrific attack on an elderly, defenceless woman in her own home, which has left the victim fighting for her life.

"We are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen anything that could assist our investigation to come forward."

Witnesses are urged to call detectives at Hillingdon CID on 0208 246 1552 or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


E uropean Council president Donald Tusk said EU leaders must remain united as the 27 countries meet to ratify guidelines for Brexit negotiations with the UK.

Leaders are today meeting in Brussels to discuss a joint strategy for the negotiations without the UK present at the summit.

Arriving, Mr Tusk said he believed the shape of a future trading relationship can only be considered when progress is made on the terms of the UK's departure.

"We need to remain united as the EU 27," he said.

"It is only then that we will be able to conclude the negotiations which means that our unity is also in the UK's interest.

Donald Tusk speaks to the media as he arrives for a special European Summit in Brussels / EPA

"As for now I feel strong support from all the EU institutions, including the European Parliament, as well as all the 27 members states.

"I know this is something unique, but I am confident that it will not change."

A draft negotiating position was outlined by Mr Tusk last month.

There are unlikely to be any radical departures in the final framework, with the EU 27 expected to remain firmly committed to a "phased" approach to negotiations.

An organiser adjusts the British national flag prior to the summit / AFP/Getty Images

Mr Tusk has insisted "significant progress" must be made on disentangling the UK from its ties and obligations to the EU before discussions can turn to the post-Brexit relations.

One of the key issues in the first phase are the size of the "divorce bill" the UK will need to stump up on departure - estimated by EU officials at around 50 billion.

Brexit talks: PM welcomes Tusk to Downing Street

And addressing uncertainty over the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and British expats residing on the continent is also on the agenda.

Addressing media in Brussels, Mr Tusk said: "We all want a close and strong future relationship with the UK - there is absolutely no question about that.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker arrives to take part in the summit at the European Council headquarters / AFP/Getty Images

"But before discussing our future we have to sort out our past, and we will handle it with genuine care, but fairly.

"This I think is the only possible way to move forward.

"We also need solid guarantees for all citizens and their families who will be affected by Brexit on both sides.

"This must be the number one priority for the EU and the UK.

"And the Commission has already prepared a precise and detailed list of citizens' rights we want to protect."

The special European Council meeting of the 27 remaining member countries is expected to discuss and adopt the guidelines for the negotiations with the United Kingdom / EPA

Mr Tusk has also signalled a desire to resolve the thorny problem of the Irish border - and how to avoid customs and immigrant checkpoints on the politically sensitive frontier - before moving negotiations to the second stage.

Aside from dealing with the present day border, the European Council may also address its approach if the day came when the people of Northern Ireland voted to end partition and join a united Ireland.

EU leaders are ultimately expected to agree that, in such circumstances, Northern Ireland would automatically assume the EU membership already held by the Republic of Ireland, rather than having to reapply.

One of the more controversial elements of Mr Tusk's draft guidelines in March was a suggested veto for Spain on any future UK/EU agreements that involved Gibraltar.

Another recent issue of contention that could feature on Saturday is whether a free trade deal would include the financial services industry and, if it did, whether City of London institutions would still be bound by Brussels oversight.

Former Northern Ireland first minister Lord Trimble said there was no need to include a passage on the possibility of a united Ireland, saying it would only "stir up nationalist feeling".
L eaders of the remaining European Union members have unanimously agreed on negotiation tactics for Brexit talks with the UK.

European Council President Donald Tusk announced the 27 member states had formally agreed on a strategy at a special meeting in Brussels.

The leaders took less than an hour to decide on their joint approach.

President Tusk tweeted the outcome of their discussions, saying: "Guidelines adopted unanimously.

"EU 27 firm and fair political mandate for the Brexit talks is ready."

Members: The leaders posing to mark the 60th anniversary of the bloc's founding Treaty of Rome on March 25 / Getty Images

The guidelines remained essentially unchanged from the draft proposals published by Mr Tusk last month.

A key element is the "phased" approach  with leaders insisting a future trade deal will only be considered later on in Brexit negotiations.

United: European Council President Donald Tusk / AP

At the start of the summit, Mr Tusk said it was vital for the 27 to remain united.

"It is only then that we will be able to conclude the negotiations - which means our unity is also in the UK's interest," he said.

Donald Tusk outlines EU guidelines for Brexit talks

"As for now I feel strong support from all the EU institutions, including the European Parliament, as well as all the 27 member states.

"I know this is something unique, but I am confident that it will not change."

Chancellor: Angela Merkel arrives to take part in the EU leaders summit / AFP/Getty Images

Earlier in the week, German chancellor Angela Merkel said it appeared the UK was under the "illusion" that it could retain EU benefits once it departed the bloc.

Asked if he agreed with Mrs Merkel's analysis, EU Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker told reporters in Brussels: "That's my impression, yes."

Article 50 triggered: What happens now?

Mr Tusk has insisted "sufficient progress" must be made on disentangling the UK from its ties and obligations to the EU before discussions can turn to the post-Brexit relations.

Key issues in the first phase are the size of the disputed "divorce bill" the UK will need to stump up on departure - estimated by EU officials at around 50 billion - and addressing uncertainty over the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and British expats residing on the continent.

Mr Tusk has also signalled a desire to resolve the thorny problem of the Irish border - and how to avoid customs and immigrant checkpoints on the politically sensitive frontier - before moving negotiations to the second stage.

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Arriving at the landmark Europa building for the summit, Mr Tusk had said: "We all want a close and strong future relationship with the UK - there is absolutely no question about that.

"But before discussing our future we have to sort out our past, and we will handle it with genuine care, but fairly.

"This I think is the only possible way to move forward. We also need solid guarantees for all citizens and their families who will be affected by Brexit on both sides.

"This must be the number one priority for the EU and the UK.

"And the Commission has already prepared a precise and detailed list of citizens' rights we want to protect."
J eremy Corbyn has accused a fake and insecure Theresa May of not listening to the public, putting herself first and leaving the country at risk in his most personal campaign speech yet.

Addressing supporters in East London, the Labour leader said the Prime Minister leaves no opportunity for new-thinking or dissent because she is an insecure leader who wants to feel stronger.

He contrasted her focus on soundbites and manipulating the public to his faith in "empowering others to make up their minds and come on board when they are ready".

And he urged voters to reject her Mrs May's "fake reassurances" and "simple slogans" and back Labour who will bring people together for "real and lasting change".

Election: Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn gave a speech in east London / PA

The Labour leader said Tony Blair's premiership proved what goes wrong if leaders are left unchallenged, saying Mr Blairs government "bought into Conservative ideas" about the economy that left Britain with no defence against the financial crisis.

Mr Corbyn said he recognised similar traits in Mrs May and warned that if leaders go unchallenged, they can make some of the most damaging mistakes.

Theresa May failed to give a pledge on the triple lock on pensions / PA

"And if party leaders put themselves ahead of serving the people, they stop listening and even put our country at risk, he said.

He said of his campaign that, although it might not be the stuff of soundbites, he believes in standing firm and empowering others to make up their minds and come on board when they are ready.

Jeremy Corbyn recalls his opposition to the apartheid regime in South Africa

He added: "It is the mind-set that gets community centres and nurseries built, and increasingly defends them from closure.

"It is the mind-set that negotiates hard for better conditions in the workplace. It is the mind-set that serves the many, not the few."

'Step up': The Labour leader urged young people to register to vote / EPA

Mr Corbyn said that, in the past, he thought political leaders had to give in to "vested interests" while manipulating the public, saying: "I didn't want to be like that. And it wasn't clear to me there could be another way.

"But I've learned there is.

Theresa May urges Labour supporters to 'lend her' their votes

Whereas insecure leaders want to feel stronger by asking you to give them more power, I recognise strong leadership as equipping you with more power."

He drew attention to his activism against the South African apartheid at a time, in the 1980s, when the Tory government was refusing to impose sanctions on the regime.

Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn hit the election campaign trail

And he highlighted his maiden Commons speech in 1983, when he criticised Tory cuts to public services, saying it was a "tragedy" that he could give a similar speech today.

When asked whether anything other than victory for Labour would constitute a bad performance, amid speculation he may attempt to continue as party leader, he did not directly answer.

Corbyn: The Labour leader addressed crowds on Saturday / AFP/Getty Images

He instead said: "The printed papers say one thing but the mood on the street tells me something very, very different. There's a positive energy and a positive anger out there.

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"People are fed up - they are fed up with not being able to get somewhere to live, they are fed up with waiting for hospital appointments, they are fed up with zero hours contracts, they are fed up with low pay, they are fed up with debt, they are fed up with not being able to get on in their lives because of a system that's rigged against them."

Support: Corbyn has his photograph taken as he leaves after speaking to supporters at Wash House during the London rally / EPA

He went on: "If you agree our times demand a response from all parts of our society and all corners of our country, then I am proud to be your leader.

"And if you want someone to hold that space open for you to help change the direction of your life and our country, then I am proud to be your leader.

"Watch this space. On June 8 there's going to be some very interesting stories for you to report."

Responding to the speech, Conservative Party chairman Sir Patrick McLoughlin said Mr Corbyn can't deliver, slamming his speech as nonsensical.

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"Only a vote for Theresa May and her team can provide strong and stable leadership in the national interest, strengthening Britain's hands in the Brexit negotiations and helping us get on with the job of making life in the United Kingdom even better," he said.
T heresa May has urged Scottish voters to stand up against SNP "separatists" and again pitched her "strong and stable leadership" after being accused by Jeremy Corbyn of relying on "simple slogans".

The Prime Minister made an ambitious bid to capitalise on growing Tory support north of the border, where the party has only one MP, saying she would ensure Scotland and the UK "flourish together".

In the rural village of Crathes, Aberdeenshire, where TV channels were unable to broadcast live and several journalists complained of a lack of mobile signal, Mrs May reiterated her call for voters to back her to strengthen her hand in Brexit negotiations.

It came after Mr Corbyn accused her of slipping into a "presidential bunker mentality", reliant on sound bites and squeezing dissent, and claimed her attitude could lead to "damaging mistakes" for the country.

Theresa May: she urged Scottish voters to stand up against SNP "separatists" / PA

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon reacted to Mrs May's foray north by urging voters not to allow the nation to be "dragged back" by an "increasingly hard-line right wing Tory Government" in Westminster.

Corbyn: The Labour leader slammed Mrs May's 'simple slogans' / AFP/Getty Images

But Mrs May's visit to northern Scotland underlined the size of the election victory she thinks is within her grasp, with the Tories now the leading unionist party north of the border, according to opinion polls.

Making a direct plea to Scottish voters who oppose independence, the PM said: "We want to ensure that we build a more secure and united nation.

Nicola Sturgeon tells voters 'don't let Tories drag Scotland back on June 8'

"That means taking action against the extremists who would divide us and standing up against the separatists who want to break up our country."

Mrs May went on: "There is only one candidate for prime minister who will stand up and defend the United Kingdom. And my commitment is clear that if you strengthen my hand in those Brexit negotiations, I will work to ensure that Scotland and the UK flourish together.

Jeremy Corbyn slams Conservative and Ukip leaders in passionate speech

"So on June 8 vote for five years of strong and stable leadership. Give me the mandate to lead Britain, give me the mandate to speak for Britain, give me the mandate to fight for Britain and give me the mandate to deliver for Britain."



Additional reporting from PA.
Katrina Kaif spoke about her career in Bollywood, her initial days and working with the three Khans at India Today Mind Rocks 2017 held at Guwahati today.

Katrina Kaif graced Guwahati with her presence at Mind Rocks Guwahati 2017. Wearing a red suit, she entered the stage with Sheila Ki Jawaani playing out loud on the speakers. The crowd cheered, whistled and whooted as she sat down to speak about her views on stardom and how it takes true grit to be a superstar.

Turns out it was Katrina Kaif's first time in Assam. When Katrina was asked how she is getting better with age, she said, "Got to live up to the name. Jawaani hai toh you got to keep doing it."

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Katrina said that even though a lot of people tell her that she looks like her mother, as a child, she looked like her father. She added that after coming to India, she wanted to identify with her ethnic heritage and it was here that she found her sense of belonging.

Katrina Kaif also spoke about how different her Tees Maar Khan director Farah Khan and her Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara director Zoya Akhtar were. She said that while Farah Khan is a Manmohan Desai fan and works in the commercial space, Zoya Akhtar's filmmaking was understated. "Zindagi (Na Milegi Dobara) was real. Zoya wanted me to be as close to who I was in real life. It was an incredibly fun experience."

She mentioned how she was just recovering from an injury during the shoot of the Bang Bang title track and how her pain did not allow her to dance as well as she wanted to alongside Hrithik Roshan.

A funny incident she recalled was when Sanjay Dutt could not look Katrina Kaif in the eye as she danced in front of Sanju baba during the shoot of Chikni Chameli in the 2012 film Agneepath. Katrina added that he has known her since she was 18 years old and therefore, being the conservative man that Sanjay Dutt was, his discomfort was understandable.

Katrina also added that during the 5th or 6th day of the Chikni Chameli shoot, her feet began to bleed as she was dancing on bare stones.

On the most talented actors right now:

Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt. Loved Varun Dhawan in Badrinath Ki Dulhania.

On Salman Khan:

He is a strong man. He will always set an example for people who look up to him. It is difficult to guess what his thinks. His strength and silence are admirable qualities. He is an incredible person.

On Aamir Khan:

Aamir Khan has a different approach to working. His approach is very meticulous. He puts in a lot of physical work and mental preparation. No one puts that kind of dedication to work.

On Shah Rukh Khan:

Shah Rukh Khan is a very knowledgeable person. He speaks like a poet and he has got an energy which never stops.

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Watch Video: Mind Rocks Guwahati 2017: Katrina Kaif talks about her experience being a superstar

ALSO READ: Is Deepika miffed with Katrina Kaif for stealing the spotlight from her?

ALSO SEE: Katrina Kaif's hot photoshoot will make your jaw drop

--- ENDS ---
U kip leader Paul Nuttall was forced to cancel an appearance at a rally in Hartlepool after a brawl broke out between two women outside the event.

The partys leader pulled out of a planned speech at the mini-rally on Saturday after the event descended into chaos.

Mr Nuttall had been due to speak to campaigners there as part of the general election campaign but skipped the event after the altercation broke out between the two women.

Dramatic images showed the pair, both with blonde hair and wearing white jumpers, grappling and falling to the floor as bystanders tried to break up the fight.

Altercation: A woman is seen with a bloodied face clutching a shoe / REUTERS

In one photo, one of the women is seen with a bloodied face grasping a shoe in her right hand.

BBC Sunday Politics reporter Richard Moss said the fight broke out outside the pub the leader was due to speak at as supporters waited for him to arrive.

Mr Moss shared a video of the two women being held back from one another when they were on the floor with the caption: Just to add to the chaos as we wait for @paulnuttalukip a fight has broken out between two women in Hartlepool. Neither from Ukip.

It is not clear what sparked the brawl.

An onlooker wearing a grey jumper tries to break up an argument between two women at a Ukip rally in Hartlepool / Reuters

Cleveland Police confirmed officers attended the incident. It is not yet known if any arrests were made.

Mr Nuttall skipped the mini-rally after the altercation and moved to another pub to conduct media interviews before beginning campaigning.

It came shortly after he announced he would stand as a candidate in Boston and Skegness in the General Election.
D onald Trump has completed his first 100 days in the White House.

In his first months as President, the world has seen controversial decisions such as his travel ban, Syrian air strikes and the launch of the biggest non-nuclear bomb in the arsenal of the United States on Afghanistan.

The billionaire businessman has started work on some of his core election pledges such as his controversial wall to stop people illegally entering the US from Mexico.

The President has also faced problems in his ongoing attempts to dismantle Obamacare and has entered a standoff with North Korea over the communist states nuclear and missile programmes.

After reaching his milestone, the Standard looks back at the key moments since he became the political leader of the US.

TRAVEL BAN

Trump promises action 'very rapidly' after travel ban halted

One week after his inauguration, the billionaire businessman signed an executive order to ban citizens travelling from seven Muslim-majority countries to the US.

Since then, Judges have signed orders to halt parts of the so-called travel ban after it sparked mass protests when it was introduced on January 27  so he made revisions.

The revised travel ban blocks entry to the US for people who are seeking new visas from six of the seven countries named in the presidents original order, and also suspends the countrys refugee programme.

The White House has dropped Iraq from the list of banned countries, which includes Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

Donald Trump 100 Days as President - In pictures 1 /88 Donald Trump 100 Days as President - In pictures 20 January 2017 Donald Trump (L) is sworn in as the 45th US president by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts in front of the Capitol in Washington AFP/Getty Images 20 January 2017 First Lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump,former President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama at the US Capitol after inauguration ceremonies at the in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 20 January 2017 US President Donald Trump takes the oath of allegiance during his swearing-in ceremony on January 20, 2017 at the US Capitol in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 20 January 2017 US President elect Donald Trump (C) arrives for the swearing-in ceremony on in front of the Capitol in Washington AFP/Getty Images 20 January 2017 US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania walk the inaugural parade route with son Barron on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 20 January 2017 US President Donald Trump and the first lady Melania Trump dance at the Liberty Ball at the Washington DC Convention Center following Donald Trump's inauguration as the 45th President of the United States, in Washington, DC, on 20 January 2017 AFP/Getty Images 20 January 2017 US President Donald Trump and the first lady Melania Trump dance at the Armed Services ball at the National Building museum following Donald Trump's inauguration as the 45th President of the United States, in Washington, DC, on 20 January 20, 2017 AFP/Getty Images 20 January 2017 US President Donald Trump speaks to the press as he waits at his desk before signing conformations for General James Mattis as US Secretary of Defense and General John Kelly as US Secretary of Homeland Security, as Vice President Mike Pence and White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus look on in the Oval Office of the White House on 20 January 2017 AFP/Getty Images 20 January 2017 Police pepper spray at anti-Trump protesters during clashes in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 20 January 2017 US President Donald Trump (C) gestures as the first lady Melania Trump (center L), Vice Presidant Mike Pence (L), his wife Karen (2L) and family look on at the Liberty Ball at the Washington DC Convention Center following Donald Trump's inauguration as the 45th President of the United States, in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 20 January 2017 Vanessa and Donald Trump Jr, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner salute the crowd after dancing on stage during the Freedom ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on 20 January 2017 in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 21 January 2017 Demonstrators gather at Civic Center Park in Denver, Colorado, during the Women's March on 21 January 2017 AFP/Getty Images 21 January 2017 Demonstrators protest near the White House in Washington, DC, for the Women's March on 21 January 2017 AFP/Getty Images 23 January 2017 US President Donald Trump holds up an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership after signing it in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on 23 January 2017 AFP/Getty Images 25 January 2017 US President Donald Trump signs an executive order to start the Mexico border wall project at the Department of Homeland Security facility in Washington, DC, on 25 January 2017 AFP/Getty Images 25 January 2017 Greenpeace protesters unfold a banner reading "Resist" from atop a construction crane behind the White House AFP/Getty Images 26 January 2017 US President Donald Trump salutes as he steps off Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland upon his return from Philadelphia AFP/Getty Images 26 January 2017 Demonstrators protest President Donald Trump's plan to build a border wall along the United States and Mexico border in Chicago, Illinois AFP/Getty Images 27 January 2017 US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Theresa May speak during a press conference at the White House AFP/Getty Images 27 January 2017 US President Donald Trump speaks after signing executive orders alongside US Defense Secretary James Mattis (R) and US Vice President Mike Pence on 27 January 2017, at the Pentagon in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 27 January 2017 US President Donald Trump speaks following the ceremonial swearing-in of James Mattis as secretary of defense on January 27, 2017, at the Pentagon in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 28 January 2017 US President Donald Trump speaks on the phone with Russia's President Vladimir Putin from the Oval Office of the White House on January 28, 2017, in Washington, DC. AFP/Getty Images 31 January 2017 Senior Advisor Jared Kushner (L) and Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly (R) listen while US President Donald Trump puts his papers away at the beginning of a meeting on cyber security in the Roosevelt Room of the White House January 31, 2017 in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 28 January 2017 US President Donald Trump holds an executive memorandum on defeating the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria after signing it in the Oval Office of the White House AFP/Getty Images 31 January 2017 Judge Neil Gorsuch speaks, after US President Donald Trump nominated him for the Supreme Court, at the White House in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 31 January 2017 Demonstrators gather outside of The United States Supreme Court after President Donald Trump announced Neil Gorsuch as his nominee to fill the seat of former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Antonin Scalia in Washington, DC, on 31 January 2017 AFP/Getty Images 1 February 2017 US President Donald Trump (2L) congratulates Rex Tillerson (seated) after he was sworn in as Secretary of State as his wife Renda St. Clair (R), and Vice President Mike Pence (L) look on in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 1 February 2017 US President Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka walk to board Marine One at the White House in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 3 February 2017 US President Donald Trump chats with reporters on board Air Force One before departing from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, bound for Palm Beach, Florida AFP/Getty Images 4 February 2017 Zeina, who did not want to give her last name, takes part in a protest against US President Donald Trump outside the White House AFP/Getty Images 4 February 2017 Demonstrators holding placards take part in a protest against US President Donald Trump outside the US Embassy in London AFP/Getty Images 6 February 2017 US President Donald Trump sits down for lunch with troops during a visit to the US Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida AFP/Getty Images 7 February 2017 US President Donald Trump holds up a gift given to him by county sheriffs following a meeting as they pose for photos in the Oval Office of the White House AFP/Getty Images 13 February 2017 National Security Advisor Michael Flynn (centre) attends a joint press conference by US President Donald Trump and Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the East Room of the White House on 13 February 2017 in Washington AFP/Getty Images 15 February 2017 US President Donald Trump (R) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walk into the White House in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 15 February 2017 Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner arrive for a joint press conference by US President Donald Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the East Room of the White House AFP/Getty Images 15 February 2017 US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcome Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, as they arrive at the White House in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 16 February 2017 US President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House AFP/Getty Images 26 February 2017 An activist paints the wall between the United States and Mexico during a demonstration against US President Donald Trump on the border of Ciudad Juarez with Nuevo Mexico, Chihuahua State, Mexico AFP/Getty Images 26 February 2017 View of the paintings made by activists in the wall between Mexico and United States during a demontration against US President Donald Trump on the border of Ciudad Juarez with Nuevo Mexico, Chihuahua State, Mexico AFP/Getty Images 27 February 2017 Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway (L) checks her phone after taking a photo as US President Donald Trump and leaders of historically black universities and colleges pose for a group photo in the Oval Office of the White House before a meeting with US Vice President Mike Pence in Washington AFP/Getty Images 28 February 2017 US Vice President Mike Pence (L), US President Donald Trump (C) and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) clap during a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 2 March 2017 US President Donald Trump salutes as he arrives onboard the pre-commissioned USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier in Newport News, Virginia AFP/Getty Images 2 March 2017 US President Donald Trump salutes as he walks to Air Force One prior to departing from Langley Air Force Base in Virginia AFP/Getty Images 3 March 2017 Sandy Adams holds up a placard during a protest outside St. Anthony Catholic school in Orlando, Florida during a visit by US President Donald Trump AFP/Getty Images 3 March 2017 US President Donald Trump walks off Air Force One after arriving in Orlando, Florida AFP/Getty Images 7 March 2017 US President Donald Trump gestures as he surprises visitors during the official reopening of public tours at the White House in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 10 March 2017 People rally during the Native Nations Rise protest in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 15 March 2017 US President Donald Trump speaks during a rally in Nashville, Tennessee AFP/Getty Images 17 March 2017 US President Donald Trump and Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel shake hands after a press conference in the East Room of the White House AFP/Getty Images 20 March 2017 US President Donald Trump arrives for a 'Make America Great Again' rally at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky AFP/Getty Images 21 March 2017 S President Donald Trump reacts after signing a bill increasing funding for NASA in the Oval Office at the White House AFP/Getty Images 23 March 2017 Protesters dressed as medical staff march towards the Federal Building during a "Save the Affordable Care Act" rally in Los Angeles, California AFP/Getty Images 23 March 2017 US President Donald Trump sits in the drivers seat of a semi-truck as he welcomes truckers and CEOs to the White House in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 23 March 2017 Health care activists hold placards during a rally at Freedom Plaza during a protest in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 28 March 2017 US President Donald Trump (C) speaks before signing the Energy Independence Executive Order at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Headquarters in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 28 March 2017 Surrounded by miners from Rosebud Mining, US President Donald Trump (C) signs he Energy Independence Executive Order at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Headquarters in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 29 March 2017 US President Donald Trump addresses the Womens Empowerment Panel in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images 1 April 2017 People wearing masks of US President Donald Trump take part in the 32nd Annual April Fools Day Parade in New York AFP/Getty Images 3 April 2017 Translators watch as Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (L) and US President Donald Trump shake hands in the Oval Office before a meeting at the White House AFP/Getty Images 6 April 2017 US President Donald Trump (L) sits with Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) during a bilateral meeting at the Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach, Florida AFP/Getty Images 6 April 2017 Donald Trump is in a meeting with his National Security team and being briefed by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford via secure video teleconference after a missile strike on Syria while inside the Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility at his Mar-a-Lago resort in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. on April 6, 2017 The White House via Reuters 15 April 2017 A man gets sprayed with a chemical irritant as multiple fights break out between Trump supporters and anti-Trump protesters in Berkeley, California AFP/Getty Images 15 April 2017 Protestors take part in the "Tax March" to call on US President Donald Trump to release his tax records in Los Angeles, California AFP/Getty Images 17 April 2017 US First Lady Melania Trump walks to the Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House AFP/Getty Images 17 April 2017 Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and son Barron Trump attend the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House EPA

THE WALL

Oh we are going to build a wall, dont worry about it  were building a wall.

One of Trumps key campaign promises was a wall between Mexico and America, which he believes would help stop people from entering the US illegally.

Both Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill are said to be against paying for it, especially as Mr Trump insisted during his election campaign that the bill would be picked up by Mexico.

Following the threat of a government shutdown over budget troubles, the President backed away from his demand that Congress includes funding for the wall in a spending bill.

The project is estimated to cost more than $20 billion.

SYRIA AIR STRIKES

US Navy launches cruise missile strike on Syria

In the early hours of Friday, April 7, the US fired a strike on a Syrian military base that was the launch site for a devastating chemical attack on civilians.

Shortly after Britain woke to the news, Downing Street offered its full support to Trump after he gave the green light to the surprise barrage of 59 cruise missiles.

The US Navy's attack was aimed at weapons bunkers and aircraft inside the Syrian military base and was the first direct US attack on Bashar Assad's Syrian government.

Explaining the strike, which was Mr Trump's biggest foreign policy intervention yet, the President said: "Using a deadly nerve agent, 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.

'The Mother Of All Bombs'

The bomb is the largest non-nuclear weapon in the arsenal of the US

The biggest non-nuclear bomb in the arsenal of the United States killed dozens of ISIS militants and completely destroyed an Afghan military base.

Several Isis caves and ammunition caches were destroyed by the bomb, which is known officially as a GBU-43B.

On April 13 when it was unleashed, 11 tonnes of explosives created a devastating impact.

Mr Trump told reporters at the White House he was very proud of the attack and labelled it another successful job.

OBAMACARE

Republican leaders on Thursday delayed a vote on their Obamacare repeal bill until next week, which has denied President Trump a major legislative victory during his first 100 days in office.

In March he was forced to withdraw the healthcare bill after it became apparent that it would not get the minimum republican votes need to push it through.

Repealing the Obamacare legislation was a key pledge in Trumps election campaign last year.

NORTH KOREA CRISIS

Wed love to solve things diplomatically - but its very difficult.

President Trump has warned that the United States and North Korea could absolutely go to war in a major, major conflict over the communist states nuclear threat.

Amid rising tensions between the two countries, Trump issued the Pyongyang government an ultimatum to North Korea this week after the rogue regime threatened to sink an American aircraft carrier sent to the region.

Worried that the crisis was escalating, Chinas President Xi Jinping called for restraint when dealing with North Korea during a telephone call with Mr Trump.
D onald Trump has condemned North Korea as disrespecting the wishes of China after the rogue state fired another failed ballistic missile.

Pyongyangs unsuccessful test came amid rising tensions with the West as Trump pushed for new economic sanctions and military manoeuvres to be quickly deployed because of its threat to the US.

Writing on Twitter, the US President said North Korea had disrespected China and its president Xi Jinping by going ahead with the test.

A US government source said initial indications suggested it was unsuccessful, and officials said the missile did not leave North Korean territory.

It comes as China ordered North Korea to stand down its rocket testing or risk harsh sanctions.

The failed missile was launched from Pukchang Airfield north of the capital Pyongyang at around 9:30pm UK time on Thursday, it is believed.

Trumps Twitter post read: North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!

The President had already warned of a major, major conflict with the communist state if it does not fall in to line.

Trump said the US could "absolutely" go to war of the nuclear threat it poses / Getty Images

He said the United States and Kim Jong-uns state could absolutely go to war over its nuclear threat.

US secretary of state Rex Tillerson echoed Trumps position that all options were on the table if Pyongyang persisted with its nuclear and missile development in a UN Security Council meeting on Friday.

"The threat of a nuclear attack on Seoul, or Tokyo, is real, and it's only a matter of time before North Korea develops the capability to strike the U.S. mainland," he said.

"Failing to act now on the most pressing security issue in the world may bring catastrophic consequences."

Trump, who admitted North Korea was his biggest global challenge, said the launch was an affront to the Norths sole main ally  China.

The test is the states fourth straight unsuccessful missile test since March.
T here have already been a series of jaw-dropping, emotional and truly wacky acts on the new series of Britains Got Talent.

Things heat up even more in episode three, with mind-bending magic acts, dance troupes and one very talented pianist.

Here are the six acts you need to see:

1. The Queen

Audiences and the judging panel looked godsmacked as Queen Elizabeth II herself appeared to walk out on to the stage clutching a small Union Jack.

But the Queen of England it was not when the person in question broke up into a rather bizarre break-dance, later joined by a Prince Phillip impersonator.

You would only get this on a show as bonkers as this, wouldnt you, said David Walliams.

2. The London School of Bollywood

Cowell seemed unimpressed when another Bollywood dance troupe arrived on stage but they completely turned the traditional routine on its head.

Throwing out the traditional boy meets girl story, they introduced a male dancer in drag as the groups leading star.

Its a huge example to everyone out there, to show people they can be themselves, said Amanda Holden.

3. The Mistreats

The four-piece girl band did a stellar rendition of Salt N Pepas Whatta Man, mixing in some more modern twists.

Simon Cowell described them as the best girl group that theyd ever had on the show and recognised one old face from an old X Factor audition.

Britain's Got Talent Auditions 2017 1 /30 Britain's Got Talent Auditions 2017 David Walliams proposes to Simon Cowell PA Simon Cowell and David Walliams are all smiles at the Britain's Got Talent at The Lowry Manchester PA Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden attending the judges auditions for Britain's Got Talent at The Lowry Manchester PA Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly attending the judges auditions for Britain's Got Talent at The Lowry Manchester PA Amanda Holden with Alesha Dixon attending the judges auditions for Britain's Got Talent at The Lowry Manchester PA Stephen Mulhern attending the judges auditions for Britain's Got Talent at The Lowry Manchester PA Alesha Dixon attends the judges auditions for Britain's Got Talent at The Lowry Manchester PA Amanda Holden attends the judges auditions for Britain's Got Talent at The Lowry Manchester PA Simon Cowell and Declan Donnelly attending the auditions for Britain's Got Talent at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre PA Amanda Holden attending the auditions for Britain's Got Talent at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre PA David Walliams attending the auditions for Britain's Got Talent at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre PA Alesha Dixon attending the auditions for Britain's Got Talent at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre PA Anthony McPartlin attending the auditions for Britain's Got Talent at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre PA David Walliams, Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon arriving at the London Auditions for Britain's Got Talent 2017 held at The London Palladium PA Amanda Holden arriving at the London Auditions for Britain's Got Talent 2017 held at The London Palladium PA Simon Cowell attends the Britain's Got Talent, London Auditions at The London Paladium Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images Alesha Dixon arriving at the London Auditions for Britain's Got Talent 2017 held at The London Palladium PA Stephen Mulhern arriving at the London Auditions for Britain's Got Talent 2017 held at The London Palladium PA Ant McPartlin jumps behind judges Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon as they arrive for the Blackpool auditions for 'Britain's Got Talent' at The Opera House Getty Images David Walliams and Simon Cowell arrive on a cart pulled by a donkey for the Blackpool auditions for 'Britain's Got Talent' at The Opera House Getty Images Anthony McPartlin, left, and Declan Donnelly arrive for the Blackpool auditions for 'Britain's Got Talent' at The Opera House Getty Images David Walliams arrives on a cart pulled by a donkey for the Blackpool auditions for 'Britain's Got Talent' at The Opera House Getty Images Stephen Mulhern arrives with a Hen Party for the Blackpool auditions for 'Britain's Got Talent' at The Opera House Getty Images

4. Sian

The 31-year-old, who was persuaded to audition by her daughter, had a couple of false starts before really getting into her stride.

Bringing the house down with her rendition of With You from Ghost the Musical, Sian had the audience on their feet.

5. Tokio Myers

The Pianist had the judges on their feet with his clever mix of Debussys Clair de Lune and Ed Sheerans Bloodstream.

Tokio had a tough upbringing on a North London estate and even witnessed the murder of his headmaster Philip Lawrence when he was just 11 years old.

What a great audition, weve never had an act like you on the show before, said Cowell.

6. Josephine

The former magicians assistant was tired of being in the background and decided to put together her own act.

After a slightly slow start, Josephine left the judges and the audience with their jaws on the floor after one epic final twist.

ITV, 8pm.
Now, Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has written letters to building constructors and asked them to stop discrimination while selling flats in their buildings. In the letter, MNS requests various realty developers of Mumbai not to discriminate between people on the basis of caste, creed and religion.

One such letter was written to Shri Chamunda Realtors by MNS spokesperson Sandeep Deshpande.

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Deshpande, who was former corporator and group leader in BMC for MNS, writes that he has received complaints about Chamunda Realtors that they discriminate between customers while selling flat. In the letter, Deshpande alleges that the said company doesn't sell flats to people who eat non-vegetarian food.

"We had raise this issue in BMC and had asked mayor to make a strict law so that there will not be any discrimination about not selling flats to non-vegetarian people. This proposal was unanimously passed by BMC house, but ex-mayor didn't make any law. Now, we have intensified our agitation, and in extreme case, we may take law in our hands if situation remains the same," said Sandeep Deshpande, MNS spokesperson.

MNS workers have been asked to gather information about such builders who don't sell flats to non-vegetarian people. They will be writing letter to all such builders throughout this week. In the past, MNS had intensified its agitation against BMC's decision of shutting meat shops during Jain community festival Paryushan, and their workers had sold meat openly during that week.

Raj Thackeray-led MNS has seen debacle over debacle since last Lok Sabha election. The party didn't even perform well in last BMC election. Now, it seems to revive the party after Marathi Manus agenda, now Raj Thackeray has taken up the issue of veg-non-veg.

Also read:

Mumbai: MNS corporator denied flat for being non-vegetarian, files complaint

Mumbai housing society bars sale of flats to Muslims, complaint registered

WATCH THE VIDEO:

--- ENDS ---
Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has mocked the Congress leadership saying that while PM Narendra Modi acts on tweets, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi would take three years to take note of a complaint.

Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was with the Congress for long, has drawn a unique parallel between the 'mindset' of the leadership of the BJP and his former party.

During an interaction at India Today's MindRocks event in Guwahati, Himanta Biswa Sarma said that there was a huge difference in the mindset with which the two biggest political parties of the country function.

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"If someone wants to reach out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he can put out two or three tweets and the PM will respond to him. But, if someone wants to reach out to (Congress vice-president) Rahul Gandhi, he will have to wait for four-five years," Himanta Biswa Sharma said.

THE GUWAHATI GIRL

Himanta Biswa Sarma narrated the story of a girl who was in need of urgent medical attention.

"A tweet was put out for the girl from Guwahati to the Prime Minister telling him that she needed to be rushed to the hospital immediately in Delhi. The request was made that can a smooth traffic be ensured for her. The PMO responded and when the girl reached Delhi, the police made a smooth traffic arrangement and she was taken to the hospital like the President of India. This is the new India," Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

Taking a swipe at the Congress 'mindset', the BJP leader said, "But, if someone from Guwahati medical college tweets to Rahul Gandhil, the answer will come after three years."

Sarma said, "Congress is a more than 100-year-old party. It has a legacy of freedom movement. During those days feudalism was high in the country. If Congress has inherited the legacy of freedom movement, it also inherited the legacy of feudalism."

DYNASTY POLITICS WOULD END IN 2019

Himanta Biswa Sarma described the 2014-general elections as the watershed moment in the politics of the country. He said that the old-style politics was defeated in the last Lok Sabha elections.

"2014 (elections) was a watershed moment. Prior to this, there was an idea of dynasty in politics. In 2014, people of India changed themselves," Sarma said.

The Assam minister further said that with the change in people's mindset in 2014, the politicians also need to change. "Now you have to care about the country, care about the youth and care about the nation. But, yes there are politicians who believe that they keep doing the old-style politics. But, that won't work," the BJP leader said.

Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "By 2019, politicians, who believe in dynasty, will be finished," adding, "But, I personally feel that climax will reach by 2022 when politics will be more clean. Politicians will emerge from educated section of society."

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The change is taking place as youth are able to raise their voice through social media, Sarma said. "Indian politics will be more people-oriented, more responsive and more transparent by 2022. Big rol is being played by social network. You hear more and more voices of youth now. This is changing the political discourse in the country," Assam Minister said.

BEST TIME FOR ASSAM

Himanta Biswa Sharma said that the Assam is passing through the phase of golden opportunities. He said that the BJP government has not inherited a baggage of problems like the previous governments of the state, which had to deal with insurgency and financial uncertainties.

Sarma said, "We have overcome most of the problems. We had militancy. We had spell of extremism. We had spell of chauvinism. We had spell of economic problems."

"Our CM has inherited best five years in Assam and this is the best five years (under Sarbanand Sonowal) Assam can think of," the Assam Health Minister said.

Sarma said that the state finances are good as the revenue growth at 21.6 per cent was the highest in the country. "We closed the financial year with Rs 4,000 crore surplus," Sarma said.

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"Indicator wise we are three or four states from the bottom. In the next two years, we will be in the middle of the table and during the next five years we will be towards top of the table," Sarma said.

He said that the state government was working to create a better infrastructural environment for business and career avenues so that people of the state are not forced to go out in search of 'petty jobs'.

Watch Video: By 2019, generation of politicians who believe in dynasty will be finished: Himanta Biswa Sarma at Mind Rocks

ALSO READ|

Na lunga, na dunga: Checked corruption, acted against erring officials, says Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal at Mind Rocks Summit

--- ENDS ---
GERINGCharlie Fenster could always be found on Arbor Day in Northfield Park helping plant a tree. In February 2016, Fenster passed away.

On Arbor Day, Friday, April 28 snow was falling as a group of city officials, media, citizens and members of Fensters family gathered at the entrance to Northfield Park. They came together to honor Fenster by naming the arboretum, he helped create, in his name.

Fenster, a researcher at the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center, moved his family to Gering, next to Northfield Park, Dr. Don Gentry, Gering Park Board member, told the crowd. He was asked to join the park board and was a member of the board until he died.

We very much appreciate this, Charlies son, Larry Fenster told the group. Larry was one of about 10 family members who traveled back to Gering to take part in the ceremony. Larry came up from Denver. Thank you so very much.

I remember when it (the park) was just weeds and tumbleweeds, Fensters niece Carol Fenster Graham said. Carol lives in Akron, Colorado. The Fensters moved to Gering in 1965.

Wed come out to play and loss our volleyball in the weeds all the time.

Fenster began working with the park board and the community to beautify the canyon near his home and the rest of the city. In Northfield Park he played a key role in starting an arboretum.

The goal, Gentry said, was to show what trees would and would not grow in Gering.

Dad loved this park, Fensters daughter Kay DuBois said. DuBois traveled from Bend, Oregon. He always talked about how pretty the trees were.

Gering mayor Tony Kaufman told the crowd Charlie was a special guy in community.

He will be missed, Kaufman said. We appreciate everything he did.

It is just beautiful, Graham said of the Charlie Fenster Arboretum in Northfield Park. The snow just highlights the beauty.
West Nebraska Arts Center (WNAC) was awarded a $1,500 grant from The Questers, an organization dedicated to preservation, restoration, and education of historic building and sites.

The grant will help cover the costs of painting and glazing the windows on the outside of the building.

Jan Van Newkirk of Scotts Bluff Questers chapter 1346, said that its one of three chapters in the area, (the other two being Scotts Girls and Dome Rockers). Cher Maybee wrote the grant from Scotts Bluff Questers with the support of the other two chapters, and Van Newkirk presented the grant at the state Questers convention, where it came in second by one vote to a restoration project at the Corps of Discovery center near Crofton.

The West Nebraska Arts Center building sits on the site of the old Campbellite Church. The land was sold to the City Library in 1921 by St. Andrews Episcopal Church. The Scottsbluff Carnegie Library was constructed with a grant from the Carnegie Corporation. The building is a representation of the neo-classical revival style.

With a building thats nearly 100 years old, the upkeep is a constant challenge, WNAC Executive Director Donna Thompson said. We really appreciate the Questers support for this project.

The nonprofit organization Questers was started by Elizabeth Bess Bardens in 1944. With a strong desire to see that the American Heritage is preserved for future generations, Questers seek to educate by research and study of antiques and to donate funds to the preservation and restoration of artifacts, existing memorials, historic buildings, landmarks, and educational purposes. There are two types of grants awarded: state and international. Questers also sponsor graduate-level scholarships at Columbia University as well as a fellowship at Winterthur/University of Delaware. Chapters come together to form their State and Provincial Quester Organizations. The combined chapter membership for the international organization is 697 Chapters and approximately 11,000 members. For more information, visit www.questers1933.org.
Scottsbluff Public Schools is trying to broaden students learning opportunities and have them learn at all phases of the year by offering expanded learning opportunities this summer.

Expanded learning opportunities are new for Scottsbluff High School and Lincoln Heights Elementary.

Lincoln Heights Elementary will be doing a summer program similar to what Roosevelt Elementary does. There will be many opportunities for students to learn during the day as well as be involved in engaging activities that are fun and exciting.

Jeremy Behnke, assistant principal for Longfellow/Westmoor Elementary, said Roosevelt Elementary has done it for the last two summers so various administrators along with Jana Mason, principal of Roosevelt Elementary, decided Lincoln Heights could benefit from a similar type of program.

Im glad to see the opportunities Lincoln Heights students will get and Im excited to be part of it, Behnke said.

He will be directing the summer program for Lincoln Heights.

Behnke said 120 students are going to be enrolled in the summer program. Lunch will be free for the students.

Students will be working on reading and writing skills in the morning and science activities, field trips or guest speakers in the afternoon. There will also be enrichment opportunities through partnerships with Western Nebraska Community College, Riverside Discovery Center, Lied Scottsbluff Public Library, and others.

Behnke said a benefit for the students is to extend learning opportunities for all students so they can continue to grow throughout the summer. The Lincoln Heights program will last four weeks starting on May 30. It will run 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Being there all day will be a wonderful opportunity for students to learn and grow, Behnke said.

Behnke said he is excited to see all of it come together.

We wont know the benefits right away but we know the results at Roosevelt have been positive and we are hoping for the same thing, Behnke said.

Scottsbluff High School is going to be offering a variety of classes this upcoming summer. Classes are going to be held in a shorter time frame which is comparable to classes college students see in the summer.

Andrew Dick, Scottsbluff High School assistant principal of teaching and learning, said with the new learning environment and specialized courses the school saw the program as an opportunity to enrich students academic experience as well as extend their learning.

In the past our summer school program has been all about remediation and credit recovery. We wanted to provide more enrichment and acceleration type activities, Dick said.

Credit recovery and remediation course will still be offered but the additional classes this year will contribute to amount of credits students have. The classes are five credits a piece.

Students can take the classes for free.

Looking at other schools in the Lincoln or Omaha metro area, they all charge for these classes, around $100-$150, Dick said.

Dick said the summer program is an opportunity for students to take an elective that they might not be able to fit into their schedule during the regular school year.

Dick said students can do something creative or learn a new skill. Included in the classes is graphic design, music technology, Sociology and foundations of law. There are also classes that are required for students to take which are going to be offered in the summer as well. Those classes are American Government, physical education, and personal finance. Altogether, there will be eight courses provided.

Dick said for the first year of doing the program three or five classes that have enough students would be outstanding. Fifteen students are required to be enrolled for the classes to be held.

We are really trying to open some doors for some students schedules that will allow students to complete a course and then take a dual credit course because they will have more availability during the regular year, Dick said.

All of the staff for the program will be Scottsbluff Public Schools employees. Dick said the teachers who are involved are excited to provide unique specialized opportunities as well as open doors for students to accelerate their academic course of study.

Weve had an enthusiastic response from our teachers that are interested in teaching, Dick said.

Students or parents who are interested in learning more can give a call to the Scottsbluff High School counseling office at 308-635-6243.
North Korea on Saturday launched a medium-range ballistic missile called a KN-17 that blew up over land.

By Indo-Asian News Service: North Korea on Saturday launched a ballistic missile that blew up over land, a spokesman for the US Pacific Command said.

The missile didn't leave North Korean territory, CNN quoted US Navy Commander Dave Benham as saying.

A US military assessment found the main part of the missile landed approximately 35 kilometres (22 miles) from Pukchang airfield, a US official told CNN.

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"North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!," US President Donald Trump tweeted.

South Korean officials said the test likely was a failure.

"We are analysing additional information," the nation's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. "Our military is maintaining a thorough defence posture while keeping a close eye on the possibility of North Korea's further provocations."

White House officials said Trump was briefed as Air Force One returned to Maryland from Atlanta, where Trump earlier addressed a meeting of the National Rifle Association.

The test-fired missile probably was a medium-range ballistic missile called a KN-17, the US official said. The KN-17 is a land-based solid-fuel missile fired from a mobile launcher.

North Korean state media did not report on Saturday's launch, as is customary in the case of an unsuccessful test.

Also Read

Amid rising tensions with North Korea, US test launches unarmed ballistic missile

North Korean media threatens Pyongyang will 'wipe out' US from Earth's surface

--- ENDS ---
The open house will be held 4 to 6 p.m. at 511 W. 14th St in the gym. The public is invited to join the school as it honors teachers for their hard work, especially Irene Vernon as she retires after 29 years of service to the school.
A memorial service for Erma M. (Getz) Boyd, age 98, who died on April 20, 2017 at Scottsbluff Care and Rehabilitation Center, will be held on Monday, May 8, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Gering Memorial Chapel, 1755 11th St. with Pastor Seth Leypoldt officiating. Cremation has already taken place and a private family inurnment will be later. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Gering United Methodist Church. Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.geringchapel.com.

Erma was born September 20, 1918 at Guy, Kansas to Ervin Getz and Rosa (Sandkamp) Getz. She received her early education at country schools in Phillips County Township and graduated from Phillipsburg High School in 1937. After high school she attended one year of normal school qualifying her to teach in the small country schools. On May 31, 1941 she married Willis Eugene Boyd in Kansas

They lived and farmed in Phillips County for several years prior to moving to the Nebraska panhandle, living several places before making their home in Gering. She was a member of the Gering United Methodist Church. Survivors include four daughters: Sandra Boyd and Roberta J. Boyd of Gering, Denise Boyd of Lincoln, Nebraska and Carol Barr (M. James) of York, Nebraska and their children Sarah Barr(Dan Ruth), Amy Barr and David Barr.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her uncle and aunt that raised her Elmer and Ruth (Getz) Schropp and their son Lawrence Schropp, and her brother Robert Getz of Hoxie, Kansas and his wife Maxine.
The report's findings and recommendations threaten to reopen a rift between the army and the civilian government at a time when relations between the two have been relatively stable.

By Reuters: Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday sacked one of his special advisers and sanctioned another bureaucrat after an inquiry into a newspaper leak, but the country's powerful army rejected Sharif's directive as "incomplete".

The report's findings and recommendations threaten to reopen a rift between the army and the civilian government at a time when relations between the two have been relatively stable.

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An article published in the English-language Dawn newspaper in October, detailing high-level security talks, had angered the army and led to the firing of then-Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid, who was a Sharif ally.

The military's tough response, which included asking intelligence agencies to identify the journalist's sources, drew widespread criticism from rights groups who accused it of curtailing Pakistan's press freedoms.

The prime minister's office said Sharif had "approved the recommendations" from the report into the leak, which included the removal of Syed Tariq Fatemi, Sharif's special assistant on foreign affairs, from his post.

Sharif's office, in a statement, added Rao Tehsin Ali, principal information officer at the information ministry, will also be sanctioned on the basis of the report, which has not yet been published.

The Dawn newspaper, its editor Zafar Abbas and article author, Cyril Almeida, have been referred to the All Pakistan Newspaper Society for "necessary disciplinary action".

ARMY REJECTS DIRECTIVE WITHOUT ELABORATING

But the army swiftly rejected Sharif's directive.

"Notification on Dawn Leak is incomplete and not in line with recommendations by the Inquiry Board. Notification is rejected," the military's spokesman, Major General Asif Ghafoor, said on Twitter.

He did not elaborate on what other actions the government should take.

In October, the prime minister's office said the story was "planted" and termed it a "breach of national security."

The Dawn newspaper has stood by the author. Dawn journalists could not be reached for comment.

Quoting anonymous sources, the Dawn article said civilian government officials called for the military not to interfere if civilian authorities tried to arrest members of anti-India militant groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Westerns powers and India have criticised Pakistan over its links with home-grown Islamist militant groups which carry out attacks in neighbouring India, though Islamabad denies supporting them.

Relations between the civilian government and military have often been strained in a country where several prime ministers, including Sharif himself, have been ousted in coups.

The appointment of Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa as the country's new military chief in November led to easing of tensions between Sharif's government and the military.

Watch Video: Protesters raise anti-Pakistan Army, anti-establishment slogans in PoK's Kotli

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Also Read:

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif removes trusted aide Tariq Fatemi after Dawn news report leak case

--- ENDS ---
This Saturday marks the end of that artificial construct between politics and media known as the first 100 days. Though both sides agree the period is essentially meaningless in terms of predicting the eventual success of a presidency, neither is willing to ignore it.

One thing that is clear so far: White evangelical Christians, who helped put Donald Trump in the White House and who will be affected by many of his policies, both promised and delivered, remain his staunchest allies. Three-fourths of them approve of his actions to date, according to the Pew Research Center. That is nearly twice as high as the presidents approval rating among the general public, which hovers just below 40 percent.

Heres a look at Trumps accomplishments in his first 100 days in office as they relate to religion and people of faith. They range from matters of foreign policy to questions of who should pay for playground equipment. And more policies that affect religion are likely on the way.

The Johnson Amendment

Candidate Trump pledged to repeal a 1954 law that prohibits religious institutions from campaigning for political candidates. President Trump placed that promise front and center in one of his first official appearances.

I will get rid of, totally destroy the Johnson Amendment and allow our representatives of faith to speak freely and without fear, Trump told 3,500 faith leaders, politicians and global dignitaries at his first National Prayer Breakfast on Feb. 2. I will do that, remember.

Conservative faith-based groups, including the Alliance Defending Freedom, cheered. Others wanted nothing to do with politics in the pulpit; about 100 faith-based organizations, including many Jewish and Baptist groups, sent a letter to Congress urging it to keep the amendment.







Immigration and refugees

As a candidate, Trump called for a ban on all Muslims entering the U.S. As a newly minted president, he signed an executive order that temporarily suspended entry of refugees to the U.S., halted the entry of Syrian refugees entirely and restricted travel by residents of several predominantly Muslim countries.

The order also gave priority to refugees claiming religious persecution, which Trump promised in an interview with Christian media would reward persecuted Christian refugees.

Some faith-based religious liberty groups were ecstatic. Many have long held that Christians are among the most persecuted religious groups in the world  a claim many others dispute. Other religious groups that work with refugees were thrown into chaos. World Relief announced layoffs and the closing of several offices, as did Church World Service.

Judges blocked that first order  and a second one issued on March 6  on the grounds, partly, that it discriminated on the basis of religion. Trumps administration is appealing the rulings.

Missteps on Jewish matters

In January, the new administration raised eyebrows when its official statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day (Jan. 27) failed to mention the Jews.

Then came further missteps: The president, under pressure to denounce anti-Semitism after several white supremacist groups and leaders endorsed him, did so only belatedly; press secretary Sean Spicer wrongly asserted Hitler never used chemical weapons in his Holocaust centers; Sebastian Gorka, a Trump adviser and close associate of Steve Bannon, has ties to anti-Semitic groups.

But this week, at an observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day held in the Capitol rotunda, Trump seemed to hit the reset button: Two out of every 3 Jews in Europe were murdered in the genocide, Trump said in his remarks to Holocaust survivors and dignitaries.  Those who deny the Holocaust are an accomplice to this horrible evil. And well never be silent  we just wont  we will never, ever be silent in the face of evil again.

Controversy over schools chief

Supreme Court pick

When Neil Gorsuch became an associate justice on April 17, he fulfilled the presidents promise to fill the Supreme Court seat left vacant by Antonin Scalias death.

Michael Farris, president of Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian legal organization, said Gorsuch would affirm our most fundamental freedom  religious liberty. Farris prediction was tested in Gorsuchs first week when justices heard oral arguments in Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia v. Comer. The case centers on whether the state may provide funds to a religious organization through a grant for playground equipment.

Its implications are vast  a ruling in favor of Trinity Lutheran could lead to government funding of religious schools through school voucher programs, which Trump favors.

Based on his lower court record, court-watchers predict Gorsuch will favor Trinity Lutheran. Adam Feldman, a postdoctoral fellow at Columbia Law School, told The New Republic that Gorsuch has frequently taken a loose approach to church-state separation to find ways that things dont violate the Establishment Clause.

During oral arguments, Gorsuch described the case as one of discrimination on the basis of status of religion. We know thats happened in this case, right?

A decision is expected in late June.

abortion restrictions

One of Trumps first actions as president was to reinstate the Ronald Reagan-era Mexico City policy barring U.S. foreign aid to overseas health care providers that include abortion as a family planning option. The move was seen as a reward to conservative religious groups. The Susan B. Anthony List made the reinstatement of the Mexico City policy, also referred to as the gag rule, one of its six pro-life accomplishments made by the Trump Administration in the first 100 days. Also on the SBALs list are the strong pro-life appointments to key positions of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, presidential counselor Kellyanne Conway and Gorsuch.

Meanwhile, the administration continues to signal its support of voters who oppose abortion. In January, Vice President Mike Pence addressed the March for Life in Washington, the highest administration official ever to appear at the annual anti-abortion event.

Evangelicals are particularly important to Trump, John Green, an expert on religion and politics at the University of Akron in Ohio, said after the gag rule was signed. On two issues  abortion and the Supreme Court  he made some pretty strong promises during the campaign, and at least so far he has kept them.

religious liberty order

One of Trumps main campaign promises  and one many religious leaders rallied around  was to restore religious liberty. Many pundits considered this a political dog whistle  a signal to Trumps conservative Christian base that he would scale back protections under Barack Obama for LGBTQ Americans.

This week, 51 Republican lawmakers urged the president to sign an executive order that would do just that, according to USA Today. They want the president to roll back workplace protections for LGBTQ workers, eliminate the contraceptive mandate requiring religious organizations to provide birth control in their health insurance plans and repeal the Johnson Amendment, among other things.

More than 400 religious leaders sent the president a letter in early February asking him not to sign a similar executive order then in the works. The president did not, and this week, a White House official told USA Today that some sort of policy to protect religious liberty is still in the works, but that the president is trying to find middle ground.
WASHINGTON  Missouri was a side story in President Donald Trumps victory in November, partly because the state had voted for Republican Mitt Romney in 2012 and partly because shifts to Trump from the more Democratic states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania pushed him into the White House and dominated postelection analysis.

But St. Louis suburbs and outlying regions in Illinois and Missouri typify the political dynamics of the last election as well as any place in the country.

Four of the nations 19 congressional districts with the biggest shifts toward Republicans between 2012 and 2016 either encompass or come close to the St. Louis suburbs.

The factors behind the shift are the same ones seen nationally, political scientists say: blue-collar angst, appeal to America first nativism and long-term declines in industries, such as coal, that once provided good jobs.

Youd just see Trump signs all over the place here, said J. Tobin Grant, the head of the political science department at Southern Illinois University, whose campus is in the Illinois 12th District now represented by Republican Mike Bost. Youd see the same thing in southeastern Missouri as well.

David Wasserman, who analyzes congressional elections for the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, quadrennially ranks shifts in political allegiances in all 435 congressional districts.

His latest assessment, released this month, showed that Illinois 15th District, a seat held by veteran Republican Rep. John Shimkus, had the second-highest shift toward Republicans between the last two presidential elections.

Missouris 8th and 3rd districts, represented by Republicans Jason Smith and Blaine Luetkemeyer, respectively, were the fourth and 13th biggest shifters to the GOP, according to Wasserman. Bosts Illinois district, which stretches from Metro East south to the border with Kentucky, was the 19th.

Wassermans Partisan Voting Index compares presidential outcomes in all 435 congressional districts with the national average. Shimkus 15th Congressional District, for instance, has an index score of Republican plus 21. That means that in the last presidential election, in the 15th District, Trump finished 21 points ahead of his national average showing.

Smiths district PVI is Republican plus 24; Luetkemeyers is Republican plus 18.

All four districts shifted at least 5 points toward the GOP between 2012 and 2016, with Shimkus moving almost 8 points, Wasserman found.

Nationwide, 12 of the 25 congressional districts that shifted most toward the Republicans in 2016 were in states that swung the election to Trump: Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

In one hopeful sign for Democrats, 10 of the 25 most trending Democratic districts are in Texas, Florida or Arizona, where Democrats are trying to appeal to burgeoning Latino populations.

Missouri Republicans swept the statewide ballot in 2016, riding Trumps coattails to one of their more impressive victories. Across the border in Illinois, U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat, knocked off incumbent Republican Mark Kirk heavily on upstate voting. Downstate, the GOP reigned, riding recent Republican trends.

Rep. William Lacy Clay, D-St. Louis, easily won re-election in his largely urban 1st District.

But in the outer suburbs and rural areas on both sides of the river, the combination of history and current events tipped the scale heavily toward Trumps GOP. What were once conservative Democratic districts with strong union presence and social conservatism have gradually shifted to the GOP.

Here (in Southern Illinois) and in Iowa  Appalachia, these are generally majority white districts that have had a history of remaining Democratic because of what used to be strong union jobs, Grant said.

But he said the decline of heavier-industry jobs, such as coal, which have been replaced in many cases by lower-paying service industry jobs, created a ripe environment for Trumps nationalistic, America First appeals.

That, coupled with worry about the impact international trade agreements have had on American manufacturing and what Grant said was racial resentment embedded in some voters minds, helped Trump push a nativist, anti-immigrant message.

It is less that people thought that their jobs were at stake but that their jobs might be taken by a minority or an immigrant, Grant said.

He added: When I moved here almost 20 years ago, I described (Southern Illinois) as the last area where Southern Democrats are. The only difference between the Republicans and Democrats in Southern Illinois was how much union support they had. Even Republicans were not union bashers and even the Democrats were pro-life, gun-rights people who just hated (the trade agreement) NAFTA more. With Trump, they were able to pull those (voters) over and bring them to the polls.

That explains why Bost, from Murphysboro, signed on to an act to guarantee permanent health care for retired mine workers whose health care was threatened by bankrupt coal companies, joining Democratic House members and Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Sherrod Brown of Ohio.

They are pro-life, pro-gun, anti-big government, and when they say they are a Democrat and you ask them why, they say, Because I was for my union, or my mom and dad always were, Bost said, explaining how his district went from one that was virtually split down the middle in 2013, to Republican plus-5 in the new Cook rating. Youve seen that slow shift when they realize that ... the people that are now the head of the Democratic Party dont really talk their talk any more.

Jeremy Walling is a political scientist at Southeast Missouri State University. The university is in Smiths 8th District, which abuts the Mississippi River south of St. Louis across a broad swath of southeastern Missouri. Walling said that area is in its final transformation from Southern Democrat identity.

The 8th is Republican and has been for years, but obviously it was more like a Southern Democrat district before that, he said. Different party but similar attitudes.

He said the 3rd, represented by Luetkemeyer, became more of a patchwork after the 2010 Census and redistricting, pulling in more suburban St. Louis and rural voters who have been trending Republican.

Wassermans analysis also shows another trend that explains why Congress cannot seem to pass budgets or deal with long-term problems, like illegal immigration or a burgeoning debt.

In 1997, when the Cook Political Report did its first Partisan Voter Index, 164 of the nations 435 congressional districts were electorally competitive. That is, they did not tilt more than 5 points Democrat or Republican.

But this year, only 72 districts are in that category. That means that only one out of six members of the so-called peoples House represents a district where he or she must equally try to satisfy people of different partisan beliefs in order to get re-elected.

The decline in competitive congressional districts is part of the reason why Congress cant get big things done, experts say, an act typified by Fridays vote to stave off shutting down the government with a stopgap, one-week funding bill.

Wasserman calls it the incredible shrinking swing seat.

He said that redrawing of boundary lines, often blamed for the increased polarization in Congress, is only responsible for a small portion of this swing-seat decimation. More of it is peoples decisions on where they live, Wasserman said.

In many minimally altered districts, the electorate has simply become much more homogenous, Wasserman reported. Natural geographical sorting from election to election, much more than redistricting and gerrymandering, has driven the polarization of (congressional) districts over the last two decades.

Because of their recent shifts, Smiths 8th District is now tied for the 19th most Republican district in the country. Republican Rep. Billy Longs 7th District in southwestern Missouri is the 24th most Republican.

Luetkemeyers 3rd District, which stretches from Jefferson City to the St. Louis suburbs, partially borders the north side of Clays. The two districts PVI ratings are as vivid an illustration of the polarization in the House as anywhere in the country.

Clays district is tied with six others for the 26th most partisan Democratic district (including that of liberal firebrand Maxine Waters of California). Clays districts PVI ratings is Democrat plus 29. So, his and Luetkemeyers district, although sharing a short border, are more than 50 points apart on Wassermans PVI rating.

Next door, Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Ballwin, represents a 2nd District that leans 8 points to the GOP, and is the 159th most Republican in the country. Across the river, in a district that touches Metro East, Republican Rep. Rodney Davis sits virtually in the middle of the 435-member House, leaning 3 points toward the GOP.
BJP MP Poonam Mahajan took a dig at Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, and said those who do vipassana are "messed up in mind".

Taking a swipe at Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, BJP MP Poonam Mahajan said that those doing vipassana are "messed up in mind".

Senior Congress leader and party spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjwewala shot back, and said that "anyone who is spiritual is not messed up, instead anyone who calls him so is messed up".

The two politicians, along with Congress' Rajasthan chief Sachin Pilot and BJD MP Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, shared the stage at India Today Mind Rocks Youth Summit 2017 in Guwahati.

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WHO DOES VIPASSANA?

Asked about one suggestion she would give to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Poonam Mahajan said she cannot think of one, adding that people in the party are catching up with him as the Prime Minister is way ahead in his ideas.

Mahajan while lauding Narendra Modi for connecting with people of all ages drew a contrast with "sleeping beauties of Parliament who take two-three months off".

"Who does vipassana? One who is messed up in mind," Poonam Mahajan said.

Congress' Randeep Singh Surjewala countered: "I don't think spirituality is an abuse in this country... Anyone who is spiritual is not messed up, anyone who calls him so is messed up".

In early 2015, Rahul Gandhi had taken a 57-day sabbatical, and during this period it was widely reported that the Congress vice-president had gone to an undisclosed location for vipassana.

SARMA SAW A GREAT LEADER IN RAHUL

Reacting to Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's statement on Rahul Gandhi being inaccessible to his partymen, Randeep Singh Surjewala said, "(Himanta Biswa) Sarma saw a great leader in Rahul Gandhi as long as he was a minister in the government".

Sarma had quit the Congress and joined the BJP ahead of the Assam Assembly election, and took the BJP to its first victory in the state last year.

On dynasty politics, Surjewala said post 1989, no member of the Gandhi family has become a prime minister.

ANTI-ROMEO SQUADS A COOL IDEA

When asked about their opinions on anti-Romeo squads, BJP's Poonam Mahajan said she supports it. "It is cool idea but ant-Romeo squads should not hurt people's sentiments or harass young couples".

President of Rajasthan Congress Sachin Pilot said such squads "cannot unleash terror" in the name of checking harassment of girls.

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo said, "We have to stop talking about gau rakshaks and anti-Romeo squads, and talk of jobs and development".

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PM Narendra Modi responds to tweets, Rahul Gandhi will act in 3 years: Himanta Biswa Sarma at Mind Rocks

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Na lunga, na dunga: Checked corruption, acted against erring officials, says Assam CM Sonowal at Mind Rocks Summit

ALSO WATCH

--- ENDS ---
Murders, assaults and suicides have all been available for posting and viewing by nearly 2 billion Facebook users around the globe. Facebook needs to re-evaluate the merits of its live video feature and ask whether the advertising income it generates is worth horrifying audiences.

The posting on Easter Sunday of a gruesome video showing the shooting death of Robert Godwin Sr. in Cleveland was online for more than two hours, prompting outrage from users and an apology from Facebook.

On Tuesday, a man in Thailand recorded himself killing his 11-month-old daughter on the rooftop of a deserted hotel in two harrowing video clips streamed on Facebook. His later suicide was not broadcast on Facebook. The videos were accessible on the mans Facebook page for about 24 hours before they were taken down, according to The Guardian, a London-based daily newspaper.

Facebooks live video format is not even a year old and already has become an unwieldy service that chief executive Mark Zuckerberg acknowledges needs tighter control. Facebook said that Steve Stephens, 37, who shot and killed Godwin, 74, uploaded the video after he recorded it, so it was not a live video. That distinction is lost on most viewers.

Facebook has legitimate reasons for not wanting to overly arbitrate what users may post, but the consequences of that reluctance are obvious, especially to anyone exposed to such grisly videos.

Media companies have huge platforms that can reach millions, and in rare cases such as Facebook, billions of people. Adhering to basic standards of social responsibility is critical given that reach. Just as freedom of speech stops with yelling fire in a crowded theater, reluctance to intervene online must stop with the depiction of crimes, suicides and assaults.

These videos are a form of pornography that do not meet any reasonable test for community standards. Facebook is believed to have the technical ability to weed out such postings, possibly even before they go live.

Facebooks problems with policing content mushroomed with its live video platform, which is designed to draw more lucrative advertising. Marketers say companies like live video because it lets them engage with audiences in an immediate way that is more effective than pre-recorded content.

After the Godwin shooting, Zuckerberg said the company has a lot of work to do to prevent tragedies like this from happening. The company said it would review its reporting flows to make sure viewers can easily report material that violates standards.

Facebook should also expand staff monitoring instead of relying on user reports and use artificial intelligence to capture problems, as it currently does with keeping child pornography, terrorist videos and copyright-protected content offline.

Zuckerberg started Facebook as a purely social website. But with its success comes the obligation of social responsibility.
Many Florida beaches welcome a special type of visitor as the weather gets warmer: sea turtles.

Female sea turtles crawl out of the water from spring to early fall to build nests and lay eggs on the beach at night. Babies hatch some 60 days later and crawl back into the sea. Its a fragile process. Only an estimated one in 1,000 turtles survives to adulthood, according to the Sea Turtle Conservancy .

Its a crime in Florida to disturb sea turtle nests or harass turtles. Visitors should keep their distance, staying behind any turtle they might see, and must not shine lights in nesting areas, including flashlights, cellphone lights or camera lights. Some beaches turn off artificial lights to promote nesting activity.

There are several sanctioned ways to observe sea turtles.

Turtle rehab facilities around the state sometimes hold public releases when an injured turtle has recovered enough to return to the sea.

And public sea turtle watches take place at night on a number of Florida beaches, typically with participants registering in advance for the walks, which tend to fill up quickly. Trained guides who hold special permits scout for nests, looking for a turtle thats far enough along in the process that she wont be distracted. Tour participants are then escorted to the area for a look. The tours usually take place between 8 p.m. and midnight.

 Sign-ups open Monday for weeknight walks June 1-July 27 in Melbourne Beach, Fla., hosted by the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge. The walks cost $15 and are limited to 20 people a night.

 The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lists guided sea turtle walks as well as facilities that house captive sea turtles.

 In many areas where nesting takes place, turtle patrols hunt for nests by day and rope them off so they cant be disturbed. In Gulf County in northwest Florida, where sea turtle season runs from May 1 to Oct. 31, the St. Joseph Peninsula Turtle Patrol on Cape San Blas takes a turtle walkabout each morning at dawn looking for signs of crawls. Nests are marked, and small groups of visitors can join part of the patrol, which includes measuring and marking nests with posts and caution tape so beachgoers know to stay away.

Three varieties of sea turtle, green, leatherback and hawksbill, are classified as endangered. Two varieties, loggerhead and olive ridley, are listed as threatened.

Sometimes, visitors may simply stumble across a nest or nesting turtle. For example, its not unusual to see loggerhead turtles on Floridas central east coast, where they nest by the thousands. When its high season for nesting, said Visit Florida spokesman Tim Declaire, all you need is a late-night walk on the beach.

Just remember: Dont get too close and dont shine any lights. When nesting is disrupted, a turtle may fail to lay her eggs or may not fully camouflage her nest. Hatchlings face additional challenges: They may die before reaching the water or be caught by predators.
The Odisha chief minister proposed a new line between Puri and Konark on the microblogging site at 10.05 PM on Friday night and it was responded positively at 10.08 PM by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu.

By Press Trust of India: It took Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu just three minutes to accept a proposal for a new railway line in Odisha from Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Patnaik offered on Twitter that he was prepared to share half the cost of the project.

The Odisha chief minister proposed a new line between Puri and Konark on the microblogging site at 10.05 PM on Friday night and it was responded positively at 10.08 PM by Prabhu.

CM @Naveen_Odisha urged upon Union Min @sureshpprabhu for early sanction of this project & signing an MOU for timely completion 3/3- CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) April 28, 2017

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Prabhu immediately tweeted back saying,

We are ready to sign it any day,we are waiting for it, as it was our initiative to share ownership with states of these JVs. @Naveen_Odisha https://t.co/LTurg6jsYv- Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) April 28, 2017

Patnaik also said that with state's contribution, the rate of return would be more than 20 per cent for the railways.

Also read | Indian Railways misses earnings targets for third straight year

Also read | Railways to allow private firms to run freight trains

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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Saturday said that Dawn Leaks inquiry is a deliberate attempt to malign Pakistan Army, hours after the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) rejected the Prime Minister's orders on recommendations of the committee.

Imran Khan tweeted that government must immediately make the complete inquiry report public.

Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed, meanwhile, warned the government against clashing with institutions.

The government is showing reluctance in publishing the report, he added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Naeem-ul-Haque accused the federal government of "concealing the truth", demanding that it releases the detailed report by the inquiry committee.

DawnLeaks was a deliberate attempt to malign Pak army & Govt must immediately make public the complete Inquiry Report  Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 29, 2017

Speaking to Geo News, Haque said the nation wants to know if the committee also probed the prime minister, his daughter Maryam Nawaz, and the PM's Principal Secretary Fawad Hassan Fawad.

"We would like to know what role Tariq Fatemi and others played in discrediting the military," he said, adding that the government should avoid concealing facts.

Speaking on the ISPR statement rejecting the government notification, the PTI leader supported the stance of the military's media wing, alleging that the government was trying to hide the truth in "a conspiracy began from the PM office".

"Nawaz Sharif has become a controversial prime minister...he has become a security risk and cannot be trusted," said Haque.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader said the nation was waiting for the detailed report of the inquiry committee.

Pakistan Peoples Party leader Qamar Zaman Kaira said that the government has taken the step to "protect someone", and that no sane individual would believe these findings.

We would not have seen the reaction of the Inter-Services Public Relations had the report been prepared with consensus, said Kaira.

He said that government needs to take stock of the situation and that it was already entangled in the Panama Papers case.
While responding to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khans Rs10 billion bribery claim, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Shairf on Saturday said that he would tag Khan IG of liars if the latters claim is proven wrong in the court.

Punjab CM was addressing a ceremony at Sargodha University.

Shehbaz Sharif urged court to take suo moto notice and hear the case on daily basis just like Panama Leaks case. He said that he would leave politics for forever if Imran Khans bribery allegations are proven right in the court.

Shehbaz Sharif lambasted detractors of metro bus projects and announced the same in Sargodha.

While shedding lights on Punjab Education Endowment Fund (PEEF), chief minister said that Rs17.50 billion have been deposited in provincial exchequer for the landmark project.

The scholarship programme was initiated in 2008 and since then, 198000 children have either benefitted or are reaping fruits of PEEF. It is the first scholarship programme of its kind in South Asia, added Sharif.

It should be recalled that Imran Khan had claimed that he was offered Rs10 bn by Sharif brothers to stay mum on Panama Leaks Case. The claim has stirred extreme outrage in camps of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) whose leaders are incessantly demanding from Imran Khan to name who offered bribe.

Imran Khan, in his Islamabad rally, has announced that he is ready to disclose name of the offeror in the court.
In a show of unity at a time of adversity, EU leaders have approved stiff negotiating guidelines for Brexit at a summit in Brussels.

Meeting for the first time since British Prime Minister Theresa May formally triggered a two-year countdown to Brexit in late March, the 27 other EU leaders took just a minute as they sat down to lunch to approve eight pages of terms, hammered out by diplomats.

The big issues

Big issues, such as a multi-billion euro divorce bill, are ahead.

We also need solid guarantees for all citizens and their families who will be affected by Brexit on both sides. This must be the number one priority for the EU and the UK, said Donald Tusk, EU Council President, as he arrived at the Brexit summit.

No cherry-picking

As the Brexit processes move forward, Germany is warning the UK not to expect a special deal. The EU is keen to deter other members from opening the exit door.

We want to maintain good relations with Great Britain in the future as well, but we also want to pursue our interests as a whole, which has so far been extremely successful and, I think, is a good starting point in the negotiations, said German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Fresh twist

A snap election in the UK in June, called by Prime Minister Theresa May, adds another twist to the Brexit divorce.

Xavier Bettel, Luxembourgs Prime Minister, commented: I think its an internal problem she wants to resolve in the Conservative party to have not hard Brexit or soft Brexit, but Theresas Brexit and so she needs support from the population.

The EUs chief negotiator Michel Barnier is the man who now has to hammer out a Brexit deal. He also speaks of the importance of unity.

This unity is not directed against the United Kingdom, I think it is in its interest. It is also a unity that demonstrates that we are together because we have reasons to remain together, he said in Brussels.

Frexit next?

With the final round of the French election looming, which could pave the way for a Frexit, incumbent president Francois Hollande is warning against following Britain.

Outside of Europe, we see it with the case of Brexit, there is no more protection, there is no guarantee, there is no more internal market, he told reporters as he arrived at the Brexit meeting.

In the case of the eurozone countries, there is less money, Brexit is a regression. The French should not only globally but individually be afraid of an exit from the EU.

They have everything to gain by remaining in the Union from this point of view. Its true that the elections of 7 May are also a European choice.

Reporting from Brussels, Euronews James Franey said: There is a rare sense of unity here amongst European leaders as the Brexit process begins in earnest over the next few months. For sure there will be rows, fall-outs and walk-outs. But one thing is clear, it will take more than a British general election to get the remaining EU 27 to change tack at this early stage.
By Sharat Kumar: Residents of Bharatpur were in a shock on Friday evening after nine people were killed as a parapet of the house where they had gathered for a pre-wedding function collapsed. The incident took place at Pidhi village of Nadbai. About 40 people were injured in the incident.

The deceased include five women and two children. Villagers said that the incident took place at a house where a pre-wedding ceremony was taking place. Guests were seated on the parapet wall to see the rituals. However, moments later the wall came down killing some and injuring several of the guests.

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Following the incident, a massive search operation was carried out to extract bodies from the debris. While seven bodies were recovered from the debris, one of the persons who was grievously injured died on his way to the hospital. About 30 people were safely rescued.

A man identified as Virendra was getting married and had invited several of his relatives and friends for the occasion. Sources said that the guests were participating in the rituals that took place on the eve of the wedding. Locals had gathered with every possible equipment to rescue the people who were buried under by the wall collapse.

Immediately after the incident the local police rushed to the spot and JCB was called to clear the debris. Injured were rushed to hospital with the help of jeeps and tractors. The police have initiated a probe into the shocking incident. Primary investigations revealed that the house was old and in a dilapidated condition and that several people were sitting on the parapet.

Also read:

Bengaluru: Wall collapses at Mantri mall, 4 injured

School building collapse: One labour dead, 13 injured in Vellore

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Bavaria to play role of match maker for Sri Lanka SMEs By Bandula Sirimanna View(s): View(s):

Germanys largest state Bavaria and Sri Lanka will boost trade and investment links and promote joint ventures in technology, tourism and small and medium sized enterprises under a new initiative agreed upon by the two parties.

This initiative is mainly aimed at extending Bavarian assistance and expertise to mentor and boost Sri Lankas small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), Hans Hammer, the Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in Bavaria revealed in an interview with Business Times in Colombo on Sunday April 23.

He noted that his country is ready to implement a matchmaking programme binding together small and medium scale entrepreneurs of both regions for the purpose of SME capacity building in Sri Lanka. Mr. Hammer pointed out that this initiative would be important for SMEs growth and development since this sector is instrumental in achieving inclusive growth.

Companies in both Sri Lanka and Bavaria should profit from this match making arrangement, promoting mutual investments and economic cooperation, he added.

Speaking to the Business Times hours before his departure to Germany ending a one-day working visit to the island, he noted that the Bavarian system of industrial growth, is built on a cluster approach and marked by a structured collaboration between science, research, and commerce, know-how transfer, interdisciplinary networks, and the interplay between large, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

Small and mid-sized enterprises employ approximately 75 per cent of all workers and over 80 per cent of apprentices in Bavaria. In addition, they are responsible for about 65 per cent of the value added by Bavarian companies.

Bavaria alone has a GDP of 522 billion euros, putting it ahead of 21 of the 28 European Union member states. It is home to several high technology companies such as IBM, Google, Huawei, BMW, Audi, Amazon and Microsoft.

Mr. Hammer is a well-known entrepreneur in Munich  Germany, who is committed to promote, strengthen economic and social activities in

Sri Lanka.

He studied civil engineering at the Technical University in Munich and gained his Master of Business Administration at INSEAD in Fontainebleau/France. In 1990 he began working in the real estate business and in 1998 took over the management of the Hammer Group. He has been CEO of Hammer AG since 2002.

He said his country is willing to share its expertise with Sri Lanka in key areas such as renewable energy and Information Technology and digitalisation.

A collaboration involving the sharing of knowledge and technology transfer could have a huge socio-economic impact. We are keen to cooperate with Sri Lanka in the mission to tap SME potential, he said.

He said clean energy and skill development, areas in which Bavaria had acquired a significant progress, would be potential sectors for collaboration.

Bavarian industrial clusters are to be motivated to tie- up with companies in Sri Lanka under this initiative he said adding that almost 90 per cent of the Bavarian IT companies are mid-sized, employing 50 to 500 people.

He said the partnership between companies could gradually be expanded to a government-level pact.

Bavaria is also exploring the possibility of promoting tourism in Sri Lanka, he disclosed adding that a high level tourism sector delegation of Sri Lanka is expected to visit Bavaria in mid September this year to find ways and means to attract more German tourists to the island nation.

Mr. Hammer noted that he is also planning a reciprocal visit of tourism experts, journalists and leading hoteliers to Sri Lanka later on.

A leading Bavarian firm will launch a massive tourist hotel project in the island soon and the land for this purpose has already been earmarked, he revealed.

Since 2009 tourism is steadily growing in Sri Lanka, he said adding that German tourists who visit Sri Lanka are not those who come on tour packages. They come here to explore the country and meet people, he said.

We will not be able to compete with the large number of Chinese that might come, but what is important is to see is what kind of a tourist market Sri Lanka has and what the country has to offer, he emphasised.

Mr. Hammer pointed out that he is convinced that Sri Lanka will become an even more preferred destination for German tourists.

And of course, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Germany under the guidance of Ambassador Karunatilaka Amunugama will continue to do their utmost to further enhance the relations between the two countries, he added.

A campaign to promote Ceylon Tea in Bavaria is to be intensified as the black tea remains the most popular type of tea in Germany, he disclosed adding that this campaign is also planned in connection with the upcoming 150th Anniversary of Ceylon Tea.

Innovation, creativity and consistent high quality are key elements in our German tea culture, and the recipe for positive development going forward. German consumers appreciate high quality tea specialities and new product innovations, he said.

Many consumers in Germany attach great importance to relaxed enjoyment  they want to take a short break from the stress of everyday life, and drink tea to relax and they could be more attracted to Ceylon tea, he pointed out.

Germany is the third largest export market for Sri Lanka and the second largest in Europe besides the UK, which always plays a different role because of the historically closer bonds between the two countries.

Mr. Hammer met Rohan Pethiyagoda, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tea Board; Paddy Withana, Chairman  Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau; Upul Jayasuriya, Chairman/BOI and Jeevani Siriwardena, Director General Sri Lanka Export Development Board during his visit.

He said that he had fruitful discussions with these top officials on how to promote their respective sectors in Bavaria as there was immense scope for collaboration between the two states in trade, tourism, exports and investment.
GSP+: First round win but issues ahead By Duruthu Edirimuni Chandrasekera View(s): View(s):

The Sri Lanka Government claimed victory on Friday after an unexpected resolution before the European Parliament objecting to the resumption of GSP+ concessions was defeated but issues loom ahead when eventually concessions are secured.

While welcoming the pro-Sri Lanka vote in the European Parliament, Felix Fernando, Chairman  Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA), said the garments industry has a much bigger issue  labour shortage.

With more than 40,000 vacancies in the sector, the industry is struggling to cope and attract newcomers. This is a big problem we are facing because of the Juki image for garment workers and thus young people prefer to take other jobs like going abroad or work in retail, he said, adding that the industry is to undertake a study on ways of rectifying this situation.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Deputy Foreign Minister Harsha de Silva who returned from Brussels overnight said that the government is now mulling a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) on the back of the success of Thursdays anti Sri Lanka GSP+ vote.

This is the way to go. This is what we should be doing. We will start on this and I also told both the President and Prime Minister about this, he said, adding that an FTA with the EU is the best way to exploit the GSP +.

The resolution presented by a group of EU parliamentarians against approving GSP+ to Sri Lanka was defeated in the Brussels-based European Parliament on Thursday with 436 members voting against the motion, 119 in favour and 22 abstentions.

It was an election promise by us to reapply for the import duty concession. We said that well get the GSP + and we did it, Dr. De Silva told the media. He said that after this development, itll take nearly three weeks for the GSP + to be finalised. This is based on the EU guidelines for developing countries granting trade incentives to those implementing core international conventions on human and labour rights, sustainable development and good governance. He added that an EU fact finding delegation had earlier this month raised concerns over labour rights in Sri Lanka.

The mission, which included EU Parliamentarians Anne-Marie Mineur and Lola Sanchez Caldentey, visited Sri Lanka to assess the countrys progress on human and labour rights and they had wanted a percentage of the profits gained through GSP + to be granted to the workers, Dr. De Silva said. But I explained to them (in Brussels) that we cannot do this and certainly not legally as it would require a law to get employers to give a portion of their gains to their staff.

Palitha Athukorala, Secretary of Industriall Sri Lanka Council  which was associated with the visit of the two EU MPs, told the Business Times that the two MPs have said they would ask EU Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom to make some reference to the promise of workers getting half the benefits from the concessions.

The next step in the process is for the GSP+ request to come before the European Council meeting which could be any time between May 7-10 and just a formality in the approval process. At that point the suggestion for worker benefits would be made, he said.

When the delegation met Labour Minister John Seneviratne in Colombo, he had agreed to 50 per cent of the benefits of the GSP+ to be shared by the workers, a proposal that was also endorsed by Board of Investment Chairman Upul Jayasuriya who was present at the same meeting.

SLAEA chief Fernando said that securing the GSP+ would result in an immediate $400-500 million revenue benefit. While the extra work is unlikely to create more new factories, current factories are expected to expand production to take new orders.

He said some investors (including those in the garment sector) were waiting for the implementation of the 2017 budget proposal providing incentives moving into certain, underdeveloped regions in the country. Investors are waiting for the tax laws that would formalise this proposal, he said.

In the budget, tax holidays were offered for large-scale investments in underdeveloped parts of the country. Concessions have been offered to the private sector to construct mini-industrial parks which will be incubators in Moneragala, Puttalam, Jaffna/Vanni, and Ampara.
Jammu, Apr 29 (PTI) BJP leader Ram Madhav today attacked separatist leaders in Kashmir accusing them of playing politics of sentiment over dead bodies and said that the Centre had made it clear that it would not hold talks with them.

"Separatists have only one motto - one dead body a day, so that they can play sentimental politics over the dead bodies. They use the people of the Valley as guinea pigs in their reprehensible politics of violence and separatism," the BJP General Secretary alleged in a post on facebook.

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He said the security forces and the government on the other hand try their best to ensure that the ill intentions of separatists do not succeed.

It is a difficult job being executed with commendable sincerity by the government and the security forces, he said.

Madhav, who is considered to be the BJPs pointsman for Kashmir said the Centre had told the Supreme Court yesterday that there is no plan to hold any talks with separatists and those not loyal to India.

He said the Supreme Court too had taken a strong stand while hearing a petition which demanded that the use of pellet guns be barred by emphasising that stone pelting and street violence had to be stopped.

"The stand of the SC judges including Chief Justice of India (CJI) is commendable and I am sure patriotic people in the country including those in the Valley welcome this position of Court," the senior BJP leader said in his post.

He said that the forces have very few pellet guns and use them in rare situations only and they are deemed less lethal than the normal guns.

The BJP leader said that the Government of Indias stand is to tackle militants and their sponsors with utmost toughness and stone-pelters with deftness so that violence is firmly put down but care is taken to prevent loss of life. PTI AB DK ADS

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Japanese Belluna replaces James Packer in Colombo Crown View(s):

A Japanese firm will be taking over a prime block of land at D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha in Fort earlier earmarked for a mixed development project for Australian gaming tycoon James Packers US$ 400 Crown Colombo project, officials said.

Asia Capital CEO Stephan Abeysinghe, at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Marine Drive Hotel in Colombo this week, said that Asia Capital has joined hands with Japanese firm Belluna to invest around US$350-450 million in this mixed development project at the 500 perch land opposite Lake House Colombo,

However since this land had been previously leased by the Urban Development Authority to Rank Holdings company headed by Ravi Wijeratne, a local casino owner, a fresh lease has to be entered into any other party.

Earlier the BOI has reached an agreement with Wijeratnes company to build $400 million 36-storied mixed development complex Colombo Crown comprising a super luxury resort coupled with a mega hotel with investments from James Packer.

Although the project was suspended in 2015 by the present government, the previous lease agreement for the project with Wijeratnes Rank Holdings is still valid, Chairman of the authority Dr. Nandana Munasinghe told the Business Times.

He added that the UDA is assessing the capability of the Japanese investor both financially and technically before giving its nod to go ahead with their project.
Sri Lanka needs solution to preserve rain water instead of flowing into the sea By Quintus Perera View(s): View(s):

Floods caused by heavy rain is problem for the construction industry in Colombo while on the other hand, rain water flowing to the sea is a waste of a very valuable resource, according to Surath Wickramasinghe, President, Chamber of Construction Industries (CCI).

He says that the Government should take steps through the Irrigation Department to find a way of securing and saving rain water instead of allowing its flow into the sea.

Dr. Wickramasinghe was responding to questions by the media at the launch of the 5th edition of the CCI Construction Industry Trade and Business Directory held in Colombo this week.

He said that ways and means should be explored to divert this water into several areas in the land within Colombo and Western Province. He said that in Malaysia there is a tunnel several km long, built to divert flood water preventing it flowing to the sea direct. He said that in the dry season this tunnel is used for the vehicles to move across.

Dr. Wickramasinghe said that while there was a period when the construction industry slowed down, today there is a complete reawakening in the construction industry in the Colombo City, which is unprecedented and with these major developments in the construction industry, the industry is bound to face constraints. These problems could be the citys drainage problem, the delays in obtaining building permits, drainage, parking space and road infrastructure.

He said that the construction industry is booming today and the number of large cranes that appear in the construction sites bear witness to this boom. He indicated that by one year or 18 months the Colombo Port City would be completed and then there would be a big change in the city.

More than 60 large construction projects have now been approved and there are towers, twin towers and they are huge and even we do not know what there magnitude is, he said. Investments in the building construction are made because they know that they could make money out of them, he pointed out.

Dr. Wickramasinghe also spoke about the volatile garbage issue. Quoting a BBC news item he noted that the garbage collected in Rome is transported through train to Vienna, Austria  dumped, processed and burnt and electricity is generated and provides electricity 170,000 households in Vienna. He said that likewise there are so many examples throughout the world to gainfully dispose garbage that could be adopted in Sri Lanka.

The Construction Industry Directory launched is its fifth publication for years 2017 and 2018. It is more comprehensive than earlier issues and comes with many new features. This latest issue includes more than 300 business establishments engaged in the construction industry which is a considerable increase over the previous issue.

The directory is uploaded on to the website  www.constructiondirectory.lk with advanced search facility. The novel feature introduced is the facility to replace the presentation of advertisements on a monthly basis in the Web Directory. The Web Directory is open to new advertisers to insert their advertisements.
Kalkudah distillery: Company puts jobless graduates in high spirits View(s):

Kalkudah distillery: Company puts jobless graduates in high spirits

Protests are growing over plans by a private company to set up a distillery at Kalkudah in the Batticaloa district, but this week the company gave what is seen as a double-distilled twist to defend this controversial distillery.

It started a campaign to claim that the distillery would provide jobs to unemployed graduates who have been protesting over the past month in the eastern province seeking good jobs.

The company made public announcements that as many as 3,500 jobs would be offered and the unemployed graduates would be among them.

The company said that, among the other benefits, the farmers would be able to sell their paddy stocks for a better price. The company was contradicting its own advertisements that it would not use rice for its distillery.

The company has also called in lecturers, doctors and civil society leaders to convince the protesters that the project would be beneficial to the district.

Parliaments plastic plight: Eco crisis because of fights

As Parliament debated the Meethotamulla garbage issue on Friday, a valuable suggestion was made by Deputy Minister Eran Wickrmaratne. He suggested that MPs should lead by example and stop using plastic bottles of water inside the chamber.

The provision of water in plastic bottles began in parliament a few years ago after violent altercations saw MPs hurling things across the floor of the House at each other.

After this, the glass tumblers placed on each MPs table were quietly replaced with plastic bottles, apparently because they would cause less damage even if hurled across the floor.

However this has led to a bigger problem  the use of more plastic. The disposal of so many plastic bottles has become a big problem not only to Parliament but to the whole country.

Widely expected programme ends on dumb note

The Rupavahinis Thursday night Yatharupa programme was much looked forward to because it features a contest between rationalists and those who believe in or practise occult, mystical, supernatural, or magical powers.

Last Thursday, the occult practitioner using his skills performed the first act. The stem of a banana leaf was split into two. The two parts were held parallel by two persons at hip level and were brought together within two minutes after the practioner held a talisman under them.

The rationalist making a counter challenge did the same, but offered a scientific explanation to it. He said the stem which contains water, when split, loses its strength and caves in.

In a second instance the occult practitioner got a person to stand holding two spears in both hands. A mythologist claimed that tip of the spearheaded pole held parallel would be brought together and, true to his word, the two heads were brought together.

But, the rationalist took up the challenge again and a female member of the audience held the two spears in her hands and the two heads came close to each other again. The explanation given was that after a few seconds, the muscles in the hands weaken and the hands turn inwards. This is a natural movement. As a result, the object held parallel could come into contact.

But, it was the third performance which the audience were looking forward to. It was to make the rationalist dumb.

However, the mythologist for unknown reasons refused to perform this act.

The programmes conductor did his best to persuade him to perform this act, but his attempts failed and the programme was brought to an end, to the disappointment of the audience.

Wild scenes at Hakeems meeting

There was an unexpected turn at a meeting summoned by Minister and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader Rauff Hakeem at Moosali in Mannar to discuss the latest gazette notification about the declaration of conservation areas around the Wilpattu wildlife reserve.

It was announced that officials from the Presidential Secretariat, the Environment Ministry and the Wildlife Department would also be present to discuss the issue.

All Wanni district MPs and provincial council members too were supposed to be there.

The participants were taken by surprise when they found only Minister Hakeem turned up.

The Wanni districts All Ceylon Muslim Congress Parliamentarian M.H.M. Nawavi visited the meeting venue and found that none of the officials, MPs or provincial council members was present.

Mr Nawavi said he found that Mr Hakeem was explaining about his party and political issues while ignoring the controversy over the gazette notification.

A heated argument followed and the meeting abruptly ended, with the bodyguards intervening to disperse the agitated crowd.

Where have all the political youth gone?

With the economy still in bad shape and thousands of graduates unemployed, questions are being asked whether our youth are losing interest in political issues.

The questions arose because of the poor turnout at the memorial lecture held this week in Colombo to mark the death anniversary of the Federal Partys founder leader S.J.V. Chelvanayakam.

The event attracted only around 50 persons including the organisers. Some of them were representatives of foreign embassies and some senior citizens from Wellawatta area. There were few or no young people in the audience, except the media personnel and the security staff provided for Opposition leader R. Sampanthan.

Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne delivered the lecture. He said federalism, a policy late Chelvanayakam advocated as a solution to the ethnic conflict, was equally needed for the South too at this juncture for parallel development in the remote areas because almost all development initiatives were hitherto concentrated in the Western Province.

Dr. Senaratne said he always voiced the concerns of the Tamil people and he was honoured to carry shrapnel in his body for his political stand that there should be adequate power devolution to the provinces.

Controversy over new defence post offered to Field Marshal Fonseka

A dilemma has risen over reports that Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka is to be given additional duties of controlling strikes and trade union activities. Questions are being raised as to whether these reports had substance or should be taken in the lighter vein?

The questions were raised after comments made by some of his own cabinet colleagues.

The latest came from Labour Minister John Senevirate. He said he had clarified with President Maithripala Sirisena who had told him that he was not serious regarding the offer.

I was not present at the cabinet meeting in which the President reportedly made the offer. But after the reports appeared in the media, I met the President and clarified this. He told me it was a statement he made in lighter vein and he was not serious about it, Mr. Seneviratne told a news conference.

The minister, howerver, said some were trying to capitalise on it by trying to attract crowds for the May Day rallies.

Mr. Seneviratne was not the only Minister to say the offer was not serious. Minister S.B. Dissanayake also said he believed that the offer made by the President was not serious.

The President asked what our response was and we laughed, he said.

But, there were others who took a serious note of the proposal. Minister Wijith Wijayamuni Zoysa said it was a cabinet decision and that a special unit was needed to control those who were trying to destabilse the country.

Cabinet Spokesman Rajitha Senaratne elaborated on the proposal saying the President was willing to offer the Chief of Defence Staff post to the Field Marshal.

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said the cabinet has not taken such a decision though serious concerns were expressed over the inconvenience caused to the people through regular wild cat demonstrations or strikes.

Field Marshal Fonseka himself has taken a serious note about the offer saying he was willing to accept responsibility of maintaining essential services in the event of a breakdown. But he says he does not wish to crack down on trade unions.

Whether the proposal would become a reality is closely being watched by trade unions.

Woman minister blasts CM and protesters

The Trincomalee districts unemployed graduates have been protesting over the past month, demanding jobs.

This week they stormed the Provincial Council office, demanding that Chief Minister Nazeer Ahmed should come out of his office to meet them. But the chief minister refused and instead invited the protesters for a meeting at his office.

The Chief Minister accompanied by the Education Minister and a council member listened to the grievances of the unemployed graduates.

In came Provincial Minister Ariyawathi Galappaththi who is also the councils chairman.

She was furious as she had not been invited for the meeting and went on to lambast both the Chief Minister and the protesters for keeping her out of the meeting.

She is also alleged to have abused some of the protesters when they left the meeting.

The protesters then turned their ire on Ms. Galappaththi and burned her effigy.
Course change mooted for YP after near national meltdown View(s):

Manic Monday sends Government alarm bells ringing on the eve of the New Year dawn, Mahinda Rajapaksa grandly declared that he would topple the Government in 2017. In his own New Year message to the nation delivered through a group of Colombo-based foreign correspondents over a breakfast of crispy hoppers, he announced with aplomb: I will topple the Government in 2017. When I said I would defeat Prabhakaran I did it. I have the same confidence.

Then this month, 12 days before the dawn of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year, he asked for more time to fulfil his pledge to oust the Government the people elected to office at the general elections just one year and seven months ago. They ask whether we would be able to topple the Government this year itself. If we can do so, we will do it. All the possible measures will be taken, he declared at a meeting at Dehiwela, nonchalantly extending the timeframe to 2018. If I cannot do it this year, I will achieve the target by next year. Before two more Vesak moons, I will topple this Government.

The Prime Ministers reply the following day to this request for extra time to topple the Government was terse and simple. He said: Mahinda Rajapaksa, who declared he will topple the Government this year, will actually have to weep before Vesak in 2018 as the results of this Governments development plans will begin to show around that time.

But neither the former president nor the present prime minister could have known how airy fairy bravado promises can suddenly come within a whisker of being fulfilled or how the best laid plans of mice and men can come a cropper unexpectedly. Neither could have foreseen how the workings of the inscrutable hand of fate this week brought Lanka to the brink of national meltdown and the Government perilously to its knees. Not two Vesak moons away but before this Vesak moon itself.

On April 14th, even as the nation was celebrating the New Year dawn, after having lit the hearth at the auspicious hour and, along with Meethotamulla residents, brought the pot of milk to the boil and let prosperity liberally spill over to the ground, Mount Garbage came crashing down to bury the people living at its foot in tons of the citys rubbish. As Meethotamulla mourned its dead and a nations anger was stirred over the incompetence of the past regime and this Government to have prevented a tragedy that was waiting to happen; and politicians on both sides played pass the blame game, the only solution the authorities could come up with was to pass the rubbish to another area.

The Government earmarked many places to dump the rubbish. But every attempt to unload the dirt was met with strong protests with the people taking up positions to prevent garbage trucks from entering those areas

Faced with such stubborn resistance, the President had no alternative but to sign an executive order last Thursday declaring waste disposal as an essential service. This was after Karadiyana residents had defied a court order issued by the Kesbewa chief magistrate giving permission to dump 350 MT of garbage up to April 28, taking into consideration the sudden disaster situation when the garbage yard in Meethotamulla had collapsed. Then last Friday the Kesbewa additional magistrate issued an order banning protests in the Piliyandala police division for fourteen days.

This order was issued when the police informed court that a protest had been planned by a group against the dumping of garbage collected from Colombo at the Karadiyana garbage dump near the said site and requested for an order under the Criminal Procedure Code restraining such protests. The police stated to court that this same group had staged a protest on the 19th near the Karadiyana garbage dump, resulting in the obstruction of removing the garbage collected by the Colombo Municipality, and it has been reported that this same group was planning to stage a similar protest on the 22nd morning.

One can well understand the Governments duty to dispose of the garbage somewhere, somehow. Incinerators cannot be installed overnight. But having looked askance at the garbage mountain the Rajapaksa regime started to build in 2010 and adding many more stories to it during these last two years, the Government was placed in a dilemma of its own making. Armed with an extraordinary presidential gazette giving it legal power to bulldoze its way over a peoples just demand not to dump rubbish on their doorstep, its only solution was to use force, if necessary to unload the garbage. And today, despite the peoples protest, it continues to deposit the trash in Karadiyana, Piliyandala.

The protests the residents of the areas that had been identified as possible dumping sites, namely Karadiyana, Kirindiwela, Wattala, Dompe, Pamunugama, Kotikawatte were not the sort of protests that are usually held by trade unions clamouring for wage increases or public interests groups to highlight some particular cause. Though Colombo has been inundated with a plethora of protests these last few months causing great inconvenience to the public at large, these are but signs of a healthy democracy, with people exercising their freedom to stage peaceful protests to bring to the attention of both the Government and the public their grievances and to seek redress.

But when otherwise peaceful residents of areas spontaneously take to the streets justifiably objecting to their neighbourhoods being turned into wastelands, in marked disobedience to the law, in open defiance of court orders, it does not portend well for the Government, wedded as it is to just governance, to employ the full force of its gazetted power and the police to overcome the residents objections. On the contrary, it behoves the Government to tread wisely and cautiously to handle a situation created by its own two year apathy towards finding a solution to the Meethotamulla Mountain of Muck.

But instead of dousing the flames of anger of the residents who fear for the health of their families by the presence of disease ridden garbage  not to forget the nauseating stench  Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne this Monday put both his foot and mouth into the trash dumping controversy and added more fire to a peoples heartburn. He said: The Government had the power to dump garbage at any location found suitable for the purpose and none could oppose that action.

Earlier that day, the Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Ranjith had said that it would be counterproductive for a government to use police and military personnel to force the public to allow the dumping of garbage in their environs. The Government once tried to dump garbage in Ja-Ela. That was prevented due to public protests. We, too, took part in those protests. Now, the Government tries to dump garbage at various places. People have taken to the roads protesting against the Governments move. The problem has been shifted to Muthurajawela marsh. One does not need to have expert knowledge to realise the damage garbage causes to a wetland. That would lead to the pollution of water resources, paving the way for another health hazard.

Health Minister Rajitha was quick to fire back. His reply, which only served to irk and increase the ire of a nation by his seeming callous disregard toward the health hazard garbage dumping, posed to residents and his seeming willingness to use the full force of Governmental power to override any justified objections was to state:

None could protest against this move by way of a solution to the garbage crisis in the capital. It is illegal. The Government decision has been backed by the courts, too. The Government has decided to dispose garbage collected in the city at several selected places. We have selected those places after studying the suitability of the locations for the purpose. Now, those with vested interests and working for their political survival cannot come and tell us that those places are not suitable.

Perhaps a little bit more prudence, a lot more understanding as to a peoples genuine concern about the health of their families should have been expressed by the Health Minister in dealing with this volatile situation. But, alas, the straight talking minister did not flash his ivory and reveal even a glimpse of warmth. For this dentist, the garbage had to be filled in some cavity whether or not the patient could stand the painful drill.

But if last week caused the Government to spend some anxious moments when people defied even the courts, then Sunday nights sudden announcement by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) trade unionists that they will be launching an indefinite strike and cripple fuel distribution as of midnight would have kept the Government awake the whole night through.

And what were they striking over? Their grouse was the Governments proposal to transfer operational rights of Trincos oil tanks to India. Were they justified in making such a demand? Consider the following. The tank farm in Trincomalee, was built by the British during World War II to store the oil required for their South East Asian operation and provided fuel for Royal Navy warships and aircraft that roamed the Indian Ocean during the war. After the war ended it had remained unused for over fifty years. In 2003, some of the tanks were leased to the Lankan IOC, a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation.

The CPC unionists objected to the Trinco oil farm being given to Indians under a joint development agreement between the Lankan and Indian Government. Instead they demanded the Government to renovate the Sapugaskanda oil refinery and bring Hambantota oil refinery under the CPC. Fair enough. But what has Trincos oil tanks got to do with the matter?

First they are not oil refineries. Second 99 of the tanks set in an 850 acre site have been idle  except the 14 leased to IOC  since the Second World War ended. Thirdly the Indians are not set to employ them as filling stations to distribute fuel to Lanka but as transshipment storage tanks where Middle Eastern giant oil tankers will fill them and the Indians will then freight it on feeder vessels to Indian ports to satisfy Indias demand for oil. CPC workers jobs will in no way be affected. But still they are against a project which will bring in much needed foreign revenue to the nation. So why the objection? What right has a trade union to strike and bring the nation to a stop and dictate to the Government to stop entering into a joint economic agreement that will benefit Lanka and thus her people?

But when the CPC unionist struck work at midnight Monday, the first rumblings of a national meltdown began to sound ominously and began to shake the very foundations of the topmost towers of power. The Government soon realised that if the strike continued it would bring the nation to a grinding halt. Thanks to Prime Minister Ranil Wicremesinghe meeting the union leaders late Monday evening  on the eve of his Indian visit  and assuring them that he would not enter into an agreement with India on the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm on his Indian visit, the strike was called off and the Governments bacon was saved  saved for the day.

But even as there were audible sighs of relief heard all round, it also led to the realisation that it was merely a temporary grant of reprieve. With people on the streets protesting in defiance of court orders, with GMOA doctors obsessed with SAITM threatening they will stage a nationwide strike again in May and with the issue of the Trinco oil farms bound to crop up when Indian Prime Minister Modi arrives in Colombo to attend the Vesak festivities and to finalise the Trinco oil tanks agreement which would surely lead to another crippling fuel strike, the scene is set for a nation shutdown in the days to come.

In the face of the fuel strike threat dangling over the Governments head like the Damocles Sword, the Government has realised its fragile, shaky hold on power; and determined that some of the principles of Yahapalanaya may well have to be temporarily abandoned to meet the threat that awaits not merely governing justly but governing at all.

For the last two years, the Sirisena Government had creditably shown remarkable restraint in handling unprecedented protests and strikes in the country. It had, in the name of just governance, allowed the people to expend their frustrations by exercising their limbs on public roads at rush hour. The CPC indefinite strike  which would have turned the country into a ghost town and laid the Government prostrate in impotence had it not been temporarily resolved within 24 hours  was the last straw on the Governments back but, instead of breaking it, it only served to straighten the vertebra and strengthen its resolve to strike back whatever the cost.

On Wednesday, Cabinet spokesman Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne announced that the Government has decided to strike back to show all that, in spite of opposition claims of weakness, the Government had the backbone to stand up and fight and to crush the brewing rebellion of strikers. We will show them how law and order can be maintained, Senaratne declared.

He revealed that the man to lead the fight back was the same man who had led his forces to defeat Prabhakaran and crush the Tigers and end the nations 30-year terror war: Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka.

Minister Senaratne said: To deal with unruly situations created by bankrupt politicians who were behind disruptions to essential services, President Maithripala Sirisena had, on Tuesday, proposed to the Cabinet of Ministers that Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, who was also Regional Development Minister, be put in overall charge of the Security Forces and the Police.

In an interview with the Daily Mirror that same day, Minister Senaratne exclaimed: Security forces asked us what was this joke happening in the country. They questioned if investors and tourists would come here if this situation went on. They said Give us more powers. We will take care of Colombo. He also accepted that the people say that the civil administration has collapsed under this Government. And that the people are asking the Government to take the necessary action.

On Thursday, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka confirmed that President Maithripala Sirisena instructed him to take responsibility in carrying out essential services when they were disrupted and that he accepts the job offer even if it mean having to relinquish his position as minister. The President made the request at the last Cabinet meeting and it was approved. I told at that moment a discussion is needed to draft a mechanism to implement this program. I realise the intentions of the President and expect to fulfil them. I will put the country first, he said, no doubt with a gleam in his eyes at shedding his muftis and getting back to uniform and putting his jackboots on.

Drastic situations need drastic measures. And perhaps the mooted appointment of Sarath Fonseka as the head of an anti-strike unit maybe justified, even though Minister S. B. Dissanayake said he thought the President was only joking when he made the proposal to appoint Fonseka to head such a division. Minister John Seneviratne has thought it a joke too. But no word that the president was in jocular mood when handling such a serious subject has so far come from the presidents office. And one cannot go by individual interpretations. One mans joke is anothers serious meat.

But joke or no joke, the question must be asked. Fonseka excelled on the battlefield and annihilated a terrorist organisation. Will he be as successful in a civilian park, tasked with crushing trade union strikes permitted by the laws of the land?

Will he send a military force to squash civilian protests asking the Government not to dump garbage on their doorstep in the manner the Rajapaksa regime ordered the STF to storm Rathupaswala where people were only asking for clean chemical free drinking water after their wells were poisoned by industrial effluence?

Will he order a police battalion to rush to a site where a peoples protest over increased cost of living is being held, even as the Rajapaksa regime deployed the police in Chilaw in 2012 to quash a fishermens protest over increased fuel costs which resulted in the death of a fishermen after the police opened fire? In the case of CPC unionist striking and crippling fuel distribution, he can order the forces to do the job but in the face of other strikes and boycotts there seems little or nothing he can do. For instance what can he do when the GMOA launch its monthly strike which is now becoming as regular as a womans menses?

This Government came to power on its promise that it will protect and enhance the fundamental freedoms of the people. Creditably it has kept its words to a great extent on that front. The introduction of the Right to Information Act is one such instance. There are no white vans moving about and operating in the fog and making people mysteriously disappear. On the foreign front it has reestablished its credentials and once more earned its credentials as a fit member to take seat among the worlds civilised nations. It has walked on a tightrope, adroitly balancing India with China and, instead of tilting towards one to the point of falling totally in to the arms of either China or India, it is friends with both. It has won the support of the European Union which this week voted to restore GSP status to the country it lost due to human rights violations by the Rajapaksa regime. So tragic, isnt it, that when the nation is placed on the threshold of economic boom, that a certain perverse section of society is hell bent on casting its shadow and preventing the dawn of Lankas good fortune merely to scuttle the promised crackdown on the past regimes mega corrupt politicians.

And perhaps in order to forestall their day of judgement, they have also started using the power of major trade unions to topple the Government at any cost so that they can bask in the bliss of a Vesak moon, this year or next, without fretting the prospect of sweating it out in a Welikada cell.

All these insidious actions have forced the Government to set its Yahapalana sails to the political gales that blow. But where such an unpredictable course will lead the ship of state is anyones guess. If not navigated carefully on the stormy sea of selfish politics, it may well flounder on the rocks of anarchy and doom just governance to an early grave.

May Fools Day

From time immemorial the First of May had been celebrated in many countries for a great variety of reasons. For the Romans, it was the Festival of flowers, Forelia the Roman Goddess of flowers. For the Greeks it was the spring festival, with May taking its name from Mais, the goddess of fertility. It was only in 1886 when more than 40,000 workers struck work in Chicago on May 1st demanding for a maximum eight hour working day without loss of pay that the first of May became known as the day of the workers.In Lanka too, the Samasamajist party and the Communist parties also cottoned onto the tradition of celebrating May Day as the day of the working class. Preaching Red Russias utopian communist ideology by day and imbibing the golden waters of Scotland by night, they sought to ride to power on the backs of the labourers. But at least, the slogans they shouted on the streets were dedicated to advancing the interests of the workhorses of the nation.

No more. Today all political parties have hijacked workers day; and in the name of the sweating, toiling workman, are bent on nothing more than advancing their own political agenda. For some years there was at least some semblance of marching in the name of the working classes. Now the pretence is off and no attempt is made to disguise the true intent and purpose.Take this years May Day for instance. According to self appointed SLFP spokesman Dilan Perera, that failed Badulla politician, who managed to creep into parliament through the national list, the main objective of holding the SLFP May Day rally at the Getambe Mahanama grounds in Kandy is to convince party leader Maithripala Sirisena that he is the president of the country.

For JO leader Mahinda Rajapaksa its a day to show people power. He called on the people to bring the Government to its knees by thronging in their thousands to the Galle Face Green on May Day where the Joint Opposition is scheduled to hold its May Day Rally. Not to be outdone the UPFA Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera said a total of 2,000 buses had been reserved to transport SLFP supporters to the partys May Day rally in Kandy. We believe that hundreds of thousands of SLFP supporters will join with us at Getambe, This year the rally will break last years record, he boasted.

They never learn, do they? Like April 1st gives license to all pranksters to make fools of their fellow comrades, the 1st of May has given liberty to all political parties in Lanka to take the public for a ride. But in their bid to make the rest of the nation believe that superiority of numbers who are brought by busloads to their respective rallies after coaxing them with a lunch packet and a bottle of arrack, purely to show the nation that the masses are with them, they little realise that the joke is on them; and that unwittingly they have become the true May Fools
GSP Plus: Anti-Lanka resolution defeated, but hurdles still ahead

If Sri Lankans are wondering how many times Sri Lanka has won approval for a renewed duty concession to the markets of the European Union (EU) under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) Plus, they may be excused.

This week, there was another huge hurrah for having defeated the EU parliamentary vote on a resolution sponsored by a section of MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) to prevent Sri Lanka obtaining GSP+ concessions. GSP Plus was revoked in 2011 during the Mahinda Rajapaksa Administration, ostensibly on negative human rights factors but, what many would concede, were on more political or diplomatic grounds.

A few months ago, both President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe announced publicly that the EU had restored GSP+ to Sri Lanka and hailed it as a major victory for the new National Unity Governments foreign policy. It was a premature announcement, as is this weeks defeat of a parliamentary putsch by a group of MEPs (heavily lobbied by the anti-Lankan Diaspora). The outcome of the vote  there was a substantial margin of 436 votes against the resolution, 119 for and 22 abstentions  is not to be downplayed. It shows a major shift in approach to Sri Lanka by the EU Parliament, and that is clearly a change in attitude towards the nearly-new Government in Colombo. But there are still more steps along the way before Sri Lanka officially gets GSP+.

In an email shot off to the Sri Lankan mission in Brussels, moments prior to the vote on the resolution, the EU clearly sets out that the period of objections to Sri Lanka receiving GSP+ will expire only on May 11. So, the resolution that was voted down was only one of such instance. Also, Sri Lankas application is yet to be considered by the EU Council, representing the Member States Governments. In this council, member nations ministers meet to adopt laws and coordinate policies. The Council meetings agenda items are formulated by a senior preparatory body, i.e. COREPER (consisting of Ambassadors of the 28 EU Member States in Brussels). The letter states, inter-alia; that they are to take up Sri Lanka issue on May 3.

I would like to confirm to you in writing that the INTA Committee (The European Unions International Trade Committee) has decided to hold an additional exchange of views at its next INTA meeting on 3-4 May.

On behalf of the Chairman of the INTA Committee, I would like to kindly invite your Ambassador to inform the INTA Committee on the latest state-of-play regarding progress in the human rights situation in Sri Lanka and implementation of GSP+ relevant conventions ahead of a potential entry into force of GSP+ status for Sri Lanka. We will also invite the European Commission and the EEAS (as usual practice) to attend the public debate in INTA. As you know, the deadline for objection by the European Parliament or by the Council to the delegated act of Commission expires on 11 May. Sri Lankas GSP+ Application is, therefore, expected to be considered at the 11th May meeting of the Council of the EU at ministerial level. So, all of Sri Lanka will have to wait a few more days to see if the EU will eventually vote in favour of Sri Lanka. Even though Sri Lanka does not expect objections at the above meetings, it is premature and inappropriate to claim any victory as the 28 sovereign EU member states are yet to finalise their decision on Sri Lanka. Also, the European Parliament still has time to look at Sri Lanka, as can be seen from the email from the International Trade Committee of the European Parliament. The hearing next Wednesday (May 3) is critical as only thereafter will an official communication be sent to the European Commission on the way forward. Deputy Foreign Minister Harsha de Silva was quick to go before the media. From Brusselswhere he was with nine other MPs, viz., Sunil Handunnetti, Nalinda Jayatissa, Nihal Galappaththi, Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Harshana Rajakaruna, Kavinga Jayawardena, Hector Appuhamy, Ali Moulana and Sivagnanam Sritharan on a three-day study tour for parliamentary oversight committees, COPE and PAC membersde Silva tweeted how he argued and lobbied MEPs. He deserves a huge bouquet if it was his 24 hours of advocacy that won the day for Sri Lanka in the European Parliament vote. On his return to Colombo, his ministry hurriedly called a news conference, where he was careful not to claim credit for the defeat of the anti-Sri Lanka resolution, but pointed out how he argued strenuously on Sri Lankas behalf. He said that Sri Lanka lost Euro 150million a year due to the absence of GSP+, a matter critics argue is a pittance in the grander scheme of things and considering the obligations Sri Lanka has undertaken to do on the EUs diktats. He did concede the fact that GSP+ will only be decided in the middle of May, when another news conference will surely be held if Sri Lanka obtains the duty concessions. Most of the behind-the-scenes work towards regaining GSP+ was handled by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, the Secretaries at the Prime Ministers Office and the Foreign Ministry with legal impetus from Yasantha Kodagoda from the Attorney Generals Department. No doubt there is a quid-pro-quo for GSP+. Stringent monitoring mechanism will be in place to see that the conditions officially called areas of interest imposed by the EU are not mere strings attached to the granting of GSP+, but issues that will kick in if and when, but immediately after GSP+ is granted. These areas of interest include reducing the number of derogations to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR); repealing those sections of the Prevention of Terrorism Act which are incompatible with the ICCPR or amending it so as to make it clearly compatible with the ICCPR; repealing the ouster and immunity clauses in the Public Security Ordinance or amending it to clearly make it compatible with ICCPR; adopting planned amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure providing for the right of a suspect to see a lawyer immediately following arrest; publishing or making available to family members of a list of former LTTE combatants currently held in detention as well as all other persons detained under Emergency Regulations; and granting of access to all places of detention for monitoring purposes to an independent humanitarian organisation, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross. Attendance at the European Parliament in Brussels is usually lower during a shorter plenary session (called a mini plenary, which happens every few months), as opposed to the regular plenary sessions in Strasbourg lasting four full days each month. Also, the level of interest was relatively low given that there was routine business on the agenda. At the peak of the voting session (i.e., at the very beginning), there were 666 MEPs (out of the total of 751) in attendance. However, as the resolution on Sri Lanka was the last item on the agenda for the day, only 577 were present. Furthermore, the resolution on Sri Lanka was presented only at the very last minuteliterally the last minute, just seconds prior to the official Monday April 24, 1 pm deadline. Canvassing of the751 MEPs of the largest elected assembly was a long drawn out process, given Sri Lankas track record with the EU in recent times. The PMO (Prime Ministers Office) in Colombo received a message from Sri Lankas EU ambassador Rodney Perera, that according to his calculations, only between 100 and 125 are expected to vote against Sri Lanka and that the anti-Lanka resolution will fall well short of the 376 needed to block GSP+ to Sri Lanka. Kyrgyzstan, the last country to get GSP+ (in 2016), had a similar motion supported by 125 MEPs. That was with no Kyrgyz Diaspora or even NGOs lobbying against that country. In most circles, MEPs wanted to help that country out due to its issues with Russia. For those interested in how the lobbying went on in Brussels, the ruling United National Party (UNP) being a member of the International Democratic Union (IDU), a right-wing Conservative grouping like the Republicans in the United States, helped. The European Peoples Party (EPP), the largest group with 216 MEPs, is also a member of the IDU, and was expected to back the Sri Lankan Government. The Socialist Group is the second largest with 189 MEPs and usually votes independently. They were lobbied with MEPs from Eastern Europe as they tended to be more favourably disposed towards countries like Sri Lanka. The Conservatives (ECR with 73 MEPs) were solidly behind Sri Lankaagain, given Prime Minister Wickremesinghes contacts with another IDU member, the British Conservative Party. The centre-right Liberals (ALDE-68 MEPs) were not a major problem, but it was the Greens (51 MEPs) that were going to be a problem in view of their avowed adherence to civil liberties and environment issues around the world. The GUE-NGL (52 MEPs) were, however, the most difficult as they are the radical left, fighting on all issues having a 100% track record of opposing any trade deal with the outside world. This group mainly follows a strong trade union line and made critical comments on Sri Lanka after two of their members visited Sri Lanka. They want implementation of a commitment apparently made by Labour Minister John Seneviratne to pay 50% of GSP+ benefit to workers. Deputy Minister Harsha de Silva said in Colombo on Thursday that he had argued against this saying it would mean legislating against the private sector. UKs Labour Party had conveyed that any objection to Sri Lanka receiving GSP+ facilities must be supported by their MEPs (in the S&D) after they tried to mount an objection on their own, which failed. Buoyed by the defeat of the anti-Sri Lanka resolution in Brussels this week, Deputy Minister de Silva has already spoken of an FTA (Free Trade Agreement) with the EU. Some point out that it is putting the cart before the horse or, as it is said in a local idiom, wearing the loin cloth when the sea is a mile away. First things first  and that is to clear the last, but not least, hurdle in winning the support of the EU National Ministers in a fortnights time.

The key questions the EU has already started raising are these: Is Sri Lanka ready to make use the GSP+; how is it placed in respect of labour rights, for instance, higher minimum wage, womens working conditions, etc; and what is the state of play on PTA/CCP revisions? The Committee meeting in Brussels on May 3rd is crucial and will be part of the extremely stringent monitoring mechanism as per EU regulations on GSP+ even after Sri Lanka get GSP+.
Politicians heal thyselves and those doctors too View(s):

That tragic and unfortunate happening at Meethotamulla which brought death and destruction to a poverty-stricken part of the countrys capital during a festive occasion saw politicians of most hues avoid a visit to the scene but offer long-distance commiserations. Whether it was the stench of death and debris that now seems so foreign to politicians enjoying the good life from the confines of Diyawanna Oya or consciences wracked with guilt for callously postponing a solution to what for years was clearly a crisis in the making, that kept most law makers in their newly-acquired limousines, a far distance from Meethotamulla would remain a topic of public debate.

At least it must be said of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe that he cut short his Vietnam visit to be at what has turned out to be the graveyard for several persons whose bodies are said to be buried in the debris. As we know he is a Colombo district MP and so it is in his electorate.

No doubt when parliament debates the avurudhu-day tragedy there could well be snide remarks at Ranil Wickremesinghes presence at the scene wearing a face mask. Those who wish to hide their own disgusting role in what has been a mounting problem will probably laugh at the prime minister for wanting to avoid the stench that those living in and around the area had been enduring for years as successive governments, ministers and bureaucrats simply looked the other way.

In defence of the prime minister it might be said that he was scheduled to make another visit to India to negotiate some controversial deals and he could not afford to be struck down with ill-health and some protection was necessary even if it was from the foul smell. On the other hand all those responsible for putting this problem off should wear a large enough mask to hide their collective face in shame for letting it happen while time and money were spent on gratifying Colombos rich and some money-bags that fill party coffers in exchange for tenders and procurement contracts breaking all the promises of transparency, accountability and impartiality held out to the people.

But as they say these promises were made years ago and as far our leaders are concerned years seem like eons. Todays rulers see these as pledges made in the Paleolithic age for nobody appears to remember such promises like clearing the garbage dump which sure looks huge but is a small matter to those who have bigger and more lucrative fish to fry, so to say, with hiring and charging for vehicles to dump or clear the rubbish.

While politicians were understandably but not unforgivably keeping a healthy political distance from the Meethotamulla mess that they themselves helped create over the years, there was another breed of avaricious and self-seeking individuals who were equally conspicuous by their absence.

What happened to those so-called medicine men of the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) who are prepared to take to the streets at the mention of the word SAITM or the denial of a place for their children in schools and colleges of their choice? Where were these money-grabbers when the mountain of garbage was tumbling down on the dwellings of residents of the area and burying people?

Here are present-day witch doctors who loudly hail the free-education system under which they qualified to practice medicine. They should be in the forefront serving the populace that paid for the education which saw them through medical college and are now in state jobs, dictating conditions that other state-educated professionals are denied.

Whatever oath they took then seems to have been forgotten years later as they have now undertaken to serve Mammon instead of man and have abandoned the sick and infirm to pursue their selfish ends. Was the GMOA to which they owe allegiance and shout loudest in demanding perks and privileges which their elders never claimed or were entitled to, anywhere near the disaster site at the time of need.

It is of little concern if they were not ordered to provide assistance. It was surely their duty as doctors, especially from an association that makes the most outrageous claims for privileges, to help those in need of immediate medical assistance and later to do so voluntarily.

Where were they in that hour of need? Where else but in private hospitals or their own dispensaries or surgeries working for their own benefit having left their official jobs early to fill their pockets at the expense of needy patients. How many of the GMOAs members living and working in and around Colombo volunteered to help the victims of the Meethotamulla disaster?

Could the GMOA which is quite adept at providing names of schools and the number of vacant places for their children to fill, shout themselves hoarse over SAITM and matters that are outside their purview provide the names of those who provided voluntary service in the post disaster period as more conscientious and caring people are wont to do?

How many times in recent years and months have members of the GMOA struck work, sometimes without notice or sufficient warning, abandoning their posts at hospitals and state medical institutions leaving patients in need of attention without medical care.

So our politicians and physicians, both paid for by the state, have a lot to answer for. To the public who are at the mercy of both it would seem that there is an unhealthy nexus between politicians and physicians for which the price is paid by a long suffering people.

Has this government ever invoked provisions of the Public Security Ordinance to crack down on errant medical men who have kept away from work at great inconvenience and expense to the public? If it has then we would sure like to know when since these so-called nightingales-in-trousers have struck work in different parts of the country at different times.

People have lost their patience with the obnoxious conduct of these stethoscope-wielders who are an insult to the medical profession which thankfully still has doctors who conscientiously perform their duties and responsibilities and are an honour and credit to their profession and the oath they took.

While pampering these men and women who have confronted the government on several occasions little or no action has been taken against them. However President Sirisena who not too long ago claimed he has a backbone seems to display it only when some poor citizens who have suffered humiliation, indignities and deprivation for years stand up in protest against all this mistreatment.

Just the other day President Sirisena used the Public Security Ordinance to declare certain services connected with the Meethotamulla tragedy essential and threatened violators with punitive action.

Yet no such action has been taken against doctors who abandoned their posts and duties and did not treat patients in need of medical attention? Why? Are some people, as Orwell observed, more equal than others? Are the moneyed professionals more important to the politicians than simple ordinary people to whom they turn only at voting time?

I vaguely recall that sometime in the 1980s President J.R. Jayewardene taught threatening doctors a lesson when he invoked the Essential Public Services Act of 1979 the night before the doctors were due to go on strike. The doctors capitulated under JRs sudden move and that was that.

That Act states among other

provisions:

(2) Where a person is convicted by any court for an offence under this Act, the court may, in addition to any other penalty that it imposes under subsection (1), make one or both of the following orders:

(a) that all property, movable or immovable, of the person convicted shall be forfeited to the Republic;

(b) in any case where the person convicted is registered in any register

maintained under any written law as entitling such person to practise any profession or vocation, that the name of such person be removed from such register.

if the court is of opinion that there are sufficient grounds for the making of any such order.

Is the unhealthy connection between politician and state physician as seen in the governments reluctance to act against striking or threatening doctors because politicians fear that one day they might well have to seek medical assistance and treatment from the very people against whom they have invoked the law for dereliction of professional responsibilities?

The president wields the law against the poor and deprived but not the provisions of the Essential Public Services Act which permit the courts to confiscate the property of those found guilty of violating the Act.

That is because the doctors have much to lose and so they are let off the hook despite the fact the doctors perform an essential public service which they are disrupting by their despicable behavior that is nothing but depravity on display.

I am not certain whether this is true or not but I remember reading somewhere that the Ministry of Disaster Management which should also have a responsible role like so many other ministries and institutions for the Meethotamulla fiasco had observed that the coffins used for the burial of some of the dead were of poor quality.

If the coffins take priority over the management of this disaster is it any wonder that people are fast losing faith in politicians and yahapalanaya.

Somebody writing to the media had suggested that the garbage should be deposited at Diyawanna Oya. That seems to me a non-starter. After all there is already so much garbage there. One would not want to over burden the place with more of the same and cause more environmental damage. It is already costing the State enough as it is.

Someone else suggested that government sends the garbage abroad like some countries send their nuclear waste elsewhere. That could be a good idea if we could convince foreign governments to accept the kind of rubbish that we send.

Some say that the UNPs yahapalanites so imbued in globalisation and neoliberalism have already started the process sending some rubbish to foreign lands. Maybe the GSP Plus trade concession might be of help in this regard.

If that is so, as some claim, then the further such rubbish is kept away from the Sri Lanka diaspora in foreign lands until this waste is disposed of some day it might seem a poor approximation of a temporary solution to ridding the country of its rubbish by heaping it in somebody elses backyard.
Skullduggery, secrecy and the counter-terror draft act View(s):

In the chaotic merry-go-round characterizing the drafting of Sri Lankas proposed Counter-Terror Act (CTA), the periodic surfacing of one version followed by another has given rise to unexpected horrors. Each time that a new draft emerges or should I rather say, is extracted with great pain out of a process gripped by skullduggery and secrecy, its devious drafters conceive new and ingenious ways to confound scrutiny.

Legal clauses to mask and deceive

Even as one objection is taken to categorically dangerous definitions of proposed offences, these are whipped away, soothing the unwary. Yet later, they emerge, clothed in chameleon colours to mask and deceive. Nothing proves this point better than the CTA draft that went before the Cabinet of Ministers this week. This contains hasty revisions made on the cusp of a suddenly suspenseful vote in the European Parliament seeking a rejection of the EU GSP Plus facility which was defeated.

Ostensibly, its contents were supposed to have been improved. Yet what we see is not reassuring. The draft reeks of bad faith and is extraordinarily contradictory. Indeed and outrageously so, it contradicts explanations for drafting positions taken by the drafters themselves. Two glaring examples will suffice for the moment. The initial CTA version leaked to this newspaper last year had included the offence of espionage. Following public concern, this was removed in a later version. As formally recorded, the reason given for this removal was because this offence would more properly belong in a separate National Intelligence Act.

But now, in the face of that very explanation, various offences under espionage have been sneakily restored to the latest draft while omitting the sub-heading espionage. Thus, the offence of abetment is defined to include gathering confidential information if linked to terrorist or terrorist related offences. Treacherous consequences which may ensue are tied into the very broad definitions of terrorism related offences. In addition, confidential information has been vaguely defined inter alia as information that may adversely affect public security.

Scant protections in a dysfunctional system

Risks inherent therein are not mitigated by protections offered for anything published in good faith with due diligence and for the benefit of the public in the national interest in registered print and electronic media or in any academic publication. It is interesting that this protection is afforded only for registered media. Meanwhile a notable omission in those given protection is online media which should sound warning signals for cyber advocates.

In any event, terms such as good faith and due diligence provide scant protection in a dysfunctional judicial and prosecutorial process. Provisions that are perfectly reasonable in functional Rule of Law systems assume sinister meaning connotations here because of that reality. This is not an abstract point as seen in the manner that the far less hazardous Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) was wielded against journalists and critics for decades.

Bitter animosity against the Rajapaksa regime was manifest in that regard. Why are we beckoning to laws that may provide greater opportunities for political repression? This is a baffling question.

Reinventing previous vague terms

In another equally furtive move, the term unity in relation to the definition of terrorist and terrorism related offence has also been brought back. Earlier, this was removed after persistent criticism. As the drafters themselves admitted, the term was vague. Classifying a terrorist related offence if one writes or talks in a manner that may offend unity (subjective in its very essence) is perilous to say the least.

But wondrously, this weeks CTA restores unity as a component of Offences of Terrorism and other related offences. Culpability arises when acts are known or reasonably believed to adversely affect the unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty, national security or defence of Sri Lanka. The related offences are repetitive and vaguely defined. They include specified terrorist offences, aggravated criminal offences associated with terrorism, offences associated with terrorism as well as terrorism related offences and abetting terrorism and terrorist organizations.

Thus, talking or writing that causes harm to the unity, territorial integrity or sovereignty of Sri Lanka, amounts to abetting terrorism and terrorists. That this proposed offence is deemed not to affect the exercise of a fundamental right in good faith is a sop thrown to the needy. Its efficacy depends on a vigorous Supreme Court conscious of its constitutional role and a vigilant civil society. With some exceptions, one cannot profess a great deal of confidence in either.

Where is this famed accountability?

Meanwhile police powers in compelling bank statements, calling for information from service providers and senior public officials etc without applying for a magisterial warrant can now be met with refusal to comply. Further action is only through activation of the legal process which is some relief at least. However, a suspects right of immediate access to legal counsel upon arrest continues to be hedged around by qualifications rendering it meaningless. Here too, the revised amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure Act appears to afford the right but then craftily denies it later.

In sum, the contents of that amendment and the revised CTA draft appear to be an uncomfortable exercise in lies and deception. Indeed, it is an insult to assume that masking language and offences in this way will not result in the pretence being exposed. As repeated ad nauseam in these column spaces, both these amendments should have been publicized by the Government of Sri Lanka and extensively subjected to detailed independent scrutiny. But the converse takes place.

In the minimum, the CTA draft has not even yet been sent to the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL). This is despite the fact that the specific mandate of the HRCSL (Section 10 (c) and (d) of Act, No 21 of 1996), is to advise and assist the government in formulating legislationin furtherance of the promotion and protection of fundamental rights and to recommend on compliance with international human rights norms and standards. The contempt thus shown for a prescribed statutory process is nothing short of scandalous.

Menacing eventualities before us

Once the document is in Bill form on the Order Paper of Parliament, there is only limited time for challenge if needs be in Court. This absurd and counterproductive scramble in forcing through laws is deplorable. Whatever revisions that may take place at committee stage to this Bill is also out of our hands.

Certainly these are menacing and high risk eventualities for a law that can be used to crucify Sri Lankan citizens by any Government, present or potential as the case may be.
May Day politics and worker issues View(s):

With May Day  the day marking solidarity with the workers of the world approaching, one might think the most important issues would be the cost of living; the wages and safety of workers; or their trade union rights. Wrong. The main issue at the highest political levels in the country is  can the Joint Opposition fill up Galle Face Green for its May Day rally tomorrow.

That politics has overwhelmed so many aspects of life, not just in Sri Lanka but around the world too has become a fait accompli, so much so that traditional politics is being shown the door; the latest example being the run-up to the French presidency poll.

Like in the case of Provincial Councils  and Local Government elections which are primarily a test of the political strength of the competing parties, so too is tomorrows May Day celebrations. It has little to do with worker solidarity, in fact, it is a textbook case of workers of the world  divide, not unite. In Sri Lanka, May Day will be marked under a dark cloud. Just last Sunday, the very threat of a strike by the trade unions of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) caused typical panic among the citizenry. The workers were protesting the renting out of a mere 15 oil tanks in Trincomalee to an Indian company. Meanwhile, Government medical officers by day (and private practitioners by night) downed their stethoscopes and dragged out undergrads, disrupting already congested traffic on the city roads, protesting against private medical colleges  and trade agreements with India.

Not a day passes without a protest here or a protest there, from garbage disposal to police abuses to elephant-human conflicts, all without the issues being resolved by the Government. While some may see all of this drama unfolding as Vox Populi  the Voice of the People, and democracy at its best, others think it is governance at its worst.

Such is the situation that the Government has come to its wits end and in what seems a knee-jerk reaction suggested that the no-nonsense former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka take charge of the situation.

To restore discipline in the country is the explanation given by the Cabinet spokesman for the move to assign the Field Marshal to tackle the serial public protests and looming strikes that cripple the day-to-day life of the ordinary people. According to the annual Central Bank report released this week, the number of workers involved in strikes increased in 2016 and the number of man days lost due to strikes increased by 21 percent to 85,637 in the plantations and by as much as 61 percent to 18,690 in the other sectors.

The Government, however, had a terrible sense of timing in coming out with the Fonseka antidote for strikes and demos. The announcement, which some ministers said was only made in jest, came on the eve of the European Union Parliament taking a vote on a resolution to scuttle Sri Lanka receiving the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) duty concessions for exports to the bloc. An EU delegation that was in the country earlier this month had expressed concern over growing limitations on workers rights towards collective bargaining, and the right to strike. While they concentrated on labour rights in the Free Trade Zone, they also referred to allegations of torture, the rights of minorities and of gays and lesbians and recommended that GSP+ not be renewed to Sri Lanka.

And yet, not all protests and demonstrations need have negative effects. While strikes must be the last resort  not the first, and it often seems unreasonable that one group having control of a particularly sensitive handle on the life of the community  like doctors or petroleum workers or Electricity Board workers or bus operators, the case of the demonstrations by the workers at the Hambantota port  even if they were engineered by political elements, had the desired effect of the Government taking a fresh look at a hurriedly done agreement with the Chinese and came up with a better deal for this country.

It was unfortunate that such had to be the case. And it was all because the Government, or at least a section of it, was perceived not only by the public, but by another section of the very Government, to have struck an agreement hatched in secrecy and incubated in darkness to the overall detriment of the country.

Whether the Government is serious in asking Field Marshal Fonseka to take charge of situation vis-a-vis strikes and protests, or it was said in jest at the Cabinet meeting by no less a persona than the President, it betrays the Governments insecurity with the working class  an insecurity it showed earlier with the independent Media, and how to handle growing tensions with trade unions and others. Blaming opposition parties is another sign of weakness, as it is the duty of the Opposition to protest  and strike. It is the duty of the Government to ensure circumstances do not arise to provoke protests and demonstrations.

Each year, as we mark International Workers Day, we remind ourselves of two categories of people who tend to get sidelined, almost forgotten on this day. They are the near one million Sri Lankan workers toiling in harsh, inhospitable climes overseas and the unemployed.

A large contingent of workers in West Asia, Japan, South Korea etc., remit nearly US$ seven billion annually to the country and that money helps keep this countrys nose above the water. The Central Bank confirms that the number who went abroad for employment last year dipped as an economic slow-down following an oil price slump hit most of West Asia.

The number of officially registered unemployed, according to the same Central Bank report stands at 360,000, a figure marginally lower than the previous year (a drop from 7.6 per cent to 7.0 per cent); yet, the real figures can be much higher. There is a high rate of GCE A/Level jobless in the country as youth look for white collar jobs in the public sector.

There is also a high proportion of youth in the category known as Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) which is a burden to society and which results in skills deterioration of the labour force. Their place is being taken by foreign workers, mostly from India and China  guest workers by the hundreds taking the place of absentee Sri Lankans; a new labour force in Sri Lanka. (Please see story on page 1).

But this is all by the way. May Day will be the day for politicians to parade in the limelight, and the workers to follow in the shadow.
100 Words View(s):

Comfort

At the end of a tedious day,

When the sun sets silently

He returns to the burning bed-sitter

In the dense city

And waits impatiently

Until six o clock

To embrace the sing song voice

Of his child

Over the phone

The tender address Appachchi!

The only comfort

That gives his life some meaning

And makes him feel hes living.

Kumari Weerasooriya

Mahaweli National College of Education

Free Spirit

If only I could fly like a bird

I would leave Mother Earth

In search of another planet

Trillions of light years away

A salubrious place, gentle beings

A life style unmarred by

Violence, greed and other earthly ills.

No gravity to fetter me

I would be free to explore

A wondrous universe.

Chitra Premaratne Stuiver

Revival

Halt! The two army officers hurried

For a quick search 

Critically ill? Stroking the sick pup 

Make haste, curfew will be soon.

A rush to the vet.

He solemnly proclaimed

Only a few hours he will survive.

Take it to its mother  the only cure.

Sobbing, broken hearted, we drove to Kandy

Calamity, destruction, gunmen at every corner

At our destination

Hurried words follow and the sick pup taken in

The owner beckons us to follow

What a sight!

Mother bitch sniffing, licking, kissing

Its lost treasure, pup suckling milk

Its alive, Mum! yells the tear-stained little girl

All in smiles.

I Premasinghe

Maha-Induruwa

Only

She trekked to their rural hospital

At day break

Joining the usual long queue, waiting patiently

With the hundred and one tasks to be done

When she returned.

By about noon, they were all told to go back home

As the doctors were on strike!

If only we were rich enough

To go to big hospitals, they all sighed

In unison.

Nalini Damayanthi Mahawaduge

Only me

I look over my shoulder

To share a thought with you

Something I wished

That you knew.

The words die on my lips

Unspoken

Have I forgotten, now its

Only me?

Every little thing speaks of you

I keep looking

My heart is sore

The house is the same

Yet it is not the same house

We shared

In a lifetime together

Each grew into the other

Essential to each other.

Its hard to realise

Now theres only me

Your voice is stilled

Your body ashes and dust

You cannot be here

Now its only me.

Kamala Gunesekera

Thank you for your contributions to the 100 word page on Only It is interesting to note the differences in the concepts expressed in this page today  from lonelinesss to wishful thinking to love. The theme for May is Above Please send in your contributions before May 15 2017 to Madhubashini Dissanayake-Ratnayake, C/o The Sunday Times, No. 8, Hunupitiya Cross Road, Colombo 2 N.B.Work sent to this page may be edited.
A film on Sri Lankan saint dubbed into Tamil View(s):

Young filmmaker Sanjaya Nirmals Joseph Vaz Piyathuma (Fr. Joseph Vaz), a cinematic creation based on the Apostle of Sri Lanka who revived the Catholic faith during the Dutch colonial reign has been dubbed in Tamil.

The Sinhala film which was produced in 2009 was dubbed into Tamil by the Catholic Centre for Social Communication and is now available in the DVD format. The film was made into Tamil so the Tamil community too would be able to learn about Fr. Joseph Vaz who was canonized by Pope Francis in Colombo last year.

St. Joseph Vaz arrived in Sri Lanka as a missionery in April 1687 at a time when Catholics were facing persecution from Dutch colonialists. After serving Sri Lankans specially during the time of small fox epidemic in Kandian Kingdom he died in 1711 in Kandy. The film was an idea of Fr. Alex Dassanayake former vice-postulator of the National Joseph Vaz Secretariat who together with Sanjaya Nirmal made the film.

Sanjaya the filmmaker was grateful to many artistes and crew who took part in the film. He said even though it was a film about a Christian missionary and early stages of the church in Sri Lanka, many artistes from other religions too helped it. From the main role of St Joseph Vaz played by Saranga Dissasekara there were many Buddhist actors and actresses who took part in the film.

Among the others in the cast are Sarath Kotelawala, Nita Fernando, Rex Kodippili and Gihan.

The film in both Sinhala and Tamil versions is now available in DVD format.
The meeting of Jindal earlier this week with Sharif has created storm as Opposition and a slew of "experts" have been criticizing Sharif for hosting Jindal.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan today defended a meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Indian tycoon Sajjan Jindal, saying it was not an "unpatriotic" gesture on the part of the Pakistani leader.

"Everybody know my views about India but I would say that the Prime Minister was not unpatriotic when he met the Indian (businessman). He is very much patriotic," Khan said while responding to questions during a press conference in Karachi.

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Elaborating his anti-India sentiments, Khan said he was the only cabinet minister who refused to go to Lahore in 1999 to receive then visiting Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The meeting of Jindal earlier this week with Sharif has created storm as Opposition and a slew of "experts" have been criticizing Sharif for hosting Jindal.

Jindal, who is said to be Sharif's and Narendra Modi's mutual friend and considered a sort of back-channel contact, briefly visited Pakistan on Wednesday.

He was taken by helicopter to Murree, where he met Prime Minister Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz. His trip led to speculation that a move for revival of bilateral dialogue could be afoot.

Earlier, in the day Pakistan's Foreign Office has kept mum on the timing and the motive behind the visit of steel tycoon Sajjan Jindal to the country to meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif this week, even as his "secret" visit echoed at the National Assembly.

Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, who was leading the FO team at the the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs Committee meeting yesterday, was asked about the Jindal's visit and when she could not respond to queries, committee chairman Awais Leghari brought the discussion to an end, the paper said.

Jindal's trip is also being linked to the fast deteriorating situation in Kashmir, which some think has pushed Modi's government to consider talking to Pakistan.

Jindal in the past facilitated a secret meeting between Sharif and Modi in Kathmandu on the sidelines of a SAARC summit in 2014. The meeting had then helped save the summit that seemed to be headed for failure and a last-minute deal to create a regional electricity grid was clinched.

In 2015, Jindal was in Lahore on the occasion of Modi s surprise visit to greet Sharif on his birthday and attend his granddaughter s wedding.

"Why is the government quiet over Jindal's visit?" asked PPP s Nafeesa Shah during the committee s meeting.

There was no formal press statement by the PM Office on Jindal's meeting with Sharif even though it regularly issues press releases on the prime minister s engagements with business delegations.

Also read:

Indian steel tycoon Sajjan Jindal meets Nawaz Sharif, triggers speculation on bilateral talks

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Did PM Modi have a special message hand delivered to Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif?

WATCH THE VIDEO:

--- ENDS ---
Bananarama unites for UK tour View(s):

The original line up of Bananarama has reunited. The announcement on April 24 with a 14 date UK tour saw their website crash. Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey and Karen Woodward will begin their tour on November 12 in Glasgow. The 80s all girl group in the UK rose to popularity across the world as their first hit song It Aint What I Do was on the back of Fun Boy Three in 1982. Their unique style was singing in unison. Other hit songs followed among them Cruel Summer and Robert De Niros Waiting. By 1986 they were under the spell of the top production team at the time- Stock, Aitken and Waterman. They produced the hits Venus, Love In The First Degree and the last hit I Want You Back as Siobhan Fahey left after a bitter battle in 1988. Jacquie OSullivan joined the group to score one more hit Help and after three years she left. Bananarama continued as a duo recording and playing to smaller audiences, the last tour being in 2016 to Australia. After 29 years the original line up is back.

A week is a long time for anything to take place. Ed Sheerans Shape Of You has returned to become the UKs No: 1 single again. For a week Harry Styles Sign Of The Times brought a little freshness to the chart, but Shape Of You bounced back to No: 2 to reclaim the top spot on the UK singles chart. The song now has a total of 14 non consecutive weeks at the No: 1 spot. The song has also topped the charts in Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand and the US.

Meanwhile Clean Bandits Symphony featuring Zara Larsson climbed two notches to No: 2. The song is the third hit from the classical crossover bands hitherto untitled forthcoming album. The video to the track is strong while raising a few eyebrows, yet accepted in this fast changing world of attitudes. Symphony is produced by the group and Mark Ralph and follows Tears featuring Louisa Johnson which peaked at No: 5 and Rockabye featuring Sean Paul and Anne-Marie which topped the chart. Symphony is also featured on Zara Larssons album So Good.

Kendrick Lamar made a big climb to secure a position at No: 6 as his song Humble rose from 31. The rapper thus scored his very first top 10 UK hit in his own right. The hip hop track is taken from his album Damn. The single is co-penned with his producer Michael Williams II a.k.a Mike Will Made It. Kendrick Lamar did have success on the UK singles chart earlier on the piggyback of Taylor Swift, Sia and Maroon 5 as featured artist. Humble is one of four songs from his album Damn floating on the UK top 40 singles chart.

UK Top 10



TW LW 1 2 Shape Of You  Ed Sheeran

2 4 Symphony  Clean Bandit ft: Zara Larsson

3 3 Galway Girl  Ed Sheeran

4 1 Sign Of The Times  Harry Styles

5 5 Passionfruit  Drake

6 31 Humble  - Kendrick Lamar

7 6 Something Just Like This  Chainsmokers & Coldplay

8 7 Slow Dance  Martin Jensen

9 8 Stay  Zedd & Alessia Cara

10 11 Issues  Julia Michaels
Here music is the food of harmony Tarini Pilapitiya meets children from the north and south as they come together in Anuradhapura to make music at a workshop under the The Music Project initiative View(s): View(s):

The power of communication is not fully understood until one is serenaded by a group of students playing Mary had a Little Lamb on their recorders. These young musicians grabbed my face to get my attention each jostling with the other to play their own version of the famous nursery rhyme for the journalist from the big paper. I was floored.

The Music Project, a programme aimed at uplifting the lives of the children from the north and the south through the power of music produced an orchestra before my eyes like Ive never seen before. Inspired by El Sistema of Venezuela the project currently works with 350 children from the north and south, aged 8 and 9 years progressing from recorder to violin, cello, flute, trumpet, guitar and a variety of percussion.

A carefully structured programme that has been operating for the past five years, The Music Project hosts bi-weekly classes in schools with carefully trained teachers and volunteers. The children are then given the opportunity to take part in a public performance. Music is a link language between the north and the south and two day workshops are also held around twice a year.

This workshop at Anuradhapura hosted children, parents and teachers from Mullativu and Kurunegala. Around 150 children milled around, the groups getting bigger and bigger as they poured into the hall, the excitement almost tangible. The programme started with an ice breaker of the good ol Duck Duck Goose to the communal groan of the kids.

Chairperson and driving force behind the movement Shalini Wickramasuriya has worked in education all her life. Being a mother herself she revels in watching her children play a variety of instruments. Wanting the same opportunity for the children of our country Shalini helped launch the project after being inspired by international projects in Venezuela.

The Music Project follows the Suzuki method of teaching a curriculum and philosophy that dates back to the mid-20th century, created by Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki. This holistic, therapeutic method allows children to enjoy the music at their own pace, allowing them to thrive without pressure and Shalini adds to ultimately give them joy. The ultimate methodology being simply fun.

Each child has two lessons a week and Shalinis aim for The Music Project is to alleviate the stress and expectations placed on children in their learning environment. Empowerment, Self-study and Confidence these are the three values taught by the programme, Shalini states. She beams when she speaks of the two viola players from Kurunegala who were inducted into the Symphony Orchestra.

It is challenging to organise music specialists to teach the music programme. Thus, the workshops are hosted to bring in specialists for around one or two days. Past workshops have hosted specialists such as Jack Coward (music teacher at Wells Cathedral School in the United Kingdom), Rosenna East (violinist for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra) and the Worldship Orchestra which performed the French Can Can with the children.

This time around it was Sri Lankan drum ensemble Naadro who took time off their busy schedules to perform for and teach the children.

An excited but fatigued father who had been travelling all the way from Mullaitivu said this Friday was his 12-year-olds first time and he was willing to come as his son was so excited to participate. A government school English teacher himself he greatly values and appreciates the effort and support the programme gives his family.

On the other side of the hall a group of mothers sit side by side watchfully observing their brood.The only way to distinguish them is by the stark red pottu some wear on the middle of their foreheads proudly depicting their ethnicity but humbly sharing a space with just another mother from a different background.

Two mothers from Kurunegala, M. Seneviratne and Kumudu Batagalla, excitedly spoke of the doors that open for their children through the programme. Their children both 13 specialize in the violin and flute. M. Seneviratne added that her child shows great excitement in gaining knowledge and learning something new.

In terms of reconciliation the mothers from north and south although unable to understand each others language communicate through facial expressions and kind gestures.

That afternoon the reverberating rhythms of the drum workshops had the usually noisy children speechless. Naadros director Asoka Wickramaratne told us the band is made up of Royal College old boys who have been in business for 10 years. They played free and seemed to be having as much fun as the children, each member getting into the collective performance.

With The Music Project since 2013 Saluka Kotagama is now on board full time. With years of coming for workshops the people have found a sense of familiarity and respect for each others communities, she says. Music helps children to focus, develop themselves academically and instils a passion in them that cannot be broken, Saluka adds.

Twenty-four-year- old cellist Thakshala, teaches the children the recorder. We have to really work the children, support them and push but at the end of the day its worth it, she says.

Trying to hide behind his recorder and avoid eye contact 13-year- old Pasindu Bandara Kulatilaka has been with The Music Project from day one. Hailing from Kurunegala, he has travelled to Jaffna, Galle, Killinochchi and Colombo, every experience exposing him to new adventures and bringing him out of his shell.

Naomi Kunimoto, the only international volunteer (shes from Japan) has been a volunteer for two months and finds her students very persevering and determined. You dont need to speak to understand, Naomi who speaks cohesive Sinhala says. Her students bewildered by the fact that the Japanese alphabet doesnt have the L letter overwhelm her with questions of how she pronounces L-Words.

With the day winding down, the rhythm of the drum workshops echoes around the Sevalanka farm in Anuradhapura while a choral group of recorders launch into their thousandth practice of Mary had a Little Lamb. They come together as a unified orchestra and prove that each one has a role to play in this community.

With aid and support given by organizations such as JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and Beyond Skin, The Music Project continues to thrive in its quest for harmonious equilibrium.
CEB chairman, engineers union wires cross forcing formers resignation View(s):

Anura Wijepala resigned as Chairman of Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) last week, because he could not support the Engineers demand, accepted by the Power and Energy Ministry, to place the utilitys Internal Auditor (IA) under the purview of its General Manager (GM), instead of the Board of Directors.

It was against my conscience, Mr Wijepala, an engineer and lecturer at the University of Moratuwa, told the Sunday Times. An IA, typically, provides independent assurance that an organisations risk management, governance and internal control processes are operating effectively. Taking it out of the purview of the Board of Directors and placing it under the GM, would have impacted negatively on the independence of that role, he explained.

It would have also created a precedent for other government institutions, Mr Wijepala said. However, the Ministry backed the demand of the CEB Engineers Union (CEBEU), and he could not comply.

Following his resignatio, Mr Wijepala wrote to the CEBEU saying, your shortsighted demand of asking for the IA to be under the administrative control, will bring all the CEB Engineers under public criticism and disrepute. As explained to you in many discussions, in all parallel organisations in Sri Lanka, the Internal Audit function is under the control of the Board and Audit Committee for its independence.

The former Chairman also said that many times he had raised his voice on behalf of the Engineers, .. to protect the CEB and the Electrical Engineering industry of Sri Lanka, at the risk of displeasing the countrys President, Prime Minister and Ministers. Instead of backing him, the Union has opted to focus on petty issues.

A CEBEU spokesman said they were aware that, taking the IA under the GM might give a wrong impression to society. However, the position was initially overseen by the GM, till a former Chairman took that branch, along with Legal, under hisand not the Boardspurview. This was a dictatorial act, the spokesman said, and a violation of CEB practice. It was also against the CEB Act, which provided for both branches to report to the GM.

The GM is the most independent officer in the CEB, the spokesman claimed, adding that the Chairman was a political appointment. He said the CEBEU even had to intervene last year to stop Mr Wijepala from taking the Generation Planning Branch under him.

To ensure independence of audit, it must be handled by an external party, the spokesman continued. For that, the CEBEU would give its full support. Even now, one officer from the Auditor Generals Dept is permanently in the CEB, and he can conduct an inquiry on any branch or officer, including the Chief Executive Officer or GM, he said. External audit companies such as Ernst & Young, do periodic audits of CEB. If the Board so wished, they could use such a firm to conduct a special audit at any time, and the CEBEU would cooperate.
Health Minister sending big delegation for WHA View(s):

The Health Ministry is sending a large delegation of 16 to the World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva in a clear departure from previous years when just two officials and the Minister would attend.

The annual conference will take place this year from May 22-31. WHA is the decision-making body of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by its executive board.

Sri Lankas delegation will be headed by Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne. He will be accompanied by his wife, Dr. Sujatha Senaratne, who is listed as the former Additional Secretary of Public Health Services and Private Secretary to the Minister. Also going are Dr. S D Subasinghe, listed as his adviser, and Dr. U.M. Gunasekara, listed as his Public Relations Officer.

Others in the party are Dr. P Sathiyalingam, Provincial Health Minister for the Northern Province; Anura Jayawickrama, Secretary to the Ministry of Health; Dr. J.M.W. Jayasundara Bandara, Director General of Health Services; Dr. S.C. Wickramasinghe, Acting Deputy Director General (Non Communicable Diseases) and Director of Health Information; and Dr. B.V.S.H. Beneragama, Deputy Director General (Medical Supplies) and Deputy Director General (Laboratory Services) and Chairman of Antimicrobial Resistance.

The delegation also includes Dr. H.S.R.P. de Silva, Acting Deputy Director General (Planning) and Director of Organisation Development; Dr. Palitha Abeykoon, Chairman of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol; Dr. A.G. Ludowyke, Director of International Health; Dr. T .Saththiyamoorthy, Director of the Jaffna Teaching Hospital; Dr. A. Priyanee Senadheera, Director of the Mahamodara Hospital; Dr. P.W.C. Panapitiya, Director Medical Supplies Division; and Dr. K.W.M.N. Mapitigama, Consultant Community Physician at the Family Health Bureau.

In the past, it was just the Minister and, at most, two officials who went for the WHA, an authoritative source said. Bear in mind that the WHO had a lot more programmes in Sri Lanka at the time.
New anti-terrorism law undermines RTI View(s):

The word Espionage dropped, but originally listed offences reintroduced

By Namini Wijedasa

The Counter Terrorism Act policy framework approved by the Cabinet this week has reintroduced offences originally listed under espionage whilst merely removing the word espionage from the document.

As such, the draft makes it an offence to voluntarily engage in any illegal, unlawful or unauthorised act for the purpose of gathering any confidential information  or directly gather confidential information  for the purpose of supplying such information to a person who is conspiring, preparing, abetting, or attempting to commit terrorism or any terrorism related offence or any other offence contained in this Act.

It is also an offence to provide to another person any confidential information, knowing such information will be used by such other person to conspire, abet, attempt or commit terrorism or a terrorism-related offence or any other offence contained in the Act.

All these provisions were included in the original 57-page policy framework that this newspaper first published in October 2016. The latest draft  which was rushed through the Cabinet on Tuesday in anticipation of a vote in Brussels on a motion to deprive Sri Lanka of the GSP+ on Thursday  is 73 pages long and has been fleshed out. The Sunday Times obtained a copy of the final version which was revised on April 23, 2017, and approved two days later by the Cabinet.

Confidential information has a broad definition under the CTA policy framework. It includes: Any information not in the public domain, the dissemination of which is likely to have an adverse effect on national or public security.

Questions now arise on the position of the CTA against the Right to Information Act, also enacted by this Government, which denotes that public security is not a ground to restrict information. The RTI Act only permits information to be withheld on the grounds of national security, defence of the State or territorial integrity. This means that the proposed CTA now contradicts the RTI Act. It would also prevail over the RTI Act because the draft CTA states that once enacted it will have priority over past laws.

A second draft of the CTA policy framework that was recently leaked to the media had removed the word unity from Part III which relates to Terrorism-Related Offences. This word has been reintroduced to the final draft under Abetting terrorism, terrorists and Proscribed Terrorist Organisations, where it states: By words either spoken or intended to be read or understood or by signs or by visible representations or otherwise, instigates the committing of acts of violence or ethnic, religious, racial or communal disharmony, or feelings of ill-will or hostility between different communities or other groups so as to affect the unity, territorial integrity or sovereignty of Sri Lanka or any other sovereign country.

On right of access of a suspect to an attorney-at-law and the right to representation by an attorney-at-law, the draft continues to be tied to the re-drafted amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure (CCP). The Act to Amend the Code of Criminal Procedure (Special Provisions) Act, which was first published online by Groundviews, states that that an attorney at law representing a person in police custody shall, from the time such person is taken into custody, be entitled to have access to the police station in which such person is being held in custody on certain conditions.

But it also states that, However, such access may be delayed to the extent provided herein, if the officer in charge of the police station has reasonable grounds to believe that the exercise of such right of access at the time such right is sought to be exercised may lead, among other things, to the destruction of, interference with or harm to evidence that is connected with the committing of a cognizable offence, etc.

It also makes any statement made to a police officer by a person in police custody having had access to an attorney-at-law and in the presence of an attorney-at-aw admissible in judicial proceedings against such person, subject to the provisions of the Evidence Ordinance.
No Mahapola scholarship for undergrads boycotting lectures, says UGC View(s):

By Damith Wickramasekara

University undergraduates boycotting lectures, as part of ongoing protests against the South Asian Institute of Technology & Medicine (SAITM), will have their Mahapola Scholarships suspended, the University Grants Commission (UGC) said. UGC Chairman Mohan de Silva told the Sunday Times that the UGC had been notified by the Mahapola Higher Education Trust Fund (MHETF) that, undergraduates boycotting lectures for almost three months, as part of the anti-SAITM protest campaign, will have their Scholarship Grant suspended. We have forwarded the letter to the Vice Chancellors of all universities, he added.

Activities of the MHETF are performed by a Board of Trustees under the Chairmanship of the Chief Justice.

Prof de Silva said universities had been instructed to give a list of the undergraduates who have been boycotting lectures.

At present, an undergraduate holding a Mahapola Scholarship receives Rs 5,000 per month.

The boycott has severely curtailed academic activities at universities, while exams have also been postponed, Prof de Silva stated.

As such, providing scholarships for undergraduates who refuse to turn up for lectures, was a waste of State funds, he pointed out.

Some 50,000 undergraduates, including 13,000 first-year students, receive scholarship funds.

MHETF Acting Director General Parakrama Bandara said: Medical faculties have started identifying undergraduates who are boycotting lectures and would suspend their scholarships, he said. They will only be reconsidered for scholarships once the university is satisfied of their level of attendance.

Mr Bandara said the fund does not suspend scholarships for academic boycotts which only last a few days or weeks. But three months is too much.

An undergraduate found guilty of not attending lectures for three months will not be eligible for Mahapola funds for three months. This term maybe extended subject to how long the lecture boycott lasts.

Inter-University Students Federation (IUSF) Convener Lahiru Weerasekara, however, said, The Goverments intention is to permanently strip students of their scholarship, as punishment for the protest campaign. Nevertheless, students are determined to continue their struggle against SAITM and will not be deterred by this action, he insisted.
SLFP, UNP book 3,264 buses, two trains for May Day rallies View(s):

More than half the fleet of the state-run Sri Lanka Transport Board buses have been booked for May Day rallies by political parties with the two main parties making most of the bookings, officials said.

For its rally in Kandy, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party has booked 1,832 buses, while the United National Party has booked 1,432 buses for its Campbell Park rally. By Friday, 3,949 buses had been booked, Chief Operating Superintendent P.H.R.T. Chandrasiri told the Sunday Times.

The Joint Opposition has booked only 22 buses to transport its supporters for its rally at the Galle Face Green. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna has booked 209 buses.

With a large number of buses reserved for tomorrow there will be only 1300 buses available for normal services on May Day, he said.

In addition, the SLFP and the UNP have also booked two trains.

Railways Superintendent Wijaya Samarasinghe said the UNP has booked a train of six compartments from Kurunegala to Maradana and back to Kurunegala while the SLFP has booked a train of seven compartments from Colombo Fort to Kandy and back to Maradana.

He said normal train services would be in operation on May Day.
What mandate for Theresa May? View(s):

By Chris Patten

LONDON  British Prime Minister Theresa May doesnt exactly have a reputation for unpredictability. A cautious and disciplined politician  a vicars daughter, no less  May doesnt play around with the truth, nor does she take unnecessary risks or stray beyond a comfort zone populated by a tight knit group of advisers. So when she insisted, repeatedly, that she would not hold an election before the next due date, in 2020, she was believed unreservedly.

Then, last week, May called for a snap general election in June. Surprise. Mays change of heart certainly seemed out of character. But it was hardly the political bombshell that many have made it out to be. In fact, in many ways, it was a logical move. After all, opinion polls put Mays Conservative Party some 20 percentage points ahead of the opposition Labour Party.

It should come as no surprise that British leaders usually choose to hold an election when their party is most likely to win it. And May  whose government is about to launch tough negotiations with the European Union over Britains departure  is expected to win big. Even if the pollsters are wrong and the election is no walk in the park for Conservatives, they are overwhelmingly likely to come out on top.

I was once involved in a similar decision that went the other way. In 1991, when John Major was prime minister, I was the Conservative Party chairman responsible for election planning. The first Iraq war had just been won, and Saddam Hussein had been kicked out of Kuwait.

In the blaze of that great military victory, in which Britain had played a part, many commentators and supporters urged Major to call an election. But he refused. The victory in Iraq amounted to a success for the United Kingdom; it should not be usurped by a political party, not even his own. It was the right call. And, anyway, he won the planned election the following year.

May has made the opposite call. She says that her decision was prompted by the criticism she faced from opponents in parliament over the imminent Brexit negotiations. She wants a strong mandate to negotiate for Britain, and that means crushing what one tabloid  in the typically incendiary rhetoric of Brexiteer populism  described as saboteurs of the national interest.

But the truth is that, at the moment, May could get her way with most of the country. The main exception is to be found within her own party, which is split between hardline champions of Brexit and more moderate forces. With a larger personal mandate, perhaps May will be able to face down Conservative opposition during the negotiations with the EU. The question is which side May wants to confront. Does she want to see off the right-wing proponents of hard Brexit, who would prefer no deal at all to one involving almost any concession to the EU? Or does she want to be able to stand up to advocates of a soft Brexit, the sort of deal that would give Britains economy, at some cost, the best possible chance in terms of trade, innovation, and investment?

Truth be told, no one knows what May really wants or for what she will settle. So far, she has kept her cards close to her chest, with her government speaking inscrutably and in generalities.

Apparently, the goal is to secure the best possible trade terms, without offering any concessions on free movement of labour or the authority of the European Court of Justice. Anyone who thinks this means that Britain will retain the same advantages that it enjoys as an EU member is in for a rude shock.

It is at that point when Britains insular political debate will come face to face with the real world. Whatever happens in the UKs June election, and however large Mays resulting mandate may seem, the unalterable reality underlying the coming Brexit talks is that the UK must negotiate with 27 other countries, all of which have their own domestic political considerations  just like Britain.

Some pundits have suggested that Mays government is counting on a big election victory essentially to hand it a blank cheque for the Brexit talks. How much truth there is to this will become clearer during the election campaign, when we see how much detail the Conservatives offer about their negotiating objectives.

But, blank cheque or not, the government clearly hopes that, when the election is over, it is left with a large, docile majority in Parliament of what the Chinese call whatever-ists. Whatever deal the May government manages to strike with the EU will suit them just fine. I do not believe for a moment that this is how things are going to go over the next few years. Whatever-ism is neither strong nor sustainable. Regardless of the electoral mandate May secures in June, if she concludes a bad Brexit deal, or ends up with no deal at all, she and her government  not to mention the entire British economy  will be in for a very rough ride.

(The writer was the last British governor of Hong Kong and a former EU commissioner for external affair and is Chancellor of the University of Oxford.)

Courtesy : Project Syndicate, 2017. Exclusive to the Sunday Times.www.project-syndicate.org
Monument to all things Kandyan From the buildings architecture to the artifacts within it, the recently renovated Kandy National Museum is a must see, says Randima Attygalle View(s): View(s):

Ear droplets adorned with the most exquisite gems tell a tale of love, lust and tears. A gold-laced goblet once held captive between the royal lips may have stolen moments of meaningful glances exchanged over its rim. The palanquin of Molligoda Nilame waits patiently till the next destination is ordered by its aristocratic master. The swords of Kandyan metal flash with rebellious air and Keppetipola Disavas flag still flies high.

The Kandy National Museum, housed in former Pallewahala or the Palace of the Concubines of the last monarch of the country- Sri Wickrama Rajasingha was re-opened to the public a few weeks ago after a demanding refurbishment project of nearly three years. The hard work has not been in vain. The visitor is enveloped by its cool interiors and is instantly transported to the ethos of the Kandyan kingdom amidst the timbre of the thewawa ceremony and the vigour of the Kandyan dancers vannam beats, innovatively brought alive within its walls.

Originally opened in 1942 as the first branch museum of the Colombo National Museum which was inaugurated in 1877, the Kandy National Museum is a fine reflection of the cultural fabric of the entire Kandyan era, threaded by royalty, aristocracy, the common man and the influence of colonialism. The recently concluded refurbishment and conservation effort at the Kandy National Museum entailed an investment of around Rs 20 million, Director, National Museums, Sanuja Kasthuriarachchi told the Sunday Times. The refurbishment project was aligned with the principle of monument conservation and the fundamental theory in such conservation is zero-alteration to the original architecture, explained Ms. Kasthuriarachchi.

The lighting of the interior is enhanced to highlight the exhibits, while doing justice to the ambience of the interiors. Conservation team head Nilmini Neththasinghe describing the project said, We were conscious of the delicate condition of some of the objects, even when moving them out. She cited the flag of the Keppetipola Disava, ivory-carved objects and rare tools of agriculture such as bogawa made of Beduru leaves (a head gear resembling a winnowing fan or a kulla worn by Kandyan farmers to counter rain and sun) among them.

The number of exhibits had also been increased giving a broader insight into aspects of Kandyan living. Nearly 1000 exhibits including royal regalia, garments of aristocracy, utensils used in the royal kitchens, jewellery and other ornaments, brass and clay objects, lacquer (laksha) and ivory artefacts, ancient board games, arms and weapons, palanquins, agricultural tools and clappers tied around cows and elephants are on display.

The assortment of betel chewing equipment (giraya) adorned with a womans figure in worshipping position, a face mirror believed to have been used by a queen, the spoon holder or hendiaana and the jaggery moulds used in King Rajasinhas royal kitchen, official royal court attire of Keppetipola Disawa and a wooden puzzle known as magulparakkuwa which was often used to test the intelligence of a potential groom by a brides father are among the interesting and rare items that will enthral the visitor.

The conservation project which unearthed the original floor of the building, paved with burnt floor tiles or bricks and stone slabs mirrors one of the signature features of Kandyan architecture, as our committed and informed guide and museum keeper, K.D.V. Chandimal enthusiastically informed us. This original flooring had been buried under a layer of cement before the renovation project and as he said, the excavations in the interior of the building had also revealed alterations done by the British. Portions of this Kandyan-European fusion are exposed to the visitor as part of the learning experience. However, a large proportion of the original pallewahala structure still remains despite the changes done by the British when this building was used as a hospital for the British at one time and then later as an administrative building, explains Chandimal. The ventilation mechanism installed under the dome of the roof is an addition by the British.

With a roof that entails complex Kandyan wooden designs, madolkurupawa, kombudangaraya and supported by beams and rafters replete with carvings, centre courtyards with windows scientifically placed to retain cool air and prevent the absorption of excess heat, lime plastered walls and large doorways, the museum building mirrors all distinct features of a Kandyan state building. It is assumed that the architect of this building is Devendra Mulachari, the royal artificer responsible for most iconic structures of the Kandyan kingdom, including the Magul Maduwa and Paththirippuwa, says Chandimal.The famous cubic metre of Devendra Mulachari is also among the exhibits.

Several contemporary double-lid and single-lid doorways comprising nine features of a distinct Kandyan door which the scholar Ananda Coomaraswamy makes reference to in his work, Medieval Sinhalese Art, make one visualize the royal concubines stepping out of them into the inner courtyard of the then pallewahala to enjoy the cool morning air. Although the partitions of apartments are not visible today, doorways opening to the courtyard imply that there had been several of them, says Chandimal who adds that Venkatha Rangammal, the chief queen of Sri Wickrama Rajasinha lived in the adjoining building in the same compound known as Medavasala.

A majority of the artefacts are said to have been the collection of a British Government Agent, John Dixith, who acquired several items of historical value from Kandy and Matale. He had been a collector and when his term of office came to an end in the late 1800s, all what he had deposited in a room of his kachcheri office, was transferred to the Kandyan Art Society. From there, the collection was re-deposited at the then pallewahala which was the chosen location to open the first branch of the National Museum in 1942 under then Director, National Museum of Ceylon, Dr. P.E.P. Deraniyagala, the museum keeper explains. The collection which was at the mercy of the elements, was conserved and expanded through donations from time to time.

The Museum located at Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Kandy (behind the Dalada Maligawa and opposite the old Courts complex) is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. (closed on Sunday, Monday and all public holidays).
Diplomacy and India-Sri Lanka relations View(s):

By Dr. Sarala Fernando

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghes visit to India this week and the expected visit of Prime Minister Narenda Modi to Sri Lanka in May signal a fresh burst of activity in India- Sri Lanka relations. Since previous projects for joint cooperation like the bridge and Economic Trade and Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) have failed to get traction, new projects appear to have come on stream such as the joint development of the Trincomalee oil tank farm and the Colombo Port extension. However whatever the economic viability of the new projects, they are meeting with confrontation from the trade unions due to a singular lack of public diplomacy on the part of the Sri Lanka government officials who seem not to understand the growing public scepticism over this governments ability to manage foreign investment especially in strategic assets like ports.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) arrives with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe for a meeting in New Delhi on April 26, 2017. The Sri Lanka Prime Minister is on five-day official visit to India. AFP

It is a mistake to try to take important foreign policy decisions without advising and building consensus with the broader Opposition in Parliament. Here there is a huge difference with India. Thus, Shashi Tharoors speech at the inauguration of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghes biography in Colombo illustrates the strong bipartisan support for Indias foreign policy, an admirable tribute to the national pride and solidarity of Indians, which sadly we in Sri Lanka seem unable to build even after so many years of independence. Here was a minister from the former Congress Government extolling the virtues of Prime Minister Modis neighbourhood first foreign policy, something that could not happen in Sri Lanka judging by the tactics of the Joint Opposition. Any Indian dignitary or expert giving speeches in a foreign country is expected to come by their embassy and learn what are the points to make for the local audience so that generally there is a continuity in the opinions expressed. Thus on the Indian side there now appears to be a greater emphasis on common cultural links through Buddhism. Yet the question remains whether these bonds are sufficient to overlook less happy events in modern history.

It is also a puzzle why so little publicity was given to the launching of the Wickremesinghe biography in the Sri Lanka press. It may be that our Prime Ministers modesty may have played a part like when he was awarded an honorary doctorate in New Zealand with absolutely no coverage of the event at home. In that case perhaps family circumstances may have also come into play since his wife Professor Maithree has earned a well deserved doctorate in the academic path.

It would be easy to be carried away by the eloquence of the Tharoor speech and that thrust against China accusing it of hegemonic ambitions even dating back to the Cheng Ho period. It is however a misreading of history, at least from the Sri Lanka perspective, where the Chinese expeditions are considered as being more of a scientific and commercial interest. Indeed the famous episode of the capture of the Sri Lanka king and him being taken back to China is interpreted by Vernon Mendis, diplomatic historian, as resulting from a default of diplomatic protocol by the Sri Lanka king who mistreated the emissary of the Chinese Admiral and invoked a military reprisal. It should also be noted that back in China the Sri Lanka king and his retinue were treated with all courtesies and later asked to freely choose the next king to be returned with honour back to the country. Although some Indian experts criticise the Chinese expeditions as demands for obeisance to the emperor, infact the ships came laden with gifts for the local rulers judging by the list provided on the stone tablet to which Tharoor draws reference.

At the same time, can one ignore entirely the checkered history of Indian intervention in Sri Lanka in the 1980s from the LTTE training camps in India to the arrival of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF), which have left the general public in the island cautious about its dealings with the neighbourhood giant. There is also a gap in the traditional diplomacy practised by India which many have characterised as arrogant as opposed to China which in the past has been much more ready to listen to the smaller party. This may be changing with the advent of public diplomacy and the couching of Indian diplomatic communications in more gracious terms. Yet the truth is that Sri Lanka is strategically vital for Indias security interests and defence cooperation is growing by leaps and bounds since the end of the armed conflict in the country. On the economic side more and more Indian companies are setting up in Sri Lanka or taking over the management of large industries. No study has yet been done of this creeping integration of the two economies but Sri Lankan business people complain loudly of unfair treatment and non tariff barriers (NTBs) still clogging their efforts to trade with India.

And as for complaints of unfair environmental standards, well, the truth of the matter is that some Indian companies have been exporting their dirty industries to Sri Lanka hence the call for much more stringent environmental standards especially with rising concerns on air pollution and water contamination. The large Chinese projects are not immune from the rising public concern with many lobby groups calling for the protection of Sri Lankas natural resources which are being exploited without any supervision in the name of development since the ending of the armed conflict. Commitments entered into by Sri Lanka under the Climate Change Agreements necessitate for instance an end to coal fired power generation as well as the increase in forest cover. Sri Lanka is fortunate in this respect given President Sirisenas personal commitment to these international goals compared to what is happening in the US under President Trump where climate change commitments are being set aside in favour of big business.

Both in India and Sri Lanka, environmental NGOs are well organized with strong grass root constituencies and there should be much more networking across the Palk Strait on issues such as stopping the large scale raids by Indian fishing trawlers. Public Diplomacy case studies underline the example of Canada when seeking to curtail the acid rain coming from the US successfully drawing on the support of the American NGOs to push their cause through the US Congress. Trawler fishing has been banned in Tamil Nadu and there are many Indian NGOs and Tamil Nadu fishing experts who sympathise with Sri Lankas plight over the excesses of Indian trawling in Sri Lanka waters. We should draw on all these resources to stimulate a public campaign in India to put pressure on the trawler owners in Tamil Nadu to curtail what they well know are illegal activities in Sri Lankan waters. The Indian side is also playing for time as they anticipate the resources within the Palk Strait will be depleted beyond replacement in a few years

Interestingly, the environmental cause is now being upheld by foreign courts in unprecedented areas. Do rivers have legal rights to protection from illegal dumping and perhaps even waterfalls from having their flow cut off by mini-hydro systems which are destructive to the aquatic system downstream? In New Zealand, after 140 years of negotiation, the Maori tribe recently won recognition for the Whanganui river to be treated as a living entity. So, sorry Mr. Tharoor, we are all for more strict environmental controls and protection of natural resources. This is why Sri Lankans applaud Mr. Modis initiative to clean up the Ganges and wish such leadership could be mirrored here to protect our major rivers. That is the good example to follow from India.

(The writer is a retired Foreign Service Ambassador.)
Tamil Nadu farmers took to streets in parts of state over government's apathetic petition to Supreme Court, stating that farmers were committing suicides due to personal reasons.

A day after the Tamil Nadu government filed a petition in Supreme Court stating that farmer suicides were due to health and personal issues, aggrieved peasants from parts of the state took to streets in protest.

The petition has not been well received by the state farmers. In Thanjavur delta, farmers agitated by waiving black flags and burnt the effigy of Chief Minister Edapadi K Palaniswami.

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This comes a week after Tamil Nadu farmers called off their strike over demands for drought relief package in Delhi till May 25 on assurances from chief minister EPS.

He had urged the farmers to call of their protest and promised that their demands would be met.

FARMERS PROTEST

Over the past 45 days, farmers have been protesting for their demands on drought relief package, farm loan waiver and setting up on Cauvery Management Board by the Centre.

The Tamil Nadu government officially declared a drought in the state on January 10 this year. But by then more than 140 farmers had reportedly ended their lives since October. A NHRC report sent to Tamil Nadu government on January 5 mentioned about 106 farmers committing suicide in one month.

But the state government's apathy has sent shock-waves across the state and has pushed the Tamil Nadu agrarian turmoil into further mess.

Also read: Tamil Nadu government to Supreme Court: No farmer from the state committed suicide over drought

Also read: BJP using Delhi Police to take control of AIADMK, claim Tamil Nadu opposition parties

--- ENDS ---
Palestinian prisoners hunger strike: Book of solidarity at embassy View(s):

The Palestinian Embassy has opened a support-and-solidarity book for well-wishers and supporters of peace and global justice to express their solidarity with more than 1,500 Palestinian political prisoners now on hunger strike in Israeli jails, an embassy statement said.

It said the book would be kept open on May 3 and 4 from 10 am to 3 pm and on May 5 from 10 am to noon at the embassy premises at 110/10 Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7.

The hunger strike led by Palestinian freedom fighter Marwan Barghouthi began on April 17. The prisoners are demanding an end to the Israeli practice of detention without trial, for more contact with relatives, better access to medical treatment, and freedom for prisoners suffering from illnesses.

The Embassy said it cordially invites to all friends of Palestine in Sri Lanka to share their support with the Palestinian people.
It was a simple gesture, the planting of a tree at Memorial Park in Tauranga on Friday afternoon.

But it symbolized a 100 years of humanitarianism by the worlds biggest service club, the Lions, which boasts 1.4 million members in 46,286 clubs worldwide.

In New Zealand, there are 373 Lions Clubs and 10,080 registered members. And this weekend three to four hundred delegates will gather in Tauranga for the Lions 57th Multiple District 202 Convention.

It started with the tree planting at Memorial Park says conference chairman Alan Schofield. Its a maple.

Then tonight at the Bethlehem College Performing Arts Centre there will be the flag ceremony.

Flags representing some of the 200 countries in which Lions operate will be brought into the auditorium by Leos, the young Lions.

And on tomorrow the Lions will get down to business  business like a remit out of Waihi to raise a lot of money for the battle against diabetes.

Globally the Lions have set a goal of touching and improving the lives of 200 million people each year by 2121 tripling the organisations humanitarian impact.

Their motto is We Serve and internationally theyre best known for fighting blindness, feeding the hungry, helping seniors and the disabled, and caring for the environment. Since 1968 Lions Clubs International Foundation has awarded more than $900 million in grants to support Lions humanitarian projects.

After business tomorrow the Lions will gather at Tauranga racecourse for a social night.

On the Sunday delegates at the MD202 convention will remember past Lions and hold a re-dedication. Thats a personal recommitment to all the good humanitarian Lions work still to be done.

And the maple growing now growing at Memorial Park will serve as a beacon of inspiration for them.



Lions International director Ben Bow.
Maurya said BJP stands with such victims to help them get respect.

Sparking a new controversy, Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Swami Prasad Maurya has charged that Muslims use triple talaq to change wives and satisfy their "lust".

"These talaqs have no basis.... if someone only for satisfying his lust keeps changing his wives and forces his own wife and children on the streets to beg... no one will call this as right," Maurya said.

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The BJP minister's comments come at a time when there is a raging debate over the issue of triple talaq.

"BJP stands with Muslim women who have been given talaq unreasonably and arbitrarily," Maurya, who was here to participate in a function at the house of a local BJP leader in Basti, told reporters last night.

Maurya said BJP stands with such victims to help them get respect.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the Muslim community to ensure that the triple talaq issue was not "politicised", and hoped that intellectuals from the community would come forward to fight the practice.

All India Muslim Personal Law Board has said they will revoke the law within 18 months but they demand no interference from the government.

In the past, AIMPLB claimed that it received 3.50 crore forms from Muslim women who apparently supported Shariyar and triple talaq.

A five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court will start hearing petitions against triple talaq from May 11.

The court will hear pleas filed several Muslim women challenging the practice under which men can divorce their wives instantly by uttering the word talaq thrice.

Also read:

PM Narendra Modi on triple talaq: Muslim community should come forward to protect its women

PM Narendra Modi gets SOS from pregnant triple talaq victim

Triple talaq: How it affects lives of India's 90 million Muslim womenWATCH | Muslim men use triple talaq to satisfy lust, UP minister Swami Prasad Maurya

--- ENDS ---
Rheumatism and a desire to put the frighteners up some noisy partygoers played a big part in establishing one of the Bay of Plentys largest family honey businesses.

Mossops Honey celebrates 70 years this autumn. Its roots started on the other side of the Kaimai Range, migrated across to the Bay, and now have hives spread throughout the central North Island and East Coast.

Back in 1947 Neil Mossops father Ron, who worked at Waharoa dairy factory, had heard about the positive effect on rheumatism that bee stings could have thanks to the venoms ability to ease inflammation of joints.

Ron was well ahead of his time, with researchers only today starting to learn more about how the venom increases anti-inflammatory hormones in the body.

Dad decided to get a few hives and subject himself to stings while he looked after them, and sure enough he found the stings did help him with his joints, says Neil.

The cheesemaker and boiler operator-turned-backyard beekeeper soon learned bee hives could also have a positive effect keeping other unwelcome ailments away.



Tauranga Mayor Greg Brownless speaking at the event.



Zane, 12, and Ava, 8, Jurisich at the event.





Zenda Johns dressed up for the occasion.

800 HIVES

It was the days of the 6 oclock swill, when people would drink as much as they could and then pile out of the pub, continuing to drink at home. We had a bunch of rowdy people who would always congregate at the end of our street once the pubs shut. Dad asked a beekeeper if he could put a few hives there  it soon dealt to the noisy parties!

Rons passion for beekeeping grew and he leapt at the opportunity in the early-1950s to buy 800 hives off a Te Aroha beekeeper.

In those days that was a lot of hives, enough to be a full-time business and he bought the lot for 22 shillings and sixpence. Today a single hive can be worth up to $1000.

Most honey collected then was predominately pasture-based, but Rons passion for variety and innovation shone through when he tracked down the source of a sweet tasting, light-coloured honey that had appeared in his hives.

They followed the bees right up into the top of the Kaimai Range to find the source, which turned out to be Tawari. Its less common today, but the Tawari tree had a flower that yielded this beautiful butterscotch-type honey.

HONEY SUPPLY

During those early years Ron worked hard building relationships with landowners and farmers through the Waikato, running hives in return for a generous supply of honey.

In todays increasingly competitive honey industry it is a tradition Neil and Wendy continue, along with making hive rental payments that provides valuable income for farmers on some of the tough hill country around the East Coast and central North Island.

Ron had also been retailing Mossops Honey around shops in the region, and in 1961 the family opened their store on the site they continue to occupy today at Tauriko.

Ever innovative, Neil, like his father Ron, was also the first beekeeper in New Zealand to commercially provide hives for kiwifruit pollination, moving eight or nine hives at a time around on his Ford V8 truck. He was a pioneer working with the families who planted the first kiwifruit in the Bay of Plenty.

KIWIFRUIT POLLINATION

Today, we cart 400-450 hives at a time on a 44 tonne truck, travelling and returning in a day to places Dad would have stayed overnight at, given how rough the roads and routes were back then, says Neil.

These days kiwifruit pollination is still an important part of the business, but not as significant given honeys increasing value.

Those honey sales expanded well in the 1980s, after Neil and Wendy bought the business from Ron in 1981. This also included their first exports.

Hong Kong was relatively easy to export to in those days and today we export to 10 countries with Asia and the United States really strong market for us, says Wendy.

Their pioneering ventures continued as the Mossops closely followed early research on Manuka honey done by the late Professor Peter Molan at Waikato University.

Until then field honey and Tawari were the main honey types; Manuka was really a bit of an unknown, seen as a bit different, says Neil.

A group of beekeepers, however, saw Manukas potential  forming the Unique Manuka Factor association, which Mossops was part of.

ANTIBACTERIAL POWER

Meanwhile, Wendy witnessed the antibacterial power of Manuka when she saw how it healed an ulcer her mother had struggled to have healed conventionally.

I saw how the skin around the ulcer was softened and that was the seed of an idea to develop a skincare range using Manuka.

But it was not until 2007 when she met a cosmetologist capable of developing a genuinely natural range of products that she saw the birth of the companys Natruel range.

The 1980s really became the decade where Manuka was discovered and better understood, she says.

Wendy and Neil recount the many challenges the business has faced during the years, from the Whakatane earthquake, to the vine disease Psa-V in kiwifruit  but perhaps the biggest one was learning varroa had infected New Zealand beehives in April 2000.

At one stage all beekeepers in the North Island were going to have to burn their hives, but fortunately that did not eventuate.

Meantime, we have learned to manage it, although it has come at significant extra cost, says Wendy. The family also dealt with the loss of their iconic store to arson attack in 2008, doubly painful as it had been the Mossop family home. Rebuilding it with a fresh new image has played a big role in giving the Mossop brand a new look and created even stronger interest in the busy state highway shop.

THIRD GENERATION

Today Wendy and Neil are proud to see their own family taking over as the third generation, with sons Ryan and Duane employed, and youngest son Joshua working alongside the business with his own bee operation, Beelieve Enterprises. Their daughter Charity has also been closely involved in the business during the years.

Wendy says their focus on providing a consistently high quality product, with minimal stirring or treatment, has lent Mossops honey a different texture to most commercial honeys and earned them many dedicated customers in New Zealand and around the world.

Meanwhile, the innovative couple are looking forward to the forthcoming launch of another honey-based product for winter, a specially developed cough elixir that promises to help ease the usual winter colds thanks to Manukas now well-known healing properties.

We feel weve been very blessed to work where we are, in the business we are in and to have our family close and involved, with plenty of challenges and opportunities for all of us to be involved in, says Wendy.



Max, 3, Asher, 9 months, and Jackson, 6, Mossop.





Imogen, 7, and Tom, 9, trying out the honey.





Myah, 8, and Chloe, 5, Collins.





Jackson Mossop, 6.


CORTLAND, NY - A two-seater aircraft crashed into a tree and then skidded across a road before coming to rest in Cortland County, deputies said today.

The incident occurred about 6 p.m. Friday, according to Cortland County Sgt. David Tobias. The two passengers inside suffered bumps and bruises, and were not hospitalized, deputies said. Their names have not yet been released.

The plane appeared to take off from somewhere in the Binghamton area, and was attempting to land on a private land strip when it went down, Tobias said. It landed along Sperry Road in the town of Freetown, he said.

Deputies and investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration are on the scene, and continue to investigate, he said. More information on what caused the crash will be released at a later time, he said.
When the society is already discussing triple talaq and the court is looking into the issue, why is the BJP unnecessarily coming in between Muslim women and their husbands. The BJP should not try to create a new vote bank, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said.

Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the Muslim community to not view the triple talaq issue from the prism of politics, the Congress accused the BJP of create a rift between Muslim women and their husbands to create a new votebank.

No other party except the BJP and its ideological mentor the RSS are trying to make political capital out of this issue, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said.

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Azad, who is also the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, said that no Muslim believed in triple talaq and the practice was adhered to as per the holy book in which certain norms and time-frame had been laid.

"When the society is already discussing this issue of triple talaq and the court is looking into it, why is the BJP unnecessarily coming in between Muslim women and their Muslim husbands. The BJP should not make attempts at creating a new vote bank," he told reporters.

POLITICS PLAYING OUT OVER TRIPLE TALAQ ISSUE When asked to react to PM Modi's statement urging Muslims not to view the issue of triple talaq from a political perspective, he alleged that it was Modi who was politicising the issue. "He is the biggest champion of politicising the issue. He is the champion and he started it. And to say not to politicise it, is itself politicising it", Azad said, adding that the prime minister must exercise restraint and rein in his partymen. Azad asked whether any other political party was seen raising the issue, except BJP and RSS. "If any other leaders have been heard speaking about the issue, that's been only in response to what the BJP is saying", Azad said. "BJP leaders and the RSS have been making this a political agenda before and during the elections. This is the agenda of the BJP and the RSS - to politicise the matter. Other parties have only responded," he said. Azad said that he did not think any Muslim believed in misusing triple talaq as it was "against Shariyat, Quran and Islam". "BJP is politicising triple talaq. It is illegal, as it does not stand in religion or in the Quran. Talaq is a long-drawn process and a time frame has been given and Muslims go by it", he said. Azad said no Muslim believed in triple talaq in one go and added that for thousands of years, ills and infirmities in various religions had existed and were corrected with the advent of time. He also cited the social evil of Sati among Hindu women, which had been eradicated over time. "People have made many interpretations and there have been several changes. Whatever is good remains and others are removed", he said. Modi expressed confidence that efforts to end the regressive practice of triple talaq would be led by "enlightened" members of the community. At a function to mark the Basava Jayanti celebrations in honour of Kannada philosopher Basaveswara, Modi referred to the 12th century reformers' movement against regressive practices to speak about triple talaq.

Also read | Don't view triple talaq through prism of politics, PM Modi appeals to Muslims

Also read | Triple talaq row: Changing wives meant to satisfy lust, says UP minister Swami Prasad Maurya

Also read | UP man threatens wife with triple talaq after birth of girl child, plans to marry again

Also read | Triple talaq: Forced to have sex with father-in-law, says Hyderabad woman divorced by husband over WhatsApp

WATCH VIDEO

--- ENDS ---
Blog_2011-12-06-jb-grid1.JPG

Ken Daly, president for New York for National Grid, poses with Melanie Littlejohn, vice president, in a 2011 photo. Daly said the utility needs a significant rate hike to continue investing in its network of pipes and wires.

(John Berry)

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Ken Daly, the president of National Grid's operations in New York state, said he sympathizes with customers who don't like the big Upstate rate hike his utility proposed today. But Daly said there are good reasons why the utility needs 23 percent more revenue - about $400 million more per year - to operate its statewide network of electric wires and natural gas pipes.

The proposal would add more than $200 a year to the average household heating and power bill -- $11.23 a month to an average residential electric bill, and $10.50 a month to the gas bill. National Grid also offers a second alternative, to spread the increase over three years, but customer costs would still go up 10 percent, the utility said.

New York Public Service Commission officials were quick to point out that National Grid's request is just a proposal. Often, regulators don't give utilities everything they ask for.

Here are three points Daly made during a phone interview today:

The Upstate utility system is old, and needs to be upgraded.

The amount of money that National Grid spends to replace aging electric and gas infrastructure continues to increase. But the company's delivery revenues have remained essentially flat for more than a decade, causing a funding gap, he said.

The utility spent $549 million on the power grid in 2016, compared with $323 million in 2008. The company proposes spending $650 million to $769 million a year from 2019 to 2021.

Natural gas is the same, he said. Capital spending on gas infrastructure increased from $58 million in 2008 to $123 million in 2016. The company proposes spending $171 million to $238 million annually in future years.

"The main driver is the age of the assets and the need to modernize,'' Daly said. "At the same time, we're making the infrastructure smarter, and better for renewables.''

As it replaces aging equipment, National Grid also plans to introduce new technology. The utility's rate proposal anticipates a six-year-long deployment of smart meters that will allow customers to exercise more control over their energy usage and costs.

National Grid also plans to boost its Upstate work force of 4,000 by adding 280 employees, most of whom will work in the field.

National Grid's rate plan includes more ratepayer-funded discounts for low-income customers.

Thousands of Upstate customers struggle to pay their utility bills. "We realize that this bill increase will be a challenge for some of them,'' Daly said.

The utility is proposing to spend $70 million a year to provide discounts and other assistance to low-income customers. That money, an increase of about $50 million, would be collected from ratepayers.

Daly said the increased spending would enable National Grid to help about 55,000 more low-income households, an increase of 45 percent over the 120,000 that currently participate in assistance programs. The extra help should be enough to make the rate increase affordable, he said.

"I'm confident that even with the rate increase, with the additional support that we're providing to customers who need it the most, we will be able to manage and make it affordable to them,'' Daly said.

Increasing assistance might not reduce the number of shutoffs, Daly said. National Grid has disconnected more than 66,000 households for nonpayment during each of the past two years. But Daly said shutoffs occur only after customers fail to work with the utility to repay what they owe.

Service termination is "not for those who can't pay the bills,'' he said. "That's for those who won't pay the bills.''

National Grid argues that healthy shareholder profits benefit everyone.



The utility is asking the PSC to set rates that include a 9.79 percent return on equity for National Grid shareholders. If the PSC opts to make a three-year deal instead, National Grid would like a 10.49 percent profit.

That's higher than the 9 percent rate of return National Grid is allowed under current rates. It's also higher than the 8.7 percent return the PSC allowed National Fuel Gas, a Buffalo-area gas utility, in a rate decision last week. The PSC slashed National Fuel's overall rate hike proposal from $41.7 million to $5.9 million.

Daly argues that a higher rate of return makes a utility attractive to both equity investors and lenders, which reduces the amount of interest the utility pays on debt. National Grid's excellent credit rating lets it borrow at just 4.32 percent interest, which helps keeps rates down, Daly said.

National Grid's requested rate of return is in line with other utilities, Daly said.

"If you look at what other companies, both in New York state and other states, have filed, that's very much in line with the other filings,'' he said. "If you look at the testimony of our experts, they believe that is the cost of equity that's appropriate for a company that's in our business line.''

Contact reporter Tim Knauss anytime | email | Twitter | 315-470-3023

Ken Daly Testimony by Tim Knauss on Scribd
Syracuse, N.Y. -- The New York State Attorney General's office has released the mugshots of 52 people busted on drugs and conspiracy charges in Operation Bricktown.

The 52 are facing charges for about 370 crimes contained in two indictments. The charges include operating as a major drug trafficker, criminal drug sale and possession and conspiracy.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced the results of the 12-month investigation Thursday in Syracuse.

About 30 of those charged are believed to belong to the Bricktown Gang, which has operated in Syracuse for more than 10 years, Schneiderman said.

Five alleged Bricktown members are facing conspiracy to commit murder charges, the attorney general's office said. Another four suspects, allegedly from a different gang, also face conspiracy to commit murder charges.

Law enforcement officials arrested the suspects on Wednesday and Thursday morning in raids across Syracuse and Cortland, Madison, Monroe and Oswego counties. Two suspects were found in Pennsylvania and Wyoming.

The suspects sold heroin and cocaine across Central New York. Officials recovered cocaine, heroin, Ecstasy pills and psychedelic mushrooms, along with handguns and a shotgun.

The attorney general's Organized Crime Task Force was assisted by the Syracuse Police, State Police, the Onondaga County District Attorney's Office, the Onondaga County Probation Department, the State Division of Parole, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the State National Guard Counterdrug Task Force.

Charley Hannagan covers breaking news, the western suburbs and transportation. Contact her anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-2161.
safesleep3.jpg.jpg

This photo shows parents placing their baby in a safe sleep environment. Baby is sleeping on its back on a firm sleep surface and there are no crib bumpers, pillows, blankets, loose bedding, or toys in the sleep area.

(Safe to Sleep)

To the Editor:

On behalf of Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, I thank the Onondaga County Child Fatality Review Team for their vital work investigating and preventing tragic child fatalities. I also offer my thanks to James T. Mulder and The Post-Standard for their coverage of this important issue ("How unsafe sleep conditions killed 31 Onondaga County infants," April 24, 2017).

We join the Review Team in urging all parents to follow safe sleep recommendations. Babies should sleep on their backs on a firm surface without soft toys, blankets or pillows. Babies should never sleep with parents or other children.

At Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, we work directly with over a thousand Central New York families to educate parents and prevent situations that can result in accidental infant death. Our Lullaby League course educates new parents to help them create safe, nurturing environments for their children. Parenting classes support healthy family relationships. Our staff visit families in their homes to ensure children are being properly cared for. Through these programs and more, we are dedicated to working with families and the community to increase child safety and help children flourish.



Michael F. Melara

Executive Director

Catholic Charities of Onondaga County
trump1

Sean Farmer, 4, of North Syracuse, attends the Trump's First 100 days rally in Syracuse with his mother, Sara. More than 50 people attended the rally Saturday.

(Photo by Elizabeth Doran)

SYRACUSE, NY - More than 50 Trump supporters gathered Saturday along Erie Boulevard in Syracuse to celebrate President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office.

Supporters held up Trump/Pence signs and "Honk for Trump" as they stood outside Onondaga County Republican headquarters in Syracuse. Numerous vehicles honked and people leaned out their windows to cheer as they drove by.

"Trump has gotten so much accomplished in the first 100 days that we wanted to celebrate,'' said Randy Potter, who helped organize the rally. "He has saved hundreds of jobs and is fostering a business climate where companies can thrive."

Potter said he's also happy about Trump's "measured response" when it comes to foreign policy.

Corey Kinsella dressed up as Donald Trump, and posed alongside Sean Farmer, 4, at the rally for Trump's first 100 days in office in Syracuse.

Rosalie Vassar of North Syracuse agreed. "I'm excited about everything Trump has done, and he's already corrected a lot of errors from the previous administration especially when it comes to business.

"Trump's heart is in America, and he wants to bring jobs back,'' she said.

Numerous rallies and protests were being organized in Central New York this weekend to mark Trump's first 100 days in office.

Several miles away, more than 500 people held signs, sang "This Land is Your Land" and paraded from Franklin Square to the Inner Harbor as part of the "People's Climate March."

People's Climate March in Syracuse Saturday. Hundreds marched from Franklin Square to the Inner Harbor.

The march is among hundreds being held nationwide to draw attention to Trump's proposals to make budget cuts in climate change programs, roll back environmental regulations, and cut programs and staff at the Environmental Protection Agency.

Marchers held up signs saying "Fund Science, not Fossil Fuels," "There is no Alternative Planet" and more.

"We're scared about the changes the administration is trying to implement,'' said Kathy Snyder of Sherrill. "I have four grandchildren, and I want them to live in a planet that's safe."

Snyder said she's opposed to the changes and cuts Trump wants to make to the EPA.

Snyder was joined by hundreds of people who marched to the Inner Harbor to show support, and listen to speakers.

Michael Messina-Wauchzy said the Dream Freedom Resistant Group is participating in the march to show solidarity.

"Climate change is real,'' he said. "It's not an option to ignore it."
Lead Tainted Town EPA Chief

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt speaks at a news conference Wednesday, April 19, 2017, in East Chicago, Ind.

(AP Photo/Teresa Crawford)

WASHINGTON - The Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday evening that its website would be "undergoing changes" to better represent the new direction the agency is taking, triggering the removal of several agency websites containing detailed climate data and scientific information.

One of the websites that appeared to be gone had been cited to challenge statements made by the EPA's new administrator, Scott Pruitt. Another provided detailed information on the previous administration's Clean Power Plan, including fact sheets about greenhouse gas emissions on the state and local levels and how different demographic groups were affected by such emissions.

"As EPA renews its commitment to human health and clean air, land, and water, our website needs to reflect the views of the leadership of the agency," J.P. Freire, the agency's associate administrator for public affairs, said in a statement. "We want to eliminate confusion by removing outdated language first and making room to discuss how we're protecting the environment and human health by partnering with states and working within the law."

The agency also said it would carefully archive pages from the past administration.

The change was approved by Pruitt, according to an individual familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, to avoid a conflict between the site's content and the policies the administration is now pursuing.

The staffer described the process of reviewing the site as "a work in progress, but we can't have information which contradicts the actions we have taken in the last two months," adding that Pruitt's aides had "found a number of instances of that so far" while surveying the site.

Yet the website overhaul appears to include not only policy-related changes but also scrutiny of a scientific Web page that has existed for nearly two decades, and that explained what climate change is and how it worked.

The EPA's extensive climate change website now redirects to a page that says "this page is being updated" and that "we are currently updating our website to reflect EPA's priorities under the leadership of President Trump and Administrator Pruitt." It also links to a full archive of how the page used to look on Jan. 19, before Trump's inauguration.

The EPA's Friday press statement did not explicitly refer to changes affecting this site, but it did say that "content related to climate and regulation is also under review."

The archived EPA climate page notes, in a key section under the "causes of climate change," that "Recent climate changes, however, cannot be explained by natural causes alone. Research indicates that natural causes do not explain most observed warming, especially warming since the mid-20th century. Rather, it is extremely likely that human activities have been the dominant cause of that warming."

It is this language, when the site was still up, that directly contradicted Pruitt. Pruitt had argued on CNBC last month that "measuring with precision human activity on the climate is something very challenging to do and there's tremendous disagreement about the degree of impact, so no, I would not agree that it's a primary contributor to the global warming that we see."

The EPA's climate change website stated otherwise, and did so by citing findings of the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

There had been reports early in the Trump administration that the EPA climate change website was set to be taken down, but in the end it did not happen immediately.

The page contains scientific explanations of climate change and its causes and consequences, and has existed in one form or another since at least 1997. At that time it was called the agency's Global Warming site.

"If you are looking for information on "climate change," "the greenhouse effect," or "global warming, " you've come to the right place," it declared in August 1997. "At this web site you will find information pertaining to the science of global warming; current and projected impacts of global warming; international and U.S. Government policies and programs; opportunities for individuals and corporations to help stop global warming (and in many cases, save money, too!); state and local actions that help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions; and, easy ways to obtain more information by fax, email and electronic order form."

The site has long served an informational role and sought to provide a comprehensive review of basic climate science, the effects of climate change, and how it is affecting the United States. In addition it contained information about the agency's approach to climate change and how people could take steps to lower their own contributions to climate change.

However, the site has run into political headwinds before. Under President George W. Bush, updates to the site were frozen and then required to undergo White House review. However, this process did not lead to substantive changes in scientific content.

"The EPA's climate site includes important summaries of climate science and indicators that clearly and unmistakably explain and document the impacts we are having on our planet," said Katharine Hayhoe, a climate scientist at Texas Tech University, in response to the website change.

"It's hard to understand why facts require revision," she continued.

In its press statement, the EPA said that when it comes to website changes, "the first page to be updated is a page reflecting President Trump's Executive Order on Energy Independence, which calls for a review of the so-called Clean Power Plan."

That site, www.epa.gov/cleanpowerplan, now redirects to www.epa.gov/Energy-Independence, which features an image of President Trump signing an executive order aimed at dismantling the power plant rule and other Obama-era climate regulations.

In the press statement, the EPA said that "language associated with the Clean Power Plan, written by the last administration, is out-of-date."

A group that has been closely monitoring government environmental and science websites for changes in the Trump years, the Environmental Data and Governance Initiative, had a cautious reaction to the changes.

"The clear communication by the EPA notifying of the impending website overhaul is good transparency practice, but it remains to be seen how information and information access will change as the EPA site is updated," said Toly Rinberg, a member of the group's website tracking committee.

Several career EPA employees, who asked for anonymity out of fear of retribution, said they were not briefed in advance about the decision to alter the agency's site.

"People are obviously unhappy," one employee said. "It is, in my opinion, the best climate education website out there."

David Doniger, director of the climate and clean air program for the advocacy group Natural Resources Defense Council, tweeted Friday, "Cleansing has begun. EPA website scrubbed of pages on "so-called" Clean Power Plan. Now only alternative facts."

Another EPA website, documenting climate change "indicators" across the United States, remained up on Saturday.
Students of Christian Brothers Academy celebrated Friday evening at the DoubleTree Hotel in East Syracuse. Their junior prom's theme was "A Night in Wonderland."

Above is our gallery of photos from the event.

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Check out all our photo galleries from proms, senior balls, and other formals around Central New York. See all prom photo galleries and stories on Syracuse.com






Wardel Davis' death during an in-custody struggle with Buffalo police in February has been ruled a homicide by the Erie County medical examiner, two sources close to the case confirmed Friday.

An autopsy showed the 20-year-old man's death was brought on by his respiratory ailment, the sources said.

Officers Todd C. McAlister and Nicholas J. Parisi stopped Davis on the night of Feb. 7 after they spotted him leaving a known drug house on the West Side.

He tried to flee from them on Hoyt Street, leading to a physical encounter. At some point, Davis stopped breathing during the struggle, according to the police account of what happened.

The Erie County medical examiner ruled Wardel "Meech" Davis' death a homicide. Posted by The Buffalo News on Friday, April 28, 2017

The autopsy results have been sent to the New York State Attorney General's Office, which is conducting an independent investigation into the death.

"Our hearts go out to Mr. Davis' family. We are committed to conducting a full, fair and comprehensive independent investigation, which is still ongoing at this time," said Amy Spitalnick, a spokeswoman for the Attorney General's Office.

The spokesperson said the office would not comment further until its investigation is completed.

Attorney Steven M. Cohen, who represents the woman Davis was engaged to, could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon.

Thomas H. Burton, the attorney representing McAlister, said the medical examiner's findings show "there was no criminal behavior by these two officers."

The medical examiner found "an overlay of acute bronchitis and severe asthma triggered during the struggle with the two officers," Burton said. "There was no way either one of them could know the person they were trying to arrest suffered from hidden but nonetheless serious medical problems."

A forensic determination of "homicide" does not equal murder, Burton said.

"There's a fundamental difference between the strict, forensic definition of a homicide -- a death with the involvement of another human being -- versus a penal law homicide where there is wrongful or evil intent," Burton said. "Those two terms are different depending on the context."

Law enforcement sources say they do not know how the medical examiner's ruling will affect the state's investigation.

Under a 2015 executive ordered by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, the attorney general investigates cases of civilian deaths involving police.

Davis' girlfriend previously said he was not feeling well that night and had planned to go the hospital. She said he had asthma but did not appear gravely ill.

Davis exchanged text messages with a friend a half-hour before his fatal encounter with the two Buffalo officers, The Buffalo News previously reported.

The text message exchange, in which Davis informed his friend that he was having trouble breathing, also is part of the state's investigation into Davis' death, a source told The News.

The medical examiner's ruling deals with the medical aspects of Davis' death. The state investigation focuses on whether the police officers committed a crime.

- Lou Michel, The Buffalo News, N.Y.
ALBANY -- A student team from Syracuse University won the $100,000 grand prize in this year's New York Business Plan Competition held Friday at SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Albany.

The student startup competition is in its eighth year and gives out $500,000 in cash and additional business services to the winners. SEFCU, the Albany-based credit union, is the title sponsor of the event, which is hosted by SUNY Poly and the University at Albany.

This year's final round featured 103 student teams from across the state, including many from the Capital Region. The winning team from Syracuse was led by Joshua Aviv, the founder and CEO of a startup called SparkCharge that is developing a portable electric vehicle battery charger that can fit in the trunk of a car or be stored in a building.

In addition to the grand prize, SparkCharge also won a $10,000 first-place prize for the clean technology category, one of six categories including advanced technology, social entrepreneurship/nonprofit, information technology/software, products, and services. NYSERDA, the state's renewable energy development agency, sponsored the clean tech category.

Second-place winners for each category were also given $5,000, and third-place winners received $1,500.

Although no Capital Region student teams posted first- or second-place finishes, a student team from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy running a startup called Sanguine Diagnostics won third place in the advanced technology category.

Also, students from Hudson Valley Community College in Troy were part of a student team with students from the University at Buffalo and Clarkson University that won the Undergraduate Excellence Award in the product category. That team won for a startup called StairSafe.

Since the competition began in 2010, more than 2,100 student teams from 75 colleges and universities in the state have been awarded more than $2.3 million in cash and services.

- Larry Rulison, Times Union, Albany, N.Y.
Elon Musks car company Tesla has opened a new shop in Grand Arcade, alongside 16 other UK stores in London, Birmingham and Manchester. In the former Jack Jones shop, customers can see its award-winning Model S and Model X cars in person.

With more than three million people worldwide coming through Tesla retail locations every year, our aim is to interact with potential customers and have them learn about our cars from Tesla product specialists before they have decided which new car to buy, a spokesman told Cambridge News.

The company prides itself on its in-house product specialists, and unlike a traditional dealership, encourages customers to ask about electric cars in general, and be answered.

Teslas all-electric Model S was launched in June 2012, and has been described as the first fully electric sedan and an evolution in automotive engineering that combines performance, safety, and efficiency". It features a five-door, luxury liftback, and, to date, its P100D variant has the fastest acceleration of any production vehicle.

Its Model X SUV is significantly larger, whilst weighing only 8% more than the Model S, and is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 kmh in 3.2 seconds. It also boasts an auto-sensing front door, which automatically opens as you approach the vehicle.

"Tesla's mission is to accelerate the world towards sustainable energy. Model S and Model X are revolutionary 100 per cent electric vehicles with unprecedented range and equipped with the latest technology, the News reports.
The Cambridge city council issued a warning about Caesarian Sunday, which will happen tomorrow April 30th on Jesus Green. We have issued an open letter on Caesarian Sunday to the university and to the student union trying to persuade them to be intervening more powerfully," says Cllr Lewis Herbert, leader of Cambridge City Council.

Herbert added, I dont think it is acceptable to leave mess in public places and expect local people to pay for it. Theres also the threat to the safety of people who take part. For this event to carry on, it has to be properly organised. If it is good enough to carry on as a tradition, why cant they find space in the university grounds for it? Cambridge News reports.

Following events transpired over past years, such as one student in a sheep costume being set on fire last year, the council warns, "If there is evidence of antisocial behaviour, or officers have to spend time cleaning up mess after the event, we will take all necessary steps to ensure that this event is banned from our public spaces in future years."

In addition, senior tutors from multiple colleges have advised students to steer clear of Jesus Green on May 1st, urging them to avoid the infamous activities of Caesarean Sunday.

In an email sent to students at Jesus College, signed by the Master, Head Porter, Senior Tutor and Dean warned of the notoriety of previous Caesarean Sundays.

It said that inappropriate behaviour of students and former students has caused offence to members of the public and harmed relations with the local community, as well as risking the well-being of students.

The event traditionally takes place on the Sunday of the May bank holiday, and sees students congregating on Jesus Green for a day of heavy drinking.

It is a major event for Cambridge drinking societies, and is known for the rowdy activities that ensue. Last year, a fresher from one of the drinking societies, who was dressed in a sheep costume made of cotton wool, suffered severe burns after being set alight by another student.

In recent years, press photographers have documented the days hedonistic activities, resulting in negative press coverage for both students and the University. Jesus students were warned that such coverage resulted in embarrassment for individual students and generated negative publicity for Jesus College and other parts of the Collegiate University.

St Johns College have also exhorted students to stay away from the event, threatening that participation should lead to exclusion from College accommodation or a ban on attending the College May Ball.

The event is regarded as the last opportunity to let off steam before gruelling finals. Legend has it that it began more than 100 years ago when a member of the Green Giants drinking society at Girton stole a bottle of Pimms from a Caesarian, sparking a fight between both colleges.
Digital security is a matter of personal responsibility, but for a determined and resourceful con artist, even the tightest of securities can be spoofed. Just ask Google and Facebook.

The two tech companies fell prey to a phishing scam that managed to steal over $100 million. A Lithuanian man was indicted for impersonating a company that did bogus business with two then-undisclosed companies, which turned out to be Facebook and Google.

'A Fraudulent Scheme'

In March, the U.S. Department of Justice charged a Lithuanian man named Evaldas Rimasauskas "for orchestrating a fraudulent business email compromise scheme that induced two U.S.-based internet companies." The identities of the two tech companies, Facebook and Google, were revealed in an exclusive report.

When the court decision came down, the identities of the companies were wrapped in mystery. However, the U.S. DOJ dropped some hints in its description of the victims in its official press release. One company (Victim-1) was described as a "multinational technology company, specializing in internet-related services and products, with headquarters in the United States."

The other company (Victim-2) was as "a multinational corporation providing online social media and networking services" also based in the United States. The report said that multiple sources identified the social media company as Facebook.

When reached for a comment, Facebook admitted that it was a party to the fraud case, having sought help to recover the money stolen from them.

"Facebook recovered the bulk of the funds shortly after the incident and has been cooperating with law enforcement in its investigation," said Facebook in an email response.

Google, for its part, also acknowledged that it too fell victim to the phishing scam. The company admitted that it "detected this fraud against our vendor management team." The company immediately alerted the authorities.

The Scam

In 2013, Rimasauskas used an elaborate scheme that he ran for two years. He first spoofed the identity of an "Asian-based computer hardware manufacturer" that does regular business with Facebook and Google. This Asian company turned out to be Quanta Computer, a Taiwanese manufacturer.

Then he sent emails to "employees and agents of the victim companies," instructing them to transfer money to him as part of supposed business transactions. Quanta maintains bank accounts in Latvia and Cyprus, but instead of transferring to these accounts, he managed to divert it to his own bank accounts. The amount ballooned to over $100 million, which he stashed away in several accounts in countries such as Latvia, Cyprus, Slovakia, Lithuania, Hungary, as well as Hong Kong.

Moreover, according to the DOJ, Rimasauskas forged invoices, contracts, and letters that "falsely appeared to have been executed and signed by executives and agents" by the victim companies.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Brineura (cerliponase alfa) to treat a specific form of Batten Disease, a condition that typically starts between 2 and 4 years of age.

Batten Disease

The newly approved drug is for the CLN2 disease, a type of a set of diseases known as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), or collectively called Batten disease. CLN2 is a rare and inherited condition that affects the nervous system.

The condition is characterized by language delay, difficulty in coordinating movements (ataxia), and recurring seizures (epilepsy). Children who have this condition also suffer from eventual vision loss and muscle twitches.

The disease affects a person's essential motor skills, which include sitting and walking. Those who suffer from this condition typically need to use a wheelchair by late childhood. Those afflicted do not often survive past their teen years. The condition is relatively rare, occurring in about two to four in every 100,000 births in the United States.

First Approved Treatment For CLN2

Brineura is an enzyme replacement therapy. Cerliponase alfa, its active ingredient, is a laboratory-developed form of the human enzyme TPP1, which is deficient in people with CLN2 disease.

Emily de Los Reyes, from Nationwide Children's Hospital who is also principal investigator of the clinical studies, said that FDA's announcement offers patients of Batten disease and their families hope. The drug is the first approved treatment for the condition since it was first described more than a century ago.

"The FDA is committed to approving new and innovative therapies for patients with rare diseases, particularly where there are no approved treatment options," said Julie Beitz of FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "Approving the first drug for the treatment of this form of Batten disease is an important advance for patients suffering with this condition."

A healthcare professional is required to administer the treatment, which needs to be made under sterile conditions to minimize risks of infection. It involves getting the enzyme replacement drug directly into the cerebrospinal fluid using a surgically implanted reservoir.

Side Effects Of The Treatment

In clinical studies involving 24 children between 3 and 8 years old with CLN2 disease, the most common side effects were fever, vomiting, heart problems, seizures, headache, and irritability.

The drug has not been evaluated in patients below the age of 3. As a condition for the approval, health regulators required the manufacturer to evaluate the drug in younger patients and to conduct a study over a period of not less than 10 years to identify the long-term health effects of the treatment.

"Treating children with CLN2 disease requires an extraordinary amount of collaboration between families, hospitals, advocates and physicians. We are grateful for the partnership of all those involved and look forward to continuing to work together to make Brineura accessible to children who may benefit," said Jean-Jacques Bienaime, chairman and chief executive officer of BioMarin.

Cost

BioMarin said that the enzyme replacement therapy will cost $27,000 for each biweekly infusion, which is equivalent to $702,000 per year.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Say you're a gaming company that released a brand-new console, a throwback to one of your old hits. Suppose it became an instant rousing hit to the point where a lot of people went out of their way to snag one from any store that had it.

This is great, right? People actually want your product, a demand which you had not expected from the get-go.

What would you do? Keep producing the said console, of course. Keep the consumers happy; give them what they want. If you're Nintendo, however, you're going to kill that product off completely and phase it out of the market all of a sudden. Unfortunately, this is a true story.

Nintendo released the NES Classic Edition back in November, to overwhelming fanfare. Stocks couldn't keep up with demand, so greedy scalpers were setting up shop on eBay, selling units with insane markup prices. Nintendo could have combated this by releasing more units. But no. It had to kill it.

"We had originally planned for this to be a product for last holiday," Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's boss, told Time. "We just didn't anticipate how incredible the response would be."

Nintendo Sold 2.3 Million NES Classic Edition Units

Once it realized that demand went far beyond its expectations, Nintendo added shipments and extended the product for as long as it could. For what was meant to be a holiday product, the NES Classic Edition sold 2.3 million units. That is an impressive number, chiefly for two reasons: first, it's not a new console. Second, with enough knowhow, you can make a console exactly like it using a Raspberry Pi.

It's baffling, to say the least, that a company who knows it's home to some of the biggest gaming icons doesn't know how strong of a pull its classic games have. But of course, Nintendo might actually be coming clean. Maybe the NES Classic Edition was truly meant to be optional, and with the Switch on the way, it couldn't afford to risk producing more NES Classic units that it had originally planned.

To that end, Nintendo apologizes for frustrated gamers baffled by its decision to kill the NES Classic Edition.

It's easy to understand why they're upset: the little plaything is the perfect mini console: it comes in this palm-sized NES enclosure, has a legitimate NES controller, and comes preinstalled with 30 games. All this for $60.

Why Nintendo Killed The NES Classic Edition

So why did it kill the NES Classic Edition? Well, Fils-Aime says that producing more of it just didn't fit the company's future plans.

"We've got a lot going on right now and we don't have unlimited resources."

SNES Classic Edition On The Way?

So now with the NES Classic Edition officially dead, Nintendo has two options: one, it could forget that this supply-and-demand charade ever happened, or two, it could release an SNES Classic Edition.

Rumors support this possibility. It makes sense, especially now when Nintendo knows how far people will go to get classic versions of its past consoles. It has to hope, however, that people aren't still upset come time they release it.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
It has been speculated for a while if NASA's Space Launch System rocket would launch as planned in November 2018, or whether the space agency would delay the same.

On Thursday, April 27, a NASA official confirmed in a letter that the rumors of the delay were true and that the SLS rocket would miss its 2018 launch date.

The official affirmed that the launch date of the SLS rocket was postponed to 2019. However, the space agency did not detail the exact time window for the rocket's proposed launch.

The Delay

According to a new audit the Government Accountability Office performed, NASA lacks the funding and resources to pull off a November 2018 launch. The GAO's audit also revealed that apart from the unavailability of money and time, NASA is also facing a string of technical problems which is causing the agency further issues in maintaining the initial launch timeframe.

The GAO asked the agency to draft a report to Congress, letting them know whether NASA would be able to launch the SLS rocket on time. On Thursday, the associate administrator for human exploration at NASA, Bill Gerstenmaier, confirmed what many had already predicted  the SLS rocket launch would be delayed to 2019.

"We agree with the GAO that maintaining a November 2018 launch readiness date is not in the best interest of the program, and we are in the process of establishing a new target in 2019," Gerstenmaier stated.

What Seems To Be The Problem?

NASA is working on three different programs that are essential for the SLS launch. These include the rocket itself, a crew capsule called Orion, and the exploration ground systems or EGS at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. The GAO audit uncovered that each of these programs were facing certain challenges, which greatly reduced their chances of being ready by November 2018.

The GAO report stated that the Orion capsule's European Service Module was delayed, which caused an overall deferral of the program.

When it comes to the SLS rocket, NASA had to stop work on it for some time as the welding on its body faced certain issues. However, the work on the rocket resumed in April.

The EGS, on the other hand, would require hardware installation and testing. This would increase the complexity of the program and possibly take up more time.

The Future Of SLS

NASA will now move forward with the new targeted launch window, but will have to fix all the issues that have plagued its plans. The first journey of the rocket is supposed to be unmanned, but some rumors indicate that the agency is also trying to send humans to space. However, NASA has not confirmed these speculations.

Sending a manned crew on the very first SLS mission would likely cause further complications and delay, neither of which NASA needs at present.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Chinese Submarines now Arm the Navies of Pakistan, Thailand and Bangladesh

By Arthur Dominic J. Villasanta , | April 28, 2017

Type 039A boat.

Over the past year, China has closed multi-billion dollar deals to provide very quiet diesel-electric submarines to the Royal Thai Navy; the Pakistan Navy and the Bangladesh Navy.



Most of the submarines sold to these countries are the export version of China's Type 039A diesel-electric submarine (SSK), whose designation is S-20. The NATO reporting name for the Type 039A, which is also referred to as the Type 041, is the Yuan-class.



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Chinese state-controlled media said Chinese submarines "are relatively cheap but offer advanced technology and designs." It also noted the Chinese subs can be modified to meet customers' requirements, "making them more competitive in the global market."



China seems particularly pleased with the sale of three Type 039A boats to the Royal Thai Navy, a deal worth over $1.04 billion that was closed last January. These submarines have been designated S26T by the Royal Thai Navy.



The Thai government said the purchase had been approved on April 18, and a budget of $393 million was set aside for the first S26T submarine, which will be delivered between 2017 to 2021. The second and third submarines will be purchased from 2022 to 2028.



The Pakistan Navy will acquire eight modified diesel-electric attack submarines from China by 2028, and the deal was estimated to be worth about $5 billion.



In April 2015, Pakistan approved purchase of eight S-20s for $5 billion. Four of the submarines will be built in Pakistan with Chinese technical assistance and four in China. China will deliver four of the boats by 2023 with the other four by 2028.



The S-20 displaces about 2,300 tons, but air independent propulsion (AIP) isn't standard with the submarines bought by Pakistan. AIP doesn't require a separate oxygen supply, an advantage that allows SSKs with AIP to stay underwater for up to four weeks without using snorkels to recharge their batteries.



Reports in Pakistani media, however, claim the Pakistan Navy's S-20s will have AIP since the navy's Agosta 90B submarines have the technology.



The Bangladesh Navy in November 2016 took delivery of two refurbished Type 035 (Ming)-class diesel-electric submarines. These obsolete boats were built in China from 1962 to 1984.


By Press Trust of India: Hyderabad, Apr 28 (PTI) Customs officials today foiled three separate gold smuggling bids at the international airport here and seized foreign-make gold worth over Rs 36 lakh from three persons, an official said.

Based on specific intelligence, the officers of the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) seized 1,236 grams of gold in the form of chains and kadas (bracelet), valued at Rs 36,09,120, in three different cases, he said.

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The three passengers from whom the gold was seized had arrived in separate flights from the US via Abu Dhabi and from Dubai via Abu Dhabi, the official said, adding they were carrying the gold ornaments without declaring them.

Further investigation is underway, he added. PTI VVK NSK BAS

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The Republican Party snatched three seats in the U.S. House of Representatives this Tuesday in Florida, so far in the hands of the Democratic Party, becoming the first to change political... | Read More
Under the Bhagya Laxmi Yojana, those earning less than Rs 2 lakh per annum will be eligible to get a bond of Rs 50,000 on the birth of a girl chil.

By Rajat Rai: The newly-appointed chief minister Adityanath Yogi is planning to give a bond of Rs 50,000 on the birth of a girl child and Rs 5,100 to the mother.

Those living under Below Poverty Line or those earning less than Rs 2 lakh per annum will be eligible for the scheme and the women welfare department is finalising the blue print under the Bhagya Laxmi Yojana.MONEY FOR GIRL CHILD

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"As the girl grows, her parents will start getting the money. Like, when a girl reaches Class 6, the parents will get Rs3,000 followed by Rs5,000 in Class 8, Rs7,000 in Class 10 and Rs8,000 in class 12. Subsequently, parents will receive Rs2 lakh by the time, the girl reaches the age of 21 years," Sharma informed.

PROGRESS REPORT

The CM is also set to present his progress report after his government completes 100 days in office.

"The presentation of all the departments ended today and the CM has directed all the ministers concerned to release a white paper. All the ministers have been made district incharges who will make ground level assessment in connection with the 100-day agenda regarding the schemes of the state and the central government," cabinet minister Shrikant Sharma said.

The main focus will be on electricity, roads, health, education, agriculture issues, etc. "Every minister has been given the responsibility of two districts and have been instructed to pay surprise visits to their departments concerned. Negligence will not be tolerated and erring officers will be sent to jail under our zero tolerance policy. The ministers will hand over their reports after 100 days following which, the government will presents its report card," Sharma said. "The CM could make a surprise call to any of these officers between 9am to 6pm. If the officer has to leave the district for any work, he or she will have to inform the CM office in advance," he added.

Also ReadUP school wants students to sport Yogi-like haircut, say no to beards and shun 'love jihad'

--- ENDS ---
ALBANY  Held captive by the Japanese during World War II, Florence Ebersole Smith Finch was tortured and forced to curl up in a 2-foot-by-4-foot box.

She endured by repeatedly telling herself: "I will survive."

"And my goodness, she did," said her daughter, Betty Murphy, of Ithaca, New York, where Finch, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, will be buried Saturday with full military honors. She died Dec. 8 at age 101.

The burial ceremony will be a fitting tribute for the Philippines-born American who joined the U.S. Coast Guard in the war's final weeks after enduring months of cruelty at the hands of the Japanese when she was caught steering supplies to Filipino guerrillas and American POWs.

After the war, Finch was awarded the Medal of Freedom, one of the nation's highest civilian honors.

Finch was born in the Philippines in 1915 to an American military officer and his Filipino wife. According the Coast Guard, Finch was working as a secretary for U.S. Army intelligence in Manila when the Japanese invaded the Philippines soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

After American and Filipino forces surrendered in May 1942, Finch hid her American background and instead passed herself off as a Filipino citizen to avoid being placed in prison camps with other American civilians.

Landing a secretarial job with a Japanese-controlled fuel distribution company, she managed to direct supplies to the Filipino resistance movement as well as food and medicine to POWs, including the Army officer who was her former boss in the intelligence office.

She was caught in October 1944, around the time American forces started retaking the Philippines. Despite being tortured with electricity and forced to spend weeks in a confined space that forced her into a squatting position, Finch never divulged the information her interrogators sought, Murphy said.

"She was down on her haunches basically every day, and only fed a bowl of rice gruel per day," the daughter said.

Finch weighed 80 pounds when freed by American forces in early 1945. She decided to move to Buffalo, where her aunt lived. That July she joined the Coast Guard's Women's Reserve in part, she said at the time, to avenge the death of her husband, Charles Smith, an American sailor who was killed in action in the Philippines in February 1942.

After the war, she married Robert Finch, an Army veteran from Brooklyn, and the couple settled in Ithaca, where she worked as a secretary at Cornell University while raising two children, Betty and Bob, who now lives in Denver.

In 1995, the Coast Guard commemorated the 50th anniversary of the end of WWII by naming an administrative building in Hawaii in her honor. Until then, few people in Ithaca knew about her wartime experiences.

"Her friends were flabbergasted," Murphy said. "They had no idea that was her history."
Professor Peter Doherty, a highly respected immunologist and Australia's eighth Nobel Laureate in science, argued that there had never been a more desperate need for a clear understanding of what is happening with, for example, the atmosphere, oceans and climate.

In Melbourne, two Nobel Prize winners addressed the crowd, each stressing that while the issues at stake were apolitical, there was an urgent need for action to combat the major threats to the global culture of science and robust scientific research.

Last weekend's protest march in support of science and research saw more than 3000 people in Melbourne supporting thousands more around Australia and tens of thousands in the US and elsewhere including Brazil and Chile. There were plenty of jokes at their own expense, such as battle cries of "nerds rule", but the message at the heart of this action was deadly serious: many in the global scientific community feel that they and their work are under threat.

The banners and placards were the first sign this was not your average protest: "science not silence", "yes to evidence-based policy and peer review", "science doesn't care what you believe, it cares about facts".

He pointed to the need for research-based evidence to combat the agendas of powerful vested interests, particularly in the fossil fuel and coastal real estate sectors.

Former science minister Barry Jones told those gathered that politics today was being guided by "fake news" and "alternative facts"  as coined by US President Donald Trump's senior adviser Kellyanne Conway  and a short electoral cycle. "It's driven by opinions rather than knowledge. Politicians no longer ask if it's true; rather, whether it will sell."

The march for science began in the US where scientists, many of whom typically stay out of both political debate and the protest movement, were alarmed by the comments of Donald Trump, for example disparaging climate change as a hoax and casting doubt on the safety of vaccines. Their fears deepened after the election when the new President appointed cabinet members who seemed hostile to the sciences and proposed a budget with severe cuts for agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency, which faces a 31 per cent funding cut.

One of the speakers at a US march said the closest parallel to Saturday's protests were the demonstrations for nuclear disarmament in the 1950s and '60s, when thousands of scientists went public with their fears, marching against the use of science to build weapons of mass destruction.

In Australia, many of those in the science and research community are feeling the same sense of alarm. Here too, we have examples of vested interests trying to trash decades of robust, peer-reviewed scientific evidence in favour of alarmist conspiracy theories in areas such as vaccinations, fluoridation and climate science. Much of this is obvious nonsense, such as Pauline Hanson's recent claim that parents could do a test to see if their children would be allergic to vaccinations  a claim almost immediately rejected by medical and scientific authorities, and for which she later apologised.
Condemned for doing the right thing The delusional Liberals lined up against the underperforming Kelly O'Dwyer for her support of long-overdue reforms to superannuation tax concessions is clearly a manifestation of allthat is wrong with the Coalition today. Neil Hudson, East Melbourne Irritable old white man? Just the ticket Of course Kelly O'Dwyer has to go. And if she can't be replaced by a man, at least let her replacement be chosen by old white men. Men (mostly old and white) are doing such a great job running churches, governments, the Australian Olympic Committee, TV companies and the list goes on. We don't want or need diversity in any shape or form.

Belinda Burke, Hawthorn THE FORUM Out of touch with rich Politicians are often accused of being "out of touch". Well, I have an admission to make. I am also out of touch  with the wealthy. I seem to have no empathy for their sense of well-being that can only come with wealth acquisition. I don't understand their joy in being able to choose what rent they can charge their tenants in their numerous negatively geared residences, nor can I understand how difficult it must be when choosing between prestigious and expensive cars, and their distress in not being able to minimise their income to ensure zero is paid to the Australian Tax Office. Yes, I admit to being out of touch with the well-off and I apologise to the conservative politicians who govern for themselves (and so they should). Graham Answerth, Mt Toolebewong

What's good for us My local newspaper has further enlightened me about Australian values. Apparently Chinese millionaires and billionaires are jetting in to the eastern suburbs on "property buying jaunts". In China, land cannot be owned; the government sells it on 99-year leases. Here, these fly-in-fly-out investors spend less than a week, snapping up luxury homes, off-the-plan apartments and even farms. A former Whitehorse councillor, "well-connected" in the local Chinese community, says this is good for us: "The more rich people that come, the better they can help to build the community." Presumably, that would be as absentee landlords. Joan Reilly, Surrey Hills Unappealing menu I'm wondering if the new citizenship test will be conducted at the same pub where other public policy testing is conducted? It would be an interesting pub to visit, though I am not sure how appealing the menus would be.

Andrew Denne, Sandy Bay, Tas Language below par Peter Dutton wants to increase the standard of English for citizenship but his English is below par. He has twice misused the verb "cower", telling Sky News: "I'm not going to be cowered into a different position when I know what I've said to be the truth." Barbara Trauer, Northcote Interference an outrage

Amazon has no right to resist efforts to unionise its workforce ("Unions vow to take on Amazon", 23/4). If workers wish to join a union and have third-party representation that is their business alone. Interference in the rights of workers to act collectively is an outrage and should be resisted by those who believe fair and reasonable working conditions for all are a vital part of the Australian way of life. Colin Smith, Murrumbeena Silence is deafening Julie Bishop and Malcolm Turnbull might have missed it, but the US tested a nuclear launch missile from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California last Wednesday. It was a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, of which the US has about 400 armed with nuclear warheads, in addition to their thousands of other nuclear weapons. The test was worthy of some of that outrage directed to North Korea, but Australia was silent, as befits our status as a clanging echo of Washington. If Bishop and Turnbull were genuinely concerned about peace, they would be urging diplomatic talks with North Korea, and de-escalation of this crisis. Australia would also be joining, rather than opposing, UN talks to prohibit all nuclear weapons.

Sue Wareham, Cook, ACT Accolades in waiting Whoever can negotiate a peaceful resolution with North Korea and avert a war should be celebrated as a hero who saved potentially millions of lives. We'll hold ticker tape parades and build statues in his/her honour and name a public holiday after them. Will never happen. James Jasper, Yarraville Speak from the heart

Another Anzac Day; another march down a main street; another reminder of its importance to communities large and small. And another evening of news highlights of commemoration ceremonies around the world, each with a few seconds of senior military officers and politicians giving keynote speeches. And every single one read from a prepared text, with their eyes and mouth directed to the lectern rather than to the listeners. Are they incapable of speaking from the heart? Nick Jans, Marysville Limits to compassion The mention of women's suffering in war used to be met with howls of outrage. Now the phrase "Lest We Forget" used in conjunction with Manus, Nauru, Syria and Palestine has provoked vehement criticism. Politicians who recently pushed for changes to free speech legislation have been vocal in their condemnation. It seems the phrase has become contentious if linked with other arenas of conflict. The phrase is taken from the poem "Recessional" by Rudyard Kipling, which he composed for the occasion of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897 and was not concerned with war. Might we not widen our sphere of compassion? Well may we remember other suffering individuals. Anne Tan, Forest Hill

A line to outside world The article "Inside Parkville, in their own words" (News, 23/4) was compelling. It gave a much-maligned cohort a direct voice to the outside world, helping us all understand the huge personal challenges this group has encountered in their young lives. The themes of hopelessness in trying to break the cycle of "growing up in a family or community where crime and violence is normal" only to repeat the patterns of poor behaviour were gut wrenching. As was the plea by another young person of being "voiceless", that "no one really cares". However, glimmers of light shone through, demonstrating that through education and support, young people were "striving to face big challenges and courses that others would never think of". The message is resoundingly clear: these young people require therapeutic and practical interventions in facilitating the recovery of these young detainees, who have seldom or never had an adult exclusively in their corner. Jelena Rosic, Mornington

Crying out for rehab In his excellent analysis of the state's approach to violence, "When the hard line is the weak option" (The Saturday Age, 22/4), John Silvester suggests a rehabilitative approach. This would go hand in hand with the article "Inside Parkville", where some of the young offenders talked about appreciating the educational opportunities of juvenile "justice". It would seem some kids are so distanced from the mainstream that they have nothing to lose, so drift into drugs and crime. If 200 young people are responsible for 47 per cent of the crime, as reported recently, then the state is negligent if it doesn't provide intensive rehabilitation for them. Helen Pereira, Heidelberg Heights The killing season This weekend marks the midpoint of Victoria's duck shooting season. There has already been six weeks of killing, with many thousands of native waterbirds now dead or lying wounded.

The slaughter reached a new low this weekend, with the competition called "Duck Hunt Challenge" in Horsham. The goal is to kill certain species or combinations of species. Points are allocated in advance and prizes are awarded to the shooter who gets the most points. This type of hunting competition is particularly barbaric, and was cancelled by Field and Game Australia because of the large number of birds wounded and abandoned. To increase the chances of winning, shooters often illegally discard birds that do not attract points. But this event epitomises the reality of duck shooting. It is a killing game. Our waterbirds have a right to live safely in their wetland homes, and not be relegated to targets in some pseudo-fairground attraction. Kim Stacey, Black Rock To Vexit or not? Victoria, whither or wither? Canberra was established as the seat of government to avoid Sydney or Melbourne gaining pre-eminence. That objective is being eroded. For 20 of the past 25 years the prime minister has hailed from NSW. The secondary residences of the PM and Governor General are in Sydney. The ABC's head office is in Sydney, with programming increasingly Sydney-centric. Even the AOC is headquartered in Sydney despite Melbourne being recognised as the "sports capital". And investment in transport favours NSW; for the five years to 2020 the Commonwealth has allocated $3 billion to Victoria but $10.5 billion to NSW. During a recent heatwave there was a risk that power to Ballarat and Bendigo would be shut down to maintain supplies to NSW.
Senator Cory Bernardi, the Liberal Party defector who founded the Australian Conservatives, has told a Trump-tinged political conference in Sydney that conservatives and libertarians are united in an ongoing moral battle against the federal government, which he said was the most pressing danger to the freedom of Australians.

Addressing the Friedman Liberty Conference, hosted by the Australian Libertarian Society, Senator Bernardi said Australians had a moral obligation to fight against the growth of government, taxation and regulation. This view was held by several former colleagues in the Liberal Party but party discipline prevented them from saying so.

Cory Bernardi and other climate sceptic politicians are being outpaced by economics when it comes to the growth of renewables. Credit:Andrew Meares

He said he believed the Australian Conservatives would become the umbrella party for a growing range of small right-wing political organisations, and grow to threaten the Liberal Party in a similar fashion to the Greens' impact on Labor. So far Kirralie Smith of the Australian Liberty Alliance as well as Family First, have joined the Australian Conservatives.

The keynote speaker at the conference is the American anti-tax campaigner Grover Norquist, famous for his argument that government should be shrunk until it was small enough to drown in a bath.
A mother has sobbed in court as footage was played showing the terrifying moment she drove into the path of an oncoming freight train with her three children in the car.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, failed to stop as the train passed over a small country road near Taree, on the mid north coast, in April 2016.

Footage taken from the train showed the woman's car slamming on the brakes and skidding onto the tracks.

The train driver blows a horn shortly before impact, and debris can be seen flying into the air as the train's brakes screech.
An ambitious but unfunded state government plan to ensure that every student can swim at least 50 metres by the time they finish grade 6 will finally get a cash injection in this week's state budget.

Education Minister James Merlino announced in November that swimming would become a mandatory part of the physical education curriculum, amid figures showing that fatal drownings had increased in Victoria.

Victorian Education Minister James Merlino Credit:MODFORM

But the initiative caused a backlash among principals, because the government failed to commit any funds, forcing schools to take on the cost of the lessons previously paid for by parents.

"I can see the need for this, but God knows how schools will fund it," Australian Principals Federation President Julie Podbury said at the time.
Could Shakespeare's Macbeth and its bloody murders be banished from the VCE?

Books, films and plays studied in the VCE will now be screened for "sustained realistic depictions of violence or physical, psychological or sexual abuse", "sustained, gratuitous use of coarse language" and "subject matter that appears to promote or normalise the abuse of alcohol, the use of illegal drugs, or other illegal behaviour".

English, literature, drama and theatre studies texts containing these elements "are likely to be unsuitable", regardless of their literary merit, according to the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.

Under new community standard rules, panels that choose VCE texts must consider whether they depict mature social and sexual relationships, personal or social violence, oppression, religious discrimination, racism or natural disasters, war or terrorism which have affected students and their families.
A man has been arrested after a four-hour siege which saw scores of police descend on a residential area in Melbourne's north-east.

The man, 36, was taken into custody on Friday evening after heavily armed critical incident response police and the dog squad stormed the Watsonia North house he was holed up in.

Police were called to the house at Ronald Court at 5.30pm after reports the man had made threats against his family and locked himself inside.

Police attempted to negotiate with the man barricaded inside the property, but he entered into a stand-off with police and refused to come out of the house.
A mother and her young child managed to escape a suspicious blaze that tore through a block of units in Melbourne's north-west on Friday night.

Residents of the six unit block at Ascot Street in Ascot Vale were evacuated at 11.30pm after the three-storey building was engulfed by flames.

A Metropolitan Fire Brigade spokesman said it was believed the fire was started in a unit at the top level of the building.

Firefighters worked to control the blaze for 30 minutes and were able to contain it to stop it moving towards adjoining units.
An elderly man has made an emotional plea after a thief stole his car, which contained a photo album full of photos of his dead wife and a memorial plaque made in her honour.

Jim Martin, 82, kept the plaque, engraved with wife Beverly's name and the date she died, on the front passenger seat of his car.

Jim Martin following the theft of motor car containing photographs of his deceased wife and memorial plaque. Picture: Josh Robenstone Credit: Josh Robenstone

It went with him everywhere he travelled, sitting in the seat beside him, where his wife used to sit, a constant source of comfort that she was near.

"The plaque always sat on her side," Mr Martin says.
EXCLUSIVE

A simmering grudge over a brutal jailhouse stabbing three years ago may have sparked two attacks in Barwon Prison on Friday, including one against well-connected underworld figure Thomas "Little Tommy" Ivanovic.

Crime scene photo of the day room after the killing of Carl Williams in Barwon Prison. Credit:Michael Clayton Jones

Ivanovic, also known as "The Gun", is a close associate of underworld boss Rocco Arico and one of the state's most notorious inmates Matthew "The General" Johnson, the head of prison gang Prisoners of War.

The maximum security facility was put into lockdown twice within hours on Friday after the violent assaults.
State MPs will be banned from taking their spouses on publicly funded junkets as the Andrews government ramps up its efforts to regain public trust in the wake of the Spring Street rorts scandal.

After announcing it would reform the controversial "second residence" allowance that was misused by former speaker Telmo Languiller and deputy speaker Don Nardella, the government has also moved to abolish a series of other entitlements it admits do not meet community expectations.

Don Nardella's rorting sparked a broader clean up of state MPs' perks. Credit:3aw-com-au

Among them is a lucrative perk that lets Victoria's 128 MPs use up to $3000 from their $10,000 a-year-travel budget for their partners to join them on overseas work trips.

But in a further example of the lack of transparency surrounding political entitlements, MPs who use the allowance are under no formal obligation to publicly disclose their spouse's attendance, or justify why their partner joined them in the first place.
Washington: On what could be a record-hot day, tens of thousands of demonstrators are expected to assemble in Washington on Saturday. Their large-scale climate change protest will mark President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office, which have been punctuated by multiple rollbacks of environmental protections and Obama climate policies.

The People's Climate March, which originated with a massive demonstration in New York in September 2014, picked a symbolically striking day for its 2017 event. Temperatures could exceed 32 degrees and possibly set a record for April 29 in the District of Columbia, which would amplify the movement's message.

Marchers are sure to be further galvanised by a move taken by the Environmental Protection Agency late on Friday. The agency announced that it was beginning an overhaul of its website, which included taking down a long-standing site devoted to the science of climate change, which the agency said was "under review."

"There is no Planet B," read a sign held by Eva Gunther of Washington, D.C., as the protest assembled on the National Mall on Saturday morning.
London: A terror suspect arrested metres from Downing Street with a backpack full of knives took part in a controversial aid convoy to Gaza, it has emerged.

Khalid Mohammed Omar Ali, 27, was one of seven Britons on board a ship trying to deliver supplies to Palestinians during the Israeli blockade in 2010.

He was named as the man arrested on Thursday by counter-terrorism officers on Parliament St, a stone's throw from the Parliament building and British Prime Minister Theresa May's office, during a stop-and-search operation

Fellow workers described him as a "quiet and peaceful" man who was always smiling and was driven to help others. But his experiences may have left him disturbed and possibly suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, one former associate said.
Monday 05 September, 2016 Reliable information reaching Biafra writers desk has it that the life of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indi...
Before launching into a tirade about human animal chimeras and spider goats on Friday, Infowars founder Alex Jones took aim at Greek yogurt.

Standing on the steps of the Travis County Courthouse in Austin, Jones threatened a countersuit against yogurt giant Chobani, which is suing him for defamation in a suit the Austin-based conspiracy theorist called an absolute PR stunt.

Were thinking of an aggressive corporate strategy to actually go after the New York Federal Reserve and the school lunch program that [Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukuya]s a part of, Jones said, before adding that hes looking forward to the discovery phase of the trial on Chobani, Turkey and the Kurds and the funding of the operation.

He did not elaborate on the alleged role played by the Turkish republic or the Kurdish people in the yogurt companys lawsuit.

Ulukuya is a member of the Upstate New York Regional Advisory Board at The Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and in 2015, The USDA selected Chobani as the main national supplier of Greek yogurt for the federal school lunch program.

The lawsuit filed against Jones in the Idaho District Court in Twin Falls on Monday accuses him and his program Infowars of fabricating stories about Ulukuya, including in a video earlier this month titled MSM Covers For Globalists Refugee Import Program After Child Rape Case. In the clip, Infowars attempted to link Chobani to the alleged rape of a young child by two refugee teenagers.

Chobani is seeking $10,000 in damages, alleging that Jones prompted a boycott of the companys profits.

The company is widely viewed as a success story, and Ulukayaa Turkish immigrant of Kurdish descenthas hired more than 300 refugees, drawing both praise from supporters and scorn from far-right websites like Infowars.

Jones comments on the lawsuit came during a rambling, bizarre press conference held outside the courthouse where late Thursday night he lost a custody battle over his three children. The jury in the nine-day trial ruled in favor of Jones ex-wife Kelly Jones, awarding them joint custody but giving Kelly the right to determine where the children live.

Though the press conference was called to discuss the verdict, little about Jones sticks to a script.

Besides spider goats and human animal chimeras, Jones bellowed about rhesus monkeys that you can buy in the Hong Kong market and glow in the dark and are part jellyfish, and made a passing reference to fluoride poisoning. He also took aim at his favorite targetsGeorge Soros and the fake news fiction writers of the mainstream media before pointing out a number of matters central to his custody case that were misreported by some outlets (he didnt lose custody of his kids, and how much custody he will receive is yet to be determined by presiding judge Orlinda Naranjo).

Jones morphed into his shtick of playing both the victim and victorious truth-teller whose power is only growing. He claimed that during the two weeks of the custody trial Infowars had more viewers and listeners than at any time in their history and that your mainstream media deception has only intensified the power of Infowars as people across the world see that Im under attack with attempts to take my children from me.

He then claimed he was a pinata and low hanging fruit for people who hate President Trump, but that this is what happens when youre changing the world and the old system is upset about it.

The fever dream Alex Jones rant was followed by a sharp 180-degree turn, as Jones called over his attorney Randall Wilhite, a towering courtroom heavy-hitter who is something of an institution in Texas family law. Wilhite spoke in calm, smooth legalese about the hearing expected in late May in which Naranjo will rule how much apportionment of custody each parent receives.

Wilhites cameo was fleeting, and as Jones left the press conference, he was questioned about a number of his more controversial assertions and was happy to oblige. Jones said he was joking when he recently alleged that former President Barack Obamas children arent his own and that when he called the Sandy Hook massacre a hoax, he was just playing devils advocate in a debate, saying we should investigate everything because the government lies so much.

He added a caveat though, saying they were using blue screens out there [at Sandy Hook].
Stephen Colbert is so ready for President Donald Trumps first 100 days to be over. Its just so exhausting watching this man try to accomplish something, he said Thursday night.

While Trump promised his voters everything, he has failed by almost any measure, including on an issue that should have been easy for Republicans: health care. Quoting The Daily Beast , Colbert noted that the president has since revived the effort to pass Zombie Trumpcare.

With the GOP about to go home for a congressional break, the host compared Republicans town-hall crowds to the zombie hordes from World War Z. Not happy, he said, but thats democracy.

Unlike Obamacare, under the new plan, individual states would be allowed to not cover pre-existing conditions, Colbert said to boos from his audience. Thats why New Hampshire is changing their license plate from Live Free or Die to Live Here and Die.

Finally, Colbert noted that House members have exempted themselves from Zombie Trumpcare. But he urged voters not to be too hard on these guys because you have to understand, they all would have lost their coveragebeing a douchebag is a pre-existing condition.
Former Fox News executive vice president Michael Clemente had a nickname for Bill Shine, his longtime rival who ultimately prevailed in their battle to succeed Roger Ailes.

The 61-year-old Clementewho refused to comment for this article, and was fired five days after Fox Newss founder and chairman resigned in disgrace last Julyprivately called Shine The Butler, according to sources.

That monikeralong with other epithets that the right-leaning cable outlets employees regularly attached to Shine, such as henchman, enforcer, and executionerdefined his role as Ailess right arm with a two-decade history of unquestioning loyalty and subservience.

Shines reputation as Ailess facilitator in all things is now threatening his longevity as Fox Newss co-president, the dearly desired promotion he finally received a few weeks after Ailess abrupt departure.

On Friday, the Hollywood Reporter suggested that Shines tenure is drawing to a close, and that his bosses have put out feelers for a replacementpreferably a woman.

The questions surrounding Shine are also not helpful to the efforts of Fox Newss parent company, 21st Century Fox, which owns 39 percent of Sky PLC, to acquire the remaining 61 percent of the highly profitable European television and internet platform; British regulators have delayed their recommendation on whether to approve the transaction, originally scheduled for May 15, reportedly in order to consider the mounting allegations against Fox News.

Among Shines detractors inside and outside of the cable network, including half a dozen Fox News veterans who spoke to The Daily Beast, speculation is rampant that The Butler did it; namely that Shine knows more than he has admitted about the toxic goings-on behind the camerathe subject of a federal investigation into company payments of millions of dollars in alleged hush money to cover up workplace misconduct, and multiple lawsuits claiming sexual harassment, retaliation, and racial discrimination involving Ailes, Bill OReilly and others at the network.

Putting aside their unbelievably false protestations of innocence, said New York lawyer Judd Burstein, who has filed two lawsuits against Shine, Fox News general counsel Dianne Brandi, and others on behalf of fired on-air personality Andrea Tantaros, the only way to fix this is for the Murdochs to clean housea reference to Rupert Murdoch and his sons Lachlan and James, who run Fox Newss parent company, 21st Century Fox.

Burstein added that Shines denials dont pass the smell test. There is just no way, he said. If Roger Ailes or Bill OReilly had done this once or twicemaybe. But when its piling up and piling up, youve got to think to yourself, how is this possible unless people were helping them?

Several Fox veterans cited Shines reported hands-on role in helping Ailes out of a sticky situation with Laurie Luhn, a former Fox News events planner and talent booker who claimed to have been Ailess sex slave for many years.

Suffering from acute depression, she was paid $3.15 million in a 2011 severance package that included an iron-clad non-disclosure agreement, according to New York magazine.

The 53-year-old Shine, the target of several public campaigns in recent days calling for his sacking, has denied knowledge of or culpability in any misconduct, and Fox News didnt make him available for an interview or respond to a request for comment.

But its hardly a hopeful sign that Lachlan and James Murdoch have conspicuously refused his pleas for a statement of continued confidence and support, according to New York magazine.

So far, Shines only public defender at the network is his close friend Sean Hannity, who plucked him out of obscurity 21 years ago, bringing him to Ailess fledgling cable operation to run Hannity & Colmes when Shine was a lowly producer at Newstalk, a fringe startup featuring radio hosts, after bouncing around local television stations on Long Island, where both men live and have often shared the commute into Manhattan.

Tweeting with the hashtag #Istandwithshine, Hannity predicted on Thursday that if Shine loses his job, thats the total end of the FNC as we know it. Done.

In a subsequent tweet, directed at New York magazine national editor Gabriel Sherman, Hannity added: Somebody HIGH UP AND INSIDE FNC is trying to get an innocent person fired. And Gabe I KNOW WHO it is.

Hannity has refused to reveal the identity of Shines supposed high up enemy, if such a person exists, although several industry sources are guessing it could be 21st Century Fox CEO James Murdoch, who reportedly pushed for the April 19 firing of Bill OReilly and also took the lead in forcing Ailess exit.

James couldnt have been pleased last September to read Shermans account of an incident in which Shine laughed appreciatively when Ailes spotted the younger Murdoch smoking a cigarette on a close-circuit security screen, and quipped: Tell me that mouth hasnt sucked a cock. (When the anecdote was published, Shine asserted through a spokesperson that he didnt recall the incident, and on Thursday 21st Century Fox didnt respond to a request for comment.)

In Shines defense, he has not been known among women at Fox Newsa workplace rife with whispers of a lot of people having affairs, according to one veteran who, like others who spoke to The Daily Beast, requested anonymity out of fear of retributionto flirt, leer, demand hugs and kisses, make lecherous comments, or otherwise engage in the sort of inappropriate behavior ascribed to Ailes and OReilly.

During meetings in his second-floor office with on-air female talent, Shine strikes a professional mien, generally sitting behind his desk rather than getting up close and personal, a la Ailes, on a sofa in a cozy corner.

Shine was also the executive who most often communicated Ailess occasionally harsh critiques to various on-air personalities about their television presentationsusually complaining about something they said or didnt say, and at one point demanding that a female anchor never again wear a certain pair of shoes on camera.

Often Shine would claim the criticisms were his own, but added, Roger feels the same way. Sometimes, however, hed give the bad news grudgingly, and hint that he was only following orders.

But if Shine didnt suspect his boss misconduct, I think it was willful blindness, said the Fox News veteran, noting that Ailes tended to meet with his on-air talent alone, behind closed doors, with no witnesses, and to get to Roger you had to get through, like, three gatekeepers.

A longtime Fox News producerwho also requested anonymitywas blunter concerning Shines role.

I cannot imagine him being ignorant of that at all, the producer said. Hes part of thatIn my opinion, Shineand other Fox News executivesare these fucking cover-up artists. They have run roughshod over so many good, nice people for the benefit of these scumbags.

The producer recalled a September 2014 meeting for which Shine summoned staffers of The Five, shortly after panelist Eric Bolling made a misogynistic joke on the air about the first female fighter pilot from the United Arab Emirates participating in an attack on ISIS in Syria.

Public disgust with Bolling was unrelenting and he had been forced to apologize for quipping: Would that be considered boobs on the ground?

Shine, this person recalled, then proceeded to heap blame not on Bolling for his ugly remark but on the producer in the control room who neglected to press the red delay button.

Meanwhile, Shines friendship with Hannitywho, by most accounts, is the most powerful person at Fox News since OReillys departure, with a direct line to Donald Trumphas been essential to preserving his position as the channels co-president along with Jack Abernethy.

Shines relationship with the Fox News star was briefly frayed in the summer of 2013, according to witnesses, when Hannity apparently expected Shine to argue Ailes out of plans to bump Hannity from 9 p.m. to the less attractive 10 p.m. slot in order to accommodate Megyn Kellys prime-time program.

Hannity was utterly cocky about it, telling everyone, Im not moving, recalled a Fox News insider. No one could figure out why he was so confident about this. After the announcement of the prime-time shakeup, Hannity was angry, said the insider. Clearly Shine had only so much power.

Until now, and especially under Ailes, Shine managed to survive and thrive at Fox News, dispatching his chief rival, Michael Clemente, with relative ease. Clemente boasted sterling journalistic credentials from his decades as a top producer at ABC News, but Shinewho was in charge of Fox Newss profit center, Fox & Friends and the prime-time opinion programming, including the ratings-dominant OReilly Factorhad been present at the creation.

Clemente, however, was a newcomer when he joined the top-rated cable outlet in February 2009 to supervise the hard-news fair and balanced daytime programming.

Shine and Clemente cordially despised each other, and Ailes, said witnesses, enjoyed pitting them against each other. But he was never certain of Clementes fealty.

Still, in early 2016 during the Republican primary season, Clemente thwarted Shines attempt to install Hannity as the moderator of a GOP presidential debate.

His victory came after what sources described as an ugly, profanity-laced shouting match between the two mentheir veins bulging out of their necksduring a formal planning session.

Clemente insisted that Fox News debates be moderated not by opinion-mongers like Hannity, who was already embracing the Trump candidacy (for which he later appeared in a promotional video), but by solid journalists like Bret Baier and Chris Wallace.

Clementes triumph was short-lived. In April 2016, Ailes essentially demoted him from running the news operation to overseeing a newly created long-form documentary unit. Three months later, Shine disbanded the unit, and Clemente was out the door.

The Butler, for now, remains lord of the manor, but maybe not for much longer.
Of the many ceremonial traditions that make up public life, among the most important to the Queen herself are those associated with the Order of the Garter, a chivalric body of twelve knights founded by Edward III in 1348, to reward knights who had fought with him at the battle of Crecy.

The Order comprises only the closest confidants of the Queen, and on Garter Day in June, these hand-picked favorites descend on Windsor, where they process from the main castle to St Georges Chapel.

Its a wonderful ceremonial set piece evoking all the mystery and absurdity of British pomp and circumstance; they wear long dark blue velvet robes, lined with white silk and tied with long, hanging gold cords, draped with a red velvet hood, and festooned with white silk bows on their shoulders. The accessories: a heavy gold and enameled chain over their shoulders, and black velvet hats, festooned with fluttering white ostrich feathers.

After the service, when any new members are installed and shown to their allocated place in the Chapel, they are driven back up the hill for a formal feast.

This year however, the ceremony has been abruptly cancelled, as Garter Day falls on the 19 June--the same day that Parliament is due to re-open after the General Election called for June 8 by Prime Minister Theresa May, who is expected to win in a landslide.

In itself, this would be no cause for alarm, simply an unavoidable clash of commitments. However, conspiracy theorists, who continue to doubt the Queen is in the full flush of health after an extended heavy cold saw her housebound for several weeks over Christmas, have been quick to pounce on another newsflash released by the Palace yesterday stating that the Queen will perform the state opening of Parliament in day dress, rather than her full ceremonial ermines.

The Palace also announced yesterday that, as well as shunning her gown, the Queen would not wear her crown--a famously heavy piece of headgear which clocks in at 2.5 lbs--and would be driven in a car to the Palace of Westminster rather than taking a jolty carriage ride down the Mall.

The Queen's procession to the Chamber of the House of Lords, where she takes the throne and delivers her speech, will also be reduced, with no heralds present.

It is expected that she will use the lift at the House of Lords rather than the stairs, as she did for the first time last year.

At 91, few would blame the Queen for seeking to scale back such a tiring ceremonial process, but the Palace have been quick to deny that any such motivation is to blame for the changes.

Instead, they say, it is simply a result of the fact that the Trooping of The Colorthe big ceremonial set piece which marks the Queens official birthdayis taking place just two days before the opening of Parliament, and there is not enough ceremonial bandwidth to do both jobs properly.

Penny Junor, the royal biographer who has recently completed an eagerly awaited biography of Camilla Parker Bowles due for publication later this year, told the Daily Beast that she thinks there could be truth in both explanations. Three major ceremonial events so close together would, I guess, seriously stretch resources. But it would also be exhausting.

They are all pretty full-on for the Queen. Carriages are notoriously uncomfortable to ride in, and the crown weighs a ton. I imagine the gown the she wears for the state opening is very heavy too. I would think this is a nod to her age and a way of making it less strenuous for her. Her stamina is extraordinary as is her determination to keep working, but she has just turned 91.

Another source suggested that the Queen may be eager to avoid a triumphalist State Opening if it is the expected coronation for Queen Theresa.

However, Richard Palmer, royal correspondent at the Express, says that there is no real reason to doubt the palace to be frank, especially given assurances that the Queen will be wearing the crown and other regalia at the state opening after this one. The Queen would have been far more upset to have missed Royal Ascot, says Palmer, noting that the famous race meeting opens on June 16.

Indeed, when the Queen announces she is missing the racing, that will really be a cause for concern.
Elizabeth Warren, the outspoken Democratic senator from Massachusetts, is doing the rounds while promoting her new book This Fight Is Our Fight: The Battle to Save Americas Middle Class.

Her latest stop was Friday nights edition of Real Time, where Sen. Warren sat down for a surprisingly tough interview with a big admirer of hers, Bill Maher.

After receiving one of the shows loudest ovations in recent memory, Warren went into her usual shtick about how people all over the country are energized right now, and how Reagan era deregulation and tax cuts for Americas wealthiest set the stage for an economy that saw those outside of the top 10 percent get left behind. 1980 to 2016, GDP keeps going right on up. and how did the 90 percent do? They get zero percent of the new income growth. Nearly 100 percent of new income growth in this country goes to the top 10 percent, said Warren. Thats why I wrote this book, its because we got to get in there and fight back. And thats what this book is about. Weve got to take back this country.

Well, let me fight back a little, replied Maher, noting that in the years between 1980 and 2016, we had two terms of Barack Obama, and two terms of Bill Clinton. Dont the Democrats bear some responsibility for that? he asked.

Warren seemed to acquiesce a bit, saying absolutely before nothing that it worked both ways, citing how former President Nixon created some positive government programs, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Consumer Products Safety Commission.

You know, I never thought that this President is making Nixon actually look [good], joked Warren, before getting cut off by Maher.

But Maher didnt stop there, seemingly intent on getting Sen. Warren to admit that there is a real problem when it comes to the Democratic Partys messaging. He mentioned the hastily arranged 1-page tax plan that the Trump administration unveiled this week, saying, I mean, Ive seen Republican tax plans like this, but not quite as brazenbecause this one doesnt even pretend. Its just about: wouldnt it be great if rich people didnt pay taxes? But hes going to go to a rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, tomorrow and tell his fans all about this, about how his kids are not going to have to pay taxes because they got rid of the estate tax, but theyre still with him, theyre not with you. Explain to me what that disconnection is?

Actually, Im going to push back, said Warren.

Well, his fans are not with you, Maher interrupted.

Hold on, Warren replied.

They dont like you, Pocahontas, cracked Maher, parroting President Trumps racist name for the senatorprompting Warren to deliver a pained, annoyed look, while not dignifying the joke with a response.

When you talk about whats really the basic pieces of a progressive agendaraising the minimum wage, expanding social security, reducing the cost of college so that people dont get crushed by student loan debt, more not less regulation of financial institutions, progressive taxation, or making those at the top pay their fair shareAmericans, by about two-to-one, are with us on that. The progressive agenda is Americas agenda. We cannot forget that, explained Warren.

I know, but this is the disconnect Im talking about, shot back Maher. Theyre with you on the issues, but they vote for him. So what is that problem?

I think Donald Trump tapped into a real anger in America. People are angry, and lets face it: they are right to be angry, said Warren, later admitting, The first step is: our side has to acknowledge the anger, and has to say, yeah, people are angry and they have a right to be angry.
Heres something I never thought Id say: Theres an upside to the Los Angeles traffic.

It was only because the ride to Los Angeles International Airport, 24 miles from my home, took a whopping 96 minutes that I chatted up my UBER driver. We were heading into the terminal by way of the Sepulveda Tunnel, a bottleneck-prone maw that was surely modeled after Dantes First Circle of Hell.

Im heading to Mobile, Alabama where I was born and where my family landed in 1913 after emigrating from Russia. I havent been back in over thirty years and were having a family reunion.

After talking about myself for our first ten minutes in Limbo, Id like to say it was genuine curiosity, but it was also the desire to get a five star rating that inspired me to ask my driver where he was from. Kanas tells me that he wishes he could go home to Fairouzeh, Syria, but cant. His hometown is located a few miles south of war torn Homs. Fleeing religious persecution as a practicing Catholic, he arrived in 1990 and he and his family have been unable to return since 2009. As we inched our way to the terminal, I learned that Fairouzians have banded together, resettling five thousand villagers in the United States, and there was a sizable, thriving Syrian community practically in my back yard.

As it happens, my visit coincides with an attempt by former Alabama state senator and now Attorney General Jeff Sessions to ban Syrian refugees from settling in the state. At our family reunion, my relatives tell me they support such a ban because we dont know their people.

Wed fled pogroms in Russia, part of the wave of more than two million Eastern European Jews who came to America between 1887 and the start of World War II. Most of us arrived looking like the bus and truck touring company of Fiddler on the Roof, with nothing more than a letter vouching for us from a family member whod already immigrated, the clothes on our back, and a case of cholera or TB. My family became bootleggers, and although my great grandmother didnt technically own a brothel, she rented out rooms to women who had remunerative but short-lived relationships with gentlemen callers. Two of our cousins went to camp, as we call it in our family after Trumans Justice Department found them guilty of financial improprieties in our family business. Others were communist sympathizers and union organizers. So whose people should inspire apprehension?

Landing back in Los Angeles, I tracked my driver down and promptly received a dinner invitation from Kanas and his wife, Fadwa, at their home. Kanas recounted how hed followed his brother to America and the slow process of raising money to bring family members over, a story that mirrors my own familys journey. My great grandfather Hershel immigrated only after his brother sent word that Russian Jews could make a life along the Gulf of Mexico. It took several years to save enough to send for my grandmother and her sister to cross the ocean, in steerage, to join him. The Hawaras live much the way the Gurwitchs did when we first arrived: enjoying traditional meals in a multi-generational household, pooling financial resources, and marveling as the first generation of American-born family members become professionals, doctors, and attorneys, and assimilating into our larger melting pot.

Its so easy to forget how short a time its been since my family, my people as we say in the South, were otherized. It would be a stretch to say that we were welcomed with open arms when we arrived on American shores. Relatives were denied membership in social clubs and did business only with other Jewish merchants. I can recall only one kindergarten classmate in Mobile inquiring if I had horns and a tail, but it wasnt until 2015 that a Jewish girl was allowed to be presented at Mobiles debutante ball. Im equally appalled by the attempted travel bans and nativist rhetoric as the spate of vandalism at Jewish cemeteries and threats to JCCs. Our nation has responded to the abhorrent chemical attack with tomahawk missiles, but we will we be willing to take in even one of the surviving families? To date, the president hasnt shown any willingness to reconsider his hardline stance. What responsibility do I, whose ancestors were twice strangers in a strange land, bear in turning back the rising tide of tribalistic epistemology?

It turns out that another Jewish daughter is asking herself the same question. I think there is a global humanitarian crisis thats happening, and we have to come together and we have to solve it, Ms. Trump told NBC when asked about the refugee crisis in Syria. This is great news, right? Ivanka, our best hope of the All in the Family Administration for advocating for womens empowerment is fresh off her victory at preserving funding for Planned Parenthood. No wait, that didnt work out. And was it really because she was moved by the images of babies killed in chemical attack that convinced Trump to send those missiles? Cause that didnt turn out so well either.

Maybe dinner is a first step. If youre lucky, like me, you might even get to taste something as delicious like Fadwas kusha mashi, a zucchini stuffed with lamb and rice, which, not surprisingly, conjured warm memories of my grandmothers Russian recipe for stuffed cabbage.

Annabelle Gurwitch is the author of the just published essay collection Wherever You Go, There They Are.
If Hillary Clinton had been elected president, Samantha Bee would have been the hands-down frontrunner to host the annual White House Correspondents Dinner.

Instead, President Donald Trump decided to skip this years main event and Bees former Daily Show colleague Hasan Minhaj will be roasting the president in absentia Saturday night. As The President Shows Anthony Atamanuik told me in a recent interview, It would diminish the impact to do it and hes not there.

So with all of that in mind, Bee hosted her very own Not the White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington on Saturday in front of a raucous crowd that included loyal fans of her TBS show Full Frontal, along with D.C. luminaries like Valerie Jarrett and a table full of CNN all-stars that included Jake Tapper, Dana Bash, Jim Acosta and Brianna Keilar. No members of the Trump administration or Fox News pundits were spotted by this reporter.

100 days into Trumps presidency, the mood in the building was something like ironic fatalism mixed with fierce resistance. The show opened with a taped piece in which Allison Janney reprised her role as The West Wings White House Press Secretary C.J. Cregg, forced to confront the increasingly alt-right White House press corps. Instead of talking about vaginas for half an hour, as one member of the pool suggested she does on a regular basis, Janney confirmed that she would be talking about them for a full hour this time.

When Bee finally took the stage to a standing ovation wearing her Hillary-esque white suit, she welcomed her fans and viewers, but especially those in attendance from the failing New York Times, the failing pile of garbage BuzzFeed and ProPublica, which she said sounds Mexican. The night was ostensibly a celebration of the free press, with proceeds going to the Committee to Protect Journalists, but it contained just as much media criticism as past White House Correspondents Dinner speeches by comedians like last years host Larry Wilmore.

It started with her tease for a special guest coming later in the show  Could it be her former boss Jon Stewart? Or perhaps Elizabeth Warren?  instructing cable news to focus their attention on the empty podium on the side of the stage, no matter what a woman might be doing over here. She also questioned why the media continues to fact-check President Trump, as if he might someday get embarrassed.

Bees first big media target was CNN, which happens to share a parent company with TBS. But that did not mean the host was about to hold back on one of political comedys favorite targets. Cable news has developed a critical pundit infestation, and no ones house needs tenting worse than our friends at CNN, Bee said.

In a recent interview, CNN head Jeff Zucker said, The idea that politics is sport is undeniable, and we understood that and approached it that way. Bee said it was certainly undeniable that CNN treats politics like sports, right down to sending players on the field despite their evident brain damage. Cut to a particularly damning clip of Kayleigh McEnany.

Bee implored Zucker to put smart reporters like Anderson Cooper back to doing real work instead of serving as a referee for loyal partisan hacks like McEnany and Jeffrey Lord. CNN employs some of the most talented journalists out there, she said, begging Zucker to use them for good instead of evil.

The nights In Memoriam segment was dedicated to two Fox News heavyweights, so to speak: Roger Ailes and Bill OReilly. What a triumph for women that career sexual predators are finally getting what they deserve, Bee said. $65 million and age-appropriate retirement. Oh, justice.

But Bee was even harsher on the man who is still apparently running Foxs parent company 21st Century Fox, Australian media mogul and sentient liver spot Rupert Murdoch. His network spent 20 years setting the table for Trump, and now he has what he always wanted: a BFF-slash-program director in the White House, gumming his soggy cornflakes while enjoying a long-distance circle jerk. As Bee cleverly pointed out, Trump has tweeted more about Fox & Friends this year than he ever has about his daughter Tiffany.

Towards the end of the show, Bee paid off her special guest tease in the form of Will Ferrells George W. Bush. How do like me now? he asked the crowd to knowing applause.

But the most brutal hilarious moment of the afternoon dinner came at the end of the show when Bee delivered a version of the speech she would have given at Clintons White House Correspondents Dinner. She set it up with a Man in the High Castle parody in which George Takei handed her a very special film reel that revealed the alternate reality where America elected its first female president.

Looking back on this bizarro 2017 so far, Bee said Hillary Clinton was sworn in as president, the Patriots lost the Super Bowl and Beyonce won all of the Grammys. A week after President Clinton won, we all heard a loud buzzing noise, she said. Either that was the sound of the whizzing bullet we just dodged or it was Bill OReillys vibrator.

Bee then lamented how boring and dull Clintons first 100 days had been, noting, I almost feel like Id rather have an idiot like Trump in charge, just for the excitement. Speaking directly to the first female president, she said, You may have your faults, but because of you, I can tell my daughters they can do anything and that sexism wont hold them back. The world will not magnify their faults and ignore their virtues because of their gender. That time has truly passed. No hard feelings, men.

It was almost too depressing to be funny. Almost.

I don't think I've ever had more fun as a performer than I did tonight, Bee told the audience after the taping had ended. She may have had more fun roasting Hillary Clinton at the real White House Correspondents Dinner, but our current alternate reality will have to do.
There is a new #NerdProm in town and Samantha Bee is its queen.

Long before President Donald Trump had even announced that he would not be attending this years White House Correspondents Dinner, the host of Full Frontal decided it was up to her to honor independent journalism at a time when the president of the United States was calling the so-called fake news media the enemy of the American people.

Bees Not the White House Correspondents Dinner event will air at 10 p.m. ET on TBS, just after Trump is set to deliver an anti-media screed at a rally in Pennsylvania and just before her former Daily Show colleague Hasan Minhaj will roast an empty chair on the dais at the White House Press Corps official event.

Bees #NotTheWHCD is not actually a dinner after all, and the shows taping takes place at the early afternoon hour of 3 p.m. at Washington, D.C.s DAR Constitution Hall on Saturday.

Before the big show got underway, The Daily Beast checked in with Bee inside the venue on the purple carpet in front of giant screens that displayed snarky tweets from the likes of Jake Tapper and Chris Hayes.

Wearing a white suit that nodded to Hillary Clinton and the womens suffrage movement, Bee was noticeably excited but unnaturally calm as the long-awaited showtime approached.

Describing the surreal flurry of action happening all around her, Bee said, It is very weird for me. I keep looking around and thinking, oh, this a real event.

When Bee and her Full Frontal showrunner Jo Miller first dreamed up this idea, they thought the real WHCD might not even happen. So she's not surprised that Trump decided to ditch it.

He doesn't need a reason to do or not do anything. He doesn't seem to do things with any rhyme or reason, she says. I assume he wouldn't want to walk into a room where people were apt to criticize him because hes awfully thin-skinned. So it makes complete sense to me that he would not go.

As for Trumps counter-rally happening in Pennsylvania, Bee isn't thinking about it too much. I'm so past worrying about what he does at his own parties and rallies, she says. At the same time, she adds, I have had no problem keeping my outrage at Defcon 1 when it comes to the Trump administration.

Honestly, we just want to have a good time tonight, she adds, hesitant to give anything away about what will happen on stage during her show. Were just trying to find any sliver of joy in our lives.

One of the only female figures in late-night television and the strongest critic of Trump in comedy, Bee says she tries not to get weighed down by the pressure of being the voice for progressive women at this perilous time in our country.

It's actually too much, it's just an unbearable weight, Bee says. I don't think I would be having any fun if I thought about that too much, she adds, again stressing her preferred f-word of the day. I allow myself to tap into for a fleeting moment here and there, but it's not something that I constantly carry with me. Otherwise I could not go about my business, I'd be too scared to say anything.

The power that she wields as a feminist voice is not only present on her weekly show and a special event like this one, but also when she was chosen to introduce Hillary Clinton at the Women in the World conference earlier this month, an experience she found particularly meaningful after everything that happened in her campaign over the past year.

It was only the second time Bee had ever met the former Secretary of State and she says she managed to only say one thing to her when they crossed paths. The only thing I did was blurt out, Will you please come on my show one day?! Clinton nodded politely, not exactly committing, but not saying no either.

Well see, Bee said, a glimmer of hope in her eyes despite it all.
This week, an estimated 100,000 people will take part in the Peoples Climate March, a national effort to somehow, someway persuade the U.S. government to take action on the most pressing environmental crisis of our time.

But after the march, they should head to Wal-Mart.

Why? Because contrary to popular perception, the retail behemoththe largest employer in 19 states, with $482 billion in annual revenueis leading the way on corporate climate action. Last week, it announced a commitment to eliminate a gigatonthats 1 billion tonsof greenhouse-gas emissions from its supply chain. Yup, Wal-Mart.

Theres good news here, said Elizabeth Sturcken, managing director of the EDF+Business program at the Environmental Defense Fund, in an interview with The Daily Beast. Wal-Marts proposed cut is more than the annual greenhouse-gas emissions of Germany, Sturcken noted.

Corporate environmentalism is not new, and the EDF in particular has a long history of working with companies to lessen their environmental footprint. Famously or infamously, depending on your point of view, it partnered with McDonalds in 1990 to eliminate its wasteful clamshell packaging and replace it with environmentally friendly alternatives.

Of course, to some, the EDFs work with McDonalds and Wal-Mart is a form of greenwashing, which is when companies merely rearrange the deck chairs on their environmental Titanic, and then get a PR boost. Indeed, when EDF announced its Golden Arches work 27 years ago, the then-head of Greenpeace said that if the fast-food giant really wanted to help the environment, it would shut its doors.

On the other hand, corporations like Wal-Mart are leading where the U.S. government fears to tread.

With the Republican Party in the pocket of the fossil-fuel industry, the federal government is wedded to a head-in-the-ground denial of the universal consensus of climate scientists that the world is getting hotter and that human activities emissions of greenhouse gases are the reason why. Thus, while there is some progress on the state and local level, national action, and by extension the international action that requires U.S. participation, is headed in the wrong direction.

Of course, multinationals like Wal-Mart also have to comply with other countries environmental regulations, but in general, Sturcken said, Companies arent waiting for government action. Companies are driven by data, by science. Truth matters. And the only conclusion you can come to, if your company is looking toward the horizon and you want your business to grow is to be pro-active on these issues.

Because Wal-Mart is so large, the effects are staggering. According to Sturcken, the retail giant has more than 100,000 global suppliers, and more than 230 million people shop at Wal-Mart every week. Weve been working with Wal-Mart for 10 years because of their power to create change, she said.

In 2010, for example, Wal-Mart agreed to cut 20 million metric tons of annual emissions in the products it sells, Sturcken says, by taking thousands of small actions like selling low-flow shower heads, changing date labeling on food products to be use-by instead of sell-by, selling more efficient light bulbs, and asking food suppliers to optimize fertilizer use. The goal was exceeded in 2015.

That kind of change is possible because of Wal-Marts outsize influence on its suppliers. No one business could have such a large impact, but a business that influences thousands of others can. Companies are saying that the challenges and opportunities go beyond their four walls to consumers they touch and products they sell, Sturcken said.

The publicity benefit of such steps is obvious, which is why oil companies run pro-environment ads in newspapers and on cable news while fighting climate-change regulations in Washington. But Sturcken said the real business value lies elsewhere. There is immense business value creation in sustainability, said Sturcken. That goes back to our partnership with FedEx in the late 1990s to create next-generation trucks: The company saw that it was smart business to get ahead of these issues and be a leader.

According to Sturcken, this is true even of relatively conservative companies. For example, Smithfield, the pork producer, committed to reduce its GHG emissions 25 percent by 2025. Land OLakes has created a business unit focused on sustainability. These are conservative companies but theyre reality-based and smart, said Sturcken. If theyre thinking ahead, theyre thinking of opportunities and seeing customers demand good corporate citizenship.

OK, but reallyWal-Mart? Arent they the ones wrecking local retail economies, treating workers poorly, and hiding money in tax havens?

Sturcken was insistent. I would say that Wal-Mart is the leading retail company on sustainability. And the reason why I say that is the scale Theyve made significant strides.

In terms of volume, theyre the leading organic retailer, Sturcken said. (Costco claims the same thing.) The place you see the real impact, is that sustainability is baked into everyday products that consumers who are middle-class can afford I really do believe theyre not getting enough credit for the change theyre creating here.

As for its own emissions, Wal-Mart has a GHG-reduction target for their own operations of 18 percent by 2025. Theyre working on factory energy efficiency with Chinese factories Theyre far from sustainable, but lets praise leadership and not knock down companies because theyre not perfect yet.

Sturcken emphasized that EDF does not take money from any of our corporate partners Its risky for us to partner with a company and risky for them to partner with us, and its better for us to maintain independence and credibility by not taking money.

I asked Sturcken if she had any advice for the people marching this weekend. Her response was surprising. Making your individual voice heard does make a difference, she said. Not just signing a petition but picking up the phone and placing a call to the CEO of a company that needs to step up will make a huge difference. If everyone from the Climate March did something like that, it would be extremely powerful. Those kinds of things get through the noise to resonate with companies boards and executives.

Of course, such actions will still not be enough. The planetary imperative is that we need change faster and at scale, Sturcken said. You still need policy change. Voluntary corporate action is leading the way right now in this time when the government is going backward, but its not enough. We absolutely need policy to deal with issues that are global like climate change. Theres no other way.
April 29, 1992. A jury acquitted four officers of assault and three of the four of using excessive force against motorist Rodney King. The case had drawn national attention after video footage of the March 1991 beating was made public, and it seemed certain to many Americans that the officers would be found guilty. With news of the acquittal came shock, disbelief and outrage. But if one had been listening to the music that was coming from the streets of Los Angeles, they wouldve already known how bad things were in communities like South Centralwhere police routinely dehumanized black citizens. Rappers had been calling out Fuck the Police for years. Now the world would have to reckon with reality.

Hip-hops role as a voice for the voiceless is forged in the cultures very beginnings. When Bronx block parties gave rise to community organizing and a spirit of youthful DIY freedom, hip-hop was forever connected to the heartbeat of the public; and even as the culture became more infested with commercial interests that led to the commodification of hip-hop as a genre, its soul has always remained intact.

In the late 1980s, Los Angeles-based rappers were becoming more and more visible in the mainstream. N.W.A.s Straight Outta Compton had blown the hinges off of an already-strong West Coast rap scene. Now, the cultural sway that New York had traditionally held in an iron grip was starting to loosen, and more eyes were turning to places like Compton and Watts, as movies like Boyz N the Hood also began to give voice to the oppressive environment wherein the black community had been targeted by a police department that operated like an occupying military force. Additionally, hostilities between black residents and many Korean shop owners was reaching a boiling point. Stories like the 1991 killing of Latasha Harlins, a 16-year-old girl whod been shot in the head by a Korean cashier who believed she was stealing a bottle of juice, hadnt made the national headlines. West Coast rappers like Ice Cube and 2Pac would give voice to the anger both before and after the April 92 riots in L.A. The perspective of these rappers was rage-filled and frustrated, and rap fans everywhere were exposed to a cultural powder keg that theyd largely missed seeing on the nightly news.

In 1992, hip-hops role as a voice for its community was becoming more and more of a hot-button topic for everyone from activists to politicians. The rise of gangsta rap led to condemnation of its misogyny and violent subject matterand in the wake of N.W.A.s Fuck the Police, there was rising concern about rap lyrics. 92 was both the year of Ice-Ts Cop Killer and the year that Tupac Shakur first began to emerge as a significant voice in hip-hop. 2Pac had dropped his debut album in November of 1991, and as the new year dawned, his single Brendas Got A Baby was garnering attentionas was his intense performance in Ernest R. Dickersons urban drama Juice, which had been released that January. With his star on the rise, 2Pac was beginning to make a name for himself as both an artist and a firebrand. In late 1991, just after the release of 2Pacs debut album, he was involved in a violent confrontation with the Oakland police department.

During an appearance on BETs Video LP that year, 2Pac recounted the incident to host Sherry Carter.

I was walking down the street, minding my own business and the Oakland police department stopped me for jaywalking, Pac explained, before adding that hed questioned why they were stopping him. They jumped on mebecause youre not supposed to talk back to the police[they] jumped on me, beat me down, slammed my head down, put the cuffs on me, took me to jailfor $10.

Shakur filed a $10 million lawsuit against the Oakland P.D. and wound up reportedly getting less than $50,000 in settlement money. But the altercation was the first of several between 2Pac and the cops; and it amplified the anger hed expressed on his debut album. And when the officers who beat Rodney King were acquitted and L.A. erupted, 2Pacs words seemed prophetic.

That same year, Ice-Ts Cop Killer had become a point of controversy for politicians and pundits in the early months of Election 92. Like 2Pac, Ice-T was a West Coast rapper whod risen to the forefront of gangsta rap and became a more mainstream star via Hollywood. Ice had provided the theme song for Dennis Hoppers South Central-based cop drama Colors in 1988 and garnered a major star turn as Det. Sonny Appleton in Mario Van Peebles crime drama New Jack City in 1991. With both his hip-hop and acting career in full swing, Ice-T unexpectedly released a thrash metal album with his band Body Count in March of 1992, and included was an angry rant at the police.

On Cop Killer, Body Count declares war on violent police officers, calling out the LAPD and citing the Rodney King beating. Fuck the police, for Darryl Gates. Fuck the police, for Rodney King, Ice declares on the track. Fuck the police, for my dead homies.

The song became a cultural lightning rod in the months following the riots in Los Angeles. That July, actor Charlton Heston would denounce the song in front of Time Warners shareholders following protests from police officers families. When Ice-T was defended as an artist, Heston dismissed the rapper.

Ive been doing this all my life, Heston scoffed. I know as well as you do that an artists creative freedom depends primarily on the success of his last work and the demand for his next.

Stumping on the presidential trail for George H.W. Bushs re-election campaign, Vice President Dan Quayle also called out Cop Killer and Time Warner.

Here is a very influential corporation, supporting and making money off a record that suggests its OK to kill cops. I find that outrageous, Quayle said while campaigning in San Diego.

If people want to choose that boycott, thats fine with me. Im not saying they should or shouldnt. But I do find this conduct of this corporation on this particular example quite unbecoming.

After the L.A. riots, rappers and rap music were under both increased scrutiny and offered a certain validation on behalf of mainstream media that had seen their lyrics become all too real. Everyone from Ice-T to Chuck D was suddenly called upon to give voice to what had happened. In the same way that hip-hop had in many ways predicted the riots, the aftermath of the conflict loomed large in the major West Coast rap releases of late 1992 and early 1993.

Ice Cubes fiery anthem Wicked would be released just months after the riots, evoking the tensions over sirens and a thunderous sample of Sly & the Family Stones Sing A Simple Song. With skinheads (played by Flea and Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers) in the video, Cube drew an explicit line between the community tensions and white supremacist ideologies at work in the police force. Cubes former group mate Dr. Dre would release The Chronic in December 1992, and included The Day the Niggaz Took Over: a dancehall-inflected foreboding track that recalls the anger during the looting. Just two months later, 2Pac would release the similarly themed Holler If Ya Hear Me, the first single from his sophomore album Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z., which itself was also heavily informed by the anger in the aftermath of the King acquittals and the 92 riots.

Today, hip-hop still reflects the communitys anger. Rappers like Brooklyns Joey Bada$$ and Comptons Kendrick Lamar have all given voice to the tensions stretching across American culture at the dawn of the Trump era. Twenty-five years after Rodney King, Stacy Coon and Reginald Denny were names regularly flashing across our news screens, theres still police beating and killing black citizens. Rodney King never was an anomaly, and just as the outrage of 1992 echoed the outrage of 1968, when black people take to social media or the streets in 2017, its born of a frustration thats as old as America itself. Weve been singing songs about our bloodshed for generations. America still sings along, but we still dont believe it ever hears us.
The Jefferson Sessions Show rolled into Long Island Friday, carting familiar themes in its caravan: Terrifying Criminal Aliens!  Crime in Baltimore and St. Louis! Gang murderers and thugs assaulting! whom Sessions vowed must not be allowed to take a single city street. And there was Sessions and Trumps favorite new bogeyman, the Salvadoran MS 13 gang, which he portrayed as marauding through the streets of New York City with a mantra of kill, rape and control!

Sessions doubled down on his vow that, this administration will end illegal immigration altogether. He portrayed undocumented immigrants as an existential threat to New York and to America  despite the fact that statistically, non-citizens, including the undocumented, commit crimes at a lower rate than the native born. He didnt explain how the aggressive deportations that are terrorizing Hispanic communities would help root out a gang few outside the Salvadoran community (and presumably, Fox News brown scare-vision) have heard of, and which theoretically, some of the undocumented immigrants Trump and Sessions are targeting could help authorities identify if they werent terrified to come forward for fear of being marked for deportation.

The Trump administration has stood up its Gotham City comic book style VOICE agency, which Trump announced during his congressional speech in January, to allow people to channel mass hysteria about the undocumented through a hotline that so far has mainly fielded calls about crop circles, UFO sightings and Superman. The goal of the absurd menu of tactics seems to be to scare the hell out of Americans about immigrants, while terrifying immigrants into fleeing the country.

Sessions remarks on Long Island were riddled with the kinds of falsehoods that have formed the basis of his paranoid and racially retrograde immigration philosophy for decades. He claimed that despite 30 years of declining crime now its coming back up and murders are up. In fact, violent crime in New York is at record lows, including shootings and murders being at thelowest levels since the NYPD began keeping score. And despite aberrations like Chicago in 2016, violent crime has declined sharply in the U.S. since the 1990s according to the FBI, which reports to Sessions, and hasnt had its statistics tampered with by Trumpworld minions that we know of. At least not yet.

Sessions dropped the supposedly damning statistic that 42 percent of district court cases in New York City involve non-U.S. citizens. Never mind that the federal courts happen to be where immigration cases are tried  hence the high percentage of foreign-born defendants. And he even rolled out his preferred: its a stressful job and sometimes people make mistakes substitute for policing reform.

Sessions tenure has in many ways been every bit as bad as civil rights activists feared. He has restarted the grinding machine of private prisons shut down under his predecessors in the Obama administration  purportedly to have places to warehouse the millions of immigrants he plans to round up. And if his posture on immigration has terrified communities of color nationwide, his presence has made life hell inside the DOJ, particularly in the division charged with protecting the civil rights of Americas most vulnerable populations.

The Civil Rights Division was created by the 1957 Civil Rights Act and has a mission that reads like Sessions worst nightmare: enforcing federal statutes prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, disability, religion, familial status and national origin. Its the Division that prosecuted the killers of Goodman, Schwerner and Cheney in Mississippi, and that investigated the assassinations of Medgar Evers and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

But under Sessions, morale in the Civil Rights Division has cratered, according to three sources with knowledge of the inner workings. They are totally freaking out, said a former high-ranking DOJ official speaking on condition of anonymity to protect those still working there. They are doing everything they can to keep things going, but everything they do has to run through a front office mired in politics. Specifically, the politics of Jefferson Beauregard Sessions, whose antiquated views on voting rights, immigration and LGBT people he now has the power to put into practice on a national scale.

The Civil Rights Division employs some 700 career civil servants: mostly lawyers cut from the ACLU or NAACP Legal Defense Fund cloth. They are mission driven, and wicked smart, said the former official, and they are supposed to be insulated from politics. But while some functions at Justice are self-propelled, based on enforcing existing laws, the mission of the Civil Rights Division can be greatly shaped by the political appointees, who number fewer than a dozen, but who hold immense power over their respective fiefdoms; areas like housing rights the rights of the disabled, employment litigation and voting rights.

Its brutal in there, said the ex official. This is an administration that has made no bones about being willing to undermine really longstanding civil rights enforcement.

Some of it is complete and total bluster, the source continued, like the stuff on consent decrees. Sessions cant do anything about the existing decrees filed with federal judges. He just doesnt understand the first thing about that program.

And yet, people inside the Division are nervous, particularly given Sessions willingness to publicly repudiate work already done by the department.

The high profile stuff where we made the biggest impact: criminal justice, policing, voting rights, LGBT rights  those have the biggest targets on them, and the assault on that work has been the most high profile, said the source. People inside the Division worry that the next viral video of a police shooting that triggers unrest could produce an explosion that the Justice Department is not prepared to handle.

What are they gonna do when a city is on fire and officials are begging Justice to do an investigation? the source asked. On voting rights, policing, criminal justice reform, immigration rights, LGBT issues  theyve demonstrated very quickly a very different worldview of what this country is about, and it doesnt exactly fit the historic mission of the division once run by the likes of Burke Marshall, or the Justice Department helmed by men like Bobby Kennedy and Nicholas Katzenbach.

A second source, a longtime Republican activist and fundraiser still active in the party, was more blunt, saying I have been in politics for a long time. I haven never seen senior officials so afraid. They talk about careers being ruined and being spied on by Sessions and his mafia.

Still, because there is no nominee yet to replace respected Obama-era Division leader Vanita Gupta as head of the Civil Rights Division, people working in the department are holding their breath and hanging on. There hasnt been a mass exodus yet, the former official said. People are waiting to see.

Reportedly, one of the more outlandish ideas for a Civil Rights Division head floated by Trumpworld was former Kansas secretary of state, papers please law author and Crosscheck voter suppression tool creator Chris Kobach, though the former official doubted even the go-along Republicans in the Senate would be crazy enough to try and push him through. That said, the level of anxiety in the department is allegedly high. Theyre pretty disheartened, the onetime official said. But they are waiting to see whos going to be nominated.

Whoever it is, theyre not expected to build on what had become an increasingly diverse Division over the last eight years. When Eric Holder was running Justice, at least a half dozen of the ten most senior political appointees were people of color. That continued under Loretta Lynch, during whose tenure two of the top three people at Justice, including Lynch and Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, were women.

Under Sessions, those numbers have dwindled. There is at least one black senior level person at Justice; Monty Wilkinson, an Obama holdover who heads the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys. (Incidentally, there are, at present, no U.S. attorneys, since the Trump administration fired them all and hasnt nominated replacements.)

The Senate recently confirmed Rod Rosenstein, a former U.S. Attorney from Maryland, as deputy attorney general, and it was announced that he would oversee the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, replacing the previous investigation supervisor Mary McCord, the respected chief of the DOJs national security unit who abruptly announced her departure April 20th without explanation.

Shes a straight shooter, said a third source, a non-lawyer who worked at Justice under Holder and Lynch, of McCord. Knowing her, I cant see why she would step down. Its very odd.

The Justice Department did not respond to a request for comment about McCords departure and the level of morale in the Civil Rights Division.

Sessions has recused himself from the investigation due to his contacts with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. during the presidential campaign.

The third source said McCords departure comes as other career people, who cant be turfed out because of civil service protection, are privately being encouraged to leave the DOJ.

When Trump came in they reneged on Preet [Bharara] and Sally [Yates] and fired everyone on the political appointee side, the third source said. Now, theyre taking it a step further and asking career folks to step down too. Even though these are straight shooter career people. They are weakening the agency.

Or rather, remaking it in the image of its new, old-fashioned leader, the former Senator from Alabama.
Helping defeat Hillary Clinton is not the most successful influence operation Moscow has ever mounted against the United States. The most momentous, yes. But any covert activity that is exposed so rapidly and incites a backlash cannot be deemed an unalloyed accomplishment.

Moscows single most effective influence operation remains the one induced 50 years ago this month, when the now-defunct New Orleans States-Item published a front-page story on April 25, 1967, entitled Mounting Evidence Links CIA to Plot Probe. It was an operation that culminated in an unimaginable achievementinclusion in a Hollywood blockbuster by Oliver Stone that contends the CIA was instrumental in JFK's assassination.

That probe, as every conscious American knew, was district attorney Jim Garrisons re-investigation of President Kennedys assassination amid a pronounced erosion of public confidence in the Warren Report. On March 1, 1967, Garrison had ostentatiously announced the arrest of Clay Shaw, a respected businessman, and charged him with complicity in JFKs death. It was an outlandish and baseless accusation, yet Shaw would prove far from the only victim. The miscarriage of justice that unfolded over the next two years would have vast, if largely unappreciated, consequences for Americas political culture.
Life as a graffiti artist in 1980s New York was tough. The backlash against the freedom of colorfully-sprayed expression that had taken over the city in the 70s was harsh: politicians claimed the art form was a harbinger of crime and violence. During the graffiti crackdown, Keith Haring, one of the leading players in the citys street art scene, was no stranger to the long arm of the lawhe was arrested on multiple occasions for vandalism.

But the threat of the NYPD was nothing compared to the threat Haring faced on a gloomy October day in 1986 when he arrived at the site of his latest canvasthe Berlin Wall. The artist had been invited by the Checkpoint Charlie Museum to paint a large, 330-foot mural on the West German side of the wall.

Starting in 1961, the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) built the extensive concrete barrier to cut their communist citizens off from the democratic West. It served as both the physical and symbolic division between the East and West and it was a daily reminder of the deadly divide in the nation.

While no formal consensus has been reached as to how many people died trying to cross the wall, the estimates range from the official figure of 136 to as high as 483 people who are thought to have lost their lives attempting to reach freedom.

The Wall would eventually come crashing down in late 1989. But in the decade before, as the cold war started to falter, a rogue movement began to create commando art on the drab grey surface of the Berlin Wall. The graffiti that began popping up was a symbol of freedom of expression, of hope, and a big middle finger to the Orwellian overlords in East Germany.

Thierry Noir was one of the earliest artists to use paint as a form of protest at the site. In a 2013 interview with the blog Street Art London, he characterized the work as political, saying It was forbidden to paint the wall, so in a way it was a revolutionary act.

When the movement first started, the street artists, who were largely foreigners, were often criticized by local Berliners who thought their work was mere decoration. Noir says he was constantly having to make it clear that the point was not an aesthetic one. You cant make the wall beautiful because it is a deadly border, he says he constantly told people. Even if you put thousands of kilos of colors on the wall, this wall will never be beautiful.

While Noir was starting to plaster his colorful images on the Berlin Wall in 1984, Haring was making a name for himself across the Atlantic Ocean.

The young artist had moved to New York City in 1980 at the age of 20 to study at the School of Visual Arts. Soon after, he began developing his distinctive stylecartoonish characters that could be both universally identified and identified withon the walls of the citys subway system. On pieces of black paper, Haring would draw his playful and expressive figuresdancing people, barking dogs, crawling babies, dolphins, and morein white chalk and post them in empty advertising spaces. When he was really on a roll, he could create 40 of these works in one day.

By the time he made the trip to Berlin in 1986, Haring had become a big name in the New York art scene, both in the world of unsanctioned street artists and that of the official gallery system. His style had become instantly recognizable, and he had sold formal pieces for as high as $50,000.

Despite his success, Haring remained committed to his graffiti work and was interested in breaking down the barriers between high and low art. He once wrote that he was attracted to the practice of subway graffiti because of his commitment to drawing worthy of risk. The Berlin Wall project surely provided the opportunity to take a large risk in service of important art.

As Haring discovered when he arrived in Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie was an especially tense place to be breaking the law. Even though his visit was at the official request of the museum, the wall was patrolled on both sides by soldiers from East Germany, who actually owned six feet of land radiating out from the wall on the Western side. Technically speaking, his mural was being painted on the communist side of Germany. His illegal graffiti work in New York was risky, but the difference, as Haring said, was he had never dealt with the fear of being shot.

But he had a job to do and a piece of art to create. So, according to a report from People magazine, he got started in the way he started all of his projects: by blasting dance tunes on his boombox in front of the press, policemen, and a U.S. Army helicopter that hovered overhead, while East German soldiers peeped over the top.

Haring started painting a bit before 11a.m., and he worked for four and a half hours to cover a long stretch of the wall with his characteristic human figures in alternating red and black (over a yellow background to represent the colors of both the East and West German flags). The figures were all linked together, head to foot, in a long human chain with his distinct lines radiating out from each figure to give the feeling of movement.

Its about the ridiculousness of all walls and enemies and borders, Haring told People of his mural. To The New York Times, he said his work was a humanistic gesture, more than anything else. [Its] a political and subversive actan attempt to psychologically destroy the wall by painting it.

Less than four years later, the Berlin Wall and Keith Haring would both be gone. The former officially fell on November 9, 1989 with citizens on both sides starting to chip away at the monstrosity that divided their city. A few months later, on February 16, 1990, Keith Haring succumbed to complications from AIDS at the age of 31.

But, by that time, his act of artistic protest was already only a memory. Murals on the Berlin Wall were constantly being painted over by fellow artists wanting to create their own work on the site or by people who didnt agree with the particular piece.

In fact, for Haring to paint his own piece on that particular spot, the Checkpoint Charlie Museum had sent workers out on that early October morning to cover an existing mural by Noir and fellow French artist, Christophe Bouchet, in yellow. (Haring was allegedly not pleased when he discovered his work required the ruination of that of another artist, and he apologized to the two.)

Harings mural eventually met the same fate. Within a day of his feat, another artist had painted a big chunk of the work grey (many have speculated it was an act of protest against Harings joyful work), and it had been completely obscured within a few months.

Today, both the Berlin Wall and Harings artistic celebration of our shared humanity that once graced it exist only in photographs.
With goals ranging from increasing employment to lowering the high rate of suicide among soldiers returning from war, the newest commitment to providing pathways to agricultural entrepreneurship was launched Friday by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

With a $600,000 grant from a United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Agrilife has launched a three-year program called "Battleground to Breaking Ground Project." Organizers of the launch event at Millican Reserve -- which drew veterans and Aggies alike -- say the program is committed to providing workshops and mentors for 725 veterans looking to start their own agricultural businesses.

For Steve Smith, co-founder of F.A.R.M., a Dallas-based company that is partnering with Texas A&M for the project, the program is a way to enable more veterans to feel the benefits of farming he found when he returned from two tours in the Middle East in 2007.

"It's kind of a perfect fit for a veteran -- low pay," he said with a laugh before adding, "a new mission, new purpose. You feel good about yourself every day. It has that regimen you know, that you are missing when you leave the military."

Providing meaningful -- and profitable -- work for veterans is at the heart of the program, says Rick Peterson, associate professor and extension family life specialist. Peterson, who was part of the team that put together the application for the grant, said when veterans create sustainable farming or ranching companies, they chip away at the veteran unemployment rate.

"One of the main issues for veterans is employment. There's also the issue for veterans that they are coming home with disabilities both seen and unseen," he said, adding that the Breaking Ground Project enables veterans to find a type of employment, namely self-employment, that fits their needs.

The free program will roll out in three phases. After a one-day workshop at Millican Reserve in College Station today that will hit on topics ranging from business plans to resources available to new farmers, the program will open up an online class for veterans. Texas AgrAbility, the group within the Agrilife Extension running the program, has trained more than 700 beginning farmers with this type of course -- 70 percent of whom have been veterans -- since 2012.

The course requires participants build a detailed business plan, which Peterson said is key to creating a sustainable business.

"One of the things we want to focus on is making sure they have a sound business plan -- making sure the business plan is reality-tested, making sure that they are going to be profitable in the end," Peterson said.

The plan created in phase two will be used as the application for phase three, which pairs accepted veterans up with farmer-rancher mentors. Upon completion of 100 hours of in-field training, they can apply to lease land at the F.A.R.M. or at the Millican Reserve, a College Station-based company also partnering with Texas A&M, and continue to receive help from farm managers on Texas AgrAbility's payroll for up to two years.

Corey Christman is among the veterans who will be participating in the workshop today. He said he briefly had a corporate job before making the leap to entrepreneurship. Christman started two companies in the New York-area in 2015, a leadership consulting company and a winery.

The first, in part, grew out of his training as a special agent for the Air Force. The second grew out of his knack for making wine in the garage.

He said he'll be splitting time between New York and College Station for the program, but he sees programs like this as vital chances to network and learn ways to improve his wine company, which is making its first small batch of wine.

"As veterans we're taught to give help," he said. "Sometimes the best thing to do is ask for it."

Smith, an Army veteran, said programs that create networking opportunities and communities for veteran entrepreneurs help in more ways than just the business sense.

He said hearing about his peers' suicides when he came back to U.S. is a large part of his daily motivation to provide resources for fellow veterans.

"We've lost 11 to date from our unit of 125 people, and it struck me -- like it struck everyone -- as surprising," he said. "We need to do something about it, not just complain about who's not serving who and why isn't the VA or the government doing anything -- as a veteran we're here to serve, and since we found it therapeutic with farming and beneficial, we wanted to pass that on to other veterans."

His advice for veterans looking to become agricultural entrepreneurs themselves is to seek out resources and to plan extensively.

"Farming is hard work -- I'm not going to say that it's not," Smith said. "But it's rewarding if you have a good plan and execute it."
An Iola man who was injured Thursday after he hit a deer while riding his motorcycle was arrested after authorities say they found methamphetamine in a backpack.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, authorities responded to a crash on Texas 30 near the Grimes County line around 9:30 p.m. Thursday. Jimilei Russell Fox, 32, was thrown from his motorcycle after he hit a deer that was in the road. Fox was taken to the College Station Medical Center for non life-threatening injuries.

Authorities say during a follow-up interview at the hospital, a nurse said when he was looking in Fox's backpack for his phone and identification, he found what appeared to be drugs. The trooper looked into the backpack and found eight grams of suspected methamphetamine in a plastic bag. A probable cause affidavit states Fox said the backpack was his, but denied ownership of the methamphetamine. Fox provided a blood sample that will be analyzed by the DPS Crime Lab in Austin.

In February, Fox was arrested after a man called College Station police and said Fox was calling him impersonating an officer. According to College Station police, a teen called officers in November to report someone had called her cell phone and said he was a police officer. The man referred to himself as "Officer James Russell" and wanted to speak to the teen's father, saying he had a warrant for his arrest. The man told the teen her father was wanted for kidnapping a woman and the man needed to speak with him immediately.

Investigators spoke to the man who allegedly had a warrant, and he said he had received numerous text messages and phone calls from an unidentified number, and the caller had called the man's family members and co-workers. The man told police he thought "Officer Russell" may actually be Fox, who had dated the man's ex-fiance. Fox was arrested and charged with two counts of impersonating a police officer, a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Fox is now charged with possession of a controlled substance, a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and $10,000 in fines. He is being held at the Brazos County Jail on $10,000 bond.
Eighteen sophomore-level Texas A&M architecture students were given an opportunity this semester to design a building for a client who has different needs than most -- the Aggieland Humane Society.

On Thursday, students, professors, parents and nearly 50 Aggieland Humane Society staff and supporters met at the Brazos County Expo for a science-fair style presentation of the final projects, which featured things such as a "puppy pod" and slanted wooden screens to give animals light but keep them cool in the summer.

While the Aggieland Humane Society is likely years away from expanding its facilities, director Kathy Bice said shelter staff want to start brainstorming and collecting data now.

At the beginning of the spring semester, Aggieland Humane leaders approached Texas A&M's College of Architecture, requesting models and mock-ups of a hypothetical new facility.

"These student projects will be for our inspiration," Bice said. "There are elements of their master plans we wanted to look at. This project both motivates the architecture students, and it also stimulates our thoughts about this."

The students in Zhipeng Lu's sophomore-level studio class were divided into groups of three, and given 10 weeks to design both a computer and miniature physical model of a new shelter. The students spent extensive time researching animal shelters, interviewing Aggieland Humane staff and touring the current facilities, as well as hearing from architects who design animal shelters.

"I wasn't sure at first about this," Lu said. "I've never done a design for an animal shelter before. We don't design for animals; it's always for human needs. But I was invited to a lunch by the Humane Society, and I was just so touched when I saw their love for the animals and their goal to have their facility become no-kill."

The students worked side-by-side with shelter employees and spoke with veterinary school students about animals' needs. Sutton Johnson, one of the sophomore students in Lu's class, described how her group focused on the need to keep buildings cool in the summer while still giving the animals window access to light and the outside world. She explained that the design featured slanted wooden screens around each building on the campus.

"We wanted to have a lot of glass so that the animals could get light," she said. "We did our research and learned that cats really love having the sunlight."

Another crucial feature of the group's design, Johnson noted, was placing older or more veteran canine residents of the shelter prominently at the front of the main adoption building, encouraging visitors to focus on these dogs as opposed to puppies or new arrivals.

"Studies show that you're more likely to fall in love with the first three to five dogs you see at the shelter," she said.

Jessie Bullard, a junior in Lu's class, said his group had similar goals. Their design placed puppies in a "puppy pod" located toward the back of the main building, flanked first by older dogs and cats. In addition to this adoption building, he felt it was crucial to have a spay and neuter clinic, an infirmary and an animal control intake center. It was influential for Bullard to be able to understand the real-world needs of Aggieland Humane.

"This was our class' first project that had an actual client involved," he said. "It was cool to go to the shelter site and hear the client's thoughts on things."

After the projects were unveiled, Lu said his students did a good job and Bice agreed.

"We were very impressed," she said. "These were very creative."

Aggieland Humane takes in more than 3,000 animals a year, and is always at full capacity. Many pet owners have to wait up to three months before the shelter can accept their animals for surrender.

Bice said data will be collected over the matter during the summer and will be analyzed along with inspiration from the students' projects before fall. The shelter needs an infirmary and a spay and neuter clinic, Bice said, both to help care for the animals and to prevent babies from being conceived in excess.

"We need to have more hospital-grade facilities for isolating sick animals for disease control," she said. "And as the population of Bryan and College Station grows, we'll need more space for more pets."
U.S. Rep. Miller-Meeks beats Bohannan in Iowa's 1st District race

The Associated Press called the race for Miller-Meeks just after 11 p.m. on Tuesday.
Toyotas, Hondas and other Japanese models traditionally dominate Consumer Reports' annual best cars list, so this year's compact car selection was a surprise.

The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze beat out two perennial CR favorites, the highly regarded Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic  and last year's winner, the Suburu Impreza in the publication's 10 Tops Picks of the year.
NORWALK  A Norwalk man is facing numerous charges after violating a protective order twice in a single night, police said.

Police said that Patrick Priest, 33, violated a protective order put in place by the mother of his child after he showed up at her house around midnight Friday night.

Though his ex wasnt home, police said her mother answered the front door and told Priest that he wasnt supposed to be there. When Priest left, the mother called police and informed them that Priest had violated the conditions of the protective order.

After leaving the mothers house, Priest learned that his ex was at a friends house elsewhere in Norwalk.

Upon arriving at the friends house, police said Priest and his ex got into a shouting match through the screen door at the front of the home. When the woman ended the argument by slamming the front door shut, Priest went out to her car and allegedly kicked its front door several times.

Eventually police arrived and placed Priest under arrest. While in police custody, police discovered that Priest had a warrant out for his arrest due to violation of probation.

Priest was charged with two counts of criminal violation of a protective order, breach of peace and violation of probation. In total, Priest was held on a $25,000 bond, and he will be arraigned in court on May 1.

ptomlinson@hearstmediact.com; 203-354-1046; Twitter: @Tomlinson_PE
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NORWALK  It took an entire decade  10 police police raids and more than a dozen arrests since 2007  to shutter a Main Street spa long known as a front for acts of prostitution.

And now Emerald Spa, formerly known as Nirvana Spa, joins the list of brothels dating back to the infamous Zebra Club to close as a result of local and state nuisance abatement ordinances.

Lt. James Walsh, commander of the Norwalk Police Departments Special Services Division, which investigates these crimes, said enforcement of nuisance abatement ordinances is a civil proceeding, but city officials rely heavily on the work of police to help shutter such establishments.

The role of the police is to investigate ongoing criminal activities, Walsh said. In the case of Emerald Spa for example, criminal prosecution led to the civil action.

Walsh said that the state nuisance abatement statute is enforced by the states lead prosecutors office in Rocky Hill.

Our role is to gather evidence of ongoing crimes, he said. We are a liaison with the city and state agencies.

Following two convictions for prostitution at the Main Street spa  then known as Nirvana Spa  the city had the ammunition it needed to shut it down based on a never-before-used local ordinance governing the licensing of massage parlors.

On March 23, the establishment was last raided, the tenth time since 2007.

Police and Norwalk Health Department Health Director Tim Callahan announced April 17 that Emeralds license had been permanently revoked.

In July 2016 police arrested two women there for prostitution, Callahan said. The two women did not have a state or local massage therapy license and a local ordinance allows the Board of Health to take action.

The women were later convicted in state Superior Court in Norwalk on prostitution-related charges.

Callahan referred to Norwalk City Code Chapter 65, which governs the licensing of massage therapists and establishments that provide massage services.

The code states that a permit can be revoked when The permittee or any massage therapist or non-licensed employee of the massage establishment is convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude, obscenity, sexual misconduct, keeping or residing in a house of ill fame, solicitation of a lewd or unlawful act, prostitution or pandering, the record of conviction being conclusive evidence thereof.

This is the first time that this particular ordinance has been used in Norwalk, Callahan said.

The Office Cafe

After years of alleged drug activity, prostitution, violence and numerous police visits, a lawsuit filed by the state of Connecticut closed The Office Gentlemans Cafe at 201 Liberty Square on March 30, 2016.

The closing came on the heels of the nuisance abatement action filed on Dec. 1, 2015 by States Attorney Richard Colangelo on behalf of the state of Connecticut against The Office owner Gene Morrell; GLM LLC and the buildings owners.

According to the statute, The state has the exclusive right to bring an action to abate a public nuisance...(including) provided there have been three or more arrests, [or] the issuance of three or more arrest warrants indicating a pattern of criminal activity and not isolated incident.

According to the civil action against the parties, Colangelo alleged that since at least 2010, Numerous incidents of illegal behavior for which police involvement has been necessary have occurred at the subject premises and were directly related to activities occurring at The Office Gentlemans Cafe.

The 15-page suit enumerated a litany of police-involved incidents that included shots fired, stabbings, assaults, narcotics violations, armed subjects, disturbances, intoxicated persons, fights, noise complaints, larcenies, drinking in public, liquor violations, suspicious persons and prostitution.

The Office Gentlemans Cafe has been the site of numerous ... events hosted and supported by the resident Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, according to the suit. The premises is a known hang out for the local chapters of the Bloods and Crips street gangs.

The Zebra Club

Beginning in 1993, the name Zebra Club became synonymous with public nuisance partially due to its proximity to a Catholic church and a pastors campaign to close his neighbors doors.

It took a police raid five years later to close the nude-dancing club, easily identifiable by its black and white zebra stripes.

An October 1998 raid, in which nine people were arrested on charges ranging from prostitution to disorderly conduct, capped a two-and-a-half month-long undercover police investigation.

This is a place thats not wanted and not needed in the city of Norwalk, then-Mayor Frank Esposito said at the time.

The raid took place under the eye of Esposito, police officials and the chiefs states attorney John Bailey, as officers made the arrests with an eye toward closing the club under Connecticuts nuisance abatement law.

Then-Police Chief Harry Rilling, now the citys mayor, noted that the nuisance abatement law allows the states attorney office to take a club to civil court with at least three arrests in any seven categories of crimes, including prostitution or drugs.

But the community was up in arms about the club even before it opened, largely due its proximity to St. Philip Roman Catholic Church.

On May 11, 1993, the Common Council passed an ordinance banning nude dancing or pornography within 1,000 feet of each other or within 500 feet of a church.

The Zebra Club opened the next day  across the street from the church. The city shut it down that night, but the club was allowed to reopen as long as it didnt serve alcohol.

Between 1993 and 1998, the Zebra Club and the city went head-to-head.

In 1994, the Zoning Commission, approved an amendment to a 1993 adult use ordinance and gave establishments in violation two years to relocate. As the 1996 deadline passed to close or relocate, the Zebra Club stayed put.

Petitions to shut the club down began to circulate and the Zebra Club debate gained national attention as the Rev. Michael Boccaccio, pastor of St. Philip Church, debated the clubs attorney on the Maury Show, a syndicated television series hosted by Maury Povich.

On the day following the raid, and the clubs subsequent closure, an elated Boccaccio told The Hour, I received calls from parishioners saying, God has answered our prayers.

llake@hearstmediact.com
CAIRO  Bob Niemanns father and two uncles served on the ground in Europe during World War II.

My dad was with Pattons 3rd Army, Niemann said. I had an uncle who was hurt pretty bad over there.

He also had two uncles who saw action during the Korean War, as well as three cousins who served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.

So there really wasnt any question in Niemanns mind: He would serve three tours of duty in Vietnam.

I saw it as something that I kind of wanted to do, he said. At that point in time, the war was winding up, and you were probably going to end up in the military or go to college.

I just felt like I should do it.

Niemann is among the 82 Vietnam vets flying to the Washington, D.C., area early Sunday morning on the second Hall County Vietnam Veterans Hero Flight. It is the seventh such Hall County Hero Flight, something that may be unprecedented across the entire country.

Niemann and his wife, Judy, visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial  better known as The Wall  in 1989, less than seven years after the monument was dedicated.

It was a special, eerie feeling, Niemann recalled.

That eerie feeling also hearkened back to Niemanns ground time in South Vietnam, which began in early 1968 and continued through nearly Christmas of 1970.

War, period, is ugly, said Niemann, a 1967 graduate of Grand Island Senior High, former instructor at Central Community College and former Grand Island City Council member. But Vietnam had its time frame when it was as bad as any war weve been involved with  or worse.

Niemann spent his time in northern South Vietnam, at different Marine bases such as Dong Ha, Quang Tri, Cam Lo and Con Tien. He served in A Company, 3rd Tank Battalion, as a tank crewman, section leader and platoon sergeant.

We did a lot of security work on roads, Niemann recalled. There were spots you knew they (Viet Cong or North Vietnamese Army) were going to use the terrain to try to blow the hell out of you. It was our job to try to stop any enemy activity that disrupted the flow of supplies to our fire bases.

Northern I Corps could get pretty grisly, he added. It was a bad place. We ended up in Laos and Cambodia a couple times.

Niemann spent a lot of his time near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)  six miles of no-mans land, he said.

The theory was the South Vietnamese owned three miles here and the North Vietnamese owned that three miles over there, Niemann added, and you were never supposed to be in their three miles. There was nothing in the middle. It was just a line on the map.

Because of his contact with Agent Orange while in Vietnam, Niemann  like countless other Vietnam War vets  has suffered health problems. He was in a coma for a while two years ago from the effects of encephalitis.

With the help of a wheelchair and his wife  the two will be celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary on July 7  Niemann should be fine for the D.C. experience Sunday through Tuesday. He wont be tracing any names on The Wall, although he knew some of the servicemen whose names are engraved there.

On one evening on a hill called 100, there were a number of people from the unit I was with, including the company commander, who were killed. A rocket-propelled grenade went through the turret of the tank.

The commanders name was Capt. Michael Charles Wunsch. He was killed in Quang Tri Province.

Another vet on the second Vietnam Hero Flight, Grand Islands Mike Newman, plans to trace the names of two high school friends, Cpl. Willmer Arden Matson and Sgt. Roger Lee Coen.

I went to school in Loomis with Willie and knew Roger, who was from Holdrege, said Newman, who hasnt yet visited The Wall. All three of us were over there at the same time.

I just know that The Wall and memorial are there for the people who gave their lives in Vietnam, he said. They were my brothers and sisters.

Newman served as a combat engineer with the Armys 1st Cavalry Division Airmobile in the Bien Hoa and Saigon area. His job was hair-raising: rappelling from helicopters and clearing landing zones (LZs), and he almost always took fire while performing those tasks.

We were all in squads, and we never knew where we were going, said Newman, who recalled spending a handful of days in Cambodia. You didnt know if it was Monday or Thursday because we were constantly moving around.

Newman  whos been married to his second wife, Virginia, for 28 years  received an Air Medal for taking part in more than 25 missions over hostile territory in South Vietnam.

Im like a lot of people who served over there, he said. I havent forgotten all of it, but I really dont talk about it. I run into other Vietnam vets, and we sit down and talk, but we really dont talk about that.

We all kind of have that understanding. Vietnam was something that just happened.
Im on my way out the door, headed for California. What could have been a very expensive trip is going to be so cheap that even I am amazed.

This is a last-minute trip, so I did not have the benefit of booking well in advance. In fact, I only had five days advanced notice of this trip.

FLIGHT: My first choice in air travel is now Southwest. I try to keep all of my flights with the same airline to build up frequent flier miles. That usually works pretty well. Ive found that it is a very competitive airline in most cases. The cheapest round-trip fare for flights that fit my schedule cost a whopping $742. Gulp! Granted, I knew I wasnt booking 21 days in advance, but still. So, I started the search over. I was pretty sure Id made a mistake. But no, it really was the best price. I put the reservation on hold to give me time to shop around. Most airlines will do this for 24 hours.

I went straight to the Kayak website (which searches thousands of flights of different airlines and gives results, lowest price first) and input the same itinerary. Within 30 seconds it had pulled up many options for the same date, time and destination. The cheapest: $146 round-trip including all fees and tax on Frontier Airlines. Realizing I was about to spend $596 less than the other itinerary, I booked it immediately but not through Kayak. I went on the Frontier Airlines site and booked direct using my account so I got the rewards.

I never book through Kayak or other similar sites because if I need to make any changes or something goes wrong with the flights, dealing with a third-party travel site to rebook can be a nightmare. I use Kayak as an information site. Knowing that the Southwest ticket on hold will simply expire if I do nothing, I go ahead and do nothing.

HOTEL: I dont even go to specific hotel sites anymore. I rely solely on Priceline (and choose the name-your-own-price option, not the Priceline discounted hotel rooms). I find this to be so easy to use. I input my city of choice, and the site returns a map with regions of that metropolitan area. First I select the region where I want to be. Then I usually chose the three-star hotel (I know that Courtyard by Marriott, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Country Inns  my favorites  are all considered three stars in Pricelines world, and that is my favorite kind of accommodation when I travel on business).

Next, I name a price. Heres the tricky part: Priceline hints that Id better input $70 per night or more if I have a prayer of my deal being accepted. Phooey! I know better. Fifty dollars is my target (knowing they will add tax and other fees on top of whatever price I name), so thats the amount I bid. Of course, I got a pop-up message from William Shatner that I must be out of my mind with such a low offer and that I need to rethink and increase my bid. I laugh as I hit submit. Ten seconds later I get Congratulations, your offer has been accepted! Thats when they reveal which hotel I will be staying at. Bingo! My most favorite hotel for $59 per night, all inclusive.

CAR: My first stop in finding a rental car is the Hertz website, where I am a gold member (I have no idea why, but somehow years ago I qualified for this dubious privilege.) I want to get an idea of the going rate, so I input my itinerary, indicating I will need this car for just about 24 hours. I choke when I see the lowest option for an economy car will $82 inclusive for one day. Once I recover from the shock, I decide (as I always do, because this happens routinely) that if Priceline is good enough that I can name my own price for a hotel, its gotta be great for a car. And yes it is.

My boldness now surging, I go straight to Priceline rental car name-your-own-price option, which is a little tricky to find, and opt for a full-size model for  get this  $20 a day. Poor William. Hes very put out with my low bids. And do I care? No! All it takes for him to see things my way is about 10 seconds! Yep, I got the car, too. With fees it cost $29 for one day. When Priceline reveals which rental car company Ill be dealing with, I am tickled pick to see Im getting this steal of a deal from good ol Hertz!

BONUS: As I receive email confirmations for each part of my travel itinerary, I forward them to my TripIt account. Its free, and is it ever slick. I simply add a new trip, and TripIt takes all the confirmations and builds my itinerary in chronological order, every detail included. The app makes sure I have every detail at my fingertips, including driving directions, estimated drive times, updates, etc.

They dont call me the queen of cheap for nothing. If theres one thing I know how to do (and love doing), its booking my own business travel. It gives me great practice for when I book personal travel. Because I make it a point to join every frequent flier/point program out there, no matter how little I pay for hotels, airfare and cars, I get lots of points and miles. And as a reward, Harold and I get fabulous vacations that are mostly paid for with all of the points and miles I rack up during the year.

Mary Hunt, founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com, writes this column for Creators Syndicate. Send tips or address questions to: Everyday Cheapskate, 12340 Seal Beach Blvd., Suite B-416, Seal Beach, CA 90740, or email her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com.
AUBURN  Rob Barber smiled as he looked at the various camping-related posters strewn around the cafeteria of Herman Avenue Elementary School in Auburn.

Barber, general manager at the Bass Pro Shops in Aurelius, was one of the judges for a poster contest at the school Friday, along with the shop's camping team lead, Paige Townsend, and Mike Guarino, of Dick's Sporting Goods in Aurelius.

All three were judging the artwork of 80 students, from kindergarten to sixth grade, with one from each grade winning the competition, getting a $20 gift certificate from one of the two businesses as a prize.

Barber, who has painting and carving work under his belt, said he was interested in seeing what each student included in their interpretation of camping.

"Something as simple as a little bird or a squirrel, things that people take for granted, they don't even think about as being part of a particular (camping) scene. It's neat," Barber said.

The judges said they were on the lookout for work that had creativity, included different aspects of camping, and didn't look like the student had a lot of parental help.

Out of the kindergartners' posters, the trio selected one that had crayon-drawn pictures of a skunk and different animals and a large tent. Barber said he appreciated the effort put into an elaborate poster that included a picture of the student who created it.

Mary Stanton, who organized the event, said the contest spun out of a recent camping-themed book fair held by the Herman Avenue Book Fair, of which she is a member of the committee. The event was set up by the local Parent Teacher Organization. Students were informed of the contest Monday and had to turn their posters  though one student created a model of sorts inside a shoe box  Thursday.

"I'd rather do something this where I organize a poster contest and encourage all children  (kindergarten through) six (grade,) not just specific grade levels but all children, and I like bringing the community in," Stanton said.
In the United States, we all know what happened during the Holocaust, the way Adolf Hitler and the Nazis systematically tried to exterminate the Jewish race from Germany and the other countries it seized control of during World War II.

But The Promise presents a chilling history lesson on a similar genocide that occurred 20 years earlier that many moviegoers dont know anything about. The leaders of Turkey, allied with Germany at the beginning of World War I, used the nationalism that came with the war to eliminate the 2 million Christian Armenians living in Turkey.

The Armenians, who made up about 10 percent of Turkeys population, were much better educated and wealthier than the Muslim Turkish citizens, and the Young Turk regime in control of Turkey in 1914 exploited these differences to encourage the Turks to view Armenians as a threat, rather than their fellow countrymen.

Once the war started, the Turks demanded that Armenians turn over all their weapons and then began putting them in work camps or sending them on death marches that resulted in the deaths of about a million Armenians. The Turkish soldiers also looted the homes left behind as they moved the Armenians out, as the well-educated professional families had more possessions than most of the people in Turkey.

This genocide reminds me a lot of what Ive seen in movies about the Holocaust, but we must realize that this happened during World War I and the Germans were standing by watching as the Turkish military rounded up, looted and killed the Armenians. This is pretty much what the Germans went on to do to the Jews in the 1930s and 40s. Hitler actually referred to the Armenian slaughter when he ordered a similar extermination of people of Polish descent as he conquered Poland in 1939.

Oscar Isaac stars in The Promise as Mikael, a young Armenian pharmacist who wants to go to medical school. He becomes betrothed to a woman from a wealthy family so he can use the dowry of 400 gold coins from her father to pay for medical school.

His promise is that he will go to medical school and then return to marry and work as a doctor in their community.

But it isnt long after he begins his studies in Constantinople that Turkey joins with Germany in World War I and life for the Turkish Armenians is forever changed.

In Constantinople, Mikael meets Ana, a young Armenian woman who has been educated in Paris, as well as her boyfriend, Chris Myers, an American Associated Press reporter/photographer.

Myers is determined to document the atrocities going on in Turkey and get word back to his country about whats going on. The U.S. had not yet entered the war, and European reaction to news of the genocide was muted.

A lot of reviewers have been saying the focus on a love triangle between these three characters is unnecessary, but I think its important because it shows that, in the midst of war and even genocide, love goes on and human conflict goes on. It puts a human face on the tragedy that the Armenians suffered.

The Turks were successful in removing the Armenians from their midst as most of them were killed and those who werent escaped to the United States and other countries more welcoming to people from different cultures.

And, incredibly, even a century later, the government of Turkey refuses to recognize that this genocide happened. A recent Turkish-made film on the same subject took the approach that, if the Armenians did die, they deserved it.

The Promise was produced specifically to raise awareness about the Armenians plight. Its producers have promised that any profits will go to charity and they will use the film as an education tool in schools.

Its very rare for feature films to be made with such great intentions. I encourage the people of Central Nebraska to take the time to see The Promise and recognize that raising awareness of such historical tragedies can help us prevent them in the future.

Senior Editor Bette Pore spends her weekdays at The Independent, but if shes not at work or home, chances are youll find her at the movies. Email her at bette.pore@theindependent.com.
Men, who have more pockets than they know what to do with, dont know how good they have it.

Unbeknownst to most of us, women have been complaining about a lack of pockets for decades.

Women say one of lifes great injustices is that dresses have no pockets. Many other types of womens clothing give them no place to put their stuff. Pants, jackets and tops either have no pockets or a very poor substitute.

Womens pants dont have pockets, and its not fair, says co-worker Sarah Mindrup, because I have to carry everything and spend more money on a purse to carry all the junk that I should be able to carry in my pocket.

Cellphones are getting bigger, which only exacerbates the problem.

Men come across fake pockets only occasionally. But in the world of womens clothing, pretend pockets are rampant. Women also say the pants pockets they do have are too small.

Some womens pants pockets can hold little more than a pocket watch, and I dont see many women carrying pocket watches.

Men dont realize it, but women dont like to haul purses around all the time.

The lack of storage capacity stirs passions in women.

We have very strong feelings when it comes to pockets, says colleague Terri Hahn.

In women, designers face a large pocket of resistance.

The fashion industry and the purse industry are definitely colluding so that we have to spend more money because they dont want to provide us with decent enough products to begin with, says co-worker Kit Grode.

Buying a purse is an added expense. Carrying a handbag is also a hassle.

Given the option, Kit would go without a purse 99 percent of the time.

Women often decide which clothing items to buy depending on whether or not they have pockets.

Almost all dresses are made without pockets.

If you find a dress with pockets, it is the best dress, and you keep it, Kit says.

When Kit gets a compliment about an outfit, she says thanks. Then, even better, she says, It has pockets.

Ive always thought an excess of pockets is one of the great things about being a guy. Men are good at taking advantage of all that space. Justin Timberlake even has sunshine in his pocket.

But designers believe pouches inside will destroy the lines of womens clothing.

The fashion industry limits pockets because men dont like having to look at bulges in womens thighs, Kit says.

Designers put pockets where women dont need them and avoid them in places where theyd come in handy, Terri says.

Manufacturers who put a pocket on a womans shirt should be shot, Terri says.

When Sarah goes out, I either have to enlist some poor boy to hold all my stuff for me or I have to get a purse.

The problems are especially acute for women going to an upscale event.

Because dresses dont have pockets, many women have to bring a purse. And then you have to keep track of it for the entire time, Kit says.

For a formal event, Sarah says, some women buy those little clutches that cost a fortune.

And hold nothing, Terri says.

Talking about the limits of clothing can get women riled up.

Going without pockets is one of the costs of living in a patriarchal-based society, Kit says.

Men have inside pockets on jackets. We dont even get a pocket on our jackets, and you have three, she says.

Even though theyre not fashionable anymore, my friend Zach Mayhew still wears cargo shorts. He loves having all those pockets.

But Kit says women were shortchanged even in the cargo-shorts era. While men had eight pockets, women had two.

Carrying purses in public makes women a target.

Its super easy to snatch someones purse and be gone, Kit says.

One complaint about purses is that they can get heavy.

Kit says big purses are good when shes flying, but otherwise she doesnt like them at all.

Heavy purses are good only for smacking people out of the way, she says.

When youre around women with strong opinions, a guy has to walk carefully.

Jeff Bahr is a reporter for The Independent. He may be reached at (308) 381-9408.
A hearty Saturday Salute goes this week to everyone involved in the project to build a new state-of-the-art cancer center in Omaha.

The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, previously known as the Eppley Cancer Center, has been involved in cancer research and treatment for more than 30 years. It received its National Cancer Institute designation in 1983.

In about six weeks, it will open a new facility that will provide totally integrated cancer research and cancer care. Medical staff treating cancer patients and cancer researchers will all be working in the same 10-story, 635,000-square-foot building.

Dr. Kenneth H. Cowan, director of the cancer center since 1999, spoke to the Grand Island Rotary Club this week about what this facility will mean to the ongoing battle to cure cancer.

With the facility, Cowan said, We wanted all the clinical cancer providers to work closely with the researchers so they can focus their research on problems that patients are facing today.

For the patients, he said, It will mean that we can actually provide more hope through research and extraordinary care. It will mean one-stop shopping as they (patients) will make one appointment and will be seen by the entire team at one time so they dont have to have multiple visits.

This year, 1.7 million people nationwide will be diagnosed with some type of cancer, and 600,000 will die of the disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. But more people are surviving cancer because of an emphasis on early prevention, new medical technologies and the development of precision medicine that tailors cancer treatment to the individual.

Cowan was promoting the Cattlemens Ball, which will take place on June 2 and 3 at the Lonesome River Ranch near Anselmo in Custer County. The event has raised more than $20 million for cancer research in Nebraska during the past 20 years, with the fundraiser held each year on a different ranch somewhere in the state. This years hosts are Jeff and Lisa Johnson.

Cowan said the event really highlights the importance or research and providing new care and opportunities for cancer patients.

We also salute the Johnsons and everyone who is coming together to raise funds for cancer research through the Cattlemens Ball.

Volunteers making a difference every day in Central Nebraska

We also take this opportunity to salute the many volunteers throughout Central Nebraska who do so much to help in any way they can, as we conclude the celebration of Volunteer Recognition Month in April. This is also Serve Nebraska Week, a week set aside to emphasize the countless opportunities to volunteer throughout our state.

Thank you to all of you who give so much, from Habitat for Humanity volunteers who help build houses to those shelving books at the public library and the volunteers at CHI Health St. Francis, along with thousands of others who give of their time and talents for a wide variety of causes. You are making a difference.
After four years living outside its walls, Surakartas sultan Paku Buwono XIII returned to the palace last Saturday, April 22, for his coronation anniversary. The sultan was finally able to witness the sacred Bedhaya Ketawang dance from his royal throne.

The word Bedhaya refers to female palace dancers, while ketawang is derived from tawang which means the sky, therefore Bedhaya Ketawang is said to be a dance from the sky. This Javanese dance is deemed sacred to the Mataram sultanates of both Surakarta and Yogyakarta. The dance from the sky can only be performed once a year at sultan coronation ceremonies.

Bedhaya Ketawang is performed by nine virgin girls, dressed in complete Javanese traditional bridal costume and make-up. The dance tells the story of Matarams first king, Panembahan Senapati (1587-1601) and his romantic relationship with Kanjeng Ratu Kencana Hadisari, famously known as Ratu Pantai Selatan (Nyi Roro Kidul).

Read also: Sacred Solo ceremony a must-see for culture enthusiasts

The two hour-long dance is comprised of three parts, each representing one stanza. The first stanza depicts the king and queen falling in love, serenaded by Durma and Ratnamulya songs amid soft gamelan sounds.

The second stanza illustrates the consummation of the king and queens marriage and features concealed sensual movements. The last stanza tells the story of their parting, as they live in different dimensions.

Bedhaya Ketawang is different from other Javanese traditional dances. Slow movements, accompanied by soft gamelan rhythms, are the signature of the dance. The accompanying music is produced from the sounds of Gending Ketawang Ageng, with its diatonic melodies. The instruments used include the traditional Javanese xylophone (gambang), fiddle (rebab), flute, kethuk, kenok, gong, traditional drums (kendhang) and kemanak.

KGPH Puger, one of the sons of Paku Buwono XII said, The message of the dance is that all the descendants of Panembahan Senopati will be the husband of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul to protect the Mataram kingdom.

Read also: Former archer seeks to save ancient archery art form jemparingan

The thick sacred air surrounding the Bedhaya Ketawang dance can be felt even before it is performed. As a form of respect to the dance, the dancers undertake a week-long fasting ritual prior to the performance. A number of offerings, including seven-kinds of flowers and a set of clothes and makeup are also prepared to accompany the performance. According to legend, the clothes and makeup must be identical to those worn by the dancers as it is believed that Nyi Roro Kidul or Ratu Pantai Selatan herself will join the dance alongside the other nine dancers.

According to KGPH Puger, the bendara bedhaya (bedhaya dancers) must train every Kliwon (Javanese calendar day) or every 35 days. Intensive training begins ten days prior to the Tingalan Jumenengan ceremony inside the palace.

In every practice session, they must wear the complete set of clothes worn on performance day. The practice place is within the Sasana Sewaka (the palaces main building), and is accompanied by special gamelan as well, he said.

The original Bedhaya Ketawang used to be performed for the full two-hour duration. However, since the reign of Paku Buwana X (1893-1939), the duration has been cut to 90 minutes. At the 13th Tingalan Jumenengan ceremony, April 22, The Bedhaya Ketawang dance was only performed for 30 minutes by seven dancers, all students of the Indonesia Art Institute (ISI) in Surakarta, and not by palace dancers.

Daughter of Paku Buwono XIII, GKR Timoer Rumbai Kusuma Dewayani said, The Bedhaya Ketawang must not be performed carelessly. The recent dance was performed by dancers from outside the palace with only a few practice sessions. As a cultural society, we are afraid to experience bad karma because of this. (asw)
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Linkedin Marvin G Perez and Fabiana Batista (Bloomberg)  Sat, April 29, 2017 13:48 2020 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb72f2e 2 Environment coffee,#coffee,Gayo-Arabica-coffee,coffee-plantation,climate,#Climate,climate-change,Climatechange,#ClimateChange,environment,#environment,environmental-issues Free

While Washington debates whether climate change is a hoax or an imminent threat, the world coffee industry is not waiting for the American government to take action to protect its business.

Coffee crops are under siege from deforestation, abnormally high temperatures, a lack of precipitation, and disease. The global market is heading for its fourth straight year of deficit, according to estimates from Rabobank International. At the same time, global demand for the beloved beverage is expected to reach an all-time high this year, led by demand from younger American consumers. Production will need to increase at least 50 percent by the middle of this century to keep pace with the demand, says Conservation International, an environmental organization. To cope, the industry is rushing to develop plants that can adapt with the changing environment.

Land suitable to grow the arabica beans favored by Starbucks Corp. and other specialty roasters will be cut in half worldwide by 2050, according to the World Coffee Research institute, a group sponsored by the industry. In Brazil's Espirito Santo state, output has fallen precipitously, particularly for the robusta variety of coffee bean. In the last three years, the region has received just 50 percent of its average rainfall, while temperatures soared to 3 degrees Celsius above normal. "It was the worst drought in 80 years," Romario Gava Ferrao, a researcher at the state-run research institute, Incaper, told Bloomberg. Some farmers have moved to other regions or have invested in other crops such as pepper, he said.

Hugo Ramos, a meteorologist at Incaper, isn't sure if the warmer, dryer weather is a permanent change for the region. "We have to study more to understand what will happen in the next years." The situation has become so dire that the nation is considering importing lower-quality robusta beans from Vietnam in order to meet demand, an option that has met strong opposition from local farmers.

Leaf rust, a fungal disease that affects both arabica and robusta plants, is also devastating the industry. About 18.2 million bags of coffee worth about $2.5 billion were lost to the disease from 2011 to 2016, according to WCR. The loss put 1.7 million people out of work. A warmer planet means producers will be forced to contend with more frequent threats to their beans.

Read also: Scientists seek holy grail of climate change in Oman's hills

To avert a disastrous future without coffee, Christophe Montagnon, a geneticist at the WCR, is leading a global team of researchers in an effort to find existing plants that can survive in a changed climate. "Global warming means that the only places that will remain arable are colder or at higher altitudes," Montagnon said in a telephone interview from Lyon, France.

In a recent experiment, Montagnon's team took 30 plant varieties from 20 countries and placed them in a controlled environment in Laos, where they were subjected to temperatures as low as 2 degrees Celsius. The seven varieties that survived the cold snap will now be taken to other regions, from Brazil to Guatemala, to see if they can thrive in foreign soils and uncontrolled conditions. Eventually, the coffee plants deemed most resistant to both colder temperatures and leaf-rust will be selected for planting.

"We now have these varieties that are resistant to frost, Montagnon said. The next step is to challenge those varieties in different environments, he said.

Finding coffee plants able to withstand leaf rust may be a bigger challenge. Recent research has shown that resistance is breaking down in some rust-resistant varieties originally developed from the 1950s to the '90s. The fungal disease remains common in some areas, particularly the Americas, where it primarily threatens the arabica beans sold by high-end roasters.

Still, Montagnon remains optimistic. "This is exciting, he said.

With assistance from Brian K. Sullivan.
The popularity of Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, who will leave office in the next few months, is apparently resonating beyond Jakarta, causing people from outside Java to come to meet him in person to express their support for the outspoken politician.

Debora Sarwom, 59, a resident of Jayapura in Papua, traveled all the way from Indonesias easternmost province to meet the governor after seeing on TV the massive support the governor was receiving from the public after he lost the recent runoff election.

The ticket for a flight from Jayapura to Jakarta cost Rp 3.5 million [US$ 262.57]. But that doesnt matter to me. I wanted to meet Ahok, said Debora, who landed on Thursday in Jakarta with her husband and daughter.

Ahok, she said, symbolized a brave and clean public official who was dedicated to developing the city and improving the welfare of the people.

He is more handsome than what I saw on TV. Hes still young and I am sure he will get a better position after this, she said, adding that she never missed Ahoks performances during the televised election debates.

According to numerous quick counts, Ahok and Deputy Jakarta Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat failed to retain their positions and they have conceded defeat to Anies Baswedan and his running mate Sandiaga Uno. The election was one of the most intense and heated in the countrys history.

Elisabeth Meme Dasion, 62, a resident of East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, initially came to Jakarta earlier this month to attend the graduation of her son from a private university in Jakarta.

However, meeting Ahok was also among her priorities when she visited the capital. We also had a regency election last February, but the attention I paid it was nothing like I did to Jakartas election, she added.

Arriving at City Hall at 9 a.m., she had to wait for nearly five hours to meet her idol, because her turn for a photo session was at noon, while Ahok had a series of meetings that day.

City Hall has turned into a tourist spot in the past few days as hundreds of people have flocked to the location. On Friday, as the governor carried out his duties, people patiently waited in line for their turn to meet and take pictures with Ahok. Upon seeing the governor, his fans began screaming and chanting his name.

The huge number of people visiting the office has prompted security personnel to create a series of rules for those wishing to convey their good wishes to the governor. Visitors are required to take queue numbers, get in line and have their hands marked after taking pictures, to prevent them rejoining the line.

The area has also been flooded with flower boards and floral displays sent as a mark of solidarity with the incumbents before they leave office in October.

The number of floral arrangements has rapidly risen to more than 2,000 and has forced the administration to relocate many of them to the National Monument (Monas) area in Central Jakarta.

We cant stop people [sending the displays]. Its like a flower festival. Imagine how much youd need to spend to organize such a festival? Ahok said, adding that the remains of the displays could later be sold.

However, one flower board emblazoned with the message Move On Donk! (Oh, move on!) was also spotted. OKE OCE, was written below, referring to the slogan of Ahoks rivals Anies-Sandiaga. Some Ahok fans changed the words to read Menolak Move On (Refusing to move on) in a gesture of defiance.
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Linkedin Asila Jalil (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, April 29 2017

De Nederlandse Club (DNC) is an active community in Jakarta that aims to bring Dutch people together to make them feel at home in a new city.

Chairman Aston Goad said the club, which was incorporated in 2002, consisted of 450 to 500 members, with a rough division of members to cater to everyone in the club.

The rough division of members include single individuals, young professionals and families with children, and usually these families are those that have lived in Jakarta for at least about 10 years, said Goad, who has been the head of the DNC for three years.

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Linkedin Stefani Ribka and Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, April 29 2017

The government said Friday that it was seeking to collect Rp 31 trillion (US$2.3 billion) in outstanding loans from debtors in the Bank Indonesia liquidity support (BLBI) case.

The figure [Rp 31 trillion] is the amount we are trying to collect through cooperation with the Attorney Generals Office and the National Police, the Finance Ministrys director general of state wealth, Sony Loho, said.

Sony said the amount excluded the Rp 3.7 trillion debt owed by the now-defunct Bank Dagang Nasional Indonesia (BDNI) owner, Sjamsul Nursalim, who was controversially granted a debt clearance letter (SKL) by the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) in 2004.

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Linkedin Indra Budiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, April 29 2017

The central government is slowly putting together all the pieces of the puzzle needed to restart the controversial Jakarta Bay reclamation project, which has been halted since last year.

On Thursday, the Office of the Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister hosted a meeting with the relevant ministries that hold the keys to the future of the reclamation project, such as the Environment and Forestry Ministry and the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry.

The Environment and Forestry Ministry had previously concluded that the project was mired in apparent maladministration after evaluating the project.

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Penfolds is the world's most acclaimed wine maker, offering bottles that draw on centuries of experience.

Venture about 20 kilometers from the center of the postcard-perfect city of Adelaide and youll find McGill Estate, where Penfolds has been making wine for 173 years.

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Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Manila  Sat, April 29, 2017 20:26 2019 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb78457 1 World Jokowi,jokowidodo,South-China-Sea,SouthChinaSea,SouthChinaSeadispute,North-Korea,ASEAN Free

President Joko Jokowi Widodo took the stage at the ASEAN Summit in Manila, the Philippines, on Saturday to call on the members of the regional block to unite to push North Korea to take steps to reduce escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Speaking before the 10 leaders of the ASEAN countries during a retreat at the summit, Jokowi emphasized Indonesias commitment to maintain peace and stability in the region. ASEAN must send strong messages to North Korea to make it comply with all UN Security Council resolutions, he asserted.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula grew stronger on Saturday after North Korea made another failed ballistic missile test, just days after the United States sent warships to waters in the area in an apparent show of force against the communist regime.

(Read also: Myanmar complies with intl recommendations on Rohingya crisis: Suu Kyi)

President Jokowi called on all parties to refrain from doing anything that could further worsen the tensions in the region. Stability and peace must be returned to the Korean Peninsula, Jokowi told the forum.

Jokowi said he would meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the near future and express Indonesias hopes that China, one of North Koreas allies, would take a part in reducing tensions.

In addition, Jokowi also asked ASEAN members to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, where China and four ASEAN member countries were engaged in territorial disputes.

Jokowi hoped that the framework for a code of conduct (COC), a document of provisions to prevent conflict in the disputed waters, could be finished by the middle of this year. Indonesia is a non-claimant in the dispute, but has a direct interest in maintaining peace and security in the region. (ebf)
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Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Manila  Sat, April 29, 2017 16:08 2020 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb76413 1 World Jokowi,jokowidodo,Aung-San-Suu-Kyi,Myanmar,Rohingya-people,Rakhine-state,#Myanmar,#MyanmarRohingya Free

President Joko Jokowi Widodo has met with State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to intensify Indonesias campaign to push Myanmar to immediately resolve conflicts that have affected the Rohingya Muslims in that country.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 30th ASEAN Summit in Manila, the Philippines, which took place from April 26 to 29.

In a 30-minute closed door bilateral meeting on Saturday morning, Jokowi discussed the Rohingya crisis with Suu Kyi, the de facto leader of Myanmar who won the Nobel Peace Prize for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights in 1991. The crisis has led the minority Muslim group to suffer widespread killings and rapes for years in the country.

Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi, who accompanied Jokowi during the meeting, said Suu Kyi told President Jokowi that the Myanmar government was committed to solving the conflicts.

Daw Suu Kyi said that the situation was not simple, but she said the Myanmar government had a strong commitment to fix the situation in Rakhine, Retno told journalists after the bilateral meeting.

Retno said Suu Kyi thanked the Indonesian government for its active campaigns to solve the humanitarian conflicts in Rakhine.

Indonesia has so far shown its serious concern about the conflict by sending Retno several times to Myanmar in the past few years to discuss Indonesias position. In January this year, Jokowi sent 10 containers of goods such as rice, medicine, instant noodles and biscuits for babies for the Rohingya people. (ebf)
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Linkedin Moses Ompusunggu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, April 29 2017

After being rebuked for shifting its focus to local graft in 2016, targeting regents and mayors with little national clout, the countrys antigraft body has again set its sights on bigger game by investigating high-profile graft cases implicating political bigwigs.

On Friday, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) detained a Golkar Party politician known to be a close ally of party leader Setya Novanto.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, April 29 2017

The Jakarta chapter of the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) has denounced United Indonesia Party (Perindo) chairman Hary Tanoesoedibjos decision to report online media outlet tirto.id to the Jakarta Police for alleged slander.

If Hary Tanoe felt tirto.ids news coverage had damaged his reputation, instead of reporting it to the police, he should have used the proper avenues  as mandated [by the 1999 Press Law]  to respond. He could either exercise his right to reply or report the media company to the Indonesian Press Council, AJI Jakarta chairman Ahmad Nurhasim said as quoted by tempo.co on Thursday.

On Tuesday, Hary Tanoe reported tirto.id to the police for alleged slander over of an article it published titled, Ahok Used as Pretext for Attacks Against the Government. In it, the MNC Group chief is mentioned as the main instigator of recent anti-government attacks.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post)  Sat, April 29 2017

Women are still widely considered second-class citizens, often with lower positions that are not directly related to decision-making.

Female domestic migrant workers can learn skills overseas while improving their family income, their remittance contributing significantly to their home countries.

However, their work is not acknowledged as professional, and therefore, they are paid less and are not given the proper protection

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Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Manila  Sat, April 29 2017

In a bid to curb the spread of Indonesian militants into the southern Philippines, a de facto training ground for Islamic State (IS) movement supporters in Southeast Asia, Indonesia and the Philippines have agreed to set up a joint forum on counterterrorism and expand the exchange of intelligence.

In his visit to Manila on Friday, President Joko Jokowi Widodo and his counterpart Rodrigo Duterte agreed to establish counterterrorism working groups that will set guidelines for the two countries in their efforts to combat terrorism.

The measure will be put into effect during this year.

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In a bid to curb the spread of Indonesian militants into the southern Philippines, a de facto training ground for Islamic State (IS) movement supporters in Southeast Asia, Indonesia and the Philippines have agreed to set up a joint forum on counterterrorism and expand the exchange of intelligence.

In his visit to Manila on Friday, President Joko Jokowi Widodo and his counterpart Rodrigo Duterte agreed to establish counterterrorism working groups that will set guidelines for the two countries in their efforts to combat terrorism.

The measure will be put into effect during this year.

Indonesias National Counterterrorism Agency will spearhead the new measure and establish guidelines for military members of the two countries in how they conduct joint exercises, monitor threats and suppress militants and pirates in their respective territories.

We have agreed to form a joint working group on counterterrorism this year. We will also strengthen cooperation in the exchange of intelligence, Jokowi said.

Counterterrorism is a top priority for Indonesia. Just last week, a raid by the Philippine military on an IS-linked group in the southern Philippines resulted in the deaths of three militants who allegedly held Indonesian citizenship.

Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said Indonesia was still in the process of confirming the identities of the three militants.

Jokowi arrived in Manila for a three-day state visit on Friday. He spent his first day in the city holding a bilateral meeting with Duterte, who visited Jakarta in September last year.

Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto has also met with his Philippine counterpart. The two officials agreed to try and cut off the financial resources of Islamic militants in Indonesia and the Philippines.

Wiranto said Indonesia and the Philippines were aware that IS was stepping up its efforts to strengthen its position in the southern Philippines. The terrorist movement hopes to make the southern Philippines its main base for operations in Southeast Asia.

A lack of sufficient security personnel along the border of the two countries has made it easy for Indonesian militants to cross into the southern Philippines from North Sulawesi.

The immigration checkpoints cannot effectively prevent Indonesian militants from entering the Philippines as locals can visit their relatives in Mindanao in the southern Philippines with just a border pass rather than a passport.

Aside from the issue of counterterrorism, the two leaders also hope for increased intimacy in the realms of trade, investment, marine connectivity and agricultural cooperation.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) on agriculture and a joint declaration on the establishment of sea connectivity between the port cities Davao and General Santos in the southern Philippines and Bitung in North Sulawesi.

Both Jokowi and Duterte will officiate the new shipping route on Sunday in Davao before Jokowi flies off to Hong Kong.

The establishment of the new shipping route will benefit Indonesia as it will expand access for Indonesian products into the Philippine market.

The existence of the new route will support Indonesias development from the east, Retno said.

Duterte said the Philippines was committed to improving defense and security cooperation with Indonesia. He said his country was especially eager to implement the Indonesia-MalaysiaPhilippine trilateral arrangement to secure the vital waters that connect the three countries.

We recognize the need to address both traditional and emerging threats and we express our readiness to step up cooperation against terrorism, violent extremism, piracy at sea and transnational crimes, including drug trafficking, Duterte said.

Indonesian sailors and fishermen have been frequently kidnapped while working in the Sulu waters off the southern Philippines. The Abu Sayyaf terrorist group is often responsible for these crimes.

Jokowi told Duterte that the Indonesian House of Representatives had recently ratified a historic maritime agreement pertaining to an exclusive economic zone between Indonesia and the Philippines to safeguard the two countries maritime areas. Jokowi expressed the hope that Philippine legislators would soon follow suit.

Despite a number of agreements, the bilateral meeting did not discuss the fate of death-row drug convict Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso, a Philippine citizen who was spared execution in April 2015 after Jokowi agreed to exclude her from the list less than six hours before the arrival of the firing squad.

It [the Veloso issue] was not on the agenda, Retno said.
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Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Manila  Sat, April 29, 2017 16:30 2019 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb769e9 1 World Jokowi,jokowidodo,ASEAN,Aung-San-Suu-Kyi,Myanmar,Rohingya-people,Rakhine-state,#MyanmarRohingya,#Myanmar Free

President Joko Jokowi Widodo has reminded State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi that leaving Myanmars Rohingya crisis unsolved would affect peace and stability both in her country and in the ASEAN region.

Jokowi conveyed his concerns during his meeting with Suu Kyi on the sidelines the 30th ASEAN Summit in Manila, the Philippines, on Saturday. In the meeting, they discussed conflicts that had affected the Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine, a state in Myanmar.

Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said President Jokowi told Suu Kyi that stability in Myanmar was important not only for the country but also the region.

The President expressed his view that peace and stability in Myanmar must be maintained, Retno told journalists in Manila.

(Read also: Jokowi, Suu Kyi discuss Rohingya crisis)

Jokowi used the ASEAN Summit to directly express Indonesias support for solutions to the Rohingya crisis as the two leaders had never met before.

A report released by the London-based Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN) states that at least 30,000 people in Rakhine have been internally displaced, while ongoing violence has led to shortages of food and aid for more than 70,000 people in the area.

To help solve the crisis, Retno said Indonesia had proposed mid- and long-term cooperation agreements with the Myanmar government in the fields of health and education, among others.

The point is Indonesia wants to see Rakhine transform itself to become an inclusive region free from discrimination, Retno said.

Indonesia would soon build a mosque for Rohingya people in Rakhine as Myanmar authorities had allowed the construction of houses of worship, she added. (ebf)
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Linkedin Foster Klug and Kim Tong-Hyung (Associated Press) Seoul, South Korea  Sat, April 29, 2017 09:03 2020 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb6dfe6 2 World South-Korea,North-Korea,ballistic-missiles,#NorthKorea,missile-test,missile,missile-launch Free

A North Korean mid-range ballistic missile apparently failed shortly after launch Saturday, South Korea and the United States said, the third test-fire flop just this month but a clear message of defiance as a US supercarrier conducts drills in nearby waters.

North Korean ballistic missile tests are banned by the United Nations because they're seen as part of the North's push for a nuclear-tipped missile that can strike the US mainland. The latest test came as US officials pivoted from a hard line to diplomacy at the UN in an effort to address what may be Washington's most pressing foreign policy challenge.

President Donald Trump said on Twitter, "North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!" He did not answer reporters' questions about the missile launch upon returning to the White House from a day trip to Atlanta.

The timing of the North's test was striking: Only hours earlier the UN Security Council held a ministerial meeting on Pyongyang's escalating weapons program. North Korean officials boycotted the meeting, which was chaired by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that the missile flew for several minutes and reached a maximum height of 71 kilometers (44 miles) before it apparently failed.

It didn't immediately provide an estimate on how far the missile flew, but a US official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, said it was likely a medium-range KN-17 ballistic missile. It broke up a couple minutes after the launch, and the pieces fell into the Sea of Japan.

Analysts say the KN-17 is a new Scud-type missile developed by North Korea. The North fired the same type of missile April 16, just a day after a massive military parade where it showed off its expanding missile arsenal, but US officials called that launch a failure.

Some analysts say a missile the North test fired April 5, which US officials identified as a Scud variant, also might have been a KN-17. US officials said that missile spun out of control and crashed into the sea.

The two earlier launches were conducted from an eastern coastal area, but the missile Saturday was fired in the west, from an area near Pukchang, just north of the capital, Pyongyang.

North Korea routinely test-fires a variety of ballistic missiles, despite UN prohibitions, as part of its weapons development. While shorter-range missiles are somewhat routine, there is strong outside worry about each longer-range North Korean ballistic test.

Saturday's launch comes at a point of particularly high tension. Trump has sent a nuclear-powered submarine and the USS Carl Vinson aircraft supercarrier to Korean waters, and North Korea this week conducted large-scale, live-fire exercises on its eastern coast. The US and South Korea also started installing a missile defense system that is supposed to be partially operational within days.

On Friday, the United States and China offered starkly different strategies for addressing North Korea's escalating nuclear threat as Tillerson demanded full enforcement of economic sanctions on Pyongyang and urged new penalties. Stepping back from suggestions of US military action, he even offered aid to North Korea if it ends its nuclear weapons program.

The range of Tillerson's suggestions, which over a span of 24 hours also included restarting negotiations, reflected America's failure to halt North Korea's nuclear advances despite decades of US-led sanctions, military threats and stop-and-go rounds of diplomatic engagement. As the North approaches the capability to hit the US mainland with a nuclear-tipped missile, the Trump administration feels it is running out of time.

Chairing a ministerial meeting of the UN Security Council on Friday, Tillerson declared that "failing to act now on the most pressing security issue in the world may bring catastrophic consequences."

His ideas included a ban on North Korean coal imports and preventing its overseas guest laborers, a critical source of government revenue, from sending money home. And he warned of unilateral US moves against international firms conducting banned business with Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs, which could ensnare banks in China, the North's primary trade partner.

Yet illustrating the international gulf over how best to tackle North Korea, several foreign ministers on the 15-member council expressed fears of a conflict on the Korean Peninsula, which was divided between the American-backed South and communist North even before the 1950-53 Korean War. The conflict ended with no formal peace treaty. And while danger always has lurked, tensions have escalated dramatically as the North's young leader, Kim Jong Un, has expanded a nuclear arsenal his government says is needed to avert a US invasion.

No voice at Friday's session was more important than that of China, a conduit for 90 percent of North Korea's commerce and a country Trump is pinning hopes on for a peaceful resolution to the nuclear crisis. Trump, who recently hosted President Xi Jinping for a Florida summit, has sometimes praised the Chinese leader for a newfound cooperation to crack down on North Korea and sometimes threatened a go-it-alone US approach if Xi fails to deliver.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China would adhere to past UN resolutions and wants a denuclearized peninsula. But he spelled out no further punitive steps his government might consider, despite Tillerson's assertions in an interview hours ahead of the council meeting that Beijing would impose sanctions of its own if North Korea conducts another nuclear test.

Wang put forward a familiar Chinese idea to ease tensions: North Korea suspending its nuclear and missile activities if the US and South Korea stop military exercises in the region. Washington and Seoul reject the idea.

Tillerson said the US does not seek regime change in North Korea, and he signaled American openness to holding direct negotiations with Pyongyang. The US also could resume aid to North Korea once it "begins to dismantle its nuclear weapons and missile technology programs," he said. Since 1995, he added, Washington has provided more than $1.3 billion to the impoverished country.

But the prospects for any more US money going there appeared bleak. Even negotiations don't seem likely.

Tillerson said the North must take "concrete steps" to reduce its weapons threat before talks could occur. Six-nation nuclear negotiations with North Korea stalled in 2009. The Obama administration sought to resurrect them in 2012, but a deal to provide food aid in exchange for a nuclear freeze soon collapsed.

"In a nutshell, (North Korea) has already declared not to attend any type of talks which would discuss its nuclear abandonment, nuclear disbandment," Kim In Ryong, North Korea's deputy UN ambassador, told The Associated Press. His government declined to attend Friday's council meeting.

___

AP writers Matthew Pennington and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington and Edith Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this story. (**)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) CGV Cinemas, Jakarta  Sat, April 29 2017

Bahubali 2: The Conclusion, the sequel to the wildly popular Indian film Bahubali: The Beginning, an epic fiction film directed by S.S. Rajamouli, will be coming to Jakarta, pleasing the lucky Bollywood fans in the city. The film was released on Friday on 9,000 screens worldwide, 1,100 screens in the United States alone.

In India, the film has taken the cinema world by storm as people formed a three-kilometer line at 7 a.m. in Hyderabad on Thursday for the Friday show. Another city wanted to screen the movie at 4 a.m. and the tickets were all sold out. The price of tickets went up five times on the black market. The film pocketed US$3 million in presales in the US.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, April 29, 2017 12:53 2020 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb717ad 1 City MayDay,workers,labor-rally,MayDay-parade,Jakarta-workers,Jakarta-police Free

Around 30,000 workers are expected to take to the streets in Jakarta to celebrate International Workers Day, also known as May Day, on Monday.

Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Argo Yuwono said on Friday that police were ready to ensure the May Day celebration would run peacefully. He added that three areas would be the main security focus during the parade.

They are the Jakarta Manpower Agency building, the Jakarta City Council compound and the State Palace, Argo was quoted as saying by kompas.com.

He further said the police had not yet received any notification about an announced long march by workers.

On Monday, workers in Tangerang and Bekasi  industrial areas in West Java -- are also set to hold May Day parades in their respective areas. They will have their own activities and will not go to Jakarta, Argo said. (idb/ebf)
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Linkedin Jill Colvin and Paul Wiseman (Associated Press) Washington  Sat, April 29, 2017 08:49 2020 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb6de7b 2 World DonaldTrump,Donald-Trump,#DonaldTrump,#Donald-Trump,Trade,US Free

President Donald Trump will spend his 100th day in office talking tough on trade in one of the states that delivered his unlikely win.

The president is expected to sign an executive order Saturday that will direct his Commerce Department and the US Trade Representative to perform a comprehensive study of the nation's trade agreements to determine whether America is being treated fairly by its trading partners and the 164-nation World Trade Organization.

It's one of two executive orders the president will sign at a shovel factory in Pennsylvania's Cumberland County, the kind of place that propelled his surprise victory.

The last week has been a frenzy of activity at the White House as Trump and his team have tried to rack up accomplishments and make good on campaign promises before reaching the symbolic 100-day mark. In addition to the visit to the Ames tool factory, which has been manufacturing shovels since 1774, the president will hold one of his signature campaign rallies in Harrisburg to cap the occasion.

It's a return to fundamentals for a president who has, in recent days, sounded wistful reflecting on his term so far.

Earlier this week, Trump announced his intention to work to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. He also said he would begin renegotiating a free trade deal with South Korea, with which the US has a significant trade deficit.

"There isn't a day that goes by that the president doesn't discuss some aspect of trade," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said at the White House Friday.

The executive orders signed Saturday will mark Trump's 31st and 32nd since taking office __ the most of any president in his first 100 days since World War II. It's a jarring disconnect from Trump's rhetoric during the campaign, when he railed against his predecessor's use of the tool, which has the benefit of not needing congressional sign-off.

The more significant of the two orders will give the Commerce Department and the US Trade Representative 180 days to identify violations and abuses under the country's trade agreements and recommend solutions.

Ross said the WTO, the Geneva-based arbiter of world trade rules, is bureaucratic and outdated and needs an overhaul. Ross downplayed the possibility that the United States would consider leaving the organization but didn't rule it out. "As any multilateral organization, there's always the potential for modifying the rules," he said.

The administration argues that unfair competition with China and other trade partners has wiped out millions of US factory jobs. Ross said dissatisfaction with trade policy is one reason voters turned to Trump.

"They're fed up with having their jobs go offshore. They're fed up with some of the destructive practices," he said. "So in effect, the country said in this last election: It's about time to fix these things. And the president heard that message."

Trump, who campaigned on a vow to crack down on China and other trading partners, has announced several other moves on trade in recent weeks. He ordered the Commerce Department to study the causes of the United States' massive trade deficit in goods  $734 billion last year, $347 billion with China alone. The administration is also imposing duties on Canadian softwood timber and is investigating whether steel and aluminum imports pose a threat to national security.

Robert Lighthizer, a trade lawyer Trump has nominated to be his trade representative, has criticized the 2001 decision to let China into the WTO.

Washington naively assumed China was "merely a more exotic version of Canada," Lighthizer once testified, and would learn to live within WTO rules and open its market to American exports; instead, China has limited foreign competition, manipulated its currency and subsidized its exporters.

Ross said Friday that the WTO is too narrowly focused on limiting traditional tariffs  taxes on imports  and does little to counter less conventional barriers to trade or to police violations of intellectual property rights.

Trump has pushed a model of "reciprocal trade" agreements in which the US would raise or lower tariffs on a country's imports depending on how that country treats the US.

___

Follow Colvin and Wiseman on Twitter at https://twitter.com/colvinj and https://twitter.com/PaulWisemanAP (**)
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Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Mamuju, West Sulawesi  Sat, April 29, 2017 12:59 2020 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb72296 1 National Mamuju,West-Sulawesi,Education,health,SIOLA,stunting,stunting-in-children Free

The administration of Mamuju in West Sulawesi is striving to boost the number of people receiving adequate education by, among other things, dispelling myths that have all this time discouraged people from going to school.

Mamuju regent Habsi Wahid said around 9,000 youngsters among the regencys 290,000 inhabitants were currently not getting adequate education. They had decided not to pursue further education or not to go to school at all for various reasons, such as poverty and early marriage. Many parents were telling their children that their social and economic condition would remain the same even if they went to school, he added.

Hence, the government needs to intervene. We have created a back to school program. Under this program, we have supported 4,000 of the 9,000 targeted children to continue their education, while the remaining 5,000 children will follow soon, Habsi said during a press conference in Mamuju on Thursday.

The regent added that, in addition to education, health issues were another major problem for the people of Mamuju. Citing 2013 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) data, he said the prevalence of stunting in children below the age of five stood at 31.15 percent, much higher than the national average of 15 percent, and the second-highest in West Sulawesi, after Polewali Mandar, where it stood at 32.53 percent.

Habsi said the Mamuju administration strove to solve the combined problem of education and health by introducing the concept of Stimulation Intervention and Optimization of Childhood Services (SIOLA), a concept of combining early education with health services and financial support, introduced in 2012.

In SIOLA, we have a mini-Posyandu (integrated health service post) staffed by medical workers and nutritionists dispatched by the government. Parents can also borrow money to finance their childrens education, with the loans coming from the state budget and the village funds, he said.

Currently, Mamuju has 10 SIOLA in Mamuju. Habsi said the Mamuju administration planned to convert all 260 kindergartens in the regency into SIOLA, starting this year.

We will combine the government budget with assistance from corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs provided by companies operating here, such as banks and oil and gas firm PTTEP, Habsi said. (ebf)
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Linkedin News Desk (Associated Press) Manila, Philippines  Sat, April 29, 2017 08:30 2020 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb6d0e6 2 SE Asia Abu-Sayyaf,AbuSayyafextremists,militants,Philippines,kidnapping,beheading Free

Philippine marines have killed an Abu Sayyaf extremist commander and a notorious kidnapper who had sailed across the sea border into Malaysia to snatch tourists and sailors for ransom, the military chief said Saturday.

Military chief Gen. Eduardo Ano told The Associated Press that Alhabsy Misaya was slain in a clash with marines late Friday in the jungles between the towns of Indanan and Parang in Sulu province. He said Misaya's body was identified by captured Abu Sayyaf militants.

Misaya has been blamed for abductions of dozens of Malaysians and Indonesian hostages, including one who was beheaded.

"We consider him the most notorious kidnapper from that bandit group and this is a big setback to the Abu Sayyaf," Ano told the AP by telephone.

Misaya had been blamed for the abductions of dozens of Indonesian, Vietnamese and Malaysian crewmen of cargo ships and tugboats plying the busy sea border between the southern Philippines and Malaysia. He was believed to be holding several abducted Vietnamese sailors in Sulu's jungles but the hostages were apparently not with him during the clash.

A kidnapped Malaysian man was beheaded by Misaya's group in November 2015.

The Philippine military has been undertaking a major offensive against the Abu Sayyaf, which is notorious for bombings, ransom kidnappings and beheadings. The group is blacklisted as a terrorist organization by the United States and the Philippines. (**)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, April 29, 2017 12:34 2020 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb70950 1 News blogger,influencer,Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia Free

Theres no denying that bloggers, YouTubers and social media influencers are the new power brokers in the media industry.

We call them media endorsers; they are stars in their own rights, have a huge following and actively engage with their followers, explains Tourism Minister Arief Yahya.

Read also: Ten Indonesian travelers who may inspire your next trip

Realizing the potential of social media players, the Tourism Ministry's public communication center will hold a Wonderful Noon gathering at the Abhayagiri Restaurant and Banquet Service in Prambanan, Yogyakarta, next Wednesday.

With Click! The Heritage of Indonesia as the theme, the event will be attended by Tourism Ministry secretary Ukus Kuswara, Tourism Ministry communication department special staff member Muh. Noer Sadono, Yogyakarta Tourism Department employees and about 100 travel bloggers, community members and social media enthusiasts.

The invited social media endorsers have been promoting tourism destinations for a long time, and events on their social media can entice their followers to visit those places. (asw)
(lead article, Socialist Workers Party statement)

Socialist Workers Party: Amnesty for immigrants!

All out for May 1 protests! No deportations!

Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights/E. Abreu Visuals

All out on May Day! No to deportations! Amnesty for all immigrants in the U.S.! Join the fight to unify the working class and build our unions!

The propertied rulers in the United States need immigrants to maintain a superexploited layer of the working class to drive down the wages of all workers as they seek to bolster their profits and are driven to compete more rapaciously in the midst of a worldwide crisis of capitalist production and trade.

Thats why there are 11 million undocumented workers in the U.S. today. Its part of the normal workings of capitalism. But for the capitalists its a two-edged sword. As Henry Ford once complained, How come when I need a pair of hands in the factory, I always get a human being as well?

Immigrant workers are just like workers already here  proud of their work and ready to fight against injustice and exploitation. And they bring with them their class-struggle experience, lessons of great value for their U.S.-born fellow workers.

Working people dont like deportations and raids. Over decades now theyve gotten to know their immigrant co-workers, some with and others without papers. Polls released this week confirm what we see everyday  support for immigrants among workers is at the highest level in memory, no matter what party they voted for.

Depending on their production needs, the capitalist rulers sometimes open the immigration spigots to attract workers and sometimes try and close them down. Over the last couple decades, under Democrat and Republican alike, the U.S. government has stepped up moves to criminalize workers without papers. Roughly half of those in federal prisons today are workers whose only crime is meeting the needs of the capitalist bosses for cheap labor.

The fight against the victimization of immigrant workers is part of the rebirth of May Day as a day of united working-class action.

Today only 6.4 percent of workers in private companies are in a union. That means the bosses are able to cut wages and benefits, speed up production to a back-breaking pace, violate the most elementary safety measures, and trample on the rights of workers almost with impunity.

There is only one way to turn this around: Organize the unorganized! To rebuild the unions, to have a fighting, militant union movement that can take on the bosses, workers need to say: It doesnt matter where you were born, the color of your skin, if you have papers or not, what language you speak. Lets fight together.

Fighting for amnesty for all immigrant workers in the United States is a life and death question for the unions and the working class.

The same ruling class that is wreaking carnage on working people, seeking to make us pay for their crisis, is waging war against workers in the Mideast and threatening Korea. Its a war at home and a war abroad.

With the relentless worldwide capitalist economic crisis, there will be more attempts to divide us  Black vs. white, men vs. women, employed vs. jobless, we Americans vs. workers elsewhere. If the propertied rulers cant do this, theyre in trouble  working people are the majority. Thats why they are starting to fear us.

And there is an example we can look to for a future that has meaning. Thats revolutionary Cuba, where workers and farmers overthrew the U.S.-backed dictatorship in 1959, took power and ruled ever since, offering international solidarity from Angola to Venezuela. We can take political power here and join workers worldwide to build a socialist future.

Join my party, the Socialist Workers Party, along this course. All out for May Day! Amnesty now! Stop the deportations! Organize the unorganized!





Related articles:

Jailed immigrants hunger strike won support in Washington







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SWP will keep right on campaigning across US

WASHINGTON, D.C.  The SWP will continue to actively engage in politics, including running candidates within the law and in ways that maximize protections for contributors and supporters, Alyson Kennedy, Socialist Workers Party 2016 candidate for U.S. president, told the press here April 20.

Kennedy was responding to the Federal Election Commissions refusal to extend the partys exemption from having to report the names of contributors who give over $200 to its election campaigns. The Socialist Workers Party, she said, is running mayoral candidates in New York City, Albany, Seattle, and elsewhere this year. Were taking our program, the Militant newsweekly, and books and pamphlets to workers and youth open to a working-class alternative to capitalist rule.

At a hearing, the SWP won the vote of a majority of FEC members to retain its exemption. Along straight party lines, the commissioners voted 3-2, with Republican appointees backing the SWPs exemption and Democratic appointees opposed. Four votes were needed to grant the extension, however.

The FEC decision is a blow to working people and constitutional rights, Kennedy said in the FEC hearing room. But the FEC decision wont change what the Socialist Workers Party does.

Kennedy attended the hearing, along with the partys attorney Lindsey Frank, from the firm of Rabinowitz, Boudin, Standard, Krinsky and Lieberman, SWP national campaign organizer John Studer and Steve Clark, a member of the partys National Committee.

From the origins of the communist movement in the United States in 1919, the course of the SWP and its forerunners has been intertwined with the history of working-class struggle  in labor battles, opposition to Washingtons imperialist wars, the fight for Black rights, the struggle to win and defend womens right to choose abortion, battles against deportations of immigrant workers, including its own members, and much more. It has explained the need for the working class and its allies to break from the bosses two-party system and chart a revolutionary course toward workers power.

All this has put the party in the gunsights of federal, state and local cops and spies from the outset.

From 1973 to 1987, the SWP conducted a successful 15-year-long political campaign and lawsuit against FBI and other federal government spying and disruption. This forced out many facts about the scope of government disruption efforts. Federal police agencies had amassed over 8 million documents on party members and activities, carried out at least 204 burglaries of SWP offices from 1960 to 1976 and paid some 1,300 informers to spy on the party.

This documented record was a powerful weapon in the SWPs fight to win exemption from reporting names of contributors. Every time the FEC has reviewed the exemption, including this one, the party has submitted evidence of ongoing harassment of party members by the government, employers and rightist thugs.

FEC debate

Both the evidence and legal precedents  most of which result from battles waged by the SWP  support extending the partys exemption, said attorney Lindsey Frank at the hearing. To do otherwise would set a new, overly harsh burden on anyone applying for exemption in the future.

If not the SWP, then who? agreed Republican Commissioner Caroline Hunter.

Commissioner Lee Goodman, also a Republican, described prior attacks on peoples constitutional right to refuse to report the names of political associates. He recalled the victimization of Monthly Review editor Paul Sweezy in New Hampshire, as well as screenwriter Dalton Trumbo in Hollywood.

Goodman also pointed to the U.S. Supreme Courts 1964 decision rejecting as unconstitutional efforts by the state of Alabama to force the NAACP there to make public the names of its members, at a time of lynchings and brutal assaults on fighters against Jim Crow segregation. The victory in NAACP v. Alabama has been a foundation of the SWPs fight against disclosure since the 1970s.

Do people still worry they can face harassment if they associate with the SWP today? Goodman asked.

Those days are long gone, said FEC Chairman Steven Walther, a Democratic appointee who has voted against the SWP exemption twice before. Its his impression, Walther said, that Democratic primary contender Bernie Sanders ties to socialism slid into the electorate easily. The tenets of the SWP and Sanders are much the same, he said.

The SWP has a completely different outlook and activity, Frank replied. They are for dissolution of the capitalist system, the establishment of a workers government. They point to the example of the Cuban Revolution. Their views are contrary to Senator Sanders.

But arent they really sliding toward each other, Walther pressed. How are your tenets different?

It isnt an issue of tenets, Frank said. The SWP has a unique political position outside the mainstream, it meets all the legal requirements for an exemption.

Well, what leads party supporters to fear government reprisal? Walther asked.

The SWP has a record of facing more than 70 years of reprisals, something well known in this country, Frank said. He pointed to documented reports that movements the SWP is active in today, such as fights against police brutality and to defend immigrants rights, have been targets of police spying and interference.

But these reports dont mention the SWP, Walther said.

Yes, not so far. But think for a second, Frank responded. It took a 15-year lawsuit and political fight for the SWP to force out evidence from decades of covert FBI spying and disruption. Must they do that again each time they apply to extend their exemption? Thats one reason Supreme Court rulings clearly say minor parties need only a low threshold of evidence to win exemption.

Thats right, Hunter said. We dont need to delve into what level of harassment is enough. The case law says you only have to meet a low bar. Matthew Petersen, the third Republican appointee, agreed, saying court precedents require only a reasonable probability.

Well, Ive voted to grant the SWP an exemption two times, Democrat Ellen Weintraub said. But I did so with misgivings. Im a strong supporter of disclosure. Now the evidence of harassment seems weaker.

Attacks on political space

Frank noted another factor, one that served as his closing argument in a third and final letter submitted to the FEC earlier that week.

There is growing polarization in the U.S. today, Frank said. There are attacks on political meetings like those at Berkeley and Middlebury. These create an atmosphere where people are more likely to fear they will face harassment if they dont have mainstream political views and their political associations become known.

Frank pointed to a document the party attached to its latest submission, along with press coverage of recent attacks on free speech and political rights. In an April 8 affidavit to the FEC, Stephen Gabosch wrote: John Doe informed me that, because of recent changes in the general political situation for the worse, he had decided to stop contributing money to the SWP. He said he has been particularly disturbed by recent violent attacks on public speakers on several college campuses, such as Middlebury, and especially in Berkeley.

The SWPs attorney added that there are also numerous instances where prison officials have denied copies of the Militant to inmate subscribers because of hostility to the SWPs ideas.

When the SWPs first exemption was affirmed by the Supreme Court in 1974, Weintraub said, Justice Thurgood Marshall pointed to evidence of threatening phone calls and hate mail, the burning of SWP literature, the destruction of SWP members property, police harassment of a party candidate, and the firing of shots at an SWP office, as well as the sacking of 22 SWP members from jobs due to their party membership. Theres nothing like that this time, she said.

Those were the facts then, but that isnt the criteria set by that Supreme Court case or by rulings since then, Frank said. Youre arguing that you have to have lots of evidence of harassment to merit an exemption, but that just isnt what the decision says. Whats more, he added, the FEC itself affirmed ongoing government and private disruption through 2013 in extending the partys exemption that year, and the SWP presented substantial evidence of continuing harassment in its 2016 petition.

I plan to vote no, Weintraub responded.

The polarization pointed to by the SWPs attorney and underlined in its most recent letter to the FEC is important, Goodman said. In answer to Weintraubs remark that a meeting being shut down on campus isnt evidence of harassment of the SWP, he replied that the perception created by such activity carries reasonable risk that people considering contributions to the party may fear what could happen if their names become public.

Hunter moved the commission extend the SWPs exemption. The majority voted yes, 3-2. Weintraub moved the commission vote down the exemption. The majority voted no, 3-2.





Related articles:

SWP: The FEC decision wont change what the SWP does







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(front page)

Spring drive, Militant fund expand reach of

paper, books

The Socialist Workers Partys spring campaign to introduce the party, thenewspaper and books from Pathfinder Press to working people ends its third week with party members reporting on debates and discussions theyre having about Washingtons moves to protect its imperialist interests from Afghanistan to Iraq, Syria, Korea and Venezuela.

SWP members are also building May Day marches across the country against deportations and demanding amnesty for immigrants. And theyre discussing how the stewardship of nature falls to the working class with people interested in the April 29 Climate March in Washington, D.C.

The drive is expanding the reach of the partys publications and increasing the number of workers involved in its activities. The drive runs concurrently with the Militant Fighting Fund to raise $112,000 to cover the Militants operating expenses, trips by worker-correspondents to cover breaking developments in the class struggle and to help subsidize subscriptions to prisoners.

This week the Militant Fighting Fund got a boost when Derek Jeffers reported that a group of workers in France had taken a $450 goal for the fund.

Ruth Robinett described the discussion she and George Chalmers had with Mike Long in northeast Philadelphia. I dont think we should be bombing or sending soldiers to any other countries, he said, referring to Washingtons assaults on Syria and threats against Korea. Theyre people just like us.

Katy LeRougetel reports Communist League members in Vancouver, British Columbia, met Lili Motaghedi, a student at British Columbia Institute of Technology, when they knocked on her door April 22.

We explained were campaigning against the U.S. military threats and buildup in the Pacific. Justin Trudeau, Canadas prime minister, backs that, and Washingtons bombing of Syria too, LeRougetel said. The war against working people abroad is part of the rulers war against us here. Working people need our own voice, to speak in our own name.

They also pointed to the example of Cuba for organizing society on a different basis, not dog-eat-dog capitalism. LeRougetel showed her Are They Rich Because Theyre Smart? by SWP National Secretary Jack Barnes. Motaghedi raided her piggy bank to pay for a subscription to the Militant and a copy of the book.

Three Pathfinder books are each on special for $5 when you get a Militant subscription  the one Motaghedi got, The Clintons Anti-Working-Class Record, also by Barnes, and Is Socialist Revolution in the US Possible? by SWP leader Mary-Alice Waters. They are also available in Spanish and French.

Socialist Workers Party members in Seattle attended a film showing at the University of Washington on the struggle of Hanjin shipyard workers in South Korea. In the discussion period Mary Martin, SWP candidate for Seattle mayor, thanked the film director and shipyard worker Jin Sook Kim for getting this story of working-class struggle out. My party calls for U.S. hands off Korea and for a nuclear-free peninsula and we are taking this message to workers doorsteps, she said. The panelists and others thanked her for her comments.

Martin also participated in a candidates debate. They were asked to hold up placards with yes or no to answer questions. When Martin was asked questions that didnt address the big issues facing working people, she held up her own signs  U.S. hands off Korea, Amnesty for all immigrant workers living in the U.S., All out for May 1, Support the silver miners on strike in Idaho, and more. At the end of the meeting someone dropped a $20 donation in the can on the SWP table.

Martin and other party members went knocking on doors in the White Center neighborhood south of Seattle. One of the three people who got subscriptions was a drywall worker originally from Mexico who also got a copy of the Spanish edition of Is Socialist Revolution in the US Possible? See you at the May Day march, he said.

Joanne Murphy and other SWP members from Washington, D.C., attended an April 9 rally of over 100 Cargill turkey plant workers and their supporters fighting for a union in Harrisonburg, Virginia. They met Jose Perez, who picked up a copy of the Militant. They met him again when they went back April 23. Perez got a subscription and sent an article on the fight to the Militant. (See On the Picket Line column.)

To join the party-building drive or to contribute to the Militant Fighting Fund, contact the SWP or Communist League branch nearest you.
(front page)

Toilers pay as US govt wars in Afghanistan, Syria grind on

A murderous Taliban attack on the Afghanistan governments military base in the province of Balkh April 21 dealt a blow to Washingtons preparations for a spring offensive there. It also showed that any idea Washingtons dropping what they touted as the Mother Of All Bombs on Islamic State forces in Afghanistan or their missile attack on Damascus Al Shayrat air force base two weeks earlier would cow opponents hasnt worked.

Coming on top of growing instability in Turkey, Washingtons escalating involvement in Syria, and moves toward an independence referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan, the attack in Afghanistan shows the difficulties the U.S. rulers face as they try to impose imperialist stability on the toilers in the Middle East and Asia.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis made an emergency visit to Kabul, Afghanistans capital, April 24 to assess the deteriorating situation there, where Taliban and Islamic State forces have been expanding their reach. The attack three days earlier by a handful of Taliban forces disguised as Afghan soldiers, aided by inside help, killed over 140 Afghan soldiers coming from prayers. It was the deadliest Taliban attack in the 16-year war, raising a question mark over the combat effectiveness of the 700,000-strong Afghan army.

A U.S.-led NATO coalition ousted the reactionary Taliban government in November 2001. At its height, Washington had more than 100,000 troops there. Since the drawdown of most U.S. and other NATO forces in 2014, the Taliban has steadily regained territory, inflicting record casualties on civilians and troops.

U.S. Afghan commander Gen. John Nicholson has called for 3,000 more U.S. troops. There are currently 9,800 U.S. soldiers there.

Washingtons war in Afghanistan is the longest in U.S. history, with devastating consequences for working people there. By the middle of 2016, the Watson Institute at Brown University reported, over 31,000 civilians have been killed in Afghanistan, and another 22,000 in Pakistan as the war spilled across the border.

The United Nations reports that 118,000 people were driven from their homes in Afghanistan from January to April of 2016 alone.

After the Soviet Union was asked by the then Afghan government to intervene and occupy the country in the 1980s, Washington cobbled together disparate Islamist forces to challenge them. When the disintegrating Soviet Union withdrew its troops in 1989, these forces fought each other. In 1996, the Taliban took Kabul and power. These Islamist currents also produced founding cadres for al-Qaeda and Islamic State. The Taliban offered refuge to Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda.

Washington invaded in 2001 and has been bogged down ever since.

Turkish referendum

There is growing instability in Turkey following a contested razor-thin 51.4 percent victory for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in an April 16 referendum to alter the constitution to grant him stronger executive powers. The changes are supposed to take effect after presidential elections in November 2019.

The election took place under a state of emergency declared by Erdogan after a failed coup attempt last summer.

Our no side, which did not have the state resources of the yes side, registered a partial victory, Ertugrul Kurkcu, Peoples Democratic Party (HDP) honorary president and member of parliament for Izmir told the Militant April 21. The HDP has wide support among Turkeys large Kurdish population, which voted 60 percent no on the referendum, he said.

We are going to see a lot of instability in the next couple of years, said Kurkcu. A huge section of the population views the results as fraudulent because of the many voting irregularities and the repression. The HDP calls for annulment of the results and a new discussion in parliament.

Also the economic situation is not bright with 13 percent officially unemployed, including 25 percent of youth, he said. Erdogan lost the vote in the industrial centers of Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. His power base is shrinking.

Since the state of emergency was imposed, Ankara has purged tens of thousands of teachers, judges and dissidents in both the public and private sectors. Thousands were jailed pending trial on charges of terrorism, including popular HDP co-chair Selahattin Demirtas and 12 other HDP parliamentarians.

The day after Erdogan declared victory, President Donald Trump phoned to congratulate him. That same day the Turkish ruler extended the state of emergency.

Ankara is striving to carve out a bigger role in the conflicts in the region, especially because of advances in the struggles of the Kurds for independence. There are some 30 million Kurds spread across Syria, Iraq, Iran and Turkey. Roughly half the regions Kurds live in Turkey.

Besides waging war against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in southeast Turkey, Ankara has sent its troops into northwestern Syria to block Kurds allied with Washington from linking up areas they control along the Turkish border.

Washington uses Turkeys Incirlik Air Base for its bombing runs into Iraq and Syria against Islamic State.





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Asia-Pacific conference in Philippines calls for end to US govt policies targeting Cuban Revolution

MANILA, Philippines  There is a common misconception that, because the United States and Cuba have re-established diplomatic relations, the U.S. economic blockade against Cuba has ended. But its still in place, said Ibete Fernandez, Cubas ambassador to the Philippines. She was addressing participants in the Eighth Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of Solidarity with Cuba, held here April 8-9.

The 120 delegates from 19 countries discussed how to advance the international campaign demanding that the U.S. government end its economic war and subversive programs against the Cuban Revolution and get out of Guantanamo, Cuban territory occupied by the U.S. military for more than a century.

Later during the conference, Fernandez spoke to the victory won in 2014 when Washington freed the remaining three of the five Cuban revolutionaries who had spent up to 16 years in U.S. prisons because of their actions to protect Cuba from violent attacks by U.S.-based counterrevolutionaries.

If one day the U.S. blockade ends, she said, it will be thanks to the Cuban Revolution and to your efforts. If we were able to win the fight for the return of our five heroes, then you and we will win this fight too.

Delegates represented organizations active in solidarity with Cuba from across Asia and the Pacific. Several dozen participants were from the Philippines. Others came from Japan, South Korea, North Korea, China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, East Timor, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as from the United States. Special guests included two other ambassadors to the Philippines, Capaya Rodriguez from Venezuela and Mun Song Mo from the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

The event, initiated by the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), was hosted by the Philippines-Cuba Cultural and Friendship Association and the Philippine-Cuban Friendship Society. A third Cuba solidarity committee here, Amistad, which is led by supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines/National Democratic Front, did not endorse the conference.

We meet every two years to renew our support for Cuba and coordinate our efforts in defense of its socialist revolution, said Francisco Nemenzo, chair of the conference organizing committee, in opening the meeting. Nemenzo, president of the Philippines-Cuba Cultural and Friendship Association, is a former president of the University of the Philippines and a well-known socialist here.

Fidel inspired Filipinos like us

He paid tribute to Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, who died last November. Noting the deep impact the 1959 Cuban revolutionary victory had on radicalizing youth at that time, Nemenzo said, Fidel Castro inspired Filipinos of my generation to question what our elders took for granted. If the Cubans were able to stand up to U.S. imperialism, why couldnt we?

Since U.S. forces seized the Philippines from Spain in 1898, Filipinos have fought against U.S. domination and the pro-imperialist regimes supporting it, but why havent these led to a successful socialist revolution? he asked. Of course, there can be no revolution without the participation of the masses. But we must also recognize a historical fact. For a movement to make a revolution, it must produce leaders like Fidel Castro and Lenin.

The Cuban delegation to the conference included Alicia Corredera, ICAP vice president for Asia, Africa, and the Mideast, and Yexenia Calzado, also of ICAPs Asia department. It was headed by renowned revolutionary journalist and writer Marta Rojas.

In 1953 Rojas, then 23 years old, reported from the trial of Fidel Castro and other revolutionaries who had attacked the Batista dictatorships Moncada garrison in Santiago de Cuba. In 1965 she was the first Latin American war correspondent to visit freedom fighters in southern Vietnam during Washingtons war in Indochina, and she has returned to Vietnam several times since its liberation from U.S. domination in 1975. Her articles and books on these and other historical events are well known in Cuba.

Speaking for the Cuban delegation, Rojas thanked conference participants for their work in defense of the Cuban Revolution over the past two years since the last Asia-Pacific regional gathering, held in Hanoi. She reported that Cuba solidarity groups are active in 20 countries across Asia and the Pacific, and in 153 countries worldwide.

U.S. economic war against Cuba

Rojas emphasized that today the work to defend the Cuban Revolution must be focused on the fight for the lifting of the U.S. economic, commercial, and financial blockade against Cuba, for the return of the illegally occupied territory in Guantanamo, and against the U.S. governments political subversion programs.

The Cuban government will always be willing to negotiate with the United States, but as equals, and will never make concessions on matters that affect its sovereignty and independence, she said. The Cuban people and its revolutionary leadership are determined to continue fighting to maintain the political and social achievements of our revolution and showing our solidarity toward other countries of the world.

She urged delegates to build participation in the upcoming May Day solidarity brigade in Cuba, as well as in an October 1-15 international brigade, called In Ches Footsteps, in honor of Cuban-Argentine revolutionary leader Ernesto Che Guevara on the 50th anniversary of his death in combat in Bolivia. Both brigades are sponsored by ICAP.

Later during the conference, Rojas thanked delegates for their tributes to Fidel Castro. She said that over the years, the imperialist media had killed Fidel many times over before he died of natural causes last November 25. That night, Rojas said, when she heard Cuban President Raul Castro announce on national television that Fidel, at age 90, had died, I told myself, Fidel won! However many times they tried, his enemies couldnt kill him.

Concern about conflicts in Pacific

Of concern to delegates at the Asia-Pacific conference, reflected in informal discussions and in some comments on the floor, was recent U.S. diplomatic and military moves aimed at pressuring China and North Korea, as well as sharpening conflicts over Chinese military expansion in the South China Sea.

In his remarks at the closing plenary session, Nemenzo said protesting Washingtons hostile policies against the Cuban Revolution should go hand in hand with opposing U.S. moves to increase its military presence in the Pacific. At the proposal of one of the delegates from India, the conference agreed to include such a point in its final declaration.

Also underlying the informal discussions and activities at the Manila conference were divergent views among Filipino delegates of the Duterte administration elected last year. Rodrigo Duterte, former long-time mayor of Davao, the largest city on the Southern island of Mindanao, ran for president as an anti-establishment candidate, even calling himself a socialist. His no-holds-barred verbal attacks on Washington, the European Union, NATO, the pope and other institutions of imperialist rule were popular. He promised to wage war on the criminal drug gangs, fight corruption, and take care of the poor.

Dutertes antidrug campaign, marked by street executions of thousands of drug users and dealers by police and vigilante squads, has won support from broad layers of working people, even though many are disturbed by the extrajudicial character of the killings which have also been used to settle political feuds and personal grudges.

The government is also engaged in talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines and its New Peoples Army on ending the Maoist/Stalinist groups nearly 50-year-long guerrilla war.

Dutertes foreign policy stances have been marked by anti-American and anti-imperialist rhetoric, seeking to play off Washington and Beijing against each other in order to win more space for Philippine ruling-class interests.

One of the keynote speakers at the opening plenary session was Philippine Health Minister Paulyn Rosell-Ubial. At Dutertes insistence, after being appointed last year, she led a delegation to Cuba to learn about its public health system.

The strength of Cubas health care is the human resources, she said. They have one doctor per 1,000 inhabitants. In the Philippines its one doctor per 33,000! When working as a doctor in rural areas of the Philippines, Rosell-Ubial said, she had a workload of 120 to 150 patients a day. I asked doctors in clinics in Cuba how many they saw. It is only 10 to 15 patients a day.

In contrast with Cuba, where everyone has an annual medical checkup and there is a priority on preventive care, here, 30 percent of Filipinos die without ever seeing a doctor, she said.

The mayor of Manila, Joseph Estrada, hosted a dinner and cultural event for the delegates after the first days deliberations, with music and traditional dances.

Estrada was president of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and was later imprisoned on corruption charges in what he called a politically motivated conviction.

The mayor presented the keys of the city to Cuban Ambassador to the Philippines Fernandez, who is based in Malaysia. She reported later in the conference that the reopening of Cubas embassy in Manila is under discussion.

Winning broader solidarity

Following the first plenary session, the conference broke up into two commissions to discuss work in solidarity with Cuba more concretely. Discussions continued informally throughout, as delegates got to know each other, share experiences and debate broader politics.

One commission discussed strategies for developing regionwide solidarity with Cuba. The other focused on using the media to help get out the facts about the Cuban Revolution.

Robert Corpuz, president of the Philippine-Cuba Friendship Society and a graduate of Cubas Latin American Medical School, spoke in the first commission about recent events in Manila and other cities to promote awareness of the truth about Cuba.

In the Philippines there is a glut of housing projects but people cannot afford them, they continue to squat in slum areas, river banks, or bridges, Corpuz said. Supermarket shelves are overstocked with food products yet many people go hungry. This is the real face of capitalism. In contrast, he said, Cubas socialist revolution has dignified the Cuban people and is an example for working people in other countries.

Ana Maria Nemenzo, a member of the Philippines-Cuba Cultural and Friendship Association, noted that Cuba and the Philippines shared a common history as former Spanish colonies. Both Filipinos and Cubans fought wars against colonial rule in the late 19th century, and in 1898 we were robbed of our independence and transferred to U.S. colonial rule.

We in the Philippines continue to fight for our genuine independence, she added. But Cuba won its true independence by its revolution. We carry out activities to explain how Cuba gained its sovereignty and other achievements.

Peter Weitzel, of the Australia-Cuba Friendship Society in Sydney, said its necessary to provide facts on how Washington continues its economic sanctions against Cuba. For example, he said, funds were collected in Australia to send hurricane relief aid to Cuba, but because of U.S. embargo laws, the money was frozen by U.S. banks where it had been deposited. Delegates from other countries noted that in Asian countries many people are not aware that Washington occupies Cuban territory at Guantanamo and that is part of the educational work that is needed.

Tissa Vitarana, a delegate from Sri Lanka, spoke in the second commission about the role of social media and said that in his country there are more cellphones than there are people. Pallub Sengupta, from the All India Peace and Solidarity Organization, replied that while social media can be a useful vehicle, digital media doesnt reach most people in India. We must take the movement beyond the educated and middle classes to farmers and working-class people who need to know about Cuba.

Mary-Alice Waters, a leader of the Socialist Workers Party in the United States, also spoke on this panel. The U.S. governments goal is not to normalize its relations with Cuba, she explained. If so, they would simply get out and leave Cuba alone. When President Barack Obama announced the decision to restore U.S. diplomatic relations with Cuba, he said Washingtons policies had failed to achieve their objective so it was time to try something different.

Normalization for the U.S. rulers simply means using new methods to achieve the same objective  undermining the socialist revolution, she said.

At the closing session of the conference, Waters, who is president of Pathfinder Press, presented conference organizers with a donation of Pathfinder books, many of them about the Cuban Revolution, for use by Cuba solidarity groups there.

A delegate from South Korea, Seok Yeol Hur, reported that a delegation of Korean unionists and others will be participating in this years May Day march in Havana.

Hur said that in Korea we combine the campaign to oppose the economic sanctions against Cuba with the campaign opposing the U.S. economic sanctions against the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. Washingtons war moves target the Korean people on both sides of the U.S.-enforced border, he said, noting that the U.S. military has maintained thousands of troops in the South since the end of World War II.

The Final Declaration adopted by the Asia-Pacific conference called for carrying out actions, coordinated regionwide when possible, to demand that Washington end its economic sanctions against Cuba, its occupation of Guantanamo Bay, and its regime change programs against the Cuban Revolution.

The declaration paid tribute to Fidel Castro, stating, This conference challenges the vain illusions of imperialist and other reactionary forces that the Cuban Revolution can now be reversed with the physical loss of Comandante Fidel.

The delegates welcomed the news that Fernando Gonzalez, one of the five Cuban heroes, has been named the new president of ICAP. They saluted the work of outgoing ICAP President Kenia Serrano in helping to broaden and strengthen the international movement of solidarity with Cuba.

It was announced that the Cuba solidarity movement in Nepal has offered to host the next Asia-Pacific gathering, to be held in 2019.





Related articles:

Washington seeks alliances to press imperialist interests in Pacific, Asia







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History of U.S. intervention in Korea: 1953 cease-fire in Korea  victory over U.S. war aims

Part 1: How Korean workers and farmers began resistance to U.S. domination, forced partition of nation



This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Korean peoples triumph over Washingtons murderous 1950-53 war to conquer that country. The consequences of that war  and the unresolved national division of Korea  continue to reverberate across the Pacific and the world class struggle today.

This summer a Socialist Workers Party leadership delegation of Tom Baumann, James Harris, and me visited Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, to join celebrations there of the July 27, 1953, cease-fire that registered that historic victory.

Among the anniversary events was the inauguration of a new building and park that substantially expand the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum, first built in 1953. Although most of the new exhibits were not yet open to the public, we visited the outdoor pavilions displaying captured U.S. and South Korean planes, helicopters, tanks, armored vehicles and ordnance from the Korean War, as well as from military actions by Washington and Seoul right up to recent years.

The exhibits included several bombs dropped by U.S. planes during the war. More than 635,000 tons of bombs, as well as 32,557 tons of napalm, were unleashed against Koreans over those three years  25 percent more than dropped by Washington in the entire Pacific theater during World War II. Some 428,000 bombs were hurled on Pyongyang alone, roughly one per person, according to museum figures.

In towns and cities across northern Korea, and in parts of the South as well, the vast majority of homes, hospitals, schools, factories and other structures were leveled. Only three major buildings were left standing in Pyongyang, and 18 of the 22 largest cities in the North were 50 to 100 percent destroyed.

After Chinese troops joined the DPRKs fight against Washingtons war of conquest on the peninsula in October 1950, Gen. Douglas MacArthur ordered destruction of every installation, factory, city and village in the North up to the Yalu River. Gen. Curtis LeMay, head of the U.S. Strategic Air Command at the time, later wrote, We eventually burned down every town in North Korea  and some in South Korea too. We even burned down [the South Korean city] Pusan  an accident, but we burned it down anyway.

And were not condemned to rely for facts on beribboned butchers like LeMay. A Pentagon-commissioned study while the war was still on documented U.S. firebombing in the South in summer 1950, as the DPRKs troops rapidly advanced down the peninsula. So we killed civilians, friendly civilians, and bombed their homes; fired whole villages with their occupants  women and children and 10 times as many hidden Communist soldiers  under showers of napalm, the study reported, and the pilots came back to their [aircraft carriers] stinking of vomit twisted from their vitals by the shock of what they had to do.

The bombardment continued right up to the July 1953 cease-fire. In the final months, U.S. planes bombed five major dams in the North, causing massive flooding, drowning civilians, destroying the rice crop and livestock for millions and knocking out bridges, railroads and electrical power.

Korea divided in 1945

In September 1945, after a four-decade-long struggle against Japanese colonial brutality and plunder, Korea was ripped in half by Washington and Moscow at roughly the 38th parallel. This trampling on the Korean peoples national sovereignty was the implementation of a joint trusteeship cooked up between President Franklin Roosevelt and Premier Josef Stalin as early as February 1945 at the Yalta conference of Allied Powers in World War II. Registering the military situation on the ground in September 1945, southern and northern Korea were occupied respectively by U.S. and Soviet troops.

Since 1905 Korea had been under de facto and then direct colonial rule by Japanese imperialism, with Washingtons connivance. The quid pro quo was that Tokyo acquiesced in U.S. imperialisms colonial rule over the Philippines.

For decades Koreans had been required by Tokyo to speak Japanese rather than their own language, and in 1939 they were ordered to take Japanese names.

Hundreds of thousands of Koreans were enlisted as police or soldiers to enforce their peoples national oppression and, in the 1930s and 40s, Japans occupation of Manchuria in northern China. Millions were transported against their will to Japan to serve as forced labor in mines and factories, or as comfort women sex slaves for Japanese soldiers. At the end of World War II, 10 percent of the Korean population was living in Japan.

Korean working people took advantage of Tokyos defeat in World War II in August 1945 to advance their fight for national independence and dignity, as well as for land reform, for trade unions and labor rights, womens suffrage and the expropriation of factories and other workplaces. A revolutionary class struggle spread from one end of the peninsula to the other, pitting the vast working majority against Korean landlords and capitalists who had entrenched their own privileges and profits in collusion with the Japanese occupiers.

Peoples Committees were organized across Korea by individuals and organizations long active in the fight against Japanese colonialism. The committees varied in their class composition. Many were dominated by workers and poor farmers, while others were led by businessmen and landlords who opposed Japanese rule.

Korean Peoples Republic

On Sept. 6, 1945, two days prior to the scheduled arrival of U.S. troops in Korea, delegates from these committees met and formed the Korean Peoples Republic, with Seoul as its capital. Some three-quarters of those proposed for positions in the new government were from groups linked to Moscow and the Communist Party of China and radicalpetty bourgeois and bourgeois currents of the nationalist movement in Korea.

The assembly of the Peoples Committees, however, also offered positions to a number of figures such as Syngman Rhee, who had spent all but a few years between 1905 and 1945 living in exile in the U.S. There, for close to four decades, Rhees increasingly reactionary political course had been distinguished by pleading on bended knee for Washington to press Tokyo to grant Korean independence  to absolutely no avail  and to forging ties with missionary and various other Protestant Christian institutions. (Aside from the Philippines, where more than 80 percent of the population is Catholic, South Korea has among the highest percentage of Christians, mainly Protestant, anywhere in East Asia: some 10 percent in 1945 and nearing a third today.)

The Korean Peoples Republic released political prisoners, organized the distribution of food, and called for national elections as early as March 1946. It announced the confiscation of lands held by the Japanese occupiers and Korean collaborators; an agrarian reform on these and other lands; nationalization of mining, major industries, banking, and transportation; universal suffrage; and a minimum wage and eight-hour day.

But the U.S. ruling families werent about to allow the Korean people to establish a government that, as revolutionary struggles deepened, could develop into a workers and peasants power that would replace capitalist rule, and social relations based on class exploitation in countryside and city. They saw Korea as a prize for U.S. capitalism, as well as a stepping stone toward increased domination of China, with its vast lands, more than a half billion exploitable peasants and workers, and lucrative markets for the export of American capital.

U.S. military government

So on Sept. 7, the day before U.S. occupation forces landed on Korean soil, their commander, General MacArthur, decreed that the entire administrative power in Korea south of parallel 38 was under his jurisdiction. The U.S. general warned that, All persons will obey promptly all my orders and orders issued under my authority. Acts of resistance to the occupying forces or any acts which may disturb public peace and safety will be punished severely. During the period of military occupation, he said, Koreas official language would be English.

The U.S. military government refused to acknowledge the Korean Peoples Republic and continued enforcing the laws of the hated Japanese colonial administration. The U.S. occupiers even kept in place Tokyos officials, including Gov. Gen. Abe Nobuyuki.

The Jan. 5, 1946, issue of the Militant ran an account by a U.S. soldier stationed in Korea. The U.S. military government, the GI wrote, decided that the best thing to do was to freeze the status quo  but the Koreans didnt see it that way. They just could not understand why the American army employed their hated enemies to continue the oppression of a liberated people.

The establishment of the Korean Peoples Republic, the soldier wrote, was seen by the U.S. occupiers as nothing short of a revolution, and as these people were definitely socialist, it was a communist revolution. So we sent in our troops and threw these over-patriotic Koreans out and put back the Japanese and the Japanese collaborators.

Part 2: U.S. imposed capitalist-landlord govt on SKorea

The last issue of the Militant opened this series marking the 60th anniversary of the Korean peoples triumph over Washingtons murderous 1950-53 war to conquer that country. On July 27, 1953, the U.S. government and the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea signed a cease-fire agreement in the village of Panmunjom, which straddles the border dividing the northern and southern halves of Korea.

In September 1945, at the end of World War II, the Korean people  after 40 years of fighting Japanese colonial rule  saw their country torn in two at roughly the 38th parallel by the governments of the United States and the Soviet Union.

Whats more, when U.S. occupation forces landed in Korea that month, they refused to recognize the Korean Peoples Republic, which had been established in the South by representatives of Peoples Committees that had been formed across the country. Instead, Washington not only imposed a U.S. military government but initially kept in place officials of the hated Japanese colonial administration.

U.S. military government

It didnt take long, as a State Department adviser to the U.S. Army brass in Korea put it, for WashingtonPs occupation regime to conclude that removal of Japanese officials is desirable from the public opinion standpoint.

But the State Department official cautioned that Tokyos appointees should be removed only in name, since there are no qualified Koreans for other than the low-ranking positions. He did, however, call attention to a layer of Korean bourgeois figures who could be drawn into governing the country.

Although many of them have served with the Japanese, he said, that stigma ought eventually to disappear. It didnt.

A 1947 assessment from the newly established Central Intelligence Agency reported that politics in South Korea was dominated by a rivalry between Rightists (whom the U.S. military government had ensconced in power) and a grass-roots independence movement which found expression in the establishment of the Peoples Committees throughout Korea in August 1945.

Referring to the numerically small class which virtually monopolizes the native wealth and education, the CIA noted that this class could not have acquired and maintained its favored position under Japanese rule without a certain minimum of collaboration.

In short, the U.S. spy agency concluded, the newly established government in the South was substantially the old Japanese machinery, enforcing its authority through the Tokyo-established National Police, which had been ruthlessly brutal in suppressing disorder.

Hoping to pretty up the collaborationist character of the government it was imposing, Washington organized in October 1945 to fly Syngman Rhee from the United States to Tokyo, where he met with U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur, and then flew on to Seoul on Mac-Arthurs personal plane  the Bataan.

Through its puppet, Dr. Rhee, the [U.S. military government] attempted to engineer a working coalition of the reactionary political parties which would govern the country under U.S. control, the Militant reported in its Jan. 12, 1946, issue.

As U.S. occupation authorities stepped up their attacks on the Korean Peoples Republic, they implemented measures that struck directly at the economic and social needs of workers and farmers. First, the military government halted distribution to working farmers of lands confiscated from Japanese landlords. Second, the regime lifted price controls on rice and reformed the rationing system, cutting in half by mid-1946 the amount of rice Koreans had been getting under Japanese rule.

Over several days at the end of December 1945 and early 1946, thousands of working people in Seoul poured into the streets and organized strikes calling for an end to the U.S. military government and protesting Washingtons and Moscows planned joint trusteeship over Korea.

The actions had initially been called by a coalition of the South Korean Workers Party and bourgeois currents that opposed the partition. But shortly thereafter  on orders not to embarrass Moscow for its complicity in the division  the South Korean Workers Party turned on a dime and condemned the mobilizations.

The Daily Worker, newspaper of the Communist Party in the U.S., denounced the violent outbursts, which it said appeared to have been provoked by extreme right-wingers. The Militant, to the contrary, said that fighters for freedom throughout the world hailed the anti-imperialist demonstrations in Korea.

Beginning in late September and October 1946, strikes protesting the American occupation and demanding food were organized by rail workers, postal workers, electrical workers, printers and others. What began as the Taegu uprising in southeastern Korea spread by November to some 160 villages, towns, and cities across North and South Kyongsang and South Cholla provinces, with peasant rebellions and attacks on the despised National Police.

The police, overwhelmed by the size and scope of the rebellion, relied on U.S. armed forces to crush it. The military government declared martial law. Hundreds of Koreans were killed or injured; thousands were beaten, tortured and imprisoned.

A U.S. soldier who witnessed this bloody repression, Sgt. Harry Savage of Yankton, S.D., described the horrors he had seen in a letter to President Harry Truman. My name is Sergeant Savage, he wrote. I have just been discharged from the army after spending some ten months in the Occupation Forces in Korea. I am writing this now while I have it fresh in mind and while I am eager to do something about it. 

Why were the American people not told of riots that took place in that country and of the hundreds of people who were killed in those riots? Sergeant Savage asked. He recounted being deployed to put down an uprising in the coastal city of Tongyong, during which scores of people were killed.

Then, a few days later in nearby Masan, our entire Battalion patrolled that town all day with dead bodies lying all over the streets, and we kept our machine guns blazing. Many Koreans were beaten and subjected to torture by members of the National Police, he said.

Many of the GIs got very angry at this, Sergeant Savage reported. Most of the [U.S.] officers however stood calmly by and let these beatings go on without letup. In fact our Division Artillery sent a letter to our Battalion to the effect not to criticize what the police were doing. 

Most of us thought surely these things would reach American newspapers. About two weeks later the Stars and Stripes had an article about it. They said that there had been a riot in Masan, but American troops restored law and order without firing a shot.

Syngman Rhee regime

In May 1948 Washington rigged elections for a National Assembly in South Korea. The vote, given the blessing by United Nations inspectors, was restricted to landowners, to taxpayers in towns and cities, and, at the village level, to elders.

The new assembly established the Republic of Korea, with Syngman Rhee as president. Inaugural ceremonies were held in August. Rhee maintained his corrupt and brutal regime until 1960, when a mass uprising by workers and youth overturned it.

As Rhee was being anointed in Seoul, South Korean troops and police, backed by Washingtons occupation forces, were brutally suppressing a rebellion on Cheju Island, 60 miles below the peninsulas southernmost tip.

Actions denouncing the U.S.-engineered elections and demanding food and jobs had begun there in March 1948. In face of government arrests and killings, there was an armed uprising on April 3, led by the South Korean Workers Party and other forces.

Expressing the imperial arrogance and contempt for working people that distinguished the U.S. occupiers, Col. Rothwell Brown wrote at the time that the ranks of the fighters were ignorant, uneducated farmers and fishermen.

The uprising had largely been crushed by the summer of 1949. The job is about done, U.S. Ambassador John Muccio wired the State Department in May.

According to the governments own figures, at least 30,000 people on Cheju Island had been killed out of a population of no more than 300,000. More recent estimates place the figure as high as 80,000 dead.

In a brutal campaign later used by Washington during the Vietnam War as a model for its strategic hamlets program, South Korean troops and police drove peasants from their homes into heavily fortified villages. By the end of the bloodletting, only 170 of 400 villages remained on Cheju; nearly 40,000 homes had been destroyed; and tens of thousands had taken refuge in Japan.

Another uprising began in October 1948, in the southeastern city of Yosu. There many soldiers in the Korean armys 14th and 6th regiments rebelled in face of orders to go to Cheju and take part in a bloody crackdown on fellow Koreans.

According to an article by Joseph Hansen in the Nov. 8, 1948, issue of the Militant, a dispatch in the New York Herald Tribune reported that when orders came for deployment to Cheju, rebel troops instead killed all the loyal officers at Yosu and seized an arsenal of American and Japanese weapons. Hansen wrote that soldiers seized a train and went to nearby Sunchon, where they ran up the flags of the North Korean Peoples Republic  established just weeks earlier on Sept. 9  and were joined by hundreds of local residents.

The rebellion was quelled by Korean troops under the command of U.S. officers.

The Militants account of the Herald Tribune dispatch continued:

More than 5,000 men were rounded up on the playing field of a school [in Sunchon] for questioning to find out where they were during the rebellion and how they acted. Batches were then executed on the spot. One of the first sights to meet the eyes of American correspondents reaching here today was a rifle squad of executioners standing over fallen enemies. 

The report concludes: The four American correspondents at the scene of the fighting here have been urged strongly to point out that if the American troops are taken from the area in the discernible future, the whole country is sure to be conquered by organized Communists.

By July 1950, even before Washington launched its murderous war in Korea, more than 100,000 workers, peasants, and youth had already been killed by the landlord-capitalist regime and the U.S. occupation army that imposed it on the southern half of the divided country.



Part 3: Korean War: U.S. rulers aimed to crush fight for sovereignty, against capitalist rule

This series marks the 60th anniversary of the Korean peoples victory over Washingtons 1950-53 war to conquer that country. The first two parts have told the story of Koreas partition in 1945 at the hands of Washington and Moscow and of the brutal landlord-capitalist regime imposed by the U.S. armed forces on the southern half.

Acts of resistance to the occupying forces or any acts which may disturb public peace and safety will be severely punished, warned Gen. Douglas MacArthur in his Sept. 7, 1945, proclamation establishing the interim U.S. military government in South Korea. And thats what workers and peasants faced, as more than 100,000 Koreans were killed over the next half decade (and many more beaten, tortured, or jailed), as the U.S. occupiers and their local collaborators suppressed strikes, land seizures and uprisings.

Meanwhile, north of Koreas 38th parallel, a Central Peoples Committee was established in February 1946, with Kim Il Sung, a leader of the liberation movement against Tokyos colonial boot since the 1930s, as chairman. The new workers and peasants government recognized peasant land seizures and organized a sweeping agrarian reform; expropriated the landlords and capitalists, both Japanese and Korean; and carried out other social measures in the interests of working people.

On Sept. 9, 1948, in response to the imposition of the Syngman Rhee regime in Seoul through U.S.-rigged elections, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea was established in Pyongyang.

Korean War

When war erupted between the two governments on June 25, 1950, the U.S. rulers backed to the hilt the Rhee regimes efforts to reimpose the dictatorship of capital in the north. At the time, many in the U.S. ruling class also hoped their troops could march beyond the Yalu River and strike a fatal blow to the Chinese Revolution, which had triumphed in 1949.

Within two days, Washington arranged United Nations Security Council cover to deploy armed forces from the United States and U.S. allies in what President Harry Truman labeled a U.N. police action to suppress a bandit raid on the Republic of Korea.

On direct orders from Premier Joseph Stalin, Soviet Ambassador Jacob Malik didnt show up for the Security Council vote, where he would have been able to veto the U.S. resolution. Moscows pretext was that it was boycotting the Security Council to protest Washingtons decision to block the Peoples Republic of China from U.N. membership. But the real reason  to avert a showdown with Washington  was laid bare less than a week later when the Soviet Unions turn as Security Council chair came around and Maliks principled boycott abruptly ended.

Over the next three years, some 2 million U.S. soldiers were sent as cannon fodder to Korea, along with more than 160,000 troops from 15 other countries, with the largest numbers from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Turkey.

The DPRKs Korean Peoples Army rapidly liberated 90 percent of the peninsula, down to a small southeastern corner of the country that became know as the Pusan perimeter, from the name of the coastal city it encircled. When a U.S. regiment arrived by ship in Pusan in mid-July, Korean dockworkers were on strike and refused to offload their weapons. The U.S. troops either unloaded the equipment themselves or forced Korean longshoremen to do so at gunpoint.

Rhee and his chief cronies fled Seoul as soon as the fighting began, with the top officer corps trailing behind two days later. By the day after that, June 28, less than a quarter of South Korean troops could be accounted for, and most of their heavy weapons and equipment had been abandoned, destroyed, or captured.

Unburying the truth

The tenor of much of the war coverage in the U.S. capitalist press is illustrated by a couple of July 1950 dispatches by Hanson Baldwin, the Pulitzer Prize-winning military editor for the. Calling the DPRK troops invading locusts, Baldwin wrote, We are facing an army of barbarians in Korea, but they are barbarians as trained, as relentless, as reckless of life, and as skilled in the tactics of the kind of war they fight as the hordes of Genghis Khan.

Acknowledging outrage among Koreans at the women and children slain by American bombs in the wars first weeks, Baldwin added that the U.S. armed forces must show that we do not come merely to bring devastation but instead convince these simple, primitive, and barbaric people  that we  not the Communists  are their friends.

When CBS radio correspondent Edward R. Murrow posed the question in a taped broadcast how Koreans in villages to which we have put the torch during the flight to Pusan might view the attraction of Communism, top network executives refused to air it.

Aside from the pages of the Militant, one of the few places factual information could be found in those years, much of the truth about what had happened in Korea only began to come out under the impact of the fight for national reunification by the Vietnamese people in the 1960s and 1970s, and the worldwide movement against the U.S. war there.

These revelations were also spurred by a new rise of struggles in South Korea against the U.S.-backed tyranny, above all the 1980 Kwangju rebellion in which thousands of armed workers took over the city. Hundreds were killed in Kwangju by Seouls police and troops, aided by U.S. forces there, but a few years later the reverberations of that battle and others across South Korea brought down the dictatorship of Chun Doo-hwan.

The 60th anniversary of the Korean War has spurred the publication of several new books telling more of the truth about its roots and consequences. One is The Korean War: A History (Modern Library, 2010) by Bruce Cumings, who has written other valuable accounts over the past 30 years. This summer has seen the release of Brothers at War: The Unending Conflict in Korea (Norton, 2013) by Sheila Miyoshi Jager. Another useful book (especially regarding conditions facing U.S. and other U.N. troops), published on the 50th anniversary, is: MacArthurs War: Korea and the Undoing of an American Hero (Simon & Schuster, 2000) by Stanley Weintraub, who was a GI in Korea during those years. Much of the information in these articles comes from these books, as well as from the pages of the Militant since 1945.

In addition, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Korea  established in 2005 by the South Korean government to investigate atrocities before, during, and after the war, and dissolved five years later for doing its job too well  uncovered evidence of the murder of between 100,000 and 200,000 people by South Korean authorities between 1945 and 1953, as well as 138 massacres by U.S. forces during the war.

The commission was spurred in large part by the widely reported exposure in 1999 of a July 1950 massacre by U.S. troops of some 400 civilians in the village of No Gun Ri, one of many such atrocities by South Korean and U.S. forces covered up for half a century by the bourgeois press in the United States and elsewhere. Among the documented cases committed by South Korean forces during their flight from Seoul in July 1950 was the slaughter and mass burial of some 4,000 people in the city of Taejon, site of one of the most hard-fought battles during the opening weeks of the war.

Invasion at Inchon

In September 1950, as South Korean and U.S. forces were facing defeat, some 80,000 U.S. Marines invaded at Inchon Harbor near Seoul. Over the next several weeks, the armed forces of the DPRK organized a retreat north from the Pusan perimeter.

But General MacArthurs bombastic promise to U.S. troops that they would be home by Thanksgiving, and then home by Christmas, was a sham. As U.S. soldiers approached the Yalu River, separating Korea from China, some 260,000 Chinese troops crossed the border to aid the DPRKs forces in pushing back the invasion. Whats more, MacArthur  who himself never spent a single night in Korea during the war, flying back to the comforts of Tokyo after each visit  hadnt equipped U.S. soldiers for the bitter-cold Korean winter. Many suffered from frostbite, and their weapons and other equipment wouldnt function.

In early 1951, at a low point in the morale of U.S. forces, Gen. Matthew Ridgway took over operational command and managed to hold on to a line at roughly the 38th parallel. The murderous U.S. bombardment of North Korea described in the first article in this series  leveling Pyongyang and scores of other cities, towns, and villages  had not broken the will of the Korean people.

Nor had the Truman administrations threats, in face of the aid being given to Korean liberation forces by Chinese troops, to unleash nuclear weapons. We will take whatever steps are necessary to meet the military situation, Truman said at a Nov. 30, 1950, press conference  including attacks on China itself and active consideration of using the atomic bomb.

So in July 1951 the U.S. government agreed to begin cease-fire talks with the DPRK. As the war became increasingly unpopular among working people in the U.S. over the next two years, the new Republican administration of Dwight Eisenhower finally signed an armistice at the Korean village of Panmunjom near the 38th parallel on July 27, 1953.

By most estimates, more than 4 million people were killed in the U.S.-organized war, including at least 2 million civilians. The big majority of deaths were of Koreans  some 10 percent of the peninsulas prewar population  with hundreds of thousands of Chinese killed or wounded as well.

More than 40,000 soldiers from the U.S. and other allied countries were killed; some 115,000 wounded; and more than 7,500 U.S. troops still listed as missing in action. Proportionally, the highest rates of deaths and wounded were among troops of the so-called U.N. forces sent as cannon fodder by allied governments to help give cover to Washingtons war. Of the first 300-man unit of troops from Turkey to see combat, only 45 survived; altogether the casualty rate for Turkish troops (deaths and injuries) was 20 percent. Rates between 13 and 32 percent were also suffered by troops from Belgium, Ethiopia, France, Colombia, Greece, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

How the Militant campaigned

Thecampaigned to halt the imperialist war in Korea. As the socialist weekly had done in covering struggles by Korean working people over the half decade prior to the war, it scoured the bourgeois press for whatever facts slipped through and ran accounts by GIs or merchant seamen who had ended up in Korea.

Among the well over 200 articles, editorials, and statements by Socialist Workers Party candidates during the first year and a half of the conflict alone, some of the headlines read: SWP Candidate Hits Intervention in Korea, Jim Crow in Korea, The Real Role of the UN, War Reporters Describe U.S. Atrocities in Korea, Labor Should Demand: No War with China!, U.S. Army Censor Holds Reporter Incommunicado, Millions in Korea Flee U.S. Bombs, Rhees Soldiers Massacre Entire So. Korea Village, and Korea War a Year Old  Stop the Slaughter Now  Acheson Compelled To Admit Police Action Is Real War.

In 1950 and 1951 the working-class newsweekly featured three letters from Socialist Workers Party National Secretary James P. Cannon to President Harry Truman and members of the U.S. Congress.

This is more than a fight for unification and national liberation, Cannon wrote in the first letter, dated July 31, 1950, just a few days after U.S. troops entered the combat. It is a civil war. On the one side are the Korean workers, peasants and student youth. On the other are the Korean landlords, usurers, capitalists and their police and political agents. The impoverished and exploited working masses have risen up to drive out the native parasites as well as their foreign protectors. 

Your undeclared war on Korea, Mr. President, is a war of enslavement. That is how the Korean people themselves view it  and no one knows the facts better than they do. Theyve suffered imperialist domination and degradation for half a century, Cannon wrote, and they can recognize its face even when masked with a UN flag. 

I call upon you to halt the unjust war on Korea. Withdraw all American armed forces so that the Korean people can have full freedom to work out their destiny in their own way.

Cannons second letter was written on Dec. 4, 1950, after Chinese troops had come to the aid of Korea and amid Trumans nuclear saber-rattling. Your reckless adventure in Korea has brought this country into a clash with the 500 millions of China and threatens an entirely new war, Cannon wrote. Your proposed solution, Mr. President, is a threat to repeat the atrocities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by using the atom bomb in Korea.  Stop the war NOW!

Three years later, after the July 1953 cease-fire, the Militant hailed the Korean peoples defeat of Washingtons war aims and drew lessons from imperialisms bloody assault. Giant armies have been pitted for three years in ferocious combat against each other; unsurpassed concentrations of firepower have been used; casualties have run into the millions and property destruction has been almost total, said an article in the Aug. 17 issue.

The cease-fire in Korea, the Militant said, registered the fact that the United States, the foremost capitalist power and chief military spearhead of world imperialism, for the first time in its history has come out of a war without a victory.

U.S. refuses to sign peace treaty

Over the six decades since the 1953 armistice in the Korean War, the U.S. government has nonetheless maintained an official state of war on the peninsula, refusing to this day to sign a peace treaty with the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. Among other things, Washington maintains 28,500 troops in South Korea and conducts provocative joint military exercises with Seoul every year.

As part of Washingtons efforts to isolate and strangle the people of North Korea, this year alone it has taken the initiative to slap the DPRK with two new sets of economic and financial sanctions, adopted Jan. 22 and March 7 by the U.N. Security Council. These sanctions tighten restrictions on the DPRKs banking transactions and access to trade credits, as well as expanding the list of banned imports. The measures also imposed mandatory interdictions  aka piracy  of North Korean ships and aircraft suspected of transporting such proscribed goods.

Since mid-July Panamanian authorities, at Washingtons bidding, have detained a North Korean cargo ship sailing from Cuba as it prepared to cross the Panama Canal. The government of Panama, saying it acted on a tip from U.S. intelligence that the Chong Chon Gang was smuggling drugs, now claims the cargo violates the U.N. arms embargo. The vessel was transporting sugar, as well as Cuban arms for repair in North Korea.

Washingtons pretexts for the two most recent rounds of sanctions were the DPRKs successful launching of a satellite into orbit last December and a nuclear weapons test in February. The hypocrisy and imperial arrogance of the U.S. rulers are shown by two facts: (1) of the more than 1,000 satellites in orbit as of May 2013, some 43 percent are of U.S. origin  12 percent openly for military purposes; and (2) of the 2,053 nuclear tests since 1945, 1,032 have been conducted by Washington and three by Pyongyang.

Whats more, Washington openly maintained tactical nuclear weapons on South Korean territory until 1991. And nine U.S. nuclear-armed submarines prowl the Pacific, each one outfitted with missiles (with a range of more than 5,500 miles) and nuclear warheads equal in their heinous payloads to some 6,000 times the imperialist holocaust unleashed against Japanese and Korean residents of Hiroshima in August 1945.

As the Socialist Workers Party National Committee wrote in a recent message to the Central Committee of the Workers Party of Korea on the 65th anniversary of the founding of the DPRK, The people of Korea, Asia, and beyond have no interest in these monstrously destructive weapons and aspire to a world free of them once and for all. 

US troops and weapons out of Korea and its skies and waters! For a peninsula and a Pacific free of nuclear weapons!

Korea is one!





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The worlds last male northern white rhino has joined Tinder in a last ditch attempt by conservationists to stop the species from becoming extinct.

Sudan and the last two female rhinos are unable to breed naturally, in part because of old age.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy set up the dating profile for Sudan in an attempt to raise $9 million to help research breeding methods, which include IVF for the rhinos.

Just matched on tinder with a 44 year old rhino. What a time to be alive pic.twitter.com/H5mogzuBzz  Dan J (@DanJ_official) April 25, 2017

The Tinder profile says: I dont mean to be too forward, but the fate of the species literally depends on me.

I perform well under pressure, I like to eat grass and chill in the mud, no problems.

Six feet tall and 5,000 pounds if it matters.

Humans were responsible for the steep decline in the numbers of the northern whites; this is our chance at redemption. #mosteligiblebachelor pic.twitter.com/yPL14K3NC2  Ol Pejeta (@OlPejeta) April 25, 2017

The conservancys website was so popular it had crashed by Tuesday evening.

Richard Vigne, the conservancys chief executive officer, said: The plight that currently faces the northern white rhinos is a signal to the impact that humankind is having on many thousands of other species across the planet.

Ultimately, the aim will be to reintroduce a viable population of northern white rhino back into the wild, which is where their true value will be realized.
A new survey has revealed that more than three quarters of UK millennials do not know what the Snoopers Charter is.

The Snoopers Charter is also known as the Investigatory Powers Act and came into force in November last year.

The Act sets out the extent to which investigatory powers may be used to interfere with privacy.

It now means web and phone companies will store records of websites visited by every customer for 12 months. These records can be accessed by police, security services and other public bodies upon issue of a warrant. They can't track sites accessed via virtual private networks.

As well as this the Act gives powers to security services. Now they are legally empowered to bug computers and phones upon approval of a warrant - and companies have to assist with these operations.

They can also acquire and analyse bulk collections of communications data.

A new "double lock" has been put in place for the oversight of these operations. Any warrants will need authorisation from a minister in government before being put forward to a panel of judges overseen by an Investigatory Powers Commissioner, who can reject a warrant authorisation.

The research by Rahman Ravelli also found that the majority of 18-24 year olds are guilty of sharing personal data on social media, while half use the same password across multiple accounts.

Statistics from other studies have shown even more shocking statistics.

A survey by Cifas found that in 2016 there was a 34% rise in under-21s falling victim to fraud crime as a result of poor security measures.

And research by Go Compare revealed that 86% of 18-24 year olds inadvertently share personal data on social media, which can then be used against them.

Rahman Ravelli have warned that millennials need to be more informed about their digital footprint.

Aziz Rahman, a senior party at the corporate crime defence specialist company, said:

Young people are at danger from either side now - they are vulnerable to hackers as well as the UK intelligence agencies. Because they have grown up with the internet, they have possibly become complacent.

It all starts with resources, and information. Being aware of what the Investigatory Powers Act means for your human rights is the first step. Protect yourself, and take care what you post online.
EFFINGHAM -- The Effingham Elks 1016 Lodge in cooperation with the Illinois Elks Childrens Care Corporation will sponsor a free childrens orthopedic assessment clinic on Thursday, May 11. The clinic starts at 8 a.m. and is by appointment only. To make an appointment call the Illinois Elks Childrens Care office at 1-800-272-0074 between the hours of 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. There are no charges for any services at this clinic.

No medical referral is necessary for the clinic but physicians are welcome to refer patients to the clinic for a specific reason or second opinion. School nurses are welcome to refer children and families to the clinic.

The Elks Organization has been working with physically challenged children since 1928 and this is one of the 17 clinic locations throughout Illinois. The clinic is an ideal time to have a child reviewed for bone and joint development. If your child has feet pointing out or in who complains of back, knee, leg, ankle pain or has a back curvature can be seen at this clinic. There is no charge for any diagnostic services at this clinic. The Elks will provide financial assistance to the best of their ability for children needing further treatment or specialty equipment when the family lacks sufficient resources to do so. In the past, the Elks have purchased therapy services, corrective shoes, braces, wheelchairs and augmentative communication devices to help children overcome a variety of physical challenges.
MATTOON -- The Lake Land College summer Basic Nursing Assistant (BNA) program offers students an opportunity to train for a career as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in just eight weeks.

Classes begin June 5 in Effingham, Mattoon and Paris. Those who successfully complete the summer term will be eligible to take the state certification exam to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA)

The program is a great way for pre-nursing students and those wishing to become a CNA to jumpstart a career in the healthcare field.

The summer program is intensive and requires a commitment from the student, Laura Deters, basic nurse assistant instructor, said. Classes are offered from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday and Thursday. Because of the condensed time frame, students are required to attend all classes and cannot complete the course if class is missed.

For more information or to enroll, contact Deters at ldeters52738@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-234-5055 or Academic Counselor Krista Burrell at kburrell@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-234-5042.
SPRINGFIELD -- Several mumps outbreaks around the state over the past couple years and a measles outbreak in 2015 in northern Illinois that affected mainly children too young to be fully immunized, are stark reminders of the importance of immunizations. During National Infant Immunization Week, April 22-29, 2017, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D. is asking all parents to talk with a health care provider and make sure their children are fully immunized.

Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death, said Director Shah. Because of the success of vaccines, parents may not have heard of or seen the serious health effects caused by vaccine-preventable diseases, like polio. That is why it is important to follow the recommended immunization schedule to protect infants and children by providing immunity early in life, before they are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases.

In the 1950's, nearly every child developed measles, and unfortunately, some even died from this serious disease. Today, many practicing physicians have never seen a case of measles due to the effectiveness of the vaccine. However, even when diseases are rare in the U.S., they can still be commonly transmitted in many parts of the world and brought into the country by unvaccinated individuals, putting other unvaccinated people at risk.

Vaccines not only help protect people who are vaccinated, but they also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Among children born during 1994-2013, vaccination will prevent an estimated 322 million illnesses, 21 million hospitalizations, and 732,000 deaths over the course of their lifetimes.

Currently, the U.S. has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in its history.

The Vaccines For Children (VFC) program is a federally funded program that provides vaccines at no cost for children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of inability to pay. The VCF program helps children get their vaccines according to the recommended immunization schedule. More information about the VFC program and immunizations can be found on the IDPH website at www.dph.illinois.gov.
It was about a year ago when a surge in media reports turned national attention toward the mistreatment of some pack horses and mules on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, known for its Grand Canyon setting and turquoise waterfalls. Visitors spoke out about seeing malnourished and wounded animals, a new horse advocacy group came on the scene and one tribal member was arrested on animal cruelty charges related to one of his pack horses.

Through that time, and even before then, Kellye Pinkleton had been trying to get in touch with the Havasupai Tribe to see how her organization could help the pack animals.

The Arizona state director at The Humane Society of the United States, Pinkleton spent months reaching out to tribal officials, the public relations firm hired by the tribe and the tribes attorney. She wanted to find a way to set up a sustained effort to provide direct care to the horses and mules as well as education to their owners, she said.

After eventually securing a meeting with the Havasupai Tribal Council last fall, Pinkleton got permission for the Humane Society to take its first trip to the Havasupai village of Supai in mid-May. The hope is that it will be the first of what will become regular service trips to the community, Pinkleton said.

We definitely want this to be a long term effort, she said. I think there is a lot more that can be done and we have the tribal council's willingness to partner.

Pinkleton calls it a big step that the tribe has agreed to partner with the nations largest animal welfare group on improving the condition of horses and mules owned by tribal members.

Tribal officials, too, were positive about the upcoming trip, with the tribal chairman on Friday giving positive feedback about the groups reputation and what it has to offer, as well as noting that the tribe feels comfortable with the group.

But at least one other organization, while supportive of the effort, points out that despite many other organizations making similar service trips over the years, at least some of the Havasupais pack animals continue to suffer.

Efforts have been made before and they havent gotten much traction. It remains to be seen whether the Humane Societys effort will or not, said Susan Ash with the nonprofit Stop Animal Violence Foundation, which is focuses on raising awareness about pack animals in Havasupai.

A START

Representatives with the Humane Society of the United States as well as other equine-related nonprofits in Arizona will be making the trip to Supai, eight miles into Grand Canyon, Pinkleton said. They will travel with a team of two veterinarians, two equine dentists and a farrier. Volunteers with the organizations, which include Equine Voices and Healing Hearts Animal Rescue, are also experienced with horses, Pinkleton said.

The group will host education sessions, meet with and offer consultation to tribal members, provide direct care of horses, help train animal control officers, provide advice on packing and training horses and deliver food and supplies, she said. The volunteers will bring donated food as well as vaccines and dental, medical, farrier and saddle supplies.

Tribal officials were hesitant at first about working with the Humane Society, but Pinkleton said she feels the distrust has dissipated.

There has been some trust established and to me that makes a lot of things possible that wouldnt be otherwise, she said.

She acknowledged that concerns about the treatment of horses and mules in Supai have existed for years despite repeated trips by individuals and organizations to provide care for the pack animals. But Pinkleton said she sees signs that things may be starting to change for the better, including the fact that the tribe was willing to meet and collaborate with the Humane Society. She sees the tribes new licensing and animal permitting system as a positive step and was encouraged when the tribe last year sent its animal control officer to an animal cruelty training put on by the Humane Society and hosted by the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office.

While veterinary groups have been traveling to Supai for the past 20 to 25 years, the tribe will need continued assistance into the future, tribal councilmember Ophelia Watahomogie-Corliss said in an interview Friday. Without its own veterinary clinic, she said the Havasupai Tribe relies on voluntary organizations to bring and administer vaccines and medications.

Those services benefit our remote village immensely and we are grateful for those services, she said.

MORE TO BE DONE

Susan Ash, with the Stop Animal Violence Foundation, said she supports the Humane Societys trip 100 percent but time will tell whether it makes a long-term difference to the horses condition. She said she was disappointed to see that a source of water at the top of the trail from the canyon rim to Supai is not part of the help the organizations will be providing.

She estimated that her group still gets contacted on a weekly basis by visitors to the Havasupai waterfalls who report seeing animals that appear to be malnourished, poorly cared for or mistreated.

We are hoping that the tribe really is sincere in its desire to improve conditions for those animals down there and allowing HSUS to come and help, but the proof is in results and results will be when people go down there and are coming back reporting animals are in good condition and get to drink water at Hilltop and don't see animals in Supai with open bleeding sores, Ash said.

She said that over the past year since Havasupai tribal member Leland Joe was arrested for mistreatment of his horse, she hasnt seen any major changes in the number of people lodging worried complaints about pack animals.

Watahomogie-Corliss said the tribe has been making progress, starting an animal control office and a licensing and permitting program under which horses that dont meet minimum body condition requirements arent allowed to pack. Ash is one of those who remains doubtful that those new policies are being enforced. Watahomogie-Corliss said trekking companies who lead trips to Havasupai as well as tribal packers have been more than happy to comply with them. She said the tribe does not have current data on the number of horses that are in too poor of a condition to pack, nor any information on what the tribe is doing with the $7,500-per-year fee now charged to trekking companies as part of the new licensing system.

Both companies and tribal members understand that the tribe as a whole just wants to take care of the wellbeing of the horses, Watahomogie-Corliss said.

This article has been edited from its original version.
CHARLESTON -- A man was sentenced to prison and ordered to pay more than $10,000 for the damage he caused when he admitted setting a fire at a Mattoon home.

Vincent S. Johnson pleaded guilty to an arson charge that accused him of setting the fire at the home on Olive Avenue on Aug. 11.

Johnson, 27, for whom court records list an address of 17000 Daileyville Road Apt. 2, rural Charleston, entered the plea to a felony offense and was sentenced to prison for three years.

In addition to receiving the prison time, he was also ordered to pay about $11,600 in restitution, which will mostly go to the residents of the home that was damaged.

The charge to which Johnson pleaded guilty could have resulted in a prison term of three to seven years or up for four years of probation.

The conviction also means Johnson will have to register with the Illinois arsonist registry.

The registry has been in place since 2005 and is similar to the requirement for convicted sex offenders. It's designed to track arson offenders to aid police in future investigations of the crime.

Coles County Circuit Judge Brien O'Brien also ordered Johnson to pay about $650 in fines and court fees.

The judge imposed the sentence by accepting the terms of a plea agreement that Assistant State's Attorney Tom Bucher and defense attorney Todd Reardon recommended.

Records in the case indicate that a security video near the residence recorded a man, later identified as Johnson, forcing open the door and entering. After the man exited, smoke could be seen coming from the home, the records say.

Also according to the records, police arrested Johnson the day after the fire while investigating his possible involvement in an unrelated theft at a Mattoon business.

When he was questioned, Johnson said he went to the home to talk to the residents about money they owed him but they weren't home at the time, the records also say.

He told police he then forced his way in, poured oil or some other flammable liquid on a bed and set it on fire with the intent of burning down the house, the records say.
By Alice Herman

hermanal17@grinnell.edu

This week, the College awarded Gina Clayton, founder of Essie Justice Group and longtime civil and human rights activist, the $100,000 Grinnell College Young Innovator for Social Justice Prize (Grinnell Prize). The Prize honors social innovators who approach issues of social justice from angles that have been less explored by well-funded and established non-governmental organizations and nonprofits.

The Grinnell Prize was created in 2011 to fund the work of social justice activists and to then incorporate the recipients of the award into the Grinnell College community. Susan Sanning, Assistant Dean and Director of Service and Social Innovation, worked with a committee comprised of faculty, alumni, trustees and students to nominate and eventually identify the recipient of the award. According to Sanning, the award was created, to honor people who were doing really innovative work soon after their bachelors. The $100,000 prize is special in part, Sanning emphasized, in that it does not carry the usual restrictions and strings attached that grants often do.

50 percent of [the funds] go to the winner, 50 percent go to the organization. Many of our social innovators put their whole life savings into what they do. So this is a way of recognizing that you may have college debt to pay off. There are ways that you might need assistance to live to keep doing the work that youre doing. We have winners that use it for those things and we also have others who funnel it back into their organization.

The open-endedness of the grant is mirrored by the flexibility of the Prize description: We purposely dont define social innovation or social justice. Thats part of what the committee has to decide each yearweve asked the nominators to identify what is the need and the context of the need that the nominee is addressing. What is innovative about the way that theyre addressing that work?

This years Grinnell Prize winner, Gina Clayton, has developed what the Prize Committee identified as an innovative approach to criminal justice reform. Essie Justice Group, the organization that Clayton founded in 2014, aims to address the problem of mass incarceration by providing women with incarcerated loved ones the necessary resources and support to become legal advocates for individuals ensnared in the justice system. Since its founding, 45 women have graduated Essies program in California; these graduates, now members of the Essie Sisterhood, will go on to work with lawyers and advocates at Essie partner organizations.

Lucia Tonachel 18, the Grinnell Prize intern who researched Gina Claytons work with Essie Justice Group, described Claytons work as exemplary of how you can marry social justice work and very strong academics  [Clayton] gave this clearly academically-based justification for a question that I asked her about the orientation of her organization, but bookended that with real experiences of herself and other people.

Claytons history of social justice work extends far beyond Essie; she has worked to address issues of injustice through the course of her life, working as the editor-in-chief of the Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review and serving from 2006-2008 as a board member of the NAACP National Board of Directors. In addition to the Grinnell Prize, Clayton has received the Soros Justice Fellowship and Echoing Green Global Fellowship for her work with Essie Justice Group.
By Jon Sundby

sundbyjo17@grinnell.edu

On April 25, 1914, a gang of students reportedly snuck out into the dead of night to finally finish the job they had been trying in vain to accomplish  to rid campus of the Peace Rock. Angered over the suspension of the campus scrap, these students wanted to eliminate the symbol of the traditions destruction, and on that night they laid the rock to rest in a hole on the campuss southwest lawn.

And there the rock rested for 103 years. However, after its long absence, the Peace Rock has finally been brought back up. On Tuesday, which was the anniversary of the burial of the rock, John Whittaker, anthropology, and local historian Byron Hueftle-Worley presided over a brief ceremony to welcome the rock back to the surface.

I want to thank all the many people who made this possible, and its mainly Byrons fault, quipped Whittaker. He did all the research and got me interested.

Whittaker went on to thank the McGough construction company, the administration, his fellow faculty members and of course, the students who helped him unearth the historical rock. During the three-week dig, students from Whittakers Archeology Methods class, as well as some interested passersby, formed Whittakers excavation team. While the archaeological process does take longer than a backyard dig, Whittaker expressed how impressed he was with the original team of students who buried the large boulder.

I want to have some students get their hands on the rock and see how many of them it takes to move the thing, Whittaker said.

Although the Peace Rock is now out of the ground and rests on the sidewalk near its burial site, Whittaker said that more excavation of the site will still take place. Earlier in the process, the group stumbled upon a blank of the first mass-produced American military cartridge, probably from a drill conducted in the area. Whittaker hopes that a little more digging will reveal some equally interesting objects.

As for the rock itself, there are no concrete plans regarding it. Both Whittaker and Hueftle-Worley would like to see it remain a prominent part of our campus, and think that it could fit somewhere in the redevelopment of the ARH. They believe that the symbol has staying power, even though the scrap has long been lost in Grinnells collective memory.

They called it the Peace Rock because it meant peace between the classes for all time, said Hueftle-Worle. Remember, this is before World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. We now think of a Peace Rock and peace for all times in a little bit broader context than they were at the time. But maybe now that its here now, since weve changed our way of looking at it, we can rededicate it to peace in our time.
By Jon Sundby

sundbyjo17@grinnell.edu

Many of the activists who have started a camp at Little Creek, a new community of water protectors in Jackson County, Iowa, have stories about Standing Rock. Smudge Bear, one of these activists, traced his flashlight across the cloudy sky above the Little Creek encampment. I remember back at Standing Rock, we used to do this in search of planes.

Everyone here has faced rubber bullets, has faced tear gas, we were all on the front lines, said J.B., one of the founders of the camp.

Started in early March, the camp at Little Creek has collected several activists who were displaced once the encampments at Standing Rock were razed by the National Guard. Their new goal is to both fight the DAPL pipeline from here in Iowa, as well as to establish a community which is environmentally sustainable and indigenous-led.

The camps members originally hail from all around the nation, many of them coming from Native American reservations. Several of the people at Little Creek expressed how inspired they were that Standing Rock was able to facilitate a pan-Native movement, something which they hadnt seen before in their lifetimes. In this spirit, the founders of Little Creek organized their camp around some traditions common to several tribes, such as a sweat lodge and sacred fire. Activists with indigenous roots are encouraged to take part in the established camp rituals, and then share their own traditions with the group.

But beyond just a cultural exchange, many of the people at Little Creek have the specific goal of keeping the energy of the movement alive. There have been several of these camps established across the nation since the dissipation of Standing Rock, and a few of the activists have already travelled around and lived in some of them. They recognize the challenge of trying to bring together a movement that is geographically fractured, but hope that that their presence and the constant transfer of knowledge amongst the camps will help them rebuild the movement.

Im usually up at a camp in South Dakota, but was asked to come down here to coordinate with this camp, said a visiting member who chose to remain anonymous. Really, its like little city-states everywhere, but theyre all trying to do the same thing [but] all the camps have their different advantages and ways of doing things.

With pseudonyms like The Planter, and Smudge Bear, many of the activists chose to stay anonymous, to both counteract government surveillance as well as to represent the new identities that they have developed within the movement. Vanessa Dundon, known at Little Creek as Suzy, says that she and many of her fellow activists found purpose at Standing Rock, and that the experience has changed their outlook, disposition and direction.

We werent perfect going in. Many of us have histories, but thats why we were so good on the frontlines. I dont know how long a sheltered person would have lasted out there, Dundon said. These experiences gave us strength.

For Dundon, this strength was both metaphorical and physical. Earlier this year she was hit in the right eye by a tear-gas canister while out on the front lines. By her telling, it was only through a string of good luck that she was able to see a physician in time to save it. But even then, she still has only 10 percent of her vision on that side.

She truly has sacrificed herself for the cause, J.B. commented.

Influenced by the mission and energy of the camp, several Grinnell students have started a campus organization called the Little Creek Movement as a way to bring the water protectors positive message of activism and social change to their peers. The group plans to collaborate and participate in protests and actions, as well as to organize trips to the Little Creek community each month.

We were really inspired by what was going on there, said Dylan Bremner 20, a founding member of the club. Personally, I really just felt that there was something there at Little Creek, and in the Standing Rock movement in general, thats not represented at Grinnell at all.  People there were just so optimistic and idealistic about the country.

After an initial tour of the camp in mid-March, Bremner was struck by the commitment to loving activism. Harkening back to the tactics of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., loving activism aims to win over their adversaries through the cultivation of empathy and respect. Bremner said that by bringing other students to Little Creek, he hopes to help convert more Grinnellians to this outlook, and away from the cynicism that he believes is embedded in much of the current activism on campus.

I think Grinnellians can benefit so much from going there, Bremner said. Activism here is just a little unhealthy, I think. The Grinnell community is amazing, but there is a lot of unhealthy parts of it too, like, the pervasive stress culture and a general cynicism. I think for so many people going to [Little Creek] is going to feel like coming home. Its a deeply spiritual, idealistic community.

After being removed from Standing Rock, the organizers of Little Creek meant for it to be a place where activists and those interested in sustainable living could come together to listen, share, learn and take action. While it may never completely recreate the intense communal energy which emerged on the frozen North Dakota tundra, Little Creek aims to foster a similar form of activism focused around our environmental needs here in Iowa and across the world. For, as an elder at a sacred fire during the Standing Rock protests once said, This is bigger than a pipeline. This about our mother  shes hurting.
CHARLESTON -- A split vote and an agreement between the administration and an academic department saved two majors from getting taken off of Eastern Illinois University's academic program roster.

The EIU Board of Trustees was slated to vote on whether four majors at the university should be taken off the menu, and two majors, Philosophy and Career and Technical Education, were saved.

The other two majors, Africana Studies and Adult and Community Education, were cut.

A 5-3 vote among the board saved the Career and Technical Education major from being deleted.

PJ Thompson, the board member who voted against, said he was on the fence initially but was struck by the testimony from faculty in the program pleading against its elimination.

"I could see that people who shared information about it were very passionate about it," Thompson said.

Julie Chadd, a professor in the program, noted to the board that the demand is there.

"We currently have a program in Career and Technical Education that is in demand as far as the workforce is concerned, and it is just a matter of trying to find the best way to market that program to high school and community college students," Chadd said.

A significant decline in enrollment over five years drove much of the administration's interest in eliminating the program.

"There is little doubt that there remains a real demand in K-12 education for school teachers with training in this area... Nevertheless, the decline in students interested in this degree program has dropped significantly in recent years" the rationale for the elimination read.

According to board reports, the enrollment in the major dropped down to 15 students in Fall 2016, when it stood at 44 in Fall 2012.

Glassman noted that faculty in the program are currently vying for large grant funding to enhance the program, however, there is no assurance that Eastern would be awarded the grant or that it would even serve to bring in more students.

"Let's say they are successful," Glassman said. "Getting this grant doesn't necessarily translate in more enrollments in the CTE program... We may be left with the same conclusion a year from now that they still have 12 or 13 or 14 students."

The Philosophy major, which was reviewed by a few groups on campus all pushing against its elimination, was saved through an agreement before the meeting between the Philosophy department and the administration.

Under the understanding that some faculty will be retiring and an assurance that enrollment can be increased in a short time, the administration rescinded their request for elimination.

"They felt they could vitalize that major, that they could increase the number of enrollment in that major in relatively short order of time by being very, very proactive in how they set the major up," Glassman said.

The agreement was that by Summer 2019, the department will be down to four full-time faculty, and by 2020, the department indicated they can garner 20 students or more in the major.

In Fall 2016, there were 10 Philosophy majors, according to board reports. With seven full-time faculty, the faculty to student ratio is very low now, Glassman said.

The board approved the elimination of the Africana Studies major with two votes against it.

Thompson, who voted not to eliminate the major, said he thought Africana Studies was too important to the university.

"I know that it is not a very popular major, but I know that there are a lot of people who will find interest in it, and so I thought it was a value -- enough so that it shouldnt go away," Thompson said.

Jan Spivey Gilchrist, another member who voted against, said it came down to not just the number of majors but the message its elimination sends to students. It's bigger than the major, she said.

"It says more than it really is doing," Spivey Gilchrist said. "If I wanted to major in that, it says to me (Africana Studies) is not important and it is not important at a university level."

She added it is about representing those "invisible" on campus.

Blair Lord, EIU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, said conversations about developing a similar but broader multicultural academic program are taking place.

The other academic program cut, Adult and Community Education, has not recruited any new students into the program in a while, and the university is already in the process of teaching out the students enrolled in the major, Lord said.

The programs will technically be open until students enrolled in either major finish out their degrees.

Also at the meeting:

-- the board approved a Digital Media undergraduate program.

-- the board approved a Neuroscience undergraduate program.

-- the board approved a revised Computer Science undergraduate program with fewer math course requirements and more computer science course requirements
Mary O'Neill's letter in last Thursday's (4-20-17) edition was most gracious in behalf of Donald Trump. Her suggestion that he needs our prayers and support is well taken, but unusual times require unusual measures, and times with Donald Trump "leading" our nation are indeed unusual.

He should not be given our support! This unethical and unqualified man duped approximately 62 million voters to put him in the most powerful position in the world. It is good to note that over 64 million voters cast their ballots to prevent him from that post.

Daily he proves himself and his administration incompetent and unworthy to be the voice of democracy to the world. Foreign policy escapes his grasp as he threatens with reckless, veiled diatribe and self-assured bravado, and now we are in peril across the globe. A wall across our southern border is the most stupid idea ever put forth by a world leader. What does it say to us when the message on Silent Paul Ryan's voicemail is, "Our allies don't trust us anymore."

His contempt for the general population displays itself in that he has appointed, and the Republican Congress reprehensibly approved of, cabinet members who are antithetical to the offices in which they are to SERVE -- DeVos, Price, Pruitt, Sessions, Carson, Tillerson, Woods, etc., etc., etc. He flaunts what he imagines as a position of supremacy by having taxpayers foot the bill for his three million dollar weekends in Florida while he escapes the pressures of presidencing. He defies a 1978 law which prohibits nepotism in the agency in which the federal official presides. An honorable person would reveal his tax situation as requested. No wonder only 25 percent of the people believe this man to be honest. And Congress, especially Republicans, turn their blind eyes to these travesties and injustices to America's citizens. As Paul Ryan states, "I'm not going to criticize the presidents."

Constitutionally, the duty of Congress is to serve as a check and balance on the Executive Branch. The leaders in Congress, McConnell and Ryan, fail miserably in this task. In fact, they offer no resistance to the ignorance of convention and the dignity that a president should exhibit.

We SHOULD pray, but a better use of prayer would be to do so that Congress would perform its duty and remove this man from the presidency because this government has become destructive of the people's inalienable rights of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and when the government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter and abolish it."

Congress, do your duty!

Jim Laughlin, Charleston
A Mumbai court on Friday sentenced model-cum-wannabe actress Preeti Jain for plotting the murder of award winning Bollywood director Madhur Bhandarkar 12 years ago.

The Sessions Court, which also fined her Rs.10,000, found two other co-accused  Naresh Pardesi and Shivaram Das  guilty and awarded them three years in jail. Two more accused were acquitted.

Shortly after the verdict, Jain moved an application for bail which was granted on a surety of Rs.5,000.

When the matter was first highlighted in 2005, Jain had charged Bhandarkar with rape but the case was quashed by the Supreme Court in 2012 after she dropped the charges against him.

Earlier, in July 2004, Jain filed a complaint with police alleging that Bhandarkar raped her 16 times between 1999 and 2004 on the pretext of giving her important roles in his films.

The director denied the allegations.

In her statement then, Jain claimed that "we had sex 16 times and Madhur made promises of giving me a lead role in his films".

However, he didn't cast her in any of his films.

Barely months later, police investigations revealed that Jain had hired a contract killer to eliminate Bhandarkar and was arrested.

During the long trial, the court examined 51 witnesses including Bhandarkar.

The prosecution said Jain had paid Rs.75,000 to contract killer Pardeshi to kill Bhandarkar.

When he didn't carry out her bidding, she demanded the money back. When mafia don Arun Gawli learnt of the plot, he alerted the police, leading to Jain's arrest.

After the verdict, Jain merely expressed "shock".

Mumbai-based Bhandarkar is a renowned director of various blockbusters like Chandni Bar, Fashion, Traffic Signal and Page 3 among others.
At least 10 students of a college in West Bengal were suspended for writing about love, Hindi and Bengali film songs and poems instead of answers to questions in their semester exams.

The students were from Balgurghat Law College in Malda, affiliated to the University of Gour Ganga.

"They were third semester students at the college. They could have written wrong answers but they chose to write slang, abuses and things about love, including lines from Hindi and Bengali film songs.

"A fact finding committee was formed to probe this and the guilty have been suspended for two years," Sanatan Das, Controller of Examinations (Additional Charge), at the varsity told IANS over phone on Saturday.

Das said the students have admitted in writing that they had written "nonsense."

Sample this: One had penned "Tu shayar hai, main teri shayari" while someone else had lamented how his girlfriend refused to listen to him.

"Usually the suspension duration is one year in case of disciplinary action but since what they had done is extremely objectionable and defeats the purpose of examinations, we extended it by a year.

"This is sheer nonsense. They can take readmission in the same course at the end of two years and appear again," Das said.

He said the results of the examination that took place last year were published in January 2017.

"Out of around 150 students, only 40 passed the exams and when the results were declared they vandalised college premises. Not only did they write nonsense to kill time, they also resorted to violence which is totally unacceptable," he said.
Alleging racial discrimination against their community in higher education policies in Mizoram, the All India Chakma Social Forum (AICSF) urged Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla on Saturday to address the issue on a priority basis.

The AICSF said the Mizoram government has amended laws which reserve 100 per cent of the higher technical education seats in the state for Zo-ethnic (Mizo) people.

The laws from 2015 and 2016 divided the Scheduled Tribes of Mizoram into two  "Zo-ethnic people" (Category I) and "non-Zo-ethnic people" (Category II), said Paritosh Chakma, Secretary General of AICSF in a statement.

Paritosh Chakma, who has been fighting racial discrimination against the community for years, said that several other non-Zo communities  Kuki, Mara, Man, Mikri, Nagas and Synteng tribes were also facing similar discrimination in Mizoram.

The AICSF urged the Mizoram government to repeal the racist acts like Mizoram Amendment Rules 2016.

According to AICSF, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) ratified by India defines racial discrimination as "any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin.

The AICSF stated that it would raise the issue of racial discrimination against non-Zo ethnic people of Mizoram with the UN Special Rapporteur Against Racial Discrimination Mutuma Ruteere and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
A ward in Kerala's Kottayam district on Saturday became India's first digitalised panchayat ward, officials said.

Union minister of state for social justice and empowerment Krishan Pal Gurjar inaugurated the website of the first digitalised panchayat ward number 15 of Aymanam grama panchayat at a function held at a temple premises.

The minister launched the website HYPERLINK "http://www.digitalaymanam.com"www.digitalaymanam.com at the function.

This small panchayat ward in Kerala has become the first one to go digital in the country, taking a very important step in fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream of transforming India into a digitally empowered society, the Minister said.

Gurjar hailed ward member Devaki teacher for taking the challenge of collecting details of 423 families and 1,262 members in the ward and made them available in a mouse click away.

The website also contains information about blood donors' forum and telephone directory of the people of the ward, officials said.

CPI(M), which is ruling the Aymanam Gram Panchayat, boycotted the function. They, however, have not cited any reasons for the boycott.
Four school children were injured here on Saturday when a low intensity bomb exploded in a government-run middle school, police said.

Senior Superintendent of Police Manu Maharaj said four students of the Urdu Middle School in Marwari colony of Khajenkala in Bihar were injured in the blast.

"Prima facie it appears to be the work of anti-social elements. A crude bomb was kept on the roof of the school building. While playing, some students touched it triggering the explosion," Maharaj said.

Police have begun a probe into the incident.

All four injured admitted in a hospital were said to be out of danger.


Former Union Minister Ram Shankar Katheria, who has stirred controversies in the past with his remarks, is likely to be the Bharatiya Janata Party's next Uttar Pradesh chief, informed sources said.

Sources in the BJP told IANS that Katheria's name is learnt to have been finalised after consultations with Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), the ideological mentor of the party.

They said that RSS General Secretary Bhaiyaji Joshi and Joint General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale held discussions with BJP's Uttar Pradesh in-charge Om Mathur on the new BJP state chief, and Katheria's name was later suggested to BJP chief Amit Shah.

Katheria is a Dalit from Braj area of western Uttar Pradesh and would fit well in caste equations, party sources said.

Asked about the appointment of the new UP BJP chief, a top BJP leader said: "It will be decided soon."

Sources said the name of the new BJP state chief could be announced as part of a wider reshuffle in the party in line with the party's "one person, one position" principle.

Party secretaries Shrikant Sharma and Siddharth Nath Singh are now ministers in the Uttar Pradesh government as is Dara Singh Chauhan, who headed the party's OBC (Other Backward Castes) morcha. Dinesh Sharma continues to be national vice-president of the party besides being Deputy Chief Minister in the Yogi Adityanath government.

The reshuffle in the party could be linked to a possible expansion of the Union Cabinet as former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar is now Chief Minister of Goa. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is holding additional charge of the Defence Ministry.

Keshav Prasad Maurya, another Deputy Chief Minister in Uttar Pradesh, continues to be the chief of the party in the state. The BJP scored a handsome win in the state in the recent assembly polls and party leaders have said that their target now is the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The BJP is keen on taking various communities along and the new appointments are expected to reflect the party's attempts to strike a balance in terms of caste representation.

While Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is a Rajput, Dinesh Sharma a Brahmin and Maurya an OBC face of the party. Also, while Yogi Adityanath is from eastern Uttar Pradesh, both Sharma and Maurya are from central part of the state.

Sources said that the party is keen to appoint a Dalit leader at a senior position in the organisation after formation of government in the state.

Katheria was dropped from the union council of ministers in July last year after a string of controversial remarks.

Addressing a gathering at Lucknow University, Katheria had said there would be "saffronisation of education and the country".

"Whatever is good for the country will be done, be it saffronisation or Sanghwaad (propagation of RSS ideology)," he had said.

Katheria had also made controversial remarks after the murder of a VHP worker in Agra last year. He had subsequently clarified on his comments.

After being dropped from the ministry, Katheria had told IANS that the party will enlist his services in organisational affairs.

Katheria worked as a pracharak of the RSS in Agra for 13 years and has written books on Dalit issues.

Katheria had also earlier been a national general secretary of the BJP.
Security personnel, including those of the Border Security Force (BSF), escaped bomb attacks by militants in Manipur on Saturday morning. There were no casualties.

At 7 a.m. some unidentified militants exploded a bomb near Nongren village near a BSF camp in Imphal east district.

Though the BSF personnel swung into action, no militants were nabbed. A combing operation was launched by the state and central forces.

No militant outfit has taken responsibility for the attack.

In another incident, one bomb was exploded near Silshi village near the Behang boundary pillar in Churachandpur district. Again there was no casualty.

The police said that additional forces had been rushed to the area.

Police believe that after the Behang attack the militants escaped into 'no man's land'.


A man was shot dead in the Rohini Courts complex on Saturday while being brought for court hearing, police said.

"Rajesh, a notorious criminal, has been shot dead outside Rohini Court by Mohit, resident of Jhajjar district Haryana, while he was being brought by Haryana Police," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rishi Pal said.

The police has arrested Mohit.

Rajesh was arrested in a murder case in December 2016 and was undergoing judicial custody in Haryana.


Two villagers in Manipur's Churachandpur district were killed in cross-fire when militants ambushed security personnel near the international border on Saturday, police said.

The militants also kidnapped four workers from the spot in Behang, a tribal village.

According to the police, the security personnel, escorting a water tanker for the camp, were fired upon by the militants and retaliated. The two tribal villagers were strolling there when they were caught in the cross-fire.

Additional forces have been rushed from the district headquarters. However there is no report of any arrest so far.

Police said that one IED had been exploded there on Friday. However there was no casualty.

A defence ministry spokesman said in Kolkata that 10- 15 militants, suspected to be members of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), attacked the General Reserve Engineering Force (GREF) water bowser.

The spokesman said the two deceased were unarmed labourers working on Imphal-Tiddim road.

The incident happened around 8.35 a.m. near Border Pillar 41 along the India-Myammar border.

The militants detonated three Improvised Explosive Devices and then used 'lathods' (single shot grenade launchers) and fired from automatic weapons.

"It is estimated that 60-65 rounds were fired by the terrorists. The terrorists are suspected to have fled across the border," the spokesman said.
After spending time in West Bengal with party workers for expansion drive of the party, BJP chief Amit Shah started his two-day Jammu and Kashmir visit on Saturday to review the works of the party there.

The visit assumes significance in view of the deteriorating security condition in the state and tension between coalition partnersthe BJP and the PDPfollowing certain remarks made by some BJP leaders and a minister.

"Shah will be visiting Jammu and Kashmir for two days on April 29 and 30," BJP state president Sat Sharma was quoted as saying by a news agency.

Sharma said that Shah will arrive in Jammu in the morning and will hold a conference with its party leaders and workers in which 200 to 300 people will take part.

Shah will hold meetings with ministers and others during the day.

"He will be meeting prominent citizens of Jammu region. A large number is expected to take part in the conclave in the evening," he said.
The Border Security Force on Saturday handed over a 15-year-old boy to Pakistani authorities. The intruder had crossed over to Indian territory by mistake in Punjab's Abohar sector, an official said.

Razak Mai, a resident of Kasur district in Pakistan, was apprehended by BSF troopers on Friday afternoon when he inadvertently crossed the International Boundary, BSF spokesperson R.S. Kataria (Punjab Frontier) said.

"The Pakistan Rangers were contacted today (Saturday) and the Pakistani national was handed over to them on humanitarian grounds," Kataria added.

In 2017, the BSF has handed over six more Pakistanis who had crossed over.
The Congress on Saturday termed "political vendetta" the Dhingra Commission, set up by Haryana's BJP government to probe some particular land deals in the state including those of a company of party President Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra.

It also noted that the party had during its long stint in power never harassed the financers of its political opponents including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"Whatever Commission it is, this is political vendetta of worst order," senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said here.

"The Congress party ruled for decades. And we knew the business houses that were funding the BJP. But a Congress government right from the time of (Prime Minister) Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, never harassed or raised those who were funding the BJP," he added.


The Election Commission of India may soon call a meeting of all political parties in order to convince and assure them that the electronic voting machines (EVMs) cannot be hacked, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said here on Saturday.

"We will soon hold an all-party meeting to tell them told that our EVMs are non-tamperable and secured as per our administrative and technical safeguard system," Zaidi told reporters here.

He said that the poll panel intends to use Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units attached with EVMs in the coming elections for greater transparency and restore voters' confidence in the electoral process.

A VVPAT churns out a paper slip confirming the party and candidate a person has voted for. This slip is kept in EDC records for future reference.

The government has earlier this month sanctioned funds of Rs 3,173.47 crore to buy 16.15 lakh VVPATs as sought by the EC. The poll panel has already placed an order for the same with Bharat Electronics Ltd and Electronic Corporation of India Ltd and expects to get the machines by September 2018.

After the latest assembly elections in five states, many opposition parties raised questions over the integrity of EVMs.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had urged the State Election Commission to hold municipal bodies election with ballot papers and not EVMs.

The EC is also planning to throw an open challenge to all stakeholders to try and hack its EVMs to mitigate all doubts about voting machines.
A hamlet in Satara district of Maharashtra, popular for its strawberries is all set to embrace the tag of India's first 'village of books', a concept inspired by Britain's Hay-on-Wye, a Welsh town known for its book stores and literature festivals.

Bhilar village located near picturesque hill station Panchagani will see this state government initiative being inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on May 4.

Led by Education minister Vinod Tawde, this project was undertaken by the Marathi Bhasha department wherein 25 artistically decorated locations around the village will turn into reader hot spots with display of books ranging from literature, poetry, religion, women and children, history, environment, folk literature, biographies and autobiographies to festival specials.

"Around 15,000 books (in Marathi) would be made available in the village premises. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will inaugurate the initiative 'pustakanche gaon' on May 4," Tawde told reporters here yesterday.

Also, the state has provided several facilities such as chairs, tables, decorated umbrellas and glass cupboards to local villagers to help them enhance the reading experience of literary connoisseurs visiting there, he said.

The state government had announced its plans to launch such a book village and literary festivals concept in Maharashtra two years back on February 27, 2015  Marathi Language Day.

"Now we are opening it to all who have a love for language and literature. All these books are going to be available free of cost to the readers," Tawde said.

Anybody can pick up a book of his/her choice, read for as long as they want and keep it back for others, he said.

The minister said that the government is also planning to hold literary festivals in the village in the summers since a lot of tourists visit Panchgani and neighbouring destinations for vacationing during this time.

These festivals will comprise talk with authors, poets, reading sessions, presentation of essays, teaching workshops, exhibitions etc where people can participate freely, he added.
India will give Rs.350 million to descendants of freedom fighters in the next five years under the new 'Muktijodha scholarship scheme for Bangladesh, Indian High Commissioner Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said.

He was speaking at a scholarship award ceremony in Chittagong on Saturday, bdnews24 reported.

The Muktijodha Scholarship Scheme was started by India in 2006 for descendants of the 1971 freedom fighters. Up to now, more than 10,000 scholarships worth Tk150 million have been disbursed.

This year, scholarships have been awarded to 600 undergraduate students. Of them, 48 were from Chittagong.

Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina's visit to India announced that another 10,000 students will receive scholarships under the new Muktijodha scholarship scheme.

All freedom fighters are now eligible for five years multiple entry Indian visa and 100 of them will be provided free medical treatment in Indian hospitals every year.

Shringla said under the new scheme, students at the higher secondary level will get a onetime grant of Tk 20,000 and those at the undergraduate level will get Tk 50,000.

He said the initiatives announced by Modi reflect "our continued solidarity with the valiant Muktijodhas", the daily reported.

"You have fought shoulder to shoulder with Indian troops in 1971 and continue to be our eternal friends. May Almighty bless you all with good health, prosperity and happiness," he told the freedom fighters gathered at the ceremony.

Housing and Public Works Minister Mosharraf Hossain was also present.
Kashmiri stone pelters are part of "global terrorism" and a larger "pan-Islamic intifada fundamentalist movement", a frontal organisation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits said here today.

Ashwani Chrungoo, president, Panun Kashmir told reporters that while stone pelting was not new in Kashmir (its origin dating back to 1931), stone pelters in contemporary times are part of a larger pan-Islamic intifada fundamentalist movement and global terrorism.

"Stone pelting has been a part of politics in Kashmir since 1931. Today stone pelting has been adopted as a means to cover the terrorism movement in Kashmir," he said.

"The minority community of Pandits were the first target of this stone pelting culture, and then (when the Pandits were forced out of the valley), the practice was used to settle scores with political rivals in the state," he said.

Chrungoo was here to meet displaced Kashmiris settled in Gujarat as well as city mayor Gautam Shah to discuss issues pertaining to the Kashmir situation.

The Panun Kashmir chief also came down heavily on "so-called mainstream politicians of the valley for supporting stone pelting," adding that such politicians have used the issue to meet their political ends.

"Thus, it is not astonishing that the so-called mainstream politicians of the valley have come out in support of the stone pelters.

"We expect the Government of India to take tough stand and decisive action against them, and this nationalist forces need to be strengthened in order to tackle fundamentalists," he said.

The displaced community is also pressing for their demand for carving out a union territory within Kashmir for Pandits and other minorities in the valley, Chrungoo said.

"The Centre needs to take a tough stand to instill confidence in the nationalist forces in the state and pave way for some tough security and political decisions. Creation of homeland for Hindus and other minorities is one of those decisions," he said.

"We demand from the government to hold a dialogue with the displaced Pandits and find a way out. This homeland will help Kashmiris go back to their home state. For the first time, the Indian government has given a number of things to J&K, including IIT, IIM, hotel management institute, and a river front which will be a replica of Sabarmati riverfront.

So we are hopeful that the present government will take our demands positively," he said.

Chrungoo also demanded from the Gujarat government to give displaced status to Kashmiri Pandits in the state.
Captain Ayush Yadav, who was martyred in a terrorist attack at an army camp in Kashmir's Kupwara district was cremated with full military hounours in his hometown of Kanpur on Saturday.

The soldier's mortal remains were taken to his house in Jajmau Defence Colony from the mortuary in the morning where people gathered to pay their tributes and bid a final adieu to the brave soul who joined the army three years ago.

His body was consigned to flames at the Sidhnath Ghat crematorium with full military honours.

Three heavily-armed terrorists had stormed an army camp in Kupwara district of Kashmir on Thursday, killing Yadav and two other soldiers before two of the assailants were gunned down in a fierce 35-minute encounter.

(With inputs from agencies)


Kicking a major political storm, Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Swami Prasad Maurya accused Muslim men of abusing 'triple talaq' to divorce their wives and satisfy their "lust".

"BJP stands with Muslim women who have been given talaq unreasonably and arbitrarily," Maurya said at a function on Friday night as the country in emroiled in a raging debate over the sesitive issue.

Highlighting that 'triple talaqs' have "no basis", Maurya said: "If someone, only for satisfying his lust keeps changing his wives and forces his own wife and children on the streets to beg no one will call this as right."

BJP stands with such victims to help them get respect, he said further.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged Muslims not to "poiticise" the issue and requested them to come forward and find a "solution".

(With inputs from agencies)
BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav on Saturday said the separatists in the Kashmir Valley are using people as "scapegoats" and reiterated the government's stand of having no talks with them

In a post on his official Facebook page, Madhav, who played a key role in forming the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and People's Democratic Party (PDP) coalition goverment, mentioned that the Union Government has "categorically" told the Supreme Court that there is no plan to hold any talks with "the separatists and those who are not loyal to India".

"Supreme Court too took a strong stand against the petitioners' demand that pellet guns be withdrawn exhorting them to first stop stone pelting and street violence before asking security forces to withdraw pellet guns. Stand of the SC judges including CJI is commendable and I am sure patriotic people in the country including those in the Valley welcome this position of the Court," he said in his post.

"However it must be kept in mind that forces have very few pellet guns and use them in rare situations only. Even where used, they are deemed less lethal than normal guns and bullets," he said.

He said forces are trained to maintain maximum restraint and use other methods to control violence.

"Government's stand is and should be clear. Tackle militants and their sponsors with utmost toughness. Handle misguided youths coming onto the streets with stones in hand with deftness so that violence is firmly put down but care is taken to prevent loss of life," Madhav said.

"The separatists have only one motto: One dead body a day, so that they can play sentimental politics over the dead bodies.

"They use people of the Valley as scapegoats in their reprehensible politics of violence and separatism. The security forces and the government on the other hand try their best to ensure that the ill-intentions of the separatists don't succeed. It is a difficult job being executed with commendable sincerity by the government and security forces," he said.
Several weeks after the Congress party failed to form its government in Goa despite having emerged as the single largest party in the recent assembly elections there, party president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday removed senior leader Digvijaya Singh as the general secretary in charge of Goa and Karnataka affairs.

The Congress-ruled Karnataka is bound for elections in early 2018.

A former two-time Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha MP, Digvijaya is known to be a long-standing loyalist of the Sonia Gandhi family. He will continue to be the general secretary in charge of states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Digvijaya's handling of Goa had come in for sharp criticism from within and outside the Congress as he was accused of going slow in reaching out to smaller parties to take them on board before staking claim to form a Congress-led coalition government there.

The Congress had won 17 seats in the 40-member Goa assembly as against 13 of the BJP which managed to mobilise a majority tally with the support of smaller parties to form their coalition government under the BJP leader Manohar Parrikar.

"Congress president Sonia Gandhi has assigned the tasks of looking after Karnataka and Goa affairs to new AICC teams," the All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary Janardan Dwivedi said in a statement, adding that K C Venugopal, the senior Kerela MP, has been made general secretary in charge of Karnataka with A Chella Kumar being appointed as the AICC leader in-charge of Goa.

In the wake of the Congress's Goa fiasco, Digvijaya had accused Parrikar and the BJP of having allegedly "stolen" the mandate of people of Goa. He had alleged that the Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, sent to Goa by the BJP president Amit Shah, had indulged in "aggressive MLAs shopping" to enable the BJP to form the

government in the tiny coastal state.

The BJP and Parrikar had rejected these allegations, hitting out at Digvijaya over his "failure" to muster the majority numbers for his party.

"My special thanks to honourable member Digvijaya Singh, who happened to be in Goa but did nothing so that I could form the government," Parrikar had reportedly told Rajya Sabha later while taking a swipe at Digvijaya.
Vice President Hamid Ansari on Saturday described terrorism as pandemic and said it affected every country and society.

Every nation faced the problem of terrorism to a greater or lesser degree, Ansari told the media as he wound up a visit to Armenia and Poland.

But some countries come up with legal technicalities in defining terrorism as an excuse to try to avoid committing themselves (to fighting terrorism), he said aboard Air India One Special Aircraft on his way back to India.

Replying to a question on adopting the India-led Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), he referred to the time when he was the permanent representative of India to UN, and India had introduced a proposal on CCIT.

It was struck down because there were differences on the definition of a terrorist, he said.

Those who do not want this to make progress come up with legal technicalities, he said.

It is an excuse on part of some countries to try to avoid committing themselves, he added.

Speaking about the two-nation visit, the vice president said it had been productive.

Armenia and Poland are friendly countries and we were able to regenerate interest in mutual cooperation, he said.

To a question on whether India was exploring the potential of working with Armenian innovative projects, the vice president said, We need to see where and what the innovation is and where it will fit into our requirements. Armenia has been making a mark in areas such as renewable energy and development of vaccines and drugs.

On Poland, Ansari said Warsaw had done its own homework in identifying India's rising profile and becoming its major trading partner.

Poland, he pointed out, had the largest economy in Central Europe.

With the Polish president and prime minister, we were able to identify some specific areas where cooperation between these two countries is either starting or can start very soon, he said.

The two countries focused on three particular areas of interest: clean coal mining technology, agricultural products and techniques and defence cooperation, he said.

The vice president said he had suggested that Poland join the Make in India programme. Instead of being a seller, it could become an India-based seller, which would give it additional advantages.

The Polish side reacted very positively to the suggestion, he said, adding that there would be substantial progress in the coming day when the Polish President visited India.

Poland had identified some markets in Asia as priority markets, and India was one of them, he said.

Reacting to a question on India's image abroad, the vice president said multiple images are a fact of life.

In this context, he referred to India's Mars mission and launch of satellites for other countries.

A common man looks at our strengths in Information Technology. Indian IT professionals are present all over the worldWe have to take note what ISRO is doing, what IT is doing and what Indian scientific research is doing, he said.

Ansari added that India, on the other hand, had to also deal with poverty and inequality.

But despite all this, we have been able to, for seven decades, run a democratic system on a monumental scale, he added.

Ansari, who reached Yerevan, the Armenian capital, on April 24, met the top leadership of the country, including the president and the prime minister.

Three agreements were signed in cultural cooperation, youth affairs and the peaceful use of space.

In Warsaw, Poland communicated to India that it supported India's permanent membership at the expanded UN Security Council.

Ansari met the Indian community in Poland and encouraged them to bring more business and investments into India. An MoU was signed in the field of agriculture and he inaugurated a new embassy complex in Warsaw.

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NASA appears to be ill prepared to have a new space suit ready for future deep-space missions, media reported citing the space agency's auditor report.

The spacesuits NASA astronauts currently use on the International Space Station (ISS)  known as Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMU)  were developed more than 40 years ago and have far outlasted their original 15-year design life.

"Despite spending nearly $200 million on NASA's next-generation spacesuit technologies, the Agency remains years away from having a flight-ready spacesuit capable of replacing the EMU or suitable for use on future exploration missions," NASA Office of Inspector General's Office of Audits said in the report.

"As different missions require different designs, the lack of a formal plan and specific destinations for future missions has complicated spacesuit development. Moreover, the Agency has reduced the funding dedicated to spacesuit development in favour of other priorities such as an in-space habitat," the report said.

Meanwhile, NASA seems to be running out of the space suits it does have for the astronauts on the ISS. Only a fraction of the original space suit supply for the station is fully functional right now, and NASA may risk not having enough space suits to last through the end of the ISS programme, currently scheduled for 2024, The Verge reported on Thursday.


An earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale the island of Mindanao in Philippines on Saturday morning, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.

The quake struck offshore near Glan town in Sarangani province at a depth of 10 km around 4.23 a.m., 68 km south of the city of General Santos, Xinhua news agency quoted the USGS as saying.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology chief Renato Solidum said that residents near coastal areas in the region should be wary of possible tsunami waves.

However, no tsunami warning was raised after the quake.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or casualties.
Hours after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson issued a grim warning on Friday that "military action" should be considered an option to deter North Korea's nuclear programme, Pyongyang responded by defiantly testing a ballistic missile.

The missile test was, however, a failure and it blew up within North Korean territory, according to US and South Korean military.

Pyongyang's defiance was directed not only at the US, but also at Russia and its patron, China.

While Moscow and Beijing opposed any talk of force at a high-level Foreign Mininsters' meeting of the Security Council, they also condemned North Korea's nuclear build-up and demanded that it denuclearise.

President Donald Trump pointedly tweeted: "North Korea disrespected the wishes of China and its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!"

In a day of hectic diplomatic activities at the UN, Tillerson tried to rally world opinion for stronger economic and diplomatic sanctions, reminding other members of the Council that they "are within striking distance of North Korean missiles".

He said sanctions must be backed by a "willingness to counteract North Korean aggression with military action if necessary".

China, Russia and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres countered with warnings about the risk of military escalation.

Delivering what was probably the starkest apocalyptic warning heard at the UN in recent times, Tillerson told the Security Council, "The threat of a North Korean nuclear attack on Seoul, or Tokyo, is real."

"And it is likely only a matter of time before North Korea develops the capability to strike the US mainland," he added. "Indeed, North Korea has repeatedly claimed it plans to conduct such a strike."

Guterres, who spoke before Tillerson, said, "I am alarmed by the risk of a military escalation in the region, including by miscalculation or misunderstanding."

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov also said that a misinterpretation or a bad move could have catastrophic consequences and declared that the option of force was completely unacceptable.

But Tillerson said, "Failing to act now on the most pressing security issue in the world may bring catastrophic consequences." He added, "We have said this before and it bears repeating: the policy of strategic patience is over."

Tillerson threatened sanctions against countries, organisations and people supporting North Korea's illegal activities in defiance of Security Council sanctions. But there was no mention of Pakistan, whose former Head of Nuclear Weapons Programme, Qadeer Khan, had transferred technology to North Korea.

In calling for actions against Pyongyang, Tillerson called out Beijing, which economically props up the regime of Kim Jong-un.

"China accounting for 90 per cent of North Korean trade; China alone has economic leverage over Pyongyang that is unique, and its role is therefore particularly important," he said.

But China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi countered that it was not solely his country's responsibility to contain North Korea. He spread blame for the developments there, virtually accusing Washington of provoking Pyongyang by deploying an anti-missile defence in South Korea.

That action, he said, also undermined China's security and created mistrust.

In a conciliatory gesture to Kim Jong-un, Tillerson assured the 33-year-old dynastic dictator that "our goal is not regime change".

He recalled the $1.5 billion that the US had given North Korea in earlier phases of interaction since 1995 and held out promise of resumption of assistance and cooperation if North Korea gave up its nuclear weapons.
Southeast Asia leaders gathered here on Saturday to exchange views on how to further strengthen and make the 50-year-old Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) relevant amid challenges confronting the world.

"Guided by our chairmanship theme  Partnering for Change, Engaging the World  we are drawn today to reaffirm our aspiration for an Asean that works to effect positive change in the lives of our peoples," Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte said at the opening of the day-long summit.

Asean members are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, Xinhua news agency reported.

Duterte will chair the 30th Asean summit plenary and the retreat of the 10 leaders that are taking place on Saturday.

On the political and security front, Duterte cited traditional and non-traditional security issues that test Asean's resolve to promote peace, stability, security and prosperity in the region.

"Geopolitical and strategic developments around the globe also pose a challenge to our shared interests and goals, if not the security of our environment," he said.

He also stressed the need to aim for a drug-free Asean.

The Asean leaders are currently exchanging views on pressing regional and international issues, including cooperation in maritime security, building a people-oriented and people-centred organisation, maintaining a peaceful and stable region, advancing inclusive and innovative-led growth and promoting its resiliency.

Duterte is also expected to issue a chairman's statement on the 30th summit at the close of their meeting later on Saturday.
Unable to ratify the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) motor vehicles agreement, Bhutan has asked the other stakeholders to go ahead with the plan without it, leaving three other members in a fix.

Bhutan has communicated its decision to the Nepali Embassy in Delhi, which is yet to be forwarded to the Foreign Ministry.

Indian media has claimed that it come as a serious setback as Bhutan is considered as close strategic partner of India.

After Bhutan left the sub-regional cooperation, the remaining stakeholders should sit and take a decision on ways to implement it, said a senior official at the Foreign Ministry, adding that no discussion has been taken place so far. The three remaining members would take a decision on implementation without Bhutan, said the official For this, India should take a lead.

The four South Asian nations signed the BBIN agreement in the Bhutanese capital Thimphu last June, in what was seen as a first model of the sub-regional cooperation. The agreement would allow for the regulation of passenger, personal and cargo vehicular traffic among the four countries.

However, there have been reservations among some sections within Bhutan about the viability of this agreement given that it was a small country.

While the other three countries have already ratified the agreement, the Government of Bhutan is in the process of completing its internal procedures for ratification to address the concerns raised by the domestic stakeholders, the Bhutanese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

In the meantime, the Bhutanese government decided to give its consent to the remaining member states to facilitate the early implementation of BBIN agreement without any obligation to Bhutan, added the statement. The agreement will enter into force for Bhutan after its ratification process is completed.

After the Bhutanese parliament failed to ratify the agreement, not only the Indian media, but Bhutanese media also started pouring comments against Indian failure.

A prominent news portal, The Bhutanese said, the Indian government has also been lobbying with Bhutans government to pass the BBIN agreement as it is Indias sub-regional project to circumvent Pakistans rejection of the original Saarc Motor Vehicles Agreement. It is also seen as one of Prime Minister Modis sub-regional diplomatic initiatives.

The former Indian ambassador to Bhutan, Gautam Bambawale, in an unprecedented address in 2015 had called on the parliament to pass the BBIN.

When the National Council rejected the bill in 2016, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson had said that BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement was signed in Thimphu in 2015 by the representatives of the four governments.

The spokesperson said that the National Assembly of Bhutan had endorsed the BBIN in 2016, and forwarded it to the National Council of Bhutan for consideration. The spokesperson said, We hope that the Royal Government of Bhutan will be able to complete necessary internal procedures for operationalisation of the Agreement at an early date.

The Bhutanese media reported that the agreement could not be ratified due to the upcoming general elections in the kingdom.

(The Dailty Star)
Canada will allow Brazil, Bulgaria and Romania's citizens to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport, a ministry statement has said.

Starting May 1, those citizens of these countries who have held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or who currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa would be eligible to apply for the eTA, the Canadian Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship said on Friday.

They would not need a visitor visa, to travel to Canada by air, Xinhua news agency reported.

However, those who do not meet these criteria or were travelling to Canada by car, bus, train, or boat would still need a visitor visa.

"This initiative will make it easier for eligible travellers to come to Canada and to transit through a Canadian airport. It will also encourage them to make repeat visits."

"The end result will be more travel and tourism and more economic benefits for Canadians," said Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Ahmed Hussen.

The Ministry also said Canada was to lift the visa requirements for all Romanian and Bulgarian citizens on December 1, 2017.

At that point, the citizens from these two countries' would no longer need a visa to travel to Canada. However, similar to other visa-exempt travellers, they would need an eTA to board their flight to Canada.

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, cannot apply for an eTA and would need a valid Canadian passport to fly to Canada.

Permanent residents of Canada were also not eligible to apply for an eTA, and, as usual, must show their permanent resident card or a permanent resident travel document when travelling to Canada.
North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile but it failed to go beyond its territory, the US said on Saturday, as Pyonyang's defiant move amid repeated warnings from Washington ratcheted up tensions in the Korean Peninsula.

"The US Pacific Command detected what we assess was a North Korean missile launch at 10:33 AM Hawaii time, April 28.

The ballistic missile launch occurred near the Pukchang airfield," Dave Benham, United States Pacific Command spokesman, said in a statement.

"The missile did not leave (the) North Korean territory," Benham said.

Responding to the development, US President Donald Trump slammed North Korea for the provocative move.

"North Korea disrespected the wishes of China and its highly respected President (Xi Jinping) when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!" Trump said in a tweet last night, hours after North Korea carried out yet another missile test.

The North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) determined the missile launch from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America, Benham said.

"US Pacific Command stands behind our steadfast commitment to the security of our allies in the Republic of Korea and Japan," he said.

According to reports, the missile was likely a medium- range KN-17 ballistic missile.

The North Korea missile test came a day after the Trump administration praised China and its President Xi for having prevailed over Pyongyang in not carrying out either a nuclear test or a missile test.

Sending a tough warning to North Korea, the US yesterday said the policy of strategic patience was over and no options were off the table in dealing with the nuclear threat posed by Pyongyang.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson at a UN Security Council meeting on North Korea said yesterday that Washington's goal was "not regime change" in the isolated country nor does it "desire to threaten the North Korean people or destabilise the Asia Pacific region".

"The policy of strategic patience is over. Additional patience will only mean acceptance of a nuclear North Korea.

The more we bide our time, the sooner we will run out of it," Tillerson said while chairing the meeting as the President of the Council.

Military options for dealing with the North were still "on the table", Tillerson had warned.

The US is deploying a naval strike group led by an aircraft carrier to the Korean peninsula, and a missile- defence system called Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD).
The much-talked about pact on the Kathmandu-Kerung rail project, a cross-border rail network between Nepal and China, is in the final stage of signature, said Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Krishna Bahadur Mahara.

Speaking at a programme organised by the China Study Centre and the Nepal Institute for Strategic Centre on "One Belt One Road Initiative and South Asia" in the capital on Friday, Mahara said Nepal would sign the pact with China.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' had assured the Chinese side that Nepal would sign an agreement to extend the rail network from Kerung to Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lumbni, he said.

"As per the PM's proposal, we are making preparations to sign the agreement with China soon," Mahara said.

While it is uncertain whether Nepal would be part of "One Belt One Road" (OBOR), Mahara, who is set to lead Nepal at the OBOR conference in Beijing next month, said that Nepal wanted to take advantage of the plan, reported the Kathmandu Post.

"We have taken it as an opportunity to expand economic cooperation," he said, adding, "Nepal is at a final stage to sign the initiative to which the government has accorded the highest priority."

"We are sure a country like Nepal will be helped by this initiative which is expected to bring together many countries, including those in South Asia," Mahara said.

Though top Nepali officials, including Prachanda, have been insisting on Nepal's participation at the OBOR conference, sources privy to the development said negotiations and consultations with the Chinese side are underway and no concrete decision has been made yet, the daily reported.

During his recent visit to China, the Prime Minister had assured the Chinese leaders that Nepal would be the signatory of the initiative by April 20.

But Nepal could not meet the deadline because a text for the agreement was not ready, said an official.


The Pakistan Foreign Office has refused to comment on the hush-hush visit of Indian steel magnate Sajjan Jindal to Murree to meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz, amid speculation that it was a move to revive the stalled dialogue process between the two countries.

The visit of Jindal, said to be Nawaz Sharif and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mutual friend, on Wednesday came on the day Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale filed an appeal with the Foreign Office against the death sentence awarded to alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, Dawn reported. The appeal was submitted on behalf of Jadhav's mother in which she had sought the government's intervention for the release of her son, who has been sentenced to death for espionage.

The visit echoed in the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs Committee on Friday. But after Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, who was leading the FO team at the meeting, failed to respond to queries about Jindal's trip, committee chairman Awais Leghari brought the discussion to an end.

Jindal, who is considered as a sort of back-channel contact, was taken by helicopter to Murree to meet the Sharif family.

Jindal in the past has facilitated a secret meeting between Sharif and Modi in Kathmandu on the sidelines of a Saarc (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) summit in 2014. The meeting had then helped save the summit that had seemed to be headed for failure and a last-minute deal to create a regional electricity grid was clinched, Dawn reported.

Jindal was in Lahore on December 25, 2015, when Modi paid a surprise visit to greet Sharif on his birthday and attend his granddaughter's wedding.

"Why is the government quiet over Jindal's visit?" asked Pakistan People's Party's Nafeesa Shah during the committee's meeting.

There was no formal press statement issued by the PM Office on Jindal's meeting with Sharif.

However, Maryam Nawaz confirmed the trip in a tweet. She rejected media reports of the meeting being secret'. "Mr Jindal is an old friend of the Prime Minister. Nothing secret' about the meeting & should not be blown out of proportion," she tweeted on Friday after the issue hit headlines.

Pakistan Tehreek Insaf's Shireen Mazari wondered how Jindal visited Murree, when his visa was restricted for Islamabad and Lahore only.

"If Jindal had come on a private visit, why did FO officials receive him?" Mazari asked.

Meanwhile, the Daily Times, in an editorial on the visit, titled "Much ado about Jindal visit" said much of the speculation surrounding the Indian businessman's visit "revolves around whether he brought some special message' to the Pakistani government from its counterparts in India, or the extent to which some sort of back-channel diplomacy took place".

"It must be admitted that the meeting was somewhat unexpected, given the relatively tense relations between the two countries. It is also a fair demand to ask that an elected government be more forthcoming over dealings "if any" with foreign countries, through any channels.

"However, it should also be borne in mind that at the end of the day, governments must talk to each other. In tense times, personal contacts between powerful stakeholders of two countries are nothing new. More importantly, such contacts ought not to be necessarily seen in an ominous light."

"it is now of the utmost importance that the business of diplomacy continue. Diplomatic relations and communication between the governments of two nuclear-armed states are too important to be sacrificed to the whims of hawkish voices on either side. Those who believe that relations between the two countries are currently too tense for such communication should perhaps explain what alternative they prefer. Talking at a Pakistani hill resort is far better than exchanges of fire in the hills of Kashmir for both sides."
Pope Francis is set to lead a mass for Egypt's small Catholic community on Saturday as he visits the country in support of its Christians following a series of deadly church bombings.

The spiritual leader of the world's 1.3 billion Christians will lead mass for some 30,000 believers in a stadium on the outskirts of Cairo.

The event will bring together members of all Catholic rites in the country  Coptic, Armenian, Maronite and Melkite.

Egypt's Catholic community is estimated at about 272,000.

The Argentine pontiff will give a homily during the mass, which is to be held in Arabic and Latin.

After lunching with Egyptian bishops, the pope will meet seminarians before wrapping up his 27-hour visit in the afternoon.

Earlier this week, 23-year-old student Karim Saber said he was impatient to see the pope in his country.

By coming to Egypt, the pope is showing us that nothing can prevent us from praying, including terrorism, he said, referring to recent church bombings.

The bombings killed 29 people in Cairo in December, and 45 people north of the capital earlier this month. All were claimed by the Islamic State group.

Ibrahim Isaac, the Catholic Coptic patriarch in Egypt, has said the papal visit represents moral and spiritual support at a time when the succession of incidents is causing a form of frustration among the people, and sometimes anger.

Christians, who make up around 10 per cent of Egypt's population of 92 million, have long complained of marginalisation in the Muslim-majority country.

Egypt has the largest Christian community of the Middle East.

While most of Egypt's Christians are Coptic Orthodox, Roman Catholics have also lived in the country since the fifth century.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Catholic orders in Egypt  Franciscans, Dominicans, Jesuits  developed a network of schools, hospitals and charitable activities.

The papacy formally and legally established the Coptic Catholic Patriarchate in the 19th century.

The 80-year-old pope's visit come 17 years after Pope John Paul II made a trip to the Arab world's most populous nation.

Yesterday, the Argentine met Coptic Orthodox patriarch Pope Tawadros II, and both attended an emotional mass at the church hit in the December suicide bombing.

They prayed at a makeshift shrine for its victims, who were mostly women.

They also signed a joint declaration pledging to strive for serenity and concord through a peaceful co-existence of Christians and Muslims.

All members of society have the right and duty to participate fully in the life of the nation, enjoying full and equal citizenship and collaborating to build up their country, the declaration also said, striking a more political tone.

Earlier in the day, the pope met Ahmed al-Tayeb, the grand imam of the Al-Azhar institution, one of Muslim world's leading authorities, to push for dialogue between the two faiths.

In a speech to a Muslim-Christian conference, the 80- year-old pontiff denounced violence and populism.

Peace alone is holy and no act of violence can be perpetrated in the name of God, for it would profane his name, Francis said.

He criticised what he called demagogic forms of populism on the rise, saying they were unhelpful to peace.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday aimed at reversing Obama-era restrictions on offshore oil and gas drilling.

"Our country is blessed with incredible natural resources, including abundant offshore oil and natural gas reserves. But the federal government has kept 94 per cent of these offshore areas closed for exploration and production," Xinhua news agency quoted Trump as saying at a White House signing ceremony.

"This deprives our country of potentially thousands and thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in wealth," he said.

Trump said his executive order, titled "Implementing an America-First Offshore Energy Strategy", starts the process of opening offshore areas to "job-creating energy exploration."

The order reverses the previous US administration's ban on new offshore drilling leases in the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, which was approved in late December by former President Barack Obama.

It also directs Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to conduct a review of the country's 2017-2022 offshore oil and gas exploration development plan, which was also finalised under the Obama administration.

The announcement was met with criticism from environmentalists, who pointed to past drilling disasters, such as the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

"President Trump is taking aim at expanding this dirty and dangerous industry into new areas like the Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific oceans, as well as the Eastern Gulf of Mexico," Jacqueline Savitz, senior Vice President for Oceana, an ocean conservation organisation, said in a statement.

"Let me be clear: that would be a huge, bad, stupid mistake. I doubt President Trump would want to see Mar-a-Lago, or any of his other coastal resorts, covered in oil," Savitz added.
A young man from the US state of Illinois was sentenced to 100 years in prison after he was convicted of sexually assaulting and robbing an 85-year-old woman, officials said.

Another hearing is scheduled for May 4 for any additional motions from defence attorneys of Tevin Rainey, the 23-year-old criminal, Xinhua news agency reported.

Rainey was found guilty of breaking into the old woman's apartment on New Year's Day in 2015 in Westmont, some 40 km west of Chicago.

He sexually assaulted her at gunpoint and later forced her to drive to an ATM and withdraw money.

He was sentenced to 60 years for aggravated criminal sexual assault, and then 40 years for armed robbery with a firearm.


Turkish authorities on Saturday blocked online free encyclopedia Wikipedia in the country, citing administrative measures.

According to a report in the BBC, it was not initially clear why the ban had been imposed.

"After technical analysis and legal consideration based on the Law Nr. 5651, an administrative measure has been taken for this website," Turkey's Information and Communication Technologies Authority was quoted as saying.

However, no particular reason was given for the ban.

The website was inaccessible from 10:30 a.m IST by order of the Turkish authorities.

However, some people in Istanbul accessed Wikipedia pages using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

According to Turkish media, the provisional order would need to be backed by a full court ruling in the next few days.

It is not the first time that Turkish authorities have censored Internet. In the past, when mass protests and terror attacks in Turkey were rampant, the country witnessed a temporary ban on popular social media sites including Facebook and Twitter.

But the government had then denied censoring the internet, saying the outage was a result of spikes in usage after major events.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently won a controversial referendum on increasing his powers, that left the country divided.

People took to social media after the news of the Wikipedia ban, with some observers speculating that the ban was a bid to suppress criticism on Erdogan's Wikipedia page.
Montreal, CA (H4T1V6)

Today

Mainly sunny to start, then a few afternoon clouds. High 47F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. Low 38F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
You don't have to look much farther than Lincoln to see how much the craft brewing industry has grown.

Three new breweries have opened in the past year and another will open this summer.

Nationally, 826 new craft breweries opened in 2016, according to data from the Brewers Association, a 16.6 percent increase over 2015.

A key component for those new breweries is brewing equipment, and companies in that industry are seeing booming business.

Alpha Brewing Operations, a three-year-old Lincoln company, has seen its business increase about 50 percent a year since it's been open, and the owners expect similar results this year.

That has the company bursting at the seams in its leased space in northeast Lincoln.

To deal with the explosive growth, Alpha Brewing has plans to build its own facility at 5401 Alvo Road, which is near the 56th Street exit on Interstate 80.

Work on the 20,000-square-foot facility started this month, and the building is expected to be completed by early next year.

"We've just outgrown the space we have at this point," said Jon Marco, Alpha Brewing's vice president.

The company has a 7,000-square-foot production facility as well as an additional 6,000 square feet of warehouse space in a different location.

Matt Rennerfeldt, Alpha Brewing's president, said the company has outfitted more than 150 breweries with brewing systems, "and that is spurring additional business through referrals."

Rennerfeldt also said the company officially introduced its own canning lines at a trade show a couple of weeks ago and already has more than a half a dozen orders.

"Having that (new) space will really help us blow that production wide open," he said.

Marco said he and Rennerfeldt chose the location for their operation because the price was right, it is close to suppliers and is only about two miles from their current location.

According to county property records, Alpha Brewing paid $325,000 for 3.25 acres, or right at $100,000 an acre. Their building permit, filed earlier this month, is for $1.7 million.

The site is in a blighted area, meaning the building would have qualified for tax-increment financing, a tax incentive tool that allows the additional property taxes generated by new development to help pay for part of the development.

However, Alpha Brewing is not pursuing TIF.

"We just didn't have time," Marco said. He said the process takes a minimum of about six months, and the company needs to move forward on its space as quickly as possible.

The new facility will give Alpha Brewing more production space as well as more space for its growing workforce. It has grown from two employees to 15 in the past three years and plans to hire more employees this year.

Marco said that while he knows the craft beer industry can't keep growing at this pace forever, he said he doesn't see a significant slowdown for at least a few years.

"Five years is a reasonable time period to see the growth patterns we've seen," he said.

However, that time horizon mostly applies the U.S. Marco said craft brewing is in its infancy internationally, and that is a huge future growth market.

Alpha Brewing already has customers in China, Australia, South America and Russia, and is looking to expand to other markets.

"Russia -- that kind of surprised me," Marco said. "It's in Siberia. Kind of nuts."

The company, which is part owner of Boiler Brewing in downtown Lincoln, also is part owner of a brewery in the Chinese city of Shenzen called Fubar Brewery Company.

Marco is quick to point out that "Fubar" means happy or prosperity in Chinese -- pretty much the opposite of what it means in English.

"I get a chuckle out of it every time I go there," he said.
NEW YORK -- The longtime general manager of the American Ballet Theatre, David Lansky, was chatting Wednesday morning with Mayor Chris Beutler about the upcoming season for the world-class, NYC-based dance company, naming the cities that will host the 90 dancers and 35 or so support staff members that comprise one of the worlds largest touring productions.

D.C., Detroit, Chicago, Lincoln. And then a swing over to Singapore and Hong Kong.

ABT last visited Lincoln in the mid-90s, early on in the history of the Lied Center for the Performing Arts. (Two decades later, ABTs artistic director Kevin McKenzie still remembers the ample load-in and backstage areas fondly.) Theyll return in February for a rare set of performances pairing them with the renowned St. Louis Symphony. Together, the dancers and orchestra will present the Lincoln audience with a collection of pieces, including The Firebird and Serenade After Platos Symposium.

Its been quite a while, and were going to come back and make a big splash, Lansky said.

That Lincoln sticks out on that list of metro areas hosting did not go unnoticed at the event. It was a key reason why there was a press conference about it in New York in the first place. At a time when ABTs first African-American female principal dancer, Misty Copeland, is drawing new audience members to New York performances, McKenzie said that touring also provides the company the opportunity to serve as cultural ambassadors, particularly in areas that they don't often visit.

Lincoln residents don't get this opportunity, but neither did the two principal dancers who spoke at Wednesdays press conference. They said that, growing up, they too had limited access to viewing grand-scale ballets, even as they each began what would become their professions at the age of 5.

I actually wasnt lucky enough to see live ballet until I was in high school, said Stella Abrera, ABTs first Filipina-American principal dancer. I had access to library videos. I got to see parts on TV. But when I saw my first ballet in high school, it was Swan Lake. It was the Royal Ballet. And they came to my hometown, and it was a magical experience for me. Live theater has the excitement of not knowing what exactly is going to happen. And the magical feeling -- you can actually feel the music in your body. Its a wonderful experience.

When we do that, I imagine there are people who are in the audience who have never seen a ballet before. And to remember what that felt like, its something very special.

Cory Stearns, a principal dancer who grew up in Long Island, said he first experienced ABT in a similar way as the South Pasadena, California-based Abrera did, even though he was a few hours away.

When I was a kid, there really was no art to speak of and I grew up in sports, said Stearns, who in The Firebird dances the role of the manipulative Kaschei. I started dancing when I was 5, and I really was in it because my mother put me in it. And I really didnt appreciate that much it until I was 13.

He said he first watched an ABT performance on DVD. He was in a summer dance program, and all the kids in the dorm crowded into a lounge to watch the spectacle. To view ABT dancers for the first time, for him, was like exchanging a pair of iPhone earbuds for a set of headphones engineered, he said, by some scientist.

Here's a few more highlights from a quick trip to New York:

* McKenzie provided a brief preview, and analysis, of the two works by ABTs choreographer Alexei Ratmansky that will be performed at the Lied. (There will also be two portions drawn from the classic, Swan Lake.) Heres some of what McKenzie said about the headlining pieces:

On The Firebird: Its a remarkable interpretation of the score with a very imaginative way of doing the sets, via video and changing imagery as we enter into the forest and the magical kingdom of Kaschei. The dancing is classic Ratmansky, in that it is based in the classical ballet vocabulary but put together in a way that doesnt look classical. It is very, very contemporary.

On Plato: We will also be highlighting (Ratmanskys) Serenade after Platos Symposium, which I think is destined to be the high mark, at this point, of his career and will be labeled a masterpiece in future years. It tells abstractly a very direct story, if you will, of that symposium where seven Greek philosophers gathered to discuss the merits of how love can improve the moral fiber of man. When he presented that to me, I thought, Well this will be a challenge. And when the curtain went up, thats exactly what you see. Its astounding.

* The ABT performances, which will feature Copeland dancing the role of the Firebird on Feb. 16 and Isabella Boylston taking the lead on Feb. 17, were not the only Lied performances announced during the New York conference. Lied executive director Bill Stephan let slip that Elizabeth Streb, founder of STREB Extreme Action Co., will bring her innovative and collision-happy group back to Lincoln for the first time since 2014. "STREB: Sea" will be performed at the Lied on Jan. 25

* After the press conference, Abrera said she and Stearns were heading to rehearse for the next six hours, which was a bit unusual. Normally, they'd go closer to eight.

* Beutler provided both the most emotional moment and biggest laugh during the press conference.

Asked about the value of a collaborative effort in divisive times, Beutler, standing a few subway stops from Ground Zero, he paused to gather his words as he recalled how little differences between Nebraskans and New Yorkers subsided in the wake of 9/11.

"We were thinking in a million different ways of all the ties that bind," Beutler said. "And this sort of thing, this cultural sharing, this sharing of the creative mind that is uniquely American, I think, is something that we ultimately treasure in its underlying, fundamental oneness of the effort. This is just another part of it, a very important part of it."

And, after Stephan had listed an array of entertainers who have come to Lincoln, Beutler gave a nod to a big one that he missed.

Bill failed to mention the monster trucks, he said.
I hadnt "given up" anything for Lent in years, but when my pastor asked on Ash Wednesday, Whats keeping you from growing in your relationship with God? I knew social media was my answer.

Now that Lent is over and Easter has come and gone, Im back on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, this time, I hope, a wiser, more discerning user. Here are five things I learned from my fast:

* Social media can be addicting. Id read the scientific research about the connection between social media and the release of the feel-good brain chemical dopamine, but Id always assumed I was somehow immune -- until, that is, I gave up social media and found myself picking up my phone two dozen times a day. I was surprised by how long it took to break the addiction; more than two weeks passed before the urge to reach for my phone finally began to diminish.

* Social media is distracting. Turns out, there was a pattern to my social media habits. I typically scrolled Facebook or Twitter and then, when I glimpsed a headline that piqued my interest, I clicked over to the site. I rarely read an article from start to finish, but instead quickly skimmed the content before clicking over to something else, repeating this process a half-dozen times before finally clicking off the internet altogether.

The cycle left me feeling fragmented, rushed, distracted and vaguely anxious. Stepping away from social media allowed me to identify this pattern and see the harm it was causing my mental and spiritual well-being.

* Social media impacts our ability to think critically. My social media fast helped me see that my critical thinking skills had grown rusty. Instead of forming an educated opinion of my own, more often I simply regurgitated the opinions and arguments of others. Away from Facebook and Twitter, I was better able to ask myself, What do YOU think about that? and figure out my own answer.

* Social media blunts our sensory perception. Two days after Ash Wednesday I sat in my front yard, eyes closed, faced tipped toward the early spring sun, and listened to the birds. The longer I listened, the better I was able to identify distinct calls from the cacophony of chirps and cackles - the screech of a blue jay, the tap of a nuthatch on a tree trunk, a melodious house finch. I realized then that it had been a long time since Id heard the birds. Without my nose in an app, I was more present to the nuanced beauty of Gods creation.

* Social media is not the spawn of Satan. I missed my long-distance friends during my six-week fast, the people with whom Ive formed real relationships across the cyber waves. I missed the random pictures of sunsets and beach vacations and birthday celebrations. I missed the conversations, the curious musings, the bits of goodness scattered here and there. My fast helped me see where my social media habits cross the line into unhealthy behavior, but it also reminded me that I needn't throw out the baby with the bathwater.

Although it was challenging for the first few weeks, my Lenten social media fast turned out to be an enlightening and fruitful experience. And while Im mostly glad to be back in the world of hashtags and emoji, I have a clearer understanding of why its better for my spiritual and mental health if social media is enjoyed in moderation.
Patnaik's close aides say that to understand him, one has to understand his empathy

By Pratul Sharma/Photos Sanjay Ahlawat
The Mumbai civil and sessions court on Friday charged model Priti Jain and her two aides Naresh Pardeshi and Shivram Das with allegedly conspiring to kill award-winning filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, and sentenced them to three years in prison.

Jain allegedly planned to murder Bhandarkar in September 2005, for which she sought help from Pardeshi, who is also an aide of underworld gangster Arun Gawli, and Das.

Priti was shocked when she heard the judgement. In fact, everybody was shocked, said her lawyer, Sujit Shelar. We are waiting for the judgement order and then, we will be filing an appeal in the high court, he said.

None of the 51 witnesses have deposed at any given point of time saying that theyve seen both Priti Jain and Naresh Pardeshi together, says Shelar. Even the investigation officer, Sheila Saeel, admitted that she could not find any evidence in Priti Jains bank account from which the amount was allegedly given to Pardeshi to carry out the 'supari'. He adds the money trail went blank. There are so many lapses in this case, he says. These were the defenses arguments before the trial court.

Priti Jain was released on a cash bail of Rs 15,000. This is an interim bail for four weeks and we will have to apply for an extension of the bail, says Shelar.

When contacted, Jain said she is going to be busy with the appeal in high court. I wish to concentrate on that, she told THE WEEK. When pressed for a response, she said: Yesterday I was convicted for three years in (the) so-called supari matter and released on cash bail of Rs 15,000. I am filing (an) appeal in (the) Bombay High Court. I continue to have faith in the judiciary, God and myself!
BJP president reached Jammu on the first leg of his three-month national Vistar Yatra. Rana Jitender Singh, minister of state in PMO, who hails from Jammu, is accompanying Shah.



Shah was given a warm welcome and the route from airport to government convention center was decorated with party flags and insignia.



The visit of BJP president comes in the wake of deteriorating law and order situation in Kashmir valley.



His visit also assumes significance in view of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 24.



After reaching Jammu, Shah addressed the BJP legislators at convention center and also interacted with them.



Sources said Shah raised the issue of unrest in Kashmir and directed senior BJP leader and deputy Chief Minister to ensure the situation is brought under control.

In the afternoon he met sever delegations of civil society members,traders and doctors.

Shah will also meet Mehbooba and governor N.N. Vohra.

Insiders say Shah will also disccuss the recent spat between the PDP and the BJP. In his meeting with the governor, Shah will discuss the preparations for the upcoming Amaranth Yatra in June.

The Centre is likely to deploy more troops in Kashmir for the smooth conduct of the Yatra in view of the sporadic separatist agitation in Kashmir.

Late in the afternoon noon Shah met top BJP legislators and discussed administrative matters.

Shah's visit comes a day after key administrative changes were made and B.R. Sharman was replaced by B.B. Vyas as chief secretary of the state. Vyas's appointment was made by chief minister with the approval of the BJP.




The 'Mission-150' seemed a great possibility for the Bharatiya Janata Party in Karnataka until recently, but the two bypolls in Nanjangud and Gundlupet, swept by the ruling Congress, changed it all.

The 'Save BJP organisation' rally held recently by leader of opposition in council K.S. Eshwarappa has exposed the unrest brewing within the state BJP under former chief minister and state unit president B.S. Yeddyurappa.

To make matters worse for Yeddyurarappa, the bypoll defeat (in Lingayat dominant constituencies) has reignited dissidence, calling his ability to lead the party to power in the coming polls into question. While senior leaders boycotted an introspection meet convened by Yeddyurappa, the overwhelming support to the 'Save BJP' rally has caused a huge embarrassment to him, and also demoralised the party workers, who fear a repeat of 2013 when infighting had thrown the party out of power.

"Senior leadership as well as the people are watching everything. The rebel leaders will be given an appropriate answer," warned Yeddyurappa before rushing to Delhi on Friday. On Saturday, senior leadership failed to give an audience to Yeddurappa, indicating that the central leadership is looking at an amicable solution and not a flare-up of emotions in a crucial election year.

While Yedyurappa suspects that the success of 'Save BJP' campaign was due to the backing of RSS strongman and BJP's national joint organising secretary B.L. Santosh, many in the BJP believe it was Santosh who held the party together in 2013, when it was breaking into splinter groups like Karnataka Janata Paksha(led by Yeddyurappa) and BSR Congress (led by B. Sriramulu).

Shaken by the huge turn out at the rally, Yeddyurappa accused Eshwarappa of defying the senior leadership by calling for such meetings, and alleged that Santosh was the mastermind behind the revolt.

Eshwarappa hit back saying that people who had quit the party were now warning him of stern action. "We will continue to be with the BJP as we will neither form or join any other party, " he taunted Yeddyurappa, in an apparent reference to the formation of KJP which managed to bag only a handful seats in the last Assembly polls.

Earlier, Eshwarappa, a Kuruba leader from Shimoga, floated the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade to consolidate the backward classes and Dalit votes in the hope of replicating the success of Lingayat strongman Yeddyurappa and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Ahinda formula. Both Yeddyurappa and Siddharamaiah, who were catapulted to the CM's post, had eventually become indispensable to their respective parties.

Kuruba being the third largest community after Lingayat and Vokkaliga, Eshwarappa is banking on the numbers and the anti-incumbency against the ruling Congress and the Siddaramaiah government to emerge stronger within his party.

While Yeddyurappa's spats with Eshwarappa were never a secret, the former had succeeded in convincing BJP national president Amit Shah to advise Eshwarappa not to promote divisive brigades but to hold programmes under the party banner.

However, the bitterness between the two factions, the party leaders and workers now fear, will result in central leadership taking control over the state unit.

The widening rift, where factions are openly opposing or endorsing state leadership, might compel the BJP to remain out of power for a longer time. But Yeddyurappa's "style of functioning and dictatorial tendencies", as Eshwarappa puts it, might just be BJP's beginning of the end.

Many others pointed out that the bypoll debacle was because the BJP failed to cash in on the Modi wave. They also alleged that Yeddyurappa believed in "individual centric" politics and so failed in the polls.

Meanwhile, the central leadership of the party is having a greater say in choosing candidates in the state, so a parachute or a surprise CM candidate cannot be ruled out too, hint sources.

Yeddyurappa, too, fears that a core committee headed by central leaders would upset his equation with his followers and as a result his control over the party too.

Emboldened by the rift between Yeddyurappa and Santosh, Eshwarappa is hoping to energise his efforts to emerge as a tall leader in the party, which is facing dearth of mass leaders. It was due to the absence of a strong face that the BJP was forced to project Yeddyurappa as the chief ministerial candidate, despite the several corruption charges during his rule and the official cut-off age being 75 in the BJP for holding constitutional posts.
The Congress on Friday accused the central and the Haryana governments of "deliberately leaking" the Dhingra Commission report despite a court injunction against its publication. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar rubbished the allegation.

Accusing the government of acting with a sense of vendetta, Congress spokesperson Abishek Manu Singhvi also told reporters in New Delhi that Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress President Sonia Gandhi and former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda had not received any notices from the commission and termed the report "null and void".

"Some very strange things are happening. I can understand a governmentboth central and stateand a ruling party which is steeped in vendetta and blinded by rage deliberately leaking the so-called Dhingra Commission report," he said.

He said the Punjab and Haryana High Court had issued injunctions against publication of this report and if "anyone published the report then it is a matter of contempt of court".

The one-man Justice S.N. Dhingra Commission of Inquiry, set up by the Khattar government in May 2015, had submitted its 182-page report on August 31 last year.

However, Khattar rubbished claims of the leak. "Copy of the report was submitted to the Supreme Court in a sealed cover. The court will take cognisance of this matter. There has been no leakage but if at all, it is established, it will be a matter for probe," he told media in Chandigarh.

Meanwhile, Singhvi, when asked about Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's statement to the media on Thursday, said it is self-explanatory. "I am not going to add or subtract from it a word. It stands as it is...She has given you the answers because she feels pained," he said.

Priyanka on Thursday said agricultural land bought by her in Haryana's Faridabad district or other property acquired by her had no links to finances of her husband, his Skylight Hospitality or real estate major DLF.

However, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said a public clarification issued by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra about her land deals raises more questions than it answers.

"Only one inference can be drawn from Priyanka's statementperhaps she was advised this is too hot a potato to be handled and, therefore, her transactions must be segregated and a clarification issued," Prasad said on a news channel.

"... her clarification raises more questions than it answers," he added.

Prasad said "certain patterns" are similar in the land deals of both Priyanka and Robert Vadra.

"One, the land is transferred back to the vendor in both cases; and secondly, the appreciation of the land is enormous".

"Given the influence Robert Vadra exercised with the then (Hooda) government and the speedy manner in which land use was changed after bypassing norms, it can be inferred that it was designed to allow a situation of windfall gains," Prasad said.

A report in the Economic Times on Thursday said that the Dhingra Commission has reportedly concluded that Vadra made unlawful profits of Rs. 50.5 crore from a land deal in Haryana in 2008 without spending a single paisa.
The last few days have been particularly stressful for Eman Ahmed to deal with. Doctors and nurses in Saifee hospital say it is evident that the former heaviest woman in the world is currently scared and uneasy as she can sense the tension between her sister Shaimaa and the hospital staff. On April 14, Shaimaa posted a video on various social media platforms where she called Dr Muffazal Lakdawala a liar as she refused to believe her sister lost 324 kilos in a span of two and a half months.

She also raised concerns over how her sisters condition was still poor as she suffers from breathlessness and continues to eat from a feeding tube. After the video went viral in the UAE and India, 12 out of the 13 doctors treating the Egyptian national resigned from taking care of her. The drama escalated when Saifee hospital called the police on Thursday evening after Shaimaa allegedly gave water to Eman to sip, without informing the doctors. The doctors fumed about how they had advised Shaimaa against giving Eman water or food orally.

Police officials from VP Road police station were called and informed that Shaimaa was risking her sisters life and a complaint was filed against her. Shaimaa was quick to defend herself and said Dr Lakdawala had fed some chocolate to Eman only a few days before the incident took place. The animosity between Shaimaa and the doctors was still evident on Saturday when BJPs spokesperson, Shain NC visited Eman.

During a press conference in the hospital, a video was released by Shain NC shows her and Dr Lakdawala talking to Shaimaa in Emans room. In the video, Dr Lakdawala explains how there was a misunderstanding between them which led to the highly publicised spat as Shaimaa thought she was going to be chucked out of the hospital after doctors declared Eman was fit to be discharged.

Soon after, she reached out to doctors in Burjeel hospital, Abu Dhabi, who had previously offered to treat Eman for a period of one year pro bono. However, Shaimaa says she decided to come to Mumbai after Dr Lakdawala assured her Saifee hospital has far better facilities.

In the two months or so Eman has been admitted in Saifee hospital, she has had many medical emergencies and she is still using a feeding tube, complained Shaimaa in the video. THE WEEK had first reported how Eman had suffered from seizures continuously only five days after she arrived in Mumbai. In order to stabilise her condition and stop the seizures, doctors had to give her high doses of anesthetic drugs. Other than that, Eman also suffered from aspiration and severe risk of infection after doctors tried to feed her orally post her sleeve gastrectomy surgery on March 7.

As of now, Shaimaa says none of the hospital staff members are talking to her and she is still unaware about when they will leave for Burjeel hospital. In the last 10 days, Eman has been crying sometimes and she seems very tense and anxious. She has been having mood swings as well and we are sad to say after bonding so closely with both the sisters, now the atmosphere in the room is always tensed, says Belinda Sawant, a nurse who has been treating Eman since the last two and a half months.

While Eman was undergoing speech therapy and physiotherapy to strengthen her throat muscles so she can swallow food and start talking, she has been unable to do her exercises or focus on physiotherapy due to all the stress. Dr Hemal Shah, the treating nephrologist, says, If Shaimaa had not created all this controversy, Emans condition would have been far better today. It will take quite sometime for her to be able to eat without a feeding tube and it helps in preventing any risk of pneumonia as food or water wont enter her windpipe.

Eman has definitely lost motivation in the last 10 days and has not been able to focus on physiotherapy anymore, which is unfortunate. If Shaimaa had approached us directly and told us they were not ready to go back to Alexandria instead of threatening us, we would have rented a flat nearby and continued with Emans physiotherapy, adds Dr Shah. On Saturday, Dr Lakdawala and Shaina NC met with the chief minister to discuss Eman's case.

Doctors at the hospital are currently waiting to hear back from Burjeel hospital to know when Eman will be transported to Abu Dhabi. They have already prepared her discharge summary which includes tests she will require six months down the line. Speaking to THE WEEK, Dr Lakdawala says, I did everything I could do for Eman and I will always be in touch with her even after she leaves for Abu Dhabi. We are not discharging her from the hospital but accepting her transfer request.

Meanwhile, doctors from Burjeel hospital announced that Eman will undergo a gastric bypass surgery which involves dividing the upper stomach in a small pouch to reduce the amount of food absorption. Dr Aparna Bhasker, a bariatric surgeon at Saifee hospital who was treating Eman criticised this decision. Whether Eman needs another surgery or not is something that can be determined only one year later. Under our care, we are proud to say Eman was able to speak four full sentences a few days back during one of her speech therapy sessions. Before this, she was barely able to speak a few words due to the damage caused by the stroke three years ago.

As of now, Shaimaa has been informed by Sanet Meyer, director of VPS Healthcare Medevac division that the first phase of their ground logistics includes transporting Eman from Saifee hospital to the airport and then from Abu Dhabi airport till Burkeel hospital for which they will need a specialised stretcher.
Following a major investigation into the fuel theft in Lucknow, the state Special Task Force (STF) has arrested 23 people associated with various petrol pumps in the city and suspended licence of seven pumps for duping unsuspecting customers.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the petrol pump owners across the state were making roughly Rs. 200 crore per month through fuel theft, carried out with the help of hi-tech micro chips fitted in the filling machines. These chips helped in dispensing less quantity of petrol while the metre showed the exact quantity demanded by the customers.

For instance, if a customer had asked for five litres of petrol to be filled, he/she would only get 4.5 litres.

The STF had raided the seven pumps in Lucknow two days ago and further investigation on Friday reveled that not only in Lucknow, about 80 per cent of petrol pumps in the entire state have been duping customers.

Lucknow DM G.S. Priyadarshi has asked oil companies to completely close the operations of these pumps.

The STF, which had received a tip-off about this scam, has been working on for the past 15 days to gather evidence against the erring pump owners. During the raid, the officials seized 22 remote- -controlled devices and more than 12 hi-tech chips.

Director General of UP Police Sulkhan Singh said petrol theft was taking place like an organised crime and added that further investigation in this connection will be carried out by the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

STF SSP Amit Pathak said, Preliminary investigation suggests that this wonder chip has been installed in 80 per cent of pumps across the state but the figure could be much higher if further probe is done into the matter.

According to official sources, one such chip costs around Rs. 30,000 and the electricians who install it charge between Rs. 5000 to Rs. 10,000. The chip, managed by a remote control, is used to reduce the quantity of petrol dispensed to the consumer.

The STF noted that the petrol scam has been going on for the past 10 years and the pump owners have been minting money.

Every day, one pump dispenses on an average about 10,000 litres of petrol or diesel and by dispensing less quantity of fuel, the owners earn Rs 4 on one litre. The total money gained a day by a pump owner would be roughly Rs 40,000 and on an average, they would earn Rs. 12 lakh to 14 lakh per month.

Further investigation is under way and some startling revelations are expected in connection with the theft soon.
Babul Supriyo, Union minister of state for heavy industries, got a breather from Calcutta High Court.

The court directed both parties, in an outrage of modestry case filed against the minister, to get the matter resolved outside the court.

Babul had, during a debate in national television, hit out at Trinamool Congress MLA Mahua Moitra, saying that she was behaving like a drunken lady.

A few days later Mahua lodged a police complaint. Kolkata police registered an outrage of modesty case against Supriyo. An arrest warrant was issued against Babul by a local court.

Babul, who refused to mention anything after the High Court order, then said, "Mahua is behaving like a child."

He moved the High Court against the lower court's order.

Justice Bagchi said in her order that court was extending the warrant for two months and both sides are given a chance to settle the issue amicably.

Maitra refused to withdraw the complaint against the minister, saying, "he disrespected a woman".
India is playing a tight balancing act, hosting back to back visits of the presidents of Cyprus and Turkey. Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades wound up his visit of Mumbai and Delhi on Saturday, and on Sunday Turkish President Recep Tayyip Ergodan will be in Delhi with a 150 strong business delegation.

Economic growth is the driver for both these visits. India, in a joint statement with Cyprus, reiterated its support for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus. India has always been critical of Turkey's annexation of a part of Cyprus. But beyond not changing its past position, India's interest in both countries is largely trade and economic ties.

India could possibly help develop the hi-tech sector in Cyprus, which the middle eastern country is hoping to develop as the third pillar of its economy. In the joint statement, the two countries have identified this as a possible area of cooperation, given India's capabilities in Information Technology, ITES and Biotechnology, while Cyprus' expertise in financial services and cooperation in knowledge based industry could also be possible areas of bilateral economic cooperation. Cyprus has a nine billion dollar investment in India, making it the eighth largest investor in the country.

Anastasiades, who came with a 60 member business delegation, also addressed the Indian chambers of commerce and industry.

With Turkey, the relation is tricky not just because of its existing hostility with Cyprus, but also because Turkey is close to Pakistan. We are aware Turkey is close to Pakistan. That is their bilateral matter. Ours is a different equation,'' said Ruchi Ghanshyam, secretary west.

Though trade and business will be important points of engagement, India will have to get Turkey to support its membership into the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Turkey, while not against India's entry, has maintained that the NSG should first have a system to address the membership applications of countries which are not signatories to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Cyprus has extended their support to India's bid.
It all began on the fateful night of April 24, when Om Bahadur, the guard at Kodanad estate in Nilgiris, had to be more vigilant unlike never before. Bahadur was at gate No 9 at the sprawling, exquisite Kodanad Tea Estate, the preferred hill retreat of former chief minister J. Jayalalithaa.

At around 1.30 am, when Bahadur encountered a few men trying to trespass and burgle the bungalow, he chased them. Unfortunately, Bahadur was killed by the strangers.

His colleague, Krishna Bahadur, who also fought the burglars, was severely injured. He suffered cut in his hands and his fingers got chopped during the fight. Krishna Bahadur, however, survived to narrate the story of the brutal attack.

Krishna was tied up and assaulted by the men as he noticed them kill Om Bahadur. The murderers, then, escaped in an SUV.

According to police sources, a lot of incriminating documents of shares, bonds and properties worth around Rs 80,000 crore were looted from the bungalow. Though sources confirm the loot from the estate, they could not ascertain the worth of the materials taken away by the strangers.

The initial investigation the day after the murder on April 25 revealed that the strangers had looked for some specific documents and searched only a few rooms in the estate, including those of Jayalalithaa and her aide Sasikala. We dont know what exactly happened. But we heard that Amma's and Chinnammas rooms were specifically searched by the burglars, says Latchumi Saravanakumar, one of the employees at the estate.

The estate is currently managed by a person called Natarajan who hails from Sasikalas Thanjavur district.

Some valuables have been stolen. The thieves have looted jewellery, say police sources investigating the case.

After continuous investigations for the past six days, the police finally zeroed in on the suspects, with the help of CCTV footage that revealed the registration number of the SUV in which the murderers came and escaped.

In fact, a few hand gloves and the fake number plate used by the looters were seen dumped on the outskirts of Kodanad, near Kothagiri. Police sources also say that the SUV was seen plying through the slopes of Kothagiri on April 23, and there were at least five persons in the car.

However, by April 27, another team of police officials investigating the case suspected the involvement of a man from Kerala. Sayan, alias Shyam, who was part of the 10-member gang that murdered Om Bahadur is the mastermind, according to police reports.

He hails from Thrissur in Kerala. After investigating Sayan's links, the police found the involvement of seven other men from Thrissur and Mallapuram in the case. All the seven, part of the ten-member gang, are being interrogated by the police. Of these, seventhree named Satheesan, Deepu and Santhoshare said to be the executors.

After interrogating these seven for hours, the police got suspicious of Jayalalithaas former driver Kanagaraj. It is said Kanagaraj, who knows the sketch of the Kodanad estate, helped to carry out the loot.

It is a planned loot, says one of the police inspectors investigating the case. In fact, the police, after zeroing in on the murderers, found how it was a well-planned crime and how driver Kanagaraj was involved in the loot.

A few years ago, Jayalalithaa had sacked him from the job as he was trying to misuse his position and her name. But Kanagaraj always had the hatchet within him. As he was the driver who had access to most of the places that Jayalalithaa visited, he was quite familiar with the details of the bungalow. In fact, his knowledge helped him easily plot the loot with Sayan.

However, in a sudden turn of events, when the police found the involvement of Kanagaraj and his plans, he mysteriously died in a road accident on April 28 (Friday) at Attur near Salem. He died on the spot at around 8.30 pm, just hours after he was on the he police's radar.

This was soon to be followed by the accident of Sayan, the suspected mastermind. He, along with his wife and daughter Neethu, was travelling in his car from Thrissur to Palakkad in Kerala when they met with an accident.

While his wife and daughter died on the spot, Sayan is critical and battling life at the GKNM hospital. Sources say the judicial magistrate took a declaration statement from Sayan at the hospital. The police is likely to take custody of all the seven suspected involved in the murder and loot for further investigation.

Interestingly, the sprawling 942-acre Kodanad estate is one of the biggest properties owned by Jayalalithaa-Sasikala duo. It was more of a chamber of secret where sources say the two women maintained most of their important documents.

The property, though perceived as Jayalalithaa's, is owned by a partnership firm called Kodanad Tea Estate, which has the two women and Sasikalas sister-in-law Elavarasi as partners.

The estate is worth around Rs 942 crore and the tea manufactured here is one of the best qualities from the Blue Mountains. It has a scenic 10-acre lake inside where Jayalalithaa used to go for a boat ride whenever she was there, apart from the 10-acre beautiful flori-culture farm, where several varieties of orchids bloom everyday.
Kay McKay, a former Arizona Regent and Flagstaff civic leader, passed away on Thursday.

She was a member of the Arizona Board of Regents from 1998 to 2003. McKay Village at Northern Arizona University is named for her.

McKay served 40 years as the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff, where she helped develop a 52-person board of directors, 20 staff members, 300 volunteers, 400 work study students, 150 interns and 230 physical therapy candidates.

She and her late husband, David McKay, started the nonprofit in 1968. The organization seeks to bring mentors to young boys and girls.

NAU President Rita Cheng praised McKay in a campus-wide email Friday:

I know many current and former NAU faculty, staff and students have mentored a young person through BBBS. Kay McKays love of NAU higher education and dedication to improving lives ensures her legacy in Flagstaff and northern Arizona will continue.

Kay and Dave McKay were each an Arizona Daily Sun Citizen of the Year.
An ambulance carried Rob Meador through Lincoln as the last days of 2015 approached.

Its destination  Madonna Rehabilitation Center.

Meador, 56, had suffered a brain hemorrhage weeks earlier because of drugs taken for heart failure.

Doctors saw a life of limited mobility and speech  possibly even hospice care  ahead.

"There was a point where I thought I would be in a nursing home for the rest of my life," the Lincoln man said Friday. "I didn't know if I would be able to walk ..."

Yet just more than a year later, Meador stood on his own, addressing a crowd at Madonna, thanking therapists for his recovery.

Meador, along with three others chosen out of the nearly 6,000 people Madonna helped last year, were honored for their recoveries at the hospital's GOAL Awards ceremony.

The awards spotlight patients who have "completed their rehabilitation, returned to their communities and resumed their life roles."

The road from rehabilitation to returning home was a long one for Meador, who worked as a field engineer before his stroke in December 2015.

When he arrived at Madonna, Meador was on a ventilator  unable to speak or move his body.

Slowly, he regained mobility through physical therapy and walking exercises. With help from speech pathologist Rhiannon Svitak, Meador's words returned as well.

"I'm standing here  not sitting in a power chair  because of the faithful care and help of all them here at Madonna," Meador said.

Now after months of intensive therapy, he meets with therapists only three times a week.

Virginia Schweitzer worked with Meador in his last therapy sessions before he went home.

"I remember Rob used to say to me all the time, 'Tell me what I need to do; I will work, I will do it,'" Schweitzer said. "And he never, ever complained."

Others honored at the ceremony were 10-year-old Mya Diacono, who survived a 2015 car crash; Kathy Steever, who was paralyzed following a workplace shooting; and stroke victim Jessica Lindsay.

Madonna President and CEO Paul Dongilli said the annual GOAL Awards highlight the strength of the hospital's therapists.

"Madonna's staff, especially our treatment teams, feel such a personal connection to the patients that they serve," he said.

The GOAL Awards were established in 1994. Recipients are honored on Madonna's wall of fame and receive a painting by Lincoln artist Susan Brasch.

The hospital also honored Lincoln Fire and Rescue's Station 7 with the Community Partner Award for its close work with pediatric patients.
The administrative committee of the Allahabad High Court has suspended Justice Om Prakash Mishra for granting bail to former Uttar Pradesh Minister Gayatri Prajapati, accused in a gang rape case.

All powers of the Additional District and Sessions Court judge have also been seized by the court, after Chief Justice D.B. Bhonsle took a grim view of the bail granted to the Samajwadi Party (SP) leader by the judge.

Mishra was posted in the Protection of Child Sexual Offences (Pocso) Court in Lucknow. He is set to retire on April 30.

Registrar General of the high court D.K. Singh confirmed the suspension of the judge on Saturday.

Indications of the impending action came during the hearing of a petition in the high court on Friday wherein the bail to the tainted minister was challenged by the Yogi Adityanath government.

Gayatri Prajapati was a powerful minister in the former Akhilesh Yadav cabinet and held mining and transport portfolios. He was accused of patronising illegal mining, a charge being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The former Amethi legislator, who bit the dust at the hustings in the assembly polls in March, was accused of raping a woman and attempting to rape her minor daughter.
Kashmir has demographically never been so young and spirited as it is today. Around two million of its citizens are in their teens and twenties. Growing up in the years of blood and gore, the youth of Kashmir are acquainted with the state's difficult past.

Unlike the previous generation that was smitten by the lure of the gun only to beat a hasty retreat in the face of the massive use of force by the state, this generation seems relentless. They are opinionated, argumentative and restive. Education has made them less susceptible to manipulation and exploitation by mainstream politicians and the separatists who claim to represent them. Burhan Muzaffar Wani, the Hizbul Mujahideen commander whose killing last July whipped up a frenzy, belonged to this generation.

It's widely believed that Wani took to guns to avenge humiliation by the security forces. Such incidents, in reality, have served to hasten the slide of many into politics of ''sentiment'', a euphemism for separatism. This seems to be the only possible explanation for many youths like Ishaq Ahmed Parray, 19, of Tral, Pulwamawhose friends called him Ishaq 'Newton' for his academic brillianceor engineering student Zakir Rashid Bhat alias Zakir Musa, joining Wani's band?

The agitated youth Kashmir have baffled observers outside Kashmir. They judge the state on the basis of tourist congregations and large participation in the elections. Little wonder the poor turnout in the recent Parliament bypolls in Srinagar, 7.13 per cent, has shocked them and policy makers in New Delhi.

The experienced Kashmir watchers, however, know well that what is happening in Kashmir is the deepening of a political crisis rooted in history. It is indeed very difficult for many to reconcile to the depressing images of the youthsboys and girlsclashing with troops in the streets across Kashmir; mobs rampaging government property and provocatively confronting security forces during security operations. At least 18 civilians have been killed in clashes with security forces during protests since February. This is largely due to the fact that separatist sentiment has survived despite a crushing defeat of the militancy in the 90s.

Much of the renewed anger in Kashmir is directed at the PDP, the party that had emerged as the political middle groundbetween the NC and the Hurriyat Conferencefor people who supported the separatist movement in the 90s. Most of them, victims of the state's atrocities, sought refuge in the PDP including the supporters of Jamat-e-Islami, one of Kashmir's dominant social-religious organisations that command influence on Hizbul Mujahideen, the biggest indigenous militant organisation of Kashmir.

The PDP dramatically emerged as a major political force in Kashmir mainly due to the backing of many separatists after its inception in 2002. As a consequence, the separatist tendencies of many Kashmiris were subdued, or so it seemed. The surface calm, however, proved deceptive as many separatists argue they supported the PDP to unseat the NC, deemed authoritarian, and not as a matter of political conversion.

A relative calm, between 2002 to 2008, actually helped the battered separatist constituency to rejuvenate. By 2010, south Kashmir, the political base of the PDP, was witnessing a slow revival of the militancy. It didn't seem threatening though. After Burhan's charm offensive on the social media, the enticement proved too tempting for many educated youths to resist. Suddenly, the politics of sentiment had found new vanguards. Many signed in. The trickle of support turned into a gush in a very short span of time. After Wani was killed, Kashmir erupted like never before. More than 95 people were killed, 65 were blinded in both eyes, more than 1000 suffered a varied degree of visual impairment and over 1,000 were injured. Wani was no hardcore fighter but he did succeed infusing new life in the otherwise marginalised separatist cause, especially, in the PDP's political base of south Kashmir comprising 16 assembly constituents in four districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, and Kukgam.

One of the major provocations for the 2016 rage was the PDP's decision to form an alliance with the BJP. The PDP supporters felt betrayed. They accused the leadership of having traded their trust for power. The separatists, who had backed the party, were outraged. For the first time in a decade, the number of militants in Kashmir is nearing 400 with 50 per cent of them being locals. The PDP's decision to side with the BJP has shrunk the political middle ground.

According to south Kashmir-based senior journalist Khalid Gul, PDP is the new Ikhwan in south Kashmir. What about the NC? They are a condemned lot. The PDP is attracting more attention because they are in power, Gul said.

The alliance with the BJP has completely discredited the PDP. The rise of the BJP has directly fed into the sense of siege and persecution that Kashmir's young have experienced since infancy. That is the crux of the matter. The state and Central governments' iron fist approach are unlikely to work as the new generation have been seized by a strange death wish. Recently a young boy in a video message appealed to the Lashkar-e-Toiba's Kashmir chief, Abu Dujana, to help them make guns and heavy weaponry in Kashmir to fight the troops.

Unless the Centre comes up with a major political initiative on Kashmir, as has been demanded by the PDP, the situation is unlikely to improve. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government will have to rise above the nationalistic and militaristic approach on Kashmir and reach out to the people much like former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, or else, the situation is unlikely to witness any improvement.
According to unconfirmed reports, Dawood Ibrahim, India's most wanted gangster with $5 million FBI bounty on his head and an interpol red corner notice against him, is said to be put on ventilator after a paralysis attack. Dawood, according to another unverified report, had a heart stroke and was admitted to a hospital in Karachi in critical condition. The report says that he has been put on a ventilator after a failed operation and is under intensive monitoring.

Sources in Mumbai police said that Dawood had undergone a surgery in the Karachi hospital on the 22 April, but the surgery didn't succeed. Hence, he has been kept on ventilator. The updates on his health have been shared with his family members in Mumbai, but they have not yet confirmed the same. Meanwhile, Chhota Shakeel, Dawood's most trusted aide, reportedly talked to some Indian newspapers and said, Dawood bhai is fit and fine. Can you not guess this from my voice and the way I am talking?

The gangster is wanted for the 1993 serial bomb blasts in Mumbai which had killed over 250. He had to shift his base from Dubai to Karachi after that and has been running his illegal business of drugs and fake currency from Pakistan. Although Pakistan has always denied Dawood's presence there, Indian and international agencies have kept a close watch on him. A Forbes report, quoting US government had said, Dawood Ibrahim shares smuggling routes with Al-Qaeda and has collaborated with both Al-Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Taiba, its south asian affiliate which pulled off the 26/11 attack in Mumbai. Dawood is on the fourth position of the Forbe's most wanted list.
Digital payment services providers were the happiest when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the demonetisation of high-value notes last November. They hailed the move as a game changer that would bring to the fore digital transactions in a country which had the highest cash usage vis-a-vis GDP. With the intention of pulling out cash in circulation as fake currency or as black money, the government promoted the more transparent digital transactions and launched a special programme called Cashless India under the umbrella of Digital India programmes.

Five months later, however, the digital drive seems to be going nowhere. Data from the Reserve Bank suggest that people are getting back to their cash-hoarding ways. We are witnessing a rise in cash transactions in the months post demonetisation, said Dr Jaimini Bhagwati, RBI chair professor at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations. This could be because of multiple factors, but what is more worrying is that there is a corresponding drop in digital transactions. This will keep the cost of currency high for India.

Currently, the country bears about 1.7 per cent of its $1.2 trillion economy as cost of cash. This was set to come down to 1.3 per cent with increased usage of digital transactions, a government committee on digital payments, set up by the finance ministry, said in March.

It is not just the common man, even traders and small businesses have gone back to cash. Many medium and small business owners said the cash crunch was not over and there was a propensity to conserve cash. Most of the temporary labour in our factories and godowns are paid in cash. We are somehow managing as there is no way without cash, said Anil Bhardwaj, secretary general, Federation of Indian Small and Medium Enterprises.

He said a majority of the FISME members were unable to go cashless for a number of other reasons as well. There is a 2 per cent charge levied on cash transfer from mobile wallets. So, with cash available now, traders who were earlier forced to operate on reduced margins, are no longer willing to sacrifice, he said.

Uma Maheshwaran, a Delhi-based food business entrepreneur, said his suppliers accepted nothing but cash. My staff says that they need to pay for their daily needs in cash, as small retailers who were earlier accepting Paytm have all stopped using them now, he said.

The bank charges levied on card payments made at points of sale in retail outlets had a similar problem. It first came up with petrol pump dealers, who went on strike refusing to pay a 0.75 per cent bank charge on card sales. The government responded by waiving the bank charges for consumers alone.

I had installed card machines of three banks after demonetisation. But retail customers are mostly reluctant to pay 1.5 per cent extra bank charges on their bill. So we are back to cash trading, said Nikunj Gupta, a hardware trader in Lajpat Nagar, Delhi.

RBI data also suggests the return of the cash economy. In November, a total of 66.4 crore transactions worth Rs 94.04 lakh crore took place on electronic payment systems. It peaked to Rs 104 lakh crore by December and then fell to Rs 97 lakh crore in January. In February, the figure stood at Rs 92.6 lakh crore.

In contrast, the availability of cash, which was registered at 08 lakh crore in January, was half the money supply available in March 2016 (about Rs 15.9 lakh crore). It climbed steadily to Rs 12.6 lakh crore by end March, RBIs fortnightly data on money supply showed.

In the case of mobile wallets, after registering Rs 1,320 crore in usage value in November, business has picked up and remained stable. It touched Rs 2,100 crore in March, after dropping to Rs 1,870 crore in February. This is an inflection point for mobile wallet companies, as they would have to now competitively expand the user base. To achieve this, other than the government efforts, initiatives would also have to come from the fintech companies, said Dharmakirti Joshi, chief economist, CRISIL.

Joshi pointed out that the recent guidelines issued by the RBI for PPIs (prepaid payment instruments), seeking to make KYC norms mandatory for them, may have stemmed the enthusiasm for mobile wallet companies. We have jointly petitioned to the RBI that mobile wallet customers cannot be treated with the same benchmark meant for bank customers, said Upasana Taku, co-founder of mobile wallet company Mobikwik. Our customers keep money with us to meet consumption needs and not savings needs. Once the regulations are clear we are launching a host of innovative initiatives to popularise mobile wallet payments at hospitals, for insurance premiums and other big ticket payments as well.

But experts said the concerns about mobile wallets remained. There are two major issues that would have to be first resolved before mobile wallets can grow any further, said Sushmul Maheshwari, CEO of RNCOS Business Consultancy Services, which conducted a survey on mobile wallets post demonetisation for ASSOCHAM. One is that many mobile wallet apps compromise security by having access to bank passwords sent over SMS. Second, there is the issue of the suitability of a commission-based revenue model as practiced by wallet companies, which may work with online service providers, but has not really gained as much momentum with offline business owners.

The expanding user base of mobile wallets, which has grown 20 times in the past three years, has prompted fresh technological needs for these companies. Many first-time users had a not-so-smooth transaction electronically. The reasons were weak bandwidth, congested server space and bad network for many users, said Vivek Belgavi, financial technology leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers, India. Also, weak grievance redressal by mobile wallet companies could have discouraged consumers and small businesses from using them after the cash supply situation improved. He said a lot of thought is being put into reinventing the business of mobile digital payments as most wallet companies realise that the exponential growth they had projected post demonetisation remained a distant dream.

Some experts also felt that the digital payments platform, which is heavily backed by ICT (Information and Communication Technology), has its challenges in infrastructure. In contrast, the offline digital payment mode of USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) has really picked up. USSD volumes have grown almost three times to Rs 35 lakh crore in March. There is a hopeful story here, said Ritika Mankar, senior economist at Ambit Capital.

There has never been any doubt that cash would make a comeback. Perhaps no one had realised that it would be so soon, said Mankar. The government must realise that making it difficult to avail cash would not necessarily boost digital transactions. In fact, it can potentially suffocate the economy which is still largely informal and contributes more than 70 per cent of the nations GDP.
On April 17, while inaugurating a private hospital in Surat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi anno-unced there would soon be a law to ensure that doctors prescribed only generic drugs. A day later, the Union ministry of health and family welfare released a notice asking doctors to follow the Medical Council of Indias (MCI) existing guidelines on using generic names of drugs in prescriptions.

According to MCI rules, every physician should prescribe drugs with generic names legibly and preferably in capital letters, and he/she shall ensure that there is a rational prescription and use of drugs. The words legibly and preferably in capital letters were added after an amendment last year. Following the PMs statement, the MCI, too, reiterated that doctors follow this rule without fail.

The announcement, ostensibly to disrupt the pharma-doctor nexus, has become controversial in light of several issues raised by experts, most of whom support the cause of affordable care. The drug market in India is dominated by branded generics, like the several branded versions of paracetamol such as Crocin, Calpol and Pacimol.

Within the branded versions of the same generic, at times, the price differential can be significant, say doctors. In that context, it is unclear whether the government wants doctors to prescribe generic names of drugs or the cheapest version of the branded generic, says Dr Ashwin Kamath, a Manipal-based pharmacologist.

In medical schools, doctors are taught to write generic names, but Kamath says that issues of quality prevent them from doing so. Owing to the variations in the marketseveral companies may be marketing the same drugdoctors prescribe brands based on their experience of what works and what doesnt. And, compelling doctors to write generic names instead only shifts the responsibility to a chemist to decide the brand, says D.G. Shah, secretary general of Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance. The costs will anyway go up because trade is demanding higher margins on generics [50 per cent] as against branded generics [30 per cent], he says.

In principle, doctors agree that the patient should not be charged excessively for a medicine. In practice, however, the problem is that there is no quality control when it comes to drugs. Medicines are being manufactured in small shops with suspect quality, says Dr Ajay Swaroop, chairman, department of ENT at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi.

Dr K.K. Aggarwal, president of the Indian Medical Association, agrees. The government itself admits that less than 0.01 per cent of the drugs produced in the country are tested for quality. It would be unfair to expect doctors to prescribe substandard drugs then, he says.

It is not that there arent enough laws to ensure quality of drugs, say experts. But issues around proper implementation and adequate manpower remain. Aggarwal says the current count of 1,800 drug inspectors is grossly inadequate for the entire country.

When it comes to drug testing, many say that since most manufacturers eschew bioequivalence studies (mandatory only for exports though)to test whether two medicines, such as an original patented drug and a generic, work in the same waydrug quality is affected in a big way.

On April 3, a notification by the Union health ministry made bioequivalence studies for certain classes of drugs mandatory after an amendment in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Virtually none of the existing drugs in the market have tested for bioequivalence. The government should make it compulsory for all of them [instead of only some], says Prashant Reddy, research associate at the School of Law, Singapore Management University.

Reddy, who has worked on drug regulation, says the credibility of the organisations conducting these studies was also suspect, going by recent cases where some of these organisations were red-flagged by WHO or foreign regulators for poor clinical practices, including fudging data on bioequivalence studies.

To address the quality issue, Dinesh Thakur, public health specialist and chairman of Medassure Global Compliance Corporation, says the government would need to bring drug regulations on par with globally acceptable standards, get qualified people to enforce them and hold people who make substandard drugs accountable under existing laws.

For the doctors, Kamath says there should be adequate information available on whether the drugs have cleared bioequivalence studies, and whether quality was being maintained even after clearance.

Bhopal-based pharmacist Ram Chandra Marvya, however, disagrees. He runs a Jan Aushadhi store (fair price shop for medicines) under the Centres Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana. He insists the quality of the unbranded generics at his shop has never been an issue, and denies allegations of shortage of popular medicines. Instead, the problem is of access. Most of my clients are educated people who are aware that they can buy cheaper medicines here. The poor, who really cant afford costly medicines, do not know where to buy them, he says. Aware-ness should be created about these shops, and the government should have one such shop at every primary health care centre.

Marvya says since the price differentials are hugea strip of ten tablets of cetrizine (anti-allergic) costs Rs 1.84 at his store as against the Rs 16 to Rs 43 for a branded versionmany pharmacists also stay away from setting up a Jan Aushadhi store. Pharmacists need to be motivated to set up affordable medicine shops, he says, and customers must check drug prices to ensure that they are not being taken advantage of, by the chemist or by the doctor.
They say the second round of presidential elections on May 7 will be the next revolution for France. That it will cause an upheaval, which can change the future of not just France, but entire Europe. When voters line up in France to be part of this crucial election, there will also be similar queues in the southern tip of India. The French nationals in Puducherry, too, will be exercising their voting rights, just as they did on April 23 in the first round.

Puducherry has 4,648 French citizens, who are the descendants of those who opted for French nationality when France transferred its territorial rights of Pondicherry, Yanam, Mahe and Karaikal to India in 1962. And, like the voters in France, the voters here, too, have different favourites and ideologies. But they all agree that the coming elections would be a turning point for France. The result will determine the future of France and the European Union, said Joseph Elizabeth, who works at the French school in Pondicherry.

I read Le Figaro, a French newspaper, every day and watch news on Arte TV and TV5, said Elizabeth, who was born and brought up in France. Her favourites are Marine Le Pen, the charismatic leader of the far right National Front, and Emmanuel Macron, the upstart centrist. The Socialist and Republican parties which have been ruling France since 1958 have gone out in the first round itself.

Elizabeth, who shifted to Puducherry recently as her Indian born husband wanted their kids to be exposed to Indian culture, said nationalism was on the rise everywhere. Le Pen is like Narendra Modi. She speaks the language of nationalism which connects very well with French citizens who believe that all politicians till date are responsible for the poor state that France is in today, she said. Christian Jacquot, a native of Auroville near Puducherry, agreed with her. Nationalism is the mood everywhere, he said. France has lost the French culture. It has changed so much in the last few decades that we no longer recognise our own country. I felt like an outsider when I went there earlier this year. That feeling is quite scary, he said. Le Pen is trying to address exactly this mood. Le Pen, like Modi, is a very good communicator and she knows how to address this, said Jacquot.

But Muriel, who works as a nurse in Pondicherry, said Le Pen had no clear agenda for France. Modi has clearly laid out his plans while Le Pen is just a rabble-rouser. People no longer see any difference between the right and the left and this makes things easier for people like Le Pen, she said. In her view, Macron has a better chance as the French are more at ease with his inclusiveness.

Latha Cadirvele, another French voter, also made it clear that she would not vote for Le Pen. She is far too rightist for my taste. She is racist, too, said Cadirvele.

Puducherry, however, has been mostly rightist, because of the dominant presence of voters with French military background. Charles de Gaulle is still revered here, especially among the older generation. P. Balan, a native of Mahe, a Puducherry enclave in north Kerala, underlined this rightist bend. I am a Gaullist and a Republican, said Balan, who had served in the French army for two decades.

Predibane Siva, a member of the Assembly of French Citizens Abroad, a political body that represents French citizens living abroad, is from the Republican party. When THE WEEK met him ahead of the first round elections, he was busy writing personal letters to voters seeking support for Republican candidate Francois Fillon.

Right approach: Joseph Elizabeth, a French citizen who works at the French School, says Le Pen is like Narendra Modi | S. Arul Judelin

He was busy giving an Indian touch to the elections by introducing symbols. We have many illiterate voters who cannot read French or Tamil. So I have personally designed a manifesto featuring our candidates name with symbols, said Siva. His courtyard has a Shiva statue which he hopes will help Fillon. It may be a French election. But it is being held in India, he said. Yet, all his efforts went in vain as Fillon lost in the first round.

The French consulate in Pondicherry has arranged for six polling booths, four in Puducherry and one each in Chennai and Karaikal. Those from Mahe and Yanam vote mostly through proxies, by assigning a representative to vote on their behalf.

Despite their differences in ideologies, French citizens in India say their country is in really bad shape, economically and politically. Most of them blame the Republicans and the Socialists who have been ruling France for the last six decades for this plight. And they all agree that France needs a strong leader who will save the country from the current mess. But whether this strong leader should come at the expense of the long held French ideals of equality and fraternity is the question that they all face. And here the opinion gets divided.

B. Cannabirane, a senior leader of the French nationals in Puducherry, felt that Le Pen had a strong chance. Trump, Modi and Le Pen are part of a worldwide trend, he said. Le Pen is different from the rest although she is extreme, he said. Jacquot, who is quite worried about the watering down of French culture, said France need not stay away from the rightist surge, which is happening all over the world. Everyone agrees that immigration is a major problem and should be curtailed. It has severely affected the younger generation and the working class. These groups are now getting closer to Le Pen, who has promised a ban on immigration. But somebody like Le Pen is not the answer, said Muriel. Le Pen will take France back to the middle ages.

Stephan Madrias, who is on a five-year deputation as the head of the French school in Pondicherry, too, had a clear warning against the rise of the right. France is the land of light. It has revolutionised the entire world with its lofty ideals. It should retain these exceptional qualities at any cost, he said. Being French is not about white skin and blue eyes. It is all about the attitude which surpasses all frontiers based on religion, colour and ethnicity.
New Lincoln schools open with some regularity, while at the same time existing schools close as populations and land-use demands change.

The T Street School at Ninth and T streets was renamed Bancroft in 1890 then moved to 14th and U streets as its original site was industrialized. In 1940, the new building was sold to the University of Nebraska becoming Bancroft Hall before being razed.

Another school building, which started life as the Q Street School, changed its name and function, ultimately becoming the site of the Lincoln Fire Departments headquarters.

Concurrent with the plat of Lincoln, the Capital Commission designated five square blocks as Common Schools at Fourth and L, Third and B, Seventh and F, 11th and B and 15th and M streets. Additionally, Block 155 at 15th and F streets was set aside for a high school. As the city developed, the high school was ultimately built on the 15th and M block and the original high school site became Capitol and later McPhee Elementary School.

The first city school was started in the fall of 1867 after the state land sale on a purchased lot just north of the northeast corner of 11th and Q, about where the Johnny Carson Theater now sits. As the city and school-age populations grew, Lincoln purchased the small frame Methodist church building on the southwest corner of 10th and Q for a school in 1868 and the following year built the South School House on the northeast corner of Eighth and J, later called the J Street School.

The first high school graduating class did not occur until 1874 when four diplomas were awarded at a ceremony at the Academy of Music auditorium.

In 1884, plans were released for a new eight-room school to be built on a stone foundation at 16th and F to cost $14,690. When the building was completed, the old frame building on the site was moved to 18th and Q streets, four blocks east of Lincolns original plat in Kinneys Addition named the Q Street School and fitted for a classroom. It also was decided to build no more four-room schools.

School Superintendent Ellis T. Hartley advertised for bids for a two-story, brick, eight-room school with two four-story towers, wooden floors, corridors and roof-framing to be built on lots 4, 5 and 6 of Block 12 at 18th and Q to be completed by Sept. 10, 1886. The low bid was submitted by E. H. Salisbury, but as he was out of town for two or three weeks, the contract for $20,000 was given to Arthur Campbell, who began construction in June.

The building, with two outhouses on adjacent lot 3 and fitted for steam heating in all but the basement, was completed in December. Although considered unsatisfactory, Q Street School was occupied though payment was withheld until finished in an acceptable fashion. April came and went without correction so an unspecified settlement was ultimately reached. That year, Lincoln had 16 school buildings with 90 classrooms, 4,748 students with a maximum enrollment capacity of 5,000.

Prompted by outside encouragement, the school board renamed all the street-named schools in 1890. C Street School became Everett named for U.S. statesman Edward Everett; K Street School became Jordan then Longfellow; T Street School was named Bancroft in honor of historian George Bancroft; Q Street school was renamed Bryant in honor of poet William Cullen Bryant; Z Street School became Hayward for Nebraska Sen. Monroe L. Hayward, while Z Street itself was renamed Charleston.

Bryant School was remodeled in 1918-19 with the most visible change coming as the towers were removed. Then, as residential populations moved from the downtown area, Bryant School closed in 1929. The following year, the building was rented to the Lancaster County Relief Organization, and in 1942 American Legion Welfare moved in as well.

The building was noted as being in very bad condition in 1946. Remodeling was scheduled to refit it for use as adult and continuation work, but by that summer no work had been started. That fall, two floors were leased to the Veterans Administration while the adult education concept was canceled. The 1950 City Directory listed the only tenant as the undefined Community Canning Center and within months was turned over to Lincoln Public Schools for storage.

In 1965, Bryant School was razed and construction of a Lincoln Fire Station on the site begun. On March 3, 1967, the new seven-bay garage, office and 22-person living quarters, two-story Lincoln Fire Department headquarters opened with the 10th and Q, 13th and F and 23rd and O Street stations incorporated into it.

Lincoln schools continue to grow and expand as student populations shift, usually as projected. Looking back to 1947, however, an in-depth study suggested that the small numbers of high school students in southeast Lincoln do not justify the retention of a senior high school. Lincoln Southeast High School proved their careful investigations quite wrong.
The license plate on his white Ford Fusion Energi reads 101 MPGZ.

That was Harish Singhs goal when he leased the new car three years ago. He wanted to get 101 miles per gallon of gasoline with that plug-in hybrid.

Hes already beat that goal, averaging just more than 500 mpg last year, when he drove about 14,000 miles and filled up at the gas station just once.

Singh is passionate about his car, about using less gasoline and about the joy of owning a plug-in hybrid that gives you the best of both worlds.

The white car, with tan-leather, heated seats and a power moon roof, looks just like a conventional Fusion, except for the battery in the trunk and what looks like two fuel doors. Theres a square flap near the rear of the car for gas. And there's a round flap, in front of the drivers door, hiding the charging port, the plug-in.

Singh can drive on just the battery or he can switch to gasoline.

So Singh can drive for about 20 miles on only the battery before it needs to be recharged, a little less in cold weather. Other plug-in hybrids do have more range, he said.

And if he wants to make a longer trip, he can fill up the gas tank in five minutes and drive to Chicago on that 14-gallon tank of gas, he points out.

Singh is a University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate student, pursuing a doctorate in energy economics, who has a job driving people with disabilities to appointments and an internship as an economic analyst for Nebraska Community Energy Alliance.

Singh plans his driving day so he can use the battery most of the time. He can plug in at home for an overnight recharge. And he can plug in at any downtown city garage for $1. It takes 90 minutes if his battery is depleted.

That careful planning and short trip life put Singh among the two best Ford Fusion or C-MAX Energi fuel conservers in the country  at least among those participating in the competition using an app on their smartphone.

His mileage now is a little less, but he still has a lifetime average of more than 400 mpg. Hes driven 44,000 miles and used 106 gallons of fuel.

Singh is consistently first in the region in gas mileage but has trouble beating out an owner on the west coast, who he assumes lives in California, and who is consistently No. 1.

In electric mode, Singh points out that his car is smooth, quiet, with instant torque.

And you cant beat the economics, even when gasoline is relatively inexpensive, he says.

Right now he is paid 54 cents a mile when he uses his car to drive clients of Region V Services. It costs him about 2 cent a mile when he is using electric only. So his expense check makes his car payment. (He recently decided to buy the car he had been leasing).

People like the plug-in hybrids to save money and for improving the environment. But Singhs main objective in getting this plug-in hybrid was for patriotic reasons.

My motivation was to get off of oil. And I have found it incredibly easy to get off of oil, he said.

Singh said he and his plug-in hybrid are supporting the local economy, using electricity produced in Nebraska, though some of it is made with coal from Wyoming.

However, oil is a global commodity and the price of gas in Lincoln is set, in part, by the world market and always will be, says Singh, who has an undergraduate degree from UNL in economics.

Even if you dont care about the environment, Singh said, it is patriotic to keep your money out of the hands of the Middle East.

"It is better to send some of my money to Wyoming (for the coal) than to send it to Saudi Arabia," he said.

Plug-ins, he believes, are the car of the future, especially when people realize you are not giving up anything. Its like a normal car with a little electric car inside of it.

"Right now Im kind of a plug-in fanatic. If youve got a wall outlet within 25 feet of where you park a car, then you can use a plug-in hybrid."

And he expects people who have conventional hybrids will easily switch to the plug-ins. In fact, plug-in Priuses are outselling the regular Prius, he said.

Many people drive less than 25 miles a day, so they could do well with the plug-in hybrid, he says.

Singh loves his car. Its a good-looking car, with great performance and handling, he said. And Singh has a list of the benefits that roll off his tongue with no prompting:

* He can turn the car on and off with a phone. It will text message him when it is finished charging.

* He expects the car to have a long life. Right now, Singh has 44,000 miles on the odometer and 4,000 miles on the gas engine, and expects to keep the car for 300,000 miles.

* Summer or winter, his pit bull-lab mix Rosy is comfy in the car by herself, with the heater or air conditioner run by the battery, but with the engine off and the door locked so no one can steal the car or dog.

* Singh expects the battery to last beyond the 100,000-mile warranty, because California requires a 150,000-mile warranty. The replacement battery, he says, will likely cost less than $1,000.

* And when he uses gasoline, which he doesnt do very often, he gets around 40 mpg.

* Singh changes his oil every two years, not because he uses a lot of oil but because oil goes bad after that time.
Seven carefully embroidered words, framed and hanging for many years in the room where hundreds of students have learned to play the violin, say much about the recipient of the long-ago gift, a thank you from student to teacher.

Sir Morris Collier, say the carefully stitched letters. Lord of the Strings.

It's an apt description of Collier, who died April 23, and spent most of his 92 years playing the violin professionally and sharing his love of music with thousands of students.

The embroidered gift from three siblings who took lessons from Collier hints at the affection his students felt.

Years later, Collier and his wife Aleta played at the wedding of one of those children. Other students wrote about the influence he had on them.

Whenever I walked through the door to your house, I never knew whether I would be getting a lesson in viola, music history, theory or all three! wrote former Northeast student Tanner Pfieffer. It was never just about the black spots on the white page. It was about the composer, the analysis, the context, the purpose, the intent and the history. And that has changed the way I look, think about, hear and play music.

Born in Clinton, Oklahoma, Collier discovered his love of music  and string instruments  from a man who lost his job as a circus performer, settled in Clinton and gave music lessons.

Thats where he learned to play the violin, said daughter Susan Kowalski, who now lives in Albany, New York.

Music would be a part of his life from then on, accompanying him to the Navy, introducing him to his wife, making the couple mainstays in the Lincoln, Omaha and Hastings symphonies, inspiring his son and daughter.

Just growing up, everything was about music with some art thrown in, and nature, said his daughter.

As a young man, Collier was drafted and spent three years in the Navy, stationed in the Philippines, where he eventually managed to get his hands on a violin, though hed later tell his children it was held together with chicken wire.

When he got out of the Navy, he earned a bachelor's degree in music from the University of Oklahoma and a masters degree from the Eastman School of Music.

Meanwhile, a young woman named Aleta Snell was nurturing her own love of music and the violin. She earned a bachelors degree in music education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and took a teaching job in Scottsbluff.

Not long after, Lincoln Public Schools officials tried to recruit her to teach strings  but she was enjoying Scottsbluff too much, and turned them down.

Instead, LPS officials heard about a good musician from Oklahoma  and Morris Collier took them up on their offer. He worked in all schools, encouraging elementary-aged students to choose string instruments.

In the summer, he played in the UNL orchestra. Turns out, a Scottsbluff teacher came home for the summer and did the same.

Before long, Aleta and Morry shared a Coke at a little place called The Nook  one of the shops on campus long ago replaced by the Lied Center for Performing Arts.

In those days, Aleta recalled, we had Coke dates.

The Coke date bloomed into a 400-mile courtship and Aleta moved back to Lincoln, The two married in 1955.

For the next 52 years, the couple played together in the Lincoln and Omaha symphonies, in the Hastings Symphony and the Nebraska Chamber Players, as well as other performance groups in the region. They were half of a string quartet for many years.

Morry, who began playing with the Lincoln Symphony four years before he and Aleta married, was assistant concertmaster for 56 years. By the time the couple retired from the Lincoln Symphony in 2014, they were known as Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln Symphony.

Morry taught with Lincoln Public Schools for 17 years and co-founded the Lincoln Youth Symphony.

He just loved kids, Aleta said. He had such a passion for his music, he just wanted to share it.

After retiring from LPS, Collier taught another 17 years at Nebraska Wesleyan University and then at Seward's St. John Lutheran School, Concordia College and Kansas State University.

Throughout those years, both the Colliers taught private lessons in their home.

Both of their children are musicians, although Susan is the only one who made it her profession.

She was one of at least four of her dads students who went on to Eastman, one of the top music schools in the country.

When she was there, she said, she learned just what a good teacher shed had, because her dad taught not just technique, but how to find the inspiration in music.

Hed say to me, Every note has meaning, Susan said. He was a technician, but it was always in the service of the music.

At Eastman, she said, she was surprised at how her fellow musicians competed, comparing themselves to each other, worrying they didnt measure up.

Her dad taught her a very different mindset. His confidence in his students made them confident, she said.

"He would make you feel you could do anything, she said. It was all about reaching. Why not try?

Collier, who had congestive heart failure for a number of years, began failing in recent weeks after coming down with the flu and pneumonia.

He never did stop teaching.

The day before he died, his son Ray, a musician who works at the Nebraska Supreme Court, visited with a longtime friend, a cellist.

Ray played the guitar during the visit, and his friend picked up the violin in the room.

Collier started instructing the cellist-turned-violinist, and music filled the room.

He was teaching, said his daughter. As they were giving to him, he was giving to them.
Steep car parking fines are a modern day curse, raking in millions of pounds every year for private firms and cash-starved councils.

Although car park operators are using increasingly sinister tactics to ensure these fines are paid, victims can hit back. About half of fines challenged are overturned.

The latest trick being employed by firms is to pay the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency to provide private address details that can be traced from a car number plate.

Outlaws: Parking firms are using sinister methods to grab your money

Armed with this information, the companies  running car parks at hospitals, shopping centres and restaurants  are sending threatening letters demanding up to 100 in fines.

Last year, a record 4.7million people had their addresses bought for 2.50 a piece by car park operators, earning the agency almost 12million.

Philip Gomm, of The RAC Foundation, says: Fines sent through the post often use intimidating wording and extortionate charges are often levied for minor infringements  such as accidentally overstaying in a car park by just a few minutes.

Private companies earn an estimated 500million a year from issuing parking fines. While equivalent data is not available from councils, they pocket at least 750million from a combination of car parking charges and fines.

Parking campaigner Barrie Segal, who runs website AppealNow, says: They are the modern-day version of Dick Turpin, acting like outlaws by making outrageously unfair penalty demands. It is a huge money-spinner for them. Key to the success of many car park operators is the use of bullying tactics.

If you pay up in 14 days, they say, the penalty amount will be halved, panicking most motorists to foot the bill rather than fight a charge.

There is also the threat of sending debt collectors round if a fine goes unpaid, though bailiffs cannot go knocking on a door without first going to court. What the parking attendants fail to reveal is that half of motorists who fight a fine eventually win. But you must arm yourself with information and have the stomach for a fight.

Got a ticket? The first golden rule: do NOT hand over your money Be prepared: Legal expert Jeanette Miller PREPARE FOR APPEAL If you have been issued with a ticket you deem to be unfair do not hand over any cash. If you do, you are effectively admitting responsibility. While half of all appeals succeed, be prepared for a lengthy process. Jeanette Miller is managing director of national motoring law specialist Geoffrey Miller Solicitors. She says: It rarely pays to hire a lawyer in cases involving disputed car parking fines. But if you are aware of the law and do your homework it will boost your chances of success. She points out that The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 was introduced to stamp out car clamping. But as a concession to the car park operators, it paved the way for private firms to chase motorists using details gleaned from the DVLA. Under the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999, any sums demanded must be deemed fair and reasonable. But this still means an 85 fine for overstaying by a few minutes might be deemed fair in a court of law if it is seen as a legitimate deterrent. Miller, president of the Association of Motor Offence Lawyers, adds: Take time to prepare a case, do not just get angry. Revisit the car park, take photos, write targeted letters and be prepared to attend court.

PARKING CHARGE NOTICE

Motorists fined for overstaying a paid-for period or parking without permission on private land are issued with a parking charge notice. If a motorist wants to challenge the fine, they can take up their argument with the car park firm. If it will not listen, motorists must seek redress through arbitration.

If the company is a member of the British Parking Association, such as NCP, drivers can contact Parking on Private Land Appeals within 28 days.

Alternatively, the car park operator might be a member of the International Parking Community, in which case someone disputing a fine must take it to the Independent Appeals Service.

Car park firms not affiliated to a trade group will find it harder to chase you for a fine.

In theory, only members of the British Parking Association and International Parking Community should be able to track you down through the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency database.

Parking fines: You have 28 days to appeal

PENALTY CHARGE NOTICE

A car parking fine on council-owned land is known as a penalty charge notice.

The process of appeal is more structured than for parking on private land. Motorists have 14 days to argue their case with the council, after which it will issue a notice to owner for those intent on continuing to fight their case.

Motorists then get a further 28 days to make a formal representation. If the appeal is rejected, a notice of rejection is issued. Those intent on battling their case can then go to an adjudicator.

In England and Wales this is the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. In Scotland it is the Parking and Bus Lane Tribunal for Scotland while in Northern Ireland it is the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (Northern Ireland).

In the capital there is a separate institution  London Tribunals. You have 28 days to argue your case with the appropriate tribunal.

MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES

Poorly marked signs: The car park firm must prove all signs were clearly visible and that the parking rules were marked out and not obscured  for example, by trees or poor night lighting.

If markings on a bay were rubbed out, this can help in disputing a fine if it is issued for being in the wrong spot.

Ticket not visible: If you had a valid ticket but it fell off the dashboard or was upside down you can present this as evidence. Councils are more likely to accept this argument than private firms.

Three-minute rule: If you get a ticket in the first three minutes after arriving you can argue that you had gone to find a machine to buy one.

A broken car park machine: If the ticket machine is out of order it is up to you to see if there is another one in the car park. If you cannot find one take a photo of the broken equipment as proof.

Emergency stop: If you can offer evidence of a breakdown or other mitigating circumstance, such as pulling over for health reasons or to help someone in trouble, this may help your cause. A doctors certificate can help if you are caught ill.

A legal technicality: A private firm is not issuing an official fine but notice for a breach of contract.

You might therefore ask to see the contract between the company and landowner to see if it is watertight. A firm must prove it correctly issued a charge.
A handful of websites and forums are claiming to have unearthed impossibly cheap flights thanks to airline pricing glitches - but are they just too good to be true?

These sites scour the web for cheap deals entered online through human error or technical mistakes, and which can mean rock bottom prices thanks to a missing zero or a first-class deal at standard ticket prices.

When This is Money checked, the cheap deals uncovered ranged from a return ticket to St Lucia for 299 to a 39 flight to Sardinia.

Error fares: Pricing mistakes could mean you pay less for your dream trip but there are risks

Most people will use a price comparison site to compare ticket prices when planning their trip and if you're lucky, you may stumble across a surprisingly cheap ticket when searching for flights yourself.

But these specialist 'error fare' websites claim to do the hard work for you thanks to a community of travel enthusiasts searching the web for eye-catching offers.

Pricing mistakes are of course pretty rare, according to a spokesperson for error fare site, Secret Flying - they tend to pop up about once a week.

In practice, this means that a lot of the deals highlighted by these tools are simply surprisingly cheap prices which may be part of airline sales or promotions.

Even so, we found jaw-droppingly good value deals on these sites ranging from a round-trip to LA from London costing 345 and a return trip from London to Cotsta Rica for 299 to return trips to New York for just 331.

Suzanne Perry, travel expert at flight comparison site, KAYAK, said: 'Error fares occasionally occur when the final price of a flight is miscalculated or important costs like fuel surcharges or airport taxes are missed off, usually down to technical glitches or human error.'

They may also occur when there is a mix up with the exchange rate conversion or a digit is missing from the price or a decimal place is added in the wrong place.

Many of the tools out there focus on flights from the US, however there are a handful which have deals from UK and European airports, including Secret Flying, Fly4free, flynous and cheapflightslab.

You can often sign up to weekly email round-ups or newsflashes when a cheap deal comes up from error fare sites.

If you are on the hunt for one of these tickets you could also try using social media. Try searching using possible combinations such as #errorfare #mistakefares #airlineglitch.

Typically, error fare sites will highlight which dates and airports feature these low-price tickets and link to the websites hosting the deals.

They all, however, display significant disclaimers that if an airline cottons on it may cancel your ticket.

A famous example of this was back in 2015 when savvy bookers found a pricing error offering a ticket from London to New York for just 50 with United Airlines.

Unfortunately the American airline later cancelled the tickets disappointing thousands of customers who thought they had found an impossible bargain.

SO WHAT DISCOUNTS CAN YOU FIND? Searching a few of European sections for the most popular error fare sites we found the following deals: A round-trip to LA from London costing 364

A return trip from London to Sri Lanka for 299

Return trips to either China or Japan from Manchester for 287

Direct flights from Birmingham or London to Cancun, Mexico for only 299 roundtrip This is Money also spoke to Secret Flying about what type of deals its users have been able to nab at a discount successfully. These airline mistakes don't always mean lower-priced flights, one example highlighted by the service pointed out a glitch which meant customers could get $150 off their ticket price with holiday provider, JetBlue. While the discount was meant to come with a minimum spend restriction, the loophole meant one customer was able to book flights for six people from Boston to New York for $11 (currently worth 8.98), according to Secret Flying. Another deal offered flights from a range of European cities to the US at huge discounts, including return flights between New York and Lisbon for $167 (currently worth 136.36) .

Are they safe to book?

If you spot one of these error fares, the most important consideration will of course be your rights.

Will airlines actually honour the pricing mistake or could you be left high and dry?

Airlines naturally dont want flyers to find these mistakes as it means they lose money.

This means holidaymakers will want to act fast to take advantage of the loophole before the company gets wise to the problem.

However it also means you will need to be careful if you do book a deal with a pricing error.

Sunnier climes: glitch tickets could bag you an impossibly cheap deal

If you call up the airline to check, chances are you will highlight the problem to the provider and the deal will disappear.

Small errors are unlikely to attract airlines' attention, meaning buyers may get away with booking these deals without the company flagging a mistake.

However if they do find a mistake, airlines are under no legal obligation to honour any errors in price.

According to Robert Burgess, of HeadforPoints.com, says: 'General contract law applies to fare mistakes, in the same way that it applies to a price mistake on the Tesco website or anywhere else. Even if you place an order for an incorrectly priced product, the company involved has the right to rescind it as long as a reasonable person should have realised it was a mistake.'

Flights to and from the US used to be an exception with separate rules forcing airlines to honour any pricing mistake, but sadly new rules came into force into 2015 meaning this is no longer the case.

Some airlines however may still honour mistakes they find by choice.

According to a spokesperson for Secret Flying: 'Despite the new DOT ruling, some airlines realise the negative publicity that can result from not honouring the fares is best avoided. We've seen airlines' social media accounts light up with thousands of comments attacking their decision. A couple of years back Alitalia reversed their decision to cancel tickets after their Facebook page was spammed for days.'

KAYAK's Suzanne Perry adds: 'While these errors are completely unpredictable, those lucky enough to stumble upon cheaper than usual flights can sometimes make phenomenal savings.

'However, customers need to be aware that error fare tickets can be cancelled by the provider, even after the payment has been received. In these circumstances full refunds are usually made by the provider but there is always a risk that flyers could end up with no flight, out of pocket and out of luck.'

Usually a full refund to your account will follow any cancellation, but if you are considering trying to cash in on a pricing mistake you should definitely take some precautions to make sure you dont lose any money.

It is wise to put off booking any other holiday plans such as accommodation, transfers or car hire which depend on the flights.

And check the airlines terms and conditions, some will reserve the right to cancel your order right up until they deliver the tickets to you.

Finally, always book with a credit card. When you spend between 100 and 30,000, as long as some of the purchase is made using a credit card, you can claim back all of the cost from your credit card company, under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, if something goes wrong.
Waverton is an unfamiliar investment brand to most investors and financial advisers. But it is quietly gaining traction.

Based in Londons upmarket St Jamess, home to many a secretive investment company, Waverton Investment Management now has more than 5billion of assets under its wing.

But it is keen to get bigger, acknowledging that scale is increasingly important in an industry where the pressure on profit margins is immense. Hence, the big mergers involving leading investment brands  Henderson with Janus Capital and Standard Life with Aberdeen.

Sentiment: Percy wants to see the Conservatives returned to power with a bigger majority

Wavertons preferred modus operandi is not to find a perfect bed partner, but to grow organically. Somewhat perversely in light of this strategy, it is extremely shy about promoting its wares, as managing director Algernon Percy readily admits.

We dont advertise on London Underground or on billboards, he says, which means we are not a household investment name. But we have a good reputation among wealth managers and hope to feed off that.

Though Waverton is a relatively new name, the underlying business is long-standing. It was set up in 1986 as JO Hambro Investment Management (Johim)  not to be confused with JO Hambro Capital Investment, a popular retail investment house, also based in St Jamess.

But in early 2014, after Credit Suisse sold it to Bermuda-listed financial services group Somers, it changed its name to Waverton, the name of the house that Johim founder Richard Hambro lived in until his death in 2009. Though Somers has a controlling 62.5 per cent stake, the rest is owned by the 120-strong staff.

Global brands focus: The fund is predominantly invested in equities (79 per cent)

The firms focus is on delivering investment returns for clients. It is primarily an equity house, though it is happy to invest in other assets when necessary.

The Waverton Portfolio Fund reflects the businesss current investment thinking. It is managed by Percy with assistance from Alexandra Buchan and has 49 positions in a basket of equities, fixed-interest bonds, alternative investments (gold and infrastructure) and a little cash.

Predictably, the fund is predominantly invested in equities (79 per cent), with an emphasis on companies with strong global brands, such as Amazon, Apple and Prudential. Some of its overseas holdings are through in-house funds (for example, Waverton European Capital Growth and Waverton Asia) and external funds (Morant Wright Japan and RWC Global Emerging Markets). This is done, says Percy, to diversify the fund and keep down costs.

While most holdings are overseas, Percy has been gently increasing the funds UK exposure in light of an expected strengthening in the pound. The most recent purchase has been a stake in commercial property company Land Securities.

The calling of a General Election has not persuaded him to tinker unduly with the fund. But he hopes to see a Conservative Government with a bigger majority. Such an outcome, he says, would be beneficial for market sentiment and the UK economy. As investment managers, what we want most is stability.

Long term, Percy is adamant that the best way for people to participate in global economic growth is through equities.

But just in case the Election outcome on June 8 is not as he hopes, his Portfolio Fund has three per cent exposure to gold.
A teddy bear offers a lifetime of unconditional love. It can also provide the promise of becoming a shrewd investment. Here, The Mail on Sundays TOBY WALNE examines the investment merits of this cuddly friend  and other money-making childhood companions.

Long tradition: Sarah, left, and Hannah Holmes of Merrythought, the last British maker of bears

TEDDY BEAR

The teddy bear was born in 1902 when Richard Steiff was inspired by watching bears perform at a circus. He convinced his aunt Margarete, a toy company owner, to make some stuffed bears and despite her reservations this cuddly toy proved an immediate hit.

The earliest Steiff survivors are the most sought after. The record price is 110,000 paid in 1994 for a 1905 Steiff Teddy Girl bear that accompanied a British Army colonel during the Second World War D-Day landings in France as a lucky mascot.

A Titanic mourning bear made of black mohair in the wake of the tragic sinking of the ship in 1912 went for 91,750 in 2000, while a tatty looking 1904 Steiff bear sold for 82,000 in 2002.

Daniel Agnew is a specialist in antique teddy bears. He says: A key part of the value of a teddy bear is what I refer to as the aah factor. It does not matter if the bear is old and in tatty condition. If the teddy looks loveable, you have found a collectable.

Agnew, a former auctioneer at Christies, believes bears made before the Second World War are the most collectable because of the quality of manufacture and their rarity.

Bear market: Teddy expert Daniel Agnew says the Aah factor is key

Although Steiff is the most well known bear maker, it is not the only one. Others include German makers Schuco, Gebruder Bing and Gebruder Sussenguth. British bears highly sought after include those made by Merrythought, JK Farnell, Chiltern, Deans and Chad Valley.

Early 20th Century bears tend to have longer arms and a humped back so they can stand on all fours like a real bear as well as sit up as a cuddly friend.

It was not until 1906 that the term teddy started to be used. This was when the cuddly toys started to be exported to America. US President Theodore Teddy Roosevelt was a keen hunter but had refused to shoot an injured bear  portrayed in a 1902 cartoon that forever linked him to the animal.

The teddy sold for 110,000

Agnew warns collectors to be aware of fakes. He says: Quality bears are made of mohair, the hair of an angora goat. Others have a synthetic fur mix. The stuffing of older authentic bears is often comprised of long thin strands of wood that look a bit like straw that can crumble into sawdust around the moving joints.

Another sign of authenticity is if the bear has a broken growler or squeaker as was fitted in most old bears. If you find one where it is working, it is probably a sign that it is a fake. You can rarely pick up a quality pre-Second World War bear for less than 100, while you should expect to pay anything from 300 to several thousand pounds for an old teddy of investment value.

Sarah Holmes, a director of Merrythought, the last remaining British teddy bear manufacturer, says quality bears last a lifetime. She adds: Their appeal is timeless, for adults as well as children. As one of the first companions in your life it creates a special bond that is unique.

Sarah is in the fourth generation in a family business set up in 1930. Her sister Hannah is also a director. She says if a bear is falling apart it can be repaired, but it is best to use a professional restorer such as Bear It In Mind to make sure it maintains its value.

Enthusiasts can visit the Woburn Abbey Teddy Bear Festival on Sunday, June 11, which showcases both modern and antique bears.

BARBIE AND SINDY

Girl power: Sindy, left, and Barbie. Early Sindy dolls in an original box will fetch 1,000

Despite her age and several facelifts, Barbie looks in great shape.

The plastic blonde began life in 1959 wearing a black-and-white swimsuit. She cost 1.70 new but today, if still in her original box, she can sell for 8,000, while if played with she can still fetch 2,500  if she has the original lacquer on her hair.

Kathy Taylor is a valuer at toy auctioneer Vectis in Stockton-on-Tees. She says Barbies origins were less wholesome than her squeaky clean image. The inspiration behind Barbie was a racy adult doll called Bild Lilli, who was a sexually uninhibited cartoon character, she says. Although Barbie kept the same curves, the make-up was toned down to give her a more family friendly appeal.

Bild Lilli was first made in Germany in 1955. She caught the eye of a 15-year-old girl called Barbara while on a vacation in 1956. The teenagers mother was Ruth Handler, co-founder of the Mattel toy company, who adapted the doll for children and launched it in America in 1959.

Bild Lilli dolls from the 1950s can command a price of 3,000. Later Barbie models regularly fetch three-figure sums, with rare redheads particularly sought after.

While Barbie was named after Barbara, her brother Kenneth did not get his own namesake Ken until 1961. He is less sought after among collectors and early examples of this drippy boyfriend now sell for less than 500. Barbie always preferred Action Man when it came to toy box adventures. Following the success of Barbie, British toy manufacturer Pedigree Dolls & Toys launched in 1963 a more wholesome pre-pubescent rival named Sindy.

In her late 1960s heyday, she was a best-selling doll, but when Hasbro bought the rights to her in the late 1970s she was remodelled to look more American and less of a girl-next-door.

Early Sindy dolls in an original box will fetch 1,000, while later 1960s examples with the chic look of model Twiggy can go for 300. Buyers must be wary of Frankenstein fakes made from bits of old dolls to make a new model. An early vintage Barbie can be recognised thanks to a date stamp branded on to her right bottom cheek.

ACTION MAN

The Armed Forces figure Action Man was launched in Britain by Palitoy in 1966. He was seen as a high-risk venture at the time but became a huge success. He was based on a GI Joe action figure launched in America in 1964. Although early models are popular investments  worth up to 600 boxed  it is Action Mans wardrobe that commands the highest prices.

What a belter: Action Mans judo suit sold for 5,400

Taylor says: We sold an Action Man judo suit with a full set of belts from 1969 in original packaging for a record 5,400 a couple of years ago. It originally sold for 12 shillings  60p.

Other highly sought-after costumes include a Soldiers of the Century Green Beret outfit complete with a rare Silver Star medal worth at least 1,000. Early Action Man came as an Armed Forces soldier, sailor or pilot  and also had a dog tag.

It was not until 1970 that the fuzzy hair replaced the lick of plastic paint on top of his head. At the same time the head was softened and a scar on his right cheek was improved to make him look even tougher.

He had to wait three more years before he could properly pick up a gun, but unfortunately these gripping hands had a tendency to crumble and fingers fell off.

In 1977 Action Man visited an optician and was given Eagle-Eyes that allowed him to survey the horizon thanks to a lever on the back of his neck.

Figures from the 1970s that are in pristine condition  and ideally boxed  sell for more than 200. Unboxed, Action Mans value more than halves.

Despite loyal service to several generations of youngsters, Action Man was discharged from duty in 1984 when war toys fell out of favour.

He returned in 1993, made by new manufacturer Hasbro, but did not quite recapture his former glory. For collectors these figures are not investments.
Sirius Minerals is more than just another stock market-listed company. It is an adventure  a blend of British pioneering spirit at its best, mixed with thoroughly modern technology and a large dose of Australian perseverance.

Sirius is developing a 200-square mile mining project in the middle of the Yorkshire Moors and just a few miles from Teesside.

The site is home to the largest and highest-grade polyhalite resource in the world. Polyhalite is a top quality, multi-nutrient fertiliser that appears to have significant advantages over most conventional alternatives.

Ambitious: Sirius Minerals raised 940m last year for the 200-square mile mine near Whitby

The scheme is the biggest mining project in the UK in decades and has been compared to mine sites developed during the Industrial Revolution, in terms of its ultimate scale, national economic contribution and regional social impact.

Run by Australian former banker Chris Fraser, the company has made huge strides since Midas last looked at it in 2012, when the shares were 25p.

First, the company has quantified how much polyhalite it will be able to mine from just a small part of the overall site  2.66billion tons or around 10million tons annually for more than 260 years. Second, it has secured full planning permission, after agreeing to more than 90 conditions, ranging from road and rail upgrades to funding for tourism.

Third, it raised $1.2billion (940million) last November to finance construction and development costs, from a mixture of new shares, a convertible bond and a royalty agreement with an Australian company.

A group of banks is already in place to provide more cash via a loan of up to $2.6billion, supported by the Governments UK Guarantee Scheme, which backs big infrastructure projects. And last week, the group moved from AIM to the main market of the London Stock Exchange  an unusual step for a business that will not make any money until some time after 2021. Construction has started too, so the project is really under way.

Siriuss efforts have been extensive but the shares  having risen to more than 50p last year  are now virtually unchanged from 2012 at 25p. The current price certainly reflects last years fundraising, which involved the issue of more than 1.8 billion new shares at 20p. But there are other factors that may deter investors.

The projects sheer size and complexity may not be to everyones taste. Six banks, including Lloyds and RBS, have been appointed to arrange the debt facility, but they will need to bring in contributions from other lenders. Assuming they succeed, billions of pounds will be poured into the site to move it to production and, in the meantime, the company will remain loss- making.

Construction incurs further risk. The polyhalite is a mile underground and almost the entire project is being built below the surface to ensure that the mine does not become a blot on the landscape. Fraser is extremely capable, but mines are notoriously accident-prone during the construction phase.

Then there is the polyhalite itself, which is rarely seen outside North Yorkshire. The mineral provides four essential ingredients for crops  potassium sulphur, magnesium and calcium. It also appears to reduce root disease, enhance the amount of nutrients absorbed and benefit the soil.

Fraser believes he can sell his product around the world, particularly in huge crop-producing countries, such as the US, Brazil and China. Discussions are under way and some customers have already said they will buy the companys polyhalite in the future. But Fraser still has some persuading to do.

Trials: Sirius has been testing polyhalite on 26 crops ranging from corn to cabbage since 2013

Polyhalite is cheaper than most fertilisers but it is not widely used today, so the global farming industry will need to be convinced that it does the trick. To that end, Sirius has been conducting trials since 2013, testing polyhalite on 26 crops ranging from corn to cabbage in 14 countries. So far, the results are encouraging.

If all goes well, Siriuss polyhalite project could prove extremely rewarding for local people, British exports and investors. The company is already funding regional apprenticeships and will probably create at least 1,000 jobs once the site is up and running.

Around 500 landowners, ranging from small, Yorkshire farmers to the Crown Estate own the land on the surface of the mine and will also receive royalties once production starts.

On a national basis, polyhalite could prove to be a valuable export commodity  a top-of-the-range British fertiliser sold all over the world.

And for shareholders, a successful project and global demand would translate into profits of hundreds of millions of pounds, a soaring share price and robust annual dividends.

Midas verdict: Sirius Minerals is not a share for the faint-hearted, nor for investors seeking income in the short term. But for those who are prepared to take a risk, Sirius provides an opportunity to be part of one of the most ambitious industrial projects to come out of the UK in decades. An adventurous, long-term buy.
A court hearing to force former BHS owner Dominic Chappells family business into administration has been adjourned. The judge said on Friday he needed more time to consider evidence in the case of Retail Acquisitions.

The case is now set to be heard on Wednesday as Chappell battles Duff & Phelps, the administrator, for control of the firm.

Duff & Phelps said Retail Acquisitions owed 6million to the collapsed estate of BHS and was insolvent. But Chappells representatives said he was preparing legal action to recover funds allegedly owed to Retail Acquisitions by Sir Philip Greens Arcadia Group.

Adjourned court hearing: Former BHS owner Dominic Chappell

The claim, which has yet to be launched and which has been dismissed by Arcadia, relates to proceeds from the sale of BHSs London head office, Marylebone House. Chappells aides said this claim would be more difficult to pursue if Retail Acquisitions were declared bankrupt.

Retail Acquisitions was used by Chappell to buy BHS for 1 from Sir Philip in March 2015. BHS collapsed a year later, putting 11,000 staff out of work and leaving a 571million pension deficit. Green has handed over 363million to help plug the hole in the fund.

On Thursday, a separate court case against Chappell brought by the Insolvency Service was also adjourned.
One of Europes biggest lingerie brands is planning a British invasion that could deal a blow to established retailers.

Hunkemoller chief executive Philip Mountford said his staff were looking at options that may include a shop on Oxford Street in Central London.

Weve got 900 stores, he said. Were about to go into Switzerland and Norway and our team is looking at London. When we find the right opportunity we will go in.

Appeal: Hunkemoller may soon open in Oxford Street

The Dutch company is hoping its first UK store could open by the end of next year, but it could be earlier if an attractive opportunity arises.

The UK is dominated by retailers like Marks & Spencer and Debenhams, he added. We fit perfectly into the niche between M&S and Victorias Secret.

Mountford has been touted as a possible candidate for several senior retail jobs in the UK, but he dismissed the rumours saying there was zero chance.
Top bosses have been urged to speak out during the General Election campaign amid claims that businesses are wary of making political statements after a bruising experience during last years EU referendum.

General Elections are usually not complete without a letter to newspapers signed by company chiefs to urge support for their chosen party, but experts say that is less likely to happen this time.

Business chiefs  many of whom have supported the Tories over the years  may be worried about being seen to back a party committed to a hard Brexit which they see as damaging. But at the same time they do not wish to be seen to be opposing the leading contenders in the poll on June 8.

General Elections: Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, left, and PM Theresa May

Edwin Morgan, deputy director of policy at business lobby group the Institute of Directors, said: Businesses shouldnt be afraid to speak out about issues that affect them  whether thats taxes, skills, infrastructure or any other political decision.

But they cant forget that their staff, customers and suppliers will all have their own views and may not like it if a company gets into bed with one party. Business leaders who put their heads over the parapet during the referendum risked being attacked, so they may be more wary in this campaign.

This Election will be missing an important voice if companies stay quiet. The best way to get involved is to focus on the pros and cons of the policies the parties put forward.

In the General Election of 2015 more than 100 business leaders signed a letter to newspapers backing the Tories.

Experts said endorsements from wealthy company bosses are not likely to be effective at influencing the voting intentions of households which describe themselves as just about managing. May has been attempting to persuade this group that she is on their side.

Iain Anderson, a public affairs expert who runs consultancy Cicero, said: The whole tenor of this Government is not to have boardrooms telling voters how to vote. It wants to be a Government for everyone, not just for those at the top. I just dont think it would work as a campaign strategy.

'Polarised': Sir Vince Cable said he was still hopeful of getting business endorsements for the Liberal Democrats

Anderson said he expected May to copy the Leave campaigns tactics of enrolling major entrepreneurs and small businesses rather than seeking endorsements from bosses of FTSE 100 companies.

He added that if there was no business letter it would be the first time in living memory.

The Tories would not comment on potential business endorsements this weekend, while Labour said it had ongoing engagement with businesses across the UK.

Former Business Secretary Sir Vince Cable, who is trying to win back his Twickenham seat for the Liberal Democrats, said the Tories still might hope to see a letter from bosses.

They may find it a bit harder this time, he said. Some of the business groups are very anti-Brexit, he said. They are quite torn internally.

The atmosphere is becoming very polarised. Theres some worry that it wouldnt do them good to be on the wrong side of the argument. Cable said he was still hopeful of getting business endorsements for the Liberal Democrats.

Jobs scare: Banks that warned of the consequences of Brexit have faced criticism since last June amid suggestions that they will not have to move staff to the EU as they previously said

Several prominent bosses who signed the 2015 letter told The Mail on Sunday that they would not be taking a public position this time. One chairman said: Business has been used as a bit of a political punchbag recently and there hasnt been any real effort  from either party  to involve the business community in the debate.

Presumably there will be some attempt to engage at some point and it will be interesting to see how that goes, if and when it happens.

Banks that warned of the consequences of the EU referendum vote have faced particular criticism since last June amid suggestions that they will not have to move staff to the EU as they previously claimed would be the case.

Another signatory of the 2015 letter said the upcoming Election was already a done deal, making it less likely that business leaders would step in or be called upon to do so.

But he added: The wisdom of Brexit would all go to one side if its a choice between Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn. Everything he wants to do is laudable  more schools, more hospitals  but he seems to forget its business that builds the jobs and makes everything possible.

Its what powers the country, but there is a feeling that Corbyn is anti-business. Were presented as the bad boys.
A shadow Minister has asked the Chancellor to say if he approved 125million of legal expenses incurred by Royal Bank of Scotland, which include 6.5million to defend former boss Fred Goodwin.

Louise Haigh, Shadow Minister for the Digital Economy, tabled three parliamentary questions about the payments last week.

RBS is being sued by former shareholders over its 12billion rights issue in 2009. They allege they were misled over the strength of the bank.

Legal costs: RBS former boss Fred Goodwin

The bank said last week it had settled with shareholders representing 87 per cent of the value of the original claim.

RBS also said it had to pay Goodwins legal costs, adding: It is normal practice under company law that directors would be indemnified in relation to any third party legal action arising from their tenure at the bank.

The Treasury declined to comment.
SIPHOFANENI  His Majesty King Mswati III wants to see millionaires from Lubombo Region and food security being achieved in the country.



The King said this when he officially opened the E700 million European Union funded infrastructure projects at Siphofaneni yesterday.

The projects include the upgraded St Philips road and bridges, including a state-of-the-art high level bridge, as well as the provision of potable water for the communities of Siphofaneni, Somntongo and Matsanjeni under the Support to Water and Sanitation in Swaziland (SWASS) project.



Beneficiaries



Through this project, the beneficiaries will get a 20-litre of water for E0.30 instead of E2.50.

His Majesty said he had been informed that before the construction of this road and bridges, it was difficult to travel and to transport farm products to markets during rainy seasons.

He said this was because the road would be slippery while the Usuthu and Mhlathuzane Rivers were difficult to cross during the rainy seasons.



The King said this meant that farmers products were not reaching the market on time and sometimes remained with them until it became spoilt, something which created a huge loss to them.

Again, people could not travel from one place to another during the rainy seasons, which made farm production difficult.



With this projects being officially opened today, and with the help you get from financial institutions, we hope we will soon see millionaires from the region because your products will not rot and will reach the market on time, he said.

Security

Again, His Majesty the King said sometime back, the nation took a decision of ensuring that there was food security in the kingdom, adding that the newly launched projects were also meant to assist the country in achieving this goal to an extent that some food would be exported to other countries.



I urge the communities to work tirelessly with SWADE in order to achieve these goals.

The King said this was because communities in the Lubombo and Hhohho regions could attest to the fact that sugar cane farming had introduced a new dimension in their lives.

He said the natural vegetation had been turned into hectares of sugar cane and that they were encouraged that Swazis were playing a key role in the production of the Swazi gold, a significant contributor to the countrys economic growth.

St Philips Road was upgraded from gravel to bitumen standard, while the SWASS project entailed the construction of water reservoirs and piping system in order to ensure the provision of clean water to the three beneficiary communities.
MBABANE  When he initially protested against what he deemed unfair treatment of people under his constituency, Lobamba Constituency Headman didnt anticipate that this could threaten his life.



Following the expulsion of at least 40 recruits from the Umbutfo Swaziland Defence Force (USDF) Infantry School at Mbuluzi on Thursday, the headman, Anthony Bhembe is said to be frantic after receiving calls from anonymous people.

The said callers are said to be accusing him of having had a hand in the expulsion of the recruits from the infantry school.



The 40 recruits are said to have failed to prove that they used the legal route into the military in the recent nationwide recruitment exercise.

Bhembe is not taking the threats lightly as by yesterday morning he was contemplating going into hiding until the threats have been dealt with by the police.

By yesterday morning, even before Bhembe could have seen the newspapers, he had received at least three calls from anonymous people, accusing him of having cost them their jobs in the army.

He doesnt know whether these are some of the expelled recruits or other people using this as an excuse to get at him for whatever reason.



Bhembes sin is that the Lobamba constituency filed a complaint with the army, wherein they suspected corruption on the part of recruiting officers at their area.

It was alleged that the army brought with them candidates who posed as residents of Lobamba Royal Kraal (Umphakatsi) during the recruitment exercise at the constituency.

However, the Lobamba umphakatsi is said to have disowned them but despite the objections by the communitys representatives, the army personnel overruled them and ordered that the exercise continues, with the allegedly unknown candidates taking part.



The constituency committee monitoring the recruitment cried foul and after the indvuna yenkhudla had triple checked and found that the winners were not from the constituency, the matter was reported to the army headquarters.

The Lobamba Constituency, including Chief Mafohla, went to report the anomaly in protest against the recruitment.



A letter objecting to the recruitment under the Lobamba constituency was written to the army superiors and the story was published in the Times daily.



This was in February. I just received reports this morning that the Lobamba Indvuna Yekhundla is shaken and fears going home or be seen driving around in his car because some people have been calling and accusing him of having a hand in their dismissal from the army, said concerned members of the constituency yesterday.








WASHINGTON -- I've written a million columns critical of Donald Trump, give or take. This one is in praise.

His campaign was a toxic stew of dog whistles to white nationalists and at times overt anti-Semitism. He continued during his first weeks in office to flirt with the racist fringe; his administration excised any mention of Jews from a statement on the Holocaust; he suggested that the rise in anti-Semitic threats and violence since his election might be a false-flag campaign orchestrated by Jews; he repeatedly hesitated to disavow anti-Semitism; and his spokesman perversely claimed that the Jews Adolf Hitler gassed weren't "his own people."

But give him credit for this: Trump's speech in the Capitol Rotunda this week for the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum's Yom Hashoah remembrance ceremony was spot-on. Some highlights:

"The survivors in this hall, through their testimony, fulfill the righteous duty to never forget and engrave into the world's memory the Nazi genocide of the Jewish people."

"For the dead and the living we must bear witness. That is why we are here today, to remember and to bear witness, to make sure that humanity never, ever forgets."

"The Nazis massacred 6 million Jews. Two out of every three Jews in Europe were murdered in the genocide. ... Yet even today, there are those who want to forget the past. Worse still, there are even those filled with such hate, total hate, that they want to erase the Holocaust from history. Those who deny the Holocaust are an accomplice to this horrible evil."

Yes, he was reading from a teleprompter a speech somebody wrote for him. His delivery was prosaic and he occasionally repeated a phrase he liked as if reading the speech for the first time, which perhaps he was. So what? At least he gave the speech.

I don't pretend to know whether Trump has changed in his heart. His campaign was so laced with bigotry toward African Americans, Latinos and immigrants that the anti-Semitism was just one outrage. But his Holocaust speech and similar words in a video and a White House statement in recent days suggest that Trump has the capacity to adjust. And that's welcome news.

His first 100 days have been a disaster: No health-care reform, no travel ban, a passel of unmet promises, international confusion, historically low support. He has resorted to creating a fake sense of momentum with executive orders -- the kind of governing he and his allies decried when President Barack Obama did it.

But Trump has never been a man of consistent principles, and he has shown that he's willing to jettison his campaign program, changing his positions on China, trade, the debt, the influence of lobbyists and others. He has apparently backed down from his promise to build a wall, to avoid a government shutdown. I don't expect some broad transformation, but if he's moving even tentatively or temporarily in the right direction -- in this case, shifting from his courtship of Steve Bannon's alt-right nationalists -- he should be encouraged.

The Hill absurdly criticized Trump's Holocaust remembrance proclamation for using "similar wording to the Holocaust Museum website" when it said, "The Holocaust was the state-sponsored systematic persecution and attempted annihilation of European Jewry by the Nazi regime and its collaborators." The White House should be praised for echoing the museum's description of the Shoah.

My friend Peter Beinart quibbled in the Atlantic with Trump's speech for failing to acknowledge that "the Holocaust creates obligations to protect the dignity of all people, not just Jews." That's true, but given Trump's history, he needed to make a full-throated acknowledgment of Jews' suffering.

After a campaign that trafficked in the filth of anti-Semitism -- tweeting an image showing a Star of David atop a pile of cash; retweeting messages from white supremacists; refusing to condemn anti-Semitic threats against Jewish journalists; granting access and interviews to white-nationalist outlets; and closing with an ad showing prominent Jews juxtaposed with warnings of an international banking conspiracy -- Trump needed to speak clearly.

This week, he spoke. "Today, we remember the 6 million Jewish men, women and children whose lives and dreams were stolen from this Earth," he said. " We remember the hatred and evil that sought to extinguish human life, dignity and freedom." And, crucially, he added: "Today we mourn, we remember, we pray and we pledge: Never again."

Well said, Mr. President.
No contemporary Nebraska figure has been more immersed in foreign policy and national intelligence issues as a member of Congress than Doug Bereuter.

Bereuter served in the House longer than any other Nebraskan, leaving Congress in 2004 after a record 26 years.

In 2001, he was positioned to move up to the chairmanship of the House International Relations Committee before Rep. Henry Hyde of Illinois played his seniority card at nearly the last moment to claim that chairmanship.

Bereuter was a member of the House Intelligence Committee for almost 10 years.

Who better to assess President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office than this independent-minded Republican, especially when today's darkest headlines center on foreign policy, cyberattacks and potential military challenges such as North Korea, Iran and Syria.

All of that is accompanied by huge and complex foreign policy challenges in dealing with China and Russia.

"He is by experience and temperament not an ideal president," Bereuter suggested over a cup of coffee at The Mill in Lincoln's Haymarket.

"But he's learning," Bereuter said.

And some hopeful signs are beginning to emerge as Trump is "reversing himself on some international issues," he said.

After trashing NATO, the president is now supportive of the western alliance.

"I was very concerned by some of his initial campaign statements about NATO," Bereuter said. A member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly for 20 years, Bereuter completed that role as its president.

Some working relationship seems to have been established with China after Trump's early contact with Taiwan and an initial suggestion that he might abandon the "one China" policy that is the cornerstone of the U.S.-China relationship.

And there's been a less-noticed reversal that's more supportive now of the work of the Export-Import Bank, Bereuter said.

Replacement of Michael Flynn as national security adviser in favor of H.R. McMaster and selection of Jim Mattis as secretary of defense and Rex Tillerson as secretary of state were "very reassuring choices," Bereuter said.

"And I was pleased to see Steve Bannon taken off the National Security Council," he said.

However, Bereuter is troubled by Trump's proposed budget reductions at the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

And trade policy remains a big concern, one that particularly impacts Nebraska.

Especially challenging is the relationship with Russia and Vladimir Putin.

"Putin is an enemy of the United States in every respect," Bereuter said. "He will do everything possible to harm our interests."

Russia's cyber-interference in the U.S. presidential election was "outrageous (and) a terrible blow to our democracy," he said.

"This is a really brutal man who has his opposition killed. We should do everything to resist his further interference in Europe and elsewhere, including Syria."

Trump, Bereuter noted, said "very positive things about Putin during the campaign."

Bereuter said he believes it's vital for the House Intelligence Committee to proceed with a thorough investigation of what kind of connections, if any, existed between the Russian government and the Trump campaign.

That committee used to act in a bipartisan manner, he noted.

Bereuter gives Trump high marks for his decision to launch a carefully targeted missile strike on the Syrian airfield that based the aircraft used to direct a chemical weapons attack on Syrian citizens who are engaged in the civil war against the government of President Bashar al-Assad.

"I think that was exactly the right thing to do," Bereuter said.

And it came in sharp and welcome contrast to former President Barack Obama's decision not to retaliate against Syria's previous use of chemical weapons even after threatening to do so, Bereuter said.

Touching on the world's other hot spots, Bereuter said it might take a change of leadership in North Korea  "decapitation," in intelligence terms  to ease or reverse North Korea's nuclear arms threat and a generational change in Iran to hold its nuclear ambitions in check.

The question in Iran is whether the current nuclear containment agreement negotiated by the Obama administration along with international partners "delays them sufficiently to have a change in the regime that no longer seeks a nuclear arms capacity," Bereuter said.

Closer to home, Trump's decision to abandon the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement was a blow to Nebraska and other farm states, Bereuter said.

Beef and pork exports topped the list of U.S. commodities that would have benefited most from the agreement.

"Agriculture was not mentioned in the State of the Union address," Bereuter noted.

And the last Cabinet post that Trump filled was secretary of agriculture.

"Rural and agricultural America voted for him," Bereuter said. "Are they going to be disillusioned?" he asked.

Perhaps, Bereuter said, Trump will launch "a more aggressive bilateral trade policy" now.

Bereuter was a member of the international security advisory board for the U.S. State Department for seven years. He left Congress to become president of the Asia Foundation. His policy experience stretches from Europe to Asia, continents now in the midst of enormous change.

Whether Trump will deal wisely and successfully with all those developing international challenges "remains to be seen," Bereuter said.

But, he said, the fact that the new president has been reversing his position on some key issues is a positive sign.
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By Philip Newman

A 24-year-old Ozone Park man has pleaded guilty to sex trafficking for forcing a teen-age girl into prostitution beginning when she was 16 to endure a life in which her resistance brought only verbal and physical abuse, the Queens DA said.

The defendant enslaved a young girl, forced her to work as a prostitute and turn her earnings over to him, said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.

Brown identified the defendant as Shawn Hawkins, 24, of South Ozone Park, Queens. Hawkins pleaded guilty April 20 to sex trafficking before Acting Queens Supreme Court Justice Gia Morris, who indicated that she would sentence the defendant to an indeterminate term of two to six years in prison June 1.

Brown said that in pleading guilty, Hawkins admitted that he took the then 16-year-old victim to various Queens locations between Aug. 14, 2014 and Feb. 2, 2017 where she was forced to have sexual intercourse and/or oral sex with men in exchange for money. She was required to turn over her earnings to Hawkins, who demanded that she call him Daddy, Brown said.

Hawkins also took her identification from her at times to force her to engage in prostitution, according to the DA.

The victim said she feared Hawkins would hurt or kill her.
European Union leaders vowed Saturday to stand shoulder-to-shoulder behind their negotiating team during the divorce proceedings with Britain and warned that demands from British Prime Minister Theresa May will be dealt with "firmly."

The 27 EU leaders in Brussels finalized the cornerstones of their negotiating stance within minutes of starting a short summit, a month after the British leader triggered two years of exit talks on March 29. The negotiations themselves are to open shortly after Britain holds an early election on June 8.

"Guidelines adopted unanimously. EU27 firm and fair political mandate for the #Brexit talks is ready," EU Council President Donald Tusk tweeted.

The leaders say there can\t be any discussions on the future relationship between the EU and Britain before some key issues are settled. Those include how much Britain owes the bloc, what to do about the Irish land border with Britain and, Tusk said, making sure the welfare of citizens and families living in each other\s nations will be a priority.

The guidelines halted British hopes of having future trade relations being discussed concurrently all through the talks. Tusk said "before discussing the future, we have to sort out our past. We will handle it with genuine care  but firmly."

Some at the summit were already considering how to deal with possible British negotiating tactics.

"Maybe the British government will do its utmost to split the 27 nations and it is trap we need to avoid," said Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel.

Ever since the June 23 referendum last year in which Britons narrowly voted to leave the bloc, the remaining 27 EU nations have shown a rare exceptional unity. In contrast, citizens in Britain have been divided because of the momentous event looming.

Now, the EU is also intent on making Britain pay the divorce bill, which some EU officials have put as high as 60 billion euros ($65 billion).

"If you are no longer part of a club, it has consequences. A Brexit for free is not possible," Michel said.

To kick off the negotiations, Tusk wants to center on the millions of people living in each other\s nations who would be immediately affected.

All sides "need solid guarantees for all citizens and their families who will be affected by Brexit on both sides. This must be the No. 1 priority," Tusk said. Some 3 million citizens from the 27 nations live in Britain while up to 2 million Britons live on the continent, all facing massive uncertainly on such issues as health benefits, pensions, taxes, employment and education.

Tusk said the sustained unity of the 27 will help May since she will have political certainty throughout the talks.

"Our unity is also in the U.K.\s interest," he said. "I feel strong support from all the EU institutions, including the European Parliament, as well as all the 27 member states. I know this is something unique and I am confident it will not change."

Over the past years, the bloc has often been bitterly divided over issues like the financial crisis, the euro debt crisis, bailouts to financially-strapped members like Greece, and how to deal with the hundreds of thousands of migrants entering the bloc.

The 27 EU leaders also acknowledged that Northern Ireland could join the bloc in the future if its people vote to unite with EU member state Ireland.

The two share the same island, and the difficulties of re-establishing a land border once Britain leaves are immense and politically fraught.

Ireland\s Europe Minister Dara Murphy told The Associated Press that a statement on the Northern Ireland issue was added to the minutes of the summit, which is being held without Prime Minister Theresa May.

Future relations between Ireland and Britain, including how the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland would work with the U.K. outside the bloc, have emerged as a key problem to be addressed during the Brexit talks.

SOURCE: Associated Press
China has deported a U.S. citizen who was convicted of espionage this week after being held without trial for two years, removing a source of friction between Washington and Beijing.

Sandy Phan-Gillis was arrested in March 2015 while about to leave mainland China for the Chinese-ruled, former Portuguese colony of Macau. A court on Tuesday ordered her deportation after sentencing her to three-and-a-half years in prison for espionage.

She left China on Friday from the southern city of Guangzhou and arrived in Los Angeles on the same day, her husband said in a statement.

The Chinese government has not released details of the charges against Phan-Gillis. Her lawyer told Reuters on Tuesday he could not reveal details of the case because it involved "state secrets".

Her husband, Jeff Gillis, said China had accused Phan-Gillis of visiting the country twice on spy missions in 1996 and working with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation to capture two Chinese spies in the United States and turn them into double agents.

The deportation comes at a time of warming China-U.S. relations after U.S. President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Florida in early April.

In an interview with Reuters on Thursday, Trump called Xi a "good man" and praised him for his efforts to press North Korea to give up its development of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles.

Negotiations to secure the release Phan-Gillis intensified when Secretary of State Rex Tillerson visited Beijing in March, according to the San Francisco-based Dui Hua Foundation.

"Sandy is overjoyed to be reunited with friends and family, and sends out her thanks to the many people who worked tirelessly for her release," Gillis said.

SOURCE: REUTERS
It might take a few days to see unofficial results in Pa. Here's why

politics
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GUILDERLAND  A man wanted in connection with a New York City killing and a Schenectady woman were arrested Friday night at the Days Inn Motel on 1230 Western Ave. during an investigation into drug sales, town police said.

At about 8 p.m. officers knocked on the door of room 231 and identified themselves as police. As the door was opened, a man was seen throwing items out of the window, later determined to be narcotics. Some drugs were also on the bed.
COLONIE -- Matilda Raffa Cuomo received the first Liberty Partnerships Program Lifetime Achievement Award at a ceremony Friday.

The award was given as part of the annual Empire Promise Youth Summit at Desmond Hotel Center. It includes workshops that showcase the opportunities for youth and recognize the successes of program participants.

The late Gov. Mario Cuomo created the program in 1988 to address the state's significantly elevated high school dropout rate. Matilda Cuomo has been involved with the program since the start

"Matilda Cuomo's unanimous selection for the first Liberty Partnerships Program Lifetime Achievement Award could not be more appropriate," state Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia said. "Her long and continuous record of support for LPP since its creation and during the initial formative years of the program helped make it the success it is today. New York's former First Lady is a tireless advocate for New York's children and I'm honored to recognize her lifetime achievement."

"Nothing is more important than the success of New York State children, and the Liberty Partnerships Program has been a long-standing force for positive change," Matilda Cuomo said. "It is an honor to continue the legacy of my husband Mario Cuomo, and I am proud to accept this distinguished award."
CABARET

In "Tilting at Windmills," actress Shanara Gabrielle sings about her triumphs and tribulations as a performer, a parent and a partner. Gabrielle, who will perform her cabaret at the Fort Salem Theater this week, has a connection to theater owner Jay Kerr: She sang on a 2001 recording of "War Bonds," a score co-written by Kerr. Gabrielle, an actress based in the Midwest, is a theater veteran who has worked at venues across the country, including the Guthrie Center, Great Lakes Theater and Northern Stage. Her television work includes appearances on "Chicago Fire," "Conviction" and "Conan." 2 p.m. Sunday. $20. Fort Salem Theater, 11 E. Broadway, Salem. 854-9200; http://www.fortsalemtheater.com

MUSIC

The works of three Russian composers are part of "Russian Piano Pieces," a concert featuring Russian pianist Anna Keiserman. Keiserman, who made her debut with the Volgograd Symphony National Orchestra at age 15, will perform selections by Sergei Rachmaninoff, Nikolai Medtner and Rodion Shchedrin. The concert will feature Rachmaninoff's Etudes-tableaux, Op. 33, as well as Medtner's Piano Sonata in G-Minor, Op.22, one of his most well-known sonatas. Three pieces by Shchedrin, including "A la Albeniz" and "Troika," will close the performance. 3 p.m. Sunday. $10. New Russia Cultural Center, 1550 Broadway, Rensselaer. 382-9438; http://www.newrussiacenter.org

MUSIC

Commander Cody is still rocking. The Commander, who, along with His Lost Planet Airmen, scored a top 10 hit with "Hot Rod Lincoln" back in 1971, has got a string of gigs this spring and summer with his latest band, His Modern Day Airmen. Things kick off this week at Troy's Hangar on the Hudson, featuring original Lost Planet Airmen member John Tichy and special guests the Lustre Kings. If the Commander's latest album, 2012's "Live From the Island," is any indication, look for the band to crank out favorites like "Lost In The Ozone," "Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar," and "Lincoln." 6 p.m. Sunday. $25. Hangar on the Hudson, 675 River St., Troy. 272-9740; https://www.facebook.com/theHangarTroy/

MUSIC

It's been another good season at the Union College Concert Series, which wraps things up this afternoon with the return of the popular American virtuoso Jeremy Denk. As usual, Denk is offering an unusual and thoughtful program. "Medieval to Modern" features about two dozen composers from across the centuries. Here's a sampling, in chronological order: Machaut, Byrd, Scarlatti, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Schoenberg, Stockhausen and Glass. That's ambitious, even for Denk. But he's likely to weave them together in an insightful and informative manner. 3 p.m. Sunday, Union College Memorial Chapel, Schenectady. $30. Call 388-6080. http://www.unioncollegeconcerts.org.
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Albany

The Gold Star Families Memorial Monument was dedicated Saturday morning in Albany's LaFayette Park.

It honors the surviving family of military service members who have died while on active duty.

Hershel "Woody" Williams, who earned a Medal of Honor, the nation's highest award for combat heroism, on Iwo Jima in World War II, spoke during the dedication. Retired congressman Michael McNulty of Green Island, a Gold Star brother, and Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan also spoke. McNulty's brother, William, a Marine, was killed in the Vietnam War.

Francis S. Currey of Selkirk, a former Army sergeant who earned a Medal of Honor in World War II, was also in attendance.

The family of Army Capt. Timothy Moshier of Bethlehem, who was killed in 2006 when his helicopter crashed in Iraq, participated in a wreath-laying ceremony, while the Rev. Charlene Robbins gave the invocation. Her son, Army Staff Sgt. Thomas Robbins of Delmar, died in an accidental explosion in Iraq in 2004.

Last year, Gold Star Families of the Greater Capital District and the Tri-County Council of Vietnam Era Veterans launched a successful campaign to raise $75,000 for the project.

Williams originated the idea of Gold Star Families monuments. Before he enlisted in the Marines, he was a cab driver and one of his duties was to deliver Western Union telegram death notices to families who had lost a loved one in World War II. The experience prompted him to think of a way to honor and pay tribute to the families.

He founded the Hershel "Woody" Williams Medal of Honor Foundation, which helped launch an effort to build at least one Gold Star Families Monument in every state. To date, 18 monuments have been dedicated and 44 are in progress.

Last year, Joe Pollicino of Latham, president of the Tri-County Council of Vietnam Era Veterans, suggested building the local monument to Carrie Farley of Nassau, president of the State of New York American Gold Star Mothers. Pollicino, Farley and others formed a committee, chaired by John McKenna III of Clifton Park, for construction and fundraising for the monument.

Farley's son, Army Staff Sgt. Derek Farley, was killed in 2009, in the Afghanistan war. McKenna's son Marine Reserve Capt. John McKenna IV of Clifton Park was killed in 2006 in Fallujah, Iraq.

Terry Brown contributed.
DR. RIZWAN ALIMOHAMMAD

Background: Born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan, he graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in biology and from Ross University School of Medicine on the Caribbean island nation of Dominica, continued his training at Albany Medical Center in internal medicine and cardiology training and completed it in Richmond, Va., in cardiac electrophysiology. He is a cardiologist and electrophysiologist at Capital Cardiology Associates in Albany. He and his wife, Lubbna, who is a pediatrician in Latham, live in Clifton Park with their three children, Sophia, 8, Hasan, 3, and Husain, 17 months, and with his parents.

You came to America as a student.

In my school years, I was equally interested in electrical engineering and medicine. I decided to go to college in the United States so I could explore my options and pick a career path. Today I feel blessed that I practice and encounter aspects of electrical engineering and medicine as a cardiologist and electrophysiologist.

You are a member of the congregation of the Shia Imami Ismaili Jamatkhana in Colonie. What does it mean to be Shia Ismaili Muslim?

The Ismailis are a culturally diverse community in over 25 countries. We adhere to a 1,400-year tradition of Shi'a Ismaili values expressed through a commitment to a search for knowledge for the betterment of self and society. We embrace pluralism by building bridges of peace and understanding and by sharing our time, talents and material resources to improve the quality of life of the community and those among whom we live.

The Ismailis are united in their spiritual allegiance to His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary imam and a descendant of Prophet Muhammad. He has stressed the role of the intellect in faith and has promoted an understanding of Islam that draws on the values of generosity, tolerance, pluralism, forgiveness, stewardship of God's creation and the unity of our shared humanity.

As a senior volunteer in your congregation, what are your responsibilities?

I oversee the daily functioning of the Jamatkhana, our place of worship on Central Avenue where we rent space in an office building. My responsibilities include officiating the rites and ceremonies and providing pastoral care to the congregation of about 120 people.

The members hold a profound sense of social responsibility. It is reflected in the tradition of voluntary service by Ismalilis of all ages rendered through community organizations and through civil society institutions that benefit all.

Service to the community and society is an ethic supported by Ismailis of all ages. I-CERV, the Ismaili Community Engaged in Responsible Volunteering, supports neighborhood park beautification projects and participates in festivals and community service engagements like Earth Day. I just came back from Pakistan doing charity procedures in Indus Hospital Karachi where I implanted pacemakers free of cost to the patients.

The Aga Khan leads a global outreach.

His Highness lives in France and is the founder of the Aga Khan Development Network, a contemporary manifestation of the Ismaili Imamat's institutional effort to improve quality of life across multiple areas of human endeavor.

The AKDN's group of development agencies' mandates include the environment, health, education, architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalization of historic cities. Its agencies conduct their programs without regard to faith, origin or gender. The AKDN is present in 30 countries, employs more than 80,000 people and has a network of more than 200 schools, two universities, hundreds of medical clinics and several hospitals, financial institutions, and other agencies that work in the areas of economic and social development and culture.

The Aga Khan University was founded in 1983 and is unique as an institution of academic excellence that is also an agent for social development. AKU is an independent research university. Its overall mandate is to promote the welfare of the people of Pakistan and other developing countries. There are campuses in Pakistan, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan and the United Kingdom.

Quality education and merit are a trampoline for social development and the improvement in quality of life. AKU has 13,000 alumni with over two-thirds being women graduates.

How do you find time to volunteer with your work as a physician and your family obligations?

Volunteerism for me is an opportunity to actualize the values of my faith. All members of my family are actively involved in community service. In Ismailism, voluntary service to others is viewed as an integral and positive part of daily life, not a burdened obligation. Service means inclusiveness, compassion, respect, and sharing. The act of service is not limited to my community involvement but also infused into my career and my interactions with all individuals on a daily basis.

Even my children perform volunteer tasks at our Jamatkhana such as serving water, collecting and looking after coats and participating in the daily services. These activities require no professional knowledge, but have introduced, at an early age, the spirit of volunteerism which I hope will become a part of their value system as they become contributors to the greater American society.

 Azra Haqqie
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Brentwood

Late at night, when helicopters thrum overhead and spotlights beam down onto lawns, many people here know exactly what's going on.

"You just think, 'Oh, God, whose child is it now?'" said Stephanie Spezia, a longtime resident of this suburb in Long Island that's caught in the grip of a violent street gang with Central American ties, MS-13.

MS-13 has been blamed for a trail of 11 corpses of mostly young people discovered in woods and vacant lots in Brentwood and Central Islip since the start of the school year.

The bloodshed in the two blue-collar towns has gotten the attention of President Donald Trump, who says the killings are the result of lax immigration policies that let too many criminal "scum" slip through.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions gave a speech about the violence to law enforcement officials Friday not far from a park where the bodies of four young men were found this month bearing MS-13's hallmarks: repeated slashes from a blade that left the victims nearly unrecognizable.

Some parents are afraid to let their children go to school. Teens say any perceived slight to a gang member can mean death.

After one high school warned parents not to let their kids wear anything "gang-affiliated," gang members started deciding on a daily basis what colors were off-limits, leaving students to guess what not to wear.

"Kids are losing their childhoods," said Jennifer Suarez, whose 15-year-old niece was beaten and hacked to death in the street last year. "You can see the stress on their faces as they get ready. It's like, you know, they're suiting up for battle."

So how does a street gang with ties to Central America gain such a foothold in Long Island?

MS-13, or the Mara Salvatrucha, is believed by federal prosecutors to have thousands of members across the U.S., primarily immigrants from Central America. It has a stronghold in Los Angeles, where it emerged in the 1980s as a street gang.

Its true rise began after members were deported back to El Salvador in the 1990s. There, the gang thrived and spread to Honduras. MS-13 and rival groups there now control entire towns, rape girls and young women, massacre students, bus drivers and merchants who refuse to pay extortion, and kill competitors or youths who refuse to join.

That violence has prompted a migration of people trying to escape, especially children, who have streamed north because of a U.S. policy allowing people under 18 who arrive without parents to stay in the country temporarily with relatives or friends.

Since the fall of 2013, the U.S. has placed 165,000 unaccompanied minors. Long Island has been a frequent landing spot. Suffolk County, which includes Brentwood and Central Islip, has gotten 4,500.

Sessions, speaking at a courthouse in Central Islip on Friday, said he believes gang members used this system to come north, too. "Bad guys know how the system works, and they have exploited it," he said.

In a recent roundup of 13 suspected MS-13 gang members accused of murder and other charges, seven had entered as unaccompanied minors.

"There's no question that MS-13 is recruiting these unaccompanied children," said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Timothy Sini. The youngsters "don't have an established social network, at least many of them don't, and MS-13 is providing that network."

Nearly 200 suspected MS-13 members have been rounded up since September. Among the tactics Sini has employed have been stepped-up patrols, renewed cooperation with an FBI task force and helicopter sweeps of wooded areas where gang members have been known to gather.

Trump has promised to eradicate the gang in the U.S. through strict enforcement of immigration law. "We are putting MS-13 in jail and getting them the hell out of our country," he told The Associated Press this week. "They are a bad group, and somebody said they are as bad as al-Qaida, which is a hell of a reference. ... We are out in Long Island cleaning out the MS-13 scum."

The tough talk has made some residents fearful of law enforcement as well of the gang. They say it's not about immigration politics but about making a community safer.

Residents of Brentwood and Central Islip, with a combined population of about 100,000, say the area of modest ranch homes, warehouses and strip malls has always been a diverse, welcoming place for immigrants trying to make better lives for their children.

Some longtime residents say law enforcement bears some of the responsibility for the gang's rise because it ignored the burgeoning problem for years.

Parents say 4,200-student Brentwood High School lacks the means to help young people who are often left alone after school because their parents work long hours. There are few social workers and guidance counselors, they say, and not enough security guards or cameras.

"They can't walk the halls without fear," said Evelyn Rodriguez, the mother of 16-year-old Kayla Cuevas, who was found beaten to death last fall. Rodriguez said her daughter had been bullied for two years.
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Atlanta

President Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for gun rights Friday, telling attendees of a National Rifle Association convention that "the eight-year assault on your Second Amendment freedoms has come to a crashing end."

Trump, the first sitting president to address the group's annual convention in more than 30 years, assured the audience that he would defend their right to bear arms in a campaign-like speech reminiscent of his election rallies.

"You have a true friend and champion in the White House," he said.

The president's trip to Atlanta also served as his first foray into a congressional race since taking office. After delivering his NRA remarks, he headed to a private fundraiser for Republican congressional candidate Karen Handel, running in a special congressional race that has become a national referendum on his presidency. During the speech, the president congratulated Handel and urged Republicans to support her.

"She's totally for the NRA, and she's totally for the Second Amendment, so get out and vote," he said.

Trump has been supportive of NRA efforts to loosen restrictions on gun ownership. In the campaign, he promised to do away with President Barack Obama's efforts to strengthen background checks and to eliminate gun-free zones at schools and military bases.

The last president to address an NRA convention was Ronald Reagan, who spoke to the 1983 gathering, according to the gun rights lobby.

Trump's appearance in Atlanta sparked protests from people advocating for stricter gun control measures. They included Steve Hagen, who called the NRA's push for federal legislation to make any state's concealed-carry permits valid nationwide "the dumbest thing I've ever heard."
New Scotland

Rebekah Rice showers at home these days.

It's a small luxury, but one she cherishes after last summer, when she relied on neighbors to wash and spent her mornings scanning weather maps, fingers crossed and pleading for any hint of precipitation.

But the rain never came, and drought soon swallowed the last of the pond she'd normally use to grow vegetables and animal feed, or shampoo her hair.

In New Scotland, where she owns and operates Nine Mile Farm with her dad, huge underground limestone sheets sit below many of the wells, so water can be scarce even in good years. By mid-July, the Rices were hauling water from a farm two miles away, 275 gallons at a time. It was exhausting work that ate up precious daylight hours, but wasn't enough to save the broccoli.

"I couldn't imagine another season like that," she said last week. But "the weather is going to be unpredictable now. Period."

This season the Rices, realizing their susceptibility to unstable weather, ended their commitment to a program that provides organic food to community members, and built a second pond that'll get them through the next dry spell. Neither move was cheap, draining precious time, dollars and morale. But with calamity comes sacrifice.

"It made us understand how vulnerable we are to the weather," she said. "It made us not take as much stuff for granted."

Months after one of the worst droughts in New York history cost farms up to 90 percent of crop yields, farmers are still trying to cope with a rapidly unstable climate that scientists say will soon be the norm. It's unclear how severe the long-term effects of a warmer New York will be, but most experts agree on this much: Frost-free days will increase and warmer summers will heighten water demand. Winter precipitation and higher temperatures will melt snowpacks. Rain will come in sporadic waves, flooding crop fields in flash downpours. At other times, it won't fall at all.

"All of those things combined mean farmers are probably going to face more short-term summer droughts in the future," said Shannan Sweet, who studies climate and horticulture at Cornell University's Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future. "It's definitely something farmers need to start thinking about."

Yet even after decades of instability, some farmers still hesitate to name their abuser, shying away from highly politicized terms and explanations for their woes.

"Just about every single farmer across the state will talk about weather, or weather uncertainty and unpredictability and say something is different," she said. "But not all farmers are necessarily comfortable with the term 'climate change.' "

Others are happy to pinpoint the cause, but realize they will find no quarter from the environmental and economic crises that now loom over each year's growing season.

"Everyone wants to talk about if there is or isn't climate change. But this isn't a left- or right-wing or center thing," said Sue Miller, who owns Goold Orchard, in Castleton, with her husband Ed. "But as a farmer, you really don't have much of a chance to combat it."

New York's apple season used to start in mid-May. But the fruit often blooms in April these days, meaning crop yields are more susceptible to frost damage and the Millers have to worry for a few weeks longer than they did 30 years ago, when average temperatures were a few degrees colder and rain fell more consistently. Nor did they worry back then about rot-causing pathogens or new insect infestations that have come with the warm weather to North American orchards.

It's been a perilous half-decade for New York's apple industry, which relies on the state's diverse soil, climate and weather patterns to bloom a unique variety of crops each year. Apple farmers were already robbed by the instability in 2012, when an early freeze and bloom stole millions of dollars of crop and plummeted apple yields to a 60-year low. The severity prompted the state to pass a one-time tax credit to ease farmers' losses. Such write-offs help. But they're temporary fixes to a lasting and generational problem. "Farmers want to farm," Rice said.

"People really don't understand that weather affects them every day, in all sorts of ways," Sue Miller said. "It's one of those things I can get up on my apple box about."

Gary Mahany has grown potatoes on his farm in Dansville, in western New York, since he was "old enough to know the difference between a half-inch and 9/16 wrench," and so the 60-year-old has seen his fair share of bad weather.

But nothing came close to last summer. "It was so astronomically dry," he said of the drought, which he tried and failed to combat with 80 million gallons of water. Nearby streams soon dried up - "the first time I've ever seen that happen"  and by July, he "knew it was looking like a disaster."

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He lost more than $600,000, and now has to refinance loans. It'll take a decade for him to get back to where he was last year, and yet he's optimistic. He's seen hot, dry years, but never two in a row, he said.

"We'll live through it. You can lie on the ground and kick and scream, but that doesn't help you any."

Looming over all of this, of course, is a federal government that has all but rejected climate science, floating policies that would quicken its most devastating effects while handicapping the ability to monitor consequences.

Proposed cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration could mean less dependable weather forecasts, while a 21 percent cut at the U.S. Department of Agriculture would weaken rural water programs, shutter local farm service centers and potentially jeopardize the agency's ability to collect statistics vital to the farming sector.

Those rollbacks are at odds with many of the policies sought by New York farmers, many of whom stressed the need for better forecasting and education materials about agriculture and drought, according to a survey of more than 200 farmers conducted by Sweet this year.

Farmers, she found, increasingly want to invest in the long-term technologies that'll prevent the worst effects of unpredictable weather and produce energy at a more sustainable rate. But it's expensive, especially for those already crippled by burdensome regulations, stagnating food prices and sliding incomes.

Those who do invest are "hedging a bet" that can take decades to pay off, said David Wolfe, chair of Cornell's sustainable climate change center. "None of these adaptations are cost or risk free."

Chip Bailey knows that well: It took eight years to get the first windmill on his apple farm, in Williamson, east of Rochester. But a decade later, he's turned his orchard into a self-sustaining, "NetZero" facility that runs on solar and harvests sunshine.

"Anything in life is a gamble, and anything new you're gonna take some lumps over," he said in a video produced by Cornell's sustainable climate center last year. But I think we have an obligation as farmers and first stewards of the land to provide for the next generation  not just the next generation of farmers, but the next generation."
"Their Finest" is a charming and thoughtful movie about people making a charming and thoughtful movie.

The characters in the real film often poke fun at the film-within-a-film, a propaganda movie made by the British before the U.S. has entered World War II. But the two pieces of cinema become tied together, with many of the same weaknesses and strengths.

The largest asset is a general positive outlook for humanity  something that makes the production well-timed for cynical 2017 audiences. "Their Finest" features tragedy and a constant state of tension, as London faces air raids and its population makes sacrifices. But nearly all the characters  from its plucky scriptwriters to a haughty and oblivious actor played by Bill Nighy  have a hidden trait of decency that is excavated with each bomb strike.

Our heroes are Catrin Cole and Tom Buckley (Gemma Arterton and Sam Clafin), writers who are tasked with making an inspiring film about a fishing boat rescue after the Battle of Dunkirk. As the minister of information (Richard Grant) keeps adding new challenges, Cole and Buckley try harder to make a piece of art. They develop a convincing romance that complicates the script, then inspires the finished product.

More Information *** Review "Their Finest" Rated: R Running time: 117 minutes **** Excellent *** Good ** Fair * Poor See More Collapse

Based on a book by Lissa Evans and directed by Lone Scherfig, the film is infused with a receiving line of lively characters, including an American who can't act, and two sisters-turned-boat captains who are less-than-ideal heroes. The female characters are particularly strong, mining many of the same themes and struggles seen in TV's "Mad Men." Rachael Stirling is particularly good as an uptight movie studio rule enforcer who softens as she realizes Cole's struggles are her own.

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As the propaganda film-within-the-film morphs from a by-the-numbers drama into a piece of art, "Their Finest" falters. The second half of the film has a pair of contrivances, both conveniently timed to move a sputtering plot forward. Scherfig does steer the film right before the ending, taking advantage of the goodwill built up in the first two acts.

While it was probably an accident, the timing for "Their Finest" is excellent  with Christopher Nolan's big budget action/drama "Dunkirk" arriving this summer. This is a smaller, more tangential and certainly more humorous film. There are no real battles, beyond the bombs raining from above. But the triumph over adversity is inspiring nonetheless.
The Friday Noon Concert and Art Series continues May 5 with a bassoon quartet performing a free concert at 12:10 p.m. in the Saint Paul United Methodist Church sanctuary, 1144 M St.

"Bassoons Across Nebraska" consists of the bassoon sections of the Lincoln and Omaha Symphonies performing a variety of music ranging from classical, renaissance, tangos, jazz and Latin.

Lunch ($5) is available in Paine Parlor beginning at 11:30 a.m. and following the concert. Paine Parlor will also feature an art exhibit.

The McKinley Bells, played by Nancy L. Schoen, will be heard from the church tower and also broadcast into the sanctuary prior to the concert. For more information contact Dick Morris (402) 261-3104 or crichardmo@gmail.com
[April 28, 2017] Takeda Announces FDA Accelerated Approval of ALUNBRIGTM (brigatinib)

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE: 4502) today announced that ALUNBRIG (brigatinib) has received Accelerated Approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive (ALK+) metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have progressed on or are intolerant to crizotinib. This indication is approved under Accelerated Approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial. ALUNBRIG, which previously received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA, is a once-daily oral therapy that may be taken with or without food. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170428006080/en/ Takeda Announces FDA Accelerated Approval of ALUNBRIGTM (brigatinib) (Photo: Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited) "In recent years, small molecule ALK inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment options for those with advanced ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer. Nevertheless, there is still a need for additional ALK inhibitors like brigatinib (ALUNBRIG), which have a manageable safety profile and may address mechanisms of clinical resistance to crizotinib, including progression in the central nervous system," said D. Ross Camidge, M.D., Ph.D., director of thoracic oncology at the University of Colorado. "The ALTA trial showed that brigatinib (ALUNBRIG) was highly effective post-crizotinib with the majority of patients who received 180 mg once daily with a seven-day lead in at 90 mg once daily achieving an overall response and a median duration of response greater than one year. Importantly, the extent of activity among those with brain metastases was also notable." "For patients with ALK+ metastatic NSCLC who have progressed on or are intolerant to crizotinib, who are facing the uncertainty of disease progression and the potentially devastating impact of brain metastases, the approval of ALUNBRIG offers a new hope," said Bonnie Addario, founder and chair of the Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF). "The rapid development of ALUNBRIG is a tribute to the dedication of many research scientists and clinicians who carefully designed and developed this new medicine to address unmet medical needs in the ALK+ NSCLC patient population. Most importantly, we would like to thank the patients and families who participated in the clinical trials," said Andy Plump, M.D., Ph.D., Takeda Chief Medical and Scientific Officer. "Today's FDA approval of ALUNBRIG is an important milestone in the treatment of patients with ALK+ metastatic NSCLC who have progressed on or are intolerant to crizotinib," said Christophe Bianchi, M.D., President, Takeda Oncology. "Takeda is committed to the continued development of ALUNBRIG around the globe and to bringing this important therapy to more patients in need." About the ALTA Trial The FDA approval of ALUNBRIG was primarily based on results from the pivotal Phase 2 ALTA (ALK in Lung Cancer Trial of AP26113) trial of brigatinib in adults. This ongoing, two-arm, open-label, multicenter trial enrolled 222 patients with locally advanced or metastatic ALK+ NSCLC who had progressed on crizotinib. Patients received either 90 mg of ALUNBRIG once daily (n=112) or 180 mg once daily following a seven-day lead-in of 90 mg once daily (n=110). The major efficacy outcome measure was confirmed overall response rate (ORR) according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST v1.1) as evaluated by an Independent Review Committee (IRC). Additional efficacy outcome measures included Investigator-assessed ORR, duration of response (DOR), intracranial ORR, and intracranial DOR. The recommended dosing regimen for ALUNBRIG is 90 mg orally once daily for the first 7 days. If 90 mg is tolerated during the first 7 days, increase the dose to 180 mg orally once daily. With a median follow-up of 8 months (range 0.1 - 20.2), results demonstrated that of the patients who received the recommended dosing regimen (90?180 mg), 53 percent achieved a confirmed overall response (OR) as assessed by IRC and 54 percent as assessed by Investigator. At the recommended dosing regimen, the median duration of response was 13.8 months as assessed by IRC and 11.1 months by Investigator assessment. Additionally, at the recommended dosing regimen, 67 percent of patients with measurable brain metastases (n=18) achieved a confirmed intracranial OR by IRC assessment. Efficacy data are as follows:







ALTA Efficacy Results Efficacy parameter IRC Assessment Investigator Assessment 90 mg once daily



(N=112) 90?180 mg once daily (N=110) 90 mg once

daily



(N=112) 90?180 mg once daily (N=110) Overall Response Rate (95% CI) 48% (39-58) 53% (43-62) 45% (35-54) 54% (44-63) Complete Response, n (%) 4 (3.6%) 5 (4.5%) 1 (0.9%) 4 (3.6%) Partial Response, n (%) 50 (45%) 53 (48%) 49 (44%) 55 (50%) Duration of Response, median in months (95% CI) 13.8 (7.4-NE) 13.8 (9.3-NE) 13.8 (5.6-13.8) 11.1 (9.2-13.8)

CI = Confidence Interval; NE = Not Estimable IRC assessment of intracranial efficacy is shown below: Intracranial Overall Response in Patients with Measurable Brain Metastases in ALTA Efficacy parameter IRC Assessment 90 mg once daily (N=26) 90?180 mg once daily (N=18) Intracranial Overall Response Rate, (95 % CI) 42% (23-63) 67% (41-87) Complete Response, n (%) 2 (7.7%) 0 Partial Response, n (%) 9 (35%) 12 (67%) Duration of Intracranial Response, median (months) (range) NE (1.9+ - 9.2+) 5.6 (1.9+ - 9.2+) CI = Confidence Interval; NE = Not Estimable Among the 23 patients who exhibited an intracranial response, 78% of patients in the 90 mg arm and 68% of patients in the 90?180 mg group maintained a response for at least four months. The warnings and precautions for ALUNBRIG are: interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis, hypertension, bradycardia, visual disturbance, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation, pancreatic enzyme elevation, hyperglycemia and embryo-fetal toxicity. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 38% of patients in the 90 mg group and 40% of patients in the 90?180 mg group. The most common serious adverse reactions were pneumonia (5.5% overall, 3.7% in the 90 mg group, and 7.3% in the 90?180 mg group) and ILD/pneumonitis (4.6% overall, 1.8% in the 90 mg group and 7.3% in the 90?180 mg group). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.7% of patients and consisted of pneumonia (2 patients), sudden death, dyspnea, respiratory failure, pulmonary embolism, bacterial meningitis and urosepsis (1 patient each). At the recommended dosing regimen, the most common adverse reactions (=25%) with ALUNBRIG were nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, cough, and headache. About ALK+ NSCLC Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 85 percent of the estimated 222,500 new cases of lung cancer diagnosed each year in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Genetic studies indicate that chromosomal rearrangements in anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) are key drivers in a subset of NSCLC patients as well. Approximately two to eight percent of patients with NSCLC have a rearrangement in the ALK gene. The central nervous system (CNS) is a frequent site for ALK+ NSCLC progression, with up to 70 percent of patients with ALK+ NSCLC who have been treated with a first-line ALK inhibitor facing brain metastases. About ALUNBRIG (brigatinib) ALUNBRIG is a targeted cancer medicine discovered by ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which was acquired by Takeda in February 2017. ALUNBRIG received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA for the treatment of patients with ALK+ NSCLC whose tumors are resistant to crizotinib, and was granted Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA for the treatment of ALK+ NSCLC, ROS1+ and EGFR+ NSCLC. A Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for ALUNBRIG was submitted to the European Medicines Agency (EMA (News - Alert)) in February 2017. The ALTA clinical development program further reinforces Takeda's ongoing commitment to developing innovative therapies for people living with ALK+ NSCLC worldwide and the healthcare professionals who treat them. In addition to the ongoing Phase 1/2 and Phase 2 ALTA trial, brigatinib is also being studied in the Phase 3 ALTA 1L trial to assess its efficacy and safety in comparison to crizotinib in patients with locally advanced or metastatic ALK+ NSCLC who have not received prior treatment with an ALK inhibitor. To learn more about ALUNBRIG, please visit www.ALUNBRIG.com or call A1Point: 1-844-A1POINT (1-844-217-6468). For additional information on the brigatinib clinical trials, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis: Severe, life-threatening, and fatal pulmonary adverse reactions consistent with interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis have occurred with ALUNBRIG. In Trial ALTA (ALTA), ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 3.7% of patients in the 90 mg group (90 mg once daily) and 9.1% of patients in the 90?180 mg group (180 mg once daily with 7-day lead-in at 90 mg once daily). Adverse reactions consistent with possible ILD/pneumonitis occurred early (within 9 days of initiation of ALUNBRIG; median onset was 2 days) in 6.4% of patients, with Grade 3 to 4 reactions occurring in 2.7%. Monitor for new or worsening respiratory symptoms (e.g., dyspnea, cough, etc.), particularly during the first week of initiating ALUNBRIG. Withhold ALUNBRIG in any patient with new or worsening respiratory symptoms, and promptly evaluate for ILD/pneumonitis or other causes of respiratory symptoms (e.g., pulmonary embolism, tumor progression, and infectious pneumonia). For Grade 1 or 2 ILD/pneumonitis, either resume ALUNBRIG with dose reduction after recovery to baseline or permanently discontinue ALUNBRIG. Permanently discontinue ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 or 4 ILD/pneumonitis or recurrence of Grade 1 or 2 ILD/pneumonitis. Hypertension: In ALTA, hypertension was reported in 11% of patients in the 90 mg group who received ALUNBRIG and 21% of patients in the 90?180 mg group. Grade 3 hypertension occurred in 5.9% of patients overall. Control blood pressure prior to treatment with ALUNBRIG. Monitor blood pressure after 2 weeks and at least monthly thereafter during treatment with ALUNBRIG. Withhold ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 hypertension despite optimal antihypertensive therapy. Upon resolution or improvement to Grade 1 severity, resume ALUNBRIG at a reduced dose. Consider permanent discontinuation of treatment with ALUNBRIG for Grade 4 hypertension or recurrence of Grade 3 hypertension. Use caution when administering ALUNBRIG in combination with antihypertensive agents that cause bradycardia. Bradycardia: Bradycardia can occur with ALUNBRIG. In ALTA, heart rates less than 50 beats per minute (bpm) occurred in 5.7% of patients in the 90 mg group and 7.6% of patients in the 90?180 mg group. Grade 2 bradycardia occurred in 1 (0.9%) patient in the 90 mg group. Monitor heart rate and blood pressure during treatment with ALUNBRIG. Monitor patients more frequently if concomitant use of drug known to cause bradycardia cannot be avoided. For symptomatic bradycardia, withhold ALUNBRIG and review concomitant medications for those known to cause bradycardia. If a concomitant medication known to cause bradycardia is identified and discontinued or dose adjusted, resume ALUNBRIG at the same dose following resolution of symptomatic bradycardia; otherwise, reduce the dose of ALUNBRIG following resolution of symptomatic bradycardia. Discontinue ALUNBRIG for life-threatening bradycardia if no contributing concomitant medication is identified. Visual Disturbance: In ALTA, adverse reactions leading to visual disturbance including blurred vision, diplopia, and reduced visual acuity, were reported in 7.3% of patients treated with ALUNBRIG in the 90 mg group and 10% of patients in the 90?180 mg group. Grade 3 macular edema and cataract occurred in one patient each in the 90?180 mg group. Advise patients to report any visual symptoms. Withhold ALUNBRIG and obtain an ophthalmologic evaluation in patients with new or worsening visual symptoms of Grade 2 or greater severity. Upon recovery of Grade 2 or Grade 3 visual disturbances to Grade 1 severity or baseline, resume ALUNBRIG at a reduced dose. Permanently discontinue treatment with ALUNBRIG for Grade 4 visual disturbances. Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) Elevation: In ALTA, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation occurred in 27% of patients receiving ALUNBRIG in the 90 mg group and 48% of patients in the 90 mg?180 mg group. The incidence of Grade 3-4 CPK elevation was 2.8% in the 90 mg group and 12% in the 90?180 mg group. Dose reduction for CPK elevation occurred in 1.8% of patients in the 90 mg group and 4.5% in the 90?180 mg group. Advise patients to report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Monitor CPK levels during ALUNBRIG treatment. Withhold ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 or 4 CPK elevation. Upon resolution or recovery to Grade 1 or baseline, resume ALUNBRIG at the same dose or at a reduced dose. Pancreatic Enzyme Elevation: In ALTA, amylase elevation occurred in 27% of patients in the 90 mg group and 39% of patients in the 90?180 mg group. Lipase elevations occurred in 21% of patients in the 90 mg group and 45% of patients in the 90?180 mg group. Grade 3 or 4 amylase elevation occurred in 3.7% of patients in the 90 mg group and 2.7% of patients in the 90?180 mg group. Grade 3 or 4 lipase elevation occurred in 4.6% of patients in the 90 mg group and 5.5% of patients in the 90?180 mg group. Monitor lipase and amylase during treatment with ALUNBRIG. Withhold ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 or 4 pancreatic enzyme elevation. Upon resolution or recovery to Grade 1 or baseline, resume ALUNBRIG at the same dose or at a reduced dose. Hyperglycemia: In ALTA, 43% of patients who received ALUNBRIG experienced new or worsening hyperglycemia. Grade 3 hyperglycemia, based on laboratory assessment of serum fasting glucose levels, occurred in 3.7% of patients. Two of 20 (10%) patients with diabetes or glucose intolerance at baseline required initiation of insulin while receiving ALUNBRIG. Assess fasting serum glucose prior to initiation of ALUNBRIG and monitor periodically thereafter. Initiate or optimize anti-hyperglycemic medications as needed. If adequate hyperglycemic control cannot be achieved with optimal medical management, withhold ALUNBRIG until adequate hyperglycemic control is achieved and consider reducing the dose of ALUNBRIG or permanently discontinuing ALUNBRIG. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on its mechanism of action and findings in animals, ALUNBRIG can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. There are no clinical data on the use of ALUNBRIG in pregnant women. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment with ALUNBRIG and for at least 4 months following the final dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose of ALUNBRIG. ADVERSE REACTIONS

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 38% of patients in the 90 mg group and 40% of patients in the 90?180 mg group. The most common serious adverse reactions were pneumonia (5.5% overall, 3.7% in the 90 mg group, and 7.3% in the 90?180 mg group) and ILD/pneumonitis (4.6% overall, 1.8% in the 90 mg group and 7.3% in the 90?180 mg group). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.7% of patients and consisted of pneumonia (2 patients), sudden death, dyspnea, respiratory failure, pulmonary embolism, bacterial meningitis and urosepsis (1 patient each). The most common adverse reactions (=25%) in the 90 mg group were nausea (33%), fatigue (29%), headache (28%), and dyspnea (27%) and in the 90?180 mg group were nausea (40%), diarrhea (38%), fatigue (36%), cough (34%), and headache (27%). DRUG INTERACTIONS

CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use of ALUNBRIG with strong CYP3A inhibitors. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice as it may also increase plasma concentrations of brigatinib. If concomitant use of a strong CYP3A inhibitor is unavoidable, reduce the dose of ALUNBRIG.

CYP3A Inducers: Avoid concomitant use of ALUNBRIG with strong CYP3A inducers.

CYP3A Substrates: Coadministration of ALUNBRIG with CYP3A substrates, including hormonal contraceptives, can result in decreased concentrations and loss of efficacy of CYP3A substrates. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy: ALUNBRIG can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus.

Lactation: Advise lactating women not to breastfeed during treatment with ALUNBRIG and for 1 week following the final dose.

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential:

Contraception: Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment with ALUNBRIG and for at least 4 months after the final dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ALUNBRIG and for at least 3 months after the final dose.

Infertility: ALUNBRIG may cause reduced fertility in males.

Pediatric Use: The safety and efficacy of ALUNBRIG in pediatric patients have not been established.

Geriatric Use: Clinical studies of ALUNBRIG did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Of the 222 patients in ALTA, 19.4% were 65-74 years and 4.1% were 75 years or older. No clinically relevant differences in safety or efficacy were observed between patients =65 and younger patients.

Hepatic or Renal Impairment: No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with mild hepatic impairment or mild or moderate renal impairment. The safety of ALUNBRIG in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment has not been studied. Please see the full Prescribing Information for ALUNBRIG at www.ALUNBRIG.com About Takeda Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited is a global, research and development-driven pharmaceutical company committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients by translating science into life-changing medicines. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on oncology, gastroenterology and central nervous system therapeutic areas plus vaccines. Takeda conducts R&D both internally and with partners to stay at the leading edge of innovation. New innovative products, especially in oncology and gastroenterology, as well as our presence in Emerging Markets, fuel the growth of Takeda. More than 30,000 Takeda employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients, working with our partners in health care in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit http://www.takeda.com/news. Additional information about Takeda is available through its corporate website, www.takeda.com, and additional information about Takeda Oncology, the brand for the global oncology business unit of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, is available through its website, www.takedaoncology.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170428006080/en/

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[April 28, 2017] ServiceMaster Endows Anthropology Fellowship with University of Memphis College of Arts & Sciences

ServiceMaster isn't just looking for master-level students-it's seeking ServiceMaster-level. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170428006097/en/ Jamie Smith, CIO of ServiceMaster, and leaders from his Customer Experience team, present the first of two anthropology scholarship grants to Tom Nenon, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Memphis. (Photo: Business Wire) Today executives from ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SERV), a leading provider of residential and commercial services, visited the University of Memphis to endow the ServiceMaster Design and Innovation Ethnography Fellowship, a multi-year grant totaling $42,000. The funds will benefit one student per school year at the College of Arts & Sciences' Department of Anthropology. Ethnography is the study of human customs and cultures, a field ServiceMaster believes is imperative to the service industry. "With more than 50 million customer interactions each year, we know how important it is to understand how human behavior affects our ability to connect with customers," said Jamie Smith, ServiceMaster's senior vice president and chief information officer. "From choosing a service provider to interacting with a website or mobile app, studying anthropology helps us understand why consumers ake certain decisions. We're excited to partner with the University of Memphis on this project and, potentially, integrate scientific, behavior-based solutions into service improvements that will benefit our customers."



The fellowship, which will award one master-level student $21,000 per school year, includes tuition plus a stipend. Recipients will also be working closely with Kevin Newton, ServiceMaster's on-staff anthropologist and a University of Memphis alumnus, deepening the relationship between the study and its practical application in the service industry. "Businesses are beginning to embrace ethnography to better understand and serve their clients," said Tom Nenon, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. "It's an emerging field nationwide and very exciting that businesses are turning to the University of Memphis as partners in investing in this new field. We're very lucky to have companies like ServiceMaster who support the community and the students at the University of Memphis."

The fellowship will begin in the 2017-18 school year. For more information on the fellowship and the department of anthropology at the University of Memphis, visit www.memphis.edu/anthropology. About ServiceMaster ServiceMaster (NYSE: SERV) solves the homeowner's dilemma. Every day, we visit more than 75,000 homes and businesses through our extensive service network of expert professionals. Technology powers our trusted experts to engage with customers so they can order, buy and receive services when, where and how they want them. Our well-recognized brands include American Home Shield (home warranties), AmeriSpec (home inspections), Furniture Medic (furniture repair), Merry Maids (residential cleaning), ServiceMaster Clean (janitorial and residential floor cleaning), ServiceMaster Restore (disaster restoration) and Terminix (termite and pest control). Like, follow or visit us at facebook.com/ServiceMaster, linkedin.com/ServiceMaster, twitter.com/ServiceMaster, or servicemaster.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170428006097/en/

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[April 28, 2017]

IBM Channel Leaders to Present at Channel Focus North America Conference

ARMONK, N.Y., April 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that Chris Rimer, Vice President of North American Business Partner Ecosystem, IBM Cloud, and Jamie Mendez, Director of PartnerWorld, IBM, will address channel business experts and thought leaders at the Channel Focus North America Conference in San Diego. Taking place May 2-4, the conference brings together highly seasoned industry sales and marketing executives from around the country to lead presentations and panels in an intimate, closed forum format.

Channel Focus North America Conference provides participants with a unique forum to share the real-world strategies, tactics and best practices that they are using to grow and develop their channel businesses.

In his presentation, "The emergence of the Cloud Marketplace: Distribution goes Digital," Rimer ill explain how future-thinking vendors need to leverage their long-term hardware and software distribution partners as a key enabler for digital business growth.







"In the interest of the clients we serve, IBM has designed the IBM Cloud portfolio in a way that encourages open collaboration across our channel," said Rimer. "At the conference, I will share best practices on leveraging value-added distributors as a key component of a successful digital strategy."

Mendez will co-lead panel discussions on topics including the future role of distribution, along with panelist Larry Walsh, CEO of business strategy firm The 2112 Group, and other channel leaders.

Rimer's presentation will take place Wednesday, May 3 at 4:50 p.m. PT. Friday, and Mendez will co-lead panels throughout the event. For more information on Channel Focus North America Conference, visit http://channelfocuscommunity.net/event-info.

For more information on PartnerWorld, IBM's program for business partners, go to https://www-356.ibm.com/partnerworld/wps/servlet/ContentHandler/partnerworld-public.

For more information on IBM Cloud, visit https://www.ibm.com/cloud-computing/.

Contact:

Betsy Rizzo

IBM Media Relations

214-356-2036

[email protected]

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ibm-channel-leaders-to-present-at-channel-focus-north-america-conference-300448359.html

SOURCE IBM
[April 28, 2017] Ontario Government Announces $63 Million for CENGN in the 2017 Budget

OTTAWA, April 28, 2017 /CNW/ - CENGN, Canada's Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks (NGN), a leader in the rapid commercialization of Canadian network products, applications and services, was announced in the Ontario 2017 Budget as a key player for the Ontario Government's 5G Technology initiative. CENGN has proven successful in accelerating innovations developed by Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This success is attributed to federal funding provided by the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE), and essential support from CENGN's members, a group that brings together top industry leaders in ICT and network solutions. This critical support from the Government of Ontario will enable even greater collaboration among industry, academia, research, and government bodies in critical and highly technological areas of NGN, software-defined networking, and network function virtualization across the province. The Ontario budget briefing identifies 5G networks (fifth-generation wireless technologies) as the backbone of future technologies. Ontario will invest $63 million over five years in CENGN's Cloud Expansion Project. The CENGN Cloud will connect 18 innovation centres across the province that directly support industries that underpin Ontario's economy, and provide SMEs with new advanced networking capabilities. This will advance the development and availability of next-generation networks and the many digital economy industries that leverage these networks. It will help firms to capitalize on key opportunities in fields such as Autonomous Vehicles (AV), aerospace, public safety, cybersecurity, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), mining, eHealth, smart agriculture, and broadband Internet architecture (rural and remote).



Ritch Dusome , President and CEO of CENGN. "This will enable SMEs and students across the province to practice and demonstrate their innovative technologies and solutions, helping to drive the development of the new digital economy." CENGN's goal is to strengthen Ontario and Canada's leadership in global ICT and next generation networking. This initiative directly addresses this objective by helping to drive economic growth in Ontario, and deliver long-term benefit to its residents. For example, it will enable SMEs to test their products and services in the CENGN environment, and accelerate their time to market. This will catalyze the growth of SMEs, and the ICT sector as a whole. It will also help to address the future workforce needs of the ICT and advanced networking industry by enriching student and training programs, and creating a highly skilled talent pool.

About CENGN  Canada's Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks

Canada's Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks (CENGN), an NCE (Networks of Centres of Excellence) funded CECR (Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research), is a consortium of industry, academic and research leaders dedicated to accelerating the commercialization of next generation communications solutions. CENGN's internationally recognized testing centre employs interoperability between multiple software and hardware products, providing a unique environment to commercialize advanced products, applications and services. Our fully operational data centre is running a production OpenStack environment with multiple connections to a real-world WAN including a dark fibre connection that enables connectivity speeds of more than 100Gbps. CENGN services include; Proof of Concept (PoC) validation and hosting, interoperability/performance/ certification testing, technical training (SDN, NFV, IPv6, ODL, OpenStack, Innovation for Hire and Commercialization Acceleration. CENGN members include: Cisco, EXFO, GENBAND, Fujitsu, Invest Ottawa, Juniper, Nokia, Rogers, TELUS, VIAVI, Wind River, and Zayo Canada. CENGN's Ontario academic partners include: Algoma University, Algonquin College, Brock University, Carleton University, University of Guelph, University of Hearst, Lakehead University, Laurentian University, McMaster University, Nipissing University, OCAD University, University of Ontario, University of Ottawa, Queen's University, Ryerson University, Trent University, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, Willis College, Wilfrid Laurier University, Western University, University of Windsor, York University. CENGN's government and other organizational partners include: NCE, Ontario Centre of Excellence, MaRS, Invest Ottawa, Communitech, Mitacs. For more information visit www.cengn.ca Follow us @CENGNCanada SOURCE Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks

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[April 29, 2017] IDIS Commences 20th Anniversary Celebration with Video Surveillance Industry Briefing and Champagne Reception Celebrating "Two Decades of Innovation"

The year-long celebration continues since IDIS returned to the site of the company's 2015 American debut to kick off the celebration of its 20th anniversary in the video surveillance industry at the ISC West exhibition in Las Vegas. Since its 1997 by experts in computer science and artificial intelligence, IDIS has grown to become South Korea's largest video surveillance manufacturer, and a recognized leader in industry innovation, through the introduction of groundbreaking products such as its multiple award-winning flagship DirectIP, the new IDIS 64-channel enterprise-level IDIS 8364 NVR, and 2016 Security Products New Product of the Year, IDIS SmartUX controls, among other breakthroughs. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170429005007/en/



IDIS co-founder and president Dr. Albert Ryu (r.) celebrates the company's 20th Anniversary with IDIS America executives and honored partners and customers at the IDIS 2017 ISC West show in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo: Business Wire)

Among other events commemorating the anniversary at ISC West, IDIS hosted a public briefing and 20th Anniversary cake and champagne reception at the show, featuring IDIS America President Andrew Myung and a panel of IDIS experts, including senior directors Keith Drummond and Dr. Peter Kim, and regional sales manager Joshua Keaton. Hosted by broadcast personality Benjamin Bryant, the program celebrated the accomplishments of the past two decades, and showcased the latest innovative IDIS technologies. Additionally, Dr. Albert Ryu, IDIS co-founder and president, hosted a recognition ceremony, honoring valued customers, partners, and distinguished industry media with awards. IDIS will continue the celebration of its Two Decades of Innovation throughout 2017 with continued celebrations at major trade shows and customer events throughout the world. Additionally, a special 20th Anniversary site, www.idisglobal.com/idis20, will be live for the remainder of the year to document the company's 20 year story of video surveillance excellence. Interested parties may further arrange personal briefings or face-to-face demonstrations of IDIS technology by e-mailing [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170429005007/en/

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[April 29, 2017] "Operation: Stop Scams" Protects Philadelphians from ID Theft

PHILADELPHIA, April 29, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Over 24,000 pounds of paper were shredded today at a free shredding event to help Philadelphians safely discard personal information. AARP, in collaboration with the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office, Philadelphia Controller's Office, Councilwoman Cindy Bass, Council Members At-Large Al Taubenberger, David Oh, and Derek Green, and the Spanish American Law Enforcement Association, hosted the event to protect consumers from falling victim to identity thieves. "Every two seconds someone's identity is stolen and shredding events can help Philadelphians avoid becoming another identity theft statistic," said Alan Butkovitz, Philadelphia City Controller. "Unfortunately, many consumers fall victim to fraud and identity theft because of stolen or copied documents that contain their personal information," said Philadelphia Sheriff Jewell Williams. "Joining with AARP to help dispose of outdated information helps to ensure it's not used in a malicious manner." "We're doing our part to help consumers learn about frud, avoid scams, and to engage at the local level," stated Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP Pennsylvania State Director. "Here in Philadelphia, we've worked with city leadership to offer educational programs and events like the 'Operation: Stop Scams' shredding service."



"Many people can't afford to buy an expensive paper shredder nor access or pay the fees of a shredding service," stated Councilwoman Cindy Bass. "These free events provide a safe way to dispose of personal documents and clear out bills, receipts and mail piling up in your home." Consumers looking to purchase a shredder should opt for a micro-cut shredder which makes it impossible for identity thieves to reassemble the pages.

"We need to outsmart identity thieves because they are getting better at committing fraud," stated Councilman Al Taubenberger. "With every new technological development, financial fraud becomes more widespread and, unfortunately, it can be crippling for victims, both financially and emotionally." "Many identity theft victims never find closure," said Edwin Lopez, President of the Spanish American Law Enforcement Association, citing the difficulty of identifying and prosecuting fraudsters. "Law enforcement is here to help, but it's up to you to protect your personal information." "Identity theft and fraud are prevailing threats for Philadelphia's seniors. Last year, 38% of Pennsylvania's fraud victims were between ages 50-69, and 34% of identity theft victims were in the same range," said Councilman David Oh. "I thank the AARP for working to better inform and protect our citizens." CONTACT:

Jacklyn Isasi, (267) 825-9928, [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/operation-stop-scams-protects-philadelphians-from-id-theft-300447155.html SOURCE AARP Pennsylvania

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Election results: Check out results from various races across the state
The St. Leger Cowley chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will meet at 1 p.m. next Saturday, May 6 in the Sheridan Room at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, 5401 South St.

Phyllis Stone, a descendant of Chief Iron shell, will present the program, titled "Our Plains Indian Heritage." Ms. Stone, an elder of the Rose Bud Sioux tribe, served on the Nebraska Indian Commission and was named Outstanding Indian Woman of Nebraska in 1985.

The presentation is made possible by Humanities Nebraska, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment and the St. Leger Cowley DAR as part of the Humanities Nebraska Speakers Bureau. The presentation is one of approximately 300 programs offered through the Humanities Speakers Bureau.
Arizona Representative Bob Thorpe said Friday he will meet with constituents after the legislative session ends.

Thorpe's announcement came during a meeting with the Flagstaff City Council Friday afternoon.

After the meeting, which saw about 35 members of the public attend, six people confronted Thorpe, asking why he had not been responsive to phone calls and emails throughout the legislative session.

There is a group that has been hounding me, Thorpe said. Is that the appropriate way to handle conversation?

The constituents wrote down their contact information and Thorpe said he would be in touch after the legislative session to have a meeting.

When were in session we typically dont do town halls, Thorpe said.

He later offered to meet in small groups for breakfast after the legislative session is over, but said it can be difficult to have conversations with people at a town hall-type meeting.

Earlier this month, Thorpe wrote a letter to the Flagstaff City Council, expressing his unhappiness with comments Mayor Coral Evans made at a council meeting, which he said were suggesting LD 6 legislators had not returned telephone calls or had attended meetings with the city.

When asked if Fridays meeting was in response to that letter, Thorpe said he was not sure if it was a direct effect, but said he was glad we had it.

Im thrilled when I can take an active role in things like that, he said.

At the meeting, Thorpe and Senator Sylvia Allen discussed the citys legislative agenda and bills in the state legislature.

Both Thorpe and Allen said they are not in favor of Gov. Doug Duceys plan to allow universities to recapture sales tax revenue they generate, instead of sharing it with cities. The Flagstaff City Council also issued a letter opposing the idea earlier this year.

The money (the universities) need to bond will come out of the general fund, Allen said.

Allen also touted bills that would allow people with professional knowledge and education in a given subject area to become teachers without requiring certification, as well as scholarships for teachers who choose to teach in rural areas facing a teacher shortage.

Vice Mayor Jamie Whelan said she was concerned the certification change might lower standards for teachers.

Education is so much more than dumping information, Whelan said.

Councilwoman Eva Putzova asked Thorpe and Allen if there would be any chance of overturning Arizonas controversial immigration law, called SB 1070, which was passed in 2010.

Thorpe said the law has been upheld in previous legal challenges against it, and said he was doubtful that the Legislature would want to overturn it.

Allen agreed that she did not think the law would be repealed, but said she would like to see legal immigration be made easier for individuals and families, and said she would also like to see work permits for agricultural workers come back. She said some agricultural workers could come to work in the United States but go back to their home country in the off season, which she said could help people find work and have a legal job.

Councilwoman Celia Barotz said she applauded the Legislature for not moving forward on proposals to allow guns in public buildings, and said as a councilmember she would be terrified if guns were allowed.

In a perfect world, I would much prefer an armed officer and no one else carrying a weapon, Thorpe said.
Tabitha Meals on Wheels are delivered to people who cannot prepare their own meals for health-related reasons. The basic menu, listed below, includes bread, margarine and milk. To order meals, get more information or volunteer, call Tabitha Meals on Wheels, 402-486-8589, or call 402-484-9669 for a prerecorded message on menus and program updates.
EC From DC: The First 100

This week, Ive been asked this questions multiple times, What do you think about President Trumps first 100 days in office? I can tell you my thoughts have ranged from disbelief to worry.This administration has done little to improve the lives of the American people and his budget proposals would put an end to programs that would help the most vulnerable.In the first 100 days, there has not been a single job-creating bill and the U.S. economy is moving at an even slower pace, the slowest quarter in three years.I am still waiting to see what the President has done to improve the lives of minorities in this country. His executive orders have not only isolated and insulted minorities but have also fostered an atmosphere of fear. The Presidents travel ban targeting Muslims and immigrants from specific countries was discriminatory and immoral and has since been put on hold by the federal courts.The business interests, both his and his familys, greatly concerns me. The line between his business interests and whats best for America could be easily crossed. Even his refusal to release his tax returns while proposing tax cuts should be questioned.Millions of people will suffer if the Affordable Care Act is repealed, especially seniors and people with pre-existing health conditions, yet this administration is determined to repeal no matter the consequences.Though I did agree with the Presidents call for a military strike against Syria, Congress should have had an opportunity to discuss it beforehand. After all, that is the way the law was written.These first 100 days have not been easy but I am hopeful that in the next 100 days my colleagues and I in Congress are able to put aside tribal politics and work together for the American people.Warmly,Emanuel Cleaver, IIMember of Congress######################
Lee's Summit man already facing separate rape charge accused of having sex with underage teenage girl KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Jackson County prosecutors charged a 24-year-old Lee's Summit man with six counts of statutory rape. Garret Laughland is accused of having sex multiple times with a 15-year-old girl who thought he was much younger. Laughland is in custody on a $500,000 bond at the Jackson County Detention Center.

The good life in the local suburbs gets harder to find according this report. Take a look:




KCTV5 Photo Credit: Midtown Jimmy Johns clerk robbed at gunpoint recounts experience





Here's a round-up of international acclaim rightfully bestowed on a Kansas City working-class hero who demonstrated an exceptional bit of cool in a high pressure gunpoint robbery.Better than heaping praise upon some high-paid athlete or politico . . . We invite our blog community to share their good thoughts about this young man who has demonstrated nerves of steel.Check the round-up and more insight . . .You decide . . .
Of the 57 Turkish nationals who have bought property with the help of the three Turks interviewed by Kathimerini, only 12 have obtained their Golden Visa

Greece's capital Athens is an attractive option for Turks looking for a safety net, according to the following article by Kathimerini daily newspaper:

"I arranged to meet Ela Aydogan and Cuneyt Yuzak at the main square in Kolonaki, central Athens. A Turkish couple had just bought an apartment on Karneadou Street and they were going to a bank to help the new homeowners to open an account. Its the most time-consuming part of the job, said Yuzak. Both permanent residents of Athens, they have mediated in the sale of 49 properties to Turkish nationals over the past few months.

The day before I had met with another woman from Turkey. She had sold eight properties to friends and acquaintances in the past six months. She did not want to reveal her identity as, she said, she has relatives in Istanbul. Obviously Im not doing anything illegal but theres always a sense of you never know. Some people have been persecuted for making a simple comment on Facebook, she said.

She got the idea in 2015 while talking to a friend who works in real estate, specializing in the sale of properties to clients from Arab countries. Why dont you do the same with your people? she had said to her, but the idea did not appeal to her at first. I didnt feel it was right. If I had told them that it was good idea, which at the time it wasnt, they would have trusted me, she said. For some strange reason lots of Turks had no idea that [Greece] had been at risk of leaving the European Union, she said, adding that, of course, a year later, everything changed.

She is aged around 50 and has been living with her family in Athens for many years. On the night of the attempted military coup in Turkey last July, she stayed awake, fretting about her relatives and friends. I wanted them all to come to Greece, she said. I was worried about their safety, about what would happen.

A few weeks later she got a phone call from a friend. Im concerned about the situation. I want you to help me find a house, he said, and they arranged to meet in Athens.

When he came, he told her he did not intend to stay, at least not immediately, but that he wanted to have the choice in case things got a lot worse.

Mass persecutions

The two of them sat for hours talking about the death of the Turkey they knew and loved, about mass persecutions, about the Islamification of education, about the general sense of fear permeating life in the country.

That weekend they viewed some properties in the northern suburbs of Athens and he ended up buying a property in Kefalari for 250,000 euros. As a result, that Turkish citizen and his family ended up entering the Golden Visa program, which secures them a residence permit in Greece for a whole year and in other European countries for a few months.

For Aydogan and Yuzak, their professions in Greek real estate started a few months before the attempted coup in Turkey. Aydogan had moved to Athens with her family in 2014 and since then has helped the families of many friends and acquaintances who wanted to do the same. One of those families was Yuzaks. I left because I wanted my children to grow up in a more international environment, he said. With Aydogans help, he found a house and a school for his son. The two became friends and one day, over coffee, they decided to go into business together.

There have been few weekends in recent months that they havent met a potential buyer at the airport. They accompany the would-be homeowners on visits to lawyers, accountants and real estate agents, and take them out for dinner or host them at their homes.

I remember the second week of February, when the schools in Turkey were closed, we had seven families here, he said. We had taken up three tables at a cafe and, with the help of real estate agents and the lawyer, we were trying to help them all at the same time.

I asked how many of the families ended up buying properties.

All seven, he told me. Anyone who has come to Athens to see us has left with a contract.

Noting my surprise, Yuzak explained further: Every 10 days I go back to Turkey and meet prospective buyers there. Of those, only 25 percent end up coming to Athens, and they are decided.

As for the rest, a large proportion want to come but cant, at least not yet, he added. They are either waiting to sell property to raise the money [the property market in Turkey is frozen] or they are just waiting to see what will happen following the referendum in April.

As we were speaking, the couple that had just bought the property on Karneadou Street came out of the bank. They are both bankers, aged around 40. Some friends had bought a flat in Athens and so they found themselves here in January. They viewed 10 properties, chose one and went back to Istanbul in the belief that the deal had been sealed. However, the sellers came back to them a few days later and told them that the price had changed. Unfortunately it happens a lot, Yuzak said. Lots of Greeks see foreigners and try to make an extra profit. We protect them from those kind of tactics and traps.

The couple see their purchase as an investment but they also love Greece and might end up retiring here, they told me. They said they had already booked an apartment on Paros in July for their summer holidays. A year after the coup, I remarked. They didnt respond and the subject was quickly changed.

Later, the Turkish woman who agreed to talk anonymously told me that no one talks openly about politics in Turkey with someone unless they know them very well. Indeed, there are some who demand utter discretion for their purchase in Greece.

Golden Visas

Of the 57 Turkish nationals who have bought property with the help of the three Turks interviewed by Kathimerini, only 12 have obtained their Golden Visa. The rest are still waiting for the procedure to be completed.

So far the process has been completed for a total of 49 properties and a corresponding 128 residence permits for Turkish owners and their relatives.

Most of the above bought properties worth 250,000 euros. There are exceptions though. One bought the property housing Public Power Corporation offices on Mesogeion Avenue for 850,000 euros. Then there are those who are looking to buy a hotel in central Athens for up to 1 million euros and a businessman who is looking for a 4,000 square meter warehouse to accommodate his business as his foreign clients do not want to travel to Turkey.

The job of the three Turks I met is not just to sell properties that will secure Golden Visas for the buyers.

Up until now, only two families have moved, but we know another six who are waiting for the school year to finish before coming over, Yuzak said. We help them with whatever they need, from installing a satellite dish so they can get Turkish channels, to choosing a school. He is already involved in organizing activities for this new community that is being created in Athens.

The woman who spoke anonymously to Kathimerini has similar thoughts. She is putting together a team that will be able to manage the properties she sells. Up until now, all the buyers are friends and have chosen properties in the same neighborhood, she said. In fact there is a certain restaurant they like and they want to be near that.

I think they all have in mind that one day, maybe soon, they might end up moving here, she added.

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

Source: kathimerini.gr
RACINE  A suburban Chicago man will spend the next eight years in prison after he was convicted this week for arranging a sexual encounter with who he thought was a 15-year-old Racine County girl.

Joseph F. Verna, 52, of Plainfield, Ill., was charged in October 2015 with use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime, attempted child enticement, and attempted second-degree sexual assault of a child under 16 years of age, after he showed up at the Comfort Inn, 1154 Prairie Drive, Mount Pleasant, on Oct. 22, 2015, to meet up with the girl, who turned out to be a Racine County Sheriffs investigator.

According to the criminal complaint, the investigator began a probe into internet crimes against children by posing on an adult website as a 15-year-old girl. The investigation began on Sept. 24, 2015, and soon after the investigator began communicating with a man who later turned out to be Verna.

The two eventually arranged a meeting at the hotel for a sexual encounter. When Verna arrived, he was arrested.

Verna was later charged with about a dozen counts of possession of child pornography after finding obscene photographs of girls between the 3 and 8 years old on his computer. However, all of the child pornography charges were dismissed in a Feb. 24 plea agreement, as was the child enticement charge, according to online court records.

As part of the plea deal, Verna pleaded guilty to the attempted sexual assault and use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime.

On Thursday, Racine County Circuit Court Judge Mark Nielsen sentenced Verna to five years in prison and five years on extended supervision for the charge of use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime, online court records show, and three years in prison and three years on extended supervision for the attempted assault charge, stipulating that the sentences be served consecutively.

Nielsen also ordered that Verna register as a sex offender, attend counseling if directed to do so, and have no contact with anyone under the age of 18 except his own children and stepchildren. Additionally, Nielsen ordered that Verna only be allowed to use the internet to look for a job.
RACINE  A Racine man is facing charges after he allegedly caused the death of a 3-month-old infant earlier this month.

According to the criminal complaint:

Josue Santiago-Vazquez, 30, of the 1000 block of Park Avenue, is facing a felony charge of first- degree reckless homicide.

At about 5:37 p.m. on April 11, police and rescue personnel responded to the 1000 block of Park Avenue for an infant who was reported to be not breathing. The infants father, later identified as Santiago-Vazquez, stated the infant had fallen and stopped breathing.

The infant was initially transported to Ascension All Saints Hospital, where it was originally believed that the childs condition was due to natural causes. The next day, the infant was transported to Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin in Wauwatosa for more care. There, investigators spoke with a doctor who believed the infants condition was suspicious in nature.

The doctor stated that the child had a severe subdural hematoma and retinal hemorrhaging, which is usually consistent with violent shaking or rapid and acceleration and deceleration, such as a childs head being slammed against a soft surface.

The infant died from his injuries on April 16.

After reviewing photos of the infant taken at about 2:29 p.m. April 11, the doctor determined the injury occurred between 2:29 p.m. and the time in which Santiago-Vazquez called 911. During that time period, Santiago-Vazquez was reportedly the primary caregiver of the child.

When questioned at the Racine Police Department, Santiago-Vazquez asked to speak with his girlfriend, asking what he should do, to which his girlfriend allegedly replied that he should stick with his story, which officers reportedly found concerning because she did not tell him to tell the truth.

Santiago-Vazquez remained in custody as of Friday afternoon at the County Jail, court records showed. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 9 a.m. Thursday at the county Law Enforcement Center.
Washington, April 29

A 29-year-old Indian-American man has lost his US citizenship after being sentenced to over five years in prison for conspiring to illegally distributing male enhancement pills imported from China.

Ismail Ali Khan was also convicted and sentenced for falsely stating in his application to become a naturalised US citizen that he had never committed a crime.

He now faces deportation to India.

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Khan, a resident of Decatur in Georgia, was sentenced to five years, seven months in federal prison after being convicted of conspiring to import and distribute male enhancement pills illegally that contained the drug found in Viagra, the US Department of Justice said in a statement.

His sentence would be followed by three years of supervised release, it said.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Steve C Jones ordered that Khans status as a naturalised US citizen be revoked and his certificate of naturalisation was declared void.

Jones also ordered that Khan be immediately deported to India once he completes his prison term.

At that time, supervised release will not be enforced.

Khan was found guilty by a jury on February 13.

This defendant endangered the health of countless individuals by illegally importing and distributing drugs that can be obtained in the US only with a prescription written by a licensed, medical professional, US Attorney John Horn was quoted in the statement.

The defendant became a naturalised US citizen by giving a false statement about his criminal history, while he was engaged in this illicit drug scheme, Horn said.

Justin Green, Special Agent in Charge, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Criminal Investigations, Miami Field Office, said FDA remained committed to pursuing those who endangerd the US public health by distributing fraudulent and potentially dangerous products.

The defendant and others imported male enhancement pills from China and distributed them throughout the US, Horn said.

These pills contained the same drug that is the active ingredient in Viagra. If the pills had been properly labelled, the Food and Drug Administration and US Customs and Border Protection would have stopped them from entering the US because Viagra is available in this country only when prescribed by a licensed physician and dispensed by a pharmacist, Horn said.

In order to evade import restrictions, the defendant and his co-conspirators directed their suppliers to mislabel the boxes containing the pills to make it appear that the boxes contained items that could be legally imported into the US, such as beauty products, pottery, coffee and tea, the Justice Department said in a statement.

They received the illegally imported pills at multiple addresses in Atlanta. They rented storage units at different locations where they repackaged the pills for distribution to wholesale and retail locations in the Atlanta area and throughout the US, the statement said.

In order to evade detection by law-enforcement authorities, they moved their illegal operations regularly, used aliases, false addresses and fake business names, and misrepresented the nature of their business when renting storage units and mailboxes, it said.

Over the course of a conspiracy that lasted from early 2011 until May 2014, Khan and his co-conspirators illegally imported and distributed more than USD 1.5 million worth of illegal drugs that came from China.

On August 12, 2013, while this drug conspiracy was ongoing, Khan submitted an application to citizenship and Immigration Services to become a naturalised United States citizen. PTI
Houston, April 29

A 45-year-old Indian-American has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for defrauding a bank and stealing more than $4,84,000 from his employer.

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Kiran Andhavarapu pleaded guilty on February 9 and was sentenced on Thursday, according to a statement by the US Attorney for the Southern District of Texas.

Andhavarapu, who was living in Conroe in Texas, was sentenced to 20 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release for stealing more than $4,84,000 from Weatherford and its subsidiary EProduction Solutions.

The FBI conducted the investigation.

US District Judge Keith P Ellison, who accepted the guilty plea, said Andhavarapu abused a position of trust as a financial controller which facilitated his commission of the crime.

He stole from his employer by opening bank accounts in the name of EProduction Solutions and listing himself as the owner and sole proprietor of the business.

Andhavarapu then stole refund cheques made out to and belonging to his employer and deposited them in the accounts he had created.

As part of his plea, Andhavarapu admitted he stole a total of $4,84,873.

He will remain in custody pending transfer to a US Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined at a later date, the statement said.  PTI
RACINE  A Racine woman is facing child-abuse charges after an alleged domestic abuse incident injured her 5-year-old child.

Reyven A. Mosley, 25, of the 5500 block of 16 Street, was charged Friday with felony child abuse-recklessly causing harm and misdemeanor counts of criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct.

According to the criminal complaint:

Mosley was at a home in the 30 block of Riverside Drive when she allegedly had an argument with a man. They are parents of a 5-year-old child together, who was also present.

Police said Mosley threw items, including broken glass in the incident, and struck the child in the head with one item causing a gash on the child's forehead and an abrasion on the top of his head.

Mosley also reportedly made verbal threats to the man during the incident, according to police.

Mosley was arrested and remained in the Racine County Jail as of Friday evening on a $250 cash bond.

Mosley's preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. May 10 in Racine County Circuit Court.

If convicted of the most serious charge, Mosley could see up to 18 months in jail and a $10,000 fine.
Tribune News Service

Solan, April 29

Ten persons were killed in four separate road accidents in different areas of Sirmaur district in the last 24 hours.

Four persons were killed when the Bolero vehicle (HP-62-1387) they were travelling in fell into a 200-foot-deep gorge near Giankot on the Giankot-Basadhar link road around 9 pm last evening. The accident site is on the border of Shimla and Sirmaur districts and the victims were rushed to a nearby hospital at Chopal.

Rajgarh DSP Yogesh Rolta said they had received the information about this accident late in the evening and they rushed to the spot which was more than two hours away. Since the lone survivor, Puneet Kumar, was not in a condition to give statement as yet the cause of the accident could not be ascertained.

He said those killed had been identified as Ramesh (55), Virender (38), Manoj (28) and Gopal (53). All are residents of Chopal subdivision in Shimla district.

In another accident, three persons were killed when the Alto car they were travelling in rolled down into a deep gorge in the Haripurdhar area near Bayong on the Korog-Kulag road this morning.

The deceased have been identified as Kapil Dev, the vehicle driver, and Rajesh Kumar. Another person, Baldev Singh, who was seriously injured, was referred to the Nahan medical college. He succumbed to his injuries later in the day.

In the third incident, a woman, Babli Devi, was killed when she was trying to operate a fan with the help of a tractor and her dupatta got entangled in the fan in Rampurghat area of Paonta Sahib this morning. She was trying to clean the wheat when the accident took place. She sustained grievous head injuries and was declared brought dead by the doctors at the local hospital.

In the fourth case, a youth, Amit Kumar, and a woman, Vaishali, were killed when they were overrun by a speeding tractor in Moginand area of Kala Amb last night. The incident happened when they came out of a wedding hall after taking dinner and were preparing to go home. The tractor driver managed to flee the spot.

Two killed, four hurt as car rolls down gorge

Shimla: Two persons were killed on the spot and four others  a woman and three children  seriously injured when the Maruti Suzuki Ritz car (MP-06 CA-1323) they were travelling in rolled down into a 200-m gorge near Devidhar on the Shimla-Mandi road. Sources said the driver lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a curve, resulting in the accident. Six persons were travelling in the car. The deceased included the car driver, Mirja Tosif, and Mirja Janul, both from Madhya Pradesh. The injured have been identified as Praveen (28), Mirja Sohib Baig (16), Mirja Sohil (13) and Mirja Noman (5). They were rushed to the IGMC, Shimla, where they were under treatment. The sources said the bodies had been handed over to the family after a postmortem. Investigation was under way, they added.
Shiv Kumar

Tribune News Service

Mumbai, April 29



A Mumbai-based documentary film-maker on a mission to save the Shimla Ridge for the local children has produced a 21-minute docu-drama shot entirely on an iPhone.

The Ridge, as it is known, is the only available playing area for children. It is now being taken over for a variety of social functions and political rallies, says the documentary film-maker Vivek Mohan. Prime Minister Narendra Modis rally was recently held at the Ridge.

Mohan notes that shopping complexes and buildings are coming up in Shimla, but playgrounds and parks are nowhere on the agenda of the planners.

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Mohan, who grew up in Shimla, likens the Ridge to Mumbais Shivaji Park which too is under pressure from politicians and the public alike. SOS: Shivaji Park of Shimla, as the documentary is called, attempts to contrast its originally sylvan surroundings with the pressures of modern-day living. The early-morning shots of the Ridge capture the chirping of birds while the footage from the later part of the day is contrast of every-day sounds of a crowded neighbourhood.

The documentary shot over several months shows the problems faced by children in accessing the Ridge for playing. Children complain about policemen snatching their bicycles and chasing them away when they are at play. The documentary clearly highlights how the police monitor the Ridge via CCTVs and then descend on the children when they gather there to play.

The filmmaker has now created a dedicated Facebook Group called SOS: Shivaji Park of Shimla to gather support for setting up a play area for the children of Shimla.
Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, April 29

With there being no bidders for three aerial ropeways of Naina-Devi, Deot Sidh and Sarahan earlier, the Tourism Department has decided to invite fresh bids after giving some more concessions to attract entrepreneurs.

The much-delayed Toba-Naina Devi aerial ropeway will be advertised with a provision to provide ample land to the bidder to set up an amusement park at the lower terminal to make the project more viable. The MoU signed with the Punjab Government during the previous BJP regime had been terminated by the Congress government but there have been no takers for the project.

The Tourism Department is inviting bids for the Toba-Naina Devi, Shah Talai-Deot Sidh, Sarahan-Bashal Kanda (Shimla) and Bharmour-Bharmani temple (Chamba). Barring the Deot Sidh temple ropeway, whose span is 1.8 km, rest all three will be more than two km long. The Bharmour-Bharmani temple (Chamba) ropeway will be in two phases with the second stage to connect it to Manimahesh further.

Both in case of Naina Devi (Bilaspur) and Deot Sidh (Hamirpur) ropeways, the major handicap is the existence of an alternative road already being there.

The reason why there are no takers for Naina Devi and Deot Sidh is because there is a major risk of revenue since most pilgrims take the road, revealed an official. The ropeway, proposed for Bharmour, has been found to be economically unviable but it is still being advertised.

The demand of the investor is that if the district administration is willing to restrict the road to the shrines only for VIPs and the public is made to take the aerial route, they are willing to invest. However, sources revealed that the local politicians are opposed to any such move, as it will lead to resentment among the locals.

The state government is keen to execute these projects as they will go a long in promoting tourism and reducing traffic congestion. Though the proposals to have these aerial ropeways were prepared almost two decades back, it is now that these have begun to take actual shape.

It is only last month that Usha Breco has been awarded the Kullu-Bijli Mahadev aerial ropeway on a bid amount of over Rs 40 crore and the concession period of 40 years. Usha Breco has already been awarded the Himani Chamunda (Kangra) and Shimla aerial ropeways and they are awaiting forest clearances from the Centre for starting work.
Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 29

The Supreme Court has declared unconstitutional a 2006 law enacted by the Himachal Pradesh Assembly making it mandatory for all the private medical institutions in the state to take affiliation from the government-run Himachal Pradesh University (HPU).

The verdict came on an appeal filed by Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Solan,  set up in 2010  which was being forced to get affiliation for its Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College and Hospital (MMMCH) at Kumarhatti, Solan, from the HPU.

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The Medical Council of India had in 2013 granted permission to MMMCH run with an annual intake of 150 students for the 2013-2014 academic year. But the state insisted that it must get affiliation from the HPU.

A three-judge bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra struck down Section 3(6a) of the Himachal Pradesh Private Medical Educational Institutions (Regulation of Admission and Fixation of Fee) Act 2006, which conferred exclusive powers on HPU to affiliate private medical educational institutions in the state.

We have no hesitation in taking the view that the amended provisions, in particular Section 3(6a), would impinge upon the autonomy of an independent University established under a separate State Legislation, the bench  also comprising Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice Mohan M Shantanagoudar  said.

The top court allowed MMUs appeal against a Himachal Pradesh High Courts verdict that had upheld the controversial provision. It directed the regulatory authorities proceed forthwith without insisting for an affiliation of MMMCH -- a constituent college of MMU from the HPU.

Writing the judgment for the bench, Justice Khanwilkar said: The amended provisions of Section 3 (6a) of the 2006 Act, cannot be sustained as the same are unreasonable, irrational and in conflict with the special State Legislation under which the Appellant No. 2  University (MMU) has been established, namely the 2010 Act.

It is incomprehensible that a college (MMMCH) which is a constituent of the Appellant No. 2  University (MMU) can be compelled to take affiliation from some other University (HPU) by taking recourse to the provisions of the 2006 Act which primarily deals only with the subject of admissions and fees in private medical colleges within the State, the bench said.

Since the Appellant No.1  College (MMMCH) is a constituent of the Appellant No. 2  University (MMU), the question of compelling it to take affiliation from another University (HPU) cannot be countenanced, it said.
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, April 29

The high-speed 3G and 4G Internet was today restored by telecom companies in the Kashmir valley even as social media sites and instant messaging applications remained blocked.

At least two telecom companies restored the high-speed 3G and 4G Internet while other companies are likely to follow. The social media sites and instant messaging applications, however, have been blocked following a government order banning 22 such online communication sites.

The high-speed Internet services were suspended in the Valley on Monday last week following widespread protests by students at colleges across the region.

The government earlier this week ordered a ban on 22 social media sites, mobile phone messengers and video-uploading site in a first such online crackdown in the Valley.

It is for the first time that the state government has banned social media even as a blanket shutdown of Internet has remained a frequent feature in the region. The social media ban will remain effective for one month.

The ban was ordered in the backdrop of protests in the region which, the security officials believe, were partly fuelled by social media.

In recent months, demonstrators had live streamed protests which further sparked the anger following which the government had suspended Internet twice this month, including during the run-up to the parliamentary bypoll. The ban on social media was ordered at a time when the state government is grappling with recurring bouts of protests which appear to be spreading in scale and intensity.
Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 28

Amid increasing violence in Kashmir, the Narendra Modi government today told the Supreme Court it will not hold talks with separatist leaders who want azadi from India.

We will talk to only those persons who are legally permitted to hold talks on behalf of people of Kashmir, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi told a Bench headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar. Rohatgi said the government was willing to talk to only recognised political parties in the state.

The AGs categorical statement came during hearing of a petition filed by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association (Srinagar) challenging the High Courts verdict rejecting their demand for a ban on use of pellet guns against protesters in the Valley.

All those whom the law does not prevent can meet and come out with suggestions, as the situation is not very palpable, the Bench said.

The Bar association wanted talks with Hurriyat leaders without the condition of these falling within the framework of the Indian Constitution.

If you throw stones, close schools, how will talks happen in Kashmir? said the Bench, which had on April 10 posed some serious questions to the association while seeking steps to deal with violent agitators. On Friday, it again requested the association to suggest a roadmap for dialogue and peace.

The court asked the Bar members to get names of people who could hold talks with the Centre.

Dialogues have to be initiated by political leaders, not in courts, Rohatgi told the Bench. Who is stopping them from having a dialogue? They can meet the Chief Minister or the Prime Minister, the AG said.

The Bench said it would direct the Centre to hold talks only if there was a first step from the people whose cause the Bar association espoused. The court said it could ask the CRPF and the state police not to use pellet guns for two weeks if it was assured that there would be no stone-pelting.

The Bench indicated it could set the stage for talks between the stakeholders from the Valley and Centre, but cautioned nothing would work out if those representing the Valley wanted secession.

We can issue some directions if there is a reciprocal undertaking from your side, the Bench told the Bar association. If we direct them (government) to stop using pellet guns, will you undertake not to throw stones and indulge in agitations? the Bench asked the petitioner. But the association leaders were apparently reluctant to give any undertaking, saying they didnt represent the public at large.

The court posted the matter for May 9 after asking the Bar association to talk to people and get back to it with suggestions. The Bench also made it clear to the Centre that it would involve itself in the matter only if there was a view that it could play a role and there was no jurisdictional issue.

If you feel the court has no role and if you feel we have no jurisdiction, we will close the file at this moment, the Bench told the Attorney General, who objected to some of the suggestions made by the Bar association, including that the separatists were being ignored. The Centre has been defending the use of pellet guns as a penultimate measure before resorting to bullets.

Rohhatgi had earlier told the Bench the situation could not be allowed to go out of control in the border state where a neighbouring country was aiding and abetting people who hoisted Islamic State and Pakistani flags and attacked security forces on a regular basis.
Srinagar, April 29

There has been no let-up in student protests in Srinagar since the Pulwama college incident on April 15. Scores of students of Kashmir Government Polytechnic this afternoon clashed with police and CRPF personnel in the Gogji Bagh locality of the city. A staffer of the college was injured in the clashes.

The clashes started when students of the institution attacked a nearby camp of the 55 Battalion of the CRPF with stones in the Gogji Bagh locality.

Students marched to a nearby CRPF camp and started throwing stones at it. The CRPF men acted with restraint and the situation was brought under control. A staffer of the college was injured when he was hit by a stone, said the SHO, Rajbagh police station, Ghulam Mohiuddin.

Students of the college, however, said they were holding a peaceful protest, alleging that security personnel thrashed them without a reason.

Security personnel damaged the vehicles parked near the college and also thrashed students without any reason, said a student from the college.

The student protests began in the Valley on April 17, two days after 50 students of Degree College, Pulwama, were injured in a clash with security men over setting up of a checkpoint outside the college. The clashes spread across Kashmir, especially Srinagar, where colleges remained shut for nearly a week.

Meanwhile, officials said the school timings for the government and recognised private schools within the municipal limits of Srinagar shall be from 8 am to 2 pm and for the schools outside the municipal limits, the timings shall be from 9 am to 3 pm from May 1.  TNS
Dinesh Manhotra

Tribune News Service

Jammu, April 29

A day after the Central government told the Supreme Court that it will not hold talks with separatist leaders in the Kashmir valley, BJP president Amit Shah today directed party leaders to single out anti-India and separatist elements to bring normalcy back in the Valley. He made it clear to the party leaders that Centres stand in the Supreme Court was also the viewpoint of the BJP on Jammu and Kashmir.

By endorsing the Centres stand, the BJP president has given a clear message to its coalition partner  PDP  that his party was not going to climb down on its position of not engaging in talks with separatists or pro-azadi groups of Kashmir.

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi told Supreme Court on Friday, We will talk to only those persons who are legally permitted to hold talks on behalf of people of Kashmir. The government is willing to talk to only recognised political parties in the state.

Shahs statement assumes importance as Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on April 24 had strongly advocated engaging all stakeholders, including separatist groups, in the dialogue process to restore normalcy in Kashmir. Mehbooba had reiterated the demand while briefing the PDPs political affairs committee (PAC) in Srinagar on Monday about her meeting with the Prime Minister and the Home Minister.

Shah, who reached Jammu this morning on a two-day visit to the state in connection with Vistar Yatra of BJP, told party leaders that the Centre and the BJP high command were concerned about the situation in Kashmir.

In a two-hour-long closed-door meeting of party ministers and MLAs, Shah made it clear there was no question of compromising on the core ideology of the party. The nation, not the government, is priority of the BJP, Shah reportedly told the party legislators, with a clear message that the party would not hesitate to make any sacrifice for the nation.

He directed all party ministers and MLAs not to confine themselves to their respective constituencies and communities but to visit the Valley and reach out to the people there.

The BJP president made it clear that there was no question of talks with separatist or extremist groups of the Valley, a BJP legislator told The Tribune on the condition of anonymity. He said Shahs speech was clear that those fomenting trouble or demanding azadi would not be involved in any dialogue process.

Later, addressing a meeting of prominent citizens, Shah threw light on the history of the BJP and importance of J&K in the partys ideology.
RACINE COUNTY  Not unlike other areas in the state, many of the countys school districts have increasingly turned to referendums to address various needs.

Some, like Racine Unified in 2014, were successful. Others were not: referendums in Burlington, Yorkville, Waterford and Kansasville all went down earlier this year.

But local school officials say the option should remain as it is after a slate of bills proposed by Republican lawmakers, including state Rep. Thomas Weatherston, R-Caledonia, were introduced targeting referendums.

Those measures include reducing state aid to districts that pass referendums raising money for general operations; limiting referendums to April or November general elections; and eliminating whats known as recurring referendums, which allow districts to raise taxes over the course of several years.

School advocates, including district officials in Racine County, say the legislation takes away local control. They feel it also contradicts what Republicans said in 2011 when, after reducing revenue caps in Act 10, they noted school districts can go to residents directly through referendum for more support.

But others, like Weatherston, say the bills keep property taxes in check while still preserving schools ability to go to referendum.

Weatherston is the lead Assembly sponsor on legislation that would cut state aid to districts passing operational referendums by 20 percent of the amount raised. So if a districts voters approved a $1 million operational referendum, for example, its state aid would be cut $200,000. The aid would then be redistributed to other districts through the state funding formula.

Weatherston said referendums should focus on raising money for new buildings and construction, not general operating expenses. He said operational referendums circumvent Act 10 and its principles to keep taxes down.

If a school district has taxpayers that dont mind paying extra in a referendum, then they certainly are wealthy enough they dont need all of their state aid, Weatherston said.

The idea is, for school districts, trying to focus them on going to referendum for the right reasons. Were trying to control property taxes and as schools go crazy, this shows up on your tax bill.

Yorkville Elementary School District Superintendent Dave Alexander called the idea of cutting state aid punitive.

Its punishing the taxpayers in a school district who step up and support a local school district where the state will not, Alexander said.

On April 4, an operational referendum in the Yorkville district was defeated by 21 votes. The $490,000 recurring operational referendum would have resulted in a tax rate increase of $1.05 per every $1,000 of property value.

The referendum came with the district $170,000 in the red and possibly going insolvent in five years with no changes.

Yorkville School District is already a negative aided school district. We receive 15 percent less state aid each year, not because we passed a referendum, but because we are on the losing end of a broken school funding formula, Alexander said. This legislation is just meant to deter people from voting in support of an operational referendum, making the tax impact greater if it is passed.

A spokesman for Gov. Scott Walker said the governor also does not support cutting state aid after operational referendums.

While the governor supports some of the proposal, such as having referendum votes coincide with regularly scheduled elections, he has not favored any punitive measures when locals pass such referendums, spokesman Tom Evenson said.

Walker also believes the need for operational referendums will drop if a proposed $649 million increase for K-12 schools passes in the 2015-17 budget, Evenson said.

Referendums increase

Kansasville District Administrator Matt Stratton said the bills likely will not dramatically affect Kansasville in the near future, as its issues are with its building. On April 4, Kansasville voters defeated, by 22 votes, a $4.2 million referendum to update and expand Kansasville Elementary School.

Still, Stratton echoed concerns over the impact on local control.

I dont believe this to be in the best interest of local taxpayers know what is best for their communities statements by many lawmakers in the past, Stratton said.

Districts have turned to referendums more in recent years. Last year, voters in 54 school districts approved $1.35 billion in borrowing for new construction projects, according to the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance. The amount was the highest in at least 25 years, the group said.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, said he looks at referendums as an important part of school funding and an option allowing taxpayers to invest more in education.

Im open to ways to make the process better and Ill consider the bills as long as they stick to that philosophy, said Vos.
Yash Goyal

Our Correspondent

Jaipur, April 29

A marriage function turned into a nightmare as nine people, including six women, were buried alive while 15 others were injured as the balcony of a house where a marriage ceremony was on collapsed at Pidhi village on Nadbai road in Bharatpur district on Friday night.

Eight of the seriously injured were referred to Jaipurs SMS Hospital, while seven others were admitted to a government hospital at Bharatpur, SHO Kumher Thana Vijay Singh Meena said on Saturday.

The deceased were identified as Angoori, 70; Lajja, 60; Kamlesh, 45; Kailashi, 40; Harbheji, 70; Chattani,10; Bharatlal, 45; Bhoodev, 50; and Bhagwan Singh, 40.

Over 50 people were busy in the bhat ceremony on the ground floor and on the balcony of the newly built house when it fell down at 10 pm. Most of the victims were sitting on the ground floor when the mishap occurred and they were trapped inside the debris.

Rescue operation mounted in the wee hours was completed in the afternoon, the SHO said.

A Jatav family was holding the bhat ceremony of his two sons. Fortunately, neither the grooms, nor their parents were hurt in the mishap, the SHO said.

The bodies were handed over to the families after the autopsy.
New Delhi, April 29

The credibility of the legal system and the rule of law have come under "severe strain" in the absence of timely help to poor and illiterate Indians, Chief Justice of India J S Khehar said on Saturday.

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The CJI made the observations while highlighting the importance of Para Legal Volunteers (PLV) who, according to him, enabled ordinary and helpless people to avail the benefits of the legal system for alleviating their sufferings and injustice.

In the absence of timely help to most Indians, the credibility of the legal system and the rule of law comes under severe strain, he said, stressing that the poor and illiterate Indian were the main clients of the justice system.

Law and Justice Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who also spoke at the two-day National Meet of Para Legal Volunteers here, emphasised the use of technology in providing access and administration of justice.

Inaugurating two-day National Meet, the CJI said the service to poor was a "super divine duty" being carried out by the volunteers, which was more than the "divine duty discharged by the judges".

The last-mile connectivity for a villager under the PLV scheme was not the lawyers but the PLVs working under the competent legal authorities which impart awareness of laws and legal system to them, he said.

When the disputes are such that they are beyond the capacity of these volunteers who have basic training in law, they approach the nearest legal services authority for a dispute settlement mechanism like Lok Adalat, mediation or more formal legal remedies.

"These volunteers trained under the 2009 para legal volunteer scheme act as filters relating to the number and nature of disputes that need to be formally and institutionally dealt with by the legal services. Para legal volunteers save time and money of the poor, the official administration and the courts," Justice Khehar said.

Lauding NALSA's poverty alleviation scheme, he said it ensured that the benefits of various anti-poverty schemes of the central and the state governments actually reach the intended beneficiaries.

Emphasising the need for restructuring its approach and design, the CJI favoured skill-driven PLVs who can properly research and investigate facts or laws related to a case.

"In fact, this will develop para legal volunteer as multi-skilled individual and enhance his or her performance as the critical interface between the common litigant and the courts by a process of upgradation that opens more opportunity for them," he said.

The Minister emphasised the need for increasing use of technology in the judicial process.

"Time is changing fast and with the changing times, we have to change our technology. Technology is a very important tool in the administration of justice.

"In a country of 125 crore people, 108 crore people have mobile phones, among whom 35 crore have smart phones, which will very fast reach 50 crore figure", Prasad said.

He said 113 crore people have Aadhaar cards but refused to speak on it further saying the matter was sub-judice.

Noting that good governance can be delivered with the help of technology, he said with government's scheme of common service centre (CSC), people in villages and in small towns could avail digital services like making of ration cards, PAN cards, Aadhaar cards or booking of railway tickets.

We have decided to link the CSC with the access to justice. Now these centres could help Dalit women, Kashmiri women and people from North East to get access to justice, he said, adding that CSCs were being opened in 1,000 panchayats of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and soon 800 such centres will be opened in Jammu and Kashmir and the North East.

Justice Dipak Misra, the executive chairman of NALSA, said this year has been dedicated as the year of excellence to "access to justice through para-legal volunteers".

Through these legal volunteers, the poor people of the country will be able know about government schemes and seek redressal of their grievances," he said.

Several Supreme Court judges, high court judges and judicial officers from various trial courts across the country were also present at the event.  PTI
Allahabad/Lucknow, April 29

Twenty-two persons have been arrested so far in connection with the violence and arson on the Allahabad University (AU) campus on Friday, a senior police official said today.

"We have arrested 22 persons so far, including the four who had been caught yesterday. A case has been registered against 46 named and around 2,000 others persons, who have not been named, under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for violence, arson and violation of prohibitory orders, Deputy Superintendent of Police Vijay Shanker Tiwari said.

Tiwari, who is in-charge of the Colonelganj Circle under which the sprawling AU campus falls, said a search was on for the accused not yet arrested.

Four persons were arrested yesterday when they chanted slogans at the University guest house, in violation of the prohibitory orders clamped on the area earlier this week.

The agitators were demanding an investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the University.

A meeting of the varsity's Executive Council was underway at the guest house.

Prohibitory orders under section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code were imposed a few days back when attempts of the University authorities and police to evict illegal occupants from hostels met with angry protests.

The Allahabad High Court has repeatedly directed the varsity's administration to evict those who have been staying in the hostels illegally.

The news of the arrests had triggered violent protests during which youths torched a bus and hurled stones, damaging window panes and vehicles, until they were quelled by the police which was aided by Rapid Action Force and Provincial Armed Constabulary.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has sought a detailed report over violence on Allahabad University campus after the arrest of four students for allegedly disrupting a meeting and violating prohibitory orders.

He tasked the state chief secretary and the director general of police with preparing the report and directed that all problems of the students should be speedily redressed.  PTI
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 29

Stressing on the importance to strengthen the mechanism in the fight against terror in the world, India underscored the imperative that the menace could be fought together by the world community.

At a banquet hosted in honour of visiting President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades, President Pranab Mukherjee said, India condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and believes that responsible nations such as ours must continue efforts to collectively and comprehensively address the dark forces of extremism, terrorism and radicalisation.

India seeks to build a broad consensus at the United Nations for finalisation of the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, he added. The visiting dignitary conferred upon Mukherjee the Grand Collar of the Order of Makarios-III.

The two sides exchanged views on international issues, most notably the fight against international terrorism and ways to reinforce measures to stem the financing of terrorism, a joint statement said.

President Anastasiades reaffirmed Cyprus support for the enhancement of the representative character of the United Nations Security Council expansion with India as a permanent member in an expanded United Nations Security Council.
New Delhi, April 29

Japan today announced its decision to confer Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun on former Union Law Minister Ashwani Kumar. The honour is bestowed upon foreign nationals in recognition of distinguished accomplishments of individuals.

The decoration is the highest among the Orders of the Rising Sun, which would be presented to Kumar at a ceremony to be held at the Imperial Palace, Tokyo, on May 9. The recipients of the honour would be given an audience with Japanese Emperor, the Japanese Embassy said here.

Ashwani Kumar served as the Special Envoy of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Japan on the occasion of the visit of the Emperor and Empress of Japan to India in December 2013 and significantly contributed to the success of the visit. He was the Accompanying Minister to PM Shinzo Abe when he visited India in 2007 and was the Chairman of FICCI India-Japan Forum of Parliamentarians set up during the India visit of ex-PM Junichiro Koizumi in 2005.  TNS
New Delhi, April 29

A man was shot dead in the Rohini Courts complex on Saturday while being brought for court hearing, the police said.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Rajesh, a notorious criminal, has been shot dead outside Rohini court by Mohit, resident of Jhajjar district in Haryana, while he was being brought by Haryana Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rishi Pal said.

The police have arrested Mohit.

Rajesh was arrested in a murder case in December 2016 and was undergoing judicial custody in Haryana. IANS
Sarika Sharma

When long-time art collectors from Philadelphia, Jill and Sheldon Bonovitz, first saw Bengali kanthas and Punjabi phulkaris some decades ago, they responded to the imagination, whimsy, and fine craftsmanship of these womens embroideries and began to form collections of both the crafts. In 2009-10, they supported an exhibition of kanthas and now, seven years later, they have come up with an exhibition of phulkaris at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with the collection being hailed as the first ever for the Punjabi craft of embroidery in the US.

The Philadelphia museum of art, founded in 1876, is among the oldest and the largest art museums in the United States. It holds world-class collections of both the arts of South Asia and of costumes and textiles from around the world. While the museum has housed a few phulkaris for some time now, a full-fledged exhibition has been put up for the first time.

Darielle Mason, the Stella Kramrisch Curator of Indian and Himalayan Art at the museum, credits the foresight of the two collectors (she a ceramic artist, he a trustee of the museum) in collecting exquisite examples of phulkaris.

Mason co-curated the exhibition with Dilys E. Blum, senior curator of costume and textiles at the museum, and Cristin McKnight Sethi, an assistant professor at the George Washington University. Sethi joined the museum staff first to catalogue the collection and then to become a co-curator of the exhibition and author a major essay on the craft.

Along with the 19 Bonovitz phulkaris, the exhibition includes some historical pieces from the museums permanent collection. It also includes information on technique, use and history both as written wall text and through a digital presentation that focuses on Partition and the meaning of phulkaris since 1947. The final element of the exhibition brings these textiles into the present through the contributions of designer Manish Malhotra. On display are baghs, darshan dwars, sainchis, thirmas and chopes, besides the designers contemporary designs.

In the process of our research, the curatorial staff discovered a video of Malhotras 2013 collection in which he used phulkari embroidery to create glamorous couture garments. When I was next in Mumbai, I met him to explain our project. We hoped not only to use his video in the installation, but also to borrow some of the original 2013 garments.

Malhotra agreed to participate in the project and created seven new 2017 phulkari-inspired garments. Three of these are part of the exhibition itself and he has donated these to the museums permanent collection of haute couture. Four others were worn by live models at the exhibition opening, to the great enthusiasm of hundreds of art patrons.

However, with scholars having little evidence of extant phulkaris dating from before the 1800s, the earliest works in the exhibition appear to date to the early 1800s and the latest are Malhotras creations.

This special link between the past and the present makes the exhibition truly unique, Mason says.

Less known in the US, the vivid colours, lively imagery and superlative needlework are flooring people. Mason says the audiences have been enchanted and amazed. And when they come to know that the craft was lost during the Partition of India, they are shocked.

Visitors have also been fascinated to learn about the region, yet are often shocked that US schools teach virtually nothing about [the Indian] independence and even less about the horrors of Partition on both sides of the border. The exhibition is proving to be an aesthetic as well as historical eye opener for most of our national and international audiences. The exhibition is on till July 9.

More of South Asia

The Philadelphia Museum of Art opened its newly renovated galleries of South Asian Art in October last. They had been completely transformed for the first time in 40 years. Textiles from South Asia, including Kashmiri shawls, royal Karappur garments, saris and the finest collection of Bengali kantha outside of India/ Bangladesh are among the many glories of the museum
Oliver Poole

When it comes to rhinos  and elephants  its usually bad news. Rampant poaching across Africa and Asia has wiped out national populations, driven several subspecies to extinction and fuelled the operations of international criminal cartels. In the face of this, however, one conservancy in Kenya has managed to grow its population of endangered black rhinos by 100 per cent in just 10 years. Using this as leverage for eco-tourism, the approach has brought community and conservation together by implementing sustainable agriculture, and creating health and education programmes.

Their success has lead to a dilemma few at Ol Pejeta Conservancy ever dreamt of  they are fast approaching the maximum number of black rhinos that the 90,000-acre conservancy can sustain. This is a challenge that is catalysing new partnerships, and presenting a window to a future for wildlife conservation across Africa.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is nestled in the foothills of Mt. Kenya, in the wildlife-rich Laikipia County. When it was first established as a rhino sanctuary in 1989, it was home to just four black rhinos. Today, it is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, and hosts approximately 16 per cent of the national population. Recently, Ol Pejeta was the host to delegates from the Giants Summit in recognition of its incredible contribution to conservation globally. Its elite anti-poaching squad includes a K-9 unit, with attack and scent detection dogs trained to locate ammunition, ivory and rhino horn. The rangers ensure each rhino is visually observed at least once a week.

But it is their arsenal of wildlife monitoring technology that impresses. Infrared camera traps set up along a solar-powered electric fence provide 24/7 surveillance and their more recent deployment of drones is an innovation to conservation that is fast becoming irreplaceable.

While technology is now a big part of the Conservancys success, it is also its investment in surrounding communities that has lead to overwhelming local support for wildlife conservation from the people living along the Conservancys borders.

Whilst the bulk of revenues are derived from tourism, over the past 10 years Ol Pejeta has proven that an integrated system of wildlife and livestock management not only works, but can actually be beneficial to the grasslands at the same time as helping to maximise land productivity.  The Independent
Nonika Singh

Within infinite myths lies the eternal truth.  Devdutt Pattanaik

Of course, decoding this truth is never easy, more importantly its never one sided or even simplistic. There can be no formulaic representation of it, nor can a reductionist narrative describe it. As the Yajurveda tells us; truth is one but wise men see it as many.

Chitra Banerjee Divakarunis Palace of Illusions can tell it from the fiery Draupadis point of view and also hint at the unspoken love between Karan and Draupadi. Her next Under the Sorrow Tree will lend voice to Sita, not as a picture of compliance as she is often perceived to be but much more. In Ajaya, Anand Neelakantan recreates the Mahabharata from Duryodhanas point of view and in Asura: Tale of The Vanquished, his take on the Ramayana is from Ravanas perspective. Amish Tripathis trilogy on Shiva both humanises and deifies the creator destroyer.

Since time before the written word mythology has fired and ruled human imagination like few genres have.

Writers in many Indian languages have interpreted our mythical tales, adding their own twists to it. In recent years the mythology bug seems to have bitten Indian writers in English with even more intensity than the usual. And their take on mythical tales has caught the readers fancy.

One of the most successful mythology writers of our times is Amish Tripathi. The author of stupendously successful Shiva trilogy comprising The Immortals of Meluha, The Secret of the Nagas and The Oath of the Vayuputras, he attributes the renewed interest in mythology to the growing awareness about our cultural roots. He says, Mythology has always been part of our cultural DNA and been the most popular genre. What is new is how its being re-imagined and how there is a hunger post-1990s to listen to our own stories in our own voices.

Neelakantan, however, asserts that Indian English writers are merely treading a familiar territory. As compared to writers in regional Indian languages, their (his included) endeavours are in the infancy stage. Take Jnanpith awardees for instance, most of them have at least one exposition of the Ramayana or the Mahabharata to their credit, he adds.

Envisioning mythology from different vantage views, too, is a time-tested concept. Though in todays troll-ridden times when actor Kamal Haasan is hauled to court for seemingly reasonable remarks on the Mahabharata, it could be fraught with many pitfalls. For one, there is the chance of being misunderstood as a religious fanatic.

Tripathi, anyway, stands a proud Hindu who approaches his subject with both respect and love. I generally worship the gods I write about. Indeed, in a country where more than one thing has become a holy cow, irking sensibilities is a recurring possibility. But Tripathi is adamant, Except for a fringe extreme section, Indians of all faiths are both deeply religious and intrinsically liberal at the same time. India does allow for the space where many truths can coexist.

Pattanaik, too, approaches the subject with a deep respect. Whenever you write a story you need to be sensitive to the readers. Some writers find pleasure in offending readers and likewise, some readers get upset whenever a writer has a different point of view. If you ignore the extremists on either side, and are generally sensitive and mature, things are not so bad. Luckily, in a recent judgment, the Supreme Court has said that unwitting insults to religion must not be prosecuted.

Neelakantan has turned many an epic tale upside down, even aired his misgivings about what the Gita truly stands for. But he has never felt the heat even when he speaks in the voice of the antagonist. His reasons  Heroes have had their say for too long. But what really fascinates him about the Indian mythology is its grey shades. In our Puranas, there is nothing or no one absolutely good or bad. Good and bad are only relative. Then there is karma for which we all have to pay, even Lord Krishna cant escape his.

In Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharat, Pattanaik writes, Through Karna, Vyasa reiterates that our knowledge of the world is imperfect based on perceptions and false information. We are surrounded by Kuntis who hide the truth in fear. We are surrounded by Karnas, villains, who are actually brothers.

Since history (mythology too) is essentially told from the victors point of view, many truths remain uncovered. As writers, their task is to fill in these gaps and make silences speak the way they perceive it. Tripathi believes there are many liberal messages in our ancient scriptures, including about women empowerment, which need to be told and retold. However, the manner in which these are conveyed in umpteen television serials could be devoid of the myths inherent complexity and maturity. Neelakantan, who has also written for television serials such as Siya Ke Ram, Ashoka and Mahabali Hanuman, concurs, The very nature of the commercial beast that television is, it doesnt allow for any deep probing or unconventional deliberation. When I write for television, its purely for money. 

Tripathi, however, is all for all kinds of retelling. Any interpretation in any part of the country in any language and in any medium is welcome. The author, whose million-dollar deals with filmmakers for the rights of his book have generated a buzz, wouldnt mind a television adaptation of his books, provided the production values are at par.

Pattanaiks journey into the world of mythology has comfortably straddled both worlds. He has written 30 books till date and his television show Devlok with Devdutt has, too, been converted into a book. Many of his literary forays like My Gita have, however, evinced mixed response. Some critics call him too cautious. But that is only expected in a country where lines between religion and myth often blur.

Whether myth is religion or not, Neelkanatan says, In India there is no religion. Hinduism has always been a way of life, but now Hindutava is emerging as a dangerous alternative. What he loves about mythology is its non-judgmental tenor. He says, The morality that we are talking of today is a Victorian concept and has little to do with our scriptures. Thats why, perhaps, the appeal of our myths cuts across religious boundaries and the tales endure and lend themselves easily to manifold enunciations.

Right now India, rather those reading Indian English writings, otherwise bereft of their cultural stories, seem to be enjoying the mythological ride. Since these are missing from our education curriculum and oral tradition of retelling is all but fading away, a whole lot of writers have taken it upon themselves to weave a tapestry of old and new threads of mythology, often in resoundingly successful ways.

As Pattanaik puts it, All myths make profound sense to different people whether religious or secular, thought not to everyone. These cannot be rationalised beyond a point. In the final analysis, you either accept these or you dont.
Ranjita Biswas

Krakows castle, according to Polish folklore, was built over a dragons lair. Also called Cracow, it was the capital of Poland from 1038 AD to more than five centuries before it was shifted to Warsaw. But its fame as the oldest city in the country and a cultural hub persists in the Polish psyche. The Unesco placed Krakow on the World Heritage Sites list in 1978.

As for the story, Smok Wawelski, or the Wawel Dragon, a ferocious dragon lived in a cave where the Wawel Castle stands today. His favourite food? Sheep and virgins. A time came when the village became bereft of maidens, save for the kings daughter. The king offered his daughters hand to anyone who could slay the vile beast. Brave knights fought and perished. Then came a poor cobbler named Krak, who tricked Smok into eating a sheep stuffed with sulphur, which ignited inside his stomach. Choking, the dragon drank up half the river Vistula (Wisla) with the result that his bloated belly burst open, and he died. Krak married the princess, as in all fairy tales, and became king, built his castle over the dragons lair and the grateful people called their town Krakow. On the riverbank is a rather incongruous sculpture in likeness of the Wawel Dragon designed by local artist Bronislaw Chrom, in 1972.

The huge Wawel castle on the Wisla bank is something to savour. The castle complex is a mix of different architectural styles  Medieval, Romanesque, Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque. The expansive inner courtyard is surrounded by colonnades and leads to different rooms the Polish kings occupied for centuries.

Its rather overwhelming to cover all rooms but some are must-sees. Like the exhibitions at the state rooms on the ground floor with their rich Renaissance-era wooden ceilings. There are great treasures of oil paintings, elaborate 16th-century Flemish tapestries, and extraordinary gold leather wall hangings that were a speciality of Spanish city Coroba. The large Senators Hall hosted the first royal wedding back in 1518.

There is also the crown treasury and armoury room which contains Polands crown jewels, glass cases with bejewelled goblets, platters, coins and other treasures. The Szczerbiec, countrys original coronation sword, is displayed in all its glory too. The armoury has a fascinating collection of weaponry but also reminds one how brutal wars in medieval times were.

Next to the castle is the cathedral with historical references in every nook of the 18 chapels. It also contains the Royal Crypts. If you have the energy to climb up the steep wooden stairs to the top, you can see encounter the huge 12.6 tonnes Sigismund Bell. Its said its sound can be heard as far as 30 km away.

At the heart of Krakows old town is the main market square of Rynek, one of the largest medieval market squares in Europe. Originally designed in 1257, its layout has changed little in these eight centuries. The beautiful town houses surrounding it have their own unique names and histories. The majestic St. Marys Basilica is next to it.

At Ryneks centre is the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) built in the 14th century. It is, perhaps, the first shopping mall in the world, with its many stalls  selling precious stones, lace handicrafts, woodwork as well as touristy kitsch. In 2010, Rynek Underground  a hi-tech museum tracing the history of the Cloth Hall, and of Krakow  opened underneath it.
SOMERS  House Speaker Paul Ryan has never resisted making jokes about his Irish heritage, and he wasnt going to pass up the opportunity Friday at the University of Wisconsin-Parksides Celebrazione Italiana.

Do you know what the difference between growing up Irish Catholic and growing up Italian Catholic is? Good food, Ryan said to laughs from a crowd of 280 people inside UW-Parksides student center, 900 Wood Road. And you know which one is which.

Ryan was at the Parkside event, which benefits the universitys Italian exchange program, to accept an award for excellence in leadership.

But he spent most of his four-minute speech honoring Gina and Domenick Tirabassi, who received a lifetime achievement award.

Ryan said his family has known the Tirabassi family for years. The Tirabassis have engaged in land development since the 1940s and have worked as a subcontractor to the Ryan family excavating company.

This beautiful thing we call the American idea  this great, awesome land, where you can come, and work really hard, and grow a family, and flourish and build a great community  look no further than the Tirabassi family, said Ryan, R-Wis., who represents Racine and Kenosha counties in Congress.

Ryans association with Celebrazione Italiana goes back years, Parkside Chancellor Debbie Ford said in introducing him. He attended a previous event at the Roma Lodge, 7130 Spring St., Mount Pleasant, and has provided letters of commendation to past honorees. Ford also praised Ryan for supporting the federal Perkins Loan Program.

Democrats criticize

In the midst of battles over health care, tax reform and other issues, Ryan avoided political talk at the event. He told the audience he just came from the Capitol, where Congress did this little thing about keeping the government open, referencing a spending bill passed Friday to avoid a government shutdown.

In a news release Friday afternoon, the state Democratic Party noted Ryans appearance in Somers came as he has drawn criticism for not holding town hall meetings with constituents in his district.

Speaker Paul Ryans definition of leadership is trying to kick 24 million people off of their health care and give huge tax giveaways to the richest people in the country  all while avoiding his own constituents, Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesman Brandon Weathersby said. Ryan wants all the prestige of someone who does the hard work on behalf of his constituents but doesnt want to get his hands dirty. The next piece of recognition hell receive from the people of the First Congressional District is a pink slip in 2018.
By K. Natwar Singh

LAST week I put away Manu Smriti after reading half of it. I read it with rage. It is an obnoxious book. It is now read by scholars and followers of the absurd doctrine of the twice born. Regardless of what Wendy Doniger and Jawaharlal Nehru write (Nehru is surprisingly shallow and superficial) the book is an assault on equality and fair mindedness. Regardless of portions that are worth reading, Manu Smriti repelled me, as it did Dr BR Ambedkar.

Narendra Jadhav, in his superb biography of Ambedkar, writes, Dr. Ambedkar denounced Manu Smriti. Revered by the so-called upper-caste Hindus, it (has been) reviled by the untouchables, as it directed that molten lead be poured into the ears of untouchables if they heard or read the sacred Vedas. There are even worse punishments. Dr. Ambedkar felt that Manu Smriti was a charter of rights for the so-called upper caste Hindus but a Bible of slavery for untouchables. He gave a call to publically burn copies of the book.

That evening (December 25, 1927), the Manu Smriti was placed on a special pyre and ceremonially burned amid cheers from the untouchables. I am against book burning, but in this case, I am with Dr BR Ambedkar.

************

ON April 25, Fori Nehru, the wife of late BK Nehru, passed away in Kasuali at the age of 109. She was neither infirm nor bed-ridden. Till recently she drove her own car to Chandigarh in the winter to stay there with her son, Anil. In Kasuali she had become an institution, loved and respected by every resident.

I first set eyes on Shri and Shrimati BK Nehru in New York in November 1961. Jawaharlal Nehru was on an official visit to the United States. As ambassador to the US, BK Nehru was with the PM most of the time. Fori Nehru escorted Indira Gandhi. I was then posted in New York and met them for the first time. I got to know them intimately when BK Nehru was my boss in London from November 1973 to August 1977. He was high commissioner and I, deputy high commissioner. BK Nehru died in 2001 at the age of 92.

Magdolna Friedman came from a middle-class Hungarian Jewish family. She married BK Nehru on January 25, 1935, and the couple lived happily ever after. Theirs was a model marriage. Fori-ji was the last of the Nehrus from Jawaharlaljis time. She was an exceptional diplomatic hostess, with a remarkable gift for friendship. She treated my wife, Hem, and me with genuine affection. Her passing away is truly the end of an era.

************

ASHWANI Kumars book, Hope: In a Challenged Democracy, has caused more than a stir in the establishment by at least temporarily putting an end to its somnambulism. The author is a well-known gentleman (what an out-of-date word) politician and a well-established lawyer with a flourishing practice in the Supreme Court. He was in the Rajya Sabha for 14 years, actively participating in debates on issues of national importance. Mostly he spoke extempore. An excellent speaker who was heard with rapt attention.

Chapter thirty-five makes melancholic reading. Sonia Gandhi denied him a third term in the Rajya Sabha and did so gracelessly. A few days before Indira Gandhi was killed, I was walking down the broad steps outside her office in South Block. I said to her that I would be leaving for Bharatpur to start work in my constituency. My first priority would be to get the Congress livery, khaddar kurta, Jawahar jacket etc. She looked at me and uttered these immortal words, Now that you are coming into politics, a thicker skin would be more useful. My not-so-elegant advice to Ashwani Kumar is to acquire a thicker skin.

Among the many merits of this book is Ashwanis wide knowledge of English literature and Greek philosophy. He quotes Plato from his, The Apology of Socrates 399 B.C.  it is not easy in a short time to do away with great calumnies.

I have never subscribed to the view that the ancient Greek philosophers could do no wrong. Plato talked a lot of rubbish.

One does not know the fate of books, but Ashwani Kumars book should have long shelf life and a good sale.

************

NEXT month will be the birth centenary of John F Kennedy (born May 29, 1917) and on November 19 that of Indira Gandhi. Both met cruel deaths. I was in New York when Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas on November 22, 1963, and around 700 yards from the spot where Indiraji was felled on Oct 31, 1984. Let us remember their centenaries with thanks-giving.
Chandrakant Naidu in Bhopal

FOR over four decades, Indias home ministers seem to be vying for the wooden spoon on the anti-Naxalite battlefront. The ease with which nearly 300 Maoists planned and laid the ambush to kill 26 CRPF men at Burkapal in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh last week startled the security experts and political leaders. The Maoists walked away with over 27 sophisticated weapons.

As the nucleus of the 106 districts of 10 Red Corridor states, Sukma has been in the news with ominous frequency over the past few years. Being at the tri-junction connecting Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Telangana it facilitates Maoists inter-state movement to dodge the police.

The Naxalites have graduated from guerrilla warfare to mobile warfare and have captured nearly 10,000 sq km of the area around Sukma. Their politburo is active in the region, says former joint director of Central Intelligence Bureau (CIB) and former Director General of Chhattisgarh police, Vishwaranjan. He bore the brunt of intense criticism when 75 CRPF jawans and a state police officer were killed in an ambush in Dantewada on April 6, 2010. The Maoists have gained in strength with multiple layers of leadership. The Maoists now decide the timing of attack.

For now I see no light at the end of the tunnel as the state police are not being trained to meet the challenge, says Vishwaranjan. He feels the Greyhound force of Andhra Pradesh came closest to meeting the challenge.

No cohesion

Despite multiple committees at the Centre and state level, there is little cohesion and intelligence-sharing between security forces. Former Director General of Madhya Pradesh police Kirpal S Dhillon, better known in Punjab for leading the police during the dark days of militancy, says, A well-thought out policy needs to be formulated and executed under a joint command. The primacy of state police is lost.

Upendra Joshi, another ex-DG who handled the Maoists militancy at its initial stage in Madhya Pradesh, says the genesis of the problem lay in disconnect between the people and the state officials. Barring a few development-oriented officers, others saw the posting in the region as punishment and tried to make the most of it for corrupt practices. Cases of financial irregularities and exploitation of women turned the tribal population against the officials. Joshi says the introduction of Central forces to assist the local police had a flip side. The local police absolved themselves of much of responsibility. The first instance of Naxalite violence was reported in composite Madhya Pradesh in 1967. For half a century, the problem has been allowed to fester.

Lack of policy

Political expediency has often prompted administrative responses. The government claims the Naxalites are acting in desperation because of the pressure by security forces. They targeted the CRPF that was helping in the construction of road in the region because they feel development would expose their sanctuary in the thick forests.

But, the Maoists outlawed outfit, the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), owned up the attack saying it was carried out in retaliation to the alleged sexual violence by security forces against tribal women.

Late last year the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had found several security personnel guilty of raping and physically assaulting at least 16 tribal women in five villages. The commission still awaits the recorded version of another 20 alleged victims of similar sexual violence. The incidents took place in October-November 2015 and the NHRC took suo moto cognizance of news reports after spot investigation.

The NHRC directed the state government to probe the incident within a month and pay compensation to the victims. It asked the DIG (Investigation) to record the statements of the 15 victims who could not testify before the commission or a magistrate. The police say the investigations could take a few months as tracing the victims, who live in remote forests, and bringing them to the court to record their statements is a daunting task.

Left-wing extremism on the rise
Parveen Arora in Karnal & Kulwinder Sandhu in Moga

HIRA Lal looks emaciated, his skin darkened, singed. Sometimes, he coughs, he heaves, he doesnt complain. His hands are as rough, coarse as a stump of a dried wheat plant, his voice as throaty as the hot wind blowing across acres of wheat fields, his eyes as red as the burning sun. Koi chinta nai hame (I dont care), says he as he wipes his sweat and swings his sickle over a clump of spikelets of the crop being harvested. The hulled wheat is sun-baked, gold-like, his eyes beginning to glisten, affording a smile.

As the sun beats down over vast stretches of wheat fields in Karnal, Hira is unmindful of his parched lips, his thirst summed up in a routine: since early morning till sunset. Ham kamaiyenge, phir ghar laut jainge (I will earn and return to my home), he says, humming a song from his mobile phone. Voices like his trail off before the humongous work at hand, as they did when many Hiras boarded a train from Bihar and UP, their home states, about a month back.

Lie in front of them heaps of wheat grain and husk ready to be trucked to storages. Scores of labourers camp in the fields and are instantly hired by farmers. These men know their job, says Davinder Singh, a farmer from Patanpuri village (Karnal). In the chain of emerging wealth, there is something for everyone: About Rs 2,000 for an acre for manually clearing a wheat field. For separating the husk from wheat, we prefer manually operated machines, for which we have to pay Rs 2200-2,500 per acre. We get around 10 quintals more husk than by using a reaper machine. The manually culled husk is better in quality, says Davinder Singh.

Dr GP Singh, director, Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR), predicts a record crop production this season. We are expecting more than 98 million ton of wheat, which is about 5 million ton more than the last year. Haryana may contribute 115 lakh ton, and Punjab 180 lakh ton, he says. Agro-scientist in Moga, Dr Jaswinder Singh Brar, says weather conditions were good this time, right from the time of sowing with no frost and unseasonal rains.

That adds to the happiness of Gurcharan Singh Brar of Rode village (Moga) and everyone else in the Malwa belt in Punjab. The production is about 2 quintals more per acre after so many years, says Brar, who sowed wheat in 20 acres and earned Rs 60,000 more from the bumper harvest. He too preferred manual harvesting and made dry fodder from the straw, which he has kept for his cattle. He has also sorted out the best grains as seeds for the next cropping season.

Equally happy are commission agents and transporters engaged in the procurement process. At the other end in the grain markets, labourers are engaged in loading, unloading and cleaning of wheat, packing and stitching bags and other related works. The government recently raised remuneration for labourers.

Gursharanveer Singh, a commission agent at Moga grain market, says a farmer pays Rs 5.70 per bag to a labourer for unloading the produce and cleaning the grain. The commission agents pay them an extra Rs 5.72 per bag. In addition, the procurement agencies pay Rs 1.34 per bag for stitching and Rs 1.62 per bag for unloading the bags in storehouses.

Yet all this hasnt come too easy. In February and March, the farmers battled weeds and yellow rust. Chemicals and pesticides were widely sprayed. We have to make the most of whatever we have, says Ranjit Singh a farmer of Ajitwal village, near Moga.

Production has become costlier because of high prices of seeds, labour, fertilizers, electricity and pesticides. The government-administered minimum support price (Rs 1,625 per quintal this season) is no match. The MSP must be around Rs 3,000 per quintal, says Jitender Doda, a farmer from Nigdhu village, Karnal.

Despite all the challenges, the country is assured of more than enough wheat, says a procurement official, complaining of lack of storage facilities. We need more godowns and sheds because any unseasonal rain would destroy all the hard work, he says.

Back in the fields, the back-breaking work of Hira Lal and several of his friends is over. They are queued up for their wages: fair and square. Their journey back to their homes will begin soon.
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 29

Five persons were killed when a utility van fell into a gorge at Nagthat village in Chakrata area of Dehradun district today.

The utility van that was part of a marriage procession was returning to Dehradun city from Chakrata when it fell into a gorge around 5.21 pm at Nagthat village near Kalsi. Villagers rushed to their rescue and started relief and rescue operations.

The exact number of passengers in the vehicle is still to be ascertained.
Tribune New Service

Dehradun, April 29

A proposal to construct boundary walls and solar fencing at Corbett National Park for reducing the frequency of accidental straying of wild animals from their habitat is actively being pursued by the Uttarakhand Government.

We will bring before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) this proposal as to how the fencing and the construction of the walls will help us prevent the straying of animals in areas that are outside the states jurisdiction. But before this, we will have to construct the Kandi road, said Uttarakhand Forest Minister Harak Singh Rawat on Monday.

Significantly, the new BJP government has already announced its intention to revive the Kandi road that passes through Corbett National Park. For this, it requires the permission of the NGT. The government intends to stonewall the opposition for the road by handing another proposal of undertaking simultaneous fencing of the Corbett area.

During his interaction with mediapersons, Rawat apprised them of his governments intentions to change the image of the Department of Forest and Environment. We do not want to be seen as creators of road blocks but initiators of development. The wildlife and forests have to be protected at all cost and simultaneously development too has to take place, said Rawat. To give relief to farmers suffering from the problem of wild animals that destroy their crops, the minister indicated that the government would likely to hike the compensation amount.

We will bring a proposal in the Cabinet hiking the compensation amount from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh given to those persons who lose their lives after being attacked by wild animals and from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh to persons who are grievously injured after being attacked by wild animals, said Rawat.

The other plans of the government include the opening of more entry points at Corbett, which will reduce the distance from Delhi to the park.
Manila, April 29

Southeast Asian countries have altered a statement to be issued at Saturdays ASEAN summit to include references to militarisation and island-building in the South China Sea, the latest draft shows, in a move likely to frustrate Beijing.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Chinese embassy representatives in Manila had sought to influence the content of the communique by lobbying Philippine officials, two ASEAN diplomatic sources told Reuters.

However, four ASEAN member states disagreed with omitting land reclamation and militarisation  terms included in the statement issued last year in Laos, but not included in an earlier draft of this years statement seen on Wednesday.

China is not a member of the Association of South East Asian Nations, and is not officially attending this weeks summit.

China embassy officials in Manila could not be reached for comment.

ASEAN references to the South China Sea issue typically do not name China. Beijing is extremely sensitive to anything that can be deemed a veiled reference to its expansion of its seven manmade islands in the Spratly archipelago, including with hangers, runways, radars and missiles.

This years summit comes at a time of uncertainty about US interests in the region and whether it will maintain a presence to counter Chinas assertiveness.

The final version of the statement has yet to be agreed, but the changes so far indicate ASEAN is resisting moves by China to keep its contentious activities in the strategic waterway off ASEANs official agenda.

The latest draft suggests Beijings burgeoning friendship with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who chairs Saturdays meetings, may not have been enough to influence Manilas position either, the diplomats said.

Taboo topic

Chinese officials were pressing for any phrase that could be interpreted as alluding to last years ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration to be kept out of the statement, the diplomats said, particularly the term full respect for legal and diplomatic processes.

The latest draft still includes that, although it was moved out of the South China Sea section to one under ASEAN Community Vision.

The Hague ruling, in a case brought by the Philippines in 2013, angered China because it invalidated the nine dash line it uses on its maps to denote its sovereignty claim over almost the entire South China Sea. China refuses to recognise the decision.

As part of his engagement with China, Duterte has said he will not press it to abide by the arbitration award anytime soon. On Thursday he said it was pointless for ASEAN to pressure China over its maritime activities.

The Philippines irked China two months ago when its then foreign minister, Perfecto Yasay, said he and ASEAN counterparts had noticed very unsettlingly that weapons systems had been installed, and considered that a militarization of the region.

ASEAN and China are hoping to this year agree on a framework to create a code of conduct over the South China Sea, 15 years after committing to draft it. Some ASEAN diplomats have expressed concerns about whether China is being sincere, or whether ASEAN has the enough leverage to get Beijing to commit to a set of rules.

In unusually direct comments for an ASEAN Secretary-General, Le Luong Minh in an interview with Reuters on Thursday said the code needed to be legally binding to put a stop to unilateral actions, because a previous commitment to play fair had been ignored.  Reuters
Washington, April 29

US President Donald Trump has said that North Korea has disrespected the wishes of China by carrying out another missile test, as Pentagon confirmed it was a failed attempt by Pyongyang.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

North Korea disrespected the wishes of China and its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad! Trump said in a tweet last night, hours after North Korea carried out yet another failed missile test.

The North Korean missile test came a day after the Trump Administration praised China and its President Xi Jinping for having prevailed over Pyongyang in not carrying either nuclear test or missile test.

The US Pacific Command detected what we assess was a North Korean missile launch at 10:33 AM Hawaii time APR 28.

The ballistic missile launch occurred near the Pukchang airfield, Dave Benham, PACOM spokesman said in a statement.

The missile did not leave North Korean territory, Benham said.

The North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) determined the missile launch from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America, he said.

US Pacific Command stands behind our steadfast commitment to the security of our allies in the Republic of Korea and Japan, Benham said.

According to reports, the missile was likely a medium-range KN-17 ballistic missile.  PTI
Washington, April 29

North Korea seems to be intent on developing both missile technology and nuclear weapons capability, a top Trump administration official said today, hours after Pyongyang carried out a missile test.

The North Korean missile test came a day after US President Donald Trump said that there is a possibility of a major conflict between the US and North Korea.

Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly was quoted by CNN as saying that it is unlikely that the North Korean missile launch was in reaction to Trumps statement, but it is certainly reflective of the intent of the authoritarian regime.

They seem to be pretty intent on developing the capability, both missile technology as well as nuclear technology. It is a real concern for anyone that knows about the possibilities of them linking a missile to a weaponised atomic device or nuclear device, Kelly said.

They have got some pretty good scientists, obviously.

But they dont have people like we do and the numbers we have.

Its a pretty complicated business. And whether it was destroyed itself on its own or was some other factor, I dont know. But the good news is, it didnt do very well, Kelly said in response to a question.

Kelly said China and others are trying to influence him to stop his actions.

I think what Trump is doing in my mind is outlining the threat and the very real possibility that the dictator there could have a nuclear weapon in the not too distant future that could be married to an ICBM. I think any President that didnt talk about it in stark terms would not be doing his job, he said.

North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile this morning but it did not leave North Korean territory, the Pentagon has confirmed, terming it as a failed attempt. The missile launch comes amid high tensions in the Korean peninsula.

At UN Security Council yesterday, Washington pushed for tougher sanctions against North Korea, putting pressure on China while warning it was keeping military options on the table.  PTI
United Nations, April 29

North Koreas deputy UN ambassador has said US efforts to get rid of his countrys nuclear weapons through military threats and sanctions are a wild dream.

Kim In Ryong on Friday said that North Koreas nuclear weapons are never part of political bargains and economic deals.

In a nutshell, DPRK have already declared not to attend any type of talks which would discuss its nuclear abandonment, nuclear disbandment, he said, using the acronym for the countrys official name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

Kim reiterated North Koreas longstanding contention that its nuclear programme is the product of the US hostile policy towards DPRK.

That is why every solution will be possible when the United States hostile policy is withdrawn in advance, he said.

Kim categorically rejected yesterdays UN Security Council meeting on the North Korean nuclear issue which his country declined to attend as another abuse of the councils authority, acting on instructions of the United States which is a veto-wielding member.

The United States holds the council presidency this month and organized the ministerial session that US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson chaired.

Tillerson called for new sanctions on North Korea and urged all countries to exert pressure on Pyongyang and implement the six UN sanctions resolutions. He also stressed that the Trump administration will only engage in talks with Pyongyang when it exhibits a good faith commitment to implement Security Council resolutions and their past promises to end their nuclear programs.

Kim responded saying: As we expected, (the) US has taken issue with self-defensive nuclear deterrent of the DPRK, and not only to justify their anti-DPRK aggressive war racket but also to create atmosphere for sanctions against DPRK at any cost.

He said the US is wholly to blame for pushing the situation on the Korean Peninsula to the brink of a nuclear war by staging the largest-ever joint aggression military drills against the DPRK for the past two months and deploying nuclear strategic assets to South Korea.

While the US once talked about nuclear disarmament, Kim said it is spending a trillion dollars in a bid to secure a nuclear edge and he said this issue should be addressed before tabling the denuclearisation of the DPRK.

The nuclear force of the DPRK just serves as a treasured sword of justice and creditable war deterrent to protect the sovereignty and dignity of the country and global peace from the US threat to ignite a nuclear war, Kim said.  AP
Cairo, April 29

Pope Francis celebrated a Mass in Cairo on Saturday, the last day of a brief visit during which he urged Muslim leaders to unite against religious violence as Islamic militants threaten to rid the Middle East of its ancient Christian communities.

Francis trip, aimed at rebuilding ties with Muslim religious leaders, comes three weeks after Islamic State killed at least 45 people in attacks on two Egyptian churches. He has used the visit to launch a strong appeal for religious freedom and accuse extremists of distorting the merciful nature of God.

After a dense first day of meetings with political and religious leaders, the highlight on Saturday was the Mass in the Air Defence Stadium, where Vatican officials said 15,000 people gathered, among them Coptic and Anglican bishops.

Crowds began to arrive early, waving Egyptian and Vatican flags to welcome Francis, who toured the stadium in a golf buggy to the sound of hymns performed by a choir and orchestra.

At the end of his Mass for the Catholic community, Francis blessed Egypt as one of the earliest nations to embrace Christianity and repeated his call for tolerance.

True faith leads us to protect the rights of others with the same zeal and enthusiasm with which we defend our own, he told the crowd.

God is pleased only by a faith that is proclaimed by our lives, for the only fanaticism believers can have is that of charity! Any other fanaticism does not come from God and is not pleasing to him!

His words echoed his message on the opening day of his visit, when he told an international peace conference at Al-Azhar, Cairos 1,000-year-old Sunni Muslim seat of learning: Together let us affirm the incompatibility of violence and faith belief and hatred.

He also lamented the rise of demagogic forms of populisma possible reference to right-wing nationalist parties in Europe pushing anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim agendas.

Strict security

The unusual choice of venue for Saturdays religious service highlights the security concerns surrounding the trip.

Helicopter gunships circled the perimeter of the stadium and military jeeps patrolled the streets of the Egyptian capital on Saturday. The pope himself declined the use of an armoured limousine, preferring instead to travel in an ordinary Fiat car to be closer to people.

Francis will have lunch with Egyptian bishops and lead prayers at a Catholic seminary in the south of Cairo before heading back to Italy in the late afternoon.

The visit was the first by Francis to Cairo but the second by a Vatican pope. Pope John Paul II came to Egypt in 2000, a year before the September 11 attacks on the United States that convulsed Western relations with the Muslim world.

Egypts Christians comprise roughly 10 percent of the 92 million populationmaking them by far the largest Christian community in the Middle East. Most of Egypts Christians are Coptic Orthodox with barely 200,000 members of Churches within the Roman Catholic fold.

While Egypt has escaped the sort of sectarian violence that has decimated ancient Christian communities in Syria and Iraq, it is under threat from Islamic State militants who launched a campaign in December to wipe out Egypts Christians, carrying out three church attacks that have killed more than 70 people.

The campaign presents a challenge for Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who has vowed to crush Islamist extremist and is fighting a long-running insurgency in North Sinai, where Islamic State murders have forced hundreds of Copts to flee.

Sisi, who declared a three-month state of emergency after the Palm Sunday church attacks, appealed for more international cooperation to combat terrorism when he met Francis on Friday.  Reuters
3 held with 1 kg gold from Jhapa

Police have arrested three persons in possession of one kg gold from Jhapa district on Saturday morning.
ATA Chairman Kevin Burch, left gave President Trump an "I (heart) Trucks" pin. Photo: ATA

If you see President Trump wearing an I heart trucks lapel pin, thank Kevin Burch.

Ever since I first met Kevin, president of Dayton, Ohio-based Jet Express, he has impressed me with his passion for telling truckings story to the general public, to the press, to legislators and regulators, to schoolchildren . and recently, he got to help tell truckings story to the president of the United States.

Burch is chairman this year of American Trucking Associations, and several weeks ago, he was among a group of ATA leaders and a contingent of Americas Road Team Captains who visited the White House in late March for a conversation about issues affecting the trucking industry, including infrastructure, tax reform, and health care.

Chances are you saw the photos and video of President Trump hamming it up in the drivers seat of one of the ATA trucks parked on the White House lawn. They quickly went viral on social media. Although Burch gave me a heads-up the night before about the White House visit, between my schedule and Burchs schedule, I didnt get a chance to talk to him about it for a few weeks.

At the discussions inside the White House, Burch was able to present to the president an I [heart] Trucks lapel button (after some discussion among Secret Service and other handlers). He wore that button through the whole meeting.

It got a lot of publicity, he told me. You can tell by the photos, he wore that button through the whole meeting. It just goes to show you, hes a down to earth person."

America's Road Team drivers at the White House. Photo: ATA

While the meeting was billed largely as a discussion about health care to coincide with the effort to repeal and replace the Obama-era Affordable Care Act, Burch told me that infrastructure also was a big focus of the meeting. ATA has formed a highway funding task force, and they were there to let make sure President Trump knows that trucking needs to be part of the infrastructure funding discussion.

Iin addition to the policy discussion, Burch said, Trump spoke extensively with the drivers, asking about their jobs, where they were from, and getting a guided tour about the technology in the truck cab.

"He wanted to hear the stories," Burch said. "We had over 10 Road Team members, and he wanted to find out how many [safe] miles" each had. "It started out with 1.4 million, one gentleman had 3 million, and every time it got larger the president just could not believe it.

When the president said, You mean to say you havent had an accident? he looked over to [Vice President] Mike Pence, who was also in the room, and said, Can you believe what these ladies and gentlemen have done? Hes for the working person.

As was widely reported, Trump said about truck drivers, No one knows America like truckers know America. You see it every day. You see every hill, and you see every valley and you see every pothole in our roads that have to be rebuilt.

ATA's Share the Road truck was pulling a trailer provided by Jet Express featuring the "Trucking Moves America Forward" imaging campaign. Photo: ATA



He also was fascinated by the technology in the truck, Burch told me. One of the Road Team drivers later reported that he spent about five minutes answering the presidents questions about technologies such as lane departure warning and anti-rollover systems, as well as some of the gauges. He didnt have to do that; he had the Affordable Healthcare Act [vote] that day, Burch says.

While the vote did not go the way the White House wanted, it seems like the highlight of the Presidents day was getting to experience the big trucks. He certainly looked happier than he has at many official functions in his first 100 days in the White House.

The publicity, Burch says, has been good for the industry.

And so has that lapel pin. With headlines like Donald Trump Wears I Love Trucks Button and Honks Truck Horn (NYMag.com), I (Heart) Trucks' Day at the White House (People). In his travels following the White House meeting, he says, three times in a single day total strangers noticed the lapel pin and asked if he was part of the trucking organization that had the president in the truck tooting the horn.

Its a conversation piece, Burch says.

Get your own "I (heart) trucking" lapel pins via the ATA website.

Parked on the White House lawn were ATAs Image Truck, Interstate One, and ATAs Share the Road Truck. Photo: ATA
60 houses destroyed in Banke fire

At least 60 huts and sheds were reduced to ashes in a massive fire at Chitayepuruwa in Daduwa Village Council-1, Banke district, on Friday.
We are looking for someone special to help present our products to the community.

Our Circulation Department has positions open for a Kiosk Sales Brand Ambassador: One full-time and two part-time jobs. They set up the Tulsa World Kiosk booth at events and/or retail stores throughout Tulsa metro area. You will also make sales presentations to the public to engage and sell print and digital subscriptions.

This position offers base pay plus commission.

Why the Tulsa World?

We know you have a lot of options in today's market. Here is what some of our best leaders have to say about working at the Tulsa World to give you a sense of why you should consider us.

"There are two reasons I love working here: our mission and our people. Each day I have the opportunity to pursue our mission to inform and inspire our community and each day I get to pursue this mission alongside the most talented and dedicated individuals in the industry."

-- Sarah Lorenzen, marketing and research director

Our mission is to inform and inspire the communities we serve.

Tulsa World Media Company owns a suite of brands that serve as the preeminent sources of news and information for northeast Oklahoma.

Our brands include Tulsa World, Owasso Reporter, Sand Springs Leader, Skiatook Journal, Wagoner County American Tribune, Tulsa Marketplace, World Extra, Tulsa Weekend, Tulsa World Magazine, OKPrepsExtra.com and more.

Tulsa World Media Company is a part of BH Media Group, a Berkshire Hathaway Company.

We serve the communities in northeast Oklahoma by providing trusted news and information to readers and viewers while helping businesses reach customers using traditional and innovative marketing solutions.

We have been a part of this community for more than 100 years and are honored to deliver outstanding journalism to our community.

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Look for the right fit

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Pat Crofts just got back from a beach vacation in Florida.

When he returned to work, Crofts was sitting on Margaritavilles new pool deck/outdoors area.

The area boasts more than 30 palm trees, a swim-up bar, tiki restaurant, pool cabanas and a natural wilderness setting for the adjacent River Parks trail system.

In Florida, I was looking out at the ocean, said Crofts, CEO of the Muscogee Creek Nation Casinos. But in every other way I felt like I was on that beach in Florida when I was actually on the Arkansas River in south Tulsa.

Thats the amazing thing that weve been able to create. There is nothing like this anywhere near to here.

The final phase of Margaritaville at River Spirit Casino Resort had a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday.

Parrotheads can now get Fins Up on the shores of the Arkansas.

The resorts outdoors area is the final piece of a $365 million project that is estimated by the Tulsa Regional Chamber to have an annual economic impact of $135 million.

The Margaritaville Casino and Restaurant had its grand opening in the fall and has been followed by a succession of openings including the 27-story, 483-room hotel, a Ruths Chris Steak House, and the 2,700-seat Paradise Cove that opened with a Jimmy Buffet concert.

The outdoor areas are the signature facilities at a resort that is quickly changing the face of south Tulsa.

Yes, it can now be 5 oclock somewhere 24/7 in south Tulsa.

When youre sitting out here under the palm trees, listening to island music and having a drink and food, its really pleasant, Crofts said. Its unlike anywhere else in this state or this region.

Weve felt from the first time we talked about this project that it had a chance to be a catalyst for riverside in south Tulsa. I think what weve seen in these first few months that all of it has blown away our expectations.

Margaritaville is one of the major projects transforming the riverfront through Tulsa.

About four miles north on Riverside Drive, A Gathering Place for Tulsa is under construction. Its a $350 million, 100-acre urban park designed by internationally known landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates of New York.

Less than two miles north of the casino, a development reported to include an REI sporting goods store is planned at 71st Street and Riverside.

And the Creek Nation is working on projects across the river in Jenks.

Theres a lot going on along the river, Crofts said. People have talked about this for a long time.

Certainly, we look at what were finishing here at Margaritaville as a catalyst.

More projects are on the way. Part of the plans for the Margaritaville outdoor area include a boat launch.

We plan on a water taxi between Margaritaville and the Riverwalk Crossing on the other side of the river in Jenks, Crofts said. Im looking forward to it happening.

The tribe is continuing talks with Tulsa and Jenks for construction and maintenance of a low-water dam that would create a permanent water feature just west of Margaritaville.

Crofts said the resort considers the Arkansas River and the adjoining River Parks to be critically important.

I think people will really enjoy the River Parks and how weve tied it all together at the resort, he said.

The trails system was tied into the resort with landscaping, a bike rack and access to the pool/bar/restaurant complex at Margaritaville.

Matt Meyer, executive director of the River Parks Authority, said the River Parks trail was moved from the east side of the resort, next to Riverside Drive, to west of the resort along the river.

The new trail is 1.1 miles of a landscaped natural area.

Were thrilled with the way the River Parks trail was incorporated into this resort, Meyer said. It was a sidewalk next to Riverside Drive. Now, its a deluxe and really beautiful trail.

I think our trail users will be very happy with what has happened here.

The pool deck has two bars, a restaurant, seven cabanas and a huge area of deck and pool loungers.

I think when people are sitting in the pool, looking at the palm trees and listening to the music, it is going to be unlike anything else you can do in this state, Crofts said. The outdoor areas are really spectacular.

But now that weve finished this last phase, Im very proud to see how spectacular all of the facilities have turned out. The casino to the restaurants to the hotel and Paradise Cove are all very nice.

Adding these last pieces to the resort kind of blows me away. Its better than I envisioned.

Twitter: @JohnKleinTW
Army gets green light to build hydropower project

The Nepal Army will be diversifying into the hydropower sector following the go-ahead from the Energy Ministry to own and build its first plant.
Bhutans snub leaves BBIN agreement in the balance

Unable to ratify the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) motor vehicles agreement, Bhutan has asked the other stakeholders to go ahead with the plan without it, leaving three other members in a fix.
Billing machine installed in 3500 plus taxis

The Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology has expedited the job of billing machine installation in the meter taxis in the Capital city.
Demand for green tea outstrips production

Demand for tea produced in the region has risen sharply due to its superior quality, outstripping production by a large margin.
Students who have undergone emotional trauma can be described as those whose attachment to an emotionally healthy caregiver have been severed during the early stages of their development. Another reason for the emotional disturbance could be a traumatic event in their lives when they were young which created a survival instinct in their brains causing them in a constant state of alarm.

Dr. Lori Desautels, an assistant professor at the College of Education at Butler University in Indianapolis and a private practice counselor, suggests three ideas to fellow educators in how to effectively deal with students suffering from emotional trauma.

Structured Emotional Support

Psychologist Raymond Wlodkowski developed a brain-aligned strategy called the 2X10 strategy where students can talk with their teachers about anything they are interested in for two minutes every day within a 10-day period. This conversation could either be in the form of a letter or face-to-face, whatever way is most comfortable with the student as long as the topic is G-rated.

According to Wlodkowski, they had seen an 85 percent improvement in the behavior of the most challenging students. More so, the general behavior of the whole class also improved.

Locked Journal For Their Personal Thoughts

A journal allows a person to pour out their emotions and thoughts without fear of discrimination. A locked journal gives students an added feeling of security knowing their private thoughts are locked safely. The journal becomes a trusted friend and can be an avenue to other creative forms of expressions.

Personalized Notes

For a student who is in a negative brain state start learning, educators need to regulate the student's behavior first. Desautels said that educators must be sensitive to the emotional temperature of students and let them know that they are always there when students needed them. The best way to do this, she added, is to create personalized notes for students that affirm or remind them. This way, the teacher maintains the connection with their students.
Social media has been a very powerful tool used to communicate among teens and adults alike. Social networks have been very convenient and excellent ways to get connected with each other. However, its effects on individuals can impact their thoughts and behaviors, and what's worse is that it leads or influence younger people to engage to bad behaviors.

A study by Loyola Marymount University reveals that Teens on Instagram have higher likelihood to engage in binge drinking when they get to college, ABC 10 News reported. The study has found that Facebook is no longer the focus of representations of college drinking because there is now a new destination for posts about underage drinking, and it is Instagram and Snapchat.

The research suggests that college students have the tendency to be influenced by their friends and peers when they see alcohol-related posts on the two mentioned social media platforms, Research Gate reported. It was also found that students who exposed to alcohol related posts from their friends have greater tendency to engage in binge drinking even after six months later.

Karina Camacho, a prevention specialist with the San Diego Institute for Public Strategies, explains that it normalizes alcohol use among teens, which means that because they see that everyone's been posting it and doing it and they see that on Instagram and Snapchat, they immediately think it is cool and it's okay.

Susan Boyle, one of the studies' authors, will be presenting this information to San Diego-area students, teachers, school administrators and university representatives.

What Camacho is looking forward to is that they will be able to make use of these findings to make students realize that not everything they see on social media is right and is a reflection of the real life, because, social media only gives people a glimpse, but not the whole picture of the situation.
China has been fighting severe air pollution as the country becomes even more industrialized. In fact, the problem is so big that it received attention from international organizations. Princeton University is one of them.

Foremost, photos of Chinese wearing face masks began flooding the internet as they move along the smog-blanketed city of Beijing. However, more than just being an eyesore, China's pollution has created a serious public health crisis among its people. As a matter of fact, the government has officially declared a war against dirty air.

Now, part of this campaign is the production of synthetic natural gas (SNG).This is the main focus of the study conducted by researchers at Princeton University. According to them, SNGs are fuels derived from coal. While it is relatively free of conventional air pollutants, its production actually increases emissions of carbon dioxide.

The study was first published on April 24 in the journal "Proceedings of the national Academy of Sciences". It basically examined the impact of switching from coal to SNG in three parameters. First is electricity production, second is industry, and the third is residential use. Eventually, the experts noted that synthetic gas in industry and electricity production will have a "little impact" on the smog-related deaths in China.

However, per Berkeley, for residential uses like heating and cooking, SNGs may reduce the health problems of the Chinese. Many of the families here burn coal in small stoves that have uncontrolled emissions of pollutants. Thus, while it benefits the local community, the move towards synthetic gas endangers the lives of other people.

For the record, Princeton has worked with the University of California Berkeley and Peking University. All in all, the researchers concluded that SNGs could really clean the air and improve public health by reducing diseases and premature mortalities due to pollution. However, they would also increase carbon dioxide emissions because creating SNGs from coal produces more CO2s that whencoalis burned directly as fuel.

Denise Mauzerall, the senior author and a civil and environmental engineering professor at Princeton, told China that "there are other ways". Mauzerall said that in the long run, the use of renewable generation of electricity brings the largest co-benefits for air and water quality plus public health. Princeton wants the Chinese people to maximize their efforts in combatting pollution but minimize the C02s emitted from SNGs.

For the record, air pollution commonly causes cardiovascular diseases, lung cancers, and emphysema. In China alone, it kills about 1.6 million people a year. The country has planned to expand its production of SNGs from four currently operational pants to roughly 40 more proposed and under construction.
Teachers at the Southwest DeKalb High School called the attention of 14 scholarship applicants last April 18. Apparently, none of them knew that a big surprise was coming. None of them knew that Georgia State University was about to change their lives.

According to earlier reports, the students believed that there would only be one winner. However, as soon as they sat down, the big revelation occurred. All of them got 100 percent scholarship grants from Georgia State University. They are now set to complete a two-year program at the University's Decatur campus.

The grants, which were awarded based on essays and grades, were funded by a $14.5 million budget from State Farm. Per the GSU News Hub, an additional $5.5 million from the same company will fund other student programs. Thus, the total budget is at a staggering $20 million. It means that more students will benefit from it in the coming months.

As a matter of fact, the 14 students from the Southwest DeKalb High School are not the only ones who will receive gifts this year. Thirty-six Decatur high school students will also be given scholarships. Moreover, the awards will not just provide financial assistance for the tuition fee, but also aids for issues they might face along the way.

For example, if the beneficiaries underperform in a prerequisite course, GSU will support them in getting tutorial classes so they can cope up. The point is that the University does not want their recipients to not reach the final destination of collegiate education. Now, per USA Today, the class of 2017 will not be the one group to receive the State farm's donation.

Otherwise known as the Learning, Income, and Family Transformation (LIFT) program, this year's surprises are only part of a bigger project. LIFT aims to help 40 to 50 high school seniors every year. Indeed, this is one of the most sustainable grants ever given by a company or a University to the less fortunate.
The Dalai Lama is one of the most respected spiritual leaders in the world today teaching people about spirituality. Thus, it is surprising when he suddenly talks about quantum physics melding with spirituality.

The Dalai Lama presided a two-day conference on quantum physics and Madhyamaka philosophy, one of the main schools of Buddhist thoughts, in India last week where he posted a question whether humans can find a way to reconcile science and spirituality stressing that this is essential in the future of the human race.

During his speech, he said that quantum mechanics and spirituality can shake hands with each other on how they view the world. He added that despite the brilliance of the great thinkers who existed throughout history, the fact remains that they are still humans like the rest.

In his opening speech, Hi Holiness said he only became aware of the relationship between Madhyamaka and quantum physics after he had a conversation with the late Raja Ramanna, an Indian nuclear physicist.

Ramanna told him that after reading the 2000-year old writings of the Madhyamaka philosopher Nagarjuna, he was surprised at how the philosopher's understanding of quantum physics matched his own.

According to Madhyamaka thought, nothing has a fixed or permanent nature. Nagarjuna clarified this by positing two truths - conventional and ultimate truth. He said that it is possible to perceive things as really existing, which is the conventional truth, and at the same time recognizing that they do not have inherent existence, which is the ultimate truth.

The most glaring of this example of this Buddhist thought in physics is the wave-particle duality which states that fermions and bosons can exhibit the characteristics of both wave and particle but cannot be wholly reduced to either.

Albert Einstein said that the phenomena of light can neither be described of only one language - wave or particle. He said that sometimes scientists need to use one theory and sometimes the other. Einstein further added both are contradictory pictures of reality but they need each other to fully explain it. On the other hand, you cannot use only one theory alone to explain it.

To put it simply, what Einstein and the physicists want to point out is that such contradictory thoughts can become complimentary with each other. In the same way, the Dalai Lama emphasized during his talk that people need to use spirituality and quantum physics to combat suffering and ignorance.

He added that people can either pray to God or Buddha to help them solve these problems. However, these problems have been created by men so they need human solutions. He said that a secular approach is needed to promote human values. Knowing that human nature is basically positive gives hope that people can solve these problems. He added in closing that if people will really put their hearts together, they will be able to change the world to become a better place.
Humans will soon have more than microorganisms residing inside their bodies as MIT scientists developed ingestible electronics that can be powered wirelessly. These devices can be used to deliver drugs or track the body for any conditions.

Researchers at MIT, Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, and Brigham and Women's Hospital collaborated to develop an electronic device which can be deployed inside the body and controlled wirelessly. The method has enough power to release the sensors and monitor the body temperature, heart rate, the gastrointestinal tract, and more.

Giovanni Traverso, a research affiliate at MIT's Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and a gastroenterologist and biomedical engineer at Brigham and Womens Hospital, said that they have been trying to find methods how to make these devices reside in the body for a long period of time. With this latest development they have done, however, there are a lot of possibilities ahead of them.

To test the method, they conducted a study on pigs and the external antenna was able to transmit power over distances of up to 10 centimeters. What's more significant about the experiment is that the energy transfer did not cause any tissue damage.

Prior to this method, the research team had tried to power these ingestible devices with galvanic cells which use the acid in the stomach to activate it. However, they discovered that the metal electrodes stopped functioning.

Aside from the wireless technique, the team is still looking for novel ways how to power these ingestibles so they will stay much longer in the gastrointestinal tract. Traverso said that they are also developing a series of other devices that can stay in the stomach in different periods of time. They also hope that they will be able to test them in humans within about five years.
A professor from the University of California - Riverside has found that worrying has a positive side. Apparently, even with its negative reputation, not all worry can be destructive or futile.

Kate Sweeny, who teaches Psychology in UC Riverside, said that worrying can have motivational benefits. It can also act as an emotional buffer.

Her latest article, entitled "The Upside of Worrying," was published in the journal "Social and Personality Psychology Compass." She detailed the role of worry in motivating preventive and protective behavior as well as how it helps people avoid unpleasant events.

Worry, as described in the paper, is described as an aversive emotional experience that comes with repetitive unpleasant thoughts about the future. Sweeny, who worked on the project with UC Riverside graduate student Michael D. Dooley, argued that worry has an upside even if its extreme levels brings with it depressed mood, poor physical health and even mental illness.

The researchers found that worry is associated with recovery from traumatic events, adaptive preparation and planning, recovery from depression as well as partaking in activities that promote health and prevent illness. Moreover, individuals who report greater worry may even perform better, whether in school or at their workplace. Those who worry more are also said to seek more information in response to stressful events and they engage in more successful problem solving.

Worry became a motivator for women who reported moderate amounts of worry since they are more likely to get screened for a particular disease, which was cancer in this case. Those who reported low or high levels of worry were less likely to go have themselves checked.

On the other hand, worry became a buffer or an emotional bench-mark since individuals who brace for the worst may feel more pleasure if the situation they are worrying about did not occur. Worrying heightens the pleasure that comes from a good experience if preceded by a bad experience.
Going to college is not a walk in the park for students and parents, which is very evident at the staggering rate of student loans. Thus, college students find ways how to save money and one of them is to move into an off-campus rental. However, a recent report conducted by Realto.com said that it is cheaper to buy a house in some college towns than renting one.

Realtor.com is a leading online real estate destination which is run by News Corp. To come up with the list, the firm compared median monthly rental fees to median monthly home payments, which also include mortgages, insurance, and real estate taxes.

Here are the five college towns where buying a house is cheaper than renting an apartment.

Baltimore

Baltimore is home to John Hopkins University and there are parts of the area where real estate is relatively cheap. For example, Charles Village is popular among students because of its close proximity to the university. The East Baltimore Development Project which is experiencing some revitalization as of late. Home ownership in Baltimore costs around $775 while rent is $1,443.

South Bend

South Bend, which is a famous neighborhood around Notre Dame University, has the cheapest home prices on the list. Home ownership can only cost parents $470 a month as opposed to rental fees which are around $856. That could literally save them $386 a month. They can even save up more if their children live with roommates.

West Lafayette

According to Realtor, homes around Purdue University costs around $131,000 and have three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Home ownership cost is around $666 a month while rental payment is $970. One of the most popular areas around West Lafayette is Chauncey Hill because it is only a walking distance to the university.

East Lansing

East Lansing has a number of great neighborhoods with low housing ownership cost which is $628 a month compared to renting an apartment which is $930. Downtown East Lansing is popular among students because of its convenience and close proximity to Michigan State University as well as in bars and restaurants. For those who are looking for more quiet neighborhoods, Groeseck is a good choice.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is home to the University of Pennsylvania as well as low house ownership cost. Buying a house with three bedrooms and two bathrooms in Pennsylvania will cost around $167,950 which is still below the median cost. Two of its popular neighborhoods among students are Passyunk and Point Breeze.
Deuba, Oli meet to discuss amendment bill, local polls

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba held a meeting with CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli at the latters residence in Balkot, Bhaktapur, on Saturday morning.
Embassies seek EC nod to observe polls outside Ktm

More than half a dozen foreign embassies have urged the Election Commission (EC) to allow them to observe the local elections both inside and outside Kathmandu Valley. The election body had earlier agreed to let them observe the polls in the Valley on the polling day.
Indian man kills daughter, attempts suicide in Ilam

An Indian man tried to kill himself after murdering his daughter in Ilam district on Friday.
Missing child found dead after three days

A two-year-old boy, who had been missing for the past three days from his home in Khoriya of Naraha-3, Siraha, was found dead on Saturday morning.


Whether its celebrating Cinco de Mayo or its ongoing commitment to the community, Nacho Daddy knows how to party! This Cinco de Mayo on Friday, May 5; Nacho Daddy on West Sahara enlists the community to celebrate the holiday while giving back. From 11 a.m.  8 p.m., Nacho Daddy holds a spicy Cinco de Mayo party while encouraging donations to their charitable partner, Three Square.

During this event, guests can bring monetary donations or items from the non-profits wish list while enjoying Nacho Daddy fare. Nacho Daddys outdoor party features $2 street tacos and Mexican street corn, $4 beer, $6 margaritas and, of course, plenty of their signature scorpion shots. Party-goers can also try their luck with a raffle for exclusive Nacho Daddy gear and other prizes; enjoy fun games like cornhole and extreme Jenga; see Nacho Daddys celeb fans; and rock out to live music from 5  8 p.m.

As part of Nacho Daddys commitment to the Las Vegas community, the group will also present a check at noon to local organization, Three Square, for another 140,000 meals to help Las Vegans who are food insecure, bringing the total to more than 250,000 meals donated in just over one year. In 2016, Nacho Daddy started the Buy a Meal, Give a Meal program at all three restaurants, which provides assistance to those in need in Southern Nevada.

During the celebration, guests are encouraged to bring donations to Three Square. Every person donating will receive a free beer or margarita (one per customer). In addition to monetary donations, Three Square is in need of a variety of items including meat/high protein  canned meats, fish, spam and stew, mac & cheese, soups, rice, beans; dairy  canned and powdered milk; breads/cereals  baking mixes, cereals, oatmeal, flour, sugar; and allergy friendly products  soy, almond and rice milk, gluten free boxed baking mixes, soups and pastas, alternative nut butters. A full list of acceptable donation items is available online at www.threesquare.org.

Nacho Daddy is Vegas Cinco de Mayo party headquarters with three locations including W. Sahara, The Strip and Downtown Las Vegas. The official Cinco de Mayo and Three Square celebration will be held at the W. Sahara location only.
It's always my mission to find wineries in the US producing wines from Italian grapes grown on American soil. I had always taken a trip to upstate NY to the Finger Lakes wine region for many years annually, but had taken a break over the past 5 years as I had traveled to some other places around the world. It was nice to make it back here and we couldn't ask for better weather and accommodations as I write from our beautiful villa right on the water of Seneca Lake in Geneva.





Seneca Lake Wine Trail called out to my attention that Ventosa Vineyards located in Geneva at the top of Seneca Lake was working with a few Italian grapes. I had been to Ventosa Vineyards years ago, but this was well before my wine blog so I really couldn't recall the wines that they produced. Thankfully a private tasting and tour was arranged for myself and family with their winemaker and vineyard manager, Jenna Lavita. A couple days prior to my arrival thecalled out to my attention thatlocated in Geneva at the top of Seneca Lake was working with a few Italian grapes. I had been to Ventosa Vineyards years ago, but this was well before my wine blog so I really couldn't recall the wines that they produced. Thankfully a private tasting and tour was arranged for myself and family with their winemaker and vineyard manager, Jenna Lavita.

As Ventosa Vineyards states that their winery is a taste of Tuscany in the Finger Lakes. Upon arrival you can't miss this massive, gorgeous villa that is eyecatching from route 96A. The winery was established eleven years ago and the owners are Italian lovers themselves taking trips often over to Italy, but providing folks with a Tuscan setting right in the Finger Lakes as well. They produce about 3,000-3,500 cases on 22 acres. The owners believe in finding peace in the craziness of wine life within their vineyards therefore the vineyards are sacrosanct, blessed by the priest and located around the property and within the vineyards themselves are religious statues all around.

The tasting we had with Jenna on their patio overlooking their vineyards below and Seneca Lake was a treat. Jenna was such a pleasure to spend time with. She actually graduated from the local college, Williams Smith, back in 2008 and learned winemaking under the winemaker of Fox Run Vineyards, Peter Bell. She had actually gone to school for law, but making friends and getting acquainted with the wine industry drew her in. It's amazing to me how many folks I have met in the wine industry had previously been lawyers. I guess that profession leads you to drink converting many on it's journey ; ) She also owns a small brewery in town as well, Lake Drum Brewing.

Jenna Lavita

We tasted through many of their wines, but of course I was mostly interested in the Italian grapes they are working with: pinot grigio, tocai friulano and sangiovese. To see Italian grapes grown in such a cold climate area is rather interesting and I only remember coming across 1 other vineyard in the Finger Lakes wine region working with Italian grapes, Red Tail Ridge produces a teroldego grape, which I didnt get to revisit on this trip.





There are about 3 acres planted to the pinot gris grape. The 2015 Ventosa Vineyards Pinot Gris is a very easy drinking, clean, light bodied wine with green apples most prevalent on the palate. The interesting wine for me was the 2014 Ventosa Vineyards Tocai Friulano mostly found in the wine region of Friuli in northeastern Italy. I know this sounds crazy, but I picked up almost pickle juice on the nose. It's partially aged in American oak imparting tropical notes into the wine. Lower on the acid scale the wine had more weight than the pinot gris. We finished with the Ventosa Vineyards Tocaice, which is their ice wine made from the tocai friulano grape. They don't freeze the grapes on-site, but instead take them to Ontario to a commercial freezer where they are frozen for 1-2 months. They are pressed onsight though at Ventosa Vineyards with a hard press (2.5 bars) over 24 hours to extract as much juice as possible. They usually get about 150 gallons from 3 tons of grapes. For those with a sweet tooth and that enjoy a dessert wine at the end of your meals this had nice rich honey and orange zest notes. An unctous wine indeed!

Following the tasting we proceeded to the production facility underneath. Walking through the vineyards it was just the start of bud break for a few of their grapes including sangiovese, pinot and chardonnay. The last few winters have been colder in the Finger Lakes and many wineries having been losing their primary buds.

bud break

For me the highlight was the Ventosa Vineyards Owners Reserve Sangiovese. We tasted their sangiovese in the fermentation room comparing the 2011 and 2012 vintages. I preferred the 2011 vintage as it was more similar in style to that of Tuscany than the 2012. It was drier in style where the 2012 showed more ripe red fruit. The 2011 had more earthiness and dried fruits, which is personally more my style. It's medium bodied and aged in American oak for 2.5 years plus an additional year in bottle. These sangiovese had soft tannins.

Overall, it was a great way to start the day and taste the difference of Italian grapes grown on American soil in the Finger Lakes region of NY.

My son learning how to smell wine
ASEAN Secretary-General Le Luong Minh and Member States' FMs to the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Manila, the Philippines on April 28, 2017. Photo: VNA

During their meeting in the Philippines on Friday, the Foreign Ministers stressed that ASEAN needs to continue its strong common voice and active role in making practical contribution to peace and stability in the region and the world as well.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh urged ASEAN to have a sober, balanced and consistent approach while sharing his views on tensions in the regional and global situation.

He suggested that the bloc should consolidate internal strength, solidarity and unity, enhance coordination of their stance, and build up a common voice of ASEAN over regional and international issues of common concerns.

ASEAN needs to consolidate its centrality in ASEAN-led mechanisms while encouraging balanced and constructive presence and engagement of powers in the region.

Minh also called for greater involvement and contribution of ASEAN people in the Community building process, thus contributing to the consolidation of common peace, stability and prosperity.

Regarding the East Sea situation, Minh shared concerns of the member countries over complicated developments in the East Sea, including reclamation and militarization activities.

He said all countries must have the responsibility to contribute to peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation on the East Sea, commit to settlement of disputes through peaceful measures with respect for international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, diplomatic and legal processes, and avoid using or threatening to use force.

Minh welcomed ASEAN and China to continue efforts to seriously and fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and work toward formation of a Code of Conduct which is legally and really effective.
People withdraw cash from Vietcombanks ATMs in Ha Noi. - Photo dantri.vn

To guarantee the quality of services, as well as the safety of ATM transactions during the holiday period, commercial banks must regularly monitor ATMs to ensure they have sufficient money and do not run out of cash or other services, the central bank said.

Direct cash payments should also be available to firms which are located at busy spots, to avoid an overload at ATMs.

Further, banks will be required to closely co-ordinate with financial switching companies to handle incidents, complaints and inquiries by customers, and ensure the smooth functioning of ATMs.

It is also necessary for banks to proactively monitor and send timely feedback to customers on issues arising from problems at ATMs to avoid misunderstandings, which lead to an erosion in customer confidence in overall banking services.

Card issuers also need to increase their vigilance, be on guard for tricks used by criminals, and cooperate with local police to prevent card fraud at ATM machines.

SBV also asked the National Payment Corporation of Viet Nam to examine its infrastructure, including machines and devices, and to properly organise staffs to ensure the operation of the national financial switching system through the use of ATM and point-of-sale transactions.
High representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy, Federica Mogherini (R) during the EU Informal Meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers, on Apr 28, 2017 in Valletta, Malta. (Photo: AFP/Matthew Mirabelli)

Her remarks, following a EU foreign ministers meeting in Valletta, came after recent calls from some countries that negotiations over Turkey's potential membership of the bloc should be stopped.

The talks in Malta highlighted sharp differences on ties with Turkey after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's victory in a referendum to reform the constitution gave him increased powers.

Germany urged its EU peers not to end accession talks despite deep misgivings over Turkey's rights record, saying the country is key to European interests, not least as a NATO ally.

Austria however reiterated its demand that negotiations be ditched, saying Erdogan had violated the EU rule of law and eschewed democratic norms that candidate countries must put in place.

After a "very frank and open" meeting with the foreign ministers, Mogherini said she was "happy to have (Turkey) in but a level of clarification" was needed from Ankara.

"The accession process continues, it is not suspended, not ended (although) we are currently not working on any new chapters," she told reporters.

"The criteria are very clear, well known and if Turkey is interested in joining, as the foreign minister told us today, ... it knows very well what that implies, especially in the field of human rights, rule of law, democracy and freedoms," she said.

Erdogan meanwhile accused the EU of backing the 'No' campaign in this month's referendum on expanding his powers, but insisted Turkey's door was still open.

The EU backed the losing side but that was in the past and from now on the EU should "put efforts into how you will develop your relations with Turkey. Although you carried out that campaign, we are opening our door," he said.

Mogherini, who said the EU respected the outcome of the vote, was due to meet Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu later Friday.

'WRONG REACTION'

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said earlier that his government was "strictly against breaking off the accession talks ... It would be the completely wrong reaction."

"In NATO, we did not even exclude Turkey even during the times of military dictatorship (there). Why should we now have an interest in pushing it in the direction of Russia?" he said.

But Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz repeated his call for talks to be halted and told his EU colleagues to make their minds up.

"I consider it completely wrong if we hold up this fiction of an accession (to the EU) as Turkey moves away even further from Europe every year," Kurz said. "We need, finally, a clear decision."

In March last year, the European Union signed an accord with Turkey to speed up the accession talks, along with visa liberalisation and billions in aid in return for Ankara halting a flood of migrants, mostly from Syria and Iraq, coming to Europe.

Erdogan and top Turkish officials have repeatedly threatened to rip up the deal because of the lack of progress in membership talks. The president also warned that he would review relations with the EU as a whole after the referendum.
British Prime Minister Theresa May (L) and European Council President Donald Tusk. (Photo: AFP/Justin Tallis)

In a letter to the other 27 European Union leaders ahead of a key summit on Saturday, Tusk said that "before discussing our future, we must first sort out our past."

The EU 27 are set to adopt guidelines for the negotiations on Brexit at the summit, following British Prime Minister Theresa May's formal triggering of the two-year divorce process last month.

Former Polish premier Tusk said the "only possible approach" was phased talks, in which Britain must make "sufficient progress" on the divorce issues before negotiations on future ties.

"This is not only a matter of tactics, but - given the limited time frame we have to conclude the talks - it is the only possible approach," Tusk wrote to the leaders.

"I would like us to unite around this key principle during the upcoming summit, so that it is clear that progress on people, money and Ireland must come first," he wrote. "And we have to be ready to defend this logic during the upcoming negotiations."

May wants to discuss the divorce settlement and a trade deal at the same time ahead of Britain's exit from the bloc in March 2019.

'COMMITMENT TO UNITY'

The EU says the key issues are the fate of three million EU citizens living in Britain and one million Britons resident in the EU as well as Britain's exit bill estimated at around 60 billion (US$65 million).

Tusk also called for action to avoid a "hard border" between the Republic of Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland.

A senior EU official said a key part of Saturday's summit would involve defining what "sufficient progress" means, with some states wanting to move on to the trade talks phase more quickly than others.

Leaders will also discuss the relocation of two EU agencies currently based in Britain - the European Banking Authority and European Medicines Agency - which several EU states are bidding to host.

Tusk's comments come a day after a war of words between British premier May and German Chancellor Angela Merkel over the two years of negotiations.

Merkel said Britain should not have any "illusions" about getting favourable treatment. But May hit back by accusing the EU 27 of planning to "line up to oppose us."

EU officials have repeatedly stressed the 27's united front on the Brexit issue, after years of divisions over issues ranging from the euro to migration.

May "should not underestimate the commitment to unity," one European diplomat said.

This was especially true on the sensitive issue of Britain's exit bill, the senior EU official said, adding: "I have never seen net payers and net contributors working so closely."

The leaders are also expected to back automatic membership for Northern Ireland after Brexit if it ever reunifies with Ireland, at Ireland's request, an EU Council source said.

"The European Council acknowledges that, in accordance with international law, the entire territory of such a united Ireland would thus be part of the European Union," says a clause in the draft summit minutes seen by AFP.

"This is speculation," a British government spokesman said when asked about the plan.

Britons voted to leave the EU in a closely-fought referendum in June 2016.
Customers buy petrol at a station on Tran Quang Khai Street in Ha Noi. - VNS Photo Thai Ha

Under the plan, tax authorities expect to set up a parallel and synchronised sales management software, which will allow individuals and enterprises to get their e-bills when buying petrol. Sales data will then be transmitted directly to the tax authorities, allowing for thorough management of petrol business operations.

However, since the implementation of electronic invoices for petrol products is likely to be costly, the plan is not currently feasible, according to Nguyen Van Phung, director of the Large Enterprise Department under the GDT.

He added that it was impossible to force enterprises to spend such a large amount of money within a short time without calculating the business efficiency of the plan. Therefore, the GDT is working on a pilot programme to implement the scheme on a trial basis.

According to Dang Ngoc Minh, the GDTs deputy general director, tax authorities at all levels and petrol businesses must start to study and apply scientific and technological applications, preparing the necessary equipment and legal basis for electronic invoices in the sale of petrol products.

"Petrol dealers are encouraged to follow the plan, however, the GDT will make it mandatory for all petrol businesses in the future," Minh said.

The GDT previously stamped all petrol stations nationwide as a measure to better manage petrol business operations, which has shown significant improvement. However, according to a representative from the department, this is still just a temporary solution.

Many argue that another solution is to encourage consumers to require paper invoices whenever they buy petrol. Nonetheless, Phung said, the current process of issuing bills at petrol stations is very complex and difficult to manage as few customers demand bills after they purchase petrol.

Most of the customers use motorcycles, and each purchase ranges from VND40,000-50,000 (US$1.7-2), not worth waiting a long time for the bill. Therefore, many petrol stations collect those bills and illegally sell them to other buyers who need bills but do not actually make purchases, Phung said.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at his meeting on Thursday with Vietnamese investors in Laos.  VNA/VNS Photo Thong Nhat

Phuc praised the efforts and results achieved by Vietnamese firms doing businesses in Laos, which he said contributed significantly to enhancing socio-economic co-operation between the two countries.

Phuc also urged firms to study the market and investment policies carefully before investing in Laos

The Association of Vietnamese Investors in Laos (AVIL) should also enhance co-operation with management agencies in the countries and organise dialogues between the governments and investors in order to tackle difficulties, Phuc said.

Tran Bac Ha, AVILs president, said that Vietnamese investments in Laos would be directed toward high-technology sectors, trade, services and tourism and contribute to increasing bilateral trade value by 10 per cent in 2017.

Ha said Viet Nam has so far invested in 269 projects in 17 of Laos 18 provinces with a total registered capital of US$5.1 billion, some $2.2 billion of which has already been disbursed.

The association proposed that the two governments improve the framework for economic co-operation and adopt policies to facilitate investment and trade. Detailed instructions should be developed to effectively implement agreements between the two countries, such as the agreement on the avoidance of double taxation, labour co-operation and border trade.

Ha said at the meeting that the two economies should enhance co-operation in major sectors, such as energy, transport, agriculture and trade.

According to the Viet Nam Foreign Investment Agency, Laos ranked first among 68 countries and territories in Viet Nam has invested, and was the third largest foreign investor in Laos.

The two contries recorded bilateral trade of $236.2 million in the first quarter of this year, up 4 per cent over the same period last year.

On the occasion of Phucs two-day visit to Laos, which ended on Thursday, the two sides agreed to map out long-term orientations to collaborate for sustainable development of bilateral relations, stepping up trade ties while ensuring social welfare and environmental protection.
photo www.pharmafile.com

The cost of the drug will be just one per cent of the price of the companys brand-name drugs sold in the US to treat the same infections.

The good news comes after the Vietnamese Ministry of Health and Gilead Sciences signed an agreement on Wednesday under which the US pharmaceutical company would provide enough of its brand-name drugs such as Sovaldi, Harvoni and Epclusa, to help Viet Nam fight the hepatitis C virus.

The company will also assist Vietnamese pharmaceutical enterprises in producing generic drugs to treat hepatitis C in the future.

Gilead Sciences plans to provide the health ministry with a list of foreign pharmaceutical companies it has authorised to supply materials for manufacturing drugs to treat hepatitis C.

Truong Quoc Cuong, Deputy Minister of Health and Head of Drug Administration of Viet Nam, told Dan tri online newspaper that the ministry was considering allowing domestic enterprises to import materials to produce hepatitis C generic drugs soon.

The ministry would, without delay, issue a distribution licence under the fast-track licensing regime for hepatitis C drugs produced by Gilead Sciences, Cuong said.

It would submit a request to the government to add these Gilead Sciences drugs to the list of drugs imported under the Government plan, he added.

Gilead Sciences is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that invents, develops and commercialises innovative medicines, especially in areas where medical needs are unmet. Its product portfolio and its pipeline of investigational drugs include medicines for treating HIV/AIDS, liver diseases, cancer, inflammatory and respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular conditions.

It is estimated that Viet Nam has around four million people with hepatitis C infections.

Representative of a pharmaceutical company who declined to be named said the agreement was believed to be very meaningful to people contracting hepatitis C in Viet Nam.

It would help cut the cost of treating hepatitis C virus by a significant amount, she said.

With the same drugs manufactured by the company, if patients were treated in Viet Nam, the treatment cost would be dozens of times cheaper than in foreign countries, she added.

And if the health ministry adds the drugs to the list of medicines paid by health insurance, poor patients in our country will benefit, she said.
Pact on Ktm, Kerung rail project at final stage

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Krishna Bahadur Mahara has claimed the much-talked about pact on the Kathmandu-Kerung rail project, a cross-border rail network between Nepal and China, is at final stage of signature.
The Dangerous Side-Effects of Plastics, and How to Minimize Their Toxic Impact

Plastics are not only an environmental disaster; these man-made conveniences introduced a century ago are also harming our physical and mental health. Phthalates  chemical compounds used to make plastic more flexible and durable  are found in more products than you might imagine, and have become the human bodys
So-called Islamic State has wreaked havoc in eastern Afghanistan since 2015, mostly through its loose affiliates  attacking government installations and villages, killing and abducting hundreds of people, and keeping schools shuttered and replacing them with IS religious seminaries. It also claimed responsibility for several deadly attacks in the countrys capital, Kabul.



Here is a rundown in a question-and-answer format about how IS operates in Afghanistan:



When did IS emerge in Afghanistan?



Branching out from Iraq and Syria  and fueled by a growing militancy in Central Asia  IS launched its operations in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region two years ago, naming it ISs Khorasan province (IS-K) to cover Afghanistan, Pakistan, and other nearby lands. The name refers to a centuries-old description of Afghanistan and surrounding areas of Central Asia and Persia.

IS-Ks founder, Hafiz Saeed Khan, a former Pakistani Taliban commander, appeared in a video in January 2015, along with 10 militant commanders  each representing a sub-region within the Afghan-Pak region  pledging allegiance to IS.

Who are IS-K Members?

According to U.S. and Afghan officials, most IS-K fighters are former members of the Pakistani Taliban group (TTP), many of whom belong to the Orokzai tribe in Pakistan. A number of Central Asian militants in Afghanistan, who previously were associated with al-Qaida and Taliban, joined the IS cause. Some Afghan militants also have joined IS-K ranks for financial gains.

Where is IS-K based and what territory has it captured in Afghanistan?

Based in southern parts of eastern Nangarhar province, IS-K has taken root in mountainous areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Last year it had a presence in at least 12 Nangarhar districts. The group also expanded to neighboring Kunar province, but has had fewer activities there.

Is IS-K expanding to other parts of Afghanistan?

IS-K has been attempting to expand to other parts of the country. Central Asian fighters who have pledged allegiance to IS have a presence in southern Zabul province.

The group also claims to have a presence in northern Jouzjan and Faryab provinces, where some militants who were previously associated with the Taliban said they have have joined IS-K. The son of a fabled slain Uzbek militant commander, Tahir Yuldash  co-founder and former leader of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU)  reportedly has been luring Uzbek men in northern provinces to join the group, according to Afghan officials.

What is the estimated number of IS-K members?

According to the U.S.-led Resolute Mission in Afghanistan, there were about 3,000 IS-K members in Afghanistan last year. The number, however, has been reduced to a few hundred fighters this year.

"In 2016, we believed that year began with about 3,000 or so ISIS-K members in about 12 districts in southern Nangarhar," U.S. Navy Capt. Bill Salvin, spokesperson for Resolute Support in Kabul told VOA last month. "Right now, we believe there are about 600 ISIS-K members in two or three districts in southern Nangarhar."

How are U.S.-Afghan forces fighting IS-K?

American and Afghan forces conduct counterterrorism operations together. U.S. forces pursue a two-way approach to combating IS-K.

"The first is the unilateral U.S. counterterrorism mission called Operation Freedom, and that is where we will conduct the operations against terrorist groups like ISIS-K on our own," Salvin said. "The other way that we are attacking ISIS-K is in partnered operations with the Afghan special forces."

Is IS-K losing in Afghanistan?

U.S.-led NATO officials and members of the Afghan government say their security operations in recent months have reduced IS-Ks strength from several thousand to now under 1,000 fighters, and their territorial control from more than 10 districts to fewer than five.

Pentagon officials said Friday they suspected the Islamic State leader in Afghanistan, Abdul Haseeb, was killed in a three-hour firefight in the Mohmand Valley, in the Achin district of eastern Nangarhar province.

Officials said another 35 IS fighters also had been killed.

Haseeb is not the only IS commander to have been killed in U.S.-Afghan security operations in the region. Several top IS-K commanders recently have been killed in counterterrorism airstrikes, including its leader Saeed Khan, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike in July 2016.

But despite the battlefield losses, IS-K has "shown an ability to conduct attacks in Kabul and elsewhere in the country," General John Nicholson, the U.S. military commander in Afghanistan, recently told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

U.S. and Afghan forces say they are determined to defeat the extremist group in the country this year.

"Our goal in 2017 is to defeat ISIS-K in Afghanistan," Salvin said.

The U.S. Air Force this month dropped "the mother of all bombs" on IS-Ks stronghold in Nangarhars Achin district, killing at least 95 IS fighters, mostly foreign fighters.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte opened the last day of a four-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit with a warning that they all are facing a massive illegal drug trade apparatus. He quickly added Saturday that the drug trade is not impregnable and can be dismantled with political will and cooperation.

He urged the leaders from the 10 ASEAN countries gathered in Manila to be resolute in realizing a drug-free ASEAN.

Duterte also took an oblique swipe at Western governments, asking them not to meddle in the affairs of regional countries.

Duterte has often lashed out at Western criticism of his brutal anti-drug crackdown. Although couched in diplomatic tone, the presidents remarks at the opening ceremony of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Manila reflect his combative character.

Ties between ASEAN and the West could become stronger and more productive if we learn to respect each others independence and treat each other as sovereign equals, Duterte said. Relations bear fruit when they are based on mutual respect and benefit.

No criticism of China

The summit has not yielded any criticism from the leaders about China over its expansion in the contested South China Sea, a sign, some analysts say, of Beijings economic and diplomatic influence.

Analysts and media reports earlier in the week expected a mildly worded closing statement without naming any one country as a troublemaker.

Any slight against China, such as a reminder that it lost a world court arbitration ruling July 12 over the legal basis for its claim to 95 percent of the sea, would be unnecessarily provocative, said Collin Koh, maritime security research fellow at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.

Most of those statements related to such sensitive issues like the South China Sea tend to be very general and wouldnt go down to specifics, even including highlighting any particular country as singled out for some kind of reprimand in the statement, Koh said.

Hesitation to criticize China shows the impact of Beijings aggressive negotiations with individual Southeast Asian countries and offers of economic benefits since the arbitration ruling. Chinas coast guard activity, land reclamation work and construction of military bases in the 3.5 million-square-kilometer have previously caused alarm.

Duterte anti-drug campaign

Duterte has been fanatical about making the Philippines drug-free.

Philippine police report killing 2,724 people in the presidents drug campaign. Human Rights Watch, however, says since Duterte came into office in June 2016, police and unidentified gunmen have killed more than 7,000 suspected drug users and dealers.

Earlier in this week, a Philippine lawyer filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court, accusing Duterte of mass murder in his drug campaign.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
An American woman convicted of espionage in China and held without a trial for two years is back in the U.S. after being deported, according to her husband.

Jeff Gillis said in a statement that his wife, Sandy Phan-Gillis, left China Friday and arrived in Los Angeles the same day  removing a source of tension between the U.S. and China.

A court ordered her deportation Tuesday after sentencing her to 3 years in prison for espionage.

The Chinese government has not released details of the charges, and Phan-Gillis' lawyer told Reuters he could not comment on the case because it involved "state secrets."

Phan-Gillis' husband said the Chinese government accused his wife of visiting the country twice on spy missions in 1996 and with collaborating with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation to capture two U.S.-based Chinese spies and turn them into double agents.

Detained at Macau

Phan-Gillis was detained in March 2015 at the border of Macau, an independent region on the southern coast of China, after visiting mainland China. Phan-Gillis was with a trade delegation from Houston at the time of her detention.

She returned to the U.S. three weeks after Chinese President Xi Jinping met with U.S. President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the two leaders "have been in constant touch with each other" since their meeting.

The human rights group that campaigned for Phan-Gillis' release, Dui Hua, said negotiations for her release intensified during U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's visit to Beijing last month.

Phan-Gillis had been held in a secret location for six months before being transferred to a detention center in Guangxi, where she was initially placed in solitary confinement, according to the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

The working group denounced China's handling of the case last year, maintaining it had not followed "international norms relating to the right to a fair trial."
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is updating its website to reflect the views of the Trump administration. The agency has removed several pages from the Obama administration explaining the science behind climate change.

The EPA said in a statement the website is undergoing changes that reflect the agencys new direction under President Donald Trump and Administrator Scott Pruitt.

The statement was released late Friday, just hours before thousands of people descend Saturday on Washingtons National Mall for the Peoples Climate March, where scientists and activists are expected to condemn the president for what they call his disdain for the dangers of climate change.

Trump has stated he does not believe the science behind climate change.

Until now, content from the Obama administration had been available on the agencys site.

As EPA renews its commitment to human health and clean air, land and water, our website needs to reflect the views of the leadership of the agency, said J.P. Freire, associate administrator for EPA public affairs. We want to eliminate confusion by removing outdated language first and making room to discuss how were protecting the environment and human health by partnering with states and working within the law.

Last Saturday, science marches were staged around the world. With Trump in the White House and populist and eurosceptic movements gaining popularity in Europe, scientists say their budgets are being reduced and their work is being taken less seriously.

The vast majority of scientists who study the climate say the planet is unequivocally warming, and that it is extremely likely the change is predominantly caused by humans.
Construction of a much-anticipated $10-billion pipeline transporting natural gas from Turkmenistan to Afghanistan, Pakistan and India began Sunday, 25 years after the inception of the project.

The so-called Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) project aims to export up to 33 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas per year through the approximately 1,800-kilometer pipeline.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the Indian vice president, Hamid Ansari, together with Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedoy attended the groundbreaking ceremony in the south central city of Mary, Turkmenistan.

Addressing Sunday's ceremony, Prime Minister Sharif said TAPI is not just a gas transit initiative connecting energy-rich Central Asia with energy-starved South Asia but a project that will open doors for greater regional economic collaboration and integration

"Importantly, this flagship project will usher in a new era and transform the lives of the millions of our people, making TAPI a symbol of shared prosperity and socio-economic development," he said.

Observers have long termed the proposed projectas a "pipeline of regional peace" once completed because it could go a long way in bringing archrivals, India and Pakistan closer and promote stability in war-ravaged Afghanistan.

Experts say TAPI presents an opportunity for regional cooperation at an unprecedented scale linking the economies of the four countries together and enhanced energy trading between Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.

India will pay up $250-million in transit fees to Pakistan which will pay the same amount in transit fees to Afghanistan.

The project is considered a key opportunity to help ease growing energy deficits in India and Pakistan. Officials in Turkmenistan expect gas link will be fully operational by the end of 2019.

Pakistani officials say they expect to receive gas via TAPI in 2019.

But ensuring security of the proposed pipeline remains a major challenge as it would pass through insurgency-hit parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
PAF launches Artisanal showcase

The Poverty Alleviation Fund (PAF) has launched Artisanal Showcase, a platform to promote goods manufactured using traditional skills and knowledge, and create linkages between artisans and businesspersons.
Eight troops were killed Saturday when a Cuban military plane crashed, a statement from the military said.

The Soviet-made AN-26 aircraft took off from Playa Baracoa airport near Havana early Saturday and crashed into a hillside near Candelaria, in Artemisa province, about 65 kilometers southwest of the capital, the statement said.

No other information was released.
If youve been walking through downtown Nairobi lately, you may have seen Moses Odhiambo. The 29-year-old self-taught saxophonist has been drawing crowds and inspiring a love of music in young people who, like himself, are growing up on the streets.

Moses Odhiambo plays his saxophone amid the usual buzz of evening rush hour in Nairobis central business district.



He performs here every Tuesday and Thursday.



A small crowd gathers. Today marks one year since he started performing like this. But he is no stranger to the streets.

At 10 years old, he left home with his three brothers. Their mother couldnt afford to feed them. Odhiambo spent several homeless years in the slums of Nairobis Kayole Soweto area. Through sponsorship programs, he was able to complete high school, where he played trumpet.

He showed a knack for music.

So the director called me and told me, before we get a professional teacher come and try teaching these students," said Odhiambo. "So when I went there. I saw the saxophone and fell in love with it and I picked it up, taught myself from scratch up to where I am today.

When he is not performing in the streets, Odhiamdo is teaching music in two public primary schools or giving private lessons. But the streets remain his source of inspiration.

I could choose to be in the house and do my practice in the house but I saw that being not so productive for me so I wanted to go out and make a difference," said Odhiambo. "Because of my background having been a street child, I thought of coming out into the streets and make a difference.



After his performances, Odhiambo sets aside time to talk with street kids he meets.

They can make a difference in life if indeed they pursue their passion, he said.



Rafael Mwangi sings a song he composed. The 14-year-old has lived on the streets for over six years now.

He says when I saw Moses play, it gave me so much hope. I felt it was time to also start singing I started writing music and when I showed Mose my writings, he told me he could see my future.

On Thursdays, Odhiambo is joined by another young musician, Steven Muthama, on the guitar.



Muthama says performing on the street creates a powerful connection.

People just take time to come and listen," said Muthama. "Tired people from work taking time to just stop in the street, not knowing you, just seeing you there, listening and appreciating, maybe dropping a shilling or two but just the time and the effort to stand there and listen is really amazing.



Music has been Odhiambos ticket to a better life. He hopes to pass that opportunity on to the next generation.
Muslim and Christian leaders in India are expressing concern over what they call a sudden rise in sectarian attacks against their communities across the Hindu-majority country.

The minority community leaders have said the hate attacks, for which they blame right-wing Hindu groups, spiked with recent assembly election victories in Uttar Pradesh state by India's ruling party, the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Noting that most of the anti-Muslim and anti-Christian attacks are taking place in the BJP-ruled states, the leaders accuse the local governments of not taking punitive actions against the perpetrators.

One such attack occurred this month in Uttar Pradesh when Hindu activists barged into a church in Maharajganj district, confronting a congregation of 150 people and accusing them of secretly converting Hindus. After threatening to kill the pastor and demolish the church, the group left when police arrived.

"There is a very sharp rise in violence against Christians and also Muslims in the days since Yogi Adityanath has become the chief minister of the state of Uttar Pradesh," John Dayal, spokesman of United Christian Forum, a New Delhi human rights group, told VOA.

Zafarul Islam-Khan, a New Delhi Muslim community leader, said the hate attacks against minorities by Hindu right-wing groups were rising with the growth of the BJP in the country.

"BJP-led governments at the center and the states do not take action against the Hindutva groups because they are responsible for establishing the powerful Hindu vote bank for the party. People from these groups are becoming ministers and [legislators] in the party," Khan told VOA. "So, they are part of the family, and that's why BJP in different states cannot take any action against these Hindutva groups."

Rights group critical

New York-based Human Rights Watch this week condemned India's Hindutva group cow vigilantes  those who perpetrate violence in the name of protecting cows, which Hindus consider sacred  for targeting Muslims in attacks.

"Self-appointed cow protectors driven by irresponsible populism are killing people and terrorizing minority communities. The government should condemn this violence and take prompt action against those responsible for these attacks or face allegations of complicity, " Meenakshi Ganguly, the rights group's South Asia director, was quoted saying in the report.

In India, where Muslims and Christians constitute 14.2 percent and 2.3 percent of country's population, respectively, the two communities have long alleged varying levels of persecution.

The religious minority communities identify the right-wing Hindu organization Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS); India's largest Hindu religious group, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP); and dozens of their offshoots as the perpetrators behind most of the persecution and violence.

These groups, which are pushing the Hindu-first policy and are aiming to turn constitutionally secular India into a Hindu nation, are known as Hindutva groups.

Muslim and Christian community leaders insist that although the Hindutva wave targeting the minorities began sweeping the country around the time Narendra Modi was elected prime minister in 2014, the two communities have begun facing a new wave of sectarian attacks following BJP's victory in three states, including Uttar Pradesh, last month.

Allegations have surfaced that, soon after Adityanath, a hard-line Hindu religious leader, was installed as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Hindu Yuva Vahini (HYV), a private Hindu militia set up by him, began attacking Muslims and Christians in the state.

"After Yogi became the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Muslims were asked by the HYV activists to leave at least two Hindu-majority villages of the state to make them Hindu-only villages. In another Hindu-majority village in Hapur [in Uttar Pradesh], HYV men thrashed Muslims and warned against wearing Muslim skullcaps in public. Some village mosques were even warned not to give Azan [call for prayer]," Aziz Mubarki, national secretary of South Asia Ullema Council, a body of Islamic clergies, told VOA.

Reports denied

Rajesh Rai, chief of HYV in Adityanath's hometown of Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, said charges that the Hindutva groups are targeting minorities in hate attacks are false.

"All those charges are baseless. The church leaders visit the villages, gather the young people and entice them through many allurements. They also offer the poor people money for purposes like medical treatment and also to manage their families. This way gradually they make them change their faith," Rai told VOA.

He also accused Christian missionaries of engaging in "deceitful and forcible conversions" across the country and said that their activists would continue action to stall all conversions to Christianity.

But Bhopal church leader Father Anand Muttungal rejected such assertions.

"Christians live as a very microscopic minority in the villages dominated by the Hindu community," he said. "It's impossible to deceitfully or forcibly convert any Hindu to Christianity. The charges against the churches by the RSS and other Hindu outfits have been there for 25 or 30 years. But till today, not even in a single charge has been proved in any legal system of the country."
His birthplace in a small village outside Mumbai, India, in a home with no running water or electricity, is a far cry from the technology-filled cubicles Pete Tapaskar has come to know well as an information technology (IT) worker.

Tapaskars journey from India to the United States through Canada came courtesy of an H1B immigrant visa.

H1B has been a great contributor for the innovation of America, Tapaskar told VOA.

Now an American citizen who lives in suburban Chicago, Tapaskar has spent the past 15 years working for the IT company ProSoft as a manager in their immigration program.

Lengthy process

Most of the people Tapaskar has hired have come from India, but he said hiring those workers has not always been ideal.

It would be cheaper for us to hire Americans where they are available, he said, because bringing them from outside, we have to go through the lengthy H1B process and then wait for (a) longer time, and by that time, demand would have changed.

But Tapaskar says there arent enough Americans with experience to fill the jobs.

We are not able to employ Americans fast enough into the job market to meet the challenges, he said.

1.4 million jobs unfilled

Richard Burke is CEO of Chicago-based Envoy Global, which sells services to U.S. companies looking to hire foreign workers.

The U.S. Department of Labor has said 1.4 million unfilled software development  software development alone  1.4 million unfilled jobs by 2020. So the skills gap is real, Burke said.

Envoy helps companies with their visa and immigration needs, he told VOA from his desk situated in the same workspace as many of his employees. What we do is help companies bring talented foreign nationals into the country, we help companies deploy their own employees overseas to pursue opportunity, and we provide software that makes reporting and compliance much easier.

Burke said the skills gap that drives the demand for foreign workers exists because not enough Americans are receiving education or training in high demand jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, also called STEM fields, and many foreign students educated in the U.S. arent staying to work.

Every year American universities graduate over 300,000 foreign nationals with STEM degrees. We dont give them any opportunities to stay, he said. So what is the wisdom of a policy when we know we have a skills gap, when we know we are graduating the best and brightest  300,000  and sending them home to compete with us.

Review process

During a recent visit to Wisconsin, President Donald Trump announced he was signing an Executive Order reviewing the H1B visa process. About 85,000 workers come to the United States annually through the program, far fewer than the number of jobs U.S.-based companies say they need experienced technology workers to fill.

Burke hopes the review will lead to an increase in the number of visas issued, to fill the skills gap before the jobs flee the U.S.

Work is mobile, Burke said. Companies are telling us and they are saying to one another, If I cant get the work done here, Ill just move it overseas.

Which is what happened to Tapaskar, the IT worker.

His employer, ProSoft, was sold to another company, which outsourced his specific job to India, Tapaskar said.

After 15 years, hes starting over with a new company and works to help other IT workers as the president of the American Small and Medium IT Employers Association (ASMITEA).

Hope for review

Tapaskar said he supports Trumps Executive Order, hoping it helps curb any misuse of the program. But he doesnt want to see those visas only going to companies offering the highest salaries.

It should be made available for all the sectors, he told VOA. (It) should be linked with training programs. America really lacks the training infrastructure at the moment.

This year, U.S. Immigration officials report almost 200,000 petitions were filed for the 85,000 available H1B visas during the lottery period that ended in April.
French presidential hopeful Emmanuel Macrons party on Saturday called for the resignation of Marine Le Pens father from the National Front after comments he made about a ceremony for the policeman killed in an attack in Paris.

The policeman was shot dead and two others were wounded April 20, three days before the first round of the presidential election that saw Macron and Le Pen go through to the May 7 second round. The Islamic State militant group claimed the attack.

Jean-Marie Le Pen, the National Front (FN) partys founder from whom his daughter has sought to distance herself because of his controversial views, criticized a speech made at the remembrance service by the policemans partner.

The long speech he made in some way institutionalized homosexual marriage, exalted it in a public way, and that shocked me, Le Pen senior, 88, said in an interview on his website.

Marine Le Pen has still not firmly condemned these comments, a statement released by Macrons En Marche! (On the Move!) movement said Saturday.

I am asking the candidate to put an end immediately to the duties Jean-Marie Le Pen still carries at the FN, Benjamin Grivaux, Macrons spokesman, was quoted as saying in the statement.

Jean-Marie Le Pen was expelled from the partys management in 2015 after he said World War II Nazi gas chambers were a detail of history, but he remains an honorary president of the National Front.

Conservative to back Le Pen

Le Pen did receive some welcome news Saturday: Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, a conservative who was eliminated in the first round of voting, has decided to back her campaign.



Florian Philippot, a FN vice president, told BFM television Saturday that the new alliance is excellent news and a turning point in this campaign.



Dupont-Aignan got nearly 1.7 million votes in the April 23 first-round ballot, 4.7 percent of the total. But his switch to Le Pen split his party, Stand up France, prompting the departure of a vice president, Dominique Jamet.

Macron courts rural votes

Macron is hunting for votes in rural areas of France where Le Pen has made inroads among people who feel left behind, with difficult access to public services, mobile phone connections and other modern conveniences.



In a radio interview Saturday, the centrist Macron said that if elected, his government would intervene directly if mobile operators fail within 18 months to install high-speed fiber optic and phone networks everywhere.



Later, at the farmers market in the central town of Poitiers, Macron defending the European Union and free trade with farmers complaining of low-price competition and the difficulty of getting loans to upgrade farming technology.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Macedonias rival parties are trading blame for violence in parliament, while world powers are giving opposing reactions to the events.

The European Union and the United States condemned Thursdays attack, in which protesters stormed the Macedonian parliament in Skopje, attacking opposition lawmakers after they elected an ethnic Albanian speaker.

Russia blamed the events on the West, saying it had meddled in the Balkan nations internal affairs.

Pointing fingers

In Macedonia, the previous nights violence turned into a war of words between rival politicians on Friday.

Zoran Zaev, the head of the opposition Social Democrats, who were targeted in the attack, accused the attackers of attempted murder.

Former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, whose supporters were among the mob that stormed the parliament, said he deplored the violence, but he accused the opposition of instigating it with an attempted power grab.

Interior Minister Agim Nuhiu announced his resignation Friday over the nights events. He told reporters that 10 lawmakers and an unspecified number of journalists were among those hurt.

The interior ministry said 102 people were treated at city hospitals.

Speaker election

The violence began Thursday after lawmakers from the Social Democrats and ethnic Albanian parties elected former Defense Minister Talat Xhaferi speaker, even though the country has no functioning government.

Demonstrators stormed the parliament and began throwing chairs and attacking opposition lawmakers.

Demonstrators blocked the door of the chamber, refusing to let lawmakers leave as demonstrators waved flags in lawmakers faces and shouted traitors. Police outside the building fired stun grenades to break up the crowd.

Zaevs Social Democrats and the ethnic Albanians would have enough seats to form a coalition government, but President Gjorge Ivanov has refused to give him a mandate.

The conservatives won Decembers parliamentary election, but without enough seats to form a government. Coalition talks with other parties collapsed over ethnic Albanian demands to make Albanian an official language.

International reaction

The United States condemned Thursdays violence in the strongest terms. In a statement posted on its State Department website, the U.S. Embassy in Skopje said the violence is not consistent with democracy and is not an acceptable way to resolve differences.

The U.S. called on all parties to refrain from violent actions which exacerbate the situation.

The European Union also condemned Thursdays violence.

I condemn the attacks on MPs in Skopje in the strongest terms. Violence has no place in parliament, enlargement commissioner Johannes Hahn said. Democracy must run its course.

However, Russia blamed the events on the West, saying the Macedonian opposition had foreign patrons.

A Foreign Ministry statement said Xhaferis election was an unceremonious manipulation of the will of citizens and said EU and U.S. representatives were quick to recognize the speaker, indicating the vote was planned in advance.

The United Nations said in a statement by the U.N. secretary-generals spokesman that it is following developments unfolding in the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia with great concern and call for restraint and calm. Violence directed at democratic institutions and elected representatives of the people is unacceptable.

Macedonia has a Slavic majority, but about a third of the population is ethnic Albanian. The Balkan country aspires to join the European Union and NATO.
If last weekend's protest march was about science, this weekend it's about people.

On Saturday, the People's Climate March takes place in Washington. Scientists, religious groups, advocates for low-income people of color, labor unions, anti-corporate activists and more plan to march down Pennsylvania Avenue and encircle the White House. They condemn President Donald Trump's support for fossil fuels and his disdain for the dangers of climate change.

The demonstration comes a week after the March for Science drew crowds of researchers and science enthusiasts to Washington and more than 600 locations worldwide. Marchers denounced policymakers who ignore the scientific consensus on climate change and other issues.

The back-to-back marches are an example of how an issue that once concerned a small group of researchers is now on the agenda for groups ranging from low-income people of color to major corporations.

Resistance

While the science march was nominally nonpartisan, this Saturday's is not.

The People's Climate March is about making sure Trump's attacks on our families and our communities are resisted, said the Sierra Club's Maura Cowley.

Trump's America First energy policy aims to tap abundant domestic coal, oil and natural gas resources by relaxing regulations that restrict their development.

Renewed offshore energy production will reduce the cost of energy, create countless new jobs and make America more secure and far more energy independent, Trump said Friday at a signing ceremony for his latest executive order promoting fossil fuel development.

Opponents say Trump's efforts to boost fossil fuel production threaten to raise greenhouse gas emissions at a time when the planet faces dangerous levels of warming.

Minorities hit first and worst

March organizers say the climate movement has expanded far beyond the usual environmental groups and their typically white members.

There has been a challenge with diversity on the issue of environment and climate, said Liz Havstad, executive director of the advocacy group the Hip Hop Caucus. Part of it is a misconception that communities of color and low-income communities may not care as much about climate and environment because it may not feel as front-and-center as other issues. But that's a mistake.

She noted that low-income minority communities are hit first and worst by the consequences of climate change.

When Hurricane Katrina hit and we saw all in front of us what the impacts of a storm like that could be, and what it means for poor folks, poor people of color in terms of how our government responded, we knew we had to take on climate change as a major issue, Havstad said.

Plus, she noted, the oil refineries, coal-fired power plants and other facilities generating the pollution that causes climate change are often located where low-income people of color live.

Growing support

The list of nearly 1,000 groups joining Saturday's march reads like a roll call of local, state and national progressive politics. But it's not just advocates, noted Union of Concerned Scientists President Ken Kimmell.

There are a lot of businesses that are now part of this mix, he said, either because they're companies that care about the fate of the planet and they're buying a lot of renewable energy and becoming efficient, or they're clean-energy companies, who are employing hundreds of thousands of people in the solar and wind industry.

The public is increasingly behind the march's aims. According to recent polls, two-thirds to three-quarters of Americans are concerned about climate change, and two-thirds say humans are responsible.

Kimmell says the one key group missing from the coalition wanting action on climate is elected Republicans in Washington.

I don't want to say this is just a partisan issue, he added. When you get out of the Beltway, people are rolling up their sleeves and dealing with this issue. He pointed to Republican state governors who have supported clean energy. But within Washington, there's no doubt there's an unfortunate absence of leadership.

The 2014 People's Climate March drew hundreds of thousands to New York City. This year's march is expected to include author and former Vice President Al Gore, movie star Leonardo DiCaprio and businessman Richard Branson.

The forecast calls for temperatures near 32 degrees Celsius, more typical for July than April in Washington.
Turkish authorities Saturday blocked access to online encyclopedia Wikipedia, an internet monitoring group said, the latest in what government critics say is a crackdown on free speech on the internet.

A block on all language editions of the Wikipedia website was detected at 8 a.m. (0500 GMT) Saturday, monitoring group Turkey Blocks said on its website.

The loss of availability is consistent with internet filters used to censor content in the country, it said.

When attempting to access the webpage using Turkish internet providers, users received a notice the site could not be reached and a connection timed out error.

Social media

Monitoring groups have accused Turkey of blocking access to social media sites such as Twitter or Facebook, particularly in the aftermath of militant attacks.

The government has in the past denied that it blocks the internet, blaming outages on spikes in usage after major events.

There is no official statement on why the site has been blocked but Turkish media is reporting the cause as terror-related content.

Media reports



Daily Hurriyet newspaper said Turkey has been in communication with Wikipedia for the removal of content supporting terror and presenting Turkey as a supporter of terror.



NTV reported that Turkey demanded Wikipedia to open an office in the country, act in line with international law and abide by court decisions and not be part of the blackout operation against Turkey.



If these demands are met and the content removed, the site would be reopened, according to Turkish media.



When attempting to access the site without the use of a virtual private network (VPN), connections time out and browsers alert this site cant be reached.
San Antonio, Texas, is home to the greatest concentration of Catholic missions in North America, including The Alamo, the states first mission dating to 1718. The most visited historic landmark in Texas was also a fort and the site of a battle that played a pivotal role in the states dramatic history.

San Antonio Missions

In the 18th century, the government of Spain established Catholic missions in the American southwest, in an attempt to exert control and expand its influence in the region. The Spanish Crown looked upon the natives as potential subjects and saw the missions as a way to convert as many of them as possible to Catholicism.

But the native tribes in what is now east Texas showed little interest in what Spain had to offer. So in 1731, the missions there were relocated westward to the San Antonio River, where, according to the U.S. National Park Service, the hunter-gatherer tribes proved "more receptive" to the Spanish message. Upon entering a mission, tribal members were expected to give up their traditional life, accept a new religion and pledge loyalty to a distant and unseen king.

Most of the missions lasted as fully functional religious sites for six decades.

A perfect union

National parks traveler Mikah Meyer, whos on a quest to visit all of the more than 400 sites within the U.S. National Park Service, described the relationship between the Spanish government and its Catholic priests as a perfect marriage.

The Crown of Spain wanted to expand the territory and the Catholic priests wanted to help spread [Catholicism], so within that, it was kind of a magical partnership, he said. So these mission sites preserve a lot of that heritage."

Today the National Park Service operates the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, which helps preserve four of the five missions -- San Jose, Concepcion, San Juan and Espada. They were added to the list of national parks in 1978 under then-President Jimmy Carter.

Meyer traveled on the scenic Mission Hike and Bike Trail that follows the San Antonio River and links all five sites. "Each of these mission sites tells part of the story in a different way, depending on how much of the site has been preserved," he remarked.

"The outlying walls and buildings showcase where the religious figures would have lived, where the students would have lived who were being taught by the missionaries, and a lot of what the daily life would have looked like for these early Spanish colonizers, he added.

And what life must have been like for Native Americans under Spanish rule, he noted.

Some people would say they stole their culture from them. Other people would say they provided a means for survival in a changing world that was no longer nomadic and that was becoming agricultural, he said.

What's really incredible about these sites are how well intact and preserved the churches are," he said. Most at least have their chapel still maintained. In fact, all four of the churches remain active parishes, which means services are held in them every week.

The heart of San Antonio

Mission San Antonio de Valero, more commonly known as The Alamo, was established by the Franciscans in 1718. It is not a unit of the National Park Service but owned by the state of Texas and is a National Historic Landmark. The 3-century-old compound was a mission from 1718-1793, a fort from 1803-1835 and a battlefield from 1835-1836.

Many consider The Alamo the most enduring symbol of independence in Texas.

Remember The Alamo!

The historic compound is best known as the site of a 1836 battle that marked a turning point in the state's history. At the time, Texas was a province of Mexico, and colonists (primarily from the United States) grew resentful of increasingly centralized Mexican government. On October 2, 1835, they launched a revolution for independence.

On February 23 the next year, Mexican President Santa Anna's army began a siege of the Alamo Mission and overran it 13 days later, killing all of the defenders -- known at the time as Texians. Among the dead were well-known men such as garrison commander William Travis, American pioneer Jim Bowie and Tennessee Congressman Davy Crockett.

The deadly siege motivated many Texians to join the Texian Army. They defeated the Mexican forces the following month at the Battle of San Jacinto, on April 21, 1836, ending the revolution, and starting Texas' decade-long status as an independent republic, until it joined the United States as the 28th state.

Mission accomplished

Today, the Alamo compound is the state's most visited landmark -- two centuries after Spain lost most of its influence throughout the Americas.

Meyer noted that considering the historic, life-altering events that took place at The Alamo compound, it's not that big of a building  but its impressive that its become such a well-known part of our culture."

It really seems like the town has embraced this part of their history and built a lot of their current day infrastructure around it, he added.

All five missions were designated UNESCO World Heritage sites on July 5, 2015

As he continued west through the Lone Star State, Mikah remarked how impressed he was so far by the vast and diverse culture of Texas.

It's so huge that you got a very rich diversity of natural landscapes, and with that comes a rich diversity of history, he said.

The national parks traveler invites you to join him as he continues his journey across the American southwest by visiting his website, Facebook and Instagram.
Public transportation, schools and banks were closed across much of Brazil as unions led nationwide strikes to protest austerity measures.

Millions of people stayed home Friday, either by choice or because they could not get to work. Thousands of others came out onto the streets to protest and block roads.

In one of the largest demonstrations, thousands of people gathered in front of Rio de Janeiros state assembly and clashed with police who tried to remove them. Police fired tear gas while protesters threw stones.

Protests also took place in Sao Paulo, with reports of police using tear gas and rubber bullets to clear demonstrators blocking major roads.

The strikes were organized by labor unions that are opposed to proposals by the center-right government of President Michel Temer to change labor laws and the pension system, including raising the retirement age.

The president argues that the changes will help revive the economy and says without them the countrys pension system will go bankrupt. Unions say the changes will take away too many benefits from people.

The proposals are being debated in Congress and are widely expected to be approved.

The CUT union said about 35 million Brazilians did not show up for work Friday, more than a third of the working population. The number could not be independently verified.

The strike is Brazils first general strike in more than two decades. The 24-hour strike started early Friday, ahead of a long weekend with Labor Day on Monday.

Brazils economy is in a recession, with unemployment of more than 13 percent.
PM: Counting of all votes together

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has floated a proposal of counting the ballots of both phases of local elections together.
President Donald Trump will spend his 100th day in office talking tough on trade in one of the states that delivered his unlikely win.



The president is expected to sign an executive order Saturday that will direct his Commerce Department and the U.S. Trade Representative to perform a comprehensive study of the nations trade agreements to determine whether America is being treated fairly by its trading partners and the 164-nation World Trade Organization.

Its one of two executive orders the president will sign at a shovel factory in Pennsylvanias Cumberland County, the kind of place that propelled his surprise victory.

Rally in Pennsylvania

The last week has been a frenzy of activity at the White House as Trump and his team have tried to rack up accomplishments and make good on campaign promises before reaching the symbolic 100-day mark. In addition to the visit to the Ames tool factory, which has been manufacturing shovels since 1774, the president will hold one of his signature campaign rallies in Harrisburg to cap the occasion.



Its a return to fundamentals for a president who has, in recent days, sounded wistful reflecting on his term so far.



Earlier this week, Trump announced his intention to work to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. He also said he would begin renegotiating a free trade deal with South Korea, with which the U.S. has a significant trade deficit.

Trade discussed every day



There isnt a day that goes by that the president doesnt discuss some aspect of trade, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said at the White House Friday.



The executive orders signed Saturday will mark Trumps 31st and 32nd since taking office, the most of any president in his first 100 days since World War II. Its a jarring disconnect from Trumps rhetoric during the campaign, when he railed against his predecessors use of the tool, which has the benefit of not needing congressional sign-off.

The more significant of the two orders will give the Commerce Department and the U.S. Trade Representative 180 days to identify violations and abuses under the countrys trade agreements and recommend solutions.

World Trade Organization outdated

Ross said the WTO, the Geneva-based arbiter of world trade rules, is bureaucratic and outdated and needs an overhaul. Ross downplayed the possibility that the United States would consider leaving the organization but didnt rule it out.

As any multilateral organization, theres always the potential for modifying the rules, he said.



The administration argues that unfair competition with China and other trade partners has wiped out millions of U.S. factory jobs. Ross said dissatisfaction with trade policy is one reason voters turned to Trump.



Theyre fed up with having their jobs go offshore. Theyre fed up with some of the destructive practices, he said. So in effect, the country said in this last election: Its about time to fix these things. And the president heard that message.



Trump, who campaigned on a vow to crack down on China and other trading partners, has announced several other moves on trade in recent weeks. He ordered the Commerce Department to study the causes of the United States massive trade deficit in goods, $734 billion last year, $347 billion with China alone. The administration is also imposing duties on Canadian softwood timber and is investigating whether steel and aluminum imports pose a threat to national security.



Ross said Friday that the WTO is too narrowly focused on limiting traditional tariffs  taxes on imports  and does little to counter less conventional barriers to trade or to police violations of intellectual property rights.



Trump has pushed a model of reciprocal trade agreements in which the U.S. would raise or lower tariffs on a countrys imports depending on how that country treats the U.S.
Pakistans prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, fired a key foreign policy aide Saturday, along with a senior information ministry bureaucrat, for their alleged roles in leaking details to the media on a top-level security meeting about counter-militancy efforts.

An official announcement said Sharif ordered that the portfolio of foreign affairs shall be withdrawn forthwith from his special assistant Tariq Fatemi, and for the principal information officer, Rao Tehsin, to be removed from his post.

The actions stemmed from a controversial article in a leading English-language newspaper, Dawn, published last October, that suggested the Sharif government was not satisfied with military-led operations against militant groups allegedly operating on Pakistani soil, particularly those involved in attacks against neighboring Afghanistan and India.

The newspaper article was published at a time when Afghan and Indian officials were increasingly demanding Pakistans international isolation, citing alleged covert support the military was providing to militants undertaking cross-border attacks.

The military at the time dismissed the report as fabricated, however, demanded a government probe and punishment of officials for breaching national security.

Saturdays removals were based on a lengthy inquiry by a high-powered committee of civilian and military officials that apparently was set up at the insistence of the army leadership at the time.

Sharifs office said he notified the officials after considering findings and recommendations in the inquiry report. The official notification also called for relevant Pakistani media watchdogs to take disciplinary action against the reporter and the editor of the newspaper in question.

Dawn has stood by its story and rejected official allegations of fabricating details of the security meeting.

Hours after the prime ministers office issued the notification, though, the military rejected it as incomplete.

Notification on Dawn Leak is incomplete and not in line with recommendations by the inquiry Board. Notification is rejected, said army spokesman, Major-General Asif Ghafoor via his official Twitter post.

The strong reaction led to a heated debate and speculation on local TV stations that civilian and military institutions were again on a path of confrontation, which in the past led to military takeovers in Pakistan. Most analysts played down the concerns and said they anticipated conciliation over the issue.

Speculation intensified, however, when Sharifs interior minister, Nisar Ali Khan, snubbed the army reaction as uncalled for.

I believe these tweets, regardless of who issues them, are deadly for Pakistans democracy, its system and justice. [State] institutions do not talk to each other via tweets, the minister asserted. He went on to call it very unfortunate that national issues are being handled via tweets and reiterated the government was fully implementing recommendations of the probe committee.

The military spokesman has not yet responded to Khans assertions. Critics also questioned the army's reaction.

Shouldn't we amend Article 243(1) of the Constitution of Pakistan [that says]: The federal government shall have control and command of the Armed Forces, said a Supreme Court attorney in his Twitter post.

Tensions between civilian and military leaders have prompted army leaders in the past to oust elected governments and impose years of military rule in Pakistan.

Former army chief, Pervez Musharraf, removed Sharif from power in a bloodless coup in October 1999 and exiled him to Saudi Arabia.

Sharif returned to Pakistan after almost eight years, and his party won the 2013 election to return him to power for a third time in the country's troubled democratic history.
Pope Francis concluded a 27 hour visit to Egypt Saturday, after delivering mass to a crowd of 25,000 Catholics and visiting a seminary. Preaching a message of "peace," the pontiff tried to reach out to both Christians and Muslims, denouncing those who preach violence in the name of God.

Pope Francis said mass in Latin to a vast throng of worshipers gathered at Egypt's Air Force Stadium Saturday, amid strict security. Egyptian media reported that 25,000 Catholic Christians from six branches of the church attended the mass, amid a festive atmosphere.

A choir of Armenian Catholics took its turn to sing during the Saturday mass, as Pope Francis made an effort to embrace Catholics from the different branches of his own church. Other choirs sang in Arabic and Latin.

Patriarch Ibrahim Ishaq, head of the Catholic branch of the Coptic Church, summed up the papal visit, saying that it was taking place under the banner of "the Pope of peace in the land of peace. Egypt," he stressed, "is the cradle of religions and will remain a land of peace."

Pope Francis spent the first day of his visit, Friday, meeting with the Grand Imam of al-Azhar University, at an interfaith dialogue conference, before visiting the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Pope Tawadros, to express his condolences over the Palm Sunday suicide attacks at Coptic churches in Alexandria and the Nile Delta town of Tanta.

The pontiff told Muslim and Christian leaders at Friday's dialogue meeting that "we must learn from the past that violence breeds more violence and evil only begets evil." Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmed Tayeb, who presided over the conference with Pope Francis, decried what he called the "unprecedented barbarity of the 21st Century, despite all the talk of human rights." Both leaders embraced each other warmly after addressing the crowd.

WATCH: Pope Preaches Against Extremism in Egypt

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al Sissi, who also attended the gathering, insisted that "Egypt is at the forefront of those countries fighting terrorism," and urged the international community to "sanction countries which finance terrorism and help to recruit terrorists."

Tourism Minister Yehia Rashed told Egyptian media that he thinks that Pope Francis' visit demonstrates to the world that Egypt is a "safe and hospitable place" to visit.

He says that Egypt is not only the "cradle of civilizations," but also has a major role in delivering a message of peace to the world.

Pope Francis' final stop before heading to the airport was a visit to a seminary in the Cairo suburb of Ma'adi, where he appealed to clergy from different Christian sects to "accept the differences among us," in the same way that we "admire the different virtues of Saint Peter and of Saint Paul."
The Russian opposition movement founded by exiled Kremlin critic and oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky protested President Vladimir Putin in 32 cities Saturday, despite the fact that authorities have banned the movement and declared it illegal, and police have raided its Moscow offices.

The main rally in Moscow had a few hundred protesters gathering in a park before moving to an administrative building nearby, where they submitted a letter urging Putin not to run for a fourth term in 2018.

In St. Petersburg, though, police arrested a few dozen protesters after about 200 of them gathered for an unsanctioned demonstration.

The demonstrations Saturday come on the heels of a large protest in March  the largest unauthorized rally in recent years  that saw more than 1,000 people arrested, including opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Russian authorities have not simply warned opposition group Open Russia not to conduct any activities, but have blacklisted the group.

The Russian prosecutor generals office Wednesday declared Open Russia and two other groups founded by Khodorkovsky to be undesirable organizations. The three organizations are the U.K.-registered Open Russia, the U.S.-based Institute of Modern Russia, and a social movement that also uses the Open Russia name.

The "undesirable" designation bans them from operating inside Russia, with any violation punishable by fines and jail time.

Police raided the groups offices in Moscow Friday, prior to Saturdays protest.

Maria Galitskaya, a spokeswoman for Open Russia told VOA she thinks the raid was politically motivated.

One [of the police officers] started breaking open the doors of the rooms and desk drawers, though there was nothing illegitimate in the office, she said. It is difficult to talk about the real reasons of the search but we connect that with tomorrow's action and think that this is an effort at intimidation.
South African President Jacob Zuma has signed the anti-money laundering bill FICA, which allows increased scrutiny of the bank accounts of prominent individuals, including himself, into law, his office said Saturday.

The country risked being kicked out of global fraud monitor, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), if the Financial Intelligence Centre Amendment (FICA) bill was not signed by June.

Fight against global financial crime

The bill, intended to bolster the fight against global financial crime by making it easier to identify the ultimate owners of companies and accounts, including those of domestic prominent influential persons, was passed by parliament in May.

But Zuma sent in it back to the legislature saying he was concerned about the legality of provisions allowing searches without warrants.

The President is now satisfied that the Act addresses the constitutional concerns he had raised about warrantless searches, said the statement from the presidency.

Gupta suspicions

Opposition parties and civil society groups speculated that the stance was related to a fight between the Treasury, which sponsored the legislation, and the Guptas, a family of businessmen close to Zuma.

In December, former Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan asked the High Court to rule he was not allowed to interfere with decisions by South Africas major banks to close business accounts of Oakbay Investments, owned by brothers Ajay, Atul and Rajesh Gupta.

Gordhan, axed by Zuma as finance minister in March, said in court papers the Gupta family was waging an organized campaign to smear him and the Treasury. The Gupta family in turn accused Gordhan of leading a conspiracy to ruin their business interests.

The court has yet to rule on the matter.

Zuma has said he is close to the family but denies being under their influence.
Thousands of environmental activists marched in the U.S. capital Saturday, and in about 300 other cities across the country, to try to draw support for climate-related causes.

The People's Climate March was meant to coincide with President Donald Trump's 100th day in office, according to its organizers, who have condemned what they see as the administration's lack of concern for environmental issues. They said they objected to Trump's rollback of restrictions on mining, oil drilling and greenhouse gas emissions at coal-fired power plants, among other things.

"The Trump administration's policies are a catastrophe for our climate and communities, especially low-income and communities of color, who are on the front lines of this crisis," the People's Climate Movement, a collection of about 50 liberal activist groups, said in a statement.

Protesters marched from the Capitol to the White House, where they held a rally. About 300 "sister" marches or rallies were held in cities from Seattle to Boston. In Washington, marchers braved temperatures in the 90s, while in Denver, it snowed on several hundred activists who had gathered.

The partner organizations that made up the event's steering committee consisted mainly of environmental groups but included several trade unions and anti-war and minority advocacy groups, such as the NAACP.

The presence of so many non-climate-related sponsoring organizations was reflected in the group's "platform," which listed issues the activists said they found important but didn't feel were being adequately addressed by the Trump administration.

WATCH: People's Climate March Brings Thousands to Washington

The platform blended the problems organizers said were created by climate change with economic and social justice issues, and it called for such changes as increasing the national minimum wage to $15 an hour and fighting "the corporate trade-induced global race to the bottom."

"This is a moment to bring the range of progressive social change movements together," the group said on its website.

A similar event last weekend saw thousands of activists show up in the nation's capital for the March for Science to protest what they said were denials of scientific truths by the Trump administration. About 600 rallies were held around the world as well.

The national demonstrations on Saturday occurred a day after the Environmental Protection Agency announced it was updating its website to reflect the views of the Trump administration. It then removed several pages from former President Barack Obama's administration that explained the science behind climate change.

Trump has said he does not believe the science behind climate change.

The vast majority of scientists who study the climate say the planet is unequivocally warming, and that it is extremely likely the change is predominantly caused by humans.
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With President Donald Trump's presidency reaching the symbolic 100-day milestone, battle lines are sharply drawn on the effectiveness of his still developing foreign policy. VOA White House correspondent Peter Heinlein reports that, amid fierce criticism of the president's early performance, the outlines of a "Trump Doctrine" are beginning to emerge.
Turkey has dismissed nearly 4,000 people from its civil service, military, and gendarmerie, in what appears to be a purge related to last year's attempted coup.

Turkey announced the move on Saturday, saying in the government's Official Gazette that those let go include 1,127 employees of the justice ministry, made up of prison guards, academics and religious affairs ministry employees.

It appears to be one of the largest such purges since the coup attempt last July.

Since that time some 120,000 people have been suspended from their jobs in civil service and the private sector, and more than 40,000 people were arrested.

Also Saturday, Turkey announced it has banned television dating programs, and access to the Wikipedia online research tool. Ankara says Wikipedia has suggested Turkey is cooperating with terror groups.
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Saturday, April 29 will mark the anniversary of the outbreak of riots in Los Angeles, sparked by the acquittal of white police officers accused of beating a black motorist, Rodney King. Mike O'Sullivan spoke to police and community members about the state of race relations, 25 years later.
Zimbabwes opposition Movement for Democratic Change led by Morgan Tsvangirai has expressed anger over the suspension of its 25 councillors at Chitungwiza Municipality, saying Local Government Minister Saviour Kasukuwere has violated the law.

In a statement, the party said it was unlawful for Kasukuwere to replace the suspended councilors with a hand-picked three-member commission led by one of his sidekicks, one Madzudzo Pawadyira.

The MDC has a zero tolerance policy towards all forms of corruption and we also firmly believe in the rule of law and the non-victimisation of all Zimbabweans. Before anyone is fired and/or suspended from any position of public authority, due process must be followed.

Kasukuwere claims that the councilors were involved in corrupt activities.

But the MDC-T says the ministers actions are unacceptable.

Kasukuweres malicious and unlawful action of suspending all the Chitungwiza town councillors is actually motivated by a wicked and malevolent political agenda. He is a man who is facing serious political problems of his own within his faction  ridden and collapsing Zanu PF party who is trying to divert attention and create confusion by decimating urban authorities that are under the control of the MDC.



The real reason why Kasukuwere has unlawfully suspended the councillors is not because there is any concrete evidence of corruption against them but because he is seeking to advance his own personal interests by victimising certain individuals within the Chitungwiza town council administration, which individuals he suspects are responsible for ganging up against him as he faces his political Waterloo within the deeply corrupt and politically decadent Zanu PF Mafia organisation.

Kasukuwere is currently under siege in his ruling Zanu PF party. He is being accused of being allegedly corrupt and engaging in efforts to undermine the authority of President Robert Mugabe with the intention of removing him from power.

The minister, who was not available for comment, has dismissed these allegations as wishful thinking.

The MDC-T believes that Kasukuwere should follow the law when running council affairs.

The affairs of urban authorities should be administered in strict adherence to the provisions of the Constitution of Zimbabwe as well as the Urban Councils Act. Kasukuwere has blatantly violated the law by putting the cart before the horse i.e. by purporting to suspend all Chitungwiza town councillors before due process has been undertaken.



Much as we appreciate that Kasukuwere is a notorious political thug, the MDC will not allow him to ride rough shod over the clear and unambiguous provisions of the law that administers the affairs of urban local authorities. As such, we will definitely challenge this unlawful suspension in the courts of law.



The MDC-T said it was aware that the ultimate intention of the evil and insipidly corrupt Zanu PF regime is to totally decimate all the urban authorities that are under the control of the MDC as Zimbabwe prepares for the 2018 elections.

The regime is in panic mode. They know that the people are angry and that Zanu PF is heading for a humiliating electoral defeat next year. The plan, therefore, is for the regime to cause maximum damage to the MDC by creating havoc, confusion and mayhem through the malicious and unlawful suspension and dismissal of our councillors countrywide.



The MDC is a peoples project and no amount of Stalinist and fascist machinations shall stop us from winning the 2018 plebiscite. The people of Zimbabwe are sick and tired of Zanu PFs false promises, rampant corruption and general dereliction of governmental responsibility.

The MDC controls most urban areas and Zanu PF is in charge of a large number of rural areas.
Probe committee finds hospital administration, doctors guilty

The committee formed to look into the case wherein Manipal Teaching Hospital has been accused of refusing to treat Kagbeni road accident survivors, has found the hospital administration and its doctors guilty in the incident and suggested action against them.
As-salamu alaykum!

I consider it a great gift to be able to begin my Visit to Egypt here, and to address you in the context of this International Peace Conference. I thank my brother, the Grand Imam, for having planned and organized this Conference, and for kindly inviting me to take part. I would like to offer you a few thoughts, drawing on the glorious history of this land, which over the ages has appeared to the world as a land of civilizations and a land of covenants.

A land of civilizations

From ancient times, the culture that arose along the banks of the Nile was synonymous with civilization. Egypt lifted the lamp of knowledge, giving birth to an inestimable cultural heritage, made up of wisdom and ingenuity, mathematical and astronomical discoveries, and remarkable forms of architecture and figurative art. The quest for knowledge and the value placed on education were the result of conscious decisions on the part of the ancient inhabitants of this land, and were to bear much fruit for the future. Similar decisions are needed for our own future, decisions of peace and for peace, for there will be no peace without the proper education of coming generations. Nor can young people today be properly educated unless the training they receive corresponds to the nature of man as an open and relational being.

Education indeed becomes wisdom for life if it is capable of drawing out of men and women the very best of themselves, in contact with the One who transcends them and with the world around them, fostering a sense of identity that is open and not self-enclosed. Wisdom seeks the other, overcoming temptations to rigidity and closed-mindedness; it is open and in motion, at once humble and inquisitive; it is able to value the past and set it in dialogue with the present, while employing a suitable hermeneutics. Wisdom prepares a future in which people do not attempt to push their own agenda but rather to include others as an integral part of themselves. Wisdom tirelessly seeks, even now, to identify opportunities for encounter and sharing; from the past, it learns that evil only gives rise to more evil, and violence to more violence, in a spiral that ends by imprisoning everyone. Wisdom, in rejecting the dishonesty and the abuse of power, is centred on human dignity, a dignity which is precious in Gods eyes, and on an ethics worthy of man, one that is unafraid of others and fearlessly employs those means of knowledge bestowed on us by the Creator. [1]

Precisely in the field of dialogue, particularly interreligious dialogue, we are constantly called to walk together, in the conviction that the future also depends on the encounter of religions and cultures. In this regard, the work of the Mixed Committee for Dialogue between the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and the Committee of Al-Azhar for Dialogue offers us a concrete and encouraging example. Three basic areas, if properly linked to one another, can assist in this dialogue: the duty to respect ones own identity and that of others, the courage to accept differences, and sincerity of intentions.

The duty to respect ones own identity and that of others, because true dialogue cannot be built on ambiguity or a willingness to sacrifice some good for the sake of pleasing others. The courage to accept differences, because those who are different, either culturally or religiously, should not be seen or treated as enemies, but rather welcomed as fellow-travellers, in the genuine conviction that the good of each resides in the good of all. Sincerity of intentions, because dialogue, as an authentic expression of our humanity, is not a strategy for achieving specific goals, but rather a path to truth, one that deserves to be undertaken patiently, in order to transform competition into cooperation.

An education in respectful openness and sincere dialogue with others, recognizing their rights and basic freedoms, particularly religious freedom, represents the best way to build the future together, to be builders of civility. For the only alternative to the civility of encounter is the incivility of conflict; there is no other way. To counter effectively the barbarity of those who foment hatred and violence, we need to accompany young people, helping them on the path to maturity and teaching them to respond to the incendiary logic of evil by patiently working for the growth of goodness. In this way, young people, like well-planted trees, can be firmly rooted in the soil of history, and, growing heavenward in one anothers company, can daily turn the polluted air of hatred into the oxygen of fraternity.

In facing this great cultural challenge, one that is both urgent and exciting, we, Christians, Muslims and all believers, are called to offer our specific contribution: We live under the sun of the one merciful God Thus, in a true sense, we can call one another brothers and sisters since without God the life of man would be like the heavens without the sun. [2] May the sun of a renewed fraternity in the name of God rise in this sun-drenched land, to be the dawn of a civilization of peace and encounter. May Saint Francis of Assisi, who eight centuries ago came to Egypt and met Sultan Malik al Kamil, intercede for this intention.

A land of covenants

In Egypt, not only did the sun of wisdom rise, but also the variegated light of the religions shone in this land. Here, down the centuries, differences of religion constituted a form of mutual enrichment in the service of the one national community. [3] Different faiths met and a variety of cultures blended without being confused, while acknowledging the importance of working together for the common good. Such covenants are urgently needed today. Here I would take as a symbol the Mount of the Covenant which rises up in this land. Sinai reminds us above all that authentic covenants on earth cannot ignore heaven, that human beings cannot attempt to encounter one another in peace by eliminating God from the horizon, nor can they climb the mountain to appropriate God for themselves (cf. Ex 19:12).

This is a timely reminder in the face of a dangerous paradox of the present moment. On the one hand, religion tends to be relegated to the private sphere, as if it were not an essential dimension of the human person and society. At the same time, the religious and political spheres are confused and not properly distinguished. Religion risks being absorbed into the administration of temporal affairs and tempted by the allure of worldly powers that in fact exploit it. Our world has seen the globalization of many useful technical instruments, but also a globalization of indifference and negligence, and it moves at a frenetic pace that is difficult to sustain. As a result, there is renewed interest in the great questions about the meaning of life. These are the questions that the religions bring to the fore, reminding us of our origins and ultimate calling. We are not meant to spend all our energies on the uncertain and shifting affairs of this world, but to journey towards the Absolute that is our goal. For all these reasons, especially today, religion is not a problem but a part of the solution: against the temptation to settle into a banal and uninspired life, where everything begins and ends here below, religion reminds us of the need to lift our hearts to the Most High in order to learn how to build the city of man.

To return to the image of Mount Sinai, I would like to mention the commandments that were promulgated there, even before they were sculpted on tablets of stone. [4] At the centre of this decalogue, there resounds, addressed to each individual and to people of all ages, the commandment: Thou shalt not kill (Ex 20:13). God, the lover of life, never ceases to love man, and so he exhorts us to reject the way of violence as the necessary condition for every earthly covenant. Above all and especially in our day, the religions are called to respect this imperative, since, for all our need of the Absolute, it is essential that we reject any absolutizing that would justify violence. For violence is the negation of every authentic religious expression.

As religious leaders, we are called, therefore, to unmask the violence that masquerades as purported sanctity and is based more on the absolutizing of selfishness than on authentic openness to the Absolute. We have an obligation to denounce violations of human dignity and human rights, to expose attempts to justify every form of hatred in the name of religion, and to condemn these attempts as idolatrous caricatures of God: Holy is his name, he is the God of peace, God salaam. [5] Peace alone, therefore, is holy and no act of violence can be perpetrated in the name of God, for it would profane his Name.

Together, in the land where heaven and earth meet, this land of covenants between peoples and believers, let us say once more a firm and clear No! to every form of violence, vengeance and hatred carried out in the name of religion or in the name of God. Together let us affirm the incompatibility of violence and faith, belief and hatred. Together let us declare the sacredness of every human life against every form of violence, whether physical, social, educational or psychological. Unless it is born of a sincere heart and authentic love towards the Merciful God, faith is no more than a conventional or social construct that does not liberate man, but crushes him. Let us say together: the more we grow in the love of God, the more we grow in the love of our neighbour.

Religion, however, is not meant only to unmask evil; it has an intrinsic vocation to promote peace, today perhaps more than ever. [6] Without giving in to forms of facile syncretism, [7] our task is that of praying for one another, imploring from God the gift of peace, encountering one another, engaging in dialogue and promoting harmony in the spirit of cooperation and friendship. For our part, as Christians  and I am a Christian  we cannot truly pray to God the Father of all if we treat any people as other than brothers and sisters, for all are created in Gods image. [8] All are brothers and sisters. Moreover, we know that, engaged in a constant battle against the evil that threatens a world which is no longer a place of genuine fraternity, God assures all those who trust in his love that the way of love lies open to men and that the effort to establish universal brotherhood is not vain. [9] Rather, that effort is essential: it is of little or no use to raise our voices and run about to find weapons for our protection: what is needed today are peacemakers, not makers of arms; what is needed are peacemakers, and not fomenters of conflict; firefighters and not arsonists; preachers of reconciliation and not instigators of destruction.

It is disconcerting to note that, as the concrete realities of peoples lives are increasingly ignored in favour of obscure machinations, demagogic forms of populism are on the rise. These certainly do not help to consolidate peace and stability: no incitement to violence will guarantee peace, and every unilateral action that does not promote constructive and shared processes is in reality a gift to the proponents of radicalism and violence.

In order to prevent conflicts and build peace, it is essential that we spare no effort in eliminating situations of poverty and exploitation where extremism more easily takes root, and in blocking the flow of money and weapons destined to those who provoke violence. Even more radically, an end must be put to the proliferation of arms; if they are produced and sold, sooner or later they will be used. Only by bringing into the light of day the murky manoeuvrings that feed the cancer of war can its real causes be prevented. National leaders, institutions and the media are obliged to undertake this urgent and grave task. So too are all of us who play a leading role in culture; each in his or her own area, we are charged by God, by history and by the future to initiate processes of peace, seeking to lay a solid basis for agreements between peoples and states. It is my hope that this noble and beloved land of Egypt, with Gods help, may continue to respond to the calling it has received to be a land of civilization and covenant, and thus to contribute to the development of processes of peace for its beloved people and for the entire region of the Middle East.

As-salamu alaykum!
The US NGO, Enough, has published a report, Border Control from Hell, How the EUs migration partnership legitimizes Sudans "militia state", challenging the EU policy on Sudan.

The NGO believes that the Union is subsidizing the establishment of two detention camps in Sudan as well as fitting out and training security forces to limit the influx of African migrants into Europe. Yet, the principal beneficiaries are the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The latter were established by former soldiers of the Janjawid militias that played a leading role in the fighting in Darfur.

Enough was particularly influential in the Congo and Sudan and was established by members of the US National Security Council around John Prendergast (Special Adviser to the Security Adviser, Susan Rice) and Gayle Smith (Director of USAID).

Sudan is governed by the Muslim Brotherhoods local branch following the coup dEtat organized by General Omar el-Bechir in 1989. While officially an enemy of the West, Sudan is, in actual fact, supported by them. From 1992 to 1996, Sudan welcomed a team from the CIA, a member of which was Osama Bin Laden (this was when Bin Laden was organizing, on Natos behalf, the Arab Legion in Bosnia-Herzegovina). General el-Bechir was accused of crimes against humanity during the war of Darfur, and the International Criminal Court issued an international warrant for his arrest in 2008. That said, his freedom of movement has not been restricted. The Sudanese militia have provided numerous jihadists for the Arab Spring in Libya and Syria.

75% of Sudans national budget is allocated to Defence and Security whereas only 25% is allocated to the sum total of civil activities.
Reacting to a recent law that prohibits women from wearing a Burkha (a complete veil), the Austrian President, Alexander Van der Bellen has expressed his wish that all Austrian women would all wear the veil on one day, marking resistance to Islamophobia.

Contrary to what President Van der Bellen believes, the veil forms no part of Islam in its traditional form. None of the Prophets wives covered herself with the veil. It was only in the VIII century, in Bagdad, with the Abbasid caliphs, that this tradition appeared. It was then gradually integrated into various schools of jurisprudence.

Despite this, since the Second World War, the Muslim Brotherhood made it the symbol of its political project in Muslim societies. It follows that wearing a veil is not stricto sensu, a religious issue, but a political choice.

Alexander Van der Bellen belongs to the family of ecological politicians which rose in the mid-nineties, around the German Joseph Fischer. De Bellen has provided support to Natos illegal intervention in Yugoslavia, siding with the Muslim minority.
Final EU Council Brexit Negotiating Guidelines

The final version of the European Council negotiating guidelines have been confirmed in Brussels today.

No one in Gibraltar will be surprised that former draft clause 22 (now 24) has been retained by the European Council at the express insistence of Spains right wing Partido Popular Government." said Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo.

"The treatment proposed for Gibraltar by clause 24 of the guidelines is discriminatory and unfair. It flies in the face of the principle of sincere cooperation which the EU is committed to and which it repeats elsewhere in the guidelines.

The People of Gibraltar are clear and united in not accepting any attempts by the Spanish Government to advance its stale sovereignty claim. That will not stop us from continuing to seek dialogue with our neighbour, but never on matters which impinge on sovereignty, jurisdiction or control.

Gibraltar is leaving the European Union with the United Kingdom. Our future beyond the EU will be a prosperous and international one in respect of which the Spanish Government will have no say or veto
Theres a question Im fond of asking my friends who have kids: Do you ever worry theyll grow up to be assholes? I dont have kids, but if I did, I would worry about this all the time. Most people laugh the question off or dismiss it, which makes sense. Were all just here doing our best, and we all like to imagine our best will be enough, even if its not perfect by any means. Sometimes it isnt enough, though. Sometimes you find out that your kid bites other people for no damn reason.

In this episode of Catastrophe, Rob is a man unraveling, even as he continues to conduct himself with his usual profane bravado. A string of job interviews dont go well, but not for reasons that seem entirely self-sabotaging. Rob doesnt exercise discretion in these conversations, letting pride get in the way, refusing to try and make things work with his former employer. Most troubling, in his final scene of the episode, he barely makes it a minute into the interview before his prospective employer outright shows him the door because he reeks of alcohol.

This is a particularly stunning development because we dont see Rob drinking much in this episode. The only other overt reference to it is when Sharon tells him he reeks of the cheese-onion crisps he slathers everywhere to mask the smell of alcohol. He hasnt just fallen off the wagon, it seems; he has angrily jumped off it, and now hes giving it the finger. Robs drinking is playing a major role in his life, and hes already beginning to accommodate it. He mentions the idea of selling the house and moving somewhere smaller to Sharon, a sign that hes wondering if unemployment is something hell have to just settle into for a long while.

Because Sharon is returning to work, Rob is also spending more time with Frankie and Muireann, which leads him to the discovery that sweet little Frankie has bitten a kid named Wolfe. Or, at least, so Wolfes mother claims. (Id like my son to attend school without fear of being disfigured.)

Meanwhile, Sharon is immediately uncomfortable back at school. Mr. Humphries, the teacher across the hall, hung himself (at home  the show isnt that dark), which leads to a quick promotion for Sharon. It also means shell have to wrangle together a memorial assembly, which goes as badly as youd imagine.

As for Rob and Sharons relationship, the daily trials and tribulations of work and children and social engagements more or less demand they get along, if only out of mere necessity. When Fergal and his girlfriend come over for dinner, they learn that Sharons parents have moved back to Ireland  which is a bummer, since Catastrophe seems to quietly abandon a plot thread about Sharon coping with her fathers symptoms of dementia  and Fergal announces that he is moving to Spain. Its a tidy contrast: While all these other people have the freedom to pick up and change their lives, Rob and Sharon are stuck.

Your response when I told you I flirted with someone at work was to kick me out of my home. You had the female response, which was to go nuclear and try and destroy our family, Rob says later in the episode, after Sharon asks if hes ever going to like her again. Im having the masculine response, which is to bury the pain and jerk off in the basement rather than touch you.

But Rob seems to walk that response back by the end of episode. Who can say why? Maybe its because he genuinely forgives her. Or maybe its something darker, like the realization that Sharon might be the only thing he has left to cling to. After all, its not like he doesnt know the state hes in. When the woman who accused Frankie of biting her son breaks down and apologizes to Rob, he straight-up spills his guts to her, manically talking about loose bowels and his lack of a job and his general state of sustained panic  and thats when Frankie bites him, right in front of her. On top of everything else, his son isnt the kind of kid he thought he was, and now Rob has yet another thing slipping out of his control.
By now, youre likely aware of the woes experienced by Ja Rules ill-fated Fyre Festival, which marketed itself as a luxury music festival in the Bahamas before descending into what only can be described as mass chaos: When festivalgoers ultimately arrived on one of the small islands of the Exumas expecting private villas and gourmet dining, they were instead greeted with disaster-relief tents, Styrofoam containers holding untoasted bread and prepackaged cheese, and missing luggage. (The ticket prices, if youre curious, ranged from $1,000 to $250,000.) After assessing the situation, Fyre Festival announced that the event has been fully postponed until next year, with Ja Rule taking to Twitter to apologize and reiterate that it definitely wasnt a scam. Now his partner and co-organizer, Billy McFarland, is also chiming in, granting Rolling Stone an interview to explain his side of the story.



Today is definitely the toughest day of my life, he began, before launching into why the Exumas proved to be a difficult location for the festival almost immediately. Exumas didnt have a really great infrastructure  there wasnt a great way to get guests in here  we were a little bit ambitious. There wasnt water or sewage. It was almost like we tried building a city out of nothing and it took almost all of our personal resources to make this happen, and everything we had, to make this festival go on. We thought we were ready and built two different festival sites.

McFarland continued to explain that a severe storm the morning festivalgoers arrived took down nearly half of Fyres infrastructure. It was then when the team realized there was no possible way it could be fixed in time, and everyone went into crisis mode. We were overwhelmed and just didnt have the foresight to solve all these problems, he said. We thought we were making timeframes that were correct. We were a little naive in thinking for the first time we could do this ourselves. Next year, we will definitely start earlier. The reality is, we werent experienced enough to keep up. The makeup dates for the festival will be in May 2018. McFarland ensures it will be free for everyone who signed up to attend this years Fyre. They will also be getting full refunds.


R. Kelly Photo: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images

R. Kelly has been sued for allegedly breaking up a couples marriage. Kenneth Bryant, a sheriffs deputy, filed suit, accusing Kelly of having a years-long affair with Bryants wife of five years, Asia Childress, Billboard reports. Bryant filed in Mississippi, one of five states that allow for alienation-of-affection lawsuits, in which an outside party can be held responsible by a spouse for breaking up a marriage. Time after time, R. Kelly cuckolded Bryant, with blatant disregard for Bryants and Childress vows, the lawsuit states. Kelly has been mired in legal troubles repeatedly in the past, with multiple instances involving alleged relationships with underage girls. Bryant is seeking unspecified damages, while Kelly has yet to respond.
Photo: Jessica Kourkounis/Getty Images

Samantha Bee closed out her Not the White House Correspondents Dinner with a bang at the DAR Constitution Hall on Saturday. Taking a page out of The Man in the High Castles playbook, Bee ended her special by imagining a world where Hillary Clinton, not Donald Trump, was elected president of the United States. After George Takei gave her a tape that revealed this alternate universe, Bee jumped into a monologue that made her momentarily stop and tear up at certain moments during Fridays rehearsal.

The segment begins as follows, in an alternate world where Clinton just finished introducing Bee at the White House Correspondents Dinner:



Thank you, Madam President. Distinguished members of the press. What a 2017 its been so far, huh guys? Hillary Clinton was sworn in as president. The Patriots lost the Super Bowl. Beyonce won a Grammy. Every print of La La Land spontaneously combusted. For a week after President Clinton won, we all heard this loud buzzing noise. I think it was the sound of the whizzing bullet we just dodged. Or it was Bill OReillys vibrator. Although, according to Infowars, Bill OReilly wasnt fired from Fox, he was murdered by Hillary Clinton for telling the truth about her presidency. You guys, I can verify that Bill OReilly is alive. He left me a long voice-mail last night. It sounded like he was mixing custard while walking the stairs or something. Anyway, he sounded very relaxed by the end of the call.

From there, Bee described what the first few months of a female presidency would look like for the United Staes. Lets just say Congress made it prettttty hard for Clinton to get stuff done:



A hundred days. Were just three menstrual cycles into this presidency, but Washington feels different. Over half the presidents cabinet are women. While testifying so often to the House Ethics committee, they gave her a parking spot that launched an investigation into how she got her own parking spot. Maam, were under so many investigations, Im starting to think that FBI really does stand for female body inspector. It must be tough being the most hated person in Washington and even tougher for Ted Cruz having to relinquish that title to someone else.



I dont want to say Republicans were hostile during Hillarys address to Congress, but shes the first president who had to walk up to the lectern with her keys between her knuckles. Remember the good ole days when communist was the worst c-word people called the president? During President Clintons first 100 days in office, shes focused on  well, you know, shes gotten a lot done. Honestly, I dont really know. Its overly complicated and dull and Im bored shitless. I almost feel like Id rather have an idiot like Trump in charge just for the excitement.

As the segment explains, President Clintons first 100 days in office didnt come without scandal, of course. People were shocked by the giant bomb she dropped on Afghanistan and her decision to reopen the U.S. embassy in Benghazi, while the American populace wasnt too thrilled about ponying up $8,000 per year for Chelsea Clintons daily bicycle commute. Perhaps the worst offense of all, according to Bee: She also raised eyebrows when [Chelsea] put her husband Marc Mezvinsky in charge of brokering peace in the Middle East. Ha, just kidding. Thats so stupid.

Winding down her monologue, Bee became more impassioned about the idea of a woman in the White House. In conclusion, our president, I want to say thank you. You may have your faults, but because of you, I can tell my daughters they can do anything and sexism wont them back, she said. No hard feelings, men. If theres one message that echoes from this dinner, let it be that womens rights are human rights and human rights are mens rights. Thank you. God bless. And dont forget to tip your waiter, James Comey.
Francesca Matus Missing in Belize Drew De Voursney

A Toronto-area woman, Francesca Matus, and her American companion, Drew De Voursney, are missing in Belize, according to friends of the two. Global News says Matus, 52, and De Voursney, 36, were last seen driving home from a Scottys Bar and Grill in the town of Corozal about 11 p.m. Tuesday, according to their friend Nancy Rifenbark, who lives in Corozal. She said Matus was having a drink with friends and saying goodbye as she was due to catch a flight back to Canada the next day. Global further says that a friend who drove to Matus house the next morning to give her a ride to the airport found her gate locked and her vehicle missing. She didnt check in for her flight. Belizean authorities conducted air and ground searches of the area to no avail. Global Affairs Canada confirmed that a Canadian citizen is missing but wouldnt confirm the identity. Matus LinkedIn page says she is a real estate investor and property manager from the Toronto area. Friends say she has homes in both Canada and Belize. Facebook references expressing concern for the woman suggest she lives in Keswick in the town of Georgina on Cooks Bay south of Barrie. Many friends express concern

Pray for her safety  Francesca Matus <3 https://t.co/PoOM8I19T3  Jacqueline Logan (@jaqiiblue) April 29, 2017
Anup Ojha is a reporter for The Kathmandu Post primarily covering social issues and human interest stories. Before moving to the social beat, Ojha covered arts and culture for the Post for four years.
Photo: Beth Dubber/Netflix/Beth Dubber/Netflix

The Netflix series 13 Reasons Why has become polarizing for its graphic depictions of suicide and sexual violence endured by its teen protagonists. Some have even argued that it glamorizes self-harm, and certain school districts in Canada are banning students from even discussing the show on school property. According to CBC News, the principal of St. Vincent Elementary School in Edmonton, Alberta, sent an email to parents asking them to tell their kids not to talk about 13 Reasons at school, and warning them of the shows graphic content.

The discussion that is unfolding at school is troubling, it says in the email. Of course what your child watches on television is completely your choice, however I wanted to let you know that many students are watching and discussing this at school. The purpose of this email is to provide you with this information. Please let your child know that discussion of 13 Reasons Why is not permitted at school due to the disturbing subject matter. The CBC report also has input from a representative of Edmonton Catholic Schools, of which St. Vincent is a part, saying that the principal now regrets taking such a harsh tone in her message to parents.

But her school is not the only one blacklisting the Netflix show. The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board in Hamilton, Ontario, issued a statement called Suggestions for Families that instructs teachers not to use 13 Reasons Why as a teaching aid, and says that it has graphic content related to suicide, glamorization of suicidal behavior, and negative portrayals of helping professionals which may prevent youth from seeking help. The Hamilton-Wentworth letter, however, did encourage parents to watch and discuss the show with their kids at home.
Springsteen and Hanks. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Gettty Images for Tribeca Film Festival

On Wednesday, beloved filmmaker Jonathan Demme died at 73. While Demme won an Oscar for directing The Silence of Lambs, his subsequent film, Philadelphia, is regarded as some of his most groundbreaking work. Coincidentally, Tom Hanks and Bruce Springsteen  both of whom worked on the film  were already scheduled for a joint appearance as part of the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival, even before Demmes passing. As soon as the two sat down at the Beacon Theatre, the conversation went straight to Demme. God bless Jonathan Demme. We just lost him, said Hanks, who won an Oscar for playing a gay man dying of AIDS in the film. Springsteen won his own Oscar for best original song for the film. He was such an inspirational guy, he said. With no Jonathan Demme, theres no Philadelphia. And with no Philadelphia, theres no Streets of Philadelphia for me.

Hanks was there at the Tribeca talk  which counted Malia Obama and Hankss wife, Rita Wilson, in the audience  to interview Springsteen about his memoir Born to Run. But Hankss first order of business was requesting that Springsteen share the impressive origin story of Streets of Philadelphia. Springsteen, it turns out, was not the first musician Demme had called to soundtrack the film. He had Neil Young working first, so Neil had Philadelphia, which ended the film. And Demme wanted a rock song for the beginning, Springsteen recalled.

Springsteen shut himself in his studio for a day but came up empty, save for some lyrics. Then, finally, he found the heart of the song. Demme had sent me that opening piece of film where the camera moves slowly through Philly, Springsteen said. Eventually, I came up with that tiny, little beat and I figured it wasnt what he wanted, but I sent it to him anyway and asked, What do you think? Springsteen heard back from Demme and, in two days, made the song that went on to define the film. You couldnt have pounded out something from a G, with an A with a D chord in it? Hanks joked of Springsteens ease in making the song.

Hanks said he credits the song with giving both him and Demme films an iconic sequence: If you ever want to have a great moment in a motion picture, walk out a door and make sure they just put up a Bruce Springsteen song.
Snoop Dogg and T.I. perform during Tupacs Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Photo: Jamie McCarthy/WireImage for Rock and Roll Hall/Getty Images

The 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which airs tonight on HBO, opens with a tribute to the god of the institution: Chuck Berry. Forgoing the usual jump into the evenings routine of speeches alternating with performances, the Hall instead memorialized the late rock pioneer at the start of the show with a short documentary and a performance from ELOs Jeff Lynne (an inductee that night). Berrys immeasurable contribution to rock history  he invented its aura and attitude  was writ large in the footage. But as one of the few people of color attending the event that night at the Barclays Center, I found the irony permeating the room glaring: Berrys blackness had been almost entirely erased from the narrative by the Hall, which was built on the back of his career. With rock music, its easy to rewrite history. Black artists like Berry and Sister Rosetta Tharpe  whos still not a Hall of Famer, while Berry was inducted the inaugural year  gave the genre its legs. Then white artists walked away with it.

This year, the Rock Hall inducted two more black artists into its canon, giving Nile Rodgers the Musical Excellence consolation award (after snubbing Chic 11 times) and inducting Tupac Shakur the traditional way. But unlike Berry, and so much of the black art accepted by the Hall, Rodgers and Shakur made disco-funk and hip-hop, two genres that white artists have historically struggled to co-opt. Its the first time since 2013 that more than one black act has been inducted into a single Rock Hall class; and Shakur is also only the sixth rap act to ever be inducted. To anyone at the shows taping earlier this month, its evident rocks gatekeepers still havent figured out what to do with a genre they didnt foresee but would one day demand to be acknowledged.



Following his own induction, KISSs Gene Simmons made clear his thoughts on who the Hall shouldnt be for: If you dont play guitar and you dont write your own songs, you dont belong there, he said. He then went to war with N.W.A, who were inducted last year, telling Ice Cube, Respectfully, let me know when Jimi Hendrix gets into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame. Then youll have a point. Itd be simpler to think of Simmonss comments as the isolated opinions of an aging rock star out of touch with both the music that blossomed alongside his own and the genre that dominates music today, both commercially and critically, if it didnt also stink of racism. And to do so would ignore the reality: Simmonss opinions align with too many involved with the Hall.

I watched act after act take the stage at the ceremony this year, from ELO to Joan Baez, and, with every folk and rock star of yesteryear, the applause grew. The mood changed when a montage about Tupac began to roll. Snippets from his famous interview with Tabitha Soren played on the big screen, followed by flashes of his booming voice on California Love, and the other hits from his tragically short career. It shouldve been a moment of reverence  a rap titan who had changed the face of hip-hop by the time he was 25 years old, was being awarded one of musics great honors. Instead the moment was met with a mass exodus. Throngs of people in the audience, particularly those seated in the sold-out Barclays stands, bolted for their first bathroom break of the night, just as Pacs voice echoed through the arena in the clips first seconds.

The reception only worsened when Snoop Dogg walked onstage to induct his late friend and Death Row Records brethren. To Snoop, whose line of vision probably best met the celebrities in front of him, it mightve sounded like a warm welcome. His peers in the front stood and cheered, as did many others at the tables on the floor and in the high-priced stands. Widen the scope a bit and put a spotlight down the sides and toward the back, however, and he mightve seen that the crowd had visibly thinned. For the first minutes of his speech, Snoop was drowned out by the racket of people spilling out between the tables in the rear to chat over his speech. According to another Vulture writer who spent the night in the press room, the reaction there was the same: A predominately white sea of men and women  but mostly men; this is the Rock Hall, after all  were disinterested in the blackest moment of the night.

In his speech, Snoop unknowingly nodded to this hypocrisy, taking umbrage with the way Pacs legacy has been distorted in death. How hed become a thug deity, an image on a Forever 21 T-shirt instead of the multifaceted black man that he was in life. While many remember him now as some kind of thugged-out superhero, Tupac knew he was only human, Snoop reminded the crowd. He humanized Pac by sharing colorful stories of how they defied societal expectations for black men by relishing their wealth and freedom with oddly normal frivolities like parasailing. Had an older white journalist at my table  one of the few nearby who came prepared to cover rap  not shushed the clusters of loudmouths surrounding us, we mightve missed Snoop tell one of the best stories of the night.

Alicia Keys was the first to perform in Pacs honor, singing a medley that included Changes from her usual seat at the piano. The bathroom-goers whod since returned knew her well enough. Their interest, though, still wasnt piqued. Bringing respected West Coast rap newcomer YG on next didnt help either. It was then that my otherness started to show  against my better judgment, I stood up and danced. I outed myself as a fan. If any of the other white men at the table  save for the one who previously hushed the unruly audience members  had a clue who YG and, later, Treach and T.I. were, they did a good job of playing dumb. Those nearest turned to the only black girl in sight and started asking me to ID the rappers onstage for their reviews of the ceremony when furious Googling failed them.

Unfamiliarity with unannounced guests isnt a crime. But if were going to induct rap into the Hall, then the Hall and those it invites to witness the ceremony ought to dignify the art first. Nile Rodgers, whose speech was also talked over, had to put dollar signs on top of his resume to prove his worth (Ive sold over 300 million albums and 75 million singles, he said.) For all the others among his class, the accolades were assumed; their history isnt allowed to be ignored. If were to hold up the Rock Hall as a time capsule containing all the artifacts of musics past that wed like the future to remember  and that does appear to be its logical purpose  it matters whose culture were preserving, and how. If the only black art that Hall purists care to see has to look like Chuck Berrys, were in trouble.


Hes baaaaack. Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for TBS

Samantha Bees Not the White House Correspondents Dinner was bound to bring comedic juggernauts to D.C. this weekend, and it most certainly did. None other than Will Ferrell showed up for the special, ready to party with his infamous impression of former president George W. Bush.

For the longest time, I was considered the worst President of all time. That has changed, his Dubya began. I needed eight years of catastrophic flood, a war built on a lie, an economic disaster. The new guy needed a hundred days. Hes now widely considered the worst President of all time. I come in second. Im fine with that, no one remembers second place. I dont remember who played the New England Patriots at last years Super Bowl. I am the Martin Van Buren of the 21st century.

Naturally, he also took some requisite shots at the press. Ill be honest, I never liked you guys in the press. Our relationship was sometimes strained, pretentious, prodigal. You guys would always sneak up on me like gotcha questions like, Why are we going to war? Gotcha! Why didnt you respond quicker to Hurricane Katrina? Gotcha! Whats your middle name? Gotcha! Always catching me off guard. Now all you have to say is fake news over and over again, he said. Journalism school is where you go so you can be a journalist. Or you could also post angry, racist Tweets until Breitbart hires you. I gotta be honest, Im not sure why anyone would wanna become a journalist now. Its like being on the Titanic  in this room, Washington Post, New York Times, Boston Herald  the iceberg is coming for you. You guys are hanging on to your journalistic integrity. Playing with violins until some the ship goes down. You should see what they would do over at Fox and Friends. Those guys are dressing up like women and children and stealing the lifeboats.

As if that wasnt enough, his Dubya also told the crowd at DAR Constitution Hall that he believes Donald Trump is a snowflake in every sense of the word. He cant handle the heat. Hes a weak man, he explained. He cant even sit in the White House. He runs down to Mar-a-Lago. Mar-a-Lago! It sounds like a name for a Tom Clancy novel. The Hunt for Mar-a-Lago. Read the speech, in its entirety, below.



Will Ferrell's Speech As George W. Bush

The prodigal son has returned. I dont even know what that means, but I know its positive. Its very prodigy! Quick presidential update: Im doing quite well, thank you. Historys been kinder to me then many of you thought. For the longest time, I was considered the worst President of all time. That has changed. I needed eight years of catastrophic flood, a war built on a lie, an economic disaster. The new guy needed a hundred days. Hes now widely considered the worst President of all time. I come in second. Im fine with that, no one remembers second place. I dont remember who played the New England Patriots at last years Super Bowl. I am the Martin Van Buren of the 21st century.



Ill be honest, I never liked you guys in the press. Our relationship was sometimes strained, pretentious, prodigal. You guys would always sneak up on me like gotcha questions like, Why are we going to war? Gotcha! Why didnt you respond quicker to Hurricane Katrina? Gotcha! Whats your middle name? Gotcha! Always catching me off guard. Now all you have to say is fake news over and over again. I hated walking into the press room. Sam Donaldson. David Gregory. Jake Tapper. I call him tap shoes. You guys remember Helen Thomas? Helen Thomas scared the shit out of me. Until somebody pointed out that shed been dead since 1954, its true. Cokie Roberts, she used to wheel her stiff corpse into the press room and then used some kind of muscle memory. Her mouth would move with hateful, bitter questions. It was fascinating, Ill give you this though: Helen Thomas asked tougher questions as a dead woman than any man in Fox News can ask today. Firing anchors over there faster than you can say, Hey, hot shot? Its a pretty good line.



I never liked the press, but I took my jokes, like every other president. The new guy has thick skin. Thats what they call a snowflake. You know, you got those sensitive kids on our college campuses who cant listen to arguments that arent their own. We call them snowflakes. Hes one of those guys. He cant handle the heat. Hes a weak man. He cant even sit in the White House. He runs down to Mar-a-Lago. Mar-a-Lago! It sounds like a name for a Tom Clancy novel. The Hunt for Mar-a-Lago. That night with steamy, sultric air in Mar-a-Lago, the president smeared a sumptuous and beautiful slice of chocolate cake. And brought it to his all-knowing lips. He chewed it with esteemed reserve, and then, with delicious and really wonderful chocolate cake still in his mouth, he turned to the Chinese President, whos also enjoying really wonderful chocolate cake, and said, I just launched 54 missiles at Iraq. Or perhaps its Syria. Thats not a Tom Clancy novel, that really happened. He fired a bunch of missiles at cement while eating chocolate cake with the Chinese president.



Remember how he blacked out the windows in the room where the press were sitting down in Mar-a-Lago, so they couldnt see what he was doing? For those of you too slow to notice, thats what they call symbolism. You learn about symbolism in journalism school. Journalism school is where you go so you can be a journalist. Or you could also post angry, racist Tweets until Breitbart hires you. I gotta be honest, Im not sure why anyone would wanna become a journalist now. Its like being on the Titanic  in this room, Washington Post, New York Times, Boston Herald  the iceberg is coming for you. You guys are hanging on to your journalistic integrity. Playing with violins until some the ship goes down. You should see what they would do over at Fox and Friends. Those guys are dressing up like women and children and stealing the lifeboats.



Its apparently what the American people want. Or, its what a smaller percent of what the American people want. Not the most American people, just a smaller amount of people. Its called a democracy. Look it up. Yall know? Im a painter now. I got a whole book out called Portraits in Courage, its a best-seller. Im working on a series, which Im calling Portraits in Not Courage. Heres one Im working on right now. Its a portrait of Donald Trump. As you can see, I exhausted my palette of yellows and oranges. Its clear that he has an unnatural color to him, its a strange hue, its not really orange or yellow. I have a new name for that color, they should just call it Mar-a-Lago. Its a funny story. I traveled to all of the Hobby Lobbys in Texas, Eastern New Mexico, and the panhandle of Oklahoma, and I still couldnt get my hands on enough white paint. A rich white. Im not a wall-builder. I carry a brush.



Oh, heres a fashion update for you, Mr. Trump. The tie stops at the belt. A big, long tie that goes past your mid-thigh does not mean what you think it means. It means I do not know anything about fashion and I should not design my own ties. In summation, the presidencys difficult. I look back at my eight years in office and in my time away from the presidency Ive accumulated a broad depth of knowledge. If I could distill it down to three words for this president, it would be this: Eat. A. Salad.
The long way home

As a young woman, the titular Jayamaya of the play Jayamaya Aafu Matrai Lekhapani Aaipugi (currently on at Mandala Theatre) writes the names of her family and relatives on paper chits and secretly drops them into her treasured little khutruke.
When toxic lead levels in the blood of children began to escalate in Flint, Michigan, two years ago, it sparked moral outrage across the nation, along with a raft of lawsuits and even felony charges for state officials judged responsible for the tainted water.

But awareness and outrage are in short supply when it comes to North Waco, where the percentage of young children tested with elevated blood levels outpaces even the hardest-hit parts of Flint.

Last year, 65 children under age 6 in the 76707 ZIP code were found to have lead levels above 5 micrograms per deciliter of blood  the level at which brain damage could occur, according to federal guidelines. Thats 17 percent of the 381 children who were tested in 2016, compared with 2.6 percent statewide, Texas Department of State Health Services statistics show. Its also significantly higher than the 10.6 percent reported in the most affected part of Flint at the height of the lead crisis in 2015.

Without further study, its impossible to say for certain how lead is getting into childrens blood in North Waco. But the evidence seems to point to lead paint rather than water, as was the case in Flint.

Elevated blood lead levels in North Waco and other inner-city neighborhoods have been well-documented for years. Three years ago, a Baylor University toxicology professor started a community effort with the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District to try to lower those levels.

The Waco Human Environmental Exposure to Lead program, or WHEEL, used college students to collect lead samples in soil and homes around town, with the ultimate goal of pinpointing and remediating specific lead hazards, including peeling paint in old houses. The group, in partnership with the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District and Head Start, also trained child care workers in lead hazard detection.

But that effort appears to have died on the vine since August 2015, when the toxicologist, Spencer Williams, left Baylor to take a position in Kansas with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Williams said his new position prevents him from commenting on the fate of the initiative, but environmental scientists at Baylor still have the data from the testing and are looking for an opportunity to publish it.

No home visits

Local health district officials said they are not involved in any lead prevention efforts. Some health districts in Texas make home visits to investigate environmental causes of high lead levels in children, which can include lead paint, soil, pipes or pottery glazes. But the Waco-McLennan County district hasnt done home visits for lead since the mid-1990s, and no one there has the certification required for such work, environmental health director David Litke said.

I think everybody knows theres some problems, but whats the best way to address it is the question, Litke said.

Janet Jones, a health educator with the district, said the issue of lead contamination in the 76707 ZIP code is on her radar, and she is planning to discuss it soon with officials with the Baylor nursing program.

In the meantime, high lead levels pose a threat to the long-term physical and mental health of children. Based on a 2012 recommendation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lowered its threshold for lead-exposure intervention from 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood to 5. Above 5 micrograms, the toxin can cause decreases in IQ and academic achievement, behavior problems and delayed puberty in certain children, according to the National Institutes for Health.

Lead poisoning is an interesting illness in that the ramifications can be quite profound, but the same levels can create problems in one individual but not in another, said Dr. Roland Goertz, president of the Waco Family Health Center.

The Family Health Center, which serves mostly low-income patients, tests all its child patients at 12 and 24 months of age, following Medicaid rules, Goertz said. High lead levels can usually be treated quickly through a chemical binding process called chelation, he said.

Bans on lead paint, pipes and gasoline have caused child and adult blood levels to fall significantly over the last three decades, with about 2.5 percent of tested children nationwide and 2.6 percent in Texas now testing above the 5 microgram standard. But pockets of high lead contamination persist, according to a recent special report by the Reuters news service that looked at ZIP codes across the United States. Some neighborhoods in Baltimore, Cleveland and Philadelphia had 40 to 50 percent of children above that standard, according to the report.

The Reuters interactive map shows 76707 as having a 23 percent rate of elevated blood lead in children between 2005 and 2015, which would place it among the top three ZIP codes in Texas. But data obtained from the Texas State Department of State Health Services show a slightly lower number for 76707: a 19.4 percent average rate from 2005 to 2016, with a high of 33.8 percent in 2006 and a low of 8.1 percent in 2014. Last years rate of 17.1 percent included 53 children with levels between 5 and 9 micrograms and 12 with more than 10 micrograms.

Other local ZIP codes with more than 6 percent of children with elevated blood levels include ones in the Robinson area, Crawford, East Waco, Moody and Mart.

Water pipes

City of Waco water utilities spokesman Jonathan Echols said the city water system has no known lead pipes, and when city crews encounter a private service line made of lead, they replace it. At least four such replacements were made last year, Echols said. Even if some lead service lines remain, the city keeps treated water at a pH of 7.5 or higher to keep it from leaching lead out of pipes, as more acidic water can.

Theres always that possibility of lead leaching out of pipes, but weve done a pretty good job of trying to keep on top of that, he said.

In Flint, blood lead levels spiked when Michigan state officials switched Flint from lake water to more acidic river water and failed to correct the pH.

What North Waco does have is a lot of old houses with flaking lead paint. In 76707, more than two-thirds of homes were built before 1960, according to census estimates. It wasnt until the 1960s that paint companies started lowering lead levels in paint, and lead in paint was banned altogether in 1978.

Today, renovation contractors are required by federal law to take elaborate steps to prevent spreading dust when disturbing paint in houses built before 1978, but the law isnt widely enforced.

Peter Tadin, environmental lead program coordinator for the Texas Department of State Health Services, grew up in Waco in the 1960s and isnt surprised that the city would have relatively high environmental lead risks. Residents most affected tend to be lower-income people who live in old houses and likely rent them.

Wacos not like Austin, he said. Waco has a problem with old housing. Most cities have a problem with old housing. If you look at the percentages, youre going to find less older housing stock in Austin than Waco.

You cant take away half the housing stock in Texas to fix the problem. The best way to deal with it is to keep the paint from flaking, peeling, cracking and getting to the alligatoring stage. . . . The hazard occurs when you have abrasion take bits of lead paint off, and the dust accumulates on horizontal surfaces.

He said lead paint abatement can be expensive, and only a handful of cities have the resources, almost always through federal grants, to help low-income families do that work. Houston and Harris County assist by doing investigations and remediation of lead in homes upon request.

Debora Jones, director of EOAC Head Start and Early Start in Waco, said she has seen progress in lead levels with the low-income children her program serves, but much remains to be done. She said parents need to be more aware of lead hazards.

We try to make sure that the doctor explains it to the parent, Jones said.

She said lead testing is required for children in Medicaid and in the Head Start program, but some pediatricians are not eager to do those tests.

We have found quite often we have children who had a physical exam, but the lead procedure was not completed, Jones said. One doctor wrote a note back saying, This child does not live in this (problem) ZIP code and does not live in a house built before 1976; therefore according to the lead questionnaire, I dont feel this child needs a lead test,  she said, referring to a lead checklist that the Texas Department of State Health Services provides.

We do have some physicians who are very cooperative in the effort to obtain lead screenings but some that are not as cooperative. That concerns me, looking at some of these ZIP codes.

At times, Head Start has had to pay for the lead tests out of its own budget, Jones said.

We have a ways to go on this issue, she said.

She would like to see local agencies work together on the lead issue.

Prosper Waco has done a good job bringing different categories together, Jones said. It would be good if that group could take this on.

Waco Councilman Dillon Meek, who represents North Waco, said hes concerned about the lead issue in 76707 and wants to see more study of the problem.

Lets find a solution to this, Meek said. I dont have a solution right now, but Im committed to being a vehicle to find that solution, because it affects the health of people in my district.
With a few days left to cast an early ballot in the May 6 joint general election, McLennan County voters are on track this year to surpass 2015 early voting numbers.

Turnout at the countys five early polling locations totaled 1,151 voters this week. Early turnout totaled 1,215 voters in the May 2015, which featured three city and two school races. There are 131,119 registered voters in McLennan County.

This years election features a countywide referendum and several city council and school board races. Residents have Saturday, Monday and Tuesday left to vote early.

Every registered voter in the county has at least one issue on the ballot.

A countywide referendum will create a 2 percent hotel occupancy tax and a 5 percent tax on short-term car rentals. The tax is projected to raise more than $34.4 million for an overhaul of the 60-acre Extraco Events Center, including a new 800-square-foot multipurpose center connected to the existing coliseum and the rebuilding of Waco ISDs Paul Tyson Field and the Lake Air Little League facilities.

The fairgrounds have a $47 million economic impact on the area, which could jump to $60 million with the overhaul allowed by the referendum, according to a Baylor University study.

The city of Waco has one contested race on the ballot for District 5 residents in the West Waco and China Spring area.

District 5 Councilman Jim Holmes faces Deanna Leach for a two-year term.

Several cities and school districts partnered with the county to hold a joint election, including the cities of Waco, Bellmead and Lacy Lakeview. Lorena ISD and Midway ISD are also part of the joint general election.

Bellmead: Incumbent Travis Gibson faces newcomers Linda Ione Robinson and George Melvin Cleveland.

Lacy Lakeview: Incumbents Barbara Seitz and Bruce Bundrant face David C. Finch III, Sharon Clark, and David A. Garcia with three at-large seats on the ballot.

Lorena ISD: Incumbents David Busch and Mary Timmons face Kristi Rowan Humphreys with two at-large seats on the ballot.

Midway ISD: Incumbent Susan Vick faces Eloisa Ella Esparza.

Registered voters in the joint general election can cast their ballot from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Monday and Tuesday at any of the five early-voting locations:

McLennan County elections administration office in the Records Building, 214 N. Fourth St., Suite 300

Robinson Community Center, 106 W. Lyndale Drive

Waco Multi-Purpose Community Center, 1020 Elm Ave.

First Assembly of God Church, 6701 Bosque Blvd.

Hewitt Public Safety Facility, 100 Patriot Court

Four city councils and two school districts in the area are holding elections independent of McLennan Countys joint general election and have their own early voting times and locations.

Beverly Hills: Incumbents Kurt Vance and Lance Leuschner face LucyAnn Sanchez with two council seats on the ballot.

McGregor: Tony Ocampo faces A. Roderick Cammon for the Ward 5 at-large seat. Frank Leos did not re-file after serving for 27 years.

Valley Mills: Incumbent Ray Bickerstaff faces Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Wittmer for the seat as mayor.

Marlin: Two council seats and the mayoral seat are on the ballot. Shirley F. King, Demetrius Beachum and John Keefer look to replace Mayor Elizabeth Nelson, who is stepping down. Susan R. Byrd, Cara Kasner and Nancy J. Duggins look to replace Precinct 1 Councilman Norman D. Erskine. Terence W. McDavid and Michael Magouirk look to replace Precinct 3 Councilwoman Billie Jean Scaggs.

Connally ISD: Incumbent Kathy Coker faces Trey Copeland for Place 4 on the board.

Valley Mills ISD: Incumbents Alice West and Jim Blackford face Steven Owens, Ted Jones and Josh Thayer with two at-large seats on the ballot. Voters in the school district will also decide on an $8.4 million bond. The proposed bond is expected to increase the tax rate by 18 cents per $100 of value, according to the district, and constituents at least 65 years old with a homestead exemption will not be impacted unless significant improvements or additions are made to the home.
Last week Dyen returned from her home in Indonesia where she spent four months as an intern with the United Nations working with refugees. Next month she will graduate with a masters degree in social work from Baylor University. She is a remarkable Christian, always bubbling with life, energy and happiness. She spent the night with us upon her arrival. The next morning we visited over breakfast on our patio.

I usually spend the early mornings in devotion and prayer in my backyard. The sun slowly rises, flickering through the sycamore leaves until it clears the trees and floods the yard with light. Most of my prayers are for personal things, the day-to-day things most of us are concerned about. I pray for friends who are battling cancer, a friend recovering from an accident and for my 4-year-old granddaughter who fell and broke her pinky finger. I give thanks to God for his answers, continually amazed at how often He seems to listen and how often He seems to answer.

But this morning we visited with Dyen.

I asked her about her work with the refugees. Her face grew clouded with sadness. She told us of a child who watched her mother die, a boy who returned home to find his house destroyed and his family dead, a little girl who lifted her skirt to show the bullet wounds she had suffered. None of the children in the refugee camp have parents. Most of the girls have been raped.

She told how she had struggled as a Christian to counsel these, trying to give hope and encouragement to innocent children victimized by war, oppression, vengeance and violence. I suddenly felt my prayer life to be rather small. Dyens burdened voice brought us close to the cruel stories easily dismissed as so much news.

I was reminded of what Jesus taught us to pray in the Lords Prayer, Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. What would that look like? I suppose it would look like Jesus response to John when John asked if He was the Messiah. Jesus said, The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor (Luke 7:22).

I am beginning to pray more for these distant places and these victims. I am praying more for our own nation. I am praying that God will turn the tide of violence, anger, hatred, resentment, prejudice and vengeance. The world seems increasingly dangerous. If His Kingdom were to come on earth, all of this would be swept away, replaced with kindness, gentleness, thoughtfulness, forgiveness and love.

We cannot control national events. But we can make a difference in the place where we are. Like Dyen seeking to comfort refugees in Indonesia. We can bring the Kingdom near where we live and wherever we go, like Jesus did when He walked through the hills of Galilee.

It is okay to pray for our immediate personal concerns. After all, Jesus taught us to ask for daily bread. But too often my prayers stop there. They need to go beyond to the Kingdom issues that reside in the heart of God.
Walter Zacharias

Dec. 27, 1922 - April 18, 2017

Walter Carl Zacharias, 94, of Mount Calm, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2017 in Waco with his loving wife at his side.

A memorial service with military honors will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 1, 2017, at Waco Memorial Park.

Walter was born in McGregor, Texas, to Carl and Otillia Zacharias on December 27, 1922. He married Frances Burton in April of 1946. They were married for over fifty years and raised two sons.

Walter was a veteran of World War II serving in the Army's Air Force and was awarded the Bronze Star, Distinguished Unit Medal, and the Victory Medal. While serving our nation, he was stationed in the South Pacific on the island of Saipan attached to a B-29 Bomber Group. After being discharged, he attended 4-C College. Walter was a man of many talents that led him to a fulfilled life working as an accountant for several local businesses including: Higginbotham-Pearlstone, Waco Hardware, Morris Jewelers, Smith Furniture, and Payless Cashways.

He enjoyed working on his cattle ranch and spending his time building, altering, and inventing different farm implements. Walter married Geneva Kirkland Zacharias on July 17, 2001 in Mount Calm, Texas. They shared fifteen wonderful years together while being surrounded by family on their ranch and watching their great-grandchildren grow up. Throughout his life Walter was actively involved in the agricultural community, the Baylor Senior Choir, and First Baptist Church of Mount Calm.

Walter was preceded in death by Frances Burton Zacharias, wife; Carl and Otillia Zacharias, parents; and his brothers and sisters.

Walter is survived by his wife, Geneva K. Zacharias; his children, Edward Zacharias and wife, Arlene, Walter Zacharias, Jr. and wife, Genie; and stepson, Rob Kirkland and wife, Yvette. He is also survived by his granddaughters, Cathryne Nivin and husband, Ernest, Janis Royal and husband, Erik, and Walter Zacharias III. Walter's pride and joy were his four great-grandchildren, Deslyn, Eaen, Madeline, and Olivia.Honorary Pallbearers will be Ernest Nivin, Erik Royal, Eaen Royal, and Jennifer Reesing.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.bellmeadfuneralhome.com.
Before Donald Trump won the election in November, we were warned: He is a Russian stooge. He is a fascist. He will upend the protocols and traditions that make governing possible. This is not normal.

Now that we reach the 100-day mark, its worth noting that the president is defying the expectations of his resistance. And while there is plenty to oppose in Trumps young presidency, he is neither the Siberian candidate nor the second coming of Mussolini.

Lets start with Russia. The FBI is still investigating whether and how his campaign may have colluded with Moscows efforts to influence the presidential election. And yet in terms of actual policy, Trump has settled on a much tougher line with Russia than how he campaigned or in his first few weeks.

In the first month of Trumps presidency, there were legitimate concerns he would attempt a grand bargain with Russia. He boasted that it was an asset that Russian President Vladimir Putin liked him. And he went out of his way to spare Putin from the harsh criticism he reserved for just about everyone else.

But there has been no reset. In fact, its fair to say that Trump has been much kinder to China, Russias traditional Asian rival. Trump ended any chance for the multilateral trade deal with Chinas neighbors known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. He dropped his threat to revisit the One-China Policy that requires the United States not to recognize Taiwans sovereignty. More recently, he has said he wont pursue China for currency manipulation and tells us he is pleased by Chinas cooperation against North Korea during the current nuclear crisis.

Instead, Trump is treating Russia in practice the way he promised in the campaign to deal with China. His government has supported Montenegros membership into NATO. Russia not only opposed this, but in October Russian agents were involved in a failed coup against the countrys prime minister who supported Montenegros accession to the treaty organization, according to a Montenegrin prosecutor.

The Trump administration last week rejected a request from Exxon-Mobil to get a waiver to explore energy exploration in the Black Sea with a Russia concern, despite the fact that he chose Exxon-Mobils chief executive officer, Rex Tillerson, as his secretary of state. You may remember him as the guy who won the Russian Order of Friendship in 2013.

Then there was the decision this month to fire 59 tomahawk missiles at a Syrian airbase, following the Syrian gas attack on rebel populations. Those strikes against Russias only real client state in the Middle East caught Moscow by surprise and further unraveled the relationship the Kremlin had hoped to reset with Trump. A few days after the missile strike, Trumps White House released a dossier calling out Russias own fake news about the Syrian gas attack.

Now, U.S.-Russian relations are cratering. Both sides say they are at a historic low point. Russian bombers in the last week have been flying into Alaskan airspace, testing Trumps resolve. Meanwhile, one of Americas top generals just suggested Russia was arming the Taliban in Afghanistan. If Trump is a Russian mole, it looks like a very long con.

This gets to the second resistance narrative about Trump, that he is an authoritarian or fascist in waiting. To be sure, Trump during the campaign gave his critics something to work with on this front. He at times encouraged his supporters at rallies to do violence to protesters. He promised to bring back waterboarding and much worse for terrorists captured on the battlefield. He campaigned on banning Muslims from entering the country and he promised to build a wall on the Mexican border. More recently, Trump has cozied up to the strong men ruling Egypt and Turkey. His semi-endorsement of the far-right French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen is part of this theme as well.

All of this is alarming. That said, real fascists are much better at consolidating power and implementing an agenda. On this score, Trump has been no Caesar. The courts have rebuked him twice on the much-modified travel ban that would apply to Muslim-majority countries. His first effort to repeal and replace Obamacare failed miserably. He has yet to offer an infrastructure spending bill, tax reform or a plan to build the wall.

An added irony is that the bete noir of the anti-Trumpists, senior strategist and former Breitbart publisher Steve Bannon, is currently out of favor. Trumps new inner circle is comprised of people like the investment banker Gary Cohn  the kind of globalists the president campaigned against. The other set of advisers are retired or serving generals like National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster, who is seen as a check on the nationalist ideologues that so worry most of Trumps opposition.

Traditionally, fascism is the marriage of corporate and military elites with an authoritarian leader. For Trumps White House, however, his corporate and military advisers are steering Trump to a more traditional presidential agenda.

None of this is to say Trump is doing a great job. He has shown himself to be entirely unfamiliar with the intricacies of policy. His hostility to the press is dangerous and counterproductive. Trump continues to say outrageous falsehoods and is prone to extreme hyperbole. He has failed to address in a meaningful way the many conflicts of interest posed by his business empire.

Still, these flaws have not yet posed an existential threat to the republic. He has obeyed the courts, even as he has derided their decisions on Twitter. He has reversed himself on Russia. And slowly but surely, he has begun to resemble something less menacing and more normal than his foes predicted.
On the eve of Donald Trumps inauguration as president, pundits predicted one of two things: Either Trump would blow up the presidency, as he promised during his campaign, and pursue a radical agenda, or he would moderate and play by the rules, as Republican Party leaders hoped. Trump has done neither of these things.

We have every reason to expect more of the same in the coming months and years.

Trumps transition into the White House left him unprepared to govern. His close advisers, particularly Stephen Bannon and son-in-law Jared Kushner, did not have any governing experience. They did not know how to manage presidential appointments, press relations, legislative affairs, foreign policy and the countless other demands on a new administration. Partly due to this, Congress is drifting away from the White House. Trumps loyalty to a small circle and an absence of relationships beyond that group make it difficult for him to get his administration running effectively.

The policy failures and reversals have already begun to add up. Federal judges in multiple jurisdictions have stayed two executive orders issued by the president to keep people from particular Muslim-majority countries out of the United States. A federal judge has also prohibited the Trump administration from punishing sanctuary cities  including Houston, Dallas and Austin  for their efforts to shelter immigrants, despite federal crackdowns. On immigration policy, Trump has made no headway. He has, in fact, motivated more opposition to his anti-immigrant proposals than ever before.

The promised repeal of Obamacare has also failed, never making it to a vote in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. Passage of new legislation looks unlikely anytime soon. Trumps budget proposal is also dead on arrival. He has failed to persuade his own party to spend billions of dollars on a border wall with Mexico. He had promised in the campaign that the Mexicans would pay for it, which they wont, and now he must ask Congress to foot the multibillion-dollar bill. Do taxpayers really want to pay for a monstrous and ineffective wall?

Foreign policy does not look much better. Trumps first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, was forced to resign under scandal after just 24 days. He will probably go to jail. Trumps secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, is rarely seen and even more rarely heard. There are few, if any, big foreign policy ideas coming out of the State Department right now.

The only bold policy action that Trump has taken so far was launching a series of cruise missile strikes into Syria. The strike plan had been written as an option for President Barack Obama. Trump used Obamas plan and, like his predecessor, he has failed to follow up with strong measures that have a lasting effect on the ground.

This list could go on further. The point is that Trump has failed to institute any serious strategic policy changes. He has signed executive orders. He has bullied members of Congress. He has tweeted.

To use power effectively, a president must work with others  with Congress, with the judiciary, with allies, even with the media. That requires mutual understandings, shared commitments and trust. Trumps style runs against all of these attributes. He is a gunslinger, an angry unilateralist. He will continue to impact our public rhetoric and enforcement of regulations, but he is poised to achieve far less policy change than his predecessor. Why? Because he simply hasnt worked well with others. At home he has alienated the essential partners in government and abroad he is creating growing separation from our friends. There can be no progress around North Korea, Iran or other crisis areas without support from American allies nearby  and theyre increasingly wary of Trump.

Trump must also make a sincere and consistent effort to reach out to different groups here at home including women, minorities and recent immigrants. He must show that he cares about their future and connect his health, budget and immigration plans to their needs. These groups must see something for themselves in Trumps agenda or they will continue to resist it.

Trump will surely remain erratic. He is, however, doing things each day that weaken his ability to shape the big policy issues. And he is further isolating himself in what is already a lonely White House. Isolated, lonely power is ineffective at best, self-defeating at worst.
Women in reconstruction

Beyond the sound of children playing and the occasional buses and motorbikes, there is a calming sound in most parts of Laharepauwa village in Rasuwa, north of Kathmandu.
ASHLAND  Mahoney State Park near Ashland and the three neighboring state parks and recreation areas in Gretna and Louisville are getting a makeover that includes zip lines, rock-climbing walls, an alpine slide and a floating playground that resembles a spinoff of American Gladiators, a sledding hill with a snow-making machine, a two-tiered splash pad and an interactive aquarium.

Its all part of the first phase of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commissions $35 million venture parks project at four sites near Omaha and Lincoln.

The start of construction for the projects at Mahoney and Platte River state parks and Louisville and Schramm Park state recreation areas is contingent on the signing of contracts in coming weeks. Most of the features are expected to be completed in spring 2018.

Jim Swenson, the commissions parks director, told commissioners meeting Friday at Northeast Community College in Norfolk that the ambitious project takes state park recreation to the next generation.

This promises to be one of the most important things weve ever done in our state parks, Swenson said. Our parks are gateways to the outdoors.

The venture parks are located along the Platte River and near Interstate 80 west of Omaha. About 1.5 million people live within an hour-long drive of the sites.

The goal is to welcome a new generation of park goers and to get families outside together by combining nature-based learning activities in treehouse classrooms and alongside streams with adrenaline-rushing trips through obstacle courses and across the treetops clamped to a zip line.

The project underscores that state parks are no longer just places for parking RVs, erecting pup tents or stopping for a picnic, but also places to cultivate adventure, education and curiosity, Swenson said.

Todays park visitor wants variety and a bit of tradition blended with a dose of new and diverse fun, Swenson said. They want exhilaration and excitement. They want to learn by discovering and experiencing the outdoors. And they want family time and opportunities to build treasured memories and lifelong traditions.

Creature comforts are part of the mix, too. Glamping (glamour camping) cabins erected in the woods at Platte River State Park will give people a sense of roughing it in luxury. Queen-size beds may be rolled onto a deck for sleeping under the stars, or at least a canopy, and not far from a fire pit.

We expect great success with rentals on these, Swenson said.

Phase one highlights at Mahoney include an addition to the activity center will feature a boulder field for youngsters to scamper over and a climbing wall 40 to 44 feet tall.

The grassy slope on the east side of the building will be resculpted for sled and toboggan runs, including a summer alpine slide.

The Go Ape organization is designing three high-ropes courses and a zip line in the timbered draws northwest of the Kountze Theater. Interpretive panels will describe birds and wildlife.

Rope course users will wobble, wiggle, twist and turn on a suspended walkway, Swenson said. There will even be a Tarzan-style rope swing  with safety net.

Other phase one projects at the parks include bike trails, challenge-course trails, natural playgrounds and Platte River access. Canoe and kayak launch sites will be developed at Platte River and Schramm. An airboat ramp and canoe landing will be added at Louisville.

Plans call for subsequent phases of venture park improvements to be done in each of the next three years.

Commissioners capped Swensons report with spontaneous applause.

Eighty percent of the $35 million projects cost is being raised privately and from non-state dollars. The rest  about $7.3 million  comes from funds generated by park fees.

Roger Kuhn, assistant director of the commission, said Commissioner Richard Bell of Omaha and the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation led the fundraising.

We are fortunate to have generous people who believe in our mission and the value we provide the public we serve, he said.

Eight of Nebraskas top 10 most-visited attractions are state parks and recreation areas.

We have a big economic impact, but we also have a big quality of life impact to families and visitors all over the state, Kuhn said. The park system is really the backbone of tourism statewide.
OMAHA  The Ashland-Greenwood FBLA Chapter took 27 members to the State Leadership Conference April 6 to 8 in Omaha. The conference is an opportunity for students to compete in a variety of business competitions and grow as leaders in their local chapter, school and community.

The State Leadership Conference was three days full of presentations, competitions and keynote speakers. The chapter started with a tour of Nebraska Furniture Mart, where Vince Afaisen, the marketing director, discussed his role in the company, as well as educated students on how the large business operates. Afaisen started at Nebraska Furniture Mart in an entry-level position and due to the development opportunities Nebraska Furniture Mart provides its employees, has been promoted within the company to the position he holds today. His story was very inspiring for the students.

The chapter as a whole did very well. Several pre-conference projects earned Ashland-Greenwood seven ribbons to be worn on name tags throughout the entire conference. These ribbons demonstrate donations, projects and member activities completed by the chapter throughout the year. The ribbons included Connect 2 Business, Feed Nebraska, Foundation Donor, Go Green, March of Dimes, Step Up 2 Tech and Sweepstakes.

Each FBLA member competed in five events, all ranging from pre-conference group events, computer skill tests, papers, presentations and even senior mock job interviews. Many students found success. Katelyn Book, Summer Lewin and Halie Lewin received the Gold Seal Award given to the top 10 percent of Local Chapter Annual Business Reports.

Two teams consisting of Cole Irland, Riddock Moran and Scott Wischmann and Ben Reisen, Christian Ray and Hayden Wall received Honorable Mention in Management Decision Making; Maddie Washburn, Claire Thomas and Izzy Van Kirk received Honorable Mention in Hospitality Management; Ben Reisen received Honorable Mention in Organizational Leadership, a brand new test for Nebraska FBLA; Halie Lewin received Honorable Mention in Job Interview;and Riddock Moran received Honorable Mention in Economics. Honorable Mention is awarded to the top 4 percent of competitors in any competition.

Top 8 competitors included Lexi Nichelson, Chloe Murphy and Wyatt Fangman who received seventh place in Marketing. After qualifying for finals with a pre-test, the team was given 20 minutes to impromptu a presentation of proposed solutions to a marketing case study with no prior knowledge of the issue. Halie Lewin and Claire Thomas competed in Business Ethics receiving first place and qualifying for the National Leadership Conference this summer in Anaheim, Calif. They submitted a pre-conference paper and gave a presentation at state proposing solutions to controversial social media platform checks in the hiring process.
ASHLAND  The breaking news this week is that The Ashland Gazette dominated the Breaking News Writing category in the Nebraska Press Associations Better Newspaper Contest, taking first and second place.

In addition to those two awards, the Gazette received eight other awards in the annual contest, which was judged by the Kansas Press Association. The awards were announced Saturday night during the NPA annual banquet in Lincoln.

Suzi Nelsons story about a car crashing into a local gas station/convenience store garnered first place in Breaking News Writing, while her story about the arrest of four drug suspects after a short pursuit took second place in the same category. Also in the field of breaking news, Nelsons photo of the demolition of the former Gaebel Motors office took third place in Breaking News Photography.

Nelson also received third place in Single Feature Story for a story on Max Parker, the youngster who was badly injured by an accidental firework explosion.

The Gazette received several second place finishes in numerous categories. The State Wrestling Good Luck page designed by Nelson with ads sold by Sales Representative Sandy Hutson received second place for Signature Page. Another second place was earned in Use of Color for the Fourth of July Spectacular page designed by Cheryl Ludvik with ads by Hutson. Ludvik and Hutson teamed up again for the Hometown Christmas page, which received second place for Community Promotion Advertisement and third place for Use of Color.

The Gazettes Holiday Drawing Contest earned third place for Reader Interaction/Contest and the newspapers promotion of public notices nabbed a third place finish as well.
By Pete Mecca

The Commemorative Air Force Dixie Wing World War II Days at Falcon Field lived up to expectations once again this past weekend. A gorgeous B-25 was on display to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Doolittle Raid on Japan early in WWII. Reenactors, vendors, even operable B-25 gun turrets for the young and very thin young-at-heart enthusiasts were part of the program. The B-25, a P-51 and a Dauntless Dive Bomber plus various military trainers also offered rides.

In the vendor hangar, the last surviving Doolittle Raider, 101-year-old Lt. Col. Richard Dick Cole, enthusiastically signed copies of his book and posed for photos with an admiring throng. Id briefly talked with Lt Col. Cole at another event, then penned an article on the Doolittle Raid, but this time a journalistic miracle unfolded. Cindy Cole Chal, the attractive, attentive and justifiably protective daughter of Lt. Col. Cole, recognized me from our first meeting and asked if I would like to join Sue Verhoef from the Atlanta History Center for Verhoefs scheduled interview with her father Sunday morning.

No twisting of my arm was required. Ive known Sue Verhoef several years. Her Atlanta History Center display was set up near our Atlanta WWII Round Table exhibit, so I made a beeline for Verhoefs table to ask if she was agreeable to my requested intrusion. She happily agreed.

Since the interview was Sues show, my questions for Lt. Col. Cole were limited but based on a sound knowledge of the Doolittle Raid. The sole survivors physical health at 101 is still good yet waning, but his mental sharpness, eagerness, and wit are firmly intact. In short, Lt. Col. Cole was a real hoot! The questions and answers are forthright with insignificant editing for clarification.

THE INTERVIEW

VerhoefSue: What did you have for breakfast, Colonel?

Cole: Lets see if I can remember. Oh, eggs and biscuits.

Verhoef: Did you sell all your books yesterday?

Cole: Yes, I did.

Verhoef: Thank you for coming, Colonel.

Cole: Thank you for having me.

Verhoef: May we have your full name?

Cole: Richard E. Dick Cole. I was born in Dayton, Ohio, on Sept. 7, 1915.

Verhoef: Tell us about your background, your childhood.

Cole: Well, I was fortunate to be born into a good family arrangement, I was number five of the children. I grew up with good schools and a great high school. I would have to say it was a happy environment. For some reason, I thought of myself as a happy child.

Verhoef: You were interested in aviation before the war. Why?

Cole: When I was old enough to ride through the neighborhood on my bike by myself, I guess about 10 years old, Id ride down to the Army airfield near Dayton. I would sit on the river levee and watch whats going on without realizing who was performing on a particular day.

Mecca: You mean barnstormers?

Cole: Yes, it was all very interesting. There was an annual airshow in October, and I always went to that. Anyway, I made up my mind to either be an Air Corps pilot or a forest ranger.

Verhoef: How did everything unfold?

Cole: Well, I tried to map out a plan on how to get there, to be a pilot, but later on I realized that wasnt much of a plan. The main reason I wanted to be an Army pilot, once a month Wright Field sent a Curtiss Hawk to hover over an Army truck, then it would quickly bank into the base. It was payday! That sounded good to me, plus I wanted to go after the bad guys.

Verhoef: What made you decide to join the military?

Cole: Between middle school and high school they offered an aviation course. I attended that, was third out of 33 grads. For those interested, they gave us a chance to drop out of high school, then attend another course. Quite a few of us did. The course was more toward aircraft mechanics, tearing apart a Liberty engine, there were nine of us, and we had to put it back together. The teacher had rigged a system to crank the propeller to see if the ignition system was installed correctly, but we couldnt really start it.

Verhoef: And after that?

Cole: I spent a lot of time looking for a job! People today dont realize how hard it was to find a job back then. Anyway, I found a worthwhile job, $75 a month plus room and board. I did that for a couple of years, then started college. Before college I went to Wright Field for training in the Army, I passed all the tests, but in the end they turned me down. See, the Air Corps was under the Signal Corps, and they didnt take anyone in need of medical attention. I had two bad teeth and a set of tonsils, so I was turned down. After that, I figured I should go on to college and learn all I could about Smokey the Bear.

Verhoef: So how did you get into aviation?

Cole: I started college, but between my sophomore and junior year I got the word that Uncle Sam had this program, he would pay for you to get a pilots license. But if you qualified and received your license, you had to make yourself available for any kind of emergency.

Verhoef: So, thats how it started?

Cole: Yeah, I did that. I was working during the summer in my job and went to . wait, lets back up a minute. I got my pilots license during September of 41 and 

Mecca: On what type of aircraft did you train?

Cole: A Taylorcraft. So, I graduated, then they told me to wait. Well, by November I got tired of waiting and went to enlist.

Verhoef: How did your family feel about you enlisting?

Cole: They were glad to get rid of me. So, no objections from family members. I went to Fort Thomas for a month, then got orders for St. Louis. I was lucky enough to get through that program, then ended up at Randolph Air Force Base. After graduation, a few of us were sent to Pendleton, Ore., to join the 17th Bomber Group. We trained here and there and ended up with a fairly good bomb group.

Verhoef: How did you find out about a secret mission needing volunteers?

Cole: Well, at Pendleton we were all copilots and I was crewed up with a gentleman that had quite a lot of time in B-25s, thats how we welded into a squadron. When I arrived at Pendleton the group made a move to Spokane, Wash. We spent the summer there, then got orders for Columbia, S.C. We trained with the Army Air Corps plus ground forces. On Dec. 6, 1941, we were at March Field on our way back to Pendleton. Of course, the next morning on Dec. 7, 1941 the war started. Back at Pendleton, they changed our bomb racks to accommodate submarine bombing. We were on submarine patrol along the coasts of Oregon and Washington until February of 42. Then we got orders to return to Columbia. We were at a newer airbase, it wasnt quite finished, mostly mud and water. We lived in tents. Each squadron had an information board that we were required to examine daily. One day we read they needed pilots for a secret mission. Well, our instructor was a great guy, a really good pilot, and he put his name on the list. I thought that was a pretty good idea, so I put my name on the list, even if I didnt think it was such a good idea after I did it.

Verhoef: Why were you chosen for the mission?

Cole: They chose the pilots, dont know how they did it, but we started training for the mission. Well, the instructor I trained with became ill, so I needed a pilot to fly with. I went to the Ops Room asking questions and they said, You still want to go?, and I said, Yeah, so they told me, The old man is coming in this afternoon. Hell take care of it. Anyway, Jimmy Doolittle showed up about an hour after that. They told him Id been chosen as his copilot, he said, Fine, and that was that.

Mecca: Did you know Doolittle was the old man, your leader?

Cole: Yes. I was fortunate to know who he was and what kind of pilot he was because Id seen Doolittle perform at airshows.

Verhoef: What do you remember about your training at Eglin Field, what stands out?

Cole: Doolittle wanted us to have 50 hours of training, but with launch scheduled for April 19 he only had 90 days to get us ready. We ended up with about 30 hours of training. Turned out that was enough to do what we needed to do, and we did.

Verhoef: Tell us about your trip to the USS Hornet, the carrier to carry you to your destination. Did you watch them lift the B-25s onto the deck?

Cole: We were in San Francisco. The Navy has that kind of equipment, big cranes, everything was hooked up and went well.

Verhoef: Tell us about the crossing. Were you ever on a ship before and did you get seasick?

Cole: No, Id never been on a ship before, and no, I didnt get seasick. It was, by the way, the first time Id even seen an ocean.

Verhoef: Did you know you were going to take off from a carrier?

Cole: Well, it was pretty obvious we would be taking off from a carrier, but we didnt figure Japan as the target. We figured wed take off and land on some island and get on with fighting the war. But two days out we were told our target was Japan. There was a lot of jubilation, a lot jumping up and down and hollering, but after that things got real quiet, that too pretty obvious as to why. Doolittle said if anyone wanted to get out, to back out, there would be no repercussions. Nobody backed out.

Verhoef: Tell us about the day of launch, when you got the word to go.

Cole: By that time we had a pretty good chunk out of our brains with all the training, so we truthfully didnt think it posed a great problem. We had navigation, classroom instruction, so with everything considered we had the training to do the job.

Verhoef: What was it like to launch? Was it a scary moment?

Cole: Surprisingly enough, with our training we were OK. The only concern was the weather, but that turned out OK. We figured the launch would be challenging, so we positioned a B-25 in the middle of the deck, which gave us 6 feet of clearance on both sides. We painted a white line on our left gear and one for the nose wheel so we could steer down those lines and it worked OK. We didnt consider the launch a big problem.

Mecca: Would a night launch have been considered?

Cole: Doolittle considered a night launch possible. He approached the Navy with the idea, but they wouldnt buy it. They feared one of the bombers would drift over and hit the island (command structure) and put the carrier out of commission. We only had four carriers in the Pacific at the time and the Navy couldnt afford to lose one.

Verhoef: What was the mood of the crew during the flight to Japan?

Cole: We didnt get keyed up or anything, we didnt have any Japanese aircraft try to intercept us. When we got to Japan it was like flying into Miami Beach. People were playing on the beach and working on their boats, all kinds of activity. And we hadnt made any mistakes so we continued on.

Verhoef: Then you were en route to China?

Cole: Well, once we dropped our bombs we were, but it wouldnt have done any good to have a base to land on in China. The entire area was socked in, couldnt see a thing, and we didnt know where we were.

Verhoef: When did you get the orders to bail out?

Cole: Well, the whole flight took 13 hours  four to Japan, nine hours across the water to China. No particular or dramatic things happened. We ended up thinking about what could happen, especially after Hank, our navigator, handed me a note saying we were going to end up about 180 miles short of China. We didnt know what to think about that. But we got to China with fuel to spare, a tailwind helped us.

Mecca: No homing beacon?

Cole: No. An aircraft with a homing station was supposed to basically greet us into China, but their plane crashed en route and killed all the occupants so we lost the radio equipment. We didnt think of it at the time of launch, but as we circled the carrier and looked down at the heads-up board for our course to China, we knew we had separated ourselves from civilization. In our zeal to make the bomber as light as possible to take on more fuel, we tossed out all the long range radio equipment. The only communications we had was a command set, a range of about 45 miles. Had there been an emergency, 16 B-25s would have been floating around in the Pacific.

Verhoef: Had you trained for a bailout? Had you used a parachute before?

Cole: No. And not one since.

Pete: Colonel, what did you think of the B-25?

Cole: The only thing I can say about that is, all through training I drove around in a Model A Ford. Going from a Model A Ford into a Mitchell B-25 bomber is like crawling into a Mustang. Great aircraft.

Mecca: What was your altitude en route to Japan?

Cole: About 200 feet above the water. We stayed at 200 feet, except climbing to 1,500 feet to bomb and later to bail out. Other than that, we stayed at 200 feet.

Mecca: What was your target?

Cole: Our target was northwest Tokyo because we carried incendiaries so we could light up Tokyo for the rest of the bombers, like a reference point.

Mecca: Did you dodge any flak or enemy fighters?

Cole: No fighters, but pulling off the bombing run we had flak coming up at us  bounced us around a bit.

Mecca: After you bailed out, you landed in a tree, correct?

Cole: Well, that was the best landing in that situation. The terrain was very mountainous, so I was pretty lucky and waited until morning to cut myself loose. Just a few scratches. Although I found out later the Army doesnt hand out Purple Hearts for self-inflected injuries. I was luckier than Doolittle though, he landed neck-deep in a pile of manure.

Mecca: Your entire crew made it back, correct?

Cole: The whole crew survived. Some of the Raiders returned to the states, but 26 of us stayed. Six of us went to the CBI Theatre (China-India-Burma). I got checked out on a C-47 and flew them for about 14 months, including the Hump (flying across the Himalayan Mountains).

Verhoef: Your last comments, sir?

Cole: When I think about it, the mission was not a highly dangerous affair. You could do something about it if there was a problem. But, looking back, Id say we were pretty lucky.

When Lt. Col. Cole found out I had served in Vietnam, he said, Theres another time I was lucky. I asked, So, you were in Nam, too? Cole replied, No, I was lucky that I didnt have to go!

In all, Lt. Col. Cole flew 21 different aircraft during his career. The last one a T-33 Shooting Star jet fighter. Of 80 Doolittle Raiders, 69 survived the mission, three were killed in action, eight were captured  three were executed by the Japanese, one died in captivity, four returned home after the war. Of the 28 Raiders who eventually flew in the CBI Theatre of Operations, five lost their lives. Nineteen Raiders flew in the Mediterranean Theatre, four were killed in action. Nine Raiders flew in Europe, one was lost. Of the 63 Doolittle Raiders who survived the war, 101-year-old Lt. Colonel Richard Dick Cole, is the sole survivor.

Many thanks to Cindy Cole Chal and Sue Verhoef for the opportunity to participate in an interview for the ages.

Pete Mecca is a Vietnam veteran. To read Petes stories visit www.aveteransstory.us

Editors note: According to the groups official website, the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders was a group of 80 men from all walks of life who volunteered to fly a dangerous bombing raid over Japan. According to the website, the raid on Tokyo on April 18, 1942 provided a morale boost to both the American military and the public. It also proved to the Japanese high command that their home islands were not invulnerable to American attacks, causing them to shift vital resources to their defense. Two months later that decision would play a role in the outcome of the Battle of Midway, the American victory that would begin to turn the tide in the Pacific War.
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Before the US presidential election last November, Donald Trump promised big changes. To some his bellicosity and ignorance of realpolitik, cloaked in his war against the swamp of Washington insiders, made him unfit for office. To enough Americans, though, his style was a breath of fresh, albeit hot, air.

As Mr Trump celebrates 100 days as President, he has discovered that big promises are often just ambit claims; simply big "ifs" to be negotiated into smaller outcomes given every decision has losers who won't always accept their fate without a fight.

Donald Trump promised big but has been forced to deliver small on some proposals - and that's a relief. Credit:AP

In some ways that provides another welcome safeguard against Mr Trump's more extreme policies, just as the judiciary, wiser heads in the White House, the media and Congress have proven to be.

So the President is becoming less of a big ideas man and more flexible. Perhaps he's read his 1987 book The Art of the Deal: "I never get too attached to one deal or one approach". In performing an 11th-hour reversal of a plan to pull the US out of the longstanding North America Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada, for instance, Mr Trump said this week: "Let's see if we can make it a fair deal."
Cairo: Reeling from terrorist attacks targeting churches earlier this month and vanishing tourists, Egypt is rolling out the red carpet for Pope Francis as he arrives in Cairo on Friday.

The progressive religious figure will be meeting with his conservative Coptic Orthodox counterpart, Pope Tawadros II, who narrowly escaped the Islamic State suicide bombings at St Mark's Cathedral in Alexandria.

A billboard welcomes Pope Francis at St Mark's Cathedral in Cairo, Egypt. Credit:AP

Before that, in a bid to improve Christian-Muslim relations, he will shake hands with one of Sunni Islam's highest authorities, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb.

The mild-mannered 71-year-old scholar is the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, the prestigious 10th-century university in Cairo which Sunnis across the globe look to for guidance.
A woman has been shot and six people arrested during terror raids in northwest London, with British police saying they foiled an active terror plot.

The woman, who is in her 20s, was shot during the raid on the row house in Willesden on Thursday evening, in which counter-terrorism police used CS gas to storm the property.

Six suspects were arrested on terrorism-related charges, police said.

A 20-year-old woman and a 16-year-old boy were arrested at the address where the woman was shot, as was a 20-year-old man nearby. A man and a woman, both aged 28, were arrested when they returned to the house later.
By West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 28, 2017 | 06:01 PM | PADUCAH, KY

Authorities in McCracken County have arrested a wanted man and a woman who they say was helping him hide from police.The McCracken County Sheriffs Department says detectives arrested 43-year-old Marlon Brown on Friday, after searching for him for several months on outstanding warrants in Kentucky and Illinois. Detectives and deputy U.S. Marshals located Brown Friday afternoon hiding in an attic inside a home on Alabama Street. He was taken into custody with the help of the department's K-9 unit.Detectives conducted a search of the home, and reportedly found marijuana floating in the toilet, digital scales and $3,351 they believed to be proceeds of illegal drug sales. The investigation revealed that Brown had flushed drugs down the toilet when law enforcement arrived at the home.A resident at the home, 38-year-old Jodi Pendergrass was also arrested. Deputies said Pendergrass was aware that Brown was wanted, and that she had assisted him into the attic. Pendergrass was also found in possession of a small quantity of Marijuana.Both Brown and Pendergrass were booked in the McCracken County Regional Jail.

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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Apr. 28, 2017 | PADUCAH, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 28, 2017 | 11:55 PM | PADUCAH, KY

West Kentucky Community and Technical College faculty members Tina Ragsdale and Kate Senn were among six employees recognized during a faculty and staff awards reception April 28.



Tina Ragsdale, transitions math program coordinator, received the Phelps Award, named in memory of Finis Sargent Phelps and Florence Grubbs Phelps and was established at the college in 1991. The purpose of this award is to emphasize quality, promote academic excellence, and reward competence in teaching in the liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Ragsdale, a Paducah resident, joined the college faculty in 2012. She earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Murray State University and a master's degree in math from Southern Illinois University.



Kate Senn of Paducah received the Paducah Junior College Faculty Award, which was established in 1999 and recognizes quality, competence and excellence in teaching in a technical field. Senn has served as WKCTC's Computer Information Technology program coordinator, but more recently has been managing the grant for the college's online Enhancing Programs for Information Technology Certification. She earned a bachelor's degree in math and a master's degree in library science from the University of Kentucky, followed by a master's degree in telecommunications from John Hopkins University.



A Cadiz resident Lisa Bromley received WKCTC's Adjunct Faculty Award, recognizing the outstanding contributions and achievements of a dedicated adjunct faculty member who provides exemplary service to WKCTC students. A certified registered medical technologist with 16 years of experience, Bromley teaches phlebotomy in the Allied Health and Personal Services division at the college and also works at Murray Calloway County Hospital.



In addition, Jessica Puffenbarger and Amy Smith, both of Paducah, and Sanci Teague of Benton were recognized as recipients of the 2017 WKCTC Awards of Excellence.



Sanci Teague, dean of the Transition Education division, received the faculty award. She joined the college in 2011 as the transitional English program coordinator. Teague has developed WKCTC's First Year Experience course and program, serves as the chair of the KCTCS Senate Curriculum Review Committee, and is currently writing the WKCTC Quality Enhancement Plan and will serve as the director of the project. She earned a bachelor's and master's degree in English from Murray State University.



Jess Puffenbargr, who was hired as the assistant registrar in 2012, received the administrative staff award. Puffenbarger earned a bachelor's degree in business and a master's degree in management from Austin Peay University. Due to her continued growth in knowledge and her ease with technology and data, Puffenbarger became the registrar in 2013. She continually assists the Kentucky Community and Technical System with processes and leads many initiatives, and she continues to assure WKCTC students receive the credentials they earn and helps to assure student completion.



Amy Smith, the division assistant in Allied Health and Personal Services division, received the support staff award. Smith graduated of the college's physical therapist assistant program, and after working and raising a family, she decided to return to WKCTC. She works with numerous clinical agencies, tracks students among 11 accredited programs and takes on many tasks to assure students' needs are met.



Four administrative and faculty retirees, who represent over 100 years of dedication to the college and its students, were also recognized during the April 28 ceremony.



John Carrico, vice president of administrative services and Dr. Tena Payne, vice president of academic affairs retire after 33 and 32 years, respectively. Physical therapist assistant program coordinator Peggy retires after 27 years and associate professor of welding technology leaves the college with 17 years of service.
By West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 20, 2017 | 05:21 PM | WESTERN KENTUCKY





The Kentucky State Police and DEA are teaming up today to encourage citizens to remove potentially dangerous medicines from their homes and dispose of them safely. Today is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, and you can drop off unused prescriptions at KSP Post 1 or 2 until 2pm.Prescription medications play an important role in the health of millions of Americans, says KSP Commissioner Rick Sanders. However, leftover or expired drugs can be harmful in a variety of ways.Old or out-of-date medications can degrade and lose their effectiveness notes Sanders. They can also pose environmental pollution to water supplies if disposed of improperly.Unused medicines in homes can also be accidentally ingested by children, stolen, misused and abused, he warns.Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are at alarming levels. According to the DEA, the majority of prescription drug abusers report that they get their drugs from friends and family including the home medicine cabinet.Cleaning out old prescription drugs from medicine cabinets, kitchen drawers and beside tables can help reduce the diversion, misuse and abuse of these substances, including opioid painkillers, says Sanders.Check your medications for expiration dates regularly and dispose of them properly, he advises. When in doubt, throw it out.During last years National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, citizens across the U.S. disposed of 447 tons of unneeded medications. Statewide, Kentucky had 50 collection sites totaling 9,752 pounds in 2016. KSP collected 946 pounds at 16 post area locations.KSP has established 16 locations throughout Kentucky as collection points for the safe, convenient and responsible disposal of unused or expired prescription drugs. All but two of the locations are KSP Police Posts, including Post 1 at 8366 State Route 45 North in Hickory, and Post 2 at 1000 Western KY Parkway in Nortonville.Locations across the state are listed at http://kentuckystatepolice.org/2017/pdf/2017_POST_TAKE_BACK_LOCATIONS.pdf (click link below).Collection activities will take place from 10:00 am through 2:00 pm on Saturday.KSP spokesperson Tpr. Josh Brashears advised that the program is designed to be easy for citizens and offered the following tips for those interested in participating:Participants may dispose of medication in its original container or by removing the medication from its container and disposing of it directly into the disposal box located at the drop off location.All solid dosage pharmaceutical products and liquids in consumer containers will be accepted. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in original containers. The depositor should ensure that the cap is tightly sealed to prevent leakage.Intravenous solutions, injectables and syringes will not be accepted due to potential hazard posed by blood-borne pathogens.Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative and should not be placed in collection containers.For more information about the Take Back program, contact KSP at 502-782-1780 or visit the DEA website athttps://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/

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New Ross mourns tragic death of Anthony Rochford (47): We will remember him for all the great times
TOP HENDERSON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR SCHOLARS RECOGNIZED

TOP HENDERSON COUNTY SCHOLARS

Top Henderson County high school seniors were honored Thursday at the North Carolina Scholars Luncheon, held in the Blue Ridge Community College Conference Hall.

Superintendent Bo Caldwell was the featured speaker for the event, which recognizes the academic and activity accomplishments and strong leadership of seniors at the top of their classes at each high school.

The 2017 Top Scholars are:

EARLY COLLEGE HIGH

Liezelle Alipio

Gianna Gerard

Reese Giles

Makayla Pack

Shivani Patel

Alex Ramirez

Norma Reyes

Jasen Sanchez

Sandra Zepeda

EAST HENDERSON HIGH

Ashelyn Askew

Nelson Bagwell

Lilly Blankenship

Blakeley Bristol

Adam Bryant

Jessica Buckner

Isaac Burd

Steven Byrd

Allison Carter

Ella Castro-Crawford

Mikaela Cox

Annabelle Cram

Tiffany Dorn

Bryanna Doucette

Isaiah Elkins

Kristopher Elrod

Hannah Fischer

Cassidy Foreman

Trace Garren

Justin Gonzalez

Ashley Guerrero

Nalleli Guido-Moreno

Ana Gutierrez-Hernandez

Anthony Halford

Dawson Henderson

Michaela Hensley

Sarah Hill

Jordan Hrabar

AndrewJohnson

Kayla Johnson

Adam Jones

Matthew Jones

Claire Maybin

Cheyenne McCall

Adriana Mendoza

Sheridan Mentch

Britany Moffitt

Colton Morgan

Preston Owens

Zuleima Perez

Kerra Pressley

Roman Rojas Becerril

Nicholas Romer

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Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/04/2017 (2020 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In the 1880s, while Jews fled czarist pogroms in Russia, Icelanders were running away from volcanoes spilling lava over their homeland.

The history of Canada is the history of immigration  one displaced group after another escaping discrimination, war or natural disasters. Each group experienced nativist resentment here; they were accused of taking away jobs and threatening the social fabric of the nation.

But all of these groups, from the Irish to the Ukrainians to the Chinese and Japanese, worked to build Canadian society, each time disproving the shrill racist rants. Each community preserves its history; the tens of thousands of people who attend Winnipegs Folkorama each year is but one example of how ethnic pride is celebrated.

supplied

Asians from Africa arrived in Canada in the mid-1970s after being expelled from Uganda by Idi Amin and having their properties nationalized in Tanzania. Mansoor Ladha, a Tanzanian-born journalist and publisher in Alberta for more than 30 years, records a frank and critical history of his familys and his communitys story on both sides of the Atlantic.

Ladhas chronicle is a positive addition to our narrative. His intention is to make sure the Asian-African saga isnt lost.

After the British conquered South Asia, they continued their plunder. Some Asians moved with them to find opportunities, as Ladhas family did to Tanzania in the 19th century. For the most part, the muhindi (Swahili for Africans of Asian origin) were traders and merchants, a comfortable middle class in the racial hierarchy between the white British rulers and the downtrodden Africans, indentured servants and labourers for the two interloping groups. Ladha acknowledges the racism his community displayed toward Africans, a superior attitude for which they paid heavily when Tanzania became independent in 1961.

Led by Julius Nyerere, Tanzania experimented with socialist structures, expropriating businesses and collectivizing agriculture. Ladha says corruption among the new rulers damaged the economy; agitation against Asians provided a red herring to deflect responsibility.

He details efforts of younger Asians especially to display their allegiance; coupled with events in Uganda, however, the future became increasingly uncertain.

Eighty thousand Asians from Africa immigrated mostly to England and Canada in the next few years. Ladha, who worked as a newspaper journalist and copy editor in Africa, describes the sting of racism he felt anew: being turned down for jobs because he wasnt Canadian, while white Africans were hired; being turned down for apartment rentals when landlords saw the colour of his skin; being mocked as a Paki by complete strangers.

But, he adds, most people were welcoming. He sets himself as the example, an East Indian who bought newspapers in small francophone towns in Northern Alberta, reporting on important issues, employing dozens, integrating into the region and succeeding financially.

Ladhas journey mirrors those of many immigrants who want a place to call home. His skin colour is indistinguishable in India, but his attachment to it is tenuous. His country of birth rejected him because of his skin colour. After visiting both India and Tanzania in retirement, he again affirms his Canadian identity.

Except for a few passages where the chronology isnt clear and his failure at the first mention of the name Tanganyika to explain that it was a name adopted by Tanzania for a few years in the 1960s, this highly readable memoir reminds us how our history has been built.

Todays migrants are also looking for safety and stability. Those who want to preserve so-called Canadian values should be reminded that the dispossessed and desperate make appreciative, productive citizens. They should also look back to see themselves reflected in the faces of those knocking at our door.

Harriet Zaidman is a teacher-librarian in Winnipeg.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-thaad-advisor-idUSKBN17U09Y

South Korea paying for THAAD 'impossible': presidential frontrunner's aide

FILE PHOTO - A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor is launched during a successful intercept test, in this undated handout photo provided by the U.S. Department of Defense, Missile Defense Agency. U.S. Department of Defense, Missile Defense...

By James Pearson | SEOUL

U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestion that Seoul pay for the THAAD advanced U.S. missile defense system would be an "impossible option," a top foreign policy adviser to South Korean presidential frontrunner Moon Jae-in said on Friday.

Trump told Reuters in an interview on Thursday he wants South Korea to pay for the $1 billion Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.

"Even if we purchase THAAD, its main operation would be in the hands of the United States," said Kim Ki-jung, a foreign policy adviser to Moon and professor at Seoul's Yonsei University.

"So purchasing it would be an impossible option. That was our topic when we were considering the options," Kim said.

Moon is leading polls by a wide margin ahead of a May 9 election to replace impeached former President Park Geun-hye, whose government agreed last year to deploy THAAD.

Lee Ji-soo, a spokesman for Moon, said campaign officials were aware of the reported comments by Trump and deliberating his demand that South Korea pay for THAAD but added that there was no official comment from Moon's camp yet.

Trump, in the interview as he prepared to mark 100 days in office on Saturday, also accused another ally, Saudi Arabia, of not paying enough for the U.S. defense umbrella.

Trump's comments harked back to his populist campaign rhetoric and Bonnie Glaser, an Asia expert at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, said they betrayed a lack of strategic thinking.

"Trump's remarks reflect his persistent desire for allies to pay more for their defense," she said. "As far as their impact on South Korea's election, they will likely boost support for Moon, and if he wins, it will make it harder for the U.S. to sustain a hardline policy against North Korea. So Trump's remarks don't seem very strategic to me."

Trump's comments provoked some consternation among Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Congress.

Congressional aides noted the THAAD deployment came after years of discussions, in which South Korea took a great deal of convincing and then suffered economic retaliation from China.

It just seems completely tone deaf ... That system isnt just good for South Korea, its also good for us, one aide said, adding that it would also defend U.S. troops in South Korea and deter North Korea from targeting U.S. territory.

The U.S. military started THAAD deployment in early March, despite strong opposition from China, which says the system's radar can be used to spy into its territory. The deployment has also prompted a North Korean warning of retaliation.

South Korea said on Wednesday major elements of the system were moved into the planned site in Seonjgu in the south of the country and would be fully operational by the end of this year.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 28/04/2017 (2021 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba is getting $300,000 to fund projects to help celebrate Canadas 150th birthday.

On Friday at the Graffiti Gallery in Winnipeg, Winnipeg South Centre MP and Natural Resources Min. Jim Carr made the funding announcement. The money will support projects ranging from $22,000 for Graffiti Art Programming Inc.s wall to wall mentorship program in the North End to $45,000 for the University of Manitobas Circles for Reconciliation program. In it, groups of 10 people  five indigenous and five non-indigenous  meet once a week for a 75-minute discussion on different themes working toward reconciliation.

Other funding recipients for Canada 150 projects in Manitoba are Altona, Beausejour, Bunibonibee Cree Nation (Oxford House), Gimli, the RMs of North Cypress-Langford, Ritchot, the Great Metis Gathering and the Lieutenant-Governors tree project.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/04/2017 (2020 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There will be a changing of the guard at plastic-packaging manufacturer Winpak Ltd.

The Winnipeg-based company, which held its 2017 annual meeting Thursday in Winnipeg, has announced that long-time president and CEO Bruce Berry will be retiring this summer.

Berry has been with Winpak for 41 years, the past 14 as president and CEO.

Bruce Berry is stepping down as president and CEO of Winpak. Hell be succeeded in August by Olivier Muggli, the companys current vice-president and chief operating officer.

His replacement will be Olivier Muggli, who joined the company six years ago and is currently its vice-president and chief operating officer.

Muggli will take over the companys reins officially Aug. 1. He has held a variety of senior management positions prior to joining Winpak, including vice-president and managing director of Alcans Food Packaging Division.

Winpak has enjoyed many record-breaking years during Berrys tenure as chief executive, and that trend continued in the first quarter of 2017.

He told shareholders the first three months of this year were the best first quarter in Winpaks history. Revenue was up 15.2 per cent from a year earlier  $228.4 million vs. $198.2 million  while net income grew by 7.5 per cent to $28.6 million, or 44 cents per share, from $26.6 million, or 41 cents a share.

That came on the heels of a 5.1 per cent increase in net profit for the entire 2016 fiscal year. Berry noted over the past 10 years, Winpaks net income has grown at a compounded annual rate of 12.3 per cent.

He said stronger sales were the main driver of this years record first-quarter results. Reduced operating expenses and a favourable foreign exchange rate also helped, as did the existence of one additional week in this years quarter. Those positive factors were offset partially by reduced gross-profit margins, high income taxes, and rising raw-material costs.

Berry said the company expects 2017 to be another good year, with sustained sales volume momentum and strong earnings. Capital spending is projected to be down somewhat  to between $55 million and $65 million, from $72 million in 2016.

Winpak operates 10 production plants in Canada, the United States and Mexico, including two in Winnipeg.

murray.mcneill@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/04/2017 (2020 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Winnipeg eyebrow artist hasnt been getting much sleep in the last couple of years, and that likely wont change for some time.

In the little more than two years since Giovanna Minenna moved back to Winnipeg from Toronto, the hard-driving 27-year-old has launched a home-based eyebrow-styling business  Brows by G  grew that into her first storefront salon and successfully launched a national training program for microblading technicians.

Microblading involves using a delicate needle and individual strokes to deposit pigment under the skin of the eyebrows to create the effect of natural, full brows.

DAVID LIPNOWSKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Founder and CEO of Brows by G, Giovanna Minenna at her shop on Grant Avenue.

Shes on the verge of opening a second salon in the city, is exploring other growth options for her highly successful training program, and in a little more than two months shell be off to Germany to represent Manitoba at a three-day international summit for young entrepreneurs.

About 500 entrepreneurs from around the world, including 35 from Canada, are slated to attend the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance Summit from July 14 to 17 in Berlin. Minenna will be Manitobas lone representative.

Not a lot of sleep, is how she summed up the last couple of years during an interview Thursday. But its great. You work hard now and when youre a little older, youll be able to kind of sit back and review what youve done and really enjoy it.

Minenna said shes pumped about attending the summit.

Its going to be great because Im going to make connections that Ill have for the rest of my life.

She also noted one of the summits themes is how digitalization and technology can contribute to an entrepreneurs success.

I think there is going to be a lot of people there who are going to introduce me to new technologies and new concepts that will really help me in my own business, she said.

Minenna said her program for microblading technicians has been a booming success since it launched about 18 months ago. Its offered in nine Canadian cities through partnerships with 12 beauty colleges in Manitoba, Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia. To date, shes helped to train more than 200 aspiring eyebrow artists, and there are opportunities to expand the program to beauty schools in other parts of the country.

Were hoping to do the East Coast and to get into places like Ottawa, Montreal and Vancouver, she said.

If things go well and we can expand into those areas, perhaps later on we can also go to the U.S. or overseas, she said.

Maybe Ill make some contacts when Im in Berlin. Well see what happens.

That kind of passion and drive is one of the reasons Futurpreneur Canada, the organization that sends Canadian delegates to the G20 YEA Summit, invited Minenna to attend the event this year.

We thought she would be a really great candidate because she is good at networking, she could franchise her idea in other countries, and shes going to meet a lot of interesting people, said Joelle Foster, Futurpreneur Canadas director for Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

Futurpreneur Canada is a non-profit organization that provides non-collateral loans, mentorship and other startup services to budding entrepreneurs. It provided all of those things to Minenna when she was transitioning from a home-based business to her first storefront salon at 1682 Grant Ave.

Shes very good at what she does, so we were able to help her fulfil that dream of opening a storefront, Foster said.

The training program isnt the only thing Minenna is keen to grow. Shed like to expand her salon business to other parts of the country. First, she wants to see how things go with the second salon thats scheduled to open at 160 Provencher Blvd. next month.

We want to see how these two (local salons) run, what the numbers look like, and whether we can afford to go elsewhere, she said. Were a very young company, so we dont want to make too many rash moves or move too quickly and extend ourselves too thin.

Foster said thats another reason Futurpreneur thinks Minenna has a bright future.

If you expand too fast you can put yourself out of business. So shes doing it the smart way. Shes opening a second location and making sure its viable and making sure it has positive cash flow before she expands further.

Before returning to the city in January 2015, Minenna worked for more than three years as an eyebrow specialist and makeup artist in the fashion and film industries in Toronto.

One of the reasons she wanted to launch her business here was because at the time, there was no one specializing in microblading.

Manitoba is also so up-and-coming she said. Were booming here and there are so many entrepreneurs working out of Manitoba who are talented artists, clothing designers, bakers, public relations firms and digital media agencies.

Ill never regret this decision, ever, she said.

murray.mcneill@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/04/2017 (2020 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Some Canadian taxpayers are getting caught up in confusing numbers from the Canada Revenue Agency and face stiff penalties for contributing too much to their registered retirement savings plans, statistics and an accountant suggest.

Each year, in response to filing your taxes, the Canada Revenue Agency sends you a notice of assessment that details how the agency processed your tax return and how it potentially corrected any errors you may have made. On the last page of this document is the RRSP room statement, which tells you how much you can contribute for the current year.

The room statement is based on your income and a calculation called the pension adjustment  a number supplied by your employer that reflects the future value of your company pension plan. If you have a generous plan, or have been a member for a long time, that pension adjustment could leave you with a contribution limit of zero.

Ryan Rawluk, a certified public accountant and certified general accountant with Osborne Accounting Group, said he thinks taxpayers are caught in two ways: the room statement is buried on the last page, and it may not be as clear as it should be.

Hed like to see a plain-English sentence on the first page that says, for example, for the current year, you may contribute this much. Or, you have overcontributed and face penalties of this much.

If taxpayers do dig into their assessment, laypeople might confuse an RRSP room statement in parentheses with the amount they can contribute, but instead, numbers in parentheses represent how much over the limit they are, Rawluk said.

I think people get their notices and read the front page, see the information is what they expect, and dont dig further, he said. The penalties can be huge, one per cent of the overcontribution for every month an overcontribution exists.

The government grants a leeway of $2,000, and applies penalties on amounts higher than that. So if youre over by $4,000, one per cent is $40. If youre over for two years, your bill could be $960. Worse, unravelling the situation is a complex affair that can cost $300 or more in accountants fees not including any penalties.

Rawluk said he worries an investment industry fuelled by RRSP sales may be partly to blame, as well. He suggests showing your notice of assessment to your adviser when buying RRSPs.

Marie Tichborne, spokeswoman for the Canada Revenue Agency in Winnipeg, said for 2015, 6.2 million Canadians bought RRSPs. Of those, 306,000 had overcontributed and of those, 122,000 were over by more than $2,000.

Tichborne said the agency will send out revised notices if something in your tax account changes, but said taxpayers can also call the agency at 1-800-959-8281 to speak to a representative to learn their contribution limits.

We recommend that you take steps to verify your RRSP deduction limit immediately before making arrangements to contribute to your RRSP, as the amount may have changed from what is listed on your latest notice of assessment, she said.

The formula for determining RRSP contribution room is 18 per cent of a taxpayers annual income or the legislated maximum for the year, whichever is less. For 2016, the maximum allowed is $25,370. From that, subtract your pension adjustment. If you havent missed previous years contributions, thats your limit.

For example, lets say Bob is up to date on all his previous years contributions. If his income was $70,000, his limit is 18 per cent, or $12,600. If his pension adjustment is $6,000, the most he can contribute that year is $6,600. If he is a member of a generous pension plan, his pension adjustment might be $12,600, leaving no room for RRSP contributions.

Rawluk points out those left with no room are not out of options. Instead of RRSPs, they can park their money in tax-free savings accounts, which can be invested in a variety of ways, from mutual funds to GICs to simple bank accounts.

Taxpayers dont get a deduction for money they put in, but the money grows tax-free, and, because the money was already taxed before it went in, any withdrawals arent subject to tax. With RRSPs, any withdrawals are added to your income for that year, which could generate a hefty tax bill.

Tax-free savings accounts have a yearly maximum contribution of $5,500, but unused contributions dating back to the start of the program are available.

Canadians who have made no contributions to tax-free savings accounts are entitled to invest $52,000, based on past years limits.

kelly.taylor@freepress.mb.ca
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/04/2017 (2020 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Slice through all the rhetoric and posturing in recent weeks and it becomes clear U.S. President Donald Trump wants to turn Canada into Americas dairy dump.

Its no secret American dairy farmers are going through hard times. Whats unclear, however, is how any of that is Canadas fault.

U.S. farmers, along with dairy producers in other exporting countries, are suffering through a 55 per cent drop in global dairy prices since 2014, caused primarily by a worldwide glut of skim milk.

Laura Rance / Winnipeg Free Press Canadian dairy policy has been a recent target of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Consumers are eating more butter after learning that its not so bad after all. That means more demand for dairy products made with butterfat but less for skim milk, which is a necessary byproduct.

Its not as though Canada is flooding the U.S. with cheap or subsidized dairy products. Its quite the contrary.

Canadas dairy industry is focused on the domestic market, and despite high tariffs designed to protect farmers from import competition, producers here have seen a steady rise in imports from other countries.

Various trade deals have gradually lowered those barriers to allow more imports, and changes in milk-processing technology have created products that arent covered by the regulations. For example, imports of milk protein isolates and diafiltered milk from the U.S. more than doubled between 2012 and 2014, according University of Guelph economists Al Mussell and Doug Hedley.

The Canadian dairy industry is dropping its domestic price for these same ingredients, so processors have the option to choose competitively priced local product.

Much has been said about the difference between Canadian and U.S. consumer milk prices, with some economists going so far as to say consumers here are being gouged. What isnt talked about is the fact Canadian farmers get almost all of their income from the marketplace.

The government subsidy is in the form of border protection and regulations that factor cost of production into milk prices.

In the U.S., government subsidizes dairy production using a number of instruments, including its milk marketing orders, which set the minimum price for dairy products, the Milk Price Support Program that keeps market prices artificially high, and the Milk Income Loss Contract, among others, University of Waterloo professor Bruce Muirhead said. These subsidies represent about 40 per cent of U.S. dairy farmer incomes.

U.S. and European taxpayers have also periodically helped pay for slaughtering dairy cows to bring milk supplies back into sync with demand.

One study found that the price of a gallon of milk in the U.S. would increase by 91 per cent in 2015 dollars if the U.S. starts expelling illegal immigrants, as promised by the current administration.

So is American milk really that much cheaper?

Much is said about the high tariff walls protecting Canadas producers from imports. However, only about two per cent of the U.S. dairy market is open to imports, Muirhead said.

While some tout the so-called opportunities Canadian producers are missing out on in the global market, the producers in that market are as often as not selling at below their costs of production. In places such as Europe and the U.S., they count on taxpayer-funded support programs to stay in business. Some opportunity.

Canadas supply management system is controversial and riddled with issues, but it is in full compliance with trade rules.

Trump wants to renegotiate some of those deals under the threat of withdrawal.

That would hurt Canada. But in a newly published paper, Mussell and Hedley say pulling out of NAFTA would hurt the U.S. economy, too. Major U.S. farm groups were in the news last week urging Trump to keep the deal intact.

Canada ships bulk and intermediate commodities to the U.S. and buys back the consumer-ready products.

Of the more than one million jobs associated with U.S. agri-food exports in 2015, almost 297,000  or 30 per cent  can be attributed to exports to NAFTA countries, they write.

Besides, Trump shouldnt be dictating this countrys domestic policy any more than Russia should be meddling in U.S. elections.

Canada should tell Trump  politely or otherwise  to butt out.

Laura Rance is editorial director for Farm Business Communications. She can be reached at laura@fbcpublishing.com or 204-792-4382
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 28/04/2017 (2021 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A young Syrian refugee with a traumatic past and a hostile attitude toward police has ended up with a criminal record at only 12 years old.

The 12-year-old girl, who recently arrived in Winnipeg with her family, was charged with public mischief and assaulting a police officer after she and her younger sister called 911 60 times between July and August last year. They used different cell phones they found, making false reports that were designated as high-priority and wasted polices time, court heard. After the final 911 call on Aug. 24, police responded to the familys home, diverting resources away from investigation of a bomb threat that was happening simultaneously downtown.

When officers arrived, the 12-year-old punched one while he had his back turned, and tried to hit him a second time. She threatened to make false allegations that the police had touched her, and threatened to kill the officers.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

I am going to work for ISIS. I hate you guys, she told police, according to details shared in court during the girls sentencing this week.

She also said in her statement to police that she thought the 911 calls were funny and she would do it again. She spent 21 days in jail at the Manitoba Youth Centre following the charges.

She was sentenced to one year of probation, during which she must complete 75 hours of community service work and write letters of apology to the police officers involved.

The girl spent time in a refugee camp before her family was able to come to Canada and settle in Winnipeg.

We know that (she) and her family went through some particularly difficult things in Syria, said her defence lawyer, Hillarie Tasche, who said the 12-year-old and her sister are now receiving counselling with help from an Arabic translator.

(She) has learned more and more that what she did was wrong and also that saying she wanted to work with ISIS was wrong because they were the very people that were trying to hurt her and her family, her lawyer said, adding the girl has had to overcome cultural differences and a very different relationship with people in uniform.

I hope that she has learned through this process that the police in Canada are there to help us and are not there to hurt us, Tasche said at the hearing, which was translated for the accused.

Provincial court Judge Murray Thompson said the fake 911 calls were no joke and explained the consequences of wrongly diverting emergency resources.

The reason she spent 21 days in jail was because these were very serious charges, he said. Even though shes very young and she had a lot of trauma in her young life, and shes new to this country, she knows that hitting a police officer is wrong.

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @thatkatiemay
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 28/04/2017 (2021 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipegs newcomer community is mourning the loss of a human rights advocate who was among the first to publicly challenge the Eritrean regime that he fled and those enabling the country dubbed the North Korea of Africa.

Ghirmay Yeibio, 61, died Wednesday after a lengthy battle with cancer. He arrived in Canada in 2001 as a privately sponsored refugee, got a job at a gas station, then a bank, then sponsored 115 Eritreans who escaped from the country thats been one of the worlds biggest sources of refugees.

He saved a lot of lives, said Ghezae Hagos, with the Eritrean Canadian Human Rights Group of Manitoba.

JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Ghirmay Yeibio was outspoken against the Eritrean government.

Marty Dolin, a refugee advocate and retired executive director of the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council said Yeibio dedicated his life to helping newcomers while challenging the Eritrean regime and its supporters in Canada: He stood up for his community  he was willing to speak out.

When the Eritrean Community of Winnipeg Inc. invited pro-regime speakers and performers here for fundraising events, Yeibio went to the media. When it started squeezing Eritrean refugees to pay a two per cent diaspora tax, Yeibio spoke out. When the Free Press investigated and reported on it, the organization backed by the Eritrean government staged a protest in front of the newspaper. Any critics of the Eritrean government would be shunned by the local organization  including refugees who risked life and limb escaping Eritrea.

Back in Eritrea, relatives of Yeibio were locked up by the regime for his criticism of the government, and he was asked for thousands of dollars to have them freed. Yeibio called for the Eritrean consulate in Canada to be shut down and its officials deported.

When people were not talking, when people were really, really scared, he was one of the first persons to defy them at the risk of being ostracized and intimidated, Hagos, who works in the resettlement sector, said. He took a great risk in doing that.

A memorial service for Yeibio will take place Tuesday, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Living Gospel Church, 520 William Ave. His funeral will be held Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at Bardal Funeral Home, 843 Sherbrook St.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/04/2017 (2020 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

FORT McMURRAY, Alta.  Here we go again. Canadian softwood lumber exports are once again subject to a United States countervailing duty. In June, an additional anti-dumping duty will be imposed.

The news from Ottawa this week that trade missions are being organized to help build markets in the Asia-Pacific region for Canadian wood products is encouraging. Yet, we are always keenest to diversify when the U.S. causes us trade grief over any commodity.

Unfortunately, weve been all too willing to run back into the welcoming arms of the U.S. as soon as conditions approve. Lets not make that mistake again this time around with softwood.

Attracting new customers for Canadian softwood is possible; recent successes in China provide a road map for doing so. Canada went from sending less than one per cent of total softwood exports to China in 2006 to a high of 21 per cent in 2011. Recently, however, exports to China have been declining while exports to the U.S. are increasing, as its housing sector recovers. Last weeks trade mission to China by the federal trade and finance ministers and softwood sector representatives is an attempt to once again increase exports to that country. Growing market share in the markets outside the U.S. where Canada is already a player (China and Japan) will help Canadian softwood exporters  particularly those in B.C. and Alberta with access to west-coast ports  pivot some exports to Asia to avoid U.S. duties.

There are also markets beyond China with an increasing demand for the lumber. Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, for example, have booming packaging and furniture sectors that use softwood. Our competitors, including Chile and New Zealand, are way ahead of us in aggressively targeting those markets. There is no reason Canada cannot also compete there; we already hold a majority market share in the Philippines.

Expanding our customer base obviously makes us less reliant on the U.S. It also gives us more leverage with the U.S. when we sit down to negotiate a new softwood lumber agreement, or push for softwood to be included in NAFTA. The U.S. does not have enough domestic softwood production to meet demand; it relies on imports to fill the gap, with 96 per cent of those coming from Canada. It has always been our No. 1 softwood customer, so when duties are imposed, exporters have had little choice but to pay the extra charges, or go out of business. This time, our customer base for softwood is more diverse than the last time the U.S. slapped duties on our lumber in the early 2000s. But even better than two strong customers outside the U.S. would be five, or 10.

The downside to market diversification is that it takes time, and Canadian softwood exports are facing extra charges on their shipments into the U.S. right now. There are a couple of other lines of defence that Canada can pursue in the more immediate term: appeal the latest duties and work with our allies within the U.S. put a spotlight on the impact softwood duties will have on American consumers.

Ottawa has already signalled its intent to litigate this most recent round of export taxes, and history is on our side. Since the 1980s, Canada has won every appeal of U.S. duties we have made to NAFTA tribunals and the World Trade Organization. But this also takes time; the appeal process will drag on for at least two years. In the meantime, Canadian companies exporting lumber to the U.S. must pay the duties.

Our best hope for a quick resolution is to get the Trump administration on side. At first glance, this may seem like a pipe dream, but softwood duties have noticeable economic impacts on both sides of the border. Canada should be working with our natural allies south of the border  such as homebuilders and lumber retailers  to reiterate that message.

In the U.S., it is the consumer who will be hardest hit  the family that can no longer afford to buy a new home, and workers in construction, real estate and mattress bed-frame manufacturing who will face job and wage losses as the dispute runs on. Canadian softwood plays a role in U.S. economic growth, and restricting its import through duties will hurt the very people who voted Donald Trump into office the most.

We have only just begun the latest softwood battle, but Canada has multiple weapons to use in the fight. Victory will only be achieved if we use them all.

Naomi Christensen is the senior policy analyst at the Canada West Foundation.

 Troy Media
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/04/2017 (2020 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Welcome to the 100th day of the Donald Trump presidency.

Its a moment for the world to reflect on what Mr. Trump has  and has not  accomplished, although Canadians have a slightly different perspective on this landmark moment.

For the first 88 days of the Trump administration, Canadians were able to relax and enjoy the show.

Pablo Martinez Monsivais / The Associated Press files U.S. President Donald Trump

Weve all had the luxury of raising our eyebrows at Mr. Trumps trademark volatility and laughing as Alec Baldwin parodied the presidents unpredictable antics on Saturday Night Live.

During the past two weeks, however, things have changed. In the past 12 days, Mr. Trump has turned his angry eyes northward, making Canada his No. 1 target for criticism on trade.

From Day 1, Canadians were interested spectators as Mr. Trump vented his wrath against China and Mexico. But its harder to enjoy the show when, against your will, youre dragged onto centre stage by a ringmaster with a weak grasp of the issues and a penchant for blaming foreign governments for his own countrys economic ills.

For Canada, its much like spending all of Grade 8 trying not to draw the attention of the schoolyard bully, only to have him grab you two weeks before graduation and demand your lunch money. Youre left with an obvious but inevitably painful choice: is it better to take a swing, knowing that by striking back, youll either shock the bully into backing down or invite an even worse beating on yourself, or do you absorb the lunch-money loss in the hope that the bully will soon be distracted by the opportunity to pick on someone else?

As a former teacher, Justin Trudeau no doubt had to respond to bullies while on recess duty. But now as the countrys prime minister, the stakes are much higher, and his tactical responses may very well determine whether Canada has just had a bad fortnight or if this countrys next 100 days are about to become as problematic as Mr. Trumps first 100.

Mr. Trumps anti-Canada rants began last week in cheese-rich Wisconsin, where he laid into Canadian dairy. In Canada, some very unfair things have happened to our dairy farmers, Mr. Trump declared. Its another typical one-sided deal against the United States.

Earlier this week, after slapping tariffs of up to 24 per cent on imports of Canadian softwood lumber, the president doubled down on dairy by tweeting: Canada has made business for our dairy farmers in Wisconsin and other border states very difficult. We will not stand for this. Watch!

The White House then floated a trial balloon about Mr. Trump drafting an executive order to pull out of the North American Free Trade Agreement, even though dairy and lumber are not covered under the current NAFTA. That trial balloon was popped quickly when Mr. Trump declared it was better to negotiate a new accord  at least for now.

When you consider Mr. Trump has also warned Canadas energy sector could also be on the table, this sudden flurry of complaints is enough to make heads spin on this side of the border.

Fortunately, Canadians are used to such blistering blather from our neighbours to the south.

In 1999, the animated film South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut featured an Oscar-nominated song titled Blame Canada, wherein the cartoon parents of the fictional U.S. town sang, We must blame them and cause a fuss / Before somebody thinks of blaming us!

It seems Mr. Trump is singing from the same hymn book.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 28/04/2017 (2021 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I recently returned from a holiday in the former Soviet republic of Georgia. If you are comfortable with a longer-than-usual plane ride, I highly recommend you visit.

Georgia is located south of the Russian Caucasus Mountains, west of the Black Sea, east of Azerbaijan, and north of Turkey and Armenia. Geographically, it sounds like a dangerous place to visit, but Georgia, including its capital, Tbilisi, is one of the safest destinations I have been to in my two decades of world travel.

Georgias complicated history means the country has a fascinating heritage of architecture and arts, from ancient Orthodox cathedrals (that are still in use) to cave cities (that are no longer in use, thanks to the Mongols).

Kari Hasselriis Tbilisi, Georgia, is a unique blend of the Eurasian influences, such as the tiny cobbled streets with Persian balconies .

It is a unique blend of the Eurasian influences, such as the tiny cobbled streets with Persian balconies and wide, European-styled grand boulevards that also incorporate Soviet minimalism. The country claims to be the birthplace of wine and therefore you can experience her many vineyards and valleys, as well as the coastal haunts around the Black Sea and the soaring beauty of the Georgian Caucasus once you need a break from city life.

The people of Georgia are warm, generous, and patient. There are not many English speakers but any traveller will not be too inconvenienced by this. If you speak Russian (as I do), you are in luck as Russian is widely spoken.

Tbilisi is a city full of beautiful parks, amazing landscapes, and incredible buildings. Old Town is especially beautiful with its old homes, many of which are in serious disrepair. This urban decay is quite something to behold. You can get up and down the hills of Tbilisi via funicular or cable car. Once at the top, you can enjoy the view from the fourth century Narikala Fortress, walk past the Soviet-built Mother Georgia statue, and finish your urban hike at the amusement park located atop Mount Mtatsminda.

Modern architecture abounds, too, with its spectacular, contemporary buildings.

There is also a lot to explore outside of Tbilisi. We hired a private driver (which sounds luxe but it is quite usual) for three days to take us to the eastern Kakheti wine region and surrounding sites, to the northern Kazbegi region in the Caucasus, and also to Gori and her surrounding sites. I wanted to go to Gori in particular because of its museum to its (in)famous son  Josef Stalin. This museum is now described as a museum within a museum as the content has remained basically unchanged over the years.

Georgia is safe, uncomplicated, friendly, and affordable. You should go.

Kari Hasselriis is an equine enthusiast who lives in St. Francois Xavier. Email her at kari@eighthorses.ca
MIAMI (AP)  The organizers of a much-hyped music festival in the Bahamas have been forced to cancel the weekend event at the last minute.

Fyre Festival organizers announced the cancellation of the "once-in-a-lifetime" concert on Twitter and their website after many fans had already arrived. People complained of spending thousands of dollars on tickets and travel to the Exuma islands in the Bahamas for what were supposed to be performances by Blink-182 and others.

Event organizers blamed "unforeseen and extenuating circumstances" in a Twitter post Friday. They said they were working to arrange flights to Miami for those who had already arrived in Exuma and said inbound flights had been canceled.

Fyre Festival had promised "culinary delights and luxury" over two weekends. Attendees complained about disorganization and accommodations in social media posts.

Some highlights from those sharing their experiences on social media:

For more details and photos, check out Twitter user @WNFIV's live Tweets from the event.
The ninth annual Nurses Run-Walk-Roll 5K Challenge hosted by the nurses of Beaver Dam Community Hospital is set for May 20 during National Nurses Week.

Registration fees will be used to benefit the Blue Zones Project in Dodge County.

The run, held rain or shine, will begin at 8 a.m. near the front entrance of the hospital, 707 S. University Ave., Beaver Dam. The 3.2-mile course loops back to the finish line at the front of the hospital near the pond, where participants can enjoy the grounds and complimentary refreshments.

Everyone is welcome, regardless of age or physical condition. Strollers and wheelchairs will be allowed, but bikes, roller blades, heelies, skateboards and pets are prohibited.

Registration for adults is $30, with registration beginning at 7 a.m.

Race fees benefit the Blue Zones Project. T-shirts for day-of-race registrants will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The races top award goes to the First Nurse to finish and awards will be given to the top three overall male and female runners, the youngest participant (riding doesnt count), and the wisest participant.

For more information, contact Desiree Mueller at dmueller@bdch.org or call 887-4869. Registration can be completed online through May 17 at racemine.com/BDCH-Foundation-Inc and a race form can also be downloaded at bdch.com/nursesrun.
SAN DIEGO (TNS)  Competition to build President Donald Trumps border wall is underway, with 467 companies nationwide submitting bids and designs to construct what was a centerpiece promise of Trumps campaign.

Fencing and barriers are nothing new along the U.S.-Mexico border. For nearly 30 years, fencing made from landing mats, steel mesh and concrete-filled steel bollards have been erected along nearly 700 miles of the border.

Much of that was constructed between 2007 and 2015, when the government spent an estimated $2.5 billion on border fencing projects. The work was done in populated border areas, including San Diego, and along desert mesas and in small towns in Arizona and Texas.

Much remains unknown about Trumps wall, like what it would look like, how much it would cost, and how much more of the 2,000-mile Southwest border it would cover.

Yet a look back at some of the fencing projects undertaken during the border building boom and what has happened since they were completed can give a sense of what may be in store for border residents if the wall is constructed.

From Smugglers Gulch in San Diego, which was filled in with nearly 2 million cubic yards of dirt to form a massive berm after a yearslong legal battle, to the Lower Rio Grande area of Texas, border barriers and fencing have helped reduce the number of people entering the United States illegally.

And they have also left a mark on the landscape that critics said have led to other problems such as flooding and erosion.

Its not just build the wall and forget about it, said Oscar Romo, a researcher with UC San Diego who coordinated the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserves coastal training program for about a decade. There are consequences, and we are paying for some of those consequences.

Smugglers Gulch

In July 2009, a group of jubilant federal officials gathered in Smugglers Gulch for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony atop a giant earthen berm.

It marked the completion, in less than a year, of a border construction and fencing project that sealed off what had for decades been a prime route for smugglers and unauthorized immigrants.

Contractors scraped about 1.5 million cubic yards of dirt from two mesas bordering the canyon, constructing a berm more than 100 feet high. They also added a second layer of steel mesh fencing, augmenting an existing fence, and constructed a road for U.S. Border Patrol vehicles at a cost of $48.6 million.

The Smugglers Gulch work was one of the more expensive stretches of fencing constructed on the border, costing about $16 million per mile. And one of the most controversial.

The project faced stiff opposition, including a 2004 lawsuit filed by the Sierra Club, San Diego Audubon Society and other environmental groups. They contended the project would add large amounts of sediment and damage to the nearby Tijuana River Estuary.

But in 2005, Congress passed legislation that allowed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to waive all laws  state, local and federal  that could impede the construction of border fencing projects.

After the ribbon cutting ceremony, contractors and some of the federal officials left. But the controversy did not.

In the fall of 2009, critics complained that the government had botched a critical aspect of the work  reseeding the barren dirt slopes with vegetation to control erosion and runoff.

The then-leader of the California Coastal Commission fired off a letter in October saying the re-vegetation plan had failed miserably, largely because after seeding the slopes the federal government had not irrigated them properly.

Congresswoman Susan Davis, D-San Diego, also wrote a letter, as did the manager of the estuary reserve, expressing concern that the bare slopes would increase sediment flowing to the estuary. Storms the previous winter, when construction was underway, flooded the river valley and left behind what residents said was an unusual amount of mud.

In response, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said they were following a proper plan to revegetate the slopes and care for the environment.

Today, the berm slope is thick with vegetation, covering more than 70 percent of the area, said Mark Endicott, supervisory Border Patrol agent for the San Diego Sector.

The work was done over the past five years in conjunction with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service as well as the San Diego County and California parks departments.

The plants have lessened the amount of sediment flowing into the estuary, Endicott said. Erosion pins that measure slope stability showed an average change in the height of the soil of 0.5 centimeters in 2014 to 2015, then 0.1 centimeters the following year.

The successful revegetation of the area has resulted in little to no sedimentation into the estuary as a result of the fence project, Endicott said.

Romo, who has worked in the valley for three decades, said other problems have occurred since the fence was built.

A concrete culvert constructed at the base of the berm now captures water from Mexico and the U.S. and funnels it into a channel. Romo said the culvert has increased the velocity of the water flowing into the channel, with damaging effect. The channel is eroding quickly, and more importantly the increased speed of the water is pushing the trash and sediment farther into the estuary than before.

Trash is now building up in parts of the reserve where it was not before, Romo said. Hauling the trash out of the environmentally sensitive estuary will be tedious and difficult, but eventually it will have to be done, he said.

They modified the topography and created additional problems, Romo said. The urgency to build  because of a congressional mandate in 2006 to construct at least 700 miles of fencing and barriers to make it harder for people to enter the U.S. illegally from Mexico  created problems.

By doing this in a rush, said Romo as he stood in front of the massive culvert where the river flows into the canyon, they did not mitigate this well.

But the fence has achieved its main purpose  to help reduce the number of unauthorized immigrants entering the U.S., Endicott said.

The number of apprehensions in the San Diego Sector has dropped significantly, from 118,721 in 2009 when the fencing was complete to 31,891 last year.

That drop tracks an overall decline in apprehensions across the Southwest border that has been trending down for a decade, before beginning to tick up slightly in 2015.

Organ Pipe in Arizona

Around the time that work on Smugglers Gulch was starting, another section of fence was being constructed to the east in Arizona.

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument lies next to the international border, about two hours west of Tucson. In early 2008, the government built 5.2 miles of steel mesh fencing there. Activists and monument land managers said at the time they were concerned that the design would block the flow of water across the border, possibly causing floods.

But the Homeland Security Department went ahead with the $21.3 million project built by Omaha, Neb., company Kiewit. The same company built the Smugglers Gulch project.

A storm in July 2008 dumped about 2 inches of rain in less than 90 minutes around the border crossing town of Lukeville. The fence, even with wide iron grates at the base to allow water to flow through, essentially acted like a dam. Debris stuck against the bottom, blocking the water flow and causing flooding to the nearby port of entry as well as at businesses in Lukeville.

One company unsuccessfully sued the government for $6 million for flood damage and property loss. In the aftermath, the government installed a series of gates in the fence near Lukeville that would be lifted in times of flooding to allow water to pass through.

Then, in August 2011, another summertime storm hit  but the gates didnt work as planned. Debris again built up at the base of the fence causing not only flooding but also knocking over a 40-foot-long section of the fence.

Randy Serraglio, Southwest conservation advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity, said the problem at Organ Pipe stemmed from the Department of Homeland Security not listening to local land managers at the monument site and area landowners who warned about the flooding dangers.

They were told by the land manager at Organ Pipe it was not a good location to put up the infrastructure they were trying to build there, Serraglio said. They just really rushed forward blindly with construction.

There has been no reported flooding in the area for several years. Border agents now routinely go on patrol and clear debris from the base of the fence, Serraglio said.

Lessons learned

Trumps proposal for a wall is moving quickly but also hitting resistance. Customs and Border Protection is reviewing bids and hopes to select by June up to 20 companies to construct prototypes in San Diego.

In testimony this month before Congress, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said a solid border wall would not be built from sea to shining sea. Instead, he said, the department would build a wall where agents and immigration enforcement officials say one is needed.

Those who are concerned about more fencing along the border welcome such comments. DHS should take away from what happened at Organ Pipe that there are some places where you should not build a border wall. Period, Serraglio said.

The pressure to begin construction though is troubling to some. Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina, who is also the executive director of the environmental group Wildcoast, which opposed the Smugglers Gulch project, said the rush to build and not weighing thoroughly what the potential problems are is the wrong course.

That is what I get concerned about, in this rush to build a wall, Dedina said. We are talking about some of the most remote parts of the country. Its simplistic to think you can plan this kind of a fence project without thinking through the engineering and earthworks that will be needed in some areas.

The federal government spent $2.5 billion to build nearly 700 miles of fencing. Estimates for the wall Trump wants to build vary widely, from a $21 billion Homeland Security Department estimate to $38 billion in an MIT study.

In a March 28 letter to Acting Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan, U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., wrote that the Homeland Security budget request for the coming year calls for $2.6 billion to build less than 75 miles of fence.

McCaskill said the figures came from a briefing CBP officials gave to members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

She pointed out the $2.6 billion request works out to a cost of $36.6 million per mile, or a total cost for the borders 1,827 miles of $66.9 billion.

The per-mile estimate is more than twice the per-mile cost for the Smugglers Gulch project eight years ago.
The chief justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court is blaming tough talk by critics for diminishing the courts reputation with the public. Chief Justice Pat Roggensack faults the press, advocacy groups, former judges, lawmakers and some of her colleagues for caustic language she says is undermining the institutional legitimacy of our courts. Speech has consequences, Roggensack said during a lecture at Marquette Law School last month. She cited examples of critics calling the court a political machine thats rigged and corrupt. Roggensack is right that words matter. And we respect her call for more civility, both on and off the bench. This is, after all, the same high court in which former Justice David Prosser put his hands around the neck of a fellow justice during an argument in 2011. But Roggensack ignores the biggest reason her court has lost so much respect: Nasty and expensive statewide judicial elections are tarnishing the reputations of the candidates and the high court they seek to join. Most candidates run attack ads against their opponents while courting special-interest money and support. Making matters worse, the high court refused last week to insulate itself from the conflicts of interest large campaign donations pose. A lot of those donors eventually come before the court seeking favorable decisions. Thats why 54 retired judges petitioned the court recently to adopt clear rules on when justices should recuse themselves from cases. The retired judges suggested a $10,000 donation to a Supreme Court campaign should require a justice to step away from any case involving the donor. Smaller thresholds would exist for appellate, circuit and municipal judges. The appearance of partiality that large campaign donations cause strikes at the heart of the judicial function, which depends on the publics respect for its judgments, the groups petition correctly noted. A majority on Roggensacks conservative-leaning Supreme Court last week refused to even hold a public hearing on the issue. Justice Daniel Kelly said adopting the rules would tell judges throughout the state that their personal judgment cant be trusted. Thats caustic and inappropriate, he contended. What the rules would really do is tell judges across Wisconsin that the state has high standards for integrity and fairness. A strong recusal requirement also would take away some of the incentive special interests have for showering judicial campaigns with money. To her credit, Roggensack recently urged lawmakers not to put the states judicial watchdog panel under the control of the high court, as Gov. Scott Walker proposed. Doing so would create conflicts of interest, the chief justice correctly noted. Roggensack should similarly acknowledge that large campaign donations pose obvious conflicts, and she should rein in the most glaring examples. That would do a lot more to improve the courts reputation than complaining about negative comments in the newspaper.

The chief justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court is blaming tough talk by critics for diminishing the courts reputation with the public. Chief Justice Pat Roggensack faults the press, advocacy groups, former judges, lawmakers and some of her colleagues for caustic language she says is undermining the institutional legitimacy of our courts. Speech has consequences, Roggensack said during a lecture at Marquette Law School last month. She cited examples of critics calling the court a political machine thats rigged and corrupt. Roggensack is right that words matter. And we respect her call for more civility, both on and off the bench. This is, after all, the same high court in which former Justice David Prosser put his hands around the neck of a fellow justice during an argument in 2011. But Roggensack ignores the biggest reason her court has lost so much respect: Nasty and expensive statewide judicial elections are tarnishing the reputations of the candidates and the high court they seek to join. Most candidates run attack ads against their opponents while courting special-interest money and support. Making matters worse, the high court refused last week to insulate itself from the conflicts of interest large campaign donations pose. A lot of those donors eventually come before the court seeking favorable decisions. Thats why 54 retired judges petitioned the court recently to adopt clear rules on when justices should recuse themselves from cases. The retired judges suggested a $10,000 donation to a Supreme Court campaign should require a justice to step away from any case involving the donor. Smaller thresholds would exist for appellate, circuit and municipal judges. The appearance of partiality that large campaign donations cause strikes at the heart of the judicial function, which depends on the publics respect for its judgments, the groups petition correctly noted. A majority on Roggensacks conservative-leaning Supreme Court last week refused to even hold a public hearing on the issue. Justice Daniel Kelly said adopting the rules would tell judges throughout the state that their personal judgment cant be trusted. Thats caustic and inappropriate, he contended. What the rules would really do is tell judges across Wisconsin that the state has high standards for integrity and fairness. A strong recusal requirement also would take away some of the incentive special interests have for showering judicial campaigns with money. To her credit, Roggensack recently urged lawmakers not to put the states judicial watchdog panel under the control of the high court, as Gov. Scott Walker proposed. Doing so would create conflicts of interest, the chief justice correctly noted. Roggensack should similarly acknowledge that large campaign donations pose obvious conflicts, and she should rein in the most glaring examples. That would do a lot more to improve the courts reputation than complaining about negative comments in the newspaper.

The chief justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court is blaming tough talk by critics for diminishing the courts reputation with the public.

Chief Justice Pat Roggensack faults the press, advocacy groups, former judges, lawmakers and some of her colleagues for caustic language she says is undermining the institutional legitimacy of our courts.

Speech has consequences, Roggensack said during a lecture at Marquette Law School last month. She cited examples of critics calling the court a political machine thats rigged and corrupt.

Roggensack is right that words matter. And we respect her call for more civility, both on and off the bench. This is, after all, the same high court in which former Justice David Prosser put his hands around the neck of a fellow justice during an argument in 2011.

But Roggensack ignores the biggest reason her court has lost so much respect: Nasty and expensive statewide judicial elections are tarnishing the reputations of the candidates and the high court they seek to join. Most candidates run attack ads against their opponents while courting special-interest money and support.

Making matters worse, the high court refused last week to insulate itself from the conflicts of interest large campaign donations pose. A lot of those donors eventually come before the court seeking favorable decisions.

Thats why 54 retired judges petitioned the court recently to adopt clear rules on when justices should recuse themselves from cases. The retired judges suggested a $10,000 donation to a Supreme Court campaign should require a justice to step away from any case involving the donor. Smaller thresholds would exist for appellate, circuit and municipal judges.

The appearance of partiality that large campaign donations cause strikes at the heart of the judicial function, which depends on the publics respect for its judgments, the groups petition correctly noted.

A majority on Roggensacks conservative-leaning Supreme Court last week refused to even hold a public hearing on the issue. Justice Daniel Kelly said adopting the rules would tell judges throughout the state that their personal judgment cant be trusted.

Thats caustic and inappropriate, he contended.

What the rules would really do is tell judges across Wisconsin that the state has high standards for integrity and fairness. A strong recusal requirement also would take away some of the incentive special interests have for showering judicial campaigns with money.

To her credit, Roggensack recently urged lawmakers not to put the states judicial watchdog panel under the control of the high court, as Gov. Scott Walker proposed. Doing so would create conflicts of interest, the chief justice correctly noted.

Roggensack should similarly acknowledge that large campaign donations pose obvious conflicts, and she should rein in the most glaring examples. That would do a lot more to improve the courts reputation than complaining about negative comments in the newspaper.
Growing up with undiagnosed autism, Temple Grandin learned to improvise, but she also learned basic table manners and how to greet people with a handshake.

Its the 50s method of parenting, and I call it teachable moments, Grandin told a packed Kalahari Resort ballroom Friday morning, as the keynote speaker at the Autism Society of Wisconsins 28th annual conference. The dining room may have four or five of these teachable moments.

Such teachable moments are crucial to a childs mental development, Grandin told the gathering of approximately 1,000 health professionals, educators, parents, advocates and supporters of children and adults on the autism spectrum, all attending the three-day conference in Wisconsin Dells.

Providing sufficient, understandable instructions also is important, she told the audience at the beginning of her 90-miute appearance.

Weve got to make sure we dont deprive kids of instructions. We give instructions instead of screaming no, she said. The other thing: Talk slowly.

Taking a simple yet creative, persistent and human-interactive approach to life was the overarching theme of Grandins talk the morning of the conferences second day.

The conferences goal, like the goal of the states leading autism advocacy organization itself, is to provide a range of strategies, tools and resources to those affected by autism in Wisconsin, with the goal of ensuring individuals and families living with autism are able to maximize their quality of life, treated with the highest level of dignity and live in a society in which their talents and skills are appreciated and valued.

In addition to Grandins appearance and a symposium Saturday featuring three Wisconsin adults sharing their experiences with living on the autism spectrum, the conference featured numerous breakout sessions covering life as and living with someone on the autism spectrum and everything that entails.

The sessions ranged from Sensory Overload vs. Behavioral Tantrums to Top Five Strategies for Parents Raising Siblings of Children with Autism and The Dating Game: The Unwritten Scripts of Romantic Relationships. to Middle School: The Best Years of My Life.

As much as anyone, Grandin, 69, embodies the wide-ranging possibilities of a life on the spectrum, as living with autism is sometimes called.

Named to Time magazines Time 100 in 2010, she has authored numerous books about living the autism, has appeared on television and radio across the U.S. and beyond, and she was the subject of an 2010, Emmy-winning movie starring Claire Danes.,

Grandin also was once the subject of a documentary titled The Woman Who Thinks Like a Cow, and the title speaks to her other life, in which she has made profound contributions to the meat industry and its handling of livestock. She pioneered the improvement of the chute that leads cattle to slaughter and also developed the first measurement system for the meat-packing process.

Her speech in the Kalahari ballroom touched on all of these topics, with her presentation alternating between slides about the influence of such non-traditional thinkers as Thomas Edison and Steven Spielberg and the original drawing of the cattle shoot she invented.

Her advice about successfully functioning in an ever-changing world included developing a work ethic early in life, embracing diversity of thought and experience and learning to create work-arounds and finding a back door to solutions when presented with challenges.

Keeping it simple and sticking with the basics  like writing things down  was the common theme.

Theyre trying to make these kids do everything in their head. If I hadnt been able to write something down, I would have gone absolutely nowhere, she said. Dont burden the kid with long strings of verbal instruction. Let them write it down as a list. Its called a work-around, and its a simple combination.
The Coulee Council on Addictions, which during almost five decades has helped thousands of people reach and maintain sobriety, has a strategic plan to move into its own recovery during its 50th anniversary next year.

Thats the target date for the council, which has been headquartered in an increasingly dilapidated building since 1979, to enter the next 50 years in a new building to be christened The Coulee Recovery Center.

Council officials will launch a $2.9 million capital campaign to build the facility during its fourth annual spring brunch, Voices for Recovery, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today in The Waterfronts Cargill Room.

The need has been discussed for a few years, in regards to the old building needing repairs, and it costs a lot for maintenance, said Cheryl Hancock, who became executive director of the council in August 2015.

Repairs to the 6,000-square-foot converted house sometimes hamstring Coulee Council, such as the recent 10-day stint during which plumbing problems forced it to close and suspending its programs

In the interim, the more than 50 independent support groups the council allows to meet there monthly had nowhere to go, and the organizations meals, programs and other services were left in limbo.

Building deteriorates, projects poor image

The building at 921 West Ave. S. has little curb appeal and hardly presents an inspiring face to people trying to set aright troubled lives. The deteriorating building better reflects the scarred image of people who have taken to self-medication than the pride of mission Coulee Council feels in helping put such lives in order.

The house consists of a large meeting room and rooms converted into offices on the first floor, with a tiny rudimentary kitchen, a dining room/gathering space and recreation area down a staircase that defies accessibility.

Parking is negligible  just 10 parking spots behind the building. Patrons attending evening meetings that routinely draw 30 to 50 people must fan out in search of parking on neighborhood streets. That is especially inconvenient during the winter, when snow and ice make the shortcut through the alley to the back door a perilous route.

The board had the foresight in 2015 to develop a strategic plan  including bringing its financial house in order to make changes and get on a solid financial footing to begin planning for a new building, said Hancock, who also is a member of the Holmen School Board.

One aspect of the planning has been the need to remove the stigma attached to recovery, with an awareness that enough people are affected by substance abuse, she said.

Marketing students: Your name has stigma

The council enlisted marketing students from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse to do research and create a plan to remove the stigma, as well as create a new brand for the council.

The funny thing is they came back and said, Your name has a stigma, Hancock said, shaking her head as if to marvel at the practicality of the observation.

Thus the new name: The Coulee Recovery Center, to be emblazoned on the center, the location of which hasnt been determined, Hancock said.

The location checklist includes being in central La Crosse, being on a bus route and having adequate parking, she said.

The organization began in 1968, when people concerned about alcohol abuse  including G. Heileman Brewing Co. President Roy Kumm  formed the West Central Council on Alcoholism, she said.

Kumm had enough foresight, she said. I wonder what he would think about it now.

Eventually changing its name from the alcoholism council to its current moniker to acknowledge the increasing specter of addictive drugs, the council has helped thousands of people during its nearly five decades  calculating 34,000 interactions with people, some of which were repeats, last year alone, Hancock said.

The facility, which offers meals several times a week, has outreach initiatives in four main areas: crisis and early intervention, recovery support services, education and prevention, and collaboration and advocacy.

Last year it helped almost 700 people in crisis situations while responding to 491 crisis calls, both by phone and in person. It provided 186 assessments for alcohol and other drug abuse and facilitated more than a dozen teen intervention sessions.

When Dr. Tom Thompson, who co-chairs the capital campaign with Dan Radtke, was president of Coulee Council, he moved the mission from its focus solely on individuals to individuals and families, Hancock said.

And numerous studies have shown recovery must include the mind, spirit and body, Hancock added.

The spirit can be different for everyone  whether it involves a higher power or whatever, she said.

We provide the recreation component, an outdoor component (with activities and cookouts behind the facility) and the component to help people find resources and services, said Hancock, who was attracted to the executive director position because of the councils mission.

I liked the executive director position because of the idea of building teams to help people recover, she said, adding, I have a very personal reason, too.

Daughters death provides personal incentive

Hancocks daughter, Jessica Lichtie, who struggled with substance abuse disorder and had the dual diagnosis of bipolar disorder, died as a result of her mental illness and addiction at the age of 38 in December, Hancock said, tearing up and speaking haltingly as she struggled to compose herself.

I had a lot of hope we could help her, said Hancock, whose previous positions included being executive director of the Scenic Bluffs Chapter of the American Red Cross.

When people ask how she was able to go back to work after the tragedy, she answers, A doctor doesnt quit just because a patient dies.

Hancocks sense of purpose and allegiance to the councils mission  plus the support of friends, board members and clients  bolster her resolve, she said.

The councils funding comes from a La Crosse County grant that is used mostly for programs, an allotment from Great Rivers United Way, and foundations, private donations and fees.

The bulk is relying on the public, the generosity of the La Crosse community, Hancock said.

The design for the new one-story center includes a 13,000-square-foot facility that is accessible to all, with a private waiting area for counseling services, flexible multi-purpose rooms for education and support group meetings, a kitchen that allows efficient food storage and preparation, a resource center and library, a drop-in center, a meditation and contemplation area, a childrens play area, and office space for other nonprofits to meet with and assist recovery center patrons.

We reached out to referrals  not just people who use it, but those who refer people to learn their ideas about what is needed, Hancock said. We are sticking to our mission  there are so many needs.
Community Bank System, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Community Bank, N.A. that provides various banking and other financial services to retail, commercial, and municipal customers. It operates through three segments: Banking, Employee Benefit Services, and All Other. The company offers various deposits products, such as checking, savings, and money market deposit accounts, as well as time deposits. It also provides loans, including consumer mortgages; general purpose commercial and industrial loans, and mortgages on commercial properties; paycheck protection program loans; installment loans that are originated through selected dealerships and are secured by automobiles, marine, and other recreational vehicles; personal installment loans and lines of credit for consumers; and home equity products. In addition, the company offers broker-dealer and investment advisory; cash management, investment, and treasury services; asset management; and employee benefit services, as well as operates as a full-service insurance agency that offers personal and commercial lines of insurance, and other risk management products and services. Further, it provides contribution plan administration, employee benefit trust, collective investment fund, retirement plan administration, fund administration, transfer agency, actuarial and benefit consulting, VEBA/HRA, and health and welfare consulting services. Additionally, the company offers wealth management, retirement planning, higher educational planning, fiduciary, risk management, trust, and personal financial planning services; and investment alternatives, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and advisory products, as well as master recordkeeping services. As of January 24, 2022, it operated approximately 215 customer facilities across Upstate New York, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Western Massachusetts. Community Bank System, Inc. was founded in 1866 and is headquartered in DeWitt, New York.
IDEX Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides applied solutions worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Fluid & Metering Technologies (FMT), Health & Science Technologies (HST), and Fire & Safety/Diversified Products (FSDP). The FMT segment designs, produces, and distributes positive displacement pumps, small volume provers, flow meters, injectors, and other fluid-handling pump modules and systems, as well as offers flow monitoring and other services for the food, chemical, general industrial, water and wastewater, agricultural, and energy industries. The HST segment designs, produces, and distributes precision fluidics, rotary lobe pumps, centrifugal and positive displacement pumps, roll compaction and drying systems, pneumatic components and sealing solutions, high performance molded and extruded sealing components, custom mechanical and shaft seals, engineered hygienic mixers and valves, biocompatible medical devices and implantables, air compressors and blowers, optical components and coatings, laboratory and commercial equipment, precision photonic solutions, and precision gear and peristaltic pump technologies. This segment serves food and beverage, pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical, cosmetics, marine, chemical, wastewater and water treatment, life sciences, research, and defense markets. The FSDP segment designs, produces, and distributes firefighting pumps, valves and controls, rescue tools, lifting bags, and other components and systems for the fire and rescue industry; engineered stainless steel banding and clamping devices for various industrial and commercial applications; and precision equipment for dispensing, metering, and mixing colorants and paints used in retail and commercial businesses. IDEX Corporation was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois.
A gathering late Friday afternoon at Green Island Park honored people who have lost their lives on the job.

Bureau of Labor Statistics data show an average of 13 American workers a day die of workplace injuries. In 2015, more than 4,800 workers were killed on the job. Each year, between 50,000 and 60,000 workers die from occupational diseases caused by exposures to toxic chemicals and other health hazards, such as silica and beryllium.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that 104 workers were killed in Wisconsin in 2015, and many more suffered from preventable, occupational diseases.

Workplace safety should be a right for every worker, and we will fiercely fight for workplace protections for all, said Phil Neuenfeldt, president of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, in a Workers Memorial Day statement.

As a nation, we must stop putting profits and politics over the safety and health of workers, too many of which continue to suffer injuries and even death on the job, said Stephanie Bloomingdale, secretary-treasurer of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO.
AmerisourceBergen Corporation sources and distributes pharmaceutical products in the United States and internationally. Its Pharmaceutical Distribution segment distributes brand-name and generic pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter healthcare products, home healthcare supplies and equipment, and related services to various healthcare providers, including acute care hospitals and health systems, independent and chain retail pharmacies, mail order pharmacies, medical clinics, long-term care and alternate site pharmacies, and other customers. It also provides pharmacy management, staffing, and other consulting services; supply management software to retail and institutional healthcare providers; and packaging solutions to various institutional and retail healthcare providers. In addition, this segment distributes plasma and other blood products, injectable pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and other specialty products; provides other services primarily to physicians who specialize in various disease states, primarily oncology, as well as to other healthcare providers, including hospitals and dialysis clinics; and offers data analytics, outcomes research, and additional services for biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturers. The company's Other segment provides integrated manufacturer services, such as clinical trial support, product post-approval, and commercialization support; specialty transportation and logistics services for the biopharmaceutical industry; and sells pharmaceuticals, vaccines, parasiticides, diagnostics, micro feed ingredients, and various other products to customers in the companion animal and production animal markets, as well as demand-creating sales force services to manufacturers. AmerisourceBergen Corporation was incorporated in 2001 and is headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
WellCare Health Plans, Inc. provides government-sponsored managed care services. The company operates in three segments: Medicaid Health Plans, Medicare Health Plans, and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs). The Medicaid Health Plans segment offers plans for beneficiaries of temporary assistance for needy families, supplemental security income, and aged blind and disabled residents; and other state-based programs, such as children's health insurance programs and long-term services and supports programs for qualifying families who are not eligible for Medicaid. The Medicare Health Plans segment provides Medicare, a federal program that provides eligible persons aged 65 and over, as well as some disabled persons with a range of hospital, medical, and prescription drug benefits; Medicare Advantage, a Medicare's managed care alternative to the original Medicare program, which offers individuals standard Medicare benefits directly through Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; and coordinated care plans that are administered through health maintenance organizations and require members to seek health care services and select a primary care physician from a network of health care providers. The Medicare PDPs segment provides Medicare part D PDP plans to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries. Its PDP plans offer national in-network prescription drug coverage, including a preferred pharmacy network. As of December 31, 2018, the company served approximately 5.5 million members in the United States. WellCare Health Plans, Inc. was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida.
OGE Energy Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy and energy services provider that offers physical delivery and related services for electricity, natural gas, crude oil, and natural gas liquids in the United States. The company generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric energy. It provides retail electric service to approximately 879,000 customers, which covers a service area of approximately 30,000 square miles in Oklahoma and western Arkansas; and owns and operates coal-fired, natural gas-fired, wind-powered, and solar-powered generating assets. As of December 31, 2021, the company owned and operated interconnected electric generation, transmission, and distribution systems, including 16 generating stations with an aggregate capability of 7,207 megawatts; and transmission systems comprising 54 substations and 5,122 structure miles of lines in Oklahoma, and 7 substations and 277 structure miles of lines in Arkansas. Its distribution systems included 350 substations; 29,494 structure miles of overhead lines; 3,365 miles of underground conduit; and 11,125 miles of underground conductors in Oklahoma, as well as 29 substations, 2,795 structure miles of overhead lines, 349 miles of underground conduit, and 662 miles of underground conductors in Arkansas. The company was founded in 1902 and is based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
TransUnion provides risk and information solutions. The company operates in three segments: U.S. Markets, International, and Consumer Interactive. The U.S. Markets segment provides consumer reports, actionable insights, and analytics to businesses. These businesses use its services to acquire new customers; assess consumer ability to pay for services; identify cross-selling opportunities; measure and manage debt portfolio risk; collect debt; verify consumer identities; and mitigate fraud risk. This segment serves various industry vertical markets, including financial services, insurance, tenant and employment, collections and services, technology, commerce and communication, public sector, media, and other markets. The International segment offers credit reports, analytics, technology solutions, and other value-added risk management services; and consumer services, which help consumers to manage their personal finances and consumer credit reporting, insurance and auto information solutions, and commercial credit information services. This segment serves customers in financial services, retail credit, insurance, automotive, collections, public sector, and communications industries through direct and indirect channels. The Consumer Interactive segment provides credit reports and scores, credit monitoring, identity protection and resolution, and financial management solutions that enable consumers to manage their personal finances and take precautions against identity theft. This segment offers its products through online and mobile interfaces, as well as through direct and indirect channels. The company serves customers in approximately 30 countries and territories, including North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, India, and the Asia Pacific. The company was formerly known as TransUnion Holding Company, Inc. and changed its name to TransUnion in March 2015. TransUnion was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
CRH plc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes building materials. It operates in three segments: Americas Materials, Europe Materials, and Building Products. The company manufactures and supplies cement, lime, aggregates, precast, ready mixed concrete, and asphalt products; concrete masonry and hardscape products comprising pavers, blocks and kerbs, retaining walls, and related patio products; and glass and glazing products, including architectural glass, custom-engineered curtain and window walls, architectural windows, storefront systems, doors, skylights, and architectural hardware. It also offers precast concrete and polymer-based products, such as underground vaults, drainage pipes and structures, utility enclosures, and modular precast structures to the water, energy, communication, transportation, and building structures markets; and construction accessories, such as anchoring, fixing, and connection solutions, as well as lifting systems, formwork accessories, and other accessories used in construction applications. In addition, the company offers network access products, which include composite access chambers, covers, passive safety systems, retention sockets, sealants, and meter boxes; and paving and construction services. Further, it provides building and civil engineering contracting, contract surfacing, operates logistics and owned railway infrastructure; sells and distributes cement; and supplies access chambers and ducting products. It serves governments, contractors, homebuilders, homeowners, and sub-contractors. The company operates primarily in the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, the rest of Europe, the United States, and internationally. CRH plc was founded in 1936 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. was founded in 1869 by Marcus Goldman as an investment bank catering to institutions and businesses. Among the firm's first products are the revolutionary use of commercial paper for entrepreneurs which opened a new method of finance for business and industry.

The original firm expanded to Goldman Sachs in 1882 with the inclusion of son-in-law Samuel Sachs and again in 1885 with a son and another son-in-law. The firm joined the New York Stock Exchange in 1896 expanding into trading of its own and in 1898 it was worth $1.6 million. The company began its work in the IPO market in 1906 with the initial public offering of Sears, Roebuck & Co., and then moved on to Ford and other prominent names of the time.

The 1930s brings a change of leadership and a new direction for the firm. The company shifted toward a purer play on investment banking and embarks on a campaign of acquisition that lasted until the present day. The company doesnt go public itself until 1999 and from that point on it will change into a bank holding company that not only offers investment banking services but takes deposits too, and in 2016 the company added consumer banking to its list of services.

Today, Goldman Sachs is a financial institution that provides a range of financial services for corporations, institutions, governments, and individuals globally. The company operates through four segments that include Investment Banking, Global Markets, Asset Management, and Consumer & Wealth Management. According to US banking regulations, it is systemically important to the financial health of America.

The company is headquartered in New York, New York, and operates 6 regional headquarters as well. Regional headquarters are located in financial hotspots such as London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Bangalore, and Warsaw. Among its many prominent CEOs are John Corzine and Hank Paulson who both went on to successful work in government.

The company's Investment Banking segment provides a full range of financial advisory services as well as underwriting for the public markets. The financial advisory services include but are not limited to strategic advisory for mergers and acquisitions, divestiture, restructuring, and spin-offs. This segment is also engaged in middle-market lending and transaction banking. Underwriting services include IPOs, preferred stock, debt instruments, and bridge loans.

Goldman Sachs Global Markets segment facilitates market transactions for institutions, banks, brokerages, corporations, and governments. Services include execution, derivatives, financing, clearing, settlement, and custody.

The Asset Management segment manages client portfolios across the investment spectrum while the Consumer & Wealth Management segment provides advisory and banking services to consumers.
Peggy Hamm credits the Coulee Council on Addictions with her nearly eight years of sobriety and her rebound from virtual helplessness to holding a full-time job and a host of volunteer positions.

I dont think I could have stayed sober without it, the 61-year-old La Crosse woman said of the organizations influence on her recovery.

Hamm said she had lost her job and house, and had no prospects for employment because of her alcoholism and the resulting neuropathy.

I was sick and couldnt even function, despite having held a responsible job at an insurance company, she said.

The YWCA secured her a place to stay in its Ruth House emergency shelter for women who are homeless and/or in recovery, and good friend Pat Ruda persuaded her to seek help at Coulee Council, she said.

Ruda, who then was executive director of the Coulee Council, also enlisted Hamms volunteer help with activities at the house, Hamm said.

Hamms volunteer undertakings included organizing food for meals the council hosts on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as preparing the meals, she said.

It really helped me in staying sober, getting really engulfed in volunteering and recovery, Hamm said. Any kind of function they call me, and I volunteered because they did so much for me.

The experience was an eye-opener, she said, adding, I lived in Onalaska and had no idea of the addiction, the drugs and alcohol and suffering, said Hamm, the mother of daughters ages 25 and 30.

Hamm acknowledges alcoholisms contribution to her own suffering, including withdrawing the savings she had accumulated during her insurance company job in her 401(k) without having taxes withheld  and spending it. She still is paying taxes on the amount, she said.

Hamms path back to full employment started with Experience Works at the La Crosse County Law Enforcement Center, although she entered the state program with little confidence in herself.

Quite honestly, I didnt even know if I could answer the phone, she said.

I got to work with people who had had OWIs and were trying to stay sober, she said. That was a God thing.

Hamm also became house coordinator at Ruth House, and I got to help women recovering from drugs and alcohol. That was another God thing, she said.

She also works at Ophelias House, a community-based jail alternative for women, noting that her indebtedness to the IRS means I still have to work at a lot of jobs. I wear a lot of hats.

The sins of addiction  a lot of normal people dont think of all the debris behind you that you have to clean up, she said.

I never realized the things many people in the homeless population have gone through  rape, abuse, Hamm said.

Resources available through the Coulee Council, such as credit counseling and an discussion group that steers people to resources and assistance have helped her take care of her own debris, she said.

Hamms full-time job is with the county Law Enforcement Centers justice support services, formerly known as justice sanctions.

Her involvement with preparing and serving meals and participation in other programs at the Coulee Council have made her keenly aware that the council needs a new facility, she said.

Each year, more goes wrong with the aging house at 921 West Ave. that is the councils headquarters, she said. To grow and do more, they need to have space.

There are plumbing issues in the kitchen, and with the electrical you have to be careful plugging in a lot of pots. It needs a nice kitchen. Its amazing that we are even able to prepare meals, she said.

They need something more inviting to the eye, and meeting rooms, Hamm said. Now, some groups have to meet in the reception area.

The building is falling apart, she said.

But, because of the council, her life isnt.




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Ministry to Mature Members and Friends will feature Melody and Harmony at the 3MF meeting at 11 a.m. Monday, May 8, at First Presbyterian Church, 233 West Ave.

Members of Melody and Harmony will perform with their ukuleles (including a bass ukulele), as well as a tambourine, flute, guitar, and sometimes cow bell and egg shakers. The performance will be followed by a luncheon of pulled-pork sliders, coleslaw, baked-bean casserole and dessert for a cost of $7.
Tourism is a major economic activity in Israel. It is one of the major sources of income for the country with a record of 3.5 million tourists arriving in the country in 2013. The sector employs 6% of the workforce, or over 200,000 people. Israel is home to diverse historical and religious sites, beaches, archaeological sites, and heritage tourism. The country ranks first by the number of museums per capita and is popular for history and religious importance for several people. The major tourist attractions in Israel include The Western Wall, The Old City, the Temple Mount, the towns of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and Masada.

Recent Development In Israels Tourism Sector

The tourism sector in Israel experienced a slight downturn in 2014 due to the Summer Gaza War operation protective edge. However, the year recorded just a 1% drop in the number of foreign tourists visiting the country. Operation Protective Edge negatively affected the tourism sector in Israel in 2015. Tourism numbers in 2015 were comparable with the previous year, falling below the expected numbers. However, the numbers increased significantly in 2016. Tourism to Israel in 2016 rose by 3.6% compared to the previous years with the country welcoming about 2.9 million tourists. The increased number of tourists was as a result of strategic marketing efforts. Of the 2.9 million tourists, 60% visited the country independently instead of a group trip which has been the norm. Israel continued to receive increased number of tourists from China with the number increasing by 69% from 2016. The United States sent the highest number of tourists (672,100) to Israel in 2016, about 6% more than 2015. France and Russia were also top sources for tourists, sending 293,000 and 284,000 tourists respectively. Other top sources for tourists in Israel include the UK, Germany, and Ukraine.

Most Visited Cities In Israel

Jerusalem is one of the most visited cities in Israel with the city receiving more than 3.5 million tourists annually. Jerusalem is also one of the worlds oldest cities. It is considered a holy city by three religions including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The city hosts several historical, archaeological, and religious sites. The major attractions in Jerusalem include the Germany Colony, Mea Shearim, Mt. Zion, and Mt. Scopus in West Jerusalem, the Old City of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives in East Jerusalem. Tel Aviv, the second largest city, receives over 2.5 million tourists every year. The city exhibits a world heritage area of Bauhaus architecture. Tel Aviv is also branded a city that never sleeps because of its vibrant nightlife. Other popular cities in Israel include Safed, Akko, Haifa, Tiberias, Nazareth, Beersheba, and Ashkelon.

Popular Landmarks Outside Cities

While the cities of Israel boast of some of the famous sites in the country, some popular landmarks are found outside the major cities of Israel. Masada, an ancient town, is found at the top of the isolated rock plateau on the edge of Judean Desert. The ancient city of Caesarea is one of the countrys archaeological sites. The Roman Decapolis city of Beit Shearim National Park has several Jewish tombs with significant signs. The over 200 Biblical Tells in Israel are considered UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Elfyn Evans clung onto the lead of YPF Rally Argentina on Saturday after a troubled run that allowed Thierry Neuville to rein him in and set up a thrilling finale.

After stretching his advantage to more than a minute this morning, Evans watched the Belgian whittle it down to just 11.5sec, with one of the toughest days of the WRC season waiting on Sunday.



The Welshman won the opening speed test in his Ford Fiesta, his seventh victory in 10 stages. A slow puncture in the next test, followed by another when a pace note mix up sent him into a bank, reduced his advantage to 44sec at the midpoint.



In the afternoon his cars aerodynamic rear diffuser was ripped off in a heavy landing, affecting its handling, especially in the high speed sections. A final stage spin allowed a charging Neuville to close.



We had no major problems, just a lot of niggly things, he said. There was something strange with the rear, the car was soft and oversteering and I didnt feel comfortable. We didnt come here to finish second after all this work, so if he wants the win, hes going to have to bloody fight for it!



Neuville punctured when his Hyundai i20 Coupe hit a bank after he was blinded by early morning sun. Mid-leg gearbox and front differential changes briefly disrupted his rhythm, but victories in the final two stages turned the pressure on Evans.

Neuville will start the final day just 11.5sec off the lead

Ott Tanak was just 8.4sec behind Neuville after a strong day in his Fiesta. The Estonian saw off team-mate Sebastien Ogier and Mads stberg before cementing third with two afternoon stage wins.



stberg couldnt match yesterdays pace and second place became fourth as his diffuser was also torn off. The Norwegian eventually retired after damaging his suspension against a rock in the penultimate stage.



Ogier trailed Tanak in fourth by 18.4sec after a series of problems. He spun in a watersplash and had little confidence in his ill-handling car. The team made major changes at the rear which improved his afternoon speed.



Jari-Matti Latvala and Hayden Paddon filled the top six. Latvala played with the set-up of his Toyota Yaris while Paddon broke the anti-roll bar in his i20.



Juho Hanninen was seventh, despite similar power problems to yesterday, while Lorenzo Bertelli, Dani Sordo and WRC 2 leader Pontus Tidemand filled the leaderboard.



Kris Meeke restarted after rolling his Citroen C3 yesterday. He won two stages before rolling out for a second time in the penultimate stage.



Sundays finale is one of the WRCs classic days. Two passes through the famous hanging bridges of El Condor sandwich the lunar-like landscape of Giulio Cesare, both high in the Traslasierra mountains. The three rocky stages cover 55.28km, with the second pass through El Condor offering Power Stage bonus points to the fastest five drivers.



Head to WRC+ to see the latest onboard and video reports from YPF Rally Argentina.

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Hinterland Actor to Speak at Opening Day of Welsh Language HWB at FOCUS Wales Festival

This article is old - Published: Saturday, Apr 29th, 2017

A popular Wrexham-based music and arts festival will welcome an award winning actor to speak at a new Welsh language event next month.

Hinterland actor Llion Williams will appear on the stage at HWB Cymraeg on Queens Square as part of the FOCUS Wales festival on Thursday May 11th.

From 6pm the Bangor-born actor will provide an insight into his role as an actor and Welsh language work.

Known for his TV roles in hit bilingual drama Hinterland/Y Gwyll and S4C comedy Cmon Midffild!, Llion was the first actor to win both English and Welsh-language performance prizes at the Wales Theatre Awards  taking the Welsh language best male actor for Chwalfa and English language best male performance award for his role in the bilingual play Belonging/Perthyn.

An associate at Theatr Clwyd in neighbouring Mold, he has also starred in a number of productions there  including Ghosts, Dolls House, Abigails Party, Gaslight, Rape of the Fair Country and others.

Llion is just one of the many big names attending next months FOCUS Wales festival  Wrexhams annual three-day celebration of music and culture.

Taking place between Thursday 11th May and Saturday 13th May, this years event sees the biggest contingent of music industry professionals to descend upon FOCUS Wales to date. Up to 100 delegates will be attending the festival from all corners of the world to offer their industry expertise and take advantage of the fantastic line-up of music and arts taking place across the three day festival.

Hwb Cymraeg, a new addition to the festival, will be based on a tipi on Queens Square throughout FOCUS Wales and will include Welsh language workshops, live radio sessions and talks from a number of artists

A number of bands and artists will take to the stage throughout the event, with Radio Cymru presenting and recording sessions and interviews with bands from the HWB on Friday, May 12th.

HWB Cymraeg is organised by Wrexham Council, FOCUS Wales, Coleg Cambria and Menter Iaith Fflint a Wrecsam.

Stephen Jones, Welsh Language Co-ordinator for Wrexham Council, said: Im very pleased we were able to get an actor of Llions stature to help us launch HWB Cymraeg.

His credentials as an actor  in both Welsh and English  are fantastic and his appearance will be very much in the spirit of what we want to do at HWB Cymraeg; especially in attracting those viewers who may have come across Llion in Hinterland/Y Gwyll and want to find out more about his work.

The aim of the event is also to attract those interested in the Welsh language and to promote the language, and Llions appearance will certainly help in this.

Further information about all interactive events is available at the FOCUS Wales website. Access to all interactive events is available on all three day wristband ticket types and day tickets are available here.
Wrexham Glyndwr University to Host Crime and Rescue Experts at Forensics Conference

This article is old - Published: Saturday, Apr 29th, 2017

Wrexham Glyndwr University will host crime and rescue experts from across the UK at a ground-breaking forensics forum next month.

The Search and Identification: Forensic Investigation Conference will take place at the university over two days from Saturday May 13.

Taking place at the universitys Nick Whitehead Theatre in association with UK-K9 dog training specialists, the inaugural event brings together guest speakers from academia and industry.

This programme will comprise a number of talks and demonstration from speakers including retired fire officer David Peplow, Steve Dineley, a former soldier and tracker dog instructor at the Jungle Warfare Training School in Brunei, and Agathe Ribereau-Gayon from University College London, a PhD researcher in Forensic Anthropology at the UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences and Institute of Archaeology.

Other talks on the use of DNA in forensic investigation and The Brady Letters will be given by Tricia Foley MBE and Marianne Dacombe.

Amy Rattenbury (pic attached), Forensic Science lecturer at Wrexham Glyndwr University, said the focus will be on investigations involving search and identification.

The programme will also cover aspects on fire, explosives and drugs, and there will be strong emphasis on the use of forensic search dogs in both land and water searches, said Amy.

We are delighted to have speakers experienced in this field, who will present and give case studies on human identification, decomposition and how forensic investigation can be enhanced by future research and collaboration.

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Science degree at Wrexham Glyndwr has gone from strength to strength, and the course is even responsible for Wales only taphonomic facility, also known as a body farm.

The site, alongside the dedicated crime scene house enables students to be involved first-hand in research which aims to provide data which would help police with investigations particularly where bodies.

One particular project, which is being completed with the support of Dave Jones from UK-K9, is investigating the use and reliability of cadaver search dogs in salt water using pig carcasses which are comparable with those of humans, said Amy.

The body farm is the first of its kind in Wales and theres very few in the whole of the UK. In America forensic scientists use human remains but it is still illegal in the UK. We look at how the surroundings affect decomposition, as usually a body is buried in a coffin, so we look at how this changes the way a human decomposes.

The remains put in trees will be used to look at decomposition for scenarios such as air disasters and hangings.

Amys previous research has looked in to How time and pressure can cause distortion in overlapping fingerprints, Modified weapons trafficking and An investigation in to identification from light air crashes on the Russian-Finnish boarder.

The two-day conference costs 100, or 75 for students, including refreshments and lunch on both days.

For information, email conference@glyndwr.ac.uk or call 01978 293466. You can book tickets here.

Further details on Forensic Science at Wrexham Glyndwr University can be found here.
Soumaya Khalifahs sermon fell in the usual place in the Holy Week rite in which clergy from the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta renewed their vows: after a Gospel passage and before the consecration of bread and wine as Holy Communion.

In this Mass, the Liturgy of the Word also included a Quran reading, including: God, there is no god but He, the Living, the Self-Subsisting. Neither slumber overtakes Him nor sleep. Unto Him belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is on the earth. Who is there who may intercede with Him save by His leave?

Khalifah asked leaders from the regions 96 Episcopal parishes an obvious question: Was this a historic moment, with a Muslim woman preaching in a liturgy for an entire Christian diocese?

I truly believe that interfaith works is the civil rights movement for the 21st century, said Khalifah, head of the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta. Faith is used to divide us and we need to make intentional efforts to bring ourselves together. Normally we worship, associate and have friends from our own faith tradition, our own race. ...

When I look at the beautiful creations of God and how they worship, I see my Christian brothers and sisters. I think of their love for Jesus  peace be upon him  and their trying to live by his specific example of loving his enemies.

After her sermon, Atlanta Bishop Robert C. Wright invited Khalifah to join clergy and others at the altar for the Eucharistic prayers consecrating the bread and wine. As the worshippers stepped forward to receive Holy Communion, the bishop said Khalifah took part.

She held out her hand to receive the Host and it is not my practice to refuse people, said Wright in an interview. He noted that open Communion is common across his diocese, especially with visitors. Khalifah returned to her seat without receiving the consecrated wine, the bishop said.

They gave me the bread, said Khalifah, in a separate interview. I am a Muslim. I am not a Christian. ... This service was about what we have in common, the work we can do together.

Wright said that he hopes that, during his five years as Atlantas bishop, he has been adding square footage to our whole concept of what it means to renew our vows, as Episcopal clergy serve in a more complex and multicultural era. In 2015, he noted, this same service was held in a Jewish temple in Atlanta, with its rabbi delivering the sermon.

Acknowledging that interfaith work will be a larger part of future ministry is, said the bishop, a no-brainer in a world in which the Muslim population continues to rise, both around the world and in an increasingly complex religious landscape in America.

For many believers, the hard question is whether interfaith activists can, on occasion, worship together as well as work together in the public square. Wright acknowledged that this is an issue that causes intense debates, even among leaders in the Episcopal Church  which has taken liberal stands on many hot-button social issues linked to sexuality, the environment and other social causes.

If you talked with some of my colleagues in the House of Bishops, this part of the service never would have happened, he said. It is safe to say Khalifah would not have been invited, she would not have been there in Holy Week and she would not have preached. None of this would have happened.

But this service was not, Wright insisted, an example of insipid kumbaya interfaith activism in which leaders on both sides ignore their doctrinal differences and gloss over painful subjects. He noted that, in her sermon, Khalifah mentioned the Palm Sunday attacks on Coptic churches in Egypt and called the terrorists a cancer to our human family, adding that they must be eradicated.

Interfaith work of all kinds, Khalifah added, is one way that believers can try to isolate terrorists and weaken their power.

Coming together and letting the world know. Today, we are setting the example of Christians and Muslims in the same space worshiping and renewing vows to God, she said. When we do not know, we fear. When we fear, we hate. When people get to that level  then the other is less human than they are.
Many young people turned out in the Northern French city of Amiens on April 26 following calls on social networks for demonstrations. The Communist Youth Movement (MJC), the youth wing of the Stalinist French Communist Party (PCF), supported calls for demonstrations.

The demonstrations took place at the same time that both presidential candidates visited a Whirlpool factory in Amiens, drawing widespread media attention. The factory is due to close in 2018, causing 300 workers to lose their jobs. On the March candidate Emanuel Macron, who grew up in Amiens, was accosted by workers at the plant for his support for austerity policies and for the El Khomri labour law, which the government of Francois Hollande rammed through the legislature to reduce job protections for workers and further informalise employment. Neo-fascist Marine Le Pen also visited the plant in a demagogic attempt to pose as a friend of French workers. The Whirlpool plant will be relocated to Poland as with the Amiens Goodyear factory, which closed 3 years ago.

The World Socialist Web Site spoke to demonstrators, many of whom remain divided as to whether to abstain in protest of both right-wing candidates or vote for Macron in order to prevent Le Pens victory. Participants in the demonstration reflected on the experiences drawn from four months of protests in 2016 against the Socialist Party's labour law. Macron supported the law in his role as a leading official in the government, and police brutally suppressed the protests.

Over a hundred young people gathered in front of the Maison de la Culture in Amiens.

Susie and Mona, two art students who supported Unsubmissive France candidate Jean Luc Melenchon in the first round but who are not members of any party, spoke to the WSWS.

Susie said, It does not surprise me that Le Pen got into the second round, it was expected. If she wins there will be more violence, more racism, more hatred. With Macron, its at the finance level that its going to change a lot. For the workers and the poorest this will not help much.

WSWS reporters asked Susie what she thought of Le Pens attempt to appeal as a defender of the interests of workers. Susie replied, Shes campaigning like Macron. He never came during his campaign in the first round.

Its been a while since Ruffin [Francois Ruffin, standing for parliament in Amiens in the legislative elections in June, backed by the PCF, the Greens and Melenchon] has been asking him to come. She dares to go there because shes a liar. Im not against people who vote Le Pen, its just that she manipulates them. The left has a bad reputation.

Mona added, Theyre so fed up with the Hollande government that Le Pen has been able to profit greatly from it. She used the terrorist attacks and laid it on thick. People were so frightened and thought she would act against terrorism. All shes going to do is close the borders. There will be blockages, shell do totally anti-democratic things.

The WSWS asked Susie and Mona about the danger of a third world war. Mona said, Its a possibility, the situation is so unstable. Were young and it appears very far away. I did not know that France is preparing nuclear war. Its true that Trump is trigger-happy. France could be a target. What can we do?

The WSWS also interviewed three Amiens youth, Zauri, Francois and Akim, none of whom want to vote for either Le Pen or Macron.

Interjecting in support of one anothers points, they told the WSWS: We want to demonstrate against both, they both have closed and very risky policies... They do not meet our expectations. Macron will have exactly the same policies as Hollande.

He is a presidential candidate thanks to Hollande. Hell do nothing thing for young people. He said that we should get used to terrorism and a state of emergency... With Le Pen, it will be racism and civil war, as is happening in America with Trump. It will be France first, just like Donald Trump says about America.

Catherine, a student at Amiens University, said, This demonstration is called against Le Pen, but I am here first because I am curious about who is here, because if this demonstration calls for a vote for Macron, I will be against it. Im looking for a movement that wants neither Le Pen nor Macron. A Macron presidency would be very free market, continuing with all the privatizations, the deterioration of the conditions of workers and government workers. Under Marine Le Pen it would be the same thing, plus racism, fascism. In both cases very negative.

She continued, I know Le Pen is at Whirlpool today and Macron only wanted to meet the unions. Le Pen wants to appear to be a defender of the workers. They vote Le Pen because they are disappointed with the politicians and because they believe that Marine Le Pen is the only one who will defend them, but it is manipulation. These people are completely desperate.

The WSWS asked Catherine why many workers do not trust the more well-known left-wing parties, including the NPA (New Anti-capitalist Party), LO (Workers Struggle) and the PCF.

She replied, I do not know enough about this, but the PS is a rotten party, it is corrupt. Then theres the PCF, Melenchon, it is the same. Melenchon said he would not recommend what way to vote, its all a bit murky. People want to know what is going to happen after this election. Will Unsummissive France really vote for Macron now? If Melenchon wants to continue he should support an uprising of people, who are fed up, and hes not doing it.

Yes, I am aware that we are moving towards a third world war, she added. It makes me angry, sad and I wonder how we came to this. How is it possible that Trump came to power? We have to think internationally. Its the whole world that could be at war and not just France. It is in the interest of everyone to come together and find the common cause that will make us change the system in depth and, yes, fight the people who want to carry out this war.
Anzac Day dawn services throughout New Zealand on April 25 were used by the media and political establishment to glorify militarism and war.

The annual public holiday commemorates the landing of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) troops on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey in 1915. Military-led dawn services are held at war memorials throughout both countries and at Gallipoli. The Australian and New Zealand governments have sought to give the day increased prominence in recent years and have spent hundreds of millions of dollars on events and monuments linked with the centenary of World War I.

Thousands of people attend Anzac services to remember relatives who died in World Wars I and II. For the government, however, the purpose of the day is to inspire nationalism and unquestioning respect for the military, particularly among young people.

This year Anzac Day took place against the backdrop of the growing danger of a Third World War brought about by the US military build-up and belligerent threats against Syria, North Korea, Russia and China. This immense threat to the entire world was not mentioned in any of the speeches or editorials in New Zealand.

In a video message on April 24, Prime Minister Bill English called on people to attend Anzac services in order to acknowledge the price that so many New Zealanders paid for our freedom and that is they gave their lives to preserve it. He stressed this was not just in Gallipoli, but in the many wars and campaigns that New Zealanders have been involved in over the last 100 years or so, including those currently serving.

Governor-General Patsy Reddy echoed this theme. She declared at a service in Wellington that in addition to the two world wars, Anzac Day is a time to honour the New Zealanders who served in  Malaya, Korea, Vietnam and more recent conflicts. She continued: New Zealand has played a proud role in helping to uphold the rule of law and respect for human rights and freedoms wherever in the world these values are under threat. Whether providing military observer services in the Republic of South Sudan or training Iraqi troops for their war against ISIL [Islamic State].

In fact, these wars and interventions, in which millions of people have been killed, have had nothing to do with defending freedom or human rights. In each case New Zealand has served as a junior imperialist partner of either the British Empire or the United States, as they fought for control over oppressed countries.

Media coverage echoed the need for young people to sacrifice during wartime. A New Zealand Herald editorial absurdly declared that previous wars have left an enduring peace, while at the same time warning that selfless national service could still be required in future. The newspaper called on readers to resolve that they, too, would answer [the nations] call.

The Dominion Post emphasised the attendance at the Wellington dawn service of Corporal Willie Apiata, whom it described as a war hero. Apiata was a member of the elite Special Air Service (SAS) and was awarded a Victoria Cross medal for fighting during the neo-colonial war in Afghanistan. Opposition Labour Party leader Andrew Little posted a photograph of himself posing with Apiata on Facebook.

The recently published Hit and Run contains evidence that the NZ SAS committed war crimes in Afghanistan. In 2010 the elite troops carried out an assault on a defenseless village that killed six people, including a three-year-old girl, and wounded 15 others (see: Book details killing of Afghan civilians in New Zealand SAS raid).

The media gave considerable attention to New Zealand First Party chief of staff David Broome and his 12-year-old son James Broome-Isa, who were filmed berating protesters from the pacifist group Peace Action Wellington. The group laid a wreath at the Wellington cenotaph for victims of the NZ SAS raid. James shouted that the protesters were wrong, wrong, wrong and so inappropriate, I cannot believe this.

Prime Minister English sought to downplay the incident, telling Newshub it was a minor protest and within the law. The news outlet, however, declared that it had sparked a national debate over whether people should be allowed to protest on Anzac Day. Newsreader Duncan Garner praised James Broome-Isa as articulate and brave for having stood up to the protesters.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters and defence spokesman Ron Mark (a former army officer) denounced the protest as disrespectful and inappropriate.

Barry Clark, president of the Returned and Services Association, also hailed the 12-year-old, saying he represented young people, who were seeing more and more of at our Anzac Day services.

The government has made a major effort to promote war to children, through museum exhibitions and the publication of books such as ANZAC Heroes. Army recruiters have been taking military assault rifles into primary schools in a program purportedly teaching 9- to 13-year-old children about leadership and weaponry.

The Broome family does not speak for the working class and youth, who are overwhelmingly anti-war. New Zealand First is a right-wing nationalist party that has called for greater military spending to prepare for war with China, and restrictions on Muslim and Asian immigrants. The party has also promoted a scheme to encourage unemployed teenagers to undergo army training, which would be a step toward conscription should a war break out.

The Labour Party and the Greens, which will both contest this years election in a de facto alliance with NZ First, have remained silent on the partys outburst against critics of the SAS.

The ruling elite is highly sensitive to any criticism of the military because it is preparing to drag the country into future wars. Already the government has sent troops to Iraq and said it would consider sending troops to Syria if asked.

Coinciding with Anzac Day, a meeting of the US-led Five Eyes alliance was held over several days in the New Zealand resort town of Queenstown. The alliance includes the spy agencies of the US, Canada, Britain, Australia and New Zealand. No details of the secret discussions were released, but FBI director James Comey and CIA director Mike Pompeo were reported to be in attendance.

English told Radio NZ on April 24 the meeting would discuss all the current issues and he expected this would include North Korea. A day earlier, Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee lashed out at the North Korean regime, telling TVNZ it had evil intent and had made outrageous threats against the US and Australia.

Brownlee has since been elevated to foreign minister in a cabinet reshuffle. New Zealand Herald columnist Fran OSullivan approved Brownlees promotion, declaring he had one important attribute that most foreign affairs mandarins lack. He gets the Donald Trump phenomenon. The Trump administration has repeatedly threatened to attack North Korea, risking a nuclear war.

It is in this context that politicians and the media are calling on young people to prepare to sacrifice for the nation, and are seeking to demonise dissent.

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[14 April 2017]
Hundreds of police officers cordoned off Sproul Plaza, the main thoroughfare at the University of California Berkeley (UCB), Thursday afternoon, claiming the move was necessary to prevent violence between pro- and anti-Trump protesters in the wake of a canceled speech by right-wing media figure Ann Coulter. The officers were prepared for mass arrests, though no significant protest materialized on either side.

Coulter had been invited to speak by a student club, the Berkeley College Republicans, but the university administration insisted the speech be rescheduled due to security concerns. Instead, Coulter canceled the meeting on Wednesday.

About 150 pro-Trump protesters demonstrated a few blocks from the campus. Among them were several small alt-right groups hoping to provoke a street fight with anarchists, as they had at protests on February 1 and March 4.

The UCB Police Department (UCPD) issued an alert at 12:50 p.m. warning students that there would be a large police presence actively looking to arrest people committing violence or other crimes. An hour later, when around a dozen anti-Trump protesters gathered outside Sproul, the UCPD announced it had designated Sproul Plaza an event area with restricted access.

Police posted a list of banned items, including weapons, frozen fruit, water bottles, balloons, tobacco products and explosives. Most significantly, stuck in the middle of the list, was a ban on banners and signs.

Police announced that they arrested five people, including two for suspicion of resisting arrest and one teenager for suspicion of possessing a controlled substance. Video footage shows police arresting a Berkeley student on charges of obstructing officers and wearing a mask to evade police. The protester had declined to identify himself and be photographed by the police after being detained for holding a sign larger than the limit arbitrarily set by police on Thursday.

Sproul Plaza has been a location for unregulated speech at UCB since the Free Speech Movement in the 1960s. The center of the plaza has for decades been a place where anyone, whether they are associated with the university or not, can address students or hand out leaflets. That Sproul was barricaded by police despite the absence of even a modest protest has all the hallmarks of a premeditated police provocation. The effort to curtail free speech at this historic location presages efforts to restrict political activity more broadly at public universities across the country.

Nicholas Dirks, the UCB chancellor, defended the massive police crackdown. In a message distributed to students and staff on Wednesday, Dirks claimed an obligation to heed our police departments assessment of how best to hold safe and successful events. He affirmed a UCPD veto on any event in a venue that our police force does not believe to be protectable.

Dirks cited past clashes of protesters in Berkeley to support his position, especially the February 1 protests that caused right-wing provocateur and former Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos to cancel his planned speech. On that day, anarchists under the umbrella group Antifa (anti-fascist) sought to turn the protests into a series of physical clashes with police through vandalism and provocation. At the March 4 protests in downtown Berkeley, anarchist and right-wing provocateurs clashed.

During the February protests, thousands of students participated in a peaceful protest against Yiannopoulos, while members of Antifa carried out acts of gratuitous violence. Police provocateurs have been known to infiltrate such organizations to encourage violence and provide a pretext for repression and anti-democratic measures.

Dirks uses the excuse of the prospect of further street fighting in relation to the Coulter speech to justify a broad attack on campus politics. In an opinion piece published Wednesday in the New York Times, Berkeley is Under Attack From Both Sides, Dirks claimed that the university must now invest more public tax dollars in equipping campus police forces to subdue campus protests.

This is not the first time that Dirks has sought to undermine political speech on campus. In September 2016, the university suspended a student-sponsored class on Palestine on the pretext that it constitutued political indoctrination. After an international outcry over the effort to suppress criticism of Israel, the university reinstated the course, claiming it was reassured the class had not crossed the line from teaching to political advocacy. The university intentionally left open the possibility of suspending future student-run courses deemed too political.

The university administration is looking to curb political organizing on campus because it anticipates significant protests. Students across the UC system are facing a new hike in tuition, growing student debt and bleak job prospects. At the same time, the Trump administration is threatening wars abroad and carrying out massive attacks on social services.

It is under these conditions that police, under the direction of UC President Janet Napolitano, the former head of the Department of Homeland Security, are moving to suppress protests and free speech.

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[4 February 2017]
As the Trump administration continues to recklessly escalate tensions on the Korean peninsula, Canadas Liberal government has given its strongest indication yet that Canadian troops would join a war with North Koreaa war that could result in the deaths of millions and trigger a nuclear clash between major powers.

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan revealed April 21 that in the event of a US conflict with North Korea, Washington might well use the US-led United Nations Korea Command to mobilize troops and materiel from its allies. Korea Command, which includes Canada, was established at the onset of the 1950-53 Korean War.

While Sajjan maintained that Ottawa was focused on diplomacy first, he stressed that military plans for crisis situations on the Korean peninsula have been developed. According to the Canadian Press, policy documents prepared for former Defence Minister Peter MacKay in 2010 stated that if fighting broke out, the UN Command (UNC) structure would be used as a means of force generating, and receiving and tasking any contributions that UNC sending states may choose to contribute.

Sajjans remarks followed bellicose anti-North Korean remarks from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. While in France earlier this month to commemorate the Battle of Vimy Ridge, a First World War battle in which 10,000 Canadians were killed or injured, Trudeau denounced the dangerous and unstable North Korean regime. Siding fully with Washingtons provocative actions, which have included sending an aircraft carrier strike group to the region and the deployment of the THAAD missile defence system to South Korea, he continued, This rogue regime in North Korea is a danger not only to the immediate region but the entire world.

Speaking on CTVs Question Period broadcast April 16, Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland refused to rule out Canadian support for a US-led military attack on North Korea under the pretext of targeting its nuclear weapons arsenal. What I will say is we unequivocally condemn the missile testing that North Korea has done. North Korea is breaking international law and its own commitments, she noted, echoing the Trump administrations line.

Freeland also hailed Chinas decision to abstain from a UN Security Council resolution on Syria, suggesting that this marked a shift by Beijing away from Russia. She urged China to intercede with Pyongyang to bring about a solution to the current political and military standoff.

The readiness of the Liberal government to line up squarely behind the Trump administrations aggressive actions in Koreawhich are primarily aimed at bullying China and legitimizing the further militarization of northeast Asiais in keeping with Canadas role as a close partner of US imperialism in all its major military-strategic offensives around the world. In the 18 months since the Trudeau government came to power, it has ramped up Canadas support for the US Mideast war coalition, deploying more Special Forces to Iraq and military personnel, including strategic planners, to the region. Liberal-led Canada is also playing a substantial role in the strategic encirclement of Russia in Eastern Europe by extending a Canadian Armed Forces training mission in Ukraine and dispatching hundreds of troops to Latvia to lead one of four new forward deployed NATO battalions to be stationed on Russias borders.

Taken together with these aggressive steps, the Liberals Korea policy underscores once again the essential continuity between the Harper Conservatives and Trudeau Liberals in ruthlessly asserting Canadian imperialisms global geopolitical interests. In 2013, in conjunction with the Obama administrations Pivot to Asia, an economic, geopolitical and military strategy aimed at isolating and preparing for military conflict with China, the Harper government concluded a secret military agreement with the United States for increased collaboration in the Pacific. It included provisions for joint military operations in the Asia-Pacific region and came as Canada finalized deals with Singapore and South Korea to enable Ottawa to establish forward military bases in these two countries when needed.

The Canadian military is a frequent participant in US-led military exercises in South Korea and the Asia-Pacific, including a major naval exercise last summer. Trudeau has also agreed to closer security cooperation with Japan, Washingtons chief imperialist ally in the region.

Canadas alliance with US imperialism in the Asia-Pacific goes back much further. During World War II, the US supplanted Britain as the Canadian ruling elites principal military-security partner, and by the wars end Canada was preparing to send tens of thousands of troops and an armada of 60 ships to join the war between the US and Japan for domination of the Asia-Pacific.

Canada was an early and important US ally in the Korean War, a conflict that wrought death and destruction on a vast scale, sealed the partition of the Korean peninsula, and laid the basis for the bitter conflicts that today threaten to plunge the region into another catastrophic war.

In the wake of the 1949 Chinese Revolution and under conditions of deepening Cold War conflict with the Soviet Union, the US abandoned its commitment to unite Korea after ending nearly a half-century of Japanese colonial occupation. Instead Democrats, Republicans and the burgeoning military-intelligence apparatus came together as one in declaring that in Korea, Asia and around the world, the overriding objective of American foreign policy had to be thwarting world communism.

Some 26,000 Canadian military, naval and air force personnel served in the Korean War, initially under the overall command of the arch-reactionary and imperialist, General Douglas MacArthur. The Korean War pitted the armed forces of the US-sponsored South Korean state, the US, Britain, Canadian and other western and allied states against the North Korean-led Korean Peoples Army and Chinese troops. Sections of the American military command demanded a much more aggressive intervention, with some, including MacArthur, advocating airstrikes on China and the use of nuclear weapons.

On 7 August, 1950, Liberal Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent announced the creation of the Canadian Army Special Force (CASF) to deploy soldiers to Korea. So as to encourage young recruits to join up for the war, the Canadian Army lowered its recruiting standards. A total of 516 Canadians died in the conflict.

Reflecting the overwhelming support within Canadian ruling circles for Washingtons drive to force North Korea to bow to US domination, even if that means provoking all-out war, the CBC article that reported Sajjans comments about possible Canadian participation in such a conflict prompted no debate within the corporate media. Only one other news organization, and clearly so for its own political reasons, the far right US publication the Daily Caller, saw fit to even take note of the defence ministers comments and the revelation that Canada has been involved in planning for war in Korea.

Macdonald-Laurier Institute deputy editor, David McDonough, did however pen an April 18 article in which he described the mounting war tensions between Washington and Pyongyang as an opportunity to push for Canada to join the US antiballistic missile shield, hike military spending, and develop its cyberwar capabilities.

The Liberals readiness to align Canada with the Trump administrations reckless military escalation in Korea demonstrates the politically criminal role played by all those political forces that, in one way or another, promoted Trudeau as a progressive alternative to the Conservatives in the 2015 election. The trade union bureaucracy, which is peddling ever more virulent Canadian nationalism as economic protectionism rises internationally, spent millions on Anyone but Conservative advertising campaigns, while the NDP announced that it was ready to form a coalition government with the Liberals.

Within days of Trudeaus election, the Canadian Labour Congress leadership met with him to offer their support and assistance, and Unifor, Canadas largest private sector union, gave Trudeau a rousing standing ovation at its August 2016 convention.

The Trudeau governments warmongering, whether over Korea, in the Middle East or in Eastern Europe, has not prompted a word of criticism from these layers. This is because they are in fundamental agreement with the need to uphold the global interests of Canadian capitalism by serving up Canadian workers as cheap labour for big business, while at the same time playing them off against their class brothers and sisters internationally with the poison of Canadian nationalism.

The NDP, which has supported every Canadian imperialist military intervention since the late 1990s, has not issued a single statement on the imminent threat of war with North Korea. This is in keeping with its role in defending Canadian imperialist foreign policy interests and supporting the ruling-class agenda of austerity and war.

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[14 November 2014]
The US gross domestic product barely rose in the first three months of 2017, increasing by an annual rate of only 0.7 percent from the last quarter of 2016, according to a report released Friday by the Commerce Department. It was the slowest rate of economic growth since the first quarter of 2014.

The figure fell short of the already low consensus estimate of economists, who had predicted a 1 percent rise in the GDP. The first quarter performance was sharply lower than the final three months of 2016, when the economy grew by 2.1 percent.

The most important factor depressing economic growth was a virtual collapse in the growth of consumption, which tumbled to 0.3 percent from 3.5 percent in the previous quarter. Consumption accounts for some 70 percent of GDP in the United States. The first quarter consumption figure was the weakest since the end of 2009, when the official recovery from the severe recession that followed the 2008 Wall Street crash was just getting underway.

Just two months ago, economists were predicting that the first quarter output figure would be 2 percent, but recent months have seen a marked slowdown in consumer purchases, particularly of cars. The BBC quoted Paul Ashworth, chief US economist at Capital Economics, as saying, Household spending was held down by a drop in motor vehicle sales from the near-record high at the end of last year and the unseasonably warm winter weather, which depressed utilities spending.

While many economists brushed off the miserable GDP report as a fluke, the result mainly of temporary factors such as unusually warm weather, Carl R. Tannenbaum, chief economist at Northern Trust in Chicago, told the New York Times, I have to be honest: The hard data just wasnt very good last quarter. The retail retreat, especially in autos, was greater than many people anticipated.

There have been other signs of stagnation, including the Labor Departments employment report for March, which showed an expansion in payrolls of only 98,000 new jobs, less than half the pace of previous months.

The economic growth report took on added political significance coming as it did on the eve of Donald Trumps first 100 days in office. Trumps pledge to dramatically slash taxes for corporations and the rich, gut business regulations and launch a pro-corporate infrastructure program has fueled a euphoric rise on the stock market and a spurt in business confidence and investment, as the financial elite anticipates an enormous increase in profits and personal wealth.

But Fridays report underscores the disconnect between the rising fortunes of the corporate oligarchy on the one hand, and the depressed state of the real economy and the fall in living standards for broad sections of the population on the other.

Just two days before the release of the Commerce Department report, Trumps two top economic advisers, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Gary Cohn, the director of the White House National Economic Council, released an outline of the administration's plans for a multi-trillion-dollar tax cut for corporations and the rich.

The two multi-millionaire former Goldman Sachs bankers insisted that the plan would not add to the national debt and require major social cuts because it would boost the growth rate to a sustainable 3 percent from the current average of around 2 percent, adding sufficient tax revenues to offset the impact of lower tax rates.

This lie is part of the attempt to present the wholesale redistribution of wealth from the bottom to the top as a boon to workers, driven by the desire to create American jobs. The dismal GDP figure for the first quarter of the year has underscored the fraudulent character of these claims.

This will not in any way deter the government from implementing the demands of the financial oligarchy. On the contrary, the poor first quarter report will be cited as proof of the necessity for a tax boondoggle for the rich. As Republican Kevin Brady, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, put it, This report underscores the urgent need for pro-growth tax reform.

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[28 April 2017]
On Friday, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson spoke at the UN Security Council in order to support and ratchet up the threats against North Korea made by US President Donald Trump.

Johnson said, Britain stands alongside our allies in making clear that North Korea must obey the UN and halt its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmesdisarming in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner.

He warned that the UK believes it is vital for this council to stand ready to take further significant measures against Pyongyang.

The previous day, Johnson reiterated his declaration that the UK would be prepared to support further US bombing in Syria, before indicating that the government might not seek parliamentary approval. He told BBC Radios Today programme, [I]f they come to us and ask for our supportwhether its with submarine-based cruise missiles in the Med... in my viewand I know its also the view of the prime ministerit would be difficult for us to say no.

There is no legal requirement for parliament to authorise military action, but Defence Secretary Michael Fallon recently acknowledged that since the Iraq war in 2003, governments go to Parliament to seek the authority for action involving combat troops or aircraft.

Asked if UK military strikes would need approval from the Commons, Johnson said, I think that needs to be tested. How we exactly implement that would be for the government and for the prime minister to decide.

Earlier in the week, Johnson wrote a comment piece in the pro-Tory Sun, owned by billionaire oligarch Rupert Murdoch. While the media concentrated on his bizarre and derogatory description of Corbyn, the newspaper asked voters not to feel sorry for mutton-headed old mugwump Jeremy Corbynbecause the Labour leader poses an extreme danger to the country.

Referring to Russia, North Korea and Syria as the problems Britain is grappling with, Johnson said Corbyn had campaigned against NATO for most of his life, and has even said he would like to scrap our armed forces.

The foreign secretarys comments followed those of Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, who said Monday on the Today programme, In the most extreme circumstances, we have made it very clear that you cant rule out the use of nuclear weapons as a first strike.

Fallon refused to name which countries the UK was considering launching a pre-emptive nuclear strike against, as this would only give comfort to our enemies and make the deterrent less credible.

It is unprecedented for a UK defence secretary to declare in public that the UK is prepared to launch a nuclear first strike on another country.

On the first day of the election campaign, Fallon accused Corbyn of being a stooge of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He was speaking in Estonia, during a ceremony to mark the deployment of 800 British troops in a NATO combined force, part of NATOs encirclement of Russia, to be escalated in the summer with the dispatch of British Typhoon fighter jets to Romania and a destroyer to the Black Sea.

This set the agenda for the series of increasingly hysterical attacks on Corbyn, centred on his being a danger to national security. Last Sunday, the BBCs Andrew Marr held an interview with Corbyn in which he harangued him and asked repeatedly if he would press the nuclear button as prime minister. At one stage, Marr said, Can I ask you directly: are there any circumstances in which youd authorise a nuclear strike? Any circumstances?

This was followed Tuesday with the release of an election video by the Tories beginning with the words, Whoever wins this election will need to keep our country safe. It includes a few seconds of clips from some of Corbyns speeches and declares that he would close down NATO, stop the replacement of the UK Trident nuclear system, abolish the army and stop the Metropolitan Polices shoot to kill policy. It concludes with banner-sized text covering the screen: Our security and Jeremy Corbyntoo big a risk.

The attacks on Corbyn were backed up by three ex-military chiefsformer First Sea Lord Alan West, former British commander in Afghanistan, Colonel Richard Kemp, and former chief of defence staff, Lord General Richards.

In response to Johnsons article, Corbyn replied passively that it was personal name calling, adding, Ive never been involved in that and never will be.

In reality, the Tories and Labour are effectively one party of war, with Corbyns personal policies on the use of nuclear weapons opposed by the vast majority of MPs, including his own shadow defence minister, Nia Griffith. Asked on the BBCs Daily Politics Monday if she agreed with Corbyns declaration that he would not authorise the launching of a nuclear bomb, Griffith said this was not Labours policy. We are prepared to use it, and Im certainly prepared to use it.

Corbyn had refused to guarantee that the 205 billion renewal of Trident would be in Labours yet-to-be-released election manifesto, but was again immediately opposed by Andrew Gwynne MP, the party's election campaign organiser. Gwynne said, The Labour Party is very clear. Were committed to a credible nuclear capability at the minimum end of the scale, delivered through continuous at-sea deterrent.

The Socialist Equality Party placed the struggle against war at the centre of its Third National Congress last October. The Congress unanimously endorsed the February 18, 2016 statement of the International Committee of the Fourth International, Socialism and the Fight Against War, and adopted a resolution, For a new socialist movement against militarism, austerity and war.

Point 24 of that resolution reads: Britains alliance with the US means it will be drawn inexorably even further into military conflicts anywhere in the world. In Europe, it places it in the front line of the US build-up against Moscow, raising the prospect of a confrontation with Germany and the re-opening of the fault-lines that led to two world wars.

The reckless comment of Fallon that the UK is prepared to launch nuclear attacks on other countries, and Corbyns refusal to call for mass working class opposition to these plans, only serves to hasten the descent into a war that threatens humanity.

This was demonstrated by the response of Russia to Fallons comments. Frants Klintsevich, the deputy head of the Russian Federation Councils Committee for Defense and Security, said that if the UK attacks a nuclear power, then the UK, which doesnt have vast territory, will be literally wiped off the face of the earth with a counterstrike.

On Thursday, asked to clarify his statements, Klintsevich said, If the threat is directed against Russia or China, then it is a simple fact that Britain will not be able to withstand an appropriate response from another nuclear power.

The author also recommends:

Attack on UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn over nuclear first strike

[25 April 2017]

Leading ministers outline war agenda behind UKs snap general election

[22 April 2017]
The Trump administrations Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman, Ajit Pai, released a draft proposal on Thursday for overturning net neutrality regulations that the agency adopted in 2015. Net neutrality is the principle that the transmission of data over the Internet must be treated equally, without regard to content, purpose or originating source.

Under the terms of the 2015 Obama-era FCC Open Internet Order, companies that own the infrastructure and provide broadband Internet cable and wireless services cannot slow, block or prioritize online content. Additionally, they cannot provide faster delivery of content from companies that are willing to pay more for it.

In its notice of rule changes, entitled Restoring Internet Freedom, the FCC draft proposal calls for an end to the 2015 regulatory approach that gives government control of the Internet and to restore the market-based policies necessary to preserve the future of Internet Freedom  For the Trump administration, a free and open Internet is synonymous with removing any restrictions on corporations and has nothing to do with the access and privacy issues confronting the public.

At the heart of the draft proposal is elimination of what is known as Title II public utility-style regulation of broadband Internet Service Providers (IPSs). Under Title II rules, telecommunications giants like Verizon, AT&T, Time Warner, Charter/Spectrum and Comcast are regulated as common carrier services. This means that their policies and practices are subject to FCC review based on just and reasonable and public good considerations.

The FCCs new draft proposal is the antithesis of such considerations and amounts to a brief for the telecom monopolies that control more than three-quarters of all Internet connections in the United States. Through their mouthpiece, Ajit Pai, the corporations that control public access to information are planning to throttle Internet content, increase monthly service fees, sell consumer data and engage in the content creation business as they see fit.

By attacking the Title II framework of the 2015 regulations, the Republican-controlled FCC is exploiting the contradiction between the regulatory framework of the US government and the vast expansion of the Internet and telecommunications infrastructure over the past 25 years. Title II dates back to the 1930s and the Roosevelt era, and is based on the land-line telephone technology of that period.

With the convergence of the content and delivery systems of the Internetembodied in the emergence of companies like Netflix, Apple, Google and Amazonas well as the merger of cable companies like Comcast and AT&T with media organizations like NBC and CNN, there is ferocious corporate competition for control of both digital content and streaming delivery, as both are displacing the traditional broadcast and cable television models.

Another aspect of FCC chairman Pais plan calls for the transfer of policing of telecom industry privacy practices from the FCC to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a move widely recognized as essentially ending oversight. Net neutrality experts have pointed out that enforcement and prevention of privacy violations without FCC oversight is an absurdity, since the FTC regime pursues criminal activity only after it has already occurred.

In preparation for the release of the FCC draft, Pai gave a speech on Wednesday at the Newseum in Washington, DC, where he unabashedly spoke as a representative of telecom corporate interests. Pai resorted to McCarthyite-style accusations by claiming that the 2015 frameworkin fact, a very weak set of government regulationswas based on a plan to get rid of the media capitalists in the phone and cable companies and to divest them from control.

Kevin Werbach, an expert on Internet issues from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, responded, telling Fortune, Pai is clearly trying to throw some red meat to the right-wing base in order to counter the broad popular support for open Internet protections... Thats not the job for the head of an independent administrative agency.

The attack on net neutrality comes on the heels of the passage by Congress of a joint resolution ending restrictions on the ability of ISPs to sell consumer privacy data to marketing companies. These measures are further evidence that the American governmentthe Trump administration and the Democrats as well as Republicansis committed to removing any restriction on the profitmaking endeavors of the banks, corporations and wealthy elite and returning society to conditions that existed prior to the 1930s.
The Humboldt University Student Parliament (StuPa) in Berlin overwhelmingly passed a resolution condemning the university administration for issuing a public statement declaring criticism of right-wing Professor Jorg Baberowski to be unacceptable. The StuPa demanded that the university administration withdraw its public statement of support for Baberowski.

The motion, titled For freedom of expression at Humboldt University, was introduced by Sven Wurm, the spokesman of the International Youth and Students for Social Equality at Humboldt University. The motion was formulated in response to two incidents in which security personnel ordered IYSSE members to stop distributing leaflets at the university.

Wurm reviewed Baberowskis political positions, which include the relativization of the crimes of the Third Reich. In 2014, Baberowski stated in an interview published in Der Spiegel: Hitler was no psychopath, and he wasnt vicious. He didnt want people to talk about the extermination of the Jews at his table. Wurm also cited Baberowskis right-wing attacks on the admission of refugees into Germany, which parallel those of the extreme right-wing Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD).

Other IYSSE representatives called attention to the growth of opposition to Baberowski among student groups throughout Germany, including in Bremen, Hamburg, Luneburg and Heidelberg.

The reading of passages from Baberowskis writings was met with indignation by the student representatives. A member of the Queer-feminist LGBT*I *Q list said that Baberowski is a right-wing extremist and proposed that the IYSSE resolution be strengthened to demand that the Humboldt administration explicitly withdraw its support for the professor. The IYSSE group accepted this amendment. The resolution, as voted upon, read:

The Student Parliament demands that the university administration clearly condemn right-wing and anti-refugee positions. In flagrant contrast to the universitys alleged policy welcoming refugees, the administration is hiding behind supposed scholarly freedom and is thus tolerating right-wing propaganda. We demand that the university administration publicly withdraw its statement solidarizing with Professor Baberowski.

A long list of speakers supported the resolution, including representatives of the Left list and the Secular Humanist list. The motion was adopted by a majority of 40 votes in favour and four against, with six abstentions. Apart from the Association of Christian Democratic Students and the Power of Science list, all other representatives voted for the motion.

The vote of the Student Parliament took place against the backdrop of a ferocious campaign in the capitalist media defending Baberowski and denouncing the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartie (SGP), the IYSSE and the World Socialist Web Site.

Articles in the major capitalist newspapers, including Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Die Welt, Die Zeit and Suddeutsche Zeitung, have resorted to the crudest slanders against the SGP and the WSWS in a blatant attempt to whip up right-wing public opinion.

But this coordinated right-wing campaign has had precisely the opposite effect of what the reactionary witch-hunters intended. Opposition to Baberowskis views is hardening among students, not only at Humboldt but at universities throughout the country.

In yet another significant development, Der Berliner Tagesspiegel, one of the German capitals major newspapers, published a lengthy article in its Friday edition reviewing positions of Baberowski that have been attacked by the SGP. The conclusions of the Tagesspiegel were highly critical of both Baberowski and Humboldt Universitys attempt to suppress public debate.
In a 30-minute video posted on his blog Friday, Unsubmissive France (UF) leader and defeated presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon decided to take no position on the May 7 presidential runoff between neo-fascist candidate Marine Le Pen and ex-banker Emmanuel Macron.

This is a cowardly evasion of political responsibility. Melenchon won nearly 20 percent of the vote and carried cities including Marseille, Toulouse, Lille and the working-class northern suburbs of Paris. He spoke yesterday as youth in cities across France protested the dead end of an election between a neo-fascist and an ex-minister of the current Socialist Party (PS) government who supports the state of emergency, deep austerity and a return of the draft.

Under these conditions, the Parti de legalite socialiste (PES) has called for an active boycott of the election, to mobilize the explosive political opposition and social anger in the working class against whichever reactionary candidate wins the runoff.

Melenchon, however, made clear that he would participate in the May 7 vote, but stressed that he would keep his vote a secret from the UF movements Internet membership so they would not feel betrayed by the decision he took. He indicated only that he would not vote for Le Pen.

I will go vote, he said, and continued: But as for whom I will vote, I will not tell you. You dont have to be a great genius to figure out what I will do. But why wont I tell you? So that you can stay grouped together So that each one of you, whatever decision he takes, can feel comfortable about the vote he cast for me in the presidential election, can feel proud of his vote, can feel that he was not betrayed by his candidate.

Melenchon, who like Macron is a former PS minister, added that had the UF membership consisted of longtime political allies, he could have told them what he would do. However, Melenchon said, the UF voter base is divided between supporters of a Macron vote and forces opposed to both Macron and Le Pen, and he could not take any position without dividing his movement.

He declared, Maybe if we had spent 10 years in politics together, in the movement, for 15 years, maybe I could say, OK my friends, this is what Im doing. We would be close enough to each other, in some sense, for me to be able to confide in you, but now I must not do that. If I do it, I will divide you.

What emerges inescapably from Melenchons comments is that he has no independent political line whatsoever.

Whatever he intends to do in the voting booth, whether it is to vote for Macron or cast a blank ballot, his silence is bankrupt. Were he to support Macron, in line with his ex-comrades in the PS leadership, his campaign promises to oppose free-market policies and militarism would be exposed as so many political lies. If, in fact, he intends to silently cast a blank ballot because he considers himself opposed to both Le Pen and Macron, this is an admission of political impotence.

The call by the PES for a boycott and opposition to both candidates means fighting to organize a mass political movement in the working class against whichever candidate wins. It means appealing to the deep social opposition in the working class to austerity, turning to the 70 percent of the population that opposed the PS labor law and now opposes the choice between Le Pen and Macron. It means rejecting and exposing the endless lying and political blackmail in the media, which is seeking to discredit left-wing opposition to Macron by claiming that it is allied to the neo-fascists.

The PES is fighting for this line among workers and youth and explaining that it requires a revolutionary, socialist and internationalist perspective for a struggle against the ruthless opposition such an offensive will provoke in the ruling class in France and internationally.

Melenchons proposals, on the other hand, are shot through with insoluble contradictions. Having effectively admitted that UF was too deeply divided to even take a position on Macrons campaign, he turned around and claimed that it was a stable and united force that could do well in the June legislative elections and serve as a beacon for France.

We are in an extremely tense situation, violence is being done to most of us, he said. And from this violence, a stable situation cannot emerge, because the very nature of the protagonists of the second round rules out such stability: one is extreme finance, the other is the extreme right.

He declared that UF is therefore an asset for our country, because whoever wins the second round, we will be dealing with someone whose program will divide everyone and create an incredible mess in this country.

Melenchon, a former PS minister with extensive contacts in the intelligence and security services going back to his period as a top assistant to PS President Francois Mitterrand in the 1980s, is well aware of the explosive social situation in France and across Europe. What he is proposing is not a left-wing policy to mobilize the working class in struggle, however. Rather, he is advancing vague, desperate hopes that parliamentary combinations involving UF could somehow deal with whichever reactionary takes over Frances all-powerful presidency.

His proposal amounts to this: anyone looking to build a left-wing opposition to both Macron and Le Pen should remain trapped within an organization so divided and dependent on official public opinion that it cannot even take a position on Macrons presidential bid. This display of impotence will only provide an opening for the populist demagogy of Le Pen, who yesterday issued her own video appeal to UF voters to back her in the May 7 runoff.

Melenchon concluded by describing his strategy of deliberate ambiguity about Macron as the common position of UF and large sections of the trade union bureaucracy, noting that the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), Workers Force (FO) and Solidarity unions have the same approach. He discussed the upcoming consultative vote of the UF Internet membership to determine what position to take in the runoff, but only to make clear that this vote will have no real significance.

The consultative vote will not have the weight of a decision, he said. We will give a picture, we will say here is what UF members are thinking. I hope many of you will go vote. We will say here is what the UF members think. We will not say there is a majority, a minority, one won out over the other, because we are not a party.

Translated into plain English, this means that UF members can vote however they please, but Melenchon and the UF leadership are determined not to take up a struggle. Such remarks point to the reactionary implications of Melenchons postmodernist claims, advanced in books like The Era of the People, that the era of socialism, of a politically independent role for the working class, of the left, and of political parties is over. As the PES has warned, these claims indicate Melenchons essential hostility to building a revolutionary movement in the working class.

Instead of being politically organized in a disciplined vanguard party, workers and students turning to the left are to be trapped in loose, semi-anarchistic and impotent groupings led by practiced bourgeois politicians. Melenchons statement today underscores that this perspective does not open a way forward for social struggle, but strangles it.

The alternative for masses of people looking for a way to struggle against Macron and Le Pen is not Melenchon, but the building of the PES as the French section of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) and the Trotskyist vanguard of the working class in France.
Germany and the European Union insisted on a tough stance towards the UK in the run-up to todays special EU summit on Brexit in Brussels and the upcoming British elections on June 8. In a government statement to the German parliament (Bundestag) on Thursday, Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke out sharply against London and announced that no concessions would be made in the EU-UK negotiations.

A third countryand this will be the case with the United Kingdomcannot and will not have the same rights and cannot expect to be treated better than a member of the European Union, Merkel threatened. She had to unfortunately express that clearly here, because some in the UK still have illusions. That, however, would just be a waste of time.

Merkel defended the EUs position not to conduct substantive negotiations on post-Brexit trade and economic relations with London until the financial details of the withdrawal were clarified. The UK government is pressing to address the question of its separation payment at the end of the planned two-year interim talks, but according to Merkel, We cannot conclude these negotiations. They are part of the most important aspects that will be on the agenda from the very beginning. Therefore we can only proceed in this order and not vice versa.

Germany and the other member states of the European Union did not want this withdrawal, Merkel said, stressing that it was now up to Germany and other EU member states to define our own interests and objectives for the forthcoming negotiations. To this end, the European Council will take the first step on Saturday and adopt the 27 common guidelines for negotiations.

The Guidelines read like a declaration of war on Britain on the part of Berlin and the European states. The Suddeutsche Zeitung published a preliminary report on the document prepared by the EU Commission under the headline, EU plans very hard Brexit negotiations. The article noted that the paper contained a number of demands that would be regarded in London as impertinent and run counter to the plans of British Prime Minister Theresa May.

Among other things, the rights of EU citizens already resident in Britain are to be preserved life-long, without any restrictions. This means that all EU citizens living in the UK would continue to enjoy equal access to the labour market and the British social system, even after Brexit. For the Conservative Party government in Britain such a demand is unacceptable. In the course of the Brexit campaign, the Tory right wing agitated against EU migrants and demanded an immediate end to all relations with Brussels after the break with the EU.

According to the Suddeutsche Zeitung, the EU Commission is also unrelenting regarding financial commitments. Brussels insists that Great Britain should pay all the costs associated with leaving the EUin euros. In this manner, the Commission would shift any currency risks back into the lap of the United Kingdom.

All the costs incurred by Brexit, such as the relocation of EU institutions back to the continent, are to be fully covered by London. This would be the case, for example, for the European banking supervision authority, which has up to now been based in London, and also the European Medicines Agency.

Merkel left no doubt that the main motion was largely drafted in Berlin. She thanked the president of the European Council, Donald Tusk, for a very good and balanced draft of the text, after intensive preparation, in which, of course, the German government has participated.

In the run-up to the summit, Berlin has systematically worked to create a united front of EU countries against London. Merkel said that their many talks in recent weeks have shown that there is now a great deal of agreement among the 27 member states and the institutions on our common negotiating line with the UK." One could therefore assume that the European Council of 27 will send a strong signal of unity.

There is one central aim behind the tough stance of the chancellor. Berlin is seeking to fuse Europe together under German domination in order to further its geo-strategic and economic interests as effectively as possible. Any concessions to London are unacceptable to the German ruling class because they would put at risk German hegemony and accelerate the break-up of the EU under conditions of growing political and economic conflicts across the continent.

A government resolution adopted by the German parliament states: From the standpoint of the German Bundestag, the ultimate objective of the Brexit negotiations is to ensure the unity of the EU. Particular interests should not jeopardise the achievement of this long-term and overarching objective. Cherry picking by the UK is not allowed.

In an attempt to play the role of Europes disciplinarian, the German government can count on the countrys so-called opposition parties in the Bundestag. While making tactical criticisms of the German government's response to Brexit, the chair of the Left Party fraction in the Bundestag, Sahra Wagenknecht, who spoke directly after Merkel, solidarised herself with the chancellor in the very first sentence of her remarks. Mrs. Chancellor, I agree with your criticism of the current developments in Turkey, she said.

As a concerned representative of the ruling elite, Wagenknecht warned the government that it put at risk the legacy of the great founding fathers of Europe with its strategy of deterring other potential imitators by attaching the worst possible conditions to withdrawal. Among the great founding fathers of Europe to whom Wagenknecht referred was Konrad Adenauer, the arch-conservative and deeply anti-communist first German chancellor of the post-war period.

From start to finish, Wagenknecht identified herself with the EU, which is increasingly dominated by Berlin. Her handful of social phrases were intended to obscure the reactionary character of the institutions in Brussels, which are increasingly recognised by workers and youth for what they really are: instruments in the hands of a tiny hyper-wealthy financial oligarchy that has declared war on the working class, encourages extreme right-wing forces and is rearming for war at home and abroad.
The Milwaukee District Attorneys Office began a week-long inquest Monday into the death of Milwaukee County Jail inmate Terrill Thomas, 38, who died from dehydration seven days after officers at the jail shut off the water supply to his cell.

Thomas was arrested on April 14 of last year for shooting a man in front of his family house and later firing a gun inside Potawatomi Casino in Milwaukee. Thomas had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and his family reported that he was experiencing a severe mental breakdown at the time.

In custody, Thomas was placed in an isolation cell where he appeared to be behaving erratically and experiencing a significant amount of distress. Milwaukee County Jail officers turned off the water supply to Thomas isolation cell after he reportedly flooded his previous cell by stuffing his mattress into the cells toilet.

In addition to not having access to water, Thomas was deprived of access to a mattress, blanket or pillow in his isolation cell, and the cells toilet could not be flushed due to the water supply being shut off. The water supply to Thomass cell was never turned back on, and he was discovered dead from dehydration.

Thomas had also not eaten over the week he was denied access to water in his cell, losing 30 pounds in 7 days. His meals were not served with water and he refused to eat the Nutraloaf, a brick-like loaf served in jails that is deliberately made to be unpleasant to consume. Nutraloaf has been banned in New York and California correctional facilities.

The lawyer representing Thomass estate, Erik Heipt, said the state of his mental health was so severe that it rendered him unable to communicate his situation or advocate for himself. Heipt contended further that other Milwaukee County Jail inmates had told correction officers that Thomas was in dire need of water.

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiners Office ruled his death a homicide, but no charges were initially brought against any of the officers overseeing Thomas. Following the inquest, expected to conclude next week, a jury and the Milwaukee district attorney will decide whether to recommend that charges be brought against the officers who oversaw Thomass torture and death.

Prosecutors also claim that a Milwaukee jail commander had not revealed the existence of a surveillance video showing the guard shutting off the water supply. Nor was the entire video ordered to be preserved and its existence was not mentioned to investigators for over a year after the death.

During the first week of the inquest, the three officers involved in shutting off the water to Thomass cell gave conflicting testimony about who was or was not notified and in charge of documenting the water shutoff, and who was to blame for the inmates death. One of the officers involved in Thomass death invoked his Fifth Amendment rights to avoid giving testimony.

Heipt has stated that following the inquest he intends to file a federal civil rights case on behalf of Thomass estate. One of Thomass surviving children has already filed a separate suit against Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke Jr, who oversees the jail.

Last Monday, Heipt spoke of Thomass death as an example of the warehousing and torment of vulnerable sections of the mentally ill in jails, instead of providing them with necessary treatment. He (Thomas) needed mental health treatment, said Heipt, but instead of the jail treating his very serious mental health needs, they responded by punishing him for acting out... They treated his mental illness as a behavioral problem and disciplined him.

Heipt also compared jail deaths like Thomass to the police killings and brutality caught on camera over the past several years.

Inmates are particularly vulnerable to abuse at the hands of the authorities because they are largely invisible to the public and their abuse and even deaths are undocumented and difficult for inmates or their families to investigate.

That type of evidence [the recorded video] doesnt always exist in jail-related deaths, and so the people are often not demanding the same level of accountability, Heipt said. These things are often poorly investigated and get swept under the rug, and the citizens dont even know its happening.

Terrill Thomas is one of four people who died in the Milwaukee County Jail over a six-month period in 2016 under the tenure of Sheriff Clarke.

On August 28, 2016, Kristina A. Fiebrink, 38, was found dead in her cell after being arrested four days earlier. She had been struggling with heroin addiction. Fiebrinks cellmate Elisha Johnson stated in a November 2016 interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Fiebrink had been screaming and hallucinating due to the effects of heroin detoxification, saying the devil was in her cell and trying to choke her. She received no help from Milwaukee County Jail employees.

On October 28, 2016, Michael Madden, 29, died in the Milwaukee County Jail. Madden suffered from pre-existing valvular heart disease that was known to his jailers. Maddens jailmates stated last November that they had attempted to get help from jail employees after he said he was unable to breathe and his head hurt, but Madden became unresponsive before personnel responded.

In July 2016, Shade Swayzer, 30, was incarcerated in the Milwaukee County Jail while she was nine months pregnant. When her water broke and she went into labor in her cell, she begged for help from her jailers, who laughed at her and ignored her pleas. Her newborn baby was pronounced dead later in the day.

Swayzer insists that her baby cried profusely and breastfed before dying, but the private company contracted to perform medical care for inmates said publicly the baby was stillborn. The Milwaukee County Sheriffs Office reported that Swayzer never asked for help or informed corrections officers at the jail that she was going into labor.

Sheriff Clarke, a fascistic figure who publicly supported Donald Trump's election campaign and spoke at the Repulblican National Convention, has made only one public comment on Thomas' death, complaining that journalists have not adequately reported on the prisoners health prior to his being jailed or the seriousness of the crimes he committed. He has disregarded the fact that neither of these factors contributed to his death and that he was suffering from serious mental illness.

In January it came to light that Clarke had made bullying threats to the Milwaukee County chief medical examiner after the examiner released information about two of the four inmates who had died from neglect in the county jail in 2016.

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker said in a statement earlier this week, following calls for Clarke to be removed from his position due to deaths in the jail he supervises, that he would not fire the sheriff. Ultimately, the decision about the sheriff is left up to the voters; thats a constitutional office, the governor stated.

On Friday, Washington DC sources revealed to the Politico web site that Clarke is being considered for a senior position in the Trump administration, that of assistant secretary for the Department of Homeland Securitys Office of Partnership and Engagement, which coodinates with state and local law enforcement.
In an address yesterday to the UN Security Council, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned of catastrophic consequences if member states did not take swift action to force North Korea to the negotiating table on harsh US terms.

Tillerson again reiterated that all options were on the table, saying that diplomatic and financial measures will be backed up by a willingness to counteract North Korean aggression with military action if necessary.

His remarks came as North Korea conducted the test launch of a medium-range ballistic missile early Saturday morning local time, which reportedly failed.

Tillersons comments underline the acute danger of conflict that the Trump administrations brinkmanship has created on the Korean Peninsula. The US is using the threat of an imminent war, which could rapidly escalate into a global nuclear disaster, to bully the worldespecially North Korea and Chinainto accepting its demands.

Throughout his speech, the secretary of state repeatedly stressed the urgency of the UN Security Council taking action against North Korea. For too long, the international community has been reactive in addressing North Korea. Those days must come to an end, he declared. Failing to act now on the most pressing security issue in the world may bring catastrophic consequences.

The US has applied immense pressure to both North Korea and China through its military build-up in North East Asia. In addition to continuing joint US-South Korean war games, the Pentagon has dispatched an aircraft carrier strike group, headed by the USS Carl Vinson, and a nuclear submarine, which are currently engaged in exercises with South Korean and Japanese warships near the Korean Peninsula.

In that context, Tillerson declared that the US preferred a negotiated solution to this problem and set out the terms for any talks with Pyongyang. North Korea must take concrete steps to reduce the threat that its illegal weapons programs pose to the United States and its allies before we even consider talks.

At the close of the meeting, Tillerson spelled out the conditions again: We will not reward their bad behaviour with talks. We will only engage in talks with North Korea when they exhibit a good-faith commitment to abiding by the Security Council resolutions and their past promises to end their nuclear programs.

Such an undertaking would involve a halt to all North Koreas nuclear- and missile-testing, the mothballing of its nuclear facilities and their eventual dismantlement, and highly intrusive UN inspections. Tillerson did not indicate the concrete steps Pyongyang would have to take before Washington would consider talks.

The entire speech was laced with hypocrisy. On two prior occasionsin 1994 and 2007North Korea agreed to all of the above terms and began their implementation, only to have the agreements sabotaged by the United States, which failed to keep its side of the bargain. Washington has never demonstrated its good faith by easing the decades-long diplomatic and economic embargo on North Korea.

Moreover, Tillersons claims that the US does not want regime-change in Pyongyang and has no desire to threaten the North Korean people or destabilise the Asia Pacific region are absurd. Ever since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the barely disguised aim of successive US administrations has been to abolish the North Korean regime.

Tillersons speech was, in effect, an ultimatum to the world. He outlined a series of demands on UN member statesthat they fully implement existing sanctions on North Korea, suspend or downgrade diplomatic relations, and increase North Koreas financial isolation through new sanctions. This new pressure campaign will be swiftly implemented and painful to North Korean interests, he declared.

Tillersons insistence on the full implementation of existing sanctions was especially aimed at China, which the Trump administration has repeatedly criticised for failing to do. We must all do our share, but China, accounting for 90 percent of North Korean trade, China alone has economic leverage that is unique, and its role is particularly important, he said.

Chinas foreign minister, Wang Yi, rebutted the criticism, declaring: The state of affairs on the Korean Peninsula is not caused by any single party, nor is it reasonable to ask any party to take sole responsibility. Wang again called on those parties directly involvedthe US and North Koreato demonstrate sincerity for dialogue and restart dialogue and warned against provocative rhetoric or action.

Tillersons UN remarks are in line with President Trumps comments on Thursday night, when he declared that wed love to solve things diplomatically, but its very difficult. He then went on to make clear that if the pressure campaign, particularly by China, failed, then the only option was military force. Trump warned that there was absolutely the chance of a major, major conflict with North Korea.

Having brought the Korean Peninsula to the brink of war, the Trump administration is not prepared to wait months for Pyongyang to agree to its demands. The Korean Times last week reported that China and North Korea have been engaged in secret talks. It noted that NBC had cited a US government source as saying that Beijing had sent its top nuclear negotiators to communicate the gravity of the situation to the North.

According to the newspaper, Hong Kong military analyst Liang Guoliang indicated that in the talks, North Korea had demanded that China guarantee its security and economy and give it three years to abandon its nuclear weapons. Reportedly, Chinese officials replied by saying Pyongyang had three months to dismantle its nuclear arsenal and two to three weeks to agree to US terms.

The Korean Times also cited South Korean journalist Jeong Kyu-jae, who claims that the US has already been engaged in secret talks in New York with North Korean officials. If the dialogue turns out to be productive, US President Donald Trump might send a special envoy to the North in a clandestine manner in late April or early May, he said.

However, Jeong warned: This is a scenario that will play out only when things unfold smoothly. If the talks are unsuccessful, the US might consider a military strike as the next option.
Unabashed. Shameless. Provocative.

Such words perhaps begin to do justice to the decision by former president Barack Obama to accept payments of $400,000 for each of two public appearances. Two so far.

A researcher earlier this year suggested that the Obamas could earn as much as $242.5 million from speeches, book deals and pensions. But that modest calculation was based on an estimated $40 million in book fees for the couple and a $200,000 fee per appearance. The book deal turned out to be worth far more, $65 million, and now we see what Wall Street firms and large corporations are prepared to pay the ex-president for his dollops of wisdom.

The two speaking fees alone put the former candidate of change into the top one percent of income earners in the USin fact, one of them would almost have done the trick.

It is extraordinary. An array of political elements and media outlets invested large amounts of time, energy and money into selling Obama to the American public in 2007-08 as a progressive figure, a cut well above George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, a man of compassion who would understand the average Americans pain. Of course, eight years of the actual Obama, who ruled exclusively in the interests of the financial oligarchy and the military-intelligence apparatus, disabused and disillusioned millionsthereby opening the door for Donald Trump.

But still one might think, given the appalling and reactionary character of the new administration, that Trumps predecessor would be heldor would hold himselfin political reserve, that he retained, after all, a certain political use value as a means of confusing or disorienting the mass opposition that must emerge.

But they cant apparently help themselves, this current crop of American politicians. They dont merely represent enormous wealth, they are themselves enormously wealthy, they are flesh of the oligarchys flesh, blood of its blood. Rubbing their riches and privilege in the publics face is a mode of existence; it comes nearly as naturally as breathing.

The New York Times, along with various Democrats and others, registered a certain nervousness about Obamas actions. The Times attempted, impossibly, to balance the two post-presidential Barack Obamas, one obviously greedy as sin and the other, civic-minded: Throughout his years in the White House, Mr. Obama championed the problems of the poor even as he showed an affinity for Hollywood superstars, elite artists and technology billionaires. He never championed the problems of the poor; he paid occasional lip service to them, the deceitful stock in trade of the Democratic Party.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, Democrat from Massachusetts and influential progressive, according to CNN, described herself as troubled by Obamas payoff. Warren has recently made the astonishing discovery that the influence of money in Washington is a serious issue. She told CNN that money was a snake that slithers through the nations capital and shows up in so many different ways.

Vermonts Senator Bernie Sanders, the nominal independent, told CNN on Friday that he found Obamas plan to receive $400,000 for speaking at a Wall Street conference distasteful. Tellingly, he added, At a time when we have so much income and wealth inequality ... I think it just does not look good.

This was also the theme of Jill Abramsons column in the Guardian: The optics of some of Obamas decisions since leaving office have been damaging, including the vacations.  [T]he former president did deserve a holiday. But did it have to be with the Billionaires Club? There was a widely reported visit to Richard Bransons place in British Virgin Islands for kitesurfing, photos of which went around the globe. In French Polynesia, this was followed by a jaunt on David Geffens 45ft yacht [actually 454 feet!] with celebrities including Tom Hanks, Oprah Winfrey and Bruce Springsteen.

After noting that the habitual kowtowing of senior Democrats to the billionaire class has left their party close to morally bankrupt, Abramson argued that Obama needs to be the leader of the Democratic party right now. The disclosure of his personal corruption, however, runs the risk of leaving the Democrats even more exposed and vulnerable.

Farcically, in the midst of the widespread revulsion with Obama, the Nation too proposed that the former president should be the moral and intellectual leader of opposition to Trump (Do We Need Obama in the Trump Resistance?). Educating the public about reinvesting in health care or climate change, the column asserted, would be a significant rebuke to the current administration, but not quite the outright ad hominem attack on a sitting president. Such a campaign could preserve Obamas legacy while catapulting the liberal agenda forward.

The International Socialist Organization and its socialistworker.org, which proclaimed Obamas election a transformative event in 2008, eschewed all references to slithering, kowtowing and catapulting. In fact, as per usual when complicated and uncomfortable things occur, the group eschewed saying anything at all, which is the ISOs own special brand of political complicity.

Obama had open defenders in the liberal media too, as well he should, given its current degenerate moral state. Daniel Gross at Slate had several preposterous arguments. Speaking for money is a very large industry, he commented. Many of us, including me, participate in this economy. The fees range all over the place, but its extremely lucrative. Its harder to make more money legally in an hour than you can giving a speech. In other words, Im a swine, Obamas a swine, were all swine together.

Gross too was concerned about the optics. But accepting speaking fees doesnt inherently compromise your integrity, and there is no baked-in conflict between having or making money and being heavily invested in progressive causes. Obama, he reasoned, was the most effective populistyes, populistpresident since Lyndon B. Johnson. Gross went on to argue, wonderfully, that because Obama will make lots of money and take all of his earnings as ordinary income, he will pay lots in taxes!

Michael Harriot at the Root claimed that the criticisms of Obamas avarice were at least in part racially motivated. Obama is black, which means his critics are like a P. Diddy remix: They cant stop, wont stop.

Would taking $400,000 from Wall Street undermine his [Obamas] attacks on income inequality or make him a hypocrite, would large speaking fees make him inaccessible to the common American? Harriot was not concerned. He asked rhetorically, Should Democrats and progressives cede all influence over Wall Street to Republicans who espouse trickle-down theory and free-market principles? Speaking of the free market  shouldnt Obama be free to command whatever someone is willing to pay?

Whatever miserable apologetics are thrown up, Obamas raking in enormous fees from giant firms disgusts large numbers of people and further undermines the American economic and political system, the fenced-off domain of the fabulously wealthy.

Ruling classes condemned by history can never help themselves, thats the nature of the beast. One rather conventional historian pointed to what was then considered a truism in a work written over a century ago on the coming of the French Revolution of 1789: It was the luxury and extravagance of the aristocracy of the old regime and the insolent, ostentatious display of their wealth that created envy and hatred in the hearts of the common people; but the lessons of the past were unheeded by the rich and their conduct at this time only increased the general discontent.

The American aristocracy is every bit as ostentatious and unheedful, and every bit as historically doomed.
Lecturers held a rally Thursday outside Scotlands devolved Parliament in Edinburgh as part of the first of 12 nationwide one-day strikes planned over the next three months.

The members of the Education Institute for Scotland (EIS), the countrys largest teaching union, are striking because the employers, Colleges Scotland, have failed to implement a pay deal agreed in March 2016. This included a 9 percent pay rise for lecturers over the next two years and a harmonised payment structure standardising pay grades across Scotlands recently merged colleges.

Colleges Scotland is seeking to force through a reduction in holidays and a four-hour increase in class contact time per week, in return for the implementation of the agreement.

The remarks of the main speaker at the rally, John Kelly, president of the EISs Further Education Lecturers Association, aimed to corral the protest behind minimal appeals to the Scottish National Party (SNP) government and Members of the Scottish Parliament, to force Colleges Scotland to honour the deal.

In a Facebook video message posted just prior to the strike, which formed the backbone of his speech at the rally, Kelly sought to present the SNP as a defender of education and labour rights:

The Scottish government has a clear policy of national bargaining. Our employers are seeking to undermine that. The Scottish government has a clear strategic objective of delivering high quality education in Further Education. Our employers are seeking to undermine that.

He concluded by calling on lecturers to write to the SNPs Minister for Further Education, Shirley-Anne Somerville. If she intervenes in this dispute, he remarked, I am confident that the deal will be honoured.

In fact, the SNP has targeted colleges with some of its worst austerity cuts, slashing hundreds of millions of pounds from the further education budget. In recent years, staffing levels have been reduced by nearly 10 percent and 152,000 college places wiped out as part of the merger of 37 colleges into just 20.

The bankrupt and prostrate character of the trade unions is the main reason why the EIS was barely able to mobilise 250 of its 4,500-strong membership among further education lecturers. Trade union functionaries were overwhelmingly represented at the rally and it was striking that barely any students were present.

Despite almost a decade of swingeing education cuts, the EIS resisted any national action up until last year, when a few one-day stoppages took place. At no point has it mobilised its 60,000-strong membership at other levels of education, who face identical conditions.

The Unison trade union has already wound up the struggle of college support staff, in return for a deal comprising a real-terms pay cut.

Many of the lecturers who spoke to WSWS reporters raised concerns that both working conditions and education standards would continue to deteriorate, even if the deal was agreed.

Jo, who lectures at Edinburgh College, said, Its not just about the amount of time you spend in front of a class, its also about the amount of prep as well as the time for marking students. The student of tomorrow will be entitled to a worse deal than the student of yesterday. And its just not fair on our students. They need more of our time and support, especially since theyve cut other services at colleges.

He criticised government figures showing an improvement in the quality of college education, saying, We all know its fake. If you actually ask anybody who goes in the classroom and works with these students, he continued, theyll tell you things are diabolical.

Jo indicated that lecturers have had to take on responsibility for a much broader deterioration of social conditions.

The standard of students were getting into the college is dropping, which indicates a problem with high schools, he said. Were working under conditions in which the students were seeing have more and more complex needsthey might be dyslexic, they might have mental health issues, they are often put on courses which are unsuitable for them.

Ive been to classrooms with up to five, six, seven, 12 too many students. Lecturers are having to deal with people who arent happy to be there, who arent in the right place, or who dont have the right support.

Denouncing the strategy of the government and management to tailor college education more closely to corporate interests, Jo said, We work in a situation where management are always talking about bringing in corporate money and investment from elsewhere.  We need to realise first and foremost that this is not a business, it is education.

Neil, a lecturer at a Glasgow college, also raised concerns over downwardly spiralling education standards. I think standards have definitely declined and this is just another manifestation of it. Its about trying to give people certificates on the cheap, he remarked.

In response to the international socialist perspective advanced by the Socialist Equality Party (SEP), Neil said, If youre going to challenge a global system there has to be a global response. He expressed concerns that the global organisation of the working class would be extremely difficult with the worrying shift to the right in world politics and the rise of protectionism, nationalism and the attacks on immigrants.

He adamantly rejected, however, the idea peddled in the media that there is a deep-rooted support in the working class for right-wing politics. Ironically, the challenge to globalisation, he remarked, could actually be coming from within the global elite itself.

Socialist Equality Party members and supporters posed the necessity for lecturers to establish their own rank-and-file committees independent of the trade union bureaucracy as the basis to fight for the broadest possible mobilisation of workers throughout the education sector in the UK and internationally.

The SEP team sought to raise political and historical issues beyond the narrow parameters of struggle set by the education unions. They explained that lecturers face a battle against not only college management, but against the unions, and the governments of Holyrood and Westminster. At a heart of the struggle to defend education is the struggle against capitalism, which subordinates the interests of the working class, the vast majority, to the profit interests of an obscenely wealthy financial oligarchy. An effective struggle to defend education can only be taken forward on the basis of a socialist strategy.

This perspective was received positively by lecturers, as was the insistence that the struggle to defend education and general social conditions must be linked with a struggle against imperialist war.

One lecturer said of the danger of a third world war, I think its getting ridiculous. Were all just people. It doesnt matter where youre from. I think a lot of politicians are out of touch with whats happening and what people are really feeling.

The same lecturer denounced the militarist campaign mounted by all factions of the British ruling class, in conjunction with the media, to denounce Jeremy Corbyn, the nominally left Labour Party leader, for merely suggesting that he would seek to avoid the use of nuclear weapons if he became prime minister:

No one really agrees what theyre saying about this idea that you cant be a good leader if you wont press the button [launching nuclear weapons]. So does that mean if youre willing to press a button it makes you a good leader? Really? What is it theyre trying to achieve heretotal annihilation!

The author also recommends:

Scottish college lecturers walk out over pay and conditions

[27 April 2017]
This is the second in a series of articles on the recent San Francisco International Film Festival, held April 5-19. The first part was posted April 26.

MuhiGenerally Temporary, directed by Israeli filmmakers Rina Castelnuovo-Hollander and Tamir Elterman, was one of the most moving and affecting films screened at the recent San Francisco film festival. Muhi is short for Muhammad, the name of a Palestinian boy from Gaza, who as an infant was rushed to Israel for emergency medical treatment. The movie follows Muhis story over the course of four years or so.

The documentary films prologue takes place at a checkpoint between Israel and Gaza. Only an infant, Muhi is being taken by ambulance to an Israeli hospital. Several years later, he is four and has had both arms and legs amputated due to an infection he developed while waiting for a bone marrow transplant donor. Generally Temporary refers to Muhis current status in Israel, a specific, hellish type of limbo. His compromised immune system renders him untreatable in the inadequate, besieged medical facilities in Gaza. The return to his family would likely be a death sentence.

As required by Israeli law, Muhi must be accompanied by an adult over 55 while in that country. In this case, it is his grandfather Abu Naim, who has been vetted by the Israeli authorities but is not allowed to leave the hospital grounds. In the years that Abu Naim has acted as Muhis caretaker, he has been separated from his own family in Gaza. In the course of the filming, piling tragedy upon tragedy, Abu Naims teenage son, Nasrallah, who has suffered a head injury, is treated in a Palestinian-run hospital in East Jerusalem and dies, having been returned to Gaza prematurely.

One of the movies central protagonists is Buma Inbar, an Israeli committed to helping Palestinian children living in Gaza to have access to medical care in Israel.

Aside from the heartbreaking sequences of the energetic, exceedingly bright and perceptive Muhi, bounding along hospital corridors as he adjusts to his new artificial limbs, one of the films strongest elements is its documenting of the deep friendship between Buma and Abu Naiman Israeli and a Palestinian who have both lost sons in the conflict. (Bumas son, who was in the Israeli army, was killed in Lebanon.) Muhi also has profound affection for Buma, and speaks both Hebrew and Arabic.

Although separated by a small physical distance, Hiba, Muhis mother, is a world apart from her son, and must endure a nightmare of bureaucratic procedures to enjoy brief visitations. Muhis father has reportedly been proscribed for political reasons from ever seeing his son while the latter remains in Israel. At times, the inhuman situation brings the brave youngster to the brink of emotional collapse.

Barbed wire, heavily armed soldiers and checkpoints figure prominently in MuhiGenerally Temporary. The scenes of Buma, Muhi, his mother and grandfather waiting interminably to make contact underscore the determination of the Israeli government to terrorize and intimidate Gazas residents. On the other hand, the essential humanity of both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples is ever-present.

Although the filmmakers choose to limit the scope of their documentary, attempting to navigate around larger geopolitical issues, it is worth noting that Castelnuovo-Hollanders decades-long history of recording the regions horrors as a photojournalist has not made her hard and callous, as it has so many others. On the contrary, along with Elterman, she imparts to her debut film an extraordinary level of empathy and concern for the plight of the Palestinians.

Distressingly, a postscript title reveals that the Israeli government has closed Muhis file, preventing his mother from ever again making the trip to see him.

Since the 2014 ceasefire ending Israels most recent, devastating war against Gaza, the Palestinian population has endured horrific social ills. A Palestinian film crew, shooting the Gaza sequences in MuhiGenerally Temporary, provides a glimpse of the poverty, electrical blackouts and oppression.

The Israeli authorities brutal blockade of Gaza and its dense population of 1.8 million people has now been in place for a decade, since the electoral victory of Hamas in the territory. A recent report by the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor found that 65 percent of Gaza residents suffered from poverty, 72 percent were food-insecure and 80 percent had grown dependent on international aid, while unemployment in the strip hit a record 43 percent in the last quarter of 2016.

Ashraf al-Qidra, a spokesman for Gaza's Health Ministry, recently told Al Jazeera: Around 4,000 Palestinians need to leave Gaza for urgent medical treatment but they cant because of the siege. Cancer patients are particularly affected as their condition is deteriorating. Our whole medical system is crumbling. We cant get equipment in and we cannot train our doctors.

* * * * *

We spoke to Rina Castelnuovo-Hollander and Tamir Elterman in San Francisco.

Joanne Laurier: How did you come across this story?

Rina Castelnuovo-Hollander: One of the things Ive done over the last three decades has been to cover big events and news stories. And I always want to know what happens to ordinary people behind the conflict. I was working on a story about Palestinians and Israelis who lost family members in the hostilities, and I photographed caretakers Buma [Inbar] and Abu Naim, and there was the little child, Muhi. I wanted to know more because I discovered that Muhis mother lived one hour away from the Israeli hospital, in Gaza, and yet Muhi doesnt know her. He goes through all these surgeries and amputations, but he doesnt know his own mother.

I was also captivated by this relationship between Buma and Abu Naim. They call each other brother and they are really close friends. It was a continuation of what Ive been doing the past year in the bereavement series.

I realized that the hospital was a rare meeting ground for Israelis and Palestinians. Because there are hardly any cross-border relationships existing today. When people share rooms and wards, they cant remain enemies. It took a while before I realized I had to start filming, that still photography couldnt do justice to the story of Muhi and the caretakers. But I didnt have enough experience in film. Thats when Tamir [Elterman] joined and suggested it should be a feature-length film. So then we did more than three years of filming.

JL: You mentioned at the films question-and-answer session that there were separate Palestinian and Israeli film crews. How did they coordinate?

RCH: There could not be direct contact between us--not that we didnt want that. So we did it very carefully. We suggested to the Gaza crew: just be there with the camera and sound, and record what takes place. They did a great job. We did it very carefully because we know how difficult it would be for the Gaza crew. As I said at the Q & A, when Abu Naim went to Gaza, we stopped on the Israeli side and they picked him up on the other side.

Tamir Elterman: They did an incredible job in Gaza. When we would get the footage back, we would celebrate the job they had done.

David Walsh: Could each of you briefly explain your background?

RCH: I started as a photojournalist with the Associated Press. I then started freelancing and ended up with the New York Times. And I have covered mostly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, first in Lebanon. I did cover the Gulf War. I am Israeli.

TE: Im from Berkeley, California. After graduating from university, I followed a film project in Israel about someone who wanted to serve in the Israeli army. Thats how I found myself in Israel for three years, and then I left to do my graduate work at Columbias School of Journalism.

A year later, I found myself back in Israel reporting on the war in 2012, I went to Syrian refugee camps and then started with this film four years ago. I have been based in Tel Aviv for most of the past ten years.

JL: The film begins with Muhi as an infant. How did you get that material?

RCH: It is real footage of Muhi as a baby, with his family. While we were working on the film, we were approached by someone who had footage of Muhi when he had his arms and legs, and of Buma and Abu Naim, and the grandmother.

DW: When did you start filming?

RCH: Just before the 2014 war in Gaza.

TE: The difficulties we had put the surreal nature of the situation in the forefront--we were filming with the conflict emerging.

DW: Its a region that has known enormous suffering. The checkpoints figure largely in the film and in peoples lives.

RCH: Obviously the childs world is divided by the conflict and the border. The border issue is very complicated. You cant just say, Oh, there is a fence. I wanted to focus on the people and their need to get health care.

When you live in Gaza you must first apply to a medical committee and be approved to be treated outside. That takes a while. When you are approved, you then have to apply to the Palestinian Authority and be okayed for financial backing. Then you have to ask, Where are you referring me?

And they decide whether you go to a Palestinian hospital in the West Bank or an Israeli hospital. If you go to an Israeli hospital, you have to go through Israeli security screening and if you get the final approval, you are allowed to enter. Children need to be escorted. So then you need an escort who is over 55 years old. Sometimes family members dont qualify because of the age restriction, so then it is a neighbor.

Buma spends all his time at the border--he is this one-man operation. The other day he spent hours at the border because this 12-year-old girl did not have anyone to accompany her. So he and the hospital managed to find someone who would act as a chaperone.

Its very complicated. So when these kids finally get to an Israeli hospital, often the doctors dont let them go back to Gaza because theyre afraid that if they send them back, they wont be able to return. If you go back, you have to go through the process all over again. It takes weeks and months.

Now, if its an emergency, like it was with Muhi, it can take 24 hours.

DW: Do you know how many Palestinian patients there are in Israeli hospitals at any given time?

RCH: The number is in the thousands. We saw many Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza in the hospital when we were filming, because Muhi was being moved from ward to ward. We would see them there at all hours because, for example in rehab, the Israelis can get treatment and then go home. They dont sleep there. The people who actually stay are the people who have a long way to go.

JL: Abu Naims injured son, Nasrallah, was sent back to Gaza from a Palestinian-run hospital in East Jerusalem, in Israel, after surgery. Do we know what happened to him?

RCH: Yes, they said he was OK. We tried to look at the papers, but we could not make much sense of them. Abu Naim was sure his son was fine and great.

TE: After the surgery in Israel, they told him he was going back to Gaza, he had finished his treatment here. He would start rehab in Gaza. And, tragically, he died.

DW: What is the state of the medical facilities in Gaza, after years of war and destruction?

RCH: I have not been able to go there since 2006. There are hospitals in Gaza, but they say they lack training and equipment. I know there are 200 doctors in Al-Shifa, but if they dont have the latest equipment, or if they dont get the latest medications  Everybody complains bitterly that Nasrallah did not have to die like that.

JL: You describe Muhi as living in limbo. Hes now in an Israeli hospital with his grandfather and the situation will remain like that, until Abu Naim is thrown out of the country.

TE: Abu Naim says he was waiting for someone to come and ask him to leave, but nobody ever came, and now hes supporting himself and Muhi working as a hospital janitor.

RCH: When we started, we thought Abu Naim was going to be deported because he didnt have his permit, but he got it. So, I have no reason now to presume that somebodys going to throw him out. If that happens, we could make a bit of publicity.

DW: Could you say a few words about Buma?

RCH: Buma is a contradiction in many ways. We dont even know his politics. He is only dedicated to help children to get medical care. But he does not belong to any organization. Hes not paid by anyone.

DW: Do you know anything about his history?

RCH: I know he was an ordinary man who, like everybody else in Israel, did his army service. He was in all the wars. In the Yom Kippur War [1973], he was telling me, he lost all his friends and was traumatized. When his son went to high school, he went to be a paratrooper, was sent to Lebanon and was killed with all of his group.

After his son was killed, Buma told me he considered taking his own life because he felt responsible for his sons decision to join the army. But then he decided the only way we can live in this place is if there is peace and understanding. He joined a parents circle for a while. Shortly after, he met Abu Naim and they became very close, especially after they both lost sons. They both lost their sons because of war and conflict.

TE: Buma has a slogan: Leaders sign peace treaties, but people make peace.

DW: Well, that reminds me of a quote from Brecht: When the leaders speak of peace, the common folk know that war is coming.

JL: There is a snapshot of Bumas politics in the scene when he is with Muhi, who as a child has no political filters. So when Muhi talks about loving Netanyahu and that he will take care of Gaza. Buma slyly says, Yes, Netanyahu will really take care of Gazaand how.

RCH: But Muhi always says, I love Buma.

JL: Even though the film is about a deeply personal story, it expresses a much bigger reality, involving millions of people in the Middle East.

RCH: The film is about contemporary issues.

JL: Yes, the US is building up the border and walls 

DW: Many things strike you about the film. Above all, the compassion and sympathy of ordinary people on both sides. And then the cruelty of governments, frankly, the increasing cruelty of the authorities. Of course now, Trump has dropped the biggest bomb the US has, the next thing to a nuclear bomb. Theyve killed hundreds of thousands of people in the region.

RCH: We are witness to masses of people forced to leave their homes and seek shelter. We are consumed with the question of access to health care and how the people are going to survive. Hundreds of thousands of people dont talk politics, they talk survival.

TE: We stay focused on people who are caught in the conflict and are unwittingly born into it, like Muhi. And we really wanted to stay focused on that level.

JL: This is a deeply compassionate and conscientious film. We still dont know whats going to happen to Muhi--or the population for that matter.

RCH: We hope of course there will be some kind of solution in which kids like Muhi can grow to their full potential. Muhi was born with acute intestinal malfunction and he went to Israel for a bone marrow transplant and they could not find a donor. Muhi developed bacteria. With his weakened immune system, this meant the only way to save his life was to amputate his arms and legs. He has a colostomy bag which is also a major reason that he cannot return to Gaza. There is a huge shortage of colostomy bags in Gaza.

Muhi is so smart, hes one in a million. And he sees no difference between people.

To be continued
The Trump administrations unprovoked April 7 cruise missile attack on Syria, followed closely by the dropping of the largest non-nuclear weapon in its arsenal on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, signals a new period of breakdown in international law.

Since the first Gulf War of 199091, the ever-greater assertion of US militarism by successive presidentsGeorge H. W. Bush, Clinton, George W. Bush, Obama and Trumphas brought humanity to the point where the rules of war adopted after the massive casualties and horrors of the last world war are being nakedly flouted.

The Trump administration has made no attempt whatsoever to provide legal pretexts for its bombardments. As made explicit by the statements of President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, the primary purpose of the Syrian and Afghanistan attacks was to demonstrate that there is no limit to the level of violence that the United States is prepared to unleash, completely unilaterally, in pursuit of the interests of American imperialism.

Blatant aggression

The Pentagons attack on Syria clearly defied international law. The UN Charter adopted in 1945, after two world wars, provides for only two justifications for the use of military force: authorisation by the UN Security Council or self-defence after an armed attack has occurred. No Security Council resolutions sanctioned the US attacks, and Washington did not try to claim they were necessary for self-defence.

At the UN Security Council meeting called to discuss the US attack, Washington and its allies flatly dismissed the Syrian governments denial of responsibility for the alleged use of chemical weapons, along with the fact that US-backed forces inside Syria have used such weapons in the past. Without any evidence, the US blamed the Syrian government, as in Ghouta in 2013.

Syrias ambassador to the UN called the missile strikes a flagrant act of aggression, in violation of the charter of the United Nations as well as all international norms and laws. In response, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley contemptuously declared: When the international community consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times when states are compelled to take their own action.

In other words, the US insists it has the right to wage aggressive war against any country it chooses, unless the international community agrees to carry out its dutyin other words, US diktats.

Article 2(4) of the UN Charter prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Article 51 exempts only the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security.

Even then, Article 2(7) specifies: Nothing contained in the present Charter shall authorise the United Nations to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state. That would include an internal gas attack by a government, even if proven.

Marjorie Cohn, professor emerita at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, wrote: Syria had not attacked the United States or any other country before Trump ordered the missile strike... So, Trump committed an illegal act of aggression against Syria when he lobbed his missiles.

Even if the Syrian government did carry out a chemical weapons attack, that would not legally justify the US missile strike. Notre Dame law professor Mary Ellen OConnell noted: The use of chemical weapons within Syria is not an armed attack on the United States.

The US president and his officials are guilty of the primary crime for which leading Nazis were tried at the Nuremberg tribunal in 1946: conducting a war of aggression. Article 6(a) of the Charter of the International Military Tribunal, upon which the Nuremberg prosecution was based, defined as crimes against peace the planning, preparation, initiation or waging of a war of aggression, or a war in violation of international treaties, agreements or assurances, or participation in a common plan or conspiracy for the accomplishment of any of the foregoing.

Equally significant is the ready acceptance of US war crimes by other imperialist powersincluding Germany, France and Britain. This signals their readiness to follow the US precedent in pursuit of their own interests.

Illegal weapon

Just as illegal was dropping the huge 22,000-pound Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) bomb (referred to by the US military as the Mother Of All Bombs), supposedly on tunnels built by Islamic State forces near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

The use of the largest explosive device America has utilised since demolishing Hiroshima and Nagasaki with atomic bombs in World War II was in blatant disregard for civilian casualties.

Under international humanitarian law (IHL), any military operations, even if sanctioned by the UN, must obey the rules of necessity and proportionality. First, the scale of the military force must be necessary to deal with the purported threat.

Second, the rule of proportionality prohibits an attack which may be expected to cause incidental loss of civilian life, injury to civilians, damage to civilian objects, or a combination thereof, which would be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated.

Third, IHL forbids the use, or threat of use, of any weapon or tactic when the primary purpose of the operation is to terrorise the civilian population.

Clearly, the use of the MOAB was disproportionate to any threat posed by the relatively small number of ISIS fighters claimed to be in the region. It was designed to terrorise the people of Afghanistan and the world.

This is a war crime despite the fact that in Afghanistan, the US operates militarily under the cloak of the fraudulent war on terror that was rubberstamped by the UN in 2001 following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in America. UN Security Council resolution 1373 required states to combat terrorism by all means, effectively giving the US a licence to pursue its predatory bid to take control of the resource-rich and strategically vital regions of the Middle East and Central Asia.

A quarter century of criminal wars

The Trump administrations belligerent America First doctrine takes to a new level the drive by US imperialism to use its global military supremacy to claw back the hegemony that it established in the wake of its victories over its main rivalsGermany and Japanin World War II.

Over the past quarter century, in the wake of the liquidation of the Soviet Union, the US and other imperialist powers have already arrogated to themselves the so-called right to militarily attack, invade or overturn governments in other countries.

In the first Gulf War assault on Iraq, the George H. W. Bush administration obtained an initial fig leaf for its invasion of Iraq on the fraudulent pretext of defending little Kuwait. Assisted by Russias complicity and Chinas abstention, Washington secured a UN Security Council resolution that empowered states to use all necessary means to force Iraq out of Kuwait. This rapidly became a green light for a murderous assault that went far beyond that remit, leading to the partial dismemberment of Iraq by a US-led coalition.

The UN Security Council, a cabal dominated by the major imperialist powers, proved itself to be a clearinghouse for war. Nevertheless, in order to free themselves from any, even formal, legal constraints, the US and its allies brought forward two doctrines to justify overturning the post-World War II prohibition of aggressive wars: humanitarian interventions and preemptive self-defence.

During the NATO attacks in Kosovo and other parts of the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s, the Clinton administration operated illegally outside the UN, via the NATO alliance. Having helped foment the breakup of Yugoslavia, the US adopted a phony humanitarian mask, claiming to be protecting minorities from Serbian aggression, yet was unable to push an authorising resolution through the UN Security Council.

In 2005, an attempt was made to legalise such humanitarian military operations and override Article 2(7) of the UN Charter banning domestic interventions. The US and its allies, notably Britain, orchestrated a UN General Assembly responsibility to protect resolution, nominally to prevent governments committing genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. However, the use of force for such purposes must still be approved by the UN Security Council.

In the latest attack in Syria, for all President Trumps claim to be motivated by the plight of beautiful babies, the US acted alone, without even bothering to seek a UN rubber stamp.

The doctrine of preemptive war, which is explicitly excluded by the UN Charter, was promulgated by the Bush White House in 2002. The criminality of this credo was underscored in March 2003 with the invasion of Iraq, based on lies about weapons of mass destruction.

The Bush doctrine overturned the UN Charters insistence that self-defence was confined to responding to an armed attack that had already occurred. The US claimed the right to attack any state that it considered to have the potential to pose a danger at some point in the future.

The invasion of Iraq resulted in the deaths of countless thousands of innocent people and set in motion catastrophic processes that have engulfed the Middle East ever since. It was conducted by the US and its closest allies (the coalition of the willing) in defiance of their inability to obtain a prior UN Security Council vote of authorisation. The war was launched despite the protests of millions of people, including hundreds of lawyers and legal academics who denounced it as an illegal war of aggression.

The bipartisan nature of this criminality was demonstrated by President Obamas December 2009 speechgiven, ironically, in acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prizein which he embraced the Bush doctrine. Obama declared the exclusive right of the US to conduct preventative wars against any identified threats to Washingtons interests. In effect, Obama sought to enunciate a wider doctrine to sanctify wars of aggression. He declared: Nations will continue to find the use of force not only necessary but morally justified.

In carrying out the latest attack on Syria, the Trump administration cast aside any pretence of self-defence against a threat by the Syrian regimeeither at the time or in the futureand thus did not bother to appeal to the doctrine of pre-emptive war used by Bush and Obama.

Trumps presidency represents both a continuation and a qualitative deepening of the illegal use of military force by US imperialism. All pretences of abiding by international law have been swept aside in order to assert Washingtons untrammeled right to use its military arsenal wherever and whenever it chooses.

With the breakdown of the post-World War II legal framework, the danger of another world war is growing. The WSWS warned in a Perspective on the attack on Syria: In the effort to reverse the long-term decline of American capitalism, the US ruling class has bombed or invaded one country after the next in regional conflicts that are rapidly developing into a confrontation with its larger rivals, including China and Russia.

As Leon Trotsky forewarned in 1934, writing in the wake of the collapse of the UNs predecessor, the League of Nations, the irresolvable contradictions of the global capitalist nation-state system are again bringing humanity face to face with the volcanic eruption of American imperialism.

The author also recommends:

WSWS Chairman David North denounces Iraq war at Dublin debate

[15 October 2004]

Obamas preventive war and the end of Nuremberg

[20 February 2010]
DAKOTA CITY  One of two men accused of killing another man in Dakota County has been found mentally incompetent to stand trial.

A judge Wednesday ruled that Andres Surber will not stand trial, based on a state psychiatrist's report.

Authorities said Surber and Brayan Galvan-Hernandez, both of Wakefield, shot to death 41-year-old Kraig Kubik of Emerson.

Parts of Kubik's body were found in a car and in a creek. Authorities said Surber and Galvan-Hernandez had gone to Kubik's home Nov. 1 and demanded that he give them a car that once belonged to Surber.

Galvan-Hernandez has pleaded not guilty to murder and related charges.
GADSDEN COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - Gadsden County held their second in a series of 6 conferences on safety for businesses in Gadsden County.

Friday's goal was to train attendees on how to be an active bystander. It was provided by Florida Medical Reserve Corps.

Organizers say this is a great opportunity for businesses owners in the county to gain valuable experience.

The next part of the series will be held on May 19th and will deal with appropriate response for a civilian to an active shooter.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service of Florida) - After a sometimes-emotional debate, House members Friday approved an immigration bill aimed at cracking down on so-called "sanctuary cities."

The Republican-dominated House voted 76-41 along party lines to pass the bill (HB 697), sponsored by Rep. Larry Metz, R-Yalaha.

But a similar Senate bill (SB 786), filed by Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, has not been heard in committees as the annual legislative session prepares to enter its final week.

The House bill would take a series of steps designed to ensure that local governments support federal immigration enforcement efforts. Metz and other backers of the bill pointed to a need to comply with the "rule of law" on matters involving undocumented immigrants.

"It is not acceptable for cities and counties in this state to disregard our immigration laws, for any reason," Rep. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, said. But Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando, said undocumented immigrants have constitutional rights. "We're talking about persons. Human beings. Not illegals. No person is illegal," Smith said.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - It's been two years since Olympic legend Bruce Jenner made the announcement on television that he would be transitioning into a woman.

According to ABC News, Jenner visited the White House Thursday to meet with Trump administration officials.

A representative for Caitlyn Jenner says she was there to promote her new book. According to ABC News Jenner voted for Trump but has spoken out against him for rescinding protections for transgender students.

A couple of years ago in a WTXL insiders report we spoke with a member of the transgender community in Tallahassee when Bruce Jenner first started the journey to becoming Caitlyn.

WTXL talked with that same member see what impact Jenner's transition has had on the local community.
(ABC NEWS) - ABC News is reporting that missile launched by North Korea broke up shortly after launch and fell into the Sea of Japan.

North Korea has engaged in a missile launch, according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency.

The missile, fired from an area known as Pukchang in central North Korea, traveled about roughly 18 to 25 miles into the Sea of Japan, a U.S. official told ABC News.

Early indications are this was a single stage liquid fueled mobile-launched missile the U.S. is calling the KN-17, the official said.

The missile broke up minutes after launch and fell into the sea, according to the official.
GRADY CO., Ga. (WTXL) - A school bus crash sends dozens of students to the hospital.

The Georgia State Patrol says, 31 Decatur County Middle School students are sent to the hospital for checkups after a crash involving a Decatur County school bus and a car outside of Cairo.

GSP says the accident happened around 8:15 Friday night at U.S. 84 and Pierce Chapel Road.

Decatur County Schools Sergeant Maurice Gaines says, the bus was carrying middle school choral members, returning from a chorus event. He says none of the students are seriously injured, but all were transported to Grady General Hospital for checkups.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
In the history book of this region, it will be written that Turkey was Islams last attempt to establish a democratic state. Once it became a dictatorship, with a sultan named Erdogan, there were no free Muslim nations left in the Middle East. A familys wealth and class became the only criteria that provided Muslims with freedom.

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Most were unlucky: Families of poor peasants, with no education and no promotion options. A middle class making a few dollars a month and a handful of rich. The leaders cared for themselves and for their families. There wasnt a single leader of a Muslim state with a modest bank account. Hundreds of millions of dollars lay in European accounts. Erdogan had palaces with hundreds of rooms, and even the Palestinians' leaders had something to retire with on a rainy day.

The dark era which Europe experienced in the Middle Ages surrounded the Muslim nations in the Middle East. The Golden Age, the education, the philosophy and the innovation of the past faded away in modern Islam. No scientific achievements, no Nobel Prizes, no progress and rights for women, children and poor people.

French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen. An unprecedented achievement caused by Islam (Photo: Getty Images)

There is only one area in which Middle Eastern Islam prospered and had an influenceWestern politics. European states were reshaped thanks to or because of Islam. Massive waves of immigration from countries where Islam became a religion and a state crashed onto the continents shores. Many wanted to integrate, but those who didnt set the tone.

The wealthy Saudis money funded madrasas and incubators of religious radicalization in Europe. The radicalization created terror, in small numbers, tactical blows with a strategic effect. From American, which suffered the 9/11 attacks, to Europethe street consciousness was self-defense. Europewhich massacred and murdered six million Jews, and which expelled an intellectual and scientific elite and many religious Jews, farmers and merchants, during the Holocaustreceived tens of millions of Muslims in the following century. Representatives of the third, failed world. Representatives of the region where Muslims massacre Muslims, and where there is no ability to deal with human rights or progress. A region where calm is the result of dictatorship, use of force and oppression of the masses.

All the polls revealed that liberal Western Europe was more afraid of Muslims than of anything else, regardless of their real number in the population. The desirable situation faced reality: Political correctness versus primeval fears, the slogans about emigration and integration versus the Muslims who brought their home to European, the Sharia laws versus freedom of religion, short dresses and bikini versus the burka, which reflected the womans oppression.

Most Muslims were not part of the culture clash, but they failed to prevent it. The syndrome of the scared and quiet crowd immigrated to Europe with therm. The religious radicals, the imams in the mosques and the videos which attracted young people to the Islamic state determined their future, as well as the future of all of Europe.

It took time before they managed to say it out loud. Its not easy to create a link between religion and culture and a sociological failure. A person is a person regardless of his or her religion, race and sex, but no one managed to explain in nicer words why there is not a single Muslim democracy in the Middle East, why there is no ability to create freedom of press and minority rights, and why the only place where people managed to create liberal and democratic values, along with economic prosperity, was a Jewish state with Muslim residents too, rather than a Muslim state with Jewish and Christians resident too.

How could one explain this in Europe without being suspected of racism, Islamophobia, xenophobia or fascism? And all this on the backdrop of the darkest period in the history of Europethe Holocaust. All these questions remain outside the fence, forbidden and dangerous. Questions which opened a new era in the European continent.

Now, put down the history book and look around.

Marine Le Pens unprecedented achievement in France; the development of extreme right-wing parties in Germany, Hungary, Poland, Austria and Holland; US President Donald Trump and his anti-Muslim campaign. The Western world is changing, and this change was caused by Islam. It is bringing back the suspicious and hating Europe. This is not just an internal matter of emigration and a clash of civilizations. In what is still considered the margins of the Right and Left in Europe, it is accompanied by Holocaust denial and hatred of Jewsonly this time, the Jews have a state. They have written their own book. In the European book, however, this chapter is being written as we speak.

(Translated and edited by Sandy Livak-Furmanski)
The Obama administration prisoner exchange with Iran allegedly involved dropping prosecutions against more Iranian fugitives than previously known, including a top procurer of materials with nuclear application.

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The Politico investigation published on Monday alleged that as far back as fall 2014as negotiations on the Iran nuclear deal continuedthe Obama administration dialed back significant investigations and prosecutions of Iranian procurement networks operating in the US.

Barack Obama (Photo: AFP)

The article cited interviews with key participants at all levels of government and an extensive review of court records and other documents.

Some of the seven men freed in the exchange in January 2016 were accused by the Obama administrations Justice Department of posing threats to national security.

In addition to the seven freed, Politico reports that the Justice Department also dropped charges and international arrest warrants against 14 other fugitives.

Although their names and the details of their offenses were initially not made public, they have now been released by Politicodisplaying multiple cases of alleged international crimes.

Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei (Photo: Reuters)

For example, three of the fugitives had sought to lease a Boeing aircraft for an Iranian airline that supported Hezbollah.

Additionally, one was caught trying to buy thousands of US assault rifles and ship them to Iran, while another was accused of smuggling US military antennas to Hong Kong and Singapore to be used in Iran, as well as being part of a network that provided Iran with material for deadly IEDs.

Most importantly, one fugitive was Seyed Abolfazl Shahab Jamili, charged with a scheme from 2005-2012 involving obtaining thousands of parts with nuclear applications for Iran from China, including US-made sensors.

Through its actions, the Obama administration undermined its high profile National Counter Proliferation Initiative at a time when it was making unprecedented headway in thwarting Irans proliferation networks, Politico reported.

Iran experiments with an anti-aircraft missile

It quoted former Obama administration officials, without identifying them, as saying that the dropping of charges was a result of weighing one exigencypursuing a deal that they believed would neutralize Irans nuclear weapons capabilityagainst another, pursuing the individuals seeking to advance that capability.

The prisoner exchange that took place in January 2016 was meant to secure the implementation of the nuclear deal reached in 2015 between six major powers and Iran that swapped sanctions relief for a rollback of Irans nuclear program, as well as gain the release of five Americans who were being held by the Islamic Republic.

At the time, the administration described the seven freed Iranians as civilians accused or suspected only of sanctions-related offenses and violations of the trade embargo.

Politico reported that many experienced agents and prosecutors now say they are reluctant to pursue counterproliferation cases for fear they wont go anywhere.

President Trump and Obama (Photo: Reuters)

Its entirely possible that during the pendency of the negotiations, that folks who were doing their jobs, doing the investigations and bringing cases, having no understanding of and insight into the other process, were frustrated because they dont feel like their stuff is moving forward, an anonymous Obama official told Politico.

Or they were not getting answers, because there are these entirely appropriate discussions happening on the policy side. That doesnt strike me as being, a, unusual or, b, wrong, the official added. But I completely understand why its frustrating.

New York Rep. Lee Zeldin, one of two Jewish Republicans in the House, told the New York Post that the report on the prisoner swap suggests that the Obama administrations foreign policy was brutally incompetent. Senior officials from the Obama administration told Politico that the prisoner swap was a bargain for the US, and that the Justice Department and FBI vetted the 21 Iranians.

Last week, the Trump administration pledged to review US policy toward Iran, as have both houses of Congress. In certifying that Iran is living up to the deal in word, Trump said Iran is not living up to the spirit of it. On Monday, the president told The Associated Press that it is possible that the United States will not remain in the nuclear deal.
North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile on Saturday shortly after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned that failure to curb its nuclear and ballistic missile programs could lead to "catastrophic consequences."

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US and South Korean officials said the test, from an area north of the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, appeared to have failed, in what would be North Korea's fourth successive unsuccessful missile test since March.

North Korean ballistic missile (Photo: EPA)

Video: Reuters (: )

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The test came as the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group arrived in waters near the Korean peninsula, where it will join the USS Michigan, a guided missile submarine that docked in South Korea on Tuesday.

Tillerson, in a UN Security Council meeting on North Korea, repeated the Trump administration's position that all options were on the table if Pyongyang persisted with its nuclear and missile development.

"The threat of a nuclear attack on Seoul, or Tokyo, is real, and it's only a matter of time before North Korea develops the capability to strike the US mainland," Tillerson said.

"Failing to act now on the most pressing security issue in the world may bring catastrophic consequences," he said.

Rex Tillerson at the UN (Photo: EPA)

US President Donald Trump, who told Reuters in an interview on Thursday North Korea was his biggest global challenge, said the launch was an affront to China, the North's sole main ally.

"North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!," Trump said in a post on Twitter after the launch.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the UN meeting on Friday it was not only up to China to solve the North Korean problem.

"The key to solving the nuclear issue on the peninsula does not lie in the hands of the Chinese side," Wang said.

Both China and Russia rebuked a US threat of military force.

US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the North Koreans had probably tested a medium-range missile known as a KN-17 and it appeared to have broken up within minutes of taking off.

Photo: AP

The South Korean military said the missile, fired from the Pukchang region in a northeasterly direction, reached an altitude of 71km before disintegrating a few minutes into flight. It said the launch was a clear violation of UN resolutions and warned the North not to act rashly.

The North has been conducting missile and nuclear weapons related activities at an unprecedented rate since the beginning of the year and is believed to have made some progress in developing intermediate-range and submarine-launched missiles.

The United States has been hoping North Korea's sole major ally, China, can bring pressure to bear. But China says the United States must not over-estimate the influence it has over its neighbor.

There was no immediate reaction to the launch from China.

Trump, in his interview with Reuters, said he had praised Chinese leader Xi Jinping for "trying very hard" on North Korea, though Trump warned a "major, major conflict" between the United States and North Korea was possible.

President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Florida (Photo: Reuters)

Tension on the Korean peninsula has been high for weeks over fears the North may conduct a long-range missile test, or its sixth nuclear test, around the time of the April 15 anniversary of its state founder's birth, or the day marking the founding of its military.

With North Korea acting in defiance of the pressure, the United States could conduct new naval drills and deploy more ships and aircraft in the region, a US official told Reuters.

Japan condemned the launch as unacceptable and authorities stopped some train services in Japan as a precaution, in case the missile had been fired at Japan, a transit system spokesman said.

A Japanese military official said its navy on Saturday completed an exercise with the Carl Vinson in the channel separating the Korean peninsula from Japan, meaning the US carrier had arrived in the Sea of Japan.

Faster sanctions?

Kim Dong-yub, an expert at Kyungnam University's Institute of Far Eastern Studies in Seoul, said North Korea might have got the data it wanted with the missile's short flight, then blown it up in a bid to limit the anger of China, which disapproves of the North's weapons programs and has warned it against further provocation.

Kim Jong-un (Photo: AP)

North Korea rattled world powers in February when it successfully launched a new intermediate-range ballistic missile that it said could carry a nuclear weapon. It also successfully tested ballistic missiles on March 6.

It is not clear what has caused the series of failed missile tests since then.

The Trump administration could respond to the test by speeding up its plans for new U.S. sanctions, including possible measures against specific North Korean and Chinese entities, said the US official, who declined to be identified.

"Something that's ready to go could be taken from the larger package and expedited," said the official.

The UN Security Council is likely to start discussing a statement to condemn the missile launch, said diplomats. The Security Council traditionally condemns all missile launches by Pyongyang.

US carrier strike group approaching east Asia (Photo: EPA)

But condemnations and sanctions resolutions since 2006, when North Korea conducted its first nuclear test, have done little to impede its push for ballistic missiles and nuclear arms.

The South Korean politician expected to win a May 9 presidential election, Moon Jae-in, who has advocated a more moderate policy on the North, called the test an "exercise in futility".

"We urge again the Kim Jong Un regime to immediately stop reckless provocative acts and choose the path to cooperate with the international community," Park Kwang-on, a spokesman for Moon, said in a statement, referring to the North Korean leader.

Moon has been critical of the deployment of an advanced US missile defense system in the South intended to counter North Korea's missile threat, which China also strongly objects to.
In light of the severe humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and its possible impact on Israel's security, a preliminary plan for the construction of a railway from Israel to Gaza has been laid out for the purpose of assistance.

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This week, Kamil Abu Rokun, head of the Crossing Points Authority at the Ministry of Defense, met with the heads of local authorities in the Gaza vicinity and briefed them on the details of the plan.

Photo: Roi Idan

Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council Chairman Alon Shuster, who attended the meeting, said that the initiative was an international one that would include a significant expansion of the crossing.

"We heard at this meeting, from Brig. Gen. (res.) Kamil Abu Rokun that the State of Israel intendswith the assistance of international countries and budgetsto expand the Erez Crossing, which today is only used for the crossing of people, for the purpose of transporting goods, including by train."

Schuster added that according to the plan, the expansion would be carried out in the area of Kibbutz Erez, near the crossing.

The Palestinian side of the border (Photo: AFP)

"It seems that the expansion of the existing crossing will take place in Erez's fields," he said. "A great effort will be made to ensure that the kibbutz will be a significant partner in the planned development."

In addition, following pressure from the heads of local authorities in the Gaza are, Israel is currently examining the possibility of increasing the quota of permits on Palestinians from Gaza allowed to enter Israel for agricultural work, especially in communities adjacent to the Gaza Strip.

The initiative was accepted by the Ministry of Defense and even Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman supports the idea, provided that the quiet is maintained. The Shin Bet however, is opposed to the entry of workers at this time.

(Translated and edited by Fred Goldberg)
Labeling Israel's treatment of Palestinians as "apartheid" is like flinging a burning match into spilled gasolineso combustible are the passions on both sides.

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Rima Khalaf did just that when a report commissioned by her UN agency at the request of 18 Arab member states accused Israel of having established an apartheid regime designed to dominate the Palestinian people as a whole.

Rima Khalaf (Photo: Reuters)

In a swift outcry, Israel slammed the 65-page document as anti-Semitic. The US demanded its removal and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ordered it taken off the agency's website, saying it did not reflect his views.

Rather than comply, Khalaf resigned as head of ESCWA, a Beirut-based agency, one of several UN regional bodies dealing with economic and social issues.

More than a month later, Khalaf has no regrets. The report's charge of apartheida "crime against humanity" in the eyes of the International Criminal Courtdeserves serious examination, she said in an interview.

"We are not here for defamation," Khalaf said. "We are here for solving the problem."

The former UN undersecretary general said the international community has failed the Palestinians and must sanction Israel if it wants to regain credibility.

Israeli government official Michael Oren disputed the apartheid charge as a "big lie," portraying the report as the latest attempt to "apply a completely unique standard to Israel which by definition is anti-Semitic."

Palestinians waiting outside the Israeli Interior Ministry to receive citizenship (Photo: AP)

Israel and its supporters are outraged at comparisons to apartheid-era South Africa, pointing to the many differences: Unlike disenfranchised blacks in segregated South Africa, Israel's Arab citizens, about 20 percent of the population, can vote, are represented in parliament and on the Supreme Court, and easily mingle with Jewish Israelis in daily life.

"There are no separate bathrooms, there is no apartheid here," said Oren, a deputy minister of diplomacy. "It's not just deeply offensive to Israelis. It is deeply offensive to the real victims of apartheid."

The report says apartheid is more than an exact replica of conditions in pre-1994 South Africa. It notes that international conventions and the ICC define it more broadly, as "inhumane acts" committed in the context of institutionalized and systematic oppression of one racial group by another, with the intention of maintaining that regime.

According to critics of Israeli policy, such expanded parameters could conceivably apply at least in some of the Israeli-controlled territories.

Photo: EPA

In the West Bank, military rule has sharply curtailed Palestinian movement, trade and access to resources, while Jewish settlers in the same territory enjoy full rights of Israeli citizens.

Jews and Arabs in the West Bank live under different legal systems, with Jews having far more protections.

A Palestinian state carved from the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem, captured by Israel in 1967, has been touted as the redress. But 50 years on, a partition deal appears distant, even as President Donald Trump says he'll try to broker one.

The report describes a "regime that dominates the Palestinian people as a whole" in complex ways that it says include a calculated fragmentation. Divided into groupscitizens in Israel, permanent residents in east Jerusalem, stateless occupied subjects elsewherePalestinians are prevented from effectively resisting Israeli control, it says.

But the report goes well beyond past warnings by some, including former US Secretary of State John Kerry, that an apartheid-like situation could emerge unless a two-state solution is reached.

John Kerry (Photo: EPA)

It suggests that beyond the question of the occupied areas, Israel itself must eliminate laws that discriminate among Jewish and Arab citizens.

Israel "can be a Jewish state" provided all citizens enjoy equal rights, according to Khalaf, who is of Palestinian origin.

"If this is the case, then the label really doesn't matter," she said in the interview in Jordan, where she once held senior Cabinet posts and where she now lives again.

Detailing the most controversial charge of apartheid in Israel itself, the report argues that voting rights of Arab citizens lose significance because Israel's Basic Law bars any political parties that deny Israel's identity as both Jewish and democratic. This prevents Arab citizens from "challenging laws that perpetuate inequality," it said.

Arab politicians in Israel appear divided on the issue.

Some avoid using seemingly provocative terms like apartheid. They prefer to work within the system to try to alleviate what has been widely acknowledged as longstanding official discrimination, such as preferential state spending on Jewish communities.

Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan (L) and Police Commissioner Roni Alsheikh (R) promoting Arab officer Jamal Hakrush (C) to the rank of Deputy Commissioner (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

Others, like parliament member Jamal Zahalka of the Joint List, an alliance of four Arab-dominated parties, say Israel has created a version of apartheid, including discriminatory rules on immigration and land use, even if it differs from the former South African system.

He noted that Jews from anywhere in the world can claim Israeli citizenship while Arab citizens are barred from bringing Palestinian spouses from the occupied territories to live with them in Israel.

Oren said fast-tracking Jewish immigration is a "correction to a terrible historic injustice of 2,000 years of statelessness for the Jewish people." He also argued Israel is one of many nation-states, and pointed to other countries with preferential immigration rules, such as Germany which repatriated large numbers of ethnic Germans.

"While we recognize the Palestinians as a people, endowed with the right of self-determination in what they regard as their homeland, that recognition is not reciprocated," Oren said, reflecting the widespread view in Israel that those making apartheid claims want to delegitimize and eliminate Israel as a Jewish state.

Michael Oren (Photo: Lawrence Jackson)

Many Israelis feel singled out because only their country has suffered the apartheid allegations so far, despite the fact that there are many cases of discrimination elsewhere, including in the Arab world.

Legally, the crime of apartheid is still largely uncharted territory, said Sari Bashi, the Israel/Palestine advocacy director of the international group Human Rights Watch.

So far, the ICC has not made such a charge, and evidence of racial discrimination is not sufficient to make the case.

"The broader question is whether taken as a whole the entire system constitutes apartheid," Bashi said. "It's a question that certainly has not been adjudicated, and we don't have judicial rulings from other parts of the world that would provide a clear answer."

UN chief Guterres hasn't discussed the substance of the report despite appeals by Khalaf. But in a recent speech to the World Jewish Congress, an umbrella group of Jewish communities, he suggested he was siding with some of the complaints, saying that "the state of Israel needs to be treated as any other state."

He stuck by his principles even when it required decisions that "create some uncomfortable situations," he said an apparent reference to ordering the report removed from the ESCWA website.

UN General Assembly (Photo: AFP)

"As far as we are concerned, it was not published by ESCWA," said Guterres spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

Khalaf, who resigned two weeks before her scheduled retirement, believes Guterres was pressured by the US, Israel's strongest ally, at a time when the Trump administration is threatening to cut UN funding significantly. Dujarric declined comment.

President Mahmoud Abbas, head of the Palestinian government in parts of the West Bank, has praised Khalaf for "courage and support" for the Palestinian people.

Khalaf rejected allegations of bias by those who produced the report. One author is Richard Falk, a former Princeton University professor who published blistering critiques of Israeli policies in his former role as UN special rapporteur on Palestinian human rights.

"Let's not focus on the messenger," Khalaf said. "Let's focus on the facts."

She said she hopes the debate started by the report will continue.

"This is not a verdict by a court," she said. "It is a scholarly work. We want to make sure everyone has a chance to look at it and discuss it openly, because we want a solution."
Residents of the Nitzana area reported Saturday morning that they were unable to make cell phone calls or use devices requiring a cellular network.

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Following reports by residents and calls for an investigation, it was discovered that cellular network access was blocked by authorities attempting to prevent security prisoners in the Ktzi'ot and Nafha prisons from making illegal phone calls during their hunger strike.

Photo: Ido Erez

Following requests and reports by Ynet, residents are reporting that they have access to cellular networks once again.

The area where the block took place Saturday morning was a largely agricultural zone and therefore, in addition to cell phones being affected, computer and irrigation systems also suffered disruption.

Residents warned that the disruption was endangering agriculture in the area due to a lack of irrigation services amid high temperatures. Additionally, residents also told authorities that without access to cellular networks, their ability to prepare for an emergency was greatly hampered.

Eran Doron, head of the Ramat HaNegev Regional Council, said, "This is an unprecedented step. In order to restrict security prisoners they harm area citizens, their security and their living, and they do it without any prior warning. I urgently turned to the Ministry of Public Security and Minister Gilad Erdan in order to take care of this issue immediately, before more damage is caused. I hope that next time, authorities will take into consideration that they need to provide security to their citizens as well."

The Israel Prison Service (IPS) said Saturday morning that a report had been received from the residents and the council, and that the IPS, with the help of other agencies, was resolving the issue.
LONDON -- North Korea's decision to test-fire a ballistic missile represents a grave threat to Japan, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in London on Saturday.

North Korea test-fired a missile shortly after U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned that failure to curb Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes could lead to "catastrophic consequences".

"Despite strong warnings by the international community, North Korea today went through its ballistic missile launch. It is a grave threat to our country. This is absolutely not acceptable. We strongly condemn such acts," Abe told reporters in London.
PESHAWAR -- Islamic State killed a senior Afghan Taliban official in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar, the Afghan militants said on Saturday, in a rare clash between the rival Islamist groups inside Pakistan.

Afghan Taliban sources told Reuters Maulvi Daud was killed on the outskirts of Peshawar with two other men on Thursday. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed Daud's death.

The Islamic State on Friday claimed responsibility for "assassination of a Taliban leader" a day earlier, without naming him, through the group's affiliated news agency AMAQ.
Police forces dispersed a protest at the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem on Saturday, which aimed to show support of the ongoing hunger strike carried out by security prisoners in Israel.

Dozens of Muslim protestors, who had come to the site with photos of the prisoners, were sent home, as the planned protest was not apporved and so technically illegal.
The Land of Israel has been an endless source of wonder and inspiration for artists of different creeds, times and points of reference. And while the local culture, architecture and language have all changed over the years, changes in Israel's natural landscape have been more gradual.

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Many European painters from the 18th and 19th centuries depicted Israel as the land of Jesus Christ, whether they actually visited the Promised Land themselves or solely relied on the experiences of others and their own imaginations. The resulting pieces varied in terms of style and themes, and together they made up an awe-inspiring string of alternating and alternative moments in the history of the land.

Vanmour's Jerusalem

The tale of a painting by a young, 17th-century French artist named Poussin has a bit of the Wandering Jew about it. Poussin himself never actually visited the Holy Land. That detail did not, however, stop him from accepting a commission to paint the destruction of the Temple and city of Jerusalem. The painting was presented as a gift to Cardinal Richelieu, who at the time was the most powerful man in France.

Rembrandt's Christ in the Storm on the Lake of Galilee

Poussin's The Destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem

Poussin, who was greatly influenced from Ancient Greece's architecture, incorporated elements from this period into his own portrayal of Jerusalem. After receiving the painting, Richelieu passed it on to his sister, and from there it disappeared, only to be rediscovered in 1995: after an avid art collecting farmer presumably bought it at an auction, his children sold along with the rest of his property upon his death.

It was then bought by a London auction house and included in its catalogue, where it caught the eye of one of its subscribers. Upon close inspection, the subscriber came to the shocking conclusion that it was Poussin's lost painting. Three years later, the piece found its way to the Israel Museum.

Rembrandt's Peter and John Healing the Cripple at the Gate of the Temple

One of the most prominent artists to depict Israel was 17th-century Dutch painter Rembrandt, who painted Jesus walking on water at the Sea of Galilee and created an etching of Jerusalem without ever having visited these places.

Shlomit Steinberg, a senior curator specializing in European art at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, explained that Rembrandt used characteristics of towns from the Middle Ages in his etching of Jerusalem, while making the figures look like Spanish-origin Dutch Jews.

Lear's The Garden of Gethsemane

Flemish painter Jean Baptiste Vanmour was another artist who took up the easel without ever gazing upon Israel. The 18th century painter was living in the Turkish sultan's court when he presented a panoramic painting of the city of Jerusalem. "The fascinating thing about this piece is that he painted the city empty of any people," says Steinberg. "The painter was working for a Muslim sultan, so he erased all the Jewish and Christian structures to create a city that was completely made up of projects (made at the behested) of Suleiman the Magnificent." As a result, explains Steinberg, Jerusalem was presented as a collection of monumental structures.

Lear's Bethlehem

Over time, however, the portrayal of Israel went from the imagined to the directly experienced. "In the 18th century, groups of painters began traveling throughout the land for different reasons, with the French, British and German waves each coming of their own interests, each drawn to this place like to a precious stone," said Steinberg. "It was both from a religious perspective, as it is linked to the Old and New Testament, for political reasons having to do with conquering the land and for its connection to the Crusaders and Napoleon."

Hunt's The Scapegoat

Around 1850, sex tourism began to raise its head in Israel and the region, and among the many men who came to partake in the debauchery were also several prominent artists. Awash in a hedonistic lifestyle of drink, food, venereal disease-induced madness was also pre-Raphaelite English painter Holman Hunt.

In an act of religious insanity, he decided to position a live goat inside the Dead Sea to symbolize the scapegoat that was sent into the desert in repentance of the sins of the people of Israel on Yom Kippur during the times of the Temple. After hours of painting, the goat eventually died. Hunt replaced it with a second goat, and continued to buy new ones until he was satisfied with his painting, several days later.

Bauernfeind's Market at Jaffa

19th-century English artist and illustrator Edward Lear took a different approach to the land in a series of pieces that showcased the deep religious connection he felt to it. Painting such holy Christian sites as Bethlehem and Gethsemane (where Jesus was captured and led to be crucified), Lear presented a dusky, desert-tinted view of Israel, tinged with an air of nostalgia.

Bauernfeind's Jaffa Port

Gustav Bauernfeind, a German painter and architect of Jewish origin, was known to have loved Jerusalem and Israel a great deal. The lively depictions in his work reflect his direct knowledge of the land, as opposed to past artists who never so much as looked upon it.

He was buried in Israel, and his legacy includes paintings of the Jaffa's fishermen's port and marketplace. These pieces, like much of his work, remain authentic, colorful and vivid depictions of Israel's history.
Hamas is to unveil a new version of its controversial founding charter which called for the destruction of Israel in a bid to ease its international isolation, party officials said. This follows an alleged version of the document having been leaked at the beginning of the month.

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Leaders of the Islamist movement have long spoken of the more limited aim of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip without explicitly setting it out in its charter.

But after years of internal debate, the party leadership is to publish a supplementary charter at a conference in Qatar on Monday that will formally accept the idea of a state in the territories occupied by Israel in the Six-Day War of 1967.

Hamas leader Yahya Sanwar (File photo: AP)

In a sop to hardliners within the movement, the original 1988 charter will not be dropped, just supplemented, and there will be no recognition of Israel, as demanded by the international community.

The new document will clearly present the objective of establishing a sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital in the 1967 borders, a senior Hamas official told AFP.

It does not constitute in any way a recognition of the Zionist entity, the official added.

Leading Hamas official Bassem Naim said the new document was the fruit of four years of discussion within the movement, which has fought three wars with Israel since it seized control of the Gaza Strip in 2007.

Another Hamas leader, Ahmed Yusef, told AFP the updated charter was more moderate, more measured and would help protect us against accusations of racism, anti-Semitism and breaches of international law.

Celebrating the 29th anniversary of Hamas's establishment in December 2016 (Photo: Reuters)

It will differentiate between Jews as a religious community on the one hand, and the occupation and Zionist entity on the other, he said.

Resistance remains

But hardliner Mahmud Zahar insisted there would be no change in the partys commitment to armed resistance against Israel, which has put it on the terror blacklists of the European Union and the United States.

He said the new document was a tool for the future but it does not mean were changing our principles.

The resistance remains and we will fight (Israel) with all our might.

Hamas swept Palestinian parliamentary elections in 2006, but the international community refused to deal with any government in which it participated until it renounced violence and recognized Israel and past peace agreements.

The resulting deadlock led to mounting friction between Hamas and the rival Fatah movement of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, which culminated in its seizure of Gaza.

The senior Hamas official who asked not to be identified said the new charter was also intended to give a boost to reconciliation efforts between the two factions, which still run rival administrations in the West Bank and Gaza.

The new document defines the movements goals as political and not religious, easing its entry into the Palestine Liberation Organization, headed by Abbas.

It describes Hamas as a Palestinian national liberation and resistance movement with religious references, the official said.

The new charter also abandons past references to the pan-national Muslim Brotherhood, to which it was closely linked when formed.

That could ease difficult relations with the Egyptian government of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who as army chief overthrew his Islamist predecessor Mohamed Morsi in 2013 and has since led a bloody crackdown on the Brotherhood.

Gaza-based political analyst Mukhaimer Abu Saada said the charter update could bolster the Islamist movements relations with Arab states and countries like Norway, Russia and Switzerland which have never joined the Western boycott.

But he said it was unlikely to mend Hamass relations with the EU or the US.

Hamas is trying to change in the eyes of the international community and the Arab world, Abu Saada said.

It could encourage some states already interacting with Hamas to formalise their relations.

But if it does not accept the two-state solution, the international community will not remove it from its terror lists.
Syria's military said its troops and allied fighters repelled Saturday an attack by ISIS group on a strategic area held by the government in southern Aleppo province.

The attack took place in Khanaser, southeast Aleppoa strategic region that links Aleppo with central and western Syria. The area has changed hands many times during the conflict. But last year, government troops and allied fighters wrested control of Khanaser from ISIS.

The military media arm said ISIS attacked Um Mayyal village near a mountain range in Khanaser and other areas. The opposition Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says ISIS fighters launched the attack on military posts in the area, triggering intense clashes and leaving many casualties.
The father of Lebanese citizen Ali Mari, who crossed the border into Israel on Thursday night and managed to reach Kiryat Shmona unhindered, told a television channel reporter in Lebanon that his son was mentally unbalanced and that his son had previously claimed he was Jewish.

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Yesterday, Lebanon reported that Israel had returned Mari to the Lebanese army through the Rosh Hanikra crossing and via the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). His father added that after his son was interrogated, his son sent him a text message. An Arab-speaking Israeli also told him on the phone, "Your son is okay and safe."

The father later claimed that the Israeli told him that his son was ill and asked him if he was taking any medications, to which he replied that he was not.

The father of Ali Mari, who infiltrated Israel

When asked whether his son had told him he wanted to go to Israel, the father said that he had. "My son's mind is not right; he says he was originally Jewish." The father then asked the reporter, "Can you imagine a normal person doing such a thing?"

The son, Ali Mari

In addition to the father's interview, a colleague of Mari's who works at a restaurant in southern Lebanon where he had also worked, added: "We were surprised to hear about him in the news."

On Thursday, civilians spotted a suspect in the area of the central bus station in Kiryat Shmona. They called the police and when the police asked him, it turned out that he was a man who infiltrated Israel from Lebanese territory and even managed to reach Kiryat Shmona, which is 10 kilometers from the border. The IDF confirmed that a civilian with Lebanese identitification had been found in Kiryat Shmona, and that he had entered the country in the area of Moshav Margaliot near the fence unarmed.
Skys Arabic-language division reported explosions in the southern suburb of Quneitra in the Syrian Golan, in the base area of the 90th Brigade of the Assad army, on Saturday evening.

Though initially attributed to Israel, Syrian military sources later denied such reports on the Al-Mayadeen network, which is close to Hezbollah.
LINCOLN  A Lincoln, Nebraska, judge has ruled in favor of an exotic dancer who sued a club where she performed, saying she qualifies as an employee and is owed thousands of dollars in back pay.

Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong ruled this week that the club, called Shakers, owes Elizabeth Mays more than $7,500, the Lincoln Journal Star reported.

Mays had a lease agreement with Shakers, where she worked from March 2012 to February 2014 and kept tips.

Shakers attorney Bob Creager argued Mays was neither an independent contractor nor an employee and shouldnt get hourly pay because she benefited from the lease agreement.

But the judge ruled that that argument is flawed because the tips she received were paid by the customers, while Shakers paid her nothing.

To the contrary, plaintiff paid defendants to lease space to perform, Strong said, referring to the flat fee Mays was required to pay to use the stage and dressing room.

Mays attorney, Kathleen Neary, said that the dancer was technically an employee under state law because of the 50 or more house rules beyond the lease that she was required to comply with.

The rules controlled the dancers movement, their dress, their dancing ... and their attendance at mandatory meetings, Strong wrote.

The judge also wrote that Shakers depends upon dancers like Mays to bring in customers for profit, thus the dancers are an integral part of defendants business.

Neary said the ruling has the potential to impact the rights of many workers who have been mischaracterized as independent contractors.

Ms. Mays stood up for what she knew was right and just, she said.

Shakers attorney didnt immediately respond to phone messages left by The Associated Press seeking comment Friday.
YORK  Two more cases have been bound over to District Court regarding an earlier discovery of an alleged methamphetamine manufacturing operation.

Echo Sweeney, 30, and Simon Sweeney, 36, have been formally charged with numerous felonies and their cases have been bound over to District Court where arraignment proceedings are pending.

Already arraigned in the case was Travis Ziegler, 34.

A co-defendant is Allen Wilcox, 20.

The alleged methamphetamine manufacturing place was located on East Ninth Street in York.

On March 30, the York Police Department obtained a search warrant for the residence in question and was assisted by the York County Sheriffs Department and the Nebraska State Patrol.

The intent of the warrant, according to investigators, was to search for drugs, narcotics and evidence of reported meth making.

During the search, according to court documents, they allegedly found a cold pack opened and ammonium nitrate removed. They also found in the garage: a can of camping fuel with another white gas, empty lithium battery packages, bottles of muriatic acid and a five-gallon bucket of ammonia which was believed to be a byproduct of manufacturing methamphetamine.

They also allege that in a bedroom they found a used syringe, a metal spoon with methamphetamine on it, a coffee filter with methamphetamine on it and additional unused syringes.

In the kitchen, they allegedly found a coffee grinder they believed to be used to grind pseudoephedrine.

In other rooms, they allegedly found jars used in the shake and bake method, pipes and syringes.

And in an outside garbage tote, they allegedly found a variety of items believed to be used to make methamphetamine.

Echo Sweeney has been charged with manufacturing an exceptional hazardous drug, possession of ephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine and possession of a controlled substance.

Simon Sweeney has been charged with the same three counts. Also filed against Simon Sweeney is an allegation of him being a habitual criminal  if this is proven, it could result in a separate prison sentence as an enhancement.

Preliminary hearings were held in both Sweeney cases.
The following questions were asked recently on the Wonderline:

Q: Whats the deal with all the work being done on the street down by the Leisure Home? Was that a water main break?

A: York Public Works Director Mitch Doht explained: Yes, it was a water main break. That is a critical 14-inch water main that feeds the downtown area, and its approximately 125 years old. A project to replace this water main is on the drawing board and should be under construction next year. The project will also involve replacing dozens of deficient valves in the downtown area, which will allow us to better isolate future main breaks to lessen the impacts to our customers when this happens.

In this case, because of our valve situation, we had to call in outside help to place plugs in the main upstream and downstream of the break to prevent extended water outages downtown while the repairs were taking place. This break is probably going to end up costing us around $25,000 to fix. The guys had a hard time finding good spots in the pipe to put plugs because of deterioration, so one isolated break turned into about 60 feet of pipe replacement.

Kudos to our Public Works Department employees! Nearly everything that could go wrong did, but they worked nearly non-stop for the last couple of days and got it handled! Lucky to have them!

Q: I use Beaver Creek Park and trail often. This is one of the best walking parks Ive seen in cities of any size and Im proud that York maintains this park. I would guess that many of the older trees are ash trees and probably will be dying over the next several years. Im wondering if the city of York has plans to plant more trees along the trail to replace the ash trees?

A: Yes, there are plans for this process.

In the current budget, a line item was created that will help combat the problem of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), by gradually replacing the trees in public spaces.

There are 608 ash trees on public land in York, according to an earlier report from city officials. Last year, already, city workers started identifying the trees and making them visible to the public by marking them with green ribbons at various locations, including the parks, the courthouse lawn and outside the library.

Money will continue to be allocated for taking down the trees and replacing them as they are removed.

Again, this will be a gradual process and not all the ash trees will be taken out at the same time. As officials explained last year, there will be an allocation in each budget year, in order to thin them out over time and then plant a variety of trees to replace them. That way, the issue can be handled over time rather than having hundreds of dead trees all at once.

Q: Does anyone know anything about the Bullocks Hardware Store that used to be in York? They also used to call it the Winchester Store. I have a chicken waterer that has advertising, the name, on it and Im wondering if anyone knows how old that would be?

A: We have looked in a number of places for that information, but just havent been able to find any.

We are encouraging the public to contact the Wonderline if they have any information about this past business. Just leave a message or drop us a line and we will publish that information.

Q: Why havent there been any comprehensive plan steering committee meetings held in York since February? They pretty much stopped when Tara Vasicek left. I was just wondering if the whole process of the comprehensive plan has stopped or what. There were supposed to be public meetings about it in April, but nothing has happened in months.

A: There have been no comprehensive plan steering committee meetings held since Vasicek resigned. York City Clerk Jean Thiele says there will be public meetings but none have been scheduled yet. She also added that the consultants are still working on the plan.

Q: How many presidents have used the executive order?

A: According to numerous sources, every president has issued an executive order, including George Washington. In the last 100 years, Democrats have used the executive order more than Republicans.

Q: How many executive orders has Donald Trump signed?

A: Hes signed 26.

Q: How many people from the Erica/Nikko Jenkins family have been arrested and/or are currently in prison? Ive heard they have a big criminal problem in their family and many of them are felons.

A: The Omaha World Herald ran a series about this very topic, called Nikko Jenkins extended family has wreaked havoc on Omaha for generations.

The story explains how Levi Levering was a respected man who earned an impressive reputation as an Omaha tribal leader and advocate a century ago.

But his reputation is opposite of many of his descendants, including his great-great-grandson, Nikko Jenkins.

A World Herald examination of the Levering history shows that 38 descendants of Levi Levering have been convicted of 633 crimes in Omaha since 1979. Those cases have cost taxpayers at least $2.8 million in prison and jail costs, not counting the price tag of law enforcement, juvenile cases, prosecution or public defense. Family members have been involved in at least 150 other cases during that period that ended in acquittals, mistrials and dropped charges.

They also reported that authorities have removed at least 20 children from various Levering family homes.

Both of Nikko and Erica Jenkins parents were convicted of felonies while they were growing up, the World Herald reported.

As far as Nikkos killing spree, six family members were also charged with 30 crimes in connection with that killing spree, including Nikkos four counts of first degree murder; Ericas and an uncles related convictions; six counts of using a gun to commit a felony; eight counts of weapon possession by a felon; four counts of conspiracy to commit robbery; four counts of being an accessory to murder; two counts of being a felon in possession of ammunition.

Q: A while ago, there was a recipe from the Amish Cook for her Mystery Biscuits. Could you find that and run it again? Ive already made them once, but I lost the recipe.

A: We found it.

Heres the Amish Cooks recipe for Mystery Biscuits:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

 cup mayonnaise

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon sugar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a baking sheet or 12 muffin cups and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Blend in the mayonnaise, milk and sugar until the mixture is creamy. Drop by the tablespoon onto the baking sheet or fill the muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake until golden brown, 18-20 minutes. Makes 12 biscuits.

Q: Who has been on the York City Council the longest?

A: Barry Redfern.
Washington: The website of the US Environmental Protection Agency, EPA. gov, is getting a makeover to reflect the views of President Donald Trump and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, the agency said on Friday.

As EPA renews its commitment to human health and clean air, land and water, our website needs to reflect the views of the leadership of the agency, it said in a statement.

Trump, a climate change doubter, campaigned on a pledge to boost the US oil and gas drilling and coal mining industries by slashing regulation. He also promised to pull Washington out of a global pact to fight climate change.

The first page to be updated is one that reflects Trumps executive order on energy independence, which calls for a review of the Clean Power Plan put into place by his predecessor, President Barack Obama, the statement said.

"Language associated with the Clean Power Plan, written by the last administration, is out of date," it said. "Similarly, content related to climate and regulation is also being reviewed."

The Clean Power Plan aimed to sharply reduce carbon dioxide emissions from electrical power generation over 25 years, focusing on reductions from coal-burning power plants and increasing the use of renewable energy and energy conservation.

We want to eliminate confusion by removing outdated language first and making room to discuss how were protecting the environment and human health by partnering with states and working within the law, JP Freire, associate administrator for public affairs at the agency, said in the statement.

The website changes will comply with agency ethics and legal guidance, including proper archiving, so a snapshot of the Obama administrations website would remain available from the main page, the statement said.

In January, EPA sources told Reuters that administration officials had asked the agency to take down the climate change page on its website, and that EPA staff had pushed back in an effort to convince the administration to preserve it.

The page includes links to scientific research, emissions data from industrial plants and a multi-agency report that describes trends related to the causes and effects of climate change.

Pruitt led 14 lawsuits against the agency when he was Oklahoma`s attorney general.

Last month he said he was not convinced that carbon dioxide from human activity is the main driver of climate change, a position widely embraced by scientists.
Berlin: German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel Saturday criticised Ivanka Trump`s role as an adviser to her father in the White House, describing it as a form of "nepotism."



"For me there are things that remain strange, like for example the visit of his daughter to Germany which was treated almost like a world event, while the mix of politics with family and business reminds us instead of nepotism and would be unimaginable here," he said.



Gabriel was referring to the visit to Berlin of Ivanka Trump this week to take part in a women`s empowerment summit at the invitation of conservative German Chancellor Angela Merkel.



"It always bothers me when members of a family, who have never been elected, show up suddenly as official state representatives and are treated almost as if they were members of a royal family," the Social Democrat said in an interview published Saturday with the German regional media group Funke.



Ivanka Trump, a former model who started her own fashion line, has worked for her billionaire father Donald Trump`s company and now has an office in the White House. She has been accused in the United States of benefiting from nepotism.



Commenting on the US president`s first 100 days in office, Gabriel said the situation has "improved" but was "still not good."



Merkel, in an interview with the Madsack media group published Saturday, said she had "developed a good working relationship" with Trump, "which clearly does not exclude different points of view."



The two leaders have notably clashed over military spending for NATO and on trade.
Chicago: An Indiana man pleaded guilty to killing three people during a four-day crime spree during which he referred to "The Purge," a movie about a day where all crimes are legal, prosecutors said on Friday.

Under the plea agreement, Johnathan Cruz, 20, will be sentenced to three consecutive sentences of life without parole for the May 2016 murders of Billy Boyd, Jay Higginbotham and Jose Alberto, the Marion County Prosecutor`s Office said in a statement.

He also will be sentenced to 16 years for an armed robbery during the crime spree. The sentences will run concurrently. Formal sentencing is scheduled to take place on May 11.

Cruz`s attorney could not be immediately reached for comment.

During the investigation into the killings Cruz told witnesses that he was "purging," a reference to the horror-thriller film "The Purge, prosecutors said.

The three victims were fatally shot on the east and north sides of Indianapolis. Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry said shortly after the killings that they appeared to be random, the Indianapolis Star newspaper reported.

In the 2013 film, which stars Ethan Hawke, the US government allows an annual 12-hour period where all crimes, including murder, are legal.

The movie was the first in what would become a popular franchise. "The Purge: Election Year" was released last July. The fourth installment is set to be released in July 2018, the Hollywood Reporter said in February.
Visakhapatnam: A wreath laying ceremony was held with full honours at at INS Dega in Visakhapatnam as the nation paid tributes to Naik Venkataramana, who lost his life in Kupwara terror attack on Thursday.

The ceremony was conducted by Colonel B Parkhe Admin Commandant, Station HQs (Army) Visakhapatnam and Captain SA Joglekar, Commanding Officer INS Dega.

PGVR Naidu Gana Babu, an MLA from Visakhapatnam West constituency, representatives of the District Administration, police and Captain P. Satya Prasad (Retd.), Zilla Sainik Welfare Officer, also paid tributes to the deceased.

Following the ceremony the body of the soldier was shifted to his home at Asavanipalem in Visakhapatnam.Three bravehearts on Thursday made the supreme sacrifice for the country when terrorists launched an ambush on the Panzgam camp, near Chowkibal in Jammu and Kashmir`s Kupwara district.

Seven other soldiers were also injured in the attack whereas two terrorists were neutralised.
New Delhi: Digvijay Singh, the long-standing Gandhi family loyalist, was on Saturday removed as the party's general secretary incharge of Karnataka and Goa.

The development follows Congress' failure to form its government in Goa despite having emerged as the single largest party in the assembly election this February.

The party had clinched 17 seats in the 40-member legislature, four more than the BJP, which managed to cobble together a majority with local parties to form its government under Manohar Parrikar.

Singh, considered close to Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, had come under severe criticism for going slow in initiating talks with smaller parties to sew up a coalition and stake claim to form a Congress-led government.

The former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh will, however, continue as general secretary incharge of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

"Congress president Sonia Gandhi has assigned the tasks of looking after Karnataka and Goa affairs to new AICC teams. While K C Venugopal has been made general secretary incharge of Karnataka, A Chella Kumar has been made AICC incharge of Goa," party general secretary Janaradan Dwivedi said in a statement.

Singh has been one of the most vocal Congressmen advocating Rahul Gandhi's elevation as party president.

After the Goa debacle, Singh had accused Parrikar of having cheated the people of the state by "robbing the mandate". He had alleged Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who was despatched to Panaji by BJP president Amit Shah to explore ways of forming a government, indulged in "aggressive MLA shopping" to retain power.

Parrikar had shot back and taunted Singh for Congress' failure to form government.

"My special thanks to honourable member Digvijay Singh, who happened to be in Goa but did nothing so that I could form the government," Parrikar had told Rajya Sabha while making sarcastic comments against Singh.
Patna: Three school students were injured in a Bihar school when firecrackers lying in a rubbish heap in the school campus exploded on Saturday morning.

The police ruled out the possibility of a bomb blast.

The explosion took place in Urdu Kanya (Girls) Middle School at Lodi Katra under Khajekala police station limits of Patna town.

After an investigation, the police found that it was an accidental explosion of firecrackers and not a bomb blast.

Senior superintendent of police Manu Maharaj said powerful firecrackers lying in the heap of rubbish in the campus exploded causing burn injuries to three students.

The students who received burn injuries were discharged after giving first-aid, Khajekala police station officials said.
Gulshan Luthra/IANS

The April 13 Mother of All Bombs (MOAB) strike by the United States on ISIS terrorists in Afghanistan has triggered suggestions that a second round of the Cold War is set to begin. Particularly as the new US President, Donald Trump, seems to be brash, abrasive and capable of taking action without thinking of consequences.



In fact, the Second Cold War, or the Cold War-II, has been in the making due to the rise of Islamic terrorism from Pakistan and Afghanistan to the Middle East, drawing inevitable military interventions by the major powers -- Russia`s anger at the US-led bombings in Syria where it wants President Bashar Assad to stay, and China`s attempts to annex most of the South China Sea and also the acquisition of Pakistan`s Arabian Sea port of Gwadar for 40 or more years as a strategic naval base with its operational Command and Control lying with Beijing.



Both Russia and China have stepped up military movements on land, air and sea, particularly around US allies like Japan.



The official Russian news agency Sputnik is steadily issuing hard-hitting statements against the US, particularly against Trump, and has let it be known that Russian strategic bombers like Tu-95 are flying near the US and Western countries, and battle ships are out in the Pacific near Japan and South Korea.



North Korea, China`s second military ally after Pakistan, has warned again of destroying the US with long-range nuclear missiles, and the US has vowed to penalise if it conducts another nuclear or missile test. As it happens, it may be remembered, Islamabad got its missile technology from Pyongyang in exchange for nuclear weapons tech, apparently with blessings from Beijing.



US, Western and Afghan forces have had a tough time in fighting the Islamic terrorists who hide in, and operate from, the deep caves in the mountains. The terrorists conduct guerrilla strikes from these caves and move back in and, according to reports from Washington, the commander of the US and international forces in Afghanistan, General John Nicholson, had been considering the use of America`s biggest non-nuclear bomb, the MOAB, or Massive Ordnance Air Blast, for some time.



In military terms, this was the right and appropriate weapon to demolish the deep caves and kill everyone in them -- reportedly about a hundred at that time -- by burning up the oxygen.



Nonetheless, the use of this MOAB, technically designated GBU 43/B, has proved to be earth-shattering in the global canvas of power play. To Russia and China, and those opposed to the US, this indicates an aggressive willingness on the part of Trump to execute some threats he has been making.



Surprisingly, more than China, it is Russia which is challenging the US with rhetoric and news reports of its new military innovations like making the world`s biggest nuclear submarine, and supplying new air defence missiles like the S400, or still newer, to Syria.



As for Gwadar, and the string of naval facilities China is creating in the Indian Ocean, the implications are enormous. For China, Gwadar will now be The Pivot of its Look West strategy; it will be second non-regional, non-Indian Ocean power after the US to be there, not just for oil and trade but to play a dominant role in the warm waters of the ocean and beyond.



As against the two former players in Cold War-I, the United States and the Soviet Union, this time there are three, and although Russia may have more military muscle in terms of equipment, China will be far better placed to deliver its arsenal thanks to its emerging Gwadar military base, some 70 submarines, three (including those planned) aircraft carriers, and a large fleet of ships that should bunker in Gwadar as a home port.



China has purchased some 5,000 acres of real estate in and around Gwadar, and for all practical purposes, it will be a Chinese Foreign Territory.



The implications are not only enormous but ominous. Cold War-II will be bitter, and more threatening to humanity than the Cold War I.
Bijapur: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Saturday arrested four Naxals in Chhattisgarh`s Bijapur district during a search operation.The arrest comes days after the deadly Sukma attack where 25 CRPF personnel were killed in an encounter with Naxals.

The attack took place on personnel of the CRPF`s 74th Battalion on Monday as they were assisting the local population in road building and clearing activity in the district.

A high-level meeting on anti-naxal operation was also held yesterday which was chaired by Special Director-General (anti-naxal operation) DM Awasthi.

Inspector General Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Bastar Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Dantewada Superintendent of Police (SP) and District Magistrate were also present in the meeting.

Taking cognizance of the Sukma attack, the government earlier assured action against the perpetrators of the `cold-blooded murder` while stating that the Centre if needed would review and also revise the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) strategy.

However, the opposition is critical of the central government post Sukma Naxal attack and also questioned the policy of the Centre to tackle such attacks."Last heard `demonetisation` was the Govt`s strategy to neutralize Naxalism.

I hope the `revised` strategy has a little more purpose & impact," Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said.Echoing same, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi asserted that the Centre has no policy to handle Naxalism.

"Government has been proved incapable of tackling the situation, adding that for last two months DG CRPF post is vacant," Owaisi told ANI.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Friday upheld the award of USD 1.17 billion damages to be paid to Japanese telecom major NTT DoCoMo by Tata Sons for its failure to find a buyer for the foreign company's stake in their joint venture.

The court said the award can be enforced in India and no special permission from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was required.

Justice S Muralidhar, in his verdict, also rejected the RBI's plea to intervene in the matter, saying it was not a party to the award.

"In the absence of a provision that expressly provides for it, the question of permitting RBI to intervene in such proceedings to oppose enforcement does not arise," the court said.

It said "if neither of the parties has any objection to the enforcement of the award, and the court finds no impediment to its enforcement, then the award which takes a view on the requirement of RBI's permission will be enforceable as such. RBI will be bound by such determination and cannot refuse permission".

The RBI, during the proceedings, had contended that once it had denied special permission for transferring the money overseas, the issue had attained finality.

It had said that till date, its decision has not been challenged.

Rejecting its argument, the court said as long as the award stands, there is no need for any special permission of the RBI for remission by the Tatas of the amount awarded to DoCoMo as damages.

"The refusal by RBI of such permission which is not required in the first place, or the fact that such refusal has not been challenged, would therefore not affect the enforceability of the award," the judgement held.

DoCoMo and Tata had gone for arbitration as the Indian company was not able to find a buyer for the Japanese telecom major's 26.5 percent stake in their joint venture, Tata Teleservices Ltd (TTSL), when it exited from it.

The LCIA in June 2016 awarded damages of USD 1.17 billion in favour of DoCoMo for Tata's inability to find a buyer as per the shareholding agreement.

DoCoMo had moved the Delhi High Court for enforcement of the award after Tata cited refusal of permission by the RBI to make the payment.

Later the two companies entered into a settlement agreement to settle their two-year-old dispute regarding TTSL with the Indian company withdrawing its objections to the enforcement of the award.

Under the terms of the settlement, the Japanese company had said it will "suspend its related enforcement proceedings in the United Kingdom and the United States" for a period of six months. RBI had opposed the settlement agreement.

The court, however, upheld the terms of consent of the settlement arrived at between the two companies regarding enforcement of the award of damages by the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA).

It said there was nothing in the terms which can be said to be contrary to any provision of Indian law "much less opposed to public policy or void or voidable under the Indian Contract Act (ICA)".

The court, in its 41-page verdict, said that an Indian company honouring its commitment under a contract with a foreign entity will have a bearing on Tata's goodwill and reputation in the international arena.

It said that Tata's actions will "indubitably" also have an impact on the foreign direct investment inflows and the strategic relationship between the countries where the parties to a contract are located.

The court also said that FDI inflows and strategic relationships with other countries are factors that have to be kept in view when examining whether the enforcement of an award would be consistent with the public policy of India.

The court disagreed with the RBI regarding its claim that the shareholding agreement between the two companies was illegal, saying it was not void or opposed to any Indian law including the Foreign Exchange Management Act or the ICA.

It said the LCIA had "rightly held" that the shareholders agreement was legally capable of performance without the special permission of the RBI.

"There is nothing in the Shareholding Agreement (SHA) as interpreted by the Award that renders it void or voidable under the Indian Contract Act (ICA) or opposed to either the public policy of India or the fundamental policy of Indian law," it said.

The RBI had opposed the award as it was of the view that the amount was the price of the shares held in TTSL by DoCoMo.

The court did not agree with this contention of the Indian central bank saying what was awarded to Docomo were damages and not the price of the shares.

"The order that the share scrips must be returned to Tata was only incidental and, in fact, DoCoMo itself was not interested in retaining the share scrips," it said.

"It is not open to RBI to re-characterise the nature of the payment in terms of the award to which there is no longer any opposition from Tata..," it added.

The court also gave directions with regard to remittance of the amount to DoCoMo and the return of shares to Tata.
New Delhi: An undertrial in a murder case was on Saturday shot dead allegedly by a person outside the Rohini district court.

The accused was apprehended from the spot.

Rajesh was arrested by the Haryana Police in a murder case in December 2016, DCP (Rohini) Rishi Pal said, adding he was listed as a "bad character" in Bawana police station of the city.

He was brought to Rohini to be produced before the court by personnel of the Haryana Police, He was in judicial custody in the neighbouring state since he was arrested on the charge of murder.

The accused, Mohit, belongs to Jhajjar district of Haryana, the DCP said.

Police are probing the incident and the reason behind the murder is yet to be ascertained.
New Delhi: Ousted All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader TTV Dhinakaran has been brought back to Delhi by the Delhi Crime Branch for further questioning in connection with the Election Commission bribery case.

The Delhi Police questioned several men suspected to have been linked to the money trail in the case.

The Crime Branch police personnel also grilled some others who allegedly had knowledge about the money transaction.

Earlier on Friday, a Delhi Court sent alleged middleman Sukesh Chandrashekhar to judicial custody till May 12 and Hawala operator Naresh Jain in connection with a bribery case to police remand till April 30.

The Delhi Police alleged that Jain helped Sukesh in money transfer.

Dinakaran`s house was searched and an informal interrogation was done with his wife, Joint Commissioner of Police, Delhi confirmed to ANI.

Dinakaran had reportedly, through Chandrashekhar, sought the `Two Leaves` symbol of the AIADMK by allegedly trying to bribe an Election Commission official.

The Crime Branch recovered approximately Rs. 1.3 crore and two luxury cars, a BMW and a Mercedes from Chandrashekhar.

Chandrasekhar was picked up from the Hyatt hotel and was produced at the residence of Special Judge Poonam Chaudhry, who allowed the Delhi Police`s plea to interrogate the accused for eight days.

Dinakaran was cross examined along with his `friend` Mallikarjuna and P.A. Janardhanan, sources stated.

During his third day of interrogation by the Crime Branch of the Delhi Police yesterday, Dinakaran finally accepted that he met Chandrashekhar, the man alleged to be the middleman in his bribery dealing with the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Dinakaran, sources say, initially refused to have known Sukesh. He later accepted meeting him when Sukesh himself gave the details of his meeting with the former.

However, Dinakaran maintained that he did not pay any money to Sukesh.Following this, the Delhi Police Crime Branch team visited Chennai, even as a Delhi Court granted five-day police custody to Dinakaran.
New Delhi: An undertrial in a murder case was on Saturday shot dead outside the Rohini district court here.

The alleged assailant was apprehended from the spot.

Rajesh was arrested by the Haryana Police in a murder case in December 2016, DCP (Rohini) Rishi Pal said, adding he was listed as a "bad character" in Bawana police station of the city.

He was brought to Rohini to be produced before the court by personnel of the Haryana Police, He was in judicial custody in the neighbouring state since he was arrested on the charge of murder.

The accused, Mohit, belongs to Jhajjar district of Haryana, the DCP said.

Police are probing the incident and the reason behind the murder is yet to be ascertained.
New Delhi: Union Minister Jayant Sinha on Friday said that central government`s regional air connectivity scheme -- UDAN -- which was launched on April 27 is slated to create additional 100 airports over the next 2-3 years.

The Minister for State for Civil Aviation was speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry`s (CII) annual session 2017 themed `Future of Globalisation: Can India Lead?` here.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the highly-subsidised regional air connectivity scheme from Shimla.

The Rs 2,500-an-hour flight launched on Thursday is part of `Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik` (UDAN) scheme that makes air travel more affordable to the common people. It also plans to enhance connectivity with more airports in the country.

The first regional flight under the scheme was flagged off between Shimla and Delhi from Jubbarhatti, the tabletop airport located 2,196 metres above the sea level and 22 km from Himachal Pradesh capital Shimla.

Air India`s subsidiary Alliance Air, which will operate the Delhi-Shimla flight, has fixed the one-way fare at Rs 2,036.

According to the minister, the UDAN scheme has market friendly features such as removal of airport and navigation charges, reduction in ATF (air turbine fuel) taxes and routes exclusivity for three years which would incentivise air passenger carriers.

The minister said that he is working with aircraft lessors to reduce the risk premium.

Sinha pointed out that the country has "one of the most open" FDI (foreign direct investment) policy in the world.
New Delhi: Don't forget to take your sunscreen, if you're going out for a day at the beach! That's the advise we normally receive from parents, doctors and others.

Well, of course, we care about our skin and our body, but what about the oceans? We know what you're thinking, but, there is most definitely a connection.

As per a report in The Guardian, many studies have shown that contemporary sunscreens pose a threat to the ocean environment.

All types of sunscreen, especially the spray-on kinds, contain a chemical called Oxybenzone, harms coral, and is in high concentrations at some of the most worlds most popular reefs, researchers have discovered.

The chemical absorbs UV-rays well, but at the cost of the corals, which it poisons in several ways. A 2015 study and a research that will be published later this year, helped biologists come to the conclusion that oxybenzone causes bleaching, has a similar effect on DNA to gasoline, and disrupts reproduction and growth, leaving young corals fatally deformed.

It causes weird deformities in soft tissue and also causes the coral larvae to encase itself in its own skeleton, in its own coffin, said Craig Downs, one of the study authors, The Guardian reported.

Further as per The Guardian report, the recent research builds on several years of work by teams in Italy, Spain, Israel and Iran, and found that even small doses of oxybenzone  about a drop in six-and-a-half Olympic swimming pools  damages coral. The researchers found concentrations 12 times that rate in popular waters off Hawaii and the US Virgin Islands. Hawaii lawmakers are proposing a ban on the use of such sunscreen on the islands.

With these findings, the scientists have reason to believe that climate change is not the only one to blame where coral damage is concerned.

Scientists also argue that such cases add to evidence that pollutants created sterile, zombie reefs. Downs team has also found that oxybenzone has toxic effects on fish larvae and embryos.

How to avoid this? According to The Guardian, Hawaiian tourist agencies have largely argued the ban is needed to protect reefs, one of the states most valuable attractions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has estimated that coral reefs are worth tens of billions to the US for their value to fisheries, tourism and as buffers against storms.

Regional offices of the National Park Services, including in Hawaii, the Virgin Islands and south Florida, advise swimmers use sunscreens made with zinc oxide or titanium oxide, which biodegrade, and several Mexican preserves require visitors to use biodegradable sunscreens. Downs said that consumers should take extra care not to use sunscreens advertising nano zinc oxide or titanium oxide, saying that below 120 or just 100 nanometers is significantly toxic.

Scientists also warn against using aerosol cans of sunscreen, because the spray mostly falls on to sand, where it gets washed into the sea or into sea turtle nests.
London: Britain took a significant step towards exposing dirty money in the London property market this week, passing a law allowing the seizure of homes from foreigners who cannot explain how they paid for them.

Anti-corruption campaigners hailed the "unexplained wealth orders" as a potentially game-changing tool to stop wealthy individuals from laundering their money through mansions in the affluent London boroughs of Knightsbridge and Hampstead.

The measure in the Criminal Finances Act, which became law on Thursday, will enable enforcement agencies to seize and if necessary then sell the properties, returning the funds to the country involved.

"If some corrupt official, who we know earns 30,000 ($39,000) or 40,000 a year, buys a house in the UK for 2 million there is unexplained wealth," said Margaret Hodge, an opposition Labour MP who campaigns on this issue.

In research published last month, campaign group Transparency International identified London properties worth 4.2 billion that it says were bought by individuals with suspicious wealth.

They should be "low-hanging fruit" for the new measures, said Duncan Hames, the group`s director of UK policy.

"Any law is only as good as its implementation and we now call on law enforcement agencies to use unexplained wealth orders as soon as they are empowered to do so."

Naomi Hirst, senior campaigner at Global Witness, told AFP the orders could be "quite game-changing -- the caveat is that it is properly enforced".

The United States already has similar powers, and Matthew Page, a former US intelligence analyst who specialises in corruption in Nigeria, warned that its targets fight back with expensive lawyers -- and politics gets in the way.

"If the decision is made to go, say against Russia for other reasons, then it will be used. It`s like these dogs they can unleash on these countries," he told AFP.Page was speaking on a special edition of London`s "kleptocracy tours", which take visitors past homes allegedly bought with ill-gotten gains.

This week, campaigners used it to issue a string of mock unexplained wealth orders outside palatial houses in prime central London, mostly owned by Russian oligarchs.

Russia was the inspiration for another new power under the Criminal Finances Act, which enables British authorities to freeze the assets of foreign officials who abuse anti-corruption and human rights activists.

It followed a campaign in memory of late Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, who was charged with tax evasion after revealing a massive fraud by state officials, and died in detention in 2009.

William Browder, a former Moscow financier turned anti-Kremlin campaigner who had employed Magnitsky, said Britain now had "extremely powerful new tools".

"I hope that the authorities start using these tools aggressively to show the world that London no longer is a safe haven for bad guys with blood money," he said.

"If nothing happens, we can draw our own conclusions."Britain promised at an international summit in London in May 2016 to lead the global fight against corruption.

Since then, it has opened a public register showing who really owns and controls British companies, and this month launched a consultation on a similar register for overseas companies that own British property.

Campaigners have long called for improved transparency of ownership -- even if rich individuals increasingly use relatives or family friends to hide their purchases.

But the government has drawn fire for failing to include in this week`s law measures to force registers on British overseas tax havens, through which many London property sales are routed via anonymous companies.

"Unless the next government legislates to stop anonymous overseas companies owning UK properties, we will continue to lose the fight against corruption," Hirst said.

Hodge accused Prime Minister Theresa May`s government of holding back as it forges new global ties for when Britain leave the European Union.

"There`s a reluctance to offend anyone, even the British Virgin Islands, if we think we can get some trade out of them," she said.
New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Saturday took a dig at the Congress over their allegation that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) party leaked the Dhingra Commission report, saying that the latter must guilty otherwise would have demanded to make the report public themselves.

Swamy told ANI, "There is nothing criminal as it is a public matter. So, therefore the Congress party must be feeling guilty, otherwise they would have demanded to make the report public.

""We should see the facts in the report rather seeing that is it a leak or not. We have created the whistle blower act to unearth these kind of facts," he added.

Earlier, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi had asserted that Vadra had not received any notice or summons from the Dhingra Commission.

"It is contempt of court if you publish the content of Dhingra report," Singhvi added.Congress chief Sonia Gandhi`s son-in-law Robert Vadra on Saturday responded to Dhingra Commission report allegations that he been amassed through Faridabad land deals, saying "truth shall prevail"Vadra took to Facebook and simply wrote, "truth shall prevail.

"According to reports, Vadra made unlawful profits of Rs. 50.5 crore from a land deal in Haryana in 2008, concluded Justice SN Dhingra.The Dhingra Commission, set up in 2015 by the Manohar Lal Government, was looking into the grant of licenses for change in land in Gurgaon.

Robert Vadra`s company, Skylight Hospitality, was also under the scanner.On Friday, the Bharatiya Janata Pradesh (BJP) asserted that the grand old party was looting India."Probably, the Gandhi family considers the whole of this country as their property and were trying to loot this country.

That`s the reason as to why they have lost the political land," BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told ANI."We have seen the case of Sky light hospitality, a company of Robert Vadra which had been amassed through wrong land deals in Haryana.

The case is also going on. Now we have to come to know about land deals of Priyanka Gandhi. She had also been profiting from land deals," he added.However, Priyanka Gandhi rebuffed any relation between the property she purchased in Haryana with alleged illegal acquired funds and her husband Robert Vadra`s finances or Skylight Hospitality.

"Six years prior to the purported `land deal involving Skylight Hospitality` on April 28, 2006, Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra purchased 40 Kanal 00 Marla (= 5.0 acres) of agricultural land in Village Amipur, Tehsil Faridabad, District Faridabad in Haryana," a press release from Priyanka`s office stated.

It further said that the land was purchased for a total purchase price of Rs. 15,00,000 paid for entirely by cheque, which is the equivalent of Rs. 3,00,000 per acre.
Los Angeles: The release date of "Doctor Dolittle", starring Robert Downey Jr, has been preponed and the film will now release on April 12, 2019.

Previously known as "The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle", the project was initially slated to open on May 24, 2019, reported Ace Showbiz.

Universal changed "Doctor Dolittle" release schedule after Disney and Lucasfilm set the date for its massive project, "Star Wars: Episode IX".

The "Star Wars" movie, which is directed by Colin Trevorrow, has been scheduled to hit US theatres on the Memorial Day Weekend on May 24, 2019.

"Doctor Dolitle" is based on 1920's children books by Hugh Lofting.

In the upcoming movie, Downey Jr is set to play the titular gifted physician who can talk with animals.

The character was portrayed by Rex Harrison in 1967's movie and played by Eddie Murphy in 1998's version.

Harrison-starring "Doctor Dolittle" was set in Victorian England and nominated for Best Picture at Oscars, whereas Murphy's film was set in modern times and grossed USD 294 million worldwide.

Universal Pictures will team up with director-writer Stephen Gaghan for the upcoming "Doctor Dolittle". Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum will serve as producers alongside Susan Downey.
New Delhi: Days after 25 Central Reserve Police Force troopers were massacred by Maoists in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, a video of a CRPF jawan is crashing the Internet.

With tears in his eyes, the jawan, in the video, tells those involved in anti-Naxal operation that enough is enough.

He further urges them to ascertain that a revenge is taken.

Heartbroken by the martyrdom of his friends, the CRPF jawan says that he just wants revenge.

On Monday, Maoists, including women, ambushed a CRPF contingent in a forested patch in Chhattisgarh, killing the troopers and escaping with their AK-47 assault rifles.

Watch the video here:

This @crpfindia Jawan is heartbroken because of the martyrdom of his friends. He wants revenge. No money. No fame. No rest. Just vengeance. pic.twitter.com/WkYjg92cPH  Major Gaurav Arya (@majorgauravarya) April 29, 2017

Earlier this week, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the strategy to root out left-wing extremism will be reviewed and a meeting of affected states has been convened on May 8 for the purpose.
Jammu: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah was accorded a grand welcome in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, where he landed on a two-day visit as part of his national `Vistaar Yatra`.

The streets were thronged with BJP supporters and party flags were waved as Shah`s convoy passed through the streets after he landed at the airport today.

Shah is on a 95-day all-India tour from today during which he will strategise on ways to win the 2019 Lok Sabha election, with focus on clinching 120 seats where the party had lost in 2014.

Shah will spend one to three days in each states. The tour will focus on taking stock of the party`s organisational strength and further expansion of electoral appeal across the country.

Shah is particularly focusing on states like West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana and Kerala.The BJP had managed to win just 4 Lok Sabha seats out of the 102 in these states in the 2014 election.

The BJP Chief`s voyage will end by 25th September, the 101th birth anniversary of Jana Sangh ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyay.Apart from his 95-day tour, Shah has also chosen five states where he will spend three days each.

His recent visit to West Bengal was part of the programme.Besides West Bengal, he will visit Odisha, Telangana, Lakshadweep and the poll-bound Gujarat.

Shah has also hinted at a reshuffle in the organisation as several office-bearers are now serving as ministers in the Uttar Pradesh government.
New Delhi: The eroding base of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has rattled the top leadership of the party to an extent that a party leader as senior as Manish Sisodia, no. 2 in the party hierarchy, appears to have no qualms in retweeting insulting tweets on Anna Hazare.

Anna is the original guru of the Lokpal movement that led to the rise of Arvind Kejriwal on the national stage. Anna was fighting for a cause; most of the others who rose to prominence along with him joined Kejriwal to form AAP.

While it is true that Anna Hazare had come down heavily on the AAP after the MCD drubbing and described the party as "power hungry" but for Manish Sisodia to retweet messages that describe Anna as a 'BJP agent' is a shocking surprise.

Interestingly, Sisodia later deleted one of his retweets. Here's a screenshot of the tweet:

A tweet by @priyashmita calling Anna Hazare a 'fraud' was by retweeted by a follower of "anti-corruption movement" @pawanvivek. Replying to @priyashmita, who claims to be not an AAP supporter, @pawanvivek writes "he spares no moment to curse Arvind, but why is he silent of Modi's failure to appoint A Lokpal. The Nation wants to KNOW!!!!!!!." He tagged Manish Sisodia in his tweet. The Delhi Deputy CM retweeted this tweet.

Another twitter user @ramachandracho1 also wrote a reply to the "fraud" tweet. "No doubt he has taken all of us for a ride: now I strongly feel that he is an agent of BJP." Manish Sisodia retweeted this tweet as well.

Yesterday, Anna had said, When AAP came to power in Delhi, people's expectations increased and it was felt that there will be a change in the country."

"However, their credibility dwindled. An important reason for this decrease was that these (AAP) leaders reneged on their poll promise of not accepting government facilities like official bungalows and other perks," he said.

"Despite the poll promise, (Kejriwal) took a big bungalow and government vehicle and even a hefty salary hike," Hazare said.

Dismissing AAPs allegations of EVM manipulation, Hazare said the Election Commission had asked anyone doubting the EVM machines to substantiate their claims. "They (AAP) should have come forward to prove their charges. Now it is late," he said.

"Had (AAP rule in) Delhi become a model, the whole country would have emulated it. However, the lust for power is a bad thing," said Hazare, whose anti-corruption movement led to the political rise of Kejriwal and his party.

"AAP should have stayed focused on Delhi. It should not have ventured in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. People realised that they are hungry for power," he remarked.

(With Agency inputs)
New Delhi: The people of Gilgit-Baltistan will vote for India if there is a referendum because Indians never occupied that land, a top Baloch leader said on Saturday, as tensions rise between the locals and the government over the proposed China-backed CPEC project.

The statement comes as Pakistan deploys additional security in the region fearing violent protest by the people of Balochistan over the project.

The Pakistani authorities have already made a number of arrests against those opposing the CPEC project, which Islamabad claims would bring huge employment as well as rapid development to the region.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project is also opposed by India as it passes through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

People are aware that Gilgit-Baltistan is a disputed region, by arresting a few people, you (Pakistan) think CPEC will be built, and $42bn will be in your pockets, it's a dream, ANI quoted a senior Baloch leader Abdul Hamid Khan as saying.

He also said that If a referendum happens, the people of Balochistan will vote for India because they never committed atrocities on us.

He accused Pakistan of imposing a war on the Baloch people and said India never occupied their land.

Pakistan's coward army gave Siachen to India, the chairman of the Balawaristan National Front alleged.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed Cyprus' support to India's bid for membership of the 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades also reaffirmed support for the "enhancement of the representative character" of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with India as a permanent member in the expanded body.

He also emphasised on making the UNSC "more effective, efficient and representative of the contemporary geopolitical challenges".

The two leaders also supported forward movement on the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on UNSC reform and reiterated their commitment to make continuous efforts to move towards text-based negotiations.

"Both leaders underlined their shared interest in strengthening global non-proliferation objectives. In this context, Prime Minister Modi appreciated the support of Cyprus to India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

"India's membership will enable it to contribute further to global non-proliferation objectives," a joint statement released by the ministry of external affairs said.

The two sides exchanged views on developments in their respective regions and on international issues of common concern, most notably the fight against international terrorism, it said.

They also discussed ways to reinforce measures to stem the financing of terrorism and disrupt the revenue stream towards terrorist groups, the statement said.

During their delegation-level talks yesterday, Modi and Anastasiades had strongly pitched for decisive action against states supporting, sheltering and sustaining "violence factories" in their regions.

"The two sides welcomed the recent adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2347 (2017), aiming to combat the unlawful destruction of cultural heritage, religious sites and artifacts, and the smuggling of cultural property by terrorist groups during armed conflict," the statement added.

Both countries also shared the view that the successful conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), proposed by India at the UN, remains a priority and will be a decisive step to further strengthen the global normative framework that will support vigorous international action against terrorism.

Anastasiades is on a five-day visit to India which concludes today.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged people belonging to the Muslim community not to "politicise" the triple talaq issue and requested them to come forward and find a "solution".

Underlining that Muslim women were against the practice of triple talaq, the PM vowed to raise voice against the injustice meted out to Muslim women.

"I urge the people of the Muslim community to not politicise the issue of triple talaq," Modi said while addressing an event marking the birth anniversary of Kannada philosopher Basaveshwar here.

Modi also said that he would fight against the sufferings of the Muslim daughters in the country.

"My government will bring an end to this archaic law," he added.

The PM voiced the hope that Muslims in India would "show the path of modernity" to their counterparts across the world.

"There is so much debate on the triple talaq these days. Looking at the great tradition of India, my mind is filled with the hope that powerful people will emerge from the community in this country (to) eradicate outdated practices, evolve modern systems," he said.

In his 40-minute speech, the prime minister spoke about women's empowerment, equality, and good governance.

"It is the strength of our country's soil that people from the (Muslim) community will emerge to save our mothers and sisters from this trouble," he said, referring to the practice of triple talaq.

"I will urge people from the community to not allow the issue to get politicised," Modi told the gathering at the event, which was also attended by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar.

Earlier in April, the Prime Minister had raised the triple talaq issue during the national executive meeting of his party in Bhubaneswar.

The PM today unveiled translated volumes of Vachana, penned by 12th-century social reformer Basavanna and other saints in 23 Indian languages, on the social reformer`s birth anniversary.

The Prime Minister also released the digital version of the work at the first ever celebration of Basava Jayanthi at the national level in New Delhi.
On board Air India One: Vice President Hamid Ansari on Saturday described terrorism as "pandemic" and said it affected every country and society.

Every nation faced the problem of terrorism to a "greater or lesser" degree, Ansari told the media as he wound up a visit to Armenia and Poland.

"But some countries come up with legal technicalities in defining terrorism as an excuse to try to avoid committing themselves (to fighting terrorism)," he said aboard Air India One Special Aircraft on his way back to India.

Replying to a question on adopting the India-led Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), he referred to the time when he was the permanent representative of India to UN, and India had introduced a proposal on CCIT.

It was struck down because there were differences in the definition of a terrorist, he said.

"Those who do not want this to make progress come up with legal technicalities," he said.

"It is an excuse on part of some countries to try to avoid committing themselves," he added.

Speaking about the two-nation visit, the vice president said it had been "productive".

"Armenia and Poland are friendly countries and we were able to regenerate interest in mutual cooperation," he said.

To a question on whether India was exploring the potential of working with Armenian innovative projects, the vice president said, "We need to see where and what the innovation is and where it will fit into our requirements." Armenia has been making a mark in areas such as renewable energy and development of vaccines and drugs.

On Poland, Ansari said Warsaw had "done its own homework" in identifying India's rising profile and becoming its major trading partner.

Poland, he pointed out, had the largest economy in Central Europe.

"With the Polish president and prime minister, we were able to identify some specific areas where cooperation between these two countries is either starting or can start very soon," he said.

The two countries focused on three particular areas of interest: clean coal mining technology, agricultural products and techniques and defence cooperation, he said.

The vice president said he had suggested that Poland join the Make in India programme. Instead of being a seller, it could become an India-based seller, which would give it additional advantages.

The Polish side reacted "very positively" to the suggestion, he said, adding that there would be "substantial progress" in the coming day when the Polish President visited India.

Poland had identified some markets in Asia as priority markets, and India was one of them, he said.

Reacting to a question on India's image abroad, the vice president said multiple images are a fact of life.

In this context, he referred to India's Mars mission and launch of satellites for other countries.

"A common man looks at our strengths in Information Technology. Indian IT professionals are present all over the world...We have to take note what ISRO is doing, what IT is doing and what Indian scientific research is doing," he said.

Ansari added that India, on the other hand, had to also deal with poverty and inequality.

"But despite all this, we have been able to, for seven decades, run a democratic system on a monumental scale," he added.

Ansari, who reached Yerevan, the Armenian capital, on April 24, met the top leadership of the country, including the president and the prime minister.

Three agreements were signed in cultural cooperation, youth affairs and the peaceful use of space.

In Warsaw, Poland communicated to India that it supported India's permanent membership at the expanded UN Security Council.

Ansari met the Indian community in Poland and encouraged them to bring more business and investments into India. A MoU was signed in the field of agriculture and he inaugurated a new embassy complex in Warsaw.
Kasargode (Kerala): A third youth from Kerala who ran away to join the Islamic State terror group in Afghanistan has been killed there, police said on Saturday.

According to information received here, Yahya alias Bastian, who was in his late 20s, is reported to have been killed in Afghanistan, said the Kerala Police`s intelligence wing.

A top intelligence official told IANS that this information was received on the mobile of a relative of another person who was part of a group now in Afghanistan.

"We have got this information from a person residing here and the death pertains to a man who hails from Palakkad district. Other details are not known," said the official.

Yahiya alias Bastian along with his wife, his brother and his wife, who have all been reported missing, hail from Palakkad and had converted to Islam.

The four were part of a 21-strong group from Kerala who reached Afghanistan.

With this death, this is the third Keralite who left the state last year and reached Afghanistan to be killed.

Early this month, Muhammed, said to be in his 20s, was reported to have been killed along with 36 IS militants who were killed after the US struck the terror group`s position in eastern Afghanistan with a massive GBU-43 bomb, also known as the "mother of all bombs".

In February this year, information reached the relatives of 26-year-old Hafeesudin that he had been killed in a drone attack.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan last year had informed the state assembly that 21 people, including children, were missing - 17 persons from Kasargode district and four from Palakkad.
Srinagar: A militant, captured by security forces on Friday during his attempt to rob a bank in Anantnag district of Kashmir, has made startling revelations.

Two armed men entered into a branch of Jammu and Kashmir Bank on the Tehsil office premises in Mehandi Kadal in Anantnag last afternoon.

Security personnel deployed there tried to apprehend the militants, but they opened fire, a police official said.

He said a CRPF head constable sustained bullet injury in his right hand.

One of the militants, who was carrying a weapon, managed to escape.

However, his accomplice was apprehended by police and CRPF personnel, the official said, adding he has been identified as Muneeb Ahmad Malla, a resident of Reshipora in Shopian district.

Muneeb's confession was then captured on a video. Watch:
New Delhi: Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Saturday criticised Farooq Abdullah's "irresponsible" remark that highlighting the Kupwara attack was aimed to spread hatred against Muslims.

"Hearing such an irresponsible statement from a politically mature person like Abdullah is disheartening. His remark on such an important issue like national security raises doubts on his political thinking," Naqvi told ANI.

Earlier today, Abdullah courted another controversy by saying, "The noise is not so much about 25 CRPF jawans getting killed in Chhattisgarh, rather, the noise is about three army men killed in Kupwara. They are beating the drum to increase hatred towards Muslims, please keep this in mind."

"Now a days, new tricks are being played, be careful. This is not an attack on particular sect of people, but on all of us," he added.

The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister also slammed the Centre for banning Internet and other social media services in the Kashmir Valley.

"I called on the government and told them don`t take such types of measures. They are mistaken that the by imposing ban, conditions will improve. The situations will not improve until and unless talks are not held with all. They think they can suppress us with force. The more they try to suppress it, the more fire it will create," he said.
New Delhi: Social activist from Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday welcomed the Central Government`s decision of ruling out dialogues with separatist leaders who talks of `Azaadi` and freedom.

Social activist from Jammu and Kashmir, Sushil Pandit, while speaking to ANI, emphasized that the central government`s realisation must be celebrated by the nation.

"It is a welcoming realisation from the centre and the entire nation must celebrate it," said Pandit.Earlier on Friday, reacting to the Supreme Court orders, wherein it asked the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association (JKHCBA) to take to various stakeholders and consider their opinion in connection with the plea against the use of pellet guns in the state, the Centre categorically said that it would not talk to the separatist leaders and those who talk of `Azaadi` and freedom.

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, top law officer, representing the Centre, made this statement to the apex court.JKHCBA was also asked to assure the top court that no stone pelting would be committed in the future, if they wanted prohibition against the use of pellet guns.

The apex court had earlier asked the Centre to consider effective means, other than use of pellet guns to quell stone pelting mobs in Jammu and Kashmir, as it concerns life and death.

The Kashmir High Court Bar Association (KHBA) had earlier alleged that the pellet guns were being `misused`.

The case was filed in the wake of the several lives lost during last year unrest in the Kashmir Valley.Around 78 people lost their lives and over 100 people were injured, several critically, in Jammu and Kashmir last year, due to the use of pellet guns, JKHCBA claimed in its petition.

The division bench of the Supreme Court had, in December last year, admitted the petition for hearing and directed the Central Government to submit the report of the team of experts, constituted on the use of pellet guns, before the court.
Srinagar: Mobile internet services were on Saturday restored in Kashmir, two weeks after they were suspended in view of widespread student protests in the Valley against alleged highhandedness of security forces at a college in Pulwama on April 15.

Restrictions placed on accessing internet on mobile phones on April 17 have been lifted four days after the state government directed the internet service providers not to allow access to 22 websites and applications, observing they were being misused by anti-national elements to disturb peace in Kashmir.

Although the order to block access to the 22 websites was issued on Tuesday, it took the service providers four days to successfully ban them.

However, one can gain access to them through broadband services of state-run telecom operator BSNL and through virtual private networks.

The websites and applications which have been made inaccessible in the Valley include Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Wechat, QQ, Qzone, Google Plus, Skype, Line, Pinterest, Snapchat, Youtube, Vine and Flickr.

The state home department had banned them on the grounds that they were being misused by anti-national and anti-social elements for transmitting inflammatory messages.

Principal Secretary Home Department R K Goyal had invoked the powers conferred on government under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 read with Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2007 to ban them.

In a three-page order, he had said: "It is being felt that continued misuse of social networking sites and instant messaging services is likely to be detrimental to the interests of peace and tranquillity in the state."

The move had followed repeated student protests in Kashmir, which the authorities believed were fanned through social media.

Some days ago, a police official had said that 350 WhatsApp groups were being used to spread rumours in Kashmir and the government had cracked down, shutting 90 per cent of these groups.
New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary Ram Madhav on Saturday said the Centre wouldn't hold talks with separatists who use Kashmiris as 'guinea pigs in their reprehensible politics of violence and separatism.'

"The separatists have only one motto: One dead body a day, so that they can play sentimental politics over the dead bodies. The security forces and the government on the other hand try their best to ensure that the ill-intentions of the separatists don`t succeed," Madhav posted on the social media.

Madhav, who is the party in-charge of Jammu and Kashmir, said the government and the security forces were executing a difficult job of mainlining peace in the Valley with a commendable effort.

The BJP leader`s remarks came a day after the Centre told the Supreme Court that it wouldn`t hold talks with separatist leaders who demanded `azadi`.

The Centre`s remark came as the apex court was hearing a plea filed by the Jammu and Kashmir Bar Association against the use of pellet guns. The Association wants the Centre to hold talks with Hurriyat leaders.

The top court said that it would tell the security forces and the police to suspend the use of pellet guns if the petitioner gives an undertaking that there would be no stone pelting.

The BJP leader added that the armed forces had very few pellet guns and were used in rare situations only.

"Even where used they are deemed less lethal than normal guns and bullets. Even there the forces are trained to maintain maximum restraint and use other methods to control violence," he said.

Kashmir has been witnessing increasing incidence of stone pelting incident following the April 9 bypolls to the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency which was held amidst conflict.

Mere 7.14 percent polling was recorded.
Imphal: Security personnel, including those of the Border Security Force (BSF), escaped bomb attacks by militants in Manipur on Saturday morning. There were no casualties.

At 7 a.m. some unidentified militants exploded a bomb near Nongren village near a BSF camp in Imphal east district.

Though the BSF personnel swung into action, no militants were nabbed. A combing operation was launched by the state and central forces.

No militant outfit has taken responsibility for the attack.

In another incident, one bomb was exploded near Silshi village near the Behang boundary pillar in Churachandpur district. Again there was no casualty.

The police said that additional forces had been rushed to the area.

Police believe that after the Behang attack the militants escaped into `no man`s land`.
Kolkata: A model-turned-actress from the city died while her companion, actor Vikram Chatterjee, was seriously injured in a car accident in south Kolkata on Saturday, police said.

Sonika Singh Chauhan died in the car accident near Rashbehari area at around 3: 30 a.m on Saturday while Bengali film actor Vikram Chatterjee sustained injuries on the shoulder and head, police said.

According to police, Vikram, who has worked in films like Mainak Bhowmik's "Bedroom" and Anjan Dutt's "Saheb Bibi Golam", was at the wheel of his car when he lost control and the car crashed into a roadside shop.

Locals rushed the duo to hospital where Sonika was declared brought dead. Chatterjee was treated and later shifted to Ruby General Hospital, police said.

According to the hospital authorities, the actor is stable but in a state of shock.

"Chatterjee has sustained a head injury. Also there can be an injury in his spine. But he is stable now. We are awaiting the MRI report to identify if he has sustained any internal injury. Overall he is in a state of trauma after the incident," a doctor said.
New Delhi: In order to celebrate Word Dance Day 2017, Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor took to twitter to surprise his fans by sharing an adorable clip. In the short video, the 36-year-old star can be seen shaking a leg with her daughter Misha.

"#worlddanceday #havefeetwilldance #mj dance is in your blood," Sasha captioned the clip. Within a few minutes of its release, the video has received more than 1 lakh 80 thousand views.

Shahid and wife Mira Rajput became proud parents last year.

A post shared by Shahid Kapoor (@shahidkapoor) on Apr 29, 2017 at 1:50am PDT

On the professional front, Shahid is busy shooting for filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmavati'. The movie also stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh in prominent roles.
Jaipur: At least 25 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed and seven wounded in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Monday, the deadliest ambush by naxalites of security forces this year.

A pall of gloom descended on Rajasthan's Sikar district when the news of Banna Ram's killing surfaced.

In Rajasthan, women, along with their children, came out in large numbers to attend the cremation of Banna Ram.

Notably, in the Land of Royalty, women do not attend cremation or take part in funeral processions.

However, for the Sukma martyr, the women of the village broke with tradition and gave a heartfelt tribute to Banna Ram.

Watch Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary's touching report on his popular show Daily News and Analysis (DNA) here:

While the government vowed to go on an all-out offensive against the perpetrators, the families of the martyrs are still grappling to come to terms with the loss.
Jaipur: Nine persons were killed and 15 others injured when an eaves collapsed during wedding rituals in Rajasthan's Bharatpur district on Friday night.

The incident occurred in Pidhi village in Kumher police station area where the 'Bhaat' ritual was going on.

Several people were sitting on the eaves to watch the ceremony. Suddenly, the structure gave in and the people sitting under it got trapped, Assistant SP (Bhartpur rural) Dharmendra Singh told PTI.

The victims were rushed to a nearby hospital where some of them were declared brought dead and some died during treatment.

Eight of the 15 injured, that included both men and women, have been admitted to the SMS Hospital in Jaipur, he said.
New Delhi: 'Baahubali 2: The Conclusion' is all set to emerge as the biggest opener in the history of Indian cinema. It is being said that the viewers of all age groups, in large numbers, rushed to the theatres on Friday to know 'Why Kattappa Killed Baahubali'.

Similarly, a lot of television and film personality saw the movie on its first day and took to twitter to share with the internet users their reactions. It turns out that the flick is a blockbuster already as it is mostly getting brilliant reviews.

Check out:

Like world was divided into BC and AD (before death of Christ nd after ) Indian cinema is going to be BB and AB(before Bahubali and after)  Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) April 28, 2017

#Bahubali2 is outstanding,,, the scale , the grandeur is unbelievable. What's Mr. Rajamouli gonna make next, I'm waiting April 28, 2017

There is no easy way 2 express wat a mind blowing experience bahubali 2 was.OMG.Speechless.salute 2 d entire team.pls watch it in theatres.  Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) April 28, 2017

Still on a high of what I just saw. Can't believe that Indian cinema has come this far. Now it's before #Bahubali and after #Bahubali.  Akhil Akkineni (@AkhilAkkineni8) April 27, 2017

#Baahubali2 is Indian Cinema's finest canvas. @ssrajamouli has taken not just Telugu Cinema, but Indian Cinema to a whole new level.Hats off  Jr NTR (@tarak9999) April 28, 2017

'Baahubali' also features Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia, Sathyaraj, Nasser and Ramya Krishnan in pivotal roles. The film, about the battle between two warring brothers for an ancient kingdom, has released in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam respectively.
New Delhi: In an effort to make rocket parts recyclable, rather than jettisoning the costly components after each launch, California-based space company SpaceX is all set to make its first military launch on Sunday, April 30.

The launch will take place with a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office, which makes and operates spy satellites for the United States.

No details were made public about the payload, known only as NROL-76, which was first announced last year.

SpaceX shared a post on Twitter as well, regarding the launch.

Static fire test complete. Targeting Falcon 9 launch of NROL-76 on Sunday, April 30. pic.twitter.com/mk0dQGj17o  SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 25, 2017

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is poised to blast NROL-76 into space from Cape Canaveral, Florida during a two-hour launch window which opens tomorrow at 7:00 am (1100 GMT).

About 10 minutes after launch, the tall portion of the rocket, known as the first stage, will power its engines and fly back toward Earth to make a controlled landing on solid ground at SpaceX's Landing Zone 1 at Cape Canaveral.

SpaceX, headed by Internet entrpreneur Elon Musk, has already made several successful landings on solid ground and on platforms floating in the ocean, thus establishing a pioneering image for itself in the space world.

Until now, the US military has spent billions per year exclusively with United Launch Alliance, a joint operation of aerospace giants Boeing and Lockheed Martin, to launch government satellites.

SpaceX in 2014 filed suit against the US Air Force, saying it unfairly awarded billions of dollars to a single company for national security launches.

SpaceX also has a pair of launch contracts coming up for the Air Force to send GPS satellites into orbit.

If tomorrow's launch is postponed for any reason, another launch window opens on May 1.

(With PTI inputs)
Chennai: The Delhi Police has questioned several men suspected to have been linked to the money trail in the Election Commission bribery case in which AIADMK (Amma) leader TTV Dhinakaran was arrested.

After bringing Dhinakaran from Delhi and conducting searches at his residence here, the Crime Branch police personnel also grilled some others who allegedly had knowledge of the money transaction, the police sources said.

Dhinakaran was arrested on April 25 for allegedly attempting to bribe an unidentified EC official to get the undivided AIADMK's 'two leaves' election symbol for his faction.

The police had earlier arrested Sukesh Chandrasekar, who had allegedly struck a deal for Rs 50 crore to help the AIADMK (Amma) faction keep the two leaves symbol, and seized Rs 1.3 crore from him.

A Delhi court had remanded Dhinakaran to five days' police custody following which he was brought here.

The Delhi police after questioning the suspects asked some of them to appear again at the Central Government Office Complex, 'Rajaji Bhawan,' at Besant Nagar here, they said.

Besides, the police team visited various areas, including Adambakkam and Kolapakkam here, to question some persons, whose identity has not been disclosed.

The sources said that evidence was being gathered to sequence the Chennai-Delhi money trail, its alleged link to Dhinakaran, and how cash was routed through alleged hawala operators including Faisal and Naresh. The latter was arrested yesterday.

Besides the physical aspect involving the transfer, the source of the money, proof of cash transfer, and related transactions were being looked into.

With the arrest of Naresh, it was now only about "joining the dots" and the Delhi Police was trying to conclude the probe ahead of producing Dhinakaran before a court in the national capital when his five-day custody ends, the sources added.

Dhinakaran continued to be housed in the Central Government Guest House in Rajaji Bhawan and was being confronted with the "developments" in the case, the police said.

The Delhi Police team declined to comment on the progress in the case.

A security blanket has been thrown around the Rajaji Bhawan complex with a posse of police personnel led by an assistant police commissioner guarding the entry points to the guest house.

Journalists were not allowed to enter inside.

Naresh was detained at the Delhi Airport for involvement in "illegal transfer" of money to Chandrasekhar by Dhinakaran.
Kanpur: The mortal remains of Captain Ayush Yadav, who was killed in a terrorist attack at an Army camp in Kashmir's Kupwara district, were consigned to flames here with full military honours on Saturday.

The body was taken to Yadav's house in Jajmau Defence Colony here from the mortuary of the 7 Air Force Hospital around 7.30 am, ADM KP Singh said.

People paid their tributes to the martyr at his house. From the captain's residence, the mortal remains were taken to Sidhnath Ghat in a truck where he was cremated with full military honours, Singh said.

Capt Yadav had joined the service some three years ago.

Three heavily-armed terrorists had stormed an Army camp in Kupwara district of Kashmir on Thursday, killing Yadav and two other soldiers before two of the assailants were gunned down in a fierce 35-minute encounter.
Allahabad: Additional Sessions Judge Om Prakash Mishra, who granted bail to the rape accused Samajwadi Party leader and former minister Gayatri Prajapati, was suspended on Friday, two days before he was to retire.

The Allahabad High Court has also ordered a departmental inquiry against the judge.

According to reports, Justice Sudhir Agarwal will conduct the probe against the judge.

The news was confirmed by Registrar General DK Singh.

The Allahabad HC had also on Friday stayed the bail order granted by the sessions court to Prajapati.

The order was passed by Chief Justice Dilip B Bhosale on an application moved by the state government through Additional Advocate General VK Shahi seeking cancellation of bail granted to Prajapati and two other co-accused in the case.

Shahi submitted that sufficient time was not given by the sessions court to the prosecution for seeking instructions against the accused.

He further contended that in his bail application, Prajapati stated that he had no criminal case pending against him but six cases were pending against him.

Putting the bail on hold "until further orders" on Friday, Chief Justice Dilip B Bhosale said, "I may however observe that the manner in which the learned judge has shown the haste in releasing the accused on bail ignoring the nature of offence allegedly committed by the respondent accused and the fact that the crime came to be registered against these accused by virtue of the order of the Supreme Court dated 17/2/2017.I have my reservations about the bonafides/intention of the learned judge who is about to retire on 30/4/2017."

Prajapati and two of his alleged accomplices were on Tuesday granted bail by special judge of POCSO court Om Prakash Mishra in connection with the rape case that had rocked the state some months ago during the Samajwadi Party rule.

A woman from Chitrakoot had approached Gautampalli police station on February 17, alleging that she was raped by Prajapati and two more men for several months before she alerted the police.

She also alleged that the three had also sexually assaulted her minor daughter at Prajapati's residence.
Yangon: Nineteen people were killed and 21 injured after their bus toppled into a ravine in eastern Myanmar, police said Saturday.

The bus was carrying around 40 passengers from central Bago province when it plunged off a highway near Myawaddy, a town on the Thai border, on Friday.

"Nineteen people were killed and 21 people were injured, while a few people were lucky to live," Kyi Lin, the chief of police in Karen state, told AFP.

"(The bus) fell down into a narrow and deep gorge," he said, adding that police believe the driver lost control of the bus because of a brake failure.

Police and local aid groups have brought the injured to nearby hospitals for urgent care and are making funeral arrangements for the dead, he added.

A hospital in Mae Sot, the Thai town across the border, took in seven patients from the crash who were in "critical condition," a medical worker told AFP.

Road accidents are common in impoverished Myanmar, whose transport network is in poor condition after decades of underinvestment by the junta that ruled the country for almost half a century until early 2011.

With 20.3 road fatalities per 100,000 people, Myanmar has the second most dangerous roads in Southeast Asia, according to data collected by the World Health Organization in a 2015 report.

Despite its relatively good infrastructure, neighbouring Thailand has an even worse road safety record.

The WHO estimates about 24,000 people die each year in traffic accidents on Thai roads.
Washington: Protesters marched in Washington on a second consecutive Saturday to challenge President Donald Trump`s stance on the environment and call on him to stand by policies to stop climate change championed by his predecessor.

Thousands of people gathered for the afternoon march from the lawn of the U.S. Capitol to the White House, an event that coincides with the completion of Trump`s first 100 days in office and the end of the traditional "honeymoon" period for a new president.

The Peoples Climate March, which drew about 15,000 people, according to an estimate by a Reuters reporter, rivaled last weekend`s March for Science in size. Protesters sounded many of the same themes at both events.

Carrying signs emblazoned with slogans such as "Imagine a world free a climate change," and "Planet over profits," demonstrators on Saturday said they were angered by the prospect of Trump carrying through on his vow to roll back protections put in place by his predecessors.

"We`re going to rise up and let them know that we`re sick and tired of seeing our children die of asthma," said Rev. Leo Woodberry of Florence, S.C., who spoke during a press conference before the march. "We`re sick and tired of seeing people with cancer because of coal ash ponds. We`re sick and tired of seeing sea-level rise."

Trump`s administration is considering withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, which more than 190 countries including the United States signed in hopes of curbing global warming. Trump has also proposed deep cuts for the Environmental Protection Agency.

In his campaign, Trump called climate change a hoax. Last month he kept a promise to the coal industry by undoing climate-change rules put in place by his predecessor, Democrat Barack Obama.

Tom McGettrick, 57, an electrical engineer who drove up from the Florida Keys to attend the march, said his main concern is the weakening of the EPA.

"Forty years of environmental protection has done wonders for the environment, especially in the Midwest," said McGettrick, who spent most of his life in Michigan.

"When I was a teenager and went to Lake Erie, it was one of the most polluted bodies of water in the country," he said. "Now when you go to Lake Erie it`s really beautiful."

The Washington event, which coincided with Trump`s 100-day milestone, follows an exclusive interview with Reuters in which the president reflected wistfully at his life as a billionaire real estate developer that he left behind after his Jan. 20 inauguration.

"This is more work than in my previous life," Trump told Reuters. "I thought it would be easier."

Saturday`s march was part of an effort to build support for candidates with strong environmental records in the run-up to next year`s midterm elections and the 2020 presidential race, organizers said.

"We`re using this as a tactic to advance the strategy of building enough power to win on climate over the course of the long haul," said Paul Getsos, national coordinator for the Peoples Climate Movement. Sponsors of Saturday`s events include labor unions, the Sierra Club and civil rights groups.

As a side theme, marchers will protest Trump`s crackdown on illegal immigrants and other issues championed by the maverick Republican billionaire.

Since Trump`s inauguration on Jan. 20, there have been national protests focused on issues ranging from abortion rights to immigration and science policy.

Myron Ebell, a climate change skeptic at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a libertarian think tank, said the march would have little impact on the administration.

"The real decisions are made in this country in elections, and we have now a president and a House and a Senate that are determined to pursue a pro-energy agenda," he said by telephone.

Environmental activists believe public opinion is on their side. A Gallup poll this month showed 59 percent of Americans agreed environmental protection should take priority over increased U.S. energy production.

Trump representatives had no immediate comment on the protest.

Dozens of "sister" marches are planned for other North America locales, from Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, to Dutch Harbor in Alaska`s Aleutian Islands. Overseas, about three dozen events range from a protest in Vienna to a tree-planting event in Zambia.
Brussels: European Union leaders unanimously adopted a "firm and fair" Brexit strategy at a special summit on Saturday in a show of unity ahead of two years of tough talks with Britain.

The 27 leaders agreed the negotiating guidelines within minutes and applauded as they met in Brussels without Britain -- for the first time since Prime Minister Theresa May triggered the divorce a month ago.

They say talks on a future trade deal with Britain can only start once London agrees divorce terms on citizens' rights, its exit bill and the border in Northern Ireland.

EU President Donald Tusk hailed the "outstanding unity" among the leaders, saying it was a "firm and fair political mandate" for the Brexit negotiations.

"After four minutes we were ready, it's very promising," Tusk told a news conference, adding it was the "first time in our history" the notoriously divided club had moved so quickly.

European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker said May had repeatedly urged him to be "patient" when they had dinner in London this week, but said Britain now needed to get serious about the talks.

"I have the impression sometimes that our British friends, not all of them, do underestimate the technical difficulties we have to face."

Brexit has offered the EU a fresh chance at unity after years of bitter internal divisions over the euro and migration.

May's decision to call a general election in Britain on June 8, in a bid to shore up her mandate and strengthen her negotiating position, has stiffened their resolve.

The British premier this week accused the EU of ganging up on London, in a war of words with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who said Britain had "illusions" about the talks.

But Merkel insisted that "no one is allied" against London and that the EU was merely protecting its interests in the wake of Britain's historic vote to leave last June.

Merkel said the 27 leaders had given a round of applause after "very quickly" adopting the guidelines.

French President Francois Hollande meanwhile praised their common position and said there would "inevitably be a price and a cost for Britain."

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, insisted the unity was "not directed against Britain" and that it was in London's interests for a quicker deal.

The EU 27 have considerably toughened the guidelines since Tusk first unveiled them a month ago.

Tusk said citizens' rights -- the fate of three million EU nationals living in Britain and one million Britons on the continent -- was the "number-one priority."

The former Polish premier urged a "serious British response", adding: "I want to assure you that as soon as Britain gives real guarantees for our citizens, we will find a solution rapidly."

The guidelines say that trade talks can begin only when EU leaders unanimously decide "sufficient progress" has been made on divorce issues.

Merkel said Barnier told the leaders he hoped for agreement on the divorce phase by autumn, so the talks can move onto a trade deal.

However, Britain says it wants to discuss the divorce and a trade deal in parallel.

In a further move that will rile London, the EU 27 also backed automatic membership for Northern Ireland if it reunifies with Ireland, and called for Spain to have a say over any deal that affects Gibraltar.

They discussed for the first time the spoils of Brexit -- the relocation of EU medical and banking agencies currently based in London.

While the EU says citizens' rights is a priority, the most touchy issue of all is likely to be Britain's exit bill.

This is estimated at around 60 billion euros ($65 million), which mainly covers financial commitments made by the bloc while Britain was a member.

The bill is politically toxic for Britain, though it also risks causing divisions among EU states as they debate how to plug any holes in the EU's budget.

Actual Brexit negotiations are not expected to begin until after the British election, although the EU is set to give an official mandate to Barnier on May 22.
Brussels: European Union leaders called for a united front at their first Brexit summit on Saturday as they prepared to adopt a tough strategy for two years of talks with Britain.

EU President Donald Tusk insisted Britain would also benefit if unity boosted the chances of a deal, after Prime Minister Theresa May accused the other 27 countries of ganging up on London.

The 27 leaders meeting in Brussels will approve guidelines saying trade talks can only start once London agrees divorce terms on citizens` rights, its exit bill and Northern Ireland.

"We need to remain united as the EU 27. It is only then that we will be able to conclude the negotiations, which means that our unity is also in the UK`s interest," Tusk said.

The meeting in Brussels is the 27 countries` first official Brexit summit since May triggered the Article 50 divorce process exactly one month ago.

The call for a united front comes hot on the heels of a war of words between May and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who said Britain should not have "illusions" about the talks.

"There will inevitably be a price and a cost for Britain," French President Francois Hollande said, adding that "the aim of the summit is unity."

However, the unity call comes after years of bitter internal divisions within the bloc on everything from the euro and migration to how to tackle growing euroscepticism.On arrival at the summit, Merkel said the EU wants "good relations" with Britain but added that "we also want to defend, at 27, our common interests -- so far we have done extremely well."

The EU`s chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, said the bloc had a "clear line" on the talks. "But this unity is not directed against Britain, I think that it is also in its interest," he said.

The EU 27 have considerably toughened the guidelines since Tusk first unveiled them a month ago, with Brussels also drawing up a detailed list of citizens` rights.

Tusk said Europeans needed "solid guarantees for citizens and their families, who will be affected by Brexit on both sides -- this must be number-one priority for EU and the UK."

This referred to the fate of three million EU citizens living in Britain and one million Britons on the continent, with officials hoping for a resolution on their status after Brexit by the end of the year.

In a further move that will rile London, the EU is also set to back automatic membership for Northern Ireland if it reunifies with Ireland, and call for Spain to have a say over any deal that affects Gibraltar.

The leaders will also discuss for the first time the spoils of Brexit -- the relocation of EU medical and banking agencies that are currently based in London.

Virtually all of the 27 have put their hand up to win one of the agencies.

Any cracks in Europe`s unity are expected to emerge when the sides must agree on future ties with Britain, with export powers like the Netherlands urging a soft touch.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said divorce talks "must not take too long. We need a good timing so that we can talk of our future relations."

The EU guidelines say that only when "sufficient progress" has been made on divorce issues can these trade talks begin, with sources saying they hope to do that by the end of the year.While the EU says citizens` rights is a priority, the most touchy issue of all is likely to be Britain`s exit bill.

This is estimated at around 60 billion euros ($65 million), which mainly covers financial commitments made by the bloc while Britain was a member.

The bill is politically toxic for Britain but also risks causing divisions among EU states as they debate how to plug any holes in the EU`s budget.

May`s decision to call a general election in Britain on June 8, in a bid to shore up her mandate and strengthen her negotiating position, has only stiffened their resolve.

The elections are "an internal problem she wants to resolve in the Conservative party, to have not a hard Brexit or a soft Brexit, but Theresa`s Brexit," said Luxembourg`s prime minister Xavier Bettel.

Actual Brexit talks are not expected to begin until after the British election, although the EU is set to give an official mandate to Barnier on May 22.
Beijing: The first freight train to link China directly to the UK arrived in the eastern Chinese city of Yiwu Saturday after covering over 12,000-kilometres (7,500 miles), making it the second-longest route in the world.

The journey is the latest effort in China`s drive to strengthen trade links with western Europe along a modern-day "Silk Road" route.

The world`s top trading nation launched the "One Belt, One Road" strategy in 2013, and has since poured millions into constructing vast infrastructure links.

The train -- loaded with whisky, baby milk, pharmaceuticals and machinery -- departed London on April 10 and passed through France, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan during its 20-day trip before arriving in Yiwu in eastern Zhejiang province, a major wholesale centre for small consumer goods.

The new route is longer than Russia`s famous Trans-Siberian railway, but about 1000 kilometres shorter than the record-holding China-Madrid link, which opened in 2014.

London is the 15th city to be linked to a new freight network offered by the state-run China Railway Corporation, which says its services are cheaper than air transport and quicker than shipping.

The journey should be 30 days faster than moving the goods by ship, the provincial government had said, but the pilot run took two days more than the 18 days expected.

And the train, named the East Wind, has much less carrying capacity -- just 88 shipping containers, according to the Yiwu government, compared to the 10,000 to 20,000 containers cargo ships can carry.

It is unclear how much the venture cost, and some experts have questioned whether the ambitious project makes economic sense.

"It is hard to say at this stage what the economic return will be, as the economic benefits will come over a long time," He Tianjie of Oxford Economics Hong Kong told AFP.

"However, the train is in some aspects more convenient and flexible. It can make multiple stops, allowing for the pick up and offloading of cargo along the way. Rail transport is also less affected by adverse weather conditions. Therefore, there may be a role for such long-haul rail links," he said.

China already has a regular direct freight train service to Germany, Europe`s largest economy.

One route links the Chinese megacity of Chongqing to Duisburg, a steel-making town and one of Germany`s most-important transportation and commercial hubs.

The other route links Beijing, the Chinese capital, to Hamburg, Germany`s second-largest city.

Roughly 80 percent of global trade is shipped by sea as freight train services face technical and bureaucratic hurdles which vary according to country.

The East Wind`s locomotive and carriages had to be changed en route because of the larger gauge on railways in the former Soviet Union.

Prime Minister Theresa May will visit China later this year, with talks likely to include closer trade ties for when Britain leaves the European Union, according to British officials.
Paris: Far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen announced on Saturday that if she wins France's May 7 runoff she would name eurosceptic Nicolas Dupont-Aignan as her prime minister.

Le Pen told a press conference that she and Dupont- Aignan, who lost in the election's first round with 4.7 percent of the vote, shared a "common project that we will promote together".

"We will build a national unity government that will bring together people chosen for their skills and their love of France," Le Pen said.

During the bruising campaign, Le Pen has attempted to wear down lingering resistance to her National Front party's tainted brand by portraying her centrist rival Emmanuel Macron as an elitist money man.

Polls give him a commanding lead of up to 20 points over Le Pen in the runoff but show the gap narrowing slightly after Macron's sluggish start to his second-round campaigning.

Le Pen says she wants to build up France's borders, take it out of the eurozone and hold a referendum on the nation's EU membership.
Washington: North Korea seems to be intent on developing both missile technology and nuclear weapons capability, a top Trump administration official said today, hours after Pyongyang carried out a missile test.

The North Korean missile test came a day after US President Donald Trump said that there is a possibility of a major conflict between the US and North Korea.

Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly was quoted by CNN as saying that it is unlikely that the North Korean missile launch was in reaction to Trump's statement, but it is certainly reflective of the intent of the authoritarian regime.

"They seem to be pretty intent on developing the capability, both missile technology as well as nuclear technology. It is a real concern for anyone that knows about the possibilities of them linking a missile to a weaponised atomic device or nuclear device," Kelly said.

"They have got some pretty good scientists, obviously. But they don't have people like we do and the numbers we have. It's a pretty complicated business. And whether it was destroyed itself on its own or was some other factor, I don't know. But the good news is, it didn't do very well," Kelly said in response to a question.

Kelly said China and others are trying to influence him to stop his actions.

"I think what Trump is doing in my mind is outlining the threat and the very real possibility that the dictator there could have a nuclear weapon in the not too distant future that could be married to an ICBM. I think any President that didn't talk about it in stark terms would not be doing his job," he said.

North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile this morning but it did not leave North Korean territory, the Pentagon has confirmed, terming it as a failed attempt. The missile launch comes amid high tensions in the Korean peninsula.

At UN Security Council yesterday, Washington pushed for tougher sanctions against North Korea, putting pressure on China while warning it was keeping military options "on the table".
Seoul: North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile on Saturday, the South Korean and US militaries said, defying warnings from the United States and the reclusive state's main ally, China, which have tried for years to rein in its arms programmes.

The test, from an area north of the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, appeared to have failed, US and South Korean officials said, in what would be North Korea`s fourth successive unsuccessful missile test since March.

The test came as US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned the UN Security Council that failure to curb North Korea`s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes could lead to "catastrophic consequences".

US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the missile was probably a medium-range weapon known as a KN-17 and appears to have broken up within minutes of taking off.

South Korea said the North was playing with fire and warned it of tougher UN sanctions.

The South Korean military said the missile, fired from the Pukchang region in a northeasterly direction, reached an altitude of 71 km (44 miles) before disintegrating a few minutes into flight. It said the launch was a clear violation of UN resolutions and warned the North not to act rashly.

The North has been conducting missile and nuclear weapons related activities at an unprecedented rate since the beginning of the year and is believed to have made some progress in developing intermediate-range and submarine-launched missiles.

US President Donald Trump, who told Reuters in an interview on Thursday North Korea was his biggest global challenge, said the launch was an affront to China.

"North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!," Trump said in a post on Twitter after the launch.

The United States has been hoping North Korea`s sole major ally, China, can bring pressure to bear. But China says the United States must not over-estimate the influence it has over its neighbour.

Just before the missile test, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the UN Security Council on meeting on North Korea it was not only up to China to solve the North Korean problem.

"The key to solving the nuclear issue on the peninsula does not lie in the hands of the Chinese side," Wang said.

Both China and Russia rebuked a US threat of military force.

There was no immediate reaction to the launch from China. Japan condemned it as unacceptable.



Trump, in his interview with Reuters, said he had praised Chinese leader Xi Jinping for "trying very hard" on North Korea, though Trump warned a "major, major conflict" between the United States and North Korea was possible.

Tension on the Korean peninsula has been high for weeks over fears the North may conduct a long-range missile test, or its sixth nuclear test, around the time of the April 15 anniversary of its state founder`s birth, or the day marking the founding of its military this week.

In a show of force, the United States is sending the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group to waters off the Korean peninsula, where it will join the USS Michigan, a nuclear submarine that docked in South Korea on Tuesday.

With North Korea acting in defiance of the pressure, the United States could conduct new naval drills and deploy more ships and aircraft in the region, a US official told Reuters.

`COMPLICATED TIMING`

The timing of the launch suggested a complex North Korean message to the world, said Kim Dong-yub, an expert at Kyungnam University`s Institute of Far Eastern Studies in Seoul.

It was planned at a complicated timing around the end of the South Korea-US joint military drills, the United States talking about military options and the announcement of North Korea policies and the Security Council meeting, Kim said.

South Korean and US forces have been conducting annual military drills since the beginning of March that conclude at the end of April.

Kim said North Korea might have got the data it wanted with the missile`s short flight, then blown it up in a bid to limit the anger of China, which disapproves of the North`s weapons programmes and has warned it against further provocation.

North Korea rattled world powers in February when it successfully launched a new intermediate-range ballistic missile that it said could carry a nuclear weapon. It also successfully tested ballistic missiles on March 6.

It is not clear what has caused the series of failed missile tests since then.

The Trump administration could respond to the test by speeding up its plans for new US sanctions, including possible measures against specific North Korean and Chinese entities, said the US official, who declined to be identified.

"Something that`s ready to go could be taken from the larger package and expedited," said the official.

The UN Security Council is likely to start discussing a statement to condemn the missile launch, said diplomats, adding that it was unlikely to be issued on Friday. The Security Council traditionally condemns all missile launches by Pyongyang.

"It could have happened today exactly because we had the meeting," Italian UN Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi, chair of the Security Council`s North Korean sanctions committee, told reporters.

"It`s illegal, it should not be done, it`s another provocative action by North Korea.

But such routine condemnation and a series of sanctions resolutions since 2006, when North Korea conducted its first nuclear test, have done little to impede its push for ballistic missiles and nuclear arms.

The South Korean politician expected to win a May 9 presidential election, Moon Jae-in, who has advocated a more moderate policy on the North, called the test an "exercise in futility".

"We urge again the Kim Jong Un regime to immediately stop reckless provocative acts and choose the path to cooperate with the international community including giving up its nuclear programme," Park Kwang-on, a spokesman for Moon, said in a statement, referring to the North Korean leader.

Moon has been critical of the deployment of an advanced U.S. missile defense system in the South intended to counter North Korea`s missile threat, which China also strongly objects to.
Dubai: Pakistan's relations with Iran have nosedived after the recent killing of ten Iranian border guards at Mirjaveh on the Sistan-Baluchistan border by the Pakistan-based Sunni terror outfit, Jaish al-Adl or "The Army of Justice".

Tehran`s move to summon Pakistan Ambassador to Iran, Asif Durrani and ask Islamabad to act "seriously and decisively" to detain and punish the (Jaish al-Adl) terrorists, is in itself a pointer to the deterioration in relations following the killing of the Iranian Border guards.

According to The Guardian, the Iran Foreign Ministry`s protest was strong and vociferous enough for Ambassador Durrani to offer his condolences and sympathy over the tragedy that took place on April 26, and to give an undertaking that he would flag Irans concerns as soon as possible with the Government of Pakistan.

Tehran was categorical to say, "Unfortunately, Pakistan`s borders with us (Iran) are the least safe ones, while we have tried to provide utmost safety on our borders with Pakistan.

We expect the Pakistani side to act on previous promises by not allowing such incidents to happen from Pakistans borders and soil."In a letter to Pakistan`s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Iran`s President Hassan Rouhani said that given the warm and friendly ties with Pakistan, he was extremely disheartened to see militants using Pakistani soil to launch their attacks on people in Iran.

His anguish and anger over the killing of border guards was reflected in the statement, Iran "is very disheartened that it is repeatedly transgressed upon from Pakistani soil by armed bandits and terrorist hirelings.

"He added, "Irans soil has never been abused against any of its neighbors, including Pakistan."He warned that targeting the Muslim worlds unity through proxy warfare to promote underdevelopment, insecurity and poverty in the region would be countered very strongly and effectively.

The Iranian leadership, according to a Press TV Iran report was viewing the killing of the ten Iranian border guards and injuries to two others as a desperate measure that would not go unanswered.

The Tasnim news agency reported earlier this week that the militant group Jaish al-Adl, or "The Army of Justice", had claimed responsibility for the killing of ten Iranian border guards in an ambush at Zero Point.

Iranian police said the guards were killed by long-range guns and called on Islamabad to assume ultimate responsibility for the crime.The Sistan-Baluchistan province in south-east Iran has long been plagued by drug smuggling gangs and separatist militants.

The population of the province is predominantly Sunni Muslim, while the majority of Iranians are Shias.

The Jaish al-Adl is a Sunni militant group that has carried out several attacks on Iranian security forces with the aim of highlighting what they say is discrimination against Sunni Muslims and the Baluch ethnic group in the province.

In the last four years, this was the third instance of the militant group claiming responsibility for an attack.It may be recalled that in October 2013, 14 Iranian border guards were killed. A further eight were killed in April 2015.
Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday sacked his Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi due to his alleged role in "leaking" to Dawn newspaper vital information from a National Security meet alleging a confrontation between the civil and military leadership.

Sharif also ordered action against Rao Tehsin Ali, Principal Information Officer of the Ministry of Information, under disciplinary rules for the charges based on findings in report.

A notification from the PM's Office said: "Allocation of portfolio of Foreign Affairs to Syed Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, shall be withdrawn.

A letter issued by the government said that "Rao Tehsin Ali, the principal information officer of the Ministry of Information, will be proceeded against under the E&D rules 1973 on the charges based on the report findings".

The directives came after an inquiry committee, probing a story about a key meeting on national security published by Dawn in 2016, submitted its findings along with their recommendations to Sharif on Wednesday, reported Geo TV.

On October 6, Dawn, Pakistan's oldest and most prestigious English daily, published a sensational story headlined: 'Act against militants or face international isolation, civilians tell military'.

Written by the newspaper's columnist Cyril Almeida, the story claimed a rift between civilian and military leaderships over militant groups that operate from Pakistan but engage in proxy war against India and Afghanistan.

The government had formed a committee in November last year to probe the story.

The committee, headed by Justice (retd) Aamir Raza Khan, included representatives of the Intelligence Bureau, the Military Intelligence and the Inter-Services Investigation.

The report had said that political leadership had accused Army in the high-level meeting to stop creating hurdles in the way of crackdown on some militant entities.

The government denied its role but the Army took a strong acceptance to the story and relations between Army and the civil government deteriorated.

The PML-N government was forced to remove then information minister Pervaiz Rasheed but a probe was also initiated at the demand of Army to fix the responsibility.

According to the inquiry report, Fatemi was primarily responsible for leaking the report of the key meeting, and Sharif took action against him.

Fatemi is considered as trusted aide of the prime minister and his removal is a setback for the government of Sharif who is already under pressure due to Panama case verdict.

Sharif also directed that the role of Dawn editor Zafar Abbas and reporter Cyril Almeida shall be referred to All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) for necessary disciplinary action to be taken against them, according to letter.

It said that the APNS, a representative body of print media, shall also be asked to develop a Code of Conduct for the print media especially when dealing with issues relating to security of Pakistan and to ensure that stories on issues of national importance and security are published by abiding to basic journalistic and editorial norms.

The story in Dawn said "in a blunt, orchestrated and unprecedented warning, the civilian government has informed the military leadership of a growing international isolation of Pakistan and sought consensus on several key actions by the state.

It further said that "military-led intelligence agencies are not to interfere if law enforcement acts against militant groups that are banned or until now considered off-limits for civilian action."

(With Agency inputs)
Manila: A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the Philippines early Saturday, officials said, damaging several buildings and injuring two people as panicked residents fled the coast following a tsunami warning.

US authorities warned of potential hazardous waves in the southern region of Mindanao and Indonesia after the quake hit at 4:23 am (2023 GMT Friday), but the tsunami alert was lifted less than two hours later.

Residents were jolted from their beds and ran onto the streets as the earthquake shook the area, leaving cracks in a hospital, two government buildings and a port, as well as triggering the collapse of at least one house and causing a brief power outage.

"The floor appeared to rise first before swaying violently from side to side. Then the lights went out," said Adrian Morallas, who was at work at the civil defence office in General Santos city at the time of the quake.

"I ducked and took cover under my desk in line with our disaster training, though it was very difficult to do that in the dark with the ground shaking."

Morallas said coastal communities near General Santos were told to evacuate as a precaution, though authorities do not know how many people actually left their homes.

The quake struck at a depth of 41 kilometres (25 miles) off Mindanao island, the US Geological Service said.

The state-run Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology gave a higher magnitude reading of 7.2. The epicentre was about 53 kilometres off Mindanao`s south coast, it added.

"We do not expect major damage after this event," the institute`s head Renato Solidum said on ABS-CBN television in Manila.

Morallas said two people were injured during the evacuations in the Mindanao coastal towns of Glan and Malapatan.

One person was hit by a falling rock while a pregnant woman hurt herself when she fell.

The Philippines lies on the so-called Ring of Fire, a vast Pacific Ocean region where many of Earth`s quakes and volcanic eruptions occur.

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake damaged dozens of houses on central Mindanao on April 12, while a trio of strong quakes battered buildings and caused panicked tourists to flee a popular resort near Manila on April 8.

A 6.5-magnitude quake killed eight people and left more than 250 injured outside the Mindanao city of Surigao in February, and another 5.9-magnitude tremor killed one person there last month.

Before Surigao, the last lethal earthquake to hit the country was a 7.1-magnitude tremor that left more than 220 people dead and destroyed historic churches when it struck the central islands in October 2013.
YEREVAN, APRIL 29, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Ministry of Artsakh Republic told Armenpress the Azerbaijani side violated the ceasefire regime over 35 times across the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact.

The Ministrys statement reads: On April 28 and overnight April 29 the Azerbaijani side violated the ceasefire regime over 35 times by firing more than 350 shots from various small arms at the Armenian positions in the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact.

In the southern direction of the line of contact the Azerbaijani forces fired also 60 mm mortar (3 shells) and automatic grenade launcher (2 grenades).

The Defense Army forces of Artsakh took countermeasures to suppress the Azerbaijani activeness and continued confidently conducting the military service.
YEREVAN, APRIL 29, ARMENPRESS. The Lebanese delegation led by State Minister for Planning Affairs Michel Pharaon visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Tsitsernakaberd and laid flowers at the Eternal Flame, reports Armenpress.

They were accompanied by Minister of Economic Development and Investments Suren Karayan and Deputy Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Suren Manukyan.

The delegation members were welcomed by the choir from Moldova who performed a Moldovan spiritual song dedicated to the memory of the Genocide victims.

The Lebanese delegation also visited the Genocide Museum-Institute where they were introduced on the details of these tragic events of the history, after which Michel Pharaon left a note in the Honorary Guest Book: We, in Lebanon, have seen a witness of the Armenian Genocide and massacres, and share the justice of this cause and solidarity with the people. What we have seen in the Museum is indeed difficult to believe.but true.

Michel Pharaon was impressed with the exhibits of the Museum. According to him, after seeing this everyone must just accept that the Armenian Genocide really took place. I am very excited on being here, and the most important thing is that I saw a hope to live in this pain. I come from a country, from Lebanon where during the same period people faced great sufferings. Today we all both in Armenia and Lebanon understand that this darkness must be prevented. We must make efforts so that this bleeding will be prevented through the UN and other organizations, the State Minister said.
YEREVAN, APRIL 29, ARMENPRESS. While in Armenia at the invitation of the Yerevan State Medical University (YSMU), Her Royal Highness Princess Dina Mired of Jordan visited the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial and paid a tribute to the memory of the Armenian Genocide victims, reports Armenpress.

HRH Princess was accompanied YSMU rector Armen Muradyan and Deputy Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Suren Manukyan.

Princess Dina Mired planted a tree in the Memorial Park. She also visited the Genocide Museum-Institute, got acquainted with the details of these tragic events of the history after which she left a note in the Honorary Guest Book.

As a non-political figure, in fact quite the opposite, I am a cancer advocate which makes a figure in the business of saving lives This visit to the Genocide museum reminds me all about the atrocities of war wherever they are, she wrote, stating this all these bring fresh memories to current atrocities and injustices perpetrated to civilian populations whose main victims are women, children, cultural heritage. Dina Mired said everyone needs to work together to prevent such events.
The Democrat leadership has made constant, profound and incredible pronouncements that one's supportive vote for Republicans is tantamount to surrendering Democracy forever. Understanding their sincere thinking in their extreme position: How will you still vote on this election day?

Democrat; because the continuance of this Democracy from the existential threat of extreme Republicans is paramount.

Republican; the process of having a choice is the democratic method within what "Democracy" does exists.
YEREVAN, APRIL 29, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on April 29 held a meeting with Chairwoman of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), Her Royal Highness Princess Dina Mired of Jordan who arrived in Armenia at the invitation of the Yerevan State Medical University (YSMU) to take part in the Cancer Survivor Congress, press service of the Presidents Office told Armenpress.

President Sargsyan said Her Royal Highness participation in Armenias healthcare and other important events deserves praise. According to him, such events are one of the best tools to eliminate the stereotypes over cancer, and the vivid examples of persons who overcame that serious disease are very important.

Serzh Sargsyan expressed confidence that Princess Dina Mired with her personal experience and her position as UICC Chairwoman will play a key role in establishing and developing cooperation with Armenia in the cancer prevention and oncology field.

At the meeting the President warmly recalled his official visit to Jordan in 2014, stating that Armenia is interested in intensifying the political dialogue and strengthening the bilateral ties with Jordan.

In her turn HRH Princess Dina Mired thanked the President for the reception and said she is very happy to be in wonderful Armenia she heard a lot about in her country which has a great Armenian community that enjoys respect and trust by the society of Jordan.

She presented the aim of her visit to Armenia, talked about the activity of organization led by her, as well as the programs, and discussed with the President the opportunities and ways to reach success in fight against cancer in Armenia.

Both sides attached importance to the development of national program for this purpose, and Dina Mired said the UICC and other interested structures will be ready to provide assistance for the implementation of the program. In her speech, Dina Mired also highlighted the necessity to fight against smoking. She welcomed the works in Armenia carried out on this path in recent years and asked to consistently continue the fight against this phenomenon very dangerous for health.
YEREVAN, APRIL 29, ARMENPRESS. The timely vaccinations in Armenia are being made at 93-94%, Deputy Healthcare Minister Sergey Khachatryan told reporters summarizing the results of European Immunization Week, reports Armenpress.

Sergey Khachatryan said the event aimed at making the public informed about the immunization and its success. The immunizations conducted in Armenia in the last years reached the point that it is already at least 5 years we dont record measles cases. The cases that are registered in Armenia are mainly the diseases spread from the neighboring countries, he said.

Today the World Health Organizations European Immunization Week ends. Khachatryan said a number of events were held during this Week, such as discussions were held, people were informed about the importance of immunization, as well as special events are being held with reporters.

In order to reach good results in immunization, such events must be frequently held. There are various approaches on this issue in the world, for instance in US, Russia if a child is not vaccinated, he/she will not be allowed to attend school. In one of the countries of Latin America refusal from vaccination can result in arrest of parents, the Deputy Minister said.

As for the reactions caused by vaccinations, the Deputy Minister said there can be a temperature after it, however, it is normal and there is no need to afraid of it.

If the vaccination results in unpredictable reactions, a child must be taken to hospital. Fortunately, during these years no such incidents have been registered in Armenia, Sergey Khachatryan said.








The Supreme Court heard arguments in Maslenjak v. United States, a case about whether minor omissions or falsehoods in an immigration application can cost a naturalized American their citizenship, decades after the fact.

Assistant to the U.S. Solicitor General Robert Parker is arguing the case for the Trump administration and took the position that any falsehood or omission, no matter how trivial, was grounds for revoking citizenship. If that seems reasonable to you, consider that question 22 on the immigration form asks whether you've "ever committed, assisted in committing or attempted to commit a crime [you] were not arrested for."

The Supremes were incredulous at Parker's hardline position, and tested it by asking whether driving 60mph in a 55mph zone 20 years ago would be a good reason to expel a naturalized American citizen; they asked whether lying about your weight on a form, or forgetting to list a childhood nickname in the section on aliases, would qualify. Parker affirmed that they would.





Chief Justice Roberts excoriated Parker over this, saying he was "demeaning the priceless value of citizenship."





Justice Breyer pointed out that the standard Parker advocates for would endanger the citizenship of "vast percentages of all naturalized citizens."

Parker affirmed that this was his position.

Careful not to stray into the absurd with the justices, Parker maintained that it is not necessary for the government to prove materiality when it strips an immigrant's U.S. citizenship for lying during the naturalization process. If a person lies under oath after swearing to tell the truth, it "calls into question the veracity of your other answers," Parker said. It is also of note, Parker added, that denaturalization is not a lifetime bar on citizenship. It only returns a person to lawful permanent resident status. After five years, if a person becomes eligible again, he or she can be renaturalized, Parker said.

Citizenship Case Takes On Speedsters Who Lie About Their Weight

[Britain Eakin/Courthouse News]
The online encyclopedia Wikipedia is inaccessible in Turkey, with officials saying it was blocked as an "administrative measure" thereby explaining why the courts weren't involved. Turkish media says the government asked Wikipedia to take stuff down, but was ignored.

"After technical analysis and legal consideration based on the Law Nr. 5651 [governing the internet], an administrative measure has been taken for this website," Turkey's Information and Communication Technologies Authority was quoted as saying, giving no further details.

However, the Hurriyet daily newspaper said Wikipedia had been asked to remove content by certain writers whom the authorities accuse of "supporting terror" and of linking Turkey to terror groups. The site had not responded to the demands, Hurriyet said, and the ban was imposed as a result.

The BBC's Mark Lowen says website blocking is common in Turkey, with Twitter, Facebook and YouTube among past targets. Twitter reports that Turkey, whose notoriously thin-skinned president Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently assumed greater powers, is the origin of more than half the requests it receives to remove tweets.
A Montreal man who has been living in Italy for the last year has been deported back to Montreal so that he can face criminal charges.

Patrick Dinucci was taken into custody Friday afternoon by the Montreal police department, as soon as he landed at Trudeau International Airport.

Police allege he is the ringleader of a fraud network that bilked about 500 seniors out of $890,000.

Most of the victims were from the greater Montreal area.

The alleged fraud took place between 2014 and 2016.

The scam targeted seniors, who received a call from someone pretending to be a relative in legal trouble asking for money.

Cmdr. Juan Vargas, who works with Montreal police's fraud unit, said in one case, an alleged victim lost about a $100,000.



"Sometimes the scammer would call and ask for $2,000, then several more times and ask for more, and the victim would keep sending them money."

Dinucci is expected to be formally charged on Saturday, when he will appear before a judge via videoconference. He is expected to be charged with:

- Fraud of more than $5,000.

- Conspiracy to commit fraud.

- Possessing cash exceeding $5,000, which were obtained as the result of a crime being committed.

Dinucci moved to Italy in 2015

Dinucci, a dual citizen, moved to Italy in 2015. He was arrested by Italian authorities last May, as Montreal police conducted a series of raids to dismantle a grandfather scam network.

The Special Crimes unit made 23 arrests at the time, most of them in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve.

Montreal police then issued an extradition order to Italian authorities to have Dinucci returned to Canada.

Safety tips

Montreal police say scammers are clever and creative. People should stay vigilant and follow these tips to avoid being scammed:

- Always be on alert, even if the person approaching you is insistent and seems credible.

- If a caller asks you if you recognize them, say no.

- Ask personal questions that only close relatives would know the answer to, such as the name of a relative, the city of their birth or ask them to recount a specific family memory.

Story continues

- Ask the caller for a phone number where you can reach them while you verify the information first.

- Don't hesitate to hang up.

- Call a family member to validate the information.
- Big Brother 2017 winner Efe has been going places since his won the show

- He flew to meet Plateau State Governor, Rt Hon Simon Lalong in a private Jet

- He posted the photos on Instagram, showing off his success

Big brother Nigeria 2017 winner Efe has been having the time of this life since he won the show. He recently flew via private jet to his hometown, Jos, to meet with Plateau governor Hon Simon Lalong.

He posted photos and videos on his Instagram showing off his trip. He said: "Based on logistics, I dey fall into private jet based on logistics."

READ ALSO: 6 times Bobrisky style was really feminine

"Na just yesterday I dey trek, today, I dey private jet. Efe nation, God bless una for una love and support. I no fit shout, God bless you. All the glory belongs to you, God."

BBNaija winner, Efe.

READ ALSO: Cambodian actress banned from films for being too HOT

Efe was invited by the Plateau State Governor, Rt Hon Simon Lalong to the new government house little Rayfield.

On meeting the governor, he said: "Wth His Excellency.. Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong...the Executive Governor of Plateau State and the Hon. Comm. of Culture & Tourism...Hon. Peter Mwadkon....thank you Sir, for your support ..thank you encouraging the youths..may God bless and protect you."

Efe with Govenor Simon Lalong.

Fans are hoping he doesn't let the money get into his head and remains the humble rapper they know and love.

Watch the video below of Legit.ng with Big Brother winner Efe:

Source: Legit.ng
Washington, DC - April 28, 2017 - Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes bubonic plague, can survive within the ubiquitous soil protozoan, the amoeba, by producing proteins that protect against the latter microbe's digestion. The research is published April 28th in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology.

The research is important because plague is a re-emerging disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with 95 percent of cases occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Modern antibiotics are effective, but without prompt treatment, plague can cause serious illness, or death.

Y. pestis spreads from rodent to rodent, and sometimes to human, often via fleas It uses the protective niche of the amoeba to abide when conditions are unfavorable to its spread, that is, when rodents are scarce, said Viveka Vadyvaloo, PhD, Assistant Professor, Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman.

Amoebae are similar to certain human immune cells, the macrophages, in their ability to engulf bacteria, or other nourishing items of similar size.These are taken up within special compartments called vacuoles, which in both amoebae and humans are capable of digestion. (image: scanning electron micrograph of a mass of Yersinia pestis.)

"With this in mind, graduate student Javier Benavides-Montano separately cultured three distinct Y. pestis strains that have been associated with human epidemics, with a common laboratory strain of the free-living soil amoeba, Acanthamoeba castellanii, in a medium that supports the latter's growth," said Vadyvaloo.

Benavides-Montano then tested Y. pestis' ability to enter and survive within the amoeba. To do so, he killed any bacteria that were outside of the amoebae, and then gently lysed the latter, and then placed the lysed content on a medium that encourages Y. pestis to grow. They were able to culture Y. pestis only after the amoebae had been lysed.

The investigators also used electron microscopy to peer inside intact amoebae, and found Y. pestis within the vacuoles.

"To understand more about how Y. pestis might be surviving within amoebae we considered how Y. pestis survive in human macrophages," said Vadyvaloo. "Macrophages usually engulf bacterial pathogens and destroy them, but some bacterial pathogens are able to avoid being killed therein by producing proteins that block the digestion." Indeed, that is the key strategy for a number of human pathogens. Some such proteins are known. So the investigators used mutant Y. pestis that doesn't produce one of these proteins. Those mutants failed to survive within the amoebae.

Vadyvaloo said that amoebae's longstanding reputation as Trojan horses for human pathogens led her to investigate the possibility that plague bacteria could abide within their vacuoles. The best known example of this phenomenon had been Legionnaires' Disease, a respiratory disease that was discovered in 1976 after an outbreak among attendees at a convention of the American Legion in Philadelphia.

"This study serves as a proof of principle that amoebae can support prolonged survival of Y. pestis in the environment," said Vadyvaloo. It may encourage a search for this interaction within areas of Colorado and New Mexico where plague is endemic. And that, she said, could enable prediction of potential disease re-emergence, thereby reducing spread to humans.

###

The American Society for Microbiology is the largest single life science society, composed of over 48,000 scientists and health professionals. ASM's mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences.

ASM advances the microbial sciences through conferences, publications, certifications and educational opportunities. It enhances laboratory capacity around the globe through training and resources. It provides a network for scientists in academia, industry and clinical settings. Additionally, ASM promotes a deeper understanding of the microbial sciences to diverse audiences.
First Solar, Inc. FSLR is set to report first-quarter 2017 earnings results after the closing bell on May 2. Last quarter, the company delivered a positive earnings surprise of 27.84%. Let's see how things are shaping up for this announcement.



Why a Likely Positive Surprise?



Our proven model shows that First Solar is likely to beat earnings this season because it has the right combination of two key ingredients. A stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) to be able to beat estimates, and Entergy has the right mix.



Zacks ESP: The Earnings ESP, which represents the difference between the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate is +30.77%. This is because the Most Accurate estimate stands at a loss of 9 cents, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at a loss of 13 cents. This is a meaningful indicator of a likely positive earnings surprise. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before theyre reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.



Zacks Rank: First Solars Zacks Rank #3, when combined with a positive ESP, makes us reasonably confident of an earnings beat this quarter.



Note that we caution against stocks with Zacks Ranks #4 or 5 (Sell rated) going into an earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing a negative estimate revision.

First Solar, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise

First Solar, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise | First Solar, Inc. Quote

Factors at Play



During the fourth-quarter earnings call, the company said that it expects to incur loss in the range of 10-15 cents per share in the first quarter of 2017. The loss is expected to be driven by lower module shipments in the first half of the year.



Moreover, in the first quarter, First Solar closed the transaction to sell its cash equity interests in the 250 megawatt (MW) Moapa Southern Paiute Solar Project in Nevada to Capital Dynamics, a global private asset manager. This deal is expected to drive the top line of the company.



Like other solar majors  SunPower Corp. SPWR and Sunrun Inc. RUN  First Solars top line is also expected to get a boost up from the booming U.S. solar market. However, the victory of Donald Trump has raised uncertainties in the alternative energy industry. Far from supporting the renewable sector with any kind of incentives, the new President has promised to revive coal.



For the first quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings reflects a 107.6% year-over-year decline, with revenues expected to come in at $699.2 million, representing an approximately 17.6% decrease.



An Upcoming Peer Release



Vivint Solar Inc. VSLR will report first-quarter results on May 9. The company has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



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FILE PHOTO: A Google search page is seen through a magnifying glass in this photo illustration taken in Berlin on August 11, 2015. REUTERS/Pawel Kopczynski/File Photo

By Harry Pearl

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Alphabet Inc's (GOOGL.O) Google said it will challenge amended tax assessments issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), which is trying to claw back billions of dollars from multinational corporations citing unpaid taxes.

The ATO has increased scrutiny over how much tax multinationals operating in Australia pay. In December, it said it was pursuing seven global businesses over A$2 billion ($1.50 billion) in unpaid tax.

While the ATO has not named the businesses it is pursuing, Google's Australia unit said in accounts filed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission that it will lodge an objection to the tax demand from the ATO.

The company will continue to uphold its positions against any and all such claims, Google said in the financial statement released on Friday. The search giant did not disclose how much the ATO has demanded it pay in taxes.

Google and the ATO declined to comment on how much the company's amended tax bill was.

Treasurer Scott Morrison said in April the country expected to claw back A$2.9 billion from companies under the legislation.

Australia enacted the Multinational Anti-Avoidance Law in December 2015 and the ATO has introduced new guidelines for foreign trading hubs.

Google Australia restructured its operations effective January 1 of last year to comply with the legislation and its financial statement reveals an increase in revenue and tax for the 2016 calendar year as a result.

Revenue surged to A$1.14 billion in 2016 from A$498 million in 2015, while total income tax rose to A$16 million from A$2.8 million in 2015, the accounts show.

(Reporting by Harry Pearl; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)
* Pragmatist president under fire over economic record

* Hurt by lack of big economic pay-off after nuclear deal

* Hardline candidate Raisi vows to triple cash handouts

* Tehran Mayor Qalibaf pledges to tackle unemployment (Adds quotes from candidates' debate, details, context)

By Parisa Hafezi

ANKARA, April 28 (Reuters) - Hardline conservative challengers accused Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in an election debate on Friday of failing to revive the economy even after a diplomatic thaw with the West he has touted as the key to attracting new investment.

During a three-hour debate carried live on state television, the pragmatist Rouhani's opponents sought to denigrate his economic record and said that the Islamic Republic would be harmed if he were re-elected on May 19.

Rouhani secured Iran's nuclear accord with world powers in 2015, welcomed by many Iranians, but discontent has risen over the lack of broad improvement in living standards despite the lifting of most international sanctions in 2016 under the deal.

"The gap between rich and poor has widened in Iran...Monthly cash handouts to poor people should be tripled," Ebrahim Raisi, an influential Shi'ite cleric who is Rouhani's strongest rival, said in the debate in a nod to lower-income rural Iranians. The monthly cash subsidy is currently around $14.

"One of the main priorities of the Islamic Republic is to preserve social justice...Steps should be taken to protect poor people. We need to overhaul the economic system," said Raisi, who enjoys the support of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Rouhani, who was elected by a landslide in 2013, defended his economic record, complaining that it had been subjected to "lies and defamation".

He repeated that Iran's road to economic recovery, growth and modernisation lay in deeper engagement with other countries.

"More investment means the creation of more jobs...If we want eight percent economic growth, we need foreign investment."

Story continues

Iran's real gross domestic product grew by 7.4 percent over the past year but that was mainly driven by oil exports rather than job-creating investment, according to the International Monetary Fund. Official unemployment runs at just over 12 percent but independent analysts put it at around 20 percent.

Khamenei and hardline loyalists have heaped pressure on Rouhani, saying the diplomatic opening afforded by the nuclear deal had not yielded benefits promised by the president.

LIMITED ECONOMIC DIVIDEND

The economic pay-off has been limited by factors beyond Rouhani's ability to rectify soon under Iran's complex system of dual theocratic and republican rule, analysts say.

Many foreign investors have been put off by obstacles to doing business such as the poor state of Iranian banks, the heavy role of powerful hardline institutions such as the elite Revolutionary Guards in the economy, a lack of clarity about the legal system as well as lingering unilateral U.S. sanctions.

Iran's president broadly manages domestic affairs, above all the economy, and can influence foreign policy decisions. But overall state policy is the remit of Khamenei, who wields decisive powers across government and the military and security services, and warily endorsed the 2015 nuclear settlement.

The election will see Rouhani facing off against Raisi, conservative Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, ex-conservative culture minister Mostafa Mirsalim and reformist ex-vice president Mostafa Hashemitaba.

Raisi, one of four sharia (Islamic law) judges who oversaw executions of thousands of political prisoners in 1988, has been mentioned as a possible successor to Khamenei.

Raisi and Qalibaf, who is a former Revolutionary Guards commander, have promised to ease unemployment by creating millions of jobs per year, if elected. Economists have criticised their campaign promises as "unrealistic".

Despite his vulnerability over the economy, analysts say Rouhani retains a good chance of re-election thanks to support among large numbers of urban young and women who have welcomed a modest relaxation of social restrictions since 2013.

They also fear that a return to a hardline presidency could usher in more repression at home and isolation abroad.

"I am tired of slogans, tired of political feuding...But I will vote for Rouhani. In the election I have to choose between bad and worse," university student Homeyra Pazokian said. (Additional reporting by Sharafedin Bozorgmehr in London; Writing by Parisa Hafezi; editing by Mark Heinrich)
By Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Prentice

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Biofuels compliance expenses for CVR Energy's refining unit (CVRR.N) (CVI.N) fell to the lowest level in almost five years during the first quarter, the company said on Thursday, as the U.S. government weighs an overhaul of its renewable fuels policy.

The cost of compliance credits required by the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) have fallen sharply in recent months, driven in part by a proposal to alter the regulation by shifting the blending burden away from refiners to fuel terminals.

The proposal was made in February by Carl Icahn, the majority owner of CVR Energy and an informal adviser to President Donald Trump on regulation. The White House is considering it.

CVR said it spent $6.4 million on the compliance credits in the quarter. That was down 85 percent from last year, the company said on a conference call with investors to discuss quarterly earnings. CVR attributed the decline in part to lower prices.

Renewable fuel credit prices averaged about 53 cents in the first three months of 2017, about one-third lower than the prior-year, Oil Price Information Service data show. CVR declined to explain in greater detail the full reasons for the sharp reduction.

"We don't discuss our market activity," Chief Executive Officer Jack Lipinski said, when asked by an analyst on the call about how to square the low first-quarter expenses with CVR's projections of a full-year cost of $170 million.

The first-quarter tab was CVR's lowest since the second quarter of 2012, a review of Securities and Exchange filings showed.

CVR positioned itself to slash regulatory costs by deferring the purchase of some $186 million worth of credits it needed to satisfy its biofuels requirements at the end of 2016, the company said in filings in February.

Lipinski and Icahn have argued that the U.S. renewable fuels program unfairly punishes independent refiners by pushing them into a highly speculative credit market.

Story continues

Democratic lawmakers have accused Icahn of self-dealing in his proposal to alter the 12-year-old RFS regulation. Icahn has said his proposal is not self-interested because it would help CVR as well as many of CVR's competitors.

The credit market was created under the RFS, which makes refining companies responsible for blending increasing volumes of biofuels like corn-based ethanol into gasoline and diesel each year. Companies without facilities to blend the fuels, like CVR, must purchase credits from those who do.The law aimed to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce dependence on foreign oil, while giving a boost to farmers who grow corn for ethanol production.

(Reporting by Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Prentice; Editing by Leslie Adler)
It has been a rough few weeks for United Airlines, as the company probably wishes nothing more than to erase its recent mishaps, including the latest one involving questions over the death of a giant rabbit. This comes as the airline struggled to shake off an episode earlier this month in which a medical doctor, David Dao, was violently dragged off another flight at the Chicago Airport.

But as the carrier deals with another public relations fiasco this week, its worth reminding investors and anyone who have ever flown on United that these were isolated incidents. The airline deserves a closer look at its broader business operations.

As with any company, United is imperfect, but it is nonetheless one of the most efficient carriers in the business, according to analysis by Duke Corporate Education that looked at Financial Cycle Time (FCT), which is the average time it takes for airlines globally to turn $1 of investment into $1 of cash collected from a customer.

Financial cycle times tells investors how much a company invested in its operations and compares that to how much revenue those assets generated. In 2016, United generated almost double the sales with half the investment compared to American Airlines. United had invested $9.5 billion of capital to generate $36.6 billion in sales, while American Airlines invested $20 billion of capital to generate $40.2 billion in sales. This means United got more out of its planes, information systems, inventory and other assets. Said another way, United is turning $1 of investment into $1 of sales every 95 days in 2016. American turns $1 of investment into $1 of sales in 181 days or almost twice as long. This demonstrates Uniteds financial productivity as they either get more out of similar resources or they can use fewer resources to accomplish more things.

Below is a table of US airlines productivity measured by Financial Cycle Time in 2016:

In this case, United is not the largest airline by revenue, but it is more efficient with its resources and processes than its larger peers. Given the figures in the table, its easy to see why Uniteds productivity gains have been recognized by investors since it does more with less and it has seen its stock price rise 45% in one year as of April 26, 2017.

Story continues

When United CEO Oscar Munoz took over the airline in 2015, he inherited an incomplete merger with Continental. Munoz needed to merge the companys businesses, processes and operations - a tough task for any executive walking into a new job. A year into his role, he agreed to higher wages with the various unions to create one true airline with common processes and reduced variation. This led to a quantum leap in productivity which led to an improving Financial Cycle Time.

In order to accomplish the productivity improvements, Munoz drove standardization of processes. Everything needed to be done more consistently and without deviation as deviations would slow things down. These were good intentions. But in practice, this meant that employees were handcuffed into following strict processes even when they knew exceptions should be made. United went too far in its drive to improve efficiency and Dao and the rabbit were victims of this demand for standardization.

To continue to be successful, United must demonstrate a better balance between efficiency and empowerment of employees, without sacrificing consistency or customer satisfaction. Employees should be given back the ability to resolve unexpected deviations to the process. Over time, this capability is critical to sustaining the financial advantages the airline has recently achieved.

For many companies, Uniteds PR crisis would have been the beginning of a death spiral. But Munoz and his company can weather the storm because, among other reasons, United has a productivity advantage, allowing it to move faster to solve challenges. On April 27, United announced a 10-point response plan to address underlying customer issues. Among the changes: creating a customer response team to address deviations, training employees on how to deal with exceptions and building flexibility into employee apps to proactively give out miles or other compensation to customers experiencing challenges. Employees will now be empowered to make judgment calls in real time and manage exceptions. This is a positive development in Uniteds evolution towards sustainability.

Joe Perfetti is a lecturer in Finance at the University of Maryland and an adjunct professor of Law at Georgetown University. He is also an educator with Duke Corporate Education, a global provider of customized education. Kathy Pearson is president and founder of Enterprise Learning Solutions and is an educator with Duke Corporate Education. Neither authors are investors in United Airlines or other companies in this article.



This article was originally published on FORTUNE.com
(Adds tax details in paragraph 2)

By Nandita Bose

CHICAGO, April 21 (Reuters) - Target Corp, Wal-Mart Stores Inc and other retailers are shelving considerations to move supply bases closer to the United States in the face of a possible border tax, banking instead on killing support for the tax idea in Congress.

President Donald Trump's push to impose a tax on imports, such as the 20 percent levy initiated by House Republicans, could raise U.S. consumer prices by as much as 25 percent, industry officials said. Last week, the President said he favored an 'import tax' that could be adjusted to reflect the country of origin's tax rate for U.S. products.

The decision by retailers to forestall supply chain investment in countries such as Bolivia and Romania to focus on lobbying Congress shows how Trump's ambitious agenda has instilled a new level of risk operating outside U.S. borders. But the vagueness around the tax proposals and whether they may ever be implemented means retail industry executives are still not willing to change their operating infrastructure.

The Retail Industry Leaders Association, which is leading the industry lobbying effort, has conducted 140 meetings with lawmakers since December, focusing on the costs of a new tax and encouraging lawmakers who oppose the tax.

Prospects for a quick passage of a tax bill took a hit last month when the Republican attempt to overhaul the national healthcare law failed to get a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives. Trump and Republican leaders have said they still intend to pass a healthcare reform law first, casting further doubt on when Congress may consider tax reform.

The border tax proposal likely will be "as messy as the healthcare bill," according to Brian Dodge, senior executive vice-president of public affairs for the retail lobby group.

Target, for one, thinks the industry's lobbying efforts are succeeding.

"We are working on educating lawmakers and President Trump hasn't embraced it yet, so we definitely think we are making progress," a senior company official at Target said on condition of anonymity.

Story continues

There is good reason for retailers to fight the tax idea. RBC Capital Markets forecast such a levy could reduce profits of six large U.S. retailers by as much as $13 billion in its first year, with Wal-Mart alone seeing its federal tax bill jump to $16.6 billion from $6.6 billion. For a graphic please click http://tmsnrt.rs/2oVlOPB

Best Buy Co Inc, which relies heavily on electronics imports, could see its earnings completely wiped out, RBC warned. Best Buy declined to comment.

Firms with less exposure to overseas suppliers - ranging from off-price chains like TJX Cos and Ross Stores to cosmetics seller Ulta Beauty - would feel less impact than heavy importers like Wal-Mart, Target and Costco Wholesale Corp, analysts and consultants said.

TJX Companies and Ulta Beauty declined comment. Ross Stores and Costco did not respond to requests seeking comment.

Steve Osburn, director of supply chain for retail consultancy Kurt Salmon, said it is more cost effective to spend on lobbying than on supply chain relocation at this point. Retailers also have other investment needs, especially around winning consumers who want to shop from home.

"They are putting a lot of money in e-commerce initiatives to compete online so there are not a lot of funds to spare," he said.

One outlier is luxury handbag maker Rebecca Minkoff, which sells its own products and supplies other retailers, like Nordstrom Inc and Amazon.com Inc.

The prospect of a U.S. border tax factored into its recent decision to supply U.S. customers from Europe as it mitigates logistics costs to supply to the United States, according to Uri Minkoff, the firm's founder and CEO.

"The process has intensified in the past six months," said Minkoff.

WHERE THE SUPPLY CHAINS ARE

The decision to bank more on the lobby effort to kill support for the tax idea comes after retailers spent the last few months considering whether to move some of their production to supply bases like Bolivia, Brazil and other South American countries with low wage rates, as well as European countries like Hungary, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic, industry sources told Reuters.

A return to the United States was also a consideration, the sources said.

Shifting production from existing supply bases like China is costly, may involve intellectual property issues and disrupts long-term supply contracts, making it hard to plan and execute such moves, two industry sources said.

Consultants have told retailers they could mitigate shipping costs enough to offset any border tax, while avoiding the cost of moving production into the U.S, the sources said.

But so far they are not proceeding with major supply chain changes, according to retailers and industry consultants.

"Wal-Mart is not ready to spend money to deal with this," said a supply chain consultant who works with the retailer but requested anonymity for fear of disrupting the firm's relationship with Wal-Mart.

Wal-Mart has reviewed its options with supply chain consultants, but has not yet commissioned a concrete contingency plan, sources with direct knowledge of the matter said.

Wal-Mart declined comment.

Executives at smaller retailers and brands like Samsonite, Crate and Barrel and Steve Madden said there is little competitive impetus for action because they believe a border tax would hurt them and competitors equally.

Samsonite was studying reviving its U.S. manufacturing base, but is not close to taking action.

"Setting plans (based) on policy proposals that are yet to be implemented is not right," Samsonite Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Tainwala told Reuters.

Minneapolis-based Target is limiting itself to conducting feasibility studies. "We just don't want to get ahead of ourselves and invest capital," the Target official said.

Target declined comment.

(Editing by David Greising and Edward Tobin)
By Nandita Bose





CHICAGO (Reuters) - Target Corp (TGT.N), Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT.N) and other retailers are shelving considerations to move supply bases closer to the United States in the face of a possible border tax, banking instead on killing support for the tax idea in Congress.





President Donald Trump's push to impose a tax on imports, such as the 20 percent levy initiated by House Republicans, could raise U.S. consumer prices by as much as 25 percent, industry officials said. Last week, the President said he favored an 'import tax' that could be adjusted to reflect the country of origin's tax rate for U.S. products.





The decision by retailers to forestall supply chain investment in countries such as Bolivia and Romania to focus on lobbying Congress shows how Trump's ambitious agenda has instilled a new level of risk operating outside U.S. borders. But the vagueness around the tax proposals and whether they may ever be implemented means retail industry executives are still not willing to change their operating infrastructure.





The Retail Industry Leaders Association, which is leading the industry lobbying effort, has conducted 140 meetings with lawmakers since December, focusing on the costs of a new tax and encouraging lawmakers who oppose the tax.





Prospects for a quick passage of a tax bill took a hit last month when the Republican attempt to overhaul the national healthcare law failed to get a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives. Trump and Republican leaders have said they still intend to pass a healthcare reform law first, casting further doubt on when Congress may consider tax reform.





The border tax proposal likely will be "as messy as the healthcare bill," according to Brian Dodge, senior executive vice-president of public affairs for the retail lobby group.





Target, for one, thinks the industry's lobbying efforts are succeeding.





"We are working on educating lawmakers and President Trump hasn't embraced it yet, so we definitely think we are making progress," a senior company official at Target said on condition of anonymity.

Story continues





There is good reason for retailers to fight the tax idea. RBC Capital Markets forecast such a levy could reduce profits of six large U.S. retailers by as much as $13 billion in its first year, with Wal-Mart alone seeing its federal tax bill jump to $16.6 billion from $6.6 billion. For a graphic please click http://tmsnrt.rs/2oVlOPB





Best Buy Co Inc (BBY.N), which relies heavily on electronics imports, could see its earnings completely wiped out, RBC warned. Best Buy declined to comment.





Firms with less exposure to overseas suppliers - ranging from off-price chains like TJX Cos (TJX.N) and Ross Stores (ROST.O) to cosmetics seller Ulta Beauty (ULTA.O) - would feel less impact than heavy importers like Wal-Mart, Target and Costco Wholesale Corp (COST.O), analysts and consultants said.





TJX Companies and Ulta Beauty declined comment. Ross Stores and Costco did not respond to requests seeking comment.





Steve Osburn, director of supply chain for retail consultancy Kurt Salmon, said it is more cost effective to spend on lobbying than on supply chain relocation at this point. Retailers also have other investment needs, especially around winning consumers who want to shop from home.





"They are putting a lot of money in e-commerce initiatives to compete online so there are not a lot of funds to spare," he said.





One outlier is luxury handbag maker Rebecca Minkoff, which sells its own products and supplies other retailers, like Nordstrom Inc (JWN.N) and Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O).





The prospect of a U.S. border tax factored into its recent decision to supply U.S. customers from Europe as it mitigates logistics costs to supply to the United States, according to Uri Minkoff, the firm's founder and CEO.

"The process has intensified in the past six months," said Minkoff.









WHERE THE SUPPLY CHAINS ARE





The decision to bank more on the lobby effort to kill support for the tax idea comes after retailers spent the last few months considering whether to move some of their production to supply bases like Bolivia, Brazil and other South American countries with low wage rates, as well as European countries like Hungary, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic, industry sources told Reuters.





A return to the United States was also a consideration, the sources said.





Shifting production from existing supply bases like China is costly, may involve intellectual property issues and disrupts long-term supply contracts, making it hard to plan and execute such moves, two industry sources said.





Consultants have told retailers they could mitigate shipping costs enough to offset any border tax, while avoiding the cost of moving production into the U.S, the sources said.





But so far they are not proceeding with major supply chain changes, according to retailers and industry consultants.





"Wal-Mart is not ready to spend money to deal with this," said a supply chain consultant who works with the retailer but requested anonymity for fear of disrupting the firm's relationship with Wal-Mart.

Wal-Mart has reviewed its options with supply chain consultants, but has not yet commissioned a concrete contingency plan, sources with direct knowledge of the matter said.

Wal-Mart declined comment.





Executives at smaller retailers and brands like Samsonite, Crate and Barrel and Steve Madden said there is little competitive impetus for action because they believe a border tax would hurt them and competitors equally.





Samsonite was studying reviving its U.S. manufacturing base, but is not close to taking action.





"Setting plans (based) on policy proposals that are yet to be implemented is not right," Samsonite Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Tainwala told Reuters.

Minneapolis-based Target is limiting itself to conducting feasibility studies. "We just don't want to get ahead of ourselves and invest capital," the Target official said.

Target declined comment.









(Editing by David Greising and Edward Tobin)
TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - Apr 13, 2017) - Workday, Inc. (NYSE: WDAY), a leader in enterprise cloud applications for finance and human resources, today announced continued momentum with both medium and large enterprise customers across Canada. Organizations including AGF Management Limited, The ALDO Group, BDO, Bill Gosling Outsourcing, Hootsuite, SNC-Lavalin, SOTI, Sun Life Financial, and other leading brands have selected Workday to drive business growth.

"Companies of all sizes and from all industries across Canada are moving to the cloud for the flexibility to adapt to and evolve with dynamic market changes," said Chano Fernandez, executive vice president, global field operations, Workday. "With Workday, organizations have one system that delivers the kind of financial and workforce insights required to operate in a complex, competitive, and fast-paced business environment."

Workday's expanding customer community in Canada now includes:

AGF Management Limited, headquartered in Toronto, is a diversified global asset management firm with retail, institutional, alternative, and high-net-worth businesses.





The ALDO Group, headquartered in Montreal, is a world-leading creator and operator of desirable footwear and accessory brands.





BDO, headquartered in Toronto, is one of the largest national accounting and advisory partnerships in Canada.





Bill Gosling Outsourcing (originally operated as Allied International Credit), headquartered in Newmarket, Ontario, is a multinational customer communication solutions provider.





Hootsuite, headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, is a widely-used social media management platform.





SNC-Lavalin, headquartered in Montreal, is one of the leading engineering and construction groups in the world and a major player in the ownership of infrastructure.





SOTI, headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, is the world's leading provider of Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solutions.





Sun Life Financial, headquartered in Toronto, is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of insurance, wealth, and asset management solutions to individuals and corporate clients.





With Workday, customers are equipped to:

Engage employees through a consumer-grade experience where they can easily access information and perform tasks on-the-go from a mobile device.





Avoid costly and time-consuming upgrades associated with legacy systems by leveraging continuous innovation from Workday's development on a single codeline delivered in the cloud.





Arm business leaders with instant, actionable data-driven insights to drive better and faster decisions.





Streamline and standardize HR operations and processes to free up time for HR staff to focus on strategic activities and initiatives.





Comments on the News

"Business agility is increasingly important to us as we continue to plan for the future, and Workday helps us deliver the financial and HR insights that not only create consistency across the organization but drive faster, more informed business decisions," said Joseph Fanutti, chief financial officer, Bill Gosling Outsourcing. "Workday's unified system has greatly impacted the way our business operates, and now contributes to our strategy as it relates to growth, expansion, and new opportunities for our clients and employees."

"At Sun Life, we're focused on empowering our people so they can grow their careers and focus on what matters most -- helping our clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives," said Carrie Blair, executive vice president and chief human resources & communications officer, Sun Life Financial. "With Workday's HR system, we can engage our employees around the world with programs and initiatives, provide real-time insights to enable quicker decision-making, and develop top talent to realize our ambition to be one of the best insurance companies and asset managers in the world."

About Workday

Workday is a leading provider of enterprise cloud applications for finance and human resources. Founded in 2005, Workday delivers financial management, human capital management, and analytics applications designed for the world's largest companies, educational institutions, and government agencies. Organizations ranging from medium-sized businesses to Fortune 50 enterprises have selected Workday.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements including, among other things, statements regarding the expected performance and benefits of Workday's offerings. The words "believe," "may," "will," "plan," "expect," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. If the risks materialize or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. Risks include, but are not limited to, risks described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2017 and our future reports that we may file with the SEC from time to time, which could cause actual results to vary from expectations. Workday assumes no obligation to, and does not currently intend to, update any such forward-looking statements after the date of this release.

Any unreleased services, features, or functions referenced in this document, our website, or other press releases or public statements that are not currently available are subject to change at Workday's discretion and may not be delivered as planned or at all. Customers who purchase Workday, Inc. services should make their purchase decisions based upon services, features, and functions that are currently available.

 2017. Workday, Inc. All rights reserved. Workday and the Workday logo are registered trademarks of Workday, Inc.
orange

than a year ago and are going down, even though floods in the Midwest and drought in the south are hurting crops and therefore raised

than a year ago

even though

raised

than those of a year ago

even though

raising

than a year ago

despite

raising

as those of a year ago

even though

raise

as they were a year ago

despite

raising

1. than vs. as ( idiom structure )

2. a year ago / those of a year ago / they were a year ago ( parallelism with comparisons )

3. even though / despite ( transitions )

4. raised / raising / raise ( verb tense )

Let's start with #1 on our list: than vs. as.

than

CORRECT

as

WRONG

than

than

than

as

as

We can eliminate options D & E

Now, let's move on to #2 on our list: parallelism with comparisons.

Prices

a year ago

prices

prices

a year ago

INCORRECT

those of a year ago

CORRECT

a year ago

INCORRECT

There you have it - option B is the correct choice!

Hello Everyone!This is a great example of a sentence that focuses on idiom structure and comparisons! Let's start by taking a quick look over each option, and highlight any major differences inPrices at the producer level are only 1.3 percent higher nowcorn and soybean prices.(A)and are going down,floods in the Midwest and drought in the south are hurting crops and therefore(B)and are going down,floods in the Midwest and drought in the south are hurting crops and therefore(C)and are going down,floods in the Midwest and drought in the south, and are hurting crops and therefore(D)and are going down,floods in the Midwest and drought in the south hurt crops and therefore(E)and are going down,floods in the Midwest and drought in the south, and are hurting crops and thereforeAfter a quick glance over the options, a few key differences jump out:No matter which one we choose, it will eliminate 2-3 options rather quickly, so let's start there. This is an issue of idiom structure. Whenever we see comparative language (in this case, the word "higher"), we know that the sentence is comparing two items and must be worded a certain way:X is higherY =X is higherY =Let's see which options do this correctly, and eliminate the ones that do not:(A)a year ago and are going down, even though floods in the Midwest and drought in the south are hurting crops and therefore raised(B)those of a year ago and are going down, even though floods in the Midwest and drought in the south are hurting crops and therefore raising(C)a year ago and are going down, despite floods in the Midwest and drought in the south, and are hurting crops and therefore raising(D)those of a year ago and are going down, even though floods in the Midwest and drought in the south hurt crops and therefore raise(E)they were a year ago and are going down, despite floods in the Midwest and drought in the south, and are hurting crops and therefore raisingbecause they don't follow the proper "X is higher than Y" idiom structure. That was easy!Whenever we compare two items by using the idiom structure "X is higher than Y," the X and Y in the idiom need to be parallel. Let's look at the original sentence closely to determine what two items it's comparing:at the producer level are only 1.3 percent higher now thanand are going down, even though floods in the Midwest and drought in the south are hurting crops and therefore raised corn and soybean prices.We can see that the sentence should compare thetoday versusfrom a year ago. Let's make sure each option compares similar things:(A) thanand are going down, even though floods in the Midwest and drought in the south are hurting crops and therefore raisedThis isbecause it compares the prices today to a year ago, which isn't parallel. You cannot compare prices to years - they're not the same thing!(B) thanand are going down, even though floods in the Midwest and drought in the south are hurting crops and therefore raisingThis is! The word "those" clearly refers to prices, so this is comparing the prices today to the prices from last year, which is parallel!(C) thanand are going down, despite floods in the Midwest and drought in the south, and are hurting crops and therefore raisingThis is alsobecause it compares prices to years, which aren't parallel items.It's the only one that compares two like items, and it uses the correct idiom structure for comparisons!Don't study for the GMAT. Train for it._________________
tsal14x wrote:

Hi,



Please help me out.



Age: 24

Sex: M

Work ex: 32 months (4 years by Aug '18)

GMAT:720, Q49, V40 Jul 2016

Toefl: 115

Country of residence: India



Professional:

I am a software engineer from Delhi Technological University (CPI: 69/100) and I have been working at Deloitte Consulting as a Business Technology Analyst (soon Consultant). I have served clients in the insurance industry, in technology transformation projects in the capacity of a software tester. This has helped me gain knowledge about the Financial Services Industry with a focus on insurance. In addition to testing I also contribute to project planning, product scope definition and team management.



Extra curricular:

I am a part of the leadership support team at Deloitte, in which I deliver period-wise revenue and delivery analysis to directors and senior management. These reports are then used to formulate firm strategy and track objectives.

I led a team of 6 to win an internal firm competition and implemented an idea to promote employee well-being within the firm.



Social impact:

I have co-founded a trust that seeks to bring about socio-economic change in backward areas of Uttar Pradesh (India). As a part of this, I organized a health camp, attended by over 1100 people, to spread awareness about basic sanitation and personal hygiene. Currently we are in talks with the local government to upgrade primary and secondary education facilities in the district.

I am also associated with NGOs where I volunteer as a tutor for primary school students.



Target Schools: Tuck, Stern, Duke, Darden (consulting focused in Top 20)



What aspect of my profile do i need to improve upon? Should I focus on getting a 760 GMAT?

I applied to several schools unsuccessfully for the 2017 intake and I find myself without a plan to get admitted next year.



Thanks!

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, and thanks for writing! While you have strong work experience and extracurriculars and a solid GMAT score, I do think boosting the GMAT to 740+ could help you given that you're coming from such a competitive demographic. Aside from the GMAT, focus on conveying your professional and volunteer/personal experiences engagingly to the AdCom, making it clear why now is the right time for an MBA, and being specific about your short-term and long-term goals. In addition, make sure you've done enough research on the programs so that you can speak compellingly about why they're each a strong fit for you professionally and personally.Best of luck and let me know of any other questions!_________________
- A Nigerian lady has narrowly escaped death in Benin, Edo state

- The lady narrated how she escaped being strangled to death by a python on social media

A Facebook user has narrated how she narrowly escaped being strangles to death by a python in Benin, Edo state.

Legit.ng gathered that the user, Christabel Zino Okezie, expressed that she narrowly escaped being killed by a gigantic python snake.

READ ALSO: Farmer batters huge 4.5m python to death after it swallowed his goat

Okezie said: My enemy for don die today Thank God for life. God is great look at what he saved me from. I stepped On it at my compound then it stood up ready to attack and then i raised alarm.

Lady narrowly escapes being strangled by a python in Benin, Edo state

She posted some photos she snapped with the gigantic snake that was already dead.

READ ALSO: Meet beautiful 18-year-old Nigerian entrepreneur who creates and sells hijabs for a living (photos)

Thank God!

Nigerian celebrities talk about the whistle blowing trend

Source: Legit.ng
- A woman has delivered a bouncing baby boy on a train in London

- The woman who is yet to be identified went into labour on a Southeastern train going to London Bridge

An African woman has successfully delivered a bouncing baby boy on a train at the busy London Bridge station.

She delivered the baby on Thursday, April 27, around 4:30pm on the train.

READ ALSO: Mother, 22, gives birth to healthy conjoined twins despite doctors advising abortion

According to the information assistant at the Southeastern railway, Dean Parsons, after it was discovered that the lady was about to deliver her baby, an announcement was made for doctors and nurses to attend to her.

Woman delivers baby boy on a train at London Bridge station

Parsons said: "I work in the control room but was doing work on the platform when a lady came running to my colleague and said theres a lady on the train which had just pulled in having contractions. She collapsed on a bench on the platform. We called for the first aid officer from the station and put out an announcement for doctors and nurses".

He expressed that the baby boy was delivered by an off-duty doctor before paramedics arrived on the scene.

READ ALSO: Meet beautiful 18-year-old Nigerian entrepreneur who creates and sells hijabs for a living (photos)

The information officer further expressed that: Its always amazing how quickly doctors and nurses will always respond to announcements. They are fabulous. And it was about 3pm, they were just passing and they may have been on their way home from a long shift. Luckily with the new station being built we had a medical room. We managed to get her in a wheelchair, I was saying to her try not to push yet.

"At first the woman was in pain, she had tears in her eyes, the baby was a week early. But the photo taken shows her beaming"

Legit.ng discovered a post by the London Bridges Twitter account expressing that its team did a good job in assisting the delivery.

Our team did a marvelous job helping to deliver a baby boy into the world. Mother and baby doing great"

See post below:

Signs you need to go fr an HIV/AIDS test as soon as possible

Source: Legit.ng
- A pregnant Nigerian woman has passed away after using the toilet

- Friends and family of the deceased shared heartbreaking tribute messages to her on social media

A Nigerian lady, Kosolu Ndulue, has announced the death of her dear friend, Keke Esu, who was pregnant at the time of her death.

Legit.ng came across the heartbreaking story after it was shared by Ndulue on Facebook.

READ ALSO: Nigerian lady narrates how she escaped being strangled by a HUGE python (photos)

According to Ndulue, the pregnant lady had passed away in her sleep after she woke up and went to use the toilet.

Pregnant Nigerian lady who died after using the toilet

The Facebook user, who expressed sadness over her friends death, explained that she and her friend had gotten married on the same day.

READ ALSO: Farmer batters huge 4.5m python to death after it swallowed his goat

Friends and family members of the deceased who saw the post shared their sadness and prayed for peace after death.

Pregnant Nigerian lady dies after allegedly using the TOILET

So sad! Rest in peace

Old Nigerian woman begs the federal government not to destroy her house

Source: Legit.ng
- An elderly Ugandan woman has shared a sad story of how she was left to die on an island

- This was punishment for getting pregnant

- She was aged just 12 at the time

An elderly Ugandan woman has shared a sad story of show she was left to die on an island at the age of 12.

Mauda Kyitaragabirwe says she was being punished for falling pregnant before marriage, something that, according to her community's beliefs, tarnished her forever and brought shame to her family.

Her family therefore sent her to the so-called "Punishment Island" to die because she could no longer fetch them dowry and was therefore worthless, she says.

Mauda Kyitaragabirwe

The "Punishment Island," locally known as Akampene, is located among the numerous islands that dot Lake Bunyonyi in south western Uganda.

In an interview with the BBC, Mauda said: "When my family discovered that I was pregnant, they put me in a canoe and took me to Akampene. I stayed there without food or water for four nights. I remember being very hungry and cold. I was almost dying."

She added that on the fifth day, a fisherman rescued and took her to his home where he made her his wifewithout paying dowry. According to Maud's Bakiga people, this was traditionally permissible given her tarnished status, she said.

READ ALSO: Jonathan to reveal more details about 2015 presidential election

The "Punishment Island" to which Mauda was banished

She now lives in Kashungyera village, just 10 minutes away from the island she was banished to. She is uncertain about her age because she was born before birth certificates were issued.

READ ALSO: 20kg tumour is removed from mans abdomen after local witch doctor fails to cure him

Mauda unfortunately lost the baby she was carrying when she was banished. She said: "The pregnancy was still quite young. I never had the baby. Back then you could not fight back to defend yourself. If you did, they would beat you up."

Mauda and her grandson, Tyson

Mauda vows to protect her daughter should they fall pregnant before marriage. She said: "I have three daughters. If any of them had got pregnant before they were married, I wouldn't blame them or punish them."

Watch her story in the video below.

Watch the video how should convicted looters be punished:

Source: Legit.ng
For All U of U Health Patients & Visitors
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
On 3-5 October 2017 Kyiv is going to host the Space and Future Forum to network international experts and youth, many of whom will also participate at the first CosmoHack in the world. Joinfo provides media coverage of the Forum, and some of its topics were already discussed ...
After faking a pregnancy to fool her family, an Italian woman discovered a baby she bought from a young Romanian was of mixed race and gave it back three days later, Italian media said Saturday.

The baby's biological mother, the "fake" mother and a Moroccan man who allegedly served as an intermediary in the arrangement have been arrested.

The 35-year-old woman allegedly paid 20,000 euros (around $22,000 dollars) for the baby, who was born to the Romanian woman after a short relationship with a man from Mali, according to press reports.

Investigators were alerted in Latina, south of Rome, after the two women called local authorities in February asking how to register a baby born at home. Authorities grew suspicious after the women did not turn up for a scheduled meeting.

When police went to question the adoptive mother, she said she had faked the pregnancy, using latex belly prostheses bought on the internet. Her partner was in prison and she had recently undergone two miscarriages, the papers reported.

When she discovered the baby was of mixed race, however, the woman didn't know how to explain the baby's skin colour to her family and friends.

Police found the baby girl with the biological father, who works in Rome. She has been placed in foster care but may return to her father.

 2017 AFP
CareerJunction has released its latest CareerJunction Index (CJI) report, which shows that employment prospects for ICT personnel continue to improve.

The CJI uses data gathered from the CareerJunction website to represent labour dynamics in South Africa.

According to the report, over 27% of all job postings on CareerJunction are allocated to IT professionals.

Software development remains the most sought-after skill set on CareerJunction.

The graph below shows the demand trend for ICT employees over the last 12 months on CareerJunction.
Eleving Group member Mogo applies the best practices in Armenia

Iran MFA. Azerbaijan president's reaction is incomprehensible

Parliament speaker considers transit visa requirement for Armenia citizens at Poland airports worrisome

Pashinyan: Armenia-Cambodia warm relations have great prospects for development

Javier Colomina: NATO supports normalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations

Karabakh FM: Azerbaijan has become more aggressive, brazen with Turkeys support

MOD: Artsakh army units did not open fire towards Azerbaijan positions

Armenia Security Council chief briefs Poland Senate vice-speaker on regional developments

Azerbaijan fires at Armenia positions

Newspaper: Armenia law enforcement agencies operative intelligence teams to enter several officials houses

US midterm elections virtually over, counting of votes underway

US State Department: Armenia, Azerbaijan FMs agreed to continue meetings, direct dialogue

Global South needs $2 trillion year to fight climate crisis

The Telegraph: Rishi Sunak to announce major natural gas deal with US after COP27 summit

U.S. officials secretly ask major banks to continue doing business with some Russian firms

19fortyfive: Is America tired of the war in Ukraine?

EU replaces pipeline Russian gas with imported Russian LNG

Kommersant: China split the 'unity' of the West

Expert estimates level of Azerbaijan's information attack on Armenia in September, comparing it to 44-day war

UK wants to work more with the U.S. on gas supplies

Donald Trump votes in Florida midterm elections

EU admits: It is impossible to set a ceiling on gas prices that will not affect contracts or security of supply

Most valuable metal of year is named

Mehr: Nikolai Patrushev arrives in Tehran

Turkish TV company confesses that Ankara and Israel were arming Azerbaijan against Armenia

Who is Baku threatening? Armenia's former deputy defense minister decodes Aliyev's statements

Army Commander-in-Chief: Even those who claim to be superpowers do not dare to attack Iran

Iran and Russia to build joint pipeline

India to continue buying Russian oil

Businessman Zhong Shanshan becomes richest man in China

Armenia and Poland emphasize OSCE role in promoting stability in South Caucasus

Banks are searched in Germany in case of money laundering by Russian businessman

Armenian President reacts to Aliyev's speech at League of Arab States summit

Armenia increases trade with EEU member states by $1.2 bln

Cavusoglu: Sweden and Finland have not yet fulfilled all Turkey's conditions

Oldest member of Rothschild dynasty die in Britain

Armenian National Security Council head and Polish Secretary of State discuss regional security issues

Stepantsminda-Lars highway faces restrictions

Kyiv realizes if China starts supplying ammunition to Russian troops it will be terrible

State Department: U.S. remains committed to supporting peace in South Caucasus region

Iran condemns thousand protesters and calls for retaliation against rest

Delegation from Israel visits Museum-Institute of the Armenian Genocide

Media: London is close to agreement with Washington on LNG supplies

Aliyev in fact confirms fact of Azerbaijani aggression against sovereign territory of Armenia

Toivo Klaar: Important meeting held in Washington between Armenia, Azerbaijan FMs

Aliyev switches from threatening Armenia to insulting foreign leaders

Karabakh ombudsman: Todays occupation does not change status of Shushi

Envoy briefs Kazakhstan human rights commissioner on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Armenia

Dollar, euro continue to rise in Armenia

U.S. Ambassador to UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield arrives in Kiev

EU partners welcome justice sector reforms in Armenia

Armenia government to have academic city project development working group

Rybar: Publication of Iranian film about 'skeletons' of Aliyev family is blow to positions of Aliyev family

Zelenskyy to attend G20 leaders' summit

Voting for midterm elections to Congress begins in U.S.

Russian MFA offers Tehran and Riyadh to mediate dialogue

Survey: Georgia residents say Armenia is their friend

Arman Yeghoyan to Poland colleague: Armenia needs support from European platforms

State Department official: American side is impressed by Armenia Police reforms

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

Constitutional Court of Georgia revokes ban on pornography

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

Newspaper: There were serious problems in organizing Global Armenian Summit

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
National and religious minorities in Armenia are free from discrimination.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ashot Hovakimian stated the aforesaid as he presented a report on Armenias implementation of the provisions of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

The report was submitted to the Office of the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, informed the UN website.

Hovakimian noted that one of the main achievements of the constitutional reforms in Armenia was Article 89, according to which national minorities were allocated four permanent seats in the National Assembly.

He added that the standalone legislation on anti-discrimination was currently being developed by the Ministry of Justice, and it was expected to be adopted by the end of 2017.

The deputy FM stated that as of 2015, 66 religious organizations were registered in Armenia, out of which eight were the religious organizations of national minorities, including Russian, Assyrian, Jewish, and Yazidi religious communities. He said they were allowed to operate freely, and to build their meeting houses and places of worship. He added that civil society organizations of national minorities had established Sunday schools operating in their languages.

Hovakimian stressed that Armenias desire to maintain good relations with the neighboring countries was part of its foreign policy. He added, however, that some neighbors should also demonstrate the same desire.

As for the reduction of the number of Azeris in Armenia, Ashot Hovakimian noted that the census was based on the principle of self-identification.

People could not be encouraged to declare their identification as one or another, he noted. There might have been some sensitive issues regarding persons of mixed Armenian-Azeri origin.
Ambassador of Armenia to the US, Grigor Hovhannissian, met with House of Representatives Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy.

First, Ambassador Hovhannissian thanked Congressman McCarthy for focusing on the US Congress matters related to Armenia. Also, he spoke about the reforms taking place in Armenia, as well as the strengthening of legal and administrative institutions, and the consolidation of democratic institutions in the country.

Subsequently, the interlocutors discussed Armenia-US bilateral relations, and underscored the role of the American Armenian community in the further strengthening and development of these ties.

Also, they reflected on the present-day regional challenges.
YEREVAN.  At the end of its visit to Armenia, the Lebanese delegation, led by State Minister for Planning Affairs, Michel Pharaon, on Saturday visited the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute in capital city Yerevan.

In his text written in the guestbook of the museum-institute, Pharaon noted that what they saw here was unbelievable yet, sadly, real.

Subsequently, the Lebanese minister paid a visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial, laid a wreath at the monument, paid tribute to the victims of this tragedy, whereupon responded to the questions by the members of the media.

Michel Pharaon told reporters that he was very moved by being here, and that despite all this pain, he saw the hope of living.

The Lebanese official said everyone in the world has to accept and recognize the fact of Armenian Genocide, and that this recognition was the most important factor.

He stated that everyone in Armenia and Lebanon realized that this darkness needs to be prevented Michel Pharaon added that efforts should be made, today as well, to prevent bloodshed in the world.
Eleving Group member Mogo applies the best practices in Armenia

Iran MFA. Azerbaijan president's reaction is incomprehensible

Parliament speaker considers transit visa requirement for Armenia citizens at Poland airports worrisome

Pashinyan: Armenia-Cambodia warm relations have great prospects for development

Javier Colomina: NATO supports normalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations

Karabakh FM: Azerbaijan has become more aggressive, brazen with Turkeys support

MOD: Artsakh army units did not open fire towards Azerbaijan positions

Musk loses $70 billion: Tesla stock price hits 2-year low since Twitter purchase

Armenia Security Council chief briefs Poland Senate vice-speaker on regional developments

Azerbaijan fires at Armenia positions

Newspaper: Armenia law enforcement agencies operative intelligence teams to enter several officials houses

US midterm elections virtually over, counting of votes underway

US State Department: Armenia, Azerbaijan FMs agreed to continue meetings, direct dialogue

Global South needs $2 trillion year to fight climate crisis

The Telegraph: Rishi Sunak to announce major natural gas deal with US after COP27 summit

U.S. officials secretly ask major banks to continue doing business with some Russian firms

Borussia Dortmund lose to Wolfsburg (video)

19fortyfive: Is America tired of the war in Ukraine?

Napoli win and 9 points ahead of runner-up AC Milan (video)

EU replaces pipeline Russian gas with imported Russian LNG

Kommersant: China split the 'unity' of the West

Foods that increase risk of premature death named

Expert estimates level of Azerbaijan's information attack on Armenia in September, comparing it to 44-day war

FIFA 23 predicts Argentina's victory at World Cup 2022

UK wants to work more with the U.S. on gas supplies

Donald Trump votes in Florida midterm elections

EU admits: It is impossible to set a ceiling on gas prices that will not affect contracts or security of supply

Most valuable metal of year is named

De Ligt says two strongest clubs in Europe will meet

Mehr: Nikolai Patrushev arrives in Tehran

Turkish TV company confesses that Ankara and Israel were arming Azerbaijan against Armenia

Who is Baku threatening? Armenia's former deputy defense minister decodes Aliyev's statements

Gerard Pique and Shakira's sons will live with their mother in Miami

Army Commander-in-Chief: Even those who claim to be superpowers do not dare to attack Iran

Iran and Russia to build joint pipeline

Armenian Robin the Robot appeared in National Geographic: What kind of robot is it and where is it used?

Rafael Leao demands record salary from Milan

India to continue buying Russian oil

Watching violent TV shows leads to mental health problems in children

Businessman Zhong Shanshan becomes richest man in China

Armenia and Poland emphasize OSCE role in promoting stability in South Caucasus

Chelsea and Tottenham want to buy Iranian Mehdi Taremi

US demands to ban TikTok in country: This social network censors videos about elections?

Banks are searched in Germany in case of money laundering by Russian businessman

Rebel Wilson becomes mother for first time

Armenian President reacts to Aliyev's speech at League of Arab States summit

Armenia increases trade with EEU member states by $1.2 bln

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Armenian National Security Council head and Polish Secretary of State discuss regional security issues

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Kyiv realizes if China starts supplying ammunition to Russian troops it will be terrible

State Department: U.S. remains committed to supporting peace in South Caucasus region

Iran condemns thousand protesters and calls for retaliation against rest

Delegation from Israel visits Museum-Institute of the Armenian Genocide

Study: Brain puts time codes on sounds for word recognition

Media: London is close to agreement with Washington on LNG supplies

Aliyev in fact confirms fact of Azerbaijani aggression against sovereign territory of Armenia

Toivo Klaar: Important meeting held in Washington between Armenia, Azerbaijan FMs

Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool look forward to facing Real Madrid

Aliyev switches from threatening Armenia to insulting foreign leaders

Netflix releases official trailer for 'Get Knives: Glass Bulb'

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Envoy briefs Kazakhstan human rights commissioner on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Armenia

Dollar, euro continue to rise in Armenia

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Messengers, which are considered safe, can reveal location of users

Berezovsky invites 25 players to Armenian national team

U.S. Ambassador to UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield arrives in Kiev

EU partners welcome justice sector reforms in Armenia

Armenia government to have academic city project development working group

Rybar: Publication of Iranian film about 'skeletons' of Aliyev family is blow to positions of Aliyev family

Zelenskyy to attend G20 leaders' summit

Voting for midterm elections to Congress begins in U.S.

Russian MFA offers Tehran and Riyadh to mediate dialogue

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Arman Yeghoyan to Poland colleague: Armenia needs support from European platforms

State Department official: American side is impressed by Armenia Police reforms

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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

Constitutional Court of Georgia revokes ban on pornography

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Irina Shayk and Bradley Cooper together again

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Close to $7.5M allocated for Armenia scientific infrastructure, material, technical base modernization

Byblos Bank Armenia finances the construction of two major solar parks

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Turkey voices its full and unconditional support for Azerbaijan

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Ombudsperson attends Armenia-EU Human Rights Dialogue session, presents facts recorded in her ad hoc reports
YEREVAN.  The Azerbaijani armed forces on Friday fired shots toward Baghanis and Koti villages in Tavush Province.

Artsrun Hovhannisyan, spokesperson of the minister of defense of Armenia, on Saturday told Armenian News-NEWS.am that as a result of the actions which the Armenian side took in response, however, the adversary was silenced.

They [the Azerbaijanis] fired from different-caliber shooting weapons, not a large amount, yesterday evening, mostly in the late hours, until midnight, he said. [But] there were no specific effects.

Hovhannisyan added that even though several houses in Baghanis were damaged by the gunfire, the overall situation was calm since midnight.
NASA Space Apps Challenge 2017 opened in Armenias Byurakan Observatory, NEWS.am reports.

The Space Apps Challenge is an international competition that occurs over 48 hours in cities all over the world. The challenge allows users to share ideas and engage with open data to address real-world problems on Earth and in space. The challenge is open for individual participants and teams, who want to solve challenges that could help change the world.

The competition includes five challenges. Challenges in the category Ideate and Create! will ask participants to interpret NASA Earth Science data creatively and design new means to experience NASA Earth Science data and technologies. Our Ecological Neighborhood challenges asks to use NASA Earth Science data to study ecological systems and generate solutions to understand life on Earth better. The Warning! Danger Ahead! category will ask the participants to analyze NASA data to assist in monitoring natural disasters and phenomena associated with health risks, and to assess their impacts on life and property. Planetary Blues challenge asks to analyze and visualize NASAs data on the hydrosphere and the cryosphere. The Earth and Us challenge will ask the participants to combine NASA Earth Science data with sociological and economic information to generate new understanding and perspectives on human-environment interactions.

Our country had invaluable achievements in astronomy. These young peoples love towards the science allow us to believe that these great traditions will continue and future development of that area will be secured, Armenias VivaCell-MTS cellular network company director Ralph Yirikian said.
Washington Heights business owner Jarod Cronk built his consignment/"sharing" business and coffee shop, Sharehouse Goods, after career upheaval thrust him into the business world nine years ago.

The former educator said he went through a dark time before he discovered his entrepreneurial abilities and figured out how he could use them to support his family and also fulfill his need to help others.

"My faith is my identity," said Cronk, who explained that he was inspired to live, work and create jobs in the central city, in large part, by the ideas of James Davidson Hunter, who argues that Jesus came into the world to foster "human flourishing." Cronk said the concept was intuitive to him, "but I wasnt able to name it until I read it" in Hunters book, "To Change the World."

Cronks entrepreneurial efforts and commitment to providing employment opportunities are driving a business revival in the 5500 block of West North Avenue, one of many city blocks that have not flourished for years. He purchased three adjacent buildings on the south side of North Avenue as well as a house and garages on the southeast corner of 55th Street and North Avenue. He has leased space to two other community-minded entrepreneurs. Cronk is also in the process of establishing other new business in his corner property.

In 2012, Cronk acquired the two buildings at 5507 and 5513 W. North Ave. that housed the headquarters of Hartters European Fine Pastries for 40 years but had been vacant for almost a decade. A Sherman Park homeowner, Cronk opened Sharehouse Goods, a coffee house, at 5507 W. North Ave. in April 2014.

Tenant Chris McRoberts, owner of McBobs Pub & Grill, 4919 W. North Ave., established McBobs Catering Kitchen, a commercial kitchen and catering business next door to Sharehouse Goods at about the same time. McRoberts plans to start selling sandwiches there when Cronks other tenant, Vennture Brew Company, opens its beer bar and coffee shop next door to the west, in August, Cronk said.

The name Sharehouse Goods refers to the initial business Cronk and his wife Bethany built reselling goods through Amazon that others "share" with them. They started by selling books they wanted to recycle and then began reselling books they found at rummage and library sales. The Cronks taught people they met along the way how to sell online, resulting in partnerships with people who sell through them.

Cronk resells "just about anything you can put a bar code on," including books, CDs and other media, he said. Accepting goods from anyone who wants to donate or consign them, Sharehouses large volume allows it to return 70 percent of the profit to its consignment partners. Some, including people facing obstacles to employment such as a history of incarceration, are sharing full time and making a living doing it, Cronk said.

Initially working out of a warehouse at 30th Street and North Avenue, Cronk found he disliked the isolation. He opened the coffee shop, where he also has warehouse space and a shipping operation, to establish a presence in the community and interact with people living, working and passing through the neighborhood. At his coffee shop and four warehouses, he employs from eight to 12 people and writes consignment checks to an average of 40 to 60 individuals and organizations each month. "Sometimes its 70 or 80," he said.

Coffee shop manager Takeya Hibbler met Cronk through James Place Sherman Park, a career guidance center at Washington High School. Cronk offered Hibbler, a 2012 Washington graduate, a job at the suggestion of her fiance. Cronk said she has become a valued employee who he leaves in charge of the business when he is out of town.

Hibbler has been able to move out of her mothers home and rent her own apartment with the money she has saved working at Sharehouse, she said. "It means a lot to me. Not everyone is fortunate to have a job, and Im grateful for it," Hibbler said. Besides learning multitasking, customer service, phone etiquette and other skills, she has overcome her shyness and made many friends, she added.

Cronk and a business partner, Michael Medcalf, are working to create their own line of high-quality coffee blends. They plan to begin testing them at the Bear Trax Race in Delafield on April 30 and Milwaukee Veg Expo in Wauwatosa on May 6. They are also planning to open a coffee roasting company. Sharehouse Goods now brews and sells Stone Creek Coffee.

Cronk explained that Eric Resch, Stone Creeks founder and co-owner, is mentoring him as part of his own commitment to improving the city. Resch has said that coffee, the second most traded commodity in the world, changes lives, Cronk noted.

Like Cronk and Resch, Medcalf has a strong interest in developing the central city and its residents. The 29-year-old African-American business professor and entrepreneur grew up in Bayside, graduated from Nicolet High School and earned bachelors and masters degrees at UW-Whitewater. Because his mother taught in MPS schools for more than 30 years and he teaches city residents at MATC, Medcalf is aware that many suffer from gaps in their education.

Cronks business philosophy, with its "philanthropic undertone  immediately made me gravitate towards him," Medcalf said. "Its what Ive done in my own practice working in education. Obviously you have to make money to support yourself but doing so in a way that others benefit as you progress in your own endeavors" is an important part of his philosophy, he said.

Medcalf explained that he and Cronk intend to sell their "MKEing Coffee," with the tagline "Good Coffee for a Good City," using a club membership model in which members receive a 12-ounce bag of coffee delivered to their homes every three weeks. Cronk and Medcalf plan to build a sales force of formerly incarcerated people who will earn half the profit of their sales.

Cronk also plans to open a cold-pressed juice cafe in the property east of 55th and North.

Obviously exhilarated by his work, Cronk said, "I think theres a whole slew of people who are having this kind of collision of interests (entrepreneurship and contributing to the greater good)  but unless theres legitimate job creation, its really hard. It comes down to jobs in a lot of ways."
Of 35 bridge collapses analyzed, floods caused 13, erosion of sediments around bridge foundations -- scour -- caused 16, a hurricane caused 1 and other influences (such as waterborne or hydraulic debris) caused 5. Superimposed H denotes sites where a hurricane or tropical storm occurred and may have influenced bridge collapse. Area of circles is proportional to drainage area of bridge sites. Credit: Flint, et al.

The United States is considering a $1 trillion budget proposal to update infrastructure, including its crumbling bridges. An obstacle to spending the money wisely is that the current means of assessing bridges may underestimate their vulnerability, according to a new study published in the Journal of Infrastructure Systems.

Case in point is a bridge along California's iconic Big Sur coast, which collapsed in March, isolating communities and costing local businesses millions of dollars. Although California's recent unprecedented rains were likely to damage infrastructure, standard risk assessments made it hard to identify which bridges were most vulnerable.

"This winter in California has highlighted the vulnerabilities of our nation's infrastructure," said Noah Diffenbaugh, a professor of Earth system science at Stanford and the Kimmelman Family Senior Fellow at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment. "Updating our infrastructure will require both making up for deferred maintenance, and preparing for the increasing risk of extreme events that comes along with global warming."

More frequent flooding

Big Sur's damaged Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge - out until at least September - is a harbinger of things to come. As climate and land-use change drive more frequent and intense flooding, collapses among the nation's more than 500,000 water-spanning bridges will likely increase, the authors state.

Complicated natural factors make accurate damage estimates hard to come by, but regional and national bridge studies have predicted up to $250 billion in direct climate impacts costs - numbers that serve only as indicators of the true magnitude of costs related to climate change impacts on bridges, including lost business and ability to commute to work.

U.S. risk assessments generally assume that bridges may collapse when a 100-year flood - a streamflow with 1 percent probability of being exceeded in any given year, or 63 percent over the course of a century - occurs. This assumption underestimates risk, the paper's authors find, because it fails to capture the full range of stream flow conditions that can cause bridge collapse.

A new model

In their analysis, the researchers considered the full variability of floods that could cause collapse, as opposed to the 100-year approach taken previously. As a result, their findings identified a greater sensitivity to changes in the underlying frequency of flooding. This result appears to support the idea that analyses considering a range of flood scenarios, as opposed to a single 100-year threshold, could be more robust and accurate.

Indeed, of the 35 bridges analyzed, 23 were estimated to have collapsed during a water flow of lesser intensity than a 100-year flood level. The authors note that a primary reason for these lower flow collapses is the fact that most of those collapsed bridges were built before modern design standards. Because most U.S. bridges, along with most U.S. infrastructure, pre-date the modern design standards, the results highlight a more general risk that extreme climate events pose to U.S. infrastructure.

The American Society for Civil Engineering gives U.S. bridges a C+, estimating that $123 billion is needed to clear the maintenance backlog. An additional $140-$250 billion over the 21st century may be required to address the increasing risks posed by climate change, according to past research.

"To balance funding between the backlog and climate adaptation, bridge managers will need robust data on collapse risk," said lead author Madeleine M. Flint, an assistant professor of civil & environmental engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. "Our study is a step in that direction."
- The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is set to launch his memoirs on the 2015 election

- Tinubu disclosed this on Friday, April 28 in Lagos through his media aide, Tunde Rahman

- The comment was made at the book launch of Against the Run of Play, a book authored by veteran journalist, Olusegun Adeniyi

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is set to launch his memoirs on the 2015 election, The Punch reports.

Tinubu disclosed this on Friday, April 298 in Lagos through his media aide, Tunde Rahman, who represented him at the book launch of Against the Run of Play, a book authored by veteran journalist, Olusegun Adeniyi.

Tinubu stated that he was working on a book that would detail how his party removed former President Goodluck Jonathan from office.

Tinubu says he is working on his own memoirs as regards the 2015 elections

The former governor of Lagos played an instrumental role in the merger of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Congress for Progressive Change and All Nigeria Peoples Party to form the APC that presented President Muhammadu Buhari as candidate in 2015.

READ ALSO: EFCC nabs and arraigns court official for N9.2m fraud

Buhari went on to defeat then incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan, in what became the first power transition from one politcal party to another in Nigeria's young democracy.

He said people should not dwell on his loss of the vice-presidential seat but on the achievements of Osinbajo, whom he had nominated for the position.

His words: Some have said that they will tell their story, Asiwaju is also working on his own book to tell his account of what transpired.

To tell how he was able to mould the APC to the extent that it was able to unseat an incumbent president for the first time in the history of our contemporary politics.

The account of what transpired as told by Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the book and as presented in some newspapers is not about him losing the vice-presidency and the eventual vice-president emerging, as the reviewer has put it.

Asiwaju spoke in greater context in that book, and when people are making comments, they should speak with the context in which he spoke. If they are saying that Asiwaju lost the vice-presidency and that a vice-president emerged, where did he emerge from? Who nominated the vice-president?

Id like to say that even the vice-president has said on some occasions that a certain political leader from the South-West nominated him for the job and we all know who that is.

That nomination has been a very good choice from all the wonderful things the vice-president has been doing.

Tinubu was instrumental to the APC defeating the then incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan

READ ALSO: Whistle blower, blogger arrested by the Nigerian police for cyber bullying

Meanwhile, a former governor of Niger state, Babangida Aliyu has revealed why the North opposed Jonathans re-election bid in 2015.

Aliyu said the North backed out because Jonathan reneged on his promise to govern for only one term of four years.

Watch this Legit.ng video of Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido berating Nigerian leaders for their poor performance in recent times.

Source: Legit.ng
- Dame Patience Jonathan was a controversial figure while her husband was Nigeria's number one citizen

- Her power and influence during her husband's time at the Presidential Villa was not in doubt

- The power and influence she possesed eventually became her husband's undoing in the 2015 elections

A new book titled Against the Run of Play: How an incumbent President was defeated in Nigeria, written by veteran journalist, Segun Adeniyi has chronicled the controversies courted by former first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, that cost her husband his electoral victory in 2015.

The book focused on Mrs Jonathan's many fights, gaffes, troubles that made her husband look weak and ill-suited for the office of president.

Although she criss-crossed the length and breadth of Nigeria mobilising women and men to vote for her husband, Mrs Jonathan's utterances and actions further caused more trouble for an already sinking president.

Mrs Jonathan was involved in so many political battles and it affected her husband's electoral fortunes

READ ALSO: Nnamdi Kanu's wife speaks on the need for Biafra to succeed

Legit.ng lists 7 actions of the former first lady, which eventually affected her husband's chances of returning to Aso Rock.

1. Jonathan was hardly one year in office when the then first lady had an explosive encounter with the Speaker of the House of Representatives at the time, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

Adeniyi quotes Dame Jonathan as telling Tambuwal: You this Hausa boy, you want to bring down the government of my husband; you want to disgrace him out of power? Una no fit! God no go allow you.

2. Mrs Jonathan also had the seem suspicion towards the then Senate President, David Mark. Mark was quoted as saying in the book: She once accosted Senator Joy Emordi to say, Joy, I hear you are the manager of David Mark Presidential Campaign Organisation, which was a baseless accusation.

I had to meet the president to clarify issues with him, So, I would say it was President Jonathan and his wife, who radicalised Tambuwal and turned him into a political foe.

3. The former first lady started attacking the then Rivers state governor, Rotimi Amaechi, over land matters in Okrika, where she hails from, embarrassing the governor before her natives. This was barely six months in August 2010 after Jonathan had been sworn in as president following the death of Yar Adua in February of that year.

The author wrote: In the course of a two-day visit to Rivers state, Dame Patience Jonathan engaged then Governor Amaechi in an open altercation in Okrika, her home town. The governor was explaining why there would be some demolitions in the town to make way for new schools proposed by the state government when Dame snatched the microphone from him and shouted, Listen, you must listen to me! 

A clearly embarrassed Amaechi stood still while Dame Patience Jonathan railed at him, I want you to get me clear. I am from Okrika, I know the problems of my people. So, I know what I am talking about. I do not want us to go into crisis.

We are preaching peace and we must maintain peace at any time. But what I am telling you is that you always say you must demolish. That word must you use is not good. It is by pleading. You appeal to the owners of the compound because they will not go into exile. Land is a serious issue.

From that day, the battle-line was drawn between the two as Mrs Jonathan made it clear she would not tolerate a governor from her state who would not bow to her. And it was not in Amaechis nature to be easily muzzled.

4. Mrs Jonathan stoked further fire of alienation against her husband in the North shortly after the 279 Chibok girls were seized by Boko Haram in April 2014. Contrary to the sympathy expressed by the world towards the kidnap of the school girls, Dame rather gave the impression that the event was stage-managed to embarrass Jonathan and his administration.

While the management of the crisis by the military had begun to put credibility in serious doubt, the bigger problem for Jonathan came from the home front.

In what she framed as a plot to discredit her husband, Dame Patience Jonathan told a group of visiting women led by the PDP National Women Leader, Mrs. Kema Chikwe, We the Nigerian women are saying no child is missing in Borno state. If any child is missing, let the governor go and look for them. There is nothing we can do again.

Jonathan could clearly not call his wife to order as she continued to embarrass his government

5. The book also alluded to the defeat of Jonathan at the 2015 poll to the utterances of his wife, Patience. It quotes the former Niger state governor, Babangida Aliyu, as accusing the former first lady of insulting the North with incendiary language, thereby alienating them from Jonathan during the election.

According to the former governor, Mrs Jonathan made sneering remarks against the North, by saying Our people no dey born children wey dem no dey count. Our men no dey born throw way for street; we no dey like people from the other side, an apparent reference to the concept of Almajiri common in the region.

6. In the course of a PDP rally in Calabar, Cross River state, on March 2, 2015, Mrs Jonathan urged PDP members to stone anyone that promised change, which was the APC slogan.

Anyone that come and tell you change, stone that person. Anybody that tells you change, tell that person, carry your change and get away, she was seen saying in a video that went viral.

7. At the PDP Women Presidential Campaign Rally in Kogi state, a northern town, a few days to the presidential election, Mrs Jonathan described the then APC Presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, as being brain dead.

She said poignantly in pidgin english at the rally attended by thousands of people in Lokoja, the state capital, Wetin him (Buhari) dey find again? Him dey drag with pikin mate. Old man wey no get brain, him brain don die pata pata (What does Buhari want again? He is jostling for power with someone young enough to be his son. Old man whose brain is completely dead!).

READ ALSO: Tinubu set to reveal how APC triumphed in 2015 polls

Meanwhile, a former governor of Niger state, Babangida Aliyu has revealed why the North opposed former president Goodluck Jonathans re-election bid in 2015.

Aliyu said the North backed out because Jonathan reneged on his promise to govern for only one term of four years.

Source: Legit.ng
By Benet Koleka TIRANA (Reuters) - Albania's Socialist party used its majority in parliament to force through the election of a new president of the Balkan country on Friday, leaving its politics polarised as the opposition maintains a two-month-old boycott. The new president, Ilir Meta, has twice served briefly as a Socialist prime minister before forming a breakaway party that for the past eight years has alternately played kingmaker to both main parties. The opposition Democratic Party and its allies accused Prime Minister Edi Rama of being a hypocrite for handing the presidency to a man he once accused of being "the symbol of everything rotten happening in Albania". Meta, 48, said it was the opposition boycott that prompted him to accept the role. "We should try to find consensus so that Albania does not become like Macedonia," he said referring to protesters' violent storming of parliament in the neighbouring country late on Thursday. The constitution calls for Albania's president to be elected by parliament with three-fifths of the vote. Meta got the votes of 87 lawmakers, and two against, surpassing the target by two. The opposition, whose absence from parliament is stalling a reform of the judiciary that would help Albania start accession talks with the European Union, is demanding the formation of a new technocratic government of experts. It says the current one is corrupt and has rigged recent local elections. Camped out in a tent near the government building, opposition lawmakers are also threatening to protest at a mayoral election in the central town of Kavaje on May 7, and to boycott parliamentary elections on June 18. Meta and Rama have had an uneasy time governing since they won a landslide victory in June 2013, with Meta's party at times acting as a harsh critic of the government's work. Analyst Blendi Fevziu said Meta wanted the presidency to try to mould an image as a unifying figure in the divided NATO member state. "Rama managed to get Meta, his main rival for the premier's job, out of the active political scene for the next five years. He has now only one rival, the Democratic Party leader," Fevziu wrote. As a deputy premier under former prime minister Sali Berisha, Meta resigned and was cleared of corruption charges by the Supreme Court after one of his own ministers accused him of interfering in a tender and a concession with offers of bribes. Four Socialist Party supporters were shot and killed by security forces after a protest staged by Rama against Meta's alleged corruption and election violations turned violent in January 2011. (Reporting by Benet Koleka, Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel Saturday criticised Ivanka Trump's role as an adviser to her father in the White House, describing it as a form of "nepotism." "For me there are things that remain strange, like for example the visit of his daughter to Germany which was treated almost like a world event, while the mix of politics with family and business reminds us instead of nepotism and would be unimaginable here," he said. Gabriel was referring to the visit to Berlin of Ivanka Trump this week to take part in a women's empowerment summit at the invitation of conservative German Chancellor Angela Merkel. "It always bothers me when members of a family, who have never been elected, show up suddenly as official state representatives and are treated almost as if they were members of a royal family," the Social Democrat said in an interview published Saturday with the German regional media group Funke. Ivanka Trump, a former model who started her own fashion line, has worked for her billionaire-father Donald Trump's company and now has an office in the White House. She has been accused in the United States of benefiting from nepotism. Commenting on the US president's first 100 days in office, Gabriel said the situation has "improved" but was "still not good." Merkel, in an interview with the Madsack media group published Saturday, said she had "developed a good working relationship" with Trump, "which clearly does not exclude different points of view." The two leaders have notably clashed over military spending for NATO and on trade.
Fresh from its launch in the Indonesian market last April 7, the updated Toyota Agyasold in the Philippine market as the Toyota Wigowas brought to the 2017 Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) in Jakarta by Toyota Astra Motor (TAM), the official assembler and distributor of Toyota in the country.

Toyota Agya

The refreshed Agya has a more stylish and modern exterior and interior design, like the sportier front and rear bumpers and the projector headlights with LED light guides for the former and semi-bucket seats for the latter.

More important though are the more powerful and fuel efficient engine technologies incorporated into the 1.0-liter VVT-i and 1.2-liter dual VVT-i mills.

According to TAM, since the updated Agyas launch on April 7, it has received 2,600 orders for the micro car, and that since its launch in 2013 until March 2017, it has sold 197,310 units of the Agya.

(The) new Agya is expected to meet customers expectations in the entry segment through a more complete lineup, stylish design, and more powerful yet efficient engines, said TAM Vice President Director Henry Tanoto. The introduction of the new Agya will change customers pint of view toward Toyotas entry segment, in which the product can be as stylish and modern as Toyotas pricier offerings.

Check out more photos of the new Toyota Agyaand a lone photo of a Daihatsu Ayla, which Toyota rebadged into the Agyain the gallery below.

The post Indonesia 2017: Toyota ID brings updated Toyota Agya to the show appeared first on Carmudi Philippines Journal.
A 72-year-old Italian medieval art expert was on Saturday elected to head the Order of Malta, the world's oldest chivalric order. Giacomo Dalla Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto takes the reins for one year after Pope Francis ordered the resignation in January of the Order's Grand Master, Britain's Matthew Festing, following a power struggle. A centuries-old lay religious mission, the order provides humanitarian aid in crisis zones around the world. It comprises 13,500 members ranked by their noble titles and who are expected to lead an exemplary Christian life while participating in the Order's charity activities. The influential Order of Malta, founded in Jerusalem and recognised by the pope in 1113, operates in around 120 countries and is one of the biggest landowners in Italy. Only 12 of the Order's 56 "professed knights" -- the missions's top tier of membership -- were able to show evidence of sufficiently noble lineage to become Grand Master. Di Sanguinetto was chosen after Pope Francis on Wednesday received 15 of the knights and handed them a letter encouraging reform but also restating his authority as head of the Roman Catholic Church. In his letter, the pontiff noted the "special relationship" between the Vatican and the Order and saluted those members who he said had shown they "want to ensure a way of serving even more consonant with the Gospel". "You are embarking on an important path of spiritual renewal in a spirit of fidelity to your tradition and with vigilance to the signs of the times and needs of the world, through the witness to the Faith and in the service to the poor." The Order was originally founded to help defend Christendom from Islamic invaders and pirates. But it is now involved in helping migrants around the world -- including the many Muslims rescued in the Mediterranean.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte warned Southeast Asian leaders Saturday they were facing a "massive" illegal drug menace that could destroy their societies, as he called for a united response. Duterte, who has faced international condemnation for his own crackdown on drugs that has claimed thousands of lives, also insisted that outsiders should not interfere in Southeast Asia's affairs. "The illegal drug trade is massive but it is not impregnable," Duterte said in a speech to open an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders summit. "With political will and cooperation, it can be dismantled. It can be destroyed before it destroys our societies." Duterte urged the leaders to be "resolute in realising a drug-free ASEAN". Duterte was elected last year largely on a law-and-order platform in which he promised to eradicate illegal drugs in the Philippines by killing tens of thousands of people. His pledge proved wildly popular with millions of Filipinos looking for a quick solution to crime and corruption. Since Duterte took office 10 months ago, police have reported killing 2,724 people as part of his anti-drug campaign. Many thousands of others have been killed by shadowy vigilantes, according to rights groups. A Filipino lawyer filed a complaint this week against Duterte at the International Criminal Court, accusing him of "mass murder" and alleging that as many as 8,000 people had died in the drug war. Duterte has relentlessly railed against criticism of his drug war, which Amnesty International and other rights groups have warned may amount to a crime against humanity. He said last year he would be "happy to slaughter" millions of addicts in his quest to stop the Philippines from becoming a narco-state, and repeatedly insisted human rights should not stand in the way of eradicating drugs. - 'Do not interfere' - In his speech to ASEAN leaders, Duterte highlighted the bloc's tradition of "non-interference". He did this while talking about relations with the United States and the European Union, which have expressed concern about alleged extrajudicial killings in his drug war. "Dialogue relations can be made more productive, constructive if the valued principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of the ASEAN member-states is observed," Duterte said. Duterte had last year branded then US president Barack Obama a "son of a whore" for criticising the drug war, and more recently called European lawmakers "crazies" for issuing a statement condemning the killings. Observers said in the lead-up to the summit that ASEAN leaders were unlikely to criticise Duterte, with Human Rights Watch calling the bloc "a club of cosy dictators or rights abusers". Among the heads of undemocratic regimes in Manila were Thai military junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha, Cambodia's Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge cadre, and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei. Some ASEAN leaders expressed support for Duterte and his drug war. "We also share your country's concerns on the devastating effects of drugs upon society and I understand your personal resolve in combating it," Bolkiah said as Duterte hosted him at the presidential palace on Thursday. Indonesian President Joko Widodo, whose government has executed drug traffickers, expressed his personal affection for Duterte because they had "so much in common". "I believe that you and I are not fancy people. I believe that you and I are driven by healthy common sense and by love for our people," Widodo said on Friday. Many Filipinos also continue to support Duterte's drug war, believing that extreme measures must be taken to solve the drug menace.
2017 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #17

Posted on 29 April 2017 by John Hartz

A chronological listing of news articles posted on the Skeptical Science Facebook page during the past week. Articles of signifigance as determined by the editor are highlighted in the Editor's Picks' section.

Editor's Picks

Tens of thousands marched for science. Now what?

Just hours after the Washington March for Science dispersed, organizers sent an email to demonstrators with the subject line, What's next?

Our movement is just starting, the message read. It went on to urge marchers to take part in a week of action, a set of coordinated activities that range from signing an environmental voting pledge to participating in a citizen science project. They will provide postcards for participants to send to their political leaders and a calendar of events recommended by the march's partner groups.

The march website was also overhauled Saturday night to include a new page on the organization's vision for the future. The details are not fully fleshed out (and the page still included a few typos Sunday afternoon), but organizers say they aim to build a new science advocacy network and establish programs to better engage the public with science.

We intend to symbolically keep marching, said national co-chair Valerie Aquino. I would love for the March for Science to continue growing into a global movement.

That goal will require a sea change in how scientists think about outreach. But after the success of the march, which turned out tens of thousands of demonstrators in more than 600 cities, organizers think it could happen.

Tens of thousands marched for science. Now what? by Sarah Kaplan, Speaking of Science, Washington Post, Apr 23, 2107

China, India Become Climate Leaders as West Falters

Less than two years after world leaders signed off on a historic United Nations climate treaty in Paris in late 2015, and following three years of record-setting heat worldwide, climate policies are advancing in developing countries but stalling or regressing in richer ones.

In the Western hemisphere, where centuries of polluting fossil fuel use have created comfortable lifestyles, the fight against warming has faltered largely due to the rise of far-right political groups and nationalist movements. As numerous rich countries have foundered, India and China have emerged as global leaders in tackling global warming.

Nowhere is backtracking more apparent than in the U.S., where President Trump is moving swiftly to dismantle environmental protections and reverse President Obamas push for domestic and global solutions to global warming.

The U.S. isnt alone in its regression. European lawmakers are balking at far-reaching measures to tackle climate change. Australian climate policy is in tatters. International efforts to slow deforestation in tropical countries are failing.

China, India Become Climate Leaders as West Falters by John Upton, Climate Central, Apr 24, 2017

April 1970 through March 2017 temperature trend from Berkeley Earth.

With the first quarter of 2017 now past, the year is shaping up to be one of climate extremes: high temperatures, low sea ice, and coral bleaching.

Global surface temperatures continue to increase in-line with climate model predictions, and the world has now experienced an increased global temperature of about 0.8 degrees C (1.5 degrees F) since 1970. Temperatures for the first three months of the year were actually warmer than the 2016 average, and there is a reasonable chance that 2017 for a fourth consecutive year will be the warmest on record.

Global sea ice extent is near historic lows in the Arctic and Antarctic, and Arctic sea ice volume has also been decreasing as it ages and thins, with less new ice to replace it. The Great Barrier Reef experienced an unprecedented second consecutive year of coral bleaching, the only major coral bleaching on record to have occurred other than in an El Nino year.

Worrisome first quarter of 2017 climate trends by Zeke Hausfather, Yale Climate Connections, Apr 27, 2017

An Ice-Free Summer in the Arctic Ocean Would Be Deadly for the Northern Hemisphere

Arctic sea ice near the coast of Greenland in September of 2015 at the peak of the melt season. (Photo: Bob Berwyn)

Climate scientists dont like to get pinned down on making date-specific projections about the effects of global warming. But after months of watching Arctic sea ice languish at a record low, the big question has surfaced once again: When will we see the Arctics first ice-free summer?

According to University of Exeter climate researcher James Screen, the latest modeling suggests that, unless heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions stop soon, an ice-free Arctic summer will happen as soon as 2046.

Thats our best estimate, give or take 20 years, Screen said during an April 24th press conference at the European Geosciences Union conference in Vienna. The ice decline is clearly linked with rising global temperatures, and the chances that the Arctic will be ice-free increase dramatically when the average global temperature rises between 1.7 and 2.1 degrees Celsius, Screen said.

An Ice-Free Summer in the Arctic Ocean Would Be Deadly for the Northern Hemisphere by Bob Berwyn, Pacific Standard, Apr 28, 2017

The kids suing Donald Trump are marching to the White House

"The state of the planet is unraveling all around us because of our addiction to fossil fuels," Xiuhtezcatl Martinez said at the steps of the US Supreme Court this week. "For the last several decades, we have been neglecting the fact that this is the only planet that we have and that the main stakeholders in this issue (of climate change) are the younger generation. Not only are the youth going to be inheriting every problem that we see in the world today  after our politicians have been long gone  but our voices have been neglected from the conversation.

"Our politicians are no longer representing our voices."

So, what's a voiceless kid to do?

How about sue President Donald Trump and his administration  and then march to the White House?

The kids suing Donald Trump are marching to the White House by John Sutter, CNN, Apr 29, 2017

Sun Apr 23, 2017

Mon Apr 24, 2017

Tue Apr 25, 2017

Wed Apr 26, 2017

Thu Apr 27, 2017

Fri Apr 28, 2017

Sat Apr 29, 2017
Small business owners know digital marketing is no longer secondary to traditional print marketing and advertising and is a great way for them to get more bang for their marketing bucks. (In fact, 95% of small businesses plan to increase spending on digital marketing this year.) But to get the best results, its important to understand digital marketing and keep up with digital marketing trends.

Digital Marketing 101

What is digital marketing? Its often thought of as online marketing, but it goes far beyond internet marketing. Digital marketing refers to any marketing that uses digital channels to reach prospective customers. This includes mobile phone messaging (both SMS and MMS), email marketing, social media marketing, display advertising, search engine marketing and apps.

10 Basic Digital Marketing Strategies to Use

1. Your business website

No matter how active you are on social media, it cant replace a business website. Your website is the digital home of your business and its the one place online where you are completely in control of your message. Your website doesnt have to be fancy, but it does need to be mobile-friendly. thats non-negotiable in 2019.

2. Search engine optimization

Search engine optimization (SEO) refers to the process of increasing website traffic using the organic (non-paid) search results on search engines. There are many moving parts to SEO, including using the right keywords in your website, your social media presence, references to your website from external sites and much more. The complexity of SEO is one reason only 44% of businesses are currently investing in SEO, according to Clutch. The good news: Being one of that 44% can put you ahead of your competition.

3. Local search engine optimization

Since 2015, more searches have been conducted on mobile devices than on desktop computers, according to Google. Many of those searches are done while users are on the go looking for local businesses, so Googles search results now favor websites that are optimized for local search by including location information and location-related keywords. In addition to optimizing your website for local search, claim your business location on local search directories such as Google My Business and make sure that your name, address and phone number (NAP) information is listed exactly the same way on all the local search directories. (No using St. in one listing and Street in another.) If your NAP varies from one listing to another, search engines may not recognize it as the same business, hurting your search results.

4. Email marketing

Nearly seven in 10 businesses use email marketing, making it the third most popular digital marketing method. Almost half (47%) of people across demographics check their email on a mobile device; 81% of those use their smartphones (as opposed to tablets). In addition, the majority (33%) of email opens occur on mobile devices. When you develop your email marketing messages, think mobile-first. Keep emails short; include a clear call to action; design in a single-column format; and use plenty of white space so its easy to click on buttons or links in the email.

5. Social media marketing

Social media is the number-one marketing channel used by businesses, according to Clutch: 83% of companies use it. Theres good reason for that: Statista reports 77% of Americans use social media. Be sure youre keeping up to date on new social media channels, as well as where your target customers are spending time (for instance, are they leaving Facebook for Instagram)?

6. Content marketing

This practice refers to creating content (such as blog posts, ebooks, white papers, infographics, videos, etc.) that you share digitally. The goal is to attract users to view your content and take a desired action. For instance, you might write a blog post on How to Winterize Your House and Save Money and include a call-to-action such as Contact us to get a free estimate on winterizing your home.

7. Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising

Pay-per-click digital ads appear when users do an internet search for the terms you use in the ad. The name comes from the fact that you only pay when someone clicks on your ad. The most common place for PPC ads is on Google (using Google AdWords) but ads on Facebook and other social media channels are also considered PPC.

8. Marketing automation

Marketing automation software can automate many repetitive aspects of marketing. For instance, it can send automated responses or start a drip marketing campaign when prospects fill out a leads form. It can schedule your social media posts, determine the best time to send email newsletters, and more.

9. Messaging

From SMS and MMS text messages to the use of messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Messenger, Viber or WeChat, you can market to customers using mobile messaging. Mobile messaging marketing applications can use location-based data to trigger messages at relevant moments, such as when a customer is near your store or restaurant.

10. Online ratings and reviews

You may not think of online review sites as digital marketing, but theyre a major factor in how prospects form an opinion of your business. Some 86% of consumers (and 95% of those age 18 to 34) read reviews for local businesses; 91% of 18-to-34-year-old consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Optimize your listings on review sites the same way you would on Google My Business: Keep them current and add photos, descriptions, directions and offers. Monitor your reviews regularly and respond to negative reviews quickly (and politely).

10 Digital Marketing Trends to Know

Now that youve got a handle on digital marketing, here are 10 digital marketing trends every small business should factor into their plans.

1. Email marketing personalization via marketing automation

Nearly six in 10 marketers say personalization is their most effective email marketing tactic; in fact, emails that have personalized subject lines are 26% more likely to be opened. AI-powered automation tools can help you personalize email messaging by analyzing the data you capture about your email subscribers (such as what they open, click on and buy) and using it to deliver the right message at the right time.

2. Voice search

Voice search currently accounts for one third of all Google searches, and by 2020, is expected to account for one-half. Good general SEO will help you rank high in voice search, according to a recent study. But you can additionally optimize for voice search using keywords and phrases that sound the way people talk (What bakeries are open right now?) rather than the way theyd type into a search engine (bakeries open now). Creating an FAQ page on your website that answers questions people might ask about your product can also help optimize for voice search.

3. Content marketing overload

With so much content out there, are your prospects really paying attention? To keep driving customers to your website, make this the year you focus on creating less, but better, content. Instead of constantly churning out blog posts stuffed with SEO keywords, try crafting one or two really good, longer pieces of content a month. Content that answers prospects or customers questions in a way no one else is doing can really stand out.

4. Google My Business is more important than ever

Google search results prioritize Google My Business listings. As a result, many searchers dont bother paging below these or clicking through to a website. they get all the info they need from GMB. Make sure your Google My Business page makes the cut by regularly adding new photos, posts, offers or videos and keeping your description current. You can now add Posts in Google My Business, too. Think of your GMB result as its own little website and add all the info you can to it.

5. PPC advertising comes of age

The Google search engine results page is getting crowded and fewer people are ignoring the ads at the top. Googles algorithm is getting great at delivering relevant ads, and even being at the top of organic search results wont get you the customers attention if that customer doesnt scroll down. If youre not already doing so, make this the year you incorporate PPC ads into your marketing plan.

6. Omnichannel marketing

Prospects use more than one digital channel to investigate your business. They might do an online search and see your Google My Business listing, click through to your website and read your reviews. Thats why all of your digital marketing efforts need to work together to promote a consistent branding message.

7. Chatbots

You can use conversational AI software (that is, chatbots) to engage with prospects in a variety of ways, from helping them navigate your website or answering common questions to suggesting additional products or even engaging on social media. For instance, you can program Facebook Messenger bots to answer your Facebook messages, saving you time and giving your followers quick responses.

See Also: Secrets for Using Digital Marketing to Drive More Inbound Sales Calls

8. Online video

By 2020, video will account for more than 85% of all consumer internet traffic in the U.S. (Already, YouTube is the second most popular website, surpassed only by Google.) Todays up and coming Gen Z, in particular, has grown up watching YouTube videos and its the place they turn to for the answers to everything. Videos that show viewers how to do something, help solve their problems, interview industry experts or provide an insiders look into your business are all popular ways to attract attention. Creating a YouTube channel is free and exposes your videos to a wider audience. Also look into getting online influencers to review your products. it can make a huge difference to your business.

9. Tell your story

Consumers crave authentic interaction with businesses. They want to know your story. Be transparent about your business, your staff and your values. In the digital world, live-action or short-term video content such as Stories on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube creates a feeling of immediacy and intimacy that can help build a bond with your target market.

10. Social media backlash

Facebook privacy problems such as the Cambridge Analytica data-sharing scandal have driven some users from the platform, and if youre targeting millennial and younger users, Instagram is the place to be, with the vast majority of its users aged 18 to 34. But Instagram isnt immune from backlash either, as the platform recently took steps to remove inauthentic likes and fake followers from influencers accounts. Remember, honest interaction is more important than numbers.

What digital marketing tactics do you currently use, and which are you planning to add to your arsenal?
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Whether you run a local business or one thats completely online, your success probably hinges less on the products or services you sell than about the entrepreneur you are. So how do you upgrade your skills, creativity and instincts  for the benefit of your business, of course. Members of our small business community have experience in many of those areas. Check out some of their top tips in the list below.

Learn Local SEO Strategies

If you run a local business, you might think that you dont need to worry about online marketing. But SEO can be a major factor for helping potential customers find you. Here, you can see some local SEO strategies shared by Bill Hartzer of Search Engine Journal.

Find Creative Ways to Hire Summer Employees

Summer is a popular time for businesses to boost productivity by hiring some extra employees. But hiring temporary employees sometimes requires a little creativity. Check out some strategies in this When I Work post by William Harris.

Learn How to Find Your Gross Profit

Understanding your profits is essential for tracking your businesss goals and progress. To learn a simple way of finding your businesss gross profit, check out this Fundera Ledger post by Billie Anne Grigg. Then see what BizSugar members are saying about the post.

Know the Importance of Supervisor Training and Development

If you want your employees to be successful, then you need good leaders and supervisors. In this SMB CEO post, Ivan Widjaya details why its so important for small businesses to understand the importance of supervisor training and development.

Make Your Brand Stand Out on Social Media

Whether you run an online business or a local business, social media can be an extremely helpful tool. But you need to be able to make your business stand out on social media if you want to have any success. Mary Blackiston shares some tips for doing so in this SUCCESS Agency blog post.

Understand The Facts About Snapchat and Instagram

Snapchat and Instagram specifically are growing in popularity with consumers and marketers alike. But since these platforms are constantly changing, its important that you understand the basics, as outlined in this Resonance Content Marketing post by Rachel Parker. BizSugar members also share thoughts on the post.

Create Effective Standard Operating Procedures

To get the most out of your team and your business, you need to have some clearly outlined processes and procedures. For more on how to actually create those procedures, take a look at the Process Street post by Adam Henshall.

Check Out The Latest Domain Extensions

When creating your small business website, you no longer have to settle for a simple .com extension. In this Smallbiztechnology.com post by Helen Cartwright, you can check out some of the new domain extensions that are available for businesses to use.

Listen to a Few Great Entrepreneurial Podcasts

If you want to expand your entrepreneurial knowledge, podcasts can be a great resource. This crowdSPRING post by Amanda Bowman features nine podcasts that all entrepreneurs should listen to. And the BizSugar community also comments on the post here.

Consider Your Audiences Where and When

When thinking about your audience, you might stop with simply considering who they are. But thinking about where and when your audience might come across your message is also an important consideration. Kevin Lee elaborates further in this Marketing Land post.

If youd like to suggest your favorite small business content to be considered for an upcoming community roundup, please send your news tips to: sbtips@gmail.com.
If measure gets support of 30 senators, it will go on November 2018 ballot

State Rep. Justin Burr, R-Stanly, characterized North Carolinians' right to work as a freedom so cherished that it was vital to strengthen it from a state law to inclusion in the state constitution.By a 75-44 vote Tuesday night, House Bill 819 passed on a party line vote, with the exception of Rep. William Brisson, D-Bladen, voting with the Republican majority. If the bill gets the vote of at least 30 senators, a constitutional amendment would be placed before voters statewide in the Nov. 6, 2018, general election.Voters would be asked to choose for or against aBurr and other House Republicans argued during extensive floor debate Tuesday that the state right-to-work law, in place since 1947, could be changed upon the whim of any future General Assembly.Therefore the fundamental liberty required constitutional protections against coerced membership in a union or forced payment of union dues, fees, or other charges in a union shop even when shunning membership in the labor organization, Republicans contended.Burr also argued along personal conscience lines, saying it was wrong to compel an employee to pay dues to a union that would use that money to promote and support political candidates and causes with which the employee might disagree.Burr said.Rep. Michael Speciale, R-Craven, recalled his negative experiences having worked in a union shop, and confronting a union representative over demands that he pay union dues.Rep. Verla Insko, D-Orange, who was among Democrats opposing H.B. 819, had a different take. She said she worked in a canning factory in California as a young person, and made good wages as a result of belonging to a union.She said unions create a happy work force because of a sense of "shared community," and that California remains strong economically with significant union membership in the state.Just as the bill would prevent an employee from being forced to join a union as a condition of employment or continued employment, it would bar an employer from requiring an employee to abstain or refrain from membership in a labor organization.Any lawful contracts that were in effect at the time of passage of the bill would not be affected by the measure.Donald Bryson, state director of Americans for Prosperity - North Carolina, hailed the ban on compulsory union dues and union membership as a condition of employment.Bryson said.He urged the Senate to pass the bill to allow voters to decide on the economic freedom issue.said MaryBe McMillan, secretary-treasurer of the North Carolina AFL-CIO.McMillan said.Other primary sponsors of H.B. 819 are Reps. Jimmy Dixon, R-Duplin, Kyle Hall, R-Surry, and Jason Saine, R-Lincoln.McMillan said.Other primary sponsors of H.B. 819 are Reps. Jimmy Dixon, R-Duplin, Kyle Hall, R-Surry, and Jason Saine, R-Lincoln.
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Ninety percent of businesses in the United States are family owned. Some of the biggest brands in America were family founded and are controlled by a family.

Walmart and Berkshire Hathaway are two of the largest examples.

While family-run businesses can be close-knit, friendly, successful and inspiring, they are not without their challenges. One challenge of family leadership is becoming stuck in the same old ways of doing things (because of family pressure) even when the company is growing.

Another challenge is breaking bad news to employees of the company who also happen to be family members. For example, how do you attempt to demote a family member to a lower rung on the company ladder? Or, worse yet, how do you tell Mom and Dad it might be time to retire?

How Do You Fire a Family Member?

In order to shed some light on the unique challenges facing family-run businesses, Small Business Trends spoke with Kathy Kolbe, a global leader in discovering and accessing the power of human instincts, and her daughter Amy Bruske, President of Kolbe Corp. Kathy and Amy have been working in their own family business for more than 20 years. Both are award-winning consultants and advisors to more than 3,000 owners of family businesses and Fortune 500 companies.

As mother and daughter, working together for more than two decades, Kolbe and Bruske have personally experienced every situation discussed in their new book Business is Business: Reality Checks for Family-Owned Companies, which provides research-based insight on the most effective ways to run a business and manage relationships.

Neither Kolbe nor Bruske recall a time when they wished they were working anywhere else.

Heres some advice they share with Small Business Trends on how to tell a family member theyre no longer needed in the business.

Dont Become Known as the Family Member Who Fires People

First Kolbe and Bruske insist family members can avoid being criticized for firing another member of the family by praising the individuals level of effort, if appropriate, and by confirming and discussing what they naturally do well and careers suited to those abilities. Family members should analyze why continued efforts would not be fruitful and examples and references for where and with whom they might succeed should be given. Criticisms of being the one doing the firing could also be avoided by sharing a vision for the future and, as Kolbe and Bruske explain:

Agreeing on how you will share the information with others, including all company employees and non-employee family members.

Show Some Tact When You Fire a Family Member

Family members firing co-workers with a family attachment should show tact about the uncomfortable situation at all times. According to Kolbe and Bruske, employers firing family workers should avoid bringing up any other family members performances in the company. They should also refrain from discussing the situation with other family members who are uninvolved in the management of the business.

During social situations and at family gatherings, the family business members should avoid referencing the situation to avoid awkwardness and conflict.

Equally, families should not, according to Kolbe and Bruske:

Incriminate or assign blame if they in fact tried hard and did nothing unethical or against policies.

They should also avoid itemizing errors or omissions and assigning guilt to anybody.

Forcing the founder out of a family business is an even more complex task than firing family employees.

Attempt to Build Trust

To help assuage this difficult and complex situation, Kolbe and Bruske say family businesses should aim to involve a non-family adviser who is trusted by the founder. They should also openly ask the founder about his or her plans for the future and, if possible, have the founder set a transition date and communicate decisions to others. Company time should also be invested into assisting the founder in moving on to a desired adventure.

Create a special celebration event or document (e.g. book, painting, photos) that the founder can look forward to and that can be used for closure, Kolbe and Bruske recommend.

Avoid Bullying or Patronizing

In such situations, it is important that the founder is not bullied or patronized. The true entitlements of the founder should also be honored. The family business members should also not be afraid to ask for the founders advice or, as Kolbe and Bruske explain:

Change everything that the founder did that made the business successful.

Running and working for a family business can be rewarding and fulfilling but is not without its trials and tribulations. As explained above, tact, patience and diplomacy should be applied when it comes to the difficult situation of firing a family member.

Fired Photo via Shutterstock

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The changes to business of temporary employment agencies have caused serious problems to them.

Font size: A - | A +

Nearly 700 temporary employment agencies have disappeared from Slovakia in the past two years, following the new rules authored by the Labour Ministry.

In the past, agencies leased workers to big companies which often used a service due to lower wage demands. The ministry, however, limited the leasing of an employee to one company to 24 months, the Hospodarske Noviny daily reported in mid-March.

Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement

In our opinion, the amendment is problematic because it limits the flexibility of employment rather than the number of agencies, Jana Mesarova of Wincott People told the daily.

She criticises mostly the fact that private companies cannot set the contract relations based on their needs.

The amendment has caused serious problems to several agencies, admitted Veronika Husarova from the Labour Ministrys press department. Many of them, however, have used rather unfair practices, she added.

Most companies did not consider the agency work to be a tool to support flexibility, but rather a way to reduce costs per employee which worsened the working conditions for people, Husarova said, as quoted by Hospodarske Noviny.

Under the new rules, agency employees have to receive the same wages as permanent workers. The fine for violating the rules may amount to as much as 100,000. As a result, the number of permanent employees in companies has increased in the past two years, added Husarova.

Also Juraj Bace, spokesperson for Zilina-based carmaker Kia Motors Slovakia, has confirmed the trend. They now use the agency employees for no more than one year. If they are satisfied with their work, they offer them a permanent job, he said, as reported by Hospodarske Noviny.
NASAs iconic spacecraft Cassini, which is inching closer to its historic conclusion, has transmitted back the first image of its Grand Finale dive through Saturns magnificent ring to the ground-based systems and they are truly spectacular.

The Cassini spacecraft, which is going to take its final dive through Saturns atmosphere on 15th September 2017, for wrapping up its 13 years old iconic interplanetary mission has sent the closest-ever and first-ever views from inside Saturns rings on Thursday. The spaceship, after surviving its first of 22 plunges inside the planets enigmatic rings, has succeeded in beaming back the first-ever views of the Saturns rings and their inner realm, which no other spacecraft yet has been fortunate to explore and capture. NASA, in an official press release on Thursday, has published the stunning pictures from public access. A stream of pictures is showing the planets whirling clouds, massive tornado and odd six-sided eddy climate system, which were stunningly captured by Cassini during its first dive to Saturns ring on Wednesday.

After surviving from the highly hazardous manoeuvre, the spacecraft successfully re-established contact with Earth and started transmitting the pictures back to Earth. The space probe, which has been examining and exploring Saturn since last 13 years, is going to bundle up its mission on 15th September, as the probe is running out of fuel. In order to avoid the risks of spacecraft, crashing into Saturns moons like Enceladus and damaging and polluting then, NASA has planned to destroy its iconic Cassini by diving it into the atmosphere of Saturn.

However, before the momentous conclusion, Cassini will take a total of 22 dives into Saturns mysterious rings and capture the views of the narrow gaps, located between Saturn and its rings. It first plunges into Saturns ring took place on Wednesday, and in its final laps around the planet, Cassini plunged through the slender breach between the globe and its deepest ring on Wednesday, where no other spacecraft has ever reached earlier. It was the first of 22 scheduled closest-ever encounters of the space probe, and the dives are intended to bring the spaceship to an uncultivated territory between the cloud tops of Saturn and its innermost rings.

Cassini was launched in October 1997 and entered into Saturns orbit in 2004. And since then, Cassini has been studying and exploring Saturn, its moon, its cloud top and its weather system and will continue to do until September this year. However, since 30th November 2016, as the fuel resources of the spacecraft are spotted dwindling for further orbital attempts, NASA decided to end the mission, and the final phase of the mission is named as Grand Finale. Cassini entered the final phase of the project.

According to Harold C. Connolly Jr., chairperson of the department of geology at Rowan University in New Jersey, Cassinis entire mission was incredibly dramatic and noteworthy. Throughout the mission, the iconic spacecraft has provided us multitude of information and data about the planet, which eventually helped us in getting a better understanding of Solar systems second largest planet.
STEAM

Q & A With Art Educator Marcia Osterink

Her online Arts Attack program has helped tens of thousands of teachers and students across the country learn how to make and appreciate art.

Marcia Osterink is a Southern California arts teacher and the creator of Arts Attack, an award-winning art curriculum designed for K-8 thats available on DVD and streamable online.

Since 1991, Osterink has reached tens of thousands of students and teachers, sharing fundamental arts principles  such as color, line, shape, texture and perspective  as well as step-by-step lessons on creating original art. She has also crafted detailed lessons on art history and appreciation.

Her Arts Attack (Art Training for Teachers and Creative Kids) series has won a Mayors Award in her hometown of Del Mar and a Golden Bell Award for outstanding fine arts program from the California School Board Association. Osterink has re-filmed all of her lessons in high definition and created new episodes using Apples iMovie. She and her husband Larry have made the entire project available to schools and teachers online since 2014.

Since the beginning of this year, Arts Attack has recognized a Teacher of the Month whos using the curriculum successfully in his/her class. Tori Foley, a teacher from La Costa Meadows Elementary School in Carlsbad, CA, is Aprils honoree.

Osterink (and her husband) shared her thoughts on the arts, technology and why arts education is critical in K-8 education.

THE Journal: Why is arts education important for kids?

Marcia Osterink: Well, I dont consider it just important, I consider it essential. If you want to get technical, Im just going to talk about what goes on in kids brains, and educators caring about the whole child.

Teaching art is teaching how to access the right side of the brain, which is where all imagination, visualization, holistic thinking, synthesizing takes place. Any new idea takes place in the right side of the brain.

Were helping to develop creative kids who can really express themselves. You can see it when kids are writing, writing a term paper. If they really cant enter the right side of the brain, they cant see how all this information goes together, how all these bits and pieces pull together.

THE Journal: Why do there always seem to be cutbacks in arts education?



Osterink: I really think it dates back to the administrators. It dates back to their own art experience, where they didnt feel good about themselves in art. They dont value it. Its like they kind of dont believe it. Over the years, there have been studies that prove SAT scores go up when young people are involved in art. The kids in the arts outperform kids across the line.

[The administrators] dont really grasp the full value of it. They kind of think of it as playtime. I just think the decision makers, the administrators just think its fluff still. It definitely is not that.

Ive been doing this since 1979, and its the same old story. Its probably worse now than it was then. With No Child Left Behind, theres been a heavy emphasis on testing and test scores. Teachers are under so much pressure to have high test scores. We dont have time for art. Art isnt one of our disciplines that they are testing.

THE Journal: How does art education carry over into other areas of study?

Osterink: When you read, you visualize. Every concept starts with an image. This ability to visualize and imagine does carry over into reading. It carries over into writing. Just this thing I was talking about, the right side of the brain. You have to be able to put things together and make connections between things. When youre creating art, you have a big piece of paper in front of you, and you try to put something together that has some kind of meaningful whole. Thats what scientists do when theyre doing experiments. If they dont ever get that vision, that insight of, Oh, I can see how this all pulls together, then they cant invent.

Steve Jobs was one of the people that said one of the most important things when he interviewed a person was a great art portfolio. He was looking for people, artists as visionaries.

THE Journal: Do you see a connection between technology and art?



Osterink: Certainly in the sense that [art] stimulates creative thinking, and I think technology is moving so fast, that we need real creative thinkers to develop and create these ideas for technology.

I love the connections, the things that technology can do visually. At a concert, its amazing to me the backdrop, the things going on. The pictures, the visual, the background, the singers. Yes, I see technology as being one of the arts in a sense.

THE Journal: How do you create your Arts Attack videos?

Osterink: I create all the video, all of the product. I do all the editing. Im still using iMovie. I like it. It works really good for me and its fast, and the renderings fast.

I tried Final Cut Pro. I tried to love it, but kept going back to iMovie. You get good at what software youre used to.

THE Journal: How is Arts Attack different online, compared to the DVDs or even the old VHS tapes?

Osterink: Theres an art gallery they can access. They can go right to it, instead of ordering art prints. We provide everything  books and everything physical  now online. It certainly seems to be the preferred way of thinking.

Larry Osterink: There are a lot of advantages. For example, when we do updates, the customer has them immediately. Its lower cost. It includes a Great Masters Virtual Museum, which is added as an addendum. Its high definition, and nothing wears out.

THE Journal: How much is Arts Attack? Do you offer educational discounts?



Larry Osterink: The base price is $550 for a five-year subscription. If theres more than one grade classroom, its $100 per extra classroom. The biggest district that has the program is San Bernardino School District.

For small schools, its typically one-third off. For districts, it depends on how many schools are in the district. We have our product in every state in the United States, and a number in different countries as well.

THE Journal: What has the feedback been like from teachers and students?

Marcia Osterink: Well, its been really all positive. It really enables teachers to teach art. So many teachers  theyre so proud they can teach art. We have really satisfied customers, because it works. Plus our program, as I said, its serious art. We teach kids how to draw, use right-brain drawing. They learn across the disciplines: how to paint, weave, work with clay. We teach a whole program based on fundamental art principles, and those dont change.
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a leading international financial hub in the Middle East, Africa (MEA) and South Asia region, has signed an agreement with Mumbai Metropolitan Region Developmental Authority (MMRDA), an urban town planning and development authority established by the government of the Indian state of Maharashtra.

The agreement includes exchange of best practice and support for MMRDA in setting up an international financial centre in Mumbai.



In support of this initiative, the agreement signed with DIFC enables both entities to exchange knowledge and international best practice.



DIFC Authority chief executive Arif Amiri said the MoU would boost mutual co-operation.

Mumbai endeavours to set up its own international financial centre, in order to position it as the financial capital of India, he stated.



DIFC is recognised as the most robust and dynamic regulatory and legal system in the region, and we are pleased to share our experience of over a decade with other authorities looking to develop their own financial ecosystem. By working closely with partners such as MMRDA, we will further advance the development of a secure, stable and well managed global financial system" he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Omans Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm (Sezad) yesterday (April 19) celebrated the laying of the foundation stone for the China-Oman Industrial Park in Duqm, a project with investments expected to cross $10 billion till 2022, said a report.



The ceremony was held under the auspices of Sayyid Taimour bin Asaad Al Said in the presence of Yahya bin Saeed Al Jabri, chairman, Sezad; Wang Heshan, vice governor of Ningxia and chairman of Wanfang Oman Group, said the Oman Daily Observer report.



During the ceremony, a total of 10 agreements were signed between Wanfang Oman and some Chinese companies to implement $3.2 billion worth projects at the China-Oman Industrial Park in Duqm, added the report.



The 10 projects include building a manufacturing facility for solar energy equipment with a capacity of 1,000 gigawatt per annum, a factory for oil and gas services, water desalination plant, a facility for bromine exploration, a power plant, a five-star hotel, construction materials factory, a 44 vehicles factory and a factory for non-metal pipes used in oilfields.



Al Jabri said that the park project crowns the joint efforts between the sultanate and China through Wanfang Oman and Sezad.



Heshan said that the project is a new springboard for the friendship and cooperation between the two sides and that it is supported by governments in both countries and Chinese businessmen.



He added that many mega projects whose investments cost about $3.2 billion, will be launched soon.

Ningxia Zhongke Jiaye New Energy and Technology Management Company is planning to establish a 1GWp solar equipment manufacturing base with an estimated capital expenditure of $94 million, while Wuhan Xiao Long Auto-Tech Co Ltd plans to build a high-mobility SUV project with an estimated investment of $84 million.



Also, Ningxia Water Investment Group Co Ltd signed a land lease agreement to build a desalination project with an investment of $81 million.



Ningxia Ningqiao Commercial Investment and Operation Ltd signed an agreement to build a building material manufacturing and trading facility with an investment of $46 million.



Another Chinese firm also signed an agreement to build a $10 million-unit to manufacture non-metal composite pipes for oil industry.



Lee Chee Khian, chief executive officer of the Special Economic Zone Authority of Duqm, said that the design work for the China Oman Industrial Zone has already been completed.



Considered as the biggest investment in Duqm, the China-Oman Industrial Park is one of the leading overseas industrial parks promoted by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Commerce in China, added the report.
Al Maraya Decor, one of the leading interior decorating companies in Bahrain, is showcasing its newly-launched readymade furniture range at Gulf Interiors exhibition, thus marking its entry into this segment.



The company also manufactures furniture locally at its workshop in Hamala in the kingdom, said its top official on the sidelines of Gulf Interiors, the Northern Gulf's established annual showcase for luxury interiors, design and furniture, which opened in Bahrain on April 25.



Gulf Interiors takes place in conjunction with two other major events - Gulf Construction Expo and Gulf Property Show - providing the biggest integrated B2B (business to business) and B2C (business to commerce) showcase for construction, interiors and property sectors in the region.



Al Maraya Decor said the readymade furniture is being imported from Turkey and China, and the collection is available in all the three categories: home, office and outdoor.



"The idea is to keep pace with the tight delivery schedules for our customers," remarked Aslam A R Qureshi, managing director, Al Maraya Decor.



The company, he stated, has also opened a new showroom in Sitra through its sister company Al Qasser Upholstery & Curtains.



This is in addition to its existing showroom, located in Mahooz, which showcases the companys new collection of blinds, in addition to its extensive product range of curtains, furniture, wallpaper, carpets and other products.



The products are being imported from Korea and are targeted at both the residential as well as commercial markets of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.



With an experience of over 30 years in the field of interior designing, Al Maraya Decor has also expanded into production of shaded, awnings and canopies.

The exhibition run until Thursday (April 27) at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.-TradeArabia News Service
Young people from Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children became radio interviewers for the day when they quizzed Expo 2020 Dubais Youth Connect team live on air during a creative workshop.



The visit was part of ongoing engagement with young people across the region by Expo 2020 Dubai and featured a wide variety of activities, including the live interview by children on Pearl FM, the first radio channel for children and young people in the region.



During the workshop, the 30 children, aged between seven and 12, heard from Youth Connect how Expo 2020 Dubai will be a festival of creativity and innovation, where everyone can share ideas and work together to shape the future.



The Youth Connect team also took the children on a journey exploring the evolution of World Expos and their impact on humanity, as well as sharing the story of the ring that was found at a 4,000-year-old archaeological site in the desert and became the inspiration for the Expo 2020 Dubai logo.



The ring symbolises connections that bring humanity together as well as reflects the UAEs heritage.



As part of the visit, a short play called Vision, which was about the history of Dubai and its journey to Expo 2020 Dubai, was also performed. This was followed by creative Expo-themed workshops, including arts and crafts inspired by the logo, as well as pottery, fashion design, music, and theatre and cinematography.



Alya Al-Ali, Expo 2020 Dubais 24-year-old director of Youth Connect, said: "We were delighted to visit the Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children and were inspired by the remarkable energy and creativity of the children."



"Young people are at the heart of our theme, Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, as they are the future, and are helping to shape Expo 2020 Dubai through events such as this. In alignment with the UAEs National Youth Agenda, we are committed to placing youth at the heart of our vision and planning," she remarked.



Together, we are on a journey to what will be an exceptional and unforgettable experience not just for the UAE but for millions of people from around the world, she added.



The aim of Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children is to enrich the cultural lives of children in a safe, joyous and creative environment that draws on Emirati and Arab cultural heritage.



Ayesha Juma, the head of programmes at Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, said: "Cooperation with Expo 2020 Dubai through their Youth Connect initiative is part of our overall aim to provide our children with a chance to interact with the creative minds behind, and to raise awareness of, Expo 2020 Dubai."



By connecting their artwork to key national events that imbue social and human values, it bolsters their national pride and increases their knowledge. They are also learning about the importance of hosting a World Expo that reflects Dubai's progress and support of global human values, remarked Juma.



The visit is just one of many different initiatives that the Youth Connect team is running to ensure the nations young people are a core part of the journey to Expo in 2020 and beyond, as outlined by Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau.-TradeArabia News Service
Leading companies in the helicopter segment of the aviation sector discussed ways to advance the role of helicopters in the Middle Easts luxury, medical, military and civil sectors at the Dubai HeliConference, which concluded yesterday (April 18), in Dubai, UAE.



The two-day event, the Middle Easts only dedicated conference for the helicopter industry, opened on April 17, at the Al Maktoum International Airport.



The event successfully positioned itself as an interactive platform where government and private sector entities from the global helicopter segment discussed key topics to ensure continuous growth and development, said a statement from the organisers, Domus Group, a leading international exhibition specialist.



Many public and private players and their delegates networked to form partnerships for further expanding the helicopter industry, it said.



The event witnessed the participation of several key organisations, including Dubai South, Dubai Airports, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), UAE Airforce, General Civil Aviation Authority (GCCA), Falcon Aviation, GAL ANS, Fly High Helicopter Services, and Leonardo Company, Lockheed Martin International and Sikorsky, to name a few.



Leading experts and industry leaders deliberated on the agenda of the conference which included Partnering with Industry and Enhancing Helicopter Life Cycle Management, Meeting Safety Levels for Helicopter Operators, Helicopter Fleet Integration Challenges for Military and Law Enforcement Operators, and Helicopter Market Updates and Commercial Prospects, it said.



Ahmad Abulhoul, managing director, Domus Group, said: The helicopter segment is one of the fastest growing in the aviation industry, particularly in the GCC and it was vital to have an event dedicated to address the challenges and define a strategic road map to ensure progress.



The event was a huge success as we were not only able to highlight key concerns but solutions as well. The group extends its thanks to all supporters and sponsors as well as participants and visitors for making the event a huge success. We continue to receive feedback and will work on the suggestions to prepare a better and more informative second edition, he added.  TradeArabia News Service
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the Bahrain-based international smelter, in line with its commitment to develop and train young Bahrainis, is a key participant and sponsor of Bahrain Training Institutes (BTI) Career Week 2017.



Being held under the patronage of Minister of Education Dr Majed bin Ali Al Nuaimi, the career week, which opened yesterday (April 23) will run till tomorrow (April 25) at the institutes premises.



Director of administration Waleed Tamimi said: As a Bahraini company, Alba is pleased to support BTIs Career Week, which offers the students an understanding of the professional world as well as career opportunities in Bahrain.



We look forward to meet BTI graduates and trainees who will shape the world of work for the years to come through their career aspirations, Tamimi said.



BTI is a leading technical institute in Bahrain, which has been providing the national workforce with the necessary vocational skills to enhance their industrial performance.  TradeArabia News Service


The Vietnamese government is dealing with an important question: how can the country supply its growing energy needs without destroying the environment?

Trilliant is a software firm for electricity grids. It says that Southeast Asia in general will see energy use grow 80 percent in the next 20 years.

But for Vietnam, growth will be closer to 200 percent.

The answers to the problem might lie in a combination of technology, renewable power, and greater energy efficiency. However, the issue is a complex one for Vietnam's officials.

They see coal as an inexpensive way to fuel the economy. By 2030, dozens of new coal power plants will open despite the pollution they emit.

Although Vietnam just increased the price it pays to solar power investors, the market for renewable energy is still small.

Vietnam faces the same problem many countries do -- economic growth comes at a price.

Vo Van Hoan is the chief of staff at the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee. Hoan explains that Vietnam is taking part in the global technological revolution.

The number of factories has grown in recent years as electronics have overtaken rice and coffee as a leading export. The growth, Hoan says, also brings pollution, deforestation, and other damages linked to climate change.

Technology can be a problem, but it can also be a solution.

It could help decrease the economy's harm to the environment, especially by addressing the country's energy needs.

One such technology is the smart meter, an electricity meter that connects to the internet.

Trilliant and the Saigon Hi-Tech Park finished a smart meter project in a manufacturing area that houses Intel and Samsung.

The devices alert authorities when there is a power outage. They also detect tampering and measure power quality.

Smart meters get information every 15 minutes, so that people can see and make decisions about their electricity consumption in real time.

Another technology that could help developing economics is energy-efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs.

Chinn Lim is the lead public sector strategist at Autodesk, which makes software for architecture, engineering, and manufacturing.

Based in Singapore, Lim said his company is consulting with Vietnamese government agencies about how to cut energy waste.

Lim said it is becoming more popular for buildings to be fitted with efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs and lights that can be programmed to shut off on their own.

He added that a common application of emerging technology is to study traffic patterns, in the hopes of improving fuel use. In Singapore's case, Lim adds, the government simulates various building arrangements to see the impact on traffic.

Smart bulbs and smart meters might offer small changes, but with more power blackouts expected in the near future, Vietnam needs all the progress it can get.

I'm John Russell.

Ha Nguyen reported this story from Ho Chi Minh City. John Russell adapted it for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. ________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

inexpensive - adj. low in price

emit - v. to send (light, energy, etc.) out from a source

global - adj. involving the entire world

alert - v. to make (someone) aware of something

detect - v. to discover or notice the presence of (something that is hidden or hard to see, hear, taste, etc.)

grid  n. a network of electrical wires and equipment that supplies electricity to a large area

renewable  adj. restored or replaced by natural processes : able to be replaced by nature

efficiency  n. the ability to do something or produce something without wasting materials, time, or energy : the quality or degree of being efficient

meter  n. a device that measures and records the amount of something that has been used

tampering  n. that act of changing or touching (something) especially in a way that causes damage or harm

bulb  n. a glass bulb or tube that produces light when it is supplied with electricity

consumption - n. the use of something (such as fuel)

efficient - adj. capable of producing desired results without wasting materials, time, or energy

consult - v. to talk about something with (someone) in order to make a decision

simulate - v. to look, feel, or behave like (something)
Brazils Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply, Blairo Maggi, has announced plans to visit the UAE and Saudi Arabia to reassure the countries on the safety of Brazilian meat and poultry products.



The visit follows the Operation Carne Fraca (Operation Weak Flesh) organised by the Federal Police of Brazil to investigate some of the countrys largest meat processing companies and subsequent ban on the import of Brazilian meat and poultry products by some countries, said a statement.



The Minister will hold talks with his counterparts in these countries to reinforce Brazils reputation as a leading meat exporting country, it added.



Brazil is a primary exporter of meat and poultry products to the GCC, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia. According to statistics released by the Brazil Ministry of Industry, Foreign Trade and Services, the South American nation shipped nearly $1.3 billion worth of meat and poultry products to Saudi Arabia and $578 million to the UAE.



The two Arab countries have not imposed a blanket ban on imports. However, they have stopped purchasing from some of the 21 companies being probed  four in the Saudi Arabia and six in the UAE  because of unhealthy production practices.



Rubens Hannun, president of the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, said: Brazil follows strict health and safety procedures in food production, including for meat which remains a major export despite the recent issue. The government has taken swift measures to rectify the situation, implement stronger safety and health protocols, and ensure more transparency to maintain the highest international food safety standards for all traded meat and poultry.

Minister Maggis visit to the KSA and the UAE is a strategic move to assure the premium quality of Brazilian products entering these markets which have continued to show their trust in Brazils meat industry, Hannun said.



Brazils Secretary for Agricultural Defense Luis Eduardo Rangel recently met Dr Koen Van Dyck, directorate general for health and food Safety (DG Sante) at the European Commission, to assure him that food quality and sanity controls are being upheld in the country.



Additionally, the World Trade Organization has stated that Brazil has assured its Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures of its continuous implementation of one of the worlds most frequently and stringently audited industry regulations, the statement added.  TradeArabia News Service


The National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL) discussed the key challenges facing the logistics industry at its key meeting and also urged its members to be prepared for the forthcoming Value Added Tax (VAT) and blockchain technology.



Addressing the gathering at the annual networking event, NAFL president Nadia Abdul Aziz said the association was aiming to raise the freight forwarding standards in the UAE.



The main reason of this workshop and networking event is to talk about various initiatives of NAFL and exchange experiences. We want to raise freight forwarding standards in the UAE. To achieve this goal, we do training workshops and networking events and many of them are complementary to our members, she explained.



The NAFLs annual event was attended by a majority of its members and non-members in addition to representatives of Emirates airline, flydubai, Etihad Airways, Dubai Customs, Dubai Airport, Head of Air Cargo operations, IATA, officials from airlines and United Advocates.



Abdul Aziz urged the members to get the benefits of important industry-related courses being offered by the NAFL.



Top officials from United Advocates, IBM, and Deloitte addressed the networking event and talked about the issues related with VAT and Blockchain and how it will enhance the industry.



She welcomed Abdulla Bin Khediya, who has been appointed as the senior executive co-ordinator between NAFL and Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoums office, Honorary patron of NAFL.



NAFL has more than 380 members including 20 associate members. The association provides more than 16 quality workshops annually in addition to free lawyer services to its members.



On the VAT issue, Abdul Aziz said: "It is an important topic and NAFL wants its members to be prepared before it becomes effective from January 1, 2018. The blockchain is another area where members should get knowledge."



NAFL, she stated, will also be organising a second event on Vat & Blockchain next month.-TradeArabia News Service
Leading players of the regional public relations sector will discuss the new and emerging trends in communications industry at the third annual Middle East Public Relations Association (Mepra) Leadership Majlis being held in Abu Dhabi on May 10.

With more than 1,500 members, the Mepra is the regional trade association for the communications industry.

At the event which takes place at the Eastern Mangroves hotel in the UAE capital, the regional players will have the opportunity to hear from global communications leaders on the key industry issues.

The top-line speakers at the New Worlds, New Approaches majlis include Danny Rogers, the editor of global industry journal PR Week, who has tracked the public relations industry for 20 years; Roger Bolton, the president of the Arthur W Page Society, who will tackle how to tell the truth in the era of fake news, in addition to Bjorn Edlund, CEO of Edlund Consulting, who will tap into the path to define your corporate purpose.

Several countries in the Middle East are amongst the worlds top users of social media, studies have shown, and patterns of communication are evolving rapidly.

This has critical implications for an industry that seeks to inform society and shape perception on behalf of Governments, companies and other organisations.

Founded in 2001, Mepra works to promote and advance the public relations industry in the region. In addition to many leading public relations consultancies, major corporations from Airbus to Mubadala and Abu Dhabi Media are its members.

Mepra chairman Ray Eglington said since its establishment, the public relations industry has changed dramatically.

"At the Majlis we are going to discuss what might happen next. At the very least, we can expect change to only accelerate, he noted.

During the Majlis, the association will also announce the third winner of the Mepra Visionary Award at the Leadership Majlis, recognising an industry leaders contribution to public relations in the Middle East.

Noura Al Kaabi, the minister of state for Federal National Council Affairs and chairwoman of the Media Zone Authority-Abu Dhabi and twofour54, gave the keynote address at last years majlis.

She was also presented the 2016 Mepra Visionary Award, given to a CEO who has shown leadership in their use of communications.-TradeArabia News Service
The board of the UAE Association for Management Consultants and Trainers (AMCT) has elected Dr Ali Sebaa Al Marri, the executive president of Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG), as its new chairman.

Licensed by the Ministry of Community Development, AMCT aims to elevate the standards in the management consultancy and training profession, and develop the skills of its practitioners in line with the highest international benchmarks.

The newly-established Dubai-based public interest organisation AMCT serves as an umbrella entity for management consultants and trainers across the UAE.

The inaugural meeting of the AMCT, which was held at the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) premises in Dubai, also eledted Dr Abdul Salam Al Madani, the chairman of Index Holding, as the new deputy chairman.

Dr Ibrahim Sebaa Al Marri, the director of the Knowledge Department at Dubai Police, has been named the new secretary, while Mohammed Bouhnad from Dubai Police, has assumed charge as the associations chief financial officer.

The other board members include Abdullah Jasem Al Zarooni, the director of Administrative Affairs at Dubai Police; Mansour Yousef Al Gergawi, the knowledge director at Dubai Police; Dr Saleh Rashed Alhamrani, the director of the Quality Office and Assistant Professor of Commercial Law at Dubai Police Academy; Dr Ahmed Ali Al Shehhy, the CEO of ThinkPlus Training and Consulting, and Dr Ahmad Tahlak, the chairman and president of Levenbert Consulting.

The UAE Association for Management Consultants and Trainers is the first of its kind in the GCC region and the second in the Arab world, with a similar organization in existence in Jordan.

Both entities received certification from the International Council of Management Consulting Institutes (CMC), a global professional body that aims to enhance cooperation among management consulting entities.

During the meeting, a representative of the Ministry of Community Development delivered a presentation on public interest organizations, their objectives, future development, and relevant legal issues.

Dr Al Marri said: Management consulting and training professionals need a framework that ensures the highest level of standards according to global best practices. AMCT aims to define the legal and ethical frameworks of the management consulting profession, and create a detailed plan to develop professional skills in the field in line with global trends.

The association is the first institution in the GCC region that caters to the needs of the management consulting and training profession amid the rising demand for consultants from all sectors, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Top equity firm CVC Capital Partners has agreed to buy Breitling, the Swiss watchmaker known for aviation-themed timepieces worn by actor John Travolta, in a deal said to be valued at more than 800 million euros ($870 million), said a report.



The transaction is expected to close in June, subject to approval by competition authorities, reported Bloomberg, citing a CVC statement.



Theodore Schneider, Breitlings current majority owner, will reinvest in exchange for a 20 per cent stake, it stated.



Breitling is one of the larger Swiss watch brands thats still independent while most others have been acquired by competitors, such as Swatch Group AG, Richemont, LVMH and Kering SA. The watchmaker had hired advisers from GCA Altium to find a buyer, said the report.



Swiss watch exports rose for the first time in 21 months in March, ending their longest slump on record as shipments to Hong Kong pulled out of a two-year decline, the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry said Thursday.



Withering demand had led brands such as Vacheron Constantin and Cartier to cut jobs.



CVC will likely focus on stoking demand for Breitlings watches in the Chinese market, one of the people said, asking not to be identified because the plans are private. The company reported 2016 sales of 420 million Swiss francs ($424 million), reported Bloomberg.



Breitlings watches start at about 2,500 francs and celebrity endorsers have included Travolta, Russell Crowe and David Beckham.
Dubai Culture & Arts Authority has announced its participation in Arabian Travel Market 2017 (ATM)  the leading global platform for the Middle East inbound and outbound travel industry  as part of Dubai Tourisms stand at the event.



Now in its 24th year, the show will see the authority shedding light on the emirates cultural, artistic and heritage highlights from April 24 to 27 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Hall 3, Stand ME3110.



Moza Suwaidan, director Projects & Events at Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: Arabian Travel Market offers us the opportunity to promote Dubais flourishing artistic and cultural scene to over 40,000 travel professionals, government ministers and international press representatives  a unique chance to boost the emirates cultural tourism sector and creative economy. In a continuation of our collaboration with government entities, we will be working with Dubai Tourism to establish Dubai as a global cultural hub and introduce attendees to key attractions including the Etihad Museum and Arabic calligraphy, which is celebrated at the Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition.



During ATM, Dubai Culture will showcase the Etihad Museum  the monument to Emirati heritage that guides visitors on a journey through the pivotal events that surrounded the Union Declaration of 1971. Offering an insight into the Emirates rich history and staging a range of rotating exhibitions, workshops and activities including the current Postal Exhibition, Etihad Museum is also one of the citys most breath-taking tourist attractions and underscores Dubai Cultures mandate to preserve and share Emirati heritage.



At ATM, Dubai Culture will also celebrate the launch of the 25th edition of its ArtMap by giving its visitors the comprehensive cultural and artistic guide. The ArtMap provides visitors with full information on a rich calendar of events and exhibitions taking place in the UAE.



Bringing a taste of Dubais thriving artistic and cultural scene to the fair, the authority will be presenting artworks by Emirati artists including Abdul Qader Al Rais, Mattar Bin Lahej, Musab Al Rais and Dr. Najat Makki in the VIP area, and live painting by the artist Wesal at the Dubai stand. A Reading Corner with a collection of books provided by Dubai Cultures Studies and Research Centre that includes works written by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and a number of heritage books. In addition to a collection of books from Artspace Gallery on subjects including art, creativity, innovation, and tourism. By giving artists and books pride of place at ATM, Dubai Culture aims to highlight its support of local talents and its commitment to establishing a knowledge based economy that prioritises healthy reading habits in alignment with the National Strategy for Reading 2016-2026.



Staged annually in Dubai, ATM features over 2,800 products and destinations from around the world to over 26,000 buyers and travel trade visitors across the four day business-to-business event. Over 40,000 travel professionals, government ministers and international press visit ATM every April to network, negotiate and discover the latest industry opinion and trends, generating more than $2.5 billion of travel industry deals.



Dubai Culture is instrumental in enhancing Dubais cultural identity and establishing the city as a global destination for the worlds art lovers. The authority aims to enhance Dubais cultural scene and draw attention to the emirates rich heritage with a variety of initiatives that take place throughout the year and benefit the emirates citizens, residents and visitors while also driving tourism  a core economic sector for the city. - TradeArabia News Service
IDE Consulting, a global real estate solutions provider, will host the exclusive 11th edition of Hotelier Summit Middle East, which connects the buyers and suppliers of various hospitality products and services in Doha, Qatar.



Taking place on May 17 and 18, the programme will illustrate to hotel owners, operators, developers, architects, interior designers, consultants, service providers and investors how to profitably leverage returns on their products and services.



As real estate industry in the GCC continues to advance, we at IDE can help the stakeholders of the real estate industry to connect on one platform, said Ganesh Babu, director of IDE.



As such, if the developer is looking for finance, we can connect him / her with the top real estate investors in the region. If the developer is looking for an architect, we can schedule meetings with architects at the Hotelier Summit.



In a typical exhibition or expo, all we see is an exchange of numerous business cards and collection of polished marketing collateral with little to no genuine leads and prospects. The Hotelier Summit Middle East is designed to change this trend by enabling the attendees to build targeted connections.



It is evident that the GCC Region will benefit tremendously from an initiative of this kind, as in the UAE alone, the real estate sector employed about 821,560 people (18.6 per cent of the total workforce) and in 2015 the sector contributed about 13.3 percent to GDP.



The most unique feature of the initiative is that this is a one-stop shop for real estate project owners, regardless of the stage of the project. From the feasibility study to the sale and operations, IDE will identify and qualify each delegate attending the summit. This arms project developers and stakeholders with options to ensure the project stays on track.



We follow a process in which every attending supplier is qualified based on their ability and track record catering to the market. After the due diligence is done, we recommend the optimum suppliers to the project owners at a time that is convenient for the project owner. This could be at the event, before the event or even after the event, said Amritha Gowda Mitta, head of Supplier Acquisition  Middle East, IDE.



The GCC has clearly emerged as an attractive destination for global investors in the real estate sector, and initiatives such as the Hotelier Summit Middle East are designed to ensure that the GCC will remain a bright spot on the global map.  TradeArabia News Service
Hospitality group Hilton has the largest active pipeline in the GCC, according to data from market research firm STR, with over 21,000 rooms in its pipeline across the Gulf of which more than 16,000 are already under construction and set to open before 2020.



The six markets of the GCC contribute more than a third of Hiltons pipeline rooms across the Europe Middle East Africa  where the company is active in over 60 countries.



Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta will be heading to the Arabian Hotel International Conference (Ahic) in Dubai this year, underlining the importance of the region to his companys ambitious expansion plans.



Carlos Khneisser, vice president, development, Middle East, North Africa & Turkey, Hilton said: Our active pipeline of 16,000 rooms under construction in the GCC is more than double the number of our nearest competitor. The deals we are signing are not just there on paper, they are quickly progressing through design and construction. The value we drive for our owners facilitates the speed of this growth as owners want to come back for more. Sixty per cent of the hotels in our pipeline are being developed together with existing Hilton owners and our team looks forward to progressing further projects next week during Ahic.



Hilton has the largest active pipeline in the GCC both in terms of the number of rooms and properties in construction. Saudi Arabia is the market undergoing most extensive growth with the 7,900 rooms Hilton is developing there set to near triple the companys presence in the market. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Oman all count Hilton as the hotel company with largest number of rooms under construction.



Hiltons GCC active pipeline in numbers

GCC 16,000+ rooms under construction (#1 in the region)

Saudi Arabia 7,900+ rooms under construction (#1 in the market)

UAE 5,000+ rooms under construction (#1 in the market)

Qatar 1,800+ rooms under construction (#2 in the market)

Kuwait 750+ rooms under construction (#1 in the market)

Oman 420+ rooms under construction (#1 in the market)

Bahrain 350+ rooms under construction (#3 in market) - TradeArabia News Service
InterContinental Hotels Group, one of the worlds leading global hotel companies, announced four new hotel signings as well as six new hotel openings across the GCC in 2017 at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, UAE.



The announcements are an indication of IHGs continued expansion across the MEA region in multiple segments, including luxury, business, family, and lifestyle.



IHGs four new hotel signings in the Middle East and Africa are: Crowne Plaza Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, InterContinental Doha Festival City and Staybridge Suites Lusail in Doha, Qatar and the Holiday Inn Mutare in Zimbabwe.



In addition, IHG is also opening six new hotels in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region in 2017. The new hotels include Crowne Plaza Muscat OCEC in Oman, InterContinental Fujairah Resort in the UAE, Holiday Inn Doha  The Business Park in Qatar, Holiday Inn Algiers Cheraga Tower in Algeria, as well as two in Saudi Arabia: Staybridge Suites Jeddah Alandalus Mall, and the Crowne Plaza Riyadh  ITCC.



This acceleration is indicative of IHGs growth plans and operations in the Middle East. The global hospitality leader continues to focus on key cities across the region, such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, Riyadh, Doha and Cairo  putting the right brands in the right locations according to demand.



Speaking about IHGs diverse and ever-growing footprint, Pascal Gauvin, chief operating officer  India, Middle East, Africa (IMEA), IHG, said: While the increased focus on expanding our midscale brands  announced in 2016  has become more pronounced with increasing demand for our Holiday Inn brand family, we have also begun exploring opportunities to expand within the emerging luxury/lifestyle segment in the region.



We know the lifestyle segment is the fast growing in the hotel industry; weve seen it ourselves through the successful launch of our Hotel Indigo brand here in AMEA, specifically in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Were confident there is strong growth potential in the region for Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants brands and were looking forward to building on the momentum already established here with Hotel Indigo, Gauvin continued.



The first global boutique hotel brand in the world, Hotel Indigo has gone from strength to strength since its launch into the Middle East region. IHG introduced the Hotel Indigo brand in in Riyadh in 2012 with the Hotel Indigo Riyadh King Abdullah Financial District. This was then followed by Dubai, where the Hotel Indigo Dubai Business Bay was announced in 2014, as well as the Hotel Indigo Dubai  The Sustainable City. The latter will be a Net Zero energy building, where 100 per cent of its energy needs will be met by solar power.



This year Hotel Indigo launched in Singapore with Holiday Indigo Singapore Katong and will see the opening of Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak, the first Hotel Indigo property to open in a resort location globally in the next few months.



Rajit Sukumaran, chief development officer  Asia, Middle East, Africa (AMEA), IHG said: The Middle East presents several opportunities across our brand portfolio. While we have great demand for our mid-scale offering in the current economic environment, we are also seeing interest in our extended-stay brand, Staybridge Suites, in response to the evolution of the regions major cities into budding business hubs. Were also actively looking for strategic partners to introduce Kimpton Hotels and restaurants to the region as we believe this is the right time accelerate the growth of our luxury/lifestyle brand portfolio. InterContinental hotels and Resorts continues to drive interest across the region, as one of the landmarks of luxury for the region.



IHG was the first international hotel company to enter the Middle East with the opening of InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut in Lebanon in 1961, followed by the opening of InterContinental Jordan in 1963 by the Late King Hussein in 2015, and InterContinental Riyadh in 1975. Currently, IHG is set to open its first resort within this brand umbrella with InterContinental Fujairah Resort later this year.



Visit IHG at the Arabian Travel Market in Sheikh Saeed Hall, stand number HC0550, taking place from April 24-27 2017 at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre. IHG executives are also attending the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, from April 25-27.



IHG currently operates over 280 hotels across five brands in Asia, Middle East & Africa (AMEA), including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Hotel Indigo with a further 149 in the development pipeline due to open within the next three to five years. - TradeArabia News Service


Etihad Airways today announced all 14 weekly flights on the popular Abu Dhabi  Sydney route will be operated with its flagship A380 aircraft, effective October 29.



The current daily A380 Sydney flights will be joined by a second daily superjumbo service, upgraded from a 328-seat Boeing 777-300ER. The announcement comes as Etihad Airways marks the 10th anniversary of flying to Sydney, its first Australian destination.



Featuring the carriers revolutionary The Residence  the worlds first three-room suite on a commercial airliner  the additional deployment of the 496-seat double decker aircraft means one of Australias largest cities will join London and New York as an all-A380 operation.



Business and leisure travellers to and from Abu Dhabi, the airlines operational hub, will enjoy increased capacity. The carrier will meet growing demand from the UAE and connecting cities across the Gulf region, Middle East and Europe.



The SydneyLondon Heathrow route, via Abu Dhabi, will also offer guests the consistency, convenience and comfort of a seamless all-A380 service in both directions. Etihad Airways three daily London Heathrow flights are operated with an A380. Beginning June 1, the second daily New York service will be upgraded to the superjumbo.



Introduced on the Sydney route two years ago, the A380 accommodates up to two guests in The Residence, which features a living room, bedroom and shower, together with nine First Apartments, 70 Business Studios and 415 Economy Smart Seats.



Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways chief executive officer, said: Sydney is one of our busiest and best performing long-haul routes where we have experienced increased demand, particularly in our premium cabins, since the launch 10 years ago.



By introducing the A380 on the second daily flight, we are able to ensure our flagship product is on all of the Sydney services each week. The upgrade of this service will help fulfil growing demand, benefiting travellers to and from Abu Dhabi, and across Etihad Airways global network. - TradeArabia News Service


For many years, American colleges and universities have let people speak on their campuses even if many students do not agree with their beliefs.

College-aged students often do not agree with conservative political beliefs. But school officials believe that letting speeches by conservatives and others take place on campus can help lead to free and open debate.

But recent protests show that beliefs about free speech on college campuses may be changing.

Since February, protests have broken out at colleges across the country -- including the University of California-Berkeley, Middlebury College, the Claremont Colleges, and California State University, Los Angeles.

Some of the protests turned violent.

The protests started because conservative speakers were set to give talks about their beliefs.

Some people have criticized the protesters for trying to prevent controversial speakers from being heard.

Will Creely is the senior vice president of legal and public advocacy at the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE). He told VOA that those who support free speech are worried about the protests. He says schools should work harder to protect speakers who may have different political beliefs than many students.

Last month, a student group at Middlebury College in Vermont invited Charles Murray to speak on the campus. Murray is a political scientist and a fellow with the conservative American Enterprise Institute. His research has linked race and intelligence.

The Southern Poverty Law Center calls Murray a white nationalist.

Hundreds of protesters shouted as Murray tried to speak. Officials moved him to another building, where he spoke with Professor Allison Stanger. His discussion with her was shown online.

College spokesman Bill Burger says that as Stanger and Murray left the building, they were physically and violently confronted by a group of protesters who set upon [their] car, rocking it, pounding on it, jumping on and trying to prevent it from leaving campus.

Stanger was taken to a hospital. She left wearing a neck brace. She said during the dispute with protesters, one of them grabbed her hair and pulled her backward.

In a message on Facebook, Stanger wrote: I feared for my life.

Earlier this month, students at Claremont McKenna College in California targeted Heather MacDonald. She is a researcher at the conservative Manhattan Institute and a well-known critic of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Students said they disagreed with a book MacDonald published last year called The War on Cops. In it, MacDonald wrote that police officers are afraid to do their work because of increased attention from reporters following the police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri in 2014.

Brown, who is black, was killed by a white officer.

A student group invited MacDonald to speak on campus. But protesters stopped her from entering the building where she was to speak. She was forced to instead broadcast her speech on the internet. She did so from a room that was mostly empty; protesters had blocked people from entering.

The protesters hit the rooms windows and shouted until MacDonald later said, the cops decided that things were getting too chaotic and I should stop speaking.

Police officers then had to help MacDonald leave the building so she could safely escape the protesters.

After her speech, more than 20 students signed a letter to David Oxtoby, one of the schools presidents. They called MacDonald a fascist.

The letter demanded that the university take action against an independent student newspaper for its reporting on the protests and for its continual perpetuation of hate speech.

Oxtoby had previously condemned the protests and defended MacDonalds right to speak on campus. He said the college supports the exercise of free speech and academic freedom.

The students said MacDonald is a well-known figure and her beliefs have been reported many times by the news media. They said refusing to let her speak did not violate her rights. And they said MacDonald being on campus is a form of violence.

Creely says incidents like the ones at Middlebury and Claremont are becoming increasingly common at American colleges. He called the trend deeply troubling.

Creely also criticized university officials for accepting the demands of students. He says the students do not know enough about laws that protect free speech in the United States.

He notes that there is no hate speech exception to the First Amendment. There is an unfortunately prevalent problem of students being unaware of the extent of their rights and the rights of their peers, he said.

In 2015, the market research group YouGov asked students about free speech. In the opinion study, 43 percent of the students questioned said making sure that students have an environment free from discrimination, even if that means placing some limits on what students can say, should be more of a concern for colleges than protecting the absolute right to free speech.

Gallup did a similar study in 2016. It found that 52 percent of students believe their college or university should stop people from speaking on campus who have a history of making hateful comments.

Forty two percent of students did not agree with the statement, however.

The debate about First Amendment rights continued earlier this month when the University of California-Berkeley canceled a planned speech by conservative writer and speaker Ann Coulter.

University officials said they were worried that police would not be able to control a possibly violent reaction to Coulters speech.

Riots took place at Berkeley earlier this year when conservative journalist Milo Yiannopoulos was invited to speak.

The riots caused $100,000 in damage to buildings on campus.

The schools decision to cancel Coulters speech was criticized by many people. So officials changed their decision. They set a time for her to speak, but the time they set was one during which fewer people would be on campus.

The student group that invited Coulter to speak did not like the plan.

It sued the school on Monday, claiming it was discriminating against Coulter.

Lawyer Harmeet Dhillon and the Berkeley College Republicans said in the lawsuit that this case arises from efforts by one of Californias leading public universities, UC Berkeley, once known as the birthplace of the Free Speech Movement, to restrict and stifle the speech of conservative students whose voices fall beyond the campus political orthodoxy.

The school said the charge that Coulter is being punished for her political beliefs is untrue.

The school said it welcomes speakers of all political viewpoints and is committed to providing a forum to enable Ann Coulter to speak on the Berkeley campus.

Im Alice Bryant.

And I'm Pete Musto.

Joshua Fatzick wrote this story for VOANews.com Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted his report for Learning English. Ashley Thomson 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

controversial  adj. relating to or causing much discussion, disagreement, or argument; likely to produce controversy

confront  v. to oppose or challenge (someone) especially in a direct and forceful way

neck brace  n. a device that supports the neck, usually after an injury

cop  n. (informal) police officer

chaotic  adj. in a state of complete confusion or disorder

fascist  adj. a person who supports a government that is ruled by a dictator who controls the lives of the people and in which people are not allowed to disagree with the government

perpetuate  v. to cause (something that should be stopped, such as a mistaken idea or a bad situation) to continue

trend  n. a general direction of change; a way of behaving, proceeding, etc., that is developing and becoming more common

prevalent  adj. accepted, done or happening often or over a large area at a particular time; common or widespread

extent  n. used to indicate the degree to which something exists, happens or is true

peer  n. a person who belongs to the same age group or social group as someone else

stifle  v. to stop (someone) from doing or expressing something; to make something difficult or impossible

orthodoxy  n. a belief or a way of thinking that is accepted as true or correct
The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) said it had received an overwhelming response from visitors at its stand during the recently-concluded Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, UAE.



The GNTO was out in force at the expo with 21 of its partners including the premium ones Dusseldorf Tourist Board, OutletCity Metzingen and State Tourist board Southwest Germany and others from the hospitality, travel, healthcare, transportation, and holiday sectors.



We are happy to be part of this years ATM, the event has become an important platform for the world of tourism to meet, it gave us a great opportunity to promote Germany as the worlds highly recommended destination for family vacation, luxurious shopping, and medical tourism in this region, remarked Ahlam Khafagy, the communication manager at the GNTO.



"During the ATM event it became clear that Germany is one of the top preferred destinations for GCC taking into consideration the amount of interested visitors to the Germany booth. The booth has witnessed a remarkable attention from visitors, professionals and decision makers from the tourism industry," he stated.



In 2016, more than two million overnight stays were counted from the Gulf states in Germany for the third time in a row.



Nicole Zaspel, the manager for marketing and sales at GNTO, said: "Germany is happy to welcome these increasing numbers of Arab tourists, and as per the feedback received from the booth, Germany was an exceptional destination for Gulf tourists where they would consider visiting again because there is still much to see and explore when it comes to the nature and history."



Germany, he stated, is blessed with some of Europe's most high-powered sights.



"There's spectacular scenery - the jagged Alps, flower-filled meadows, rolling hills of forests and farms, and mighty rivers - dotted all over with castles and architectures of every variety. This is why it has a large share of the travel market and is generating growing demand in the leisure sector," he added.



According to data from the Federal Statistical Office, 80.8 million overnight stays of international guests were recorded in Germany's accommodation companies with at least 10 beds - one per cent more than in the same period of the previous year.



These numbers of incoming tourism has closed 2016 for Germany with the seventh record result in a row worldwide, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
By Lamine Chikhi ALGIERS (Reuters) - Algeria's government has rejected accusations from rights groups that it persecuted the Ahmadiyah religious sect during a recent spate of arrests, saying those detained were targeted for breaking the law not for their beliefs. International rights groups have expressed concern in Algeria about crackdowns and religious persecution of Ahmadiyah, a Muslim sect also found in Pakistan and Indonesia as well as in communities in Europe but who some Sunnis accuse of apostasy. The Ahmadiyah identify as Muslims, but believe another prophet followed the Prophet Mohammed, who founded Islam. That view runs counter to the Muslim religion's central belief and is considered problematic by most mainstream Islamic organizations. Algeria's Minister of Religious Affairs Mohamed Aissa told diplomats and reporters this week that any arrests in Algeria's Ahmadiyah community were for individual crimes and not a crackdown on their religious community. His comments came after some Algerian political leaders had said there was no place for the Ahmadiyah in Algeria, where most people are Sunni Muslims. In the past, officials have suggested the community was involved in illegal proselytizing. "All those Ahmadiyah individuals' activities in our country were illegal, we are not targeting the Ahmadiyah, but rather individuals," Aissa said at a conference this week. PAST CIVIL WAR Those arrested have been investigated for offences including unauthorised fundraising and the illicit use of private homes to conduct unauthorised secret meetings He said 123 Ahmadiyah were under investigation and 21 had been arrested. The minister said some of the community had sympathies with Islamic State and ties to former Algerian militant groups or were non-Muslims. But Fareed Ahmad, the group's national secretary for external affairs based in London, told Reuters they were deeply concerned about a "vilification campaign" against Ahmadiyah in Algeria. "We are a peace-loving Muslim community and have consistently campaigned against extremism around the world. We urge the authorities to release the 26 Ahmadi Muslim who have been unjustly imprisoned in the past six months," he said. "They are loyal Algerian citizens who are committed to the peace and prosperity of Algeria." The High Islamic Council, the highest religious authority in Algeria considers the Ahmadiyah a non-muslim group. More than 90 percent of Algeria's 40 million people are Sunni Muslims The question of Islamic activism outside mainstream, state-sanctioned Sunni Islam is sensitive following a 1990s civil war with armed, ultra-conservative Islamists that killed more than 200,000 people. (Editing by Patrick Markey and Ralph Boulton)
TRIPOLI (Reuters) - Libyan naval forces captured two vessels suspected of smuggling oil from the North African country after gun battles lasting several hours west of the capital Tripoli, a spokesman for the service said on Friday. Libyan forces frequently capture vessels smuggling oil and arms off the coast and the North African state has become a haven for migrant smugglers who take advantage of the country's turmoil to ship people across to Europe. Ayoub Qassem, a spokesman for the Libyan naval forces, said Ukraine-flagged tanker Routa and a vessel with an unspecified African nation's flag named Stark were captured early Friday. "Clashes lasted for three hours, but the two tankers were successfully seized," Qassem said. The incident occurred in the Sidi Said area west of Tripoli. Qassem did not report any casualties or give details on what happened to the crew of the vessels or their nationalities. Six years after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, Libya is still caught in turmoil among rival military factions who once fought against the former leader but then turned against one another in a multi-sided power struggle. A U.N.-backed government in Tripoli is struggling to assert control since arriving in Libya more than a year ago. Libya's oil infrastructure is also often targeted by fighting or blockades as rival groups seek to gain wealth or leverage. (Reporting by Ahmed Elumami; Writing Patrick Markey; Editing by Mark Potter)
1 Sergei Bobkov paints Siberian cedar nut oil onto a life-size sculpture of Pallas's Cat, also known in Russia as Manul Cat, southwest of the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, Russia. Bobkov made the sculpture from Siberian cedar wood shavings. It took him over four years to make.
By Gopal Sharma KATHMANDU (Reuters) - A Taiwan hiker rescued 47 days after disappearing in the foothills of the Himalayas and just days after his girlfriend died is recovering well in hospital in the Nepali capital of Kathmandu, his doctor said on Friday. Liang Sheng-yueh, who turned 21 on Friday, went missing with girlfriend Liu Chen-chun, 19, in early March while they were trekking in the remote Ganesh Himal area in northwestern Nepal. Liang, his feet riddled with maggots and his hair infested with lice, was picked up by a rescue helicopter on Wednesday. The body of Liu, who died this week, was taken to hospital for a post mortem. "I feel very happy now," a confused-looking Liang, his head shaved, told reporters after cutting a birthday cake from his hospital bed, adding that he had not lost hope during his ordeal. The trekkers lost their trail after a snowstorm. They had no local guide or porter. Liang and Liu survived on snow, water and salt he was carrying, but Liu eventually died from starvation. "He has started taking normal food and is walking with the help of physiotherapists," said Chakra Raj Pandey, medical director at the Grande International Hospital. Tens of thousands of foreign hikers who visit Nepal every year are a key source of income in the cash-strapped nation that is home to Mount Everest. (Reporting by Gopal Sharma; Editing by Nick Macfie)
As South Africas political climate goes from fractious to feverish, with protests mounting against the embattled president, Jacob Zuma, a former national leader and titan of the ANC has waded into the fray.

Thabo Mbeki, who led South Africa between 1999 and 2008, recently wrote about the possibility of another no confidence motion against Zuma, now being tabled by the opposition. He argued that should such a vote happen, MPs should vote in the national interest rather than obey orders from their party.

On one score, this is the latest iteration of Mbeki and Zumas bitter, unreconciled feud, which dates back to Zumas humiliating defenestration of Mbeki as ANC and state president in 2007-8. But theres something more purely self-serving going on here too.

Mbeki has always viewed himself as an intellectual titan, not simply another calculating politician looking to land the latest blow. His contributions to the national and international conversation supposedly carry a weight and gravitas that demand deference. This supposedly elevates him above Zuma, an essentially grubby and scheming politician devoid of substance who is incapable of raising his gaze beyond his own immediate political and material interests.

Given Mbekis record in national office, his lofty reputation is not entirely deserved. And whatever his intellectual pretensions at this extraordinary political moment, his position is extremely flimsy  and it may have more to do with rescuing his own reputation than anything else.

Mbekis argument that MPs are principally accountable to the people would make more sense if they were directly elected. But they arent. Under South Africas proportional representation system people vote for parties, not individual representatives. Parliamentary candidates run on lists drawn up by their party leaders, and their ranking on the list is what determines their chance of getting into office.

This in turn means that whether or not lawmakers intentionally defy the will of the people (whatever that means), their understanding and expression of the peoples interest is filtered through their party affiliation.

Story continues

Mbekis position has an uncharacteristically populist edge, then, and it doest amount to much of a plan of action. How exactly should MPs determine the will of the people? The size of protest marches? Opinion polls? Radio phone ins? Strict loyalty to a party line is certainly contentious, but it can at least be traced back to a direct electoral mandate, not some nebulous sense of the mood of the nation.

Mbekis new-found populism is also a radical about face from his own behaviour as president of both his party and his country. Freedom of conscience and deference to the electorate were not ideals which Mbeki was keen to nurture  quite the opposite, in fact.

Iron fist

During his tenure, ANC MPs were regularly corralled, coerced, and threatened into line not least by Mbekis own attack dog, Essop Pahad. Perhaps the definitive example came in 2000, when Pahad, acting on Mbekis behalf, demanded that ANC MPs serving on the Standing Committee on Public Accounts back off from their scrutiny of an infamous arms deal and the widespread corruption it allegedly generated. (This incident was detailed in ANC MP Andrew Feinsteins book After The Party.)

When Mbeki was in power, no distinction was ever made between the party and the people: the ANC itself was considered synonymous with the people, while opposition parties were all too frequently denounced as racists or enemies of transformation. Mbeki was a ferocious centraliser who worked hard to concentrate power in his own office. He punished dissent, and imposed his own discipline on party and government from the top down; the ANCs parliamentary caucus became a rubber stamp, unable to fulfil its constitutional obligation to provide a full and proper oversight of the executive.

So when Mbeki argues that the controversy around Zuma has finally imposed on our country the opportunity and obligation the better to define the constitutional and moral relationship between the people and their elected representatives, one is compelled to ask: what exactly has changed? What about the many controversies that disfigured Mbekis own presidency?

The arms deal, the spread of corruption, the concentration of presidential power, disastrous HIV/AIDS denialism, the indulgence of Robert Mugabes ruinous tenure in Zimbabwe  none of these were extensively debated or scrutinised in parliament, with MPs encouraged to exercise their independent spirit and put the national interest ahead of the party. Instead, Mbeki maintained a vice-like grip over all policy areas, forcing MPs do their leaders bidding.

Its only right that many in South Africa and the ANC should want to end Zumas squalid, incompetent and shameful presidency, but that is no reason to recast the Mbeki era as some sort of golden age. It was then that many of the ANC leaderships worst tendencies first became entrenched  and five years into Mbekis tenure, Archbishop Desmond Tutu lamented the sycophantic, obsequious conformity and unthinking, uncritical, kow-towing, party line-toeing which had become the ANC norm.

This is the same vocabulary Mbeki is now using. As political conversions go, its as hypocritical and cynical as they come.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

The Conversation

James Hamill 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.
One person is dead after a possible shooting in the southeast area of the city Friday evening, according to an Albuquerque Police Department spokesman.

Officer Tanner Tixier said police were called to Zuni and Pennsylvania SE around 6:20 p.m. and when they got there they found one person dead at the scene.

Police have not said how the person died, but homicide detectives are investigating. Tixier didnt say if the dead person was a man or a woman or what led to the persons death.

Nobody is in custody, he said.

Officers closed off Zuni in both directions between Dallas and Rhode Island SE.

What looked like a body covered with a sheet could be seen lying half on the curb in front of an entrance to a mobile home park.

Kathy Eylicio lives half of a block away from where the incident occurred. She said she heard three gunshots as she was leaving for the grocery store.

I just heard the gunshots, Eylicio said. I didnt hear yelling or anything.

Eylicio called the area very dangerous and said residents hear gunshots on a nightly basis.

Its getting closer to my home, she said, gesturing toward the crime scene.
Thank you, Rio Rancho. Looking back over the 30 years we have lived here, we see a community that has traveled amazing distances to become a truly remarkable city.

We can thank the elected officials for all they have done to advance city services, build roads, keep an excellent public safety department and more. We can thank the business community for its dedication to the city and, even more, for its success bringing new businesses to town, making this a viable place to live. We can thank the school district for maintaining excellent schools and building the buildings that were so desperately needed.

But, for much of the good in Rio Rancho, we must thank the people  our friends, neighbors, fellow warriors and compassionate people. The people of Rio Rancho are amazing folks. They see a problem, they recognize a way to make things better, and they get to work and fight the battles to find solutions.

We believe these people are the true heroes of Rio Rancho. We applaud them. These ordinary people are, in effect, extraordinary. We believe Rio Rancho has a community filled with extraordinary people masquerading as ordinary folks.

Lets look at what these extraordinary folks have done. Early on in Rio Ranchos history, Sister Genevieve of the Felician Sisters Convent began collecting day-old bread from local businesses and distributing it, from the trunk of her car, to needy people. That endeavor became the St. Felix Pantry, which today serves about 1,000 families a week.

Similarly, in the late 1980s, Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church members began contributing to a food pantry to help the poor in Rio Rancho. That was the beginning of Storehouse West, a strong, active organization that helps feed many people in Sandoval County.

ReadWest, which provides literacy training to individuals in Rio Rancho and on Albuquerques West Side, has had a home in Rio Rancho for decades because people here have supported its vision.

It was also the extraordinary people of Rio Rancho who came together and gave their time and talents  and hearts and souls  to get Rio Rancho its own school district. At times it was like moving mountains, but it happened because this citys people came together.

In more recent times, extraordinary folks built Haven House for victims of domestic abuse, the Galloping Grace Youth Ranch to help guide our children, and A Park Above, a park for people of all abilities. These are all extraordinary accomplishments.

And this doesnt include the Rio Rancho Education Foundation and the Rio Rancho Community Foundation, both of which were established by community members to provide benefits to our city.

We havent even mentioned the individuals who quietly helped solve a problem just because they care and saw a problem they could fix. We left out many herculean efforts that various groups have taken on when help was needed; they are too numerous to mention.

We do know that extraordinary things happen in a city filled with extraordinary people. Our friends and neighbors saw problems that needed to be fixed and put their hearts and minds to it and made a difference. These differences didnt come about because of government or organizations; they came about because of you.

And what an amazing difference the people of Rio Rancho have made in the lives of others.

Contact the Ryans at ryan@abqjournal.com.
Federal authorities say 28 people, including at least seven in Albuquerque and one in Rio Rancho, are facing drug trafficking and money laundering charges in New Mexico as part of an investigation targeting a Mexican drug trafficking organization.

News media outlets were identifying the target organization as part of the Sinaloa cartel.

The law enforcement community is sending a loud and clear message to those who traffic drugs in our communities that they cannot commit crimes in New Mexico without consequence, Acting U.S. Attorney James D. Tierney said in a statement.

The organization is believed responsible for importing large quantities of heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine from Mexico, and distributing the illicit drugs in New Mexico, Texas, Kansas, Kentucky and Illinois, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office.

During the investigation, authorities seized about 30 kilograms of heroin, 64 kilograms of methamphetamine, 17 kilograms of cocaine, 20 kilograms of marijuana, 24 firearms, three vehicles and $102,000.

The investigation concluded Friday with an early morning, multiagency law enforcement operation executing arrest warrants in Albuquerque, Belen, El Paso and Sunland Park, with 20 arrested Friday. The alleged ringleader was not in custody as of Friday afternoon.

Tierney and Special Agent in Charge Will R. Glaspy of the DEAs El Paso Division announced the results of the investigation Friday afternoon during a news conference in Las Cruces.

Glaspy said, Today law enforcement in New Mexico and West Texas has dealt a severe blow to a drug trafficking organization with ties to a Mexican drug cartel.

The investigation targeted a drug trafficking ring allegedly led by Luis Angel Briseno-Lopez, 30, a Mexican national believed to reside in Ciudad Juarez who has not been arrested, authorities said.

The indictment includes forfeiture allegations, which seek to forfeit to the U.S. the proceeds of the drug trafficking and money-laundering activities, including $56,556 seized by the DEA during the investigation. It also seeks the imposition of a money judgment in the amount of at least $1.4 million, the amount allegedly derived from the crimes charged in the indictment.

The Las Cruces and Albuquerque offices of the DEA conducted the investigation with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol, New Mexico State Police and Hatch Police Department.

Chief Pete Kassetas of the State Police said these kinds of cases are great examples of how local, county, state and federal agencies are working with state district attorneys and the U.S. Attorneys Office to prosecute those responsible for their crimes.

This operation reinforces that there are consequences to those that choose to conspire to illegal narcotics crimes in our communities and state, he said.

Authorities identified the 28 defendants in addition to those from Albuquerque and Rio Rancho: one from Belen and several from Sunland Park, Anthony, N.M., Chaparral, Las Cruces, Santa Rosa and El Paso.

The U.S. Attorneys Office released this list of charges against defendants as part of its 16-month drug trafficking operation announced Friday in Las Cruces.

 Luis Angel Briseno-Lopez, 30, a Mexican national believed to reside in Juarez, Mexico, is charged in Counts 1-4, 6, 13-17, 20-21, 23, 25-26, 29, 31-32 and 34-39 of the indictment. Briseno-Lopez has yet to be arrested and is considered a fugitive.

 Francisco Luna-Rosales, 50, a legal permanent resident who resides in Albuquerque, is charged in Counts 1, 27, 29, 38 and 40-42 of the indictment. Luna-Rosales has yet to be arrested and is considered a fugitive.

 Omar Fernandez, 21, of Albuquerque is charged in Counts 1, 24 and 28 of the indictment. Fernandez was arrested Friday morning in Albuquerque.

 Manuel German Ibarra, 32, of Albuquerque is charged in Counts 1, 2, 22 and 31 of the indictment. Ibarra has yet to be arrested and is considered a fugitive.

 Juan R. Gutierrez, 30, of Belen is charged in Counts 1, 2 and 18-20 of the indictment. Gutierrez was arrested Friday morning in Belen.

 Gustavo Hernandez-Loaiza, 38, of Albuquerque is charged in Counts 1, 2 and 21 of the indictment. Hernandez-Loaiza was arrested Friday morning in Albuquerque.

 Joshua Jande Carmona, 23 of El Paso, Texas, is charged in Counts 1-3, 5-8, 10-11, 14, 29-31 and 34-35 of the indictment. Carmona was arrested Friday morning in Arlington, Texas.

 Alberto Terrazas-Ignacio, 24, of Albuquerque is charged in Counts 1, 2, 6, 15-18, 20-28, 32-33 and 44 of the indictment. Terrazas-Ignacio was arrested Friday morning in Las Cruces.

 Jose Manuel Ortiz-Campos, 28, a legal permanent resident residing in El Paso, Texas, is charged in Counts 1- 2 and 36-40 of the indictment. Ortiz-Campos was arrested Friday morning in El Paso.

 Diego Armando Rivas-Aguilar, 23, a Mexican national, is charged in Counts 1 and 33 of the indictment. Rivas-Aguilar is in custody on a federal marijuana trafficking charge in the Western District of Texas and will be transferred to the District of New Mexico to face the charges in the indictment.

 Edgar Dominguez-Cuellar, 30, of Sunland Park is charged in Counts 1, 7-10 and 12-13 of the indictment. Dominguez-Cuellar is in custody on a federal alien smuggling charge in the District of New Mexico.

 Rosa M. De Santiago, 43, of Sunland Park is charged in Counts 1- 2 and 36-40 of the indictment. De Santiago was arrested Friday morning in Sunland Park.

 Georgina Ramirez, 36, of Anthony is charged in Counts 1, 36-38 and 43 of the indictment. Ramirez was arrested Friday morning in Anthony.

 Jesus A. Flores, 39, a legal permanent resident of Anthony is charged in Counts 1, 38 and 43 of the indictment. Flores was arrested Friday morning in Anthony.

 Alfonso Rios, 36, of Santa Rosa is charged in Counts 1 and 11 of the indictment. Rios was arrested in El Paso.

 Vanessa Reyes, 26, of El Paso, Texas, is charged in Counts 1-2 and 29-31 of the indictment. Reyes was arrested Friday morning in Arlington, Texas.

 Roderica T. Bahe, 24, of Albuquerque is charged in Counts 1 and 44 of the indictment. Bahe was arrested Friday morning in Las Cruces.

 Martin J. Contreras, 25, of Rio Rancho is charged in Counts 1 and 25-26 of the indictment. Contreras was arrested Friday morning in Rio Rancho.

 Elizabeth Monroy, 19, of Chaparral is charged in Counts 1 and 36-37 of the indictment. Monroy was arrested Friday morning in Chaparral.

 Daisy Hidalgo, 22, of Anthony is charged in Counts 1 and 36-37 of the indictment. Hidalgo has yet to be arrested and is considered a fugitive.

 Jazmin Lucia Soto, 19, of Chaparral is charged in Counts 1 and 36-37 of the indictment. Soto was arrested Friday morning in Las Cruces.

 Ricardo Terrazas-Ignacio, 19, of Las Cruces is charged in Count 1 and 16 of the indictment. Terrazas-Ignacio was arrested Friday morning in Las Cruces.

 Dulce Viridiana Rodriguez, 21, of Albuquerque is charged in Counts 1 and 38 of the indictment. Rodriguez has yet to be arrested and is considered a fugitive.

 Jose Fernando Lucero, 24, of Las Cruces with conspiracy and possession of heroin and cocaine with intent to distribute.

 Maria Isabel Reyes, 37, and Roberta Guillermina Ornelas, 38, both of Horizon City, Texas, with conspiracy and possession of more than a pound of heroin with intent to distribute.

 Gonzalo Dominguez-Cuellar, 24, of Sunland Park was arrested this morning and will be charged by criminal complaint with participating in the drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracies charged in the indictment.

 Ivonne Briseno-Lopez, 26, of El Paso, Texas, was arrested this morning and will be charged by criminal complaint with participating in the money laundering conspiracies charged in the indictment.
Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

An emotional public outpouring of loss, anger and regret opened the first meeting of a state Supreme Court commission examining the legal mechanism by which hundreds of incapacitated adults a year in New Mexico are placed under court-approved guardianships and conservatorships.

Nearly a dozen speakers recounted their experiences  mostly negative  with the provisions in the states legal system that permit third-party non-relatives and corporate professionals to dictate how the incapacitated adult, often times elderly, will live and how his or her money will be spent.

Im carrying a pretty big burden that I will carry the rest of my life because I approached the New Mexico legal system to help my mother with her affairs in her aging state, a tearful Ruth Smelser told the commission meeting in Albuquerque. And what has happened in the last two years through a court-appointed guardian is I have watched my fathers lifeblood drain away from her support as the unbelievable fees of a court-appointed guardian and their attorneys greatly diminish the assets that my father had left my mother to survive on when he was gone.

Had I known then what I know now, I never would have consulted with an attorney, I never would have trusted a judge to make the decision or determination, and I never would have gone down this path, she added. Its shocking to me there is no oversight  no advocacy for human beings deemed incompetent to manage any element of their affairs.

No one from the corporate guardianship industry in New Mexico spoke, nor any attorneys or judges who handle such cases. But Oscar Escareno, of the nonprofit The Arc of New Mexico, defended nonrelative guardians, saying that some of the issues Im seeing in the media lately I was taken aback by. Its a learning process. Were trying to do our best, and were not perfect. His organizations clients typically have developmental or intellectual disabilities.

Members of the professional guardianship industry contend they perform important work when family members are feuding and arent suitable to take care of their loved ones.

The commission is studying whether reforms are needed in the laws, rules, or court practices that up to now have mostly been playing out in closed-door District Court guardianship/conservatorship hearings, which by law are sequestered to protect the privacy of the incapacitated person.

The next commission meeting is set for May 12 at the State Bar Center, 5120 Masthead NE, Albuquerque. An interim report of possible recommendations is due to the Supreme Court by Oct. 1.

During nearly three hours of public testimony Friday, adult children of parents placed under such guardianships testified about their loved ones final days, voicing their frustration at how they believed the third-party guardian or conservator court process steamrolled their families.

I would have rather today been at the cemetery spending some time with my loved one, Sheri Benischek told the commission. His wishes were in the process of being denied by the court when he died. My father was an articulate man, one who dotted his is and crossed his ts. I am his messenger today, relaying to this commission what he was unable to do. He would have been appalled at what transpired in his final 12 days of life.

She contended there are attorneys involved in such cases in New Mexico who are unscrupulous.

These are attorneys who clearly circumvent the wishes of the incapacitated, she said. Wills and trusts are overridden; powers of attorney are thrown in the trash.

Watching a loved one die in unfamiliar surroundings, overseen by a court-appointed stranger, i.e. a temporary guardian, is unforgiveable. I have many sleepless nights over this  and will until I die. Its a setting I hope none of you on this commission ever experience. I have come to dissuade people considering retirement in this state. Why would anyone want to die here under the current practices of guardianship, particularly when their end-of-life wishes have been violated?

John Smelser followed up his sisters testimony by suggesting that mediation or arbitration should be attempted before a judge accepts a petition for guardianship.

Let the families get together, let them discuss their differences  before these people get locked into the court system, because once youre in the system, you cant get out. Its over. 

Yet, Patricia Galindo of the state Administrative Office of the Courts, who is vice chairwoman of the commission, told the group any interested parties, under the law, can send an informal letter to a judge on a guardianship case, if they have concerns about the care or the financial decisions made by guardians or conservators.

I have heard judges do receive these letters in the mail, Galindo added.

John Smelser echoed the other speakers in thanking the commission for its work.

Please dont get the wrong idea if you dont see these (meeting room) chairs filled, and as time goes on that some people have to filter out. We have jobs. We have things to do. But there are hundreds if not thousands of people who are so absolutely dependent on this process.  Were out here in large numbers, and were counting on you to see our concerns.
Student government leaders at six New Mexico universities say elected officials have put politics in front of the success of New Mexico students after Gov. Susana Martinez vetoed higher education spending amid a budget fight with lawmakers.

In a joint statement, the student government presidents urged Martinez and the Legislature to work together to allocate resources following the governors April 7 veto  one that eliminated $745 million in Legislature-approved fiscal year 2018 funding for public colleges and universities.

The Republican governor and Democrat-controlled Legislature have clashed over the budget, with Martinez also vetoing $350 million in proposed tax and fee increases. Those increases forced Martinez into the higher education veto, her spokesman said in a written statement, adding that funding will be fully restored during the special session.

But Martinez has not yet called a special session. Lawmakers, meanwhile, have challenged some of her vetoes at the New Mexico Supreme Court.

The students argue higher education is more important than ever and a path toward addressing New Mexicos challenges.

We are disappointed in those elected to serve us, as they have allowed such a critical issue to be caught in the middle of partisan political crossfire, the statement reads in part. If the Governor truly cared about higher education in this state, she would not leave our higher education institutions and the thousands of students they serve in the dark about their anticipated budgets for the next year. We find it disappointing that politics are being put in front of the success of New Mexico students.

It was signed by Kyle Biederwolf, University of New Mexico; Matt Bose, New Mexico State University; Gabriel Montoya, New Mexico Tech; Julian Padilla, New Mexico Highlands University; Claudia Osuna Ochoa, Western New Mexico University; and Joshua Alvarez, Eastern New Mexico University.

The governors spokesman said in a written statement that Martinez was forced into this position because of lawmakers tax increase proposal, but that higher education funding would get restored during a special session.
SANTA FE  A graduate student, an educator and a retired lawyer are campaigning to succeed Debra Haaland as head of the state Democratic Party.

The winner  to be chosen today in Albuquerque at a meeting of the partys central committee  will take over as Democrats are energized in opposition to President Donald Trump and looking for a win in next years gubernatorial race.

The candidates include:

 Juan Sanchez III, a 25-year-old Belen resident pursuing a masters degree in water resources at the University of New Mexico;

 Rusty Pearce, a 31-year-old who works as an instructional technologist for Las Cruces Public Schools;

 Richard Ellenberg, a retired lawyer and former chairman of Santa Fe Countys Democratic Party.

The winner will serve a two-year term as chairman of the state party. Its a volunteer position, though the party has a few paid staff members.

Haaland took over in 2015 but didnt seek re-election this year.

Sanchez is now vice chairman of the party. He would bring stability, he said, and use national contacts to recruit high-profile speakers to New Mexico.

The party, he said, must be willing to reach out to allies who arent necessarily Democrats to accomplish its goals.

Sanchez said his own identity as a Latino with a disability  he has an autoimmune disease  provides him a unique perspective on the importance of political debates, such as the potential repeal of Obamacare.

These issues arent that abstract to me, Sanchez said.  Every morning when I wake up, Im reminded of it.

Ellenberg said he has a track record of success, having served six years as Democratic chairman in Santa Fe. He said he wants to help build a staff loyal to the party itself, not whomever happens to be serving as chair at the time.

That, in turn, would help boost long-term strategic planning, record-keeping and fundraising, he said.

And one-on-one contacts can help reach less-engaged voters and get them to the polls, Ellenberg said.

We have a huge amount of energy coming into the party, he said. Donald Trump has reminded folks that elections matter.

Pearce, for his part, said he is skilled with technology and works with young people every day  strengths he says would help build the Democratic Party beyond the status quo.

Were going to have to stop politics as usual, he said. I dont think the establishment members of the party understand what its going to take in order to get the youth involved.

Pearce said he would bring persistence to the job  a quality demonstrated by his experience as a gay man who worked on Democratic causes in conservative Texas, he said.

Pearce was a delegate last year for presidential candidate Bernie Sanders at the Democratic National Convention.

The state central committee is made up of hundreds of Democratic Party leaders from throughout New Mexico. Its members will pick a chairman and other party officers as part of a daylong meeting today at Atrisco Heritage Academy on the West Side.
For the first 20 years of Markus Rindt's life, he knew there were limits on how far he could travel.

Rindt grew up in East Germany. He could not go farther west than the border wall that divided Germany into two countries.

I grew up with walls around me, he remembers. It was a weird situation, to see that the world seems to end at this wall. You feel that it cannot be that the world ends here.

In October 1989, Rindt fled to West Germany through Czechoslovakia with other East Germans. Just one month later, the border wall came down.

Six years later, Rindt moved to the city of Dresden. He currently lives in Dresden, where he leads a group of musicians called Dresdner Sinfoniker.

For the nearly 30 years since the wall came down, Rindt has been making music and traveling. He sometimes expresses his political beliefs through music.

Now, Rindt has something to say about the planned border wall between the United States and Mexico. And, he wants to 'say' it with a music performance.

He wants to bring his orchestra to the U.S.-Mexico border for a music and arts performance. He is raising money through the Internet to help finance the project.

He hopes the performance will take place on or around June 12  the 30th anniversary of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan's visit to West Berlin. That was when Reagan called on the leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, to tear down the wall between East and West Germany.

Our plan, Markus Rindt says, is a very big plan.

Political climate leads to series of performances

Rindt told VOA that this project is the most ambitious project so far. I have no idea if it [will work] in the end."

He strongly objects to U.S. President Donald Trumps plans to extend a wall along the Mexican border. I feel the project is necessary in our time, he said. It is not only against this planned Trump wall, but against isolation[ist attitudes] around the world as well."

That includes Europe where, last year, Britain voted to leave the European Union, and France, where nationalist Marine Le Pen is a leading candidate for president.

#teardownthiswall

Rindt believes Mexicos government will approve his plans for a performance on the southern side of the U.S. border. He wants his orchestra to perform with 15 to 20 musicians and a childrens singing group from the Mexican city of Tijuana.

However, he is not sure whether U.S. officials will let the Mexican musicians and children join his orchestra on the north side, in San Diego's Friendship Park. At the park, family members and loved ones on both sides of the border can talk to one another through holes in a closed, metal fence.

Rindt has never been to the border between the United States and Mexico. He has invited U.S. and Mexican musicians to join the Dresdner Sinfoniker in June. And, he has raised more than half the money needed for his orchestra to travel there.

Rindt knows he is not the first to attempt a cross-border music performance. Events like these have been happening for years.

But Rindt hopes the event will grow hugely popular on social media. He wants musicians and artists to write about their performances using a hashtag linked to Reagan's speech: #teardownthiswall.

'There must be other ways'

Rindt says he is not ignoring larger issues about the wall. He knows Trump says that the wall is needed for national security.

Im aware of some problems: drugs, of course, he said. Some people will [say to] me 'what about drugs and criminals?' There must be other ways to solve such [a] problem.

Data shows that smugglers do work around border barriers. Trump recently told the Associated Press that: People want the border."

But, more Americans oppose the wall than support it. A public opinion survey from Quinnipiac University shows that 64 percent of Americans oppose plans to extend the current wall. Just after Trump's election in November, that number was 55 percent.

Im Alice Bryant.

__________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

weird - adj. unusual or strange

orchestra - n. a group of musicians who play usually classical music together and who are led by a conductor

ambitious - adj. having ambition : having a desire to be successful, powerful, or famous

isolationist - adj. having the belief that a country should not be involved with other countries

challenge - n. a difficult task or problem

hashtag - n. a word or phrase that starts with the symbol # and that indicates what a message on social media (such as Twitter) is about

smuggler - n. to move (someone or something) from one country into another illegally and secretly

survey - n. an activity in which many people are asked a question or questions in order to gather information about what most people think about something
It seems every week we hear another airline horror story. A passenger involuntarily removed  dragged while bleeding and screaming  from a United Airlines flight. A woman juggling twin 15-month-olds reduced to tears after an American Airlines flight attendant reportedly whacked her with her own stroller, narrowly missing one of the babies. A couple on their way to their wedding in Costa Rica booted off a United flight when their assigned seats were occupied by a sprawled out and sleeping passenger. Instead of allowing them to pay for upgraded seats, they were ordered off the plane.

So what are your rights on an airplane? When you pay for your ticket, what exactly is the airline guaranteeing you? The harsh reality: After a customer forks over money to fly, it is the airline that continues to hold nearly all the cards. In the name of passenger safety  an essential, lets admit  there is no real equality or justice in the friendly skies. Thats because the captain and crew have control over what you may and may not do.

They can arbitrarily order a seated passenger off the plane either because the flight is overbooked or a crew member needs the seat to get to their next assignment. Legally, Dr. David Dao of the infamous United Airline dragging video was required to give up his seat when asked. The airline is required to compensate the passenger if this occurs, with the amount of payment tied to how long the customer will be delayed and a percentage of what they paid for their ticket.

Interestingly, an obscure DOT regulation encourages the airline to choose passengers who paid the least for their tickets because the percentage of compensation the airline will have to pay will be less. That cut-rate ticket you got may very well be the reason youre targeted to be bumped.

An airline can refuse service to anyone they suspect is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you stopped at the airport bar ahead of the flight, Id suggest a mint before you board.

The flight crew can call in airport security officers to arrest you if you dont comply with their orders. They can have police waiting for you at your destination if you are perceived to have interfered with the duties of a flight crew member in any way.

In addition, airlines do not guarantee their flight schedules, nor do they have to accommodate your choice of where to sit. Even if you pre-selected a specific seat, the airline can ignore your choice because seat assignments are not part of the contract of carriage you enter into when you buy a ticket.

Despite Department of Transportation rules that say domestic airline passengers may not be stranded on the tarmac for more than three hours, and must be provided food, water and working toilets, the captain can override that rule if he or she declares there is a safety or security reason why the plane cannot leave its position. And, no, you dont get any compensation for getting stranded on the tarmac, but the DOT can fine the airline.

There are plenty more rules and regulations that affect both passengers and the airlines, too. But the bottom line is that even if you pay top dollar for your ticket, you have few actual rights once you board. Its all about a very few number of people  the crew  exercising control over everyone else  the passengers  in the name of safety.

But lets be fair. Imagine, if you can, the plight of todays flight crews. Nathan Henderson has been a flight attendant for a major airline for four years now and loves his job. But he recently told a reporter, Everyone has this Passengers Lives Matter mentality these days. Passengers are often disrespectful and downright snarky, Henderson says, and during an average workday he might have to deal with as many as 900 passengers on various flights. Henderson reports that since the latest spate of news about flight attendant vs. passenger confrontations, some of the flying public have become combative, egging on crew members with comments like, I was going to push my call light for a drink, but I dont want to get dragged down the aisle.

Through it all, the attendants are supposed to remain professional. Its frustrating, but we just have to take it and smile because they can tape it and tweet it  usually out of context  and get us in trouble at any moment, Henderson says.

The underlying problem, of course, is that so many people seem spoiling for a fight in this angry era of economic, racial and political division. While fewer earthbound laws and rights apply up in the sky, wouldnt it be nice if everyone just took a breath and remembered that notion of do unto others your mother always told you about?

www.DianeDimond.com; email to Diane@DianeDimond.com.
Arturo Hernandez, like so many millions of immigrants, came to the United States in order to forge a better life for his family. He is one of the more than 11 million undocumented immigrants without whom the U.S. economy would grind to a halt, yet who are forced to live in the shadows, at risk of arrest, detention and deportation. Hernandez spent nine months in 2015 living in sanctuary in a church, the First Unitarian Society of Denver. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) notified Hernandez back then that he was not considered a priority for removal from the U.S., that they would exercise prosecutorial discretion, in effect letting him carry on with his life. That all ended Wednesday. As he was loading materials for his work laying tile, Hernandez was arrested by ICE and taken into detention. ICE told one of his advocates that the letter he has from the Obama administration doesnt count, as there are no longer priorities. All those who are undocumented will be targeted equally, it seems.

Jeanette Vizguerra is currently living in sanctuary, in the same church where Hernandez found protection. She went in not long after President Donald Trumps inauguration and remains inside. Vizguerra has been in the United States for more than 20 years, working as a janitor and as a union organizer. Her decision to enter sanctuary came as the newly installed Trump administration began threatening sanctuary cities with a shut-off of federal funds.

This hard-working mother of four eloquently and unreservedly speaks about the condition of undocumented people in the United States and stands defiantly in the face of Trumps bigoted pronouncements against them. She proudly shows her 2016 tax returns, challenging Trump to do the same. Vizguerra was shocked to learn last week that she had been named one of Time magazines 100 Most Influential People of 2017. Since she couldnt travel to the award gala in New York City, she was feted inside the Denver church Tuesday night. The next morning, Hernandez was picked up by ICE.

While the threat of deportation prevented Vizguerra from speaking at the New York ceremony, musician John Legend was there. Legend offered his opinion of Trump: Hes manifestly unqualified, not curious, not good at legislating or really anything the job requires. He doesnt have any depth about any subject. And hes also using the office of the presidency as a way to make money for himself with his businesses, so hes corrupt. I cant say anything nice about the guy, I think hes one of the worst people Ive ever encountered in public life.

Strong words from public figures like Legend attract media attention and can go viral. But resistance to the Trump administrations policies will only have weight if backed by movements. The immigrants rights movement, organized by some of the most vulnerable people in our society, is hitting the streets in force May 1.

May Day is historically a day of resistance. If the past is any predictor, millions around the United States will march in defense of immigrant rights and against the increasingly draconian, anti-immigrant, anti-refugee policies of President Donald Trump. On May Day, immigrants, their families and their allies organize, march and resist.

Donald Trump launched his presidential campaign close to two years ago, verbally attacking Mexicans by saying, Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists. He promised to build a wall along the southern border. He reversed President Barack Obamas decision to stop using private, for-profit prisons for immigrant detentions and has now started deporting dreamers  young, undocumented immigrants who were brought into the country as children  who handed over their names and addresses to the federal government, under Obama, in order to gain some degree of protection under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA.

We visited Hernandez when he was in sanctuary in February 2015. A soft-spoken man, he told us, We come here, United States, to work and the future for the family. We are not criminal. We work and pay taxes. Everything I do, I do for my family.

Trumps immigration ban was blocked by several judges, as was his attempt to pull funding from sanctuary cities in a separate decision. Trump fires off angry tweets at any who oppose his policies. Those striving for a safe refuge here in the United States, for a place to live, study and work in dignity, free from the fear of being snatched off the street by ICE, are defying his tweets and massing in the streets. They are a force more powerful, organizing for change.

Amy Goodman is the host of Democracy Now!, a daily international TV/radio news hour airing on more than 1,400 stations. She is the co-author, with Denis Moynihan and David Goodman, of Democracy Now!: 20 Years Covering the Movements Changing America. Distributed by King Features Syndicate.
The steady stream of bad economic news for New Mexico is a harsh reiteration of themes weve heard for years.

There is no comfort in the constancy.

State legislators and the governor are considering serious tax reforms as an integral part of crafting an elusive budget for next fiscal year. If they can pull that off, it could move New Mexico in the only direction left.

And thats up.

New Mexico is having a harder  much harder  time than most states recovering from the Great Recession that started in December 2007. We have fewer jobs now than when the recession began; our unemployment recently has been the highest in the nation.

We lead the nation in the loss of people of prime working age  25 through 54  since 2007, and an estimated 9,500 of those workers left the state between 2010 and 2015. Conversely, our neighboring states are seeing an influx of skilled workers.

For nearly a decade, New Mexico has been losing more jobs than its adding, leaving it among the 10 worst states for overall number of jobs. Meanwhile other states, and the nation as a whole, have seen a rise in overall jobs.

Our small businesses are struggling, in part because they cant secure the capital needed to operate or expand.

Economists are pretty sure how we got here: A chronic over-dependence on oil and gas revenues and government jobs; poorly performing public schools; a relatively low-skilled workforce; questionable economic development strategies; and a tax system thats less friendly to businesses than most states.

And, of course, the Great Recession, which no state had control over.

Jeff Mitchell, director of the University of New Mexicos Bureau of Business & Economic Research, says New Mexicos slower-than-usual recovery has brought deep and structural changes to the states economy and no one really has a good answer or response to the problem.

But pieces of the puzzle are evident. The states oil and gas sector  revenues of which account for about a third of the states budget  has been hammered by the slump in oil prices.

At the same time, federal jobs and dollars have been dropping.

Our poorly performing schools are not producing the quantity or quality of workers, entrepreneurs and skilled laborers we need to compete with other states. Mitchell attributes some of that to decades of under-performance and under-investment in New Mexicos schools as the economy shifts to knowledge and skill-based jobs.

Meanwhile, places that have well-educated workforces are doing well nation- and worldwide, so new businesses tend to start in those areas. Similarly, existing businesses expand, drawing workers from other areas.

The lack of available capital for small businesses, partially wrought by post-recession banking restrictions, has forced some New Mexico businesses to shrink or close their operations.

And while Mitchell questions the states strategy of focusing on attracting/starting new businesses instead of helping existing ones, state Economic Development Secretary Matthew Geisel notes nearly 60 percent of the states key economic development fund has been devoted to existing businesses since fiscal 2014.

Regardless, the current strategy isnt showing the results New Mexico needs. Manufacturing jobs have been disappearing for years, the construction industry has yet to fully recover from the recession, and except for a few notable exceptions, new businesses with well-paying, permanent jobs are not coming here.

Meanwhile, Medicaid expansion is booming. But being poor and sick is not a plan for economic independence.

It would be nice if you could attack all of these problems at once, but thats a tough order.

Instead, as weve said before, the comprehensive tax reform bill crafted by Rep. Jason Harper, R-Rio Rancho  which passed the House unanimously and had bipartisan support in the Senate  is the best starting point weve seen in ages for getting the state on the right economic track.

Gov. Susana Martinez has expressed support for much of it. Some Democratic lawmakers are nervous its too wide-ranging and that insufficient due diligence has been done to determine its full impact.

But both sides should use this as an opportunity to implement systemic changes that move the state away from that constant drumbeat of negative economic news.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
Police are looking for a person of interest in a Friday evening slaying in southeast Albuquerque, according to a spokesman for the department.

Investigators are looking for any information about a man seen in a surveillance picture and consider him a person of interest in the case, officer Simon Drobik said.

Officers responding to a shooting call arrived at Zuni and Pennsylvania SE around 6:20 p.m. Friday and found a man dead in the street.

Although they had been called to area for a shooting, police said they couldnt say the cause of the mans death.

Police said nobody is in custody.

Anyone with information should call 242-COPS or Crimestoppers.
WASHINGTON  Building new atomic bombs to replace the oldest such weapons in the U.S. arsenal will cost 35 percent more than the Energy Department has budgeted, and production will start two years late, according to an internal department estimate cited in a congressional audit.

The estimate for the B61-12 program was produced last fall by the Energy Departments Office of Cost Estimating and Program Evaluation, and it was cited deep inside a report issued this past week by the Government Accountability Office.

Developing and producing up to 500 B61-12 bombs will cost $10 billion through fiscal 2026, according to the new estimate. The Energy Departments National Nuclear Security Agency projected in its fiscal 2017 budget that the programs would cost $7.4 billion. A few months later, the department updated the estimate to $7.6 billion, but officials there have still not agreed to change the coming fiscal 2018 budget to reflect the cost-analysis offices higher projection, the GAO report said.

Four years ago, the Pentagons cost-estimating office predicted that the new bombs would cost $10 billion and would be delayed. At the time, the Energy Department said that estimate was not accurate.

The program was initially projected to cost $4 billion and production was to have begun this year.

The B61-12 program would replace four types of B61 bombs with one upgraded model that would guide bombs to their targets with a satellite-guidance kit on their tails.

Production of the first of the upgraded bombs, which is scheduled to start in fiscal 2020, will more than likely begin two years later, the departments cost estimators said. But the Energy Department and Pentagon schedule projections have by all indications not changed.

This month, Air Force Gen. John Hyten, chief of U.S. Strategic Command, told Senate Armed Services in prepared testimony that the B61-12 program was on schedule for a 2020 production start. He said it must deliver on schedule to avoid any strategic or extended deterrence capability gaps.

An expert on nuclear weapons who has closely tracked the cost projections said the new report bodes ill for atomic arms budgets.

The GAO report reveals that despite NNSAs assurances that the B61 life extension program is proceeding without any hiccups, the program could face a major disruption for which the agency is ill-prepared, said Kingston Reif of the Arms Control Association.

The apparently likely shortfalls in the coming budgets for the B61-12 are part of a larger problem, according to the GAO report.

The Energy Department has a pattern of under-funding programs on the assumption that more money will become available later. From fiscal years 2022 to 2026, each of the departments annual budgets will average $11.1 billion, according to the latest plan. But the budget for each of those years may need to be more than 15 percent higher to execute the programs as intended, the GAO said, citing the Energy Departments estimates.

The potential under-funding of the B61 would further exacerbate a major execution challenge already facing NNSAs weapons program highlighted by GAO: a multi-billion dollar mismatch between NNSAs plans and budget projections over the next decade, Reif said.



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Visit CQ Roll Call at www.rollcall.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Zee Studio, the ultimate English movie destination, ups the ante and brings to you the World Television Premiere of GUARDIANS within three months of its theatrical release. The channel will premiere the action blockbuster on Indian Television on Sunday, 30th April, 2017 at 1PM & 11PM.

Directed by the ace Russian-Armenian filmmaker Sarik Andreasyan, the film stars Sebastien Sisak, Anton Pampushnyy, Sanzhar Madiyev, Alina Lanina, Valeriya Shkirando and Stanislav Shirin. Guardians boasts off jaw-dropping action sequences, enhanced by breathtaking special effects and stunning cinematography.

The sci-fi action adventure is about a secret organization "Patriot", who gathers a team of Soviet superheroes to defend their homeland from supernatural threats during an on-going cold war.

Get ready for a thrilling Sunday as the Guardians astonish you with their superhero powers twice on Sunday, 30th April at 1 PM & 11 PM respectively only on Zee Studio.
It looks like Telus has launched its own Android TV box. This is the Telus Pik TV media box and was announced last week alongside the unveiling of the companys new pay-TV service. From the looks of it, Telus will only let you buy the box if you are signing up to its Pik TV service. So unless you are a Telus customer (or plan to be) then it does not look like you will be able to get hold of this one anytime soon. Although, even if you are a Telus customer, you still might find getting one a little difficult as it seems the Pik TV service is only available in select cities throughout Alberta and British Columbia. And of course, as Telus will only sell you the box if you sign up to its pay-TV service, you will need to be in either of these two locations to be able to buy the box.

Availability aside, the box costs $100 on top of whatever else you are paying for the TV service and for that money, there is not a lot on offer here. For instance, the storage on offer comes in at 8GB and keeping in mind, this is the overall storage. As Telus notes actual formatted capacity will be less. Likewise, there is no microSD slot on offer  although there is a USB 2.0 port (not clear if adoptable storage will work). In either case, storage is not great with this box and you will be highly limited in the amount of content you can store locally. Which kinda does suggest Telus only wants you to use it to watch its Pik TV service. In terms of the rest of the specs, you are looking at 2GB RAM, a Broadcom BCM7252S dual-core processor (clocking at 1.5 GHz), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Dolby Audio, one HDMI port, one S/PDIF port, one Ethernet port, and surprisingly  select 4K-compatibility. Interestingly, the included remote control (connects via Bluetooth) does look pretty detailed and certainly more of a remote control than what is available via the usual Android TV boxes.

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As for the Android TV interface, not a lot seems to be known about this. Telus does clearly state that it is Powered by Android TV although Telus has not detailed whether this is based on Android Marshmallow or Nougat and conveniently, there are no actual screenshots of the interface on offer. Just a few of some of the main apps that you can expect to use like, Netflix and YouTube. In reality, although not confirmed, this is highly likely to be an example of the MediaFirst integration that is now available to pay-TV operators. For those thinking about giving this a try, providing you do meet the requirements (a Telus internet customer and live in AB or BC), then the actual Pik TV service starts at $20 CAD per month for the basic package  which includes your choice of 5 specialty channels, in addition to 23 local and regional channels. While additional channels start from $4 CAD per month, per channel. This is a no-contract type of service and at the moment Telus is offering the first month for free (a saving of $20 CAD), as well as a 30 day satisfaction guarantee for the cost of the box  payable by way of a $100 CAD credit which will be applied to the holders account providing the Pik TV media box returned, in good condition and with the original packaging, within two weeks after submitting the cancellation. The good news is that this is also a service that once subscribed to, will allow you to watch content on any Android device, as there is a corresponding Android app available from the Google Play Store. More details on the box and the service through the link below.
Smartphones are essentially small, handheld computers that we use on a daily basis, and as a part of that, we store a ton of files on them. Now, some files, likes pictures and videos, you can preview in various gallery applications, but for regular, miscellaneous files, you need a file explorer. Most Android smartphones these days come with a built in file manager application, but there are a ton of third-party options out there which are, in most cases, better equipped than stock file manager apps. Well, were here to take a look at such applications, youll find 10 applications down below, apps which are listed in non-specific order, and each of them is really compelling, read on.

Solid Explorer File Manager

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Solid Explorer is one of the most popular file manager applications out there. This app looks really nice, and lets you navigate files with ease, while it has a ton of advanced options included as part of the package. Do keep in mind that Solid Explorer is not free to use, you can use it for 14 days after which youll be asked to pay up if youd like to continue using it, but considering how many options youre getting in return, its a small price to pay.

ASUS File Manager

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This app is simply called File Manager, but it comes from ASUS, and it is utilized on ASUS smartphones. That being said, this is also quite a versatile file manager application which comes with a ton of options which let you hide your content, sync your phone with various cloud services and a ton of simpler options that more or less every file manager has, from cutting and moving files, to copying and pasting them.

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ASTRO File Manager

ASTRO File Manager is definitely one of the most popular applications on this list. This app has been around for a long, long time and it has been downloaded somewhere between 50 and 100 million times thus far. Much like Solid Explorer, this app has a ton of options and offers a really nice design as well. No matter if you need an app manager, task killer or a download manager, this app has you covered.

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ES File Explorer File Manager

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ES File Explorer has been downloaded over 100 million times thus far, and aside from being a well-equipped file explorer / manager, this app can also sync with various cloud storage services, serve as your root explorer, clean your smartphones cache, observe your smartphones charging and so much more. This is one of the most feature-packed applications on this list, thats for sure, and its free to use, though it contains ads.

MK Explorer

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The MK Explorer is one of the best looking applications on this list. Not only does it offer a nice design, but it also has plenty of features to offer you. The app supports 20 languages, has a built-in text editor, music player and gallery, while it can also serve as your root file manager. All the standard file manager options are included here, and the app is free to use, though it comes with in-app purchases.

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Tomi File Manager

Tomi File Manager is a bit different than the apps weve talked about thus far, mainly because it comes with a significantly different design. This app, however, offers a ton of options, just like all the other applications that weve mentioned. This app can serve as your file explorer, download manager, root explorer, music manager, and so much more. Truth be told, its not as feature-rich as some other apps weve listed, but it offers every option that is important for a file manager app.

Root Browser

If your phone is rooted, and you want complete access to everything through your file manager, then this might be an app for you. This app was created especially for root users, and it has a number of options that you might find useful. This app can execute script files, explore apk, rar, zip and jar files, change file permissions and ownership, etc. It also has pretty much every option regular file managers have, you can control your folders and files by moving them, copying them, and so on.

Total Commander

Total Commander actually comes in a desktop variant as well, and this is a rather functional application, it has every regular file manager feature that you might ask for, plus a ton of additional ones. This app supports plugins, so you can, for example, use a LAN access plugin, or a WebDAV plugin for web folders, which basically makes this app extremely useful as there are quite a few plugins at your disposal.

Amaze File Manager

Amaze File Manager is a light file manager app, and thats a good thing, at least for some of you. This app is really well designed, while it also includes a root explorer, just in case your phone is rooted. All the basic functions are here, and even though this app does not support plugins like Total Commander does, it has some advanced features as well that you might be interested in. This app is free to use, though it comes with in-app purchases.

File Manager

This application is called simply File Manager, and despite its rather simple name, its quite powerful. All the regular features are here, while this app will also all you to do a storage analysis of your smartphone, and youll also be able to access it from your PC thanks to FTP support. Cloud support is also included in this application, and the app is free to use, there are no in-app purchases included here.


U.S. President Donald Trump and many experts have said that Chinas support in efforts to limit North Koreas weapons programs is important.

The Trump administration told U.S. senators Wednesday that sanctions and diplomacy were needed to get North Korea to return to negotiations. The United Nations, the U.S. and South Korea have all placed sanctions on North Korea to force it to end its nuclear weapons program.

However, Chinas willingness and ability to pressure its neighbor is not fully clear.

Additional energy cuts possible

Some observers in China say the government is doing all it can to restrain North Korea. China cut coal imports from North Korea earlier this year. It also is reducing financial flows to the North.

Lu Chao is a North Korea expert at the Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences in northeast China. Lu says Chinese banks have stopped banking activities with North Korean banks.

China has imposed the harshest sanctions ever against North Korea, the effect of which may take some time to kick in, but they will be effective, he said.

Recent reports have said the price of gasoline in the capital, Pyongyang, more than doubled. This has led some experts to say that China is the cause.

However, some analysts say North Korea could be saving gasoline to prepare for a future import ban. Others say that, as tensions rise, the military is getting the gasoline.

China is unlikely to place new sanctions on North Korea by itself, observers say. However, North Korea could face greater restrictions if it continues to violate U.N. resolutions. These could include gasoline import cuts or other energy products.

Cai Jian is director of the Center for Korea Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai. He told VOA that such a move would have a big effect on North Koreas nuclear weapons development.

However, he said such moves will also affect the livelihood of its people. So, we have to be cautious about these harsh sanctions, which should only be imposed as a last resort.

Close allies, strained ties

China has been North Koreas main ally for many years. They are often described as being as close as lips and teeth. However, relations between the two countries have been strained since leader Kim Jong Un came to power in 2011.

Talks between North and South Korea, China, Russia, Japan and the United States, known as the six-party talks, have not taken place since 2007.

Kim Jong Un has now carried out three nuclear tests and more than 20 long-range missile launches.

Unlike his father, leader Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un has not visited China. His uncle, Jang Song Thaek was said to have had close ties with China. He also called for opening the Norths economy. But he was executed in 2013.

China recently tried to send its diplomat for nuclear issues, Wu Dawei, to North Korea. However, that move was rejected.

China has not been satisfied with North Koreas actions. But experts such as Daniel Pinkston say China is unlikely to place so much stress on North Korea that the government collapses.

Pinkston is with Troy University in Seoul, South Korea.

I just dont see the Chinese doing that, Pinkston says. They dont believe it is in their interest and I think they are probably right.

Communications more difficult

Recent opinion pieces in Chinese state media have warned North Korea not to carry out tests banned by U.N. Security Council sanctions.

Bong Young-shik is with the Yonsei University Institute for North Korean Studies in Seoul. He says China has warned leaders in Pyongyang not to go too far.

Thats a very stern warning to Pyongyang, to warn Pyongyang not to engage in any outright provocations that will be perceived by the United States as North Korea has crossed the redline.

North Korea was a major issue that Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed during their meeting in early April in Florida.

Euan Graham is an international security expert with the Lowy Institute for International Policy in Sydney, Australia.

He says it is a problem that there is no one on the North Korean side who handles relations with China as Jang Song Thaek had.

Theres no central person like Jang Song Thaek, who for many years was the main channel, Graham said. So, its not as easy, and the Chinese, I think, have genuine frustrations.

Im Mario Ritter.

Bill Ide reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

Harshest adj. the most difficult or most harmful

kick in v. take effect, to happen

sanctions n. actions taken against a country to cause it to obey international law, usually in the form of economic restrictions

provocations n. actions taken to cause someone to get angry or to cause a response

redline n. a limit

frustrations n. the state of not being able to do something
Introduction

Do we have a good one for you today  the Honor Note 8 takes on the new LG G6. The large, all-metal Honor Note 8 with its mammoth 6.6-inch display goes head-to-head with the completely redesigned LG G6 with its all-glass body. The Honor Note 8 uses a dual curved display with no bezels left-to-right, while LG did a revamp on the old metal bodied, modular LG G5 to come up with the more modern looking LG G6. The Honor Note 8 will only work on AT&T and T-Mobile in the US for 4G LTE, but the LG G6 will work on all major US networks. Lets look at just what these two devices have in common, if anything, and then we will take a closer look at each one in hopes that we can determine a winner of this comparison.

The Note 8 and the LG G6 have a few things in common. The displays of the two devices are 0.9-inch different in size, making the larger Honor Note 8 much larger in physical dimensions and weighing in a hefty 56 grams heavier. The displays use a different technology, the same resolution, and the same Gorilla Glass 3 for protection. They use a different processor and GPU, but certainly in the same league. They pack the same 4GB of DDR4 RAM and the same options for internal storage  32GB/64GB, although there is a 128GB option in the Honor Note 8  and both can expand its memory via a microSD card. The primary camera areas and the front-facing camera (FFC) areas are the same, yet different. The Honor Note 8 uses one 13MP sensor while the LG G6 uses dual 13MP cameras. The FCC on the Honor Note 8 and the LG G6 both use a 5MP sensor. Both have a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for unlocking the device. They both use a non-removable battery but only the LG G6 has rapid charge capabilities as well as wireless charging. They come with the usual suspects  WiFi, Bluetooth v4.2, GPS, NFC (LG G6 only), and the newer reversible Type-C port for charging and data transfer.

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Please take a thoughtful look at the detailed Specifications Comparison chart below, and here you will see just how these two great devices stack up against one another  click on the View Full Comparison link at the end of the chart to expand the details. After that, we will look at each device in greater depth and point out some of its pros and cons. From all of this information, we will try to determine the winner based on specs and execution of design and functions.

Specifications

Honor Note 8

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The Honor Note 8 is an all-metal device that is undeniably huge with a 6.6-inch display. It has a dual curved display with small bezels at the top and bottom of the device, but it still looks large. It comes with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, but its Nougat update should be out any day. Even with a QHD display and powerful Kirin processor, the 32GB model comes in at about $400. Does the Honor Note 8 have what it takes to overpower the new LG G6?

Huawei decided with such a large display that they would use the QHD resolution on their 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display. The resolution comes in at 2560 x 1440 pixels with 443 pixels-per-inch (PPI) and is protected by Gorilla Glass 3. This size display is great for watching movies, gaming, or reading  anything where a larger display is better for the user experience. Huawei used their HiSilicon Kirin 955 octa-core processor with four cores clocked at 1.8GHz and four cores clocked at 2.5GHz. Huawei paired the Kirin 955 with a Mali-T880 MP4 GPU for terrific graphics. The Honor Note 8 packs 4GB of DDR4 RAM and 32GB of internal memory that is expandable via a microUSB card. You can also get models with 64GB or 128GB of internal storage.

The primary camera on Honor Note 8 uses a single 13MP sensor and comes with an f/2.0 aperture, autofocus, OIS, and dual-tone LED flash. It uses a 5MP FCC camera with an f/2.0 aperture for selfies and video chatting. The Honor Note 8 provides a 4500mAh non-removable battery that should last you for a full day and it provides no fast charge capability.

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Because of the small bezels, Huawei placed the fingerprint sensor on the back of the device and it is only good for unlocking the Honor Note 8 because there is no NFC chip in the device. It also has DTS sound capabilities and includes an FM radio. The Honor Note 8 measures 178.8 x 90.9 x 7.2 mm, weighs in at a hefty 219 grams and comes in White, Gold, or Gray. The device is available to purchase online for about $420 for the 32GB model and will work on the AT&T or T-Mobile networks. The device comes with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, but should be getting its Android 7.0 Nougat very soon.

LG G6

Redesigned with new materials and a new display, the new LG G6 looks and acts nothing like the old LG G5 that it replaces. The LG G6 rids itself of the unpopular painted metal and modular body form of the G5 and uses an all-new glass design with smaller bezels. The new design allowed the G6 to gain an IP68 certification, but did away with one of LGs most sought after features  the removable battery, which is becoming almost non-existent. To help compensate for this, LG increased the battery size and now includes standard wireless charging. The display increased from 5.3-inches to 5.7-inches and now uses an 18:9 screen ratio that makes it slightly taller and narrower. LG continued with dual cameras but changed their megapixels. Lets see if LG did enough to their LG G6 and see just how it stacks up to the Honor Note 8.

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LG made some major changes to the G6s screen area giving it an IPS LCD QHD+ display by increasing it to 5.7-inch and giving it a new 18:9 screen ratio. This ratio causes the display to be slightly taller and narrower, but allows more display in a smaller area. LG included the always on feature that not only saves battery life, but also makes glancing at notifications much easier and quicker. The resolution comes in at 2880 x 1440 pixels with an impressive 564 PPI and is now Dolby Vision/HDR10 compliant. The viewer gets a more natural theater-like experience when watching movies and the ratio allows two perfect squares for on-screen multi-tasking. LG bypassed the newest SD835 octa-core processor and decided to use the SD821 quad-core processor with dual cores clocked at 1.6GHz and another dual-core clocked at 2.35GHz. The LG G6 packs 4GB of DDR4 RAM and 32GB of internal memory that is expandable to 2TB via a microUSB card.

There is definitely a growing trend toward a dual-camera design, which is something that LG has embraced for a while. One just has to look at the LG V10, V20, G5, and now the G6. The LG G6 uses dual 13MP sensor cameras for both the primary and secondary camera. The LG G6s primary shooter comes with an f/1.8 aperture, PDAF, OIS, and dual-tone LED flash and the G6 will use this camera for regular picture taking. The second 13MP camera comes with an ultra-wide-angle lens for capturing a wider group shot or a landscape picture and has a fixed focus with a much smaller f/2.4 aperture. LG decreased the FCC from an 8MP to a 5MP sensor and gave it an f/2.4 aperture for selfies and video chatting, which is unusual as more smartphones are increasing their FFC size as the importance of social media climbs. LG did take away the removable battery, but increased the size from 2800mAh to a 3300mAh, added Quick Charge 3.0, and standard wireless charging.

The small bezels dictate some of the G6s design features, such as keeping the fingerprint sensor on the back of the device, which still acts as the on/off switch. LG did away with the once popular IR Blaster, but kept the FM radio around in certain markets. The LG G6 is also the first non-Google smartphone to include Google Assistant onboard so you can use your LG G6 to communicate with Googles growing ecosystem that includes Google Home and Chromecast. The LG G6 measures 148.9 x 71.9 x 7.9 mm, weighs in at 163 grams and comes in Mystic White, Astro Black, or Ice Platinum. The device is available on all the leading carriers for about $670 for the 32GB model.

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And The Winner Is

The Final Word

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This was a tough decision and I only placed the LG G6s picture in as the winner because of a few factors  but are these factors worth the $250 difference in price  that is the real question and the answer is probably no. The LG G6 is a beautiful device that runs on all major US carriers, has NFC for mobile payments, IP68 water resistance, an always-on display, possibly better sized to carry around for an everyday driver, dual cameras, and fast charging, as well as wireless charging.

When it comes to looks, the LG G6 has nothing on the Honor Note 8. With its curved display, it is very reminiscent of a large Galaxy S7 Edge. The Honor Note 8 does come packed with a larger display, that is not only QHD, but also Super AMOLED. It would be ideal for movies, YouTube, web browsing, reading, and games. However, its size could be a factor in carrying it around in a pocket. The processor and GPU are up to the task of the LG G6 and it does come with expandable memory. If you are okay with carrying around a huge device, using AT&T or T-Mobile, do not plan to do any mobile purchases, and are okay without a quick charging battery, then the Honor Note 8 may be just for you.
A possible variant of the upcoming HTC U 11 flagship appeared in the database of the Primate Labs-made Geekbench benchmarking tool on Saturday, listed as the HTC CBP. Most of the listed internal specifications of the device that previous reports claim will be officially called the HTC U 11 correspond with earlier rumors about the handset, revealing that the smartphone is powered by the Snapdragon 835, Qualcomms first 10nm system-on-chip (SoC) that recently made its commercial debut in the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus. Apart from Qualcomms octa-core chipset, the new listing indicates that the HTC U 11 will sport 4GB of RAM and run Android 7.1.1 Nougat out of the box, presumably enhanced with the companys proprietary HTC Sense user interface.

The Geekbench listing of the possible HTC U 11  codenamed HTC Ocean  doesnt reveal any other hardware or software details about the device, though it does put its single-core and multi-core performance scores at 1912 and 6137, respectively, which is comparable to the scores achieved by the Exynos 8895-powered variants of Samsungs Galaxy S8 lineup. The Taiwanese consumer electronics manufacturer previously confirmed that it will officially unveil its latest high-end Android smartphone on May 16, and the company already started a marketing campaign for the handset thats teasing the touch-sensitive edges of its case. Owners of the firms upcoming flagship will be able to squeeze it and otherwise interact with its body to perform certain actions, recent reports indicate, adding that this unique feature will be advertised as one of the main selling points of the HTC U 11.

Previously rumored details about the smartphone suggest that the HTC U 11 will boast a 5.5-inch display panel with support for resolutions of up to 2560 by 1440 pixels (QHD). The device is said to ship with 64GB of internal storage, a 12-megapixel rear camera, and a 16-megapixel front shooter, all of which will be powered by a 4,000mAh battery that likely wont be removable. The Taoyuan, Taiwan-based company is expected to offer the HTC U 11 in Black, White, Silver, Blue, and Red colors, industry sources said earlier this year. More information about HTCs upcoming Android flagship is expected to follow soon as its official launch draws closer.
Tax authorities in Milan, Italy, have reason to believe that Amazon evaded approximately 130 million ($141.6 million) of taxes in Italy, a source close to the investigation into the companys practices told Reuters on Friday. According to the same source, investigators had already briefed Milan prosecutors on the matter, though state officials have yet to decide whether to prosecute Amazon based on their suspicions and evidence that reportedly exists but hasnt been publicly disclosed as of this writing. The Seattle, Washington-based tech giant and online retailer dismissed the accusations in a statement seen by Reuters, saying that all of its taxes were paid on time but the annual profits on which theyre based on were historically low because the company made significant investments in the country.

Amazons defense seemingly has merit in light of the fact that Italy is one of the beneficiaries of the firms expansion efforts on the Old Continent. Following years of increasing its employee headcount, Amazon recently revealed plans to significantly expand its workforce in the European Union over the course of this year as the company said its planning to create 15,000 full-time jobs by the end of 2017. However, the extent of the tech giants spending in Italy is currently unclear and Italian tax authorities are now possibly suspecting Amazon of artificially lowering or hiding its profits in an effort to pay less tax. The 130 million in taxes that the Seattle-based eCommerce company allegedly evaded were supposed to be paid between 2011 and 2015, a source with knowledge of the matter claims, adding that Amazon recorded approximately 2.5 billion ($2.72 billion) in revenue during that five-year period. Its currently unclear whether Italian prosecutors will decide to prosecute Amazon as state officials have yet to issue any official comment pertaining to Amazons supposed tax evasion.

The latest turn of events marks yet another potential legal problem for Amazon in Europe as the company has recently been hit with a number of antitrust and tax-related charges made by the European Commission and is at risk of paying billions of dollars in fines. An update on the companys dealings with EU authorities is expected to follow later this year.
Uber drivers in the UK will soon be able to get sick pay, thanks to a new partnership between the ride-sharing company and the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed (IPSE). The IPSE, an organization that represents self-employed people within the country, announced the partnership on April 27, via its official web page. As to whats covered under the agreement, the most prominent new benefit is the above-mentioned sick pay. Drivers will be covered for up to 2,000 if they cant work for two or more weeks and that doesnt just include coughs and fevers. According to the IPSE, injuries will also be covered. The benefits also account for up to that same amount covered in case a driver must participate in jury service. Another plus is that Uber will also provide drivers with access to support and advice across a range of topics that fall under the categorization of personal finance issues. More specifically, the announcement lists the examples of paying taxes or figuring out mortgages, pensions, and savings.

The only catch here is that gaining access to the benefits requires drivers to enroll in a membership with the IPSE. The benefits are to be included as part of that membership offering as part of a deal worked out between Uber and the IPSE. The membership itself is said to cost drivers around 2 per week charge for enrollment. Depending on a given workers level of involvement with the ride-sharing app, among other factors like how often that driver tends to become ill or get injured, the membership sounds like it could be a pretty good deal. The IPSE, for its part, claims that its only motivation is to serve as a representative for every person working for themselves in the UK, citing that private hire and taxi drivers have been self-employed for decades. Further initiatives are also expected to be introduced throughout 2017 to help the organization further that goal.

The news coming out of Uber has, for the most part, not been very good over the past several months. From inner conflict and turmoil to the most recent scandal involving the alleged use of Greyball software, Uber could really use some good PR. Fortunately, the companys missteps seem to have at least begun to be offset by moves like this one and other changes the company is making. With any luck, the company will learn from its experiences and continue to take corrective steps. In any case, partnering to allow any kind of benefits package for its self-employed ride-sharers seems like a smart move.
A theatrical production about American politics opens in New York City next month.

On May 11, The Public Theater will present a staged reading of All The Presidents Men?

No, not the book, All The Presidents Men, which told about two reporters and their investigation of Watergate -- the biggest political scandal in American history.

Unlike that book and movie about Watergate, the title of this new work ends in a question mark. And the show is performed as a sort-of reality theater.

The words the actors will speak are direct testimony from the sometimes-angry Senate confirmation hearings for four nominees to President Donald Trumps cabinet.

All four were confirmed. They are Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Health and Human Services chief Tom Price and Scott Pruitt, head of the Environmental Protection Agency.



The show will be held at the theater called Town Hall. The show's cast has yet to be announced, but it is expected to include some famous names.

All the Presidents Men? is among several recent artistic productions created in reaction to Trump's election as president.



British writer Howard Jacobson just published a humor novel called Pussy. An HBO television series about the 2016 election is in the works. And, Robert Schenkkan's play Building the Wall, which imagines Trumps presidency turning dictatorial, can be seen at a theater in Los Angeles.

Britains Nicholas Kent created and directs All the President's Men? He led the staged reading of the work Monday at Londons Vaudeville Theater. The director said he wanted to understand what Trump, the outsider politician, really stands for.



He said, I thought the best way of finding out about the whole philosophy behind the Trump presidency would be to look at the Senate confirmation hearings. Because the beliefs of the people involved would come out of that, and their backgrounds would come out.



Kent, a former artistic director in London's Tricycle Theatre, has overseen other fact-based plays. His work The Riots examined England's 2011 riots. His Guantanamo - Honor Bound to Defend Freedom looked at the U.S.-led war on terror. And his play, The Great Game, explored Afghanistan's history of conflict.



For his latest project, Kent watched 50 hours of Senate hearings. He said, at first, it was a little like watching paint dry.



But, he said, over time the important issues came out during the testimony. In his words, The questioners, and the questions asked, were as revealing as the answers in many ways.



The four cabinet nominees were little known to most Americans. Tillerson is a former head of the energy company ExxonMobil. Sessions served 10 years in the Senate and, earlier, was Attorney General for the state of Alabama. Tom Price is a medical doctor. He served many years in the U.S. Congress representing the state of Georgia. And Scott Pruitt was formerly Attorney General of Oklahoma.



Kent said he chose these four men because he believed they generally represent how America will be governed. He said, I'm not trying to do a satirical portrait in any way whatsoever. I'm trying to look at their beliefs.



Kent says the president himself appears in the show only through a few tweets.



It's the administration that's going to make the man, as we've already seen, the director said. He noted that two of Trump's campaign promises -- to halt travel by people from countries considered centers of terrorism and to end Obamacare -- have been blocked by courts and Congress.

Kent said Trump can tweet forever but, he added, It is actually the machinery of government and the people under him, who are going to carry out his policies, that are the most interesting.

Im Caty Weaver.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

scandal  n. an occurrence in which people are shocked and upset because of behavior that is morally or legally wrong

title  n. the name given to something (such as a book, song, or movie) to identify or describe it

testimony  n. something that someone says especially in a court of law while formally promising to tell the truth

philosophy  n. a set of ideas about how to do something or how to live

background  n. the experiences, knowledge, education, etc., in a person's pas

reveal  v. to show (something) plainly or clearly

portrait  n. a detailed description of something or someone
YEREVAN, APRIL 28, ARMENPRESS. The transition to solar energy in one of Armenias villages has been fully completed in March.

Hayk Harutyunyan, deputy minister of energy infrastructures and natural resources told a press conference Armenia already has a solar village.

A special project was implemented in Armavirs Lernamerdz community, whereby solar heating devices have been introduced for the villages household water heating.

Solar boilers have been installed on the rooftops of 80 homes of the village, and in addition solar batteries have been installed on the rooftops of 25 homes.

At the same time the locals have been provided with energy saving LED bulbs. I.E. the village has become energy-saving.

Around 40 million AMD was invested in total.

The village head demanded gasification, calculations showed 1.5 million drams was required per resident in order for gas to be supplied to the homes. We calculated the alternative and saw that less than 500 thousand is needed per resident. In addition, from now on solar energy is free of charge for them. Initially the villagers didnt believe, they even joked where are you trying to deceive us, but then we saw the response is rather positive, he said.

Harutyunyan said the locals have been proposed to create a revolving fund, in order for this kind of programs to be continuous.
YEREVAN, APRIL 28, ARMENPRESS. A new Pan-Armenian festival is being founded in Armenia.

The Nairi musical festival will kick off in September.

The founding session of the Nairi Pan-Armenian musical festival was held in the Diaspora ministry.

Diaspora minister Hranush Hakobyan, culture minister Armen Amiryan were present at the session.

Minister Hakobyan said theyve been working on this program for more than 10 months.

Organizers of the festival were able to correctly unite a committee which has made unbiased decisions and will present them today. We are signaling the birth of a new and interesting festival. The festival is called Nairi, she said.

Culture minister Armen Amiryan said arts are the best platform due to which it is possible to keep the unity of the Armenian people.

This festival is marked by two important directions, we are launching an important festival program and are creating a statuary of musical instruments, which has a tendency of making national instruments subject to worship, he said.

The artistic director of the program and the organizer of the festival is Samvel Haroyan.

The festival will begin on September 18th. The grand prix depicts Mount Ararat and a Crane (bird), which symbolizes the Armenia-Diaspora-Artsakh trinity.
Two media rights groups have reported a sharp drop in press freedoms around the world in 2016.

The two groups note that much of the decline in media rights took place in democratic countries.

Freedom House and Reporters Without Borders say North Korea, Syria and China were the countries with the most restrictions on media in 2016. They noted that all three countries were among the worst offenders of press freedoms in recent years.

But what is changing is that democracies, such as the United States, also had a decline in press freedom last year.

Jennifer Dunham is the research director for Freedom House.

One of the biggest trends we saw were declines in democracies, and this was one of the most disturbing trends we saw.

Dunham also spoke about U.S. President Donald Trump. She noted that Trump attacked media organizations and individual reporters during the 2016 presidential campaign -- and since his election.

Dunham said free speech is still valued in the United States.

Right now, we are very concerned about the U.S., but we havent seen any kind of dramatic decline.

Delphine Halgand is the North America director of Reporters Without Borders. She says Trumps criticisms of the media are making leaders in other countries more willing to limit press freedoms.

This hate speech contributed to disinhibit attacks on the media almost everywhere in the world, including in democratic countries.

In its report last Wednesday, Reporters Without Borders said media freedom has never been so threatened. It said 62 percent of countries measured showed a decline in press freedom.

The report said the reductions in press freedoms were sharpest in places where the authoritarian strongman model has triumphed," such as Poland, Hungary and Turkey.

The report said the Middle East and North Africa continued to be the most dangerous area for journalists and media crews last year. Eastern Europe and Central Asia were also dangerous places for reporters.

Reporters Without Borders identified five countries with the highest level of freedom for journalists last year. They are Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands.

Laos, Pakistan, Sweden, Myanmar and the Philippines were the countries with the most improvements in press freedom.

Im Caty Weaver.

VOAs William Gallo and Chris Hannas reported on this story. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted their reports for VOA 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

decline - n. the process of becoming worse in condition or quality

trend - n.a general direction of change

dramatic- adj. sudden and extreme

disinhibit - adj. make (someone or something) less inhibited

inhibited - adj. unable to act in a relaxed and natural way

authoritarian - adj. expecting or requiring people to obey rules or laws : not allowing personal freedom
YEREVAN, APRIL 28, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on April 28 held a meeting with Lebanons State Minister for Planning Affairs Michel Pharaon, press service of the Presidents Office told Armenpress.

The President welcomed the guest and his delegation in Armenia. He considered the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Lebanon as another good opportunity to value and appreciate the traditional warm relations and friendly ties between the two countries. He warmly recalled his official visit to Lebanon in 2012 and asked the State Minister to convey his warm greetings to Lebanese President Michel Aoun and the invitation to visit Armenia.

Serzh Sargsyan expressed hope the Lebanese State Ministers visit and his meetings and discussions in Armenia will give a new impetus to the bilateral relations, the continuous strengthening of which is in the interests of two peoples.

At the meeting the President awarded Michel Pharaon with Order of Friendship for the significant contribution in developing the Armenian-Lebanese economic ties, as well as strengthening the friendship between the two peoples.

In his turn the Lebanese State Minister thanked the President for the award and talked with satisfaction about his meetings and discussions held in Armenia. Michel Pharaon said during his visit he had a chance to get acquainted with Armenias economic opportunities, to examine the investment environment which impressed him, and he believes that Armenia has quite good conditions for attracting investments.

Both sides attached importance to the role of the Armenian community of Lebanon in terms of strengthening the inter-state ties and the friendship between the two peoples.

At the meeting, in addition to other issues, the Armenian-Lebanese cooperation at multilateral format was also discussed.
PHEV

SUV

Fans of the three-diamond brand may not find another Lancer Evolution in showrooms again, but they will have reason to celebrate this year. In case you did not know, the Japanese brand is marking its centennial anniversary in 2017, which is a notable event for any company.Staying in business for a century, in a world that has gone through so much over that period is tough, but several automakers have already celebrated this kind of feat.Mitsubishi is lucky enough to get to throw a party, even though last year holds the stigma of a cheating scandal that had been going on since the 1990s Instead of offering a limited run of the Lancer Evolution , which would have become instantly collectible, but might have upset a few clients of the last edition of the performance sedan, Mitsubishi had something else in mind.The Japanese brand commissioned West Coast Customs to recreate its first ever car with modern technology. You may not have heard about the first car made by the three-diamond brand, but it was called the Model A, and it was launched back in 1917.Only 22 units were made, but it remains a landmark in the history of the Country of the Rising Sun because it was the first series of mass-produced vehicles.In 2017, the company will celebrate this anniversary with a custom car based on the OutlanderYou may be wondering how a plug-in hybridfrom 2017 would look if were turned into something built 100 years ago, but the trick is that it will be utilized as a platform donor. From there, West Coast Customs will handle the rest to make the vehicle into a recreation of its ancestor.The build will be filmed, and it will air on the Velocity network on Tuesdays, at 9 PM PDT/EDT. You should see the completed vehicle this summer, complete with the latest technologies employed by the corporation.
29 April 2017 12:13 (UTC+04:00)

The third meeting of Azerbaijani-Saudi Arabian Working Group on cooperation has been held in Riyadh.

The meeting was chaired by Orkhan Mammadov, Head of Interstate Economic Cooperation Department Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan and Osama Al Qanm, head of International Cooperation department at the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority, Azertac reported.

They highlighted developing Azerbaijani-Saudi Arabia relations, as well as reciprocal visits of the state officials in boosting cooperation.

Over the past years, the economic relations with the increased interest in investment strengthened and expanded. Several companies of Saudi Arabia operate in various fields in Azerbaijan.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
1 May 2017 11:54 (UTC+04:00)

The activity of the Nizami Ganjavi Scientific Centre for the Study of Azerbaijan and Caucasus at the University of Oxford is a remarkable event for the Azerbaijani science, public opinion and cultural history.

The Rector of the Baku branch of Moscow State University, co-chair of the Anglo-Azerbaijani Society, head of the Nizami Ganjavi Scientific Centre for Study of Azerbaijan and Caucasus at the University of Oxford, Corresponding member of ANAS, Professor Nargiz Pashayeva announced about this while talking to journalists on sidelines of the awarding ceremony held by Presidium of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.

Pashayeva was awarded Nizami Ganjavi Gold Medal of the Republic of Azerbaijan for her exceptional role in establishing Oxford Nizami Ganjavi Centre for the Study of Azerbaijan and the Caucasus, and ensuring the centre`s effective activity.

She thanked the Presidium of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) for the "Nizami Ganjavi Gold Medal of the Republic of Azerbaijan" award.

"This award is associated not only with our names, but also with the name of Nizami Ganjavi who is the source of pride of more than nine million peoples living in Azerbaijan and the world Azerbaijanis. That's why this a great event," Nargiz Pashayeva said.

Describing the activity of the Centre as a significant contribution to future generations, Nargiz Pasahayeva noted that the establishment of such organizations paves the way for new ideas, and encourages people.

The Oxford Nizami Ganjavi Centre become the first Azerbaijani research center to study the history and culture of Azerbaijan and the Caucasus region, established at the Oxford University in the UK.

The center implements long-term research projects on the historical heritage and culture of Azerbaijan and conducts a variety of scientific, cultural and social events, lectures and discussions.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
20 April 2017 13:33 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

The Turkmen parliament hosted a meeting with a delegation of MPs from the member countries of European Union (EU), headed by Vice-President of the European Parliament Ryszard Czarnecki, the Turkmen government reported on April 20.

An exchange of views was held on the prospects of interparliamentary cooperation, and the importance of regular consultations and meetings of parliamentarians was noted during the meeting.

Special attention was paid to the cooperation in the spheres of gender policy, protection of people with disabilities, says the message.

EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Ambassador Peter Burian and EU Charge d'Affaires in Turkmenistan Lubomir Frebort also attended the meeting.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
29 April 2017 10:28 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Turkish Armed Forces struck back at positions of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) terrorist group in Northern Syria, Turkeys General Staff said in a message.

Turkeys retaliatory strikes neutralized 11 PYD members.

The neutralized PYD members earlier fired at a roadblock in Turkeys Urfa Province from the territory of Syria, according to the message.

On Apr. 26, Turkish Armed Forces delivered retaliatory artillery strikes on positions of the PYD terrorist group in Northern Syria after PYD inflicted mortar strikes from the territory of Syria on two military posts in the Turkish province of Hatay.

Syria has been suffering from an armed conflict since March 2011, which, according to the UN, has claimed over 500,000 lives.

Militants from various armed groups are confronting the Syrian government troops. The IS, YPG and PYD are the most active terrorist groups in Syria.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
29 April 2017 11:26 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

The EU is ready to support the Strategy for Further Development of Uzbekistan for 2017-2021, EU Special Representative for Central Asia Peter Burian, who is on a visit in Uzbekistan, said at a meeting with journalists in Tashkent Apr. 28.

He noted that this strategy, which includes implementation of reforms in various fields, was adopted at the initiative of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, adding that the EU appreciates Uzbekistans important role in maintaining stability in the region and its economic development.

The EU welcomes the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan, the EU special representative said.

These reforms create conditions for strengthening bilateral relations of Uzbekistan with the EU and other states of Central Asia, he added.

Burian said that during his stay in Uzbekistan, he held meetings with the countrys officials and discussed the cooperation of the EU and Uzbekistan in the sphere of politics, economy and rendering technical assistance for development.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
29 April 2017 11:38 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

The foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and the Argentine Republic held political consultations in Ashgabat, the press service of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry reported.

The delegation of Argentina was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Gustavo Rodolfo Zlauvinen, according to the report.

Issues of mutual interest were on the agenda of bilateral political consultations. In particular, the sides discussed the possibilities of development of cooperation in the political, trade-economic, energy spheres, as well as the issues of building up cooperation in the field of infrastructure.

The interest of the parties in the development of transport cooperation was noted. The sides discussed the issues of creating various transport routes. The parties expressed their commitment to cooperation in the fields of food safety and energy security, and put forward proposals for developing cooperation in the field of agriculture.

Then a ceremony of signing bilateral documents between Turkmenistan and the Argentine Republic took place.

A memorandum of understanding on political consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship of the Argentine Republic and the agreement between the government of Turkmenistan and the government of the Argentine Republic on the exchange of information on tax issues were signed.

Within the framework of the visit to Turkmenistan, the delegation of Argentina was received by Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov.

During the meeting, the sides paid attention to the development of relations in the political-diplomatic and trade-economic spheres, establishment of close contacts in the cultural and humanitarian spheres, in particular in the sphere of education, sport and tourism.

Issues related to the possibility of establishing direct contacts and deepening cooperation between the business circles of the two countries through joint events were also discussed.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
29 April 2017 11:49 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Ashgabat will host the sixth meeting of foreign ministers of Central Asian countries and Japan, the Turkmen Dovlet Habarlary state news service reported Apr. 28.

Turkmenistan, which is presiding in the Central Asia plus Japan dialogue since 2014, is preparing to host the sixth meeting of foreign ministers of Central Asian states and Japan, according to the news service.

The meeting will be attended by foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Japan, who will mull peace and security issues, promotion of peaceful development of Afghanistan, as well as other issues.

Signing of joint documents is expected after the meeting.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz


Refugees often arrive in the United States with few clothes and other belongings.

From these simple beginnings, most refugees rebuild their lives, overcoming language and cultural barriers. Some even set up small businesses, helping to improve the economy in the community where they have resettled.

Yasha Ismailov is one such person. He owns and operates an automobile repair shop in Charlottesville, Virginia.

We can fix any car. So you know, it happens a lot of times when nobody can fix it in town, they send it here. They know already we'll fix it if no one can fix it.

Ismailov bought the business, called Larrys Auto, nine years ago.

"When we came (to the) United States, we (were) working so hard (for the) first three years before we started (the) business. We (were) working for people, sometimes (working) double jobs. First, my job was painting, second job (was) installing the AC. Third, my job was electric..."

Ismailov was born to a Meskhetian Turkish family in Uzbekistan. Meskthetians are an ethnic subgroup of Turks. They were expelled in railroad cars by the leader of the Soviet Union, Joseph Stalin, during World War II. Most of them were left in Uzbekistan.

"My family had to run to Russia because (there was a) massacre in Uzbekistan (of) Turks in 1989."

Ismailov was seven years old at the time of the attacks.

But Russian officials were not very welcoming. Meskhetian Turks were barred from Russian citizenship, owning property and holding jobs.

When the United States began accepting Meskhetian Turks as refugees in 2004, Ismailov, his brother and parents were resettled in Charlottesville. Ismailov was 22 years old. He is now 35.

When we came to Charlottesville back in 2005, we just bring clothes. Thats all.

He says the International Rescue Committee (IRC) told him Charlottesville was a nice place, good and you will like it, so go there. We felt free. We felt better than over there. We felt safe.

Charlottesville is a small city about 190 kilometers from Washington, D.C. It is known as a place where refugees are welcome.

More than 3,000 refugees have restarted their lives there since the late 1990s with the help of the IRC. Harriet Kuhr is the director of the groups local office.

There are jobs for them here. And then, as they become more stable, they are opening their own small businesses. It really adds a lot of diversity, but it also adds economic impact. So the refugees are not takers. Theyre giving back by helping the community grow economically.

Ismailovs car repair business now has seven employees who work on about 150 cars a month. He has also begun to sell used cars.

We (are) still working so hard to try to do business better. The second business -- the dealer(ship) business -- is going so well, too. Now we almost sell like two, three cars every day...

Ismailov is now a U.S. citizen and owns his house. He married another refugee.

My life in America is good. I have two kids. I have my wife. They are in a good school. I have nice neighbors. I have (a) job, and nobody bothers me. I'm proud to be able to contribute to the community in Charlottesville. My daughter (is a) swimmer, and I hope one day she wins (an) Olympic medal for (the) United States.

Yet Ismailov worries about the increasing number of refugees around the world.

I (could) be one of them, too. I am lucky I am here, (but) they (are) not. I feel sorry about them. So Id like to help them with something if I can.

Im Alice Bryant.

VOA Correspondent June Soh reported this story from Charlottesville, Virginia. 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

install - v. to add something to an existing structure, such as a building

AC - n. air conditioning

massacre - n. the act of killing a number of people

diversity - n. the act of having many differing parts

subgroup - n. a smaller group within a larger group or community

stable - adj. not changing; firmly established

contribute - v. to give or supply something to others
Todays we are going to school on Words to the Wise.' Im Caty Weaver. Here with me in the Learning English studio is Pete Musto. Hi Pete!

Hi Caty. So, we got a comment on an earlier Words to the Wise program from Ahmed. He wrote: Thank you very much for your help. I would like you to talk about curriculum and tertiary education. So, thats why were going to school today.

That's right. And thats why it's great you are here, Pete. Pete is an education reporter for Learning English. And he is quite the scholar when it comes to university education issues.

Well, thats kind of you to say, Caty. So, I guess scholar can be our first education word to define. A scholar is a person who has studied a subject a lot and is knowledge about it as a result.

The adjectival form is scholarly. People often call research publications, scholarly journals. The Journal of American Medicine is a famous one. Experts usually write the pieces found in scholarly publications. And sometimes these experts are university professors. Now, we all know what a professor is, but there are kind of professors that confuse me. What is an adjunct professor, Pete? And, is it the same as an associate professor?

No, no, no. Adjunct mostly means part time, with no permanent tie to the college or university. The adjunct professor usually teaches just one or two classes. The teaching agreement with the school is often made individually for each course.

Oh, OK. So, an associate professor has a permanent position. These are full-time professors, and together, professors and teaching staff, make up what's called the faculty.

That's right.

So professors usually have tenure. I think that's another term we should explain, right Pete? Tenure is something professors can earn over time, right?

Oh yes. And it is important. It means permanent employment with a university. It usually provides the teacher with strong protection against dismissal. But, it's mostly common in the United States. Professors in other countries don't really have tenure.

And, of course, the word tenure is not only used for academic settings. Your tenure at a job, for example, refers to your period of service. But, when most people hear the word, they think of higher education, or what our friend Ahmed called tertiary education. Tertiary comes from the Latin, right -- for three or third?

Thats right. So, university is the third part of a persons formal education. First, there is primary school, then secondary school and, finally, higher education or tertiary education.

Ahmed also used the term curriculum. Some English learners may not be familiar with that word. Curriculum is the program of study for a subject. The program of study will include many different courses.

Right. A course is a series of classes on a subject. For example if you seek a degree in psychology, your curriculum might require courses in human behavior, personality development and cognitive psychology.

So, psychology sounds like an interesting major. A major is what we call the central academic subject of your college studies. So schools usually require students to declare their major by the end of their second year.

You are able to change your major at most universities in the United States at any point. Sometimes it can be a really good idea.

Absolutely.

So, does all this tertiary education talk make you wish you were back on a college campus, Caty?

If you mean walking around a beautiful universitys groundssure! But I can do without the homework, tests and papers!

Yeah, I agree with you. I think I'll just stick to academic vocabulary for now. Maybe we could even do another education Words to the Wise soon.

To be sure...many more words to cover. And wed love for our fans to keep posting messages about what subjects theyd like to hear about.

A big thanks to Ahmed!

Im Caty Weaver.

And Im Pete Musto.

____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

scholar - n. a person who has studied a subject for a long time and knows a lot about it

adjunct - n. something that is joined or added to another thing but is not an essential part of it

associate - n. a member of a group or organization who is at a level that is below the highest level

staff - n. a group of people who work for an organization or business

tenure - n. the right to keep a job (especially the job of being a professor at a college or university) for as long as you want to have it

tertiary - adj. related to education at the college or university level

primary - adj. happening or coming first

familiar - adj. frequently seen, heard, or experienced

curriculum - n. the courses that are taught by a school, college, etc.

course - n. a series of classes about a particular subject in a school

major - n. the main subject studied by a college or university student

campus - n. the area and buildings around a university, college, school, etc.
As floods and mudslides devastate Peru, victims ask for Bibles

Since December last year, the South American nation of Peru has been battered by devastating floods and mudslides amid heavy rains caused by the sudden and abnormal warming of Pacific waters, reports say.

According to the U.S. Agency for International Development, the still continuing severe weather and related natural disasters have affected 1.1 million people. As of April 19, the Peruvian government reported that the disasters have killed more than 110 people, injured over 400 others, and displaced as many as 184,000 people.

The disasters brought about by a local El Nino phenomenon, or the warming of surface sea temperatures in the Pacific, will likely continue along Peru's northern coast at least through April, a Peruvian scientist told Reuters.

Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski said his country will need some US$9 billion (S$12.5 billion) to rebuild and modernize the affected areas, according to Agence France Presse.

Amid the devastation, the residents of one of the badly hit areas of Peru made a surprising request when a Catholic leader visited them to ask what they need most.

Instead of asking for food and other essential goods, flood victims in Baja Piura told visiting Archbishop Jose Antonio Eguren last week that they need Bibles because the ones they had were lost in the flood, the Catholic News Agency reported.

"They said that the Word of God is essential for them and for the continuity of their family catechetical programs and ongoing catechesis they have implemented in their village," a statement from the archdiocese of Piura said.

Eguren promised to send them Bibles and assured them that "the love of God does not abandon them nor has he forgotten them."

The archbishop, accompanied by volunteers and officials from the charitable group Caritas, brought three tons of food supplies for the more than 300 families in the area, who were badly affected when the Piura River overflowed just recently.

The rampaging river waters engulfed the village, with floods reaching a level of five feet, destroying homes, ranches, farm fields and other infrastructures.

The sudden floods caught the villagers flatfooted, forcing them to leave everything behind and flee with nothing but the clothes they were wearing to stay alive.

Most parts of the village were buried in a thick layer of mud. Some 80 percent of the homes were demolished, while rice and cotton fields were destroyed, reports said.

Some 1,800 inhabitants of the village now "spend the day in makeshift and uncomfortable tents, without basic services, living together with sickness and extreme poverty," the Archdiocese of Piura said

"They are people of deep faith and despite everything they have suffered they have not lost hope or the desire to go on, since they're sure that with the help of the love of God, their desire to work, and [with] our aid, they will be able to again see their people better off than before," the statement said.

According to The World Factbook, 81.3 percent of the people of Peru are Roman Catholic, 12.5 percent Evangelical, 3.3 percent other, and 2.9 percent with no religion in the latest census made in 2007.
Consecration of gay bishop did violate Church law, says United Methodist court

The consecration of a gay bishop violated church law, according to a decision by the top court of The United Methodist Church.

However, the bishop 'remains in good standing,' the Judicial Council said until an administrative or judicial process is completed.

Rev Karen Oliveto, who is in a same-sex marriage, was consecrated as the episcopal leader of the the Mountain Sky area by the US Western Jurisdiction in July last year.

However, her election was challenged in a petition to the denomination's Judicial Council, according to the United Methodist News Service.

The issue was seen as a test case for the Church, whose statutes prohibit the ordination of 'self-avowed practising homosexuals' but many of whose clergy and members take a more liberal line.

Church law requires all clergy persons to dedicate themselves to 'the highest ideals of Christian life,' the decision said, including 'their commitment to abide by and uphold the church's definition of marriage and stance on homosexuality. An openly homosexual and partnered bishop is in violation of those minimum standards.'

The court  which decided against her by 6-3  declined to remove her as a bishop, sending that decision back to the jurisdiction that elected her. However, it said that an openly homosexual and partnered bishop may be charged with disobedience to church law, along with other bishops and clergy who consecrated her.

'Self-avowal does not nullify the consecration and cause removal from episcopal office but is a sufficient declaration to subject the bishop's ministerial office to review,' the decision said.

Oliveto could face suspension or a church trial.
Executed man was 'coughing and convulsing', lawyer calls for probe

A lawyer for an executed Arkansas death row inmate asked the state on Friday to investigate why his client coughed and convulsed on a death chamber gurney, saying a lethal injection drug may have been the cause.

A separate group of lawyers for Arkansas death row inmates asked a federal court to preserve evidence in the four executions Arkansas held over eight days this month, saying in a lawsuit that the state's protocols 'did not prevent an execution by torture'.

Arkansas, which had not held an execution in 12 years, concluded its executions series by putting to death Kenneth Williams on Thursday night. Accounts of his execution raised fresh concerns about whether the sedative midazolam, a Valium-like drug, is effective in lethal injection mixes.

Witnesses said Williams, who admitted to killing four people, jerked and gasped for air for about 30 seconds a few minutes after his execution began. The state said it was a routine execution lasting about 15 minutes, but critics said something was amiss.

'It is not a normal reaction to therapeutic doses of midazolam,' said Jonathan Groner, a professor of surgery at the Ohio State University College of Medicine who has testified against the drug's use in executions.

'Was the drug doing what the state intended it to do or was the person being chemically waterboarded on the way to being killed?' he asked in an interview when talking about execution mixes.

Shawn Nolan, a lawyer for Williams, on Friday asked Arkansas to investigate his execution.

The lawsuit filed in a US district court in Little Rock said: 'If the midazolam fails to keep the prisoner under anaesthesia, the prisoner would be awake and aware but unable to move or speak or even open his eyes, so he would then look completely serene despite being in agony.'

Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson, who set the hurried execution schedule because the state's supply of midazolam expires at the end of April, told reporters there was no need for an investigation and all the executions were carried out within Arkansas' protocols.

The United Nations' human rights office voiced deep concern on Friday, saying the state's rush to carry out the executions before a drug expired added to the 'arbitrariness and cruelty' of the process.

Midazolam is supposed to render inmates unconscious but critics say it has failed in some cases, leaving them to feel the effects of a paralytic that halts breathing and another drug that stops the heart while causing an excruciating burning sensation.

Major pharmaceutical companies began a sales ban on lethal injections drugs about six years ago to death penalty prison systems due to ethical concerns.

Several states then turned to new mixes that included midazolam. The drug was used in troubled executions in Oklahoma and Arizona where witnesses said inmates twisted in pain on death chamber gurneys.

Death penalty supporters have said some pain in executions is warranted given the brutality of the murders the condemned typically commit and the harm they have inflicted on victim's families.
Former terrorist, rebel leader and drug trafficker, now a courageous pastor in Mexico

Leobard "Chito" Aguilar was once a terrorist, a feared rebel leader, and a notorious drug trafficker.

But Aguilar found God in his darkest moments and now he has become a courageous Christian pastor, defending his flock in Mexico.

Speaking to Open Doors USA, Aguilar said he became a communist rebel in 1968 following the infamous Tlatelolco massacre where hundreds of students and civilians were killed by military and police.

By joining the rebels, he said he became part of a terrorist organization and a drug trafficker.

Aguilar said for years he lived in the world of organized crime until he was caught in possession of drugs and was locked up in prison.

Fortunately, he had a devout Catholic wife named Lidia who prayed unceasingly for his release. God answered her prayers, and Aguilar was released from prison.

Aguilar said he did not believe in God even up to that point, and that all he wanted then was to recover the money and his other possessions that had been taken away from him.

But his wife never gave up on him as she kept on praying for him to find God. Finally, once again, her prayers were answered: Aguilar surrendered his life to Jesus.

Aguilar is now the pastor of Centro Familiar Aposento Alto, a Protestant church in Ciudad Juarez, near the border between Mexico and the United States.

Aguilar said his church, like many other churches in Mexico, is being subjected to extortion and coercion by the organized crime syndicate that he once belonged to.

However, because he knows first-hand how the criminal gangs operate, he said he has never been intimidated by them and never had to pay extortion money to them.

Other churches in the country have surrendered to the drug cartels, he said.

"You could see pastors leaving their congregations and fleeing to the United States because things had gotten very dangerous for them in Mexico. It was a very critical time for the church. Christian leaders lived in fear. The drug cartels had already killed a pastor and kidnapped several others," he told Open Doors USA.

The Christian persecution watchdog ranked Mexico as the 41st worst country in the world for Christians to be living in on its 2017 World Watch list. It says the persecution level affecting the 120 million Christians in Mexico is "high" due to "organized corruption."

Another source of persecution is the influence of indigenous pagan tribes. Last week, some 25 evangelical Christians refused to leave a troubled area in Mexico's western Jalisco state despite facing persecution in an area where members of a tribe hold pagan rituals, Christian leaders told BosNews Life.

Members of the tribe who turned to Jesus have faced alienation, eviction from their communities, and separation from their families for refusing to take part in the ancient tribal rituals, sources said.
Middle East Christians receive support from an unlikely place - the Muslim royal family

Christians in Middle East countries often face terrible persecution. According to a watch list created by Open Doors USA, Middle Eastern countries make up majority of the top ten places where Christians are persecuted and for many of them, the source is Muslim extremists.

But in one predominantly-Muslim Middle East country, Christians are free to express their love for God. In fact, one Christian church received its support from the nation's royal family. That country is the United Arab Emirates.

The Rev. Andy Thompson has served the Lord in the Middle East for more than two decades, and has faced various challenges in bringing God's love to the people there. But while it's dangerous to become a Christian in some Muslim nations, he says it's very different in the UAE.

"Here in the United Arab Emirates, we have a tolerant climate," Thompson told CBN in an interview, "and we enjoy a peaceful and harmonious relationship with our Muslim neighbors."

Thompson, who currently serves at St. Andrew's Anglican Church, is working on a huge project in Abu Dhabi, the UAE's capital. That project is a large facility that will be able to hold about 4,200 worshippers at any given time: the All Saints Anglican Church building.

The new facility, which is estimated to cost about 20 million UAE dirhams (about $5.4 million), is already two-thirds complete, and is expected to see completion by December this year, the Religion News Service reported.

Thompson said working on it hadn't been easy. "This is very much a work of faith," he said.

Thompson said during the first year of its construction, one of the key donors backed out. At that time, he said they were faced with the hard decision to continue or abort the project. Thankfully, parishioners and other donors kept giving and allowed the church construction to push through.

What's more, Thompson says one of the key donors to the project is not Christian, it is rather the Al Nahyans, the Muslim ruling family of Abu Dhabi.

"The ruling family of Abu Dhabi gifted the land to us and that came about through a high-level delegation visit from the Church of England and we were very pleased to receive the gift of land for the Anglican community," Thompson said.

When the facility is completed, the plan is to share it with other congregations who have no place of their own. He added that it will have a center for dialogue with people belonging to other faiths, such as Muslims.

"In some places in the Middle East, and in the West as well, we have seen walls going up and attitudes hardening as people embrace the lies of intolerance," Thompson told the RNS. "Here we see tolerance in action."
Pentagon admits friendly fire may have killed US troops in Afghanistan

Two US special operations forces soldiers killed in eastern Afghanistan on Wednesday may have been struck by friendly fire in an operation targeting the emir of Islamic State militants in Afghanistan, the Pentagon said on Friday.

Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis told reporters that the military was investigating whether the two troops may have been killed by ground fire, either by American forces or Afghan commandos taking part in the raid, though it appeared to be accidental.

'We are investigating the circumstances of the combat deaths of the two Army Rangers in the beginning of what was an intense three-hour firefight,' Davis said. 'It is possible these Rangers were struck by friendly fire.'

Earlier in the day, the Pentagon identified the soldiers as Sergeant Joshua Rodgers, 22, and Sergeant Cameron Thomas, 23. A third soldier was wounded in the operation.

In a statement, US defence secretary Jim Mattis said the United States owed the slain troops an 'irredeemable debt'.

Davis said the target of the raid was Abdul Hasib, the emir of Islamic State in Afghanistan. The US military suspected he was killed in the operation, but could not yet confirm it.

The operation, near the border with Pakistan, started at about 10:30 pm local time on Wednesday and within minutes the 50 US Army Rangers along with 40 Afghan commandos came under fire from multiple direction.

'It was during these initial moments of the raid that the two Rangers were mortally wounded,' Davis said.

Fighting carried on for the next three hours, with Islamic State fighters firing from a heavily fortified compound and tunnel system.

The operation involved drones and aircraft like the AC-130 gunship, Apache helicopter and F-16 fighter jets.

About 35 Islamic State fighters are believed to have been killed, Davis said.

US and Afghan forces were extracted from the area at about 3 am Thursday.

Islamic State's offshoot in Afghanistan, known as the Sunni jihadist group's so-called Khorasan Province, is suspected of carrying out several attacks on minority Shi'ite Muslim targets.

US officials say intelligence suggests Islamic State is based overwhelmingly in Nangarhar and neighbouring Kunar province.

Estimates of its strength in Afghanistan vary. US officials believe the movement has only 700 fighters, but Afghan officials estimate it has about 1,500.
Saudi Arabia 'not paying its fair share' towards defence, says Trump

President Donald Trump complained on Thursday that US ally Saudi Arabia was not treating the United States fairly and Washington was losing a 'tremendous amount of money' defending the kingdom.

In an interview with Reuters, Trump confirmed his administration was in talks about possible visits to Saudi Arabia and Israel in the second half of May. He is due to make his first trip abroad as president for a May 25 NATO summit in Brussels and could add other stops.

'Frankly, Saudi Arabia has not treated us fairly, because we are losing a tremendous amount of money in defending Saudi Arabia,' he said.

Trump's criticism of Riyadh was a return to his 2016 election campaign rhetoric when he accused the kingdom of not pulling its weight in paying for the US security umbrella.

'Nobody's going to mess with Saudi Arabia because we're watching them,' Trump told a campaign rally in Wisconsin a year ago. 'They're not paying us a fair price. We're losing our shirt.'

The United States is the main supplier for most Saudi military needs, from F-15 fighters to control and command systems worth tens of billions of dollars in recent years, while American contractors win major energy deals.

The world's top oil exporter and its biggest consumer have enjoyed close economic ties for decades, with US firms building much of the infrastructure of the modern Saudi state after its oil boom in the 1970s.

Saudi officials could not immediately be reached for comment on Trump's latest comments.

But Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir rejected similar comments from Trump during his election campaign, telling CNN during a visit to Washington last July that the Islamic kingdom 'carries its own weight' as an ally.

Saudi Arabia's powerful deputy crown prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Trump last month in a meeting that was hailed by a senior Saudi adviser as a 'historical turning point' in relations. The talks appeared to signal a meeting of minds on many issues, including their shared view that Iran posed a regional security threat.

Riyadh and other Gulf allies see in Trump a strong president who will shore up Washington's role as their main strategic partner and help contain Riyadh's adversary Iran in a region central to US security and energy interests, regional analysts said.

Asked about the fight against Islamic State, which Saudi Arabia and other US allies are confronting as a coalition, Trump said the militant group had to be defeated.

'I have to say, there is an end. And it has to be humiliation,' Trump said, when asked about what the endgame was for defeating Islamist violent extremism.

'There is an end. Otherwise it's really tough. But there is an end,' without detailing a strategy.

A visit to Israel would reciprocate a White House visit in February by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is due to meet Trump next Wednesday in Washington.

Trump has set a more positive tone with Israel than his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama, who often clashed with the right-wing Israeli leader, and has raised concerns among Palestinians that their leaders may not get equal treatment.

Trump has also asked Israel to put unspecified limits on its building of Jewish settlements on land the Palestinians want for a state, and has promised to seek a Middle East peace deal that eluded his predecessors. However, he has offered no new diplomatic prescriptions.

'I want to see peace with Israel and the Palestinians,' he said. 'There is no reason there's not peace between Israel and the Palestinians  none whatsoever.'

Trump brushed aside a question of whether he might use a possible trip to Israel to declare US recognition of the entire city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a reversal of longstanding US foreign policy likely to draw international condemnation.

'Ask me in a month on that,' he said, without elaborating.

If Trump ties an Israel visit to next month's Brussels trip, it would be around the time Israelis are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem, when Israel captured Arab East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war.

Successive US administrations as well as the international community have not recognised Israel's annexation of the eastern part of the city, and the future status of Jerusalem remains one of the thorniest issues in the Israeli-Palestinian dispute.

Israel claims all of Jerusalem, which contains sites sacred to the Jewish, Muslim and Christian faiths, as its capital. Palestinians want East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state of their own.
Bay State not connected to the electrical supply lines where solar power from Currituck County will go



The 60 MW Summit Farms Solar facility in Currituck County covers more than 650 acres. (CJ photo by Don Carrington)

Three parties are claiming that energy from the 60 megawatt Summit Farms Solar project in Currituck County will offset a portion of their "carbon footprint": the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Boston Medical Center, and the Post Office Square Redevelopment Corporation.MIT says the solar power purchased from the Currituck facility will equal 40 percent of the institute's current electricity use. Boston Medical and the redevelopment group say the Summit Farm power will offset 100 percent of their electricity use.But none of the electricity generated at Summit Solar Farms will supply energy to those Massachusetts facilities. It will not even be on the electrical grid they use. MIT will continue to power its campus with an on-campus natural gas generation system, supplemented by power from a local Massachusetts utility. The medical center and the redevelopment group will continue to power their facilities with electricity from a local utility.Power from Summit Solar Farms, when it's available, will go on the PJM power grid which serves the mid-Atlantic states.The 650-acre project, containing 255,000 individual solar panels, is five miles south of the Virginia border, two miles south of Moyock, North Carolina, and adjacent to three residential neighborhoods.The project is approximately two miles long and one-half mile wide.As Carolina Journal has reported , opposition to this and other local solar facilities led the Currituck County Board of Commissioners in February to place a moratorium on construction of new solar plants. Residents consider the facilities to be nuisances and worry about potential harm to water supplies and property values.The project, started in 2015 as a project of Duke Energy, is in Dominion's service territory. Duke sold it to SunEnergy, a North Carolina-based solar company owned by Australian race car driver Kenny Habul. In August 2016, SunEnergy transferred ownership of the project to Dominion Solar Projects, LLC, a Dominion Power subsidiary, but retained ownership of the real estate.MIT, Boston Medical, and the redevelopment group announced in October 2016 they had formed an alliance to buy the electricity from Summit Farms,according to a release from the MIT News Office. Dominion Power will own and manage the facility andaccording to MIT. MIT committed to buy 73 percent of the MWh, Boston Medical 26 percent, and the redevelopment corporation 1 percent.The project is owned and managed by Richmond, Va.-based Dominion Power. The three entities in Massachusetts entities signed a 25-year contract with Dominion to buy all the power, estimated to be 146,000 MWh per year, which then will be resold and added to the regional electrical grid. MIT's investment in solar is part of the school's effort to address climate change.The deal was arranged by CustomerFirst Renewables, a Maryland-based company launched in 2010, that allows businesses to "switch to renewable energy" without physically switching.Responding to written questions, MIT Director of Sustainability Julie Newman said she was not able to disclose the price MIT and the other partners pay Dominion for electricity, how much they expect to sell it for, or the projected net loss on the arrangement.said Maria Zuber, MIT's vice president for research said in an October news release. Zuber is leading the implementation of the MIT's Plan for Action on Climate Change.How reliable is the generation from this solar facility? A 60 MW generation project running at full capacity for the full 8,760 hours in a year would produce 525,600 MWh, but solar projects only generate when the sun is shining. MIT's estimate of 146,000 MWh per year represents available usage, or capacity factor, of 27.7 percent. In other words, the project sometimes will produce a full 60 MW, sometimes 0 MW, but on balance it will produce about 27.7 percent of the full capacity.According to MIT, the project generated 5,312 MWh in January, 7,729 MWh in February, and 12,509 MWh in March.
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.
LEXINGTON  A fourth Dawson County Hero Flight has been announced.

The upcoming flight is set to depart September 27 from the Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles in Lexington and return late September 30.

The crew will fly non-stop from Omaha to Washington, D.C. where they will visit the various memorials, including the WWII, Korean and Vietnam memorials and Arlington National Cemetery.

Dawson County Hero Flight is organized for the sole purpose of honoring U.S. veterans for sacrifices and service above self. Our mission is to honor our veterans by flying them to Washington, D.C. and enabling them to visit their memorials, said Veterans Service Officer Steve Zerr in a press release.

During past flights, Nebraska elected officials met the crew at the U.S. Capital.

A flight was put together by a leadership class in 2009, which consisted entirely of World War II veterans.

The first flight from the current committee (Spring of 2016) included the first Vietnam veterans to be included in a Hero Flight.

The Hero Flight concept began locally in Custer County and was adopted by Dick Pierce of Miller for nearly a dozen Buffalo County flights. Pierce helped get the Dawson County effort off the ground last year.

Each flight is supported by donations, with the first flight funded completely by Dawson County citizens, businesses and civic organizations.

Each flight consists of 25 veterans and their escorts. The escorts are required to pay a small fee but everything else is paid for through the donations.

Veterans chosen for the fourth flight are:

Cozad  Ken Anderson and Alan Anderson.

Eddyville  Stan McFarland, Gary Rhode and Charles Watkinson

Gothenburg  Richard Ostergard and Courtney Schroeder

Lexington  John Kerner, Tom Nelson, Gary Schultz and Alan White

Overton  Larry Johnson

Sumner  Richard Ibach

Ansley  George Govier Jr. and Lyle Lovitt

Callaway  Dennis Malcom

Elm Creek - Jack Schubert

Elwood  Ray Yeutter

Eustis  Bob Dutton and Dean Wolf

Kearney  Erwin Cox and James Goedert

Merna  Bruce Kennedy

Oconto  Ron Lauby and Maynard Struempler.

In all, the crew consists of 23 Vietnam veterans, a Korean war veteran and a peacetime veteran, who served in Korea in the late 1950s. Four services are represented  three Air Force, 18 Army, three Navy and one Marine.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] -- In a clinical trial involving nearly 1,400 suicidal patients in the emergency departments of eight hospitals, a team led by Brown University and Butler Hospital psychologist Ivan Miller found that a multifaceted intervention lowered the relative risk of new suicide attempts by 20 percent.

In results published in JAMA Psychiatry, emergency department (ED) patients who received the intervention composed of specialized screening, safety planning guidance and periodic follow-up phone check-ins made 30 percent fewer total suicide attempts compared to people who received standard ED care.

"We were happy that we were able to find these results," said Miller, the study's lead and corresponding author and a professor of psychiatry and human behavior at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. "We would like to have had an even stronger effect, but the fact that we were able to impact attempts with this population and with a relatively limited intervention is encouraging."

A prevention intervention

While suicide prevention efforts such as hotlines are well known, published controlled trials of specific interventions have been much rarer, Miller said. This report was one of several from the Emergency Department Safety Assessment and Follow-up Evaluation (ED-SAFE) study led by Miller, Professor Edwin Boudreaux of the University of Massachusetts and Dr. Carlos Camargo of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University. This study might be the largest intervention trial conducted so far in the U.S., Miller said. It focused on an especially high-risk group: emergency department patients who said they had engaged in suicidal ideation or had made an attempt within a week before their ED visit.

The trial took place in three phases to create three comparison groups. In the first phase, August 2010 to December 2011, 497 patients received each ED's usual treatment as a control group. In the second phase, September 2011 to December 2012, 377 patients received additional suicide screening. In the third phase, July 2012 to November 2013, 502 patients received the experimental intervention. Those patients received additional suicide screening from ED physicians, suicide prevention information from nurses and a personal safety plan that they could opt to fill out to be better prepared for times when they might begin to harbor suicidal thoughts again. Over the next year they also received brief, periodic phone calls from trained providers at Butler Hospital who would discuss suicide risk factors, personal values and goals, safety and future planning, treatment engagement, and problem solving.

The intervention was designed to directly involve a designated loved one whenever feasible, as well.

In all three phases, patients were briefly screened for suicidality at the ED and were also followed for a year with periodic assessment phone calls. Regardless of phase, patients who demonstrated a specific suicide risk during assessments were connected with the Boys Town suicide prevention hotline.

The number of suicide attempts and the proportion of people attempting suicide declined significantly in the intervention group compared to treatment as usual. The middle group, which received only additional screening, did not show a significant drop compared to the treatment as usual group.

Suicide attempts were not the only measure the researchers employed to understand the potential impact of the intervention. Fortunately, there were so few deaths by suicide among patients (only five total) that there could be no statistically valid conclusions drawn from that data point. But the researchers also created a broader suicide composite score which included not only attempts and deaths, but also interrupted or aborted attempts, and acts to prepare an attempt. Across the three groups, 46.3 percent of the patients reported one or more of these behaviors, but the relative risk declined significantly among people in the intervention compared to the usual care group (by 15 percent), but not among people who received screening alone.

While other interventions have also been found to reduce suicide risk, some of the most effective ones have involved providing patients with many hours of psychotherapy.

"This intervention was significantly less costly than most other interventions," he said. The research team is currently engaged in a cost-effectiveness analysis.

He noted that the intervention was associated with significant declines in suicide attempts, even though not every patient engaged in the full intervention (e.g. only 37.4 percent reported receiving a safety plan and nearly 40 percent did not complete a follow-up phone call). The intervention's apparent efficacy also persisted despite the study's ethical design, in which even people in the control phases received suicide prevention counseling that could have prevented an attempt if they presented an urgent need.

Continuing work

In further studies, the ED-SAFE team is looking at whether more intensive safety planning while patients are in the ED could help further. Miller and his colleagues are also conducting further tests of the phone follow-ups with patients from Butler Hospital and the Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

###

In addition to Miller, Boudreak and Camargo, the paper's other authors are Drs. Sarah Arias and Richard Jones of Brown; Ashley Sullivan, Janice Espinola and Dr. Kohei Hasegawa of Massachusetts General Hospital; Dr. Michael Allen of the University of Colorado; Dr. Amy Goldstein of the National Institutes of Health; and Dr. Anne Manton of Cape Cod Healthcare. Drs. Lisa Uebelacker, Brandon Gaudiano and Lauren Weinstock of Brown University also contributed to the work.

The National Institute of Mental Health (grant: U01MH088278) funded the research.
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Poor farmgate prices, rising input costs and falling support levels have been blamed as figures show Scottish farm incomes halved in a year.

The steep, downward spiral in farm incomes is placing 'huge' financial pressure on Scotlands farmers and crofters, says NFU Scotland.

The farming union described the figures as an 'income shocker' for Scotland's farmers and crofters.

Latest statistics from Scottish Government estimate that average farm incomes have decreased by 48 per cent in the last year alone, leaving farming families a return of 12,600.

The downward slide in farm incomes, since a peak in 2010/11, has seen a devastating 75 percent fall over five years.

Scottish Government states that when converting farm income estimates to hourly income for unpaid labour - such as farm owners, family members and business partners - the income generated from almost two-thirds of farm businesses wouldnt have been enough to meet the legal minimum agricultural wage for paid workers.

'Growing imbalance'

NFU Scotland is calling on Scotlands 'booming' food and drink sector to address 'immediately' the growing imbalance between the growth and profitability being enjoyed by retailers and processors and the returns to those producing the raw materials at the farm gate.

The farm income figures also bring into sharp focus the need for post-Brexit farm policy and support structures that will secure profitability and stability at farm level.

NFU Scotlands Director of Policy Jonnie Hall said the bleak income figures provide evidence of the 'sustained financial damage' to farm businesses across a range of sectors.

He said: Anecdotal comments and suspicion around how difficult it has been for farms and crofts to make a profit in recent times are now backed by fact.

The viability, let alone profitability, of every Scottish farming business relies on three cogs working together  costs, markets and support.

Given the deterioration in farm incomes, the evidence is now clear that no part is currently working for farmers or crofters. Whether producing livestock, crops, milk, poultry, pigs, fruit or veg, farmers and crofters continue to face rising input and compliance costs, declining market returns and an erosion of support payments that are conspiring to threaten the very existence of many.

These figures highlight the absolute requirement to drive down all costs, ensure a much fairer share of the margins in the supply chain to the primary producer, and the vital need for governments to commit to ongoing support targeted at active farm businesses.
New research on premature lambs grown in an artificial womb may one day change the outcomes for preterm birth humans.

When premature babies are born at 23 weeks, their survival rate is just 15 per cent. At 24 weeks, that rises to 55 per cent.

But the lambs are at risk of health problems during their life.

But the new study, published in Nature Communications, has shown how lambs, and human babies, could get an extra four weeks in gestation  by way of a sealed sterile plastic bag filled with amniotic fluid, connected to a machine that functions like a placenta, providing nutrition and oxygen to the blood via the umbilical cord, whilst removing carbon dioxide.

The breakthrough supported the development of a group of eight lambs, with the longest survivor now more than a year old. Several other lambs were taken for post mortems to study how they had developed physiologically.

How it works

To show the potential of their system, the team worked with five premature lambs aged 105 to 111 days, as they are developmentally similar to a human fetus at 23 weeks.

They also used three lambs that were slightly more mature, age 115 to 120 days.

The system was made up of a few main factors to support stable development: a circulatory system, a closed fluid environment and use of the fetus' own heart to pump blood around the system, not an external pump.

It all works together so that blood flows to and from the fetus, through a gas-exchange interface similar to what would occur across a placenta, while the fetus remains in a stable fluid environment.

The team's efforts were successful, with the lambs showing normal circulation, blood pressure, metabolic processing, growth, lung development and brain development after four weeks inside the artificial womb.
The big news in April was the release of a new version of Google Earth. It is browser based, and currently only available in Google Chrome and as an Android App. At the current point in time it is missing some major features, including historical imagery and the ability to create content. But, we must realise that it is still in development and Google has indicated that those features and more will be coming.

We had a look at how to embed the new Google Earth in a web page and what the various parameters in the URL mean. We also demonstrated some ideas for getting some unusual views by manipulating the parameters.

Josh of GE Teach released a tool for creating tours in the the new Google Earth.

Guatemala is the latest country to receive Street View. Also of note is this post by Google about Street View releases in California, featuring some of the tallest trees in the world.

We had a look at some mysterious marks in the Arizona desert that turn out to be calibration targets for the Corona spy missions.

We had a look at the amazing colour changes that can be seen in Sentinel-2 imagery of California due to the unusually spectacular blooms of flowers following a long drought.

We created a JavaScript tool that helps you to estimate the time of day an image was captured using shadows to work out the angle of the sun. As a bonus, it can also tell you the approximate height of the objects casting shadows.

We revisited a couple of places, including the islands that China is building in the South China Sea and the ongoing war in Yemen.

We released part 4 of our Tour Builder series. We added a feature for creating tours that follow a predefined path.

We had a look at some mysterious dots found in satellite imagery of the Amazon.
Degreed and Computer Science Teachers Association Announce New Partnership

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Dateline Dateline Irrawaddy: The Political Landscape on the Ground is Quite Complicated

This week, The Irrawaddy discusses which ethnic armed groups will be invited and which will join the second 21st Century Panglong Conference.

Kyaw Kha: Welcome to Dateline Irrawaddy! This week, well discuss which ethnic armed groups will be invited and which will join the second 21st Century Panglong Conference to be held on May 24. Im Irrawaddy reporter Kyaw Kha. Ethnic affairs reporters Ko Lawi Weng and Ma Nan Lwin Hnin Pwint join me for the discussion.

The second Union Peace Conference [21st Century Panglong] organized by the government will be held in Naypyidaw on May 24. It will be interesting to see which groups are invited and which groups attend the conference, as the situation is quite complicated now. Ko Lawi, which groups do you think will attend the conference and under which status will the government invite them?

Lawi Weng: The political landscape on the ground is quite complicated. There are various groupseight ethnic signatory groups of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement [NCA], the United Nationalities Federal Council [UNFC], the United Wa State Army [UWSA], and the Northern Alliance. The government said the conference would be held on May 24. But it is still unclear which groups will be invited and under which status. It is quite difficult to say.

The UWSA has so far hosted four ethnic armed organization meetings in Pangkham and has tried to hold talks with the government. The UWSA will take steps according to its own political policies. The UWSA delegation walked out of the first Panglong [because of a disagreement over status]. In the upcoming conference, it will demand the political framework it desires. If it does not get what it wants, I am afraid the conference will barely deliver any results.

KK: Ma Nan Lwin, the decision reached at the fourth meeting of seven ethnic armed groups hosted by the UWSA deviates from the governments NCA policy. How will this impact the peace conference?

Nan Lwin Hnin Pwint: The UWSA hosted the fourth summit of ethnic armed organizations from April 15 to 19 in Pangkham. Seven groups including Northern Alliance members the KIA [Kachin Independence Army], Mongla Group [MNDAA] and UWSA attended the summit.

The UWSA put forward 15 detailed points regarding ethnic rights, border affairs, the economy and more at the first Panglong Conference. Other groups have also discussed those 15 points, and formed a committee to discuss these points with the government. They also said they would submit an official letter to the government for discussion. But, the government has not replied. The second Panglong is just weeks away and if the government is as unresponsive as it has been in previous meetings, it will be difficult for the Northern Alliance to join the second Panglong.

At the Joint Implementation Coordination Meeting held on Monday in Naypyidaw, deputy army chief Vice Snr-Gen Soe Win said both signatories and non-signatories had to follow the NCA provisions; and that the army would not change the NCA as demanded by the UWSA. Though Vice Senior General Soe Win did not mention the UWSA in his speech, it was clear he referred to it considering recent developments. If the government does not intervene, it is unlikely that the Wa will attend the Panglong Conference.

KK: So, the militarys standpoint is quite important here. The government peace commission under the National Reconciliation and Peace Center (NRPC) has said it would review the UWSA demands and discuss them if necessary. It seems that the government is taking action regarding the Was participation in the conference. But we dont know what the military thinks. The military talks about adhering to the NCA and it is not clear if it is willing to listen to the UWSAs demands. If the negotiations between the UWSA and the government fail to work out an agreement before the Panglong Conference, it is unlikely that those seven groups, including the UWSA, will attend the conference. Ko Lawi, what do you think?

LW: Peace negotiator U Aung Min of the former U Thein Sein government was more accessible. He was not reluctant to meet with ethnic armed groups whenever they wanted to meet. This is different from the current National League for Democracy (NLD) government. So far, ethnic groups in northern Burma have met four times and formed a committee. They have talked repeatedly about holding talks with the government. But the government has not yet met with them. The government has nothing to lose from meeting with them. They can simply exchange views but the government still declines a meeting.

KK: Yes, as Ko Lawi has said, although the government said it wanted peace, there still have not been discussions on the ground. As ethnic affairs analysts have pointed out, the government needs to hold talks with diverse groups. Ma Nan Lwin, what do you think?

NLHP: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has said the door for dialogue is open and urged ethnic armed groups to enter. She also said they could walk out if they did not like it. On the other hand, three groups [the AA, TNLA and MNDAA] from the Northern Alliance have repeatedly said they would like to join the peace process but the military has opposed it.

The military sticks to the NCA and says those three groups must abandon their armed struggle if they want to join the peace process. So, it has been difficult for the government and ethnic armed groups to hold talks because of the military.

They have tried various means of joining the peace process and lately sought help from the UWSA to meet with the government. But clashes were taking place between the military and Kokang troops very recently.

Ethnic armed groups want to join the peace process and the government has invited them to join, but there are clashes with the Burma Army on the ground and ethnic armed groups are still not sure how they can participate.

KK: All of the stakeholders need to compromise. What about the UNFC? I heard that five of the groups would sign the NCA. Ko Lawi, do you think they will be able to attend the Panglong Conference?

LW: The government and the UNFC will meet at the end of this month. And the New Mon State Party (NMSP) will also hold its central executive committee meeting. The UNFC has made 9 demands and well have to wait and see to what extent the government will agree to those demands at the coming meeting. If they agree on most of the demands, those five groupsthe NMSP, Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), Arakan National Council (ANC), Lahu Democratic Union (LDU) and Wa National Organization (WNO)are likely to sign the NCA. Then, they will have the chance to attend the Panglong Conference and this will be a good sign for the peace process. It all depends on the meeting between the UNFC and the government at the end of this month.

KK: Considering the example of NCA signatories, non-signatories may doubt the NCA. There have been fresh clashes between the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) and the Burma Army, and the RCSS and ALP still cannot hold national-level political dialogue. The region-based national-level political dialogues were held helter-skelter recently in Shan State. Non-signatories will hear this and consider possible scenarios. Ma Nan Lwin, what do you think?

NLHP: The RCSS proposed holding ethnic-based national-level political dialogue in Taunggyi. But the military did not allow this because it is government-controlled territory and they dont like people gathering there. As the government has said it would not disagree with the military, the RCSS has had difficulty holding the dialogue.

But on April 23, the government organized region-based national political dialogue in Taunggyi. It invited representatives from across Shan State to join. More than 400 representatives attended the dialogue. But the government only made phone calls on the evening of April 20 to inform them of the dialogue and ask them to submit papers by 11 p.m. on April 21. So, it was quite hard for political parties to prepare papers and go to Taunggyi in such a short time. They had to hurry and some were not able to submit papers. A Palaung party was unable to submit papers and a Wa party had to prepare the papers overnight. They were not happy about it. Those papers are important, because the points they make in them will be submitted to the Union government and discussed at the Panglong Conference. They were not happy that they were forced to hurry, and have criticized this.

KK: As far as I know, the government is likely to invite all ethnic armed groups to the second 21st Century Panglong on May 24. But how many do you think will attend?

LW: As Ive said, the situation is quite complicated. There are three separate groupsthe UNFC, Wa, and Northern Alliance. We will wait and see which status the government will invite them under, and if the invited parties are willing to accept. For example, if the UNFC is invited as an observer, I am sure that it will not attend the conference. If the Wa, UNFC and some members of the Northern Alliance do not join the conference, there will be only NCA signatories, political parties and civil society organizations (CSOs), and the result delivered from such a conference will not be good for the internal peace which we aspire to because it is not inclusive. The situation is quite complicated and we have to wait and see.

KK: Everyone knows about the NCA path, and they say the path adopted at the Pangkham Summit is different from the NCA. Ma Nan Lwin, how is it different?

NLHP: As I have said, the seven ethnic groups will discuss and review the UWSAs 15-point policy for political dialogue at a later point. What they want to do first is sign a bilateral agreement with the government, either individually or as a group, like they did with the previous military regimes. They want to sign bilateral agreements at the state level first; continue discussions and sign Union-level agreements; and then sign in Parliament and go directly into political dialogue to discuss their demands. They already made it clear in February that they would not accept the NCA.

KK: The government will hold the second 21st Century Panglong Conference on May 24. But we have to wait and see under which status it invites ethnic armed groups, and how it will enable them to attend the conference. It will be especially interesting to see how it will enable the seven ethnic armed groups from the Pangkham Summit to join the conference. Ko Lawi Weng and Ma Nan Lwin Hnin Pwint, thank you for your contributions.
Business The Irrawaddy Business Roundup (April 29)

Tourists walk by a fishing boat along Ngapali Beach, a popular tourist site, in the Thandwe township of Arakan State, on October 4, 2013. / Soe Zayar Htun / Reuters

Ngapali Beach Sees Rise in Visitors

Visitor numbers to Ngapali beach in Arakan State were up 28 percent last year, according to a report by consulting group C9 Hotelworks.

A total of 71,603 passengers arrived in Thandwe Airport near Ngapali via domestic flights from Rangoon, Bagan, Mandalay and Sittwe, according to the report.

Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland and Italy were the leading international originating markets, the report stated.

Overseas travelers accounted for 59 percent of hotel occupancy at Ngapali in 2016, but domestic tourism is rising fast.

Local travelers in tourist accommodations grew 79 per cent compared to 11 per cent by foreigners for the same period, Bill Barnett, managing director of C9, told the travel news website TTG Asia.

The Thandwe hotel zone experienced a 31 percent increase in visitors and the local government is planning to extend the zone by some 7 kilometers, according to the report.

The local administration is also in discussions to add direct international flights to the airport, the report added.

Current annual hotel occupancy rates in Ngapali exceed 60 percent, with average room rates at top-end hotels ranging from US$150-200, according to the report.

Agriculture Exports Show Slight Rise

Agricultural exports accounted for 25 percent of Burmas total exports during 2016-2017, according to commerce ministry figures reported by the Global New Light of Myanmar.

The total value of agriculture exports reached more than $2.93 billion, up by more than $315 million from the previous year, according to the figures.

Major exports included 1.43 million tonnes of pulses which earned $1.4 billion; 1.75 million tonnes of rice and broken rice earning $554 million, 1.4 million tonnes of rubber worth about $200 million, and more than 1.3 million tonnes of maize worth $253 million.

Total exports of all products for the year was more than $11 billion, with exports of garment products reaching $1.84 billion and fisheries exports valued at $581 million.

Exports of natural gas fell by $1.3 billion on the previous years figure and exports of jade and minerals decreased by $190 million, according to the ministry statistics.

Taiwan Boosts Support for Investors

Taiwan is to provide support to potential Taiwanese private investors in Burma through a new facility at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Rangoon.

The Taiwan Desk will provide information on legal, tax, labor and environmental protection affairs to assist Taiwanese business people who are interested in conducting operations in Burma, according to the Taiwan News.

The facility is supported by Taiwans foreign affairs ministry and is part of the governments New Southbound Policy, which works to boost Taiwans trade and economic ties in South and Southeast Asia. There are similar facilities in Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand.

Bilateral trade between Burma and Taiwan totaled $281 million in 2016, up by 4.2 percent from the previous year, according to the report.

ONGO has new investor

The Burma-based online mobile payments platform ONGO has announced a strategic partnership with the National Bank of Canada (NBC).

ONGO is a brand of Ronoc Asia specializing in fintech services such as retail payment solutions, payroll programs and other payment services in emerging markets.

It announced that the NBC, one of Canadas largest banks, has taken a 22 percent stake in the company.

The addition of National Bank of Canada is an important milestone for our business. We have aggressive growth plans for Myanmar and have set ourselves a goal of providing over one million consumers with access to finance over the next three years, said Michael Madden, founder and chairman of Ronoc and ONGO in the release.

ONGO employs more than 300 people in Rangoon and expects the number to grow to 500 by the end of 2017, according to the statement.

Ooredoo Gets Set For Mobile Money Service

Telecoms provider Ooredoo hopes to launch a new mobile money service titled M-Pitesan by the end of this year, according to DealStreet Asia.

The company is partnering with the Co-operative Bank (CB Bank) for the service and is awaiting license approval from the Central Bank of Myanmar.

Testing for the new service has been complete, according to the report.

Rival telecom provider Telenor has teamed up with Yoma Bank to offer the Wave Money mobile money service.
Burma Fifth Meeting Held Between Govt and UNFC Peace Delegations

Dr.Tin Myo Win (standing) leads a four-member delegation from the government's National Reconciliation and Peace Center to meet the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC)'s delegation for political negotiation in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand on Friday. / Nyein Nyein / The Irrawaddy

CHIANG MAI, Thailand  The government held the fifth round of formal peace talks with the United Nationalities Federal Councils (UNFC) delegation for political negotiation (DPN) in northern Thailand on Friday.

The bloc members discussed the signing of the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA), in the follow-up to a March 3 meeting in Rangoon, where the negotiators agreed in principle to the DPNs nine-point proposal that would precede the signing of the accord. They also discussed their positions on joining the upcoming session of the Union Peace Conference on May 24.

The governments delegation was led by Peace Commission chairman Dr. Tin Myo Win and accompanied by the commissions secretary U Khin Zaw Oo, its adviser U Aung Kyi, and member U Aung Soewho is also a Lower House lawmakerand supporting staff.

The DPNs delegation was led by its head Khu Oo Reh, who is the secretary of the UNFC, and the vice chair of the Karenni Nationalities Progressive Party (KNPP). He was accompanied by representatives of all of the DPNs six other members organizations, including the Kachin Independence Organization/Army (KIO/KIA) and the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army-North (SSPP/SSA-N).

Leaders of both delegations highlighted in their opening remarks the need to adopt a people first approach in order to end decades of civil war and to build trust.

In his opening speech, Dr. Tin Myo Win emphasized the need to reach a solution through negotiation, in order to fulfill the publics expectations in building peace and federalism.

After the meeting, he said, both sides have built further trust.

Politically, we made a lot of progress, Dr. Tin Myo Win told The Irrawaddy, adding that they had discussed details concerning the DPNs nine-point proposal.

Fridays meeting is a step toward the next meetings, said Khu Oo Reh after their talk.

But neither side revealed details of discussions on any changes to the nine-points proposal. Khu Oo Reh had also remarked in his opening speech that morning that the DPN does not have a mandate to decide or agree to any terms during the meeting.

There still needs to be a negotiation in order to reach a common agreement from their previous meeting in March, he explained.

One must not look for the benefit of an organization, but serve for the sake of the peoplefor them to live in a peaceful environment, Khu Oo Reh said.

In addition to attending the peace talks under the UNFC bloc, two of its membersthe KIO and SSPPalso took part in meetings led by the United Wa State Army (UWSA) twice in February and April in Panghsang, the Wa Self-Administered Division. In the talks, armed groups based in northeastern Burma rejected the NCA and called for it to be replaced with a new pact.

It was not clear whether the active ethnic armed groups based in the region have abandoned the UNFCs position to follow the NCA path, and the UNFC members reaffirmed that they will go along with the DPNs terms.
Wochit News | (Video Clip) |  

Former President Barack Obama hailed the political resilience of his signature health care law at a private event Thursday, pointing out that Obamacare is now more popular than his successor trying to repeal it: President Donald Trump. As Republicans in Washington sputtered again this week in their efforts to undo the law, Obama noted to an audience in midtown Manhattan that the Affordable Care Act has never been more popular  and its more popular than the current president.
Reddit Email 125 Shares

By Todd Landman | (The Conversation) |  

The hundredth day of an American presidents term traditionally marks the end of the honeymoon period  a time to take stock of early achievements, launch new legislation, and set a new direction. But the score card for Donald Trumps first 100 days doesnt read well, and the direction for the next four years is looking so new as to radically contradict the premise of his campaign.

Trump hasnt commenced the wall along the US-Mexican border, his signature campaign pledge. He has failed (and spectacularly) to repeal and replace the healthcare reforms collectively known as Obamacare, and the courts have thwarted his orders to ban foreign nationals from several mainly Muslim countries from the US. And on a moral front, his compassion for Syrian children killed in a horrific chemical attack was offset by his decision to turn away 10,000 Syrian refugees.

The administration is under intense pressure from investigations into the Trump teams Russian connections and purported Russian meddling in the 2016 election. The resignation of General Mike Flynn and the hapless antics of the investigating committees in Congress have only made the saga more damaging.

All the while, American opinion remains divided as ever: Trump currently enjoys the approval of roughly 40% of his people.

Trumps image problem extends well beyond the USs borders. In the past month, I spent a week in China while President Xi Jinping was visiting Trumps Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago. I then visited the US, travelling from North Carolina through Virginia and on to Washington, DC. The Chinese are mostly bemused by the new president, who comes in for plenty of criticism in the Chinese media.

In the US, meanwhile, the president is at the centre of a perpetual media frenzy, lurching from one decision to the next while providing byplay via his own tweets. And undoubtedly his most dramatic lurch has been away from isolationism and towards outright military adventurism.

Volte-face

Throughout the 2016 campaign, Trump criticised crooked Hillary and Barack Obama for allowing the situation in Syria to deteriorate, but he also declared that he would not get involved. The America First philosophy he articulated in his inaugural address combined economic nationalism with international isolationism, and more recently, he reminded an audience of union members that he is not the president of the world.

But as the makeup of his National Security Council changed, Trump broke out of his isolationist box. He now appears to favour regime change in Syria, and possibly even a direct confrontation with North Korea.

Between my visits to China and the US, Trump retaliated to the deadly April 4 chemical attack on the Syrian rebel-held city of Khan Sheikhoun by authorising a direct missile strike on Syrian government airfields  this apparently while enjoying a beautiful chocolate cake with President Xi.

The attack sharpened the main lines of contention in global politics between Russia and China, who continue to back Bashar al-Assad, and the G7 nations, who oppose him, but who have yet to come up with a coherent suggestion for removing him from power.

Trump also said hed ordered a US Navy carrier strike group on routine exercises to head from Australia to the waters off North Korea, while Pyongyang held a national day of celebration at which it showed off significant military hardware, some of it not seen before.

In the days between the announced rerouting of the aircraft carrier group (the truth of which is now unclear) and North Koreas celebrations, the US dropped the largest non-nuclear bomb ever used on a network of tunnels in Afghanistan used by the so-called Islamic State (IS). The blast itself is estimated to have killed more than 90 IS militants, while at the same time sending a clear signal to IS, North Korea and others that Trump is ready to use devastating force.

Chinas Xi has since tried to calm tensions between the US and North Korea, but to little effect; the sabre-rattling continues, and a sixth North Korean nuclear test may not be far away.

Empty at the core

Throughout these last 100 days, I have been searching for some sort of signal in all the noise  some core commitment to a programme of change, with a clear set of organising principles and an underlying philosophy. I have struggled to argue that there must be something at the heart of all of this that makes coherent sense and that will genuinely benefit even Trumps core supporters.

Some of those supporters presumably see their president as a decisive leader using the full power of the presidency to tackle enormous domestic and foreign issues. To them, hes doing precisely what he promised, and given time and space to act, he will deliver real change to America. Business leaders are waiting for his tax cuts to invigorate markets, while the core voters wait for their promised new jobs and cheaper healthcare.

But if Trump is right that running America really is like running a business, he should be able to produce an income-expenditure model that indicates more is being achieved with less, with a surplus to show as a result. No such model is forthcoming. Yes, the proposed investments in infrastructure and the border wall are meant to be balanced by cuts to public programmes in science, health, welfare, and even the coast guard. But combined with promised tax cuts and increased defence spending, the books simply will not be balanced  especially with expensive new overseas military adventures now on the cards.

In search of a metaphor with which to capture these first 100 days of the Trump presidency, Ive landed on the Tasmanian devil. The real animal is described as having a cantankerous disposition; it will fly into a maniacal rage when threatened by a predator, fighting for a mate, or defending a meal. As rendered in cartoon form for Looney Tunes, its a swirling vortex of frenzied activity with an empty core.

Tasmanian Devil

The thrust and parry of politics is inevitable, as interests and power intersect in complex and contested ways  but actual change is achieved through consensus and compromise. Obamacare was only passed in 2010 after a year of face-to-face encounters, discussions, and compromises forged in committee rooms and caucus meetings. The bill that emerged wasnt what everyone wanted, but it contained enough of what most of them wanted.

If Trumps first 100 days prove anything, its that politics is not business. CEOs and presidents need very different skills, and commanders-in-chief need to think about more than the bottom line. The self-proclaimed master of the Art of the Deal has much to learn if he is to thrive in his first term.

Todd Landman, Professor of Political Science, Pro Vice Chancellor of the Social Sciences, University of Nottingham

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - April 27, 2017) - Entree Gold Inc. (TSX:ETG)(NYSE MKT:EGI)(FRANKFURT:EKA) ("Entree" or the "Company") has today filed its interim operational and financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017. All numbers are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.

Q1 2017 HIGHLIGHTS

Entree/Oyu Tolgoi Joint Venture Property, Mongolia

As reported by Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. ("Turquoise Hill"), major underground development programs currently underway at the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine in Mongolia ("OT") include underground lateral development, sinking of Shafts 2 and 5, support infrastructure, and the convey-to-surface system. Entree has a unique carried joint venture interest in a substantial prospective land package in Mongolia (the "Entree/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property"), which includes two of the world class OT copper-gold deposits, Hugo North Extension and Heruga. The resources at Hugo North Extension include a Probable reserve, which is included in the fully financed $4.4 billion underground block cave currently under construction. Rio Tinto is the project operator for the entire OT project, including the underground block cave mine. Turquoise Hill expects production from the first underground draw bell in mid-2020 and first sustainable production beginning in early 2021.

Corporate

In January 2017, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement of 18,529,484 units of the Company at a price of C$0.41 per unit for gross proceeds of approximately C$7.6 million. Each unit consists of one common share and one-half of one transferable common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share of the Company at a price of C$0.65 per share for a period of 5 years following the date of issuance.

On February 28, 2017, the Company announced that its Board of Directors (the "Board") had unanimously approved a strategic reorganization of Entree's business. Entree's U.S. based assets, the Ann Mason and Lordsburg projects, will be transferred to a newly incorporated company, Mason Resources Corp. ("Mason Resources"). The strategic reorganization is expected to result in two separate and focused, well-capitalized, debt-free entities, each with a high quality advanced project providing new and existing shareholders with optionality as to investment strategy and risk profile.

As at March 31, 2017, the Company's cash balance was $17.6 million. Of that, it is expected that $8.75 million will be transferred to Mason Resources as part of the strategic reorganization.

For the first quarter of 2017, the Company's net loss was $1.3 million (March 31, 2016 - $1.6 million) which was a reduction of 23% from the comparative period of 2016.

STRATEGIC REORGANIZATION

The Company announced on February 28, 2017 a strategic reorganization of its business (the "Arrangement"). Pursuant to the Arrangement, Entree's Ann Mason and Lordsburg projects (the "U.S. Projects") will be transferred to Mason Resources. Shareholders of Entree will receive common shares in Mason Resources ("Mason Common Shares") in proportion to their shareholdings in Entree. There will be no change to shareholders' existing interests in Entree.

It is intended that, as part of the Arrangement, Entree shareholders will receive Mason Common Shares by way of a share exchange, pursuant to which each existing share of Entree is exchanged for one "new" share of Entree and 0.45 of a Mason Common Share (the "Consideration"). Optionholders and warrantholders of Entree will receive replacement options and warrants of Entree and options and warrants of Mason Resources which are proportionate to, and reflective of the terms of, their existing options and warrants of Entree. The reorganization will be effected by way of a plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "Plan of Arrangement") and must be approved by the Supreme Court of British Columbia (the "Court") and by the affirmative vote of 66 2/3% of Entree shareholders, as well as Entree shareholders, optionholders and warrantholders (collectively, the "Securityholders") voting together as a single class. An Annual General and Special Meeting of Securityholders to approve, among other things, the Arrangement, will be held on May 1, 2017 (the "Meeting").

Once the Arrangement becomes effective, the result is expected to be two separate and focused, well-capitalized, debt-free entities, each with a high quality advanced project providing new and existing shareholders with optionality as to investment strategy and risk profile.

As at March 31, 2017, Entree has a treasury of approximately $17.6 million, of which $8.75 million is expected to be transferred to Mason Resources as part of the Arrangement. In the event that all outstanding warrants are exercised following the Arrangement, the two companies would receive up to an additional approximately C$6 million in the aggregate.

Entree is undertaking the Arrangement in order to focus on its unique carried interest in the Entree/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property. The Arrangement is also expected to give scope to potential value accretive and synergistic acquisitions by each entity, and to maximize shareholder value by allowing the market to value Entree's Mongolian assets independently of the U.S. Projects. It is expected that transferring the U.S. Projects from Entree to Mason Resources will help accelerate development of the U.S. Projects.

On April 25, 2017, the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") conditionally approved the listing of the Mason Common Shares. Mason Resources does not have any of its securities listed or quoted, and has not applied to list or quote any of its securities, on a U.S. marketplace.

Mason Resources will be managed by Entree's current team of officers. Its board will initially consist of four directors who also currently sit on the Entree Board, as well as one new director who is independent of Entree.

On March 24, 2017, the Company filed and mailed its Information Circular (the "Circular") and other materials for the Meeting, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.entreegold.com. The Circular contains, among other things, details concerning the Arrangement, reasons the Board has recommended the Arrangement, requirements for completion of the Arrangement, the procedure for receiving the Consideration under the Arrangement, how registered shareholders may exercise their dissent rights, procedures for voting at the Meeting and other matters. Securityholders are urged to carefully review the Circular and accompanying materials as they contain important information regarding the Arrangement and its consequences to Securityholders. Subject to receipt of all required Securityholder, Court and regulatory approvals, the Arrangement is expected to become effective on or about May 9, 2017.

OUTLOOK AND STRATEGY

Both Entree and Mason Resources will be managed by Entree's current team of officers and employees for the 2017 year. The companies will utilize a share service model to allocate administrative costs proportionately to each company based on a ratio to be determined prior to closing of the Arrangement, and annually thereafter. It is expected that there will be some additional costs associated with the operation of Mason Resources as a separate publicly traded company, such as listing fees, marketing costs and some additional board related costs. Concurrently, the Company will continue to remain prudent with its expenditures.

The combination of Entree and Mason Resources expects to spend between $3.0 million and $3.4 million for the 2017 year (2016 year - $4.0 million) on exploration and general administration costs which are discussed below. For the 2017 year, Entree and Mason Resources are expected to share the general administration costs equally once the Arrangement is complete.

The Company expects to release an updated technical report for the Entree/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property and Shivee West in mid-2017, based on the data used by Turquoise Hill for its 2016 Oyu Tolgoi Technical Report ("2016 OTTR") filed on October 21, 2016. The Company estimates the cost to prepare this report to be approximately $0.5 million.

The Company anticipates the one time cost to complete the Arrangement to be between $0.3 million and $0.4 million.

Corporate

The Company has focused, and will continue to focus its efforts on conserving cash reserves. Corporate objectives for 2017 include maximizing the market value of the Company's assets through restructuring, increasing investor awareness and cash conservation. Total corporate costs, which include marketing and compliance costs, remain estimated to be between $2.0 million and $2.2 million for the 2017 year including an additional $0.2 million of annual public filing costs at Mason Resources for the 2017 year.

Entree/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property

With the release of 2016 OTTR, the Company intends to develop a complementary PEA for Entree's interest in the second lift of the Hugo North (including Hugo North Extension) block cave and the Heruga deposit and file these as part of an updated NI 43-101 technical report. The Company anticipates commencing this process in the second quarter of 2017 and estimates the cost to be approximately $0.5 million to complete and publish the report.

Development of the OT project continues to advance with a number of positive milestones achieved in 2016. As part of the Company's corporate restructuring initiative, management commenced a market awareness program in late 2016 and will continue through 2017 to improve the investment community's understanding of Entree's interest in the Entree/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property, including its potential value as compared with the interests of other OT project stakeholders.

The Company maintains an office and administration in Mongolia. Excluding the costs associated with the preparation of an updated NI 43-101 technical report referenced above, the Company remains on target to spend approximately $0.2 million for the 2017 year on legal costs and general administration in Mongolia.

Ann Mason Project

The Company continues to target expenditures, including claim filing fees, site maintenance and local administration costs for its Ann Mason project in Nevada (the "Ann Mason Project"), of between $0.7 million and $0.9 million for the 2017 year. The Company does not intend to implement any significant new work programs at present and will focus on identifying strategic development partners prior to implementing any potential programs to advance the Ann Mason Project into its next phase of development. Upon completion of the Arrangement, these costs will be assumed in Mason Resources.

Other Properties

Costs associated with all of the Company's other non-material assets have been minimized while management evaluates the best alternatives for each asset in the future. Expenditures for 2017 are for license fees and local administration costs. The Company expects to spend approximately $0.1 million for the 2017 year.

FIRST QUARTER 2017 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Tabled amounts below in USD 000s YTD 2017 Q4 2016 Exploration $ (259 ) $ (540 ) General and administration (926 ) (911 ) Depreciation (8 ) (7 ) Foreign exchange gain 18 54 Loss from operations (1,175 ) (1,404 ) Interest expense and equity investee loss (80 ) (116 ) Income tax recovery - 553 Net loss (1,255 ) (967 ) Foreign currency translation adjustment 96 (460 ) Comprehensive loss $ (1,159 ) $ (1,427 ) Cash flows from operating activities before changes in working capital $ (1,265 ) $ 998 Decrease (increase) in receivables, prepaids and other assets 41 (33 ) Increase in accounts payables and accruals 62 219 Cash receipts from issuance of capital stock 5,179 - Cash receipts from issuance of capital stock - stock option 39 - Cash balance at end of period $ 17,550 $ 13,391

The Company's Interim Financial Statements and accompanying Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 are available on the Company website at www.entreegold.com, SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

QUALIFIED PERSON

Robert Cinits, P.Geo., Entree's Vice President, Corporate Development, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, has approved the technical information in this release. For further information on the Entree/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property, see the Company's technical report, titled "Lookout Hill Feasibility Study Update", with an effective date of March 29, 2016, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. For further information on the Ann Mason Project, see the Company's technical report, titled "2017 Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Ann Mason Project, Nevada, U.S.A.", with an effective date of March 3, 2017, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

ABOUT ENTREE GOLD INC.

Entree Gold Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company balancing opportunity and risk with key assets in Mongolia and Nevada. As a joint venture partner with a unique carried interest on a significant portion of the Oyu Tolgoi mining project in Mongolia, Entree has a singular opportunity to participate in one of the world's largest copper-gold projects managed by one of the premier mining companies - Rio Tinto. Oyu Tolgoi, with its series of deposits containing copper, gold and molybdenum, has been under exploration and development since the late 1990s. Additionally, Entree has also been advancing its Ann Mason Project in one of the world's most favourable mining jurisdictions, Nevada. The Ann Mason Project hosts the Ann Mason copper-molybdenum deposit as well as the Blue Hill copper deposit within the rejuvenated Yerington copper camp.

Sandstorm Gold, Rio Tinto and Turquoise Hill Resources are major shareholders, holding approximately 14%, 10% and 8% of issued and outstanding shares, respectively.
A U.S. THAAD missile defense battery being installed in South Korea will become operational "in the coming days," the U.S. Pacific commander said Wednesday.

Adm. Harry Harris, commander of the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), made the remark during a House Armed Services Committee hearing after the U.S. military brought the radar and other equipment to the deployment site in southeastern South Korea earlier in the day.

"The ROK-U.S. alliance decided last July to deploy THAAD, that's a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, which will be operational in the coming days and able to better defend South Korea against the growing North Korea threat," Harris said.

Seoul and Washington decided to place a THAAD unit in the South to bolster defenses against growing nuclear and missile threats from the North after Pyongyang carried out its fourth nuclear test in January 2016 and a long-range rocket launch the following month. A fifth nuclear test followed in September.

China has vehemently protested the decision, claiming the system, especially its powerful radar, could be used against the country, despite repeated assurances from Washington and Seoul that it is a defensive system designed only to counter North Korean threats.

Beijing has taken a series of economic retaliatory measures against South Korean firms.

"I find it preposterous that China would try to influence South Korea to not get a weapon's system that's completely defensive against the very country that's allied with China," Harris said. "So if China wants to do something constructive then they ought to focus less, in my opinion, on South Korea's defensive preparations and focus instead more on North Korea's offensive preparations."

Harris said that with every nuclear and missile test, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un "moves closer to his stated goal of preemptive nuclear strike capability against American cities."

"Defending our homeland is my top priority. So I must assume that Kim Jong-un's nuclear claims are true. I know his aspirations certainly are. And that should provide all of us a sense of urgency to ensure PACOM and U.S. Forces Korea are prepared to fight tonight with the best technology on the planet," he said. "That's why Gen. Brooks and I are doing everything possible to defend American homeland and our allies in the Republic of Korea and Japan."












Intuitive Surgical, makers of the famous da Vinci line of robotic-assisted surgical platforms, just announced receiving European regulatory approval to introduce its new da Vinci X surgical system. The system is designed for customers that cant afford the hefty price tag of more expensive da Vinci robots while offering many of the same capabilities as those products. The console that the surgeon uses to manipulate the robot stays the same, as well as the display cart which nearby clinicians use to monitor the procedure.

Similar to the da Vinci Si system, the da Vinci X has its robotic arms mounted on a side cart, while the arms are based on the lower profile and longer reach of the da Vinci Xi. Also, like the da Vinci Xi, the da Vinci X has laser and voice guidance features for quick preparation before a procedure. Unlike the da Vinci Xi, though, this product is not ideal for multi-quadrant surgeries and does not not have Integrated Table Motion capability.

Devices such as staplers, firefly, and vessel sealers are still available on the da Vinci X and all the support, services, and training offered by Intuitive Surgical apply to this more budget friendly offering.

The da Vinci X still requires FDA clearance and so is not yet available in the U.S.

More from the announcement:

The da Vinci X System enables optimized, focused-quadrant surgery including for procedures like prostatectomy, partial nephrectomy, hernia repair, benign hysterectomy and sacrocolpopexy, among others. The System features flexible port placement and state-of-the-art 3D digital optics, while incorporating the same advanced instruments and accessories as Intuitives flagship system. The new system drives operational efficiencies through set-up technology that uses voice and laser guidance, drape design that simplifies surgery prep, and a lightweight, fully integrated endoscope.

Via: Intuitive Surgical
by Barbara Lippert , Featured Columnist, April 28, 2017

Lately, shes adopted a fembot voice that is very soft and whispery  and so controlled its almost chilling. While making a point, she flashes a 90-watt smile that seems unconvincing, more like a very careful and meticulous tiger baring her teeth.

But really, who could blame Ivanka Trump?

Indeed, there she was, installed in her job as advisor to the President for less than a month, when she was suddenly catapulted into the hot seat of all time.

Having been invited by German Chancellor Angela Merkel to Berlin to attend the W20 Summit and participate in a panel entitled Inspiring Women: Scaling up Womens Entrepreneurship, Ivanka was seated next to economic luminary Christine Lagarde, the head of The International Monetary fund. She was being grilled by a German moderator about the apparent contradictions in her fathers treatment of women.

Ivanka had mentioned, in a typically punchy, brand-building way, that her father had been a tremendous champion of supporting families and enabling them to thrive.

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With that, the audience at the Intercontinental Hotel started to hiss and snicker.

The moderator, journalist Miriam Meckel, then asked Ivanka to speak to that reaction, and answer a question thats been upsetting many Americans, as well.

The German audience is not that familiar with the concept of a First Daughter, she said. What is your role? Who are you representing? Your father, as the President of the United States? The American people? Or your business?

Thats when the nervous smile appeared. Certainly, not the latter, she said, adding that the role is rather unfamiliar.

It was a humble answer, and perhaps a sympathy play. What bothered me the most was her response to the snickers: "I've certainly heard the criticism from the media, and that's been perpetuated, but I know from personal experience, and I think the thousands of women who have worked with and for my father for decades when he was in the private sector are a testament to his belief and solid conviction in the potential of women.

And thats where our First Daughter lost me.

Much as I would like to feel compassion for her being put in a no-win position, she accepted the job. Its hard to know what hold her father has over her, a married mother of three, who has already built her own fashion and accessories empire and acquitted herself well as one of the Talmudic judges whispering in her fathers ear on The Apprentice.

That goes for her husband, Jared Kushner, too. He was running his own familys real estate empire when he was called away into the West Wing to not only sit in on high-level policy meetings with the President  but also, apparently, to spin straw into gold.

Jared was given a portfolio so massive (bring peace to the Middle East, end the opioid epidemic, etc.) that tens of superheroes, if not gods, could work on those assignments for decades without finishing the job.

As for Ivanka being pictured in the Oval Office, sitting next to the President at his desk, a friend responded this way on Facebook: If I arrived in my dentists office to have a root canal, and he had his daughter sitting next to him on a stool, with no qualifications in dentistry but was there to advise him, I would leave.

Granted, Ivanka was between a rock and a hard place in Berlin, and European journalists and audiences are far less deferential to politicians than the American press.

But for Ivanka to call her father a champion of women is going so far that it actually blew a hole in the space/time continuum. Even worse, addressing all Trump pushback as criticism from the media thats been perpetuated, is just playing back her dads most alternative factoids card.

For starters, two days after the inauguration, approximately 3.2 million people turned out for Womens Marches all over the world to protest her fathers actions and policies.

To my surprise, when I called her out for this on Facebook, many otherwise-liberal men, who were not Trump supporters, rode in to Ivankas defense, offering things like Ivanka is fiercely intelligent and a superior human being.

To be sure, forgetting the flagrant nepotism and conflicts of interest, theres a whole other flank of Ivanka-worship going on in the country. I didnt know she has surpassed Kim Kardashian as the nations new female role model for cosmetic surgery, influencing young women from Texas to China who want to copy her features.

Dr. Gabriel Chu of Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery was quoted in The Hollywood Reporter: How many people have her look, went to an Ivy Leagues school and hold their own in business and socially? Shes seen as someone classically pretty and not overdone.

Well, we cant hate her because shes beautiful  if in danger of getting overdone.

I wanted to be fair. Theres no one way to embrace feminism. And Ivanka holds an unprecedented, ahistorical role in the White House. Maybe she can be a moderating force?

Having heard that Melania plans to move into the first residence and receive media training, I was wondering how P.R. professionals would advise Ivanka on how to walk her unique personal tightrope.

So I called up the closest person I know to Olivia Pope: Dorothy Crenshaw, head of Crenshaw Communications.

If she were my client,  Crenshaw said, I would advise her that her opinions and positions should be far more substantive and detailed than what weve heard to date. She can be loyal to her father by not criticizing him openly, but she loses credibility with statements that defend or deny his more controversial behaviors.

Crenshaw added: She should focus like a laser on the womens empowerment issue, rather than popping up at every White House meeting sitting next to every head of state.

No more photos of her Aspen ski vacations, no more Air Force One shots, no pics of her hobnobbing with celebrities, no dressed-for-the-party tweets. She needs to develop a 12-point plan with the best experts on the issue and/or help craft a key piece of legislation so she can point to her actions, not just empty words.

Lastly, I would also advise her to thoroughly divest from the Trump organization business interests like the hotel, and increase the separation with her fashion business, but thats probably a moot point.

Indeed. Ivanka received licenses in China for her fashion lines around the time her father was serving chocolate cake to President Xi Jinping at Mar-a-Lago. He later reversed his decision to name China a currency manipulator.

Also, Ivankas new book, Women Who Work: Rewriting the Rules for Success, is being published on May 2. Theres more of the same vague boilerplate in the forward. She writes: I am committed to working harder than ever to help unleash the full power of women and girls to accelerate the pace of progress both in our country and around the world.

Her fathers actions have already rolled back many important protections for women on the reproductive and job fronts. And so far  as with that Saturday Night Live parody commercial for a perfume the SNL gang named Complicit  shes looking into a mirror and seeing her fathers reflection.

If she is trying to shatter any ceilings, theyve all been lowered and papered over  dramatically.

Still, it all reinforces the Trump brand.
by Joe Mandese @mp_joemandese, April 29, 2017

Until 99 days ago, I was just a trade journalist. That changed when the President of the United States declared war on the industry I cover -- media -- and I became an unintended battlefield correspondent. Heres how the war has progressed:

January 21: I have a running war with the media, Donald Trump declared during his first official speech as President, an address to the U.S. intelligence community at CIA headquarters.

January 26: Chief Strategist Steve Bannon tells The New York Times to report that the White House considers the media the opposition party.

February 17: President Trump tweets that Americas leading news organizations are the enemy of the people.

advertisement advertisement February 24: President Trump threatens to do something about the media during a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference.

February 24: The White House bars leading U.S. news organizations, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, and others from its daily press briefing.

Since his inauguration, I have covered dozens of stories involving the Presidents attacks on the media, and even more surprisingly, on some big consumer brands.

Covering the way brands use media is the bread-and-butter of what I report on as a trade journalist. Marketers frequently use warlike terms -- marketing salvos, campaigns, targeting people -- to describe what they do, it has always been metaphorical. President Trump seems to be doing that literally, using his personal media -- Twitter -- to create or influence White House policy.

His campaign team -- aided by foreign agents -- also used social media as a form of weaponized propaganda. Remarkably, according to former FBI agent Clinton Watts, that didnt stop with the elections, and continues in some forms to this day, including Russian hackers and botnets tweeting at the President in high volumes when they know he is on Twitter to influence how he thinks, feels and behaves.

The most interesting stories I have covered over the years have been about the marketing of political brands, especially presidential candidates.

As a media and ad industry trade reporter, Ive covered the marketing and media efforts of many kinds of brands, but none have been as interesting as the political ones. For two reasons: 1) They are among the most innovative in their use and application of media, developing new forms of database modeling and targeting and media for disseminating it long before mainstream brands have figured it out; 2) Because they are such high-consequence brands: Change your brand preference with a political candidate and your decision can last and influence others for generations.

I started covering political brands in the 1980s with Ronald Reagans reelection and continued through Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Over the decades their use of media shifted from national outlets like network TV to regional and local media like TV and radio stations -- and more recently digital publishing and social media -- but it wasnt until Donald Trumps successful presidential campaign that anyone utilized micro media like Twitter and direct-to-consumer broadcasting like YouTube to bypass the news media altogether.

Another big change has been the way presidential campaigns utilize data to target people with ads and other forms of information. As the 2016 campaign proved, the historical reliance on surveys and polling may now be antiquated. Real insights come from harnessing Big Data and applying those insights in real-time.

Its something that most big marketers are trying to understand and apply in a world where information moves faster than people do. The most successful campaigns use data to tell them not just what media people are consuming, but also what they are feeling at deep, emotional and unconscious levels.

To leverage the speed and power of such information, marketers increasingly rely on a new generation of powerful algorithms, machine learning and artificial intelligence. One of the most powerful of these so-called black boxes is a platform known as Cambridge Analytica.

Backed by American hedge fund Billionaire Robert Mercer, the company has been playing an increasing role in influencing the outcome of conservative political campaigns. The platform was initially used by Ted Cruzs 2016 presidential campaign, and then became a core part of Donald Trumps.

Cambridge Analytica is a private company and much of what it does is secretive, but people familiar with it say is used to spread disinformation with an almost military precision. What -- if any -- role such media plays in the White Houses war on media after the election is unclear, although it appears as if the Trump White House continuing a campaign-like strategy, conducting rallies, using Twitter and bypassing mainstream news media as if it is in pre-election mode.

A number of conservative political action committees such as 45committee continue to spend heavily on advertising to persuade Americans to support both the President, his policies, his cabinet nominations, as well his Supreme Court pick Neil Gorsuch.

The use of such media post-election is unprecedented and seems part of an ongoing campaign to combat the information Americans receive from mainstream news outlets. As such, they have become powerful weapons in the Presidents self-declared war on Americas news media.

During the first couple of months of Trumps administration, various issues groups spent about $8 million in 27 states either supporting or opposing the confirmation of Trumps cabinet and Supreme Court picks, according to data from public files compiled by political media consultant and data analysts Smart Media Group.

Keep in mind that this just measured media publicly reported as part of federal disclosure requirements. It does not include the use of dark media propagated by agents or entities working to influence public sentiment about Trumps White House, its policies, or legislative initiatives.

The worst and most unprecedented part of covering this war has been the incessant attacks the President has made on news media in his personal appearances, public statements and personal media.

According to an analysis of his the first 500 @realDonaldTrump tweets of his presidency by U.K.s Independent, 39 called the news media Fake News -- singling out the failing New York Times 15 times and CNN eight times. In total, the newspaper estimates that Trumps tweets made more than 40 attacks on individual news organizations.

He was at it again this morning, on the eve of the White House Correspondents Dinner, an event at which Presidents are traditionally roasted, and one which Trump took a pass on attending this year in favor of holding his own campaign-style rally. Well see what kind of salvos he unleashes against the media tonight, but if its anything like todays tweet lambasting the mainstream (FAKE) media for refusing to report on his long list of achievements, this war will only escalate, and in the process the thin line of respect and credibility between a White House and the press corps that covers it.
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE), an S&P 500<sup></sup> urban office real estate investment trust ("REIT"), is the first, longest-tenured, and pioneering owner, operator, and developer uniquely focused on collaborative life science, technology, and agtech campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, with a total market capitalization of $31.9 billion as of December 31, 2020, and an asset base in North America of 49.7 million square feet ("SF"). The asset base in North America includes 31.9 million RSF of operating properties and 3.3 million RSF of Class A properties undergoing construction, 7.1 million RSF of near-term and intermediate-term development and redevelopment projects, and 7.4 million SF of future development projects. Founded in 1994, Alexandria pioneered this niche and has since established a significant market presence in key locations, including Greater Boston, San Francisco, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle. Alexandria has a longstanding and proven track record of developing Class A properties clustered in urban life science, technology, and agtech campuses that provide our innovative tenants with highly dynamic and collaborative environments that enhance their ability to successfully recruit and retain world-class talent and inspire productivity, efficiency, creativity, and success. Alexandria also provides strategic capital to transformative life science, technology, and agtech companies through our venture capital platform. We believe our unique business model and diligent underwriting ensure a high-quality and diverse tenant base that results in higher occupancy levels, longer lease terms, higher rental income, higher returns, and greater long-term asset value.
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Ltd., Fluor Daniel Pacific Inc., Fluor Daniel Pulp & Paper Inc., Fluor Daniel Services Corporation, Fluor Daniel South America Limited, Fluor Daniel Technical Services Inc., Fluor Daniel Venture Group Inc., Fluor Daniel a Professional Architectural Corporation, Fluor Daniel-AMEC Philippines Inc., Fluor Driver Inc., Fluor Energy Technology Services LLC, Fluor Engenharia e Projetos S.A., Fluor Engineering Corporation, Fluor Engineering N.V., Fluor Engineering Solutions Ltd., Fluor Enterprises Group Inc., Fluor Enterprises Inc., Fluor Europe B.V., Fluor Facility & Plant Services Inc., Fluor Federal Global Projects Inc., Fluor Federal Inc., Fluor Federal Petroleum Operations LLC, Fluor Federal Services Inc., Fluor Federal Services LLC, Fluor Federal Services NWS Inc., Fluor Federal Solutions LLC, Fluor Fernald Inc., Fluor Finance International B.V/S.a.r.L., Fluor Finance U.S. Inc., Fluor Flatiron Balfour Beatty Dragados DBJV, Fluor Global Plant Services (Proprietary) Limited, Fluor Global Services Australia Pty Ltd., Fluor GmbH, Fluor Government Group International Inc., Fluor Government Group-Canada Inc., Fluor Guinea Inc., Fluor Hanford Inc., Fluor Heavy Civil LLC, Fluor Holding Company LLC, Fluor Idaho LLC, Fluor Industrial Services Canada Inc., Fluor Industrial Services Inc., Fluor Industrial Services Limited, Fluor Infrastructure B.V., Fluor Intercontinental Arabian Peninsula LLC, Fluor Intercontinental Germany GmbH, Fluor Intercontinental Inc., Fluor Intercontinental Solutions LLC, Fluor International Inc., Fluor International Limited, Fluor International Nigeria Limited, Fluor Investments LLC, Fluor Ireland Limited, Fluor Island ehf., Fluor Kazakhstan Inc., Fluor Kazakhstan LLC, Fluor Limited, Fluor Maintenance Services Inc., Fluor Management Company L.P., Fluor Management and Technical Services Inc., Fluor Marine Propulsion LLC, Fluor Mediterranean Inc., Fluor Mideast Limited, Fluor Mining and Metals France Inc., Fluor Mocambique Limitada, Fluor NE Inc., Fluor Nuclear Services Inc., Fluor Oak Ridge LLC, Fluor Ocean Services Limited, Fluor Pension Trustee Limited, Fluor Plant Engineering S.A., Fluor Power Services Pty Ltd., Fluor Project Services B.V., Fluor Projects Inc., Fluor Projects Limited, Fluor Rail Services Pty Ltd., Fluor Real Estate Services Inc., Fluor Rovuma Inc., Fluor S.A., Fluor S.A. (Pty) Limited, Fluor SPN Inc., Fluor Scaffolding Inc., Fluor Services International Inc., Fluor Services LLC, Fluor South Africa Proprietary Limited, Fluor Spain Holding S.L., Fluor Supply Chain Solutions B.V., Fluor Supply Chain Solutions LLC, Fluor Supply Chain Solutions Singapore Pte. Ltd., Fluor Techint SRL Construccion y Servicios Limitada, Fluor Technip Integrated Joint Venture, Fluor Technologies Corporation, Fluor Texas Inc., Fluor Transworld Services Inc., Fluor US Services Inc., Fluor Uganda Engineering and Construction Limited, Fluor WEP Holdings Inc., Fluor environmental Resources Management Services Inc., Fluor-BWXT Portsmouth LLC, Fluor-Brady LLC, Fluor-Habboush International Limited, Fluor-Igoda Projects (Proprietary) Limited, Fluor-Lane 95 LLC, Fluor-Lane LLC, Fluor-Lane South Carolina LLC, Fluor-SKM Iron Ore Joint Venture, Fluor-United Asheville LLC, Fluor/HDR Global Design Consultants LLC, Fluor|Westinghouse Liquid Waste Services LLC, Fru-Con/Fluor Daniel Joint Venture, GLT-Plus V.O.F., GLX Constructors an unincorporated joint venture, Genesys Telecommunications Holdings Limited, Genesys Telecommunications Limited, Giovenco Industrial Services Pty Ltd., Giovenco Industries (AUST) Pty Limited, Giovenco Industries (AUST) Trust, Giovenco/Insulations International JV Pty Ltd., Giovenco/Insulations International JV Unit Trust, Global Project Execution Inc., Goar Allison & Associates, Goar Allison & Associates LLC, Greenville Technical Services Inc., Grupo Alvica SCS, Grupo Empresarial Alvica S.A., ICA Fluor Daniel S. de R.L. de C.V., ICA Fluor Operaciones S.A. de C.V., ICA Fluor Petroquimica S.A., ICA Fluor Petroquimica S.A. de C.V., ICA Fluor Servicios Gerenciales S.A. de C.V., ICA Fluor Servicios Operativos S.A. de C.V., ICA Stork S. de R.L. de C.V., IF Proyectos S.A., IFD Servicios de Ingenieria S.A. de C.V., IT Development Centre B.V., IXAS Gaasperdammerweg B.V., IXAS Zuid-Oost B.V., Indo-Mauritian Affiliates Limited, Industrial Del Hierro S.A. de C.V., Industrial Services France SAS, Infra Combinatie Zuid-West, Infraspeed (Holdings) B.V., Infrastructure Civil Equipment LLC, Ingenieria y Construccion Fluor Daniel Chile Limitada, Integrated Solutions France Inc., Integrated Solutions Services Inc., Iraq Construction Ltd., Iraq Water General Contracting Company L.L.C., Istimewa Electrotechniek B.V., J Crowder Corporation, J.A. Jones International, JGC - Fluor Mocambique Lda, JGC Fluor BC LNG Joint Venture, JGC Fluor Kitimat LNG Project JV, JGC-FEI Joint Venture, JGC/Fluor JV, KDPC Limited, KPJV Limited, Karratha Engineering Services Pty Ltd., Kazakh Projects Joint Venture Limited, KazakhNefteGasServis Limited Liability Partnership, Koninklijke Machinefabriek Stork B.V., Lone Star Infrastructure Joint Venture, Lone Star Infrastructure LLC, M&W/Marshall a Joint Venture, MGJV Pty Ltd., Maquinaria Ameco Guatemala Limitada, Mecanicos Asociados S.A.S., Mid-America Conversion Services LLC, Middle East Fluor, Mineral Resource Development Corporation, Mongolian National Facility Services (MNFS) LLC, Mourik Istimewa Combinatie V.O.F., N2ES V.O.F., NWKC LLC, Najmat Al-Sabah for General Services Limited Liability Company Private Company, NuScale Holdings Corp., NuScale Power LLC, Nuclear Production One LLC, Oregon Bridge Delivery Partners Joint Venture, P.T. Fluor Daniel Indonesia, P.T. Nusantara Power Services, P.T. Signet Indonesia, P2S Bermuda LLC, PESIL Inc., PESNC Inc., PFD (UK) Limited, PFD International LLC, PT Singgar Mulia, PT. MITRA BERSAMA ENGINEERING, Palmetto Seed Capital Ltd. Partnership, Parkway Infrastructure Constructors, Pegasus Link Constructors, Pegasus Link Constructors - LBJ East Project, Pegasus Link Constructors LLC, Phoenix Constructors Joint Venture, Pipeline Maintenance Alliance, Plant Engineering Services LLC, Plant Performance Services, Plant Performance Services Caribbean Limited, Plant Performance Services International LLC, Plant Performance Services International Ltd., Poort van Den Bosch B.V., Poort van Den Bosch V.O.F., Pro-V/ConOps JV, Provo River Constructors, Purple Line Transit Constructors LLC, Purple Line Transit Operations LLC, Purple Line Transit Partners LLC, Qatar National Facility Services, RBG Kazakhstan LLP, Rash Inversiones 2007 S.L., Rock Island Integrated Services, S-M V.O.F., SFS 007.298.633 Pty Limited, SSLP/FCCL JV, Saddleback Constructors, Sakhalin Neftegas Technology, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions LLC, Servicios Cuyuni E.T.T. C.A., Servicios Mineria Inc., Servicios de Construccion del Pacifico Inc., Servitrade  Servicos Investimento y Trading Limitada, Servitrade  Servicos Investimentos y Trading Limitada, Signet Engineering Pty Ltd., Signet Holdings Pty Ltd., Singapore (JV), Soli Flo LLC, Soli-Flo LLC, Soli-Flo Material Transfer L.P., Soli-Flo Partners L.P., Soli.Flo Inc., Springfield Resource Recovery Inc., Springfield Resource Recovery Limited Partnership, St. Joe Participacoes Ltda, St. Joe Participacoes Ltda., Stork Asset Management Technology B.V., Stork B.V., Stork Caspian LLC, Stork Cooperheat Bahrain SPC, Stork Elecon Ltd, Stork GOAL JV Pty Ltd., Stork Gears & Services Asia Pte. Ltd., Stork Gears & Services B.V., Stork German Holding GmbH, Stork Getriebe & Services GmbH, Stork H & E Turbo Blading Inc. DBA Stork DFW Service Center, Stork Holding, Stork Holding B.V., Stork Integrated Solutions B.V., Stork Intellectual Property B.V., Stork International B.V., Stork International Limited, Stork Mechanical Works and Maintenance Co. K.S.C.C., Stork Nederland B.V., Stork Oryx Turbo Machinery Services LLC, Stork Peru S.A.C., Stork Power Services & Technology Beijing Limited, Stork Power Services B.V., Stork Power Services OOO, Stork Power Services USA Holding Inc., Stork TS Holdings Limited, Stork TS UK Limited, Stork Technical Services (Holdings) Limited, Stork Technical Services (RBG) Limited, Stork Technical Services (STS) Ltd., Stork Technical Services Australia Pty Ltd., Stork Technical Services Beheer B.V., Stork Technical Services Belgium N.V., Stork Technical Services GmbH, Stork Technical Services HOLDCO B.V., Stork Technical Services Holding Australia Pty Ltd., Stork Technical Services Holding B.V, Stork Technical Services International Ltd., Stork Technical Services International South Africa, Stork Technical Services Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Stork Technical Services New Zealand Limited, Stork Technical Services Sadaf LLC, Stork Technical Services Saudi Arabia Co., Stork Technical Services Trinidad and Tobago Ltd, Stork Technical Services UK Limited, Stork Technical Services USA Inc., Stork Thermeq B.V., Stork Turbo Blading B.V., Stork Turbo Service B.V., Strategic Organizational Systems Enterprises Inc., Strategic Organizational Systems Environmental Engineering Division Inc., Support Services International LLC, Supreme Modular Fabrication Inc., TDF Inc., TRS Consultants-JLT, TRS Craft Services Inc., TRS Far East Sdn. Bhd., TRS International Group S. de R.L. de C.V., TRS International Payroll Co., TRS Labour Hire Solutions Pty Ltd, TRS SA HOLDING COMPANY (PTY) LTD, TRS SEARCH AND SELECTION (Pty) Ltd, TRS STAFFING SOLUTIONS (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED, TRS Staffing Solutions (Australia) Pty Ltd., TRS Staffing Solutions (Canada) Inc., TRS Staffing Solutions (Pty) Ltd, TRS Staffing Solutions B.V., TRS Staffing Solutions Inc., TRS Staffing Solutions India Private Limited, TRS Staffing Solutions Limited, TRS Staffing Solutions Mozambique Limitada, TRS Staffing Solutions S. de R.L. de C.V., Tabarca Consortium, Tappan Zee Constructors LLC, Technical Resource Solutions S.L., Technip-Fluor JV, Thermoprozess Cooperheat GmbH, Trans-Africa Projects (Pty) Ltd., Trans-Africa Projects Ltd., UNEC Engineering, Venezco Inc., WODECO Nigeria Limited, Walsh-Fluor Design-Build Team, Wescon (B) SDN BHD, Wescon International B.V., Williams Brothers Engineering Company, Williams Brothers Engineering Limited, Williams Brothers Process Services Inc., Wilmore/Fluor Modesto LLC, Windsor Essex Mobility Group GP, WorleyParsons Arabia Limited Fluor Arabia Limited Joint Venture, Wright Engineers Chile Limitada, Wright Engineers Limitada Peru, and ZuidPlus V.O.F..

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The following companies are subsidiares of Thermo Fisher Scientific: 236 Perinton Parkway LLC, 27 Forge Parkway LLC, ABR--Affinity BioReagents, ACI Holdings Inc., ARG Services LLC, ASPEX Corporation, Abgene Inc., Abgene Limited, Acoustic Cytometry Systems Inc., AcroMetrix LLC, Acros Organics B.V.B.A., Advanced Biotechnologies Limited, Advanced Scientifics (ASI), Advanced Scientifics Inc., Advanced Scientifics International Inc., Affymetrix Biotech Participacoes Ltda., Affymetrix Biotech Shanghai Ltd, Affymetrix Inc, Affymetrix Japan K.K., Affymetrix Pte Ltd, Affymetrix UK Ltd, Afora S.A.U., Ahura Scientific, Alchematrix Inc., Alchematrix LLC, Alfa Aesar, Alfa Aesar (China) Chemical Co. Ltd., Alfa Aesar (Hong Kong) Limited, Allergon AB, Alphine Mountain Limited, Ambion Inc., Apogent Denmark ApS, Apogent Finance Company, Apogent Holding Company, Apogent Technologies Inc., Apogent Transition Corp., Apogent U.K. Limited, App-Tek International Pty Ltd, Applied Biosystems B.V., Applied Biosystems Finance B.V., Applied Biosystems International Inc., Applied Biosystems LLC, Applied Biosystems Taiwan LLC, Applied Biosystems Trading (Shanghai) Company Ltd., Applied Biosystems de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Applied Scientific Corporation, Avances Cientificos de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Avocado Research Chemicals Limited, B.R.A.H.M.S. Biotech GmbH, B.R.A.H.M.S. GmbH, B.R.A.H.M.S. UK Ltd, BAC BV, BAC IP BV, Barnstead Thermolyne LLC, Beijing Phadia Diagnostics Co Ltd, Bender MedSystems GmbH, BioTrove Corporation, BioTrove International Inc., Bioanalysis Labsystems S.A., Biochemical Sciences LLC, Biolab, BmT GmbH Laborprodukte, Bonsai Tecnologies - Sistemas para Biotecnologia e Industria Unipessoal Lda, Brammer Bio, Bumi-Sans Sendirian Berhad, CAC Limited, CB Diagnostics AB, CB Diagnostics Holding AB, CEPH International Corporation, CHK Holdings Inc., CRS Robotics, CTPS LLC, Capitol Scientific Products Inc., Capitol Vial Inc., Cellomics Inc., CellzDirect Inc., Cenduit GmbH, Cenduit LLC, Cezanne S.A.S., Chase Scientific Glass Inc., Chromacol Limited, Clintrak, Clintrak Clinical Labeling Services LLC, Clintrak Pharmaceutical Services LLC, Cohesive Technologies (UK) Limited, Cohesive Technologies Inc., Columbia Diagnostics Inc., Compendia Bioscience Inc., Comtest Limited, Consolidated Technologies Inc., Consultores Fisher Scientific Chile Ltd, Core Informatics, Core Informatics LLC, Core Informatics UK Ltd., D-finitive Technologies Inc., DCG Systems B.V., DCG Systems C.V., DCG Systems G.K., DCG Systems GmbH, DCG Systems Korea Ltd., DCG Systems LLC, DPI Newco LLC, DSM Pharmaceutical Products Inc., Dharmacon, Diagnostix Ltd., Dionex (China) Analytical Ltd, Dionex (Switzerland) AG, Dionex (UK) Limited, Dionex Austria GmbH, Dionex Benelux B.V., Dionex Brasil Instrumentos Cientificos Ltda, Dionex Canada Ltd., Dionex China Limited, Dionex Corporation, Dionex Denmark A/S, Dionex Holding GmbH, Dionex I LLC, Dionex Pty Ltd., Dionex S.A., Dionex S.p.A., Dionex Singapore Pte Ltd., Dionex Softron GmbH, Dionex Sweden AB, Distribution Solutions International Inc., Doe & Ingalls Investors Inc., Doe & Ingalls Limited, Doe & Ingalls Management LLC, Doe & Ingalls Properties II LLC, Doe & Ingalls Properties LLC, Doe & Ingalls of California Operating LLC, Doe & Ingalls of Florida Operating LLC, Doe & Ingalls of Maryland Operating LLC, Doe & Ingalls of Massachusetts Operating LLC, Doe & Ingalls of North Carolina Operating LLC, Doublecape Holding Limited, Doublecape Limited, Drakeside Real Estate Holding Company LLC, Duke Scientific Corporation, Dynal Biotech Beijing Limited, EGS Gauging Ltd., EGS Gauging Technical Services Company, EP Scientific Products LLC, Ecochem N.V., EnviroEquip Pty Ltd, Epsom Glass Industries Limited, Equibio Limited, Erie Electroverre S.A., Erie Finance Limited, Erie LP Holding LLC, Erie Scientific Company of Puerto Rico, Erie Scientific Hungary Kft, Erie Scientific LLC, Erie U.K. Limited, Erie UK 1 Limited, Erie UK 2 Limited, Erie UK Holding Company, Erie UK Senior Holding Limited, European Laboratory Holdings Limited, Eutech Instruments Europe B.V., Eutech Instruments Pte Ltd., Eutech Instruments Sdn Bhd, Ever Ready Thermometer Co. Inc., FEI Asia Pacific Co. Ltd., FEI Australia Pty Ltd, FEI CPD B.V., FEI Company, FEI Company Japan Ltd., FEI Company of USA (S.E.A.) Pte Ltd., FEI Czech Republic s.r.o., FEI Deutschland GmbH, FEI EFA Inc., FEI EFA International Pte. Ltd., FEI Electron Optics B.V., FEI Electron Optics International B.V., FEI Europe B.V., FEI France SAS, FEI Global Holdings C.V., FEI Hong Kong Company Limited, FEI Houston Inc., FEI Italia Srl, FEI Korea Ltd., FEI Melbourne Pty Ltd., FEI Microscopy Solutions Ltd, FEI Munich GmbH, FEI Norway Holding AS, FEI SAS, FEI Saudi Arabia LLC, FEI Servicos de Nanotecnologia Ltda., FEI Technologies Inc., FEI Technology de Mexico S.A. de C.V., FEI Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., FEI Trondheim AS, FEI UK Ltd., FHP LLC, FRC Holding Inc. V, FS (Barbados) Capital Holdings Ltd., FS Casa Rocas Holdings LLC, FS Mexicana Holdings LLC, FSI Receivables Company LLC, FSII Sweden Holdings AB, FSII Sweden Holdings I AB, FSIR Holdings (UK) Limited, FSIR Holdings (US) Inc., FSUK Holdings Limited, FSWH Company LLC, FSWH II C.V., FSWH International Holdings LLC, Fermentas China Co. Ltd, Fermentas Inc., Fermentas International, Fermentas Sweden AB, Fermentas UK Limited, Fiberlite Centrifuge LLC, Finesse Scientific Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Finesse Solutions AG, Finesse Solutions Inc., Finnzymes Oy, Fisher Alder S. de R.L. de C.V., Fisher Asia Manufacturing Ventures Inc., Fisher Bermuda Holdings Limited, Fisher BioImage ApS, Fisher BioPharma Services (India) Private Limited, Fisher BioSciences Japan G.K., Fisher BioServices Inc., Fisher Bioblock Holding II SNC, Fisher CLP Holding Limited Partnership, Fisher Canada Holding ULC 1, Fisher Canada Holding ULC 2, Fisher Canada Holding ULC 3, Fisher Canada Limited Partnership, Fisher Chimica BVBA, Fisher Clinical Logistics LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Fisher Clinical Services (Bristol) LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Colombia) LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Korea) Co. Ltd, Fisher Clinical Services (Mexico) LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Peru) LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Fisher Clinical Services Colombia S.A.S., Fisher Clinical Services GmbH, Fisher Clinical Services Inc., Fisher Clinical Services Japan K.K., Fisher Clinical Services Latin America S.R.L., Fisher Clinical Services Limited Liability Company, Fisher Clinical Services Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Fisher Clinical Services Peru S.R.L, Fisher Clinical Services Pte Ltd., Fisher Clinical Services U.K. Limited, Fisher Emergo B.V., Fisher Germany Holdings GmbH, Fisher Hamilton China Inc., Fisher Hamilton Mexico LLC, Fisher Holdings ApS, Fisher Internet Minority Holdings L.L.C., Fisher Laboratory Products Manufacturing (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Fisher Luxembourg Danish Holdings SARL, Fisher Manufacturing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Fisher Maybridge Holdings Limited, Fisher Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Fisher Scientific (Austria) GmbH, Fisher Scientific (Hong Kong) Limited, Fisher Scientific (M) Sdn Bhd, Fisher Scientific (SEA) Pte. Ltd., Fisher Scientific A/S, Fisher Scientific AG, Fisher Scientific Australia Pty Limited, Fisher Scientific Biotech Line ApS, Fisher Scientific Brazil Inc., Fisher Scientific Central America Inc., Fisher Scientific Chile Inc., Fisher Scientific Colombia Inc., Fisher Scientific Company, Fisher Scientific Company L.L.C., Fisher Scientific Costa Rica Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, Fisher Scientific Europe Holdings B.V., Fisher Scientific GTF AB, Fisher Scientific Germany Beteiligungs GmbH, Fisher Scientific GmbH, Fisher Scientific Holding Company LLC, Fisher Scientific Holding HK Limited, Fisher Scientific Holding U.K. Limited, Fisher Scientific Holdings (M) Sdn Bhd, Fisher Scientific Holdings (S) Pte Ltd, Fisher Scientific International LLC, Fisher Scientific Investments (Cayman) Ltd., Fisher Scientific Ireland Investments Unlimited, Fisher Scientific Ireland Limited, Fisher Scientific Japan Ltd., Fisher Scientific Jersey Island Limited, Fisher Scientific Korea Ltd, Fisher Scientific Latin America Inc., Fisher Scientific Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Fisher Scientific Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Fisher Scientific Mexico Inc., Fisher Scientific Middle East and Africa Inc., Fisher Scientific Norway AS, Fisher Scientific Operating Company, Fisher Scientific Oxoid Holdings Ltd., Fisher Scientific Oy, Fisher Scientific Pte. Ltd., Fisher Scientific S.A.S., Fisher Scientific S.L., Fisher Scientific SPRL, Fisher Scientific The Hague I B.V., Fisher Scientific The Hague II B.V., Fisher Scientific The Hague III B.V., Fisher Scientific The Hague IV B.V., Fisher Scientific The Hague V B.V., Fisher Scientific U.K. Limited, Fisher Scientific UK Holding Company 2, Fisher Scientific UK Holding Company Limited, Fisher Scientific Unipessoal Lda., Fisher Scientific Venezuela Inc., Fisher Scientific Worldwide (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Fisher Scientific Worldwide Holdings I C.V., Fisher Scientific Worldwide Inc., Fisher Scientific de Mexico S.A., Fisher Scientific of the Netherlands B.V., Fisher Scientific spol. S.r.o, Fisher Servicios Clinicos (Chile) LLC, Fisher Servicios Clinicos Chile Ltda, Fisher WWD Holding L.L.C., Fisher Worldwide Distribution SPV, Fisher Worldwide Gene Distribution SPV, Flux Instruments, Fuji Partnership, G & M Procter Limited, G V Instruments Limited, GV Instruments Canada Ltd., GV Instruments Inc, Gatan Inc, General Scientific Company Sdn Bhd (M), Genomed molekularbiologische und diagnostische Produkte GmbH, Gerhard Menzel B.V. & Co. KG, Gold Cattle Standard Testing Labs Inc., Golden West Indemnity Company Limited, Goring Kerr Detection Limited, Greenville Service Company Inc., HENO GmbH i.L., Hangar 215 Inc., Helmet Securities Limited, Henogen, HighChem, HyClone International Trade (Tianjin) Co. Ltd, Hybaid Limited, I.Q. (BIO) Limited, IDnostics AG, ILS Laboratories Scandinavia AB, Inel Inc., Inel SAS, InnaPhase Inc., InnaPhase Limited, IntegenX, Intrinsic BioProbes Inc., Intrinsic Bioprobes Inc., Invitrogen (Shanghai) Investment Co. Ltd., Invitrogen Argentina SA, Invitrogen BioServices India Private Limited, Invitrogen Europe Limited, Invitrogen Finance Corp., Invitrogen Holdings LLC, Invitrogen Holdings Ltd., Invitrogen Hong Kong Limited, Invitrogen IP Holdings Inc., Invitrogen Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ion Torrent Systems Inc., Ionalytics Corporation, JSC Thermo Fisher Scientific, Jouan LLC, Jouan Limited, Jouan SA, Kendro Containment & Services Limited, Kendro Laboratory Products Ltd, Kettlebrook Insurance Co. ltd., Keystone Scientific, KonTEM GmbH, Kyle Jordan Investments LLC, LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION, LTC Tech South Africa PTY Ltd., La-Pha-Pack GmbH, Lab Vision (UK) Limited, Lab Vision Corporation, Lab-Chrom-Pack LLC, Lab-Line Instruments Inc., Labomex MBP S. de R. L. De C.V., Laboratoire Service International - L.S.I, Laboratory Management Systems Inc., Laboratory Specialties Proprietary Ltd., LambTrack Limited, Laser Analytical Systems Inc., Liberty Lane Investment LLC, Liberty Lane Real Estate Holding Company LLC, Life Sciences International (Poland) SP z O.O, Life Sciences International Holdings BV, Life Sciences International LLC, Life Sciences International Limited, Life Technologies AS, Life Technologies Australia PTY Ltd., Life Technologies BPD AB, Life Technologies BPD UK Limited, Life Technologies Brasil Comercio e Industria de Produtos para Biotecnologia Ltda, Life Technologies Chile SpA, Life Technologies Clinical Services Lab Inc., Life Technologies Co. Ltd., Life Technologies Czech Republic s.r.o., Life Technologies DaAn Diagnostic (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd., Life Technologies Europe B.V., Life Technologies Finance Ltd., Life Technologies Finland Oy, Life Technologies GmbH, Life Technologies Holdings PTE Ltd., Life Technologies Inc., Life Technologies International B.V., Life Technologies Japan Ltd., Life Technologies Korea LLC, Life Technologies Limited, Life Technologies Magyarorszag Kft, Life Technologies New Zealand Ltd., Life Technologies Norway Investments US LLC, Life Technologies Polska Sp z.o.o., Life Technologies SA, Life Technologies SAS, Life Technologies s.r.o, Linkage Biosciences Inc., Linkage Biosciences S.a.r.l., Loftus Furnace Company, Lomb Scientific, Lomb Scientific (Aust) Pty Limited, MTI-GlobalStem, Marketbase International Limited, Matrix MicroScience Inc., Matrix MicroScience Ltd., Matrix Technologies Corporation Limited, Matrix Technologies LLC, Maybridge Chemical Company Limited, Maybridge Chemical Holdings Limited, Maybridge Limited, Medical Analysis Systems Inc., Medical Analysis Systems International Inc., Medical Diagnostics Systems Inc., Metavac LLC, Microgenics Corporation, Microgenics Diagnostics Pty Limited, Microgenics GmbH, Microm International GmbH, Microm Laborgerate S.L.U, Molecular BioProducts Inc., Molecular Probes Inc., Molecular Transfer Inc., NAPCO Inc., NERL Diagnostics LLC, NOVODIRECT GmbH Labor- und Industrie- Megerate, Nalge (Europe) Limited, Nalge Nunc International (Monterrey) LLC, Nalge Nunc International Corporation, Nanjing WeiKangLe Trading Industrial Co Ltd, NanoDrop Technologies LLC, National Scientific Company, Navaho Acquisition Corp., Neomarkers Inc., New FS Holdings Inc., NewcoGen PE LLC, Nihon Dynal K.K., Niton Asia Limited, NovaWave Technologies Inc., Nunc A/S, ONIX Systems Inc., OXOID CZ s.r.o., Odyssey Holdings Corporation, Odyssey Luxembourg Holdings S.a r.l., Odyssey Luxembourg IP Holdings 1 S.a r.l., Odyssey Luxembourg IP Holdings 2 S.a r.l., Odyssey Venture Corporation, Omega Data Systems, One Lambda Inc, Onix Holdings Limited, Orme Scientific Limited, Owl Separation Systems LLC, Oxoid (ELY) Limited, Oxoid 2000 Limited, Oxoid AS, Oxoid Australia Pty. Limited, Oxoid Company, Oxoid Deutschland GmbH, Oxoid Holding SAS, Oxoid Holdings Limited, Oxoid Inc., Oxoid International Limited, Oxoid Investments GmbH, Oxoid Limited, Oxoid N.V., Oxoid New Zealand Limited, Oxoid Pension Trustees Limited, Oxoid Senior Holdings Limited, Oxoid UKH LLC, PAX - DSI Acquisition LLC, PE AG, Pacific Rim Far East Industries LLC, Pacific Rim Investment LLC, Panomics L.L.C., Panomics S.R.L., Patheon, Patheon API Inc., Patheon API Manufacturing Inc., Patheon API Services Inc., Patheon Austria GmbH & Co KG, Patheon B.V., Patheon Banner U.S. Holdings Inc., Patheon Biologics (NJ) LLC, Patheon Biologics Australia Pty Ltd, Patheon Biologics B.V., Patheon Biologics LLC, Patheon Calculus Merger LLC, Patheon Cooperatief U.A., Patheon Development Services Inc., Patheon Finance LLC, Patheon France SAS, Patheon Holdings B.V., Patheon Holdings I B.V., Patheon Holdings II B.V., Patheon Holdings SAS, Patheon I B.V., Patheon I Holding GmbH, Patheon Inc., Patheon International AG, Patheon Italia S.p.A., Patheon KK, Patheon Life Science Products International GmbH, Patheon Manufacturing Services LLC, Patheon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Patheon Pharmaceuticals Services Inc., Patheon Puerto Rico Acquisitions Corporation, Patheon Puerto Rico Inc., Patheon Regensburg GmbH, Patheon Softgels B.V., Patheon Softgels Inc., Patheon U.S. Holdings Inc., Patheon U.S. Holdings LLC, Patheon UK Limited, Patheon UK Pension Trustees Limited, Pelican Acquisition Corporation, Perbio Science (Canada) Company, Perbio Science AB, Perbio Science BVBA, Perbio Science France SAS, Perbio Science Inc., Perbio Science International Netherlands B.V., Perbio Science Invest AB, Perbio Science Nederland B.V., Perbio Science Projekt AB, Perbio Science Sweden Holdings AB, Perbio Science Switzerland SA, Perbio Science UK Limited, Phadia AB, Phadia Diagnosticos Ltda, Phadia GmbH, Phadia Holding AB, Phadia International Holdings C.V., Phadia Korea Co. Ltd, Phadia Luxembourg Holdings S.a.r.l., Phadia Malta Holdings Limited, Phadia Oy, Phadia Real Property AB, Phadia Sweden AB, Phadia Taiwan Inc., Phadia US Inc., Phadia s.r.o., Pharmacaps Mexicana SA de CV, Phenom-World B.V., Phenom-World Holding B.V, Phenom-World Innovations B.V., Phinotex, Pierce Biotechnology Inc., Pierce Milwaukee Holding Corp., Pierce Milwaukee Inc., Polychromix, Power Sweden Holdings I AB, Power Sweden Holdings II AB, Power Sweden Holdings III Aktiebolag, Princeton Gamma-Tech Instruments LLC, Princeton Security Technologies, Prionics AG, Prionics Asia Ltd., Prionics Deutschland GmbH, Prionics France SAS, Prionics Italia S.r.l., Prionics Lelystad B.V., Prionics USA Inc., Priority Air Express LLC, Priority Air Express Pte. 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AstraZeneca PLC, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of prescription medicines. Its marketed products include Calquence, Enhertu, Faslodex, Imfinzi, Iressa, Koselugo, Lumoxiti, Lynparza, Orpathys, Tagrisso, and Zoladex for oncology; Brilinta/Brilique, Bydureon/Byetta, BCise, Byetta, Crestor, Evrenzo, Farxiga/Forxiga, Komboglyze/Kombiglyze XR, Lokelma, Onglyza, Qtern, and Xigduo/Xigduo XR for cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism diseases; Bevespi Aerosphere, Breztri Aerosphere, Daliresp/Daxas, Duaklir Genuair, Fasenra, Pulmicort, Saphnelo, Symbicort, and Tudorza/Eklira/Bretaris for respiratory and immunology; and Andexxa/Ondexxya, Kanuma, Soliris, Strensiq, and Ultomiris for rare diseases. The company's marketed products also comprise Synagis for respiratory syncytial virus; Fluenz Tetra/FluMist Quadrivalent for Influenza; Seroquel IR/Seroquel XR for schizophrenia bipolar disease; Nexium, and Losec/Prilosec for gastroenterology; and Vaxzevria and Evusheld for covid-19. The company serves primary care and specialty care physicians through distributors and local representative offices in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Australasia. It has a collaboration agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to research, develop, and commercialize small molecule medicines for obesity; Neurimmune AG to develop and commercialize NI006; Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to develop eplontersen, a liver-targeted antisense therapy in Phase III development for the treatment of transthyretin amyloidosis; Proteros Biostructures GmbH to jointly discover novel small molecules for the treatment of hematological cancers; Sierra Oncology, Inc. to develop and commercialize AZD5153. The company was formerly known as Zeneca Group PLC and changed its name to AstraZeneca PLC in April 1999. AstraZeneca PLC was incorporated in 1992 and is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom.
The Angels have placed first baseman C.J. Cron on the disabled list with a foot injury, Pedro Moura of the Los Angeles Times tweets. Lefty starter Tyler Skaggs also appears likely to head to the DL with oblique trouble. Both players left yesterdays game against the Rangers  Cron fouled a ball off his foot, while Skaggs told the team he felt a pinch in his right side (as Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register explains). The Angels have promoted righties Jose Valdez and Daniel Wright, evidently to take the place of Cron and Skaggs on their active roster.

Cron was off to a poor start to his season, batting just .233/.277/.267 while showing little of the power he demonstrated while hitting 16 home runs in each of the last two years. Luis Valbuena is currently several games into a rehab assignment after beginning his season on the DL with a hamstring strain, and he appears likely to take most of the playing time at first should Cron be out for a significant duration.

Skaggs, of course, has had his fair share of injuries, undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2014 and dealing with biceps tendinitis last season. Yesterday, though, he told reporters he was not worried about his current oblique issue. I am not very concerned, he said, via Fletcher. We havent talked about an MRI or anything. Well take it day to day.  This is a small bump in the road. Of course, the existence of the 10-day DL would allow the Angels to remove Skaggs from their active roster for only a brief period of time, meaning that it would not necessarily indicate a serious problem if the Angels were to place him there. Skaggs has posted a 3.99 ERA, 8.9 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9 in 29 1/3 innings so far this season.
1:00pm: Manager John Farrell provided some details in an appearance on MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM, as Evan Drellich of CSNNE.com recounts. The injury was to the medial side of the right knee, said Farrell, who says that significant swelling forced the DL move. It is still not known how long of an absence is to be expected.

11:07am: The Red Sox have placed third baseman Pablo Sandoval on the 10-day DL with a right knee sprain, the club has announced. Hell be replaced by infielder Josh Rutledge, who has been activated from his own DL stint.

Sandoval, 30, has produced uneven results thus far upon returning from a long layoff. Through 67 plate appearances, he is hitting .213/.269/.377 with three home runs. And there are some questions about his glovework, with four errors on his ledger and poor grades from advanced metrics (in quite a small sample).

Still, there are some reasons for hope with the bat. Sandovals .164 isolated slugging mark matches his work from 2012, which would seem to be a positive development. But it remains to be seen whether he can right the ship in the on-base department. Sandoval is suffering from a .217 BABIP despite making plenty of hard contact, though his strikeout rate is up to 19.4% on a 14.6% swinging-strike rate  well above his career figures in both areas.

While Boston will be glad to get Rutledge back, the hope had been to see both players on the roster at the same time. The switch-hitting Sandoval has continued to struggle badly against left-handed pitching, making the pair a theoretically useful platoon match. (Rutledge hits from the right side, though he hasnt carried noticeable splits historically.)

Instead, the Sox will lean on Rutledge  along with left-handed-hitting utilityman Marco Hernandez  to cover third base during Sandovals absence. Its not clear at this point just how long the organization expects to be without the veteran.
 :

The First Rehearsal for the Victory Day Parade Took Place in Moscow

On Thursday night, in Moscow, the first rehearsal of the May 9th Victory Day parade took place. Armored vehicles took part in the rehearsal. Per tradition, military vehicles moved from the Mnevniki District to Red Square. Some weapon systems will be shown for the first time during the Victory Day parade. Reporting on the premiere of this season"s latest military hardware, here"s Andrey Grigoryev.The first rehearsal is basically the same as the parade itself, just without the aerial part, without an audience, at night, and under pouring rain. On the other hand, it"s just a tryout, a preview, after which the necessary parts can be changed and corrected. The Moscow garrison is ready to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of Victory Day, celebrating the end of the Great Patriotic War (WW2). About 10,000 soldiers and officers, 28 parade squads from various military academies  the Nakhimov and the Suvorov Military academies. It also included National Guard units, EMERCON, and the FSB.For the first time, the new boy scouts are also participating. This after-school program was created by the Ministry of Defense, uniting ideas of military camaraderie and patriotism. Upon the Red Square"s brick road, 114 different specimens of military hardware roll on  APCs, self-propelled artillery mounts, and various anti-aircraft vehicles. So that their tracks don"t harm the pavement, tracked vehicles are dressed with special tires. This has to be done before every parade. Special soft pads allow the tracks to move as silently and as carefully as possible.At the vanguard are the traditional vehicles from the Second World War. Those famous T-34 battle tanks that made it all the way to Berlin. After them are the more modern vehicles. Along with the famous Typhoon and Tiger AFVs are the giant Iskander missile systems  there are just over 100 of these in existence. These mechanized columns try to be filled with top-of-the-line hardware every year. This is the first time the public sees the Arctic versions of the T-72 tank and the Pantsir-S1 and Tor missile systems. They come in cold winter colors and are on tracks, since there are no roads in the Arctic. Our guys did a great job. For many of them it was their first time in Red Square.Training in Alabino and actually being here are two different things. There we had concrete pavement, here we have brick pavement. It"s harder to walk here. But anyway, what we saw today makes us confident that we can accomplish our task with dignity. There are 2 more rehearsals ahead  on May 3rd and 7th. Before the Victory Day parade, all of the participating units, including dismounted and mechanized units  must coordinate flawlessly and look absolutely perfect.
The Basel missionaries, well known to many for their star programmes, established a school at Boinso within the Aowin district of western region in the year 1992. Boinso, I can say, is the next biggest town in the district, thus Boinso is the next town to mention after Enchi in terms of inhabitants. The Presbyterian Primary and JHS which is located at Boinso is facing a huge infrastructural glitches which needs urgent attention.

With a population of over seven hundred and fifty four (754) pupils, the school can only boast of a complete three unit classroom block which was built for children in nursery and kindergarten.

This status quo compels teachers to organize classes under trees and uncompleted mud structure housing divulging pupils to endangerments. Now there is no effective teaching and learning during rainy seasons because they have no secured places to hide when its raining. The students I spoke to complained of water leakages and floods into the unfinished floors of the classrooms when it rains. The headmistress of the school, Madam Mercy, said, the poor condition of the building such as leakages in classrooms, mouldy walls , broken furniture, etc., that are found in the school make student feel uncomfortable with the schools norms and expectations. This dilapidated state of the schools climate contributes to high absenteeism. In turn, that contributes to low performance in exams and poor academic achievement.

In addition to this, the school cannot boast of a library, ICT laboratory and masters Bangalore, resulting in academic performance falling at an increasing rate over years.

The N D C government gave indenture to a contractor for a complete classroom building of which unfortunately, the contractor died during the course of the work and the contract was appraised to another outworker which has led to a shoddy work. Now, due to cracks in the building they could not roof it. The building which was supposed to finish by October 2016 is still in its danger state.

There is a general pandemonium amongst the students and teachers who feel that they have been derelict and not painstaking a school due to the underprivileged infrastructural development in the institution.

The authorities of Boinso, the school and the church (Presbyterian church Ghana, Boinso society) is appealing to the government through the ministry of education, the Presbyterian missionaries, non  governmental organizations and other stakeholders to come to their aid, their effort are massively needed to halt the condition and position the school to underwrite its ration to the development of the country.

Coffie Bismark

DJ Obvious

Concern member of Boinso

(Ultimate radio 94.7)

(Uds wa campus)
28.04.2017 LISTEN

Fijai (WR), April 28, GNA - Dr Kwaku Afriyie, Western Regional Minister has assured that the government would remain committed to the growth and development of the agricultural sector to ensure food security and sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices in the country.

He underscored the significant contributions of agriculture towards the socio-economic development of the country and that the government had resolved to support the sector to ensure that the sector played its role effectively.

Dr Afriyie gave the assurance when he launched a fisheries protection livelihood project dubbed 'Far Ban Bo' at Fijai in the western region.

The European Union funded project with a four-year life span would concentrate on issues such as; over fishing, unsustainable fishing practices including; illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, low compliance and weak capacity for law enforcement within the sector.

It would also focus on tenure rights, security for the landing sites and pilot mechanisms for grievances and dispute resolution among the fisher groups.

The Regional Minister in this regard, urged all stakeholders and civil society organisations to build stronger collaboration for the sustainability of the sector adding, 'It is only when that is done, that our fish stock within our territorial waters could be protected for sustainable fishing and aquaculture'.

He said the fishing sector contributed to about 4.5 per cent of Ghana's GDP and also provided livelihoods to about 10 per cent of the population, about 2.5 million Ghanaians.

Mr Zakaria Yakubu, Project Coordinator for CARE Ghana-lead Consortium, who gave an overview of the 'Far Ban Bo' project said the project would cover 30 districts in the Western, Central, Greater Accra and the Volta Regions and would work closely with key fisheries stakeholders in the Marine and inland fisheries sector.

He said other implementing partners included; the Friends of the Nation and Oxfam in collaboration with key fisheries stakeholders, Fisheries Commission and Fisheries Alliance.

Mr Yakubu said the expected outcome of the project would be the empowerment of small holder fishery associations to take active part in fisheries governance and effective monitoring and grievance mechanism.

The project would also contribute to improving livelihoods and nutritional status of small holder fishers and users of fishery resources through Social and Economic safeguards.

Ambassador Elkanah Odembo, Country Director of CARE International, lauded the project stressing that initiatives such as the 'Far Ban Bo' project could be a good avenue to promote sustainable live-saving interventions.

GNA

By Mildred Siabi-Mensah GNA
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has deployed 140 security peronnel to flush out illegal miners in the region.

The exercise is being done in conjunction with the military.

The Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Ken Yeboah, revealed this during a visit of the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, to the Regional Police Command.

The Regional Minister has been touring security installations in the region.

This is his first official visit after his appointment as the Ashanti Regional Minister.

DCOP Ken Yeboah said this effort of the police and military will help government reduce galamsey to the barest minimum.

He said the 140 Police and Military men are providing security to eject some Galamsey operators within Obuasi and Susanso.

This forms part of the fight against illegal mining launched by Government and media organizations, to restore vegetation and water bodies destroyed by these activities.

Many communities in Ghana are currently suffering the negative effects of galamsey. In the Ashanti region, Galamsey is most prevalent in the Amasie West, Amansie Central and Amansie east districts.

Although Ghana's laws are clear on illegal mining, the activity has been allowed to continue for more than two decades.



By: Lauretta Timah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Africa Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), has described as unfortunate the recent allegation of immigration-related offences by some current and former Members of Parliament.

According to the civil society organization, the allegation dents the legislative body's integrity.

The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Jon Benjamin, in a letter leaked to the media earlier this week, announced that four legislators including a former MP, have been banned for ten years from entering the UK for various illegal immigration practice facilitated by their diplomatic passports.

Their offenses include helping supposed relatives overstay their visas in the UK.

The Executive Director of ACEPA, Dr. Rasheed Dramani, said, I think it is yet another heavy blow to the integrity of our Parliament and that is how I will describe it. It is quite unfortunate, and what makes it more unfortunate is the timing of it; at a time when we are healing from another scandal.

On calls for the diplomatic passports of Members of Parliament to be withdrawn following the allegations, Dr. Rasheed Dramani said withdrawing the diplomatic passports will amount to nothing.

I think it is not a question of diplomatic passports. It is more about anybody who carries the Ghanaian identity to show that they are a worthy ambassador The issue is more about all Members of Parliament being guided by the fact that they have a heavy responsibility that they carry in the way they do everything and carry themselves at all times.

All the MPs implicated in the alleged incident have been slapped with a 10-year ban from the UK.



By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Citi Business News can confirm that Ghana is yet to settle outstanding debts owed Nigeria Gas Company and subsequently, the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo).

There were recent reports that government had settled all debts owed N-Gas hence WAPCo.

But WAPCo has denied receiving any payment for the debts estimated at 100 million dollars.

The erstwhile NDC government last year reached an agreement with the stakeholders to ring-fence the debt as government commits to pay them under agreed terms.

The General Manager for Finance and Administration at WAPCo, Mike Enendu explained the current situation to Citi Business News.

Well I don't know where that information is coming from but I believe WAPCo and the government knows the true situation of the debt so I don't know who puts out the information to the public. But I am not sure that is from the government but obviously that is not from WAPCo.

Between WAPCo and the government we are aware of what the debt situation is and I think for us that is what it should be. There are still some monies to be paid,he added.

He spoke to Citi Business News at the sidelines of the 2 nd WAPCo vendor forum in Accra.

The forum which brought together suppliers and contractors already in business or seeking to do business with WAPCo was organized to develop local content capacity among participants.



By: Jessica Ayorkor Aryee/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
Cairo (AFP) - Thousands of Egyptian Catholics waving the colours of the Vatican flag gathered amid tight security Saturday in a Cairo stadium where Pope Francis was to lead mass.

Crowds of pilgrims poured out of buses into the stadium in the early hours of the morning, eager to see the Argentine pontiff in the flesh for the first time.

"I'm so happy to be seeing the pope in real life," said Siham Ghali shortly after daybreak.

"It's a great honour for me and all Egyptians."

Nearby, Jihan John said she was delighted to be attending a mass led by a Catholic pope for the second time after seeing former pope John Paul II when he visited Egypt in 2000.

Francis "came to Egypt to show everybody -- the whole world -- that Egypt is safe," she said.

Policemen and republican guards, deployed in great numbers, checked cars and buses outside the stadium. Helicopters flew overhead.

The 80-year-old pontiff is visiting Cairo to show solidarity with the country's Christian minority after a series of deadly church bombings.

The Vatican said the already scheduled visit would go ahead as planned after twin church bombings killed 45 people north of Cairo on Palm Sunday earlier this month.

The attacks, as well as a December church bombing that killed 29 people, were claimed by the Islamic State group.

The jihadist group has threatened more attacks against Christians.

Dressed in his brown robes, Franciscan Father William Abdel Masseeh said the Pope's visit was "an invitation to peace" after the bombings.

"The Pope is famous for always striving for peace," he said.

Thousands gathered in the stadium's terraces and in its centre to listen to the homily of the spiritual leader of the world's almost 1.3 billion Catholics.

Egypt's Catholic community -- Coptic, Armenian, Maronite and Melkite -- is estimated at about 272,000.

Christians, who make up around 10 percent of Egypt's population of 92 million, have long complained of marginalisation in the Muslim-majority country.
The FINDER newspaper's story suggesting that 10 bags of cocaine hidden in a consignment of rice with an estimated street value of about $30 million has vanished from the Tema Port,continue to dominate social media discussions.Politicians have started pushing the usual partisan twist killing the dispassionate zeal and passion needed in handling this national canker.The sector commander of the Customs Excise and Preventive Service of the Ghana Revenue Authority at the Tema Port,Mr Nyadzi has dismissed the story but his statement is not emphatic enough to clear the doubt lingering in the mind of many.

I don't think the issue must end with the statement because of the precedents we all know when it comes to drugs seizure, arrest of traffickers, and attitude of some security operatives.Initial statements issued by suspects and the security operatives at times end up being lies and orchestrated plans to deceive the public hence the need to thread carefully at this point.When Mr Amoateng a sitting MP was arrested in the United States, the legislator confused the general public with convincing statements and even mentioned the name of God to establish his innocence

I affirm before my nation that the allegations against me is false. I have not done anything wrong. I emphatically and categorically deny the charges leveled against me. I pray to God that in due time and soon all the facts will come out and I would be totally exonerated.

This was the statement Mr Amoateng issued when the matter was reported by section of the media. He was able to convince his party executives and leadership in Parliament culminating into the strong support the government and the npp party offered him till the full facts corroborated by himself, was made bare by the authorities in the United States.During the MV Benjamin trial, we heard narratives by Chief Inspector Charles Adaba and others,we heard what Darkey and others said in their initial submissions and what happened finally,the 25 slabs of cocaine against the 30 slabs as reported and many other scary revelations we heard.

I am not going to bore readers with stories about drug cases in Ghana but rather, reminding readers of how the system reacted to same cases whenever they broke up.The involvement of some unscrupulous politicians and few bad nuts in our security institutions. Just rubbishing these cases because of our political persuasions is dangerous.The politician will always advance nice arguments to support his interest and will travel every length to ensure that his interest supersedes all other interests if that would help him accomplish his dream.

Those who support the various political parties and leaders but are not close to the establishment must always have this in mind.Drug trafficking from South America en route Europe through West Africa isn't anything new,the level of traffic has increased in recent times so much so that most western intelligence networks are collaborating effectively with other west African security networks and private organisations to curb its escalation.Declassified information suggests that the warlords in the Sierra Leone war were sponsored by some of these drug barons in West Africa and bones of victims of the war were sold to these drug dealers.What we must know is that if we create space for the drug trade through our partisan supports the next stage would be excessive corruption, predatory behaviour of political elites,political instability, weakening of our state institutions especially the police, Nacob etc which will automatically lead to weakening of law enforcement.

Guinea Bissau is still going through political and social crisis because of organised crime and drug trade. The place has become one of the routes of the drug traders.Ghana at a point became to most reliable route for the barons culminating into contract killings,shootings at (in) night clubs,open gun fights etc we witnessed in the country.Some Ghanaians were arrested in Brazil and other main drug points with huge parcels of drugs.

Some of these drug barons unable to carry on their illicit business, started sponsoring our political parties and potential leaders to kick out regimes they see as unfriendly to their business.We know these drugs barons, we deal with some of them,some contract us to help them in many ways but because of our partisan interest and hate for some particular political organisations, we comment and act as if people condemning and exposing this emerging danger are red herring and we outrageously justify these evil deals with past cases just to equalize what we must courageously condemn.The main joint where these dangerous drugs are sold to our youth in the capital, is just about 50 to 70metres from the central police station yet,the sellers do their business freely and the users condemn themselves at ease daily, we see these junkies move about around the police station terrorizing traders and pickpocketing innocent people yet we see and hear no arrest.

Police officers holding AK 47 are seen always using the base where the drug peddlers operate as route to other parts in the capital yet,pretend they do not see this dangerous activity in the area.Politicians pay these drug peddlers who at times pose as mad men, to join their demonstration just to make mischievous political statements etc etc.

We are monitoring the situation, we shall do the little we could to help unravel some of these criminal deals however dangerous it would be.Politicians must always know that power is transient,operatives in our security services must know that drug cases do not die so easily,past experiences and happenings should guide them whenever they are coerced by the political actors to play chess game.When drug barons are operating successfully they are very secretive but turn parrots when they are caught and rendered helpless.

And to those in the media equalising reemergence of these dangerous acts with precedents,I say,just go on your knees and pray for God's mercies, visit Tudu and others drug joints in Accra to see for yourself how cocaine and heroine is destroying our youth. Soon, the very beautiful political environment we enjoying would be taken over by these tough drug barons because of our insincerity and wicked defenses.....

http://m.peacefmonline.com/pages/politics/politics/201704/313147.php
The city of Alexandroupoli, in Greece, has hosted the 1st International UNWTO Western Silk Road Workshop held on 26-27 April 2017. The event was jointly organized by UNWTO, the Ministry of Tourism of Greece and the region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. The workshop is the first practical step of an initiative, developed by UNWTO in cooperation with the European Commission as part of the Enhancing the Understanding of European Tourism Project.

The Western Silk Road Tourism Development Initiative aims to revive and redefine Silk Road heritage located throughout the European or Western section of the historic Silk Road routes. By involving many different partners throughout Europe, this novel initiative aims to strengthen and diversify the tourism offer of Western Silk Road destinations as well as enhance regional cooperation and cross-border partnerships.

Three panels integrated the Workshop that focused on the challenges and opportunities to develop the Western Silk Road as a trans-national tourism route, on the marketing potential of the Route, and on the practical steps needed to be taken in order to ensure the projects long-term success and viability. As part of the discussions, a Western Silk Road Work Group has been established in charge of guaranteeing a coordinated approach.

As expressed by UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, in present times, and building upon a natural and cultural wealth spanning thousands of years, we are in a position to reject harmful global tendencies and revive a route capable of transforming the way we think about and relate to travel. I can think of no better place to host an event focused on European Silk Road heritage than Greece  rightly considered one of the cradles of Humanity.

Tourism unites people and nations. It promotes stability, peace and growth. It builds bridges of cooperation and opens-up roads to prosperity. Thus, we are pleased to support the organization of the first international workshop, as part of this excellent Western Silk Road initiative, mentioned the Minister of Tourism of Greece, Elena Kountoura, at the Opening of the Workshop. .

Attended by the Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, the Mayor of Alexandroupoli and the Secretary-General of the Greek National Tourism Organization, the Workshop counted upon excellent feedback from a wide range of international stakeholders from the tourism sector and beyond, including tour operators, universities, cultural route representatives and stakeholders from the creative arts, such as the Silk Road Folklore Dance Festival and the Silk Road Film Festival.

Important input was also contributed by UNWTO Affiliate Members, TripAdvisor, Destination Makers, the Fundacion Turismo Valencia, the World Federation of Tourist Guides Association (WFTGA), the Greek Guiding Association and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Iraq, that addressed the potential of cultural and religious tourism.

Aegean Airlines, who shared its actions in promoting route development and connectivity across the Silk Road, the Chamber of Evros and the Tsiakiris Silkhouse supported the event.

The conclusions of the Workshop will be further concretized at the 2nd International Western Silk Road Workshop, which will take place in Bulgaria at the end of June 2017.
Yes, you heard it here first. This problem called North Korea cannot be solved militarily. This is coming from someone who spent 25 years in the region and visited the DMZ several times and made a trip to Pyongyang. Not even Donald Trump with his belligerent attitude and unpredictability will dare try to unleash the first strike.

It is a multifaceted and very complex geo political problem. Donald Trump may be naive, he may not fully understand the complexity of the issues involved and foreign policy in general but I am certain his military advisors do and they have been offering him the same advice they have offered previous US Presidents before him. I also believe the Donalds National Security Team despite being dominated by hawks will echo the same sound advice from the military leaders North Korea is not militarily solvable problem so back off, dude.Forget about all the talks about we are sending an armada to the region, all options are on the table, we will act militarily even if we have to go it alone etc.

All that is designed to put pressure on North Korea to return to the negotiating table and to give up its nuclear program peacefully but they wont. Sanctions may slow them but they are moving forward. Tensions will continue to rise, they will get to the brink but hopefully will pull back because if a conflict breaks out there, there may be no winner, the results will be very catastrophic and both sides and the neighbours in the region know that.

The key is the ability to restrain oneself in spite of the provocations. The North Koreans will continue to defy the international community by continuing to test missiles and also continue their nuclear program because they believe by having a nuclear weapon and the means to deliver them to the mainland United States is the only way to secure their homeland. Experts say they do possess the weapon and are trying to miniaturize it to be able to deliver it as warheads on top of a long range intercontinental missile targeting the mainland United States. What they are struggling with is the delivery system. As the nuclear powers before them saw, having the weapon is one thing, and having the means to deliver with pin point accuracy is another, It may take them further 5-10 years to perfect that.

The best military strategy you may think is for the United States to launch a preemptive strike to take off their nuclear weapons and their delivery systems and research facilities but it is not that easy. They have these facilities scattered all over the place and are constantly moving them around to avoid satellites picking them up. They also do have very deep underground facilities to hide them. Anybody who has ever been to North Korea will tell you, their subway way systems were built with war in mind. They are very very deep underground. Unless a preemptive strike, is able to destroy their entire weapons systems both conventional and nuclear and make them unable to retaliate. This is highly unlikely so they would retaliate and retaliation will be horrifying for Seoul and Tokyo.

If theres a preemptive strike from the US, the North Koreans will retaliate first and foremost against South Korea and Japan, US allies in the region. Seoul, the capital of South Korea lies just 45km south of the border, a bustling city with close to 12 million people overly exposed to North Korean aggression. The North Koreans have said in the past before and no one doubts that, in the event of a war, they will reduce Seoul to a sea of blood within minutes. Everything and everybody will be a target. Strategically, the location of the South Korean capital is too close to North Korea for comfort. The US recently transferred THAAD missile interceptors and PACs to South Korea and Japan but we all know how notoriously unreliable these missile interceptors could sometimes be. We saw them in use during the two Gulf Wars.

For this reason, South Korea will strongly oppose any first strike option from the US. The United States even under unpredictable Trump will not act militarily in North Korea without the approval of South Korea and Japan but more importantly without approval from South Korea. If the US attacks the North, they will hit back really hard at Seoul and Tokyo and the result will be more than disastrous, not worth it.

On the other hand, China will do everything possible to prevail on North Korea not to attack first. China does not want a war in its neighbourhood and being the only country with influence and leverage over the North they will use their political leverage to dissuade North Korea from attacking its Southern neighbor. China also has its own interest to protect. A war on the Korean peninsula will see an influx of refugees across its borders, something they dont want to see happen because it may have the added and unintended consequence of destabilizing China.

So this North Korean problem is a complex one with a heavy price tag on it should it develop into a full blown military conflict. The US will eventually prevail but at a heavy cost to its allies in the region, South Korea and Japan. The price to be paid by South Korea and Japan will not be worth it. Have you realized Trump lately has been toning down on his rhetoric? He has started behaving and making pronouncements resembling a traditional US president. Hes coming to realization that campaigning is different from governing.

Suddenly he has realized how relevant NATO is, the border wall will no longer be paid by the Mexicans, soon he will abandon the wall altogether and start talking about strengthening our borders through border patrols. He will soon ask for global help to tighten sanctions against North Korea, and ask to sit down with them to dialogue instead of war mongering.

The US will continue to hold joint military exercises with South Korea and Japan (they are routine), send aircraft carriers and submarines to the region to up the pressure on Kim Jong Um and the North will continue to test their missiles and hold military exercises. The world will continue to exist so long as neither side does not launch a first strike.

Ben Ofosu Appiah,

Accra  Ghana.

The author is a senior political analyst and policy strategist. He spent a quarter of a century studying, living and working in Tokyo, Japan. He travelled extensively in South East Asia including to the two Koreas. He welcomes your views; [email protected] Tel: +233 26 765 5383
A dark cloud lurks over Ghana; it feels like a nightmare you just cannot wake up from no matter how hard you try. It's been just a few weeks since we heard the tragic story of *Adwoa Agyarko Ayimadu, a first year student of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology*. The lamentations and discussions about her death had not even reached its peak when we were hit by the news of the death of *Jennifer Nyarko*, this time, *a final year student at the University Of Ghana*. We all stood confused, we just could not phantom what was happening and why these ladies were taking their own lives.

A 16 year old girl at New Tafo proved to us that probably, we were not trying hard enough after she took her own life adding up to the fast increasing statistic. And now, even so sadly, *a student at the Mampong Nursing training College, Frimpong Bertha*.

An individual who is being trained to save lives; has taken her very own life! It is about time we did more than lamentations and brooding and really act as this is what is really needed in this time. The media as well as the Minister for Gender and Social Protection have been instrumental in ensuring that this menace gets the much needed attention and I highly commend them for that. However, we as individuals also need to add our fight and support this endeavor.

As an individual, a woman and the Women's Commission for a respected association as NAHSAG, it's a fact that the role of my office cannot be overlooked in addressing issues such as this. And it is important that my voice be added to bring light to this situation. However, I can never do this alone.

I thereby plead that every individual contribute their quota to seeing that this cancar is destroyed.

To all student leaders; especially the women's Commissioners of student associations and unions such as NUGS, UNSAG, USAG, GUPS, PUSAG, etc let us all work together to identify any suicide tendencies among our constituents and hastily address all reported suicide cases that come to our attentions. Let us team up with agencies and institutions well resourced to handle cases beyond us.

I believe it is also very much of essence to organize more suicide sensitization outreaches on campus to train more people on how to identify, manage and relate to suicidal individuals.

Parents and guardians also have a key role to play by doing their best to be actively involved in the lives of their children. Parents should ensure they are open enough for their wards to be able to bear their souls and troubles to them so they would be at ease.

Our Universities and training institutions have much to do to bring this menace under control. Faculty members such as counseling lords, lecturers, administrators etc have to step into the role of parents when students are in school to ensure that the individual receives the much needed care.

Well resourced and functioning counseling departments/units should be instituted on all campuses to assist students who maybe in need.

Peers should also be on guard and be quick to identify changes in the behavior of their friends, roommates, housemates etc and reach out to them or report these cases as soon as possible so that the individual can be checked and taken care of.

Ghana needs everyone of us women and men alike; we should never allow anyone to perish because we refused to act when we should have.

I thereby call on all females within our member institutions and the public to help the Commission in its quest to minimize this incident. Our doors are and will always be opened to all. Ghana is counting on you. We need you alive.

Talk to someone when things are bad, *Suicide should not be an option*

Thank you.

Signed:

Maame Afua Dzifa Kpodo-Tay

(Women's Commisioner, NAHSAG)

0209334855

Richard Osei-Yeboah

(President)

0243933028/0203917600

:[email protected]

Twitter:@Nahsag

Facebook: Nahsag
Apart from the horrendous devastation the galamsey operators have inflicted upon our rivers and landscape, their attitude to our society's norms marks them out as a group of persons who have lost touch with any of the spiritual and moral values by which almost all of Ghana's ethnic groups have regulated their lives until now.

Money, and particularly gold, has always been of value to all of us, yes. But we have a song which became very popular in the late 1950s that warns us that:

Wiase affde,

Ne nyinaa ysika sm,

Swodi akyiri die die a,

Wobynea ynny.

(The fine things of this world

Are all procured with money

But if you get over-obsessed with getting it,[money]

You will do what is not done.)

The galamsey operators have, in recent days, demonstrated that they have reached beyond what is acceptable in Ghanaian society; i.e.

they have done what is not done.

How come? First they had the audacity to threaten the elected President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo!

Then, they also threatened to petition the Asantehene, Otumfuor Osei Tutu The Second, to intervene with the Government on their behalf so that galamsey could go on!

What? Ask the occupant of the Golden Stool to condone the destruction of lands and rivers for which so many of his predecessors valiantly fought against the cannons of Europeans, including the British? Have they heard of what galamsey has done to the sacred River Tano [Kronkron]?

Tano, in particular, is so revered by the Asantes that a woman who is in her period is not allowed to cross it:

QUOTE  [In her menstrual period, a woman] may not cross certain sacred rivers like the Tano; even should she become unwell when away from her home for the day, she may not return home across the river till six days have elapsed. UNQUOTE (R S Rattray: Ashanti Religion and Art)

And yet, sons of Asante have collaborated with Chinese people to commit sacrilege against this sacred Tano River, by dredging its bed and despoiling its banks, using excavators and other ugly machines. They have polluted the nsu kronkron [blessed waters] of Tano with mercury and cyanide used in washing gold.

They did not stop at Tano. They have also attacked the sacred Lake Bosomtwe; th= Offin River; the Prah River and other Rivers revered by their ancestors. And they want the occupant of the Golden Stool of Okomfo Anokye to close his eyes to all that and plead their cause? The sheer impudence of the idea. If I were an adviser to the Asantehene, I would say, Nana, let them bring the petition. And then we shall ask them a few questions! If we are not satisfied with their answers, we shall have them horse-whipped in full view of the public for all to see what happens to people who commit sacrilege against the sacred endowments if the Asante people.

Anyway, back to President Akufo Addo. He:

QUOTE: ....has called the bluff of people engaged in illegal mining [galamsey] who have threatened that should he stop them, the fortunes of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would be affected in the next general election.

What I will do is what God has told me to do, and that is what matters to me. What I have come to do is to take steps that will further the development of the country and that is what matters to me, not the next election, the President stated.

Reacting for the first time to a news conference held by a group of illegal miners who threatened to vote against the NPP in the next election, should the President halt their mining activities, the President said he remained unfazed by the threat to vote against the NPP in the next general election if he stopped them from the illegal acts. President Akufo-Addo explained that he was not against mining, but rather against illegal mining that brought devastation to the environment.

I have not said I am going to put an end to mining. Mining started [from] time immemorial and I will not be the one to end it, he stressed....The President said through the activities of illegal miners, parts of Kyebi and the Birem and Densu rivers were now in a sorry state, adding that that could not be allowed to continue. Mining along the water bodies cannot continue if we want to preserve nature and our environment, he said.

Mining along the water bodies cannot continue if we want to preserve nature and our environment, he emphasised. UNQUOTE

In another speech, the President affirmed that Things we must do to propel development are the things I am concerned about. Our forefathers left us the natural resources. If we cant protect them, then we should [at least] leave them for future generations.

The President could have gone on to enlighten the galamseyers on why it is unwise to threaten a person like himself, but he is too modest to blow his own horns. So let me do a bit of horn-blowing for him: Personally, Nana Akufo-Addo does not know what defeat is! He is what is called a doughty fighter; otherwise he would not have had the courage to run against the NDC three times, knowing, as he did, that by the third occasion, the NDC would have amassed so much wealth through corrupt contracts that many Ghanaians would fall prey to its offers of money and vote against Akufo-Addo and his NPP.

Indeed, even some within the NPP itself were so sure that money would win the election that they counselled Akufo-Addo against standing for a third time, and when he ignored their advice, some used diabolical tactics to try and divide the party so that it would lose the election. One strong regional party leader who supported him was murdered; some high officials had to be suspended, and Akufo-Addo was made to look like a candidate who was dead in the water.

But he didn't sink because he was brought up to face difficulties with equanimity. His grand-father  on his mother's side  was Nana Sir Ofori Atta the First, Okyenhene (Paramount Chief of Akyem Abuakwa.) Now, the state Talking Drums of Akyem Abuakwa use every opportunity to tell the Okyenhene that he is the Leopard of the rain forest, who is so wily and well versed in hunting strategy that when he passes through the thickets in the bush, the thickets only shake bribribri but do not make any noise to alert his victims! Such words of bravado rub on to the offspring who sit at the feet of every King, and Nana Ado absorbed enough of it to last tow life-times.

Thirdly, the galamseyers betrayed the fact that they do not understand the political system of Ghana. Yes, a candidate needs votes, but once he is elected President, he becomes the chief law enforcement officer of the entire country. Even if illegality is not serious enough to result in the devastation of the rivers and forests of his land, the President is obliged to end the illegality. How much more when he can see with his own eyes that rivers are being killed stone dead by galamsey; that the river that gave him sustenance as a baby, the Birem, has become a shadow of itself and what is left of it is so muddied up that the water treatment plant that purifies it before pumping it to the people of his own town, cannot treat it? He should sacrifice the iives of his people and their descendants for votes? If there had been no clean water for him to drink as a child, would he have survived the well-known water-borne diseases, such as dysentry and cholera, to be elected President in 2016?

What do the galamsey people think he is? A person who would allow his mind to ignore what his own eyes can see? If that is what they think of him, then, of course, he does not need them to be his followers. A leader is supposed to lead, not to allow himself to be sucked into the pits of death and destruction into which their ignorance and greed takes them; in this instance, in their search for gold.

The Government should be wary. Defiance is in the land: only shallow-minded people desperate to suck the lives out of their own people can even conceive of involving the President and Commander-in-Chief of their country's armed forces, as well as one of the country's most respected traditional rulers, in an argument over the destruction of Rivers, Streams and Farmlands. It is the survival of a few money-blinded individuals against the continued existence of Ghana as a country whose lands are a viable human habitat.

The choice is stark and clear. No amount of confusing sophistry should be allowed to be introduced into it.
Hooded supporters of the ruling New Patriotic Party in the Northern region brandishing sticks and metal objects on Friday blocked roads and burned debris as an escalated gender based rebellion against women appointed as heads of Municipal and District Assemblies enters Day 3.

A wave of violent protests gripped some districts in the region resulting in heightened security from Wednesday shortly after the list of nominees was made public.

President Akufo-Addo per the list of the nominees picked four women to head four districts out of 26, the highest in the history of local governance in the region.

The last NDC regime had Hajia Mary Nakobo of Cheriponi as the only woman in former President John Mahamas list of nominees.

Protesters at Savelugu, Tolon, Sagnarigu and Bole where all nominees were women, spontaneously flooded streets and angrily damaged party installations and private properties in a chaotic concurrent demonstrations in disapproval of the nominees.

Security forces in the troubled neighborhoods have been struggling to maintain calm and admonition by the regional minister, Salifu Saeed for restraints was ignored.

Protesters at Sagnarigu, Tolon and Savelugu have rejected the nominees and threatened mayhem after blaming regional executives and the President for failing to do wider consultation.

They have not given names of preferred candidates and are not challenging competencies of the nominees forcing gender advocates to believe the protests were to stifle women participation in governance, reports Northern regional correspondent Eliasu Tanko.

On Friday, when the fierce protests reeled into day three, armed rioters at Savelugu clad in party shirts and wearing red rags closed roads and copiously burned tyres amid unrestrained vandalism.

Police were forced to provide security for the rowdy rioters after an initial attempt to scuttle the illegal demonstration nearly turned bloody.

A leader of the protesters, Abdul Karim Zakaria in an angry tone said the nominee, Hajia Ayishatu Seidu would not be allowed to work in the district. He said she is an alien forced on them by local government minister, Hajia Alimah Mahama and Bugri Naabu.

She is an alien in this system. She has never participated in any activity whatsoever as long as the NPP is concerned. She has never even made herself known And because she is a friend to Hajia Alima Mahama she forced her on us Hajia Alima and Bugri Naabu forced her on us, and I was thinking that they should rather take her to their constituencies to become the MCE.

In Tolon where the Regent, a retired military strongman, Major Sulamana has reportedly rejected the nominee Hajia Amamata Iddirisu, Starr News sources said delegation were dispatched to the palace in a desperate bid to convince the chief to accept the nomination.
The Asamankese circuit court, presided over by Ayitey Armah-Tetteh, has sentenced a 46-year-old farmer, Kwaku Asabiri, to 15 years' imprisonment in hard labour for possessing cannabis commonly called wee, without authority.

Kwaku Asabiri was convicted on his own plea.

Chief Inspector Peter Azigi, narrating the fact of the case, said the convict is a farmer residing at Asamankese.

According to the prosecutor, the police on January 11, 2017 gathered intelligence that the accused person had turned his house into a place where he openly sells illegal drugs and that on 12/01/17, a team of policemen, led by the divisional commander, Supt. Wisdom Akorli, raided the house at Aboasa, a suburb of Asamankese.

The prosecutor said on reaching the house, the police met Kwaku Asabiri sitting on a bench and busily wrapping cannabis in pieces of cement paper and on seeing the police, he attempted to flee from the scene, but he was nabbed.

In the course of the arrested, a black rubber bowl containing 45 wrappers, a quantity of cannabis and two pairs of scissors were retrieved from him.

On interrogation, he admitted ownership of all the exhibits.

The stuff, the prosecutor disclosed, was sent to the Ghana Police Forensic Laboratory, Accra, for analytical examination. After the examination, the result tested same as cannabis with a net weight of 1,703.87g.

FROM Daniel Bampoe, Asamankese


THE NATIONAL Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has launched the 2017 edition of its annual Constitution Week celebration, aimed at educating the masses on the importance of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

Speaking at the launch in Accra on Friday, Chairperson of NCCE, Josephine Nkrumah, said, As a Commission, the commemoration of the Constitution goes beyond public engagements. It is a time for evaluating the impact of our programmes in relation to current and emerging national issues, and also for formulation of appropriate strategies to reinforce a collective sense of civic responsibility, nation building and democratic governance.

The activities for this year's celebration, which is being held under the theme, Restoring The Ghanaian Identity: Our Values, Our Passion, she observed, included citizenship week, engagement with security agencies across the country, e-constitution quiz competitions in second circle schools.

Constitution Week offers us an ideal opportunity to transcend the abstract and engage beyond intellect to a more personal experience of our constitution, she said, adding, If we fail in our mandate to create and maintain awareness in a consistent and sustained manner, we risk having a citizenry that is constitutionally illiterate.

Since 2001, the Commission has commemorated Constitution Week with celebrations launched annually on April 28, and it is expected to reach out to 10,000 schools nationwide this year.

On this day, we urge all Ghanaians to make reading the Constitution a regular part of their lives, she said.

This year marks the 25th milestone of anuninterrupted democratic governance under the 1992 Constitution of the 4th Republic of Ghana, and the celebration is expected to highlight to the masses the importance of being law abiding at all times.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chairman in-Charge of Operations at NCCE, Samuel Asare Akuamoah, has appealed for support for the activities of the Commission.

BY Melvin Tarlue
DEPUTY MINISTER of Transport, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, has asked the management of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to help government to flush out middle men, popularly known as goro boys, out of all the Authority's offices across the country.

He said albeit the government is devising a mechanism to flush out goro boys who sometimes issue fake licences at the various DVLA centres, the deputy minister urged the staff and the management to play active role in the move.

Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover said government would be playing its part with the enforcement through sensitization and the enforcement agencies to help generate the right revenue.

He warned that any staff or member of the management who would connive with the goro boys would be made to face the full rigors of the law.

The deputy minister of transport made the request when he toured the Tema office of the DVLA in the Greater Accra Region to familiarize himself with the activities of the entity.

The Authority has been complaining about the influx of the goro boys. They are said to interrupt the work of the DVLA by harassing clients and intercepting documents from them, supposedly to be sent to the officials.

Daniel Osei-Abio, Manager of the DVLA in Tema, mentioned that the DVLA is determined to rebrand its image in the eyes of the public.

He therefore, appealed to clients to desist from dealing with third-party people rather than officials of the Authority for any assistance.

We have security personnel roaming on the premises ready to assist clients as to where and how to get their documents. DVLA has also established a premium service to assist clients with any information and work, he insisted.

But the minister was of the view that embarking on image rebranding exercise must commence from within the Authority, adding, If you want to change the perception out there about DVLA then come home so that those within engaging the people should be arrested and dealt with.

He was certain that until erring staff of DVLA are arrested and made to face the full rigors of the law, the illegal activities will still continue.

Mr Titus-Glover noted, It is a network with some staff within; you see people all over the place thinking they are smart and not ready to help the president achieve its aim. These people must be dealt with seriously.

From Vincent Kubi, Tema
Tanzanian President John Magufuli has sacked nearly 10,000 civil servants for having fake education certificates.

He was responding to the release of a government report into fraudulent qualifications in the public sector.

The education minister said that some had been using their relatives' school certificates, while others did not appear on official records at all.

President Magufuli has given those on the list until 15 May to resign or face legal action.

"These people occupied government positions but had no qualifications... they robbed us just like other common criminals," Mr Magufuli said, urging officials to "name and shame" offenders.

"We have been working hard to create new jobs while there are people in government who hold fake degrees," he added.

He has also asked newspapers to publish the names of everyone on the list.

Piles of templates: Sammy Awami, BBC News, Dar es Salaam

There isn't a particular place which is well known for making fake certificates here, but it's easy enough to get hold of one on the black market.

It is very common for people to use fake certificates in Tanzania.

Police raided a house in Dar es Salaam last year and found two individuals with machines, stamps and piles of templates for fake secondary school, birth and even business licence certificates stacked up in a room.

It is also very common for people to use their friends' or family members' certificates.

In this case, when someone gets a job or goes on to higher education, they will actually change their name to match the one on their certificate.

The 9,932 people named in the report account for more than 2% of the country's estimated 450,000 civil servants.

Officials convicted of fraud could face up to seven years in jail.

Last year, Tanzania removed more than 10,000 so-called ghost workers from its public sector payroll in a crackdown on corruption.

Payments to the non-existent employees had been costing the government more than $2m (1.4m) a month, it said.

When President Magufuli came to power two years ago, the government temporarily suspended recruitment in some government sectors while they checked up on existing employees' qualifications.

The report focused exclusively on secondary school qualification and did not examine university degree certificates.
Ghana is known worldwide to have made progress in its democratization process since the inception of the forth republic in 1992, leading to peaceful and orderly development of the country. However, the emerging issues regarding the alleged visa fraud by some three sitting members of parliament and a former MP and the alleged missing cocaine at the port of Tema is causing upheavals likely to give us a bad reputation.

The issue of visa fraud by the four MPs emerged when the outgoing British High Commissioner to Ghana Jon Benjamin wrote to inform The Right Honorable Speaker of Parliament Aron Michael Ocquaye about it. The alleged culprits are; Richard Acheampong, MP for Bia East in the Western Region, Joseph Benhazin Daha, MP for Ntotroso in the Brong Ahafo Region, Johnson Kwaku Adu, MP for Ahafo Ano South West in the Ashanti Region and George Boakye, former MP for Asunafo South also in the Brong Ahafo Region.

A leaked document from the offices of the British High Commission in Ghana addressed to the Speaker, the Presidency and other high ranking offices, has cited the three Ghanaian MPs and a former lawmaker for allegedly perpetrating visa fraud using their diplomatic passports.

They are said to have used an unauthorized person and their diplomatic passports to apply for visas for persons who travelled to the UK and failed to return as stipulated by their visas. As a result, the accused persons have each been slapped with a 10-year travel ban to the UK by the British authorities.

Ever since the matter was leaked, a cross section of the public has resorted to social media to bastardize the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Jon Benjamin, who signed the document. He is also suspected to be the one behind the leaked document.

Some MPs who are incensed by the action of the British authorities have also slammed Jon Benjamin for allegedly leaking the document to the media. While some have accused him of having colonial mentality, others simply believe he is undiplomatic.

But the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Prof. Aaron Michael Oquaye, is urging the public who have shown much interest in discussing the alleged UK visa by four Ghanaian MPs to be temperate in their language.

According to the Speaker, since Ghana and the UK have long standing good relations, it is only through diplomacy that issues such as the alleged visa fraud involving high ranking Ghanaian officials could be addressed amicably.

In much as the issue has generated much public interest, the Speaker wants it to be discussed at the highest level where diplomacy is the order of the day and not to resort to personality attacks.

Much as it is advisable for all concerned to approach the issue of fraudulent use of diplomatic passports with caution we need to find ways of reprimanding the British High Commissioner for leaking the information to the media. Since the matter had been brought to the attention of the President and the Speaker it was wrong for the same information to be leaked to the main media including the social media. It is advisable for all MPs concerned to take up the matter in court to redeem their names. Otherwise Ghana as a sovereign nation must take steps to retaliate by driving away all British citizens in Ghana who have over stayed their welcome in Ghana.

With regard to the issue of the alleged missing cocaine at the port of Tema the Editor of the Finder Newspaper, Elvis Darko, reported that a mere 10 bags of cocaine, hidden in a consignment of rice with an estimated street value of about $30million, had vanished from the Port under mysterious circumstances. According to the Finder newspaper, a ship carrying some containers with cocaine on-board arrived at the Tema Port in December 2016, but the suspected cocaine vanished before February 23, 2017, when all stakeholders conducted compulsory tests on the container.

The report stated that, K9 Dogs, which are specially trained to detect cocaine, confirmed traces of cocaine in the said container, while UKs Operation West Bridge also conducted sampling by the use of itemizers which also confirmed traces of cocaine.

The newspaper also said separate investigations it conducted on the suspected missing cocaine by the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) and Customs, have been submitted to the Interior Minister and the Attorney Generals office

However, The Sector Commander of the Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), at the Tema Port, Confidence Nyadzi, had dismissed claims that 500 kilograms of cocaine worth about $30 million dollars had disappeared from the Port.

The Narcotic Control Board and the Bureau of National Investigations have all not come out to support the discovery of any cocaine on board of any vessel at the port of Tema. It is therefore wrong for anyone to call for the dismissal of officials of customs at the port of Tema.

Apart from the allegation made by Finder newspaper nobody has seen ay ten bags of cocaine at the port of Tema let alone have it lodged in the custody of CEPS.

Executive Director eanfoworld for sustainable development [email protected]/[email protected] 0244370345/0208844792/0274853710
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has dragged Engineers and Planners and the companys CEO and its Directors to court for failing to pay social security contributions of its staff as required by law.

However, the CEO of the company, Ibrahim Mahama  the younger brother of former President John Dramani Mahama Kwadwo Aboagye-Attah, its director, and Sidney Aubrey Steyn, Managing Director, failed to make their first appearance in court on Saturday 29 April. Meanwhile, the companys Executive Director, Sulemana Ahmed Amidu, was present at the district court in Accra and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

He was granted bail in the sum of GHS10,000 and the case adjourned to May 13.

As required by the National Pensions Act of 2008, Act 766, an employer is expected to pay social security on behalf of the employees at the end of every month.

However, officers at SSNIT said an inspection of the books of the company revealed that from February 2015 to July 2015, June 2016 to August 2016, and in October 2016, the SSNIT contributions of employees, amounting to GHS668,754.75, had not been paid.

According to SSNIT, the amount attracted a penalty of GHS387,709.31, bringing the total indebtedness of the accused to GHS1,056,464.06.
29.04.2017 LISTEN

Accra, April 28, GNA - Government will not tolerate the non-performance of Chief Directors of the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Mrs Frema Opare, the Chief of Staff, said on Friday.

Speaking at the signing of Chief Directors 2017 performance agreements and 2016 Awards ceremony, Mrs Opare said the harm non-performance had caused to the fortunes of heavily endowed nation was great and this must not be allowed to continue.

The introduction of the Performance Agreement System in 2010 in the Civil Service is one of the efforts designed to bring the civil service leadership into focus, and through that change the negative public perception on their service delivery.

'We have remained poor in the abundance of enormous natural wealth and this is unacceptable and must change,' she added.

She said performance agreements were about establishing expectation, appointing accountability for them and setting standards for their execution.

She said such agreements were usually to ensure quality performance and so there must be consequence for not meeting key targets, goals and results.

Mrs Opare said Chief Directors and government were by the agreement defining actions to be taken and results to expect from those actions.

She said Chief Director needed to show the President through their Ministers that they were capable and willing to help the government execute its agenda.

'Please, recall that, the President said he is not interested in witch-hunting and that all he requires is professionalism and co-operation to enable him fulfil the mandate given him,' she added.

The Chief of Staff said government was counting on Chief Directors to deliver on whatever agreement they have signed onto.

She said there should be an arrangement for review of sessions to ascertain, who was on track and on point.

She urged the Minister of Monitoring and Evaluation to work closely with the Head of Civil Service and other related agencies to ensure that Chief Directors deliver on the agreements, adding: 'There should be consequence for non-performance.'

Nana Agyekum Dwamena, Head of the Civil Service said the Service had developed the Client Service Charter with the Chief Director leading the enforcement process.

He said the President had also tasked the Chief Directors to improve and promote sanitation and security issues in the Ministerial area.

GNA

By Morkporkpor Anku/ Elizabeth Tetteh, GNA
29.04.2017 LISTEN

Accra, April 29, GNA - The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Energy Bank, Christiana Olaoye has been awarded for her contribution to economic welfare of the African girl- child and women.

Dubbed: "Hero of Women & Child Rights Support," from the All Africa Media Network endorsed by UNESCO, the award recognised the astute and versatile banker's output in women development and professionalism in executing her duty without any cultural bias, on the African continent.

The award also recognised her immense dynamic leadership par excellence and in-depth knowledge in management.

With immense experience in banking on the African continent and the United Kingdom, Mrs Olaoye was inspired by the award, which she believed would encourage her more to deliver on her objectives and set targets.

She noted: 'I am very passionate about moving women to the next level. Women are also leaders, influential leaders in everywhere.

'Luckily I have been able to marry a career, marry a home, I am also a Pastor, marry my ministerial duty. And this is what I communicate to men and women, that it is possible to be a worker, a wife and a mother, and also be a minister and do all successfully and this is something that we need to promote and continually where women, particularly young women today are concerned.

'The sky is the limit as we continue to tell them; 'you are different and you can do it'. They themselves will have confidence and push themselves to the best that they can be.'

Energy Bank is a bank with vitality, strength and power and in its approach to banking is solution driven.

It presently operates 11 branches and one agency in Ghana; five in Accra, three in Kumasi, and the rest in Tema, Takoradi and Tamale.

GNA
29.04.2017 LISTEN

Accra, April 28, GNA - Mr Enoch Cobbinah, Chief Director at the Ministry of Education, has emerged the Best Performed Chief Director in 2016.

Mr Solomon Atim Asoalla, the Chief Director at the Ministry of Works and Housing, Professor Thomas Akabza Chief Director at the Ministry of Energy, Professor Bruce Banoeng-Yakubo, Chief Director at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and Mr Godwin Brocke, Chief Director at the Ministry of Roads and Highways were also recognised.

Mr Cobbinah, according to the evaluation team met all his targets in the performance agreement in 2016.

The awardees were given a plaque and citation in their honour, together with computers and other accessories for their various Ministries, Department and Agencies.

A citation described Mr Cobbinah as 'a proactive, creative and result oriented person and compete in meeting his target in the performance agreement'.

Dr Esther Offei-Aboakye, Member of the Evaluation Team said this year's assessment of Chief Directors was to identify interesting approaches, distinct initiative, high quality products and documents that went beyond just compliances and for which Chief Directors could be commended.

She said Chief Directors lived to expectation according to the importance it deserved and demonstrated that they had made their own improvement.

'We expect that given the rigour they have put in the preparation of this year's agreements, the performance agreements will be treated as living documents, or instruments that the Chief Directors will themselves use to benchmark their performance,' she added.

She said another priority was to involve Directors in the delivery of the Chief Directors' Performance Agreement so that the linkages between their agreements and that of the Chief Directors would be registered, more strongly.

'We are hoping to seek clear linkages between the annual action plans and budgets, mid-year review processes and follow-up action and also provide the Ministries with requisite technical support to maintain adequate Assets Registers,' Dr Offei-Aboakye said.

Mr Cobbinah expressed gratitude to the Head of Civil Service and government for the opportunity to serve the country.

'The Evaluation team have made me a better Chief Director,' he said.

He said the real heroes were my dedicated staff and they deserve to be applauded and commended for their efforts.

He urged other Chief Directors to critically examine the quality of documents they present to be evaluated and assessed. GNA

By Morkporkpor Anku/Elizabeth Tetteh, GNA
29.04.2017 LISTEN

Accra, April 29, GNA - The 2017 International Dance Day has been marked in Accra with a call on stakeholders to accord dancing the needed attention.

Nii-Tete Yartey, the Artistic Director of the National Dance Company, who made the call on Friday said: 'Art has been overlooked. Through it change comes, we have creative minds and dance can be used to explore our creativity.'

He said it was the mandate of the National Theatre to engage the country by using art, and the engagement with the inmates of the Senior Correctional Centre would help educate, effect societal change as well as educate the citizenry.

Mr Yartey noted that the opportunity to be an artist was available to those who were creative in the area of dance, adding: 'Art is always available and our doors are always opened to anyone who wants to be part of us,' he said.

The dance dubbed 'Bukom' and performed by the Ghana Dance Ensemble, which was meant to entertain the inmates of the Senior Correctional Centre, also depicted some of the negative social vices the youth engaged in, which were not good for them and the country's development in general.

It also provided a greater sense of belonging to the inmates and saw the dance ensemble entertaining officials and inmates with traditional music and dance.

Chief Superintendent of Prisons Victoria Adzewodah, the third in Command of the Senior Correctional Centre, thanked the group for choosing the institute and showcasing educational performances.

'The drama has really taught us a lot of things, seen ourselves in it and we know that next year you will be here.

'It is our hope that this will not be the end in partnering and reforming the boys,' she said.

Madam Adzewodah, who is also a counsellor, explained that the centre corrected inmates for them to be reformed, rehabilitated, and reintegrated back into society.

She observed that the institute had a school system of formal and informal training for the inmates.

International Dance Day, which is celebrated annually on April 29, was introduced in 1982 by the International Dance Council, a partner organisation of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

This year's Dance Day which has the theme: 'We, Dance Together,' is being used to celebrate United States dancer, choreographer and postmodern dance theorist Trisha Brown who died on March 18. GNA

By Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA
29.04.2017 LISTEN

Accra, April 29, GNA- The Gambian leader Adama Barrow, on Friday expressed gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo and lauded his role in the efforts by regional heads to preserving the fledgling democracy of his country.

'ECOWAS Heads of State, including yourself, intervened in The Gambia. You intervened to defend democracy, you intervened to defend the verdict of the Gambian people, you intervened to defend the truth,' he said when he called on President Akufo-Addo at the Flagstaff House during a day's visit to Ghana.

'My coming to Ghana is for a simple reason. My message is to come and say thank you. We have a proverb in our own saying: 'If you want to praise a farmer and you want to thank him for a remarkable job, a job well done, you have to visit him at his or her farm.' That is why I am here today. I could have written a letter or sent a Minister, but I said that is not enough. I have to come and say thank you.

'I think, Africa has come very far now. The problem was an African problem, and the solution was an African solution. That is a credit to all Africans,' he said.

On January 19, barely two weeks after taking office, President Akufo-Addo approved and authorised the deployment of a combat team of 208 troops, backed with the appropriate logistical equipment, to The Gambia as part of the ECOWAS Mission in that country.

The objective was to create an enabling environment for the effective enforcement of the rule of law, and, in accordance with the Constitution of The Gambia, facilitate the inauguration of the President-Elect, Adama Barrow, after the refusal of President Yahaya Jammeh to accept the verdict of the people in the elections of December 1, 2016

President Barrow was unequivocal that 'Africa cannot move forward without the principles of democracy. We contested elections based on those principles, and we will continue to advocate the same principles'.

He expressed gratitude for the warm welcome afforded him by President Akufo-Addo and expressed the desire to foster strong bilateral relations.

'Ghana has gone far, and we are here also to learn, so that we can gain experience. We need your support.'

President Akufo-Addo said: 'it is a joy for us to see you here with us in Ghana. I will always have you closely associated with my memory because one of the first important decisions I had to take when I became President was over The Gambia. And that was the decision I made to support the ECOWAS military force with Ghanaian troops.'

He said the decision to intervene in The Gambian impasse was for three reasons: firstly, to ensure that the will of the Gambian people was not thwarted by an outgoing President; secondly, for the opportunity for ECOWAS to act as a collective unit with a common purpose and objective; and, thirdly, the peaceful resolution of the crisis through diplomacy and the threat of military intervention.

'All of that means that the actions that ECOWAS took, which was supported actively by some of us, stand vindicated by history. You have become a symbol of all of that,' President Akufo-Addo said.

He said: 'Ghana, today, is determined to go down the path of democratic accountability. Our people have indicated on several occasions, in the last generation, how attached they are to democratic values and the principles of democratic accountability. For us, you are a good friend, a friend fighting the same cause our people have embarked on, that is, developing our nations under free political institutions, and giving the right to our people at any one stage to decide who should govern them in a peaceful and dignified manner.'

President Akufo-Addo assured President Adama Barrow that 'Ghana has been a friend, is a friend and will still continue to be a friend,' to The Gambia.

President Adama Barrow has since left for The Gambia.

GNA

By Ken Sackey, GNA
Accra, April 28, GNA - The Ghana Technology University College (GTUC) on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding with the African Methodist Episcopal University (AME), the second largest University in Liberia.

The agreement would allow both universities to collaborate in joint development and delivery of courses and programmes through research and publications and sharing of best practices to promote rapid growth and development in the African continent.

Key parts of the collaboration also include interchange of ideas and practices, joint research co-operation and curriculum development; exchange of academic materials in education; research and publications; exchange of students for study, research and internship.

The universities would also engage in the exchange of faculty members for research, lecturers and discussions and together partake in other areas of cooperation that would be mutually agreed upon by both parties.

Professor Osei Kofi Darkwa, President of GTUC signed on behalf of his institution while Dr Joseph T. Isaac initialled for AME University.

He said the co-operation was in line with the University College's vision to enhance its global impact and expand its transnational education to the West African sub region.

'The partnership with AME University in Liberia will strengthen GTUC goal of promoting transnational education in African,' he said.

'The university takes pride in being a place where students and faculty can pursue knowledge without boundaries.'

'This partnership affirms our belief and support in using education as a tool for developing the African continent.'

'Ghana has created an enabling environment for learning and it is the desire of our university college to make learning easy, fund and accessible to all who seek it in our sub- region.'

'It is our hope that the partnership will service as a catalyst for further growth for both university.'

Dr Isaac shared with reporters the commonalities between both institutions, which showed high prospects for strengthening of the cooperation towards achieving academic excellence.

'GTUC is very innovative, we also in Liberia, AME University strive to also be innovative, so with the combination of these two forces, I believe in no doubt that we will have a very productive and progressing relationship.'

AME University was established in 1995 and is the second biggest university in Liberia and runs varied undergraduate programmes under four colleges.

The colleges include college of theology seminary, college of liberal arts and social sciences, college of business and public administration and college of education.

GNA
Bamako (AFP) - Mali has extended a state of emergency by six months until October 31, a source in the parliament told AFP on Saturday, as the west African nation battles a jihadist insurgency.

MPs meeting on Friday "voted unanimously" to extend the state of emergency, according to this source.

The measure has been renewed several times since jihadists stormed the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako in November 2015, killing 20 people in an attack claimed by Al-Qaeda's regional branch.

The decree, which was due to expire Saturday, hands extra powers to security forces and restricts public gatherings.

The country's troubled north has witnessed a spate of jihadist strikes despite the emergency.

Last month, armed men killed five soldiers and injured 10 others in an attack on an army post in the tense Timbuktu region.

The last time the government extended the measure, it said the "security situation in Mali and in the sub-region is still characterised by the continued threat of terrorism and serious attacks on people and their belongings."

Mali's north fell under the control of jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda in 2012 who hijacked an ethnic Tuareg-led rebel uprising, though the Islamists were largely ousted by a French-led military operation in January 2013.

But jihadists continue to roam the country's north and centre, mounting attacks on civilians and the army, as well as on French and UN forces still stationed there.
In todays Money Morningmarkets focused on politics and international tensionis it possible for anyone to pick the top of a bubble?investing to protect your wealth in a time of crisisand more

This week markets were at the mercy of global politics.

Investors worldwide breathed a sigh of relief as the first round of the French elections came to a close. Centrist moderate Macron will face off against extreme right wing candidate Marine Le Pen.

Both candidates are political outsiders. Thats a reflection of Frances reaction against mainstream politics. But polls indicate that most French are pro-EU. Its widely assumed that the pro-EU centrist Macron will easily defeat the anti-EU Le Pen.

Except, it may not be as easy to predict as many would have you believe. There are plenty of experts feeding us pre-packaged analysis on why Le Pen is too extreme to do a Trump. But many similarly dismissed the Donald before his victory.

Meanwhile, North Koreas unending tensions with the rest of the world also saw a spike this week. Including a specific threat aimed at Australia if we blindly follow the US lead.

North Korea may be a failed nation state with a murderous spoiled brat for a leader. But that does nothing to reduce the threat of its large conventional army. Or the threat of its nuclear weapons.

And really, can the US administrations  past or present  afford to throw stones about nepotism and corruption? About family members being given positons of power they arent qualified for? I think not.

Arguably, North Koreas sabre-rattling has always been primarily for their own domestic propaganda purposes. They have little real intent of achieving their stated goals on the international stage. But that can make responding to them an all the more delicate and dangerous a task.

Its questionable whether Donald Trump has the deft touch needed. Or the attention span, for that matter, what with ever present distractions like Twitter.

In this weeks Money Morning, your editors tackled how these issues are affecting markets. They looked at how you can invest to protect and grow your wealth during times of tension and potential crisis. Read on for the details.

On Monday Greg returned to Australias unending debate about house prices. While many in the mainstream media claim (once again) to have picked the top in house prices, Greg admits that he has no idea. He goes on to argue that its impossible for anyone else to, either. What he does know is that attempting to predict the future is a fools game. And doing it with your investment money on the line is even worse. Greg argues you shouldnt try to predict where markets are going and place bets on being right. Instead, let the market tell you whats happening and invest accordingly. You can read why here.

On Anzac Day Greg took a step back from markets. He wrote about the horror of war, the lies that governments tell to convince the young to fight them, and why we should remember those young peoples sacrifices. You can read the article here.

As robotics disrupt and transform industry after industry, large institutional investors have benefited. But on Wednesday Greg made the argument that high flying fund managers may be the next species driven to extinction by robotic labour. Forms of artificial intelligence are already moving in. And its likely theyll soon be doing a better job than humans ever could in that role. So its just a matter of time until Hedge Fund Manager is just another defunct job title. What will that mean for the average retail investor? You can read more here.

In this weeks Financial Anarchists podcast, you can hear Kris and Woodys takes on the various European elections and their potential effects on your investments. They try to discuss markets, but politics just keep getting in the way. Kris argues that were suffering from too much democracy. Click here to hear why.

Whether the risks of the EU fragmenting or North Korea pulling the trigger are genuine, markets are reacting to the headlines. Sam looked at both the risks of an EU breakup and an escalation towards war with North Korea in Thursday and Fridays Money Morning articles. And he looked at ways you could protect your wealth as the world slides toward chaos.

To read about the kind of stocks that you should look at if global conflict heats up, including one example thats already seeing significant gains, you can find Thursdays Money Morning here. And for an alternative investment that Sam argues will perform well in a world at peace, and even better in a world in crisis, check out Fridays Money Morning here.

Personally, Im not spending this weekend digging a bunker in my back yard. I dont believe that North Korea is the global threat it would like to portray itself as. And while a breakup of the European Union is certainly possible if the French elections put Marine Le Pen in the Presidential role, any fallout would be economic. Not literal radioactive fallout.

And, as were seeing with Britains exit in progress, the breakup of longstanding trade deals and international relations can create new opportunities for other nations. If the extreme scenario were to happen, and France left the EU, it could ultimately result in Frances markets becoming a friendlier place for Aussie exports. The short term shakeup would likely be rough, but long term it doesnt have to be a bad thing for your investments.

One more week of furious campaigning in France, and well begin to see.

Until then,

Tyler Jefferson,

Editor, Money Weekend

Publishers Pick: Special Report: Gigastocks The mainstream press is just starting to clock this phenomenon. But most of the resource-sector wonks havent grasped the FULL potential of whats unfolding. Specifically, they dont get the grand scale and potential of a development that occurred on 4 January, 2017. And what it could mean for three specific Australian stocks currently trading in obscurity[More]

Numbers of Interest, as of Friday

Aussie Dollar to US Dollar: 74.68

Gold: US$1,267.70 (AU$1,697.45) per troy ounce

Silver: US$17.37 (AU$23.26) per troy ounce

Bitcoin: US$1,333.42 (AU$1,785.75)

West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil: US$49.48 per barrel

ASX 200: 5,924.10
- A former governor of Niger state, Babangida Aliyu has revealed why the North opposed former president Goodluck Jonathans re-election bid in 2015

- Aliyu said the North backed out because Jonathan reneged on his promise to govern for only one term of four years

- Aliyu was the chairman of the Northern Governors Forum at the time

A former governor of Niger state, Babangida Aliyu has revealed why the North opposed former president Goodluck Jonathans re-election bid in 2015.

Aliyu said the North backed out because Jonathan reneged on his promise to govern for only one term of four years

The former governor, who was then the chairman of the Northern Governors Forum made the revelation in the new book by the chairman of the Thisday editorial board, Segun Adeniyi titled: Against The Run of Play.

Babangida Aliyu says Jonathan reneged on his promise to contest for only one term

READ ALSO: Nnamdi Kanu's wife speaks on the need for Biafra to succeed

In the book, Aliyu said: If Jonathan had been clever enough to say he would not run and had stuck with the Peoples Democratic Partys zoning formula by supporting a young northern candidate, I am almost certain Buhari would have shed his ambition to contest in 2015 knowing there was no way he would win.

The book noted that one major issue of contention that rocked the PDP leading up to the election was that by seeking a second term, Jonathan was reneging on his much-talked about pledge to spend only one time in office.

But Jonathan disagreed, saying that he was misquoted. According to him, his pledge to stand election for only one time was based on the suggestion that if the constitution was amended to make for president to spend seven years in office.

Aliyu said that with suspicion mounting that Jonathan was contemplating changing his mind on the one-term deal, PDP governors held meetings with him individually and as a group.

Jonathan had a poor outing during the 2015 elections in the north

His words: As chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, I recalled having to remind him of the commitment he made to us in 2010 before we supported his bid to contest. I know that other governors were also meeting him while a few were seeing themselves as potential candidates.

In one of my meetings with him, I suggested he could even choose any credible PDP man he wanted from the North and such a person did not have to be among the governors. One day, he would agree to the idea, on another day he would say something else.

READ ALSO: EFCC nabs and arraigns court official for N9.2m fraud

Aliyu however hinted at an agreement with Jonathan on the involvement of the United States of America in the outcome of the general elections that ousted the former commander-in-chief.

According to him, he and 11 other governors from the northern region of the country were invited to the United States to know if they were willing to remove Jonathan from office.

Source: Legit.ng
- Residents of Kastina state, President Muhammadu Buhari's home state, have raised concerns over the health status of the president

- The residents said it has become pertinent that the presidency take the bull by the horn and allow President Buhari resign and attend to his health

- One of the residents, Abdulmumini Shehu Sani, said the president cannot hold Nigerians and Nigeria to ransom with his health condition

Residents of Kastina state, President Muhammadu Buhari's home state, have raised concerns over the health status of the president.

A resident, Abdulmumini Shehu Sani, said it has become pertinent that the presidency take the bull by the horn and allow President Buhari resign and attend to his health.

Speaking on the president's health, the chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP), Kastina state chapter Abdulmumini Shehu Sani said due process must be observed in handling the affairs of the nation.

READ ALSO: My husband will continue to fight for Biafra - Nnamdi Kanu's wife speaks (Video)

Sani said those playing with the health condition of President Buhari are only bent on destroying the nation and the president himself.

He said: "In whatever situation of life, health matters and you cannot lead without proper health. You cannot be a dictator or mentor without proper and adequate health. And you cannot think and do the right thing without health."

Abdulmumini Shehu Sani said the president cannot hold Nigerians and Nigeria to ransom with his health condition

He said one can only exhibit the desired courage to lead Nigeria when he is in good health.

Lets look at Nigeria as a whole that comprises over 180 million people, inasmuch as the leader is incapable based on his health status, let us follow the rule of law constitutionally for him to resign," Sani said.

READ ALSO: Militants in BIG trouble as Wike donates highly-sophisticated military weapons to Nigerian Navy

"His incapacitation cannot take us anywhere. It is better for him to resign. I can call him my father because he was a school mate to my late father, Shehu Sani, at the Government College, Katsina. But the truth is the Nigerian constitution should not be manipulated to favour one person.

If we want to be fair to ourselves, he should resign, he is not the only one that can lead Nigeria to the right direction. Let him resign and go back to his family so that he can receive proper medications so that he will be free from the burden of tension from Nigerians and recover, he said.

Also speaking from Duara - President Buhari's hometown - a man who called for prayers for the president Malam Abba Mato said he decided to pray for him as prescribed by Islam.

He also allayed fears that the circumstance surrounding President Buhari's health can be likened to that of late Umaru Yar'Adua who was also from Kastina state.

READ ALSO: EFCC nabs and arraigns court official for N9.2m fraud

Mato said: The case of President Buhari is different in the sense that this government is open government. When Buhari was going out of the country, he wrote to the National Assembly notifying the lawmakers that he would be going for vacation and from there he would see his doctor.

Again, his sickness is normal considering his age  over 70 years.

"You have to thank Almighty Allah for a President of this age to be performing well. It is not surprising that some people are peddling rumours that President Buhari is dead. Even in your community or home, you will see people who wish you good and those who wish you bad, Mato added.

Meanwhile, the treasurer of Buhari Youth Congress for Change, the group which spearheaded the President Muhammadu Buhari support in Daura, Yawalle Kallah said, although there are concerns about the president's health condition, the Daura community is not worried because, the president is human.

READ ALSO: Investigate ASUU over JAMB's website NOW! Group tells police

"Today, you are healthy and tomorrow you are sick, Kallah said.

Also, a former chairman and pioneer member of APP in Daura, Sani Kilishi said: Its sad to hear that today one of your own is sick.

"You will definitely not be happy. This now makes it binding on one to pray for such person and that was why we pray for him," Kilishi noted.

Reacting to the president's health, Abdulrasheed Funtua, a lecturer in one of the universities in Katsina, urged Nigerians to continue praying for President Buhari.

Mr. Presidents state of health is destiny and sickness is not death. Take Senator Isiaka Adeleke, for instance, he was not sick but he died. So, it is destiny. And there is nothing we can do than to keep praying for President Buhari," Funtua said.

Watch this Legit.ng video of Nigerians recommending punishments for looters below:

Source: Legit.ng
- A former governor of Anambra state Peter Obi has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for releasing the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra Nnamdi Kanu

- Obi said the president heeded to the voice of reason in his decision to release the IPOB leader

- Obi called for dialogue between the federal government and the Biafra agitators

A former governor of Anambra state Peter Obi has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for releasing the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra Nnamdi Kanu.

Obi said the president heeded to the voice of reason in his decision to release the IPOB leader.

Legit.ng recalls that Kanu was released from Kuje Prison in Abuja after he perfected the bail conditions given to him by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court.

READ ALSO: Buhari should resign and go back to his family for proper care - Kastina chieftain

The IPOB leader was on Friday, April 28, driven out of the Kuje Prison in a black Mercedes vehicle by a former minister of aviation Osita Chidoka.

Peter Obi said the president heeded to the voice of reason in his decision to release the IPOB leader

Speaking on the matter, Obi in a statement said, it was disheartening that Kanu was left to languish in prison custody.

READ ALSO: As Nnamdi Kanu finally gains freedom, see the two new people declared wanted by EFCC (photos)

He said: I wish to appeal to the Judiciary and the Federal Government to equally consider the other Biafra detainees for bail and release since, to the best of my knowledge, they have never resorted to violence in their agitation."

The former governor also said the release of Kanu will help calm the tension already building up in the South-East and South-South region.

He further called for a dialogue between the Nigerian government and the Biafra agitators as a way forward for a sustainable development of the nation.

As I counselled previously, the Federal Government should engage the Biafra agitators in dialogue. Every agitation in the world is resolved through dialogue, Obi said.

Watch this Legit.ng video of how Nnamdi Kanu became a free man below:

Source: Legit.ng
- Negedu Sunday is a first class graduate of Biochemistry from University of Lagos

- After spending 12 years at home after secondary school, Negedu graduated with 4.70 CGPA

- Negedu who initially wanted to study medicine said he is now contented with Biochemistry

Against all odds, Negedu Sunday, son of a beans cake seller and tailor, scaled through all hurdles to graduate with a first class in Biochemistry from University of Lagos.

Legit.ng learnt that Negedu, who spent 12 years at home after completing his secondary school education could not further despite getting admission into university six times due to lack of money.

In an interview with Punch newspaper, Negedu, who graduated with 4.70 CGPA, talked about his struggle and how he made a vow to graduate with a first class.

He said: "As a child, life was tough. I grew up in Olodi-Apapa/Ajegunle area of Lagos. Im the second out of seven children and my parents had deep love for education, even though they didnt have much of it.

"My mum used to sell bean cake (akara) while my dad was a tailor. He had to take up another job as a housekeeper/store-keeper in a hotel. They worked so hard to care for us.

READ ALSO: Kastina residents raise concerns over Buhari's health

Negedu graduated with 4.70 CGPA in Biochemistry from University of Lagos.

"Even though there were vices in the neighbourhood, my parents were disciplinarians and they made sure we found reading attractive. And of course I wont forget the deep financial hardship we went through; days I went to school bare-footed."

On why he choose to study Biochemistry instead of Medicine that he had always profess love for, Negedu said spending twelve years at home changed his mind.

He said: "Growing up, I had this dream to be a medical doctor and later to become a neurosurgeon. But 12 years after graduating from secondary school and after my sixth Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, choosing Biochemistry was the logical thing to do.

"It wasnt that I didnt pass the UTMEs, I did, but my admission suffered huge setbacks owing to lack of fund.

READ ALSO: Babachir Lawal, Ayo Oke will be handed over to EFCC if need be  Presidency

"At a point, I was somewhat persuaded that I needed to do a four-year course in order to graduate early (compared to the six years for medicine) so I could support my parents, siblings and others in need."

Negedu also spoke about how hard it was to maintain his first class throughout university.

He said: "I had a study plan, I prioritised my courses and studied very well. Beyond these, I prayed about everything, took responsibility for myself and actions, studied hard, remained focused and I learnt from others.

"I won a number of awards in school, including the HOD of Science Prize and the prestigious Professor Akinrimisi Prize of Excellence in Biochemistry. I believe some students fail due to lack of commitment, indiscipline, not identifying what works for them, seeking help late or not seeking help at all and lack of confidence. These issues can be tackled by any willing mind."

Negodu just completed his M.Sc in Biochemistry and his making effort toward a Ph.D scholarship position while he continued his job as a graduate assistant in UNILAG.

On his dream for the future, Negedu said: "My passion is to be a molecular/biomedical researcher. I want to do more than just teach. My other interests are in volunteering and writing."

Source: Legit.ng
- Former president, Goodluck Jonathan, says the book, Against the Run of Play written by Segun Adeniyi, contains many distorted claims on the 2015 presidential election by many of the respondents

- Jonathan suggests there will obviously be more books on the issue of the 2015 presidential election by concerned Nigerians

- Meanwhile, prominent Ijaw groups and elders have told Jonathan to stop blaming his defeat in the 2015 presidential election on the North

Former president, Goodluck Jonathan, says he will come out with a true account of what transpired in the 2015 presidential election.

READ ALSO: Kastina residents raise concerns over Buhari's health

Jonathan made the statement when reacting to the much talked about book, Against the Run of Play written by Segun Adeniyi, Chairman of the editorial board of This Day newspapers.

The former president in a series of tweets on Saturday, April 29, on his verified Twitter handle, @GEJonathan, as well as his Facebook page, said the book as presented contains many distorted claims on the 2015 Presidential election by many of the respondents.

Jonathan said he will come out with a true account of what transpired in the 2015 election.

READ ALSO: Why the North refused to back Jonathan in 2015 - Babangida Aliyu

Legit.ng recalls that Jonathan in an interview with Segun Adeniyi alleged that local and international conspirators helped President Muhammadu Buhari emerge victorious in the 2015 general election.

The former president also suggested that election result in some parts of the country was inflated to favour Buhari.

Meanwhile, prominent Ijaw groups and elders have told Goodluck Jonathan, to stop blaming his defeat in the 2015 presidential election on the North.

The Ijaw leaders on Friday, April, 29, asked Jonathan to take responsibility for his defeat in the presidential election and come clean on the issues that led to his ouster from the presidency,

Prominent Ijaw groups, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide and the Ijaw National Congress (INC), including some Ijaw leaders, have dismissed Jonathans claims that the North contributed to his defeat in the 2015 presidential election as untrue.

In the video below, Legit.ng asks Nigerians if they support the death penalty as a punishment for looters who are found guilty. Watch responses.

Source: Legit.ng
- Six people have been arrested and paraded for attempting to assassinate Dino Melaye

- Among the suspects paraded was a local government chairman and a police officer

Following an assassination attempt on Senator Dion Melaye, the Nigerian Police Force, Abuja command, has paraded six people arrested over attack.

Legit.ng learnt that among the suspects arrested and paraded by the authorities, is the chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Taofiq Isah.

According to a report by Punch, Isah's police orderly, Sgt. James Ede was also paraded in connection with the assassination attempt which occurred on April 15.

The names of all six suspects arrested for their alleged involvement in the attack on Melaye are: Taofiq Isah, 54, James Ede, 36, Ade Obage, 29, Abdullahi Isah, 32 , Ahmed Ajayi, 45, and Michael Bamidele, 26.

Out of the six men paraded by the police is administrator of Ijumu local government and his police orderly.

READ ALSO: We say no to the unjust incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu - Fayose

Police PRO, Jimoh Moshood, who spoke to the press said one ambulance Hyundai bus, five AK 47 rifles, one Berreta pistol, two locally made single barrel short gun, 25 expended shells of 7.62 mm ammunition, 13 expended shells of 9mm ammunition and 12 expended shells gauge cartridge were recovered from the suspects.

Moshood said: The firearms had been sent for ballistic expert examination, test and analysis at the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department in Lagos."

Moshood said Obage informed the police about the alleged plot to kill the senator after it had been executed, adding that investigation was ongoing to determine his level of involvement in the incident.

He said: Obage voluntarily informed the police that he has the knowledge and information about the attempted assassination of Senator Dino Melaye after the attack was carried out.

He further informed the investigators that he was contacted to join the gang by Abdullahi Eko, a principal suspect now in custody.

Moshood also said that Eko admitted to the criminal roles he played along with the other suspects in carrying out the attack, adding that he also mentioned other members of the gang who are still at large.

He stated that Eko narrated to the investigators that they used the ambulance and five AK 47 rifles for the operation.

Legit.ng recalls that Melaye escaped an assassination attempt on his life early on Saturday, April 15. According to reports, Senator Melaye was attacked in his residence at Ayetoro-Gbede, Ijumu local government area of Kogi state.

READ ALSO: Kastina residents raise concerns over Buhari's health

After the rain of bullet that lasted over one hour, two of the vehicles parked within the premises were damaged, while part of the building was also destroyed.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Senate has kicked investigations into the assassination attempt on Senate Dino Melaye.

The Senate during plenary on Wednesday, April 26 set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the attempt on Dino Melaye's life in Aiyetoro-Gbede in Kogi state.

Another delegation iwhich ncludes deputy senator president Ike Ekweremadu, Senator Bala Na'allah, Senator Francis Alimikhena and Senator Stella Oduah was sent to meet with the Kogi state governor Yahaya Bello.

Source: Legit.ng
President Donald Trump released his budget blueprint in March, but the document largely failed to address FDA. This infographic examines the president's requested budget for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)--and the implications for food safety.
Stephen Helms Tillery wants to make you smarter  by electrically stimulating your brain.

This work was done at Arizona Stat University.

The Arizona State University neuroscientist has been awarded funding for a four-year study to develop a method of brain stimulation that may boost learning and retention up to 30 percent.

The money comes from the Armys Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, which is the bureau behind technology including GPS, the internet, stealth tech and drones.

The brain will be stimulated by a method called Transdermal Electrical Neuromodulation so it learns more quickly, more efficiently and with increased recall.

Certain neuromodulators  chemicals that affect transmission between cells  have broad physiological impacts such as arousal and attention.

The one well be focusing on is norepinephrine, said Helms Tillery, an associate professor in the School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. You can think of it as the big fight-or-flight hormone in the brain.

If its 2 a.m. and you hear a door open in your house, you will be alert, processing information, making a decision and taking action. Thats norepinephrine working.

Sensory systems have access to the brain stem nucleus, the locus coeruleus, which releases norepinephrine.

We think that nucleus can be accessed by activating the nerves that enervate our face, Helms Tillery said. Were going to try to access that nucleus by activating these nerves.

Helms Tillery will be looking for changes in behaviors in restricted circumstances, doing facial recognition, sensory motor mapping (responding to a visual signal with an action directed toward that signal) and sensory processing.

There is some evidence your senses can be sharpened using the same mechanisms, he said. If you give some kind of stimulation, like a touch, a sound or a flash of light, there is a change in electrical activity that can be measured in the brain.

Were going to see if we can change that electrical signature by pairing it with this cranial stimulation, Helms Tillery said.

He will record areas in the brain related to vision, perception and decision-making.

Well see if we can change the physiology of those areas with the stimulation, he said.

DARPA wants to see a 15 percent increase in performance in the first three years and a 30 percent increase in the final two years of the project.

To quantify that, Tillery is teaming up with a group at the Air Force Research Laboratory who studies drone teams. As brain-stimulation techniques are developed, Helms Tillery will be working with them to improve the drone teams performance.

He will also be working with the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine in Boston. They have an elaborate virtual shooting range with carbines that fire pneumatically, so they feel and fire like a real weapon. Most of the performers who come through the program are high-level marksmen. Improving their performance is difficult. The Army has been doing studies with sleep deprivation, to deck their performance.

Well see if we can amp it back up, for example, Helms Tillery said. The more likely scenario is that well bring novices into those environments and teach them to operate in those environments and see if they can improve.
After 44 years of debating sexuality issues, the United Methodist Church voted by a narrow margin on Wednesday to allow bishops to appoint a commission to re-evaluate rules on gay, lesbian and transgender clergy and marriage.

The 428-to-405 vote by the delegates to the churchs quadrennial conference in Portland, Ore., was seen by many as a last-ditch effort to save the church from schism.

It was celebrated by L.G.B.T. Methodists and their supporters as a way to buy time and avoid church discipline against more than 100 clergy and clergy candidates who came out as gay in advance of the conference.

But it disappointed many conservatives who were exasperated that their church is still arguing over what they see as clear church teachings that prohibit openly gay and transgender clergy, and same-sex marriage. The churchs Book of Discipline, its governing document, says that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.
Two former headmasters who were life trustees at Choate Rosemary Hall stepped down this week, forced aside by allegations that teachers at the school had sexually abused students for decades and that administrators had not responded appropriately.

The two trustees were Charles Dey, who served as headmaster at the elite Connecticut boarding school from 1973 to 1991, and Edward Shanahan, who held that position from 1991 to 2011.

Choate released a report this month from investigators at the law firm Covington & Burling that named 12 former faculty members who it said had abused students in cases dating back to the 1960s. One teacher was said to have raped a student while on a school trip in Costa Rica. Another used a girls disciplinary issues to pressure her to have sex with him repeatedly, the report said.

For many years, administrators at the school largely responded to reports of misconduct by trying to keep them quiet.
The question is not whether a new Kosciuszko Bridge is needed (it is), nor whether a cable-stayed Kosciuszko Bridge looks better than the old through-truss crossing (it does). The question is: How is it pronounced?

Tadeusz Kosciuszko  properly, Kosciuszko  was a hero of the Revolutionary War. Born in Poland in 1746 and trained there as a military engineer, Kosciuszko arrived in America in 1776. The fortifications he designed along the Hudson River, most important at West Point, were widely credited with keeping British forces at bay. He later championed Polish nationhood, fighting bravely for what was then a lost cause. He died in exile in 1817 from his partitioned homeland.

Poland was under German occupation in 1940 when Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia named the new Meeker Avenue Bridge between Brooklyn and Queens in honor of Kosciuszko. Fifteen thousand Poles and Polish-Americans attended the ceremony. I am confident that Poland will live again, John J. Bennett Jr., the New York State attorney general, told the crowd.
Last year, with fears about lead poisoning running high in the wake of the water crisis in Flint, Mich., New York City officials said that they had tested the water in all the citys public schools and that the results should be reassuring: Only 1 percent of outlets had lead levels above the Environmental Protection Agencys action level of 15 parts per billion.

But after The New York Times reported that the city had run the water in every outlet for two hours the night before taking the water samples, a process called flushing, experts said that the practice had most likely hidden lead problems. They said the city should throw out the results and redo the tests. In the end, the city did.

On Friday, the new results were released, and they paint a starkly different picture: This time, 8 percent of outlets had lead levels above 15 parts per billion. And the vast majority of school buildings  83 percent  had at least one outlet with a lead level above the threshold. The city had previously said that two-thirds of its roughly 1,500 school buildings had no outlets above the 15 parts per billion threshold. Flushing cleans most soluble lead and lead particles out of the pipes and thus reduces lead levels temporarily.

Two schools in Queens were among the worst for the number of outlets involved.

At Public School 95, the Eastwood School, in Jamaica, which has 1,500 students, 34 outlets had lead levels above the E.P.A. threshold. A water fountain in the cafeteria had a level of 3,200 parts per billion. Several other water fountains  in the cafeteria, a play area and a school hallway  had lead levels more than 40 times the E.P.A. action level. When the school was tested the first time, under the protocol that included the flushing, the highest level found was 35 parts per billion.
If only this administration could simply play as comedy, as pratfalls and double takes. Unfortunately, the saga of health care also reveals the capacity of Mr. Trump to do harm, through incompetence and indifference, if not effective action. Rather than build on the foundation of the Affordable Care Act, and take credit for a strengthened system, Mr. Trump is causing the prospect of nationally affordable care to recede through malign neglect.

Governing, so far, has turned out to be more than Mr. Trump can manage. He didnt know very much coming into the job of president, including how little he knew, and the extent of his own ignorance has come as a continual surprise to him. Nobody knew that health care could be so complicated, he famously marveled the first time he was preparing to fail at passing legislation. He expressed the same wonder of discovery at the complexity of North Korea.

In private life, Mr. Trump was accustomed to negotiations based on the simple reality that everyone involved shared the same objective: profit. He has struggled to bargain with legislators, who want to satisfy many constituencies and have conflicting notions of the national interest. In that sense, legislative deals require far more art than commercial ones, and for that reason, Mr. Trump has found himself in over his head. This week, after congressional Democrats called his bluff, threatening a government shutdown rather than acceding to his bluster, he slunk away from a demand that Congress start paying for his wasteful border wall  you know, the one Mexico has refused to pay for.

I thought it would be easier, Mr. Trump admitted about his job to Reuters this week.

Does he show any signs of learning on the job? In fact, yes. He has backed off dangerous pledges like tearing up the Iran nuclear deal and accusing China of manipulating its currency. He replaced his first national security adviser  the cartoonish Michael Flynn, who turned out to have been on not only the Russian payroll but also the Turkish one  with the formidable Lt. Gen. H. R. McMaster.

But since his risible assertion of American carnage in the streets during his Inaugural Address, Mr. Trump has continually fomented fear and bullied vulnerable groups, particularly unauthorized immigrants. He has shown no interest in reaching beyond the minority of Americans who elected him, one reason his approval ratings are the lowest on record for a president at this point in his term.
Every year since the late 1960s, on the last Saturday in April, there has been a pilgrimage to a place called Manzanar in California, where one of 10 United States internment camps once stood. The annual journeys began as a way to remember those Japanese-Americans who were incarcerated during World War II and to mark a dark chapter in our history. The pilgrimage includes elderly original internees and their families, as well as neighbors of the site, schoolchildren and, since Sept. 11, American Muslims, who see parallels between what once happened and today.

Manzanar is the best known of the camps, because it often made the news during the war owing to unrest, strikes and even shooting deaths. At its peak, the camp held over 10,000 Japanese-Americans inside its barbed wire. Most hailed from Los Angeles, some 230 miles to the south. A vast majority were also American citizens, held without charge or trial for years, for the crime of looking like the people who had bombed Pearl Harbor.

Manzanar is now a National Historic Site thanks to the work of Sue Kunitomi Embrey and the Manzanar Committee, which lobbied for decades to obtain the designation. I have visited it often, but my personal pilgrimages have been to two other camps that once held my family and me. One is in Rohwer, Ark., in what was then fetid, uninhabitable swampland, and the other is in the cold, desolate wastes of Tule Lake, Calif. That was the harshest camp, with more than 18,500 inmates behind three layers of barbed-wire fence and with tanks patrolling the perimeter.

I was 5 years old at the beginning of our internment in Arkansas. I remember every school morning reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, my eyes upon the stars and stripes of the flag, but at the same time I could see from the window the barbed wire and the sentry towers where guards kept guns trained on us.
NEW ORLEANS  The City of New Orleans is known for its rich history with its French and Spanish influences. Tourists flock here all year long to experience the fun, laid-back atmosphere. It is one of the more inclusive places one can visit in the United States. And the people of New Orleans are the heart, soul and spirit of the city.

About 60 percent of the population is African-American. They add to the flavor of New Orleans through its art, food, language and music. Unfortunately, there are Confederate monuments sprinkled throughout the city.

This week, workers finally began removing those monuments. Who wants to be reminded on a daily basis of the atrocities committed on American soil by American citizens? Im a civil rights historian, and I know that horrible period in our history can never be undone. But what transpired does not need glorification, and it certainly does not need monuments symbolizing division, hate and racial strife.

After Reconstruction many Southern states, including Louisiana, wanted to show their pride in fighting the Civil War and to maintain a legacy of white supremacy and segregation. Between 1884 and 1893, the City of New Orleans erected four monuments, three of which honored the leaders of the Confederate States of America: Robert E. Lee, commander of the Confederate troops; Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederate States of America; and P.G.T. Beauregard, a Confederate general. The fourth monument, an obelisk, commemorated the Battle of Liberty Place, in which black police officers were killed during a violent uprising in 1874 by the Crescent City White League, a white supremacist group opposed to the citys biracial collaboration. This is the first monument that has been dismantled.
On Oct. 14, 1966, Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, who had been principally responsible for waging war against the Communists in South Vietnam, threw in the towel. A little over a year before he officially resigned as secretary, he sent a long memorandum to President Lyndon Johnson, artfully admitting that he and his Pentagon had no strategy to end the war on favorable terms for the South Vietnamese.

Johnson quickly turned to others for a new approach. A month after McNamaras memo, the president asked two aides  Walt Rostow, his national security adviser, and Robert Komer, a National Security Council staff member  to come up with something more effective than McNamaras tactics of attrition and bombing. Their recommendation, delivered on Dec. 13, 1966, was to complement our anti-main force campaign and bombing offensive with greatly increased efforts to pacify the countryside and increase the attractive power of the government of Vietnam. Long before the term became a household word, Vietnamization was born.

To put the plan into effect, Johnson chose three men: Ellsworth Bunker to be ambassador in Saigon; Komer to lead a new counterinsurgency organization; and Gen. Creighton Abrams to build up South Vietnams military capacity to defeat invading North Vietnamese regulars.

Bunker was to work with the Vietnamese leadership and ensure coordination of all efforts  civil and military, American and Vietnamese nationalist. Komer and Abrams were to be deputies to Gen. William Westmoreland at his headquarters on the outskirts of Saigon.
CHICAGO  Barbara Byrd-Bennett, the former leader of this citys troubled public school system, was sentenced to four and a half years in federal prison on Friday for steering millions of dollars worth of school district contracts to her former employer and for scheming to accept kickbacks.

Ms. Byrd-Bennett, who was handpicked for her job by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, learned of her prison term as the almost-cashless district struggles to keep its classrooms open.

Chicago Public Schools officials had warned that they could end the academic year on June 1, three weeks earlier than planned, unless the state of Illinois provided more money. Mr. Emanuel backed off that threat on Friday, but said he was not sure where the money would come from.

We will be here working to find the resources to make all of the other payments we have to make, Mr. Emanuel said.
The United Methodist Churchs highest court has ruled that the consecration of its first openly gay bishop violated church law, compounding a bitter rift over homosexuality that has brought the 13-million-member denomination to the brink of schism.

In a 6-to-3 vote made public on Friday, the churchs Judicial Council found that a married lesbian bishop and those who consecrated her were in violation of their commitment to abide by and uphold the churchs definition of marriage and stance on homosexuality.

Still, the court ruled that the bishop, Karen P. Oliveto of Denver, remains in good standing pending further proceedings, offering her supporters a glimmer of hope. But it also raised the prospect of a suspension or forced retirement.

Under the longstanding principle of legality, no individual member or entity may violate, ignore or negate church law, the council ruled. It is not lawful for the College of Bishops of any jurisdictional or central conference to consecrate a self-avowed practicing homosexual bishop.
Norman T. Hatch, a former Marine cinematographer whose Academy Award-winning footage of a punishing American victory in the Pacific during World War II was so grisly that it had required White House approval before it could be released, died on April 22 in Alexandria, Va. He was 96.

His death was confirmed by his son, N. Thomas Hatch Jr.

Armed with a .45 caliber pistol, Staff Sergeant Hatch, 22 years old at the time, waded ashore on tiny Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands in November 1943 at the beginning of a 76-hour battle that would claim the lives of an estimated 1,000 Marines and sailors and more than 4,000 Japanese soldiers.

When the fighting ended, the United States had claimed one of its first victories in the Pacific.

Standing up to keep his hand-cranked 35-milimeter Bell & Howell Eyemo camera dry, and filming through thick black smoke, Sergeant Hatch thrust himself so deeply into the combat that he captured vivid close-ups of Marines firing at enemy troops only 15 yards away.

Thats the only time, to the best of my knowledge, in the Pacific War that the enemy was in the same frame as us in a fighting stance, he said in an interview with the Naval Institute. The film shot on Tarawa was a first because it showed what combat was really like. It showed it up close and dirty.
WASHINGTON  For more than a decade, House Republicans led by the former Speaker John A. Boehner have used school children in the nations capital as an experiment for school choice, funding a far-reaching voucher program to send poor children to private schools over the opposition of local teachers and unions.

Now, with Betsy DeVos, one of the countrys fiercest advocates of school choice, installed as education secretary, that experiment is poised to go national. But Ms. DeVoss own department this week rendered judgment on the Washington school choice program: It has not improved student achievement, and it may have worsened it.

The examination of the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program, the only federally funded voucher program in the country, by the departments Institute of Education Sciences, found that students who attended a private school through the program performed worse on standardized tests than their public school counterparts who did not use the vouchers.

Among students who attended poor-performing public schools  the targets of this and other voucher programs  there was no significant effect on achievement.
A Florida eye doctor was convicted on Friday of running a vast scheme to defraud Medicare of more than $90 million in a case that could have significant ramifications for Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey.

The doctor, Salomon E. Melgen, a prominent ophthalmologist, has been the longtime political benefactor of Mr. Menendez, a Democrat. Both face federal corruption charges in an unrelated case scheduled to go on trial in September in Newark. The senator is accused of trading political favors for free trips on the doctors private jet, lavish vacations to his resort home in the Dominican Republic and a stay at a five-star hotel in Paris.

A jury in Palm Beach County, Fla., found Dr. Melgen guilty on all 67 counts of Medicare fraud, and according to prosecutors in the case, he could spend at least 15 years in prison. The conviction and the sentence he now faces could increase pressure on Dr. Melgen to cooperate with the authorities in the case against Mr. Menendez, his co-defendant in their pending trial.

After he is sentenced in the Florida case in July, Dr. Melgen, if he should choose to cooperate, could seek to have that sentence reduced. A provision of federal law allows a judge, upon a motion by the government, to reduce a defendants sentence if the defendant is found to have provided substantial assistance in investigating or prosecuting another person.
NEW DELHI  Shobha Magdolna Friedmann Nehru, a Hungarian Jew who narrowly escaped the Holocaust, married into Indias leading political family and witnessed religious and ethnic violence convulsing both her native and adopted countries, died on Tuesday at her home in the Himalayan foothills. She was 108.

Her death was confirmed by her son Ashok.

Mrs. Nehru was known by her Hungarian nickname, Fori, but did not often speak about her background. After marrying the Indian diplomat Braj Kumar Nehru in 1935, she took the name Shobha (which was selected by her in-laws), dressed in saris and was so thoroughly assimilated that acquaintances often took her for a pale-skinned Kashmiri Pandit, like the Nehrus themselves.

As a member of the Nehru household, she grieved beside the bodies of Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, all of whom were assassinated. And at a key moment in the countrys history, she delivered a hard truth to an imperious leader who rarely heard it.

Mrs. Nehru typically stayed away from political matters, but she took the unusual step of confronting Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, her close friend and cousin by marriage, when she believed that the state of emergency Mrs. Gandhi declared in 1975 had too severely rolled back human rights in India.
After opinion polls in Britain and the United States were criticized, fairly or not, for failing to foresee British voters decision to leave the European Union and the election of Donald J. Trump, French pollsters could be forgiven for showing Gallic pride.

Despite a political earthquake in France that saw the upending of the traditional divisions between left and right, polling companies managed to predict the outcome of the first round of Frances presidential election on April 23 with a remarkable degree of precision. For the most part, they correctly forecast that Emmanuel Macron, a former economics minister, and Marine Le Pen, a nationalist firebrand, would progress to the second round, as well as the order of the three runners-up, within a percentage point or two.

This first round is the revenge for the polling institutes, proclaimed Paris Match, the popular French magazine. Criticized since Brexit and the election of Donald Trump in the United States, they showed that they havent lost their clairvoyance when it comes to French politics.

How did the French pollsters get it right when pollsters in other countries have not?

Anthony Wells, research director at YouGov, a leading British polling company, said that while pollsters across the world had been struggling to forecast the impact of rising populism in this era of disgruntled voters, French pollsters had an advantage because Ms. Le Pens party, the National Front, had been active in France for decades, giving them comparative data from previous elections.
WASHINGTON  Two American soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan during a raid Wednesday night may have been struck by so-called friendly fire, the Pentagon said.

The Defense Department identified the soldiers as Army Rangers, Sgt. Joshua Rodgers, 22, and Sgt. Cameron Thomas, 23, both deployed from Fort Benning, Ga. A third soldier was wounded in the operation, which targeted the emir of Islamic State militants in Afghanistan, Defense Department officials said.

The officials said the military was investigating whether the men had been killed by ground fire, either from American forces or Afghan commandos who were taking part in the raid.
WASHINGTON  One morning last month, several hundred Muslims living in the sugar-cane belt east of New Delhi awoke to discover fliers plastered to walls in their village, ordering them to pack up and leave with their families by the end of the year  or else.

If you do not do this, the unsigned posters warned, then what TRUMP is doing in America, the same things will happen in this village.

It was a stark illustration of how Donald J. Trumps presidency has reverberated around the world over the last 100 days  becoming a rallying cry for some and a source of fear for others, upending long-held assumptions and roiling the politics of countries as far-flung as India, Mexico and Australia.

Mr. Trumps most predictable quality is perhaps his unpredictability. So it makes sense that his impact would be felt differently in different parts of the world, resonating with, or repelling, people in countries that have idolized, demonized or relied on the United States.
WASHINGTON  Mike McLintock, who has experience as the White House press secretary on the HBO show Veep, knows a thing or two about handling the White House press corps and is no stranger to foot-in-mouth moments.

The actor behind the character, Matt Walsh, was in Washington on Friday meeting with lawmakers about the National Endowment for the Arts. He talked with Julie Hirschfeld Davis, a White House correspondent for The New York Times, about what advice the on-screen spokesman would have for the man who holds the job in real life, Sean Spicer.

Dont Create More Problems
The meeting with Mr. Dimon and other corporate executives was just one of dozens of sessions Mr. Trump has convened with top businesspeople since becoming president. Nearly 300 executives have visited the White House this year, according to a New York Times tabulation, an open-door policy that is a sharp break with the Obama administration and puts corporate chieftains on par with senior lawmakers in the pecking order of who has influence in Washington.

Frank and occasionally confrontational, the conversations have become a defining feature of Mr. Trumps young presidency, inspiring policy debates and in some instances 180-degree shifts by the president, according to White House officials and executives who have participated in the discussions.

And while some Democrats and other critics complain business leaders are being granted unfettered access to Mr. Trump  who ran as a businessman planning to apply executive principles to Washingtons problems  the White House is unapologetic. The relationship-building is acting as a welcome substitute for a lack of legislative accomplishments, and presidential aides suggest the rapport positions Mr. Trump for future success.

The whole idea is, do something with all of this communication and feedback, said Chris Liddell, the presidents assistant for strategic initiatives and a former chief financial officer at Microsoft and General Motors. And some of that happened in the first hundred days, but were really setting ourselves up for the next thousand days.

Many executives said that they were rarely given face time with President Barack Obama, and that even when they were, they sensed he wasnt fully engaged. The feedback from the Obama White House was, Well listen to what you have to say, but we know what were doing, said Kathryn Wylde, president and chief executive of the Partnership for New York City, a business group.
3. France does not want to give up on the European Union  its a dream, and a reality, that weve worked hard to achieve. We are stronger together, and now form the worlds largest trading bloc. No one here had to hold their nose and vote for Macron as the best of the worst. He is qualified, no stranger to politics and has universal support from the center right, and Socialist parties. He is by no means inept. Le Pen wishes to move backward, he wishes to go forward  En Marche!

 Lilou in Paris, reacting to an article about Frances presidential election. A runoff election will be held May 7.

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One hundred days, too many of them filled with needless drama and gratuitous insult, and still I remember the first full one. Still it makes me cringe.

That was when Donald Trump visited and made remarks at the C.I.A. He had fences to mend with the American intelligence community, whose failure to fall fawningly in line with his nascent administration had prompted him to compare them to Nazis. He stood before a wall of stars that commemorated lives sacrificed for country.

And what message did he bring? What manner did he summon?

He lied, saying that the media had invented his feud with the agency. He lashed out at suggestions that his inaugural crowds hadnt been the biggest and most orgiastic. To top it all off, he crowed about how often hed claimed the cover of Time magazine, because who isnt fascinated by that? Who doesnt want a running tally? Whose heart doesnt beat faster when Trump yet again ponders the glory of Trump?

He was president at that point. Vindicated. Inaugurated. He could decide to be big. But he chose to be small, and it was clear then, if it hadnt been before, that there would be no pivot to dignity, which was either beyond his capabilities or outside his interests.
Tens of thousands of Haitians living in the United States are facing an ominous deadline. The temporary protected status that has allowed them to live and work here legally since 2010  the year an earthquake devastated their country and left them unable to return safely home  is set to expire on July 22. Unless the homeland security secretary, John Kelly, decides to renew it, about 50,000 Haitians will lose their welcome here and be vulnerable to deportation.

A reasonable person might say: The United States couldnt do that. Haiti has made only a fitful recovery from the quake, which all but destroyed the national government and left hundreds of thousands homeless, and ensuing disasters have deepened the countrys misery. Hurricane Matthew in October 2016 ravaged Haitis southwest peninsula, killing more than a thousand people and laying waste to villages and farmland. A cholera epidemic that erupted after the earthquake has not been subdued.

These acute crises, laid atop chronic poverty and political turmoil, make Haiti a fragile place. The sudden return of tens of thousands of expatriates would be yet another damaging blow. Better those Haitians remain in the United States, where they can be safe and work and send money home, and not further burden their traumatized homeland.

That is a reasonable conclusion. But not everyone in the Trump administration recognizes it. The acting head of Citizenship and Immigration Services, James McCament, wrote to Mr. Kelly this month recommending that temporary protected status be ended next January.
BERKELEY, Calif.  My dad and stepmom live in Mobile, Ala., and spend their vacation time an hours drive away in Orange Beach, Ala. This means that, throughout my life, I have regularly vacationed there as well.

Whenever I tell people in Berkeley, Calif., where I live, that Im headed to the beach in Alabama, they are shocked. Most people outside of the Gulf Coast have no idea that Alabama has beaches  even though if you look at a map of Alabama, there is a part of it that looks as if it should belong to Florida. There is even a bar at the Alabama-Florida border that commemorates this fact. That bar is named the Flora-Bama. (Calling it the Ala-Lorida would just be ridiculous.)

I often try to convince my wife, Melissa, that we and our two daughters should vacation in Orange Beach more often. I try to persuade friends to come, too. It is the perfect fun-and-sun vacation. We stay across the street from the beach, which is perfect for my wife. The resort has an old-school arcade room with one of those claw machines, which is perfect for our older daughter, even though she has never won anything from it. And it has a lazy-river pool, where you can sit in an inner tube and let the underwater jets push you around while thinking that you may be experiencing the pinnacle of human achievement. Thats perfect for me.

But no one has taken us up on the invitation yet, because of one problematic word: Alabama. Nobody I know from the Bay Area has any interest in purposefully spending time in Alabama. Florida, maybe, but Alabama? Nah, thats a hard pass.
Large telecommunications companies have been raking in profits in recent years. And they have been making multibillion-dollar acquisitions  not something you see from an industry that is withering from senseless regulations. Charter spent more than $65 billion last year to buy Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks. AT&T bought DirecTV for $48.5 billion in 2015 and is trying to buy Time Warner, the media company, for $85 billion.

Not only is Mr. Pais lament for the broadband industry based on alternative facts, it misses the bigger point. Net neutrality is meant to benefit the internet and the economy broadly, not just the broadband industry. That means the commission ought to consider the impact the regulations have on consumers and businesses. In particular, the commission has a responsibility to protect people with few or no choices; most Americans have access to just one or two companies for residential service and just four big operators for wireless.

Mr. Pai argues that if the Wheeler rules are revoked, some safeguards will remain. For example, he says, broadband companies would refrain from blocking or slowing the content of competitors. He has not said how he would ensure that. But the F.C.C. is considering using voluntary commitments from the industry.

Under that approach, officials at the Federal Trade Commission would have the power to fine or sue companies that make pledges and then fail to uphold them. But it is hard to believe that voluntary standards would be strong enough. It also puts the onus on individuals and small businesses to complain to regulators and request investigations.

Under Mr. Pais proposal, broadband companies would probably use their gatekeeping position to give themselves a leg up. AT&T, for example, already encourages people to buy the streaming video service of its DirecTV subsidiary by allowing customers to watch it on AT&Ts wireless network without incurring data charges. Verizon and Comcast have similar practices. Over time, such corporate policies will make it harder for smaller companies to compete with the telecom giants.
People on the left believe that Mr. Trump has incited hatred against minorities, and boasted about grabbing women by their genitals. Democrats think that the president and his family are blatantly profiting off the presidency and that he welcomed the help of a hostile foreign power during the election. All this is grounded in fact.

Facts aside, there is an emotional symmetry between the conservative reaction to past Democratic presidents and the liberal response to Mr. Trump. Suddenly, left-of-center people get what its like to have a president who is the living negation of all they value, a president who makes them ashamed before their children and terrified for their future. Now theyve learned what its like to worry that malevolent foreign conspirators are manipulating American affairs. And these feelings, it turns out, are an extremely powerful goad to political action.

I saw this recently in Georgias Sixth District, a conservative area that had sent to Congress first Newt Gingrich and then Tom Price, now Mr. Trumps secretary of health and human services. I was there to report on the special congressional election to fill Mr. Prices seat. Ahead of the April 18 open primary, a Democrat, Jon Ossoff, was showing unexpected strength. In the event, he only narrowly failed to win the district outright, and goes forward to a June runoff against the leading Republican vote-getter.

Lots of outsiders were paying attention to the race; Mr. Ossoff raised a staggering $8 million for what was widely seen as a referendum on Mr. Trumps presidency. On the ground, though, the people powering the campaign were locals, many of them previously apolitical suburban women shocked into action by the presidential election.

In Novembers aftermath, Amy Nosek, a 42-year-old stay-at-home mother of two living in an affluent Atlanta suburb, sank into depression, though shed never been depressed before. I didnt even want to go pick up my kids from the school bus because I didnt want to talk to the other parents, or see anybody, she told me.
EVERY surge of right-wing populism confronts voters with a different dilemma. In the Brexit referendum, the risk was the policy, not the politicians. Voting to leave the European Union was not a vote to make Nigel Farage prime minister; it was a vote for a leap into the unknown, but one supervised by mainstream Tory leaders.

In the case of Donald Trump, there was risk in the policy, but the central question was always about the candidate himself: about his fitness for the office, his ability to execute its basic duties, the effect that his demagogy and self-dealing would have on civic norms.

In the case of Marine Le Pen  presently facing off against Emmanuel Macron, the John Lindsay of the Eurocrats, for the presidency of France  the main risk is her party. To elevate her to the presidency is to empower the National Front, an organization that despite years of renovation and attempted purges  extending to Le Pens own father, Jean-Marie  still includes figures like her successor (briefly; he just resigned) as its leader, who appears to have done the Im just asking questions thing about the gas chambers.

Parties matter, their histories and undercurrents matter, and the Fronts Vichy taint is a good reason to prefer a world where a Le Pen never occupies the Elysee Palace.
Here are a dozen things we have learned in President Trumps first 100 days.

1. Trump has had the worst beginning of any president since, oh, perhaps William Henry Harrison (who died a month after his inauguration). Trump has had no legislative triumphs, and he has by far the lowest public approval of any new president in polling history. Large majorities say he is not honest, does not keep promises and does not care about ordinary people.

2. Trump distinguishes himself in one area: incompetence. The debacle of the travel ban was followed by the collapse of the G.O.P. health care bill, and I doubt well ever see passage of a tax reform package, a health bill or even a major infrastructure spending bill. Trump has made no trips abroad (at this juncture, Barack Obama had visited nine countries), and he has fewer than half as many nominees confirmed for senior positions as Obama did at this point.

3. New presidents typically grow into the job, but Trump remains a bully and a charlatan. In my career, Ive never known a national politician as mendacious, ill informed, bombastic and dangerous as Trump. His tweets are as immature as ever, and The Washington Post calculates that he has issued 452 false or misleading claims since assuming office, churning them out at a rate of more than one every six hours around the clock (no wonder he seems so busy!).

4. The opposition to Trump has been ineffective in reaching Trump voters, and he remains deeply popular with his base. Only 2 percent of Trump voters say they regret their choice in November, and an ABC/Washington Post poll suggested that if 2016 voters filled out their ballots today, Trump would be elected by the popular vote as well as by the electoral vote. Even more people say that the Democratic Party is out of touch with ordinary voters than say the same of the Republican Party. Trumps popularity among Republicans means that the liberal aim of removing Trump by impeachment or the 25th Amendment is probably fantasy  and all this should prompt some hard reflection among progressives.
BOSTON  Every morning, I stand behind the metal detectors, searching bags as students enter the school. They come clutching iced coffee and bags of chips, their faces burned by the wind. Sometimes they raise a hand in greeting, but mostly they look off into the distance, bobbing their heads to the music in their earbuds. I am an administrator at a public high school in Boston, serving almost entirely low-income black and Latino students, and that means every morning I am the white guy at the metal detector telling them they are suspected of a crime as they walk into their school.

Ive been an educator in urban schools for over a decade. There are mornings when I imagine a different life, one where I take the train downtown and sit at a desk, actually sit, for 15 minutes over the course of a day. But it is just a passing thought. I keep on going to school because I believe in the work, which is another way of saying I believe in the kids. And then I arrive, and I see their faces framed by metal detectors.

There are metal detectors at the entrance of nearly every public high school in Boston  I imagine its the same in most major cities. Last year, when I started working at this school as part of a new administration, we were determined not to use them. We made it until October, when a student brought a knife to school. He was a gentle kid, a ninth grader, and he said hed brought the knife only because some guys in his neighborhood were harassing him on the way to school and he needed to protect himself. But our first job is to keep the school safe, and so we asked the district for metal detectors, which arrived before 7 the next morning. I had never seen anything arrive so promptly from the district. Textbook orders take months.
They were voyagers on that river, these plumbers, pressers and sewing machine operators; and they took with them on their journey not only their own narrow, impoverished experience but also a set of abstractions with transformative powers. When these people sat down to talk, Politics sat down with them, Ideas sat down with them; above all, History sat down with them. They spoke and thought within a context that lifted them out of the nameless, faceless obscurity into which they had been born, and gave them the conviction that they had rights as well as obligations. They were not simply the disinherited of the earth, they were proletarians with a founding myth of their own (the Russian Revolution) and a civilizing worldview (Marxism).

While it is true that thousands of people joined the Communist Party in those years because they were members of the hardscrabble working class (garment district Jews, West Virginia miners, California fruit pickers), it was even truer that many more thousands in the educated middle class (teachers, scientists, writers) joined because for them, too, the party was possessed of a moral authority that lent shape and substance, through its passion for structure and the eloquence of its rhetoric, to an urgent sense of social injustice.

Most Communists never set foot in party headquarters, laid eyes on a Central Committee member, or were privy to policy-making sessions. But every rank-and-filer knew that party unionists were crucial to the rise of industrial labor; party lawyers defended blacks in the South; party organizers lived, worked, and sometimes died with miners in Appalachia; farm workers in California; steel workers in Pittsburgh. What made it all real were the organizations the party built: the International Workers Order, the National Negro Congress, the Unemployment Councils. Whenever some new world catastrophe announced itself throughout the Depression and World War II, The Daily Worker sold out in minutes.

It is perhaps hard to understand now, but at that time, in this place, the Marxist vision of world solidarity as translated by the Communist Party induced in the most ordinary of men and women a sense of ones own humanity that ran deep, made life feel large; large and clarified. It was to this clarity of inner being that so many became not only attached, but addicted. No reward of life, no love nor fame nor wealth, could compete with the experience. It was this all-in-allness of world and self that, all too often, made of the Communists true believers who could not face up to the police state corruption at the heart of their faith, even when a 3-year-old could see that it was eating itself alive.

I was 20 years old in February 1956 when Nikita Khrushchev addressed the 20th Congress of the Soviet Communist Party and revealed to the world the incalculable horror of Stalins rule. Night after night the people at my fathers kitchen table raged or wept or sat staring into space. I was beside myself with youthful rage. Lies! I screamed at them. Lies and treachery and murder. And all in the name of socialism! In the name of socialism! Confused and heartbroken, they pleaded with me to wait and see, this couldnt be the whole truth, it simply couldnt be. But it was.
I am very drawn to nuances and to people that dont quite fit in, or people that do things slightly differently than anybody else, the photographer Daniel Arnold said. For a week in March, he walked the streets of New York, 10 to 15 miles a day, searching for people who fit the bill.

On his Instagram, which has 146,000 followers, viewers can observe his ability to find oddities in everyday situations. I see somebody doing their own thing on the street, and I think, That is the person I want to capture, Mr. Arnold said. Not some beauty queen, not somebody who has got an outfit that you recognize from a block away, not somebody with expensive name brands. I think a person whose internal experience makes them stand out externally  that's a stylish as you can be.
Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell is candid about the pros and cons of tiny homes and a minimalist ethos. Her book, Living Large in Our Little House, details life with her husband and their six dogs in a 480-square-foot cabin in the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas. When we first moved here full time, I tried to write in our 10-by-10 bedroom, but it was like working from an airplane seat, she said. Then it hit her: People go to offices. Her husband worked outside their home. Why couldnt she build a free-standing structure on their property for her books and desk? I realized its not cheating on tiny houses or minimalism if I build a little 320-foot detached writing studio, she said. You have to make this lifestyle work for you.

Like Ms. Bertelsen, she found that her need to preserve childhood memories proved more powerful than she could have predicted. The only time Ive ever really wanted more space and felt sadness over it, she said, is when I couldnt fit my moms wedding china in our house after she died. The china cabinet was far too large, and there was no way to store its contents in their home. The desire to hold on to certain objects as a tangible connection to a lost loved one is another reason shes thankful for her separate office space; there, she displays many of her mothers books.

Over time, minimalists may also find that they lack the time and energy needed to constantly prune their homes and exist as sparingly as possible. After Hattie Garlick lost her job in late 2012, she and her husband, Tom, declared a spending freeze on all kiddie consumerism for the year 2013, vowing to buy nothing  no toys, clothing, activities or child-targeted foods  for their toddler and, later, for the baby girl they learned they were expecting. Ms. Garlick started a blog to chronicle her minimalist journey, showing how she found used baby gear and swapped items with friends. The internet named her the Minimalist Mom and the experience inspired her second book, Born to Be Wild, which offers instructions for free outdoor activities that engage a childs imagination. Now, four years after her Minimalist Mom sojourn, she works three days a week as a freelance writer, with no pressing need to pinch pennies. But most important, she said, she feels less addicted to spending, so shes less panicked about a leaner month or the prospect of any future instability.

These days, she warned, their two-story London house is far from minimalist. Lego bricks strewn across the floor, poster paints cluttering the breakfast table, childrens drawings covering the fridge, she said. In hindsight, she said, some of the trade-offs she made as the Minimalist Mom, like spending days looking for free toilet-training underpants for her toddler, may not have been the best investment of my time.

Ms. Garlick cautions those flirting with such a lifestyle change, Chasing any ideal, whether its minimalism or anything else, isnt the way forward.

Family life, she added, and actually any life probably, is at its best when its a bit scruffy and messy. Being the Minimalist Mom entailed some daily mental gymnastics, she said, and required her to say no to her son about buying certain things, purely in pursuit of a principle. Today, she said, she feels more relaxed and happier, without the added worry of so much minimalism.
In the latest airline episode captured on video, two women can be seen exchanging blows on a jet bridge at the Atlanta airport on April 21 when a Delta Air Lines pilot appears to grab one woman and smack her before stepping back.

In two videos, shared Saturday by TMZ, a woman is seen rushing headlong into another woman. Some expletives are heard and a man says, Knock it off. As the women tussle on the ground, the pilot steps in and appears to grab one womans arm and then delivers a blow.

A third woman can be seen kicking at the two women and then sitting on them.

Delta officials said in a statement on Saturday that they immediately removed the pilot from duty after being made aware last week of the scuffle, which occurred as passengers were deplaning Flight 1827, which flies between Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
MIAMI  Thousands of immigrants who joined the United States military with promises of a fast track to citizenship are stuck in limbo as new screening measures have taken far longer than expected, leaving some military members around the nation unable to become citizens or even go to basic training.

In the Army alone, about 4,300 people are awaiting the completion of their background checks, said Hank Minitrez, a spokesman for the Army. Until they are cleared, they cannot enter basic training or deploy overseas, leaving them stuck on bases if they are on active duty.

Immigrants must be in the United States legally in order to enlist. But the new vetting measures, begun in the waning months of the Obama administration, have taken so long that by November, the legal status of up to 1,500 people who enlisted in active duty or the Reserve had expired while they waited for clearance, the Army said.

They cannot legally drive or find work, a problem for reservists, who do not draw a full-time military paycheck. Although the Army is granting some extensions, they could eventually be subject to deportation, the Army said.
So on Saturday, the Marines returned to Helmand with a force of 300; roughly half of them had previously served in the province. The same flag that was lowered in 2014 and then stored at the Pentagon office of the commandant of the Marine Corps was raised again at the 6,500-acre Camp Shorab, which the Marines will be sharing with the Afghan Armys struggling 215th Maiwand Corps.

The Marines new mission is a difficult one: to assist and train Afghan soldiers and police to defend the provincial capital. The Taliban control seven of the provinces 14 districts and are encroaching on five others. The government fully controls just two, local officials say.

Its kind of disheartening  the sacrifices you and your Marines made, and to see it go back to where it was, said Gunnery Sgt. Ronnie C. Mills, of Kentucky, who is on his second tour of Helmand after serving three tours in Iraq.

During his previous stint in Helmand, Sergeant Mills served in Marja, which was the scene of one of the biggest battles in 2010 after President Barack Obama ordered a troop surge to break the Talibans momentum. By the end of his tour in July 2011, Sergeant Mills said, the Marja district was safe enough to walk down the road, to go to the bazaars.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan  Under pressure from Pakistans military, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ousted two of his top officials on Saturday in a continuing standoff over leaks to the news media of a meeting at which civilian leaders confronted the military over its alleged reluctance to halt Islamist groups in the country.

Saturdays dismissals were the latest chapter in a showdown over a news story published in October that has infuriated the military. In the article, unnamed sources said government officials bluntly confronted the military over its lassitude in going after militants, saying that the country could be ostracized by the international community.

The removal of the two officials on Saturday, however, did not mollify the countrys powerful army, and seemed to have the opposite effect. Maj. Gen. Asif Ghafoor, a military spokesman, said in a Twitter message that the army rejected Mr. Sharifs effort, and insisted he make public the results of an investigation into the leaks and put its recommendations into effect.

The statement by the military will certainly intensify the standoff between the civilians and the military, said Zahid Hussain, a leading political analyst. We all know how powerful the military is in the country, but todays development takes the civil-military conflict even further.
BEIJING  China has deported an American businesswoman convicted and sentenced on a spying charge, and she arrived in the United States on Friday, her husband said.

The deportation ended uncertainty about the fate of the Houston businesswoman, Phan Phan-Gillis, known as Sandy, who was sentenced on Tuesday by a court in southern China to three and a half years in prison on an espionage charge. The judge said Ms. Phan-Gillis would be deported, but left unclear whether she would have to serve her sentence first.

On Friday, however, Ms. Phan-Gilliss husband, Jeff Gillis, who has campaigned to overturn the spying charge and to win her freedom, said she had been put on a flight from Guangzhou in southern China to Los Angeles, and had arrived there that day.

Many of Sandys friends and family members have been crying tears of joy throughout the day, Mr. Gillis said in an email. He continued to reject the accusation that his wife had been a spy for the American authorities, and said her conviction was manifestly unjust.
BEIJING  President Trump came into office fuming about China. But lately he has been describing his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, as if Mr. Xi were an old friend, even in dealing with deep divisions over North Korea.

I believe he is trying very hard, Mr. Trump said in an interview with Reuters on Thursday. He is a good man. He is a very good man, and I got to know him very well.

Thats heady praise for someone the president had never met before this month. But Mr. Trumps time as a businessman may help make sense of his backslapping tributes to Mr. Xi.

In Trump: The Art of the Deal, his braggadocious memoir-cum-business playbook from 1987, Mr. Trump explained how he flattered, pummeled, cajoled and bluffed his way to what he wanted. He seems to hope to use the same tactics with China.
Obviously we will stand up for our interests as Britain too will stand up for its interests, Ms. Merkel told a news conference after the summit meeting. Were trying to forge a strong European Union of 27. This is the sort of spirit with which we approach these negotiations..

The adoption of the guidelines was followed by a general round of applause, Ms. Merkel noted.

One of the thorniest issues is getting Britain to guarantee that the three million citizens of other European Union nations who are living in Britain and the 1.2 million Britons living in the European Union can maintain their residency rights and other entitlements.

Safeguarding citizens rights was priority No. 1, Donald Tusk, the president of the European Council, the body that represents the blocs leaders, told a news conference after the meeting. Todays discussion made clear that when it comes to reaching a decision on citizens rights not only speed is of the essence but above all quality, as so many peoples lives depend on it, he said.

The leaders also called on Britain to meets its outstanding financial obligations so that other member states can avoid paying higher costs after the British withdrawal. The outstanding bill could amount to as much as 60 billion euros, about $65 billion. But British citizens and politicians are balking at paying such a large sum.

Another key issue: pushing Britain to maintain a free flow of trade and people between Northern Ireland, which will leave the bloc with Britain, and the Republic of Ireland, which will remain a full member of the European Union.
The effort unraveled with the Soviet breakup and is still foundering for lack of money. Mr. Nikonov has continued the work, and his company has prospective pharmaceutical products but, like so many other areas of Russian industry, lacks investment to bring them to market. That would require expensive clinical trials.

And so for now the leeches are sold, squirming and hungry, in glass canning jars, waiting for their patients. It works, as it has for centuries. Why give up the experience of past years? Mr. Nikonov said, shrugging.

Mr. Nikonov estimated that Russian leech farms produce 10 million specimens a year; his farm alone accounts for about two million. The F.D.A. does not keep statistics on American leech use, a spokeswoman, Stephanie Caccomo, said, but the numbers are small.

Most American patients would prefer a pill or something else without the yuck factor, said Dr. Ronald Sherman, a former professor of medicine at the University of California, Irvine, and director of the BioTherapeutics, Education and Research Foundation.

Some Russians prefer to apply leeches at home. At a store run by the leech farm, Nadezhda K. Loba, 64, turned up with a plastic water jug and an order for 100 leeches. She applies them at home, on her temples, to treat conjunctivitis.

For an added measure of frugality, Ms. Loba noted, you can use them repeatedly for yourself, by departing from clinic practice and saving them after an application.

If you take care of them, change their water, they can be used for a long time, she said. Think about it: Leeches dont run out.
MOSCOW  Thousands of Russians lined up in cities across their country on Saturday to present letters of protest at government offices, the second widespread show of public discontent in two months.

The protests, initiated by the Open Russia organization founded by Mikhail B. Khodorkovsky, an exiled former oil tycoon, centered on the right of all Russians to present letters listing grievances to the government.

Some of the protests turned violent. Nearly 120 people were arrested in St. Petersburg, according to O.V.D. Info, an independent organization that tracks protest arrests, and there were scattered detentions in at least a half-dozen other cities. In Samara, a scheduled rally was canceled because of organizational roadblocks put up by the local government, and because a printer backed out at the last minute, Open Russia said.

Pictures of the protest in St. Petersburg, which organizers said had attracted about 300 people, showed riot police officers hustling protesters onto buses, including one older woman holding a sign critical of President Vladimir V. Putin, which said, V. V. Putin  there is a way out  take a pension.
But Francis seemed eager to address one pressing geopolitical issue. He urged the United States and North Korea to step away from the brink and avoid a nuclear conflict that could, he said, be disastrous for the future of humanity.

His comments came just days after Mr. Trump said in an interview with Reuters that there was a chance that we could end up having a major, major conflict with North Korea. The presidents remarks seemed to undercut remarks by others in his administration to ease the dispute by raising the possibility of direct negotiations between the United States and North Korea.

Mr. Trump is scheduled to make his first trip abroad as president in May. His exact itinerary is unclear, but he is expected in Taormina, Sicily, for a meeting of the worlds leading economic powers at the end of the month. A visit with the pope is standard for American presidents traveling to Italy, but the two world leaders have a rocky history.

In February 2016, Francis responded to a question about Mr. Trump by saying, A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not a Christian.

The popes view does not seem to have changed. In one of his Cairo speeches, Francis said: Demagogic forms of populism are on the rise. These certainly do not help to consolidate peace and stability.

All of that has led to doubts about whether a meeting will actually happen. During a news conference at the White House this month with Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni of Italy, Mr. Trump said, I look very much forward to meeting the pope. Immediately after, Mr. Trumps spokesman, Sean Spicer, acknowledged that no meeting had been scheduled.

That was still the case as of Saturday evening.

I still havent been informed by the secretary of state that a request has been made, the pope said, but I meet every head of state who asks for an audience.
13 of 17

In one of his first bill signings, Trump repealed an Obama-era rule about people who are so mentally disabled theyre unable to handle their own Social Security payments. The change allows them to 
On the sad occasion of the fiftieth year of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, I will be writing a series of articles that will propose a number of peaceful people-to-people measures--which have been largely missing--that Israelis and Palestinians must take to bring an end to the occupation. This is the first article that addresses the critical role of Israeli and Palestinian women.

Historically, women have played a critical role in solving major violent conflicts that have lasted for years, if not decades. Although Israeli and Palestinian women have protested in the past against the occupation, it was on a small scale and their voices were drowned by the intense resistance of the powerful settlement movement. While there is a majority of Israelis and Palestinians who consistently want an end to the conflict, neither the Netanyahu government nor the Palestinian Authority have pursued policies consistent with the requirements to reach a peace agreement. It is time for Israeli and Palestinian women to raise their voices en masse and demand peace now, and be prepared to resort to any peaceful measure to that end, regardless of how taxing and long this process may be.

The role of women in ending global conflicts offers a vivid picture of how women can impact the course of events. In Northern Ireland, the organization Peace People was instrumental in increasing solidarity across sectarian divides, delegitimizing violence, and providing the momentum for peace. The group organized marches, culminating in a 10,000+ strong rally in London, and further engaged in facilitating peace in local areas. The Northern Ireland Women's Coalition ultimately gained representation in the Northern Ireland Forum (which led to the Good Friday Agreement) and provided a critical voice in the peace process.

A number of women's organizations were active during the conflicts in the Balkans, each providing its own voice to end the conflict. The Belgrade branch of Women in Black began organizing weekly silent vigils to protest Serbian atrocities in the region and supported the creation of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. Today, they continue their work through ongoing vigils and protests, along with supporting refugees and displaced persons from the conflict, and partnering with a Kosovar women's organization to create bridges between Serbia and Kosovo.

Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace was critical in facilitating the end of the second Liberian Civil War. Women involved with this group engaged in protests in their own communities (publicized initially by Catholic Church-owned radio stations, which later spread to other domestic and international news organization) and subsequently traveled to peace talks in Ghana, blocking all entrances and exits from the building where negotiations took place until there was a resolution.

Perhaps one of the most famous women-led peace organizations in the world is Madres de Plaza de Mayo, which was formed in 1977 by mothers of the "disappeared" during Argentina's Dirty War. Their weekly protests prompted the civilian government starting in 1984 to investigate and prosecute those involved in the atrocities. A related organization, Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo, was instrumental in the foundation of the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team and the National Genetic Data Bank, which have located and identified the bodies of those disappeared, as well as their still-living children who were clandestinely and illegally adopted.

In Israel, civil society should support current efforts by groups such as Women in Black and Women Wage Peace to use their challenging power and make their voices heard. Women in Black have hosted vigils every Friday night in Jerusalem starting in 1988 to protest the Israeli occupation, and have in fact inspired a number of branches across the globe (including in Serbia, as previously mentioned).

Women Wage Peace has engaged in a number of activities, including a prominent hunger strike during 2014's Operation Protective Edge, which led to a meeting with Netanyahu and his promise that he would meet with Abbas at any time without preconditions. Other programs included country-wide screenings of Pray the Devil Back to Hell, a documentary about Liberia's peace movement, in Hebrew, Arabic, and Russian, to foster interest in peace and demonstrate how successful such movements can be.

Whereas all of these activities were absolutely necessary, they were limited in scope and failed to engender wide-spread public support -- reflecting the overall complacency of Israeli society -- and force the hands of the Israeli and Palestinians governments to commit to peace rather than pay lip-service by calling for peace but taking no concrete actions to demonstrate that commitment.

There are a number of joint civic actions that should be spearheaded by Israeli and Palestinian women that could change the dynamic of the conflict in a similar way to the examples cited above. To succeed, Israeli and Palestinian women should undertake multiple activities, remain consistent, and escalate these activities should their respective governments fail to respond to their demands.

Mass protests should be organized by the tens of thousands, and they must signal their intention to follow these protests with regular weekly demonstrations, on a relatively smaller-scale. These demonstrations should take place in different parts of the country to voice their opposition to their government's policies, and demand an immediate shift by beginning a process of reconciliation to mitigate hatred and distrust between the two sides.

Should there be no official positive response or movement from the government, this is where escalation can begin--i.e. moving toward civil disobedience provided that violence in any shape or form is prevented.

Civil disobedience should include, but is not limited to, mass crowding of public spaces (airports, city squares, malls, etc.), as the general society needs to feel the tangible effects of these protests in real time. Many of the demonstrators can expect to be arrested; they should not resist arrest but welcome it, making it impossible for the authorities to cope with hundreds if not thousands of detainees.

Sit-ins at military checkpoints on both sides will greatly hinder security personnel from processing the movement of Israelis and Palestinians from one side to the other, making it especially difficult for Palestinian laborers to work in Israel where they are needed. This not only has an impact on Palestinian laborers, but negatively impacts the Israeli industries in which they work.

Protests at the separation wall will make it all but abundantly clear that peace will not rest on separation between the two sides, but on collaboration and full cooperation on all civilian and security interactions.

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Mistreating either humans or animals is always a despicable act - but doubly so when the victim is young, small, and helpless.

On FORCECHANGE.COM this title caught my eye: "Punish Man Accused of Dragging and Beating Puppy." People of sensitivity would naturally cringe after reading this title.

A man in Syracuse, NY who had been accused of abusing a puppy seemed likely to get off with nothing more than probation. This was unacceptable to animal advocates. This was unacceptable to any person of compassion.

Steven Bryant was charged with two counts of animal cruelty by Syracuse police after being tipped off from a witness. He or she called authorities after seeing Bryant drag a puppy down the street with a leash. As the puppy couldn't keep up with the man's large strides, this cruel insensitive man dragged him down the pavement on his stomach. He also hit the poor puppy with a board.

And indeed afterwards- the police found the puppy suffering from "roadnrash." Police also found a grainy surveillance footage where the puppy was seen struggling to keep up with the man's pace. He also fell numerous times.

Bryant pleaded guilty to animal abuse in exchange for three years probation.

Animal rights advocates said this was not enough punishment and was merely a slap on the wrist. I agree.

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As ANZAC Day approaches, many Australians have once again watched on, shaking their collective heads, as their political leaders display the constitution of a wet lettuce when it comes to resisting their American political overlords.

Australia's Foreign Minister, Julia Bishop, spoke tough when asked about Australia's position on Nth Korea's missile tests.

Indeed, she could be mistaken for any American Warhawk Politician, except for her refined Australian accent.

But, accent aside, Bishop parrots the US Foreign Policy well and, projects it with a kind of refined, constipated belligerence.

The way she threatened Nth Korea would've delighted her US counterparts, once they'd been reminded of who she was and, in what hemisphere Australia was located.

In a world desperately needing rational debate and diplomatic endeavour, we watch our politicians serve their ego's instead of their country's interests.

She may later earn an Oscar for her role as, ' best supporting actress in a World War Three Drama' but, for real people, she failed her call miserably and once again, spoke like a marionette controlled by an American foreign policy God.

She said, "Pyongyang has a clear ambition to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear payload as far as the US."

That may well be the case but, as soon as she said this, her Australian constituent's quickly acquired a world map to measure if that meant Nth Korea's missiles could reach Australia too?

The next question Aussies asked themselves was, if her aggressive rhetoric may make Australia a legitimate Nth Korean target?

Because, it wasn't before she spoke.

And it didn't take very long to realise that the answer to both those questions was, Yes!

In a direct response to Bishop, a Nth Korean spokesman was quoted in the official Nth Korean News Agency, KCNA saying. "The present government of Australia is blindly and zealously toeing the US line. If Australia persists in following the US moves to isolate and stifle the DPRK and remains a shock brigade of the US master, this will be a suicidal act of coming within the range of the nuclear strike of the strategic force of the DPRK."

Julia Bishop talks tough for a minister of a country where the majority of its people have never held a rifle, let alone fired one.

Australians get fined just for possessing a sling-shot!

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[First Published at Inside Syria Media Center]

According to Reuters, today morning Israeli jets carried out five strikes on the depots of Hezbollah in the area close to Damascus International Airport. After the explosion, a fire broke out.

It should be mentioned, that it is not the first time when Israel launches airstrikes on Syria. On April 21, the Israeli aviation targeted the Syrian Army positions in the area of Khan Arnabeh in the province of Quneitra. This attack was committed when the government forces were repulsing militants' large-scale offensive.

Israeli Intelligence Minister Israel Katz has already commented on this airstrike, stating that it corresponds completely with Israel's policy to act to prevent Iran's smuggling of advanced weapons via Syria to Hezbollah in Iran.

Under pretext of fighting the Lebanese Islamist militant group, Israel supports Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Moreover, according to Yournewswire.com, Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman stated that the country maintains full control over ISIS and it doesn't pose the risk for Israel's security.

In addition, the Defense Minister accused Bashar Assad of using chemical weapons in Khan Sheikhoun. Then, Israel supported the U.S. missile strike on Al-Shayrat air base in Homs and Israeli President Reuven Rivlin called on other states to follow the U.S. example.

The Israeli attack on Syria has already caused vehement reaction of the international community. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang stated that China opposes the use of military force. He also urged the world community to respect the territorial integrity and the sovereignty of Syria.

Apparently, Israel seems to be justifying the U.S. and its own illegal inventions in Syria, which is not aimed at fighting terrorism. Furthermore, the official Jerusalem discredits and demonizes Assad's policy, without weighty arguments. Such actions of Israel also reduce the effectiveness of the government troops in the fight against terrorism.

It's obvious that the current Israeli authorities have chosen the escalation of the Syrian conflict instead of political settlement. Sending new jets to bomb Syria, Israel negates diplomatic initiatives that advocate for the rights of Syrians in Astana and Geneva.


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Measured at this point in his term, 100 days in, Trump is the least liked president since modern polling began. Right from the start, his failing administration has been thrashed by the media, and for good reason. For Trump, who's as thin-skinned and self-absorbed as they come, this is intolerable. He's got to change the narrative.

It turns out that's not hard to do: just bomb a country. Then suddenly the TV talking heads, who Trump watches all day, magically switch from thrashing to fawning.

For Trump, this adulation is a shot of adrenaline straight to the heart, and there's little chance he's not coming back for more.

Iraq, Syria, Wherever

Precisely which country he bombs doesn't seem all that important to Trump, who'd likely have trouble finding any of his targets on a map.

In a recent interview with Fox, Trump said he'd attacked Iraq. Actually it was Syria, the anchor corrected. No matter. (Trump was clearer on the dessert he was eating as he launched the attack: "the most beautiful piece of chocolate cake that you've ever seen.")

Now North Korea is in Trump's crosshairs. It's led by "this gentleman," Trump repeated, apparently at a loss for his name.

Readers and Ratings

Whichever country Trump targets next, he's likely to receive praise from the media.

That was the case with Trump's launching of 59 missiles into Syria in response to the country's April 4 chemical attack. Trump's action was hailed by the media, which, like Trump, pinned blame for the chemical attack on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad despite serious questions and the absence of a thorough investigation.

A week later, Trump was basking in more praise, this time for dropping the "Mother of All Bombs" on Afghanistan.

"The more dangerous America's crackpot President becomes, the saner the world believes him to be," wrote The Independent's veteran Middle East reporter Robert Fisk. "[T]he moment he went to war in Yemen, fired missiles at Syria and bombed Afghanistan, even the US media Trump had so ferociously condemned began to treat him with respect."

Never content, the media appears to be busy laying the groundwork for the next escalation; possibly a repeat performance in Syria, something new with Iran, or maybe North Korea.

"The next time you read a story about North Korea or see something about the country on TV, simply ask yourself what changed?" wrote Gizmodo editor Matt Novak. "Did North Korea become a tangible threat to the safety and security of the United States in just a few short months? Or are you being sold on the idea of a war?"

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Goddamit.

Its Saturday morning, the sun is shining in Durham, NC, Im up early for once, and all I want to do is go outside and enjoy the day. I had idyllic intentions. Fucking idyllic. I wanted to let the city fill my soulbreakfast and a newspaper in a cafe, a leisurely browse through an antique store, a great book on the most comfortable bench in a city park. The day was mine to seize. And sure, maybe I would have chosen to stuff my fat face with donuts while I hate-read the Donald Trump Reddit in a dark living room all day. Thats possible. Point is, the day was mine to seize or waste. (Read: waste.)

Instead, checking my Twitter feed at 7:45, I was inundated with popular rage about a New York Times op-ed on climate change by Bret Stephens, a man whose very hiring at the Times had already pissed off a lot of intelligent people. It seems that Stephens, a known climate change denier, was up to his old tricks. Just denying that ol climate change, the way he loves to do. My first instinct was not to careits an instinct that served me well in this life. Then I made the big mistake of actually clicking the link, of actually reading the piece of shit column, and actually growing baffled, morose, and then spitting mad at the stupidity contained therein.

If you also have high ambitions for your Saturday, just read this next sentence and then go outside: Stephens op-ed was one of the worst things that has ever appeared in the New York Times, it totally undermines their now-laughable commitment to truth in the Trump eraexposing it for a cynical, opportunistic, fashionable co-option of the resistance movement, a.k.a. a naked marketing ploy designed to rake in subscriber dollarsand if you have a subscription, you should print out your receipt, travel to New York, and light it on fire in front of their offices while screaming every curse word youve ever learned.

If you want to know why it sucks so hard, and have your own day ruined, read on for a line-by-line analysis. Stephens text in bold:

When someone is honestly 55 percent right, thats very good and theres no use wrangling. And if someone is 60 percent right, its wonderful, its great luck, and let him thank God.

But whats to be said about 75 percent right? Wise people say this is suspicious. Well, and what about 100 percent right? Whoever says hes 100 percent right is a fanatic, a thug, and the worst kind of rascal.

 An old Jew of Galicia

This is the best writing in the entire piece, and thats entirely because it it was written by somebody other than shill-y neocon gasbag Bret Stephens. This opening passage comes from Polish poet Czeslaw Milosz, who was not writing about climate change, and who luckily died in 2004 so he didnt have to commit suicide upon learning that Stephens used his words to defend the utter tripe that follows. Seriously, though, credit where its dueit was a savvy move for Stephens to use a different writers prose to lead off the column. His fatal flaw was transitioning from using somebody elses words to using his own, which are shit.

Right from the jump, before he even starts using his own words, you can see exactly what Stephens is doinghes making the old, fallacious, dumb-fuck argument that if we cant prove something is 100% certain, then we shouldnt act on it. Thats allthats the entire piece. In fact, this is your second opportunity to stop reading and go outside, because it wont get more sophisticated than that. Despite everything we know about human influence on climate change, and the warming of the globewhich our idiot author acknowledges, by the waywe shouldnt let it affect our ideology or our politics, because theres a chance it might be fine.

You get itStephens is a guy who stumps for the conservative line on climate change. He wants society to do absolutely nothing about the most dire crisis of our time so that the people who make money by exploiting our planet and contributing to its environmental destruction can continue to enrich themselves. Yeah, it could get bad, says Stephens, with a little smirk, but what if it doesnt?

Thats the whole thesis. Stephens is the Eli Cash of the Times: Well, everyone knows climate change is a threat to human existencewhat this essay presupposes ismaybe its not?

If youre looking for something more sophisticated, you will be disappointed.

In the final stretch of last years presidential race, Hillary Clinton and her team thought they were, if not 100 percent right, then very close.

Oh Christ, here we go. Another anecdote about how something certain was actually not certain, thus illustrating why we should frack the shit out of every square inch of America and invent cars that spray oil from their exhaust pipes onto school playgrounds. And this one will be more insufferable, because Stephens actually wrote it.

Right on the merits. Confident in their methods. Sure of their chances. When Bill Clinton suggested to his wifes advisers that, considering Brexit, they might be underestimating the strength of the populist tide, the campaign manager, Robby Mook, had a bulletproof answer: The data run counter to your anecdotes.

Hes going to take forever to make the point that we saw coming from the jump, isnt he? And hes going to awkwardly ride the wave of the hot new political book while hes at it. I liked this guy better when he was trying to look smart by quoting dead poets.

That detail comes from Shattered, Jonathan Allen and Amie Parness compulsively readable account of Clintons 2016 train wreck. Mook belonged to a new breed of political technologists with little time for retail campaigning and limitless faith in the power of models and algorithms to minimize uncertainty and all but predict the future.

Im already convincedthe narrow wrongness of the know-it-all Mook, in a completely unrelated field, tells me that we should deforest the entire Pacific Northwest, fashion the redwoods into giant spears, poke them into the ground until we hit crude oil, and then make poor kids drink it out of pouches in decrepit, defunded public schools.

Mook and his Moneyball approach to politics rankled the old order of political operatives and consultants because it made some of their work obsolete, Allen and Parnes write about the campaigns final days. The memo that one Hillary adviser had sent months earlier warning that they should add three or four points to Trumps poll position was a distant memory.

Cool trivia: The original article Stephens submitted to his editors contained 65,000 words summarizing Shattered.

I hate this so much. Has any writer ever telegraphed his approach so obviously? And not to be one of those dudes throwing around the names of logical fallacies willy-nilly, but has false equivalence ever run so amok in an persuasive essay?

Let me lay it out for you, Bret: Some campaign dweeb who devises a closed system for analyzing voter data that tells him not to campaign in Wisconsin is different from the accumulated science of decades that tells us climate change is real and man-made. No matter how you try to harness the energy of electoral populism, it wont transport you to a reality where, eh, the planets probably fine is a reasonable extrapolation. Voting is different from climate. VOTING IS DIFFERENT FROM CLIMATE. THEY ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS.

And I fucking hate that I just had to write those sentences.

Theres a lesson here.

Oh wow, Stephens is ready to make his point! Wake up, everyone, Bret has finished his nine-hour filibuster on Hillary! Bret is finally preparing to argue that in an ethical society, bicycles should run on coal!

We live in a world in which data convey authority. But authority has a way of descending to certitude, and certitude begets hubris. From Robert McNamara to Lehman Brothers to Stronger Together, cautionary tales abound.

Misreading data to serve ones own agenda, as in the case of Vietnam, the financial crisis, or the Clinton campaign, is not in the same fucking universe as the rigorous scientific study of climate change that has led to overwhelming consensus. You goddam dolt.

We ought to know this by now, but we dont. Instead, we respond to the inherent uncertainties of data by adding more data without revisiting our assumptions, creating an impression of certainty that can be lulling, misleading and often dangerous. Ask Clinton.

I reached out to Hillary Clinton, who had this to say: Bret Stephens is correct. The existence of even a fraction of uncertainty in our world, on any topic, means we should abandon science and leave our fate to God, for the only certainty lies in the hands of the almighty, and those who live their lives beholden to the secular idea of free will are, in fact, prisoners blinded to this larger truth. Put more simply, it snowed in April once last year, therefore global warming is not true, therefore we should remove every mountaintop in the Ohio River Valley and let the workers toil for 18 hours each day, and sleep in huts made from the refuse of slag heaps.

With me so far?

No.

Good.

Fuck you.

Lets turn to climate change.

Fuck you to the moon.

Last October, the Pew Research Center published a survey on the politics of climate change. Among its findings: Just 36 percent of Americans care a great deal about the subject.

Hmmm, now this is a new wrinkle. On one hand, it doesnt matter at all if the majority of people are too stupid and/or selfish to care that were mutilating our planet, and Stephens implication that it holds some significancethat old conservative paean to popular wisdom!might be the dumbest thing hes written yet. And if hes using the fact that people dont care about climate change and trying to imbue it with significance extracted from Trumps election, wellI dont even know how to respond. Frankly, Im too tired to parse that level of byzantine idiocy.

But is that really the argument here? I admit, Im a little confused

Despite 30 years of efforts by scientists, politicians and activists to raise the alarm, nearly two-thirds of Americans are either indifferent to or only somewhat bothered by the prospect of planetary calamity.

So what? So fucking what?

Why? The science is settled. The threat is clear. Isnt this one instance, at least, where 100 percent of the truth resides on one side of the argument?

Ohhhh, okay. This is how Stephens transitions from the Hillary stuff to sowing his seeds of doubt about climate change. But man, what a clunky transitionhow can he be so lazy in his very first column for the Times? Seriously, read that segue again. It goes:

A. Robby Mook was wrong about the election.

B. There are historical examples where people have been wrong about things.

C. Nobody cares about climate change.

D. They dont care because theres no drama! No uncertainty!

E. But wait, what if there is? Check this out, everyone

In this thought process, you can see the beginning of the senility that will undoubtedly take hold of Stephens feeble brain within a decade.

Also, needless to say, the fact that two-thirds of people dont care about climate change has nothing to do with the fact that its a settled issue. Thats like saying that a family watching their own house burn to ashes feels wont really give a shit, because after a certain point they realize that, what the hell, the house is beyond rescue.

No, the reason two-thirds of Americans cant be bothered about climate change boils down to a few other factors. One, humans have an unfortunate myopia when it comes to things that arent happening to them right the fuck now. Two, propagandists like Stephens have bent over backwards, for as long as the science has been around, to convince rubes that the threat isnt real. And three, many people have an economic incentive not to believe in climate change, and that has its own sinister convincing power, because a favorable falsehood is more compelling, sometimes, than an inconvenient truth.

Anyone who has read the 2014 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change knows that, while the modest (0.85 degrees Celsius, or about 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit) warming of the Northern Hemisphere since 1880 is indisputable, as is the human influence on that warming, much else that passes as accepted fact is really a matter of probabilities. Thats especially true of the sophisticated but fallible models and simulations by which scientists attempt to peer into the climate future. To say this isnt to deny science. Its to acknowledge it honestly.

But whats dishonest is being confronted by the idea that we could be in serious troublefrom loads of very smart people who have studied it for their entire careersand arguing that we should do nothing about it because, hey, we might get lucky. No reasonable, ethical human being would ever reach that conclusion.

But Bret? Well, if you had told Bret in early 2005 that the levees in greater New Orleans werent in great shape, Bret would have advised you to chill out. After all, theres a chance that years could go by before a big hurricane ever hit!

By now I can almost hear the heads exploding. They shouldnt, because theres another lesson here  this one for anyone who wants to advance the cause of good climate policy. As Revkin wisely noted, hyperbole about climate not only didnt fit the science at the time but could even be counterproductive if the hope was to engage a distracted public.

Warning the public about the perils of climate change might fail to engage them, so check out this counter-intuitive bit of genius I just dreamed up: What if we dont tell them?

Let me put it another way.

I wish you wouldnt.

Claiming total certainty about the science traduces the spirit of science and creates openings for doubt whenever a climate claim proves wrong. Demanding abrupt and expensive changes in public policy raises fair questions about ideological intentions. Censoriously asserting ones moral superiority and treating skeptics as imbeciles and deplorables wins few converts.

Fuck you and your appeals to niceties. Again, a lack of 100 percent certaintywhich, by the way, Ive never heard an environmental advocate claimdoes not mean we should ignore the problem. It does not mean that someone who demands policy change has ideological intentions, unless those intentions are a desire to save lives.

Stephens brainpower has led him down a maze of foggy thinking to two conclusions:

1. No certainty means no action.

2. Its more important to be polite to people who think its not a big deal.

This is who the Times employed, folks.

None of this is to deny climate change or the possible severity of its consequences.

No, its just to make sure we never do anything about it, you malicious fucking traitor to the human race.

But ordinary citizens also have a right to be skeptical of an overweening scientism. They know  as all environmentalists should  that history is littered with the human wreckage of scientific errors married to political power.

TRUST THE REGLER FOLK, NOT THEM BIG BRAINY SCIENCE BOYS! THEM SCIENCE BOYS IS THE SAME AS ROBBAH MOOOK!

Ive taken the epigraph for this column from the Polish poet Czeslaw Milosz, who knew something about the evils of certitude.

Translation: If you believe in climate change, you are Hitler.

You knew Stephens was going there, right? Theres no way this essay was going to end without him gleefully invoking Godwins Law.

I know Ive said it in a thousand different ways already, but holy goddam shit, this guy is an embarrassing hack.

Perhaps if there had been less certitude and more second-guessing in Clintons campaign, shed be president.

Irrelevant.

Perhaps if there were less certitude about our climate future, more Americans would be interested in having a reasoned conversation about it.

If I didnt make my feelings clear when I called Stephens a malicious fucking traitor to the human race, let me state it even more plainly: This op-ed is rotten to its core. If you believe in the magnitude of the threat to our environment, what Stephens proposes is nothing less than an argument for death. The argument isnt just stupid, and it isnt just lazyits sinister. And the New York Times should be fucking ashamed.
Live Poker Tournaments in the UK & Ireland During May

April 29, 2017 Matthew Pitt Editor

The 2017 World Series of Poker is only weeks away and poker players from around the world are grinding hard in an attempt to build their Las Vegas bankrolls and sharpen their skills.

Poker players from the United Kingdom and Ireland have plenty of opportunities to buy into live events nearby throughout the month of May, as you can see from the bustling schedule of live poker tournament schedule below.

Major Live Poker Tournaments in the UK & Ireland during May

Date Tournament Location May 1-7 2017 Genting Poker Series Mini Genting Casino Blackpool May 4-7 Grosvenor 25/25 Series Grosvenor Casino Portsmouth May 5-7 100,000 Gtd DTD200 Dusk Till Dawn, Nottingham May 5-7 Bristol Rainbow Poker Masters Series Rainbow Casino, Bristol May 5-7 150 Monkeys Green Isle Hotel, Dublin May 5-7 PokerStars Megastack London Hippodrome Casino, London May 11-14 Grosvenor 25/25 Series Grosvenor Casino Bradford May 11-14 Super Stack Scotland Alea Casino, Glasgow May 12-14 PokerStars Megastack Leinster Regency Airport Hotel, Dublin May 14 Mini Monthly Special Grosvenor G Casino Reading May 14-16 100,000 Gtd DTD200 Dusk Till Dawn, Nottingham May 15-21 2017 Genting Poker Series Leg 8 Genting Club Westcliff, Westcliff-On-Sea May 18-21 Grosvenor 25/25 Series Grosvenor G Casino Dundee May 19-21 Ulster Poker Festival Cavan Crystal Hotel, Cavan May 19-21 The Big One in Cavan Cavan Crystal Hotel, Cavan May 21-23 100,000 Gtd DTD200 Dusk Till Dawn, Nottingham May 21-28 2017 Grosvenor UK Poker Tour Leg 5 Grosvenor G Casino, Reading May 24-29 The Fitzwilliam Poker Masters Fitzwilliam Card Club, Dublin May 25-28 888Live London Local Aspers Casino Stratford, London May 25-28 PokerStars Live London Series Hippodrome Casino, London May 28-30 100,000 Gtd DTD200 Dusk Till Dawn, Nottingham

There are three of the popular Grosvenor 25/25 Series events taking place in May 2017. These run in Bradford, Dundee and Portsmouth and each carries a 25,000 guarantee for the 220 buy-in.

Also run by Grosvenor Casinos is the Reading leg of the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour. The Reading leg has a large 100,000 guaranteed prize pool for a 550 buy-in, plus a whole host of satellites and side events taking place between May 21-28.

Another tournament that boasts of a 100,000 guaranteed prize pool is the DTD200 at Dusk Till Dawn. There are four such events scheduled during May, each taking place from Friday through Sunday each week. Online Day 1s and satellites take place at partypoker with Day 1c onward at the excellent Dusk Till Dawn poker club in Nottingham.

PokerStars is running three major tournaments during the fifth month of the year. The first is the PokerStars Megastack costing 170 to enter (there is also a 330 High Roller) before the second Megastack heads to the Regency Airport Hotel in Ireland.

Completing the trio of PokerStars events in May is the PokerStars Live London Series May 25-28. If you dont have the 275 buy-in to hand, head online to PokerStars and see if you can win yourself a seat to this superb tournament.

Finally, if you find yourself with a couple of days to spend in London from May 25, you may want to head to the vast Aspers Casino Stratford because the 888Live London Local festival is taking place. The full schedule isnt yet available, but as soon as it becomes public knowledge, youll be able to read about it here at PokerNews.
Jonathan Bowers Leads After Day 1b in MPN Poker Tour Malta Main Event

April 29, 2017 Jason Glatzer Editor

The United Kingdom's Jonathan Bowers ended Day 1b of the MPN Poker Tour Main Event at Casino Malta as the overall chip leader with 278,000 in chips.

Closely behind Bowers were Valerio Marino (265,000), Adlan Bachayev (203,700) and Jacob Nielsen (198,800). All three of these players finished well ahead of Day 1a chip leader Alan Carr (185,600).

Many well-known players also amassed six-figure stacks on Day 1b, including Dara OKearney, Ben Middleton, Tobias Andersen and Manuel Lopes.

The second opening day attracted 265 entrants. This, along with the 99 entrants who ponied up the 550 entry fee on Day 1a, enabled the tournament to smash its 150,000 guaranteed prize pool.

A total of 131 players bagged chips on the two opening days. A good portion of players who advanced to Day 2 were online qualifiers from dozens of countries. Anyone who won their MPNPT Malta Main Event seat on Betsson, betsafe, NordicBet, Triobet or bets10 is automatically part of a special Last Longer King competition. The winner of the competition will be awarded a free package valued at 1,500 to MPNPT Manchester in July.

Day 2 resumes Saturday, April 29, at 1 p.m. local time. Surviving players will play for one more day on April 30 until a winner is crowned.

Two 150 buy-in side events are also on Saturday's schedule. The 150 MPNPT Casino Malta Poker Cup begins at 3 p.m. local time, and the Omaha Cup gets underway at 6 p.m. local time. Both events feature 30-minute blind levels and a starting stack of 15,000 chips.
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.




By: B. Bennett Press

Odyssey of Chaos cover

Contact

Alan Fleishman

***@alanfleishman.com Alan Fleishman

End

-- B. Bennett Press today releaseda new novella by Alan Fleishman. This compelling piece of historical fiction tells the story of Jews caught in Nazi-occupied Athens, Greeks who tried to save them, and those who betrayed them.So many stories have been told of the Holocaust that we have become numb to the horror of it. So why write another one, author Alan Fleishman was asked. "Because for me, it's personal. I have cousins in Athens who were among the handful of Greek Jews who survived. Some of my cousins were hidden in a cellar by a shepherd, aided by their Christian friends. Other cousins were with the partisans fighting the Germans, and some perished in Auschwitz." In spite of all the Holocaust novels, non-fiction, movies, and documentaries, few know the story of the suffering in Greece. Nearly ninety percent of Greece's Jews perished, the highest percentage of Jews lost in any country.opens with the Gestapo pounding on every door in Athens, seeking out the Jews. Theo Kantos, a dress shop owner, has a desperate choice to make if he is to save his family. Does he trust the most despicable man he knows to hide them? Or does he place his life and the lives of those he loves in the hands of a communist? And what does he do about his obstinate brother who always has to have the last word?Fleishman's latest work of fiction includes six contemporary short stories in addition to the title novella. In these storiesFleishman explores new territory, both in style and in subject, to the benefit of his readers.All have one element in common: they are about singular unexpected events and choices which alter the course of our lives and form who we are: A little boy wants a new father. A truly ugly man encounters a charming younger woman. A veteran returns home from the war, a hero to everyone but himself. A woman finds a long-lost lover in a compromised condition. A man discovers there are times when too much money still isn't enough. A domineering mother works overtime to control her compliant son.After many fruitful years as a businessman, Alan Fleishman started a new career as a novelist at a time most people are retiring. The writer was quite surprised by the success of his first novel,. Even greater success came with his second and third,andIn these stories andFleishman chronicles the staggering Twentieth Century Jewish history, from persecution to tragedy to triumph. His intense novels are rooted in hard fact and driven through well-imagined characters.Fleishman's promotional appearances are unlike typical authors' readings and book signings. To promote his books, he uses his marketing experience to deliver engaging multi-media presentations about the history that underpins each of his stories. He has delivered his presentations to enthusiastic audiences at public libraries, universities, synagogues, churches, book clubs, bookstores, and Jewish Community Centers from California and Arizona to Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.Today Alan lives with his wife Ann and Siberian cat, Pasha, high on a hill overlooking San Francisco Bay.is available for purchase at the following e-tailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple's iBooks, Lulu.com, Smashwords.com, Powell's, and many other e-tailers. It may also be purchased through nearly all retail bookstores. It is available in hardcover, softcover, Kindle, and most e-reader formats.Visit www.alanfleishman.com to read an extensive excerpt and more about the author's Greek cousins Holocaust survival.Alan FleishmanB. Bennett PressPublication date: May 1, 2017Hardcover: $29.99ISBN: 978-1365713415Page count: 220 pagesSoft cover: $14.99ISBN: 978-1542785181Page count: 251 pagesKindle: $5.99 and other e-readers
Spains Atresmedia has launched a new version of the live streaming and video-on-demand (VOD) platform Atresplayer for Samsung smart TVs latest software.

The over-the-top (OTT) app has been adapted to Tizen, a multi-platform, open-source, HTML5-based system that Samsung has gradually implemented into its smart TV portfolio over the last two years.Through this update, Atresmedia aims to improve users access to Atresplayers content as well as usability and interactivity.Samsung has been a preferred smart TV partner for Atresmedia since the very beginning as its the most sold smart TV brand in both Spain and Latin America, where Atresplayer is also available.The streaming service is the most used free-to-air online platform in Spain, having just reported 2.4 million unique users in February. The app, available for iOS, Android and Windows smartphones and tablets, several smart TV and console models and Google Chromecast, has accumulated 9.3 million downloads since it was launched in 2013.
Six men have been approved to appear on the ballot for Iran's presidential vote on May 19, with a potential second round to follow. They are meeting on April 28 for the first of three planned televised debates, this one focused on social and economic issues. The subsequent debates run through May 12.

The candidates are: incumbent President Hassan Rohani, a reformist; conservative cleric and former prosecutor Ebrahim Raisi; Tehran Mayor and former police chief Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf; reformist First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a Rohani ally; conservative former Culture Minister Mostafa Mirsalim; and former Iranian National Olympic Committee head Mostafa Hashemitaba, a centrist.

Here are some of the social and economic issues that are likely to arise in the April 28 debate and throughout the campaign.

Where's The Growth?

President Rohani's rivals are seizing on the country's sluggish economic performance to attack his four-year record, promising especially to tackle poverty and unemployment.

Candidates are already making promises regarding the creation of much-needed jobs in a country where many are either unemployed or underemployed.

Raisi has promised to create 1.5 million jobs per year, while Qalibaf has said that if elected he will generate 5 million jobs.

Rohani's critics have said that the 2015 landmark nuclear deal placing curbs on Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for international sanctions relief has failed to improve the life of the poor.

The February parliamentary elections and voting for the Assembly of Experts (which can pick and dismiss the supreme leader) appeared to demonstrate significant public approval for Rohani and the nuclear deal, seen as key to a thaw in relations with the West.

But reports from Iran suggest there is rising public frustration over a lack of tangible benefits from the deal. Most respondents in a recent poll said they believe the nuclear accord has not improved the life of average Iranians.

Rohani's rivals will complain that he conceded too much while obtaining little in return. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused the United States of not keeping its side of the bargain -- whose signatories also include the United Kingdom, France, Germany, China, and Russia -- and presidential challengers are likely to cite sanctions still in place (in connection with issues like human rights, Tehran's missile technology, and alleged support for terrorism) to argue that despite the deal, Washington has not lifted all its sanctions.

Challengers are also likely to propose ways to create a "resistance economy" -- as emphasized by Khamenei -- to make the country more self-sufficient.

In an implicit criticism of Rohani, who has pushed for Western investment, Khamenei earlier this week urged candidates to focus on domestic capabilities to resolve the country's economic problems. Speaking on April 25, Khamenei, who has the last say in virtually all domestic affairs, said candidates "should promise not to look outside the borders [but] rather inside the nation itself for progress, for economic growth, and to untie the knots."

Civil Liberties

Many Iranians have expressed a desire for less censorship -- both online and offline -- and appear fed up with state intervention in even the most private aspects of their lives.

Rohani's promises to expand individual freedoms and civil liberties and lessen censorship and state restrictions on people's lives was among the reasons many voted for him in 2013. He is campaigning on themes that include fewer curbs on the press, more civil freedom, and greater openness generally.

Nearly as a rule, conservative candidates in Iran refrain from openly advocating for more restrictive policies. For example, in his 2005 presidential campaign, hard-liner Mahmud Ahmadinejad said that women's adherence to the dress code -- for instance, whether their hair is completely hidden -- should not be an issue; yet a crackdown ensued after his election in which many women were detained and harassed for not fully respecting a strict interpretation of the so-called hijab.

In an interview with state-controlled TV, Raisi spoke broadly in positive terms about cyberspace, which is tightly controlled in Iran, amid demands for even greater control by his hard-line allies. He also spoke in support of art and culture, a frequent target of conservatives including his father-in-law, Ayatollah Ahmad Alamolhoda, the Friday Prayers leader in Mashhad who has pushed for concerts to be canceled in that city.

Rohani could also face pressure over his 2013 promise -- so far unfulfilled -- to release opposition figures whom hard-liners regard as "insurrectionists." Mehdi Karrubi, Mir Hossein Rohani, and Rohani's wife, university professor Zahra Rahnavard, have been under house arrest since 2011 for challenging Iranian authorities over the results of the 2009 presidential election and highlighting human rights abuses.

Meanwhile, many pro-reform Iranians remain concerned about their house arrest. Rohani's supporters chanted Musavi's name at one of his recent campaign events, according to a video posted online by young reformists supporting him.

Reformists are likely to use Raisi's role in the 1980s mass executions of dissidents and political prisoners to campaign against him. But talk of those killings is unlikely to erode support among Raisi's hard-line supporters.

Ties With U.S. And The West

While Rohani argues that mending ties with the West makes Iran more powerful, his rivals are likely to say that Iran needs to project power and that the country should avoid appearing weak in the face of pressure and rising tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump.

Rohani has argued that confrontational policies could take Iran to the brink of conflict.

"In the coming election, the issue is whether we want to begin confronting the world and bring back the ominous shadow of war or continue on the path of honorable interaction with the world," Rohani said in an April 23 speech.

The president has been criticized by hard-liners for giving away too much in the nuclear negotiations.

Raisi, who is widely seen as the most potent of Rohani's rivals in this election, in an interview with state-controlled TV on April 26 cited unity and national authority as the best ways to confront the United States. He claimed that the United States "is afraid of the name Iran."

He also appeared to express support for last year's brief detention of U.S. sailors by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

"We all saw in the Persian Gulf how our youth brought the Americans with tied hands and put them in a humiliating situation," Raisi said.

The sailors were detained for 15 hours after their boat drifted into Iranian waters during a 450-kilometer journey from Kuwait to Bahrain, where the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet is located.

Women's Issues

Candidates will almost certainly issue promises regarding women's rights to boost support among female voters. Rohani is expected to be bolder in his declarations, as he was in 2013 when he pledged to create more jobs for women and appoint them to senior posts, while conservatives, who support limited roles for women in Iran's clerically dominated society, are expected to keep their promises more modest.

A video posted online by Raisi's campaign appeared to be an attempt to reach out to women. In the video, the hard-line cleric praises the work of his wife, Jamileh Alamolhoda, who teaches at Shahid Beheshti University, and says that he doesn't mind coming home to an empty household.

"If there's no dinner, I don't mind," said Raisi, who added that his wife's work helps the country.
Suddenly, it looks like Russia is on a losing streak in Europe.

Suddenly, it looks like the populist wave that Moscow was cheering on may just be receding.

Suddenly, from Austria to the Netherlands to France, centrist pro-European forces appear back on their feet.

On this week's Power Vertical Podcast, we take a look at Moscow's attempts to influence the French election and why they appear to have failed.

We'll also examine the broader backlash in Europe against Russian political interference.

Joining me is Cecile Vaissie, a professor of Russian and Soviet studies at the University of Rennes 2 and author of the book The Kremlin's Networks In France; and Marcel Van Herpen, director of the Cicero Foundation and author of the book Putin's Propaganda Machine: Soft Power And Russian Foreign Policy.

Enjoy ...

Listen to or download the podcast above or subscribe to The Power Vertical Podcast on iTunes.
By now it is well understood that thinning a material down to a single atom thickness can dramatically change that material's physical properties. Graphene, the best known 2D material, has unparalleled strength and electrical conductivity, unlike its bulk form as graphite. Researchers have begun to study hundreds of other 2D materials for the purposes of electronics, sensing, early cancer diagnosis, water desalination and a host of other applications. Now, a team of Penn State researchers in the Department of Physics and the Center for Two-Dimensional and Layered Materials (2DLM) has developed a fast, nondestructive optical method for analyzing defects in two-dimensional materials.

"In the semiconductor industry, for example, defects are important because you can control properties through defects," said Mauricio Terrones, professor of physics, materials science and engineering and chemistry, Penn State. "This is known as defect engineering. Industry knows how to control defects and which types are good for devices."

To really understand what is going on in a 2D material like tungsten disulfide, which has a single atom-thick layer of tungsten sandwiched between two atomic layers of sulfur, would require a high-power electron microscope capable of seeing individual atoms and the holes, called vacancies, where the atoms are missing.

"The benefit of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is that you get an image and you can see directly what is going on -- you get direct evidence," said Bernd Kabius, staff scientist at Penn State's Materials Research Institute, an expert in TEM and a coauthor on the paper appearing April 28 in the online journal Science Advances.

The downsides, according to Kabius, are an increased possibility of damage to the delicate 2D material, the complex preparation required of the sample and the time involved -- an entire day of instrument time to image a single sample and a week or more to interpret the results. For those reasons, and others, researchers would like to combine TEM with another method of looking at the sample that is simpler and faster.

The technique developed by Terrones and his team uses an optical method, fluorescent microscopy, in which a laser of a specific wavelength is shone on a sample and the excited electrons, pushed to a higher energy level, each emit a photon of a longer wavelength when the electron drops down to a lower energy level. The wavelength, or color of light, can be measured by spectroscopy and gives information about the defect type and location on the sample. This data shows up as peaks on a graph, which the team then correlated to visual confirmation under the TEM. Theoretical calculations also helped to validate the optical results. A necessary step in the process requires placing the sample in a temperature-controlled specimen holder, or stage, and lowering the temperature to 77 kelvin, almost 200 degrees C below zero. At this temperature, the electron-hole pairs that produce the fluorescence are bound to the defect -- in the case of this work a group of sulfur vacancies in the top layer of the sandwich -- and emit a signal stronger than the pristine areas of the material.

"For the first time, we have established a direct relationship between the optical response and the amount of atomic defects in two-dimensional materials," said Victor Carozo, former postdoctoral scholar in Terrones' lab and first author of the work.

Terrones added, "For the semiconductor industry, this is a quick measurement, an optical nondestructive method to evaluate defects in 2D systems. The important thing is that we were able to correlate our optical method with TEM and also with atomistic simulations. I think this method can be very helpful in establishing a protocol for characterization of 2D crystalline materials."

In this context, co-author Yuanxi Wang, a postdoctoral researcher in the 2DLM and a theorist, added, "Our calculations show that electrons trapped by vacancies emit light at wavelengths different than the emission from defect-free regions. Regions emitting light at these wavelengths can easily identify vacancies within samples."

And Vincent Crespi, Distinguished Professor of Physics, Materials Science and Engineering and Chemistry, Penn State, said "We can establish not just an empirical correlation between the presence of certain defects and modified light emission, but also identify the reason for that correlation through first-principles calculations."

Device applications that could be enhanced by this work include membranes with selective pore sizes for removing salt from water or for DNA sequencing, gas sensing when gas molecules bind to specific vacancies and the doping of 2D materials, which is the addition of foreign atoms to enhance properties.
Tropical rainforests are often described as the "lungs of the Earth," able to inhale carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and exhale oxygen in return. The faster they grow, the more they mitigate climate change by absorbing CO 2 .

This role has made them a hot research topic, as scientists question what will happen to this vital carbon sink long-term as temperatures rise and rainfall increases.

Conventional wisdom has held that forest growth will dramatically slow with high levels of rainfall. But University of Colorado Boulder researchers this month turned that assumption on its head with an unprecedented review of data from 150 forests that concluded just the opposite.

"Our data suggest that as large-scale climate patterns shift in the tropics, and some places get wetter and warmer, forests will accelerate their growth, which is good for taking carbon out of the atmosphere," said Philip Taylor, a research associate with the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR). "In some ways, this is a good-news story, because we can expect greater CO 2 uptake in tropical regions where rainfall is expected to increase. But there are a lot of caveats."

Ecologists have long thought that forest growth follows a hump-shaped curve when it comes to precipitation: To a point, more rainfall leads to more growth. But after about 8 feet per year, it was assumed too much water can waterlog the ecosystem and slow the growth rate of forests. While working in the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica, Taylor, who got his doctoral degree in ecology and evolutionary biology at CU Boulder, began to question this assumption.

"Here we were in a place that got 16 feet of rain per year, and it was one of the most productive and carbon-rich forests on Earth. It clearly broke from the traditional line of thinking," he said.

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Intrigued, Taylor spent four years synthesizing data on temperature, rainfall, tree growth and soil composition from rainforests in 42 countries, compiling what he believes is the largest pan-tropical database to date.

The study, published April 17 in the journal Ecology Letters, found that cooler forests (below 68 degrees F on average), which make up only about 5 percent of the tropical forest biome, seemed to follow the expected hump-shaped curve. But warmer forests, which are in the majority, did not.

"The old model was formed with a lack of data from warm tropical forests," said Taylor. "It turns out that in the big tropical forests that do the vast majority of the 'breathing' the situation is flipped. Instead of water slowing growth down, it accelerates it."

Taylor cautioned this does not mean climate change won't negatively impact tropical forests at all. In the short term, research has shown, droughts in the Amazon Basin have already led to widespread plant death and a 30 percent decrease in carbon accumulation in the past decade.

"A lot of climate change is happening at a pace far quicker than what our study speaks to," he says. "Our study speaks to what we can expect forests to do over hundreds of years."

Because the carbon cycle is complex, with forests also releasing carbon into the atmosphere as plants die, it's still impossible to say what the net impact of a wetter climate might be on the forest's ability to sequester carbon, said senior author Alan Townsend, a professor of environmental studies.

"The implications of the change still need to be worked out, but what we can say is that the forest responds to changes in rainfall quite differently than what has been a common assumption for a long time," said Townsend.

Going forward, the authors hope the findings will set the record straight for educators and scientists.

"Our findings fundamentally change a view of the tropical forest carbon cycle that has been published in textbooks and incorporated into models of future climate change for years," said Taylor. "Given how much these forests matter to the climate, these new relationships need to be a part of future climate assessments."
Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology and Peking University have found a new use for the ubiquitous PowerPoint slide: Producing self-folding three-dimensional origami structures from photocurable liquid polymers.

The technique involves projecting a grayscale pattern of light and dark shapes onto a thin layer of liquid acrylate polymer placed in a plate or between two glass slides. A photoinitiator material mixed into the polymer initiates a crosslinking reaction when struck by light from an ordinary LED projector, causing a solid film to form. A light-absorbing dye in the polymer serves as a regulator for the light. Due to the complicated interaction between the evolution of the polymer network and volume shrinkage during photo curing, areas of the polymer that receive less light exhibit more apparent bending behavior.

When the newly-created polymer film is removed from the liquid polymer, the stress created in the film by the differential shrinkage causes the folding to begin. To make the most complex origami structures, the researchers shine light onto both sides of the structures. Origami structures produced so far include tiny tables, capsules, flowers, birds and the traditional miura-ori fold -- all about a half-inch in size.

The origami structures could have applications in soft robots, microelectronics, soft actuators, mechanical metamaterials and biomedical devices.

"The basic idea of our method is to utilize the volume shrinkage phenomenon during photo-polymerization," said Jerry Qi, a professor in the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech. "During a specific type of photopolymerization, frontal photopolymerization, the liquid resin is cured continuously from the side under light irradiation toward the inner side. This creates a non-uniform stress field that drives the film to bend along the direction of light path."

Details of the work are scheduled to be published April 28 in the journal Science Advances. The research was supported by the National Science Foundation, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the Chinese Scholarship Council. It is believed to be the first application to create self-folding origami structures through the control of volume shrinkage during patterned photopolymerization.

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The process that creates the shrinkage phenomenon is considered harmful in other uses of the polymer.

"Volume shrinkage of polymer was always assumed to be detrimental in the fabrication of composites and in the conventional 3-D printing technology," said Daining Fang, a co-author of the paper and a professor at Peking University when the research was done. "Our work shows that with a change of perspective, this phenomenon can become quite useful." Fang is now at Beijing Institute of Technology.

To make the most complex shapes with bending in both directions, the researchers can flip the patterned film over to create crosslinking on the other side.

"We have developed two types of fabrication processes," said Zeang Zhao, a Ph.D. student at Georgia Tech and Peking University. "In the first one, you can just shine the light pattern towards a layer of liquid resin, and then you will get the origami structure. In the second one, you may need to flip the layer and shine a second pattern. This second process gives you much wider design freedom."

Light is shined onto the film for five to ten seconds, which produces a film about 200 microns thick. "The areas that receive light become solid; the other parts of the pattern remain liquid, and the structure can then be removed from the liquid polymer," said Qi. "The technique is very simple."

Frontal photopolymerization is a process in which a polymer film is continuously cured from one side in a thick layer of liquid resin. In the presence of strong light attenuation, the solidification front initiates at the surface upon illumination and propagates toward the liquid side as the irradiation time increases. The process can be delicately tuned by controlling the illumination time and the light intensity, and the method has been used to fabricate microfluidic devices and synthesize microparticles.

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The researchers used poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate in this demonstration, but the technique should work with a broad range of photocurable polymers. An orange dye was used in the demonstration, but other dyes could produce structures in a range of different colors.

For the proof-of-principle, Zhao created a PowerPoint pattern by hand. To scale the process up, the system could be connected to a computer-aided design (CAD) tool for generating more precise grayscale patterns.

Qi believes the technique could be used to produce structures as much as an inch in size. "The self-folding requires relatively thin films which might not be possible in larger structures," he said.

Added Qi, "We have developed a simple approach to fold a thin sheet of polymer into complicated three-dimensional origami structures. Our approach is not limited by specific materials, and the patterning is so simple that anybody with PowerPoint and a projector could do it."
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Last year, Geoff Shester and a few friends were snorkeling off the coast of Santa Barbara Island, near Los Angeles. When they returned to their boat, they had an unexpected visitor - a sea lion pup had jumped onboard, and he was hungry. "At first, people were generally amused to have the sea lion onboard, but they also didn't realize how skinny and emaciated it was," Shester told The Dodo. "They are supposed to be plump, but it was so skinny you could see its ribs and hip bones."

The sea lion pup who boarded Geoff Shester's boat | Geoff Shester

Shester, who works as a campaign director and senior scientist for the California branch of Oceana, knew exactly what was going on. The sea lion pup had probably been abandoned by his mom, which has been happening in California since sea lions have been having trouble finding food. Shester and his friends did have food on the boat, but they didn't feed the pup. "That's a big no-no, as you can do more harm than good," Shester explained.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center

Instead, they tried to chase the sea lion pup off the boat, but he kept returning - again and again and again. "The mood on the boat became somber," Shester said. "It was somewhat of a helpless feeling, as there was really nothing we could do. I was pretty devastated, because while I had been aware of the unusually high strandings, it is very different to see a young, suffering animal like that in person. It actually made me sick to my stomach."

Dodo Shows Dodo Heroes Woman Devotes Her Life To The Stray Dogs Of Bali

Facebook/Pacific Marine Mammal Center

Unfortunately, this kind of incident is far from unusual. Over the last four years, sea lion pups have been showing up in quite unusual places looking for food - boats, cars, highways and even seafood restaurants. All of these pups are thin and starving. While it might be easy to point an accusing fingers at the pups' moms for having abandoned them, the real culprit is lack of food. Sea lions rely on anchovies and sardines, but overfishing has led to the collapse of these fish stocks in recent years, leaving sea lions without much to fill their stomachs. And when sea lion moms can't get enough food for themselves, they leave their pups.

Facebook/Pacific Marine Mammal Center

"If the mother is having trouble keeping herself alive and having trouble feeding herself, the evolutionary strategy that they use is to at least abandon this pup and live to have more pups another day," Shester said. Even when moms don't abandon their pups, they sometimes have to venture so far to find food that they can't make it back safely to their pups. Sea lions often give birth to their young on the Channel Islands, off the California coast, and leave them there for up to several days while they venture out to hunt.

Facebook/Pacific Marine Mammal Center

But with moms traveling further and further to find food, sometimes the babies are left starving on the islands. And so they venture out on their own, in search of mom or some help, ending up on the California shore - or in the middle of a highway. Things started getting bad for sea lions in 2013, when over 1,400 pups were "stranded" along the U.S. west coast after losing their moms. But 2015 was the worst year so far, with over 2,500 recorded sea lion pup strandings. In reality, Shester believes these numbers could be even higher.

Photo supplied in 2015 | The Marine Mammal Center

"That's what we're able to count," Shester said. "Who knows how many are at other beaches or died at sea?" These mass strandings have placed a lot of pressure on rescue and rehabilitation centers such as The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) in Sausalito, California - organizations that often have dozens, if not hundreds, of sea lion pups in their care at one time.

The Marine Mammal Center

Dr. Cara Field, a veterinarian at TMMC, said she found it incredibly heartbreaking to see these animals in such poor condition. "These animals are about 20 or so pounds when they're born," Field told The Dodo. "By the time they reach 6 months of age, they should be 40 or 50 pounds. But we were seeing them still coming in around 20 pounds. That means that they were just getting enough nutrition from the moms. But that's not the moms' fault. It means that the moms were not getting enough nutrition to nurse those pups to get them up to a weight where they survive."

Facebook/Pacific Marine Mammal Center

As sick as these sea lion pups are, Field says that it's good that they have each other. "They're not brothers and sisters, of course, but they're very social animals as a species," Field said. "So you find them in big groups and they lie on top of each other. Sometimes there's some barking and a little bit of sparring, but in general they're very social, and they actually do better with some other sea lions around."

Facebook/Pacific Marine Mammal Center

So far, 2017 appears to be a better year for sea lions, with fewer pups being abandoned, according to Shester. But at the same time, sea lions are facing another big threat - domoic acid poisoning. Domoic acid poisoning is caused by toxic algal blooms, which occurs when heavy rains wash chemicals and other kinds of pollution into the oceans. This, in turn, contaminates the fish, and whoever eats the fish is poisoned. While domoic acid has been a threat for many years, there was a particularly large domoic acid outbreak last year, Shester explained.

The Marine Mammal Center/B. Percevero

When sea lions are poisoned by domoic acid, it wreaks havoc on their bodies, according to Shester. The toxins enter the sea lion pups' bloodstream, which can cause seizures, heart disease and death. It can also cause neurological issues. "A lot of times, domoic acid [poisoning] is like instant Alzheimers," Shester said. "The animals are basically very disoriented, they can't remember things, they lose track of where they are." While it's not yet clear how this domoic acid outbreak will affect sea lions this year, it definitely won't help.

The Marine Mammal Center/Michael Hanrahan

"Sea lions really aren't catching a break," Shester added. "Whether this domoic acid outbreak leads to the fifth year of consecutive unusually high mortality for sea lion pups - I don't think anyone really knows yet. But domoic acid can affect both pups as well as adults." However, despite the new threats, Field and others are hopeful that things are looking up for the sea lion population. "We have biologists that go out to the rookeries, and they weigh a number of the pups every year so we can get some average numbers and date, and this year pup weights were up - they were actually pretty good," Field said. "So that's a great indicator that the moms are out there finding food and that they're able to feed their pups."

Facebook/The Marine Mammal Center
One of the problems with all this dairy fuss is that Donald Trump, and the Republicans, werent the first ones driving the narrative.

Here, for example, is some sharp language U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer used in his missives to the U.S. agriculture secretary and the U.S. trade ambassador.

We cannot tolerate Canadas continued disregard of their trade commitments to us, Schumer wrote alongside Senator Tammy Baldwin. We urge you to exhaust all potential avenues to bring Canada into compliance with its trade commitments.

Thats Chuck Schumer, as in minority house leader Chuck Schumer or, as the Washington Post defined him in a profile, the face of the Democratic party. Tammy Baldwin is a Wisconsin Democrat.

Read more:Trump's trade war takes aim at Canada's weaknesses: Olive

Their co-signed letter dates to August 2016, and came months after Schumers annual tour of his home state of New York. This is not going to be a win for Canada to do this, Schumer warned in March of that year as he toured a milk processing plant in Cayuga County. It will be a lose for Canada.

By this Schumer was referring to Ontarios introduction of Class 6 milk pricing. Already the column reads as though its going to be mentally painful, doesnt it? We need to know that pricing is determined by milks end use. So milk sold as milk is Class 1. When milk becomes butter it is Class 4.

Class 6 was a whole new ballgame, and one that upset the senator greatly. The new pricing category covered skim milk components, such as skim milk powder and milk protein concentrate, to be sold to Canadian processors at world pricing.

The intended effect was to encourage, say, Canadian cheese makers to buy their dairy components domestically instead of cheaper tariff-free milk protein isolate or ultrafiltered milk from operations like the Cayuga plant Schumer toured last spring. (Milk protein isolate is as it sounds: The protein is isolated in a dry product that, according to the American Dairy Products Institute, contains a minimum 90 per cent protein by weight. The imports to Canada of this isolate, and the ultrafiltered milk, have taken off like a shot over the past few years.)

Ontarios move was followed by Manitoba and Saskatchewan and then the federal government, which, just to complicate matters, came up with a national category labeled Class 7. (The fun never ends.) The moves were just the latest in what U.S. milk producers describe as Canadas pervasive pattern of actively seeking to thwart dairy trade obligations. Changes to cheese compositional standards a decade ago pissed the Americans off too.

So when President Trump went off on Canadian dairy, Schumer tweeted his support. Been fighting for NY dairy farmers on this. Glad to see @POTUS join our fight to change Canada's unfair policy that undercuts our farmers.

So its a fair assumption that regardless of whether the president blows hot or cold on this trade issue or another, the dairy fight will continue to be engaged.

I called up Arden Tewksbury for his take. Before we get going here I have to tell you I have a lot of respect for Canada, for the dairy farmers in Canada, Tewksbury says, seemingly before taking a breath.

Tewksbury first milked cows as a kid growing up on his fathers dairy farm in northeastern Pennsylvania. He followed in dads footsteps and became a life-long dairy farmer in the Meshoppen area (north of Scranton, up near the New York border) until a cancer scare two years ago. Hes strong as an ox now, though he gave up the farm. Hes initially cautious about giving his age  I dont want to deceive the women, he says  but then offers that hes 84.

Quite quickly Tewksbury steers the conversation to Chuck Schumer, who, in Tewksburys view, is representative of the problem. He kept saying to the dairy farmers produce more milk, produce more milk. More milk. More milk. More milk, Tewksbury says of the senators support for the dairy industry. He made a big PR out of this.

Federal funds were wooed; plants rehabilitated. Governor Andrew Cuomo was pleased to announce that in 2013 New York reclaimed its spot as the nations third largest milk producer.

Tewksbury argues that the more milk mantra is madness. Its not Canada causing our problems  its over-production, he says.

In that environment, downdrafts like China importing less and low prices globally are only exacerbated. U.S. dairy exports dropped from more than $7 billion (U.S.) in 2014 to $5.2 billion in 2015.

U.S milk pricing is impenetrable, and recent history is full of drama, especially the 2010 Dump Milk campaign when fed up dairy farms decried month after month after month of prices falling short of the cost of production.

You gotta produce what the market can bear and its gotta be priced right, says Tewksbury. Weve known for 35 years or more that we need a supply management program.

Thats right. Supply management. Hes trying to get a petition up to push the U.S. Department of Agriculture into holding a national hearing into milk pricing.

Tewksbury despairs over manufactured milk products  the protein isolates and such. Why are we breaking down the components of milk?

Maybe the question is one for consumers: do you know whats in your cheese?

jenwells@thestar.ca

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Of all the famous faces known in their time to Canadians almost as well as family, probably none was as expressive as that of former Quebec premier Rene Levesque.

And his mournful, rubbery visage was never so eloquent as it was on the evening of May 20, 1980, after Levesques separatists were defeated in the Quebec referendum on sovereignty-association.

Voice croaking, eyes deep wells of sorrow, he told heartbroken supporters a la prochaine fois. Until next time.

It was impossible then to know when the next time would arrive. Or, once it did, how close Canada would come to shattering.

With the 150th anniversary of Confederation this year comes opportunity to remember the two occasions on which the Canada project was put in greatest peril.

Looking back, former prime minister Brian Mulroney said in his memoirs, he never feared Canada would lose the 1980 vote, because Quebec simply wasnt ready to separate.

The Parti Quebecois had not been in place long enough for the debate to acquire its later hard edge, he wrote.

Mulroney even called it. Going into the campaign he told a colleague the vote would split 60-40, with Canada coming out the winner. He was almost spot on.

By 1995, that sort of confidence would prove almost fatal.

As we seemed to be heading for a decisive victory, my federal colleagues and I didnt worry as much as we perhaps should have about campaign tactics, Eddie Goldenberg, chief of staff to then prime minister Jean Chretien, understated in his memoirs.

Read more:

Canada 150: Engineering an act of union

As Canada marks our 150th, this time Newfoundland wont miss the party

150th anniversary lays bare anger of indigenous Canadians not invited to first party

By 1995, while the grievance and aspiration in Quebec remained, the players had changed.

Gone were Levesque and prime minister Pierre Trudeau. Chretien was in the Prime Ministers Office, while Jacques Parizeau was PQ premier. Lucien Bouchard, meanwhile, had returned home from federal politics and was a charismatic force waiting to be tapped.

In fact, former prime minister Paul Martin and many others believe it was the decision mid-campaign to have Parizeau step back and let Bouchard take centre stage as separatisms negotiator-in-chief that ignited the separatist side.

Still, Goldenberg was given no reason in the campaigns initial weeks to second-guess his confidence.

Early polls showed the federalist side well ahead. Then the earth moved. On Oct. 18, a poll published in the Star showed the two sides in a virtual dead heat. Little more than a week before voting day, polls showed the separatists surging ahead.

On Oct. 21, Chretien was in New York to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the United Nations. There he met delegates who found it a mystery and a tragedy that an industrialized, progressive nation such as Canada should be on the verge of breaking up, he wrote.

At a reception, he meet then U.S. president Bill Clinton, who asked if it would be helpful for him to say something.

A few days later, Clinton told a televised press conference in Washington, in reply to a planted question, that a strong and united Canada has been a wonderful partner for the United States and an incredibly important and constructive citizen throughout the entire world.

As Chretien recalled, French president Jacques Chirac was less helpful, telling CNNs Larry King Live that Well, yes, of course we would recognize the fact if Quebec were to vote to separate.

Chretien was to give a major speech in the Montreal suburb of Verdun on Oct. 24. He planned to suggest accommodation of Quebec in regards to recognition as a distinct society and provision of a constitutional veto.

He called Pierre Trudeau to alert him. Is it true were losing, Jean? Trudeau reportedly asked. Chretien said it was.

Youre in charge, Chretien recalled Trudeau saying. Do what you think you have to do.

Along with his promises, Chretien closed his speech that night with a quote from former Quebec premier Jean Lesage.

Le Canada cest mon pays, le Quebec cest ma patrie. (Canada is my country, Quebec is my homeland.

When he returned to Ottawa from the Verdun speech, Chretiens caucus was shocked at the stress and anxiety that showed on him, the weight of knowing the country could be lost on his watch.

Just days before the vote, on Oct. 27, a Unity Rally in Montreal drew Canadians in their tens of thousands from all across the country attempting to persuade Quebecers of their place in Canada.

Bouchard was contemptuous, scoffing that only at the last minute did Canadians show up to say I love you, I love you. By that measure, if Quebec voted to separate, he taunted, theyll adore us.

Then, in his first televised address to the nation, Chretien laid out the stakes.

The decision that will be made is serious and irreversible. With deep, deep consequences. What is at stake is the future of our country.

Come referendum night, Paul Martin said he could barely stand to watch the results come in on the television set up in the finance department.

At 24 Sussex Drive, Chretien was in an upstairs sitting room watching the results with his wife, Aline, daughter and son-in-law.

Staffers came and went, he said. Some couldnt bear to watch the screen for more than a few moments before going off to pace the halls or find a quiet corner to be by themselves.

When the votes by 4.5 million Quebecers were tallied, the No side had 50.6 per cent, the Yes side 49.4  a margin of 54,288 votes, or only a little more than fills the Rogers Centre for a Toronto Blue Jays playoff game.

In Quebec, there was nothing like the grace note of Levesques epitaph to separatism in his generation. Instead, a bitter Parizeau blamed money and the ethnic vote for his sides loss. He resigned the next day.

Chretien, meanwhile, had learned from the countrys near-death experience about the perils of complacency.

The moment the referendum was over and won, I personally took charge to put the close call behind us, now and forever.

By statute, given the almost impossible odds of winning constitutional change, he recognized Quebec as a distinct society and provided a regional veto on major constitutional change.

Through a reference to the Supreme Court of Canada, and the Clarity Act shepherded by Stephane Dion, he set out clearer terms for any future such referendum.

Together he hoped that these measures mean his now and forever trumped a la prochaine.

RISE OF THE YVETTES

Well before women in the U.S. turned a gross Donald Trump profanity into the inspiration for knitted toques, and before nevertheless, she persisted became a feminist rallying cry, there were the Yvettes.

And what they showed was that there is nothing quite as powerful, in any contest of wits, as turning an intended insult into a rallying cry and proud label.

In 1980, as the first Quebec referendum was approaching, Parti Quebecois cabinet minister and former TV host Lise Payette indulged in the risky business of poking a tiger in the ribs with a short stick.

That March, as minister for the status of women, Payette had used International Womens Day to criticize gender stereotypes still prevalent in old Quebec school primers from the 1940s and 50s, which included the docile schoolgirl Yvette.

The next day she repeated her belief that the Yvette character encouraged the submissiveness of women and their confinement to the housekeeper role.

Then Payette went a slur too far.

She said Liberal Leader Claude Ryan preferred that Quebec women remain Yvettes, and that, in fact, he had married one.

Now, Payette had in the past shown the ability to turn a phrase. She is credited with creating the Je Me Souviens motto on Quebec licence plates. But this quip was most unwise.

Led by Ryans wife Madeleine Guay, Quebec women held rallies to protest  some dressing in old-time Yvette-ish garb. The first Brunch des Yvettes drew almost 2,000 women to the Chateau Frontenac hotel in Quebec City. A rally at the Montreal Forum, then home to the beloved Canadiens of the NHL, was attended by 14,000 women.

One observer noted that Payette had got things doubly wrong for herself.

Older women were proud to be Yvettes. And younger women resented being dubbed such. So all were offended at the put-down.

History records that on referendum night, the No side  loudly championed by the mobilized Yvettes  won with almost 60 per cent of the vote.

Payette did not seek a second term.

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OTTAWADefence Minister Harjit Sajjan has formally apologized for embellishing his role in a key Afghan offensive even as evidence emerged that he had made the false claim before.

A beleaguered Sajjan took to social media on Saturday to issue a full mea culpa for his claim to an overseas audience that he was the architect of Operation Medusa, a 2006 offensive by Canadian forces to oust Taliban fighters from districts around Kandahar.

Sajjan said he had made a mistake in describing his role. I wish to retract that description and apologize for it. I am truly sorry, he said Saturday in a Twitter post that referred readers to a fuller explanation on his Facebook page.

While I am proud of the role I played during my deployments to Afghanistan, my comments were in no way intended to diminish the roles of my former superiors and fellow soldiers. To them I offer my sincere apologies, Sajjan said.

What I should have said is that our military successes are the result of the leadership, service and sacrifice of the many dedicated women and men in the Canadian Forces.

It was not, however, the first time Sajjan had made the claim. In 2015 he told the B.C. program Conversations That Matter that Gen. Jonathan Vance, the current chief of defence staff who was previously a commander in Afghanistan, saw him as a key figure in the 2006 offensive.

If I could quote him, he said I was the architect of Operation Medusa, one of the biggest operations since the Korean War that Canada has led. We took the fight hard to the Taliban, Sajjan said in July 2015, just months before he was elected as a Vancouver MP.

Vances office was not available Saturday to respond to that claim.

Still, the apology is not likely to appease opposition critics who will be pressing Sajjan to provide a better explanation Monday when MPs return to Parliament.

I think the damage is done, unfortunately. He never apologized until he got cornered on this. This is a lie he has told before, Manitoba Conservative MP James Bezan told the Star in a telephone interview Saturday.

He has to start telling the truth because right now the military doesnt trust him, Canadians cant believe him and hes become a laughingstock, said Bezan (SelkirkInterlakeEastman).

How can our allies take him seriously? he said.

Bezan said veterans and current members of the military see this as very egregious, when someone tries to rewrite history.

It goes completely against the ethos of the Canadian Armed Forces, he said.

Bezan said the question of whether Sajjan should step down from the defence portfolio depends on how events unfold this week.

Thats going to have to be a call for the prime minister to make. I know there are many suggesting he do the honourable thing and resign himself, Bezan said.

A spokesperson for Justin Trudeau said Saturday that Sajjan continues to enjoy the confidence of the prime minister.

In his apology Saturday, Sajjan singled out retired major-general David Fraser, who commanded the mission in southern Afghanistan. Sajjan said Operation Medusa was successful because of Frasers leadership and the extraordinary team with whom I had the honour of serving.

Sajjan said in his statement that the incident was another reminder to own your mistakes.

Yet the apology came only after days of criticism  and social media ridicule  and an initial statement that in the eyes of some fell short of truly admitting he had not been accurate in explaining his role.

At the time of Operation Medusa, Sajjan was a major, serving as an intelligence officer. And while the intelligence he gathered is credited with shaping the Canadian plan, others who served in Afghanistan have been quick to debunk his claim to be its architect.

The remarks that drew the backlash were made to an audience in New Delhi earlier this month.

Faced with questions about his claim, Sajjan initially said every operation in Afghanistan, including Medusa, relied on the courage and dedication of many individuals across the Canadian Forces.

My comments were in no way intended to diminish the role that my fellow soldiers and my superiors played in Operation Medusa, Sajjan said last week.

But he didnt apologize then, or retract his claim, as he did Saturday.

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WINNIPEGThe Manitoba and federal governments have been unable to resolve a dispute over refugee funding because they cannot agree on how many claimants walking across the border stay in the province.

The Progressive Conservative government asked for federal help in Feburary to provide housing, education and other services for an influx of asylum-seekers entering the country near Emerson, Man. Education Minister Ian Wishart said there have been ongoing discussions but no firm commitments.

Theres been no specific commitments. Theyre certainly willing to talk, which is a good sign, Wishart said. And we will work with them on that and try and find some solution.

Welcome Place, a non-profit agency that has provided short-term shelter, paralegal services and other help to most of the recent arrivals, has also asked the federal government for money.

They did ask us to submit a budget a couple of months ago, but we have not heard back from the federal government on where they are, said Rita Chahal, the agencys executive director.

Read more: Stop standing by on border crossers, Manitoba premier Brian Pallister tells federal minister

A few hundred people have walked across open fields and through ditches into Manitoba since Jan. 1. Many of those making the journey are originally from African nations and fear deportation from the United States under toughened immigration laws.

They cross unofficially instead of at border posts because of the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country agreement. Under that agreement, people who have made refugee claims first in the U.S. are turned back at official Canadian entry points, but it does not apply if they manage to get onto Canadian soil some other way.

Last month, federal Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said a great many of the border-crossers were not staying in Manitoba, so the demand for social services might not be as high as some believe.

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale was in Emerson, Manitoba, on Saturday to announce $30,000 in federal support for the border community to deal with asylum seekers crossing from the U.S.

Goodales office was unable to provide statistics to back up his statement. His office referred questions to the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, which did not provide statistics, but said many claimants from Manitoba were scheduling their hearings in other provinces.

Based on where hearings with the Immigration and Refugee Board are scheduled compared to where the asylum claim was made, we anticipate that the majority of asylum claimants are planning to relocate to larger urban centres such as Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, department spokeswoman Nancy Chan wrote in an email.

Wishart said many of the refugee claimants at the start of the influx last year did not stay in Manitoba, but he estimated about 70 per cent of recent arrivals have. The provinces Department of Families said it has processed 119 applications for welfare benefits from refugee claimants since Jan. 1, some of which are for couples and families.

Read more: Manitoba aid agencies brace for new wave of refugees crossing U.S. border

Alastair Clarke, an immigration lawyer in Winnipeg, said most of the refugee claimants he represents are remaining in Manitoba.

I stay in touch with my clients ... because I help them with their permanent resident applications, and many if not all of my clients over the past six months have stayed in Manitoba, he said.

Welcome Place launched a fundraising campaign last month and has so far raised less than half of its $300,000 goal, Chahal said. The group is busy but has been able to meet the needs of refugee claimants to date.

Welcome Place expects to see a steady stream this year of almost 100 people a month, Chahal said.

The Manitoba government announced in February that it would pay for 14 new emergency housing units, $110,000 for paralegal and other services and $70,000 for a co-ordinator to support refugee claimants.

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WARWICK TOWNSHIP, ONT.Provincial police say a 50-year-old woman is charged in an elder abuse investigation.

They say officers went to a Warwick Township, Ont., home on Thursday to assist health-care workers check on the well-being of a resident.

OPP say the officers helped the health-care officials gain entry to the home, which they say was in a state of squalor.

They say a search of the home eventually located an elderly woman who was incoherent and in need of medical intervention and was taken to hospital.

Police say a Warwick Township woman has been charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life.

She is to appear in Sarnia, Ont., court on June 5.

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OTTAWAPolitics groupies suddenly found themselves this week discussing the pros and cons of cupping, of all things, after the prime minister popped up on a podcast with telltale purple circles on his forearms.

Cupping, just FYI, is an alternative therapy that involves placing suction cups on the skin to draw blood to the surface. Made famous by swimmer Michael Phelps among others. And yes, Justin Trudeau is a fan.

And water coolers across the capital also overheard many a conversation about Trudeaus admission that his father used his connections to help his brother, Michel, deal with a minor marijuana charge: was it a smart move to show empathy with youth? Or a sign of privilege blinding the prime minister to the need for an amnesty for small pot infractions?

But chatter about cupping and privilege quickly took a back seat to far more serious matters as the week progressed. Long-standing assumptions about Canada-U.S. trade, the countrys military procurement system and the Conservative leadership were challenged to the core. Here are three ways federal politics touched Canadians this week:

If there were any remaining believers in the theory that when U.S. President Donald Trump talked about tearing up NAFTA he was really just talking Mexico, they were converted this week.

Trump has repeatedly singled out Canada in recent days for not being fair. Canadas dairy regime hurts U.S. farmers. Canadas lumber is too cheap and needs to face stiff duties. NAFTA should be ditched, or perhaps just renegotiated, but in a way that prevents Canada and Mexico from continuing to take advantage of American generosity. And Bombardier Inc. is way too subsidized.

The federal government has confronted the accusations with lists of facts and figures, direct talks with Trump and his team, and a public plea to be reasonable and polite. Retaliation does not seem to be in the cards at this point, partly because the only material measure taken against Canada by Trump so far is a 20-per-cent lumber duty. With so much more hanging in the balance, Ottawa does not want to make matters worse.

Military procurement mess

Details released this week about the saga of Vice-Admiral Mark Norman served as a stark reminder of the mess that is Canadas multi-billion-dollar military procurement system.

Documents obtained by the RCMP and submitted to the court in its case against Norman show in colourful relief that the omnipresent chase for military contracts is high-stakes, ruthless and endlessly political.

Norman was the militarys second in command until he was suspended without explanation in January. The RCMP accuses him of leaking cabinet secrets  ostensibly to make sure he could get a supply ship built quickly by a Quebec-based shipyard.

The correspondence paints a picture of military operators and competitive industry players plotting relentlessly to manipulate not just each other but also the media and elected politicians.

Its not clear yet whether Norman did anything wrong, or if he was caught in the shadowy network of lobbying and arm-twisting that has come to define procurement in Canada.

Government after government has sought to reform the procurement rules and create new bureaucracies to ensure that taxpayers money and legitimate military goals are treated with respect. As one of the Armed Forces most widely respected leaders strives to clear his name, its obvious theres some work to do yet.

OLearys adieu

The Conservative leadership race was turned on its head this week when Kevin OLeary  a reality TV star and a presumed front-runner in the leadership contest  suddenly pulled out and threw his support behind rival Maxime Bernier.

The drawn-out contest to replace Stephen Harper will be decided on May 27, but Conservatives will see a different dynamic over the next few weeks now that OLeary has essentially conceded to Bernier and arguably robbed some of the other 12 contenders of their focal point.

OLeary was a latecomer to the race but he injected it with profile and attitude, and challenged it with an unorthodox vision of what it means to be conservative. But he also confirmed, in the end, that the tradition of party leaders speaking both official languages is one that cant be jettisoned with impunity  even in the age of Trumpian unorthodoxy.

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After 100 days of President Trump, we should be thankful.

Planet Earth still revolves around the sun, little birds twitter throughout the night and enormous stars still twinkle in the polluted skies above.

But beyond that, all bets are off.

Read more: Trump could get outfoxed by OReilly firing: Burman

The world has every reason to be utterly baffled about the Trump Doctrine on Americas role in the world. If it had hoped to discern one after three months of Donald Trumps presidency, his performance so far has been chaotic and incoherent.

But if we can extract any pattern from his early days in the job, it is enough to give the world heartburn. Trump seems obsessed with appearing tough and using military force as a way of imposing his will  rather than being driven by consistency or ideology. It is still early days but that is a dangerous addiction for any U.S. president to exhibit.

By any measure, Trump has experienced a dismal first 100 days in both domestic and foreign policy terms. His actual accomplishments in terms of legislation have been virtually non-existent, and Trumps approval ratings at this stage of his presidency are the lowest in modern American political history.

Read more:

Trump at 100 days: The biggest, funniest and weirdest moments so far

We could end up having a major, major conflict with North Korea, Trump warns

Trump's trade war takes aim at Canada's weaknesses: Olive

But it is perhaps his behaviour on the global stage that has been most baffling. Trump promoted an aggressive America First agenda during his campaign and roared into office last January promising to reshape what he called the weak and stupid foreign policy of his predecessor Barack Obama.

But then he apparently ran into reality, and the flip-flops began.

No, China will not be declared a currency manipulator on Day One in office, as he had promised.

No, he doesnt still believe that Japan and South Korea should have their own nuclear weapons.

No, he doesnt oppose the global Export-Import Bank anymore.

No, NATO is not obsolete as he described it during the campaign.

No, the U.S. will not move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

And no, he will not tear up NAFTA as he had vowed.

Trump seemed to explain away all of this in an interview last weekend when he said of the U.S. government overall: I never realized how big it was.

Coming from a White House that appears bitterly divided about the road ahead, these reversals have been occurring at a breathtaking pace. Not surprisingly, they have largely been welcomed by Americas foreign policy establishment, particularly the military hawks in the Republican Party.

But to Americas allies abroad, the Trump track record so far has been contradictory and alarming, raising the obvious concern: if Trump can suddenly ditch what were once described as his core principles, what does that say about the rest of his presidency? Or about how truly steadfast Americas resolve will be on their behalf?

The never-ending political and personal drama inherent in Trumps presidency is not only exhausting. It distracts us from what really matters, and what really is happening.

Many of Trumps international initiatives in the past 100 days have been appalling. He has embraced the authoritarian regimes of Turkey and Egypt. In the days before Frances presidential vote, he expressed support for National Front leader Marine Le Pen, who is both racist and anti-Semitic. His actions regarding North Korea have been recklessly provocative. And his treatment of China  by far the most important relationship for the U.S.  has been inconsistent.

In addition, Trump has yet to deal publicly with the implications of Russias hacking of the American electoral process last year. Instead, he has done everything to switch the topic. In spite of these attempts, what is being investigated by congressional committees is the suggestion that Trump campaign officials  perhaps with his knowledge  colluded with Russia to disrupt the presidential election campaign. If proven, that could constitute treason  which is a mind-boggling scenario confronting this presidency.

The other major international issue still in play is Americas response to climate change. Trump has already signed executive orders that serve to undo many of the climate change initiatives of the Obama presidency. This is just one example of the gradual abdication of American leadership globally under President Trump.

But if these dark clouds seem dispiriting, I suggest you stop reading this right now, and take a nap.

You dont need to be reminded that  barring impeachment, assassination or resignation due to health  there are only 100 days gone in the Trump presidency, with 1,361 days to go.

Tony Burman is former head of Al Jazeera English and CBC News. Reach him @TonyBurman or at tony.burman@gmail.com

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When Brenda Waudby pulled up the article on her cellphone, she could barely process what she was reading. She can no longer remember the headline, but the words took her back to the most horrifying time in her life. The Hospital for Sick Children. Evidence. Unreliable.

I felt like throwing up, she said. It was like, Oh my God. Here we go again.

In 1997, Waudby was a single mom in Peterborough, Ont., recovering from cocaine addiction and the violent death of her 21-month-old daughter, Jenna Mellor, when SickKids pathologist Charles Smith ran a bulldozer through her life. Smiths flawed opinions led police to charge Waudby for Jennas murder. It took years to regain custody of her two other children, clear her name and bring the real killer  Jennas 14-year-old babysitter  to justice.

Smiths faulty autopsy analyses tainted more than a dozen cases, including that of William Mullins-Johnson, who was jailed for 12 years after being wrongfully convicted in the 1993 death of his niece.

In late April 2007, the province launched the Goudge Inquiry into pediatric forensic pathology in Ontario and Smith. In the months that followed, Waudby was a regular in the public gallery on the 22nd floor of a grey office tower on Dundas St. West, as the evidence untangled a knot of systemic failings at some of the provinces most trusted institutions, including SickKids.

I was really hopeful that theyd learned, she said. I was hopeful that the systems had corrected their issues.

That hope faded with news of Motherisk, another scandal involving a SickKids doctor, flawed forensics, marginalized parents and families torn apart.

Its like we were disregarded. All we went through, that didnt matter, she said. How could they forget so quickly?

Ten years after the Goudge Inquiry got underway, an investigation into what went wrong at SickKids with Motherisk reveals missed opportunities to contain the scandal brewing in its corridors.

While Motherisk was actively marketing its drug and alcohol tests to child protection agencies across Canada, SickKids was cashing the cheques but didnt seem to appreciate that what was being sold was a forensic test, used in legal cases to help determine parental substance abuse.

From 2005 to 2015, Motherisk performed its hair-strand tests for 16,000 individuals at the request of Ontarios child protection agencies  54 per cent of whom tested positive for drugs or alcohol. Motherisks tests were also used in thousands of cases in B.C., Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Between January 2007 and March 2015, the labs revenues topped $11 million, $6.8 million of which came from childrens aid organizations, according to information released by SickKids through freedom of information legislation.

Then in late 2014, an Ontario Court of Appeal ruling raised doubts about the accuracy of Motherisks hair-testing evidence in a criminal case. Concerns were warranted.

In her blistering December 2015 report, retired Court of Appeal Justice Susan Lang, appointed by the province to review the reliability of Motherisks tests, eviscerated virtually every aspect of the labs operation.

The lab did not double-check results before August 2010, until which point it reported screening-test results despite an explicit warning that the results were preliminary and must be confirmed. All the while, staff lacked the forensic training needed to meet the high bar for evidence presented in court.

Lang also found SickKids failed to provide meaningful oversight or draw clear lines of accountability both factors identified in the $10-million inquiry into Smith led by Justice Stephen Goudge.

Goudges 169 recommendations dramatically improved expert medical evidence in pediatric death cases, but SickKids did not see the red flag with Motherisk, Lang found. I am confident that the hospital will reflect deeply on what went wrong at (the lab) and within its own institution, particularly because it appears that the hospital has not adapted and implemented the lessons to be learned from the Goudge report.

In the beginning, SickKids had vehemently defended the lab, pointing to international proficiency testing the hospital said verified Motherisks results could be trusted. But in the spring of 2015, it was discovered that, for several years, Motherisk was submitting results to the international hair-testing body that had been obtained in a different lab. SickKids closed its Motherisk lab.

The lawsuits SickKids now faces include a proposed class-action seeking $200 million in damages for negligence and $250 million in punitive damages. Dr. Gideon Koren, the founder and long-serving director of the Motherisk program, and Motherisk lab manager Joey Gareri are also named in the lawsuit.

In their joint statement of defence, SickKids and Gareri refuted the claims, and said that if a custody decision was made based on a Motherisk test, which they denied, childrens aid societies were responsible. Koren, in his statement of defence, also denied the claims. He said the tests were accurate and reliable for their intended purpose of providing clinical information relevant to the medical care and safety of children, and claimed no knowledge that the Goudge Inquiry or report were relevant to his role as director of the Motherisk lab.

A prominent clinical toxicologist and magnet for grant money, Koren retired from SickKids in 2015. He is being investigated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, after SickKids shared findings from an internal probe of Motherisk, which also confirmed undisclosed conflicts of interest in the programs still-operational research arm.

His involvement has reignited old grievances about the hospitals response to his proven dishonesty and research misconduct in a high-profile dispute with whistleblower colleague Dr. Nancy Olivieri 20 years ago, which pitted concerns about patient safety against the Canadian drug company Apotex.

SickKids doctor Brenda Gallie, who publicly defended Olivieri at the time, traces the roots of the current scandal to the hospitals decision to stand by Koren, who was suspended, fined and stripped of a research chair by the hospital in 2000, but retained control of Motherisk.

SickKids learned nothing from that. That set the stage perfectly for this, she said. It was just a matter of time until this emerged.

The hospital declined to comment on past scandals, personnel issues or specific cases, citing ongoing litigation.

In a recent interview, SickKids CEO Michael Apkonsaid that following the Lang report and after our own deep reflection, the hospital has given consideration to any of its work that could have interaction with the justice system, and introduced guidelines requiring experts to notify the general counsels office and receive training before interacting with the justice system. It has also refined its conflict-of-interest policy given concerns the public has raised about Dr. Korens research funding, he said.

Weve put new programs and policies and procedures in place to ensure that the chances of anything like this happening again are as low as humanly possible, Apkon said.

Notably, the hospital has hired Justice Goudge, who retired from the bench in 2014, to review its Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) team of doctors and nurses, who often provide expert opinions in abuse cases. SCANs diagnostic expertise came under fire during the Goudge Inquiry into Smith. Apkon said this review is proactive, and is not because we have any specific concerns.

Goudge declined to comment on specifics of the SCAN review, but commended the hospital for reaching out to him.

Certainly what Ive seen is they are wanting to learn, and they are wanting to do better, he said in an interview. I have no doubt about that at all.

Goudge said Motherisk is another example of the challenge the justice and health-care systems face in overseeing the varied skill sets in a complex hospital setting.

Even with the best intentions, its not easy, he said.

Criminal lawyer James Lockyer, who has acted in several wrongful conviction cases involving Smith and was instrumental in exposing the Motherisk failings, said the hospitals status as a public institution means we need to know how they could have gone so wrong.

Theres a sense that it will go away if they avoid it, but thats not the way these things happen, he said. They keep coming back to bite you.

An Ontario mother known as C.R. to protect the identity of her children produced dozens of clean urine tests over several years leading up to her 2009 child-protection trial, attempting to disprove what she claimed were inaccurate Motherisk drug tests, which the lab said showed she used cocaine.

Her two daughters, who were removed at birth, were adopted into other families.

I dont think any of us want this to have happened for nothing, she said. They didnt clean it up the last time (after Smith), so obviously whatever they were doing, it didnt work.

The Motherisk scandal is the product of failings across multiple systems, including child protection and the courts. But the story of how a world-class hospital missed the warning signs holds key lessons for an institution that cant afford to get it wrong again.

Participation in Langs closed-door review of Motherisk was voluntary, there were no cross-examinations and interviewees approved the summaries of their statements before being quoted in the final report.

But Lang is unequivocal on a few key points: the hair-testing service Motherisk sold to child protection agencies and law enforcement was a forensic one and therefore needed to meet a high bar to be evidence in court. And since at least 2005, the hospital had the information it needed to know Motherisks high-stakes operation warranted much closer scrutiny.

The Motherisk Program was founded in 1985 under the umbrella of the hospitals Research Institute, but by the late 1990s, its labs focus had morphed from studying drugs in hair to selling services, Lang found.

In 1998, Motherisk hosted an international workshop that discussed the application of hair analysis in Canadian criminal and civil law. Koren and other Motherisk scientists had authored articles that highlighted the pioneering use of the labs tests in Ontario courts, as early as 1999. Lab managers marketed its hair testing to child protection agencies in more than 160 presentations, beginning in the early 2000s.

However, SickKids told Justice Lang the hospital did not become aware the lab was routinely performing hair tests for use in child protection cases until 2005.

At that point, SickKids claims it viewed this as a shift from research toward clinical practice, which is related to the diagnosis and treatment of patients, rather than to forensic work.

Koren did not respond to emails requesting comment for this story and declined to be interviewed for the Lang review. In response to Langs written questions, he said believed the hair tests were providing clinical information. The fact that only a minority of cases went to court, he said, meant the vast majority served as a treatment tool of therapeutic drug monitoring.

The term forensic was never cited by lawyers or judges, Koren said, or by anyone at SickKids, including risk management or the executive team, although all of them were well aware of our activities with (childrens aid societies) and the court.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines forensic as relating to or dealing with the application of scientific knowledge to legal problems. Lang breaks it down like this: What distinguishes a clinical test from a forensic test is the purpose behind the test. If the test is carried out or is used for a legal purpose, then it is a forensic test.

According to Lang, the only person in Motherisks management who acknowledged the lab was doing forensic work was lab supervisor Dr. Bhushan Kapur, who was hired in 2009, and did not perform the hair tests or interpret results.

Kapur, a toxicologist, told the Star in an interview that he shared his view with Koren, but his argument didnt get traction.

All you can do is you can tell the people once, twice, and then you stop. I made my feelings known, said Kapur, adding that Koren is a very strong personality.

Kapur said he was aware that the Motherisk test was marketed to child protection agencies, but, I had fortunately nothing to do with that, because I didnt want to be part of that. I was strictly a scientist.

Lab manager Gareris lawyer declined to comment for this story. The Star was unable to reach former lab manager Julia Klein. (Other lab employees named in the report either could not be reached or declined to comment.)

Lang said the failure of its managers to appreciate that Motherisk was providing a forensic service was exacerbated by the labs marketing efforts  and was inconsistent with its own statements.

A business plan from 2006-07 describes the lab as performing tests for forensic purposes. In a booklet in 2012, Motherisk said the lab has translated established forensic toxicology methods (e.g. hair analysis) and applied them to children and (newborns). And a presentation to Lang and her team at SickKids in December 2014, obtained through freedom of information, includes the logo for the Society of Forensic Toxicologists.

Given the manner in which (the Motherisk lab) operated, Dr. Koren, Mr. Gareri and Ms. Klein should have appreciated that (Motherisk) was carrying out forensic, not clinical, work, Lang concluded.

Lockyer, who represents a Toronto mother whose criminal appeal ignited the Motherisk controversy in late 2014, said the hospitals position that it didnt view Motherisks tests as forensic makes absolutely zero sense and is simply not a credible statement.

Toronto criminal lawyer Mark Sandler, who was special counsel to the Goudge Inquiry and was consulted by the Lang review on the use of Motherisks tests in criminal proceedings, said the hospitals view of the labs work is very hard to understand.

It had such an important impact upon child protection proceedings that oversight and accountability should have been a central feature of the SickKids approach to Motherisk, he said.

The hospital had several chances to put Motherisks operations under the microscope, including in 2008, at the height of the public reckoning on Smith.

SickKids was not the main player in the Goudge Inquiry, which focused primarily on oversight gaps at the Ontario coroners office, which was responsible for the autopsies Smith performed at the hospital.

But SickKids, where Smith was a staff pathologist for more than 20 years, was a party with standing, and witness to hours of testimony that detailed the dangers of untrained experts performing a forensic service.

Theres no doubt that the Goudge Inquiry was a very big red flag for the Hospital for Sick Children to think about units under its umbrella, Sandler said.

After Goudge, he said it would have been his expectation that SickKids perform an audit or evaluative process to make sure the accountability and oversight gaps that plagued the unit where Smith worked did not exist for others doing similar work in the hospital.

It appears this did not happen.

In an email to the Star, the hospital said it has no information to suggest that an audit about the extent to which forensic activity was ongoing at SickKids was done.

SickKids said there were improvements within SCAN, including developing certification criteria and networking regularly with colleagues across the country to address concerns about working in isolation, the hospital said.

In 2006 and 2008, the hospital chose not to bring Motherisk into its clinical accreditation process, which is not as stringent as forensic accreditation but ensures basic standards are being met.

SickKids told Lang that Motherisk was not included in this process in 2008 because it was recognized that (accreditation) may not be achieved, and sights were set on the December 2010 accreditation inspection instead.

Motherisk was not accredited as a clinical lab until 2011.

Motherisks tests were in the spotlight in the 2009 criminal trial of Tamara Broomfield, who would be dubbed Torontos cocaine mom.

In what appeared to be a horrendous case of child abuse, Broomfield was charged with administering cocaine to her 2-year-old son, Malique, based largely on Motherisks evidence. Koren testified that Motherisks tests of Maliques hair showed he had regularly ingested large amounts of cocaine over 14 months leading up to his near-fatal 2005 overdose.

Broomfield was convicted for administering the overdose and for other child-abuse charges related to her son, and sentenced to seven years in jail.

At the time, the media coverage of the case did not trigger warning bells at SickKids.

In October 2014, the Appeal Court overturned Broomfields cocaine-related convictions based on expert evidence from a forensic toxicologist, who criticized Motherisks methods, interpretations and the reliability of the test.

After that decision, the list of concerned parties quoted in the Star included family lawyers, criminal lawyers, child protection agencies and a judge, demanding answers on Motherisks testing.

However, emails between senior SickKids managers at that time, obtained through freedom of information, suggest the hospital leadership put winning the public relations battle ahead of addressing these concerns.

In an email to SickKids CEO Apkon on Nov. 11, 2014, Jeff Mainland, executive vice-president of corporate strategy and communications, wrote: Had some challenges on strategy by (Senior Management Committee) members this morning (why arent we doing external review?) but they largely understood the complexity of the issue and the tunnel vision of the reporter. (This refers to Star reporter Rachel Mendleson.)

After I walked them thru the facts and the strategy, they seemed to have more confidence in our approach, he said.

Two days later, on November 13, the Star published a front-page story featuring three provincial ministries with oversight of Motherisk or responsibility for the effects of its hair tests and the headline, Why wont they act?

The tone shifted.

If there is a decision to review, we will need some messaging, Mainland wrote in an email to Apkon and Marilyn Monk, executive vice-president of clinical operations. If we are truly confident in (Motherisk), we may lean towards having the government order the review. They can set scope, be accountable for outcome and cover costs.

Apkon responded: Seems like the best insurance is to do this in conjunction with the (government). They can give the review credibility and if there are positive findings we will be viewed as at least somewhat more proactive.

The next day, Apkon wrote to deputy health minister Robert Bell, asking for a brief conversation about the Motherisk lab.

The Star reporter is continuing to push this story and raise new concerns. I do not have concerns about the issues the reporter has raised and I believe she has all the information necessary to develop a clear picture of this domain, he said. However, with mounting pressure, there may be value in an external review.

At the same time, the hospital continued to reassure stakeholders. On November 19, Koren, with the hospitals approval, delivered a presentation for the Ontario Association of Childrens Aid Societies (OACAS) standing behind the reliability of Motherisks testing.

The slide deck, obtained by the Star, states that Motherisk adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of laboratory practice, trumpets the now-debunked proficiency testing results and described the screening test it used to test drugs until 2010 as highly specific.

We were told all the way up the line that there was not a problem, OACAS Executive Director Mary Ballantyne said in December 2016. We believed it because they (the hospital) brought their experts in to prove (it) to us.

The attorney general announced the review on Nov. 27, 2014. Motherisks hair-testing continued for another four months, until SickKids learned it had been misled about the proficiency testing, and suspended operations.

In a recent interview, Apkon said that when questions first surfaced about Motherisk, the hospital was considering two decisions.

Do we continue to operate the lab and offer the service? And how do we collaborate to address the past testing? Thats what drove the decision-making at that time, he said.

Apkon said he viewed assessing the reliability of past tests as a shared responsibility between the lab and the judicial system, adding there was no way for the hospital to independently assess the impact of a particular test on a proceeding.

The decision to keep the lab open until March 2015 was based on the best data we had around day-to-day operations at that point in time, he said. As new data emerged and we began to question the credibility of the lab, we shut it down.

However, the emails suggest that in the interim, another red flag was raised.

In a message to SickKids risk manager Janice Campbell on Nov. 24, 2014, lab manager Gareri asked if there was any legislation that provides clear requirements; particularly considering the common use of our results as part of child welfare proceedings?

Gareri explained that Apkon advised that he get guidance on an appropriate retention policy for the labs testing samples, which at that time were being retained for up to one year, time frames he said were deemed appropriate at our last inspection.

Campbell responded: Did you have standards you based the current (standard operating procedures) on? As it seems to me extraordinarily short given other retention periods we have outlined in the hospital wide policy.

This policy stipulated holding on to patient records and other material for a minimum of 33 years, she said. Also in many of your cases you would also have to consider the medical legal standard . . . the sample and all related documents should be maintained until the matter has been finally resolved . . . and all applicable appeal periods are exhausted.

Apkon said recently that due to pending litigation he could not comment on the processes the lab used at the point it was still operating.

Following the interview, the Star asked SickKids again why it appears Motherisks retention policies were so out of line with the rest of the hospital, how the hospital justifies its decision to keep the lab open following this revelation, and whether a hospital-wide audit has been conducted as a result.

Clinical tissue samples are stored in the Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine in accordance with hospital retention policies, the hospital replied.

A few months before Lang released her findings, the hospital issued a public apology.

We deeply regret that the practices in the Motherisk drug testing laboratory didnt meet the high standard of excellence that we have here at SickKids, and we extend our sincere apologies to children, families and organizations who feel that they may have been impacted in some negative way, Apkon said in October 2015.

He recently told the Star the hospital has used the events of Motherisk to refine a number of important practices regarding the hospitals interaction with the justice system and its approach to conflict-of-interest management.

Im really proud of the care that SickKids delivers and the research that we do here. I think we have a well-deserved reputation. At the same time, it is extremely valuable, and sometimes painful to see how we perform  our impact through other peoples eyes, he said. I do think its made us a stronger organization going forward.

Gallie, the doctor who spoke out during the Olivieri affair, attended the mandatory town hall meetings where Apkon informed SickKids employees of changes the hospital imposed following Motherisk. But she said she has not yet seen evidence that the hospital and its governing board of trustees recognize the need to address deeper issues.

I want to hear them say, Im sorry. We made a series of errors and we are examining everything in our whole structure, she said. I wouldnt say they intend these harms, but to admit that they made a mistake, they cant do.

Led by retired judge Judith Beaman, the Motherisk Commission is weighing the various factors that influenced the outcome of affected child protection cases in Ontario. Out of the 674 cases reviewed so far, the commission has determined in 36 cases there was a substantial reliance on Motherisk hair testing.

Toronto lawyer Julie Kirkpatrick, who acted for Waudby in her appeal of her child abuse conviction and has represented C.R. since 2016, said a common thread is marginalized women, shouting from the rooftops.

Waudby was exonerated in 2012  15 years after Smiths flawed opinions set off a devastating chain of events.

When Waudby returned home in January 1997, Jenna was dead at the hospital. Smith wrongly said Jennas horrifying abdominal injuries were inflicted before her mother left her with the babysitter, and Waudby was charged.

In a desperate bid to regain custody of her other children, she pled guilty to child abuse, believing a deal had been made for the Crown to drop the murder charge if she did.

Other medical experts discredited Smiths evidence but the child-abuser label remained, even after 2005, when Jennas babysitter confessed to beating and sexually assaulting her. Although the babysitter, who was convicted and sentenced to 22 months in jail, had said his blows would have broken Jennas ribs, a typo in the court transcript wrongly said they wouldnt have  an error that was not fixed until 2012. (The babysitter cant be named because he was a minor when the offence occurred.)

In a recent interview, Waudby, 51, said the Motherisk scandal is yet another reminder that just because someone is vulnerable, doesnt mean they shouldnt be listened to, and treated with respect.

Rachel Mendleson can be reached at rmendleson@thestar.ca

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WASHINGTONThe president of the United States would not stop talking about the fraudulence of the election he had just won.

It was only three days into Donald Trumps presidency, the very beginning of what should have been his honeymoon, but he was still consumed by his inconsequential loss in Novembers popular vote. In interviews, on Twitter, in private meetings, Trump kept repeating the lie that more than three million people had voted illegally. Not only that, he announced he was launching a major investigation.

Here was a troubling breach of democratic tradition. The president was casting doubt on the legitimacy of the electoral process. The president was sending the federal government on a taxpayer-funded fishing expedition because he believed nonsense from conspiracy websites.

And then the whole thing disappeared.

No investigation ever materialized. The president got distracted by other grievances. That was that.

If there is a perfect metaphor for Trumps first 100 days, it is the vanishing saga of the imaginary illegal voters. Sound and fury, revealing impulsiveness and dishonesty and a tenuous connection with reality, resulting in a media storm and nothing else.

The story of Trumps gong show of a young administration is a tale of broken norms of presidential behaviour. But it is also, just as importantly, about substantive norms prevailing. All the chaos has distracted from a whole lot of continuity.

Read more:

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The man who promised that transformative change would be so easy has either failed in his attempts at big moves or declined to try them at all. The early tenure of the first reality-television president has been dramatic in the way that old soap operas are dramatic: captivating characters, multiple convoluted plotlines, not much changing any time soon.

It sure feels like things are happening. The Trumpman Show is an all-day, all-night, all-consuming spectacle, cant-miss TV even if you desperately want to miss it.

There he is in the Oval Office, making another grandiose pronouncement. There he is in Kentucky, holding another campaign rally for some reason. Ignore Twitter for half an hour and you might miss Trump scolding an American ally, threatening a Republican congressman, casually suggesting a new international order.

The impression of pandemonium thrills Trumps supporters, who see a take-no-prisoners dynamo shaking up the old elite order, and frightens Trumps opponents, who see a swindler destroying decades of progress. Yet the defining feature of his presidency has been abject nothingness.

Trump, master showman, has been performing the appearance of doing things more than he has been doing things.

He has not a single legislative accomplishment of significance. He has been oddly slow to fill senior positions. His first budget included such cartoonish cuts that it was dead on arrival in Congress. Though he has busied himself issuing executive orders, many have been more like press releases than immediate acts.

His most important order, an incompetently written travel ban targeting Muslim countries, was blocked by the courts. His 100-day Contract with the American Voter, a commitment list to which he affixed his black-Sharpie signature, remains mostly unfulfilled.

One by one, he has discarded pledges to revolutionize U.S. foreign policy, shifting in almost every case to the status quo. Ripping up the nuclear deal with Iran? Hes not doing it. Taking on Cubas Castro regime? He has shown no interest whatsoever. Moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem? Not an easy decision, he says now. Designating China as a currency manipulator? Theyre not a currency manipulator.

He lost a senior appointee, national security adviser Michael Flynn, over a scandal related to communication with Russia. And the FBI continues to investigate whether his campaign colluded with the alleged Russian interference in the election, casting a legitimacy cloud over his every act.

Trump has simultaneously dismissed the 100-day benchmark as artificial, which is true, and claimed he has achieved more in 100 days than any previous president, which is laughable. By any objective standard, scholars say, Trumps 100 days have been poor.

I dont think its even in the ballpark of the 100 days of other modern presidents, said Terry Sullivan, a political science professor at the University of North Carolina and executive director of the White House Transition Project, which provides information to incoming administrations. This presidents not even in the farm club, let alone the major leagues.

The issue, Sullivan said, isnt that Trump hasnt signed as many bills as Franklin D. Roosevelt, with whom the concept of the first 100 days originated, or even Barack Obama. It is his failure to establish the kind of reputation for competence that would convince lawmakers to follow his lead in the future.

Trump was never expected to be a master legislative tactician, winning votes by navigating the intricacies of Congress. But he has not even been an effective bully. The kind of bluster that sounded persuasive to voters has fallen flat with people who actually understand how government works.

I think the problem is that the president speaks to his general-election audience, Sullivan said. The election is over. And he doesnt seem to have understood that.

He needs to be speaking to the audience of Washington decision-makers. And that audience is sophisticated.

Impassioned Democrats have mobilized to fight Trump, swamping town hall meetings and flooding Congress with pressure calls. Their efforts have swayed representatives from both parties. Other checks and balances, like the courts, have proven robust. But the most effective resistance to Trumps agenda has been Trumps own leadership.

The president who vowed to run government like a business has instead run government like his business, a well-marketed luxury brand barely masking behind-the-scenes disarray. The ineptitude of Trump and his team has turned the most routine of presidential acts  a statement commemorating Holocaust victims, for example  into needless controversies. Policy negotiations have consisted of the Great Dealmaker making empty threats and then making concessions.

Trump implausibly demanded immediate funding for his border wall in exchange for continued funding for Obamacare. He then capitulated to the Democrats. Trump warned he would make life difficult for the leader of the right-wing House Freedom Caucus if he didnt support Trumps health-care plan. Mark Meadows just ignored him. Administration officials suggested he was preparing to announce his intention to withdraw from NAFTA. When the leaders of Canada and Mexico called and asked him not to, he quickly announced he would stay in the deal.

I think hes used to a situation where he just gets his way and doesnt have to work with anyone, said Angel Padilla, a co-founder of the leading opposition group Indivisible. He does not know how to govern. And thats apparent in everything weve seen.

Trump is, indisputably, a world-class real estate salesman, and he has made expert use of the White House as a visual prop. On Wednesday, he had the Senate come over for an unusual briefing about North Korea. But even the Republicans left confused, unclear what the administrations policy was or why they had been invited in the first place.

It is hard for Trump to marshal sophisticated policy arguments when he evidently lacks policy sophistication himself. Time and again, his attempts to achieve have been hampered by his own ignorance. It is not even clear if he knows what he himself believes.

His greatest flop was the collapse of his effort to repeal and replace Obamacare. (He has claimed that his bill isnt dead yet, and it appeared to have new life this week in the House of Representatives.) Even as he flailed to sell the American Health Care Act, he made clear that he wished he had instead chosen to pursue tax reform first. Only because of legal requirements, he said, was he forced to begin with health care.

In fact, there were no such requirements. He had been persuaded to start with health care by Speaker Paul Ryan, who wanted it that way. Unless Trump was lying, always a possibility, he had been led into an embarrassing mess because he didnt know basic facts.

A month before he was forced to withdraw the bill from the House floor, Trump uttered the most revealing quote of his first 100 days.

Nobody knew health care could be so complicated.

There is no talking about Trump without talking about his unwavering base. A hundred days in, almost everybody who voted for him would do so again.

John Orr, a grain trader and Republican county chair in Nebraska, knows Trump hasnt been able to achieve everything he wanted. But he does not blame Trump. In his view, the leading culprits include obstructionist establishment types and a biased media.

Trump voters, Orr said, know it will take time for the president to overcome such entrenched interests. And they are pleased with his successes to date.

No Trump triumph was as momentous as his appointment of Neil Gorsuch to fill the vacant seat on the Supreme Court. Even if Trumps presidency is a four-year disaster, the 49-year-old conservative could well be shaping the nations laws for 30 years.

A lot of folks were fearful of who Hillary [Clinton] would appoint for the Supreme Court. So Gorsuch getting confirmed  a lot of the other things dont even matter to a lot of people, Orr said. Given the circumstances, I think hes done all he can, basically.

Trump has done more than get Gorsuch confirmed. He has approved the Keystone XL oil pipeline, abandoned the Trans-Pacific Partnership once and for all, ordered a toughening of Buy America trade policies. The jury is still out on his pinprick missile strike on Syria in retaliation for a chemical attack on civilians, but it was applauded by a bipartisan array of policy experts disenchanted with Obamas inaction.

The Syria strike was a flip-flop on his vow not to target Bashar Assad. He has reversed himself on a wide variety of domestic and foreign policy issues. He has stood firm, however, in his antipathy to Muslims and illegal immigrants.

Though Trump has irked some anti-illegal-immigration activists by dumping his promise to cancel Obamas protections for DREAMers, undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, he has empowered enforcement agents to far more aggressively deport people, and they have. His hard line appears to have scared thousands into staying in Mexico rather than attempting to cross.

Gorsuch aside, his most significant early impact has come through the preliminary moves of the agencies he has handed over to hard-right appointees. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has said he plans to sharply curb federal efforts to foist reforms on police forces abusing civil rights. Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt has begun to turn the agency away from Obama-era efforts to combat climate change.

Environmentalists say Trump has made little progress even on rescinding Obama orders and rules on which he doesnt need congressional help. But it appears to be coming. Off-camera, away from the bright lights of Trumps travelling circus, his team has set the wheels in motion for a vastly different policy era.

But tallying policy achievements and non-achievements fails to do this presidency complete justice. The normal scorekeeping methods presuppose that the administration is normal.

This one is not close. Where on the scorecard does one put takes governing instructions from Fox News segments? What about impugns the ethics of own FBI director?

In Trumps first 100 days, he has attempted to discredit federal judges, worked to convince the public that the news media is an enemy of the people, falsely accused his predecessor of committing serious crime in cahoots with U.S. intelligence agencies. While he is not even close to the fascist some critics said he would be, he has waged a running war on the credibility of democratic institutions.

In the process, he has damaged his own credibility, perhaps irreparably. The April case of the missing aircraft carrier  Trump and his team suggested it was steaming toward North Korea when it was heading the other way  merely confirmed a conclusion world governments had already drawn: nothing this president says can be trusted.

He is averaging 2.2 false statements per day in office, telling lies about subjects as irrelevant as his television ratings. A couple of them have caused international incidents. When Trump falsely told a crowd that something terrible related to terrorism happened in Sweden the night before, or falsely told an interviewer that Korea used to be part of China, he did real damage to his countrys reputation.

Whats most striking in transcripts of his remarks is not the mendacity. It is the incoherence. Stripped of his vocal flourishes, the words of his first three months reveal a president out of his depth, alternating between petty fixations and buzzwords he is sounding out without any evident understanding of what they mean.

Gripping soap opera, yes, but this is also the presidency as hard-to-watch amateur improv act  its star a man playing some barely recognizable version of the part without control of his own tics.

I can be more presidential than anybody, if I want to be, Trump insisted late in the 2016 Republican primary. I can be more presidential than anybody. The inescapable conclusion from his first 100 days is that this was a lie, too.

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MOSCOWUnder the slogan Im fed up, demonstrators urging Vladimir Putin not to run for a fourth term rallied in cities across Russia on Saturday. Dozens were arrested in St. Petersburg and elsewhere.

The centrepiece rally in Moscow went peacefully, despite being unsanctioned by authorities. Several hundred people rallied in a park then moved to the nearby presidential administration building to present letters telling Putin to stand down from running in 2018.

But in St. Petersburg, Associated Press journalists saw dozens arrested. The OVD-Info group that monitors political repression relayed reports of more arrests in several cities, including 20 in Tula and 14 in Kemerovo.

Putin has not announced whether he plans to run for president again next year.

Read more: Here are 10 outspoken critics of Putin who died violently or in mysterious ways

He has dominated Russian politics since becoming president on New Years Eve 1999 when Boris Yeltsin resigned. Even when he stepped away from the Kremlin to become prime minister in 2008-2012 because of term limits, he remained effectively Russias leader.

Nationwide protests on March 26 appeared to rattle the Kremlin because of the demonstrations unusual size and reach. The predominance of young people in those protests challenges the belief that the generation that grew up under Putins heavy hand had become apolitical or disheartened.

Saturdays demonstrations were much smaller, but indicated that marginalized opposition forces will continue to push.

The demonstrations were called for by Open Russia, an organization started by Kremlin foe Mikhail Khodorkovsky.

As an oil tycoon, Khodorkovsky was once listed as Russias richest man, but his political ambitions put him at odds with the Kremlin. He was arrested in 2003 and served 10 years in prison on tax-evasion and fraud convictions that supporters say were political persecution. He was pardoned in 2013, left the country and revived Open Russia as a British-based organization.

On Wednesday, Russias Prosecutor-General banned Open Russia as an undesirable foreign organization. But the groups Moscow branch says it is administratively separate and not subject to the ban.

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ISTANBULIn a move that social media users called censorship, a Turkish court on Saturday blocked access to Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, enforcing an earlier restriction by Turkeys telecommunications watchdog.

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) said an Ankara court ordered on Saturday that a protection measure related to suspected Internet crimes be applied to Wikipedia. Such measures are used to block access to pages or entire websites to protect national security and public order.

In response, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales tweeted his support for those who labelled the decision censorship: Access to information is a fundamental human right. Turkish people I will always stand with you to fight for this right.

Turkey Blocks, an Internet censorship monitor, said users in Turkey had been unable to access all language editions of Wikipedia since 8 a.m. Saturday.

The loss of availability is consistent with Internet filters used to censor content in the country, the monitor said.

The site had initially been blocked by BTK under a provisional administration measure.

Read more: Erdogans referendum win increases tension, deepens divisions in Turkey

Canadian found guilty of insulting Turkeys president, released from prison as lawyer appeals

Turkey President Erdogan ramps up anti-Western rhetoric

The exact reason for the ban remains unclear. But Turkeys official news agency, quoting the Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications, said Saturday the site was blocked for becoming an information source acting with groups conducting a smear campaign against Turkey in the international arena.

The state-run Anadolu Agency said officials had warned Wikipedia to remove content likening Turkey to terror groups but the site persistently did not.

Turkey had demanded that Wikipedia open an office in the country, act in line with international law and abide by court decisions and not be part of blackout operation against Turkey, according to the agency.

Anadolu said if these demands are met and the content removed, the site would be reopened.

Opposition lawmakers criticized the court order. Republican Peoples Party parliamentarians Eren Erdem tweeted the ban puts Turkey in line with North Korea while Baris Yarkadas called it censorship and a violation of the right to access information.

Turkeys status is listed as not free on the 2016 Freedom on the Net index by independent rights watchdog Freedom House. It says more than 111,000 websites were blocked as of May last year.

Meanwhile, the Turkish government has passed two new decrees  one that expelled more than 4,000 civil servants and another that banned television dating programs.

The countrys Official Gazette published the decrees Saturday evening. The first named thousands of civil servants to be dismissed, including nearly 500 academics and more than 1,000 Turkish military personnel. The decree also reinstated 236 people to their jobs.

The second decree, among other things, bans radio and television programs for finding friends and spouses.

The state of emergency that followed last summers coup attempt has allowed the Turkish government to rule by decrees. Since then, more than 47,000 people have been arrested and 100,000 have been purged for alleged connections to terror organizations.

Turkey says U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen orchestrated the coup attempt. He denies the allegations.

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Re: Trump stumbles on the truth, Editorial, April 23

Trump stumbles on the truth, Editorial, April 23

The Toronto Star has stumbled onto an ill-informed reason to praise Donald Trump. I was one of those thousands of Canadian dairy farmers who were going broke in the 1960s, because market prices did not meet our production costs. Taxpayers propped up the broken system with subsidies.

Visionaries William Stewart, Ontarios Conservative Agriculture Minister, and his counterpart in Ottawa, Liberal Eugene Whalen, offered farmers the option of limiting production to the needs of the Canadian market, and an end to subsidies, in exchange for protection from foreign dumping. Several groups of producers, including dairy farmers, voted to take the offer.

So now the Star suggests the market price for milk is 200 to 300 per cent lower than the price received by Canadian farmers. Does the Star believe farmers can suddenly absorb a 66-per-cent reduction in prices? Does the Star believe taxpayers will not be called upon to prop up a collapsing dairy industry if we return to world-market forces?

I have been retired now for 17 years, with worn-out knees and shoulders. The day I retired was the day I realized how hard I had worked for 45 years, with few holidays and plenty of all-night calvings.

The Star editors need to learn a few things about farming before writing about it. Come to think of it, that is a problem Donald Trump has, too.

Allan Slater, Lakeside, Ont.

Agreeing with Trump is a hard pill to swallow but, this time, he hit the bulls-eye and most Canadians will agree with him. Not for the purported damage caused to Wisconsin farmers but for the continuing damage it does to the ordinary Canadians pocketbook. It is a political charade that should have ended long ago: artificially increasing the cost of dairy products to the average Canadian while benefitting a small segment of the farming population.

Subsidizing the Ontario and Quebec dairy industry by limiting production is both morally and economically repugnant, and will likely disappear under any new NAFTA agreement. It is surprising we got away with keeping this protection largely intact in the trade agreement with the EU.

Sigmund Roseth, Mississauga

PM wisely calm about milk, Hebert, April 22

Once again, Prime Minister Trudeau has shown skill and finesse in dealing with the mercurial U.S. president. He clearly plays the Trump card well. I agree with Chantal Hebert that Trudeau responded to the wild and nutty accusations that Canada is responsible for the woes and tribulations of the dairy farmers in Wisconsin and New York state with a certain restraint and professionalism.

Trudeau was right by saying lets renegotiate NAFTA on the facts. The undisputed facts are that Canada is a fair trader, whether it is soft wood lumber or dairy.

The U.S. has been a major beneficiary of liberalized trade and NAFTA. Any protectionist measures Trump might invoke will only hurt the American economy.

Trudeau was also right to point out that every country subsidizes their agricultural industries and thats a good thing because every nation needs to protect its agricultural sector.

Andrew van Velzen, Toronto

As totally expected, Trump uses the dirty tactic of business negotiation: hit your adversary hard before you sit down to negotiate. Show your power and make them cower.

Arguing with facts, such as that lumber has never been subsidized by our government, will not work on someone who lives in a world where facts do not matter.

Why dont we play hardball? For example, we can stop shipping our oil and cancel the pipeline. We can find a lot of buyers in other parts of the world for our oil. Let us see how the Americans feel about depending on Middle East oil again.

Venkat Krishnan, Ajax

Often we hear that Trump must have a plan or that his seemingly one-off actions are part of some grand vision. But the only thing Trump cares about is himself and his perverted vision of his greatness.

The latest proof is his statements about Canadian softwood lumber and our dairy industry. He terms our actions disgusting, attacking us with lies and insults  the only way he knows how to relate to anyone.

His countervailing duties against softwood lumber and his as-yet-unannounced action against Canadian dairy will have unfortunate repercussions on U.S. consumers and thousands of Canadian workers. Neither trade is unfair to Americans  lumber according to years of World Trade Organization decisions and dairy because the U.S. sells five times the amount to us as we sell to them. Trump doesnt care.

Gary Ralph, Toronto

What has been missing from coverage of the softwood lumber issue is that Canada had much freer access to the U.S. market when trading through the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, now called the World Trade Organization (WTO), before entering NAFTA.

In the last lumber settlement, in 2006, after the NAFTA panel ordered $5 billion in illegally collected tariffs be returned to Canada, the U.S. kept $1 billion and gave it to the U.S. companies that brought the action against Canada! So the U.S. companies were richly rewarded for their harassment of Canada and have every incentive to continue it.

Canadas strongest and best action on lumber, dairy, energy and everything else is to give six months notice, withdraw from NAFTA and return to trading with the U.S. under the WTO.

David Orchard, Borden, Sask.

I am appalled that the U.S. has once again imposed a tariff on Canadian softwood timber, and our response is to appeal the process that may take years for resolution.

The Trump administration must view Canada as weak, attacking us twice in the same week. We need to take a stand. Start with an important government purchase that does not involve Canadian industry: Cancel the Boeing F/A 18 fighter aircraft we have on order. Advise the U.S. that we will be changing our military configuration and standardize with European aircraft, at least until these other arbitrary issues are resolved. Perhaps even a couple of Chinese fighters on the tarmac would help in our training.

We have recently made a new European trading partnership and we should stand by that. The U.S. wants us to beef up our NATO spending, so lets support our European allies.

John Kingston, Etobicoke

The honeymoon is over, states President Trump in imposing 20-per-cent countervailing duties on Canadian softwood lumber, which is predicted to create considerable job losses and company closures across Canada.

What is yet to be seen is what our globe-trotting prime minister is going to do, besides wait for the presidents final decision. Washington has clearly signalled this is only the beginning. Auto parts, energy, dairy products and more are looming targets for the president.

Rather than sitting around waiting to see the extent of the damage, why dont we act creatively to get our message across. Suspend the Canadian portion of the XL pipeline and increase the price of our oil and the cost of hydro from Ontario and Quebec currently shipping to the U.S., sufficient to cover any tariff charges applied to softwood lumber.

Considering Canada is responsible for roughly a third of U.S. oil consumption, this would no doubt get Trumps attention.

Gordon Wilson, Port Rowan, Ont.

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Starbucks (SBUX) - Get Free Report has a mixed track record on acquisitions, something that came to a forefront once again when the coffee king reported its latest results on Thursday.

After missing Wall Street's sales estimates for the third quarter, Starbucks announced that it would be closing up shop at Teavana, the tea chain it acquired for an astronomical price of $620 million in 2012.

"As reported on the Q2 call, many of the company's principally mall-based Teavana retail stores have been persistently underperforming," Starbucks said in a statement. "As a result, Starbucks will close all 379 Teavana stores over the coming year, with the majority closing by Spring 2018."

On its previous earnings call with analysts in April, Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson, who took over from longtime leader Howard Schultz earlier that month, blamed its struggling Teavana stores, in part, for company's meager profit gain. Once again, for the third-quarter ended July 2, earnings per share were only in line with Wall Street's estimates.

"While the Teavana brand continues to be highly accretive to our tea business in Starbucks stores, many of our mall-based Teavana stores are continuing to have a negative impact on our overall results," Johnson said in April. "We have launched a review process and intend to take clear action to improve the performance of our Teavana mall store portfolio."

READ MORE: Why Starbucks Should Buy This Billion-Dollar Greek Yogurt Company

The bad news about Teavana shouldn't come as a shock to anyone who knows the history of Starbucks' acquisitions.

David Henkes, research firm Technomic's advisory group senior principal, said in an earlier interview that Starbucks uses acquisitions to gain new menu items, concept ideas and expertise. In addition to Teavana, Starbucks' other big acquisitions include the La Boulange bakery brand and Evolution Fresh cold-pressed juice brand.

"It becomes difficult for large chains to focus on growing a second concept when their primary focus is on their [core] brand," Henkes said, explaining that he can't say whether Starbucks "consciously" purchases companies it knows it's going to drain then shutter.

Henkes said whether there's 600 or 50 locations under the subsidiary company, those other brands represent such a small sliver of the overall pie that they will always cost more than they earn.

Said a Starbucks spokeswoman to TheStreet via email, "These acquisitions have allowed us to elevate and enhance the customer experience and we believe that the value of the brands we've invested in are paying off."

Here's a look back at Starbucks' biggest buys, and where they are now.

Top stories on TheStreet:
Cardinal Health, Inc. operates as an integrated healthcare services and products company in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It provides customized solutions for hospitals, healthcare systems, pharmacies, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories, physician offices, and patients in the home. The company operates in two segments, Pharmaceutical and Medical. The Pharmaceutical segment distributes branded and generic pharmaceutical, specialty pharmaceutical, and over-the-counter healthcare and consumer products. The segment also provides services to pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers for specialty pharmaceutical products; operates nuclear pharmacies and radiopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities; repackages generic pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter healthcare products; and offers medication therapy management and patient outcomes services to hospitals, other healthcare providers, and payers, as well as provides pharmacy management services to hospitals. The Medical segment manufactures, sources, and distributes Cardinal Health branded medical, surgical, and laboratory products and devices that include exam and surgical gloves; needles, syringe, and sharps disposals; compressions; incontinences; nutritional delivery products; wound care products; single-use surgical drapes, gowns, and apparels; fluid suction and collection systems; urology products; operating room supply products; and electrode product lines. The segment also distributes a range of national brand products, including medical, surgical, and laboratory products; provides supply chain services and solutions to hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories, and other healthcare providers; and assembles and sells sterile, and non-sterile procedure kits. The company was incorporated in 1979 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ohio.
Graham Holdings Company, through its subsidiaries, operates as a diversified education and media company worldwide. It provides test preparation services and materials; data science and training services; professional training and exam preparation for professional certifications and licensures; and non-academic operations support services to the Purdue University Global. The company also offers training, test preparation, and degrees for accounting and financial services professionals; English-language training, academic preparation programs, and test preparation for English proficiency exams; and A-level examination preparation services, as well as operates three colleges, a business school, a higher education institution, and an online learning institution. In addition, it owns and operates seven television stations; and provides social media management tools to connect newsrooms with their users, as well as produces Foreign Policy magazine and ForeignPolicy.com website. Further, the company publishes Slate, an online magazine; and two French-language news magazine websites at slate.fr and slateafrique.com. Additionally, it provides social media marketing solutions; home health and hospice services; burners, igniters, dampers, and controls; screw jacks, linear actuators and related linear motion products, and lifting systems; pressure impregnated kiln-dried lumber and plywood products; cybersecurity training solutions; digital advertising services; and power charging and data systems, industrial and commercial indoor lighting solutions, and electrical components and assemblies. The company also owns and operates 11 restaurants and entertainment venues; and engages in automobile dealerships business. The company was formerly known as The Washington Post Company and changed its name to Graham Holdings Company in November 2013. Graham Holdings Company was founded in 1877 and is based in Arlington, Virginia.
Free mens breakfast in Jerome

JEROME  The Jerome Free Will Baptist Church will hold its quarterly mens breakfast at 8 a.m. Saturday. The breakfast will feature fellowship, live music and guest speaker Buzz Renn, of Jerome.

Renn is a former track star who will speak about his experiences accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior and how it has changed his life. There is no charge for the breakfast, but a freewill offering will be accepted. All men and youth are welcome to attend. The church is at 810 South Cleveland in Jerome. For more information, call 208-308-6541.

Hodges recognized for lay minister certification

TWIN FALLS  The United Methodist Magic Valley Ministries will celebrate worship at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the Twin Falls United Methodist Church. The Rev. Penny Hodges will be recognized as a certified lay minister. She is the first person from the Sage District to receive this designation.

Special music will be provided by Twin Falls First UMC. The chancel choir will sing Go Ye Into All the World, the handbell choir will play The Day of Resurrection, and Rob Newman will sing Consider the Lilies. A potluck lunch will be held afterwards in the Fellowship Hall. Twin Falls FUMC is at 316 Shoshone St. E. and is handicapped accessible, with an elevator at the Fourth Avenue North entrance.

Fothergill to share conference experience

TWIN FALLS  Increasingly, Unitarian Universalist congregations and communities are acting on a longing to bring their faith to everyday life; to live their values everywhere  at home and with friends, in business and politics, in the public square and the market place. Living an embodied response to this yearning is the basis of Beloved Community.

Karen Fothergill will be sharing a lesson learned from her recent visit to the Pacific Northwest District Unitarian-Universalist conference on Listening to Create Beloved Community. This lesson comes from the Center for Courage and Renewal and the work of Parker Palmer. Magic Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship services are at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at 588 Addison Ave. W. in Twin Falls.

Newcomers of all religious paths or none at all are always welcome. The building is handicapped accessible. Please park in the rear of the building. Child care is available.

Guest celebrant to visit Ascension

TWIN FALLS  Ascension Episcopal Church welcomes The Rev. Michael Case for services of Holy Communion at 8 and 10 a.m. on Sunday. Case is part-time Priest-in-Charge at Holy Nativity in Meridian. Childcare will be available from 9:30 a.m. until after the 10 a.m. service. A fellowship coffee hour will be held after the 10 a.m. service.

Ascension Cafe, the adult discussion group, will be held from 9:10 to 10 a.m., featuring a question and answer session with Ascensions Search Team members on the status of the search for a new rector. All are welcome for worship, study and fellowship. Ascension Episcopal Church is at 371 Eastland Drive N. in Twin Falls. For more information, go to episcopaltwinfalls.org or call 208-733-1248.
Carnival Corporation & plc is a leisure travel company operating a fleet of cruise ships, hotels, and resorts with international destinations. Brands under the Carnival Corporation umbrella include Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America, P&O Cruises, Seaborn, Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, and Cunard. The companys goal is to provide extraordinary vacations at an exceptional value. As of 2022, the company laid claim to nearly half of the global cruising market share with several new ships in the works.

Carnival Cruise Line was launched in 1972 with one second-hand ship and a tank of fuel. The first port of call was San Juan, Puerto Rico, but soon more were added. The original growth strategy included a festive atmosphere, features and amenities unlike any other cruise line at the time. Slow to start, the growth strategy shifted into overdrive in 1980 when Carnival shocked the world by building its own ship. The Tropicale became an iconic name in the cruising industry and sparked a wave of shipbuilding that is still underway.

The companys growth hit a new stride in 1987 following the IPO which floated 20% of the company on the open market. The proceeds from the IPO allowed the company to embark on a voyage of acquisition and now Carnival is the worlds largest travel and leisure business.

Today, Carnival Corporations 87 ships visit approximately 700 ports worldwide and employ more than 120,000 people while serving more than 13 million guests annually for a total of 85 million passenger cruise days per year. Net revenue, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, peaked out at over $6.5 billion annually.

Carnival Cruise Line is the companys largest brand serving guests on all coasts of North America. The brand's 22 ships make 1500 voyages per year with trips ranging from 2 days to 3 weeks and ports of call from the Caribbean to Alaska. The company's largest ship is named Panorama and can accommodate more than 4,000 passengers.

Carnivals 9 brands provide access to a wide range of cruising styles and destinations including the Caribbean, Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, England, and ports in Asia. The company is headquartered in Miami, Florida and has offices around the world. The company also has the distinction of being the only company included in both the S&P 500 and FTSE 250 indices.
Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF), the largest multilateral development initiative in Mena, recently approved $242.6 million in financing for health, agriculture, and rural infrastructure development projects in eight countries.



The projects are scheduled to be implemented in Tajikistan, Sudan, Djibouti, Niger, Mauritania, Cameroon, Uganda, and Guinea.



This second meeting of the Impact Committee of the LLF was inaugurated by Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabiah, Advisor at the Saudi Royal Court and General Supervisor of King Salman Relief and Humanitarian Aid Center.



Maher Al Hadhrawi, assistant supervisor general for Operations and Programs at KS Relief, and chair of the LLF for its first year of operations, said: We successfully launched the first project - a malaria prevention and control project in partnership with the Government of Senegal in March. We are here today to prioritize more projects that will have the biggest impact across the Muslim world and lift the poorest people out of poverty.



He added: Over the next five years, the Lives and Livelihoods Fund will make $2.5 billion available for anti-poverty projects in health, agriculture and rural infrastructure in Islamic Development Bank member countries. $363 million has been approved for the Funds first operational year, and all the donors are working closely together to ensure that it is allocated most effectively.



Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Kuwari, director general of QFFD, commented: The Lives and Livelihoods Fund is the first multilateral partnership of its kind in this region, and demonstrates the benefit of partnering with other donor organizations and regional governments. By pooling our resources together, and combining grants with finance from the Islamic Development Bank, we are able to increase our impact and ultimately save more lives. At Qatar Fund for Development, we are proud to contribute to an initiative that is going to have such a massive impact on the lives of millions of people across the Islamic world.



Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, director general of ADFD, said: Todays meeting demonstrates that the Lives and Livelihoods Fund is making steady progress in improving peoples live across the developing world. Our contribution to the Fund articulates the development agenda pursued by the UAE Government that aims to promote inclusive social and economic development through working with our partners from other development agencies to ensure the effectiveness of our aid programs.



We are proud to be a founding member of the largest multilateral development initiative in the Middle East and look forward to devoting all our resources and expertise to ensuring improved livelihoods for the people of developing countries. This approach aligns well with Abu Dhabi Fund for Developments aim to use innovative finance to support developing countries achieve their own development goals.



Dr Waleed Alwohaib, director general, ISFD, commented: I would like to thank KS Relief for hosting the second meeting of the LLFs Impact Committee, and we are also grateful to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for being the largest contributor to the ISFD, the poverty reduction fund of the Islamic world. Through the grant contributions of the LLF, our aim is to protect communities from the risk of preventable diseases, improving reproductive, maternal and child health, increasing access to sanitation and primary healthcare, and supporting rural development, we are empowering some of the poorest people in the world, and giving them the chance to live healthy and productive lives.





In September 2016, the Lives and Livelihoods Funds Impact Committee approved projects worth $363m for the first of the five years that the fund will be operational.



The Lives and Livelihoods Fund will make $2.5 billion available over the next five years on projects that help the poorest people in 30 of the poorest Muslim countries lead healthy and productive lives. Administered by the IsDB, the fund combines $2 billion of IsDB financing with $500million in grants from donors.



So far, $400 million in grants have been committed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (20 per cent of the total up to $100 million), the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development ($100 million), the Qatar Fund for Development ($50 million), the King Salman Relief and Humanitarian Aid Center ($100 million), and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development ($50 million).  TradeArabia News Service




Cassia County

Felony dismissals

Kelli Jean Anderson; felony possession of controlled substance, dismissed on motion of prosecutor; misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, dismissed on motion of prosecutor; misdemeanor alcoholic beverage - consume or possess open container by driver, guilty, $70 fine, $187.50 costs, 60 days jail, 52 days suspended, eight days credited.

Jacob Michael Goffinet; felony controlled substance - manufacture or deliver or possess with intent to manufacture or deliver, dismissed on motion of prosecutor; misdemeanor controlled substance - possession of, dismissed on motion of prosecutor; misdemeanor drug paraphernalia - use or possess with intent to use, dismissed on motion of prosecutor.

Emmanuel Isaiah Carnell; felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon or instrument without the intent to kill, dismissed on motion of prosecutor; misdemeanor battery, dismissed on motion of prosecutor.

Driving under the influence sentencings

Sandra Teeter; misdemeanor driving under the influence, guilty, $150 fine, $202.50 costs, 90 days driver's license suspended, 12 months probation, 90 days jail, 88 days suspended, two days credited.

Kelli Lynn Clark; misdemeanor driving under the influence (excessive), guilty, $300 fine, $202.50 costs, 90 days driver's license suspended, 12 months probation, 120 days jail, 118 days suspended, one day credited, two days community service in lieu of jail.

Natalie Kim Chavez; misdemeanor driving without privileges, guilty, $172.50 costs; misdemeanor driving under the influence (excessive), guilty, $1,000 fine, $500 suspended, $202.50 costs, 365 days driver's license suspended, 24 months probation, 365 days jail time, 315 days suspended, two days credited.
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best productslearn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

When you need a spray that really works, consider one of these top-rated, DEET-free insect repellent sprays.

The good news is that there are a number of alternatives to DEET bug sprays. We've researched the safest and more effective options on the market. Some of the recommendations below use Picaridin, a synthetic compound was developed by Bayer AG and is a derivative of compounds found in black pepper. Studies show that it performs as well as DEET. However, if you prefer to avoid both picaridin and DEET, check out our list of natural insect repellents .

One of the most popular approaches to repel or kill biting insectsDEET-based insect repellentshas significant drawbacks. DEET is an acronym for an organic chemical, N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide. At concentrations of 30% or higher, DEET is considered toxic to the central nervous system. DEET sprays can damage plastic, rubber, and vinyl (bad news for you hiking and camping gear) and give off an unpleasant order.

Getting out into the great outdoors is one of the best things you can do for your health and wellbeing. But you may not enjoy these benefits as much youre being attacked by biting insects like mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, gnats and flies. Whether youre camping, working in the garden, or hosting a barbecue, nothing is more disruptive than the swatting, itchy welts and days of scratching that follow a buggy outing.

Murphy's Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent is our Best Overall pick, thanks to a combination of effective ingredients and ethical corporate policy.

Best Overall: Murphy's Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent 5 Amazon View On Thrive Market View On Amazon View On Grove.co Youll find a number of insect repellents on the market with lemon eucalyptus in the name. Derived from the leaves of the eucalyptus citriodora tree, the active ingredient, p-menthane-3,8-diol or PMD is the powerhouse behind our Best Overall pick, Murphys Natural Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent Spray. The convenient pump spray goes on easily without being sticky and our testers found the fresh lemon scent to be pleasant without being overpowering. Safe for children three years old and up, a single application is good for six hours of protection. A 30% solution of the natural eucalyptus oil is the heart of this potent spray. The remaining 70% by weight is 45% ethanolthe same alcohol found in beer and wineand 25% deionized water. The ethanol is flammable and can cause eye irritation so youll notice warnings on the label to keep it out of reach of children and pets. Our tester also noted that the spray top doesn't come with a cap.

But Murphys Naturals held the top spot because of the company's sustainable approach. As a certified B Corporation, Murphys Naturals has met the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability across all of their products. It's also a member of 1% for the Planet, a collection of businesses that make annually-verified donations to environmental nonprofits. Price at time of publish: $10 "Lemon eucalyptus spray has served my family well on many adventures along the rivers of the Southwest and throughout the back woods of the Pacific Northwest. Youll find comparable products on the market with an almost identical ingredient list under other popular brand names like Cutter, Repel, and Natrapel." ~ Lorraine Wilde, Treehugger Writer

Best for Home: Eco Defense Home Pest Control Spray Eco Defense View On Walmart View On Amazon When insects have invaded your home, you need something that works, but is also safe to use in your kitchen or bedroom and wont be unhealthy for children or pets. Eco Defense Home Pest Control Spray is that just-right combination of safe, natural ingredients, a pleasant scent and consistent effectiveness. This is one of the few home sprays that is USDA Certified Biobased. That means the U.S. Department of Agriculture has certified that the product is derived from plants and other renewable agricultural, marine, and forestry materials. The certification means it is safe to spray anywhere in your home including in your closet, in kitchen cracks and crevices and on couches and rugs. Active ingredients include geranium and peppermint oils and coconut-derived sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). SLS is a soap-like compound found in hundreds of personal and cleaning products that scores the best EWG Skin Deep Score of 1-2. Inactive ingredients include yeast, citric acid, distilled water and ethyl lactate. Ethyl lactate is a nontoxic, biodegradable solvent benign enough to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a food additive. This spray kills insects on contact, so it works best when sprayed on problem areas, such as around garbage cans, in the RV and along perimeters. It is approved for all types of pests including fleas, mites, fruit flies, ants, roaches, beetles, centipedes, spiders, and silverfish tooso you only need one spray to protect your home and family. Price at time of publish: $35

Best for Kids and Babies: Auntie Fannie's Mosquito Spray Aunt Fannie's View On Amazon View On Grove.co View On Auntfannies.com Get up to four hours of protection from mosquitoes and other biting insects with Aunt Fannie's Mosquito Repellent Spray. Made from just eight natural ingredients this spray, like all Aunt Fannie products, is sulfate-, triclosan-, and paraben-free. Plus, it's vegan, not tested on animals, and made in the United States with responsible packaging. Considered suitable for children six months and older, its great for the diaper bag and outdoor adventures. Active ingredients include soybean, citronella, cedarwood, peppermint, lemongrass, and geranium oils. The remaining 73% is made up of vitamin E and isopropyl myristate. Isopropyl myristate is a common cosmetic compound that does double duty as an emollient that also kills lice, fleas and ticks by dissolving the wax that covers their exoskeletons. Its presence increases the effectiveness of the repellent essential oils against these insects. Like all insect repellents, it should be kept away from eyes and mouths. But parents report that this spray was effective without irritating their childrens sensitive skin. Price at time of publish: $24

Best Picaridin Repellent: Sawyer Products Picaridin Continuous Spray Insect Repellent 4.5 Amazon View On REI View On Walmart View On Amazon When the stakes are high, such as travel in exotic locations where the risk of insect-borne illness is higher, you might consider a picaridin-based spray. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends picaridin-based sprays to repel disease-carrying insects. Picaridin has been in use in the United States since 2005 as an alternative to DEET. A synthetic compound designed in the 1980s, picaridin resembles the naturally-occurring compound, piperine, which is found in plants and used to produce black pepper. The EWG found that picaridin is as effective as DEET and also repels chiggers, without the disadvantages associated with DEET. Among the picaridin-based sprays on the market, Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent, with 20% picaridin (also known as Fishermans Formula), is our top pick. It is available in both a pump spray and a lotion in a range of sizes. Avoid the continuous spray which is an aerosol spray. Depending on which product variation you choose, the inactive ingredients of the proprietary blend are not easy to pin down, but include 27-33% ethanol. The remaining ingredients are not considered hazardous to human health. Made in the United States, the spray and lotion provide up to 12 hours of protection against mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, chiggers, and fleas. We appreciate its easy-to-use pump design and secure, double-cap system that will prevent leaks during travel and inside packs. Price at time of publish: $9 The 6 Best Mosquito Traps That Don't Zap of 2022

Best Long-Lasting Protection: Natrapel 12-hour Insect Repellent Pump 4.7 Outdoor Gear Exchange View On Amazon View On Gearx.com When youre camping, hiking, or trekking, you may not want to stop to reapply. Thats where Natrapel 12-hour Insect Repellent pump spray could come in handy. Very similar in composition to the effective Sawyer Premium Fishermans Formula above, the active ingredient of 20% picaridin gives 12 hours of continuous protection against mosquitoes and ticks and eight hours against other biting insects. Many users like Natrapel because it is less oily and the scent is milder than the essential oil and eucalyptus-based repellents. Unlike DEET-based products, Natrapel also does not harm plastic materials like camera and camping equipment. Be sure to try the pump and avoid the aerosol continuous spray that uses propellants, which are harmful to the environment. Price at time of publish: $21

Best for Ticks: Coleman SkinSmart Insect Repellent Spray Amazon View On Walmart View On Amazon Coleman SkinSmart DEET-free Insect Repellent uses an active ingredient, IR3535 or 3-[N-Butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid ethyl ester, that was developed in the 1970s but not registered in the United States until 1999. Fewer products employ this chemical because sprays with oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin, and even DEET work better in every way, except when fighting ticks. Compared to those repellents, IR3535 provides over twice the protection time against deer ticks. IR3535 is a man-made compound that is structurally similar to the naturally-occurring amino acid, B-alanine. Although more study is needed, they may work by disrupting the ticks sense of smell, which they use to find their victims. Although IR3535 is less toxic than DEET and picaridin, it can be more irritating to the eyes. Like DEET, it also can harm plastics. Unfortunately, Coleman discontinued the pump version of SkinSmart so it is only available as an aerosol. Overall, unless you really need extended protection against disease-carrying deer ticks, consider one of the picaridin-based sprays instead. Price at time of publish: $10
Militants launched 70 attacks on positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in ATO area in Donbas over the past day.

This is reported by the ATO press center.

In Mariupol direction, militants used 120mm and 82mm mortars, ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft mounts and grenade launchers to fire at Krasnohorivka (29 km west of Donetsk). In addition, militants shelled Ukrainian strongholds outside Vodiane (16km north-west of Donetsk), using120mm and 82mm mortars, grenade launchers, heavy machine guns and small arms. Ukrainian marines came under antitank grenade launcher, heavy machine gun and small arms fire near Pavlopol (30 km northeast of Mariupol).

In Donetsk direction, terrorists launched attacks on Ukrainian positions outside Troitske (69km west of Luhansk), using 152mm artillery, ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft mounts, 120mm and 82mm mortars, , grenade launchers and heavy machine guns. Ukrainian servicemen near Avdiivka (18km north of Donetsk) came under 120mm and 82mm mortar, grenade launcher and heavy machine gun fire. Russian-backed militants also used 120mm and 82mm mortars to fire at Luhanske (59km north-east of Donetsk).

In Luhansk direction, Ukrainian positions outside Novozvanivka (70km west of Luhansk) came under 122mm artillery, grenade launcher and heavy machine gun fire. Militants also used grenade launchers and heavy machine guns to shell ATO troops in Popasna (90 km north-west of Luhansk), Stanytsia Luhanska (16km north-east of Luhansk) and Valuiske (20km north-east of Luhansk).

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Two Ukrainian soldiers were killed, another six servicemen were wounded in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) area in eastern Ukraine over the past day.

Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Spokesperson for ATO Andriy Lysenko said this at a press briefing in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Two Ukrainian soldiers were killed, another six servicemen were wounded as a result of the military hostilities in eastern Ukraine over the past day, Lysenko said.

The Spokesperson added that the situation in the ATO area had escalated.

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U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch attended the official turn-over of critical, secure communications equipment from the U.S. Department of Defense to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS).

This was posted on Facebook page of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine.

"The SBGS serves on the front lines of the conflict in the East. When they identified urgent equipment and resources needed in order to continue its mission of protecting Ukraines borders and civilian population, the United States responded by providing assistance, including the Mobile Command, Control, and Communications (C3) Center," the statement says.

As noted, this center and the 500 radios handed over today feature the latest technologies and will allow for secure and reliable communications between State Border Guard Service of Ukraine leadership and its personnel in the field.

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US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has called Ukraine a reliable partner of the United States at the UN Security Council.

He expressed such an assessment during the meeting with Ukraines Permanent Representative to the UN Volodymyr Yelchenko on Friday, Ukrinform learnt from the press service of the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations.

"Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN Volodymyr Yelchenko had a brief conversation with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who stressed that Ukraine is a reliable partner of the United States at the UN Security Council," spokesman for the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations Oleh Nikolenko said.

"In turn, Volodymyr Yelchenko thanked Rex Tillerson for the continued solidarity of the United States with Ukraine, primarily at the UN Security Council," Nikolenko added.

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Norway will continue to provide Ukraine with financial and technical assistance.

This was discussed at the meeting of Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Ivanna Klympush-Tsyntsadze with Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende on Friday, the Governmental portal reports.

"Foreign Minister of Norway Borge Brende confirmed the extension of Norway's provision of financial and technical assistance to Ukraine, which will total about USD 25 million dollars this year," the statement reads.

In addition, Minister Brende confirmed the unchanged position of Norway regarding the extension of sanctions against the Russian Federation in connection with violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. He welcomed the progress of reforms and noted that successful Ukraine is attractive to investors.

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BOISE  The Idaho Department of Education is asking for feedback on a plan for using federal money to serve disadvantaged children.

The department announced Friday it has posted a fourth draft of Idahos Consolidated Plan on its website.

After getting public comments, the state will submit the plan in September to the U.S. Department of Education.

Idaho receives about $82 million in federal funds to serve disadvantaged children and support teachers.

States must submit a detailed plan about how theyre meeting federal requirements and how money is used to serve at-risk students, such as those living in poverty, migrant students, English language learners, those who are homeless, neglected or delinquent.

Idahos plan will replace waivers and documents in place before 2015, when Congress updated the federal education law.

Under the plan, the state will review all schools starting during the 2017-18 school year using three years of data.

Measures will include English/language arts and math proficiency and/or growth on state standardized tests, graduation rates, language proficiency for English learners and an indicator for school climate for 2018-19.

The state review will identify the lowest performing schools receiving federal Title 1 funds for comprehensive or targeted state support.

To provide input, review the plan at sde.idaho.gov/topics/consolidated-plan/index.html.

Comments can be submitted by email, during an in-person session at 3 p.m. May 9 at the state department of education office in Boise, or during online sessions at 4 p.m. May 4, 10 a.m. May 19 and 1 p.m. May 22.
The emir of the Islamic State terror group in Afghanistan is likely dead, targeted in a U.S.-Afghan raid on a cave-and-tunnel complex that left two U.S. special operations forces soldiers dead.

Pentagon officials said Friday that they suspected IS Khorasan province leader Abdul Hasib was killed in a brutal, three-hour firefight in the Mohmand Valley, in the Achin district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province.

Officials said another 35 IS fighters also had been killed, and that they were investigating the possibility the dead U.S. soldiers were victims of friendly fire.

"This was a dangerous mission and we knew this going in," Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis told reporters. "We knew he [Hasib] was going to be well-protected and that they were going to fight very hard to prevent from being captured or killed. And that is indeed what happened."

'Intense fire'

The operation to kill or capture Hasib began about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday local time, when 50 U.S. Army Rangers and 40 Afghan commandos arrived by helicopter at the heavily fortified IS complex.

"Within minutes of the insertion, the combined force came under intense fire from multiple directions," Davis said. "It was during these initial moments of the raid that the two Rangers were mortally wounded."

As the fighting raged on, the U.S. and Afghan forces called in air support, getting help from drones, AC-130 gunships, Apache attack helicopters and F-16 fighter jets.

It was not until 3 a.m. local time that U.S. and Afghan forces were extracted from the area.

A statement by U.S. Forces-Afghanistan praised the performance of the U.S. and Afghan forces as "exemplary," adding initial indications were that they had been able to avoid civilian casualties despite the presence of women and children in the IS cave complex.

Earlier Friday, U.S. defense officials identified the Army Rangers killed during the operation as Sergeant Joshua Rodgers and Sergeant Cameron Thomas.

In a statement, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the U.S. owed both soldiers an "irredeemable debt" for their bravery and sacrifice.

But despite the apparent success of U.S. and Afghan forces in killing the leader of IS in Afghanistan, some questions remain.

The location of the IS headquarters complex is just a couple of kilometers away from an extensive IS tunnel-and-cave complex targeted just two weeks ago with the largest non-nuclear bomb in the U.S. arsenal, a GBU-43 Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb.

'Mother of all bombs'

Officials said the ordnance, also known as "the mother of all bombs," killed 92 IS fighters, though as many as 800 may have been in the area.

"This weapon was the right weapon against this target," General John Nicholson, the commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, said at the time. "The enemy had created bunkers, tunnels and extensive minefields, and this weapon was used to reduce those obstacles so that we could continue our offensive."

Yet despite those assertions, other officials said it was unclear whether the MOAB had made any significant impact on IS operations in the area.

Defense officials Friday declined to say whether additional IS fighters might be lurking in other tunnels or caves in the area, though they said the compound targeted in the raid was "separate and apart" from the one targeted with the MOAB.

The Pentagon's Davis also said U.S. and Afghan efforts were having a significant impact on IS operations, estimating the number of IS fighters in the country had most likely been cut in half, to fewer than 1,000 militants.

Unlike in Iraq and Syria, where IS numbers were boosted by the influx of tens of thousands of foreign fighters, U.S. military and intelligence officials think the vast majority of IS Khorasan fighters come from Afghanistan and Pakistan.

At its height, intelligence and military officials and analysts say, IS may have boasted as many as 2,000 to 3,000 fighters in Afghanistan, though other estimates have put the number in the hundreds.
Reporters Without Borders accuses him of engaging in hate speech against journalists. Freedom House questions whether he believes in the fundamental principles of press freedom. And the Committee to Protect Journalists, which last year labeled him an unprecedented threat to global media freedom, says things havent gotten any better since he took office.

Thats just a sampling of the kind of blistering language leading media rights groups use to describe U.S. President Donald Trump in several reports published ahead of World Press Freedom Day, May 3.

Taken together, the reports amount to a stunning rebuke of the U.S., which has long seen itself as a standard-bearer of free speech and a model for countries around the world.

Watch: Global Press Freedom at Tipping Point,' Report Warns

National political discourse

The outrage stems from Trumps verbal attacks on the news media since entering the national political scene.

Trump has referred to the press as the opposition party. Hes said theyre among the most dishonest human beings on Earth. He regularly accuses journalists and media outlets he doesnt like of spreading fake news. Hes even called the press the enemy of the people.

This week, media rights groups returned the favor.

No U.S. president in recent memory has shown greater contempt for the press than Trump has in his first months in office, warned Freedom House in its yearly report on global press freedom released Friday. Such comments suggest a hostility toward the fundamental principles and purposes of press freedom.

In its World Press Freedom Index, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said Trumps actions compromise a long U.S. tradition of defending freedom of expression and are helping spark a worldwide decline in media rights.

White House officials did not respond to VOAs request for comment, but in the past have insisted Trump respects freedom of speech and is only criticizing outlets that he thinks treat him unfairly.

Democracies suffering

Trump is far from the only world leader to make slamming the media a pastime. In fact, its part of a larger trend of eroding press freedom in democracies around the world.

RSF specifically points to Canada, where anti-terrorism laws have raised concerns about government spying on journalists; Poland, where new laws give authorities greater control over media outlets; and Britain, where media bashing played a prominent part of the so-called Brexit campaign to leave the European Union.

Even in the United States, many press freedom concerns predate Trump.

Media rights groups also criticized former President Barack Obamas crackdown on federal officials who leak information to journalists, as well as his attempts to limit media access at the White House.

Democracies began falling in the Index in preceding years and now, more than ever, nothing seems to be checking that fall, said RSF, which warned media rights have never been so threatened as they were during the past year.

Over the past year, media rights deteriorated in nearly two-thirds of the countries measured by RSF. Global press freedom is at its lowest point in 13 years, according to Freedom Houses metric, which estimates that just 13 percent of the worlds population lives under a free press.

US institutions still healthy

The U.S. itself hasnt slipped very far in either groups metric.

According to Reporters Without Borders, the U.S. fell two spots, to 43rd place, in 2017. Freedom House, which uses an aggregate score, calculates the U.S. dropped two points  from 21/100 to 23/100.

But despite Trumps verbal attacks on journalists, the overall state of press freedom in the U.S. remains strong, thanks in part to constitutional safeguards.

We are very concerned by the kind of rhetoric weve seen Trump make as president in 2017, [but] we recognize the vibrancy of U.S. media and its strong institutions, Jennifer Dunham, research director at Freedom House, said. The overall environment hasnt suffered a huge amount.

Worldwide impact?

Perhaps of greater concern is the international impact of Trumps treatment of the media. Even before he won the election, the Committee to Protect Journalists warned Trump was an unprecedented threat to global press freedom.

Those concerns were heightened after several authoritarian governments, including in China and Cambodia, borrowed Trumps language or explicitly referenced his actions as justification for mistreating their own media.

The hate speech used by the new boss in the White House and his accusations of lying also helped to disinhibit attacks on the media almost everywhere in the world, RSFs Delphine Halgand warned.

That amounts to a major role reversal for a country that has long portrayed itself as a beacon for free speech. And it shows that what happens in the U.S. carries a special weight, Freedom House warned.

Further weakening of press freedom in the United States, it warned, would be a setback for democracy everywhere.
Doctors Without Borders said it has evacuated international staff from two towns in South Sudan because of intense fighting between the army and rebel groups.



The medical aid group, known by its French acronym MSF, said Thursday it removed foreign staff from the towns of Aburoc and Kodok, in the former Upper Nile state.



MSF's country head of mission, Marcus Bachman, told VOA's South Sudan in Focus that domestic staff will maintain essential medical services in the area as long they remain safe.

Renewed fighting broke out between opposition forces and the South Sudan Army in and around Kodok on Tuesday. Bachman said his team is treating gunshot victims as well as vulnerable women and children suffering from diarrheal waterborne diseases, pneumonia, and respiratory infections.



Bachman said some 25,000 new South Sudanese families arrived at a displaced persons' camp in Aburoc this week, seeking shelter from the latest fighting.



"The population we are serving is fleeing ... out of fear of being targeted in the conflict," he said. "This is what the population is telling us, the fear of being targeted. They also share with us accounts where either family members or neighbors have been targeted in the conflict."



MSF said Aburoc can only be reached by air because of unpaved or poorly maintained roads. In February, aid agencies stepped up air drops of relief items to the area, but fighting has interrupted some of those deliveries.



Colonel Santo Domic, deputy spokesman for the government's Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), said the army launched attacks on rebel bases around Kodok this week and accused the rebels of denying residents access to the Nile River.



He said the army "liberated" Kodok and the town of Galacel on Wednesday.



Brigadier General William Gathjiath, spokesman for the rebel SPLA-In-Opposition, said government forces captured one of their bases, but denied Kodok and Galacel are now under government control.



"They have not even flushed our forces out of the town," he said. "So if they are claiming that they have already captured the town, that's not true."



The head of the United Nations mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), David Shearer, said the conflict in South Sudan can only be resolved through peaceful means.



He also said the decision by leaders from the East Africa region and South Africa to keep out rebel leader Riek Machar out of South Sudan could bring stability to South Sudan.



"The feeling very much within the region is that his role, in terms of bringing him back, wouldn't necessarily be positive at this stage," said Shearer. "So that's the decision of regional governments and South Africa."



At the same time, he said President Salva Kiir's national dialogue should include rebels loyal to Machar.
Hes known in the U.S. Congress as Dr. Hero for his alleged role in finding al-Qaida mastermind Osama bin Laden. But in his native Pakistan, Dr. Shakil Afridi has been cast as a traitor, locked away for nearly six years in a slippery, tangled case that has strained bilateral relations.

Its a tale that has played out as part spy novel, with Afridi involved in a CIA-linked plan to find bin Laden with a fake vaccination operation, and part political controversy in increasingly conservative Pakistan, where the physician is jailed in a tribal area that operates under an antiquated colonial legal system.

Despite U.S. pressure for Afridi to be released, its unclear how much effort the national government is putting into the case, which is seen as a litmus test of Pakistans fight against militancy but could lead to a public backlash if Afridi were freed.

"We believe Dr. Afridi has been unjustly imprisoned and have clearly communicated our position to Pakistan on Dr. Afridi's case, both in public and in private, a State Department said in a statement to VOA this week. We continue to raise this issue at the highest levels during discussions with Pakistan's leadership. Pakistan has assured us that Dr. Afridi is being treated humanely and is in good health."

Representing Afridi is not just fraught with frustration, current counsel Qaram Nadeem has not seen his client in 34 months, its also dangerous. Nadeems predecessor, Samiullah Afridi, gave up the case and moved to Dubai after threats from al-Qaida affiliates. He was gunned down in March 2015 after returning, with Taliban splinter groups Jundullah and Jamaatul Ahrar claiming responsibility.

The tribal tribunal has adjourned his case for 30 times so far, as the state prosecutor abstains from appearing before the court, Nadeem told VOA. The last hearing, scheduled for April 12, was called off with the prosecutor a no-show once again.

Due to (the) high sensitivity of the case, we are proceeding with care and not over-pushing for hearing, he said, expressing his frustration while demonstrating understandable prudence.

The hunt for bin Laden

The widely circulated story is that Afridi ran a fake hepatitis vaccination in Abbottabad -- where the CIA had gotten intelligence that bin Laden was hiding out  to get DNA samples to confirm his presence. The use of a fake campaign sparked criticism from aid groups who said it would cast suspicion on legitimate projects and put aid workers at risk.

A raid by an elite SEAL team killed the terror leader and four others on May 2, 2011. Bin Laden was buried at sea almost immediately.

Days later, Afridi was arrested at the Torkham border crossing, apparently trying to flee into Afghanistan. He was convicted in May 2012 of treason for allegedly providing financial support to a local militant group in tribal regions adjacent to Afghanistan. His appeal is pending at a tribal court, with rules that date back to 1901 and are different from Pakistans regular set of laws.

Afridi was tried in a tribal court headed by a bureaucrat. The court sentenced him for 33 years, and only a tribal tribunal has the power to hear the appeal. Nadeem is not allowed to see Afridi despite a higher court order allowing them to meet.

The United States has withheld $33 million in aid for Pakistan -- $1 million for each year of his sentence  but Islamabad has resisted all pressure so far.

President Donald Trumps election victory last November raised hopes among Afridis family and friends that things might change. Trump was critical of Pakistans treatment of the doctor during his campaign, telling Fox News that he would get Afridi released in two minutes.

Pakistan bristled at the claim. Interior Minister Choudhry Nisar Ali Khan said nobody had the right to dictate to the country about how to handle Afridis case.

For their part, Afridis family has avoided talking about the case since his arrest. His brother, Jamil Afridi, told VOA through his counsel that the entire family is frustrated with the legal proceedings.

We the family want both the U.S. and Pakistan to find a diplomatic solution for his release as his children are suffering, Jamil Afridi said. We dont want to comment on the tribunal proceedings and dont want to create problems for Pakistan.
A member of Somalia's parliament escaped unharmed Friday after a roadside explosion targeted his vehicle in Mogadishu, officials said.

Abdifatah Omar Halane, a spokesman for Mogadishu's mayor, told VOA that the explosion targeted Mohamud Abukate, a member of the lower house of the parliament. Two soldiers who were riding with him and a civilian bystander were wounded in the explosion, he said.

Security officials said the MP was on his way to the residence of another MP in the Taleh area of Hodan district in Mogadishu.

Somali intelligence officials said this week that they had received information al-Shabab terrorists might be planning to attack high-profile targets, including installations and senior government officials.

Al-Shabab has been carrying out a series of attacks against both government and civilian buildings in Mogadishu and other parts of the country.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International is urging Somali authorities in Puntland to halt plans to execute two boys sentenced to death by a military tribunal in February for their alleged role in the assassination of senior regional officials.

Amnesty said the boys, Muhamed Yasin Abdi, 17, and Daud Saied Sahal, 15, could be put to death "at any moment." The group said five other boys between the ages of 14 and 17 had been executed by Puntland earlier this month.

"These five boys were executed following a fundamentally flawed process during which they were tortured to confess, denied access to a lawyer and additional protections accorded to juveniles, and tried in a military tribunal," said Michelle Kagari, Amnesty International's deputy regional director for East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes.

Kagan added that the "lives of the remaining two boys must be spared."

Amnesty said the death penalty is "cruel" and urged Puntland to halt the executions and retry the boys in a juvenile civilian court without turning to capital punishment.
A woman in her 60s who was injured in the April 7 truck attack in Stockholm has died, Swedish authorities said Friday, raising the death toll to five.

The Stockholm police said in a statement the woman, who has not been publicly identified, had been hospitalized in southern Sweden.

Other victims of attack were an 11-year-old Swedish girl, a 31-year-old Belgian woman, a 69-year-old Swedish woman, and a 41-year-old Briton whom the British government identified as Chris Bevington. Fourteen others were injured in the attack.

A 39-year-old Uzbek man, Rakhmat Akilov, has pleaded guilty to a terrorist crime for ramming the truck into a crowd on a main pedestrian shopping street in the Swedish capital. Police have not disclosed a motive for the attack and no extremist group has claimed responsibility for it.

Akilov's Swedish residency application was rejected last year, but police said there was nothing to indicate he might plan an attack. After the rejection, Akilov had been been ordered to leave Sweden in December. Instead, he allegedly eluded authorities' attempts to track him down.

Akilov was caught in a northern suburb of Stockholm, hours after he drove the stolen beer truck into the crowd of afternoon shoppers outside the Ahlens store.

The attack shocked Sweden, known for its welcoming policy toward migrants and refugees.

In 2015, a record 163,000 asylum-seekers arrived in the country, the highest per-capita rate in Europe. The government responded by tightening border controls and curtailing some immigrant rights.
The U.S. Congress has averted a federal government shutdown with the passage of a stopgap bill that gives lawmakers another week to work out federal spending. President Donald Trump signed the bill late Friday.

The Senate passed the measure Friday by voice vote without opposition after the House earlier approved the spending bill with large bipartisan support.

The measure keeps federal spending at current levels and prevents a shutdown of many parts of the federal government on Saturday, Trump's 100th day in office. It gives lawmakers another week to agree on legislation that would keep the government funded for the rest of the fiscal year, which ends September 30.

The appropriations bill was supposed to be funded by last Oct. 1, but has been delayed until now with Congress passing a succession of stopgap measures.

Lawmakers say they are moving closer to a final bill, but say there are still several difficult issues to come to terms with, including defense spending. Trump is seeking a $30 billion increase in military spending, while Democrats are arguing that other domestic programs need more funds.

Stopgap bill gives leaders extra time

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the stopgap bill "will carry us through next week so that a bipartisan agreement can be reached."

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, who said there are still significant differences between Republicans and Democrats, said, "We're willing to extend things for a little bit more time in hopes that the same kind of progress can continue to be made."

Negotiations between the two sides have already led to some compromises. Trump has backed off his earlier demand that the spending legislation include funding for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The Trump administration also agreed to continue funding for a major component of the health care program of former President Barack Obama, known as Obamacare, despite Republicans efforts to overturn it.
A senior U.S. official is warning that the North Korean regime poses the greatest threat to the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty (NPT). The U.S. position on the treaty was released in advance of next week's meeting in Vienna of the Preparatory Committee for the 2020 NPT review conference.

Robert Wood, the U.S. ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament, said his main goal at the two-week NPT PrepCom would be to get the international community to stand together in condemnation of North Korea's provocations, threats and actions.

A change of behavior

He said the U.S. was not after regime change in North Korea; it is after a change of behavior by the government.

When you have a situation like this where a country back in 2003 announced its withdrawal from the NPT, this is a huge concern for the international community that has not been addressed, Wood said. And, we in the NPT family need to address this issue. And when you see what they are doing, the threats and provocations they are making towards the United States, Republic of Korea, Japan  this kind of rhetoric cannot be tolerated.

President Donald Trump has warned that the United States would have to greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability until the world came to its senses regarding nuclear weapons.

US looks to make NPT stronger

Wood told VOA the United States was committed to strengthening the NPT. He said the president's comments were made in reaction to the rapid modernization of nuclear weapons by China and Russia. He said Washington would not be in second or third place should this modernization continue.

However, that does not mean in any way that the United States would shirk on its responsibilities that it has under the NPT, particularly Article Six, which deals with good faith, willingness to engage in good-faith negotiations on nuclear disarmament. Wood said.

Both the United States and Russia possessed tens of thousands of nuclear weapons at the height of the Cold War in 1967. These arsenals have been considerably reduced. Russia now has the most with 7,300 nuclear weapons, followed by the U.S. with nearly 7,000.

Observers agree this lesser quantity of nuclear arms is still capable of destroying the Earth several times over.
Greece has a lot of earthquake activity, but most of them occur around the margin of the Aegean microplate. The Cycladic islands are located in its center and therefore seismically comparably quiet.
JEROME  When severe winter storms pummeled the Magic Valley in February, floodwaters from a broken levy ripped an enormous piece of bedrock from the Snake River Canyon wall, sending shattered basalt into the gaping canyon.

A third of an acre of Jerome Countys Triple C Farms once overlooking the river 500 feet below now lies in a crumbled heap  stretching from the talus slope into the river itself  on land owned by the Bureau of Land Management.

But still hanging on the canyon edge is an even larger chunk of bedrock, jarred loose by shock waves created by the first collapse. A new crevice runs east and west along the rim.

I think its safe, said John Capps, who farms Triple C Farms for owners Jerry and Tim Callen. Capps placed a board across the new crevice to measure any movement when it appeared in February; the board was still in place on Friday.

So was an old piece of spud-harvesting equipment straddling the fissure, his seismic measuring system, he said, laughing.

Capps and Jerome County Commissioner Roger Morley toured the site in February. Morley is more curious about the crevice than concerned about the site. Only the river lies in the canyon below.

The Callen property extends to the edge of the canyon and the BLM owns from the river to the top of the canyon wall. The only view of the rock slide is from private property lining the canyon rim on the south side of the river, but the canyon wall can be seen from 4400 North between 2200 and 2300 East in Twin Falls County. The rock slide extends into the river directly north of 2300 East.

The February collapse clearly changed the geology of the canyon wall. Spring water now flows from the wall where none flowed before.

Jerry Callen, a Jerome County native, said hes seen rocks slide from the canyon wall into the talus below, but never a chunk this size.

Callens nephew Todd Capps took drone video of the floodwater cascading over the rim just after the bedrock exploded from the canyon wall. The video also shows floodwater disappearing into the new crevice and coming out of the canyon wall far below, revealing the extent of the walls detachment.

Neither of the Capps cousins seem worried as they jumped up and down along the edge of the canyon, while loose rocks tumbled randomly from the wall.

It might seem safe now, Todd Capps said, but next winter might be a different story, when a new round of freezing and thawing begins to pry at the wall.

For now, the family will let nature take its course.


The Washington Ballet in Alexei Ratmanskys Seven Sonatas. (Theo Kossenas/ media4artists)

Its no small thing to reorganize the modest Washington Ballet as a company built to serve great works of art. If ambition is a species of madness, to quote Spinoza, then the troupes artistic director, Julie Kent, is indeed quite struck with folly, in a deeply interesting way.

Kents ambition for the company springs from confidence and creative thinking, and she is decisively moving ahead in her plan to compete with the best one day. That day is still distant, but the current program at the Warner Theatre, Balanchine, Ratmansky, Tharp, shows progress underway. On view are familiar repertory works  Balanchines Allegro Brillante and Twyla Tharps Nine Sinatra Songs  and a strong first essay of Alexei Ratmanskys beautifully complex Seven Sonatas.

Be aware, however, that the Warner Theatres sound system is where recorded music goes to die. Both Allegro Brillante, the most successful work on the program, and Nine Sinatra Songs suffered from this. (Happily, Seven Sonatas featured live music, which came across splendidly.) In Allegro, Tchaikovskys Piano Concerto No. 3 was muddied, yet still this ballet shone. The ensemble dancing was clean and assured, and most of all, EunWon Lee sparkled in the leading role, sensitively assisted by Brooklyn Mack.

Lee dances with the whole of her body in seamless harmony; she evokes a world of ease and energy in exquisite balance. Theres something about her thats reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn  tall, quicksilver, in command. She seemed to take the music in her arms and fling it joyfully aside, and, as the ballets glamorous center pole, she brought out the clarity and pizazz of the whole work.

Lee hails from the Korean National Ballet and has had to master an entirely new, Western repertoire this season. This was her first performance of a Balanchine work. Its an extraordinary accomplishment, especially given the ease and focus with which she inhabited it.



The Washington Ballets Andile Ndlovu and Tamako Miyazaki in Twyla Tharps Nine Sinatra Songs. (Theo Kossenas/ media4artists)

Ease was not always evident in Seven Sonatas, a work Ratmansky created for American Ballet Theatre in 2009 with Kent and Xiomara Reyes (now head of the Washington School of Ballet) in the original cast. With these connections, it is reasonable that the Washington Ballet should perform it, but also wildly ambitious, given the works intricacies.

This is a sophisticated first effort. Pianist Ryo Yanagitani lent a velvet touch to the Scarlatti Keyboard Sonatas, which he played onstage. Id like to see the company dive into the ballet again in a less compressed space, and with the dancers more comfortable with Ratmanskys play of contrasts and dynamics, the swift feet and flowing arms, the sustained, twisting poses, quick changes of weight, and the sense of movement traveling on air like a mood, sometimes quieting to a rest but never fully stopping. One saw fleeting but encouraging moments of this.

The Tharp was more comfortable territory, but not all proceeded smoothly amid its wit and high spirits on Thursday evening. The company has been unveiling a new series of performances every month since February. Reorganizing takes time, and this season has unfolded at a clip.

The Washington Ballet performs Balanchine, Ratmansky, Tharp through Sunday evening, with rotating casts, at the Warner Theatre, 513 13th St. NW. Tickets: $22-$115. Call 202-783-4000 or visit washingtonballet.org.


Vanessa Moore of Unwined weighed in our recommendations for summer-stock wines. (Cameron Davidson)

Warm weather has arrived at last  at least, we hope so. Well be venturing outside more, and that means we may not have much time for exploring wine stores. So nows the time to stock up for summer sipping.

More than ever, this time of year Im looking for wines that impress with energy and finesse rather than power. We want to be cheered up rather than dazzled when were cooling off on the patio, welcoming guests for a cookout and de-stressing after a tough day at the office.

I sought advice from Vanessa Moore, co-owner of two Unwined stores in Alexandria. If you like to entertain or have an outdoor space that gets a lot of use this time of year, you should try to have a mixed case of white and rose on hand with at least half refrigerated, she advised. Your budget will go further, and your guests will drink more than you think.

Moore suggests unleashing your sense of adventure for summer. She recommends the Cocchi Americano, an Italian moscato dAsti flavored with cinchona bark, citrus peel and spices. A slice of grapefruit and a splash of soda makes it a refreshing cocktail, she adds.

I always enjoy finding an inexpensive house white, red and rose for summer. A case of each will last at least a few weeks before I need to venture back to a store and find some new wines. The key is cheap, but high value.

[An extended list of recommendations for warm-weather wines]

One of my favorite whites for summer  and a favorite of Washington-area wine lovers  is the HB Picpoul de Pinet from southern France. This inexpensive white, about $10 a bottle but frequently on sale for even less, offers great fruit and refreshing acidity. Its ideal for patio sipping or for pairing with salads or light seafood dishes. My only worry about this wine is that I may forget to put another bottle in the refrigerator when I open one.

Ten years ago, retailers couldnt give roses away. The popularity of pink wine today means prices have crept up, but the selection is so much more diverse. We can easily drink a rose a day for several weeks without repeating a label.

Or, we can find a reliable one and stick with it. Chateau Montaud rose in a three-liter box may be the best value in rose this year, at $26 for the equivalent of four bottles. Keep a box in your refrigerator and you wont go thirsty for a few weeks, especially if you can keep your mother-in-law away from it. Another inexpensive gem is Le Petit Balthazar, a rose of cinsault from southern France, which is a delightful partner to garlicky or spicy foods.

For something more substantial to go with heavier dishes such as grilled salmon, I always look to a rose made from pinot noir, such as a Sancerre from the Loire Valley in France or a nice U.S. rose. The 2016 from Brooks in Oregons Willamette Valley is superb (if hard to find) with its precision balance and beguiling fruit flavors of strawberry and melon.

And of course, we arent drinking white or rose exclusively in hot weather. We need some reds to match the burgers and steaks well be pulling off the grill. I was enamored recently with Mega Petite, a red blend from Lodi based on petite sirah, with malbec and teroldego. Give this wine a slight chill and fire up the protein!

Finally, dont forget bubbles. When a long commute ends a trying day at the office and you arrive home with a bead of sweat trickling down your back like a salty talisman of defeat, thats time to declare victory with a bottle of cava. You can find a tasty version of this Spanish sparkling wine for about $10, but pay just a little more and you can be rewarded with a wine that at least carries a whiff of champagne. Biutiful Cava (about $14) offers complexity and flavor, thanks to its judicious component of chardonnay.

So to free up a weekend or two, stock up now on wines for warm weather. But dont expect to stay out of wine stores for long. Once you run through your house wines, youll want to replenish your stash with new wines. And thats half the fun.
Police said the shooting occurred shortly after 7 a.m. in the 5700 block of General Washington Drive. (iStock)

Fairfax County police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man after a confrontation with an acquaintance inside an auto body shop in the Alexandria area Saturday morning, authorities said.

One suspect is in custody, police said.

While police initially said one person had fled the scene, Officer Reem Awad said later that police are still interviewing witnesses to see if anyone involved had fled.

There doesnt appear to be any threat to public safety, Awad said.

Police said the shooting occurred about 7:20 a.m. inside TMT Auto Body & Restoration, in the 5700 block of General Washington Drive, near Interstate 395 just inside the Capital Beltway, after a dispute among a group.

Police received a call about gunshots being fired inside a business, Awad said. When officers arrived, she said, they discovered one man was dead and took another into custody.

The victim was identified as Enrique R. Vanterpool, 27, of Alexandria.

Awad said police are still trying to determine if either man has ties to the auto body shop.

A phone number listed online for the repair shop was out of order.
MARYLAND

Germantown shooting leaves 1 dead, 3 hurt

A shooting in Germantown early Saturday left a man dead and three people wounded, Montgomery County police said.

The man killed was Amaru Amir Santos Johnson, 19, of the 12100 block of Birdseye Terrace in Germantown, police said. He was found about 1 a.m. in the 12800 block of Kitchen House Way. The three others, a man and two women, were also found there with wounds that were not believed to be life-threatening, police said.

 Lori Aratani and Martin Weil

Police pursuing leads to find escaped inmate

Howard County police Saturday called off a ground search outside Marylands maximum-security psychiatric hospital in Jessup, saying no sign was found that an escaped prisoner was still there.

However, police said the investigation of the escape of David M. Watson, 28, remains active as they follow leads, including some in Wicomico County and Delaware, where Watson has ties.

Watson was being taken from a van at the hospital Friday morning when he pushed a guard to the ground and ran into woods near Dorsey Run Road. Police said he had somehow gotten out of handcuffs and a waist chain. Officers searched the area of the hospital, but learned of no sightings as of late Saturday afternoon, police said.

A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered. Watson was serving an attempted-murder sentence of more than 100 years in Delaware, police said.

He also has been charged with attempted murder of police officers in Wicomico County. He was on his way to Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center for an evaluation in that case when he escaped, authorities said.

 Katherine Shaver

VIRGINIA

Man is fatally shot in Fairfax County

A man was fatally shot Saturday morning after a confrontation with an acquaintance in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County, police said.

Police identified the victim as Enrique Vanterpool, 27, of Alexandria.

Police said the shooting occurred at about 7:20 a.m. in TMT Auto Body & Restoration, in the 5700 block of General Washington Drive, after a dispute among a group.

When officers arrived, they found one man dead and took another into custody, Officer Reem Awad said.

Police said they are trying to learn whether either man was linked to the body shop.

 Katherine Shaver

Tons of prescription drugs are handed in

Almost four tons of unwanted prescription medications were turned in to law enforcement Saturday in the Northern Virginia area, authorities said.

The Washington office of the Drug Enforcement Administration said more than 7,700 pounds of unused or unwanted pills, capsules and other materials were given to authorities in jurisdictions across Northern Virginia during the annual nationwide safe-disposal program.

 Martin Weil
U.S. Rep. John Delaney (D-Md) in ANnapolis in January. He won the western Maryland Democratic gubernatorial straw poll on Saturday. (Linda Davidson/The Washington Post)

U.S. Rep. John Delaney (D-Md.) won a gubernatorial straw poll held in the westernmost part of his Maryland district Saturday during an annual summit of the Democratic Party faithful.

Delaney captured 66 votes from the 188 summit attendees who cast ballots. Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz made a strong second-place showing, with 41 votes in a region of the state where he is not well known. Benjamin Jealous, the former head of the NAACP, came in third place with 22 votes, outperforming five other potential gubernatorial hopefuls, including three politicians who have spent years in elected office.

The straw poll is statistically insignificant and took place more than a year ahead of the primary and far from the states Democratic strongholds in Baltimore and the Washington suburbs. Only one of the eight potential candidates on the ballot, tech entrepreneur Alec Ross, has officially declared he is running.

But the results can serve as an early indicator of enthusiasm for potential hopefuls vying for the Democratic nomination, and a measure of which of them so far has built an organization that could support an eventual campaign.

Democrats face a tough battle to wrest back the governors mansion from Republican Larry Hogan, who has enjoyed sky-high approval ratings in his first two years. They are hoping for a boost from Democratic voters who are energized in opposition to the presidency of Donald Trump.

Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz (D) placed second in the straw poll. (Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post)

The Democrats who spoke at the Rocky Gap resort Saturday offered a message of economic opportunity and tried to tie Hogan to the Trump administration.

Delaney roused the audience, saying Trumps agenda will hurt Maryland more than any other state with cuts to the federal workforce, agency budgets and environmental programs.

Ive looked at the numbers. Ive looked at the math, he said, and proclaimed that Trumps budget outline would be an utter disaster for Maryland if it was enacted. And who has not said a word about it?

The assembly of Democrats replied, Larry Hogan.

Delaney is popular in his district, which stretches from parts of Montgomery County north and west to the West Virginia and Pennsylvania borders. Many summit attendees wore Delaney stickers on their chests, pronouncing their support early.

Kamenetz courted votes early as well, calling summit participants before the event and securing a speaking slot.

Im worried about the direction the state is taking under Larry Hogan, Kamenetz said in an interview. We can run a fiscally responsible government and still achieve great things.

Jealous, who considers himself an outsider and underdog in the race, arrived at Rocky Gap midway through lunch Saturday. He spoke individually with voters and made connections. He also was in Washington County two weeks ago to speak to a group of Democrats and, along with Delaney, will co-lead Hagerstowns climate march Sunday.

Jealous said the odds of denying Hogan a second term are improving.

I dont look at the would you have a beer with him? number, he said. I look at the would you vote for him? number, and those numbers are looking like a double black diamond ski slope right now.

Former state attorney general Douglas F. Gansler won 13 votes in the straw poll. Prince Georges County Executive Rushern L. Baker III and state Sen. Richard S. Madaleno Jr. (Montgomery) each garnered 12 votes.

Baltimore lawyer James L. Shea won 16 votes. Ross  who was not at the summit  did not get any votes. There were six write-in votes for candidates not on the ballot.

Whitney Duck of Frederick County said she was looking for a candidate who can move the state into the future economically, capture the enthusiasm of voters and offer a strong message.

And it doesnt have to be a man, Duck said, who nevertheless was leaning toward voting for Delaney, her congressman, in the straw poll.

There were no women on the informal ballot.

For the first time since it began 12 years ago, the summit, which draws Democrats from the states westernmost counties of Allegany, Garrett, Carroll, Washington and some parts of Frederick, was sold out. More than 200 people attended the two-day event.

Organizers reported intense interest from young people and community members who had not engaged in politics before and are eager to participate at the local level.

Marylanders are pissed, said Delaney, who plans to announce whether he will run at the end of June. I feel like its time for me to try to do something where I can make a bigger difference.

More candidates could still emerge; the deadline for candidates to file for the June primary is in February.

Considering the political landscape we are in, anything is possible, said Nia Duggins, who has worked on several campaigns and is a former staffer for U.S. Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.). What we now know is nothing is predictable anymore.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, left, helps carry the casket of his father, Lawrence Hogan Sr., during Saturdays funeral mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Annapolis. (Matthew Cole/Baltimore Sun Media Group via AP) (Matthew Cole/Capital Gazette)

As Gov. Larry Hogan approached the podium in the ornate, small Catholic church just blocks away from the Maryland Statehouse on Saturday, he realized he was about to do the toughest thing he had ever done: publicly say goodbye to his father.

Larry Hogan Sr. was my hero and the man that I am most proud of, the Republican governor said during the funeral mass at St. Marys Catholic Church.

His voice filled with emotion, Hogan spoke of a father and son tightly connected through politics: He stood up and fought, even when the odds were stacked against him. . . . He spent his entire life fighting valiantly for the things he believed in, and that, I believe will forever be his legacy.

Hogan remembered his father as a scrappy politician who ran the races and fought the fights that nobody believed could be won, and win or lose, he always gave them everything he had.

Lawrence J. Hogan Sr. died April 20. He Was 88.

Undated image of Larry Hogan Jr. with his father, Larry Hogan Sr. (Office of Gov. Larry Hogan)

[Lawrence J. Hogan Sr., the Republican congressman who called for Nixons impeachment]

Hogan remembered his father as a former FBI agent who went to law school, ran a small public relations firm, taught journalism classes at the University of Maryland and led Prince Georges County as its top elected official.

But he spoke at length about his fathers time as a GOP congressman who put his political future at risk by turning against then-President Richard M. Nixon during the Watergate scandal. He was the only Republican on the House Judiciary Committee to support all three articles of impeachment.

It was his defining moment, said Hogan during a nearly 15-minute eulogy. It is that very moment in history which he is most remembered and most admired for.

Larry Hogan Sr. entered politics as a volunteer for Democratic presidential candidate John F. Kennedy, but then switched parties during the 1960 campaign and backed Nixon.

In 1966, he made his first run for political office, losing a bid for Congress. Two years later, he was elected to Congress, representing Marylands 5th Congressional District that includes Prince Georges County and parts of Southern Maryland. He twice won reelection.

In 1974, Hogan gave up his congressional seat to run for governor, but he lost the GOP nomination. He was criticized by many in both parties who said he used the impeachment to gain statewide publicity for the governors race, a charge he denied.

Larry Hogan Sr. gives a thumbs up to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who made a presidential campaign stop at a diner near Annapolis on July 15, 2015. (Brian Witte/AP)

On Saturday, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore described Hogan Sr. as a vigorous campaigner.

Four years after his unsuccessful run for governor, Hogan Sr. again ran for elected office, this time to lead Prince Georges County. He was elected county executive in 1978. And in 1982, he opted against a second term and instead ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate.

That decision helped clear the way for Parris Glendening to become county executive and later governor.

I think Parris Glendening may have been the only one who was thrilled with that decision, Hogan said, drawing laughter from the audience.

Another light moment came when Hogan said his father would have been honored to know that four governors attended his service, including every single living Republican governor in Maryland.

There is only one other besides Hogan himself  Gov. Robert L. Erhlich Jr. (R), who was in the audience of about 500 people.

The crowd also included Glendening (D), Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford (R), Comptroller Peter Franchot (D) and House Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.), who holds Hogan Sr.s old congressional seat.

Many members of the Maryland General Assembly were also on hand, including Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert), House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel). They were joined by Prince Georges County Executive Rushern L. Baker III, who is expected to challenge the governor for his seat in 2018.

Also in attendance was New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R), who backed Hogan in the 2014 gubernatorial campaign and became a close friend. Hogan shared a story of his father asking Christie days before the election if he really thought his son could win the race. Christie told Hogan Sr. that his son was going to be the next governor of Maryland. Hogan Sr. cried.

When Hogan won the election, he turned to his father and said Dad, it may have taken 40 years, but we are finally going to have a Larry Hogan as governor of Maryland. His father cried again, Hogan said.

Our hearts are broken today, the governor said. With him goes a part of all of us, but his legacy will long be remembered and his spirit will live on in our hearts.
Eight people were arrested Thursday night and early Friday as part of a D.C. police effort to curb one of the citys most persistent offenses in one of the places where it has flourished periodically for many years.

Four men and four women were arrested on prostitution charges in the area of 12th Street and Massachusetts Avenue NW, a police official said.

We will continue our efforts in the area in hopes of making a lasting impact on this illegal activity, said Cmdr. Stuart Emerman, who heads the 3rd Police District.

The intersection involved is south of Logan Circle NW, and between Thomas Circle and Mount Vernon Square.

Efforts to rid that general area of prostitution have gone on for years.

In November 2014, for example, police carried out a two-day operation there targeting prostitutes and customers. They reported 19 arrests between 2:30 p.m. one day and 6:30 a.m. the next.

Such operations have had at least temporary success. After a crackdown in the summer of 1995, a police sergeant took a reporter to 12th and Massachusetts. Normally, the officer said, half a dozen prostitutes would be on each side of 12th, taking customers into a nearby alley. But, he said, As you can see, theyre not here. Permanent solutions, however, have proved elusive.

The issue of how to deal with prostitution has been much debated over the years. It has been argued that arrests provide no lasting solution and that the crime is essentially wit hout victims. It has also been held that prostitution may engender other crimes. In addition, people living in areas where prostitution is visible often urge authorities to act against it.

Emerman said police would not abandon their efforts.

We will continue to address the issue, he said.
January 20, 1924  April 26, 2017

WENDELL  Robert A. Erkins, 93, a resident of Wendell and formerly of Bliss, passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at St. Lukes Medical Center in Twin Falls.

Robert Alter Erkins was born on January 20, 1924 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He was the son of Albert W. Erkins and Charlotte Alter Erkins.

Bob was graduated from high school in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1942 and then matriculated at the University of Notre Dame where he joined the Navy and entered the naval reserve officers training corp. He was graduated from Notre Dame in January of 1945 as an Ensign USNR. He volunteered for extra hazardous duty as a shore fire gunnery control officer, serving on the battleship USS New York.

When the war ended in 1945 Bob went to serve on the heavy cruiser USS Baltimore, which was based in the inland sea of Japan at Kure and Hiroshima. From there he cruised on the USS Antares to Tsingtao, China on the Shantung Peninsula.

After completing his tour of duty he returned to San Francisco in 1946. He continued in the naval reserve until 1975. Bob and Barnee raised their family on what used to be the Snake River Trout Company, creating the largest trout company in the world. The family moved to the White Arrow Ranch 10 miles North of Bliss in 1976. There Bob founded the Bliss Valley Foods Company, where he utilized geothermal energy to produce gourmet Oyster Mushrooms.

Bob Erkins was a former President and Chairman of the Board of the U.S. National Fisheries Institute.

He served as a Trustee of the University of Notre Dame and as President of the Notre Dame Alumni Association.

Bob had been a trustee of the Biological Abstracts. He was a Director of the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. He was a co-founder and President of the International Seafood Conference. Along with the Conference he published three newsletters for the seafood and foodservice industries. His newsletters were delivered to readers in over 40 countries. Locally, Bob was named as an Idaho Small Business Man of the Year and inducted into the Idaho Farmer Hall of Fame.

He was president of the Snake River Council of the Boy Scouts, earning the Silver Beaver Award.

Bob was very involved with preserving Idahos ecology and history. He was instrumental in achieving the preservation of Malad Gorge Canyon State Park. He blew the whistle regarding the burial of radioactive waste over Idahos aquifer. His ultimate desire would have been the preservation of the many springs along the Snake River and areas such as Devils Corral.

He was the husband of Bernardine M. Erkins and the brother of Charlene Erkins Dady. Bob and Barnees children are: Greg (Kay), Melissa (Mark), Melinda (Peter), Marla (Jon), Melanie (John), Randy (Laren), Mara (Joe), Melonni (Tom), Megan (Mark) and Tim (Don). Bob and Barnee have an adopted daughter Jackie (James), 28 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A rosary will be held on Sunday, April 30, 2017 at 7:00 PM at St. Elizabeths Catholic Church in Gooding. A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 1, 2017 at 3:00 PM at St. Elizabeths Catholic Church. Services will conclude at the church.

Funeral services and cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service  Gooding Chapel.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Monastery of the Ascension in Jerome, Idaho or St. Judes Childrens Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary link at www.demarayfuneralservice.com.
D.C. police officer Krishaon Ewing carries a ceremonial key to a take home police cruiser as he was honored as the departments officer of the year.. (Clarence Williams/The Washington Post)

The chiefs of D.C.s public safety departments highlighted the courage and devotion to duty of the citys rank-and-file police officers, firefighters and other emergency medical personnel in back-to-back award ceremonies this past week.

D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department Chief Gregory M. Dean on Friday night honored firefighters for pulling victims from burning buildings or distressed boaters from local rivers.

They would tell you that theyre just doing their jobs. Not only is it an incredible job, but to me, theyre my heroes, Dean said at the ceremony at Gallaudet University.

Firefighter Danny Lovato and Truck 7 received an award for helping save Phyliss Terrell when her third-floor apartment on Minnesota Avenue SE was choked with smoke.

Lovato scrambled to the top rungs of a ladder, took off his mask and for precious minutes shared his oxygen with Terrell.

Daynette Adams-Crew and daughter Zoe, 3, stood on stage to thank fire crews who save the toddler's life in November. (Clarence Williams/Clarence Williams/The Washington Post)

Despite such heroism, Terrell died two weeks after the rescue. Still, her family was grateful.

When they pulled my mom from that building, it gave me the last two weeks of her life, said Terrells daughter, Eugenia Terrell, who attended the ceremony.

The silver lining is that they wont stop telling me that they had those two weeks with her and some closure, said Lovato, who was helped by firefighter Joshua Elie and Lt. Daniel White. I felt proud for what we did.

[D.C. firefighter puts his breathing mask on woman trapped in fire]

Daynette Adams-Crews, 24, stood onstage with her daughter to hand awards to the crew of Engine 27 and Medic 27, who were called to rescue Zoe, then 2 years old, on Nov. 20 on East Capitol Street SE.

The crew had the wrong address but kept searching until they knocked on the right door.

Inside the house, they saw Zoe, listless and with shallow breathing. Probationary firefighter Ron Johnson Jr. spotted small pills in the carpet. Rescuers called poison control and were told that the pills were a powerful hypertension medication. Zoe was rushed to Childrens Hospital.

I want to thank you guys today for saving our baby, Adams-Crews said.

On Thursday night, acting D.C. police chief Peter Newsham led his departments 17th annual awards ceremony at the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus in Southeast Washington, highlighting the work of an officer who helped take nearly 200 guns off the streets and arrest many violent offenders.

Krishaon Ewing, the departments Officer of the Year, joined the force three years ago and had no citizen complaints as he racked up arrests and weapon seizures as part of the crime suppression team in the 7th District, one of the citys most violent.

Ewing, 26, joined the police force after a stint working on political campaigns on Capitol Hill.

I truly grew tired of sitting behind a desk, he said after the ceremony. I was tired of people talking about doing something. I wanted to do it myself.

He now is on the front lines targeting illegal guns, what the police chief calls the prime instruments of death in the District.

It really hurts me, Ewing said of the violence. I see the same faces, and I have very cordial relations with everyone. It is very painful to see something negative happen to one of them. I take it personally.

Ewing was among more than 50 officers and civilians recognized.

One was an internal-affairs detective, Sgt. Richard Ehrlich, who investigated an in-custody death; another citation went to Michael Fulton, a homicide detective who made arrests in cases that had been unsolved over four decades, including that of Pamela Butler, missing since 2009, whose body still has not been found.

A special award was given to 5th District officers Patrick Bacon and Antoine Brathwaite, who in February confronted a suspicious man in the Trinidad neighborhood and were each shot during a fight.

Police said the man managed to pull a gun and fired 12 shots at the officers, striking Bacon in the abdomen and Brathwaite in the upper leg. Both officers returned fire and fatally shot the gunman.

Newsham told the audience that he knows his order to seize illegal weapons is dangerous, but he believes the easy availability of guns drives the homicide numbers.

The biggest motive we have is petty disputes, Newsham said. And when you introduce an illegal gun into a petty dispute, guess what happens? Somebody ends up getting shot.

Newsham said that what is remarkable is that the members of the Metropolitan Police Department are more than happy to risk their lives to seize weapons.

When Newsham visited the wounded officers in the hospital, he said, the first thing out of their mouths was they wanted to get out and get back to work.
Foreign nationals being arrested in February during a targeted enforcement operation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (Charles Reed/AP)

About half of the 675 immigrants picked up in roundups across the United States in the days after President Trump took office either had no criminal convictions or had committed traffic offenses, mostly drunken driving, as their most serious crimes, according to data obtained by The Washington Post.

Records provided by congressional aides Friday offered the most detailed look yet at the backgrounds of the individuals rounded up and targeted for deportation in early February by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents assigned to regional offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, San Antonio and New York.

Two people had been convicted of homicide, 80 had been convicted of assault, and 57 had convictions for dangerous drugs. Many of the most serious criminals were given top billing in ICE news statements about the operation.

The largest single group  163 immigrants convicted of traffic offenses  was mentioned only briefly. Over 90 percent of those cases involved drunken driving, ICE said Friday. Of those taken into custody in the raids, 177 had no criminal convictions at all, though 66 had charges pending, largely immigration or traffic offenses.

The raids were part of a nationwide immigration roundup dubbed Operation Cross Check, which accounts for a small portion of the 21,362 immigrants the Trump administration took into custody for deportation proceedings from January through mid-March.

(Monica Akhtar/The Washington Post)

The two-month total represents a 32 percent increase in deportation arrests over the same period last year. Most are criminals, administration officials have said. But 5,441 were not criminals, double the number of undocumented immigrants arrested for deportation a year earlier. The administration has released a detailed breakdown of the criminal records only of the raids in early February.

Trump has said that public safety threats are his top priority. Shortly after he was elected, he vowed to first deport serious criminals from the United States.

But critics say immigration agents instead have also targeted students, parents of U.S. citizens who do not have serious criminal records and minor offenders.

That makes me so angry, said Kica Matos, a spokeswoman for the Fair Immigration Reform Movement, which is organizing demonstrations Monday to protest Trumps immigration policies. She said that many of the DUI convictions are years-old and that the data confirms our worst fears, which is that this administration is really trying to deport as many as possible regardless of whether they have a criminal record.

President Barack Obama also deported thousands of people who never committed crimes, but toward the end of his administration, he imposed strict new rules that prioritized the arrest of criminals.

The Trump administration has said the current president also wants to prioritize deporting criminals. But officials add that anyone in the United States illegally could be detained and deported.

As Secretary Kelly has made clear, ICE will no longer exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement, said ICE spokeswoman Jennifer Elzea, referring to Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly. All of those in violation of the immigration laws may be subject to immigration arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removal from the United States.

ICE arrested immigrants across the United States in February as part of Operation Cross Check, an initiative that seeks to detain immigrants that also occurred during the Obama administration.

Jessica M. Vaughan, director of policy studies for the Center for Immigration Studies, which favors limits on immigration, said ICE is properly enforcing immigration laws by arresting criminals and people in the United States without papers.

Those are legitimate reasons to remove people, she said. ICE officers are no longer operating under the restraints imposed by the Obama administration. Theyre not forced to look the other way when they encounter people who are removable.

Congressional aides said the information from ICE follows months of frustration from lawmakers that the agency is not responding fast enough to requests for information.

After initially being supportive of Kelly, many Democrats have turned on him, believing he is being less than forthcoming about his sprawling departments moves to implement Trumps immigration policy.

Kelly, a retired Marine general, shot back at congressional critics last week in a speech at George Washington University.

If lawmakers do not like the laws theyve passed and we are charged to enforce, then they should have the courage and skill to change the laws, Kelly said. Otherwise they should shut up and support the men and women on the front lines.

That kind of approach wasnt a constructive way to deal with Congress, House Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) said in an interview Friday. Democrats, he said, are frustrated by Trumps immigration policies but are unable to change laws because they dont currently control Congress.

That kind of language ought to be jettisoned, Hoyer said.
William Glover-Bey and Collie Thomas at Johns Hopkins Hospital. They are alumni of a program that helps ex-offenders find jobs. (COURTESY OF THE PEW CHARITABLE TRUSTS)

 Collie Thomas sat in the courtyard outside Johns Hopkins Hospital and marveled at her luck. She works as an orderly in one of the most prestigious hospitals in the country. She was promoted about a year ago. She just moved into a snug new rowhouse.

I stayed 10 years in prison, and I worked hard in prison for like a dollar, dollar fifty  for so little, said Thomas, 51, her bedazzled pink smartphone glinting in the April sunshine. So when you get these kinds of jobs here, you work your best.

With unemployment falling and workers hard to find, a growing number of health-care employers are following Johns Hopkinss lead and giving people with criminal records a second chance  hiring them mainly into entry-level jobs in food service, janitorial services and housekeeping. Studies show that employees with records stay in their jobs longer and are no more likely to commit workplace crimes than hires without them.

This year, Illinois began allowing people with some forcible felony convictions to petition for professional licenses in health care. In 2015, Pennsylvanias Supreme Court struck down a decades-old law that had prohibited people with certain offenses  including theft and murder  from working in long-term-care facilities, home care agencies and adult day centers.

But health care isnt quite like any other business. Hospitals, nursing homes and doctors offices care for people in the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Citing public-safety concerns, some states have gone in the opposite direction, passing laws to keep people with criminal records out of clinical jobs.

For instance, a bill in Colorado would require doctors, nurses, dentists and other health-care professionals to submit a fingerprint-based background check before they can be licensed, and it would permit licensing boards to disqualify applicants who have been convicted of unlawful sexual behavior or diversion of controlled substances. A 2016 Indiana law expanded background checks for people who work at home health agencies. Existing state law already bars home health agencies from hiring people who have been convicted of certain crimes, such as theft and rape.

But about 1 in 4 Americans has a criminal record. As the health-care sector continues to add jobs, state lawmakers and employers will have to decide whether ex-offenders will be allowed to fill them.

Beyond Ban the box

Johns Hopkinss willingness to hire ex-offenders dates to the late 1990s. At that time, the economy was booming and the hospital was desperate for workers, said Michele Sedney, senior director for central recruitment services at the health system.

Thats also around the time that we started doing background checks and we started to find, Gee, theres lots of people that have backgrounds. And if were going to exclude all of them, then how are we ever going to staff the hospital?  she said.

Today the Johns Hopkins health system doesnt run a background check until after a conditional offer of employment is made. If theres a problem, a former Baltimore police officer who works in the human resources department will review the applicants record. HR will consider mitigating factors, such as how long ago the offense took place.

Sedney says that in the four years shes been in her role at the health system, there has been no theft, drug diversion or other criminal incident involving an employee with a criminal record. In a five-year study of almost 500 ex-offender employees, Hopkins found that ex-offenders were more likely to stay in their jobs for more than three years than non-offenders.

Other research supports the idea that people with criminal records are reliable workers. A Northwestern University study of tens of thousands of hires into low-skill white-collar jobs found that hires with records stayed in their jobs longer and were no more likely to get fired than hires without records.

This evidence taken together suggests that employees with a criminal background are, in fact, a better pool for employers, the study said.

The federal government put pressure on all employers to consider applicants with a criminal record in 2012, when the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission warned that employers that exclude applicants because of their records may violate anti-discrimination laws. Some states and cities, including Baltimore, ban employers from asking about arrest and conviction records until late in the hiring process.

Thats not to say that hiring an ex-offender doesnt pose risks. Employers are wary of opening themselves up to negligent-hiring lawsuits. And the public blowback when someone with a criminal record commits a crime can be huge. Colorados background-check law was proposed after the Denver Post exposed the large number of nurses with criminal records working in the state.

But now that workers are once again hard to find, more health-care systems are becoming open to hiring people with arrest and conviction records. Johns Hopkins has hired people with records for hard-to-fill positions such as a night-shift job cleaning floors in the emergency department.

A second chance

Thomas, the Johns Hopkins employee, is warm and chatty and dresses up her beige uniform with purple lipstick and glittery gold nail polish. She has worked in the health-care industry most of her life, as a nurses aide and housekeeper. In her current role, she makes sure patients rooms are stocked with the right supplies and helps out with other nonclinical tasks, such as moving patients and delivering medical records.

She doesnt seem like someone who has been to prison  least of all for murder.

Heres what happened, as Thomas tells it. In the early 2000s, during a fight at home with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, she grabbed a knife and waved it at him. She wanted to scare him into leaving her alone. Instead, he rushed at her. By the time the scuffle was over, a table was broken and her boyfriend had a stab wound in his chest.

I never thought the man was going to die, Thomas said. But later, in the hospital, he did. Her knife had punctured his lung. When she found out, she was at the police station explaining what had happened. She didnt think to call a lawyer.

After her sentencing, Thomas requested to be sent to a prison that specialized in inmates with mental illness, because she knew she needed therapy. My life was just shattered, she recalled. She had struggled with drug use. One of her sons had been killed less than two years earlier. In prison, shed be locked away from her 12-year-old daughter and college-age son.

When Thomas was released a few years ago, her daughter advised her to join a reentry program shed seen on Facebook, Turnaround Tuesday.

Employers often feel more comfortable hiring felons who have been vetted by a community organization or workforce intermediary, a role that Turnaround Tuesday plays in Baltimore.

Turnaround Tuesday is a nonprofit initiative that operates out of two church basements on opposite sides of the city. (Both groups meet on Tuesdays.) Its open to anyone who is struggling to find work, but about two-thirds of participants have a criminal history, says Melvin Wilson, one of the program directors.

Turnaround Tuesday has a reputation for getting people jobs, thanks to its strong relationship with Baltimore employers. Participants learn to manage conflict, set boundaries, advocate for themselves and others, and tell their story in a way that emphasizes personal growth. They can keep showing up to the meetings for as long as they want.

In the end, Thomas said, her incarceration made me a much better person. In prison, she gained new job skills and worked through the trauma of her past. At Turnaround Tuesday, she learned how to conduct herself professionally. She still goes to the meetings when she can.

Thomas is grateful for her job and plans to work hard to keep it. The truth about ex-cons, she said, leaning forward conspiratorially, is that employers can get more work out of them. Thats why you should always give them a chance, she said.
On a sweltering April day, tens of thousands of demonstrators assembled in Washington on Saturday for the latest installment of the regular protests that punctuate the Trump era. This large-scale climate march marked President Trumps first 100 days in office, which have already seen multiple rollbacks of environmental protections and Obama climate policies.

The Peoples Climate March, which originated with a massive demonstration in New York in September 2014, picked a symbolically striking day for its 2017 event. The temperature reached 91 degrees at D.C.s National Airport at 2:59 p.m., tying a heat record for April 29 in the district set in 1974  which only amplified the movements message.

[The best signs from the Peoples Climate March]

On the eve of the march, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that it was beginning an overhaul of its website, which included taking down a long-standing site devoted to the science of climate change, which the agency said was under review.

Hang on EPA, the midterms are coming. 2018, read one sign carried by Kathy Sommer of Stony Brook, N.Y, as the protest assembled on the Mall Saturday morning.

There is no Planet B, read another sign by Eva Gunther of Washington, D.C., displaying one of the most popular and oft repeated messages of the event (and of last weeks March for Science).

Hillary Clinton tweeted praise of the marchers Saturday afternoon, writing, Great to see ppl take to the streets & combat climate change, protect the next generation & fight for jobs & economic justice.

President Trump was in Pennsylvania for a rally on Saturday and did not tweet any immediate reaction.

Many of the signs at Saturdays climate march were dark and ominous, warning of climate catastrophe, dying oceans, crop destruction and planet degradation. But the mood of the marchers was anything but somber. It was a racially diverse crowd with marchers of all ages. There were women with flowers in their hair. A man dressed in Uncle Sam overalls. There were little girls in strawberry sundresses and boys in baseball caps astride their fathers shoulders.

There were babies in strollers, like the boy whod traveled with his family from Nashville and was now rolling down Pennsylvania Avenue carrying a sign that read, Less pollution, more solutions. There were elderly folks, too, such as 91-year-old Dorothy Peterson, who had traveled from Pittsburgh. She had a sun hat that resembled the earth and carried a sign in her wheelchair that read, Mother Earth is older than me. Respect your elders.

Its beautiful, said Allison Dale, a geologist from Conshohocken, Pa. Its so well organized and everyone is really friendly and in a really good mood.

The protest itself smelled of sweat, sunscreen and the occasional whiff of incense. It sounded like a drum circle  a never-ending drum circle. The cacophony included banjos and boomboxes and at least one kazoo, tambourines and ukuleles and, yes, cowbell. Lots of cowbell. At one point, a full-on brass band  tubas, trombones, trumpets  waltzed by in full swing in front of the White House, while a man on stilts danced amid the musicians.

There were chants, of course:

Shame, shame, shame!

Hey hey, ho ho, Scott Pruitt has got to go!

Resistance is here to stay, welcome to your 100th day.

But none more ubiquitous than, The oceans are rising and so are we!

The climate event differs from last weeks March for Science in its focus and also its participants  only 1 out of 8 contingents of Saturdays protest featured scientific researchers. The rest included labor activists, indigenous people already facing severe effects from climate change, and children and young people who will live with the effects of climate change longest as the Earth continues to warm.

1 of 30 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Photos from the Peoples Climate March in Washington View Photos The rally in the District and accompanying march from the Capitol to the White House is directed at the Trump administration, which will decide whether to remain in the Paris climate accord. Caption The rally in the District and accompanying march from the Capitol to the White House is directed at the Trump administration, which will decide whether to remain in the Paris climate accord. April 29, 2017 Hank Moore, a member of the Alabama Sierra Club, traveled from Montgomery to participate in the Peoples Climate March in Washington. Moore, whos retired from the Alabama Army National Guard, has three sons in the service and is concerned about their future and his grandchildrens future. Joshua Yospyn for The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

But there was plenty of overlap between the marches. Ken Hunter, 78, traveled from Charles Town, W.Va., for the climate march and also came to Washington for the March for Science last weekend and the Tax March on April 15  and attended a Womens March in Florida.

Hell, I havent marched this much in years, Hunter said with a laugh. But these are all very important issues and it was important to be out here.

The motivation for the current climate march is clear: The Trump administration already has moved to roll back former president Barack Obamas signature climate initiative, the Clean Power Plan, and Trump and his team have taken many other actions to weaken environmental protections of air and water, and to enable fossil fuel exploitation on public lands and waters.

The administration is grappling with a major climate policy decision: whether to remain in the Paris climate agreement. Several of Trumps Cabinet picks are advising against following through on his campaign pledge to cancel the accord.

[Why people marched for science: There is no Planet B]





It all adds up to a big contrast with the original Peoples Climate March in 2014. That event was aimed at rallying support for climate change action and preceded by about a year the Paris climate agreement. This years event was more focused on resisting rollbacks of climate efforts. Celebrity attendees included Leonardo DiCaprio, Al Gore and Richard Branson.

The focus on Trump was not necessarily intentional: In a press statement, Paul Getsos, national coordinator of the Peoples Climate Movement, said the event was planned before the election.

For Ethan Fekete, Saturdays climate march was the first protest he has taken part in.

Ironically, we march to get rid of our carbon footprint, said the 13 year-old Virginia Beach resident who attended the march with his dad and a friend.

Its so much more than just a bunch of people walking around, Ethan said. The signs are so creative and everyone is here for a good cause.

Some of the more creative signs observed on Saturday included the following: Good planets are hard to find, Make Earth Great Again! May the forest be with you, and Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Resist.

Marchers on Saturday gathered at the Capitol and marched along Pennsylvania Avenue. They covered the entire width of the avenue and its length from the Capitol to 14th Street. The crowd filled Pennsylvania Avenue and the sidewalks carrying signs decrying the president and his actions on the environment.

(Joe Heim/The Washington Post)

The marchers unleashed their anger as they passed directly in front of the Trump hotel where they booed loudly and chanted Shame! and We want a leader, not a creepy tweeter! and we will not go away, welcome to your 100 days!

As the march streamed toward the White House, Freedom Plaza, an open area along Pennsylvania Avenue, provided an off-ramp for sweltering protesters. At the far end of the plaza a series of six large water tanks awaited. Activists lined up to refill their bottles and, in a few cases, douse their heads.

Just before 3 p.m., temperatures at National Airport hit 91 degrees, but the heat index was even higher at 95.

Shortly before 4 p.m., the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency issued a hyperthermia alert, citing a heat index of 96 degrees. Residents without air-conditioning were told they could go to city recreation facilities, senior centers or other air-conditioned city buildings.

D.C. Fire and EMS received more than 50 calls for medical assistance at the march, with the great majority being heat-related, said Vito Maggiolo, a spokesman for the D.C. Fire and EMS department. Four people were transported to local hospitals, though Maggiolo said he did not know their condition.

The protesters were vociferous but peaceful. Interactions with the phalanx of police officers who stood at barriers in front of the hotel were friendly, with many protesters stopping to get pictures of themselves with officers.

They planned to surround the White House, according to the march website, and make a loud sound demanding climate justice and good jobs that will drown out all of the climate-denying nonsense that has been coming out of this Administration.

At 15th Street, where the march began to turn north to begin the loop around the White House, the movement encountered a pro-life protester with a bullhorn. Abortion is destroying human life, he said.

The protesters sat on the concrete and began clapping as they steadily chanted, My body, my choice.

On the western side of the White House near the Old Executive Office Building, the march changed character as it completed a loop around the center of U.S. presidential power. Instead of being densely packed and full of energy, the protesters grew more widely spaced out and slower in their strides. Some took a detour behind the White House and paused to sit in the shade on the grass between the South Lawn and the Ellipse.

In the middle of Lafayette Square, where the tired and sunburned masses of demonstrators huddled under the shade of trees to picnic and relax, a man with a bullhorn reminded them to take all their trash with them, to leave the place cleaner than they had found it. He neednt have bothered. The recycling cans already were filling up. Many protesters had brought extra plastic bags, to cart away any extra trash.

Ill be fine in my lifetime. But what they experience and what their children experience could be catastrophic, said Hamid Doumbia, 39, who had come downtown from Rockville with his two children, 4-year-old Jasmine and 8-year-old Noah. They made T-shirts for the march. I wanted them to understand  I wanted to show them that its not just us, that a lot of people care about the world.

By late afternoon, even as thousands of marchers worked their way from the White House to the Washington Monument, many demonstrators were calling it a day. They trickled back into the streets of downtown, lugging their signs as they descended into the Metro or boarded buses.

The line grew long outside the FroZenYo around the corner from the White House, where the climate warriors were looking for a way to cool off.

Organizers told the National Park Service that they expect 50,000 to 100,000 attendees. By late afternoon, they were claiming to have greatly exceeded that and reached 200,000. More than 375 satellite marches were held around the United States and even more around the world, from Manila to Amsterdam.

Getting to the march proved frustrating for many who chose to use public transportation. Metro officials did not make changes to their planned maintenance schedule, which affected several downtown stations that would normally be used by riders headed to the Mall. In some instances, shuttle buses replaced trains. Many marchers complained the service was slow and were confused about where to board shuttle buses.

Classic #WMATA greatness while there are major events going on at once, tweeted on disgruntled rider who included an image that showed a 37-minutes wait for a Shady Grove train.

Those who used the Red Line also ran into problems Saturday morning when smoke from an arcing insulator at the Woodley Park stop forced the agency to single-track trains between that station and Van Ness, causing midmorning delays. Those delays were in addition to previously planned single-tracking between two downtown stations, Judiciary Square and Farragut North.

But officials said they planned to resume full Red Line service between Judiciary Square and Farragut North around 3 p.m. to accommodate people leaving the Climate March and those headed to the Capitals playoff game.

Even so, Metro officials said they did not anticipate significant problems.

We believe that planned service will be more than adequate to accommodate ridership demand, said Richard L. Jordan, a Metro spokesman.

In addition to tying an all-time heat record for April 29, this month also is the warmest April on record for the District.

(McKenna Ewen/The Washington Post)

Lori Aratani, Brady Dennis, and Jason Samenow contributed to this report.

Read more:

Back-to-back marches? Organizers insist theres no competition

Atom-smashing scientists are unnerved by harsh Trump budget

Metro adds Red Line to weekend track work list, adding more disruption to busy weekend in D.C.

How is this weekends climate march different from its predecessor? Now, the task is full-on resistance.

These giant protest signs of famous women and environmentalists will brighten the Climate March
Scientists have extracted DNA from the skeletal remains of several 19th-century sailors from the ill-fated Franklin Expedition, whose goal was to navigate the fabled Northwest Passage.

With a new genetic database of 24 expedition members, researchers hope to identify some of the victims of one of the worst disasters in the history of polar exploration.

Led by Sir John Franklin, a British Royal Navy captain, the 129-member crew embarked in 1845 in search of a sea route that would link the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The sailors were doomed after their two ships became trapped in sea ice in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago in 1846.

The last communication, a short note from April 25, 1848, indicated that the surviving men were abandoning the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror  just off King William Island and starting a harsh journey south toward a trading post on the mainland. None of them seems to have made it even a fifth of the way there.

Over more than a century, search parties and scientists have discovered the remains of several Franklin sailors in boats and makeshift campsites scattered along this route. The bones bear scars of diseases including scurvy. Some have signs of cannibalism, according to a recent study that confirmed 19th-century reports of Inuit witnesses describing piles of fractured human bones. Several artifacts from the Erebus, including a medicine bottle and tunic buttons, as well as the ships bronze bell, have also been uncovered.

In the latest look at the array of bones, a team led by Douglas Stenton of the Department of Culture and Heritage for Nunavut (a territory in northern Canada) conducted genetic tests on the remains.

Stenton and his colleagues obtained DNA from 37 bone and tooth samples found at eight sites around King William Island, and they established that the remains had come from at least 24 members of the expedition.

The researchers say their results offer a more accurate count of the number of expedition members who died at different locations. A few of the early fatalities were buried at Beechey Island, and their frozen remains, which were exhumed by archaeologists in the 1980s, were eerily well preserved. The bones of the sailors who died after abandoning the ships, however, were much more scattered, dispersed by animal scavenging and human activity.

Stenton said that, in one case, bones from one individual were found at two sites about a mile apart. The researchers think that an 1879 search party most likely found some of the victims bones, then carried them to the new site and reburied them.

Four samples in the study were identified as female, which doesnt fit with the picture of an all-male expedition crew. The authors ruled out the possibility that these samples came from Inuit women because the genetic and archaeological evidence associated with these individuals suggests they were European.

Stenton and his colleagues think the most likely explanation is that studies of ancient DNA commonly fail to amplify the Y chromosome (the male sex chromosome), which can result in faulty identifications. However, the researchers noted that it wasnt unheard of for women to serve in disguise in the Royal Navy.

Live Science

On Ice: Stunning Images of Canadian Arctic

Photos: Bronze Bell Recovered from Arctic Shipwreck

10 Mysterious Deaths and Disappearances That Still Puzzle Historians
Jupiter holds court over the eastern evening heavens throughout May, as this bold, bright -2.5 magnitude planet hangs out in the constellation Virgo.

This gigantic, gaseous planet gets a lunar date next weekend, when the gibbous moon approaches Jupiter. The moon then moves past the big planet May 7  and the full moon occurs three days later, May 10.

Like a shy kid at a middle school dance, Mars (1.6 magnitude, less bright than Jupiter) hangs out almost inconspicuously in the west-northwest after sunset early in the month. The Red Planet will be lower after sunset  in the west-northwest  later in May.

Saturn rises now around 11:30 p.m., and it will be high in the south-southwest before dawn, at zero magnitude, bright. On May 22, the ringed planet ascends the east-southeast at 10 p.m., and before daybreak, find it high in the south-southwest.

The eastern morning sky features the vivacious Venus before sunrise throughout May. The planet is hard to miss at -4.7 magnitude now, a bright, enchanting beacon above the treetops. The skinny crescent of the waning moon sashays with Venus on the morning of May 22, and the moon breezes away May 23. The plucky planet rises about 4:15 a.m. later this week, and it rises around 3:45 a.m. late in the month.

There will be a difficult-to-see new moon May 25, at its monthly perigee (officially, May 26), the closest distance this year to Earth. Our own blue planets ocean tides are tugged by the gravitational pull of the moon, and NOAA has forecast higher-than-normal tides May 26-27.

Catch the peak of the Eta Aquarids meteors around May 4-6. The shooting stars are likely to peak on the morning of May 5, according to the International Meteor Organization (imo.net). The group said that in the Northern Hemisphere, this shower produces fewer shooting stars  about 10 to 30 an hour before dawn  than in the Southern Hemisphere. You may catch a handful. Comet Halley is the parent of these meteors.

Down-to-Earth events:

May 1  The spring heavens warm up with Stars Tonight at the David M. Brown Planetarium, 1426 N. Quincy St., Arlington, adjacent to Washington-Lee High School. 7:30 p.m. $3. friendsoftheplanetarium.org.

May 2  Planet Nine from Outer Space, a lecture by Mike Brown, California Institute of Technology. The search is on for a possible massive planet deep in the solar system. Lockheed Martin Imax Theater, National Air and Space Museum, Mall. 8 p.m. Obtain tickets in advance. Presented online. airandspace.si.edu.

May 5  Undergraduate students present research on asteroid rotation at the University of Maryland Observatory, College Park. Enjoy heavenly objects through telescopes afterward, weather permitting. 9 p.m. astro.umd.edu/openhouse.

May 6  Star stories, then music under the planetarium stars featuring Thai musician Teerasak Patamawenu. Montgomery College planetarium, Takoma Park, 7 p.m. bit.ly/2lQmu9u.

May 7  Comets: From the Ordinary to the Extraordinary, a talk by physicist Karl Battams, at the Northern Virginia Astronomy Clubs regular meeting, 163 Research Hall, George Mason University. 7 p.m. novac.com.

May 7  Exploring the Universe with Gravitational Waves, a lecture by physicist Rainer Weiss, LIGO Scientific Collaboration, co-winner of the 2016 Kavli Prize. At the Lockheed Martin Imax Theater, National Air and Space Museum. 8 p.m. Obtain tickets in advance. Presented online. airandspace.si.edu.

May 13  Space Day. Hands-on activities and talk with experts. National Air and Space Museum. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. airandspace.si.edu.

May 13  Challenges of Directly Imaging Earthlike Exoplanets Around Nearby Stars, a talk by University of Maryland researcher Brian Hicks at the National Capital Astronomers regular meeting, held at the University of Maryland Observatory, College Park. 7:30 p.m. capitalastronomers.org.

May 20  The night sky from an urban island, Exploring the Sky, hosted by the National Park Service and the National Capital Astronomers, at Rock Creek Park near the Nature Center, in the field south of Military and Glover roads NW. 9 p.m. capitalastronomers.org.

May 20  Sofia: The Stratospheric Observatory  Seven Years Flying, a talk by astronomer Miguel Requena Torres, at the University of Maryland Observatory, College Park. View the night sky through telescopes afterward, weather permitting. 9 p.m. astro.umd.edu/openhouse.

May 25  Mars, Moons, Missions and Microbes, a lecture by scientist Andrew Steele, who develops measurement criteria for possibly detecting life on Mars and the moons Europa (Jupiter) and Enceladus (Saturn.) Hosted by the Carnegie Institution for Science, 6:30 p.m., at the Greenwalt Building, 5241 Broad Branch Rd. NW. Register in advance. carnegiescience.edu.

Blaine Friedlander can be reached at PostSkyWatch@yahoo.com.
MISSOURI

1 dead amid flooding, storms in Midwest

Strong thunderstorms are causing flooding in the Midwest that has killed at least one person in Missouri, prompted numerous rescues and blocked roads.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said a woman died after being swept away by floodwaters Saturday near Clever in southwest Missouri. Troopers responding to a call for help rescued a man traveling with the woman.

The state reported nearly 100 evacuations and nearly three dozen rescues by late afternoon.

Thunderstorms also toppled trees and power lines in eastern Oklahoma, while more than four inches of snow fell in other parts of the state. The governors of Missouri and Oklahoma have declared states of emergency.

Flooding and heavy rains also hit parts of Arkansas, while blizzard warnings were in effect in western Nebraska.

 Associated Press

Boarding school officials resign amid sex-abuse claims: Two former headmasters at a prestigious Connecticut boarding school have resigned as life trustees after a report that alleged that teachers had sexually abused students, school officials said. According to a spokeswoman for Choate Rosemary Hall, Charles Dey resigned Thursday. He led the Wallingford private school from 1973 to 1991. Edward Shanahan resigned Friday. He was headmaster from 1991 to 2011. The resignations come after Choate provided a report naming a dozen educators accused of sexual misconduct while at the school, some dating back more than five decades.

Hacker releases stolen copies of Netflix series: A hacker claims to have followed through on a threat to release several episodes from the upcoming season of Netflixs hit series Orange Is The New Black. The hacker, who goes by The Dark Overlord, announced the move on Twitter early Saturday.

 From news services
Demonstrators on both sides of the political spectrum protest in Portland, Ore., along the route of a parade that was canceled amid safety concerns. (KOIN 6 News)

The 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade that snakes through the Southeast Portland corridor each year provides families with familiar springtime escapism. Church clubs and veterans groups hold banners and wave. Members of the local Chinese American community bring their dramatic lion dance. The clown prince makes an appearance on his clown-car throne.

But not this year. In place of the family-friendly scenes on Saturday were masked protesters, police armored in riot gear and about 100 people waving Trump campaign flags and sporting Make America Great Again hats.

Right-wing vlogger Joey Gibson shouted into a bullhorn, Were here to stand tall and stand against their threats!

A threatening letter suggesting leftists planned to attack the float of a local Republican group  and social-media chatter suggesting the dispute could devolve into a street brawl  turned this quiet neighborhoods annual parade into an unexpected battleground in the escalating war between political extremist groups.

Organizers canceled the event days before it was to be staged, but the clash between the left-wing and right-wing groups went on.

For months, the groups have been colliding across the country but largely were confined to university campuses and surrounding streets. On one side are the anarchists and antifascists, or antifa  left-wing groups that wear masks, dress in black and have sometimes caused peaceful marches staged by progressive groups to end with violence or property damage. On the other side are a loose coalition of people with far-right ideology  including white nationalists  who turn up at events, they say, to defend free speech and free assembly against antifa groups.

In Berkeley, riots have broken out multiple times in recent months, notably on April 15 for a tax day march and after leftists tried to block appearances by two conservative provocateurs, commentator Ann Coulter and former Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos. Both incidents prompted counter-protests and were ultimately canceled because of the fear of violence.

The Portland incident has taken the clash to a new level, with the threat of violence spilling over into residential neighborhoods and business districts.

There were at least three arrests Saturday, but no violence was reported. Still, it has left residents of the Portland neighborhood concerned that political tensions in the country are disrupting everyday American life.

Its part of the national trend thats beginning to trickle down to the smaller and smaller communities, said Rich Jarvis, spokesman for the Rose Festival. The event is supposed to be a time out from divisive politics and social strife, he said.

Put it aside, take a break, come to the festival and enjoy the community, he said. This isnt a place where you bring in anger and issues that are bothering the community.

This part of East Portland has become one of the citys most culturally diverse neighborhoods. A main thoroughfare, Southeast 82nd Avenue is lined with nail salons, fast food restaurants and big box stores. Men in dirty coveralls stand smoking cigarettes outside a muffler shop. At a Sizzler, a marquee announces that a trip to the salad bar comes with free onion rings.

Between those big box stores are sushi restaurants and packed dining rooms filled with families enjoying afternoon dim sum. Women leave Lees Sandwiches carrying paper bags of baguettes, and the menu features nine Asian sandwiches.

The parade has become a celebration of the diverse cultures that have settled here as inner Portland neighborhoods have gentrified, bulldozing affordable housing and edging families out.

Concerns about this years event began last weekend, when parade organizers got wind of some antifa groups objecting to the Multnomah County Republican Partys float, which had been a part of the parade before. The antifa groups said people with racist beliefs planned to join the float, so they pledged to shut it down.

Organizers also got an email, purportedly from an antifa group, threatening to drag and push out those who espouse hatred toward lgbt, immigrants, people of color or others. Antifa groups have denied that they sent the note.

Concerned for the safety of spectators and participants, the organizers decided to cancel the event. Many of those involved in the dispute  the antifa groups, the right-wing activists, the Multnomah GOP and even Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler  expressed shock and dismay that the parade, which is a local institution, would be canceled over what they felt were perfectly manageable security concerns.

These people who are throwing the parade have never been threatened before, so they were kind of worried, and were concerned about property damage too, I guess, said Gibson, a conservative activist based in Vancouver, Wash., in an interview before the event. He protested along the planned parade route Saturday to support the Republican Party.

Gibson, a YouTube personality whose Patriot Prayer group has participated in multiple protests opposing the antifa, accuses the leftist groups of squelching free speech.

Anyone whos been going on the streets a lot to protest these protesters, were used to the threats, he said.

In an interview via Facebook messaging, an organizer with Oregon Students Empowered, an antifa group, said the group did not want the parade canceled but, rather, the GOP float removed from the parade. People they knew to be neo-Nazis and racists were planning to be present, which they believed was inappropriate and a threat to the community.

Im not sure exactly what we would have done, but we would have shut it down without harming anyone who is not affiliated with the Republican group, said the organizer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of becoming a target of the police.

James Buchal, chairman of the Multnomah County Republican Party, said he is confident that the event could have gone on safely.

It probably would have been nothing more than 30 to 40 punks wearing masks who could easily be kept at bay, he said. It would have been very easy for the police to have marched alongside of us or do whatever they needed to do so the community wouldnt have to lose the whole thing.

Along the two-mile route where the parade would have taken place, people say theyre disappointed by the cancellation. Riz Ashraf, 33, says he usually brings his family to the event.

I guess we dont have enough safety force in our city, he said, shrugging. He said he thinks canceling in light of hazy threats sends a dangerous message that people cant do anything. I feel bad for the kids, he said.

Outside, Maddie Drvenkar, 45, said the cancellation of the parade and the cancellation of Coulters speech in Berkeley only feed into peoples fears. To not give them a chance to speak gives them the upper hand, he said.Were fueling their fires.

The anarchist thing p----- me off, he added. But I guess the definition of anarchy is chaos.
HEALTH

Vaccine supply for yellow fever dwindles

U.S. health officials warned Friday that the countrys supply of yellow fever vaccine is dwindling and will likely be gone by the summer  with no way to make more because of a manufacturing problem.

The shortage comes at a troubling time. Multiple outbreaks of yellow fever, which is transmitted by mosquitoes and was eradicated in many countries by the 1920s, have popped up around the world in recent years in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and, most recently, Brazil.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it has been collaborating with the Food and Drug Administration and Sanofi Pasteur, which makes the vaccine, to address the shortage by expanding access to a different type that will be imported from France. That vaccine, Stamaril, is considered investigational and is unlicensed in the United States.

Stamaril is being made available outside the FDAs regular review process through an expanded access provision, which allows for a wider distribution of a drug beyond a limited clinical trial in emergency situations. However, the number of clinics offering the vaccine will be reduced from about 4,000 to 250, according to Marty Cetron, who oversees the CDCs division of global migration and quarantine.

Cetron said travelers should be vaccinated before heading to an area where the disease is present. Estimates of the people infected range from 84,000 to 174,000 annually. About 60,000 are believed to die globally each year from the disease, which is transmitted by the mosquito that carries the Zika virus.

 Ariana Eunjung Cha

ILLINOIS

Former educator gets four years in prison

The former head of Chicago Public Schools was sentenced to more than four years in prison on Friday for steering $23 million in city contracts to education firms for a cut of more than $2 million in kickbacks.

A tearful Barbara Byrd-Bennett, who held top education jobs in Detroit and Cleveland before being tapped to lead the nations third-largest school district, apologized in a 15-minute statement before she was sentenced, saying: What I did was terribly wrong.  Im ashamed, and Im sorry.

But U.S. District Court Judge Edmond Chang said her brazenness in bilking an already cash-strapped school district suggested she never believed shed get caught in a city with a long, ignominious history of corruption.

The former Chicago Public Schools chief executive faced a maximum 20 years behind bars; prosecutors asked for a term of seven and a half years. During sentencing, Chang said, he factored in her age and her acts of kindness, including paying for the funerals of some students.

Prosecutors allege Byrd-Bennett, 68, agreed to the scheme at the start of her tenure in 2012, knowing the 400,000-student district was buckling under major financial strain.

She had a national reputation as an education reformer, earned a $250,000 annual salary and had multiple pensions from previous jobs.

SUPER Academy and Synesi Associates LLC owners Gary Solomon and Thomas Vranas pleaded guilty to related charges. Chang sentenced Solomon  who prosecutors say masterminded the scheme  to seven years in prison last month. Vranas received an

18-month sentence earlier Friday.

 Associated Press

texas

George H.W. Bush released from hospital

Former President George H.W. Bush has been released from a Houston hospital where he received treatment for a mild case of pneumonia and chronic bronchitis during a two-week stay.

Bush spokesman Jim McGrath said in a statement that Bush, 92, was discharged from Houston Methodist Hospital on Friday.

Bush was admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital on April 14 for treatment of a persistent cough. Doctors determined he had pneumonia. After the pneumonia was treated, Bush remained hospitalized because of chronic bronchitis.

Bush, who was president from 1989 to 1993, was hospitalized for 16 days in January with pneumonia.

During that hospital stay, which included time in intensive care, doctors inserted a breathing tube and connected him to a ventilator.

 Associated Press

FLORIDA

Doctor is convicted of Medicare fraud

A prominent Florida eye doctor accused of political corruption was convicted of Medicare fraud Friday, increasing the odds that federal prosecutors could pressure him to testify against Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.).

Salomon Melgen faces 15 to 20 years in prison on 67 counts, including health-care fraud, submitting false claims and falsifying records in patients files, if he doesnt strike a deal before his sentencing, which is scheduled for July 14.

The doctor, 62, collected more money from Medicare than any other physician in the nation  $21 million  at the height of the fraud in 2012. Melgen and Menendez face trial on Sept. 6 in New Jersey on charges the doctor bribed the senator for favors, including intervention in the fraud probe. The senator denies any wrongdoing.

 Associated Press
In Pakistan, supporters of popular opposition leader Imran Khan rally in Islamabad and call for the resignation of Pakistans prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, over corruption allegations. (Aamir Qureshi/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images)

IRAN

Tehrans mayor slams Rouhani in debate

Tehrans mayor and presidential candidate Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf accused President Hassan Rouhanis administration Friday of dishonesty, mismanagement and supporting the rich at the expense of the poor in the first debate between the six presidential candidates.

During the first of three planned debates ahead of May 19 elections, Qalibaf criticized the Rouhani administration, saying social and environmental problems remained unsolved because of Rouhanis weak management. Your old and traditional management.

Qalibafs other criticisms of Rouhanis administration included that it does not believe in privatization and had failed to fulfill a promise to create 4 million jobs  a promise Rouhani denied making.

Rouhanis senior vice president and presidential candidate responded by saying that Qalibaf and other hard-liners did not voice concern for the squandering of some $700 billion during President Mahmoud Ahmadinejads administration.

Rouhani also accused Qalibaf of issuing false statements.

 Associated Press

EUROPEAN UNION

Leaders will embrace a united Ireland

European Union leaders at a Brexit summit Saturday will give a formal undertaking to embrace the British province of Northern Ireland in the E.U. if a referendum unites the island, diplomats said Friday.

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny has asked fellow members of the bloc to acknowledge that Northern Ireland would, like East Germany in 1990, automatically enter the E.U. in the event of unification with existing member state, the Irish Republic.

The 1998 Good Friday Agreement to end violence in the north foresees the holding of referendums on both sides of the Irish border on uniting the island if London and Dublin see public support for such a change.

E.U. leaders, who will be meeting in Brussels to endorse a negotiating plan for Britains withdrawal, will give a political endorsement to what Irish and E.U. legal experts say is the position in international law of such territorial changes.

 Reuters

PAKISTAN

Thousands of activists rally against Sharif

Thousands of supporters of popular opposition leader Imran Khan rallied in Islamabad on Friday to call for the resignation of Pakistans prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, over corruption allegations.

The rally came a week after Pakistans Supreme Court, acting on a petition submitted by Khan, asked investigators to complete a probe into corruption allegations against Sharif within two months.

Khan told his supporters that Sharif will resign soon.

However, Sharifs ruling Pakistan Muslim League party maintains that the premier will remain in power until 2018 when his term ends.

 Associated Press

Strike protesting labor, pension laws halts much of Brazil: Public transport largely came to a halt across much of Brazil on Friday as demonstrators blocked roads and clashed with police in a general strike to protest proposed changes to labor laws and the pension system. President Michel Temers administration argues that more flexible labor rules will revive a moribund economy and warns that the pension system will go bankrupt without changes. Unions and other groups called for the strike, saying that the changes before Congress will make workers too vulnerable and strip away many benefits.

Protesters force closure of Muslim schools in Burma: Ultranationalist Buddhist monks and their supporters have forced the closing of two Muslim schools in Rangoon, Burmas biggest city, in a reminder that religious strife remains a threat to the countrys stability. About a dozen monks and scores of supporters gathered Friday afternoon near the two Muslim madrassas while police stood by as protesters demanded that local officials close the buildings.

Stream of quakes rattles Chilean coast: More than a dozen moderate earthquakes rattled the Chilean coast within a two-hour period Friday, the most powerful of them registering at magnitude 5.9. The continued rattling prompted some cities to suspend classes and give workers the afternoon off. There were no reports of damage or injury. The U.S. Geological Survey said the strongest hit at 12:30 p.m. That magnitude 5.9 shake was about 65 miles west of the capital, Santiago.

 From news reports
IRAQ

U.S. service member dies outside Mosul

A U.S. service member died of wounds inflicted by an explosive device outside of the city of Mosul on Saturday.

The release from the U.S.-led coalition gave no other details, and a Pentagon spokesman was unable to elaborate. It is unclear whether the blast was combat-related.

Mosul has been the site of heavy fighting since October as Iraqi forces have attempted to rout the Islamic State from the city.

Saturdays death, if caused by hostile fire, would be the fifth U.S. combat death in Iraq since the start of the campaign against the Islamic State there in 2014, and the first during the Trump administration.

In October, Navy Chief Petty Officer Jason C. Finan was killed by a roadside bomb on the outskirts of Mosul just days after the battle to retake the city began.

There are more than 5,000 U.S. troops in Iraq assisting the countrys military in its fight against the Islamic State. The Pentagon has emphasized that the U.S. military is not directly fighting the Islamic State on the ground, instead saying the troops are in fire support and advisory positions.

 Thomas Gibbons-Neff

NORTH KOREA

U.S. carrier joins naval drills after missile test

South Koreas navy started joint exercises with U.S. Navy vessels, including the supercarrier USS Carl Vinson, on Saturday. The South Korean navy says the drill is aimed at deterring North Koreas provocations and displaying the firm alliance between the United States and South Korea.

The drills began hours after South Korean and U.S. officials detected what they presumed was a failed missile launch earlier Saturday from an area near the North Korean capital, Pyongyang.

South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff says a North Korean missile flew for several minutes and reached a maximum height of 44 miles before it apparently failed. A U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, said the missile was probably a medium-range KN-17 ballistic missile.

The reported launch drew international condemnation. Japan said it would protest, and Frances U.N. ambassador says the U.N. Security Council is mobilized and unanimous on the need to denuclearize North Korea. President Trump tweeted that North Korea disrespected China with its most recent test.

 Associated Press

E.U. leaders endorse stiff divorce terms for Britain: European Union leaders endorsed stiff divorce terms for Britain and warned Britons to have no illusions about swiftly securing a new relationship to keep their access to E.U. markets. Meeting for the first time since British Prime Minister Theresa May triggered the two-year countdown to Brexit in late March, her counterparts took just minutes to approve eight pages of negotiating guidelines. The text binds E.U. chief negotiator Michel Barnier to seek a deal that secures the rights of 3 million E.U. expats living in Britain, ensures London pays tens of billions of euros Brussels thinks it will be owed, and avoids destabilizing peace by creating a hard E.U.-U.K. border across the island of Ireland.

Airstrike kills eight White Helmets in Syria: Eight Syria Civil Defense workers were killed when an airstrike hit their office in northern Hama province, the rescue service said on its Twitter page. Also known as the White Helmets, the civil defense rescue service operates in opposition-held parts of Syria. Backed by Russian airstrikes and Iranian-backed militias, the Syrian army is waging an offensive against rebel areas north of government-held Hama city, reversing insurgent gains made last month.

 From news services
COREY STEWART, a Northern Virginia politician running for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, has hit on a novel campaign strategy. Rather than wait for primary voters to select his running mate, hes anointed one right out of the gate: the Confederate battle flag.

Mr. Stewart, who chairs the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, grew up in Minnesota but cant seem to resist the flag, Confederate statues and any other symbol of the Confederacy he can coopt. They have become his constant companions as he campaigns across the Old Dominion. Some Virginians cherish the symbols as badges of tradition, but to many Americans they equate to a celebration or at least a tolerance of slavery.

For now, Mr. Stewarts embrace of symbols regarded by many as racist has gained him little traction; polls show him in second place in the GOP contest, at some distance behind the front-runner, political strategist Ed Gillespie. Mr. Stewarts Confederate strategy has caused him some collateral damage, including the loss of the support of Prince Williams sheriff, Glendell Hill, a longtime ally who could not stomach what he called all that Confederate stuff  recently, including Mr. Stewarts participation in a Confederate-themed ball and an airplane streaming both a Stewart banner and a Confederate battle flag.

Mr. Hill, who is African American, withdrew his support of Mr. Stewart and threw it to Mr. Gillespie, who, it turns out, is also backed by four of the five other Republican members of the county board that Mr. Stewart leads. Familiarity with Mr. Stewart, it seems, breeds something less than enthusiasm.

Mr. Stewart made his name by antagonizing undocumented immigrants in Prince William, pushing legislation that authorized ethnic profiling by county police. The effect was that many undocumented Hispanic immigrants left the county, a bragging point for Mr. Stewart.

His embrace of Confederate symbols dovetails with that earlier crusade, sending a loud message of intolerance and provoking protests that Mr. Stewart, in what has become a familiar refrain, gleefully denounces as political correctness. Thats a page from the 2016 playbook of President Trump, whose Virginia campaign Mr. Stewart co-chaired until his shenanigans prompted the campaign to fire him.

Mr. Stewart is a third-rate provocateur but the political vein he seeks to tap is real and virulent: voters who, in the name of cultural heritage, tradition and conservatism, are content to indulge a candidate for whom divisiveness is a touchstone. The last prominent Virginian who tried that tactic  former U.S. senator George Allen, of macaca fame  was unceremoniously thrown out of office for his trouble. It would be a fine thing if Mr. Stewart were treated with equal aplomb.
Donald Trump couldnt be more relieved than this columnist for the end of the blasted first 100 days.

One more quantitative analysis of his (lack of) accomplishments or his (mis)deeds during this period would have put at risk the sanity of the Western world. Its over, done, finis  thanks be to whatever deity gets you through the night  and now we can relax into a possibly major, major conflict with North Korea, as suggested by the president during a recent Reuters interview. Whew.

But seriously. The 24/7 news cycle has jumped the shark with its incessant critique of the first 100. Yes, Im guilty as well, but a 750-word column takes a few minutes of ones time and its all over. I confess as well to having been somewhat obsessed with this president, but I wonder how it could have been otherwise? Hes a scary dude, yall.

Not necessarily insane, but potentially dangerous. His loose lips may have had no rival in presidential history. Thus, when he casually mentions that a conflagration with the crazier-than-thou Kim Jong Un may be imminent, Im a tiny bit terrified.

This is not an irrational reaction, although perhaps it is irrational to continue covering the president in the same ways. Its long been clear that his words are designed primarily to control that 24/7 news cycle. Theyre often meaningless or at least intentionally hyperbolic for maximum media effect. Thought cloud: If we ignore him, will he go away?

The more logical approach to covering and commenting on this administration is to pay greater heed to the more-measured words of Cabinet members, such as United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, both of whom have performed admirably in recent weeks.

Haley, quickly at home in her new position, has been at once firm and diplomatic in her statements about Russia. Southerners are exquisitely expert at being polite while adding arsenic to a glass of sweet tea.

And Tillerson, speaking Friday to the U.N. Security Council, was both more direct and less provocative than Trump in making a case for stronger, painful sanctions against North Korea. Specifically, he urged China, which accounts for 90 percent of North Koreas trade, to join forces in putting an end to Kims nuclear aggressions. Tillerson didnt take military action off the table but neither did he emphasize it.

To Trump, he and Tillerson may have been saying the same thing, but verbal precision and tone matter. The differences are distinctions, both clear and strategically paramount.

As for the 100 days, Trump did set himself up for review, but I cant recall any other president being so thoroughly  or gleefully  scrutinized on this account. This doesnt make the media fake news, it should be needless to say, but the extent of the reviews, regurgitated ad infinitum these past several days, was political gluttony.

In the medias defense, however, its a fact that Trump has failed to meet many of his own expectations, as well as deliver on promises. The House punted on health care again Thursday.

Earlier in the week, Trump withdrew his request for billions in funding for his benighted border wall when a government shutdown seemed inevitable. And hes changed his tune about both NAFTA and NATO.

These failings and reversals are perhaps what prompted Trump to say recently that being president is harder than he thought it would be. Who knew?

On one thing Trump has been absolutely right, even if this, too, represents a corrected view: The 100-day sprint to transform the world is absurd. There was no way, as predicted often in this column, that Trump could meet his goals, not least because of his lack of political skill and experience.

Perhaps, as the BBCs Katty Kay tweeted Friday, Trump talks in superlatives. We should all get used to that. It doesnt mean he acts in superlatives too. While likely so, some thanks are owed to Congress for applying the brakes on his bigger initiatives. What Kays comment really suggests, however, is profoundly distressing: We have a president who should be ignored.

To this end, I shall try. Disliking Trump, even for all the right reasons, is exhausting and unsustainable. Its also boring. With 265 days still left of Trumps first year  talk about exhausting  our highest calling is to encourage wiser men and women to prevail, to ignore most of what Trump says and to keep our eye on the bouncing ball.

Where it lands, nobody knows.

Read more from Kathleen Parkers archive, follow her on Twitter or find her on Facebook.
ADDRESSING THE U.N. Security Council on Friday, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson once again repudiated the policy of strategic patience toward North Korea adopted by the Obama administration. He then proceeded to describe a new campaign that sounded very much like the old one. Washington, he said, would not be drawn into empty negotiations with the regime in Pyongyang. Instead, North Korea must take concrete steps to reduce the threat that its illegal weapons programs pose to the United States and our allies before we can even consider talks. In the meantime, the administration would press for tough new sanctions, particularly by China.

That was strategic patience: waiting for the regime of Kim Jong Un to credibly commit itself to giving up its nuclear warheads and missiles, while pushing Beijing to lean on its neighbor. It did not work when President Barack Obama tried it. The regime implacably continued to build up its arsenal, while China, shirking in implementing even those U.N. sanctions it had voted for, insisted that it was up to the United States to solve the problem through direct negotiations with North Korea.

In truth, it is not a fault that the Trump administration has ended up in the same policy rut as its predecessor. Options for dealing with the isolated and unpredictable Kim regime range from the bad to the truly terrible. Military action, which could lead to a devastating war on the Korean Peninsula, is not conscionable except in extreme circumstances. Past attempts at negotiations have led to a frustrating cycle of blackmail and betrayal by Pyongyang, which pocketed U.S. political and economic concessions while secretly continuing its nuclear work.

Administration officials argue, with some truth, that President Trump at least has tackled the problem with more energy and urgency. Importantly, the new president put North Korea at the center of his first engagement with Chinese President Xi Jinping, explicitly offering to set aside bilateral economic disputes in exchange for more cooperation. There are hints that Beijing is complying: It has reportedly turned back shipments of North Korean coal and threatened harsher measures if there is another nuclear test.

Mr. Tillerson is right to point out that existing sanctions can be much more strictly enforced, and new ones applied. His call to downgrade diplomatic relations with the Kim regime, cut off its export of guest workers to other nations and tighten sanctions on individuals and companies involved in the weapons programs ought to be embraced by the same coalition that successfully sanctioned Iran into compromising on its nuclear program. Applying such pressure may not work, but it is the best available option that has not yet been tried.

Unfortunately, Mr. Trump has a way of sabotaging his own administrations initiatives. In an interview with Reuters on Thursday he blurted out that South Korea should pay for a U.S. anti-missile system being deployed on its territory. That was a gift to the front-runner in South Koreas May 9 presidential election, Moon Jae-in, who has been at odds both with the missile deployment and the tough U.S. approach to North Korea. Mr. Trump can hardly expect to deter U.S. enemies if he wages political war with key allies.
In the April 23 Outlook essay Five myths: The oceans,  Steve Palumbi and Anthony Palumbi misleadingly described William Beebe as the first person to ever travel below the reach of the suns rays into the ocean. In fact, he was one of the two who accomplished this feat simultaneously, the other being my great-uncle Otis Barton, inventor of the bathysphere, the diving bell in which the two men were lowered into the sea off Bermuda. Even though the quote from Beebe made it clear that he was not alone  We were the first living men to look out at the strange illumination  the Palumbis account inaccurately portrayed Beebe as a lone explorer and innovator.

The collaboration between Barton and Beebe and their many dives together are chronicled in Brad Matsens 2005 book, Descent: The Heroic Discovery of the Abyss.

Matthew Barton, Fairfax
Scott Gottlieb, President Trumps nominee to head the Food and Drug Administration, speaks during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, in Washington on April 5. (J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press)

The April 25 news article FDA nominee criticized on firms quota of fentanyl was unsurprising but scary nonetheless. Ive learned much since my teenager died in 2013 two days after a doctor increased a dangerous black box drug over the phone without ever seeing my daughter. Black-box drugs carry the most serious Food and Drug Administration warning available before a drug is outlawed, but the FDA doesnt require that health-care providers give consumers enough information for informed consent before prescribing. If it had, my child and thousands of others would be alive today. My daughter was suffering from akathisia, a serious adverse drug reaction, at the time her doctor casually increased the offending drug.

The FDAs cozy ties with the drug industry lead to inadequate warnings and are partly responsible for the annual deaths of more than 400,000 from medical error and adverse drug reactions. Wouldnt it be nice to one day see an FDA head who had cozy ties to the consumers his agency is supposed to protect?

Kristina Kaiser Gehrki, Fairfax

Truth is stranger than fiction. We live in an amazing time, one in which there is such a thing as opioid lollipops, and in which President Trumps nominee for FDA commissioner, Scott Gottlieb, is accused of pushing these lollipops.

Some of the most anti-science eras of U.S. history have included times when American tobacco companies sought to mix opium and tobacco. They found it counterproductive; opium made people stop working. Coca-Cola tried mixing cocaine with syrup. These are efforts famous for flying in the face of medical science and public health.

Opioid lollipops  a delicious metaphor? A symbol of this new era?

Steve Jones, Kensington
The April 23 obituary of Lawrence J. Hogan Sr., Md. governors father backed Nixon ouster [Metro], did not mention Mr. Hogans support for D.C. voting representation in Congress.

When I was a staff member of the Congressional Research Service in the early 1970s, I was asked by then-Rep. Hogan to draft numerous statements in support of resolutions to amend the Constitution to treat the District as a state for purposes of representation in Congress. I cherish the memory of Mr. Hogan calling to thank me personally for my services on several occasions.

Nelson Rimensnyder, Washington
Attempting comprehensive tax reform is like trying to tug many bones from the clamped jaws of many mastiffs. Every provision of the code  now approaching 4 million words  was put there to placate a clamorous faction, or to create a grateful group that will fund its congressional defenders. Still, Washington will take another stab at comprehensiveness, undeterred by the misadventures of comprehensive immigration and health-care reforms. Consider just one tax change that should be made and certainly will not be.

The deductibility of mortgage interest payments, by which the government will forgo collecting nearly $1 trillion in the next decade, is treated as a categorical imperative graven on the heart of humanity by the finger of God because it is a pleasure enjoyed primarily by the wealthy. About 75 percent of American earners pay more in payroll taxes than in income taxes, and only around 30 percent of taxpayers itemize their deductions. Ike Brannon, of the Cato Institute and Capital Policy Analytics in Washington, argues that, given Americas homeownership rate of about 63 percent, not even half of all homeowners use the deduction. Its principal beneficiaries are affluent (also attentive and argumentative) homeowners, and its benefits, as Brannon says, scale up regressively: The larger the mortgage and the higher the tax bracket, the more valuable the deduction is.

Perhaps the deductions net effect is a higher rate of homeownership, which can benefit society by encouraging respect for property rights, the thrift necessary for a substantial investment and a sense of having a stake in the community. But the unpleasantness of 2008 demonstrated the downside of encouraging too much homeownership. Furthermore, the deduction might actually suppress homeownership by being priced into rising housing costs. Besides, Australia, Canada and Britain, which have no mortgage interest deductions, have homeownership rates comparable to that of the United States.

Homeownership is, Brannon argues, a way for people to hold their wealth; it is not an investment because it does not improve the productive capacity of the economy. Indeed, the more money that flows into housing, the less flows into stocks, bonds or banks.

Government policy is like a Calder mobile  touch something here and things jiggle over there. For example, the president has acted to discourage the use of Canadian wood when making planks for the rising edifice of American greatness. A 20 percent tariff on softwood imports from Canada  about 30 percent of the softwood lumber used in U.S. residential housing construction  is retaliation for Canadas government supposedly charging Canadian lumber interests too little for trees harvested in government forests. The tariff will raise the price of flooring and siding and therefore of houses.

Dismayed U.S. homebuilders foresee a 6.4 percent increase; U.S. lumber interests say that is an exaggeration. Even allowing for theatricality on both sides, lumber protectionism will certainly deepen two problems: Because the mortgage interest deduction enables higher housing prices, Americans will continue to pour too much wealth into housing. And inequality will be exacerbated. Homeownership is crucial to the accumulation of wealth. But as social scientist Joel Kotkin writes, millennials are caught in a pincer of low incomes  the Census Bureau estimates that even those with a full-time job earn $2,000 less in real dollars than the same age cohort did in 1980  and high housing prices. Kotkin says homeownership rates for people under 35 have dropped 21 percent since 2004.

And there is this: The percentage of persons ages 25 to 34 who have never been married has risen from 12 in 1960 to 47 today. There are cultural as well as economic reasons for this delay in two powerful economic multipliers  family formation and house-buying  but certainly, the rising cost of housing is a factor. This is just one of the unseen costs of protectionisms seen benefit of a small number of domestic jobs protected.

Elimination of the mortgage interest deduction would have to be grandfathered to accommodate those who budgeted for their home purchases with the deduction in mind. Even so, it will not happen. Neither will limiting the deduction by denying it to a tiny top sliver of the largest mortgages  say, portions of mortgages over $500,000. People are loss-averse  they resist surrendering any benefit, even if they would reap bigger benefits from increased economic growth that would result from a more sensible allocation of societys resources. And the political class is risk-averse, unwilling to challenge the affluent, or 1 million organized Realtors. The sound you hear is of mastiffs growling.

Read more from George F. Wills archive or follow him on Facebook.
WHEN A bipartisan congressional investigation probed the inner workings of the Secret Service in 2015, it determined that the root cause of the agencys problems was an insular culture that has historically been resistant to change. It seems that President Trump agrees; he has named a new leader from outside the troubled agency. Hopefully, fresh perspective will result in lasting reform.

Randolph D. Tex Alles, a retired Marine Corps general and acting deputy commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, was tapped Tuesday to head the storied agency. Senate confirmation was not required, and Mr. Alles immediately took over from William J. Callahan, who had been acting director since the departure in early March of Joseph P. Clancy, who resigned so Mr. Trump could select his own director.

Mr. Alles, the first Secret Service director in at least 100 years not from the agencys ranks, has his work cut out for him in rebuilding confidence  both within and outside the Secret Service. A series of scandals during the Obama administration, plus security lapses  most recently the March 10 breach of White House security in which an intruder roamed the grounds for nearly 17 minutes  has tarred the agencys image. Changes were put in place under Mr. Clancy, and the agency performed well during last years taxing presidential campaign. But employee morale is low, and attrition has been a problem as the service has been stretched thin in trying to keep up with the demands of protecting Mr. Trump as well as his wife and young son, who live in New York, and his adult children, who travel the world on private business.

How successful the Secret Service will be in trying to get extra funding for next year  Post reporting puts the request for new monies at $60 million  is unclear. Some think what is needed is a reorganization of the agencys investigative duties so that it can focus on protection. We hope Mr. Alless response to past failures will not be a further restriction of public access to Washington landmarks. The new leaders mix of military and homeland security experience is generally seen as a plus, as is the fact he was pushed for the job by Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly. That Mr. Kelly has taken an intense interest in the agency  with the New York Times reporting him walking the White House grounds to figure out what happened March 10  is encouraging. As congressional investigators wrote in their 2015 report labeling the agency in crisis, the Secret Service has a zero-failure mission to protect the president; any issues that threaten that mission demand attention.
Francis Fukuyama is a senior fellow at Stanford University and Mosbacher Director of Stanfords Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law.

President Trumps election provoked extraordinary fears that he would become an American strongman in the mold of authoritarian leaders he admires such as Vladimir Putin of Russia or Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey. Unlike those countries, however, the United States has a very robust set of institutional checks and balances that are supposed to prevent any one individual from acquiring excessive power. The empirical question, then, is whether that system would successfully contain a president who displayed little respect for legal or ethical constraints.

At the 100-day mark, it seems clear that the system is working properly and that Trump is more likely to go down in history as a weak and ineffective president than as an American tyrant. Apart from the appointment of Neil M. Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, he has failed to carry through on any of his major campaign promises such as stopping Muslim immigration or building his big, beautiful wall. His most abject failure was the effort to replace Obamacare with the American Health Care Act, which had to be withdrawn for lack of votes. This absence of winning (is it called losing?) unfolded even as the Republican Party controls both houses of Congress and the presidency.

There are multiple sources of this weakness. Most immediate is Trumps own ignorance of the workings of the U.S. government and the inexperience of the advisers he chose to surround himself with. He seems to have come into office believing he could run the country the way he ran his family business, through executive orders. But the American system puts Congress in the drivers seat for any major initiatives, and presidents are powerful only to the extent that they can build legislative coalitions. Trump failed to do this on health care, and he is no more likely to succeed with tax reform or infrastructure.

Trumps second weakness is structural. To be a powerful president, he would have had to reach out beyond the narrow base that brought him victory in the electoral college, just as President Ronald Reagan succeeded in doing. Trump has sought the opposite, doubling down on his core supporters while doing everything possible to undermine trust on the part of Democrats and independents. In theory, he could create a bipartisan coalition on an issue popular with Democrats such as infrastructure, but at this point they are unlikely to want to rescue what looks like a failing presidency.

(Alice Li,Jayne Orenstein,Julio Negron/The Washington Post)

This does not mean, however, that Trump will be an inconsequential president. His main legacy will be a highly negative one: the first president to undermine a whole series of informal norms about American government. He and his family have not even pretended to avoid conflicts of interest after taking office. Meanwhile, the administration is rolling back transparency laws as it loads its staff with former lobbyists, despite its drain the swamp slogan.

The second negative legacy has to do with government service. The Trump administration has done nothing but express contempt for the public servants who run the government. Administration officials have shown no particular urgency in appointing the hundreds of mid-level officials needed to run the government, declared a hiring freeze and pay cap, and solicited ideas for which government agencies to eliminate entirely. The administration seems not to realize that the federal government actually has fewer full-time workers than it did in the 1960s, despite the fact that it is processing five times the amount of money (the gap being made up by contractors). What bright young person is going to want to go to work for the State Department when the secretary of state has abetted its marginalization?

Third, Trump is the first president in living memory who has not paid even lip service to the importance of democracy or human rights around the world. His embrace of Abdel Fatah al-Sissi of Egypt and his congratulations to Erdogan after the Turkish strongman consolidated his presidential powers send powerful signals that the worlds leading democracy no longer cares about democracy elsewhere.

The one area in which the president has authority to act on his own is foreign policy. While recent moves regarding Syria, China and Russia suggest he is moving back into the Washington foreign policy mainstream, the more important legacy may be the administrations uncanny ability to undermine its own credibility. The recent miscue on whether the USS Carl Vinson was sailing toward North Korea is only the latest example.

Is a presidential tweet the same thing as U.S. policy? Neither our friends nor our enemies know, and credibility is the coin of the realm in foreign policy. How this legacy will play out in the real crises we face in Asia, Europe and the Middle East is unknowable at this juncture, but the danger that the United States will abate rather than enhance global stability is all too real.
Jim Himes, a Democrat from Connecticut, is chair of the New Democrat Coalition in the House. Charlie Dent, a Republican from Pennsylvania, is co-chair of the Houses Tuesday Group.

On this 100th day of the Trump administration, partisan prisms will predictably provide audiences with radically different images: One side will paint a picture of a strong and decisive administration Making America Great Again, another of a flip-flopping and divisive group of neophytes who arent up to the job.

As centrist leaders in the House of Representatives leading the New Democrat Coalition and Tuesday Group caucus, and legislators dedicated to the core principles of governing, wed rather propose a forward-looking vision for the next 100 days. Lets stop looking in the rearview mirror and focus ahead on the ideas we can all agree would be good for the United States.

Nearly every substantial piece of legislation passed since 2011, including the USA Freedom Act, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, disaster relief, Medicare physician payment reform and all of the budget agreements and appropriations legislation that have mostly kept federal government shutdowns at bay, has been the product of coalitions between pragmatic Republicans and Democrats willing to put partisanship aside.

[We asked you to describe President Trumps first 100 days. Heres what you said.]

Now, conditions are right for this formula to become the norm rather than the last resort. The unfolding drama of the long-promised repeal of the Affordable Care Act gave the administration and Congress a bracing lesson in the dramatic difference between campaigning and governing.

Most Democrats, while emboldened by grass-roots demonstrations, continue to hope for bipartisan progress and seek cooperation, not just obstructionism, to advance shared interests. But, deep in the minority, they cant launch successful initiatives on their own.

President Trump has consistently offered new tactics to get Democrats to come to the table. None has worked. Maybe he could try the old-fashioned way: Invite those Democrats willing to listen to come help shape legislation that majorities in both parties can support. This approach may not provide red meat for either partys base, but it will produce lasting legislative achievements to benefit our country for generations to come.

So, on this 100th day, lets dispense with the point-scoring and cut to the chase. As a start, and consistent with the presidents priorities, we have a unique opportunity to make progress on a desperately needed national infrastructure program and an overhaul of our uncompetitive and byzantine tax code.

We are prepared to acknowledge that a meaningful infrastructure program will have room for tax incentives and public-private partnerships and could include innovations such as a national infrastructure bank, but it will certainly require new sources of funding for direct investment in highways, railways and airports. We know that successful tax reform will be challenging, as the deductions, exclusions and credits that pack the tax code like chocolates in a box are shrunk or eliminated in favor of lower rates.

[President Trumps first 100 days: In his words and ours]

Success on those two issues could open the door to working on solutions to a number of issues, such as job-training and skills-development programs to help displaced workers, initiatives to streamline and right-size regulation, and maybe even a more honest and constructive look at our budget and its deficits. Thats where our focus should be now.

Compromise may not be glamorous and may not play well on cable television, but it is an absolutely necessary component of successful legislation. Ideological purity is a recipe for continued bitterness, a divided nation and stalemate. We know that these common -sense, nonpartisan initiatives will summon Americans to do what they do best: Rise to the challenge of innovation, creativity, fairness and service. Failure to seek commonality or accept incremental progress will threaten more than our congressional seats and reputations. It puts our systems of government at risk. We owe it to our country to do better.
Sawsan Morrar, a multimedia journalist at the University of California at Berkeleys Graduate School of Journalism, was chosen as a 2017 White House Correspondents Association Scholar.

Those who tune in to watch this years White House Correspondents Association dinner on Saturday will hear my name called as I take the stage to accept a journalism scholarship. They wont see my portfolio of work, and they will likely forget my name. But theyre sure to notice and remember one thing about me: my headscarf.

Some may call it symbolic that a Muslim American journalist will be recognized at the annual dinner the same year that President Trump declined to attend. Trump is breaking from a long tradition of presidents meeting with the award recipients.

And as I prepare to attend, I know some at the event may not perceive me as a fellow reporter who, like them, relishes the thought of meeting journalists I admire. Muslims dont have the luxury of being a fusion of their achievements, interests and uniqueness. Rather, in the eyes of others, we are only Muslim.

Ive faced this challenge before. After doing some pre-reporting over the phone, I encounter surprise when I meet my subjects in person  Who is she, they wonder? Where is the reporter? Often an interview subject, government official or employer will grow cool once it becomes clear I am a Muslim.

On hearing that I will attend the dinner, a seasoned journalist asked what I think about Trump  not because I am a reporter, but because I am a Muslim who has made the conscious decision to wear my faith. Another journalist asked me whether the frequency of my negative experiences in the field has increased since Trump took office.

Just last month, while traveling to Malaysia on assignment, I was asked to board an empty plane only to be met by three Department of Homeland Security agents on the jet bridge. They took me through an inconspicuous, concrete stairway and asked me repeatedly who was funding my trip and why. Was it so hard to believe that a Muslim woman wearing a headscarf was sent to report on climate change?

Microaggressions happen so often to me that I simply dismiss them and put them behind me. Many Muslims argue that the racism we experience is so commonplace that we sometimes stop identifying it as such.

Still, while the vilifying of Muslims long predates Trump, the recent rise in Islamophobia has contributed to increased accounts of profiling. Research shows that mentioning being Muslim on a resume drastically reduced ones chances of being called for an interview. One study found that up to 80 percent of media coverage about Muslims is negative. This makes my job all the more difficult.

When I am on the job, I am a journalist first. I am objective, I am inquisitive, and I am meticulously professional  maybe too professional, because I know I have more to lose if I make a mistake.

I made the decision to go to the White House correspondents dinner before I knew Trump would abstain. It is something I debated, especially given his attempts to ban travel from several Muslim countries, his infamous Islam hates us comment and his viral tweet calling the media the enemy of the American people. But I realized I shouldnt let all that deter me from attending an event that honors the freedom of the press.

I do hope that when I am called on stage at the dinner, I will be recognized for my achievements in journalism and not used to portray some striking juxtaposition between the Trump administration and the Muslim community. And I wont be alone. The nights host will be comedian Hasan Minhaj, also an American-born Muslim and, coincidentally, a former college classmate of mine.

Yes, we are Muslim, but we are professionals invited to represent the work we are passionate about.
The April 19 news article Study: Checklist may reduce post-surgery deaths described a comprehensive study involving hospitals in South Carolina and implementation of a surgical safety checklist. Years ago, Johns Hopkins Hospital pioneered a similar checklist,which was featured in a 2009 book by Atul Gawande , The Checklist Manifesto, which made the New York Times bestseller list in 2010. It puzzled me that the article mentioned Alex Haynes, the lead author of the study and an assistant professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School, but did not discuss Gawandes book. Gawande, a surgeon, writer and public health researcher, practices in Boston at Brigham and Womens Hospital, and his books and articles in the New Yorker are widely read. Gawande hoped his book would find wide distribution. I wonder how much time and money were spent in restudying findings that had already found a wide readership almost a decade ago.

Beatrice Fitch, Bethesda
After 100 days full of fits and starts, President Trump is barreling into the second phase of his presidency focused on attempting to secure big victories that have eluded him on the economic pillars of his agenda.

With an eye toward keeping his core promise of creating jobs and ramping up economic growth, Trump has fixated on tax reform as the next undertaking of his administration  an opportunity for him to land a first major legislative victory after repeated failures to pass a health-care package.

Sweeping tax reform has been a front-of-mind issue for President Trump, who has taken an interest in the minute details of proposals under consideration by his administration. Aides are also being pressured to front-load the effort with the goal  already delayed  of having a bill approved before the end of this year.

The prospect that he could do something not accomplished since President Ronald Reagan passed a comprehensive tax reform package in 1986 is especially appealing to Trump. The effort took Reagan some 500 days at one of the high points of his power  the beginning of his second term. Trump, White House aides and outside advisers said, is buoyed by the prospect of accomplishing it in the first year of his first term.

Humbled by their failure on health care, White House aides say they have taken a lesson from the experience and plan to take the lead on the tax-reform effort  including a Trump-led push to build public and stakeholder support for a plan. The bill will be guided by the principles laid out Wednesday in a single-page document that outlined the presidents plan to slash rates and consolidate tax brackets for most taxpayers, aides said.

View Graphic Tallying President Trumps first 100 days

Theres a coming together and a real growth going on inside with the senior staff, said Larry Kudlow, a former Trump economic adviser who met with administration officials at the White House this week. Theyre getting their sea legs.

By and large, the approach is being welcomed by congressional Republicans, who were burned after the White House seemed to only halfheartedly back the House-led effort to pass the American Health Care Act, which aimed to dramatically scale back President Barack Obamas signature health-care law.

[I was all set to terminate: Inside Trumps sudden shift on NAFTA]

Trump administration officials are expected to spend the next six weeks soliciting feedback on the tax proposal and fine-tuning their approach. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is slated to appear Monday at the Milken Institute Global Conference in California, where he plans to make the administrations case for the emerging tax reform package, followed by multiple television appearances later in the day. Trump may also hit the road to boost the plan, the White House said, though his schedule has not been confirmed.

The White House began communicating with members of the House Ways and Means Committee this weekend and will begin holding meetings with advocacy groups and lawmakers about the proposal this week. The aim now is to spend most of the summer refining the text of a bill, which could be voted on by the fall.

I think Trump clearly needs to have a couple of legislative victories and put some points on the board when it comes to legislation thats signed, sealed and delivered, said Stephen Moore, a former Trump campaign economic adviser. Trump is going to be judged on three things: did he keep his promises to voters; did he revive this economy; and did he get out of this low growth rut.

The centrality of Trumps economic agenda to his success as president has crystallized in recent days, after yet another immigration-related effort  an executive order cracking down on sanctuary cities that do not let local authorities enforce federal immigration laws  was halted by a federal judge.

1 of 83 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  A look at President Trumps first 100 days View Photos The beginning of the presidents term has featured controversial executive orders and frequent conflicts with the media. Caption The beginning of the presidents term has featured controversial executive orders and frequent conflicts with the media. March 17, 2017 President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and their son, Barron, walk to Marine One at the White House en route to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

The White House fired out a defiant message accusing the judicial system of having the blood of dead Americans on their hands while Trump threatened to break up the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld a lower courts ruling halting another executive order banning immigration from six predominantly Muslim countries. But privately, immigration issues and Trumps promised border wall have receded behind more pressing economic concerns, though the appearance of a public brawl with activist federal judges remains an important rallying cry for the presidents base of supporters.

Meanwhile, a White House riven by strife and internal disputes remains divided on tenets of the presidents agenda, including the approach to taxes. Some of Trumps populist advisers remain skeptical of a tax plan that includes large cuts for wealthy earners, and have pushed Trump to focus on keeping his promises to working-class voters.

[Wonkblog: If Trump has a tax plan, his advisers cant agree on what it is]

But people close to the White House say there is a noticeable difference in the approach on taxes, compared with health care, in part because new forces  Mnuchin and Gary Cohn, director of the National Economic Council  are taking the lead on the effort. The more proactive, planned approach to addressing taxes is also reflective of a change in strategy from a maturing administration, observers say.

A number of Capitol Hill Republicans say that Trump and his administration are improving and beginning to grasp the complexities of running the federal government.

I think part of it is there is a learning curve there, no question, said Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.), a moderate Republican who has been critical of Trump at times.

Dent cited early stumbles  including Trumps tweets about the size of his Inauguration Day crowd and accusations that the Obama administration spied on him during the campaign  as indications that he is not surrounded by capable aides.

I think they tried to do a great deal very quickly, and they havent been properly staffed up, he said.

But the next few months will not get any easier for Trump. With Republicans in control of Congress, they set the agenda and have few opportunities to pass partisan priorities before turning to several complicated subjects that require bipartisan action.

The White House abruptly abandoned a push for border-wall funding this week, allowing lawmakers to strike a deal to temporarily keep the government open another week. And next week, congressional leaders believe that funds specifically for the border wall will not be part of a longer-term spending deal that lawmakers in both parties must pass by Friday to keep the lights on through the end of the fiscal year in September.

Then, both parties can shift back to Trumps top priorities  revamping the nations health-care and tax systems, and confirming nominees to fill out his administration. The White House also hopes to pass an infrastructure bill this year but acknowledged that it likely would have to wait until after tax reform.

Administration officials expressed confidence that the House would vote on a revised health-care bill in the coming week, but already the focus of their efforts has shifted to taxes. Its helpful, but its not essential, a senior administration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity said of the health measure.

[The winners and losers since Inauguration Day]

By necessity, Congress cannot share the White Houses single-minded focus on taxes.

A slew of other routine issues, but still pressing ones, are coming up on the congressional docket before the end of the year. Congress will have to decide whether to reauthorize a Veterans Affairs health-care program established in the wake of scandals across the agency. A Food and Drug Administration program that charges fees to drug companies seeking approval of new products expires by August. The Federal Aviation Administration needs to be reauthorized by September  as does the nations flood-insurance program.

There also is work to be done on the annual defense-policy bill  influenced this year by the ongoing showdowns with North Korea, Russia and Syria  a must-pass piece of legislation that is often used as a way to pass other unrelated items. And the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1, but lawmakers in both parties warned in recent days that the House and Senate have not started working on a new budget plan.

Asked whether there is a plan to pass a budget for the next fiscal year, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said, Im sure there is, I just havent detected it.



On foreign policy, the House is expected to approve new sanctions on North Korea next week, while others are pushing to impose fresh penalties on Russia for meddling in the U.S. election. Trump is also set to make his first international trip to Europe in May, an opportunity for him to soothe anxieties across the Atlantic about his administration.

Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), who declined to endorse Trumps candidacy last year, warned that Trump probably faces tough decisions on immigration policy. Across the country, temporary legal protections established by the Obama administration for millions of children of undocumented immigrants  known as dreamers  is set to begin expiring in the coming months.

[Trumps executive orders are signed with fanfare  but they deliver little punch]

Its unclear whether some are actually allowed to renew or are afraid to renew or afraid to come forward, Flake said of those given consideration under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Also unclear is what Trump will do about them, since policy decisions beyond prioritizing the enforcement of the deportation of criminal undocumented immigrants remain frozen.

The president has said that he has a big heart and hell fix this. We dont know what that means, Flake said. I think thats an area where hell have to come back to Congress for approval. When he does, Flake warned, debate on the issue could quickly expand to touch on other aspects of immigration policy  potentially forcing Trump to take firm positions on a controversial subject.

Meanwhile, Democrats are warning Trump that bipartisanship may be the only way to govern effectively.

Look, youve had experience for 100 days, said House Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.), as if he were speaking directly to Trump. Your party is a divided party  you found that out. Some things you thought you were going to be able to do you havent been able to do, not because of Democratic opposition but Republican division.

He added: That ought to tell you that on important, must-do issues, youre well-advised on a bipartisan basis to get those done.

Damian Paletta and Sean Sullivan contributed to this report.
Earlier this month, Sen. Tim Kaine began the congressional spring break with a trek through Virginias southwestern towns and small cities.

The Democratic vice-presidential nominee in 2016, Kaine talked to college students in Ferrum and miners in Castlewood, places with about 2,000 residents each. All told, he did 13 stops in five days across a region not known for its support of Democrats, but thats okay with Kaine.

Presence is important, Kaine (Va.) said in a brief interview. Youve got to go to these places.

That adage about presence is one of the increasingly accepted lessons Democrats are heeding from the debacle of last years White House and congressional elections.

Throughout the last decade, Democrats pursued what was considered to be the most efficient strategy of winning in presidential and Senate contests  turning to technocrats who knew how to find their most loyal voters in cities and suburbs and drive up turnout from their base. It helped Barack Obama win two presidential campaigns and gave Democrats a Senate majority for eight years.

By last year, however, the partys smart set  including Kaines running mate, Hillary Clinton  became so fixated on cranking up the Democratic base that it did not do enough tending to potential supporters in exurban and rural counties. That led to a cratering of support in those regions and opened a path for President Trumps victory  and helped Republicans keep control of the Senate.

Some liberal experts argue that white-working class voters in places like Castlewood and small cities across the Rust Belt have abandoned the Democratic Party forever. But that viewpoint is losing credence among those who want to win. One of the leading liberal demographic analysts, who literally wrote the book on the issue, dismissed the idea that demography alone is destiny for Democrats.

I think thats a minority view at this point of the Democratic Party. I think most people have looked at the data. The real world has talked back, and I think people are now recalibrating, said Ruy Teixeira, co-author of 2004s The Emerging Democratic Majority.

Should House Democrats write off rural congressional districts?

Now a fellow at the Center for American Progress, Teixeira appeared last week at the sort of think tank debate that appears to be set up as a moderate-versus-liberal feud about the Democratic future. It was hosted by Third Way, a center-left outfit that has been critical of the partys lack of appeal to middle-of-the-road voters.

Instead, Teixeira and Lanae Erickson Hatalsky, Third Ways demographic expert, largely agreed that Democrats failure in 2016 was because of a historic drop in support from white working-class voters.

Teixeira and Erickson Hatalsky argued that Democratic victory in the future would require an all-of-the-above approach: increasing margins among minorities and urban professionals while winning back the millions of voters who twice pulled the lever for Obama and then backed Trump last year.

Without brining those voters back into the fold, Democrats could keep losing in the near term. I think the question is not whether we should do this, but how exactly to do it, and I say, Let the debate begin,  Teixeira said.

It starts in places like Schuylkill County in Pennsylvania, southwest of Scranton, where there are just about 60,000 people who vote in presidential elections, a fraction of the more than 600,000 who regularly vote in Philadelphia. In 2012, Republican Mitt Romney won by 13.5 percentage points in Schuylkill, less than 8,000 votes. But four years later, Trump won by more than 23,000 votes, getting 70 percent to just 27 percent for Clinton.

In a state Clinton lost by 44,000 votes, that swing in Schuylkill became quite significant, especially as similar shifts were replicated in dozens of other rural counties.

One basic remedy that has taken hold among Senate Democrats is just to show up  go to these towns now, go early and show the few Democrats there that you care and let other voters know that youre at least listening.

When the election season kicks into high gear in 2018, these Democrats will be much more focused on the dense population centers  like northern Virginia for Kaine and Philadelphias suburbs for Sen. Robert P. Casey Jr. (D-Pa.), both of whom are up for reelection. But when they do make the occasional stop next year in those rural towns, Democrats hope that there will be residual goodwill from the time spent in the same places this year.

Tim Kaine is back at his old Senate job. Its never seemed more important.

In Pennsylvania, Casey does not need to win a majority in those places, he just cant lose as badly as Clinton did. And he cant rely entirely on Philadelphias huge Democratic lean.

Despite the myth of low turnout last year among minorities and liberal activists, Clinton performed better than Obama did in 2012 in Philadelphia, the four large suburban counties around that city and Allegheny County, home to Pittsburgh.

She lost the states rural parts. The same thing happened in Florida, which also had better turnout than in 2012. Clinton got the necessary votes in urban centers but then got swamped by Trump in inland counties.

Those results, and the ensuing criticism of her campaign, were a painful irony for her. In Clintons 2008 primary against Obama, the white working-class Democrats were the bedrock of her support. In 2016, she tried to rebuild the Obama coalition, losing those white small-town voters to Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in the primary and then, by even larger and decisive margins, to Trump in the general election.

The divisive question for Democrats is how to talk to working-class voters  what issues and which values to highlight.

Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) has hinted at a new, more progressive set of proposals that appeal to supporters of Sanders, whose populist economic message won converts among liberal activists and in small towns devastated by the decline of manufacturing.

But Erickson Hatalsky, from Third Way, warned that the Democratic brand is often seen as giving away things to different blocs of voters, deriding a Sanders proposal to make college education free at public universities.

Doubling down on free college for everyone and extra things is not the way to do that. If thats the problem with the Democratic brand, then things like free college actually make it worse, she said.

These things are actually pretty popular and pretty important, Teixeira responded, explaining that Democrats need to add more policy muscle behind these ideas. You need to open up a broader narrative about the kind of economic change you seek to bring to their communities that speaks directly to them and to the world they live in.

For now, though, Democrats from the left to the center agree that the first step is Kaines presence theory  to at least show up in these small towns where some of them went missing in 2016.

You wont be able to have an organization of any kind in those counties until you actually put some effort into it and some resources, Teixeira said, calling the fundamental problem for Democrats their almost -complete neglect of rural towns. I think thats got to change.

Read more from Paul Kanes archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
Sherry Hughes, of Sturgis, S.D., watches on a television from the exhibition hall as President Trump speaks Friday at the National Rifle Association's annual convention in Atlanta. (David Goldman/AP)

Among the tens of thousands of people who took part in the National Rifle Association convention here, women were an obvious minority.

The thing that seemed to unite them was an overwhelming enthusiasm for President Trump.

Look at what hes putting his family through for us, said Anne Jansen, an artist selling jewelry handcrafted out of bullet casings and shotgun shells.

Its for us. Right? Hes doing nothing but things for us. . . . To the resistance, its like, follow him. Take a chance. Follow him. Hes your leader. Are you an idiot?

Jansen had never voted for president before supporting Trump in November. At 53, the self-proclaimed bohemian from Quincy, Ill., had only cast a ballot once before in her life, when she wrote in Mickey Mouse for president.

(The Washington Post)

That was 10 or 15 years ago. Now, from her booth on the vast NRA exhibition floor, Jansen laments she cant take a break to see Trump speak.

Ive always liked him, she said. Just knowing hes here makes me feel good.

Trumps presence at the NRA convention Friday electrified the mostly male, mostly white crowd. But his choice to become the first sitting president to speak here since Ronald Reagan seemed to have special meaning for the women in attendance, from political junkies to gun enthusiasts to saleswomen.

They couldnt be happier with Trump, these women said in nearly two-dozen interviews. Even if they felt uncomfortable at first with the presidents attitude toward women after a race in which he was accused of being a sexual predator  even if they didnt support him in the GOP primary, theyve spent the past 100 days developing a profound sense of loyalty to him.

Despite running against Hillary Clinton, the first female major-party nominee, Trump won white women without college degrees by 27 points in November. He lost college-educated white women by 7 points to Clinton. Trumps approval rating has been trending downward among women since he took office, with a Gallup poll taken at the end of March showing him at just 34 percent among all women.

But a fresh ABC News-Washington Post survey revealed that 94 percent of those who supported Trump in the election now approve of his performance.

That sentiment was reflected by Patricia Valentine, 67, waiting in line Friday to hear Trumps NRA speech, who cheered the presidents promise to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and to try to break up the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which ruled against the presidents travel ban.

Im ready for that wall to be built, Valentine said. Im ready for him to cut taxes on businesses like my husband had. I think the Ninth Circuit Court, he needs to split those people up, move them around and get what he wants  what we want.

[Can Trump absolutely break up a federal court thats standing in his way?]

Valentine, who is from the Atlanta suburbs, supported Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) in the primary. But she beams with pride at the fact that Trump is president and is already fighting  in her eyes  political correctness, fake news and illegal immigration.

Already hes deporting people, she said. Hes just going by the laws we already have on the books. Thats all I want him to do: go by the laws we already have on the books! They shouldnt be over here, and they definitely shouldnt have sanctuary cities. . . . Im telling you, hell get it done.

On immigration?

On everything.

Trumps decision to address the NRA was, in some ways, a gesture of thanks; the group endorsed him sooner than it had any other candidate in a presidential election, and fueled his victory with advertising in battleground states, creating what some called Clintons lead ceiling.

Many of the NRA ads featured women who felt empowered by gun ownership, with Clinton depicted as the antagonist, working to take that right away.

Every woman has a right to defend herself, a woman said in one television spot. Hillary Clinton disagrees with that. Donald Trump supports my right to own a gun.

As those television ads played on giant screens Friday, NRA chief lobbyist Chris W. Cox called Trump the most outspoken pro-gun nominee in U.S. history. His comments ahead of the speech recalled Trumps dark rhetoric about the state of the country and served as a reminder of how potent that rhetoric became for these voters when married to the debate over gun rights.

Not every woman at the convention gave Trump a pass.

Meredith Lafavor, 41, voted for Trump because of her opposition to Clinton and to abortion rights. But she still doesnt love everything he says.

I would have liked to have seen somebody different, she said, standing near a noisy gun raffle. I just didnt think Trump would make it.

Lafavor grew up around guns because her family owned a sporting goods business. Plus, she said, she was born and raised in the woods.

Now, as the financial manager for a local chain of gun ranges, she is especially proud of the companys location in midtown Atlanta and the diverse crowd such a spot attracts. Her boss is a Democrat, and the range once held an event for a Black Lives Matter group, she said.

The range also draws a lot of women, unlike your average NRA event.

This is a mans playground, she said, waving her hand toward the convention hall. This is Disney World for men. . . . Its comfortable, familiar for me, personally. But most women, not so much.

The NRA gathering happens annually, and many women remembered last year, when Trump spoke in Louisville and the NRA endorsed his candidacy.

The Second Amendment is under threat like never before, Trump had said. Crooked Hillary Clinton is the most anti-gun, anti-Second Amendment candidate ever to run for office.

This year, Lafavor bought two tickets to see Trumps speech, but she gave them to her father and stepmother in the end.

Im not about public humiliation and talking down to people, and I think thats the vibe you got from him up until now, she said.

Upstairs, even Valentine voiced some brief concerns about Trump  about his Twitter habit and the saga of former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who resigned after it became clear he misled Vice President Pence about his contact with Russian officials.

With Flynn, Im sort of concerned about it, she said. But you know what? There are always people youre not sure about.

Asked about the wider issue of possible ties between Trump associates and Russia, she answered firmly: No, it doesnt bother me. I thought it was a bunch of bull.

Down on the exhibit floor, Jansen doesnt understand why, in her words, so many topics have become controversial, such as Trumps business ties or whether and how people own guns.

She received her first BB gun at 8 years old, for her first Communion. Now she owns two firearms: one for home protection, the other a pistol.

Jansen said she hopes Trump can bring some calm to the political debate and reach out to people such as her, who spent most of their lives avoiding identification with either party. She said she looks forward to a Republican repeal of the Affordable Care Act because she doesnt have health insurance and is starting to see the penalty she pays every year go up.

People criticize me when I say that, that Im not getting Obamacare, she said. I said, Ill be damned if anybodys going to tell me that I can and cant do something. 

Like, owning my guns, she continued. Taking my guns away? I just dont think that can happen. But there are people out there that think that it can. And Im like, its just not going to happen.

A few hours later, Trump would tell the NRA audience he will never infringe on the right of the people to bear arms, that freedom is a gift from God.

To me, Trump is making it simple, Jansen said. Hes making it very simple on a lot of things I thought were complicated.

Read more at PowerPost


Ndileka Mandela, the eldest granddaughter of the late former South African president, arrives at the Johannesburg Magistrates Court in 2015. (Stefan Heunis/AFP/Getty Images)

She was the eldest grandchild of Nelson Mandela, and that meant politics were woven into her life. As a child, it meant visiting her grandfather in prison as he served time for fighting apartheid. Later, it meant celebrating in the presidential office as the racist system fell.

And always, it meant that Ndileka Mandela was an exalted member of the African National Congress (ANC), the organization led by her grandfather. More than a party, it had long been synonymous with the black majoritys struggle for justice under white rule  and with Mandela himself.

But last month, Ndileka, 52, opened Facebook on her computer and posted a picture of herself voting with her grandfather in 2011. Then she swallowed hard and began to type: I will no longer vote for the ANC.

Since Nelson Mandelas death in 2013, the ANC has been plagued by scandals, internal divisions and electoral losses. But no member of the Mandela family had disowned the party.

I finally decided it was time, she said.

Twenty-three years after the birth of democracy here, a surging number of South Africans are asking themselves whether the movement that defeated apartheid still deserves to lead the country. Much of the criticism is directed at President Jacob Zuma, whose two terms have been marked by corruption allegations while unemployment has risen to more than 27 percent.

[Protest in South Africa shows discontent with the president and ruling party]

The dilemma over whether to support the party of Mandela has divided its first family. After Ndilekas Facebook post went viral, another grandchild, Mandla Mandela, responded in an open letter.

Abandoning the ANC does not serve the people of South Africa, he wrote, addressing her as my dear sister.

Ndilekas decision  and the familial debate that it sparked  reflect not just the decline of a party that has dominated political life since the end of apartheid, but also a profound question of identity for many South Africans.

Can they abandon a movement that gave them dignity and rights, a party whose members were killed, imprisoned and tortured for seeking racial equality? Can they betray the ANC?

Or has the ANC betrayed them? Even Mandelas inner circle cant agree.

A family divided

The Mandelas  two surviving children and 17 grandchildren  have not always spoken with a single voice, and the South African media has chronicled every dispute with the kind of granularity usually reserved for royalty.

They couldnt agree on where Nelson Mandela should be buried. They clashed over whether a reality television show starring two granddaughters called We are the Mandelas was exploitative. They fought over who was entitled to his financial legacy.

There are camps within camps within camps, said Ndaba Mandela, one of the grandchildren.

But the family had never publicly fought over politics, in part because Nelson Mandelas commitment to the ANC was so absolute. Before he died, Mandela said of the afterlife, I will look for a branch of the African National Congress in that world and join it.

Since it was founded in 1912, the ANCs primary mission was to end the white governments policy of racial segregation, a brutal system that had prevented black and mixed-race citizens from holding public office, traveling without written permission or owning land in most of the country. In the 1960s, as opposition to apartheid mounted, the police cracked down violently and the ANC created an armed wing. Mandela was imprisoned from 1963 to 1990 for his leadership in the movement.

[Death of two black farmers prompts a racial reckoning in South Africa]

Ndileka never expected to be the inheritor of her grandfathers political legacy. She went to nursing school. She raised two sons. She started a foundation that focused on education in poor parts of the country.

But she grew outraged over the string of scandals that plagued Zuma and the party. There was the charge that Zuma had used millions in state funds to renovate his private home. There was the finding this year that 94 psychiatric patients in Gauteng province had died, some of starvation, because of government negligence.

There was the overall state of South Africas poor black communities, which she saw through her foundations work: schools without desks or bathrooms, girls who missed weeks of class each year because they didnt have access to sanitary pads. Parts of Africas wealthiest country remained mired in pre-apartheid poverty, while the governments promises to provide public services went unfulfilled.

In 1994, Ndileka had voted in the countrys first multiracial elections, waiting in line for four hours to cast a ballot for her grandfather. Now she found herself thinking, Is this what my granddad fought for?

The ANC leadership had hardly been perfect before Zuma took office. President Thabo Mbeki was widely criticized for questioning the link between AIDS and HIV in the early 2000s as the disease ravaged his country. But Zumas rule drew especially harsh condemnation, including from some people close to Mandela.

We will pray for the downfall of a government that misrepresents us, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, winner of a Nobel Peace Prize for his anti-apartheid activities, said last year.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation, a prominent organization that promotes his ideals, shocked South Africans last year by lamenting that the wheels [were] coming off the vehicle of our state.

We know that Madiba wanted the country corruption-free, that he didnt believe in leadership without service, said Sello Hatang, the foundations director, referring to Mandela by his nickname. What were seeing are examples of the contrary.

[In South Africa, violence follows a surge in xenophobia]

In last years municipal elections, the ANC suffered its worst results since the end of apartheid. The most successful opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), ran an ad that featured Mandelas voice saying: Let there be work. Let there be bread for all.

Zuma and the ANC pleaded with people not to abandon the party of liberation.

Mandela for so many years was the unifying figure. You didnt have to ask what would Madiba do  he was around to answer, said Douglas Foster, the author of After Mandela, a book about contemporary South Africa. Now, the difficulty is that nobody has that moral authority. 

Our party to fix

Ndileka Mandelas post breaking with the ANC flashed across the Internet and was featured in newspapers and on television.

Ndaba Mandela, another grandchild, tried to keep from shouting when he saw it.

I thought to myself, How can you do this to us, sister? Were supposed to bleed black, green and gold,  he said, referring to the colors of the ANC flag.

Ndaba is the spitting image of his grandfather at 34, with high cheekbones and a wide smile, like Nelson Mandela in an Oakland Raiders hat.

This is our party to fix, he said. We dont have the option of jumping into another lifeboat.



Former South African president Nelson Mandela and with his granddaughter Ndileka Mandela in 2011. (Elmond Jiyane / GCIS handout/EPA)

He shares the concerns of Mandla, the cousin who wrote the open letter defending the ANC. Mandla called Ndileka before issuing the statement, reminding her of how their grandfather had remained with the party during its long history of difficulties.

If our grandfather could remain loyal to the ANC, who are we to tire of that responsibility? he recalled asking her.

She responded: Granddad always taught us to act based on our conscience.

From her neat townhouse in an upscale Johannesburg suburb, Ndileka watched the Facebook comments roll in. On the wall, she keeps pictures of her grandfather and a plaque honoring those imprisoned for opposing apartheid.

Thats granddads 85th birthday, she said while leafing through a photo album with a visitor. And thats Michael Jackson in the background.

Oh, and theres Oprah, she added, two pages later.

This month, tens of thousands of people took to the streets of cities across South Africa, chanting Zuma must fall! Another scandal had just occurred, with the president firing his well-regarded finance minister in what many thought was an effort to consolidate power. The currency promptly crashed.

Ndileka was out of the country. She watched the protests on television, posting her encouragement on Facebook.

As the first Mandela to take on the ANC, she had to figure out her own way forward. Would she attend the next demonstration? Would she run for office under an opposition party banner? She wasnt ruling anything out.

With my surname I can make my voice heard, she said. And I think my granddad would be proud.

Read more

South Africas gold industry, like its economy, is crumbling

Report offers stark picture of how South Africa has stagnated in 10 years

South Africa still struggling to fulfill Mandelas hopes and dreams

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
Fugitive warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar on Saturday made his first public appearance in Afghanistan after nearly two decades underground, calling on Taliban insurgents to join the peace caravan and stop this pointless holy war. He also urged all political parties to reconcile and seek change without bloodshed.

The return of Hekmatyar, 69, who spoke at an outdoor ceremony in a government compound in Laghman province, represented a sorely needed success for the beleaguered government of President Ashraf Ghani, who invited him to return home peacefully last fall in hopes it would encourage the Taliban to follow suit.

A brief statement from the presidential palace said Ghani welcomes Gulbuddin Hekmatyars return to Afghanistan as a result of the Afghan-led peace process. The deal shows that Afghans have the capacity to resolve the conflict through dialogue.

But Hekmatyars homecoming was fraught with tension, and his expected arrival in Kabul was delayed by disputes over the release of prisoners from his former antigovernment militia. Also, his remarks had a strong anti-Western theme and were critical of the U.S.-led military campaign against the Taliban, which he compared to the Vietnam War and the Soviet quagmire in Afghanistan.

If you are working to help Afghanistan we are grateful, but if you are fighting here for your own political and economic interests, we ask you to stop using Afghanistan as your rivals battlefield and instead face each other directly, Hekmatyar said to the gathering in Mehtarlam, the capital of Laghman. Dont test your ammunition on our oppressed people.

Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar arrives to speak to supporters in Laghman province, Afghanistan. (Parwiz/Reuters)

Hekmatyar, long believed to be hiding in the rugged border region of Pakistan, was allowed to enter Afghanistan after the United Nations and the Obama administration, at Ghanis request, lifted anti-terrorist bans on him. His entry followed months of negotiations over his rights, privileges and role in civilian life. He is traveling with numerous armed loyalists as he makes his way to the Afghan capital, being greeted by supporters from his Hezb-i-Islami party.

Despite his call for conciliation and harmony, which he also championed in a video speech in September that was shown at Ghanis palace, the peace plan involving Hekmatyar has been denounced by the Taliban, who have condemned him as a criminal and a traitor to Islam. The Taliban and Hezb-i-Islami both fought the Kabul government, but they were never allies and sometimes fought over power in rural areas.

Now, there are concerns that Hekmatyars presence in Kabul and other parts of the country could add another disruptive factor to an already volatile political situation. In Kabul, he is remembered as a brutal warlord who destroyed entire neighborhoods during the civil war of the 1990s, and later took up arms against civilian rulers.

His arrival coincided with Mujahideen Victory Day events marking the installation of anti-Soviet militias in power here in April 1992. As usual, the events were attended by hundreds of men in guerrilla-style garb, but this year the muscle-flexing and shouts of Allah is great were more than a ritual.

The president, who held a separate ceremony in the palace, faces a crisis of infighting, pressure and defections by former militia leaders.

Ahmad Zia Massood, Ghanis special adviser on governance and brother of slain anti-Taliban hero Ahmed Shah Massood, was just fired by Ghani after he threatened to quit and lead antigovernment protests. Abdurrashid Dostom, an Uzbek warlord and Ghanis first vice president, is under virtual house arrest in Kabul as a result of charges that he beat and raped an elderly political rival in November, but supporters held rallies against the Ghani government in two provinces this weekend.

Now, Hekmatyar is joining the mix of rogue ex-mujaheddin and militia leaders who all once fought each other, and reviving the political prospects for a once-banned Islamist party with many enemies and hundreds of war prisoners who may soon be released  all ostensibly to set an example for the Taliban. His aides said he plans a massive rally upon reaching Kabul in the next several days.

In his comments Saturday, Hekmatyar, who was white-bearded and wore a black turban, said he believed in peaceful changes of government but that Afghanistan needed a strong central government and would never accept an imposed one. He criticized Ghanis government for its internal divisions, which have basically left the president estranged from his partner, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, and vulnerable to outside pressure.

One leader who expressed concern about Hekmatyars impact was Mohammed Atta Noor, a powerful northern governor and former militia boss. In a speech read by his top aide at a Mujahideen Victory Day ceremony in the city of Mazar-e Sharif, Noor said he had welcomed the peace process but was worried that Hekmatyars men were being allowed to keep their weapons, which he said could further complicate the situation, with unpleasant and risky consequences.

Under the agreement signed in the fall, Hekmatyars representatives agreed to accept the constitution, lay down their arms and work for peace. The government agreed to release Hizb prisoners who had not committed crimes, provide Hekmatyar with three residences, provide land for thousands of his supporters in exile and allow him to fully participate in politics.

pamela.constable@washpost.com

Sharif Walid and Sayed Salahuddin contributed to this report.

Read more

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Some in Afghanistan question U.S. choice to use 22,000-pound bomb against ISIS

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and most of his government were miles away from Mexico City on Wednesday, sitting on a grandstand under the hot midday sun, watching an aviation demonstration at a military base, when the news started to filter through.

In cellphone messages and traded remarks, they learned that President Trump planned within days to sign an order triggering U.S. withdrawal from NAFTA, the trilateral agreement that has regulated trade in North America for decades.

At about the same time in Washington, Canadian Ambassador David MacNaughton was learning the same thing. Though taken aback by the timing, he was not quite as astounded that the U.S. president would make such a move with no warning.

Ive learned not to be surprised by very much these days, MacNaughton later reflected.

On Thursday, a second bombshell exploded. Trump, in an Oval Office interview with The Washington Post, served notice that he may terminate a bilateral trade agreement with South Korea, another major U.S. ally and trading partner. Its a horrible deal, he said.

(Daron Taylor/The Washington Post)

[Inside Trumps sudden shift on NAFTA]

Since taking office, Trump has set out to unsettle and surprise his allies and adversaries alike, and by that measure he has succeeded. He wants stalwart friends such as Canada and Mexico to be on edge about what the U.S. president might decide to do on any given day. The aim of his campaign, after all, was to thoroughly disrupt the worlds established political and economic order.

The keeper of the flame  of Trumps nationalist populism, pugilistic tactics and theatrical flair  is Stephen K. Bannon, the ideological warrior and chief White House strategist. It was Bannon, along with trade hard-liner Peter Navarro, a protectionist who has warned for years of deficits with China, who led the administrations internal push for Trump to terminate the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Bannon and other nationalists have argued that the United States trade relationships are  or should be  inextricably linked to its military alliances and commitments. The United States is upside down with Canada, Germany, Japan, Mexico, South Korea and other key partners that sell more than they buy from us, a senior administration official said.

Rebalancing these relationships, one by one, has been a focus of Trumps first 100 days in office. There isnt a day that goes by that the president doesnt discuss some aspect of trade, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Friday. Its all a continuous activity because trade is so important to the economy, its so important to the administrations four-point plan, and its so important to the promises he made during the campaign..

A farm worker arranges boxes with freshly harvested lemons in Buenavista Tomatlan, Mexico. The Trump administration is looking to re-examine NAFTA in a move that has jarred sellers of Mexican products. (Stringer/Reuters)

Ross spoke at the White House, where he announced in a briefing that the president on Saturday would sign an executive order directing a 180-day study of all trade agreements  including membership in the World Trade Organization  to which the United States is a party.

Trump learned during the campaign that trade deals were an easy scapegoat for the multitude of problems that ail the country, especially in communities across the industrial Midwest that have been decimated by the forces of globalization.

As he stumped in one hollowed-out factory town after another, Trump galvanized working-class voters by vowing to undo the alleged injustices of NAFTA and other agreements that he charged were a result of American politicians being outsmarted by foreigners. He is expected to turn to this theme Saturday, when he returns as president to Harrisburg, Pa., for an evening rally and delivers what advisers have said will be a fiery speech.

Trumps lead adviser on trade issues is Ross, a billionaire investor and industrialist and a longtime Trump friend.

Other key players include Gary Cohn, head of the National Economic Council and a former Goldman Sachs director who was said to have driven a hard line in recent talks with China; Robert E. Lighthizer, Trumps nominee for U.S. trade representative, who is expected to play a more behind-the-scenes role on implementation; as well as Bannon, Navarro and Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law and senior adviser.

By late Wednesday, the NAFTA crisis had been averted. In evening telephone calls, Trump separately assured Pena Nieto and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that the United States was willing to renegotiate the agreement.

All that was left of the withdrawal plan  whose existence Trump confirmed to The Post  was a mood of triumphalism at the White House, and a renewed wave of unease and indignation across the United States neighbors.

While Bannon and Navarro advised Trump to stay the course on ending NAFTA, the president was ultimately dissuaded by interventions from Ross and other Cabinet officials, lawmakers and business leaders who said a precipitous move would do far more harm than good to U.S. workers, the economy and Trumps political standing in export states that voted for him, according to several senior administration officials.

The president had a somewhat different narrative, one in which he magnanimously responded to desperate pleas from Canada and Mexico. I can always terminate the agreement, he told The Post. I was all set to terminate.

But I respect both of those people, I like both of those people, Trump said of Pena Nieto and Trudeau. They called me up, they said, Could we try negotiating? I said, Absolutely, yes. If we cant come to a satisfactory conclusion, well terminate NAFTA.

[The places in American most exposed to a trade war]

In Mexico and Canada, however, officials said there is a price, in government-to-government relations and public opinion, for what they see as Trumps posturing.

Mexican officials said they were doubly surprised by word that Trump was prepared on Saturday to activate the six-month withdrawal notification specified in the agreement and by the fact that they were not told about it before it suddenly became public. The upheaval came just as they had begun to believe that relations were normalizing after the tumultuous campaign and transition, and the first months of the administration.

The contentious issue of a border wall with Mexico had virtually disappeared, at least until Trump insisted last week that part of its cost be included in a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown.

A senior Mexican official said that what Mexico saw as Trumps suggestion that Pena Nieto called to beg him  Please do not, blah, blah, blah,  was false. I know that my president never said that, insisted the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity about the fraught diplomatic relationship.

He will always have to say whatever he wants to say, the official said of Trump. Weve already gotten too familiar with him and his narratives and his spin. . . . No matter how much you strategize and plan and talk to your counterparts . . . theres always the pending cloud of the tweet. Nobody should get particularly comfortable, particularly at the government level.

Mexico maintains that it is, if anything, more eager than the United States to proceed with NAFTA renegotiations. Under Mexican law, sitting officials must resign their positions six months before an election in which they plan to run. Midyear elections in 2018 mean that at least some of the current governments negotiators will be stepping down before the end of this year.

The U.S. side should have the same interest in completing a renegotiation before Pena Nieto ends his term, said Larry Rubin, a businessman and president of the American Society of Mexico. Since nobody knows who will be the next president  it could be someone on the left or someone on the right  the best bet for the Trump administration is to have negotiations completed before then, Rubin said.

MacNaughton, the Canadian ambassador, said Canada by and large was pleased with how things had progressed. Weve established a very constructive working relationship, he said.

But its fair to say that the rhetoric of recent days is alarming to Canadians, MacNaughton said. It does have an impact, and its not a good impact. I understand everybody has got to get elected, but the reality is that this kind of anti-trade rhetoric can be very damaging, particularly when you think about Canada as a major job creator in the United States.

Despite Trumps claim Thursday that Canada has a massive trade surplus with the United States, figures recently released by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative indicate a $12 billion Canadian deficit in combined goods and services.

Trudeau has moved to diversify Canadas export markets, and this week he sent a high-level mission to China to discuss lumber exports and a free-trade agreement.

In a news conference Thursday, Trudeau took the high road on U.S. relations, talking of tremendous opportunities and mutual benefit.

At the same time, however, he said that Canada would respond to any unilateral U.S. action and was looking at a broad range of options and paths available to us should NAFTA renegotiation fail.
An anti-government protester stands near a teargas cloud during clashes against Venezuelas security forces in Caracas. (Alejandro Cegarra/For The Washington Post)

In the cramped hillside slums where they once adored Hugo Chavez, hungry families now jeer and bang pots at the man struggling in his shadow, President Nicolas Maduro.

Chavez, a master showman who promised his country a socialist revolution, loved to wade through crowds of poor Venezuelans, blowing kisses and dispensing hugs. But when his successor has ventured out in public in recent months, hes been pelted with eggs and chased by angry mobs.

Maduro is so different, said Irene Castillo, 26, who lives in El Guarataro, a tough neighborhood not far from the presidential palace. She voted for Maduro in 2013 when Chavez died after 14 years in power. But no one on Castillos block supports the government anymore, she said. Now, those who remain chavistas are just the radicals.

As the countrys bloody, volatile, month-old protest movement hardens into a prolonged standoff between demonstrators and the government, the loyalties of poorer Venezuelans like Castillo have become a swing factor in determining whether the president will survive.

The thousands of demonstrators pouring into the streets in recent weeks are mostly middle class, outraged by Venezuelas economic collapse and the governments increasingly authoritarian rule. But Venezuelans from longtime chavista strongholds are starting to join them, at considerable risk. Residents of Castillos neighborhood protested openly against Maduro for the first time last week.

(Irvin Josue/Instagram)

Pro-government block captains in neighborhoods like El Guarataro have responded by threatening to deny food rations to those who march with the opposition or fail to join pro-Maduro rallies. Militia groups armed by the government and known as colectivos are deployed to intimidate would-be defectors and are suspected in the deaths of several protesters.

As the confrontation escalates, many other destitute Venezuelans remain on the sidelines, disillusioned with Maduro but unpersuaded by his opponents, or too busy looking for food to join a march.

Aside from a military revolt, there is perhaps nothing Maduro fears more than a rebellion spreading through the neighborhoods that long backed Chavez. There are signs its already happening.

[Government opponents appeal to Venezuelas military as chaos grows]

On several occasions this month, a pattern has emerged in which mostly middle-class Venezuelans and student activists swarm the capitals main highway during the day, while poorer residents stage smaller protests in their neighborhoods at night, some of which have degenerated into chaos and looting.

In El Guarataro, where services such as electricity and water are frequently shut off, residents built barricades of flaming debris in the streets last week , clanging pots and pans at their windows to amplify their frustration. Riot police and national guard troops arrived, touching off clashes in a neighborhood that has long been a solid-red bastion of support for the government.

The base of the chavista movement has eroded, and the situation is growing more explosive, said Margarita Lopez Maya, a political analyst in Caracas. Theres no bread, but the government continues to insist it has the majority of Venezuelans on its side, so it looks increasingly dissociated from the reality of peoples lives.

A man carries a cross as he leads a march to Venezuelas Episcopate. (Alejandro Cegarra/For The Washington Post)

The leaders of the Democratic Unity party, the big-tent coalition of Maduro opponents, are demanding that the government release political prisoners and move up presidential elections due to take place in late 2018. They also want full power restored to the legislative branch, which Maduro and pro-government judges have stymied since the opposition won majority control in 2015.

Maduro has called on supporters to march through Caracas on May 1, international labor day, in a show of strength. He depicts his opponents as terrorists who are trying to sow chaos to prepare the ground for a foreign invasion.

[Venezuela says it will quit the Organization of American States]

With the worlds largest oil reserves, Venezuela used to be one of Latin Americas most prosperous nations. Now its among the most miserable, tormented by rampant crime, corruption and staggering government dysfunction. A scarcity of food and basic medicine has left more and more Venezuelans suffering from empty stomachs or languishing in squalid hospitals.

The shortages have spread widely but fallen hardest on the poor.

A survey by three of the countrys leading universities found that three-fourths of Venezuelans lost weight last year, by an average of 19 pounds.

Aware that mass hunger will hasten Maduros political demise, the government last year began assigning food sacks to Venezuelans in poorer areas, putting local party activists in charge of distribution. The program is known by its acronym, CLAP, and in neighborhoods like El Guarataro, residents know they could go without meals if they join protests or decline to join government-organized marches.

They are afraid of losing the CLAP bag, said Mirlenis Palacios, 45, an activist for the Primero Justicia party of opposition leader Henrique Capriles, who was recently banned from running for office for 15 years.

In interviews, several residents of poorer Caracas neighborhoods said they have been warned not to participate in any anti-government protests. They blackmailed us with the bag, said one man in El Guarataro, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation.

Pro-government colectivo militants on motorcycles are a more fearsome threat. Phil Gunson, a Venezuela-based analyst for the International Crisis Group, said they function like a paramilitary police force, suppressing potential protests while allowing the government to deny responsibility for their violence.

They are a very effective form of intimidation, Gunson said. They openly display weapons on the street, and everyone knows who they are. So if youre an opposition activist, its very risky to dissent in the barrios.

The government is losing the hearts and minds of Venezuelas poor, said Gunson, so its control is largely through force and the threat to deny government welfare benefits, including food.

The poorer neighborhoods are still widely referred to as chavista neighborhoods, but the label no longer applies, said Luis Vicente Leon, director of the Datanalisis polling firm, whose recent survey found that 88 percent of Venezuelans are unhappy with the government.

The Venezuelans living in those neighborhoods want change, too, Leon said. But they dont have time to go to marches, and they have no leadership. Even as they sour on Maduro, he added, they feel the middle-class opposition movement is not their natural ally.

Democratic Unity activists only recently have begun making inroads in Caracass poorest districts, he said, because it remains dangerous for them to attempt ordinary grass-roots political work like knocking on doors or staging rallies.

But Leon said there are clearly more poor Venezuelans at opposition protests now than there were in 2014, when the government last faced a major rebellion, months of clashes in which more than 40 people were killed.

The political violence this month has left 29 dead, including Venezuelans apparently slain during looting.

Maduro still has Venezuelas military, its oil revenue and its state-run media, even as the poor have started to tune out the propaganda. But the biggest obstacle the opposition faces in appealing to the poor may be the perception that the street protests wont make a difference.

Were almost reaching a month of protests, and its done nothing, said Xavier Hernandez, 23, a motorcycle-taxi driver who lives in El Guarataro. Im not going to risk my life for it.

Miroff reported from Bogota, Colombia.

Read more

In Venezuela and Turkey, strongmen fear the limits of their power

How food apartheid is punishing some Venezuelans

A top Venezuelan officials son makes video plea for his dad to end the injustice

Government opponents appeal to Venezuelas military as chaos grows

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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Some call it a riot, others a rebellion, but everyone can agree that Los Angeles experienced a major period of unrest in April 1992. Twenty-five years later, the city is still trying to make sense of it with numerous events and marches, including USC's FORWARD LA: Race, Arts, and Inclusive Placemaking after the 1992 Civil Unrest at the downtown Radisson Hotel. It features panel discussions and confabs bringing together artists, community organizers, activists, political figures and academics like associate professor Annette Kim of the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy, April 27 through 28.

The simple narrative is that African-American communities reacted with looting and violence when LAPD officers Sgt. Stacey Koon, Theodore Briseno and Timothy Wind were acquitted for the beating of Rodney King. After footage from bystander George Holliday was broadcast around the world showing them brandishing nightsticks on King's prone body, most observers were left with little doubt as to the officers' guilt. With the decision coming on the heels of the controversial shooting of African-American teen Latasha Harlins by a Korean store owner, the mob raged through Koreatown. In the end, 55 died, more than 2,000 were injured, and the city suffered $1 billion in property loss. But the full truth behind the series of events is more complicated.

Read more: L.A. Marks 25th Anniversary of 1992 Riots With Diverse Events

"I think it was truncated and biased to these easy canned narratives of interracial conflict," Kim tells The Hollywood Reporter of media coverage of the unrest. "The narratives that seem to get played were the black race movement theme, like Watts again, and then other stories about black versus Korean. Latinos were second-highest victims of violence during that period. Where's their narrative?"

One panel, "Demographic Change - 1992 to 2017," explored population shifts like the one that followed the Hart-Celler Immigration Act of 1965, in which immigrants from Latin-American and Asian countries began pouring into Los Angeles. "Which Way, South LA: Making the Future in South Los Angeles" examined a neighborhood that has been historically plagued by incarceration and lack of opportunity, now facing additional issues like gentrification.

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On Friday, Kim will participate in "ART SPACES in the City," a look at how art can engage the public. Panelist Dewey Tafoya, artist-in-residence at Self-help Graphics in Boyle Heights, has witnessed firsthand activists protesting the spread of artist studios and galleries as harbingers of gentrification that could eventually displace longtime residents.

Read more: 'Let It Fall: Los Angeles 1982-1992': Film Review

But art is hardly the problem, says Kim. "That's really key to the dynamism of L.A., and you have such diverse communities," she says, noting the sprawling network of neighborhood organizations that has sprung up in the years following the unrest. "The percentage of people in fine art, music, fashion, film, writers, we're off the charts. There's a critical mass of creative people. Those cheap strip malls are really key cause they're low-value, low entryway into entrepreneurships. Dumbbell apartment buildings, they don't look great, but they give you space to do stuff."

Kim was a kid growing up in Orange County at the time of the unrest. After studying architecture and studio art at Wellesley College, she shifted to urban planning and public policy at Harvard where she received her MA, then earned her Ph.D. at UC Berkeley. A native of Southern California, she remains optimistic about the growth and changes in the region over the past 25 years, despite what she considers backsliding in Washington.

"I was overly hopeful our nation had evolved more than it has. With something like Trump, people who before felt like they couldn't raise their racist views, now feel emboldened," she says. "I think culture is key. It's cultural work that needs to happen. You can make laws, but people won't follow them unless they believe they're just."
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In retrospect, Gunnar Wilmot, who works in New York commercial real estate, should have known something was wrong with the Fyre Festival when organizers in the Bahamas immediately served tequila and rose. "I think they wanted us to be drunk enough to not complain," says Wilmot, 28, who arrived at rapper Ja Rule and entrepreneur Billy McFarland's festival on a private island in the Bahamas early Thursday morning. "Yesterday was fun. We were just drinking on the beach, until we realized what happened, and it was just a nightmare."



The entire festival, which promised performances by Blink-182, Migos, Major Lazer, Lil Yachty and "first-class culinary experiences and a luxury atmosphere" for guests who'd paid thousands of dollars for tickets and chartered yachts and planes, collapsed Thursday night in what Wilmot calls "one shitstorm after another." Wilmot and his three friends, who'd paid $500 apiece for what organizers called "villas," found themselves in refugee tents. One by one, each of the performers canceled, including Blink-182 last night, announcing in an online statement, "We're not confident that we would have what we need to give you the quality of performances we always give our fans."

Wilmot and his friends were relatively lucky. They saw festivalgoers on the grounds, stranded, surrounded by luggage with nowhere to sleep for the night. They watched in horror as festival employees tossed visitors' bags off a freight truck and "people were just rummaging through them." They decided to escape early this morning, bathed in the ocean, brushed their teeth with bottled water and paid a festival employee $100 to return them to the airport in a flatbed truck. When they arrived at the airport gate, an official told them they couldn't access the airport unless they were on one of the two festival school buses  but Wilmot and his friends paid $40 to move past the barricade.

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Early report is that many of the tents aren't assembled. Here's their tropical private island owned by Escobar! #FyreFestival pic.twitter.com/TNzBDbNAUJ  FyreFestivalFraud (@FyreFraud) April 27, 2017

"We were sold on villas with beds and furniture  they had renderings of what it was going to look like. It could not have been more different," Wilmot says. "The fact that these were the same tents as a refugee camp was a running joke. That's what it felt like."

Festival organizers said they "set out to provide a once-in-a-lifetime musical experiences on the Islands of the Exumas" and blamed "circumstances out of our control" for the problems. The festival chaos appears to have backed up the local airports, stranding guests in terrible conditions, including understaffed kitchen tents jammed with random pots of uncooked food, all of which visitors have documented via social media. In a statement, Ja Rule said he was "heartbroken" and insisted Fyre was "not a scam," adding that his first priority was to make sure stranded festivalgoers could leave the Exumas islands safely.

The dinner that @fyrefestival promised us was catered by Steven Starr is literally bread, cheese, and salad with dressing. #fyrefestival pic.twitter.com/I8d0UlSNbd  Tr3vor (@trev4president) April 28, 2017

Some who helped organize the festival took issue with the "out of our control" portion of the festival's statement. In early March, former Saturday Night Live talent associate Chloe Gordon traveled to the Bahamas to tour the site as a producer hired to work with the talent. "It was about two months out, and it was a mess," she says, adding that she quit after returning to New York. "They had already, when we got down there, hired and fired two full production teams. And they hadn't started planning anything. They basically just fired everyone along the way that told them it wasn't feasible."

As of Friday afternoon, Wilmot was waiting for his flight to take off, after he spent 25 hours in the Bahamas. He and his friends were the first to arrive at the airport for return U.S. flights, and observed one or two planes, part of one airline, shuttling passengers back and forth. "Everyone's left [the festival]," he says. "The airport is an absolute zoo."



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Since FDR, a presidents first 100 days offer an important  if arbitrary  measure for evaluating success. While it is unlikely any executive will again match the productivity of Roosevelt, most scholars of the presidency agree that this period still matters for advancing an administrations agenda.

It has been an unruly 100 days since President Donald Trump took the oath of office. His administration has been plagued with scandals, protests and a critical media with a renewed sense of purpose.

As a scholar of the presidency and the press, Ive found the beginning of the Trump administration morbidly fascinating.

Despite his boasts, Trumps legislative agenda appears to be stalled. As we approach day 100, many will point critically to the dearth of bills coming across Trumps desk. However, focusing solely on legislation overlooks a thriving aspect of the Trump presidency: the use of unilateral powers like executive orders, memoranda and proclamations.

Trump goes it alone

Trump hit the ground running with a flurry of unilateral activity. This burst of direct actions may seem surprising in light of Trumps past statements. In 2012, he took to Twitter to criticize President Obama for constantly issuing executive orders that are major power grabs of authority. According to the American Presidency Project, Trump has surpassed his power-grabbing predecessor in unilateral actions, and in less time.

Trump is clearly making a concerted effort to fulfill his campaign promises. In areas where he can act alone, Trump has made gestures  some symbolic, others more substantive  toward 14 of the 18 pledges outlined in his Contract with the American Voter. With a stroke of the pen, Trump attempted to reduce the number of people working for the government, drain the swamp and advance pipeline projects.

Repealing the last eight years

Many of Trumps initial direct actions, as presidential scholar Julia Azari tells us, highlight the major symbolic differences between the new administration and the previous one. This means Trump has spent time repealing the unilateral actions of his predecessor, a common move for an administration taking the keys to the White House from the opposing party.

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Trump has rescinded some of Obamas most heralded executive orders, such as the order on Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces. Under the Trump administration, federal contractors no longer are required to disclose whether they have violated workplace laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act. As the Detroit Free Press put it, The law no longer requires companies to be transparent about employee pay, women and minorities have no way of knowing whether their wages are fair, and  the government has undercut progress in closing the gender wage gap.

Like all Republican presidents since Ronald Reagan, Trump signed a memorandum reinstating the Mexico City Policy. Opponents refer to it as the global gag rule because it prohibits funding any international health organization that mentions abortion as part of family planning. According to Ann M. Starrs, president of the Guttmacher Institute, Trumps robust reinstatement of this policy puts nearly US$10 billion in foreign aid at risk. Trumps action signals a major blow to the international health community, as the U.S. is the leading funder of global health programs. More concerning, says Starrs, millions of women in low-resource settings may now be unable to obtain the care they need.

In a nod to the coal industry, Trump signed an order rolling back Obamas Clean Power Plan, turning denials of climate change into national policy. The directive also imperils the Paris Agreement on climate, as the Clean Power Plan was Obamas primary means of achieving the goals of the accord.

Immigration and the wall

Many of Trumps most contentious direct actions deal with immigration, deportation and border security, issues that were central to his campaign and have evoked public outrage and legal reprimands.

Deriding the federal government for failing to discharge the basic sovereign responsibility of stopping undocumented immigrants from entering the U.S., Trump ordered the construction of a wall to secure the nations southern border. Trump also called on authorities to repatriate illegal aliens swiftly, consistently and humanely.

Trump issued another order threatening to pull funding from sanctuary cities that do not cooperate with immigration authorities. San Francisco sued, and a federal judge has barred its enforcement.

Trumps most infamous order to date is the immigration ban on a handful of Muslim majority countries. The hastily issued order prompted mass confusion, fear and a thunderous civic and legal backlash.

Trump and the political system

Presidents and their unilateral powers operate in a system of checks and balances. While the majority of unilateral actions go unchallenged, the political system does sometimes push back.

Trumps immigration ban orders were quashed by the courts. Many of his unilateral actions will eventually require acts of Congress. Moreover, Trump will soon have to put down his pen and work with Congress to fund the government, or his 100th day in office will mark the start of a government shutdown.

A recent study of Trumps direct actions by the Los Angeles Times found that fewer than half actually made a substantive change in federal policy. The orders effectiveness is also in question. For example, despite Trumps hiring freeze, the federal government added 6,000 new hires during January and February. The freeze was lifted in April.

Though many of Trumps unilateral directives are symbolic, political scientist Andrew Rudalevige argues that any presidential signal to the bureaucracy needs to be taken seriously. For example, despite the ineffectiveness of the Obamacare directive, the order makes clear the direction of action the president expects.

During the 2016 campaign, Hillary Clinton, quoting Maya Angelou, stated that when someone shows you who they are, believe them. Since taking office 100 days ago, Trump has made it abundantly clear the type of president he is through his unilateral directives. We should believe him.

Mark Major, Senior Lecturer, Pennsylvania State University

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

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Photo: The Conversation

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Unprecedented burst of executions re-inflamed opposition to death penalty, with some reporting disturbing signs of distress as men were being killed



Request is first step towards investigation amid fears that prisoners might have been subjected to excruciating pain, tantamount to torture. Photograph: Eric Risberg/Associated Press

Lawyers for the four men executed by Arkansas in the past week were set on Friday to ask a federal judge to force the state to preserve evidence from its death chamber. The request, the first step towards a thorough investigation, came amid fears that the prisoners might have been subjected to excruciating pain, tantamount to torture.



Arkansas unprecedented burst of executions  it tried to carry out eight in 11 days  is over. But it has re-inflamed opposition to the death penalty in the US and sparked a major legal battle, involving drug companies objecting to the use of their products to kill people, that could have long-term consequences.

Eyewitnesses to two of the four executions in Arkansas reported disturbing signs of distress on the part of the condemned men as they were being killed on the gurney. On Thursday night Kenneth Williams body shook for up to 20 seconds, with reports of him coughing, convulsing, lurching and jerking in rapid succession. Even when the microphone had been turned off, he could be heard through the viewing glass, moaning and gasping.

Three days before that, Marcel Williams was seen to arch his back countless times and breathe heavily even after a consciousness check was carried out to make sure he was insensate.

Shawn Nolan, a lawyer for Kenneth Williams, said a joint filing would be lodged with a federal court on Friday to oblige the state department of corrections to preserve evidence including materials used in the executions and records of drug levels, timings and so on. He described the death of his client as horrifying.

Speaking to the Guardian the morning after the execution, Nolan said: Our client was effectively tortured last night and thats not acceptable. The state did this so haphazardly and it went horrifically wrong.

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Our client was effectively tortured last night and thats not acceptable. The state did this so haphazardly Shawn Nolan, lawyer for Kenneth Williams

Asa Hutchinson, the Republican governor who was the architect of what has been called a conveyor belt of death, denied that any mishap had occurred. His spokesman described the Kenneth Williams execution as flawless and said the prisoners convulsions had been the result of an involuntary muscular reaction.

But the states attempts to put the events of the past 10 days behind it are unlikely to be successful. Campaigners are seizing on the sudden burst of executions in Arkansas as a potentially crucial moment in the fight over the death penalty.

At the heart of that fight are the drugs that are being used by death penalty states across the US. Maya Foa, director of the human rights group Reprieve, which has led the charge against pharmaceutical drugs being used in death chambers, said drug companies had displayed new resolve in standing up to Arkansas.

Drug companies have shown that they are absolutely prepared to do what it takes to enforce their contracts and ensure that their medicines are not misused  they will stand up to it, she said.

Two major drug companies, Fresenius Kabi USA and West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corp, as well as one of the largest medical supply companies in the US, McKesson, sued the state over its intention to kill people using chemicals designed to save lives. McKesson went furthest, effectively charging the Arkansas department of corrections with lying in order to obtain a batch of one of the drugs used in its triple lethal injection cocktail.

Four of the eight condemned inmates in Arkansas were spared execution  for now  through court-directed stays. They still remain on death row and could have new death warrants issued at any time.

However, Arkansas will struggle to proceed with further killings because its batch of midazolam, the sedative used in the first of its three lethal injections, runs out this weekend and drug companies refuse to provide new supplies.

It is thought the state still has enough of the second drug, vecuronium bromide, to kill up to 13 prisoners by its expiry date next March, and a similar capacity of potassium chloride expiring in August 2018.

Focus now switches to the five death penalty states that have scheduled 15 executions through the remainder of the year: Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, Ohio and Texas. The first of those planned executions, of convicted murderer Ronald Phillips, is set to take place on 10 May in Ohio.

The department of corrections in Ohio does have sufficient quantities of midazolam, rocuronium bromide and potassium chloride to carry out multiple executions by triple lethal injection. But condemned prisoners have challenged the states death protocol, with a particular emphasis on the first drug, midazolam, that has been associated with several botched killings over the past few years.

The case is currently before the full bench of the federal sixth circuit court of appeals. Unless its judges rule for the state, Ohios executions will remain on hold. Lawyers representing the death row inmates are certain to seize on events in Arkansas as further evidence of the problems of midazolam, which as a sedative and not an anaesthetic, is an unusual agent for rendering individuals unconscious.

Allen Bohnert, a federal public defender in Ohio who represents Phillips, said his legal team was looking forward to presenting compelling evidence to the full sixth circuit panel regarding midazolams unsuitability as an execution drug.

Question marks also remain over the secrecy now universally applied by death penalty states over the source of their drugs. In Arkansas, media witnesses were not allowed to observe the placing of IV lines in the prisoners veins, as the death chambers curtain remained closed.

The state also failed to provide public information on the precise timing of the three lethal injections. As a result, it was impossible to tell whether Kenneth Williams was fully unconscious at a time when the paralytic second drug and the final potassium chloride were administered. Were he still remotely conscious at the time of the potassium injection, he would have felt a sensation that has been described as similar to a flamethrower shooting fire down his veins.

It is very disturbing to read witness accounts that Mr Williams was breathing and moving at the time of the consciousness check, because subsequent administration of the paralytic would hide any conscious suffering he experienced, said Megan McCracken of the Death Penalty Clinic at UC Berkeley school of law.
By Manuel Mogato and Enrico Dela Cruz MANILA (Reuters) - Southeast Asian leaders wrapped up a summit on Saturday with no indication of an agreement on how to address Beijing's assertiveness in the South China Sea, a divisive issue in a region uncertain about its ties with the United States. Six hours after the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit officially ended in Manila, no customary joint statement had been issued and it was unclear whether there was agreement over including references to China's militarization and island-building in the hotly disputed waterway. ASEAN references to the South China Sea issue typically do not name China. Beijing is extremely sensitive to anything it perceives as a veiled reference to its expansion of its seven manmade islands in the Spratly archipelago, including with hangers, runways, radars and missiles. This year's summit comes at a time of uncertainty about U.S. interests in the region and whether it will maintain its maritime presence to counter Chinese assertiveness that has often put the region on edge. A spokesman for the Philippines foreign ministry said a statement would be issued on Saturday. Two ASEAN diplomatic sources earlier on Saturday told Reuters that Chinese embassy representatives in Manila had sought to influence the content of the communique. The sources said the Chinese officials had lobbied the Philippines to keep tacit references to Beijing's island-building and arming of artificial islands out of the statement. But an unpublished draft dated Friday and seen by Reuters included the term "land reclamation and militarization", which were not featured in a draft two days earlier. The diplomats said four ASEAN member states had objected to it being omitted. China is not a member of ASEAN and was not attending the summit. China's embassy in Manila could not be reached and its foreign ministry did not respond to request for comment. The content of Friday's draft would indicate ASEAN was resisting moves by China to keep its contentious activities in the strategic South China Sea off ASEAN's official agenda. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who chaired Saturday's meeting, did not answer a question after the summit about whether the statement would refer to "militarization". He said ASEAN wanted to complete a framework for a maritime code of conduct with Beijing this year to defuse tensions. REGIONAL FLASHPOINT "They want the code of conduct enacted by the at least, at the very least before the end of this year so that everybody would just feel comfortable," Duterte told a news conference. "Because if not, it remains to be a flashpoint." Duterte also made a no-nonsense call for calm on the Korean Peninsula and urged the United States not to be provoked by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who he said "wants to end the world" and "relishes letting go of missiles". Duterte spoke by phone to U.S. President Donald Trump late on Saturday, his aide said. The Philippine leader earlier told reporters he would urge Trump not to be provoked by Kim. He called for joint efforts to halt extremism and piracy, and several times stressed the importance of non-interference in a country's affairs. Duterte also called for collaboration to tackle illegal drugs, amid a fierce crackdown at home that has killed thousands of Filipinos and caused international alarm. "The illegal drug trade apparatus is massive. But it is not impregnable," he said in opening the summit. "With political will and cooperation, it can be dismantled, it can be destroyed before it destroys our societies." (Additional reporting Kanupriya Kapoor, and Neil Jerome Morales in Manila and John Ruwitch in Shanghai; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Ros Russell)
A Texas cop faked a suicide and then fled the country, police said.

Coleman Martin, an Austin police officer, was believed to have killed himself earlier this week after his wife told police the 29-year-old was unstable, according to reports.

Read: '13 Reasons Why' Blasted by Schools for Glamorizing Teen Suicide

When Martin initially went missing, police described him as an officer in "emotional distress."

Martin initially told his wife that he needed to leave their home to clear his head, according to reports.

Later he texted her a suicide note that reportedly said he planned to drown himself in a lake near the Mexican border.

Martin took $300 out of a joint bank account he shared with his wife about 45 minutes later, police said.

He went on to buy a raft, take out more cash and stop for lunch at Wendys, according to ABC News.

The next day authorities reported that Martin's vehicle was found near the lake.

A "suicide note," the same one Martin texted to his wife, was found on the seat on the seat of his car, according to reports.

A raft was found on the shore a few miles from where Martin's vehicle was parked.

Authorities searched the lake for Martin's body.

Read: Off-Duty NYPD Officer Critically Injures 2 Women While Drunk Behind the Wheel: Cops

Police then discovered that Martin had a close relationship with a woman who told police that he was alive and attempted to fake his death, reports said.

The woman showed police an email that Martin sent her after the alleged suicide.

Martin is now facing a misdemeanor charge of "false report," according to a police department statement.

Watch: Suspect Arrested for Killing Cop Was Spotted at Police Station Before Shooting

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Today, Donald Trump has been in the White House for 100 days  a milestone for all US presidents and a marker at which it has become normal to reflect on the leader's promises, failures, achievements and perceived U-turns.

Last night, Mr Trump addressed the powerful National Rifle Association, the country's leading gun lobby group which endorsed his candidacy and donated millions to his campaign. He was the first sitting president to address the NRA since fellow Republican Ronald Reagan in 1983.

Mr Trump used the speech yesterday to revisit some of his election campaign themes, including his vow to build a border wall with Mexico, dismissing a Democratic senator as Pocahontas, and perhaps unsurprisingly, resurrecting his unexpected election victory in November over Hillary Clinton.

Addressing the crowd in Atlanta, Mr Trump reiterated his support for the second amendment.

We have news that youve been waiting for for a long time, he told the 80,000 crowd. The eight-year assault on your Second Amendment freedoms has come to a crashing end. You have a true friend and champion in the White House.

Read more

Donald Trump's proposal on guns in bars 'defies common sense'

Democratic politicians responded swiftly. Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who was injured in a in a 2011 shooting in Tucson, said that country needs a president who is serious about preserving the rights of gun owners while also finding solutions to gun violence.

Senator Chris Murphy, whose home state paid witness to one of the deadliest mass shootings in American history, began tweeting out photos of children killed by gun violence.

Turn off cable. Don't watch [Mr Trump]'s NRA speech. Instead, think about who we are fighting for, the senator tweeted.

But Mr Trump appeared to have little time for partisan disputes on Friday. Glossing over the failures of his first 100 days in office  including a failed attempt to repeal Obamacare, and federal stays on several of his executive orders  Mr Trump returned to the sweeping promises characteristic of his campaign.

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Topping the list was the US-Mexico border wall, which Mr Trump insisted would still be built.

We need a wall. Well build the wall, Mr Trump said. Dont even think about it. Dont even think about it.

The it to which Mr Trump referred is likely the conspicuous lack of funding for the border wall in this years spending bill. The White House recently caved to Democrats demands that border wall funding be omitted from the 2017 government funding deal.

Press Secretary Sean Spicer said the White House would continue to push for funding in the 2018 deal, insisting that the president's priorities had not changed. Mr Trump assured reporters there was plenty of time, to have the wall built.

Democrats disagreed.

The wall is broadly unpopular in the public. People would rather spend money on other priorities. And theres unified Democratic opposition," Mr Murphy told reporters. None of that changes in September.

Moving on from the border wall, Mr Trump returned to a favourite talking point from the election: Islamic terrorism. On the campaign trail, Mr Trump called for a a total and complete shutdown on all Muslims entering the United States, claiming it would increase national security.

The resulting policy  an executive order blocking the entry of citizens of seven Muslim majority countries  was blocked by a federal judge days after it was signed. The order sparked protests and chaos at airports across the country. A second attempt at the ban was also shot down.

Video not available for syndication

Trump's most controversial tweets

But Mr Trump continued to rail against policies that allow radical Islamic terrorists to enter right through our front door in his speech to the NRA.

Thats not going to happen anymore, Mr Trump promised.

Perhaps the biggest difference between Mr Trumps speeches on the campaign trail and his speech on Friday was the acknowledgment that he had, in fact, won the election.

Almost 200 days since his victory, Mr Trump couldnt resist opening with a play-by-play that night, ticking off various states hed won: Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania.

All the way up; we ran up the East Coast! Mr Trump recalled. ...What fun that was, November 8. Wasnt that a great evening?

Read more

Meet the family man deported by Donald Trump after 19 years in US

Demonstrating the remarkable shift that occurred since that fateful night, Mr Trump listed off the numerous Republicans gathered around him on Friday: Florida Governor Rick Scott, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, Senator David Perdue, and even his former rival, Senator Ted Cruz (Like, dislike, like, Mr Trump said of his changing opinion of the Texas senator).

It is not the only time that Mr Trump has harked back to his former glories in recent days, having paused midway through an interview with Reuters to hand out copies of the latest figures from the 2016 electoral map.

Here, you can take that, that's the final map of the numbers, the president told his interviewers, handing out maps of the United States with areas he won marked in red. It's pretty good, right?

In that same interview, he appeared to wistfully reflect on his previous life as a businessman.

Mr Trump said he loved his previous life and had so many things going. He said his new role is more work than in my previous life," adding, "I thought it would be easier.

The president also lamented his loss of privacy, describing life in the White House as being in your own little cocoon.

Despite the fond memories of his life as a private citizen, Mr Trump seemed right at home onstage at the NRA conference. Addressing the organisation that donated millions of dollars to his first campaign, Mr Trump even appeared to be laying the groundwork for his second.

I have a feeling that in the next election youre going to be swamped with candidates, but youre not going to waste your time, Mr Trump told the NRA members. ...You came through for me, and I am going to come through for you.
The climate change information page on the Environmental Protection Agencys website has been scrapped.

A statement on the EPA website said language regarding the Clean Power Plan  Barack Obamas landmark effort to curb carbon emissions  was out of date.

The page was being updated to reflect the leadership of President Trump and Administrator Scott Pruitt, the statement said.

Mr Trump has called climate change a hoax and his choice for administrator of the EPA, Mr Pruitt, has denied climate science and previously sued the agency and accused it of overreach.

The appointment of both individuals caused significant concern to environmentalists.

old-epa-climate.jpg

The EPA web page on climate change as it appeared until yesterday (EPA/screengrab)

epa-climate.jpg

The image which now appears under the Environmental Protection Agency's web page on climate change (EPA/screengrab)

Yesterday, the EPAs climate change page  which featured extensive information on global warming  was archived.

An EPA statement regarding the change said it occurred to update language to reflect the approach of the new leadership.

As EPA renews its commitment to human health and clean air, land, and water, our website needs to reflect the views of the leadership of the agency, said JP Freire, Associate Administrator for Public Affairs.

Read more

Trump's first 100 days 'catastrophic' for the environment

We want to eliminate confusion by removing outdated language first and making room to discuss how were protecting the environment and human health by partnering with states and working within the law.

The first page to be updated will be on Mr Trumps executive order on energy independence. The order will allow further drilling in the worlds major oceans, including the Arctic.

The order will also roll back a number of Mr Obamas key measures aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Mr Trump has said his predecessor was engaged in a war on coal and has voiced his support for fossil fuels.

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Meanwhile, Mr Pruitt called for the US to exit the Paris Climate Deal because it was a bad business deal for America.

Mr Pruitt told Fox News there were ongoing discussions in the White House about withdrawing from the Paris agreement. Mr Pruitt advocated an America First strategy putting US priorities first in international climate change discussions.
Website undergoing changes to reflect agencys new direction, as tens of thousands about protest inaction on climate in cities across the US



Protesters carry signs during the Peoples Climate March at the White House in Washington. Photograph: Joshua Roberts/Reuters

The US Environmental Protection Agencys main climate change website is undergoing changes to better reflect the agencys new direction under Donald Trump.

The announcement, made late on Friday evening, left empty what was previously the official government site providing comprehensive information on the issue of climate change and global warming.

The change came a day before thousands gathered in Washington DC and other US cities to protest about inaction on climate change, and hours before the symbolic 100-day mark of the Trump administration.

At the marquee climate protest, the Peoples Climate March in Washington, tens of thousands made their way down Pennsylvania Avenue in sweltering heat on their way to encircle the White House.

Organizers said about 300 sister marches or rallies were being held around the country, including in Seattle, Boston and San Francisco. In Chicago, marchers headed from the citys federal plaza to Trump Tower. In Denver, marchers were met with a dose of spring snow.

Some of the marches drew celebrity attendees, including former vice-president Al Gore and actor Leonardo DiCaprio in the capital and senator and former candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination Bernie Sanders at an event in Montpelier, Vermont.

Honored to join Indigenous leaders and native peoples as they fight for climate justice, DiCaprio tweeted.

Any marchers who used their phones to look at the EPA climate change website would have been greeted with a message from the new administration: This page is being updated.

As EPA renews its commitment to human health and clean air, land and water, our website needs to reflect the views of the leadership of the agency, said JP Freire, an associate administrator for public affairs.

Previously, the website housed data on greenhouse gas emissions from large polluters and reports on the effects of climate change and its impact on human health.

Story continues

We want to eliminate confusion, Freire said, by removing outdated language first and making room to discuss how were protecting the environment and human health by partnering with states and working within the law.

Information from previous administrations is archived as a link from the EPAs website.

Demonstrators march in Chicago. Photograph: Joshua Lott/AFP/Getty Images

The EPA is currently led by Scott Pruitt, a former Oklahoma attorney general who has denied that carbon dioxide causes global warming.

The Trump administration has called for budget cuts of nearly one-third at the EPA and has sought to weaken protections for human health. For instance, the White House has proposed cutting funding and regulations regarding lead poisoning prevention and is considering rewriting regulations concerning smog.

It has already rolled back a law that prevented coalmining companies from dumping waste in streams.

In an op-ed piece for the Guardian published on Saturday, Sanders made an economic case for a focus on industries meant to ameliorate the effects of climate change, rather than those which contribute to it.

The senator from Vermont wrote: No matter what agenda President Trump and his administration of climate deniers push, it is clear that jobs in clean energy like wind and solar are growing much more rapidly than jobs in the coal, oil and gas sectors.
Ivanka Trump took to Instagram to wish her "incredible stepmom" Melania Trump on her 47th birthday Wednesday. The first lady made a rare mid-week travel to Washington D.C., on her birthday and spent the day with Vice President Mike Pences wife, Karen, at a luncheon for Senate spouses at the National Gallery of Art.

"Happy Birthday to our first lady (and my incredible step-mom!) Melania Trump," Ivanka captioned a photo of Melania and President Donald Trump. "A wonderful example of kindness and grace for us all! @FLOTUS."

Ivanka's message for Melania came after Sunday's report on Vanity Fair claiming the two women have a frosty relationship. The report, citing two unnamed sources, said Ivanka and her stepmother have had cold interactions with each other. However, a White House spokesperson dismissed the rumors, telling the Huffington Post Melania and Ivanka have always had a close bond.

Read: White House 'Family Office' To Be Shared By Melania And Ivanka Trump

Trump's wife received the disapproval of many Americans when it was announced she will live in New York with her son Barron, while Ivanka was often seen working closely with her father. The first daughter also took on a larger role in her fathers campaign than Melania did.

While she continues to live in New York so her 10-year-old son can finish the school year, Ivanka moved to Washington with her three children and husband Jared Kushner.

Melania is an unbelievable mother. Its pretty uncommon for wives of candidates to not be on the campaign trail every day. And she made a decision I totally respect, which is that she has a young son, he needs stability, he needs routine, Ivanka told People in July 2016 of Melania's decision to fly under the radar. My fathers traveling so frequently, and she is an unbelievably consistent, loving and reliable figure in Barrons life.

Ivanka also commended the first ladys work with charitable organizations and said: "Melania is very smart, shes very warm, shes got an incredible heart."

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Rapper Kevin Gates and his wife Dreka may have been expecting the hip-hop artist to be home soon, but the rapper will have to remain in prison for 30 months.

Appearing in a Chicago court on Wednesday, Gates pled guilty to felony gun possession and was facing a maximum of 10 years in prison, TMZ reports. Speaking about the sentencing, the rappers lawyer, Herschel Rush, said they were very pleased with the result of 30 months.

Kevin Gates

Photo: Getty Images

Gates, who has been in jail since March 30, will now be transferred to the Illinois Department of Corrections. The rappers latest sentence comes a month after he finished serving a five-month sentence in March. On the day of his original release, Gates was arrested on an outstanding warrant.

Earlier this month, the rappers wife tweeted her support for her husband, tweeting, Although Kevin isnt a free man yet, he will be soon! Gates and Dreka were married in 2015 with the rapper calling it the best thing in the world.

During an interview with Spin, Gates said, We do everything together. We work together, we own our company together. We like the same cars, we listen to the same music, we read a lot of the same literature, were interested in a lot of the same subject matter. Shell come and get me and say, Hey, lets go to the strip club. I married my best friend that happens to be a girl.

Dreka has yet to comment on the rappers latest sentence but in March asked fans to please shift your thoughts, prayers, energy, etc towards the idea of Kevin being home and enjoying his life as a free man.

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Former first lady Michelle Obama said she wont ever run for office, speaking at the the American Institute of Architects' annual convention in Orlando Thursday.

She said during her speech that she "wouldn't ask [her] children to do this again," according to CNN.

The speech in Orlando was the former first lady's first public appearance since leaving the White House.

"It's good to get out of the house," she said referring to her presence at the event, according to CNN. "So far so good  it hasn't been that long since we left ... it's good to not have the weight of the world upon your shoulders, the former first lady continued.

Michelle said in her speech she would prefer helping the country as a private citizen rather than run for public office. She said she would also like to continue to focus on working for young girls and women facing challenges with healthcare, violence, education and income inequality.

Its all well and good until you start running, and then the knives come out, she during her speech, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Politics is tough, and its hard on a family. I wouldnt ask my children to do this again because, when you run for higher office, its not just you, its your whole family.

She mentioned to the audience that leaving the White House was difficult for her and her family because her daughters grew up there and it was the place she had lived the longest in her whole life.

The former first lady said her daughters, Sasha and Malia, shed tears as they left the White House in January.

However, Michelle has always made it clear she wouldnt want to run for office. No, she had said last year when she was questioned by Oprah Winfrey if shed run for office.

Look, thats one thing I dont do: I dont make stuff up. Im not coy ... Im pretty direct. If I were interested in it, Id say it. I dont believe in playing games.

She also mentioned her children and how running for office would affect their lives.

Story continues

What people dont understand is that you run, their lives stop at any age. The next family that comes in here, every person in that family  every child, every grandchild  their lives will be turned upside-down in a way that no American really understands. And its not for us to complain about it, so you dont hear complaints. But it is a truth, an actuality, that there is a weight to it.

Barack Obama said during a joint interview on The View in 2012 that the then-first lady, Michelle would make a terrific president, but also said jokingly that she might not be appropriate for the job temperamentally.

No, its absolutely true, Michelle then said during the same interview. It takes a lot of patience to be the president of the United States. Im not that patient.







Both Michelle and her husband Barack Obama made their first public appearances this week since leaving the White House. When Baracks presidency was over and the former first family had to leave, Michelle had an approval rating of 68 percent, which was 10 points higher than that of the former president.

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By Jack Kim and Ju-min Park SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile on Saturday shortly after U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned that failure to curb Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs could lead to "catastrophic consequences". U.S. and South Korean officials said the test, from an area north of the North Korean capital, appeared to have failed, in what would be the North's fourth straight unsuccessful missile test since March. The test came as the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group arrived in waters near the Korean peninsula, where it began exercises with the South Korean navy on Saturday, about 12 hours after the failed launch, a South Korean navy official said. Tillerson, in a U.N. Security Council meeting on North Korea on Friday, repeated the Trump administration's position that all options were on the table if Pyongyang persisted with its nuclear and missile development. U.S. President Donald Trump, asked about his message to North Korea after the test, told reporters: "You'll soon find out" but did not elaborate on what the U.S. response would be. Separately, in excerpts of an interview with CBS News released on Saturday, Trump said the United States and China would "not be happy" with a nuclear test but gave no other details. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the U.N. meeting it was not only up to China to solve the North Korean problem. "The key to solving the nuclear issue on the peninsula does not lie in the hands of the Chinese side," Wang said. In a commentary on Saturday, China's official Xinhua news agency said both North Korea and the United States needed to tread cautiously. "If both sides fail to make such necessary concessions, then not only will the two countries, but the whole region and the whole world end up paying a heavy price for a possible confrontation." Trump, in an interview with Reuters on Thursday, praised Chinese leader Xi Jinping for "trying very hard" on North Korea but warned a "major, major conflict" was possible. The North has been conducting missile and nuclear weapons related activities at an unprecedented rate and is believed to have made progress in developing intermediate-range and submarine-launched missiles. Tension on the Korean peninsula has been high for weeks over fears the North may conduct a long-range missile test, or its sixth nuclear test, around the time of the April 15 anniversary of its state founder's birth. Pope Francis, speaking to reporters, called for another country to mediate the dispute between Pyongyang and Washington, saying the world risked a devastating war. JAPAN PROTESTS Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe condemned the test as a grave threat to the international order. "I urged Russia to play a constructive role in dealing with North Korea," Abe told reporters in London. "Japan is watching how China will act in regard to North Korea." U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the North Koreans had probably tested a medium-range missile known as a KN-17 and it appeared to have broken up within minutes of taking off. The South Korean military said the missile reached an altitude of 71 km (44 miles) before disintegrating. It said the launch was a clear violation of U.N. resolutions and warned the North not to act rashly. With North Korea acting in defiance of the pressure, the United States could conduct new naval drills and deploy more ships and aircraft in the region, a U.S. official told Reuters. The dispatch of Carl Vinson to the waters off the Korean peninsula is a "reckless action of the war maniacs aimed at an extremely dangerous nuclear war," the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party, said in a commentary on Saturday. Inter-continental ballistic rockets will fly into the United States "if the U.S. shows any slight sign of provocation," the newspaper said. MORE SANCTIONS MOOTED Kim Dong-yub, an expert at Kyungnam University's Institute of Far Eastern Studies in Seoul, said North Korea might have got the data it wanted with the missile's short flight, then blown it up in a bid to limit the anger of China, which warned Pyongyang against further provocation. North Korea rattled world powers in February when it successfully launched a new intermediate-range ballistic missile that it said could carry a nuclear weapon. It also successfully tested ballistic missiles on March 6. It is not clear what has caused the series of failed missile tests since then. The Trump administration could respond to the test by speeding up its plans for new U.S. sanctions, including possible measures against specific North Korean and Chinese entities, said the U.S. official, who declined to be identified. "Something that's ready to go could be taken from the larger package and expedited," said the official. France also condemned the test and called for a firm reaction. The U.N. Security Council is likely to start discussing a statement to condemn the missile launch, said diplomats. But condemnations and sanctions resolutions since 2006, when North Korea conducted its first nuclear test, have done little to impede its push for ballistic missiles and nuclear arms. The South Korean politician expected to win a May 9 presidential election, Moon Jae-in, called the test an "exercise in futility". "We urge again the Kim Jong Un regime to immediately stop reckless provocative acts and choose the path to cooperate with the international community," Park Kwang-on, a spokesman for Moon, said in a statement, referring to the North Korean leader. Moon has advocated a more moderate policy on the North and been critical of the deployment of an advanced U.S. missile defense system in the South intended to counter North Korea's missile threat, which China also strongly objects to. (Additional reporting by Soyoung Kim in SEOUL, Idrees Ali, David Brunnstrom, Matt Spetalnick and Susan Heavey in WASHINGTON, Tim Kelly and Nobuhiro Kubo in TOKYO, John Ruwitch in SHANGHAI and Michelle Nichols and Lesley Wroughton at the UNITED NATIONS, William James and Alistair Smout in LONDON, Philip Pullella ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE, Matthias Blamont in PARIS, and Patrick Rucker in HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA; Editing Lincoln Feast and Robert Birsel)
By Jack Kim and Michelle Nichols SEOUL/UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - North Korea unsuccessfully test-fired a ballistic missile on Saturday from a region north of its capital, Pyongyang, South Korea's military said, defying intense pressure from the United States and the reclusive state's main ally, China. The test came as U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned the United Nations Security Council that failure to curb North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs could lead to 'catastrophic consequences'. U.S. and South Korean officials said the test appeared to have failed, in what would be a fourth successive unsuccessful missile test since March. U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the missile was probably a medium-range missile known as a KN-17 and appears to have broken up within minutes of taking off. Tension had spiked on the Korean peninsula over concerns the North may conduct the test-launch of a long-range missile or its sixth nuclear test around the time of the April 15 anniversary of its state founder's birth or the day marking the founding of its military earlier this week. The timing of the latest launch suggests it was calculated to send a certain message as Pyongyang remains under intense attention of world powers, said Kim Dong-yub, an expert at Kyungnam University's Institute of Far Eastern Studies in Seoul. It was planned at a complicated timing around the end of the South Korea-U.S. joint military drills, the United States talking about military options and the announcement of North Korea policies and the Security Council meeting, Kim said. South Korean and U.S. forces have been conducting annual military drills since the start of March that conclude at the end of April. In a show of force, the United States is sending the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group to waters off the Korean peninsula, where it will join the USS Michigan, a nuclear submarine that docked in South Korea on Tuesday. U.S. President Donald Trump told Reuters in an interview on Thursday a "major, major conflict" with North Korea was possible over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Trump praised Chinese leader Xi Jinping for "trying very hard" to rein in Pyongyang. But both China and Russia rebuked Washington's threat of military force at a meeting of the U.N. Security Council on the matter on Friday. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the 15-member council it was not only up to China to solve the North Korean problem. "The key to solving the nuclear issue on the peninsula does not lie in the hands of the Chinese side," Wang told the council in blunt remarks that Tillerson later rebuffed. The U.N. Security Council is likely to start discussing a statement to condemn the missile launch, said diplomats, adding that it was unlikely to be issued on Friday. The Security Council traditionally condemns all missile launches by Pyongyang. "It could have happened today exactly because we had the meeting," Italian U.N. Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi, chair of the Security Council's North Korean sanctions committee, told reporters when hearing of the test. "It's illegal, it should not be done, it's another provocative action by North Korea. Neighboring Japan said the "unacceptable" launch clearly violated U.N. resolutions and said it had lodged a strong protest with North Korea. (Additional reporting by Ju-min Park in Seoul, Idrees Ali in Washington, Malcolm Foster in Tokyo and Lesley Wroughton at the United Nations; Editing Lincoln Feast)
North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile Saturday in apparent defiance of a concerted US push for tougher international sanctions to curb Pyongyang's nuclear weapons ambitions.

The latest launch, which South Korea said was a failure, came just hours after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned the UN Security Council of "catastrophic consequences" if the international community -- most notably China -- failed to pressure the North into abandoning its weapons programme.

Military options for dealing with the North were still "on the table", Tillerson warned in his first address to the UN body.

The launch ratchets up tensions on the Korean peninsula, with Washington and Pyongyang locked in an ever-tighter spiral of threat, counter-threat and escalating military preparedness.

US President Donald Trump, who has warned of a "major conflict" with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un's regime, said the latest test was a pointed snub to China -- the North's main ally and economic lifeline.

"North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!" Trump tweeted.

The US is deploying a naval strike group led by an aircraft carrier to the Korean peninsula, and a missile-defence system called Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) that officials say will be operational "within days".

North Korea recently conducted its biggest-ever firing drill and has threatened to "bury at sea" the US aircraft carrier, amid signs it could be preparing for a sixth nuclear test.

South Korea's defence ministry said it suspected Saturday's missile test had failed after a brief flight, while the US military's Pacific Command confirmed the rocket did not leave North Korean territory.

South Korea condemned the launch, with foreign ministry spokesman Cho June-Hyuck saying that if the North continued to "play with fire", it would "face strong punitive steps in various levels", including from the UN Security Council.

Story continues

Japan has lodged a "serious protest and criticism" to the North, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters after a national security council meeting.

- Risk of nuclear attack 'real' -

China pushed back at Tillerson's call at the UN Security Council for it to do more to rein in Pyongyang, arguing that it was unrealistic to expect one country to solve the conflict.

"The use of force does not solve differences and will only lead to bigger disasters," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.

His country, he said, should not be "a focal point of the problem on the peninsula" and stressed that "the key to solving the nuclear issue on the peninsula does not lie in the hands of the Chinese side".

Russia joined China in appealing for a return to talks and de-escalation.

Military action was "completely unacceptable", Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov told the council, and a miscalculation could have "frightening consequences".

But Tillerson argued that diplomacy had to be backed with credible muscle.

"Diplomatic and financial levers of power will be backed up by willingness to counteract North Korean aggression with military action, if necessary," he said.

"The threat of a North Korean nuclear attack on Seoul or Tokyo is real, and it is likely only a matter of time before North Korea develops the capability to strike the US mainland."

- Key powers divided -

The meeting of the top UN body on Friday laid bare major differences among key powers over the way to address the North Korea crisis.

Over the past 11 years, the Security Council has imposed six sets of sanctions on Pyongyang -- two adopted last year -- to significantly ramp up pressure and deny the North Korean regime the hard currency revenue needed for its military programmes.

But UN sanctions experts have repeatedly told the council the measures have had little impact because they have been poorly implemented.

Tillerson called on all countries to downgrade or sever diplomatic relations with North Korea and impose targeted sanctions on entities and individuals supporting its missile and nuclear program.

The United States is ready to impose sanctions on third countries where companies or individuals are found to have helped North Korea's military programmes, he said.

China instead wants Pyongyang to freeze its military programmes in exchange for a halt to US-South Korean annual drills.

"Now is the time to seriously consider talks," said Wang.

But Tillerson was blunt in saying it was up to North Korea to take the first concrete steps.

"We will not negotiate our way back to the negotiating table," he said. "We will not reward their bad behaviour with talks."

The United States, Russia and China took part in six-party talks on North Korea's denuclearisation from 2003 to 2009, along with Japan, South Korea and Pyongyang.
March 12 and April 15 were special days in Donald Trump's presidency: Of the 100 days that he's been in office, he tweeted on 98 of them. But not those two.

(And on April 7, his only post was a retweet of daughter Ivanka.)

Had he misplaced his phone on those days, or gotten a cramp in his typing finger? It's impossible to know  but fun to speculate.

So let's track the 45th president through the @realDonaldTrump Twitter feed and examine what might have caused his rare social media silences.

READ: Is Donald Trump Still Adjusting To His Presidential Role After Completing 100 Days?

On Sunday, March 12, media and public attention was focused on Trump's provocative and unproven claim  in a March 4 tweet  that the Obama administration had surveilled Trump Tower during the election.

That was the most harmful tweet of his presidency, Matthew Baum, a professor of public policy at Harvard Universitys John F. Kennedy School of Government, told International Business Times.

The House Intelligence Committee was pressing Trump to offer evidence to support his claims. His Twitter stand-down may have been the result of advice to avoid drawing any further attention to the situation. Baum's speculation? Trump might have been persuaded by some version of the old adage, When youre in a hole, stop digging.

That adage could also apply to Trumps Twitter silence on Saturday, April 15, the day of the Tax Marches, with protestors in 200 cities demanding that the president release his own tax returns.

I would imagine his advisers saying, Dont bring attention to this, Baum said.

Trump apparently couldn't resist weighing in the following day.

The 15th was also the day before Easter Sunday, and Trump was in Palm Beach, Florida, for the weekend. Perhaps Melania Trump was nudging her husband to put his phone down, for once.

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Photo credit: AP

From Popular Mechanics

BEIRUT (AP) - An apparent Israeli missile attack on a Syrian military installation near Damascus International Airport shook the capital early on Thursday morning and raised tensions between the two hostile neighbors.

The Syrian military said in a statement that the attack, which could be felt at least 15 kilometers (9 miles) away, was carried out by Israel and aimed to "raise the morale of terrorist groups" the government maintains are waging war against President Bashar Assad's forces.

The military said it would continue its "war on terror" - government parlance for the battle against all groups trying to oust Assad.

Israel appears to be striking at military convoys and installations in Syria at a quickening pace, maintaining it has the right to prevent authorities in Damascus from transferring weapons across the border to the Lebanese militant Hezbollah group.

Hezbollah is a staunch ally of the Syrian government, which is mired in a six-year-long civil war, and also an avowed enemy of Israel, which occupied Lebanon for nearly two decades.

Israeli Minister of Intelligence Yisrael Katz would not comment directly on the incident but said any similar strike would be in line with established policy to interrupt weapons transfers.

"It absolutely matches our declared policy, a policy that we also implement," Katz told Israel's Army Radio.

Israel is widely believed to have carried out several airstrikes in recent years on advanced weapons systems in Syria - including Russian-made anti-aircraft missiles and Iranian-made missiles - as well as Hezbollah positions. It rarely comments on such operations.

Activists running the widely followed Damascus-focused Facebook page Diaries of a Mortar reported hearing several explosions before dawn, which they said could be felt across the Syrian capital.

Syria's state-run SANA news agency said Israel had fired several missiles from inside the Occupied Golan Heights, 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Damascus, striking a military installation southwest of the airport that serves both military and civilian flights. It reported several explosions and material damage but no casualties. It was not clear how Israel was identified as the culprit.

Story continues

"The buildings shook from the force of the blast," said a media activist who goes by Salam al-Ghoutawi, of the Ghouta Media Center, in the city's opposition-held northeastern suburbs, about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the airport. He said he heard the roar of jets in the distance at the time.

A string of explosions could be seen silhouetted against the night sky in a video published by the center. Debris is seen flying out as the light of the explosions illuminated a sizeable blast cloud that took shape nearby. A pro-government site Damascus Now said the explosion was near the city's Seventh Bridge, which leads to the airport road.

Hezbollah's al-Manar media station reported an explosion at the fuel tanks and a warehouse next to the airport, which is 25 kilometers (16 miles) east of the city center. Al-Manar also speculated the blast was caused by an Israeli strike.

Hezbollah has sent thousands of its militants to fight alongside government forces in Syria's six-year-long civil war.

Syria's conflict, which pits Assad and his regional allies against local and foreign opposition forces inside his country, has left more than 400,000 people dead since it erupted in March 2011. The civil war is further complicated by militant factions such as al-Qaida's affiliate in Syria and the even more powerful Islamic State group, which in 2014 carved out a sizeable chunk of territory but has lately been losing ground in the face of a campaign by the U.S.-led international coalition.

In other developments on Thursday, at least 19 people were killed in a string of air raids across the northwestern rebel-held Idlib province. Some of the raids appeared to target ambulances and medical centers.

The Civil Defense, a search-and-rescue organization, said four medical staff were killed in an attack on a university hospital in the town of Deir Sharqi, and four paramedics or ambulance operators died in an airstrike on an ambulance services charity in another town, Maarzita.

The activist-run Idlib Media Center said another four people were killed by barrel bombs dropped on the town of Khan Sheikhoun.

Also, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 19 civilians, including nine children, were killed around the northern province. The Civil Defense reported the same overall death toll.

The activists believe Russia or the Syrian government launched the raids. U.S. jets are also known to strike at positions in Idlib province, where they target al-Qaida-linked fighters.

Hundreds of thousands of Syrians displaced by the war have sought refuge in the rural province, now largely under the control of hard-line rebel groups. It borders Turkey to the north.

Meanwhile, the Syrian government on Thursday condemned French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault for a statement he made the previous day saying Assad's forces were behind a sarin gas attack that killed nearly 90 people in Khan Sheikhoun earlier this month.

Ayrault had said samples from the site of the attack bore the traces of the chemical weapons believed to remain in Assad's arsenal.

The Syrian government said Ayrault's "lies and fabricated allegations" implicate France in "masterminding" the attack.

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Washington (AFP) - US President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at lifting bans on drilling for oil and gas in offshore Arctic and Atlantic areas, saying it would pull in "billions of dollars" for America and create jobs.

However, Trump made no mention of the environmental rationale for the bans, brought in by his predecessor Barack Obama.

"Our country's blessed with incredible natural resources, including abundant offshore oil and natural gas reserves, but the federal government has kept 94 percent of these offshore areas closed for exploration and production," the president said before journalists in the White House.

"This deprives our country of potentially thousands and thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in wealth," he said.

Trump's order calls for a review of the Obama-era bans with the goal of allowing "responsible development of offshore areas that will bring revenue to our treasury and jobs to our workers."

Obama's indefinite prohibition on new drilling in US waters in the Arctic Ocean off Alaska, including most of the Beaufort and Chukchi seas, and in 31 underwater canyons in the Atlantic Ocean was enacted last December under a 1953 law.

The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act gives the president power to withdraw offshore areas from commercial use. Previous presidents Dwight Eisenhower and Bill Clinton also invoked the legislation.
Two conservative journalists have sparked outcry on social media by making what some have interpreted as a white supremacist hand symbol at a recent visit to the White House.

Freelance journalist Mike Cernovich and Cassandra Fairbanks, a reporter for Russian news outlet Sputnik, posed for a picture behind the podium in the White House briefing room. In the photo, they are making a hand sign that can be used to signify white power.

Just two people doing a white power hand gesture in the White House, Fusion senior reporter Emma Roller tweeted, alongside a screenshot of the picture.

Read more

The Alt-Right is trying to explain away Trumps campaign u-turns in th

Ms Fairbanks, however, claims the hand gesture was not a reference to the white power movement. She pointed to her partial Puerto Rican heritage as evidence that she is not a white supremacist.

White power!!!!!!! Except I'm Puerto Rican. Can it be PR power?! she tweeted.

Ms Fairbanks supporters point out that the hand symbol is also used to mean OK. Photos show people of all races using the symbol to signify that everything is alright.

just two people doing a white power hand gesture in the White House pic.twitter.com/OXlFSGmhN1  Emma Roller (@emmaroller) April 29, 2017

The symbol, however, has become more contentious with the rise of the alt-right  a far-right contingent in the United States that rejects both mainstream conservatism and liberal ideologies. The self-proclaimed founder of the alt-right, Richard Spencer, is a well-known white supremacist.

Alt-right journalist Lucian Wintrich, a writer for The Gateway Pundit, sparked outcry when he flashed the symbol in a similar picture at the White House in February. Notorious alt-right personality Milo Yiannopoulos also frequently flashes the symbol.

Story continues

The resurgence of the symbol may be traced back to a popular alt-right meme, known as smug Pepe, which began circulating on alt-right, pro-Trump message boards in 2015. Mr Trump often uses the symbol when speaking, explaining its significance with the presidents supporters.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) characterises the symbol as a racist hand sign.

Some white supremacists, particularly in California, may use a two-handed hand sign in which one hand forms the letter W and the other hand forms the letter P, to represent WP or White Power, an entry in the ADLs hate symbols database reads.

Ms Fairbanks joined notoriety when she moved from supporting Senator Bernie Sanders to supporting Mr Trump for president. She now frequently speaks out against Islamic terrorism and the Black Lives Matter movement. Her employer, Sputnik, applied for White House press credentials last month.

Mr Cernovich is the founder of the mens rights blog Danger & Play, and author of the book MAGA Mindset: Making YOU and America Great Again. He received White House press credentials on 25 April.

Related:

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android.
Washington (AFP) - The United States is not ruling out direct dialogue with North Korea on its nuclear program, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in an interview with National Public Radio broadcast Friday.

"Obviously, that would be the way we would like to solve this," he said, when asked whether Washington seeks direct talks with Pyongyang.

"But North Korea has to decide they're ready to talk to us about the right agenda -- and the right agenda is not simply stopping where they are for a few more months or a few more years and then resuming things."

Tillerson has previously said "the era of strategic patience is over." He stressed in the NPR interview that what Washington now seeks is dialogue.

"Our approach to North Korea is to have them change their posture towards any future talks," he said.

"I think when we say the era of strategic patience is over -- in the past I think we have always negotiated our way to the negotiating table... We don't have the running room left to do that now, given how far advanced their program has become.

"So this is an approach that is to put pressure on them through implementation of all the sanctions, as well as other diplomatic pressures, and calling on others to cause them to change their view of what will really allow them to achieve the security that they say they seek."

The United States has called for stronger UN sanctions on North Korea, but wants China to take the lead in diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.

Tillerson's interview came ahead of a UN Security Council meeting chaired by Tillerson, to push for a tougher response to North Korea and pile pressure on China to rein in its ally.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the meeting that follows weeks of warnings from the US administration that it will no longer tolerate North Korea's missile launches and nuclear tests.
Lashkar Gah (Afghanistan) (AFP) - US Marines returned to Afghanistan's volatile Helmand Saturday, where American troops faced heated fighting until NATO's combat mission ended in 2014, as embattled Afghan security forces struggle to beat back the resurgent Taliban.

The deployment of some 300 Marines to the poppy-growing southern province came one day after the militants announced the launch of their "spring offensive", and as the Trump administration seeks to craft a new strategy in Afghanistan.

Commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan General John Nicholson attended a handover ceremony marking the return of the prestigious force, the first Marines in Afghanistan since 2014, an AFP photographer said.

Part of a regular troop rotation announced in January under the Obama administration, they will arrive in stages, eventually numbering some 300 who will take part in NATO's train, assist and advise mission.

Helmand for years was the centrepiece of the US and British military intervention in Afghanistan -- only for it to slip deeper into a quagmire of instability.

"In those days Afghan security forces were tiny and just got started," Brigadier General Roger Turner told AFP. "With the leadership in place now they... are poised to do much better."

The Taliban effectively control or contest 10 of Helmand's 14 districts, blighted by a huge opium harvest that helps fund the insurgency.

Around 30,000 people fled fighting in the province in 2016, mostly seeking refuge in provincial capital Lashkar Gah, with the city at times practically besieged.

The US has some 8,400 troops in Afghanistan with about another 5,000 from NATO allies, mostly taking part in the training mission.

Pentagon chief Jim Mattis warned of "another tough year" in Afghanistan when he visited Kabul this week as part of the Trump administration's review of Afghan policy. Nicholson has called for a few thousand more troops to help break the "stalemate".

Story continues

Mirza Mohammad Yarmand, a retired Afghan general based in Kabul, was optimistic.

"If the Afghan forces and the US Marines jointly fight the phenomenon of the terrorism in southern Helmand, we will have tangible results," he told AFP.

But former Marine James Clark, who served twice in Helmand and now writes for military website Task & Purpose, called the deployment "half-measures".

"What lasting gains can our small military presence accomplish in Afghanistan that we couldn't achieve during the height of the troop surge?" he told AFP.

- 'Butcher of Kabul' returns -

The Helmand ceremony came as one of Afghanistan's most notorious warlords, ex-prime minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, returned to public life Saturday after more than 20 years in exile.

Hekmatyar, white-bearded and clad in his trademark black turban, called on the Taliban to lay down their weapons and join a "caravan of peace" as he spoke at a rally in Laghman province.

Known widely as the "Butcher of Kabul", Hekmatyar is chiefly remembered for his role in the bloody civil war of the 1990s, in which he stands accused of killing thousands of people in the capital Kabul. He is set to return there on Sunday.

His comeback following a landmark peace agreement with President Ashraf Ghani in September has been hugely controversial in Afghanistan, sparking revulsion from human rights groups and residents of the capital.

Afghanistan has seen intensified Taliban attacks across the country, leaving Afghan forces -- already beset by killings, desertions, and vacuums in leadership and morale -- stretched on multiple fronts and facing soaring casualties.

Last week the Taliban delivered a stinging blow as militants dressed in Afghan army uniforms slaughtered at least 135 young recruits at a northern base, according to official figures -- though multiple sources say the death toll is much higher.

The Marines were among the first US forces sent to Afghanistan after the 2001 terror attacks in the United States.

Several thousand were deployed in Helmand, the deadliest province for US and British forces, where they engaged in bitter combat with the Taliban insurgency.

The US is also targeting Islamic State's affiliate in Afghanistan, earlier this month dropping its largest non-nuclear bomb on the jihadist group's hideouts.

Two US troops were killed Wednesday while fighting IS militants near the blast-site in eastern Nangarhar province in an incident potentially involving friendly fire, the Pentagon has said, adding an investigation has been launched.
Photo credit: GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP / Getty

From Road & Track

With costs rising from its diesel emissions-cheating scandal, VW needs to streamline its business as much as possible. Reuters reports that Italian motorcycle maker Ducati, which Audi purchased for 860 million ($935 million US) in 2012, might be the first brand VW sells off in the wake of the scandal. The automaker hasn't reached a final decision, but it's currently approaching potential buyers of the famed motorcycle maker, which Reuters reports could be valued at 1.5 billion ($1.6 billion US).

This isn't the first time we've heard rumors of VW selling Ducati. In December 2015, the early days of VW's diesel scandal, we reported that Ducati could be sold, along with Lamborghini, Bentley, and Bugatti. Rumors surrounding the sale of those car brands have cooled off, but as a non-essential part of the VW group, Ducati seems like a potential candidate for sale.

Reuters also notes that VW's decision to shop Ducati around might have something to do with the ouster of former VW Group chairman Ferdinand Piech last month. Supposedly, Piech was a key factor behind Audi's purchase of Ducati; with Piech out of the way, VW seemingly has less attachment to the motorcycle maker.

While Ducati has a critical hit the affordable Scrambler, it's unclear what value it brought to the VW Group. Back when the automaker was on top of the world, purchasing a brand like Ducati was a power move of sorts. Now, things have changed.

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Photo credit: Courtesy of Facebook/Vanexus Photography

From Country Living

A group of amateur sky watchers in Alberta, Canada just helped scientists discover a new celestial phenomenon and since nobody knows exactly what it is yet, they've taken to calling it Steve.

Yes, Steve.

Members of the Alberta Aurora Chasers Facebook group have been taking photos of this bright purple streak of light in the skies over Canada for several years now, thinking it was a kind aurora called a proton aurora.

But when they met with Eric Donovan, a professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Calgary, he pointed out that proton aurora can't be seen by the naked eye and they had in fact discovered something else.

"It looks a lot like a traditional auroral arc although the color is a bit wrong," Donovan told the Calgary Eyeopener.

"We have seen it from Hudson Bay all the way over to Alaska in our data, and so it's like someone reached in from space and drew a line with a purple magic marker across the Earth."

Unlike the notoriously ephemeral Northern Lights, Steve doesn't move, making it an excellent subject for photography.

"Unlike the northern lights, Steve is rather static," Photographer Paul Zizka wrote in an Instagram post. "On that occasion, after noticing where the pillar was from a different location, I had time to drive 15 minutes to Vermilion Lakes to line it up with Mount Rundle. It was still hovering in the same spot!"

While the scientists know that Steve is "a ribbon of very hot and fast moving gas moving at a speed of about six kilometers per second in a westward direction," according to Donovan, they still have more research to do.

In the meantime, the group of aurora chasers started calling it Steve.

It was Chris Ratzlaff, a photographer who runs the Alberta Aurora Chasers Facebook group, who came up with the name, an idea he got from the animated movie, Over the Hedge.

In it, a group of animals name an unknown entity on the other side of the hedge "Steve."

Story continues

"It's a completely meaningless name, which is really useful for things that aren't understood," Ratzlaff said.

However, it looks like the name might just stick.

At a meeting last December, another scientist approached Donovan and pointed out that the acronym might actually work.

"He said, 'What you have is a sudden thermal emission through a velocity enhancement, which would make STEVE the actual correct acronym,'" Donovan said.

"I think we might actually leave Steve as the name, and it's nice because it's fun."

(h/t CBC News)

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Apple hasnt publicly stated that its working on self-driving vehicle technology quite yet, but its giving the world plenty of reason to think its doing just that. Earlier this month, Apple scored a permit to test self-driving vehicles in California, and now the company is showing its hand once again by joining the likes of Tesla, Uber, Ford, and Alphabet-owned Waymo in formally requesting that the state rethink its rules and regulations regarding driverless car testing.

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As Reuters reports, Apples letter addresses a number of what it sees as flaws in the states proposed autonomous vehicle testing policies. Writing to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, Apples Director of Product Integrity, Steve Kenner, asks the agency to change its proposed handling of disengagement reporting, which the company says can lead to misunderstandings and confusion among the general public when reading about instances where self-driving systems have handed control back to a human driver.

Apples stance is that only the most crucial disengagement reports should require reporting, and that instances where an autonomous system disengages without serious consequence or risk of a crash or traffic violation should simply be chalked up to the developmental nature of the technology. Apple still agrees that disengagements that could have resulted in a crash or traffic violation should be reported, even if the human driver successfully intervened.

Apple appreciates the opportunity to comment on the proposed amendments to the testing and deployment language, the letter concludes. Apple looks forward to partnering with the California DMV and other stakeholders so that rapid technology development may be realized while ensuring the safety of the traveling public in the State of California.

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See the original version of this article on BGR.com
The last couple months have seen a welcome change in the wireless industry. Instead of massively confusing bills and data caps, weve had prices slashed across the board and unlimited data plans for all. But thanks to the unending drive for consolidation and profits, the good times arent going to last.

During the recent 600MHz spectrum auction, which ran from the end of 2016 all the way to last week, the government imposed a quiet rule on carriers. They couldnt talk about the auction, their plans with any spectrum, and they couldnt talk with anyone about merging. But now that quiet time is over, its just a matter of time until some blockbuster deals happen.

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Rumors suggest that T-Mobile, Sprint, and Dish are all in talks for partnerships, acquisitions, or mergers. For Sprint, its a fight for survival: recent financial results have been dire, and since the company didnt buy any new spectrum in the FCCs auction, the network wont see substantial improvements in the near future. SoftBank, the Japanese company that owns Sprint, has been looking for a chance to unload Sprint for years.

The most-talked-about target is Deutsche Telekom, the majority owner of T-Mobile. The idea would be to merge T-Mobile and Sprint, the third-largest and fourth-largest networks in America, to form one super-network.

Although that might lead to slightly improved coverage, it would be terrible for consumers in general. The fight between T-Mobile and Sprint for customers has led to lower prices, the ending of multi-year-contracts, and a host of other consumer-friendly moves in recent years. Losing Sprint, which offers the cheapest contracts of any of the big networks, would mean losing the one company that applies downwards pressure to prices.

The alternatives arent much better. One of the few other companies with the money and desire to build out a US-wide cell network could be Amazon. Owning a wireless network would give Amazon direct control over delivering some of its services, like Prime Video, straight to consumers without having to go through an existing internet service provider. A wireless network could also be invaluable in the future for Amazons drone delivery service, which would need some kind of national command-and-control network.

Story continues

Its not just T-Mobile and Sprint that are rumored in merger deals, either. Dish Network, the satellite TV provider that also owns Sling TV, bought up $6 billion of spectrum at the FCCs recent auction, and now sits on one of the largest spectrum holdings in the US. Its possible that it could be bought out by a company like Comcast to build out a brand-new wireless network, or merge with an existing wireless network for further expansion. Any of those options would involve losing the countrys biggest independent TV provider to a major cable company, which would be more bad news for consumers.

Analyst Tim Farrar sees a combination of all these scenarios being the logical option: a three-way deal between T-Mobile, Amazon and Dish to build out a new network, using T-Mobiles new spectrum and Dishs spectrum holdings. Using Amazons capital, they could quickly build out a fast and wide-reaching network with brand-new technology, which could be used by T-Mobile for cell service, by Dish for internet TV, and by Amazon for world domination/any of Jeff Bezoss pet projects.

The bottom line is that the status quo isnt here to stay. Between Sprints financial woes, T-Mobiles desire to build a giant new network at speed, and Dishs unused spectrum, it seems that a deal is likely. The only questions are when, and how badly it will affect wireless customers.

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See the original version of this article on BGR.com
State One of Eight Selected by NGA to Develop Opioid Treatment for Inmates

Contact: Ford Porter

Ford Porter govpress@nc.gov

RALEIGH: North Carolina is one of only eight states nationwide selected to participate in a learning lab to find better ways to fight opioid addiction among prison inmates, Governor Roy Cooper announced today.The National Governors Association selected North Carolina to participate in the effort along with Alaska, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, New Jersey, Virginia and Washington. Through the learning lab, North Carolina and the other participating states will develop and execute six-month strategic action plans to treat the epidemic of opioid addiction in prisons. The plans will include steps for creating policy and aligning programs across relevant agencies and reflect how new strategies fit within states' larger efforts to respond to opioid misuse.Gov. Cooper said.Governor Cooper's 2017-2018 budget proposal includes more than $12 million in community mental health funding to address the opioid crisis. This will provide services including individual and group therapy, coupled with medications, to serve approximately 2,500 individuals statewide. It also includes $2 million for local law enforcement efforts to fight opioid abuse.According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, 65 percent of the U.S. prison population in 2010 met the medical criteria for drug or alcohol addiction, but fewer than 11 percent received treatment. In North Carolina during the same time, 63 percent of inmates entering prison needed substance abuse treatment. But of those who exited North Carolina prisons the same year, only 15 percent completed substance abuse treatment while incarcerated.During the learning lab project, the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices will coordinate meetings, conference calls and webinars among the states and provide technical assistance to the governors' staff and state officials on best practices for opioid use disorder treatment for the inmate population.said Department of Public Safety Secretary Erik A. Hooks.Many states are piloting programs using extended-release injectable naltrexone, a monthly injection that blocks the effects of opioids while reducing cravings, and exploring other treatment and rehabilitation practices.North Carolina's Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice is piloting two new medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and counseling programs. One involves a three-year federal grant to pilot a MAT program in two counties for selected offenders on probation and post-release supervision. The other provides an additional comprehensive MAT program for incarcerated pregnant women and continues for at least 12 weeks as the women re-integrate into society.Helping inmates overcome opioid addiction while incarcerated or under post-release supervision improves their chances of becoming productive members of society, and reduces the risk that they will re-offend and wind up back behind bars, North Carolina prison officials say.North Carolina will have the opportunity to learn from Massachusetts, which has implemented innovative models of providing opioid use disorder treatment to inmate populations via drug courts and the correctional system. North Carolina will also learn about residential substance abuse treatment programs and naltrexone (brand name: Vivitrol) injection programs at both the state and county levels, as well as how such programs operate with a network of aftercare providers and recovery support navigators within communities.
From the cropless farmer to the beleaguered first responder to the person forced to evacuate their flooded home, we all have our reasons for caring about climate change. As an Indonesian-born Muslim living in California, it is my faith that compels me to protect our earth.

For many people like me who cherish tolerance and clean air, the first 100 days of the Trump presidency have not been easy. As a Muslim immigrant to America, it has been painfully frustrating to witness the Trump administration reinforce xenophobia against both immigrants and Muslims.

As someone whose faith is bound up with combating climate change, it hurt to see Trump impose an executive order that effectively denies the impacts of climate change I have seen with my own eyes.

Frustration must never lead to resignation, however: that is why, on Saturday, I and many other Muslims will be marching in Washington, D.C. in solidarity with thousands of others for our climate and the protection of the vulnerable.

Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him) leaves Muslims like me in no doubt as to the duty we humans share: "God has made the Earth green and beautiful, and He has appointed you as stewards over it," he said. There is no greater threat to our "green and beautiful" Earth than the more frequent and intense droughts, floods and storms brought by climate change.

Muslim-majority countries around the world are some of the most severely affected by climate change impacts like heat waves, floods, droughts and extreme weather events like the recent famine in Somalia, which has led to more than 16 million people facing food shortages and death.

Many Muslims live in parts of the world that are particularly vulnerable to climate change, such as Bangladesh and parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Pakistan is another country that is extremely short of freshwater resources. With a continuously increasing of climate crisis, the water availability has decreased severely, which then placed the country as water scarce nation and in turn it will have an adverse influence on poverty.

Maldives is another Muslim-majority country that could become the first in history to be completely erased by the sea level rise at the turn of the century.

And with last year's COP 22 taking place in Morocco, the responsibility has shifted to the governments of Muslim majority countries and their religious leaders to step up and play their role in the growing grassroots movement accross Muslim communities around the globe, to reverse the effects of climate change.

That means phasing out greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible, shifting away from fossil fuels to clean sources of energy, including urging the Muslim petropowers and oil-producing nations to take the lead in the transition toward renewable energy based development. (Rich and oil states should phase out their emissions by the middle of the century and provide generous support to help the poor nations to combat climate change).

The consequences of climate change are already having significant and costly affects on our communities, our health and our ecosystem. Globally, 2014, 2015 and 2016 were the three hottest years on record. From January to March 2017, the US experienced five billion-dollar weather and climate disasters, a national record that killed 37 people. Climate change likely worsened the impact of Colorado's deadly 2013 floods and has exacerbated droughts in California. Of course, it is always the poor and vulnerable who are impacted most.

These facts and figures are no abstractions for me. In February 2007 I was in Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, as the city was paralyzed by severe flooding -- the worst in its history -- that inundated about 70 percent of the city, killed a number of people, cut off the highway connecting to the country's major airport and sent about 450,000 fleeing their homes.

In January 2014, a couple years after I moved to the US, California Gov. Jerry Brown declared a "drought state of emergency" due to ongoing water shortfalls following the driest calendar year in state history. He asked Californians to cut their water usage by at least a fifth. As a California resident, I witnessed first hand firefighters battling a wildfire in San Diego County during the severe Santa Ana Wind and heat wave in 2016.

I am not alone. Muslims -- and indeed the majority of Americans outside the White House -- are united on the urgency of the issue of climate change. In August 2015, I witnessed over 80 global Muslim leaders from over 20 countries release the Islamic Declaration on Global Climate Change in Istanbul, urging world governments to phase out fossil fuels and make a transition to renewable energy to tackle climate change.

In December of that year, by signing the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, almost 200 governments set a path to do just that. The Global Muslim Climate Network, of which I am chair, is also doing its part to encourage more Muslims to focus on solutions and take concrete actions, such as running their local mosques on solar energy.

By seeking to undermine the Paris Agreement, which the Trump administration could do if it decides to formally withdraw or which arguably it is already doing by seeking to eradicate climate regulations and funding for climate science research -- Donald Trump and his administration are reneging on a promise to have the interests of the vulnerable and forgotten at heart.

Together with his divisive rhetoric against Muslims and immigrants, Trump represents a potentially disastrous departure from the inclusive and multicultural American society that I love.

Saturday's People's Climate March reminds me of a verse in the Holy Quran that says, "We have created you into different nations and tribes so that you may come to know one another." This march -- images of which will be shared around the world -- is a demonstration of how people are coming together to tackle one of the fiercest humanitarian and moral challenges humanity has ever faced.

Muslims, including Muslim faith leaders and Imams, will be marching shoulder to shoulder with thousands of people of all faiths and those who ascribe to none.

I'll be marching to show President Trump that I will not allow him to claim to represent the vulnerable while slashing the legislation that is designed specifically to protect them. I will not allow him to claim to represent the forgotten while he stokes further divisions within American society. We will already have achieved a lot in the fight against climate change -- a fight whose ultimate aims are peace and joy -- if we can overcome that which attempts to divide us, embrace each other and work together.

CNN's Ray Sanchez, Meera Senthilingam and Christina Zdanowicz contributed to this report.
Is that not what the Democrat Party has created right here in America, transforming a once prosperous, strong, united, and safe nation into a debt-laden, militarily weak, socially divided, and increasingly dangerous society? Here are some of the Bizarro policies and beliefs inflicted on us by the neo-socialist, globalist, anti-American Democrat Party over the past few decades  PAUL E. SCATS
A crack has emerged over fracking in Florida Democratic Party.

As the Florida Senate gave preliminary approval Friday to a bill sought by Florida Power & Light to allow the company to expand its rate base by charging customers for investments in natural gas fracking operations in other states, the Florida Democratic Party was blasting the measure on its website and urging people to sign up and tell the Florida Legislature to OPPOSE SB 1238.

Republicans in the Senate want Florida families to pay for FP&Ls disastrous and harmful oil exploration methods, warned the party in a post after the measure passed 9-3 by the Senate Rules Committee on Tuesday.

SB 1238, has been opposed by residential and commercial utility customers, and remains stalled in the Florida House but, in the Senate, both Republican and Democratic senators have voted for the measure in committee and are expected to approve it when it comes up for a final vote as early as Monday. The bill was debated on second reading Friday.

Among the supporters of the bill are both Senate Democratic Leader Oscar Braynon of Miami and incoming Senate Democratic Leader Jeff Clemens of Lake Worth, even though

Democrats voting for the bill in committee with Braynon and Clemens were Sens. Lauren Book, D-Plantation, Perry Thurston, D-Fort Lauderdale, and Bill Montford, D-Tallahassee. Montford had voted for the measure in a previous committee but changed his vote in the Rules Committee Tuesday and joined Republican Sens. Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg and Tom Lee of Thonotosassa in opposing it.

Clemens called the comments on the party website party politics.

I dont really have any comment on what the Democratic Party is doing, he said with a laugh.

The measure is a top priority of FPL because it will allow the company to overturn a Florida Supreme Court ruling last year that found the Public Service Commission exceeded its authority when it gave FPL permission to charge customers up to $500 million for expenses incurred in investing in an Oklahoma-based fracking company in 2015. Although the company predicted the project would save customers millions in fuel costs, it resulted in a loss of $5.6 million in the first year.

The bill drew opposition from the Florida Retail Federation, the Florida Industrial Power Users Group, the AARP, the Sierra Club and other environmental groups. FPL is the only utility in the state that would be eligible to charge customers for the practice now but Duke Energy could also be eligible if it increases its dependence on natural gas in the future. Both companies were among the largest contributors to legislative political campaigns in the 2016 cycle.

During debate on the measure Friday, Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez, D-Miami, said that a preliminary analysis he obtained shows that regardless of how much money the project saves customers, it will allow FPL to make an estimated $100 million a year in profit.

Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, responded that state regulators at the Public Service Commission wont allow the project to continue unless it demonstrates a savings for customers.

Its a long-term investment, he said. This would allow the utility to diversify their inventory, their stream of natural gas.

According to a Herald/Times analysis, FPL gave $10 million to legislative campaigns and political committees since the start of the 2016 election cycle and prior the start of the 2017 session, with about a third going to Democrats. The party relies heavily on utility and sugar industry money.

Food and Water Watch, a non-partisan advocacy group that opposes all fracking-related legislation, chastised Florida Democrats.

As far as were concerned the fact that the Florida Democratic Party is publicly claiming to be against this pro-fracking bill while its members are not delivering on the floor is deeply hypocritical, said Jackie Fillson, spokesperson for the group.

SB 1238 is a pro-fracking bill that shifts the burden of paying for future fracking endeavors outside of Florida from the company onto the customers. If passed, this bill in effect supports fracking but it also supports paying the rich on the backs of the poor.

Here's our list of FPL contributions to political committees in 2017:
@ByKristenMClark

Floridas Republican-led House voted Friday to outlaw sanctuary cities and to impose harsh penalties on any elected officials or communities that seek to thwart that ban.

After a divisive debate that spanned almost three hours over two days, the House endorsed the proposed law by a 76-41 vote, with Democrats vehemently opposed.

Republicans said the bill supports American freedom and the rule of law by prohibiting local law enforcement from resisting compliance with federal immigration laws and detention requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

To essentially encourage illegal activity should be offensive to everyone, Rep. Jason Fischer, R-Jacksonville, said in reference to communities deemed to be sanctuaries for undocumented immigrants.

RELATED: Judge blocks Trump from cutting off funds to sanctuary cities

The controversial measures proposed in HB 697 are unlikely to become law this year. A companion bill in the Senate wasnt heard in committee.

Lawmakers still debated the legislation at length, as Republicans aimed to temper what they viewed as inflammatory rhetoric by Democrats.

More here.

Photo credit: Dozens of immigrant advocates gathered at the Florida Capitol in March to oppose anti-immigrant bills lawmakers are considering this spring. Kristen M. Clark / Herald/Times Tallahassee bureau
Libertarian Mark Wicks says he is surprised at how often he hears about public lands access and management as he runs for Montanas lone U.S. House seat.

The Inverness-area rancher says he has always had access to open spaces on private lands, but that is not always the case for all Montanans.

I did not expect it to come up as much as it has, he said of land issues. I understand people in the West living in town  their yard is the public lands they go to recreate and I had to learn that a little bit.

As a third-party candidate, Wicks is a long-shot to replace newly confirmed Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke in Congress in a race featuring Republican Greg Gianforte and Democrat Rob Quist. The special election is May 25.

Wicks says he is appalled at the management of federal lands. Driving from Great Falls to Missoula, one quote that comes to mind is, If I had a renter treating my land that way, Id evict them, he said.

Wicks favors reforms to the Equal Access to Justice Act, which he believes will spur forest management by reducing environmental litigation. He also favors reforms to the Endangered Species Act, as he is concerned protections will unduly impact farmers and ranchers.

Sooner than later were going to end up in lawsuits where ag lands are starting to have problems for the same reasons, he said. There has to be amendments to make it function for us as a state.

Wicks opposes large-scale sale of federal lands into private hands, but if land is transferred to state ownership, he wonders whether the transfer could include a conservation easement allowing public access even if they are sold.

Wicks appreciates federal lands as multiple use and says he is upset at seeing the number of roads gated off from motorized access. He is overall happy with the amount of access the public has available.

Trump-proposed cuts to federal agencies such as the Forest Service, BLM and EPA are warranted but must be done intelligently, he says.

I think every agency has room to cut, he said, citing a mounting federal debt. Unfortunately every time they cut, bureaucrats make cuts where it hurts that agency and cut what people need the most  they want people to see the pain immediately.

Wicks has not developed his full position on climate change but questions many of the numbers associated with it. He also recognizes the climate has naturally changed; in prehistoric times, Montana has been both tropical and ice-bound.

We have to understand that climate is not static, he said. Now we cant go and just pollute the Earth, we have to conserve, but we have to be smart in how were doing it and not just make it a waste of effort.
In a dozen years, Jim Rott took his climbing gym, Steepworld, as high as he could. Now hes taking on two partners to summit a new peak.

Rott has joined with a father-and-son team, Scott and Heath Lillie, to build a new, larger facility on Billings West End. The new gym, to be known as Steepworld Climbing and Fitness, will have more retail space, taller walls and new equipment to broaden the appeal of a unique brand.

I knew that this next step had to happen, Rott said during a recent unveiling party at the current gym at 208 N. 13th St.

Work is currently underway at the new site at 1230 S. 31st St. W., a vacant lot across the street from Canyon Creek Brewery. The owners hope to relocate into the new space by the fall.

The $851,000 building will be larger than Steepworlds current space tucked in North Billings' light industrial area. Most significantly, for a climbing gym, the new facility will have walls that considerably taller, Rott said.

Were more than doubling in height to 41 feet, he said.

Other additions will include a yoga studio, a private party room, cardio and other fitness equipment and shower facilities.

Steep World has four employees now, and Rott hopes to grow the staff to 15 to 20 in the new building, which will include an expanded retail space.

Climbing gyms are a newer trend in the fitness industry, and others have popped up in Missoula, Bozeman, Great Falls and Kalispell.

According to Climbing Business Journal, industry growth nationwide tapered off in 2016 with an anemic growth rate of 6.9 percent. This followed the climbing gym industrys best year since the recession, 2015, when operators were bullish on expansion, the trade journal reported.

Several factors have slowed the opening of new gyms, including market saturation and trading aging facilities for new ones, as is the case for Steepworld, industry analysts say.

Rott has climbed for decades and learned the business working at the Base Camp. He started Steepworld in 2005 and quickly realized he could turn climbing into a year-round activity.

A climber can actually never go outside, Rott said.

Heath Lillie has been climbing for 20 years and is currently a firefighter/ paramedic. He met Rott as a climbing student in 1997, shortly after his family moved to the Billings area. His father has deep business experience as a former executive for the Walt Disney Co.

The Lillies had explored opening a new climbing center in Rapid City, S.D., where Heath Lillie had previously worked. When they learned that Rott was looking to expand, they changed course and formed the partnership.

The father and son are focused on this current project but are considering expanding the brand to other cities, Heath Lillie said.

Steepworld has about 130 members, and the owners are hoping to grow the business by selling more climbing gear and housing everything members need under one roof.

What were doing is a climbing center It brings everybody in, Lillie said.

The new gym will have three sections. Boulderland will be a smaller space designed for kids. Downstairs is an area for rope climbing on Waltopia-branded walls for all skill levels. The last section is a wall that stands the height of the building, roughly the same height as a popular climbing section of the Rimrocks north of Billings, Rott said.

The building was designed by A&E Architects, and the contractor is Jones Construction. Both are Billings-based firms.

First Interstate Bank helped finance the project with loans backed by the Small Business Administration, Rott said.
The three dozen Lolo Middle School students who toured two fast-growing tech companies in Missoula on Friday are familiar with the internet, technology, digital advertising and software.

What they arent so familiar with  and what they learned on the tour  is that there are good-paying jobs at companies right here in town that might be desperate to hire them a few years down the road.

June Noel, an experienced digital coder and local chapter director of ChickTech Missoula, brought the kids to her new place of employment, Lumenad, to give them a taste of some possible careers in the tech field. Lumenad is a digital advertising technology company that has roughly 30 employees and is growing so fast it's in the process of remodeling new office space in the Florence Building downtown.

Noel said that ChickTech revolves around creating events that will get young students  especially girls, although boys are welcome, too  interested and excited about technology and all the associated careers. The nonprofit has 14 chapters all over the United States, and the fact that Missoula has a chapter shows how far the tech sector here has come.

What we do is basically increase awareness and hopefully try to get more girls pursuing technology for careers, she said. We want to just show them whats possible in the future.

Noel said that when she started working in the IT department at the Washington Corp. five years ago, there really werent many tech companies in town that would attract someone with her skills. Now, it seems, Missoula has all kinds of tech companies enticing people with computer skills.

Ryan Hansen, the founder of Lumenad, gave the kids an overview of what the company does.

People dont work with us because we know how to put an ad next to an article, he said. Thats not hard to do. We work with agencies because we need to solve this complex, cross-channel, cross-divide advertising problem so that we know how to put the right message in front of the right person at the right time, regardless of where youre at online. And thats a technology approach to media buying.

One of the kids raised his hand and asked Hansen if they were the guys putting all the annoying pop-up ads online.

Thats a great question, but we are not the guys doing that, he said. We represent the advertisers. We want real experiences for real audiences. We dont want to get in the way of what people are doing online so we actively avoid content like pop-up ads, because nobody likes those right? Theyre annoying.

Hansen asked the kids how they used the internet. In response, they mentioned everything from playing games online to watching YouTube videos to looking up piano tutorials. Hansen was able to show them that being well-versed in the digital realm could lead to more than just buying products and watching advertising  it could lead to a job.

Michael FitzGerald, a co-founder of Missoula tech company Submittable, also gave the students a tour of his companys office and products. The company makes a cloud-based platform that makes it easy for people to accept and review digital content. His message to the kids was that tech companies like Submittable are trying to prevent the best and brightest high school and college graduates from leaving Montana to seek careers elsewhere.

We hope to have around 500 employees by the time you all graduate high school, FitzGerald told the kids. You can stay in Montana and share with the world based on the architecture of the Internet.
Allen Ellmaker of Synesis7, an aerospace technology and data-conversion company based in Butte, can add one more feather to his cap.

On Tuesday officials from the Montana Small Business Administration named Synesis7 Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year during an award ceremony at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. As part of National Small Business Week, the event is held every year to recognized small businesses in Montana and their contributions to their local communities.

Julie Jaksha, director of the Small Business Development Center for Headwaters RC&D in Butte, and Jerry Sullivan, president of Granite Mountain Bank, nominated Ellmaker for the award.

He supports the Butte community and hes made his business thrive, said Jaksha Wednesday. It was an easy nomination for me.

Jaksha, who did consulting work for Synesis7 in her role as SBDC director, said she nominated Ellmaker because of his leadership style and the company culture hes created.

Jaksha described Synesis7 as a place where employees are encouraged to engage with the community, where children are welcome in the office and where staff can achieve the ever-elusive work-life balance.

As SBDC director, Jaksha attends economic-development conferences throughout the country. She said the concept of company culture is a hot topic among conference goers, but business owners can sometimes express skepticism about putting company culture at the top of their priority list. In that sense, she said, Synesis7 is at the leading edge not only in terms of being a high tech company but also in terms of embracing an employee-centered philosophy.

Hes just really innovative and forward thinking, said Jaksha.

Ellmaker, meanwhile, said Synesis7 is a family business in more ways than one.

Several of his children have prominent roles in the company, but Ellmaker said all of the employees are treated as though they are one of the Ellmaker clan.

Our employees are our extended family and thats how we treat them, said Ellmaker, noting that employees get generous benefit packages and the flexibility to work in the office or at home.

He added that the companys work-life culture helps Synesis7 stay competitive. The company wants to be an industry leader and that means recruiting the best and the brightest.

Were competing nationally, said Ellmaker.

By offering quality benefits and a positive work environment, the company is better poised to recruit the kind of talent that will make the company thrive, Ellmaker said.

And Ellmaker could use the extra help.

He said the company is poised to grow significantly in the next two-to-five years with new contracts that are in the pipeline.

Ellmaker said he couldnt offer details about the new contracts, but did say that one of them will be the largest the company has ever received.

At least one of the new contracts will be signed, sealed and delivered by September, he said.
FARGO, N.D.  With the number of commercial drones expected to soar into the millions in the next few years, operators whose unmanned aircraft malfunction or crash will be looking for places to get them fixed.

Some repair shops authorized by manufacturers to fix smaller drones already are having trouble keeping up with demand. For several weeks, a California company had a note posted on its website referring specifically to the Phantom drone: "Temporarily not accepting any new repairs at this time due to high volume. Please check back soon." The message was recently removed.

While such waits might be frustrating for operators, it spells opportunity for repair shops keen to diversify and budding drone mechanics who could start lucrative careers repairing commercial drones without having to pay for a four-year college degree.

"I'm trying to hire two experienced drone technicians at $20 an hour and I can't find anybody," said James Barnes, who founded the New Jersey Drone Academy. "This gives kids in urban areas that can't go to college now a chance to work at a trade and make decent money."

Northland Community and Technical College in northwestern Minnesota has been teaching unmanned aircraft maintenance for larger military-type drones. It is expanding its program to include smaller drone repair, and school officials are promising a high-paying job after just one or two years.

"The reality is, the people coming out of the trade schools, the technical colleges, places like that, are the people out there getting jobs and they're getting paid nicely to do it," said Zack Nicklin, unmanned aircraft instructor at the school in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. "They're making careers out of this."

One of Nicklin's students, Chris Rolfing, said he grew up taking machinery apart, seeing how it worked, and putting it back together. He signed up for drone maintenance and repair after serving four years in the military and hopes his skills will help local farmers.

"I grew up in a farming community and both of my grandpas were farmers so I would like to stay close to the agriculture business," the 26-year-old said. "This spring I will be working with a few farmers doing some demo flights and getting my name out there to get my business started up."

In addition to his repair business, Rohlfing plans to do his own business doing aerial photography, 3D mapping, and agriculture analysis.

Unmanned aircraft owners basically have three options when their drones need tune-ups or repairs. They can send it back to the manufacturer, send it to a repair shop or fix it themselves. Most of the smaller shops currently specialize in hobby grade or low-end commercial grade drones, specific to a few manufacturers. Those drones typically cost a few thousand dollars to buy, and about $150 to fix, not including parts.

The more expensive commercial drones generally need repair experts, many of whom have backgrounds in manned aviation.

Brad Hayden, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the president and CEO of Robotic Skies, which is building a network of affiliated repair stations around the world. He currently has more than 120 service stations under his umbrella, most of which work on higher-end drones that cost $10,000 and up, and he plans to recruit more shops, as needed.

"The industry is always short of avionics technicians. That's kind of the way it is," Hayden said. "Our intent is to bring in enough service centers to always meet the demand. We are built for a volume market."

Thomas Swoyer Jr., the head of the nation's first drone business park, Grand Sky, is looking at creating a repair depot at the North Dakota park for medium and large unmanned planes. The only place to fix large unmanned aircraft now is on military bases and as more of them enter the market, Swoyer said they are going to "need a place to get retrofitted, upgraded and repaired."

Barnes has an idea to turn used food vendor trucks into portable drone repair stations to move in and out of urban areas.

"I'm not sure we're quite at the point where you would have them like your basic auto repair shop, with one on every corner," Nicklin said. "I think one day we will definitely be there."
LINCOLN, Nebraska  Amber Nicole Snyder of Wilton was among more than 1,900 University of Nebraska-Lincoln students honored during individual college celebrations and the All-University Honors Convocation April 23 at the Lied Center for Performing Arts.
While there were both positive and negative points in a recently completed, district-wide needs assessment survey, overall, the document should help develop a set of 2017-18 improvement recommendations for the Columbus School District.

The districts School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC) will complete that list. Several committee members met Thursday with the school board and other officials and listened over an Internet connection as Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) Surveys and Research Consultant Tony VanderZyl described the survey results.

He led off his presentation by reminding everyone that the survey was not scientific and only gathered peoples opinions on the various questions asked. With that caveat in mind, VanderZyl said the 373 respondents, which Superintendent Gary Benda estimated was about a 10 percent return, was about normal for a school the size of Columbus.

He also told the group that research had determined high performing schools exhibited high expectations and a clear shared vision and goals. VanderZyl then began to describe the survey responses, which were broken down by staff, and included board members, administrators, teachers and other staff, students, and three categories of parents, based on language -- English, Chinese and Spanish.

VanderZyl indicated an initial survey question, which asked people to identify what percentage of students were currently meeting standards/grade-level expectations.

According to the survey, most of the respondents placed the current percentage at between 41 to 55 percent, with a future expectation of between 58 and 75 percent.

We would like to see a big difference between (the current level and the future expectation), with the (future expectation) around 90 percent, VanderZyl said.

However, he said, the fact that more than 70 percent of the schools staff disagreed the current level was about what the district could expect was a good sign.

He also said it was a good sign that more than 60 percent of students reported they were actively engaged in classroom learning tasks.

That is a positive sign, he said, adding later that was a good indicator of future success.

VanderZyl also said it was good that nearly all the survey respondents agreed with the statement that parents and community must be partners with the school district in order to improve student learning and that the districts parents are informed of their students progress.

He said the survey also showed that strong majorities reported the local school board can have a positive effect on student achievement.

Following VanderZyls presentation, SIAC member Mallory Smith described the survey effort and what she and other members felt might be some of the shortcomings of the survey.

It was a really broad-based effort and we were pleased with the results we got, she said, adding the committee felt the number of students who responded was low.

Members also complained that some surveys had included comments, which Benda declined to release.

Benda said several of those comments included names of people and releasing their names would violate privacy and other restrictions. He agreed to talk with the school attorney to determine if the school board could review the comments in a closed session.

The SIAC committee is expected to present its 2017-18 list of school improvement recommendations to the school board at its May 15 meeting.
MUSCATINE  Muscatine County Planning and Zoning Administrator Eric Furnas said cities and counties across the state are "scrambling" to plan for the possibility of legal fireworks sales this summer.

Senate File 489 was approved by the House on April 18 and Gov. Terry Branstad is expected to sign it. The bill would legalize the sale of consumer-grade fireworks, such as firecrackers and bottle rockets, to adults in permanent structures between June 1 and July 8 and between Dec. 10 and Jan. 3. Sales in temporary structures, like tents, can only take place between June 13 and July 8.

Furnas said, under the bill, local governments could prohibit the use of fireworks, but not the sale. He hopes the county can apply its own rule of authority and set limits or regulate any sale of fireworks.

"We believe we can regulate the sales, much like any other commercial enterprise," Furnas said. "We could require [vendors] to be located in a commercial zone, so they aren't selling in a private subdivision or something."

Furnas said the county needs to establish some zoning guidelines on both permanent and temporary structures. He envisions fireworks sales would only be allowed if a vendor has property in a commercial district and a special use permit approved by the Board of Adjustment.

"One of the reasons that we will lean toward requiring this type of special use permit is that it allows the county to look at proposed sites on a case-by-case basis," Furnas said. "We need to look at the totality of each location."

Furnas said, even if a property is in a commercial district, some locations are not appropriate for fireworks sales, due to potential safety concerns or a lack of adequate parking.

"It's not just a matter of 'hey, this is commercially zoned, so even though it's next to a welding shop, now I'm legal to sell fireworks'," Furnas said.

Furnas briefed the Board of Supervisors about the potential need for a fireworks sale ordinance in Muscatine County, at the meeting on Monday, April 24. Board member Nathan Mather said he would like to require firework vendors to be insured, to avoid dangerous incidents and protect consumers.

Furnas said the county is currently looking at all of the options for regulating firework sales, but is concerned because no one knows if and when the governor could sign the bill.

"That right there is the potential problem," he said. "If the governor signs the bill tomorrow and puts it into effect immediately, we can't adopt an ordinance that fast. That's what has got counties and cities scrambling."

Furnas said zoning officials across the state are debating what local governments can and cannot do to regulate fireworks sales. But he hopes, if the bill passes, Muscatine County will have enough time to review all of its options before fireworks sales would begin June 1.

Iowa law currently classifies the possession, sale or use of consumer-grade fireworks without a permit as a simple misdemeanor, and only allows the use of sparklers, snakes and caps.
MUSCATINE  Jon Eversmeyer thought he wanted to be in the medical field, taking after his father, who is a physical therapist.

But when he was in fifth or sixth grade, he realized his heart was set on finance. He had participated in a bank simulation in the Quad-Cities, running the bank with other students.

A lot of that was just managing the people and doing paperwork, he said.

At a time, other children might aspire to be firefighters or astronauts, Eversmeyer, now 18, knew he wanted to help people with their money. He refined that dream over the years, and is now certain he wants to be an investment banker.

Next fall, he will take his first steps toward that dream. He will go to University of Iowa to study business.

On Friday morning, he and other University of Iowa-bound seniors gathered to celebrate their upcoming graduation and their decision to go to college, in Muscatine High School's first-ever College Decision Day. About 130 seniors signed up to participate in the celebration, though more than 130 seniors in the class of 2017 said they are planning to go to college.

In the 334-student graduating class, 221, or 66 percent, have said they will attend a two- or four-year institution next year. Ten additional students from the class of 2017 said they will join the military.

We are trying to promote that college-going culture in our high school, said Principal Jared Smith. Theres just so much data out there that says that in your adult life, if you want to succeed, it does take a continuing education.

The students who attended were divided into groups according to the school they will attend. Each group had its own celebration in the Stan Howe Commons, complete with their college of choices song, themed cupcake and a short chat with a local alumnus from their future college.

Smith said grouping the students by college would help them know there will be familiar faces in their new university or college.

It gives them a chance to see who is going to be in Iowa City with them for the next four or five years, he said.

The students also signed a banner, which Smith said will be hung in the high school, so the seniors serve as a positive example to other high school students.

Students are going to see it hanging in the school, so all the other kids can look [and say], wow, this is what the seniors did. I want to be like that, too, he said.

With his high school career ending in a few weeks, Eversmeyer said he is excited for the next step.

High school has flown by. It doesnt really feel like it should be over, he said.

He likened his time in high school to a four-lap race, with his senior year being the final lap.

All of a sudden, youre kind of in your final lap and youre ready for it to be done, but it went by so quickly, he said.
Theres a place in Santa Ana, El Salvador, called the Center for Hope, which provides that to both kids and adults.

The center, supported by Provision International, a Billings-based Christian ministry, offers an afterschool program for students. It also contains a trade school where 350 adults ages 20 and older learn culinary techniques, how to be a beautician, how to use computer software and other employable skills.

Lance Lanning, president of Provision International, tells of one woman who lost her husband in the gang wars. Through the school she received training and $225 to start her own business, a kiosk where she sells fruits and other items.

That will sustain her family for the rest of her life, Lanning said.

That kind of success story is the goal of Provision International in its work around the world. To continue those efforts, the ministry is holding a fundraising banquet dinner May 12 at the Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark.

The evening will feature David Jeremiah, pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California, author and founder of Turning Point radio and TV ministries. Contemporary Christian band Selah will also perform.

The Center for Hope is just one of the projects on which Provision International has partnered with a local man, Kenton Moody, in El Salvador. Thats the way the Billings ministry prefers to work.

Everywhere we go were the silent partner, connecting individuals in need with the local church or organization or people spearheading the project, Lanning said.

We learned a long time ago youve got to get behind people, not have them get behind you, he said. Theyre the ones who are going to change the culture around them.

The ministry also helped Moody build the Hosanna School in Santa Ana, which has 389 students. Before the school opened its doors, students learned how to type using cardboard keyboards.

Now they have computers, thanks to a school district in Gillette, Wyoming, that donated the machines. Schools in Montana also contributed surplus desks and tables.

People and organizations in Montana and beyond donate school supplies and furniture, medical equipment, clothing, food and other items.

It amazes me, Gods faithfulness, he said. When the need is there, it happens. Looking back, God has never let us down.

Central America is one of several global areas where Provision partners with locals to help impoverished people. It also lends aid to a church that ministers to the Roma population in Eastern Europe, and to ministries in the Africans nations of Uganda and Tanzania, as well as in the United States.

The ministry also sends teams of volunteers on short-term mission trips.

"We fall into the stride of the locals. We blend into their culture the best we can," Lanning said. "It's stretching for the team, but whenever we're stretched, the Lord is teaching us."

Provision International has one employee, a bookkeeper/office manager. Everyone else, including Lanning, are missionaries who find ways to support themselves, or volunteers.

Goods donated to the ministry are shipped where they are needed. Money needed to ship those goods or to fund projects comes from different sources, including the annual banquet.

Provision has come up with other creative ways to raise support, including organizing a fireworks fundraiser and running a carpet cleaning business. It also builds and sells houses.

With property, materials and labor mostly donated, it has built seven houses in Billings and surrounding communities. Proceeds totaling more than $150,000 from the most recent home built in Briarwood will go to the ministry.

It all adds up, Lanning said.

Our goal is to be a conduit to the poor, and that is really what we try to be.
Les emplois a Rennes sont abondants et varies. Il y a quelque chose pour tout le monde. Que vous soyez a la recherche dun emploi []
Les blattes ou cafards (Blatta orientalis) sont des insectes qui appartiennent a la famille des Blattoptera. Ils se caracterisent par leur forme allongee, leurs ailes []
HELENA  The 2017 Montana legislative session that ended Friday was dominated by debates over infrastructure and how to tighten the budget, but it also included bills to make significant changes in tax policy, health care, energy, campaign finance and other areas.

A total of 1,188 bills and resolutions were introduced by lawmakers this year. A majority of them died, but more than 236 bills have already been signed into law.

More than 250 other bills have yet to be sent to Gov. Steve Bullock for him to sign, veto or let become law without his signature.

A look at some of the highlights from the session:

BUDGET

The state budget is $10.3 billion for 2018 and 2019, and will leave an estimated $200 million in reserve. Most state agencies saw their budgets trimmed, and they will see some vacant positions go unfilled for the next two years to make up for the revenue shortfall. The Legislature also created a budget stabilization reserve fund, with rules meant to allow the governor to respond more quickly to future revenue drops.

TAXES

The Legislature approved the first increase in Montana's fuel tax in a quarter of a century, with the proceeds to pay for road and bridge projects. Fees were also increased on motor vehicle registrations and on vehicles worth more than $150,000. To fund an effort to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels, fees on fishing licenses were raised and a new one imposed on hydroelectric dams. Lawmakers passed tax policy bills meant to attract new businesses and return some money to low-income residents.

INFRASTRUCTURE

The Legislature approved about $173 million in cash to pay for water, wastewater, road and bridge projects in mostly rural areas of the state, and authorized spending hundreds of millions more in federal funding for road projects. One of the most contentious issues of the session was a failed measure that would pay for a range of other projects, including major building projects at state universities and colleges and a veterans' home in Butte.

HEALTH CARE

The Legislature passed bills that lawmakers hope will lower the rising cost of health insurance. Lawmakers voted to approve a high-risk health insurance pool, to allow out-of-state insurers to sell policies in Montana, to increase transparency of health care prices for patients and to give tax credits to small companies that offer high-deductible insurance plans to their employees.

CAMPAIGN FINANCE

Lawmakers approved a measure to raise the amount of money that donors can give to state candidates for political office, despite pending legislation on the current limits. The Legislature also added the option of a mediator to review allegations of campaign finance violations and confirmed a new commissioner of political practices, former Democratic legislator Jeff Mangan.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA

The Legislature created regulations for the medical marijuana industry after voters approved an initiative to allow dispensaries to operate in the state. The bill creates licenses and fees for marijuana distributors and requires tracking of the drug to prevent it from being sold on the black market.

PRESCHOOL

After negotiations with Bullock, lawmakers approved spending $6 million to test ways to expand 4- and 5-year-old children's access to preschool in the state. The funding will last two years as a pilot project and be reassessed in the 2019 legislative session.

PRISON AND SENTENCING REFORMS

The Legislature passed several measures meant to ease the state's overpopulated jails and prisons and reduce the number of repeat offenders. The bills eliminated jail time for certain misdemeanor crimes, revised how offenders on probation are supervised, set deadlines for pre-sentencing investigative reports and addressed the housing needs of released offenders, among others.

CHILD PROTECTION REFORMS

Another package of bills is meant to help the state deal with the record number of children in the foster care system and reduce child neglect and abuse. One measure would require that foster children not be excluded from Medicaid services. Another measure would require foster parents to allow children to participate in developmentally and age-appropriate activities. Other bills will require more planning and study to combat child abuse and neglect.

COLSTRIP

Lawmakers passed a bill requiring Colstrip power plant owners to submit a remediation plan for the closure of the plant's two older coal-fired units scheduled by July 2022. They also approved a plan to allow Colstrip owners to borrow up to $10 million a year from the state to keep the units running until that time. Another bill that would have required the owners to compensate property owners, governments and workers for losses related to the closure failed to pass.
Graeme MacDonald wants to name a small creek running through prime Napa Valley vineyards after an exalted, elusive Greek concept bound up with the areas viticultural history: To Kalon.

The unnamed creek he played in as a child flows by his house and his familys 15-acre vineyard in the Oakville area, so his quest has a personal dimension. But he has no desire to pitch a self-serving name such as MacDonald Creek to the federal name guardians.

You have to honor the place, not yourself, MacDonald said.

To Kalon is a name to be reckoned with, a name with deep reverberations in human history. It can be translated as the highest good or the highest beauty, though its precise meaning is difficult to grasp.

The Greek philosopher Aristotle linked the word kalon to virtuous actions undertaken for the sake of the noble or the beautiful. Yet he offered no precise analysis of the word in his Nicomachean Ethics, sparking academic debates that continue to this day.

Jesus in the Greek text of the Gospel of John turns water into the very best of wines, into kalon wine, as MacDonald learned from a Carmelite at the monastery in the hills near his house.

Pioneer vintner H. W. Crabb in 1886 bestowed the name To Kalon on his winery and vineyards in the Oakville area. He wrote that To Kalon means the highest good, but added that I try to make it mean the boss vineyard.

Famed vintner Robert Mondavi, who bought grapes from MacDonalds relatives on a handshake deal, gave the word modern wine-world cachet when he promoted his winerys To Kalon vineyards.

Today, various parts of Crabbs historic To Kalon property are owned by Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Andy Beckstoffer, UC Davis and two small families, including MacDonalds, according to a federal report.

MacDonalds ancestors came to the Oakville area in 1954, when his great-grandparents decided to buy a house there after leaving Lake County. The woman selling the house said they also had to buy surrounding land, which included a cherry orchard. They were reluctant.

To be honest, in those days, it wasnt a good investment, MacDonald said.

Today, MacDonald and his brother Alex farm 15 acres planted in grapes. They grew up in Marin County, but were drawn by the farming life and family land in Napa Valley.

MacDonald believes the small creek, only four miles long and carrying water only during the rainy season, can bear such a weighty name as To Kalon. In fact, he sees the creek as being part of the To Kalon viticulture legend.

He learned about the areas geological history from David Howell, a geologist who co-wrote the book The Winemakers Dance: Exploring Terroir in the Napa Valley.

The unnamed creek runs into Napa Valley from the Mayacamas Mountains. During huge historic storms, it and other creeks carried sedimentor alluviumout of the mountains and spilled it onto the valley floor in sprawling deposits called alluvial fans.

Howell said an alluvial fan is quite advantageous for grape growing because it provides very good drainage. And indeed, the alluvial fans along the western Napa Valley are home to some of the worlds most famous vineyards of cabernet sauvignon and other varieties.

Howell supports MacDonalds efforts to name To Kalon Creek and said having names on creeks helps scientists.

Yes, because we need to communicate one to another, Howell said. lts so hard to say, You know, that creek if you go so-and-so far.

For MacDonald, naming the creek To Kalon brings together the areas human history and the geological history. Plus, theres that benefit to scientists such as Howell studying the Napa Valley of being able to identify the creek more easily.

Its the perfect marriage between telling a story and being useful, MacDonald said.

MacDonald lives in a snug home with his wife and young daughter and does such chores as drive the tractor in the vineyard  this is by no means your dot-com family, he said. Naming the creek meant figuring out how to do so himself, given he doesnt have a vast staff to do the leg work.

The first thing I did was Google, How do you name a creek? he said.

He learned the naming gateway is the United States Board on Geographic Names. The Board sorts through proposals for unnamed natural features, making certain they arent derogatory and meet other standards.

MacDonald, a graduate of the University of California, Davis in viticulture and enology, approached the naming assignment like he was writing a thesis. He gathered historic information, secured letters of support from local property owners, Howell and such civic leaders as state Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa and Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena.

The To Kalon vineyard has played a pivotal role in the development of Napa Valley as a world renowned grape-growing region, Dodd wrote to the federal naming board.

The Napa County Board of Supervisors on April 18 endorsed naming the creek To Kalon. Supervisor Diane Dillon later said that such a move is entirely appropriate, given the amount of research MacDonald has done.

His historical research is absolutely phenomenal, said Dillon, a history fan herself.

Robert Mondavi Winery supports MacDonalds efforts in a letter to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.

Naming the creek for its home, To Kalon Vineyard, would allow wine growers, winemakers, geologists, hydrologists, historians, educators and others in the community to better describe the creek, winery General Manager Glenn Workman wrote.

MacDonald has done what he can locally. Now the fate of his hoped-for To Kalon Creek lies in a Washington, D.C. meeting room.

President Benjamin Harrison in 1890 signed legislation creating the United States Board on Geographic Names, the agency website said. The idea was to avoid having name chaos and have map makers, surveyors and scientists all using the same names.

The Boards Domestic Names Committee meets monthly and includes representatives from such agencies as the Department of Homeland Security, Library of Congress, Department of Commerce and Department of Agriculture.

A sense of how the naming committee works can be gleaned from its 790th meeting that took place on Feb. 9. Members considered 16 proposed names and voted to approve nine of them.

The committee approved the name Stillwater Run for a 1.9-mile stream in Cumru Township, Pennsylvania. The township submitted the name that had triumphed in a local naming contest.

But the committee turned down the name Katzler Peak for an 8,736-foot-tall summit in Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado. The proponent said she wanted to commemorate her ancestors. The committee found no evidence any Katzler other than the proponent ever lived in Colorado.

Now all MacDonald can do is wait for the day To Kalon Creek goes before the naming committee, perhaps this summer.

Napa County has some relatively well-known names  at least locallythat appear on the United States Geological Surveys National Map. Among them are Atlas Peak, Mount Veeder, Napa Creek, Mount St. Helena, Yountville Hills and Richey Creek in Bothe-Napa Valley State Park.

Other names are obscure. Jenkins Rock, Ephlin Hill, Rattlesnake Ridge, Bismark Knob, The Beehive, Mysterious Creek, Zim Zim Creek, Candlestick Ridge and Wind Flat are all part of the county.

The map also shows many a small stream, ridge and other geographical features that are nameless. Howell said that, south of the creek that MacDonald hopes to name, there are six other creeks without official names.

There are a lot of creeks coming out of the Mayacamas that arent named, Howell said.

But mounting a naming effort takes time, with MacDonald estimating he has put in more than 40 hours. Being successful takes the right name that has local support. And it doesnt hurt if the proponent has come up with a proposal that stirs the imagination and invokes an areas past and present.

MacDonald hopes that he has just that type of name in To Kalon Creek.
In answer to Cass Sunsteins guest editorial When student protestors defeat their own cause (NapaValleyRegister.com, April 21): No, Ann Coulter should not be allowed to speak at Berkeley and this is why.

Fox News and its extreme right-wing adherents have been attacking our universities for decades declaring them incubators of liberal left-wing ideology. And now for some balance the young student Republicans invited Coulter (a self-proclaimed provocateur) to Cal Berkeley.

The university just suffered through the dangerous and damaging backlash from the attempted visit in February of conservative provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos. The student Republicans have been duped by Fox News, Breitbart News and the ultra-conservative wing of the Republican Party into an attempt to create an explosive flash point under the guise of free-speech.

The essence of the argument is that constitutional free speech must be protected at all costs. Not so and particularly when these events are part of an orchestrated agenda to delegitimize our universities.

It reminds me of when President Nixon made a visit to the San Jose Convention Center in 1970 for a GOP rally. This was at the height of the Vietnam War protests. The center was attacked by a large number of anti-war protestors and Nixon was forced to cut his speech short.

When he exited the auditorium, he jumped onto the hood of his limo and taunted the protesters repeatedly with raised arms and V symbols with his hands. The protest exploded and the crowds attacked the presidential caravan with whatever they could get their hands on.

In following events, anti-war students from Berkeley and San Jose State University were implicated by conservatives for participating in the San Jose event. Nixon used the attack on Americas President to enhance his roll as Commander-in-Chief and the continuance of the Vietnam War.

Then Gov. Reagan used similar incidents at the University of Berkeley to insist on his law and order agenda by telling local police to use any means they wanted to stop an impending protest/riot at the so called Peoples Park. People died that day in 1969. The next week Reagan had moved 2,200 National Guard troops into the streets and campus of Berkeley. It helped cement the perception that he was a tough leader and helped pave the way to his Presidential bid.

After the February Yiannopoulos riot, Donald Trump tweeted:

If U.C. Berkeley does not allow free speech and practices violence on innocent people with a different point of view - NO FEDERAL FUNDS?

Coulter and her ilk enjoy precipitating civil unrest to underscore their own authoritarian beliefs. I think the university officials and the City of Berkeley have a good understanding of the potential for violence in a visit from Coulter.

At the eleventh hour the conservative student groups decided to uninvite Coulter to the event. The Young Americas Foundation said late Tuesday that it couldnt risk the safety of staff and students, and Berkeleys College Republicans also backed out. Smart. Apparently they have learned something about civil responsibility.

The only one whining foul is Coulter herself who now disparages all who disagree with her. Everyone who should believe in free speech fought against it or ran away, Coulter told The New York Times on Wednesday. Its a sad day for free speech.

But its not about free speech for Coulter because she already has a guaranteed audience via Fox, book publishers and other conservative media outlets. Her access to free speech vastly exceeds that of ordinary citizens. The students who invited her to Berkeley were already well aware of her positions and personal ideology. Its easy for any citizen with a computer or smart phone to Google her name and discover what she espouses.

This was about creating a violent incident to further her own agenda and personal career. If millions of dollars in damage had occurred and people were badly injured or killed would Coulter have felt any remorse for her hubris? I doubt it.

Our public colleges and universities have a mission to educate our students and, by and large, they do a good job of it. Protest in America is also a guaranteed right. No one wants to see violence, destruction or harm to others. But you dont have a right to free speech when your intent is to provoke confrontation and mayhem. Our tax dollars should be utilized in support of that valuable process called education, not for clean-up and repair for damage from provocateurs like Ann Coulter.

So today I thank the conservative/Republican students at Berkeley for doing the right thing by sending Ann Coulter back to New York and Fox News where she and her media propagandists can do what they do best - drive a wedge between the people of our nation. I am reminded of that old 1960s Vietnam peace poster: "Suppose They Gave a War and No One Came.

Good job guys.

Ron Rogers

Napa
The purpose of this letter is to ask for community support, particularly members of the current Napa High students, alumni and faculty, as the NVUSD School Board approaches its historic decision on the future of the Napa High symbol. We hope to persuade the board to allow the school to retain the noble Indian as its symbol. Or, alternatively, to consider another fairer process to determine such an important decision.

The next, and perhaps final, meeting of the school board to have a public discussion on the Indian symbol takes place at the district auditorium on Tuesday, May 9, at 6 p.m. Please come and let your voice be heard.

This letter is being co-authored by the three Napa High alumni who served on the recent task force appointed by the school board to study the issue and make recommendations. After attending every meeting, its our collective opinion that virtually every aspect of this task force was flawed:

-- The California Education Code Section 35147 was not adhered to regarding the publics access to the meetings of this group. The task force met privately and the public was never notified nor invited to attend.

-- The group consisted of nine members who are affiliated with or employed by a department under the NVUSD. There were no Native Americans on the committee who supported retention of the Indian symbol.

-- We believe this process lacked both integrity and equal representation. The above statement alone could lead one to perceive a definite bias.

-- The recommendation of this task force, fortunately, is non-binding and therefore should be ignored.

-- It is our firm belief the vast majority of our local Native American population is in favor of keeping the Indian symbol. For the most part, their voices have not been heard.

-- We know, based on a recent poll of nearly 50 percent of the Napa High student body, that 83 percent were in favor of retaining the Indian symbol.

-- Far from disrespectful, we believe the Indian symbol for over 100 years has honored Native Americans as a symbol of integrity, nobility and an indomitable spirit.

No one person, or small group of people regardless of their point of view, should determine the outcome which affects thousands of past, present, and future students. This applies particularly to special interest groups from outside the community who stand to gain financially from a symbol change.

Students, alumni and community members, please attend the May 9 meeting and dont be shouted down by a bunch of outsiders with a financial interest in the outcome.

Marilyn Reid

Ken Juan

Glenn Ellen Smith

NVUSD Mascot Committee Task Force

Editors Note: The Register asked the school district about public access to the advisory committee meetings. The district maintains that the committee was an ad hoc committee organized by the superintendent and not something organized by the board of trustees itself, and therefore it is not subject to public access requirements under the Brown Act and other state law.
Jay Turnipseed has joined the Rutherford Wine Company company as winemaker. He will oversee all winemaking and production of the Rutherford Wine Companys multi-brand portfolio.

Most recently, Turnipseed was senior winemaker for Franciscan Estate and Mount Veeder Winery. Turnipseed also gained experience as an intern and an enologist at Gallo of Sonoma in the Russian River Valley. He holds a degree in viticulture and enology from UC Davis.
Its the honor of a lifetime to be here today, said Donald. While the size of the submarine alone is stunning, the complexity inside sets it apart from any other machine ever built. These ships are second to none, made in America by truly remarkable Americans.



Vice President Mike Pence, former governor of Indiana, served as the ceremonys keynote speaker. Today is the 100th day since he and President Donald Trump assumed office.



He sent me here today on this historic occasion as a sign of his deep commitment to the Armed Forces of the United States of America, and to his commitment to make the strongest fighting force in the world even stronger still, Pence said of Trump. Speaking to the shipbuilders, he acknowledged their dedication and skill. You have the gratitude of the commander in chief for your unwavering commitment to your country, your patriotism, your craftsmanship, and rest assured, President Trump will honor your commitment with historic investments in our national defense.



Indiana is the 16th submarine of the Virginia class and the sixth of the eight ship Block III construction contract. Virginia-class submarines, a class of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines, are designed for a broad spectrum of open-ocean and littoral missions to replace the Navys Los Angeles-class submarines as they are retired. Virginia-class submarines incorporate dozens of new technologies and innovations that increase firepower, maneuverability and stealth, and significantly enhance their warfighting capabilities. These submarines are capable of supporting multiple mission packages and can operate at submerged speeds of more than 25 knots for months at a time.
HELENA  Rob Quists music often tells the tale of the beauty of Montanas wild places.

The musician best known as a member of Mission Mountain Wood Band grew up in Cut Bank with the Rocky Mountain Front as his backdrop, spending time as a Boy Scout traipsing through the national forest and Glacier National Park or floating down a river.

This is something thats been near and dear to me all my life, he said. In just a matter of minutes you could be up in some the most beautiful landscapes of the world.

As Quist -- the candidate vying to flip recently confirmed Interior Secretary Ryan Zinkes former congressional seat Democratic -- canvases the state, public lands, public access and conservation issues are what he hears about most.

Quist is taking on Republican Greg Gianforte and Libertarian Mark Wicks in a May 25 special election.

The No. 1 reason people dont hunt and fish and recreate is a lost (access) to our public lands, so this is why this is the No. 1 issue for me, he said. Thats probably why Im in this race.

Quist has not personally hunted since the 1990s, according to his campaign. A recent Billings Gazette story noted that he has not purchased a hunting or fishing license in the last decade and a half. Whether Quist can be an effective advocate for hunting and access became a campaign talking point this week as supporters of avid hunter Gianforte seek to portray Quist as out of touch with Montana values.

Quist says health issues kept him from hunting in recent years, but considers the outdoors a respite.

When I get off the road my favorite thing to do is to get up in my kayak or my canoe, he said. Our family, we take this old classic RV up to Apgar (campground in Glacier National Park), and just recreate and hike, so were really outdoor people. I think to me the happiest people I know are the people that spend the most time with Mother Nature.

Quist teaches an artist-in-residence program for musicians and says his song writers almost without exception write about connecting with nature.

I think that speaks volumes about the hunger our kids have and we as a society have as a whole, and to me thats what makes Montana special: the fact we have so much access to it.

The position gained the Democrat an endorsement from Montana Conservation Voters.

Montana Conservation Voters is pleased to announce the endorsement of Rob Quist because we know he will be a champion for conservation issues in Congress and will stand up for our Montana values like clean air, water, and wild country, Mariah Gladstone of MVC said in Kalispell recently.

Quist, who lives in Creston just north of Flathead Lake, is critical of Gianforte over access issues, alluding to a 2009 lawsuit in which the Republican sued the state over an easement across his Bozeman-area property to the East Gallatin River. Gianforte and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks resolved the issue out of court with the state agreeing it made a mistake regarding the location of the easement, but the lawsuit clearly hurt his candidacy with access groups and Democrats hammering him as anti-public access.

They recognize that we are in danger of losing it and quite frankly, my opponent does not have a good record on this, Quist said of public access.

Quist continued, citing Gianfortes support of groups including Americans for Prosperity, the Heritage Foundation and Bozeman-based Property and Environment Research Center  organizations which support transferring federal lands to state ownership among many policies.

Gianforte has said he opposes any measure that could put public lands in private hands.

Quist shares the view of land transfer opponents that the state of Montana could not afford ownership of millions of federal acres, leading to private sale. If elected, he will face a majority party in Republicans that hold transfer as a tenet of its platform.

Quist says he was inspired early in the legislative session when he attended a rally for public lands. More than 1,000 public land advocates packed the Capitol rotunda to denounce land transfer or sales. One of the rallying cries opposed a particular bill brought by a Utah congressman, which sought to sell more than 3 million acres of federal lands.

Ive never seen such energy, the rotunda was totally full of people, he said, admiring the variety of groups that attended.

Ive never see a bill disappear so fast from the halls of Congress, he said of the land-sale bill, after a similar outcry from across the West. To push back against transfer proponents, Quist says he would look to form coalitions with other Western lawmakers.

To improve access, Quist supports funding and authorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The fund taps royalties on offshore oil as grants for community projects and conservation, including land acquisition.

We need to push the narrative about what an economic driver (public lands) is for the state of Montana, he said, with recreation jobs and an influx of tourists each year.

The Trump administration proposes slashing the budgets of several public land management agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency. Quist says he opposes those cuts.

These are vital programs for the state of Montana and I would definitely push back on those, he said.

The balancing of Montanas recreation economy and natural resource development comes down to a case-by-case basis, he said.

Places such as the Badger-Two Medicine on the Front, an area sacred to the Blackfeet Tribe and important for wildlife, should be off limits as oil and gas developers are suing to develop.

Quist also supports Democratic Sen. Jon Testers Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act to prohibit mining near Yellowstone National Park.

And I also think there will be other areas where there will be multiple use, Quist said. Im not saying we should keep everybody out  it needs to work for everybody and thats my point. This is public land and it must work for, I often say its got to work for everybody or it doesnt work for anybody.

With Trump's executive order this week reviewing two decades of land protections created via national monument designation, Quist says he is an adamant opponent to the review and concerned about the impacts to tourism on local communities if the monuments are revoked.

To really undo a lot of these, theres really going to be a big pushback from all these different areas that have been working for years to get these in place, he said. I think if we kind of jerk those back, theres going to be a pretty large human outcry from that.

Quist says he wants to approach issues with an open mind and listen to input from Montanans before making a decision. That includes decisions about natural resource development or protected lands, such as new congressional wilderness designations.

I think the way I operate is the people of Montana are my boss, so any decision I would make would have to be really the decision of the people of Montana acting in their stead, he said.

When asked about potential reforms to the Endangered Species Act or Equal Access to Justice Act, which is often associated with environmental litigation, Quist says he has personal views but would need to know more about the particulars before offering a policy position.

As Im thinking more as a congressman, theres a lot more to consider, and once again I think its important to keep an open mind, listen to the arguments of both sides and hear their cases and then make my decision," he said.

With the federal government analyzing a delisting of grizzly bears near Yellowstone, and Montana, Wyoming and Idaho potentially hunting them, Quist offered his personal feelings about protecting the bears.

On the onset I would have to say that I dont know that Im really for delisting, he said. I kind of have a special place in my heart for grizzlies. Im good friends with the people that are really about protecting grizzlies and Im not sure why people would want to hunt them anyway, theyre not a meat animal.

So on a personal level I would probably say I would not be for delisting them, but once again, this would be something where I have to keep an open mind and hear the arguments on both sides.

Quist says he recognizes the value of coal to Montanas economy and to the people who work in the energy sector. Workers in Colstrip need to be taken care of, he says, and he would like to learn more about so-called clean coal technology.

Quist supports expansion of renewable energy and likes collaborative solutions that bring multiple groups together. He supports similar collaboration for timber management.

Rather than having an us-against-them mentality, you try to get everybody to the table and work out compromises that work for everybody, he said. Thats the way government should be run and I think thats the way the people of Montana expect government to be run.

Renewables and cleaner coal production are major measures Quist supports to combat climate change, which a vast majority of scientists agree is caused by emission of greenhouse gases including from coal-fire power.

Hiking through Glacier when I was 13 years old and I saw all those glaciers, and now you walk in those same places and theyre a third of the size they were when I was a kid, he said. So thats definite evidence for me that we are dealing with climate change.

I think Gianforte said that if you take all the coal out you only lower it by a percentage of one degree, but its a cumulative thing.

Quist believes Montana has an opportunity to be on the forefront of energy technology and create thousands of jobs in the process.

We have to recognize that China is making inroads and I think the coal market will be drying up and already its a situation thats coming to bear, Quist said. So I think Montana needs to be proactive and get out in front of it.
Apple has stopped paying royalties to contract manufacturers for phone patents owned by Qualcomm over an "unresolved issue" -- a move that will hit the US-chip maker's financial results. Apple reportedly stopped paying royalties starting with devices sold during the March quarter, CNET reported on Friday. Qualcomm is now forced to cut its expectations about how much revenue and earnings it will make in its third fiscal quarter that ends in June. "While Apple has acknowledged that payment is owed for the use of Qualcomm's valuable intellectual property, it nevertheless continues to interfere with our contracts," Don Rosenberg, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Qualcomm, was quoted as saying. "Apple has now unilaterally declared the contract terms unacceptable; the same terms that have applied to iPhones and cellular-enabled iPads for a decade. Apple's continued interference with Qualcomm's agreements to which Apple is not a party is wrongful and the latest step in Apple's global attack on Qualcomm," Rosenberg added. Qualcomm is one of the world's biggest provider of mobile chips and derives revenue majorly from licensing that technology to hundreds of handset manufacturers and others. Meanwhile, Apple said that the company has been trying to reach a licensing agreement with Qualcomm for more than five years but they have refused to negotiate fair terms. "Without an agreed-upon rate to determine how much is owed, we have suspended payments until the correct amount can be determined by the court," the company was quoted as saying. "As we've said before, Qualcomm's demands are unreasonable and they have been charging higher rates based on our innovation, not their own," it added. Earlier in April, the US chip manufacturer lambasted Apple for breaching deals between the two companies and urged that the lawsuit filed in January against them by the iPhone maker should be rejected. Qualcomm also accused Apple of harming its business and sought unspecified damages. Apple sued Qualcomm in January for nearly one billion dollars over royalties, with the Cupertino-based tech giant alleging the wireless chipmaker did not give fair licensing terms for its processor technology. But Qualcomm refuted the allegations, saying that Apple had intentionally mischaracterised the agreements and negotiations, as well as the enormity and value of the technology they had invented, contributed and shared with all mobile device makers "through our licensing programme". --IANS sku/in/bg ( 396 Words) 2017-04-29-11:44:07 (IANS)
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi is looking to double the income of farmers by 2022. At a time like this, there is no question of taxing agricultural income," Panagariya told ANI.

"More than 80 percent of the poorer sections of society live in villages and are completely dependent on agriculture as a means of their livelihood. We have not proposed any tax on them. We have only drafted a three-year agenda, which is available on our website," he added.

Earlier at a press conference, Bibek Debroy, a member of NITI Aayog had proposed to levy tax on agricultural income.

Following his statement, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley categorically denied the same, adding the Centre has no power to impose tax on agricultural income.

Supporting his stance, Minister of State for Finance Santosh Kumar Gangwar on Thursday asserted that there was never any intimation of a tax to be imposed on profits recovered from agricultural activities. (ANI)
According to Hollywood Reporter, the project, which was picked up by Universal, was slated to be released on May 24, 2019, but now has been moved up to April 12, 2019.

The studio pushed the release date, as earlier this week, Disney and Lucasfilm booked May 24, 2019, as the opening night for 'Star Wars: Episode IX.'

The film is based on the character from the 1920s series of children's books by Hugh Lofting which follows the eccentric Doctor John Dolittle, a former physician who lives with and treats animals, claiming that he can communicate with them.

Stephan Gaghan is going to sit behind the camera for this new version of 'Doctor Dolittle'.

Dolittle first hit the big screen in the 1967 movie 'Doctor Dolittle,' which starred Rex Harrison and was a musical. Another 'Dr. Dolittle' pic was released in 1998 and starred Eddie Murphy. (ANI)
Previously known as "The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle", the project had been set to open against Disney's Star Wars: Episode IX", reports deadline.com.

Directed by Stephen Gaghan and based on the tales by Hugh Lofting, the "Dolittle" project will be produced by Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum under their Roth/Kirschenbaum Films alongside Susan Downey (Sherlock Holmes franchise) for Team Downey.

The project is based on the 1920s tales by Lofting, following a peculiar doctor who can speak with animals, shunning human patients in favour of the critters. In its new slot, the film will go head-to-head with Disney's Untitled Disneytoon Movie.

--IANS sug/nv/bg

( 142 Words)

2017-04-29-16:10:10 (IANS)
Taking a dig at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), following party member Kumar Vishwas's doubts over their convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday said, it looks like a civil war going on within the party. However, BJP leader Shazia Ilmi dubbed Kumar Vishwas as an 'opportunist,' for raising voice post the AAP's defeat in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) polls and not when similar had happened in the Punjab elections. "It seems like there is a civil war within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and there seems to be some eruption within. People are finally venting out what they had been wanting to say. My only question is, why didn't these leaders speak when Arvind Kejriwal said the same things about the EVMs post Punjab elections? It's very easy to attack him now. They are opportunists of the worst kind," Ilmi told ANI. On the other hand, BJP leader R.P. Singh expressed his doubts over party showing door to Kumar Vishwas, following his splurt. Singh hoped that Vishwas would not be treated in the same way as the ex-party members Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan, after they raised similar questions. "Kumar Vishwas has realised it late but what he has said is correct. The EVMs are not faulty, but the leadership is. The questions, which he has raised, are right. I hope they will not show doors to Kumar Vishwas, as they did to Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan, for raising such similar genuine questions," Singh told ANI. Yesterday, in yet another blow to Kejriwal, his aide Vishwas raised doubts about the former's ability to win elections and said the party should do soul-searching for the repeated defeats. He suggested that the party should consider taking drastic steps, including leadership change, if it wants to remain viable in the political arena. The AAP leader questioned Kejriwal's defense for losing Punjab elections, Rajouri by-poll, as well as the MCD elections. He said that Kejriwal's stand on the surgical strikes was wrong. He blamed the AAP's loss in the Punjab election on the party's wrong decision. He said the party needs 'radical reforms'. In the recent past, other AAP leaders like Alka Lamba and Kapil Mishra have also been critical of the party's views on the poll debacles. (ANI)
HELENA  Abortion, the death penalty, guns and the very essence of personhood. Some of the legislative session's most contentious bills seemed doomed from the start, some killed with a stroke of the governor's veto pen while others perished by legislative action or inaction.

While more than 250 bills are still on their way to the governor's desk, more than 550 died in committee or on the floors of the House and Senate. As of Friday, the governor had issued 13 outright vetoes.

Many of the session's most hotly debated bills focused on hot-button issues that exposed the cultural divide between social conservatives and Democrats. There were also measures focused on Shariah law, charter schools and transgender rights.

Over the four-month session, conservative lawmakers introduced three major anti-abortion bills.

A proposed constitutional amendment didn't mention the word abortion, but its sponsor's intent was clear: Afford constitutional rights to unborn children by having voters declare that life begins at the moment of conception. The measure would have circumvented the governor's desk, but it could not muster the two-thirds majority required to bring the referendum to voters.

Two others have made it to the desk of Gov. Steve Bullock and may be dead on arrival because he supports a woman's right to choose an abortion. One bill would ban nearly all late-term abortions by requiring doctors to deliver viable fetuses. Another proposal would have outlawed abortions on so-called pain-capable fetuses.

The House Judiciary Committee killed a proposal that would have asked voters to settle the question about who can use gender-specific restrooms and locker rooms in public schools, universities and other government buildings. The measure drew support from social conservatives espousing traditional family roles and values. It was opposed by civil rights group and those concerned that such a law could repel potential business.

The House Judiciary Committee also kept a proposal to abolish the death penalty from advancing, even though the bill's lead sponsor was a fellow Republican. It would have replaced the ultimate punishment with life imprisonment.

Charter schools seemed to get traction this session, but they became embroiled in the contentious debate over an infrastructure bonding bill. When the bonding bill died, so did any chance this session of a charter school system.

While a bill seeking to ban foreign laws from being used in Montana courts did not specifically target Shariah law, supporters spoke out about the religious doctrine that is used in parts of the Islamic world. Montana was one of the 13 states considering legislation seeking to prevent the use of foreign law in state courts. The governor vetoed the bill, saying that signing the law could have been misconstrued as endorsing anti-Muslim sentiments.

Legislators introduced several gun-related bills, including one that would have allowed qualified school employees to carry concealed weapons on campuses. Another sought to give lawmakers authority to carry concealed firearms in the Capitol and other government property, but the governor may be wary about signing such a bill into law.
A Billings man suspected of helping his girlfriend hide from arrest denied federal charges this week.

Christopher Lee Metzger, 41, pleaded not guilty during a hearing on Thursday to an indictment charging him with concealing a person from arrest.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan McCarthy said that Metzger is suspected of hiding his girlfriend, Christina Kamran-Kohnjani, from arrest from about Feb. 26 to March 13.

Kamran-Kohnjani, 30, who owned the Quik Spa, 2348 Grand Ave., pleaded guilty recently to possessing meth for distribution in U.S. District Court.

Kamran-Kohnjani, McCarthy said, helped distribute meth as part of a large trafficking ring that brought multi-pound amounts of meth from California to Montana for distribution. She is one of nine people charged in a multi-count indictment.

Court records in Metzgers case said federal and state drug task force agents investigating the trafficking ring contacted the couple, who were living together and were both on state felony probation.

Kamran-Kohnjani subsequently was arrested on charges in the indictment and was released pending trial. The couple, however, fled to Mexico, court records said.

If convicted, Metzger faces a maximum five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy Cavan ordered Metzger to remain in custody. The case will be heard by U.S. District Judge Susan Watters.
Two women suspected in a string of armed robberies over three days, using a variety of fake guns, disguises and a getaway car, appeared in Yellowstone County Justice Court on Friday.

After their arrest Thursday night, one of the women, 40-year-old Heather Joy Thompson, escaped custody while being left unattended at the Billings Police station.

Officers re-arrested her Friday morning in the basement of a South Side Billings home where police found her pretending to be asleep, said Police Lt. Shawn Mayo. She responded to the two officers by kicking and yelling and screaming, the lieutenant said.

On Friday, Thompson, along with 35-year-old Meadow Lee Bighorn, appeared before Judge Pro Tem Lance Lundval who set bond for them at $100,000 and $115,000. Both women are set to appear next before District Court Judge Mary Jane Knisely on May 10 at 10 a.m.

Bighorn is charged with three felony counts of robbery, with an enhancement for using a weapon. Thompson faces three felony counts of robbery by accountability, with a weapon enhancement. She faces two additional felonies for assaulting a police officer, and a misdemeanor count of resisting arrest.

Thompson was allegedly the getaway driver, while Bighorn is suspected of entering the businesses brandishing what one victim described as piece of pipe wrapped in electrical tape. In another robbery, the suspect covered her right hand with a pink cloth. In a third robbery, the weapon was covered by some kind of bag, the victim told investigators.

The string of robberies began Tuesday night at the Barrel Room Pub and Casino in Billings where Bighorn allegedly entered the business wearing a dark stocking cap and a bandanna over part of her face, according to court records.

Bighorn allegedly demanded money, pointing her hand, covered in a pink cloth, at the clerk. The clerk wasnt positive the suspect had a gun, but complied and the suspect left, records state.

On Wednesday night, Bighorn allegedly entered the Lucky Lils Casino at the Rimrock Mall, confronting an employee in the mens restroom. She demanded the employee give her the bank, according to court documents.

The casino employee described the gun as a small steel pipe wrapped in tape. He "refused to comply with the order and demanded she show him the weapon, after which she turned around and left. The employee followed her outside where he told investigators he saw her get into a white, four-door car and recorded part of the cars Montana license plate number.

At about 3 a.m. on Thursday morning, Bighorn allegedly entered the Western Executive Inn on King Avenue West holding what a clerk told police "appeared to be a gun underneath some kind of bag."

"'Go ahead and give me the money,'" Bighorn allegedly demanded of the desk clerk. " 'I can't wait until payday.' 

The clerk "thought she could see a gun barrel" and handed over the cash drawer, documents say.

Surveillance footage from outside the hotel captured the image of a white passenger car with a dent on the driver's side door.

Thompson and Bighorn were found a short time later in a white four-door car on Monad Road. Thompson was wearing a bandanna across her forehead. Officers were given consent to search the car and discovered a "fake gun" as well as several bandannas and other items of clothing "consistent with items worn by the suspect during the hotel robbery, court records allege.

During interviews at the police station with Detective Steve Hallam, the two women allegedly admitted to the robberies of the Barrel Room Casino and the Western Executive Inn, police said.

A description of Bighorn following the first robbery mentioned tattoos over her eyes. She told the detective she had smeared eye shadow around her eyes to mask her looks. Records allege the pair also told Hallam they were meth users and that officers "would probably find empty baggies and some syringes in the vehicle."

While being left unattended in a police interview room for a brief period of time, police said Thompson walked out and disappeared.

She was found in the basement of a house on the 3000 block of Sixth Avenue South at about 2 a.m. on Friday after two Billings Police officers got a tip she was staying there with a man.

When Officers Jeff Stovall and Jeremiah Adams arrived, the man at the house denied he lived there. He acted "very agitated," and used profanity, according to court documents. After several minutes, a second man appeared and gave police permission to search the house.

The officers found Thompson in bed, partially covered by a blanket and refusing to comply with their demands. Stovall pulled back the blanket and she began yelling, kicking and clenching her hands.

"As a handcuff was being placed on her, she kicked her right leg directly at Stovall's genital area," according to court documents. "Stovall jumped back and tripped on a box," and then he and Adams were able to gain control of Thompson's arms. As Stovall helped sit her up she "kicked backwards several times striking Stovall in the knee and shin area," and "was swinging her head to the right and attempted to bite Stovall's right hand."

She continued to yell and scream, according to court documents. She then attempted to kick Adams "in the genital area," but he "blocked the kick with his right leg, resulting in pain and broken skin on Adams' leg."

"As the officers got the defendant out of the house, she continued screaming, kicking, and attempting to be dead weight, records state.

Prior to the discovery of Thompson, officers had been going to places where Thompson had been previously, Mayo said.

"We have a whole night shift of motivated officers who took it upon themselves to find Ms. Thompson," he said.
Darrell Ehrlick, editor of The Billings Gazette, has been recognized for his series of articles titled "Vietnam Voices."

Ehrlick is the recipient of the 2017 News Media Award, awarded by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. The national award comes with a gold medal, a certificate and $2,500 honorarium.

The VFW presents the annual award "for outstanding contributions to a better understanding of the American way of life and its institutions and interest by honest and forthright reporting," VFW Commander-in-Chief Brian Duffy wrote in a letter.

The series, which told the stories of Vietnam vets in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, "fits the criteria and is worthy of recognition," Duffy wrote.

Past recipients include Laura Ingraham, Brit Hume, Bill O'Reilly, Timothy Russert, Oliver North, Bob Schieffer, USA Today, C-SPAN and Stars & Stripes.

The series included 79 interviews with men and women who served in U.S. military in the Vietnam War. Ehrlick was pleased by the feedback he received from readers who said the series gave them deeper insight into those who fought in the unpopular war.

The power of the series is the "vets telling their own stories in their own words," said Ehrlick, who added he was "deeply honored" by the award.

He plans to donate the honorarium to a charitable cause.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-28 20:21:33|Editor: xuxin

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KIEV, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko announced Friday that his country and Belarus have agreed to complete border demarcation in the near future.

"We agreed to complete the demarcation of our state borders in the near future, which unfortunately has not been carried out in the recent years," Poroshenko told reporters after his working visit to Belarus, where he held talks with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Ukraine and Belarus signed a border agreement in May 1997 and started border demarcation in November 2013.

The two ex-Soviet neighbors share a land border of around 1,084 km.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 04:24:24|Editor: yan

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KIGALI, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda and Ethiopia Friday inked 11 bilateral agreements to facilitate cooperation in various areas.

The signing was witnessed by President Paul Kagame and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, on the second day of his three-day official visit to the east African country.

The deals are in the areas of extradition, mutual legal assistance, communication, information and media, youth and sports, tourism and health.

Other areas are education, culture, cooperation in prisons and correctional services, gender, women and children as well as water resources management.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Desalegn noted his country could learn much from Rwanda such as in rural development and agricultural transformation.

There is a lot to be learnt from Rwanda, he said, Rwanda is one of the fastest growing economies in Africa and also has shared growth.

"This is the result of some policies and strategies designed but the most important thing is to learn from the policy prescription that makes Rwanda successful," he said.

Earlier in the day, Desalegn visited Gicumbi district in northern Rwanda to witness agricultural transformation activities.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 07:15:09|Editor: ying

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WASHINGTON, April 28 (Xinhua) -- The White House said Friday that President Donald Trump is aware of the latest missile test conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

White House spokesman Sean Spicer said in a statement that the president has been briefed on the test.

Pyongyang test-fired a ballistic missile which coincides with a UN Security Council ministerial level meeting to discuss the nuclear activities of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The ballistic missile was fired from a site near Bukchang in South Pyeongan Province in the northeastern direction at about 5:30 a.m local time (20:30 GMT Friday), but it was estimated to have failed as it exploded shortly after liftoff, the news agency quoted the Joint Chiefs of Staff as saying.

A U.S. military assessment found the main part of the missile landed approximately 35 kilometers from Bukchang airfield, the official saidEnditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 07:20:10|Editor: ying

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WASHINGTON, April 28 (Xinhua) -- The Pentagon said on Friday that two U.S. servicemen killed on Wednesday in eastern Afghanistan may have been struck by friendly fire.

"We are investigating the circumstances of the combat deaths of the two Army Rangers in the beginning of what was an intense three-hour fire fight," Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis told reporters here.

"It is possible these Rangers were struck by friendly fire," he said.

According to the Pentagon, the two U.S. soldiers were killed during an operation in southern Nangarhar, Afghanistan, during an operation against the Islamic State's (IS) Afghanistan affiliate ISIS Khorasan.

Davis said on Friday that the military action involved drones attacks and airstrikes launched from the AC-130 gunship, Apache helicopter and F-16 fighter jets.

According to U.S. military's estimate, about 35 IS militants were killed, said Davis.

The location was also near the place where earlier this month the U.S. military dropped the largest ever non-nuclear bomb in combat.

The MOAB, which weighs about 22,000 pounds, is nicknamed "Mother Of All Bombs."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 07:30:12|Editor: ying

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CHICAGO, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Driven by sales of profitable trucks and SUVs, strong performance in China and growth for GM Financial, General Motors Co.'s net income in the first quarter soared nearly 34 percent to a new record of 2.61 billion U.S. dollars, according to the company's financial statement released Friday.

The company said earnings per share totaled 1.70 dollars, well ahead of analyst calls for 1.48 dollars a share. The company earned 1.26 dollars a share in the quarter a year ago.

"Our first-quarter results reflect our resolve to grow profitably and demonstrate the strong earnings power of this company," said Chairman and CEO Mary Barra, in a press release.

Much of the company's profit was driven again by North America, where GM also had record first-quarter revenue of 29.3 billion dollars, an increase of 10.7 percent.

GM Chief Financial Officer Chuck Stevens said results were aided by 400 million dollars in favorable vehicle pricing and 500 million dollars in cost-trimming.

Sales volume also was up and GM built up inventory ahead of 10 weeks of combined plant downtime in the third quarter, Stevens said.

GM said in March it will sell its Opel and Vauxhall European brands, as well as its GM Financial European operations to French carmaker PSA Group.

The deal will allow GM to reduce its cash balance by 2 billion dollars, which it plans to use to accelerate share buybacks.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 07:35:14|Editor: ying

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CHICAGO. April 28 (Xinhua) -- A young man of Illinois convicted of sexually assaulting and robbing an 85-year-old widow has been sentenced to 100 years in prison, local media reported on Friday.

Another hearing is scheduled next Thursday for any additional motions from defense attorneys of Tevin Rainey, the 23-year-old criminal. If not, the hearing will end his case, Chicago Tribune reported.

Rainey had been found guilty of breaking into the old woman's apartment on New Year's Day of 2015 in Westmont, some 40 kilometer west of Chicago. He sexually assaulted her at gunpoint and later forced her to drive to an ATM and withdraw money.

He was sentenced to 60 years for aggravated criminal sexual assault, and then 40 years for armed robbery with a firearm, which means he will spend the rest of his life behind the bar.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 07:40:16|Editor: ying

People protest during a nationwide general strike in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on April 28, 2017. Brazil's transportation, schools and businesses were brought to a halt on Friday as Brazilian unions launched a full-scale strike nationwide to protest the government's proposed austerity measures. (Xinhua/Rahel Patrasso)

BRASILIA, April 28 (Xinhua) -- A massive nationwide general strike on Friday to protest the government's proposed austerity measures disrupted flights to and from Brazil's two largest cities, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Airport workers occupied the main entryway to the Congonhas airport in southern Sao Paulo, blocking those arriving or departing, and leading to flight delays or cancellations.

Some airlines also canceled flights prior to the strike, knowing the general work stoppage would make it difficult for passengers to reach the airport.

At the Guarulhos International Airport, also in Sao Paulo, no flights were canceled, though delays plagued scheduled flights, and at the Santos Dumont airport in Rio protests blocked access to passengers.

Brazil's largest unions called for the strike to protest draconian measures to lower the public deficit, including raising the retirement age and slashing government welfare programs.

Pilots and onboard crews originally planned to join the strike, but changed their minds after government authorities indicated they would exempt them from the labor reforms.

But workers belonging to some 92 different unions, including in the areas of healthcare, security, public transit and the penitentiary system, joined the work stoppage.

Despite obvious mass participation in the general strike -- with stores and business closed, and public transit stopped, Brazil's mainstream media appeared to downplay the scale of the protest, providing little coverage of the day's events, or focused only on isolated violent clashes and other negative aspects.

Brazil's former President and political leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva described the strike as "a complete success."

In an interview with Red Brasil Actual radio, Lula said "the unionized movement and the Brazilians are making history. People stayed at home. That is a clear sign that people decided to strike against the suppression of their rights."

He noted the government of President Michel Temer claimed the country's economic situation would improve with ex-president Dilma Rousseff out of the way, but that has not happened.

Temer helped impeach Rousseff for allegedly mismanaging fiscal affairs.

"Destroying (people's) rights does not improve anyone's life," said Lula, calling on the government to stop targeting pensions and social welfare programs as a way to grow the economy.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 10:00:37|Editor: ying

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MANILA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The 30th summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will kick off here on Saturday.

The following are some basic facts about the 10-member regional organization.

ASEAN was established on Aug. 8, 1967, in Bangkok by the five original member countries, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Brunei joined in 1984, Vietnam in 1995, Laos and Myanmar in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999.

ASEAN has a combined population of approximately 629 million people, accounting for 8.8 percent of the world's total. In 2016, the bloc's combined GDP had grown to more than 2.4 trillion U.S. dollars, the 6th largest economy in the world.

The ASEAN Declaration states that the aims and purposes of the Association are: (1) to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region and (2) to promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among countries in the region and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.

On Dec. 31, 2015, the ASEAN Community was formally established comprising three pillars - ASEAN Security Community, ASEAN Economic Community and ASEAN Socio- Cultural Community, marking another milestone in ASEAN's history.

The highest decision-making body of ASEAN is the Meeting of the ASEAN Heads of State and Government. The ASEAN summit is convened every year.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 10:46:01|Editor: ying

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TOKYO, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The Japanese government lodged a protest with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Saturday over the test-firing of a ballistic missile by the country earlier in the day.

Japan's top government spokesperson, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, told a press conference that Japan has issued a "stern protest" to the DPRK over the latest missile launch.

He said that the missile was launched around 5:30 a.m. Japan time Saturday morning and seemed to have fallen on land within the DPRK.

The missile launch was a clear violation of the UN Security Council resolutions and Japan "absolutely can not accept these repeated provocative acts," Suga told reporters.

He also said that he has informed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe immediately of the launch.

Abe is currently in on a visit to Britain following talks with Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday.
by Tai Beiping, Chen Jian

MANILA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states gathered here Saturday for the 30th ASEAN summit, at a time when the regional bloc is soon to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Fifty years ago, five original members of ASEAN, namely, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, signed a declaration in Bangkok that gave birth to ASEAN.

In Bangkok, where the founding declaration was signed, restaurant Thip Samai bears witness to the boom that globalization has brought to Thailand's tourism industry.

"There was only Thai characters on our poster in the beginning, as there were only local customers then. Now we also have English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean languages. We can say this is a sort of trace left by globalization," said shop owner of Thip Samai, who only gave her name as Na.

In its 50 years of development, ASEAN has actively embraced globalization and at the same time pushed forward regional integration.

The booming tourism industry of Thailand, the growing fruit export sector of the Philippines, and Singapore's fast development in financial and shipping services, are evidence of ASEAN countries' active participation in the globalization process.

With Brunei joining the regional bloc in 1984, Vietnam in 1995, Laos and Myanmar in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999, ASEAN is now a 10-member organization with a combined population of around 630 million, a combined GDP of up to around 2.5 trillion U.S. dollars. ASEAN, as a whole, ranks the world's seventh largest economy.

ASEAN members have been continuously pushing for the integration of the region in such areas as infrastructure connectivity, transportation, human exchanges and trade.

Zhang Xuegang, deputy director of the Institute for South Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told Xinhua that ASEAN has made remarkable achievements in forging ahead with regional integration over the last 50 years.

Through this process, ASEAN members have evolved from relatively weak and poor states at the end of World War II to a significant regional force collectively and one of the world's stars in terms of economic growth, he noted.

In 1992, the idea of a free trade area among ASEAN was raised. ASEAN leaders expected to push forward cooperation and economic integration through trade liberalization to enhance the overall strength of the bloc.

At the end of 2015, the ASEAN Community was officially established, comprising three pillars including the ASEAN Political-Security Community, the ASEAN Economic Community and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.

However, serious matters such as harmonization of standards, free movement of labor, and the financial industry's access to markets in the region have restricted ASEAN's pursuit of higher level integration.

With the Manila summit themed "Partnering for Change, Engaging the World," the 50-year-old bloc is taking solid steps toward becoming a model of regionalism and a global player.
MANILA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is often mentioned together with the European Union (EU) to illustrate the trend of regional integration.

As ASEAN turns 50 this year, the world seems to turn away from globalization as seen in Brexit and the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president, what should ASEAN do next?

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, which chairs the ASEAN summit in Manila this year, earlier laid out several areas as priorities to be discussed with ASEAN leaders, which include peace and stability in the region, maritime security and cooperation, and ASEAN as a model of regionalism and a global player.

But to build ASEAN into a model of regionalism still faces uncertainties.

"The agenda for the ASEAN community this year is unfortunately stale," said Shahriman Lockman, a senior analyst with the Institute of Strategic and International Studies based in Kuala Lumpur.

"Most of the easiest measures -- the so-called 'low-hanging fruits' -- have already been adopted," he said.

On top of the most difficult issues left for ASEAN to tackle are non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and non-tariff measures (NTMs), which hinder trade despite the general slashing of tariffs in recent decades.

According to the study of Lockman, the number of NTBs and NTMs have in fact increased from 1,639 measures in 2000 to 5,975 in 2015.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, when attending a forum on the sideline of the summit in Manila on Friday, said for ASEAN's economy to achieve the 9.2-trillion-U.S.-dollar figure by 2050, there has to be a 20 percent reduction in fixed trade costs.

From the global perspective, ASEAN is faced with the alternative as to whether to embrace globalization, or as some have suggested to take cue from Brexit and adopt a wait-and-see stance.

Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, former Malaysian ambassador to China, said one major task for the 10 ASEAN leaders at the summit is to discuss how to deal with Trump, who since his campaign to election, has been sending a signal to turn away from globalization and to abandon multilateralism to focus on unilateralism or bilateral negotiations.

ASEAN, from the start, has been a multilateralism-based organization, said Majid, adding ASEAN countries have shown some concerns for the rise of protectionism and globalization backlash.

Joey Concepcion, a business advisor to Duterte, said Trump's plan to bring back jobs is at the expense of consumers' benefits.

After the United States announced its formal withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), ASEAN countries, among which four countries - Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam - are also TPP participants are the first to call for the promotion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

It is believed that ASEAN would like to conclude negotiations of RCEP in 2017 to coincide with its 50th anniversary, but still, some analysts urged for cautious optimism.

"There's also been a growth in protectionist sentiments in several ASEAN countries, most notably in Indonesia. This calls for a more vigorous push by several key ASEAN countries," said Lockman.

Moreover, the China-proposed "Belt and Road" initiative has grabbed the attention of ASEAN leaders, among whom seven ASEAN leaders or heads of state will attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing next month.

Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow with S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, said ASEAN should serve as a super transit point for the advancement of "Belt and Road" considering its geographical location and its diversity in culture and races.

"ASEAN can also become an example to let the world see how to better strengthen bilateral ties with China," said Oh.

As for the disunity criticism leveled at ASEAN, Oh said that is exactly the strength of ASEAN, which with its resiliency knows when to accommodate differences and when to push for consensus.

"Such a resilient combination will help make ASEAN lead a long life -- now it's 50 years old. I believe we will see its next 50 years," he said.
YANGON, April 29 (Xinhua) -- A total of 19 people were killed and 21 others injured in a passenger bus crash on the Asian Highway in Kayin state in southeastern Myanmar, official sources confirmed Saturday.

With more than 40 people on board, the air-conditioned bus that ran on the route of Zayatkyi-Taungoo-Myawaddy fell into a 30-meter-deep ravine due to brake failure at around 10:45 a.m local time Friday.

The injured have been brought to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment, the sources added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 12:56:38|Editor: An

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (C F) speaks during a ministerial meeting of the UN Security Council on the nuclear issue of the Korean Peninsular, at the UN headquarters in New York April 28, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday stressed two directions in dealing with the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, at the UN Security Council Ministerial Meeting on the Non-Proliferation/the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Addressing the meeting, Wang said that "we must stay committed to the goal of denuclearization."

"All parties should comprehensively understand and fully implement DPRK-related Security Council resolutions," he said.

The foreign minister said that denuclearization is the basic precondition for long-term peace and stability on the peninsula and "what we must accomplish to safeguard the international nuclear non-proliferation regime."

The Security Council held a special meeting Friday to discuss the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres briefed the meeting, which was chaired by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council this month.

Wang and foreign ministers or vice foreign ministers of Britain, Russia, Senegal and Japan, attended the meeting.

"The continued escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula in the recent period has caused widespread concerns and worries of the international community," said Wang.

"If the issue of the Peninsula fails to be put under effective control and in the case of unexpected events, the situation is highly likely to take a drastic turn for the worse and spiral out of control," he added.

All the 15 members of the Security Council addressed the Security Council focusing on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula and the implementation of relevant UN resolutions.

South Korean media said that on Saturday morning, the DPRK testfired a mid-range ballistic missile that apparently failed shortly after launch.

At the UN Security Council special meeting, Wang stressed in his address the significance of continued commitment to dialogue and negotiation on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

"We must stay committed to the path of dialogue and negotiation," the Chinese foreign minister said.

"The use of force does not resolve differences, and will only lead to bigger disasters," Wang noted, adding that "as the only way out, dialogue and negotiation also represent the sensible choice for all parties."

"Our past experience of resolving the nuclear issue on the Peninsula shows, whenever dialogue and negotiation were ongoing, the situation on the Peninsula would maintain basic stability and efforts toward denuclearization could make progress," said the minister.

He recalled the five years between 2003 and 2007 when the parties were engaged in dialogue and negotiation, and three joint documents were adopted, noting "In particular, the September 19th Joint Statement in 2005 set out the roadmap for the DPRK's abandonment of all nuclear programs and the realization of peace on the Peninsula."

"Even today, the Joint Statement still carries major positive significance, and has been reaffirmed and acknowledged by all DPRK-related resolutions of the Security Council," Wang said.

Noting that China is not a focal point of the problem on the Peninsula, Wang noted that "the key to solving the nuclear issue on the Peninsula does not lie in the hands of the Chinese side."

"China has over the years made unremitting efforts and played a unique role in promoting a negotiated solution of the issue," said Wang, adding that "it was through China's efforts and the support of all parties that the Three-Party Talks on the Peninsula nuclear issue was expanded to the Six-Party Talks."

"Under the current circumstances, China is still prepared to work with all parties to make new contributions to the resolution of the nuclear issue on the Peninsula," the minister stressed.

In his address to the meeting, Guterres warned that armed conflict in Northeast Asia "would have global ramifications."

"We must act now to prevent conflict and achieve sustainable peace," he told the open meeting.

Guterres condemned "in the strongest terms" the repeated violations of the relevant Security Council resolutions by the DPRK.

Echoing the UN chief, the Chinese foreign minister said that "we urge the DPRK to stop its nuclear and missile development activities, come back to its commitment of denuclearization and honor its denuclearization obligations."

The minister also called on all parties to remain calm and exercise restraint and avoid provocative rhetoric or actions that would lead to miscalculation.

Tillerson opened the meeting with a statement calling on all member states to enforce the existing sanctions, halt or downgrade diplomatic relations with the DPRK, and increase the country's isolation with new sanctions and with a tightening of existing measures.

He said that all options would remain on the table to counter the DPRK action with military action if necessary.

On Saturday, the DPRK test-fired a ballistic missile, which exploded shortly after liftoff, according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency.

It conducted a hydrogen bomb test and a nuclear warhead explosion test on Jan. 6 and Sept. 9 of 2016, respectively. The Security Council adopted resolutions on March 2 and Nov. 30 of 2016, respectively, demanding that the DPRK abandon its nuclear weapon and missile programs and imposing sanctions on it.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 13:16:43|Editor: An

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (2nd R) meets with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (2nd L) at the UN headquarters in New York, April 28, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday met with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on the sidelines of a Security Council ministerial meeting on the Korean Peninsula's nuclear issue.

On bilateral ties, Wang said that the historical meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida was a complete success.

China-U.S. relations have thus achieved a smooth transition with a good start, a positive sign that the two sides are willing to cooperate for the well-being of the two peoples and to jointly contribute to world peace, he said.

Wang noted that close communication between leaders of the two countries plays an important and leading role in the development of bilateral ties.

In this regard, the two sides need to cooperate closely to make preparations for Trump's state visit to China this year, he added.

Noting that China and the United States have established four high-level dialogue mechanisms, Wang said that the two sides should move forward to reach more consensuses and manage differences well so as to ensure the healthy and stable development of bilateral ties.

For his part, Tillerson expressed gratitude to Wang for attending the ministerial meeting in New York.

Tillerson said that the United States spoke highly of the important meeting between the presidents of the two countries at Mar-a-Lago, which has guaranteed the smooth transition of U.S.-China relations and enhanced mutual trust.

The two sides have launched cooperation in a constructive way on international and regional issues including the nuclear issue of the Korean Peninsula, by which the United States is encouraged, he said.

The United States is looking forward to working with China to hold high-level dialogues in various areas, enhance communication, strengthen cooperation and confront challenges, he added.

The two sides agreed that in face of the escalating tension on the Korean Peninsula, it is necessary and timely to convene such a meeting on this matter at the Security Council.

All parties have agreed that the current situation on the Korean Peninsula poses a challenge, said the two sides.

All parties have reiterated the goal of denuclearization and have promised to strictly implement relevant Security Council resolutions and to resolve the issue through peaceful dialogue and negotiation so as to ease tensions as soon as possible, said the two sides.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 13:36:46|Editor: ying

File photo taken on April 20, 2017 shows U.S. President Donald Trump attends a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni (not in picture) at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States.(Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

WASHINGTON, April 28 (Xinhua) -- As his milestone 100th day in office nears, U.S. President Donald Trump has been bustling about making progress on his agenda. One of these latest efforts is the hasty introduction of the one-page tax reform proposals.

The tax plan which was released this week is far short of details, but has mirrored closely what Trump promised during the election campaign: big tax cuts for businesses and individuals.

It has long been the consensus in the United States that the country's tax system has contributed to anemic economic recovery and should be reformed. However, how to reform the system while addressing the country's already historically-high debt is at the center of the debate.

"The proposals are mainly supply-side in nature, meaning cuts to marginal tax rates and other changes designed to increase economic growth," said Chris Edwards, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute.

He downplayed effects of tax reform on the federal deficit, arguing that deep corporate rate cut to 15 percent from 35 percent could help enlarge the corporate tax base, which would mean that the government would lose little revenue in the long term.

However, the tax plan has drawn doubts about its impact on the country's federal deficit, because it skipped answers to an important question: how to make up for the government revenue loss in face of the big tax cuts.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said at a press briefing this week that the tax plan will pay for itself with growth, reduction of different deductions and closing loopholes.

"The plan includes far more details on how the administration would cut taxes than on how they would pay for those cuts," said the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB), a nonpartisan watchdog group.

It estimated that the plan would cause a total of 5.5 trillion U.S. dollars in revenue loss over a decade, and would boost the country's debt to GDP ratio to 111 percent by 2027, a sharp increase from the current 77 percent of gross domestic product, a record high after World War II.

"The country would need roughly 4.5 percent sustained growth to pay for the entire tax plan," said the CRFB. However, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office expected the U.S. economy to grow at an annual average rate of 1.9 percent over the next decade.

Without adequate offsets, tax reform could drive up the federal debt, harming economic growth instead of boosting it, said the CRFB.

Some conservative think tanks also doubted Mnuchin's claim that the tax plan could pay for itself with growth.

"The absence of base-broadeners means that, taken at face value, it would create large and permanent deficits," said Douglas Holtz-Eakin, president of American Action Forum, a conservative think tank.

As the plan could add large deficits, policymakers need to open up the tax code in search for more revenue, which could lose the benefits of tax reform in the process, said Holtz-Eakin.

He added that it's not possible to pass a bill that creates long-term deficits, and the provisions would likely just be temporary instead of permanent. "Two years of tax cuts is no tax reform," said the expert.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 14:01:50|Editor: ying

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LONDON, April 28 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Theresa May said Friday that Britain stands steadfast in its condemnation of the destabilizing activity of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

In statement issued through Downing Street, May said the DPRK continues to take provocative action in the Asia-Pacific region. "In the face of this belligerence we stand steadfast in our condemnation of such destabilizing activity," she said.

"Their nuclear and missile tests are a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and international obligations, and a risk to global peace and stability," she said.

May made the remarks after she held bilateral talks with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday.

Britain and Japan will continue to work with international community to maitain pressure on DPRK and work towards a peaceful solution, May said.

May also said she updated Abe on Britain's preparations for Brexit and reiterated the determination to make sure Britain remains the best place in Europe to run businessEnditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 14:06:53|Editor: ying

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HAVANA, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Cuba's government has approved a national plan to combat climate change, which it calls a threat to sustainable development, state daily Granma reported on Friday.

"Aiming to counter the possible damage to our country from climate change over the next few years, the Council of Ministers approved ... a state plan to tackle the phenomenon," said the report.

Climate change "is exacerbating and is going to exacerbate environmental problems, becoming a decisive factor in sustainable development," it said, citing Minister of Science, Technology and Environment Elba Rosa Perez Montoya.

Following the devastating effects of Hurricane Charley in 2004, the Caribbean state has stepped up scientific studies on the risks associated with global warming, laying the groundwork for a "megaproject" to safeguard the island's coastal communities.

Dubbed "Life Task," the national plan foresees "progressive investment" in the short to long term, 2020 through 2100, on measures to protect the island from and to adapt to climate change.

Some of the concrete measures outlined in the plan include banning the construction of new housing or settlements along the coast, reducing crop cultivation near coasts, promoting the efficient use of water in case of drought, and designing reforestation programs for the maximum protection of soil from erosion.

Global warming not only raises average temperatures, but also leads to more severe weather events, such as powerful hurricanes, nine of which have hit Cuba since 2001.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 14:11:55|Editor: ying

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OTTAWA, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Canada on Friday announced removing conditional permanent residence in a move to benefit people such as sponsored spouses or partners of Canadian citizens, and permanent residents to live with their sponsors for two years in order to keep their permanent resident status.

"Removing conditional permanent residence is another example of the Government's commitment for family reunification and making it easier for immigrants to build successful lives in Canada," said Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Ahmed Hussen.

This change applies to anyone who is subject to the requirement, as well as to new spouses and partners who are sponsored as permanent residents, according to the Canadian ministry of immigration.

The change addresses concerns that vulnerable sponsored spouses or partners may stay in abusive relationships because they are afraid of losing their permanent resident status even though an exception to the condition existed for those types of situations.

The change also supports family reunification, which is a key immigration commitment of the government. Removing the condition recognizes that the majority of marriages are genuine and most spousal sponsorship applications are made in good faith.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 14:16:56|Editor: ying

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CARACAS, April 28 (Xinhua) -- More Latin American countries on Friday threw their support behind Venezuela's decision to withdraw from the Organization of American States (OAS).

Member states of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA) issued a statement saying they back Venezuela's "historic" move to renounce the hemispheric bloc for its biased stance towards the country's economic and political crises.

Exiting the OAS is "a sovereign and historic decision in defense of its independence," the group said.

The statement comes a day after ALBA member Cuba on Thursday endorsed Venezuela's decision and described the OAS as an "instrument of imperialist domination in the hemisphere."

Far from helping to promote integration or to peacefully resolve conflicts in the Americas, the Washington D.C.-based bloc "conspires and subverts governments genuinely and legitimately constituted with the backing of the people," Cuban government said.

Venezuela's decision follows repeated attempts by OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro to sanction its socialist government for allegedly violating democratic norms, and his open support for Venezuelan right-wing opposition groups.

ALBA gathers Venezuela and Cuba, as well as Bolivia, Nicaragua, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Ecuador, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada.

Venezuela on Thursday announced that it will make its withdrawal from the OAS official.

The move comes after OAS members voted on Wednesday to hold a meeting of foreign affairs ministers to debate Venezuela's political and economic crises, despite the country's objections.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 14:21:57|Editor: ying

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MADRID, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The Madrid City Council on Friday voted on a motion aimed at changing the names of 52 streets, squares and public spaces that embody the fascist dictatorship of Francisco Franco, who ruled Spain from 1939 until his death in late 1975.

The voting was held after a municipal investigation established that the change of the names was in line with the 2007 Historical Memory Law.

The Madrid City Hall has promised to offer compensation to the 50,000 residents and 2,000 businesses that will be affected by the change of the names.
Montana has been called the Last Best Place, and to me, it is much more than a mere slogan. Growing up in Cut Bank, the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains was the breathtaking backdrop of my youth, and in a matter of minutes, one could be hiking through some of the most beautiful landscapes our world has to offer.

For all of my life, I have treasured the time I have spent in the mountains, and this is why I have come to love Montanas wild and beautiful wide open spaces.

Our outdoor way of life is what makes Montanans who we are. It doesnt matter if youre from the Eastern or Western side of the state and it doesnt matter if youre a Republican, Democrat, Independent, or Libertarian  this is a common value we all share.

It is our constitutional right to access our public lands, rivers and streams, but politicians in Washington, D.C. don't understand what the rest of us do. They want to transfer public lands to the state, which will lead to selling them off to the highest bidder.

The transfer and eventual sale of public land is nothing more than theft against our children and grandchildren and I steadfastly oppose it.

This is a clear difference between me and my opponent, Greg Gianforte.

Just a few years after he moved here from New Jersey, Gianforte bought land in the Gallatin Valley and sued the state to close off a public stream access site near his mansion.

And even more troubling, he has given tens of thousands of dollars to special interest groups such as Americans for Prosperity, the Heritage Foundation and the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC), groups whose main goal has been to privatize our national forests, sell off our public lands and take away Montanans stream access.

With a record like that, how can we trust a millionaire politician to look out for our Montana way of life when he's surrounded by fellow millionaires in Congress? This will not serve.

I will oppose any effort to transfer or sell our public lands. Period.

Ill also work to fully fund and permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which protects even more outdoor areas at no cost to taxpayers.

I'll work to make sure that forest fires are treated like other natural disasters and theres a budget to fight them, instead of raiding the Forest Service's budget each year.

And I'll work with the timber industry, conservationists and sportsmen to better manage our federal forests. Like with other issues, managing our forests should start from the ground up so we can protect more places while also putting more Montanans back to work in our forests.

Ive been representing and listening to Montanans my whole life. I will stand against any politicians, out-of-state millionaires and corporate special interests that want to take away what makes Montana great.

This election is truly a fight for the soul of Montana, and it is one that we must win!
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 14:52:02|Editor: Song Lifang

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The first London-Yiwu cargo train carrying British products arrives at Yiwu West Station in Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 29, 2017. London is the 15th European city on an expanding map of destinations for China's rail cargo. The first Chinese freight train arrived in London in January. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng)

BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The first freight train traveling from Britain back to China reached its destination in eastern China's Yiwu city on Saturday after a 19 day journey, according to the China Railway Corporation (CRC).

The trans-continental freight train, loaded with 32 containers, mainly carrying maternity products and soft drinks, departed from London on April 10.

Having traveled more than 12,000 kilometers, it passed through seven countries before reaching the Chinese manufacturing and trade hub where small goods such as homeware, garments and souvenirs are made.

London is the 15th city in Europe added to China-Europe freight train services. The first Chinese freight train arrived in London in January.

The China-Britain freight service paves a safe and efficient trade route by land, strengthening bilateral trade ties and better serving the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, according to the CRC.

China now has express freight services to 28 European cities. Since March 2011, more than 3,500 trips have been made. The figure should rise to 5,000 by 2020.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 15:22:05|Editor: Tian Shaohui

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by Xinhua writer Zhu Dongyang

BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, U.S. President Donald Trump's presidency marks its first 100 days on Saturday.

Recent days have seen the Trump administration soften its previous ultra-tough stance on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) nuclear plan to a somewhat measured approach.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, defense chief James Mattis and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats said Trump seeks to denuclearize Pyongyang by "pursuing diplomatic measures with ... regional partners," adding that "we remain open to negotiations."

Since he arrived at the White House, the new leader in Washington has repeatedly cautioned the DPRK against its nuclear ambitions. Trump's decision to bomb Syria and Afghanistan has lent some credit to his administration's threat that "all options are on the table" to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.

To pressure the DPRK harder, the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group of the U.S. navy is nearing the peninsula. Washington is also mulling to slap a new round of United Nations (UN)-sponsored sanctions against the East Asian country and hinted at the possibility of placing the DPRK back on the list of the terror sponsors.

The DPRK has not budged. Sok Chol Won, a DPRK official with the country's Academy of Social Sciences, told CNN on Wednesday that as long as the United States continues its hostile acts of aggression, Pyongyang will never stop conducting nuclear and missile tests. One day earlier, Pyongyang undertook its biggest-ever live-fire exercises.

As the two adversaries seem to be locked in a tit-for-tat vicious cycle, both sides need to tread cautiously not to ignite another war in the region.

For starters, Washington may need to terminate the state of war on the Peninsula and start to seriously address Pyongyang's major security concerns so that it can rest assured that its government will not be in jeopardy once it drops its nuclear program.

The United States also needs to demonstrate flexibility in policies and tangible efforts similar to Beijing's proposals.

Also, while China is doing what it can to join the international community in cooling down the situation, the Trump administration needs to reconsider Beijing's security concerns and firm rejections against the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system Washington is installing in South Korea.

The DPRK also needs to offer a solid reason for the United States to change its punitive policy to a more communicative tone. The most pressing task for Pyongyang at the moment and beyond is to stimulate domestic economic development, not to attempt atomic blasts.

If both sides fail to make such necessary concessions, then not only will the two countries, but the whole region and the whole world end up paying a heavy price for a possible confrontation.

During his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Mar-a-Lago resort in the U.S. state of Florida earlier this month, President Trump said Xi explained Korea's history to him, which made him realize it is "not easy" to handle the situation on the Peninsula.

As the Trump administration passes the 100-day mark, it needs to further appreciate the complexity of regional tensions, and exercise enough patience and cool-headedness to join other parties concerned in navigating the tough situation on the Korean Peninsula.

Related:

Trump follows Obama-plus strategy in dealing with DPRK issue: experts

WASHINGTON, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, U.S. President Donald Trump is pursuing a policy somewhat like his predecessor Barack Obama, albeit one that is more direct, U.S. experts said.

Trump has in recent days re-directed a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group to the area in a bid to send a signal both to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and to its allies in the region, after the DPRK's recent missile test launch and heightened rhetoric between Washington and Pyongyang. Full Story
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 15:27:06|Editor: Tian Shaohui

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (C F) speaks during a ministerial meeting of the UN Security Council on the nuclear issue of the Korean Peninsular, at the UN headquarters in New York April 28, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

by Xinhua writer Gu Zhenqiu

UNITED NATIONS, April 28 (Xinhua) -- More efforts should be made to achieve denuclearization and sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula, which has witnessed a continued escalation of tensions over the past months.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Saturday reportedly test-fired a ballistic missile, which exploded after liftoff. Its repeated nuclear tests and missile launches have violated relevant Security Council resolutions, thus drawing strong condemnation of the international community.

"We must stay committed to the goal of denuclearization," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Friday during an open meeting on the peninsula's nuclear issue, attended by top diplomats of the United Nations (UN) Security Council member states and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

"Denuclearization is the basic precondition for long-term peace and stability on the peninsula and what we must accomplish to safeguard the international nuclear non-proliferation regime," he said.

"No matter what happens, we should never waiver in our commitment," Wang said, reiterating China's clear-cut position regarding the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

Meanwhile, all parties need to comprehensively understand and fully implement the DPRK-related resolutions adopted by the Security Council, which has the primary responsibility for maintaining peace and security in the world as a whole.

Miscalculation and misunderstanding can originate from a lack of communication among parties concerned, increasing the possibility that the situation would take a drastic turn for the worse and spiral out of control.

"The absence of communication channels with the DPRK is dangerous," Guterres said. "Armed conflict in Northeast Asia, which is home to one fifth of the world's people and gross domestic product, would have global ramifications."

"We need to avoid miscalculation and misunderstanding" and "act now to prevent conflict and achieve sustainable peace," as Guterres put it.

The DPRK should refrain from further nuclear testing, comply with the relevant Security Council resolutions, and explore the resumption of dialogue.

At the same time, the United States and South Korea also need to do their part to defuse tensions and eventually achieve denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula by stopping military threats and deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea.

As Wang said, the controversial deployment "is detrimental to achieving denuclearization and maintaining long-term stability on the Peninsula."

The latest developments on the peninsula highlighted an imperative need for all concerned parties to return to peaceful negotiations within the framework of the Six-Party Talks, which brought together representatives of the DPRK, South Korea, China, the United States, Russia and Japan.

Early resumption of the Six-Party Talks can also help boost these world efforts to avoid worsening tensions and encourage dialogues among the relevant parties.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 15:37:09|Editor: Tian Shaohui

China's second aircraft carrier is transferred from dry dock into the water at a launch ceremony in Dalian shipyard of the China Shipbuilding Industry Corp. in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, April 26, 2017. The new carrier, the first domestically-built one, came after the Liaoning, a refitted former Soviet Union-made carrier that was put into commission in the Navy of the Chinese People's Liberation Army in 2012. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

by Xinhua writer Chen Shilei

BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- In history, the rise of big powers was realized via expansion and aggression. But today, the rise of China is an exception. It is peaceful.

Unfortunately, the West never abandons its illusion about the so-called threat from China and sticks to its prejudice against China's moves of benign intention.

China launched a new aircraft carrier on Wednesday in a shipyard in Dalian of Liaoning province in northeastern China. It was the first home-made aircraft carrier of the country.

The launch of the indigenous carrier aims to enhance China's role as a defender of peace and stability in the region and the world at large.

However, the move was viewed by some Western observers as a "display of power" and an effort to "get China in the aircraft carrier game." Some media reports even compared the Chinese carrier with its U.S. peers.

On the contrary, for China, a country which strictly abides by a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, it has no intentions to project its military might to deter any country within the region and globally.

China has no interest in joining any "aircraft carrier game," either, because an arms race, as history has proven, will only bring the world to the brink of war.

China's military buildup is primarily aimed at defending its national sovereignty, territorial integrity and growing overseas interests.

Currently there are nearly 30,000 overseas-registered Chinese-funded enterprises and millions of Chinese nationals working and living overseas, while a large number of cargo ships on key international waterways are either carrying Chinese goods or somehow related to China.

Therefore, China has every reason to enhance its defense capabilities to protect its legitimate overseas interests.

Moreover, the development of China's national defense forces, including the navy, will help the country better fulfill its responsibilities of safeguarding world peace.

In fact, China's military might does not accord with its status as a major global country: It is the last permanent member of the United Nations (UN) Security Council to possess aircraft carriers.

Therefore, China's capability of designing and building a home-made carrier simply means a stride in the effort to match its military power with its economic development and defense needs.

There are more similar examples of misinterpretation and even distortions.

For instance, China's construction efforts on some islands in the South China Sea, which aim to improve the working and living conditions of the personnel on the islands, to provide better public service for ships passing the waters nearby, and to deploy necessary defense facilities to safeguard its territory, have been misinterpreted as moves to aggravate regional tensions.

Likewise, the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to build a trade and infrastructure network along and beyond the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, offers opportunities for cooperation and development for all countries amid a sluggish world economy. But the initiative has been distorted as "China's Marshall Plan."

As a matter of fact, since the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949, China has been sticking to the path of peaceful development as it fully values the preciousness of independence and peace after having suffered more than a century of imperialist aggression and oppression.

Like an old Chinese saying telling people not to impose on others what one does not desire, China will never bring other countries the agony it once suffered and remains committed to safeguarding world peace with practical efforts.

China is the biggest peacekeeping contributor among five UN Security Council permanent members in terms of number of personnel. More than 30,000 Chinese peacekeepers have served overseas since China started to participate in peacekeeping missions in 1990.

Those who assume China will deviate from its path of peaceful development and adopt an expansionist strategy are simply wrong.

It is advisable that the West discard its old-fashioned mindset of "China threat," as China's peaceful rise needs not only its own efforts but also a friendly external environemnt that facilitates coordination and cooperation from other countries. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 15:47:10|Editor: ying

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PYONGYANG, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Saturday accused South Korea of more intrusions into what it calls its territorial waters in the Yellow Sea.

Intrusions by South Korean naval warships "have recently been on explosive increase" and "twice as many as what happened in March alone," said the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The increased infiltrations are intended to make the Northern Limit Line a fait accompli, it said.

The Northern Limit Line, or NLL, is a disputed maritime demarcation line in the Yellow Sea between the DPRK and South Korea. As the DPRK has never officially recognized the NLL, the navies of the two countries patrol the area regularly.

Pyongyang's accusation on Saturday was made amid growing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

The DPRK has carried out several nuclear tests and test fired ballistic missiles against UN Security Council resolutions. The United States and South Korea are conducting joint military exercises. In addition, the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier strike group is arriving in the area.

The DPRK on Saturday test-fired a ballistic missile, but failed, according to the South Korean military.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 15:47:11|Editor: Tian Shaohui

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by Xinhua writers Chen Yongrong, Liu Xin

BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Even in his wildest dreams, Wu Zhen never expected to run a business with annual sales of 100 million yuan (about 14.5 million U.S. dollars) when he started his cross-border online store in 2015.

But two years later, his maternity childcare shop on Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com has gone beyond his expectations. The U.S.-based online store has easily achieved its first-quarter sales target, and Wu is confident of promising full-year results.

Wu used to do domestic business in China, but sales volumes were not comparable with his cross-border business.

He realized that his growing business was closely related to the Belt and Road Initiative, a China-proposed transnational network of trade, investment and economic development.

Wu and his colleagues make purchases from the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and then send them to bonded areas in China for stocking.

"There were only two bonded warehouses serving JD.com's cross-border e-commerce in 2015, and now there are seven," Wu said.

JD.com has noticed the vast opportunities brought by the Belt and Road Initiative, which is expected to include more than 60 percent of the world's population and more than one-third of global economic output.

By 2016, JD.com opened 256 major warehouses across the country, covering most of the domestic key cities along the Belt and Road Initiative, including Shanghai, Xi'an and Chengdu.

According to data from the Ministry of Commerce, cross-border e-commerce turnover in China has grown by about 30 percent a year from 2008 to 2015. In 2016, total turnover reached 6.3 trillion yuan.

Instead of preparing shipments after receiving orders, robust sales allow retailers to keep sufficient inventory in domestic warehouses, so that customers do not have to spend weeks waiting for goods to be shipped overseas.

For retailers like Wu, the Belt and Road Initiative has made shipping across continents easier.

Using the China-Europe rail network, a crucial part of the Belt and Road Initiative, JD.com has cut the time transporting auto supplies from Germany to southwest China by half compared with sea routes. It now takes just two weeks.

China now has express freight services to 28 European cities. Since March 2011, more than 3,500 trips have been made, and the figure should rise to 5,000 by 2020.

"We are confident of the logistics system," said Qi Ting, JD Worldwide General Manager.

The further opening up to overseas markets has brought the number of product brands available at JD Worldwide Service to over 20,000, covering more than 70 countries and regions, according to Qi.

"They range from food and body care to home appliance and auto supplies," Qi said, revealing that JD Worldwide Service outperformed all other departments of JD.com, with three-digit growth, last year.

"It has become a lifestyle for more Chinese people to buy overseas products online," she said.

Besides traditionally popular exporters such as Europe and the United States, Chinese e-commerce has seen growing interest in products from Belt and Road countries, such as pillows and rice from Thailand, and electronics from Israel.

According to a report jointly issued by DT Caijing and AliResearch, the research arm of Alibaba Group, one of JD.com's major domestic rivals, in 2016, nearly 280,000 latex pillows from Thailand were sold through Alibaba's cross-border retailing site Tmall Global.

The sales volume of Thai products at Tmall Global jumped 152 percent year on year in 2016. The huge demand of latex pillow from China has even driven up natural rubber prices by three to four times in Thailand, a strong lift for local farmers' income, the report said.

"We are also looking into products from western Asia, as well as eastern and central Europe," Qi said.

She said her company was actively seeking cooperation with a dozen brands from Belt and Road countries in accordance with domestic consumer demand.

In the next five years, JD.com is planning to open more than 20 overseas warehouses to store and transfer goods from over 100 countries and regions including those along the Belt and Road Initiative. It has already taken a further step into the Belt and Road market by starting an e-commerce business in Indonesia.

By 2020, trade volume through cross-border e-commerce will account for 37.6 percent of China's total exports and imports, making it a significant part of China's foreign trade, research agency CI Consulting predicted.

Cross-border e-commerce cooperation has brought China and Belt and Road countries closer, and the benefits will extend not only to trade, but also to sectors such as the Internet and e-commerce, said the DT Caijing-AliResearch report.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 16:02:13|Editor: Tian Shaohui

File photo taken on July 16, 2016 shows Donald Trump speaking at a campaign event in New York, the United States. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

WASHINGTON, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Saturday marks the 100th day of Donald Trump's office as the 45th president of the United States. Following are the key events in the 100 days:

Jan. 20 -- Trump is sworn in as president amid protests. His election reflects division in the U.S. society.

Jan. 27 -- Trump signs his first executive order to ban the entry into the United States by people from seven Muslim-majority countries. The order and a subsequent watered-down version of the ban is blocked by federal judges.

Feb. 13 -- Trump's National Security Advisor Michael Flynn resigns for inappropriate connections to Russia prior to Trump's inauguration.

Feb. 28 -- Trump makes his first speech to a joint session of Congress, which is widely credited by pundits and U.S. media as a success. Trump is thought to be "presidential" for the first time.

March 24 -- Trump's first attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, fails when House Republicans decide not to present a draft bill for voting as a result of lack of support within their own party.

April 7 -- Trump meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Florida. The meeting is widely perceived as a positive engagement between the two leaders, which will create favorable conditions for the development of the bilateral ties.

April 7 -- Trump orders a missile strike on Syria in response to the alleged use of chemical weapons by government troops. The forceful move is applauded by hawkish lawmakers, but raises concerns on how far Trump would go to interfere with the Syrian conflict.

April 10 -- Neil Gorsuch is sworn in as a Supreme Court justice, ending a year-long vacancy at the country's top judicial institution and inevitably turning the seven-member bench to be more conservative. Gorsuch's nomination is considered a major win for Trump.

April 26 -- The Trump administration unveils a tax cut plan that is dubbed the biggest tax cut in U.S. history. Corporate tax will be reduced to 15 percent from 35 percent, along with steep cuts in income tax. Analysts say such deep cuts will probably push up the federal deficit.

Related:

Trump's tax plan draws doubts about impact on federal deficit

WASHINGTON, April 28 (Xinhua) -- As his milestone 100th day in office nears, U.S. President Donald Trump has been bustling about making progress on his agenda.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 16:37:19|Editor: ying

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BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Air China, the country's national flag carrier, will launch two direct routes in June to connect Beijing with Kazakhstan's capital Astana and Swiss financial hub Zurich.

Beijing-Astana round-trip flights will begin on June 1, ahead of the 2017 World Expo to be held in the Kazakhstani capital. An Airbus 320 aircraft will fly between the two cities on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

The inaugural flight from Beijing to Zurich will take off on June 7, according to Air China. The Zurich-bound flight will leave Beijing on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and return five and half hours after its arrival in Zurich.

The airline currently conducts direct flights between Beijing and Swiss city Geneva. It expects the new route to bring more convenience to those traveling between China and Switzerland.

To boost regional connectivity and integration, Air China has launched a number of new routes connecting China with countries along the Belt and Road in the past two years, including flights between Beijing and the cities of Minsk, Warsaw, Colombo, Islamabad and Mumbai.
WINDHOEK, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's northern parts are currently experiencing a critical water supply shortage due to damage caused by floods to a water canal that supplies to most of the areas.

Namibia's water supply authority NamWater on Friday said that all the towns and areas south of Oshakati such as Ongwediva, Ondangwa, Oniipa, Omuthiya and the whole of the Ohangwena Region do not have water.

NamWater's Head of PR and Communication, Johannes Shigwedha said the water utility has over the past few days tried to repair the canal, but because of muddy and wet grounds, the equipment has not been very effective.

According to Shigwedha, the situation has forced NamWater to resort to harvesting the Oshana waters for purification.

"While this option has somehow worked better in the past, this year the water utility is struggling to clean the Oshana water as the quality is very bad. As a result, out of what NamWater is able to get from Oshanas, 40 percent of water that comes through for purification is lost. At the end, the product that finally comes out as purified water is very little for adequate supply," he said.

Meanwhile, NamWater is in the process of mobilizing emergency supply to all critical areas such as hospitals and community points using water tankers.

"A minimum of 300 people will be recruited to work on the canal and the situation is being closely monitored from the office of the CEO to ensure this work is done within the shortest possible time," he added.
Hi, here is what's not to miss about China for the last 24 hours.

Graphics shows the launch procedure of China's first cargo spacecraft Tianzhou-1 on April 20, 2017. (Xinhua/Ma Yan)

BEIJING -- China plans to conduct several manned space flights from 2019 to 2022, during which a 60-tonne space station will be assembled and built, said Wang Zhaoyao, director of China's manned space program office, Friday.

"Tianzhou-1, China's first cargo spacecraft, was the last flight mission of the country's manned space program before the construction of a permanent space station," Wang said at a press conference.

----

UNITED NATIONS -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday met with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on the sidelines of a Security Council ministerial meeting on the Korean Peninsula's nuclear issue.

On bilateral ties, Wang said that the historical meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida was a complete success.

----

NAIVASHA, Kenya -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday hailed Chinese government for its assistance in boosting geothermal power production in the country.

Kenyatta said the Chinese have extended financial and technical expertise that has made Kenya become a leading geothermal electricity producer.

----

BEIJING -- Chinese police caught over 4,200 suspects for theft of personal information in 2016, with over 1,800 cases solved, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

The police also managed to track more than 30 billion stolen personal information items last year, while nearly 100 of the suspects were hackers.

----

BEIJING -- Alibaba's four-year-old Yu'e Bao surpassed JPMorgan's U.S. government money market fund to become the world's largest, according to the Financial Times.

With 165.6 billion U.S. dollars under management, the Yu'e Bao fund has grown rapidly, reflecting the increasing importance and irreplaceable role of technology and e-commerce in China.
I fell in love with Montana more than 40 years ago, while visiting Red Lodge and backpacking in the Beartooth Mountains on a class trip.

A few years later, I came back to Montana to hike 10 days in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, from Spotted Bear all the way to Lincoln. After this trip, I knew Montana was going to be the place where I made my life and raised my family.

My wife, Susan, and I chose Montana because of our states public lands. We raised our family in Bozeman hunting, fishing, and backpacking. One of the most rewarding experiences of our lives together has been exploring our public lands and passing along these Montana traditions to our children.

As an avid outdoorsman and sportsman, I know how important our public lands are to our Montana way of life. Thats why I believe Montanas public lands need to stay in public hands. I will oppose any effort to transfer our public lands to the state or to sell them off to the highest bidder.

Our public lands are a treasure that should be enjoyed by all Montanans. Thats why its so important that we continue working together to protect them.

Over the past few months, Ive had the opportunity to meet with local business owners, county commissioners, state legislators, and community members to hear their concerns about the proposed mines in Paradise Valley just outside Yellowstone Park.

Because of the near universal concern from these communities and the potential impact on our public lands and Yellowstone National Park, I oppose the development of the Emigrant and Crevice mines. Not every location is the right location for a mine.

Thats why I will also fight for the permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund to help preserve and expand access for Montanans to hunt, fish, and recreate on public lands. And you can always count on me to fight back when Washington bureaucrats try and lock us out from accessing our public lands.

I also look forward to continuing to explore collaborative approaches to state and local management of our public lands. I strongly disagree with the misguided policy of simply letting our forests burn. As Montanas next congressman, I will work to bring all stakeholders together to address comprehensive forest reform for our state.

Healthier forests mean more wildlife and hunting opportunities, putting our timber workers back to work again, and reducing the threat of wildfires we face each summer. Thats what I call a triple win for Montana.

I truly believe we have a solemn obligation to be good stewards of our public lands and to preserve them for the next generation. The beauty our public lands have to offer cant be matched. I will always be on Montanas side and will fight tirelessly to protect our public lands.
South African President Jacob Zuma addresses a business meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, Nov. 3, 2016. (Xinhua)

CAPE TOWN, April 29 (Xinhua) -- South African President Jacob Zuma has assured business leaders that there would be no economic policy changes following the recent cabinet reshuffle, the Presidency said on Saturday.

Zuma made the assurance at a meeting with business leaders in Pretoria on Friday, according to the Presidency.

"The President indicated that the governing party, the ANC, discusses and finalizes policies at its national conference every five years, and that all policies thus remain the same, with the difference being possible in the style and emphasis of each minister with regards to the implementation of the existing policies and programs," presidential spokesperson Bongani Ngqulunga said.

Zuma reshuffled the cabinet on March 31, sacking or replacing 10 ministers and 10 deputy ministers, a move that rattled the financial market and gave rise to concerns about possible economic policy changes.

Zuma had asked to see the CEOs ahead of the World Economic Forum on Africa that will take place in Durban on May 3-5 to discuss the country's approach to the meeting which offers key investment marketing opportunities for the country, according to Ngqulunga.

The CEOs used the opportunity to table issues that are of concern to them, some of which are in the public domain and related to recent developments in the country and others aimed at improving the way government manages economic entities under its control, which they are keen for the president and government to look into, said Ngqulunga.

Some of the issues that are generally of concern to business leaders include the nuclear program.

The president reiterated that the program would be implemented at a scale and pace that the country could afford, Ngqulunga said.

This was the government's first response to a ruling by the Western Cape High Court on April 26, which declares the nuclear program "unconstitutional and unlawful".

The court ordered the government to set aside the deal which would see the procurement of 9.6 gigawatts of nuclear energy.

The deal is expected to cost one trillion rand (about 77.5 billion US dollars).

Zuma also addressed business concerns over the controversial Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Amendment (MPRDA) Bill, according to Ngqulunga.

The Bill has met with strong opposition from the business circle for the possibility of worsening uncertainty in the mining sector.

The Bill puts massive power in the Mineral Resources Minister's hands in relation to mining deals, allowing the minister to hand out mining rights to friends, cronies or the highest bidder, opponents insist.

Last year, Zuma referred the Bill back to Parliament to attend to the concerns.

The Bill is now being processed by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

"The Bill has not yet been returned to the president by Parliament. He looks forward to its successful processing by the NCOP, as its finalization will contribute towards the ease of doing business in this country," Ngqulunga said.

"Business and government are important pillars in our country that must hold the country together and the two sectors need to be able to work together for the good of the country," Ngqulunga quoted Zuma as telling the business leaders.
NAIROBI, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Kenya Airways (KQ) and Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) have inked a partnership aiming to market the destination to attract more visitors especially from emerging and key source markets to Kenya.

The partnership inked on Saturday entails a global marketing collaboration between KQ and KTB that targets, for the first time, a broad spectrum of leisure and business visitors in various markets especially in Africa.

Kenya Tourism Board Managing Director Betty Radier said most of the consumers already have a strong brand affinity to both KQ and KTB, and would be able to easily relate to joint marketing initiatives and products.

"We seek to drive our tourism development to the next level by leveraging on each other's consumer and trade insights to ensure that travellers have a more in-depth Kenyan experience that meets their needs and wants," said Radier.

Beyond branding the plane, KTB will also brand the aircraft headrests driving brand visibility across all markets the aircraft operates.

The partners will also be jointly investing in the co-development of new products by sharing ideas, knowledge and resources.

The partnership comes at a time the tourism sector has recorded remarkable recovery benefiting from aggressive marketing in the domestic and international markets.

According to the 2017 Economic Survey the sector's earnings increased by 17.8 percent to 997 million U.S. dollars in 2016, compared to 846 million dollars the previous year.

Both KTB and KQ also unveiled the Magical Kenya branding one of the airline's Dreamliner, Boeing 787, in Embakasi. The aircraft mainly ply's the carriers European, Asian and some African routes.

Kenya Airways CEO Mbuvi Ngunze said the partnership with KTB continues to expand the scope of collaboration reflecting their long-term commitment to further promote a flourishing and vibrant tourism industry in Kenya.

"Working closely with KTB as our partners is critical to amplifying Kenya's tourism development and attract more quality visitors," said Ngunze.

He said partnership underscores the importance of the airline in creating linkage between Kenya and the world thus growing the country's economy, especially the tourism sector."

Kenya Airways continues with its expansion in Africa and will in May launch its 54th destination to Victoria Falls, in Zimbabwe.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 18:52:47|Editor: Tian Shaohui

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File photo of EU headquarters in Brussels, capital of Belgium. (Xinhua)

BRUSSELS, April 29 (Xinhua) -- European Council President Donald Tusk said Saturday that the European Union's 27 member states must remain united in Brexit talks.

"We all want a close and strong future relationship with the UK ...... But before discussing the future, we have to sort out our past," he said.

Tusk made the plea ahead of Saturday's EU summit where leaders are expected to adopt guidelines for Brexit negotiations.

The guidelines will define the framework for negotiations with the UK and set out the overall positions and principles that the EU will pursue during the talks.

Leaders of the remaining 27 EU members are meeting for the first time since British Prime Minister Theresa May announced in late March the start of the Brexit process.

Related:

EU27 highlight "trust", "unity" ahead of Brexit summit

BRUSSELS, April 27 (Xinhua)-- The European Union (EU)'s 27 member states on Thursday put the seal on the guidelines of the Brexit talks, Malta's deputy prime minister and minister of European affairs told reporters in Luxembourg in the run-up to the bloc's Brexit summit this weekend.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 19:47:58|Editor: ying

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TEHRAN, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The fourth Iran-Europe Banking and Business Forum kicked off here on Saturday, official IRNA news agency reported.

Different issues including opening Iranian banks in Europe, fighting money laundering and maintaining international standards are among topics to be discussed during the event, president of Iran's Monetary and Banking Research Institute Ali Divandarri said in the event.

Divandarri pointed to Europe as Iran's second trade partner after Asia, expressing hope for the forum to facilitate mutual trade and banking cooperation.

Maintaining international regulations and rules on fighting money laundering is a pre-requisite for resuming ties between Iranian banking network and international systems, he was quoted as saying.

The forum is held twice a year, one hosted by Iran and the other by Germany.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses the crowd during a rally in Ankara, capital of Turkey, on April 2, 2017.(Xinhua Photo)

ANKARA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- A total of 1,628 people were detained during a massive security operation across Turkey, the security forces said early Saturday.

According to a statement from the Turkish Security General Directorate, the operation named "Peace Turkey" was launched late Friday simultaneously in strategic areas and public places across 81 provinces, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

More than 71,700 officers from the counter-terrorism, drug and narcotic control, financial crime, organized crime and smuggling teams of the Turkish Police Department along with the Gendarmerie General Command and Coast Guard Command have taken part in the nationwide operation.

Over 80 cars were taken off the road, and 41 unregistered firearms, 35 hunting rifles and 38 blank-firing guns were seized in the raids backed by helicopters and sniffer dogs, the statement said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 20:13:02|Editor: ying

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ANKARA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Three workers were killed, and three others were injured due to a collapse of mosque constructions in Turkey's northern province of Samsun on Saturday, local broadcaster CNN Turk reported.

The incident took place approximately at 12:00 p.m. local time when concrete was being poured at a mosque construction site in Atakum district.

Ambulances, firefighters and rescue crews from the Prime Ministry Disaster and Emergency Management Authority were dispatched to the scene.

The collapse occurred in dome part of the mosque, the governor of Samsun Ibrahim Sahin said.

Three wounded workers were taken to the hospital, and the bodies of three other were reached later by rescue teams.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 20:18:05|Editor: Tian Shaohui

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By Peter Barker, Gui Tao

LONDON, April 29 (Xinhua) -- China and Britain can enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship in developing China's Belt and Road Initiative, and one in which each partner complements the other, a UK business leader said.

"Our members have historically been British businesses, and now they are beginning to be Chinese businesses coming here," Lord James Sassoon, chairman of the China Britain Business Council (CBBC) told Xinhua in an interview recently.

Britain has strengths that are useful to China, and China in turn has capacity which the nation can benefit from, noted Sassoon.

The business leader said Britain was not in competition with China for construction projects, but the complementary nature of the strengths the two nations offered was "a perfect fit, a classic win-win."

"I don't believe there is any country that has such a well-balanced and complete package of professional services as the UK," said the Sassoon, adding the services including engineering, consultancy, design management,financing, risk management and insurance could be offered by Britain on Belt and Road and other third country projects.

Also in architecture and design, and the education on standards of completing projects, Britain had a lot to offer, he said.

"Chinese heavy lifting on the engineering of projects with the complete package of services, fits together beautifully," said Sassoon.

Such a collaboration would be beneficial in areas where Belt and Road will operate, said Sassoon, such as Central Asia, Southeast Asia and Africa.

On the Belt and Road Initiative, a joint report produced by CBBC and China's Tsinghua University in 2016 identified that the initiative was already seeing seeds of development planted along the new Silk Road in nations on the route.

The report highlighted 21 billion dollars worth of projects in 10 countries where China and Britain are working together.

"It was getting the UK to think about the fact it is for real, it is happening between UK and China and third countries, and to think about it in a broad way not just narrowly in terms of infrastructure projects," said Sassoon.

A report due for publication next month jointly done by CBBC and the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation (CAITEC) will examine other aspects of Belt and Road, including some focus on the Southeast Asian and southern side of it, "which we think could do with some more attention," said Sassoon.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 21:08:18|Editor: ying

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NEW DELHI, April 29 (Xinhua) -- A senior judge in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has been suspended for "hastily" granting bail to a rape-accused former minister.

The High Court in Uttar Pradesh issued the suspension orders of the Additional Sessions Judge Om Prakash Mishra Friday, two days before he was set to retire, for giving bail to former Uttar Pradesh Minister Gayatri Prajapati, accused of raping a woman and attempting to rape her minor daughter.

"I may however observe that the manner in which the learned judge has shown the haste in releasing the accused on bail, ignoring the nature of offense allegedly committed by the respondent accused ... I have my reservations about the bonafides/intention of the learned judge who is about to retire on 30/4/2017," High Court's Chief Justice Dilip B Bhosale said in his order.

Registrar General of the High Court in Uttar Pradesh, D.K. Singh, confirmed the suspension orders to the media Saturday.

The High Court not only suspended the judge but also put on hold the release of the former minister after the state government challenged the bail granted to Prajapati.

The High Court also said that Prajapti tried to mislead the courts by concealing facts. The former minister, the government told the court, had stated in his bail application that he had no criminal case pending against him but there were six cases, in fact, that were still pending.

Prajapati was arrested in state capital Lucknow last month after absconding for over two weeks. He went missing in the middle of campaigning for the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections after the Supreme Court ordered the state police to file a case against him on the allegation of a woman.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 21:33:23|Editor: ying

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TEHRAN, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Iran will add 4,000 megawatts of capacity to its power grid by the end of the current Iranian calendar year, Deputy Energy Minister Houshang Falahatian said on Saturday.

By building new plants, "the overall capacity of the country's power plants will reach 80,000 megawatts at the end of the year," March 20, 2018, Falahatian said according to Press TV.

Iran is also working on the projects to convert fossil-fueled facilities into combined cycle systems powered by gas, thus boosting efficiency in addition to cutting greenhouse gases, he said.

Iran Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian said earlier that Iran had to generate 5,000 megawatts of renewable energy over the next five years.

His ministry has received requests for 3.6 billion U.S. dollars of investment from private companies to produce renewables, he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 22:03:29|Editor: ying

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BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Google and Facebook have confirmed that they were victims of an alledged 100 million U.S. dollars payment scam, Fortune reported on Thursday.

The criminal case drew public attention last month, when U.S. Justice Department announced the arrest of a Lithuanian man who allegedly robbed more than 100 million dollars from two tech giants, although victims of the scheme remained unknown until this week.

The scam, which involves an email phishing attack, revealed the vulnerability of network security in even the most tech-savvy companies.

In 2013, a Lithuanian man named Evaldas Rimasauskas, 48, allegedly forged email addresses, invoices, and corporate stamps to impersonate a large Asian-based manufacturer, which has regular business interaction with the two tech giants.

The scheme successfully tricked them into paying for computer suppliers for two years. U.S. federal prosecutors said earlier that they had recovered much of the money.
Two Montana-based groups filed suit in a Missoula federal court this week for a preliminary injunction and to permanently halt a proposed logging project in the Crazy Mountains.

The Native Ecosystems Council and Alliance for the Wild Rockies filed the lawsuit on April 27 seeking judicial review based on concerns about removal of hiding cover for elk, effects on pine marten and loss of habitat for Canada lynx, among other issues.

The proposed Smith Shields Project would log about 1,600 acres across a 19,000-acre project area to reduce the threat of wildlife to nearby homes and recreational residences by removing dead and dying trees, according to Marna Daley, spokeswoman for the Custer Gallatin National Forest.

Environmental analysis for the project was streamlined under a portion of the 2014 Farm Bill that modified the Healthy Forest Restoration Act to allow states to designate areas in need of a more rapid response to disease, insect or wildland fire threats.

Custer Gallatin National Forest supervisor Mary Erickson approved the project earlier this year. Work was expected to start by this fall or next year.

The lawsuit in part questions the use of the Farm Bill for speeding the review of logging in certain areas, saying it was incumbent upon (Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell)  to designate eligible areas in such a manner as to avoid cumulative effects on the human environment.

Because the Farm Bill excludes environmental review, the groups argue Tidwells designations could potentially have cumulatively significant impacts on the human environment.

Daley called the authority from the Farm Bill a really important tool to treat vegetation in the wildland urban interface areas where we do have insect and disease concerns.

The lawsuit asks the court to declare the agencies violated or are violating the law; that Tidwells designation of treatment areas in Montana be cancelled; that the Smith Shields Project be halted permanently; and that the court award them attorney fees and court costs.

So far the measure enacted in 2014 to speed forest logging has resulted in the Forest Service treating about 26,000 acres a year, according to testimony given by Jim Neiman, president of the Federal Forest Resource Coalition and a Wyoming sawmill owner, to the House Committee on Agriculture in March. At that rate, to meet the legislations proposal to treat 56 million acres will take another 440 years, Neiman argued.

Consequently, the forest products group pushed the committee to modify the next Farm Bill to ensure more land can be logged.

Tidwell testified before the same House committee in 2015 saying the Forest Service is committed to increasing the pace and scale of restoration and has been able to improve the amount of timber harvest for sawmills by 18 percent since 2008. The largest obstacle to increasing that work even more is the way the agency is required to transfer money from non-fire accounts to pay for firefighting, he told the lawmakers.

The Alliance for the Wild Rockies sued to halt the Custer Gallatin National Forests first project under the Farm Bill, along West Yellowstones biathlon trail, but lost.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 22:13:31|Editor: Tian Shaohui

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HOHHOT, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Nine people were killed and another four were seriously injured in a car-bus collision Saturday in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, local authorities said.

The accident happened at about 5:20 p.m. when an unregistered car crashed with a bus on a section of a national road in Arong Banner, Hulun Buir City, the regional administration of work safety said in a statement.

Investigation was under way.
Photo taken on March 20, 2017 shows a scene of destruction at the Abassyieen bus station in the east of Damascus, capital of Syria. (Xinhua/Ammar Safarjalani)

THE HAGUE, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic State (IS) foreign fighters returning from Syria to their countries of origin could carry out chemical weapons attacks after learning how to use the toxic substance in the battle zones, Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Ahmeet Uzumcu warned on Friday.

"The threat of chemical terrorism is a major concern especially after what happened in Syria and Iraq where ISIS has been identified as one of the perpetrators of sulphur mustard gas attacks, while there have also been some more recent allegations attributed to ISIS," said Uzumcu at a round-table with foreign press at the headquarters of the OPCW.

"We fear that foreign fighters may get back to their countries of origin with the know-how of production and use of such weapons," he said.

"We receive some information from our states parties, which rather confirms the seriousness. So far in the terrorist activities in several European countries other weapons were used, but they don't throw out the possibility that chemical or other non-conventional means could also be used," the OPCW chief expressed the worries.

The OPCW called upon its member states to issue recommendations for necessary measures, while it keeps its Rapid Response Assistance Mission ready to deploy at short notice to any of its 192 member states upon request.

"Most European countries have some preparedness individually but also through institutions like NATO and the EU to respond, but other countries do not have responsiveness to react," he explained.

The OPCW chief noted that since 2013 the number of cases of alleged use of chemical weapons has increased significantly, with 45 alleged incidents reported since late 2016, all in Syria.

Uzumcu called upon the state members of the organization to strengthen the global norm established by OPCW by "enforcing the provisions of the organization."

According to the OPCW, 95 percent of chemical weapon stockpiles declared by possessor states have already been eliminated.

"Russia is likely to complete destruction by next year, while the United States in five to six years," said Uzumcu.

Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the founding of the OPCW.

The OPCW, Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 2013, now has 192 member states representing 98 percent of the global population.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 22:43:37|Editor: yan

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KIGALI, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Rwandan minister of agriculture and animal resources, Geraldine Mukeshimana has announced that the outbreak of armyworm caterpillar that destroys maize plantations won't have a negative impact on the Rwanda food security.

She told reporters on Saturday that Rwanda has stepped up efforts towards putting an end to the ravaging fall army worms which have the capacity to destroy maize plantations on a large scale.

"The armyworms will not seriously impact food security because maize was not cultivated on large scale during season 2017B," said Mukeshimana.

Mukeshimana added that 95 percent of the total cultivated land during the second quarter of 2017 is covered by other crops, which will sustain food security.

The crops include beans, Irish potatoes, banana, rice, wheat, soybeans, and cassava that have been prioritized under the Crop Intensification Program. Other subsistence crops, such as sweet potatoes, have also been grown during this season.

The caterpillars are well known for their ability to destroy massive amounts of crops on large scale especially maize plantations.

They are called army worms mainly because they march in big numbers over an area, feeding on vegetation in large masses and moving to the next vegetation to continue feeding.

According to the ministry of agriculture the armyworm invasion has so far ravaged an estimated 15,699 hectares of farmland (a quarter of the country's total area of 63,499 hectares planted with maize).

This represents about 5 percent of the total cultivated land countrywide this season.

Mukeshimana said the government intensified efforts to fight armyworms after the pest was reported in some Southern African countries and the outbreak is under control.

The ministry of agriculture has since initiated radio talk shows to raise awareness about the pest, and massive training of farmers, agronomists and local leaders at the district and sector levels have taken place.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 22:43:39|Editor: yan

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KHARTOUM, April 29 (Xinhua) -- At least 19 people were killed on Saturday and 19 others injured in tribal clashes in Sudan's Darfur region, Sudan Tribune reported.

"Clashes erupted on Saturday between armed men from Salamat and Habaniya tribes at Al-Mitair area of Buram locality, some 90 km south of Nyala, the capital city of South Darfur State," the report said.

The clashes broke out after armed men belonging to Salamat tribe looted cows belonging to Habaniya tribe, it said.

"Military forces were deployed to separate between the two sides and prevent renewal of the clashes," a local official in South Darfur State was quoted as saying in the report.

For years, efforts failed to end the tribal conflicts, which have become a nagging concern for local population and the authorities of the troubled region.

Many factors have contributed to the growing violence in Darfur including security disturbances and the tribes' access to weapons, while many parts of the region have no effective governance.

Darfur region lies on the far west region of Sudan with a total area estimated at around 500,000 square km. It is considered Sudan's western gate where the region shares joint borders with Libya, Chad and Central African Republic.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 22:48:40|Editor: yan

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MANILA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Saturday that China-proposed Belt and Road initiative is good for Southeast Asia, noting that the initiative will help China's neighbors like the Philippines.

Proposed by China in 2013, the Belt and Road initiative refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aiming at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes of Silk Road.

"It (the Belt and Road initiative) is important because it starts here in the region ... It is helping neighbors and at the same time broadens the market," Duterte told a news conference at the end of the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit which was held here in Manila.

Again, the Philippine president thanked China for the help it is extending to the country.

Duterte had earlier said that he is looking forward to his second trip to China this May to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing.

Not wanting to be left out, the Philippines has said it intends to hit the road with China in pursuing its own economic strategy which focuses on building the country's infrastructure.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 22:58:42|Editor: yan

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TEHRAN, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The first Iran-EU Business Forum on sustainable energy opened Saturday to enhance Iran-EU ties, particularly in the energy and climate sectors, Tasnim news agency reported.

Visiting European Climate Action and Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete opened the forum, which has brought together more than 50 European companies and business associations and some 40 Iranian energy companies.

The forum aims to provide a platform for investors and businesses to look into investment opportunities for clean energy, energy efficiency and energy conservation actions in Iran.

During his two-day visit, Canete will also open a conference on climate change, which will bring together Iranian and European policy-makers as well as representatives from International organizations.

The conference will review progress within the Paris Agreement and discuss the role of clean energy in the transition to a low-carbon economy and urgent actions needed to adapt to the consequences of climate change.

Canete is also scheduled to hold talks with Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Iran's vice president, oil minister and energy minister.

Moreover, the fourth Iran-Europe Banking and Business Forum kicked off here on Saturday, official IRNA news agency reported.

Different issues including opening Iranian banks in Europe, fighting money laundering and maintaining international standards are among topics to be discussed during the event, president of Iran's Monetary and Banking Research Institute Ali Divandarri said in the event.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 22:58:43|Editor: yan

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NEW DELHI, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The death toll in a jetty collapse in India's eastern state of West Bengal has risen to 13, police said Saturday.

Search for the missing eight was going on in full swing.

"Yesterday we fished out seven more bodies from the Hooghly river, which took the death toll to 13 so far," a senior police official, Sukesh Kumar Jain, told Xinhua from Hooghly. "National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel are carrying out searches in the river."

According to Jain, 21 people were reported missing after the jetty collapsed.

"The search for remaining eight is going on in full swing," Jain said.

The jetty wrecked on Wednesday in Bhadreswar of Hooghly district, about 41 km north of Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal.

Officials said the high tide in the river Hooghly coupled by a large number of people waiting for boats on the jetty caused it to collapse.

Reports said the jetty was a temporary structure made of bamboo sticks.

The West Bengal chief minister has expressed grief over the mishap and announced monetary compensation.
EU senior diplomat Helga Schmid (L), Iranian deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi (R) and senior diplomats from other six major powers meet in Vienna, Austria on April 25, 2017 for a regular quarterly meeting to review adherence to their 2015 nuclear deal. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

TEHRAN, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The first Iran-EU Business Forum on sustainable energy opened Saturday to enhance Iran-EU ties, particularly in the energy and climate sectors, Tasnim news agency reported.

Visiting European Climate Action and Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete opened the forum, which has brought together more than 50 European companies and business associations and some 40 Iranian energy companies.

The forum aims to provide a platform for investors and businesses to look into investment opportunities for clean energy, energy efficiency and energy conservation actions in Iran.

During his two-day visit, Canete will also open a conference on climate change, which will bring together Iranian and European policy-makers as well as representatives from International organizations.

The conference will review progress within the Paris Agreement and discuss the role of clean energy in the transition to a low-carbon economy and urgent actions needed to adapt to the consequences of climate change.

Canete is also scheduled to hold talks with Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Iran's vice president, oil minister and energy minister.

Moreover, the fourth Iran-Europe Banking and Business Forum kicked off here on Saturday, official IRNA news agency reported.

Different issues including opening Iranian banks in Europe, fighting money laundering and maintaining international standards are among topics to be discussed during the event, president of Iran's Monetary and Banking Research Institute Ali Divandarri said in the event.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 23:18:47|Editor: Liu

The United Nations Security Council holds a ministerial level briefing on non-proliferation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea at the UN headquarters in New York, April 28, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Alarmed by the possibility of a military escalation in Northeast Asia, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called on members of the Security Council "to avoid miscalculation and misunderstanding (and) act now to prevent conflict."

He made the remarks while addressing a ministerial-level session of the 15-member panel on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). The meeting was chaired by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson of the United States, which was holding the rotating presidency this month.

UN CHIEF: "ACT NOW"

Speakers warned the recent heated rhetoric on the issue could lead to conflicts, and called for a halt in nuclear tests by Pyongyang and the implementation of Security Council resolutions.

Guterres said "I am particularly concerned by the possibility that efforts to offset the destabilizing activities of the DPRK could also result in increased arms competition and tensions, further impeding the ability of the international community to maintain unity and achieve a peaceful solution."

He noted that "we need to act now to prevent conflict and achieve sustainable peace."

The UN chief suggested "the DPRK refraining from further testing, complying with the relevant Security Council resolutions and the resumption of dialogue."

A NEGOTIATED SOLUTION?

After Guterres, Tillerson said "The threat of a ... nuclear attack ... is real."

"Indeed, the DPRK has repeatedly claimed it plans to conduct such a strike," he said. "Given that rhetoric, the United States cannot idly stand by. Nor can other members of this council who are within striking distance of ... missiles."

"In light of the growing threat, the time has come for all of us to put new pressure," Tillerson said.

He called for the full implementation of sanctions, suspension or a downgrading of diplomatic relations because Pyongyang "exploits its diplomatic privileges to fund its illicit nuclear and missile technology programs. Tillerson also called for increasing the DPRK's "financial isolation."

"Our goal is not regime change, nor do we desire to threaten the people or destabilize the Asia Pacific region," Tillerson said. "We much prefer a negotiated solution to this problem."

CHINESE FM: "DEMONSTRATE POLITICAL WISDOM"

For his part, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged "cooling down the temperature on the (Korean) Peninsula," saying Beijing "resolutely opposes the DPRK's research, development and possession of nuclear weapons and firmly implements all DPRK-related Security Council resolutions."

"We urge the DPRK to stop its nuclear and missile development activities, come back to its commitment of denuclearization and honor its denuclearization obligations," he said.

"We also call on other parties concerned to demonstrate the political wisdom, make the political decision and work constructively together toward the denuclearization of the peninsula," he added.

To get there, Wang urged "all parties to remain calm and exercise restraint and avoid provocative rhetoric or action that would lead to miscalculation."

"We ask the DPRK to observe the Security Council resolutions and stop advancing its nuclear and missile development," he said. "We also ask the U.S., the ROK (Republic of Korea) and other parties to refrain from conducting or even expanding military exercises and deployment against the DPRK."

OTHER OPINIONS

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov liked the Chinese suggestion -- dubbed "suspension for suspension" -- and said they merit "serious attention as they could be a starting point for us to get out of the current impasse and renew the negotiating process."

Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se of South Korea, expressing concern that sanctions were not fully implemented, called on the international community to "thoroughly implement these resolutions."

"The Security Council must discuss additional punitive measures," he said. "Pyongyang may still harbor delusions that the Security Council will only take limited action, and then it can disregard and ridicule the authority of the United Nations."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 23:18:47|Editor: yan

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BRUSSELS, April 29 (Xinhua) -- A suspicious package that briefly closed a portion of the Brussels city center Saturday has been cleared, witnesses and a police officer on the spot told Xinhua.

The suspicious package was discovered around 15:00 (1300 GMT) at the corner of the rue du Marche aux Poulets and the pedestrian street of Brussels, the capital of Belgium, according to earlier media reports.

Security perimeter installed following the package discovery on several streets in the vicinity has now been removed, according to witnesses.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 23:33:50|Editor: yan

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LONDON, April 29 (Xinhua) -- A fifth of British chemicals companies are already investigating registering elsewhere in the European Union (EU) in a move that could cost jobs and investment, a committee of MPs warned Saturday.

The Environmental Audit Committee of the House of Commons has called on the government to urgently provide certainty to the industry over the future of chemicals regulation.

The all-party report describes the British chemicals industry as the second largest exporter to the EU after cars, selling almost 15 billion pounds worth of chemical products into the European single market a year.

"UK companies will have spent an estimated 250 million pounds in order to comply with an EU registration deadline in May 2018, yet have received no guarantees over whether these registrations will remain valid after the UK leaves the EU," says the report, adding: "This uncertainty means that one in five UK chemicals companies represented by the Chemical Business Association are already investigating registering elsewhere in the EU."

MP Mary Creagh, who chairs the committee, said: "It is disappointing the government have not provided the certainty that UK businesses urgently need on their plans for the future chemical regulation in the UK. The timing of Brexit means that companies face significant costs to comply with EU regulations before we leave, with no guarantee that that investment will be useful to them in the future."

The committee has urged any future government to ensure the chemical industry is not forgotten during EU negotiations and the development of any future domestic legislative framework for chemicals.

It wants any future regulations to mirror those in force across Europe, but the report said the government had admitted that the cost of taking on the roles currently provided by the European Chemicals Agency of the EU could be in the "tens of millions" of pounds. It called on the government to look at the U.S. where an updated federal system of chemicals regulations is being introduced.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 23:33:50|Editor: Yamei

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) meets with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, at the UN headquarters in New York, April 28, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his British counterpart, Boris Johnson, agreed Friday that the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula should be resolved peacefully.



The two met on the sidelines of a UN Security Council ministerial level meeting regarding the nuclear activities of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Both agreed that tensions on the Korean Peninsula are escalating and the situation is likely to spiral out of control, saying the meeting at the Security Council was necessary.

Wang and Johnson also said all parties should stay committed to the goal of denuclearization, strictly implement DPRK-related Security Council resolutions, stop the DPRK's nuclear and missile program, and stay committed to the path of dialogue and negotiation.

All the 15 members of the Security Council addressed the council on the Korean Peninsula's nuclear issue and the implementation of relevant UN resolutions.

In his address at the special session, Wang noted that "as the only way out, dialogue and negotiation also represent the sensible choice for all parties."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 23:38:51|Editor: yan

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CHICAGO, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Thirty-two Chinese students studying in the U.S. Midwest have received Chinese government awards, which were delivered in Chicago by Chinese Consul General Hong Lei.

Yang Cheng, a PhD student at the University of Missouri's School of Journalism, and Fei Chen, a doctorate student at Northwestern University, received the highest awards, each worth 10,000 U.S.dollars.

"This outstanding academic award is a great honor and important recognition for me," Yang said at an award-granting ceremony. "I believe the insights from my studies can make great contributions to research in China in the future."

"I am extremely honored and grateful to receive this award," said Fei. "I am proud of my country for the concern it has for its citizens, especially researchers abroad, which confirms my determination to return to my homeland and continue my research."

Addressing the awardees, Hong deliberated on the rapid economic development in China in recent years, saying the development has provided boundless opportunities for Chinese students studying abroad.

The Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-Financed Students Abroad is a scholarship set up by the China Scholarship Council in 2003 to honor overseas Chinese students with outstanding academic accomplishments.

In 2016, 155 Chinese students studying in the United States either received a cash award of 6,000 or 10,000 U.S. dollars.

According to official statistics, the number of Chinese students studying abroad reached 544,500 in 2016.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 23:48:52|Editor: yan

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MOSCOW, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Russia backs China's proposal on the suspension of missile and nuclear tests by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and of joint military drills by the United States and South Korea at the UN Security Council, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Saturday.

"During a broad discussion, members of the council (UNSC) unanimously called upon the DPRK to renounce missile and nuclear tests and implement relevant UNSC resolutions," the ministry said in a statement following an open ministerial meeting on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue held by the UNSC Friday.

The UNSC also called for "a political and diplomatic solution" to the issue during the meeting, the statement added.

"In this context, the Russian Federation supports China's proposal for a 'double suspension' (the suspension of Pyongyang's missile and nuclear tests in exchange for the suspension of U.S.-South Korean military drills near the DPRK) as a starting point for political negotiations," the ministry said.

Nevertheless, no common solution was made at Friday's meeting, according to the statement.

Last month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China proposed a dual-track approach of denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, namely the "double suspension" initiative, in an attempt to help the parties break out of the current security dilemma and return to the negotiating table.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 23:48:52|Editor: yan

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MANILA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday called on the United States to exercise restraint in dealing with Korean Peninsula issues.

During a news conference held here at the end of the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, Duterte said he is "expecting a call" from U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Philippine president said he would tell the U.S. leader, "please see to it that there should be no war because my region will suffer immensely," adding that "the first fallout (if ever) will be us in Asia."

Duterte also said the ASEAN member states are "extremely worried" over the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's latest launch of a ballistic missile.
EU senior diplomat Helga Schmid (C-L), Iranian deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi (C-R) and senior diplomats from other six major powers meet in Vienna, Austria on April 25, 2017 for a regular quarterly meeting to review adherence to their 2015 nuclear deal, as uncertainty grows about the landmark accord's future under US President Trump. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

TEHRAN, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Iran's exports to the European Union have increased three fold after the implementation of nuclear deal between Iran and the six major world powers in 2015, European Climate Action and Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete said Saturday.

Iran's exports to the EU stood at 5.494 billion euros in 2016 as compared to 1.235 billion euros in 2015 due to the EU resuming oil imports from Iran following the nuclear deal.

Canete made the remarks in the opening ceremony of the first Iran-EU Business Forum on sustainable energy, which has brought together more than 50 European companies and business associations and some 40 Iranian energy companies.

Iran and six world powers, including Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States, reached an agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue in July 2015 that put it on the path of international and western sanctions relief but with more strict limits on nuclear program.

EU and Iran have boosted cooperation with each other in different sectors in 2016 and managed to sign many agreements, Canete said, adding that the block is keen on cooperation with Iran in the nuclear energy sector.

Canete expressed readiness of the EU to transfer their experience in the development of clean energy to Iran so that Tehran would be able to meet 30 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy resources by 2030.

He urged both sides to continue to upgrade their ties and called for the help of European firms to make more investment in Iran.

He expressed hope that the ongoing forum in Tehran would lay the ground for interaction in clean energy.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 00:19:01|Editor: Liu

European Council President Donald Tusk (R) and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker attend a press conference at the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on April 29, 2017. The 27 European Union (EU) countries' leaders during their first official meeting since last month's British triggering of the Article 50 adopted unanimously the guidelines on Brexit negotiations with Britain, European Council President Donald Tusk said Saturday. (Xinhua/Gong Bing)

BRUSSELS, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The 27 European Union (EU) countries' leaders during their first official meeting since last month's British triggering of the Article 50 adopted unanimously the guidelines on Brexit negotiations with Britain, European Council President Donald Tusk said Saturday.

"I want to underline the outstanding unity of all the 27 leaders on the guidelines for our negotiations with the UK. They were adopted immediately after we started the summit," Tusk said at the press conference after the meeting.

Tusk said the 27 EU countries' leaders had accepted "phased approach" as the method of conducting the Brexit talks. "Before negotiating future relations with UK, we must achieve sufficient progress on citizens' rights, finances, and border issue in Ireland," he elaborated.

"In order to achieve sufficient progress, we need a serious British response," Tusk said.

It is too early to speculate on when this might happen, he said, adding, "It'll be for the EU leaders to assess and decide if sufficient progress has been made."

Tusk underlined that citizens rights is the "priority number one" the EU leaders will focus on.

"We are talking about four and a half million people: Europeans residing in the UK, and Britons living on the continent," he said. "We need real guarantees for our people to live, work and study in the UK, and the same goes for the British."

He noted a full list of rights and benefits that the EU aims to guarantee for those affected by Brexit has been prepared by the European Commission, the executive body of the EU.

"I want to assure you that as soon as the UK offers real guarantees for our citizens, we will find a solution rapidly," Tusk said.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker cautioned at the same conference that some politicians in Britain underestimated the difficulties of the Brexit talks ahead.

According to the European Council guidelines for Brexit negotiations adopted Saturday, throughout the negotiations the EU will maintain unity and act as one with the aim of reaching a result that is "fair and equitable for all member states and in the interest of its citizens."

"The Union's overall objective in these negotiations will be to preserve its interests, those of its citizens, its businesses and its member states," the adopted document says.

While working hard to achieve that outcome, the EU "will prepare itself to be able to handle the situation also if the negotiations were to fail," it says.

Though the EU leaders reiterated its wish to have Britain as a "close partner" in the future, they underlined that "a non-member of the EU, that does not live up to the same obligations as a member, cannot have the same rights and enjoy the same benefits as a member".

The two year timeframe of Brexit negotiations set out in Article 50 ends on March 29 of 2019, according to the document. The EU says it will update the guidelines on Brexit in course of negotiations as necessary.

Saturday's summit is the first official gathering of the 27 EU leaders since the formal triggering of Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty by British Prime Minister Theresa May on March 29, 2017.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 00:44:23|Editor: xuxin

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NEW DELHI, April 29 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 people were wounded after a person opened fire at a marriage party in northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, police said Saturday.

The incident took place at the Medwa village of Lalganj in Raebareli district, about 84 km south of Lucknow city, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh.

"Last night, a man entered a marriage venue in the village here and fired upon people, wounding 11 of them on spot," Santosh Dubey, a police official at Lalganj police station told Xinhua over telephone. "We have registered a case today and have initiated investigations into the incident."

According to Dubey, the wounded were hospitalised immediately and some of them with critical conditions were shifted to the district hospital.

The reason behind the firing at the wedding was yet to be ascertained.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 00:54:24|Editor: xuxin

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CAIRO, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Presidents of Egypt and Palestine reiterated here Saturday the two-state solution for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as "the only way to achieve stability in the Middle East region," the Egyptian presidential spokesman said in a statement.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi held talks on Saturday with visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Cairo to discuss bilateral ties and the Palestinian issue.

"President Sisi stressed during the meeting Egypt's constant keenness to reach a fair and comprehensive settlement that guarantees the Palestinians' right to establish their own independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital city," Spokesman Alaa Youssef said in the statement.

The Egyptian president also stressed the necessity for the United States, Israel's biggest supporter, to play an active role in boosting efforts to resume Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, highlighting the significance of the Arab peace initiative in this regard.

Meanwhile, Sisi called for ending the inter-Palestinian division between ruling Fatah movement and armed Hamas movement.

"Ending inter-Palestenian division and restoring national unity are indispensable to put an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people," he said.

For his part, President Abbas expressed his keenness to continue consultations with Egypt and meet with Sisi for the latest developments on this issue, hailing Egypt's major and essential role in the Palestinian cause.

The talks came ahead of Abbas' upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, which is expected to be in May, over the U.S. anticipated role in resuming the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks.

Israel has always been blamed by the international community for the deadlock of the Middle East peace process because of its settlement expansion which is rejected even by the United States, its strongest ally.

A U.S.-sponsored peace treaty was reached between Egypt and Israel in 1979. Since then, Egypt has been working on reviving the Israeli-Palestinian peace process as well as mediating between rival Palestinian factions.

In February, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres held separate meetings with President Sisi and Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul-Gheit in Cairo, where the world's top diplomat underscored that "there is no plan B for the two-state solution."
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and leaders of other Arab states pose for a group photograph during the 28th Ordinary Summit of the Arab League at the Dead Sea, Jordan March 29, 2017. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

CAIRO, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Presidents of Egypt and Palestine reiterated here Saturday the two-state solution for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as "the only way to achieve stability in the Middle East region," the Egyptian presidential spokesman said in a statement.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi held talks on Saturday with visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Cairo to discuss bilateral ties and the Palestinian issue.

"President Sisi stressed during the meeting Egypt's constant keenness to reach a fair and comprehensive settlement that guarantees the Palestinians' right to establish their own independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital city," Spokesman Alaa Youssef said in the statement.

The Egyptian president also stressed the necessity for the United States, Israel's biggest supporter, to play an active role in boosting efforts to resume Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, highlighting the significance of the Arab peace initiative in this regard.

Meanwhile, Sisi called for ending the inter-Palestinian division between ruling Fatah movement and armed Hamas movement.

"Ending inter-Palestenian division and restoring national unity are indispensable to put an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people," he said.

For his part, President Abbas expressed his keenness to continue consultations with Egypt and meet with Sisi for the latest developments on this issue, hailing Egypt's major and essential role in the Palestinian cause.

The talks came ahead of Abbas' upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, which is expected to be in May, over the U.S. anticipated role in resuming the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks.

Israel has always been blamed by the international community for the deadlock of the Middle East peace process because of its settlement expansion which is rejected even by the United States, its strongest ally.

A U.S.-sponsored peace treaty was reached between Egypt and Israel in 1979. Since then, Egypt has been working on reviving the Israeli-Palestinian peace process as well as mediating between rival Palestinian factions.

In February, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres held separate meetings with President Sisi and Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul-Gheit in Cairo, where the world's top diplomat underscored that "there is no plan B for the two-state solution."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 02:05:19|Editor: xuxin

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MINSK, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The United States has extended the suspension of sanctions against nine Belarusian enterprises, the U.S. Embassy in Minsk said.

The U.S. Treasury Department issued a new waiver on Friday extending the relief on the Belarusian companies for another six months until Oct. 30.

The waivers to U.S. economic sanctions for nine major Belarus companies started in 2015 and were extended twice last year, and were set to expire on April 30.

Under the new waiver, companies like the Belarusian Oil Trade House, Belneftekhim and its U.S. subsidiary, tire manufacturer Belshina, Grodno Azot, Grodno Khimvolokno, Lakokraska, Naftan and Polotsk-Steklovolokno can do business with American companies.

The U.S. Embassy in Minsk said that the suspension of sanctions against the nine Belarusian enterprises was primarily aimed at supporting the Belarusian economy and strengthening its independence.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 02:05:19|Editor: xuxin

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VELIKO TURNOVO, Bulgaria, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian national qualifications of the tenth "Chinese Bridge" -- Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students, were held here on Saturday.

A total of 12 students from five Bulgarian schools demonstrated Chinese language and cultural skills at the event, jointly organized by the Confucius Institute at "St. Cyril and St. Methodius" University of Veliko Turnovo (UVT) and the Chinese embassy in Sofia.

Danail Stoyanov won the competition, and will represent the Balkan country at the finals in China, together with his runner-up, Anna-Maria Velizarova.

Stoyanov told Xinhua he has already visited China, ranking third at the "Chinese Bridge" last year.

"My future is certainly related to the Chinese language... It is very difficult, but I will continue to study it," Stoyanov said.

While addressing the event, Wu Xiaoying, a counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Sofia and member of the competition jury, said the "Chinese Bridge" competition has already become a bridge for friendship.

Prof. Tsenka Ivanova, Dean of the Faculty of Modern Languages at VTU, said that in today's dynamic world, mutual understanding and dialogue are impossible without language communication.

The communication through the Chinese language is one of the futures of our planet, Ivanova added.

The "Chinese Bridge" competition was first organized in Bulgaria by the Confucius Institute in 2008 to inspire Bulgarian students between 15 to 20 years old to learn Chinese and enhance their understanding of the Chinese culture.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 02:05:19|Editor: xuxin

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JUBA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The first elements of the regional protection force (RPF) of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have started to arrive in the country, the mission said Saturday.

UNMISS said an advance party of a construction engineering company from Bangladesh arrived on April 20, bringing essential equipment to start the preparation of accommodation and working areas for the RPF in Juba.

"Regional troops from Rwanda will follow in June and July," the UN mission said, noting that the RPF headquarters have already been established in Juba under the leadership of Brigadier General Jean Mupenzi from Rwanda.

In August 2016, the UN Security Council following request by the regional body Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) approved the deployment of 4,000-strong RPF force to secure Juba in the aftermath of renewed clash there.

The additional force would beef up the existing 13,000-strong UNMISS troops in the war-torn country.

UNMISS said some other specialist capacities that are unavailable in the region will be provided by countries including Nepal and Pakistan.

"The deployment of the RPF, to be staged over coming months, will free existing UNMISS peacekeepers to extend their presence to conflict-affected areas beyond Juba," UNMISS said.

It said the 4,000 peacekeepers of the RPF, commanded by Mupenzi, will be based in Juba to bolster the Mission's capacity to advance the safety and security of civilians.

South Sudan's Transitional Government of National Unity confirmed its unconditional consent to the deployment of the force in a communique to the UN Security Council on November 30, 2016.

The RPF will provide coordinated protection to key facilities in Juba as well as to the main routes into and out of the city.

The regional force will also strengthen the security of UN protection of civilians' sites and other UN premises.

South Sudan has been shattered by civil war that broke out in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his former deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup. Machar denied the accusation but then mobilized a rebel force.

A peace deal signed in August 2015 led to the formation of a transitional unity government, but was again devastated by fresh violence that broke out in July, 2016.

Tens of thousands of South Sudanese have been killed, with millions others displaced and 4.6 million people left severely food insecure since December 2013.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 02:05:19|Editor: xuxin

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ISLAMABAD, April 29 (Xinhua) -- A Pakistani parliamentary delegation, representing all major political parties, touched down in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Saturday for a two-day visit in a bid to improve ties between the two countries.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, speaker of the National Assembly or the lower house of the parliament, is leading the 15-member delegation, according to the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul.

Apart from meeting their counterparts in Kabul, the Pakistani lawmakers are also scheduled to meet President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah.

After a series of earlier meetings in Islamabad and Kabul between political leaders and lawmakers, Afghan President Ghani has invited Pakistani members of parliament to visit Kabul and break the stalemate in bilateral contact.

Days earlier, senior Pakistani military officials had also travelled to the Afghan capital on the direction of Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and they had told their Afghan counterparts that "terrorists are common threat and shall be defeated," according to an army spokesman.

Last month, senior Pakistani and Afghan advisers had met in London and the two sides had reached an understanding on reviving bilateral mechanism.

Pakistani parliamentarians have said that bilateral dialogue could enable both sides to share ideas on how to give an effective response to the elements responsible for violence and instability.

"I would call the MPs' visit a big achievement. I am confident our visit will help reduce the tension and pave the way for more visits," said GG Jamal, a member of the Pakistani delegation on Saturday.

Jamal, a former minister and member of the parliament from the Orakzai tribal region, told Xinhua that the Pakistani delegation is comprised of all mainstream political parties.

He said being elected representatives, the MPs could encourage their governments to seriously look into issues of each other's concern.

Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Omar Zakhilwal was upbeat at the visit of the Pakistani lawmakers and hoped both sides will succeed in "finding a path to improved bilateral relations with responding to our grievances and perceptions."

Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria has also attached hopes to the visit, saying at his weekly briefing on Thursday that such visits are a "manifestation of desire to strengthen relations between the two countries and, particularly, enhancing parliamentary and people-to-people exchanges."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 02:05:19|Editor: xuxin

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LONDON, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The first full week of campaigning ahead of Britain's June 8 snap general election has ended with the headlines being dominated by a quirky insult hurtled by foreign secretary Boris Johnson at main opposition leader, Labour's Jeremy Corbyn.

Brexit, the state of the NHS and Scottish devolution were never far away, but many important matters of state took second place to a dissection of the term Mugwump.

It came after Eton-educated Johnson, noted for his eloquent use of English language, referred to Corbyn as a "mutton headed old mugwump".

It had political commentators and linguists searching for its proper meaning, and also similar insulting or unusual terms suitable during a war of words as politicians battle it out over votes.

The esteemed Daily Telegraph told its readers: "Its strict dictionary definition is: A person who remains aloof or independent, especially from party politics. But as it rhymes with chump, it can be used to mean idiot."

Johnson used the expression in an article in the tabloid Sun newspaper when he wrote that British voters should not be fooled by Corbyn's "meandering and nonsensical questions."

He wrote: "They say to themselves: he may be a mutton-headed old mugwump, but he is probably harmless."

The rival tabloid Daily Mirror told its readers Friday that fans of J.K. Rowling's wizard character Harry Potter, will recall the term "Supreme Mugwump", one of the titles held by the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Professor Dumbledore. It was also used in one of the stories by the children's writer Roald Dahl.

The Mirror said in its commentary: "The Foreign Secretary loves to show off his classical knowledge and is known for using bizarre and archaic language."

The Mirror offered its readers a collection of "Boris style" expressions: a throttlebottom (an innocuously inept and futile person in public office), a cumberworld (a useless waste of space), a foozle (an old fogey or someone who is behind the times).

Johnson's use of mugwump had the nation searching the internet for similar words.

Meanwhile back on the election trail, British Prime Minister Theresa May, Corbyn and the other party leaders, have spent the week criss-crossing Britain hoping to gather support in the June 8 election.

That criss-crossing took May north of the border Saturday to address a rally of Conservative supporters in Scotland. Although Scottish politics is dominated by the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) led by Nicola Sturgeon, the Conservatives have been picking up support in Scotland and are now ahead of third-placed Labour.

May, who earlier this week visited Wales on the election trail, pressed her message to the people of Scotland: "if you vote for me, it will strengthen my hand in the Brexit negotiations. It will strengthen the Union, strengthen the economy, and together the UK and Scotland will flourish. Because when Scotland is flourishing, the rest of the United Kingdom is flourishing too."

Scotland, however, voted remain by 62 to 38 in last year's EU referendum, unlike the UK-wide result which showed 52-48 in support of leaving the EU bloc.

Scotland boasts Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and May's Conservatives may well have a mountain to climb. In the 2015 general election the SNP swept to power, wining 56 of the 59 Scottish seats in the House of Commons. Labour, Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats were left with just one seat each.

Five years earlier, the SNP had won just six seats, Labour gathered 41 and the Lib Dems 11. The Conservatives only had one MP in Scotland, though even that was better than the 1950s when it didn't have a single MP.

Paul Nuttall, leader of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) announced Saturday he will stand for election in the British town with the highest support for Brexit.

Nuttall will contest the seat of Boston and Skegness at the general election, where support for Brexit in last June's referendum was 75.6 percent. Earlier this year Nuttall was runner up in a by-election in Stoke on Trent. UKIP currently have no serving MPs in the House of Commons, despite being the party that spearheaded the leave campaign over nearly 30 years.
April 28, 2017

WASHINGTON  Amid signs of possible progress in negotiations with Yemen's Houthi rebels, the Saudi-led coalition is now looking for a political solution rather than a military operation to take Yemen's Red Sea port of Hodeidah, former US officials who work on Yemen said.

The possible breakthrough could avoid a military escalation to take the Houthi-held strategic port that some US and UN experts feared could exacerbate famine in Yemen after two years of civil war have made millions of people dependent on humanitarian aid.

"It seems people are backing away from the idea of a military operation," former US Ambassador to Yemen Gerald Feierstein told Al-Monitor April 27, referring to the Saudis. "And [they] are thinking more creatively about how do we achieve this objective without having to resort to military [solutions] and breaking a lot of crockery."

"So I think that right now, there is a lot of rethinking going on about can we get this done other ways," said Feierstein, now a senior fellow with the Middle East Institute. "And maybe they are getting some positive signals from the Houthis, that [they] might be amenable to an arrangement here that gets this thing kind of unstuck and allows the humanitarian assistance to come in."

A political solution to the Hodeidah port could also prove to be a confidence-building measure that could help make way for renewed political talks to try to find a political resolution to Yemen's two-year civil war, diplomats said.

"Most importantly, if you can get some kind of political agreement on Hodeidah, it might in turn be a confidence-building measure that allows you to accomplish other things, that allows you to move on to getting back to political negotiations," Feierstein said. "So it could be a real game changer if you can get this done."

"Ramadan is four weeks away," Feierstein added. "If you can put on the table now something on Hodeidah, it can be an extremely positive signal for the Yemeni people to see that maybe Hodeidah is about to be resolved," and could be a springboard for political reconciliation talks.

"The equipment to repair the damage to the port is in the region," Feierstein said. "If you can get an agreement [for the Houthis] to pull away from the city, whatever that may be to operate the port, to ensure it is not being used for contraband and to work out an arrangement, with local companies, commercial contractors, to take this stuff and distribute, that sends an incredibly important signal to the Yemeni people."

"I believe all of the parties are confronting the realities around Hodeidah," a former senior Barack Obama administration official, speaking not for attribution, said.

"The Houthis understand  or should understand  that they face a different political and geopolitical landscape, which directly impacts their military position on the Red Sea," the former senior administration official said. "And the coalition now sees more clearly the magnitude of the task and the significant risks to the already dire humanitarian situation."

Yemen's Prime Minister Ahmed Obeid bin Daghr, speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of a UN Yemen donors' conference in Geneva April 26, said Yemen had proposed that the UN take control of the Hodeidah port to ensure that the Houthis do not receive Iranian-smuggled arms through it.

"This port has been developed for receiving weapons for the militias. We are taking decisions to finalize what is going on. We don't prefer using force there," Daghr told Reuters.

"So it's us who proposed to the United Nations to operate the port and to impose monitoring on the port  but we didn't receive a clear answer on this matter."

Nations donated $1.1 billion for the UNs Yemen humanitarian aid appeal this week, including $94 million from the United States. The UN says 17 million of Yemen's 26 million people are at risk of hunger.

"We are witnessing the starving and the crippling of an entire generation," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the Yemen pledging event in Geneva April 25, calling the Yemen famine a "man-made crisis."

"Some 17 million are food-insecure, making this the world's largest hunger crisis," Guterres said, adding that one child under 5 years old dies every 10 minutes in Yemen.

"This means 50 children in Yemen will die during today's conference  and all those deaths could have been prevented," he said.
"It is not only money, it is the right thing to do."

 Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle, on a package of corrections bills passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Doug Burgum. The bills are an effort to reduce the number of people sent to prison.

q q q

"It was a very traumatic event for everybody that was there. We want to give them some time and space."

 Mandan Police Chief Jason Ziegler, discussing a fatal shooting on April 14. Three officers have been placed on leave.

q q q

"Overall, we've recognized what society is recognizing, that juveniles should be treated a little differently. It will be an incentive for them to be on good behavior while they're in prison and make an earnest effort to become rehabilitated  so they can go back into society."

 Rep. Lawrence Klemin, R-Bismarck, discussing a new law that will give all convicted juveniles  regardless the crime  an opportunity for release from prison.

q q q

"I just felt like there was a hole that needed to be filled. I felt like this was a great chance for (the University of Mary) to take the lead, in that respect, and I could bring the experience and the other faculty members here."

 Daniel Bielinski, University of Mary instructor, on his efforts to film movies in North Dakota.

q q q

"We're pretty much surrounded by viruses; we're outnumbered by them. This gives the students the chance to discover one that's never before been discovered."

 Christine Fleischacker, University of Mary biology professor who oversaw the yearlong SEA-PHAGES program through the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

q q q

"She infiltrated a man's world. There's not too many women that do that."

 Dive team leader and Morgan's Point Resort (Texas) Police Chief Fred Churchill, praising Lori Pohanka-Kalama, who died in a dive recovery operation. Pohanka-Kalama was a Linton native.

q q q

"This is not just a gym; it's a lifestyle change for our community."

 Maverick Thompson, president of the wellness foundation, during groundbreaking for the new Beulah Wellness Center.

q q q

"Sixty percent of millennials are hostile to church and believe that church is a dangerous institution. Churches are dying, and they can't afford to keep the lights on. We're the last generation that's even giving a little. The baby boomers, people aged 60 and older, still give to churches, but, once we lose the boomers, churches will be closing like you wouldn't believe."

 John Erbele, who operates a technology church. John and Hannah Erbele are founders of 5MinChurch, a free download app for phones or Apple TVs, so young people and others can experience God and the Bible, blogs, sermons and songs on their favorite device.

q q q

"I can still see his teeth."

 Gerald Nordquist, 91, of a kamikaze Japanese pilot who wreaked havoc on the USS Stormes during World War II.

q q q

"The right to vote is a powerful underpinning of American democracy, and this legislation protects that right while offering eligible citizens multiple and straightforward opportunities to legally cast their ballot. House Bill 1369 strengthens the integrity of our elections by ensuring all voters have proper identification while allowing those without current or complete forms of ID to provide supplemental documents to verify their eligibility."

 Gov. Doug Burgum, while signing legislation amending the state's voter identification laws.

q q q

"We're setting it up so only wealthy people can run for office here. It's just not right."

 Rep. Lawrence Klemin, R-Bismarck, opposing a measure to pay Gov. Doug Burgum a $1 salary. Burgum pledged, if elected, not to take a salary.
TATT explores digital financing services

This was revealed by TATTs deputy chair- man Dr Kim Mallalieu on Thursday.

She was speaking at the opening of a twoday workshop titled Exploring Innovation in Transactions and Financing in the Caribbean II, at the Parliament Building, Port-of-Spain.

Mallalieu said after the first workshop was held, it generated considerable interest in exploring how transactions and financing can be improved in the region.

A level of interest shown at that workshop led to the hosting of this follow-on event, Mallalieu said.

While electronic payment has been growing in popularity around the world, slowly but surely, Caribbean entrepreneurs, the traditional business community, regulators, governments, government agencies, and other regional leaders are recognising the benefits of more richly and more deeply leveraging information and communications technology (ICT) in finance.

The first phase of the initiative will facilitate free WiFi at specific public locations such as hospitals, libraries and transportation hubs.

As services become increasingly affordable and accessible, demand for value added services such as mobile money would increase. She said since the last workshop, tangible strides have been made towards the reality of digital financial services in the region, yet the success in digital finance is inextricably linked to a number of enabling factors including, but not limited to, a healthy vibrant telecommunication sector with considerable investment in infrastructure, as well as high penetration rates and affordable access.

In the case of TT, the telecommunication and broadcasting sectors grew from $3.3 billion in revenue in 2006 to an estimated $5.51 billion in 2016.

During this period mobile and internet services experienced double-digit growth.

Mobile voice subscriptions rose from 1.5 million subscribers in 2006 to 2.2 million in 2016.

The demand for fixed internet services increased from 82,000 in 2006 to an estimated 255,000 in 2016. She noted the increase in mobile internet subscriptions was 10,000 in 2007 to 707,000 in 2016 with approximately 63 percent of mobile service subscriptions using mobile internet.
Honeymoon lawyer summoned in deed matter

Justice Frank Seepersad was told in the San Fernando High Court that attorney Ryan Sebastien Sinanans wedding is today and that he had an appointment on Thursday at the Immigration office regarding his passport because he will be leaving the country on Monday for his honeymoon. This was given as the explanation for the attorneys absence in court on Thursday,when he was due to testify in the trial. The case involves a lawsuit filed against housewife Gyatrie Sirju, 43, of Rambert Village, La Romaine, by her deceased husbands nephew, Nicholas Sirju, over a parcel of land on which Gyatrie currently resides.

Gyatrie, in defending the claim which is being made against her, stated in documents filed in the High Court, that she married Kenneth Sirju, 41, whom she lived with for 14 years on the land located at No 56 Dumfries Road, Rambert Village, La Romaine. She stated her husband bought the land from his grandfather and in 1991, he took out a bank mortage on the land for $131,000. She and her husband used the monies to begin building a house.

Gyatrie, who is being represented by Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan instructing attorney Alvin Pariagsingh, further stated her husband Kenneth, became blind and he made a will in which he bequeathed the house and land to her. She stated that she worked at a jewellery store in San Fernando to make a living . However, her husband also had a good relationship with his nephew Sirju whom he trusted.

Gyatrie stated that her husband never mentioned to her that he had given an attorney instructions to prepare a deed of gift for transfer of the land to Sirju.

She stated she held down two jobs and staged several barbecues sales to raise funds to pay for the eye surgery her husband needed.

However, he died on July 1, 2012.

Gyatrie then applied for her husbands estate, which was granted to her and she continued to live at theie home.

However, two years ago, she was confronted with Sirjus lawsuit in which he made a claim for the land on the basis that a Deed of gift was signed by the deceased Kenneth, transfering the land to him.

Gyatries attorneys are contending that husband Kenneth did not meet nor give instructions to attorney Ryan Sebastien Sinanan or any attorney at law , to prepare any deed of gift for Sirju. Attorney Sinanan has since prepared a witness statement and attorney Pariagsingh was scheduled to cross-examine the attorney last Monday at the San Fernando High Court on that witness statement.

However, he was absent when the matter was called before Seepersad and the judge adjourned the matter for Thursday, but still there was no appearance of attorney Sinanan.

Attorney Pariagsingh told Seepersad that he would very much like to cross-examine Sinanan about the preparation of the so-called deed of gift, the purported signature of the deceased blind man, especially in the light of the evidence of handwriting expert and forensic scientific officer at the Forensic Science Centre, Glen Parmamsar.

Seepersad did not the attorneys absence lightly and said attorneys have a responsibility to the court in conveyances matters to provide the instructions given to them in relation to property transactions.

They cannot take money from citizens to prepare deeds and casually shirk their obligations to the court. The judge then issued a witness summons to be served on Sinanan to attend court on May 24 which is the date the judge fixed for the next hearing. Seepersad added, That type of behaviour will not be tolerated or confined by this court and so as to avoid any doubt, please advise Mr Sinanan and Hobsons, that this court has absolutely no diffficulty to have him brought here in an involuntary manner. The witness summons will be served on Sinana by a marshall of the High Court.
Aranjuez women charged for cocaine, weed

The accused women, Anisa Pegus, 29, and Alyssa Rajkumar, 27, appeared before Magistrate Brahmanan Dubay who read the charges to the women that on April 26, they had in their possession 21.68 grammes of cocaine and 1.77 grammes of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking at Bonne Adventure Gasparillo. The women were arrested within 500 metres of a primary school in Gasparillo, the court heard. Pegus pleaded not guilty to both charges. Rajkumar pleaded not guilty to having in her possession for purpose of trafficking the cocaine, but she entered a guilty plea for the possession of marijuana for the possession of trafficking. Police court prosecutor Sgt Gordan Maharaj, told the court that about 10.30 pm, police were on mobile patrol along the Bonne Adventure Road when they had cause to stop a vehicle. The court heard that Rajkumar was the driver of the vehicle. The prosecutor said police searched the vehicle and found under the front passenger seat a pink cylindrical object containing marijuana.

With respect to the charge of cocaine trafficking, the prosecutor gave a description of the drug, saying it was found in an empty cellphone box in the vehicle.

Attorney Annalee Girwar, who represented the women, said Rajkumar was a business owner.

Girwar said her client was going through a break-up with her boyfriend and upon her arrest, she was at the time delivering items that belonged to him.

The attorney said that the breakup had also taken a toll on Rajkumars emotional state and to calm herself ,she resorted to marijuana.

On the charge of possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking, the magistrate fined Rajkumar $1,000 or in default six months hard labour. She was given 30 days to pay the fine. On the charge of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, Rajkumar and Pegus were granted surety bail in the sum of $30,000. The matter was adjourned to May 26.
Debe man fined for bribing cop

The court heard that on September 4, at SS Erin Road, Debe police constable Ramcahran was on mobile patrol in a marked vehicle when he stopped a vehicle driven by Manki. The court heard that the policeman detected the smell of alcohol on Mankis breath. The accused man confessed to the police that he had a few drinks. A field sobriety test was conducted, reading 63 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml per breath.

Another test was done which read 67 micrograms. The court heard that before the officer conducted the second test, Manki told him he was willing to pay him.

Diop heard the accused man went into his pocket and took out $4,800 and gave it to the officer.

On the charge of drunk driving, Manki was fined $4,000 or in default will serve nine months hard labour. On the charge of bribing a police officer, he was fined $5,000 or in default nine months. He was given two months to pay the fines.
GIRL, 5, FATHER SHOT DEAD

Her fathers was found next to the bed.

The incident which has shocked the quiet community occurred sometime between Thursday night and early yesterday morning. The bodies were found at about 3.30 am at the familys small wooden home at Leekham Road.

Saleesha, also called Mama, was a first-year pupil at the Caparo Roman School and lived with her mother 22-year-old Kernisha Bissoon  a casino worker who was on duty when the killings occurred.

Joseph, a labourer, lived at Mamoral Main Road # 2. Relatives said yesterday the couple shared an intermittent relationship and Joseph slept over from time to time at Bissoons home. Saleesha was the couples only child and she would have celebrated her sixth birthday on July 20.

Several residents, like relatives, expressed outrage over the killings especially that of the child who was described as an innocent angel.

Grandfather Peter Joseph, 61, said whoever killed his son and granddaughter were demons. That is the Devil himself. How could you would watch a little child like that and kill her? That is a lil child, an angel. My son really loved her and that was the reason he went to sleep there because the mother went to work. It real heartbreaking (sic). The childs father was in the process of constructing his own house behind the one in which his parents live. He left home on Thursday evening telling his father that he will return yesterday morning.

Having dropped Bissoon off at her workplace at about 8 pm on Thursday, Joseph was expected to pick her up at about 3 am yesterday. But she, after calling him repeatedly and getting no response, contacted other relatives. Assuming Joseph was asleep, she told them to wake him.

But they called out several times, got no response, and decided to enter the house. It was then they encountered the death scene.

Peter said he received a telephone call at about 4am yesterday informing him that Joseph had been stabbed.

When I reached, I saw him on the ground on his back, one foot up on the bed. I thought he was drunk but when I touched him he was cold. I saw blood marks on the belly and I say to myself that my son is dead. At that time, Peter was unaware that Saleesha was not asleep but dead. She was slightly turned.

Mama looked like if she was sleeping.

They (relatives) told police that the child sleeping. They were going to move her then recognised she was killed too. She probably saw the men, I assume that, so they killed her. She was a very intelligent child. Peter was confident that his son put up a fight to save himself and his daughter. He said he has no idea why someone would want to kill Joseph and the child.

Residents told Newsday that they did not observe anything strange during the night. However, they heard tyres screeching sometime between 11pm and midnight.

We did not hear any gunshots or screams, said one resident. Some fellas were liming out the road and saw two cars speeding off. They did not link it until daylight when we got the news. It real sad. This is normally a quiet area. The family is still in mourning over the natural death of Saleeshas maternal grandmother Maleza Sorillo, 38, last month. Sorillo was a mother of four and Saleesha was her only grandchild.

Caparo/Mamoral councillor John Lezama told Newsday he does not believe the double murder was drug related and extended condolences to the family. It has more to be more than that, Lezama said.

We have had petty crimes in this area, but recently there had been some serious crimes. It may not have originated here in that people were killed elsewhere and their bodies dumped along the Caparo Valley Road. To deal with the upsurge in crime in the normally peaceful community, Lezama said there were two police town meetings held at the Caparo RC School recently as well as a peace walk.
Al-Rawi: Were ready for them

We have not had official confirmed correspondence from the Government of Turkey in this matter, Al-Rawi said.

The Office of the AG has been involved as the authority to act under the Anti-Terrorism Act. He explained this requires his ministry to be aware of deportation matters. Al-Rawi said significant resources have been placed at the airport and officials, will be conducting the interview and the interrogation which is standard on anyone being returned as a deportee. Saying the Police Service, Immigration Department and Customs Division are among the agencies involved in this exercise, Al-Rawi said, We will take the information and intelligence through the regular processes and then make determinations after that. He said it was premature to make any conclusions at this stage.

Resource and intelligence at the airport will be married with the background work which has been conducted over several months. So further reports will come to the respective authorities on that. Of the 12 people, Al-Rawi said two of them were, children, babes in arms. Unlike the situation where TT nationals where detained in Venezuela recently, Al-Rawi said, There has been no outreach from any citizen here to any of the respective authorities, saying look we need assistance to bring our people home. He declined to say whether the individuals would be released at the end of their interviews or detained further. Al-Rawi said there were many hypotheticals and, It really does depend on the interview and what comes about as a result. Al-Rawi also said this country is not bearing the cost of the deportation and international partners, Are very, very pleased with TTs action on terrorism. He first mentioned this issue in Parliament on August 1 last year.

A report in the Daily Sabah last July said police detained people, reputed to be TT nationals, in southern Turkey on July 27 while they were trying to travel to Syria to join Daesh, which is another term used to describe the Islamic State terrorist group (ISIS).

During the sitting, Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal claimed these people were being deported on charges of terrorism and this would have negative implications for this countrys international image.

The returnees made the journey home on a British Airways flight via London and St Lucia accompanied by Turkish law enforcement officers.

According to Deputy Police Commissioner Wayne Dick yesterday, local police did not have full information on the deportees but were given just hours advance notice of their impending arrival.

Dick spoke at a media briefing at the Police Administration Building yesterday morning. He told reporters it became necessary to provide the limited information they had as news of the detention of the 12 had been circulating in the media for some time.
North Dakota lawmakers introduced 779 bills this session and sent 443 of them to Gov. Doug Burgum, 15 of them on Thursday, the last day of the session. Heres a look at some bills that made headlines this session and how they fared:

Medical marijuana

Lawmakers rewrote the medical marijuana law passed by North Dakota voters through an initiated measure in November. They said Measure 5 wasnt workable and needed changes.

Burgum said the product could be available in 12 to 18 months after the state Health Department goes through a rulemaking process.

DAPL bills

As protests of the Dakota Access Pipeline continued through the beginning of the legislative session, lawmakers proposed several bills related to giving law enforcement tools to respond to protests.

As initially introduced, one bill would have made it illegal to wear a mask in most situations. The revised bill that eventually received approval made it a misdemeanor to wear a mask while committing a crime.

Other bills approved provide enhanced penalties for riot offenses and give law enforcement the option of issuing a noncriminal citation and a $250 fine for some trespassing offenses.

The House defeated a bill that would have exempted drivers from liability if they inadvertently hit a pedestrian who was intentionally blocking traffic.

Justice reform

Lawmakers passed several bills meant to add support for behavioral health issues and slow rising prison populations. Among the changes was reducing drug possession charges for first-time offenders from a Class C felony to a Class A misdemeanor and setting probation as the presumptive sentence for low-level, nonviolent felonies.

Tribal relations

House Majority Leader Al Carlson, R-Fargo, introduced a resolution that would have opened the door for casinos away from Native American reservations, which critics said appeared to be in retaliation for pipeline protests.

Legislators defeated the measure, which would have asked voters to amend the state Constitution to allow up to six private casinos and create a commission to regulate the industry.

Proponents said the casino question could come to the ballot through an initiated measure, and the resolution would allow lawmakers to be proactive. A tribal chairman and charitable gaming officials opposed the measure and said it would drain their revenues.

Legislators did not introduce any changes to the oil tax sharing agreement with the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, which is seeking a greater share of tax revenue from oil produced on the reservation. Lawmakers established a legislative management committee to study tribal taxation issues during the interim.

Property taxes

Lawmakers moved to eliminate the 12 percent property tax buydown program and instead created a two-year pilot program for the state takeover of county social services costs. They approved legislation that suspends county authority to levy for human services while providing payments to counties based on a formula that uses caseload figures and expenses.

Proponents dubbed the legislation property tax relief and reform, but some pointed out the bill doesnt contain as much relief as the buydown.

Voter ID

Lawmakers approved new voter identification requirements amid a federal lawsuit over changes made in the past two sessions.

The new law allows voters who dont bring a valid ID to the polls to cast a ballot thats set aside until they produce an ID. If information on the ID isnt complete or current, it allows voters to use documents like a current utility bill or bank statement to supplement the ID.

Parking meters

Lawmakers declined to lift the states long-standing ban on parking meters. A bill introduced as a simple repeal of the ban morphed into a proposal to allow political subdivisions to ask voters to allow the meters.

The ban will remain intact, however, as one lawmaker called parking meters an indirect tax.

Oil industry

Lawmakers approved a bill changing the threshold for oil spill reporting. Companies will no longer have to report oil or brine spills of 420 gallons or less if the spill is contained on a well site. The bill does not change the requirement to clean up all spills. The North Dakota Industrial Commission will undergo a rule-making process before the change takes effect.

Andrews Law

Lawmakers approved a bill aimed at providing more protections for confidential informants. It was inspired by the case of Andrew Sadek, a North Dakota State College of Science student who was found dead after working undercover for police to receive a reduced sentence for a drug charge. The bill requires law enforcement training before they use confidential informants and requires written agreements with informants, among other protections.

Human trafficking

Legislators approved $825,000 to continue programs established in 2015 for victims of human trafficking. The program was at risk of steep funding cuts, but officials redirected $700,000 from unspent dollars from the oil and gas impact grants from 2015-17.

BreatheND

Legislators repealed BreatheND and moved tobacco prevention and control activities to the Department of Health. Voters in 2008 passed an initiated measure that established a tobacco prevention and control program.

Flash in the pan legislation

A bill introduced early in the session would have required companies to block obscene content found on the internet. Proponents said it was an effort to protect children from pornography and from being lured into human trafficking, but it drew ire from the American Civil Liberties Union and Midco.

The bill was quickly withdrawn before it received a hearing.

Meanwhile, quickly defeated legislation would have justified the use of deadly force against people committing minor property crimes, according to North Dakota attorneys who testified against the bill.

Only four senators voted in favor of the bill.
Israel Khan: Ayers-Caesars matter a comedy of errors

It is a comedy of errors all around, Khan said. The entire JLSC including the Chief Justice should resign or, in the alternative, there should be a public enquiry.

The President should set up a Commission of Enquiry to investigate this fiasco. He said he has known Ayers-Caesar to be of impeccable character and the statement of the Chief Justice on behalf of the commission was self-serving and an attempt to destroy Ayers-Caesars good name and character.

Khan said Archie implied that Ayers-Caesar was dishonest by withholding information from him about her slate of part-heard matters; was irresponsible for failing to complete all her matters and was inept in that she could not handle the transition from the magistrates court to the high court.

She is the sacrificial lamb in this scenario and she should not sacrifice her good name and character to save the chief justice or the JLSC.

The chief justice has demonstrated, by his machination to offer lame excuses for his high-handedness, an irresponsible and dont care attitude that he will do everything to protect his image as a clean chief justice. I call upon Marcia Ayers-Caesar to protect her good name and integrity and speak out on this matter. Khan also called upon the other members of the commission to say what happened.

Sources said yesterday several senior attorneys are in the process of formulating a statement calling for Archies resignation as head of the Judiciary and the JLSC. They say even if Ayers-Caesar was not forthcoming on the number of partheard matters before her, Archie as head of the magistracy should have known of the case load before his chief magistrate.

Some attorneys, however, are of the opinion that Ayers-Caesar can return to the bench to complete the matters she left outstanding at the time of her appointment as a judge.

Khan disagrees.

Another senior counsel Martin Daly also weighed in on the controversy.

The JLSC was careless in the first place not to do its own due diligence into what cases the chief magistrate had pending, he said.

The assurance the Commission gave that rigorous processes had been followed, was a hollow assurance. Daly said reappointing Ayers-Caesar to the magisterial bench will bring the administration of justice into disrepute.

They have put themselves in an untenable position.

(SEE PAGE 7A)
Man captured on video beating gas attendant surrenders

The man told police that he had seen the video on the television programme Beyond the Tape and decided to make himself available to the police.

He admitted that he was the person in the video, which went viral on social media, but expressed remorse for his actions.

Yesterday Inspector Beard of the North Eastern Division sought directions from the Office of the DPP on the matter and was advised to carry out further enquiries.

Up until late yesterday the man remained in custody and Newsday understands that an identification parade is expected to be conducted.

The alleged victim Michael Maharaj, 62, of El Socorro, was interviewed by police on Thursday and said he did not report the assault because he was afraid. He however agreed to give a statement.

Maharaj said that he had planned to leave the matter in the hands of God and wanted no revenge.

The owner of the Unipet gas station in El Socorro where the incident occurred has since beefed up security.

It is alleged that at about 11 pm on Tuesday, Maharaj was on duty when he asked the passenger seated in the back seat of a car to desist from smoking a cigarette.

The passenger is alleged to have become enraged and proceeded to cuff and kick Maharaj.

Co-workers and onlookers attempted to diffuse the situation but the attacker continued beating Maharaj.

After seeing the video, head of the Northern Division Senior Superintendent Sagramsingh instructed officers to locate Maharaj and investigate the matter.
Brazilian meats to return to shelves

He said this meant , the products that were imported prior to the restrictions imposed on March 21, are allowed to be returned to the shelves for retail. Rambharat also said as matter of routine, the Health Ministry, conducts surveillance on food products entering the country to ensure they are safe for public consumption.

He added that sometimes his ministry is involved in this exercise.
Child abuse rampant in the region

Moses said this region was the highest in the world of abuse.

The Office of the Prime Minister Gender and Child Affairs launched its Break The Silence programme at City Gate where students displayed paintings on buses to show child abuse.

Moses said many children were abused and abandoned in the region.

We are among the highest in the world for child abuse and we are trying to create awareness for this, he said.

Acting Cpl Lioea Duncan of the Child Protection Unit (CPU), said they depended on the public to inform them about child abuse.

He also stated that there was a thin line between discipline and abuse.

He said the unit was dedicated to protecting children in this country.

We try to get people to be aware because there are certain things that are abusive that people take for granted based on history because a lot of families are closeted so we ask teachers, friends, anyone who suspects abuse, report it.

Sometimes reports are unfounded because there is a thin line between abuse and discipline, however, to err on the side of caution, report it, let us investigate.

Children who are supposed to be in school and they are not, that is a form of abuse, Duncan said.

He said parents still had the right to discipline their child, but it depended on the manner and the severity of the punishment.

We want to ask people to keep talking to their children. Sometimes children try to tell us things and we dont listen. We dont pay attention. We hear them, but pay no attention. We have to look at changes in behaviour of our children to note if something is happening, he said.

Duncan said the CPU was a dedicated unit and anyone under 18 was protected by them.

We have nothing else to do..

no accidents or murders. Dont be afraid to come in. There is a unit in every division. We have a lot of hard working officers who are working under extreme conditions and we are still getting the job done. We are not afraid of the work, Duncan said.

At yesterdays launch, chairman of the Public Transportation Services Corporation (PTSC), Edwin Gooding said there were nine buses with paintings by students that carried a message of hope.

United Nations Childrens Fund representative, Patrick Knight, said this was a multipronged approach to protect children against sexual abuse.

He said 47 per cent of girls and a third of adolescent boys admitted that their first sexual experience was forced.

Knight said
Ramdeen says reappointment would not solve issue

It is not going to remove any of the problems that have been created by this appointment because, as the law stands, it is very clear to me on a number of authorities that Marcia Ayers-Caesar cannot resume those matters that were part heard. Ramdeen was speaking at a news conference at his Cornelio Street, Woodbrook office .

The chief magistrate, whether sitting as chief magistrate or sitting as magistrate in the magistracy, cannot resume those partheard matters and seek to continue them from the position that they were in when she resigned as magistrate to take up the position as a judge. Deeming the move illegal, Ramdeen said the attempt by the commission to cure what is a scandal and a stain on the administration of justice would provide no relief to people who were in the Port-of-Spain Magistrates Court this week complaining about not having their matters heard in a timely fashion .

One would think that the chief justice and the other members of the JLSC, having been faced with this situation and having been faced with a resignation of a judge of the Supreme Court, dont you think that it would have been prudent for the JLSC to take some time and figure out what was the right procedure to adopt to try to alleviate this position and provide solution to this problem? he asked .

What they have done is compounded the problem that they created in the first place. Ramdeen, who is also a UNC senator, called on Chief Justice Ivor Archie and the JLSC to explain to the public the decision to reinstate Ayers-Caesar as chief magistrate .

Who did the JLSC consult before making this decision having regard to the circumstances that led to this decision being made? He said he had contacted the head of the Criminal Bar Association who, he claimed, also had not been consulted on Ayers-Caesars reappointment .

There is a president of the Law Association and he owes a duty to all of us and not only to the members of the legal profession, to indicate whether there was any consultation after the resignation and the decision by the JLSC .

Ramdeen called on the members of the JLSC to resign for putting the legal fraternity and country in an embarrassing position.
Imbert: Education is the first step

Imbert said the issues to be dealt with include whether the property tax is a new tax; how the system differs from the one used prior to 2009; processes for valuation and property tax assessment; what is the annual rental value and how is it calculated; what is the annual taxable value; do all properties in TT have a rental value; who is responsible for the valuation of the property; how often will a valuation be conducted on properties and explanation of the relevant provisions of the Valuation of Land Act and the Property Tax Act.

Imbert was unable to provide a cost for this ini tiative but promised to do so if the Opposition posed the question correctly to him. However, he added, I am certain that the returns would be at least 100 times the cost. Later in the sitting, Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal questioned whether 238 new jobs were created through the employment of people at valuators for the property tax.

Moonilal also scoffed at Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowleys comment that squatters would have to pay property tax.

How much revenue do you expect to get from squatters? he asked.
No problem with Transporter

He said there was a delay in the Transporters departure from Port-of-Spain on Wednesday because of a delay in getting the necessary clearance from the Customs Division, before a foreign flag vessel can move from one port to another. Sinanan added that the transit time of the barge was 12 hours.

Later in the sitting, Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal scoffed that a round trip from London to TT would have taken a shorter time. Moonilal also alleged the Transporter is being leased at a rate of $192 million,. Is this the MV Su in the making? he asked.
Khan: Asset Integrity high on Petrotrins agenda

Khan said this information was contained in the Integrity Asset Report which was commissioned in July 2015 under the then Peoples Partnership (PP) government and completed last April under the ruling Peoples National Movement (PNM) He said it was the Governments intention to implement the recommendations of this report, in the shortest possible time. Khan said the report comprises the audits of 30 companies in the upstream and downstream companies. He added that, areas of specific improvement were discussed with the individual companies. Earlier in the sitting, in response to another question from Paray, National Security Minister Edmund Dillon assured him that a fire tender would be assigned to the Mayaro Fire Station. Dillon added that this station would be supported by appliances from the Rio Claro Fire Station if necessary.
Ramdeen: Do not give the PNM info on your property

Addressing a large crowd at the Macaulay Community Centre on the contentious property tax, Ramdeen called for the return of the previous means of paying land and building taxes which, he said, was used many years ago and raised approximately $200 million.

Ramdeen said given the 400,000 homes which Finance Minister Colm Imbert said exists, the government can raise approximately $400,000. He accused government of trying to instil fear in the minds of people by telling them if they do not pay the property tax, their homes would be seized.

Well not as long as they have a strong opposition like the UNC.

Imbert is saying that if people do not fill out the forms he will get the information regarding properties from WASA, TTEC and TSTT. Imbert so desperate that he said he will get an aerial view of peoples property and deal with those who are not willing to pay property tax. Saying there could be discrimination in assessing peoples properties, Ramdeen told the gathering it should be the concern of every owner of property, whether residents living in other parts of the country would not be evaluated as well. Will they evaluate properties in Laventille and in the Beetham? He said the people of Penal, Point-APierre and Chaguanas spent years developing their properties for generations, And this government will come now to say pay tax or you will lose your property.
Deyalsingh: Take advantage of opportunities

Deyalsingh was speaking on Wednesday at the Metal Industries Company Limited (MIC) Administrative Professional Symposium titled Unlocking Your True Professional Potential at the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, UWI Campus, St Augustine.

The symposium was launched in 2008 in commemoration of Administrative Professionals Week, and this years theme is Excellence, No Exceptions.

Quoting from Proverbs 12:11, Deyalsingh said those who work the land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.

Let us not take the land literally, lets just say those who work, whether you work the land or in the office or you work for yourself, washing cars for a living, will have abundant food. That means you will not go without.

And dont take abundant food literally. Those who work will have a sense of purpose. But those who chase fantasies, blame others for their circumstance, depend on the government of the day for their daily bread, have no sense. He continued, What the government will do, is put everything in your path to take advantage of opportunities so that you can work. Free education, subsidised electricity, subsidised water, free health care.

Take advantage of the opportunities so that you can work the land. Deyalsingh told his audience they must have a plan and execute the plan in order for the entire1.3 million citizens here to excel.

He said the duties administrative professionals do go beyond the value of their pay check.

We are in the business of building a nation. Other speakers included chairman MIC-IT Professor Clement Imbert, former education minister Hazel Manning, dean at the Faculty of Law, UWI Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antonie and motivational speakers Luke Quamina and Akosua Dardaine Edwards.
Trump sends clearest signal yet to North Korea he is willing to go to war to stop its nuclear, missile programs

President Donald J. Trump has left little doubt that hes willing to go to war to stop North Korea from finishing development of its nuclear weapons program as well as the means to deliver them atop an ICBM capable of reaching the United States.

In an interview with Reuters, conducted in the Oval Office, the president was equally clear that he seeks to avoid a military confrontation with the Hermit Kingdom. But at the same time, if pressed  and if the U.S., China, the United Nations and other governments are not successful in convincing leader Kim Jong-un to abandon his nuclear ambitions  Trump is prepared to act.

There is a chance that we could end up having a major, major conflict with North Korea. Absolutely, Trump said, adding: Wed love to solve things diplomatically but its very difficult.

The White House is said to be preparing a new package of economic sanctions that it hopes will be approved by the UN Security Council, but the president, aware that the North Korea issue has plagued several past U.S. administrations, is not taking the military option off the table. (RELATED: Senators told North Korean nuke threat urgent)

Trump, it seems, has decided he wont become just another president who kicks this can down the road.

On Friday, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson chaired a meeting of the UN Security Council, calling on members to level new, tougher economic sanctions against Pyongyang. Tillersons meeting with the council comes after a lunch Trump held with them earlier this week, in which North Korea was a focus.

Our nation faces serious and growing threats, and many of them stem from problems that have been unaddressed for far too long, the president said. The status quo in North Korea is also unacceptable, and the Council must be prepared to impose additional and stronger sanctions on North Korean nuclear and ballistic missile programs. This is a real threat to the world, whether we want to talk about it or not.

China  the Norths sole major ally  has been key to resolving the nuclear issue in North Korea. But Beijing has, so far, been unable to use its influence to convince Kim to drop his programs. In fact, last week China sent a nuclear envoy to Pyongyang to meet with Kim and warn him of the consequences if he continued on his current path, but the delegation was rebuffed.

Yet its obvious that Trump understands China has a major role to play in any decision the U.S. eventually makes regarding North Korea  be it diplomatic or military. That was evidenced by his decision to defer an offer from Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen to hold another phone call at some point in the future, following a direct conversation in December from Tsai in which she congratulated Trump on his Nov. 8 victory, but which upset the Chinese government. China considers Taiwan a rogue province, but the Taiwanese government does not share that sentiment.

Trump also appears to appreciate the difficulty that Beijing is having in reining in its belligerent neighbor.

I believe [Xi] is trying very hard. He certainly doesnt want to see turmoil and death. He doesnt want to see it. He is a good man. He is a very good man and I got to know him very well, Trump told Reuters.

With that being said, he loves China and he loves the people of China. I know he would like to be able to do something [about North Korea], perhaps its possible that he cant. (RELATED: Trump: President Obama And Bill Clinton Were Outplayed By North Korea)

Any U.S. action on the Korean peninsula would likely require at least the tacit approval of the Chinese government, given that North Korea and China share a common border, Beijings historical alliance with Pyongyang, and the fact that China would likely have to deal with a flood of refugees from North Korea in the event of war.

As for Kim, Trump was asked by Reuters whether he thought his adversary was rational.

Hes 27 years old. His father dies, took over a regime. So say what you want but that is not easy, especially at that age, Trump said.

Im not giving him credit or not giving him credit, Im just saying thats a very hard thing to do. As to whether or not hes rational, I have no opinion on it. I hope hes rational.

A recent high-level defector from North Korea has said Kim would use nuclear weapons if need be in order to remain in power.

More than half of Americans  53 percent  back military action against North Korea to stop its nuclear weapons program.

J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel.

Sources:

Reuters.com

TheNationalSentinel.com

Newsmax.com

Submit a correction >>
The UN Security Council unanimously adopted Friday Resolution 2351 extending the mandate of the UN mission in the Sahara, the MINURSO, for another year and calling on the parties to the conflict to engage in a fifth round of negotiations.

The resolution, drafted by Nikki R. Haley, the United States ambassador to the United Nations, was adopted in unanimity after the UN confirmed Polisarios withdrawal from the Guerguarat area in the buffer strip.

The resolution reaffirmed the need for full respect of the military agreements reached with MINURSO with regard to the ceasefire and called on all the parties to adhere fully to those agreements.

Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, said that the MINURSO has confirmed the Polisarios retreat from the Guerguarat on the Mauritanian borders.

This action should improve the prospects of creating an environment that will facilitate early implementation of Mr. Guterress determination to relaunch the negotiating process, Dujarric said, stressing that realism and the spirit of compromise are essential in order to achieve progress in the negotiations.

The process would be relaunched with a new dynamic and a new spirit that reflects the Security Councils guidance and resolutions, with the aim of reaching a mutually acceptable political solution, the spokesman said.

In the resolution adopted Friday, the Security Council calls on neighboring States to cooperate more closely with the United Nations and to get more involved in ending the current impasse with a view to reaching a political solution. This call echoes the recommendation the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made in his report, urging Algeria and Mauritania to cooperate fully in the endeavors seeking a solution to the Sahara conflict. In his report, Gueterres actually devoted large passages to Algeria, the neighboring country that supports, sponsors and arms the Polisario and that is therefore a party to the conflict, although it claims that it is not.

The Security Council also insists on a political solution to the Sahara conflict, and affirms that enhanced cooperation between the member states of the Arab Maghreb Union, would contribute to stability and security in the Sahel region.

Several countries and analysts have repeatedly warned against the risks associated with terrorism and all forms of trafficking as terrorists and traffickers find in regional conflicts a breeding ground for their activities. The Security Council has thus underlined this risk and called on Maghreb countries to work together to eradicate it.

The Council also called on the parties to adhere to their obligations under the ceasefire agreement and to respect both its letter and spirit, and to cooperate fully with MINURSO, stressing the need to ensure that tensions do not erupt anew in the Guerguerat area.

Tension started building up in Guerguarat last August when Morocco launched an anti-smuggling operation that has a police character to clear the region of all sorts of illegal commercial activities. Moroccan authorities also started asphalting a road to better monitor the area and bar traffickers and terrorist groups from setting up a safe haven in the buffer zone beyond Moroccos security berm on the borders with Mauritania. But in February, Morocco responded positively to a call by the new UN Secretary General for both parties to withdraw from the area, while the Polisario scorned the call.

The Council also stressed the importance of the commitment of the parties to continue the process of preparing a fifth round of negotiations, noting that realism and the spirit of compromise by the parties are essential for progress in the negotiations.

The United Nations opened negotiations between Morocco and the Algerian-backed Polisario separatists in 2007, after Morocco presented an autonomy plan for the Sahara that the UN Security Council deemed as serious and credible. Several negotiation rounds were held since then, with the latest taking place outside of New York in 2012.

Bottom line, the Security Councils resolution on Western Sahara is binding for the Polisario and its Algerian mentor. It also contains hints that the United Nations is realistic and determined to push for a political solution to a conflict whose persistence is a threat to the entire Sahel region.
The newly adopted UN Security Council Resolution on the Sahara highlights Moroccos efforts to settle the Sahara conflict through the autonomy initiative and calls on the other parties, notably Algeria, to uphold their responsibility in settling the conflict, Moroccos Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Omar Hilale said.

Speaking at a press conference following the unanimous adoption by the Security Council of the resolution, Hilale welcomed the renewal of the MINURSOs mandate for another year expiring on April 30, 2018.

Morocco welcomes the adoption of the Security Council resolution and expresses heartfelt thanks to the US penholder for elaborating such a negotiated text that was successfully adopted unanimously, Hilale said.

He added that this resolution pays tribute to Moroccos efforts to settle the artificial dispute over the Sahara and holds other parties responsible under international law.

The diplomat noted that the new text is in line with the UN Secretary Generals plan to relaunch the political process with a view to reaching a realistic solution with a spirit of compromise.

Resolution 2351 also highlights the pre-eminence and pertinence of Moroccos autonomy initiative as a unique solution to the Sahara issue, stressed Hilale, adding that the text calls on neighbouring countries, notably Algeria, to bring a substantive contribution to the political process to settle the conflict.

Neighboring countries have a key role to play, he said, emphasizing that Algeria can no longer continue to shirk its responsibility to reach a political settlement of the regional dispute over the Sahara.

In this respect, Hilale highlighted that the text calls on Algeria to allow the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to conduct the census and registration of the population held in the Tindouf camps.

On relations with the MINURSO, Hilale made it clear that the full functionality of the UN mission in the Sahara has been fully restored after tensions simmered by the previous UN Secretary General Ban ki-moon, whose verbal blunders prompted Morocco to expel the civilian staff of the mission in March 2016.

Hilale also pointed out to the delay in the adoption of the resolution to allow for the Polisarios pullback from the Guerguarat area in the buffer strip on the borders with Mauritania. He explained that the Separatists had to withdraw in order to avoid a condemnation by the Security Council and that the 2351 resolution continues to express concerns over the Polisarios presence in the buffer zone.
SoapBox Derby.jpg

The Deborah Washington Memorial soapbox derby celebrated 25 years in Moss Point on Saturday

(Chevron)

MOSS POINT, Mississippi --- Dozens of racers, volunteers, and spectators lined the streets of downtown Moss Point for the 25th annual Deborah Washington Memorial Soap Box Derby Saturday.

The race is named in Washington's memory, because it was her idea to have a soap box derby in Moss Point. Washington passed away in 2000 after a battle with breast cancer. Her mother, Gladys Vaughn, has attended the event every year.

"When I got here this morning and got out of the car, I looked around and said, 'Deborah, you would not believe... 'I mean she would be so proud, and this is the 25th year, so this is a big year."

The commemorative year was recognized with a special award presented to Rick McDonald. He's been involved in the race since the very beginning when his son was a participant.

"In fact, he was car number six," said McDonald. "There were a total of six cars in the race. Half of the cars had break problems or steering problems, so I ended up fixing everybody's car. My son hasn't let me live it down yet that I fixed the steering on the car that beat him," he said with a laugh.

The event has grown leaps and bounds since its inception. There were about 40 participants in the race this year, compared to the six they began with 25 years ago. There are also four divisions: stock, super stock, masters, and super kids, which is designed for special needs children who are allowed to have volunteer drivers.

Bryan Watson's 14-year old daughter, Olivia, participated in the super kids division. It was her first time to race, and she was in the very first race of the day.

"She has been so excited," said Watson. "I think it's really great that Soapbox Derby calls them super kids, because they do have deficiencies. They do have delays, but they also have things they do really well."

"I've seen the community grow so much for its citizens who can't always do for themselves, so it gladdens a parent's heart, and it gladdens the citizens' hearts as well. The fact that a community would come together for your child... there is nothing more special."

The race is sponsored by the Chevron Pascagoula Refinery Black Employee Network (BEN) and Moss Point Active Citizens (MPAC) and is open to children and youth between the ages of 7 and 21.

"It gets bigger and better every year," said McDonald. "It's one of the good family events that we have in the area. We hope to grow it continuously."

This story will be updated with a photo gallery.
Its pretty good, right? Photo: CNN

President Trump was in the Oval Office Thursday, speaking with three Reuters reporters about the Chinese president Xi Jinping, when he stopped mid-thought to hand them each a piece of paper.

Here, you can take that, thats the final map of the numbers, he said, according to a piece Reuters ran Thursday. Printed on the paper was a 2016 electoral map of the U.S. with the counties he won colored red, and those Hillary Clinton won colored blue. Its pretty good, right?

If there was any doubt that Trumps first 100 days didnt give him the signature win he covets, its gone now. In search of something to brag about, he had to go all the way back to November. What makes it worse is that the maps are hardly worth bragging about; they may be more red than blue, but thats a better indication of the square footage Trump won, not the voters.

There were three of us in the interview  and he had a copy for each of us, Jeff Mason, one of the three reporters in the room at the time, told CNN Friday morning. It was just clear that the election  remains very much on his mind.
Soon to be a right-wing MSNBC host? Photo: Kirk Irwin/Getty Images for SiriusXM

MSNBC is in talks with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt about creating a show for him on weekend evenings, four well-placed sources at the network tell Daily Intelligencer. Initially MSNBC was keen on having Hewitt host a program on weekend mornings, but that idea is off the table because Hewitt wants to be on in the evening, according to two sources. At one point, network management also floated moving Joy-Ann Reids popular weekend program AM Joy to the afternoon to serve as a lead-in for Hewitt and help jumpstart his ratings, but that plan has seemingly been dropped.

Hewitt is already part of the NBC News family as a paid commentator, but the fact that hes on the verge of getting his own program is alarming to some staffers at MSNBC. Among their concerns is that Hewitt, a dyed-in-the-wool conservative and Trump supporter, doesnt represent the values of the liberal network. While Hewitt flirted with never-Trumpism during the campaign  most notably when then-candidate Trump attacked Mexican-American judge Gonzalo Curiel, and after the infamous Access Hollywood tape was leaked to the Washington Post  he always came back to Trump, and ultimately cast a ballot for him in the November election.

Daily Intelligencer reached out to both MSNBC and Hewitt for comment. At the time of publication, neither had responded.

MSNBCs talks with Hewitt come at a time of increased internal tension at the network. Some staff are worried that NBC News chairman Andy Lack is leading the cable network in a more conservative direction. At an NBC News town hall after the election, Lack said that the organization should be focused on appealing to Americas heartland, according to people at the meeting. The remark was widely seen as a directive to, as one source put it, focus on Trump voters.

Some staffers have inferred a link between Lacks directive and the decision to pull Todays first black woman host, Tamron Hall, off the show to make room for former Fox News host Megyn Kelly. Ultimately, Hall chose to leave both NBC and MSNBC  where she had her own 11 a.m. program  rather than accept a diminished role. Lack also hired former Fox News host Greta Van Susteren and gave her the 6 p.m. slot on MSNBCs weekday schedule. Since Van Susterens show debuted in January, the ratings have been, by any objective measure, abysmal. In a rare occurrence for that spot, her numbers have actually been lower than those of her lead-in program, Chuck Todds Meet the Press Daily. Van Susterens hire was not well-received internally at MSNBC, with Chris Matthews being especially frustrated by the decision, according to two network sources.

Today, Politicos Jake Sherman was the first to report that former John McCain campaign staffer Nicolle Wallace is set to take over the 4 p.m. weekday slot from Steve Kornacki. While Kornacki is well-regarded at MSNBC, Lack has wanted to replace him with a stronger host in that time slot, to offer more competition to CNNs Jake Tapper. Wallace also enjoys a positive reputation internally. But adding another conservative, white host to the schedule  or two more, if the Hewitt deal gets inked  has many at the cable network wondering where they are headed.
Clarke speaking at CPAC in February. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, a thin-skinned conservative provocateur who likes to dress up as a cowboy, is close to landing a job in the Trump administration, Politico reports. The controversial lawman is in line for an appointment to serve as assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Securitys Office of Partnership and Engagement.

In that role, Clarke would serve as DHSs liaison between state and local police forces, and while the prospect of him working for the federal government will make some want to puke, at least it would mean hes no longer in charge of a jail where four people died last year.

Among those to lose their lives in the Milwaukee County jail since last April were a newborn baby and Terrill Thomas, who died of profound dehydration. Earlier this week prosecutors began an inquest into Thomass April 2016 death. After two days in the jails special-needs unit, the 38-year-old, who suffered from bipolar disorder, was placed in solitary confinement. Jail employees turned off the water to his cell when he arrived.

Over the course of the next week, Thomas slowly deteriorated and could be heard begging for water, inmates said. On his eighth day in solitary, he was found dead in his cell. Thomass family has sued in federal court alleging that he was subjected to a form of torture When the AP asked Clarke for comment on that suit, he replied with a statement noting the crimes Thomas was alleged to have committed before his arrest.

Clarke, who spoke at the RNC last summer, is an exuberant Trump supporter who first rose to prominence thanks to Fox News. The network used him, wrote Representative Gwen Moore, the congresswoman from Clarkes district, because it needed a black sheriff to give voice to the dog-whistle narratives its anchors dare not vocalize themselves.

And he always delivered. Clarke hates Black Lives Matter, has cozied up to Alex Jones, and has little patience for those who protest the president. He also loves to bash President Obama on Twitter. Is it any wonder that Trumps trying to find him a job in D.C.?
games

March Madness Is Perfect, So of Course Theyre Trying to Ruin It

Big universities want to expand the tournament, which would make the Cinderella stories everyone loves much less likely to happen.
York? Like the peppermint patties?

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I don't see her is akin to "i don't know her"

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he was INCREDIBLE

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Him rescuing that on girl with his salon comment is still iconic to me

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OT, but did we have a post about the mess that is the Fyre Festival?

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http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/105971526.html

http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/105976008.html There were two of them!

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Thanks. Where the hell was I?

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omg i'm getting close to that moment in my antm rewatch! i'm on s4

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Helen Keller?

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I THOUGHT THIS TOO LMAO

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I love the name York tbh. Lmao oop

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omg I had no idea Tyra had a baby, where have I been?

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She wasn't pregnant so it was a bit easier to miss

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He literally meant he doesn't see her, as in he thought she moved out of the country. What a dumb post

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I'm sure that's not what he means when he acts as if he doesn't know she had a child over a year ago, lol.

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B*tch just because you can't tell that Miss Talley is clearly paying Tyra dust in this clip!

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Everyone's team Naomi

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not the help!

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I never liked him on ANTM, he would always criticize the girls for such dumb things

Janice was the best judge, and I liked Twiggy too.

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Guess they dont hang out since the show ended

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While periodic anti-government protests are met with a strong security response, regarding Belarus relationship with Moscow, the weak status of the opposition and the economic interest found in maintaining the status quo indicate the country is likely to remain politically stable under the current government.

Between February and March of 2017, Belarus experienced a wave of public protests linked to social discontent, sparked by the governments attempt to implement a new tax known as the social parasite tax bill. President Alexander Lukashenko signed the bill into law in April 2015, with the objective of enforcing it into action in 2017.

The new tax predicted a payment of approximately USD $210 for some segments of the Belarusian working population that worked less than 183 days per year within the country. Protests against the tax took place nationwide and members of the opposition tried to use the momentum to conduct political anti-government demonstrations.

This led to the March 25th protests in Minsk. The March 25th date represents a major annual commemoration for members of the Belarusian opposition, as it marks the anniversary of the foundation of the Belarusian Peoples Republic in 1919.

The protests are banned by local authorities because of security concerns. Any activist who confronted the ban faced a strict police response, in which hundreds of demonstrators were temporarily detained.

This led to major condemnations from local opposition groups as well as international observers. Groups opposing President Lukashenkos rule have been trying to make socio-economic grievances and political claims converge. However, it is highly unlikely that Belarus will experience a Ukraine-type scenario in which mass protests supported by political and business pressure groups could successfully destabilise the country.

This is mainly due to three key factors: Minsks structural relationship with Moscow, the weak status of the opposition and the economic interest found in maintaining the status quo. This situation continues to guarantee the countrys political stability.

Structural relations with Russia

The relationship between Belarus and Russia periodically experiences tense periods. This is mainly due to Minsks attempts to decrease its economic dependence on Moscow and readjust its position within the region. However, a meeting held in St Petersburg on April 3rd between President Vladimir Putin and President Lukashenko saw the two countries agree to a long-term joint political and economic roadmap. This roadmap can possibly mitigate the risk of lasting tensions.

Putin clearly stated that Russia would work to prevent any destabilisation of Belarus. The two countries also reached an agreement for the implementation of a common Customs Code of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). This will facilitate the implementation of a unified customs regulation within the EAEU and further solidify the political ties between Russia and Belarus. Related: World Bank Maintains Oil Price Forecast At $55

The enduring stability of oil and gas supplies is the key driver behind the positive relations with Moscow and the strong domestic position of the Belarusian government. On April 3rd, both presidents agreed on refinancing Belarus public debt of approximately USD $800 million. Russias Gazprom will also guarantee gas supplies on the long-term and these will be sold at a discount price for 2018 and 2019.

These economic concessions made by Russia to Belarus are part of Moscows objective of keeping its neighbour under a stable and friendly political situation. It is in Russias interest to continue security cooperation with Belarus, at all levels and within the Belarusian establishment. Especially within the Ministry of Interior and the domestic intelligence officials see the countrys national interest relatively aligned with the Russias one.

Weak opposition

Beyond the role played by the relatively positive Russia-Belarus relations, the stability of the countrys political system is also in part guaranteed by the weakness of the local opposition. While the wave of protests that took place earlier this year raised concerns due to their volume and frequency, the majority of public rallies in Belarus are generally sparked by socio-economic grievances unlikely to substantially challenge ruling authorities. Opposition rallies sporadically occur in major cities but these have so far failed to garner sufficient support.

A key reason behind Belarus lasting stability can also be found behind the oppositions lack of strong leaders. Minsks economic reliance on Moscow leads to the presence of a business environment closely associated with the current government structure as well as with Russian interests.

This comes as a clear differentiator from Ukraine where a large number of oligarchs and business leaders developed economic interests opposed to Russian ones. The ongoing reliance of Belarus on Russia is likely to guarantee at least a certain degree of political stability in the country.

The Belarusian state, through its special police and domestic intelligence agencies, has proven capable of monitoring and responding to the threat posed by radical elements operating within the Belarusian opposition. This periodically results in the preventive detention of elements deemed as potential threats to national security and stability, especially suspects believed to be close to anarchist organisations. Related: Russia Hits 100% Compliance With OPEC Cut

These methods were heavily employed in the lead-up to March protests thus diffusing the risk of a wider and potentially violent round of unrest. While these tactics are widely criticised by human rights activists and the European Union (EU), they have so far enabled the Belarusian government to weaken groups that could have mounted a challenge to police forces during protests.

Economic interests linked to gradual opening

The last point to consider when assessing the Belarusian political stability is the fact that under Lukashenkos latest diplomatic maneuvers, the country has gradually benefitted from an improved economic outlook. The EU suspended a part of its sanction regime against Belarus in February 2016 and diplomatic relations between Minsk and the west started slowly improving following the October 2015 presidential elections. While the EU continues to call for the respect of human rights in Belarus, the government is trying to position itself as partner in Eastern Europe.

This gradual opening has also been highlighted by the implementation of a 5-day visa free policy aimed at boosting the Belarusian tourism sector. This policy is implemented for more than 80 countries, as of December 2016, and has led to substantial positive results. The passenger traffic in the Minsk international airport also grew by 30 percent in the first trimester of 2017 in comparison to the same period last year.

These indicators suggest that, as segments of the local population see their living standards improve due to government-backed policies, it is less likely that opposition groups will gain support with political demands linked to major claims that could destabilize the country.

The relative improvement of living standards has also been driven by the growth of the IT sector in Belarus. The government continues to sporadically implement restrictive regulations and public interference slows the potential growth of the sector.

However, a dynamic exists in Minsk in which highly skilled young IT employees are driving economic development into the capital. While this emerging trend is unlikely to be politically pro-government, it is also probable that the gradual improvement of economic conditions and direct and indirect creation of jobs linked to the IT sphere diminishes the potential attraction of radical opposition groups.

By Global Risk Insights

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
MOSS POINT, Miss. - The Moss Point School District settled a lawsuit over the death of a Magnolia Middle School student who was killed in 2014.

Lorel Ka'Heim Malone, 12, his parents allege was bullied for his religious beliefs, which led to his death in March 2014.

His parents, Dominic Malone and Lakenisa Nobles, filed the suit because they say the district failed to protect him from bullying and deprived Lorel of his civil rights, per the suit.

Per court documents, a settlement was reached March 29 and the financial details are private.

The parents sued the Moss Point School District and board, former Magnolia Middle School principal Joanne Pettaway and former school superintendent Maggie Griffin.

Griffin was later dismissed as a defendant.

According to the suit, Lorel's parents went to school officials multiple times to ask for relief for their son, but the school district did nothing to stop the bullying.

Lorel was allegedly attacked on March 6, 2014. Per the suit, he suffered "injuries sufficient to trigger the onset of a fatal health crisis involving his heart."

Malone was taken to Singing River Hospital for his injuries and he was later transferred to the University of South Alabama Children's and Women's Hospital, where he later died.
Chinese diplomatic analysts believe further nuclear tests by North Korea could push Beijing over the edge, prompting an oil embargo that would deal a devastating blow to Pyongyangs stability.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told Fox News that he had been informed that China would be taking sanctions actions on their own, should Pyongyang conduct another nuclear test.

Crude oil is very likely to be included as part of new U.N. sanctions if North Korea continues with its provocative nuclear tests, and China will almost certainly endorse such an effort, Sun Xingjie, an expert on North Korea from Jilin University said on the matter.

International sanctions against North Korea have been in place for the past several years, with the most recent United Nations-backed round targeting the countrys shipping network. A Chinese oil embargo would likely debilitate Kin Jong-uns government.



Instead of an oil embargo of just one or two months, which is unlikely to have a major impact on North Koreas strategic oil reserves, we are talking about a halt in Chinese crude oil supplies for at least six months. That would be a real nightmare for Kim, said Sun.

The expert said Beijing would likely require a mandate from the U.N. to take new actions against Pyongyang absent further nuclear activity.



Related: Russia Hits 100% Compliance With OPEC Cut

Gasoline prices in North Korea jumped by as much as 83 percent this week on the back of reports that China is mulling over crude sanctions for the unruly neighbor.

While China has historically supportedabove allthe stability of the Pyongyang regime as a means of avoiding a refugee crisis should the political system there collapse, now it is putting equal weight on regime stability and the denuclearization of that same regime.

By Zainab Calcuttawala for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
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...
UPDATED

Former Chicago schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett was sentenced Friday to more than four years in prison for her role in steering no-bid contracts to an education consulting company in exchange for kickbacks in a $20 million corruption scheme.

Federal prosecutors had asked for an 89-month prison sentence for Byrd-Bennett , citing her role in the scheme but also her cooperation with prosecutors. Byrd-Bennetts lawyer had initially sought a three-and-a half year sentence and significant community service.

U.S. District Court Judge Edmond Changs sentence closes the final chapter in Byrd-Bennetts long education career, which started in New York City. Byrd-Bennett served as teacher, principal, and regional superintendent in the New York Citys school system. She later worked as the chief academic officer in Detroit and as superintendent in Cleveland.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel appointed Byrd-Bennett to run the Chicago district in 2012 in the tense months leading up the teachers union strike and tapped her to replace then-CEO Jean-Claude Brizard, who resigned just weeks after the seven-day strike ended.

After Byrd-Bennetts sentence was handed down, Emanuels spokesman Adam Collins said in a statement that the former schools chief had betrayed the public trust.

She broke the law, Collins statement read. She turned her back on the very children she was entrusted to serve, and the children of Chicago are owed much better than that. Todays decision is a reminder that no one is above the law, and with justice now served the entire CPS community can continue to focus on building on the record academic success of Chicago students.

But the Chicago Teachers Union issued a statement linking Byrd-Bennetts misdeeds to other actions under the Emanuel administration, including the large-scale closure of schools in 2013.

Todays sentencing of former CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett joins the shuttering of 50 schools in predominantly Black and Latino communities, the cover-up in the shooting death of Laquan McDonald, the closure of city-run mental health clinics, and an ongoing email scandal on a list of embarrassments and transgressions Chicagoans have endured under the Rahm Emanuel administration, the CTU statement read in part.

Byrd-Bennetts tenure as the head of CPS, in addition to her and Emanuels destruction of dozens of school communities in 2013, cost the district $20 million in cronyism and privatization, which continues to this day.

Byrd-Bennett was indicted in October 2015 and later pleaded guilty to a single count of wire fraud . When she pleaded guilty in October 2015, she tearfully apologized to the citys children and families.

They deserve much more, much more than I gave to them, she said.

Before she was sentenced, Byrd-Bennett said that she hoped to find a way to redeem herself and said she has no one to blame but herself, according to reporters in the courtroom. She also asked the judge to consider her entire lifes work when handing down the decision, according to reporter Sarah Karp.

I pray to God to help me find a way to redeem myself, Barbara Byrd-Bennett sobs in courtroom, prior to her sentencing by a federal judge. -- Juan Perez Jr. (@PerezJr) April 28, 2017

very tearful Barbara Byrd-Bennett asked to consider her entire lives work when considering her sentence... judge short break B4 sentence -- Sarah Karp (@SSKedreporter) April 28, 2017

Prosecutors alleged that Byrd-Bennett colluded with the owners of SUPES Academy and Synesi Associatesfor which she previously worked as a consultantto steer contracts their way in exchange for money for college and weddings for her relatives and hundreds of thousands after she left CPS .

Gary Solomon, the CEO of SUPES Academy and the supposed mastermind, was sentenced in March to seven years in prison. Tom Vranas, a co-owner of SUPES Academy, was also sentenced Friday to 18 months in prison. He was seeking three years of probation.

The district has filed a lawsuit against Bennett, Solomon, and Vranas seeking $65 million in damages.

Photo: Former Chicago schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett enters the Dirksen Federal Courthouse on April 28 in Chicago before being sentenced on bribery charges. --James Foster/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)
U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, announced that the Medical Device Manufacturers Association, an industry group, presented her with its "Chairman's Award" at a meeting in Washington on Thursday evening.

The award recognizes Stefanik's support for repealing the federal excise tax on medical devices and for general support of the medical device industry.

"The medical device industry does critical work to improve heath care for families ... in addition to creating jobs in our North Country economy," Stefanik said, in a press release.

The Medical Device Manufacturers Association contributed $2,170 to Stefanik's 2016 re-election campaign, according to Federal Election Commission reports.
Police locate runaway teens

Two Granville teens, who were reported as runaways on Monday, were located and returned to their families, according to New York State Police.

Jeremy J. Burch, 17, and Isabell V. Winchell, 15, believed to be a couple, may have been headed to North Carolina, an earlier release reported.

The search for the teens, who may have been operating a 2004 black Volvo, began earlier in the week, although the circumstances did not appear suspicious, police reported.

According to a release by Granville State Police on Saturday, the pair was located in Ulster County.

Additional details were not available on Saturday night.

Man gets prison time for heroin

QUEENSBURY  A Queensbury man who was arrested with 170 bags of heroin last December was sentenced Wednesday in Warren County Court to 3 years in state prison.

Travis R. Broe, 27, pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony, in connection with an arrest last Dec. 21 in Queensbury.

Police said he was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by State Police because the driver did not have a license, and the heroin was found. The driver, Thomas M. Carroll, 31, of Queensbury, was also charged, and charges remain pending against him.

Warren County Judge John Hall sentenced Broe to 3 years in prison to be followed by 2 years on parole.
QUEENSBURY  SUNY Adirondacks peace officers should carry guns, according to the recommendation of the community colleges emergency management team and a task force charged with studying the issue.

The college received a request in October from the public safety department to explore the issue. After three months of discussion, the task force recommended that the college arm the officers. Ann Marie Somma, vice president for administrative services, presented a report at Thursdays Board of Trustees meeting.

Somma outlined the history of security on campus. The college originally had security guards  some in-house and some outsourced. In 2005, a campus public safety officer was hired. In 2013, all the security guards were replaced with public safety officers to coincide with the opening of the residence hall, where the public safety office is located. In 2014, the public safety office was designated an official law enforcement agency.

Somma said the group brought in an expert from SUNY to do a cultural assessment of the campus and its law enforcement to see if it was ready for a step such as arming the peace officers.

Somma explained that security guards have no powers beyond that of a civilian. Campus public safety officers have the duty of responding to a situation. They receive 339 hours of training compared with 16 for a security guard.

Additional firearms training would be required to arm the officers. Somma said the initial cost of making the change would be nearly $37,000, including 80 hours of training for seven officers and purchase of weapons, holsters, ammunition, lockers and other equipment.

The annual recurring expense for training and equipment would be about $3,264, according to Somma.

Its really not a fiscal burden for the institution, she said.

Somma pointed out the drawbacks of a stun gun. Stun guns have two prongs, both of which must stick into the suspect for it to work. An officer would need to be within 30 feet of the suspect to use a stun gun, and at that range, could risk being harmed by a suspect armed with a knife. Another issue is a stun gun may not be as effective in cold climates because people are wearing a lot of layers and the prongs may not stick, she added.

Somma said the college has a behavioral intervention team that encompasses counseling, public safety and academic components to try to solve problems. In 2015, the team helped resolve a situation in which a person had made threats against a local elementary school.

SUNY Adirondack already employs people who have had the firearms training. Six of the colleges security officers are trained police officers.

All of them have been in a situation where they were required to draw their weapon. None of them were required to fire a shot, Somma said. It is one method of thinking that drawing a weapon itself is enough to get someone to comply.

These officers have already gone through psychological training required of police officers.

Somma said officers are allowed to respond only with certain levels of force, and only serious, dangerous situations justify use of lethal force.

New York has the second highest number of incidents of targeted violence on higher education institutions, according to Somma, although she did not mention an exact number.

The FBI has identified educational environments as the second-most common location for active shooter incidents, she said. Incidents in educational facilities account for some of the higher casualty counts.

Somma said the campus is 4.1 miles from the State Police barracks and 3.6 miles from the Warren County Sheriffs Office.

Queensbury is 64 square miles with a population just under 28,000. There are four deputies and a state trooper assigned to patrol the area on an average day, according to Somma.

The average time to respond to the college has been in the range of 8 to 15 minutes, she said.

A responding officer would need to travel the campus, locate the building, the area the suspect is in and then engage the suspect itself, she said.

She pointed out that SUNY Adirondack is on the lower end of the total number of security personnel with 13 sworn officers.

We are the only one of our peers that does not have any armed presence on our campus, she said, referring to other community colleges of about the same size.

Somma also shared the results of a survey of campus faculty, staff and students. About 63 percent of people were in favor of arming the officers. If there was an active shooter incident on campus, 71 percent of employees who responded wanted an officer with a gun present and 79 percent of students wanted that.

The faculty had the largest percentage of people not in favor of arming the officers, she said.

The board of trustees asked numerous questions. Trustee Harry Booth questioned the high number of incidents.

Isnt SUNY one of the largest university systems in the country, so theres a lot more campuses? he said.

Trustee Bernice Mennis said she did not see enough in the report to justify buying guns for the officers.

Have we ever had an active shooting? Have any other of those campuses had active shootings? she said.

Mennis cited the nationwide publicity of cops involved in lethal shootings.

The officers are sworn to respond and we have not given them all the generally accepted tools available to protect them and ourselves, Somma said.

Richard Conine, assistant director of public safety, said the officers are trained to take a step back and de-escalate situations.

Theres been instances when theyve been confronted with intoxicated students, they come back and talk to them later, he said.

Booth took issue with the recommendation that a new location be found for the public safety office.

The insinuation is if we arm our safety officers, theres going to be more detention and more arrests, he said.

Conine said he believes the reason for the recommendation is it may be difficult to take a student into custody if his friends are around in the dorm. The office is now in the middle of the area where students gather.

Somma said the office is small and does not have adequate room to interview students.

The board took no action on the proposal, but took it under advisement.

This is a difficult topic. Its thorny  lots of considerations, Mennis said.

The matter will be reviewed by President Kristine Duffy.
It is without a doubt a curiosity.

Fifteen-feet by fifteen-feet, Tiki Tours round vessel is more floating Polynesian village hut than anything resembling a boat on an Adirondack Lake, but of course that is the intent.

It has one of those thatched grass roofs and high stools that sit around what appears to be a bar you would see on some tropical beachside watering hole.

When you first see it out on the lake, it appears to be a cork bobbing across the water, slowly making its way toward its destination.

It is a gimmick.

It is for tourists.

But the Lake George Park Commission had concerns when reviewing its application to operate on the lake this past week over alcohol use by passengers.

The concern was a direct response to the ongoing Alexander West boat crash trial taking place in Warren County. We know this, because one of the park commissioners said so.

West had allegedly been partying at the annual Log Bay Day event in the hours before a fatal accident last summer. He is standing trial on a variety of charges after the death of a young girl.

We understand the sentiment, and maybe this is part of a greater discussion over alcohol use on the lake, but it doesnt seem fair to hold back a local business when other businesses not only allow drinking on their vessels, but sell drinks as well.

Tiki Tours says it will not sell alcoholic beverages on the cruises, although they would allow patrons to bring their own.

Considering each tour is just 90 minutes, we dont believe that should be a significant concern.

If we had any concern, it would be over the seaworthiness of this bobbing cork when one of those sudden summer storms blows through.

Most of the big boats that operate on the lake have full bars that sell alcohol during their cruises.

It is also legal for passengers to drink on private boats, and they do.

It would be hypocritical to deny Tiki Tours an operating permit just because it looks like a floating bar when other boats already are floating bars.

Were glad that the Lake George Park Commission members have concerns about drinking on the lake and the image that this floating Tiki bar could send. But if it truly wants to make a difference it needs to address the culture of boating and drinking on a larger scale. Denying this one business a permit to operate will not send that message.

We were impressed last summer when the Park Commission addressed our concerns that boat renters were not required to take safety courses before renting.

That seemed shortsighted and the Park Commission acted to address the issue.

In recent years, educating boaters about introducing invasive species into the lake has been an effective tool. Maybe that same type of education needs to be reiterated about boating safety and drinking responsibly. Maybe it could be done while boaters are having their boats inspected and washed.

Perhaps there also needs to be a greater law enforcement presence on the lake to send a message.

Greg Teresi, one of the partners in Tiki Tours, may have said it best.

There needs to be a change in the way everyone on this lake thinks about drinking and boating.

Post-Star editorials represent the opinion of the Post-Star editorial board, which consists of Publisher Robert Forcey, Controller/Operations Director Brian Corcoran, Editor Ken Tingley, Projects Editor Will Doolittle and citizen representatives Dan Gealt, George Nelson and Jane Kana.
UPDATED The PARCC consortium has chosen a new nonprofit to manage the business of maintaining and administering its test: New Meridian Corp., a brand-new organization led by people from various strands of the assessment world.

Fridays announcement marks yet another stage of transition for the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, which has lost most of its original state members. Only six states and the District of Columbia are using the test this year, and that number will drop by one more next year .

In February 2016, the PARCC governing board solicited feedback from the assessment field on how it might change its structure and approach to best meet clients needs.

It issued a request for proposals last December , but received only two responses: from Parcc Inc., the nonprofit thats been managing the consortium since December 2013, and from New Meridian. New Meridian will begin its work in July. The term and total value of the contract were not yet available, since its terms are still being negotiated.

Prioritizing Flexibility

PARCC leaders told Education Week that the agreement with New Meridian reflects two years of discussions with states to reshape itself to respond best to their needs. New Mexico Secretary of Education Hanna Skandera, who chairs PARCCs governing board, called the agreement with New Meridian a culminating moment of PARCCs transition to an organizational model that prioritizes flexibility, educator input, state leadership, and quality test design.

PARCC isnt the only assessment consortium making a transition. The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortiumthe other state group that, like PARCC, won federal grants in 2010 to design new tests for the common coreannounced this week that it has switched fiscal agents . After three years of working with the University California-Los Angeles, Smarter Balanced will begin using UC-Santa Cruzs Silicon Valley Extension in June to provide financial, administrative, and human-resource services.

New Meridians website shows a board of directors and leadership team with resumes in the worlds of assessment, accountability and program management. With support from two foundations, the organization formed in September 2016 to respond to respond to PARCCs anticipated request for proposals.

Its president and CEO, Arthur VanderVeen, who has spent the past 14 years at Compass Learning, the New York City Department of Education, and the College Board, told Education Week that he and his team interviewed the leaders of 14 statescurrent and former PARCC states, some who use Smarter Balanced, and some who havent used either consortium testto get a sense of their testing priorities.

State leaders said they valued the chance to brainstorm with other states about testing, and they emphasized their need to be able to customize the length and content of their tests, VanderVeen said. States familiar with PARCC gave it high marks for content quality, he said. Based on that feedback, New Meridian will put a high priority on flexibility and ensuring quality content, VanderVeen said.

New Meridians project includes four subcontractors. Pearson will work with states on test-item development. The Center for Assessment will provide technical advisory services, including ensuring test results are valid and comparable across states. Odell Education will conduct quality assurance reviews of test content. The Human Resources Research Organization, known as HumRRO, will oversee PARCCs research agenda.

Staying in Business

Sustainability has been an issue for both consortia as the end of their federal funding near drew. That $360 million was meant only to support the design of the tests. Once they made their operational debut, in 2014-15, financial responsibility for sustaining the tests shifted to the states. Both consortia have lost membership, but Smarter Balanced has maintained a larger stable of states using its test14 this yearthan has PARCC.

Additionally, both consortia saw demand for their tests erode at the high school level. In the face of public opposition to lengthy tests, many states dumped PARCC or Smarter Balanced in favor of the SAT or ACT in high school. Increasingly, PARCC and Smarter Balanced are being used only in grades 3-8, as EdWeek has reported in its annual assessment survey .

VanderVeen said the consortium is viable as is, even without adding more members, but it still will place a priority on recruiting new states.

As PARCCs management vendor, New Meridian will oversee the groups new customizable licensing structure. PARCC announced that tiered system in November 2015 , allowing states to buy parts of the test, or even groups of test questions, and to choose their own vendors for administration and scoring. Before that, PARCC states had to use the whole test, and also use Pearson for administration and scoring.

New Meridian will also oversee ongoing test-question development. States can develop their own items to contribute to PARCCs item bank, and Pearson will also work with states to create items.

Each PARCC state will now negotiate a separate contract with New Meridian to customize the services it wants. In Smarter Balanced, each state chooses its own vendor to administer and score the test, but the group does not currently offer states the option of buying just pieces of the exam.

UPDATED Leaders of Parcc Inc. issued a statement saying they are proud of our work to establish PARCC as a high-quality state assessment program and wish the PARCC states the best of luck in the next phase of this important work. The organization will continue its work, serving other contracts besides the one with the PARCC consortium, according to a Parcc Inc. spokeswoman.

For more stories on changes in assessment, see:

National Testing Landscape Continues to Shift

Image: Istockphoto